2008 JULY 23 - JULY 29

Cozy relations between politicians, military, and business sector should be thoroughly investigated
Akiyama Naoki, the executive director of the Japan-U.S. Center for Peace and Cultural Exchange, was arrested on suspicion of tax evasion. He has long been recognized as a fixer between Japanese and U.S. military industries and Japanese politicians and bureaucrats representing the interests of the arms industry.

Labor ministry must work to drastically revise worker dispatch law
A Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry study panel has compiled a report calling for a stricter regulation of the use of temporary workers, including a prohibition in principle of the use of “day laborers” and issuing advice to companies that use temporary workers.

JCP holds assembly to mark its 86th anniversary
Speaking before an audience of about 2,000, Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo said, “The JCP’s call initially may appear to be isolated from society but would pave the way for a bright future at a crucial moment that has a bearing on the interests of the Japanese people and world peace.

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JAPAN-U.S.MILITARY ALLIANCE
Arrogant U.S. demand on Japan to shoulder its war costs: Akahata editorial
Former ambassador to U.S. calls for Japan to take risk in order to gain
Okinawan assembly representatives ask governor not to push new U.S. air base plan

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ARMS INDUSTRY FIXER
Arms industry fixer Akiyama Naoki arrested for tax evasion
War industry fixer opened bank account in U.S. to boost ‘strategic’ Japan-U.S. security ties
Cozy relations between politicians, military, and business sector should be thoroughly investigated: Akahata editorial (excerpts)

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AGRICULTURE/FISHERIES
JCP calls for measures to control price hikes

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CONSUMPTION TAX
No more tax hikes!: Akahata editorial

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BUDGET CUTS
Major medical organizations jointly urge government to stop further budget cuts on social welfare services

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MOTHERS CONGRESS
15,000 mothers at their annual congress discuss a peaceful world for children

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LABOR