Key Facts
• July 28, 2025: Makio Maruo revealed Tokyo court’s disclosure order.
• July 18, 2025: Tokyo District Court issued the decision.
• 2024: Defamatory posts emerged after Hyogo governor election.
• 5 posts from 3 accounts accused Maruo of misconduct.
• Posts included claims of “spreading falsehoods” and “fabricated crimes.”
• Court ordered disclosure of email, phone, and IP address of senders.
• Maruo seeks apology; may file defamation lawsuits if ignored.
• Maruo experienced mental distress, affecting his legislative duties.
• Advocates for systems to restore reputations of defamation victims.
Summary
Makio Maruo, a Hyogo Prefectural Assembly member, announced on July 28, 2025, that the Tokyo District Court ordered the disclosure of information on individuals behind defamatory posts targeting him on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter). The posts, made after the 2024 Hyogo governor election, accused Maruo of spreading falsehoods and fabricating crimes. The court’s July 18 decision mandates the release of email addresses, phone numbers, and IP addresses of the senders. Maruo plans to seek apologies from the individuals involved and may pursue defamation lawsuits if they fail to comply. Reflecting on the incident, Maruo highlighted the psychological toll it took on him and called for systems to help victims of online defamation restore their reputations. This case underscores the growing need for accountability in social media platforms.
