TOKYO – June 6, 2025 | Source: The Mainichi Newspapers
In a dramatic development in Japan’s most high-profile nuclear litigation, the Tokyo High Court has overturned a landmark ruling that had ordered four former executives of Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO) to pay over ¥13 trillion in damages for their role in the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster.
High Court Denies Liability in Shareholder Derivative Lawsuit
Presiding Judge Toshikazu Kino ruled that the former management could not have reasonably foreseen a tsunami over 10 meters high, effectively rejecting the claim that they were negligent in preventing the nuclear meltdown. The court concluded there was no sufficient urgency that would have compelled the executives to act differently, clearing them of liability for the unprecedented damage.
The ruling contradicts the first-instance decision which had ordered former chairman Katsumata Tsunehisa (deceased), former president Shimizu Masataka, and former vice presidents Muto Sakae and Takekuro Ichiro to pay compensation, calculated based on the costs of decommissioning, contaminated water treatment, victim compensation, and radioactive decontamination efforts.
Outcry and Protest Outside the Courtroom
The judgment sparked public outrage in the courtroom and outside. Audible reactions such as “It’s strange” and “It’s unreasonable” were heard as the verdict was announced. In a show of protest, supporters and plaintiffs raised banners reading “Unfair Ruling” in front of the court, shouting “It’s frustrating!” and “It’s incoherent!”
Lead attorney Hiroyuki Kawai, representing the plaintiffs, condemned the ruling, stating:
“It’s a contradictory judgment. We find it deeply regrettable.”
One of the plaintiffs, Yu Kimura (72), expressed anger, saying:
“I’m shaking with anger. We will appeal. The fight isn’t over.”
What’s Next: Shareholders to Appeal to Supreme Court
The plaintiff shareholders have confirmed plans to appeal the decision to Japan’s Supreme Court, setting the stage for what could be a historic legal precedent regarding corporate accountability in nuclear energy policy.
Context: First Ruling and ¥13 Trillion Figure
The now-overturned lower court ruling had been the largest damages order in Japanese legal history, holding TEPCO executives personally accountable for decisions that led to the failure to mitigate the 2011 disaster. The ¥13 trillion figure was calculated based on:
- Decommissioning and cleanup costs
- Compensation to local residents and evacuees
- Storage and decontamination infrastructure
