2008 MARCH 26 - APRIL 1

Fukuda Cabinet is at an impasse at its 6th month
In order to put an end to LDP politics and find an alternative, the only way is to fundamentally change its political stance, breaking away from its subservience to the United States and Japanese corporation.

JCP Chair urges the government to change its attitude toward budget policies
The FY 2008 budget bill became law after the House of Representatives exercised its constitutional right to override the rejection by the House of Councilors where opposition parties, including the Japanese Communist, Democratic, and Social Democratic parties, are the majority.

Court recognizes Japanese Army’s involvement in wartime ‘mass suicides’
In a landmark ruling, the Osaka District Court said that the former Japanese military was “deeply involved in the ‘mass suicides’” that took place during the Battle of Okinawa in the final stages of the Pacific War.

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FUKUDA CABINET
Fukuda Cabinet is at an impasse at its 6th month - Akahata editorial

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MEDICAL SYSTEM
4 opposition parties hold rally against new system forcing the elderly to pay more for medical treatment
A highly controversial ‘new’ medical-care system for elderly starts despite strong criticism

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ANTI-POVERTY
Unions and various other groups committed to solidarity at anti-poverty festival

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BUDGET
JCP Chair urges the government to change its attitude toward budget policies
Gas tax income should be used for general purposes immediately: JCP Ichida
Tax for road construction should not be imposed on fishing boat fuel

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MASS SUICIDES
Court recognizes Japanese Army’s involvement in wartime ‘mass suicide’ - Akahata editorial (excerpts)

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FOR PEACEFUL SEA
Create peaceful ocean for safe fishing: JCP Shii

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U.S. MILITARY CRIMES
U.S. sailor allegedly hinted at his involvement in killing taxi driver in Yokosuka
National Police Agency lacks information on U.S. military deserters in Japan

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TOKYO
Tokyo to spend 40 billion yen for failing bank it founded
No-confidence motion submitted by JCP against Tokyo Governor Ishihara is rejected by other parties

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LABOR
Court says changing full-time employees’ status to that of contract workers is illegal
JCP exposes Japanese firms for illegally using Vietnamese trainees
Osaka truck union branch wins wage hike above last year’s level
Toyota workers’ ‘voluntary’ activities are working hour
Labor Minister says farming out flight attendants as ‘independent contractors’ could be considered subterfuge
JCP in Diet urges government not to deport foreign trainees
Brazilian wife sues for compensation for husband’s work-related death

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EDUCATION MINISTRY
Ministry officials were at a military space meeting
Education Ministry revises guideline to force teachers to ensure that pupils sing ‘Kimigayo’

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JCP
JCP Ichida attends reception on 37th anniversary of independence of Bangladesh