日本加速重启核电风险剧增

Core Viewpoint - Japan's Niigata Prefectural Assembly has approved a supplementary budget to restart the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, with Tokyo Electric Power Company planning to restart one reactor by January 20, 2026, despite significant domestic opposition and international concerns regarding safety [1][2]. Group 1: Domestic Concerns - There is a strong local opposition to the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Plant, with a poll indicating that 60% of residents believe the conditions for restarting are not yet mature, and nearly 70% express concerns about Tokyo Electric Power Company's operational capabilities [2]. - The history of Tokyo Electric Power Company includes incidents of concealing accidents and manipulating data related to nuclear contamination, raising doubts about its reliability [2]. Group 2: Safety Risks - Japan's push to restart nuclear power plants is seen as risky due to aging facilities, management issues, and inadequate regulation, particularly for the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant, which is located on an active seismic fault line and has previously been exposed for safety vulnerabilities [1]. - The recent leak of radioactive water from the decommissioned "Fugen" reactor highlights ongoing safety concerns and operational deficiencies within Japan's nuclear facilities [2]. Group 3: International Perspective - The international community is urged to remain vigilant regarding Japan's nuclear safety practices, as the decision to restart the largest nuclear power plant reflects serious flaws in the country's nuclear safety regulatory system and a lack of responsibility towards both domestic and neighboring populations [3].