Deverá ser indicado, nos próximos dias, como primeiro-ministro do Japão, o Sr. Yoshihiko Noda.
Tão logo tenhamos novas informações, providenciaremos a divulgação.
AOTS Alumni do Rio de Janeiro
segunda-feira, 29 de agosto de 2011
Yoshihiko Noda será o novo primeiro-ministro do Japão
Deverá ser indicado, nos próximos dias, como primeiro-ministro do Japão, o Sr. Yoshihiko Noda.
Tão logo tenhamos novas informações, providenciaremos a divulgação.
AOTS Alumni do Rio de Janeiro
segunda-feira, 22 de agosto de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 22, 2011)
"Dialogues with experts: "Now or never" countermeasures against radiation contamination"
Just before and after this past weekend, there was a steady 'step forward' in the reconstruction from the earthquake disaster and then regarding the nuclear energy issue. First of all, last Friday, the pending matter of the bill on "Special Measures for the Disposal of Rubble" was passed through the solid efforts of the persons involved. Through this, in combination with allowances received through the tax revenues allocated to local governments, the local authorities in the disaster-afflicted areas for all practical purposes now do not need to shoulder any of the cost burden involved in disposing of rubble from the earthquake disaster. I have high expectations for this becoming a powerful step forward towards progress in reconstruction.
Meanwhile, within the preparations for the reform of our nuclear energy administration, yesterday a Cabinet Decision was taken on the basic polices for the establishment of a 'Nuclear Safety and Security Agency.' Through the ongoing efforts of Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accidents Goshi Hosono, the work to create a framework has moved forward rapidly.
While it goes without saying, the urgent issue that exists in parallel with these efforts is countermeasures to address the contamination at hand resulting from radioactive materials. While we are intensively engaged in countermeasures together with the local authorities, the large-scale contamination associated with the nuclear accident is something our nation is experiencing for the first time, and experts hold a diverse range of opinions on the matter. I am also hearing grave concern being voiced by the public, especially those with small children.
In light of this, I, together with the relevant ministers and vice-ministers, took time once again yesterday to listen carefully to seven experts in total, over roughly three hours. The first of these was Professor Tatsuhiko Kodama, Director of the Radioisotope Center of the University of Tokyo, who has also given testimony at the National Diet as an unsworn witness. After that, we heard from six experts on nuclear disasters who have been advising the Cabinet thus far. All of these experts have an abundance of experience, including in field research at Chernobyl. On the government side as well, among other things Senior Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Takashi Shinohara made remarks based on the knowledge he obtained through his visit to Chernobyl in April. In this way these came to be very concrete and in-depth discussions.
I myself asked quite a number of questions. Among the opinions of the experts, there were views that all of them held in common but perhaps not surprisingly also points where their views diverged. I felt that in order for the public to have a common understanding of this issue, it will be necessary to hold further discussions utilizing an open format.
Insofar as contamination from radioactive materials is an issue that impacts upon all aspects of our daily lives, the government must determine in an integrated manner the overall picture of the contamination, safety standards, and so on, and then formulate a strategy, including legislation, which cuts across the various ministries and agencies. Rather than wait for the next administration to get on track in this area, I too will be assiduously engaged in addressing this issue to the extent possible immediately prior to my resignation.
"Ready to carry out my responsibilities"
Today marks the 66th anniversary since the end of the Second World War. At the press conference held one month after the earthquake disaster struck, I appealed to the Japanese people, saying, "The world has marveled at how those in the generation before mine were able to rebuild Japan from fields of ashes after the war. Let us once again recall the spirit of reconstruction we felt then, reflect upon it, and re-channel it for our reconstruction work now." Now, as we commemorate the events of August 15, I reaffirm those reflections.
Recovery and reconstruction from that earthquake disaster is moving ahead steadily. On June 2, I declared at the meeting of DPJ Diet members that "I wish to pass on various responsibilities to the younger generation once a certain degree of progress has been made in tackling the earthquake disaster and once I have fulfilled my role to a certain extent." The agreement made last week among the executives of the three parties of the DPJ, the LDP, and the New Komeito brought confirmation that the Bill on Special Provisions concerning Issuance of Government Bonds would be passed. After that, passage of the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies also became expected. In light of these circumstances, I clarified that I will carry out the promise I have made since June and hand over the reins of government once those bills, which have been my aims, are passed.
In the areas I have been pursuing at all costs - compiling a reform proposal to address social security and tax issues as an integrated issue, recovery and reconstruction from the great earthquake disaster and bringing the nuclear accident to a stable conclusion, and bringing fundamental reform to our nuclear energy administration, among others - we have successfully advanced to a point at which reversion to the past is now impossible. However, with a large number of issues still ongoing, including the problem of radioactive contamination, we cannot now gradually slow down our pace. The Kan administration will continue to dedicate itself to fulfilling its responsibilities until the very last second of its term.
Just before and after this past weekend, there was a steady 'step forward' in the reconstruction from the earthquake disaster and then regarding the nuclear energy issue. First of all, last Friday, the pending matter of the bill on "Special Measures for the Disposal of Rubble" was passed through the solid efforts of the persons involved. Through this, in combination with allowances received through the tax revenues allocated to local governments, the local authorities in the disaster-afflicted areas for all practical purposes now do not need to shoulder any of the cost burden involved in disposing of rubble from the earthquake disaster. I have high expectations for this becoming a powerful step forward towards progress in reconstruction.
