Controversy and Concerns Surround Japan's Release of Fukushima Water

Japan announced that it will begin releasing over 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water from the damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant into the ocean starting on August 24. The plan, approved by the Japanese government, has faced criticism from China and local fishing groups who fear reputational damage and livelihood threats. The water will be filtered to remove most radioactive elements except for tritium, diluted to below internationally approved levels, and released into the Pacific. Japan maintains that the water release is safe, supported by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), but neighboring countries remain skeptical.