SAN DIEGO (CBS 8) - The fallout from Japan's nuclear disaster has hit home as the former Japanese prime minister and U.S. Sailors file a lawsuit against Tokyo Electric Power Company.

In 2011, with more than 5,000 sailors on board, the San Diego-based USS Ronald Reagan was deployed to provide aid after a tsunami hit Japan and also set off meltdowns at a nuclear plant. The USS Reagan sailed through a nuclear plume and crews had to spend hours decontaminating the vessel.

Sailors now say they are suffering from radiation exposure.

"Honestly, I just want to feel better," said Chad Holt, who served on the USS Ronald Reagan.

Recently, former Japanese Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi listened to 10 sailors talk about health issues since "Operation Tomodachi." The sailors said they're honored to have another advocate on their side.

"A lot of people, they can't physically see something wrong with you. They think there is nothing wrong with you. That is not the case what we are living with on a daily basis," said Daniel Hair, who is now retired from the Navy.

For years, Koizumi supported nuclear power, but when he retired he became an advocate of independence from nuclear energy.

"I realized this is something that can't be skipped over, can't be ignored any longer. The three claims of being safe, cheap and clean were all lies," he said.

More than 400 sailors and service members are charging Tokyo Electric Power Company, TEPCO, of not being truthful about the level of radiation in the atmosphere after the disaster.

Medical experts believe there is no direct connection between the radiation exposure and the illnesses presented by the sailors.

The Navy would not comment pending litigation, but a judge has ruled in favor of the sailors. TEPCO has filed an appeal with the 9th Circuit Court.

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CBS San Diego, May 18, 2016: Sick sailors meet with Japan’s former prime minister… The USS Reagan sailed through a nuclear plume and crews had to spend hours decontaminating the vessel. Sailors now say they are suffering from radiation exposure. “Honestly, I just want to feel better,” said Chad Holt, who served on the USS Ronald Reagan… “A lot of people, they can’t physically see something wrong with you. They think there is nothing wrong with you. That is not the case what we are living with on a daily basis,” said Daniel Hair, who is now retired from the Navy… “I realized this is something that can’t be skipped over, can’t be ignored any longer. The three claims of being safe, cheap and clean were all lies,” [Koizumi] said.

NBC San Diego, May 18, 2016: Many of the sailors say doctors refused to connect their illnesses with the radiation exposure. “You have to experience it,” said William Zeller. “You have to experience the doctor telling you to your face. You have to experience the years of pain when everyone tells you ‘You know you’re fine.’”… “I realize this is not something that can be just skipped over and can’t be ignored any longer,” [Koizumi] said. “Everyone played a role in not shedding more light on this problem…” Koizumi said… The sailors’ attorney said they have won their case against Tokyo Electric Power Company twice, however the company has appealed the judge’s decisions. It is still unclear how exactly the sailors will be compensated…

San Diego Union Tribune, May 17, 2016: Koizumi [said] he believes the service members’ illnesses, reported to include leukemia and tumors, were caused by the 2011 exposure, despite U.S. government findings to the contrary… Koizumi said the Japanese government and [TEPCO] should support the radiation-exposed U.S troops financially and “across the board.”

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