DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 10/27/09

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 002482 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: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 10/27/09 INDEX: (1) Editorial: Prime minister in policy speech leaves policy priorities vague (Sankei) (2) PM Hatoyama's policy speech to Diet strives to give impression of "change" (Nikkei) (3) New House of Councillors standing and special committee chairs (Mainichi) (4) Governor Nakaima shifts emphasis to "relocation out of Okinawa as the best option" on Futenma issue (Ryukyu Shimpo) (5) Diet members elected from Okinawa react to PM Hatoyama's policy speech (Okinawa Times) (6) Japan-U.S. aviation talks on open sky accord: Japan shifts to positive stance (Mainichi) ARTICLES: (1) Editorial: Prime minister in policy speech leaves policy priorities vague SANKEI (Page 2) (Full) October 27, 2009 Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's first policy speech yesterday was unique, frequently citing such buzzwords as "protect the lives of people" and "revive peoples' ties to communities." Hatoyama quoted at length the requests and plaints he heard during the campaign for the latest general election from an old woman whose son committed suicide. He thus tried to make an impression on his listeners by introducing specific cases. By avoiding bureaucratese, he probably aimed to underscore that his speech was easy to understand. It can be said that in his first Diet speech he employed ingenuity to reflect the policy of ending reliance on bureaucrats. In the speech, Hatoyama vowed to "clean up the postwar government" and "create new communities" in which people can support one other. These policy directions are considered proper. But the speech was less persuasive in that it lacked details about how the government intends to translate both domestic and foreign policies into action. With such contents, it is impossible to erase public concern over whether the government would actually be able to carry out reforms. The prime minister is obligated to present a definite policy judgment to the people because they entrusted him with political 
power. Regarding foreign policy, Hatoyama renewed his call for a close and equal Japan-U.S. alliance. He then said, "Japan will actively propose" what role the alliance should play in maintaining global peace and security. We wonder, though, whether Japan is actually ready to make proposals to the U.S. on the premise that it will assume a heavier responsibility. In order for Self-Defense Force troops to be able to demonstrate a greater capacity overseas, it is necessary to revise the Constitution to enable them to use the right to collective TOKYO 00002482 002 OF 009 self-defense. But Hatoyama made no reference to these measures. In this sense, the speech lacked practicality. Regarding the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station, Hatoyama just explained its present situation. Hatoyama has vowed to make Japan a country that the international community trusts as a "bridge" across the world, but what he should do first is to make efforts to prevent the Japan-U.S. alliance, which the Hatoyama administration defines as the cornerstone of its foreign and security policies, from being undermined. As for domestic tasks as well, it can be said that the speech just touched on planks in his party's platform for the latest House of Representatives election. A more detailed explanation is also needed of the proposed review of the postal privatization plan, as it represents a serious policy switch following the change of government. How will the Hatoyama administration turn important national projects into reality, such as making Haneda Airport an around-the-clock international hub? How will the administration set an order of priority for its policies? The prime minister's leadership is being tested by these challenges. He took up his own political fund scandal and apologized for it, saying, "I will fully cooperate with the investigation." But he did not promise to give any further explanation of the scandal. That was disappointing. How is he going to cope with the alleged violation of the Political Funds Control Law? He must not forget to make efforts for a restoration of public trust in politics. (2) PM Hatoyama's policy speech to Diet strives to give impression of "change" NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) October 27, 2009 Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama delivered his first policy speech after assuming office on Oct. 26. The 52-minute-long speech reflected the Prime Minister's desire to give the impression of "change" from the ideals and policies of the Liberal Democratic Party administration. Attempts at exercising political leadership could be gleaned even from the process of drafting the speech. However, he is still in the process of groping for ways to tie political leadership to real policies. After the Diet's plenary sessions, Hatoyama told reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei): "I would like people to feel that Japan is going to become a different country, that it will be interesting to participate, and that they would like to participate." Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa commented during a news conference that it was an "outstanding, brilliant speech." Economic policy In his speech Hatoyama gave the most emphasis to "yuai (fraternal) politics." He devoted almost one-fourth of the speech to explaining this concept and his own political philosophy, based on the notion that "politics exists for the socially disadvantaged." Expressions related to yuai were used extensively in his discourse on social security policy. He emphasized his focus on the socially TOKYO 00002482 003 OF 009 disadvantaged, stating that "the previous policy of curbing spending for medical and nursing services single-mindedly from the fiscal point of view will be changed." He promised to "study a new system to replace the medical insurance system for senior citizens 75 years of age and older." Many of these pronouncements would have been resisted by the Ministry of Finance in the past. Hatoyama also talked about a drastic review of the postal businesses, in consideration for coalition partner People's New Party (PNP),which prioritizes this issue. This immediately drew words of appreciation from PNP leader Shizuka Kamei, state minister for financial affairs and postal reform, who said: "You can really feel that the times are changing." Foreign policy The most prominent change in foreign policy is in the Japan-U.S. relationship. Hatoyama advocated a "close and equal Japan-U.S. alliance" and expressed his intention to "deepen a multilayered Japan-U.S. alliance," citing the response to global warming and elimination of nuclear arms as examples. However, with regard to the key issue of U.S. Forces Japan realignment, Hatoyama did not talk about dealing with this "in the direction of a review," as stipulated in the coalition government accord. He limited himself to remarks about dealing with the issue "seriously" by reexamining the bilateral agreement and giving heed to the sentiments of Okinawa's people. He later stressed to reporters that "I talked about how to set the course for the review." Coalition partner Social Democratic Party (SDP),which advocates the relocation of the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station out of Okinawa, also did not take issue with this. SDP Secretary General Yasumasa Shigeno said: "I think it is good that he summed up the various recent statements by cabinet ministers in a straightforward manner." Drafting process The process of drafting the policy speech has also changed. In the past, the speech tended to be finalized by the prime minister's aides coordinating with the officials in charge in each ministry to make changes to the first draft. The procedures were changed this time. For example, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada gathered all Ministry of Foreign Affairs officials at or above the rank of section chief to a meeting for an exchange of views. Based on this meeting, he proposed the inclusion in the speech of the Prime Minister's goal to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020. Since it was thought that "the speech this time will not devote much time to specific policies" (according to a senior Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries official),some ministries had absolutely no role in drafting the speech. One of the top political officials of the MOF stated unequivocally: "This is no longer an age when the bureaucracy gets involved with (politicians') policy speeches." (3) New House of Councillors standing and special committee chairs MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) October 27, 2009 TOKYO 00002482 004 OF 009 ? Upper House Standing Committee Chairs Cabinet Committee Chair Tsunenori Kawai Former parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications; Keio University; elected in the Toyama constituency; first term; 72 years old; Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) General Affairs Committee Chair Taisuke Sato Former parliamentary vice minister of education; Aichi University of Education; Aichi constituency; second term (second term in the House of Representatives); 66; Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Judicial Affairs Committee Chair Akira Matsu Former senior vice minister of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Takarazuka Music School; Kanagawa constituency; third term; 61; New Komeito Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee Chair Naoki Tanaka Former senior vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries; Keio University; Niigata constituency; second term (third term in the Lower House); 69; DPJ Financial Affairs Committee Chair Masamitsu Oishi Former budget committee chairman; Whitworth University, U.S.A.; proportional representation; first term (fifth term in the Lower House); 64; DPJ Education, Culture, and Science Committee Chair Toshiei Mizuochi Former parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Education, Culture and Science; Niigata Commercial High School; proportional representation; first term; 66; LDP Health, Labor, and Welfare Committee Chair Minoru Yanagida Former financial affairs committee chairman; University of Tokyo; Hiroshima constituency; second term (second term in the Lower House); 54; DPJ Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries Committee Chair Toshio Ogawa Former DPJ's shadow justice minister; Rikkyo University; Tokyo constituency; second term; 61; DPJ Economy and Industry Committee Chair Yoshitake Kimata Former DPJ vice secretary general; Hitotsubashi University; Aichi constituency; second term; 44; DPJ Land and Transport Committee Chair Kazuyasu Shiina Former parliamentary finance secretary; Nihon University; Chiba constituency; second term; 57; LDP Environment Committee Chair Eriko Yamatani Former special advisor to the prime minister, University of the Sacred Heart; proportional representation; first term (first term in the Lower House); 59; LDP Budget Committee Chair Susumu Yanase Former DPJ Diet affairs deputy chair; Tohoku University; Tochigi constituency; second term (second term in the Lower House); 59; DPJ Audit Committee Chair Mieko Kamimoto Former Audit committee director; Fukuoka University of Education; proportional representation; second term; 61; DPJ TOKYO 00002482 005 OF 009 Oversight of Administration Committee Chair Takao Watanabe Former senior vice minister of the Ministry of Health, Labor, and Welfare; Tohoku University; proportional representation; third term; 59; New Komeito ? House of Councillors Special Committee Chairs Disasters Special Committee Chair Tomiko Okazaki Former DPJ's shadow environment minister; Fukushima Prefectural Girls' High School; Miyagi constituency; third term (second term in the Lower House); 65; DPJ Okinawa and Northern Problems Special Committee Chair Ichiro Ichikawa Former Upper House steering committee chairman; University of Tokyo; Miyagi constituency; third term; 72; LDP Political Ethics and Elections Special Committee Chair Kentaro Kudo Former Cabinet Committee member; Chuo University; proportional