Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
06TOKYO2117
2006-04-19 01:59:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:  

JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 04/19/06

Tags:  OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA 
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ZNR UUUUU ZZH
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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 002117 

SIPDIS

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DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA;
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST
DIVISION; TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE; SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN,
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
ADVISOR; CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA.

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA

SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 04/19/06

Index:
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 002117

SIPDIS

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA;
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST
DIVISION; TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS
OFFICE; SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN,
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY
ADVISOR; CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA.

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA

SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 04/19/06

Index:

1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule

4) Yomiuri poll: Public gives Koizumi Cabinet a 70% approval
rating for five years of achievements, but 59% feel reforms have
expanded income disparity

5) Prime Minister Koizumi focusing on June 28-29 for visit to
Washington

China connection:
6) Chinese leader tells visiting former Prime Minister
Hashimoto that China wants to improve relations with Japan
7) China corrects E. China Sea navigation ban to move it back
to its own EEZ but question of international-law violation
remains

South Korea relations:
8) -- Japan sending maritime safety vessel to waters around
disputed Takeshima Island to carry out survey 6
9) -- ROK President Roh warns Japan not to carry out Maritime
survey near Takeshima isles (Tokdo in Korean) 7

Defense and security issues:
10) Iraq dispatch: ASDF may expand duties in Iraq to include
transport of UN goods, personnel
11) US, Japan sign MOU on cooperation to prevent cyber-terror
attacks
12) US, Japan continue talks on return of control of air space
near Yokota Air Base by 2009
13) Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe says planned cuts in SDF
personnel will be in rear-echelon area

14) Japan Business Federation presents proposal to amend
Copyright Law to better protect intellectual property

15) Government panel readies interim report on Japan's "global
strategy"

16) Japan plans to invite US, China into post-Kyoto Protocol
anti-global warming regime

Ozawa in action:
17) -- Ichiro Ozawa remarkably polite in first regular press

conference as Minshuto head
18) -- Main elements of policies of Ozawa's Minshuto revealed

Articles:

1) TOP HEADLINES

Asahi:
Kajima to ask 199 households to leave condominium in Otaru for
reinforcement work due to falsified quake-resistance scam

Mainichi:
Police to arrest Kimura Construction President this week over
housing scandal


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Yomiuri:
Resona tells independent administrative institution to pay 14.4
billion yen for Toto deal

Nihon Keizai:
Manufacturers to accelerate transfer of technologies before baby
boomers' retirement

Sankei:
Government concerned about negative effect of sharp rises in
crude oil prices, long-term interest rates on economy

Tokyo Shimbun:
Yokohama district court orders Mitsubishi Motors to pay 5.5
million yen in compensation in trial over wheel-separation
accident

2) EDITORIALS

Asahi:
(1) Asbestos: Kubota decides to pay compensation, but ...
(2) Economic growth imperative to ensure affluent livelihood

Mainichi:
(1) Rescue of asbestos victims: "Kubota formula" can be used as
reference
(2) Sharp rises in commodity market: Don't be off guard in
protecting investors

Yomiuri:
(1) Firms probed over bid rigging on sewage plant construction
projects
(2) Investigations of faulty quake-resistance data: Is
overcoming legal defects possible?

Nihon Keizai:
(1) Surging oil prices causing concerns
(2) Mistake by Agency for Cultural Affairs may hurt
Takamatsuzuka Tomb

Sankei:
(1) Kubota's decision on asbestos merits appreciation
(2) Lets spread campaign to prevent illegal tree trimming
worldwide

Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Oil price rise reaches dangerous level
(2) PCB disposal: Measures needed to remove concerns

3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)

Prime Minister's schedule, April 18

NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full)
April 19, 2006

09:01
Attended a cabinet meeting in Diet.

09:27
Met with Information Officer Mitani at Kantei.


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11:05
Met with architect Tadao Ando, and later met with Akira Endo,
chief of Biopharm, and others. Afterwards, met with JCG Director-
General Ishikawa.

14:04
Met with Masamichi Sekiguchi, director of the Japanese Dolls
Association, and others.

14:14
Visited the creative cloth wrapper "Furoshiki" Exhibition at
Recruit Ginza 8 Building at Ginza.

14:40
Returned to Kantei.

