Happiness Realization Party

(Party Statement)
Japan must Make Diplomatic Efforts
to Realize the Neutralization of Ukraine

 

It has been two weeks since Russia invaded Ukraine. It is extremely painful to see many lives are being lost in reality. The Happiness Realization Party (HRP) sincerely hopes that peace will come to the area as soon as possible. In order to achieve it, it is necessary to think about the “rightness” from the global point of view.

The international community observes the current situation from the viewpoint that Russia is to be blamed one-sidedly, and Ukraine is the victim. Nonetheless, we would tend to argue that this war is a faux pas created by President Zelenskyy, who has little understanding of Russia’s standpoint and tried to approach the West rapidly.

From a geopolitical point of view, Ukraine is Russia’s buffer zone with the NATO nations. Ukraine’s entry to NATO is, therefore, a fatal blow for Russia’s security. It should have been evident that Russia would take countermeasures if Ukraine took a radical action.

The current flash point in Ukraine will be developed into a “world war” if Ukraine tries to get the Western nations and Japan involved and fight against Russia. Ukraine has to stop this “act of overstepping its authority.” The Ukrainian government should stop its artillery fire of resistance, comply with one of the ceasefire conditions that Russia is requesting – resignation of the present administration, taking a neutral position between Russia and EU, and choosing the way to survive as a nation under the new pro-Russian government.

On the other hand, the Japanese government has been following the Western nations that have been trying to corner Russia persistently and provided bulletproof vests, on top of imposing economic sanctions on Russia. However, this is an act of “military cooperation” and we cannot help but say that Japan has stepped into this matter too far. From the viewpoints of the formation of the China encirclement network as well as the energy security, it is in Japan’s national interest clearly to enforce its friendly relation with Russia. Japan has to stop following the Western nations, change its policy of containment of Russia, and conduct its original diplomacy to realize ceasefire and neutralization of Ukraine.

The difference between the faithful nation, Russia, and the materialistic nation, China, is obvious. The two nations’ understanding of human rights are entirely different. Russia’s action this time includes the meaning of protecting its nationals. It has to be understood that it is totally different from China’s hegemonic expansion. Triggered in partly by the Biden administration’s foreign policies, Russia has become increasingly isolated, and is approaching China now. It can be said that the Ukraine crisis would have never occurred if Mr. Trump – who showed his understanding of Russia’s standpoint and was pursuing the international justice – was the President of the United States now.

Amidst the deep international confusion, HRP continues to raise its voice to realize peace with justice.

【Contact】
The Public Relations Headquarters, HRP
Phone: 03-6441-0758
(〒107-0052) 2-10-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo

 

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Happiness Realization Party

Adoption of the Timid Resolution
on the Human Rights in China
Will Mislead the Future of Japan

(Party Statement)

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Happiness Realization Party

The Happiness Realization Party (HRP) announces
the foundation of “The Happiness Realization Party
Japan-Taiwan Local Assembly Members Group”

The HRP has also started a petition and has created a new policy poster

(Party Statement)

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Happiness Realization Party

Japan Must Demonstrate Its Stance to Protect Democracy in Myanmar

(Party Statement)

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25 June 2019

Contact

The Happiness Realization Party Public Relations Headquarters
2-10-8 Akasaka, Tokyo 107-0052 Phone: +81­3­644-0758

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21 June 2019

If you would like more information about this statement, please visit our website http://en.hr-party.jp/

The Happiness Realization Party
2-10-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku 107-0052 Tokyo
E-mail: info@hr-party.jp
Phone: +81­3­6441-0754

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14 June 2019

Contact

The Happiness Realization Party Public Relations Headquarters
2-10-8 Akasaka, Tokyo 107-0052 Phone: +81­3­644-0758

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13 June Reiwa 1 (2019)

If you would like more information about this statement, please visit our website http://en.hr-party.jp/

The Happiness Realization Party
2-10-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku 107-0052 Tokyo
E-mail: info@hr-party.jp
Phone: +81­3­6441-0754

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Party Statement

4 June 2019 (Reiwa 1)

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The summary of the talk is as follows:

After the lecture event last week, “The World of Freedom, Democracy, and Faith,” a journalist wrote to Master Ryuho Okawa asking, “How can we solve the problem of poverty in the world?” Okawa started off the talk by humoring the audience. “It will be bullying if I asked Prime Minister Abe to answer this. Happy Science answers questions like these that no one can answer.” He then said that right now in the world, sometimes the economic gap between a nation and another is 100 to 1, and that if Japan wants to keep its status as a developed nation, it must teach people who come from other nations how to create a nation. Furthermore, he said, “There’s a poor country that is unable to feed approximately one billion of its people. We need to teach Japanese folklores to the people of such a country. We need to teach the law of cause and effect, to teach them to do good and punish evil. Good things will happen to the people who believe in God and Buddha and make efforts, and people who steal and snatch will perish. Factories can be built, but unless people stop stealing machines and products from the factories, they can’t build an industrial nation and start the cycle of economic growth.”

