January 17, 2026

Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair Shii Kazuo at a press conference in the Diet building on January 16 announced that he will not be running in the next general election.

Shii stated, “As the party’s CC chair, I will continue to devote all my energy to the advancement of the JCP in order to improve society. Regarding the upcoming general election, I am determined to work tirelessly to ensure a JCP advance alongside JCP supporters and our prospective candidates across the nation.”

He explained, “In my own heart, I almost decided not to run when we established the current leadership structure at the 29th JCP Congress in January 2024.”

He once again expressed his determination to continue fulfilling his responsibilities as CC chair in all areas where the party needs him, such as diplomacy, theory, party building, and national politics.