ABSTRACT
The Japanese Communist Party (JCP) structure begins with the branches, through districts and prefectural committees, and progresses to the central Party organization, with its governing Executive Committee and subordinate agencies. The Party has influence in certain labor unions, particularly those in which JCP members are in leadership positions and control the unions' affairs. The parent JCP membership grew in the 1970s and early 1980s. The income from the sale of its publications constituted the predominant part of the budget, followed by party dues. The new member begins his or her Party career with the aid of two Party members, who are assigned to help the novice in Basic Training, which consists of self-study and group-study activities. An integral part of the Japanese Communist movement is its youth and women's affiliate organizations. The Japan Democratic Youth League was established in April 1923 as the Japan Communist Youth League and became the Japan branch of the International Communist Youth League.
