The government will propose new legislation giving it the authority to shut down nuclear power plants and other facilities handling dangerous substances in the event of a military attack, it was learned Sunday.
According to sources, these measures and others are being considered for new legislation regarding the protection of civilians if Japan is attacked. Such legislation is to come into force within two years of the enactment of new laws regarding military emergencies.
A package of bills regarding Japan's response to military emergencies was submitted to last year's ordinary Diet session but was not voted on due to criticism that the wording and explanations given by the government regarding the bills were too vague.