Japan: Concerns grow over Reactor Safety Tests

Japan's government has confirmed that the country's out-of-action nuclear reactors could be turned on again, if they pass post-Fukushima safety tests. But no timetable for the tests has been given. Ministers had announced last month that the plants were safe to open.

Yukio Edano, Japanese Chief Cabinet Secretary said "This new set of standards is aimed at guaranteeing the safety of nuclear power generations and at gaining the trust of the general population in the safety of nuclear facilities."

Only 19 of the country's 54 reactors are working. Hundreds of protesters took to the streets of Tokyo to complain about the prime minister's handling of the nuclear disaster. According to opinion polls in June, more than 80 per cent of people wanted to see Naoto Kan step down.