Japanese Prime Minister Kishida Meets Fishermen Representatives Today... "Tomorrow Likely to Decide Date for Contaminated Water Discharge"

"Date Set at Ministers' Meeting on the 22nd"
Release Expected by Month-End... Domestic and International Opposition Remains

The Japanese government's discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant has entered its final countdown. Following Prime Minister Fumio Kishida's direct visit to Fukushima, he is scheduled to meet with representatives of fishermen to decide on a specific discharge date.

On the 21st, according to Asahi Shimbun and Mainichi Shimbun, Prime Minister Kishida plans to meet with Masanobu Sakamoto, chairman of the National Federation of Fisheries Cooperative Associations, and executives of the Fukushima Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative. Then, on the following day, the 22nd, it is reported that the Cabinet is coordinating to formally decide the timing of the discharge at a meeting of related ministers.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida (second from the left) visited the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the 20th to directly inspect the contaminated water discharge facility. [Image source - Yonhap News]

The nationwide fisheries cooperatives have adopted resolutions opposing the Japanese government's contaminated water discharge for four consecutive years. At the general meeting on the 22nd of last month, they expressed their stance that "our opposition to the discharge remains unchanged."

Previously, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry of Japan presented a policy in 2015 to the Fukushima Prefecture Fisheries Cooperative stating that "no disposal related to contaminated water will be carried out without the consent of fishermen and other stakeholders," so it is expected that the discharge of contaminated water will proceed in earnest only after obtaining their final consent. From the Japanese government's perspective, this group remains a key entity to be finally persuaded.

Mainichi reported that "Prime Minister Kishida plans to explain the safety of the contaminated water discharge and thoroughly implement measures against misinformation (fake news) to gain the understanding of fishermen." The day before, Prime Minister Kishida also told reporters, "I have heard concerns from fishermen about their livelihoods," and added, "I want to directly convey the government's thoughts to the fishermen."

During the meeting, Prime Minister Kishida is also expected to inform the fishermen of the date when the contaminated water discharge will begin. Asahi, citing government officials, reported, "Prime Minister Kishida will explain the safety of the contaminated water and the damage caused by misinformation to the nationwide fisheries cooperatives," and "he is considering conveying the specific timing of the contaminated water discharge, expected around the end of August."

The Japanese government's discharge of contaminated water is ultimately expected to begin within this month. Japanese media have reported that the government has settled on late August for the discharge. Asahi stated, "Prime Minister Kishida is expected to announce during the meeting with fishermen that the discharge will start at the end of August, avoiding September when purse seine fishing begins in the waters off Fukushima Prefecture." Fukushima Central Television, a local broadcaster in Fukushima, also mentioned, "The government is making final adjustments to discharge the contaminated water within this month."

The official government decision and stance are expected to be announced at the meeting of related ministers on the 22nd, the day after the prime minister meets with fishermen representatives. Mainichi reported, "The Japanese government plans to start marine discharge within this month and will hold a meeting with Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura and others on the 22nd to determine the timing."

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida visited the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the 20th and received a briefing from Tokyo Electric Power Company regarding the discharge of contaminated water.
[Image source=Yonhap News]

The contaminated water discharge has effectively entered its final phase. Until now, Minister Nishimura had been solely responsible for visiting Fukushima and nearby areas to persuade fishermen, but the day before, Prime Minister Kishida personally visited the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant to inspect the discharge facilities. He also met with Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) executives and urged, "The government and TEPCO must proceed with a sense of tension and a determination not to betray trust." On the 19th, he stated, "We have reached the final stage where the nation must make a judgment considering all factors, including minimizing the impact on fisheries," leading to analyses that the government's decision is essentially complete.

Tomoki Kobayakawa, president of TEPCO, revealed plans related to compensation for fishermen during the meeting. He said, "We will establish a project team directly under the president to oversee the power plant, misinformation countermeasures, and fishermen's compensation so that TEPCO management can quickly grasp information and issue instructions," and added, "We will assign executives responsible for misinformation countermeasures and compensation issues at headquarters with a dedicated attitude."

However, opposition sentiment continues within Japan. Katsuya Okada, secretary-general of the Constitutional Democratic Party, told reporters in Sendai the day before, "I don't know why the prime minister went to Fukushima," and criticized, "In the end, nothing has been clarified, only increasing public distrust. The political responsibility is heavy."

On the same day, Natsuo Yamaguchi, leader of the coalition partner Komeito, said at a press conference, "The government continues to provide explanations based on scientific evidence, and voices of understanding are increasing," but added, "The timing of the discharge should be discussed from all perspectives and a wise decision must be made. The government must repeatedly make efforts to reassure fishermen."