Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

makoto · Jan 14, 2012

Please see previous thread here:
Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis - Units 1 - 6 Reports, News, Graphics - November 1, 2011 +
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showthread.php?t=175809

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

workers in reactor building 4
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jaqJtwXP4lo?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

survey
<iframe width="420" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/B728gRMdrAc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
http://www.nttfukushima.com/live/tomioka/Default.html

Regarding the series "Trap of Prometheus" of Asahi Newspaper

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/topics/12011301-e.html
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NHK world

Over 90% of Japan's reactors to be offline

This week another nuclear reactor in Japan will be shut down for regular inspections. With this addition to the list, more than 90 percent of the reactors in the country will be out of service.

Friday, January 13, 2012 02:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_01.html

Japan to study ways to comply with Iran sanctions

Friday, January 13, 2012 06:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_04.html

Japan, US, S.Korea to discuss N.Korea next week

Friday, January 13, 2012 06:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_06.html

TEPCO deposits $1.5 bil. at legal affairs bureau

The operator of the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has deposited 120-billion yen, or around 1.56-billion dollars, with the state in place of insurance coverage.

Friday, January 13, 2012 19:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_26.html

INPEX to invest in Australian LNG project

Major Japanese developer INPEX Corporation is to begin a liquefied natural gas project off the Australian coast.

Friday, January 13, 2012 19:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120113_28.html
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Yomiuri online

Quake victims to lose unemployment aid

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120112006774.htm
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AJW

Natural ice sculptures take shape at Fukushima lake

INAWASHIRO, Fukushima Prefecture--Glorious natural ice sculptures called ?shibuki-gori? (splash ice) were on full display Jan. 12 at Tenjinhama beach on Lake Inawashiroko in Fukushima Prefecture.

Natural ice sculptures called ?shibuki-gori? are formed on trees lining Lake Inawashiroko in Fukushima Prefecture. (Gen Hashimoto)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201201130009

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Conference to present vision of a nuclear-free Japan

Tomoyo Nonaka knows how hard it can be to overcome resistance to new green thinking.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201130018

Panel: Nuclear watchdog relies too much on plant makers

Japan?s nuclear power plant watchdog relies too much on information from manufacturers when assessing plants? safety and faces an age crisis among its inspectors, according to a third-party report published Jan. 12.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201130042
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Hosono to visit U.S., France to explain Fukushima plant situation

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Nuclear disaster minister Goshi Hosono will make a five-day trip to the United States and France next week to explain the current situation at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant and ongoing efforts to reform the country's nuclear safety regulations, the government said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm005000c.html

Special unemployment benefits to end for 4,000 quake-hit people

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm010000c.html

TEPCO to seek hike in household electricity charges in March or later

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. Executive Vice President Takashi Fujimoto said Thursday that the utility will seek permission from the government to raise household electricity charges in March or later, after discussing the matter with a state-backed entity providing financial support to the beleaguered utility.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm011000c.html

Fukushima city says radiation dose level unlikely to harm health

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The average radiation exposure of some 37,000 residents in Fukushima city following the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant came to 0.26 millisieverts during the three-month period from September, the municipal government said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm013000c.html

TEPCO shareholders to sue utility's directors for 5.5 tril. yen

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The 42 shareholders of Tokyo Electric Power Co., who asked the utility's auditors in November to file a suit against 60 current and former board members alleging negligence and seeking a total of 5.5 trillion yen in damages over the Fukushima nuclear crisis, may sue the directors on their own as the company has decided not to file such a lawsuit, sources close to the matter said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm016000c.html

300 tons of tainted water found near No. 3 unit at Fukushima plant

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Around 300 tons of water contaminated with relatively high amounts of radioactive substances has been found in an underground tunnel near the No. 3 unit at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the plant's operator said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm020000c.html

Japan yet to decide on cutting Iran oil imports, Gemba suggests

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm073000c.html

Japan, France agree to step up cooperation on Iran

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm121000c.html

Top 2 Kyushu Electric executives to resign April 1 over scandal

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Kyushu Electric Power Co. President Toshio Manabe and Chairman Shingo Matsuo will resign on April 1 over a scandal involving the company manipulating public opinion on nuclear power generation, the utility said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2g00m0dm119000c.html

TEPCO looks to become nationalized to gain taxpayer funds as expenses balloon

The troubled Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the operator of the disaster-crippled Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, has begun looking into the possibility of being nationalized through an injection of taxpayer funds to cover snowballing expenses in the aftermath of the nuclear disaster.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2a00m0na009000c.html

Nuke administrative agency ordered to produce own inspection manual

The Japan Nuclear Energy Safety Organization (JNES), an incorporated administrative agency tasked with inspecting Japan's nuclear facilities, has been ordered to produce an independent inspection manual and end its reliance on inspection manuals made by nuclear power plant operators.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2a00m0na014000c.html

3 nabbed over fake contract for nuclear repair work in Fukui

FUKUOKA -- Police have arrested three people for allegedly dispatching a worker to the Oi Nuclear Power Plant in Fukui Prefecture under a falsified contract, sparking a police probe into the yakuza's possible involvement in nuclear-related jobs, investigative sources say.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/13/20120113p2a00m0na015000c.html
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Jiji press

Taisei, Toshiba, Sojitz to Conduct Solar Power Study in Fukushima

Tokyo, Jan. 13 (Jiji Press)--Taisei Corp. <1801>, Toshiba Corp. <6502> and Sojitz Corp. <2768> said Friday that they have won an Environment Ministry contract to conduct a feasibility study for a planned photovoltaic power plant project in the Fukushima Prefecture city of Minamisoma that was devastated by the March 11 disaster.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011300879

All Reactors at Shikoku Electric Halted for Regular Checkups

Matsuyama, Ehime Pref., Jan. 13 (Jiji Press)--Shikoku Electric Power Co. <9507> on Friday halted the No. 2 reactor of its nuclear power plant in Ikata, Ehime Prefecture, western Japan, for regular checkups.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011300709

More Fukushima Rice Found to Contain Above-Limit Cesium

Fukushima, Jan. 13 (Jiji Press)--Fukushima Prefecture said Friday that glutinous rice produced in the town of Kawamata has been found to contain radioactive cesium exceeding the state-set provisional limit of 500 becquerels per kilogram.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011400015
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JMA

00:26 JST 13 Jan 2012 36.7N 142.1E very shallow M4.8 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120113003006391-130026.html

02:41 JST 13 Jan 2012 37.7N 141.8E 40 km M4.1 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120113024506391-130241.html

12:28 JST 13 Jan 2012 37.8N 141.8E 50 km M4.2 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120113123233391-131228.html

22:48 JST 13 Jan 2012 37.7N 141.9E 20 km M4.4 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120113225227391-132248.html

makoto · Jan 14, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

Fukushima on 14 Jan

left side of reactor 1

reactors 1,2

reactors 2,3

reactor 3

reactors 3,4

reactor 4

reactors 5,6

ship

makoto · Jan 15, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

workers in reactor building 4
*x20 speed
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/3p65jMlg7Uc?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg
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NHK world

Nuclear power free conference opens in Yokohama

A 2-day global conference to call for a nuclear free world opened in Yokohama on Saturday.

Saturday, January 14, 2012 19:24 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120114_22.html

Former PM attends Fukushima accident hearing

Former Prime Minister Naoto Kan has attended a meeting of a Japanese civic group that is investigating the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Saturday, January 14, 2012 23:13 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120114_24.html
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AJW

radiation soil storage area in Minamisoma city, Fukushima
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/U4UOKpCqdks?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Electronics firms show off 'green' products in Las Vegas

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy/environment/AJ201201140028

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Anti-nuke energy conference starts in Yokohama

YOKOHAMA--Speeches, singing and a march through Yokohama's port side area: Those are among events scheduled for just the opening day of the Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World that got under way Jan. 14 and closes the day after.

Participants check in at the Jan. 14 start of the two-day Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World in Yokohama. (Louis Templado)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201140046

One-third of Namie evacuees expect to never return home

In March, the residents of Namie, a town in Fukushima Prefecture, were forced to evacuate after the accident at the nearby nuclear power plant.

A response from a woman over 80 says "I want to die in my home in Namie." (Yoichiro Kodera)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201140042
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Inpex, Total announce LNG project in Australia

TOKYO (AP) -- Japanese oil company Inpex Corp. is investing $34 billion with French partner Total SA in a natural gas project in Australia.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/14/20120114p2g00m0bu090000c.html

Tensions high, US warns Iran not to block shipping

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/14/20120114p2g00m0in057000c.html

Japan yet to decide on cutting Iran oil imports, Noda says

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/14/20120114p2g00m0dm017000c.html

Evacuees can take contractors on visits to homes near Fukushima plant

FUKUSHIMA (Kyodo) -- The government said Friday it will allow evacuees from areas located within 20 kilometers of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant to visit their homes with contractors for purposes such as cleaning and repairs.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/14/20120114p2g00m0dm013000c.html

Operating rate of Japan's nuclear reactors falls to 38% in 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The operating rate of 54 commercial nuclear reactors in Japan fell to 38.0 percent in 2011 from 68.3 percent in the previous year in the wake of the March earthquake and tsunami and the subsequent nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, a survey by the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum showed Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/14/20120114p2g00m0dm014000c.html

All 3 nuclear reactors in Shikoku suspended

IKATA, Ehime -- Operations at all three nuclear reactors in Shikoku have been suspended as the last one was stopped for a regular inspection on Jan. 13.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/14/20120114p2a00m0na008000c.html
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Sankei news

Bangehatsuichi festival in Aizubange town, Fukushima pref
218 evacuees live in Aizubange town
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DAkpFOGkvoQ?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

makoto · Jan 15, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

15:39
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg
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NHK world

Japan to enhance control on nuclear proliferation

Nuclear crisis minister Goshi Hosono has pledged to enhance the international effort to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Sunday, January 15, 2012 12:19 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120115_12.html

Irradiated gravel used for Fukushima condominium

Officials in Fukushima Prefecture say they have detected high levels of radiation in a new building. They say a construction material may have been tainted with radioactive substances from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Sunday, January 15, 2012 22:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120115_28.html

today's NHK program

from the sea

reactor building 4

merci ? LJBxMfj+
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Yomiuri online

Entrance exams begin for university hopefuls

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120114003874.htm
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AJW

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Tokiko Kato gives voice to anti-nuclear power movement

YOKOHAMA--Folk singers in the 1960s and 1970s called for change, and one of the most renowned in Japan, Tokiko Kato, is still going strong, emerging as the voice of the Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World in Yokohama.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201150015

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Fukushima boy wants Japan to be reactor free

YOKOHAMA--An elementary schoolboy forced to evacuate from his home in nuclear accident-stricken Fukushima Prefecture called for a Japan without reactors at an international conference in Yokohama for a nuclear power free world.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201150011

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Conference calls for quick exit from nuclear power

YOKOHAMA--Sending a pointed and powerful message, the Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World on Jan. 15 adopted a declaration calling for a world free of nuclear plants, signed by 311 dignitaries, to mark the March 11 date of the Great East Japan Earthquake.

Katsunobu Sakurai, mayor of Minami-Soma in Fukushima Prefecture, speaks at the Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World on Jan. 15. (Louis Templado)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201150019
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Mainichi jp(kyodo, AP)

Antinuclear conference urges the need to phase out nuclear power

YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Politicians and civic activists from around the world gathered for a two-day antinuclear conference Saturday in Yokohama, urging the need to phase out nuclear power and shift to green energy by learning from nuclear disasters in Fukushima and around the world.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/15/20120115p2g00m0dm021000c.html

Antinuclear conference calls for full support of victims in Fukushima

YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) -- Citizens, politicians and scientists attending an antinuclear conference called Sunday for sufficient support to be provided to those affected by the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/15/20120115p2g00m0dm075000c.html

makoto · Jan 16, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

06:59
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

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NHK world

No radiation standards set for gravel shipments

Japan's industry ministry says it has set no radiation standards for gravel shipments from areas affected by the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Monday, January 16, 2012 06:06 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_02.html

Iran warns Gulf oil producing nations

Monday, January 16, 2012 06:09 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_04.html

Rally held against oldest nuclear plant in France

A demonstration was held on Sunday near France's oldest nuclear power plant, demanding the immediate shutdown of the facility.

