In a symbolic move aimed at easing public concern, Japanese authorities on Saturday delivered bags of mildly radioactive soil from near the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant to the prime minister’s office in central Tokyo.
The gesture is part of a government initiative to demonstrate that the soil, removed from contaminated areas following the 2011 tsunami and nuclear disaster, is safe for reuse. Officials say the soil will be used in flower beds on the grounds of the prime minister’s office, covered with a 20-centimetre layer of clean soil to limit exposure.
Since the Fukushima disaster, approximately 14 million cubic metres of topsoil were scraped and stored in an effort to lower radiation levels in the region. Most of this soil emits radiation levels comparable to or lower than a single annual X-ray, according to the environment ministry.
However, finding communities willing to host the stored soil remains a challenge. With a 2045 deadline to relocate the material from temporary facilities near the plant, the government has begun reusing some of the earth to build public trust in its safety.
The unusual soil delivery comes just one day before upper house elections, where polls suggest Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s ruling coalition risks losing its majority. A poor showing could trigger political upheaval, with speculation mounting that Ishiba may step down after less than a year in office.
Government officials have not commented on whether the timing of the demonstration is politically motivated.
Written By Rodney Mbua
