Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government has been pushing to bring some reactors back online, arguing they are key to economic growth.
Chief government spokesman Yoshihide Suga says the act is important for Japan's energy strategy.
"We believe it is important for our energy strategy that nuclear plants that have been deemed safe are to be restarted."
But opinion polls show a consistent majority oppose the restart.
Hundreds of local residents have protested in front of the nuclear reactor over the weekend and on Monday.
Former Japanese Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, joined protesters and called for halting the plan.
"Please bear with it and halt the nuclear r