Meanwhile, within the preparations for the reform of our nuclear energy administration, yesterday a Cabinet Decision was taken on the basic polices for the establishment of a 'Nuclear Safety and Security Agency.' Through the ongoing efforts of Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accidents Goshi Hosono, the work to create a framework has moved forward rapidly.
While it goes without saying, the urgent issue that exists in parallel with these efforts is countermeasures to address the contamination at hand resulting from radioactive materials. While we are intensively engaged in countermeasures together with the local authorities, the large-scale contamination associated with the nuclear accident is something our nation is experiencing for the first time, and experts hold a diverse range of opinions on the matter. I am also hearing grave concern being voiced by the public, especially those with small children.
In light of this, I, together with the relevant ministers and vice-ministers, took time once again yesterday to listen carefully to seven experts in total, over roughly three hours. The first of these was Professor Tatsuhiko Kodama, Director of the Radioisotope Center of the University of Tokyo, who has also given testimony at the National Diet as an unsworn witness. After that, we heard from six experts on nuclear disasters who have been advising the Cabinet thus far. All of these experts have an abundance of experience, including in field research at Chernobyl. On the government side as well, among other things Senior Vice Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Takashi Shinohara made remarks based on the knowledge he obtained through his visit to Chernobyl in April. In this way these came to be very concrete and in-depth discussions.
I myself asked quite a number of questions. Among the opinions of the experts, there were views that all of them held in common but perhaps not surprisingly also points where their views diverged. I felt that in order for the public to have a common understanding of this issue, it will be necessary to hold further discussions utilizing an open format.
Insofar as contamination from radioactive materials is an issue that impacts upon all aspects of our daily lives, the government must determine in an integrated manner the overall picture of the contamination, safety standards, and so on, and then formulate a strategy, including legislation, which cuts across the various ministries and agencies. Rather than wait for the next administration to get on track in this area, I too will be assiduously engaged in addressing this issue to the extent possible immediately prior to my resignation.
"Ready to carry out my responsibilities"
Today marks the 66th anniversary since the end of the Second World War. At the press conference held one month after the earthquake disaster struck, I appealed to the Japanese people, saying, "The world has marveled at how those in the generation before mine were able to rebuild Japan from fields of ashes after the war. Let us once again recall the spirit of reconstruction we felt then, reflect upon it, and re-channel it for our reconstruction work now." Now, as we commemorate the events of August 15, I reaffirm those reflections.
Recovery and reconstruction from that earthquake disaster is moving ahead steadily. On June 2, I declared at the meeting of DPJ Diet members that "I wish to pass on various responsibilities to the younger generation once a certain degree of progress has been made in tackling the earthquake disaster and once I have fulfilled my role to a certain extent." The agreement made last week among the executives of the three parties of the DPJ, the LDP, and the New Komeito brought confirmation that the Bill on Special Provisions concerning Issuance of Government Bonds would be passed. After that, passage of the Bill to Promote Renewable Energies also became expected. In light of these circumstances, I clarified that I will carry out the promise I have made since June and hand over the reins of government once those bills, which have been my aims, are passed.
In the areas I have been pursuing at all costs - compiling a reform proposal to address social security and tax issues as an integrated issue, recovery and reconstruction from the great earthquake disaster and bringing the nuclear accident to a stable conclusion, and bringing fundamental reform to our nuclear energy administration, among others - we have successfully advanced to a point at which reversion to the past is now impossible. However, with a large number of issues still ongoing, including the problem of radioactive contamination, we cannot now gradually slow down our pace. The Kan administration will continue to dedicate itself to fulfilling its responsibilities until the very last second of its term.
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 20, 2011)
"No. 26 [Peace] Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons Report on Their First Year Activities to the Prime Minister in Hiroshima and Nagasaki"
--- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (August 6)
Announcement: It will be 8:15 shortly. ...We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Peace Bell was rung at 8:15 a.m., the time that the atomic bomb was dropped
The Prime Minister offers a silent prayer
Address:
Prime Minister: At last year's ceremony I proposed that Japan dispatch "Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons." [They have since been] calling attention to the tragedy of nuclear weapons and appealing the importance of peace at various locations throughout the world.
Narration: So far thirty-five Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons (as of August 8, 2011) have been commissioned by the Government to pass on their experiences in atomic bombings to the world.
From Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Mr. Susumu Tsuboi, embarking on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication"
Mr. Tsuboi: My house was located in a place of the current Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Everyone who was in the town at that time passed away.
Narration: One year after the establishment of the system, Mr. Tsuboi was present for the first gatherings of Special Communicators, held recently in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
At the meeting in Hiroshima on August 6
Mr. Tsuboi: We spoke 14 times in 13 ports. In Columbia in particular, we received a warm welcome from President Juan Manuel Santos, and the venues were completely full of people eager to listen to our stories.
Narration: One Special Communicator, Mr. Masaaki Tanabe, handed a self-produced DVD to the Prime Minister at one of the meetings. Featuring CG reenactments of the area around the center of the explosion just before the atomic bomb dropped, the DVD calls on the world to think about just what was lost through the use of a nuclear weapon.
As a boy, Mr. Tanabe used to live in a home adjacent to the place now called the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Mr. Tanabe: While it is quite difficult to raise awareness or appeal to a broad range of people as just one citizen who experienced the atomic bomb, with support from the national government [as Special Communicator] we received extensive coverage by local media.
Again, from Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Ms. Hiroko Sakaguchi, the first member of the second generation of atomic bomb victims to be commissioned as Special Communicator
Ms. Sakaguchi: The second generation of atomic bomb victims is affected through their parents' body by the after-effects of radiation of the bombings. As such, we have no less strong feelings about the bombings than direct survivors.
