JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/25/09

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 001954 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 08/25/09 Index: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) Defense and security affairs: 4) Vice Foreign Minister Yabunaka admits to past discussions about issue of nuclear transit, will probe into existence of documentation (Asahi) 5) Yabunaka admits difference of opinion between Japan, U.S. over nuclear-transit issue (Yomiuri) 6) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Hatoyama creates stir by saying he will approach President Obama on the nuclear-transit issue (Yomiuri) 7) DPJ's Kan blasts Foreign Ministry on the nuclear pact issue (Asahi) 8) Small group of demonstrators assemble to protest arrival of Nimitz at Yokosuka (Tokyo Shimbun) 9) PACC: Top brass from Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Army meet in Tokyo (Mainichi) North Korea problem: 10) Senior U.S. official says that North Korea's reopening historic site to tourism does not change the UN sanctions situation (Yomiuri) 11) Special envoy Bosworth thinking about a Pyongyang trip next month (Yomiuri) 12) Japanese officials, observing U.S.-South Korea cooperation on North Korea policy, again fear Japan will be left behind (Nikkei) China connection: 13) Japan-China summit meeting set for end of next month (Yomiuri) 14) Chinese vessel spotted in waters of E-China Sea near gas field Japan and China are supposed to co-develop (Asahi) Election polls: 15) Sankei poll: 45.8% of electorate will vote DPJ in the proportional races (Sankei) 16) Sankei: DPJ will secure about 300 seats in upcoming election (Sankei) 17) Tokyo Shimbun survey shows relatively low interest among voters in the manifestos (party campaign pledges) (Tokyo Shimbun) 18) DPJ going after the women's vote by doubling the number of female candidates running for Lower House seats (Asahi) 19) Australian town cutting off sister-city ties with a Wakayama city over annual slaughter of dolphins (Yomiuri) Ariticles: 1) TOP HEADLINES 
 Asahi: New-flu infections expanding as new school semesters begin; 38 schools closed temporarily Mainichi: Opinion polls affecting parties' election campaigns; LDP lawmakers TOKYO 00001954 002 OF 012 stay in home constituencies, DPJ executives eager to become cabinet ministers Yomiuri: Mass flu infections reported by 712 schools nationwide during summer holidays Nikkei: Series of new materials developed to help reduce eco car weights Sankei: DPJ certain to win 300 seats and become party in power Tokyo Shimbun: 3.06 million people cast ballots early - 1.5 times 2005 election Akahata: Chairman Shii plays up importance of JCP as "constructive opposition party" in press conference in Nagano 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) 2009 general election: Decentralization must not end as pie in the sky (2) International Science Olympiads: Japan needs more students who like science Mainichi: (1) Nuclear abolition must follow change in North Korea's stance (2) Lower House lection: General public's participation in politics essential Yomiuri: (1) Helping youth find jobs is an urgent task (2) Afghan presidential election: Securing legitimacy vital Nikkei: (1) International community must not let its guard down despite North Korea's call for dialogue (2) Realignment of retail industry expected centering on drug sales Sankei: (1) Campaign pledge to reform the pension system: Cross-party talks essential to reach policy agreement (2) NTV's examination program fails to resolve structural problems Tokyo Shimbun: (1) North-South dialogue must be based on progress on nuclear abandonment (2) 2009 Lower House election: Food policy requires debate Akahata: (1) General election and education: JCP's growth will bring about major change 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, August 24 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 25, 2009 TOKYO 00001954 003 OF 012 08:22 Left Haneda Airport on JAL1403. 09:17 Arrived at Kochi Airport/ 09:53- Delivered speeches in Kochi Prefecture. 11:45 Departed Ban-no-su Park on helicopter. 11:57 Arrived in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture. 12:08 Met LDP Tokushima Chapter Secretary General Kenji Takeuchi at restaurant Rest House Ueno. 13:01 Delivered speech in front of the shopping center Furespo Awaikeda. 13:43 Departed Miyoshi City on helicopter. 14:00 Arrived in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture. 14:09 Delivered speech at parking lot of Rihga Loyal Hotel. 14:50 Departed Niihama City on helicopter. 15:06 Arrived in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture. 15:31 Delivered speech at central park in the city. 16:10 Departed Kochi City on helicopter. 16:39 Delivered speech in Shukumo City. 17:32 Departed the city on helicopter. 17:45 Arrived Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture. 17:47 Delivered speech in the city. 18:18 Departed the city. 18:41 Arrived at Matsuyama Airport. TOKYO 00001954 004 OF 012 19:49 Departed the airport on ANA 598. 20:56 Arrived at Haneda Airport. 