Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
07TOKYO343
2007-01-25 01:14:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Embassy Tokyo
Cable title:
JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 01/25/07
VZCZCXRO7593 PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH DE RUEHKO #0343/01 0250114 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 250114Z JAN 07 FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 0074 INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY RUEAWJA/USDOJ WASHDC PRIORITY RULSDMK/USDOT WASHDC PRIORITY RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J5// RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA// RHMFIUU/COMUSJAPAN YOKOTA AB JA//J5/JO21// RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA RUAYJAA/COMPATWING ONE KAMI SEYA JA RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 2120 RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 9643 RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 3107 RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 9105 RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 0654 RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 5582 RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 1670 RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 3085
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 000343
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 01/25/07
Index:
Kyuma report:
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 000343
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 01/25/07
Index:
Kyuma report:
1) Defense Minister Kyuma criticizes Pres. Bush, calls starting Iraq
war was a "mistake"
2) Kyuma willing to allow Japan to conditionally export weapons to
countries other than US
3) Minato ward officials ask for early reversion of USFJ's heliport
at Roppongi in downtown Tokyo
4) Asahi poll; 78% of the public say they have "patriotic" feelings,
but 88% of them also admit Japan should "reflect" on its wartime
past
Russia connection:
5) Japan, Russia share view that northern territorial issue can be
solved through dialogue
6) First strategic dialogue between Japan, Russia ends on a high
note
7) Yachi diplomacy: Vice foreign minister traveled to six countries
last year, worked to repair Japan's ties with China, ROK
8) Japan to run for non-permanent seat in 2008 since Mongolia has
stepped aside
9) Political fund management office expenses under new LDP rules
will require receipts on items over 50,000 yen
Beef trade:
10) US beef not making expected comeback, with import share still
less than 10% of pre-ban, due to consumer shift to Australia beef
and to pork
11) US asking Japan to ease beef import restriction to allow meat
from cattle 30 months of age
Education reform:
12) Abe administration to present three education-reform bills to
Diet
13) Education policy clique in the Diet unhappy with new education
reform proposals
Articles:
1) Kyuma raps Bush for "wrong decision" over Iraq war
TOKYO (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma expressed a critical view of the Iraq
war in his speech delivered yesterday in Tokyo, saying US President
Bush launched the war while assuming Iraq had weapons of mass
destruction. "I think that decision was wrong," Kyuma said.
Kyuma has been critical of the Iraq war. However, it is unusual for
a Japanese cabinet minister to criticize a US president's policy
decision.
"In those days, I said the prime minister should have said Japan
understands the United States going to war," Kyuma said, adding, "I
still think so." With this, Kyuma raised a question again over the
TOKYO 00000343 002 OF 009
Koizumi cabinet's support for the Iraq war.
In connection with the issue of relocating the US Marine Corps'
Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, in the process
of realigning US forces in Japan, Kyuma stressed that the government
would like to go ahead with an environmental assessment of a coastal
area of Camp Schwab in the northern Okinawa city of Nago as the site
for the planned relocation of Futenma airfield. "We will hold talks
(with Okinawa) premised and based on the V-shaped airstrips plan (as
agreed between the Japanese and US governments)," Kyuma said.
2) Kyuma supports expanding exceptional framework for arms exports
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma, addressing the Japan National Press
Club yesterday, suggested the need for Japan to review its
self-imposed three principles on weapons exports, which prohibit
Japan from exporting weapons in principle. "I think it's all right
for Japan to be allowed to work together with the United States and
Europe for joint research to develop universal weapons
technologies," Kyuma said. The government, in its statement released
in 2004 by the then chief cabinet secretary, excepted Japan's joint
development and production of weapons technologies relating to
missile defense with the United States. However, there are strong
calls from within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party for expanding
this exceptional framework for weapons exports to countries other
than the United States. Kyuma's remark tuned in to the LDP side. In
addition, Kyuma raised a question about the United States' decision
over the Iraq war, saying, "I think the decision was wrong."
3) Ward chiefs ask municipality for early reversion of US forces'
heliport at Roppongi
YOMIURI (Page 31) (Full)
January 25, 2007
There has been an agreement among the central government, Tokyo
municipal government, and the US Forces Japan to allow the continued
use of the heliport at Roppongi, Minato-ku, that has been provided
to the US forces on a provisional basis in return for the reversion
of an adjacent portion of land as a substitute. Upon learning of
this agreement, Masaharu Takei, the head of Minato District, and
Tosan Kishida, president of the district assembly, visited the Tokyo
Municipal Building on Jan. 24 to present a petition seeking efforts
to obtain a full and early reversion of the Akasaka Press Center
facility, including the heliport.
Regarding the tripartite agreement, the written petition stressed:
"We cannot accept the fact that the land being used provisionally as
a heliport will not be restored to its original state and returned."
In addition, the petition touched on the agreement signed between
the municipality and the US forces to jointly use the heliport
during a natural disaster or the like, stating, "We have strong
concerns that this will lead to the expanded functions of the US
military base and its permanency."
