Japan's Fast Breeder Reactor Research and Development Center

A view of the Monju fast breeder reactor facility in Tsuruga, Fukui Pref., Japan. (Steve Herman/VOA)

The primary and secondary cooling systems each contain 760 tons of sodium. (Steve Herman/VOA)

The primary and secondary cooling systems each contain 760 tons of sodium. (Steve Herman/VOA)

A control rod drive mechanism inside Monju. (Steve Herman/VOA)

Feedwater heaters in the turbine building at the Monju fast breeder reactor facility. (Steve Herman/VOA)

A family fishes and picnics across the bay from the Monju nuclear reactor facility. (Steve Herman/VOA)