Today, seventy years after the end of the war, we have reached a turning point of historic significance.  If we take the wrong path at this Upper House election, the lives of the Japanese people will get even more difficult and the peace of our nation will be threatened.  We must do whatever it takes to stop the out-of-control Abe administration and change the direction of politics.  The Democratic Party will fight the Upper House election to the end armed with a strong sense of crisis and of mission.
One of the greatest dangers that our nation is facing is the threat to the economy and people’s lives.  One in four workers are in irregular employment, while one in six children and half of all single and elderly women live in poverty.  This is the current situation here in Japan.  Now is the time for us to make a dramatic shift to economic policies that will promote both growth and distribution of wealth. By investing in people, pursuing fair distribution of wealth and correcting inequalities, the Democratic Party will realize an economy that enriches the life of every individual.
The other danger is to the pacifist principle of the Constitution.  If the ruling parties gain a two-thirds majority through this election, it is clear that they will proceed with revising Article 9 of the Constitution.  This will mean totally changing the pacifist principle of the Constitution that Japan “will never become involved in overseas conflicts with the use of force” which we have maintained for seventy years since the end of the war.  This is something we must never allow to happen.
At the same time, this is the first election since the voting age was lowered to 18 years of age.  The Democratic Party has emphasized its “responsibility to the future” in its party platform, and as such we will make every effort to protect the peace and lives of future generations.  We urge young people to vote and to make their own choice about their future.
This election is a battle between the politics of the Abe administration and the conscience of the people of Japan.  We call on the public to understand its significance and urge as many voters as possible to go to the polling booth.
“The Democratic Party Will Move Forward Together With the People”
We truly appreciate your support and assistance for the Democratic Party and our candidates.