November 16, 2019

An inauguration meeting of a citizens' network for "more to life than arms" took place in the Upper House members' office building on November 15, questioning how taxes are used and objecting to the ever-expanding military budget.

At a press conference following the inauguration, the network's initiators, Aoyama Gakuin University professor Shin Hebon with a social rights advocacy organization, Ikeda Itsunori with an anti-base, anti-arms buildup group, and Sugihara Koji with a network against arms trade gave speeches.

Sugihara criticized the government for wasting an enormous amount of taxpayers' money on weapons while neglecting to allot a sufficient amount to the areas which are indispensable to people's lives and livelihoods. He said, "Based on connections enabled by this new network, we'd like to convey citizens' voices to the government and political parties."

Several guest speakers in support of the concept of this network said: I feel indignant at the present political indifference to the idea of tuition-free higher education, so I will work together with you for the betterment of the people; and I will express solidarity with you as many people have been making unreasonable sacrifices in the shadow of huge purchases of weapons, the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, or nuclear energy-related matters.

The network for "more to life than arms" will call on a wide range of people and organizations to join in and will make representations to the government, lobby political parties, and organize events and rallies until the next fiscal year's budget allocations are determined.

Past related articles:
> Concerned citizens publish statement calling for cancellation of planned arms trade fair [November 1, 2019]
> Japan's public-private cooperation selling weapons in Asia and Middle East [December 22, 2017]
> Citizens stage protest against Israeli defense expo in Kawasaki City [August 30, 2018]