2008 AUGUST 20 - AUGUST 26


Integrating SDF intelligence security units similar to prewar military police must be thwarted
The government is intent on forcing through a bill to revise the Law for the Establishment of the Defense Ministry in the upcoming Extraordinary Session of the Diet, a bill which it failed to get enacted in the previous session of the Diet.

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Justice ministry told prosecutors to accept U.S. request for waiver of Japan’s primary right
In 1953, the Justice Ministry instructed prosecutors to accept a U.S. request for a waiver of the primary right of Japan to exercise jurisdiction over U.S. military crimes in Japan. This became known recently from a document the ministry published in 1972.

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Teachers, parents discuss education to open a bright future for children
The discussions were held on various themes, including, “Promoting participation of children, parents, teachers and staff in school affairs” and “Career development for adolescents.” Junior high and senior high school students organized a special workshop on their own.  A symposium titled “Children in poverty” attracted many participants.

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POLITICS
Extraordinary Diet session to be convened on September 12 for 70 days
Senior LDP politicians and media people get together to bowl

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U.S. FORCES IN JAPAN
Nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier
USS George Washington sailor arrested for murder
Yokosuka citizens hold demonstration against deployment of U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier

Stepping-stone
Misawa-based U.S. fighter jet attacked Afghanistan

Secret arrangement on jurisdiction
Justice ministry told prosecutors to accept U.S. request for waiver of Japan’s primary right to exercise jurisdiction over U.S. military crimes
National Diet Library classifies ministry documents concerning jurisdiction over U.S. military crimes
Justice Ministry admits to pressing National Diet Library to withhold document about jurisdiction over U.S. military crimes
Japan’s waivers of jurisdiction over crimes committed by U.S. military personnel remain unchanged

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SDF
Integrating SDF intelligence security units similar to prewar military police must be thwarted: Akahata editorial (excerpts)
Government ordered to compensate for SDF sailor’s suicide

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LAY JUDGE SYSTEM
JCP calls for introduction of ‘lay judge system’ to be delayed

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NUCLEAR WEAPONS ABOLITION
Gensuikyo presses government to oppose U.S.-India nuclear deal
Hiroshima’s 7 peace groups jointly oppose U.S-India nuclear cooperation
Messages to 2008 World Conference from foreign governments

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FARMERS & FISHERMEN
5,000 Hokkaido farmers call for steps to overcome agricultural crisis
Okinawan farmers hold rally to demand government action to help to deal with crisis
JCP in Iwate Pref. holds symposium to discuss ways to solve crisis of fisheries
3,000 farmers march in demonstration demanding use of tax money to help them pay rising costs - Kochi
Defend local agriculture - Matsuyama

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LABOR
Kyoto broadcast workers’ union wins full-time positions for contingent workers
Contingent workers’ group urges Labor Ministry to regulate use of temps disguised as independent contractors
Zenroren opens National Contingent Workers Center
Casualties among temporary workers nine times more in just three years
Fixed-term workers at Canon to receive 40,000 yen in lay-off compensation
Zenroren urges government to take measures to help reduce hardships

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EDUCATION
Teachers, parents discuss education to open a bright future for children

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TOKYO
Academics urge Tokyo Metropolitan Government to give up relocation of Tsukiji market

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JCP
JCP Ogata talks with CPN-UML Nepal