Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida sought to ease concerns about the safety of seafood from the Fukushima region by dining on fish caught off the coast on Wednesday. The move comes in response to the recent release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant, a decision that has faced criticism from fishing groups and neighboring countries.
During a lunch meeting, Prime Minister Kishida and three Cabinet ministers enjoyed a spread of flounder, octopus, and seabass, along with other dishes such as boiled pork, fruits, and vegetables. The purpose of this meal was to demonstrate the safety and quality of seafood from the Sanriku Joban region, which includes Fukushima.
We eat in support of the Sanriku Joban region, and all seafood items from Sanriku Joban are full of appeal, said Kishida, emphasizing the importance of supporting Japan’s fisheries industry.
The release of treated radioactive wastewater has sparked controversy both domestically and internationally. China has already banned imports of seafood from Japan in response to the decision, and thousands of South Koreans have rallied to condemn it, demanding that the water be kept in tanks.
Japanese officials and the plant operator argue that the release of wastewater is necessary due to storage capacity constraints. The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Plant has accumulated 134 million tonnes of treated radioactive wastewater since the 2011 accident, and these tanks are impeding the cleanup and decommissioning efforts.
Despite the backlash, Prime Minister Kishida has vowed to protect Japan’s fisheries industry and minimize the impact of China’s import ban. He plans to announce support measures later this week.
In conclusion, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s lunchtime consumption of fish from Fukushima is an attempt to allay fears surrounding the release of treated radioactive wastewater. This move is part of the government’s efforts to demonstrate the safety and appeal of seafood from the Sanriku Joban region. However, with neighboring countries concerned about the environmental impact, the controversy surrounding the wastewater release is likely to continue.
