Japan restarts reactors to avert power crisis

Nothing less than the “survival of society” is at stake says Japan’s prime minister, justifying the decision to restart two nuclear reactors on the west coast, despite protests.

The final decision is yet to be made, but power worries from employers like Panasonic, Sharp and a host of others have forced the move. However a new nuclear regulator is not in place, and people fear the 45 other reactors will soon follow.

“I had to reach one conclusion, while the public opinion was polarised. I take full responsibility. I cannot put people’s safety and livelihoods at stake by not restarting the nuclear reactors,” explained Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda.

Two of the Ohi plant’s four reactors will relieve supplies to the hard-pressed Osaka industrial metropolis. Polls say a full 70% of Japanese favour abandoning nuclear power altogether.