YOKOHAMA (Kyodo) The Yokohama District Court on Wednesday dismissed a damages suit filed by three former smokers who argued they have developed health problems, including lung cancer, because Japan Tobacco Inc. has sold cigarettes despite acknowledging their harmfulness and the state has not imposed significant regulations on distribution.
"It cannot be said that JT recognizes it would lead the general public to develop diseases and die if it continues producing and selling (cigarettes)," presiding Judge Kunio Mizuno said.
He also discharged the state from liability, rejecting the demand of Koreyoshi Takahashi, 67, from Yokohama, and two other plaintiffs that JT and the state pay ¥10 million in compensation to each of them.
The three plaintiffs had smoked for 20 to 37 years. One has already died, and thus kin are serving as plaintiffs.
Mizuno said the Diet should decide how to deal with the production and sale of cigarettes following national debate.
During the court sessions, JT argued each person has the free will to decide whether to smoke and sought the rejection of the suit.