J-PARC status update

The J-PARC (Japan Proton Accelerator Research Complex) project is close to its completion in construction and the initial user operation is scheduled to start by the end of 2008 (day-one). Following the linac test, the 3 GeV synchrotron successfully ejected 3 GeV protons in October 2007. In the materials and life science experimental facility, all components, e.g., the mercury target, cryogenic moderators, beam windows, remote handling devises, passed functional tests and being ready to receive beams in May 2008. Along with the neutron target system completion, neutron instrument construction has significantly accelerated. Currently, seven instruments are expected to be completed by the time of day-one in December. Installations of the muon target station and a secondary decay/surface muon channel are in progress for the first beam acceptance in September 2008. In addition to the project status, J-PARC user access policy and user program of neutron and muon are overviewed.