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

Citizens protest over U.S. military realignment

A group of 32 citizens representing 18 trade unions and democratic organizations on May 8 assembled in front of the Defense Agency to stage a protest against the Japanese government ignoring residents while finalizing the agreement with the U.S. government on U.S. military realignment plans. They demanded that the final report on the realignment be retracted.

Nishikawa Ikuya, National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren) vice president, said that the U.S. military realignment will promote military integration between the Japanese Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. forces in line with the U.S. preemptive attack strategy. He also said that the realignment plan ignores opinions of local governments and residents in having Japan pay 3 trillion yen for U.S. forces and anticipating adverse revision of the war-renouncing Constitution.

The New Japan Women's Association criticized the realignment plan for costing 3 trillion yen in tax money while cutting back in people's welfare and public services.

The Democratic Youth League of Japan also protested the misuse of tax money while students are suffering from high tuition fees.

The All Japan Teachers and Staff Union (Zenkyo) said that it will not allow a system that forces young people to go to war.
- Akahata, May 9, 2006