Statement by Ambassador KAIFU Atsushi at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Monday, 2 March 2026 Item 2: Nuclear and radiation safety: Nuclear Safety Review 2026
2026/3/2
Thank you, Chair,
Japan appreciates the IAEA’s activities contained in “the Nuclear Safety Review 2026” report.
Chair,
With recognition of the great importance of the IAEA Safety Standards and ongoing works to further reinforce and revise them, Japan attaches significance to the Convention on Nuclear Safety as well as the Joint Convention. Japan also welcomes the Amendment to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage.
Through the IRRS mission conducted earlier this year, the Agency confirmed that Japan has further strengthened its regulatory framework and the Agency observed a highly independent regulator with clear leadership and a strong focus on nuclear safety. Japan has started to further improve its nuclear and radiation regulatory activities based on the recommendations and suggestions in the final report to be issued.
Chair,
On Fukushima, Japan appreciates the IAEA’s continuous pivotal role in overseeing reconstruction and decommissioning, including the discharge of ALPS treated water as described in “the Nuclear Safety Review 2026” report. I will provide the Board with updates, and I must reiterate that the term “contaminated water” is wholly inaccurate. It is ALPS treated water that Japan discharges.
The 18th batch since August 2023 is coming this week. So far, over 130,000 m3 of treated water has been safely discharged as planned. Ongoing robust monitoring under the IAEA framework, including the enhanced participation of third countries’ analytical laboratories worldwide, continues to confirm its safety. The IAEA Task Force—comprising IAEA officials and international experts including those from neighboring countries in the Asia Pacific and beyond—has consistently reaffirmed the conclusion of the IAEA’s comprehensive report that the discharge is in accordance with international safety standards and will have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.
Japan remains committed to a scientific approach and to providing transparent, evidence-based explanations to the international community.
Chair,
From the perspective of Nuclear Safety, Japan appreciates the Agency’s sustained and dedicated efforts related to Ukraine. The precarious situation at Ukraine’s nuclear facilities starkly underscores the critical importance of fully upholding the Seven Indispensable Pillars and the Five Concrete Principles. Japan will elaborate further on its position under the relevant agenda item.
With these comments, Japan takes note of the report.
Thank you, Chair.
Japan appreciates the IAEA’s activities contained in “the Nuclear Safety Review 2026” report.
Chair,
With recognition of the great importance of the IAEA Safety Standards and ongoing works to further reinforce and revise them, Japan attaches significance to the Convention on Nuclear Safety as well as the Joint Convention. Japan also welcomes the Amendment to the Convention on Supplementary Compensation for Nuclear Damage.
Through the IRRS mission conducted earlier this year, the Agency confirmed that Japan has further strengthened its regulatory framework and the Agency observed a highly independent regulator with clear leadership and a strong focus on nuclear safety. Japan has started to further improve its nuclear and radiation regulatory activities based on the recommendations and suggestions in the final report to be issued.
Chair,
On Fukushima, Japan appreciates the IAEA’s continuous pivotal role in overseeing reconstruction and decommissioning, including the discharge of ALPS treated water as described in “the Nuclear Safety Review 2026” report. I will provide the Board with updates, and I must reiterate that the term “contaminated water” is wholly inaccurate. It is ALPS treated water that Japan discharges.
The 18th batch since August 2023 is coming this week. So far, over 130,000 m3 of treated water has been safely discharged as planned. Ongoing robust monitoring under the IAEA framework, including the enhanced participation of third countries’ analytical laboratories worldwide, continues to confirm its safety. The IAEA Task Force—comprising IAEA officials and international experts including those from neighboring countries in the Asia Pacific and beyond—has consistently reaffirmed the conclusion of the IAEA’s comprehensive report that the discharge is in accordance with international safety standards and will have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment.
Japan remains committed to a scientific approach and to providing transparent, evidence-based explanations to the international community.
Chair,
From the perspective of Nuclear Safety, Japan appreciates the Agency’s sustained and dedicated efforts related to Ukraine. The precarious situation at Ukraine’s nuclear facilities starkly underscores the critical importance of fully upholding the Seven Indispensable Pillars and the Five Concrete Principles. Japan will elaborate further on its position under the relevant agenda item.
With these comments, Japan takes note of the report.
Thank you, Chair.