Japan on Monday expressed deep regret over the harassment from the Chinese side following the start of the release of treated water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea last week, urging Beijing to disseminate accurate information.
"We are extremely regretful and concerned. Japan has been strongly urging the Chinese side to take appropriate actions, including calling for calm among their citizens, and to provide accurate information regarding the treated water. Japan will continue to make this request," Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirokazu Matsuno told a press conference.
Matsuno made remarks as a number of restaurants and public offices in Japan have received harassing phone calls believed to be coming from China regarding the ocean release, as well as incidents of harassment, such as stone-throwing, at some Japanese schools in China.
The top government spokesman also said the government is aware that many Chinese consumers have boycotted Japanese products and canceled trips to Japan. "Japan will continue to be very transparent and provide information based on scientific evidence," he noted.
Japan's Foreign Ministry on Sunday urged Japanese nationals traveling to or staying in China to take precautions, and pay close attention to their surroundings when visiting the embassy or Japanese schools.
Tokyo began releasing treated and wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean on Thursday. The plant, located 230 km north of Tokyo, was crippled by the magnitude-9.0 earthquake and ensuing tsunami in 2011.
Before the discharge, treated water is diluted with seawater to reduce tritium levels to less than 1/40 of that permitted under Japanese safety standards and around 1/7 of the World Health Organization's (WHO) guidelines for drinking water.
Source: Kuwait News Agency