J-Fusion Publishes the English Edition of the “White Paper on Japan’s Fusion Energy Industry”

The Japan Fusion Energy Industry Council (J-Fusion) has released the English edition of its White Paper on Japan’s Fusion Energy Industry, as part of its ongoing efforts to foster the creation of a fusion energy industry in Japan. As global expectations for fusion energy continue to grow, Japan’s role in this field is gaining increasing attention. In light of this growing international interest, J-Fusion is publishing the English edition to share Japan’s progress and perspectives with the global community. For decades, Japan has played a leading role in global fusion energy research and development. To ensure that the country continues to lead in the era of commercialization, it is essential to establish and strengthen a domestic industrial foundation for fusion energy. Building on Japan’s long-standing achievements in research and development and the growing societal demand for sustainable energy solutions, momentum toward industrialization has never been stronger. The White Paper aims to serve as a comprehensive overview of fusion energy and a guide for industry stakeholders. It introduces fundamental principles of fusion energy, outlines Japan’s research, development, and safety initiatives, and highlights relevant international examples from countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, and France. Furthermore, it presents key directions for Japan’s industrial community as it moves toward the realization and deployment of commercial fusion power plants. Through this publication, J-Fusion hopes to deepen understanding and engagement among companies and organizations considering participation in the emerging fusion energy industry. By promoting dialogue and international harmonization, we aim to accelerate discussions that will drive Japan’s fusion energy development, implementation, and societal adoption.

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English Edition of the “White Paper on Japanʼs Fusion Energy Industry

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Message from Andrew Holland, CEO of the Fusion Industry Association (FIA)

The Fusion Industry Association (FIA), representing the global private fusion industry, commends the Japanese government and the authors of the “White Paper on the Regulation and Safety of Fusion Energy” for producing a forward-looking and well-considered approach to regulating fusion technology.
We strongly support the paper’s core conclusion: that fusion energy’s safety profile is fundamentally distinct from that of fission, and that its regulation should therefore be risk-informed, proportionate, and grounded in scientific evidence. By recommending the application of existing legal frameworks—particularly the Radiation Hazards Prevention Law (RI Law)—to fusion machines, the paper wisely avoids overregulation while ensuring that safety remains paramount.
FIA also appreciates the paper’s endorsement of performance-based, technology-neutral regulation. With 43 member companies globally pursuing a wide range of technical pathways and fuel cycles, the FIA advocates for a flexible regulatory environment as essential to foster innovation while maintaining public confidence. J-Fusion’s thoughtful approach supports this balance.
Finally, we commend the white paper’s clear commitment to international regulatory harmonization. As fusion companies prepare to operate and export across borders, aligning Japan’s regulatory regime with those of other leading nations—such as the United States, United Kingdom, and Germany—will promote investment, streamline licensing, and accelerate deployment.
This white paper places Japan at the forefront of global efforts to build a safe, scalable, and innovative fusion energy industry. FIA and its member companies look forward to continued collaboration with Japanese stakeholders and stand ready to support the implementation of the paper’s recommendations.
Andrew Holland
Chief Executive Officer
Fusion Industry Association