What I found was a prefecture still recovering from the nuclear disaster 12 years ago. Dilapidated buildings dotted the small, quiet towns, reminders that many who evacuated have not returned.
So understandably, some residents were not thrilled that the wastewater discharge has put their home back in the headlines. The fishing unions asked fishermen not to speak to media, to minimise the impact the attention would have on their industry, hobbled since the disaster.
But I did find one fisherman who was willing to speak. 71-year-old Haruo Ono’s interview was a brave act of defiance – he was well aware that he might be ostracised by fellow fishermen for talking to us. He was critical of the water release.
That is not to say that the wastewater is harmful. In fact, experts I spoke to, including a nuclear scientist and a marine biologist, agree that the radiation levels are negligible, assuming the data is accurate.
But when it comes to something as emotive as nuclear, sentiments sometimes trump facts.
Many others, from a hostel owner to a cattle farmer, shared their stories and opinions with me on my travels through Fukushima. You can learn more about them, and about the science behind the water discharge, on Insight.
Genevieve Woo
Senior Editor/Presenter, Insight
