This article criticizes a Japanese court decision that halted the operation of the Takahama Nuclear Power Plant, arguing that the judge overstepped judicial authority by independently assessing reactor safety. It questions judicial independence, postwar ideology, and possible personal motives behind the ruling.

April 27, 2016

This follows the previous chapter.

In the lawsuit over the fabricated “Hundred-Man Killing” story invented by Kazuo Asami of the Mainichi Shimbun, Tokyo District Court Judge Akihiro Doi declared Mainichi Shimbun and Katsuichi Honda of the Asahi Shimbun innocent.

Doi did not possess even the slightest courage to confront the rampant postwar historical narrative and acknowledge Japan’s innocence.

With his career still ahead of him, he likely judged that conforming to public sentiment would ensure smooth promotion.

The other day, Judge Yoshihiko Yamamoto of the Otsu District Court approved a request filed by activists to halt the operation of the Takahama Nuclear Power Plant.

Yamamoto personally evaluated the safety of the nuclear plant and, citing “concerns,” issued a decision to shut down reactors that were already in operation.

Is there something lurking behind this astonishing act of judicial overreach?

This 61-year-old judge is said to retire soon and become a practicing attorney.

Is this ruling meant to serve as a parting gift?

The judiciary has never possessed ethics or independence to begin with.