Japan Unveils Cash Support For Fishers Hit By China Ban

Prime Minster Fumio Kishida has announced an additional rescue package for the fishery industry following China's import ban on Japanese seafood due to the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear power plant, Mainichi Shimbun reported.

The government will make efforts to "diversify" seafood sales channels instead of depending on sales in "specific countries" so that Japan will not rely heavily on China.

The support measures include steps to expand domestic consumption and ensure the sustainable production of seafood, responses to mitigate reputational damage, strategies to find new overseas markets, and provision of swift and thorough compensation.

The government will make efforts to "diversify" seafood sales channels instead of depending on sales in "specific countries" so that Japan will not rely heavily on China, Kishida said at his office.

The Japanese Prime Minister also called on Beijing to engage in discussions to evaluate scientific evidence of the environmental impact of the water release, Kyodo News also reported.

Earlier in the day, Kishida visited Tokyo's Toyosu fish market to exchange views with seafood wholesalers about the potential adverse effects of import bans imposed by China and Hong Kong, both of which are primary markets for the Japanese fishery sector.

So far, the Kishida administration has set up two separate funds, one amounting to 30 billion yen ($205 million) and the other 50 billion yen, to deal with any damaging rumors and to assist people engaged in the fishery industry in maintaining their businesses.

After visiting the market, Kishida told reporters that he had been asked by the wholesalers to help broaden their sales routes, find new export destinations and negotiate with the Chinese government to address the issue.

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