2010 APRIL 7 - APRIL 13

Japan Press Weekly

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

2010 APRIL 7 - APRIL 13

DPJ & LDP aim to control government employees
The Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic and Your parties intend to maintain the controversial “amakudari” practice under which bureaucrats can obtain executive corporate positions upon retirement as well as tighten control over government employees without providing them with workers’ basic rights.

‘Structural reform’ turned 60 percent of library staff into non-regular employees
The “working poor” conditions in the public sector are often described by what public libraries are experiencing right now: 60 percent of library workers are non-regular employees.

Now is the time to increase people’s movement for nuclear-free world
While advocating the need for restrictions on the possession and use of nuclear weapons as stated in the Nuclear Posture Review (NPR), U.S. President Barack Obama has not provided a proposed schedule for eliminating nuclear weapons within a set time frame.

POLITICS
DPJ & LDP aim to control government employees
Which party represents citizens’ demands?
Upper House begins discussing bills on ‘regional sovereignty’

U.S. FORCES
U.S. Marines in Okinawa conduct training exercises in public areas
Marines hold flight exercise over residential area in Henoko
U.S. lethal attacks using drones cannot be justified - Akahata, editorial (excerpts)
Secret Pacts
Court recognizes secret pact on Okinawa’s return
Alliance of Subordination
50 years of Japan-U.S. Alliance - Illusion of ‘equality’ - Part VIII

LABOR
‘Structural reform’ turned 60 percent of library staff into non-regular employees
Kokuta criticizes JAL for cruel restructuring plan

WELL-BEING
JCP teamwork between national and ward assembly brings health insurance cards back to people with low income
Only 15% of low-income households receive livelihood protection benefits
Government’s designation of area as exposed to radioactive fallout is inaccurate - Akahata editorial (excerpts)

AGRICULTURE
Citizens urge government not to ease restrictions on U.S. beef imports

CULTURE
South Koreans requests Japan to return Korean cultural assets

PEACE
U.S. and Russia should assume leadership role in eliminating nuclear weapons: Gensuikyo Secretary General Taka
Now is the time to increase people’s movement for nuclear-free world - Akahata editorial
Founder of Article 9 Association passes away

JCP
JCP Shii speaks before Osaka business leaders
Progressive candidate puts up great fight in Kyoto gubernatorial election