Fukushima Nuclear Plant Completes Initial Wastewater Release

The operator of the Fukushima nuclear power plant has completed the first release of treated radioactive water into the sea, marking a milestone in the plant's decommissioning. The discharge, which is expected to continue for decades, has faced opposition from fishing groups and neighboring countries, with China banning imports of Japanese seafood in response. The Japanese government has compiled an emergency relief fund, and Prime Minister Fumio Kishida has sought international support for the release. The International Atomic Energy Agency has reviewed the safety of the project and concluded that it would have a negligible impact on the environment and human health. The plant's operator plans to release a total of 31,200 tons of treated water through March 2024.