Another topic was about the recent argument on a comment made by Japanese Diet member Mr. Hodaka Maruyama asking the people of Kunashiri Island if they want to win back the Northern Territories even if meant going to war. On this, Okawa said, “There was nothing wrong with his comment. He just tried to clarify how strongly the people wished to have the island back. It would’ve been a problem if the prime minister, foreign minister, or defense minister made that comment, but it’s fine to have a Diet member ask such a question.” Master then delved into a more fundamental argument and said that, regarding Russia, it’s better to move forward by giving up certain things. “There are different interpretations between Japan and Russia on when the end of the war is. Honestly speaking, Emperor Hirohito should’ve made an imperial decision after the great Tokyo air raid in March 1945. He is responsible for this.” Okawa warned that a nation might not be able to make the right decisions on which direction to head in if military affair is neglected. “It would be dangerous if military and war become taboo topics.”

HRP Leader Shaku commented on the recent events: “While the government is pushing for free early childhood and university education, I’m worried that the Japanese people’s way of life and way of thinking are changing for the worse.” When Okawa asked, “The current administration claims that it will make early childhood education – including non-approved facilities – and higher education free of charge by increasing the consumption tax to 10%, but the legitimate reason for that increase was to reduce the government deficit of 1,100 trillion yen, wasn’t it?” Shaku pointed out that the deficit kept increasing after the two tax increases in the past. Taking this into account, Master Okawa clarified the difficult problem lurking in democracy and financial deficit. “This is a typical example of why I say, ‘Your Democracy Might Be Wrong.’ Democracy can call for money dole-out. It’s bribery, which is an election offense if you dole out in small amounts, but not bribery if you do it in large amounts. Nonetheless, God and Buddha don’t forgive such slyness. Members of the House of Representatives in Japan end their terms in two years, but that’s very similar to part-time work. So, the system of continuous employment was developed by the 1955 system, as was the system of dole-out.” Shaku then introduced the voices from the people, saying that while parents want to put their children in early childhood education facilities, some facilities have begun driving out children at the same time. Some children are being kicked out because they have poor behavior. She said, “There’s no such thing as a free lunch.”

At the end of the talk, Okawa gave a simple example that the audience enjoyed: “I think there’s something wrong in democracy. Xiang Xiang, a popular panda, may win if she and Socrates ran against each other in an election. The effort to elect wise people in the truest sense is not being made.” Shaku then stated the direction of HRP. “We would like to aim for a democracy through which virtuous politicians are elected, based on the premises that every human being is a child of God and Buddha.”

In the Q & A session, a reporter asked, “How likely is a Lower House dissolution (simultaneously with the House of Councillors election in July), and what would be its legitimate reason?” Master Okawa resolutely stated, “There is no legitimate reason for dissolution for the time being. If they say the reason is to increase the consumption tax, I’d like to ask, ‘How many times are you willing to hold an election for that?’ Also, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and Komeito are trying to cover up the remark on the Four Northern Islands by Diet member Hodaka Maruyama, so it means they don’t want to touch on the war issue, which in turn means constitutional revision will not be a just reason for dissolution.” Further, he said that Prime Minister Abe should stop playing golf if he is to enforce heavier tax on people. Okawa continued, “The Cabinet Office, which is the cause of the current dual administration, should be abolished. Ministries, such as the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology should be abolished one by one if the consumption tax is to be increased,” to which the audience applauded. He also appealed the role of press strongly, claiming that financial related stock prices have not gone up since 2007. Despite the low interest rate, people don’t borrow money because they fear banks’ forcible withdrawal. It will be dangerous if regional banks go bankrupt. Considering the current situation, the Diet should not be dissolved. LDP receives more than one hundred billion yen as political party subsidy, advertises on news and television for free, and dissolves the Diet using tax money collected from the people, whenever they wish. To this, Okawa commented, “Your democracy might be wrong. If they really need to call for a dissolution, the mass media should slam them by asking, ‘Why do you need to call for a dissolution?’ ‘Why do you think that you can win the election?’ ‘Do you really believe you haven’t made mistakes?’”

