Tokyo Electric Power Co. started checking Tuesday for cracks in the core shroud of a reactor at its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant here.
The inspection is the first to be undertaken by the nation's biggest power utility since August, when it became embroiled in allegations that it concealed damage at its reactors in Fukushima and Niigata prefectures.
The inspectors used an underwater camera to check for cracks and scars in the welded part of the shroud covering the No. 4 reactor. They were observed by inspectors from the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency, in accordance with the nuclear reactor law, and officials from the towns of Futaba and Okuma, who supervise the plant.
The inspection is expected to continue until late October.