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Viewing cable 08TOKYO2682, JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 09/29/08

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
08TOKYO2682 2008-09-29 01:11 2011-08-25 00:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Tokyo
VZCZCXRO3452
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #2682/01 2730111
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 290111Z SEP 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7544
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/USFJ //J5/JO21//
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA
RUAYJAA/CTF 72
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 2435
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 0078
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 3820
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 8166
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 0653
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 5546
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 1539
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 1823
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 002682 
 
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 09/29/08 
 
Index: 
 
Aso's diplomatic debut: 
1) Prime Minister Aso makes diplomatic debut at the UNGA, stressing 
in speech desire for Japan to use right of collective defense, 
strength of alliance with U.S.  (Sankei) 
2) Aso in UN speech makes continuing of oil refueling mission in 
Indian Ocean an international commitment, but fulfilling pledge 
depends of domestic politics  (Nikkei) 
3) Aso meets international leaders in bilateral meetings at the 
United Nations  (Nikkei) 
 
4) Foreign Minister Nakasone in meeting with Secretary Rice pledges 
effort to continue MSDF's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean 
(Nikkei) 
 
5) Japan's North Korea policy line of "dialogue and pressure" will 
not change under the new Aso administration  (Nikkei) 
 
Defense and security: 
6) Defense Minister Hamada and U.S. Navy Secretary Winter agree to 
close cooperation in ensuring safety of newly deployed carrier 
George Washington  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
7) Navy Secretary Donald Winter in press conference calls on Japan 
to continue refueling operations in the Indian Ocean  (Mainichi) 
8) Political turmoil in the Aso government to have an impact on the 
relocation of Futenma Air Station  (Yomiuri) 
9) Major unit of the U.S. Marines to be left in Okinawa after troop 
transfer to Guam  (Akahata) 
 
Political turmoil: 
10) Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Nakayama quits for 
series of offensive remarks; Replaced by Kazuyoshi Kaneko; Diet 
dissolution on Oct. 3?  (Sankei) 
11) "Five day cabinet minister" Nakayama in resignation statement 
unrepentantly spends an hour repeating his anti-teachers' union 
tirade  (Asahi) 
12) Liberal Democratic Party lawmakers outraged at Nakayama's caper 
that led to resignation, one calling it a "suicide terrorist 
bombing" that damages the LDP  (Asahi) 
13) Nakayama caper sets off calls in ruling camp for an immediate 
Diet dissolution before passing extra budget in order to minimize 
political damage  (Nikkei) 
14) LDP Secretary General Hosoda sets a minimum goal in the Lower 
House election of a bare majority of seats  (Mainichi) 
15) Upper House lawmaker Naoki Tanaka, husband of Makiko Tanaka, 
quits the LDP  (Mainichi) 
 
Articles: 
 
1) Aso diplomacy shackled, despite emphasis on need to change 
interpretation on right to collective self-defense 
 
SANKEI (Page 3) (Excerpts) 
September 27, 2008 
 
(Keiichi Takagi, New York) 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso indicated in a press conference at UN 
Headquarters in New York on the night of Sept. 25, local time, that 
the government should change its interpretation of the Constitution 
to enable the Self-Defense Force to use the right to collective 
 
TOKYO 00002682  002 OF 012 
 
 
self-defense. While in the U.S., which he visited to attend the 63rd 
UN General Assembly, Aso said: "I have consistently said that the 
interpretation should be changed. This is an important issue." 
 
On the issue of whether Japan should continue the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling mission in the Indian Ocean 
beyond its expiration on Jan. 15, however, Aso stressed no need for 
a change in the interpretation, defining the operation as 
constitutional. 
 
Delivering a speech at the UN General Assembly prior to the press 
conference, Aso revealed Japan's plan for continued contributions to 
the fight on terror in Afghanistan, virtually expressing a 
determination to continue the refueling service. Later, Aso held 
separate meetings with the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon, Iraqi 
President Jala Talabani, and others. In the meeting with Talabani, 
Aso announced Japan's plan to withdraw Air Self-Defense Force troops 
engaged in airlift activities in Iraq later this year and instead to 
offer more cooperation in the economic area. 
 
The three-day trip with no overnight stay was an extremely hard 
schedule for the prime minister prior to his planned policy speech 
in the Diet session today. But he was eager to attend the UN 
assembly, because he was aiming at soliciting public support by 
making a brilliant diplomatic debut ahead of the next House of 
Representatives election. His performance seemed to have had a 
positive impact, but whether there were diplomatic results is 
questionable. 
 
A mid-ranking Liberal Democratic Party member said: "The prime 
minister is facing a dilemma as he remains unable to develop foreign 
policies as he desires," keeping in mind no prospects in sight for a 
bill to extend the MSDF refueling mission to clear the divided Diet. 
 
 
Aso emphasized in the UN speech: "The Japan-U.S. alliance is 
constantly the bedrock (of Japan's diplomacy)." But the alliance is 
beginning to waver. In actuality, Japan's international 
contributions are tapering off, as shown by its decision to pull 
ASDF troops out of Iraq by the end of this year. 
 
Given this, Japan's argument for a permanent seat on the UN Security 
Council has also been toned down. In his speech, Aso referred to 
UNSC reform only last, significantly lowering the weight of Japan's 
bid for a permanent seat than that in then Prime Minister Junichiro 
Koizumi's speech three years ago. 
 