Another reporter in the audience asked, “How many points would you give to the democracy of Japan?” Master Okawa responded, “Assuming the passing score at a university to be 60, right now I would give it 55. I cannot give a passing score.” He then presented the checkpoints of the Abe administration. “The strongest point of Prime Minister Abe is that he is good at pork barrel. He makes different promises to different people without a second thought. Fascists make contradictory promises to different people. Democracy will turn into fascism if the supporting rate goes up dramatically. Please observe carefully whether or not the ruler is making contradictory promises.” Lastly, Okawa rebuked the problem of supporters of the current Japanese Constitution. “According to China’s plan, Japan will be off the world map by 2050. There will be no Imperial Household if their plan is realized. Are the Constitutional Democratic Party of Japan, the National Democratic Party, and the Japanese Communist Party aware of this? To them, I’d like to say, ‘Do you think it’s fine as long as you just protect the Constitution? Huh? Answer me!’” Party Leader Shaku then declared her determination to the audience, “I would like every one of you to make your own decision. Please let me perform responsible duties as a statesperson.”

【Contact】

Public Relations Headquarters, the Happiness Realization Party
2-10-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, 107-0052 Tokyo
Phone: +81-3-6441-0758 (Go, Yagi)
Fax: +81-3-6441-0764

The summary of the lecture is as follows:

Master Okawa started the lecture by saying, “This is my first lecture in the era of REIWA.” He then said, “While we have solidified the basic part of our political activity in these 10 years, my honest feeling is that HRP still has a long way to go to fulfill the mission it must. Since we have been conducting our activities in parallel in the fields of religion, education, entertainment and international matters, we have so far made very small achievement.”

On the other hand, he also said, “In these 10 years, HRP has led Japan as an opinion party and started to influence the politics in other nations as well. It was very much encouraging for me that the leaders who are fighting against human rights suppression in other countries and the people who are trying to create new nations stated that HRP is their guide for the future.”

Regarding the theme of “Freedom, Democracy and Faith,” Master Okawa explained that “the freedom from the nation” is necessary for people whose individual freedom and the power to realize happiness are restricted by their own nations. In Japan, while the freedom of speech, action and expression are observed, it lacks “the freedom for the nation”, or the freedom to recreate the nation, which is what HRP has been insisting on.”

On “democracy” and “faith,” Master Okawa said, “A new religion starts its activity based on the voice of God, but is usually a minority under democracy. This is the reason why HRP has not been able to win the election. However, that is fine. HRP has to win while pushing for democracy. The underlying basic idea of democracy is that the people will not choose a government which will persecute them and make them unhappy. It is important to guarantee the religion through democratic means because it may change in the long run.”

Regarding the trade war between the U.S. and China in which the U.S. is claiming to impose 25% tariffs on imports from China, he pointed it out by saying, “It is generally taught that the world will prosper only through free trade. However, China has been making more than 30 trillion yen of surplus through its trade with the U.S., and continuing to spend 20 trillion yen on its defense. President Trump has decided that the U.S. should reduce the profit China is making through the trade between the two countries. Mr. Trump is trying to do what the past successive presidents have left undone.” Master Okawa also recommended that amidst the U.S.-China trade war, Japan should overcome whatever hardships may come, for the sake of defending the nation. “What can be produced in Japan must be produced in Japan. The Japanese must buy products made in Japan. It is better for the Japanese to overcome hardships by making efforts to create employment and wage by themselves. After a while, the world trend will change and Japan can adjust to the situation then.” He suggested it is better for Japan to follow the U.S.

Master Okawa also touched upon Mr. Kim Jong-un’s visit to President Putin of Russia the other day. “President Putin told Mr. Kim Jong-un something similar to what the U.S. had said: ‘North Korea should discard its nuclear weapons all at once.’ President Putin did a great job. He did not cross the line; he kept a distance from North Korea. We can see that President Putin made a strategic decision to draw toward Japan instead of North Korea. Japan should make an effort to let Russia come back to G8. Then, Japan and Russia can work toward signing a peace treaty. There is no prospect that the four northern islands held by Russia will be returned to Japan, but Japan must say what must be said according to the international situation at the time.”

