Japan presses ASEAN to lift post-Fukushima export curbs

It's not an export curb, it's an import curb.

Japan can export it if wants, meaning that they can load it onto the ship and send it off, it's just that the countries in question won't import the product once it reaches their port.

I think it will take some independent studies to confirm what Mr. Yamaguchi is saying. The J-gov now has a record of liking to hide or not disclose relevant information.

The vice-minister should remember when Japan placed American beef imports off-limits because of lingering doubts of health issues. He shouldn't wonder about JP food importation restrictions by ASEAN countries just after one year ago of radiation poisoning. As you know vice-minister, radiation tend to stay in the environment for some time to come so other countries might have a big concern regarding your food stuff. I don't blame them, just as I don't blame Japan for placing restrictions on American beef at that time.

Since the Japanese government has shown it has little concern for the health of its citizens, governments overseas would be wise to keep restrictions in place. Distrusting the pronouncements of local authorities, housewives all over Japan still refuse to buy produce from Fukushima, as they rationally err on the side of caution. ASEAN countries should follow the lead of these savvy consumers.

“I wanted to ask countries to relax or lift restrictions… based on scientific data,” Yamaguchi told reporters at the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) meeting in Phnom Penh.

Yeah l would ensure that the scientific data is independently provided and does not come from Japan. Afterall they have a nice track record now of fiddling figures, smudging facts and so forth in an effort to show all is fine and dandy. In other words dont believe a word they say and check for yourself before you trust the Japanese.

Why would they, when they know the Japanese had been completely untruthful in regards to radioactivity data, and continues to raise the "accepted radioactivity level" in foods without a single concern over the welfare of children in foreign nations.

It all depends on who provides the data, if its separated third party non - japanese data financed openly by Tepco , i dont see a problem. Any Japanese government data already is found to be complete falsified anyway, no wonder none trusts it