Energy policy of Japan

My opinion of this week(535):

Energy policy of Japan

The whole country is now in the middle of House of Council election. I have　just noticed one thing about Manifesto presented by several political parties. No energy policies are mentioned in any of Manifesto of major parties. Most　mention about ecology, specifically about the reduction of CO2. But no parties show any of energy policies connected closely with the necessity of　reduction of CO2.

When it comes the securities of a nation, I think there are three categories　concerned. The first one is defense from military attack from other countries.　Most parties show their policies on it in connection with the change of constitution. This would have become the most important issue if pension　record issue did not occur just before the election campaign started.

The second securities of a nation is securing food for people. Food self-sufficiency rate in this country is just only about 40% while other Western　country's food self-sufficiency rate is almost 100%. It is a serious issue　as a matter of fact. Some major parties including Democratic Party of Japan　mention the necessity to improve the rate in relation with basic agricultural　policies of the country in their Manifesto.

The third securities of a nation is securing energy for national economy.　No parties virtually show any of their basic policies about energy at this　time as I wrote already.　

Just in the middle of the election, there occurred Nigata Cyuetu Earthquake　on July 16. This was the second large earthquake following the big earth　quake happened three years ago almost at the same territory. The serious issue was a fire at Kashiwazaki-Kariha Nuclear Power Station caused by the　earth quake. The safety of nuclear power station itself has become the major　concern not only for Kashiwazaki-Kariha Nuclear Power Station but also for　nuclear power stations in this country. City of Kashiwazaki ordered Tokyo Electric Power Co. to stop all nuclear seven reactors at Kariha Power Station. Some serious shortage of electricity will occur during this summer　at Tokyo metropolitan area.

Japan is earthquake countries and safety of a number of nuclear stations　spread all over Japan will become the third serious security issue of energy　for this country sooner or later.

We must reduce CO2 gas. But at the same time, we must secure energy which is　
necessary to live. Nuclear power station now share about 30% of total electric
power source. The country cannot stop using nuclear power to get electricity so easily. Or shall we stop using it like Germany to secure the safety for residents?

I found no imagery policies especially on nuclear power generation in Manifesto
of any of political parties at this time. It is sure that this will become on other very important policy issues in the year to come. I suggest that each major parties especially of LDP and DPJ are responsible for showing their basic energy policy in the long run even in this summer election in one way or the other.

I think it another big issue for the people to decide their voting performance.

2007/7/21
Tadashi HAYASE