 JCP opposes 'Day of Showa' The bill to rename April 29, the birthday of Emperor Showa (Hirohito), as "Day of Showa" became law on May 13 after it was passed through the House of Councilors plenary session by a majority of the Liberal Democratic, Komei, and Democratic parties. The Japanese Communist and the Social Democratic parties voted against. The JCP argued that "to celebrate, appreciate, or commemorate" the birthday of Emperor Showa, who was responsible for the war of aggression that caused the unprecedented tragedy of the loss of 20 million Asian people's lives and 3.1 million Japanese lives, conflicts with the principles of popular sovereignty, peace, and democracy in the Japanese Constitution, which was founded on the remorse of the past Japanese war of aggression. The National Holidays Law took effect in 1948 with the following criteria of selection: Any holiday should be in line with the idea of the Constitution and be acceptable to the general public to participate. Establishing the "Day of Showa," however, goes against this criterion. "Greenery Day," which is currently on April 29, will be celebrated on May 4. The holiday change will come into force in 2007. - Akahata, May 14, 2005 |