On Tuesday, Japan announced its intention to commence the discharge of over 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant on August 24th, igniting a plan that has garnered substantial criticism, particularly from China.
The scheme, sanctioned by the Japanese government two years ago as a pivotal step in the decommissioning of the plant managed by Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco), has encountered opposition not only from within local fishing communities but also from international quarters.
Speaking on Tuesday morning, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated, “I have directed Tepco to promptly prepare for the water release in accordance with the plan endorsed by the Nuclear Regulation Authority, with the expectation that the water discharge will commence on August 24th, weather conditions permitting.”
The announcement follows a day after the government conveyed that it had secured “a level of understanding” from the fishing industry regarding the water release, notwithstanding concerns expressed by fishing groups that apprehend damage to their reputation and jeopardy to their livelihoods.
Kishida, addressing the issue on Monday, asserted, “I assure you that we will assume complete responsibility to ensure the sustained livelihood of the fishing industry, even if it takes years.”
Japan has maintained that the water release poses no threat. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), the UN’s nuclear monitoring body, gave its approval to the plan in July, attesting that it aligns with international standards and that its effects on people and the environment would be “insignificant.”
International Skepticism
Several neighboring countries have cast doubt on the safety of the plan, with China emerging as a prominent critic. Wang Wenbin, the spokesperson for China’s foreign ministry, criticized Japan in July for not fully consulting the global community about the water release and accused it of displaying selfishness and arrogance.
China has imposed restrictions on seafood imports from ten Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo. Imports from other regions are permitted but must pass radiation tests and provide proof of origin from outside the restricted zones.
South Korean activists have also expressed their disapproval of the plan, although the government in Seoul has independently assessed that the water release meets international standards and has expressed respect for the IAEA’s evaluation.
Amidst Mixed Sentiments in the Pacific
In the Pacific region, there has been a diversity of reactions due to its history of serving as nuclear testing grounds for countries like the United States and France. Fiji’s Prime Minister, Sitiveni Rabuka, released a statement on Monday affirming support for the IAEA report, while acknowledging the contentious nature of the issue within Pacific Island nations.
Kishida asserted on Tuesday his belief that an “accurate understanding” of the matter is gaining traction in the international community.
Japan has stated that the released water will undergo filtration to eliminate most radioactive elements except for tritium, a hydrogen isotope challenging to separate from water. The treated water will be diluted well below internationally approved tritium levels before being released into the Pacific Ocean.
The water initially served to cool the fuel rods of Fukushima Daiichi after a massive tsunami in 2011 triggered a meltdown, resulting in severe damage along Japan’s eastern coast.
A Japanese official indicated that initial test results of seawater following the discharge could be available at the outset of September. Additionally, Japan plans to examine fish in the vicinity of the plant and will publish the test results on the agriculture ministry’s website.
Source: With Agencies