Japan Press Weekly

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2016 October 26 - November 1 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Osaka court: 2 Hibakusha suffer from A-bomb diseases

The Osaka District Court on October 27 recognized that illnesses of two Nagasaki A-bomb sufferers (Hibakusha) who now live in the southern-central region of Japan are caused by A-bomb radiation, nullifying the government decision rejecting their applications for recognition.

The two were exposed to A-bomb radiation 71 years ago in Nagasaki. However, as they were at that time outside the radius set by the government as one of the qualifications to meet A-bomb disease criteria, their applications were turned down.

Suspecting that the government underestimated the extent of their internal exposure to radiation, the court acknowledged that their cases of heart attack, severe arterial hemorrhage and breast cancer are due to A-bomb radiation.

After the court judgement, their supporters held a rally and received the two with a clapping of hands. An 84-year-old woman plaintiff said, “I feel relieved to be finally recognized as Hibakusha with A-bomb illnesses.” The other plaintiff, an 84-year-old man said, “Thanks to everyone who has supported us in court, we were able to reach a favorable outcome today.” Fujiwara Seigo who led the plaintiff counsel said, “The judge seemed to give weight to the A-bomb survivors’ testimonies.”

Following the court ruling, a liaison council of nationwide Hibakusha lawsuits and the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations (Nihon Hidankyo) made a representation to the Health and Welfare Ministry to demand that the authorities not file an appeal to a higher court against the ruling. The two organizations also demanded a review of the existing recognition criteria.

Nihon Hidankyo has been proposing that all Hibakusha be subject to the Hibakusha allowance and that a new program be created to provide an additional grant to Hibakusha based on the degree of their disabilities or diseases.

Judicial rulings in Tokyo and Kumamoto have already attributed illnesses of Hibakusha plaintiffs, whose applications were rejected under the current criteria, to their being exposed to A-bomb radiation in August 1945.

Past related articles:
> 6 Hibakusha in Tokyo win court recognition as A-bomb disease patients [June 30, 2016]
> 5 Hibakusha in Kumamoto win court ruling on recognition of A-bomb illnesses [March 29, 2014]
> Hibakusha disappointed with new criteria　[December 17, 2013]