DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 01/03/08

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 01/03/08 INDEX: (1) MPD to deploy more counterterrorism investigators ahead of G-8 summit in Lake Toyo (Sankei) (2) Kantei, ruling parties considering moving V-shaped Futenma replacement runways 80-90 meters from government plan; "We will welcome it if consideration is given to peoples' daily lives," says Vice Governor Nakazato (Okinawa Times) (3) Japan honing coal-fired power generation, an eco technology; To support newly emerging economies' efforts to increase power generation efficiency; Full-fledged coal gasification test to be conducted (Sankei) (4) My views on yen drifting lower versus dollar: Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano says drifting yen reflects deterioration of Japanese economy (Nikkei) (5) Prime Minister's schedule, January 1 (Nikkei) (6) TOP HEADLINES (7) EDITORIALS (Corrected copy): Japan, US to begin talks later this month on MD intelligence-sharing roadmap (Sankei) ARTICLES: (1) MPD to deploy more counterterrorism investigators ahead of G-8 summit in Lake Toyo SANKEI (Page 3) January 3, 2008 In preparation for the Group of Eight (G-8) Summit at Lake Toya, Hokkaido, in July, the Tokyo Metropolitan Police Department's (MPD) Public Safety Bureau (PSB) yesterday decided to deploy more investigators tasked with dealing with international terrorism, for instance, an attack by Islamic radicals. Alarmed also by radical activities by organizations opposing globalism, the MPD will increase the number of investigators in charge of analyzing actual conditions. Behind this decision is the department's judgment that in order to deal with the "new threats" of international terrorism and antiglobalism movements, the current setup of investigators. The PSB has some 140 investigators tasked with international terrorism at present and will increase their number by 20 PERCENT this month to some 170. The bureau also plans to increase on a similar scale the number of investigators in charge of dealing with anti-globalism movements. By bringing together investigators from such sections in the PSB that handle domestic radicals, rightist-caused incidents, and certain crimes committed by foreigners or involving foreign countries such as illegal exports and abductions of Japanese nationals by North Korea, the PSB will newly deploy those investigators to either the post dealing with international terrorism or the post tasked with anti-globalism movements. Although the venue for the G-8 summit is in Hokkaido, the MPD has felt a sense crisis about such issues, with Superintendent General TOKYO 00000019 002 OF 008 Takayoshi Yashiro saying, "Tokyo will become our major battlefield." In fact, in July, a conference of justice ministers and interior ministers is set to take place in Tokyo. A senior MPD officer commented: "International terrorists aim at soft targets like public traffic systems and large event halls or amusement parks attracting many people." In the 2005 G-8 Summit in Gleneagles, Britain, terrorist attacks occurred in London, far away from the venue for the G-8 summit. The 2008 G-8 summit will be the first such international event for Japan to host since the 9/11 terrorist attacks in the United States. Viewing anti-globalism activists who hold large protest rallies and demonstrations as a "new threat," the MPD has decided to change the current investigative setup as the above same official noted, "In order to prevent terrorism and riots, we need to boost our capability to collect and analyze information and investigate suspicious cases." As part of efforts to deal with international terrorism, the MPD will track down foreigners having contacts with Islamic radicals. The MPD has already instructed each police station to boost their efforts to gather information on suspicious foreigners. Each police station is collecting information on suspicious foreigners by regularly visiting apartments where those foreigners reside or through questioning them Based on such information, investigators from the PSB are monitoring and tracking them down. They will be soon joined by investigations the MPD will newly install in the post. Regarding antiglobalism movements, the MPD is alarmed by moves by organizations in Japan and South Korean labor unions and agricultural organizations. The PSB is analyzing information provided by South Korean investigators. (2) Kantei, ruling parties considering moving V-shaped Futenma replacement runways 80-90 meters from government plan; "We will welcome it if consideration is given to peoples' daily lives," says Vice Governor Nakazato OKINAWA TIMES (Top play) (Full) January 3, 2008 Tokyo Japan and the United States have agreed to build a V-shaped pair of runways on the coastal area of Camp Schwab in Nago as the alternate facility to the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station. It was learned yesterday that an idea has surfaced in the government and ruling parties to move the planned V-shaped runways about 80-90 meters into the sea. The notion is now being studied by the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) and some Liberal Democratic Party executives on the condition that the replacement facility would not reach Nagashima (island) off