Story perspectives

Japan Considers Minamitori Island for Nuclear Waste Disposal

4/13/2026

Summary

Story summary

The local administration is expected to approve the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)'s preliminary study on Minamitori Island.
The study would assess Minamitori Island's suitability for nuclear waste disposal to support restarting Japan's power plants, and cut fossil-fuel use after Fukushima.
The preliminary study could take two years, and site-selection could last up to two decades.
Minamitori Island is uninhabited, potentially alleviating safety concerns.

1 of 1

Story summary

The local administration is expected to approve the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI)'s preliminary study on Minamitori Island.
The study would assess Minamitori Island's suitability for nuclear waste disposal to support restarting Japan's power plants, and cut fossil-fuel use after Fukushima.
The preliminary study could take two years, and site-selection could last up to two decades.
Minamitori Island is uninhabited, potentially alleviating safety concerns.