JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/07/09

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/07/09 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) Hiroshima Memorial: 4) Difficult for President Obama unable to make it to Hiroshima, Nagasaki during fall visit (Yomiuri) 5) Statements at the Hiroshima Day memorial ceremony include President Obama's theme of a world without nuclear weapons (Asahi) 6) Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama in Hiroshima speech says he intends to pursue "non-proliferation diplomacy" if his party wins the election (Yomiuri) North Korea problem: 7) Foreign Minister Nakasone indicates that Japan worked on the U.S to have former President Clinton bring up the abduction issue during his DPRK trip (Yomiuri) 8) Tokyo saw Clinton visit as opportunity to press North Korea on the abduction issue (Nikkei) 9) Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura: Senior U.S. official told him that Kim Jong Il made no reaction to Clinton statement on abductees (Sankei) 10) Japan concerned that it will be left behind as U.S., taking advantage of momentum from Clinton visit to Pyongyang, moves on North Korea issues (Sankei) Election campaign: 12) Nikkei poll: DPJ up 3 points to 43% in voter approval in election, while LDP marks time at 26% (Nikkei) 13) Yomiuri poll: Voters cast severe eyes of contents of DPJ's manifesto (campaign pledges) but that does not translate into support for the LDP (Yomiuri) 14) Faced with Social Democratic Party obstinacy, DPJ wavering in its position on reviewing the three non-nuclear principles (Tokyo Shimbun) 15) Prime Minister Aso campaigns in his home district to warm welcome (Sankei) 16) LDP is faced with revolt from three local chapters (Asahi) 17) New Komeito raps DPJ for altering its stand on FTA with the U.S., faced with political resistance from farmers (Tokyo Shimbun) 18) DPJ's Hatoyama calls for a common Asian currency (Yomiuiri) 19) Child pornography cases up alarmingly by 27%: Police report (Mainichi) Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Sankei & Tokyo Shimbun: First lay judge trial ends, citizen judges, mostly positive, meet press Nikkei: Mitsubishi Rayon to make plexiglass precursor in Saudi Arabia Akahata: Participants in A-bombing memorial ceremony in Hiroshima pledge to realize a nuclear-free world TOKYO 00001800 002 OF 012 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Agreement between Aso, sufferers from A-bomb-linked illness but one step forward (2) Lay judges speak of weight of experience Mainichi: (1) Lay judge system makes smooth start but requires constant examination (2) Make agreement between Aso, sufferers from A-bomb disease the first step toward a total settlement Yomiuri: (1) Monitor and improve lay judge system (2) All political parties must jointly address the issue of recognizing sufferers from A-bomb disease Nikkei: (1) Let's use the lay judge system to improve the criminal justice system (2) The next business challenge now that corporate profits have bottomed out Sankei: (1) Lay judges superbly fulfill citizens' responsibility (2) Government urged to resolve remaining issues related to A-bomb disease Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Agreement finally reached between government and sufferers from A-bomb disease (2) Thunderclouds are warning signs of turbulent winds and tornadoes Akahata: (1) Government urged to make a sincere effort to rescue sufferers from A-bomb disease 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, August 6 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 7, 2009 07:41 Departed Grand Prince Hotel Hiroshima, where he stayed overnight 07:50 Memorial ceremony for victims of atomic bombing at Hiroshima City Peace Memorial Park 09:00 Toured Peace Memorial Museum, accompanied by Health Minister Yoichi Masuzoe; casual conversation with UN General Assembly President Miguel D'Escoto Brockmann 09:38 Signed document on basic policy on ending class action lawsuit on certification of A-bomb diseases at Riga Royal Hotel Hiroshima; TOKYO 00001800 003 OF 012 followed by meeting to hear petition from A-bomb victim representatives 10:42 News conference 11:07 Met Nanao Kamata, head of support group for A-bomb victims at "Funairi Mutsumi-en," nursing home for A-bomb victims; followed by visit to patients 11:37 Met secretary at Hotel Granvia Hiroshima 13:19 Departed JR Hiroshima station on Nozomi-159 train 14:13 Arrived at JR Kokura station 14:20 Stump speech in front of "Koretto" shopping center in Kitakyushu City 15:12 Stump speech in front of "Aeon Yahata Higashi Shopping Center" 15:38 Speech at Kitakyushu Yahata Royal Hotel 16:49 Stump speech in front of "Sunlive Koga" supermarket in Koga City, Fukuoka Prefecture 17:59 Stump speech in front of Iizuka Bunka Kaikan in Iizuka City, Fukuoka Prefecture 18:41 Arrived at his private residence in Iizuka City 19:09 Met Fukuoka Prefectural Assembly member Taro Yoshihara, others at Nogami President Hotel; followed by party to show support for him by local medical association and other groups 20:18 Video recording for policy broadcasting; followed by interview with Iizuka city government press club 21:22 Arrived at private residence HIROSHIMA MEMORIAL 4) Obama