New Move of Communists

Unilateral passage of new security bills invited strange integration of the opposite parties. Japan Communist Party decided to approve, even temporarily at least, Japan-United States Security Treaty, to which the party had long been opposing. It was an unusual move, aiming at achieving grand coalition against Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito. Politics in Japan is sharply divided mainly by the handling of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.

Chairman of JCP Executive Committee, Kazuo Shii, announced new party policy in his press conference at Japan Foreign Correspondent Club on Thursday. “We freeze our policy for abolishment of Japan-U.S. Security Treaty as a measure for national coalition government,” told Shii. “We will maintain framework of the treaty, not requiring abolishment of it.”

Shii also stressed that the party would change its policy of “dissolving” Japan Self-Defense Force, which was clearly stated in party manifesto. “Even though we are going to abolish that war legislature, self-defense force will remain. It is reasonable to exploit self-defense force if imminent and unlawful infringement occurs,” said Shii. He also showed willingness for cooperation with Democratic Party of Japan in next national election, including mutual support for candidates each other.

JCP has long been embracing its unilateral policy strictly opposing militarization, which represented its uniqueness making cooperation with other parties difficult. Designated purpose of new policies was paving the way to lead the party to new progress, expecting young agers opposing the bills with no specific party preference to support JCP. New policy represented the seriousness of the party to dismantle new security laws legislated by Abe administration.

DPJ has not ready to accept the call from JCP. Some of the party members of DPJ have fundamental allergy against communist ideology of JCP. “It is difficult for us to share an administration with JCP, because difference in basic policy is too different,” told DPJ President, Katsuya Okada, even leaving possibility of coalition outside Cabinet. The greatest problem of coalition of the opposite parties is lack of integration of DPJ itself.

Another opposite party, Innovation Party, was separated on Thursday. The party leadership purged lawmakers and local assembly members, who were willing to be affiliated to new local party established by populist Mayor of Osaka, Toru Hashimoto. Innovation Party looked to be purifying itself for coalition with DPJ in next election. Key to success is also dependent on how DPJ is determined to get back to the position of national leadership.