Four former executives from the Fukushima nuclear plant involved in the 2011 disaster were ordered by a Tokyo court to pay damages amounting to around 13 trillion yen ($94.8 billion), according to media reports. The lawsuit was brought against the former officials of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) by shareholders for their role in the aftermath of the nuclear disaster that was caused by a tsunami. The case was handled by Hiroyuki Kawai who represented the shareholders and made sure that the TEPCO executives ended up paying fines for the disaster.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/anti-hindu-memes-hate-speech-and-hinduphobia-us-report-finds-rise-in-anti-hindu-disinformation-497090">Anti-Hindu memes, speech: US study finds rise in anti-Hindu disinformation</a>

"Warnings have to be issued that, if you make wrong decisions or do wrong, you must compensate with your own money," he told a press conference in 2012 according to an AFP report.

"You may have to sell your house. You may have to spend your retirement years in misery. In Japan, nothing can be resolved, and no progress can be made without assigning personal responsibility."

The joy was palpable among the plaintiffs after the judgement was passed as they celebrated the victory with signs that read "shareholders win" and "responsibility recognised."

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/in-pics-mass-covid-19-testing-in-shanghai-sparks-lockdown-fears-497068" hreflang="en">In pics - Mass COVID-19 testing in Shanghai sparks lockdown fears</a>

TEPCO issued a statement about the incident but declined to comment on the judgement, according to AFP. In the statement, they said - "We again express our heartfelt apology to people in Fukushima and members of the society broadly for causing trouble and worry with the disaster”.

The TEPCO executives were accused of ignoring research that warned them about the potential disaster that resulted in the worst nuclear disaster in the world since Chernobyl.

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Four former executives from the Fukushima nuclear plant involved in the 2011 disaster were ordered by a Tokyo court to pay damages amounting to around 13 trillion yen ($94.

Four former executives from the Fukushima nuclear plant involved in the 2011 disaster were ordered by a Tokyo court to pay damages amounting to around 13 trillion yen ($94.8 billion), according to media reports. The lawsuit was brought against the former officials of the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) by shareholders for their role in the aftermath of the nuclear disaster that was caused by a tsunami. The case was handled by Hiroyuki Kawai who represented the shareholders and made sure that the TEPCO executives ended up paying fines for the disaster. Also read | Anti-Hindu memes, speech: US study finds rise in anti-Hindu disinformation "Warnings have to be issued that, if you make wrong decisions or do wrong, you must compensate with your own money," he told a press conference in 2012 according to an AFP report. "You may have to sell your house. You may have to spend your retirement years in misery. In Japan, nothing can be resolved, and no progress can be made without assigning personal responsibility." The joy was palpable among the plaintiffs after the judgement was passed as they celebrated the victory with signs that read "shareholders win" and "responsibility recognised." Also read | In pics - Mass COVID-19 testing in Shanghai sparks lockdown fears TEPCO issued a statement about the incident but declined to comment on the judgement, according to AFP. In the statement, they said - "We again express our heartfelt apology to people in Fukushima and members of the society broadly for causing trouble and worry with the disaster”. The TEPCO executives were accused of ignoring research that warned them about the potential disaster that resulted in the worst nuclear disaster in the world since Chernobyl. 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.

Japanese court orders former executives of Fukushima operator to pay $97 billion in damages

Fukushima's nuclear water release plan is facing backlash. 70% of Japanese are against the discharge plan as nuclear radiation levels are already high in Fukushima. It can threaten Marine environment as well.

Fukushima's nuclear water release plan faces backlash

Japan's nuclear regulator has approved a plan to discharge radioactive wastewater from the disaster-hit Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Japan gives nod to release Fukushima nuclear plant wastewater into sea

A huge 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Fukushima, shaking buildings in Tokyo and triggering a tsunami advisory, NHK reported on Wednesday.

Fukushima is home to a large nuclear power plant where a 2011 earthquake caused a severe disaster.

According to reports, the earthquake also hit the Myagi and Fukushima prefectures.&nbsp;

The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake struck 60 kilometres (36 miles) below the sea, AP news agency reported.

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BREAKING: Live cam captures shaking as strong earthquake hits Tokyo, Japan <a href="https://t.co/UqEZdEKoKy">pic.twitter.com/UqEZdEKoKy</a>
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WION could not independently verify the authenticity of this video.

Part of Tokyo suffered a power outage due to the earthquake. According to news agency AFP, which quoted Tokyo power agency, around 2 million homes have lost&nbsp;power.

There are no reports of casualties and damage yet.&nbsp;

A huge 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Fukushima, shaking buildings in Tokyo and triggering a tsunami advisory, NHK reported on Wednesday. Fukushima is home to a large nuclear power plant where a 2011 earthquake caused a severe disaster.

A huge 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck Japan’s Fukushima, shaking buildings in Tokyo and triggering a tsunami advisory, NHK reported on Wednesday. Fukushima is home to a large nuclear power plant where a 2011 earthquake caused a severe disaster. According to reports, the earthquake also hit the Myagi and Fukushima prefectures. The Japan Meteorological Agency said the quake struck 60 kilometres (36 miles) below the sea, AP news agency reported. BREAKING: Live cam captures shaking as strong earthquake hits Tokyo, Japan pic.twitter.com/UqEZdEKoKy — Insider Paper (@TheInsiderPaper) March 16, 2022 × WION could not independently verify the authenticity of this video. Part of Tokyo suffered a power outage due to the earthquake. According to news agency AFP, which quoted Tokyo power agency, around 2 million homes have lost power. There are no reports of casualties and damage yet.

7.3 magnitude earthquake jolts Japan, tsunami warning issued

At least four people have been killed and 94 injured after a powerful earthquake hit northeastern Japan. The 7.3 magnitude earthquake struck off the coast of the Fukushima region at a depth of 60km just before midnight on Wednesday.

At least four killed after 7.3-magnitude earthquake hits Northeast Japan

Pics: After over a decade, Japan mourns victims of Fukushima disaster

Six Japanese youth sued the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant alleging that they developed thyroid cancer after being exposed to the radiation following the plant’s meltdown in 2011.

On Thursday their lawyers marched into the Tokyo District Court, where dozens of supporters were gathered, to file the first-ever class-action lawsuit over health issues against plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO).

The plaintiffs, now aged between 7 and 27, were living in the Fukushima region when a huge earthquake on March 11, 2011, triggered a tsunami that caused the nuclear disaster.

All of them underwent surgery to remove parts or all of their thyroid glands, their lawyer said.

The group is seeking a total of 616 million yen ($5.4 million) in compensation.

A UN experts panel concluded last year that the disaster had not led to any direct health problems for the population. And a World Health Organisation report from 2013 said the disaster would not cause any observable increase in cancer rates in the region.

But in 2018, the Japanese government announced that one worker had died after exposure to radiation and agreed that his family should be compensated.

However, the complainers claim that the cancer was probably caused by exposure, as none of them had any family history of thyroid cancer.

TEPCO spokesman Takahiro Yamato told AFP that the company will deal with the legal complaint "sincerely, after paying attention to the details of the demands and claims".

The meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi plant was the worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, after which larger numbers of thyroid cancers were detected.

The 2011 disaster in northeast Japan left around 18,500 people dead or missing, with most killed by the tsunami.

(With inputs from agencies)

Six Japanese youth sued the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant alleging that they developed thyroid cancer after being exposed to the radiation following the plant’s meltdown in 2011.

Six Japanese youth sued the operator of the Fukushima nuclear plant alleging that they developed thyroid cancer after being exposed to the radiation following the plant’s meltdown in 2011. On Thursday their lawyers marched into the Tokyo District Court, where dozens of supporters were gathered, to file the first-ever class-action lawsuit over health issues against plant operator Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO). The plaintiffs, now aged between 7 and 27, were living in the Fukushima region when a huge earthquake on March 11, 2011, triggered a tsunami that caused the nuclear disaster. All of them underwent surgery to remove parts or all of their thyroid glands, their lawyer said. The group is seeking a total of 616 million yen ($5.4 million) in compensation. A UN experts panel concluded last year that the disaster had not led to any direct health problems for the population. And a World Health Organisation report from 2013 said the disaster would not cause any observable increase in cancer rates in the region. But in 2018, the Japanese government announced that one worker had died after exposure to radiation and agreed that his family should be compensated. However, the complainers claim that the cancer was probably caused by exposure, as none of them had any family history of thyroid cancer. TEPCO spokesman Takahiro Yamato told AFP that the company will deal with the legal complaint "sincerely, after paying attention to the details of the demands and claims". The meltdown at the Fukushima Daiichi plant was the worst nuclear accident since the 1986 Chernobyl disaster, after which larger numbers of thyroid cancers were detected. The 2011 disaster in northeast Japan left around 18,500 people dead or missing, with most killed by the tsunami. (With inputs from agencies)

6 Japanese youth sue Fukushima nuclear plant operator over cancer claims

Japan's new Prime Minister has said that the planned mass disposal of waste water stored at Fukushima nuclear plant cannot be delayed. This is despite growing concerns from local residents.

Planned disposal of waste water stored at Fukushima nuclear plant can't be delayed: Japan's new PM

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that the proposed mass disposal of wastewater from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean cannot be delayed, despite concerns raised by local residents.

Speaking at his first visit to the facility since taking office, Kishida said his government would work to reassure residents nearby the plant about the technical safety of the wastewater disposal plan.

The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in 2011 following a massive earthquake and tsunami. Around 1.25 million tonnes of water have accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant.

Japan's government argues that the release is safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted.

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The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also endorsed the release, which it says is similar to the disposal of wastewater at nuclear plants elsewhere in the world.

“I felt strongly that the water issue is a crucial one that should not be pushed back,” Kishida told reporters after the tour.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/fukushima-operators-to-build-undersea-tunnel-to-release-treated-water-408550">Fukushima operators to build undersea tunnel to release treated water</a>

In April, the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings announced plans to start releasing the water into the Pacific Ocean in the spring of 2023 over the span of decades.

