Manufacturers and shop owners turn to JCP for help

In Ota Ward in Tokyo, known for its many small manufacturers with high skills, local industry-related organizations are turning to the Japanese Communist Party for a way out of the recession.

They recently held a discussion with JCP members of parliament Yamaguchi Tomio (House of Representatives) and Ogata Yasuo (House of Councilors).

Over the last several years, many shops in the district have been compelled to close down after they were forced out by big discount stores.

The JCP has reached out to many residents to discuss the local economy, the nursing care insurance system, and various other issues. As their businesses are worsening due to the Koizumi Cabinet's policies, organizations that used to have no relations with the JCP are beginning to show their interest in the JCP.

A former president of an association of stores complained that the government does not listen to the public. A manufacturer said to the JCP lawmakers, "We talked with the Liberal Democratic and Komei parties, but nothing changed. So we decided to talk with the JCP."

The industrial network in Ota Ward has the ability to manufacture new machinery parts the day after they get the design plan.

Participants in the talks with the JCP said that the number of network members has decreased to half. Calling for assistance to be extended to factories and shops for their survival, they showed high expectations for increased funds for small- and medium-sized businesses and expressed interest in the JCP's call for social change. (end)