Hundreds of people across Japan on Thursday filed a landmark lawsuit against the central government, seeking damages over what they describe as “unconstitutional” inaction on climate change—the first compensation claim of its kind in the country.
The lawsuit, brought by around 450 plaintiffs, argues that Japan’s “grossly inadequate” climate policies are endangering citizens’ health, livelihoods, and constitutional rights.
“We have officially submitted our complaint and evidence, and the court has accepted the lawsuit,” lead lawyer Akihiro Shima told AFP.
Heatwaves Harming Lives and Livelihoods
Among the plaintiffs is Kiichi Akiyama, a 57-year-old construction worker, who said increasingly extreme heat has forced his team to slow down dramatically, resulting in major financial losses.
“People collapse while working in the field, and some have even died after returning home,” he said.
Akiyama added that tasks now take three times longer to complete and that he can barely dig with a shovel for more than ten minutes without resting.
“We wouldn’t be in this terrible situation if the government had taken more initiative in implementing policies,” he said.
First Compensation Claim Against the State
While Japan has previously seen climate-related lawsuits—such as cases targeting coal-fired power plants—this is the first lawsuit seeking compensation directly from the state for climate inaction, according to Masako Ichihara, an assistant professor at Kyoto University.
“The defendant’s climate measures are grossly inadequate, and as a result, the plaintiffs’ rights to a peaceful life and a stable climate are being violated,” the complaint summary stated.
Record Heat and Growing Risks
Japan experienced its hottest summer on record this year, with data going back to 1898. Plaintiffs argue that extreme heatwaves are causing economic damage, destroying crops, and exposing vulnerable populations to dangerous heatstroke.
Another plaintiff, Saito, who spoke on condition that only her surname be used, said her six-year-old son is increasingly unable to play outdoors.
“Public pools are sometimes closed due to heatstroke alerts. Playground equipment becomes burning hot—it’s frightening,” she said.
Global Legal Momentum
The lawsuit mirrors similar legal actions worldwide. In South Korea, young activists recently won Asia’s first constitutional climate case, while courts in Germany ruled national climate targets unconstitutional in 2021.
The Japanese plaintiffs are seeking 1,000 yen ($6.50) per person in damages. Lawyer Shima said the goal is accountability rather than financial compensation.
“This is about the country’s responsibility,” he said.
Paris Agreement at the Core
The lawsuit challenges Japan’s emissions targets, arguing they fall short of the Paris Agreement’s goal of limiting global warming to 1.5°C.
Japan aims to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 60 percent by 2035 and 73 percent by 2040 compared with 2013 levels. However, the plaintiffs say these targets are not legally binding and fall “significantly short” of reductions recommended by the UN Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC).
“This legislative omission is unmistakably unconstitutional,” the complaint stated.
Slim Legal Odds, Strong Public Impact
Experts caution that a legal victory may be difficult. However, Ichihara noted that the case could still succeed in raising public awareness due to its relatable human impact.
“If the purpose is to change public discourse, this lawsuit already has power,” she said.
