Adire Law Office Submits Request to MHLW for Extension of Hepatitis B Lawsuit Compensation Deadline; Only 4.6% Learned of Program Through Government Outreach, Survey Reveals Challenges in Awareness and Deadline Notification

Adire Law Office (Headquarters: Toshima Ward, Tokyo; Representative Attorney: Junmi Suzuki) conducted a survey titled 'Survey on the Actual Conditions of the Hepatitis B Litigation Compensation System' targeting clients who have requested assistance with compensation claims and for whom SMS delivery was possible, receiving 1,008 valid responses.

Since the Hepatitis B Special Measures Law was enacted in January 2012, the application deadline for compensation has been extended three times. However, it is still estimated that over 60% of potential victims remain uncompensated.

With the current application deadline approaching—set for the end of March 2027—the survey was conducted to examine why over 60% of victims remain unassisted, what the underlying causes are, and whether public awareness efforts have been effective.

The survey results revealed that only 4.6% of respondents cited 'government outreach' as how they learned about the compensation program (multiple responses allowed), while 83.6% cited 'advertisements by law firms.' Additionally, 35.8% of respondents stated they were unaware that there was a claim deadline, and 53.0%—a majority—took 'over one year' from the time they learned about the system to actually seeking consultation or taking action. Furthermore, 59.0% of respondents indicated that an extension of the claim deadline is 'necessary.'

This survey reflects the characteristics of Adire's client base and does not represent all hepatitis B victims. Nevertheless, the findings—low awareness of the system and its deadlines, and significant delays in seeking consultation—suggest the need for renewed consideration of awareness strategies and the structure of the application deadline.

## Key Findings

- Awareness primarily from law firm ads (83.6%), not government outreach (4.6%)

The most common source of awareness (multiple responses) was 'advertisements by law firms (TV commercials, radio, newspapers, online ads)' at 83.6%. In contrast, 'government (national or local) outreach' accounted for only 4.6%. Since the survey targeted individuals who had already engaged the firm, the high response rate for advertisements is partly due to sample bias. Nonetheless, the overwhelming reliance on private-sector advertising among Adire's clients suggests room for improvement in government outreach effectiveness.

[Question] How did you first learn about the 'Hepatitis B Litigation Compensation System'?
(Multiple choices allowed) Required

- Over one in three unaware of the claim deadline

35.8% of respondents answered they were 'unaware' that the hepatitis B compensation system has a claim deadline. Beyond general awareness, this suggests that critical deadline information—'by when must claims be submitted?'—has not been adequately communicated. The method of communicating the deadline (end of March 2027) remains a key issue.

[Question] Were you aware that the Hepatitis B Litigation Compensation System has a claim deadline?
(Single choice) Required

- Over half took more than a year from awareness to action

Regarding the time between learning about the system and taking action (e.g., consulting a lawyer), 53.0% answered 'over one year,' a majority. Possible reasons include document collection, procedural preparation, and family discussions. The results indicate that a significant number of people do not act immediately after learning about the program.

[Question] How long did it take you to consult or take action after learning about the system?
(Single choice) Required

- 59.0% support extending the claim deadline

On whether the current deadline (end of March 2027) should be extended, 59.0% answered 'necessary,' 36.7% 'neither,' and 4.3% 'not necessary.' Given the low awareness, poor deadline communication, and delays in taking action, a significant portion of respondents support an extension.

[Question] Do you think an extension beyond the current deadline (end of March 2027) is necessary?
(Single choice) Required

## Voices from Open-Ended Responses

Open-ended responses included the following opinions on awareness and information delivery:

- There has been no announcement from the government. The state does nothing unless patients apply. While respecting privacy, we hope the government proactively reaches out.

- I was unsure whether I was eligible, whether it was appropriate to claim, whether the process would be burdensome, or whether others would find out and make me feel uncomfortable. I believe others may feel the same, so broader awareness efforts and a deadline extension are necessary.

- I was able to file a claim because I had my deceased mother’s blood test results. However, my cousin was diagnosed with hepatitis B at a hospital, but since her mother passed away, she could not prove her case and gave up on claiming.

I was lucky. But seeing my cousin, I felt helpless and deeply regretful.

- I learned about the compensation system through a friend who saw a TV ad.

Many people may not even know if they have hepatitis B. Therefore, I believe hepatitis B screening should be recommended as part of routine health checkups.

These comments highlight that beyond general awareness, challenges remain in communicating deadlines, guiding procedures, and establishing consultation pathways—including through medical institutions.

## Adire Law Office's Position

The survey found that only 4.6% cited government outreach as their source of awareness (multiple responses), 35.8% were unaware of the deadline, and 53.0% took over a year from awareness to action. Additionally, 59.0% believe the deadline should be extended.

Even within Adire’s client base, insufficient awareness, poor deadline knowledge, and long delays before consultation were confirmed. To ensure more victims receive relief through the hepatitis B compensation system, Adire Law Office believes the following measures are essential:

- Prompt action toward extending the claim deadline

- Fundamental strengthening of government outreach activities

- Expansion of initiatives to identify eligible victims

## Statement by Akiko Ohnishi, Head of the Hepatitis B Division and Attorney

The hepatitis B compensation system is a crucial relief mechanism for victims where state responsibility has been recognized. However, this survey shows that only 4.6% learned about the program through government outreach (multiple responses), and 35.8% were unaware of the claim deadline. Moreover, 53.0%—a majority—took over a year to consult or act after learning about the system. Even if the system exists, it cannot function effectively if critical information does not reach people or if they cannot act promptly. We believe it is essential to review awareness efforts, deadline communication, and consultation support, and to promptly extend the claim deadline.

## Survey Overview

- Survey Title: Survey on the Actual Conditions of the Hepatitis B Litigation Compensation System
- Survey Period: June 2–5, 2026
- Method: Web questionnaire URL distributed via SMS
- Target: Clients who requested assistance with hepatitis B compensation claims and for whom SMS delivery was possible
- Valid Responses: 1,008
- Note: This survey