Camp Schwab and that the Okinawa prefectural and Nago municipal governments would not seek any further shifts in location. The Defense Ministry and the Foreign Ministry, however, are generally dismissive of making any changes to the original plan as agreed upon by Japan and the United States. There is no prospect for the U.S. side accepting such a change. Nagashima is some 80 meters away from the southern tip of the planned V-shaped runways. In December, the Kantei unofficially TOKYO 00000019 003 OF 008 learned from a ruling coalition source that Governor Hirokazu Nakaima wanted the envisaged runways to be moved as far offshore as possible within the scope of 50 meters or so, a step short of reaching Nagashima. According to a government source, upon hearing of Nakaima's desire, Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura and others who are eager to settle the Futenma issue have indicated a willingness to respond to his wishes on condition that the affected municipalities would settle on this change once and for all and would not repeatedly ask for more location shifts. The government and ruling coalition plan to reach an agreement on the start of an environmental impact assessment for the replacement facility during the sixth Futenma relocation consultative council meeting, to be held possibly in late January. When the seventh council meeting is held before the end of fiscal 2007, the government would aim having the V-shaped plan accepted, incorporating the request for moving the facility further out to sea. There is a view among those wanting to move the runways further toward the sea that a minor change of up to 100 meters would not hamper U.S. military operations. With the U.S. side from Secretary of Defense Robert Gates on down remaining reluctant to make any changes to the original plan, there is no prospect for a new agreement. Vice Governor Zenki Nakazato said yesterday: "We have not heard anything from the government about moving the planned runways about 90 meters further offshore. That would end up moving the facility as far offshore as possible while stopping a step short of slicing into Nagashima. We have repeatedly asked the government to respect local opinions and give consideration to the daily lives of residents in the vicinity. If that is what the government is going to do, we would welcome (the change) with open arms." (3) Japan honing coal-fired power generation, an eco technology; To support newly emerging economies' efforts to increase power generation efficiency; Full-fledged coal gasification test to be conducted SANKEI (Page 1) (Full) January 3, 2008 The electric power industry will provide major greenhouse gas emitters, such as China and India, with know-how on enhancing coal-fired power generation efficiency with the aim of reducing emissions of greenhouse gases, such as CO2. The industry will convey the know-how to those countries during a field council meeting, scheduled for February in India. At the same time, with the aim of commercializing the next-generation technology called Integrated coal Gasification Combined Cycle (IGCC),the industry will start a 2,000-hour running test this spring. Japan intends to take the initiative in the prevention of global warming by providing the world-leading coal fired power generation technology and by pressing ahead with the development of the next-generation technology. A drawback to coal-fired power generation is that it produces more CO2 as compared with power generation using such fuels as oil and natural gases. But in such countries as China, coal is playing a main role in power generation, because is inexpensive and exists in TOKYO 00000019 004 OF 008 abundance. According to the Federation of Electric Power Companies of Japan, power generation efficiency in such countries as China and India is 30-32 PERCENT on average. In contrast, Japan's efficiency is more than10 points higher. The electric power industry will push ahead with technological assistance to increase the efficiency of power plants in up-and-coming powers on a par with Japan. Such an effort is recognized as a priority project in the Asia-Pacific Partnership for Clean Development and Climate composed of seven countries, such as the United States, China, and India. During the field council meeting in February in India, the electric power industry will transfer know-how on preventing heat diffusion using pipes and temperature control to engineers of other countries. Meanwhile, Clean Coal Power R&D Co. (Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture) run by 11 electric power companies, such as Tokyo Electric Power Co. and Kansai Electric Power Co., will conduct a 2,000-hour running test for IGCC as early as April that can realize high power generation efficiency by gasifying coal as the first step toward its practical use. IGCC gasifies coal with a special furnace and generate electricity by turning a steam turbine with waste heat resulting from gas turbine power generation at the same time. Its power generation efficiency is 48-50 PERCENT , which is higher than the country's average coal-fired thermal efficiency of 43 PERCENT . It can generate power with less fuel. It is said that with IGCC, CO2 can be reduced by about 20 PERCENT . Such countries as the United States