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FNCA 2007 Public Information (PI) on Nuclear Energy Project

Japan:  


3. Public Information Activities within the FNCA Framework
  1) Regional Speakers Bureau (RSB) in FY 2007

"Workshop on Public Information of Nuclear Science and Technology in Indonesia" on February 18 to 19 in Jakarta, Indonesia, was hosted by BATAN and BAPETEN with 37 attendants.
As RSB activity of FNCA Public Information project in FY 2007, Mr. Minoru KUBO, Director of Public Relation Dept, Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) and Mr. Shinichi NISHIKAWA, Deputy General Manager, Media Relations Section, Public Relation Dept., Japan atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) were dispatched to abovementioned workshop in Indonesia and gave following talks;

  • Strategies & Experiences for Public Information of Nuclear Science & Technology in Japan
  • Promotion of Public Information Activities in JAEA
  • Effective Responding to the Media concerning Nuclear Science & Technology


Participants of Workshop


Role Playing of meeting to explain local residents

System for Speaker Dispatch in Regional Speakers Bureau

A specific objective of RSB is to support an FNCA country with respect to encouraging public information activities by providing an appropriate person or persons for a symposium, a seminar, or a discussion meeting, upon request by an FNCA country.
Step 1 FNCA countries apply to Japan for dispatching speaker to event held in their own countries.
Step 2 Japan examines applications, and selects event for dispatch.
Step 3 Japan recruits appropriate expert(s) to give a lecture in the event.
*NSRA, FNCA secretariat, takes logistics arrangement such as, payment and air ticket arrangement.
Step 4 Expert(s) gives a lecture in the event.
Step 5 Expert(s) reports the result.

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2) Lecture Meeting in Japan

Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) organizes Lecture Meeting entitled "Think about Nuclear that can help the development of Asian countries", focusing on result and information of FNCA activities. Taking this opportunity, MEXT aims to deepen people's understanding that "nuclear application for daily life" invigorates Asian countries, through Japan cooperation.
In FY 2007, lecture meetings were held 3 times, at Nagoya, Mito and Tsuruga.

(1)Lecture Meeting in Nagoya

  • Held at Nagoya city, Aichi prefecture on July 25th, 2007
  • Around 90 audiences were attended following four lectures and Panel discussion.
    • Japan as a Member of Asia -Result of Nuclear Cooperation-
    • Radiation Oncology that can Treat Cancer without Surgery -Increasing Cancer in Asian countries-
    • To Serve Food for Enormous Population of Asia -Increase of Food Production with Mutation Breeding using Radiation
    • High Precision Dating using Carbon-14 and Archaeology
    • Panel Discussion "Nuclear that can help the development of Asian countries"
  • The audiences understood that nuclear technique is not only for nuclear power, but also for the life of human beings.

(2) Lecture Meeting in Mito

  • Held at Mito city, Ibaraki Prefecture, on October 12th, 2007
  • Around 120 audiences were attended following four lectures and Panel discussion.
    • Radiation Oncology that can Treat Cancer without Surgery -Increasing Cancer in Asian countries-
    • To Serve Food for Enormous Population of Asia -Increase of Food Production with Mutation Breeding using Radiation
    • How J-PARC (Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex) can be Helpful for Daily Life
    • Panel Discussion "International Cooperation Expected from Japan"
  • National Broadcasting Company of Japan (NHK) broadcasted this meeting at the news of the evening in the regional program.


(3) Lecture Meeting in Tsuruga

  • Held at Tsuruga city, Fukui Prefecture, on February 18th, 2008
  • More than 140 audiences including students of Tsuruga Kehi Senior High School were attended following four lectures.
    • Detection and Treatment of Cancer using Radiation -Cutting Edge Medical Technology-
    • Mutation Breeding in Agricultural Crops using Radiation -For Abundant Agriculture-
    • Energy Research and Development Centralization Plan in Fukui
    • Nuclear Application for Daily Life and FNCA
  • After each lecture, question and answer period was allocated for audiences' better understanding.

