Interview at COP30 — Hideki Matsui, President of the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF)

At the Net Zero Nuclear Pavilion during COP30, we spoke with Hideki Matsui, President of the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF), about Japan’s evolving nuclear strategy, its alignment with global decarbonisation goals, and the importance of international cooperation in accelerating nuclear deployment worldwide.

As a country with decades of nuclear experience and one of the world’s most advanced industrial economies, Japan plays a crucial leadership role in shaping the future of nuclear energy. Matsui​ shared how Japan is rebuilding confidence in its nuclear sector, strengthening international partnerships, and leveraging new technologies to support global climate and energy goals.

Key Themes from the Interview

Rebuilding Nuclear Capacity & Public Confidence

Matsui​ reflected on the progress Japan has made in restarting reactors under one of the world’s most rigorous regulatory frameworks. He emphasised that safety, transparency, and community engagement remain the foundation of Japan’s nuclear policy. As reactors return to operation, they are providing reliable, low-carbon energy essential to Japan’s energy security and emissions-reduction targets.

Nuclear as a Cornerstone of Decarbonisation

Japan’s commitment to net zero requires clean, continuous power that complements the country’s expanding renewable capacity. Matsui​ underlined that nuclear is indispensable to Japan’s long-term climate strategy, supplying stable baseload power and supporting electrification, industrial heat, and hydrogen production.

Advanced Nuclear & Innovation Opportunities

Matsui​ discussed Japan’s efforts to develop and deploy advanced reactors, HTGRs, and next-generation fuel cycles, noting that innovation will play a vital role in Japan’s future energy mix. Through partnerships with industry, research institutions, and international organisations, Japan aims to accelerate innovation that enables more efficient, flexible, and cost-competitive nuclear solutions.

Strengthening International Collaboration

With global momentum building behind nuclear energy—including the growing coalition of countries committing to tripling nuclear capacity—Matsui​ highlighted Japan’s responsibility to share its technical expertise, manufacturing capabilities, and regulatory experience.
Japan’s long-standing role in international nuclear cooperation positions it as a key contributor to scaling up global deployment.

Supporting Skills, Supply Chains, and Workforce Development

Matsui​ emphasised that sustaining a strong nuclear future requires rebuilding and expanding the skilled workforce, strengthening supply chains, and ensuring that knowledge transfer continues across generations. Japan is investing in education, training, and industry partnerships to prepare the next generation of nuclear professionals—both domestically and internationally.

Policy & Market Conditions for Deployment

Matsui​ noted that for nuclear to scale globally, countries need to put in place policies that deliver regulatory clarity, predictable timelines, financing frameworks, and long-term political support. He stressed that international alignment—especially on safety standards, fuel cycle management, and export strategies—will be essential for accelerating deployment.

Watch the Full Interview

Visit the World Nuclear Association’s YouTube channel to watch our full conversation with President Hideki Matsui​, where he shares Japan’s vision for nuclear energy, its role in global decarbonisation, and how international partnerships can accelerate a clean, secure, and resilient energy future.