The “Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation” newsletter — Part II of the “Let’s Walk Together” Project, the Japan Anglican-Episcopal Church’s efforts to aid victims of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake

“Let’s Walk Together” Project                       Living Water
                                                                                             Volume 7, June 2015

http://www.nskk.org/province/genpatsugroup/English.html (Linked to the Provincial Office’s website)

(Translated from the original Japanese by Heeday. English translation copy-edited by Louise Watson)

“Misplaced Priorities between the Economy and Human Lives” – The Illogical Reasoning Behind Nuclear Restarts in Japan
— The Takahama Nuclear Power Plant restart is halted following a court order, similar to Oi —

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Reverend Akira Iwaki

(Rector of Kawaguchi Christ Church, Osaka Diocese; Public Relations Officer, Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation

On April 14th, Chief Judge Hideaki Higuchi of the Fukui District Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in a lawsuit over the restart Kansai Electric Power’s Takahama Nuclear Power Plant’s Units 3 and 4, located in Fukui Prefecture’s Takahama Town (not to be confused with a city of the same name in Aichi) and a provisional ruling was issued prohibiting the restart of the units. The reactors are currently closed for routine maintenance.
The ruling is rather significant as it follows a similar verdict that was reached in May last year which prevented Oi Nuclear Power Plant (also in Fukui) from going online. According to Higuchi’s decision, Japan’s revised safety regulations are “too lax and nonsensical”, thus satisfying the requirements would not necessarily ensure the nuclear plant’s safety. “We should not discuss electricity costs on par with our right to live”, he added. Furthermore he states that “a nation’s wealth not only consists of land with bountiful resources but also the people who live in it. Such an irretrievable loss is consequently a great loss in national wealth.” Moreover, he emphasized how important it is to respect “personal rights.”

We, the Anglican/Episcopal Church in Japan have adopted a resolution, “For a World without Nuclear Power Plants – The Anglican/Episcopal Church in Japan Opposed to Nuclear Power Generation,” at our General Synod in May 2012. We need to once again bear the resolution in mind; “The nuclear crisis — threatens the life of all creatures,” pointing out that it is part of the Christian mission to protect God-given lives, both humans and other living creatures. When God created this world with humans in it, we humans were commissioned to take good care of nature and lives created in it. We are expected to cultivate land, keep livestock, and let lives flourish on earth. Although in reality we grew more and more arrogant, developing nature as we want to, even to the point of its destruction.
The very nature of nuclear weapons and nuclear power generation has surpassed our knowledge and human limitations. We are still at loss as to how to manage spent fuel rods that was once used in reactors. And that brings another important question: How do we dispose other radioactive waste? It is getting out of hand as the amount of contaminated water continues to rise. These concerns remain unaddressed at this point.

Despite it all Japan’s government and power companies are adamant in promoting nuclear power as a “economical source of electricity.” The true cost of such “cheap” electricity is no illusion and there is certainly more than meets the eye. Eventually, who are the ones that are benefiting from utilizing such dangerous technology? Will God ever permit us to jeopardize the habitat of all living creatures on Earth over greed for economic profits?

To donate to us:◆ Postal transfer account with Japan Post: 00120-0-78536 Account holder: Nippon Sei Ko Kai (NSKK) Please clearly state in the transfer slip “Donation to the Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation” Or: ◆ Account Name；NIPPON SEI KO KAI ◆ Address;65 Yarai-cho, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo  162-0805   JAPAN ◆ Account Number；4515547 ◆ Bank Name；The Bank of Tokyo-Mitsubishi UFJ, LTD. Branch Name；Iidabashi ◆Bank Address;3-7 Kagurazaka, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo  162-0825   JAPAN

Koriyama Still Beleaguered by Radiation Woes

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Several explosions occurred at the Fukushima I NPP from March 12^th till 15^th 2011, following the earthquake and tsunami. At the time of writing, four years and three months have passed since then. The central government has been fast-tracking its efforts in lifting evacuation restrictions in areas near the hazard zones around Fukushima I to encourage evacuees to return home as the 5^th year is approaching.

The Anglican/Episcopal Church in Japan’s Daiji ni Tohoku (Take Care, Tohoku)” project had been concluded at the end of May and the Church’s activities related to the Fukushima meltdown are now being integrated into the Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation (based in Hayama, Koriyama City) Thus, the “Daijini Tohoku” project is changing its name to “Kore kara mo Daiji ni Tohoku (Take Care, Tohoku, in the Future Too)” and operating at a smaller scale with a management office located inside Christ Church Cathedral (Sendai). Though scaled down, the renamed project will remain in close collaboration with the Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation. It has tasks ranging from work at Onahama Support Center, planning recuperation programs targeted at kindergarten children and their parents, opening of the new Shinchi Center in Minami-soma, and work at Gangoya Temporary Housing. Moreover, the Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation would continue its run till the next General Synod in June 2016 to re-examine the project’s objectives.

I would also like to take this opportunity to speak of the plight of children at St. Paul’s Kindergarten. At first glance, things might seem normal but the green grass seen in the photo, however, is actually artificial grass. It is unfortunate that some children had graduated from St. Paul’s without enjoying themselves outdoors or play in the sandbox during 3 years they spent there. In response to outpouring requests, the playground was redone and covered with artificial grass. This was accomplished 2 years ago after careful deliberation by the kindergarten’s board of directors – at the expense of 12 million yen.