The plan has been fiercely opposed by fishermen, residents and Japan’s neighbours, including China and South Korea.

Kishida said the government will do its utmost to address concerns the water disposal will hurt local fishing and other industries.

Also read |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/water-leaks-indicate-new-damage-at-fukushima-nuclear-plant-364890">Water leaks indicate new damage at Fukushima nuclear plant</a>

“We will provide explanation about the safety (of the disposal) from a scientific viewpoint and transparency in order to dispel various concerns,” Kishida said.

Japan has requested assistance by the IAEA to ensure the discharge meets global safety standards.

(With inputs from agencies)

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that the proposed mass disposal of wastewater from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean cannot be delayed, despite concerns raised by local residents.

Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has said that the proposed mass disposal of wastewater from the tsunami-wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean cannot be delayed, despite concerns raised by local residents. Speaking at his first visit to the facility since taking office, Kishida said his government would work to reassure residents nearby the plant about the technical safety of the wastewater disposal plan. The Fukushima Daiichi plant suffered a triple meltdown in 2011 following a massive earthquake and tsunami. Around 1.25 million tonnes of water have accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant. Japan's government argues that the release is safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted. Also read | Ten years after Fukushima disaster, this nurse may be the region’s best hope The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has also endorsed the release, which it says is similar to the disposal of wastewater at nuclear plants elsewhere in the world. “I felt strongly that the water issue is a crucial one that should not be pushed back,” Kishida told reporters after the tour. Also read | Fukushima operators to build undersea tunnel to release treated water In April, the government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings announced plans to start releasing the water into the Pacific Ocean in the spring of 2023 over the span of decades. The plan has been fiercely opposed by fishermen, residents and Japan’s neighbours, including China and South Korea. Kishida said the government will do its utmost to address concerns the water disposal will hurt local fishing and other industries. Also read | Water leaks indicate new damage at Fukushima nuclear plant “We will provide explanation about the safety (of the disposal) from a scientific viewpoint and transparency in order to dispel various concerns,” Kishida said. Japan has requested assistance by the IAEA to ensure the discharge meets global safety standards. (With inputs from agencies)

Fukushima wastewater release can’t be delayed, says Japan PM Kishida

Operators&nbsp;of Japan's stricken&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear plant unveiled plans Wednesday to construct an&nbsp;undersea&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;to&nbsp;release&nbsp;more than a million tonnes of&nbsp;treated&nbsp;water&nbsp;from the site into the ocean.

Plans for the one-kilometre tunnel&nbsp;were announced after the Japanese government decided in April to&nbsp;release&nbsp;the accumulated&nbsp;water&nbsp;in two years' time.

Ministers say the&nbsp;release&nbsp;is safe because the&nbsp;water&nbsp;will have been processed to remove almost all radioactive elements, and will be diluted.

But the April decision triggered a furious reaction from neighbouring countries, and fierce opposition from local fishing communities.

Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO)&nbsp;said it will start building the&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;by March 2022 after carrying out feasibility studies and obtaining approval from authorities.

It will have a diameter of about 2.5 metres&nbsp;and will stretch east into the Pacific from tanks at the plant containing around 1.27 million tonnes of&nbsp;treated&nbsp;water.

That includes&nbsp;water&nbsp;used to cool the plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a huge 2011 tsunami, as well as rain and groundwater that seeps in daily.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/india-maldives-to-sign-pact-on-mega-greater-male-connectivity-project-408440">Also read |&nbsp;India, Maldives to sign pact on mega Greater Malé Connectivity Project</a>

An extensive pumping and filtration system extracts tonnes of newly contaminated&nbsp;water&nbsp;each day and filters out most radioactive elements.

But fishing communities fear releasing the&nbsp;water&nbsp;will undermine years of work to restore confidence in their seafood.

The plant's chief decommissioning officer Akira Ono said Wednesday that releasing the&nbsp;water&nbsp;through a&nbsp;tunnel&nbsp;would help prevent it flowing back to the shore.

"We will thoroughly explain our safety policies and the measures we are taking against reputation damage, so that we can dispel concerns held by people involved in fisheries" and other industries, Ono told reporters.

In a statement, TEPCO said it was ready to pay compensation for reputation damage related to the&nbsp;release.

TEPCO also said it would accept inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency on the safety of the&nbsp;release. The IAEA has already endorsed Japan's decision.

Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called disposing of the&nbsp;water&nbsp;an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant.

Debate over how to handle the&nbsp;water&nbsp;has dragged on for years, as space to store it at the site runs out.

The filtration process removes most radioactive elements from the&nbsp;water, but some remain, including tritium.

Experts say the element is only harmful to humans in large doses and with dilution the&nbsp;treated&nbsp;water&nbsp;poses no scientifically detectable risk.

Operators of Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear plant unveiled plans Wednesday to construct an undersea tunnel to release more than a million tonnes of treated water from the site into the ocean.

Operators of Japan's stricken Fukushima nuclear plant unveiled plans Wednesday to construct an undersea tunnel to release more than a million tonnes of treated water from the site into the ocean. Plans for the one-kilometre tunnel were announced after the Japanese government decided in April to release the accumulated water in two years' time. Ministers say the release is safe because the water will have been processed to remove almost all radioactive elements, and will be diluted. But the April decision triggered a furious reaction from neighbouring countries, and fierce opposition from local fishing communities. Tokyo Electric Power Co (TEPCO) said it will start building the tunnel by March 2022 after carrying out feasibility studies and obtaining approval from authorities. It will have a diameter of about 2.5 metres and will stretch east into the Pacific from tanks at the plant containing around 1.27 million tonnes of treated water. That includes water used to cool the plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a huge 2011 tsunami, as well as rain and groundwater that seeps in daily. Also read | India, Maldives to sign pact on mega Greater Malé Connectivity Project An extensive pumping and filtration system extracts tonnes of newly contaminated water each day and filters out most radioactive elements. But fishing communities fear releasing the water will undermine years of work to restore confidence in their seafood. The plant's chief decommissioning officer Akira Ono said Wednesday that releasing the water through a tunnel would help prevent it flowing back to the shore. "We will thoroughly explain our safety policies and the measures we are taking against reputation damage, so that we can dispel concerns held by people involved in fisheries" and other industries, Ono told reporters. In a statement, TEPCO said it was ready to pay compensation for reputation damage related to the release. TEPCO also said it would accept inspections by the International Atomic Energy Agency on the safety of the release. The IAEA has already endorsed Japan's decision. Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga has called disposing of the water an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant. Debate over how to handle the water has dragged on for years, as space to store it at the site runs out. The filtration process removes most radioactive elements from the water, but some remain, including tritium. Experts say the element is only harmful to humans in large doses and with dilution the treated water poses no scientifically detectable risk.

Fukushima operators to build undersea tunnel to release treated water

Host nation Japan easily beat Australia as the sports programme at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics finally got underway with a softball game in disaster-wracked Fukushima on Wednesday.

Japan's 8-1 victory, in a sport returning to the Olympic fold for the first time since 2008, took place two days before the opening ceremony of the pandemic-delayed Games.

Spectators were absent under the stringent coronavirus measures in place for an Olympics that is facing widespread opposition from the public in Japan, where infections are rising.

Japan has had to wait 13 years to defend the title they won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and they dominated their Australian opponents in Fukushima, the site of the tsunami-triggered nuclear disaster in 2011.

Their toughest challenge is likely to come from the United States, which play Italy in the second game on Wednesday.

Host nation Japan easily beat Australia as the sports programme at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics finally got underway with a softball game in disaster-wracked Fukushima on Wednesday.

Host nation Japan easily beat Australia as the sports programme at the delayed Tokyo 2020 Olympics finally got underway with a softball game in disaster-wracked Fukushima on Wednesday. Japan's 8-1 victory, in a sport returning to the Olympic fold for the first time since 2008, took place two days before the opening ceremony of the pandemic-delayed Games. Spectators were absent under the stringent coronavirus measures in place for an Olympics that is facing widespread opposition from the public in Japan, where infections are rising. Japan has had to wait 13 years to defend the title they won at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and they dominated their Australian opponents in Fukushima, the site of the tsunami-triggered nuclear disaster in 2011. Their toughest challenge is likely to come from the United States, which play Italy in the second game on Wednesday.

Tokyo Olympics sports start with a softball game, Japan routs Australia 8-1

"Once people were gone, the boar took over," this is how a researcher at Fukushima University in Japan explains it.

Donovan Anderson’s genetic studies on the wild boar that now roam the location of the 2011 nuclear disaster reveal how the species has thrived since then.

According to his findings, the area is inhabited by a wild pig-boar hybrid. Using DNA samples, Anderson discovered that wild boar have bred with domestic pigs that escaped from farms&nbsp;to create this hybrid species.

"While the radiation hasn't caused a genetic effect, the invasive domestic pig species has," explains Anderson.

The biggest earthquake to hit Japan was behind this 2011 nuclear disaster at Fukushima's nuclear power plant.

An area similar to that of Chernobyl’s exclusion zone was evacuated after a gigantic wave surged over defences and flooded the nuclear reactors.

These findings have been published in a journal Proceedings B. Using DNA to track the legacy of a nuclear event, the&nbsp;study attempts to discover what happens to wild animals in a radiation-contaminated area, that was invaded by livestock as humans abandon it.

Examination of the DNA of this wild boar revealed what was termed as a "biological invasion" present in the boar's genes and a “dilution” over time in domestic pig genes.

Donovan Anderson says that "I think the pigs were not able to survive in the wild, but the boar thrived in the abandoned towns - because they're so robust,".

As he puts it, while the evacuation of the area was the origin of this cross-breeding, the hybrid pigs then went on to breed with the wild boars.

According to professor Shingo Kaneko from Fukushima University's Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, "Those invasive genes are disappearing, and the natural situation is coming back."

