Permalink : http://hdl.handle.net/2115/59349

This article analyzes the Japanese electric power supply network using Ulrich Beck’s theory of ‘sub-politics’, which argues that political decisions are made by non-political and expert groups, rather than by parliamentary government. What kinds of factors were necessary for the electric power supply network to become sub-political? In order to answer this question, this article focuses on risks and benefits, the influence of several wars, technological innovation and the transition in the value of electricity, in relation to both the government and the electric industry.