The 912,000 kW No. 3 reactor at Hokkaido Electric Power Co.'s Tomari nuclear power plant came to a complete shutdown on early Sunday morning for regular inspection. No nuclear reactors are now operating in Japan — the first such situation in 42 years. Japan should use this as an opportunity to analyze problems and dangers associated with nuclear power generation and resolve to reduce its reliance on nuclear power and eventually phase out of it altogether.
The accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant has shown how catastrophic and irreparable damage a nuclear accident can cause. It also has exposed collusion between the government and the power industry which has resulted in laxness and irresponsibility in ensuring nuclear safety.
The government and power industry are franticly trying to restart nuclear power plants that are now offline. But they will never obtain consent from the populous as long as the nation lacks new, strict safety standards based on the thorough study of the Fukushima nuclear crisis and a powerful and competent nuclear regulatory authority free from the influence of government and the power industry.