IAEA mission assesses Japan's nuclear security

IPPAS missions are intended to assist IAEA member states in strengthening their national nuclear security regime, providing advice from peers on implementing international instruments and IAEA guidance on the protection of nuclear and other radioactive materials and facilities. They can be conducted on both a nationwide and facility-specific basis.

The latest mission - conducted at the request of the Japanese government - took place from 22 July to 2 August and was hosted by the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA). The ten-person review team, led by Joseph Sandoval of Sandia National Laboratories in the USA, included experts from Canada, Belgium, Hungary, Finland, Spain, the Netherlands, the Czech Republic, and the USA, as well as one IAEA staff member.

The mission team reviewed Japan's nuclear security regime for nuclear material and nuclear facilities, security of radioactive material, associated facilities, and activities, as well as computer security. As part of the review, the IPPAS team visited Kansai Electric Power Company's (Kepco's) Mihama nuclear power plant in Fukui prefecture.

The team held discussions with officials from the NRA, the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism, the National Police Agency, the Japan Coast Guard, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan, Kepco and Tokyo Electric Power Company.

At the end of the mission, the team presented a draft report summarising its conclusions and commended Japan for its robust nuclear security regime. They provided recommendations and suggestions to help Japan further enhance its nuclear security procedures and practices. Additionally, the team identified several good practices that could serve as valuable examples for other IAEA Member States, contributing to long-term improvements in global nuclear security.

The NRA said it will "examine and consider the recommendations and advice contained in the final official report, in consultation with relevant ministries and agencies as necessary, and will take appropriate measures as part of the continuous improvement of existing initiatives."

NRA Chairman Shinsuke Yamanaka said: "The recommendations and suggestions provided through the IPPAS mission need to be fully taken into account, scrutinised and acted upon. We believe that the results of the IPPAS mission review will be very useful in enhancing and strengthening Japan's nuclear security regime. Based on the IPPAS mission's review results, Japan will continue to improve its nuclear security measures in cooperation with the relevant ministries and agencies."

"A third IPPAS mission within nine years indicates Japan's willingness to enhance national nuclear security, as well as the country's commitment to global nuclear security," said Elena Buglova, director of the IAEA Division of Nuclear Security. "This commitment is also reflected in the country's support for the IAEA's nuclear security programme."