Nuclear waste plan for Japanese resort town sparks backlash: ‘not our problem’
The rural Japanese town of Hitachiomiya sprawls down the Naka River valley in northwest Ibaraki prefecture, surrounded by lush forests and overlooked by the picturesque Yamizo mountains. Just 140km (87 miles) from Tokyo, its golf courses attract weekend players, while onsen hot spring resorts in the surrounding hills keep local business steady year-round. The local tourism association’s website…
The picturesque town of Hitachiomiya, nestled in northwest Ibaraki prefecture, enjoys a thriving tourism scene thanks to its golf courses and onsen resorts. The local tourism association touts attractions like traditional festivals, cave tombs, and ancient temples. However, recent discussions revolve around a request from the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for a preliminary survey to assess the town's geological suitability for a nuclear waste repository.
Hitachiomiya Mayor Sadayuki Suzuki accepted the request, citing favorable characteristics according to a scientific map, and expressed the town's intent to contribute to national policy. Despite the mayor's assurances that approval would not commit the town to building a permanent facility, experts warn that even considering the proposal could harm Hitachiomiya's reputation, potentially deterring tourists for decades.
Some residents have already voiced opposition, with a protest held outside the city hall. The Japanese government has long pursued a permanent storage solution for nuclear waste, but communities have repeatedly rejected government subsidies due to safety concerns.
Written by urgent.news from South China Morning Post's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
