July 7, 2009

The Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) on July 6 submitted to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the opposition Democratic Party a 10-point policy proposal that they want included in their election platforms.

The Keidanren proposal includes an increase in the consumption tax, legislation in preparation for the introduction of a new regional administrative division (doshu) system made up of several provinces that are much larger than the present prefectures, and an effort to form a national consensus toward revising the Constitution.

The 10 points are almost the same as the “policy priorities” that Keidanren asked the two parties to adopt in exchange for arranging corporate donations for them in January.

Regarding the introduction of the doshu system, Keidanren calls for it to be introduced within 15 years by expediting discussions and for a decision to be made in three years.

Keidanren also calls for more deregulation of the labor market under the name of promoting the diversity of employment and work, and the use of the so-called private sector vitality. – Akahata, July 7, 2009