Most Japanese favour phasing out nuclear power

The vast majority of Japanese favour the gradual phasing out of nuclear plants but accept that some reactors may need to be retained to secure enough power in the short term, according to a newspaper poll.

The survey, published in the Tokyo Shimbun newspaper yesterday, and conducted on the first anniversary of the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi plant, triggered by the tsunami, comes ahead of decision expected soon by the government on whether to allow the restart of two idled nuclear reactors.

According to the poll, 79.6 per cent of those asked were at least more or less in favour of breaking with nuclear power eventually.

But 69 per cent backed the restart of some nuclear reactors to ensure enough power in the short term. Just 28 per cent were opposed to restarting the reactors.

Reuters