PM urges anti-terrorism steps at Japan nuke plants

Shinzo Abe acknowledged at a parliamentary session that an investigation into the tsunami-hit Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant revealed an overall lack of security. Abe said the government has instructed nuclear operators to upgrade security measures to match international standards, and police have since replaced private security guards to provide 24-hour watch around nuclear facilities.

Tokyo had dismissed U.S. recommendations to strengthen severe accident measures at nuclear plants in case of a Sept. 11-style attack, saying the chances of such attacks on Japan were extremely low.

During Tuesday's lower house budget committee meeting, Abe said that security measures around Japanese nuclear plants were thin and limited to reactor areas. Until recently, Japanese nuclear power plants were guarded by unarmed private security guards, who had to call police in case of a security threat. Even now, defense troops are expected only when there is a missile attack or other serious threat, and their emergency drill with the coast guard was held for the first time in October, said Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera.

Abe said that is not enough.

"In order to ensure safety at nuclear power plants, it is extremely important to acquire an ability to respond to risks such as terrorist attacks," Abe said. "We are aware of the problems, and will do our utmost to improve the security around nuclear plants in the meantime."

Abe also reiterated Tuesday his plans to resume reactors that are approved by regulators under new safety standards, expected to take effect in mid-July. Abe, however, has said he was scrapping the previous government's plan to phase out nuclear by the 2030s. He said the government will compile Japan's best energy mix within 10 years while putting on hold a decision on what to do with nuclear energy.