"Japan's Atomic Energy Agency says it has restarted a controversial nuclear reactor, more than 14 years after its operations were suspended.

A spokesman for the agency said work began at the plutonium-fired reactor in the northern fishing town of Tsuruga after the government gave the go-ahead.

The facility, called Monju, was shut down in 1995 following a fire.

The accident and cover-up created widespread public concern over the safety of nuclear power.

No one was hurt and there was no radiation leak in the accident, which occurred less than two years after it had begun generating power.

But the plant's operators were criticised for concealing extensive damage to the reactor."

BBC News had the story May 6, 2010. [2]