21:28 Arrived at his official residence. DEFENSE AND SECURITY AFFAIRS 4) Vice foreign minister admits "discussions" on bringing nuclear arms into Japan, leaves open possibility of investigating secret nuclear deal ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) August 25, 2009 Kei Ukai In connection with the alleged secret agreement between Japan and the United States that port calls by vessels carrying nuclear arms do not constitute "introducing them into Japan," Administrative Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Mitoji Yabunaka stated at a news conference on August 24 that "I understand that there had, at times, been talk" about the definition of "introducing nuclear arms into Japan," admitting that Japan and the U.S. differed on the definition and had held discussions. This indicates that he has left open the possibility of investigating the existence of the secret agreement in the future. The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ),seeking to take over the government after the general election, is poised to pursue the issue of the secret agreement. DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama has indicated that an investigation will also be conducted in the U.S. and a conclusion will be reached within six months to a year. Hatoyama also said that if he becomes prime minister, he will seek from the U.S. a firm commitment not to introduce nuclear weapons (into Japan). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has flatly denied the existence of such an agreement, but with a DPJ administration fast becoming a real possibility, the ministry is adjusting its position. Yabunaka said that "we understand that there had been various discussions in the past" regarding such issues as whether port calls by ships carrying nuclear arms constitute "introducing nuclear weapons" - which legally requires prior consultation between the two countries. However, he added that "they (the discussions) were not about any secret agreement," maintaining MOFA's position that a secret agreement does not exist. With regard to U.S. nuclear arms, then President George Bush ordered the removal of tactical nuclear weapons from ships and submarines in 1991, and the U.S. government declared in 1992 that removal had been completed. Therefore, (U.S.) ships subsequently calling at Japanese ports were not carrying any nuclear arms. Yabunaka also stressed his understanding "that since 1991 (the introduction of nuclear arms) has not been an issue because they are not carried on ships." Yabunaka said with regard to an investigation into the secret accord demanded by the DPJ, "At this point there are no concrete plans to do so." He indicated that as far as MOFA is concerned, "the truth of TOKYO 00001954 005 OF 012 the matter is that such an agreement does not exist." Yabunaka had also stated at a news conference in June that "at this point, we do not have any plan to reinvestigate." Vice-Foreign Minister Yabunaka: There was a difference in interpretation between Japan and U.S. 5) YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) August 25, 2009 Vice-Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka indicated in a press conference yesterday that there had been a difference in interpretation between the Japanese and U.S. governments regarding the principle of (not allowing) the United States to introduce nuclear weapons into Japan. Yabunaka said: "A long time ago, there was a difference in their interpretations. A variety of views were exchanged in the past." He also emphatically said, "This is not about a secret pact." 6) Principle of not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan creates stir in DPJ YOMIURI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) August 25, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama's indication that if the DPJ takes power in the upcoming House of Representatives election, he will make clear that a DPJ administration will not allow the United States to bring nuclear weapons into Japan is now creating a stir. Appearing on an Aug. 23 television program, Hatoyama indicated that he will try to convince U.S. President Barack Obama to make clear the principle of not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan, which is one of the three non-nuclear principles. "Prime minister Hatoyama" intends to visit the United States to coincide with a United Nations conference in the U.S. in September and then, in a summit meeting with the U.S. President, he plans to take up this matter. In this connection, DPJ Deputy President Naoto Kan said yesterday: "The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) does not say things clearly. Diplomacy conducted by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been based on diplomacy by MOFA. After friendship is deepened following heart-to-heart talks between 'prime minister Hatoyama' and President Obama, he will convey Japan's view to the United States." In the 1990s, the U.S. shifted its policy to one of no longer mounting nuclear weapons on its warships during peacetime. There is a hopeful observation in the DPJ that even if the United States declares that it will not introduce nuclear weapons into Japan, there will be no major impact. It means that it will be a symbolic event of an equal Japan-U.S. relationship, which the DPJ advocates. At the same time, some observers think such an