The total group claim is Y960m ($86m; £66m), and it is for a range of reactions that resulted from having the vaccination, including nerve disorders and pain, the women claim. They are claiming against Merck and GlaxoSmithKline, the manufacturers of the two HPV vaccines, Gardasil and Cervarix, and against the Japanese government.

Their lawyers claim the government’s approval of the vaccines was illegal because of the harm the vaccines caused, while the manufacturers are responsible for the safety of their products.

One of the lawyers, Masumi Minaguchi, said: “We aim to clarify the responsibilities of the government and the drug makers through the lawsuits so that the victims can live without anxiety.”

The vaccines were included in Japan’s routine vaccination programmes in 2013, but the government withdrew its recommendation for their use later the same year after receiving reports of adverse reactions.