GENKAI, Japan: Cattle farmer Hiroshi Nakayama practically grew up with nuclear power in the rural town of Genkai, which has a population of just under 5,000.
The 56-year-old raises 2,000 black-haired wagyu, selling the best as premium and highly sought after Saga beef.
Even though his hometown in southern Kyushu island may one day become Japan’s final destination for nuclear waste, he brushed off concerns that it would affect his business.
Screening began last month to assess if Genkai, which has hosted a nuclear plant for about five decades, is suitable to serve as the country’s first radioactive waste disposal facility.
“Given Japan’s technology, I do not think there will be environmental contamination. Some people say it is dangerous, but no one has died from (the existence of) the nuclear plant,” Mr Nakayama told CNA.
“Disposal needs to take place somewhere. We can’t say no. If not, where will it go?” he added.
Genkai residents like him traditionally support nuclear power, as they reap benefits like cheaper electricity costs in comparison to the national average.
Many of them make a living through farming and fishing in the seaside town, situated in Saga prefecture in the far southwest of Japan.
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