Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday (September 9) explained to several world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, during the G20 Summit in India's capital city New Delhi.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Saturday (September 9) explained to several world leaders, including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, and Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea, during the G20 Summit in India's capital city New Delhi. Speaking to reporters, Hikariko Ono, press secretary at Japan's foreign ministry, said, "Prime Minister Kishida explained that the data monitored since last month's (water) discharge has been made public in a prompt and highly transparent manner. And that no problem has arisen from a scientific standpoint." Some countries have taken uncommon actions over discharge: Japan Last month, Japan started releasing treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean, and drew some harsh criticism from China which immediately banned all seafood imports from Japan. Also read: Japan PM Kishida, ministers enjoy 'safe, delicious' Sashimi lunch to demonstrate Fukushima seafood safety The Kishida government has said repeatedly that the water release is safe. During Saturday's press conference, Ono, without naming any countries, said, "Unfortunately, some countries have been taking uncommon actions such as suspending all imports of Japanese marine food products in response to the recent (water) discharge into the sea." Referring to Kishida's remarks at the G20 summit, the foreign ministry press secretary said that Tokyo would continue to work closely with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) and provide explanations to the international community based on scientific evidence in good faith and a highly transparent manner. China's stance on Fukushima release 'false': US On Thursday, US House of Representatives Speaker Kevin McCarthy called China's position on the Fukushima water release false and unfair. "I just view it as another way of the Communist Party of China putting falsities out there, trying to divide," McCarthy told reporters in Tokyo, adding he had no concern whatsoever about eating produce from Fukushima. Earlier, Japanese PM Kishida said he explained Tokyo's position on the matter to Chinese Premier Li Qiang during a brief talk on the sidelines of a regional meeting in Indonesia on Thursday. However, Kishida declined to say how Li had responded. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

G20 Summit: Japanese PM spoke with G20 leaders about Fukushima water release

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday (August 29) consumed what he called a "safe and delicious" meal of fish from the Fukushima.&nbsp;

Just days after the process of release of wastewater from the plant&nbsp;into the Pacific Ocean was started, the Japanese PM invited his ministers to his office for a sashimi lunch made up of seafood caught from the contentious Fukushima Prefecture.&nbsp;

This move as per Reuters was aimed at supporting Fukushima Prefecture's seafood industry as China banned all seafood after the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant.

<h2>Sashimi lunch</h2>

In a move aimed at demonstrating confidence in the safety of the region's seafood and encourage support for the struggling industry, Kishida, along with Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister In Charge of Policies Related to Children Masanobu Ogura, and Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, enjoyed a meal that included flounder, sea bass, and octopus sashimi sourced from Fukushima's waters.&nbsp;

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japans-foreign-minister-says-china-harassment-extremely-worrying-after-brick-thrown-at-embassy-in-beijing-630095">Japan's foreign minister says China harassment 'extremely worrying' after brick thrown at embassy in Beijing</a>

A video clip of Kishida enjoying the meal was published on social media by his office.

The clip featuring cheery music shows the Japanese PM saying, "This is very good," as he chews on a slice of flounder sashimi.

He then calls on viewers to enjoy "safe and delicious" Japanese seafood and support the northeastern region.

<h2>Concerns over Fukushima seafood</h2>

The move was aimed at pacifying concerns over the safety of seafood from Fukushima Prefecture, and promote products from the area that 12 years earlier was devastated by a huge earthquake and a Tsunami.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-condemns-extremely-regrettable-harassment-calls-from-china-amid-fukushima-water-discharge-629938">Japan condemns 'extremely regrettable' harassment calls from China amid Fukushima water discharge row</a>

Even before the recent release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean, there were concerns. However, this has exacerbated worries about the reputation of Japanese seafood, both domestically and internationally.&nbsp;

