Post by : Shakul

Fifteen years after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan is gradually embracing nuclear energy once again. The earthquake and tsunami that year led to meltdowns at Fukushima No.1, forcing evacuations of 150,000 residents and shutting down all reactors for safety inspections.

Japan, heavily reliant on imported fossil fuels, is restarting select nuclear reactors, with 15 of 33 operable reactors back online. Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is pushing for faster restarts and new nuclear technology to reduce dependence on costly oil, especially after Middle East disruptions affected energy supplies.

Young Japanese, including engineering students like Takuma Hashimoto, are increasingly supportive of nuclear energy, with 66% of 18–29-year-olds backing reactor restarts. Educational programs now prepare students for careers in nuclear safety, regulation, and reactor operation.

Industry leaders, including Keiji Matsunaga of Toshiba and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, emphasize safer reactor designs, reinforced containment structures, fail-proof cooling systems, and other advanced safety measures to prevent disasters like Fukushima.

While public debate continues, Japan’s pivot to nuclear power highlights the nation’s effort to balance energy security, technological innovation, and lessons learned from past crises.

#world news #Global News #Politics