Japan's Big Move: Restarting the Biggest Nuclear Plant After Fukushima

Japan is taking a big step by restarting the world's largest nuclear power plant, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa. This plant, located about 136 miles northwest of Tokyo, was shut down after the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that caused the Fukushima disaster. Since then, Japan has been trying to reduce its dependence on imported fossil fuels and has restarted 14 of the 33 operable reactors. The decision to restart Kashiwazaki-Kariwa was made after a regional vote on Monday. The vote was a close call, with many residents and lawmakers divided over the issue. Some people support the restart because it could create new jobs and lower electricity bills. Others are against it because they are worried about the safety of the plant and the risks of nuclear accidents. TEPCO, the company that runs the plant, has promised to invest 100 billion yen ($641 million) in the prefecture over the next 10 years. However, a survey found that 60% of residents do not think the conditions for the restart have been met. Nearly 70% of residents are worried about TEPCO operating the plant.Ayako Oga, a farmer and anti-nuclear activist, fled the area around the Fukushima plant in 2011. She now lives in Niigata and is part of the protests against the restart. Oga knows firsthand the risks of a nuclear accident and is worried about the potential for another disaster. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi supports the restart of nuclear plants to strengthen energy security and reduce the cost of imported fossil fuels. Japan spends a lot of money on imported liquefied natural gas and coal, which account for 60% to 70% of its electricity generation. Japan plans to double the share of nuclear power in its electricity mix to 20% by 2040. This is part of its commitment to decarbonization and meeting future energy demands. However, for Oga and other protesters, the nuclear revival is a reminder of the potential risks and the lessons learned from Fukushima.