On November 5, 2024, a paper titled “Vertical Accountability in Japan’s Governance: Impact of Public Conception,” authored by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, was published as an ADRN Working Paper. In this paper, Professor Ichihara examines the challenges Japan faces in achieving vertical accountability, highlighting the limited political engagement of citizens and its impact on their influence over government actions. While Japan maintains high levels of civil liberties, Professor Ichihara points out that most Japanese citizens view the government as a protective authority, expecting it to address public concerns rather than actively demanding accountability. She also suggests that increased civic engagement, particularly among younger generations through the Internet and grassroots movements, may indicate a potential shift. However, Professor Ichihara emphasizes that further research is needed to determine whether this means a lasting transformation in Japan’s civic culture.