16:00
Met with Vice Finance Minister Hosokawa and MOF Budget Bureau
Director-General Fujii, joined by Vice Finance Minister for
International Affairs Watanabe and MOF International Bureau
Director-General Ido.

17:32
Attended the award ceremony to give the certificates of
revitalization plans for special districts and zones for
structural reform.

18:03
Met with State Minister in Charge of Financial Affairs and
Economic and Fiscal Policy Yosano.

19:06
Dined with members of the LDP's "New Female Legislators' Meeting"
at a restaurant at Kaigan, Minato Ward.

21:05
Returned to residence.

4) Koizumi cabinet in office for 5 years; 59% see social divide
as expanding from structural reforms; 70% laud performance

YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full)
April 19, 2006

The Yomiuri Shimbun conducted a face-to-face nationwide public
opinion survey, in which a total of 70% lauded the performance of
Prime Minister Koizumi and his cabinet over the past five years.
Such a high rating for the work done by the Koizumi cabinet can
be taken as reflecting the enactment into law last year of
legislative measures for postal privatization and his breaking
down of factional politics in his ruling Liberal Democratic
Party. However, nearly 60% think that the Koizumi cabinet's
structural reforms have caused an expanding social divide. In the
arena of foreign relations, more than 70% think the premier's
visits to Yasukuni Shrine have seriously damaged Japan-China
relations. The general public gives passing marks to Koizumi, but
the poll shows that they are deeply dissatisfied with some
negative aspects of his government.

The Koizumi administration will mark its fifth anniversary on
April 26. The survey was conducted April 8-9 across the nation,
with a total of 3,000 persons sampled out of the nation's voting

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population. The rate of respondents was 60.8%.

In the survey, respondents were asked if they appreciated the
performance of Prime Minister Koizumi and his cabinet over the
past five years. In response, the proportion of "yes" was up
12percentage points from last year's survey and was at its
highest over the past five years, with "no" totaling 28%. In the
breakdown of public ratings for the Koizumi cabinet's performance
in domestic and foreign policies, a total of 67% positively rated
the Koizumi cabinet's domestic achievements, with a total of 59%
appreciating its foreign policy.

Respondents were also asked to pick one or more policy tasks that
were achieved by the Koizumi cabinet in particular. In response
to this question, the privatization of three state-run postal
services accounted for 44%, with the privatization of four public
highway corporations at 25% and the North Korea issue at 25%.
Social security and educational reforms accounted for only 2%.

Respondents were further asked about the Koizumi cabinet's
restructuring drive. In response, positive ratings totaled 60%,
with negative ones at 30%. Asked if the nation's social divide
has expanded as a result of structural reforms, "yes" totaled
59%, with "no" at 35%.

On the diplomatic front, Koizumi has visited North Korea twice
and met with Kim Jong Il. Asked about this, positive ratings
totaled 81%. When it comes to the deployment of Self-Defense
Forces troops in Iraq, positive ratings totaled 51%, with
negative ones at 45%.

In the meantime, however, Japan and China have had no mutual
visits of their leaders for more than four and a half years.
Asked about this situation, serious views totaled 72%. In this
connection, respondents were asked if Koizumi was to blame for
his visits to Yasukuni Shrine. In response to this question,
"yes" totaled 61%, with "no" at 36%. A total of 63% positively
evaluated his political style and remarks.

5) Coordination underway for Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to US
on June 28, 29

MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
April 19, 2006

The governments of Japan and the United States are now
coordinating a plan for a state visit to the US by Prime Minister
Junichiro Koizumi on June 28-29, the Mainichi Shimbun learned
yesterday. Besides meeting with President George W. Bush in
Washington, the two governments are looking into a possibility
that Koizumi will visit Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley
was born. Koizumi is a big fan of Elvis.

6) Chinese president's remarks are expression of "sincerity
toward improving bilateral ties," Chinese official tells former
Prime Minister Hashimoto

ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
April 19, 2006

Keiko Yoshioka, Beijing


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Chinese Peoples' Political Consultative Conference Chairman Jia
Qinglin met yesterday with former Prime Minister Ryutaro
Hashimoto, who chairs the Association for the Promotion of
International Trade. Hashimoto is now visiting Beijing. Jia told
Hashimoto that what Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a meeting
in late March with seven Japanese delegations to China was the
"expression of China's forward-looking stance."

