Minamata disease lawsuit Some plaintiffs admit to having the disease but dismiss the lawsuit Kumamoto District Court

More than 140 people in Kumamoto and Kagoshima, claiming that it was unfair that they were not recognized as having Minamata disease and not eligible for relief measures, sought compensation from the national government, Kumamoto prefecture, and the companies that caused the disease. The court dismissed both of the plaintiffs' claims.

The 144 people in their 50s to 100s who live in Minamata City and Amakusa City, Kumamoto Prefecture, and Izumi City, Kagoshima Prefecture, are not recognized as having Minamata disease, despite having symptoms specific to Minamata disease, such as numbness in their hands and feet. Claiming that it was unfair that they were excluded from the special measures law that provides relief for victims, the lawsuit demanded compensation of 4.5 million yen per person from the national government, Kumamoto prefecture, and Chisso, the company responsible.

In a ruling on the 22nd, Kumamoto District Court Presiding Judge Hideki Shinagawa dismissed both of the plaintiffs' claims.

Regarding 25 of the plaintiffs, he acknowledged that he was suffering from Minamata disease, but dismissed the suit, pointing out that the ``exclusion period'' during which he could seek compensation for damages had passed.

The government's relief plan targets people who have lived in the "target area" around Minamata Bay for more than a year, and who were born before the end of November 1969, the year after Chisso stopped discharging organic mercury. The appropriateness of the standards for these remedies was disputed.

Last year, in the first ruling in a similar class action lawsuit, the Osaka District Court recognized all of the plaintiffs as having Minamata disease and ordered the government and other parties to pay compensation, leading to a split decision.

Plaintiff: ``Seeks relief for all victims''

At the Kumamoto District Court, many people participated in a raffle for tickets. According to the court, 185 people lined up for the 10 general audience seats, which meant the magnification was 18.5 times.

After the verdict was handed down, the plaintiff's lawyer held up a sign in front of the Kumamoto District Court with the words ``Unjust judgment'' and ``We demand relief for all Minamata disease victims.'' Plaintiffs and supporters were in tears and with their heads down.