Japan plans to expand nuclear risk payouts for towns, critics call it a ‘bribe’

Japan’s ruling coalition has agreed to expand financial support for communities near nuclear plants, drawing fierce criticism from environmental groups who describe the move as a “bribe” aimed at buying consent from cash-strapped rural areas.
Under the proposal, backed this week by senior officials in the Liberal Democratic Party and its partner Komeito, subsidies would be extended beyond the current 10km radius to include municipalities up to 30km from nuclear facilities.
The government is also…