Press Conference by Minister Saito (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

10:53 to 11:03 a.m.
Friday, September 13, 2024
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Nuclear power stations

Q: The Kishida administration very easily changed course regarding the restart of nuclear power stations on the pretext of GX (Green Transformation), which aims for a decarbonized society. On June 26, 2024, a long-term facility management plan was approved, which extends the operation period of Units 3 and 4 of the aged Ohi Nuclear Power Station of Kansai Electric Power in Fukui Prefecture to 40 years.
As you are aware, in the Ukrainian conflict, the Ukrainian forces launched an artillery attack against the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant, which was captured by Russia, making it clear that a nuclear power station could easily become a target of attack during wartime. Japan, with as many as 54 nuclear reactors in its small territories, represents a targets for many missile attacks meaning that the country could become a “nuclear self-destructive explosion device,” so to speak.
When it comes to the situation in the Far East, because of the government’s overly sympathetic attitude toward Ukraine, Japan is now regarded as an enemy by Russia, and in effect, we have been forced to face off against China, North Korea and Russia in the Far East, with the Japanese people’s lives and security being put at great risk.
Do you think that the new administration to be inaugurated as a result of the forthcoming election of the Liberal Democratic Party president will maintain the Kishida administration’s nuclear power station policy? Also, please provide your assessment of the risks posed by nuclear power stations.

A: First, regarding the next administration’s policy direction, I am unable to make comments, so please understand that I will not do so.
That said, the government considers nuclear power, as well as renewable energy, to be important as a decarbonized power source, so, from the viewpoint of a stable supply, we plan to promote its use, although securing safety is naturally the prerequisite.
In order to continue to reconcile a stable energy supply with decarbonization into the future, I expect that this major policy direction concerning this challenge will remain unchanged regardless of who becomes prime minister and LDP president.
As for an emergency situation like the military attack against Japan that you mentioned, that would no longer be a nuclear facility issue but would be an issue of the defense of Japan itself. In the case of an armed attack against nuclear facilities using missiles, we would respond with Aegis vessels and PAC3, and in addition, under the framework of the Act concerning the Measures for Protection of the People in Armed Attack Situations, measures such as ordering the suspension of use of nuclear facilities and evacuating residents are in preparation.  
As I have explained, the government as a whole has been making necessary preparations for ensuring cooperation between relevant organizations to cope with all varieties of emergencies related to nuclear power stations and other facilities.