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This article describes the arrest and prosecution of three peace protesters during the Iraq War era. It places these events within the broader context of the campaign to revise Japan’s Constitution, especially Article 9, to allow for the deployment of Self-Defense Force units abroad. It also introduces the great hesitancy of the Supreme Court to enforce Article 9.

Deep in Japan is Jeff Krueger's popular podcast interview series for those with a deep knowledge of Japan In this interview, we talked about my book “JAPAN'S PRISONERS OF CONSCIENCE. We examine issues raised by the case based on the book, which delves into the details of the protesters' arrests and trial through in-depth research with defendants, attorneys, and witnesses.

On November 17th, the Supreme Court handed down an unusual ruling against the government in a case involving artistic speech. The case concerned the Japan Arts Council's revocation of a subsidy for the film "From Miyamoto to You" following the arrest of one of the actors for drug use. The court ordered the council (under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology) to pay back the 10 million yen in subsidies it had approved before the arrest and revocation. This article introduces the details.

Shinzo Abe’s long tenure as prime minister of Japan is notable for many reasons, but perhaps his most enduring achievements were made in the Diet where he led colleagues in passing several highly controversial bills sure to have an impact for many years to come.

In its more than 70-year history, Japan’s supreme court has never ruled that the police or any other agency of government has violated the constitutionally protected right to free speech. In a case decided recently, the court had the opportunity to break with precedent but once again sided with the government.

Why did I write a book about the Tachikawa Anti-War Leaflet Incident? If someone doesn't write a book about it, this incident will likely be forgotten.