visit to Hiroshima, Nagasaki difficult YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) August 7, 2009 U.S. President Obama can hardly be expected to visit the atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki when he visits Japan TOKYO 00001800 004 OF 012 in mid-November this year, Japanese government officials revealed yesterday. His visit there could touch off a rise of arguments over historical perception or the dropping of atomic bombs and its meaning, and this could incur negative reactions in the United States, officials explained. In addition, it has become certain that his stay in Japan will be "about one whole day." Given this, it will be difficult for him to travel in Japan. "It's difficult to handle an issue connected with historical views during his first visit to Japan," a source on Japan-U.S. relations said yesterday, indicating that it would be difficult for Obama to visit the atomic-bombed cities. 5) "Japan should go further than President Obama," "The reality should be taken into account": Party leaders make speech on day to offer prayers of repose for atomic bomb victims ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) August 7, 2009 Leaders of ruling and opposition parties presented their thoughts on August 6, a day to offer prayers of repose for atomic bomb victims. The nation's interest in the elimination of nuclear arms is heightening in response to U.S. President Obama's declaration that he will seek a nuclear-free world. However, party leaders were divided in their evaluations of the reality of Japan being protected by the U.S. nuclear umbrella. Prime Minister Aso held a news conference in Hiroshima City. Referring to the LDP's manifesto having no specific wording about the elimination of nuclear arms, he said: "It is the cherished desire of Japan, the only country on which nuclear weapons have been used, to bring about a nuclear-free world. Japan has so far strongly called for efforts for nuclear disarmament. It is not necessary to venture to mention that in the manifesto." Regarding the reality that Japan is under the U.S.' nuclear umbrella, Aso said, "There is a neighbor that intends to attack our country with nuclear arms. We must consider that reality." Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Hatoyama told reporters in Hiroshima City, "Since President Obama has gone as far as to declare his desire to create a nuclear-free world, Japan must go further than that." Regarding the idea of inviting the President to visit Hiroshima, he said, "I strongly feel that it is meaningful to invite President Obama to Hiroshima." Japanese Communist Party Chair Shii at the party headquarters said: "Japan calls for the abolition of nuclear arms, while depending on the nuclear umbrella. This is a double standard that cannot be accepted. It is important for Japan to leave the U.S. nuclear umbrella and become a non-nuclear nation in name and reality." Social Democratic Party President Mizuho Fukushima said in Hiroshima City: "Now President Obama is considering no-first-use of nuclear weapons. Some say that Japan is opposing that. This is a totally wrong attitude." 6) DPJ President intends for press nonproliferation diplomacy YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) August 7, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Hatoyama on August 6 gave TOKYO 00001800 005 OF 012 a speech at the memorial service for atomic-bomb victims hosted by the Hiroshima Prefecture Japan Confederation of Atomic-Bomb Victim Organizations held in Hiroshima City. He noted, "It is the moral mission of our country, the only country on which nuclear weapons have been used, to bring about a nuclear-free world. It is very important to call on the leaders of the world to work to eliminate nuclear arms." He stressed that should the DPJ takes the reins of government in the Lower House election; he would put his energy into nuclear disarmament. Hatoyama is also considering attending the NPT Review Conference to be held in New York in May next year, which would be a first for a Japanese prime minister. Hatoyama told reporters, "Japan should show its leadership and play a role in the denuclearization talks between the U.S. and Russia." The NPG Review Conference takes place once in five years to discuss the implementation of the treaty. Hatoyama intends to tackle denuclearization diplomacy as a means to materialize "fraternal diplomacy," which he advocates. NORTH KOREA PROBLEM 7) Former U.S. president referred to abduction issue in response to Japan's request YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) August 7, 2009 Former U.S. President Clinton's urging North Korea's General Secretary Kim Jong Il to settle the abduction issue was the result of Tokyo's working on the U.S in advance, said Foreign Minister Nakasone on August 6. He revealed that in a speech given in Niigata City, saying, "The Japanese government asked Mr. Clinton in advance to bring up the abduction issue when he met with General Secretary Kim. The former president accepted Japan's request." According to a government source, the U.S. had conveyed the former president's plan to visit North Korea several days earlier. 