How to respond to armed attacks in nuclear facilities in Japan

Fukui, Yasuhito 

After the Russian invasion on Ukrainian territory, which accompanied armed attacks in nuclear facilities in Ukraine, these incidents triggered serious concerns in Japan. Fortunately, in Japan, the necessary administrative mechanism is already established based on the currently effective laws and regulations and no additional measures are necessary to prepare for this purpose. Usually, un ordinary physical protection operations are deemed to execute in accordance with the Nuclear Reactor Regulation Act for the operators together with Japanese police and Japan coastal guards etc. However, once the unexpected incident exceeds the threshold of police-based physical protection, upon request of local governments etc., Armed Attack Situations Response Act and Civil Protection Act is activated. In addition to the ordinary physical protection, thus Prime Minister's Cabinet Office and competent authorities concerned order to protect nuclear facilities especially by Japan self-defense force, local government and designated institutions etc. in other words to protect Japanese nationals.