News

On April 29, 2025, a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) on Asahi Shimbun article, “From Fringe to Spotlight: Tamaki’s Party Faces Test of Credibility Amid Growing Support” was published. The article explores the growing support for the Democratic Party For the People (DPFP/DPP), particularly among younger voters, and discusses the factors behind this rise as well as the challenges ahead. Professor Ichihara notes that while the DPP originally held liberal positions on domestic issues, it has gained traction by focusing on concrete, everyday concerns that resonate with the public. She analyzes that as the party’s support base expands to include more conservative voters, it is increasingly facing difficulties in maintaining its liberal stance.

On May 3, 2025, Professor Nobumasa Akiyama (Graduate School of Law) was featured in Nikkei Shimbun in an interview titled “Rethinking Japan’s Constitution: Expert Views from Media Law and International Relations.” Published to mark the 78th anniversary of Japan’s postwar constitution, the article explores emerging challenges and features expert insights. Professor Akiyama discusses Article 9, which renounces the right of belligerency and prohibits the maintenance of armed forces. He emphasizes its symbolic importance in expressing Japan’s ideals on the global stage, while also pointing out its limitations in addressing today’s evolving security environment and technological developments. While recognizing the difficulty of separating constitutional debate from ideology, he calls for open discussion on revision and reinterpretation, stressing the need for agile policymaking in a rapidly changing world.

On April 26, 2025, Professor Maiko Ichihara （Graduate School of Law）participated as a panelist in the conference “Rethinking Responsible Action ;Perspectives from Europe and Japan,” organized by the NIRA Institute for Research on Innovation and Sustainability. The conference featured nine speakers who each examined the conditions and challenges of responsible action from distinct perspectives. Professor Ichihara delivered a lecture titled “The three distinct dimensions of democracy; Values, Institutions, and Ideology” and argued responsible civil society through the lens of democracy. She argued that understanding democracy requires a multifaceted approach encompassing three dimensions: values, institutions, and ideology. By analyzing these three aspects in an integrated manner, she suggested, we can gain insight into the current state and challenges of democracy in various countries, as well as into pathways toward constructing a responsible civil society.

On April 23, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “Proposal to Expand Imports of U.S. Rice Emerges Amid Japan-U.S. Tariff Talks—Concerns Already Raised Inside and Outside Government” by Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law）was published. The article reports that, in the context of ongoing Japan-U.S. negotiations over tariff measures, a proposal to expand imports of U.S.-grown rice has surfaced within the Japanese government. Professor Ichihara noted that President Trump frequently employs impulsive and unreasonable rhetoric and policies to gain leverage in negotiations. She emphasized that Japan should not respond to such unjust demands from the U.S. side with concessions.

On April 25, 2025, Professor Nobumasa Akiyama (Graduate School of Law) was featured in an interview article published by Nihon Keizai Shimbun, titled “Could Japan Become a Nuclear Power? The Trump Administration Challenges a Taboo.” The article explores the growing uncertainty surrounding extended deterrence under the U.S. nuclear umbrella, as President Trump expresses dissatisfaction with the burden of defending allies like Japan. In this context, the piece examines whether Japan might realistically consider nuclear armament. Professor Akiyama argues that even if Japan were to possess nuclear weapons, it would not serve the national interest unless a credible theory of victory against China could be established. He emphasizes that rather than pursuing nuclear options, Japan should focus on ensuring the stable and effective functioning of the U.S.–Japan alliance under all circumstances.

On April 18, 2025, Professor Maiko Ichihara of Hitotsubashi University’s Graduate School of Law appeared on the YouTube program “Border Angels Ep. 9: Insights into Myanmar”. In the video, Professor Ichihara discussed the current state of Myanmar’s pro-democracy movement, the military regime’s rule, and the country’s future prospects. She pointed out that while the military remains powerful with support from China and Russia, civil society still possesses the valuable asset of past democratic experience. At the same time, she noted that long-standing interethnic distrust has deepened social divisions, creating vulnerabilities that facilitate the spread of disinformation. Therefore, she emphasized that presenting a shared vision for the future—through economic development and education—is key to social integration. Furthermore, she argued that Japan should support civil society rather than the military, assisting democratization through information dissemination and strengthening institutional foundations.

On April 11, 2025, a common on the Asahi Shimbun article,“Proposed ¥50,000 Cash Handout Surfaces — Moriyama Persuades Prime Minister, Saying ‘Consumption Tax Cut Would Split the LDP.’” by Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law）was published.The article reports that in response to rising prices and U.S. tariff measures, the Japanese government and ruling coalition are moving toward a plan to provide a uniform cash handout of ¥50,000 to all citizens. Professor Ichihara pointed out that under the Trump administration, price instability is likely to persist, and therefore, policies must be designed with a long-term perspective rather than relying solely on short-term measures. She criticized the proposed blanket cash handout as an unsustainable policy, describing it as a fiscally irresponsible practice driven by electoral motives.

On April 4, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “Myanmar Earthquake Death Toll Reaches 3,145 — One Week After Disaster, Military Leader Attends International Summit.” by Professor Maiko Ichihara（Graduate School of Law）was published. The article reports that, despite the rising number of casualties from the earthquake that struck Myanmar on March 28, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, the head of the country’s military, attended the BIMSTEC summit—a meeting of leaders from countries surrounding the Bay of Bengal aimed at promoting regional economic cooperation. Professor Ichihara noted that Min Aung Hlaing’s participation in the summit reflects an effort by the military, which has yet to fully control the entire country, to bolster its international legitimacy. From the standpoint of political neutrality, she emphasized that support should be provided through international organizations rather than directly to the military.

On April 3, 2025, a comment on the Asahi Shimbun article “Mutual Tariffs far exceed expectations—Trump calls it a ‘Declaration of economic independence’” by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) was published. The article outlines U.S. President Donald Trump’s newly announced “mutual tariff” policy, unveiled on April 2, analyzes the shift in his positioning of tariffs, which has grown even harder-line than during his first administration. Professor Ichihara questioned the long-term viability of maintaining a cooperative negotiating posture toward Trump and emphasized the need to reshape the negotiation framework itself by moving away from bilateral talks, which Trump prefers, and toward multilateral negotiations.

On September 11, 2024, a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara (Graduate School of Law) on the Asahi shimbun article “Harris Leads Debate Amid Mutual Criticism — Policy Unclear, Support Remains Uncertain” was published. The article reported on the first debate between the U.S. Vice President Kamala Harris (at the time) and former President Donald Trump (at the time), following Harris’s announcement of her candidacy in the 2024 presidential election. Professor Ichihara noted the contrast between the two candidates, observing that while Trump appeared unprepared and on the defensive, Harris projected composure and approachability—an impression that could influence voters. She also pointed out that the debate conveyed an exaggerated sense of societal confusion caused by rampant misinformation and conspiracy theories, suggesting that this may have led viewers to feel the need for a president who can effectively address such issues.