Japan grateful for PH gov’t understanding its release of radioactive water

MANILA, Philippines — Japanese envoy to the Philippines Kazuhiko Koshikawa thanked the Philippine government for understanding Japan’s move to release treated radioactive wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear power plant into the sea.

Koshikawa, in a tweet on Friday, said Japan “deeply appreciates” the support they received from the international community, including the Philippines.

“Japan deeply appreciates the Philippine government’s understanding of the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant from a science-and-fact-based perspective and its impact on the ocean,” said Koshikawa.

“We are grateful for the majority of the international community, including the Philippines, that shows their understanding of the mentioned discharge, based on facts and science. This is a crucial step for Japan towards recovery from the catastrophe,” he added.

Japan deeply appreciates the Philippine government's understanding of the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant from a science-and-fact-based perspective and its impact on the ocean.

— Ambassador of Japan in the Philippines (@AmbJPNinPH) August 25, 2023

The Department of Foreign Affairs did not object to Japan’s move to release 1 million metric tonnes of treated radioactive water from the wrecked Fukushima nuclear power plant on Aug. 24.

Foreign Affairs Spokesperson Ma. Teresita Daza said “the Philippines would continue to view the matter “from a science- and fact-based perspective.”

Japan insisted that the water release is safe and will bring no harm to humans and the environment alike.

Despite this, critics continue to express skepticism over the safety of the activity. Among these critics was China, which earlier described Japan’s move as “extremely selfish and irresponsible.”

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