Progress in the Japanese fusion technology programme

Abstract With recent achievement of the fundamental programmatic milestone by JT-60, nuclear fusion R&D activities in Japan are now more strongly focusing on the next step machine development. In 1985–1986, the Nuclear Fusion Council of Atomic Energy Commission of Japan reviewed extensively the next step nuclear fusion R&D plan, and the results are reflected in the Long Term Programme for Nuclear Power Development and Utilization set up by the Atomic Energy Commission in June 1987. Fusion technologies are classified into three classes: (1) technology required for constructing the next step machine, (2) that in DEMO reactor stage, and (3) fundamental reactor technology. In the Japanese fusion technology programme, in general, the technologies identified as class (1) are assigned higher priority. However it is also recognized that some of the technologies which take long lead time to develop such as structural materials and blanket development should also be carried out step by step in a well organized manner. The present paper describes an overview of the Japanese fusion programme with particular emphasis on the fusion technology development.