History and Overview

After the Cold War, the momentum of the international community to strengthen efforts toward disarmament and non-proliferation increased more than ever before. One reason is that the collapse of the Cold War structure, which had resulted in a bipolar confrontation between East and West, brought a new international trend to pursue disarmament and non-proliferation. At the same time, the end of the Cold War intensified destabilizing factors threatening world peace, such as ethnic conflicts, making it even more pressing to promote disarmament and non-proliferation as key measures to address these challenges.

Faced with such a situation, Japan should adopt a new approach. To be more precise, Japan must take the lead in international discussions and contribute to building consensus within the international community through ingenuity. Furthermore, Japan should actively work to ensure that various disarmament and non-proliferation mechanisms function more effectively. To that end, it is required to collect various information, knowledge and technological skills spread across public and private sectors and to put them into practical use.

Against this backdrop, in July 1995, Foreign Minister Yohei Kono (at that time) advocated that Japan should establish a national framework and place greater emphasis on activities related to disarmament and non-proliferation. As part of these efforts, the Center for Disarmament, Science and Technology (CDAST) was founded within JIIA in July 1996.

Research and surveys on the handling of abandoned chemical weapons in China were among CDAST's main activities since its establishment. However, with the start of full-scale disposal operations in 2004, CDAST concluded its research and survey work on this issue.

From 2002 onward, CDAST shifted its focus to the development and operation of the National Operation System for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT). In other words, CDAST assumed significant responsibilities to help Japan fulfill its obligations under the CTBT. In addition, CDAST carries out various activities to support Japan's proactive disarmament diplomacy across multiple areas. Furthermore, in light of the growing impact of new technologies on security, the Center changed its name in July 2019 from the Center for the Promotion of Disarmament and Non-Proliferation to the Center for Disarmament and Science and Technology to address these emerging challenges. The main activities of CDAST are as follows: 

Secretariat of the National Operation System for the Comprehensive Nuclear-Test-Ban Treaty (CTBT)

1. Purpose of the CTBT National Operation System
   The CTBT National Operation System aims to:
   (1) establish and operate Japan's own verification system to help identify nuclear explosive tests;  
   (2) develop and operate the ten International Monitoring System (IMS) facilities within Japan, as stipulated in the Protocol's Annex, and carry out necessary technological development; and
   (3) contribute to the development of a verification system related to On-Site Inspections (OSI) as prescribed by the Treaty.
   This requires highly specialized and technical expertise.  CDAST is advancing the development of this domestic implementation system under a contract with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
2. CTBT Verification Regime
   (a) The CTBT National Operation System is carried out jointly by CDAST, which serves as the secretariat, and two National Data Centers (NDCs) that support the verification regime. The CTBT verification regime mainly consists of:
   (1) seismic monitoring,
   (2) radionuclide monitoring, and
   (3) On-Site Inspections (OSI).
   Tasks for (1) are entrusted to the Japan Meteorological Association (NDC-1), (2) to the Japan Atomic Energy Agency (NDC-2), and (3) is handled by CDAST.
   
   (b) CDAST possesses knowledge and experience in both the legal aspects of the CTBT and the technical aspects of the verification regime. This enables effective coordination with NDC-1 and NDC-2 and facilitates the development and strengthening of the national operation system.

3. Main Activities
   (a) On-Site Inspections (OSI)
   (i) Support for the Japanese Government
   Under the CTBT, when an event suspected of being a nuclear explosive test occurs, it is necessary to determine: 
   (1) whether to conduct an OSI, and
   (2) whether the OSI results indicate a violation of treaty compliance.
   CDAST undertakes efforts to support the Japanese government in requesting OSI implementation and in assessing OSI results, based on its expertise in treaty interpretation and operational aspects.
   (ii) Contribution to the CTVTO Preparatory Commission
   In strengthening the CTBT verification regime, particularly in the OSI field where further capacity-building is required, researchers at CDAST conduct studies on technical, legal, and policy conditions. From a practical perspective, the Center also actively participates in drafting OSI operational manuals, as well as OSI-related exercises and training, thereby contributing to the development of the OSI system within the CTBTO Preparatory Commission.

   (b) National Data Centers (NDC): Coordination with NDC-1 and NDC-2
   To provide technical and professional advice to the Japanese government on the CTBT verification regime, CDAST coordinates with NDC-1 and NDC-2, consolidating tasks related to their operations and technological development.

   (c) Integrated Operational Tests
   Integrated operational tests are conducted to uniformly analyze and evaluate seismic waveform data and radionuclide data during provisional operations. These tests aim to confirm the verification capability and effectiveness of the domestic implementation system, identify issues, and make improvements to enhance functionality.

   (d) Response to North Korea's Nuclear Tests
   During North Korea's nuclear explosive tests in 2006, 2009, 2013, 2016, and 2017, CDAST promptly prepared assessments and opinions as part of the domestic implementation system, based on NDC analysis results, and submitted them to the Japanese government.

   (e) Follow-up on Discussions Related to CTBTO Verification Technologies
   Experts and researchers with broad knowledge and experience are dispatched to Working Group B, where specialized issues related to the CTBT verification regime are discussed, to provide comprehensive technical support and assist the Japanese delegation. Japanese experts also participate in various workshops organized by the Provisional Technical Secretariat (PTS), contributing to these efforts.

   (f) Monitoring International Discussions and Technological Developments
   CDAST gathers information on statements by domestic and foreign government officials and experts, international trends toward ratification, and developments in nuclear disarmament and non-proliferation. It analyzes the status, challenges, and outlook of the CTBT, and follows up on technological trends in the CTBT verification regime with domestic stakeholders.

   (g) Exchanges and Cooperation with Other NDCs
   To ensure smooth operation of the CTBT verification regime, CDAST builds cooperative relationships with the PTS and NDCs of other countries.

Research and Studies

To deepen knowledge on disarmament, non-proliferation, and issues related to technology and security, we conduct extensive research on both current and fundamental challenges in these areas by bringing together experts from Japan and abroad, and we provide policy recommendations for their resolution. In addition, the Center's director and research fellows actively participate in various meetings, including international conferences, symposia, and academic gatherings related to these fields.

Outreach Activities

To disseminate information and knowledge on disarmament, non-proliferation, and issues related to technology and security, we actively publish and share the outcomes of our outreach activities through our website and other channels, while also hosting public events such as seminars and workshops.

Coordination of Training Programs

To foster future leaders in disarmament and non-proliferation, we offer specialized courses on these issues for graduate students, young researchers, and practitioners who are interested in the field and aspire to work in areas such as international organizations, government, media, NGOs, or research institutions. These courses feature lectures by leading academics and government officials.

Coordination of Exchange Programs

We promote intellectual exchange by organizing lectures and opinion exchange sessions with domestic and international experts on issues related to disarmament, non-proliferation, technology, and security.