JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 2/26/09

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 000435

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SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 2/26/09

Index:

1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei)

Ozawa's security policy:
4) Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa stresses that
Japan should no longer "blindly follow" the U.S. security lead but
build up own defense power (Mainichi)
5) Naha consul general says Ozawa does not understand importance of
U.S. military presence in Japan, criticizes remark about shrinking
troop presence (Sankei)
6) Ozawa is blasted by both the ruling and opposition camps for his
remark about shrinking U.S. troop presence, boosting Japan's defense
power (Nikkei)

Real security policy:
7) New anti-piracy law will allow MSDF to shoot first before being
attacked by pirates (Nikkei)
8) Civilians to be added to MSDF table-top exercises premising
skirmishes with pirates (Yomiuri)

Trading with the enemy:
9) Cops raid trading firm suspected of exporting missile materials
to North Korea (Sankei)
10) Cops in Yokohama apprehend individual smuggling heroin producing
chemical to Afghanistan for possible use by Al Qaeda (Tokyo
Shimbun)

Aso diplomacy:
11) Government satisfied with Aso-Obama summit meeting for agreement
on jointly responding to North Korea threat, understanding of
abduction issue (Yomiuri)
12) Ambassador Saito confident that northern territory issue can be
settled at the summit meeting level (Yomiuri)
13) Prime Minister Aso filling diplomatic schedule to bolster
position (Asahi)
14) Prime Minister Aso used his English in Washington but few could
understand him (Yomiuri)

15) DPJ considering possibility of filing a no-confidence motion
against the Aso cabinet (Yomiuri)

16) Government considering additional stimulus package with projects
worth 20 trillion yen (Mainichi)

17) Mainichi poll: 70 PERCENT of public do not appreciate the
government's jobs policy (Mainichi)


18) Foreign tourists in Japan drop by 18 PERCENT (Mainichi)

Articles:

1) TOP HEADLINES

Asahi:
Arrest warrant issued for company head for allegedly making wrong
use of low-rate mailing service system for physically handicapped

Mainichi:

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Survey shows many parents unaware of how children using mobile phone
services

Yomiuri:
Teens are addicted to mobile phones

Nikkei:
Domestic demand-based firms likely to maintain new graduate hiring
at high levels next spring

Sankei:
Trading firm allegedly exports missile materials to North Korea

Tokyo Shimbun:
Nishimatsu Construction Co. provided funds to aide to Nagano
governor, according to testimony by person concerned

Akahata:
Japanese, U.S. leaders agreed to strengthen bilateral alliance

2) EDITORIALS

Asahi:
(1) Japan-U.S. summit: U.S. visit by weak Aso treated lightly in
U.S.
(2) Obama's address: Difficulties and hopes lie before Obama

Mainichi:
(1) Japan-U.S. summit: Diplomacy can be promoted based on public
support
(2) We expect Obama to take action after words

Yomiuri:
(1) Active diplomatic approach needed to strengthen Japan-U.S.
alliance
(2) Obama faces many tasks to clear to put economy on recovery
track

Nikkei:
(1) Obama holds talks with "Japanese prime minister"
(2) Obama scolds American people

Sankei:
(1) Japan should respond to U.S. priority to Japan with actions
(2) Obama expected to display strong leadership in revitalizing
economy

Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Means to score points through diplomatic event no longer
acceptable
(2) Obama address frankly reflects sense of alarm

Akahata:
(1) "Multifaceted alliance" contains dangerous factors

3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)

Prime Minister's schedule, February 24

NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
February 26, 2009


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(Local time)

Noon
Had a luncheon with CSIS President Hamre, former National Security
Advisors Brzezinski and Scowcroft, and former Deputy Secretary of
State Armitage at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Washington. Lied a
wreath at the Arlington National Cemetery.

Afternoon
Held talks with Senator Inouye at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel.
Departed from Andrews Air Force Base on a special government plane.

Prime Minister's schedule, February 25

NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)

February 26, 2009

(Japan time)

22:01
Arrived at Haneda Airport.

22:31
Met at his official residence with LDP Secretary General Hosoda, New
Komeito Representative Ota, and Secretary General Kitagawa, in the
presence of Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura, his deputies Matsumoto
and Konoike, Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi, and Deputy
Foreign Minister Sasae.

4) Ozawa stresses need to break away from "blindly following U.S."

MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full)
February 26, 2009

Along with the Japan-U.S. summit, Ichiro Ozawa, president of the
leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto),reiterated
his advocacy yesterday of reducing the U.S. military presence in
Japan and clearly set forth his stance of breaking away from
"blindly following the United States." This underscored his
long-standing argument for an "equal Japan-U.S. alliance," that
would come with a change of government after the next election for
the House of Representatives. At the same time, however, Ozawa also
suggested the need for Japan to build up its defense power. One
expert said, "What he is saying will need constitutional revision."
In addition, his remarks gave rise to a sense of bewilderment or
wariness among opposition parties.

"We should talk with the United States about global strategies for
role-sharing, and if Japan takes on its own role in the security
area that is deeply related to Japan, then the U.S. military's role
will be lessened," Ozawa told reporters yesterday in the city of
Osaka. He added: "The U.S. presence is necessary, but generally
speaking, the presence of the (U.S. Navy's) Seventh Fleet (based in
Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture) is enough. After the U.S. military's
pullout, Japan could fulfill its responsibility for its own
defense."

According to one DPJ official close to Ozawa, what Ozawa said means
that if Japan takes on an appropriate burden for its national
defense in the role of U.S. Forces Japan, the 7th Fleet would be
enough for "stability in the Far East."

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However, Satoshi Morimoto, a professor of security affairs at
Takushoku University's graduate school, said, "The U.S. forces in
Japan have troops from the Marine Corps and the Air Force. The
Seventh Fleet is a part of the Navy, and its presence alone can only
fulfill a portion of the deterrence functions." Morimoto also said,
"If Japan is going to take over the U.S. military's role after they
are gone, that means rearming and it will be necessary to amend the
Constitution."

Kazuo Shii, chairman of the Japanese Communist Party, warned:
"Becoming an equal partner by going for armaments expansion is the
wrong way. The more Japan builds up its military power, the more the
United States will use it." Mizuho Fukushima, head of the Social
Democratic Party, was at a loss, saying: "He said the Seventh Fleet
is enough. What comes after that will have a different meaning, if
that means Japan will do it on its own or if that means to reduce
bases. We are against arms expansion."

However, DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama told reporters in
Tokyo: "What he meant, I think, was that the threat in the Far East
is not increasing. He was not thinking about a military build up by
Japan." With this, Hatoyama sought understanding for Ozawa's
remarks. However, he also developed his own view, saying: "If in the
future we lay down a missile defense network or other systems, we
will be able to maintain the security of Japan within the bounds of
Japan's exclusively defense-oriented policy, even if we do not
depend on the United States."

5) U.S. consul general criticizes remark about shrinking U.S. troop
presence: "Mr. Ozawa does not understand"

SANKEI (Page 5) (Full)
February 26, 2009

Kevin Maher, U.S. consul general in Okinawa, in a press conference
on Feb. 25, criticized the view expressed by Democratic Party of
Japan (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa that in the future having only
the U.S. Navy stationed in Japan would be sufficient. He stated:
"The security environment in the Far East cannot be taken lightly.
(He) does not understand the indispensability of the Air Force, the
Marines and other services." He stressed the importance of
maintaining the readiness of the Army, Air Force and the Marines.

In addition, the consul general revealed that his appointment to
head the Japan Desk at the State Department, who administers Japan
policy at the working level, "will be formally decided next week."

On the issue of the relocation of Futenma Air Station, he restated
his view rejecting the request of the prefecture to move the site of
the runway into the ocean, saying, "(The current proposal) is a plan
that balances the impact on the environment and on local residents.
Construction of the land portion has already begun; this is not the
time for reconsideration."

A Liberal Democratic Party lawmaker with cabinet experience
yesterday criticized Ozawa's remark, saying: "Northeast Asia has the
North Korea and the Taiwan Strait issues. The presence of the U.S.
Marines (as part of the U.S. forces in Japan) is significant as a
landing force. Mr. Ozawa does not seem to understand such (the
importance of military balance)."


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6) Ozawa's remark about Seventh Fleet being enough U.S. military
presence in Japan creates stir; Ruling camp: Japan-U.S. alliance
would crumble; Opposition camp: If it means arms buildup, he's
mistaken

NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpt)
February 26, 2009

The statements by Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Ichiro
Ozawa on Feb. 24 that included, "The U.S. presence in the Far East
of only the 7th Fleet would be enough," has created a stir in the
ruling and opposition camps. That is because the remarks have been
taken to mean that if the DPJ gets into power, it would build up
Japan's independent defense power to replace the reduction in U.S.
bases in Japan.

