The Japanese Communist Party (JCP): Destination Unknown

Abstract

Despite an 88-year history, the Japanese Communist Party (JCP) [Nihon Kyōsantō] remains largely unknown beyond Japan. Domestically, Japan's fifth largest party is saddled with an image that, for many, continues to provoke feelings of unease and doubt. During the past 13 years, following the 21st party congress of 1997, the party leadership of Kazuo Shii and Tetsuzo Fuwa, utilizing the phrase ‘Unity of principle and flexibility’, has sought to temper this unease by means of a series of organizational and ideational reforms that are intended to present a softer and more pragmatic image to the outside world while reassuring the party core that the JCP brand remains intact. The sustainability of this Janus-like approach, in the face of the contextual realities of Japanese party politics, is coming under severe pressure.