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On May 23, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law. She commented on the article “The momentum of democratization and the power of resistance advanced in Ukraine: The President of the National Endowment for Democracy.” This article describes the growth of democracy in Ukraine since the collapse of the Soviet Union and how it has become a force of resistance against Russia's current invasion of Ukraine. Professor Ichihara expressed the view that democracy support is driven by people in the target country who strive for freedom and justice. The support provided by the National Endowment for Democracy is based on requests from Ukrainian civil society organizations, which are seeking to learn about the democratic practices of Western countries. Furthermore, she pointed out that, unlike in Japan where such freedom is protected, the ability to make choices that affect one's own life is not guaranteed as a right in many countries. Finally, she cited the arguments of Nobel laureate in economics, Amartya Sen, to discuss how freedom of choices have a positive impact on both the economy and well-being.

On May 20, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University. She commented on the article “President Zelensky arrives in Hiroshima, set to participate in face-to-face discussions at the G7 Summit tomorrow.” This article describes the arrival of President Zelensky of Ukraine in Hiroshima on the 20th in preparation for discussions on the situation in Ukraine scheduled for May 21. Professor Ichihara evaluated the current G7 Summit as a strategically assembled event tailored to the age of social media, emphasizing the creation of numerous visual images and narratives. Additionally, she argued that President Zelensky's participation in the G7 Summit, within the framework of a brave leader supported by the G7, had the effect of reinforcing the strength of the Ukrainian forces. Furthermore, considering the intense polarization in today's world, she expressed the idea of having President Zelensky in face-to-face discussions at the G7 was driven by the necessity to project resilience instead of focusing on the assistance of the vulnerable, which might be harder to resonate with.

On May 19, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law. She commented on the article “Looking at Asia before his eyes, a Myanmar man questions near the G7 venue.” This article describes the demonstration held by approximately 50 Myanmar residents in Japan and Japanese nationals, which took place a few days before the G7 Summit. The demonstration urged the Japanese government to take leadership for peacebuilding in Asia. Professor Ichihara acknowledged that there is discretion for the host country in setting the agenda for G7 discussions. Therefore, she recognized it as natural for Japan, the host country of the G7 Summit, to address the North Korean issue. However, she mentioned that the lack of substantial discussion on the ongoing issues in Myanmar could be attributed to them not falling within the predetermined areas of interest for Europe and the United States, rather than Japan's own agenda setting. She also called for a discussion on the situation in Myanmar from various perspectives, including human rights, development, and other relevant aspects.

On May 16, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara, GGR Researcher and Professor at the Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University. She commented on the article “Over 500 Rohingya are feared dead as Cyclone "Mocha" hits Myanmar.” This article describes the confirmation of over 500 casualties among the Rohingya minority, who are Muslims, due to the impact of Cyclone "Mocha" in Myanmar. She expresses the dire situation where victims of natural disasters are also emerging amidst the ongoing killings by the national military. In response to this situation, Professor Ichihara urges the international community to swiftly negotiate with the Myanmar military to deliver the necessary assistance packages.

On May 12, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara, GGR Researcher and Professor at the Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University. She commented on the article ““Nobody is Unnecessary." U.S. Ambassador expresses support for "LGBTQI+" in a video.” This article describes the video featuring ambassadors such as U.S. Ambassador Emmanuel expressing support for the LGBTQI+ community and opposing discrimination. Professor Ichihara explains this movement as an application of the human rights aspect of the international cooperative approach prioritized by the Biden administration and praises it as a desirable approach. There are critical views, stating that these actions are domestic interference. She refutes these criticisms, mentioning the fact LGBTQI+ protection against discrimination also protects international citizens in Japan, and argues that the concept of sovereignty is not relevant due to the universality of human rights.

