Japan scales down nuclear power

Japan is scrapping plans to generate half its energy needs from nuclear power in the wake of the Fukushima disaster.

Prime minister Naoto Kan said the country, which currently gets about a third of its power from nuclear plants, needs to "start from scratch" on its long-term energy policy.

The Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant was severely damaged by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami, despite being equipped with a series of safeguards.

Mr Kan also said he would take a pay cut beginning in June until the Fukushima crisis is resolved because he took responsibility as part of the government that has promoted nuclear energy.