Hashimoto revealed this in a press conference. Jia explained to
Hashimoto that Hu meant: to deal with China-Japan relations from
all political angles; to expand economic and trade exchanges and
cooperation; and to place emphasis on improvement in friendship
between people of the two countries.

Commenting on Hu's remarks that the Japanese leader's visits to
Yasukuni Shrine worsened bilateral ties, Jia said, "Showing a way
to resolve the issue, the president expressed China's sincerity
toward resolution of the issue and good faith." He reportedly
sought a forward-looking and well-meaning response from Japan.

7) China revises area for sea traffic ban, but questions remain
about legality; Tokyo intends to question China about legal basis

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
April 19, 2006

The Japanese government intends to question China on why it
issued a notice banning ship traffic in a portion of the East
China Sea, as well as the grounds for the notice. China later
revised the notice; as a result, the Japanese side of the Japan-
China median line is now excluded, but Japan still considers such
a notice to lack a legal basis in international law.

The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea states that
each nation can establish a safe zone around facilities and
structures within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and restrict
ship navigation, provided that such a safe zone extends 500
meters from facilities and structures. However, the zone
specified in China's revised notice - an area stretching 3.6
kilometers east and west and 5 kilometers north to south - still
goes far beyond what the UN Convention specifies.

The UN Convention states that all ships are required to respect a
safe zone. This provision is a legal basis for expelling ships
that enter that zone. If China regards the zone it has
established as what is specified in the UN Convention, there will
be potential dangers to Japanese ships if they pass through the
zone.

A senior Foreign Ministry official yesterday emphasized: "We need
to pay close attention to China to prevent it from hurting the
freedom of navigation of Japanese ships and its fishing industry.
If (China's notice) has no basis in law or treaty, we cannot
allow it to take these forcible measures against ships."

8) JCG vessel departs from Tokyo to conduct survey around
Takeshima; Survey may begin tomorrow

TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full)
April 19, 2006

A Japan Coast Guard (JCG) vessel departed from Tokyo sometime

TOKYO 00002117 006 OF 012


before April 18 to conduct oceanographic activities around
Takeshima, a group of disputed islets known as Tokdo in South
Korea, persons concerned revealed yesterday.

The JCG survey was initially scheduled to start around April 20
but it is likely to slip to late April or alter because of a
possible backlash from South Korea.

The survey will take place mainly in Japan's exclusive economic
zone (EEZ),but given a fuzzy Japan-South Korea demarcation, the
area of survey also includes part of the EEZ claimed by South
Korea, according to the JCG. Japan has recognized the need to
conduct the survey in reaction to South Korea's move to
independently propose a name for the sea floor of this area at an
international conference to be held in late June in Germany.

The survey vessel was originally scheduled to enter Sakai Port in
Tottori Prefecture, leave the port April 20, conduct a survey for
a chart, and return to Sakai Port April 26.

9) ROK president alarmed by Japan's plan for survey around
Takeshima, may take counteraction if survey conducted

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
April 19, 2006

By Kyoji Fukushima, Seoul

South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun yesterday strongly condemned
the Japanese government for its plan to conduct a marine survey
in the waters around Takeshima (Dokdo): "It can be seen as an act
(by the Japanese government) justifying its history of
aggression. It can be even viewed as a challenge to the future
order of Northeast Asia."

This remark was made when the president exchanged views with
senior members from the ruling and opposition parties. Roh
suggested he would take rigorous action if Japan conducted the
survey, noting: "We in the South Korean government have dealt
with Dokdo, which is effectively under our country's rule, in a
way to avoid having it escalate into an (international) issue,
but we are now forced to make a decision on whether we will
continue our previous stance."

Meanwhile, the South Korean Maritime Police Agency yesterday
mobilized a total of 18 500-ton or larger patrol boats to the
waters surrounding Takeshima (Dokdo) to keep watch on Japan's
moves.

