Statement by Minister SHIMIZU Chitaru at the IAEA Board of Governors Meeting starting on Monday, 8 June 2026 Item 2: The Annual Report for 2025
2026/6/8
Thank you, Chair,
Japan thanks DG Grossi and the Secretariat for preparing the report. I will now briefly highlight several key themes.
On nuclear science and technologies, Japan reiterates our firm support to the Agency’s activities, including its various flagship initiatives, notably Rays of Hope and Atoms4Food. I am pleased to announce the contributions of 7.9 million euros for 2026 through the PUI. Japan hopes that the Agency will continue to play a central role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the fields of both nuclear power generation and non-power application.
Chair,
We reiterate that commitments to ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and safeguards are essential. Japan highly appreciates the Agency’s relevant activities as described in the report. In cooperation with the Agency, we continue capacity-building efforts to strengthen nuclear safety, security and safeguards including through training courses in Japan.
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 report. I will provide the Board with updates on its discharge, and I must reiterate that the term “contaminated water” is wholly inaccurate. It is ALPS treated water that Japan discharges.
Since August 2023, 19 batches of ALPS treated water, totaling over 140,000 m3, have been safely discharged as planned, with the 20th batch currently in progress. 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 of IAEA officials and international experts including those from neighboring countries—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,
As co-chair of the Group of Friends for Women in Nuclear, Japan highly commends the Agency’s continuous efforts to promote gender equality and enhance women's participation in the nuclear field.
We remain committed to fostering the next generation of women nuclear professionals through supporting the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) and Lise-Meitner Programme (LMP). This summer, Japan is pleased to host the International School on Nuclear Security for the students of MSCFP in Ibaraki.
With these comments, Japan joins consensus in the submission of the report to the GC.
Thank you, Chair
Japan thanks DG Grossi and the Secretariat for preparing the report. I will now briefly highlight several key themes.
On nuclear science and technologies, Japan reiterates our firm support to the Agency’s activities, including its various flagship initiatives, notably Rays of Hope and Atoms4Food. I am pleased to announce the contributions of 7.9 million euros for 2026 through the PUI. Japan hopes that the Agency will continue to play a central role in promoting the peaceful uses of nuclear energy in the fields of both nuclear power generation and non-power application.
Chair,
We reiterate that commitments to ensuring the highest standards of nuclear safety, security and safeguards are essential. Japan highly appreciates the Agency’s relevant activities as described in the report. In cooperation with the Agency, we continue capacity-building efforts to strengthen nuclear safety, security and safeguards including through training courses in Japan.
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 report. I will provide the Board with updates on its discharge, and I must reiterate that the term “contaminated water” is wholly inaccurate. It is ALPS treated water that Japan discharges.
Since August 2023, 19 batches of ALPS treated water, totaling over 140,000 m3, have been safely discharged as planned, with the 20th batch currently in progress. 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 of IAEA officials and international experts including those from neighboring countries—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,
As co-chair of the Group of Friends for Women in Nuclear, Japan highly commends the Agency’s continuous efforts to promote gender equality and enhance women's participation in the nuclear field.
We remain committed to fostering the next generation of women nuclear professionals through supporting the Marie Sklodowska-Curie Fellowship Programme (MSCFP) and Lise-Meitner Programme (LMP). This summer, Japan is pleased to host the International School on Nuclear Security for the students of MSCFP in Ibaraki.
With these comments, Japan joins consensus in the submission of the report to the GC.
Thank you, Chair