Japanese media reported that Japan’s Tokyo Electric Power Company will begin preparations for the second discharge of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant on the 3rd. If all goes as planned, the second discharge will begin on the 5th.
Tokyo Electric Power Company measures the concentration of tritium, a radioactive substance, after placing a small amount of contaminated water diluted in seawater into a large tank. If it is confirmed that the tritium concentration is below the standard, it will be discharged as scheduled. Tokyo Electric Power Company mixes 7,800 tons of contaminated water, a similar amount as the first discharge (August 24 to September 11), with seawater and dumps it into the sea off Fukushima. The discharge of 460 tons per day takes place over 17 days.
Tokyo Electric Power Company confirmed that trace amounts of four types of radionuclides, including cesium, were detected in samples of contaminated water, but did not meet the discharge standard, so there was no problem.
The Nippon Keizai Shimbun reported on this day that Tokyo Electric Power Company estimates that the ‘damage caused by rumors that marine products are unsafe’ in Japan due to the discharge of contaminated water amounts to 10 billion yen (approximately 90.7 billion won).
It has been reported that emergency measures have been implemented and partial compensation has been paid to seafood businesses that are currently experiencing financial difficulties due to their high dependence on exports. According to the Japanese Ministry of Finance, the amount of fish and shellfish Japan exported to China as of August decreased by 75.7% compared to a year ago. Tokyo Electric Power Company has received about 200 inquiries for compensation in about a month since it began discharging contaminated water in late August. In Hokkaido, scallop catches were found to have decreased by about 40% compared to previous years due to a shortage of warehouses due to accumulated seafood stocks.
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government is holding an event that gives points worth up to 1,000 yen (about 9,070 won) to people who eat or purchase seafood at sushi stores or fish stores in Tokyo. Part of the expenses will also be subsidized for Tokyo residents and commuters traveling to Fukushima Prefecture.
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Source: Donga
Mark Jones is a world traveler and journalist for News Rebeat. With a curious mind and a love of adventure, Mark brings a unique perspective to the latest global events and provides in-depth and thought-provoking coverage of the world at large.