A review of the fast reactor programme in Japan

In Japan the experimental reactor ''Joyo'' has provided abundant experimental data and excellent operational records attaining 40,000 hours operation in total by the end of 1989, since its first criticality in 1977. On the prototype reactor ''Monju'', more than eighty percent of construction work has already been completed on schedule, aiming at the initial criticality by October 1992. As for the demonstration fast breeder reactors (DFBR) of Japan, the Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC) is promoting design study under the contracts with several leading Japanese fabricators for selection of the basic specifications of DFBR. The related research and development (R and D) works are underway at several organizations under the discussion and coordination of the Japanese FBR R and D Steering Committee. (author). Figs and tabs