Japanese fisheries operators have voiced growing concern over their export prospects after recent erroneous remarks by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi sparked public outrage in China.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson Mao Ning said on Wednesday that “under the current circumstances, even if Japanese seafood is exported to China, there would be no market for it.”
Fisheries operators in Japan’s Hokkaido, Aomori and several other regions said they are deeply worried about the potential impact on their businesses.
Some industry representatives stressed that the sales of Japanese seafood should not suffer because of one individual’s wrongful remarks, calling on the Japanese government to offer an explanation and take responsible action.
The Hokkaido prefecture’s local government convened an emergency meeting on Wednesday to address concerns raised by fisheries operators, warning that it is necessary for the government to take responsive measures as the anxiety among those engaged in the fisheries industry, producers and residents is growing day by day.