TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 000441 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 - PRESIDENTIAL ADDRESS AND U.S.-JAPAN SUMMIT ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Thursday morning included a Sankei report claiming that Japanese police plan to raid a machinery trading firm in Tokyo on suspicion of exporting materials that could be used for military purposes to North Korea via a third country without GOJ approval. ¶2. "Difficulties and Hopes for President Obama" The liberal Asahi editorialized (2/26): "... President Obama expressed his determination to shape the future... More than just stimulus measures, what is needed is the leadership to convey hope for the future... The President seems to be trying to patiently convince those who oppose his policies in order to achieve bipartisan unity... Although decisions he will make will be difficult, we hope that he will show the way." ¶3. "We Expect Actions" The liberal Mainichi wrote in an editorial (2/26): "... President Obama made a speech to encourage the American people to share confidence and hope... His message reached us too. We hope that he will take actions in line with his words." ¶4. "Determination for Economic Recovery was Shown, but..." The moderate Yomiuri's editorial contended (2/26): "... President Obama expressed his resolve to rebuild the U.S. economy. The recovery of a strong America is indispensable when the world is overshadowed by the economic slump. The key is whether the U.S. has the ability to take actions to realize its policy." ¶5. "U.S. Leader 'Scolds' American People" The business- oriented Nikkei editorialized (2/26): "The U.S. leader, who expressed his determination to overcome the economic crisis and showed the direction to realize his policy, scolded the irresponsibility on the part of businesses and people and stressed the importance of responsibility and reform... We hope the President will not take a populist approach but instead will tackle the problems in a sincere manner." ¶6. "Strong Leadership Needed to Restore Economy" The conservative Sankei's editorial wrote (2/26): "President Obama called for the unity of the American people... Rehabilitation of the U.S. economy is essential not only for the American people but also for Japan and the world. The President bears a heavy responsibility. We hope that he will steadily implement his policy he put forward in his address." ¶7. "Candid Speech Reflects Seriousness of Crisis" The liberal Tokyo Shimbun editorialized (2/26): "... Although the enactment of the bill of stimulus measures was a great achievement, it is only the first step, as President Obama himself has said. He will be tested whether he can maintain the current speed in implementing his policy." ¶8. "Light Diplomacy by Weak Prime Minister" The liberal Asahi editorialized (2/26): "...The first summit between President Obama and Prime Minister Aso produced some results despite the question why the U.S. invited a weak prime minister to the White House... The U.S. TOKYO 00000441 002 OF 002 side is well aware of the difficulties Aso faces. However, it apparently arranged a summit with the Japanese leader on the day when the President makes his important policy speech in order to send the message to the Japanese people that the U.S. attaches importance to Japan regardless who the Japanese prime minister is." ¶9. "Diplomacy by Weak Prime Minister" The liberal Mainichi's editorial wrote (2/26): "... Prime Minister Aso was the first foreign leader invited to President Obama's White House. In addition to Secretary of State Clinton's recent visit to Tokyo as the first stop of her tour of Asia, the summit apparently showed the importance the U.S. places on Japan. However, it is unusual that neither a joint press conference nor a luncheon was held. The U.S. side might have given Aso a reception lacking any frills in view of his administration's declining public support." ¶10. "Proactive Diplomacy Needed to Strengthen Alliance" The moderate Yomiuri wrote in an editorial (2/26): "Continued multilayer cooperation in a wide range of areas will help strengthen the U.S.-Japan alliance... As the Obama administration looks to multilateral diplomacy, Japan needs to carry out more proactive diplomacy." ¶11. "Action Should be Taken" The conservative Sankei editorialized (2/26): "... Supporting U.S. efforts through the alliance serves Japan's national interests. Japan demonstrated to the world its clear position to cooperate with the U.S., when Europeans are unable to reach a consensus. We hope that the momentum to cooperatively deal with global challenges with the leadership of the U.S. and Japan will spread to Europe and the rest of the world." ZUMWALT