70 percent of 20-year-olds are against war on Iraq

A survey has revealed that 70 percent of Japan's 20-year-olds are opposed to a war on Iraq. The survey was conducted by the Democratic Youth League of Japan (DYLJ) around January 13 on 2,000 young people who have recently come of age throughout the country.

Asked if Japan should cooperate with the United States in a war on Iraq, 73 percent of the respondents answered "No."

DYLJ President Himei Jiro said that the result shows that young people have a strong desire for peace. "I want to see this anti-war opinion further increase in solidarity with international opinion."

To a question if one is satisfied with present politics and society, 80 percent of the respondents said they are dissatisfied.

Asked about the Japanese Communist Party and its policy, 14.1 percent said they support it and 39.8 percent said they may support the JCP according to circumstances.

In a multiple choice answer to the question, "What is your keenest wish about politics," an end to wasting of tax money (61.2 percent) comes on top, followed by economic recovery (43.9 percent) and job security (33.4 percent). (end)