A Surprise End to Japan Leprosy Case

Former leprosy patients wept with joy Wednesday after Japan’s prime minister unexpectedly said his government will not appeal a court ruling ordering compensation for their banishment from society under a draconian law.

The government of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi also expressed its regrets for suffering caused by a 1953 law that forced leprosy patients into colonies on small islands or remote mountains and broke apart families.

Koizumi’s decision--which came after his longer-than-expected meeting with plaintiffs in the compensation suit--was a surprise.

News reports throughout the day had said the government had all but decided to contest the May 11 verdict, with intense pressure reportedly on Koizumi, who gained power last month after promising widespread reforms, to appeal.

“From tomorrow I’ll be able to stick my chest out with pride and live as a human being again,” said Yuji Kodama, 79, a leader of the 127 plaintiffs, all former residents of remote leper colonies. “The prime minister looked straight into our eyes and nodded as we talked. That’s when I knew we’d win.”

Former leprosy patients watching Koizumi’s announcement on TV erupted into cheers of “Banzai!” and fell into each other’s arms. Many broke out in tears.

The thousands of former patients suing the government in various lawsuits are all elderly. Many carry vivid marks of the disease that gnawed away at their muscle tissue, disfiguring hands, blotching skin and causing the lower lip to swell enormously.

Koizumi’s decision lets stand a verdict by the Kumamoto District Court that said the government contravened the constitution and violated human rights by sending leprosy patients to colonies. The court ordered the government to pay $14.9 million to the 127 plaintiffs.