Editorials Oct 16, 2018
The government needs to realize that time is running short for victims of asbestos-related diseases and explore ways for settling their cases out of court.
National / Crime & Legal Sep 1, 2018
Osaka High Court orders government, 10 firms to pay ¥302 million in damages over asbestos exposure
The Osaka High Court has ordered the government and 10 construction material makers to pay some ¥302 million in damages to 27 former construction workers and their kin over cancer and other health problems caused by asbestos. The court on Friday recognized the responsibility of ...
Business Jul 13, 2018
A Missouri jury on Thursday ordered Johnson & Johnson to pay a record $4.69 billion to 22 women who alleged the company's talc-based products, including its baby powder, contain asbestos and caused them to develop ovarian cancer. The verdict is the largest the firm has ...
Editorials Nov 2, 2017
The government should craft a new program to provide relief to asbestos victims, many of whom are aging and ailing.
National / Crime & Legal Oct 25, 2017
Yokohama District Court finds government and two firms liable in asbestos case
The government and two manufacturers of construction materials were found liable for ¥306 million in damages over asbestos-related health problems, according to a ruling by the Yokohama District Court on Tuesday. Presiding judge Yuko Otake said the state failed to put adequate asbestos regulations in ...
National Apr 16, 2016
Contamination: The human cost of dioxin, PCBs and pollution at Kadena Air Base
by Jon Mitchell
Documents recently obtained under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act highlight the American base's struggles to manage hazardous waste.
National Apr 9, 2016
Contamination: Kadena Air Base's dirty secret
by Jon Mitchell
For the first time, documents released under the U.S. Freedom of Information Act reveal extensive pollution on an active American base in Japan.
National Jan 29, 2016
State, building supply makers ordered to pay redress for asbestos contamination
A court ordered the state and nine makers of building materials on Friday to pay ¥216 million ($1.8 million) in damages to former construction workers and their families for illnesses they developed after being exposed to asbestos at construction sites. A total of 27 plaintiffs, ...
National / Crime & Legal Feb 19, 2015
Supreme Court upholds Kubota liability in asbestos death case
The Supreme Court has upheld a ruling that found asbestos used at a Kubota Corp. plant caused fatal mesothelioma in a man who lived near the plant and ordered the company to pay ¥31.9 million in damages to his relatives. It's the first time the ...
National Nov 18, 2014
Japanese docs trying to stop all asbestos use in Asia
by Tatsuya Tsujimura
Japanese doctors are stepping up efforts to help Asia's developing economies stop using asbestos, sharing knowledge bitterly learned in Japan about the serious and fatal illnesses caused by the material that was used in abundance during the postwar economic boom through the 1970s. Emerging economies ...
National Oct 28, 2014
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki has apologized to the plaintiffs in two suits in which the Supreme Court held the government responsible for failing to prevent factory workers from being exposed to asbestos. "I offer my most sincere apology to everybody. . . ...
National / Crime & Legal Oct 22, 2014
Government agrees to pay damages to asbestos workers after Supreme Court win
Health minister Yasuhisa Shiozaki says Tokyo will settle a pending asbestos suit brought by Osaka Prefecture factory workers and their families, after the Supreme Court ruled in their favor.