In Genkai, Saga Prefecture, a special committee meeting held on April 25 resulted in the approval of a request for the town to potentially become the final disposal site for nuclear waste. Genkai, known for hosting a nuclear power plant, is now deliberating entering the process to also serve as the location for the disposal of highly radioactive nuclear waste. Following the committee’s approval, the full town assembly is anticipated to convene on April 26 and is expected to vote on the request.
If the town assembly gives its approval, the decision will rest on Mayor Shintaro Wakiyama whether to formally request the central government to consider Genkai as a potential candidate in the initial phase of selection for the final disposal site. This process involves assessments of historical data on natural disasters and geological conditions to determine the site's suitability for the disposal of nuclear waste. Genkai, if chosen to proceed, would become the third municipality to enter this selection process, following two others in Hokkaido. The push for Genkai to consider hosting the disposal site came earlier in the year when three local business groups and supportive assembly members advocated for the town to fulfill its responsibility as a nuclear plant host by also accommodating the final disposal of nuclear waste.