Japan advances Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear restart after Niigata assembly vote, despite local opposition and Fukushima-era concerns
Japan has moved closer to a major expansion of nuclear power following a key vote by the Niigata prefectural assembly that clears the way for restarting the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster.
The assembly passed a vote of confidence in Governor Hideyo Hanazumi, who endorsed the restart last month, effectively removing the final political barrier to resuming operations at the world’s largest nuclear facility by capacity, located around 220 kilometres northwest of Tokyo.
Kashiwazaki-Kariwa was among 54 reactors nationwide shut down after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami triggered meltdowns at Fukushima Daiichi, the worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl.
Since then, Japan has brought 14 of 33 operable reactors back online, seeking to reduce dependence on imported fossil fuels and enhance energy security.
The plant will be the first nuclear facility restarted under Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), the operator of Fukushima Daiichi.
Public broadcaster NHK reported TEPCO is considering reactivating the first of seven reactors as early as 20 January, though the company has not confirmed a timeline.
While the assembly backed Hanazumi, debate highlighted deep divisions in the local community.
Lawmakers opposing the restart criticised the decision as politically driven and disconnected from public sentiment.
Around 300 protesters gathered outside the assembly in freezing conditions, holding banners opposing nuclear power and questioning TEPCO’s safety record.
TEPCO has pledged to invest 100 billion yen ($641 million) in Niigata over the next decade, promising jobs and economic benefits.
Yet an October survey found 60% of residents believed conditions for a restart were unmet, and nearly 70% expressed concern over TEPCO as operator.
Among the protesters was Ayako Oga, a farmer and anti-nuclear activist who fled Fukushima in 2011.
“We know firsthand the risk of a nuclear accident and cannot dismiss it,” she said.
Despite the controversy, the central government considers the restart critical.
Japan’s trade ministry estimates that reactivating a single reactor at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa could raise electricity supply to the Tokyo region by roughly 2%.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who assumed office two months ago, has made nuclear restarts central to her strategy to cut fuel import costs and bolster energy security.
Imported fossil fuels currently supply 60% to 70% of Japan’s electricity, with $68 billion spent last year on liquefied natural gas and coal.
Rising demand from energy-intensive AI data centres, even amid a shrinking population, increases pressure for reliable power sources.
Japan aims to double nuclear power’s share of electricity to 20% by 2040.
Analysts say public acceptance of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart will be a key test for achieving that target.
Governor Hanazumi has expressed reservations about long-term dependence on nuclear energy, emphasising hopes to transition away from power sources that provoke public concern.
For many residents and Fukushima survivors, the vote has revived painful memories, underscoring the unresolved tensions at the heart of Japan’s nuclear revival.
