Japan Press Weekly

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2015 October 7 - 13 [POLITICS]

Citizens in rally resolve to obtain 20 million signatures to repeal war laws

Aiming to repeal the recently-enacted war legislation, a rally took place on October 8 in Tokyo. Rally participants resolved to launch a public campaign to collect 20 million signatures to achieve their aim.

The rally was organized by a united civil group of individuals and organizations opposing the war legislation. The group has organized protest actions frequently in front of the Diet building since the Abe administration presented the war bills to the Diet in May.

Representing the united group, peace activist Takada Ken said, “Even after the forcible enactment of the security-related legislation, public anger remains unchanged,” and called on participants to continue fighting to revoke the unconstitutional laws.

Kumaoka Michiya of the Japan International Volunteer Center (JVC) spoke about how the war legislation would affect NGO activities in the field of international cooperation. Scholars, lawyers, and students appeared on the stage in turn to express their determination to work hard to abolish the anti-pacifist measures.

On behalf of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations, lawyer Yamagishi Ryota said, “The Diet enacted the war bills, but there is no doubt that the laws go against the Constitution. Let’s join hands to restore constitutionalism in Japan.”

The rally participants also determined to hold a monthly 19th day of action nationwide in order to remember the forcible enactment on September 19.

Lawmakers of the Japanese Communist, Democratic, and Social Democratic parties delivered speeches in solidarity.