Japan Restarts Major Nuclear Reactor, Ending Post-Fukushima Halt
January 21, 2026
Japan has taken a major step in reviving its nuclear energy sector with the restart of Reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant — the first such restart by Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) since the 2011 Fukushima disaster. The plant, located in Niigata Prefecture and known as the world’s largest nuclear facility by capacity, had been offline for nearly 14 years following the Fukushima meltdown. The return of Unit 6 to operation comes after safety checks, regulatory approval, and investments in upgraded systems, marking a symbolic shift in Japan’s energy policy.
The 1.36-gigawatt reactor is expected to bolster Japan’s electricity supply when it enters commercial operation — planned for early 2026 — and comes amid broader efforts to strengthen energy security and reduce reliance on imported fossil fuels. Japan’s limited domestic energy resources have made nuclear power a strategic priority once again, even as public concerns about safety linger due to past accidents and seismic risks. While 15 reactors have now been restarted across the country, this TEPCO-operated unit is especially significant given the company’s history and the meticulous safety hurdles required before resuming operations.
