Kishida Reassures Fisheries over Safety of N-Plant Treated Water

The Yomiuri Shimbun

16:23 JST, August 21, 2023 (updated at 18:30 JST)

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday met with the head of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (Zengyoren) ahead of the planned release into the ocean of treated water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.

Kishida told Masanobu Sakamoto that the safety of the treated water was ensured, based on scientific evidence. Kishida also said the government planned to take stringent measures to counter false rumors relating to marine products and other goods.

“The government intends to complete the decommissioning of the nuclear power plant and the release of the treated water in a safe manner,” Kishida said. “We’ll continue taking necessary measures to ensure fisherfolk can continue their activities with peace of mind, and we pledge to continue doing so even if the water release takes a long time.”

In response, Sakamoto said, “We ask that the government continue to take full responsibility for the necessary measures, even in the long-term, and commit to future generations. Our sole wish is for the fishing industry to continue.”

After the meeting, Kishida told reporters that a ministerial meeting would be held Tuesday morning to determine a specific schedule for the discharge of treated water. “The entire government will take another look at the state of efforts to ensure safety and counter rumors about the discharge,” said Kishida.