Master Okawa addressed a question that a reporter wrote to him after a talk session titled, “Our Dreams Won’t End” with HRP leader Ryoko Shaku just a couple of months ago. The question was, “What do you think of the issue on South Korea?” He answered, “There are many Koreans living in Japan, and their national character is complicated. We have never made any discriminatory remarks, but we have pointed out clearly that their claims such as “military comfort women” and “forced labor” are wrong. Currently in Korea, however, both the right and left wings are based on anti-Japanese sentiment, almost like ‘anti-Japanese totalitarianism.’ We can say it is Fascism. President Moon Jae-in is hoping to lift economic sanctions on North Korea before its nuclear weapons are abandoned, and unify the North and the South based on anti-Japan sentiment. He seems to think that a strong nation of 80 million will be created and Korea can take revenge for its past pain and discrimination. Needless to say, many anti-Japanese movies are screened in South Korea and most people are not informed of the Gwangjiu Uprising. However, we must see the situation from a larger perspective. South Korea can survive only under the influence of other nations, such as China, Russia, the U.S. and Japan.”

In the lecture, Master Okawa also mentioned about Prime Minister Abe’s comment on resolving the North Korean issue. Mr. Abe hopes to talk with Kim Jong-un unconditionally to resolve the abduction issue, but Master Okawa pointed out that he would not accept it if Kim Jong-un requests a ransom of more than 1 trillion yen in the unconditional talk, as Kim Jong-il did when he talked with the Japanese prime minister at the time. “It is North Korea that must compensate for the damages Japan suffered. I want to say that North Korea should at least abandon nuclear weapons if it cannot compensate for the damages. A nation unable to discern good from evil cannot be the leader of the world.”

In concluding the lecture, Master Okawa insisted strongly that while there are many Diet members of other political parties in Japan, most of them cannot speak on what are good and evil and on the future of Japan. “Please judge by the quality of the candidates. That is what it means to be a democratic nation. That is the way that a free nation can live together with faith. In the U.S., politics close to God’s ideals can be realized through majority rule, since it is natural for the Americans to pray to God in the free and equal nation. The future of Japan and the world must be like this. After resolving the problem of the communist nations will be issues of Iran and Israel. I can save Islamic nations because I can deliver the words of Allah. So, please have more power.”

In Part 2 of the event, HRP leader Ms. Ryoko Shaku gave words of gratitude to HRP supporters and said, “We will create a future filled with freedom, democracy and faith, together with our friends all around Japan.” Executives and official local councillors of HRP then came up to the stage and roused their fighting spirit together with the audience, wishing for the victory in the coming national election. The event hall was filled with overwhelming energy of the 7,000 participants.

【Contact】

Public Relations Headquarters, the Happiness Realization Party
2-10-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, 107-0052 Tokyo
Phone: +81-3-6441-0758 (Go, Yagi)
Fax: +81-3-6441-0764

2017,06,03
Happiness Realization Party

 
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Happiness Realization Party

At a meeting of party officials on June 15 (Wed.), the Happiness Realization Party (HRP) decided to field Party Leader Ryoko Shaku in the propotional national constituency for the 24th Regular Election of Members of the House of Councillors that will be held on July 10. As such, Ryoko Shaku (Party Leader) and Hiroko Nanami (Chairman, Public Relations Headquarters / Director, Finance) will be running in the proportional representation constituency.
In addition, HRP candidates have already been fielded in all of the electoral districts in Japan.

Details regarding the candidates can be viewed in the “List of Prospective Candidates in the House of Councillors Election” at the URL below. (*in Japanese only)
List of Prospective Candidates in the House of Councillors Election:
http://candidates.hr-party.jp/24th-mhc/
An overview of the HRP Manifesto is provided as an attachment for reference purposes.

                        Please direct inquiries to:

Public Relations Headquarters, Happiness Realization Party
Tel.: 03-6441-0758 Fax: 03-6441-0764
2-10-8 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo 107-0052

Overview of major policies for the 2016 House of Councillors Election

○ Introduction
The Happiness Realization Party was founded in May 2009 and started its activities in order to form a spiritual pillar (philosophy) for Japan, and thereby realize true happiness for the nation. Since then, the Happiness Realization Party has consistently called for the reinforcement of national defense and economic growth, and this stance will remain unchanged in the upcoming House of Councillors Election.

