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Viewing cable 06TOKYO484, JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 01/30/06
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| Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 06TOKYO484 | 2006-01-30 02:33 | 2011-08-25 00:00 | UNCLASSIFIED | Embassy Tokyo |
VZCZCXRO5477
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #0484/01 0300233
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 300233Z JAN 06
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7933
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAWJA/USDOJ WASHDC PRIORITY
RULSDMK/USDOT WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J5//
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA//
RHMFIUU/COMUSJAPAN YOKOTA AB JA//J5/JO21//
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA
RUAYJAA/COMPATWING ONE KAMI SEYA JA
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 6904
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 4249
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 7307
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 4351
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 5460
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 0236
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 6423
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 8558
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 15 TOKYO 000484
SIPDIS
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: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 01/30/06
Index:
1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
Prime Minister's weekend schedule: None
3) Ambassador Schieffer appearing on Fuji TV expects full US
report on beef violation incident in a couple of weeks
4) Koizumi support rate slips 4.1 points to 52% in Yomiuri
poll; 73% see Livedoor stock scam as "moral" issue; 71% favor
tougher market controls
Defense and security issues:
5) US presents proposed air flight route for relocated Futenma
airfield
6) US wants C-130s at Futenma moved to Iwakuni if Futenma plan
delayed or derailed
7) Government calculates that reducing USFJ's Yokota Air Base
control space 40% could created economic effect of 19 billion yen
8) US, Japanese governments to sign a GSOMIA, a secrets
protection agreement
9) Married military couple among the SDF troops being deployed
to Iraq in 9th dispatch
10) Police discover that Yamaha also illegally shipped an
unmanned helicopter to PLA-connected company in China
11) Government considering a major revision of military use of
outer space policy based on self-defense needs
12) DFAA bid-rigging scandal widens to include general
contractor
Military incidents:
13) US sailor fined for breaking and entering into middle school
in Yokosuka while drunk
14) 21-year old US sailor indicted for murder of Yokosuka woman
15) Two Okinawa-based Marines in custody for robbing Japanese
taxi driver on base
16) Government decides to restart yen loans to Iraq
Nuclear energy:
17) Democrats in US Congress in letter ask Japan to stop nuclear
waste reprocessing plan
18) Japan rebuts US Congress on its nuclear reprocessing plan
19) In parallel talks with North Korea on Feb. 4, Japan to give
priority to setting up dialogue
20) Japan presents new UNSC reform plan that would add six
permanent seats
21) Health and Labor Ministry statistics show four-fold increase
in human-trafficking cases in eight months of this year, compared
to all last fiscal year
Startling remarks:
22) Foreign Minister Aso calls on Emperor to pay homage at
Yasukuni Shrine
23) Text of Aso's remark on Emperor visiting Yasukuni
24) Former prime minister Hashimoto expresses concern in speech
about Japan "moving toward the right": "Not a good trend"
TOKYO 00000484 002 OF 015
Davos Conference:
25) Japan's presence at Davos Conference was slight, with
attention being paid mainly to India, China
26) LDP's Nakagawa at Davos sees 4-5% growth possible for
Japanese economy
Articles:
1) TOP HEADLINES
Asahi:
Livedoor cooked its books by selling its own stocks via overseas
securities firm
Mainichi:
Senior Defense Facilities Administration Agency officials
involved in bid rigging on new Defense Agency buildings
Yomiuri:
Yomiuri poll: 73% ascribe Livedoor scandal to lack of morals of
management; 71% call for tougher market surveillance system
Nihon Keizai:
Nippon Express to enter the nationwide mail delivery market to
counter Japan Post's monopoly
Sankei:
A Horie-style Japan (Part 1): Money-is-everything mentality
overheated
Tokyo Shimbun:
Defense Facilities Administration Agency prepared "work
allocation sheet" for bid rigging on air-conditioning work
2) EDITORIALS
Asahi:
(1) Land observation satellite Daichi: Successful service hoped
for
(2) Patients must come first in medical fee system
Mainichi:
(1) Collapse of local governments: Autonomy must be established
before legislation
(2) Trust Business Law revision: Eliminate all loopholes
Yomiuri:
(1) Local governments must fix collusive labor relations
(2) Will Nepal be able to move out of mire independently?
