A team of experts from the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) met Japanese government officials in Tokyo Monday as part of a mission to check on progress in the cleanup at the Fukushima Dai-ichi nuclear plant, which repeatedly leaked radioactive water into the Pacific Ocean after a 2011 earthquake and subsequent meltdowns.
The Japanese government has been stepping up efforts to allow international help after Tokyo was criticized for its perceived reluctance to accept foreign expertise in handling the situation.
The 16-member IAEA team is conducting a follow-up mission focusing on dealing with contaminated areas surrounding the site.
During their nine-day visit, the IAEA experts plan to coordinate with the Japanese government and nuclear officials and to visit villages near the power plant.
Many Fukushima residents have not returned to their homes because of the radioactive contamination, even after the Japanese government lifted evacuation advisories in some areas.