The Tokyo District Court on Thursday backed claims by residents in western Tokyo that the expropriation of their land for the construction of a new expressway was illegal, ruling that the project will not generate the public benefits touted by the government.
The ruling itself does not carry the power to return the land to the residents, who will thus need to take additional legal steps.
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda indicated the government will consider whether to appeal after examining the ruling.