Westward Group Tokyo Energy News Japan to Utilize Nuclear Energy based on Pragmatism

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The government of Japan finally came to the conclusion that the same nuclear energy that played a powerful role in modernization, is once more to be part of the energy policy of this nation. Prime Minister Abe is focused on rejuvenating the economy therefore a pragmatic energy policy is needed. Abe therefore made it clear that nuclear pragmatism is required based on the negative side effects of using dirty energy alongside having extremely limited natural resources. Not surprisingly, the utilization of the nuclear sector is a way out of the current stalemate within the body politic of Japan.

Irrespective of anti-nuclear media outlets in Japan, green environmentalists espousing doom, the blatant manipulation of facts about the stance of the majority of Japanese nationals by the international media and other areas related to negativity, it is clear that nuclear favored political parties and politicians have been re-elected locally and centrally. Indeed, anti-nuclear candidates and the main opposition party have been beaten time after time collectively in relation to national politics and local government on the whole. This doesn’t imply that the majority of Japanese nationals are pro-nuclear but it does show that other concerns are deemed to be more important.

This isn’t to downplay anti-nuclear feelings within Japan but the reality is that more people will go shopping in trendy Shinjuku, Harajuku and Ikebukuro on an average day, than the numbers that usually turn up for anti-nuclear protests. Also, it seems rather callow for some individuals that the international media and certain Japanese media outlets focus on the nuclear issue so much – after all, how many people died because of the tsunami compared with nuclear power? Not only this, the main issue in relation to the nuclear crisis that erupted after the 9.0-magnitude earthquake triggered a brutal tsunami, is the fact that “human failing, mismanagement and cronyism” were the main factors behind the tragic events that followed.

Hysteria towards the nuclear sector is often based on the manipulation of language. After all, dirty energy and enormous pollution related to other non-nuclear factors kill untold numbers every year. Of course, if Japan, or any nation, decides to focus on renewable energy based on a thorough plan that is fully effective and not based on hypocrisy, like Germany, then all well and good. However, currently this reality doesn’t exist in Japan. Therefore, until a proper energy plan is put in place that can supersede the need to utilize nuclear energy then Japan must focus on pragmatism.

New stringent tests have been put into place following the nuclear crisis that erupted after the brutal tsunami. Given this reality, and the nod of the Abe government, then it would appear that some reactor restarts will begin in earnest.

Toshimitsu Motegi, the current Trade and Industry Minister of Japan, says: “We aim to opt for an energy supply system which is realistic, pragmatic and well balanced.”

If the majority of Japanese nationals had desired to phase out nuclear power, like promised by the Democratic Party of Japan, then obviously the masses would have elected them on this platform. Yet this never materialized despite all the media distortions within Japan and outside of this country. Therefore, it is high time for Japan to focus on energy pragmatism. After all, enormous costs of importing energy and health related issues based on the current policy of using dirty energy to a higher degree – based on the numbing down of nuclear energy – isn’t viable indefinitely.

In early January the Modern Tokyo Times stated: “Now Japan is stuck by either adopting a pragmatic nuclear policy based on modernizing the entire system and implementing tougher standards – or to continue with importing dirty energy at a negative cost in terms of health related issues and hindering the economy. Of course, Japan could try to radically alter its energy policy by implementing a policy that boosts alternative energy – the effects and costs remain debatable. However, the current status quo of relying on expensive imported fossil fuels to bridge the non-existent energy policy isn’t viable.”

Therefore, it appears that the Abe government is finally acting irrespective of individuals agree with this policy or not. More important, at least a direction and aim is now being planned for Japan in order to meet the demands of a modern society that lacks natural energy resources.