February 7, 2024

Japanese Communist Party lawmakers on February 6 at the JCP head office held talks with representatives of a nationwide network consisting of teachers, researchers, and concerned citizens who are working to establish a law aimed at promoting comprehensive sexuality education (CSE) which teaches young people about sex and interpersonal relations from a human-rights perspective.

Along with JCP Vice Chair Kurabayashi Akiko (Upper House), JCP lawmakers who took part in the talks included Kira Yoshiko and Inoue Satoshi (Upper House) and Miyamoto Takeshi and Motomura Nobuko (Lower House).

Network’s secretary general Asai Haruo (professor emeritus at Rikkyo University) said that in many countries, laws are established and revised in order to facilitate the advancement of sexuality education. He stressed that it is necessary for Japan to enact legislation for CSE, and called on the JCP lawmakers to support teachers and concerned citizens working hard in schools and their communities to deliver CSE. He also called for JCP efforts to promote gender equality and respect for diversity.

Kurabayashi in reply expressed her determination to work to realize the introduction of CSE in Japan in collaboration with other political parties. Kira said, “Young people are positive about sexuality education. I’ll work together with various organizations to develop CSE.”