Takamatsu Court Rules in Favor of Plaintiffs in Construction Asbestos Lawsuit
On March 13, 2026, the Takamatsu District Court ruled in favor of the plaintiffs in the “Construction Asbestos Shikoku Litigation,” awarding a total of 248.1 million yen to six plaintiffs, including three disaster victims, in a case against A&A Materials Co., Ltd., MK Co., Ltd., and NICHIAS Co., Ltd.1 The ruling recognizes the joint tort liability of the building material manufacturers, aligning with previous Supreme Court decisions and district/high court judgments regarding asbestos-related illnesses.
Background of the Litigation
The lawsuit involves construction workers who developed serious asbestos-related diseases, such as lung cancer, after being exposed to asbestos dust from building materials used at construction sites. The plaintiffs sought compensation from the manufacturers, alleging a failure to provide adequate warnings about the dangers of asbestos. This case is part of a series of construction asbestos class action lawsuits across Japan.1
Court’s Decision and Significance
The Takamatsu District Court’s decision acknowledges the responsibility of building material manufacturers who manufactured and sold asbestos-containing materials. This ruling is particularly significant as it is the first judgment in the Shikoku region, expanding access to relief for disaster victims in the area.1
Recent Developments in Asbestos Litigation
This judgment follows similar outcomes in other regions. In August 2025, the Tokyo High Court and the Osaka High Court reached settlements in separate construction asbestos lawsuits, with building material manufacturers acknowledging legal responsibility and providing compensation to plaintiffs.1 In February 2026, the Takamatsu District Court proposed a settlement to the defendants in this case, acknowledging their liability, but MK Co., Ltd. Did not agree, leading to the current court judgment.1
Timeline and Ongoing Concerns
The trial began on October 29, 2022, and has lasted approximately three years and five months. The process is expected to be prolonged further if an appeal is filed.1 The Kansai Asbestos Litigation Lawyers Group expressed concern over the continued reluctance of some building material manufacturers to settle quickly, highlighting the physical and mental burden on victims suffering from asbestos-related diseases.1
Future Steps
The Kansai Asbestos Litigation Lawyers Group will continue to support victims and work towards providing early relief and eradicating asbestos damage nationwide.1
Contact Information
For further information and free consultations, contact:
- Asbestos Litigation Kansai Lawyer Team: https://www.asbestoslawsuit.jp
- Free Phone Consultation: 0120-834-931
- Wei Tianhao Law Firm: 〒530-0047 Nishitenmao, Kita-ku, Osaka City, 4-3-4 Mikage Building 6F, Telephone: 06-6366-7077 (Attorney Hiroshi Ida)
Source:1 Asbestos Litigation Kansai Lawyer Team Press Release, March 13, 2026