Japan Moves Toward Nuclear Plant Restart in Niigata After Key Regional Vote

Japan is set to restart the world’s largest nuclear power plant after a crucial vote in Niigata. Local lawmakers met Monday to decide on the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant restart. The plant has been offline since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The decision marks a major step in Japan’s return to nuclear power. Energy security needs drove the final push.

The restart plan has drawn sharp debate. Many residents fear a repeat of Fukushima. But the government says Japan must cut its heavy use of imported fuel. Officials also say the country needs stable power for new data centres and industry growth.

Japan Nuclear Plant Restart Gains Momentum After Niigata Assembly Vote

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa sits about 220 km northwest of Tokyo. It was among dozens of reactors shut down after the Fukushima Daiichi meltdown. According to Reuters, Japan has restarted 14 reactors so far. The Niigata vote is seen as the last major step before the first Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reactor can run again.

About 300 protesters gathered outside the assembly on Monday. Many held signs opposing nuclear power. Most were older residents who lived through the trauma of Fukushima. Some sang the song “Furusato,” which expresses ties to homeland. Their message was simple and firm. They do not trust the operator, TEPCO.

TEPCO has faced public criticism for years. It managed the Fukushima plant during the 2011 accident. The company has promised new safety steps. It also pledged 100 billion yen in support funds for the region. Still, local surveys show strong resistance. Around 60 percent of residents say restart conditions are not met. Nearly 70 percent doubt TEPCO can run the plant safely.

If approved, TEPCO plans to activate the first of seven reactors as early as January 20. Japan’s trade ministry says the reactor alone could lift power supply to the Tokyo area by 2 percent. The government sees this as vital. Energy costs have soared, and Japan spent 10.7 trillion yen last year on LNG and coal imports.

Nuclear Energy Returns as Japan Faces Rising Demand and Higher Costs

Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supports nuclear restarts. She argues they are needed for stable energy and climate goals. Most of Japan’s electricity still comes from imported fossil fuels. Those imports make up 60 to 70 percent of the national energy mix. Officials say this dependence is risky in a tense global market.

Japan also expects higher electricity demand. AI data centres and new tech facilities need large amounts of power. The government wants nuclear energy to supply 20 percent of the country’s electricity by 2040. Analysts say the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is a major step toward this target.

But some residents fear another crisis. Many survivors of Fukushima still struggle with stress linked to the 2011 events. Protesters in Niigata say the risks are too high. They insist Japan should move away from nuclear energy, not toward it.

The Japan nuclear plant restart marks a turning point. It shows the nation’s push for energy security and lower costs. The debate will continue as Japan balances safety, trust, and the need for power.

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Q1: Why is Japan restarting the nuclear plant?

Japan wants more stable energy and lower import costs. Officials say nuclear power is needed to meet growing demand. They also want to reduce fossil fuel dependence.

Q2: Where is the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant?

It is in Niigata Prefecture, northwest of Tokyo. It is one of the world’s largest nuclear power plants. It has seven reactors.

Q3: Who will operate the plant?

TEPCO will operate the plant. TEPCO also ran the Fukushima plant in 2011. Many residents still worry about its safety record.

Q4: When could the first reactor restart?

Reports say TEPCO may restart the first reactor on January 20. This depends on final approval. It would be the first TEPCO reactor restarted since Fukushima.

Q5: What are residents concerned about?

They fear another nuclear accident. Many do not trust TEPCO. Local surveys show strong public opposition.