outlook is too optimistic. Regarding the operation of its nuclear weapons program, the U.S. position is that if such is revealed, it would undermine its deterrence factor. A U.S. expert on Japan, too, took this critical TOKYO 00001954 006 OF 012 view: "China possesses nuclear weapons and North Korea is developing nuclear weapons. Raising questions about the United States' nuclear weapons alone at a time like that means that Japan's security consciousness is too weak." A lack of consistency in Hatoyama's remarks on the three non-nuclear principles has also sparked concern. In July Hatoyama said this about a "secret pact" on the introduction of nuclear weapons, "Because there has been a need, a pragmatic response has been made." Hatoyama later took a positive stance about codifying the three non-nuclear principles, acting under pressure from Social Democratic Party head Mizuho Fukushima. One DPJ lawmaker commented: "He is deliberately creating a source of trouble. The matter must be left ambiguous so as not be criticized as a violation of our public pledge." 7) DPJ's Kan criticizes Foreign Ministry on secret agreement issue ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) August 25, 2009 Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Deputy President Naoto Kan, at a meeting in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, criticized the Foreign Ministry for not admitting to the existence of a Japan-U.S. secret deal on the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan. He stated: "(The ministry) takes the views of the United States into account and does not say things clearly. That's the Foreign Ministry's way of conducting diplomacy and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has relied on it." Referring in Naha City to the diplomatic schedule immediately following the House of Representatives election, Kan predicted that there is a possibility that DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama will meet with U.S. President Barack Obama when he visits Washington after being elected as prime minister by late September (if the DPJ wins the election). 8) Protesters don't want U.S. aircraft carriers' port calls to become a fait accompli TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) Evening, August 24, 2009 On the morning of August 24, when the U.S. aircraft carrier Nimitz arrived at the Yokosuka port, some 50 members of local citizens' groups gathered at a park near the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka to protest the danger of nuclear accidents. They called out slogans like "U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz go away!" and "Don't come to Yokosuka, Nimitz!" "Port calls by several nuclear-powered aircraft carriers could turn Yokosuka into a supply base for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers," remarked Masahiko Goto, a lawyer and leader of the citizens' groups opposed to the deployment of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. "It is necessary to halt the process of making these port calls a fait accompli." The U.S. Navy has been reinforcing its support systems at Yokosuka with the stationing of the George Washington, and there is concern that Yokosuka may become the home port of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers in Far East Asia. "The situation on the Korean peninsula is unpredictable," commented TOKYO 00001954 007 OF 012 Military analyst Kazuhisa Ogawa on the Nimitz's port calls. "You do not, of course, want to leave an empty house; you want to continue to exert pressure." Military commentary Tetsuo Maeda offered a different opinion: "The risk of radiation leaks will increase if nuclear-powered aircraft carriers other than the George Washington call (at Yokosuka) on a regular basis. It is not right that Japan can't address this problem through domestic laws." 9) Japan hosts first regional military top-brass meeting MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) August 25, 2009 The Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (PACC) began yesterday at a Tokyo hotel with the participation of high-ranking officers from the armies of 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The PACC is co-sponsored by the Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Army. This is the first time for Japan to host a PACC event. The PACC is held every two years by its host and the United States. This is the sixth PACC gathering, focusing on international relief operations to be conducted in the event of earthquakes, tsunamis, and other disasters. This time the PACC is linked to a seminar for staff officers and will discuss how to carry out training and cooperation for disaster relief operations and how to train commanding officers. It will be in session until Aug. 28. NORTH KOREA PROBLEM 10) Senior U.S. government official says, "Resumption of Kumgang-san tourism development project will not infringe on sanctions resolution" YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) August 25, 2009 Yasuhiro Maeda, Seoul Regarding the resumption of the development of Kumgang-san tourism, a project South Korea is implementing as economic cooperation for North Korea, U.S. State Department Coordinator for Implementation of UNSC Resolution 1874 Philip Goldberg revealed his view that the project is for the sake of economic and humanitarian development and it does not infringe on the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC) resolution against North Korea due to its nuclear test. He made this comment in a reply to a question asked by reporters in Seoul, where he was visiting. North Korea had been seeking the resumption of the project. Goldberg presumably determined that it would not be wise to let that nation harden its attitude, when it is showing a stance of shifting to a dialogue line. Goldberg, however, stressed his stance of keeping the sanctions in place regardless of the resumption of the project, noting, "Sanctions against the North, including financial sanctions, will continue." 