2007 MARCH 21 - MARCH 27

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

2007 MARCH 21 - MARCH 27

Distortion of historical issue of sex slaves coincides with constitutional revision: JCP Chair Shii

“Pro-constitutional revision forces who refuse to reflect on Japan’s past war of aggression want to turn Japan into a country that can fight wars abroad by adversely changing Article 9, thus raising deep concerns and criticism among Asian nations,” said Shii. [MORE]

Gubernatorial candidates begin campaigning in 13 prefectures with JCP participating in all of them

In Tokyo, candidate Yoshida Manzo said, “Ending the misuse of the Tokyo administration, axing the wasteful development projects, and defending the Constitution are key to achieving Tokyo’s administrative reform.” [MORE]

Child-rearing flight attendants win suit against JAL’s pay cuts

One plaintiff said, “This is the court struggle to seek JAL’s corporate responsibility over working mothers.” Another said, “This case shows that companies like JAL regard workers who applied for night shift exemption as useless employees and force them to quit.” [MORE]

DIET

- Withdraw SDF from Iraq, scrap bill to establish procedures for constitutional revision: JCP Ichida at anti-Iraq War rally

- Five of six speakers at public hearing warn against hasty discussion of the bill to establish procedures for revision of the Constitution

- JCP Akamine demands bill to facilitate U.S. forces realignment be withdrawn

- Bill to make betrayal obligatory passes through Lower House

- FY 2007 budget bill expanding gaps between rich and poor enacted

WARTIME SEX SLAVERY

- Government position on wartime sex slave issue undermines its position on North Korea’s abduction issue

- Distortion of historical issue of sex slaves coincides with constitutional revision: JCP Chair Shii

- Abduction and ‘comfort women’ are totally different issues: PM Abe

ELECTION

- Gubernatorial candidates begin campaigning in 13 prefectures with JCP participating in all of them