Ex-premier Hatoyama joins antinuclear rally near PM's office

In an unusual move by a former prime minister, Democratic Party of Japan heavyweight Yukio Hatoyama joined an antinuclear rally on a street in front of the prime minister's office in Tokyo on Friday, saying he believes it is premature to reactivate nuclear reactors in the country.

With a microphone in his hand, Hatoyama said, "I must play a role to change the political trends by conveying people's voices to the prime minister's office as a former prime minister."

Hatoyama later called at the prime minister's office and asked Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura to have Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda meet with antinuclear protesters. The top government spokesman responded he would convey the request to Noda.