31-8-2023 (TOKYO) Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida publicly consumed what he described as “safe and delicious” fish from Fukushima on Wednesday (August 30), just days after the release of wastewater from the region’s crippled nuclear plant into the Pacific. The move came as China imposed a ban on all seafood imports from Japan following the discharge, which began on August 24.
A video clip shared on social media by the Prime Minister’s office showed Fumio Kishida enjoying a slice of flounder sashimi, declaring it to be “very good.” He urged viewers to support the northeastern region by indulging in “safe and delicious” Japanese seafood. The cheerful video featured Kishida and three other ministers at his office, relishing sashimi, boiled pork, fruits, rice, and vegetables sourced from Fukushima.
The purpose of the video was to promote products from the area, which is still recovering from the devastating earthquake and tsunami that triggered one of the worst nuclear disasters in the world 12 years ago.
Even prior to the wastewater release, concerns were raised within Japan’s fishing industry about the potential impact on the reputation of the country’s seafood, both domestically and internationally.
The discharge, equivalent to over 500 Olympic swimming pools, is expected to continue for decades and will facilitate the removal of highly hazardous radioactive fuel from three damaged reactors. The incident has led to acts of hostility, such as the throwing of bricks and eggs at Japanese schools and consulates in China. Tokyo has advised its citizens residing in China to maintain a low profile, and Japanese businesses have been inundated with bothersome calls originating from Chinese phone numbers.
On Thursday, Kishida was scheduled to visit Tokyo’s main Toyosu fish market to sample more fish from Fukushima.
Japan has demanded that China, its largest market for fish, rescind its ban on seafood imports, while warning that it may lodge a complaint with the World Trade Organization (WTO).
In addition, Kishida’s government reportedly plans to provide financial assistance to the fishing industry and explore new export markets.
Rafael Grossi, the Director-General of the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), reiterated on Wednesday that the released water was deemed safe according to the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog.
As a show of support for Japan, the United States Ambassador to Japan, Rahm Emanuel, was scheduled to visit the Fukushima area on Thursday and partake in locally caught seafood.
☢️???????? Insolite : le Premier ministre japonais Fumio Kishida s’est mis en scène mangeant du poisson “sûr et délicieux” de #Fukushima, après le début des rejets de l’eau issue de la centrale nucléaire accidentée dans la mer. (Le Parisien) pic.twitter.com/baGXj7UiEf
— Mediavenir (@Mediavenir) August 30, 2023
