Diet Commission Declares Fukushima a 'Man-Made Disaster'

The National Diet of Japan Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission (NAIIC), chaired by Dr. Kiyoshi Kurokawa, released its final report on July 5, 2012, concluding that the accident was 'fundamentally man-made' — the result of collusion between government, regulators, and TEPCO, and a failure to implement the safety measures that would have prevented it. The report cited 'a typical organizational accident' rooted in Japanese culture's deference to authority. The commission recommended fundamental reform of Japan's nuclear governance.