Protest sparked as emperor given letter about nuke fear

JAPAN

A JAPANESE politician handed Emperor Akihito a letter yesterday expressing fear about the health impact of the Fukushima nuclear disaster, breaking a taboo by trying to involve the emperor in politics.

Taro Yamamoto, who is also an anti-nuclear activist, gave Akihito the letter during a garden party, setting off a storm of protest on the internet from critics shocked at his action.

‘‘I wanted to directly tell the emperor of the current situation,’’ Yamamoto said, referring to the crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant north of Tokyo, which has been leaking radioactivity since it was battered by an earthquake and tsunami on March 11, 2011.

‘‘I wanted him to know about the children who have been contaminated by radiation. If this goes on, there will be serious health impacts.’’ Akihito inclined his head as he took the letter in his hand but then handed it to an aide. Yamamoto said he made no comment.

About 150,000 people were evacuated from around the plant which suffered a series of explosions and meltdowns. A large area of surrounding land is off-limits due to high radiation.

United Nations scientists said this year the evacuation helped prevent rising cancer rates and other health problems. Traces of radioactive contamination have been found in rice and far out in the Pacific Ocean.

Akihito, who turns 80 in December, fills a purely ceremonial role and remains above the political fray.

He has striven to draw the imperial family closer to the people. Conservative Japanese revere him. Some Japanese see the family as irrelevant.

Some internet critics called on Yamamoto to resign from parliament.