68% of Japanese People Say "Explanation of Fukushima Contaminated Water Discharge Is Insufficient"

13th Anniversary Survey of the Great East Japan Earthquake
70% Support the Current Discharge Method

Seven out of ten Japanese people think that the explanations provided by the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) regarding the ocean discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (referred to by the Japanese government as "treated water") are insufficient both domestically and internationally.

On the 10th, the Tokyo Shimbun reported that according to a survey conducted by the Japan Public Opinion Research Organization from January to March this year, targeting 1,788 adults aged 18 and over nationwide (valid respondents), only 30% of respondents evaluated the government and TEPCO's explanations about the discharge method and safety of the contaminated water as "sufficient." In contrast, 68% answered that they did not think the explanations were sufficient. The remaining 2% did not respond.

Tokyo Electric Power Company, which is discharging contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant (referred to as "treated water" by the Japanese government) into the ocean, invited foreign media reporters to a site visit and press event.
[Photo by Yonhap News]

Regarding the safety of seafood after the ocean discharge, 51% expressed concern, while 49% answered that they were not concerned.

However, 70% supported the current discharge method, which involves mixing the contaminated water treated by the Advanced Liquid Processing System (ALPS) with seawater to reduce tritium levels to less than 1/40 of the Japanese standard, compared to 29% who opposed it. The most common reason for support (multiple responses allowed) was "because the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) says it meets international safety standards," at 70%. This was followed by 46% who responded, "Because continuing to store it in tanks on the nuclear power plant site would interfere with decommissioning."

The main reason for opposition (multiple responses allowed) was "because tritium is worrisome," at 62%. Additionally, 60% cited "because other radioactive substances are worrisome," showing a slight difference.

Regarding nuclear power plants in Japan, 55% answered that "they should be gradually reduced and completely eliminated in the future," but 33% said "they should be gradually reduced, but new nuclear power plants should also be built to maintain a certain number." Other responses included 7% who said "new plants should be built and actively used in the future" and 4% who said "they should be completely eliminated immediately."

Meanwhile, the Japan Public Opinion Research Organization is a group formed mainly by Japanese media companies, including the Tokyo Shimbun. This survey was conducted ahead of the 13th anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake that occurred on March 11, 2011.

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