[Updated February 25th ] (English version No.79)
Discuss various opinions on Article 9
A9A members have been carrying out creative activities to draw out individual opinions around the country. Below is a digest of some of their efforts to date.
Miyagi farmers’ cooperative –A9A
The Miyagi Farmer’s Co-op A9A sponsored a lecture/study session to commemorate its founding on January 20th. The expected number of attendees was 50; however attendance was nearly double—a hundred people showed up. Abe Osatoshi, group representative, said “We plan to study problems of Japanese agricultural policy, and clarify these issues to the public in Japan and abroad.” Abe spoke about Trans-Pacific Partnership issues, and said that provisions of the TPP affect not only Japan’s economy but strengthen the U.S. security setup.
Abe was followed by Professor Emeritus Kawai Kazushige of Tohoku University, who lectured on the sharp decline of rice prices and other TPP issues and explained the background of the liberalization of importation of agricultural products.
Musashino-Mitaka students’ A9A
The group held a debate on January 17th on the topic: “Should we reduce the number of Diet members?” Upper House member Kokuta Keiji also gave a lecture to the group, and said that “The cut in the number of parliamentary representatives is intended to force citizens to agree to a tax increase. However the main problem is government subsidization of political activity. The government should do away with the current subsidy system for political parties.” A student of Tokyo University commented, “The cut in the number of legislators would also save tax money that can be used for other purposes.”
Hakone A9A
On January 2nd the Hakone A9A prepared banners to be shown during the nationally televised Hakone Ekiden Marathon Relay Race for College Teams. The group displayed banners saying “Ganbare! Ekiden runners”; “Keep peace, and run ekiden”: “Pass on the sash (tasasuki) of peace!” The banners caught the eyes of many people who came to watch the marathon relay, and many of them took pictures. Their campaign turned out a success not only by getting the banners on national television, but also by interacting positively with visitors, supporters of the runners and tourists in this famous spa district.
Okayama A9A
On January 2nd, members handed out prints to people visiting an important local shrine, saying “Defend Article 9, and pass on our peaceful city to next generation.” They also collected signatures for peace and Article 9 from shrine visitors.
Itoh A9A
This group made use of the important Japanese event, Coming of Age Day, to distribute leaflets to young adults. As the 20-year-olds entered venues to celebrate their Coming of Age, the group handed them pamphlets about defense of Article 9. The group also gave stickers, which the new adults could put on a board to ‘vote’ on the question “Do you agree or disagree with Article 9 revision?” 108 young people pasted stickers on the board. 59 responded “I disagree,” 17 answered “I agree,” and 32 said “Yes and no.”
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