Research activities on fusion engineering in Japan

In this article the dual structure of fusion researches in Japan is introduced in light of universities, National Institute of Fusion Science (NIFS) and Japan Atomic Energy Research Institute (JAERI). Two topics of fusion materials research and fabrication of the helical coils of large helical devices (LHD) in NIFS are introduced as activities supported by Monbusho. As voluntary based researches an application of high Tc superconducting tapes to suppression of plasma vertical instability and a high heat removal system at a divertor are also introduced. Finally, focussing on the development of innovative technology for a Demo reactor, a new strategy of technical R&D is proposed. Systematization of dependent technical knowledge and construction of a virtual plant concept are key activities supporting creation of the new technology.