Pacifism unites a philosopher with JCP

Tsurumi Shunsuke, a philosopher and critic, on July 1 showed up in a Japanese Communist Party public assembly in Kyoto in support of Nishiyama Tokiko, a JCP candidate for the Upper House.

Until then, Tsurumi had never taken part in any election campaign.

"I don't want to allow advocates of constitutional revision to occupy the two Upper House seats in Kyoto," said Tsurumi as he appealed to an audience of 160 Buddhist monks, scholars, and local residents.

He said, "The JCP and I are the same age, 82-years old. I think it was tough but great that the JCP never supported war. The JCP and I are connected by a firm pacifist belief, not by the ideology of Marxism. In fact, I continue to be a student of American philosophy or pragmatism."

The audience was encouraged to hear Tsurumi say, "Ever since I gained voting rights, I have voted only for the JCP."

Shaking hands with Tsurumi, JCP candidate Nishiyama expressed her determination to defend her seat in Kyoto and the peace Constitution. (end)