The information in this file was recently published in FREEDOM - the fortnightly anarchist journal published by FREEDOM PRESS: FREEDOM PRESS (IN ANGEL ALLEY) 84B WHITECHAPEL HIGH STREET, LONDON E1 7QX GREAT BRITAIN Do write for a sample copy or for a copy of our booklist of publications. We will be putting more of this information out so watch this spot... JAPAN (PART II) Some further information gleaned from the Japanese anarchist press (thanks to those comrades who have helped with translation). Libara Volo (esperanto for Free Will (?)) is the monthly journal of the Japanese Anarchist Federation and began publication in the late 80s. At a meeting last year there was a call for unity and action - apparently the movement there is dogged by the problem not unheard of elsewhere of individuals being reluctant to make compromises for the sake of concerted action. The Federation is not a large body and describes itself as not a pyramid or even a union of groups rather it is a gathering of "Free Wills" (as in journal's name) who hold ideas in common. Decisions are only taken unanimously and in principle members contribute 1% of income - a minimum of 1000 yen (approx. 6.50) - permonth. Although in practice the amount is left to the individual to decide upon. At the same meeting an activist reported from a demonstration in Tokyo against the detention of foreigners by the police (an important issue in Japan see Freedom 30/4/94) during which membership apparently doubled! There was also a debate on how the linked forces of the state, the military and industry dominate society. Anti-war activity was seen as a way of dissolving the state but there are disappointingly few active comrades... Freedom Press has also received another publication called Actual Action. This is published by a group of 'left-wing radicalists' (not clear if their leaning is specifically anarchist) that has been going for a year. Despite publication problems they profess themselves 'full of confidence in revolutionary hope and volition of solidarity'. They seemingly have regular contacts with German anarchists and sound like a cuddly bunch of people. Here's an extract with some help with their English (far better than my Japanese): The globe and the consciousness of existing questionable 'internationalism' To be honest, we are fed up with the 'internationalism' which has been preached by leftists all over the country and at the same time their 'isolationism'. We share their views on the state of opposition movements in this country. We realise that by merely protesting we run the risk of being dubbed simply 'negative'. This is something we never want to be. We call for revolt and a struggle against the Japanese state and have launched this publication as our first step. The aim of our publication is to contribute to the struggle not only domestically but also world wide. Furthermore we would like to influence movements from their beginning, to help form their substance. Our perspective is to overtake real internationalism based on 'actual action'. One of the greatest reasons for the piling up of social struggles, is that from their conception they were limited to the field of what we revolted against and fought in this country. It is this very thing which has produced a substantial isolationism. We want to present another perspective realising that the field of what we fight and revolt against is, in short, the 'world' itself and inside the borders which form states separeting the world. It is our strategy to fight against the ideology of the world versus Japan and Japan versus the world. We hope to bring you further news from Japan particularly next year with the anniversary of the first nuclear holocaust...