8) Government to demand reinvestigation of abductions after Clinton's visit to North Korea; little hope for progress since the DPRK gives importance to U.S. alone NIKKEI (Page 2) (Abridged) August 7, 2009 The government will shortly ask North Korea for the early start of reinvestigation of the abduction cases through diplomatic channels in Beijing in the wake of former U.S. President Bill Clinton's personally urging the DPRK's General Secretary Kim Jong Il for a solution to the abduction issue. Japan will also aim for the resumption of bilateral dialogue, which has been suspended owing to the nuclear test and for other reasons, but it is believed that North Korea is unlikely to respond. It has become clear that Japan also has to rely on the United States for resolution of the abduction issue. When the government was informed of Clinton's visit to work for the release of two American reporters this month, it explained that "the top priority for Japan is the abduction issue," asking Clinton, through the U.S. government, to urge the DPRK to work for progress in the abduction issue. TOKYO 00001800 006 OF 012 Based on Japan's request, Clinton conveyed the message to Kim, and after returning home, he immediately briefed the Japanese government on the conversation regarding the abduction issue through the U.S. government. A government source pointed out that "The U.S. clearly did not contact North Korea over Japan's head." After being briefed by the government, Teruaki Masumoto, secretary general of the association of families of abduction victims, responded positively: "Talking to General Secretary Kim directly about resolving the abduction issue is of great significance. I think conveying the message that the U.S. also attaches importance to a solution to the abduction issue will have an impact." However, the reason why the American reporters were released is because the DPRK gives great importance to the U.S. A source on Japan-DPRK relations offers the following analysis: "Contact between Japan and the DPRK has been severed. There will be no progress in bilateral relations." Most pundits feel that for now, Japan will have to rely on the U.S. The Liberal Democratic Party is expected to fight an uphill battle in the House of Representatives election to be held on August 30. A senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs official also believes that "North Korea will be watching the Japanese political situation closely." It is believed that North Korea will give priority to direct dialogue with the U.S. for the time being. Maneuvering to resume serious Japan-DPRK negotiations will most probably come after the Lower House election. 9) Chief cabinet secretary says no response by Kim to abduction request SANKEI (Page 7) (Full) August 7, 2009 Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said in a press conference yesterday morning that a senior U.S. government official called him the same day to report on the results of former U.S. President Bill Clinton's recent visit to North Korea. He declined to disclose the name of the official. Kawamura quoted the U.S. official as saying: "Mr. Clinton urged North Korean leader Kim Jong Ill to work on the issue of his agents' abductions of Japanese nationals and launch a reinvestigation into the cases in accordance with the agreement reached between Japan and North Korea. But Kim made no response." He also said that the official notified him that "the trip was aimed solely at the release of two U.S. journalists and no other issues, including North Korea's nuclear program, were discussed. There was no message from President Barack Obama." 10) Japan fears that abduction issue might be left unresolved due to North Korea's U.S.-first policy following Clinton visit SANKEI (Page 2) (Abridged) August 7, 2009 Ruriko Kubo As seen in the recent visit to North Korea by former U.S. President Bill Clinton, a change in U.S.-DPRK relations is drawing a great deal of attention. Under such circumstances, concern is growing that TOKYO 00001800 007 OF 012 Japan-DPRK relations and the issue of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea might be left unresolved. This is because although the resumption of the Six-Party Talks is essential for a breakthrough in the deadlocked Japan-DPRK talks, to the Six-Party framework might be altered if the United States and North Korea resume their "dialogue." Pyongyang recently released the detained American journalists with the aim of creating a chance for bilateral talks with Washington. In dealing with Japan, the North also demonstrated its "hostage diplomacy" in such events as a visit to the North in 1990 by a delegation led by then LDP Vice President Shin Kanemaru over the No. 18 Fujisan Maru incident and a visit to Pyongyang in 2002 by then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi who brought back five abductees with him. The North tried to use those events to break the deadlock in normalization talks with Japan. But saddled with General Secretary Kim Jong Il's poor health, Pyongyang has given top priority to talks with the United States for the sake of its own security, with little regard to Japan. The North's traditional strategy is to build amicable relations with the United States first, believing South Korea and Japan will then follow suit. Pyongyang