Criticism up on Japan response to nuclear crisis

TOKYO—Criticism of the Japanese government’s handling of the crisis at a radiation-spewing nuclear power plant is growing after an adviser quit in protest of what he lambasted as unsafe, slipshod measures.

University of Tokyo professor Toshiso Kosako announced late Friday he was stepping down. The expert on radiation exposure said in tears he could not stay on and allow the government to set what he said were improper radiation limits for elementary schools near the crippled plant.

Prime Minister Naoto Kan appointed Kosako last month after the March 11 magnitude-9.0 earthquake and tsunami in northeastern Japan that damaged the plant.

Demonstrations against nuclear power have been growing and are expected to go on over the holidays that continue into next week.