TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - JAPAN-ROK RELATIONS AND

UNCLAS TOKYO 001946 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: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - JAPAN-ROK RELATIONS AND NORTH KOREA ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Tuesday morning papers front-paged the GOJ release of a middle school textbook manual that effectively describes two ROK-controlled islets in the Sea of Japan as Japanese territory. ¶2. "Calmness Needed to Deal with Territorial Dispute" The liberal Mainichi editorialized (7/15): "It is unfortunate that Japan and South Korea are arguing over guidelines for children's education.... Territorial disputes tend to become emotional. This matter should be discussed calmly by governments at a diplomatic venue. Yet another emotional confrontation will not lead to a solution." ¶3. "Teach Children that Islets are Japanese Territory" The conservative Sankei argued in an editorial (7/15): "A territorial issue is something that has a direct bearing on Japan's sovereignty. Paying diplomatic consideration to a manual for children's education will create problems for the future of Japan's public education." ¶4. "Future Outlook for Korean Peninsula Uncertain" (7/15): "The recent session of the six-party talks appeared to provide a clear timetable for assistance for North Korea, though there remain many ambiguities on the core issue of verification of its nuclear declaration.... Faced with the abduction issue, Japan finds itself in a difficult situation. The U.S., which Japan has relied on, is making one concession after another in a hurried attempt to score an accomplishment on the nuclear front before President Bush leaves office. China is also hesitant about causing waves over North Korea in view of the Summer Olympics." CEKUTA