This is the sequel to the legal “puzzle-solving” content by Ken Ito, a lawyer and one of the members of the Hokuroku team.

In the seemingly cold and heartless world of law, where logic and human sentiment clash, this irregular series takes a closer look at famous incidents in the Hokuriku region that resulted in remarkable verdicts.

The setting for this series is the Toyama Prefectural Museum of Modern Art, which closed in 2016 and was relocated and renovated as the Toyama Prefectural Art Museum (the building still stands). The series focuses on the Toyama Prefectural Art Museum Incident, a 15-year legal battle over the Emperor Collage, framed in a puzzle-solving style.

The series explores the clash of arguments between those advocating for freedom of expression through a specific artwork, those who find it offensive and take action, the museum withdrawing the artwork, and the citizens who demand to see it.

Once all the arguments are laid out, readers are invited to think like a judge and consider whose claim is “right”, along with the reasoning behind it.

In the final of the five episodes, Ito will explain the verdict issued by the judge in the real-life trial. Check the “answer” with the ruling made by the professional judge.

Masayoshi Sakamoto
Hokuroku Editor-in-Chief

Related: Kanazawa City Hall Plaza Incident | Legal Verdict Challenge by Lawyer I

The irregular series of challenges in the legal verdict was previously published in Hokuroku.

This is the first mystery novel-style feature that discusses social issues related to the Furusato Nozei (hometown tax) system.

The second incident in the series concerns Kanazawa City Hall Square. The story is set in the Hokuriku region and revolves around an incident concerning a square in Kanazawa that constitutional scholars deemed unacceptable.

The article is written by Ken Ito, a member of the Hokuroku and a lawyer, who presents this major legal controversy, which was taken to the Supreme Court, in the style of a mystery novel.

As you read the article, imagine yourself as a judge at the Supreme Court. Consider whose arguments—those of the citizens X and others, or Kanazawa city—carry more weight.

At the end of the article, Ken Ito will explain the verdict given by the judge. Compare your judgment with that of the judge—are they the same or different? Check your answer.

Masayoshi Sakamoto
Hokuroku Editor-in-Chief

This special feature article presents a legal mystery related to our three Hokuriku prefectures, posed as a challenge by Attorney Ito, a lawyer and member of the Hokuroku Board of Directors.

While the world of law may seem cold and impersonal, many well-known judicial precedents in the past were shaped by humane judgments that emerged after a conflict between rational evaluation and human empathy.

Similar decisions have also been made in the Hokuriku region. For those who are faced with tough decisions daily, balancing logic and compassion, these historical cases serve as invaluable teaching materials.

In this special feature, we present past judicial precedents from Hokuriku that even troubled experienced judges. By the middle of this five-part series, you will have gathered all the necessary information. Think of yourself as a judge, listen to both sides of the argument, decide who has the stronger case, and prepare your explanation.

In the final article, Attorney Ito will reveal the actual verdicts made by the judges in these cases. Compare your conclusions with those of these seasoned professionals.

The content presented is based on real events involving numerous lives, and this mystery is treated with the seriousness it deserves.

Masayoshi Sakamoto
First Editor-in-Chief of Hokuroku