Anti-nuclear campaigners rally in Japan

Tens of thousands gather in Tokyo, demanding an end to nuclear power.

An estimated 170,000 people took part, marching through the capital to have their voices heard.

Protesters are angry at the government's decision to support nuclear energy.

It comes after the restart of the first reactor since the Fukushima crisis - one of worst nuclear disasters in history.

The government says nuclear energy is vital to help power the country.

But protesters insist Japan's reliance must end.

SOUNDBITE: RALLY PARTICIPANT NAOKO GOMBA SAYING (Japanese):

"Japan is a earthquake-prone country, it could be decimated and so that's why I decided to show that we're opposed."

SOUNDBITE: RALLY PARTICIPANT MINORU NAKAMURA SAYING (Japanese):

"The plants leave too much behind. Things that can't be properly and completely controlled by humans shouldn't be used."

Before the Fukushima crisis, nuclear power supplied around 30 percent of Japan's electricity - making it the world's third-biggest user.

The government says it needs to restart nuclear reactors, or risk leaving the country vulnerable to power outages.

But opinion polls suggest that around 70 percent of the population want nuclear power ditched in the long-term.

Sarah Charlton, Reuters.