PRESS CONFERENCE
Speaking Out Against Political Hate Speech
Akira Maeda, Association of Citizens Condemning Hate Speech by Politicians
Megumi Komori, Acting Secretary-General, International Movement Against All Forms of Discrimination and Racism

14:00-15:00 Wednesday, June 25, 2025
Language: The speech and Q & A will be in Japanese with English interpretation. 

Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party has decided to endorse Mio Sugita as a candidate on its proportional representation list for the upcoming Upper House election in July. This has invited backlash, given Sugita's track record of insensitive remarks that have been recognized by the Justice Ministry as human rights violations.

Sugita was formerly a three-term Lower House lawmaker, but was not given party backing for re-election in last October's poll after she was implicated in a political funding scandal. As a politician, she has offended through her statements ethnic Korean residents, indigenous Ainu people, same-sex couples, as well as victims of sexual violence.

The LDP's endorsement of Sugita has concerned voters, who have launched a petition campaign and published open letters urging the party to reconsider its decision.

Akira Maeda and Megumi Komori, two veteran human rights activists known for their work against discrimination, point to Sugita's apparent lack of remorse over her past statements insulting minority groups and sexual victims, as they argue that a party endorsement would amount to tacit approval of her conduct.

They will address the FCCJ about the inherent dangers of such an endorsement by Japan's ruling party, and call on voters to aspire towards a vision of compassionate politics where there is no room for discrimination and racism.

How to attend: 
Please register at front@fccj.or.jp with your name, the name of your media outlet, and FCCJ membership number. Doors open 15 minutes before the event.

How to watch online: https://www.youtube.com/c/FCCJchannel/live  

How to ask questions: https://forms.gle/6RXiQhGtwYviCfmt7  　

TV crew: Please make a reservation at front@fccj.or.jp. Doors open for TV crews only at 30 minutes before the event. FCCJ will limit live-streaming of FCCJ-hosted press conferences to Club members only. Non-members will no longer be permitted to live-stream these events. However, non-members may still film for reporting purposes and use footage after the press conference.

Professional Activities Committee