This lecture presents the observations and findings of research conducted to date comparing selected aspects of nuclear power regulation in Japan and the United States. The findings derive from the first three months of a planned one-year, in-depth study of significant activities and trends in the two countries in the area of nuclear power regulation. As appropriate, related trends and activities in other countries will also be compared.

This research is particularly timely because of a number of recent trends and initiatives in both Japan and the U.S. In particular, both countries are in the process of downsizing and changing the role of the federal government. In addition, there have been government-wide initiatives in Japan to increase the level of openness, or transparency, of government decision-making, and to provide greater opportunities for public involvement in such decision-making.

The intent of the research is not to determine which county has the "best" program, but rather to enhance the level of understanding between the two countries so that each country cab learn from the activities of the other country. The expectation is that both countries may find practices that they can incorporate in areas where their own programs are in the process of change; however, it is not expected that the counties will-or should-adopt a common approach.

The work to date has addressed several areas where important changes have occurred or are expected in one or both countries. Key among these are the following areas:

• Openness of regulatory process
• Japan's regulatory infrastructure
• Uses of risk assessment
• Changes in periodic maintenance requirements
• Effects of deregulation in electric utility industry

Although research has not been completed, preliminary findings and observations related to these areas will be presented and discussed.

(The views expressed in this lecture are those of the author and do not represent views of the U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission, the U.S. Government, or the Tokyo Institute of Technology.)