Japan Feels the Aftermath of Shocking Sterilization Scandal
In a move that feels like a plot twist straight out of a drama, Japan’s lawmakers are setting out to finally make amends for a chilling chapter in its history — the forced sterilization of thousands of citizens. Even kids as young as nine weren’t spared.
What the Law Actually Did
- 16,500 people ended up on the helpline of fate between the 1940s and 1996.
- Under the name the eugenics law, people with mental disabilities or conditions like leprosy were forced to undergo sterilization or abortion — all without a single written consent.
- Local authorities deemed each case individually, then signed off with the bland assurance, “All clear.”
The Call for Justice
The drama unfolded when a 60‑year‑old Japanese woman sued the government, digging up her 1972 sterilization process that was carried out because she was deemed mentally disabled. She hoped that the government would finally… but governments don’t always deliver the expected drama twist.
- Her lawyer, Koji Niisato, claimed the government and parliament had been silent for decades.
- Three more victims (one woman, two men) have also lined up to file lawsuits. A class‑action is already cooking in the legal kitchen.
What Others Did
Germany and Sweden had a comparable law. Both of them ended up saying, “Oops, we messed up.” They apologized and paid compensation. Maybe Japan can follow suit.
Leprosy Victims & the Birth Ban
The law was even crueler for leprosy sufferers, forcing abortions because of the “no‑children” policy. In 2005, for the first time, a Japanese court decided the state owed a former leprosy patient damages.
A Rapid Rally to Find Answers
Takeo Kawamura, the liberal candidate in the ranks, pledged to get into the thick of the investigation. He plans to thoroughly investigate the problem with a cross‑party parliamentary team. Think of it as a joint mystery‑solving spree.
Gone are the days when the post‑war context might have been a safety blanket. Today, people in Japan feel a strong desire to sort this out and lift the weight off everyone’s shoulders.
