# Japan court ruling on minor election campaigning > Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/japan-court-ruling-on-minor-election-campaigning > Updated: 2026-09-29T00:26:54.000Z. Sources: 6. Developments: 2. The Tokyo District Court ruled that a provision in Japan’s Public Offices Election Act, which prohibited individuals under the age of 18 from conducting independent election campaigns, is unconstitutional. The court found that the restriction violates Article 21 of the Constitution, which guarantees freedom of expression. The lawsuit was initiated by four plaintiffs, including high school students, who argued the 1952 regulation discouraged political participation among young people. While the court struck down the ban on independent campaigning, it upheld a separate provision that prohibits the use of minors in election campaigns, characterizing it as a valid measure for protection. The Japanese government had defended the law by citing historical concerns regarding the mobilization of minors in local elections. Although the court found the ban unconstitutional, it rejected the plaintiffs' request for monetary damages, ruling that the violation of rights was not sufficiently obvious at the time the provision was enforced. Following the decision, Shiga Prefectural Governor Taizo Mikazuki expressed support for the judgment. ## Timeline ### 2026-09-29: Tokyo District Court rules ban on minor election campaigning unconstitutional A Tokyo District Court ruling has declared the ban on election campaigning by those under 18 unconstitutional, citing a violation of freedom of expression guaranteed by the Japanese Constitution. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/tokyo-district-court-rules-ban-on-minor-election-campaigning-unconstitutional ### 2026-09-25: Japan court rules ban on independent election campaigning by minors unconstitutional A Tokyo court ruled that Japan’s ban on minors conducting independent election campaigns is unconstitutional, citing a violation of freedom of expression. 3 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/japan-court-rules-ban-on-independent-election-campaigning-by-minors-unconstitutional --- Cite as: Japan court ruling on minor election campaigning. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/japan-court-ruling-on-minor-election-campaigning