December 2025, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant—one of Japan’s largest nuclear facilities—received approval to restart operations. Located at the border of Kashiwazaki City and Kariwa Village in Niigata Prefecture, this plant ranks among the world’s largest nuclear power stations by installed capacity. Originally equipped with seven reactors, its total capacity reached approximately 8,212 megawatts (8.2 gigawatts). Following years of safety reviews and modernization upgrades, the restart will initially resume operations at one reactor.
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant has been shut down since the Fukushima nuclear accident in 2012. Although safety concerns at the plant have long been a source of public concern and controversy, it ultimately received approval from local government and regulatory agencies after undergoing rigorous safety reviews and infrastructure upgrades. According to the plan, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) will restart the first reactor by January 20, 2026.
Nuclear Revival and Policy Support
Nuclear energy has long provided Japan with a substantial and stable supply of electricity as part of its energy strategy. However, public opposition and safety concerns following the Fukushima accident led Japan to shut down most of its nuclear power plants, shifting reliance to fossil fuels like natural gas and coal. Yet, importing these energy sources is costly and places significant environmental strain. As climate change intensifies and energy self-sufficiency declines, the revival of nuclear power has gradually become an inevitable choice for the Japanese government to address the energy crisis and reduce carbon emissions.
To ensure the safe operation of nuclear power plants, Japan’s nuclear regulatory authority conducted a comprehensive review of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station, mandating upgrades and retrofits to critical facilities for earthquake and tsunami resistance. Tokyo Electric Power Company stated that the restarted reactors will meet new stringent safety standards, enabling them to better withstand the risks posed by natural disasters.
Social Controversy Over Nuclear Revival
Despite the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company insisting that restarting nuclear power plants is a necessary step to ensure energy security, some citizens and anti-nuclear groups remain skeptical. Particularly after the Fukushima nuclear accident, many have developed deep doubts about the safety of nuclear energy, worrying about the environmental risks and health concerns that restarting nuclear plants might bring. According to surveys by anti-nuclear organizations, approximately one-third of the Japanese public continues to oppose the revival of nuclear power. To address this, TEPCO and the government must enhance communication with the public to secure broader understanding and support for the resumption of nuclear operations.
Japan’s Energy Strategy Shift
As countries worldwide commit to reducing carbon emissions, nuclear energy is once again gaining prominence as a key low-carbon power source. Japan aims to increase nuclear’s share in its energy mix by 2040, a goal contingent upon the stable operation of nuclear power plants and societal acceptance. Moreover, the energy transition is not merely a return to reliance on a single energy form. The Japanese government is also advancing renewable energy development, seeking to ensure long-term energy security through diversified sources.
Looking ahead, how Japan can balance environmental protection, safety, and energy needs while promoting the revival of nuclear energy remains a complex challenge.
