Japan to Begin Discharging Fukushima Nuclear Plant Contaminated Water on 24th (Update)

The Japanese government has decided to begin the ocean discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant starting on the 24th. Unless there are unusual weather changes, the plan is to start discharging the contaminated water from that time and accelerate the decommissioning work of the nuclear plant.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida stated on the 22nd that the release of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (referred to as "treated water" by the Japanese government) into the ocean is expected to begin on the 24th, provided there are no weather or other disruptions.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

According to the Nihon Keizai Shimbun, on the 22nd, Prime Minister Kishida Fumio hosted a meeting at the Tokyo Prime Minister's Office attended by officials from various sectors and made this decision.

Regarding the fishermen's opposition to the discharge of contaminated water, Prime Minister Kishida stated, "At this point, we have confirmed thorough safety measures that can be prepared and countermeasures against rumor damage, and have requested Tokyo Electric Power Company to promptly proceed with preparations for the (contaminated water) discharge."

Additionally, after the cabinet meeting on the same day, Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Nishimura Yasutoshi plans to visit Fukushima Prefecture to explain the contaminated water discharge plan.

Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan presiding over the Cabinet meeting
[Photo by Yonhap News]

As of the end of June this year, the total amount of contaminated water at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is 1.34 million tons, and the ocean discharge is expected to continue for about 30 years from the start time.

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