Nihon Keizai:
(1) Post-Greenspan global economy is to begin
Sankei:
(1) Basic Education Law revision: "Love for the country" must go
into the law
(2) JR West must put safety first
Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) Active strategic debate required for ODA
3) TRADE
TOKYO 00000484 003 OF 015
US Ambassador to Japan expects report on beef issue to be ready
in early February
ASAHI (Page 3) (Full)
January 30, 2006
US Ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer, appearing yesterday on a
Fuji-TV program, made this comment about the problem of a
shipment of US beef containing backbones, a risk material
required to be removed as a measure to counter BSE: "The US is
carrying out a complete investigation, and we would like to
present a detailed report to the Japanese government about what
happened in perhaps a couple of weeks." He gave his outlook that
the report including the cause and the countermeasures would be
ready in early February.
Ambassador Schieffer stated: "It was regrettable that the
inspector was not ready to comply even though the US had accepted
Japan's standard. The inspector has been punished for not
properly doing his job. We would like to make sure that such a
mistake never occurs again."
In addition, he commented on Under Secretary of Agriculture
Penn's saying that the incidence of BSE danger was less than the
chances of getting into an auto accident: "What Under Secretary
Penn wanted to say was that the rate of BSE risk is low. His
statement was regrettable, but essentially, he was saying that
the problem must be resolved. Under Secretary Penn had no
intention of rubbing (the feelings of the Japanese people) the
wrong way."
4) Poll: 73% see lack of business morals behind Livedoor case;
Cabinet support down
YOMIURI (Top play) (Abridged)
January 30, 2006
In the wake of Livedoor Co., Ltd.'s alleged violation of the
Securities Exchange Law, the Yomiuri Shimbun conducted a
telephone-based spot nationwide public opinion survey on Jan. 27-
¶29. According to its findings, 73% say the incident resulted from
the lack of morals among its managers and executives. Prosecutors
have now arrested the company's former president, Takafumi Horie.
The poll shows the general public's severe eye toward his sense
of ethics and business approaches. In the survey, respondents
were asked if they thought the stock market should be restricted
and watched even more strictly. In response to this question, 71%
answered "yes." In addition, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party
backed Horie when he ran as an independent in last year's
election for the House of Representatives. Asked if it was
appropriate, a total of 57% answered "no." The Koizumi cabinet's
support rate also went down.
The approval rating for the Koizumi cabinet was 52.0%, and the
nonsupport rate at 36.1%. The results of previous polls and the
one taken this time cannot be simply compared due to different
polling methodologies. However, the support rate was down 4.1
percentage points from a face-to-face survey conducted Jan. 21-22
before Horie was arrested. In the breakdown of public support for
political parties, the LDP stood at 38.9%, down 2.0 points. The
leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto)
TOKYO 00000484 004 OF 015
was at 17.2%, up 4.6 points.
5) US presents flight routes for replacement facility to Futenma
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
January 28, 2006
During senior working-level talks between foreign and security
affairs officials of Japan and the United States in Hawaii Jan.
24-26, US Department of Defense officials presented to Japanese
officials the flight routes for the replacement facility for
Futenma Air Station that will be built on the coast of Camp
Schwab in Nago City, Okinawa Prefecture. In the US plan, the
flight route used by helicopters would reportedly be in the
direction of the ocean side. In the Japanese government's draft,
as well, the average noise level from the facility would be less
than environmental standard, but reportedly, the US plan will
give even further consideration to the noise factor, according to
a government-related source.
However, since the runway direction will not change, in case
there is an instrument flight by a fixed-wing liaison plane or
the like, the aircraft would reportedly fly over 10 local homes
along the path extended out from the runway. There was urging
that the flight routes, as suggested in the Japanese sides
original draft proposal, be adopted quickly.
6) US wants to change base plan to move refueling planes to
Iwakuni; Japanese side refuses, and Futenma plan could be delayed
YOMIURI (Top story) (excerpts)
January 29, 2006
In US-Japan senior-working-level talks on the US military
transformation held in Hawaii January 24-26, the US side called
for changes to the plan to move 12 KC-130 refueling aircraft from
MCAS Futenma in Okinawa's Ginowan City to the Maritime Self-
Defense Force base in Kanoya, Kagoshima Prefecture. It became
clear on January 28 that the US is now calling for the planes to
be relocated to Iwakuni AS in Yamaguchi Prefecture. The
relocation of the KC-130s to Kanoya is an important element in
the return of Futenma, so the Japanese government is calling on
the US to reconsider. If this issue becomes prolonged, it will
assuredly have an impact on overall plans for the US military
transformation.