Since 2018, humans have started to move back into this previously abandoned area.

Anderson said, "Humans are really the only predators for these wild boars,"

"So as people come back, it'll be really interesting to see what the boar do."

&nbsp;

"Once people were gone, the boar took over," this is how a researcher at Fukushima University in Japan explains it. Donovan Anderson’s genetic studies on the wild boar that now roam the location of the 2011 nuclear disaster reveal how the species has thrived since then.

"Once people were gone, the boar took over," this is how a researcher at Fukushima University in Japan explains it. Donovan Anderson’s genetic studies on the wild boar that now roam the location of the 2011 nuclear disaster reveal how the species has thrived since then. According to his findings, the area is inhabited by a wild pig-boar hybrid. Using DNA samples, Anderson discovered that wild boar have bred with domestic pigs that escaped from farms to create this hybrid species. "While the radiation hasn't caused a genetic effect, the invasive domestic pig species has," explains Anderson. The biggest earthquake to hit Japan was behind this 2011 nuclear disaster at Fukushima's nuclear power plant. An area similar to that of Chernobyl’s exclusion zone was evacuated after a gigantic wave surged over defences and flooded the nuclear reactors. These findings have been published in a journal Proceedings B. Using DNA to track the legacy of a nuclear event, the study attempts to discover what happens to wild animals in a radiation-contaminated area, that was invaded by livestock as humans abandon it. Examination of the DNA of this wild boar revealed what was termed as a "biological invasion" present in the boar's genes and a “dilution” over time in domestic pig genes. Donovan Anderson says that "I think the pigs were not able to survive in the wild, but the boar thrived in the abandoned towns - because they're so robust,". As he puts it, while the evacuation of the area was the origin of this cross-breeding, the hybrid pigs then went on to breed with the wild boars. According to professor Shingo Kaneko from Fukushima University's Institute of Environmental Radioactivity, "Those invasive genes are disappearing, and the natural situation is coming back." Since 2018, humans have started to move back into this previously abandoned area. Anderson said, "Humans are really the only predators for these wild boars," "So as people come back, it'll be really interesting to see what the boar do."

Wild boar hybrids take over 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster site

South Korean fisheries associations filed a lawsuit against the&nbsp;Japanese government at a local court on Thursday, seeking compensation for the planned release of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Yonhap news agency reported.

The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives of Jeju Island and a shipowners' association told a news conference outside the Jeju District Court they were demanding about 10 million won ($8,800) per day from the&nbsp;Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings.

Local fishing communities worry that years of work to convince consumers that&nbsp;Fukushima's seafood is safe will be wiped out by the release.

Japan's government said in April it would release more than 1 million tonnes of treated water from the Fukushima site in stages starting in about two years.

Around 1.25 million tonnes of water has accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a tsunami in 2011.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that disposing of the water was an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant.

The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has endorsed the release, which it says is similar to the disposal of waste water at nuclear plants elsewhere in the world.

Environmental groups like Greenpeace, which opposes nuclear power, say radioactive materials like carbon-14 that remain in the water can "be easily concentrated in the food chain".

They allege accumulated doses over time could damage DNA, and want to see the water stored until technology is developed to improve filtration.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korean fisheries associations filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government at a local court on Thursday, seeking compensation for the planned release of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Yonhap news agency reported.

South Korean fisheries associations filed a lawsuit against the Japanese government at a local court on Thursday, seeking compensation for the planned release of contaminated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, the Yonhap news agency reported. The National Federation of Fisheries Cooperatives of Jeju Island and a shipowners' association told a news conference outside the Jeju District Court they were demanding about 10 million won ($8,800) per day from the Japanese government and Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings. Local fishing communities worry that years of work to convince consumers that Fukushima's seafood is safe will be wiped out by the release. Japan's government said in April it would release more than 1 million tonnes of treated water from the Fukushima site in stages starting in about two years. Around 1.25 million tonnes of water has accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a tsunami in 2011. Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said that disposing of the water was an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) has endorsed the release, which it says is similar to the disposal of waste water at nuclear plants elsewhere in the world. Environmental groups like Greenpeace, which opposes nuclear power, say radioactive materials like carbon-14 that remain in the water can "be easily concentrated in the food chain". They allege accumulated doses over time could damage DNA, and want to see the water stored until technology is developed to improve filtration. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korean fishermen sue Japanese government over Fukushima nuclear plant water

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency.&nbsp;

Kerry arrived in Seoul on Saturday to discuss international efforts to tackle global warming on a trip that included a stop in China ahead of President Joe Biden's virtual summit with world leaders on climate change on April 22 and 23.&nbsp;

South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong sought to rally support behind the country's protest against the Fukushima plan at a dinner meeting with Kerry, the ministry said. Under the plan, more than one million tonnes of water will be discharged from the plant wrecked by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 into the nearby sea off Japan's east coast.&nbsp;

Seoul strongly rebuked the decision, with the foreign ministry summoning the Japanese ambassador and President Moon Jae-in ordering officials to explore petitioning an international court. &nbsp;

"Minister Chung conveyed our government and people's serious concerns about Japan's decision, and asked the US side to take interest and cooperate so that Japan will provide information in a more transparent and speedy manner," the ministry said in a statement. &nbsp;

But Kerry, at a media roundtable on Sunday, said Tokyo had made the decision in a transparent manner and will continue following due procedures. &nbsp;

"The United States is confident that the government of Japan is in very full consultations with the IAEA," he said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. &nbsp;

"The IAEA has set up a very rigorous process and I know that Japan has weighed all the options and the effects and they've been very transparent about the decision and the process." &nbsp;

The former US secretary of state added that Washington would closely monitor Japan's implementation "like every country, to make certain there is no public health threat." &nbsp;

The South Korean foreign ministry said Chung and Kerry also agreed to work together to boost international cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal pledged by South Korea, Europe and others.&nbsp;

Kerry told the roundtable that Biden aims to urge countries to commit to more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets, including China, such as by revamping their power initiatives or speeding up transitions to renewable energy.&nbsp;

The United States is expected to announce its own new emissions target for 2030 this week.&nbsp;

"I think Korea has set an ambitious target and Korea is trying to do a lot, it's not easy for any country," Kerry said. "We need to be smarter, so do I think it’s possible for additional steps? I do think there are some things that could happen."&nbsp;

(With inputs from agencies)&nbsp;

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency.

South Korea raised concerns over Japan's decision to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea with visiting US climate envoy John Kerry, its foreign ministry said, but Kerry reaffirmed Washington's confidence in the plan's transparency. Kerry arrived in Seoul on Saturday to discuss international efforts to tackle global warming on a trip that included a stop in China ahead of President Joe Biden's virtual summit with world leaders on climate change on April 22 and 23. South Korean Foreign Minister Chung Eui-yong sought to rally support behind the country's protest against the Fukushima plan at a dinner meeting with Kerry, the ministry said. Under the plan, more than one million tonnes of water will be discharged from the plant wrecked by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011 into the nearby sea off Japan's east coast. Seoul strongly rebuked the decision, with the foreign ministry summoning the Japanese ambassador and President Moon Jae-in ordering officials to explore petitioning an international court. "Minister Chung conveyed our government and people's serious concerns about Japan's decision, and asked the US side to take interest and cooperate so that Japan will provide information in a more transparent and speedy manner," the ministry said in a statement. But Kerry, at a media roundtable on Sunday, said Tokyo had made the decision in a transparent manner and will continue following due procedures. "The United States is confident that the government of Japan is in very full consultations with the IAEA," he said, referring to the International Atomic Energy Agency. "The IAEA has set up a very rigorous process and I know that Japan has weighed all the options and the effects and they've been very transparent about the decision and the process." The former US secretary of state added that Washington would closely monitor Japan's implementation "like every country, to make certain there is no public health threat." The South Korean foreign ministry said Chung and Kerry also agreed to work together to boost international cooperation to achieve carbon neutrality by 2050, a goal pledged by South Korea, Europe and others. Kerry told the roundtable that Biden aims to urge countries to commit to more ambitious greenhouse gas emissions targets, including China, such as by revamping their power initiatives or speeding up transitions to renewable energy. The United States is expected to announce its own new emissions target for 2030 this week. "I think Korea has set an ambitious target and Korea is trying to do a lot, it's not easy for any country," Kerry said. "We need to be smarter, so do I think it’s possible for additional steps? I do think there are some things that could happen." (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea, US show differences over Japan government's Fukushima plans 

Japan has decided to release contaminated water from its crippled Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea.

Japan’s Fukushima Water Release: Japan to dump the wastewater into the sea

The war of words between China and Japan is escalating. It is playing out on two fronts. The first is the Senkaku Islands. This is a string of uninhabited islands claimed by both Beijing and&nbsp;Tokyo. China calls these island Diaoyu islands.

China's provocations haven't ended. Japan is determined to stop them. The second front is the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-china-preaches-japan-about-responsibility-377835/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

American allies like Taiwan and&nbsp;South Korea are vehemently opposing it. China sees this as an opportunity to further its own agenda.

In 1968, Japan established a defence identification zone over these islands. This was like an extra buffer to safeguard its territorial sovereignty.

In 2013, China declared its own defence identification zone. It overlaps Japan's.

China uses this zone to justify its expansionism. Under Chinese rules, any aircraft or vessel entering the zone must notify Beijing. Beijing's military adventurism worsened with the pandemic.

In March 2020, China's maritime militia damaged a Japanese naval ship.

In July 2020, Chinese vessels entered Japan's zone for the longest duration since 2012.

In September 2020, Chinese boats collided with Japanese patrolling vessels.

In October 2020, the Chinese Navy forced Japanese fishing boats to leave the area. And just last month, two Chinese ships again carried out an illegal intrusion near the Senkaku islands.

The provocations are endless.

