Japan Calls Out Its Dark Past—And Promises a Small Payment
Yesterday, Tokyo made a bold public apology for a cruel chapter that lasted nearly half a century. The government passed a law that finally compensates tens of thousands of people who were sterilized—often without their blessing—under a public policy that warned against “inferior descendants.” The policy ran from 1948 until it was quietly shelved in 1996.
A Not‑So‑Delicate Backstory
- Huge portion of victims were disabled, mentally ill, or had chronic conditions like leprosy (now known as Hansen’s disease).
- Many were operated on while still teens, and the surgeries left them infertile.
- The law allowed a board of experts to approve mandatory sterilizations—often with a rushed review and no solid consent.
What the New Law Actually Does
- Victims can apply for 3.2 million yen (≈ $38,913) each—24 hours later is the deadline.
- They have a 5‑year window to submit their claim, subject to board approval.
- Both the upper and lower houses of the Diet voted unanimously, proving this is a sober, collective decision.
From the Office of the Prime Minister
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe publicly apologized, saying, “I am truly sorry from the bottom of my heart.” He pledged the government would “eradicate discrimination against the disabled.” He noted that many people suffered painfully when infants were denoted as a medical problem rather than a human right.
The Numbers that Shocked Everyone
- More than 25,000 were sterilized during the law’s tenure.
- At least 16,500 of those had no consent at all.
- Sterilizations peaked in the 60s and 70s; the last one happened in 1993.
Coming Together for Justice
Around 20 plaintiffs have already filed lawsuits seeking compensation and a formal apology. The first trial’s ruling is expected by the end of May.
Is Japan Alone?
While Nazi Germany is best known for eugenics, nations across the globe implemented similar measures in peacetime. Most of them repealed those policies by the 1970s, but Japan’s delay feels like a giant footnote in history.