11) Bosworth eyes visit to North Korea in early September YOMIURI (Page 7) (Full) August 25, 2009 Keiichi Honma, Washington TOKYO 00001954 008 OF 012 Stephen Bosworth, special representative for North Korea policy, is considering a visit to North Korea possibly in early September, according to informed sources yesterday. If this plan is carried out, the first official talks between the U.S. and North Korea will be held during the administration of President Barack Obama. According to U.S. government sources, details of the plan for Bosworth's visit to Pyongyang began to be discussed around mid-August, after former president Bill Clinton visited that nation. North Korea conveyed its willingness to accept Bosworth through the Office to the United Nations in New York and other organizations, the sources said. Under the present plan, Bosworth would make a round of visits to Japan, China and South Korea by mid-September, and visit North Korea during this period. U.S. Special Envoy to the Six-Party Talks Sung Kim would accompany him on his tour of North Korea, and there is even a report that they would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-il Given the recent switch of North Korea to a policy of dialogue, some observers believe it aims to seek direct negotiations with the U.S. through Bosworth. Even so, the U.S. has maintained a stance calling for the North's denuclearization and return to the Six-Party Talks, so there is the possibility that the U.S. would forgo the plan as a result of a failure to bridge these differences in behind-the-scenes negotiations for arranging the visit. 12) Government worrying about being left in lurch due to North Korea's "dialogue approach" NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) August 25, 2009 Following a meeting held between South Korean President Lee Myung-bak and North Korean envoys who visited Seoul to mourn the death of former South Korean president Kim Dae Jung, the Japanese government paying close attention to moves by North Korea. Bearing also in mind the recent visit to North Korea by former U.S. president Bill Clinton, the government intends to call on the U.S. and South Korea to step up cooperation so that Japan will not left in the lurch due to North Korea's "dialogue approach." In a press conference yesterday, Chief Secretary Takeo Kawamura, even while praising the meeting between President Lee and the North Korean envoys, made this remark: "It is imperative for Japan to continue to closely contact with the U.S. and South Korea." Government officials are worrying that South Korea and the U.S. could take a reconciliatory stance toward North Korea again. Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka stressed in a press conference yesterday: "Japan in line with the U.S., South Korea and China will continue to urge North Korea to end its nuclear weapons ambition." CHINA CONNECTION 13) Government coordinating possibility of holding Japan-China summit late next month YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) August 25, 2009 Tokyo and Washington on August 24 started coordination on the TOKYO 00001954 009 OF 012 possibility of holding a bilateral summit on the sidelines of a series of international conferences, including the financial summit, to be held in the U.S. in late September. The planned meeting will likely be attended by Chinese President Hu Jintao. Provided that Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama becomes prime minister after the Lower House election on August 30, this will be their first meeting. The leaders of both countries will likely exchange views mainly on ways to strengthen bilateral ties. China plans to give priority to internal affairs until the National Day (National Foundation Day) on October 1, when the nation marks the 60th anniversary of the foundation of the country. As such, talks on such issues as the development of gas fields in the East China Sea will likely be put off until a summit meeting after October or later. 