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3) Publication of FNCA Newsletter (English and Japanese)

See FNCA Newsletter in PDF file -> https://www.fnca.mext.go.jp/english/newsletter/e_fnca_news.html

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4) Evaluation of FNCA Public Information Activities at the 9th FNCA Coordinators Meeting on March 2008, Tokyo

  • Extension of project for 3 years was approved.
  • Opinion survey on nuclear power in member countries was proposed and accepted because of changing in the recognition of significance of nuclear power for mitigation of global warming and energy security. The meeting noted that preparation of questionnaire is important for appropriate survey.
  • In 3 years evaluation of PI project gathered from participating countries, there were following opinions.
    • The Nuclear Power Awareness Exhibits, the establishment of the Nuclear Power Plant Tourists Site, the Academicians' tour activities as well as the publications of the DVD and books have helped the general public get to know that nuclear power is clean, safe, and economical and has a promising future. All these efforts have created a favorable environment for the development of nuclear power and will finally be beneficial for the economic growth and environment protection in local areas. (China)
    • The PI Project should be continued and to be improved. It has significantly enhance ability and knowledge of members state regarding public information of nuclear energy, especially for the countries which have less experience in handling NPP, through the exchange of information among FNCA countries. (Indonesia)
    • The knowledge and information gained from PI activities have been very useful in enhancing the country's nuclear information activities. The information/knowledge gained has been disseminated to different sectors/groups through the various nuclear information activities of the Institute. (Philippine)
    • The participation to the FNCA PI project meeting have given ideas to educate Thai people and promote the public confidence in the utilization of nuclear energy through a variety of activities. (Thailand)
    • PI activities on nuclear energy are very important and necessary for all countries using nuclear energy, especially for Viet Nam to prepare to introduction of nuclear power into the country. (Viet Nam)
Participants of the 9th FNCA Coordinators Meeting

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5) PI training in Japan FY 2008

Ms. Ketvarong Nukulkij, Head, Public Relations Section, Bureau of Atomic Energy Administration, Office of Atoms for Peace, the Thai Project Leader of FNCA PI project, had been taking "On the Job Training in Public Information of Nuclear Energy" in Japan from July 7th to August 8th. Report of the training written by her is as follows.

On the Job Training of Public Information of Nuclear Energy in Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) 2008 July 7 - August 8 MEXT Nuclear Researchers Exchange Program

Ms. Ketvarong Nukulkij

Head, Public Relations Section
Bureau of Atomic Energy Administration
Office of Atoms for Peace, Thailand

FNCA Project Leader
Public Information of Nuclear Energy


1. Result of research (Subject and content)
(1) Introduction

The issue of public acceptance has heavily affected the process of nuclear power program. In many countries, particularly industrialized ones, greater efforts are being made to overcome public perceptions that are strongly negative. They include enhanced communication programs to improve dialogue with local communities and the public at large, and clearer demonstrations of a commitment to scientific excellence, environmental protection, and long-term safety in the sitingand operation of repositories.

With 18 of the 32 reactors now being built located in Asia and more in the planning, Asian nations are at the forefront of the renewed interest in nuclear power generation. The "Energy, Electricity and Nuclear Power for the period up to 2030" report by IAEA, identifies countries suchas Japan, South Korea, China and India as the center of the present global nuclear power expansion.

Several other Asian countries either have plans to expand their nuclear power capacity, enter the nuclear arena for the first time, or have expressed the intention of doing so. Pakistan plans to build new reactors adding to its existing fleet of two units, while Vietnam intends to begin construction of its first nuclear power plant in 2015. Indonesia plans to build two 1000 MW reactors in central Java while Thailand has recently announced plans to build two nuclear power plants producing 4,000 MW which will raise the country's total installed capacity to 31,790 MW by the year 2021.

The year 2021 is not very far ahead. We need to have a good public acceptance program, to make sure our plan to build those two large nuclear plants will not be affected by the opposition from the public.

On the Job Training at JAEA is very vital for me, as I learn various aspects in public relations and public information from the very experience personnel that could be applied later in my country.

(2) The research results in JAEA

In this final report, research results are summarized as followings:

a. Skill and knowledge acquired in JAEA Headquarters in Tokai and Tokyo
  • Learning current status of JAEAwhich is a new comprehensive and sole nuclear R&D agency of Japan, promotes R&D in the broad areas of nuclear energy and nuclear application. JAEA collaborate the industrial, the academic and the government sectors, and make effort in R&D to contribute to the fields that are deeply related to life. JAEA not only solve issues of energy and environment, but also create new industries by the applications of quantum beams.

