Introducing JAEA Senior Staff! (Technical Positions)
Kota Hironaka
Technology Development Promotion Office, Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN)
Joined mid-career in November 2020. Assigned to my current department, I have been engaged in technology development that contributes to strengthening nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security. From July 2023 to July 2025, I took a leave of absence from JAEA to work at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) in the Division of Nuclear Security, Department of Nuclear Safety and Security, where I was responsible for coordinating international networks and supporting human resource development for IAEA member states. I returned to JAEA in August 2025 to my current position.
The deciding factor for joining was the proximity to the global front lines
JAEA's mission is to 'contribute to the welfare and prosperity of human society through nuclear science and technology.' I decided to join because I was drawn to that ambition and the nature of the work, which involves pioneering unknown territories.
At the Integrated Support Center for Nuclear Nonproliferation and Nuclear Security (ISCN), where I work, I can be directly involved in the forefront of the nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security fields. Working side-by-side with people who are active on the front lines every day, thinking about 'what Japan should do for the peaceful use of nuclear energy in the world' and 'what I can do for that right now' has become the driving force behind my work.
Technology development that supports the peaceful use of nuclear energy
I am currently in charge of technology development that leads to the strengthening of nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear security. For the peaceful use of nuclear energy, we must prevent the illegal transfer and misuse of nuclear and radioactive materials. To do this, technology that detects the presence or movement of materials and measures their quantity is essential. As the use of nuclear energy expands worldwide—not only for power generation but also in medicine, agriculture, and industry—and as new applications are developed, the improvement of rapid and accurate detection and measurement technology is an urgent issue. As part of this, I am working on developing a new method for non-destructive analysis of nuclear materials using external neutron sources. JAEA has world-leading research facilities and a wealth of know-how. I am doing my best every day to produce results that match that environment.
You can build your expertise after joining the company
What I often feel when talking to students is that they are 'too bound by their major during their student days.' What you learned over several years is certainly important, but there is no need to limit your future options because of it. Employment is a chance to take on new challenges. If you are interested in JAEA but are not sure if your major is a good fit, I hope you will take the challenge without hesitation.
To flexibly survive in an unpredictable era
Your student days are also a perfect opportunity to make friends outside of your work. Even if the fields you want to be active in in the future are different, if you have friends you respect, you will be able to give each other good stimulation even after you enter society.
Also, this is something I would like to tell my student self: general education courses at university are a treasure trove of possibilities that can enrich your future life. It is a waste to take them only for graduation credits. There is no reason to miss the perfect opportunity to come into contact with the wisdom of our predecessors. Even if you don't take them for credit, auditing them is enough. Let's broaden our horizons.
Finally
Contributing to the welfare and prosperity of human society through nuclear science and technology—I sincerely look forward to the day when I can work with you, sharing that ambition.