The Japanese government is reportedly contemplating the possible enactment of "golden shares" to aid in the recovery of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The concept of golden shares, a type of share that gives its holder significant control over the company, is being considered as one strategy amidst various approaches to help TEPCO regain its foothold in the energy sector. The timing, specifics of the policy, and its potential impacts on the domestic economy and shareholders are yet to be clarified.

TEPCO's restructuring has been a topic of heated debate in Japan, largely due to the historical context of the Fukushima nuclear disaster and its impact. Shareholders, and the Japanese public at large, have been especially interested in how control over the company will be managed, given its key role in the domestic energy sector. The idea of golden shares represents a potential shift in government involvement in corporate affairs, making this a watched issue.

In the US or EU, the use of golden shares has been controversial. These jurisdictions have seen debates around government intervention in markets and potential for conflicts of interest related to such shares. However, they have been used in certain cases, particularly for companies in crucial infrastructure sectors, for strategic reasons.