Story perspectives

Nuclear Power Plant Halts Restart Amid Safety Concerns

1/22/2026

Summary

Story summary

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, suspended operations on January 22, 2026, hours after restarting its No. 6 reactor for the first time since 2011.
TEPCO halted the No. 6 reactor due to a control-rod malfunction, but said there were no safety issues or radiation leaks.
About 60% of local residents oppose the restart, citing safety fears from the plant's proximity to an active seismic fault.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, triggered by a magnitude 9.0 earthquake and tsunami, led to a significant reevaluation of nuclear safety in Japan. Following the disaster, public opposition surged, with over 80% of residents expressing distrust in nuclear power. The recent shutdown of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant highlights ongoing concerns about seismic risks, emphasizing the need for stringent safety measures in earthquake-prone regions.

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Story summary

The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant, the world's largest, suspended operations on January 22, 2026, hours after restarting its No. 6 reactor for the first time since 2011.
TEPCO halted the No. 6 reactor due to a control-rod malfunction, but said there were no safety issues or radiation leaks.
About 60% of local residents oppose the restart, citing safety fears from the plant's proximity to an active seismic fault.

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