September,21,2012

Response to the Zero Nuclear Power Policy of the Noda Administration

On September 14 , the Noda Administration prepared a new energy and environmental strategy that is aimed at achieving zero nuclear power by the 2030s. As the Happiness Realization Party has emphasized in the past, abandoning nuclear power will further weaken Japan’s strength as a nation, and this is clearly a foolish policy that will lead to the downfall of the Japanese economy. We are therefore strongly calling for the government to retract this policy.

In the zero nuclear energy strategy, a general rule is set forth of not building new energy power plants or expanding upon existing ones, and thermal electric power generation and renewable forms of energy are mentioned as alternatives to nuclear power. Nevertheless, if Japan leans toward using natural gas, coal, and other fossil fuels, this will inevitably lead to a reduction of the trade surplus, resulting from factors such as a sharp increase in the amount of imports and a steep rise in the price of fuel. Moreover, there will be an increased risk of energy supplies being disrupted in emergency situations. Meanwhile, renewable forms of energy such as sunlight and wind power provide unstable energy output and carry high costs, and at this point in time, it would be impossible to make them into fundamental energy sources for Japan. If Japan quickly proceeds with introducing renewable forms of energy, this will simply add to the excessive burden on the national economy. A policy of zero nuclear power will lead to a rise in costs and a shortage of electric power, so at a time when the Japanese economy is suffering from a low level of growth, such a policy will put further shackles on the country’s industries. It is thus clear that this policy will bring about an outflow of the nation’s wealth, resulting from a decline in the competiveness of companies based in Japan.

The zero nuclear power policy is also completely unacceptable from the perspective of Japan’s security. As Japan faces military threats from the nuclear power China, North Korea, which is quickly moving ahead with the development of nuclear missiles, and other countries, what Japan needs is a policy of building up its national defense. Nevertheless, if Japan abandons nuclear power, this means that the country will relinquish its potential nuclear deterrent force and the country will be placed in a dangerous situation.

Furthermore, a policy of zero nuclear power is also unacceptable from the perspective of Japan fulfilling its responsibilities as a major power in the international community. Newly developing countries are moving forward with the construction of nuclear power plants in order to meet their extensive energy needs. In light of this, what Japan should do, as a country that possesses cutting-edge technologies in the area of nuclear power generation, is to reflect on the accident that occurred, and to play a leading role in ensuring safety in the area of nuclear power generation in the world. Japan has concluded a nuclear energy agreement with the United States and has promoted nuclear technologies based on this close partnership. Nevertheless, if Japan’s nuclear technologies move into decline as a result of the establishment of the zero nuclear power policy, this will inevitably cause the technologies of Japan’s ally the United States to decline, and this will likely have a negative impact in terms of security. Furthermore, China, which is expanding its military, is swiftly building nuclear power plants, and it is expected to become a major power in the area of nuclear power generation. As such, if Japan proceeds with abandoning nuclear power generation and weakens its ties with the United States, this will inevitably give China an advantage. If China possesses a significant influence in the area of nuclear power generation, this will bring about major concerns regarding the safety of nuclear power generation and so forth.

Accordingly, Japan must continue to promote nuclear technologies, not only in order to ensure the continued development of the nation and its potential nuclear deterrent force, but also to maintain safety and order in the world. As the government works out a policy of zero nuclear power, the construction of the Oma Nuclear Plant and so forth is allowed to continue, and it is clear that the decision regarding the zero nuclear power policy is a move directed toward the dissolution of the House of Representatives and the general election. The current administration is moving forward with a fundamental energy policy for the nation while ignoring the country’s economy and security, and its presence is therefore turning into a “national disaster.” The Happiness Realization Party is calling for an end to the current administration, which is in the process of bringing about the downfall of Japan, and we intend to vigorously proceed with activities aimed at achieving the revival of Japan.