(Image Source: The Nation )

 

BY LOGAN TITTLE

 

Japan is expected to restart its first reactor Sunday since the nuclear crisis caused by last year’s earthquake and tsunami. WFTV reports.

 

“All of Japan’s 50 commercial reactors were shut down after last year’s tsunami triggered a meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Chi plant, but worries about a power crunch over the summer have now prompted the restart.”

 

But not everyone is on board. Al Jazeera reports thousands took to the streets in protests.

 

“The rallies took place in several locations across the country...FLASH...There is concern in Japan over the safety of atomic energy...”

 

The Washington Post says Prime Minister Yoshihoko Noda told the nation the reactor restart would help to avoid power shortages and sustain the economy—but instead the restart has divided the country.

 

“...staging an increasingly hostile showdown between the government and those doubtful about its atomic safety claims...and social media-organized protests that once drew hundreds now draw thousands.”

 

The BBC points out businesses concerned by the lack of power in the industry were in favor of the decision—but demonstrators still argue there’s safer opportunity in alternative energy sources.

 

One protester told the BBC—

 

“‘The most important thing for us is sustainability of the Earth for the next generation so if we have some problems to keep the planet clean and beautiful, then we have to change the industrial structure to foster alternative energy sources.’”

 

The Nation reports it isn’t likely the growing protests will have any impact on the reactor’s restart, which is expected to be operating at full capacity by the end of next week.