Climate Justice Case

On December 18th, 2025, 452 Japanese citizens filed a complaint against the State (Japan) before the Tokyo District Court. The citizens invoke the right to a peaceful life claiming that it encompasses the right to a stable climate and request compensation for the damages caused by climate change. Firstly, as a scientific fact, the plaintiffs indicate the findings by the IPCC. Secondly, as a legal framework, the plaintiffs refer to the UNFCCC, the Kyoto Protocol, and the Paris Agreement. They also refer to the landmark cases worldwide, including the Dutch Urgenda case, German Neubauer case, the Swiss KlimaSeniorinnen case, and the Korean Youth Climate case, to support their arguments. Further, they point out that States have various obligations to act against climate change as indicated by the ICJ advisory opinion on climate change. The plaintiffs argue that climate change is a human rights issue and that the State has an obligation to protect human rights under Art. 25 of the Constitution. They claim a violation of i) the right to life, health, and bodily integrity (Art. 13 of the Constitution) ii) the right to development of a child (Child welfare act) iii) freedom of business (Art. 22 (1) of the Constitution) iv) Property rights (Art. 29 (1) of the Constitution) v) the right to environment vi) the right to a peaceful life. Finally, the plaintiffs argue that the NDC and the Climate Action Plan are insufficient.