JCP advances in Fukushima assembly election

In the Fukushima Prefectural Assembly election held on November 20, the Japanese Communist Party increased its seats from 3 to 5 and became the third largest party in the assembly after the Liberal Democratic and Democratic parties.

Government must make Panasonic retain workers

Panasonic Corporation is undergoing major restructuring that includes the closing of factories, massive dismissals, and forced transfers of workers to distant locations. JCP member of the House of Councilors Yamashita Yoshiki called on the government to hold Panasonic accountable for retaining employment and contributing to local economies.

Noda already caught in TPP controversy

A disagreement between Japan and the United States over a remark made by Prime Minister Noda Yoshihiko in regard to the TPP is shedding light on the possibility that Washington will pressure Tokyo to move for an unconditional elimination of tariffs in the TPP negotiations.