Japan is shifting its policy on nuclear power from a phase-out to expansion. Officials approved the new policy as part of their plans to go carbon-neutral by 2050 -- effectively giving dozens of reactors a new lease of life.

Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said, "To realize this basic policy, the government will listen to a wide range of opinions before submitting Diet legislation for achieving a carbon-neutral society."

The triple meltdown at this Fukushima power plant forced Japan to rethink nuclear. Plans to build, rebuild or expand plants were thrown out.

Now, policymakers have paved the way for new, next-generation plants and extended the lifespan of existing reactors. They can now operate beyond a 60-year cap, because time spent undergoing inspections and testing will no longer count.

It's an obvious blow for those who've spent a decade fighting against nuclear -- but people on the streets of the capital are conflicted.

One person said, "I am against it. I don't want to see another nuclear accident in the future."

Another person said, "The realistic option is to use nuclear plants while ensuring proper maintenance. We need to sustain daily life and the economy."

The policy shift won't have any immediate impact on Tokyo's struggles to acquire liquid natural gas during a global energy crunch.

Japan has restarted 10 reactors -- and hopes to reboot another seven next summer or later. That would allow it to cut gas imports by an estimated 12-billion dollars.