Prime Minister Naoto Kan said allegations that Japan's nuclear watchdog had asked electric power companies to manipulate government-sponsored symposiums on nuclear power generation could, if proved, threaten its existence.
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said allegations that Japan's nuclear watchdog had asked electric power companies to manipulate government-sponsored symposiums on nuclear power generation could, if proved, threaten its existence.
The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) is accused by officials of Chubu Electric Power Co. of asking the utility to round up participants to comment favorably on nuclear energy at a 2007 symposium.
Kan said in a news conference at his official residence on July 29: "If the government organization in charge of maintaining nuclear power safety was acting in a way that was contradictory and conflicting to its role, doubts will be cast on its existence."
He said: "If the allegation is true, it is an extremely serious issue. It is necessary to implement a thorough investigation and impose strict disciplinary measures (on officials)."
There has been increasing pressure to restructure Japan's nuclear regulatory framework following the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. NISA is currently part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), which is a strong supporter of nuclear power.
Earlier in the day, the government's environment and energy conference, headed by Koichiro Genba, state minister in charge of national policy, announced an interim report on Japan's new energy strategy, aiming to decrease the number of nuclear reactors over the next 40 years.
Kan said the strategy was in line with his vision of making Japan into a nuclear-free society, which he announced earlier in the month but was quickly forced to make clear was only his personal view.
"There are no contradictions at all. The report was compiled based on my idea," Kan said.
"The government will lower dependence in a planned and gradual manner with the aim of creating a society that does not depend on nuclear power," he said.
The interim report advocated a fundamental review of the government's energy programs. It said a detailed road map should be drawn up specifying short-term (coming 3 years), medium-term (by 2020) and long-term (by 2050) measures to reduce dependence on nuclear power.
The report says that the government will review the regional monopolies currently enjoyed by electric power companies and will consider stopping firms from both generating and distributing electricity.
The report said the government will support the restart of nuclear reactors if their safety is confirmed.