Events/News

On December 10, 2024, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article ““I don't mind being exposed.” The Non-Popular Alliance's demonstration calling for the destruction of Christmas.” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published. The article introduces a group that is holding a “demolition demonstration” against Japan's capitalist Christmas culture on Christmas and Valentine's Day. Professor Ichihara comments that the issue with such events lies in the fact that people may feel compelled to participate in commercial events like these in order to avoid being seen as problematic.

On December 10, 2024, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article ““People who kill dreams” are close at hand: Yusei Kikuchi reveals his thoughts on ”how to break out your shell”” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published. The article features an interview with Yusei Kikuchi, a pitcher for the Los Angeles Angels, about his approach to breaking through his own barriers. Professor Ichihara highlights two key points. First, the importance of taking things personally. Second, while acknowledging that dream killers who stifle aspirations inevitably exist, she emphasizes the need to maintain unwavering belief in what one truly values, even while listening to others' perspectives.

On October 4, 2024, an article based on an interview with Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate school of Law) titled “Spreading Fake Videos Inciting ‘Okinawan Independence’” was published in the Nihon Keizai Shimbun. The article reported that the Nihon Keizai Shimbun analyzed accounts spreading fake videos inciting Okinawan independence on social media by using AI, and found that behind them were information operation accounts responsible for spreading the content. Professor Ichihara pointed out that even though the disseminated Okinawa independence demonstration videos were clearly lie, they created the impression of linking Okinawa with China, and thus had sufficient effect to stimulate public opinion in Japan.

On March 5, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “'America is Back': Trump's 99-Minute Self-Congratulatory Speech – 5 Key Takeaways” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of Law) was published. This article explains President Trump's policy speech. Professor Ichihara notes that, unlike typical speeches, the President highlighted his achievements without Congress, and that the address included a substantial amount of misinformation and misleading information.

On March 4, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article, “President Trump Orders Temporary Suspension of Military Assistance to Ukraine to See ‘Good Faith’” by Professor Maiko Ichihara（Hitotsubashi University Graduate School of Law) was published. This article reports on his order to temporarily suspend military assistance to Ukraine. Professor Ichihara analyzes that President Trump's aim is to maximize his own economic interests. In light of this, the professor says it is necessary to investigate the structure of interests with Russia. And she also argues Japan needs to work to get the U.S. back on track and to seek to diversify its partner countries.

On March 1, 2025, a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University) on the Asahi Shimbun article, “‘With Ukraine,’ European express solidarity after breaking down summit between U.S and Ukraine,” was published. This article explains the breakdown of the summit meeting between President Trump and President Zelensky on February 28. Professor Ichihara comments on the need for Japan to join with Europe in setting the agenda for the U.S., rather than remaining silent about the moves of the U.S.

On January 16, 2025, the Asahi Shimbun published an article titled "Democracy Threatened by Elected Leaders: Populism's Illusion for Voters," featuring an interview with Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law. The article discusses potential shifts in U.S. democracy in light of the inauguration of a second Trump administration. Professor Ichihara highlights the tendency for populist regimes to become more perilous during their second term compared to the first, expressing concern that democratic backsliding in the U.S. could accelerate further. She points to several phenomena already evident during the presidential election, including the shrinking of free discourse in society, marked by media self-censorship, self-imposed restrictions by universities and think tanks that underpin academia, and the erosion of fact-checking mechanisms. Furthermore, Professor Ichihara addresses the potential ripple effects of democratic backsliding in the U.S. on the global stage. She emphasizes that for the U.S. to continue its role as a standard-bearer for democracy, it must seek ways to bridge societal divisions.

On January 14, 2025, the video of the webinar "Disinformation: A Common Threat to Democracies and the Liberal World Order," in which Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law participated, was released by the Foundation for Strategic Research (FRS). This webinar discusses the impact of disinformation on democracy and the liberal international order, as well as the strategic challenges it poses. Professor Ichihara first addressed the difficulties in countering disinformation, highlighting how the politicization of fact-checking undermines the effectiveness of disinformation countermeasures. She then used the 2024 U.S. presidential election as a case study to explain how authoritarian regimes strategically employ disinformation to interfere with election outcomes and deepen societal divisions. Finally, Professor Ichihara emphasized that while countering disinformation is crucial, it is also essential to consider the broader impact of malinformation.

On October 30, 2024, a comment of Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law on the Asahi Shimbun article, “Democratic Party For the People to Enter Policy Talks with Ruling Coalition: Consideration of 'Increased Take-Home Pay' in Economic Measures” was published. This article reports on the Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) decision to initiate policy discussions with the Democratic Party For the People (DPFP) following the ruling coalition’s failure to secure a majority in the House of Representatives election. As part of its comprehensive economic measures, the LDP intends to incorporate certain policy proposals from the DPFP, the third-largest opposition party. Professor Ichihara commented on the potential implications of DPFP lawmakers writing “Yuichiro Tamaki” in the runoff vote for prime minister. She pointed out that politicians who call on the public to vote must maintain consistency in their actions and that engaging in behavior that contradicts their political stance is problematic. Furthermore, she noted that such actions could erode public trust in politics and set an undesirable preceden

On January 9, 2025, Professor Nobumasa Akiyama of the Graduate School of Law appeared on Deep News, a program titled “80 Years After the War: Don't Let Today Become Prewar.” The program discussed strategies to prevent the recurrence of nuclear devastation considering rising global nuclear threats, including Russia's nuclear intimidation and China's nuclear force buildup. Professor Akiyama highlighted that the risk of nuclear threats from Russia remains high. While maintaining ambiguity around "red lines" is an effective means of preserving deterrence, he noted that the U.S.'s incremental deployment of forces complicates the interpretation of Russian intentions. This, in turn, has led Russia to continuously issue new signals, further destabilizing the situation. Furthermore, in the era of military arms races between the U.S., China, and Russia, traditional arms control treaties face challenges. Professor Akiyama emphasized the need to discuss crisis management from the perspective of how to avoid the worst-case scenarios. Lastly, he outlined specific measures to prevent nuclear war, including the importance of avoiding the sending of misleading signals, establishing effective deterrence systems, and understanding each country's perception of threats.