Japan's reputation damaged by leaks and lack of transparency

A year has passed since Japan began discharging nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea, despite widespread opposition. To date, about 60,000 tons of water have been discharged as part of Japan's 30-year plan to discharge about one million tons of contaminated water into the sea.

The persistent discharges, frequent leaks and lack of transparency over the past year have significantly damaged the reputation of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) and the Japanese government, leading to a significant loss of public trust and widespread backlash, observers say.

TEPCO has released 60,000 tons of treated water from the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, the Asahi Shimbun reported. On the eve of the first anniversary, the National Federation of Fishermen's Cooperatives of Japan reiterated its strong opposition to the water release.

MUST READ: Tragic Russian attack on Ukrainian hotel: security adviser killed and two injured

The group warned that any major accident or incident in the future could lead to a loss of trust and understanding among fishermen and the public, and called on the Japanese government and TEPCO to consider these consequences, local media reported.

The discharge of the contaminated water has prompted several countries, including China and Russia, to stop importing seafood from Japan. In response to Japan's appeals to lift these bans, Hong Kong's Environment and Ecology Office said on Facebook that due to the unprecedented scale and duration of the discharge and its potentially catastrophic consequences for marine ecology and food safety, Hong Kong has taken preventive measures, including restricting the import of seafood and related products from the most at-risk areas of Japan.

Several incidents related to the Fukushima power plant have been reported over the past year, including seven cases of employees being hospitalized due to accidents, as well as cases of environmental pollution. The most recent incident occurred two weeks ago, an average of one incident every two months. Given the challenges Japan faces in managing and supervising the Fukushima power plant and the potential serious consequences, Hong Kong's preventive measures are considered necessary and scientifically justified, the office said. It also pointed out that if the situation worsens, additional measures may be needed to further enhance food safety protection.

In South Korea, opponents of the sea discharge held a press conference outside the National Assembly on Thursday to mark the first anniversary of Japan's discharge of the contaminated water, South Korean media reported. In Japan, NHK aired a special prime-time documentary on Saturday aimed at restoring the reputation of Japanese seafood. Despite this, opposition continues to grow across the country, with protests calling for an end to the discharge taking place in several cities and prefectures, including Tokyo and Fukushima.

(WITH INPUTS FROM ANI)

ALSO READ: Traders in Pakistan announce strike after unsuccessful negotiations with the government