Japan restarts first nuclear plant amid mass protests (PHOTOS, VIDEO)

07-01-2012 • http://www.rt.com

Japan’s Kansai Electric Power Company has restarted a reactor at its Ohi nuclear power plant after a 15 month break. The move has been met with protest, as tens of thousands have rallied throughout Japan since March in opposition to nuclear energy.

Ever since Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda’s government moved forward with the decision to restart some of the country’s nuclear reactors on June 16, there has been a chain of demonstrations against renewal of nuclear energy in Japan.

Tens of thousands of people took to the streets of Tokyo on Friday carrying banners to protest a return to nuclear power in Japan. Protesters surrounded Noda's residence in central Tokyo to make sure their message would not be ignored.

Despite massive public opposition, the government refused to reconsider its decision on practical grounds. Prior to the March 2011 Fukushima disaster, Japan drew approximately 30 per cent of its energy from nuclear power. The closure of nuclear power plants has created an energy vacuum, with supplies falling short by 14 per cent in Tokyo and up to 16 per cent in western Japan.