502 



16 



21st century. Namely, it stated the major tasks to be the achievement of 

 self-ignition conditions in the latter half of 1990's by constructing an 

 experimental reactor which was currently assumed to be tokamak type, and the 

 research and development for demonstrating the necessary technology and 

 engineering. 



Therefore, the substantial plan for the next phase of the nuclear fusion 

 research and development is expected to be developed along those lines. 

 With the commencement of the next phase in the near future, the Japanese 

 nuclear fusion research and development will enter into a new era, aiming at 

 realization early 21st century. 



That is a general outline of the present perspective in japan. On the other 

 hand, in the US TFCX is considered as a follow-on device to TFTR and in 

 Europe, NET as the one after JET. In the proposed program of EC, it is 

 planned that final decision of construction of NET will be made in the 

 beginning of 1990's, through several steps of careful evaluations. In order 

 to arrive that step, various elements of R & D are coordinated. This 

 approach can be an instructive way to promote a big project which involves 

 many technological elements to be developed in due time. 



Under such circumstances, where various scenarios can be contemplated as 

 possible approaches, the philosophy and procedure for investigating inter- 

 national cooperation for the next generation machines are to be carefully 

 examined. 



In view of the nature that the nuclear fusion research and development 

 should be continued hereafter for a long period of time, at the contempla- 

 tion of an international cooperation, it is necessary to lay out a realistic 

 cooperative plan, for carrying out it thoroughly and benefitting every 

 participant with its results. In addition, gradual expansion of the 

 cooperation is desirable. 



From such viewpoints, let me propose here the following procedures for 

 investigating international cooperation. 



(1) First, it should be started with investigation of a comprehensive and 

 long-range development strategy to reach realization of nuclear 

 fusion, by defining the mission and status of the next generation 

 machines in that strategy, and developing a common understanding 

 as to the next generation machines. 



(2) 



Next, it will be required to develop a common understanding as 

 to the R&D items necessary to achieve construction of the next 

 generation machines. 



