Japan to Reuse Fukushima Soil at Kasumigaseki, Start Disposal Site Selection Outside Fukushima by 2030 with Ministerial Approval

The Japanese government has finalized a new roadmap for managing soil removed during decontamination efforts following the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster. Starting next month, the government will begin reutilizing this soil at central government facilities in Tokyo's Kasumigaseki district. A key element of the plan includes initiating the selection and investigation of candidate sites for the soil's final disposal outside Fukushima Prefecture around 2030. The government aims to complete the final disposal site selection by approximately 2035. This roadmap was formalized during a ministerial meeting at the Prime Minister's Office and reflects a coordinated effort to address the long-term handling of contaminated soil. Some local Fukushima landowners have expressed opposition to the disposal of soil outside the prefecture, emphasizing the need for careful consideration. The government has instructed relevant ministers to ensure steady progress on this plan.