What disaster? the legal and practical implications of Japan’s Secrecy Act on disaster management and safety

Resumen

The Fukushima accident transpired more than three years ago, but the risks that surround the stricken TEPCO nuclear reactors are far from being finally settled. As the Japanese Government, along with the nuclear operator, continues with crisis management and combined efforts to stabilize the nuclear situation in Fukushima, people, both in Japan and in other parts of the globe, are left awaiting reports on safety issues. The article explores the public nature and significant role that information and journalistic reports play, following the occurrence of a disaster, in particular the Fukushima nuclear disaster. How States deal with regaining control over and establishing order in the national situation, more often than not, affects the sovereign people and has repercussions on the natural environment. Thus, notwithstanding the complexities of post-disaster management, people’s rights to a healthy environment and to public information regarding events that affect them and their way of life should be upheld.