7) Transport Ministry estimates that reduction of US-military-
controlled Yokota Airspace by 40% would result in economic
benefits worth 19 billion yen; 120,000 kiloliters of fuel could
be saved
YOMIURI (Top story) (excerpts)
January 28, 2006
The airspace of Yokota AB, which is known as the Yokota radar
approach control zones (RAPCON), spans nine prefectures in the
Kanto area, including Tokyo and Kanagawa. The Ministry of Land,
Infrastructure, and Transport (MLIT) has released an estimate
showing that a 40% reduction of this airspace would result in
economic benefits worth 19 billion yen. By lowering the ceiling
on this airspace, carbon dioxide emissions could be cut by some
290,000 tons a year. It is expected that a reduction in Yokota's
TOKYO 00000484 005 OF 015
airspace along with the transfer of its control to Japan will be
considered in the US force transformation, and it is expected
that this estimate will influence US-Japan talks on the matter.
Yokota's airspace spans Tokyo, Kanagawa, Saitama, Ibaraki, Gunma,
Niigata, Yamanashi, Nagano, and Shizuoka Prefectures. The zones
have heights of between 3,700 and 7,000 meters. If commercial
planes intend to fly through the area, they must obtain
permission from the US military and follow its instructions. In
actuality, they usually try to avoid the area and end up being
forced to use more inefficient routes.
According to the MLIT estimate, the upper limits of the zones
would be reduced 40%. A plane taking off from Tokyo's Haneda
Airport would thus not have to take an inefficient route by going
around Tokyo Bay in order to head west.
As a result, commercial flight times would be reduced by a total
of 25,000 hours each year, which would also mean that 121,000
kiloliters would be saved annually. In addition, the labor costs
of paying flight crews would be reduced, as they would work fewer
hours. Combining these factors, the MLIT estimates that annual
economic benefits would be worth 19 billion yen a year
8) Japan, US to conclude a general security of information
agreement; Lawmakers who have leaked secrets will also be
punished
The Japanese and US governments decided yesterday to conclude a
general security of information agreement (GSOMIA) to prevent the
leakage of shared defense secrets. The two governments have
reached a conclusion that a comprehensive security framework was
indispensable for sharing greater intelligence in strengthening
cooperation on the planned US force realignment and jointly
developing a missile defense system. It can be called a step to
strengthen the bilateral alliance from a security perspective.
The two governments are also considering making lawmakers who
leak defense secrets subject to punishment.
Japan and the US already have a mutual defense agreement (MDA) to
prevent the leakage of classified military secrets, but the pact
only covers intelligence about the equipment and not operational
secrets. Given the situation, the two governments had to sign a
SIPDIS
memorandum of understanding (MOU) on the protection of secrets in
each case, such as the development of a next-generation intercept
missile system. But Japan's secret protection system has been
insufficient, and there seems to be no end to Japan's leakage of
defense secrets to other countries, such as China. This can
explain why the US has been reluctant to provide Japan with
defense secrets.
Japan and the US have decided to conclude a GSOMIA because of the
planned US force realignment, which includes a plan to establish
the Air Self-Defense Force's joint command at US Yokota Air Base,
necessitating US forces to share classified information with
Japan. As a step to that end, the two countries have decided to
enhance the security protection system. In fact, an interim
report on US force realignment stipulates the need to take
necessary measures for defending shared military secrets.
9) Married couple to Iraq on SDF mission
TOKYO 00000484 006 OF 015
ASAHI (Page 34) (Full)
January 30, 2006
The Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) has formed the 9th Iraq
Reconstruction Support Group consisting of about 500 troops
mainly from the GSDF's 1st Division based in Nerima, Tokyo, for
humanitarian reconstruction assistance in the southern Iraqi city
of Samawah. About 150 members of the group left Japan yesterday
from Haneda Airport. The remaining GSDF members will also leave
Japan soon. They will be deployed in Samawah for three months.
The Iraq-bound GSDF group includes a married couple: Sgt. 1st
Class Takashi Onishima, 35, and his 25-year-old wife, Lance
Corporal Hiroko Onishima. They joined the Self-Defense Forces as
they wanted to make an international contribution. "We hoped to
do something for the Iraqi people as SDF members, not as a
married couple," said Takashi. "My dream has come true," Hiroko
said, adding: "We will be busy there, but I'd like to call to him
if I see him over there."
