Kishida Cabinet Reconfirms Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water Discharge Policy

▲Hagiuda Koichi, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] The newly launched Japanese Kishida Fumio Cabinet has announced that it will continue to push forward with the plan to dilute and discharge contaminated water containing tritium from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea.

According to the Yomiuri Shimbun on the 6th, Hagiuda Koichi, Japan's Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry, who oversees nuclear power and energy policy, described the plan to release contaminated water into the ocean, decided during the Suga Yoshihide Cabinet, as "a significant decision amid concerns about safety and 'fuhyo-higai' (reputational damage)."

He added, "We will properly listen to the voices of local governments and fishermen to dispel their concerns."

Fuhyo-higai is a Japanese term referring to damage caused by unfounded rumors.

Hagiuda's remarks seem to imply that although contaminated water will be discharged, there is no problem with the safety of food products in circulation, and that avoidance of these products is based on unscientific grounds.

According to Kyodo News, at a press conference held the previous day, Hagiuda stated that the entire government would work to promote "understanding" regarding the discharge of contaminated water.

Although the cabinet has been newly formed, this effectively confirms that the plan to release contaminated water into the ocean will not change.

Regarding the nuclear fuel cycle policy, which involves reusing spent nuclear fuel, Hagiuda told Yomiuri in an interview that it would be promoted "from the perspective of reducing the harmfulness of high-level radioactive waste."

Amid a global semiconductor supply shortage, Hagiuda expressed enthusiasm for expanding domestic production in Japan.

He said, "Semiconductors are the indispensable rice for all industries," adding, "To strengthen industrial competitiveness by building a robust supply chain, it is important to enhance the domestic semiconductor manufacturing base to a scale comparable to other countries. We will properly request the necessary budget."

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.