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Dismissing The Fear Behind Eating Seafood From Radioactive Areas, Japan’s PM Eats Fish On Camera

by Mallika Khurana
Dismissing The Fear Behind Eating Seafood From Radioactive Areas, Japan’s PM Eats Fish On Camera

Amidst a storm of mounting global and domestic tension, Japan’s courageous suggestion to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean has triggered waves of concern and controversy. Since the incident, the world has been apprehensive about consuming seafood from the area. It turned into a significant concern for the fishermen and, consequently, for the government. In an attempt to demonstrate the safety of fish following the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, Japan’s Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, along with three Cabinet ministers, participated in a lunch meeting where they consumed Fukushima fish sashimi. 

Japan’s Prime Minister Promotes Fukushima Fish Amid Wastewater

The lunch gathering took place against growing concerns and opposition to the wastewater release from local fishing groups and neighbouring countries. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida and the three ministers partake in sashimi prepared from flounder, octopus, and sea bass. The seafood served was caught off the Fukushima coast subsequent to the initiation of the wastewater release. The meal was supplemented with vegetables, fruits, and rice from Fukushima Prefecture.

Economy and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, one of the attendees, shared these details with the press. The controlled release of treated wastewater into the ocean from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant has been met with strong opposition from fishing groups and neighbouring countries.

China promptly imposed an import ban on Japanese seafood. South Korea also witnessed public demonstrations expressing concern over the environmental impact of the wastewater discharge. Notably, post-release data from seawater and fish samples consistently indicate radiation levels well below established safety thresholds.

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This Lunch Served As A Reassurance Of Safety

Fukushima
Photo Credits: Canva

The lunch event was perceived as a deliberate effort by Prime Minister Kishida to convey his commitment to addressing any potential reputational damage. It also respected the sentiments of Fukushima’s fishing community. The intention was to underscore safety supported by credible scientific evidence. It also ensured the dissemination of this information nationally and internationally.

In a parallel gesture, President Yoon Suk Yeol of South Korea also opted for a fish-based lunch. It is a symbolic move reflecting concerns about domestic fish demand following the Fukushima wastewater release. Japan’s Foreign Ministry also issued a travel advisory to its citizens in China due to escalating tensions, including harassment and violent protests directed at Japan over the wastewater discharge. 

The lunch gathering serves as a visual testament to Prime Minister Kishida’s dedication to transparency and safety,

Cover Image Courtesy: PM’s Office Of Japan/X

First Published: August 31, 2023 1:25 PM