In answering Shii's questions Abe says nothing substantial about his view on history

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

In answering Shii's questions Abe says nothing substantial about his view on history

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo in the House of Representatives Plenary Session on October 3 asked Prime Minister Abe Shinzo about his views on history, the Constitution, education, and the widening social gap, and demanded that the Liberal Democratic Party policies be drastically changed.

Historical views

Shii asked Abe whether he accepts or rejects the Yasukuni Shrine view of history that justifies Japan's past war of aggression. Abe avoided making clear his position by saying, "A politician should be humble in talking about his judgment on a specific view of history."

Asked if he shares as his own historical view the 1995 Murayama Statement that Japan officially expressed remorse and apology for its war of aggression, Abe said, "The government view has been shown in the statements that include the part you referred to." However, with regard to his own view, Abe again said, "A politician should be humble in talking about an analysis of history."

Shii pointed out that Abe had once denounced in the Diet the 1993 Chief Cabinet Secretary Kono Yohei statement that stated, "The then Japanese military was involved in the establishment and management of the comfort stations and the transfer of comfort women." Abe answered, "The government inherits the basic position of the Kono statement," but he said nothing about the fact that he had attacked the statement.

Constitutional revision

Shii criticized Abe's policy of revising the Constitution for turning Japan into a nation to fight wars abroad with the United States. However, Abe simply said, "Your criticism is way off the mark."

Revision of the Fundamental Law of Education

Citing the recent Tokyo District Court ruling that forcing teachers to stand up for Hinomaru and sing Kimigayo is unconstitutional, Shii demanded that the government change its stance to one of opposing the compulsion of Hinomaru and Kimigayo. In complete disregard of the court ruling, Abe said, "I will work hard so that appropriate guidance about the national flag and anthem will be given in schools throughout Japan."

Widening social gap

Shii criticized the LDP policies for destroying rules to lay down decent working conditions. Abe defiantly responded, "Labor law deregulations have improved the employment opportunities to a certain extent." He even stated his intention to give more tax breaks to large corporations.
- Akahata, October 4, 2006