2003 SEPTEMBER 23 - SEPTEMBER 30 NEWS

JCP TO FOCUS ON ARTICLE 9 AND CONSUMPTION TAX IN DIET
The 157th extraordinary Diet session began in a tense political situation making the dissolution of the Lower House likely in October for a general election in November.

PRIME MINISTER DOESN'T CARE ABOUT WORKING PEOPLE'S HARDSHIPS
The prime minister promised to "conclude the issue of non-performing loans in fiscal 2004" without presenting any specific measures to deal with unemployment or bankruptcies that are likely to increase.

CLUSTER OF U.S. BASES IN METROPOLITAN TOKYO
Tokyo and its metropolitan areas have a number of U.S. military bases. The Defense Agency director general stated that the more U.S. pilots' skills are upgraded through NLPs, the more Japan's war deterrence is increased.

WAR AND TERRORISM
No future for destroyer of peace -- Akahata editorial, September 25
Japan is a laughing stock of the world -- Akahata editorial, September 29

POLITICS
* 2nd Koizumi Cabinet inaugurated
Where will the reshuffled cabinet take Japan to? -- Akahata editorial, September 23
* JCP to focus on Article 9 and consumption tax in extraordinary Diet session
* Prime minister doesn't care about working people's hardships
* JCP takes on Koizumi Cabinet and offers policy of change
* Koizumi sidesteps issues: Shii
* Political donations prepared for parties demanding consumption tax rate increase
* Communist mayor fulfills his promises
* Town and village heads gather to oppose compulsory mergers