Foreign residents in Japan face renewed questions about nuclear safety and energy policy following revelations of serious security breaches at two major nuclear power plants and controversial statements from Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi regarding Japan's non-nuclear principles. According to NHK, employees at Tohoku Electric Power's Higashidori Nuclear Power Plant in Aomori Prefecture falsified records related to security monitoring systems from fiscal year 2018 onward. Workers reportedly failed to conduct required tests and inspections of intrusion detection systems designed to prevent unauthorized access, yet documented these tasks as completed. This breach of protocol raises significant concerns about the integrity of security measures at facilities handling nuclear materials. Simultaneously, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) disclosed that an employee at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant in Niigata Prefecture improperly handled classified documents related to counter-terrorism measures. The worker copied confidential security documents without authorization, representing a serious violation of protocols designed to protect sensitive information about plant defenses. This incident is particularly concerning given Kashiwazaki-Kariwa's troubled history—the facility has faced operational bans due to previous security lapses. These security failures occur against a backdrop of intense debate over Japan's nuclear energy future. For expats living in Japan, understanding these developments is crucial, as they directly impact public safety and may influence energy policy decisions affecting electricity costs and supply stability. The timing of these revelations coincides with controversial statements from Prime Minister Takaichi regarding Japan's long-standing non-nuclear principles. According to multiple sources including NHK and Livedoor News, the Japan Confederation of A-and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) issued a strongly-worded statement protesting the Prime Minister's suggestion that Japan might reconsider its three non-nuclear principles: not possessing, not producing, and not permitting the introduction of nuclear weapons onto Japanese territory. The hibakusha organization's statement demands strict adherence to these principles, which have formed a cornerstone of Japan's post-war pacifist identity since their adoption in 1967. For foreign residents, this debate carries implications beyond symbolic politics—any shift in nuclear weapons policy could fundamentally alter Japan's security posture and international relationships. These parallel developments—operational security failures at civilian nuclear facilities and high-level policy discussions about nuclear weapons—create uncertainty for expats regarding Japan's nuclear governance framework. The security breaches demonstrate gaps in oversight at facilities that many hoped had improved following the 2011 Fukushima disaster, which displaced thousands and contaminated large areas. Practical implications for foreign residents include potential impacts on regional safety, particularly for those living near nuclear facilities. While neither incident involved radiation releases or immediate danger, they reveal systemic problems in safety culture and regulatory compliance. Expats should monitor local news for updates on regulatory responses and potential operational changes at nearby nuclear plants. The broader policy debate about nuclear weapons principles may seem abstract, but shifts in Japan's defense posture could affect the country's diplomatic relationships and security environment. Foreign residents should stay informed about these discussions, as they may influence everything from regional tensions to Japan's relationships with allied nations. Regulatory authorities are expected to investigate both security incidents thoroughly, potentially resulting in operational restrictions or enhanced oversight requirements. For expats, particularly those in Aomori and Niigata prefectures, following local government communications and emergency preparedness guidelines remains advisable. As Japan navigates these complex nuclear safety and policy challenges, foreign residents should maintain awareness of developments that could affect their communities while recognizing that Japan's regulatory framework, despite these lapses, maintains multiple safety layers designed to protect public welfare.