The Journal of Nuclear Science and Technology and the Transactions of the Atomic Energy Society of Japan (in Japanese) consist of 11 classified areas of expertise which include a wide range of topics in social science, natural science, engineering and technology-relating nuclear issues. The first category of these areas is classified as General Issues. The General Issues cover philosophy, ethics, justice, politics, policy, international relations, economics, sociology, environment, education and training, information and database, and nuclear non-proliferation and safeguards. The authors describe the recent research articles and reviews in the two journals to highlight research trends in this research area.
In the field of economics and strategy of nuclear fuel cycle, research activities for cost analysis, and partitioning and transmutation issues have proceeded. A cost analysis for a new type of nuclear fuel, BeO-UO2, was studied in the nuclear fuel cycle [Citation1], an evaluation of depreciation cost in replacement of nuclear power plant (NPP) [Citation2] and a long-term outlook for uranium and uranium enrichment supply [Citation3] were presented. Cost analysis and evaluation are essential for feasibility studies of innovative reactor concept and future nuclear fuel cycle, so that the authors will hope these contributions become active. Scenario analysis of partitioning and transmutation issues of the UK, France, the USA and Japan have also been studied [Citation4–8]. The energy security and nuclear security issues that have become important since the 2011 earthquake off the Pacific coast of Tohoku, and the severe nuclear accident of 11 March 2011 have also been discussed [Citation9–11].
In the field of geological repository, a comprehensive review of Japan's situation was recently presented [Citation12]. In addition, social issues relating high-level radioactive waste, which is a major concern in Japan, have been actively discussed [Citation13–15].
Regarding social communication including public opinion surveys, activities in this area have been performed [Citation16,17]. Public opinion surveys on nuclear energy are actively conducted by many institutions; however, over 30 years of analysis are quite useful to recognize the history of public attitude. The social issues have become a prominent concern for the consensus-building and decision-making process of nuclear energy in society.
Major nuclear accidents, such as the accident in Fukushima, have been shown to decrease the public's acceptance of nuclear power. However, little is known about how a serious accident affects people's acceptance of nuclear power and the determinants of acceptance. Some studies were performed in Switzerland and the USA. Even after a severe accident, the public may still consider the benefits as relevant, and trust remains important for determining their risk and benefit perceptions based on a longitudinal survey in Switzerland [Citation18,19]. An ecological multidisciplinary approach is suggested to protect society, human health and the environment for nuclear installations [Citation20].
Social trust has strong effects on perceived benefits and risks, so that the study of trust in risk management will be more important after the accident in Fukushima. Several studies and reviews are invaluable to understand the structure of trust [Citation21,22]. The differences between the traditional view of trust and the salient value similarity (SVS) model are also well studied [Citation23–25]. The authors will hope that these research contributions become more active.
In the field of non-proliferation and safeguards, extensive studies have been performed [Citation26–30]. A research group of Tokyo Institute of Technology and Japan Atomic Energy Agency focuses on material composition and decay heat as an index of nuclear proliferation resistance.
In the field of nuclear regulatory governance and relations with local governments, some articles and reviews were presented [Citation31–34]. These discussions will be valuable to promote a new regulatory process and method for the Nuclear Regulation Authority in Japan.
In the field of education and training, education method and tool for fast reactor have been developed [Citation35,36]. Education and training are the essential bases for peaceful use of nuclear energy. The authors will expect that this educational research will become more active and with increased sharing of information among many institutions.
Since 11 March 2013, social and environmental impacts have arisen as a consequence of the accident of the Fukushima Daiichi NPP. Extensive articles, reviews and rapid communications are described as the Fukushima NPP accident-related category not only in the General Issues, but also in other technical areas. These materials will be valuable, hereafter, for verification investigation of the accident at the Fukushima NPP. The authors do not describe in detail those articles; however, two comprehensive reviews deserve mentioning. One is a review of insights from the comprehensive report of the Japanese Government to the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) ministerial conference held in June 2011 [Citation37]. They discussed the safety issues raised by the accident, based on the insights in order to contribute to establishing a new framework of safety standards. The other is a review of five investigation committees’ reports on the Fukushima accident [Citation38]. They discussed mainly technical causes and issues as to why we could not have prevented the accident. They also indicate the unclear issues in the official investigation reports to promote the near-term regulatory activities by the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
In concluding remarks, many articles have been published in this area. The authors will continuously expect many submissions to the General Issues and hope progress in those research activities. The authors also expect articles in English will be on the increase to share information worldwide.
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