JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/10/09

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 001815 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: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/10/09 Index: U.S.-Japan relations: 1) President Obama, Prime Minister Aso to meet at UNGA late next month (Nikkei) 2) Foreign Ministry does not intend to ask President Obama to consider visiting atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima, Nagasaki (Tokyo Shimbun) Defense and security affairs: 3) Party heads Aso and Hatoyama make statements on security issues at Nagasaki (Asahi) 4) Prime Minister Aso tells press in Nagasaki that he would not ask U.S. to relinquish first-strike option, stressing importance of nuclear umbrella (Tokyo Shimbun) 5) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Hatoyama says three non-nuclear principles should be codified (Nikkei) 6) Hatoyama revising DPJ's security policy line to suit the Social Democratic Party's pacifist stance (Tokyo Shimbun) 7) DPJ's Maehara on TV talk show confirms no extension of the MSDF's Indian Ocean mission if DPJ in power, but would consider sending civilians to Afghanistan (Nikkei) 8) Campaign pledges: New Komeito -- cut defense spending by 500 billion yen over five years; Japanese Communist Party - scrap alliance; SDP - bring SDF home (Yomiuri) Election campaign: 9) Nine organizations give severe report cards to LDP, DPJ (Asahi) 10) Governors' association gives coalition parties higher evaluation than the DPJ (Tokyo Shimbun) 11) DPJ emerging as the front runner in the upcoming Lower House election, although LDP still firm in the rural areas (Nikkei) 12) Yoshimi Watanabe, political maverick who bolted the LDP, forms own party with initial membership of 17 (Asahi) Articles: U.S.-JAPAN RELATIONS 1) Japan-U.S. summit planned for September when prime minister attends UN General Assembly NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 10, 2009 The Japanese and U.S. governments have begun coordination for holding a bilateral summit in September. The meeting is being planned to coincide with the two leaders' participation in the UN General Assembly in New York and the G-20 financial summit in 
Pittsburg in late September. This will be their first meeting after the House of Representatives election on August 30. If Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama becomes the prime minister, it will be his first time to meet President Barack Obama. The two governments are in the final phase of coordination for President Obama to make his first visit to Japan around the time of the APEC summit in Singapore on November 14 and 15. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs has judged that "it is necessary for the two leaders to meet each other before the President's first visit," having in mind the possibility of a DPJ administration after the August 30 election. It has been looking for an opportunity to set the meeting TOKYO 00001815 002 OF 009 at an early date after the Lower House election. The summit will confirm that the two governments will continue to sustain and reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance in the wake of the outcome of the Lower House election. U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) realignment and the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean may be discussed. The DPJ is advocating a review of the USFJ realignment plans and has announced that the refueling mission will not be extended when its authorization expires in January 2010. It is widely believed that its negotiations with the U.S. will experience rough sailing. However, the planned summit meeting is taking place on the sidelines of an international conference, so the two leaders will not have too much time. If the summit turns out to be only an opportunity to get acquainted, it is unclear how much in-depth exchange of views will take place. The diplomatic agenda after the August 30 election includes the UN High-Level Event on Climate Change on September 22, speech at the UN General Assembly on September 23, and the financial summit on September 24 and 25. 2) Foreign Ministry will not ask U.S. for President Obama's visit to atomic-bombed area TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) August 8, 2009 U.S. President Obama is expected to visit Japan in mid-November. Concerning his visiting the atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima and Nagasaki during his stay in Japan, a senior Foreign Ministry (MOFA) official on August 7 said that the ministry will not make such a request to the U.S., saying: "I feel expectations are too high about that. This is not a matter we plan to ask the President but a matter about which the President himself should give thought." This statement will likely create a stir, because there is a growing view in those cities of asking the President, who advocates the elimination of nuclear weapons, to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki. This official also indicated that in view of the President's itinerary in Japan, it would be difficult for him