○ Revision of Article 9 and maintenance of appropriate deterrent force
North Korea has been repeatedly conducting nuclear tests and launching ballistic missiles, and China has been strengthening its expansion into maritime areas based on its massive military forces. In order to protect the lives, safety, and property of the people of Japan against such immediate threats, we shall strengthen Japan’s deterrent force. We shall enhance the bilaterality of the Japan-United States security treaty, and strengthen the alliance between the two countries.

We must undertake initiatives for the development of an independent defense system, starting with revising Article 9 of the Constitution of Japan and doubling our defense spending. In particular, in order to deter nuclear attacks on Japan by North Korea and other nations, we must drastically strengthen our deterrent force, including arming Japan with nuclear weapons for the purpose of self-defense.

○ Strategic diplomacy
The expansion of the People’s Liberation Army of China is the greatest challenge against the protection of peace in Asia. The Japan-United States Alliance as a cornerstone, we shall work for the containment of China, and promote strategic diplomacy. We thus aim to strengthen ties with such nations as India, Taiwan, Australia, Mongolia, the Philippines, Vietnam, Indonesia and Thailand. As part of this, we will advance security cooperation with such countries through the provision of Japanese defense equipment, etc.

In addition, the Happiness Realization Party calls for strengthening Japan-Russia relations. By isolating Russia and then China and Russia become close, this will put Japan in a difficult situation in East Asia. As the gap grows between Russia, the United States and Europe, Japan should serve as a bridge between the United States and Russia. We shall thus strengthen relations with Russia, aim for the early conclusion of a peace treaty, and accelerate negotiations for the return of the Northern Territories.

○ “Small government and low taxes”
The Happiness Realization Party’s strategic policies are economic growth and national defense policies. What Japan currently needs is “small government and low taxes” instead of “big government and high taxes.” In the upcoming election, we shall maintain our stance as the only political party that insists on lower taxes.

○ Reducing the consumption tax rate to 5%
The Happiness Realization Party calls for the consumption tax rate to be reduced to 5%. The Abe administration has been trying to overcome deflation and expand wealth through a policy package of monetary easing, fiscal action, and growth strategies. Nevertheless, the Abe administration’s consumption tax hike in April 2014 brought the failure of such scenarios. The tax increase from 5% to 8% has reduced personal consumption, which accounts for 60% of the gross domestic product (GDP), and has led to an economic slowdown.

Looking at the Japanese economy over the past 20 to 30 years, consumption tax has been a drag on Japan’s economic growth. Consumption tax itself does not fit with Japan’s consumer culture, which is oriented toward savings and thriftiness, and partly for this reason, the economy slows whenever there is a consumption tax hike. Far from advancing finance reforms, such tax hikes actually end up reducing tax revenues.

In the upcoming election, the Happiness Realization Party calls for lowering consumption tax. HRP intends to eventually abolish consumption tax in the future.

○ Opposition to national socialism
Although the Abe administration has been implementing various tax increases, demanding that the business community increase wages, and seeking to achieve the realization of “equal pay for equal work,” we cannot help blaming that this is “national socialism.” These political tactics of enlarging the government and strengthening control do nothing but to reduce the private-sector dynamism, which is the driving force of economic vitality, cause national strength to decline, and detract from the freedom of the people.

What will drive the prosperity of Japan is the free economic activities of the private sector. In order to realize private sector-led growth, the freedom of the private sector must be expanded through the bold reduction of taxes such as consumption tax, corporate tax and income tax, and the implementation of policies that are focused on deregulation. There appear to be opinions calling for tax increases for the purpose of finance reform, but we must aim for finance reform that is through natural increases in revenue accompanying high economic growth, and is not reliant on tax increases.

○Proactive investment in key industries
In addition, Japan must proactively invest in areas that can become new key industries for the country, such as the aerospace industry and robot industry. The job creation promoted by such initiatives can be the detonator of Japanese economy. Promoting a “transportation revolution”—including significantly accelerating the schedule for launching maglev train service between Tokyo and Osaka—and activating the movement of people, goods, and capital will make it possible to stimulate economic growth.

○ Promoting immigration policies and the TPP
Japan’s population is declining, so it seems necessary to accept immigrants in order to increase growth potential.
As before, the Happiness Realization Party believes that the TPP is necessary in terms of both economy and security, and calls for its early entry into force. The TPP will not only promote structural reforms in Japan and contribute to the strengthening of growth potential, but also serve to inhibit China through the Japan-United States led economic order, and contribute to the security of the region.

