JCP holds memorial service for 173 activists

Japan Press Weekly

Japan Press Service Co., Ltd. is the only news agency providing information of progressive, democratic movements in Japan

JCP holds memorial service for 173 activists

The Japanese Communist Party on October 3 held a memorial service at a cemetery in the suburb of Tokyo with 126 relatives attending for the JCP's 173 "permanent" activists and local assembly members who died over the past year.

After a moment of silence, JCP Vice Chair Ishii Ikuko extended her condolences to the bereaved families over the death of their loved ones and thanked them for their support while their loved ones were alive.

She said, "Since the founding of our party, we have consistently called for people's sovereignty, peace, and democracy. I imagine that you had lots of difficulties in making ends meet and in raising children with the meager income provided by an activist, but we are proud of all the activists who dedicated their lives to help reduce people's hardships."

Ishii expressed her determination to help carry on the wishes of the deceased in order to establish a society in which people are the key players.

On behalf of the bereaved families, Ogawa Etsuko spoke about some memories of her late husband. She said, "When he was taken prisoner of war during WWII, he read Marx's 'Capital,' and later joined the JCP. Our family supported his activities for the rest of his life as a JCP member."

The ashes of 2,575 JCP activists in total will be honored in the JCP memorial tombstone.

- Akahata, October 4, 2009