Key Facts
• August 29, 2025: Government expands nuclear special measures law to 30 km radius.
• Previous coverage was limited to a 10 km radius around nuclear plants.
• Expansion addresses local demands, including those from Niigata Prefecture.
• Law aims to accelerate evacuation road development and improve safety.
• Fukushima disaster (2011) led to mandatory evacuation plans for 30 km zones.
• Local officials, including Niigata Governor Hanazumi, advocated for this change.
• Mayor Miyazaki of Ojiya City calls it a “first step” for safety improvements.
• Prime Minister Ishiba announced a monitoring team for Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).
• TEPCO commits to local economic contributions and safety enhancements.
• Government seeks public understanding for Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant restart.
Summary
The Japanese government has expanded the scope of the nuclear special measures law from a 10 km to a 30 km radius around nuclear plants, addressing long-standing local demands, including those from Niigata Prefecture. This change, decided on August 29, 2025, aims to accelerate evacuation road development and improve safety in areas affected by the 2011 Fukushima disaster. Local leaders, such as Niigata Governor Hanazumi and Ojiya City Mayor Miyazaki, welcomed the move as a step toward ensuring public safety. Additionally, Prime Minister Ishiba announced the creation of a monitoring team for TEPCO, which operates the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear plant. TEPCO pledged to support local economic revitalization and safety measures. The government hopes these efforts will foster public understanding for the plant’s restart, as discussions and public hearings on the matter near their conclusion.
