Fukushima soil headed to Japan PM’s flower beds to allay nuclear safety fears

theguardian.comPublished: 5/28/2025

Summary

A bold move to transport radioactive soil from Fukushima Daiichi to Tokyo has been made to demonstrate its safety and address lingering concerns. After 14 years of cleanup following the 2011 disaster, nearly 14 million cubic meters of contaminated soil have been removed, but progress remains slow and costly. The soil, deemed low-risk by authorities, is now intended for infrastructure projects outside Fukushima but has also been proposed for public spaces like Tokyo’s flower beds. However, last month opposition to its use in green spaces emerged, with residents expressing skepticism about radiation exposure and potential environmental risks despite the government's assurances of safety.