10) Japan mulls UN airlift support in Iraq

SANKEI (Page 2) (Abridged)
April 19, 2006

The government is looking into the possibility of expanding the
scope of Air Self-Defense Force missions in Iraq to engage in
personnel and materiel airlift services for the United Nations,
sources said yesterday. Japan eyes embarking on these services
before recalling Ground Self-Defense Force troops currently
deployed in Iraq. In its expanded scope of missions, the ASDF is
expected to weigh airlifts for US forces. The government will
therefore modify its master plan under a law for special measures

TOKYO 00002117 007 OF 012


to assist Iraq's reconstruction.

The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is
currently at work in Iraq. However, the UNAMI actually depends on
US and British military transport planes for its staff and
materials. They will be left behind if there is no space on the
planes. The United Nations has therefore asked the Japanese
government to provide airlifts for its activities to be expanded
in Iraq.

The ASDF is currently on airlift missions for the GSDF and US
forces with its C-130 transports shuttled between Iraq's southern
districts and Kuwait. The Defense Agency is considering providing
C-130 airlifts to the United Nations, as well. However, Japan is
now coordinating with the United States to expand the scope of
ASDF airlift missions mainly for US forces while envisioning the
future withdrawal of GSDF troops currently deployed in the
southern Iraqi city of Samawah for humanitarian reconstruction
assistance. As it stands, the Japanese government has asked the
United Nations to talk with the US government.

The ASDF will also extend its airlift web for US forces in Iraq
to cover Baghdad and other localities. Japan is expected to
withdraw its Samawah-based troops this fall. In that case, the
ASDF will continue its airlift role mainly for US forces and will
be tasked with security backup activities.

According to the government's current master plan, however, Japan
is to conduct security backup activities as far as its
humanitarian reconstruction activities are not affected. The
government will therefore modify the master plan to define
security-oriented logistics for the ASDF.

11) Tokyo, Washington to cooperate against cyberattacks; MOU
signed

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
April 19, 2006

The governments of Japan and the US on April 18 signed an
exchange of notes, which stipulates a system for the Defense
Agency and the US Department of Defense to exchange of
intelligence on such matters as countermeasures for computer
viruses. The aim is to enhance both countries' capabilities to
counter cyberattacks.

According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU),for security
reasons, Japan's Joint Staff Office and the US Pacific Command
will undertake the exchange of intelligence on antivirus measures
and security issues through US forces in Japan. Conveying such
information to a foreign country requires a prior written
agreement.

The exchange of intelligence will focus on defense intelligence,
but Tokyo and Washington will also exchange information on the
systems of their governments as a whole and related data,
according to need. Intelligence possessed by the Cabinet
Secretariat Security Center, which is responsible for

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intelligence and security of the entire government, will also
become subject to exchange.

This is the first time for Japan to sign an MOU like this. The US

TOKYO 00002117 008 OF 012


has already concluded similar pacts with Britain, Sweden, Canada,
Australia, and New Zealand.

12) Japan, US to continue Yokota airspace talks to settle issue
by 2009

TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full)
April 19, 2006

Japan and the US have been trying to coordinate views for
continued talks with the aim of partially returning the airspace
now controlled by Yokota Air Base straddling Fussa and other
municipalities in Tokyo by 2009, timed with the completion of the
fourth runway at Haneda Airport. The issue was not specified in
the final US force realignment report, sources revealed
yesterday.

In past bilateral talks, the US had repeatedly rejected Japan's
call for a total return of the airspace by citing the operation
of US Air Force planes and other factors. But showing
understanding to the excessive congestion of civilian planes
using Haneda and Narita airports, the US broadly agreed in March
to partially return the airspace.

But consequent talks have run into snags over such factors as the
portion of the airspace to be returned, its scale, and a
timeframe. As a result, the two countries have decided to
continue talks on the airspace along with the military-civilian
use of the Yokota base by establishing a panel after producing
the final report.

The Yokota airspace stretches over Tokyo and eight prefectures in
the Kanto region. Its maximum altitude is 7,000 meters. Because
civilian planes are required to avoid the Yokota airspace, near-
miss cases could occur.

13) Abe: SDF personnel cuts mainly in rear-echelon area

ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
April 19, 2006

Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said yesterday before the
House of Representatives Administrative Reform Special Committee
regarding a plan to reduce the number of Self-Defense Force
personnel: "It's important not to create any sacred areas. We
will reduce the personnel mainly by entrusting rear-echelon
operations to the private sector." Abe revealed the government's
intention to reduce the size of the SDF pursuant to its plan to
slash civil servants by 5% over the next five years.

