JCP Ichida on 62nd anniversary of end of WWII

   On August 15, marking the 62nd anniversary of the end of World War II, Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi issued the following statement:

(1)

   On the occasion of the 62nd anniversary of the end of WWII, the Japanese Communist Party expresses its deep condolences to all Japanese and foreign victims of the war of aggression and colonial rule caused by Japanese militarism.

(2)

   Severe criticism is being directed from within Japan and outside of Japan against the unrepentant stance justifying Japan’s war of aggression and crimes against humanity by describing the past war as “a just war to liberate Asia” and denying the coercion in recruiting wartime sex slaves.

   As symbolized by the July 30 U.S. House of Representatives resolution condemning the sex slavery system established by the Imperial Japanese Army and demanding the Japanese government’s official and clear apology, the Yasukuni view of history justifying Japan’s war of aggression and colonial rule is now under fire worldwide. The Japanese government must officially apologize for the sex slavery issue, and Japan’s diplomacy should overcome the adverse current justifying the past policies.

   In the recent House of Councilors election, the public delivered a clear verdict rejecting the political framework of the Abe Liberal Democratic and Komei parties’ government that has accelerated misrule over every aspect of national politics. The public also severely criticized the government policy of prioritizing its scheme to turn Japan into a nation that will use force with the U.S. by revising Article 9 while paying little attention to the increased hardships in people’s lives.

   Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, under the slogan of “breaking away from the postwar regime,” tried to force the public to accept constitutional revision as a task high on the agenda. However, sensing the danger of going back to the prewar militaristic system, the public has given a flat refusal to this policy.

   The JCP will devote all its energy to defend the Constitution, which was enacted on the basis of remorse for the war of aggression, and make full use of Article 9 in order to contribute to peace and friendship in Asia and the rest of the world in accordance with the U.N. rules for peace.

(3)

   As a party that has consistently struggled against wars of aggression since the prewar days, the JCP will resolutely oppose any attempt to justify wars of aggression and colonial rule. The JCP will exert every effort and continue to join forces with the public in order to block constitutional revision and safeguard the constitutional principles of peace, democracy, and human rights.

                                           - Akahata, August 15, 2007