people2

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

35,000 people rally to say 'No' to constitutional revision and tax increase

About 35,000 people held a rally in Tokyo on November 21 to step up the struggle to foil a push for constitutional revision and block a major tax increase.

The rally was co-sponsored by the "Cut Military Expenditure and Improve Welfare and Education" People's Big Movement organizing committee and the Joint Action Center against Constitutional Revision. Meiji Park was filled with participants from around the country carrying colorful placards and flags.

Speaking on behalf of the rally organizers, National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) President Kanemichi Kumagai called for the movement against constitutional revision and tax increase to be developed in workplaces and in various communities in order to heighten public awareness.

Sakamoto Osamu, Japan Lawyers Association for Freedom chair, said, "The Liberal Democratic Party will publish its final new constitutional draft on November 22. Let's foil this scheme by mobilizing every possible avenue of resistance."

Addressing the rally, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo criticized the LDP government for fully supporting U.S. military alignment in Japan and for pushing for adversely revising the Constitution.

Shii said, 'Let's rise in the struggle to stop these offensives as well as the push for a major tax increase through cutting back in social welfare services."

A message from Fukushima Mizuho, Social Democratic Party chair, was read.

In short speeches, Nakazato Yayoi, on behalf of the High School Students' Peace Seminar in Tokyo, said "I want to let many high school students know the true value of Article 9."

Nakajima Takeshi from Nagano Prefecture, where 185 "Article 9 Association" have been established, stated, "Nagano will be the first prefecture to collect signatures in opposition to constitutional revision from the majority of its citizens."

Uchima Hitoshi from Okinawa said, "There is no place suitable in Japan to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station."

Kubota Mikiko from Iwate said, "Farmers are having difficulties in continuing farming, and some even say, 'Death will release me from my pain.' The government must not lift the ban on U.S. beef imports."

It was reported that 900,000 signatures against constitutional revision and mass tax increases were brought in from across the nation. After the rally, protesters marched in demonstration on three separate courses. -- Akahata, November 21, 2005