2025.12.18
INTERVIEWS & COLUMNS

Joint Message from Satoshi Konishi, CEO & Chief Fusioneer, and Kiyoshi Seko, President & COO 

HOME > NEWS > Joint Message from Satoshi Konishi, CEO & Chief Fusioneer, and Kiyoshi Seko, President & COO 

Kyoto Fusioneering –A Year of Global Partnerships, Technical Progress and Delivery 

As we reflect on 2025, Kyoto Fusioneering continues to advance toward its mission: turning fusion energy from aspiration into reality. 

Founded in Japan in 2019 with a global mindset, this year Kyoto Fusioneering deepened partnerships and demonstrated great progress in Japan, US, UK, Europe and Canada — driven by a shared belief in engineering the future of energy. 

Delivering and Demonstrating the Future of Fusion 

In 2025, we made significant progress across both sides of our technology portfolio — gyrotron systems and integrated fusion plant engineering, represented by the Company’s two flagship projects, UNITY-1 and UNITY-2. 

Our gyrotron business continues to grow and our innovations in this area continue to support fusion programs worldwide. 

We successfully delivered next-generation gyrotrons to multiple global partners, including the DIII-D National Fusion Facility in the U.S., and Tokamak Energy in the UK. We also continued to provide technical support for previously delivered systems, such as those at the UK Atomic Energy Authority (UKAEA), while advancing new models now under testing in Japan.  Our teams are working tirelessly to meet evolving client needs and to support fusion research with reliable, scalable power technologies. 

At the same time, we have continued to advance our UNITY Program through UNITY-1 and UNITY-2—integrated testing facilities for fusion blanket technologies and thermal cycle systems, and fuel cycle systems, respectively. 

In Japan, UNITY-1 is playing an increasingly important role in experimental validation of key plant components and systems. Plans are underway for UNITY-1 to be in full operation early next year. In October, we published a video showcasing the latest development status of UNITY-1, which received strong interest from our stakeholders.  

Meanwhile, UNITY-2, developed in Canada through Fusion Fuel Cycles Inc. (FFC), a joint venture with Canadian Nuclear Laboratories, has started construction. We successfully received a tritium license for the facility and are preparing for operations in 2026. This project’s success is enabled by strong partnerships with the Ontario government and the federal government, as well as key investors and financers, including General Atomics, JBIC, and MUFG. 

We believe that together, UNITY-1 and UNITY-2 support the technological foundation for the next generation of fusion power plants. 

Accelerating Toward Demonstration: The FAST Project  

In partnership with Starlight Engine, a new company launched this April to lead the Fusion by Advanced Superconducting Tokamak (FAST) Project, as well as leading universities across Japan, we completed the country’s first privately led Conceptual Design Report (CDR) for a fusion power plant under the FAST initiative. 

This milestone—achieved within just one year—marks the project’s transition from the engineering design phase towards Japan’s goal of power demonstration in the 2030s. 

FAST stands as a symbol of Japan’s growing momentum and collaboration between industry and academia, bringing together the nation’s top research institutions and private engineering expertise to advance fusion on a global scale. 

Expanding Global Collaboration 

In the U.S., collaboration with the Department of Energy (DOE) and its national laboratories continues to grow. Kyoto Fusioneering’s UNITY-1 and UNITY-2 facilities were highlighted in the DOE’s new Fusion Science and Technology Roadmap, underscoring the importance of blanket, fuel, and plasma-facing components—areas where KF’s integrated engineering approach directly contributes to national fusion research priorities. 

In the UK, we deepened sector engagement with government and industry by playing a key role in the UK Fusion Symposium hosted by the Embassy of Japan in London on March 4 and facilitated by J-Fusion (Japan Fusion Energy Council), contributing to the momentum that led to the UK–Japan Memorandum of Cooperation on Fusion Energy.  Shortly afterwards in May, we successfully completed our UK office relocation to Culham, Oxfordshire at the heart of the country’s fusion ecosystem to bring us closer to those organizations, including UKAEA, that are shaping the sector. Furthermore, we continued our technical and commercial contributions to the UK’s flagship STEP program through advanced magnet technology development and other collaborative initiatives. 

In Japan, we engaged in close dialogue with a wide range of government leaders and agencies working to advance the nation’s fusion energy strategy.  Throughout this period, the Japanese government articulated its commitment to achieving fusion power generation demonstration in the 2030s, positioning fusion energy as a clear national priority. These discussions unfolded alongside growing policy momentum, with our ongoing engagement with government stakeholders playing an active role. Participating in Global Expo Osaka this year through multiple opportunities was highly memorable, reflecting the growing visibility of fusion in Japan’s innovation landscape.

In October, we were honored to welcome Minister Ryosei Akazawa — then Minister in Charge of Economic Revitalization and head of the U.S.–Japan trade delegation, and now serving as Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry — to our Tokyo head office. His visit, along with continued discussions with other ministries and public institutions, reflects Japan’s ongoing commitment to supporting innovation and accelerating fusion energy development as a national priority. 

Our People, Our Strength 

Kyoto Fusioneering is now home to more than 160 employees worldwide. We have a diverse and passionate team united by a shared purpose. 

At the beginning of this year, we completed the relocation of our Tokyo head office to Ōta Ward, integrating office and R&D functions into a single hub that fosters collaboration and innovation.This new base symbolizes our growth into a truly global organization, while preserving the agility, curiosity, and creativity that have defined us since the beginning. 

We also successfully completed our Series C extension and debt financing, securing JPY 9.38 billion in new funding. 

At our annual Townhall held in October, we marked six years of progress and reaffirmed our collective focus on the further advancement of fusion energy, as engineers, scientists, and business professionals work together to translate ambition into real-world impact. As we look back on these accomplishments, and on the collective efforts that made them possible, we have released the Kyoto Fusioneering Year End Review 2025 — a comprehensive summary of our technical and commercial progress across gyrotron systems, UNITY-1/2, and the FAST program. We welcome all readers to explore the report for a consolidated view of the milestones achieved this year.  

Looking Ahead

As we look toward 2026 and beyond, Kyoto Fusioneering will continue to expand its global partnerships, accelerate the transition from research to realization of fusion energy, and contribute to shaping a sustainable fusion industry. 

We extend our deepest gratitude to all partners, clients, researchers, and colleagues who share this vision. 
Together, we are not only developing technologies — we are building the foundation of a new energy era. 

Kyoto Fusioneering Ltd. 
Satoshi Konishi, CEO 
Kiyoshi Seko, President 

CATEOGRY
ARCHIVE