50 family members of deceased Chinese former workers filed a complaint with the Hebei Provincial Higher People's Court against 6 Japanese companies, including IHI, seeking approximately ¥427.8 million in damages. The complaint also seeks publication of an apology and construction of a memorial.
A complaint against 6 Japanese companies was filed with the Hebei Provincial Higher People's Court. The plaintiffs are family members of deceased Chinese former workers, and are seeking approximately RMB18.6 million in damages. The companies named include IHI and Taisei Corporation.
According to the complaint, the plaintiffs allege that they were victims of forced mobilization and harsh labor during the war, and are seeking publication of an apology and construction of a memorial funded by Japan and China. The focus will now be on whether the court accepts the complaint and moves the case into formal proceedings.
As a previous ruling concerning Japan's historical position, the Supreme Court held in 2007 that individual claims based on the Japan-China Joint Communiqué could not be pursued. A similar complaint was also filed in China in 2016, but a settlement was reached.
A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson reportedly called on Japan to confront its history in its response, while Chief Cabinet Secretary Kihara (木原) indicated that the government would refrain from commenting. Developments will be closely watched.