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Tokyo Court Orders Compensation for North Korean Scheme Victims

2/1/2026

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Summary

Story summary

Eiko Kawasaki, a plaintiff, and three others were ordered by a Tokyo court to receive 20 million yen each from North Korea.
They were part of a scheme that lured more than 90,000 ethnic Koreans to North Korea with false promises of a better life.
The Tokyo court's decision is historic, marking Japan's first recognition of North Korea's malpractice, and Kawasaki doubts they will receive compensation.
Kawasaki escaped in 2003.

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Story summary

Eiko Kawasaki, a plaintiff, and three others were ordered by a Tokyo court to receive 20 million yen each from North Korea.
They were part of a scheme that lured more than 90,000 ethnic Koreans to North Korea with false promises of a better life.
The Tokyo court's decision is historic, marking Japan's first recognition of North Korea's malpractice, and Kawasaki doubts they will receive compensation.
Kawasaki escaped in 2003.