Japan Press Weekly

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2022 December 21 - 2023 January 10 [SOCIAL ISSUES]

Doctor-turned JCP lawmaker Koike gives free medical checkups during New-Year food aid event

The Anti-Poverty Network provided free food assistance to needy people at three locations in Tokyo on the year-end and New-Year holidays when all the town halls in Japan were closed. Volunteers distributed boxed meals (bento), hot drinks, and warm clothing to people who gathered to seek help.

On January 3, doctor-turned Japanese Communist Party Secretariate Head Koike Akira (Upper House) and doctor Tanigawa Tomoyuki (former JCP Lower House candidate) as volunteers took part in a food aid action near Tokyo's Kamata Station where many small factories are located. They provided medical counseling and performed basic medical checkups for free.

A 54-year-old woman, who came for advice about her daily problems, said she has been sleeping in an Internet café over the past month. After the counseling, she said, "I used to feel guilty about receiving welfare, but since I have only 10,000 yen left now, I will go and apply for welfare benefits as soon as possible."

Receiving food and snacks, a woman in her 30s with her 8-year- and 6-year-old sons said, "Electricity bills have risen, so I have to save money in every possible way every day. Free food aid is very helpful, thank you."

Past related article:
> DYLJ provides food assistance to students struggling amid COVID-19 pandemic [September 30, 2020]