Japan Press Weekly

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2008 April 30 - May 13 [YOUTH]

Fuwa sends message to younger generations

Former Japanese Communist Party Chair Fuwa Tetsuzo appeared on a TV program on May 11 with two other senior politicians to discuss their hopes for young people before an audience of 57 students.

Entitled “Talk of the turbulent history they underwent,” the program was aired by TV Asahi to mark the 20th anniversary of its “Sunday Project” political talk show.

The three panelists were Fuwa, 78, former Prime Minister Nakasone Yasuhiro, 89, and former House of Representatives Speaker Doi Takako, 79.

Asked by the emcee if they are hopeful about Japan’s future, half of the students in the studio said they are not.

To those students and younger generations in general, Fuwa sent the following message.

When we were young, our society and living conditions were very poor. But the society was full of energy with people enthusiastic about developing ways to create better society.
The society and political conditions are not something that is given. If you cannot find your place in society, you should try to change it and find one. I hope that you view the current society with the idea that you are the one to create the conditions to realize your dreams.
You should not see the poverty of society as your poverty. If society is poverty-stricken, you should exercise your sovereign power to change it into one that will offer you more opportunities. I hope many young people become more active in exercising their sovereign power.

- Akahata, May 12, 2008