The government will not appeal a Tokyo High Court ruling ordering it to certify 29 of 30 plaintiffs as suffering from illnesses caused by radiation from the atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, welfare minister Yoichi Masuzoe said Tuesday.

"The government will proceed with necessary procedures to certify the plaintiffs who were given the court ruling," Masuzoe said.

However, he stopped short of promising to certify all other plaintiffs, saying, "The government will listen to opinions of the plaintiffs, consult with the chief Cabinet secretary and the final decision will be made by Prime Minister Taro Aso."