Press Conference by Minister Akazawa (Excerpt)

*Note: This is a provisional translation for reference purposes only.

5.49-5.55 p.m.
Friday, November 14, 2025
Press Conference Room, METI Main Building

Opening Remarks

None

Question-and-Answer Session

Restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station

Q: I have one question regarding TEPCO’s Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station. Today, Niigata Governor Hanazumi visited the site to check safety measures. Based on the results of the prefectural public opinion survey, the governor is expected to decide within this month whether to approve the restart of the nuclear power station. Do you have any sense of expectation regarding this decision? Also, could you tell us how the national government intends to work toward realizing the restart?

A: I am aware that Mr. Hanazumi Hideyo, Governor of Niigata Prefecture, visited the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station today. I also know of media reports regarding the timing of the governor’s decision on the restart. Governor Hanazumi has stated that he would exercise his judgment as a leader and ultimately make the decision, so we will refrain from commenting from the national government’s standpoint. That said, the restart of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa Nuclear Power Station is extremely important from the perspectives of power supply and demand, curbing electricity rates, and securing decarbonized power sources. We will proceed on the premise of ensuring safety and gaining the understanding of the local municipalities and other stakeholders. Acting from our position as part of the national government, we will, based on what was presented at the Ministerial Meeting on Nuclear Energy in August, make efforts to enhance and strengthen nuclear disaster prevention, reinforce TEPCO’s governance, and implement regional development measures that reflect local circumstances and requests. Through various opportunities, we will continue to provide thorough explanations and work to gain understanding toward the restart.