“Rule of Law” by Mr. MIKANAGI Tomohiro

Mr. Mikanagi is Legal Adviser and Director-General, International Legal Affairs Bureau of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan.
The inaugural lecture of the first Tokyo International Law Seminar focuses on the "Rule of Law among Nations" and the vital role of international lawyers in promoting peace. As the opening remark to welcome lawyers and practitioners interested in public international law, the lecturer highlights the significance of the rule of law for international peace and security, recalling the Friendly Relations Declaration adopted by the UN General Assembly in 1970. International lawyers should be "stabilizers" in international relations, providing advice based on their expertise in international law. Sound knowledge of international law and good working relationship with the policy side are important in this regard. They should foster cooperation and networking among themselves across borders, creating a safety net during times of political tension and addressing new challenges together. The lecture identifies two areas of cooperation among international lawyers: (i) Ukraine, and (ii) cyber operations.