As a contentious and now internationally controversial bill to criminalize conspiracies faces stiffening opposition in the Diet, dozens of local governments nationwide are voicing concerns, warning against possible human rights violations and the rise of a surveillance state.
Since March, nearly 50 local governments from Hokkaido to Okinawa have passed resolutions or issued statements of opinion opposing the conspiracy bill, which aims to revise the current anti-organized crime law and criminalize activities that the government deems preparation for committing crimes.
Most of the governments expressing concerns are small towns or village assemblies. Still, cities in Hokkaido, Iwate, Fukushima, Kyoto, Nagano, Kochi and Fukuoka prefectures have also weighed in against the legislation.