Key Facts
• Journalist Nobuyuki Matsutake, 69, expelled from the Japanese Communist Party in February 2023.
• Matsutake filed a civil lawsuit seeking reinstatement and damages for defamation.
• On August 4, 2025, the sixth oral hearing and a closed preparatory session were held.
• The court demanded the Communist Party submit evidence regarding procedural fairness.
• Matsutake’s expulsion followed his book advocating party leader elections, deemed “factional activity.”
• The party rejected Matsutake’s appeal for review during a January 2024 congress.
• The review was conducted by 21 senior members in a closed session, bypassing the full congress.
• The court signaled intent to scrutinize the fairness of the expulsion process.
• Matsutake’s lawyers may request a document submission order if evidence is withheld.
• Next court date is scheduled for September 22, 2025.
Summary
Journalist Nobuyuki Matsutake, expelled from the Japanese Communist Party in 2023 for advocating leadership elections, is challenging his removal in court. On August 4, 2025, the court demanded the party provide evidence of procedural fairness, marking a significant development. Matsutake’s appeal was previously dismissed in a closed session by 21 senior members, bypassing the full congress. His lawyers argue the process was flawed and may seek a document submission order if evidence is withheld. The next hearing is set for September 22, 2025.
