DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 08/25/08

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 06 TOKYO 002330 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: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 08/25/08 INDEX: (1) Okinawa City sends letters of protest to Japanese, U.S. governments on radiation leak by nuclear-powered submarine (Ryukyu Shimpo) (2) Delay in announcement of USS Houston's radiation leak; Is it all right to entrust safety of nuclear aircraft carrier to U.S.? (Tokyo Shimbun) (3) SDF dispatch (Part 3): Constitutional interpretation-Backspin with new prime minister coming in (Mainichi) (4) Lower House Speaker Kono's persistence to bear fruit (Mainichi) (5) Science and Technology Ministry to earmark 16 billion yen for GX rocket project (Tokyo Shimbun) ARTICLES: (1) Okinawa City sends letters of protest to Japanese, U.S. governments on radiation leak by nuclear-powered submarine RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 2) (Full) August 23, 2008 Okinawa In the wake of the leak of cooling water by the USS Houston, a U.S. Navy nuclear-powered submarine, Okinawa City (Mayor Mitsuko Tomon) sent on Aug. 22 letters of protest and petitions to the governments of Japan and the United States, calling for the two governments to clarify the cause of the accident, disclose the test results of all nuclear-powered submarines that visited the city in the past, and stop port calls by nuclear-powered submarines. The city also sent letters of protest against the illegal parking of U.S. military vehicles at civilian parking lots in the city and the theft of civilian vehicles by U.S. Marines in Okinawa. The city sought the prompt disclosure of results of examinations of all nuclear-powered submarines that visited the city in the past, with the letter reading: "The leak of radiation occurred in fisheries waters straddling both Uruma City and Okinawa City. This radiation leak undeniably made residents of the city and the prefecture gravely anxious. Such an accident must not take place." Also pointing out the central government's failure to report the accident to local governments, the letters criticize it as "the state's lack of crisis awareness." The letters also call for prevention of illegal parking of U.S. military vehicles, strict discipline, and the thorough education of U.S. service members, saying: "The actual conditions in which military vehicles can easily be stolen expose the U.S. military's poor management. We cannot rule out the possibility that such an act might result in serious cases, including the theft of civilian vehicles." The letter protesting the radiation leak is addressed to the U.S. secretary of defense, U.S. Forces Japan commander, Okinawa area coordinator, and others. The petition is addressed to the heads of TOKYO 00002330 002 OF 006 the two Diet chambers, prime minister, foreign minister, defense minister, and others. The letter of protest against the illegal parking of U.S. military vehicles is addressed to the Okinawa area coordinator, Camp Hansen commander, Okinawa Defense Bureau director general, and others. (2) Delay in announcement of USS Houston's radiation leak; Is it all right to entrust safety of nuclear aircraft carrier to U.S.? TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 26) (Full) August 20, 2008 The Kashiwazki-Kariwa nuclear power plant was hit by an earthquake in July, 2007. Following this, the leakage of radiation from the nuclear-powered USS Houston was discovered this month. Since nuclear reactors have become something familiar to us, we are at risk of being exposed to radiation. Iodine preparations are effective to prevent thyroid gland disorder from radiation, but they have yet to be stockpiled. Why? "It was too sloppy to unveil the radiation leak of a U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier nearly two years after it occurred. Yokosuka residents were deceived," said Masahiko Goto, a lawyer who opposes the deployment of the USS George Washington to Yokosuka Naval Base. Goto is co-leader of a civic group opposing Yokosuka becoming the home port of the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier. The USS Houston released cooling water containing less than 3.5 kilo becquerel of radiation when it made a call at Yokosuka for five days in January, 2007. In 2006 and afterward, the Houston discharged radiation when it called at the Sasebo base in Nagasaki Prefecture, and at U.S. White Beach military facility in Okinawa Prefecture. It is said that since the amount of the radiation leaked at the three Japanese ports was minute, it has no effect on the human body. The USS George Washington is expected to be deployed to Yokosuka in late September to replace the USS Kitty Hawk, which has become obsolete. USS George Washington Commander John Haley has stressed the safety of the nuclear aircraft carrier, saying: "I will not jeopardize my family." However, the nuclear aircraft carrier is expected to be permanently deployed to Yokosuka, which is located near Tokyo. Goto underscored: "Since the nuclear aircraft carrier moves around in war zones, it is more dangerous than any nuclear power plant. The George Washington's deployment without being able to check whether it leaks radiation is impermissible." Goto and his civic group members called for a public referendum on the deployment of the George Washington, but Yokosuka City Mayor Ryoichi Kabaya turned down the idea, judging that the handling of an issue that relates to foreign policy and security is the state's job and unsuitable for a referendum. The city assembly also rejected it by an overwhelming majority. Fire on George Washington