September 2, 2025
Japan: Cambodian Authorities Harass Exiled Dissidents
Tokyo Should Denounce Phnom Penh’s ‘Transnational Repression’
Japan
Japan is a democracy, governed almost continuously since 1955 by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party, but its human rights protection mechanisms are weak. Japan has no laws prohibiting discrimination based on race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, or age. Serious human rights issues exist including an asylum and refugee determination system that rarely grants refugee status, a “hostage” justice process to coerce confessions, and the use of the death penalty. Japan does not have a national human rights institution. The government continues to support the expansion of fossil fuels both domestically and abroad, contributing to the global climate crisis.
Videos
Videos-
-
October 9, 2024
Japan: Chinese Authorities Harass Critics Abroad
Beijing’s Transnational Repression Hinges on Threats Against Families in China
-
-
May 25, 2023
Japan’s “Hostage Justice” System
Denial of Bail, Coerced Confessions, and Lack of Access to Lawyers
News
-
-
January 14, 2026
Joint Letter to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Re: Integrating Human Rights into Japan’s Foreign and Economic Security Policy
-
December 11, 2025
Safe Sport Structures in Japanese Sports
A Joint Letter to Junichi Kawai, Commissioner of Japan Sports Agency
-
December 9, 2025
New Japanese Espionage Law Would Need to Respect Rights
Previous Anti-Spying Bills Have Threatened Free Speech, Media Freedom
-
November 26, 2025
Japan Should Take Responsibility for its Deforestation Footprint
-
November 17, 2025
Japan: New Government Should Adopt Human Rights Diplomacy
Prioritize Sanctions Law, Increased Foreign Aid, Accountability for Abuses
-
November 17, 2025
Letter to Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi
Re: Human Rights Foreign Policy Agenda for Japan’s New Government
-
October 20, 2025
Vietnam’s Rights Suppression Carries a Heavy Price
World Leaders Are Cozying Up to Hanoi While Activists Are Jailed
-
October 17, 2025
Japan Should Defend the International Criminal Court
Diet Members, Civil Society Call for Leadership in Countering US Sanctions
-
September 29, 2025
Japan Court Drops Key Legal Hurdle for Transgender People
Ruling Against Gender Appearance Requirement Advances Right to Legal Recognition
