Japan
Monday 19.9.2022 Japan - Latest Developments -
Japan introduces tougher penalties for defamation, court ruling a setback for LGBTQI+ rights
In recent months, concerns have been raised around amendments to the penal code imposing tougher penalties for criminal defamation and the ruling by a court in Osaka that the ban on same-sex marriages does not violate the constitution. Further, there have been protests against the 2030 Winter Olympics and a state funeral for the former Prime Minister. Read more
Thursday 26.5.2022 Japan - Latest Developments -
Japan's press freedom ranking drops while Okinawans, women and LGBTQI+ groups hold protests
The state of civic space in Japan is rated as ‘narrowed’ by the CIVICUS Monitor. In recent months, there has been a drop in press freedom rankings issued by Reporters Without Borders (RSF). There also have been ongoing protests by Okinawans against the US bases, by women’s rights activists for improvements in gender equality and by LGBTQI+ groups for the Tokyo Rainbow Pride parade and to address discrimination against them. Read more
Wednesday 16.2.2022 Japan - Latest Developments -
Increasing Twitter takedowns by Japan while teachers and Okinawans hold protests
In recent months there have been a high number of Twitter takedowns requested by the Japanese government and attempts through the courts to block a film on ‘comfort women’. There have also been protests by teachers’ unions and Okinawa residents against a US base. Read more
Wednesday 6.10.2021 Japan - Latest Developments -
Protests in Japan around death in immigration detention, arrest of anti-Olympics activist
In recent months there have been protests against the lack of transparency and accountability around the death of a Sri Lankan woman in immigration detention. There have also been protests against the Paralympics and the detention of a protester by the authorities. Read more
Thursday 29.7.2021 Japan - Latest Developments -
Protests around Olympics opening while civil society slams failure to pass anti-discrimination bill
Protests that have persisted against the Olympic Games over the last year have continued around the opening ceremony. Civil society has slammed the government for shelving an anti-discrimination bill. In a positive move, the International Olympic Committee slightly relaxed its rules against protests by athletes as long as they are not disruptive. Read more
Wednesday 12.5.2021 Japan - Latest Developments -
Opposition against Olympics continues, as state of emergency extended in Japan
In recent months, protests against the Olympics have persisted, including by nurses. A public broadcaster muted protests against the games during the Olympic torch relay. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said it would prevent athletes from protesting or demonstrating at the Olympics, sparking criticism. Read more
Thursday 14.1.2021 Japan - Latest Developments -
Academic freedom at risk, barriers for transgender women as NGOs submit reports to UN on Japan
In recent months, there have been attempts by Prime Minister Yoshihide Suga to suppress academic freedom while Japan’s legal gender recognition law creates significant discriminatory barriers for transgender women to enroll in all public women’s universities in the country. There have also been ongoing protests against the Olympics and abuses in China. Read more
Thursday 27.8.2020 Japan - Latest Developments -
Activist groups in Japan call for end to racism, police abuse and passage of equality law
In July 2020, thousands joined protests in Japan against protest against racism and police brutality. Numerous civil society groups have launched a campaign calling for the passage of the Equality Act which would protect LGBT people from discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. Read more
Wednesday 29.4.2020 Japan - Latest Developments -
Anti-Olympics activist’s house raided while group urges games facilities be opened up to homeless
The home of anti-Olympics activists was raided in Tokyo in February 2020 while groups are calling for the Olympics facilities be opened up to homeless during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic. In the Ibaraki Prefecture students are protesting the reopening of school amid the pandemic while the Mizuko Funding Group is halting the funding of coal after pressure from activists. There has been a small improvement in Japan’s press freedom index in 2019 Read more
Wednesday 22.1.2020 Japan - Latest Developments -
Immigration detainees in Japan hold hunger strike while Okinawa anti-base protests continue
Over the last few months, immigration detainees went on a hunger strike to protest against prolonged detention. Protests have continued against a new US airfield in Okinawa off the Henoko coast. The first ordinance to punish hate speech was passed in the Kawasaki assembly in the Kanagawa Prefecture. An international contemporary art festival shut down a section around censorship within Japan, while the International Olympic Committee has banned political expression at the upcoming Olympics. Read more
