A Japanese regional assembly has voted in favor of restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the largest in the world, marking a significant step toward reviving nuclear energy in the country for the first time since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The plant, located in Niigata Prefecture, has been offline for more than a decade following heightened safety concerns after the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown. The decision by the assembly signals growing political and economic pressure to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and stabilize Japan’s energy supply.
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa facility, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), has seven reactors with a combined capacity of over 8,000 megawatts. If fully operational, it could supply electricity to millions of households across Japan, significantly easing the country’s energy challenges.
Supporters of the restart argue that nuclear power is essential for Japan’s energy security, especially amid rising global fuel prices and the push to meet carbon reduction targets. They claim that the plant has undergone extensive safety upgrades to meet stricter post-Fukushima regulations.
Opponents, however, remain deeply skeptical. Local residents and anti-nuclear activists warn that restarting the plant could expose communities to unacceptable risks, particularly given TEPCO’s troubled history with safety management. They also stress that public trust in nuclear operators remains fragile.
The assembly’s approval does not mean an immediate restart. TEPCO must still secure final regulatory clearance from Japan’s Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), which has been conducting safety inspections and reviewing the company’s compliance with new standards.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s government has been supportive of reviving nuclear energy, framing it as a necessary component of Japan’s long-term energy strategy. Officials argue that without nuclear power, Japan will struggle to meet its climate commitments and maintain affordable electricity.
The decision has sparked debate across Japan, with some viewing it as a pragmatic step toward energy independence, while others see it as a dangerous return to pre-Fukushima complacency. Public opinion remains divided, with polls showing both cautious support and strong opposition.
International observers are closely watching the development, as Japan’s nuclear policy has global implications for energy markets and climate change efforts. A successful restart could encourage other nations to reconsider nuclear power as part of their energy mix.
For now, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant remains idle, but the assembly’s backing represents a turning point in Japan’s nuclear debate. Whether the restart proceeds smoothly or faces further resistance will depend on regulatory decisions, public sentiment, and TEPCO’s ability to demonstrate lasting safety improvements.
