Abstract In contrast with skepticism in most western advanced countries, recent east Asian countries share pro‐nuclear energy policy. Using my scheme of “the enlarged political process model” and qualitative data from my case studies in Japan and the United States, this paper analyzes the main characteristics of the nuclear energy issues and citizens' movements in both countries.Four historical stages of anti‐nuclear energy movement in Japan are analyzed focusing on main actors, issues, value orientation and mode of action. The socio‐political reasons for the failure in gaining more wide‐spread political influence in the last three stages are examined.In the US, a more decentralized and relatively open system pushed movements toward an instrumental and policy‐oriented posture. Especially in California in recent years, in collaboration with state regulatory agencies and electrical utilities. environmental groups were the major influence on changes in the management of utilities for the post nuclear era, by stressing energy efficiency and exploring renewable e