4) Poll: 78% feel "patriotism" toward Japan
ASAHI (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
TOKYO 00000343 003 OF 009
An estimated 80% of the Japanese people believe they have patriotic
feelings toward Japan and 90% of them think Japan should reflect on
its acts of aggression and colonial rule in Asia during the past
war, the Asahi Shimbun found from its face-to-face public opinion
survey. Japan' relations with China and South Korea have been soured
by gaps in views on historical issues. However, it may safely be
said that the greater part of the Japanese people has a coolheaded
view of Japan's wartime history, while feeling a patriotic spirit.
The survey was conducted Dec. 2-3 last year with a total of 3,000
persons chosen from among the nation's voting population.
In the survey, respondents were asked if they thought having been
born in Japan was a good thing. In response to this question, 94%
answered "yes." They were also asked if they had feelings of
patriotism toward Japan. In response, those who answered "yes" added
up to 78%, broken down into 20% for "very much" and 58% for
"somewhat." The proportion of "yes" answers tends to be less among
the young. But even among people in their 20s, it was 63%, far
higher than the 37% who answered "no." When it comes to those who
answered they had "very high," feelings of patriotism, however,
those in their 20s to 40s averaged around 10%. As seen from this
figure, strong patriotism was not very high in those age brackets.
Among those who answered they thought it was good to be born in
Japan, the proportion of those who had a "high" level of patriotic
feelings toward Japan accounted for 21% and "somewhat" for 60%, both
higher than the total averages. These figures mirror their sentiment
of feeling that they like the Japan where they were born, and this
feeling has led them to feel patriotic.
When asked if Japan should reflect on its acts of aggression and
colonial rule, those who answered "yes" totaled 85%, broken down
into 32% of those who answered "very much" and 53% who said
"somewhat." There was almost no generational perception gap on this
question. Among those who have patriotic sentiment, the proportion
of those who think Japan should reflect on its past conducts was
88%, higher than the total average. Among those who are highly
patriotic, the proportion of those who think Japan should
self-reflect very much on its past conducts was 39%, topping the
total average.
Respondents were further asked if patriotism should be taught at
school. In response, the proportions of affirmative and negative
answers were close to each other, with "yes" accounting for 50% and
"no" reaching 41%. In addition, "yes" outnumbered "no" among those
in their 50s and older, and vice versa among those in their 40s and
younger. As seen from these figure, public opinion split over the
advisability of teaching patriotism at school.
5) Japanese, Russian foreign ministers agree to try to settle
territorial issue through talks
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
January 25, 2007
Kurashige, Moscow
Administrative Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi and Russian First
Vice Foreign Minister Denisov wound up the two-day first strategic
talks in Russia on Jan. 24. Both sides agreed to record the talks as
TOKYO 00000343 004 OF 009
important start on a new page. On the Northern Territories issue,
they confirmed that the two countries would try to find a solution
by exchanging views. The two also agreed to hold the next round of
talks in Japan this year.
In reference to bilateral relations between Japan and Russia, Yachi
said, "Despite the efforts by leaders and peoples of the two
countries, the relations were not so bright," stressing the
importance of continued dialogue. Denisov replied, "We would like to
accelerate work to build a partnership with Japan."
6) Only general arguments exchanged on territorial issue in first
Japan-Russia strategic talks
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
The first strategic talks of vice foreign ministers from Japan and
Russia in Moscow ended on Jan. 24. In the two-day talks, both sides
exchanged views on a wide range of areas, such as economic
cooperation and defense exchanges, but on the Northern Territories
issue, only general arguments were exchanged. The next session is
expected to take place in Japan around the summer. Whether both
sides will be able to develop an environment to move the territorial
issue forward through repeated dialogue is likely to hold the key to
whether a Russia visit by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be
arranged.
Mutual visits between the Japanese and Russian leaders have been
suspended since President Putin came to Japan in 2005. The G-8
summit in 2006 was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, and (then) Prime
Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended it, but the visit was not
official. In view of diplomatic courtesy, Prime Minister Abe's visit
to Russia should come next.
But there are no prospects in sight. The Japanese Foreign Ministry
has taken a cautious stance about a prime ministerial visit to
Russia, a senior official saying: "If the territorial issue remains
stalled, (even if the prime minister visits Russia),Japan will only
be criticized. It is impossible to easily use the card of a Russia
visit by the prime minister." Japan intends to wait for the next
move by Russia, which has taken a tough stance.
The prolonged suspension of mutual visits by the Japanese and
Russian leaders is also undesirable for Russia in terms of
investment from Japan. The Foreign Ministry plans to persistently
continue talks until arrangements are made for a visit by prime
minister to Russia, based on the view that mutual understanding
deepened in the strategic talks."
7) Vice Foreign Minister Yachi a key player to determine prime
minister's destiny
ASAHI (Page 4) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
Foreign Ministry's Administrative Vice Minister Shotaro Yachi, 63,
played up his presence in the first strategic dialogue between Japan
and Russia. He has represented Japan in negotiations in promoting an
"assertive Japanese diplomacy," as aimed at by Prime Minister Abe.
The top bureaucrat making use of his contacts in various circles is
a mild-mannered man with a genuine conservative philosophy. However,
TOKYO 00000343 005 OF 009
he is capable of brave and bold action. He is unique and
distinctive.
