Japan’s Experimental Fast Reactor “Joyo” to Be Utilized for Radioisotopes Production

Home > News > Industry > Policies > R&D > Japan’s Experimental Fast Reactor “Joyo” to Be Utilized for Radioisotopes Production

On August 18, the Nuclear Science and Technology Committee of the Council for Science and Technology, an advisory body to the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT), held the 26th meeting of its Subcommittee on Nuclear Research, Infrastructure, and Human Resources. The discussions focused on initiatives for advanced reactors and approaches to supporting basic nuclear research.

The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) provided an update on the status of the experimental fast reactor Joyo. Designed as a small test reactor for the development of fast reactors, Joyo obtained local consent from Ibaraki Prefecture and Oarai Town in September 2024, and is currently undergoing construction work to comply with the new regulatory standards. JAEA aims to restart operations in mid-FY2026. If realized, Joyo will serve as the nation’s only experimental fast reactor facility, expected to contribute to research on reducing the radiotoxicity of radioactive waste, as well as demonstration of medical radioisotopes production for cancer treatment and other applications.

UEDA Kinichi, a member of the committee representing the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF), emphasized: “I hope Joyo will strengthen cooperation domestically and internationally to fulfill its role as a world-class center for fast reactor research. At the same time, it should advance socially valuable applications such as the stable supply and advanced use of medical radioisotopes, while attracting the interest of students and young researchers, thereby reinforcing research and development as well as human resource cultivation.”

Regarding support for basic nuclear research, the subcommittee highlighted the need to view nuclear technology not only as an energy source but also as a comprehensive science and technology field contributing to a wide range of societal challenges. Nuclear research holds potential for realizing carbon neutrality by 2050, as well as for advancing health and medicine and strengthening competitiveness in manufacturing and other industries. While universities and research institutions have so far maintained a high level of nuclear research, members stressed that the government should provide stable and long-term support to ensure continued development and utilization.