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The Japanese Communist Party has shown a seemingly flexible line for this summer's Upper House elections.
Yomiuri Shimbun Online posted on February 2 reported as follows, with the title: A new booklet by the Communist Party clearly states, "If we become the ruling party, we will never abolish the emperor system. Absolutely not," Communist Party states in new booklet.
At a press conference on April 2, Communist Party Secretary General Koike announced a booklet explaining the party's views on the emperor system and security policy.
The booklet clearly states that the party will never abolish the emperor system if it becomes the ruling party.
The booklet emphasizes a "soft line," but the Communist Party's platform calls for the future abolition of the emperor system, stating that it "should be resolved by the consensus of the people in the future when the situation is ripe."
When reporters pointed out that "the wording of the booklet gives a different impression from the party's charter," Koike replied, "It is the charter itself. We take the position that a system in which an individual symbolizes the nation is incompatible with human equality, but we will not impose it.”
On the other hand, Koike said, "The time limit is running out" for cooperation with the Constitutional Democratic Party for the coming Upper House election.
He also stressed that the "limited cooperation from outside the Cabinet, agreed to before last year's lower house election, cannot be discussed as a blank slate."
On the other hand, Mainichi Shimbun Newspaper website reported as follows.
The Japanese Communist Party has prepared a booklet to explain to voters the party's stance on the emperor system and the Self-Defense Forces.
In light of the fact that the ruling party and other parties attacked the opposition coalition in last fall's lower house election on the grounds of the party's platform, the booklet says, "If we become the ruling party, we will never abolish the emperor system. We will never do that," he stated.
The Communist Party has produced about 4 million copies of a booklet titled "The Security Treaty, the Self-Defense Forces, the Emperor, Communism...We will answer your questions.”
The booklet will be distributed at party rallies and other events to increase support for this summer’s Upper House election.
The booklet provides explanations on a total of 10 themes that have been frequently questioned.
For example, it says, "We are not thinking of eliminating the Self-Defense Forces right now," and "We aim to solve security issues by putting aside the pros and cons of the (Japan-U.S.) Security Treaty."
The booklet also described the significance of the joint struggle, including the agreement with the Constitutional Democratic Party on "limited cooperation from outside the Cabinet," which had been criticized.
Secretary-General Akira Koike said, "When we try to broaden support, we often hear people say, 'I'm a little concerned about this part of the Communist Party (platform). We want to dispel any misunderstandings."
That's all for now. Thank you for your interest.
