Science and Technology
Courtesy Call on Chief Cabinet Secretary KIHARA by Dr. Pietro BARABASCHI, Director-General of the ITER Organization
July 29, 2026
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
(Photo: Cabinet Public Affairs Office)
On July 29, commencing at 16:50 p.m. for approximately 15 minutes, Mr. KIHARA Minoru, Chief Cabinet Secretary of Japan, received a courtesy call from Dr. Pietro BARABASCHI, Director-General (DG) of the ITER Organization.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary KIHARA welcomed the visit of DG Barabaschi to Japan and, while noting that fusion energy has been selected as one of the 17 strategic fields in Japan's growth strategy, expressed expectations for the progress of the ITER project, which plays an important role in the realization of fusion energy that contributes to ensuring energy security, and reaffirmed Japan’s continued commitment.
- DG Barabaschi explained the current status of the ITER project and expressed his gratitude for Japan’s continued cooperation, and also stated that he would continue to make efforts to ensure the steady progress of the ITER project.
(Reference) The ITER project
The ITER project is an international joint project to construct and operate the nuclear fusion experimental reactor "ITER" with the aim of scientific and technological demonstration of fusion energy, which is considered one of the environmentally friendly and sustainable energy sources. The reactor is currently under construction in Saint-Paul-les-Durance, France.