Japan's Supreme Court has rejected an appeal by a group of pension recipients in Hyogo Prefecture who sought reversal of a pension cut. The court ruled that the reduction does not violate the Constitution.

The 95 pensioners had been demanding that the government nullify the phased reduction in pension payments that began in 2013 following legal amendments.

They had argued that the cut violates the Constitution, which guarantees a minimum standard of living.

Lower courts dismissed the claim, deeming the aim and method of the law revision as not being irrational.

On Friday, the top court ruled that maintaining pension levels would burden the working generation.

The court also said the blanket cut is not irrational, given that it is aimed at maintaining impartiality between generations and preventing the financial decline of the pension system.

The Japan Pensioners' Union, which supports the litigation, says similar lawsuits have been filed at 39 district courts nationwide.

It is the first time that the Supreme Court has ruled on the matter, potentially influencing decisions by other courts.