Japan is set to release more than 1 million tonnes of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant on August 24.
The plan was approved by the Japanese government two years ago as vital to decommissioning the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) (9501.T).
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The United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), said the release would have a “negligible” impact on people and the environment.
However, the plan has received objections from neighbouring countries and some local finishing groups concerned about damage to reputation and livelihood.
Wang Wenbin, China’s foreign minister spokesman, described this decision as “selfishness and arrogance, and not fully consulted in the international community about the water release”.
Seafood imports from 10 of Japan’s 47 prefectures, including Fukushima and Tokyo, have been banned in China.
Despite a Seoul study confirming that the water release adheres to international standards, activists in South Korea have protested the plan.
TEPCO said the water would be released only after it has passed through a filtration system and is deemed safe.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the release would start if weather conditions permitted.
“I have asked TEPCO to swiftly prepare for the water discharge in accordance with the plan approved by the Nuclear Regulation Authority,” he said.
“I promise that we will take on the entire responsibility of ensuring the fishing industry can continue to make their living, even if that will take decades.”
According to a Japanese official, the initial test results for seawater following the discharge could be accessible by early September.
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