Amir Afzali

As electricity demand grows with the expansion of artificial intelligence, digital infrastructure, and electrification, nuclear energy is receiving renewed attention in Japan. In this six-part series, JANUS collaborates with nuclear safety, regulatory, and licensing expert Amir Afzali to explore how safety, regulatory modernization, and systematic, risk-informed decision-making can support Japan’s affordable, secure, and clean energy future.

Series Overview

Japan is entering a new phase in its nuclear energy policy. Rising electricity demand driven by artificial intelligence and digitalization, together with the need to strengthen energy security and achieve decarbonization, has renewed attention on the role of nuclear power. At the same time, maximizing the value of existing reactors, supporting long-term operation, and preparing for future reactor deployment will require decision-making processes that continue to enhance safety while becoming increasingly transparent, systematic, and technically robust.

To contribute to this discussion, JANUS is pleased to present this six-part article series in collaboration with Amir Afzali, a recognized expert in nuclear regulation and licensing with extensive U.S. and international experience. Drawing on his professional experience and international perspectives, the series explores how modern, analysis-supported regulatory approaches and risk-informed and performance-based decision-making can strengthen safety, improve regulatory effectiveness, and support the future of nuclear energy in Japan. The series considers how internationally recognized principles can be applied in ways suited to Japan’s circumstances and informed by Japan’s own extensive experience.

The first article examines why nuclear energy is becoming increasingly important for Japan today. The remaining articles will discuss the evolution of nuclear safety decision-making, regulatory modernization, the principles of risk-informed and performance-based approaches, and their potential application within the Japanese context.

We hope this series will provide useful insights for professionals across Japan’s nuclear industry and encourage constructive discussion on the future of nuclear energy and nuclear regulation in Japan.

Series Articles

Part 1 | Why Japan, Why Now? | August 2026

A Message from Amir Afzali

Japan holds a special place in my professional life. Over the decades, I have had the privilege of working alongside Japanese colleagues in Japan and the United States, and I have developed a deep respect for the dedication, discipline, and integrity of Japan’s nuclear professionals. Those experiences have shaped my own thinking in ways I continue to draw upon.

I believe nuclear energy offers exceptional value as a source of safe, reliable, large-scale electricity and represents Japan’s strongest option for meeting its future energy needs in a manner that is affordable, secure, and clean. This conviction reflects decades of working with the technology, people, and institutions all over the world that make nuclear energy possible and observing Japan’s nuclear community respond to extraordinary challenges with professionalism and resolve.

This series is my effort to contribute something useful to the next chapter of Japan’s nuclear story. It will examine the growing need for nuclear energy to contribute more fully to Japan’s future energy supply, how nuclear decision-making has evolved, how risk-informed and performance-based approaches can strengthen safety and regulatory effectiveness, and how Japan can draw on international experience and its own deep expertise and capabilities to help shape the next generation of nuclear regulation and decision-making.

I hope this series will support a thoughtful and constructive discussion across Japan’s nuclear community.

Biography of Amir Afzali

Amir Afzali is a nuclear safety, risk assessment, and regulatory affairs professional with more than 30 years of experience in the nuclear industry. His career has included senior technical and leadership roles with nuclear utilities, reactor developers, and consulting organizations in the United States.