Introduction to Public Litigation - Our Tools for Social Changes (Shueisha Shinsho) will be released by Shueisha on May 15 — the first comprehensive introductory guide to "public interest litigation," which seeks to resolve social issues through the judicial system.

Co-authored by the founding members of LEDGE, Japan's first organization dedicated to supporting public interest litigation, the book covers everything from the basics of what public interest litigation is, to cases that have actually moved society, to the significance, history, and challenges of public interest litigation, its future, and concrete steps for getting involved yourself.

When you feel that "something needs to change" or "you can't look away from injustice" — this book shows how each citizen can use the law and move society. It is a book open to everyone who wants to change the world.

◼️ About the Book

When something feels wrong in society — when you hit a wall of unreasonable injustice — what can we do? Public interest litigation uses the courts to challenge and transform the way society works, addressing issues ranging from discrimination and labor rights to environmental problems, gender, and social welfare.

Drawing on real cases and the stories of those at the heart of them, this book traces the history and role of public interest litigation, and asks: how has it changed society through strategy and solidarity? Framing litigation as a "tool for moving society," this introductory guide illuminates how individual voices can change institutions — and what that means for all of us.

◼️Author Profiles (in Japanese alphabetical order)

Daisuke Igeta | Secretary General of LEDGE, Attorney

Having positioned public interest litigation as his specialty, he has been involved in approximately 25 public interest litigation cases to date. A founding member of CALL4.

Michiko Kameishi | President of LEDGE, Attorney

Built her career primarily in criminal defense, winning acquittals in high-profile cases including the tattoo trial, the GPS surveillance unlawfulness ruling, and the club entertainment law violation case. Since 2023, has served as President of LEDGE, working to promote and support public interest litigation.

Motoki Taniguchi | Executive Director of LEDGE, Attorney

Improving access to justice is his life's work. Active in cases involving foreign nationals, poverty support, and community building, while also working as an expert in public interest litigation and criminal cases. Founder and representative director of CALL4, and serves as Executive Director of LEDGE.

Orie Maruyama | Creative Director / Campaigner of LEDGE

After serving as editor-in-chief of a magazine, she went independent in 2018 and joined CALL4, where she serves as co-executive director. She has been involved with LEDGE since its founding, overseeing creative direction and leading campaigns for individual lawsuits.

◼️Book Details

• Title: Introduction to Public Litigation - Our Tools for Social Changes
• Authors: Daisuke Igeta, Michiko Kameishi, Motoki Taniguchi, Orie Maruyama
• Publication date: Friday, May 15, 2026
• Digital edition release date: Friday, May 22, 2026
• Price: ¥1,012 (¥920 + tax)
• Format: Shinsho paperback, 224 pages
• ISBN: 978-4-08-721410-9
• Publisher: Shueisha