Fukushima nuclear plant are planning to initiate legal action this week in an effort to prevent the discharge of contaminated water from the troubled facility, as confirmed on Monday.
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A dozen years following one of the most catastrophic nuclear disasters in history, Japan commenced the discharge of treated cooling water mixed with seawater into the Pacific on August 24.
Authorities maintain that this operation is being carried out with utmost safety measures.
Numerous Japanese fishermen have expressed their opposition to the discharge, concerned that it may jeopardize the painstaking efforts made over the years to enhance the industry’s reputation since the 2011 incident.
Fukushima District Court
According to Sugie Tanji, a member of the group’s secretariat, the lawsuit will be filed by over 100 plaintiffs hailing from Fukushima and adjacent prefectures in the Fukushima District Court this coming Friday, as reported to AFP.
The government’s failure to fulfill its commitment to obtain consent from fishermen prior to making the decision to proceed with the release is deeply concerning,” she remarked.
The group issued a collective statement, asserting,
“This policy is flawed, as it disregards the vehement opposition not only from the Fukushima fishermen’s cooperative but also from cooperatives nationwide
The oceanic discharge is absolutely unacceptable, as it exacerbates the plight of the nuclear accident victims,” the statement emphasized.
Tokyo City Government
This water release has triggered a vehement response from China, leading to a comprehensive embargo on imports of Japanese seafood.
Japanese government agencies and businesses have experienced a barrage of disruptive phone calls originating from Chinese phone numbers, numbering in the thousands.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida
During the period from August 24th to August 31st, the Tokyo city government reported receiving a staggering 34,300 such calls.
Japanese government authorities have been working diligently to instill confidence in the safety of seafood and other agricultural products originating from Fukushima.
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In a recent display of assurance, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, along with the US envoy to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, among other dignitaries, publicly consumed Fukushima-sourced fish while being filmed by television cameras.
“Our products have always been highly regarded. Prior to the water release, China stood as our top seafood export destination, and Beijing’s ban has raised significant concerns within the industry.
Fish Market
Yoshinobu Yoshihashi, a wholesaler in Tokyo, has experienced a notable decline in shipments of various items, including oysters, sea urchins, and splendid alfonsino, to several Asian neighbors, plummeting by over half.
“We are facing considerable challenges,” Yoshihashi stated during an interview with AFP at the sprawling Toyosu fish market last Saturday.”
Hong Kong
In particular, the repercussions are striking in regions like Hong Kong and Macau. Our clients in these areas have reported a significant decline in customer footfall, with a noticeable aversion to Japanese seafood,”
He Emphasized.
The speaker expressed concern that the Japanese government could have taken more proactive steps to convey the safety of the water before initiating the release.
He acknowledged that there are individuals, even within Japan, who harbor anxieties regarding this matter.
He affirmed his unwavering pride in Japanese seafood quality, asserting, “I have always been and continue to be a staunch advocate for Japanese fish.
Our produce stands out as the finest.”
Prime Minister Kishida has already pledged assistance for the affected industry, and it is reported that ministers are scheduled to convene on Monday to discuss the specifics of this aid package.”