Narration: These are the words of Ms. Sakaguchi from the day she embarked on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication." Having traveled around the world, she spoke at the meeting in Nagasaki about a new conviction that was developed over the course of the trip.
At the meeting in Nagasaki on August 9
Ms. Sakaguchi: I believe the role of second-generation atomic bomb victims will increase in importance going forward in terms of passing on the experiences of atomic bombings.
Prime Minister: I ask for your continued support in passing on the experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in order that we may realize a world free of the devastation of nuclear weapons for hundreds or even thousands of years after Nagasaki.
Scenes of the overseas activities of the Special Communicators
Narration: The Special Communicators have so far visited a total of 22 countries (as of August 8, 2011). They felt a certain change in the audience responses after March 11.
Special Communicators speaking about that change at the meeting
Mr. Noboru Tazaki: We received the question, "Even though Japan, having suffered atomic bombings, knows the horrors of radiation ..."
Mr. Tsuboi: We received such questions as, "...why do you have so many nuclear power stations?"
Ms. Sakaguchi: Hearing how strange they felt about this, our hearts were profoundly touched.
Narration: Special Communicators were moved by the attention shown by people abroad toward another harm of radiation that hit Japan.
--- Nagasaki Peace Ceremony (August 9)
Address:
Prime Minister: It is our responsibility to take the new lessons, realizations, and what we have learned from this incident and communicate those to the people of the world and future generations.
At 11:02 a.m., when the atomic bomb was dropped
Announcement: We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Prime Minister offering a silent prayer
The Bell of Nagasaki, ringing
--- Hiroshima Peace Memorial Ceremony (August 6)
Announcement: It will be 8:15 shortly. ...We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Peace Bell was rung at 8:15 a.m., the time that the atomic bomb was dropped
The Prime Minister offers a silent prayer
Address:
Prime Minister: At last year's ceremony I proposed that Japan dispatch "Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons." [They have since been] calling attention to the tragedy of nuclear weapons and appealing the importance of peace at various locations throughout the world.
Narration: So far thirty-five Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons (as of August 8, 2011) have been commissioned by the Government to pass on their experiences in atomic bombings to the world.
From Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Mr. Susumu Tsuboi, embarking on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication"
Mr. Tsuboi: My house was located in a place of the current Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. Everyone who was in the town at that time passed away.
Narration: One year after the establishment of the system, Mr. Tsuboi was present for the first gatherings of Special Communicators, held recently in Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
At the meeting in Hiroshima on August 6
Mr. Tsuboi: We spoke 14 times in 13 ports. In Columbia in particular, we received a warm welcome from President Juan Manuel Santos, and the venues were completely full of people eager to listen to our stories.
Narration: One Special Communicator, Mr. Masaaki Tanabe, handed a self-produced DVD to the Prime Minister at one of the meetings. Featuring CG reenactments of the area around the center of the explosion just before the atomic bomb dropped, the DVD calls on the world to think about just what was lost through the use of a nuclear weapon.
As a boy, Mr. Tanabe used to live in a home adjacent to the place now called the Atomic Bomb Dome.
Mr. Tanabe: While it is quite difficult to raise awareness or appeal to a broad range of people as just one citizen who experienced the atomic bomb, with support from the national government [as Special Communicator] we received extensive coverage by local media.
Again, from Prime Minister KAN's TV No. 14-Ms. Hiroko Sakaguchi, the first member of the second generation of atomic bomb victims to be commissioned as Special Communicator
Ms. Sakaguchi: The second generation of atomic bomb victims is affected through their parents' body by the after-effects of radiation of the bombings. As such, we have no less strong feelings about the bombings than direct survivors.
Narration: These are the words of Ms. Sakaguchi from the day she embarked on "Hibakusha's Global Voyage for Communication." Having traveled around the world, she spoke at the meeting in Nagasaki about a new conviction that was developed over the course of the trip.
At the meeting in Nagasaki on August 9
Ms. Sakaguchi: I believe the role of second-generation atomic bomb victims will increase in importance going forward in terms of passing on the experiences of atomic bombings.
Prime Minister: I ask for your continued support in passing on the experiences of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, in order that we may realize a world free of the devastation of nuclear weapons for hundreds or even thousands of years after Nagasaki.
Scenes of the overseas activities of the Special Communicators
Narration: The Special Communicators have so far visited a total of 22 countries (as of August 8, 2011). They felt a certain change in the audience responses after March 11.
Special Communicators speaking about that change at the meeting
Mr. Noboru Tazaki: We received the question, "Even though Japan, having suffered atomic bombings, knows the horrors of radiation ..."
Mr. Tsuboi: We received such questions as, "...why do you have so many nuclear power stations?"
Ms. Sakaguchi: Hearing how strange they felt about this, our hearts were profoundly touched.
Narration: Special Communicators were moved by the attention shown by people abroad toward another harm of radiation that hit Japan.
--- Nagasaki Peace Ceremony (August 9)
Address:
Prime Minister: It is our responsibility to take the new lessons, realizations, and what we have learned from this incident and communicate those to the people of the world and future generations.
At 11:02 a.m., when the atomic bomb was dropped
Announcement: We would now like to offer one minute of silence.
The Prime Minister offering a silent prayer
The Bell of Nagasaki, ringing
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 19, 2011)
"Five months since the earthquake disaster - towards a society in which no one is isolated"
Yesterday marked the fifth month since the great earthquake disaster struck. Even as we are moving forward with efforts towards recovery and reconstruction day in and day out, there is a matter about which I feel we must be especially concerned. That is keeping alert for people whose 'bonds between one person and another' came to be cut off as a result of the earthquake disaster and are now experiencing isolation from others.