Monday, January 16, 2012 09:42 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_10.html

Concrete sold to over 200 firms may be tainted

The Japanese government is investigating the distribution of crushed stones that may contain radioactivity from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. It has found that concrete made of the stones has been sold to more than 200 firms.

Monday, January 16, 2012 13:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_14.html

Shareholders to sue TEPCO executives

Tokyo Electric Power Company shareholders will be suing the utility's current and former executives over the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.

Monday, January 16, 2012 18:36 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_25.html

TEPCO submits results of first stress test

Tokyo Electric Power Company has submitted to the government the results of stress tests on 2 nuclear reactors along the Japan Sea coast.

Monday, January 16, 2012 19:20 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120116_27.html

Blackout in Edogawa ward, Tokyo
There was no electricity for about 4 hours

merci à B5BnbxUk
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Yomiuri online

Electronics giants turn to smart cities / Companies aim to build eco-friendly, energy-efficient communities

Hitachi, Ltd., Toshiba Corp. and other major electronics makers are increasingly turning their sights toward "smart city" projects designed to create eco-friendly, energy-efficient communities.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T120115001472.htm

NISA to endorse stress test results on Oi nuclear plant

The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has decided to endorse the results of first-stage stress tests submitted by Kansai Electric Power Co. regarding the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at its Oi nuclear power plant, sources said.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120115003367.htm

Decontamination site in no-go area shown to press

MINAMI-SOMA, Fukushima--A decontamination model project at a site in Minami-Soma City, Fukushima Prefecture, is successfully reducing radiation levels by burying contaminated soil, according to officials involved in the project.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120115003689.htm
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ANN

Blackout in Edogawa ward, Tokyo
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/eugOGo6DuwA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> japanese
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AJW

Strawberry farm reopens, smiles return to children in tsunami-stricken Soma

SOMA, Fukushima Prefecture—The tsunami-hit Wada pick-your-own strawberry farm in Soma, Fukushima Prefecture, held a reopening ceremony on Jan. 15 attended by local nursery school children.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201201160030

Hosono: Stop storing spent nuclear fuel rods in reactor buildings

Goshi Hosono, state minister in charge of the nuclear disaster, will ask electric power companies to stop storing spent fuel rods inside their reactor buildings, a setup that compounded the crisis at the Fukushima plant.

Fuel assemblies in the spent fuel storage pool at the No. 4 reactor building at the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant (Provided by Tokyo Electric Power Co.)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201160067

Evacuees may move due to radioactive concrete

Concrete with high radiation levels was likely used for the foundation of an apartment building in Fukushima Prefecture, forcing the builder to find new homes for some of the tenants, which include many evacuees from the nuclear accident.

Concrete used in this apartment in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, is apparently contaminated with high radiation levels. (Gen Hashimoto)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201160062
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry bureaucrats weigh in on nuclear crisis, TPP

Many of the highly debated issues we face today, such as the nuclear disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant and the subsequent call for reduced dependence on nuclear power, and the government's decision to enter the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) negotiations, are under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). Amid the turmoil, what is going on in the minds of METI bureaucrats?

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2012/01/20120116p2a00m0na008000c.html

Natural gas price plunge aids families, businesses

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/16/20120116p2g00m0bu073000c.html

11 people live in no-entry zone within 20 km of Fukushima plant

FUKUSHIMA (Kyodo) -- Eleven people still live in the government-designated no-entry zone within a 20-kilometer radius of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant despite a threat of radiation exposure, municipalities officials said Sunday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/16/20120116p2g00m0dm010000c.html

Naoto Matsumura, he has lived alone in the town of Tomioka
<iframe width="300" height="182" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/b1c8KlmvclY?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe> japanese

City to sell floating storage used at Fukushima to TEPCO

SHIZUOKA (Kyodo) -- The municipal government of Shizuoka said Monday it has agreed to sell an artificial floating platform called a megafloat, used to transfer radioactive water at the troubled Fukushima Daiichi plant, for some 510 million yen to Tokyo Electric Power Co.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/16/20120116p2g00m0dm119000c.html

TEPCO submits safety test results on reactors 1st time

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. on Monday submitted to the government results of the first round of safety tests on reactors at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture, a required process for reactivating reactors after the Fukushima nuclear accident.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/16/20120116p2g00m0dm122000c.html

Opponents of Hamaoka nuclear plant restart gain momentum

SHIZUOKA -- A growing number of municipalities near the suspended Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture are up in arms about plans by operator Chubu Electric Power Co. to restart the plant.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/16/20120116p2a00m0na011000c.html

Radioactive gravel likely shipped to over 200 companies

Radioactive gravel thought responsible for high radiation readings in a new apartment complex in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, was likely shipped to over 200 companies, making its way into apartments, bridges, and possibly temporary homes for evacuees, according to government investigators.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/16/20120116p2a00m0na015000c.html
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Jiji press

High Radiation Detected in New Condo in Fukushima

Fukushima Pref., Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--High levels of radiation have been detected in a newly constructed apartment building and a repaired agricultural waterway in the city of Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, it was learned Monday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011600447

Shizuoka to Sell Megafloat to TEPCO for 509 M. Yen

Shizuoka, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--The central Japan city of Shizuoka said Monday it has reached a tentative accord to sell for 509 million yen a giant floating structure to Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501>, which has already been used for the temporary storage of radiation-tainted water at the utility's stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011600592

U.S. Envoy Visits TEPCO's Stricken N-Plant

Fukushima, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos visited Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s <9501> stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant on Monday in his first trip to the northeastern Japan prefecture of Fukushima since the catastrophic earthquake and tsunami on last March 11.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011600683

TEPCO Submits N-Reactor Stress Test Results

Tokyo, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> submitted Monday the results of primary nuclear reactor stress tests for the No. 1 and No. 7 reactors at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011600725

Japan Civic Group Wins 61,000 Signs for Osaka Nuclear Referendum

Osaka, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--A Japanese civic group submitted Monday roughly 61,000 signatures demanding a referendum on nuclear power plants to election boards in the western city of Osaka.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011600816

TEPCO Rejects Shareholder Calls to Sue Execs over Nuke Accident

Tokyo, Jan. 16 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> has rejected calls from 42 shareholders to seek damages from a total of 60 current and former company executives over the accident at its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power station, it was learned Monday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011600824

makoto · Jan 17, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

07:22
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

Press Release http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/12011706-e.html
__________________________________________________________
NHK world

Fukushima to help residents in contaminated condo

Officials in Fukushima Prefecture will support residents living in an apartment building where contaminated concrete was used.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 07:57 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120117_08.html

Japan, Ukraine to cooperate on nuclear accidents

Japan is aiming to conclude a bilateral agreement with Ukraine to cooperate on nuclear accidents.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 07:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120117_04.html

Netanyahu calls for tougher sanctions on Iran

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 11:05 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120117_12.html

Concrete material distribution to be probed

Japan's central government and Fukushima Prefecture plan to investigate the distribution of gravel from quarries possibly tainted with radiation from the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 13:40 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120117_18.html

Tokyo Electric to hike corporate user fees by 17%

Tokyo Electric Power Company, or TEPCO, has announced that it will raise electricity rates by an average 17 percent for corporate users, starting in April.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 19:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120117_25.html

Japan hopes for more tourists from S. Korea

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 19:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120117_27.html i hope for more from world

Preparations going on for reactor endoscopy

Preparations are under way to use an endoscope to examine the inside of a containment vessel of the damaged No. 2 reactor at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Tuesday, January 17, 2012 20:26 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120117_24.html
___________________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Radioactive concrete found in new condo

FUKUSHIMA--High levels of radiation have been detected in a condominium building in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture, which was built in July using concrete mixed with material taken from an evacuation zone created in the aftermath of Japan's nuclear crisis, the city announced.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120116005260.htm
_____________________________________________________________
AJW

Cleanup drags on at radium hot spot in Tokyo's Setagaya

The entrance to a supermarket in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward is blocked off. A note informs shoppers that the store is closed until it is confirmed to be safe.

Removal work continues at the supermarket in Tokyo' s Setagaya Ward where bottles containing radium were found in November. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201201170001

Ministry to track shipments of contaminated stone

The industry ministry will investigate the distribution routes of crushed stone with possible high radioactive levels shipped by 17 quarry operators and stone crushers in Fukushima Prefecture.

Stones in the inventory of stone crusher Futaba Saiseki Kogyo remain stored Jan. 16 under this roofing in Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, within the confines of the government-designated planned evacuation zone. (Gen Hashimoto)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201170051
___________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Iran bans foreign currency trading on the street

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0bu104000c.html

Iran makes arrests in killing of nuclear scientist

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0in096000c.html

Hong Kong lowers travel warnings for Japan

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm025000c.html

U.S. envoy reiterates pledge to support Japan as it rebuilds

IWAKI, Japan (Kyodo) -- U.S. Ambassador John Roos reiterated Monday that the United States will continue to support Japan as an ally, as the crisis-hit country moves toward reconstruction 10 months on from the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm028000c.html

New probe vows to cut deeper in Japan nuke crisis

TOKYO (AP) -- A newly formed investigative panel on Japan's nuclear disaster will use its subpoena powers wisely and cut deeper into the accident than the government's probe, the leader of the independent commission said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm033000c.html

Gov't to retain powers to order evacuation in crisis-hit areas

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government has finalized its decision to seek the amendment of a law to allow it to retain the power to issue evacuation orders and set evacuation zones even if it lifts the state of emergency when the crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant is resolved, government sources said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm034000c.html

TEPCO sees no board member as responsible for Fukushima disaster

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co., in a document sent by Monday to its shareholders, denies that any current or former board members hold responsibility for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant disaster triggered by the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm036000c.html

Radiation-dispersal data was provided to U.S. before Japanese public

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's science ministry provided data on the dispersal of radioactive materials to U.S. forces a few days after the nuclear crisis erupted at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant, far earlier than the disclosure of the information to the Japanese public, a ministry official said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm037000c.html

Japan's Dec. power output down for 10th month

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The amount of power generated and purchased by Japan's 10 utilities in December fell 1.3 percent from a year earlier to 83.65 billion kilowatt-hours, down for the 10th straight month, an industry body said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm100000c.html

Gov't tracking distribution of contaminated Fukushima stone: Edano

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government will speed up its effort to track distribution routes of radiation-contaminated stone from quarries in Fukushima Prefecture after a high radiation level was detected at a condominium building built recently with concrete made using stone collected near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, the industry minister said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm152000c.html

Government tries to find structures where radioactive gravel was used

The national government will try to find all structures where 5,200 metric tons of highly radioactive gravel from near the crisis-hit Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant was used and measure the radiation levels there, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2a00m0na016000c.html

TEPCO announces 17% rise in electricity charges for companies

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Tuesday it will seek an average 17 percent rise in electricity charges for corporate users to finance growing fuel costs stemming from boosting thermal power generation in the wake of the disastrous accident at its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/17/20120117p2g00m0dm160000c.html
__________________________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan N-Plant Operating Rate Hits Record Low in Dec.

