Japan's Prime Minister Kishida Fumio has apologized to the plaintiffs in lawsuits involving forced sterilization.

Kishida met with about 130 people, including the plaintiffs, at the prime minister's office on Wednesday.

Earlier this month, the Supreme Court ruled the now defunct Eugenics Protection Law was unconstitutional and ordered compensation be paid to the victims.

The law allowed forced sterilization for reasons such as having a disability.

At the beginning of the meeting, Kishida said it was extremely regrettable that at least 25,000 people suffered the serious harm of being sterilized over the course of about 48 years due to certain illnesses or disabilities.

Kishida said the government bears a grave responsibility and he is deeply sorry and apologetic on behalf of the government.

Kishida then received a letter of requests from the plaintiffs and their lawyers seeking a complete resolution of issues related to the law.

After listening to the plaintiffs' painful accounts for more than one hour, Kishida said he strongly believes that the issue cannot be postponed and needs to be resolved as soon as possible.

Kishida said the government will withdraw its claim to apply the statute of limitations in all of the ongoing lawsuits. The statute sets a time limit of 20 years for seeking compensation for an unlawful act.

The prime minister said victims and their spouses who have not filed lawsuits will also be compensated. And he said he will make sure the compensation is sufficient and in accordance with the court ruling.

He said the government will study specific measures to make such compensation in coordination with a nonpartisan group at the Diet.

Kishida said a new system of relevant ministries and agencies will be set up designed to eliminate prejudice and discrimination through improved education and other measures. He also vowed to provide an opportunity for continued talks with the victims.

Some plaintiffs spoke after the meeting. Suzuki Yumi from Kobe City said she thinks the meeting was a first step toward eliminating discrimination against people with disabilities. She said many types of discrimination still exist in Japan.

Kojima Kikuo from Sapporo City said Kishida held his hands while saying he had been through a lot. But Kojima said what was done to him is unforgivable.