Oct. 26 is designated as Nuclear Energy Day to mark the startup of Japan's first experimental nuclear-power reactor 39 years ago. Since then the nation's nuclear energy development program has made spectacular advances. This year's anniversary, however, is marred by a series of shocking revelations that power companies have covered up reactor troubles over an extended period of time.
Particularly disturbing is the fact that some of the defects, such as cracks in the reactor casing, have been discovered at the Tokyo Electric Power Co., or Tepco, the leader of the nation's nuclear-power industry. Those flaws, according to experts, are not serious enough to cause accidents. Nevertheless public confidence in nuclear safety has been badly shaken.
Moreover, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has been criticized for being too "friendly" toward the power companies. It has spent as long as two years investigating the plants in question -- a delay that borders on negligence. In addition, the agency has been accused of giving Tepco an inside tip on the identity of a whistle blower.