Japan has approved plans to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, the world’s largest nuclear facility, nearly 15 years after the Fukushima disaster reshaped the country’s energy policy.
Lawmakers in Niigata Prefecture cleared the move this week, allowing Tokyo Electric Power Company to bring one reactor back online as early as January. The plant has been shut since 2011, when a massive earthquake and tsunami triggered a nuclear meltdown at Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant.
The restart reflects Japan’s efforts to cut reliance on imported fossil fuels, curb emissions, and meet rising power demands. Officials say safety upgrades have been completed, though local opposition remains strong.
While the decision signals a cautious return to nuclear energy, the legacy of Fukushima continues to fuel public debate. Click through to see how the disaster reshaped the region, and where it stands today.