News

On June 27, 2023, Asahi Shimbun posted a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University, on the article titled, "How about a Complete Dive into Myanmar Culture? An Annual Event, Eventually Becoming a Source of Solace." This article describes the event "Myanmar Cultural Experience Pack: A Complete Myanmar Experience," which showcases Myanmar culture annually. Professor Ichihara commented that coverage by Japanese media on Myanmar is precious, as the public interest in Myanmar diminished after the Russian invasion of Ukraine.

On June 26, 2023, Asahi Shimbun posted a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law on the article titled " Mr. Prigozhin said, 'it's alright. Goodbye.'" - Departure Witnessed by a Russian Journalist." This article features the account of a Russian journalist who witnessed the entire course of Prigozhin's rebellion, detailing the events at that time. Also, Professor Ichihara expressed concern that the ordinary citizens who received Wagner warmly might be anxious about potential repercussions from the Russian government.

On June 12, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law, Hitotsubashi University. She commented on the article “Four years after the pro-democracy demonstrations, "Hong Kong still fights": 150 people making voices in Shibuya.” This article introduces the progress of a demonstration in Shibuya, Tokyo, calling for freedom in Hong Kong and democratization in China. Professor Ichihara also commented on the demonstration by Hong Kong pro-democracy activists that took place on the 11th, following the protest gathering for the Tiananmen Square incident held on the 4th. She noted the desperate efforts seen in continuing the movement abroad amid the suppression of democratization activities in China. Moreover, she argued that while the number of 150 participants may seem small at first glance, those raising their voices have a strong determination, considering the possibility of endangering the local families' safety. Lastly, she emphasized the importance of continuing even small-scale activities to avoid the misconception that the people of Hong Kong have accepted or succumbed to the repression of freedom.

On June 4, 2023, Asahi Shimbun introduced a comment by Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law. She commented on the article “34 years after the Tiananmen Square incident, a protest gathering held in Tokyo: "We were seeking freedom.”” This article writes about the protest gathering in Tokyo for the Tiananmen Square incident. Student leaders of the movement, including Zhou Fengsuo, reflected on the peaceful activities that sought democracy and freedom at the time. Professor Ichihara briefly explained how governments in Asia support voluntary democratization, which expressed concerns. More specifically, she explained how the discussion does not sufficiently reflect the voices desiring freedom in the Tiananmen Square incident and authoritarian states. She evaluated the fact that a gathering is still being held in Tokyo, even after 34 years has passed, and the voice aspiring for freedom has not disappeared. Lastly, she emphasized that those of us living in democratic countries should stand with and support the people who raise their voices in pursuit of freedom.

The Jeju Forum for Peace and Prosperity was held for three days from May 31, 2023, and Professor Maiko Ichihara at the Graduate School of Law participated in a panel titled “Human Rights across Asia: Dilemmas and Solutions.” The panel discussed various challenges such as discrimination, violation of human rights, surveillance in Asian countries, and solutions for a more just world. Professor Ichihara highlighted examples of human rights issues in China, Russia, Malaysia, India, and other Asian countries. She explained the case of Malaysia, where the government concentrated power by neutralizing the functionality of the parliament during the COVID-19 crisis, and the enactment of laws to suppress journalists under the guise of combating COVID-19 disinformation. She also emphasized that authoritarian countries are attacking democracy itself to destabilize democratic nations. Lastly, she stated that Asian countries face a wide range of humanitarian crises.

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.