Tests done on supplies of milk and spinach from up to 90 miles away from the reactor failure site show increased levels of radiation. Although neither the seafood markets or live stock tested positive, a Japanese agricultural ex
fears that the threat of contamination could lead to "brand damage." Not only would the blow negatively effect the country's exports in these markets now, but the bad image would create a long-lasting reduction in the consumption
Hiroshi Uchida believes that the only way to comfort buyers is to provide tests to prove the beef is safe.
Just like the problems that the gulf fishermen faced after the oil spill, Trevor Corson stated that the Japanese seafood industry will have to work hard to "establish faith in the safety of their seafood."
The
Tsukiji fish market is one of the the largest in the world. New York Times reports that 10% of the inventory came from the shores of Tohoku - the central site of the earthquake. The general manager of Tsukiji does not have high hopes for the market, stating "At least for now, the brand is finished. Gone. It's hopeless." With this large source gone, fish necessary to make sushi are near impossible for restaurants to obtain. Suppliers are turning to other competitive markets to buy their seafood.
Tsukiji Fish Market Before the Nuclear Collapse
Kobe beef can be worth as much as $50,000 per
cattle. As of Saturday March 12th, farmers had not tested the cattle nor have they tested the feed they give to their prized animals. Kazunori Ikeda said "We're not afraid of contamination because Kobe is so far from Fukushima. I'm sure all cattlemen in Japan feel the same way." Although it is true that over 360 miles away from the reactor s
ite, the damage to the water and feed supply are of more concern. Masaru Takahashi, manager of JA Cooperative, reports “We have only 20 percent of the feed we need. I can’t imagine what effect this is going to have on our herd.”
Also, if rumors of the radiation contamination continue to envelope the minds of potential buyers, Takahashi fears that no one will buy their products.
As for the other parts of this assignment, they're labeled and appear below.
Print Story - 500 words
The devastation in Japan seems to only keep mounting. Not only have the earthquake, tsunami, and nuclear reactor failure taken the lives of countless citizens, now The New York Times reports that the threat of radiation is now pressing on the country’s food supply.
Tests performed on crops of spinach and milk have proven that the radiation levels have indeed risen. Both of the milk and spinach were grown and harvested from over ninety miles from Fukushima, the site of the nuclear reactor failure. This fear of contamination is spreading rapidly throughout the nation, and rumors of unsafe products are spreading to markets and Western buyers.
Japan is famous for its brands of Kobe beef and sushi, both bringing in profits in the millions of dollars for the nation. Former agricultural scientist Hiroshi Uchida fears that unless the government starts testing and proving the beef is unaffected by the release of radiation from Fukushima, “it will damage all the brands and people won’t buy any of it, even if it’s safe.”
Not only is there a fear of tainted mean, but as for first markets in Japan, such as the world’s largest Tsukiji, they have already experienced huge losses due to the earthquake. One of the primary fish harvesting locations, Tohoku, had its docks shattered and destroyed, lost fleets of ships, and supplies of scallops, seaweed, bonito and shark’s fin – products which the market is famous for. The general manager of Tsukiji doesn’t seem hopeful for the future, stating “It’s not like the brand is just damaged now — it’s over. At least for now, the brand is finished. Gone. It’s hopeless.”
Sushi chef, Tomohito Narasaki, at the Tsukiji market reinforced the impact of the loss of Tohoku. He said “Scallops, sardines and oysters from Tohoku, none of that is available now,” and also mentioned how millions of dollars had been lost in bluefin tuna, red snapper, and yellowtail because of the destruction as Tohoku.
Cattlemen of Kobe beef are stationed over 360 miles away from the terrible failure of the nuclear power plant at Fukushima. This being said many are confident that their cows are safe from the radiation, and that they will not have increased levels of radiation. One such man is Kazunori Ikeda, director of the Wagyu Registry Association. He stated “I don’t need any tests. We’re not afraid of contamination because Kobe is so far from Fukushima. I’m sure all cattlemen in Japan feel the same way. I’m confident.”
However, according to Masaru Takahashi, manager of the JA Cooperative, another problem being consequently inflicted on the beef industry is the lack of the necessary water and feed available. “We can’t feed our cows anymore because of the shortages of feed and water. We have only 20 percent of the feed we need. I can’t imagine what effect this is going to have on our herd,” stated a concerned Takahashi.
Mr. Takahashi also expressed his fear that trade nations will refuse to buy Japanese products when he stated “If the rumors grow, I’m not confident that anyone will buy our beef, even if it’s the highest quality and even if it’s safe.” It seems that his fears are coming true.
Despite the safety and testing of many Japanese products, many nations have already reduced their trade with the nation. According to the Asia Pacific News, China, Russia, Australia, Singapore, the United States, South Korea and Taiwan have all put restrictions on food imports from Japan after the natural disasters and nuclear collapse.
Television Script - 60 Seconds
Things continue to look dim for the Japanese people.
News has surfaced that the radiation stemming from the failed nuclear power plant in Fukushima is affecting their food supply.
The New York Times reported that milk and spinach from far outside of Fukushima have tested positive for heightened levels of radiation.
(Video of nuclear plant explosion will play from “News has surfaced… “ to “levels of radiation”)
What will this mean for specialty Japanese products such as Kobe beef and sushi?
The earthquake has already destroyed the docks and fleets surrounding fish markets and now radiation threatens to deplete the supply of scallions, oysters, and fish even more.
As for Kobe beef the cattlemen leading the herds are confident their live stock will not be affected by the radiation because they are over 350 miles away.
However a lack of necessary resources presents a more immediate problem.
According to Masaru Takahashi manager of JA Cooperative the usual supply of water and feed for the cattle has been cut down by 80%.
Depending on how rumors of radiation spread throughout Western nations Japan may not be able to sell any of their exports - safe or not.
(Video of Kobe beef preparation and cattle will play from “As for Kobe beef…” to end)
Radio Script - 20 Seconds
Things are continuing to look dim for the Japanese.
The effects of the nuclear reactor failing are now spilling into their food supply .
The New York Times reports that elevated levels of radiation have been found.
Now fear spreads to Kobe beef and sushi.
No exported shipments have been found contaminated but the findings will hurt the sale of Japan’s brands.
However distant cattlemen are convinced their herds will be unharmed from the radiation.