  • Learning public relations activities. JAEA disclose its information and conduct hearings, dialogues, and other public relations activities in order to enhance public understanding of these activities as well as the national sense of security. The results of research conducted by JAEA are actively disclosed in order to enhance public understanding of science and technology. Public relations activities aims to enhance a mutual understanding between JAEA and the public, including local public people in nuclear project site areas, by promoting public relations based on hearing activities. The activities also aim to ensure the transparency of projects implemented by the JAEA for the public's trust in JAEA.

  • VisitingJAEA Tokyo Head Office

  • Discussion with;
    • Public relations staff, Public Relations Department, JAEA
    • General Manager, Policy Research Office, Nuclear Non-proliferation Science & Technology Center (NPSTC), JAEA and NPSTC's staff
  • Participating media training for public relations staff, organized by Public Relations Department, JAEA
  • Observing;
    • weekly press release in Ibaraki Press Room in Ibaraki Prefecture Office
    • weekly TV conference meeting of JAEA public relations staff
    • JAEA senior staff meeting with press people in Tokyo
b. Skill and knowledge acquired in JAEA research institutes
(Tokai) (Naka) (Oarai)

  • Visiting
    • Tokai Pavilion Atom World (Science Museum)
    • Engineering scale Test and Research facilitY: ENTRY
    • Ricotti (Techno Community Square)
    • J-PARC and JT-60 with "Foreign Press Center in Tokyo"
    • Health and Safety Department in Oarai Research and Development Center High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTRR),
    • Information Center in Oarai Research and Development Center
    • Oarai Wakuwaku Science Museum
  • Discussion with
    • Public relations staff, Tokai Research and Development Center
    • Deputy General Manager, Risk Communication Study Office, Nuclear Fuel Cycle Engineering Laboratories, Tokai Research and Development Center
    • Deputy Director, Administration Department and General Manager, Community Relations Section, Administration Department, Oarai Research and Development Center
  • Participating cloud chamber experiment (science camp for high school students), Tokai Research and Development Center
  • Observing;
    • Science experiment at Tokai Pavilion Atom World with elementary students
    • MEXT Minister's visit to J-PARC (medias were invited)
    • Recording TV program at JRR-3
    • Science camp for high school students at Tokai Research and Development Center
    • Activities of "Message Working Group" of Communication Study Office at Ricotti and explaining OAP's educational games to member of the group
(Tsuruga)
  • Visiting
    • Monju (Fast Breeder proto typed Reactor)
    • International Nuclear Information and Training Center
    • Fugen (Reactor Decommissioning Center)
    • Nuclear Emergency Assistance and Training Center (NEAT)
    • Atom Gallery (Information Room)
    • Aquatom (Science Mseum)
  • Discussion with
    • Manager, Public Relations Section and Assistant Principal Engineer, International Cooperation Group, Policy Planning and Co-ordination Department
    • "Apple Team"
(Kansai)
  • Visiting
    • Kansai Photon Science Institute
    • Kids' Science Museum of Photons
  • Discussion about PR activities in Kansai Photon Science Institute
(Aomori)
  • Visiting
    • Aomori Research and Development Center
    • Mutsu Science Museum
    • The Broader Approach Site
  • Discussion with Deputy Director General and staff of General Affairs Section, Aomori Research and Development Center
c. Skill and knowledge acquired outside JAEA
  • Visiting
    • -Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF)
    • Japan Atomic Energy Relations Organization (JAERO)
    • MEXT
    • MEXT museum,
    • -Tokai Power Station and Tokai No.2 Power Station, Japan Atomic Power Company (JAPC)
    • Tsukuba Expo Center
    • Misawa Aviation & Science Museum
    • Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd.,
    • Visitor Center
    • Reprocessing Plant
    • Tonttu Village
    • PR Center of Tohoku Electric Power Co., Ltd and Tokyo Electric Power Co., Ltd.
  • Observing Youngsters' Science Festival in science museum (Kitanomaru Park) organized by MEXT
  • Discussion with
    • Project Leader, Department of International Affairs, JAIF
    • MEXT staff (Office for Press & Information, Nuclear Safety Division)
    • Executive Managing Director & Secretary General, JAERO
  • Being interviewed by
    • Director Editorial, The Science News
    • reporter of The To-o Nippo Press (daily newspaper in Aomori)
    • reporter of The Daily Tohoku (daily newspaper in Aomori)
  • Having a chance to learn in Public Relations Department of JAEA and visit many institutes, including participate in many activities are very useful to public relations work in Thailand. Knowledge and experience gained from this On the Job Training is very useful and I hope I can significantly enhance public understand/acceptance of atomic energy and safety in Thailand in the future.
2. Future research work at home institute in connection with the result of research at JAEA

