JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 11/04/09

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E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 11/04/09 INDEX: 1) Top headlines 2) Editorials 3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) Foreign relations: 4) Japan-U.S. summit set for Nov. 13 (Nikkei) 5) U.S. State Dept. spokesperson: Cancelation of Clinton-Okada meeting was simple mistake (Yomiuri) 6) U.S. says it's ready for Japan-U.S. foreign ministers' meeting (Sankei) 7) Okinawa Governor Nakaima leaves for U.S. today (Tokyo Shimbun) Defense & security: 8) PM rules out change in constitutional ban on collective defense (Yomiuri) 9) Government Revitalization Unit may scrutinize MOD budget request connected to "sympathy budget" (Mainichi) 10) GSDF officer divulged dates of surprise inspections (Tokyo Shimbun) Afghanistan aid: 11) Govt. mulls 500 billion yen in aid for Afghanistan (Yomiuri) 12) Japan considering dispatch of SDF personnel to ISAF headquarters in Kabul (Nikkei) SOFA revision? 13) Hatoyama says U.S. can not readily respond to a request for SOFA revision (Nikkei) 14) Prime Minister denies he will request revision of SOFA to require the pre-indictment handover of accused U.S. service members (Akahata) Special Diet session: 15) Diet debate (Yomiuri) Politics: 16) Ozawa: DPJ Okinawa Prefectural Chapter independently endorsed Nago mayoral candidate calling for Futenma relocation outside prefecture (Nikkei) Opinion 17) Asahi/Tokyo University poll: 66 PERCENT desire political system in which administrations change (Asahi) 18) Mainichi/Ryukyu Shimpo poll: 70 PERCENT of Okinawa residents want Futenma relocated out of prefecture (Mainichi) Articles: 1) TOP HEADLINES Asahi: 121 bridges across Japan on verge of collapse Mainichi: Kadena town cooperates with U.S. forces to avert Futenma integration with Kadena base Yomiuri: Konami set to buy Victor's music business Nikkei: TOKYO 00002539 002 OF 010 Government mulls flexible patent process for time-consuming products Sankei: What is Hatoyama administration's next education policy? Japan Teachers Union's policy index is source of DPJ's education policy Tokyo Shimbun: Defense Ministry's surprise inspection schedule found to have leaked Akahata: Protect child-care services 2) EDITORIALS Asahi: (1) Poverty rate of 15.7 PERCENT reflects crisis in Japan Mainichi: (1) Rengo (Japan Trade Union Confederation) must improve non-permanent labor situation (2) JR Shikoku is initial test for toll free highways (by commentator Hirao Kodama) Yomiuri: (1) Toll-free highways might have adverse effect on local transportation (2) Committees for the Inquest of Prosecution: Important role of lawyers to provide advice Nikkei: (1) How to realize 25 PERCENT emission cut: Corporations must compete with foreign companies on low-carbon age management Sankei: (1) New Afghan government: Japan must do its utmost to support Afghan reconstruction (2) Blue roses: Suntory's dream comes true Tokyo Shimbun: (1) Anti-global warming measures: Government must dispatch clear message to the public (2) Achievement tests: Review exam questions next Akahata: (1) What should Afghanistan do to extricate itself from chaos? 3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) Prime Minister's schedule, November 3 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) November 4, 2009 10:09 Attended the Order of Culture conferment ceremony. 16:07 Met Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretaries Matsuno and Matsui. 18:34 Met Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirano, Matsuno and Matsui. 4) Hatoyama-Obama summit meeting to take place on November 13 NIKKEI (Page 2) (Slightly abridged) TOKYO 00002539 003 OF 010 November 4, 2009 The governments of Japan and the United States have decided to hold a summit meeting between the leaders of the two countries on Nov. 13 during U.S. President Barack Obama's first visit to Japan on Nov. 12-13. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will brief the President on new aid measures for Afghanistan at this meeting. The two leaders are also expected to discuss the key issue of the relocation of the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan City, Okinawa). Hatoyama will tell Obama about Japan's plan to withdraw the Maritime Self-Defense Force from its refueling mission in the Indian Ocean and explain new aid measures for Afghanistan worth a total of 4-5 billion dollars over five years, consisting mostly of civilian aid, such as paid vocational training for former Taliban soldiers. Dialogue between the two countries on how to handle the Futenma issue is currently in progress, so it is unclear at this point to what extent this issue will be discussed at the summit meeting. 