promised at Japan-DPRK working-level talks last August that it would reinvestigate the fate of Japanese abductees, but that has now returned to square one due to the resignation of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. The matter has not moved forward under the current Aso administration. Additionally, because the former U.S. Bush administration delisted the North as a state sponsor of terrorism last October, Pyongyang no longer has any reason to give consideration to Japan. According to a North Korean source, Kim Jong Il issued an internal order on Feb. 25 this year to stop the country's maneuvering against Japan and South Korea. The International Department of the Workers' Party of Korea, a department in charge of maneuvering against Japan, has also been downgraded and scaled down, according to the source. "The step seems to reflect the conclusion that Japan's North Korea policy has not produced results," the source said. North Korea channels have been icy due partly because Japan played a leading role in having UN Security Council adopt a North Korea sanctions resolution in the wake of its nuclear test and also because Japan has stepped up its own sanctions against the North. That is why (Kim Jong Il) did not show any special response to the issue of Japanese abductees during his talks with Clinton, according to a senior U.S. official. The new Japanese administration that will be launched after the upcoming general election will take on the task of formulating Japan's new North Korea policy. ELECTION CAMPAIGN 11) Pre-election poll: LDP flat at 26%, DPJ up 3 points to 43% in public preference for proportional representation NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 7, 2009 Ahead of the upcoming general election for the now-dissolved House of Representatives, the Nihon Keizai Shimbun conducted a TOKYO 00001800 008 OF 012 pre-election poll on Aug- 4-6 to probe public attitudes. In the public preference of political parties for proportional representation, the Democratic Party of Japan topped all other political parties at 43%, up 3 points from the last poll taken July 7-9. The Liberal Democratic Party was at 26%, the same as in the last poll. Respondents were also asked what they thought was important when choosing a political party to vote for under the proportional representation system. To this question, 41% gave "a political party's proposals or policy," topping all other answers. "Willingness or competence for reform" followed at 24%, and "party head" at 4%. In public preference for proportional representation, the New Komeito party slipped 1 point to 6%. The Japanese Communist Party was at 4%, and the Social Democratic Party at 3%. Both the JCP and the SDP leveled off from the last poll. Among LDP supporters, 78% said they would vote for the LDP, up 4 points from the last poll. Among DPJ supporters, the figure for the DPJ rose 1 point to 87%. Among floating voters with no particular party affiliation, the LDP dropped 4% to 8%, with the DPJ rising 5 points to 23%. Undecided voters accounted for 33%, up 5 points. Respondents were further asked which political party's candidate they would vote for in their single-seat constituencies. In this preference, the DPJ rose 3 points to 42%, with the LDP remaining flat at 27%. The rate of public support for Prime Minister Aso's cabinet was 17%, down 1 point. The nonsupport rate for the Aso cabinet was 67%, up 2 points. In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the LDP stood at 28%, down 2 points, and the DPJ at 41%, up 4 points. The survey was taken by Nikkei Research Inc. over the telephone on a random digit dialing (RDD) basis. For the survey, samples were chosen from among men and women aged 20 and over across the nation. A total of 2,183 households with one or more eligible voters were sampled, and answers were obtained from 1,133 persons (51.9%). 12) Poll: Public eye severe on DPJ pledges; Public support for LDP flat YOMIURI (Page 2) (Abridged) August 7, 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan remains ahead of all other political parties in public preference for proportional representation but the public eye is severe on its manifesto or campaign pledges, the Yomiuri Shimbun found from its pre-election public opinion survey. Public opinion was split over the DPJ's proposal of "child allowances." Among DPJ supporters, affirmative answers accounted for 62%. Meanwhile, negative answers accounted for 30%. This policy proposal was the showcase of the DPJ's manifesto. However, the figures show that DPJ supporters are also opposed to the DPJ's plan to ensure ways and means by abolishing spouse and dependent tax deductions. DPJ President Hatoyama has proposed ending the Maritime Self-Defense Force's ongoing refueling activities in the Indian Ocean by next January. Asked about this, affirmative answers accounted for only TOKYO 00001800 009 OF 012 about 50% even among DPJ supporters, with negative answers adding up to 32%. It is clear that DPJ supporters want the DPJ to pursue even more down-to-earth foreign and security policies. However, the Liberal Democratic Party's manifesto also remains unable to gain wider support for the LDP. 13) DPJ wavers on three no-nuclear principles: