Editorials Sep 4, 2016
If the cost problem finally spells doom for the Monju project, the government and power companies should also consider the cost-efficiency of the nuclear fuel cycle program.
National Mar 18, 2016
Japan to return 331 kg of plutonium as U.S. official warns of proliferation risk
by Eric Johnston
A large shipment of plutonium is expected to depart Japan soon amid a warning from a senior American official saying nuclear reprocessing in East Asia could lead to increased amounts of nuclear material that could be used for nuclear weapons. By late Sunday, two armed ...
National / Science & Health Jan 5, 2016
Japan's ¥2.9 trillion nuclear recycling quest coming up on three decades
by Emi Urabe and Stephen Stapczynski
The Rokkasho facility is designed to recycle spent uranium has been under construction for nearly three decades. The amount of fuel successfully reprocessed for commercial use: zero.
National Nov 30, 2015
Panel seeks new body to expand government role in nuclear fuel reprocessing
A panel at the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry decided Monday to propose creating a new body to strengthen the government's involvement in nuclear fuel reprocessing operations. The panel, a fuel-recycling study group, suggested that the new entity should consign reprocessing operations at a ...
Editorials Nov 9, 2015
The recommendation to review the Monju project should give the government, the power industry and the public an opportunity to reassess the wisdom of pursuing the establishment of a nuclear fuel cycle program.
National Nov 5, 2014
New delay to Japan's atomic-fuel processing plant puts it 19 years behind schedule
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has announced another delay to the start of its ¥2.4 trillion nuclear fuel reprocessing plant to March 2016, citing the need to meet new safety standards drawn up in the wake of the triple meltdown in Fukushima Prefecture. After multiple postponements ...
National / History May 10, 2014
Going nuclear: How close has Japan come?
by Eric Johnston
We examine the historical debate on the country's nuclear ambitions
Commentary Feb 25, 2014
The long-stalled project to commercialize fast-breeder reactor technology has been kept alive by the Abe administration in its plan for the nation's new basic energy policy.
Commentary | COUNTERPOINT Jan 18, 2014
Lexicon for today's Japan: Reading between the lies
by Jeff Kingston
Plowing through the news, one is often struck by the proliferation of acronyms, jargon, new names and terms. It can be a baffling experience, so I thought I would provide some explanations, keywords, synonyms, associative notions and interpretations to aid comprehension — even at ...
National / Media | DARK SIDE OF THE RISING SUN Jan 4, 2014
Here's eyeing Japan 2014 — warts an' all
by Jake Adelstein
"To know the future, look at the past," is a familiar Buddhist aphorism. However, it's also said that a prophet isn't honored in his hometown — which is why I live in Tokyo. As we ride into the Year of the Horse, I thought ...
National Dec 20, 2013
Work on Rokkasho fuel reprocessing plant to be 'completed' by October
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. said Thursday it expects its spent fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho village, Aomori Prefecture, to pass the state's safety assessment and be ready for operation in October 2014. The plan was explained to local governments concerned, as the operator is seeking ...
National Dec 18, 2013
Tougher safety standards are introduced for spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plants and other facilities handling nuclear fuel, based on the lessons learned from the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster.