Discharge of Contaminated Water Imminent... Japan Releases Report on Talks with Pacific Island Nations

Japan's Continued Campaign to Promote 'Contaminated Water Discharge'

The Japanese government, ahead of the release of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (referred to by the Japanese government as "treated water") into the ocean, has strengthened its promotional campaign and disclosed a report on dialogues held with Pacific island nations regarding the safety of the contaminated water.

The English report released by the Japanese government on the 31st includes key issues discussed during six expert meetings held between Japan and the Pacific Islands Forum (PIF) from June last year to last month. Previously, Japan had explained the safety of the contaminated water discharge to PIF member countries such as Australia, New Zealand, and Pacific island nations to seek their understanding.

Tokyo Electric Power Company disclosed the facilities for discharging contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant to foreign journalists on the 21st. The appearance of the prepared dilution and discharge facilities. Photo by EPA and Yonhap News.

The report presents the views of Japan and the PIF, as well as the contents of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) comprehensive report in tabular form. The main issues include information on the contaminated water stored in tanks provided by Japan, the radiological impact of the water discharge on humans and the environment, and alternative methods for treating the contaminated water other than ocean discharge.

Specifically, regarding the contaminated water information, PIF experts stated that it was "insufficient in terms of quantity and quality," and argued that "Japan should extract samples from all contaminated water storage facilities, analyze them, and provide the results." In response, Japan explained that "all ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System) treated water to be discharged will be measured by Tokyo Electric Power Company and a third party, and the results will be announced before discharge."

The PIF expressed concerns about the accumulation of radioactive materials and their potential impact on humans and the environment, but Japan emphasized that the contaminated water discharge complies with IAEA safety standards and that tritium and carbon-14 have already been taken into consideration.

Regarding PIF’s mention of cement solidification as an alternative treatment method for the contaminated water, Japan rebutted that "it has already been reviewed but its safety has not been proven."

In response to PIF’s criticism that "the contaminated water discharge will not benefit PIF countries and will only cause losses," Japan stated that it "has thoroughly considered matters related to the justification of IAEA safety standards." Among the IAEA safety guidelines is a statement that whether disposing of radioactive materials is justified should be decided by senior government officials after comprehensively considering all factors related to benefits and losses.

The Japanese government emphasized that this report represents transparent information provision regarding the contaminated water and stated, "We will strive to create an atmosphere in the international community that understands the ocean discharge of treated water."

Meanwhile, the Japanese government is actively promoting safety ahead of the contaminated water discharge. Recently, Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida posted a promotional video about the ocean discharge of contaminated water, produced by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on his Twitter account. It is also reported that Prime Minister Kishida will meet directly with fishermen to communicate the safety of the contaminated water discharge plan and seek their understanding.

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