July 31, 2025

Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair Shii Kazuo held a press conference in the Diet building on July 30 to announce the release of his new book entitled, “Q&A on ‘Capital’ -- Guided by Marx, let’s explore the pathways toward a better future for all from the present to the future”.

Shii in the book makes necessary additions or corrections to his lecture given on May 10 at a Democratic Youth League of Japan-hosted online seminar for students.

Shii stressed, “Currently in Europe and America, Marx’s ‘Capital’ is receiving renewed attention and a movement to read and study this great book is growing.”

As an example, Shii referred to his meeting with the General Confederation Labour (CGT) of France during his visit to Europe last year. In the meeting, a CGT executive explained that the union established a school for union members to study “Marx’s drafts of Capital” and understand the significance of reducing working hours and expanding “free time”. Shii said that in the United States, a new English translation of Capital, Volume 1 was published in September 2024 for the first time in 50 years. He added that following the publication, a movement in which supporters of Senator Bernie Sanders are organizing reading groups to study “Capital” has been spreading nationwide.

Shii said that the key to solving problems, such as the widening wealth gap, difficulties in achieving decent working conditions, and the climate crisis getting more serious each year, can be found in “Capital”. He emphasized that the book clarifies what true freedom is for humans and how to achieve it, calling “Capital” the “book of transformation and hope” that appeals for the need to fight for true freedom.

Shii expressed his hope that a reading “Capital” movement will be initiated in Japan and that his work will help people who feel a deepened sense of alienation in society will come to believe that it is possible to change society for the better of society overall.