It has been a year since the Japanese government began discharging contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Station into the Pacific Ocean, a decision that continues to stir apprehension both domestically and internationally.
Since the first release in August last year, there have been eight rounds of discharge. Japanese officials and the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), which operates the plant, assert that the wastewater is filtered before being released, ensuring it meets regulatory standards. TEPCO claims that after treatment by the advanced liquid processing system, the water complies with safety standards set by the Japanese government and recognized by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA). However, the company acknowledges that the “treated water” still contains radioactive materials, as current technology cannot completely eliminate these substances.
Environmental groups, such as Greenpeace, have expressed significant concern, stating that filtering the wastewater will have minimal effect and that substantial amounts of radioactive substances will continue to be discharged into the ocean.
Despite repeated assurances from Japanese authorities and TEPCO that the discharge plan is safe and poses little risk to human health, the move has faced protests and objections within Japan and from abroad. Neighboring countries are closely monitoring the developments and have expressed strong dissatisfaction with Japan’s insistence on proceeding with the ocean release.
In response to the discharge, the Chinese mainland imposed a ban on the import of Japanese seafood. On August 24, 2023, the General Administration of Customs of China announced a complete suspension of aquatic products originating from Japan to prevent risks of radioactive contamination and ensure the safety of imported food.
Japan’s seafood exports in 2022 totaled 387 billion yen (approximately $2.6 billion), with exports to the Chinese mainland and Hong Kong accounting for over 40 percent of total sales. The ban has significantly impacted Japan’s seafood industry.
Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated at the time that Tokyo “would not approve a release that could have a negative impact on people in Japan and the world and the environment” and pledged that the government would continue to provide updates grounded in science with a high level of transparency. However, to date, Japanese authorities have faced challenges in effectively communicating with domestic fishing communities and neighboring countries. Solid safety measures to be implemented in the long term have yet to be formulated.
As the first anniversary of the discharge passes, concerns persist among global readers, business professionals, and regional communities. The ongoing situation highlights the complexities of balancing environmental safety, economic interests, and international relations in Asia’s dynamic landscape.
Reference(s):
Japan's Fukushima wastewater discharge marks first year amid concerns
cgtn.com
