January 7, 2014

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on January 6 met with lawyer Utsunomiya Kenji, former president of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations (JFBA), expressing the party’s full support for him in the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election.

Former Governor Inose Naoki resigned at the end of last year over alleged “black money” he had received from the scandal-tainted hospital chain Tokushukai. Campaigning for the February 9 election will officially kick off on January 23.

Prior to the meeting, Utsunomiya told reporters at the metropolitan government building that he will run in the gubernatorial race.

Shii said to the 67-year-old candidate, “As a head of the JFBA, you led the fight to protect human rights, peace, and the war-renouncing Constitution. We can completely support your campaign pledges. The JCP will give you full support and work for your victory with all its strength.”

Utsunomiya explained to Shii the main points of his election platform: stop the Abe government from running wild after forcibly enacting the state secrets protection law and with its aims to allow the country to exercise the right to collective self-defense; work to make the 2020 Summer Olympics environment-friendly as well as welcomed by those who are still suffering from the 2011 Great East Japan Disaster; and thoroughly investigate Inose’s money scandal.

Shii noted that how best to improve the livelihood and welfare of Tokyoites will become a major issue in the campaign. “The election will also be a great opportunity for people to give their sharp verdict on the Abe administration defying the will of the public,” he added.

Utsunomiya replied, “This race is important for predicting how Japan will go. I will work to respond to the expectations from people around the nation.”


Past related article:
> JCP Ichida: Tokyo Governor Inose’s resignation does not end money scandal [December 20, 2013]