Study on the effect of the U.S. non-proliferation policy on Japan's nuclear fuel cycle policy

Yamamura, Tsukasa; Suda, Kazunori ; Tomikawa, Hirofumi; Takeda, Yu; Teraoka, Nobuaki

In this report, we research nuclear policy and the past background of non-proliferation issues between Japan and the U.S., especially for the purpose of making contributions for consideration in new negotiations of the Japan-U.S. nuclear agreement, which expires in 2018. In particular, we focus on negotiation of the Tokai Reprocessing Plant and revised Japan-U.S. nuclear agreement of 1988, which made significant strides in the nuclear fuel cycle program, then analyze the effect of U.S. non-proliferation policy on Japan's nuclear fuel cycle policy. The relationship between Japan and the U.S. in nuclear cooperation has evolved from a one-sided relationship, in which the U.S. influenced Japan in the selection of nuclear material and equipment transferred to Japan, to a more reciprocal relationship. As a result of this, Japan could incorporate the comprehensive prior consent, which was the framework enforcing the nuclear fuel cycle into the agreement without being swayed by the U.S. Administration. However, we need continued and careful observation of evolving nuclear policies in the U.S. Administration and Congress, because a substantial percentage of Japan's nuclear material is of U.S. origin.