5) Cancellation of foreign minister's U.S. visit simple mistake, explains U.S. State Department spokesman Kelly YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) November 4, 2009 Satoshi Ogawa, Washington Referring to the U.S. Department of State having released a weekly schedule including a meeting between Department of State Secretary Clinton and Foreign Minister Okada on the morning of Nov. 6th (after midnight on the 7th, Japan time),and then canceled it later, State Department spokesman Kelly at a press briefing on the 2nd said, "(The schedule) was still at a planning stage. It was not intended for a release." Concerning an outlook for a meeting between Clinton and Okada, Kelly noted, "The Secretary is ready to meet him on the 6th. Whether the meeting will take place or not is up to the Japanese Foreign Ministry." Referring to this issue, a senior State Department official said, "It's our fault. Although the meeting was on the calendar, it was clear that the foreign minister needs to obtain approval for his U.S. visit from the Diet." 6) U.S. is ready to hold Okada-Clinton talks SANKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts) November 4, 2009 Takashi Arimoto, Washington With respect to a visit to the United States by Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada, U.S. State Department spokesman Ian Kelly indicated in a press briefing on Nov. 2 that Washington is ready to hold talks with him. "Secretary of State Clinton has time on Nov. 6 (Nov. 7, Japan time) to meet with Foreign Minister Okada, but I think I will have to refer you to the Japanese Foreign Ministry about his plans," Kelly said, indicating that it is up to Japan to decide whether to hold the envisaged meeting. Okada has expressed his desire to hold talks with Clinton to discuss the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture) and other matters ahead of President TOKYO 00002539 004 OF 010 Barack Obama's visit to Japan in mid-November. But the Japanese side has shown its reluctance to agree on the date proposed by the United States because it overlaps with Diet events. 7) Okinawa Gov. Nakaima to leave for U.S. today TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts) November 4, 2009 Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima will leave for Washington today as representative of the liaison council of governors from 14 prefectures hosting U.S. bases and military facilities. He will join Kanagawa Gov. Shigefumi Matsuzawa, chairman of the council, in Washington. The two governors plan to call on senior U.S. government officials, as well as Senators and Members of the House of Representatives, to improve basis issues. Nakaima said yesterday afternoon at Naha airport: "In Japan, a new administration, which advocates reviewing the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, has been launched. I would like to talk to the U.S. side about the need for a revision of the accord." 8) Hatoyama in Diet reply indicates no intention of altering interpretation of right to collective self-defense YOMIURI (Top play) (Excerpts) November 3, 2009 A full-scale battle of words between the ruling and opposition parties kicked off in a meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee held yesterday for the first time after the launch of the cabinet of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. In replying to questions, Hatoyama revealed that he had no intention of removing the ban on exercising the right to collective self-defense by changing the current government interpretation of the Constitution. Observers surmise that the prime minister is hoping to avoid any confusion from being caused by a change in the interpretation until his administration's foundation becomes stable. The right to collective self-defense is the right to use force to stop an armed attack on a foreign country with which the state has close relations, even if the state itself is not under direct attack. The existing government interpretation is that the nation possesses the right but is prohibited from exercising it. Hatoyama said in the Diet reply: "My administration has just been launched, so I have no intention of altering the interpretation. This is a unified view in the Hatoyama cabinet." Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa has said that the use of armed force overseas (by the Self-Defense Force) should not infringe on the Constitution if the act is endorsed by a UN resolution. Asked what response he would make if a perception gap appears between the government and the DPJ, Hatoyama emphasized: "The cabinet will take responsibility in handling the issue of what to do about the government interpretation of the Constitution." 9) Two projects in host nation support likely to be reviewed by panel tasked with cutting wasteful spending MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) November 4, 2009 The nation's host nation support (the so-called omoiyari yosan or TOKYO 00002539 005 OF 010 "sympathy budget") for the U.S. forces in Japan is expected to be reviewed by the Government Revitalization Unit tasked with scrutinizing public works to cut wasteful spending (chaired by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama),it was learned from informed sources yesterday. The panel is considering conducting a review of spending for the maintenance of housing for U.S. military personnel's families and salaries for Japanese employees working at U.S. military bases. The taskforce of lawmakers and other members questioned concerned Defense Ministry officials about these projects yesterday. State Minister for Government Revitalization Yoshito Sengoku will make the final decision, but (if the panel decides to review these projects,) it might cause a stir between Japan and the U.S., which are already at odds over the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa. 10) Defense Ministry's surprise inspection schedule found to have leaked TOKYO SHIMBUN (Top play) (Lead paragraph) November 4, 2009 It has been learned that a Ground Self-Defense Force's lieutenant colonel in the analysis department at the Defense Intelligence Headquarters had leaked the schedule of surprise inspections, which the Defense Ministry conducts to prevent defense intelligence from being leaked, rendering them ineffectual. In 2006 and 2007 there was a succession of leaks at the ministry, including the removal of important documents on Aegis destroyers. U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates, who recently visited Japan, requested the Defense Ministry ensure the security of intelligence. However, the recent incident, in which even the surprise inspection schedule necessary for plugging leaks was itself leaked, reveals a ministry prone to divulging information. 