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Japan's largest nuclear plant nears restart after Fukushima
Japan took a critical step Friday toward reviving the world's largest nuclear power facility, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Niigata Governor Hideyo Hanazumi announced his approval for a partial restart, pending further regulatory and local government endorsements.
Governor's approval triggers next steps
Hanazumi's decision, revealed at a press conference, clears the way for discussions at the prefectural assembly in December. If approved there, the plant's No. 6 and No. 7 reactors-operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco)-could gradually resume operations.
The move aligns with Tepco's post-Fukushima recovery plan, which includes restoring nuclear capacity to offset financial losses from the 2011 meltdown. That disaster, triggered by a 9.0-magnitude earthquake and tsunami, caused radiation leaks and displaced 150,000 residents.
Public divided over safety and energy needs
A Niigata prefecture survey last month showed residents nearly split: 50% supported the restart, while 47% opposed it. Nearly 70% expressed concerns about Tepco's ability to manage the facility safely, reflecting lingering distrust after Fukushima.
Japan's nuclear sector has slowly rebooted since 2011, with 14 reactors already back online. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant's revival would mark Tepco's first reactor restart since the disaster, as the company continues paying trillions in damages and decommissioning costs.
Climate goals vs. safety fears
The push to restart the plant underscores Japan's balancing act: reducing fossil fuel reliance to meet net-zero emissions targets while addressing public anxiety over nuclear risks. Hanazumi's decision signals cautious progress, though final approvals from the prefectural assembly and national regulators remain pending.
"This is a step toward energy stability, but safety must come first."
Hideyo Hanazumi, Niigata Governor
