■SNS defamation lawsuit (vs. Mio Sugita)

[Court summary]

On August 20, 2020, Ito filed a lawsuit seeking 2.2 million yen in damages, alleging that her reputation was damaged when House of Representatives member Mio Sugita clicked the "Like" button, a sign of approval, on numerous tweets that slandered her. On March 25, 2022, the Tokyo District Court dismissed Ito's lawsuit, stating that a "Like" does not necessarily indicate a positive emotion.

However, on October 20, 2022, the Tokyo High Court, taking into consideration Sugita's previous repeated mocking and critical remarks about Ito on his blog and other outlets, found that he had "intended to harm (Ito's) feelings of honor," and ordered him to pay 550,000 yen in damages.

Sugita appealed in November 2022, but the High Court's decision was finalized in February 2024 when the Supreme Court rejected the appeal.

[Trial process]

August 20, 2020: Lawsuit filed

October 21, 2020 First oral argument

November 26, 2021: Second Oral Argument

March 25, 2022: Judgment dismissing Mr. Ito's claim

April 1, 2022 Appeal

August 2, 2022: First oral argument in the appeals court (a request for witness examination was made but was denied)

October 20, 2022: The appeal court handed down its ruling, overturning the original ruling and ordering Mr. Sugita to pay 550,000 yen in damages.

November 2, 2022: Sugita appeals

February 8, 2024: Supreme Court rejects appeal