Japan approves return to nuclear as Fukushima memories fade

The policy says Japan must maximise the use of existing nuclear reactors by restarting as many of them as possible and prolonging the operating life of old reactors beyond their 60-year limit

- 

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's advisory panel approved a plan to extend the lifespans of nuclear reactors beyond 60 years and build new units to replace those that are decommissioned, reversing policies put in place after the Fukushima disaster in 2011.

The step reflects a shift in public opinion, as the importreliant country struggles with the threat of blackouts amid Russia's war in Ukraine and extreme weather. While massive demonstrations calling for the

abolition of atomic power were a regular occurrence in the wake of the meltdowns, recent polls indicate growing support for restarting idled plants.