Discussion
On May 20, 2025, the 294th Expert Seminar on Japan was held in a hybrid format. With 15 participants attending in person and 16 joining online, Dr. Jongmin Choi, Senior Research Fellow at the Institute for Japanese Studies at Seoul National University and lecturer at Ajou University, delivered a presentation titled “Examining Japan’s Nuclear Latency: Focusing on Nuclear Fuel Cycle Policy.”
Centering on the concept of “nuclear latency,” which is often discussed in South Korea as an alternative to acquiring nuclear weapons, the speaker examined Japan as a case study and explained the issue through the lens of its nuclear fuel cycle policy. Nuclear latency refers to a strategy in which a country does not possess nuclear weapons but develops and maintains the necessary technologies to enable nuclear armament if needed. It is understood as a policy that simultaneously pursues both economic and military objectives.
The speaker outlined the background behind Japan’s acquisition of nuclear latency, discussing key aspects such as nuclear power and reprocessing technologies, related international agreements, public and political perceptions of nuclear energy in Japan, and the broader diplomatic context including Japan-U.S. relations and global geopolitical dynamics. The justification for developing a nuclear fuel cycle—ostensibly to enable the "effective use" of resources like uranium and plutonium and to reduce the volume and toxicity of spent nuclear fuel—was also presented, along with the current status and Japan’s policy orientation and goals. However, the completion of key components of the policy—such as the fast breeder reactor and the Rokkasho Reprocessing Plant—has been repeatedly delayed due to sociopolitical and technical reasons. Despite mounting costs and political burdens, the Japanese government has not abandoned the policy. The speaker analyzed these challenges and motivations from multiple perspectives and concluded by reflecting on the implications of Japan’s nuclear fuel cycle policy for South Korea.
Following the presentation, a Q&A session was held with the audience. Active discussions took place on topics such as the current status of nuclear power and related technologies, the technical and economic challenges of reprocessing facilities and fast breeder reactors, and the differing perceptions of economic feasibility across countries. Additional discussions addressed safety issues and public perceptions of nuclear technology, and the session concluded with further discussion on the relationship between nuclear fuel cycle policy, Japanese power companies, and local governments.