representation; first term (second term in the Lower House); 67; DPJ Abductions Special Committee Chair Takeshi Maeda Former economy and industry committee member; Kyoto University Graduate School; proportional representation; first term (fourth term in the Lower House); 72; DPJ Official Development Assistance Special Committee Chair Hiromi Iwanaga Former senior vice minister of the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries; left Chuo University in mid-course; third term; 67; LDP Consumer Affairs Special Committee Chair Kanae Yamamoto Former parliamentary secretary of the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry; Kyoto University; proportional representation; second term; 38; New Komeito (4) Governor Nakaima shifts emphasis to "relocation out of Okinawa as the best option" on Futenma issue RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 1) (Full) October 27, 2009 On Oct. 26 Governor Hirokazu Nakaima shifted from his previous position of accepting the relocation of the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station within the prefecture to emphasizing "relocation out of Okinawa". He also asked the government not to make a hasty decision, but to consider carefully the possibility of relocating the Futenma base out of Okinawa. He said: "It will not do for them to simply think that it is okay to relocate within Okinawa because the governor accepts it. I hope that Mr. (Yukio) Hatoyama will not forget his original intention (of relocation out of Okinawa) and execute this without fail." He thus indicated a sense of alarm that Okinawa's position may be used by the government as a justification for relocation within the prefecture. Nakaima commented on Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's policy speech on Oct. 26, stating: "We have dealt with this issue thinking that relocation within the prefecture is unavoidable, but our position that relocation out of Okinawa is the best option remains unchanged. TOKYO 00002482 006 OF 009 If we are presented with a realistic and concrete plan for relocation out of Okinawa, we will also strongly call for its implementation." He gave emphasis to relocation out of the prefecture. Reacting to remarks by Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada before Hatoyama's policy speech indicating he had given up on relocating the Futenma base out of Okinawa, Nakaima expressed his displeasure: "The whole cabinet should work hard on this together. This is not a simple matter and will require strenuous effort. It will not do if they simply say: 'We looked into it but found out that it's not possible.' " Nakaima also indicated that he is not asking that a decision be made at an early date. He said: "Will relocation be possible to as far as Hokkaido? Or will it have to be a location close by? In the case of relocation out of Japan, which country will it be? Does it have to be the United States? If they show that they are working steadily toward a basic direction, Okinawa is also willing to go for the best option." Regarding the fact that the Prime Minister's policy speech did not mention economic development measures for Okinawa, Nakaima said: "There was no mention at all of development plans for Okinawa as a whole. There are more projects that we want the national government to take responsibility for implementing, such as the utilization of returned military base land and postwar settlement measures. It is regrettable that the Prime Minister has paid no attention to these." (5) Diet members elected from Okinawa react to PM Hatoyama's policy speech OKINAWA TIMES (Page 3) (Full) October 27, 2009 Find a solution to the Futenma issue House of Representatives member Mikio Shimoji (People's New Party) The speech reflected Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's strong desire to build a nation that cares. He also included his own thoughts on the Okinawa issues. What is important from now on is to clearly present a solution to the top pending issue of Futenma relocation. Lack of specifics regrettable Lower House member Kantoku Teruya (Social Democratic Party (SDP)) He was able to convey his determination to eliminate the system of reliance on bureaucrats and to shift to new politics centered on the politicians and the people. It is regrettable that he did not go into the specifics of how to reduce the burden imposed by military bases on Okinawa, of his policy for resolving the Futenma issue, and of the issues relating to Okinawa's economic development. Hopes pinned on yuai politics Lower House member Denny Tamaki (Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)) He explained the realization of yuai (fraternity) politics to the people in simple language, and his remarks on Okinawa reflected deep TOKYO 00002482 007 OF 009 understanding of the feelings of the Okinawan people. I have high hopes for the realization (of his Okinawa policy). The speech conveyed the significance of Japan's role in Asia. Talking from the standpoint of the weak Lower House member Chobin Zukeran (DPJ) The speech was easy to understand and he spoke from the standpoint of the weak. It matched the direction the people want the government to head toward. I could sense his serious attitude when he said that he will "pay heed to Okinawa's feelings without fail" in dealing with the U.S. Forces Japan realignment issues. We should cooperate and work hard for the relocation (of the Futenma base) out of Okinawa or out of Japan. Demand for dismantling the bases Lower House member Seiken Akamine (Japanese Communist Party) He needed to give a more concrete explanation on social security, employment measures, and other issues. His remarks on the Futenma issue showed restraint for the benefit of the U.S. forces. I would like to demand that he make serious efforts to negotiate with the U.S. under the slogans of "opposition to rotating military bases within Okinawa" and "dismantling of the Futenma base." No mention of relocation House of Councillors member Keiko Itokazu (independent) In terms of the execution of the tripartite agreement on reducing the burden imposed by the bases, the speech represented a regression. A