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--The nuclear power plant operating rate in Japan in December dropped 4.9 percentage points month on month to 15.2 pct, the lowest level since 1977, the oldest year for which comparable data are available, the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan said Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011700959

Tohoku Electric Wins 120-B.-Yen Credit Line

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--A total of 37 financial institutions will provide a 120-billion-yen credit line for disaster-hit Tohoku Electric Power Co. <9506>, the Development Bank of Japan said Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011701019

TEPCO Announces 17 Pct Rate Hike for Biz Users

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> said Tuesday it will raise electricity rates for business users by 17 pct on average from April to help cover higher fuel costs.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011701396

5 Companies to Build "Smart City" in Sendai

Sendai, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--Hitachi Ltd. <6501> and four Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Corp. <9432> group companies will set up a joint company to develop an environmentally friendly "smart city" in Sendai as part of projects to reconstruct the northeastern city hit hard by the earthquake and tsunami on March 11 last year, it was learned Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011701465

Japan Eyes Extensive Natural Gas Pipeline Network

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry launched discussions Tuesday on the establishment of a natural gas pipeline network linking Japanese cities in order to ensure stable gas supplies in times of large-scale natural disaster.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011700904

U.S. Envoy Promises to Support Fukushima Reconstruction

Fukushima, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos on Tuesday promised anew that his country will support the reconstruction of disaster-hit Fukushima Prefecture as much as possible.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011700945

Japan Probing Distributions of Crushed Stones in Fukushima

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government has started investigating the distribution channels of crushed stones from quarries near Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s <9501> crippled Fukushima No. 1 power plant, officials said Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011700929

IAEA Mission to Visit Japan from Monday

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency will visit Japan from Monday to examine whether nuclear reactor stress tests conducted by power firms are adequate, Japanese industry minister Yukio Edano said Tuesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011701028

Another Decontamination Worker Dies in Fukushima

Fukushima, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--A 59-year-old man died during radiation decontamination work in Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, on Tuesday, the Japan Atomic Energy Agency said.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011701498 RIP

Japan's Nuclear Supervisory Panel to Get Investigative Power

Tokyo, Jan. 17 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government said Tuesday that a council to supervise a planned new nuclear safety agency will have the power to conduct investigations in the case of nuclear accidents.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011701487
_____________________________________________________________
Sankei news

ｌast night, Blackout in Edogawa ward

makoto · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

Fukushima on 17 Jan

reactors 1,2

reactor 2

reactors 2,3

reactor 3

reactor 4

right side of reactor 4

reactors 5,6

makoto · Jan 18, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

07:05
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

[Reference] Inspection Status at Minami-iwaki Switching Station
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/fukushima-np/images/handouts_120118_03-e.pdf
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/12011803-e.html
__________________________________________________________
NHK world

Iran rejects US warning over strait closing

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 01:37 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_02.html

Evaluation of "stress tests" to be disclosed

Japan's nuclear safety agency will announce on Wednesday that the safety tests for two nuclear reactors were appropriate.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 07:06 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_04.html

IAEA to send experts to check stress tests

The international nuclear watchdog plans to dispatch experts to Japan to check the government's evaluation of safety tests for reactors.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 08:23 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_08.html

Iran to accept nuclear inspection team from 29th

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 09:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_09.html

Govt to allow 20-yr extension to nuke plants

The Japanese government has said that the lifespan of nuclear power plants can be extended up to 20 years beyond the currently proposed 40-year limit.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 09:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_10.html

Japan, US, S.Korea discuss N.Korea

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 11:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_16.html

Govt proposes nuclear evacuation scale

Japan's Nuclear Safety Commission has proposed a 3-stage scale for evacuating residents when accidents hit nuclear power plants. It urges immediate evacuation of residents living within about 5 kilometers in the most serious cases.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 12:50 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_15.html

Fukushima group urges wider compensation

Residents of Fukushima Prefecture dissatisfied with a compensation program for victims of the nuclear crisis are demanding that all those in the prefecture be compensated.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 13:44 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_18.html

Govt ramping up probe into irradiated gravel

Japan's central government and Fukushima Prefecture plan to expand their investigation into the distribution of gravel possibly contaminated with radioactive substances after the March nuclear accident.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 14:21 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_21.html

Fujimura:nuke life extension will be limited

Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura says there has been no basic change in the government's policy to limit the life of nuclear power plants to 40 years.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 14:34 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_22.html

Nuclear power' life extension criticized

Local Japanese officials are voicing criticism over the central government's plan to extend the life of the nation's nuclear power plants to a maximum of 60 years.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 19:10 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_31.html

Gemba says Japan open to dialogue with Iran

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 19:25 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_37.html

Govt says stress tests were appropriate

Japan's government panel says the safety tests for 2 nuclear reactors were appropriate. It is the first case where the government has given an assessment of such tests.

Wednesday, January 18, 2012 22:11 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120118_39.html
_______________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Building contamination spreads / Radioactive materials used to repair road and waterway in Fukushima

Contaminated crushed stone pieces taken from a quarry in the government's expanded evacuation zone following the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant have been used to repair an irrigation channel and a road outside a school in Nihonmatsu City, Fukushima Prefecture.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120117005266.htm
______________________________________________________________
AJW

Lack of backup systems evident at Fukushima nuclear plants

A momentary voltage drop on Jan. 17 stopped the cooling equipment for storage pools containing spent fuel at the Fukushima No. 1 and No. 2 nuclear power plants, Tokyo Electric Power Co. officials said.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201180034

Revision to let nuclear plants operate for 60 years

The government is planning a legal revision that would allow nuclear power plants to operate for a maximum of 60 years before being decommissioned.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201180050

Companies balk at TEPCO’s 17% rate hike

Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s plan to raise electricity rates by an average of 17 percent has drawn criticism from industrial users, which were forced to cut consumption after the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201180040
____________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Gulf states show rising confidence to rattle Iran

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/news/20120118p2g00m0fe073000c.html

Editorial: Gov't urged to clarify where radioactive gravel has been used

The national and Fukushima prefectural governments are required to clarify where and how much radioactive gravel shipped from a rock quarry near the tsunami-hit nuclear power station has been used and how far it was contaminated.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/news/20120118p2a00m0na002000c.html

Tohoku Electric borrows 120 bil. yen in syndicated loans

SENDAI (Kyodo)-- The state-run Development Bank of Japan and regional banks in northeastern Japan said Tuesday they provided 120 billion yen to Tohoku Electric Power Co. in coordinated lending to help the regional utility cope with the aftermath of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0bu112000c.html

Gov't panel begins deliberations on wider natural gas supply network

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A subcommittee under an advisory panel to the industry minister started deliberations Tuesday on extending stable supplies of natural gas beyond suppliers' conventional service areas, particularly in times of emergency.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0bu116000c.html

Japan, S. Korea, U.S. to explore early ministerial talks on N. Korea

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0in047000c.html

Israel's Barak: Decision on Iran attack 'far off'

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0in103000c.html

Dairy firms to disclose milk inspection results to assuage concerns

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Major dairy companies plan to inspect milk on their own and disclose their findings to the public to help address concerns over radioactive contamination, industry officials said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0dm031000c.html

U.S. envoy assures Fukushima of support, cooperation on green energy

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos on Tuesday assured Fukushima Gov. Yuhei Sato that the United States is committed to doing "whatever we can" to support Fukushima's reconstruction following the March 11 disaster, including helping to spread the message that the northeastern Japanese prefecture is "open for business."

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0dm032000c.html

Foreign visitors to Japan in 2011 logs sharpest decline on record

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0dm034000c.html

Power trouble halts fuel cooling systems at Fukushima nuclear plants

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The operation of the cooling systems for the spent nuclear fuel storage facilities at the Fukushima Daiichi and Fukushima Daini nuclear power plants temporarily came to a halt Tuesday afternoon due to power transmission trouble, their operator Tokyo Electric Power Co. said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0dm043000c.html

Nuclear reactor operation period could be up to 60 years

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Japanese government said Tuesday nuclear power plant operators could extend the operational life of a reactor by up to 20 years beyond the 40-year limit to be newly introduced under the planned revision of nuclear regulations.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0dm046000c.html

Japan to consult with U.S. in reviewing nuclear fuel cycle policy

WASHINGTON (Kyodo) -- Nuclear disaster minister Goshi Hosono said Tuesday that Japan will consult with the United States in reviewing its nuclear fuel cycle policy, in terms of nuclear security and nonproliferation.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0dm071000c.html

Radiation-tainted stones used in paths near housing in Fukushima town

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Radiation-contaminated gravel and stones shipped from a quarry in the evacuation zone near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant have been used in roads and pathways around houses in a town in Fukushima Prefecture, sources with knowledge of the matter said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2g00m0dm072000c.html

Anger spreads as radioactive gravel traced to schools, public road

NIHONMATSU, Fukushima -- Anger and anxiety are spreading here after highly radioactive gravel from inside the Fukushima nuclear disaster evacuation zone was traced on Jan. 17 to several construction projects in the city, including at local schools.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2a00m0na012000c.html

Designated nuclear inspection body has board members from nuclear industry

Nearly half of the board members of the Nuclear Material Control Center (NMCC), the government-designated body to inspect nuclear materials to prevent sensitive materials from being used for military purposes, come from utility and other companies that are subject to its scrutiny and it has received cash contributions worth tens of millions of yen annually from the companies, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/18/20120118p2a00m0na015000c.html
___________________________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan, U.S., S. Korea Agree on Ministerial Talks on North

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011800371

Japan to Introduce Nuclear Accident Classification Scale

Tokyo, Jan. 18 (Jiji Press)--Japan will introduce a classification scale for nuclear plant accidents so that it can respond more speedily to serious events, government officials said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011800758

Japan Urges Iran to Give Up Nuclear Programs

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011800789

Japan Eyes New Greenhouse Gas Cut Goals

Tokyo, Jan. 18 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is considering reviewing its medium-term goal of cutting the country's greenhouse gas emissions by 25 pct by 2020 from the 1990 level, officials said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011800945

Safety Agency OKs Stress Tests on 2 N-Reactors in Fukui

Tokyo, Jan. 18 (Jiji Press)--Stress tests on two nuclear reactors in Fukui Prefecture were properly carried out and the results are valid, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said in a draft report Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011800999
_____________________________________________________
JMA

12:10 JST 18 Jan 2012 37.2N 140.7E 10 km M4.2 Fukushima-ken Hamadori

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120118121343384-181210.html

22:29 JST 18 Jan 2012 37.2N 140.8E 10 km M4.0 Fukushima-ken Hamadori

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120118223332384-182229.html

makoto · Jan 19, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

Thursday, January 19, 2012 18:14 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120119_27.html

TEPCO fails to clearly see inside damaged reactor

The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has failed in an attempt to get clear images from inside damaged reactors using fiber-optic lines.

Thursday, January 19, 2012 20:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120119_28.html

Possibly contaminated stone used at work sites

Fukushima Prefecture says crushed stone possibly contaminated with radioactive substances due to the nuclear accident was used at 10 public works construction sites. Relatively high levels of radioactivity have been detected at one of the sites.

Thursday, January 19, 2012 20:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120119_30.html
___________________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Panel: evacuation system unreliable / Government group says SPEEDI cannot accurately predict radiation spread

A government commission evaluating guidelines on nuclear disaster management released a plan Wednesday asking authorities to refrain from using SPEEDI, a computer system that judges whether residents should evacuate based on its predictions of radioactive fallout after a nuclear accident.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120118006400.htm

N-reactor lifespan to be 60 yrs

The government has decided it will allow the nation's nuclear power reactors to continue operations for a maximum of 60 years by extending the legally permitted period by 20 years as an exceptional measure.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120118006642.htm
_____________________________________________________________
AJW

Endoscope looks inside marred nuclear reactor
*THE ASSOCIATED PRESS

Workers inserted a remote-controlled endoscope inside a damaged Japanese nuclear reactor Jan. 19, hoping the first look inside since the tsunami disaster helps them better assess conditions and make repairs.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201190066

Endoscope fails to reach water at Fukushima reactor

A remote-controlled endoscope with a thermometer showed the temperature inside the No. 2 reactor of the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant on Jan. 19 was about 45 degrees, Tokyo Electric Power Co. said.

A remote-controlled endoscope was inserted in this pipe connected to the containment vessel of the No. 2 reactor at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant on Jan. 19. (Provided by TEPCO)

The exterior of the damaged No. 2 and 3 reactors at Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in November. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201190067

NISA approves results of stress tests for 2 Oi reactors

The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) on Jan. 18 described as “appropriate” the results of stress tests on two reactors in Fukui Prefecture, its first appraisal since the nuclear accident in Fukushima Prefecture.

