The request was filed in November 2002 along with a damages suit, filed by some 860 people, demanding that the state pay compensation to fishermen because the dike was harming the local fishing industry.

Presiding Judge Yoshiyasu Enoshita said the court recognized the causal relationship between the project and damage to fishing in the area. "Damage to the fisheries industry has seriously affected local people's livelihoods. It is important to review the whole project, including the parts that have been finished, and make necessary modifications," the court order said.

On Aug. 31, the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries filed an objection to the court order with the Saga District Court, on grounds that there is no scientific basis linking the project and alleged damage to the local fishing industry.

The ¥250 billion project is scheduled to produce about 700 hectares of farmland. About 94 percent of the construction work was completed by the end of March.

The Japan Times Weekly: Sept. 4, 2004
(C) All rights reserved