Nuclear safety in Japan

Nuclear safety in Japan refers to the regulatory frameworks, practices, and technologies implemented to ensure the safe operation of nuclear facilities and to protect public health and the environment from the potential hazards associated with nuclear energy. Japan has a complex relationship with nuclear power, particularly following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011, which significantly impacted its nuclear safety policies and public perception of nuclear energy.

The Japanese Nuclear Safety Commission (NSC) was established to ensure the safety of nuclear energy use in Japan. Its primary role was to formulate safety regulations, guidelines, and standards for nuclear power plants and other facilities involving the use of nuclear materials. The NSC was responsible for overseeing safety assessments, conducting research on nuclear safety, and providing recommendations to the Japanese government on issues related to nuclear safety and regulation.

The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) is an independent regulatory body in Japan responsible for overseeing the safety and regulation of nuclear power plants and facilities in the country. Established in 2012, the NRA was created in response to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in March 2011, which highlighted the need for stronger regulatory oversight in the nuclear industry.

The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) was an agency in Japan responsible for regulating nuclear energy and industrial safety. Established in 2001, NISA was a part of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and was tasked with ensuring the safety of nuclear facilities, radiological safety, and overseeing the activities related to the handling of nuclear materials.