Japan rushes to revive plutonium reactors as China and Russia pull ahead

Japan is preparing to restart development of next-generation fast breeder reactors, a technology it once led but largely abandoned after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. The country now trails China and Russia, which have moved ahead with their own programs. Fast breeder reactors are designed to produce more nuclear fuel than they consume. They use plutonium, a material that can also be used in nuclear weapons. This makes the technology sensitive, and Japan's large stockpile of plutonium has drawn international attention. Japan's government sees the reactors as a way to improve energy security and reduce reliance on imported fuel. The country depends on imports for most of its energy needs. China and Russia have continued to develop and build fast breeder reactors while Japan's program stalled. Japan's restart is seen as an attempt to close that gap and keep its nuclear expertise alive. The plan faces challenges. Safety concerns remain high after Fukushima, and public opposition to nuclear power is strong. Cost is another issue, as the reactors are expensive to build and operate. No timeline or budget for the new program has been confirmed.