In Samawah, a British military vehicle came under attack on Jan.
¶21. However, the two say they do not feel uneasy since they have
trained to keep safe.
10) Yamaha also exported high-performance unmanned helicopter to
corporation directly under People's Liberation Army
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Excerpts)
January 29, 2006
Yamaha Motor Co. of Iwata, Shizuoka Prefecture, illegally
exported around November 2003 high-performance unmanned
helicopters to a Chinese corporation run by the People's
Liberation Army, police authorities revealed yesterday. Yamaha
has also received tens of millions of yen annually in kickbacks
from a different Chinese company. Suspecting that Yamaha exported
the helicopters knowing that they would be converted for military
use, police authorities have been conducting the investigation to
file charges against the company in violation oft he Foreign
Exchange and Foreign Trade Law.
According to the investigation, the corporation in question is
Poly Technologies Inc., a state company in Beijing that produces
and sells weapons, from fighters to submarines to ammunition to
communications equipment. Poly Technologies is under the umbrella
of the Poly Group, established in 1993 under the direct control
of the People's Liberation Army. The husband of the third
daughter of the late Deng Xiaoping is vice chairman and president
of Poly Technologies.
The helicopter mode in question is the Autonomous RMAX, which
Yamaha began selling in July 2003. The model, equipped with a
Global Positioning System and a high-performance camera, can fly
at a maximum of 70 kilometers. The Autonomous RMAX can be used
for transporting biological and chemical weapons and
reconnaissance, as its engine and operability are more superb
than those of the model exported to China previously.
Police authorities believe that Yamaha has exported at least one
Autonomous RMAX, and it is now being used by the People's
Liberation Army for reconnaissance.
TOKYO 00000484 007 OF 015
11) LDP to drastically review the use of space for defense
purposes
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full)
January 28, 2006
The Liberal Democratic Party's Special Committee on Space
Exploration in its meeting on Jan. 27 decided to drastically
review the present principle of limiting space use for peaceful
purposes. The committee will discuss changing the principle to
allow space use for defense purposes by modifying the present
government interpretation that space use is limited to non-
military areas. It will also come up with a plan to establish a
cabinet-level council as a forum to discuss strategic space
exploration. It will compile a final report in August and present
it to the government.
On space exploration, the Diet adopted a resolution in 1969saying
that space should be used in principle for peaceful purposes. The
government has interpreted it as meaning that space should only
be used for non-military purposes.
12) General construction contractors allegedly took part in
government office-led bid-rigging for Defense Facilities
Administration Agency-sponsored projects; Former councilor gave
go-ahead
MAINICHI (Top Play) (Excerpts)
January 30, 2006
It was learned through an informed source that in response to
investigations by the special investigation squad of the Tokyo
District Public Prosecutors Office over construction works, for
which the Defense Facilities Administration Agency placed orders,
the then-no. 3 councilor responsible for technical affairs at the
agency revealed that he was aware that leading general
construction contractors were repeatedly engaged in bid-rigging.
The project in question was the construction of the new building
of the agency. This source reportedly admitted that he authorized
the corporate side's request for the continuation of bid-rigging
in the summer of 2002. There has emerged the suspicion that
government office-led bid-rigging for construction works,
following bid-rigging for electric facility and air-conditioning
works, took place, involving leading general construction
contractors.
Regarding the alleged government office-led bid-rigging involving
heavy electrical machinery and air-conditioner manufacturers,
prosecutors appear to be conducting final-stage investigations on
suspicion of obstructing open public bidding.
According to a source informed of the incident, the constructions
of the new Defense Agency buildings moved from Roppongi, Tokyo to
Honmura-cho, Ichigaya, Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo and the new building
of the Self-Defense Forces Chuo Hospital at Ikejiri, Setagaya
Word, Tokyo had been considered two major projects. General
construction contractors involved conveyed the councilor in
question their plan to coordinate construction orders in the
summer of 2002.
The former councilor acknowledged such circumstances. He also
reportedly approved the request for the continuation of bid-
TOKYO 00000484 008 OF 015
rigging.
