Japan Press Weekly

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2026 July 15 - 21 [JCP]

JCP CC Chair Shii meets with Prof. Pereira of Paris Institute of Political Studies

Japanese Communist Party Central Committee Chair Shii Kazuo on July 14 held talks for more than two hours with Professor Luis Awaz Pereira, a Ph.D. in macroeconomics from the Paris Institute of Political Studies (IEP de Paris or Sciences Po), at the JCP head office in Tokyo.

He was the deputy general manager of the Bank for International Settlements (BIS) and the deputy governor of the Central Bank of Brazil.

The two exchanged views on the theme of Marx’s theory of future society, focusing on the “realm of necessity” and the “realm of freedom”.

Shii went into detail about the significance of “freely disposable time”, saying that the very essence and purpose of a communist society lies in ensuring that people have enough time to enjoy true freedom while increasing material production.

Pereira said that the theme of “freely disposable time” theory covers a broad range of topics that could lead to consensus even among conservatives who desire social progress. He expressed his hope that the JCP will continue to engage in dialogue on this important theme to help revitalize the global left.

They also discussed the risks posed by AI and technological innovation, particularly their impact on human freedom.

Shii pointed out that technology has the potential to liberate humanity but also poses a danger of causing harm. He also identified two qualitatively different dangers: the risks arising from capital’s use of AI, and the danger of losing control over AI. He emphasized that the international community urgently needs to reach an agreement to establish democratic societal control of AI.

Pereira agreed, adding that it is crucial to prevent technological monopolies by large corporations and to establish democratic control of AI amid the intensifying international political race for AI hegemony and the rise of right-wing politics that allows big capital to run rampant.

Furthermore, he stated that many workers today have to work multiple jobs to make ends meet. He noted that this is true across all sectors ranging from Amazon delivery drivers to low-paid service industry workers and many working women, and that they are ultimately deprived of their free time. In this context, he emphasized the practical significance of the concept of “time one can freely dispose of” in their everyday lives.

Shii in response said that “free time” is a key concept that offers a comprehensive answer to the various challenges the modern world is facing. He stated that in order to push forward with social reform, it is important for leftist and progressive forces around the world to cooperate and expand alliances with all those who share a sense of criss regarding the current situation confronting humanity.