Japan and the United States are making arrangements to strengthen cooperation in developing next-generation reactors and other areas of nuclear energy, according to sources.

With Japan sharply reversing its policy of not planning to build or rebuild nuclear reactors, Tokyo and Washington will again have similar plans for nuclear power plants.

Trade Minister Yasuminu Nishimura, who is visiting the United States, is scheduled to meet Energy Secretary Jennifer Granholm in Washington on Monday to confirm the deepening partnership.

The two men are expected to focus on the development of advanced light-water reactors, which are believed to be safer than conventional reactors, and small modular reactors, which the US has taken the initiative to develop.

At the meeting, Nishimura will explain a framework designed by the Japanese government to allow nuclear reactors to operate effectively for more than 60 years, as well as policies to promote the construction of next-generation reactors with a view to rebuilding existing ones, according to the sources.

The Japanese and U.S. ministers will discuss how nuclear power plants can be used to achieve a decarbonized society and the future of the next generation of reactors, the sources said.

At the meeting, the two men are also expected to discuss concerns about growing gas shortages following the conflict between Russia and Ukraine. Japan wants a steady supply of natural gas from the United States.