Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency

The Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency (NISA) (原子力安全・保安院, Genshiryoku Anzen Hoanin) was a Japanese nuclear regulatory and oversight branch of the Agency for Natural Resources and Energy under the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI). It was created in 2001 during the 2001 Central Government Reform.

Especially after the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster, NISA was criticized as having a conflict of interest, given that it was part of METI, which is also responsible for promoting nuclear power.[1] As a consequence, it was decided on June 20, 2012 that NISA would be abolished[2] and that it would be replaced by a new agency, under the Ministry of the Environment[3] in September 2012.[4] The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) was founded on September 19, 2012.[5]

NISA, and now NRA, main office is located in Kasumigaseki, Chiyoda, Tokyo working with the Japanese Atomic Energy Commission (JAEA) as well as providing other functions. The safety authority also has regional offices. It performs oversight for industry as requested by the Japanese government.

  1. ^ The New York Times Japan’s Premier Seeks Support for Using Nuclear Power June 8, 2012 Retrieved on August 29, 2012
  2. ^ The Asahi Shimbun Outgoing NISA OKs construction of nuke reprocessing plant June 27, 2012 Retrieved on August 29, 2012
  3. ^ The Japan Times Diet finally discusses new nuclear regulator May 30, 2012 Retrieved on August 29, 2012
  4. ^ The Japan Times Nuclear watchdog to bar industry insiders July 4, 2012 Retrieved on August 29, 2012
  5. ^ Asashi Shimbun Japan gets a new nuclear safety body, now needs to write rules September 20, 2012 Archived September 24, 2012, at the Wayback Machine Retrieved on September 24, 2012