Japan's New PM Takaichi Pushes Nuclear Revival to Cut Inflation, Boost Energy Security

Japan's new Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi is prioritizing the accelerated revival of nuclear power as a strategy to combat inflation driven by costly fuel imports, which has caused public dissatisfaction. She has appointed Ryosei Akazawa as trade and industry minister, signaling a readiness to collaborate with the U.S., including on liquefied natural gas (LNG) purchases, ahead of President Donald Trump's visit to Tokyo. While LNG deals are being planned, the government currently does not plan to include LNG from the Alaskan pipeline project championed by Trump. Akazawa emphasized the importance of maximizing energy sources that ensure security and support decarbonization, stressing the need to gain local community support for nuclear reactor restarts. Before the 2011 Fukushima disaster, Japan operated 54 nuclear reactors, but only 14 of 33 operable reactors have been restarted, a critical focus as energy demand grows. Takaichi, Japan's first female prime minister, is a committed advocate of nuclear power, aiming to place energy security at the center of her administration's policy.