Arab News Japan

TOKYO: A petition signed by 153,413 people was submitted to the Tokyo Supreme Court on Wednesday calling for an extension of the deadline under which people can apply for compensation for forced sterilization that took place in Japan under the so-called Eugenics Law.

The sterilization law promulgated in 1948 forced certain people to be sterilized in order to “eradicate” criminality, mental disability, and diseases such as leprosy that doctors believed to be hereditary.

SATO Fuki from the Kyosaren Association for People with Disabilities explained that more than 25,000 victims of forced sterilization were recorded between 1948 and 1996, and that there were cases of sterilization taking place even after the Eugenics Law was abolished.

Disability protection associations, lawyers, and victims submitted a petition with 153,413 signatories to have the deadline extended for compensation for victims of forced sterilization.

The petition asks that the state assume its responsibilities and that the period of 20 years to apply for compensation is too short.

At a rally that took place on Wednesday, several victims were present. SABURO Kenta submitted his case to the Supreme Court after the state appealed a judgment in his favor.

An opinion issued by the Supreme Court said the law on eugenics is contrary to the Japanese Constitution. The courts of Osaka, Tokyo and Sapporo have rendered judgments in favor of those sterilized against their will.