Toxic Sushi or Toxic Politics? Science Misinformation on Fukushima Nuclear Wastewater

Engulfed by the tsunami following Japan's most powerful earthquake in 2011, the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant had a major accident in which three of its reactors melted down. Engineers cooled down the reactors with water, which then became radioactive. For the next 12 years, 1.34 million tons of wastewater were generated and stored in more than 1,000 stainless steel tanks. On August 24, 2023, Japan released 7,800 tons of wastewater into the Pacific Ocean and will keep releasing it for 30 years.

A public debate on water safety soon ensued. One point of contention is tritium, the isotope of hydrogen. Tritium is a radioactive substance that cannot be removed by purification equipment. Although contained in the discharged water, its concentration is far below the regulatory limit. Despite this, sushi restaurant owners and seafood consumers are grappling with the question, “Is Japanese seafood safe to eat?” On social media, the discussion about the safety of Fukushima's wastewater has become politicized as countries vie for discourse power.

Through in-depth interviews in Japan, China, Hong Kong, Taiwan, and the U.S., and data-driven investigations, this project explores the intricacies of fact, misinformation, and personal belief, and what happens when politics, the economy, and culture start to play a role.