Japan has taken a decisive step toward reviving nuclear power by clearing the final political hurdle to restart the world’s largest nuclear plant, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster reshaped the country’s energy policy. A regional vote this week effectively approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power station, a move that underscores Japan’s growing focus on energy security, as reported by Reuters.
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, located in Niigata Prefecture, sits about 220 kilometers northwest of Tokyo. With a total capacity of 8.2 gigawatts across seven reactors, it is the largest nuclear power station in the world. It was shut down in 2011 alongside dozens of other reactors after an earthquake and tsunami triggered a meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.
The latest decision came after Niigata’s regional assembly passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who publicly backed the restart last month. That vote is widely seen as the final green light for operator Tokyo Electric Power Company, better known as TEPCO, to begin preparations to bring the plant back online.
TEPCO, which also operated Fukushima Daiichi, has said it is considering restarting the first reactor as early as January 20. The initial unit would add 1.36 gigawatts of capacity, with a second reactor of the same size potentially coming online around 2030. Japan’s trade ministry estimates that even a single reactor restart could boost electricity supply to the Tokyo region by about 2%.
The decision has exposed deep divisions within the local community. While supporters point to new jobs and potentially lower electricity bills, opposition remains strong. During the assembly session, hundreds of protesters gathered outside in freezing temperatures, holding banners reading “No Nukes” and “Support Fukushima.” Critics argue that the restart prioritizes national policy goals over local safety concerns.
Public skepticism is backed by data. A prefectural survey published in October found that around 60% of Niigata residents believe conditions for the restart have not been met, and nearly 70% said they were worried about TEPCO operating the plant. For some residents, the memory of Fukushima remains deeply personal, especially those who were forced to flee their homes in 2011.
The restart fits into a broader national strategy under Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who has pushed for nuclear energy to strengthen energy security and reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels. Japan currently relies on imports for 60% to 70% of its electricity generation and spent more than 10 trillion yen last year on liquefied natural gas and coal. With energy demand expected to rise due to AI data centers and electrification, Japan aims to double nuclear power’s share of its energy mix to 20% by 2040.
Even Governor Hanazumi has acknowledged the tension. While supporting the restart, he has said he hopes Japan will eventually move toward energy sources that do not cause public anxiety. For many residents, however, the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is a stark reminder that the legacy of Fukushima is far from settled, and that the balance between energy security and public trust remains as fragile as ever.
