Japan
Japan is a liberal democracy with a record of upholding civil and political rights, but its laws and systems to protect rights are weak. Japan has no laws prohibiting racial, ethnic, or religious discrimination, or discrimination based on sexual orientation or gender identity. Japan has a law prohibiting sexual discrimination in the workplace only. Civil society groups have long called for a national human rights institution. Serious human rights issues include an asylum and refugee determination system that rarely grants refugee status, a “hostage” justice system that detains criminal suspects for long periods to coerce confessions, use of the death penalty, and a huge psychiatric industry that uses arbitrary detention and use of physical restraints. The Japanese government continues to actively support the expansion of fossil fuels both domestically and abroad, contributing to the global climate crisis.
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Professor Miho Mitsunari, VP of Nara Women’s University
In Japan, transgender people are required to undergo medical procedures in order to change their legal gender. These procedures put a huge burden on the body and they are irreversible once done. They are also extremely expensive and lengthy.
Dr. Jun Koh, Psychiatrist
Due to the surgery requirement for a legal change of gender, there are transgender people that undergo surgery and hormone therapy even though they have no discomfort in retaining their bodies as they are. ‘
Itsuki Dohi, Transgender activist
The decision to undergo surgery should be made by transgender people themselves and is a separate matter from legal gender change.
Professor Hiroyuki Taniguchi, Legal Scholar
The law itself is designed to force transgender people into the existing legal system rather than ensuring their ability to live according to their gender identity.
Junko Mitsuhashi, Scholar and Lecturer Meiji University
I would like to see a legal system that is not an embarrassment under international human rights standards.
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October 9, 2024
Japan: Chinese Authorities Harass Critics Abroad
Beijing’s Transnational Repression Hinges on Threats Against Families in China
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May 25, 2023
Japan’s “Hostage Justice” System
Denial of Bail, Coerced Confessions, and Lack of Access to Lawyers
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May 25, 2021
“The Law Undermines Dignity”
Momentum to Revise Japan’s Legal Gender Recognition Process
News
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June 6, 2025
Statement at Symposium “Landmines and War: What is Happening in the World Today?”
Delivered by Kanae Doi, Human Rights Watch on June 6, 2025
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April 23, 2025
Joint Letter to the Japanese Government: Supporting the International Criminal Court
April 23, 2025
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March 27, 2025
Japan’s ‘Hostage Justice’ Survivors Urge Legal Reforms at Diet
Public Prosecutor’s Office Plans to Record More Interrogations
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March 24, 2025
Survivors Bring Case to End Japan’s ‘Hostage Justice’
Lawsuit Seeks Compensation for Criminal Procedure Code Violations
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March 21, 2025
Japan Doubts Myanmar Junta’s Election Plans
Tokyo Should Discourage Governments from Providing Technical Support
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March 11, 2025
Japan Needs to Stop Its Retaliation Against UN Women's Rights Committee
Tokyo Shouldn’t Align with China and US in Attacking Global Rights System
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February 10, 2025
Japan Prepares to Accept Medical Evacuees from Gaza
Tokyo Should Press Israeli Government to End Ongoing Grave Violations
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January 16, 2025
Asia's 'people power' alive and kicking amid disturbing global currents
Human rights and rule of law are a foundation for growth and stability – not a diversion from it
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January 16, 2025
Japan: Death Penalty Acquittal Shows Need for Legal Reform
End ‘Hostage Justice,’ Capital Punishment; Create National Rights Body