There are growing concerns that China could step up armament and establish a military base on the islands. Adding to these concerns is China's coast guard law which came into force on February 1st. The law encourages China's coast guard to 'take all necessary measures including the use of weapons to stop the violation and eliminate the danger'. With this law, Xi Jinping has told his coast guard to be wolf warriors at sea and use force -- lethal force -- to assert Chinese interests.

Japan, along with the US, has expressed concerns over the law. As Yoshihide Suga heads to Washington on Friday, Chinese aggression, the new coast guard law and the Senkaku islands will be at&nbsp;top of the agenda.

"This will be our first in-person visit from a foreign leader in the Biden-Harris administration, reflecting the importance we place on our bilateral relationship with Japan, and our friendship and partnership with the Japanese people," said Jen Psaki, press secretary of the White House.

The talks might also feature a controversial topic; Japan's plan to release radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean.

Washington has backed Tokyo saying the release will be in accordance with nuclear safety standards. But American partners like South Korea and Taiwan are strongly opposing Japan's plan. Both nations with coastlines nearby say that the move poses a risk to the marine environment.

China is trying to make the most of this disagreement between the three democracies. Beijing is calling Japan irresponsible. Its own environmental recklessness notwithstanding.

"Yesterday, the China-South Korea maritime affairs dialogue and (cooperation) mechanism held its first meeting. Both sides urged japan to carefully and cautiously handle the Fukushima nuclear wastewater issue after ample consultation with international mechanisms and surrounding countries," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman.

The timing of this war of words is significant. US climate envoy John Kerry is in Shanghai to discuss climate action. By all means, China will use Japan's Fukushima water release plan as a bargaining chip in the negotiations.

The war of words between China and Japan is escalating. It is playing out on two fronts. The first is the Senkaku Islands. This is a string of uninhabited islands claimed by both Beijing and Tokyo.

The war of words between China and Japan is escalating. It is playing out on two fronts. The first is the Senkaku Islands. This is a string of uninhabited islands claimed by both Beijing and Tokyo. China calls these island Diaoyu islands. China's provocations haven't ended. Japan is determined to stop them. The second front is the Fukushima nuclear plant and Japan's decision to release radioactive water from the plant into the Ocean. American allies like Taiwan and South Korea are vehemently opposing it. China sees this as an opportunity to further its own agenda. In 1968, Japan established a defence identification zone over these islands. This was like an extra buffer to safeguard its territorial sovereignty. In 2013, China declared its own defence identification zone. It overlaps Japan's. China uses this zone to justify its expansionism. Under Chinese rules, any aircraft or vessel entering the zone must notify Beijing. Beijing's military adventurism worsened with the pandemic. In March 2020, China's maritime militia damaged a Japanese naval ship. In July 2020, Chinese vessels entered Japan's zone for the longest duration since 2012. In September 2020, Chinese boats collided with Japanese patrolling vessels. In October 2020, the Chinese Navy forced Japanese fishing boats to leave the area. And just last month, two Chinese ships again carried out an illegal intrusion near the Senkaku islands. The provocations are endless. There are growing concerns that China could step up armament and establish a military base on the islands. Adding to these concerns is China's coast guard law which came into force on February 1st. The law encourages China's coast guard to 'take all necessary measures including the use of weapons to stop the violation and eliminate the danger'. With this law, Xi Jinping has told his coast guard to be wolf warriors at sea and use force -- lethal force -- to assert Chinese interests. Japan, along with the US, has expressed concerns over the law. As Yoshihide Suga heads to Washington on Friday, Chinese aggression, the new coast guard law and the Senkaku islands will be at top of the agenda. "This will be our first in-person visit from a foreign leader in the Biden-Harris administration, reflecting the importance we place on our bilateral relationship with Japan, and our friendship and partnership with the Japanese people," said Jen Psaki, press secretary of the White House. The talks might also feature a controversial topic; Japan's plan to release radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima Daichi nuclear power plant into the Pacific Ocean. Washington has backed Tokyo saying the release will be in accordance with nuclear safety standards. But American partners like South Korea and Taiwan are strongly opposing Japan's plan. Both nations with coastlines nearby say that the move poses a risk to the marine environment. China is trying to make the most of this disagreement between the three democracies. Beijing is calling Japan irresponsible. Its own environmental recklessness notwithstanding. "Yesterday, the China-South Korea maritime affairs dialogue and (cooperation) mechanism held its first meeting. Both sides urged japan to carefully and cautiously handle the Fukushima nuclear wastewater issue after ample consultation with international mechanisms and surrounding countries," said Zhao Lijian, Chinese foreign ministry spokesman. The timing of this war of words is significant. US climate envoy John Kerry is in Shanghai to discuss climate action. By all means, China will use Japan's Fukushima water release plan as a bargaining chip in the negotiations.

War of words between Japan and China escalates

South Korea will challenge Japan’s decision to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear reactor. President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday urged officials to explore the options of moving an international court to prevent Japan from releasing radioactive water from the Fukushima plant into the ocean.&nbsp;

Since Japan announced the plan to release the water, environmental and fisheries groups have protested against the decision.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-the-legacy-of-fukushima-nuclear-disaster-369806/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

On Tuesday, Japan announced plans to release over 1 million tonnes of contaminated water into the ocean from Fukushima, which was hit by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Over the last few years, Japan has filtered the water to remove harmful isotopes.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/japanese-government-approves-plan-to-release-treated-water-from-fukushima-nuclear-reactor-into-sea-377178" hreflang="en">Japanese government approves plan to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear reactor into sea</a>

Reuters reported that South Korea strongly rejects the move, and has summoned the Japanese ambassador in South Korea Koichi Aiboshi.&nbsp; In addition, the country has also convened an emergency meeting of government agencies to carve out a response.

On Wednesday, Moon suggested looking into options to take Japan to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, according to his spokesperson Kang Min-seek.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="http://13.235.153.162/world/ten-years-after-fukushima-disaster-this-nurse-may-be-the-regions-best-hope-369916" hreflang="en">Ten years after Fukushima disaster, this nurse may be the region’s best hope</a>

Aiboshi arrived in South Korea as the ambassador in February. "I cannot but say that there are much concerns here about the decision as a country that is geologically closest and shares the sea with Japan," Moon told Aiboshi, as claimed by Reuters.

(With inputs from agencies)

South Korea will challenge Japan’s decision to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear reactor. President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday urged officials to explore the options of moving an international court to prevent Japan from releasing radioactive water from the Fukushima plant into the ocean.

South Korea will challenge Japan’s decision to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear reactor. President Moon Jae-in on Wednesday urged officials to explore the options of moving an international court to prevent Japan from releasing radioactive water from the Fukushima plant into the ocean. Since Japan announced the plan to release the water, environmental and fisheries groups have protested against the decision. On Tuesday, Japan announced plans to release over 1 million tonnes of contaminated water into the ocean from Fukushima, which was hit by an earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Over the last few years, Japan has filtered the water to remove harmful isotopes. Also read: Japanese government approves plan to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear reactor into sea Reuters reported that South Korea strongly rejects the move, and has summoned the Japanese ambassador in South Korea Koichi Aiboshi. In addition, the country has also convened an emergency meeting of government agencies to carve out a response. On Wednesday, Moon suggested looking into options to take Japan to the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, according to his spokesperson Kang Min-seek. Also read: Ten years after Fukushima disaster, this nurse may be the region’s best hope Aiboshi arrived in South Korea as the ambassador in February. "I cannot but say that there are much concerns here about the decision as a country that is geologically closest and shares the sea with Japan," Moon told Aiboshi, as claimed by Reuters. (With inputs from agencies)

South Korea to challenge Japan's plans to release contaminated Fukushima water into sea

Japan will release 1.25 million tons of treated wastewater contaminated by its Fukushima Nuclear Power Plant into the sea. But the local fishing industry has strongly opposed the move, as have China and South Korea.

Japan to release contaminated Fukushima water into sea

Japan's government on Tuesday approved a plan to release more than one million tonnes of treated water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, in a controversial decision that follows years of debate.

The move, more than a decade after the nuclear disaster, will deal another blow to the fishing industry in Fukushima, which has opposed such a step for years.

The work to release the water will begin in about two years, the government said, and the whole process is expected to take decades.

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/gravitas-japan-to-dump-radioactive-water-in-the-sea-335916/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

"On the premise of strict compliance with regulatory standards that have been established, we select oceanic release," the government said in a statement after relevant ministers formalised the decision.

Japan's government argues that the release will be safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted.

It has support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which says the release is similar to processes for disposing of wastewater from nuclear plants elsewhere in the world.

Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide&nbsp;Suga&nbsp;told a ministerial meeting that disposing of the water was an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant.

He said the release would happen only "after ensuring the safety levels of the water" and alongside measures to "prevent reputational damage".

Around 1.25 million tonnes of water has accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a tsunami in 2011.

It includes water used to cool the plant, as well as rain and groundwater that seeps in daily.

An extensive pumping and filtration system known as "ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System)" extracts tonnes of newly contaminated water each day and filters out most radioactive elements.

But local fishing communities fear releasing the water will undermine years of work to restore confidence in seafood from the region.

"They told us that they wouldn't release the water into the sea without the support of fishermen," Kanji Tachiya, who heads a local fisheries cooperative in Fukushima, told NHK ahead of the announcement.

"We can't back this move to break that promise and release the water into the sea unilaterally."

The decision comes about three months ahead of the postponed Olympic Games to be hosted by Tokyo, with some events planned as close as 60 km (35 miles) from the wrecked plant.

The decision also prompted regional opposition even before it was official, with South Korea's foreign minister on Monday expressing "serious regret".

Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Japan to "act in a responsible manner".

"To safeguard international public interests and Chinese people's health and safety, China has expressed grave concern to the Japanese side through the diplomatic channel," Zhao said Monday.

The disposal of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, run by Tokyo Electric Power, has proved a thorny problem for Japan as it pursues a decades-long decommissioning project.

