Japan urges China to respond to 'contaminated water spam calls' amid flood of complaints saying "We can't live like this"

Protest Calls Over Contaminated Water from China Flood Japan Nationwide
Public Security Chairman and Foreign Minister Urge "Response to China"

Amid the discharge of contaminated water from Japan's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, not only Fukushima and Tokyo Electric Power Company but also all of Japan have been inundated with spam international calls originating from China, leading to a surge in damage consultations. With hundreds of consultation reports flooding police stations nationwide, the Japanese government has expressed its intention to urge the Chinese side to respond. Diplomatic tensions between the two countries are expected to worsen.

[Image source=Yonhap News]

On the 29th, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department announced that by noon the previous day, 225 consultations regarding 'spam calls from China' had been received from 31 prefectures. Most of these spam calls protested Japan's discharge of contaminated water and were reported to target not only private sectors such as restaurants and hotels but also public facilities like city halls and schools. Among the 225 calls received so far, 74 were made to Fukushima Prefecture, where the contaminated water discharge is taking place, accounting for the highest proportion.

In response, Japanese government officials have taken action, stating they will urge the Chinese side to respond. Koichi Tani, Chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, held a press conference after the Cabinet meeting that day, saying, "We understand that spam call consultations are being made to police stations across various regions," and added, "We are requesting the Chinese side through diplomatic channels to take appropriate measures, including urging their citizens to act calmly." He further stated, "We will continue to coordinate with related agencies and closely monitor the situation going forward."

Foreign Minister Masayoshi Hayashi also held a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, expressing regret over the spam calls, saying, "It is very regrettable. We are concerned about the situation," and added, "We will demand calm and constructive responses from the Chinese side."

Regarding relations with China, Foreign Minister Hayashi emphasized, "Japan's consistent policy is to build constructive and stable relations through mutual efforts," and raised his voice, saying, "While firmly asserting Japan's position on the treated water (the Japanese government's term for contaminated water), we will strongly demand responsible behavior from the Chinese side."

Minister for Internal Affairs and Communications Takeaki Matsumoto even ordered domestic telecommunications companies to promote spam call countermeasure services, such as rejecting specific numbers or international calls. Minister Matsumoto stated, "I requested telecommunications companies to properly explain spam call countermeasure services to users," and added, "I asked them to respond smoothly when applications are received."

[Image source=Yonhap News]

The previous night, Prime Minister Fumio Kishida also met with reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence and said, "We have requested to exchange scientific opinions among experts with China, but it is regrettable that such opportunities have not been arranged and actions like spam calls are taking place."

Currently, anti-Japanese sentiment in China due to the contaminated water discharge is spreading day by day. Tokyo Electric Power Company has received about 6,000 protest calls from China between the 24th and 27th, following the contaminated water discharge, and actions such as throwing stones or eggs at the Japanese Embassy in China and Japanese schools have also been occurring repeatedly.

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