Japan resumes seafood exports to China after Fukushima wastewater ban | Fukushima News

Beijing has imposed a two-year ban on the release of treated radioactive wastewater from the tsunami-hit Fukushima plant.

Japan has resumed seafood exports to China after Beijing lifted a two-year ban, implemented following the controversial release of treated radioactive wastewater from the tsunami-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

Japan’s Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said Friday that 6.6 tons of scallops were shipped to China on Wednesday, the first such delivery since Beijing banned Japanese seafood in August 2023.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown following a massive earthquake and tsunami in 2011, causing huge leaks of radioactive wastewater that had to be stored in tanks.

More than 18,000 people died in the initial disaster, and some 2,300 people died from the aftermath of the disaster in the region.

Japan began discharging treated radioactive water from the plant into the Pacific Ocean in August 2023, despite concerns from neighboring countries. In response, Beijing banned seafood imports from Japan, citing the risk of radioactive contamination.

Tokyo said the release of the water was safe and supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency, the United Nations’ nuclear watchdog. He criticized China for spreading “scientifically unfounded claims.”

China announced it would lift the ban in June, following repeated negotiations between the two sides.

“A positive approach”

The agreed deal provides several new procedures for Japan, whose fish processing facilities must register with China. Exporters must also include inspection certificates, ensuring that the seafood has been checked for radioactive material.

The Chinese ban dealt a major blow to Japan’s seafood industry, particularly exports of seafood scallops and cucumbers, with China being the largest foreign market for Japanese seafood.

“The government views this development as a positive step,” Kihara said.

The scallops exported this week were harvested in Hokkaido Prefecture, although Beijing maintains a ban on seafood from Fukushima and nine neighboring prefectures.

Kihara said Japan would continue to urge Beijing to lift remaining bans and resume importing Japanese beef.

China halted imports of Japanese beef in 2001 following an outbreak of bovine spongiform encephalopathy, commonly known as mad cow disease, in September 2001.