Statement by Akio Yamaguchi, Chairperson of Keizai Doyukai on Conducting Survey for Final Disposal Site of High-level Radioactive Waste

April 21, 2026

Akio Yamaguchi
Chairperson, Keizai Doyukai

1. Mr. Ryosei Akazawa, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, announced that a so-called literature survey would be conducted on Minamitorishima--part of the Ogasawara Islands that are administratively under the Tokyo jurisdiction--to select a final disposal site for high-level radioactive waste. As Tokyo is Japan's largest consumer of electricity, this survey in its own basic municipality will remind the general public of the necessity to view the issue of final disposal as a matter of personal relevance. We express our sincere gratitude and respect to all those involved.
2. The central government actively sounded out the local basic municipality prior to the local assembly's deliberations, which led to the decision to conduct the literature survey under the government's own responsibility. This move reflects the government's stance, "the Government will take the initiative in the lead," as described in the 7th Strategic Energy Plan. We highly commend such a resolute stance.
3. High-level radioactive waste has been already piling up as a result of using nuclear power to date. This is an issue to be resolved by the current generations who have received the relevant benefits, instead of postponing the burden to the future generations.
4. We expect the government and the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan (NUMO) to provide elaborate and meticulous explanations to local residents to gain their thorough understanding, while carefully listening to various local voices. Beyond that, we hope for the dissemination of public awareness regarding the high-level radioactive waste issue, thereby leading to an expansion of the areas that accept these surveys.

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