At the outset, the request noted:

“The clear statement in this year’s Seventh Strategic Energy Plan that Japan will ‘make maximum use of nuclear power’ is of great significance to host municipalities. On the premise of ensuring safety, we call for the steady implementation of the measures indicated in the plan.”

Based on the consensus of its members, ZENGENKYO strongly urged the government to focus on the following four priority areas:

  1. Fukushima Reconstruction
    Stressing that continued support for disaster-affected areas and securing financial resources are the national government’s responsibility, the request calls for steady progress in fuel debris removal, measures for ALPS-treated water, and decommissioning work.

  2. Safety Regulation and Disaster Preparedness
    Citing the damage caused by the January 2024 Noto Peninsula Earthquake, the request describes infrastructure development and strengthening as urgent issues for host municipalities. It calls for improving the effectiveness of nuclear disaster countermeasures, securing related funding, and strengthening safety systems, including cooperation with the Self-Defense Forces.

  3. Nuclear Energy Policy
    Calls for steady promotion of nuclear power use to ensure stable energy supply and achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, early realization of the nuclear fuel cycle, acceleration of back-end measures, and continued efforts to foster public understanding.

  4. Measures for Host Communities
    Requests that systems be improved or expanded in line with local conditions to ensure the sustainable and independent development of host communities, which have long understood and cooperated with nuclear power projects.

At the start of the meeting, ZENGENKYO Chairman YONEZAWA Koji, Mayor of Tsuruga City, Fukui Prefecture, referred to Kansai Electric Power’s commencement of geological surveys at the Mihama Nuclear Power Plants, stating, “Given the construction period, we must move quickly toward concrete action,” and urged further support for plant operators.

In response, Minister Muto stated that the government would “work on R&D for replacing existing reactors with next-generation advanced reactors and on improving the business environment, including supply chains.” He further emphasized that the government would fully support such initiatives, “proceeding only with projects that contribute to the maintenance and development of local industries and employment and that can gain the understanding of the community.”