Events/News

On January 26, 2025, Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law） offered a comment in response to the Asahi Shimbun column “Tensei Jingo,” which had featured an article titled “A Fun Japan and Tourism.” The article draws a comparison between Italy, which is currently grappling with overtourism amid its once-in-25-years Holy Year, and Japan, where the government continues to pursue an increase in foreign visitors. This approach, the article suggests, warrants reconsideration. Professor Ichihara addresses the use of the phrase “A Fun Japan,” which appeared in Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba’s policy speech. She argues that the core message is not about attracting foreign tourists, as it is shown in the article, but rather about cultivating a nation in which everyone living in Japan respects one another and leads an optimistic, forward-looking life. She describes “A Fun Japan” as an inclusive and appealing slogan that resists nationalist tendencies.

On January 7, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article, “Japan Post Refunds Part of Penalty Fees Following Guidance from Antitrust Authorities: ‘Lacked Sufficient Explanation.’” by Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law）was published. The article explains that Japan Post had been collecting “penalty fees” from subcontractors in cases such as complaints regarding the delivery of its parcel service, Yu-Pack. In 2024, the Japan Fair Trade Commission determined that this practice was illegal, prompting Japan Post to refund a portion of the fees to the subcontractors. Professor Ichihara pointed out that one reason cited for imposing penalty fees was complaints about the smell of tobacco. She argued that penalizing subcontractors based on odor complaints could be excessive from a human rights perspective. She emphasized the need for a more flexible approach—one that distinguishes between acknowledging customer complaints and imposing disproportionate warnings or sanctions.

On January 14, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “Sunglass-Wearing Train Operators Expanding Nationwide—JR East to Fully Implement Policy from February.” by Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law）was published. The article reports that JR East will begin officially allowing train operators to wear sunglasses starting in February, aiming to enhance safety by reducing glare. Professor Ichihara criticized the previous ban on sunglasses as an unnecessary restriction on individual freedom. She also noted that the very act of considering passenger complaints when granting permission reflects excessive self-monitoring and suggested that such practices require fundamental change.

On January 7, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “The Decline of Democracy, Trump 2.0, and Social Media in Politics: A Roundtable with Editorial Board Members” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published. The article is a summary of roundtable discussion among Asahi Shimbun editorial board members, focusing on recent global developments concerning the state of democracy and the rise of populism in connection with social media platforms. Professor Ichihara offered remarks on three key points: 1) the necessity for actors outside the United States—including Japan—to proactively uphold the international order; 2) the importance of consensus-building through political compromise; and 3) the necessity to pay greater attention to democratic movements emerging in non-Western regions through voting results.

On December 31, 2024, a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published in response to the Asahi Shimbun article titled “Absent Leadership: Korea on a Tightrope－Concerns Over the Acting Deputy Prime Minister.” The article discusses the response by Choi Sang-mok, the deputy prime minister and the Minister of Economy and Finance of South Korea, to a passenger aircraft accident at Muan International Airport in South Jeolla Province. The incident occurred amid an extraordinary political situation in which both President Yoon Suk-yeol and Prime Minister Han Duck-soo faced consecutive impeachment proceedings. Professor Ichihara highlighted the contradiction between President Yoon’s domestic actions, which appear to undermine democratic norms, and his pro-democracy discourses on the international stage. She emphasized that such inconsistencies risk eroding public trust in democracy and expressed hope that President Yoon would fulfill his responsibility to provide an adequate explanation and that the situation would move toward resolution.

On December 31, 2024, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “A Global Legacy After the Presidency: The Path Traced by Jimmy Carter” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published. This article looks back on the legacy of former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, who was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2002 and passed away in December 2024. Professor Ichihara highlighted the global contributions of the Carter Center, founded by President Carter, in advancing democracy and human rights, and offered her condolences while honoring his achievements.

On December 30, 2024, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “Where will Trump lead the world? In 2025, the US is heading toward isolationism” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published. This article introduces views of former US officials and others on President Trump's actions that are affecting the international situation. Professor Ichihara argues that if the Trump administration puts American first, the responsibility of maintaining international order will shift to other major powers besides the US, and points out that the Japanese government needs to discuss what kind of international society should be formed and maintained in response to these developments in the US.

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.