Hidehisa Otsuji, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP)
Upper House lawmakers' caucus, criticized Ozawa yesterday, saying,
"I was a statement extremely lacking in judgment that revealed an
ignorance of the reality of Japan-U.S. defense affairs." On senior
lawmaker from the ruling camp said, "It will create cracks in the
bilateral alliance."

7) New anti-piracy legislation: Government, ruling parties to allow
firing at pirate ship approaching civilian vessel if it ignored
warning

NIKKEI (Page 1) (Abridged slightly)
February 26, 2009

The government and ruling parties have decided to relax a set of
weapons-use criteria governing the Self-Defense Forces and the Japan
Coast Guard for the envisaged new legislation to deal with piracy in
waters off Somalia, Africa. The new law will allow firing at a
pirate ship that approaches a civilian vessel in defiance of a
warning. At the same time, firing at pirates who fled after a
warning would not be allowed.

The ruling parties' anti-piracy project team confirmed such rules in
its meeting yesterday. The team plans to meet again on March 4 to
formally decide on the new legislation to present it to the Diet by
early March.

The government intends to invoke in early March an action for
maritime policing operations under the existing SDF Law to dispatch
Maritime Self-Defense Force vessels to let them begin escorting
vessels by April. In this case, weapons use will be allowed only in
self-defense and emergency evacuation under Article 7 of the Police
Duties Execution Law. Article 20 of the JCG Law allows firing at a
fleeing vessel for the purpose of stopping it only within Japanese
waters.

In studying the new legislation, the government and the ruling
parties recognized the need to allow firing at a pirate ship
approaching a private vessel in defiance of a warning in order to
increase the effectiveness of controls. For the time being, the
scope of protection will be limited to Japanese-registered ships and
vessels carrying Japanese cargoes. Foreign vessels will be included
under the new law.

The JCG will single-handedly deal with pirates and the MSDF will be
dispatched when such is not enough. In deploying the MSDF, its

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activities must be approved by the prime minister and that must be
reported to the Diet later.

8) Antipiracy drill to involve civilians

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Abridged)
February 26, 2009

The Maritime Self-Defense Force will conduct a command post exercise
(CPX) for its destroyers to convoy commercial ships against pirates
in waters off the eastern African coast of Somalia. The CPX will be
held March 2-3 at a Defense Ministry facility in Tokyo with the
participation of government organizations, including the Defense
Ministry and the Land and Transport Ministry. The drill will also
involve personnel from shipping firms operating or managing
freighters or other merchant ships. For the first time civilians
will join training in the run-up to the Self-Defense Forces'
international cooperation.

The CPX is intended for such cases as: 1) a merchant ship, which is
off course and away from a fleet, is targeted by pirate ships; 2) a
Japanese crewman is shot by a pirate ship and inured, and the MSDF
fights back against that pirate ship and halts it. In any case, the
desktop drill will be conducted in anticipation of situations where
the MSDF will use weapons to fire warning shots or other purposes.

9) Kanagawa prefectural police to raid trading firm that illicitly
exported missile materials to North Korea on suspicion of violation
of foreign trade control law

SANKEI (Top play) (Abridged slightly)
February 26, 2009

Kanagawa prefectural police decided yesterday to conduct an
investigation into a Tokyo trading firm exporting goods to North
Korea on suspicion that it has illicitly exported
military-convertible materials to North Korea without the METI
minister's authorization via a third country, a violation of the
Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law. The police will soon
search the firm and related facilities.

According to investigators, the firm in question is a company
handling machine components. Exported materials are said to be
indispensable for missile production. A large amount of such
materials are suspected to have been exported to North Korea.

Because exporting such materials directly to North Korea is highly
restricted and is difficult to do in reality, cases of persons
hand-carrying such materials into the North via a third country have
been increasing recently.

Security authorities believe the North has ordered "roundabout
exports." There is a possibility that the degree of sanctions
imposed on North Korea will spark controversy.

In its inspections of nuclear facilities in North Korea in 2007, the
International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) found Japanese-made vacuum
pumps usable to produce nuclear weapons.

Kanagawa prefectural police searched a Kanagawa machine equipment
maker and a Tokyo trade agent and sent papers on the president of
the trade agent to prosecutors last July.

