Japan is preparing to release treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean, possibly from the end of August, Japan’s Asahi Shimbun newspaper reported on Monday, citing unnamed government sources.
The event follows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s talks with US President Joe Biden and South Korean President Yoon Suk Yeol in the United States. The source said the Japanese prime minister would explain water security to the leaders.
Tokyo Electric Power, which operates the plant, received permission from Japan’s nuclear regulator last month to begin releasing water. Japan and the International Atomic Energy Agency say the water is safe, but other nearby countries worry it could make food unsafe.
Fishing is due to begin off the coast of Fukushima in September, so Japan wants to start releasing water before then to avoid disrupting the fishing season.
