Pounding his desk in frustration, Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of Softbank Corp., denounced the energy policy proposal of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), saying the business group has its priorities mixed up.
Pounding his desk in frustration, Masayoshi Son, chairman and CEO of Softbank Corp., denounced the energy policy proposal of Keidanren (Japan Business Federation), saying the business group has its priorities mixed up.
"I am firmly opposed to a policy proposal centered on nuclear power generation," Son said at a meeting of Keidanren's board of directors on Nov. 15.
But none of the other directors openly backed the views of Son, who has invested heavily in solar-power infrastructure projects since the accident started at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in March.
Keidanren's proposal says the priority should be placed on efforts to bring the crisis at the Fukushima plant under control. It also says it is very important, for the time being, to restart nuclear reactors whose safety has been confirmed because prolonged power shortages could further spur the hollowing-out of Japanese industries.
The proposal also mentions the introduction of renewable energy and energy-saving measures in the mid- to long term.
"The arguments, overall, prioritized the restart of nuclear reactors. This is very problematic, given that many members of the public have serious misgivings about nuclear power," Son told reporters following the board of directors meeting.
The Softbank chief said he did not want the policy proposal to be perceived as a consensus within the nation's largest business group.
"There should be out-and-out discussions, at least inside Keidanren," Son said.
Son hinted he might leave Keidanren but added: "There are diverse opinions within Keidanren. It is essential to continue lodging objections from inside for the time being."