How should we involve people in society who are living in isolation? 'Social inclusion' is one of the major themes that I have set forth since before the earthquake disaster struck, beginning with the policy speech to the Diet I delivered immediately after becoming Prime Minister. It was just the day before yesterday that the Task Force Team for a Society Inclusive of Individuals that I had commissioned announced their urgent policy proposals.
During New Year's day the year before last, I was at the "dispatch workers' New Year's village" in Hibiya Park. It was Mr. Makoto Yuasa as the "village chief" who was involving himself in poverty issues with everything he had. At around the same time, I came to get to know Mr. Yasuyuki Shimizu, head of the NPO "Lifelink," which has for many years been taking on the issue of suicide full on. It is only through the real-life expeiences of people taking this kind of hands-on approach, rather than through academic discussions, that one comes to find the way out of the isolation problem. It was with this belief that I asked these two to serve as the backbone of the Task Force Team. With Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama serving as Chair, this Task Force Team emerged with these recommendations through roughly seven months of deliberations and repeated visits to the disaster-struck areas, among other efforts.
How does the risk of individuals being excluded from society spread within our society, and what sort of linkages exist? First of all we must conduct a thorough fact-finding survey on those matters, examining them squarely.
Of course, various support systems have been in place until now, but if we look carefully at the actual situation, it is not the case that all people are covered seamlessly. For example, there are young people who drop out of high school and have no place where they belong. If opportunities were provided for someone to reach out to them and talk with them, then new developments might begin in their lives. We will set the lead in creating a personal support system for each such person individually, first by exploring model cases.
Furthermore, what I brought up when I attended the first meeting of this Task Force Team was the establishment of a national call center. This would be a "one-stop" center that would conduct consultations by telephone, listen to people's worries, provide concern, and then conduct follow-up activities. I had the Team take up a deeper consideration of this as steps towards bringing such an undertaking into reality.
While these recommendations are not operations in which a huge budget is mobilized, they are quite "major" undertakings in light of their importance. I am very pleased that they compiled their findings during my term as Prime Minister. Notably, within our future work to bring about reconstruction, I would like them to substantiate a model of "social inclusion" within the disaster- affected areas in particular. Providing a solid budget for this in the third supplementary budget, I would like them to foster the "buds" of building up such a society. This is my fervent wish as we work to bring about a society in which no one is excluded
Yesterday marked the fifth month since the great earthquake disaster struck. Even as we are moving forward with efforts towards recovery and reconstruction day in and day out, there is a matter about which I feel we must be especially concerned. That is keeping alert for people whose 'bonds between one person and another' came to be cut off as a result of the earthquake disaster and are now experiencing isolation from others.
How should we involve people in society who are living in isolation? 'Social inclusion' is one of the major themes that I have set forth since before the earthquake disaster struck, beginning with the policy speech to the Diet I delivered immediately after becoming Prime Minister. It was just the day before yesterday that the Task Force Team for a Society Inclusive of Individuals that I had commissioned announced their urgent policy proposals.
During New Year's day the year before last, I was at the "dispatch workers' New Year's village" in Hibiya Park. It was Mr. Makoto Yuasa as the "village chief" who was involving himself in poverty issues with everything he had. At around the same time, I came to get to know Mr. Yasuyuki Shimizu, head of the NPO "Lifelink," which has for many years been taking on the issue of suicide full on. It is only through the real-life expeiences of people taking this kind of hands-on approach, rather than through academic discussions, that one comes to find the way out of the isolation problem. It was with this belief that I asked these two to serve as the backbone of the Task Force Team. With Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Tetsuro Fukuyama serving as Chair, this Task Force Team emerged with these recommendations through roughly seven months of deliberations and repeated visits to the disaster-struck areas, among other efforts.
How does the risk of individuals being excluded from society spread within our society, and what sort of linkages exist? First of all we must conduct a thorough fact-finding survey on those matters, examining them squarely.
Of course, various support systems have been in place until now, but if we look carefully at the actual situation, it is not the case that all people are covered seamlessly. For example, there are young people who drop out of high school and have no place where they belong. If opportunities were provided for someone to reach out to them and talk with them, then new developments might begin in their lives. We will set the lead in creating a personal support system for each such person individually, first by exploring model cases.
Furthermore, what I brought up when I attended the first meeting of this Task Force Team was the establishment of a national call center. This would be a "one-stop" center that would conduct consultations by telephone, listen to people's worries, provide concern, and then conduct follow-up activities. I had the Team take up a deeper consideration of this as steps towards bringing such an undertaking into reality.
While these recommendations are not operations in which a huge budget is mobilized, they are quite "major" undertakings in light of their importance. I am very pleased that they compiled their findings during my term as Prime Minister. Notably, within our future work to bring about reconstruction, I would like them to substantiate a model of "social inclusion" within the disaster- affected areas in particular. Providing a solid budget for this in the third supplementary budget, I would like them to foster the "buds" of building up such a society. This is my fervent wish as we work to bring about a society in which no one is excluded
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 16, 2011)
"Replacing both people and structures to ensure no backsliding"
On the 6th and today (the 9th), I visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the 66th anniversary of the atomic bombings. In each of these cities I had the opportunity to listen to atomic bomb survivors and those serving as Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons, whom the government began commissioning last year. (I will be writing about that subject on a separate occasion.) At these sessions, a number of people conveyed their worries about the TEPCO's Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and their fervent wishes that Japan move away from being a society that relies on nuclear power, leaving a great impression on me.
