"South Korea's Consent Obtained, but China's Regulatory Confusion Evident"…Atmosphere in Japan

Lawsuit Filed by Fukushima Residents to Stop Discharge
"Unexpected Chinese Regulations... Kishida's Leadership Put to the Test"
"Korean Public Opinion Has Significant Impact... Stirring Japanese Public Sentiment"

Since the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean began on the 24th, local residents in Fukushima have started preparing a lawsuit demanding the suspension of the discharge. The local residents are strongly protesting, claiming that the Japanese government broke its promise of "not discharging contaminated water without the understanding of the stakeholders." The Japanese government is monitoring public opinion trends in neighboring countries, including South Korea and China, amid local residents' protests.

Professor Lee Young-chae of Keisen Jogakuen University in Japan said in an interview with MBC Radio on the 25th about the local atmosphere after the start of the contaminated water discharge, "Fishermen currently have about 20% recovery in their catch of Fukushima seafood compared to 10 years ago when the 3.11 Great Earthquake occurred. They perceive the discharge of contaminated water as an unacceptable act that destroys the trust they have built and ruins their livelihoods."

On the 18th, citizens held a protest in front of the Prime Minister's Official Residence in Tokyo, Japan, opposing the discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant. [Image source=Reuters Yonhap News]

Professor Lee said, "Tokyo Electric Power Company and the IAEA are releasing contaminated water-related figures hourly, but residents say the sea has already been contaminated for 10 years, and with this continuing, it is difficult to trust the figures, especially since they include tritium and other nuclear substances."

He mentioned that China's decision to completely suspend imports of Japanese seafood was an unexpectedly strong response from Japan's perspective. Professor Lee said, "While it was expected that China would take some measures, the import ban on all Japanese seafood was completely unexpected," adding, "Since fishermen nationwide are affected, Prime Minister Kishida showed a clearly flustered expression." He added, "Although China started with seafood, if Japan takes a hardline stance, the ban could expand to agricultural products, which could also damage Prime Minister Kishida's leadership."

Professor Lee said that local media are highly interested in South Korea's reaction. Japanese media report that the Japanese government obtained South Korea's consent for the contaminated water discharge, which is seen as important for shaping public opinion within Japan. Professor Lee said, "They say they obtained consent from neighboring countries except China, especially South Korea," and added, "Opposition in South Korea could create opposition among Japan's middle class and undecided voters, so the Japanese government might actually expect the South Korean government to calm public opinion within South Korea."

However, "Major media have focused on opposition from South Korean civil society, including opposition from opposition parties and the movements of university students who tried to enter the Japanese embassy," he said, adding, "South Korean public opinion, especially considering the low approval rating of the Yoon Suk-yeol administration, could influence policies between South Korea and Japan and also provoke public opinion in Japanese society."

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