Osaka Courts Overturn Welfare Cut and Uphold Nurse Whistleblower Rights

The Osaka High Court reversed a lower‑court ruling that had upheld a reduction in public assistance payments for 13 recipients in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture. The court found the national government's decision to lower the welfare‑benefit standard based solely on deflationary price changes exceeded its discretionary authority and ordered the reduction to be cancelled, while still rejecting the plaintiffs' claim for compensation.

In a separate case, the Osaka District Court's Sakai branch largely sided with three nurses who had reported abuse at the Bellde Sakai disability‑care facility. The court deemed their dismissal and reassignment as unlawful, ordering the operating corporation to pay roughly ¥20 million in damages, including unpaid wages and compensation for emotional distress. One of the nurses, Takasuke Asakura, said, “I reported for the victims. I am disappointed that relief was not provided.”