Historical background and overview of Tokai Village (1950s-2020s)

Historical background and overview of Tokai Village (1950s-2020s)

Tokai-mura, Naka-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture, has played an important role as a base for Japan's nuclear power development since the 1950s, when Japan's first research reactor, JRR-1, started operation in 1957 and a commercial nuclear power plant was established in 1966. In 1999, a criticality accident occurred, resulting in a serious accident that exposed residents and workers to radiation and had a major impact on nuclear energy policy. After the accident, the government strengthened safety standards and promoted efforts to rebuild trust with residents. in the 2020s, Tokai Village is focusing on the development of decommissioning technology and next-generation nuclear reactors, and hydrogen production using high-temperature gas reactors, as well as the introduction of renewable energy and local revitalization efforts.