11) Government mulls 500 billion yen in financial support to Afghanistan YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) November 3, 2009 The outline of the Afghanistan reconstruction support measures the government is considering was revealed on Nov. 2. The plan is to extend financial support totaling 400 to 500 billion yen over five years starting in fiscal 2010 mainly for the development of the metropolitan area in and around the capital city of Kabul and the continuation of assistance for the payment of salaries to policemen as part of security measures. Related ministers, such as Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirano and Foreign Minister Okada will reach a final decision at a meeting to be held as early as the 5th. Prime Minister Hatoyama will then convey the outline of the support plan to U.S. President Obama, who will visit Japan on the 12th. For the development of the metropolitan area, technological and financial support financed by official development assistance (ODA) will be extended for the building of social infrastructure, such as the construction of roads and water supply and sewerage systems with the aim of helping the nation cope with a water shortage and traffic congestion stemming from a sharp increase in the population of Kabul. Support for other projects such as repairing runways at Kabul International Airport and building a taxiway will also be extended. This year the Japanese government has provided the salaries for TOKYO 00002539 006 OF 010 80,000 Afghanistan policemen for six months through the UN Development Program. Given the serious security situation in that nation, it has decided to continue the support next year and thereafter as well. The government is currently providing a training course to about 10 senior Afghanistan police officers. It now plans to expand this course. It is looking into a way to hold such a course in a different Islamic country, such as Turkey. The plan also includes a program designed for the social rehabilitation of former soldiers who joined the Taliban militants due to poverty, by having them engage in construction work or providing them with vocational training. Providing financial support to them while they are undergoing vocational training is also under consideration. 12) Government considering sending SDF personnel to ISAF operational headquarters NIKKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) November 4, 2009 On Nov. 3 the government began discussions on sending several Self-Defense Force members to the operational headquarters of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF),currently deployed in Afghanistan as part of international peace-keeping activities, by the end of the year. With Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama scheduled to hold talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on Nov. 13, the measure is designed to demonstrate the government's eagerness to come up with a new approach to cooperation with the United States. The government will explore the possibility of contributing manpower in place of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operation in the Indian Ocean, which is to end next January. The government specifically envisages the dispatch of SDF personnel to serve as "liaison officers" who will not engage in combat. 13) PM Hatoyama says decision on SOFA revision to take time NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) November 3, 2009 Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama commented on Nov. 2 on the revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, which prescribes the legal status of U.S. Forces Japan. He said: "I think this is a very important subject of discussion, but we are not in a position to demand (revision from the U.S. side) hastily and quickly make a decision right now." He also said: "At least, the Kantei (Prime Minister's office) does not think that we are ready to go into negotiations." The above was in response to questions from reporters at the Kantei. 14) Prime Minister dismisses a proposal for pre-indictment handover of custody AKAHATA (Page 2) (Excerpts) November 4, 2009 Some media outlets have reported that Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has begun considering proposing, during a visit to Japan by U.S. President Barack Obama, the revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement to require the United States to hand over the TOKYO 00002539 007 OF 010 custody of the accused, which is limited to heinous crimes such as murder. The Prime Minister denied the report on Nov. 2 in response to a question from the press corps at the Kantei (Prime Minister's Official Residence). He said: "Even if a request is made hastily, the situation does not allow an easy answer. At least the Kantei is not at the stage to negotiate the matter." 