Yachi called on Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Jan. 23 and
discussed with him a variety of themes, including North Korea, Iran,
and UN reform. The meeting lasted for 70 minutes, though it had
initially been arranged for 30 minutes. He was treated as if he were
foreign minister, an accompanying source saying, "Such a posture of
the other side represents its willingness to treat Japan with
respect."
It is quite rare for an administrative vice minister to directly
engage in diplomatic negotiations. Yachi, though, visited six
countries last year. He made arrangements for the tour of China and
South Korea by Prime Minister Abe last October. He has close ties
with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, and they sometimes
go to karaoke bars together.
Yachi is also gutsy, in a sense. When relations between Japan and
South Korea became strained over South Korea's radiological
investigation in waters near the Takeshima/Dokdo islets last
September, he visited Seoul and presented a 20-centimeter-thick
batch of documents to Foreign Affairs and Trade Vice Minister Yoo,
claiming: "The South Korean government's proceedings are against
international law. If Japan brings the case to trial, Japan will
win." As a result, he succeeded in securing the other side's
agreement on a joint survey.
When Yachi was promoted to assistant deputy chief cabinet secretary
from Comprehensive Foreign Policy Bureau director general of the
Foreign Ministry in 2002, Shinzo Abe was deputy chief cabinet
secretary. In dealing with North Korea's abduction issue, Yachi
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found himself on the same wavelength with Abe, who has called for
applying pressure on the North. Even now, Prime Minister Abe meets
alone with Yachi once or twice a week. He is an unprecedented
"incumbent policy advisor" to the prime minister.
Seeing the Abe administration's popularity plunging, some members in
the administration insist that there will be no other means but to
score points with diplomatic efforts. Yachi is indisputably a key
player in determining the prime minister's destiny.
8) Mongolia gives in to Japan concerning election for UNSC
nonpermanent seats in 2008: Japan to declare candidacy
ASAHI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
Prime Minister Abe yesterday exchanged views on United Nations
reform on the phone with Mongolian President Enkhbayar. The
president conveyed his nation's decision not to run in the election
for nonpermanent seats on the United Nations Security Council to
take place in the fall of 2008 and asked Japan to come forward.
Responding to the request, the prime minister announced his desire
for Japan to run in the election. Iran is expected to announce
candidacy in the Asian framework. However, the UNSC has adopted a
sanctions resolution against that nation for its nuclear program. As
such, the government views that Japan stands a good chance of
becoming a nonpermanent member in 2009.
Abe on the evening of the same day told reporters at the Prime
Minister's Official Residence, "We want to fulfill our
TOKYO 00000343 006 OF 009
responsibility in response to Mongolia's favor."
The UNSC consists of five permanent member nations and 10
nonpermanent members. The tenure of nonpermanent members is two
years. Elections take place every year to replace half the
nonpermanent members. However, reelection for two consecutive terms
is banned. Of the 10 seats, two are allocated to Asia, three to
Africa, one to East Europe, two to Latin America and two to Western
Europe and other regions.
The next step is undertaking coordination with Iran to choose a
single candidate from the Asian framework. If the coordination
fails, the one that obtains more than two-thirds of valid votes in
the UN General Assembly will be elected. A senior Foreign Ministry
official noted in confidence that even if an election takes place,
Japan stands a good chance, because even if China is opposed, it
cannot exercise a veto.
9) Political management office expenses: LDP to revise Political
Funds Control Law aiming at requiring politicians to attach receipts
-- 50,000 yen or more each case - to political funds reports
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Top Play) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka and
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Bunmei
Ibuki reported huge amounts of money as their political management
office expenses in their reports on political funds to the
government, even though they used rent-free offices in a Diet
members' building. In connection with this issue, the ruling Liberal
Democratic Party (LDP) has adopted a policy line of revising the
Political Funds Control Law designed to require the attachment of
receipts for expenses of 50,000 yen or more each to political funds
reports.
In an attempt to play up its efforts dealing with the issue of
"politics and money" in the July House of Councilors election, the
LDP leadership is now carrying out coordination within the party and
its junior coalition partner, New Komeito, aiming at amending the
law during the regular session of the Diet, which convenes today.
The LDP reform implementation headquarters began yesterday
discussion of amending the law at the compliance subcommittee.
The Political Funds Control Law classifies the expenses of a
political management organization into operating expenses, including
office expenses, utility charges, and labor costs; and political
activity expenses such as election related costs and organizational
activity expenses. Under the law, politicians are obliged to submit
receipts when they used 50,000 yen or more for each political
activity, but there is no obligation to attach any receipts to a
report on operating expenses, just to list total amounts.
10) Store meat cases without US beef become familiar; Imports after
reinstatement of trade are less than 10% of pre-ban level; Customers
shifting to Australian beef and to pork
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
It has been six months since the Japanese government decided to
resume US beef imports on July 27 last year. The import level after
TOKYO 00000343 007 OF 009
the import resumption is now less than 10% of the pre-ban monthly
average recorded in December 2003. Only a limited number of
retailers deal with US beef. Yoshinoya beef bowl restaurant chain
has put back beef bowls on its menus, but they are served only at
lunchtime. With more supermarkets, whose main customers are
safety-sensitive housewives, having switched to Australian products,
store-shelves without US beef are now a familiar scene. Beef
consumption by Japanese customers is undergoing a change, as can be
seen in the fact that overall consumption of imported beef has
dropped.
