The Governor of Ibaraki Prefecture, Kazuhiko Oigawa, has declared that the prefecture will not accept a second-stage survey regarding a potential nuclear waste storage site. This decision follows a recent expression of willingness from the mayor of Hitachiomiya city to host the survey within their municipality. Governor Oigawa’s announcement signals a divergence in opinion between local leaderships concerning the feasibility of nuclear waste disposal within Ibaraki. The second-stage survey involves more detailed on-site investigations to assess geological suitability. The central government initiated the site selection process to find a permanent disposal solution for high-level radioactive waste. This development highlights the ongoing challenges and local opposition surrounding the search for a suitable storage location in Japan. The rejection from Ibaraki Prefecture complicates the government’s efforts to move forward with the waste disposal plan.