MEDIA REACTION US-JAPAN SECURITY - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 000384 SIPDIS SIPDIS STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR, EAP/J, EAP/P, PM; USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI; SECDEF FOR OASD/PA; CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA SUBJECT: MEDIA REACTION US-JAPAN SECURITY - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: Most Wednesday morning papers front-paged the continuing investigation into Livedoor's alleged violations of the Securities and Exchange Law, with reports noting that one of the arrested company executives has admitted to the firm's window-dressing of its accounts. ¶1. "GOJ Should Use Outcome of Nago Mayoral Election to Advance Futenma Relocation" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (1/25): "The central government should use the victory of Nago Mayor-elect Yoshikazu Shimabukuro, an independent backed by the two ruling parties, as momentum to advance plans to relocate the functions of the US Marine Corps heliport in Futenma to the shore of Camp Schwab in Nago, Okinawa. Shimabukuro was also backed by conservatives, including business leaders who hope for GOJ funds for regional development. The mayor-elect had stated his opposition to the planned construction of the Schwab heliport. Following his election, though, Shimabukuro told journalists that he would meet with the GOJ on the matter if requested. It will be difficult to modify the plan at the request of local residents, though, given that it was the GOJ that pushed the plan and got the US to agree to it. ¶2. "Under the present circumstances, the GOJ should do everything possible to persuade local residents to accept the construction of the heliport. The GOJ should also move quickly to coordinate with the US on issues like coastal flight routes and helicopter noise to dispel local residents' concerns. It is also important to promote regional development. We hope that Shimabukuro will demonstrate leadership in persuading local residents to accept the plan.... The US force transformation and base realignment are aimed at not only reducing Okinawa's security burden but also maintaining and strengthening US military deterrence. The US-Japan alliance is the key to the security of Japan and the Asia-Pacific region, and Okinawa is its cornerstone. The central government has the responsibility to implement the bilateral agreement to construct a Futenma replacement facility in Nago." SCHIEFFER