JCP sets up task force to look into military procurement scandal

   The Japanese Communist Party has set up a task force to look into the military procurement scandal involving politicians, military, and the Japanese and U.S. military industries that has surfaced with the revelation of the scandal in which former Vice Defense Minister Moriya Takemasa was frequently entertained by an arms dealer.

   On November 19, JCP Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi, who heads the “JCP Task Force to Investigate the Japan-U.S. Military Concession Hunting,” announced this at a press conference in the Diet building.

   Ichida said, “The JCP Dietmembers’ Group and Akahata have been investigating the scandal. But, by setting up this task force, the JCP will systematically conduct extensive research to advance the investigation in the Diet.”

Moriya in his testimony as a sworn witness in the Diet stated that when he was wined and dined by Miyazaki Motonobu, a former executive of defense contractor Yamada Corporation, former Defense Minister Kyuma Fumio and former Defense Agency Director General Nukaga Fukushiro (current Finance Minister) also attended the dinner parties.

Referring to Moriya’s testimony, Ichida said, “The JCP task force will carry out its own investigation in order to uncover the truth in the Diet.”

   Moriya also testified that Akiyama Naoki, representing the Japan-U.S. Center for Peace and Cultural Exchange, was also present at the dinner with Miyazaki.

   “This testimony is important because Mr. Akiyama has long been recognized as a political fixer between the Japanese and U.S. military industries and Japanese politicians,” Ichida said and expressed determination to thoroughly investigate the alleged hunting for military concessions as a major scandal.
   - Akahata, November 20, 2007