Japan Press Weekly

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2017 June 7 - 13 [POLITICS]

Further enable public input into future discussions pertaining to Imperial family issues: JCP Koike

Japanese Communist Party Secretariat Head Koike Akira on June 9 held a press conference and welcomed the special law enacted earlier on the same day at the Upper House plenary session to allow Emperor Akihito to abdicate.

Koike said, “I think it is good that we finally came to create the law after intense and profound discussions among all the political parties and parliamentary groups,” adding, “The JCP endorses the legislation to politically enable the Emperor’s abdication. Under the present Constitution, the Emperor is the symbol of the unity of the people. This is why the JCP has been demanding that a new law comply with constitutional provisions.”

He also said, “The Constitution stipulates the Emperor derives ‘his position from the will of the people with whom resides sovereign power’. Therefore, vigorous and open discussions involving all the people should take place for future emperors as well. Nothing should hamper free and open discussions of Imperial family matters.”

Regarding various other issues surrounding the Imperial family such as a possibility of a woman enthronement, he said, “Unfettered public debates will also be necessary.”

Past related article:
> JCP endorses bill to enable aging Emperor to step down [June 2, 2017]
> JCP Koike: Legislation for Emperor’s abdication should be established based on Constitution [March 18, 2017]
> JCP: Abdication option should not be limited to present Emperor [March 9, 2017]