ABSTRACT

The relationship between the left-wing parties and labour unions has been described as being at best symbiotic. The charge has often been made that the Japan Socialist Party (JSP) and the Democratic Socialist Party (DSP) had no organisation of their own and were able to mobilise the electorate only through the support of the unions. Moreover, much of their money came from the labour unions. In return, the unions received representation of their interests in the Diet. However, the relationship became increasingly contentious for the labour unions, as during the 1955 system they were supporting the JSP and DSP financially, yet receiving little in return as the parties were ‘permanently’ part of the opposition.