Japan Press Weekly

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2019 October 22 - 29 [US FORCES]

Appeals court increases compensation for noise pollution at Iwakuni base

The Hiroshima High Court on October 25 acknowledged the illegality of noise damage to the residents living near the Iwakuni air base (Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Pref.) and ordered the central government to pay 735.4 million yen in compensation, up 4,000 yen a month per plaintiff from the lower court decision.

However, upholding the district court decision, the high court rejected compensation for future damages and the suspension of flights.

The Iwakuni base is used by the U.S. military and Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, and more than 650 surrounding residents had been fighting in court to seek compensation for noise pollution, the suspension of late night/early morning flights, and an injunction against the relocation of U.S. carrier-borne aircraft to the base.

After the appellate court ruling, plaintiffs and their lawyers held a meeting and Tsuda Toshiaki, leader of the plaintiffs, said "The decision is unreasonable and very disappointing. We'd just like to leave a peaceful and quiet sky to our children and grandchildren."

The statement they published on the day points out that the only way to completely eradicate the causes of noise pollution is with the suspension of flights, and criticizes the Japanese judicial authorities for abandoning their responsibility by giving carte blanche to U.S. flights on the grounds that Japan has no authority over U.S. military conduct in Japan.

Past related article:
> Iwakuni citizens file suit against U.S. military aircraft noise [March 24, 2009]