○Japan needs to take greater responsibility in Asia
Japan must bear a significant responsibility for the realization of peace and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. If the Happiness Realization Party’s policies are implemented, it will be possible for Japan to be born again as a leading power in the world. The Happiness Realization Party thus calls upon the people of Japan to support these policies in the upcoming House of Councillor’s Election. HRP intends to expand efforts further to endorse these policies going forward.

Happiness Realization Party

The Happiness Realization Party calls for the “statement on the 70^th anniversary of the end of World War II” that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe released on August 14 to be withdrawn. The wording related to World War II has drawn attention both at home and abroad, and our Party cannot ignore the fact that this needlessly verbose statement adheres to the recognition of history conveyed in the statement by Former Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama and so on, includes terms such as “aggression” and “colonial rule,” and expresses “feelings of deep remorse” and “a heartfelt apology.” Not only is the awareness depicted in this statement mired in a masochistic view of history, the positioning of Japan of the past as a “challenger to the international order” and other elements make the content impossible to accept. The statement emphasizes Japan’s walking the path of a peace-loving nation following the war and extols our country’s future-oriented international contributions, yet points out that our country’s honor absolutely cannot be restored.

To begin with, the historical view put forth in the Tokyo Trials that “Japan is an aggressor nation,” is nothing more than the historical perspective that the countries on the winning side of the war disseminated with the intention of weakening Japan. As our Party has highlighted in the past, the Pacific War, known as the Greater East Asia War in Japan, was a war of self-defense for Japan and was based on the just cause of abolishing the colonial rule and racially discriminatory policies of Europe and the United States. We believe that this fact should have been made clear both at home and abroad as our country’s official point of view.

Presently, Japan is being pressed to strengthen its deterrent force in order to stand up to the rising military presence of China and so on, but looking at the rising public opposition to the security legislation being proposed by the Abe cabinet in the National Diet, it is clear that the amendment Article 9 of the Constitution and a drastic strengthening of military force would be difficult unless we sweep away the historical perspective that sees Japan prior to and during the war as evil. With the continuing adverse international security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, revising the historical view of the Tokyo Trials is imperative in order to protect the people of our nation and ensure regional peace. Now that it has become apparent the Abe administration cannot be expected to revise its recognition of history, our Party intends to lead the way in completely restoring the honor of Japan related to historical recognition, and work vigorously toward building a new nation—which will start with recreating our constitution—in order to achieve a rebirth for Japan as a country that can contribute to the peace and prosperity of the world. We would like to convey our sincere gratitude to the people of Japan for your ongoing understanding and support.

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made a speech at a joint meeting of the United States Congress, the first such by a prime minister of Japan, in which he promoted the post-war reconciliation between Japan and the United States, lauding the roles of both nations in the peace and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region. We are pleased that this current visit to the States, where the boosting of links in the security field and the progress of negotiations for the TPP were confirmed in yesterday’s summit meeting, has demonstrated the strength of the ties between our two nations as a way to rein in China’s increasing dominance in both military and economic affairs.

As they had in his earlier Bandung Conference, the contents of this speech also attracted attention both nationally and internationally as the Prime Minister heralded this summer’s upcoming statement to mark the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. We welcome the fact that despite all the pressures that were brought to bear, he avoided phrases such as “colonial rule and invasion” that were used in the Murayama Statement, and also mentioning the comfort women issue, presenting a forward-looking message.

However, Abe stated he felt “deep repentance in my heart” in regard to World War Two, expressing his belief regarding accepting the historical awareness of past prime ministers. This is something that our party cannot overlook. To start with, the Tokyo Tribunal view of history, which considers Japan as “a criminal country that waged an invasive war in World War Two” is merely a view of history by the victors, one that seeks to weaken Japan. The view of World War Two as an invasive war led by Japan is too dominant, so our stance should be to view history fairly, considering it as “a war to free the colored peoples from the colonial rule of the Western powers and destroy the racial policies of white supremacism, as well as being a just exercise of the self defense of Japan.”

The United States seems to have the need to disseminate the idea of Japan being bad in order to justify the mass slaughter of civilians in the Great Tokyo Air Raids and the atomic bombs dropped over Hiroshima and Nagasaki. However, based on the good post-war relationship between our two countries, our party asks the United States to take an unbiased attitude towards historical consciousness, feeling that reflection should be encouraged. Along with withdrawing the Kono and Murayama Statements that are based on false historical consciousness, we ask Prime Minister Abe to boldly demonstrate Japan’s stance, one build on correct historical consciousness, to both Japan and the world in his new statement.

