TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - GENERAL ELECTION IN JAPAN

UNCLAS TOKYO 001999 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 - GENERAL ELECTION IN JAPAN ¶1. LEAD STORIES: All Monday morning papers were dominated by coverage of the DPJ's landslide victory in Sunday's general election. ¶2. "DPJ Must Respond to People's Expectations" The top-circulation, moderate Yomiuri editorialized (8/31): "The election results should be considered a reflection of Japanese voters' deep-seated desire for a change of government despite their 'apprehension' about a DPJ administration. However, the DPJ's victory in garnering more than 300 seats does not necessarily mean that voters have given the DPJ carte blanche.... On the diplomatic and security fronts, the new administration must not be allowed to trample on [Japan's] international commitments. It must uphold the U.S.-Japan alliance with diplomatic continuity in mind." ¶3. "Political Parties Must Respond to Avalanche of People's Voices" The liberal Asahi insisted in an editorial (8/31): "The DPJ should have the courage to change its course if mistakes or shortcomings are found in implementing its policies.... 'Prime Minister' Hatoyama will attend the UN General Assembly session and the G20 financial summit in late September. He should swiftly reveal the party's basic policies - what aspects of Japan's diplomacy up until now will be maintained and what elements will be altered - in order to provide reassurance to the Japanese people and the international community." ¶4. "DPJ Administration Must Protect National Interests by Taking Pragmatic Line" The conservative Sankei argued (8/31): "It is not desirable for major changes to occur in basic policies whenever a change of power takes place. [Japan's] credibility abroad will be lost if [the DPJ] wavers over basic diplomatic and security policies.... [The DPJ administration] must preserve the continuity of Japan's diplomatic and security policies based on the U.S.-Japan alliance." ¶5. "Voters Place High Expectations on Hatoyama-led Administration in Demand for Change" The business-oriented Nikkei claimed (8/31): "The DPJ plans to forge a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and People's New Party. Large gaps exist between the DPJ and the SDP over foreign and security policies. The DPJ is urged not to make easy compromises on the policy front in an attempt to prioritize the formation of a coalition [with other parties]." ROOS