- Criticisms of Japan’s no-nukes policy continue to proliferate. The policy goal has come under fire from a wide range of experts, antinuclear activists and lobbying groups. Some policy experts say the move is a political ploy designed to keep the Democratic Party of Japan in control of the Diet following the next general election. “I think the DPJ and the government just wanted to set a ‘zero’ goal because a general election is coming up,” said Takeo Kikkawa, an energy policy expert at Hitotsubashi University, He also said, “The decision to approve this new energy strategy is premature.” Kikkawa added that if the government really wants to end nuclear energy, it needs to be specific about the expected challenges, including how to get host communities to give up atomic facilities that have been lucrative cash sources. Lastly, he says it is unclear how the government will address possible negative effects from the drastic reduction of nuclear power, such as electricity rate hikes. Antinuclear spokespersons attack the new policy because it advocates keeping the fuel reprocessing program of Japan in place. Antinuclear activist Aileen Mioko Smith of Green Action argued that keeping the recycling program “is proof that the current government is not serious about phasing out nuclear power.” On another front, Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the powerful Keidanren business lobby, said, “The ruling parties should not be swayed by elections. They should think about the future of this country.” Finally, many local Japanese officials have severe reservations about Tokyo’s decision. Issei Nishikawa, the governor of Fukui Prefecture, says “The prime minister should go back to his original stance and promote nuclear power policy by ensuring safety.” Saga Prefecture’s governor Yasushi Furukawa says the move hurts Japan’s commitment to halting global warming, “If we increase thermal energy as an alternative, how are we going to reduce carbon dioxide emissions?” (Japan Times) Contradictions are evident in the strategy, as the government tries to gain popularity prior to the impending House of Representatives election. A senior official of an economy-related ministry said, “[The strategy] is full of contradictions and can’t be explained in a logical manner.” The strategy vows to reduce the number of nuclear power plants in operation to zero by the 2030s, but at the same time it supports continued fuel recycling. If the Aomori recycling plant continues long-term operations and there are no domestic customers for the fuel, it would cause a huge build-up in Japan’s Plutonium inventory. This could raise international suspicions about Japan’s nuclear weapon’s stance. Further, an aide to PM Noda said, “The prime minister has not changed his opinion that nuclear power plants are important,” which contradicts his party’s proposal. (Yomiuri Shimbun) On a totally different vein, an Asahi Shimbun editorial says the Tokyo no-nukes decision is “realistic” because “nuclear power plants face enormous risks and electric power companies have totally lost the nation’s trust.” The Asahi is clearly out of touch with the realities of Japan’s impending energy future if the national “no-nukes” policy becomes permanent.
- The sincerity of the DPJ’s no-nukes proposal has been put into question with a decision to complete construction of three nukes that were being built when the 3/11/11 tsunami hit the Tohoku coast. “We don’t intend to withdraw the permission that has already been given by the ministry,” Yukio Edano, the minister of economy, trade and industry, said. Edano added, however, that the start-up of the reactors would be subject to approval by a newly created government commission to regulate nuclear power. (Japan Today)
- While the proposed energy shift to a reliance on renewables generates hope for some, it creates anxiety with many. Japan’s proposed “no-nukes” policy provides exciting opportunities for renewable energy-producing and energy-saving technologies. However, serious economic and infrastructural challenges make this an iffy proposition. Keigo Akimoto of Tokyo University says, “I think we should increase the use of renewable energy, but it is just too risky to place too much hope on it.”He adds thatthe government’s plan to triple electricity output from renewable energy sources to 300 billion kilowatt-hours by 2030 is “too optimistic.” On the other hand, Hiroshi Takahashi, research fellow at Fujitsu Research Institute, says that the policy goals are “not impossible” and the opportunity to transform Japan’s energy infrastructure has to be considered. He adds that energy efficiency should be included in the mix, “Shouldn’t we shift to creating more value-added products that require less electricity?” National policy minister Motohisa Furukawa echoed Takahashi by saying, “I’m confident that the realization of the green energy revolution can lead to a series of innovations, like the IT (information and technology) revolution did.” (Japan Times)
- Kiyoshi Kurokawa, head of the Diet’s Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission continues to blame the Fukushima accident on Japan’s culture. He says his committee stopped short of laying blame on individuals because “No one takes responsibility in Japan, even those in positions of responsibility. This is unique to Japan, a culture that stresses conformity, where people don’t complain.” The preface of the English version of the NAIIC findings said, “What must be admitted – very painfully – is that this was a disaster ‘Made in Japan.’ Its fundamental causes are to be found in the ingrained conventions of Japanese culture: our reflexive obedience; our reluctance to question authority; our devotion to ‘sticking with the program;’ our groupism and our insularity,” This statement was omitted from the Japanese version, resulting in severe criticism from critics inside and outside Japan. Regardless, Kurokawa maintains that the report may not contain names, but the dates and circumstances are there so all other investigators have to do is check. (Japan Today)
- Last year’s cancellation of Fukushima-made fireworks displays due to radiation fears is not the case this year. In fact, many of the dazzling fireworks “balls” made in Kawamata town were actually left over from last year. They were closely checked for contamination and were found free of F. Daiichi isotopes last year, but the city of Nisshin in Aichi Prefecture said no because, “There is no solid data indicating their safety.” Over the following weeks, more than 3,000 complaints of protest besieged the city’s organizing committee, compelling them to relax their initial, knee-jerk decision. The fireworks were safely stored until their use on Sunday. Kawamata Mayor Michio Furukawa addressed the Nisshin crown saying, “Thank you for your support.” (Mainichi Shimbun)
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