Differences with SDP may become source of conflict in future coalition TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) August 7, 2009 Koki Miura The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is wavering on its policy on the three no-nuclear principles. While President Yukio Hatoyama professes his enthusiasm for the elimination of nuclear arms, he has indicated the possibility of a "flexible position" on the principle of not introducing nuclear weapons into Japan, one of the three principles. The Social Democratic Party (SDP),a probable coalition partner of the DPJ after the House of Representatives election, advocates upholding the three principles. This issue is a potential source of conflict between the two parties. In his speech at a memorial ceremony sponsored by an A-bomb victims' group in Hiroshima City on August 6, Hatoyama said: "U.S. President Obama's speech was very moving. I vow to make every effort to achieve a world without nuclear weapons." However, with regard to the three no-nuclear principles of "not possessing, producing, or introducing nuclear weapons," Hatoyama stated at a news conference on July 14 that "this question has been dealt with in a pragmatic manner precisely because there was a need, including with regard to the North Korea issue," which seemed to indicate that he condones the U.S. forces' bringing nuclear arms into Japan. SDP leader Mizuho Fukushima reacted fiercely to this statement that appeared to reduce the three principles to two principles. "If the three principles become shaky," she said, "Japan will not be able to talk to the world about the elimination of nuclear arms." She pressed for legislation to make the three principles legally binding. In light of the objection of potential coalition partner SDP, Hatoyama declared that he will uphold the three principles. Fukushima indicated she is not insisting on legislative action, remarking at a news conference on August 6: "The important thing is not legislation; what is important is to create a reality where the three principles will be guaranteed in the true sense." However, the SDP's flexibility is premised on the three principles being honored in reality. If it assumes the reins of government, the DPJ, which has written in its manifesto for the Lower House election that it will "take the lead in the elimination of nuclear weapons," intends to instruct the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which has continued to deny the existence of a secret agreement on the U.S. forces bringing nuclear arms into Japan, to investigate whether such an agreement exists. However, if the existence of the secret agreement is uncovered, TOKYO 00001800 010 OF 012 which means part of the three principles has fallen apart, the DPJ will find itself in a tight spot on how to deal with the problem. Hatoyama stated at his news conference on August 6: "It is unthinkable for U.S. ships carrying nuclear arms to call on Japanese ports. I believe that the three principles will continue to be fully observed in the future," stressing that it is impossible for nuclear arms to be actually brought into Japan. However, if the SDP insists on legislating on the three principles, a crack is certain to emerge in the coalition government. 14) Aso visits home constituency, breaking LDP tradition SANKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts) August 7, 2009 Mitsuru Sakai With the Aug. 18 official announcement of the next Lower House election coming up, Prime Minister Taro Aso arrived in Fukuoka Prefecture yesterday after attending the peace memorial ceremony in Hiroshima. In Fukuoka, Aso delivered stumping speeches at five places, including his home constituency of Fukuoka 8th district in Iizuka City. Aso visited his home constituency for the first time after becoming prime minister. Contrary to his dwindling support ratings, Aso received an enthusiastic welcome in his home constituency. Nevertheless, it is the Liberal Democratic Party's tradition that the prime minister rarely visits his home constituency during his term of office. Aso's unusual visit to his home constituency may show his sense of alarm against the Democratic Party of Japan, which reportedly has the upper hand prior to the election. 15) Three LDP prefectural chapters rebel against party headquarters ASAHI (Page 2) (Excerpts) August 7, 2009 The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) announced in late July the party's official candidates for the upcoming general election. The step has drawn strong reactions from the prefectural chapters in those constituencies, with some coming up with their own chapter-endorsed candidates and others pressing the party headquarters for a review of its decision. General Council Senior Deputy Chairman Hajime Funada of the Tochigi first constituency and former Administrative Reform Minister Toshimitsu Motegi of the Tochigi fifth constituency asked Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda at party headquarters yesterday to review the party's decision to field former Chief Cabinet Secretary Mayumi Moriyama, 81, as an "assassin" against Yoshimi Watanabe, who has bolted the party. Watanabe represents Tochigi's third district. A showdown between the "assassin" and