Abstract
In Japan, after several serious crimes committed by minors, reforms of juvenile proceedings have been debated. Among many issues are the problems of severe restrictions on press reports of minors' crimes and closed juvenile court proceedings, which the Juvenile Act of 1949 provides for. In this article, from the standpoint of freedom of expression and press enshrined in Article 21 of the Constitution of Japan, I examine critically the provisions concerning restrictions on press freedom and open court proceedings, and then propose opening up juvenile court proceedings, and extending press freedom. Following the introduction of media codes of conduct on reportings minors' crimes in detail, the particular importance of self-regulation of the media, including the establishment of a press council, is also indicated.
