On August 11, 2024, an article by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law titled ” Japan as a Hub for Democracy Assistance in Asia ” was published in the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun. In this article, Professor Ichihara argues that over the past two decades, as repression of citizens has intensified across various Asian countries, Japan has quietly become a place of hope for the people of Asia. She highlights, for example, Japan’s ongoing support for pro-democracy groups confronting the military in Myanmar, as well as the growing presence of efforts to support pro-democracy activists from Hong Kong. Professor Ichihara also pointed out that the network within Japan supporting these democratization movements continues to expand. Furthermore, she commended the active participation of Asian citizens striving for freedom within Japanese society, noting that this has brought about changes in Japan. She hoped that more people would take the initiative in their activities and that Japanese society would warmly support and embrace these efforts.