A member of a household in Fukushima Prefecture, partnering in the joint study by The Asahi Shimbun and Kyoto University, pours miso soup for supper into a sample container on Dec. 4. (Hiroki Endo)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201190032
________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo,AP)

Foreign visitors to Japan in 2011 logs sharpest decline on record

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/news/20120119p2g00m0dm143000c.html

Nuke safety agency under fire for hasty approval of reactor reactivation

The green light that the nuclear power regulator has given to the reactivation of two reactors before the government issues a final report on the ongoing Fukushima crisis has sparked criticism from citizens' organizations as well as experts.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/news/20120119p2a00m0na006000c.html

Global economic losses from disasters in 2011 total $366 bil.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2g00m0bu130000c.html

Toshiba wins order for steam turbine, generator in U.S.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2g00m0bu136000c.html

Iranian lawmaker: Obama proposed talks; U.S. denies

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2g00m0in072000c.html

Japan official wary of Iran sanctions impact

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2g00m0dm030000c.html

Nuclear agency examines reactor test results amid protest

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency presented a draft report Wednesday that approves the safety test results on two idled reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi plant in Fukui Prefecture at a meeting with experts, which was temporarily blocked due to a civilian protest over its handling of the screening of the report.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2g00m0dm031000c.html

TEPCO uses endoscope to look inside crippled Fukushima reactor

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. said Thursday that it has passed an industrial endoscope into one of the reactors that suffered meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the first attempt by the plant operator to directly check the interiors of the crippled reactors.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2g00m0dm104000c.html

Most households living in high-radiation apartment building want to move

NIHONMATSU, Fukushima -- At least nine of the 12 households living in an apartment building here where high radiation levels were found want to move out, it was learned from local authorities and other sources.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2a00m0na008000c.html

Ibaraki firm develops portable dosimeter to help market 'Fukushima rice burgers'

An IT company in Ibaraki Prefecture has developed a portable dosimeter capable of measuring up to around 100 becquerels of radiation in 1 kilogram of rice or other farm products within three minutes without damaging the farm produce, setting the stage for a local non-profit group to sell "Fukushima rice burgers."

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2a00m0na012000c.html

Reactivation of nuclear reactors depends on political decision

Seven electric power suppliers claim in their reports to the government on the safety of their nuclear plants that key equipment and reactor cores will not sustain damage even if hit by a earthquake twice as powerful as they assume.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/19/20120119p2a00m0na016000c.html
____________________________________________________
Jiji press

All Reactors at Chugoku Electric to Go Offline Next Week

Matsue, Shimane Pref., Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--Chugoku Electric Power Co. <9504> said Thursday that it will suspend the operations of the No. 2 reactor at its nuclear power plant in Matsue, Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, on Jan. 27 for a routine checkup.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012011900787

TEPCO's N-Plant Data System Had No Emergency Power on March 11

Tokyo, Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s <9501> crucial system to send nuclear plant status data was left without any emergency power source when the firm's doomed plant was hit by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami last year, TEPCO officials said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011900455

40-Yr Cap on Nuclear Reactors Is Principle Plan: Hosono

Washington, Jan. 18 (Jiji Press)--Japan plans to allow nuclear reactors to remain in operation for up to 40 years in principle, Goshi Hosono, Japanese minister in charge of nuclear disaster management, said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011900464

High Radiation Levels Detected at Embankment in Fukushima

Fukushima, Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--High levels of radiation have been detected at an embankment in Motomiya, Fukushima Prefecture, after contaminated crushed stone was used in concrete for the bank, the prefectural government said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011900525

High-Level Radioactive Cesium Found in Firewood Ash in Fukushima

Tokyo, Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--High levels of radioactive cesium have been found in the ash of firewood used at a home in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, the Environment Ministry said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011900731

(Update) High Levels of Radioactive Cesium Found in Fukushima Firewood Ash

Tokyo, Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--High levels of radioactive cesium have been found in ash from firewood used at a home in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, northeastern Japan, the Environment Ministry said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011900873

TEPCO Probe Fails to Find Water Surface inside Reactor Container

Tokyo, Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> was unable to find the surface of water inside a vessel containing a crippled nuclear reactor after a probe using an industrial endoscope Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011900930

Radioactive Cement Used in House in Fukushima

Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Pref., Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--A house in the city of Fukushima was found to be using radiation-tainted cement from the same company that supplied cement for an apartment building in Nihonmatsu, another city in Fukushima Prefecture, whose concrete showed high levels of radioactivity, Nihonmatsu Mayor Keiichi Miho said Thursday night.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012011901075

France to Keep Helping Japan Tackle N-Crisis

Paris, Jan. 19 (Jiji Press)--Senior French officials in charge of nuclear and energy affairs showed their readiness to keep supporting Japan in tackling the nuclear crisis at their meetings here with Japanese minister Goshi Hosono on Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012000243
__________________________________________________________
Sankei news

disaster drill in Tomari Nuclear Power Plant, Tomari village, Hokkaido

makoto · Jan 20, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

Current Status of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station by photographs

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/fukushima-np/images/handouts_120120_02-e.pdf
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/110311/index-e.html

makoto · Jan 20, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

00:13
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

Facts about "TEPCO left out the disconnection of emergency power supply four months before the earthquake" by Sankei Shimbun dated January 19, 2012 and other newspapers

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/topics/12012001-e.html
_________________________________________________
NHK world

Highly radioactive water found near No.2 reactor

The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has found 500 tons of highly radioactive water near the crippled No.2 reactor.

Friday, January 20, 2012 06:24 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120120_10.html

First video clip of reactor interior released

The operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has released a video clip taken inside the damaged No.2 reactor for the first time since the accident last year.

Friday, January 20, 2012 13:23 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120120_21.html

US court OKs nuclear plant for another 20 yrs

A US federal court has ruled that a utility can operate a nuclear power plant in the state of Vermont for another 20 years.

Friday, January 20, 2012 15:11 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120120_25.html

No. of foreign tourists posts biggest drop in '11

Friday, January 20, 2012 16:41 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120120_32.html

Edano: TEPCO to compensate Nihonmatsu residents

The government is likely to order the operator of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant to pay damages to residents in an apartment building made with concrete contaminated by a radioactive substance.

Friday, January 20, 2012 17:27 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120120_29.html

Foreign tourists shun Japan after March 11th

Friday, January 20, 2012 18:30 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120120_35.html

Industry seeks background to new nuke plant limit

The head of the organization representing Japan's power suppliers says he will ask the government to clarify the scientific rationale for setting a 40-year operations limit on all nuclear reactors in the country.

Friday, January 20, 2012 19:32 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120120_37.html
______________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Editorial:Restarting nuclear reactors should not be delayed

It seems that the first hurdle to restart suspended nuclear reactors has been cleared. The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said Wednesday the results of the stress tests Kansai Electric Power Co. conducted on two idle reactors at its Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture were satisfactory.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/editorial/T120119005507.htm

NISA endorses Oi stress tests / Draft report says Nos. 3, 4 reactors 'ready' for major quake

The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency has prepared a draft report endorsing the results of first-stage stress tests submitted by Kansai Electric Power Co. regarding the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at its Oi nuclear plant in Fukui Prefecture.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120119006013.htm
______________________________________________________________
AJW

EDITORIAL: The facts about cesium in food must be established

Researchers have found about 4 becquerels of radioactive cesium in the daily diet of people living in Fukushima Prefecture. If those residents were to continue to eat that diet for a year, their bodies would be exposed to about 0.02 millisievert of radiation. That is only about one-40th of the new government food safety standards that will go into effect in April.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201201200018

Meltdown at Hamaoka plant certain if power supply knocked out for 3 days

A catastrophic meltdown of nuclear fuel in reactors at the Hamaoka nuclear power plant would take place if a blackout and failure of emergency power sources lasting three days crippled the cooling system, according to operator Chubu Electric Power Co.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/analysis/AJ201201200014

NISA: Unconnected battery heightened nuclear crisis

An emergency battery was left unconnected to data transmission equipment at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, which compounded the confusion in the early stages of the crisis, the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency said.

The Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant on March 12, the day after the Great East Japan Earthquake. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201200003

Radioactive water found in work pits at Fukushima plant

Tokyo Electric Power Co. officials said Jan. 19 that water contaminated with relatively high levels of radiation was found in work pits at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant?s No. 2 and No. 3 reactors.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201200039

With so many food safety standards, it's no surprise consumers are confused

In their rush to reassure consumers, retailers and cooperatives are drawing up their own radiation safety standards for food--and causing even more confusion among the public about what is safe to eat.

Preparations are made to check food for radiation levels at the Yokohama Laboratory of the Japan Frozen Foods Inspection Corp., which has tested products sold by Aeon Co. (Ikuro Aiba)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201200053

First photos from inside Fukushima reactor released

The first photographs of the inside of a reactor at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant taken since the March 11 earthquake show that the water level in the containment vessel may be lower than previously thought.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/editorial/news/20120120p2a00m0na003000c.html

Central Japan Expressway to launch fixed-rate pass for foreign tourists

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/archive/news/2012/20120120p2g00m0dm124000c.html

Turkey calls for resumption of Iran nuclear talks

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2g00m0in102000c.html

Chugoku Electric to shut down Shimane nuclear reactor Jan. 27

MATSUE (Kyodo) -- Chugoku Electric Power Co. said Thursday it will shut down the No. 2 reactor of its Shimane nuclear power plant on Jan. 27 for a regular checkup, halting the last nuclear reactor still in operation in its service territory.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2g00m0dm034000c.html

Stronger oversight of TEPCO mulled with outside directors

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. may accept outside directors who would oversee its business management in the case the beleaguered utility is placed under effective government control, sources close to the matter said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2g00m0dm039000c.html

Japan to seek data from Ukraine on effects of Chernobyl accident

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan will begin negotiations with Ukraine later this month for an agreement to obtain data on the effects of low-level radiation exposure and soil contamination accumulated by Kiev since the Chernobyl nuclear meltdown of 1986, government officials said Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2g00m0dm040000c.html

Japan asks U.S. to give it waiver on Iran oil sanctions

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2g00m0dm045000c.html

TEPCO captures images inside crippled Fukushima reactor for 1st time

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. on Thursday passed an industrial endoscope into one of the reactors that suffered meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in the first attempt by the plant operator to directly check the interiors of the crippled reactors.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2g00m0dm046000c.html

High levels of cesium found in ash in wood stoves of homes in Fukushima

NIHONMATSU, Fukushima -- The Ministry of the Environment announced on Jan. 19 that high levels of radioactive cesium were detected in ash found in the wood stoves of private homes in this town.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2a00m0na004000c.html

TEPCO urged to compensate for tainted building material in Fukushima

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Industry minister Yukio Edano on Friday promised the mayor of a city where crushed stone believed to be contaminated due to the Fukushima nuclear crisis was used for some buildings that he will instruct Tokyo Electric Power Co. to pay compensation for related damage.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2g00m0dm177000c.html

TEPCO left backup power for nuclear data equipment detached for 4 months

Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) left the backup power source of a reactor-monitoring device at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant disconnected for four months until the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami triggered a disaster at the plant, the company has admitted.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2a00m0na008000c.html

Radioactive gravel also used in construction of private house in Fukushima

FUKUSHIMA -- Highly radioactive gravel from inside the Fukushima nuclear disaster evacuation zone that was traced to several construction projects in Fukushima Prefecture, including apartment buildings and local schools, was also used in the construction of a private house here, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/20/20120120p2a00m0na009000c.html
________________________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan's Power Sales Down for 10th Straight Month

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--Electricity sales by 10 major Japanese power suppliers in December were down 3.5 pct from a year before, falling for the 10th straight month, an industry group said Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012000501

Plan Eyed for TEPCO's 10 Pct Rate Hike for Households

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--The Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund has called on Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> to raise its electricity charges for households by up to 10 pct as part of measures to help prevent the troubled power utility from falling into negative net worth, informed sources said Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012000450

Japan Researchers Checking Cesium Carried by Cedar Pollen

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--A group of Japanese researchers has started checking the amount of radioactive cesium carried by cedar pollen and other particles in the air, sources said Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012000509

