Japanese prefectural chiefs have asked the central government to thoroughly implement existing procedures to protect nuclear plants from possible attacks.

The National Governors' Association compiled a set of emergency requests in response to the Russian attack and seizure of the Zaporizhzhia nuclear power plant in Ukraine earlier this month.

The association submitted the proposals to Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Isozaki Yoshihiko in Tokyo on Wednesday.

The document calls armed attacks on nuclear plants totally unacceptable, saying such acts have engendered great concerns among people living near nuclear plants in Japan.

The prefectural leaders asked the government to swiftly order utilities based on law to suspend operations of their nuclear plants if armed attacks or other emergencies become a matter of concern.

They also asked the government to allow the operators to halt their nuclear plants without a government order if urgency is required.

Tottori Governor Hirai Shinji, who heads the association, told reporters that the Russian attacks caused safety concerns in and near municipalities that host nuclear plants.

He said the government should renew its pledge to safeguard nuclear plants and residents in emergencies.