Japan Claims "Safety of Fukushima Seafood" While Finding Fault with Korea's School Meal Support

▲Korean Sport & Olympic Committee Tokyo Olympics Catering Center Command Headquarters [Image source=Yonhap News]

[Asia Economy Reporter Kwon Jae-hee] Amid criticism from Japanese politicians regarding the meal support center for the South Korean delegation participating in the Tokyo Olympics, the Japanese government reiterated its stance that seafood from Fukushima is safe.

On the 3rd, Foreign Minister Motegi Toshimitsu stated at a press conference, "The Japanese government has consistently conveyed its intention to use this Olympics as an opportunity to appeal to the world that agricultural, forestry, and fishery products from earthquake-affected areas are safe," adding, "We have also communicated this government position to the South Korean side."

When asked about claims that the South Korean team receiving boxed meals outside the athletes' village fosters the perception that Fukushima food products are dangerous, Foreign Minister Motegi responded that the Japanese government has designated this event as the "Reconstruction Olympics" and wants to showcase the Tohoku region and Fukushima, which have overcome the disaster.

The meal support center for the South Korean delegation is not unique to this Olympics. It has been operated at almost every Olympics since Beijing 2008 to manage the nutrition of the athletes.

Nevertheless, Japanese politicians claim that the Korean team operates the meal support center to avoid consuming Fukushima products. They are also criticizing South Korea, saying that this has increased distrust toward Fukushima food products.

Koichiro Genba, Deputy Leader of the Constitutional Democratic Party and a member of the House of Representatives representing Fukushima Prefecture, argued at the House of Representatives Cabinet Committee on the 28th of last month that leaving the Korean team's meal facilities as they are would increase damage to Fukushima due to rumors. He demanded that the International Olympic Committee (IOC) issue a stern warning.

Masahisa Sato, a member of the House of Councillors and the Liberal Democratic Party's Foreign Affairs Committee, criticized the Korean team's actions as "an act that tramples on the feelings of Fukushima residents."