The Safety of ALPS Treated Water Discharge
The Prime Minister’s Major Initiatives
I sat down with representatives of the National Federation of Fisheries Co-operative Associations (Zengyoren) and received their suggestions and requests regarding the Government’s stance and response in taking measures against reputational damage and those for sustaining livelihoods from the perspectives of both safety and security. We will take such voices seriously and the Government as a whole will continue to respond in close contact with the fisheries industry.
I visited the ALPS facility along with another facility for releasing treated water into the sea, and received a briefing regarding ensuring safety from TEPCO. The release into the sea is a long-term task. I requested that the entire company take all possible measures with a sense of urgency and the Government will make utmost efforts to ensure safety, disseminate highly transparent information and take measures against reputational damage.
On July 12, 2023, Prime Minister Kishida held a summit meeting with President YOON Suk Yeol of the Republic of Korea (ROK), during his visit to Vilnius, Lithuania, to attend the NATO Summit. At the meeting, the Prime Minister mentioned the Comprehensive Report issued by IAEA, and reiterated, as Prime Minister of Japan, that every possible measure would be taken to ensure the safety of discharge and that any discharge that would harm the health of Japanese and Korean citizens or the marine environment would not occur.
On July 4, 2023, Prime Minister Kishida received a courtesy call from IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi. At the meeting, Director General Grossi presented the comprehensive report on the safety review of the ALPS treated water. The Government of Japan will continue to work based on scientific evidence and give detailed explanations with high transparency both at home and overseas.
On June 14, 2023, Prime Minister Kishida held a summit meeting with President Surangel S. Whipps, Jr. of the Republic of Palau. The Prime Minister expressed his deep appreciation for Palau’s understanding and trust in Japan's sincere efforts to ensure the safety of ALPS treated water.
On May 11, 2023, Prime Minister Kishida and President Yoon of the Republic of Korea held a joint press conference. The Prime Minister stated that, as a prime minister of Japan, he would never approve any discharge that has adverse impacts on the health of Japanese and Korean citizens or the marine environment.
On March 11, 2023, Prime Minister Kishida visited Fukushima Prefecutre.
While listening to the concerns of the locals including the fishermen, the Government as a whole will make all out efforts to continue to provide detailed explanations and exchange views.
We will provide information based on scientific evidence and develop an understanding in cooperation with the IAEA in the future.
IAEA Comprehensive Report on the Safety Review
