Japanese eat more fish despite Fukushima radioactive wastewater

When the Fukushima nuclear plant began discharging treated radioactive wastewater into the Sea of Japan, local fishing communities feared the worst, but customer support did not prevent the industry from collapsing. However, instead of a commercial calamity, consumers across the country have supported the region by eating more fish. In addition to boosting a fragile industry, demand has helped mitigate the impact of China's ban on Japanese seafood, although there are concerns about the future of the water release. "So far, I haven't heard anyone raise safety concerns about the release of treated water. I would say zero," said Kazuto Harada, who works at the Marufuto fish shop near Onahama port in Fukushima, as he stood next to to a tank of lobsters caught nearby. "I'm half surprised and half relieved." Customers across the country are placing orders, with many asking for "Joban-mono," or fish from the waters of Fukushima and its southern neighbor, Ibaraki. That includes regional ...