On 5 May 2015, Mr Mamoru Fukuyama, Parliamentary Vice-Minister of the Cabinet Office and of the Environment, visited the OECD/NEA (Nuclear Energy Agency) and met with NEA Director‑General, Mr William D. Magwood, IV, Acting Deputy Director‑General and Chief Nuclear Officer, Mr Kazuo Shimomura, and staff to discuss nuclear safety issues.
Mr Fukuyama announced that Japan will participate in the NEA's forthcoming International Nuclear Emergency Exercise (INEX-5), which the NEA welcomed. Mr Fukuyama also announced that the Cabinet Office would like to continue its co-operation with the NEA in areas including off-site nuclear disaster prevention and nuclear disaster prevention training.
Mr Magwood presented the Agency's activities in follow-up to the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident. Mr Shimomura provided further details on NEA activities in the emergency and recovery management areas, as well as on lessons learnt from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.
In the discussion, participants exchanged views on international efforts to strengthen nuclear regulation, safety, research and radiological protection in the post-Fukushima context. Mr Fukuyama expressed his expectation on the co-operation by expert international organisations such as the NEA for science-based discussions on the measures relating to the Fukushima accident in Japan. The NEA looked forward to continuing its close co-operation with Japan, including through the organisation of relevant workshops.
