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Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

PCB-tainted cooking oil victims call for overall relief

All organizations of the Kanemi cooking oil poisoning victims held a rally on April 16 in Kita-Kyushu City in Fukuoka Prefecture, demanding that the government take overall relief measures for the victims of the worst ever food poisoning incident in Japan. 143 victims attended the rally.

It was the first time in 33 years that all these victims' organizations came together.

At the rally, they decided to request the government to pay full medical costs, extend healthcare and livelihood support, and offer relief for those who are not officially recognized as victims.

A yet to be recognized victim said in tears, "All of my four children suffer from liver or kidney diseases. I don't know how many times I thought of committing suicide with them."

Speaking on behalf of the Japanese Communist Party, House of Councilors member Nihi Sonei said, "The JCP will make its utmost effort to bring to light the full extent of the damage and to provide the victims with overall relief."

JCP Dietmembers Nihi and Akamine Seiken have recently brought up the issue of the victims' relief in the House of Councilors and the House of Representatives, respectively.

In 1968, more than 14,000 people suffered health damages from the PCB and dioxin contaminated cooking oil, "Kenemi Rice Oil," produced by Kita-Kyusu-based Kanemi Soko Co. which advertised the oil as, "good for health."

Due to the government set criteria which are groundless both medically and legally, the number of officially recognized victims is only about 1,900.

The victims still suffer from such diseases as purulent wounds, severe headaches, and systemic symptoms like depression, tumors, and hepatic disorders. Squeezed by high medical costs, they also experience economic hardships.
- Akahata, April 17, 2006