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-   -   Japan - radioactivity? (https://www.fodors.com/community/asia/japan-radioactivity-998758/)

mariposa85 Nov 25th, 2013 12:14 PM

Japan - radioactivity?
 
Hi everyone,

I am in the process of organising my trip to Japan and have had a lot of people ask me why I'm not concerned about the risks of contamination/radioactivity arising from the 2011 disaster. I'm normally a little bit of a worrier so they think it's weird that I'm not concerned.

I haven't paid an enormous amount of attention to the reports but I gather that the government keeps saying it's safe and everything is fine outside of the immediate area of the reactors and some people don't believe this at all. What are your thoughts? Do I have anything to worry about?

Kathie Nov 25th, 2013 12:43 PM

If you aren't planning on visiting the reactor or the area immediately around it - and you won't be allowed anywhere close - there is nothing to worry about.

Craig Nov 25th, 2013 01:55 PM

As long as you trust the government...

We have returned and we are not glowing. Do you want to eat fish from the Pacific? - I was okay with it and if we did, quantities were small. There are some both in Japan and in the international community that have concerns. Water supply should be fine - I posted on this just before we went in October and received reassuring responses.

mariposa85 Nov 25th, 2013 02:32 PM

Yes, eating sushi would be one of the main highlights, so we definitely wouldn't want to avoid that. I know it seems a bit hysterical to be worrying about this on a 2 week trip but I've had a hellish 5+ years with my health, so am more conscious than most about what I expose my body to!

lcuy Nov 25th, 2013 04:05 PM

A lot of the fish they serve in Japan doesn't come from Japanese waters. I think they are some of the biggest purchasers of fish worldwide.

KimJapan Nov 25th, 2013 04:30 PM

What is there to say - there is no real plan for Fukushima; we have no idea what will happen today never mind next year or in the next 20 years and beyond. It's almost funny how it's really reaction after reaction to problem after problem and never being able to catch up to be proactive. But life goes on and there are countless other things to worry about as well - food additives, mislabeling, traffic accidents, disease…radiation is but one worry and you get exposure to that every day anyway no matter where you are. I wouldn't put the Fukushima nuclear power plants on my list of must -see places, but I wouldn't avoid the whole country. We haven't even thought about leaving actually.

Craig Nov 25th, 2013 04:36 PM

Well said, Kim...

mariposa85 Nov 26th, 2013 04:24 AM

Hmm OK, most people don't seem to be too concerned! The other options on the potential vacation list were Nepal and Chile and both have their own pollution problems from what I gather. Thanks!


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