Trade statistics show that imports of US beef last November stood at
approximately 1,600 tons. The average monthly import before the ban,
which was introduced following the discovery of a BSE-infected cow
in the US, was 20,000 tons.
Food supermarket chain Top, head office in Setagaya, Tokyo, has
resumed sales of US beef. At present its 14 stores can only secure
about 300 kg a week. It means each store can only get 70 packs
containing 300 grams of beef. They are sold out in a day at some
stores.
Few stores sell US beef. US beef accounted for 15% of the beef Aeon
sold before the ban. However, the store has put off a decision on
whether to purchase US beef citing that it wants to determine
whether it is safe to buy US beef. Leading supermarket chains remain
cautious, noting that they do not hear strong requests from
customers for US beef.
US beef has disappeared from store shelves. What has replaced it?
Low-priced US beef used to be popular in Japan. However, following
the end of the import ban, demand for US beef remained low.
According to the Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation
(ALIC),domestic consumption of beef dropped from 904,000 tons in
fiscal 2003 to 809,000 tons in fiscal 2004. Consumption of domestic
beef dropped by 2,000 tons to 355,000 tons, but consumption of
imported beef dropped even more -- 17% from 546,000 tons.
However, sales of Australian products have grown. Of the beef
purchased by food supermarket chain Inageya in October 2002, 12% was
from Australia and 8% was US products, but it has gradually shifted
to Australian products. Now the share of Australian beef is 24%.
Live Corporation noted that the "US been has been entirely replaced
with Australian products."
There was a strong image among Japanese costumers that the texture
of Australian beef was dry. Cattle fed on grain, whose red meat
contains fat, have increased in Australia. Inageya said that this
type of meet caters to the taste of Japanese consumers, leading to
the increased sales.
11) US applying pressure for eased standards, insisting on
introduction of 30-months-or-younger rule; Japan says it is too
early to ease standards
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Full)
January 25, 2007
The US government has begun strengthening pressure on Japan in
pursuit of eased import standards applied to its beef. Its point is
that the current standard that since only beef from cattle aged 20
TOKYO 00000343 008 OF 009
months or younger can be imported for the prevention of BSE is
strict in light of international guidelines, it should be revised
now that six months have passed since the removal of the import ban.
The Japanese government remains firm on its present stance, noting
that it is too early to discuss the possibility of reviewing the
standard.
When Agriculture Minister Matsuoka visited the US in the middle of
this month, US Secretary of Agriculture Johanns and other officials
strongly called on Japan to ease the standard and adopt a
30-months-or-younger rule. It was discovered yesterday that the US
government had continued to seek an early easing of the standard in
writing even after that. The Japan-US agreement on US beef
stipulates that the Japanese side checks whether the US side is
observing conditions set for products exported to Japan during the
six months after the removal of the import ban. The US position is
that since this monitoring period ends this month, Japan should ease
the import standards. However, the Japanese government is cautious
about the idea of revising the standards, including further
inspections of facilities from where products are shipped to Japan,
with an Agriculture Ministry official noting, "We have yet to
conduct inspections of the US export system."
12) Prime Minister Abe to submit three education reform bills to
regular Diet session based on education reform panel's interim
report
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
At a meeting yesterday of the Education Rebuilding Council headed by
Ryoji Noyori, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe revealed his intention to
submit to a regular session of the Diet to start today a set of
three bills related to education reform, including a bill revising
the school education law aimed at a review of the so-called
pressure-free education system and the introduction of a teachers'
license renewal system. He ordered to the ruling coalition and the
education ministry to draft legislation, aiming at passing the bills
through the Diet during the regular session. The education reform
panel adopted in its meeting yesterday the first interim report
stipulating such proposals as increasing classroom hours by 10%. The
panel then handed it to Abe.
Main points of education reform panel's interim report
7 Review the cram-free education and increase classroom hours by 10%
7 Utilize a system to suspend offending students from school and
support them recovery
7 Treat excellent public school teachers by increasing pays and
promotion
7 Introduce a teachers' license renewal system
7 Set up a third-party organ to assess schools
7 Review the boards of education and integrate them that
municipalities with the population of 50,000 or less
13) Education policy clique unhappy with education reform panel's
primary report
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
January 25, 2007
TOKYO 00000343 009 OF 009
Many in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),particularly
lawmakers representing educational policy interests, expressed
unhappiness with a primary report compiled by the government's
Education Rebuilding Council. The report calls for a review of the
so-called pressure-free education system. The education policy
clique appears to have sought to check the Prime Minister's Official
Residence's initiative in reforming the education system.
The LDP and its coalition partner, New Komeito were briefed last
evening by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education Eriko
Yamatani on the report at the ruling camp's education rebuilding
study panel headed by Tadamori Oshima. The meeting lasted two hours,
but the panel put off approval to the next session.
Many LDP lawmakers, who have advocated the pressure-free education
system, made specific requests of Yamatani, with former education
minister Takeo Kawamura saying, "Rejecting the pressure-free
education system does not lead to reform of education."
At the meeting, the fact that Prime Minister directed Education
Minister Bunmei Ibuki to submit to the regular Diet session to be
convened today a set of three bills, including a review of the
school teachers' license system came under the lash. New Komeito
Acting Chief Representative Toshiko Hamayotsu warned: "I want the
prime minister to let the ruling coalition to discuss the bills
before submitting them."
