No. 25 The Constitution of Japan: What is Academic Freedom? (Article 23 of the Constitution)

Introduction

Last time, we looked at
**"Freedom of Religion" (Article 20 of the Constitution).**

The discussion was that
individuals are free to decide whether or not to believe in a religion.
So,

can research at schools and universities
be conducted freely?
The Constitution of Japan

also establishes important rules regarding academics.
This time,

we will look at **Article 23 of the Constitution, "Academic Freedom."**
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Article 23 of the Constitution

Article 23 of the Constitution of Japan

Academic freedom is guaranteed.

It is a very short article, but
it has an important meaning.

—

What is academic freedom?

Academic freedom is the idea that
research and education can be conducted freely.
For example,

• Freedom to conduct research

• Freedom to publish research results
• Freedom to teach
These freedoms are protected.

In other words,

it is the idea that the government
cannot freely restrict the content of research.
—

Why is it written in the Constitution?

If the government were able to say,

"This research is prohibited"
"Do not publish this idea,"

what would happen?
Research in science, medicine, history, and other fields

would no longer be able to proceed freely.
Therefore, the Constitution

protects the ability to conduct research and education freely as an important right.
—

Summary

Article 23 of the Constitution

protects academic freedom,
which allows for the free conduct of research and education.

This is

a very important right for advancing science and knowledge.
—

Next time preview

Who decides
what a family should be like?

The Constitution
also contains important ideas about marriage and family.
Next time,

we will look at **Article 24 of the Constitution, "Family and Respect for Individuals."**
—

Source

Article 23 of the Constitution of Japan
e-Gov Law Search