to spare time to visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki. He said: "The President will visit some other countries as well. His stay in Japan is too short for him to visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki." It is believed that this official made that statement, considering that since views positive toward the atomic bombings (of Hiroshima and Nagasaki) are deep-rooted in the U.S, it could incur criticism in the U.S., if the President visits the areas. However, expectations for his visiting the sites are running high in Japan, with former Lower House speaker Yohei Kono or Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama indicating their intentions to ask the President, too. DEFENSE AND SECURITY AFFAIRS 3) Party heads Aso and Hatoyama make statements on security issues in Nagasaki ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) August 10, 2009 TOKYO 00001815 003 OF 009 Prime Minister Aso and Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama visited Nagasaki on the 9th, "atomic-bomb day," and made statements on nuclear weapons and security policy. Regarding the absence of the capacity to strike enemy bases, the prime minister commented that he believes it is necessary to explore setting up a session for consultations on the division of roles between Japan and the U.S. Hatoyama signaled that the three nonnuclear principles should be enshrined into law. Japan's defense-only policy, under which Japan does not possess weapons for strikes against other countries, envisions a division of roles in which the U.S. strikes enemy bases when necessary because of an imminent attack by the enemy. "On the basis of recommendations in the council's report," Aso said at a press conference, "we must explore through mutual consultations the concrete roles of Japan and the United States." The report of the "Council for Security and Defense Capability," which was submitted to the Prime Minister on August 4, recommended, among other things, consideration of the possibility of possessing an offensive capability. Also, Aso rejected demanding the U.S. renounce first strike use of nuclear weapons. "That is not realistic from the standpoint of guaranteeing Japan's security," he commented. Meanwhile, in a meeting with an atomic-bomb victims' organization, Hatoyama promised to consider enshrining into law the three nonnuclear principles. Until now the DPJ President has been guarded with respect to legislation, but committed himself when asked directly. However, DPJ leaders are cool to the idea of enshrining into law the three nonnuclear principles. 4) Aso negative about argument for no-first-use of nuclear weapons TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) August 10, 2009 In a press conference in Nagasaki yesterday afternoon, Prime Minister Taro Aso expressed a negative view about the notion that Japan should propose to the U.S. that it adopt the principle of no-first-use of nuclear weapons. He said, "If the issue of nuclear weapons is separated off, the balance of deterrence will collapse." Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Katsuya Okada has indicated that if the party assumes the reins of government, it will confer with the U.S. regarding adopting the principle of no-first-use of nuclear weapons. Emphasizing the need for Japan to maintain its three nonnuclear principles, Aso referred to the U.S. nuclear umbrella: "In light of the security situation surrounding Japan, the Japan-U.S. security arrangements will continue to be essential for it." In reference to the question of whether Japan should possess a preemptive-strike capability to deal with North Korea's nuclear and missiles, Aso indicated a positive view about holding talks with the U.S. on role-sharing, saying: "The Self-Defense Forces is not thinking about installing a system capable of striking enemy bases for now. On specific role-sharing, we have in mind the possibility of looking into consultations with the U.S. in the future." TOKYO 00001815 004 OF 009 5) DPJ President Hatoyama considering legislation on three no-nuclear principles NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 10, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama indicated on August 9 that after the House of Representatives election (if his party wins),he plans to consider codifying the three no-nuclear principles. These principles are currently based on a Diet resolution. In response to such a request made at a meeting with atomic bombing victims' group in Nagasaki, Hatoyama said: "It is important to uphold the three no-nuclear principles. I think legislation is one option. I promise that the party will study this carefully." The Social Democratic Party had requested the DPJ's and the People's New Party's cooperation on legislating the three principles into law in July. Hatoyama had not been keen on the idea then, saying: "My feeling is that the three principles are a 'national will' that is above laws." He has changed his position after the request on August ¶9. 