SCHIEFFER
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 01/25/07
Index:
Kyuma report:
1) Defense Minister Kyuma criticizes Pres. Bush, calls starting Iraq
war was a "mistake"
2) Kyuma willing to allow Japan to conditionally export weapons to
countries other than US
3) Minato ward officials ask for early reversion of USFJ's heliport
at Roppongi in downtown Tokyo
4) Asahi poll; 78% of the public say they have "patriotic" feelings,
but 88% of them also admit Japan should "reflect" on its wartime
past
Russia connection:
5) Japan, Russia share view that northern territorial issue can be
solved through dialogue
6) First strategic dialogue between Japan, Russia ends on a high
note
7) Yachi diplomacy: Vice foreign minister traveled to six countries
last year, worked to repair Japan's ties with China, ROK
8) Japan to run for non-permanent seat in 2008 since Mongolia has
stepped aside
9) Political fund management office expenses under new LDP rules
will require receipts on items over 50,000 yen
Beef trade:
10) US beef not making expected comeback, with import share still
less than 10% of pre-ban, due to consumer shift to Australia beef
and to pork
11) US asking Japan to ease beef import restriction to allow meat
from cattle 30 months of age
Education reform:
12) Abe administration to present three education-reform bills to
Diet
13) Education policy clique in the Diet unhappy with new education
reform proposals
Articles:
1) Kyuma raps Bush for "wrong decision" over Iraq war
TOKYO (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma expressed a critical view of the Iraq
war in his speech delivered yesterday in Tokyo, saying US President
Bush launched the war while assuming Iraq had weapons of mass
destruction. "I think that decision was wrong," Kyuma said.
Kyuma has been critical of the Iraq war. However, it is unusual for
a Japanese cabinet minister to criticize a US president's policy
decision.
"In those days, I said the prime minister should have said Japan
understands the United States going to war," Kyuma said, adding, "I
still think so." With this, Kyuma raised a question again over the
TOKYO 00000343 002 OF 009
Koizumi cabinet's support for the Iraq war.
In connection with the issue of relocating the US Marine Corps'
Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, in the process
of realigning US forces in Japan, Kyuma stressed that the government
would like to go ahead with an environmental assessment of a coastal
area of Camp Schwab in the northern Okinawa city of Nago as the site
for the planned relocation of Futenma airfield. "We will hold talks
(with Okinawa) premised and based on the V-shaped airstrips plan (as
agreed between the Japanese and US governments)," Kyuma said.
2) Kyuma supports expanding exceptional framework for arms exports
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
Defense Minister Fumio Kyuma, addressing the Japan National Press
Club yesterday, suggested the need for Japan to review its
self-imposed three principles on weapons exports, which prohibit
Japan from exporting weapons in principle. "I think it's all right
for Japan to be allowed to work together with the United States and
Europe for joint research to develop universal weapons
technologies," Kyuma said. The government, in its statement released
in 2004 by the then chief cabinet secretary, excepted Japan's joint
development and production of weapons technologies relating to
missile defense with the United States. However, there are strong
calls from within the ruling Liberal Democratic Party for expanding
this exceptional framework for weapons exports to countries other
than the United States. Kyuma's remark tuned in to the LDP side. In
addition, Kyuma raised a question about the United States' decision
over the Iraq war, saying, "I think the decision was wrong."
3) Ward chiefs ask municipality for early reversion of US forces'
heliport at Roppongi
YOMIURI (Page 31) (Full)
January 25, 2007
There has been an agreement among the central government, Tokyo
municipal government, and the US Forces Japan to allow the continued
use of the heliport at Roppongi, Minato-ku, that has been provided
to the US forces on a provisional basis in return for the reversion
of an adjacent portion of land as a substitute. Upon learning of
this agreement, Masaharu Takei, the head of Minato District, and
Tosan Kishida, president of the district assembly, visited the Tokyo
Municipal Building on Jan. 24 to present a petition seeking efforts
to obtain a full and early reversion of the Akasaka Press Center
facility, including the heliport.
Regarding the tripartite agreement, the written petition stressed:
"We cannot accept the fact that the land being used provisionally as
a heliport will not be restored to its original state and returned."
In addition, the petition touched on the agreement signed between
the municipality and the US forces to jointly use the heliport
during a natural disaster or the like, stating, "We have strong
concerns that this will lead to the expanded functions of the US
military base and its permanency."
4) Poll: 78% feel "patriotism" toward Japan
ASAHI (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
TOKYO 00000343 003 OF 009
An estimated 80% of the Japanese people believe they have patriotic
feelings toward Japan and 90% of them think Japan should reflect on
its acts of aggression and colonial rule in Asia during the past
war, the Asahi Shimbun found from its face-to-face public opinion
survey. Japan' relations with China and South Korea have been soured
by gaps in views on historical issues. However, it may safely be
said that the greater part of the Japanese people has a coolheaded
view of Japan's wartime history, while feeling a patriotic spirit.
The survey was conducted Dec. 2-3 last year with a total of 3,000
persons chosen from among the nation's voting population.
