[Two years have passed since the Fifth Supplement was issued. How are petitions progressing?]

As of 2024, over half of all petitions include claims related to damages covered by the Fifth Supplement.

The ADR Center also accepts petitions from individuals who previously filed for direct compensation under the Fifth Supplement but were dissatisfied with the awarded amount.

[Is filing a petition simple?]

Yes, the process is straightforward. A user-friendly, check-box-style petition form is available.

You can download the form from the ADR Center’s website or request a paper copy by mail.

After submitting your petition, you’re welcome to speak with a staff member by phone to discuss your situation further.

[There are many types of petitions. Which are the most common?]

Most petitions relate to mental and emotional distress.

One common example is distress caused by the loss of one’s community foundation.

This refers to the breakdown of local community functions and significant changes to residents’ hometowns following the nuclear accident.

[Is it possible to request compensation beyond the guideline amount?]

Yes. The interim guidelines, including the Fifth Supplement, outline standard compensation levels. However, additional compensation may be granted depending on individual circumstances.

Here’s an example:

A three-generation family in Namie Town inherited property after the deaths of the grandparents and father.

Given that the grandparents had lived there for about 80 years, worked as farmers, and had deep ties to the community, the ADR process increased the compensation by ¥300,000 per person, above the ¥2.5 million outlined in the guideline.

Additionally, ADR may provide compensation for items not covered in direct petitions or increase the amount awarded.

For example, in cases where people were no longer able to grow vegetables or rice for personal use, compensation was awarded to cover increased living expenses.

In other cases, individuals who had already received compensation for expensive household items left behind during evacuation were awarded additional amounts after a reevaluation through ADR.

Compensation may also be increased for those living in evacuation centers while caring for infants, toddlers, or elderly family members.

[Are evacuees outside the prefecture eligible to file petitions?]

Yes, the ADR Center accepts petitions from evacuees living outside the prefecture.

We also collaborate with support organizations such as nonprofit groups to assist in the petition process.

[How are you supporting evacuees outside the prefecture? What kind of collaboration do you have with support organizations?]

In response to requests from support organizations, the ADR Center holds individual information sessions and provides explanatory materials and leaflets.

As part of our efforts to make our services more accessible to evacuees outside the prefecture, the Fukushima office conducted a pilot program in fiscal 2024, extending service hours into the evenings.

Licensed lawyers were available in person, by phone, or online to assist evacuees with understanding how to complete the petition forms.

We are considering similar initiatives for fiscal 2025. Once finalized, details will be announced on the ADR Center's website and on the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology's social media channels.

(*In fiscal 2025, weekday evening and Saturday service counters will be available. For more information, please visit the ADR Center’s website.)

[Lastly, do you have a message for support organizations?]

We hope that the ADR system serves as a helpful tool in supporting evacuees, especially those living outside the prefecture.