Japan has started releasing radioactive water the Fukushima nuclear power plant the ocean. The plant was hit a huge earthquake and tsunami March 2011. After the power plant was damaged, the power company stored radioactive water 1,000 giant tanks. The water has been treated to reduce its radioactivity. It is now being slowly released the Pacific Ocean a long sea tunnel. Japan stated that the water is safe and would not harm the environment. The International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) said the water meets international safety standards. It said there would be a "negligible radiological impact people and the environment".
Many people Japan, as well as countries near Japan, are angry that radioactive water is going the Pacific. Local fishermen are worried they will not be able to sell their fish. China has already banned seafood Fukushima and the capital city, Tokyo. China's foreign ministry called the release the water a "wrongful decision" and asked Japan to stop. A spokesperson said: "Japan is putting its own self-interest the long-term well-being all humankind". Hong Kong is also worried food safety. It said it would "immediately" stop importing some Japanese food products. South Korean activists have also protested, although Seoul understood that the water meets international standards.
