Waste water containers at Fukushima nuclear reactor, Japan on August 22, 2023 (Photo: Kyodo/VNA)

IAEA Director General Rafael Grossi is visiting Japan for the first time since the release began in August 2023, amid continued criticism of Japan by China over the discharge of "nuclear-contaminated water" into the sea from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear complex.

At the outset of their meeting, Hayashi said the IAEA's involvement in the releasing of the treated water "remains important," adding that Japan "would like to continue working closely" with the international organization "until the last drop is discharged."

Grossi told Hayashi, Japan's top government spokesman, that Tokyo and the IAEA marked a "very important milestone last year" and pledged to join hands with Japan to tackle the water issue.