Head to head

Article Abstract:

Japan's Oct 1996 election will be fought under a new system geared to making politics cleaner. The system combines proportional representation in the regions with a winner-takes-all system in local areas. Regulations on political donations have been tightened. The government has provided funds for political parties to help offset a reduction in funds from companies. Candidates are also raising funds through fund-raising parties. Japanese voters are concerned that there will be no change whoever wins the election.

Elections, Political campaigns, Electioneering

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The battle for history: some Japanese question the Holocaust

Article Abstract:

Japanese historical revisionism is resurfacing in recent political and literary events. An article in the Jan edition of the journal 'Marco Polo,' titled 'There Were No Nazi Gas Chambers,' blames accounts of the Holocaust on communists. The magazine closed in the following uproar, leading to anti-Semitic charges. The Liberal Democratic Party has meantime dropped from its platform any sign of apology for wartime aggression. These events come as Japan seeks a leading role in international affairs.

Holocaust, Jewish (1939-1945), Antisemitism

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A question of survival: leftist parties flirt with merger

Article Abstract:

Japanese Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama wants to merge his Social Democratic Party of Japan with the Sakigake Party to form a new liberal group able to compete in the new election system. Observers doubt the move will work, and it would have to be complete before the next general elections, expected in early 1996. The proposal reflects the fragility of the current ruling coalition, dominated but not led by the conservative Liberal Democratic Party.

Political activity, Political parties, Social Democratic Party (Japan), Murayama, Tomiichi

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