2010 JUNE 16 - JUNE 22

Japan Press Weekly

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

2010 JUNE 16 - JUNE 22

Party capable of representing public interests:JCP election platform
The Japanese Communist Party on June 18 published its platform for the upcoming House of Councilors election calling for the political subservience to the U.S. and Japanese business circles to be ended and for citizens to be the key players.

Kan used to advocate withdrawal of U.S. Marines from Okinawa
In the past, when the Democratic Party of Japan was an opposition party, Kan Naoto, as DPJ leader, used to advocate the withdrawal of the U.S. Marines from Okinawa. However, as soon as he took office as prime minister, he said that the U.S. Marines are extremely important for Japan as a deterrent force and that he will carry out the Japan-U.S. agreement on the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Base within Okinawa.

Sumo association must root out illegal gambling and ties with gangsters
Gambling scandals are increasing in the world of sumo. Wrestler Kotomitsuki, with the second-highest rank of ozeki, has admitted to his involvement in illegal gambling on professional baseball games. It is a well-known fact that the large amount of money poured into gambling on baseball games is used as funds for crime syndicates. The Japan Sumo Association (JSA) must clean up any ties that may exist with organized crime syndicates.