France and Japan have little energy resources and build their nuclear industries from the 60s to the 80s, long before alternatives existed. The French also have

France and Japan have little energy resources and build their nuclear industries from the 60s to the 80s, long before alternatives existed. The French also have far better architects and generally know to set the right priorities in life. The best counter-example may actually be Iran. But their nuclear industry also started before the recent exponential improvements making solar a viable alternative, and the various trade sanctions likely forced them to forgo the solar suppliers in the west and China, making them dependent on whatever Russia had to offer.