The Tokyo District Court on Tuesday rejected an 840 million yen lawsuit filed by 42 Chinese nationals over labor they were forced to perform during World War II.
The suit, filed in September 1997, sought damages and unpaid wages from the government and 10 Japanese companies.
Presiding Judge Mariko Watabiki said the plaintiffs lost their right to demand compensation when 20 years had passed since the illegal act.
With your current subscription plan you can comment on stories. However, before writing your first comment, please create a display name in the Profile section of your subscriber account page.