TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - INAUGURATION OF

UNCLAS TOKYO 000121 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 - INAUGURATION OF PRESIDENT OBAMA ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Wednesday morning papers focused intense coverage on the inauguration of President Obama. ¶2. "Obama Is Tasked with Rejuvenating America" The liberal Asahi editorialized (1/21): "President Obama is set to reconstruct the role of a federal government in the belief that the establishment of a stable middle- class forms the foundation of a democratic society. However, it will not be an easy task for him to realize a fair society without undermining 'freedom.' The world is anxiously waiting President Obama to put forward specific ideas of what a 'smart government' can do for America." ¶3. "First 100 Days Hold Key" The liberal Mainichi wrote (1/21): "President Obama, with the backing of an overwhelming public support, will guide America into a new era of responsibility. However, it will not be so easy for the new President to overcome the aggravated economic situation and to end the prolonged war on terrorism.... If he fails to live up to the public chorus of 'change' swiftly, he may run the risk of losing public support, which forms the core of his political foundation." ¶4. "New President Calls for National Unity to Overcome Crisis" A Washington correspondent for the conservative Sankei reported (1/21): "In his inaugural speech, President Obama stressed the 'new era of responsibility' apparently in the belief that the U.S. will not be able to overcome such daunting challenges as wars in Iraq and Afghanistan and the economic recession without unity between the government and American people." ¶5. "After dream comes Heavy Realities" The Washington bureau chief of the liberal Tokyo Shimbun stated in a front-page column (1/21): "The entire U.S. is swept with festivity. However, President Obama, as the only commander in chief, is now tasked with dealing with various challenges. He is now being asked to do more than just laying out dreams and ideas.... Confronted with plunging housing prices and the collapse of a financial bubble, American people, who once fully enjoyed a spending spree, are now grappling with its consequences. Whether President Obama is able to deliver his promised 'change' depends on whether American people can change themselves." ZUMWALT