A nonprofit organization that brings together former Defense Agency officials, academics and doctors is working to educate the public about potential terrorist attacks using nuclear, biological, chemical or radiological materials.

The group, NBCR Taisaku Suishin Kiko, was established in May and is led by Tadao Inoue, who used to head the Chemical School of the Ground Self-Defense Force.

The school conducts research on developing countermeasures against chemical agents and other dangerous materials.

"It is essential that the government and citizens work together in the event of a major terrorist attack," Inoue said. "We want to become a bridge between the two, utilizing our knowledge."

The group held a seminar and symposium late last month for company employees and plans to sponsor similar events for the public.

Speakers at the symposium in Tokyo included researchers involved in nuclear power and infectious diseases, in addition to officials in charge of disaster prevention at the local level.

One person expressed concern about the lack of a system in Japan to handle suspicious items found on bullet trains.

Another pointed out that the government doesn't have a system to prioritize vaccination of high-risk individuals in the event of a smallpox attack.