Nuclear Industry and Safeguards System in Japan

Nuclear industry is steadily growing in Japan with nuclear power stations and related nuclear fuel cycle facilities. Early in 1960's, practically all nuclear materials in Japan were placed under IAEA safeguards. The safeguards system in Japan started to grow in response to the IAEA safeguards and has been developing further particularly since Japan's participation in NPT in 1976. As nuclear industry expands, safeguards system is expected to incorporate the new requirements. It is useful to trace the development of safeguards system and foresee the future prospects of safeguards system in the age of growing nuclear industry in Japan.