The Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited, the operator of the Rokkasho reprocessing plant, has delayed the launch of the plant until at least "the first half of fiscal 2022." In May 2020, the facility passed safety checks and received an approval from the Japan's Nuclear Regulation Authority. It was expected to begin operations in 2021. JNFL, however, delayed the launch, citing the need to implement additional safety measures.

This is the 24th delay in the history of the plant. In 1993, when the construction began, it was expected that the plant will begin operations in 1997. Previous delay was announced in December 2017.