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On June 29, 2024, a comment of Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law on the Asahi Shimbun article, “Halting India's 'Crisis of Democracy': An Explanation of Modi's Third-Term Prospects” was published. This article discusses the state of Indian democracy and the background behind the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Modi, winning the general election but failing to secure an outright majority. Professor Ichihara pointed out that it is premature to conclude that this election result has halted India's democratic crisis. First, voter behavior was primarily driven by issues related to daily life, and it remains unclear to what extent there was an intention to stop the decline of democracy. Second, it is uncertain how much the election result will serve to prevent democratic backsliding, and further developments will need to be observed.

On July 3, 2024, TV Tokyo published an article titled "27 Years Since Hong Kong's Handover: Is the Pro-Democracy Movement Shifting to Japan?" The article examines the situation 27 years after Hong Kong's handover from the UK to China, focusing on the current state of freedom and the pro-democracy movement in Hong Kong. It addresses how the movement has shifted to countries like Japan due to the implementation of the National Security Law and the newly established National Security Ordinance following the 2019 pro-democracy protests. The article also covers an event co-hosted by the Institute for Global Governance Research. At this event, Alric Lee, the representative of the Lady Liberty Hong Kong, a group advocating for Hong Kong's democratization, commented that Japan and Taiwan are now at the forefront of the anti-China movement. While Japan remains a safe place where he feels no fear, he expressed concern for his parents residing in Hong Kong.

On June 28, 2024, a comment of Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law on the Asahi Shimbun article, “Debate ‘Panic within the Democratic Party,’ Biden's Vulnerabilities Laid Bare, Replacement Discussions Begin” was published. This article discusses the concerns within the Democratic Party regarding President Biden's age, following a televised debate during the U.S. presidential election. Professor Ichihara noted that the criticism of Biden’s performance in the debate was due to his age becoming a focal point and his lowering the level of discussion to that of former President Trump. She expressed hope that the Democratic Party will be able to effectively reorganize itself in the time remaining before November.

On June 16, 2024, a comment of Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law on the Asahi Shimbun article, "Work Invading Your Time Off! Why We Need the Right to Disconnect Now" was published. This article is based on an interview with labor law researcher Ryo Hosokawa, who discusses the "right to disconnect" for workers who are expected to handle work tasks outside of working hours in an era where work can be done anytime, anywhere. Professor Ichihara emphasized the importance of the "right to disconnect" to protect one's private time and pointed out that, in modern times, individuals need to be aware of securing their private life even before any institutional arrangements are made. She commented that especially in Japan, it is crucial to enhance the awareness that everyone is entitled to equal human rights. Even if someone is in a weaker position in a working relationship, it is important to assert one's rights, she points out.

On June 27, 2024, the Toyo Keizai Online article titled "Will the Government Allow the Hong Kong Authorities to Violate Japan's Sovereignty?" was published, referencing the Japan Hong Kong Democracy Summit co-hosted by the Institute for Global Governance Research. The article discusses the Summit, which was organized to mark the fifth anniversary of the large-scale demonstrations in Hong Kong that began in June 2019. The event brought together young leaders of Hong Kong's pro-democracy movement who had scattered abroad following the enactment of the Hong Kong National Security Law. Professor Tomoko Ako of the University of Tokyo emphasizedin the Summit the importance of Japan to perceive the Hong Kong issue as a matter of personal concern, stressing the need for awareness of the threat to freedom and democracy. Former House of Representatives member Shiori Kanno underscored the significance of raising voices against the potential criminalization of legitimate activities by Japanese lawmakers by the Hong Kong authorities.

On June 17, 2024, Sankei Shimbun published an article about an event co-hosted by the Institute for Global Governance Research titled, "Hong Kong Has Not Lost: Speech by Activist Wanted Under Security Law at Japan Hong Kong Democracy Summit." This article covers the "Japan Hong Kong Democracy Summit," held at Hitotsubashi University, which discussed the current situation and future of Hong Kong. Former House of Representatives member Shiori Kanno and Professor Tomoko Ako from the University of Tokyo also gave speeches. Democracy activist Finn Lau, wanted by Hong Kong authorities for alleged violations of the National Security Law, pointed out that although freedom of speech has been lost in Hong Kong, the citizens' struggle has led to a growing movement to avoid excessive dependence on China in various countries. He also revealed plans to link Hong Kong-related organizations to demand democratization within a larger framework.

On May 17, 2024, the program "True Freedom: The Core of Japan's Strength" featuring Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law was released on the official PIVOT channel. The program delves into the mechanisms of influence operations by countries like China, which are becoming increasingly serious in international politics, and the strategies to counteract them. Professor Ichihara began by citing the spread of disinformation about the release of treated water from Fukushima. She explained how the attention economy model has expanded influence with the rise of the social media. She highlighted the importance of not only fostering trust through international cooperation but also sharing research on fact-checking and trends in information warfare to combat the spread of false information. She stressed that when engaging with information on social media daily, it's essential to verify information from multiple sources for media literacy. However, methods such as the firehose of falsehood and information laundering make it extremely challenging to discern true information.

On May 16, 2024, a comment of Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law on the Asahi Shimbun article, "Gaza Attacks Prompt Student Rally at the University of Tokyo: 'Listen to the Anti-War Pleas'" was published. The article discusses the spread of student movements protesting the Israeli military's attacks on the Gaza Strip in the Palestinian territories, initially in the United States and now also at universities in the Tokyo metropolitan area. Professor Ichihara commented that such demonstrations have occurred in Japan before. She recalled being impressed by a demonstration she witnessed in Shinjuku, where young people addressed the audience in both Japanese and English, demonstrating considerable courage.

On May 7, 2024, a comment of Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law on the Asahi Shimbun article, "‘I'm sorry for living’: Depressed after Seminar, 22-year-old Graduate Student Takes Own Life" was published. This article concerns Amane, a 23-year-old graduate student who committed suicide due to depression. Professor Ichihara stated that the signs of students’ distress appear in a subtle manner, and recognizing them requires a certain level of mental capacity of the faculty members. However, given the current state of universities, this is very challenging. She emphasized that universities should value students as an investment in the future. To achieve this, the burden on university faculty needs to be reduced to some extent. Professor Ichihara pointed out the importance of discussing the role and structure of universities as a society.

On May 7, 2024, the Daiwa Anglo-Japanese Foundation released a video titled "Establishing Facts," featuring Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law as a panelist. The video discusses the importance of fact-checking, the methods involved, and the mechanisms behind disinformation. Professor Ichihara explained authoritarian disinformation and narratives, addressing future challenges as well. First, she succinctly described the mechanisms behind the spread of disinformation regarding Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the release of treated water from the Fukushima nuclear plant. She stated that the objectives of disinformation spread by authoritarian actors include destabilizing and polarizing Japan, and driving a wedge between Japan and its security partners. While efforts to combat disinformation by the government and private sector are ongoing, they remain insufficient. Professor Ichihara emphasized that moving forward, not only cross-disciplinary research but also international cooperation will be necessary.