General Incorporated Association LEDGE

1. History

LEDGE was established in October 2023 as Japan’s first and only organization exclusively dedicated to public interest litigation. It was founded by a small team of lawyers and a creative director/campaigner, all with prior experience in strategic litigation and advocacy. Together, they recognized the urgent need for systemic, organized, and professionalized efforts to make litigation a sustainable and impactful tool for social change in Japan.

Until now, most public interest lawsuits in Japan have relied heavily on volunteer efforts by lawyers working in isolation, often without institutional support or dedicated resources. LEDGE was created to change that landscape and to build an organization capable of pooling expertise and resources, pursuing litigation at scale, and standing up to powerful state actors in court. At its core, LEDGE aims to institutionalize public interest litigation as a normal and effective means of addressing social challenges in Japan.

2. Goals and Mission

LEDGE’s mission is: Changing the Law Forward.

We challenge unjust laws, outdated policies, and entrenched systemic practices that infringe upon human rights and dignity in Japan, especially in areas the government has failed to address. Through public interest litigation, we aim to win not only legal victories but also social recognition, policy reform, and cultural change.

As of July 2025, LEDGE is actively supporting eight public interest lawsuits, all at the Tokyo District Court. These cases address urgent human rights issues ranging from youth political participation and gender equality to racial justice and reproductive freedom. By the end of 2029, we aim to support a total of 30 such cases, contributing to a growing body of case law and public awareness that shifts Japan’s legal and civic culture.

3. Past and Current Activities

LEDGE currently supports or collaborates on eight active public interest cases, each aimed at challenging systemic injustice and catalyzing reform. Below is a brief overview of each:

(1) Lawsuit to Lower the Candidacy Age in Japan

This case challenges the Public Offices Election Act, established over 70 years ago, which sets a high candidacy age of 25 or 30. While Japan has lowered the voting age and age of majority to 18, the right to run for office remains restricted. We argue that the age restriction lacks reasonable justification and violates the constitutional principle of popular sovereignty. The lawsuit aims to expand democratic participation by questioning whether this barrier is necessary or fair in today’s society.

(2) Lawsuit to End Racially Discriminatory Police Questioning

Racial profiling remains a persistent and harmful practice in Japan. This case, brought on behalf of individuals of foreign origin, challenges the systemic police practice of disproportionately questioning people based on their race or ethnicity, without objective suspicion. We argue that racial profiling violates dignity and equality, and demand its abolition as incompatible with a diverse and democratic society.

(3) “Maternity Is Not My Body’s Purpose” Lawsuit

Japan’s Maternal Health Act severely restricts access to sterilization, especially for women who choose not to have children. Requirements include prior childbirth and spousal consent, with penalties for unauthorized procedures. This lawsuit claims such restrictions violate the right to reproductive self-determination and calls for a constitutional and legislative overhaul of the current framework.

(4) Lawsuit for a Society Where Married Couples Can Take Separate Surnames

Japanese law requires married couples to adopt the same surname, resulting in women predominantly adopting their husbands’ surname. This case supports plaintiffs who seek the legal right to retain their own surnames upon marriage. We argue that names are integral to identity and individuality, and that couples should be free to choose, a right currently denied under existing law.

(5) Open Court Lawsuit – Questioning “Order” in the Courtroom

Three plaintiffs are suing the state for arbitrary courtroom restrictions imposed by judges, such as concealing rainbow socks in an LGBTQ+ case and covering protest messages on clothing. These actions stifle free expression and risk closing off judicial spaces. The lawsuit seeks to ensure that courts remain open, impartial, and accessible to all.

(6) Lawsuit to Recognize Childcare Fees as a Necessary Business Expense

Under current tax practices, childcare expenses are not recognized as necessary for income generation. This case, led by working parents, argues that such expenses should be deductible, especially in an era of dual-income families and declining birth rates. To support public engagement, we also launched a campaign site: https://hoikuryo.ledge.or.jp/, featuring commentary from experts and advocates.

(7) Lawsuit for Under-18s’ Freedom to Engage in Election Campaigning

Under the current Public Offices Election Act, minors are prohibited from engaging in election campaigning, and violations result in penalties. This case, brought by four youths, challenges a ban on minors participating in election campaigning. The plaintiffs argue that the prohibition violates their freedom of political expression. The lawsuit seeks to empower youth participation in democracy and expand the civic rights of under-18s.

(8) “End Hostage Justice!” Lawsuit

Japan’s criminal justice system allows prolonged detention of suspects who refuse to confess or remain silent, commonly known as “hostage justice.” This lawsuit, led by four plaintiffs, argues that such practices violate constitutional protections and inflict severe harm. The case calls for the abolition of detention rules that allow indefinite incarceration without trial.

In addition to litigation, LEDGE actively engages in public advocacy, communications, and lobbying tailored to each case. For example, our childcare expense lawsuit is accompanied by an online campaign platform to mobilize public support and generate wider conversation. We believe litigation is not just about court rulings, and it’s a catalyst for collective dialogue and reform.

4. Future Planned Activities

Looking ahead, LEDGE plans to significantly expand the scope and impact of public interest litigation in Japan. We are actively exploring new cases across a wide spectrum of human rights issues. Our approach will continue to prioritize public interest cases that have the potential to reshape legal standards, spark public debate, and build long-term momentum for systemic change.

To ensure the sustainability of our work, we are also committed to diversifying our funding sources, both within and outside of Japan. By strengthening our financial base, we aim to remain independent, scale up our efforts, and build an enduring institution capable of driving legal reform for decades to come.

Official website: https://ledge.or.jp/en/