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It’s been almost three and a half years since the disaster at the Fukushima Number-One nuclear power plant. All of Japan’s nuclear power plants have been dormant since then. But now there is a possibility that Japan may restart the Sendai Power Plant in southern Japan, after it passed inspection in July. CCTV’s Terrence Terashima was at Japan’s Parliament building on Saturday, where hundreds are gathering to protest against the move.
It has become a regular scene on weekends, as protestors demand the government to stop resuming use of nuclear energy.
Criticizing the Abe government for promoting nuclear power, at the cost of public safety.
Hundreds, gathered in front of the government diet building, including residents forced to evacuate from their hometowns in Fukushima, and number of opposition lawmakers.
For the past three years protest like these have been held regularly in various parts of Japan. Calling for zero nuclear policy. As the possibility for restarting some of the nuclear power plants get stronger, anti nuclear protests in Japan is expected to heat up again.
It appears almost certain that the Sendai plant, in Kagoshima Prefecture, Southern Japan will be the first nuclear plant to be put back online since the new regulations were made.
The Nuclear Regulatory Authority approved the safety standards in July, despite number of experts concerns of risks of volcanic activities located not far from the plant
The NRA said the risks of volcanic eruptions around the Sendai plant are negligible during its lifespan. Which sparked criticisms nationwide.
"I do not think the government have not convinced the public that the safety standards are adequate," a Japanese citizen said.
"If they start the Sendai plant, it will be like a domino effect, many more will restart," a Japanese citizen said.
The anti-nuclear protest was timely, as Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Japan for a five-day official visit. Expecting to discuss number of issues with Japanese counterpart Shinzo Abe. Including civil nuclear deal.
Many Japanese also oppose Japan’s attempt to export its nuclear technologies.
"Fukushima is not under control, and I don’t see logic in Japan exporting nuclear plants to Turkey or India. Who is going to take the responsibility when an accident occur in these countries," a Japanese citizen said.
The Sendai plant still needs to clear number issues such as submitting revised construction plans. But once the paper work is clear, possibly at the end of September, the plan is ready to restart.
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