This Week’s Update (March 25, 2013)
This Week’s Update
1) “Decontamination of Fukushima, 1 millisievert target should be reconsidered”(in Japanese). After the nuclear accident, the target to make the annual exposed dose of 1mSv was set in Fukushima. As a result, decontamination is progressing very slowly and reconstruction is delayed. Contribution by Takaaki Ishii, journalist and fellow, Agora Institute, outlines present conditions and appeals its revision.
2) “TEPCO Lottery – Compensation and decontamination stirs nuclear disaster stricken area"(in Japanese).
We introduce a column by Toshiro Kitamura, formerly served an Atomic Power Company, who experienced the nuclear accident and the Great East Japan Earthquake in Fukushima. Compensation and decontamination are causing various repercussions in Fukushima.
3) “Revisiting Nuclear Issue - Expectation for the Liberal Democratic Party Administration” (in Japanese). A column by Akihiro Sawa, Director, IEEI. Since society is not so enthusiastic about atomic power, even under LDP administration, it is unlikely to become pro-nuclear. Therefore, he expects that they will respond to criticism and may be able to have discussion calmly.
This Week’s Links
1) “Two years since the Great East Japan Earthquake– On decontamination” (in Japanese).
This is a written version of NHK broadcast “Shiten/Ronten (viewpoint and point of issue) ” which Sokyu Genyu, writer and a Buddhist priest, who lives in Fukushima, appeared. He appeals to “be afraid correctly” and that “(people in other areas) do not pointlessly add stress”, as a resident's viewpoint. Furthermore, he questions the necessity of the standard of annual exposure dose of 1 mSv.
2) “N.R.C. Votes for Upgrades to Some Reactor Vents”, an article of March 19th, New York Times.
Vent is to release steam in a furnace when the pressure in a nuclear reactor increases, which was performed at the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Japan’s Nuclear Regulatory Authority is to impose upon nuclear power plants in Japan to install this equipment said to be 30 billion yen each. Rationality of Japan’s policy should be considered, referencing this difference of judgment in the U.S.
