In a move that has sparked public protests and ongoing debate, the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata prefecture has resumed operations, with its first reactor restarting on January 23, 2025. The plant, which is the largest nuclear facility in the world by potential capacity, had been offline since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. This decision to bring the plant back online follows approval from the regional governor, despite strong opposition from local residents and concerns over safety.
Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) has confirmed the restart of the plant’s Unit 7 reactor, following a long period of inactivity. The resumption comes as Japan seeks to reduce its reliance on fossil fuels and meet its growing energy demands, particularly in the wake of the increasing energy needs of sectors like artificial intelligence. Despite significant safety upgrades, including a 15-meter tsunami wall and elevated emergency power systems, the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant has sparked significant anxiety among the local population.
Protests near the plant’s entrance on January 23 saw dozens of elderly residents braving the cold to voice their opposition. “It’s Tokyo’s electricity that is produced in Kashiwazaki, so why should the people here be put at risk?” said Yumiko Abe, a 73-year-old local resident. A survey conducted in September 2025 found that around 60 percent of residents oppose the plant’s restart, citing fears over safety and the potential consequences of a future disaster.
TEPCO, in response to these concerns, emphasized its commitment to ensuring the safety of the facility. The company stated that it would “proceed with careful verification of each plant facility’s integrity,” assuring the public that any issues would be addressed transparently. However, skepticism remains, particularly given Japan’s recent history of safety scandals in its nuclear industry, including data falsification by Chubu Electric Power related to seismic risks.
The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart is part of Japan’s broader plan to expand its use of nuclear power, with the government aiming for nuclear to account for around 20% of its energy supply by 2040. This marks a significant shift as Japan moves away from its previous reliance on coal, gas, and oil, which currently make up nearly 70% of the country’s electricity generation. The government’s energy transition plan calls for increasing renewable energy sources, but nuclear power is still seen as a critical part of Japan’s energy strategy to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050.
Despite the technical improvements and safety measures, concerns about the plant’s location—sitting on an active seismic fault zone—remain a key point of contention. The plant was hit by a strong earthquake in 2007, and critics argue that the risk of future earthquakes cannot be ignored. A petition against the restart, signed by nearly 40,000 people, emphasizes the ongoing fear of another disaster and the emotional toll it takes on residents.
The controversy surrounding the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa also highlights the broader challenges faced by Japan’s nuclear industry. The nation’s nuclear power sector has faced numerous scandals in recent years, further eroding public trust. For example, the recent failure of an alarm system during a test at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant raised further questions about the adequacy of safety protocols.
As Japan navigates its energy future, the resumption of operations at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa reflects the country’s complex balancing act between energy security, climate goals, and public safety concerns. While nuclear power may play an essential role in Japan’s energy transition, the ongoing opposition to the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant shows that public trust in the industry remains fragile.
