Hyogo to distribute leaflets on compensation for forced sterilization victims

By Barrier Free Japan

September 7 2026

HYOGO – Hyogo Prefecture will distribute leaflets to about 450,000 households in 12 municipalities from November to raise awareness of compensation available to victims of forced sterilization under Japan’s former Eugenic Protection Law.

The Kobe Shimbun reported on September 4 that the campaign is aimed at reaching potential victims who have yet to apply for compensation, rather than waiting for them to come forward.

Hyogo was among the prefectures that actively promoted eugenic policies in the 1960s and 1970s under the now-defunct law.

Under a compensation law that took effect in January 2025, victims of forced sterilization are entitled to ¥15 million, their spouses to ¥5 million, and victims of forced abortions to ¥2 million. Applications are handled by prefectural governments.

The leaflet campaign is scheduled to begin in November 2026.