In the addresses I delivered at the Peace Memorial Ceremonies, I myself asserted once more the objective of becoming 'a society that is not dependent on nuclear power,' which I first laid out at a press conference on July 13. However, I was not simply repeating what I said earlier. Compared with July 13, currently the practical matters that will constitute the backing to that statement are moving forward steadily. It is just now that the 'reforms to administrative structures' designed to further this objective have started up in tangible form.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Banri Kaieda and Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accident Goshi Hosono, have been tenaciously engaged in tandem in efforts towards fundamentally breaking away from the system in place until now, like the two axles of a car. First of all, Minister Kaieda, having intended to realize complete change in public sentiment with regard to nuclear power-related matters under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), announced last week that he would be replacing the current administrative vice-minister, the Director-General of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) and the Director-General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) simultaneously. I want the ministers to move forward proactively taking this attitude in order to regain the trust of the public.
Meanwhile, last weekend, Minister Hosono compiled a draft proposal for reorganization, targeting at the modalities of a new structure related to the regulation of nuclear safety. The matter of affiliating the new structure with the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of the Environment still remains, but the key point is that through this, the sections of NISA regulating nuclear safety will finally be separated off from METI. The structure in which 'those promoting and regulating nuclear power are both parts of the same entity,' which I have considered a problem for quite some time, will thereby be resolved.
What must be given the highest priority at all times is 'the safety of the people.' However, it has also long been said that the nuclear and electrical power administration in place until now is a "nuclear village," in which it is possible for a subset of entrenched interests and corporate interests to take precedence at times. By replacing both the content (the people) and the instrument (the structure), we will not permit any slide backwards.
On the 6th and today (the 9th), I visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki for the 66th anniversary of the atomic bombings. In each of these cities I had the opportunity to listen to atomic bomb survivors and those serving as Special Communicators for a World without Nuclear Weapons, whom the government began commissioning last year. (I will be writing about that subject on a separate occasion.) At these sessions, a number of people conveyed their worries about the TEPCO's Fukushima nuclear power plant accident and their fervent wishes that Japan move away from being a society that relies on nuclear power, leaving a great impression on me.
In the addresses I delivered at the Peace Memorial Ceremonies, I myself asserted once more the objective of becoming 'a society that is not dependent on nuclear power,' which I first laid out at a press conference on July 13. However, I was not simply repeating what I said earlier. Compared with July 13, currently the practical matters that will constitute the backing to that statement are moving forward steadily. It is just now that the 'reforms to administrative structures' designed to further this objective have started up in tangible form.
Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Banri Kaieda and Minister for the Restoration from and Prevention of Nuclear Accident Goshi Hosono, have been tenaciously engaged in tandem in efforts towards fundamentally breaking away from the system in place until now, like the two axles of a car. First of all, Minister Kaieda, having intended to realize complete change in public sentiment with regard to nuclear power-related matters under the auspices of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI), announced last week that he would be replacing the current administrative vice-minister, the Director-General of the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) and the Director-General of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy (ANRE) simultaneously. I want the ministers to move forward proactively taking this attitude in order to regain the trust of the public.
Meanwhile, last weekend, Minister Hosono compiled a draft proposal for reorganization, targeting at the modalities of a new structure related to the regulation of nuclear safety. The matter of affiliating the new structure with the Cabinet Office or the Ministry of the Environment still remains, but the key point is that through this, the sections of NISA regulating nuclear safety will finally be separated off from METI. The structure in which 'those promoting and regulating nuclear power are both parts of the same entity,' which I have considered a problem for quite some time, will thereby be resolved.
What must be given the highest priority at all times is 'the safety of the people.' However, it has also long been said that the nuclear and electrical power administration in place until now is a "nuclear village," in which it is possible for a subset of entrenched interests and corporate interests to take precedence at times. By replacing both the content (the people) and the instrument (the structure), we will not permit any slide backwards.
segunda-feira, 8 de agosto de 2011
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (August 5, 2011)
""The next era" (7): The participation of 'the people' will decide our future course"
"Please read this! Recommendations from the Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake"
""The next era" (7): The participation of 'the people' will decide our future course"
I have just attended the first session of the "The People's Energy and Environment Council," which was held in the city of Chino, Nagano Prefecture today. While this meeting shares the same name as the "government's" "Energy and Environment Council" that met the day before yesterday, this "people's" meeting enjoyed the participation of a wide variety of persons ranging from researchers to heads of local municipalities to politicians, among others. Three of the four experts participating in the "Prime Minister-Experts Open Forum on Natural Energy" that was convened at the Prime Minister's Office last month are cited as the original promoters of this "People's" Council, with very thorough discussions taking place in a large lecture hall at a university.
I delivered a ten-minute address, during which I discussed such topics as:
- the fact that my fundamental approach to nuclear power changed after experiencing the March 11 TEPCO nuclear accident in Fukushima;
- the fact that under the government's "Energy and Environment Council," there has been an "interim report" oriented towards reducing the degree of dependence on nuclear power, and that finally a first step has been taken towards forming a policy in concrete terms that is congruent with my thinking; and
- the necessity of fundamental reform of our nuclear energy administration.
I stated that in particular, fundamental reform is necessary insofar as the current Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is constituted in a way that it is possible for the interests of corporations to be given priority at times over the safety of the citizens, just as the Pharmaceutical Bureau of the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the time of the problem of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products.
