Japan approves restart of world’s largest nuclear plant after 15 years

Japan has approved the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata, marking a significant step in reviving the country’s nuclear energy program nearly 15 years after the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO), the plant is the world’s largest nuclear facility and was among the 54 reactors shut down following the Fukushima incident. TEPCO plans to reactivate the first of seven reactors on January 20, which could boost Tokyo’s electricity supply by 2%. This restart is notable as it is the first for a TEPCO-operated facility since the disaster, reflecting the government’s push to reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels and enhance energy security. Despite the government and local authorities’ support, including Governor Hideyo Hanazumi and Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, public opposition remains strong. Around 300 protesters voiced concerns about nuclear safety, recalling the Fukushima tragedy, and surveys indicate that a majority of Ni