On Dec. 19, Niigata Governor Ryuichi Yoneyama met with Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Hiroshige Seko for the first time after the governor took office. In regard to restarting operation at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, the governor, who takes a cautious stance, said, “Although our positions [on the nuclear plant issue] are different, we can agree that building trust and ensuring safety are essential. I would like to hold further discussions.”

Seko responded by saying, “Obtaining trust from the society is crucial in moving nuclear policy forward. We will make efforts to enhance measures against nuclear hazards.”

Yoneyama told the press after the meeting that Seko had expressed interest in big projects, such as constructing a pipeline (for LNG that can conceivably be built between Russia and Niigata.)

After conveying a positive stance toward the concept of pipelining across the Sea of Japan, the governor said he had explained to the minister, “It would be an expensive project. We would need an agreement from Russia as well. It is not a tangible plan.”