14) Chinese ship spotted in Shirakaba gas field ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) August 25, 2009 The Japanese government has confirmed that a Chinese ship conducting work of some sort has been spotted in the Shirakaba (Chunsiao in Chinese) gas field in the East China Sea, which Tokyo and Beijing have agreed to develop jointly. The Japanese Foreign Ministry inquired about the ship to its Chinese counterpart. The Japanese side reportedly received a reply from the Chinese side saying that the ship was performing maintenance work on the facilities and there is no change in the agreement in effect. According to government officials, the Chinese ship was seen in the Shirakaba gas field for several days. Reportedly, digging work has not been confirmed. ELECTION POLLS 15) Poll: 45.8% prefer DPJ for proportional representation SANKEI (Page 1) (Abridged) August 25, 2009 The Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network (FNN) conducted a joint poll Aug. 20-23 on the sidelines of a survey looking into the situation in campaign battles for the upcoming general election for the House of Representatives. In the poll, respondents were asked which political party they would vote for in their proportional representation blocs. In this public preference of political parties for proportional representation, the Democratic Party of Japan had a big lead over the Liberal Democratic Party, with the DPJ scoring 45.8% and the LDP at 24.4%. The DPJ has been promoting a slogan for a change of government, which has now penetrated into the public. This seems to be a reason for the DPJ's advantage in the campaign. The Aso cabinet's public approval rating was 22.2%, up 1.7 points from the last poll. The disapproval rating was 67.9%, up 1.3 points from the last poll. In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the DPJ stood at 36.0%, up 4.9 points from the last poll. The LDP was at 26.1%, up 4.1 points from the last poll. 16) DPJ certain to take office, garnering about 300 seats SANKEI (Top play) (Abridged) TOKYO 00001954 010 OF 012 August 25, 2009 Ahead of Aug. 30's general election for the House of Representatives, the Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network (FNN) conducted a telephone-based joint public opinion survey on Aug. 20-23 to look into the situation in the final phase of campaign battles. The Liberal Democratic Party is rallying in some electoral districts. However, the Democratic Party of Japan has an advantage and is expected to garner 300 seats. The DPJ is now certain to take office. The LDP is highly likely to win 130 or so seats, less than half of its pre-election holding in the Diet's lower chamber. However, more than 30% of the polled voters did not clarify their voting preference. Given this, the situation could change. The LDP has been failing to take the lead in the election campaign and has so far ensured only 60 seats. The LDP may lose all of its pre-election seats in 12 prefectures, including Hokkaido, Yamanashi, Shizuoka, and Okinawa. In addition, the LDP is highly likely to lose its seats in Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, where the LDP monopolized almost all seats in the last general election held four years ago when the House of Representatives was dissolved over the privatization of state-run postal services. Even the LDP's factional leaders and former cabinet ministers, such as Former Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa and former LDP Vice President Taku Yamasaki, are also facing an uphill battle. Two former prime ministers, Toshiki Kaifu and Yoshiro Mori, are also on the borderline. For proportional representation as well, the LDP is likely to be at around 50 or so, just half of the DPJ's. The New Komeito is now certain to garner 20 seats. In single-seat constituencies, however, the party's president, Akihiro Ota, and many other candidates running from the party are on the borderline. It seems difficult for the New Komeito to secure its pre-election strength. LDP and New Komeito leaders are aiming to secure a majority of seats for the LDP and the New Komeito. However, the way things are going, the two parties could fall substantially below a majority and are highly likely to lose power. 17) Survey shows 30% greatly interested in campaign manifestos TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) August 25, 2009 According to the results released yesterday of a joint survey by the Tokyo Shimbun, Hokkaido Shimbun, Nishi-Nihon Shimbun, and Kochi Shimbun, many voters are interested in the political parties' campaign manifestos for the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election, although there are some differences among regions. Analysis was conducted based on the results of a general survey across the nation and surveys in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi, Kochi, and Fukuoka prefectures. Five levels of contact with the manifestos were used when posing questions. Respondents who replied that they obtained and read the manifestos, or that they read them in paper or on the Internet accounted for about 30%, although the rate was lower in Kochi. The percentages in Tokyo and Aichi were particularly high, probably reflecting voters' great interest in politics in Tokyo and Nagoya after they experienced the recent Tokyo assembly and Nagoya mayoral elections that attracted a lot of attention. TOKYO 00001954 011 OF 012 The largest number of respondents - 40 to 50% - across the nation and in the five prefectures said that when they came into contact with information (on the manifestos),they paid careful attention to it. The rate in Tokyo was 42.6%. These figures show that many respondents are eager to obtain knowledge of the manifestos when information becomes available to them, even though they are not trying to actively acquire knowledge. Those who replied they just came across the information or they had no interest in it stayed at only about 20%. The system of "manifesto elections" was introduced in the Lower House election in 2003 for the first time. The numerical figures in the survey showed that an increasing number of voters are now willing to make their selections based on policies. The newspapers conducted the nationwide survey on 3,600 persons in mid-August and the surveys in the five prefectures from Aug. 20-22. Valid responses were collected from 34,631 persons aged at 20 or older. 