TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - STATE OF THE UNION

UNCLAS TOKYO 000186 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 - STATE OF THE UNION ADDRESS ¶1. LEAD STORIES: Top stories on Friday morning included a Justice Ministry draft proposal made on Thursday that would abolish the statute of limitations for murders. ¶2. "President Obama Should Not Be Inward-looking" The liberal Asahi editorialized (1/29): "It was disappointing that practically no new ideas regarding foreign policy were presented in the State of the Union address. Although President Obama stressed his efforts to strengthen measures against terrorism and reduce the number of nuclear weapons, he did not take up the issue of a new international framework for climate change. The President's policy of placing importance on domestic issues is understandable in view of the current economic difficulties. However, it will be problematic if the U.S. becomes excessively inward- looking. President Obama stated in his speech: 'We will not quit.' We hope the President will not forget our expectation that he will change America and the world." ¶3. "Speech Was Insufficient from Viewpoint of U.S. Commitment to World Peace" The liberal Mainichi argued in an editorial (1/29): "It is hard to say that the President sent a strong message to North Korea and Iran, which are challenging the international community by developing nuclear weapons. His failure to refer to Middle East peace could lead to distrust in the Muslim community. Although reviving the economy is an important issue, the speech was insufficient from the viewpoint of the U.S. commitment to the peace and stability of the world." ¶4. "President Obama's Leadership Will Be Tested" The moderate Yomiuri wrote in an editorial (1/29): "There is concern that if the President's leadership over domestic issues is undermined, his foreign and security policies will be adversely affected. Will the President be able to implement his policies by having Congress work on those agendas? His political leadership will be tested." ¶5. "Japan Must Respond Positively to Requests from U.S. for Open Market" The business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (1/29): "Businesses and governments will have to prepare for the possibility of the U.S. taking a more inward-looking approach. Japan should take a firm position against possible moves on the part of the U.S. to take a nationalistic approach or to allow an excessively weak dollar. However, Japan will have no choice but to respond positively to U.S. requests for Japan to open its market if it hopes to maintain its exports to the U.S." ROOS