and the Netherlands are also making efforts for commercializing IGCC. They are all using a system to send in oxygen in gasifying coal which needs a special device to generate oxygen. Japan's demonstration equipment has adopted a system to directly send in air, not oxygen, in gasifying coal. This allows reducing construction and running costs and increasing power generation efficiency with no energy being used for generating oxygen. The coal-fired thermal power technology called clean coal technology with a little burden on the environment is drawing attention across the globe. Director Koji Morita of the Institute of Energy Economics, Japan, noted: "Western countries are pushing ahead with clean coal technology programs in order to reduce energy's dependence on oil, in addition to the environmental aspect. It is important to take the initiative in reducing the burden on the environment." (4) My views on yen drifting lower versus dollar: Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano says drifting yen reflects deterioration of Japanese economy NIKKEI (Page 5) (Full) January 3, 2008 Q: What are your views about the recently underlying tendency for the yen to weaken? Yosano: From a short-term perspective, the yen's sudden fluctuation has thrown the (Japanese) economy into confusion. If you ask which TOKYO 00000019 005 OF 008 is better, yen depreciation or appreciation, it is natural to say an increase in the value of the currency we use is better. From a long-term perspective, however, over a 20 to 30 year period, a weak yen would mean the Japanese economy has deteriorated. That is not a desirable trend in my view. Japan overshadowed by emerging economies Q: Compared to other major currencies, the yen for the first time in 20 years is at a low level. Yosano: In the latter half of the 1980s, (former Deputy Prime Minister) Michio Watanabe noted, "At present Japan is in a golden age, but that will wane sometime in the future." But I never imagined that such emerging economies like China and India would rise as quickly as they are now. I think the yen and the Japanese economy are both sinking into oblivion. This decline is presumably related, albeit in a complicated fashion, to such problems as the relatively weakening of Japan's power, low economic growth, the shrinking population, as well as a lack of motivation and creativity in the society. But I am troubled when people cite the proverb that prosperity must decay when the golden age nears its end. What I fear the most is that Japan will become poor. When it comes to the pension system, Japan will not be able maintain it if the economy is not stable in macroeconomic terms. If such a worst-case scenario comes true, the Japanese people could turn against each other. Q: The dollar as well as the yen is falling and losing international confidence as the key currency. Yosano: Indeed, the dollar is fluctuating and making us uneasy. The governments of those countries that do not want their economies to sink with the dollar are trying to diversify their investments that go into their foreign currency reserves. But in the case of Japan, we can't do so because we are politically linked to the United States through the security treaty. Countries surrounding Japan include two nuclear powers, China and Russia. In the future, North Korea may become another one of them. Because Japan has no nuclear arms, we need to be stay under America's nuclear umbrella. While political bonds between Japan and the U.S. are becoming more important, the world tendency is to move away from the dollar. Q: Do you mean that Japan's political choices and its economic choices do not necessary move in the same direction? Yosano: I have such a feeling. Aside from our anxiety about the dollar, Japan faces a difficult choice. For instance, it is a major trend for the U.S. and China to be coming closer in economic terms. The Chinese people are aware of the strength of the U.S. market, so they will think a great deal of the U.S. For the U.S., too, it can't ignore the Chinese economy consisting of a population of 1.3 billion, 10 times Japan's population. The U.S. and China are likely to gradually deepen their relations beyond the depth of Japan-U.S. ties as we describe. This tendency will advance even if we raise an objection to that. TOKYO 00000019 006 OF 008 Political decision essential Q: Turning our eyes to the Japanese political world, we see political debates becoming increasingly inward-looking and lacking in ideas to cope with structural changes now occurring on a global scale. Yosano: I think Japan needs to reconsider its market-access policy, including the agricultural sector. I would cite the example of negotiations to sign free trade agreements (FTA). In Europe, the European Union (EU) has in a way embodied the ultimate conclusion of an FTA. If the EU is joined by Turkey, it will mean Europe's FTA will close in on Asia. China is diplomatically bold, so Japan should act more promptly. The British Economist in its recent issue predicted a food crisis, a complex subject involving an energy crisis. I think that's why politics is required to make a decision promptly; otherwise Japan will be left behind in the world trend. What should we do to prevent the Japanese people from becoming poor? The government and political parties must answer this question, in addition to dealing with domestic problems. (5) Prime Minister's schedule, January 1 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) January 3, 2008 10:32 Attended the New Year celebration ceremony at the Imperial Palace. 