Prime Minister Fumio Kishida of Japan has reaffirmed Japan's commitment to safely discharge ALPS-treated nuclear wastewater into the Pacific Ocean from the damaged Fukushima Nuclear Plant.

He said Japan aimed to prevent any environmental or human health risks. The discharge was commissioned in April of this year. After the an earthquake damaged one of the reactors in 2011, water was used to cool it down. This water was then stored in large tanks in Fukushima.

After a consensus from the scientific committee, Japan started the release of the wastewater this year, a process that will take 30 years to empty the last tank.

This assurance was conveyed during a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Fiame Naomi Mata'afa of Samoa at his office on Wednesday.

Prime Minister Fiame welcomed Japan's commitment. She was engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Kishida on collaborative efforts between their governments to tackle climate change issues affecting the region.

In a significant announcement, Prime Minister Kishida disclosed Japan's decision to provide fire engines to battle chemical fires to Samoa, enhancing the country's disaster prevention capabilities.

Acknowledging the urgent global threat posed by climate change, Prime Minister Kishida emphasised Japan's support for the Pacific Climate Change Centre (P.C.C.C.) as a pivotal hub for fostering human resource development and facilitating the exchange of information and technology across the Pacific region. 

He underscored the importance of assisting the P.C.C.C. in its mission.

Furthermore, Prime Minister Kishida highlighted Japan's contribution of meteorological data from the Himawari satellite and collaboration with the Secretariat of the Pacific Regional Environment Programme (S.P.R.E.P.), headquartered in Samoa.

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan through its International Nuclear Cooperation Division Disarmament, Non-proliferation, and Science Department presented Japan's diplomatic efforts regarding the ALPS-treated water during a media brief at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation office on Tuesday.

ALPS, an Advanced Liquid Processing System, effectively removes radioactive materials from contaminated water. 

The presentation reiterated Japan's assertion that the discharge of ALPS-treated wastewater into the sea adheres to stringent safety standards and poses no threat to the environment or human health. 

Japan continues to undergo reviews by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) to ensure compliance with international safety regulations.

The briefing emphasised Japan's commitment to transparency, citing its extensive communication with the international community and engagement in dialogues with various countries and regions to explain the scientific basis behind the handling of ALPS treated water.

Prime Minister Kishida's reassurances and Japan's proactive measures underscore a collaborative approach aimed at addressing environmental concerns and bolstering disaster preparedness in the Pacific region, reflecting a shared commitment to sustainable development and climate resilience.