September 18, 2022

The Japanese Communist Party on September 17 held a speech gathering to celebrate its 100th founding anniversary in Tokyo, connecting online with party organizations across the country. JCP Chair Shii Kazuo delivered a commemorative speech. Messages from Okinawa Governor Tamaki Denny and other public figures were read out. Shii’s speech was streamed live on YouTube and viewed by nearly 50,000 people.

Shii in his speech talked about the connection between the three major characteristic features of the JCP’s 100th years and the formation of the present party Program. He, in conclusion, said, “Let us work hard to build a stronger JCP that will open a bright future for all.”

At a press conference after the gathering, Shii announced a plan to promote cooperation and solidarity with leftist and progressive political parties in the other developed capitalist countries. He said that this plan aims to cultivate relations with political parties which may cooperate on the JCP’s policy of achieving a world free of military alliances and nuclear weapons.

Shii said that in recent years, he researched European leftist and progressive parties, and added, “In Europe, among political parties which firmly oppose NATO and actively support the UN Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons (TPNW), there are some which can wield influence over national politics. This is notable.” He stressed, “I think, despite differences in theoretical orientation, cooperation between the JCP and these political parties is possible. So, I intend to strengthen relations with them.”

Shii also said, “In my view, communist parties, left-wing parties, and progressive parties working in the developed capitalist countries have a lot in common in regard to difficulties and lessons experienced in their activities.” He said, “I find that to learn from their experiences and cooperate with them on common ground issues will be helpful in strengthening the JCP. In this context, I want to further develop the JCP’s opposition party diplomacy.”

Past related article:
> JCP Chair Shii releases statement on 100th anniversary of JCP’s founding [July 15, 2022]