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Lawyer Leads 450-Plaintiff Climate Lawsuit Against Japan

1/27/2026

Summary

Story summary

Japanese lawyer Akihiro Shima leads a climate lawsuit against the government with over 450 plaintiffs, challenging Tokyo's emissions reduction targets.
The plaintiffs argue Japan's response to climate change violates constitutional rights by failing to act.
Shima became a lawyer in 2010 and has a history of environmental activism, including a polar bear case.
He hopes the case spurs future society discussion and acknowledges it may be his final battle.

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Story summary

Japanese lawyer Akihiro Shima leads a climate lawsuit against the government with over 450 plaintiffs, challenging Tokyo's emissions reduction targets.
The plaintiffs argue Japan's response to climate change violates constitutional rights by failing to act.
Shima became a lawyer in 2010 and has a history of environmental activism, including a polar bear case.
He hopes the case spurs future society discussion and acknowledges it may be his final battle.