Japan's scallop exporters, especially those from Hokkaido, are facing challenges due to China's ban on Japanese seafood imports, imposed in August 2023 following the release of contaminated water from the Fukushima plant. This ban has significantly reduced orders, with Hokkaido scallop producers experiencing a notable decline. As a result, Japanese exporters are shifting their focus to Southeast Asia, with Tsujino & Co. and Yokorei Co. beginning to process scallops in Vietnam. They anticipate the ban to last at least three years, given China's past behavior with product bans, and express concerns over potential future conflicts with the U.S. that could further affect export duties.