On 13 March 2026, the Venice Commission organised a Symposium to commemorate the 30th anniversary of Japan's observer status with the Council of Europe. The event took place in the Council of Europe’s premises in Strasbourg and featured a keynote address from Professor Masahiro Sogabe, Substitute observer in respect of Japan to the Venice Commission and Professor at the Graduate School of Law of Kyoto University, on international human rights law in Japan.

Subsequent discussions focussed on AI and democracy, AI and human rights, and AI and the rule of law, engaging diplomats, legal experts, and academics.

• Link to the concept note and programme
• Link to The rule of law: a user guide (Japanese version)