As public interest in nuclear-power issues soared following the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, there has been a push to get more people involved in discussing alternate energy solutions.
The Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World in Yokohama this weekend will be open to the general public and will feature events organized by Japan-based NGOs such as Peace Boat, the Institute for Sustainable Energy Policies, Green Action and the Citizens' Nuclear Information Center.
In the main sessions of the conference, researchers, politicians, activists and citizens will discuss the quake-triggered crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, and how to realize a world that runs totally on green energy.
There will also be talks by living witnesses to past nuclear incidents from Japan, Tahiti, Australia and including witnesses to the Chernobyl disaster of 1986.
In addition to the lectures, there will be films, concerts and a photography exhibition offering educational entertainment.
Ahead of the conference, guest speaker Kristopher Stevens said the collective actions of people will decide the world's future.
"Fukushima has reminded us of the hubris of those who say, 'An accident can never happen.' Fortunately, there is another way forward. A path where individual residents, communities, government and industry contribute to a more resilient, effective and efficient renewables-based energy system."
Japanese-English interpretation will be made for most of the conference's programs.
The Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World takes place at the Pacifico Yokohama Conference Center on Jan. 14 (1 p.m. till 8:30 p.m.) and Jan. 15 (10 a.m. till 7:30 p.m.). The venue is near Minato Mirai Station on the Minato Mirai Line and is a 12-minute walk from Sakuragicho Station on the JR Keihin Tohoku Line. A two-day ticket costs ¥4,500 (¥3,900 in advance) and allows participation in all programs. Limited-access tickets cost ¥2,000-¥2,500. For more information, visit npfree.jp.