 JCP holds symposium on how to develop fisheries industry The Japanese Communist Party on May 14 held a symposium titled "Ways to defend and develop the fisheries industry in the Tohoku region" in Rikuzentakata City in Iwate Prefecture, with about 360 people participating. This is the forth grassroots-based symposium to discuss how to revitalize the fisheries industry in northeast Japan that faces many difficulties, including a decrease in fish catches and fish prices as well as the aging of fishery workers. Sasaki Yoichi, an oyster farmer in Rikuzentakata City, reported on his 10-year effort to provide junior high school students with hands-on learning on his farm. Sato Teruhiko, JCP assembly member in Iwate's Yamada City, spoke about the city's efforts to secure a budget to educate young fishery workers. Three JCP Dietmembers spoke. - Akahata, May 15, 2005 |