Opponents of nuclear power vow to continue protests under new government via The Asahi Shimbun

The rally marked the 36th such demonstration, according to Metropolitan Coalition Against Nukes, organizer of the protests.

“We will never forgive the government for its decision to restart reactors,” said one protester.

“The outgoing administration should have its successor take over its ‘zero nuclear power policy,’” said another.

Twenty-year-old participant Tatsuya Hashizawa, who holds a part-time job in Tokyo, said it was the first time in six months he had attended the rally, but he decided to give it his support once more after being alarmed by the LDP’s return to power. “If we are to push for a no-nuclear future, everyone should think hard and raise their voices,” he said.

Hashizawa said he voted in the Dec. 16 Lower House election for a party and a candidate both of whom are committed to the abolition of nuclear power. It was the first time he had ever voted.

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The latest rally, like those before it, saw participants take turns in addressing the crowd through a microphone. It petered out at 8 p.m. Police sources said nearly 1,000 people had taken part.

The Metropolitan Coalition Against Nukes says the demonstrations will continue next year, as the new government settles into office.

Protesters in other cities have mounted similar protests. Rallies have taken place outside the headquarters of Kansai Electric in Osaka and that of Kyushu Electric Power Co. in Fukuoka.

“Casting a ballot is not the only right we have. Coming here and having our voices heard is meaningful, too,” said one of the Osaka protest organizers.

The conservative Liberal Democratic Party will take power next week. It has in the past been a standard-bearer for nuclear power and has spoken in only vague terms about Japan’s atomic future since winning the recent Lower House election.

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Now, more than ever, these protesters believe their voices need to be heard.