After returning Thailand, I will make efforts to apply the knowledge and experiences from the one - month traineeship to improve public relations activities include writing an article about this program in a "Nuclear Review Magazine", OAP's periodical publication for public, which Public Relations Section is a secretariat and writing an article in web topic news of Public Information of Nuclear Energy Project, Forum for Nuclear Cooperation in Asia (FNCA).

3. Comments on the research program, research facilities, equipments, etc. prepared at JAEA

The program has been very well prepared and this is a very helpful program for learning and sharing experiences in the field of public relations. Every institutes I visited are nuclear renowned institutes and all activities I participated are obviously interesting and they are very informative. Through this program I have learned new skill in the dissemination of nuclear energy and safety in nuclear institutes in Japan. I believe that this is the most important chance for improving public relations knowledge and skill.

4. Research paper presented or published during staying at JAEA

4.1
  1. Subject: article about impression of staying in JAEA in column "Hello from Oversea Countries"
  2. Name of the Journal or society where it has been presented or published: JAEA (JAEA internal magazine), 2008 July
  3. Co-author: -
4.2
  1. Subject: article about impression of staying in JAEA in column "Plaza"
  2. Name of the Journal or society where it has been presented or published: Mirai He Genki (Vitality for the future) (JAEA magazine for public) No. 10
  3. Co-author: -
4.3
  1. Subject: article about expectation and benefit from participating MEXT program, impression of PR activities
  2. Name of the Journal or society where it has been presented or published: The Science News (Tokyo weekly newspaper), 2008 August 1
  3. Co-author: Interview article by Director Editorial, The Science News
4.4
  1. Subject: article about impression of Mutsu Science Museum, opinion from visiting other science museums in Japan, applications of nuclear energy in Thailand
  2. Name of the Journal or society where it has been presented or published: The To-o Nippo Press Science (Aomori daily newspaper), 2008 August 3
  3. Co-author: Interview article by reporter of The To-o Nippo (daily newspaper in Aomori)
5. Comments on living condition at JAEA

  • Residence, meals, transportation, etc.

  • The living condition in Masago International Dormitory is good and also as meals. JAEA staff accompanied me in almost everywhere I went, so it is very convenient.
6. Comments on future of MEXT Nuclear Researchers Exchange Program

This program should be arranged for other public relations staffs of other Asian countries (especially Project Leader of Public Information of Nuclear Energy ,FNCA) and they should come together in a team so as to exchange view and opinion.

7. Comments on any other items

I would like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude to the MEXT program, NSRA, JAEA and every institutes I visited.
Thanks are due to:
Mr. Koji Iizuka, Deputy Director, Public Relations Department, JAEA
Mr. Tasuku Hanai, Deputy Director, Public Relations Department, JAEA
Mr. Kiyoshi Itabashi, Senior Principal Engineer, General Manager, Public Information Section, JAEA
Mr. Akihiro Haneishi, Deputy General Manager, Public Information Section, JAEA
Mr. Yoshikatsu Tomobe, General Manager, Public Relations Section, JAEA
Mr. Hideki Nonaka, Deputy General Manager, Public Relations Section, JAEA

 Particularly, I would like to thank to Mr. Minoru Kubo, Director, Public Relations Department, JAEA for his fully support. Mr. Shinichi Nishikawa, General Manager, Media Relations Section, JAEA , my host researcher, for his valuable and effective supervision and encouragement during my work.

And thanks to all Public Relations Department's staff of JAEA Headquarters and all Japanese people, who, though I do not mention the names here.

 Through the one-month program in Japan, there was not only an outstanding improvement for my knowledge and experience in public relations field but also a chance to visit many of JAEA's institutes. I learn about hard working style from Public Relations Department's staff. They actually devoted themselves for this program which I would like to express my sincere appreciation and gratitude to them all. Please be sure that information gained in Japan will help me to increase awareness and understand of the public about atomic energy and safety in Thailand.




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