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Frequency converters usable for nuclear development were illegally
exported in 2004 and a freeze dryer adaptable for the production of
biological weapons was also exported in 2006. This was followed by
the arrest of the president a Tokyo trading firm exporting goods to
North Korea.

A senior police officer said: "In many case, the managements of
trading firms doing business with the North are convicted
criminals."

10) Raw material of narcotic drugs confiscated: Several tons also
found at Yokohama port

TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 25) (Full)
February 26, 2009

Tokyo Shimbun has learned that several tons of acetic acid
anhydride, used for purifying heroin, were found in
Afghanistan-bound cargo at Yokohama port. The Yokohama Customs House
has confiscated them. The Yokohama Customs House and the Kanagawa
Prefectural Police have launched an investigation, determining that
it is a smuggling case.

About 1 ton of acetic acid anhydride was also found in cargo bound
for Afghanistan at Nagoya port this month. The investigative
authority is probing possible connections between the two cases. The
National Police Agency is undergoing procedures to put a Pakistani
suspected of having been involved in smuggling in this incident on
an international wanted list.

It has also been found through an interview with the South Korean
policy authority that an Afghan, who was arrested in July last year
for an attempt to smuggle out the same material procured in Japan to
Afghanistan via South Korea, told the police that he was asked by a
member of Al Qaida, an international terrorist group.

Afghanistan is the world's leading drug producer nation. It is
allegedly serving as funding sources for Al Qaida and the
anti-government Taliban militants. Judging from the series of
incidents, there is a possibility that terrorists are procuring
acetic acid anhydride, a material necessary for the purification of
heroin, in Japan.

Acetic acid anhydride is used for the manufacturing of skin lotion
and pharmaceuticals in general. It is designated as a special raw
material for psychotropic and narcotic drugs. Exports of
pharmaceuticals require a notification to the state, if their acetic
acid anhydride content exceeds 50 PERCENT . The UN has adopted a
resolution prohibiting the supply of that material to Afghanistan.

11) Japanese, U.S. leaders vow to jointly deal with North Korea's
threat: Government views that a certain level of understanding of
abduction issue has been obtained

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
February 26, 2009

Prime Minister Aso and President Obama during their bilateral summit
held in Washington on the morning of February 24, early hours of the
25th, Japan time, agreed to take joint steps in dealing with issues
concerning North Korea, including the abduction of Japanese

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nationals. The Japanese government appreciates the agreement, with
one official noting, "We have obtained a certain level of
understanding from the U.S." North Korea has not softened its
provocative stance, hinting it plans to test-launch a ballistic
missile. How to chart a strategy for settling the issues remains a
challenge.

Emerging from the meeting, the prime minister told reporters: "The
president had intimate knowledge of North Korean affairs. He was
well aware of the abduction issue. I had the impression that the
amount of time in which President Obama spoke was longer than the
length of my remarks." He underscored that the president is highly
interested in issues concerning North Korea. Asked by a reporter,
"Do you mean that President Obama indicated understanding of Japan's
stand?," Aso promptly replied, "Naturally."

The two leaders agreed to cooperate to reach a comprehensive
settlement of such pending issues as the abductions, nuclear
weapons, and missiles. An official who traveled with the prime
minister revealed that Tokyo had hoped to secure during the summit
unstinting cooperation from the U.S. for the settlement of the
abduction issue. Tokyo's objective has been met with the president
indicating his stance that Japan and the U.S. should collaborate in
settling the issue.

North Korea at the formal working level talks with Japan held in
August last year announced a plan to set up a committee to
reinvestigate abduction cases. However, it has thus far made no
specific moves. The six-party talks to discuss North Korea's nuclear
program were held in December last year after a hiatus of five
months. The meeting, however, broke down, failing to adopt a
framework for verifying the nuclear development program submitted by
North Korea. There are no prospects for resuming the talks. How to
win concessions from North Korea remains unclear.

12) Ambassador to Russia Saito on agreement that the Northern
Territories issue should be settled by incumbent leaders

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
February 26, 2009

Referring to the agreement reached at the Japan-Russia summit on
February 18 that a direction should be given regarding the
territorial issue so that a settlement can be reached by their
generation, Ambassador to Russia Saito during an interview with the
Yomiuri Shimbun on the 25th took the view that it means they would
address the issue while they are in office.

