Student unions resolve to fight for cut in tuition fees

Japan Press Weekly

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

Student unions resolve to fight for cut in tuition fees

The All Japan Federation of Student Unions (Zengakuren) held its 61st Convention on March 2-4 in Tokyo, calling for a cut in tuition fees and a solution to the present job crunch.

Zengakuren President Koyama Minoru pointed out that one of the issues coming up in the last general election had been in regard to a cut in students’ burden of tuition fees and an increase in the government budget for higher education, encouraging participating union members to further increase the student campaign to achieve a reduction in university tuitions.

He stated, “Learning is our human right and is essential for the development of society. Let us work to help establish a society in which the right to study will be guaranteed for all the people!”

He reported that Zengakuren has made representations to the education ministry, the welfare ministry and the chamber of commerce and industry, demanding that regulations on job-seeking activities be established so that students can keep studying while looking for a job, and that effective measures be taken to solve the difficulties in finding a job.

- Akahata, March 6, 2010