Toyocho votes against repository research
23 April 2007
[Asahi Shimbun, Kyodo, 23 April] The mayor of Toyocho in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, has not been re-elected, losing to a candidate opposed to investigations towards a possible radioactive waste repository being sited near the town. In March 2006, mayor Yasuoki Tashima put Toyocho forward to the government as a possible site for the country's high-level radioactive waste storage facility. Toyocho was the first town to respond to a 2000 government invitation and would have received up to 2 billion yen ($16.8 million) in annual subsidies as long as the feasibility studies lasted. However, Tashima did not inform residents or the town council about his decision until January 2007. The mayoral election was called after Tashima announced his resignation on 4 April to seek a voter mandate for his move to check the suitability of the town as a potential repository site. However, Yasutaro Sawayama said during his campaign that he would immediately scrap the town's application for such research. The move means that the government must continue its search for a location volunteering to host a repository.
Further information
WNA's Nuclear Power in Japan information paper
WNA's Japanese Waste and MOX shipments from Europe information paper
WNA's Radioactive Wastes information paper
WNN: Toyocho asks for waste