The number of tourists to Japan from China may be lower than expected during the Chinese autumn holiday period, following the release of treated and diluted water from the damaged Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
The plant operator on Thursday started discharging the treated water into the ocean after reducing its tritium concentration to far lower than the World Health Organization’s guidance level for drinking water quality.
China opposes the release. In response, Beijing has introduced a comprehensive ban on imports of Japanese marine products. China’s state-run media are denouncing the release, calling the treated water “nuclear contaminated water.”
A Chinese travel agency handling tours to Japan says it is receiving an increasing number of inquiries about cancellations of tours since the release began. The firm also says some agencies have stopped accepting new applications for tours to Japan before China’s holiday period from September 29 through October 6.
Earlier this month, China lifted a ban on group tours to Japan after being restricted for about three-and-a-half years due to the coronavirus pandemic.
A travel agency official says Japan is still a popular destination, but they have to monitor developments as some people are voicing concerns about health risks.
Source: NHK World
