Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2026 October 7 - 13 TOP3 [POLITICS]

Opposition leaders’ questions in both chambers are under scrutiny

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

Political parties in both chambers of the Diet engaged in representative questioning from October 7 through October 9 regarding Prime Minister Takaichi Sanae’s policy speech.

Since the Japanese Communist Party does not have enough seats required to pose representative questions, the overall questioning did not amount to a direct confrontation with the Takaichi government.

Although some political parties addressed the issue surrounding the robbery and murder of a woman by a U.S. marine in Okinawa, none opposed the expansion of U.S. military bases or called for their removal.

Regarding political reform, no party challenged the government’s stance by demanding a ban on political donations from corporations and other interest groups.

No party called for the abolition of the consumption tax or for an immediate reduction to 5% on all items, nor did they present specific proposals for alternative revenue sources to offset the planned tax cut.

The latest Diet interpellations once again demonstrated the importance of the JCP presence. To counter the Takaichi government’s reckless policies, it is crucial for the JCP to collaborate with concerned citizens, civil movements, and other opposition parties on shared issues.

Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Minister Yana Kazuo’s remarks that he cut the road budgets for municipalities whose mayors did not support him in the general election is despicable. This blatantly tramples on electoral fairness and democracy. He is unfit to serve as minister and should resign or be dismissed. Some party heads raised this issue. However, PM Takaichi, unwilling to conduct a proper investigation, showed her intention to keep him in office, stating, “He has retracted his remarks and apologized.”

Regarding the 2-year consumption tax cut to 1% only on food, PM Takaichi faced criticism over the source of funding for this measure and the de facto tax hike that will follow two years later. Nevertheless, Takaichi defiantly insisted that the measure “holds groundbreaking significance.” Without clarifying the funding source, she repeatedly stated that it would be “secured through a review of both revenue and expenditure.”

Regarding the International Criminal Court (ICC), Takaichi stated that she “explained the Japanese government’s position” during the Japan-U.S. summit. However, her responses were vague on whether she would protest U.S. President Trump’s sanctions against the ICC and demand their withdrawal.