Japan edges closer to restarting world's biggest nuclear power plant Kashiwazaki-Kariwa

If approved, it would be the first time Japanese utility company Tepco recommences nuclear reactor operations since its Fukushima plant went into meltdown.

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Hideyo Hanazumi, governor of the Niigata region where the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa power plant is located, said he has given the green light for the partial restart.

The plan to resume operations at the facility, operated by utility company Tepco, still needs approval from the prefecture's government assembly and Japan's nuclear regulator before it can proceed.

If approved, it would be the first time Tepco would be allowed to recommence nuclear reactor operations in Japan since its Fukushima plant went into meltdown following a tsunami.

Residents in Niigata are divided over whether the plant should be restarted or not.