Japan’s History of Eugenics and the Fight for Justice
Japan is facing a reckoning with its past as details of a disturbing chapter in its history have emerged; last month a government report revealed that between 1948 and 1996, approximately 16,500 people, including children as young as nine, were forcibly sterilised under a now-defunct eugenics law. The law aimed to prevent the birth of children considered "poor-quality descendants" and to protect the mother's life and health. Most victims were women, and about 8,000 others gave their consent under pressure, while nearly 60,000 women had abortions due to hereditary illnesses. Among those affected during this period were also thousands of leprosy patients who had been confined to isolated institutions until 1996, when the leprosy prevention law was finally abolished.
Japan's history with eugenics and forced sterilisation is a dark and troubling chapter in its past. During the early 20th century, the eugenics movement gained popularity worldwide, including in Japan. The eugenics movement in Japan gained momentum during the wartime period, as the government sought to promote a healthy and productive population to support its military ambitions. The authorities believed that selective breeding and the elimination of "inferior" genes would strengthen the nation.
The victims have campaigned for decades for redress, seeking financial compensation and recognition for the physical and mental suffering they endured. In 2019, the Japanese government under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe offered an official apology to victims and passed legislation offering each victim compensation of 3.2m Japanese Yen (£22,000). The apology and redress law came about following a series of lawsuits by victims who broke decades of silence. Politicians from both ruling and opposition parties united to draft the compensation package and express their remorse for the past injustices.
However, many victims have still not yet received their compensation, with the application deadline expiring in April 2024. Some courts have awarded damages to victims, but others have cited statute of limitations and have yet to pay. Many surviving victims, particularly elderly ones, feel that accountability has been delayed due to government inaction, and that time is running out for them to seek justice. Some have called for a re-examination of the relief law, asserting that it failed to consider the victims' experiences and wishes.
Experts point out that eugenics-related views still exist in Japanese society, with examples like "bridal checks" and prenatal diagnostic testing being viewed as ways to "internalise" eugenics. Many in Japan call for further discussions on the subject in parliament, a new law to hold accountable those responsible for past sterilisations, increased compensation for victims, and an environment that fosters open discussions on reproductive issues for everyone, including those with disabilities.