Japan Press Weekly

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2012 May 30 - June 5 [OKINAWA]

JCP talks with Okinawans in Osaka on Japan-US Security Treaty

The Osaka prefectural committee of the Japanese Communist Party on May 30 had a talk with the Osaka confederation of Okinawan associations about the prospects for Japan after abolishing the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.

The representatives of the committee explained the JCP’s diplomatic vision, showing an Akahata extra carrying a speech delivered by JCP Chair Shii Kazuo 2 weeks ago, entitled “Abrogation of Japan-U.S. Security Treaty would open up new horizon”.

Kadekawa Shigeyoshi, president of the Osaka confederation, said, “I think it is better to abrogate the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. After that, which direction should Japan move toward?”

Katsuta Yasuhiro, vice chair of the JCP committee, enumerated 3 features of their proposal: the oppressive presence of the U.S. bases will be removed; Japan can be changed to a “launching pad for peace” based on Article 9 of the Constitution; and Japan’s economic sovereignty will be firmly defended from infringement.

“The security treaty has never been a deterrent. On the contrary, the existence of the treaty leads to war,” Katsuta said.

“In Okinawa, we call the claimed deterrent a ‘false’ deterrent,” Kadekawa replied.

The president also said, “It is wrong that Okinawa has suffered base burdens for 40 years even after its return to Japan. I want more people to know the reality affecting Okinawans.”