Genkai Town Mayor Daisuke Hidaka Calls Nuclear Waste Site Unfeasible

In the July 26 election for mayor of Genkai Town, Saga Prefecture, Daisuke Hidaka (55) defeated incumbent Shintaro Wakiyama (69) to become the town’s first‑term mayor. Hidaka said that the planned final disposal facility for high‑level radioactive waste – which would require 6–10 square kilometres – is difficult to site within the town’s limited area.

He explained that the decision will await the forthcoming literature‑survey report, after which he will consult residents and the town assembly. Hidaka also noted that offshore seabed options, similar to those examined in Hokkaido’s Kamoe‑nai village, could be considered, and he reaffirmed cooperation with the Nuclear Waste Management Organization (NUMO) as the national process continues.