The prime minister stated in his speech that “Japan is right in the middle of a quantum leap,” talking about his determination to move ahead with reforms in a range of different areas, but in pushing ahead with Abe’s main concern, Japan’s greatest structural reform – namely, constitutional reform – we must revise this masochistic view of history. This year, seventy years after the war’s end, in addition to restoring Japan’s honor in terms of historical consciousness, the Happiness Realization Party hopes to move ahead with the creation of a new nation, one that will drive Japan to become a nation which can contribute to the peace and prosperity of not just the Asia-Pacific region, but the entire world.

Happiness Realization Party

  Today, Prime Minister Abe gave a speech at the 60^th Anniversary of the Asian-African Conference (Bandung Conference) and stated the progress of post-war Japan as a peaceful nation and its contribution towards peace and prosperity of the Asian and African nations. The speech gathered attention nationally and internationally as a foundation for this summer’s upcoming statement to mark the 70^th anniversary of the end of World War II. HRP welcomes the fact that Mr. Abe did not use the phrases “colonial rule and invasion” or “sincere apology” in his statement, as a symbol of Japan’s new position.

On the other hand, we regard his mentioning of “deep remorse” in his statement as a lack of progress in reviewing historical awareness. This year, which is the 70^th year from the end of WWII, Japan’s surrounding nations are strengthening its accusation toward Japan regarding this historical awareness, based on the determination of the International Military Tribunal for the Far East (Tokyo Trials) that “Japan Invaded Asia”.  However, this Tribunal in which the allies of WWII convicted Japan one-sidedly is an unfair trial. We believe that the correct way of viewing history of the said war is that “our nation fought this war in an attempt for self- defense and to release the colored race from Western colonial oppression and defeat racism that stemmed from white supremacy.”

We request that Prime Minister Abe revoke the Kono and Murayama Statements that are based on mistaken historical views and clarify Japan’s position based on correct historical views in a new statement. In this 70^th year from the end of WWII, it is important that our nation’s dignity in regards to this historical view is recovered, and be reborn in to a nation that fulfills a more positive role in realizing peace and prosperity in the international society.

On April 2, 2015, the Happiness Realization Party submitted a petition, accompanied by 192,036 supporting signatures, to the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office.  The petition was addressed directly to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.  The petition represented a protest by concerned Japanese citizens against China’s attempt to add the so-called “Nanking Massacre” and “Comfort Women” to UENSCO’s Memory of the World Register, and urged Prime Minister Abe to take every measure necessary for the Government of Japan to ensure that these fabricated historical narratives not be registered.  Under a clear spring sky, approximately 200 supporters gathered on a public street in front of the Prime Minister’s official residence, petitioning the Government to take every measure necessary to have China’s attempt dismissed.

At the rally which took place in front of the Prime Minister’s official residence, our Party leader Ryoko Shaku gave a speech on behalf of concerned Japanese citizens: “I will not hesitate to express my indignation toward the Chinese government’s maneuver to have fabricated history registered as shared memory of mankind, sponsored by UNESCO.  The so-called “Nanking Massacre” and “comfort women who were forcibly taken along with the Japanese troops” are utter nonsense.  We must fight together to disseminate a correct understanding of history to the international community and restore the honor of Japan to its proper place,” stated Shaku.

Shaku was followed by Kazuhiro TakeGawa, Chief Officer for International Public Relations of Happy Science International Headquarters.  TakeGawa hand delivered a petition accompanied by supporting signatures to the UNESCO Headquarters in France.  The petition protested against China’s nominations of the two false historical narratives.  TakeGawa strongly affirmed that the so-called “Nanking Massacre” and “Comfort Women” were narratives fabricated on the occasion of the infamous Tokyo Trials.  “The Chinese government’s attempt to have them registered as UNESCO’s Memory of the World therefore should merit no serious consideration,” appealed TakeGawa to the enthusiastic audience.

The speeches were followed by an adoption of a petition entitled “A petition to protest against China’s nomination of the so-called “Nanking Massacre” and “Comfort Women” as candidates for UNESCO’s Memory of the World Register, and urge the Government of Japan to take every measure necessary to ensure China’s attempt be dismissed.”  The petition was then submitted to the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office by the hands of Fumiyasu Kato, Secretary-General of the Happiness Realization Party, and Motoyo Manabe, a member of the Party’s election committee in the eastern part of Chiba Prefecture.

