Overview
- Japan’s industry ministry is set to finalize a 2026 initial budget of about 3.0693 trillion yen, up roughly 49.5% from the prior year, with a focus on strategic sectors.
- The draft allocates 387.3 billion yen for so‑called physical AI that links robotics and artificial intelligence, and 122.0 billion yen to support research on next‑generation innovative reactors.
- At a Dec. 23 meeting of the Japan‑U.S. committee, ministers agreed to accelerate selection of the inaugural projects under the $550 billion U.S.-bound investment framework, with picks expected from January 2026.
- Investigations are underway after tritium‑containing water leaked inside a support building at the Fugen research reactor site in Tsuruga on Dec. 23, with authorities noting a possible worker exposure and planning a briefing.
- With reporting pointing to a January restart outlook for TEPCO’s Kashiwazaki‑Kariwa plant, Niigata’s governor pressed regulators for safety updates as local medical officials voiced concerns about readiness for compound disasters such as heavy snow and earthquakes.