Nuclear power at heart of new Japan PM's energy policy

By Katya Golubkova and Yuka Obayashi

TOKYO, Oct 22 (Reuters) - Japan's new prime minister Sanae Takaichi is expected to push for the accelerated revival of nuclear power to tackle inflation, a source of public discontent, with reactor restarts key to reducing costly fuel imports.

Takaichi has appointed Ryosei Akazawa, who was Japan's point person in its recent tariff deal with the U.S., as trade and industry minister - a portfolio that includes energy - signalling a willingness to engage with Washington, including on liquefied natural gas purchases, analysts said.

Her government plans a package of purchases to present to U.S. President Donald Trump during his visit to Tokyo next week, including LNG, although not for now from the Alaskan pipeline project championed by Trump, Reuters reported on Wednesday.

However, Akazawa said on Wednesday that it was essential to maximise power sources that contribute to energy security and decarbonisation.

"We aim to proceed with nuclear restarts while taking concrete steps to gain the necessary understanding of local communities and stakeholders," he said.