Japan’s health ministry is considering reviewing its support for those who were just outside the government-designated zone of radiation exposure from the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki.
Monday’s ruling by the Nagasaki District Court recognized some of these people as “hibakusha,” or atomic bomb survivors, and ordered Nagasaki City and Nagasaki Prefecture to issue them a hibakusha certificate.
Last month, a group made up of those who were not recognized as hibakusha met Prime Minister Kishida Fumio in Nagasaki, and sought official recognition.
Kishida responded by expressing his readiness to discuss specific measures to settle the issue rationally.
Discussions on new means of support, as well as possibly redefining hibakusha status are ongoing between the health ministry and local governments.
Health minister Takemi Keizo said he hopes a conclusion will be reached soon, but no specific deadline has been disclosed.
It remains to be seen how the court ruling will impact the ongoing discussions.