In a recent court hearing, Hiroyuki Shimomura, a prominent politician in Japan, has expressed his desire for the resumption of operations at a decommissioned nuclear power plant. The move is controversial, with Japan still recovering from the Fukushima disaster in 2011, sparking debate in Japanese society concerning the viability and safety of nuclear power.

Nuclear power has been a contentious issue in Japan since the disaster at Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant caused by the earthquake and tsunami in 2011. While some like Shimomura argue that reopening nuclear reactors is a practical solution to the energy demands of Japan, others are concerned about the potential risks and demand stricter safety measures and increased reliance on renewable energy.

In contrast to Japan, the United States and European Union have a more distributed energy portfolio and are less reliant on nuclear power. While nuclear energy is part of their energy mixes, both implement robust regulations and safety procedures. The debate in these countries includes similar discussions about energy independence, safety, and climate implications.