DPRK MISSILES: JAPAN PUBLIC OUTRAGE CONTINUES

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 003782 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL MARR UNSC JA SUBJECT: DPRK MISSILES: JAPAN PUBLIC OUTRAGE CONTINUES REF: TOKYO 3736 TOKYO 00003782 001.2 OF 002 ¶1. (U) SUMMARY: Japanese public outrage and anxiety continue to mount in response to yesterday's missile launches by North Korea. Press editorials called for sanctions, uniformly slamming the launches as "unforgiveable" and "reckless". Man-in-the-street comment echoed this anger. Local governments on the Japan Sea coast heightened security at nuclear power plants, while city assemblies nationwide issued unanimous resolutions of condemnation. END SUMMARY. Media reaction -------------- ¶2. (U) The leading circulation Yomiuri newspaper urged Tokyo to tighten "an iron ring" of sanctions around the North in concert with the U.S. and allies, while the conservative Sankei urged accelerating Japan's missile defense capability. The liberal-leaning Asahi and Mainichi blasted the launches as "unforgiveable" and urged a response in concert with international partners. ¶3. (U) Regional media struck a similar tone of outrage, with newspapers in Central Japan urging a freeze of assets to teach the North "how expensive it is to play with fire." Nationwide, "man-in-the-street" interviews reflected shock, indignation, and a desire for Tokyo to take a resolute response, including economic sanctions. Local government reaction -------------- ¶4. (U) On the Japan Sea coast, the Fukui governor ordered security heightened around the prefecture's 15 nuclear power plants, and advised all schools to cancel extra-curricular activities. The governor of Tottori announced the expansion of his 24-hour crisis management team, and announced that future emergency exercises by the prefecture would involve close coordination with Self-Defense Force units. The Shimane Governor pledged support for sanctions, regardless of their possible impact on local commerce. ¶5. (U) In Hokkaido, initial (false) reports that a missile had landed offshore Wakkanai, at the island's northwestern tip, sent the Coast Guard into high alert, and fishing boats racing for homeports. Elsewhere in northern Japan, the governors of Miyagi and Iwate prefectures declared North Korea's actions as "never to be forgiven" and called for a "firm response." Normally left-leaning fishermen's unions across the region issued appeals for Tokyo to ensure their protection. ¶6. (U) In central Japan, the assembly of Aichi prefecture, where Nagoya is located, issued an "emergency appeal" to the central government for tough sanctions. Even the left-leaning Kyoto prefectural assembly adopted a resolution condemning the launches. Contacts at the region's two largest business associations fretted to Consulate-General Osaka about long-term damage to their ties with China, noting that China is seen as the prime sponsor of Pyongyang. ¶7. (U) In Okinawa, the speaker of Okinawa City's assembly, previously opposed to the deployment of PAC-3 missiles to Kadena air base, explained that "one cannot say no to Patriots that have the ability to intercept (incoming missiles)." The prefectural assembly, meanwhile, adopted a statement of "extreme concern" over the launches. ¶8. (U) In southern Japan, Fukuoka Governor Aso declared his support for firm countermeasures by the central government. Local business contacts told Consulate Fukuoka they favor a temporary ban on all trade with North Korea. TOKYO 00003782 002.2 OF 002 ¶9. (U) Consulates-General Osaka-Kobe, Sapporo, and Naha, and Consulates Fukuoka and Nagoya provided the reporting for this cable. SCHIEFFER