18) DPJ eyes women voters by doubling the number of female candidates ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged slightly) August 25, 2009 There is a change in the stance of women in supporting political parties in the upcoming House of Representatives election. Many female voters, who used to support the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP),are now shifting to the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). This means that new efforts by the DPJ, which used to rely on male supporters, are now bearing fruit. This has become one of the strong driving forces for the DPJ. Actress Kazuo Matsui, who is popular with housewives as a "charismatic housewife," appeared on a campaign broadcast (along with DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama). This indicates the DPJ's extra efforts to generate a new image. The LDP had its female House of Councillors member appeared on its election broadcast, as well. How to win over woman voters has been a challenge for the DPJ since its foundation. Observers have said that it is the DPJ's biggest challenge. For example, according to the results of an Asahi opinion poll conducted immediately before the 2005 Lower House election, 21% of male respondents supported the DPJ, compare to 12% of women. Many woman voters supported the LDP led by Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, which resulted in a big win for the party. This time, however, something is different from the previous general election. The Asahi Shimbun has found in its poll on Aug. 15-16 that the female support rate for the DPJ was 25%, far more than the five percentage points supporting the LDP. The male approval rating for the DPJ was 38%. In particular, the DPJ's support rates by both men and women in their twenties, thirties, and forties were almost the same. In the 2005 Lower House election, Koizumi fielded 26 woman candidates, the number of which was than double the female candidates the LDP had filed in the 2003 general election, in which all 26 candidates were elected. In the ongoing election, DPJ Deputy President Ichiro Ozawa, who is TOKYO 00001954 012 OF 012 in charge of the election strategy, has filed 46 woman candidates, twice the number of female candidates the DPJ had sponsored in the previous snap election. Ozawa had them filed in single-seat districts against influential LDP candidates. The DPJ is filing female candidates in all single-seat districts in Kochi Prefecture, in which LDP members won all districts in the previous election. Regarding the DPJ's female candidates for the proportional representation segment, the Tokyo Seikatsusha Network asked the DPJ to file Eiko Ishige, a specialist in welfare affairs, a candidate for its proportional representation section, and the LDP has fielded her as No. 2 candidate on its list for the Tokyo proportional representation bloc of the ballot. The DPJ's Upper House member Masako Okawara, who hailed from the Tokyo Seikatsusha Network, said: "Mr. Ozawa is trying to cover part that the DPJ lacks by filing women. Women voters have now realized that politics is related to our daily lives." 19) Town of Broome says "No!" to dolphin kill, no to sister city relationship to Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture YOMIURI (Page 37) (Full) August 25, 2009 Tetsu Okazaki, Sydney The town of Broome in northwestern Australia on August 24 decided to suspend its 28-year-old sister city relationship with Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, because of the area's slaughter of dolphins. It has notified the Japanese Consulate General in Perth of its decision. The city council voted unanimously that it will suspend the relationship as long as the dolphin kill continues in the area. Occasioned by "The Cove," a documentary film on Taiji Town's dolphin kill, which an American secretly shot, has been shown in the U.S. and Australia since July. The Sea Sheppard, a U.S. anti-whaling group, which has been opposing Taiji Town's dolphin kill, has reportedly urged the town of Broome and its citizens to end the sister city relationship with Taiji Town. According to the town of Broome, the e-mail address of a senior official of the town was posted on the Internet. This official then received more than 10,000 e-mails critical of the town's sister city relationship with Taiji Town both from home and abroad. Mayor Campbell told the Yomiuri Shimbun, "There was a potential danger of Japanese people living in this town being harmed if we had mishandled this issue. It was a tough decision." ROOS