Story perspectives

TEPCO Restarts Nuclear Reactor Amid Public Opposition

2/10/2026

Summary

Story summary

On February 9, 2026, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) restarted the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant after resolving a minor alarm.
The restart marks TEPCO's first operational unit since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The government promotes nuclear energy to cut fossil fuel use and reach carbon neutrality by 2050, but 60% of residents oppose the restart, and seven opposition groups filed a petition with 40,000 signatures.

History

Historical Context

The 2011 Fukushima disaster, triggered by a 9.1 magnitude earthquake and tsunami, severely damaged Japan's nuclear power infrastructure, leading to widespread radiation leaks and public distrust. By June 2011, over 80% of Japanese citizens opposed nuclear energy, prompting significant policy shifts. The recent restart of the No. 6 reactor at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa highlights ongoing tensions between energy needs and public safety concerns as Japan aims for carbon neutrality by 2050.

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Story summary

On February 9, 2026, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) restarted the No. 6 reactor at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant after resolving a minor alarm.
The restart marks TEPCO's first operational unit since the 2011 Fukushima disaster.
The government promotes nuclear energy to cut fossil fuel use and reach carbon neutrality by 2050, but 60% of residents oppose the restart, and seven opposition groups filed a petition with 40,000 signatures.

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