5th LD Writethru: Japan announces ocean discharge of Fukushima nuke wastewater amid protest

TOKYO, Aug. 22 (Xinhua) -- Despite public concerns and raging opposition from both home and abroad, the Japanese government said Tuesday it has decided to start releasing nuclear-contaminated wastewater from the crippled Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the ocean on Thursday.

Despite pouring rain, hundreds of Japanese gathered on Tuesday morning in front of the Japanese prime minister's official residence to protest the government's irresponsible decision.