Japan’s PM Kishida Apologizes Directly to Forced Sterilization Victims for “inexcusable violation of human rights”

By Barrier Free Japan, Kyodo, Jiji

July 17 2024

TOKYO – Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Wednesday apologized directly to victims of forced sterilizations conducted under the now-defunct eugenic protection law.

In what is often labeled as the worst human rights violation in Japan’s post-World War II history, the law allowed people with intellectual disabilities, mental illnesses or hereditary disorders to be sterilized without their consent to prevent the birth of “inferior” offspring.

In front of more than 130 plaintiffs, lawyers and supporters, Kishida said, “It is with deep regret that at least 25,000 people have suffered the grave harm of being sterilized,” under the eugenics law, which was in effect between 1948 and 1996.

In his first direct apology to the victims since the Supreme Court ruling on July 3, at a meeting with the victims held at the Prime Minister’s Office, Kishida expressed his government’s readiness to settle cases currently pending in courts and even compensate those who have not filed lawsuits, saying: “The government’s responsibility is extremely serious, I am sincerely sorry.”

“The old law was an inexcusable violation of human rights which tramples on individual dignity,” he said.

Kishida explained plans to work with ruling and opposition parties to create a new compensation program for victims.

 “We will reach a conclusion as soon as possible” on the new compensation program, the prime minister said. “We will do our best for a speedy resolution.”

Kishida said compensation will be granted not only to the victims themselves but also their spouses.

“I have instructed (the relevant people) to reach a conclusion as soon as possible on the form of compensation. I will do everything in my power to resolve the issue as quickly as possible,” he said.

Kishida proposed the establishment of a scheme to pay “sufficient and appropriate” compensation, taking into consideration the Supreme Court ruling. He did not specify the amount.

During the meeting, an 81-year-old plaintiff who uses the pseudonym Saburo Kita said he is not happy with the ruling and urged the government to “firmly take responsibility.” He was forced to undergo sterilization at the age of 14.