On February 16, 2025, an article titled “Support Myanmar: It’s Time to Act,” written by Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law, was published in the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun. In this article, Professor Ichihara discusses the role that Japan should play as Myanmar continues to face turmoil four years after the military coup. Professor Ichihara began by pointing out that the military has overturned election results, continued to fight pro-democracy and ethnic minority forces, and, as a result, has not only caused enormous humanitarian damage but also turned Myanmar into a base for various types of transnational crime. Therefore, she expressed concern that if Myanmar’s governance is not restored, there is a risk that it will further destabilize the region and the world. Amid these developments, China has been intensifying its efforts to mediate peace; however, Professor Ichihara argues that a forceful approach to brokering a ceasefire is unlikely to resolve the crisis. She emphasizes that if the Japanese government is committed to a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” Japan must proactively support peace, democracy, and human rights in Myanmar. Furthermore, she underscores the need for Japan to adopt diplomatic measures that consider both economic and political impacts.