FUSION NUCLEAR TECHNOLOGY RESEARCH-AND-DEVELOPMENT IN JAPAN - OVERVIEW

Basic research in various fields of fusion reactor technology has been undertaken since the mid-1970s in Japan. The major topics in the early years were materials research, superconducting magnet technology, and tritium science and technology. Current fusion nuclear technology research and development (R&D) activities in Japan come under two administrative frameworks: the Science and Technology Agency (STA) and the universities under the control of the Ministry of Education, Science, and Culture (Monbusho). The long-term plan for fusion nuclear reactor technology development is briefly discussed in this article.