A comparison of United States and Japanese regulatory requirements at the time of Fukushima accident and updates of USNRC post-Fukushima activities

This paper discusses the similarities and differences between the United States (US) and Japan on nuclear reactor regulations based on a Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) study after the Fukushima Dai-ichi accident. The US and Japan had many similarities in design basis requirements and guidance at the time of the event. There were also differences between the US and Japan in the approach to beyond design basis events and severe accidents. This paper also discusses the NRC's post-Fukushima activities and US industry's responses. This paper will give the most recent updates on these activities and path forward. (author)