SHIZUOKA -- Prime Minister Naoto Kan's decision to request the closure of the Hamaoka nuclear power plant was supported by 66.2 percent of the public, according to the results of a poll released Sunday.

About 47.0 percent of the respondents also backed the idea of reducing the number of reactors in the country. The weekend telephone poll said those who think Kan should resign immediately has dropped to 17.5 percent, down 6.1 points from the previous poll in April.

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While a significant number of respondents called for a reduction in nuclear power plants, 57.9 percent approved the government's decision to limit reactor closures to Hamaoka, apparently reflecting public concern about potential power shortages.