In the survey, respondents were asked if they thought having been
born in Japan was a good thing. In response to this question, 94%
answered "yes." They were also asked if they had feelings of
patriotism toward Japan. In response, those who answered "yes" added
up to 78%, broken down into 20% for "very much" and 58% for
"somewhat." The proportion of "yes" answers tends to be less among
the young. But even among people in their 20s, it was 63%, far
higher than the 37% who answered "no." When it comes to those who
answered they had "very high," feelings of patriotism, however,
those in their 20s to 40s averaged around 10%. As seen from this
figure, strong patriotism was not very high in those age brackets.
Among those who answered they thought it was good to be born in
Japan, the proportion of those who had a "high" level of patriotic
feelings toward Japan accounted for 21% and "somewhat" for 60%, both
higher than the total averages. These figures mirror their sentiment
of feeling that they like the Japan where they were born, and this
feeling has led them to feel patriotic.
When asked if Japan should reflect on its acts of aggression and
colonial rule, those who answered "yes" totaled 85%, broken down
into 32% of those who answered "very much" and 53% who said
"somewhat." There was almost no generational perception gap on this
question. Among those who have patriotic sentiment, the proportion
of those who think Japan should reflect on its past conducts was
88%, higher than the total average. Among those who are highly
patriotic, the proportion of those who think Japan should
self-reflect very much on its past conducts was 39%, topping the
total average.
Respondents were further asked if patriotism should be taught at
school. In response, the proportions of affirmative and negative
answers were close to each other, with "yes" accounting for 50% and
"no" reaching 41%. In addition, "yes" outnumbered "no" among those
in their 50s and older, and vice versa among those in their 40s and
younger. As seen from these figure, public opinion split over the
advisability of teaching patriotism at school.
5) Japanese, Russian foreign ministers agree to try to settle
territorial issue through talks
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
January 25, 2007
Kurashige, Moscow
Administrative Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi and Russian First
Vice Foreign Minister Denisov wound up the two-day first strategic
talks in Russia on Jan. 24. Both sides agreed to record the talks as
TOKYO 00000343 004 OF 009
important start on a new page. On the Northern Territories issue,
they confirmed that the two countries would try to find a solution
by exchanging views. The two also agreed to hold the next round of
talks in Japan this year.
In reference to bilateral relations between Japan and Russia, Yachi
said, "Despite the efforts by leaders and peoples of the two
countries, the relations were not so bright," stressing the
importance of continued dialogue. Denisov replied, "We would like to
accelerate work to build a partnership with Japan."
6) Only general arguments exchanged on territorial issue in first
Japan-Russia strategic talks
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full)
January 25, 2007
The first strategic talks of vice foreign ministers from Japan and
Russia in Moscow ended on Jan. 24. In the two-day talks, both sides
exchanged views on a wide range of areas, such as economic
cooperation and defense exchanges, but on the Northern Territories
issue, only general arguments were exchanged. The next session is
expected to take place in Japan around the summer. Whether both
sides will be able to develop an environment to move the territorial
issue forward through repeated dialogue is likely to hold the key to
whether a Russia visit by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will be
arranged.
Mutual visits between the Japanese and Russian leaders have been
suspended since President Putin came to Japan in 2005. The G-8
summit in 2006 was held in St. Petersburg, Russia, and (then) Prime
Minister Junichiro Koizumi attended it, but the visit was not
official. In view of diplomatic courtesy, Prime Minister Abe's visit
to Russia should come next.
But there are no prospects in sight. The Japanese Foreign Ministry
has taken a cautious stance about a prime ministerial visit to
Russia, a senior official saying: "If the territorial issue remains
stalled, (even if the prime minister visits Russia),Japan will only
be criticized. It is impossible to easily use the card of a Russia
visit by the prime minister." Japan intends to wait for the next
move by Russia, which has taken a tough stance.
The prolonged suspension of mutual visits by the Japanese and
Russian leaders is also undesirable for Russia in terms of
investment from Japan. The Foreign Ministry plans to persistently
continue talks until arrangements are made for a visit by prime
minister to Russia, based on the view that mutual understanding
deepened in the strategic talks."
7) Vice Foreign Minister Yachi a key player to determine prime
minister's destiny
ASAHI (Page 4) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
Foreign Ministry's Administrative Vice Minister Shotaro Yachi, 63,
played up his presence in the first strategic dialogue between Japan
and Russia. He has represented Japan in negotiations in promoting an
"assertive Japanese diplomacy," as aimed at by Prime Minister Abe.
The top bureaucrat making use of his contacts in various circles is
a mild-mannered man with a genuine conservative philosophy. However,
TOKYO 00000343 005 OF 009
he is capable of brave and bold action. He is unique and
distinctive.
Yachi called on Russian Foreign Minister Lavrov on Jan. 23 and
discussed with him a variety of themes, including North Korea, Iran,
and UN reform. The meeting lasted for 70 minutes, though it had
initially been arranged for 30 minutes. He was treated as if he were
foreign minister, an accompanying source saying, "Such a posture of
the other side represents its willingness to treat Japan with
respect."
It is quite rare for an administrative vice minister to directly
engage in diplomatic negotiations. Yachi, though, visited six
countries last year. He made arrangements for the tour of China and
South Korea by Prime Minister Abe last October. He has close ties
with Chinese Vice Foreign Minister Dai Bingguo, and they sometimes
go to karaoke bars together.