11:33 Returned to his private residence in Nozawa. Spent afternoon at his residence. Prime Minister's schedule, January 2 Morning Stayed at his private residence. 14:06 Had New Year party with Lower House member Takao Ochi and other family members at his official residence. 18:40 Dined at a Chinese restaurant in Higashi-zebu with wife Kiyoko and others. 20:25 Returned to his private residence. (6) TOP HEADLINES Asahi: IHI suspected of having provide false settlement account; A highest surcharge of 1.7 billion yen may be imposed Mainichi: Government to revise the law for independent administrative corporations and have such entities return their internal reserves to the national coffers TOKYO 00000019 007 OF 008 Yomiuri: Japan's intellectual capability: Profound human intellectual power; Can robots speculate philosophically? Nikkei: Aeon, Morinaga & Co. considering using bar codes to identify how long products are edible or where products were manufactured so that warning will be given at time of checkout Sankei: Surprising incidents involving living creatures -- advancing climate change: Subtropical zone expands 5 kilometers per year Tokyo Shimbun: Japan, U.K. found to have exchanged memorandums stating, "It will be possible to attain the goal of reducing a maximum of 80 PERCENT of greenhouse gas emissions" by 2050 Akahata: A study group of politicians and defense officials found to have suggested in 2006 report that Japan join space arms race, and called on the government to revise the principle of peaceful use of space (7) EDITORIALS Asahi: Resolve to prevent climate change -- Let's change the society with technology Mainichi: Divided Diet: We need to have a profound insight into politics; Time to reconsider parliamentary democracy Yomiuri: Spreading concerns in the wake of the stalled American economy owing to the subprime mortgage loan problem Nikkei: Way to low carbon society: Japanese firms should lead the rest of world with their technology Sankei: Japan's national security: Prime minister should talk about his strategy to protect national interests Tokyo Shimbun: Thinking at the start of the year: Kyoto Protocol Akahata: World in 2008: We must boost the trend for peace and progress (Corrected copy): Japan, US to begin talks later this month on MD intelligence-sharing roadmap SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) January 3, 2008 It was learned yesterday that the governments of Japan and the United States would begin talks possibly later this month on drawing up a roadmap for smoothly implementing an intelligence-sharing arrangement for intercepting ballistic missiles using the missile TOKYO 00000019 008 OF 008 defense (MD) system. The two governments will undertake coordination to conclude a memorandum of understanding (MOU) on sharing MD-related intelligence before the Air Self-Defense Force completes the new basic air defense system called JADGE in fiscal 2009. An agreement was reached on drawing up the roadmap in the Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee of foreign and defense ministers (2+2) held in Washington in May 2007. But the plan has not proceeded due to strong U.S. concern about Japan's intelligence security system in the wake of a leak of pivotal information on the Aegis system. A senior Defense Ministry official said: "We were pressed to produce evidence that the information has not flowed out to other countries, so we could not bring up the subject of drawing up the roadmap." The Maritime Self-Defense Force is scheduled to deploy later this month the Aegis-equipped Kongo, the first vessel loaded with sea-based SM-3 missiles, to Sasebo base in Nagasaki Prefecture. In addition, the Air Self-Defense Force is slated to complete deploying the ground-to-air PAC-3 system at four locations in the metropolitan area in March. For this reason, the two governments reached an agreement to start talks early. The U.S. military has also deployed MD-related weapons and radar systems in Japan. In order for the two governments to jointly deal with incoming ballistic missiles, it is essential to closely share intelligence on signs of missile launches, confirmation of launches, tracking missiles' trajectories, and a set of procedures for intercepting incoming missiles. In the event a ballistic missile is launched toward Japan by a neighboring country, it would land in Japan in about eight to 10 minutes, according to a Defense Ministry source. If intelligence sharing does not work properly, chances are that the MD system will not function, and the two countries would fail to intercept the incoming missile. The two governments will begin talks on the roadmap that would incorporate specific ways to utilize the intelligence and to establish an intelligence security system after determining the kinds of information and data that should be shared even in a matter of minutes in order to operate the MD system accurately. The roadmap is expected to be drawn up in line with progress on the implementation of the MD system. DONOVAN