WWII4

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

Former Japanese war orphans hold sit-in

On July 7, about 200 former Japanese war orphans and their supporters held a sit-in in front of the Health, Labor, and Welfare Ministry in protest against the Osaka District Court's rejection of their demands for state compensation.

The welfare minister refused the protesters' request to meet them. They are determined to continue their sit-in until the minister will meet with them.

Shimizu Hiro, a 68-year-old former war orphan who now leads the group of the plaintiffs, said, "Our repatriation was finally realized several decades after the end of WW II. The youngest plaintiff is 60 years old. The government must face this reality."

On the same day, about 40 plaintiffs and their lawyers held a rally at the Lower House and requested lawmakers to submit a bill to improve the government's current assistance to former Japanese war orphans. 31 Dietmembers, including 7 Japanese Communist Party members, participated in the rally.

JCP House of Councilors member Koike Akira said, "The government and Diet must not leave the situation as it is. Regardless of party affiliation, we will do our utmost to resolve this issue." - Akahata, July 8, 2005