Japan Press Weekly

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2008 January 30 - February 5 TOP3 [JCP]

Akahata in its 80th year of publication renews determination to carry truth and courage to its readers

Akahata editorial (excerpts)

February 1st marks Akahata’s 80th anniversary.

Supported by Japanese Communist Party members, Akahata subscribers, and many other people, Akahata has for 80 years stood up to various difficulties arising from wars, suppression, and economic cataclysms.

Eighty years ago, the majority of the Japanese people were disenfranchised under the brutal rule of the emperor system and the country was rushing into its war of aggression. The public was not allowed to speak against the emperor system or the war of aggression. As the JCP organ paper, which was called “Sekki” at the time, was outlawed, its publication started out illegally.

Despite these difficulties, “Sekki” defended its cause at the risk of party members’ lives. After the end of World War II, Akahata has been consistent in publicly defending the cause of peace, democracy, and the betterment of people’s living conditions. Its history and traditions are characterized by its principled stance against all forms of repression. This was an important source of Akahata’s development along with its stance of reporting and commenting on any issues without fear based on the JCP Program and grassroots power that has made it possible to continue the publication of Akahata with the help of party organizations, party members, Akahata subscribers, and party supporters.

The main mission of mass media, especially newspapers, should be to keep the public informed and to keep an eye on the government and large corporate power.

The current state of terrorism and war that is shaking the world cannot be dealt with properly from the stance of affirming the Japan-U.S. alliance and accepting everything that the United States says. In contrast, Akahata, which opposes lawless acts of terrorism, also opposes the wars launched against Afghanistan and Iraq in violation of the U.N. Charter. International common sense dictates that war cannot eliminate terrorism and that disputes must be settled peacefully through diplomacy.

Also, it is impossible to properly report on the facts of the increasing poverty rate and the widening social gaps brought about by neoliberal policy if one tries to defend large corporations seeking ever greater profits. As the organ paper of the Japanese Communist Party that stands on its own without counting on revenues from advertisements of large corporations or corporate donations, Akahata is able to freely expose the abuses of the profit-first-policy.

Akahata adheres to journalism’s principle of reporting the facts and playing the role of a watchdog of power. To reach out to as many people as possible and ask them to read Akahata will help promote the cause of social progress. The JCP is determined to do its utmost to pave the way for the further development of Akahata.