Ambassador Saito attended a meeting, which discussed the territorial
issue on the sidelines of the summit, joined by a small number of
persons.

According to Saito, Aso referred to his policy speech delivered in
January, in which he noted that he would promote relations with
Russia in wide areas. Aso then underscored the need to settle the
territorial issue in tandem with economic cooperation, noting: "We
will cooperate concerning Russia's matter of concern regarding
Japan. The essence of the matter is to bring up the attribution
issue, by facing the matter of concern for Japan as well."

President Medvedev reportedly showed approval of the prime
minister's remark. The ambassador said, "I clearly perceived the

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president's political desire to settle the issue."

13) Prime Minister Aso sets full diplomatic schedule

ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
February 26, 2009

Prime Minister Taro Aso, who has already met with U.S. President
Barack Obama and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev, is now trying to
set a full diplomatic schedule running up to the summer. Russian
Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will visit Japan in May. The
government also is arranging summit meetings between Aso and Chinese
and South Korean leaders. Lurking in the background appears to be
Aso's intention to constrain anti-Aso forces who are calling for
replacing the prime minister.

Since Chinese President Hu Jintao visited Japan last May, Aso is
expected to make a trip to China this year. The outlook is that
Aso's visit to Beijing will be on the agenda in a meeting on Feb. 28
of the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers. At the request of Aso
during a telephone conversation on Feb. 23, South Korean President
Lee Myung Bak expressed his intention to visit Japan as early as
possible.

In a street corner speech delivered immediately after taking office,
Aso said with confidence: "Taro Aso is the most effective person to
use in the diplomatic and economic areas," citing his long service
as foreign minister. Although his flip-flops in internal politics
have been criticized, his diplomacy is appreciated by the ruling
parties.

New Komeito Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa praised Aso at a press
conference yesterday, saying: "Regarding internal politics, he has
come under severe criticism from the public, but he has dealt well
with diplomatic issues. He should be praised."

However, Aso's declining support rates are known to various foreign
governments. Therefore, there is no guarantee that he will be able
to take advantage of his summits with foreign leaders to boost his
popularity. Some critics point out the danger in seeking excessive
diplomatic achievements. Referring in a Lower House Budget Committee
session to the Japan-Russia summit, in which the two leaders
discussed the territorial row, New Party Daichi leader Muneo Suzuki
gave Aso a warning:

"I understand that Japan will not conclude a peace treaty (with
Russia),unless the ownership of the four islands is confirmed. Is
my understanding correct? I want the prime minister to follow
principles."

Aso wants to turn around the situation, by using upcoming diplomacy
to help him out. If the summit meetings under coordination are
realized, his diplomatic schedule will run until the Group of Eight
(G-8) summit in July, in which Aso is eager to attend.

14) Nagatacho field note: Prime Minister Aso's English could not be
picked up

YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
February 26, 2009

Prime Minister Taro Aso talked with U.S. President Barack Obama in

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English at the outset of their meeting on Feb. 24. The President
called on the Prime Minister to strengthen the bilateral alliance
between the two countries. In response, Aso said: "Since there are
many issues, Japan and the United States have to work together."
According to the Foreign Ministry, Aso used Japanese after that.

The minute the White House released later, however, does not include
the phrase "have to work together," instead the phrase "could not be
picked up" is written. It is not unusual that such a phrase is
written in the White House minutes. Actually, the same phrase
appeared in the minutes of a conference held the previous day
between the President and Congress sources.

Aso, who has often misreads Chinese characters, is confident about
his spoken English. It is unknown why his English was unable to be
understood. Aso's capability of speaking English appears to have
been jinxed.

15) DPJ's Yamaoka: Filing no-confidence motion is one option

YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full)
February 26, 2009

When asked about whether his party would submit a no-confidence
motion against the cabinet of Prime Minister Taro Aso in a CS
broadcasting program, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Diet Affairs
Committee Chairman Kenji Yamaoka said yesterday: "We are considering
it. I think the party will file one after considering its necessity
and efficacy." He indicated in his remark that the DPJ would
consider submitting to the ongoing Diet session a no-confidence
motion against the cabinet.

Yamaoka took the view that usually the submission of a no-confidence
motion would usually contribute to strengthening the unity of the
ruling parties. He said:

"If a no-confidence motion against the cabinet is submitted, (ruling
coalition lawmakers) would reluctantly have to vote against it.
Since the motion is like glue that would hold together the rickety
cabinet, our filing a no-confidence motion is not necessarily a
panacea."