Greenpeace slams decision

Around 140 cubic metres (5,000 cubic feet) of radioactive water was generated by the site every day in 2020 and storage space will run out by summer 2022.

Debate over how to handle the water has dragged on for years, with the government saying it wanted to win support from local communities and secure backing from the IAEA.

A government panel earlier endorsed either diluting the treated water and releasing it into the ocean or releasing it as vapour, and the IAEA says either option is acceptable.

"Releasing into the ocean is done elsewhere. It's not something new. There is no scandal here," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said last year.

Either method would be "in line with well-established practices all around the world", he added.

Anti-nuclear activist group Greenpeace slammed Japan's government for having "once again failed the people of Fukushima".

"The cabinet's decision failed to protect the environment and neglected the large-scale opposition and concerns of the local Fukushima residents, as well as the neighbouring citizens around Japan," said climate and energy campaigner Kazue Suzuki in a statement.

The ALPS filtration process removes most radioactive elements from the water, but some remain, including tritium.

Experts say the element is only harmful to humans in large doses and with dilution the treated water poses no scientifically detectable risk.

(With inputs froma agencies)

Japan's government on Tuesday approved a plan to release more than one million tonnes of treated water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, in a controversial decision that follows years of debate.

Japan's government on Tuesday approved a plan to release more than one million tonnes of treated water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the ocean, in a controversial decision that follows years of debate. The move, more than a decade after the nuclear disaster, will deal another blow to the fishing industry in Fukushima, which has opposed such a step for years. The work to release the water will begin in about two years, the government said, and the whole process is expected to take decades. "On the premise of strict compliance with regulatory standards that have been established, we select oceanic release," the government said in a statement after relevant ministers formalised the decision. Japan's government argues that the release will be safe because the water is processed to remove almost all radioactive elements and will be diluted. It has support from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), which says the release is similar to processes for disposing of wastewater from nuclear plants elsewhere in the world. Japan's Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga told a ministerial meeting that disposing of the water was an "inevitable task" in the decades-long process of decommissioning the nuclear plant. He said the release would happen only "after ensuring the safety levels of the water" and alongside measures to "prevent reputational damage". Around 1.25 million tonnes of water has accumulated in tanks at the nuclear plant, which was crippled after going into meltdown following a tsunami in 2011. It includes water used to cool the plant, as well as rain and groundwater that seeps in daily. An extensive pumping and filtration system known as "ALPS (Advanced Liquid Processing System)" extracts tonnes of newly contaminated water each day and filters out most radioactive elements. But local fishing communities fear releasing the water will undermine years of work to restore confidence in seafood from the region. "They told us that they wouldn't release the water into the sea without the support of fishermen," Kanji Tachiya, who heads a local fisheries cooperative in Fukushima, told NHK ahead of the announcement. "We can't back this move to break that promise and release the water into the sea unilaterally." The decision comes about three months ahead of the postponed Olympic Games to be hosted by Tokyo, with some events planned as close as 60 km (35 miles) from the wrecked plant. The decision also prompted regional opposition even before it was official, with South Korea's foreign minister on Monday expressing "serious regret". Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Zhao Lijian urged Japan to "act in a responsible manner". "To safeguard international public interests and Chinese people's health and safety, China has expressed grave concern to the Japanese side through the diplomatic channel," Zhao said Monday. The disposal of contaminated water from the Fukushima Daiichi plant, run by Tokyo Electric Power, has proved a thorny problem for Japan as it pursues a decades-long decommissioning project. Greenpeace slams decision Around 140 cubic metres (5,000 cubic feet) of radioactive water was generated by the site every day in 2020 and storage space will run out by summer 2022. Debate over how to handle the water has dragged on for years, with the government saying it wanted to win support from local communities and secure backing from the IAEA. A government panel earlier endorsed either diluting the treated water and releasing it into the ocean or releasing it as vapour, and the IAEA says either option is acceptable. "Releasing into the ocean is done elsewhere. It's not something new. There is no scandal here," IAEA Director General Rafael Mariano Grossi said last year. Either method would be "in line with well-established practices all around the world", he added. Anti-nuclear activist group Greenpeace slammed Japan's government for having "once again failed the people of Fukushima". "The cabinet's decision failed to protect the environment and neglected the large-scale opposition and concerns of the local Fukushima residents, as well as the neighbouring citizens around Japan," said climate and energy campaigner Kazue Suzuki in a statement. The ALPS filtration process removes most radioactive elements from the water, but some remain, including tritium. Experts say the element is only harmful to humans in large doses and with dilution the treated water poses no scientifically detectable risk. (With inputs froma agencies)

Japanese government approves plan to release treated water from Fukushima nuclear reactor into sea

The Olympic torch relay set off from Fukushima on Thursday, beginning a four-month countdown to the Summer Games in Tokyo, delayed from 2020 and the first-ever organised during a global pandemic.

Casting a pall over celebrations, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles before the relay began.

About 10,000 runners will carry the torch across Japan`s 47 prefectures and far-flung islands, starting from the site of the 2011 quake and tsunami that killed about 20,000 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing radioactive plumes.

"For the past year, as the entire world underwent a difficult period, the Olympic flame was kept alive quietly but powerfully," Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said at the opening ceremony, which was closed to spectators.

"The small flame did not lose hope, and just like the cherry blossom buds that are ready to bloom, it was waiting for this day," Hashimoto said.

After the North Korean missile launch, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga assured reporters the national government was cooperating with Tokyo and the International Olympic Committee to host a secure Games.

"We will do our utmost in terms of coronavirus measures and continue to work with related areas to contain the spread of infections and hope to work towards a safe and secure Games," Suga said.

Japan has fared better than most countries during the pandemic, with fewer than 9,000 coronavirus deaths, but Tokyo reported 420 cases on Wednesday, the highest single-day figure this month.

The majority of the public is against the Olympics being held as scheduled, polls show.

NO CROWDS OR CHEERING

The relay, which will culminate with the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, has been hit by several high-profile runner cancellations as celebrities and top-level athletes have pulled out, citing late notice and worries over the pandemic.

The starting ceremony was held at J-Village in Fukushima, a sports complex converted for several years into a staging ground for workers decommissioning the crippled nuclear power plant.

"For the torch relay viewing, please ensure you are wearing a mask, keep a proper distance, don`t stand close to each other and support with things like clapping, instead of using a loud voice," an announcer at the site said.

The brief and solemn ceremony - originally planned for thousands of fans as a celebration of Japan`s recovery - was closed to the public.

It featured several low-key events, including a drum concert and dance performances by a group of residents from Fukushima, followed by a children`s choir.

Members of the Japanese national women`s soccer team used the Olympic flame, flown in from Greece last year, to light the torch.

The runners, some wearing masks and white uniforms decorated with red ran out of J-Village and passed on the flame to the next runner. About a dozen staff escorted the runner, racing together and following a van guiding the relay.

"I’m convinced that, under this coronavirus pandemic, the Olympics will surely bring courage and vigour to people in east Japan, where recovery is still halfway through," Norio Sasaki, coach of the women`s soccer team that won the 2011 World Cup, said after running the first leg of the relay.

Television helicopters followed the run and the number of roadside spectators, waving Olympic flags, increased as the day went on. But they were masked and kept apart.

Organisers have said that the relay will skip areas that are too crowded, or pause until people disperse.

'YOU MUST BE JOKING'

"Fukushima`s recovery is going steadily," Fukushima governor Masao Uchibori said at the launch ceremony.

"But there are still many people who can`t return to their homes, and many difficult issues such as reviving these areas, rebuilding the lives of their residents," he said.

The torch will travel through some of the worst-hit areas first.

Japan has spent nearly $300 billion to revive the region, but many locals are apprehensive about the Games, as areas in Fukushima remain off-limits, worries about radiation linger and many who left have settled elsewhere. Decommissioning will take up to a century and cost billions of dollars.

A protester driving a silver van near the relay shouted over a loudspeaker, questioning how the Olympics could contribute to the region`s recovery.

"You must be joking," the man yelled. "Everyone knows we can`t have the Olympics," he shouted.

The organisers insist the Olympics will go ahead, but doctors and nurses have complained about the strain on hospitals and experts warn about the spread of virus variants.

Adding to the challenge, Japan was the last of the Group of Seven industrialised nations to launch a vaccine drive. Only 700,000 people have been inoculated so far, most of the medical workers.

The Olympic torch relay set off from Fukushima on Thursday, beginning a four-month countdown to the Summer Games in Tokyo, delayed from 2020 and the first-ever organised during a global pandemic.

