Japan's national parliament passed a freedom of information bill into law on May 7, 1999. The purpose of such a law is to enhance government transparency and participation in policy making. Nearly two decades of continuous advocacy by the leaders of a coalition of individuals and civil society organizations labeled the Citizens' Movement for an Information Disclosure Law preceded the Diet's action. The work of these individuals was so important to keeping the issue in the public eye and setting minimum standards that some have called the law Japan's first example of citizen legislation. Launch of the Citizens' Movement'' was formally declared on March 29, 1980. This essay describes events leading up to formation of the Movement and provides background to the individuals who played leading roles.