Kubota Coropration has been paying compensation for asbestos poisoning to a total of 274 residents and subcontracted employees since 2006, to the tune of between JPY 25 million (approximately USD 250,000) and 46 million (approximately USD 460,000) each. The company announced today that, due to the continuing increase in persons recognised as suffering from asbestos related health problems, it has already paid a total of JPY 100 billion (approximately USD 100 million). Kubota announced that it would continue to fulfil its social responsibilities and offer compensation to sufferers.