Japanese junior high school students are improving their scores in mathematics while elementary school students' scores in science are declining.

An international survey called "Trends in International Mathematics and Science Study," or TIMSS, is released every four years by the International Association for the Evaluation of Educational Achievement based in the Netherlands.

Reactions are mixed on the decision by nuclear regulators to give the green light to complete the construction of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant in Rokkasho Village, Aomori Prefecture.

Masuda Naohiro, the president of the plant's operator, Japan Nuclear Fuel Limited, said it is a major step toward fulfilling its mission. He says the company aims to have the facility operating in a reliable and safe manner.