The Olympic torch relay set off from Fukushima on Thursday, beginning a four-month countdown to the Summer Games in Tokyo, delayed from 2020 and the first-ever organised during a global pandemic. Casting a pall over celebrations, North Korea launched two short-range ballistic missiles before the relay began. About 10,000 runners will carry the torch across Japan`s 47 prefectures and far-flung islands, starting from the site of the 2011 quake and tsunami that killed about 20,000 people and sent tens of thousands fleeing radioactive plumes. "For the past year, as the entire world underwent a difficult period, the Olympic flame was kept alive quietly but powerfully," Tokyo 2020 president Seiko Hashimoto said at the opening ceremony, which was closed to spectators. "The small flame did not lose hope, and just like the cherry blossom buds that are ready to bloom, it was waiting for this day," Hashimoto said. After the North Korean missile launch, Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga assured reporters the national government was cooperating with Tokyo and the International Olympic Committee to host a secure Games. "We will do our utmost in terms of coronavirus measures and continue to work with related areas to contain the spread of infections and hope to work towards a safe and secure Games," Suga said. Japan has fared better than most countries during the pandemic, with fewer than 9,000 coronavirus deaths, but Tokyo reported 420 cases on Wednesday, the highest single-day figure this month. The majority of the public is against the Olympics being held as scheduled, polls show. NO CROWDS OR CHEERING The relay, which will culminate with the Olympic opening ceremony on July 23, has been hit by several high-profile runner cancellations as celebrities and top-level athletes have pulled out, citing late notice and worries over the pandemic. The starting ceremony was held at J-Village in Fukushima, a sports complex converted for several years into a staging ground for workers decommissioning the crippled nuclear power plant. "For the torch relay viewing, please ensure you are wearing a mask, keep a proper distance, don`t stand close to each other and support with things like clapping, instead of using a loud voice," an announcer at the site said. The brief and solemn ceremony - originally planned for thousands of fans as a celebration of Japan`s recovery - was closed to the public. It featured several low-key events, including a drum concert and dance performances by a group of residents from Fukushima, followed by a children`s choir. Members of the Japanese national women`s soccer team used the Olympic flame, flown in from Greece last year, to light the torch. The runners, some wearing masks and white uniforms decorated with red ran out of J-Village and passed on the flame to the next runner. About a dozen staff escorted the runner, racing together and following a van guiding the relay. "I’m convinced that, under this coronavirus pandemic, the Olympics will surely bring courage and vigour to people in east Japan, where recovery is still halfway through," Norio Sasaki, coach of the women`s soccer team that won the 2011 World Cup, said after running the first leg of the relay. Television helicopters followed the run and the number of roadside spectators, waving Olympic flags, increased as the day went on. But they were masked and kept apart. Organisers have said that the relay will skip areas that are too crowded, or pause until people disperse. 'YOU MUST BE JOKING' "Fukushima`s recovery is going steadily," Fukushima governor Masao Uchibori said at the launch ceremony. "But there are still many people who can`t return to their homes, and many difficult issues such as reviving these areas, rebuilding the lives of their residents," he said. The torch will travel through some of the worst-hit areas first. Japan has spent nearly $300 billion to revive the region, but many locals are apprehensive about the Games, as areas in Fukushima remain off-limits, worries about radiation linger and many who left have settled elsewhere. Decommissioning will take up to a century and cost billions of dollars. A protester driving a silver van near the relay shouted over a loudspeaker, questioning how the Olympics could contribute to the region`s recovery. "You must be joking," the man yelled. "Everyone knows we can`t have the Olympics," he shouted. The organisers insist the Olympics will go ahead, but doctors and nurses have complained about the strain on hospitals and experts warn about the spread of virus variants. Adding to the challenge, Japan was the last of the Group of Seven industrialised nations to launch a vaccine drive. Only 700,000 people have been inoculated so far, most of the medical workers.

Olympics torch relay starts in Fukushima as North Korea launches missiles

Ten years on, Japan mourns victims of earthquake and Fukushima disaster

Decade after one of world's worst nuclear disasters, what is happening in Fukushima?

A decade after the quake and tsunami, people in the Japanese town of Tomioka ravaged by the Fukushima nuclear disaster are recounting what happened back in 2011.

Some parts, houses and shops lie abandoned, and bin bags filled with contaminated soil line the streets.&nbsp;

There is one Yuta Hatakeyama, who was 14 when his family had to leave their home. For him, the town evokes bittersweet memories.

Hatakeyama remembers the 2011 days in the town.

"When I moved to a new place and heard people there stigmatising us for being evacuated, my heart really ached," he says.

The 24-year-old now believes the town must get rid of the bags filled with radioactive waste and make the town more liveable.&nbsp;

Tomioka, which used to have 16,000 residents before the disaster, is now home to 1,600 people. The town is planning to lift most of its no-go zones by March 2023.&nbsp;

A decade after the quake and tsunami, people in the Japanese town of Tomioka ravaged by the Fukushima nuclear disaster are recounting what happened back in 2011.

A decade after the quake and tsunami, people in the Japanese town of Tomioka ravaged by the Fukushima nuclear disaster are recounting what happened back in 2011. Some parts, houses and shops lie abandoned, and bin bags filled with contaminated soil line the streets. There is one Yuta Hatakeyama, who was 14 when his family had to leave their home. For him, the town evokes bittersweet memories. Hatakeyama remembers the 2011 days in the town. "When I moved to a new place and heard people there stigmatising us for being evacuated, my heart really ached," he says. The 24-year-old now believes the town must get rid of the bags filled with radioactive waste and make the town more liveable. Tomioka, which used to have 16,000 residents before the disaster, is now home to 1,600 people. The town is planning to lift most of its no-go zones by March 2023.

A survivor recounts the 2011 Fukushima disaster

The Japanese town of Tomioka – ravaged by the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster – is a shell of its former self. In some parts, houses and shops lie abandoned, and bin bags filled with contaminated soil line the streets. For Yuta Hatakeyama, who was 14 when his family had to leave their home, the town evokes bittersweet memories.

Decade after Fukushima disaster survivor looks back | Tomioka just 10 km from wrecked nuclear plant

Farmers of Fukushima has shifted to the process of Indigo and its dyeing. According to the farmers, the process of dyeing is proportionate to the healing process, also it was a 2011 disaster when farming was banned in Fukushima.

Japan: Fukushima farmers turn to Indigo to 'heal'

Cooling water levels have fallen in two reactors at the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant since a powerful earthquake hit the area last weekend, indicating possible additional damage, its operator said on Friday.&nbsp;

New damage could further complicate the plant's already difficult decommissioning process, which is expected to take decades.&nbsp;

Tokyo Electric Power Co spokesman Keisuke Matsuo said the drop in water levels in the unit one and three reactors indicates that the existing damage to their primary containment chambers was worsened by Saturday's magnitude 7.3 quake, allowing more water to leak.&nbsp;

The leaked water is believed to have remained inside the reactor buildings and there is no sign of any outside impact, he said.&nbsp;

In 2011, a powerful magnitude 9.1 earthquake and tsunami damaged the Fukushima plant's cooling systems, causing three reactor cores to melt and nuclear fuel to fall to the bottom of their primary containment vessels.&nbsp;

TEPCO will monitor the water and temperatures at the bottom of the containment vessels, Matsuo said.&nbsp;

Since the 2011 disaster, cooling water has been escaping constantly from the damaged primary containment vessels into the basements of the reactor buildings.&nbsp;

To make up for the loss, additional cooling water has been pumped into the reactors to cool the melted fuel remaining inside them. The recent decline in the water levels indicates that more water than before is leaking out, TEPCO said.&nbsp;

More than 180 people received mostly minor injuries from Saturday's earthquake, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The quake also triggered landslides, damaged homes and a high-speed train line, and caused widespread power and water supply disruptions.&nbsp;

TEPCO initially reported that there was no abnormality at the plant from Saturday's quake.&nbsp;

Meanwhile, the Tokyo High Court on Friday held the government as well as TEPCO accountable for the 2011 nuclear disaster, ordering both to pay about 280 million yen (USD 2.6 million) in compensation to more than 40 plaintiffs forced to evacuate to Chiba, near Tokyo, for their lost livelihoods and homes.&nbsp;

Friday's decision reverses an earlier ruling by the Chiba district court that excluded the government from responsibility. Judge Yukio Shirai said the government could have foreseen the risk of a massive tsunami and taken measures after a long-term assessment in 2002 of seismic activities.&nbsp;

Cooling water levels have fallen in two reactors at the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant since a powerful earthquake hit the area last weekend, indicating possible additional damage, its operator said on Friday.

Cooling water levels have fallen in two reactors at the wrecked Fukushima nuclear plant since a powerful earthquake hit the area last weekend, indicating possible additional damage, its operator said on Friday. New damage could further complicate the plant's already difficult decommissioning process, which is expected to take decades. Tokyo Electric Power Co spokesman Keisuke Matsuo said the drop in water levels in the unit one and three reactors indicates that the existing damage to their primary containment chambers was worsened by Saturday's magnitude 7.3 quake, allowing more water to leak. The leaked water is believed to have remained inside the reactor buildings and there is no sign of any outside impact, he said. In 2011, a powerful magnitude 9.1 earthquake and tsunami damaged the Fukushima plant's cooling systems, causing three reactor cores to melt and nuclear fuel to fall to the bottom of their primary containment vessels. TEPCO will monitor the water and temperatures at the bottom of the containment vessels, Matsuo said. Since the 2011 disaster, cooling water has been escaping constantly from the damaged primary containment vessels into the basements of the reactor buildings. To make up for the loss, additional cooling water has been pumped into the reactors to cool the melted fuel remaining inside them. The recent decline in the water levels indicates that more water than before is leaking out, TEPCO said. More than 180 people received mostly minor injuries from Saturday's earthquake, according to the Fire and Disaster Management Agency. The quake also triggered landslides, damaged homes and a high-speed train line, and caused widespread power and water supply disruptions. TEPCO initially reported that there was no abnormality at the plant from Saturday's quake. Meanwhile, the Tokyo High Court on Friday held the government as well as TEPCO accountable for the 2011 nuclear disaster, ordering both to pay about 280 million yen (USD 2.6 million) in compensation to more than 40 plaintiffs forced to evacuate to Chiba, near Tokyo, for their lost livelihoods and homes. Friday's decision reverses an earlier ruling by the Chiba district court that excluded the government from responsibility. Judge Yukio Shirai said the government could have foreseen the risk of a massive tsunami and taken measures after a long-term assessment in 2002 of seismic activities.

Water leaks indicate new damage at Fukushima nuclear plant

The release of Fukushima's contaminated water can damage human DNA, according to the latest report by a non-governmental organisation&nbsp;Greenpeace.

According to the publication of the report 'Stemming the tide 2020: The reality of the Fukushima radioactive water crisis', contaminated water that will reportedly be released into the sea from the wrecked Fukushima&nbsp;Daiichi nuclear plant&nbsp;contains a radioactive substance that has the potential to damage human DNA, a Greenpeace investigation has said.

Also read|&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-to-release-radioactive-water-from-fukushima-nuclear-plant-into-sea-report-335626">Japan to release radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into sea: Report</a>

The environmental group claims the 1.23 million&nbsp;tonnes of water stored in more than 1,000 tanks at the plant contains “dangerous” levels of the radioactive isotope carbon-14, in addition to quantities of tritium that have already been widely reported.

