Overview
- A cross‑party caucus submitted the relief bill to the House of Councillors on July 8, proposing a one‑time payment to surviving civilian air‑raid victims with lasting physical or mental disabilities.
- By Friday, July 24, the bill had not been referred to committee because the ruling parties did not agree to consider it, and the measure is expected to be declared a dead bill at the close of the Diet session.
- The bill's central provision was a one‑time payment of ¥500,000 to living victims and a government survey of damage; one report estimated roughly 3,000 people could be eligible.
- Survivors and bereaved families expressed deep disappointment at a Tokyo press conference, with witnesses citing the advanced age of victims and saying the stalled effort closed a rare window for relief.
- Campaigners note this was the first comparable proposal in 38 years after repeated failed bills and court cases in the 1970s–80s, and they say they will continue talks with lawmakers to prepare a reintroduction in the next Diet session.