社会の不合理を司法の力で変える｜公共訴訟の専門家集団が本格始動！

 

｜Are rules meant to be followed? Are precedents meant to be adhered to?

 

We aim to change what seems “unchangeable” in Japan through the power of the judiciary.

 

Are you familiar with “strategic human rights litigation”? Societal injustices surround us, and while we can address these issues through elections or petitions, strategic litigation—targeting government actions through lawsuits—is an especially powerful tool for change. Even a single person’s voice can prompt systemic reform if it challenges a law’s constitutionality.

 

However, strategic litigation in Japan is still limited compared to other countries due to structural challenges. Because these cases don’t generate income, lawyers often volunteer their time and sometimes cover costs themselves, leading to a shortage of attorneys willing to take on such cases. Moreover, a lack of expertise and organized support makes impactful litigation particularly difficult.

 

LEDGE is Japan’s first expert group dedicated to strategic litigation, united by the mission to change laws and advance society through the judiciary. In our first year, five lawsuits have been already filed, but we have much further to go.

 

Unlike Japan, other countries have well-established organizations dedicated to strategic litigation. For example, the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) has achieved landmark successes, such as overturning state bans on same-sex marriage and blocking the Trump administration’s travel ban against Muslim-majority countries. With an annual budget of $420 million, 500 attorneys, and thousands of volunteers nationwide, the ACLU demonstrates the scale of impact possible through strong legal and organizational support. The U.S. Supreme Court has ruled over 150 federal and 800 state laws unconstitutional, showing the potential for change achievable through strategic litigation. In Japan, however, there have been only 13 cases in which the Supreme Court has deemed laws unconstitutional, highlighting Japan’s relative lack of infrastructure and expertise in this field.

 

Our goal over the next five years is to initiate 30 lawsuits, strategically targeting the “unchangeable” aspects of our society. To achieve this, we need more lawyers and experts involved, as well as operational funding. However, it’s not just about raising money; it’s about fostering a movement for social change that everyone can support.

 

That’s why we are launching a crowdfunding campaign. Your contributions will help expand our team and strengthen our financial foundation as we work to change flawed systems within our society.

 

We invite you to join us in this important effort through your donations.
 

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｜LEDGE’s Cases

　　　　　 　　　　　　　

	Lawsuit for Lowering the Age of Candidacy （From July 2023） In Japan, the age of adulthood was lowered from 20 to 18, allowing voting from the age of 18 as well. However, the eligibility to run for office remains restricted to those who are over 25 or 30 years old. This lawsuit seeks to lower the age of candidacy to 18 as well, aiming to better reflect the voices of young people in the democracy.
	Lawsuit to End Racially Discriminatory Police Questioning（From January 2024） When the police target individuals for criminal investigation based on race, skin color, or ethnic background, this is called racial profiling. This lawsuit seeks to put an end to such racially discriminatory police questioning practices in Japan.
	“Maternity is Not My Body’s Purpose” Lawsuit（From February 2024） Under the Maternal Health Act, women are prohibited from undergoing sterilization surgery in principle. This lawsuit seeks to abolish such rules, which violate women’s right to make decisions about their own reproductive health.
	Lawsuit for a Society Where Couples Can Take Separate Surnames （From March 2024） In Japan, when a couple marries, one partner is required to change their last name, and in about 95% of cases, it is the woman who changes her name. This lawsuit seeks to establish the option of a ‘selective separate surname system,’ which would allow each spouse to keep their original last name.
	Open Court Lawsuit —Questioning “Order” in the Courtroom— （From November 2024） In recent years, there have been numerous instances where courts have ordered observers to remove items—such as clothing, socks, or badges—when they display messages, for example, in support of LGBTQ rights. This is done based on the court's 'judicial policing authority,' which grants it the power to enforce order within the courtroom. This lawsuit seeks to address and correct the excessive use of such judicial policing authority.
	(Provisional) Lawsuit to Make Childcare Fees A Necessary Business Expense （Scheduled for filing in 2025） Under current tax practices, childcare fees are not considered a necessary business expense. This lawsuit seeks to have childcare fees recognized as a necessary business expense, which are essential for dual-income couples.
	(Provisional) Lawsuit to Grant Minors the Freedom to Engage in Election Activities（Scheduled for filing in 2025） The ​​Public Offices Election Act prohibits minors from engaging in "election campaigns" aimed at securing the election of specific candidates. This lawsuit challenges the constitutionality of this prohibition, advocating for a society where minors, as members of the community, can proudly participate in election campaigns and contribute to democracy.

 

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｜Step-by-Step Guide to Donating by Credit Card from Outside Japan

 

Thank you for your interest in supporting our project. If you are outside Japan, you can contribute by credit card. Please see the step-by-step guide below to complete your support.

① Click here for registration
 
② Registration

 

③ Please check your e-mail box and access the website to confirm your e-mail  address.
 

④   Please choose a donation course from the right side of the page.  If you live outside Japan, you can select only  "【LEDGEを応援】#変えられ ないを変える 仲間に" courses without rewards.   
  

 

⑤ Fll in the information of your credit card.

 

⑥ Fill in address/ information

 

 ⑧ Write a message to the project
(shown in “comment section of project page)
DO NOT post any personal information on the message.