Japan needs appropriate scientific policymaking advice to help prepare the nation for natural disasters, the government said Tuesday.

Such advice should be independent, neutral and transparent, the government's annual white paper on science and technology said.

Experts in natural and social science fields should work together to help solve social problems, the white paper said.

The white paper focused on the country's response to last year's earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disasters.

The white paper said the country has problems with the way disaster and accident risks are assessed and made public.