Public figures oppose SDF dispatch to Iraq

The National Association for a Peaceful, Democratic and Progressive Japan (Kakushinkon) on December 25 published messages of 46 public figures in opposition to the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces to Iraq and in support of the war-renouncing Article 9 of the Constitution.

Novelist Akagawa Jiro, musician Kina Shokichi, actress Yoshinaga Sayuri, composer Kobayashi Asei, and 42 other people from various fields responded to the urgent call of Kakushinkon.

Scriptwriter Osanai Mieko stated in her message, "I want to pass this peaceful nation, which has never participated in any war for 58 years, on to future generations."

On the same day, a group of journalists held a press conference and announced a joint statement in opposition to the government decision to send SDF units to Iraq.

Myochin Miki, president of the Mass Media Information and Culture Unions, translator Ikeda Kayoko, and 8 other journalists were present at the press conference in the House of Councilors Members Building.

The statement is supported by 36 journalists, including writer Inoue Hisashi and comic artist Ishizaka Kei. (end)