Takagi Jinzaburo (Environmental Activist) - January 2001

Takagi Jinzaburo (Environmental Activist) - January 2001

Takagi Jinzaburo is widely known as an environmental activist who warned of the risks of nuclear power generation. Since the 1970s, he has worked on nuclear energy issues, especially pointing out the health hazards of radiation and the risks of nuclear plant accidents caused by earthquakes. In his book "Tori-tachi no Mau Toki" (When the Birds Fly), he detailed the operational risks of nuclear power plants and the inadequate management of radioactive waste, calling for a review of energy policies. His activities became a symbol of the anti-nuclear movement and had a significant impact on Japanese society.

Current Status in the 2020s

In the 2020s, Takagi Jinzaburo's warnings remain relevant. Especially after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, Japan's energy policy has reached a turning point. In the Fukushima accident, radioactive cesium-137 was widely dispersed, and many areas, especially in Fukushima Prefecture, were designated as evacuation zones. Even now, some areas with high levels of radioactive material are designated as "no-return zones," where people cannot live.

Since the Fukushima accident, interest in renewable energy has increased, and companies have accelerated their efforts to reform energy policies. For example, SoftBank established "SB Energy" to promote renewable energy, expanding solar and wind power generation. Additionally, Kyocera and Panasonic are advancing the development of solar panels, aiming to increase Japan's energy self-sufficiency.

However, as of 2020, Japan's energy self-sufficiency rate remains only 20%, and the country continues to rely on restarting nuclear power plants. As Takagi warned, nuclear power still poses risks, and its safety is especially questioned in earthquake-prone Japan. In 2023, discussions about restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata Prefecture sparked protests from residents, and concerns over safety remain unresolved.

Takagi Jinzaburo's efforts have been inherited by many environmental activists and citizen groups today, and the call to review energy policies for a sustainable society is growing stronger.