February 22 & 26, 2019

The Japanese Communist Party stayed away from a government-hosted ceremony which was held on February 24 to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the present Emperor’s coronation.

JCP Diet Policy Commission Chair Kokuta Keiji three days earlier spoke before the press in the Diet building regarding the reason for the JCP’s absence from the ceremony. Kokuta said that the ceremony was designed to celebrate and glorify Emperor Akihito, which conflicts with popular sovereignty.

Furthermore, on February 25 at a press conference in the Diet building, Kokuta commented on a move to have the House of Representatives at its plenary session adopt a resolution in honor of the Emperor’s 30th coronation anniversary. Kokuta pointed out that in postwar history, the adoption of a Diet resolution to celebrate the Emperor’s coronation anniversary is unprecedented. Citing that the draft resolution excessively honors and reveres the Emperor, Kokuta said that the JCP in line with postwar Japan’s principle of popular sovereignty opposes the planned adoption. He added that the party will be absent from the Lower House plenary session which will take a vote on the draft resolution.

Past related article:
> JCP Kasai: Gov’t should review its plan for imperial succession ceremonies [ March 31, 2018]