Defying Giants: Hong Kong–Brewed Counter-Narratives to Stop the CCP’s Global Anti-Democracy Campaign

Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on April 10, 2024.

Measures to Tackle Delusional Political Campaigns

AbstractThe election process is crucial to democracy as it allows the people to select their representatives who will bear the duty to develop and carry out the will of the people; and thus, a political campaign comes into play. A political campaign generally reflects the intention and development plan a political party aims to pursue. It is equally (or even more) important and persuasive as the candidates themselves. Nonetheless, like everything in the world, there are two sides to a coin, in this case feasible and unfeasible (delusional) political campaigns. While feasible political campaigns allow voters to make well-informed votes for their country, unfeasible political campaigns could be considered as misinforming voters. In spite of the influence a political campaign can have over people, there is as yet no specific law that regulates campaigns directly, given the importance of freedom of speech. This paper discusses the relevant legal framework on political campaigns as well as measures to tackle delusional political campaigns, in order to empower voters and create a healthier ecosystem in a democratic society.

Hasina’s Last Stand: The Quota Movement, Student Uprising, and the Future of Bangladeshi Democracy

AbstractBangladesh has been ruled by Sheikh Hasina for 16 years, during which time the country’s democracy has been undermined by widespread vote rigging, voter intimidation, and violent suppression of the opposition. However, the tide began to turn with the student quota protests and subsequent uprising, which eventually forced Hasina from power and led to the establishment of a military caretaker government. Despite this shift, Bangladesh remains on a quest for democracy, struggling to recover from the long period of Hasina’s undemocratic rule.

Misinformation about Taiwan from Japan: Narrative Analysis and the Formation of New Narratives

AbstractHow should we deal with the growing concern over misinformation and disinformation? This paper examines this issue using misinformation about Taiwan emanating from Japan. The article “90% of Taiwan's Retired Executives Sell Information to China," published by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun (Nikkei) on February 28, 2023, not only sparked debate in Japan, but also led to the Taiwanese government directly pointing out the inaccuracy of the content. In this report, we first conduct a fact-check of this information and analyze the high probability that it is misinformation. Next, we counter the misinformation through a detailed analysis of the persona of the target of the misinformation and the narrative that the misinformation conveys. This study points out that the disinformation could trigger anti-Taiwan sentiment based on the persona of a 50-year-old married man, a company employee in a managerial position, with a household income of 8.5 million yen, and a Nikkei Shimbun reader. We will formulate counter-narratives from the perspective of the economy, in which the persona has a high interest, and will also touch on points to be considered when diffusing the information. Finally, we conclude that even newspaper articles must be careful about accuracy, pointing out the limitations of this paper.

Empowering Hong Kong: Journey of Community Building and Struggle for Freedom

Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 27, 2024.

Freedom for Hong Kong Begins with Ourselves

Abstract*This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 21, 2024.

I am a Yangon Citizen Living in Tokyo: Interview with Journalist Yuki Kitazumi

Abstract*This article was written based on the interview conducted on March 11, 2024.

Testimony for Resilience: Perspectives of a Karenni Youth on Oppression, Humanitarian Aid, and Diaspora Activism

Abstract* This paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 14, 2024.

Generational Resistance for Democracy: Three Generations’ Resistance Against the Military Junta in Myanmar

Abstract*The paper was written based on an interview conducted on March 11, 2024.

Beyond Borders: The Noto Peninsula Earthquake and the Hongkonger Community’s Response

AbstractThe Noto Peninsula Earthquake in Ishikawa Prefecture not only raised sympathy from Hongkongers residing in Japan but also served as a significant test for their longstanding tradition of engaging in charity campaigns. In response to the disaster, the Japan Hongkongers Association promptly initiated a donation campaign to support the affected communities. To maximize outreach and impact, the association promoted the campaign both locally and internationally, employing various strategies, including effective use of social media. Along with the online campaign, some Hongkongers volunteered directly in the affected areas, providing physical and emotional support. The incident has not only heightened awareness and preparedness for future emergencies among the Hongkonger community in Japan but has also tightened their local and global bonds with the Japanese community. These efforts demonstrate solidarity and resilience among the Hongkong diaspora with a deepened sense of community, which will resonate well in the future.

Japan as a Hub for Democracy Assistance in Asia [in Japanese]

Protecting Human Rights Leads to Peace: Reaffirming the Importance of the Labor Union Movement by Linking Peace and Human Rights [in Japanese]

FTA with China: Copper Monoculture, Limited Diversification and Hidden Dependency [in Spanish]

China’s Attempt to Drive a Wedge in Japan-South Korea and Japan-Taiwan Relations: Influence Operations Targeting Societies of Third Countries [in Japanese]

An alliance challenging China’s influence −Inter-Parliamentary Alliance on China (IPAC) in its policy towards China to counter potential authoritarian influence [in Spanish]

Japan’s Arms Control and Non-Proliferation Policy [in Japanese]

Political Regimes and Refugee Entries: The Preferences and Decisions of Displaced Persons and Host Governments

Possibility of Extending Legal Standing under Article 263 (4) TFEU in the Matter of Climate Litigation

Japan’s Human Rights Diplomacy in UN Policy: The Role of Human Rights Norms and the Changing Modes of Multilateralism [in Japanese]

History of the Cold War as History of International Relations [in Japanese]