What's happened
Japan's Niigata prefecture approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant, operated by TEPCO, after years of shutdown following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The move aims to boost energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels, despite local protests and safety concerns. The first reactor restart is planned for January 20, 2026.
What's behind the headline?
The restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa signals Japan's strategic pivot towards nuclear energy to address energy security and climate commitments. Despite public opposition rooted in Fukushima's legacy, the government and TEPCO are betting on improved safety measures and economic benefits. The plant's reopening will likely influence Japan's energy mix, potentially lowering fossil fuel imports and carbon emissions. However, community resistance and safety concerns remain significant hurdles, and the restart could reignite debates over nuclear safety and public trust. The decision underscores Japan's balancing act between energy needs, environmental goals, and public sentiment, with the first reactor restart expected to boost Tokyo's electricity supply by 2% and set a precedent for future plant reactivations.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that the Niigata prefectural assembly passed a vote of confidence on Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, backing the restart, which effectively allows the plant to operate again. Al Jazeera highlights the political context, noting Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's support for nuclear reactivation to reduce reliance on fossil fuels, which cost Japan over 10 trillion yen last year. Reuters emphasizes the historical context, recalling the 2011 Fukushima disaster and Japan's subsequent nuclear shutdowns, with 14 reactors now restarted. The articles collectively illustrate a complex landscape of energy policy, public opinion, and safety considerations, with TEPCO's move to restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa marking a pivotal moment in Japan's nuclear future.
How we got here
Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan shut down 54 reactors, leaving 33 operable. Since then, Japan has gradually restarted 14 reactors to lessen dependence on imported fossil fuels and meet climate goals. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, the largest in Japan, was among those shut down and is now set to resume operations under local government approval, marking a significant shift in Japan's nuclear policy.
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Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Incorporated, also known as Toden or TEPCO, is a Japanese electric utility holding company servicing Japan's KantÅ region, Yamanashi Prefecture, and the eastern portion of Shizuoka Prefecture.
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Sanae Takaichi is a conservative Japanese politician.
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Hideyo Hanazumi is a Japanese politician serving as the Governor of Niigata Prefecture, following his election in June 2018. Prior to his election, Hanazumi served as a vice commandant in the Japan Coast Guard and as Vice Governor of Niigata.