When the playground was finally unveiled, all of people involved in the scheme were so moved with tears in their eyes saying, “At long last, we have made it come true, Reverend!” It resonates so vividly in mind. Alas, beneath the artificial grass where children play energetically, lies layers of contaminated soil all covered using waterproof sheets. Although relevant authorities have mentioned that they will have such soil removed in 5 years’ time, nothing has been done since then. Heaps of contaminated soil are packed in black vinyl bags then placed in tile drainage pipes, as seen in the photo, which is quite a common sight here in Koriyama.

Even 5 years on, we cannot be lax in our effort to protect the children in our care. Before the children arrive every morning, the kindergarten is cleaned inside and out, a practice that still continues today. And the length of the children’s playtime outdoors is carefully observed based on wind velocity and its direction since the young ones are particularly sensitive to adverse effects of radiation. Furthermore, radioactivity levels are regularly measured in the surroundings and the results are published on the kindergarten’s website in order to keep parents informed. They are absolutely committed in taking all necessary precautions to keep the children away from radiation hazards.

The help and support of many people have made it possible for us to continue holding recuperation (“refresh”) programs to allow children to enjoy outdoors without worries. Under the program, participants visit distant places far away from home – running freely in the fields, enjoying themselves absentmindedly and also in full spirits. The accompanying teachers too are full of smiles. As this suggests, the reality of what used to be the norm for the children remains unchanged at present. We humbly ask all of you, dear readers to continue to pray and watch over them.

Reverend Kenzo Koshiyama, Executive Member of the Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation

Project on Nuclear Power and Radiation This project is run by a steering committee founded for the “Let’s Walk Together” Project and the 2012 General Synod resolution, “For a World without Nuclear Power Plants,” of the Anglican Episcopal Church in Japan (NSKK). Steering committee members: Revd. Kiyoshi Nomura (Chair), Revd. Akira Iwaki, Revd. Kenzo Koshiyama, Revd. Makito Aizawa, Revd. Tazuru Sasamori, Ms. Hiroko Miyawaki Secretary General: Ms. Kay Ikezumi 2-9-23, Hayama, Koriyama City, Fukushima Prefecture Phone: +81-249-53-5987    Fax: 050-3411-7085

 

The Great Divide of Justice

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“A bruised reed he will not break, and a smoldering wick he will not quench, until he brings justice to victory” (Gospel of Matthew, 12:20)

Reverend Kotaro Takara

Two-third of Henoko’s Oura Bay in Okinawa is currently surrounded by yellow floats joined using wires. It indicates the construction site of a new US military base. The Coast Guard’s high speed rafts scurry within the perimeter while fishing boats with Coast Guard officers onboard are also mooring just outside the boundaries from dawn to dusk. Local fishermen who loan their boats out to the officers receive 50,000 yen a day. Speaking to various local fishermen, “Now that’s a lot of money right there, for sure,” remarked wistfully by those who did not rent their boats to the Coast Guard. But with feisty spirits added: “I’ve got no intention whatsoever to sell my soul for money,” they bellowed with stern looks on their faces; a sentiment which many seem to share. So fishermen who rented their boats to the officers counter-argued saying, “You don’t get 50,000 yen a day just by fishing!”, but there have been rumors that without their boats, the fishermen are drunk all day long. It seems inevitable that local residents are divided over policies by the central government.
Meanwhile, protesters continue to camp out in tents and sit-in at the front gate of the US Marine Corps’ Camp Schwab, sharing the common belief in individual human rights no matter how aggressive the US servicemen or riot police becomes. In one of the tents, there is a photo of Mr. Shoko Ahagon saying a prayer, with his head bowed down. He was a leading figure in Okinawa land struggles against the US military. They are excellent examples of the non-resistance movement and Ahagon always maintained his composure during negotiations while respecting US military servicemen rights. The protest in Henoko strictly adheres by his examples. Time and time again, leaders who spearhead the demonstrations remind participants never to hurl abusive language or show insulting behaviors toward their opponent; instead their determination is revived by wanting to seek justice against unreason. They wholeheartedly support Governor Takeshi Onaga, who has been leading the movement against US military bases. At the entrance of US Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station, numerous elderly people are seen joining the protest to make their voices heard. Not only that, various civilians and clergies from different churches join in for a gospel chorus every Monday evening at the demonstration. These gatherings are calling for the people who were once divided, to come together and be united once more.

Sign of the Times
– Column on Current Issues

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“Who are you together with during your happiest moments?”

I was conversing with Ms. K, a 99-year-old refugee from Namie-machi, a town close to Fukushima I, who is currently living in temporary housing nearby my church. “Who are you with when you feel cheerful?” I asked. She then replied; “When all of you are here,” while her daughter Ms. H responded, “When I’m with my grandchildren.” Till 4 years ago, she was living with her grandchildren, watching them grow up. The NPP meltdown left them no choice but to live apart from one another. In May, her grandchildren came to visit and spent 2 nights with her. She was pleased about the visit but has mixed feelings as well.

Furthermore, the lives and wellbeing of refugees were severely affected due to the prolonged strain of living in temporary housing; cumulative death toll attributed to the Fukushima meltdown as of May 11^th has reached 1,899 and the figure exceeds the 1,604 victims who perished in the earthquake and tsunami. Mental strain-related deaths among refugees are on the rise, claiming nearly 200 lives every year. There are more than 110,000 refugees living somewhere in or out of the prefecture, while relevant temporary housing accommodates only 23,794 refugees (according to statistics as of February 2015). They are on the brink, both mentally and physically worn out as they continue to face a future filled with constant uncertainties, living life devoid of the “right to the pursuit of happiness” and the “right to life” bestowed by the Japanese Constitution. For them, it is not easy to regain the happiness many take for granted – to be living together with their families.
(M. N.)