[dreamcompiler]

There was a strong corporate cultural component to Fukushima as well. Tepco had spent decades telling the Japanese public that nuclear power was completely safe. A tall order in Japan obviously, but by and large it worked.

During the operation of Fukushima Daiichi, various studies had been done that recommended upgraded safety features like enlarging the seawall, moving the emergency generators above ground so they couldn't be flooded, etc.

In every case, management rejected the recommendations because:

1. They would cost money.

2. Upgrading safety would be tantamount to admitting the reactors were less than safe before, and we can't have that.

3. See 1.