Events/News

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.

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.