Japan Press Weekly

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2019 February 27 - March 5 [JCP]

Shii: 'gengo' at odds with principle of popular sovereignty

Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii Kazuo on February 28, in regard to the imperial era name (gengo), said that it does "not conform to the constitutional principle of popular sovereignty".

At a press conference held in the Diet building, some reporters asked about the JCP's view on the existing law stipulating that each time a new emperor ascends the throne, a new "gengo" shall be designated.

To this question, Shii answered, "Originally 'gengo' comes from a Chinese belief that 'a monarch takes control of time,' so we believe that gengo contradicts the principle of popular sovereignty as stated under the present Japanese Constitution."

Past related article:
> Rallies held across Japan to oppose celebrating 'national foundation day' tied to Emperor worship ideology [February 11 & 13, 2019]