Overview
- Asahi Shimbun and Mainichi report that China informed Japan it would stop taking Japanese seafood imports, with Mainichi saying applications will be paused.
- Chief Cabinet Secretary Minoru Kihara said the government has received no contact from China and reiterated plans to push for smoother exports and the removal of remaining prefectural curbs.
- The reported move follows China’s 2023 blanket ban tied to Fukushima’s treated-water release and a partial reopening this year, with some Hokkaido scallops shipped earlier in November.
- China was Japan’s largest seafood export market in 2022 at ¥87.1 billion, including ¥48.9 billion in scallops, highlighting the stakes for Hokkaido producers.
- Hokkaido processors say repeated disruptions show China is unreliable and describe efforts to expand domestic and U.S. sales, while some Japanese officials expect a prolonged chill in ties.