For a series of construction works for the relocation of the
Defense Agency, bidding among designated companies took place on
March 14, 2003, taken part by leading general construction
contractors, such as Kajima Corporation, Taisei Corporation,
Shimizu Construction and Ohbayashi Corporation. Since the bidding
prices of all bidders exceeded the cost estimates (cap prices),
the contract method was changed to a contract-at-discretion
formula. As a result, a joint venture, taken part by Shimizu
Construction and other companies had its tender accepted for 745
million yen.
13) US sailor fined for breaking into Yokosuka school
MAINICHI (Page 31) (Full)
January 28, 2006
The Yokosuka Local Public Prosecutors Office yesterday made a
summary indictment of James Baker, Jr., a 22-year-old US Navy
petty officer second class based at Yokosuka, Kanagawa
Prefecture, on charges of trespassing a building. The Yokosuka
Summary Court yesterday handed down a summary order that fined
him 100,000 yen. He was released.
According to the order, Baker broke into Yokosuka City's
Iriyamazu Junior High School from an unlocked radio studio after
12:30 a.m., on Jan. 18. In May last year, a US serviceman
intruded an elementary school in Yokosuka and stole about 100,000
yen from a teacher's bag. At the time, prosecutors suspended an
indictment since he paid back the money. The incident this time
was a trespassing case that is lighter than theft. However, the
prosecutors made a summary indictment possibly in view of the
fact that the case took place right after another US serviceman's
robbery-murder case.
14) US sailor indicted for Yokosuka murder
MAINICHI (Page 31) (Full)
January 28, 2006
The Yokohama District Public Prosecutors Office yesterday
indicted William Reese, 21, a US Navy seaman on board the USS
Kitty Hawk, a Yokosuka-based US aircraft carrier, on charges of
robbing and killing a female company employee. The prosecutors
recognized Reese's willful murderous intent, stating that he had
assaulted the woman for robbery purposes but upon encountering
her resistance, thought to himself that he would not care even if
she dies. Reese has generally admitted to the facts in the
indictment.
15) 2 Okinawa-based US Marines held for taxi robbery
MAINICHI (Page 31) (Full)
January 28, 2006
The US Marine Corps in Okinawa held two Marines yesterday over a
taxi robbery incident that took place in Camp Zukeran (Camp
Foster) in the town of Chatan, Okinawa Prefecture, officials said
yesterday. The Marines have not revealed their ranks, names,
ages, or any other details about the incident. The US military
held the two, so the US military has discretionary power over
whether to hand over the two to Japanese investigative
TOKYO 00000484 009 OF 015
authorities before indictment.
The incident took place early on Jan. 7 near a barrack. A black
person hailed a taxi and then pulled a knife on its driver,
saying, "Give me money." He took about 5,000 yen and fled the
scene.
16) Government to resume yen loans to Iraq as main aid after
withdrawing GSDF
SANKEI (Page 2) (Full)
January 30, 2006
The government decided on Jan. 28 on a plan to resume yen loans
to Iraq, which have suspended since 1985, to help reconstruction
efforts there possibly before the end of this fiscal year. The
yen loans will be used for several construction projects,
including building bridges and irrigation development in the
southern city of Samawah, where Self-Defense Forces troops have
been carrying out their missions, and for dredging operations in
the Persian Gulf. The government is preparing for a survey of the
area among other things. The expectation is that the governments
of Japan and Iraq will reach an agreement on the plan before the
end of March.
The government intends to provide the yen loans from its official
development assistance (ODA) program as its main assistance for
creating jobs for the residents of Samawah, as it is considering
withdrawing the SDF mission Iraq probably in May.
Japan has restarted its ODA program to Iraq, which had been
suspended since 1985 as an economic measure against the former
Saddam Hussein regime. The government announced in October 2003
its decision to offer a total of 5 billion dollars in assistance
for the time being, and part of it has already been used for
reconstruction projects.
Japan Bank for International Cooperation (JBIC) officials in
charge of these projects will soon conduct a survey in Jordan
concerning such aid projects as bridge construction and
irrigation development in Samawah, the repair of a thermal power
station in the southern part of Baghdad, and harbor dredging in
the Persian Gulf.
The government has so far provided humanitarian assistance via
SDF troops and grant aid as economic assistance. It created the
conditions for resuming its yen loans by making a decision last
November to cut approximately 6.1 billion dollars (about 710
billion yen), approximately 80% of Iraq's debt with Japan, which
totals about 7.6 billion dollars.
