CNA and JAIF Strengthen Partnership Through First Canada-Japan Nuclear Forum

The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) and the Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF) have strengthened their collaboration following the successful Canada-Japan Nuclear Forum held in Tokyo on June 19, 2025. The event brought together industry leaders and government officials to advance nuclear cooperation between the two countries as strategic partners

This event was hosted at the Canadian Embassy in Tokyo. The forum was organized by CNA and JAIF with support from the Embassy of Canada to Japan, and Investissement Québec International. The forum opened with remarks from JAIF’s President and CEO, Hideki Masui, and CNA’s President and CEO, George Christidis, setting the stage for productive discussions on nuclear energy’s role in addressing climate change and energy security in Canada and Japan, as well as in other key regions.  The closing remarks were made by Mario Girard, Délégué Général du Québec in Tokyo.

“This forum showcased the strength of our relationship and the enormous potential for joint leadership in advancing nuclear energy as a climate solution as well as enhancing energy security and partnerships,” said George Christidis, President and CEO of CNA.

“It was truly a delight to have had the opportunity to spend the day with representatives of the Canadian nuclear industry.  I am confident that it was a mutually educational and beneficial day for both Canada and Japan,” said Hideki Masui, President and CEO of JAIF.

Key Forum Activities

The day featured several focused sessions designed to explore opportunities for enhanced cooperation. A panel discussion on “Building Partnerships: Canada and Japan’s Road to Tripling Nuclear” brought together representatives from AtkinsRéalis, Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, GE Hitachi Vernova and JGC to discuss pathways for nuclear expansion.

Both countries shared insights into their respective nuclear programs, with a particular focus on nuclear financing, led by Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and Canada’s Export Development Corporation (EDC).

Learning from Japan’s Experience

As part of the program, Canadian delegates visited the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station and the TEPCO Decommissioning Archive Center. These visits provided valuable insights into Japan’s decommissioning strategies, safety systems, and approach to integrating advanced nuclear technologies into TEPCO’s decommissioning roadmap.

Moving Forward

The forum advances the partnership established through a Memorandum of Understanding between JAIF and CNA, which was signed on June 24, 2021. This agreement commits both organizations to promoting nuclear energy in achieving net-zero climate goals while sharing knowledge on reactor restart, refurbishment, and innovations in advanced and small modular reactors.

The forum represents another step forward in the growing collaboration between Canada and Japan on peaceful and sustainable nuclear energy development, with both countries recognizing nuclear power’s essential role in their clean energy futures.

About CNA
The Canadian Nuclear Association (CNA) has been the national voice of Canada’s nuclear industry since 1960. The CNA works with its members, governments, and stakeholders to shape public policy, promote innovation, and build awareness of the environmental, economic, and societal benefits of nuclear technology.

About JAIF
The Japan Atomic Industrial Forum (JAIF), founded in 1956, is a leading organization representing the Japanese nuclear industry, with around 400 diverse members including utilities, vendors, R&D institutes, and local governments. It promotes public understanding, fosters human resource development, and facilitates international cooperation to contribute to peaceful use of nuclear power for a better world.