The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, located in Niigata prefecture about 220 kilometers northwest of Tokyo, moved closer to reopening after the regional assembly passed a confidence vote backing Governor Hideyo Hanazumi. Hanazumi had publicly endorsed the restart last month, and Monday’s vote effectively removed the final political hurdle for resuming operations.

“This is a milestone, but it is not the end,” Hanazumi said after the vote, stressing that ensuring the safety of local residents would remain an ongoing responsibility.

A Symbolic Return to Nuclear Energy

Kashiwazaki-Kariwa was among 54 nuclear reactors shut down across Japan following the 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, the world’s worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl. Since then, Japan has restarted 14 of the 33 reactors deemed operable.

The plant will be the first nuclear facility restarted under the operation of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the same utility that ran the Fukushima plant. According to public broadcaster NHK, TEPCO is considering reactivating the first of the site’s seven reactors as early as January 20.

With its massive installed capacity, Kashiwazaki-Kariwa is considered one of the largest nuclear facilities in the world, making its restart a landmark moment in Japan’s energy transition.

Economic Pressure Driving the Shift

Japan’s renewed push toward nuclear power is largely driven by rising global energy costs and climate commitments. After shutting down most of its reactors, the country became heavily dependent on imported fossil fuels.

The government under Prime Minister Takaichi views the return to nuclear energy as an economic necessity. Last year alone, Japan spent an estimated $68 billion on fossil fuel imports, placing significant strain on the economy. Officials argue that operating Kashiwazaki-Kariwa at full capacity could substantially reduce energy imports and lower electricity costs.

Public Opposition and Safety Concerns

Despite the political approval, deep divisions remain within the local community. During the assembly session, lawmakers opposing the restart accused authorities of ignoring public opinion, calling the decision a political compromise rather than a reflection of residents’ will.

Outside the assembly building, around 300 protesters gathered in cold weather, holding banners reading “No Nukes,” “We oppose the restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa,” and “Support Fukushima.”

Many residents continue to distrust TEPCO’s safety record.

Governor Hanazumi acknowledged these fears, saying he shares residents’ concerns and wants a future “without anxiety,” even as the restart moves forward.