In a landmark development for Japan's energy sector, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) restarted reactor Unit 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata Prefecture on January 21, 2026, marking the first restart of a TEPCO-operated nuclear facility since the devastating Fukushima Daiichi disaster in 2011. According to NHK, TEPCO initiated the reactor at approximately 7:00 PM on January 21, one day later than initially planned. The company had postponed the restart from January 20 after discovering equipment irregularities during pre-operational testing. Once confirmation procedures were completed, TEPCO proceeded with the restart on the following day. The restart represents a significant milestone in Japan's post-Fukushima energy landscape. For nearly fifteen years, TEPCO has been unable to operate any of its nuclear facilities following the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that triggered the Fukushima nuclear accident—Japan's worst nuclear disaster and one of the most severe globally. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Niigata Prefecture, is the world's largest nuclear power station by electrical generating capacity. TEPCO has announced a cautious approach to the restart process. According to NHK reporting, the company plans to implement a scheduled shutdown in early February, lasting approximately one week, to conduct detailed equipment inspections. This measured strategy reflects both regulatory requirements and public sensitivity surrounding nuclear safety in Japan, particularly for TEPCO, which continues to manage the ongoing decommissioning of the damaged Fukushima Daiichi reactors. For foreign residents in Japan, this restart has several practical implications. The resumption of nuclear power generation at Kashiwazaki-Kariwa could eventually contribute to greater stability in Japan's electricity supply and potentially influence electricity pricing in the Tokyo metropolitan area and surrounding regions, where many expats reside. Since the Fukushima disaster, Japan has relied heavily on imported fossil fuels to meet energy demands, resulting in higher electricity costs that have affected both households and businesses. The restart also reflects the Japanese government's evolving energy policy, which increasingly views nuclear power as necessary for achieving carbon neutrality goals by 2050 while maintaining energy security. Understanding this policy direction is important for expats, particularly those working in energy-intensive industries or making long-term residence decisions in Japan. However, nuclear power remains contentious in Japan. The restart process required approval from local authorities in Niigata Prefecture, and public opinion continues to be divided on nuclear safety. Foreign residents should be aware that nuclear policy discussions remain active in Japanese politics and media. Meanwhile, separate NHK reporting indicates ongoing scrutiny of other nuclear facilities. The mayor of Omaezaki City in Shizuoka Prefecture, along with local officials, recently petitioned the Nuclear Regulation Authority regarding Chubu Electric Power Company's Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant. Concerns have emerged about potential underestimation of earthquake risks in safety assessments, demonstrating that regulatory oversight remains rigorous and that not all nuclear facilities face smooth paths to restart. For expats living in or near areas with nuclear facilities, staying informed about restart schedules and safety protocols is advisable. Local governments typically provide information in multiple languages regarding emergency preparedness, and foreign residents should familiarize themselves with evacuation procedures and emergency contact information relevant to their location. The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa restart marks a turning point in Japan's post-Fukushima energy transition, but the cautious, step-by-step approach underscores that nuclear power's role in Japan's future remains carefully managed and closely watched by regulators, local communities, and the public alike.