Fukushima Contaminated Water Release: Prime Minister Kishida's Decision

Radioactive Water Concentration to Be Reduced, Planned Discharge Over 30-40 Years

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida announced plans to initiate the release of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean starting as early as the 24th of the month.

In a press meeting held at the Tokyo Prime Minister's residence on the evening of the 21st, Prime Minister Kishida stated, "If a certain level of understanding is reached among stakeholders in the fishing industry, we will adjust our plans to begin the discharge as soon as possible after the 24th." Earlier in the day, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Yasutoshi Nishimura revealed that a governmental meeting on the 22nd would determine the timing of the release. Ultimately, it appears that the meeting on the 22nd will decide on the commencement of discharge on the 24th.

During a meeting with Masanobu Sakamoto, Chairman of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (JF Zengyoren), at the Prime Minister's residence that afternoon, Prime Minister Kishida remarked, "We are deeply aware of the sentiment of fishermen who wish to continue their livelihoods as they have been." He further assured, "The government will take full responsibility in ensuring the safe and complete execution of oceanic discharge of contaminated water, enabling fishermen to continue their livelihoods with peace of mind. We pledge to develop necessary measures, even over decades if required." To address the negative impacts such as seafood market concerns resulting from water discharge, Prime Minister Kishida announced the allocation of additional funds, alongside existing budgets, for a total of 300 billion yen for "rumor damage" and 500 billion yen to support continued fishing activities. The government had been working to persuade fishermen, given their concerns about the potential impacts.

However, Chairman Sakamoto stated, "Our opposition to the discharge of treated water, which we have not gained understanding for from fishermen and citizens, remains unchanged." He added, "Our fishermen have gained a deeper understanding of scientific safety. Nevertheless, scientific safety and societal reassurance are distinct matters," highlighting that scientific safety doesn't automatically dispel concerns related to public perception.

The most significant hurdle for the Japanese government in relation to the water release has been the opposition from fishermen. In 2015, both the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) committed to not making any decisions without the understanding of concerned parties regarding the issue of treated water from Fukushima Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative. Fishermen have pressed the Japanese government to uphold this commitment. Despite the government's efforts to convince the fishermen, it ultimately made the decision to release the water without achieving complete understanding.

The Japanese government plans to discharge radioactive materials from the Fukushima nuclear plant's contaminated water (approximately 1.33 million tons) into the ocean over a span of 30 to 40 years, after lowering the radioactive concentration below legal standards.