MEDIA REACTION Q ABE ADMINISTRATION - TOKYO

UNCLAS TOKYO 005586 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 Q ABE ADMINISTRATION - TOKYO LEAD STORIES: All six Wednesday morning papers gave top play to Tuesday's inauguration of the Abe administration. ¶1. "Can the Abe Administration Resolve the Challenges of the Times?" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (9/27): "Newly elected Prime Minister Abe, the first Japanese prime minister born after World War II, inaugurated his cabinet.... The new cabinet has to deal with a wide range of issues to make Japan a vibrant nation.... One of its most important tasks is to rebuild relations with China. The reappointment of Foreign Minister Aso, whose diplomatic views are similar to those of Abe, shows that the premier wants the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) and the Foreign Ministry to work together in dealing with China and North Korea. ¶2. "The basis of Japan's foreign policy is the US-Japan alliance, and it is important to use this to push China, which has become an economic and military power, into contributing to the region's stability and prosperity. Abe has expressed interest in meeting with the Chinese leader. But even if a summit is realized on the sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in November in Hanoi, mutual visits between the two leaders are a long way off. On Yasukuni Shrine, which is the major obstacle, Abe has been vague in both his words and actions." ¶3. "Launch of Abe Administration: Commitment to Reform Not Apparent" An editorial in the liberal Mainichi commented (9/27): "...Newly elected Prime Minister Abe has emphasized that he formed his cabinet to 'realize a beautiful Japan.' Having looked at its lineup, however, we perceive neither the image of freshness expected of a young prime minister nor any enthusiasm for the reforms of the Koizumi administration he should carry on.... Abe's administration depends on his own popularity, which will also be critical to winning the Upper House election next summer.... ¶4. "Taro Aso was reappointed as foreign minister, and he will restart summit diplomacy with China and South Korea.... Former LDP General Council Chairman Kyuma was named JDA director general, and he will have to deal with USFJ realignment. The relocation of MCAS Futenma to Camp Schwab, a focal point of realignment in Okinawa, has become even more complicated with November's gubernatorial election there close at hand. Kyuma is faced with the weighty task of implementing Futenma relocation, as the alliance could be rocked if realignment stalls on Japan's part." DONOVAN