The publication of the report stemming the tide 2020: the reality of the fukushima radioactive water crisis comes days after japanese media reported that the government was close to giving its approval to release the water into the pacific ocean, despite objections from local fishermen who say the move will destroy their livelihoods.

Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday that he is aiming to make a speedy decision on the disposal of contaminated water at the tsunami-crippled&nbsp;Fukushima&nbsp;nuclear plant.

"I think we can't hold off making a decision on the policy forever. We will take responsibility as the government to make a decision on how to dispose (the contaminated water) as soon as possible," said Suga.

Suga was speaking at a news conference in Jakarta at the end of his first foreign trip, during which he also visited Vietnam.

While most attention has been focused on tritium,&nbsp;which cannot be removed by the on-site filtration system used by the plant’s operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings [TEPCO] – Greenpeace Japan and Greenpeace east Asia said that radioactive carbon contained in the stored water would also be discharged.

Carbon-14 has a half life of 5,370 years and becomes “incorporated into all living matter”, the report said.

“It concentrates in fish at a level thousands of times higher than tritium. Carbon-14 is especially important as a major contributor to collective human radiation dose and has the potential to damage human DNA.”

The release of Fukushima's contaminated water can damage human DNA, according to the latest report by a non-governmental organisation Greenpeace. According to the publication of the report 'Stemming the tide 2020: The reality of the Fukushima radioactive water crisis', contaminated water that will reportedly be released into the sea from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant contains a radioactive substance that has the potential to damage human DNA, a Greenpeace investigation has said.

The release of Fukushima's contaminated water can damage human DNA, according to the latest report by a non-governmental organisation Greenpeace. According to the publication of the report 'Stemming the tide 2020: The reality of the Fukushima radioactive water crisis', contaminated water that will reportedly be released into the sea from the wrecked Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant contains a radioactive substance that has the potential to damage human DNA, a Greenpeace investigation has said. Also read| Japan to release radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into sea: Report The environmental group claims the 1.23 million tonnes of water stored in more than 1,000 tanks at the plant contains “dangerous” levels of the radioactive isotope carbon-14, in addition to quantities of tritium that have already been widely reported. The publication of the report stemming the tide 2020: the reality of the fukushima radioactive water crisis comes days after japanese media reported that the government was close to giving its approval to release the water into the pacific ocean, despite objections from local fishermen who say the move will destroy their livelihoods. Japanese Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga said on Wednesday that he is aiming to make a speedy decision on the disposal of contaminated water at the tsunami-crippled Fukushima nuclear plant. "I think we can't hold off making a decision on the policy forever. We will take responsibility as the government to make a decision on how to dispose (the contaminated water) as soon as possible," said Suga. Suga was speaking at a news conference in Jakarta at the end of his first foreign trip, during which he also visited Vietnam. While most attention has been focused on tritium, which cannot be removed by the on-site filtration system used by the plant’s operator Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings [TEPCO] – Greenpeace Japan and Greenpeace east Asia said that radioactive carbon contained in the stored water would also be discharged. Carbon-14 has a half life of 5,370 years and becomes “incorporated into all living matter”, the report said. “It concentrates in fish at a level thousands of times higher than tritium. Carbon-14 is especially important as a major contributor to collective human radiation dose and has the potential to damage human DNA.”

Release of Fukushima's contaminated water can damage human DNA

According to the Japananese media reports, the government has decided to release radioactive water from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-could-release-fukushima-radioactive-water-into-environment-269984">Fukushima</a> nuclear plant into the sea.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-fukushima-plant-a-million-tonne-headache-radioactive-water-253979">Also Read:&nbsp;At Fukushima plant, a million-tonne headache: radioactive water</a>

The Fukushima nuclear plant was destroyed when tsumai and earthquake had hit the country in 2011.&nbsp;

According to Japanes media, the Japanese government will make formal announcement this month.

"Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi plant is a major premise for a restoration in <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-acquits-energy-bosses-over-fukushima-disaster-250636">Fukushima</a> from the nuclear disaster. To prevent any delays in the decommissioning process, we need to make a decision quickly," Japanese industry minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said.

The Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc has collected over one million tonnes of contaminated water with tritium being the matter of concern for environmentalists. The Japanese government is set to start the operations in 2022, reports say.

The Japanese government's reported move was resisted by the fish industry which said it would be a setback and that it would undo work to restore their reputation.

The Japanese government has been deliberating the issue of releasing contaminated water into sea for over three years even as neigbourig South Korea&nbsp;has voiced concern about the environmental impact.

The controversy over the release of water has become further complaited with the Fukushima nuclear plant located less than 60 km from the Olympic venue with the games set to take place next year.

According to the Japananese media reports, the government has decided to release radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. Also Read: At Fukushima plant, a million-tonne headache: radioactive water The Fukushima nuclear plant was destroyed when tsumai and earthquake had hit the country in 2011.

According to the Japananese media reports, the government has decided to release radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the sea. Also Read: At Fukushima plant, a million-tonne headache: radioactive water The Fukushima nuclear plant was destroyed when tsumai and earthquake had hit the country in 2011. According to Japanes media, the Japanese government will make formal announcement this month. "Decommissioning of the Fukushima Daiichi plant is a major premise for a restoration in Fukushima from the nuclear disaster. To prevent any delays in the decommissioning process, we need to make a decision quickly," Japanese industry minister Hiroshi Kajiyama said. The Tokyo Electric Power Company Holdings Inc has collected over one million tonnes of contaminated water with tritium being the matter of concern for environmentalists. The Japanese government is set to start the operations in 2022, reports say. The Japanese government's reported move was resisted by the fish industry which said it would be a setback and that it would undo work to restore their reputation. The Japanese government has been deliberating the issue of releasing contaminated water into sea for over three years even as neigbourig South Korea has voiced concern about the environmental impact. The controversy over the release of water has become further complaited with the Fukushima nuclear plant located less than 60 km from the Olympic venue with the games set to take place next year.

Japan to release radioactive water from Fukushima nuclear plant into sea: Report

&nbsp;

 
Despite &nbsp;Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stance of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/nuclear-fuel-removed-from-crippled-japan-plant-210573">using nuclear plants</a> to power the world's third-largest economy, the Japanese public has remained staunchly against atomic energy. The Court decision gave power to the people and the matter appears to remain static.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/74-earthquake-hits-japan-followed-by-tsunami-9157">2011 Fukushima nuclear accident</a> followed a catastrophic tsunami, shutting down all nuclear power stations in Japan, many of which are still closed. 
&nbsp; 
It was the decision of a lower court that was overruled by the Hiroshima High Court in March, for it would have allowed the reactor at the Ikata nuclear plant in western Japan to resume operations.

Also Read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-approves-restarting-nuclear-reactor-closest-to-epicentre-of-2011-quake-264845">Japan approves restarting nuclear reactor closest to epicentre of 2011 quake</a>

 
Shikoku Electric Power, the plant's operator intends to appeal the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-acquits-energy-bosses-over-fukushima-disaster-250636">high court's ruling</a> as it wanted to resume work at the reactor which had been halted for routine inspections.

<img alt="Fukushima Daiichi" data-entity-type="file" data-entity-uuid="f0ec7e84-0b76-434b-a2b3-36af7f9a66a0" src="//cdn.wionews.com/sites/default/files/inline-images/Untitled%20design%20-%202020-01-20T182011.911.jpg" /> 
[&nbsp;Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (Courtesy: AFP) ] 
 
Failure to properly evaluate the risks posed by a local volcano and seismic faultlines became a strong case after a complaint was lodged by residents of a neighbouring region. 
 
The lower court ruling that paved the way for the reactor to resume functions was revoked by presiding high court judge Kazukate Mori. 
 
Kazukate Mori, the judge presiding over Hiroshima High Court, revoked the lower court ruling which allowed the reactor to resume functioning. 
 
Mori argued that it was not logical to assume that volcanic eruptions can be predicted far in advance, as done so under national standards for operating nuclear reactors; and safety assessments had been insufficient to resume operations. 
 
"There is a fault line within two kilometres from the nuclear plant but Shikoku Electric has not conducted thorough surveys, and the way the Nuclear Regulation Authority reached its assessment that there was no problem contained errors and inadequacies," the judge remarked. 
 
The ruling was criticised by Shikoku Electric and the scientific merit of the firm's argument was emphasized, surprising no one, deemed it safe to operate the reactor. 
 
The utility issued a statement saying, "After closely examining the decision, we will file a petition of objection so that the injunction will be cancelled as soon as possible."

Despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stance of using nuclear plants to power the world's third-largest economy, the Japanese public has remained staunchly against atomic energy.

Despite Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's stance of using nuclear plants to power the world's third-largest economy, the Japanese public has remained staunchly against atomic energy. The Court decision gave power to the people and the matter appears to remain static. The 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident followed a catastrophic tsunami, shutting down all nuclear power stations in Japan, many of which are still closed. It was the decision of a lower court that was overruled by the Hiroshima High Court in March, for it would have allowed the reactor at the Ikata nuclear plant in western Japan to resume operations. Also Read: Japan approves restarting nuclear reactor closest to epicentre of 2011 quake Shikoku Electric Power, the plant's operator intends to appeal the high court's ruling as it wanted to resume work at the reactor which had been halted for routine inspections. [ Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear power plant (Courtesy: AFP) ] Failure to properly evaluate the risks posed by a local volcano and seismic faultlines became a strong case after a complaint was lodged by residents of a neighbouring region. The lower court ruling that paved the way for the reactor to resume functions was revoked by presiding high court judge Kazukate Mori. Kazukate Mori, the judge presiding over Hiroshima High Court, revoked the lower court ruling which allowed the reactor to resume functioning. Mori argued that it was not logical to assume that volcanic eruptions can be predicted far in advance, as done so under national standards for operating nuclear reactors; and safety assessments had been insufficient to resume operations. "There is a fault line within two kilometres from the nuclear plant but Shikoku Electric has not conducted thorough surveys, and the way the Nuclear Regulation Authority reached its assessment that there was no problem contained errors and inadequacies," the judge remarked. The ruling was criticised by Shikoku Electric and the scientific merit of the firm's argument was emphasized, surprising no one, deemed it safe to operate the reactor. The utility issued a statement saying, "After closely examining the decision, we will file a petition of objection so that the injunction will be cancelled as soon as possible."