From a standpoint free of constraints from the past, moving forward with fundamental reforms to nuclear and electrical power administration will require thoroughgoing information disclosure as well as strict scrutiny conducted by 'each individual' citizen. Moreover, for a transformation of Japan's energy structure, it is in fact critical to have participation in electricity generation and electricity conservation by 'each individual' household. Just as the name of today's Council meeting says, what will determine the form of the energy of the next era is nothing other than the power of "the people". Let's make headway on this together
"Please read this! Recommendations from the Reconstruction Design Council in Response to the Great East Japan Earthquake"
""The next era" (7): The participation of 'the people' will decide our future course"
I have just attended the first session of the "The People's Energy and Environment Council," which was held in the city of Chino, Nagano Prefecture today. While this meeting shares the same name as the "government's" "Energy and Environment Council" that met the day before yesterday, this "people's" meeting enjoyed the participation of a wide variety of persons ranging from researchers to heads of local municipalities to politicians, among others. Three of the four experts participating in the "Prime Minister-Experts Open Forum on Natural Energy" that was convened at the Prime Minister's Office last month are cited as the original promoters of this "People's" Council, with very thorough discussions taking place in a large lecture hall at a university.
I delivered a ten-minute address, during which I discussed such topics as:
- the fact that my fundamental approach to nuclear power changed after experiencing the March 11 TEPCO nuclear accident in Fukushima;
- the fact that under the government's "Energy and Environment Council," there has been an "interim report" oriented towards reducing the degree of dependence on nuclear power, and that finally a first step has been taken towards forming a policy in concrete terms that is congruent with my thinking; and
- the necessity of fundamental reform of our nuclear energy administration.
I stated that in particular, fundamental reform is necessary insofar as the current Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) within the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) is constituted in a way that it is possible for the interests of corporations to be given priority at times over the safety of the citizens, just as the Pharmaceutical Bureau of the Ministry of Health and Welfare at the time of the problem of AIDS contracted through contaminated blood products.
From a standpoint free of constraints from the past, moving forward with fundamental reforms to nuclear and electrical power administration will require thoroughgoing information disclosure as well as strict scrutiny conducted by 'each individual' citizen. Moreover, for a transformation of Japan's energy structure, it is in fact critical to have participation in electricity generation and electricity conservation by 'each individual' household. Just as the name of today's Council meeting says, what will determine the form of the energy of the next era is nothing other than the power of "the people". Let's make headway on this together
"Prime Minister KAN's BLOG" E-mail Service (July 28, 2011)
"No. 25 [Nuclear Power] Moving on to Step 2 - Prime Minister's Dialogue with the People Engaged in the Work to Stabilize the Nuclear Power Station"
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
"No. 25 [Nuclear Power] Moving on to Step 2 - Prime Minister's Dialogue with the People Engaged in the Work to Stabilize the Nuclear Power Station"
--- At J-Village, where the people engaged in the work to stabilize TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station are stationed (July 16)
The Prime Minister encourages the members of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF)
Prime Minister: I believe that we have come so far thanks to your self-sacrificing sprit and efforts.
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters (July 19)
Prime Minister: I convened the meeting in this form as we have just completed Step 1.
Narration: The Roadmap towards Restoration from the Accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is updated once a month.Every month the mark that shows current progress has moved steadily to the right, and on July 17 the conclusion of Step 1 was finally reached. This means that the "stable cooling" of the reactors has been achieved.
Narration: People working at the site are risking their lives to realize the plans in the Roadmap. These people are stationed in the facility called J-Village, where the Prime Minister has already visited twice to provide his encouragement. The first visit was three weeks after the occurrence of the incident.
--- First visit to J-Village (April 2)
SDF member A: There are three tents. Each used for decontamination.
Prime Minister: There is one lane for the SDF and for TEPCO...
SDF member B: Two lanes. They are extremely advanced decontamination facilities.
Hearing an explanation about an internet teleconference
TEPCO staff: It is currently connected to eight other locations. We leave it on all the time. We gather there even at night whenever something happens.
The system is connected to TEPCO head office, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Fukushima Prefectural Office, etc., all the time; the TV monitors display each location
The Prime Minister sends his message to each location
Prime Minister: Thank you truly for your hard work. In order to bring the nuclear power station under control by all means...
Narration: Three months after giving these words of encouragement...
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters
(July 19)
Prime Minister: "Things have progressed this far with regard to Step 1 thanks above all to the people working really hard at the site. I visited the site myself last Saturday (on July 16) for the second time and I think their efforts are truly remarkable."
--- Second visit to J-Village (July 16)
Giving words of encouragement to the SDF members
Prime Minister: I am looking forward to seeing you deliver results and be acknowledged for rebuilding Japan stronger than ever and for engaging on the frontlines of this struggle.
Narration: There the Prime Minister also met for the second time with Mr. Masao Yoshida, General Manager of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, who has been at the forefront of the work to stabilize the nuclear power station since March 11. During the meeting...
General Manager Yoshida: Oh, an earthquake! This is what frightens us.
Prime Minister: Aftershocks are frightening.
Narration: On top of aftershocks, there is now another phenomenon that impedes the work...
General Manager Yoshida: In this heat, since as many as 3,000 people are working at the site even today, precautions must be taken against heat stroke and injuries.
Narration: People working at the site also appealed directly to the Prime Minister.
Medical staff: The protective suit is really stifling. Even when it is cool like in this room, you will be drenched in sweat the moment you start moving around in it.
