Work Together for Peace and Happiness 2,000 Gather for National Senior Rally (19 Sep 2003)

Photo: President Nishida of Taishokusha-Rengo leads gatherers in a hearty cheer of unity. (September 15, Tokyo) On the Respect-for-Aged Day, the Japan Federation of Senior Citizens and Retired Citizens Organizations (Taishokusha-Rengo) and RENGO co-hosted the 2003 National Senior Rally at Bunkyo Civic Hall in Tokyo. 2,000 participants gathered from various places across the nation at the rally in order to pledge their commitment for the realization of a safe and reliable social security system as well as for a change of administration. The Democratic Party of Japan Vice President Yoriko Madoka and Social Democratic Party Secretary General Mizuho Fukushima were among the participants. Prior to the rally a discussion took place with more than 300 attendees in attendance talked about such issues as pension system reform. Taishokusha Rengo President Nishida gave a speech at the outset of the rally. After criticizing the Koizumi administration for considerably increasing the patients’ medical fee burden, Nishida touched on pension system reform which is now under discussion. “Let’s push forward to establish a social security system that actually guarantees security. We must stop the Koizumi reform line that meanly burdens our seniors,” he appealed. He also reported that at that time they had collected 1,081,073 signatures for the “Petition for Pension, Tax, and Medical Care System Reform Signature Drive” and declared his resolution for the Demand Submission Action to be conducted on the government scheduled the following day. Following that, RENGO President Sasamori introduced the slogan “Make Way for Peace and Happiness” which RENGO used at its inauguration convention. Sasamori questioned “the course in which the current government and ruling parties are trying to push toward peace unmistakably reveals the armor under their clothes. Further, they want to close the road to happiness and are in fact trying to oppress it.” Continuing his criticism he said “what the Koizumi administration is trying to do is only implement those policies that will hurt the weak and the workers.” In addition, Sasamori said “labor unions will be the engine that revives the Japan of tomorrow. RENGO will stand at the forefront. RENGO wants to be a cornerstone of trust for workers when they are in serious need.” He appealed to the audience by saying “Let’s work together to make way for peace and happiness.” Attending from the political parties were Democratic Party of Japan Vice President Madoka and Social Democratic Party Secretary General Fukushima. Vice President Madoka said that “while conducting politics that are gentle and flexible we also want to build a strong nation with the resilience of bamboo. I think that a society in which senior citizens can live comfortably is one where young men and young women can meaningfully work in.” Fukushima rallied the participants by saying “Let’s defeat the Koizumi administration which oppresses peace and lifestyles and continues to bully seniors.” At the rally Secretary General Sudo of Taishokusha Rengo presented a basic report on pension system reform, the medical care insurance system, the nursing-care insurance system, and living/labor standards. After that, the rally adopted an appeal, and closed with cheers to unite led by Taishokusha Rengo President Nishida.

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