A survey conducted by Asahi Shimbun has found that about 60% voted against Japan Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s plan to use nuclear energy to fuel economic growth in the country.
Asahi Shimbun said it conducted the nationwide telephone survey, following the release of Abe’s growth strategy, which includes the use of nuclear power generation and resuming operations at now-idle reactors that are deemed safe.
The survey found that many Japanese remain averse to the use of nuclear power more than two years after the disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
Asahi Shimbun said the survey received 1,781 valid responses or 52% of those contacted, and did not include some parts of Fukushima Prefecture.
In the survey, 27% of voters said they were in favor of the government’s nuclear power policy and 58% said they are opposed to restarting reactors, while 28% said they support a resumption of reactor operations.
About 51% of voters said they expect Abe’s economic policies will help the economy grow, compared with 33% who doubt the effectiveness of the plan.
According to the survey, only 36% believe Abe’s economic policies will lead to increase in wages and growth in employment.
