Welcome to Global Cancer Law! I’m Yoshimichi Ishikawa, an Associate Professor at the University of Shizuoka, Japan, specializing in International Economic Law and Global Health Law. Through this blog, I aim to share my work and activities dedicated to leveraging international economic law and global health law in the fight against cancer, ultimately contributing to the creation of a better society. Download my CV
Background & Expertise
I hold a degree from the University of Bern, Switzerland, where I completed my doctoral thesis titled “International trade in food after a nuclear accident” in 2020, earning the distinction of magna cum laude. My primary concern in this research was the carcinogenic risks, which led me to develop a deep interest in the intersection of law and cancer control.
I have extensive experience working at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in Japan, where I was involved in the WTO dispute settlement process for four years. This included, among other cases, Japan’s challenge to certain import restrictions imposed by another country on Japanese seafood products following the Fukushima accident.
My expertise within the WTO framework lies in the WTO Agreement on the Application of Sanitary and Phytosanitary Measures (SPS Agreement), particularly in issues related to the protection of human health. Recently, I authored an article on the ALPS water release, China’s import ban, and the SPS Agreement at the WTO, which was published on EJIL: Talk! and can be found here.
Research Interests
My current research centers on the issue of cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages, with a particular focus on their regulation under international trade law. I am particularly interested in how the issue of cancer warning labels, as a non-communicable disease concern, can be harmonized within the framework of international trade law. Recently, in March 2024, I presented on this topic at National Chengchi University in Taiwan (here). Additionally, as a related contribution, in September 2024, my paper titled “Recent Trends and Challenges in Cancer Warning Labels on Alcoholic Beverages” will be published (in Japanese).
However, this research is still in its early stages, with much work remaining, including comparative studies with tobacco control and a historical examination of alcohol control. There are significant challenges ahead in aligning cancer warning labels on alcoholic beverages with international trade law (WTO law), which will be crucial in the future rule-making within Global Health Law.
Contact Information
If you are interested in my work or would like to discuss potential collaborations, please don’t hesitate to get in touch through the Contact page.