The first-instance verdict in the Lawsuit for Under-18s' Freedom to Engage in Election Campaigning — which challenges Japan's ban on election campaigning by minors as a violation of young people's freedom of political expression and, therefore, unconstitutional — will be handed down at 15:00 on September 25 (Friday) in Courtroom 103 of the Tokyo District Court.
"Election campaigning" refers to activities carried out during an election period with the aim of securing the victory of a specific candidate — handing out flyers on the street, phone canvassing, or posting, liking, and sharing content on social media. Japan's current Public Offices Election Act imposes a blanket ban on election campaigning by anyone under 18, with severe penalties for violations: criminal punishment and a five-year suspension of civil rights (the right to vote and to run for office).
This lawsuit was brought by four teenage plaintiffs — high school students at the time of filing — who argue that this provision of the Public Offices Election Act violates the freedom of political expression of young people who wish to voluntarily support candidates and participate in politics, and is therefore unconstitutional.
The verdict will focus on how election campaigning by minors should be understood under the Constitution, and whether there is a genuine necessity and rationality that can justify the restriction these prohibition and penalty provisions place on freedom of expression.
If these provisions are found unconstitutional, young people will be free to engage in election campaigning without fear of punishment — a major turning point that would greatly expand opportunities for political participation.
How will the judiciary respond to the plaintiffs' voices? Please join us in the courtroom to witness the verdict on September 25. We warmly welcome you to attend as an observer.
Schedule for September 25 (Friday)
◾️14:15 Courtroom Entry | Main entrance, Tokyo District Court
The plaintiffs and legal team will enter the Tokyo District Court ahead of the verdict. Observers and supporters are welcome to watch from along the entrance.
◾️15:00 Verdict | Courtroom 103, Tokyo District Court
A lottery will be held to allocate seats in the court gallery. As the hearing date approaches, please check the Tokyo District Court website for information on gallery seat distribution.
◾️15:45 Flag Announcement | Main entrance, Tokyo District Court
After the verdict, the plaintiffs and legal team will announce the outcome. Media scrums are also expected.
◾️16:15–17:30 Post-Verdict Briefing | Room 1002, Bar Association Building
The legal team will explain the verdict in detail and share their reactions together with the plaintiffs. A Q&A session will follow.
About the Lawsuit for Under-18s' Freedom to Engage in Election Campaigning
"Election campaigning" refers to activities carried out during an election period with the aim of ensuring the victory of a particular candidate. Under the current Public Offices Election Act, minors are prohibited from engaging in election campaigning, and violations result in penalties. In this lawsuit, four high school students have come forward as plaintiffs seeking to abolish this prohibition. They argue that the current rule infringes on the freedom of political expression for young people under 18 who wish to voluntarily support candidates in elections.
