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Democracy and Human Rights Program

Discussion in “Forum 2000: For a Democratic World Order”

December 08, 2023
On October 16, Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law appeared in a panel, "The War in Ukraine and its Global Impact" in the international conference titled “Forum 2000: For a Democratic World Order” organized by Forum 2000. The panelists discussed what will happen in the world in the future, cooperation among democracies, and the role of the United Nations, as the effects of Russia's invasion of Ukraine and the movement for a new international order becomes more apparent. Professor Ichihara pointed out that one positive element of Asia including Japan is the shared understanding that Ukraine cannot be given up because abandoning it would mean allowing revisionist authoritarian states such as Russia to change the status quo. On the other hand, one element of concern is that the framing of “democracy versus autocracy” remained impactful and gave an impression to the Global South that it was an ideological war. She discussed that we need to maintain liberal discourse in the international community while building good cooperative relations with other countries, including the Global South.
Democracy and Human Rights Program

Interview on “The Debate over Whether TikTok is a Security Threat”

December 06, 2023
On October 6, 2023, CADALTV published an interview with Sascha Hannig Nuñez, a doctoral student in the Graduate School of Law, entitled ‘’The Debate over Whether TikTok is a Security Threat.’’ The interview focuses on what TikTok is, how it differs from ByteDance's other platforms, and why some countries are limiting their presence on TikTok and other platforms due to security and other concerns. Ms. Hannig explained that there is no exemption from controversy and questions, ranging from TikTok's potential to become a military tool to its ability to induce the opinions of minors, who are its primary consumers.
Democracy and Human Rights Program

Comment on “Despite Higher World Ranking, Kyoto University Fails to be Selected for International University of Research Excellence” [in Japanese]

December 05, 2023
On September 1, 2023, Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law commented on the Asahi Shimbun article "Despite Higher World Ranking, Kyoto University Fails to be Selected for International University of Research Excellence." The article states that the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology announced the results of the first selection for the 'International University of Research Excellence' on September 1, 2023, which aims to be a world-class research institution, and that universities like the University of Tokyo and Kyoto University were not selected. Professor Ichihara commented that if only universities with high international rankings are to receive funding, it would only strengthen existing social structures and make it difficult to make changes. Instead, we should break preconceptions and support transforming organizations and people, she points out. She also point out the issue that an article title like this could strengthen people's preconceptions.
Global Risk and Crisis Management Program

Appearance on “G7 Hiroshima in Review ”[in Japanese]

November 17, 2023
On June 3, 2023, the program "G7 Hiroshima in Review" with Professor Nobumasa Akiyama, Director of the Graduate School of International and Public Policy, was broadcast on the International Politics Channel. The program covers the G7 Hiroshima Summit from 19-21 May, including commentary on the names of the leaders, the laying of flowers at the cenotaph, and the G7+Ukraine Summit. Director Akiyama stated that the words of Prime Minister Kishida and President Biden on the list of names lacked some resonance, but that the words inscribed on the list were of great significance in showing that nuclear weapons should not be used and what the tragedy of Hiroshima means for humanity. He also said that cooperation with Russia, China, Iran, India, and other countries is also essential to achieve the "world without nuclear weapons" that the citizens of Hiroshima expect. He further commented that President Yun's laying of flowers at the cenotaph together with Prime Minister Kishida was of great significance to the Korean hibakusha living in Japan and was also important as one of the steps towards reconciliation in Japan-Korea relations.
Democracy and Human Rights Program

Comment on “China’s Total Embargo ‘Unexpected,’ Release of Treated Water Becomes a Political Issue, Japan Grows Distrust” [in Japanese]

