2008 NOVEMBER 26 - DECEMBER 2


Fiscal Systems Council calls for ‘big-boned’ policy line that will further deepen economic crisis
The task for the budget allocation for the next fiscal year starting on April 1, 2009, should be to protect people’s well-being and change the basic direction of economic development to one of being led by increased domestic demand. Nevertheless, the Fiscal System Council still persists in the “structural reform” path that has failed.

JCP chair urges Isuzu to retract its dismissal plan
Shii criticized Isuzu for violating the law by firing temporary workers and fixed-term contract workers on short notice while expecting to make 60 billion yen in current profits and increase corporate dividends by 1.7 billion yen.

Stop all forms of support to war: Akahata editorial
Whereas the reason the government gave for the withdrawal was that the security situation in Iraq was improving, no one can deny the fact that domestic opinion against Japan’s continued support for the illegal war has been growing day by day, joining with the growing international call for the U.S.-led multinational forces to be withdrawn from Iraq. Clearly, supporting the Iraq War is a mistake.

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POLITICS
Government and ruling parties agree to extend Diet session
Aso’s elderly bashing denies publicly-funded health insurance system: Shii
Prime Minister and opposition Democratic Party President Ozawa hold their first debate
JCP proposes one-on-one debate between Shii and Aso

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ECONOMY
JCP urges government to change policy to defend jobs
Fiscal System Council calls for ‘big-boned’ policy line that will further deepen economic crisis: Akahata editorial

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DO-SHU SYSTEM
Heads of municipalities voice opposition to do-shu regional government system

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ILLEGAL FOOD IMPORTS
Government list shows over 38,000 tons of illegal food products were imported in 2007

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U.S. WARS
Stop all forms of support to war: Akahata editorial

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CLUSTER MUNITIONS
Japan to eliminate cluster munitions

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U.S. FORCES IN JAPAN
JCP requests Foreign Ministry to urge the U.S. forces to stop building off-base housing units
Peace organizations urge government to bar U.S. nuclear-powered warships from entering Japanese ports
Okinawa legislature adopts unanimous resolution: ‘Give us back our waters!’
1 trillion yen has already been committed to U.S. military realignment
Stop live-fire training at Yausubetsu!
Residents protest against Japan-U.S. joint military exercise

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TERROR ATTACK
JCP chair condemns terrorist attacks in Mumbai

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LABOR
Labor prepares Spring Struggle to break through economic crisis and win a pay raise of more than 10,000 yen a month
JCP chair urges Isuzu to retract its dismissal plan
30,000 contingent workers are set to be unemployed
Ichida: Government is responsible in regard to three points concerning jobs

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DISABLED
Disabled persons in rally call for abolition of ‘self-support’ law
JCP announces proposal for remaking support system for disabled persons

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WARTIME SEX SLAVES
JCP calls for early settlement of ‘comfort women’ issue