Kansai nuclear compensation lawsuit documentary to air on MBS

MBS is set to broadcast a documentary titled ‘Voluntary Evacuation 15 Years — The Stolen ‘Normal Life’’ on September 27, 2026. The program focuses on the lives of voluntary evacuees following the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear accident and the ongoing legal battles regarding compensation.

Akiko Morimatsu, the representative of the plaintiffs in the Kansai Nuclear Compensation Lawsuit and head of the ‘Thanks & Dream’ association for Great East Japan Earthquake evacuees, will be a central figure. Morimatsu, who moved from Koriyama, Fukushima, to Osaka with her children to avoid radiation exposure, has led a group of 79 households (221 people) in suing the state and Tokyo Electric Power Company.

A significant ruling from the Osaka District Court is expected on September 2, 2026. The primary legal focus is whether the national government can be held responsible for the damages. This case is noted as the final first-instance trial in the country, following previous Supreme Court rulings that did not recognize state responsibility.