May 5, 2025

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Koike Akira on May 2 appeared as a guest in an X-Space event hosted by a student group “Miracoe” which works to increase political awareness among youth, and answered questions from participants.

An event MC touched on the Senkaku Islands issue and a possible Taiwan emergency and asked about the JCP view on national defense. In response, Koike said, “I understand your concern, but, do you really think military expansion would help secure Japan’s safety?”

Koike pointed to Japan’s aggressive moves toward a military buildup under the pretext of “deterrence,” warning, “If this continues, it will intensify tensions in the region which may lead to an unwanted military clash.” He stressed that it is politicians’ responsibility to avert such a situation by making thorough diplomatic efforts. In this regard, he explained that JCP Central Committee Chair Shii Kazuo in his recent visit to China made a concrete proposal for peacebuilding in East Asia.

To the question, “How can we create a society where Japanese and foreign workers can coexist?” Koike explained the harsh working conditions facing many migrant workers in Japan. As an example, he pointed out that they experience labor law violations and are paid less than Japan’s minimum wages. He said that it is important to protect labor rights of both Japanese and foreign workers.

Asked for a comment on Trump’s tariff measures, Koike stated that the Ishiba government is reportedly considering increasing its imports of U.S. soybeans and corn with the aim of obtaining concessions from the U.S. government. He said, “Japan will fail in the tariff talks if it takes an attitude of soliciting the U.S. government to overlook additional tariffs on Japan. The need is for Japan to team up with other countries to demand the withdrawal of the tariff policy.”

Koike noted that the Trump administration is outrageously pressing Japan to further open its agricultural market and spend more for the stationing of the U.S. forces in Japan. Stating, “These requests are totally unacceptable,” he said, “Japan needs to put an end to its diplomatic stance subservient to the U.S. and to establish a diplomatic strategy that seeks to develop relations with the U.S. on an equal footing and strengthen ties with Asian countries.”