No tax money for Iraq war

Trade unions, womens' organizations, and traders' organizations in many cities took part in concerted actions on April 1st calling for "no more consumption tax rate increase" and "no tax money for the Iraq war".

The action was organized by the National Association to End the Consumption Tax to mark the 15th anniversary of the introduction of the notorious tax.

Carrying placards bearing various anti-war slogans, the association's people assembled near Ueno Park in Tokyo to attract the attention of people coming to the park to enjoy viewing cherry blossoms in full bloom.

At Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, the Liaison Council of Various Circles against the Consumption Tax collected signatures demanding a cut in the consumption tax rate, which is now five percent. (end)