Japanese Court Orders Compensation for Atsugi Naval Air Base Noise Pollution

On November 19, 2025, the Yokohama District Court in Japan ruled that the Japanese government must pay approximately 3.9 billion yen (around $24 million) to about 8,000 residents affected by noise pollution from the Atsugi Naval Air Base in Kanagawa Prefecture. This facility is jointly operated by the U.S. Navy and the Japan Maritime Self-Defense Force. The court determined that the noise levels from the base exceeded socially acceptable limits, causing significant disturbances to the residents' health and quality of life, including sleep disturbances and difficulties in daily activities.

Japanese court orders govt to pay 3.9 bn yen in noise pollution lawsuit over Atsugi BaseStars and Stripes

The issue of noise pollution surrounding the Atsugi base has a long history, with residents filing lawsuits since 1976. The recent lawsuit, initiated in 2017, sought compensation for damages ranging from $50 to $254 per person per month. The plaintiffs, residing in cities including Yamato, Ayase, Machida, Ebina, Zama, Fujisawa, and Chigasaki, reported health issues such as ear noise and sleep problems due to the aircraft noise. Despite the court's acknowledgment of the damage, it did not grant all compensation requests, particularly for claims related to noise after the relocation of fighter jets in 2018.

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Following the ruling, the South Kanto Defense Bureau indicated that it is reviewing the court's decision. A spokesperson from the Ministry of Defense stated that they would consider the ruling's content and coordinate with relevant agencies for future actions. The plaintiffs' attorney, Ken Funatsumaru, expressed dissatisfaction with parts of the ruling, particularly regarding the lack of compensation for certain claims and the ongoing noise issues despite the airwing's relocation.

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The recent ruling is part of a broader pattern of legal actions concerning noise pollution from the Atsugi base. In November 2024, another lawsuit resulted in a court order for the government to pay approximately 5.9 billion yen for past noise damage, although it did not grant a request to ban night and early morning flights. The ongoing legal battles reflect the persistent concerns of residents regarding the impact of military operations on their living conditions.

Critics of the Japanese government's handling of the noise pollution issue argue that despite multiple court rulings recognizing the problem, there has been a lack of effective measures to mitigate the noise. Residents have expressed frustration over the government's failure to implement fundamental countermeasures, leading to continued disturbances in their daily lives.

Japanese court orders govt to pay 3.9 bn yen in noise pollution lawsuit over Atsugi Base

• “It caused damage that exceeded what could be tolerated in social life,” — Presiding Judge Nobuhiro Okada

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• “has caused damage exceeding the tolerable limits of social life.” — Yokohama District Court ruling

Japanese court orders govt to pay 3.9 bn yen in noise pollution lawsuit over Atsugi Base

• “After the ruling, the plaintiffs' attorney, Maruken Funatsu, stated that although there have been multiple previous judgments determining the Atsugi Base noise as illegal, the Japanese government has yet to take fundamental countermeasures.” — Ken Funatsumaru, plaintiffs' attorney

This ruling highlights the ongoing conflict between military operations and civilian life in Japan, as residents continue to seek justice and relief from the impacts of noise pollution.

Japanese court orders govt to pay 3.9 bn yen in noise pollution lawsuit over Atsugi Base