Japan’s government wants to offer more money to towns near nuclear power plants—expanding payouts from a 10km to a 30km radius. Officials say it’s about supporting communities, but environmental groups aren’t buying it. They’re calling the move a thinly veiled "bribe" to win over struggling rural areas that might otherwise oppose nuclear energy.

Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about cash—it’s a high-stakes debate over Japan’s energy future. After Fukushima, trust in nuclear power is shaky, and critics see this as the government trying to smooth over opposition with money. Whether it’s genuine support or political maneuvering, it could shape how communities weigh risks versus benefits when nuclear plants are in their backyard.