The Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Japan is gearing up to restart one of its seven reactors. TEPCO, the plant's operator, plans to switch on Reactor No. 6 soon, which can add about 2% more electricity to Tokyo’s grid. This signals Japan's cautious return to nuclear power. The plant, the world’s biggest by capacity, has been silent since 2012 following the 2011 Fukushima disaster. TEPCO assures safety improvements like seawalls, better cooling systems, and emergency generators have been added. However, local residents within a 30km radius remain deeply worried. Ryusuke Yoshida, a nearby resident, said, “Everything. The evacuation plans are obviously ineffective.” He pointed to blocked roads and elderly residents who might struggle to evacuate in an emergency. Many locals feel ignored as no referendum was held, despite surveys showing over 60% oppose the reactor restart. Opposition leaders question the plant’s safety due to earthquakes and nearby seismic faults. Recent scandals in Japan’s nuclear sector have added fuel to fears. Despite these concerns, the government pushes nuclear power to meet energy and climate goals. TEPCO vows to work for resident trust, calling it a continuous process. But for many in the area, the restart feels like a forced gamble at the cost of their safety and rights.