Members of parliament stand in support of the adoption of the petition during the vote.

 On the 18th, the town assembly of Kaminoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture, adopted—by majority vote—a petition from the local Chamber of Commerce requesting that Chugoku Electric Power present its business plan early for a proposed interim storage facility for spent nuclear fuel. This marks the first assembly decision on the issue since the February election and effectively signals a positive stance toward the project.

The petition argues that the facility would contribute to national energy policy and bring economic benefits—through construction and grants—not only to the town but also to neighboring municipalities. It also calls on the assembly to engage in “forward‑looking discussions, with safety and security as the top priority.” At a committee meeting on the 12th, votes were split 2–2, and the chair’s decision pushed it toward adoption.

During the plenary session on the 18th, supporters said:

  • “The facility will help secure financial resources and create jobs; early presentation of the plan is necessary.”

  • “Regardless of being for or against, everyone wants the business plan presented soon.”

Opponents argued:

  • “There has been no explanation of the pros and cons; residents’ understanding has not deepened.”

  • “Ensuring safety and demanding early submission contradict each other.”

Excluding the chair, the vote was 5 in favor and 4 against. Chamber of Commerce chairman Noriaki Hamada (76), who observed the vote, said, “I’m very pleased. We hope the facility will be realized as soon as possible.”

Assembly chair Kazumi Iwaki later said the assembly does not plan to directly convey the result to Chugoku Electric, though the town mayor Tetsuo Nishi will be informed.

Chugoku Electric commented: “We take the adoption seriously and will continue working diligently on the business plan.”