First Japanese nuclear reactor goes back on line

Dozens of protesters gathered at the gate of a nuclear power plant as it restarted yesterday, the first to go back on line since Japan shut down all of its reactors for safety checks following the Fukushima disaster.

The Ohi nuclear plant's reactor No 3 returned to operation despite a deep division in public opinion. The Prime Minister, Yoshihiko Noda, ordered the restart of two reactors at the plant, saying people's living standards could not be maintained without nuclear energy.

In recent weeks tens of thousands of people have gathered on Friday evenings around Mr Noda's official residence, chanting "No to nuclear restarts".

AP