Abstract

This paper attempts to explain the nature of changes and consistency in Japan's nuclear policy since the mid-1990's. Past studies have observed remarkable consistency in Japan's nuclear policy, with the ambitious nuclear fuel cycle program being at the center. Such consistency was attributed to the close industry-state collaboration and the insular nature of the policy community. They also explain the recent changes in the plutonium program with the erosion of its economic rationale, weakening of the state-industry collaboration, and anti-nuclear forces' penetration into the policy making process. Despite setbacks, however, the nuclear fuel cycle program firmly remains Japan' long-term policy goal. This paper puts forward a hypothesis to explain this consistency-Japan's desire to maintain the nuclear option. Japan wishes to leave the possibility of nuclear armament open for the future, while officially advocating the peaceful use of nuclear energy. The dual nature of plutonium makes it possible.