Japan is planning to start the controversial release of treated water from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant toward the end of this month, several media outlets reported Monday, citing government sources.
According to the reports, the government will make a final decision on the matter following further internal deliberations and diplomatic discussions with its allies.
Prime Minister Fumio Kishida is expected to address the issue during a trilateral meeting with his U.S. and South Korean counterparts at Camp David in the U.S. on Aug. 18, and then chair a meeting with related ministries upon his return to Japan two days later.