The release of the treated water, which has undergone filtration to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, is part of the decommissioning process of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. This process, as per AFP, will happen over decades and will release water equivalent to more than 500 Olympic swimming pools.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday (August 29) consumed what he called a "safe and delicious" meal of fish from the Fukushima. Just days after the process of release of wastewater from the plant into the Pacific Ocean was started, the Japanese PM invited his ministers to his office for a sashimi lunch made up of seafood caught from the contentious Fukushima Prefecture.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday (August 29) consumed what he called a "safe and delicious" meal of fish from the Fukushima. Just days after the process of release of wastewater from the plant into the Pacific Ocean was started, the Japanese PM invited his ministers to his office for a sashimi lunch made up of seafood caught from the contentious Fukushima Prefecture. This move as per Reuters was aimed at supporting Fukushima Prefecture's seafood industry as China banned all seafood after the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant. Sashimi lunch In a move aimed at demonstrating confidence in the safety of the region's seafood and encourage support for the struggling industry, Kishida, along with Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura, Minister In Charge of Policies Related to Children Masanobu Ogura, and Finance Minister Shunichi Suzuki, enjoyed a meal that included flounder, sea bass, and octopus sashimi sourced from Fukushima's waters. Also read | Japan's foreign minister says China harassment 'extremely worrying' after brick thrown at embassy in Beijing A video clip of Kishida enjoying the meal was published on social media by his office. The clip featuring cheery music shows the Japanese PM saying, "This is very good," as he chews on a slice of flounder sashimi. He then calls on viewers to enjoy "safe and delicious" Japanese seafood and support the northeastern region. Concerns over Fukushima seafood The move was aimed at pacifying concerns over the safety of seafood from Fukushima Prefecture, and promote products from the area that 12 years earlier was devastated by a huge earthquake and a Tsunami. Also read | Japan condemns 'extremely regrettable' harassment calls from China amid Fukushima water discharge row Even before the recent release of treated wastewater from the Fukushima plant into the Pacific Ocean, there were concerns. However, this has exacerbated worries about the reputation of Japanese seafood, both domestically and internationally. The release of the treated water, which has undergone filtration to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, is part of the decommissioning process of the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. This process, as per AFP, will happen over decades and will release water equivalent to more than 500 Olympic swimming pools.

Japan PM Kishida, ministers enjoy 'safe, delicious' Sashimi lunch to demonstrate Fukushima seafood safety

Japan has raised concerns over "extremely regrettable" harassment phone calls it has received since the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. began releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.&nbsp;

Raising "concern" over these phone calls that likely originate from China, on Monday, Japan's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Masataka Okano summoned Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao to the Foreign Ministry and strongly denounced the harassment.

<h2>Harassment calls and Japan-China&nbsp;</h2>

As per Japan News, during the meeting, Okano told Jianghao that Beijing "should not unnecessarily raise people's concerns with information that is not based on scientific evidence."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-ministry-says-seawater-radioactivity-below-limits-near-fukushima-plant-629707">Japanese ministry says seawater radioactivity below limits near Fukushima plant</a>

He also called on the Chinese government to disseminate accurate information and said that the authorities must ask their citizens to act calmly to prevent the situation from escalating. This comes amid reports of stone-throwing at a Japanese school in the coastal city of Qingdao and embassy.

As per Reuters, the spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said it was not aware of the matter.&nbsp;

Furthermore, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo has issued a statement stating that it had lodged serious concerns to Japan about the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan receiving "a substantial volume of bothersome phone calls from Japan."

These calls, as per ambassador Wu Jianghao, have caused&nbsp;"serious interference in the normal operation of the embassy and consulates."

<h2>The harassment calls</h2>

As per Reuters, on Thursday, Fukushima city hall started receiving calls with numbers starting with +86, China's country code.

On Friday, the number of calls exceeded 200. These calls, as per a city official, flooded phone lines and disrupted city employees' regular work. The same day, elementary and junior high schools in the city, some 60 kilometres northwest of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, also received 65 similar calls.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/china-raises-fukushima-water-issue-in-un-asks-japan-to-stop-629423">China raises Fukushima water issue in UN, asks Japan to stop discharge</a>

As per local media reports, other municipalities, hotels, restaurants too receiving such calls.

Defending China, the nation's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing "always safeguards the safety and lawful rights and interests of foreign nationals in China in accordance with law."

