Core Viewpoint - The restart of reactor No. 6 at the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant by Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) marks a significant turning point for Japan's nuclear energy sector, signaling the end of the post-Fukushima nuclear stalemate and reaffirming the role of nuclear power in ensuring a stable electricity supply [1][3]. Group 1: Reactor Restart and Implications - TEPCO has restarted reactor No. 6, a 1.36 gigawatt (GW) reactor, after completing inspections, which is the first such action since the Fukushima disaster in 2011 [1]. - The restart process was delayed due to an alarm malfunction, but the equipment is now functioning normally [2]. - The restart is expected to boost power supply in the Tokyo area by the end of February, with reactor No. 7 anticipated to come online around 2030 [3]. Group 2: Nuclear Power Landscape in Japan - The restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa increases the total number of restarted reactors in Japan to 15 out of 33 operable reactors, following the shutdown of the entire fleet of 54 reactors after the Fukushima incident [4]. - Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is advocating for the construction of new-generation and small modular reactors (SMRs) to enhance energy security and reduce reliance on fossil fuel imports [5]. - Analysts predict that Japan's liquefied natural gas imports could decrease by 4 million metric tons in 2026, reaching 62 million tons, due to the increased availability of nuclear power [6]. Group 3: Regulatory and Industry Challenges - The restart of Kashiwazaki-Kariwa serves as a critical test for the Japanese nuclear power industry, with other reactors awaiting regulatory decisions for potential restarts [8]. - Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) is increasing scrutiny of utilities, particularly in light of issues such as falsified seismic data, which could impact public confidence in nuclear operators [10]. - The developments in Japan's nuclear sector are also significant as the country seeks to enhance cooperation with the U.S. on new-generation nuclear technologies [9].