Hiroshima High Court overrules go-ahead for restarting nuclear plant near fault line

A Japanese government agency has proposed releasing radioactive water from the stricken&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japan-court-acquits-energy-bosses-over-fukushima-disaster-250636">Fukushima </a>nuclear plant into the environment, as storage space runs out.

The plant suffered a meltdown about nine years ago after it was hit by an earthquake-triggered tsunami. About a million tonnes of contaminated water has built up since then and the tanks that hold it are almost full.

Watch: Namei after Fukushima 2011

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/360-wion-namei-after-fukushima-2011-3046/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

The government's Agency for <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-voices-concern-over-future-energy-as-he-comforts-victims-of-fukushima-disaster-264290">Natural Resources and Energy</a> on Monday proposed three ways to deal with the water releasing it into the sea, into the air using vaporisation or a combination of the two.

"There is no option (any longer) of simply storing the water for a long period of time," an agency official told AFP on Tuesday.

An extensive pumping and filtration system is in place at the plant, which each day brings up tonnes of newly contaminated water and filters out almost all radioactive elements.

The process leaves only tritium, which experts say is only harmful to humans in&nbsp;very large doses.&nbsp;

No decision was taken at Monday's meeting but "no members voiced opposition to the view that a technically realistic way is discharging the water into the sea or the air," according to the agency official.

The panel has been discussing how to dispose of the liquid for years and no deadline has been set for it to report to the government.

The <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/at-fukushima-plant-a-million-tonne-headache-radioactive-water-253979">radioactive water </a>comes from several different sources, including water used for cooling at the plant groundwater that seeps into the plant daily and rainwater.

Properly filtered Fukushima water could be diluted with seawater and safely released into the ocean without causing environmental problems, the International Atomic Energy Agency argues.

Discharging it into the environment could trigger protests however not only from local fishermen and farmers but also from neighbouring countries.

The treated water is currently kept in a thousand huge tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site.

Plant operator TEPCO is building more tanks but all will be full by the summer of 2022.

A Japanese government agency has proposed releasing radioactive water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the environment, as storage space runs out. The plant suffered a meltdown about nine years ago after it was hit by an earthquake-triggered tsunami.

A Japanese government agency has proposed releasing radioactive water from the stricken Fukushima nuclear plant into the environment, as storage space runs out. The plant suffered a meltdown about nine years ago after it was hit by an earthquake-triggered tsunami. About a million tonnes of contaminated water has built up since then and the tanks that hold it are almost full. Watch: Namei after Fukushima 2011 The government's Agency for Natural Resources and Energy on Monday proposed three ways to deal with the water releasing it into the sea, into the air using vaporisation or a combination of the two. "There is no option (any longer) of simply storing the water for a long period of time," an agency official told AFP on Tuesday. An extensive pumping and filtration system is in place at the plant, which each day brings up tonnes of newly contaminated water and filters out almost all radioactive elements. The process leaves only tritium, which experts say is only harmful to humans in very large doses. No decision was taken at Monday's meeting but "no members voiced opposition to the view that a technically realistic way is discharging the water into the sea or the air," according to the agency official. The panel has been discussing how to dispose of the liquid for years and no deadline has been set for it to report to the government. The radioactive water comes from several different sources, including water used for cooling at the plant groundwater that seeps into the plant daily and rainwater. Properly filtered Fukushima water could be diluted with seawater and safely released into the ocean without causing environmental problems, the International Atomic Energy Agency argues. Discharging it into the environment could trigger protests however not only from local fishermen and farmers but also from neighbouring countries. The treated water is currently kept in a thousand huge tanks at the Fukushima Daiichi site. Plant operator TEPCO is building more tanks but all will be full by the summer of 2022.

Japan planning to release Fukushima radioactive water as storage space runs out

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-francis-arrives-in-japan-to-preach-anti-nuclear-message-264057">Pope Francis</a> expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright.

Around 18,000 people died or were classified as missing after the so-called triple disaster when a massive earthquake set off a tsunami - in some places 30 meters high - destroying a wide swath of Japan's northeastern coast and triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant.

Radiation from the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl forced hundreds of thousands to flee the area and thousands will never return.

"Important decisions will have to be made about the use of natural resources, and future energy sources in particular," the Pope said in an address to survivors in downtown Tokyo.

"Until social bonds in local communities are re-established, and people can once more enjoy safe and stable lives, the Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved," Francis said.

"This involves, as my brother bishops in Japan have emphasized, concern about the continuing use of nuclear power; for this reason, they have called for the abolition of nuclear power plants," he said.

In a statement released following the Fukushima disaster, Japan's Catholic Bishops Conference said the cessation of all nuclear power generation in the country was "imperative" given the country was disaster prone.

Resource-poor <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/in-bid-to-repair-ties-japan-and-south-korea-agree-to-summit-next-month-264060">Japan </a>has long pushed nuclear power as a solution despite being one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. All nuclear power plants were shut after 2011 but several have since been re-opened.

Francis listened intently as Toshiko Kato, the head of a Catholic kindergarten in Miyako City, told him: "Along with the rest of the town, my home was swept away by the tsunami."

Several Japanese Catholic officials at the meeting said Francis had repeatedly expressed a desire to go to see the disaster zone first-hand, but scheduling would not permit the trip so they brought some survivors to Tokyo to meet the pontiff.

Teenager Matsuki Kamoshita, who was eight years old at the time of the accident, said radiation was still being emitted and demanded the truth from adults about the long-term effects of radiation.

"It will take many times longer than my lifetime to restore the contaminated land and forests. So, for us who live there, adults have a responsibility to explain without concealing anything about radioactive contamination, exposure, and possible damage in the future. I don’t want them to die before us, having lied or not admitting the truth," he said.

Despite the sombre nature of the meeting, held in a convention centre in downtown Tokyo, a chamber orchestra played a tango in honour of the Argentinian-born pope to greet him as he walked in and he later thanked them for it.

Francis, who is making the first trip by a pontiff to Japan since 1981, used visits over the weekend to the only cities ever hit by atomic bombs - Hiroshima and Nagasaki - to underscore his campaign to <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/pope-urges-abolition-of-nuclear-weapons-at-nagasaki-ground-zero-264149">abolish nuclear weapons</a>. He reiterated his belief that their possession is indefensibly perverse and immoral and their use a crime against mankind and nature.

After meeting with the Fukushima survivors, Francis met with Emperor Naruhito. He is also scheduled to talk with Prime Minister <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/japanese-prime-minister-abes-approval-rating-sags-due-to-accusations-of-violating-laws-for-political-spending-262813">Shinzo Abe</a> later in the day.

Pope Francis expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright.

Pope Francis expressed concern about future energy sources as he comforted victims of the 2011 Fukushima nuclear reactor disaster on Monday, noting a call by Japan's Catholic bishops to abolish nuclear power outright. Around 18,000 people died or were classified as missing after the so-called triple disaster when a massive earthquake set off a tsunami - in some places 30 meters high - destroying a wide swath of Japan's northeastern coast and triggering a nuclear meltdown at the Fukushima Dai-Ichi nuclear plant. Radiation from the world's worst nuclear accident since Chernobyl forced hundreds of thousands to flee the area and thousands will never return. "Important decisions will have to be made about the use of natural resources, and future energy sources in particular," the Pope said in an address to survivors in downtown Tokyo. "Until social bonds in local communities are re-established, and people can once more enjoy safe and stable lives, the Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved," Francis said. "This involves, as my brother bishops in Japan have emphasized, concern about the continuing use of nuclear power; for this reason, they have called for the abolition of nuclear power plants," he said. In a statement released following the Fukushima disaster, Japan's Catholic Bishops Conference said the cessation of all nuclear power generation in the country was "imperative" given the country was disaster prone. Resource-poor Japan has long pushed nuclear power as a solution despite being one of the world’s most earthquake-prone nations. All nuclear power plants were shut after 2011 but several have since been re-opened. Francis listened intently as Toshiko Kato, the head of a Catholic kindergarten in Miyako City, told him: "Along with the rest of the town, my home was swept away by the tsunami." Several Japanese Catholic officials at the meeting said Francis had repeatedly expressed a desire to go to see the disaster zone first-hand, but scheduling would not permit the trip so they brought some survivors to Tokyo to meet the pontiff. Teenager Matsuki Kamoshita, who was eight years old at the time of the accident, said radiation was still being emitted and demanded the truth from adults about the long-term effects of radiation. "It will take many times longer than my lifetime to restore the contaminated land and forests. So, for us who live there, adults have a responsibility to explain without concealing anything about radioactive contamination, exposure, and possible damage in the future. I don’t want them to die before us, having lied or not admitting the truth," he said. Despite the sombre nature of the meeting, held in a convention centre in downtown Tokyo, a chamber orchestra played a tango in honour of the Argentinian-born pope to greet him as he walked in and he later thanked them for it. Francis, who is making the first trip by a pontiff to Japan since 1981, used visits over the weekend to the only cities ever hit by atomic bombs - Hiroshima and Nagasaki - to underscore his campaign to abolish nuclear weapons. He reiterated his belief that their possession is indefensibly perverse and immoral and their use a crime against mankind and nature. After meeting with the Fukushima survivors, Francis met with Emperor Naruhito. He is also scheduled to talk with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe later in the day.

Until social bonds in local communities is re-established, Fukushima accident will not be fully resolved: Pope Francis

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