Yamaoka also indicated that a no-confidence motion would have an
effect to urge the ruling parties to take a litmus test, noting:

"However, since Prime Minister Aso has come under severe criticism,
we may be able to see what action (ruling coalition lawmakers who
are critical of the prime minister) will take, when we submit a
no-confidence motion."

As to whether the DPJ might submit a censure motion against the
prime minister, he took a cautious stance, saying: "It is
unreasonable to immediate submit one," since deliberations on the
fiscal 2009 budget will start next week.

16) Government to compile additional economic package worth 20
trillion yen on project scale

MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full)
February 26, 2009

The government and the ruling parties decided yesterday to start

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work to compile a large-scale additional economic stimulus package
by the end of this month. The package will include measures to
improve the rapidly worsened economic climate and bolster falling
Tokyo stocks prices, focusing on job-creation measures and public
works projects. The package is expected to be worth approximately 20
trillion yen on a project scale and about 6 to 8 trillion yen in
fiscal spending. The government aims to come up with a larger-scale
one than the three packages worked out since last summer, in an
effort to prop up stock prices and to prevent the economy from
sinking deeper.

The government eyes reserves (untapped funds) in special accounts
and new construction government bonds as sources of revenue to
finance the projects, but it will also include the issuance of
deficit-covering bonds in its options.

The nation's real gross domestic product (GDP) for the Oct-Dec
period in 2008 fell to record low since the first oil crisis. In
addition, on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on the 24th, the Nikkei Stock
Average of 225 issues closed at the lowest level since the bubble
economy burst. These causes for concern prompted the government and
the ruling camp to decide to take fresh measures.

Their decision also reflects requests from other countries, such as
a call by U.S. President Barack Obama on Japan to expand domestic
demand during his meeting with Prime Minister Taro Aso.

The government intends to start a full-scale discussion in the
ruling camp to decide the basic outline of the package after the
fiscal 2009 initial budget bill clears the House of Representatives.
It will then compile a first supplementary budget bill for fiscal
2009 to finance the measures in it.

As specific measures, the government expects to move up public works
projects that are planned to be implemented over several years to
fiscal 2009 as much as possible. It also eyes measures to promote
Shinkansen construction and to accelerate laying down optical fibers
in depopulated areas, as well. The government is also looking into
proposing a Japanese version of the Green New Deal Policy to spread
solar energy and next-generation automobiles across the nation with
government funds.

As employment measures, the government eyes a new system to offer
funds to those who are no longer on the unemployment rolls on the
condition of receiving vocational training, in accordance with the
Democratic Party of Japan's proposal.

17) Poll: 70 PERCENT don't appreciate jobs measures

MAINICHI (Page 5) (Abridged)
February 26, 2009

The Mainichi Shimbun, in its Feb. 21-22 telephone-based nationwide
public opinion survey, asked respondents about the government's
employment measures. In response to this question, negative answers
substantially outnumbered affirmative answers, with "no" accounting
for 70 PERCENT and "yes" at 20 PERCENT . In the survey, respondents
were also asked about "work sharing" or shortening each employee's
working hours for many people to share jobs for their job security.
To this question, affirmative answers accounted for 57 PERCENT ,
with negative ones at 33 PERCENT .


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18) Number of foreign visitors for January drops 18 PERCENT to
580,000, marking sixth consecutive month decline

MAINICHI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly)
February 26, 2009

Ichiro Igawa

The number of foreigners who visited Japan in January dropped 18.4
PERCENT from the same month the previous year to 588,000, according
to the Japan National Tourism Organization's (JNTO) announcement
yesterday. It was the sixth consecutive month that showed a
year-on-year decline, indicating a persistent major drop due to the
global economic recession.

South Korea topped the list with 129,000. The figure, however,
represented a 52.3 PERCENT year-on-year drop due to the
depreciation of the won. The United States, Britain and France also
showed two-digit declines. Visitors from China increased 31.4
PERCENT . The numbers of visitors from Hong Kong or Singapore also
increased more than 30 PERCENT .

JNTO commissioner Yoshiaki Honpo indicated in a press conference
yesterday that his organization has set its target for 2009 at 8.35
million visitors, the same as the figure achieved in 2008.

ZUMWALT