Ex-premiers should "spark waves through antinuclear channels"

 May 24, 2014

Editorial: Ex-PMs Hosokawa and Koizumi urged to make another bid for antinuclear goal

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/perspectives/news/20140524p2a00m0na019000c.html

An antinuclear organization called the Japan Assembly for Nuclear Free Renewable Energy (JANFRE), launched under a partnership of former prime ministers Morihiro Hosokawa and Junichiro Koizumi, is renewing the aim of a breakaway from nuclear power -- this time as a national movement.

Hosokawa unsuccessfully ran in the Tokyo gubernatorial race this past February under an antinuclear banner, with Koizumi's backing.

While the ex-premiers' enthusiasm merits credit, there are limitations to a strategy that relies on their ability to get their message across. Specifically speaking, it will be called into question whether or not JANFRE is able to substantially play out its role as a nongovernmental organization with respect to goals such as making policy proposals and cooperating with private organizations.

Additional initiators of JANFRE -- a general incorporated association -- include philosopher Takeshi Umehara and writer Jakucho Setouchi. The group is also endorsed by actress Sayuri Yoshinaga and Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ennosuke, among other celebrities. The group aims to make a departure from political activities, as well as spearhead education-related initiatives such as inspection tours and dialogue forums.

The recent ruling by the Fukui District Court against reactor restarts at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture has highlighted the seriousness of nuclear plant safety issues. Nevertheless, the presence of antinuclear advocates in the Diet is on the wane. Meanwhile, Hosokawa has commented that the government-sanctioned basic energy plan is tantamount to "promoting reactor reactivation without reflecting on or learning lessons (from the Fukushima nuclear disaster)."

It makes sense, then, that despite their crushing defeat in the capital's gubernatorial race, the former state leaders have decided to carry on their antinuclear activities.

Although Hosokawa has suffered from an unstable physical condition since the establishment of JANFRE on May 7, he attended the group's first conference on May 23 along with Koizumi.

During the organization's May 7 inaugural meeting, Koizumi demonstrated his unwavering enthusiasm toward realizing zero nuclear power. "Even if we are referred to as 'persons from the past,' we will strive to turn this country into one that is free from nuclear power," he commented, also pledging to "do my best until the day I die."

Koizumi stepped down as an advisor to a private research institute led by the business community at the end of last month, thereby paving the way for him to come to the forefront of the antinuclear movement.

We do have requests for the former leaders, though. One factor behind Hosokawa's failure to receive a boost in the Tokyo race was the tough reality wherein the former premiers -- who are supposed to possess strong power to dispatch their message -- were unable to win sympathy from voters by relying solely upon the slogan of "zero nuclear power." It is imperative, then, for the duo to make both organizational and policy-related efforts by establishing collaborative networks with local governments, nonprofit organizations and other entities -- as well as by issuing concrete and convincing appeals for a breakaway from nuclear power by utilizing natural energy sources.

There is also a fine line between the former premiers and their political activities. While Koizumi has clearly stated that he will not support any more elections, some members of political circles suspect that his group may become involved in campaigns in one way or another, such as the Fukushima gubernatorial election this fall. If the pair takes part in local election campaigns with their political motives plain to see, therefore, it will certainly be even more questionable than the Tokyo election as to whether or not they can win sympathy from residents.

Political parties have generally shown a cool reaction to the former premiers' activities. That said, the significance of Hosokawa and Koizumi starting over with the support of learned individuals from various quarters may be more significant than we think. Let us hope they will spark waves through antinuclear channels -- in a way that will also appeal to the younger generation.

May 24, 2014(Mainichi Japan)