Prime Minister Fumio Kishida met with plaintiffs who had recently won a landmark Supreme Court case on July 3rd. The court ruled that the defunct eugenics law was unconstitutional and ordered the central government to financially compensate victims.
The meeting took place on July 17th at the prime minister's office in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward. The plaintiffs were forced to undergo sterilization under the former law, which was enacted in 1948 and remained in effect until 1996. The law aimed to "prevent the birth of defective offspring."
Kishida opened the meeting by acknowledging the government's responsibility for the harm caused by the law. He stated that the government "bears an extremely grave responsibility" for the sterilization of at least 25,000 people over a period of 48 years. He offered a sincere apology on behalf of the government.
Kishida also announced that the government intends to withdraw its claim to evoke the statute of limitations in similar lawsuits that are still ongoing around the country. This will allow these lawsuits to move forward towards settlement or other resolution.
The Supreme Court's decision found that the former law was unconstitutional at the time of its enactment and ordered the government to pay reparations without applying the statute of limitations. The Japan Federation of Bar Associations has taken steps to offer consultations to individuals who may be unable to file lawsuits due to various reasons.
The plaintiffs are now demanding that the government act quickly in terms of compensation, citing the victims' ages and health concerns.