Eight prefectural assemblies object to Japan's entry into TPP talks

Japan Press Weekly

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

Eight prefectural assemblies object to Japan's entry into TPP talks

Assemblies in eight prefectures adopted statements raising objection to the Kan Cabinet's decision to enter into negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement, Akahata learned on November 12.

Following the Hokkaido Prefectural Assembly's unanimous statement opposing Japan's entry to the TPP on November 8, Akita, Ehime, Nagasaki, Kumamoto, Kagoshima, and Okinawa prefectural assemblies unanimously adopted similar statements.

In its statement entitled, "Oppose the government's rough-and-ready decision to join negotiations on the TPP which jeopardizes nation's viability," the Kumamoto Prefectural Assembly states, "(TPP's) devastating impact on agriculture will further damage the local economy and worsen the employment situation in every sector."

The Nagasaki Prefectural Assembly statement states, "Agriculture and farming communities have multiple functions, including food supply and conservation of national land. If such functions are crippled, it will affect people's everyday lives profoundly."

- Akahata, November 13, 2010