‘We will focus on overcoming the pandemic, but continuing to move forward, even promoting the use of digital technology to allow more people to work remotely and revitalize regional economies,’ Kono said at a press conference.

Kono broke with his long-standing stance of opposing the use of nuclear power, saying it is realistic to bring back nuclear power plants that have been confirmed safe in order to achieve Japan’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050.

He also denied having plans to build new nuclear power plants and stressed the need to promote renewable energy.

The candidate drew the line between his reform-minded policies and the conservatism of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party as the route to take if he wins the race to succeed Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga.

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