Law Schools and Legal Professionals: Quality Concerns Amid Bar Associations’ Calls for Reduced Qualifications

Japan’s Ministry of Justice has officially transitioned the national bar examination to a computer-based testing (CBT) format, marking a significant shift in how aspiring legal professionals demonstrate their competency. As of 2024, the exam requires candidates to input their answers using word processing software rather than the traditional handwritten method, a move designed to mirror … Read more

私のライフシフト:51歳焼き鳥屋、予備試験の道で司法試験合格 育児・家事も兼ね | 毎日新聞

At 53, a former yakitori restaurant owner in Japan has successfully transitioned into a legal career, passing the rigorous national bar examination after years of balancing professional responsibilities with domestic life. This career shift highlights the evolving landscape of Japan’s legal profession, where mid-career professionals are increasingly leveraging the “Life Shift” concept—the idea that individuals … Read more

Secrets of Prince and Princess Akishino’s 1990 Marriage Tour

The 1990 marriage announcement trip of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko highlighted the Princess’s fluency in English and diplomatic poise, qualities hotel staff at the time attributed to her previous studies in the United Kingdom. The tour served as a formal introduction of the newlywed couple to the Japanese public and international guests following their … Read more

【新・地域考】当番弁護士、国選弁護制度 低報酬 労力に見合わず 制度担う弁護士不足深刻

The Japanese legal aid landscape is facing a structural crisis as the nation’s “duty attorney” (Toban Bengoshi) and public defender systems grapple with a severe shortage of participating lawyers. According to data from the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA), the combination of stagnant compensation rates and the high labor intensity required to represent suspects … Read more

ネットに差別的書き込みで中傷被害 在日コリアン女性が刑事告訴 – 毎日新聞

In a significant move targeting online harassment in Japan, Zainichi Korean activist Choi Kang-ija has filed a criminal complaint for defamation regarding discriminatory posts published on social media. Supported by her legal counsel, Yasuko Morooka, Choi’s action highlights the ongoing legal struggle against hate speech and the pursuit of accountability for anonymous online perpetrators through … Read more

Man Arrested in Malaysia for 2016 Roppongi Woman’s Murder: Police Confirm International Fugitive Captured After 8 Years on the Run

On April 25, 2026, Japanese authorities arrested a 47-year-old man at Narita Airport in connection with the 2018 killing of a woman in Tokyo’s Roppongi district. The arrest concluded an eight-year international manhunt for Takahashi Nobuaki, who had been living in Malaysia since shortly after the alleged crime. According to verified police reports and multiple … Read more

Lawyers Reveal Lawsuit Filed by 9 Individuals Aged 20–60 Over App-Based Work Disputes, October 2021–March 2026

Workers in Japan are taking legal action against the popular on-demand labor app Timely, alleging the company failed to pay wages after last-minute job cancellations. The lawsuit, filed by a group of nine workers aged between their 20s and 60s, centers on incidents occurring between October 2021 and March 2026, according to statements made by … Read more

A Prosecutor’s Journey: Analyzing Evidence in High-Profile Cases

write a comprehensive, factually accurate article about &quot. 神戸地検の検事正に清野氏 不起訴理由の公表「適切に判断したい」" based solely on the provided source and web search results. The source text provided is: 裁判官の父の影響で法曹を志し、証拠を分析して事件を組み立てる検事の仕事にやりがいを感じてきたという。 昨年11月、最高検は、社会的関心が高い事件 … This is fragmented, unverified, and contains no specific details about: The full name of the individual (only "清野氏" is mentioned, with no given name) The specific case or … Read more

From Labubu to Anime IPs: The Rise of Plush Bag Charms as a Gen Z Fashion Trend

Walk through the shopping districts of Shanghai or the campuses of Beijing today, and you will notice a distinct trend adorning the backpacks of Gen Z and Millennials: an array of plush charms and vinyl figures. These “bag charms,” or bao gua, have evolved from simple accessories into high-demand fashion statements, blending the worlds of … Read more

Japan’s “Hostage Justice” System: Judges, False Confessions & Legal Battles

Tokyo – A rare and candid interview with a sitting judge in Japan has shed light on growing criticism of the country’s criminal justice system, specifically concerns over lengthy pre-trial detention and what some are calling “hostage justice.” Judge Kichi Hiraide, the presiding judge of the Tokyo District Court, acknowledged the validity of these criticisms, … Read more