Yachi is also gutsy, in a sense. When relations between Japan and
South Korea became strained over South Korea's radiological
investigation in waters near the Takeshima/Dokdo islets last
September, he visited Seoul and presented a 20-centimeter-thick
batch of documents to Foreign Affairs and Trade Vice Minister Yoo,
claiming: "The South Korean government's proceedings are against
international law. If Japan brings the case to trial, Japan will
win." As a result, he succeeded in securing the other side's
agreement on a joint survey.
When Yachi was promoted to assistant deputy chief cabinet secretary
from Comprehensive Foreign Policy Bureau director general of the
Foreign Ministry in 2002, Shinzo Abe was deputy chief cabinet
secretary. In dealing with North Korea's abduction issue, Yachi
SIPDIS
found himself on the same wavelength with Abe, who has called for
applying pressure on the North. Even now, Prime Minister Abe meets
alone with Yachi once or twice a week. He is an unprecedented
"incumbent policy advisor" to the prime minister.
Seeing the Abe administration's popularity plunging, some members in
the administration insist that there will be no other means but to
score points with diplomatic efforts. Yachi is indisputably a key
player in determining the prime minister's destiny.
8) Mongolia gives in to Japan concerning election for UNSC
nonpermanent seats in 2008: Japan to declare candidacy
ASAHI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
Prime Minister Abe yesterday exchanged views on United Nations
reform on the phone with Mongolian President Enkhbayar. The
president conveyed his nation's decision not to run in the election
for nonpermanent seats on the United Nations Security Council to
take place in the fall of 2008 and asked Japan to come forward.
Responding to the request, the prime minister announced his desire
for Japan to run in the election. Iran is expected to announce
candidacy in the Asian framework. However, the UNSC has adopted a
sanctions resolution against that nation for its nuclear program. As
such, the government views that Japan stands a good chance of
becoming a nonpermanent member in 2009.
Abe on the evening of the same day told reporters at the Prime
Minister's Official Residence, "We want to fulfill our
TOKYO 00000343 006 OF 009
responsibility in response to Mongolia's favor."
The UNSC consists of five permanent member nations and 10
nonpermanent members. The tenure of nonpermanent members is two
years. Elections take place every year to replace half the
nonpermanent members. However, reelection for two consecutive terms
is banned. Of the 10 seats, two are allocated to Asia, three to
Africa, one to East Europe, two to Latin America and two to Western
Europe and other regions.
The next step is undertaking coordination with Iran to choose a
single candidate from the Asian framework. If the coordination
fails, the one that obtains more than two-thirds of valid votes in
the UN General Assembly will be elected. A senior Foreign Ministry
official noted in confidence that even if an election takes place,
Japan stands a good chance, because even if China is opposed, it
cannot exercise a veto.
9) Political management office expenses: LDP to revise Political
Funds Control Law aiming at requiring politicians to attach receipts
-- 50,000 yen or more each case - to political funds reports
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Top Play) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Toshikatsu Matsuoka and
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Bunmei
Ibuki reported huge amounts of money as their political management
office expenses in their reports on political funds to the
government, even though they used rent-free offices in a Diet
members' building. In connection with this issue, the ruling Liberal
Democratic Party (LDP) has adopted a policy line of revising the
Political Funds Control Law designed to require the attachment of
receipts for expenses of 50,000 yen or more each to political funds
reports.
In an attempt to play up its efforts dealing with the issue of
"politics and money" in the July House of Councilors election, the
LDP leadership is now carrying out coordination within the party and
its junior coalition partner, New Komeito, aiming at amending the
law during the regular session of the Diet, which convenes today.
The LDP reform implementation headquarters began yesterday
discussion of amending the law at the compliance subcommittee.
The Political Funds Control Law classifies the expenses of a
political management organization into operating expenses, including
office expenses, utility charges, and labor costs; and political
activity expenses such as election related costs and organizational
activity expenses. Under the law, politicians are obliged to submit
receipts when they used 50,000 yen or more for each political
activity, but there is no obligation to attach any receipts to a
report on operating expenses, just to list total amounts.
10) Store meat cases without US beef become familiar; Imports after
reinstatement of trade are less than 10% of pre-ban level; Customers
shifting to Australian beef and to pork
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
It has been six months since the Japanese government decided to
resume US beef imports on July 27 last year. The import level after
TOKYO 00000343 007 OF 009
the import resumption is now less than 10% of the pre-ban monthly
average recorded in December 2003. Only a limited number of
retailers deal with US beef. Yoshinoya beef bowl restaurant chain
has put back beef bowls on its menus, but they are served only at
lunchtime. With more supermarkets, whose main customers are
safety-sensitive housewives, having switched to Australian products,
store-shelves without US beef are now a familiar scene. Beef
consumption by Japanese customers is undergoing a change, as can be
seen in the fact that overall consumption of imported beef has
dropped.
Trade statistics show that imports of US beef last November stood at
approximately 1,600 tons. The average monthly import before the ban,
which was introduced following the discovery of a BSE-infected cow
in the US, was 20,000 tons.
