Implementation of International Marine Law in Maintaining Marine Wealth (Fukushima Nuclear Waste Disposal)

This paper examines the legal and environmental impacts of Japan's nuclear waste disposal policy and its implications for international relations with neighboring countries. Using the theory of state obligations and responsibility as a theoretical framework, the research applies a normative approach. The sea, as a vital natural resource, must be protected from pollution, and coastal nations, including Japan, are obligated to preserve it. Japan has developed nuclear power to replace coal and petroleum for electricity generation, reducing carbon emissions and addressing resource limitations. However, nuclear power presents significant challenges in managing nuclear waste, which is difficult to decompose and requires secure storage. With no available space to store its growing nuclear waste, Japan decided to dispose of it in the Pacific Ocean. This decision raised concerns about marine pollution and triggered responses from neighboring countries such as South Korea, Hong Kong, Macau, and China, which halted seafood imports from Japan. This research aims to analyze the legality of Japan's actions, assess their environmental impact, and explore the consequences for international relations in the region.