The crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant has prompted many countries to restrict the import of Japanese agricultural and industrial products. In recent talks with U.S. State Secretary Hillary Clinton in Washington, Foreign Minister Takeaki Matsumoto asked for American help in preventing import restrictions on Japanese products when they appear based on unfounded information.
Although Prime Minister Naoto Kan, in articles for publication in overseas newspapers, has stressed the safety of Japanese products, Japanese producers and exporters face difficulties.
Mr. Matsumoto has decided to give priority to mending the damage to the Japanese economy caused by the March 11 earthquake-tsunami and the subsequent nuclear crisis. He is publicizing the safety of Japanese products at various diplomatic meetings and through Japanese diplomatic missions abroad. He is also providing information and explanations to embassies of foreign countries in Tokyo.