On April 28, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara, GGR researcher and professor of the Graduate School of Law at Hitotsubashi University. The professor commented on the article “UN Special Rapporteur Appeals for Sanctions on Myanmar, Urges Japan to ’Play a Vital Role.’” This article discusses the UN Special Rapporteur Thomas Andrews' recommendation to the Japanese government that ‘its role is important’ in light of the repression and airstrikes against civilians by the national military in Myanmar. Professor Ichihara suggested that the pattern of Japanese corporations making payments through ODA to parties who have been severely committed human rights violations needs to be revised, given the demand for respect for human rights from not only corporations but also the government as outlined in the "Action Plan on Business and Human Rights" formulated in 2020. Furthermore, the professor argued that since the resolution of the Myanmar problem, which is currently left to ASEAN, has not yielded significant progress, and it is assumed that Laos, the next chair country, will find it difficult to take a leadership role in this matter, more proactive Japanese government initiatives are urgently required.

On April 27, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara, GGR researcher a­nd professor of the Graduate School of Law at Hitotsubashi University. The professor commented on the article “Myanmar to Use Japanese ODA-Provided Passenger Ship for Military Use, Transporting Soldiers.” This article addresses the fact that a passenger ship provided by the Japanese government to Myanmar under its Official Development Assistance (ODA), which is limited to non-military fields, was used to transport soldiers a­nd weapons. Professor Ichihara commented that it was hypocritical for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs to only issue an offer to Myanmar to prevent the recurrence of the use of passenger vessels for other purposes, as this does not completely break the link between ODA a­nd military involvement. The Professor further commented that the Japanese government, which has shown initiative in response to Russia's invasion of Ukraine, but has shown reluctance in the mass murder of civilians by Myanmar's military, should respond proactively to the situation in Myanmar to demonstrate normative leadership in Asia as a major Asian power a­nd democracy.

On April 27, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara, GGR researcher a­nd professor of the Graduate School of Law at Hitotsubashi University. The professor commented on the article “Xi's "Peace a­nd Dialogue" with Zelensky, Foreshadowed Summit Meeting.” This article outlines the first audio conference after the Russian invasion between Chinese President Xi Jinping a­nd President Zelensky a­nd the significance of Xi's statement. Professor Ichihara pointed out that President Xi Jinping's consistent emphasis that China stands on the side of peace a­nd plays a role in promoting peace is only an ostensible position. As a reason, the professor cited China's continued support for Russia by sending out anti-US a­nd anti-NATO messages a­nd spreading disinformation a­nd propaganda. Therefore, Professor Ichihara said, it is an illusion a­nd cannot be expected that China will be a truly neutral mediator.

On April 26, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara, GGR researcher and professor of the Graduate School of Law at Hitotsubashi University. The professor commented on the article “The Russian People, Abandoning Their Authoritarian Homeland, and Their Feelings Toward Ukraine.” This article tells the story of a Russian who made an illustration critical of President Putin after Russia's invasion of Ukraine and subsequently defected to Serbia for safety reasons. Professor Ichihara commented that those who, as Russians, opposed Putin's war were taken into custody, forced to flee abroad under suspicion or abandon their nationality, and that their suffering is unimaginable. The professor also assessed that the outflow of Russian intellectuals abroad due to the war and the accession of Finland and Sweden to NATO are indicative of the negative effects of dictatorships.

On April 26, 2023, Professor Maiko Ichihara, Professor at the Graduate School of Law and School of International and Public Policy, Hitotsubashi University, and GGR Researcher, took part in “Nordic Talks Japan: How to Advocate for Peace and Democracy in the Digital World,” organized by Nordic Innovation House Tokyo. At the event, leading experts from Nordic countries and Japan discussed how digital technology can be used to promote peace and democracy. Professor Ichihara explained that the diffusion of digital technology has given citizens influence over international relations. While appreciating the value of social media as a forum for citizens to voice their opinions, the professor cautioned against the tendency for communication to be limited to those who hold homogeneous views. Finally, the professor pointed to the current use of AI technology for surveillance in authoritarian states and suggested that we should devise ways to use technology to protect citizens from state surveillance.