Campaign Discussion on Energy

The Japanese witnessed uncontrollable nuclear power for several times. In 1945, devastation brought by atomic bombs on Hiroshima and Nagasaki caused them to renounce war, being engraved in their constitution. In 2011, explosions in First Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant caused by great earthquake and tsunami produced hundreds of thousands of evacuees, leaving their home for years. Now, current administration takes resumption policy of nuclear reactors. Nuclear Japan or non-nuclear Japan is one of the biggest issues in the election of House of Councillors.

After the severe accident in Fukushima, all the reactors in Japan, which amounted to 54, was halted and Japanese government laid strict regulation on resumption of them. Electric power companies with their own nuclear power plants took measures for reinforcing their facilities against quake or tsunami and 26 reactors in 16 plants have been applied to examination of Nuclear Regulation Authority for resuming their operation.

Among those 26 reactors, #1 and #2 of Sendai Power Plant resumed its operation in August and October last year. While #3 and #4 of Takahama restarted earlier this year, they were halted later with a court decision to require further inspection. It is supposed the #3 of Ikata will be resumed late July. In spite that life of nuclear reactors was determined as 40 years, NRA approved #1 and #2 of Takahama to continue their life for up to 20 more years.

Those policies were promoted by Shinzo Abe administration. His Liberal Democratic Party recognizes nuclear power as “an important base load power resource that contributes stability of energy supply,” in their campaign promise of coming election. While promoting resumption of reactors passed exam, LDP expects energy policy to be less dependent on nuclear power by introduction of the renewables. LDP’s coalition partner Komeito also promotes nuclear power generation with strict regulation and consent of residents.

Democratic Party, which was in the administrative position at the time of Fukushima accident, holds the policy of no nuclear power plant in mid-2030s. They also oppose resumption without responsible evacuation plan. Other opposite parties, Japan Communist Party, Social Democratic Party and People’s Life Party are clearly against nuclear power generation. JCP requires dismantlement of all nuclear reactors, while SDP proposes new legislation for getting rid of nuclear power generation by 2025.

Closely tied with electric power companies, Japanese government has not explored alternative energy resource enough. Politics has to coordinate the best way for the nation to live comfortable life without any fear of evacuation, radioactive waste or cancer.