Kyoto University professor sues former student for defamation over academic harassment posts
In short
Sociologist Masahiko Kishi, a Kyoto University graduate school professor, is seeking ¥3.3 million in damages from a former student over posts on X accusing him of academic harassment. The first hearing was held at the Osaka District Court on Oct 7; the former student argues the harassment was factual and asked the court to reject the claim. Kishi denies ever threatening the student.
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A sociologist known for life-history research is suing a former student for defamation over posts accusing him of academic harassment. Masahiko Kishi, a Kyoto University graduate school professor, is seeking ¥3.3 million in damages, and the first oral argument in the case was held on Oct 7 at the Osaka District Court before presiding judge Akira Takano. The former student argues the harassment was factual and asked the court to reject the claim, according to Nishi-Nippon Shimbun and Sankei Shimbun. [ 2 , 3 ]
According to the complaint and other documents, Kishi supervised the student's doctoral dissertation while he was a faculty member at Ritsumeikan University graduate school from April 2018. The student left the program in March 2021. Between February and May 2026, the student posted on X (formerly Twitter), naming Kishi and writing that he was threatened with being “thoroughly dealt with” if he did not write his dissertation using the supervisor's preferred methodology, the reports said. [ 2 , 3 ]
Kishi's side says he never threatened the student with intimidating language as part of supervision, and argues that being publicly denounced online as an academic harasser substantially lowered his social standing both inside and outside the university. The former student told the court that the research methodology was completely rejected in a closed room and that he became unable to present at academic conferences, according to Sankei Shimbun. [ 3 ]
The former student's side maintains the harassment was factual and is asking for the claim to be dismissed, Nishi-Nippon Shimbun and Sankei Shimbun reported. Tokyo Shimbun reported that the Kyoto University professor is seeking compensation over a former student's post. The court has not ruled on the dispute, and no finding has been made on the harassment allegation. [ 1 , 2 , 3 ]
Why it matters
The case turns on whether a student's public accusation of academic harassment on social media amounts to defamation, a question that can shape how misconduct claims are raised online at Japanese universities. The court has not ruled, and no finding on the harassment allegation has been made.
Key facts
- Kyoto University graduate school professor Masahiko Kishi, a sociologist known for life-history research, is seeking ¥3.3 million in damages from a former student. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The first oral argument in the suit was held on Oct 7 at the Osaka District Court, with Judge Akira Takano presiding. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kishi supervised the student's doctoral dissertation while he was a faculty member at Ritsumeikan University graduate school from April 2018. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The former student left the doctoral program in March 2021. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The student posted on X between February and May 2026, naming Kishi and writing that he was threatened with being “thoroughly dealt with” if he did not write his dissertation using the supervisor's preferred methodology. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kishi's side says he never used intimidating language to threaten the student and that he was branded online as an academic harasser, damaging his standing. [ 3 ]
- The former student said in a statement to the court that his research methodology was completely rejected in a closed room and that he became unable to present at academic conferences. [ 3 ]
- Tokyo Shimbun reported that the Kyoto University professor is seeking compensation over a former student's post. [ 1 ]
Confirmed by several sources
- The first hearing was held at the Osaka District Court on Oct 7 before presiding judge Akira Takano. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kishi is seeking ¥3.3 million in damages from a former student over posts on X. [ 2 , 3 ]
- Kishi supervised the student's doctoral dissertation while at Ritsumeikan University graduate school from April 2018. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The former student left the program in March 2021. [ 2 , 3 ]
- The former student argues the harassment was factual and asked the court to dismiss the claim. [ 2 , 3 ]
Still unclear
- Whether the alleged academic harassment occurred. The claim is disputed: the former student says the harassment was factual, while Kishi's side denies threatening the student. The court has not ruled.
- Whether Kishi threatened the student with the words quoted in the posts. The quote comes from the student's posts as described in one document, and Kishi denies using intimidating language.
- Full details of Tokyo Shimbun's article. Only the headline was available for that outlet, so its article text could not be checked.
What local media are saying
Timeline, local time
- Tokyo Shimbun publishes a report that the Kyoto University professor is seeking compensation over a former student's post. [ 1 ]
- Nishi-Nippon Shimbun reports the first oral argument was held at the Osaka District Court that day. [ 2 ]
- Sankei Shimbun reports Kishi's claim that he never threatened the student and the student's statement to the court. [ 3 ]