In a key step towards decommissioning the crippled plant, Japan on Thursday began water discharge. Fukushima plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) has reportedly been filtering contaminated water to remove isotopes, leaving only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate. However, China says that Japan has yet to prove that the water would be safe and has even issued a blanket ban on all aquatic products from the nation.

(With inputs from agencies)

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Japan has raised concerns over "extremely regrettable" harassment phone calls it has received since the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. began releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Japan has raised concerns over "extremely regrettable" harassment phone calls it has received since the Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings, Inc. began releasing treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Raising "concern" over these phone calls that likely originate from China, on Monday, Japan's Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs Masataka Okano summoned Chinese Ambassador to Japan Wu Jianghao to the Foreign Ministry and strongly denounced the harassment. Harassment calls and Japan-China As per Japan News, during the meeting, Okano told Jianghao that Beijing "should not unnecessarily raise people's concerns with information that is not based on scientific evidence." Also read | Japanese ministry says seawater radioactivity below limits near Fukushima plant He also called on the Chinese government to disseminate accurate information and said that the authorities must ask their citizens to act calmly to prevent the situation from escalating. This comes amid reports of stone-throwing at a Japanese school in the coastal city of Qingdao and embassy. As per Reuters, the spokesperson for China's foreign ministry said it was not aware of the matter. Furthermore, the Chinese embassy in Tokyo has issued a statement stating that it had lodged serious concerns to Japan about the Chinese embassy and consulates in Japan receiving "a substantial volume of bothersome phone calls from Japan." These calls, as per ambassador Wu Jianghao, have caused "serious interference in the normal operation of the embassy and consulates." The harassment calls As per Reuters, on Thursday, Fukushima city hall started receiving calls with numbers starting with +86, China's country code. On Friday, the number of calls exceeded 200. These calls, as per a city official, flooded phone lines and disrupted city employees' regular work. The same day, elementary and junior high schools in the city, some 60 kilometres northwest of the Fukushima nuclear power plant, also received 65 similar calls. Also read | China raises Fukushima water issue in UN, asks Japan to stop discharge As per local media reports, other municipalities, hotels, restaurants too receiving such calls. Defending China, the nation's foreign ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin said Beijing "always safeguards the safety and lawful rights and interests of foreign nationals in China in accordance with law." In a key step towards decommissioning the crippled plant, Japan on Thursday began water discharge. Fukushima plant operator Tokyo Electric Power (Tepco) has reportedly been filtering contaminated water to remove isotopes, leaving only tritium, a radioactive isotope of hydrogen that is hard to separate. However, China says that Japan has yet to prove that the water would be safe and has even issued a blanket ban on all aquatic products from the nation. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Japan condemns 'extremely regrettable' harassment calls from China amid Fukushima water discharge row

Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.&nbsp;

<h2>What did Hong Kong leader say?</h2>

Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that the city’s current ban on shipments from one Japanese prefecture would “definitely” be expanded if Japan moves forward with its plan.&nbsp;

Japan has been facing backlash and opposition, both domestically and internationally from some countries, despite repeated reassurances, for its <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/the-fukushima-controversy-japan-gets-approval-for-radioactive-water-release-611796">plan</a> to release treated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant, with China being its fiercest critic.&nbsp;

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, released last week after a two-year review, showed that the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-south-koreans-protest-iaea-chiefs-visit-over-fukushima-water-release-613508/#no-meaningful-impact-on-south-korean-waters-govt-613510">South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release</a>

The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-nuclear-plant-water-release-is-safe-says-iaea-chief-612362">Rafael Grossi</a> also assured that there are no issues with the process and that one “can drink [the water] and swim in it, too.” The process will take 30 to 40 years to complete.

But Hong Kong and China are among the countries that are not convinced. “If the exercise really starts, we’ll be banning a large number of prefectures’ sea products,” said the Hong Kong leader.&nbsp;

The city’s secretary for the environment and ecology has been asked to form a multi-department team to design an action plan for the same. The government will take “decisive action” against the issue, said Lee.&nbsp;

He added, “The catering industry will be affected, but I am sure that they will understand that we’re forced to make a decision because of this unprecedented exercise.”&nbsp;

The restrictions could also impact Japan’s economy and fishing communities as Tokyo exported $536 million worth of fishery products to its second-biggest importer, Hong Kong, according to Japanese government statistics.