Food supermarket chain Top, head office in Setagaya, Tokyo, has
resumed sales of US beef. At present its 14 stores can only secure
about 300 kg a week. It means each store can only get 70 packs
containing 300 grams of beef. They are sold out in a day at some
stores.
Few stores sell US beef. US beef accounted for 15% of the beef Aeon
sold before the ban. However, the store has put off a decision on
whether to purchase US beef citing that it wants to determine
whether it is safe to buy US beef. Leading supermarket chains remain
cautious, noting that they do not hear strong requests from
customers for US beef.
US beef has disappeared from store shelves. What has replaced it?
Low-priced US beef used to be popular in Japan. However, following
the end of the import ban, demand for US beef remained low.
According to the Agriculture & Livestock Industries Corporation
(ALIC),domestic consumption of beef dropped from 904,000 tons in
fiscal 2003 to 809,000 tons in fiscal 2004. Consumption of domestic
beef dropped by 2,000 tons to 355,000 tons, but consumption of
imported beef dropped even more -- 17% from 546,000 tons.
However, sales of Australian products have grown. Of the beef
purchased by food supermarket chain Inageya in October 2002, 12% was
from Australia and 8% was US products, but it has gradually shifted
to Australian products. Now the share of Australian beef is 24%.
Live Corporation noted that the "US been has been entirely replaced
with Australian products."
There was a strong image among Japanese costumers that the texture
of Australian beef was dry. Cattle fed on grain, whose red meat
contains fat, have increased in Australia. Inageya said that this
type of meet caters to the taste of Japanese consumers, leading to
the increased sales.
11) US applying pressure for eased standards, insisting on
introduction of 30-months-or-younger rule; Japan says it is too
early to ease standards
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Full)
January 25, 2007
The US government has begun strengthening pressure on Japan in
pursuit of eased import standards applied to its beef. Its point is
that the current standard that since only beef from cattle aged 20
TOKYO 00000343 008 OF 009
months or younger can be imported for the prevention of BSE is
strict in light of international guidelines, it should be revised
now that six months have passed since the removal of the import ban.
The Japanese government remains firm on its present stance, noting
that it is too early to discuss the possibility of reviewing the
standard.
When Agriculture Minister Matsuoka visited the US in the middle of
this month, US Secretary of Agriculture Johanns and other officials
strongly called on Japan to ease the standard and adopt a
30-months-or-younger rule. It was discovered yesterday that the US
government had continued to seek an early easing of the standard in
writing even after that. The Japan-US agreement on US beef
stipulates that the Japanese side checks whether the US side is
observing conditions set for products exported to Japan during the
six months after the removal of the import ban. The US position is
that since this monitoring period ends this month, Japan should ease
the import standards. However, the Japanese government is cautious
about the idea of revising the standards, including further
inspections of facilities from where products are shipped to Japan,
with an Agriculture Ministry official noting, "We have yet to
conduct inspections of the US export system."
12) Prime Minister Abe to submit three education reform bills to
regular Diet session based on education reform panel's interim
report
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 1) (Excerpts)
January 25, 2007
At a meeting yesterday of the Education Rebuilding Council headed by
Ryoji Noyori, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe revealed his intention to
submit to a regular session of the Diet to start today a set of
three bills related to education reform, including a bill revising
the school education law aimed at a review of the so-called
pressure-free education system and the introduction of a teachers'
license renewal system. He ordered to the ruling coalition and the
education ministry to draft legislation, aiming at passing the bills
through the Diet during the regular session. The education reform
panel adopted in its meeting yesterday the first interim report
stipulating such proposals as increasing classroom hours by 10%. The
panel then handed it to Abe.
Main points of education reform panel's interim report
7 Review the cram-free education and increase classroom hours by 10%
7 Utilize a system to suspend offending students from school and
support them recovery
7 Treat excellent public school teachers by increasing pays and
promotion
7 Introduce a teachers' license renewal system
7 Set up a third-party organ to assess schools
7 Review the boards of education and integrate them that
municipalities with the population of 50,000 or less
13) Education policy clique unhappy with education reform panel's
primary report
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
January 25, 2007
TOKYO 00000343 009 OF 009
Many in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),particularly
lawmakers representing educational policy interests, expressed
unhappiness with a primary report compiled by the government's
Education Rebuilding Council. The report calls for a review of the
so-called pressure-free education system. The education policy
clique appears to have sought to check the Prime Minister's Official
Residence's initiative in reforming the education system.
The LDP and its coalition partner, New Komeito were briefed last
evening by Special Advisor to the Prime Minister on Education Eriko
Yamatani on the report at the ruling camp's education rebuilding
study panel headed by Tadamori Oshima. The meeting lasted two hours,
but the panel put off approval to the next session.
Many LDP lawmakers, who have advocated the pressure-free education
system, made specific requests of Yamatani, with former education
minister Takeo Kawamura saying, "Rejecting the pressure-free
education system does not lead to reform of education."
At the meeting, the fact that Prime Minister directed Education
Minister Bunmei Ibuki to submit to the regular Diet session to be
convened today a set of three bills, including a review of the
school teachers' license system came under the lash. New Komeito
Acting Chief Representative Toshiko Hamayotsu warned: "I want the
prime minister to let the ruling coalition to discuss the bills
before submitting them."
SCHIEFFER