Fundamental Human Rights

Under the Meiji Constitution, human rights were regarded as the rights of subjects granted by the Emperor, and their enjoyment was guaranteed only “within the limits of the Constitution and the law” (Preamble to the Meiji Constitution). In contrast, Article 11 of the Constitution of Japan guarantees fundamental human rights as “eternal and inviolate rights.” The Constitution also introduced new provisions emphasizing individual dignity and equality, including the right to pursue happiness (Article 13), equality under the law (Article 14), and equality of the sexes (Article 24).