Japanese protests against limitations of press freedom (Photo: European PressPhoto Agency)
Recently, Japan has been the center of attention for media censorship in global media news. Since the execution of Japanese journalist Kenji Goto, Japan has taken swift measures in reforming its freedom of the press. An example of how they are reforming their freedom of the press is by passing their secrets law, which took effective December 2014.
According to The Wall Street Journal Japan:
"Earlier this week, critics of what they see as the Japanese government’s suppression of press freedom regarding the hostage crisis issued a statement calling on people to exercise their constitutional right to free speech and expression."
The citizens of Japan feel as though their freedom are being compromised as a result of these new laws being passed. They feel a natural right to protect their constitutional liberties as a moral right. Another reason of why the citizens of Japan feel threatened is due to their prime minister Shinzo Abe.
Linda Sieg of The Japan Times accurately explains the constitutional crisis among the Japanese by saying:
"Worries are growing in Japan about a trend toward media self-censorship as journalists and experts say news organizations are toning down criticism of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government for fear of sparking ire and losing access to sources....There is a chilling atmosphere that encourages media organizations to exercise self-restraint.”
While some people see these acts as precautionary measures taken by the Japanese government, the people of Japan do not feel the same way. The rebellion of government-controlled censorship is beginning to rise, as the war for constitutional freedoms continue on.