April 14, 2022
Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on April 13 held a press conference in the Diet building to announce the publication of the book "Classroom of the JCP Program; New Edition" (two volumes).
Shii said, "This book is an improved version of serial lectures I gave to 'Akahata' freshmen reporters in May and December of last year. There is no need to have prior knowledge about the JCP. It can be read by everyone who is interested in our party."
Asked if the JCP still aims to abolish the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Shii answered, "There is no change in our policy. We aim for the full implementation of Article 9 of the Constitution stipulating non-possession of war potential." He, however, said, "This will not become possible in one jump. A democratic government must be established first. This government, through diplomacy based on the war-renouncing Article 9, will have to work to bring true peace in the international environment surrounding Japan. Only after an overwhelming majority of the general public becomes to 'feel safe without the SDF' and such consensus becomes ripe can Japan embark on the full implementation of Article 9."
At the same time, he said, "A democratic government will inevitably coexist with the SDF for a certain period of time. This government will strictly exclude 'military responses to possible military provocations' from its options." He added, "If by any chance an imminent and unjust invasion of Japan occurred within this period of time, Japan would use every possible means, including the SDF, to protect its populace and national sovereignty. But again, efforts to create a peaceful international environment through peace-oriented diplomacy must come first. This is our fundamental stance."
Past related article:
> Shii answers questions from foreign journalists about JCP [June 26, 2015]
Shii said, "This book is an improved version of serial lectures I gave to 'Akahata' freshmen reporters in May and December of last year. There is no need to have prior knowledge about the JCP. It can be read by everyone who is interested in our party."
Asked if the JCP still aims to abolish the Japanese Self-Defense Forces, Shii answered, "There is no change in our policy. We aim for the full implementation of Article 9 of the Constitution stipulating non-possession of war potential." He, however, said, "This will not become possible in one jump. A democratic government must be established first. This government, through diplomacy based on the war-renouncing Article 9, will have to work to bring true peace in the international environment surrounding Japan. Only after an overwhelming majority of the general public becomes to 'feel safe without the SDF' and such consensus becomes ripe can Japan embark on the full implementation of Article 9."
At the same time, he said, "A democratic government will inevitably coexist with the SDF for a certain period of time. This government will strictly exclude 'military responses to possible military provocations' from its options." He added, "If by any chance an imminent and unjust invasion of Japan occurred within this period of time, Japan would use every possible means, including the SDF, to protect its populace and national sovereignty. But again, efforts to create a peaceful international environment through peace-oriented diplomacy must come first. This is our fundamental stance."
Past related article:
> Shii answers questions from foreign journalists about JCP [June 26, 2015]
