Japanese People Rally Against Discharge of Nuclear-Contaminated Water into the Sea

Title: Japanese People Rally Against Discharge of Nuclear-Contaminated Water into the Sea

Date: June 21, 2023

Location: Fukushima, Japan

In a powerful display of unity and opposition, Japanese citizens from Fukushima and across the country gathered in Fukushima City on June 20 to protest against the government’s plan to discharge nuclear-contaminated water into the sea. The rally, organized under the “Fukushima Action” initiative, included parades, rallies, and petitions, all aimed at expressing their firm opposition to the impending discharge.

Nearly 100 people, led by Tatsuko Okawamoto from Tamura City, Fukushima Prefecture, marched to the Fukushima prefectural office to voice their concerns. Okawamoto, using a loudspeaker, passionately narrated a line from her own puppet show, highlighting the government’s eagerness to drain nuclear-contaminated water into the sea. She emphasized that prioritizing money over life and love is a grave mistake.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company began trial operation of the Fukushima nuclear contaminated water drainage equipment on June 12. With the trial operation set to end on June 26, the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water seems to be approaching its final stages, prompting the concerned citizens to intensify their opposition.

Oda Chiyo, one of the event’s planners and co-representative of the civic group “Don’t Pollute the Sea,” expressed her disappointment with the government’s stance. She criticized the government’s attempts to make the discharge seem like an established fact and urged them to reconsider. Chiyo argued that there are still alternative options, such as storing the nuclear-contaminated water in sewage tanks, which have not been fully explored.

Masuko Eiichi, who joined the rally from Koriyama, Fukushima Prefecture, also vehemently opposed the government’s decision to discharge the nuclear-contaminated water into the sea. He criticized the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company for choosing the most cost-effective solution, which involves discharging the sewage into the sea, instead of exploring other long-term storage options.

The government’s labeling of the diluted nuclear-contaminated water as “treated water” was met with anger and frustration. Sakurai from Niigata accused the government of attempting to deceive the public, calling it a fraud. Masuko further explained that even if the water is diluted, the total amount of nuclear pollutants remains unchanged. Additionally, the nuclear-contaminated water contains not only the radioactive element tritium but also 57 other radioactive substances, including cesium and strontium, which cannot be removed.

During the protest, participants held up banners expressing their strong opposition to the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea. They firmly believed that no matter how many times the water is diluted, it remains sewage and should not be released into the ocean.

In a petition to be submitted to the Fukushima prefectural government, the Japanese people highlighted their concerns about the potential consequences of discharging the nuclear-contaminated water. They emphasized the lack of quantitative determination of all radioactive substances in the water and warned about the potential spread of radioactive substances throughout the Pacific Ocean, thereby polluting the global marine environment.

Under the scorching sun, Daheyuan delivered a passionate speech, stating that discharging nuclear-contaminated water into the sea is a crime against all living things on earth. The protesters remained resolute in their opposition, determined to protect the environment and the well-being of future generations.

Editor: Zheng Jianlong

What are the potential environmental and health risks associated with the discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea?

S plan. He emphasized the potential environmental and health risks that the discharge could pose to not only Japan but also neighboring countries. Masuko called for a thorough and transparent assessment of the long-term consequences before making any decisions.

The rally attracted participants of all ages, with many holding signs, chanting slogans, and wearing colorful costumes to express their message. Local business owners, fishermen, and farmers who depend on the sea for their livelihoods also voiced their concerns about the potential impact on their industries.

The Japanese government has maintained that the discharge will be safe and has presented scientific data and expert opinions to support their decision. However, the protesters argue that the potential risks are too great and that alternative options must be explored further.

The rally in Fukushima City is just one of many protests that have taken place across Japan in recent months. Public opinion on the matter remains divided, with some supporting the government’s plan as a necessary step in the decommissioning process, while others, like those at the rally, strongly oppose it.

The discharge of nuclear-contaminated water into the sea is a complex and contentious issue that requires careful consideration of both short-term and long-term consequences. As the government moves closer to finalizing its decision, the voices of the protesters in Fukushima and throughout Japan continue to grow louder, demanding a reconsideration of their concerns and alternative solutions to ensure the safety of both Japanese citizens and the marine ecosystem.