Fukushima plant chief takes sick leave, to be replaced

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The head of the stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant is stepping down for undisclosed health reasons and will be replaced in December.

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Fukushima plant chief takes sick leave, to be replaced
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The head of the stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant is stepping down for undisclosed health reasons and will be replaced in December.

Masao Yoshida has been on sick leave after he was admitted to a hospital on Nov. 24 following an annual health checkup, plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Nov. 28.

As general manager of the plant, Yoshida, 56, had spearheaded on-site operations to contain the radiation crisis triggered by the March 11 quake and tsunami disaster.

The utility, citing protection of privacy, refused to divulge Yoshida's illness or disclose how much radiation he had been exposed to.

Yoshida will be replaced by Takeshi Takahashi, 54, general manager at the Nuclear Power & Plant Siting Division's Nuclear Power Plant Management Department, from Dec. 1.

Asked whether the management change will affect operations to bring the plant under control, a TEPCO spokesperson said there was no cause for concern.

"Takahashi has worked at the plant before and has full knowledge of the accident," the official said.

Yoshida will be transferred to the Nuclear & Plant Siting Division.

On Nov. 28, a message from Yoshida was read for plant workers who had assembled.

"I find it gut-wrenching to have to part with you like this after having worked together since the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake," the message read. "I offer heart-felt apologies for inconveniencing you."

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