As Japan approaches the 15th anniversary of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, there is renewed scrutiny over the safety of nuclear power plants following the implementation of stringent new regulatory standards. These standards, described by past prime ministers as among the most rigorous globally, were established in response to the lessons learned from the 2011 catastrophe. Despite the reactivation of several nuclear facilities after passing safety reviews, the former head of the regulatory commission, Toyoshi Kaneta, has expressed deep concerns about the ongoing risks, notably that the nation may be becoming complacent as memories of Fukushima fade.

Kaneta points out that there might be a disparity in safety requirements when compared to countries free from seismic risks, and he warns against the overselling of safety achievements. His apprehension lies in the possibility that perceived improvements in accident responses could overshadow areas needing further attention. Additionally, he highlights a disturbing trend where electric companies are seeking extensions on deadlines for critical safety facilities related to terrorism, citing labor shortages in the construction industry as a justification. Kaneta questions the ethics of allowing these extensions given the inherent risks associated with managing nuclear facilities.

Currently, Kaneta remains active in discussions concerning the ongoing investigation into nuclear accidents, emphasizing that the reflection on nuclear use must never be deemed sufficient. He underscores the importance of continuous investigation into nuclear incidents, stressing that society needs to maintain a collective memory of the Fukushima disaster to prevent future oversights or lapses in nuclear safety readiness.