Overview of research and development activities on fusion nuclear technologies in Japan

Abstract

Strategy and research and development activities (R&Ds) on fusion nuclear technologies in Japan are reviewed. The fusion program of Japan places a clear stress on energy oriented R&Ds in two areas: those directly to ITER and those for high performance and more challenging options of fusion nuclear technology (FNT) components and systems. Collaboration between Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI), universities, National Institute for Fusion Science (NIFS) and industries was strongly encouraged to attain the goal. Recent activities including development of solid and liquid breeding blankets and other FNT issues like PMI, tritium process, fusion safety, inertial fusion and modeling, are summarized, and it is stressed that fusion researchers in Japan concentrate on the development of ITER and eventually for fruition of fusion reactor.