Foreign residents in Japan are facing renewed concerns about energy infrastructure safety following revelations that Chubu Electric Power Company manipulated seismic data related to the Hamaoka Nuclear Power Plant in Shizuoka Prefecture. The incident, which came to light in early January 2025, has prompted government intervention and raised questions about nuclear safety oversight in a country still grappling with the aftermath of the 2011 Fukushima disaster. According to NHK, Chubu Electric is suspected of underestimating earthquake assessments for the Hamaoka plant, which is located in a seismically active region along the Pacific coast. The manipulation occurred during safety reviews required before the plant could be restarted. On January 9, company representatives appeared before a special committee of the Omaezaki City Council, where the plant is located, to apologize for the data irregularities. Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akazawa stated that the government views the matter "extremely seriously" and is awaiting a full report on the causes and prevention measures from the company. The severity of the situation has prompted regulatory action. According to Livedoor News, authorities have decided to issue a formal order requiring Chubu Electric to submit detailed reports about the data manipulation. This represents a significant escalation in government oversight and reflects official concern about the integrity of nuclear safety processes. For expats living in central Japan, particularly in Shizuoka, Aichi, and surrounding prefectures served by Chubu Electric, this incident underscores ongoing questions about nuclear plant safety and the reliability of information provided by utility companies. The Hamaoka plant has been offline since 2011, when then-Prime Minister Naoto Kan requested its shutdown due to concerns about its vulnerability to major earthquakes and tsunamis. The facility sits directly above the junction of two tectonic plates and has long been considered one of Japan's most at-risk nuclear installations. The revelation that seismic data may have been deliberately downplayed during restart assessments is particularly troubling given the plant's location and Japan's history of devastating earthquakes. Meanwhile, Tokyo Electric Power Holdings (TEPCO), the operator responsible for the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, submitted a new reconstruction plan to the government on January 9, according to NHK. The plan includes provisions for recruiting business partners and implementing cost-reduction measures. TEPCO faces the dual challenge of funding ongoing compensation payments to Fukushima disaster victims and decommissioning costs while maintaining stable electricity supply to the Tokyo metropolitan area, home to millions of foreign residents. In a separate development affecting renewable energy, the Feed-in Tariff (FIT) certification for a major solar power project in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, expired on January 9, NHK reported. This certification had guaranteed fixed purchase prices for electricity generated by the planned mega-solar facility. The expiration means that if the project proceeds, electricity sales prices will be significantly lower than originally projected, potentially affecting the project's viability and highlighting challenges in Japan's transition to renewable energy sources. For foreign residents, these developments carry practical implications. The nuclear data manipulation scandal may delay any potential restart of the Hamaoka plant, affecting long-term energy policy in central Japan. TEPCO's financial restructuring could impact electricity rates in the Tokyo area, where many expats live and work. The solar project setback illustrates ongoing hurdles in developing alternatives to nuclear power. Expats should monitor announcements from their local utility companies regarding potential rate changes and stay informed about nuclear safety developments, particularly if living near nuclear facilities. The government's strong response to the Chubu Electric case suggests increased scrutiny of nuclear operators, which may lead to enhanced safety protocols but could also affect energy costs and availability as Japan continues balancing its energy needs with safety concerns in the post-Fukushima era.