A fire broke out onboard the George Washington while it was traveling in the Pacific Ocean. Although the U.S. Navy has insisted that there was no radiation leak, residents living around the base TOKYO 00002330 003 OF 006 are increasingly concerned. A city safety division official said: "If a U.S. nuclear aircraft carrier has an accident, we can get information in the same way we do when there is an accident at a Japanese nuclear power plant. Radiation leaks spread with time, so we will absolutely be able to take safety measures." Based on its regional disaster prevention plan, Yokosuka City has stockpiled iodine tablets and powder in a total of 32 public health centers and elementary schools -- 294,000 tablets and about 1 kilogram of powder, which is easy for children to take, in each place. Iodine tables or power will be provided to residents at each evacuation center should radiation exposure be predicted to exceed standards set by the Nuclear Safety Commission. Goto tilted his head in doubt about the fact that the city has conducted emergency drills to transport iodine preparations by public health center vehicle led by a prefectural police car. He said: "Is it all right to leave the safety of a warship ported in Yokosuka to the U.S. military? If Japan makes efforts to get information in advance on whether there is a radiation leak, it would be too late to use iodine tablets in case of an emergency." (3) SDF dispatch (Part 3): Constitutional interpretation-Backspin with new prime minister coming in MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) August 21, 2008 Press: "Are you going to alter the government's constitutional interpretation so Japan can exercise the right to collective self-defense?" Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda: "I've never said I would change it. The Constitution is the Constitution." Fukuda's predecessor, SHINZO Abe, launched a private advisory panel at the prime minister's office when he was still in office as prime minister. On June 24, the advisory panel-or the Council for Rebuilding the Legal Foundation of National Security (chaired by former Administrative Vice Foreign Minister Shunji Yanai)-came up with its final report of its discussions. ABE insisted that Japan should be constitutionally allowed to participate in collective self-defense. Fukuda, however, was too cold on the ABE panel's final report that incorporated Abe's standpoint in favor of collective self-defense. Fukuda's attitude told that the ABE panel's discussion over constitutional interpretation had been mothballed. Abe became prime minister in the fall of the year before last. Shortly thereafter, ABE announced he would consider altering the government's conventional way of reading and interpreting the Constitution. His advisory panel, which started its discussion in May last year, made four case studies, focusing particularly on two options for Japan: 1) Japan's missile defense (MD) system intercepts ballistic missiles targeted at the United States; and 2) the Self-Defense Forces strikes back if and when U.S. naval vessels come under attack in international waters. Both cases allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, which-according to the government's constitutional interpretation-is prohibited under the Constitution. In 2003, the then chief cabinet secretary, Yasuo Fukuda, stated that MD is for TOKYO 00002330 004 OF 006 Japan's defense only. ABE also implied that he would think twice about this Fukuda statement. His advisory panel was made up of his brain trusters. The panel was therefore certain to reach a conclusion as ABE likes. However, ABE stepped down because his ruling Liberal Democratic Party suffered a crushing defeat in an election for the House of Councillors. His policy line, which was seen as hasty, was halted as Fukuda-who is cautious about allowing Japan to participate in collective self-defense-became prime minister. Even so, Prime Minister Fukuda was believed to be positive to consider the other two points at issue discussed by the ABE panel: 3) the SDF on overseas missions goes to the rescue of foreign troops engaged in international cooperation when they came under attack; and 4) the SDF conducts rear-echelon support for foreign troops in a combat area. "Abe's imprint is too strong." "That would have a negative impact on Japan's relations with China." So saying, Fukuda's aides showed their reluctance to study the other two options. Taking their advice, Fukuda gave up on these two case studies. The advisory panel was amenable to ABE in its report and showed no consideration for Fukuda. This also had the opposite effect. However, LDP Secretary General Taro Aso, who is the most likely post-Fukuda candidate, declared in his battle last year with Fukuda for LDP presidency that he would respect the ABE panel's report if he becomes prime minister. One surmises that Aso, if he becomes prime minister, could name ABE as foreign minister. Aso and ABE are 'sworn friends' who advocated an "arc of freedom and prosperity"-or a China encircling net ranging from East Europe to democratic nations in Asia. With the advent of Aso, the ABE panel's mothballed report could be put back on the table. However, the argument over constitutional interpretation is given backspin each time the prime minister is replaced. Such politics is really precarious. (4) Lower House Speaker Kono's persistence to bear fruit MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full) August 16, 2008 "It will be a compilation of what I have been working over the last five years as Lower House speaker. I want to make it a historic event. It will be a message to the world as well," Lower