Japan's plan to reuse decontaminated soil from the Fukushima nuclear disaster has received approval from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) following a 16-month safety review. The IAEA concluded that the recycling and disposal of low-radioactivity soil is consistent with international safety standards, a finding welcomed by Environment Minister Shintaro Ito. Approximately 14 million cubic meters of contaminated soil have been stored since the 2011 disaster, with plans to use some of it for public works projects. However, there are concerns from opponents who accuse the government of exploiting dwindling international attention on the issue to accelerate land disposal efforts. Soil deemed unsuitable for recycling will be disposed of outside the affected region by 2045. The government aims to effectively manage and recycle the soil in accordance with the IAEA's recommendations.