Citizens: The Founders of Japan's Freedom of Information Movement

Abstract

Japan's national parliament passed a freedom of information bill into law on May 7, 1999. The purpose of such a law is to enhance government transparency and citizen participation in policy making. Nearly two decades of continuous advocacy by the leaders of a coalition of individuals and civil society organizations labeled the "Citizens' Movement for an Information Disclosure Law" preceded the Diet's action. The work of these individuals was so important to keeping the issue in the public eye and setting minimum standards that some have called the law Japan's first example of "citizen legislation." Launch of the "Citizens' Movement'' was formally declared on March 29, 1980. This essay describes events leading up to formation of the Movement and provides background to the individuals who played leading roles.

Keywords: civil society, freedom of information, information disclosure, freedom of the press