Dear Colleagues,

I hope you have been well this week. We are delighted to invite you to the next JPOSS session: 

U.S. ET: April 25 (Thu), 8-9 PM

JST: April 26 (Fri), 9-10 AM

Event page & Zoom registration: https://jposs.org/event/yoshida-4-25-24/

"Entangled Fishermen: Fishing Industry and The Evolution of Anti-nuclear Power Plant Movements in Japan"

Presenter: Toshiaki Yoshida (Northeastern University)

Discussant: Phillip Y. Lipscy (University of Toronto) and Pinar Temocin (University of Tokyo)

Chair: Saori Katada (University of Southern California)

Abstract:  While Japan has the most advanced nuclear power plant program in the world, residents have long resisted attempts to site nuclear facilities in their backyards. This article analyzes conditions that have impacted the outcome of these movements since 1960. The analysis of a dataset spanning 32 towns' movements shows that the existence of capital-intensive fishing was detrimental to movement success. This happened because (1) capital-intensive fishing breeds a dominant boss, thereby inducing a vertical decision-making process in social movement organizations of key stakeholders; (2) resulting movements led by a single, salient leader create identifiable targets for pro-nuclear groups; and (3) offshore fishing is susceptible to changes in the external environment, including the Oil Shock in the 1970s. This study allows us to better understand the relationship between the strength of social movements and the organizational character of key stakeholders.

The paper is currently available on the webpage here. We look forward to your participation! 

Best wishes,

Amy Catalinac, Christina Davis, Shinju Fujihira, Yusaku Horiuchi, Saori Katada, Phillip Lipscy, and Dan Smith