38th Akahata Festival, an opportunity to recharge our batteries -- Akahata editorial, October 14 (excerpts)

The 38th Akahata Festival, a venue for recharging our batteries toward simultaneous local elections in the spring and the general election to come, will take place on November 2, 3, and 4 at Yumenoshima Park in Koto Ward, Tokyo.

We have taken up common issues of Japanese and world politics at the festivals since 1959 when the first one displayed the JCP stance against the adverse revision of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty in 1960.

The festival this year, on the 80th anniversary of the JCP founding, will take place under the increasing possibility of a U.S. military attack against Iraq.
A preemptive attack on Iraq is an act that disdains international rules. Despite voices of world government leaders and their citizens, the U.S. Bush administration is pushing forward with plans to conduct a war. Let's raise our anti-war voices from the festival to the world.

This year's festival will also be held amid a severe economic crisis and when wartime bills will be discussed in the extraordinary Diet session.

The Koizumi Cabinet has shown an "understanding" of a U.S. preemptive attack on Iraq. Pressed by the Bush administration, the Japanese government is accelerating write-offs of bad loans, which will bring the Japanese economy and people's lives into a crisis. The Akahata Festival will provide an opportunity for the people to learn about such misgovernment and discuss how to survive the present recession.

In the festival, there will be various events: the Q & A talk by JCP Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi; a memorial speech by JCP Executive Chair Shii Kazuo; a seminar on Capital by JCP CC Chair Fuwa Tetsuzo; exhibition on JCP diplomatic activities; cultural and performing art programs; a Dream Fiesta by young people; the Children's Plaza; local product booths; and food stands. (end)