Japan's main opposition leader seeks end to nuclear power after controversial remark
March 12, 2021 (Mainichi Japan)
Yukio Edano, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, speaks during a press conference at the Diet building on March 11, 2021. (Mainichi/Kan Takeuchi)
TOKYO -- Yukio Edano, leader of the main opposition Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan (CDP), expressed his intention to aim for the elimination of nuclear power in Japan on March 11 -- the 10th anniversary of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami -- after earlier stating it was no easy task.
Edano's declaration appeared to be a response to criticism over his recent comment that "ending nuclear power is not easy." Edano told reporters at the Diet, "It has been demonstrated during these 10 years that Japanese society is viable without operating nuclear power plants. I intend to make a society that does not depend on nuclear power permanent."