About 5 years ago, I toured the Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Japan. Like all things Japanese, the mood and theme surprised me. Nuclear energy, I learned, is really fun!
First was the powerful “green energy” spin. Part of the tour included watching a show of robotic animation characters (similar to “Bear Country Jamboree” at Disneyland), singing and dancing about the joys of safe and green nuclear energy. There were nuclear games and activities for kids. There were clam-digging tours out back of the reactor. Clams and other shellfish thrive in the heated waters expelled by the nuclear reactor, so local residents dig for clams there. Paradise!
The Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant's IMAX theatre is, at the time of writing this article, playing "IMAX Under the Sea," and advertising the upcoming Walt Disney flick, "Mars Needs Moms."
Yet, there were always reminders about the negative side of nuclear energy. Worker exposure to radiation makes the news regularly. My friend Mamoru, a nuclear safety inspector, was on NHK news one night explaining how a small crack in the retainer at one of the plants was nothing serious. Then there was the time I had to write diplomatic letters to the Kazakhstani government, asking them to allow human blood samples from radioactive fallout victims to be shipped to Japan via courier for study.
Yes, nuclear energy is a big source of power in Japan, and has thus far been relatively safe. We shall see if it stays that way. If you live on the West Coast of the United States, buy iodine just in case.
As for stock picks as a result of the disaster…Sekisui house (a Japanese homebuilder and Division of Sekisui Chemical) seems like a smart buy. Sekisui builds semi-prefabricated homes, and forms a large part of the new home market. Importantly, Sekisui has seismic test platforms in their factory, and they shake the living hell out of each new home design to make sure they stay together. No doubt, many people will be replacing their traditional homes (or destroyed homes) with Sekisui branded homes.
For obvious reasons, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO - the nuclear plant owner) is a “sell” until further notice.
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For further information, see:
Sekisui Earthquake Resistant Housing
Nuclear Power Plant safety measures
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