Watanabe, who has a strong support base in the prefecture inherited from his father, the late Michio Watanabe, might have an adverse effect on other constituencies as well. Receiving an acute local petition, Hosoda pointed to the possibility of reviewing the party's decision. The Aomori prefectural chapter is also discontent with the LDP TOKYO 00001800 011 OF 012 headquarters' rejection of its request to officially endorse Jun Tsushima, 42, the son of Yuji Tsushima, on the grounds of him being a "hereditary" candidate. Yuji Tsushima has recently announced that he will retire from politics. Tadamori Oshima, who is chairman of the Aomori prefectural chapter and chairman of Diet Affairs Committee, declared revolt against the party headquarters yesterday, saying that the prefectural chapter will independently endorse Jun Tsushima. The party headquarter has also turned down the Miyazaki chapter's request for the official endorsement of former Upper House lawmaker Mitshuhiro Uesugi, 67, who was publicly recruited for the Miyazaki No. 1 Constituency. This has resulted in the candidacy of former Land and Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama, 66, who once announced not to run in the next election. The party headquarters has abstained not officially endorsed either one for fear of causing hard feelings in the party. The prefectural chapter decided on Aug. 3 to independently endorse Uesugi. Nakayama will run in the race as an independent. 16) New Komeito, LDP secretaries general criticize DPJ plan to revise manifesto on FTA with U.S. TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) August 7, 2009 At a news conference on August 6, New Komeito Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa commented on the plan of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) to revise its pledge on the signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Japan and the U.S. in its manifesto for the House of Representatives election. He criticized the DPJ for "making revisions repeatedly when faced with criticism." Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda also told reporters in Tokyo cynically: "I think its true intent to compromise is showing." 17) DPJ President Hatoyama proposes common Asian currency YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) August 7, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Chairman Hatoyama in an article in the monthly magazine Voice to be published on August 10 proposed the creation of a common Asian currency that would integrate the currencies of East Asian nations. Hatoyama in an article titled "My Political Philosophy" indicated his stance that it is necessary to create an East Asian Community as a national goal, based on his own political belief of "Fraternity (Yuai)." Hatoyama noted this about the international situation: "The world will head from the era of unipolar rule by the U.S. to an era of multi-polarization. It is an inevitable trend that China will become an economic superpower, while building up its military power." He argued, "We should aim to realize a common Asian currency. We must not spare efforts to create a permanent security framework with the East Asian region as its backdrop." He then pointed out that "it will take more than a decade" to achieve that end. 18) Child pornography cases increases in first half of 2009 MAINICHI (Page 10) (Excerpts) TOKYO 00001800 012 OF 012 Evening, August 6, 2009 Police uncovered a record 382 cases (up 27.3% over the same period of last year) of violations of the law banning child prostitution and pornography in the first half of 2009 (from January through June). This was the highest number of cases detected since the National Police Agency (NPA) began keeping records in 2000, according to figures released by the NPA. The number of victims under the age of 18 was 218 (up 51.4%) and also the highest such figure on record. The number of molestation cases, which marked the highest record in the first half of last year, was 157 (down 3.1%), although those who were killed in such cases significantly decreased to 11 (down 62.1%). According to the NPA, the number of people apprehended surged to 289 (up 53.7%) and also marked the highest record. The uncovered cases involved 106 middle school students, 71 senior high school students, 33 elementary school students, and two children below primary school age. The numbers of child prostitution cases and victims in these cases increased from the same period a year ago for the first time in three years at 557 (up 7.3%) and 435 (1.9%),respectively. The number of children involved in molestation cases was 164 (down 1.2%). The victims include 100 girls, of whom, 17 victims were aged between 12 and 15, followed by 15 victims aged at 12 months or younger. Of the children involved in such cases, 118 victims were treated with cruelty, and 41 suffered from sexual abuse. Five victims were subjected to refusal or negligence as guardians. In the 11 children who died, five were killed, four were subjected to bodily injury, and one each - negligence as guardians and abduction and confinement. In terms of relations with the victims, 48 were real fathers, 47 were real mothers, 32 were step fathers, and 25 were common-law fathers. ZUMWALT