November 17, 2023
On August 24, 2023, Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law commented on the Asahi Shimbun article “China's Total Embargo 'Unexpected,' Release of Treated Water Becomes a Political Issue, Japan Grows Distrust.” The article explains the situation in which China has used the card of a total embargo on Japanese seafood products in response to the release of treated water from TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant into the sea, which has been described by Japan as 'unexpected' and 'an extraordinary response,' with no sign of a political solution in sight. Professor Ichihara argued that there were three political aims behind the Chinese government's response to the release of the treated water. First, given that there is critical voice to the discharge of treated water in Japan, the Chinese government sought to provoke discord in Japan. Secondly, the closeness between Japan and South Korea under the Yoon administration is a situation that China is wary of, and China is trying deteriorate Korean sentiment towards Japan by taking measures to provide moral support to those who oppose the discharge of treated water. Finally, they used the anti-Japan nationalism card with an awareness of domestic public opinion in China.
Democracy and Human Rights Program

Comment on “Missing Japan, But Not Feasible Right Now: Reasons Why Sexual Minorities Choose Canada” [in Japanese]

November 13, 2023
On August 17, 2023, Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law commented on the Asahi Shimbun article, "Missing Japan, But Not Feasible Right Now: Reasons Why Sexual Minorities Choose Canada." The article is about the Japanese people who found it difficult to live in Japanese society and moved to Canada, which is considered to be a better place to live for sexual minorities. Professor Ichihara commented that respect for all the people, regardless of their sexual orientation, is the way societies should be, and that Japan must appropriately criticize oppression by other governments and work to eliminate discrimination within its borders to create a society where everyone's dignity is protected.
Democracy and Human Rights Program

Comment on “(Editorial) Japan and South Korea – Efforts to Prevent Backsliding” [in Japanese]

November 06, 2023
On August 16, 2023, Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law commented on the Asahi Shimbun article, “(Editorial) Japan and South Korea - Efforts to Prevent Backsliding." The article describes hope for improved relations between Japan and South Korea in response to South Korean President Yoon Suk-yeol's commitment to strengthening security and economic cooperation with Japan and the importance of taking lessons to prevent backsliding in the relations. Professor Ichihara stressed the importance of President Yoon's strong initiative to improve relations between the two countries in the face of China's growing challenge to the regional order. She also noted that the South Korean society is severely polarized, and commented that Japan needs to take serious steps to solidify the direction of improved relations between the two countries which would be acceptable to the South Korean opposition parties and that the Japanese people as individuals also need to reflect on their nationalism.
Democracy and Human Rights Program

Comment on “Why I Fled to Japan, My ‘Second Home’, Only to Return to My Homeland under the Rule of the Taliban”

October 30, 2023
On August 13, 2023, Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of Law commented on the Asahi Shimbun article, "Why I Fled to Japan, My 'Second Home', only to Return to My Homeland under the Rule of the Taliban." The article is about a man who fled his home country after a 'political upheaval' shortly after returning from studying in Japan and took temporary refuge in Japan, but returned to his homeland amid turmoil and shared his feelings about it. Professor Ichihara pointed out that in supporting refugees, it is also necessary to consider how to help them realize their desire to support their home country. She also commented that although conventional Japanese society has the structure which is not easy for refugees to become self-reliant, we should structure the society to make their experience and knowledge accessible to the average poeple to improve the ability to identify and solve problems.
Democracy and Human Rights Program

Comment on “Statement of The UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights on ‘Effective Relief for Victims’ regarding the Sexual Assault of Johnny”[in Japanese]

October 24, 2023
On 4 August 2023, Professor Maiko Ichihara of the Graduate School of commented on the Asahi Shimbun article, " Statement of the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights on ‘Effective Relief for Victims’ regarding the Sexual Assault of Johnny ." This article is about the UN Human Rights Council's press conference at the Japan Press Club on the issue of sexual assault by the late Johnny Kitagawa, founder of Johnny & Associates. Professor Ichihara commented that the following two points show some some hope. One is the fact that the UN Working Group on Business and Human Rights, on which the Japanese government has been focusing its efforts in recent years, conducted the investigation. The other is the fact that the two commissioners on this case are from Nigeria and Thailand, enabling them to express their concerns without being seen as the West pushing its will on human rights issues to Japan.