Oishinbo's impact

May 15, 2014

Editorial: Don't suppress debate on nuclear power, effects of radiation on health

http://mainichi.jp/english/english/perspectives/news/20140515p2a00m0na010000c.html

A manga work that depicts Fukushima Prefecture residents having nosebleeds following the outbreak of the nuclear crisis has stirred controversy. The content of the work is highly questionable and it is understandable that many Fukushima residents are furious about it. Moreover, concerns have been raised that the work could arouse further harmful rumors against the prefecture.

However, it is feared that there may be moves to take advantage of the controversy to suppress discussion on the pros and cons of nuclear power and the effects of radiation on human health. The public should hold calm discussions on how to dispel Fukushima residents' concerns about their health as well as to restore disaster-hit areas.

The manga series in question is "Oishinbo," published in Shogakukan Inc's "Shukan (Weekly) Big Comic Spirits." In an installment published earlier in May, "Oishinbo" depicts the protagonist suffering from a nosebleed after visiting the tsunami-ravaged Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant.

In the latest installment carried in the issue of the magazine released on May 12, a former Futaba mayor says, "There are many people in Fukushima who have nosebleeds and suffer from severe exhaustion because they have been exposed to radiation."

Also in the latest installment, an associate professor at Fukushima University says, "Fukushima is no longer inhabitable. You can't safely live there," based on his experiences of decontaminating areas tainted by radioactive substances. The manga also shows some residents of Osaka, which has accepted and disposed of rubble from quake- and tsunami-hit Iwate Prefecture, complaining about health hazards.

The Fukushima Prefectural Government, the Iwate Prefectural Government, the Osaka prefectural and municipal governments and the Environment Ministry among other entities strongly protested against the manga work. They argue the piece could fuel harmful rumors, that decontamination work has proven effective and that radiation levels in rubble from disaster-hit areas are well below the permissible levels set by the government.

A study conducted by the U.N. Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation denies that the number of patients with cancer and genetic illnesses will increase. It is difficult to imagine people suffering from nosebleeds just because they have visited the crippled nuclear plant. Still, little is known about the impact of exposure to low levels of radiation over a long period on human health.

Some experts point to the possibility that the psychological stress residents of areas affected by the nuclear disaster suffer from could adversely affect their immune systems, eventually causing them nosebleeds or a sense of fatigue.

Fears have been raised that the latest controversy could discourage people to freely discuss the safety of atomic power stations and the impact of radiation on human health. The nuclear crisis is attributable primarily to the government's promotion of its nuclear power policy based on the groundless myth of nuclear plants' infallible safety. As "Oishinbo" points out, the way the government has disclosed information on the leak of radioactive substances from the crippled power plant deserves severe criticism. The government's official position that radioactively contaminated water is under control has also certainly evoked a sense of distrust among members of the public. A long-term follow-up study should be conducted on the impact of exposure to low levels of radiation over a long period on human health.

There are many other points of contention that need to be addressed. However, members of the general public, politicians and experts cannot hold constructive debate on these matters if they become emotional. All members of the public should consider these matters calmly with Fukushima residents.