Japan has approved the resumption of nuclear power operations at two reactors, despite mass public opposition.

The reactors are the first to come back on line after they were all shut down following the Fukushima crisis. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, whose popularity ratings are sagging, announced the government's decision at a meeting with key ministers. The decision, despite public concerns over safety after the big earthquake and tsunami crippled the Fukushima plant, could open the door to more restarts among Japan's 50 nuclear power reactors.