The anti-nuclear voice in Japan has been growing steadily since the Fukushima disaster. (nofrills, Creative Commons)

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda explained that almost $500 billion would be spent over the next 20 years to invest in wind and solar power. The long-term plan responds to the antinuclear attitude now embraced by most Japanese.

However, the energy policy, named “Revolutionary Energy and Environment Strategy,” actually extended the expected deadline for elimination of dependence on nuclear power by 10 years, and still includes language that may allow some nuclear plants to remain in operation even after the new deadline.

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