I think politicians and authorities are feeling pressure as they don't want Japan to be seen as a boring place by foreign tourists.

Japan boring? how utterly ridiculous.

Agree! This is the least boring place I've ever lived in. Every day is like a new adventure.

Dancing and nude beaches will bring in the tourists

As long as the nude people at the beaches don't have tattoos... http://www.stripes.com/news/pacific/scary-tattoo-ban-passed-at-popular-beach-for-servicemembers-in-japan-1.270194

Japan is not a boring place for tourists. Its politicians are boring for tourists.

... has anyone been in most of those tiny nightclubs? There's space for about 3 people on the "dance floor", and then only if you're VERY friendly.

This isn't a question of not being allowed to dance in Tokyo, it is merely a recognition of the reality that you CANNOT dance in Tokyo.

Um, no. I don't know where you are drinking, but that statement is absolute ridiculous. As an example, there used to be a club in Roppongi, 911. It had dance floors, and plenty of space for dancing. The police shut it down - for illegal dancing. I don't remember what the name of the new club that replaced it is, but they have (or at least had) 'no dancing' signs everywhere, even around the former dance floor. And this isn't the only club where that has happened.

You most definitely CAN dance in Tokyo, and not just in Tokyo, but at many clubs all over the country, but it's still illegal all over the country. The space is there, the law just prohibits it.

Absolutely ridiculous law.

... has anyone been in most of those tiny nightclubs? There's space for about 3 people on the "dance floor", and then only if you're VERY friendly.

This isn't a question of not being allowed to dance in Tokyo, it is merely a recognition of the reality that you CANNOT dance in Tokyo.

Japan boring? how utterly ridiculous.

A lawyer doesn't want young people to dance, and opposes the government's decision to axe a stupid law?

It's understandable how you could misunderstand what the 'article' was saying, as they wrote it to appear that he was opposing a law named 'Let's Dance'. But actually he's the head of a group named 'Let's Dance' that is opposing the law that doesn't allow people to dance.

In this case, the Olympics are a godsend, because it was unlikely the politicians were going to get their heads out of their a$$es on the matter otherwise. It's absolutely that it's pretty much illegal to dance in the biggest metropolis in the world.

Just so I get this poorly written 'story' straight. A lawyer doesn't want young people to dance, and opposes the government's decision to axe a stupid law? Does he make his money hurting the young (and older) who like to sway their hips in spite of an archaic law that denigrates human enjoyment of rhythm and company with like-minded souls? What an idiot!

Please just end this silly law already. How can we help?