Japan Faces Backlash Over Fukushima Water Release One Year On
One year has passed since Japan started releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean. Approximately 60,000 tons of water have been discharged as part of Japan’s 30-year plan to release about one million tons of contaminated water.
The continuous discharge, frequent leaks, and lack of transparency have severely damaged the reputations of Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO) and the Japanese government, leading to significant public distrust and widespread backlash.
On the eve of the first anniversary, the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations of Japan reiterated its firm opposition to the water release, warning that any major accident could instantly destroy the trust built with fishermen and the public.
The disposal of contaminated water has led to several countries, including China and Russia, halting seafood imports from Japan. Japan has urged these countries to lift the bans, citing data from the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS)-treated water that supposedly meets international standards.
Hong Kong’s Environment and Ecology Bureau has implemented preventive measures, including restricting imports of seafood from Japan’s highest-risk areas, due to the potential catastrophic consequences for marine ecology and food safety.
In the past year, several incidents related to the Fukushima plant have been reported, including seven cases where employees were hospitalized due to accidents. Given Japan’s management and monitoring challenges, Hong Kong’s preventive measures are deemed necessary and scientifically justified.
In South Korea, opponents of the ocean discharge held a press conference marking the first anniversary of Japan’s release of contaminated water. In Japan, opposition continues to grow with protests taking place in multiple cities, including Tokyo and Fukushima, calling for an end to the dumping.
Doubts Revealed
Fukushima Daiichi plant -: The Fukushima Daiichi plant is a nuclear power plant in Japan. It had a big accident in 2011, which caused a lot of radioactive material to leak.
nuclear-contaminated wastewater -: This is water that has been used in a nuclear power plant and has become contaminated with radioactive materials. It can be harmful to people and the environment.
public distrust -: This means that many people do not trust what the government or officials are saying about the safety of the water being released.
international backlash -: This means that other countries are unhappy and are reacting strongly against Japan’s decision to release the contaminated water.
seafood imports -: Seafood imports are fish and other sea animals that are brought into a country from another country to be sold and eaten.
protests -: Protests are when people gather together to show that they are against something. They might hold signs, shout slogans, or march in the streets.
preventive measures -: These are actions taken to stop something bad from happening. For example, countries might stop buying seafood from Japan to prevent any possible harm from the contaminated water.
