Japan: Court finds tobacco company not liable for illnesses

Date: 21 Jan 2010

Japan Tobacco has been cleared of liability for the illnesses of three former smokers by the Yokohama District Court. The suit said that health problems, including lung cancer, had been caused by smoking and the company had continued to sell cigarettes despite its knowledge of the harmful effects.

The plaintiffs – one of whom has died since first bringing the action – had smoked for between 20 to 37 years.

The court suggested that the risks of smoking were well known, and the plaintiffs had exercised free will in making the choice to smoke.

The plaintiffs had also sought damages from the state, for continuing to allow the sale of cigarettes. This claim was also dismissed.

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