Workers in 81st May Day rallies throughout Japan call for removal of U.S. bases

Japan Press Weekly

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

Workers in 81st May Day rallies throughout Japan call for removal of U.S. bases

On May 1, in the 81st May Day rallies held at 357 locations throughout Japan, participants held up signs proclaiming, “Nominal power change is useless! No U.S. bases!”

About 32,000 citizens and workers, mainly members of unions affiliated with the National Confederation of Trade Unions (Zenroren), took part in the central rally held at Yoyogi Park in Tokyo.

Zenroren President Daikoku Sakuji in his address on behalf of the rally organizer said, “The only way of eradicating poverty and social disparities, expanding domestic demand, and initiating economy recovery is to increase wages, including the minimum wage, and revitalize small- and medium-sized enterprises.”

Daikoku also stated, “In solidarity with the people of Okinawa and Tokunoshima who are demanding the immediate closure and return of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station, let’s increase our movement to remove U.S. bases from Japan. In conjunction with the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) Review Conference held in New York City from May 3, let’s increase our efforts to further strengthen the world trend calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons.”

Because Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo was in NY for the NPT Review Conference, JCP Secretariat Head Ichida Tadayoshi delivered a solidarity speech in his stead.

At the rally, a message from Okinawa’s Nago City Mayor Inamine Susumu who opposes the new base construction in the Henoko District was read out.

In order to express her solidarity with Okinawans, a 56-year-old teacher wore a yellow scarf around her neck. Yellow is the color that symbolizes Okinawan opposition to the government intentions to transfer the Futenma base to other locations within the prefecture. She said, “There is no option but to take the Futenma base away from Japan. If the government gives the U.S. a fair notice demanding the return of the Futenma base, it will be unnecessary for the government to provide a relocation site for the Futenma base.”

After the rally, participants marched in demonstration through central Tokyo’s three main areas carrying signs and placards, including one that showed their demands such as a wage hike and creating a future society without military bases.

A female postal and non-regular worker holding a paper fan that read, “Provide full-time positions and equal treatment,” stated, “I earn only 110,000 yen a month. I always feel anxiety when it's time to renew my contract. Full-time jobs should be increased and I want to make enough money to live.”

- Akahata, May 2, 2010