171 Left Jobless in Disaster Areas after Unemployment Benefit Expires

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012000702

Number of Foreign Tourists in Japan Falls Record 28 Pct in 2011

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012000742

Up to 40 Microsieverts of Radiation Detected at Quarry Site in Fukushima

Fukushima, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--Radiation levels of up to 40 microsieverts per hour have been detected at the quarry site in the town of Namie in Fukushima Prefecture that supplied contaminated crushed stone used in a newly build condominium, the prefectural government said Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012001058

Errors Found in Chubu Electric Nuclear Plant Reports

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--Chubu Electric Power Co. <9502> said Friday that 55 errors have been discovered in earthquake-resistance assessment reports on the No. 3-5 reactors at its Hamaoka nuclear power plant in Omaezaki, Shizuoka Prefecture, central Japan.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012001057

Troubles on N-Reactor Control Rods Reported

Tokyo, Jan. 20 (Jiji Press)--A system to move control rods in the currently suspended Monju fast breeder nuclear reactor in central Japan did not work twice in mid-December, it was learned Friday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012001079

sight-seeing area in Iwaki city, Fukushima pref
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/jQaRtNto7yw?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

makoto · Jan 21, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

[Reference]The situation of accumulated water leakage at transfer line from the basement of turbine building of Unit 2 to Miscellaneous Solid Waste Volume Reduction Treatment Building(High Temperature Incinerator Building)
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/fukushima-np/images/handouts_120121_01-e.pdf

TEPCO electricity forecast

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/forecast/html/index-e.html
__________________________________________________________
NHK world

N.Korea: Kim Jong Un spearheaded nuclear testing

Saturday, January 21, 2012 05:10 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120121_03.html

EU: No intention to resume talks with Iran

Saturday, January 21, 2012 07:31 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120121_04.html

Hosono explains decontamination steps for Fukushima

Japan's Environment Minister Goshi Hosono says the government will step up its efforts to remove radioactive materials from areas near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Saturday, January 21, 2012 14:19 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120121_10.html

US: No preconditions for Iran's nuclear talks

Saturday, January 21, 2012 16:19 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120121_11.html

Contaminated crushed stone found in more houses

More buildings containing crushed stone contaminated with radioactive substances have been found in Fukushima Prefecture.

Saturday, January 21, 2012 23:30 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120121_17.html
__________________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Water falling like rain inside N-reactor

Tokyo Electric Power Co. on Friday released 30 minutes of video footage taken Thursday inside the containment vessel of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant's No. 2 reactor, the first such images to be released by the utility.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120120006919.htm
____________________________________________________________
AJW

US to probe imports of China, Vietnam wind towers
*REUTERS

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy/environment/AJ201201210048
______________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

TEPCO charge hike to cut GDP growth by 0.1-0.2 point: gov't

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A 17 percent increase in electricity charges that Tokyo Electric Power Co. is planning to impose on corporate customers from April 1 would cut Japan's annual gross domestic product growth by 0.1 to 0.2 percentage point, the government warned Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/21/20120121p2g00m0bu059000c.html

US, Europe trying to pressure Iran into nuke talks

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/21/20120121p2g00m0in068000c.html

No. of visitors to Japan falls sharply due to disaster, nuclear crisis

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/21/20120121p2g00m0dm009000c.html

TEPCO to be effectively nationalized for at least 10 yrs: sources

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. would be effectively nationalized for at least 10 years through 2022 and is intended to move into the black in fiscal 2013 under a plan currently considered by a state-backed entity for funding nuclear disaster compensation, sources close to the matter said Friday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/21/20120121p2g00m0dm010000c.html

Fukushima quarry agents to voluntarily check radiation level

FUKUSHIMA (Kyodo) -- The association of quarry agents in Fukushima Prefecture has asked its members to voluntarily check the radiation doses of their products to ease public concerns over radioactive contamination of building materials, its officials said Saturday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/21/20120121p2g00m0dm011000c.html

Radiation of 40 microsieverts per hour detected at Namie quarry

Up to 40 microsieverts of radiation per hour have been detected from gravel at a quarry in Fukushima Prefecture that shipped tainted gravel for construction work, government officials have said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/21/20120121p2a00m0na014000c.html
_________________________________________________
Jiji press

TEPCO Finds Leak of Radioactive Water at Fukushima Plant

Tokyo, Jan. 21 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> said Saturday it has found possibly highly radioactive water leaked at the turbine building of the No. 4 reactor at its stricken Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012100168

makoto · Jan 22, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

snow

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html
_________________________________________________________
NHK world

IAEA experts to check nuclear test results

At the request of the Japanese government, UN nuclear experts will review the safety test results of idled nuclear reactors.

Sunday, January 22, 2012 06:27 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120122_02.html

Kan to speak in Davos on nuclear plant safety

Japan's former prime minister Naoto Kan will stress the importance of safety measures at nuclear power plants when he makes a speech at the World Economic Forum on Thursday.

Sunday, January 22, 2012 10:42 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120122_10.html

No records of nuclear disaster taskforce meetings

It has been revealed that the government's nuclear disaster taskforce did not keep any records of its meetings after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.

Sunday, January 22, 2012 23:27 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120122_20.html

Fukushima to host int'l nuclear conference

Japan's Foreign Minister says the government will invite ministers from across the world to an international conference later this year to discuss the safety of nuclear plants in Fukushima Prefecture. The event will be jointly hosted by the International Atomic Energy Agency.

Sunday, January 22, 2012 23:27 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120122_21.html
_________________________________________________________
AJW

Reducing emissions with platinum requires creating emissions

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201201220004

Miyakojima island goes 'smart' with solar, wind power

Staying in an "eco-house," a home built by the city to let the wind pass through and block the sunlight so that its inhabitants can go without air conditioning, offers an introduction to the energy conservation commitment in Miyakojima, an island 300 kilometers southwest of Okinawa's main island.

An "eco-house" with a ventilated design. Opening up the entrance creates a drafty, yet roomy space. Both houses are located in Miyakojima, Okinawa. (Toshiyuki Takeya)

A blanket of Okinawa Electric Power Co. solar panels at the Mega Solar Experiment Study Facility. (Toshiyuki Takeya)

Some of the solar and wind power generated is sent to the storage battery system. (Toshiyuki Takeya)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/social_affairs/AJ201201220009
_____________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

No radioactive threat expected from tsunami debris

ANCHORAGE, Alaska (AP) -- A half dozen large buoys suspected to be from Japanese oyster farms have appeared at the top of Alaska's panhandle and may be among the first debris from Japan's devastating tsunami last year.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/22/20120122p2g00m0dm015000c.html

Gov't not adding up nuclear workers' radiation doses when not at work

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The health ministry has not added up the radiation doses received by workers at the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant while they were evacuated or are not at work, ministry officials and supporters of the workers said Saturday, prompting concerns about adequacy of the current radiation control.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/22/20120122p2g00m0dm065000c.html

Gov't kept Fukushima crisis worst-case scenario under wraps for months

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The government kept a worst case scenario for the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant under wraps for months after the document was shown to a small group of policymakers in late March, government sources said Saturday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/22/20120122p2g00m0dm066000c.html

makoto · Jan 23, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

pardon, i forgot release for many pictures~~~~

JNN zoom on 14 Jan
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showpost.php?p=436464&postcount=2
JNN zoom on 17 Jan
http://www.flutrackers.com/forum/showpost.php?p=436944&postcount=7

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

21:07

21:11
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

Regarding the article of Nihon Keizai Shimbun (January 23) "TEPCO to separate Thermal Power"

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/topics/12012301-e.html

TEPCO electricity forecast

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/forecast/html/index-e.html
_______________________________________________________
NHK world

10,000 people to claim more payouts from TEPCO

Around 10,000 people from an area in a no-entry zone around the stricken Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant are preparing to file suit to seek more compensation from the Tokyo Electric Power Company.

Monday, January 23, 2012 05:23 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120123_03.html

IAEA checks Japan's nuclear safety test results

The world's nuclear watchdog has begun reviewing the safety test results for 2 of Japan's halted nuclear reactors.

Monday, January 23, 2012 13:57 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120123_14.html

Govt to compile record of nuke crisis responses

Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura says the government hopes to record how it came up with policies to deal with the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Monday, January 23, 2012 14:47 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120123_18.html

Govt drafts new safety steps for nuclear plants

The Japanese government is calling on local authorities near nuclear power plants to come up with new measures to prepare for possible nuclear accidents.

Monday, January 23, 2012 19:14 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120123_24.html
_______________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Editorialriority must be given to avoiding energy crisis

How can we secure the energy that is essential for our daily lives? This year will be an important one to solve this thorny issue.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/editorial/T120122003700.htm
_______________________________________________________
AJW

Editorial:Tokyo voters should sign up for nuclear referendum

A signature-collecting campaign is under way to hold a referendum in Tokyo to allow citizens to express their views on nuclear power generation. But the campaign, organized by a citizens group set up to achieve referendums, is struggling to attract the attention of voters.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201201230046

Concentrations of radioactive substances in the air falling quickly

The volume of radioactive substances in the air spewed from the damaged Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant fell significantly in the month following the disaster.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/analysis/AJ201201230001

Winning bid for decontamination criticized as 'outrageously low'

The first winning bid for decontamination work in the no-entry zone around the wrecked Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant is being criticized as far too low to properly clean up the radiation.

Workers check the roof of a factory in Naraha, Fukushima Prefecture, in December before the start of full-fledged decontamination work. (Jun Kaneko)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/recovery/AJ201201230044

Playground gives Fukushima children the chance to play in the dirt

NIHONMATSU, Fukushima Prefecture--Children played with earth and fallen leaves for the first time in nearly a year at a new indoor play area in this nuclear accident-affected city.

Children in Nihonmatsu, Fukushima Prefecture, play with fallen leaves brought from other prefectures at a new indoor playground. (Satoru Sekiguchi)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201201230012

IAEA team in Japan to check stress test appraisal

A delegation from the International Atomic Energy Agency arrived in Japan on Jan. 23 to check whether appraisal procedures for stress tests for nuclear plants are appropriate.

James Lyons, center, head of the IAEA delegation, with other members in Tokyo on Jan. 23 (The Asahi Shimbun)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201230056
__________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

The paintings that won't reach Fukushima

While Japan's new defense minister was making absurd statements on public broadcaster NHK's "Nichiyo Toron" (Sunday Debate) program on Jan. 15, NHK's educational channel was airing a feature on artist Ben Shahn (1898-1966) in the program "Nichiyo Bijutsukan" (Sunday Art Museum).

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/perspectives/news/20120123p2a00m0na009000c.html

Fukushima may host international conference on nuclear safety: Gemba

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said Sunday that the Japanese government may pick Fukushima as the host prefecture for an international conference on nuclear safety to be co-hosted by Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency later this year.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/23/20120123p2g00m0dm015000c.html

Radioactive crushed stone used in around 60 Fukushima buildings

FUKUSHIMA, Japan (Kyodo) -- The number of houses and condominiums confirmed to have been built using radiation-contaminated crushed stone quarried near the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant has reached around 60 in Fukushima Prefecture, government sources said Sunday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/23/20120123p2g00m0dm017000c.html

IAEA team holds 1st meeting with Japan nuclear agency over safety tests

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency tasked with reviewing the adequacy of Japan's safety tests for nuclear power plants held its first meeting Monday with Tokyo's nuclear safety agency.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/23/20120123p2g00m0dm073000c.html

Nuclear researchers receiving questionable donations from industry, gov't

Revelations that the government and the nuclear energy industry have donated 10.4 billion yen in total to 11 universities have highlighted the heavy reliance of such high education institutions on outside funds for their research into nuclear energy.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/23/20120123p2a00m0na004000c.html

Gov't withheld estimates showing electricity surplus to boost nuclear power: critics

The government withheld an estimate that there would be no electricity shortages in the upcoming summer in an apparent bid to underscore the need to restart nuclear power plants, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/23/20120123p2a00m0na007000c.html

11 universities received nuclear energy research funds from gov't, industry

Eleven top universities, such as the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University, accepted a total of some 10.4 billion yen in nuclear technology research funds from the government and industry between fiscal 2006 and 2010, the Mainichi Shimbun has learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/23/20120123p2a00m0na011000c.html
______________________________________________________
Jiji press

Japan Asking IAEA to Open Office in Fukushima

Shirakawa, Fukushima Pref., Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--Japan is asking the International Atomic Energy Agency to set up a local office in Fukushima Prefecture following the nuclear accident in the northeastern prefecture in March, Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba revealed.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300078

IAEA Begins Review of Nuclear Safety Assessment in Japan

Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency began a nine-day mission in Japan on Monday to review nuclear safety assessments conducted by Japanese power companies.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300352

Govt. Mulls Sparation of Thermal Plants from TEPCO

Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government is examining the idea of separating thermal power plants from Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501>, informed sources said Monday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300311

Noda to Drop Free Medical Fee Plan for Fukushima Children

Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is likely to give up a plan to offer children in Fukushima Prefecture free medical services amid the nuclear crisis, it was learned Monday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300510

Govt Reports Breakdown of TEPCO N-Reactor Data System

Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government on Monday reported a temporary breakdown of a crucial system for the transmission of nuclear reactor data at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s <9501> Fukushima No. 2 power plant.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300746

Strong Earthquake Shakes Northeastern Japan

Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--A strong earthquake shook northeastern Japan at around 8:45 p.m. Monday (11:45 a.m. GMT).

