2015 was another year of a few steps forward but many steps back in terms of human rights in Japan. The progressive grass roots consolidated their base and found more of a voice in public, while conservatives at the top pressed on with their agenda of turning the clock back to a past they continue to misrepresent. Here are the top 10 human rights issues of the year as they affected non-Japanese residents:

Emmanuelle Bodin speaks after winning her case against NHK in November.
Emmanuelle Bodin speaks after winning her case against NHK in November. | KYODO

10) NHK ruling swats 'flyjin' myth