The first oral argument of the appeal in the Lawsuit for Lowering the Age of Candidacy will be held on Monday, June 22 at 14:00 in Courtroom 101 of the Tokyo High Court. The lawsuit challenges Japan's current electoral system — which bars individuals from running for office until age 25 or 30 — as discriminatory against young people and unconstitutional under provisions guaranteeing the right to political participation.
The first-instance judgment, handed down by the Tokyo District Court in October last year, dismissed the plaintiffs' claims, holding that the determination of candidacy age requirements falls within the discretion of the legislature. The plaintiffs appealed, condemning the ruling as an unjust decision that condones discrimination against young people.
At this hearing, all six plaintiffs (appellants) are scheduled to make statements in court, and Yoshitaka Toda, lead counsel for the legal team, will present the grounds for appeal. A report session will also be held from 18:00 on the same day.
As LEDGE's first case, this lawsuit has continued with the support of many people. Since the lawsuit was filed, parliamentary debate on lowering the candidacy age has advanced significantly, with nearly all major political parties incorporating it into their platforms and priority policies — bringing unprecedented political and public attention to the issue.
Depending on how the proceedings unfold, this hearing may be the last opportunity for all plaintiffs to take the stand and make statements in court together. We invite you to attend and observe — and to stand with the plaintiffs who have raised their voices for a society where young people's voices reach the political arena.
Lawsuit for Lowering the Age of Candidacy — First Oral Argument of the Appeal
◼️ Date & Time: Monday, June 22, 2026, 14:00–14:45
◼️ Venue: Tokyo High Court, Courtroom 101
◼️ Overview: The first-instance judgment, which dismissed the plaintiffs' claims, failed to provide a clear ruling on the critical question of whether the right to stand for election extends to individuals below the statutory age. In the appeal, the plaintiffs will highlight the problems with the lower court's judgment and argue that the constitutional guarantee of the right to stand for election extends to individuals under the ages of 25 and 30. Statements by all plaintiffs and presentation of the grounds for appeal by lead counsel are also scheduled to take place in court on the day.
Schedule for the Day
◼️ Plaintiffs Enter the Courthouse:
13:30 | In front of the main gate of the Tokyo High Court
The plaintiffs and legal team will enter the Tokyo High Court carrying a banner. Observers and supporters are warmly welcome to watch from the roadside.
◼️ First Oral Argument of the Appeal:
14:00–14:45 | Tokyo High Court, Courtroom 101
Entry is on a first-come, first-served basis or by lottery ticket. If observation tickets are to be distributed, notice will be posted on the court's website. Please check for updates.
◼️ Debriefing Session:
18:00–19:30 (Doors open at 17:30) | Shufu Kaikan Plaza F (Google Map)
Join the plaintiffs, legal team, and members of the Project for Lowering the Age of Candidacy to look back on the Tokyo District Court's first-instance judgment and receive a report on the first appeal hearing.
About the Lawsuit for Lowering the Age of Candidacy
In Japan's aging society, the voices of younger generations struggle to reach the political arena, which remains dominated by older age groups. The candidacy age requirements — unchanged since the postwar era — restrict young people's political participation and make it difficult for them to engage in society as full members of the polity. A political environment where the long-term perspectives of those in their teens and twenties are heard would make Japan a more sustainable and livable society. In pursuit of a society where young voices are heard, we are calling for a reduction in the candidacy age.