<h2>China reiterates opposition to Japan’s plan</h2>

On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, in a press briefing, said the IAEA report is not a “free pass” for Japan to release the “problematic water,” reported Reuters.&nbsp;

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-backs-un-nuclear-watchdogs-approval-of-fukushima-water-release-614003">New Zealand backs UN nuclear watchdog's approval of Fukushima water release</a>

In a seeming response to Grossi’s remarks about the water being safe enough to drink and swim in, Wang said that if that’s the case, we suggest that Japan uses the “contaminated water for [drinking and swimming], instead of discharging it into the sea and making the international community anxious,” as quoted by Reuters.&nbsp;

Wang also reiterated that the IAEA report had “failed to fully reflect views from experts” who participated in the review.&nbsp;

China, the biggest market for Japan’s fisheries exports, recently announced a ban on the import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures citing safety concerns and said it would step up testing for radioactive substances.

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

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Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant.

Hong Kong leader John Lee, on Tuesday (July 11), said that the city would “definitely” expand the ban on seafood products from a large number of Japanese prefectures if Tokyo moves forward with the plan to discharge treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. What did Hong Kong leader say? Lee, chief executive of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region, said that the city’s current ban on shipments from one Japanese prefecture would “definitely” be expanded if Japan moves forward with its plan. Japan has been facing backlash and opposition, both domestically and internationally from some countries, despite repeated reassurances, for its plan to release treated water from the destroyed Fukushima nuclear power plant, with China being its fiercest critic. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) report, released last week after a two-year review, showed that the water release would have a negligible impact on the environment. ALSO READ | South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release The United Nations nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi also assured that there are no issues with the process and that one “can drink [the water] and swim in it, too.” The process will take 30 to 40 years to complete. But Hong Kong and China are among the countries that are not convinced. “If the exercise really starts, we’ll be banning a large number of prefectures’ sea products,” said the Hong Kong leader. The city’s secretary for the environment and ecology has been asked to form a multi-department team to design an action plan for the same. The government will take “decisive action” against the issue, said Lee. He added, “The catering industry will be affected, but I am sure that they will understand that we’re forced to make a decision because of this unprecedented exercise.” The restrictions could also impact Japan’s economy and fishing communities as Tokyo exported $536 million worth of fishery products to its second-biggest importer, Hong Kong, according to Japanese government statistics. China reiterates opposition to Japan’s plan On Tuesday, Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Wang Wenbin, in a press briefing, said the IAEA report is not a “free pass” for Japan to release the “problematic water,” reported Reuters. ALSO READ | New Zealand backs UN nuclear watchdog's approval of Fukushima water release In a seeming response to Grossi’s remarks about the water being safe enough to drink and swim in, Wang said that if that’s the case, we suggest that Japan uses the “contaminated water for [drinking and swimming], instead of discharging it into the sea and making the international community anxious,” as quoted by Reuters. Wang also reiterated that the IAEA report had “failed to fully reflect views from experts” who participated in the review. China, the biggest market for Japan’s fisheries exports, recently announced a ban on the import of food products from 10 Japanese prefectures citing safety concerns and said it would step up testing for radioactive substances. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Hong Kong to expand ban on Japanese sea products over Fukushima nuke plant water release

New Zealand has expressed confidence in the advice of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), regarding Japan's plan to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.

On Monday, the nation said it has "full confidence" in the nuclear watchdog's advice.

<h2>What New Zealand said about discharge of treated 'nuclear' water from Fukushima plant</h2>

New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, met with IAEA director general Rafael Grossi in Auckland to discuss the IAEA's report on the proposed release.

As per AFP, during the meeting, Mahuta commended the IAEA's science-based approach and emphasised the need for meaningful engagement with the Pacific region due to its history with nuclear testing.

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-water-release-iaea-chief-meets-south-korean-lawmakers-amid-protests-613608">Fukushima water release: IAEA chief meets South Korean lawmakers amid protests</a>

In a statement, the minister said: "I reiterated New Zealand's full confidence in the IAEA's advice and commended their science-based approach."

