Tokyo Electric Power Co. on Monday began fielding a second round of compensation claims from people affected by the nuclear crisis at its Fukushima No. 1 power plant.
The second round covers the three-month period starting Sept. 1, following the first round, which covered the period from March 11 to Aug. 31.
Tepco has simplified the compensation claim form in response to complaints that the first form was too complicated.
The utility said it paid out around ¥5.3 billion in compensation to about 2,340 households in the first round and sent claim forms to around 70,000 households. This indicates the number of compensation recipients remains small.
The compensation includes monthly payments of ¥100,000 per person to cover psychological distress.
Tepco withdrew an earlier plan to halve such payments from Sept. 1.
New reconstruction bond
Banks and brokerages on Monday began selling special government bonds to raise funds for rebuilding areas damaged by the March earthquake and tsunami.
Among major marketers, Daiwa Securities Co. said it will donate ¥100 to disaster victims for every ¥1 million in bonds purchased.