Citizen Groups in Japan’s Iwakuni Demand Investigation into Permanent Chemical Pollution at U.S. Military Base

Japanese media reported on December 1 that a water body near the U.S. military base in Iwakuni, Japan, tested positive for perfluoroalkyl and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) at a concentration of 134.4 nanograms per liter—approximately 2.7 times Japan’s national standard. This marks the third consecutive test showing elevated levels of these substances. These “persistent chemicals” are difficult to degrade. Long-term exposure can harm reproductive health and may induce diseases such as breast cancer. Local civic groups have demanded that the Japanese government and U.S. military investigate the base to identify the source of contamination. However, officials from Yamaguchi Prefecture stated they “do not plan” to request an investigation from the U.S. military, sparking strong public opposition.