August 22, Tuesday, 2023

1. Japan’s government has finalized when it will begin releasing treated and diluted water from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the ocean. The plan sets into motion as soon as Thursday.　Prime Minister Kishida Fumio said, “The release is expected on Thursday, as long as weather and sea conditions don’t cause any issues. We will take responsibility until the discharge of the treated water is completed, no matter how long it takes, for the next several decades.” 2. Thailand’s ousted former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra has set foot in the country for the first time in 15 years amid rumors of a pardon. Thaksin arrived in Bangkok by private jet on Tuesday morning and was welcomed by family members and supporters. He knelt before a portrait of the Thai king and waved with a smile.
3. President Joe Biden is visiting the US state of Hawaii to inspect the massive damage caused by wildfires in Maui two weeks ago. He interrupted his summer vacation to go there. Biden walked through the scorched remains of Lahaina, a popular tourist destination that was devastated by the fires.