House Speaker Yohei Kono said enthusiastically at his official residence. The G-8 Summit of Lower House Speakers will take place on Sept. 2. It will be the first time for Japan to host such a summit. The nation that hosted the G-8 summit has also hosted a speakers' meeting every year since 2002. The Hiroshima summit will be the seventh. Kono made his summit debut in the third meeting that took place in Chicago. At the time, he reportedly said to himself: "When Japan's turn comes, there is no other place but Hiroshima, the city that was attacked with an atomic bomb, to host the event. I will make efforts to host the event if I am still in the post (in 2008)." He has been making preparations for the event since. The key was held by the United States. Over the last 63 years after TOKYO 00002330 005 OF 006 the end of WWII, no incumbent U.S. political leader has visited Hiroshima. Under the U.S. Constitution, the House speaker is third in line for succession to the presidency; should the President and Vice President unable to serve, the speaker shall serve as President. If the United States shunned the venue, the Hiroshima plan would have to be given up, Kono thought. Without the United States, the event might end up resulting in negative effects. When he held a meeting with U.S. House Speaker Nancy Pelosi on the sidelines of the sixth speakers' meeting held last September in Berlin, Kono said to her: "Mankind is faced with the issues of the global environment and peace. Environmental issues will be taken up at the Hokkaido G-8 summit. Given the situation, I want to take up peace and disarmament at next year's speakers' summit. I think Hiroshima fits the topics as the venue to host the event." Pelosi readily agreed to Kono's plan, saying, "I think your plans are terrific. Weapons of mass destruction and nuclear disarmament are extremely important matters, and no place is more suitable than Hiroshima. If I can attend it, it will be a great honor." Pelosi, 68, a Democrat from San Francisco, is the first woman to become House speaker. Actively addressing such matters as the democratization of China and the Tibetan issue, Pelosi is also internationally popular as a liberal legislator. Pelosi also said: "There are many Japanese-Americans in San Francisco. There are all sorts of things relating to Hiroshima, as well. We must fully understand what happened at that time." There was a problem in terms of Pelosi's timetable. She was scheduled to chair the Democratic National Convention and name the party's official presidential nominee on Aug. 29. The presidential race would then move into full swing, and congressional races would also kick off that day. Pelosi still promised to attend the event, saying: "There will be no problems in my race. It is really important for all the speakers to attend the event. If I depart on Aug. 30, I will be able to arrive in Japan on the 31st." The other six G-8 members did not raise any objections in the subsequent coordination of timetables, and the epoch-making speakers' meeting in Hiroshima in September was nailed down. Visibly overjoyed, Kono said: "I was surprised that Speaker Pelosi unexpectedly supported the plan. It is significant that the Italian speaker is the only person who has visited Hiroshima and that others have never visited the city." The G-8 speakers are scheduled to attend a dinner party to be hosted by Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda on Aug. 31. They are slated to arrive at Hiroshima on a government plane after attending a luncheon party to be hosted by Kono and having an audience with the Emperor at the Imperial Palace on Sept. 1. On Sept. 2, they are scheduled to lay a wreath at the cenotaph for A-bomb victims and tour the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum. This will be followed by discussions in the museum's conference room on the role of the speakers' meeting for peace and disarmament among nine speakers: the G-8 speakers and the European Union speaker as a guest. TOKYO 00002330 006 OF 006 As gifts, the members will be presented with memo pads produced by a son of the late Lower House Speaker Hyosuke Kujiraoka, who was chair of the Parliamentarian League to Promote International Disarmament. The cases are made of a Hiroshima fabric depicting the Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Kono pays careful attention to details. (5) Science and Technology Ministry to earmark 16 billion yen for GX rocket project TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full) August 23, 2008 The Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) decided yesterday to earmark 16 billion yen for a project to develop the GX rocket in its budget estimate for fiscal 2009. For the GX rocket project, MEXT's budget request of 15 billion yen for fiscal 2008 was slashed to 5.6 billion yen. Questions are now being posed on the propriety of continuing the GX rocket development project, given a delay in the project and additional costs. No conclusion has been reached yet. But MEXT intends to make the budgetary request so that it will be able to respond if a decision is made to continue the project in a meeting of the Space Development Strategy Office on Aug. 27. The GX is a medium-size rocket that is somewhat smaller than the H-2A rocket, Japan's mainstay launching vehicle. The project is being promoted by MEXT and the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) and by IHI Corporation (IHI) from the private sector. The GX rocket project was started in full swing in 2001, but its liftoff set for 2005 has been postponed to 2011 due to a delay in the government's development of a liquefied natural gas (LNG) engine. ZUMWALT