Should the Japanese government pay USD 25 million in damages over noise at Atsugi air base?
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Synopsis
A recent ruling requires the Japanese government to pay significant damages to residents affected by noise pollution from the Atsugi air base. This landmark decision highlights the ongoing struggle for residents living near military installations, raising questions about rights and quality of life.
Key Takeaways
- The Japanese government has been ordered to pay significant damages for noise pollution.
- Approximately 3.9 billion Yen will be compensated to affected residents.
- Around 8,000 residents have suffered from health hazards due to noise.
- NAF Atsugi serves as a vital base for both Japanese and US military forces.
- This ruling emphasizes the need for accountability regarding military operations and civilian rights.
Tokyo, Nov 19 (NationPress) A Japanese court has mandated the government to compensate approximately 3.9 billion Yen (equivalent to 25 million US dollars) to residents living around the Atsugi air base, located near Tokyo, due to health risks and psychological distress related to noise pollution, as reported by local media.
Judge Nobuhiro Okada of the Yokohama District Court stated that the disruptive noise has inflicted damage that surpasses what is tolerable in everyday life. This ruling came from a lawsuit filed by about 8,000 local residents and others concerning the Naval Air Facility Atsugi in Kanagawa Prefecture, according to Kyodo News.
Okada recognized that the operations of the base, which affects the densely populated areas of Ayase and Yamato, have significantly disrupted the lives of local residents for an extended period, constituting a violation of their rights, as reported by the Xinhua news agency.
A representative from the Defence Ministry's regional office mentioned that they would coordinate with relevant agencies regarding subsequent actions.
Since 1976, a series of lawsuits addressing noise pollution concerns at this base—shared by the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the US military—have been initiated.
As per US Naval Forces Japan, the Naval Air Facility Atsugi is co-located with the Japanese Maritime Self Defence Force in Kanagawa Prefecture, specifically in Ayase City, located roughly 16 km west of Yokohama and 36 km southwest of Tokyo.
For half a century, NAF Atsugi has hosted sailors and their families, and it is the only permanently forward-deployed, co-located Air Wing, namely Carrier Air Wing Five, for nearly 30 years. This installation supports an entire Air Wing along with more than 40 award-winning tenant commands. The base also offers facilities, services, materials, and logistics to back US Navy aviation operations for Carrier Air Wing FIVE, which is deployed aboard USS Ronald Reagan (CVN76).
The US Naval Forces Japan highlights that the strategic significance of NAF Atsugi continues to escalate, providing top-notch facilities, maintenance, and logistical support, thus playing a crucial role in ensuring stability in the Western Pacific.
Point of View
It is imperative to acknowledge that this ruling underscores the ongoing tension between military operations and civilian rights. The significant compensation awarded to residents marks a pivotal moment in the ongoing battle against noise pollution, emphasizing the need for governmental accountability. It is crucial that we remain vigilant in advocating for the rights of citizens, especially those living in close proximity to military installations.
NationPress
19/11/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What prompted the lawsuit against the Japanese government?
The lawsuit was initiated due to health hazards and psychological distress caused by noise pollution from the Atsugi air base, affecting nearby residents.
How much compensation was ordered by the court?
The court ordered the Japanese government to pay approximately 3.9 billion Yen, which is about 25 million US dollars.
How many residents were involved in the case?
Around 8,000 residents filed the lawsuit regarding the noise issues related to the air base.
What is NAF Atsugi's significance?
NAF Atsugi is a crucial military installation that supports US Navy aviation operations and is home to the only permanently forward-deployed Air Wing in the region.
When did the lawsuits regarding noise pollution at the base start?
The first lawsuits concerning noise pollution at Atsugi air base were filed in 1976.
