Japan's Restarting Nuclear Reactors Leads to National Protests

As the Oi nuclear plant is about to once again start producing nuclear energy, the people of Japan struggle to prevent this from happening.

Just a few days ago, Japan's Prime Minister made public the government's decision to reopen two of the country's nuclear reactors.

Seeing how, as a result of the Fukushima disaster from March 2011, most Japanese citizens are no longer big fans of nuclear energy, it was only natural that such a statement would foster national protests.

Thus, 73 of the country's present and former mayors formed a “coalition” and went against the government.

Last Sunday, during a press conference, the “Mayors for a Nuclear Power Free Japan” group accused Japan's high officials of short-circuiting some very important phases in ensuring national nuclear safety.

Thus, although PM Yoshihiko Noda argued that due consideration was given to all necessary safety precautions, the afore-mentioned Japanese mayors consider that more tests should be carried out.

As well as this, they push for the government's asking permission from the members of the local communities before carrying on with their plan to restart the nuclear reactors.

As far as they are concerned, it is not enough that Oi's mayor, Shinobu Tokioka, agreed to re-opening the nuclear plant.

BlottR reports that, in an official letter addressed to the Japanese government this Monday, these mayors made the following observations: “Since March 11, earthquakes have continued to occur very frequently, and there is reportedly the possibility for another great earthquake to occur.”

They also added that “municipalities hosting nuclear power plants and other areas surrounding them are now facing the need to take decisions as soon as possible regarding energy policies relying upon nuclear power.”

Ordinary folks also seem to not agree with having the Oi nuclear plant up and running once again, and thousands of them gathered in Tokyo last weekend to make sure their voices are heard by those responsible for taking this decision.