# "Universal Human Rights and the Nation-State: Japan in Global Perspective" (Kiyoteru Tsutsui) February 26, 2024 By Sophie Welsh \[[Video Link](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jgQ6vnSS6ew&t=2224s)\] In his presentation, “Universal Human Rights and the Nation-State: Japan in Global Perspective,” Kiyoteru Tsutsui examined Japan’s place in the global human rights regime as well as its current state of human rights at home. Human rights have been hard won over centuries of radical thought and activism. The UN Declaration of Human Rights in 1948 is considered the origin of the human rights regime, which codified various ideals and principles as international standards of conduct. Contrary to what we may regard as a self-evident set of principles (such as equality and inalienable rights) today, a normative framework of human rights had not existed prior to the UN Declaration of Human Rights. The concept of human rights is further distinguished by its universality, which takes priority over the principle of national sovereignty, which states have embraced after the Second World War. Today’s human rights regime is decidedly imperfect. The UN sometimes fails to intervene effectively, as in cases of genocide. At the same time, the UN has found some success in naming and shaming perpetrators. Another useful tool has been the “vernacularization” of human rights principles for local enforcement. In Japan, it has been important to overcome the obstacle of human rights being pigeonholed as a Western concept, and get local actors to buy into changes in policy and practices. Since the 1970s, Japan has been a significant actor in global human rights, but its historical role can be traced back to the Paris Peace Conference of 1919, where it was the first country to promote antiracism. Although it has been a significant contributor to international human rights campaigns, Japan has taken some criticism for its policy of engagement with governments with human rights abuses (such as Myanmar). By contrast, in its values diplomacy, Japan often takes aim at China’s and North Korea’s human rights record. Regardless of its motives, Japan’s policies can be helpful in advancing human rights causes globally and at home. Japan must demonstrate its commitment to the universal principles, while it has also passed laws to improve human rights at home (such as those against hate speech and for the protection of minorities). Japan may be poised to be a stronger leader in the liberal international order and norm entrepreneur in the area of human rights. Domestically, Japan has made incremental improvements in some areas, while being stalled in others. It has made strides in minority rights, particularly as it relates to its indigenous people such as the Ainu. Minority groups’ appeals in the UN have resulted in being formally recognized on various UN platforms, a speech in front of the UN General Assembly, and a formal recognition as an indigenous people at home. On women’s rights and sexual violence, there has been some progress in Japan. A scandal of sexual abuse of young performers at Johnny & Associates Inc. recently surfaced, and its revelations may be a step forward for addressing sexual and gender violence. On the other hand, Japan is notorious for accepting too few refugees and immigrants. This is a particularly weak area where there is much more to be done. Public opinion also indicates that it would prefer more female Diet members and corporate executives, but political and institutional hurdles remain to increase their numbers. Share on:- [ Facebook ](#) - [ Twitter ](#) - [ Linkedin ](#)