Japan Press Weekly

Tweet

2015 December 2 - 8 [JCP]

JCP Kasai talks with religious leaders in Yamaguchi

Eight religions leaders in Yamaguchi, the home base of Prime Minister Abe Shinzo, on December 2 organized an event to talk with the Japanese Communist Party. People of faith and concerned citizens earnestly listened to House of Representatives member Kasai Akira who spoke at the gathering on behalf of the JCP.

Participants, irrespective of their religious affiliations, exchanged opinions and asked questions about the JCP and its position in an open manner.

JCP representative Kasai, as a second-generation Hibakusha, spoke of his aspiration to work to achieve a peaceful world without nuclear weapons and wars and explained that the JCP shares many common objectives with people of faith. For example, the party always works to protect lives and preserve the peace, opposes any move leading to wars, and makes efforts to help build a society to respect human dignity. He said, “The JCP is ready to work together with people of all religions and sects.”

Pastor of a church of the United Church of Christ in Japan, Obata Taisaku said, “I’ve decided to host this meeting because I thought it’s important for us to overcome the old, outdated barriers.”

Iga Keiko of a Rinzai sect temple said, “It’s significant that such an event is taking place in PM Abe’s electoral district.” Taguma Shokaku, a missionary of the Hongan-ji school of Jodo Shinshu sect, said, “Buddhism teaches us ‘Don’t kill, don’t be killed, and don’t have anyone killed.’ This philosophy and the JCP policy are the same.” Shitafuji Masahiro, the head of a Tenrikyo branch church, said, “I’d like the JCP to play an active role in abolishing the war legislation.”

A participant said, “Religious conservatives still have a strong allergy to the communist party. But, an increasing number of persons of faith have begun placing their hope for peace in the JCP.”

Past related articles:
> Christian community in Japan opposes war bills [July 26, 2015]
> 331 NGOs issue joint statement against war bills [September 11 and 12, 2015]