Japanese Prime Minister returns from four-day long US visit; Japan closes down the last of the active nuclear reactor for maintenance purposes
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print

    • Reports noted that Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, on May 3, 2012, returned from his four-day long US visit. Noda was the first Japanese Prime Minister to pay an official visit to Washington since the current ruling party-Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) came to power in September 2009. After returning, Noda termed his visit as “very productive.” 1 During his visit, both Japan and the US emphasized on strengthening their bilateral ties in various aspects, including security, economic and energy fields. The joint statement “A Shared Vision for the Future” reflected Obama administration’s increasing focus on expanding its engagement in Asia, as it stated that both the allies “are working with partners in the [Asia Pacific] region to strengthen institutions and foster networks that are open, inclusive and support internationally accepted rules and norms.” 2 An appendix to the joint statement insisted on forging Japan-US “dynamic defense cooperation” including joint training, surveillance and reconnaissance activities, and the shared utilization of facilities between Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF) and the US forces. 3

    In another development, according to reports, Japan has recently closed down the last of the active nuclear reactors for the maintenance purposes. After 1970, this is the first time Japan has halted all its nuclear reactors. It is a historic decision considering that nuclear power has been a key source of energy for Japan and about 30% of Japan’s energy needs are generated by nuclear energy. Tokyo has decided to close down the nuclear reactors in the country due to concerns over the safety of the nuclear plants in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis last year. 4

    Top