Japan on Thursday announced the introduction of new measures to support the fishing industry, which has been hit hard by the import ban China imposed last week in response to the release of treated water from the crippled Fukushima No. 1 power plant.
The new aid follows a ¥30 billion fund — established last week — aimed at countering reputational damage to Japanese seafood. Another ¥50 billion had been earmarked to support the fishing industry.
“We will continue to support the industry by taking into consideration the numerous comments and opinions we have received today, and will outline support measures while standing in solidarity with the industry,” Prime Minister Fumio Kishida told reporters after a visit to the Toyosu fish market in Tokyo, where he exchanged views with seafood wholesalers.