Professor Emeritus Satoru Tanaka was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star

On 11th November 2025, Professor Emeritus Satoru Tanaka, Department of Nuclear Engineering and Management, was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, in 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations.

Professor Emeritus Satoru Tanaka was awarded the Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star, in 2025 Autumn Conferment of Decorations

The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star

The Order of the Sacred Treasure, Gold and Silver Star is a highly prestigious honor bestowed on individuals who have dedicated many years to serving the public or advancing education, administration, or other fields for the benefit of society.

About awarded research

Professor Tanaka taught at the University for many years, from his appointment in 1981 until his retirement in 2014. He led research in Fusion Reactor Fuel and Materials Engineering and Radioactive Waste Management Engineering, and established a new field of study, Comprehensive Nuclear Energy Studies. He also dedicated himself to the development of the field by nurturing numerous young researchers.
His public contributions are particularly noteworthy. He served as President of the Atomic Energy Society of Japan and as a Decontamination Advisor for Fukushima Prefecture following the Great East Japan Earthquake. Furthermore, after his retirement, he served for approximately ten years, from September 2014, as a Commissioner of the Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA), and notably, from September 2017, as the Deputy Chairman. In these roles, he made a profoundly significant contribution to the establishment and strengthening of Japan's nuclear safety regulations.

Comment from Professor Emeritus Satoru Tanaka
I believe that receiving this decoration is due to the broad cooperation I received in nuclear-related education and research from faculty, staff, students, and many others associated with the University of Tokyo. The importance of nuclear energy and radiation utilization will only continue to grow. Correspondingly, the proper treatment and disposal of radioactive waste that is generated or has been generated from this utilization is a crucial matter that cannot be avoided. Furthermore, the development and strengthening of human resources related to this topic is currently a major challenge. As someone involved in the education and research of radioactive waste management, I am determined to contribute as much as possible to the resolution of these issues.