Japan postponing decision to restart nuclear reactors

In a press conference, Trade Minister Yuki Edano said that Japan needs more time to decide whether to restart two offline nuclear reactors. The talks follow rising concerns about a summer power crunch amid worries of a repetition of the Fukushima tragedy.

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will be meeting three cabinet members today to discuss restarting the reactors.

"Safety should be ensured to avoid massive leaks of radioactive materials as occurred in the Fukushima crisis even if an earthquake and tsunami that exceed past expectations occur," Edano told reporters. "We should also obtain the understanding of local communities in that regard."

All but one of Japan's 54 reactors have been shut, mostly for maintenance checks, over the months since the disaster at Tokyo Electric Power's Fukushima plant, triggered by a huge tsunami in March 2011.

The remaining reactor is set to be closed for maintenance on May 5.