As one month has passed since the release of treated water accumulated at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in 24 days, Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Miyashita emphasized the government's intention to promptly implement support measures, noting that China's suspension of imports of Japan fishery products has affected seafood businesses.
Following the release of treated water accumulated at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea on the 24th of last month, China, the largest export destination for Japan marine products, has completely suspended imports, and the impact is spreading.
Last month's trade statistics released by the Ministry of Finance showed that exports of foodstuffs, including seafood, to China fell sharply, down 41.2% compared to the same period last year.
Minister of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Miyashita stated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting on March 22, "The main reason for the decline in exports to China is considered to be the strengthening of inspections of Japan fishery products.
Regarding the specific impact of the decline in exports, he stated, "In particular, some people have voiced that prices of scallops and sea cucumbers in Hokkaido and Tohoku are declining," and emphasized that the government will promptly implement a total of more than 1000 billion yen in support measures aimed at countering rumors.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno: "Release of treated water safely as planned"
Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsuno stated at a press conference after the Cabinet meeting, "The discharge of treated water into the ocean is proceeding safely as planned based on the results of monitoring so far, and the results are being disseminated with high transparency both domestically and internationally, and a calm response based on scientific knowledge is spreading internationally."
"It is extremely regrettable that China's total moratorium on imports of Japan fishery products cannot be said to be a response based on scientific evidence, and the Government will continue to work as one to demand its immediate abolition, and we will promptly implement a policy package totaling 1007.<> billion yen and take all possible measures to support the fisheries industry nationwide."