Japan Press Weekly

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2022 February 23 - March 1 [WORLD]

JCP, CDPJ, SDP together condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine

Representatives of the Japanese Communist Party, the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, and the Social Democratic Party on February 27 together showed up near Shinjuku Station in Tokyo to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

JCP Secretariat Head Koike Akira pointed out that the Russian government led by President Putin is infringing upon the UN Charter obliging State Parties to respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other countries as well as prohibiting the use of force. Koike criticized, "Russia is destroying the postwar order for peace established based on the UN Charter and is taking pride in being a nuclear superpower. Implying readiness to use nuclear weapons to respond to attacks on Russia is impermissible."

Koike referred to the fact that former Japanese Prime Minister Abe is taking advantage of this crisis to spread his claim that the UN is powerless, the war-renouncing Constitution should be amended, and Japan should share nuclear weapons with the U.S. Koike, however, said that Abe's argument will bring about a collision of 'power logic'. This will only lead to a quagmire of warfare which always sacrifices unarmed civilians."

Koike quoted the Preamble of the Japanese Constitution as stating, "[W]e have determined to preserve our security and existence, trusting in the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world." He said, "Japan should stand firm to abide by this passage. Governments and peoples around the world should raise their voices against the war. Let us unite to press Russia to comply with the UN Charter and stop the invasion of Ukraine!"

Fukushima Mizuho, the SDP leader, said, "Some people think that Article 9 of the Constitution is useless. However, because of the existence of this article, no one in power can involve Japan in war. Article 9 is highly effective in preventing war and should be valued more than ever now."

CDPJ member of the House of Representatives Yoshida Harumi said, "Article 9 has built peace in Japan and prevented the country from shedding blood in war." She emphasized the need for Japan to utilize its pacifist national prestige in order to stop Russia from invading Ukraine.

On February 26 and 27, antiwar demonstrations and rallies took place at many locations throughout Japan with JCP Dietmembers, local assemblypersons, and candidates in the lead.