The Japan Atomic Energy Agency (JAEA) plans to begin producing clean hydrogen using the heat from its High Temperature Engineering Test Reactor (HTTR) located in Ibaraki Prefecture. This initiative, scheduled to commence by 2028, aims to utilize a nuclear reactor for hydrogen production for the first time globally. Hydrogen is considered crucial for achieving carbon neutrality as it can be stored and transported without emitting carbon dioxide during power and heat extraction. The JAEA is optimistic about the potential of High Temperature Gas-Cooled Reactors (HTGRs) to generate hydrogen in significant quantities consistently, leveraging the higher temperature heat available compared to traditional light-water reactors. The agency is working on setting up a hydrogen production plant near the HTTR to enable the transfer of high-temperature heat through underground piping. However, the current hydrogen production process at the plant involves CO2 emissions, prompting the JAEA to explore emission-free production methods in a separate study. The Japanese government envisions the operation of a larger demonstration HTGR in the late 2030s, building on the expertise gained from connecting the HTTR with the hydrogen production facility. The JAEA's focus is on establishing the necessary technology before progressing to the development of the demonstration reactor, highlighting the commitment to advancing clean energy technologies in Japan.