The Japan Atomic Energy Commission (JAEC) has clearly stated for the first time that Japan will try to reduce its plutonium stockpiles. The new policy, incorporated in the commission’s revised guidelines, is a reflection of Japan’s principle of not holding plutonium without specific purpose of use — a stance maintained from its standpoint of nuclear nonproliferation. If a reprocessing plant for spent nuclear fuel that Japan is building in the northern prefecture of Aomori starts operation as planned, its domestic plutonium stockpile is bound to increase. Plutonium can be used to produce nuclear weapons, and it is understandable that Japan’s neighbors and the United States have voiced concerns about increases in the amount of the material. The revised guidelines state that operations at the reprocessing plant will be limited to the level needed to produce enough plutonium for MOX consumption. They also encourage power companies to cooperate in the reduction of overseas stockpiles. However, the guidelines do not state that reduction is more important than reprocessing, and operation of the reprocessing plant has gone unquestioned. This arrangement is not going to reduce stockpiles. For a real reduction of plutonium stockpiles, the government should take drastic measures such as freezing operation of the reprocessing plant or discarding plutonium in deep, secure underground locations. Handing over Japan’s overseas stockpiles to countries now storing them is an option that merits discussion. Japan must review the meaning of continuing with reprocessing and its nuclear fuel cycle.
Mainichi 1st Aug 2018 read more »
Japan’s efforts to decrease its stockpiles of plutonium — material that can be used to produce nuclear weapons — have failed to appease the international community, particularly the United States. Thomas Countryman, who served as assistant secretary of state for international security and nonproliferation in the U.S. administration of former President Barack Obama, has urged Japan to clarify how it will reduce its stockpiles of plutonium. During a symposium in Tokyo in June, Countryman emphasized the United States has urged Japan to explain its reduction methods, adding that the current government of President Donald Trump is continuing to press Tokyo for such explanations.
Mainichi 1st Aug 2018 read more »