Person 1 working at the site: Now everyone starts working early, before it gets hot. Most of us come to work at four in the morning.
Person 2 working at the site: It takes quite a lot of time to go and have a radiation check, and there are so many people...
Person 1 working at the site: It would be very helpful if something like a health check center could be established around here.
Prime Minister: The Government will do all it can to respond to the situation. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
After face-to-face talks, the Prime Minister stands up and shakes hands with the people working at the site
Narration: From now on, the people at the site are moving on to the next target - Step 2.
They will step up efforts to prevent the spread of radiation damage and aim to achieve a stable condition in the nuclear reactors known as "cold shutdown" within the next three to six months. The all-out efforts will continue.
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
Yesterday, the second supplementary budget was passed by the Diet. The Cabinet is pressing ahead steadily in handling the work that needs to be done. The two major undertakings of "recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake disaster" and "bringing the accident at the nuclear power plant under stable control" are moving forward without interruption.
Continuing with this, today, the Reconstruction Headquarters in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake deepened its discussions on the Basic Policy for Reconstruction regarding the scale of the projects as well as the framework for fiscal outlays. We will compile the Basic Policy within July and finally link it to discussions on the third supplementary budget for full-fledged reconstruction. While some criticize this as "late," if you view this with a non-emotional eye, since the earthquake disaster struck in March, work has been progressing steadily, with the first and second supplementary budgets passed in sequence, and next, the Basic Policy, which will serve as the basis for the third supplementary budget, to be decided shortly.
As Ms. Kiyomi Tsujimoto, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, often says, it is not simply the reconstruction of society's "hardware" buildings and so on that requires budget allocations and policy measures. We will also be engaged in "reconstruction of the heart" for each individual affected by the disaster and "reconstruction of kizuna (bonds among people)" that have been disrupted in society. Not politics, but policies. Now, the most important thing is to keep the people who have been affected by the disaster firmly in mind and dedicate all our energies to this situation.
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
Yesterday, the structure for checking the safety of nuclear power plants moved forward considerably in concrete terms. I received a report that the method and the implementation plan for the comprehensive safety assessments (the so-called "stress tests") have been formulated by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA).
With regard to the current matter, a great amount of inconvenience has been given to the people concerned, in that "the Prime Minister's instructions regarding the necessity of conducting stress tests were slow in coming." However, the essence of the matter lies in the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable to have only NISA - which is affiliated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which has been promoting nuclear power plants - decide the safety standards related to the resumption of nuclear plant operations and on its own pass judgments on adequate achievement of those standards." While I regret the confusion regarding the arrangements, the issue of the structure is a more important matter.
In the near future, it will be necessary to undertake a fundamental review of safety standards and the system, but until that time we cannot sit idly by. For the immediate term, we must move forward on the actual safety checks through the involvement of the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC), an independent entity, in addition to NISA.
As a point of fact, the succession of events leading up to yesterday's decision on the implementation plan has been "(1) Receipt of request from NSC (July 6), (2) Submission of a draft plan by NISA, (3) Instructions from NSC to strengthen the draft plan, (4) Revisions by NISA, (5) NSC confirms the draft plan as appropriate (yesterday)." While it has not been widely reported, the core matter regarding the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable for NISA to decide matters by itself" will in fact be cleared without waiting for changes to the system.
In addition, publicly disclosing the safety standards in advance has enabled us to take advantage of checks by a wide range of expert eyes. The next step is to explain this safety assessment implementation plan to the local governments, and after that, the electrical power providers will be instructed to implement the plan.
As for the results of the assessments, which will require one or two months, upon receiving reporting from the electrical power providers, procedures will be followed whereby first NISA, and subsequently here again the NSC, will confirm adequacy in meeting the standards. Upon receiving the judgment of experts from these multiple institutions, four Cabinet members, including myself, will consult, and after hearing the views of the local community, a final decision will be taken.
While this is a cumbersome process, these procedures are necessary for the safety and the peace of mind of the Japanese people.
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
"No. 25 [Nuclear Power] Moving on to Step 2 - Prime Minister's Dialogue with the People Engaged in the Work to Stabilize the Nuclear Power Station"
--- At J-Village, where the people engaged in the work to stabilize TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station are stationed (July 16)
The Prime Minister encourages the members of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF)
Prime Minister: I believe that we have come so far thanks to your self-sacrificing sprit and efforts.
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters (July 19)
Prime Minister: I convened the meeting in this form as we have just completed Step 1.
Narration: The Roadmap towards Restoration from the Accident at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station is updated once a month.Every month the mark that shows current progress has moved steadily to the right, and on July 17 the conclusion of Step 1 was finally reached. This means that the "stable cooling" of the reactors has been achieved.
Narration: People working at the site are risking their lives to realize the plans in the Roadmap. These people are stationed in the facility called J-Village, where the Prime Minister has already visited twice to provide his encouragement. The first visit was three weeks after the occurrence of the incident.
--- First visit to J-Village (April 2)
SDF member A: There are three tents. Each used for decontamination.
Prime Minister: There is one lane for the SDF and for TEPCO...
SDF member B: Two lanes. They are extremely advanced decontamination facilities.
Hearing an explanation about an internet teleconference
TEPCO staff: It is currently connected to eight other locations. We leave it on all the time. We gather there even at night whenever something happens.
The system is connected to TEPCO head office, Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, Fukushima Prefectural Office, etc., all the time; the TV monitors display each location
The Prime Minister sends his message to each location
Prime Minister: Thank you truly for your hard work. In order to bring the nuclear power station under control by all means...