close and equal Japan-U.S. alliance means a review of the U.S. military bases in Japan. The speech should have included a statement on exercising political leadership for the relocation of the Futenma base out of Okinawa. Okinawa can contribute to change Upper House member Shokichi Kina (DPJ) The policy speech was a declaration on moving from an exclusionist Japan-U.S. alliance to a country open to the world. Okinawa will be able to make major contributions to the transformation into an open maritime country. However, the message on the base issue remained that of an exclusionist Japan-U.S. alliance. Economic development measures also needed Upper House member Aiko Shimajiri (Liberal Democratic Party) The speech was short on specifics. It failed to provide a vision for Japan's future. Okinawa policy consists not only of the bases, but also needs to be promoted along with economic development measures. The failure to mention development reflected the DPJ's inadequate understanding. Produce results through negotiations Upper House member Tokushin Yamauchi (SDP) TOKYO 00002482 008 OF 009 The speech elaborated on the new administration's political philosophy and emphasized a major change to politics focused on protecting the people's lives and livelihood. It was short on specifics on the base issues in Okinawa, so I am not able to give it full marks. I hope the Prime Minister will show greater courage to negotiate in a dignified manner and produce results befitting the new administration. (6) Japan-U.S. aviation talks on open sky accord: Japan shifts to positive stance MAINICHI (Page 4) (Full) October 27, 2009 Japanese and U.S. aviation officials on Oct. 26 started talks in Tokyo to reach an agreement to sign an open sky accord. The signing of such an accord, which allows air carriers to set flight routes and the number of flights at their own discretion, will likely affect the future of Japan Airlines, now under rehabilitation. The governments of the two countries aim to reach an agreement before year's end. Attention is focused on whether progress can be achieved at the talks, which will continue through the 29th. Liberalization is U.S.'s national policy The ongoing bilateral talks are the fourth round of a series of formal talks started in October last year. The talks have been convened, coinciding with the expansion of departure and arrival slots at both airports next year, following the completion of the work to extend a runway at Narita Airport and the construction of a fourth runway (to be completed next October) at Haneda airport. The talks will focus on departure and arrival slots at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport, and the application of antitrust immunity (ATI),as well as an open sky accord. Air carriers that operate between two countries, flight routes, and the number of flights are currently set at government-to-government talks. However, if two countries sign an open sky accord, air carriers of both countries can set flight routes between the two countries and the number of flights they operate at their own discretion. The U.S., which adopts an open sky policy as a national policy, has been working on Japan to sign an open sky accord for a long time. However, the Japanese side has been negative toward the idea, taking the stand that the top priority is to correct the excessive number of slots given to the U.S. at Narita Airport. However, the government has shifted to a positive stance this year, determining that riding the global trend toward liberalization would make it easier for Japanese carriers to boost competitiveness. Advantage of strengthened ties Departure and arrival slots both at Narita Airport and Haneda Airport are already fully occupied. Signing an open sky agreement will not directly lead to an increased number of flights. Rather, signing such an accord has the major advantage of making it easier for members of international airline alliances to strengthen ties with each other. TOKYO 00002482 009 OF 009 There are three international airline alliances, including Oneworld, joined by JAL, and Star Alliance, joined by All Nippon Airways (ANA). Members are strengthening ties by cutting costs through code-sharing flights or adopting a common discount ticket system. Chances are that adopting those measures for U.S. routes could infringe on the U.S. Anti-Trust Act, necessitating carriers of the other country to obtain ATI immunity from the U.S. government. The U.S. only grants ATI immunity to carriers of countries with which it has signed an open sky agreement. At the stage of mapping out a rehabilitation plan, JAL had intended to strengthen its network with member carriers of the airline alliance, using capital injected either by Delta Air Lines or American Airlines. However, the plan has been annulled due to the change in government. Accordingly, capital injection talks have been suspended. Chances are that if a new rehabilitation plan is prepared, such talks could be resumed. Should that occur, the signing of an open sky accord would become significant. Imbalance in numbers of departure and arrival slots granted to Japanese and U.S. carriers The Japanese government has long been making an issue over the imbalance in numbers of departure and arrival slots granted to Japan and the U.S. Regarding the number of the flights of passenger planes operating between Japan and the U.S., Japanese carriers operate 135 flights a week, while U.S. carriers have 296 flights. In particular, departure and arrival slots given to U.S. carriers at Narita Airport account for 28 percent of all slots, although the number of U.S. airline companies' passengers traveling between Narita and the U.S. to the total number of passengers using Narita Airport stands at 17 percent (fiscal 2007). This is because U.S. carriers dominated Japan-U.S. routes for some time after the War, and they still retain their vested interests. The Japanese side is insisting on a greater portion of slots being granted to Japanese carriers on a priority basis. An agreement to conclude an open sky accord needs to be reached in tandem with the departure and arrival slot issue. ROOS