Hundreds of anti-nuclear activists gathered in central Tokyo days before the 14th anniversary of the Fukushima Nuclear Disaster to commemorate the catastrophe and protest against Japan's current nuclear policies.
Despite the ongoing ecological and health impacts of the disaster, the Ishiba cabinet approved its seventh Strategic Energy Plan in February, stating that it would maximize the use of both renewable energy and nuclear power.
Compared to the sixth edition of the country's energy roadmap, the latest version omits the phrase "reduction of dependence on nuclear power, " signaling a shift in Japan's energy policy and sparking widespread public disagreement.
"I do not think it is scientifically sound to have a facility that stores uranium and plutonium for long periods. In the event of a natural disaster, it could lead to the destruction of humanity. I do not support nuclear power," said an activist from Tokyo.
The seventh plan envisions the country's reliance on nuclear power rising to about 20 percent by 2040, while renewable energy is expected to account for 40 to 50 percent. It also includes plans to initiate new construction projects and rebuild next-generation advanced reactors at decommissioned nuclear plant sites.
"Even if it costs some money, we should aim for zero carbon while developing renewable energy sources. We have to think about nuclear waste and other nuclear-related problems that may arise. It was totally the wrong decision," said another local activist.
Since the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, 14 reactors have restarted, while 11 await approval. The new energy plan, which increases reliance on nuclear power, disregards the catastrophe and only heightens the risk of another disaster, according to many protesters.
"Over the last 14 years, the government should have promoted sustainable energy policies and development projects. Build skills and human resources. But instead, we have done nothing and are once again relying on nuclear power. It is a sign of the deterioration of Japanese politics," said an activist from Tochigi Prefecture.
Anti-nuclear activists rally ahead of Fukushima nuclear disaster anniversary
A former television host from Taiwan, Zhai Xuan, has made a pivotal decision to leave mainstream broadcasting in order to create content that provides a better understanding of the Chinese mainland and cross-strait relations.
Zhai, a seasoned television host with over a decade of experience in Taiwan's media landscape, recently addressed an audience at an event in Beijing, where she revealed her complete transition into independent online media.
In her remarks, she articulated her aspiration to bridge what she perceives as a significant information gap between audiences on both sides of the Strait, highlighting her commitment to fostering a deeper understanding and connection through her new endeavors.
"I was really surprised by all the fake news. There were stories saying people on the mainland can't afford tea eggs or that they live in mud houses and in Taiwan, this was the main information many people received," said Zhai.
Zhai said she initially began producing online videos to challenge such perceptions while continuing her work as a television host.
In April 2025, she travelled to the mainland with her father to fulfill her late grandfather's wish to return to his hometown. The trip, which reunited family members separated since 1949, was recorded in a video series titled "Journey to Find Our Roots", drawing attention from viewers in both Taiwan and the mainland.
"Many people in Taiwan told me that after watching, they wanted to apply for a mainland travel permit immediately and go looking for their relatives. Some had long forgotten these things, but after seeing my story, they began thinking about their hometowns and family members they had never met and decided to search for their roots," Zhai shared her story at the event.
By mid-2025, Zhai said she began to feel increasing pressure amid rising political tensions and a tightening atmosphere around cross-Strait exchanges in Taiwan.
After more than 12 years in the industry, Zhai resigned from her position, believing it was the right thing to do.
"At that moment, I felt this was a major issue，not just for me, but for Chinese people on both sides of the Strait. If I backed down then, I wouldn’t be standing on the right side," said Zhai.
Since leaving television, Zhai has broadened her online programming to encompass a range of daily-life topics, including practical guidance on applying for a mainland travel permit and using commonly employed mobile applications, in addition to content that delves into historical memory and cultural connections across the Strait.
As the debate over cross-Strait relations continues in Taiwan, Zhai said she remains committed to her current path.
Former Taiwan TV host bridges cross-Strait divide via online media
