Japan Court Orders Damages over Niigata Minamata Disease

A Japanese district court has ordered chemical company Resonac Holdings Corp., formerly known as Showa Denko K.K., to pay damages to 26 out of 47 plaintiffs who claimed to suffer from Niigata Minamata disease, a neurological disorder caused by mercury poisoning. The court awarded each of the 26 plaintiffs 4 million yen (approximately $57,000) in compensation.

The plaintiffs, aged 50 to 90, were not officially recognized as Minamata disease patients and were excluded from a special relief program. They had demanded 8.8 million yen per person in damages from both the government and Resonac Holdings. While the court rejected the claim against the government, it determined that the 26 plaintiffs were highly likely to be suffering from Minamata disease due to consuming fish from the Agano River, which was contaminated with methylmercury discharged from a plant operated by Showa Denko K.K.

The court ruled that there was a high probability the plaintiffs suffered from mercury poisoning based on their symptoms. It also stated that the statute of limitations should be restricted, as the patients faced discrimination and prejudice that made it difficult for them to exercise their rights. However, the court dismissed claims against the Japanese government, concluding that it was difficult to determine if the government could have predicted the specific health damage to local residents caused by the mercury discharge.

Why this matters: This ruling is significant as it is the third in a series of group lawsuits filed by individuals who were left out of official relief measures for Minamata and Niigata Minamata disease. The decision highlights the ongoing legal battles and challenges faced by sufferers seeking recognition and compensation for the devastating effects of industrial pollution on human health and the environment.

The Niigata Minamata disease case is the second major instance of severe mercury poisoning in Japan, following the original Minamata disease outbreak in Kumamoto Prefecture, which was formally acknowledged in 1956. The disease, caused by the consumption of methylmercury-tainted fish and shellfish, leads to paralysis of the central nervous system and birth defects. This ruling is the second verdict in a series of similar lawsuits filed across Japan, with previous court decisions being divided on the issue of compensation for unrecognized victims.

Key Takeaways

• Japanese court orders chemical firm to pay $57K each to 26 Minamata victims
• Plaintiffs, aged 50-90, were excluded from official Minamata disease relief program
• Court ruled high probability of mercury poisoning from contaminated fish consumption
• Statute of limitations restricted due to discrimination faced by patients
• Ruling highlights ongoing legal battles for recognition and compensation of industrial pollution