Statement by Yoshimitsu Kobayashi, Chairman of Keizai Doyukai On Scientific Characteristics Map
Relevant to Final Disposal of High-level Radioactive Wastes

July 28, 2017

Yoshimitsu Kobayashi
Chairman, Keizai Doyukai

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1. Japanese government announced today "The Scientific Characteristics Map" relevant to the final disposal of high-level radioactive wastes. The Cabinet approval of May 2015 clarified the government's commitment to play a leading role to solve the pending issue of the final disposal, by promoting the initiative for the geological disposal and selecting areas deemed scientifically suitable, for which assuming the responsibility of the current generation. We appreciate this announcement as a concrete action taken under this new basic plan approved by the Cabinet.
2. Seeking the optimum solution to the final disposal issue is indispensable to take responsibility for the nuclear energy policy in the past and the future and also for designing the national energy policy.
3. The Scientific Characteristics Map is in fact a product meeting scientific requirement and the standard with objectivity. We expect the government to gain public understanding and the confidence of the Map through elaborating local dialogue nationwide.

Japanese version