October 7, 2022

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo in his interpellation at the House of Representatives plenary session on October 6 took up issues relating to former Prime Minister Abe's "state funeral", cozy relations between the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and the Moonies, people's deteriorating living conditions, COVID-19, and Okinawa.

Referring to PM Kishida Fumio's definition of "state funeral" as "a ceremony where a nation expresses respect and offers condolences to the deceased", Shii pointed out that sovereign power resides with the people in Japan and therefore a nation means the people. He criticized the state funeral for having violated the constitutional right to freedom of thought and conscience. Kishida did not touch upon his "a nation" definition. Shii said, "You directly and indirectly ordered central government employees to take a moment of silence." Kishida responded that the funeral was just "an opportunity for a silent prayer" and that expressions of condolences "were not under compulsion".

Regarding the Moonies, Shii asked if Kishida recognizes the organization as an antisocial cult. Kishida answered, "I recognize it as an organization with problems that have been socially pointed out," while avoiding to say "antisocial organization". He, however, said he will "take seriously" the fact that many LDP politicians have contributed to enhancing the organization's reputation by having relationships with the Moonies.

Regarding people's living conditions, Shii demanded that the "different dimension monetary easing" policy be ended as it is keeping the yen weak and causing the price increase, direct support be provided to ensure wage hikes at smaller businesses, the consumption tax rate be reduced to 5%, the introduction of the tax-invoice system be cancelled, and the policy of increasing financial burdens in medical costs be withdrawn. Kishida rejected all these proposals and stated he "has no plan" to lower even temporarily the consumption tax rate.

Shii pressed Kishida to reflect on the government failure to tackle the COVID-19 pandemic resulting in as many as 13,000 deaths during the seventh wave alone. Kishida in response claimed, "We tided it over this summer."

Regarding Okinawa, Shii pointed out that Okinawa voters again showed their opposition to the Henoko base project in the September gubernatorial election. Kishida in response said, "We'll be committed to continuing to make efforts to win local people's understanding." Shii stated, "You should take back the 'Henoko is the only solution' logic'."