Japan is striving hard to create a "closed" nuclear fuel cycle, but until the domestic fuel cycle facilities are completed, Japan has been relying on contracts with European firms. Reprocessing of spent fuel along with vitrification of wastes and MOX fuel fabrication can be collectively handled by firms in France, Belgium and England. Therefore, Japan's nuclear utilities have had agreements with these firms for nuclear fuel cycle processes since the 1980s.
Within this context, i.e. Japan's dedication to a "closed" nuclear fuel cycle as well as the contracts with European partners, the transportation of nuclear materials is self evident. Since the safety and security of nuclear transportation across the high seas is paramount, Japan's nuclear transport program is justified.
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