Today's Close-Up

Fukushima Daiichi Treated and Diluted Water Release: How to Spread Understanding (2023x19)

Air date: Sep 09, 2023

The release of treated and diluted water from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean started on August 24. Japan's government and Tokyo Electric Power Company say the treated water meets safety standards for all radioactive materials other than tritium. To reduce the tritium concentration, the water has been diluted with seawater so that it meets national standards. The IAEA has backed the release process, saying it will have a negligible radioactive impact on people and the environment. But China is fiercely protesting and has suspended all imports of Japanese seafood. How should Japan address the issue? We also report on the mixed feelings of local fishers in Fukushima. Eight years ago, the government pledged there would be "no disposal without gaining understanding of concerned parties" — has it kept this promise? Guest: Kainuma Hiroshi (Associate Professor, Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies, The University of Tokyo)