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

Using political donations as bait, Nippon Keidanren puts forward more pro-business policies

Since the Liberal Democratic Party won the majority of the House of Representatives seats in the September 11 general election, the Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) has put forward one policy after another that it wants the Koizumi Cabinet to implement in support of free corporate activities.

Nippon Keidanren's key demands are a continuation of low corporate tax rates and further deregulation of labor laws, the medical insurance system, measures against global warming, the land tax system, and the pension system.

At a meeting in Tokyo to explain its rating on political parties' policies on October 13, Nippon Keidanren representative Miyahara Kenji told about 300 corporate executives that the government needs to drastically revise the old systems restricting corporate activities in order for corporations to increase their international competitiveness.

Miyahara justified corporate donations by stating, "We are encouraging political donations because they stimulate politics and create a better environment for corporations."

Since last year, Nippon Keidanren has published an annual "report card" rating the performances of the Liberal Democratic and Democratic parties, and encourages its affiliated companies to use it as a reference for political donations. It gave the LDP a higher rating in the latest evaluation on the grounds that its policies are in accord with what Nipppon Keidanren is calling for.

The business circle's move led by Nippon Keidanren reveals its blatant attempt to use political donations as a lever to have the Koizumi cabinet carry out pro-business policies. -- Akahata, October 24, 2005