2005 MARCH 9 - MARCH 15 NEWS

SETTLE HISTORICAL ISSUE FOR THE SAKE OF FUTURE
The Japan-ROK Treaty and bilateral negotiations have not "settled" every historical issue. It is necessary to share the historical outlook with South Korea and settle outstanding questions.

BILL TO COMBAT HUMAN TRAFFICKING NEEDS TO BE EFFECTIVE
At issue in Japan is the existence of many foreign women who were coaxed to come to Japan with jobs as bait and are actually forced to work in the sex industry, apparently to repay money they "borrowed" for air fares and other expenses.

HIGH COURT ORDERS A RETRIAL ON 'YOKOHAMA INCIDENT'
It is the first time that a high court ordered a retrial over the Maintenance of Public Order Law which is known as a notoriously repressive law.

DIET
* New LDP-Komei-DPJ panel aims at consumption tax increase: JCP Shii (March 10, 2005)
* Press U.S. to stop developing bunker-buster N-arms!: JCP (March 10, 2005)
* JCP to oppose NHK budget bill (March 15, 2005)

ARTICLE 9
* Article 9 Association gives lectures in Hiroshima (March 14, 2005)
* Scientists' Article 9 Association established (March 15, 2005)

Plebiscite bill prepares for constitutional revision -- Akahata editorial, March 15, 2005 (excerpts)

U.S. FORCES
* Sasebo mayor says he will reject homeporting of U.S. aircraft carrier at Sasebo (March 9, 2005)
* Okinawans hold rally to express opposition to U.S. base relocation (March 12, 2005)

CHINA
* Stick to peaceful talks for 'one China': JCP on anti-secession law (March 15, 2005)

JAPAN-SOUTH KOREA RELATIONS

Settle historical issue for the sake of future -- Akahata editorial, March 11, 2005

WWII
* Tokyo remembers U.S. air raid victims (March 10, 2005)
* High court orders a retrial over freedom of speech suppression during war (March 11, 2005)
* Right-wing forces lobby for school textbook praising war of aggression (March 12, 2005)

HIBAKUSHA
* Court rules Hibakusha Aid Law covers overseas Hibakusha (March 9, 2005)

TAX
* 195,000 people participate in actions opposing tax policy (March 12, 2005)

AGRICULTURE

Basic program on agriculture must be effective in increasing food self-sufficiency -- Akahata editorial, March 12, 2005 (excerpts)

LABOR
* Fujitsu subsidiary employee goes to court over 130 hours per month unpaid overtime (March 9, 2005)
* NTT ordered to pay compensation for trainee's sudden death (March 10, 2005)
* Toyota's temporary workers receive only 1/3 of regular worker's wage (March 11, 2005)

WOMEN
* Women celebrate International Women's Day (March 9, 2005)

HUMAN RIGHTS
* Bill to combat human trafficking needs to be effective: JCP Inoue (March 14, 2005)

ELECTION
* Despite overall seat cuts, JCP's representation in local assemblies increases (March 12, 2005)
* JCP win assembly elections in 3 cities, 1 town (March 15, 2005)

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