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300755

One in Six New Homes in Japan Have Solar Power Systems

Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--Solar power systems were installed in 17.5 pct of, or one in six, newly built single-family houses that were bought in Japan in the six months from November 2010, a survey by Japan Housing Finance Agency showed Monday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300747

TEPCO Notes Rise in Radioactive Leaks from Damaged Reactors

Tokyo, Jan. 23 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> on Monday reported an increase in radioactive materials leaking from damaged nuclear reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 power plant.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012300780
__________________________________________________________
JMA

20:18 JST 23 Jan 2012 37.3N 142.4E 10 km M4.5 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120123202309391-232018.html

20:45 JST 23 Jan 2012 37.1N 141.2E 50 km M5.1 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120123205508391-232045.html

"EEW" earthquake early warning
<iframe width="300" height="233" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/RrGv3keVplA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Emily · Jan 24, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.asianscientist.com/topnews/iaea-permanent-office-at-japan-fukushima-nuclear-accident-site-2012/
IAEA May Set Up Permanent Office At Fukushima Nuclear Accident Site
Asian Scientist Newsroom
January 23, 2012

makoto · Jan 24, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

　07:25

19:21

19:22

19:34

workers in reactor building 4
*x20 speed
<iframe width="560" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/wpvMmwc-LOA?rel=0" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg
_____________________________________________________
NHK world

Another nuclear reactor going offline

Tokyo Electric Power Company plans to shut down a reactor in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, for a regular inspection on Wednesday. This means 93% of Japan's nuclear reactors will be out of service.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 06:35 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120124_03.html

Radioactive release from Fukushima plant rises

The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant says the amount of radioactive substances being released from the plant has risen slightly. It attributes the rise to increased human activities onsite.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 11:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120124_10.html

Noda aims for decisive political action

...Noda pledged an all-out effort to tackle 3 issues of importance -- recovery from the March 11th disaster, dealing with the nuclear plant accident in Fukushima, and reviving the Japanese economy.

Tuesday, January 24, 2012 15:54 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120124_19.html
________________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

YIES / Hosono: Contribute to world through decommissioning

Japan should contribute to the world by sharing the experience, knowledge and skills it will acquire through decommissioning the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Goshi Hosono, state minister for the nuclear crisis, said Monday in Tokyo.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120123004744.htm

Empty farms eyed for power generation

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has decided to take advantage of abandoned or dormant farmland to encourage power generation using renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120123003629.htm
_________________________________________________________
AJW

Businesses offer help for cities wanting to go green

An increasing number of businesses are offering services to evaluate green power generation to help search for optimal locations to set up solar panels and wind turbines.

A mega-solar power plant is seen in front of Mount Yatsugatake in Hokuto, Yamanashi Prefecture. (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy/environment/AJ201201240033

Citizens group plows ahead to win referendum on use of nuclear power

With two weeks to go before the expiry of a deadline to win backing for a local referendum on the use of nuclear power, a Tokyo-based citizens group is still short of 120,000 signatures.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201240005
__________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Oil up as EU embargoes Iran oil; natural gas soars

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0bu092000c.html

Obama: World united to address Iran nuclear threat

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0in077000c.html

Kansai airport posts sharpest-ever fall in foreign visitors in 2011

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0bu106000c.html

TEPCO to invite other firms to invest in 6 non-nuclear plants

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. and the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund plan to invite other firms to invest in six non-nuclear thermal power plants upon their upgrading to raise efficiency and save fuel costs, sources close to the matter said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0bu108000c.html

Cash-strapped TEPCO asks for extra 500 bil. yen in loans from creditor bank

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. and a state-backed bailout fund have asked the Development Bank of Japan to provide 500 billion yen in additional loans to support the beleaguered utility facing massive costs stemming from the disaster at its Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, sources close to the matter said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0bu111000c.html

M5.1 earthquake rocks northeastern and central Japan

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A strong earthquake with a preliminary magnitude of 5.1 rocked a wide area of central and eastern Japan, including Fukushima Prefecture which is home to the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant, on Monday night but there were no immediate reports of injuries, the Japan Meteorological Agency and police said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0dm003000c.html

Amount of radioactive materials released from Fukushima plant up

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The amount of radioactive materials released from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in Fukushima Prefecture has increased this month, compared with the previous month, the plant operator said Monday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0dm073000c.html

Gov't seeks removal of anti-nuclear activists' tents from gov't land

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese industry minister Yukio Edano said Tuesday the ministry plans to present later in the day a written request to anti-nuclear activists who have pitched tents within the precincts of his ministry to take then down and leave the site, citing fire safety.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0dm142000c.html

Minutes of past gov't meetings on Fukushima crisis to be created

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japanese industry minister Yukio Edano on Tuesday apologized for the government's failure to take minutes of meetings of a taskforce dealing with the Fukushima nuclear crisis and said that he has instructed the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency to compile them soon based on notes taken by meeting attendees.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2g00m0dm144000c.html

Electric power industry extended donations to major political parties

The electric power industry has contributed funds to major political parties, with management extending donations to the largest opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and labor unions providing funds to the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ).

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/24/20120124p2a00m0na005000c.html
_____________________________________________________
Jiji press

TEPCO's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa No. 5 Reactor to Go Offline Wed.

Tokyo, Jan. 24 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> said Tuesday that it will halt the 1.1-million-kilowatt No. 5 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, on Wednesday for routine checks.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012400776

(Update) TEPCO's Kashiwazaki-Kariwa No. 5 Reactor Goes Offline

Tokyo, Jan. 25 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> halted the 1.1-million-kilowatt No. 5 reactor at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, on Wednesday for routine checks.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012500065
_________________________________________________________
JMA

17:07 JST 24 Jan 2012 37.1N 141.3E 50 km M4.5 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/3/20120124171123391-241707.html

makoto · Jan 25, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

00:46
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg
________________________________________________________
NHK world

Govt to support Fukushima compensation fund

The Japanese government will consider assisting residents of Fukushima Prefecture who are not eligible for its compensation program for the nuclear accident.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 02:58 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_03.html

93% of Japan's nuclear reactors offline

Tokyo Electric Power Company shut down a reactor in Niigata Prefecture, central Japan, on Wednesday for a regular inspection. Fifty of Japan's 54 nuclear reactors, or 93 percent, are now out of service.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 08:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_08.html

Japan posts 1st annual trade deficit in 31 years

Japan posted its first trade deficit in 31 years in 2011 due largely to the impact of the March earthquake, tsunami and Fukushima nuclear plant accident.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 09:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_13.html

Japan reiterates call for nuke material ban

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 09:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_10.html

New nuclear agency to be given strict authority

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has instructed cabinet ministers to give strict powers to a nuclear safety agency to be launched in April.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 16:36 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_25.html

26 municipalities demand compensation from TEPCO

Twenty-six municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture are demanding compensation from the Tokyo Electric Power Company for emotional distress over the nuclear disaster at the utility's Fukushima Daiichi plant.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 17:49 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_29.html

Nuclear plants to prepare for faults 5km away

Japan's nuclear safety agency will instruct utilities nationwide to reassess the earthquake resistance of their nuclear power plants to comply with stricter new standards.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 19:50 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_32.html

Fukushima panel to finalize report by late July

A government panel says it will finalize by late July its report on the accident at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Wednesday, January 25, 2012 20:48 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120125_36.html
_________________________________________________________
AJW

Japan task force kept no records of nuclear crisis response
*REUTERS

Japan's energy minister admitted on Jan. 24 that no records were kept of top level discussions in the critical early days on how to respond to the world's worst nuclear disaster in 25 years.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201250008

Expansion of nuke plant lifespans 'never' the norm, but exceptions

The Noda administration on Jan. 24 moved closer to finalizing a bill on nuclear safety reforms that will limit the operational life of nuclear power reactors to 40 years in principle.

An aerial view of the Mihama nuclear power plant in Mihama, Fukui Prefecture. The No. 1 reactor, background, has been in service for 42 years, while the No. 2 reactor, center, has been operating for 40 years, and the No. 3 reactor, foreground, has been in service for 36 years. (The Asahi Shimbun)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201250028
____________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo,AP)

Nuclear power boosters used climate change to ride to energy supremacy

In 1997, in the midst of the international negotiations that would eventually result in the Kyoto Protocol, the Japanese delegation was pondering whether it could realistically accept the protocol's main point: a commitment to a 6 percent decrease in greenhouse gas emissions from 1990 levels. They were also grappling with what such a commitment would mean for Japan's energy supplies.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2012/01/20120125p2a00m0na020000c.html

TEPCO to continue halt of new recruitment in spring 2013

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. is likely to continue suspending the annual recruitment of workers in spring 2013 in a bid to secure funds for huge compensation payments over the nuclear crisis at its Fukushima Daiichi power plant, sources familiar with the matter said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2g00m0bu128000c.html

TEPCO's damages claim processing staff to top 10,000

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The operator of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant plans to increase the number of staff handling damages claims over the accident to more than 10,000 from the current roughly 7,600, company sources said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2g00m0dm007000c.html

Japan, Ukraine to launch talks on nuclear cooperation this week

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan and Ukraine will begin negotiations for an agreement to help strengthen cooperation on nuclear accidents, the Foreign Ministry said Tuesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2g00m0dm019000c.html

TEPCO to shut down another reactor, to leave only 1 in service

NIIGATA (Kyodo) -- The No. 5 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant in Niigata Prefecture will be suspended for scheduled checkups in the early hours of Wednesday, leaving only one out of a total of 17 reactors run by Tokyo Electric Power Co. in service, the utility said.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2g00m0dm023000c.html

Sunflower oil pressed from nuke disaster no-go zone seeds almost radiation-free

Sunflower oil pressed from seeds harvested in a village in the Fukushima nuclear disaster no-go zone had almost no cesium contamination, a government research center has announced.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2a00m0na009000c.html

Electronics maker creates energy-efficient LED heated seat pad

An electronics maker has created a seat pad that uses the heat of LEDs to warm the body while consuming little electricity.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2a00m0na011000c.html

Village in Fukushima no-go zone to call for residents to return permanently by March

KAWAUCHI, Fukushima -- Authorities in this village, part of which still stands in the no-go zone around the crippled Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, plan to call on all evacuated residents to return by the end of March, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2a00m0na013000c.html

Setagaya decontamination work continues 3 months after radioactive radium found

Efforts to remove highly radioactive radium from the premises of a supermarket in Tokyo's Setagaya Ward still continue three months after two bottles containing radium 226 were discovered in underground soil there.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/25/20120125p2a00m0na015000c.html
___________________________________________________________
Jiji press

Steel Industry Criticizes TEPCO's 17 Pct Rate Hike Plan

Tokyo, Jan. 25 (Jiji Press)--The 17 pct electricity rate hike planned by Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> will have "unbearable consequences" for the steel industry, industry leader Eiji Hayashida said Wednesday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012500597

Japan 2011 Restaurant Sales Fall for First Time in 2 Yrs

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012500800

TEPCO Urged to Cover Entire Fukushima Pref. in Compensation

Tokyo, Jan. 25 (Jiji Press)--Representatives from 26 municipalities in Fukushima Prefecture handed in a letter to Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> on Wednesday demanding that the firm pay compensation to residents of the prefecture's all municipalities.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012500664

FOCUS: Japan's Position as Major Exporter in Jeopardy

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012500929

Panel to Compile Final Nuclear Accident Report by End-July

Tokyo, Jan. 25 (Jiji Press)--A government panel investigating the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s <9501> Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant decided on Wednesday to compile a final report by the end of July.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012500956

makoto · Jan 26, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

07:15
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

[Reference] Response training to abnormal conditions that occurred at Spent Fuel Pool per the Safety Regulation
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/fukushima-np/images/handouts_120126_03-e.pdf

Regarding the reports on "TEPCO's capital increase plan including nationalization" and "Comprehensive special business plan"

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/news/topics/12012601-e.html
___________________________________________________________
NHK world

Another reactor to be shut down for inspection

The operator of a nuclear power plant in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan, says it will shut down another reactor for regular inspections. The decision means that 51 of Japan's 54 reactors - 94 percent - will be offline.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 04:52 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120126_06.html

IAEA inspects Ohi nuclear plant

A team of International Atomic Energy Agency inspectors has observed a tsunami drill at a nuclear power plant along the Japan Sea coast.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 20:01 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120126_31.html

Fukushima decontamination plan worked out

Japan's Environment Ministry has compiled a 2-year plan to complete decontamination of some evacuation zones around the troubled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.

