Support for Contaminated Water Discharge Drops from 58% to 30%... Japanese Public Opinion Reverses, "Damage to National Image"

"Concerns about rumors (reputation) reach 88%"
Friction with neighboring countries over discharge plans
Japanese fishermen's group "Opposition stance remains unchanged"

Public opinion in Japan is undergoing significant changes regarding the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. In about 20 days, support has dropped sharply from a majority to around 30%. Japanese people are concerned that the government's insistence on discharging the contaminated water will have a negative impact on Japan's 'national image.'

On the 18th, citizens held a protest in front of the Prime Minister's residence in Tokyo, Japan, opposing the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. As the Japanese government, having completed preparations for the discharge, is deliberating on the start date, there is speculation that the discharge commencement date will be decided after the trilateral summit between South Korea, the United States, and Japan held that day. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Japan's Kyodo News reported that a nationwide telephone survey conducted over two days starting on the 19th (local time) found that 29.6% of Japanese people support the discharge of contaminated water, while 25.7% oppose it. The largest group, 43.8%, chose "cannot say either way."

Previously, a survey conducted by Nihon Keizai Shimbun on the 30th of last month showed that 58% supported the discharge, constituting a majority. In contrast, only 30% opposed it. While opposition opinions remained relatively unchanged over the weeks, support has significantly diminished.

The shift in Japanese public opinion toward skepticism about the contaminated water discharge appears to stem from concerns about the 'national image.' In this survey, 88.1% responded that so-called 'rumor (reputation) damage' related to the nuclear power plant contaminated water discharge is occurring.

Neighboring Countries on Edge... Japanese Fishermen Also Firmly Opposed

Tokyo Electric Power Company disclosed flatfish being raised in diluted contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on October 17, 2022.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

In reality, the contaminated water discharge issue has caused various frictions between Japan and neighboring countries. Earlier, protests opposing the discharge were held mainly by fishing communities in Jeonnam and Jeju in South Korea.

Pacific island nations are equally sensitive. The Pacific Islands Forum (PIF), composed of 14 island countries including Australia, New Zealand, and Fiji, urged the Japanese government to postpone the discharge decision at a meeting held earlier this year in Suva, Fiji.

Henry Puna, Secretary-General of the PIF, emphasized, "Our region firmly believes that there should be no discharge until all relevant parties confirm safety." He added that they are particularly concerned about the contamination of fishing grounds, which are major business sites for Pacific island countries.

Japanese fishermen are also on high alert. The contaminated water discharge issue could negatively affect the image of Japanese seafood.

Earlier, Masanobu Sakamoto, Chairman of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations of Japan, met with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on the 21st but maintained a firm stance of "no change whatsoever in opposition."

Japanese Government Finalizing Plan to Begin Discharge on the 24th

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (center) is meeting with Masanobu Sakamoto, chairman of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations (Zenyoren), at the Prime Minister's Office in Tokyo on the 21st to discuss the discharge of contaminated water.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to NHK, the Japanese government is finalizing plans to begin the ocean discharge of contaminated water on the 24th. Prime Minister Kishida is expected to set a specific schedule at a cabinet meeting as early as today (the 22nd).

The Japanese government refers to the nuclear power plant contaminated water as "treated water." This means that most radioactive nuclides have been removed through the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) and stored in water tanks.

Previously, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) announced that Japan's plan to discharge contaminated water from the nuclear power plant complies with international safety standards. However, Rafael Grossi, IAEA Director General, added that safety will continue to be closely monitored even after the discharge begins.

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