On his first day in his new job, industry minister Yoichi Miyazawa said Tuesday he will soon be ready to visit communities near nuclear power plants, apparently pledging to maintain the momentum for reactor restarts.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority has cleared the Sendai nuclear power plant in Kagoshima Prefecture, and all that remains before it fires up once more is for the central government to secure local approval.

"Of course, I'd like to visit Kagoshima as soon as possible," Miyazawa said as he began work as minister of economy, trade and industry.