We inform you that the “Open Court Lawsuit - Questioning 'Order' in the Courtroom” was filed with the Tokyo District Court on November 13, 2024. This lawsuit is supported by lawyers, researchers, and campaigners of LEDGE, the first Japanese organization specializing in strategic litigation support.

This lawsuit, brought by three plaintiffs, seeks damages from the State, claiming that certain orders given by presiding judges were unlawful. In one instance, a judge in the Fukuoka same-sex marriage instructed a plaintiff to conceal the rainbow design on their socks. In another, a judge of the Hakamada retrial required a plaintiff to cover the word "HAKAMADA" on their hoodie and further ordered plaintiffs to remove badges. Arbitrary enforcement of courtroom authority risks closing off the courtrooms and eroding public trust in the judiciary. This lawsuit makes the case for more open and accessible courts.