6) Hatoyama shifts position on three no-nuclear principles in consideration of SDP, giving impression of wavering TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts) August 10, 2009 Yuji Nishikawa Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama indicated on August 9 that he will consider codifying the three no-nuclear principles, changing his previous cautious position on this matter. His switch is based on consideration to the Social Democratic Party (SDP),which is making such a demand, having in mind the forming a coalition with this party after the House of Representatives election. While this change of policy is appreciated by some, his statement also gave the impression of a wavering. His solicitude to the DPJ's potential coalition partner could be counterproductive. Hatoyama stressed to reporters in Nagasaki City on August 9 that the reason for considering legislation on the three principles is "the SDP's strong demand." SDP leader Mizuho Fukushima had indicated on August 6 that her party would not insist on legislation. She said: "The important thing is not to pass a law but to create a situation in which the three principles are guaranteed in the true sense." Nevertheless, she welcomed Hatoyama's policy shift, saying: "We would like to pass the law under the new administration." However, Hatoyama had just told reporters in Hiroshima City on August 6 that: "If they are codified, they might be distorted by the balance of political power with a change of administration," showing his hesitation about this move. He has apparently changed his position in just three days. Regardless of the propriety of his two statements, Hatoyama's giving the impression of wavering undermines his suitability as a candidate for prime minister, whose words need to be credible. One reason why Prime Minister Taro Aso's support rating is low is the inconsistency TOKYO 00001815 005 OF 009 of his statements. For this reason, even the SDP and the People's New Party (PNP), which should welcome Hatoyama's compromise in policy, have voiced criticism. "He should stop making thoughtless statements which would suggest that he is under the illusion of having taken over the administration already," said PNP deputy leader Shizuka Kamei. 7) DPJ's Maehara: Refueling mission will not be extended, to be replaced by civilian aid NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 10, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Vice President Seiji Maehara stated during a TV Asahi program on August 9 that the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean will not be extended when its authorization expires in January 2010. He stressed that: "The operation to mop up terrorism (led by the U.S.) has bogged down. It is time to shift to reconstruction and civilian aid for Afghanistan." He indicated that proposals to engage in the building of infrastructure and other forms of aid in Afghanistan will be presented. On the report of the government's Council on Security and Defense Capabilities recommending the revision of the constitutional interpretation of the right of collective self-defense, Maehara said: "If we take over the administration, this report will not be the basis of policy. We will pick new people to draft another report." As to the alleged secret agreement between the Japanese and U.S. governments on the introduction of nuclear weapons, Maehara stated: "After a DPJ government is formed, we will investigate into this thoroughly. The three no-nuclear principles will be upheld." Maehara also said the party was thinking of asking U.S. President Barack Obama to visit the site of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima when he visits Japan in mid-November. 8) New Komeito, JCP, and SDP defense policies as seen in their manifestoes YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) August 8, 2009 New Komeito proposes a numerical target of reducing defense spending by 500 billion yen in five years. The FY09 defense budget is over 4.7 trillion yen. The party claims that reduction is possible through improved efficiency in equipment procurement and other measures. Regarding international cooperation, New Komeito approves of international peace cooperation operations and "non-military contribution" by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). The continuation of the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean is also included in its manifesto (campaign pledges). On the other hand, its manifesto also emphasizes contributions by personnel and organizations other than the SDF. The Japanese Communist Party (JCP) advocates substantial reduction in the defense budget. It calls the dispatch of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to the Indian Ocean and waters off Somalia "dispatch of troops overseas" and demands the withdrawal of the MSDF. It calls for the abrogation of the Japan-U.S. security treaty because it constitutes a "military alliance." It also denounces the TOKYO 00001815 006 OF 009 move to legislate a permanent law on SDF overseas missions as "a conspiracy to trample on the Constitution." The Social Democratic Party (SDP) advocates the immediate withdrawal of the MSDF from the Indian Ocean. It