The Japanese Communist Party presented a motion to reelect former Chairperson Tetsuzo Fuwa (86) as a member of the Central Committee, the party’s executive leadership, at the ongoing party convention being held in Atami City, Shizuoka Prefecture. Attention is being paid to whether or not Fuwa will be reelected as a bellweather of generational change in the JCP. The motion confirmed that Fuwa, who is reportedly involved in the initiative to mount a unified front among opposition parites, maintains his influence over the party.

After stepping down from the chairperson’s position in 2006, Fuwa has maintained his presence within the party as a theoretical architect and participated in party conventions. “He’s in good health,” said a party senior official. “Fuwa plays important roles.” Besides Fuwa, well-known Yoshiko Kira (34), a member of the House of Councillors, was also selected as a central committee member. His selection seems to be aimed at giving the impression of the rejuvenation of the top leadership.

On Jan. 18, the last day of the convention, the JCP will likely decide to continue the current leadership under Chairperson Kazuo Shii and Head of the Secretariat Akira Koike.