“Nuclear Industry Seminar 2027” in Tokyo Draws Record Attendance — Events Planned in Osaka and Fukuoka

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The “Nuclear Industry Seminar 2027,” aimed at supporting human resource development and public understanding of the nuclear sector, was held on 20 September in Tokyo. Organized by the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) and the Kansai Atomic Conference, the seminar brings together nuclear-related companies and organizations for a career fair, and this year marked its 20th edition. Follow-up events are scheduled for Osaka on 27 September and Fukuoka on 18 October. The main targets are university, graduate, and technical college students graduating in 2027, as well as recent graduates.

The Tokyo seminar featured 52 participating companies and organizations, up from 46 last year, while the number of attendees also rose to 239, compared to 223 last year. Notably, about 25% of participants were humanities majors, showing broad enthusiasm for careers in the nuclear industry. Many recruiters emphasized flexibility, highlighting personal qualities and motivation, and tailored career support.

Industry Perspectives

JAIF Chairman MASUI Hideki noted the ongoing challenge of securing talent amid Japan’s declining population:

“We see strong recruitment intent from companies, but our annual industry survey shows many still falling short of their hiring goals. To cope with population decline, labor- and personnel-saving measures will be essential across the industry.”

A representative from the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan (NUMO), which launched a new TV commercial on geological disposal on 1 September, commented that some students said they attended after seeing the ad. NUMO has been increasing recruitment in recent years, particularly in technical fields, and stressed its commitment to fostering young talent through joint research with domestic and overseas institutes.

First-Time Exhibitors

Ando Hazama Corporation showcased its Tsukuba-based research facility with a 100 cm-thick shielded radiation lab for material testing and nuclear medicine facility R&D. Despite expecting mainly science students, many humanities students visited their booth. The company emphasized that it offers opportunities for humanities graduates to work in technical roles.
Japan Nuclear Fuel Development Co. reported a rising number of students attending internships and research events over the past three years, noting: “We don’t manufacture fixed products; instead, we adapt research and testing to various needs. We seek people with curiosity and persistence.”
Seika Corporation, a general machinery trading firm with strong presence in the Kansai region and a key distributor of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries’ nuclear equipment, said the turnout exceeded expectations and that it plans to increase new graduate hires. The company emphasized that, with renewed momentum around new-build and replacement projects in Kansai, nuclear-related business is becoming a stronger pillar within its portfolio.