Prime Minister Naoto Kan: State may buy tsunami-hit property (JAPAN)

[AsahinaKimi]

Many residents hope to rebuild on higher ground
Prime Minister Naoto Kan said Wednesday the administration is willing to consider buying out residential land hit by the March 11 tsunami from owners looking to relocate to higher ground.

Speaking at a Lower House Budget Committee session, Kan said such a buyout would be a "major policy approach" to support people affected by the disaster. He also said his administration would "firmly support" the affected local governments to prevent them from falling into financial collapse.

After the March earthquake triggered massive tsunami that ravaged vast areas and killed thousands in the northeast coastal areas, many residents are hoping to build new homes on higher ground.

The quake and tsunami claimed some 20,000 lives.

more..
http://search.japantimes.co.jp/cgi-bin/nn20110721a1.html

[Generic Other]

1. And he wants to back away from nuke power as well

He felt "shivers down his back" at the thought of Fukushima. He sounds like a sensible man. I can't help but wonder what our leaders would say in the face of such a tragedy?

[AsahinaKimi]

2. The thing is...

Japan's political system has asked for his resignation. He plans on giving it to them, after the mess is cleaned up. See link:
http://mdn.mainichi.jp/mdnnews/news/20110720p2a00m0na012000c.html

[Generic Other]

3. He's the captain of the ship

Guess he is the one who must go down. Still, to hear a leader question his country's commitment to nuclear power is a good sign, perhaps the one positive outcome we could wish for in all of this horrible catastrophe.