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Japan Court Orders $25 Million Payout Over Atsugi Base Noise Pollution

A Japanese court has ordered the government to pay $25 million in damages to residents near Atsugi air base. The ruling affects approximately 8,000 people who suffered health hazards from prolonged noise exposure. Judge Nobuhiro Okada stated the noise exceeded socially tolerable limits for local residents. This marks the latest development in noise pollution lawsuits that began back in 1976.

Key Points: Japan Government to Pay Damages for Atsugi Air Base Noise

  • Court orders $25 million compensation for 8,000 affected residents
  • Judge ruled noise exceeded socially tolerable limits for decades
  • Base jointly used by Japanese and US military forces since 1976
  • Legal battles over noise pollution have continued since the 1970s
2 min read

Japan govt ordered to pay USD 25 million in damages over noise at air base

Japanese court orders $25 million compensation to residents suffering health hazards from Atsugi air base noise, marking latest ruling in decades-long legal battle.

"caused damage that exceeded what could be tolerated in social life - Presiding Judge Nobuhiro Okada"

Tokyo, Nov 19

A Japanese court on Wednesday ordered the government to pay around 3.9 billion Yen (25 million US dollars) in damages to residents around Atsugi air base near Tokyo for health hazards and psychological distress due to noise, local media reported.

Presiding Judge Nobuhiro Okada at the Yokohama District Court said the jarring noise "caused damage that exceeded what could be tolerated in social life" in the case brought by around 8,000 nearby residents and others regarding the Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture, Kyodo News reported.

Okada acknowledged that the use of the base, straddling the densely populated cities of Ayase and Yamato, has affected the lives of the residents for a long period of time and amounts to a rights violation, the report said, Xinhua news agency reported.

An official from the Defence Ministry's regional bureau said it would "act accordingly with relevant agencies regarding our next steps."

A series of lawsuits have been filed over noise pollution issues at the base, jointly used by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the US military, since 1976.

According to US Naval Forces Japan, the Naval Air Facility Atsugi is co-located with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force in Kanagawa Prefecture, in Ayase City, which is about 16 km west of Yokohama and about 36 km southwest of Tokyo.

NAF Atsugi has been home to sailors and their families for 50 years and the only permanently forward deployed, co-located Air Wing, Carrier Air Wing Five for nearly 30 years. It is the only Naval installation supporting an entire Air Wing and more than 40 award-winning tenant commands. Additionally, the base provides facilities, services, material and logistics in support of US Navy aviation operations for Carrier Air Wing FIVE, deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN76).

"NAF Atsugi's strategic importance continues to grow, providing the finest facilities, maintenance and logistic services to support to make up the 'Tip of the Sword' ensuring stability in the Western Pacific," the US Naval Forces Japan states.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Living near airports in India is also a nightmare. We face similar issues but our courts rarely award such substantial compensation. Good for Japanese citizens getting justice after 50 years of suffering!
A
Arjun K
While I sympathize with the residents, we must also consider the strategic importance of such bases for regional security. The US-Japan alliance is crucial for stability in the region. 🤔
S
Sarah B
$25 million divided among 8,000 residents comes to about $3,125 per person. Is that really adequate compensation for decades of psychological distress and health issues? The amount seems quite low actually.
V
Vikram M
This reminds me of the issues around our own military bases in India. While national security is paramount, we need better planning to minimize civilian inconvenience. The Japanese court's recognition of "rights violation" is significant.
M
Michael C
Lawsuits since 1976! That's nearly 50 years of legal battles. This shows how difficult it is for ordinary citizens to get justice against government and military establishments anywhere in the world.

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