In the wake of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant accident, Japan's Environment Minister Hirotaka Ishihara announced the government's commitment to finding specific locations for the reuse of decontamination soil generated during the clean-up in Fukushima. During a press conference, Ishihara indicated that he intends to finalize these locations while he is still in office, reflecting the urgency and significance of the issue. The government has outlined a phased approach for the reuse of this soil, first involving central government ministries in Tokyo, followed by regional government agencies and public or private enterprises.

As of September last year, some of the decontamination soil has already been utilized in various flower beds within government ministries in Tokyo. Responding to questions about the timing for further reuse, Ishihara stressed that while caution is essential in handling such materials, he is keen to advance the matter before a possible Cabinet reshuffle this autumn. His statement carries an implication that previous environment ministers have faced turnover, underscoring a need for continuity in addressing this pressing environmental concern.

The decontamination soil, which measures approximately 14.24 million cubic meters—equivalent to the volume of 11 Tokyo Domes—is stored at an interim storage facility near Fukushima. The government has made commitments to eventually dispose of this soil outside of Fukushima Prefecture. A strategic plan includes guidelines to use soil with radiation levels below 8,000 becquerels per kilogram in public construction projects, in order to reduce the volume that will require final disposal, addressing both environmental and public safety issues.