However, some have noted that the government will find it
difficult to move ahead with its work since it is uncertain
whether a "national reconciliation" government will be formed in
Iraq. A government source said that the government intends to
carry out full-scale coordination with a new government but is
unable to determine the prospects for that happening. Therefore,
there still remains uncertainty about when the government will
resume its yen loans to Iraq.
17) US Democrats send letter urging Japan to halt test operations
at nuclear plant
TOKYO 00000484 010 OF 015
ASAHI (Page 38) (Full)
January 28, 2006
Six US Democrats sent a letter to the Japanese government
yesterday urging it to suspend plans to begin a test operation to
extract plutonium at a nuclear-waste reprocessing facility in
Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture. The six lawmakers, including Edward
Markey, expressed in the letter "concerns" about nuclear
proliferation, according to a source linked to the Democratic
Party. Markey is an influential lawmaker who has expertise in
energy policy and nuclear nonproliferation.
The source said that the test operations at Rokkasho go against
the trend of strengthening the global nonproliferation regime and
"could have a negative impact on Iran's nuclear ambitions."
18) Japanese government rejects US request to halting nuclear
fuel plan
ASAHI (Page 38) (Full)
January 28, 2006
Following a request sent (to Japanese Ambassador to the US Ryozo
Kato) by US Democrats on Jan. 26 urging Japan to suspend its plan
to conduct testing at the Rokkasho reprocessing plant, the Agency
of Natural Resources and Energy yesterday issued the following
view on nuclear non-proliferation after noting: "We have yet to
receive the letter."
"We are announcing plans to use plutonium. Our plans have
followed the safeguards of the International Atomic Energy Agency
(IAEA), and it has been internationally recognized that the plans
are intended for peaceful use."
19) Aiming to continue dialogue, Japan to launch talks with North
Korea on three issues on Feb. 4
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
January 30, 2006
Japan and North Korea will hold the first round of government-
level talks to discuss three issues, including the abductions of
Japanese nationals, in Beijing starting on Feb. 4. Japan will
seek progress on the abductions and other issues while making
North Korea strongly aware that Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi,
who is enthusiastic about normalizing diplomatic ties with the
North, will step down as president of the Liberal Democratic
Party in September. There is a sharp division between Japan and
North Korea over the abduction issue, given the North's position
that it has already been settled. In an effort to win a
commitment to continue the dialogue, Tokyo will have to fight a
battle of nerves with Pyongyang.
Abduction and nuclear issues likely to hit a snag
Koizumi stressed to the press on Jan. 27, "Japan has pursued a
consistent policy." This remark is construed as suggesting that
no diplomatic normalization talks will take place if the
abduction issue is put aside. Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe
also stated at a meeting of the Lower House Special Committee on
the Abduction Issue, "There is no room to compromise on the
TOKYO 00000484 011 OF 015
abduction issue," indicating an intention to call on Pyongyang to
return abductees now living in the DPRK to Japan, investigate
into the truth of the issue, and hand over the abductors.
However, the prospects for the government's success in this
matter are not good. In fact, Koizumi remarked on Jan. 27 that it
will be "difficult indeed (to attain progress)." North Korea, for
instance, has demanded that Japan provide the basis for its
judgment that the ashes the DPRK provided to Japan in 2004 as
those of Megumi Yokota were not hers. Depending on the
circumstances, the upcoming bilateral talks could hit a snag at
the very outset.
20) Japan outlines to G4 a new plan for expanding UNSC membership
by six
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
January 30, 2006
The government drafted a new resolution to expand the membership
of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) by six as part of
the effort to reform the UNSC and is outlining it in New York to
the United States and the group of four (G4) consisting of
Germany, India, Brazil and Japan, which are all aiming to obtain
a UNSC seat. Considering the US, the draft resolution proposes
that nations that gain approval from two-thirds or more of the UN
members be given a UNSC seat. The government intends to submit
the resolution this spring, but it remains unclear whether it can
convince the concerned nations.
According to the draft resolution, the present UNSC framework -
five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members - will be
expanded to include six nations. All nations can stand as a
candidate for a permanent seat, and candidate nations that gain
approval from two-thirds or more UN member nations will join the
current five permanent members. But a veto right will not be
given to the new permanent members.
