Japan Supreme Court Rules 2013-2015 Welfare Benefit Cuts Illegal, Cites Procedural Errors, Orders Cancellation Without Compensation

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Updated Jun 30, 2025, 02:24 PM

Japan's Supreme Court ruled on June 27, 2025, that the government's cuts to welfare benefits implemented between 2013 and 2015 were illegal. This marks the first unified judgment by the court on the matter, declaring the reductions a violation of the Welfare Law, which guarantees a healthy and culturally adequate standard of living. The court found that the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare's process for reducing benefits involved procedural errors and omissions, including arbitrary decisions without proper administrative procedures. While the court invalidated the benefit reductions and ordered their cancellation, it did not order the government to pay compensation to recipients.

The ruling affects welfare recipients nationwide and could have financial implications estimated at around 300 billion yen. Following the decision, plaintiffs have requested the Ministry to provide payments for the amounts unlawfully withheld. Government officials, including the Chief Cabinet Secretary and the Minister of Health, Labour and Welfare, stated they would thoroughly examine the ruling and respond appropriately. The judgment is expected to influence ongoing lawsuits across Japan and has prompted calls for the government to reflect on its welfare policies and make amends.

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#Japan #Supreme Court #Welfare Law #Ministry

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Sources

mainichi.jp(20)news.tv-asahi.co.jp(10)sankei.com(6)www3.nhk.or.jp(6)

NOS

@NOS

Cabinet wants to apologise for affected children's benefits affair

テレ朝NEWS

@tv_asahi_news

In response to a welfare reduction lawsuit, plaintiffs seek early resolution such as negotiations with the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare, and payment of reduced amounts

Andrew Fisher

@FisherAndrew79

"In what moral universe can it be wrong to take away that support from people in need today, but not for those in the same need tomorrow?" My new column for @theipaper on why MPs should still oppose the cuts to disability benefits (link below)