Thursday, January 26, 2012 21:02 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120126_35.html
________________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

Editorial: Keep pressure on Iran to resume nuclear talks

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/editorial/T120125005667.htm

Japan records 2.5 trillion yen trade deficit

Japan recorded a 2.49 trillion yen trade deficit in 2011, the first in 31 years, due to declining exports in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake and a drastic increase in liquified natural gas imports, according to data released by the Finance Ministry on Wednesday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/business/T120125006956.htm
__________________________________________________________
AJW

Editorial: Failure to keep minutes of nuke meetings is unacceptable

Revelations have emerged about the monumental level of government ineptitude in responding to the Fukushima nuclear disaster.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201201260056

Bottled water sales soar due to March 11 disaster

Sales of bottled water in 2011 jumped 18 percent year on year to an estimated 200 million cases, according to Inryosoken, a beverage market research agency.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy/business/AJ201201260026

TEPCO considers public fund injection 'if conditions are right'

Executives of embattled Tokyo Electric Power Co. appear willing to accept a public injection of up to 1 trillion yen ($12.8 billion)—as long as they can maintain management control of the utility.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201260063
____________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Veteran nuclear experts regret Fukushima crisis, but still see need for reactors

Veteran nuclear experts who were involved in Japan's atomic energy policy for decades are lamenting the outbreak of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, but maintain that resource-poor Japan needs nuclear power to support its current standard of living in the future.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2012/01/20120126p2a00m0na021000c.html

Food service industry posts 1.2% drop in 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's restaurant industry suffered a 1.2 percent sales drop in 2011 against the preceding year's 0.5 percent rise, as it took hits from the March 11 earthquake and a subsequent nuclear disaster at a nuclear plant in northeastern Japan as well as a food-poisoning case, an industry body said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2g00m0bu147000c.html

White goods shipments in Japan decline 0.8% in 2011

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Japan's domestic shipments of white goods, or major electrical home appliances like refrigerators, air conditioners and laundry machines, fell 0.8 percent by value in 2011 from the previous year to 2.2 trillion yen, an industry body said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2g00m0bu148000c.html

TEPCO rate hike would drive some steelmakers into red

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s pending 17 percent increase in electricity rates paid by corporate customers will likely drive some steelmakers that rely on the utility into the red, and thus to look at moving production elsewhere, the head of a steel industry group said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2g00m0bu150000c.html

Saudi warns of Mideast nuclear race

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2g00m0in100000c.html

Panel to issue final investigation report on nuclear crisis in July

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- A government-appointed panel investigating the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant will compile its final report by the end of July and hopes to end its probe at that point, panel head Yotaro Hatamura, a professor emeritus at the University of Tokyo, said Wednesday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2g00m0dm038000c.html

IAEA team inspects 2 idled reactors at Oi nuclear plant

TSURUGA (Kyodo) -- A delegation of the International Atomic Energy Agency inspected two idled reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture on Thursday to check whether Japan has conducted reactor stress tests appropriately in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2g00m0dm041000c.html

Japan kept silent on worst nuclear crisis scenario

TOKYO (AP) -- The Japanese government's worst-case scenario at the height of the nuclear crisis last year warned that tens of millions of people, including Tokyo residents, might need to leave their homes, according to a report obtained by The Associated Press. But fearing widespread panic, officials kept the report secret.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2g00m0dm045000c.html

DPJ endorses revised bill to limit life span of nuclear reactor to 40 years

The ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) endorsed a revised Nuclear Reactor Regulation Law on Jan. 25 to limit the operational life of a nuclear reactor to 40 years in principle with "exceptional cases" of approved extension of up to 20 years.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/26/20120126p2a00m0na018000c.html
______________________________________________________________
Jiji press

TEPCO Eyes Turnaround in FY 2014

Tokyo, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--Embattled Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> is planning to return to a recurring profit in the fiscal year through March 2015, informed sources said Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012600162

(Update) TEPCO Eyes Turnaround in 3 Years

Tokyo, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--Embattled Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> is planning to receive taxpayers' money of one trillion yen in the year starting April and return to a recurring profit two years later, it was revealed Thursday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012600461

Stockpiling to Keep Mineral Water Sales Strong in Japan

Tokyo, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--Sales of bottled mineral water in Japan are expected to remain brisk in 2012, reflecting strong demand since the disaster last March.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012600803

All Chugoku Electric N-Reactors Going Offline

Hiroshima, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--Chugoku Electric Power Co. <9504> is set to suspend one of the two reactors at its only nuclear power plant early Friday for routine checks.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012600603

Govt to Seek Resident Data Supply to TEPCO for Compensation

Tokyo, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government and Fukushima Prefecture on Thursday unveiled their plans to ask 23 municipalities in the northeastern prefecture to supply Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> with necessary resident data from their resident registries to facilitate TEPCO's compensation over the nation's worst nuclear accident.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012600869

Fukushima Areas Up to 50 Millisieverts to Be Cleaned by Spring 2014

Tokyo, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--The Environment Ministry said Thursday it will complete decontamination work by the end of March 2014 in Fukushima Prefecture areas with annual radiation doses of 50 millisieverts or less, not including forests.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012600894

Tohoku Univ. Develops Long-Life Fuel Cell

Tokyo, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--Tohoku University said Thursday it has developed a long-life fuel cell that can be used during natural disasters.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012600896

IAEA Checks Oi N-Plant's Safety Measures

Fukui, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency inspected Kansai Electric Power Co.'s <9503> Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture, central Japan, on Thursday for safety.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012600944

Ex-Japan Prem. Kan Calls for Int'l Rules on N-Plant Safety

Davos, Switzerland, Jan. 26 (Jiji Press)--Former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Thursday stressed the need to establish international rules on the safety of nuclear power plants.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012600951
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Sankei news

IAEA inspects Ohi nuclear plant

_________________________________________________________
JMA

21:22 JST 26 Jan 2012 37.0N 141.2E 50 km M4.3 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/3/20120126212723391-262122.html

makoto · Jan 27, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/customer/faq/raise-e.html
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NHK world

TEPCO studying joint natural gas procurement

Tokyo Electric Power Company is studying the possibility of jointly procuring natural gas with other electricity and gas suppliers.

Friday, January 27, 2012 06:53 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120127_02.html

Kan calls global debate on nuclear safety

Former Japanese prime minister Naoto Kan has called for international debate on nuclear safety at the Davos forum. Kan was in charge at the time of the Fukushima nuclear accident.

Friday, January 27, 2012 11:04 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120127_11.html

94% of Japan's nuclear reactors offline

A nuclear reactor has been shut down for regular inspections in Shimane Prefecture, western Japan. This leaves only 3 of Japan's 54 reactors in commercial operation.

Friday, January 27, 2012 12:13 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120127_15.html

Fukushima mayors frustrated with slow compensation

Mayors in Fukushima Prefecture are voicing frustration over the slow pace of compensation payments for the nuclear accident at the Fukushima Daiichi power plant.

Friday, January 27, 2012 19:32 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120127_30.html
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Yomiuri online

Suspect cattle still untested / Location of nearly 3,000 cows in radiation scare remains unknown

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has been unable to track the distribution routes of nearly 3,000 cows whose meat is suspected to contain high levels of radioactive cesium, ministry officials said.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120126006317.htm
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AJW

NISA kept U.S. plans for nuke plant failure to itself

Secret U.S. contingency plans that might have helped emergency teams trying to deal with the total power failure at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant were sat on by Japan?s Nuclear Industry Safety Agency (NISA) because its officials didn?t believe Japan would ever face such a situation.

U.S. guidance on how to handle total power failures at nuclear power plants (Toshihiro Okuyama)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/life_and_death/AJ201201270058

Anti-nuclear movement unites rightists, leftists

In the early stages of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, Cocoro Fujinami posted a message on her blog that brought the little-known singer instant fame.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270001

Wide range of technologies developed for decontamination work

Companies and organizations in various fields, from the paint industry to space exploration, are testing technologies for the enormous task of decontaminating areas around the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

A worker applies a grinder to the roof of a house in Fukushima city on Jan. 14. Seen in the background is a dirt collector. (Shunsuke Kimura)

An incineration facility stands in the compound of Koriyama Chip Industry Co. in Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture. The company burns bark that could be contaminated with radioactive cesium. (Shunsuke Kimura)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270005

Japanese town's dependence on nuclear plant hushes criticism
*REUTERS

OI, Fukui Prefecture--Japan's nuclear disaster has eroded trust in utilities and shown residents of the rural, mountainous region of Fukui Prefecture the risk of radiation, but a dependence on atomic plants for jobs and funds means speaking out against them is taboo.

Oi nuclear power plant on Jan. 26 (The Asahi Shimbun)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270014

Banks close to loaning TEPCO an extra 1 trillion yen

Financial institutions have entered a final stage of negotiations for loaning an additional 1 trillion yen ($12.97 billion) to embattled Tokyo Electric Power Co., operator of the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, sources said.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270054

POWER TO THE PEOPLE: Japan can survive without nuclear energy

Japan has a rare opportunity to give up nuclear power, although shifting its power supply to renewable energy sources could take years, according to experts who spoke at the Global Conference for a Nuclear Power Free World in Yokohama on Jan. 14 and 15.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270029

Fukushima group calls QRS radiation tests bogus

A Fukushima day-care group sent letters earlier this month warning its members of what it sees as fraudulent tests to measure internal radiation exposure among kindergarteners and preschoolers.

The quantum resonance spectrometer (QRS) pictured here is said to be capable of telling the extent of internal radiation exposure by testing a subject's hair. (Akiko Okazaki)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270050

Road map released for Fukushima decontamination

The Environment Ministry released a road map on Jan. 26 for decontaminating areas around the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, hoping to provide encouragement for residents forced to flee the radioactive fallout from the accident.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270048

Edano not banking on nuclear energy this summer

Economy minister Yukio Edano said he does not expect any nuclear power plant to be operating this summer, but thermal power and conservation efforts should be enough for the nation to get by.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201270032

Industry, TEPCO wary about Edano's views on electricity

Economy minister Yukio Edano?s comments about the possibility of no nuclear energy this summer have stunned many in the business world, with some companies now scrambling for ways to avoid possible power shortages.

