2006 MARCH 21 - MARCH 28 NEWS

SHII TALKS ON U.S. MILITARY REALIGNMENT
The government says that "minor changes" are possible without making changes to the basic policy of using the base permanently. This is not a way in which the contradictions with the people of Okinawa can be resolved. [MORE]

JCP AND SDP AGREE TO BLOCK CONSTITUTIONAL REVISION
Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo and Social Democratic Party President Fukushima Mizuho confirmed that each party will continue to make efforts to have the majority of the population oppose an adverse revision of the Constitution and to defend Article 9. The two heads agreed to hold meetings when needed. [MORE]

PUBLIC OPINION FORCED CHANGE IN STATE POLICY
Akahata reports and parliamentary questioning by Japanese Communist Party lawmakers played an important role in forcing the government to change policy. [MORE]

U.S. MILITARY REALIGNMENT
Japan-U.S. talks

Japanese and U.S. governments must listen to the public - Akahata editorial (excerpts), March 27, 2006
* Shii talks on U.S. military realignment (March 24, 2006)
* More bases can be sought for U.S. air exercise (March 25, 2006)

Opposition
* Hiroshima's 5 mayors oppose relocation of U.S. carrier-borne airwing (March 22, 2006)
* 2 mayors in Hokkaido refuse U.S. F-15 relocation (March 22, 2006)
* City assembly and town mayor oppose U.S. use of Nyutabaru base (March 22, 2006)
* Yamaguchi governor again opposes accepting U.S. carrier-based aircraft unit at Iwakuni (March 23, 24, 2006)
* Sagamihara mayor again opposes realignment of U.S. Camp Zama (March 23, 2006)
* Kanoya City firmly opposes U.S. forces relocation (March 23, 2006)
* Kanagawa governor and 2 municipal heads agree to refuse U.S. base realignment (March 25, 2006)
* Kagoshima citizens' council formed against U.S. aircraft relocation (March 26, 2006)
* Masuda City opposes U.S. airwing relocation to Iwakuni (March 26, 2006)
* Citizens' groups and JCP demand Nago mayor be consistent in opposing 'shoreline plan' (March 28, 2006)
* JCP urges governor Ishihara to not allow Yokota Air Base's perpetuation (March 28, 2006)
* Mayor reiterates his objection to the coming of U.S. mid-air refueling aircraft (March 28, 2006)

MILITARY
* Concluding Japan-U.S. GSOMIA will increase state control on the public (March 22, 2006)

Unified SDF command to make it easier to go to war - Akahata editorial (excerpts), March 22, 2006

DIET
* JCP lawmaker criticizes administrative reform bill (March 24, 2006)
* FY 2006 budget approved (March 28, 2006)
* Agriculture minister admits withholding documents predicting BSE outbreak 'for fear of losing U.S. trust' (March 28, 2006)

CONSTITUTION
* JCP and SDP agree to block constitutional revision (March 23, 24, 2006)

Political interference in media
* NHK producer testifies against LDP politician (March 23, 2006)

Human Rights
* Distribution of flyers is a legitimate action (March 28, 2006)

EDUCATION

Small-sized classes needed for better education - Akahata editorial (excerpts), March 24, 2006

NUCLEAR POWER
* Court orders shutdown of nuclear reactor (March 25, 2006)
* Saga governor approves 'pluthermal' operations (March 27, 2006)

SECONDHAND ELECTORIC APPLIANCES
* Public opinion made state policy to change (March 27, 2006)

JCP
Election
* JCP in Iwate's new city doubles share of assembly seats (March 21, 2006)

International
* JCP international bureau acting director attends Bulgarian reception (March 24, 2006)
* JCP vice chair attends reception for Cuban government minister (March 25, 2006)