Meanwhile, Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga cited
education, food services, and periodical inspections of transport
planes as examples of the "rear area." At the same time, the
defense chief expressed reluctance about reducing SDF personnel,
as is the case with civil servants, saying, "Closely associated
with national security, some factors are nonnegotiable."

14) Keidanren to propose amending Copyright Law; Proposals
include establishment of third-party organization to settle
trouble over distribution of royalties

YOMIURI (Page 19) (Excerpts)

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April 19, 2006

The Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) yesterday
compiled a set of policy proposals that, among other things,
seeks revisions to the Copyright Law. The aim is to promote
content distribution with an eye toward the fusion of
telecommunications and broadcasting. The report pointed out the
need for a new system of copyright law that would both protect
copyright holders and facilitate the use of content. Envisioning
repeated use of TV programs on the Internet, the proposals call
for changes to the fees for secondary use and the creation of a
third-party organization that will serve as an arbiter in the
event of a dispute over royalties. Nippon Keidanren will shortly
present the package of proposals to the government's Intellectual
Property Rights Headquarters.

The proposals by this organization that counts numerous major
corporations among its members will likely affect discussions by
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Takenaka's private
study panel.

In view of the popularity of online games, which were not
foreseen by the existing law, the report pointed out that it
would be necessary to consolidate rules on the use of copyrighted
products and called for a drastic revision to the Copyright Law,
as well as a revision to the range of what is allowed as personal
use.

15) Draft interim report on global strategy; Exports of
agricultural, marine products to be doubled; Number of foreign
tourists to be increased to 10 million; CEFP sets numerical
targets

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
April 19, 2006

A draft interim report on a global strategy, which the Council on
Economic and Fiscal Policy (CEFP, chaired by Prime Minister
Koizumi) will finalize today, was unveiled. The panel will then
compile a final report in May and reflect it in the government's
basic policy guidelines on economic and fiscal management and
structural reforms.

The draft included such targets as boosting exports of
agricultural products, boosting the capacity of Narita and Haneda
Airports, and attracting more foreign tourists. To achieve these
ends, the report set numerical targets with timetables. According
to the draft, Japan will increase the number of its global
research centers to 30 by 2010 in order to double the value of
exports of agricultural and marine products to 600 billion yen in
fiscal 2009. It will also increase the number of short-term
foreign visitors by such means as broadcasting Japanese TV
programs abroad. It will aim to increase the number of foreign
tourists to 10 million by 2010. Other targets include an
expansion of the number of foreign workers allowed to work in
Japan and the establishment of an East Asia economic zone. The
aim is to maintain Japan's competitiveness in the midst of
growing pressure from the rise of China and India.

The draft interim report noted that Japan would aim to become a
world-leading industrial nation and a country that displays
intellectual leadership in the international community. As means

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to achieve this end, the report cited domestic structural reforms
and boosting national wealth in cooperation with foreign
countries.

On the economic front, the draft noted that Japan would aim to
raise the ratio of the value of trade with free trade agreement
partners to 25% and establish an East Asia economic zone,
including ASEAN+3 (Japan, China and South Korea),India and
Australia.
16) Japan to urge US, China to participate in a new anti-global
warming framework that will follow the Kyoto Protocol

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
April 19, 2006

Since the Kyoto Protocol obligated industrialized nations to
limit emissions of greenhouse gases but lacked anti-global
warming measures after 2013, the Japanese government yesterday
made clear its position to seek to establish a follow-on
framework in which all nations, including the United States and
China, would participate. Ahead of the first session for
discussing post-Kyoto Protocol measures, planned in Germany in
mid-May, the Japanese government presented this suggestion to the
Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate

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Change.

Citing the fact that greenhouse gases emitted by the
industrialized nations, which are obligated by the Kyoto Protocol
to reduce the emissions of such gases, are only 30% or so of the
world total emissions, the Japanese government stressed: "All the
countries need to take emission-reduction measures in accordance
with their respective capabilities." In addition, Japan has urged
major emitters, such as China, which is not under obligation to
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the US, to make their utmost
to reduce emissions.

The May conference will be the first occasion for countries
across the world, including the US and China, to discuss measures
to be taken after the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol.

