Fumio Kishida, Japan's prime minister, ate fish from Fukushima for the first time since the plant started releasing treated water. The plant's recent announcement has been controversial.
The prime minister posted a video on the government's X account (formerly Twitter) of him having a meal with several government ministers. His intention was to prove to people that it's safe to eat local fish now that the treated water from the plant will be released into the Pacific Ocean. The prime minister's office posted on X (Twitter) encouraging others to do the same. "Eat what you like and support the local people! Sanriku Tokiwa's seafood is wonderful. We are currently holding a campaign to support Sanriku Tokiwa Mono."
#三陸常盤 ものを食べて応援！三陸常磐の海の幸は魅力あふれるものばかりです。現在、三陸常磐ものを応援するキャンペーンを開催中です。駅弁やネット通販などで、今が旬の食材をお楽しみいただけます。 三陸常磐ものをはじめとした、安全で美味しい日本の海の幸を、是非応援してください！… pic.twitter.com/WUkLR4Z7Gy
— 首相官邸 (@kantei) August 30, 2023
Twelve years later, Japan is still dealing with the effects of the second-worst nuclear disaster in history. Last week, plant operator Fukushima Daiichi began releasing treated radioactive water back into the Pacific Ocean.
The move is part of a plan to dismantle the nuclear power plant where three nuclear reactors melted down in 2011 due to power outages following a tsunami. Over the next 17 days, 7,800 tons of water will be released. By March next year, the total will rise to 31,200 tons. After, they will continue to release water at a faster pace.
The water was treated to purify it of all radioactive material, except tritium, and then diluted with seawater. The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan released a statement saying, "Because the water satisfies safety standards before it is discharged and the total amount discharged is also controlled, there is no concern about effects on human health or the environment."