According to the Foreign Ministry, if a vote is taken as the
draft resolution proposes, 1) candidate nations that win approval
from two-thirds or more of the UN members would be qualified for
a permanent UNSC member; 2) of the new six seats, two would be
allocated each to Asia and Africa and one each to Latin America
and Europe; 3) if the number of candidate nations that win
approval from two-thirds or more UN members does not reach six,
the failed candidates would become quasi-permanent members. If
all candidate nations fail to win approval from two-thirds or
more members, they would become quasi-permanent members.
From the standpoint of emphasizing cooperation with the US,
Germany, India and Brazil, the government states it would respond
flexibly to a call by these nations for partial modification to
the draft resolution.
Difference between the previous UNSC reform proposal and Japan's
new proposal
(L)Current UNSC
(M)G4-submitted proposal (that was scrapped last year and has
been submitted again this year)
(R)Japan's new proposal
TOKYO 00000484 012 OF 015
Permanent members
5 11 5 (plus 0 to six)
Quasi-permanent members
No such members No such members 0-6
Non-permanent members
10 14 10
Total
15 25 21
21) Human trafficking: 104 foreign female victims in FY2005 even
though control tightened urged by US
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full)
January 30, 2006
The number of foreign women protected by female consulting
centers nationwide totaled 104 from April to December in 2005, a
4.3 fold increase from the 24 in fiscal 2004, the Ministry of
Health, Labor and Welfare revealed, based on its calculation. The
ministry also has learned that relief measures are lacking with
the fact that the government tightened its control after the US
State Department put Japan on its watch list in June 2004 in its
annual report on trafficking in persons -- placing Japan on the
lowest level among the industrialized countries. The report cited
that Japan has become the destination for human trafficking as
foreign women and children are forced to work at the sex
industry. Shocked by the US human trafficking report, the
government strengthened regulations in December 2004, by revising
the criminal law. Following the detections of human trafficking
brokers, the number of victims running to police for protection
rapidly rose. According to the health ministry, the consulting
centers temporarily protected one to six persons annually from FY
2001 to 2003, but the number jumped sharply in FY2004. Among the
foreign women protected by the government were 55 Filipinos, 36
Indonesian women, and six women from Taiwan.
It is estimated that a total of 800 to 900 foreigners are
deported annually. The government will provide victims with
medical support from fiscal 2006. It also will speed up readying
systems to support victims by strengthening cooperation with the
private sector.
22) Foreign Minister Aso's argument for "a visit to Yasukuni by
Emperor" may create big stir
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full)
January 29, 2006
"It is the best for the Emperor to visit the shrine. The
Emperor's visit was suspended because of the question of whether
he is a public figure or not. Considering how to resolve this
issue, we should be able to find an answer," said Foreign
Minister Taro Aso in a speech in Nagoya yesterday. Aso stressed
that Japan's strained relations with China and South Korea over
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine
"would be resolved by a visit to the shrine by the Emperor."
As the reason for his assertion, Aso said: "Those who were killed
in the war shouted 'Banzai' for the Emperor; no one did it for
the prime minister," indicating that should the Emperor begin to
pay homage at Yasukuni Shrine, it would become unnecessary for
the prime minister to visit the shrine.
TOKYO 00000484 013 OF 015
The foreign minister refrained from mentioning what reaction
China and South Korea would make if the Emperor visits the
shrine.
No emperor has visited Yasukuni Shrine since the Yasukuni issue
was politicized in 1975.
23) Gist of foreign minister's remark on Yasukuni issue
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full)
January 29, 2006
Yasukuni Shrine is a religious corporation authorized by the
Tokyo Metropolitan Government. The shrine is not a national
entity, so the central government has no authority to advise the
shrine to do this or that.
It is absolutely unacceptable for the Japanese prime minister to
let himself be told by foreign countries where he can or cannot
go in his own country."
Heightened criticism by China may result in encouraging the prime
minister to go even more times to the shrine. It is only natural
that those who are told to stop smoking are more tempted to
smoke. Keeping silent is the best.
Those who are enshrined at Yasukuni shouted 'Banzai' for the
Emperor, and no one did it for the prime minister. I think it is
the best for the Emperor to visit the shrine.
The emperor's visit to Yasukuni Shrine was suspended because of
the question of whether he is a public figure or not. Depending
how the issue is resolved, we should be able to find some
answers.
