Core Viewpoint - Japan is shifting its approach to the disposal of high-level radioactive waste from a local government-led initiative to a national government-led initiative, with a focus on conducting literature surveys on Minami-Torishima Island as a potential final disposal site for nuclear waste [2][5]. Group 1: Nuclear Waste Management Policy - The Japanese government is advancing a "nuclear fuel cycle" policy, which involves reprocessing spent fuel from nuclear power plants, generating nuclear waste that requires deep geological disposal [4]. - The process of safely disposing of radioactive waste involves mixing it with glass and burying it over 300 meters underground, with a decay period of several thousand years to reach levels comparable to natural uranium ore [4]. Group 2: Site Selection Process - The site selection process for nuclear waste disposal is based on the "Final Disposal Act" enacted in 2000, which includes three steps: literature surveys, surface investigations, and detailed underground investigations, expected to take about 20 years [4]. - Previously, the site selection relied on local governments volunteering for investigations, but this approach has seen limited participation, prompting the national government to take a more active role [5]. Group 3: Local Government Response - The first local government to accept an investigation was Suttsu Town in Hokkaido in 2020, followed by two other towns, but local opposition remains a significant challenge [5]. - The Hokkaido governor has expressed opposition to the nuclear waste disposal project, indicating a need for the national government to provide detailed explanations to promote understanding of the nuclear policy and disposal projects [5]. Group 4: International Context - The potential use of a remote island for high-level radioactive waste disposal could lead to international disputes, particularly given China's strong opposition to Japan's handling of nuclear waste from the Fukushima disaster [7]. - Internationally, Finland is set to begin trial operations for its final disposal site in 2024, while Sweden plans to start construction in 2025, highlighting ongoing global efforts in nuclear waste management [7].