Japan Closer to Restarting First Reactors Since Fukushima

Japan’s government approved new safety measures for nuclear reactors, taking a step toward restarting the first atomic plant since the Fukushima disaster and to avert electricity shortages this summer that could set back the country’s economic recovery.

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and three of his Cabinet members -- the group of four with the final say on reactor restarts -- held talks last night and approved safety measures to allow switching on two Kansai Electric Power Co. reactors. The units have passed so-called stress tests introduced after the Fukushima meltdowns.