158: Japan’s up for fusion — just don’t call it ‘nuclear’

The Japanese government has set out guidelines in an effort to encourage more private sector research and funding in the field of fusion, and it has omitted a key word, “nuclear,” for fear of frightening a nuclear-wary population. Chris Russell joins us to discuss a trip to one of the country’s fusion research facilities.  
Hosted by Shaun McKenna and produced by Dave Cortez.

On this episode: 
Shaun McKenna: Articles | Twitter | Instagram
Chris Russell: Articles | Twitter 

Read more: 


Amid renewed interest in nuclear fusion, Japan’s research reaches critical stage (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times)

Japan adopts national strategy on nuclear fusion as competition intensifies (Tomoko Otake, The Japan Times)

Scientists achieve nuclear fusion breakthrough with blast of 192 lasers (Kenneth Chang, The New York Times)

Whales help store carbon. Scientists are trying to figure out just how much. (Chris Russell, The Japan Times)

The Fusion Energy Innovation Strategy (in Japanese)


Get in touch: Send us feedback at deepdive@japantimes.co.jp. Support the show by rating, reviewing and sharing the episode with a friend if you’ve enjoyed it. For a transcript of the show, visit japantimes.co.jp, and don’t forget to follow us on Twitter! 

Photo: The vacuum vessel of the Large Helical Device installed at the National Institute for Fusion Science in Toki, Gifu Prefecture | COURTESY OF THE NATIONAL INSTITUTE FOR FUSION SCIENCE