A banner hanging from the headquarters of Kansai Electric Power Co. in Osaka's Kita Ward calls on users to cooperate in conserving electricity. (Ryo Ikeda)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/behind_news/politics/AJ201201270040
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Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

No. of Japanese passengers on int'l flights at Narita in Dec. marks rise

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/travel/archive/news/2012/20120127p2g00m0dm035000c.html

Japan's 'Nuclear Alley' conflicted over reactors

OHI, Japan (AP) -- International inspectors are visiting a rugged Japanese bay region so thick with reactors it is dubbed "Nuclear Alley," where residents remain deeply conflicted as Japan moves to restart plants idled after the Fukushima disaster.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2012/01/20120127p2g00m0fe077000c.html

Power policy remains mired in power play

In August 2011, a law instituting a feed-in tariff for renewable energy was passed by the Diet. The law requires utilities to purchase all surplus electricity generated by individuals and corporations through renewable energy sources.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/features/archive/news/2012/01/20120127p2a00m0na006000c.html

French nuclear giant Areva's revenue falls 2.6 pct

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2g00m0bu110000c.html

Iran is ready to return to nuclear talks

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/international/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2g00m0in136000c.html

Fukushima farmers to restrict rice planting in cesium-tainted areas

FUKUSHIMA (Kyodo) -- An association of Fukushima Prefecture farm cooperatives decided Thursday to restrict rice planting this spring in areas where excessive levels of radioactive cesium were detected in last year's crop following the major nuclear crisis in the area.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2g00m0dm021000c.html

Ex-Japan PM Kan calls for int'l discussion on nuclear safety

DAVOS, Switzerland (Kyodo) -- Former Japanese Prime Minister Naoto Kan on Thursday called for international discussions on nuclear power safety and nuclear waste processing at a meeting of the World Economic Forum in the eastern Swiss mountain resort of Davos.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2g00m0dm022000c.html

Only 3 reactors online in Japan after Chugoku Electric halts unit

MATSUE, Japan (Kyodo) -- Chugoku Electric Power Co. suspended its only remaining active reactor for scheduled checkups early Friday, leaving only three of Japan's 54 commercial reactors still online.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2g00m0dm030000c.html

TEPCO to spend 1 tril. yen over 10 yrs toward scrapping reactors

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tokyo Electric Power Co. plans to spend about 1 trillion yen in the first 10 years of the decades-long process toward scrapping the crippled reactors at its Fukushima Daiichi power plant, an estimate drawn up by the utility and a state-backed bailout fund showed Thursday.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2g00m0dm031000c.html

Japan aims to end decontamination work in some evacuation areas by 2014

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- The Environment Ministry said Thursday it plans to complete decontamination activities in part of the evacuation zones around the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant by March 2014 but left unclear when evacuees would be able to return to their homes.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2g00m0dm032000c.html

Bathhouse mural painter honors Fukushima hometown lost to nuke crisis

Of just two artisans left in Japan who paint murals in public bathhouses, Morio Nakajima is a longtime Tokyo resident who has been painting scenes from his hometown of Iitate in an effort to inform people that such a beautiful village exists in Japan's northeast, ravaged by the triple disasters of March 11, 2011.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2a00m0na003000c.html

Fukushima agricultural group proposes tougher restrictions on rice planting

Agricultural organization JA Fukushima Chuo-kai on Jan. 26 announced plans to toughen restrictions on rice planting in radiation-contaminated areas this spring if decontamination work in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear crisis proves too difficult.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2a00m0na009000c.html

Testing centers inundated with requests to check gravel for radiation

Radiation testing facilities have been inundated with requests to check gravel after it was revealed on Jan. 15 that high radiation levels were detected in gravel quarried near the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant and used in construction projects across the prefecture.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2a00m0na013000c.html

2 Frenchmen busted for forging passes to shoot inside Fukushima's no-go zone

FUKUSHIMA -- Police have sent papers to prosecutors on two French cameramen for forging passes that they used to enter and film in the no-go zone around the crippled Fukushima nuclear plant, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/27/20120127p2a00m0na015000c.html
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Jiji press

Inter Action to Take On Solomon Islands Solar Power Project

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012700683

Tohoku Electric to Incur Record Net Loss in FY 2011

Sendai, Miyagi Pref., Jan. 27 (Jiji Press)--Tohoku Electric Power Co. <9506> said Friday it expects to report a record group net loss of 250 billion yen in fiscal 2011 that ends in March due to large impacts from the March 11 earthquake and tsunami last year.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=ind&k=2012012700889

(Update) All Chugoku Electric N-Reactors Go Offline

Hiroshima, Jan. 27 (Jiji Press)--Chugoku Electric Power Co. <9504> suspended one of the two reactors at its only nuclear power plant early Friday for routine checks.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012700042

Two-Thirds of Japan Govt Disaster Response Bodies Fail to Take Minutes

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012700381

Japan to Look into Minutes Problems at Disaster Response Panels

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012700988

Fukushima Village of Kawauchi to Urge People to Return Home

Fukushima, Jan. 27 (Jiji Press)--Yuko Endo, mayor of the village of Kawauchi near the disaster-hit nuclear plant in Fukushima Prefecture, said Friday that he will call on villagers Tuesday to return home.
In the wake of the March 2011 accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s <9501> Fukushima No. 1 plant, the village transferred its office functions to the city of Koriyama in the same prefecture and most of its villagers evacuated to Koriyama and other places.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012701029
_________________________________________________________
Sankei news

Kawauchi on 27 Jan
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kawauchi,_Fukushima

makoto · Jan 28, 2012

Re: Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/f1-np/camera/index-e.html

13:49
http://youtu.be/GyZRHekr6cg

[Reference] The Water Leakage from the Vent Valve around the Normal Reactor Injection Pump (B) on the Hill (on Standby) in Fukushima Nuclear Power Station
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/fukushima-np/images/handouts_120128_03-e.pdf
[Reference] The Water Leakage from the Valve Flange of Mini Flow Piping of the Waste RO Supply Pump in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/fukushima-np/images/handouts_120128_02-e.pdf
[Reference] The Water Leakage from the Valve Flange around the Demineralizer of the Evaporation Concentration Apparatus in Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/nu/fukushima-np/images/handouts_120128_01-e.pdf
Press Release (Jan 28,2012) Plant Status of Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station (as of 3:00 pm, January 28)
http://www.tepco.co.jp/en/press/corp-com/release/12012804-e.html
__________________________________________________________
NHK world

IAEA to ask Iran to explain nuclear program

Saturday, January 28, 2012 09:26 +0900 (JST)
http://www3.nhk.or.jp/daily/english/20120128_11.html
__________________________________________________________
Yomiuri online

10 disaster teams failed to take minutes

Ten government organizations involved in Great East Japan Earthquake response efforts, including two handling disaster countermeasures and headed by the prime minister, failed to take proper minutes of their meetings, forcing Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to apologize Friday.

http://www.yomiuri.co.jp/dy/national/T120127006451.htm
________________________________________________________
AJW

Editorial: Edano should be open about energy plans

In a recent interview with The Asahi Shimbun, industry minister Yukio Edano said the government will take measures to avert a power crunch this summer. He went on to say its plans will assume that there will be no nuclear reactor in operation.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/views/editorial/AJ201201280049

New robots to be sent into nuke plant where first failed

Pledging that Quince's loss was not in vain, a development team will be sending a new robot along with a "helper robot" in a radiation-filled reactor building at the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant later this month.

Quince, the Japanese-made rescue robot (The Asahi Shimbun)

Quince’s control screen while exploring the No. 2 reactor building at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant (Provided by Tokyo Electric Power Co.)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201280004

METI protesters ignore official eviction notice

Anti-nuclear protesters defied a government order to vacate the area in front of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry in Tokyo’s Kasumigaseki district on Jan. 27.

http://ajw.asahi.com/article/0311disaster/fukushima/AJ201201280062

Edano wants households to lend their roofs to solar drive

A program to allow companies to install solar panels on the roofs of private homes will be introduced by the government before the onset of summer, industry ministery Yukio Edano said.

Rooftop solar panels (Asahi Shimbun file photo)
http://ajw.asahi.com/article/economy/environment/AJ201201280064
____________________________________________________________
Mainichi jp(Kyodo, AP)

Tohoku Electric expects 250 bil. yen net loss for fiscal 2011 on quake

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Tohoku Electric Power Co. said Friday it expects a group net loss of 250 billion yen for the fiscal year ending March 31, on damage from the March earthquake and ballooning fuel costs at its thermal power plants due to the idling of its nuclear plants.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2g00m0bu057000c.html

Post-nationalized TEPCO to solicit capital to update thermal generators

Following the effective nationalization of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), which is currently being debated by the Japanese government, external parties will be solicited to inject new funds toward upgrading the utility's aging thermal power plants, it has been learned.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/business/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2a00m0na016000c.html

Govt failed to keep records of key nuke meetings

TOKYO (AP) -- Japan's deputy prime minister acknowledged Friday that the government failed to take minutes of 10 meetings last year on the response to the country's disasters and nuclear crisis and called for officials to compile reports on the meetings retroactively.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2g00m0dm010000c.html

Antinuclear activists refuse to move tents from gov't land

TOKYO (Kyodo) -- Antinuclear activists rejected a call by the industry ministry to remove their tents from its precincts by 5 p.m. Friday, and continued a four-month-old occupation of ministry grounds to press their demand for the closure of all nuclear power plants in Japan.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2g00m0dm013000c.html

Former Hokkaido Electric manager under fire over fraud

SAPPORO -- Police will begin investigation of a former Hokkaido Electric Co. section chief, who is accused by a local department store of committing purchase fraud, sources close to the investigation said in a recent interview.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2a00m0na001000c.html

Fukushima municipal heads urge gov't to submit clear, concrete reparation plans

KORIYAMA, Fukushima -- Heads of multiple prefectural municipalities affected by the ongoing nuclear crisis urged the government to submit a clear and concrete reparation plan as soon as possible during a panel discussion a government committee held here on Jan. 27.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2a00m0na010000c.html

Famed Aomori fishing port lives in shadow of new MOX fuel nuclear plant

OMA, Aomori -- This town at the top of Aomori Prefecture is known nationwide for its tuna, and indeed the first tuna fish auctioned at Tokyo's Tsukiji Market in 2012 was hauled in by Oma fishermen. There is, however, something else afoot here that has thus far escaped much attention: the building of a MOX fuel-based nuclear plant.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2a00m0na012000c.html

Japan's plutonium stockpile builds as nuke fuel cycle policy hits dead end

Japan's stockpile of plutonium had reached 45 metric tons by the end of 2010, inviting suspicion from the international community about what Japan intended to do with the fissile material. As a result, much hope has been pinned on a MOX fuel reactor being built in northern Japan to eventually consume that excess plutonium.

http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/national/archive/news/2012/01/28/20120128p2a00m0na013000c.html
______________________________________________________________
Jiji press

Govt Against Medical Fee Relief for Fukushima Children

Fukushima, Jan. 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government will not make medical services free of charge for children aged 18 or younger in Fukushima Prefecture, home to a disaster-crippled nuclear power plant, Tatsuo Hirano, minister in charge of postdisaster reconstruction, said Saturday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012800208

Water Leaks at Fukushima N-Plant, Cold Weather Blamed

Tokyo, Jan. 28 (Jiji Press)--Tokyo Electric Power Co. <9501> said Saturday that it found water leaking from three locations at its disaster-crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power station the same day.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012800283

Japan Eyes Documentation Guidelines

Tsu, Mie Pref., Jan. 28 (Jiji Press)--The Japanese government will consider setting up guidelines on the compilation of the minutes of government meetings, Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada said Saturday.

http://jen.jiji.com/jc/eng?g=eco&k=2012012800292
_______________________________________________________
Sankei news

environment minister Hosono measures radiation in temporary debris area, Ishinomaki city

__________________________________________________________
JMA

16:11 JST 28 Jan 2012 37.7N 142.3E 40 km M4.3 Fukushima-ken Oki

http://www.jma.go.jp/en/quake/2/20120128161533391-281611.html

Japan - Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant Crisis Units 1-6 Reports, News, Graphics - January 13, 2012 +

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