15) Gist of PM Hatoyama's responses to interpellation on foreign policy issues at Lower House Budget Committee on November 2 YOMIURI (Page 8) (Full) November 3, 2009 North Korea Hideo Hiraoka (Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)): Is dialogue and cooperation your policy on dealing with North Korea? Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama: A soft stance should be avoided at a time when there are no concrete messages (from the North Korean side). We will give importance to dialogue and work for a solution by employing all possible means. Japan-U.S. relations Nobutaka Machimura (Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)): The smooth operation of the Japan-U.S. security treaty is important for Japan's security. Hatoyama: The Japan-U.S. alliance does not conflict with the concept of an East Asian community. Peace in East Asia is guaranteed by the Japan-U.S. alliance, and this has great significance. Machimura: What has been unequal in the Japan-U.S. relationship so far? Hatoyama: An equal partnership means that when an issue arises, Japan is able to speak out without any reservations even if it differs with the United States. (Under the LDP administration) Japan's diplomatic posture changed significantly whenever the U.S. expressed a strong opinion. I think that constituted "subservience to the U.S." U.S. Forces Japan realignment Tomoko Abe (Social Democratic Party): Cabinet members are expressing different opinions on Okinawa issues. What is your basic stance? Hatoyama: The relocation of the Futenma Air Station is an important issue for the Japan-U.S. alliance. I would like the ministers in charge to make efforts to look into the options for reducing the burden on the people of Okinawa while keeping in mind the importance of the existing Japan-U.S. agreement. We would like to come up with a solution acceptable to both countries that will reduce the burden on Okinawa. Mikio Shimoji (People's New Party): Even if the Japanese and U.S. governments agree, the issue will not move forward without Okinawa's agreement. Hatoyama: We cannot ignore the sentiments of the local communities and reach a conclusion between the two countries. While it is true TOKYO 00002539 008 OF 010 that the bilateral agreement was reached under the previous administration, we cannot possibly overlook its significance. I think the two countries cannot possibly reach an arbitrary conclusion without an agreement between the new administration and the governor of Okinawa that is acceptable to both parties. Tadamori Oshima (LDP): What will you decide with regard to Futenma relocation, move this base out of Japan, out of Okinawa, or within Okinawa? Hatoyama: We are making efforts to reach a conclusion by looking at several options. Oshima: When will you reach a conclusion? Hatoyama: We have just prepared several options and begun to examine them. I am not able to say when we will be able to reach a conclusion. I am also fully aware that we cannot delay this issue too much. Oshima: The timing (for making a decision) is important. It is (the Prime Minister's) responsibility to indicate the timetable. Hatoyama: I do not think that a decision has to be made before U.S. President Barack Obama visits Japan. We must not upset the Okinawan people by rushing. Machimura: Local communities close to Kadena Air Base are saying they are absolutely opposed (to Futenma's relocation). Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada: I understand that there are operational issues (in relocating the Futenma base to Kadena),but are these issues vital? We are looking into this to find a convincing answer. Afghan aid Tsuyoshi Yamaguchi (DPJ): What do you think of the strategy on Afghanistan so far? Hatoyama: There are constitutional constraints on sending the Self-Defense Forces overseas. Assistance consisting mainly of civilian aid is greatly appreciated (by the Afghan government). Fighting with weapons is bound to bring about a quagmire. We will make efforts to develop the (Afghan) economy in a manner appropriate for Japan. Oshima: Will Japan not engage in the refueling mission (by the Maritime Self-Defense Force) in the Indian Ocean ever again? Hatoyama: We will not submit a bill on this to the extraordinary Diet session. I have concluded that the refueling mission will at least not be extended simply. Oshima: Will an extension that is not simple be possible? Hatoyama: We are currently compiling a package of aid measures desired by the Afghan people, such as agricultural aid and vocational training. There is no need to submit a bill regarding the refueling mission to the extraordinary Diet session. Oshima: Will the government's interpretation of the right of TOKYO 00002539 009 OF 010 collective and individual self-defense remain unchanged? Hatoyama: The new administration has just started. We have no intention to change the interpretation. Oshima: Is it acceptable if the government and the DPJ have different interpretations? Hatoyama: That will not happen. The cabinet will take responsibility for the government's constitutional interpretation. 