The government's commission on atomic energy on Friday officially adopted its plan to resume operations at Monju, Japan's prototype fast-breeder nuclear reactor that was shut following a major coolant leak in 1995.
The Atomic Energy Commission, which operates under the Prime Minister's Office, also decided to keep Monju in operation for at least 20 years.
The decisions were made as part of a long-term plan for the research and development of nuclear power adopted by the commission the same day. The long-term plan is now state policy.