17) Minshuto President Ozawa in press conference plays up
politeness of "new Ozawa"; Denies "secret meeting" with Soka
Gakkai chairman

MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
April 19, 2006

Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) President Ichiro Ozawa
yesterday held his first press conference at party headquarters
since he assumed his new post. He once dismissed meetings the
press as "service." He has had many run-ins with the media in the
past. Yesterday's press briefing, however, was extended more than
10 minutes beyond the set timeframe. In the 30-minute press
conference, he played up the "new Ozawa" by responding to
questions all smiles. He, however, denied with a straight face
reports of a meeting with Soka Gakkai Chairman Einosuke Akiya,
saying, "I did not meet him."

Asked about his pledge in the presidential election that he would
change himself, Ozawa responded: "I have to offset my faults
within reason. I will respond to your questions in a polite way
as much as I can." His remarks evoked laughter.

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Asked about Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's remark that Ozawa
would try to split the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),Ozawa
answered, "The LDP will not break up as long as it is a ruling
party. Please tell (the prime minister) that I will not make a
vain effort." He sought to check the Prime Minister. When the
person in charge of the press conference tried to end the
session, he said: "I don't mind responding more questions. Let's
continue."

Ozawa, however, he continued denying press reports that he met on
April 11 with the Soka Gakkai chairman: "I did not meet him.
That's your news coverage problem." The Soka Gakkai public
relations office, meanwhile, has admitted that the meeting was
held.

18) Minshuto to underscore "coexistence," "priority to UN" in new
policy platform

MAINICHI (Page 5) (Excerpts)
April 19, 2006

Under the leadership of new leader Ichiro Ozawa, the Democratic
Party of Japan (Minshuto) will soon start a full-scale discussion
to work out a new policy platform that will underscore its
confrontational stance toward the Koizumi administration. Ozawa,
keeping in mind the widening income disparity in the Japanese
society, will emphasize the necessity of building a jobs and
social-security safety net, with "coexistence" as the buzzword
(TN: i.e. coexistence and co-prosperity -- a policy slogan used
in postwar Japan to emphasize the harmonious and non-competitive
aspects of the society or the government's social compact with
the people). The key point on the national security front is to
what extent Ozawa will be able to use his stock argument, a
"United Nations-centered policy." But if he tries to come up with
specific measures in a hasty manner, the opposition party may
balk and split again. Given this situation, some observers
anticipate Minshuto may not lay down its new platform before the
fall.

"There are some issues on which our stance is somewhat vague in
our platform, so I would like to also reach a clear-cut
conclusion on these issues," Ozawa said in a press conference
yesterday. He indicated his eagerness to start drafting a new
policy platform immediately after the upcoming by-election in
Chiba.

Ozawa has turned his attention to establishing a social safety
net, with "co-existence" as the buzzword.

Ozawa has advocated neo-liberal policies in the past, such as
thorough deregulation. Recently, however, he has criticized
Koizumi's structural reforms as the main cause for creating a
society with widening income disparity where the "law of the
jungle" prevails, stressing the need for job-creation measures.

"The eight reform measures" Ozawa proposed in his campaign
rhetoric for the latest party presidential election included a
passage noting: "The basic portions of pension, nursing, and
elderly medical spending should be financed with revenues from
the consumption tax." In order to turn this proposal into action,
a significant hike of the consumption tax hike will be

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unavoidable. He also suggested the need to lower the income tax
rate. Some say that this measure is contradictory to his call for
safety nets.

Ozawa's eight policy measures

Finance the basic portions of pension, nursing, and elderly
medical expenditures with revenues from the consumption tax.

Lower the consumption tax rate. Abolish the deduction system and
increase allowances.

Completely scrap specific tied subsidies. Introduce a package
subsidy system for local governments.

Have the central government take responsibility for compulsory
education in the end and allow municipal governments to adopt
their own programs without any restrictions.

Liberalize agricultural business, and introduce a deficiency
payment system for mainstream products.

Set the challenge of protecting the global environment for humans
as a national goal.

Establish an UN-centered security policy. Improve relations with
China, South Korea, and other neighboring countries, with Japan-
US relations as the bedrock of Japan's diplomacy.

Revive familial ties and regional solidarity. Create a society
where people can live comfortably.

SCHIEFFER