On December 13, 15- and 30-second television spots, filmed on site, began airing and are scheduled to continue for about two weeks. An animated version is also now in production. Also on the same day, advertisements appeared in five national newspapers, plus prefectural and regional newspapers (morning editions). Similar content will appear outdoors and in the transportation sector, including on-train vision systems, primarily in central Tokyo, around December 19.
Since the decision by the Japanese government in April 2021 on a “Basic Policy for Handling of ALPS-Treated Water,” relevant ministries and agencies have been endeavoring to disseminate information—including inviting an international review by the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA)—to facilitate understanding within the national and global communities and minimize reputational damage.
On December 1, ANRE established a new website dedicated to the handling of ALPS-treated water, summarizing accurate, scientifically based information in an easily understood manner. Under the unifying theme (in Japanese), “Let’s Understand and Think About ALPS-Treated Water,” efforts are being made to share information and stimulate interest.
Starting on December 13, a message on METI’s website from METI Minister NISHIMURA Yasutoshi, has invited people to visit the ANRE website, with the message to be available for about a month. Preparations are now underway to begin releasing the ALPS-treated water into the sea sometime next spring.
