Japan Press Weekly

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2016 June 1 - 7 [POLITICS]

40,000 citizens rally to change politics with opposition bloc’s victory in Upper House election

“It’s citizens who can change government!” Citizens on June 5 took to the streets at more than 100 locations across the country to increase public support for the joint opposition candidates running in 32 single-seat constituencies and the opposition alliance in the July Upper House election.

This nationwide event was called for by the All-Out Action Committee consisting of various civil groups opposing the unconstitutional war legislation.

In Tokyo, more than 40,000 people assembled near the Diet building.

At a temporary stage set up in front of the main gate of the Diet building, Hosei University Professor Yamaguchi Jiro of a civil organization promoting opposition parties’ electoral cooperation gave a speech. Yamaguchi said, “Whether to protect the Constitution will be the focal point of this summer’s election. Citizens’ voices have contributed to the selection of joint opposition candidates in 32 single-seat districts. The battle to win votes has already started. For the next month, let’s strengthen our ‘Go vote’ movement!”

Japanese Communist Party Vice Chair Yamashita Yoshiki, Democratic Party Secretary General Edano Yukio, and Social Democratic Party Chair Yoshida Tadatomo delivered solidarity speeches and raise their joined hands. Together with the participants, they shouted, “Opposition parties will win the election!” “Let’s bring down the Abe Cabinet!”

In Niigata Prefecture, where one of the 32 single-seat constituencies is located, 1,300 people held a rally near Niigata Station and paraded through the downtown streets. Joint opposition candidate Mori Yuko and opposition parties’ representatives took part in this event and expressed their determination to win the election.

In another single-seat district in Shimane Prefecture, more than 1,000 people participated in a rally held in Matsue City. Participants renewed their resolve to work hard for the repeal of the war laws, the restoration of constitutionalism, and the joint candidate’s victory.

Past related articles:
> JCP member becomes joint opposition candidate in Kagawa [May 28, 2016]
> Majority in survey: fielding joint opposition candidates is ‘good’ decision [May 2, 2016]
> 3 opposition parties endorse JCP-DPJ joint candidate in Miyagi [March 5, 2016]