Slightly Radioactive Fukushima Soil to Enhance Prime Minister’s Flower Beds

TOKYO, Japan — The Japanese government announced plans on Tuesday to repurpose slightly radioactive soil, previously excavated during decontamination efforts post-Fukushima disaster, for use in flower beds at Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s office. This initiative aims to illustrate safety and reinforce public confidence in reusing the soil.

This soil was collected from Fukushima prefecture after the nuclear disaster in 2011 and has remained in interim storage. Authorities assert that some of this soil has been deemed safe for reuse, aligning with guidelines set by the Environment Ministry in March and receiving endorsement from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA).

The timeframe for implementing this project is under consideration, with a comprehensive roadmap expected by summer. The government intends to expand soil utilization to other public agency grounds, emphasizing its safety for various applications.

Since the disaster, Japan has accumulated approximately 14 million cubic meters of contaminated materials, enough to fill eleven baseball stadiums. This mass includes dirt and debris, which continues to be a significant challenge for the government. A public commitment has been made to find suitable disposal locations for this soil by 2045.

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshimasa Hayashi, addressing the soil task force, urged a coordinated effort to foster public understanding and support for the project’s goals, beginning with Ishiba’s office as a model.

The Environment Ministry specified that the soil will serve as foundational material, adequately covered with topsoil to mitigate radiation exposure. However, public sentiment remains skeptical; previous attempts to use similar soil in flower beds at public parks faced backlash and were ultimately halted.

The IAEA continues to aid in the decommissioning process at Fukushima, which involves the complex removal of over 880 tons of melted fuel debris. In 2023, Japan initiated the discharge of treated radioactive wastewater from the plant into the ocean, aiming to alleviate the risks posed by potential leaks and create space for facilities essential for melted fuel removal.