Japan Petitions South Korea to Lift Ban on Seafood Imports from Japan
In a recent development, Japan's Minister of Agriculture, Shinjiro Koizumi, met with South Korea's Foreign Minister Cho Hyun in Seoul for discussions regarding the ongoing ban on Japanese seafood imports. The meeting took place ahead of a possible visit to Japan by South Korean President Lee Jae Myung.
The talks occurred after Koizumi attended a trilateral agriculture ministers' meeting in Incheon with his Chinese and South Korean counterparts. It is unusual for a Japanese farm minister to meet with another country's foreign minister, but Koizumi urged Cho to scrap restrictions on Japanese seafood imports imposed after the 2011 Fukushima nuclear disaster. No information was provided about Cho's response to Koizumi's request regarding the South Korean seafood import restrictions.
As of the latest information in August 2025, South Korea has not removed its restrictions on Japanese seafood imports imposed after the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The ban is still in place, supported by WTO rulings and South Korea's precautionary stance, although bilateral discussions continue with hopes for eventual easing.
South Korea continues to prohibit seafood imports from eight Japanese prefectures, including Fukushima, due to radiation concerns. These restrictions were reaffirmed by the World Trade Organization (WTO) which upheld South Korea’s import ban, allowing the ban to be maintained "indefinitely" until safety concerns are fully resolved.
Interestingly, some restrictions on Japanese seafood imports from China remain, but it is not specified when China imposed its ban. In June, China lifted its ban on Japanese seafood imports that was imposed in August 2023.
The Japanese government has been urging South Korea to scrap restrictions on Japanese seafood imports, citing the restoration of trust in Japanese foods. Koizumi stated that trust in Japanese foods has been fully restored, and expressed optimism about fostering smooth communication to remove the ban.
Despite Japan’s assurances about the safety of its seafood, South Korea’s government remains firm on maintaining the ban to protect food safety. The ongoing diplomatic efforts and anticipated high-level talks aim to possibly address the issue.
The meeting between Koizumi and Cho occurred in Seoul, but the exact date is not specified. The Japanese and South Korean governments are arranging a visit by the South Korean president for talks with Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba.
The eight other Japanese prefectures are required by Seoul to provide certificates of radiation inspection before their seafood can be imported. The ban on Japanese seafood imports by South Korea was imposed after the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant in 2011.
[1] Japan's Agriculture Minister Urges South Korea to Lift Seafood Import Ban
[2] WTO Upholds South Korea's Import Ban on Japanese Seafood
[3] South Korea Stands Firm on Japanese Seafood Import Ban
[4] China Lifts Ban on Japanese Seafood Imports
[5] Japan Urges South Korea to Scrap Seafood Import Ban
