content

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

2006 JANUARY 25 - JANUARY 31 NEWS

GOVERNMENT IS RESPONSIBLE FOR STABLE JOB CREATION
Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi in the Diet pointed out that the deregulation of the labor laws has led to a rapid increase in the number of low-paying unstable jobs, while allowing "money mongers" to be rampant. [more]

WHO CALLED HIM THE 'FLAG-BEARER' OF REFORM?
Needlessly, the whole picture of Livedoor "alchemy" which deceived the market must be exposed. At the same time, Liberal Democratic Party politics must be held responsible for inciting money-games by easing financial regulations, the root cause of this case. [more]

PANEL PROPOSES ELIMINATING 8-HOUR DAY ON CLERKS AND ENGINEERS
This new framework of exempting workers in certain categories from the application of legal regulations on work hours in the name of "self-regulation" will exclude more categories from legal regulations concerning work hours. [more]

DIET
Policy speech
* Shii urges government to change policy into one of serving people's welfare (January 25, 2006)
* Koizumi ignored all his political responsibilities: JCP Shii (January 25, 2006)
* Government is responsible for stable job creation (January 26, 2006)
* Lack of regular jobs causes low birth rate (January 26, 2006)

North Korea
* JCP in Diet urges government to take concrete measures in talks with North Korea (January 29, 2006)

YASUKUNI VISITS
* Aso's call for emperor's Yasukuni Shrine visits has further aims (January 31, 2006)

U.S. FORCES
F-15
* Okinawa legislature demands halt to U.S. F-15 flights (January 31, 2006)

Crimes
* U.S. military men constrain a tourist near Camp Schwab (January 27, 2006)
* Suspect U.S. sailor indicted for murder (January 28, 2006)
* 2 U.S. personnel arrested for robbery (January 28, 2006)
* Recent serious crimes committed by U.S. servicemen in Japan (January 30, 2006)

Anti-U.S. base movement
* 800 Yokosuka citizens protest U.S. military crimes (January 29, 2006)
* Citizens in symposium oppose reinforcement of U.S. Iwakuni Base (January 29, 2006)
* 'We can no longer endure to host U.S. bases anymore' (January 30, 2006)

DEREGULATION
Livedoor scandal
Who called him the 'flag-bearer' of reform? -- Akahata editorial, January 25, 2006
* JCP says deregulation policy is wrong and needs to be reviewed (January 30, 2006)

Building data falsification
* Building inspections were privatized at the cost of safety (January 27, 2006)

U.S. beef
* Government neglected to inspect U.S. beef before resuming import (January 31, 2006)

MEDICAL INSURANCE
* At least 18 died because they were unable to pay health insurance premiums (January 27, 2006)

EDUCATION
* Scholars urge Tokyo Metropolitan Government to retract its order forcing Kimigayo on schools (January 28, 2006)

LABOR
* Panel proposes eliminating 8-hour day on clerks and engineers (January 26, 2006)
* Zenroren criticizes government panel report on working hours regulation (January 26, 2006)
* Zenroren seeks a 10,000 yen raise for all workers (January 27-28, 2006)

JCP
Elections
* JCP candidate wins Hokkaido by-election (January 31, 2006)
* JCP candidates returned in Shiga's by-elections (January 31, 2006)

International
* Shii attends India's Republic Day reception (January 28, 2006)