Koizumi-Hosokawa to promote renewables

April 15, 2014

Former PMs to launch group for renewable energy

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/news/20140415_29.html

Former Japanese prime ministers Morihiro Hosokawa and Junichiro Koizumi are moving to launch an organization toward ending Japan's reliance on nuclear power.

Hosokawa ran for Tokyo governor in February with a pledge to work for that goal, but finished third. Koizumi supported him in the campaign.

Sources say a meeting to launch the general incorporated organization next month is to be held in Tokyo on May 7th.

They say the group will promote the use of renewable energy sources to end nuclear power generation in Japan.

They add that it is expected to oppose restarting of nuclear reactors in Japan and its export of nuclear plant technology. The organization may also support candidates in local elections next year.

All of Japan's 48 reactors at 16 commercial nuclear power plants are offline.

Apr. 15, 2014 - Updated 09:07 UTC