Key Facts
• After the Fukushima nuclear accident, 14 million cubic meters of decontaminated soil were stored near the plant.
• By law, this soil must be disposed of outside Fukushima by March 2045.
• The government plans to reuse low-radiation soil in public works nationwide.
• Initial reuse outside Fukushima began last weekend at the Prime Minister’s Office garden.
• Only 2 cubic meters of soil were used, covered with 20 cm of topsoil, and replanted.
• Radiation levels before and after the project showed no significant changes.
• Public opposition halted similar reuse trials in Tokyo and Saitama.
• Environment Minister Asao emphasized the symbolic importance of the Prime Minister’s Office project.
• The Ministry of the Environment cited site constraints for the limited soil volume.
• Future reuse is planned for government offices in Kasumigaseki.
Summary
The Japanese government has initiated the reuse of decontaminated soil from the Fukushima nuclear disaster, starting with a symbolic project at the Prime Minister’s Office garden. Only 2 cubic meters of soil were used, covered with topsoil, and replanted, with no significant radiation changes observed. This marks the first reuse outside Fukushima, aiming to build public trust and reduce the 14 million cubic meters of stored soil. However, public opposition has previously stalled similar projects, raising questions about the effectiveness of this small-scale effort in promoting broader acceptance. Future reuse is planned for other government facilities.