asserts that anti-piracy operations should be undertaken "primarily by the Japan Coast Guard" and not by the MSDF. Its manifesto calls for "strict compliance" with the three nonnuclear principles. These policies are very likely to impact the management of the administration if the DPJ forms a coalition with the SDP. This party also advocates "the reduction of the SDF to the minimum number required for an exclusively defensive policy." ELECTION CAMPAIGN 9) Nine groups give strict assessments to LDP, DPJ manifestos ASAHI (Top Play) (Excerpts) August 10, 2009 Following the release of manifestos by all political parties, nine groups, such as private-sector think tanks, released the results of their assessments of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The point of departure between the two parties is that while the LDP is stressing continuity, the DPJ is calling for change. Many groups were critical of the growing trend in which both parties are now pledging to provide more money. Some even called on both parties to redraft their manifestos. With the weak points of both parties being exposed, the verbal war between the two parties will likely heat up even more. Nine groups took part in the manifesto verification meeting hosted by the national council to create a new Japan (21st century ad hoc council) and rated the manifestos of the LDP and the DPJ. Two organizations determined that the LDP holds a commanding lead, while four organizations put the DPJ in the lead. Two organizations gave the same scores to both parties. The LDP received an average score of 46.6, while the DPJ secured only 52.7 points despite a high score given by Rengo (Japanese Trade Union Confederation). Both parties thus received harsh ratings. PHP noted that the LDP's manifesto takes a conservative stance of just adding changes to the existing policies. Regarding the DPJ's manifesto, Japan Initiative said that its manifesto gives the impression that the party is trying to project a realistic image of power transfer. They pinned high hopes on the DPJ, which came up with clearer numerical goals. Regarding the feasibility of policies, some highly evaluated the LDP's manifesto as showing stability. Concerning foreign relations and security among individual policies, the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) said of the DPJ manifesto: "It has no comprehensive ideals." The Japan Research Institute criticized the DPJ's economic policy as lacking a growth strategy. Regarding visions for government operations, the DPJ received high evaluations from all groups. The LDP suffered a low evaluation with PHP noting that since prime ministers have been replaced one after another, it is necessary to have solid government operations, but its manifesto does not attach importance to its vision for government operations. TOKYO 00001815 007 OF 009 10) Governors association gives higher grades to LDP, New Komeito than DPJ regarding decentralization policy TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Slightly abridged) August 10, 2009 The National Governors' Association, chaired by Fukuoka Governor Wataru Aso, announced on Aug. 8 the results of its evaluation of the decentralization steps specified in the campaign pledges (manifestos) of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),the New Komeito, and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) for the upcoming House of Representatives election. The group gave 60.6 points out of 100 to the LDP, 66.2 points to the New Komeito, and 58.3 points to the DPJ. The lower score for the DPJ reflected apprehension about a lack of specifics in the DPJ manifesto on where the fiscal revenues will come from. Saga Governor Yasushi Furukawa, the chairman of the association's special committee for assessing the parties' manifestos, commented in a press conference in Tokyo: "The marks given to the three political parties are considerably close. I think they have won qualifying scores." Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto also said: "I felt that no matter which party assumes power, the decentralization challenge will make progress." The 29 governors who sit on the special committee made their respective marks based on the association's own evaluation standards, and point-based ratings were determined by averaging their grades. On an eight-item checklist, the DPJ received more points than the LDP, but 5.5 points were deducted from the total out of concern about the question of fiscal resources. Regarding the parties' willingness to legislate the establishment of a council for the central and local governments to discuss decentralization, another item on the list, the DPJ got 18.2 points of 30, more than the 16.9 points for the LDP. Although the DPJ had not mentioned its plan in its manifesto to set up a formal council, it later added the planned council to its manifesto and also stressed the need for local governments to participate in setting decentralization measures. Out of the remaining seven items on the checklist, the governors' group gave a harsh rating to the DPJ on two items related to local tax and fiscal policy, citing a lack of explanation on how to raise revenues from local consumption tax and the transfer of tax resources. On four items, including a review of the subsidy system, the LDP received lower points than the DPJ, due to a lack of numerical targets and concern about its ability to carry out measures. 