We’re pleased to host a screening of Rokkasho Rhapsody, followed by an expert panel discussion and audience Q&A.
Join us for a screening of Hitomi Kamanaka’s documentary Rokkasho Rhapsody (2006), followed by a conversation exploring the film’s themes and the questions it raises about nuclear energy, communities and society.
Set around the development of the Rokkasho nuclear reprocessing facility in Japan, the film focuses on the people and communities living alongside the project and the choices, concerns and competing perspectives surrounding it. Rather than presenting nuclear power as a simple question of being 'for' or 'against', Kamanaka’s documentary considers the human and cultural dimensions, inviting audiences to sit with the complexity of decisions about nuclear technology and its place in society.
The screening forms part of our Expert Insights Series designed to encourage thoughtful discussion and debate around nuclear energy and its wider social impact. It also offers a Japanese perspective on reprocessing and the nuclear fuel cycle, bringing questions of technology, place and community into conversation with issues that remain highly relevant today.
Meet the expert panel
Dr. Aneeqa Khan (Chair)
Aneeqa is a Lecturer in Nuclear Materials and Lead Dalton Champion, with a background in nuclear fusion research. She will chair the panel, bringing her expertise to the discussion on the future of fusion energy.
Yuichi Aoyama
Yuichi is a Visiting Researcher in Nuclear Policy and Human Resource Development from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan. His research explores the role of universities in developing the future nuclear workforce.
Prof. Robin Taylor
Robin has over 30 years’ experience leading R&D projects in the nuclear industry. His research focuses on the behaviour of actinides in industrially relevant systems and the sustainability of future nuclear fuel cycles.
Prof. Hannah Knox
Hannah is Professor of Social Anthropology, with research interests spanning climate change, energy, infrastructure, data and social change. She will join the panel to share her expertise on the social dimensions of energy transitions.
Prof. Simone Turchetti
Simone is a historian of science and technology, with research interests in science diplomacy, international relations and the history of scientific knowledge. He will bring a historical perspective to the panel discussion.
Light refreshments will be available from 4.30pm, followed by a networking session. Please take your seats by 5.20pm for a prompt start.