#Japan #Tokyo #TMI Law Office #Hills Workshop #Mock Trial

Fostering Future Legal Minds: Students Experience Mock Trials

During summer vacation, a unique opportunity for elementary and middle school students has arisen: the chance to engage in a mock trial experience hosted by TMI Law Office. This popular program, which has been ongoing since 2011, is part of the "Hills Workshop for Kids 2025" organized by Mori Building Company in Tokyo, and aims to nurture legal awareness in the next generation. The program takes place from July 29 to August 14, 2025, allowing two groups of participants: elementary students in grades 5 and 6, as well as middle school students.

This mock trial program has garnered immense popularity, consistently receiving applications that exceed its capacity. In previous years, the event transitioned online due to the pandemic, but it has now returned in person, allowing participants to immerse themselves in a realistic courtroom environment. Children engage directly with active lawyers, dedicating time to understanding the intricacies of law while participating in various roles during the trial process.

Activity Overview

Participants, after undergoing an explanation of a case scenario that features tailored characters and events, divide into teams assuming the roles of defense attorneys, prosecutors, and judges. They engage in a simulated court session, experiencing real-life legal procedures such as personal identification questioning and reading the prosecution's statement. As the mock trials unfold, students gradually become accustomed to their roles, demonstrating poise even amidst the pressure.

During the interrogation parts of the sessions, defense and prosecution teams collaborated in separate rooms, formulating strategies while receiving guidance from their assigned lawyers. The questioning of witnesses and the defendant brought forth unanticipated and incisive questions, leading to gripping courtroom dramas. Ultimately, after passionate arguments from both the prosecutor and defense attorney, the judges convene to deliberate and render their verdicts. For instance, during the July 29 session, the judges’ opinions were divided, resulting in a 2:1 guilty verdict.

At the end of each session, the supervising lawyers emphasized an important message to the kids: “There are no definitive answers in court. The vital part is listening to others, forming your own opinions, and engaging in constructive discussions. Basic concepts like the presumption of innocence and the right to remain silent are essential, and I hope you remember these lessons.” The children listened intently, realizing the significance of the mock trial experience in understanding law and human rights, while respecting differing viewpoints and deepening their own beliefs.

Student Feedback

Feedback from participants has been overwhelmingly positive. A fifth grader commented, “Deciding whether someone is guilty or innocent is quite difficult.” Another student noted, “I realized that judges, prosecutors, and defense attorneys play crucial roles that can change a defendant’s life.” Many expressed interest in witnessing a real trial, showing a keen engagement with the legal process.

Program Details

Elementary School Sessions (Application Closed)

Dates: July 29 (Tue), August 6 (Wed), 7 (Thu), 14 (Thu) 10:00-12:00 (4 sessions total)

Middle School Sessions (Application Closed)

Dates: July 30 (Wed), August 13 (Wed) 13:45-17:00 (2 sessions total)
Venue: TMI Law Office Mock Courtroom, Roppongi Hills Mori Tower, 22F
Capacity: 10 students per session
Target Age: 5th and 6th graders, middle school students
More Information: Hills Workshop

About TMI Law Office

Founded in 1990, TMI Law Office is headquartered in Tokyo’s Minato Ward, with a staff including 678 lawyers and 102 patent attorneys (as of July 1, 2025), making it one of the largest law firms in Japan. Spanning 7 domestic and 19 international offices, they deliver comprehensive legal services tailored to corporations, organizations, and communities. Known for innovation, the firm has continuously pursued new challenges, from establishing startups to agreements on digitization with local governments, aiming to redefine what a law firm and legal professionals are.

For more details, visit their website: TMI Law Office