A Japanese court has rejected compensation appeals by 10 Chinese women forced into sexual slavery during Japan's invasion of China.

The women, from north China's Shanxi Province, originally filed their suit in 1998, seeking 20 million yen (US$167,600) in compensation for pain and suffering.

In its verdict on Saturday, Japan's Higher Court rejected the appeal for two main reasons: the suit was filed after the 20-year limitation period, and that individuals cannot file suits against a country. 

However, the court did acknowledge the brutality of the treatment the women underwent and accepted that they had suffered post-traumatic stress disorders as a result of the ordeal. 

Representing the women, Zhang Shuangbin was disappointed by the verdict.

"It's unfair that these women who suffered so much when they were young cannot be compensated," Zhang said.

According to Zhang, the women are also seeking "official apologies" from the Japanese government. 

The women will present a further suit to Japan's Supreme Court in a final attempt to win a favorable ruling for compensation and an apology, Zhang said.

In March, Japan's Supreme Court rejected compensation appeals from Guo Xicui and Hou Qiaolian, also from Shanxi Province, who were repeatedly raped by Japanese soldiers during Japan's invasion of China. 

At the time, Guo was 15 and Hou was just 13.

Research suggests that at least 200,000 Chinese women were forced into sex slavery during Japan's occupation of parts of China in the 1930s and 40s. 

During World War II, the Japanese military also forced women from Korea, the Philippines, the Netherlands and other countries into sexual slavery.

(China Daily November 22, 2005)