Narration: Three months after giving these words of encouragement...
--- 17th meeting of the Nuclear Emergency Response Headquarters
(July 19)
Prime Minister: "Things have progressed this far with regard to Step 1 thanks above all to the people working really hard at the site. I visited the site myself last Saturday (on July 16) for the second time and I think their efforts are truly remarkable."
--- Second visit to J-Village (July 16)
Giving words of encouragement to the SDF members
Prime Minister: I am looking forward to seeing you deliver results and be acknowledged for rebuilding Japan stronger than ever and for engaging on the frontlines of this struggle.
Narration: There the Prime Minister also met for the second time with Mr. Masao Yoshida, General Manager of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station, who has been at the forefront of the work to stabilize the nuclear power station since March 11. During the meeting...
General Manager Yoshida: Oh, an earthquake! This is what frightens us.
Prime Minister: Aftershocks are frightening.
Narration: On top of aftershocks, there is now another phenomenon that impedes the work...
General Manager Yoshida: In this heat, since as many as 3,000 people are working at the site even today, precautions must be taken against heat stroke and injuries.
Narration: People working at the site also appealed directly to the Prime Minister.
Medical staff: The protective suit is really stifling. Even when it is cool like in this room, you will be drenched in sweat the moment you start moving around in it.
Person 1 working at the site: Now everyone starts working early, before it gets hot. Most of us come to work at four in the morning.
Person 2 working at the site: It takes quite a lot of time to go and have a radiation check, and there are so many people...
Person 1 working at the site: It would be very helpful if something like a health check center could be established around here.
Prime Minister: The Government will do all it can to respond to the situation. Thank you for your continued cooperation.
After face-to-face talks, the Prime Minister stands up and shakes hands with the people working at the site
Narration: From now on, the people at the site are moving on to the next target - Step 2.
They will step up efforts to prevent the spread of radiation damage and aim to achieve a stable condition in the nuclear reactors known as "cold shutdown" within the next three to six months. The all-out efforts will continue.
"The second supplementary budget and the Basic Policy for Reconstruction"
Yesterday, the second supplementary budget was passed by the Diet. The Cabinet is pressing ahead steadily in handling the work that needs to be done. The two major undertakings of "recovery and reconstruction from the earthquake disaster" and "bringing the accident at the nuclear power plant under stable control" are moving forward without interruption.
Continuing with this, today, the Reconstruction Headquarters in response to the Great East Japan Earthquake deepened its discussions on the Basic Policy for Reconstruction regarding the scale of the projects as well as the framework for fiscal outlays. We will compile the Basic Policy within July and finally link it to discussions on the third supplementary budget for full-fledged reconstruction. While some criticize this as "late," if you view this with a non-emotional eye, since the earthquake disaster struck in March, work has been progressing steadily, with the first and second supplementary budgets passed in sequence, and next, the Basic Policy, which will serve as the basis for the third supplementary budget, to be decided shortly.
As Ms. Kiyomi Tsujimoto, Special Advisor to the Prime Minister, often says, it is not simply the reconstruction of society's "hardware" buildings and so on that requires budget allocations and policy measures. We will also be engaged in "reconstruction of the heart" for each individual affected by the disaster and "reconstruction of kizuna (bonds among people)" that have been disrupted in society. Not politics, but policies. Now, the most important thing is to keep the people who have been affected by the disaster firmly in mind and dedicate all our energies to this situation.
"The key question: Who exactly will check the safety?"
Yesterday, the structure for checking the safety of nuclear power plants moved forward considerably in concrete terms. I received a report that the method and the implementation plan for the comprehensive safety assessments (the so-called "stress tests") have been formulated by the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA).
With regard to the current matter, a great amount of inconvenience has been given to the people concerned, in that "the Prime Minister's instructions regarding the necessity of conducting stress tests were slow in coming." However, the essence of the matter lies in the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable to have only NISA - which is affiliated with the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, which has been promoting nuclear power plants - decide the safety standards related to the resumption of nuclear plant operations and on its own pass judgments on adequate achievement of those standards." While I regret the confusion regarding the arrangements, the issue of the structure is a more important matter.
In the near future, it will be necessary to undertake a fundamental review of safety standards and the system, but until that time we cannot sit idly by. For the immediate term, we must move forward on the actual safety checks through the involvement of the Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC), an independent entity, in addition to NISA.
As a point of fact, the succession of events leading up to yesterday's decision on the implementation plan has been "(1) Receipt of request from NSC (July 6), (2) Submission of a draft plan by NISA, (3) Instructions from NSC to strengthen the draft plan, (4) Revisions by NISA, (5) NSC confirms the draft plan as appropriate (yesterday)." While it has not been widely reported, the core matter regarding the issue of "whether or not it is acceptable for NISA to decide matters by itself" will in fact be cleared without waiting for changes to the system.
In addition, publicly disclosing the safety standards in advance has enabled us to take advantage of checks by a wide range of expert eyes. The next step is to explain this safety assessment implementation plan to the local governments, and after that, the electrical power providers will be instructed to implement the plan.
As for the results of the assessments, which will require one or two months, upon receiving reporting from the electrical power providers, procedures will be followed whereby first NISA, and subsequently here again the NSC, will confirm adequacy in meeting the standards. Upon receiving the judgment of experts from these multiple institutions, four Cabinet members, including myself, will consult, and after hearing the views of the local community, a final decision will be taken.
While this is a cumbersome process, these procedures are necessary for the safety and the peace of mind of the Japanese people.
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