The Japanese Communist Party (JCP) has proposed a partial revision of its party program, updating their vision of socialism and communism in response to contemporary political, economic and technological developments.
Japanese Communist Party proposes revision of party programme
The draft the partial revision of the program was presented at the Japanese Communist Party's (JCP) 10th Central Committee Plenum, held from October 12 to 14, 2026, alongside the draft resolution for its 30th Congress.
The proposed revision places human freedom at the centre of the party's vision of a future socialist society. It identifies the development of human freedom in all its dimensions as a fundamental objective, emphasising shorter working hours, greater opportunities for personal development and participation in social life, and production that respects both human labour and the environment rather than pursuing unlimited economic growth.
On Japan's political system, the draft maintains the party's position in favour of establishing a democratic republic, arguing that a hereditary imperial institution is incompatible with democracy and human equality. It also strengthens the historical assessment of Japanese imperialism, explicitly referring to more than 50 years of wars of aggression and colonial rule in Asia.
The revision expands the party's analysis of contemporary challenges, including the growing influence of artificial intelligence, xenophobia and discrimination. Regarding AI, JCP calls for international cooperation to establish social regulations and prevent harmful consequences for employment, working conditions, the environment and human rights. It also opposes the military application of the technology.
On international and security policy, JCP reiterates its opposition to Japan's military dependence on the United States, particularly the integration of the Self-Defence Forces into US military command structures. The draft also reinforces the party's commitment to peace and international solidarity.
The proposed changes further address women's liberation and the struggle against patriarchal oppression, alongside sexual and reproductive rights. On economic and social policy, the party advocates shorter working hours, substantial minimum-wage increases, improved conditions for non-regular workers and care workers, and the eventual abolition of the consumption tax. It also calls for prioritising social security, education and housing over military expenditure.
The draft revision will be discussed within the party ahead of the 30th Party Congress, which will make the final decision. The accompanying draft congress resolution also establishes electoral objectives, including securing at least 4.5 million proportional-representation votes in the next House of Representatives election and defending and expanding the party's representation in the 2028 House of Councillors election.