More than six months since the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant started, people not directly affected by it appear to be gradually losing their acute concern about the crisis.
Former Prime Minister Naoto Kan's recent interviews with mass media serve as a reminder of its serious nature.
The interviews show that a critical moment in the unfolding drama came when Tepco management expressed their desire to withdraw staff from the stricken nuclear power plant. Mr. Kan rejected Tepco's request, considering it out of the question.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.