[ RadSafe ] Movie that examined nuclear risks draws new audience via the Asahi Shimbun

[Roger Helbig]

arclight2011 posted: "(This article was written by Akira Nakamura and
Tatsuro Sakata.)   "...SENDAI–Can one predict disasters? A documentary
film that some consider did so is showing again in cinemas across
Japan. “Ashita ga Kieru: Doshite Genpatsu?” (Tomor"

Movie that examined nuclear risks draws new audience via the Asahi Shimbun

by arclight2011 (this person has YouTube channel, may be very closely
associated with ENENews; has made a lot of posts to Nuclear-News of
late - unlike MacPherson, they have no direct e-mail address that I
have been able to thus far find and are not willing to put their name
behind their postings - this posting, though about an old Japanese
documentary is well worth your reading)

(This article was written by Akira Nakamura and Tatsuro Sakata.)

"...SENDAI–Can one predict disasters? A documentary film that some
consider did so is showing again in cinemas across Japan.

“Ashita ga Kieru: Doshite Genpatsu?” (Tomorrow is disappearing: Why
the nuclear plant?) examines the risks from nuclear-plant radiation.
It was made 22 years before the triple meltdowns at the Fukushima No.
1 nuclear power plant.

The movie follows a housewife who seeks answers after the death of her
father, a nuclear power plant engineer. She visits people related to
the nuclear industry and questions them.

Moviegoers feel it strikes a chord, but the cast and crew report mixed
emotions...."

"...

Makiko Kasai lost her father to bone cancer in 1984. He was a thermal
insulation engineer. He worked on the piping around nuclear reactors,
and had been involved in construction and inspections at most of
Japan’s nuclear plants. He was 52 when he died.

The 26-year-old Kasai found a book in her father’s study which
described the effects of radiation exposure.

She discussed it with her mother and found that they shared suspicions
over the cancer.

Troubled by the possible connection, Kasai wrote a letter to The Asahi
Shimbun for publication.

"Whenever my father saw newspaper and television reports about
anti-nuclear power protests he would insist: 'Nuclear plants are
safe,' ” she wrote.

She recalled the broken look on his face as he was admitted to
hospital. “I guess I may never be able to return to this house," he
said...."

"...After the 1986 Chernobyl disaster Hirakata became determined to
use the big screen to spread awareness of the risks of nuclear power.

He approached the then 26-year-old Kasai. She agreed to take part, on
condition that the movie respected her father’s work. She was anxious
not to dishonor his contribution to Japan's power plants.

Shooting began, and the production team followed her across Japan. She
visited nuclear plants, interviewed workers, and probed their feelings
about radiation exposure.

In Fukushima Prefecture a doctor examining nuclear-plant workers
confirmed Kasai's suspicions: radiation exposure was, he said, the
likely cause of her father’s cancer..."



"...Since the March 2011 disaster, the documentary has been screened
at 20 or more locations.

Official inquiries have accused Tokyo Electric Power Co. and state
nuclear regulators of complacency and mismanagement.

In light of this, one movie scene resonates particularly strongly.

An ex-engineer describes his work helping to design the plant's No. 4
reactor. He alleges there were defects in its construction, which were
then covered up.

Looking back, the movie director says he feels helpless.

"I have a sense of resignation that the film didn't do any good,"
Hirakata said...."

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/cool_japan/movies/AJ201208210035

arclight2011 | August 21, 2012 at 7:06 pm | URL: http://wp.me/phgse-7cJ

http://antinuclearinfo.wordpress.com/2012/08/21/movie-that-examined-nuclear-risks-draws-new-audience-via-the-asahi-shimbun/