11) DPJ gaining momentum to become largest party in Diet NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) August 8, 2009 The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is gaining momentum to surpass the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) both in single-seat constituencies and in the proportional representation segment in the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election (announcement on Aug. 18), given severe public criticism of the government led by Prime Minister Taro Aso. Under the current situation, the main opposition party is likely to become the largest party in the Diet, according TOKYO 00001815 008 OF 009 to a nationwide survey by Nikkei. Meanwhile, the LDP is stepping up efforts to solidify its support bases mainly in local districts. The DPJ leads in about 90 of the 300 single-seat constituencies, while the LDP has the advantage in about 50. In the remaining constituencies, prospective candidates are in close competition. Even so, the situation remains in flux as many voters will apparently be undecided until just before the day of the election. The DPJ is gathering momentum in such districts as Hokkaido, Tokai, Tohoku, Tokyo and Kinki where labor unions, a key support base for the party, are firmly rooted. It is showing strength in urban areas with a large number of unaffiliated voters and is also catching up in Kita-Kanto and Kyushu, in which the LDP has so far had an advantage. The LDP is ahead in Gunma, Yamaguchi, and Kagoshima prefectures. It is generally leading in the Chugoku and Shikoku. It also retains an advantage in such urban areas as Kanagawa. The New Komeito is a front-runner in certain constituencies, but the party has yet to get a firm grip on most of the constituencies. The Japanese Communist Party (JCP) is likely to have difficulty in securing any seats in the single-seat constituencies. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) is aiming to seize seats in Okinawa, while the People's New Party is leading in Hiroshima. New parties expected to be formed soon, including one led by Yoshimi Watanabe and another led by Takeo Hiranuma, are also likely to gain seats. In the proportional representation blocs, the DPJ is also on track to unseat the LDP as the largest party. The New Komeito, the JCP and the SDP are eager to protect their respective current seats. 12) Watanabe announces formation of new party that will field 15 election candidates ASAHI (Page 1) (Excerpts) August 9, 2009 Former state minister for administrative reform Yoshimi Watanabe announced at a press conference held at a Tokyo hotel on August 9 that he has launched a new political party called "Minna no To" (Everybody's Party). He will head the party. He released the party's manifesto, which features a shift away from bureaucracy-oriented politics, and a promotion of policies to increase the autonomy of local regions and improve the national livelihood. He appointed Kenji Eda, a former Lower House member, as an officer responsible for party affairs, and Upper House member Keiichiro Asao, who bolted from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),as a policy-making officer. The party will field 13 candidates on its ticket and two with recommendations in the Lower House election. Watanabe indicated a stance of thoroughly eliminating wasteful spending, by breaking bureaucracy-oriented politics noting, "If the LDP is to rely on bureaucracy and the Democratic Part of Japan is to depend on labor unions, it is our party that can really carry out reform." The party's manifesto includes proposals for cutting 100,000 national government employees, Lower House members from the current 480 to 300 and Upper House members from the present 242 to 100. These proposals are to be implemented within the next seven years. The adoption of a sovereign local region-type doshu or regional bloc TOKYO 00001815 009 OF 009 system of substantively transferring authorities, fiscal resources and personnel to local governments will also be carried out within the same timeframe. The manifesto clearly notes that the party will aim for a shift from bureaucracy. As part of such an effort, it will set up a Kasumigaseki reform council at the Kantei and appoint more than 100 politicians or citizens as panel members. Watanabe underscored, "Even if the DPJ secures a majority in the Lower House, the situation in the Upper House (the DPJ falls short of a majority) will not change. Moves for political realignment will occur with our party working as a catalyst." He indicated a desire to aim to reorganize political circles, advocating reform of Kasumigaseki. Regarding relations with the DPJ, he said, "President Hatoyama, Deputy President Naoto Kan and I have reaffirmed that we will cooperate with each other except in elections." ZUMWALT