24) Ryutaro Hashimoto warns against Japan leaning to the right
SANKEI (Page 5) (Full)
January 28, 2006
Jiji, Silicon Valley
Former Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto of the Liberal Democratic
Party (LDP) in a speech yesterday at Stanford University warned:
"Overall, Japan is drifting to the right. This trend is not so
good. The LDP's victory in last year's Lower House election may
end up hurting Japan internationally."
On relations with China, Hashimoto stated: "They could turn for
the (better). In response to Chinese President Hu Jintao's
invitation to visit his country, I, together with business
leaders, will visit China in April, because I will be busy in
March."
25) Davos World Economic Conference closes, taking high interest
in growth of China, India; Only one panel focuses on Japan
MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full)
January 30, 2006
TOKYO 00000484 014 OF 015
The annual World Economic Forum (Davos Conference), a forum for
political and business leaders of various countries to engage in
free discussions, ended yesterday, winding up its five-day
schedule. The presence of China and India was keenly felt in the
conference this year, which the rise of China and India and the
creation of new job opportunities being chosen as main themes.
The conference brought together 2,300 participants from 89
nations, including heads of government of various countries, such
as German Chancellor Merkel. About 30 people attended the meeting
from Japan, including Internal Affairs and Communications
Minister Heizo Takenaka, Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research
Council Chairman Hidenao Nakagawa, and Japan Association of
Corporate Executives Chairman Kakutaro Kitashiro. India
dispatched about 100 persons, including Commerce and Industry
Minister Kamal Nath. China, where the conference schedule
coincided with the Chinese New Year, sent about 30, including
Vice Premier Zeng Peiyan, who is responsible for economic
affairs.
Among 244 subcommittees, 15 chose China and India as direct
themes of discussion. Many other subcommittees on other themes
also talked about fast-growing India and China. Only one panel,
taken part in by Takenaka, directly focused on Japan under the
theme "Junichiro Koizumi's quiet reform." Some participants
highly praised Koizumi's reform initiative, with an American
representative saying, "Japan's economic recovery will have a
favorable impact on Asian nations." However, there were less than
100 participants in the conference hall, which can accommodate
approximately 300.
Costa Rican Foreign Trade Minister Manuel Gonzalez told a
Mainichi Shimbun reporter: "China and India are now key players
in the global economy. Leaders (throughout the world) must
envisage policies with a view to the rise of the two countries."
26) "Nominal growth rate should be raised to 4% -5%," says
Hidenao Nakagawa at Davos Conference; Stresses cooperation with
Takenaka
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
January 29, 2006
Davos, Switzerland, Hiroshi Takayama
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Policy Research Council Chairman
Hidenao Nakagawa and Internal Affairs and Communications Minister
Heizo Takenaka on the morning of Jan. 28 (afternoon of the same
day, Japan time) attended the annual meeting of the World
Economic Forum (WEF), now being held in Davos, Switzerland.
During the meeting, Nakagawa expressed his view that Japan should
adopt an economic policy of raising the growth rate of the
nominal GDP to 4% -5% over the mid-to long-term. With an eye on
the current political situation, in which the key issue is now
who will succeed the prime minister, Nakagawa played up a
Takenaka-Nakagawa alliance. He clarified his stance of rejecting
both a hike in the consumption tax and an early end to
quantitative money easing, by advocating a policy of attaching
importance to economic growth.
Both Nakagawa and Takenaka took part in discussions on the
structural reforms of the Koizumi administration. Nakagawa
TOKYO 00000484 015 OF 015
stressed: "The results of the structural reforms are just about
to bring about economic growth. We should accelerate our reform
drive." He then noted that there should be a bullish economic
policy aimed at raising the nominal growth rate to 4% -5%, as the
economy emerges from deflation possibly before the end of the
year. He then revealed a policy of including measures designed to
achieve that end in a final report, which the LDP's fiscal reform
study group will compile around May.
Takenaka pointed out that it is necessary to realize a small
government, as the nation is becoming a graying society with a
low birthrate. He was aligned with Nakagawa, saying, "The reform
drive should be continued."
Nakagawa and Takenaka are envisaging a scenario of reconstructing
finances by boosting revenues and cutting spending and by raising
the economic growth rate based on a target for high nominal
economic growth. As part of efforts to realize such a scenario,
they met with the governor of the Bank of England, which has
adopted an inflation target, and then indicated at a news
conference their intention to look into the possibility of
introducing an inflation target of about 2%.
SCHIEFFER