On June 8, 2026, South Korean media Yonhap News TV reported that the Japanese government proposed to the South Korean government the start of working-level talks toward the resumption of imports, regarding the import restrictions on Japanese seafood that South Korea has been implementing since the Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident.

According to the article, the Japanese government is requesting the South Korean government to establish a new regular consultation body to discuss the abolition of import restrictions on Japanese seafood at a working level. It is expected that Japan's Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries and South Korea's Ministry of Food and Drug Safety will be the respective contact points. However, the South Korean side has not given a clear answer to the Japanese government's request to start talks, and it is reported that the realization of seafood import resumption remains uncertain.

Since the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant accident in 2011, South Korea has banned imports of seafood produced in 8 areas around Fukushima Prefecture, citing concerns about radioactive contamination. Furthermore, regarding seafood from some areas such as Tokyo and Hokkaido, the submission of radioactive substance inspection certificates is mandatory at the time of import.

According to the article, the Japanese government, against the backdrop of good Japan-South Korea relations, aims to alleviate anxiety among South Koreans regarding seafood from areas around Fukushima Prefecture and proceed with creating an environment for the resumption of imports.

Furthermore, in relation to the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) which South Korea aims to join, it is also reported that the Japanese side may use the issue of lifting seafood import restrictions as leverage in negotiations.

Regarding this, South Korean netizens voiced opinions such as, "Even if Japan-South Korea relations improve, I don't think this issue will be easily resolved," "It should be judged based on scientific data; it's a difficult problem with only emotional arguments," "It's also true that many people feel anxious just hearing 'Fukushima-produced'," and "Even if imports resume, whether it sells in South Korea is a separate issue."

In addition, comments such as, "If it's safe, why not just consume it domestically in Japan?", "The Japanese government has long sought the resumption of imports, but the barrier of South Korean public opinion is high," "Ultimately, consumers should be able to choose whether to buy it or not," "I want it to be discussed as a food safety issue, not a political one," "If South Korea wants to join the CPTPP, it won't be able to avoid this issue forever," and "If they link it to CPTPP accession negotiations, it will likely attract even more attention in the future," were also seen. (Translation/Editing: Higuchi)