16) DPJ Ozawa: "The party will let Okinawa federation independently support" Nago mayoral candidate calling for moving Futenma facility outside prefecture NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) November 3, 2009 In reference to the upcoming Nago mayoral election, Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) said in a press conference yesterday: "Party headquarters will not endorse the candidate (backed by the DPJ Okinawa Prefectural Federation). The party will let the federation support the candidate independently." The focal point at issue in the election is the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma air Station in Ginowan city, Okinawa Prefecture. The federation has decided to support former Nago City Board of Education superintendent Susumu Inamine, who has been calling for moving the facility out of the prefecture. 17) Poll: 66 PERCENT desire politics with gov't changes ASAHI (Page 1) (Abridged) November 3, 2009 An estimated 66 PERCENT of the nation's voting population want "politics with changes in the governing parties." Meanwhile, the proportion of those who want "a longlasting government led by the same political party (parties)" was only 34 PERCENT , about a half of those who want government changes. This public attitude became clear from a joint poll of voters conducted by the Asahi Shimbun and University of Tokyo Professor Masaki Taniguchi's office after this summer's general election for the House of Representatives. For the survey, a total of 3,000 persons were chosen from among the nation's voting population. A questionnaire was mailed to them on Aug. 29, the day before the election. After the election, valid answers were obtained from 2,067 persons by Sept. 30. In the survey, respondents were asked if they desire to see the governing parties change from time to time or see the same governing parties remain in office for a long period of time. To this question, 75 PERCENT of those who voted for the Democratic Party of Japan and 48 PERCENT of those who voted for the Liberal Democratic Party chose changes in the governing parties. These answers came after the election, but the percentage of those who want to see changes in the governing parties was high among those who voted for the DPJ. It may safely be said that the public does not necessarily want the DPJ to establish a single-party advantage. 18) Poll in Okinawa: 70 PERCENT want Futenma base moved out of Okinawa or abroad TOKYO 00002539 010 OF 010 MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) November 3, 2009 Concerning the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, the Mainichi Shimbun conducted a joint public opinion survey of the local population with the Ryukyu Shimpo on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1. In the survey, a total of 67 PERCENT were opposed to the current plan to relocate the heliport functions of Futenma airfield to a coastal area of Camp Schwab, a U.S. military base located in the Henoko area of the island prefecture's northern coastal city of Nago. Affirmative answers accounted for 20 PERCENT . Respondents were asked what they thought Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama should do. To this question, a total of 70 PERCENT said he should negotiate with the United States with the aim of relocating the Futenma base outside Okinawa Prefecture or out of Japan. As seen from the figures, the greater part of the prefecture's people want the base moved out of the prefecture or abroad as pledged by Hatoyama in this summer's general election for the House of Representatives. Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima has called for the construction site of Futenma airfield's alternative facility to be moved offshore. However, those who insist on offshore relocation accounted for 13 PERCENT . Among other answers, 7 PERCENT insisted on looking for another relocation site in Okinawa Prefecture, with 5 PERCENT saying the current plan should be accepted. The total percentage of those who approved of Futenma relocation within Okinawa Prefecture was only 25 PERCENT . Nakaima and Nago Mayor Yoshikazu Shimabukuro have indicated that they would accept the Futenma relocation within Okinawa Prefecture on the premise of an intergovernmental agreement reached between Japan and the United States. With the birth of the Hatoyama administration, however, the survey results show the local people's growing expectations for a review of the plan. The U.S. government continues to insist the Futenma airfield to be relocated to the shore of Camp Schwab. Meanwhile, the Hatoyama cabinet has been split over the Futenma-relocation issue. Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada has reiterated that he will study the option of integrating the functions of Futenma airfield into the U.S. Kadena Air Base, which straddles Kadena Town and other municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture. In the survey, respondents were also asked about the idea of merging Futenma airfield with the Kadena base. In response to this question, negative answers accounted for 72 PERCENT , with affirmative ones at 15 PERCENT . Polling methodology: The survey was conducted by telephone on Oct. 31 and Nov. 1 on a computer-aided random digit sampling (RDS) basis. Answers were obtained from 1,015 persons. ROOS