What's happened
Japan shipped about 6 tons of scallops from Hokkaido to China on Wednesday, marking the first export since Beijing lifted its seafood ban in August 2023. The move follows negotiations over safety standards related to Fukushima wastewater discharges, which Japan asserts are safe and supported by the IAEA. China maintains restrictions on seafood from Fukushima and nearby prefectures.
What's behind the headline?
The resumption of Japanese seafood exports to China signals a significant shift in diplomatic and trade relations. The Chinese ban, rooted in safety concerns over Fukushima's radioactive wastewater, has severely impacted Japan's seafood industry, especially scallops and sea cucumbers. Japan's insistence on scientific validation and IAEA support aims to counter Chinese claims and restore market access. This move could pave the way for broader normalization, but China's continued restrictions on seafood from Fukushima and nearby prefectures highlight ongoing tensions. The success of this reopening depends on China's confidence in Japan's safety assurances and the effectiveness of the new registration procedures. If China fully lifts its bans, Japan's seafood industry could recover its pre-2022 export levels, boosting regional economic stability. However, geopolitical considerations and environmental concerns will likely influence future negotiations, making this a pivotal moment for Japan-China relations and regional food safety diplomacy.
What the papers say
The Japan Times reports that Japan shipped 6 tons of scallops to China, the first since the seafood ban was eased in August 2023, following an agreement on export procedures. The Independent highlights that this shipment marks a positive development after China announced in June it would lift restrictions, which had been a major blow to Japan's seafood industry. Al Jazeera emphasizes the context of Fukushima's nuclear wastewater release and China's concerns, noting Japan's assertion that the water release is safe and supported by the IAEA. AP News provides additional details on the ongoing restrictions on seafood from Fukushima and the broader diplomatic negotiations, framing this shipment as a potential step toward normalization despite lingering restrictions.
How we got here
Following the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster, Japan faced international scrutiny over radioactive wastewater and its impact on seafood safety. China imposed a ban on Japanese seafood in August 2023, citing contamination concerns. Negotiations between the two countries led to an agreement in June 2025, establishing procedures for re-registering facilities and certifying safety, which Japan claims meet international standards supported by the IAEA. The recent shipment signifies a potential easing of trade restrictions amid ongoing diplomatic efforts.
Go deeper
Common question
-
Why Did Japan Stop Seafood Exports to China and What Changed?
Japan recently resumed seafood exports to China after a ban that lasted for over two years. This move marks a significant shift in trade relations, driven by diplomatic negotiations and safety assurances. Many are wondering what caused the initial ban, what led to its easing, and what it means for seafood safety and prices. Below, we explore the key questions surrounding this development and what it could mean for consumers and traders alike.
-
How Does Fukushima Wastewater Impact Global Seafood Trade?
The release of treated water from Fukushima has sparked international debate about seafood safety and trade. Countries are watching closely to see how this situation unfolds, raising questions about bans, safety standards, and economic impacts worldwide. Below, we explore the key concerns and what experts are saying about the future of seafood trade after Fukushima.
More on these topics
-
The Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is a disabled nuclear power plant located on a 3.5-square-kilometre site in the towns of Ōkuma and Futaba in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan.
-
Japan is an island country of East Asia in the northwest Pacific Ocean. It borders the Sea of Japan to the west and extends from the Sea of Okhotsk in the north to the East China Sea and Taiwan in the south.
-
China, officially the People's Republic of China, is a country in East Asia. It is the world's most populous country, with a population of around 1.4 billion in 2019.
-
Minoru Kihara is a Japanese politician of the Liberal Democratic Party, a member of the House of Representatives in the Diet. A native of Kumamoto, Kumamoto and graduate of Waseda University, he was elected for the first time in 2005 after working at Japa