information about Fukushima published in English in Japanese media info publiée en anglais dans la presse japonaise
18 Juillet 2012
July 18, 2012
Tens of thousands of people opposed to nuclear power gathered for a rally--believed to be the largest antinuclear protest since the Fukushima nuclear crisis started in March 2011--at Yoyogi Park in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, on Monday.
According to the organizer, 170,000 people took part in the protest. The Metropolitan Police Department put the figure at about 75,000.
Calling out, "Protect our children's future," the protesters filled the venue and even spilled out to some nearby streets.
The meeting began just before noon in stifling hot conditions.
Writer Kenzaburo Oe, a core organizer of the event, addressed the crowd through a microphone. "I believe we'll be able to break free from the fear and indignity caused by the existence of nuclear power plants, and to live freely," he said.
Musician Ryuichi Sakamoto said: "We should never jeopardize this beautiful land of Japan and the lives of our children, who are the future of this country, just for the sake of electricity."
After the speeches, the participants split into three groups to march in demonstrations in the Harajuku, Shinjuku and Shibuya areas.
One participant, Setsuo Fujita, who runs a resort inn in Nishigo, Fukushima Prefecture, said his sales had halved since the crisis began at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
"I want Prime Minister [Yoshihiko] Noda to hear what the people here today are saying," said Fujita, 60.
The protest was called "100 thousand People's Rally to say Goodbye to Nuclear Power Plants."
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Noda 'wants to hear' views
After the protest, Noda expressed his willingness to listen to the opinions of groups and protesters seeking an end to Japan's use of nuclear power.
"It's only been a year and four months since the crisis began at TEPCO's Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. I believe many people have mixed feelings" toward maintaining nuclear power plants, Noda said on a Fuji TV program Monday. "It has become an issue that has divided public opinion. I'd like to sincerely listen to various opinions on this matter."
Noda insisted the decision to recently resume operations at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture was correct.
"By ensuring the reactors are safe to operate by going through a series of steps since the accident [at the Fukushima plant] and our own judgment, I reached a conclusion on [the resumption] in consideration of the necessity" of an adequate supply of electricity, he said.
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