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 victories in mayoral and local assembly elections

Musashino mayoral election

In the Musahino City mayoral election in Tokyo, incumbent Murakami Morimasa, suppported by the Japanese Communist Party, the Democratic Party of Japan, and the Social Democratic Party, was re-elected on October 4, with 69.8 percent of votes cast, defeating the opponent endorsed by the Liberal Democratic and Komei parties.

Murakami's policies for free lunches at junior high schools, free medical services for children, and less burdens for nursing-care services since his first election in 2005 apparently won wide support.

Azuchi town mayor election

In the historic town of Azuchi in Shiga Prefecture known in connection with Oda Nobunaga, Obayashi Hiroshi, president of a group of citizens, including the JCP, was elected as town mayor on October 4. The election took place following the removal of the ex-mayor who was recalled for compelling a merger with Oumi Hachiman City. During the campaign, Obayashi called for a review of the merger plan and consultations to defend townspeople's interests.

All 6 JCP members return to Nagaokakyo City assembly, Kyoto

In an election for the 26-seat Nagaokakyo City assembly in Kyoto Prefecture, all the six JCP candidates succeeded in maintaining their strength in the assembly. They called for a change from the old LDP-Komei politics to one that defends people's livelihoods, with national politics in transition under the new government.

Other local assembly elections

In addition to Nagaokakyo City, the JCP put up 16 candidates in four city and six town assembly elections. Fifteen out of these candidates were elected while one lost in a city assembly election. In three cities and four towns, the JCP succeeded in increasing its share of assembly seats and obtained the right to submit bills in one of these cities.

- Akahata, October 5 & 6, 2009