Communication in Japan

In the wake of the catastrophe in Japan, we look at how important communication is to survival. People are looking to Japan’s government to make quick decisions about how to save lives, but the government’s delayed response has its civilians in anxiety.

When we look at who is involved in this communication process, we see three main entities: the Japanese government, the citizens of Japan, and nuclear power plant officials. TEPCO, the corporation in charge of Fukushima’s nuclear power plant, lacked information for answering basic questions. This lack of certainty has affected the communication between Japan’s government and the public.

Japan’s government, while trying to gauge the magnitude of the situation, is faced with not only informing its own citizens, but the world. With limited information being given by TEPCO and other nuclear power plants, the Japanese government is insistent on getting all the facts before releasing the information. However, in a situation that requires immediacy, the tiniest piece of information might save thousands of lives, or at the least ease tensions and anxiety.

The Japanese government is also faced with the problem of informing its constituents without causing chaos and perpetuating fear throughout the community. In a crisis situation like this, is it better to get all the facts before releasing information or to inform citizens as soon as new information is discovered?

This guest blog was written by PRowl Public Relations staff member Samantha Wanner.