While the petition was being handed to the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office, Tokumm, the Party’s Chief Officer for its Youth Division, helped liven up the rally by singing songs including “Requiem: To My Grandfather.”  Mina Wada of the HRP also gave a speech, urging the Government of Japan to redress the misinformation and animosity toward local residents of Japanese descent which has spread in the United States, following the erections of so-called “comfort woman” statutes in some states.  Many appeals of the slogans in chorus enlivened the rally.

The rally was concluded when Kato made a report to the eager supporters that the petition had been successfully submitted to the Prime Minister’s Cabinet Office.

Happiness Realization Party

Today, the first meeting between Prime Minister Abe and Okinawa Governor Onaga was held. Prime Minister Abe asked for understanding on the relocation of the U.S. military base in Futenma, Okinawa to Henoko. Governor Onaga restated his opposition, hence the position between the two parties remain distant.

However, Governor Onaga’s position will only endanger Okinawa’s future. As China accelerates its plans for occupation of the Senkaku islands based on its increasing military force, it is essential that Japan accomplishes the relocation of the U.S. military base to Henoko and strengthens its ties with the U.S. to protect the freedom and peace of Okinawa and the nation.

Of course, we must understand the mixed feelings of the citizens of Okinawa on the U.S. military base. However, we cannot allow for the decision of one governor to endanger the whole nation of Japan. Diplomatic and security issues regarding the nation’s sovereignty is an exclusive matter for the central government. We request that Governor Onaga make a responsible decision to protect Okinawa’s freedom and that the Japanese government advance the relocation of the U.S. military base to Henoko.

We see people claiming that a tax increase is necessary in light of Japan’s difficult financial situation, but it is clear that the failure of Abenomics is found in this increase in Consumption Tax, which is the underlying cause keeping the economy down. If we are to hope for financial restructuring, we need to reduce the ratio of our national debt in relation to our GDP through economic growth, not increased taxation: we need to work on effective growth strategies such as major reductions in the Consumption Tax, Corporate Tax, and other taxes.

What we need to revitalize the Japanese economy is not a postponement of tax increases, but reduced taxes. If we consider that personal consumption accounts for around 60% of the GDP, then we should not only forget about raising Consumption Tax again, but make the decision to drop it to 5% if we want to buoy up Japan’s economy through revitalizing consumption.

The Happiness Realization Party believes that low-tax, small government rather than high-tax, big government is what our country’s future needs. We are committed to the belief that we need to wean ourselves off statist political methods and that a political choice that maximizes the freedom of people in Japan will make the country prosper. As the party responsible for the future, the Happiness Realization Party will strive to make Japan a “major freedom power.”

Ryoko Shaku,
Party Leader,
Happiness Realization Party

The right to self-defense has always been a natural right of the state, and it is natural for a sovereign state to accept the right of collective self-defense. There was strong opposition from the constitutional conservative and left-wing factions, who consider that accepting the exercise of collective self-defense is a “path to war,” but we need to realize that there are also wars that can be prevented by strengthening our deterrence. Indeed, if we look at China’s increased military preparations and its oppressive maritime expansion as well as concerns over outbursts from North Korea, then strengthening security is a pressing issue as far as Japan is concerned, and we do not have any time left to spend all the time on theological controversies or stick to previous interpretations of the Constitution.

Japan has relied on the United States for its national security in the years since World War II. However, there is pressure on the United States to reduce its military spending, and we must acknowledge the possibility that their military presence in the Asia-Pacific region will weaken. In fact, at this moment, the territorial standoff between China, Vietnam, and the Philippines in the South China Sea is becoming more intense, with feelings running high. With the United States currently seeking to abandon its role as the “world’s policeman,” Southeast Asian nations are increasingly looking towards Japan as a check on China, and acceptance of exercising the right of collective self-defense should allow us to respond to these expectations.

As a postscript, we would like to say that to allow Japan to contribute to the peace, safety, and prosperity of the Asia-Pacific region as a leading regional power, in addition to this current acceptance of the exercise of the right of collective self-defense, we also need to press ahead with revising the Constitution and the construction of a system to allow our country to defend itself by itself as well as strengthen our strategic diplomacy in order to contain China.

Ryoko Shaku,
Party Leader,
Happiness Realization Party