Japan’s Supreme Court declared a eugenics law, which led to the forced sterilisation of 16,500 people from 1948 to 1996, unconstitutional on July 3. It also ruled that the 20-year statute of limitations doesn’t apply, allowing victims to claim compensation. The law, which aimed to “prevent the generation of poor quality descendants,” led to additional 8,500 consensual but pressured sterilizations. Despite a 2019 law offering victims 3.2 million yen each, survivors sought further justice. Prime Minister Fumio Kishida promised swift compensation and personal meetings with victims to address their suffering.