The celebration of the 50th anniversary of the founding of the Workers' Party of Japan was held in Tokyo
A reporter from the Japan branch of the Hong Kong Daily reported that the Workers' Party of Japan held a "commemorative lecture and leap forward rally" to commemorate the 50 th anniversary of the founding of the party in Yotsuya, Tokyo, on the afternoon of January 27, with about 150 people attending.
At the meeting, a chronology of the history of the struggle of the Workers' Party over the past 50 years was distributed, which made it clear at a glance the background of the times and its main activities.
The meeting was chaired by Tsuyoshi Tanaka, member of the Politburo Standing Committee.
First of all, 80-year-old Chairman Hideo Akiyama delivered an opening speech. He recalled the state of the founding of the Party 50 years ago and the hard struggle after the death of its founder, Tetsuji Okuma, in 2021, and analyzed the reasons why the Workers' Party was able to survive and develop.
Then Politburo Standing Committee member Kazuhiro Oshima made a commemorative speech. He touched on six issues: 1) the preface pointed out that the world domination of US imperialism has come to an end and the Marxist-Leninist revolutionary party can advance courageously, 2) the significance of the struggle over the past 50 years lies in upholding Marxism and developing a united front, 3) the end of capitalism is approaching and there is great hope for socialism, 4) redefining the party's goals and reflecting on them that are far from being achieved, 5) striving for an independent and self-determined political power, and 6) grasping party building, paying special attention to recruiting young students.
Yoshiichi Tsunoda, a representative of the independent, peaceful, and democratic Broad National Coalition of Nationals, sent a written message saying that he opposes the Kishida cabinet's "cooperation with the United States" in regarding China as "the greatest strategic challenge ever" and attempting to engage in "a preemptive attack that violates the law in the international community." The governor of Okinawa Tamaki also sent a written message saying that he would oppose "excessive reliance on military force for deterrence" and that he would "reduce tensions and build trust through dialogue." Also sending written congratulatory messages were Yara Chaohiro, a member of the House of Representatives, and Gong Jian, secretary general of the Chinese think tank.
The meeting also specially invited Shiro Hanaya, a member of the Ishigaki City Council of Okinawa Prefecture, to give a briefing on the construction of a military base on the island by the Self-Defense Forces despite the opposition of the islanders. Hanaya said: 1) The Self-Defense Forces had a plan to build a base 15 years ago, 2) the Japanese side provoked the Chinese side to enter the Diaoyu Islands, and 3) built a "counterattack" base on the grounds of China's threat.
Hanaya also gave a briefing on the exchanges between the "Okinawa Peace and Friendship Delegation to China" and the Chinese side at the end of last year. Also invited to report was a male nurse Akiyoshi Takahiro. Akiyoshi gave a briefing on the activities of volunteers for the Noto Peninsula earthquake. From this, we can get a glimpse of the breadth and effectiveness of the Workers' Party's united front work.
A grand banquet was held in the evening. Guests from all walks of life delivered congratulatory speeches. Tomoki Izumikawa, Minister of the Council for the Promotion of International Trade, introduced the grand exchange of trade people between China and Japan after the epidemic passed last year, as well as the visits to China by Chairman Yohei Kono and Governor Okinawa Tamaki in July.
Ling Xingguang, honorary professor of Japan's Fukui Prefectural University, praised the Workers' Party and said: Over the past 50 years, it has always attached importance to Sino-Japanese friendship and has never wavered in its correct view of China.
Local members of the Workers' Party from all over the country expressed their condolences by reporting on their activities, and the dinner was very lively and meaningful. Finally, Politburo Standing Committee Chairman Oka delivered a closing speech, and the commemorative meeting ended with the majestic sound of "The Internationale".
(Reporter from the Japan branch of Hong Kong Daily reported from Tokyo)