September 23, 2026

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

The recently-revised Imperial House Act has fueled calls among Liberal Democratic Party hawks for the de facto reinstatement of the crime of disrespect as a measure against defamation targeting the imperial family. This seems to be a step backward to the militaristic prewar era.

The crime of disrespect in the prewar era suppressed criticism of the emperor and other members of the imperial family through criminal penalties and was used to control the general public. It was abolished after the war.

Under current law, defamation is not a prosecutable offense unless the victim files a criminal complaint. Consequently, nationalists are plotting to eliminate this requirement in cases involving members of the imperial family, thereby enabling state authorities to enforce regulations directly.

Notably, they are seeking to include male descendants in the male line of former imperial branches who could become candidates for adoption within the scope of protection as members of the imperial family. Treating these individuals as quasi-imperial family members would create a new social class, which violates Article 14 of the Constitution prohibiting discrimination based on “social status or family origin.” Reports on the imperial family in weekly magazines and other media could be deemed “disrespectful.”

Many newspapers have also criticized the move in their editorials. On August 31, the Mainichi Shimbun stated, “[W]e must not invite a situation that infringes on the rights of members of the public in the name of protecting the dignity of the Imperial Family.” On September 11, the Shinano Mainichi Shimbun wrote that it would inevitably create a severe chilling effect and climate of fear in society.

The Takaichi government used its majority power in the Diet to force through the revision of the Imperial House Act, defying the consensus of the people and the Diet.

It is crucial to keep a watchful eye on reactionary moves to prevent further abuses of majority power.

Past related articles:
> A spate of bad laws enacted while neglecting to alleviate people’s hardships [July 18, 2026]
> JCP Shiokawa: ‘Why is a female emperor unacceptable?’ [July 11, 2026]