"I also felt it was important to draw attention to the Pacific's traumatic experience with nuclear testing and asked directly that meaningful engagement continues with the Pacific region on the proposed release," she added.

The nation itself has a strong nuclear-free policy and does not have any nuclear power stations.

<h2>What 'advice' did the nuclear watchdog give?</h2>

Last week, the UN nuclear watchdog gave the green light to a years-long project that looks to discharge treated water from the Fukushima plant, which was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami which hit the eastern coast of Japan in 2011.

The IAEA stated that Tokyo's scheme to release accumulated water from the nuclear plant and into the sea over the coming decades would have a "negligible" radiological impact on people and the environment.

As per the agency, the discharge is "consistent with relevant international safety standards" and "the controlled, gradual discharges of the treated water to the sea... would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment."

Also read | <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-south-koreans-protest-iaea-chiefs-visit-over-fukushima-water-release-613508">IN PICS | South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release</a>

News agency AFP reports that at the Fukushima nuclear plant, approximately 1.33 million cubic metres of water, including groundwater, rainwater, and cooling water, have accumulated since the 2011 tsunami caused multiple meltdowns. The plant operator treats the water to remove most radioactive elements, except for tritium, and intends to dilute it before discharging it into the ocean over several decades.

<h2>Criticism by other nations</h2>

While New Zealand supports the IAEA's stance, Japan's plan has raised concerns among neighbouring countries. North Korea has criticised the IAEA for supporting the scheme, and China has announced that it will place a ban on certain Japanese food imports. Additionally, public concern has also grown in South Korea.

(With inputs from agencies)

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New Zealand has expressed confidence in the advice of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), regarding Japan's plan to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean.

New Zealand has expressed confidence in the advice of the United Nations nuclear watchdog, the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), regarding Japan's plan to release treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean. On Monday, the nation said it has "full confidence" in the nuclear watchdog's advice. What New Zealand said about discharge of treated 'nuclear' water from Fukushima plant New Zealand's Foreign Minister, Nanaia Mahuta, met with IAEA director general Rafael Grossi in Auckland to discuss the IAEA's report on the proposed release. As per AFP, during the meeting, Mahuta commended the IAEA's science-based approach and emphasised the need for meaningful engagement with the Pacific region due to its history with nuclear testing. Also read | Fukushima water release: IAEA chief meets South Korean lawmakers amid protests In a statement, the minister said: "I reiterated New Zealand's full confidence in the IAEA's advice and commended their science-based approach." "I also felt it was important to draw attention to the Pacific's traumatic experience with nuclear testing and asked directly that meaningful engagement continues with the Pacific region on the proposed release," she added. The nation itself has a strong nuclear-free policy and does not have any nuclear power stations. What 'advice' did the nuclear watchdog give? Last week, the UN nuclear watchdog gave the green light to a years-long project that looks to discharge treated water from the Fukushima plant, which was devastated by an earthquake and tsunami which hit the eastern coast of Japan in 2011. The IAEA stated that Tokyo's scheme to release accumulated water from the nuclear plant and into the sea over the coming decades would have a "negligible" radiological impact on people and the environment. As per the agency, the discharge is "consistent with relevant international safety standards" and "the controlled, gradual discharges of the treated water to the sea... would have a negligible radiological impact on people and the environment." Also read | IN PICS | South Koreans protest IAEA chief's visit over Fukushima water release News agency AFP reports that at the Fukushima nuclear plant, approximately 1.33 million cubic metres of water, including groundwater, rainwater, and cooling water, have accumulated since the 2011 tsunami caused multiple meltdowns. The plant operator treats the water to remove most radioactive elements, except for tritium, and intends to dilute it before discharging it into the ocean over several decades. Criticism by other nations While New Zealand supports the IAEA's stance, Japan's plan has raised concerns among neighbouring countries. North Korea has criticised the IAEA for supporting the scheme, and China has announced that it will place a ban on certain Japanese food imports. Additionally, public concern has also grown in South Korea. (With inputs from agencies) WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

New Zealand backs UN nuclear watchdog's approval of Fukushima water release