Aso places importance on Japan-U.S. alliance 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso stressed in his UN speech the need to alter 
the government's current interpretation of the Constitution in order 
to enable the Self-Defense Force to use the right to collective 
self-defense. This remark reflects his stance of giving priority to 
the Japan-U.S. alliance. He has thus begun to demonstrate his own 
foreign policy identity that is greatly different from that of 
former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda, who seemed to have no interest 
in this issue. 
 
On the issue of collective self-defense, former Prime Minister 
Shinzo Abe, a friend of Aso, set up an expert panel in May of last 
year and instructed the panel to look into four scenarios that 
include one involving Maritime Self-Defense Force ships providing 
 
TOKYO 00002682  003 OF 012 
 
 
cover to U.S. Navy vessels under attack in international waters near 
Japan. This move was aimed to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance by 
increasing bilateral responsibilities in the alliance and making 
relations with U.S. more equal. 
 
The panel changed the government's interpretation and submitted to 
Fukuda a report calling on the government to allow collective 
self-defense this June. But Fukuda did not take it up as a political 
agenda item. 
 
Aso is expected to promote discussion on the report. Even so, the 
New Komeito has opposed a change in the government's interpretation, 
and some LDP members are calling for caution, as Chief Cabinet 
Secretary Takeo Kawamura said: "Japan's defense only policies are 
very important." Thorny negotiations are expected on this issue from 
now. 
 
2) Prime Minister announces continuation of refueling mission at UN 
General Assembly: Key to deliver on international commitment is 
domestic politics 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2008 
 
Prime Minister has made his diplomatic debut. In winding up a speech 
at the UN Assembly, noting, "I have many things to say," he cited 
the continuation of Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean as 
part of participation in the war on terror and its contribution to 
help resolve the turmoil in the financial markets. Leaders and 
ministers of various countries are paying attention to the 
implementation of those challenges by the prime minister. 
 
Aso came to the UN General Assembly on a 10-hour schedule, even 
before giving a policy speech in Japan, because there has been 
widespread disenchantment with Japan in the U.S because prime 
ministers are being replaced every year. The base of the Japan-US 
alliance has weakened due to the successive resignations of two 
prime ministers. There seem to be no key persons to tackle 
international issues. The Japanese prime minister's speech given at 
the UN General Assembly after a hiatus of three years indicated 
Japan's stance of re-involving itself in international issues. 
 
However, what is important are action and consequence. President 
Bush, who in a speech said at the UN General Assembly two days ago, 
"I guarantee that I will enact a financial stabilization package," 
is now having difficulty coordinating it with the Congress. 
 
Continuation of Japan's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean and 
the economic recovery, which Aso pledged at the UN, requires passage 
of a related bill and a supplementary budget bill in the Diet, 
respectively. Will the ruling and opposition camps reach an 
agreement in the divided Diet or will the ruling parties win the 
general election? Domestic politics holds the key to whether Aso can 
deliver on his international commitments. 
 
3) Prime Minister Aso makes his diplomatic debut, holding series of 
bilateral talks 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2008 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso on the afternoon of September 25 (morning of 
 
TOKYO 00002682  004 OF 012 
 
 
the 26th, Japan time) in New York met with Australian Prime Minister 
Rudd, UN Secretary General Ban Ki Moon and Iraqi President 
Talabani. 
 
Aso's attendance at the UN General Assembly is the first by a 
Japanese prime minister since former Prime Minister Junichiro 
Koizumi in 2005. Commenting on this, Aso emphasized to Ban, "I 
thought I should come by all means." He said, "I hope the UN will 
function vigorously." Since the meeting was brief, Aso did not refer 
to Japan's bid to seek a permanent seat in the UN Security Council. 
 
He introduced Foreign Minister Nakasone to Ban. Ban responded, "I 
know former Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone. He is an international 
leader." It appears that Aso diplomacy using the high name 
recognition of former Prime Minister Nakasone, the aim of his 
appointing his son as foreign minister, turned out to be successful 
for the time being. 
 
Aso in a meeting with President Talabani conveyed a Japan's policy 
of pulling out Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) troops dispatched to 
Iraq before the end of the year. Talabani replied, "I understand 
Japan's decision. I appreciate Japan's assistance to date." 
 
Referring to reform of the UNSC, the prime minister in a speech 
given at the UN said, "Reform of the UN, based on an increase in the 
number of seats, must be realized at an early date." After making 
the speech Aso pumped into U.S. Secretary of State Rice and British 
Foreign Secretary Miliband. He exchanged words with them. Aso also 
had a short conversation with Korean Prime Minister Han Seun Soo. 
 
4) Nakasone vows efforts to continue refueling 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
Eve., September 27, 2008 
 
NEW YORK-Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone met with U.S. Secretary 
of State Rice at United Nations headquarters on the evening Sept. 26 
(on the morning of Sept. 27 Japan time) and told her that he would 
make efforts in order for Japan to continue the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean beyond 
January next year when a time-limited law for the MSDF's mission 
there is set to expire. Rice told Nakasone that she was well aware 
of the political difficulties, but she expressed hope that Japan 
would continue the refueling activities. 
 
Concerning the current financial crisis and other issues, Nakasone 
said Japan "would like to continue close cooperation on the 
financial problem and other issues facing the international 
community." Rice concurred. 
 
Meanwhile, North Korea is now about to resume operations at its 
nuclear facilities. Concerning this problem, Nakasone and Rice also 
agreed that the unity of countries participating in the six-party 
talks over North Korea's denuclearization is important. Rice 
stressed the importance of specific ways to verify North Korea's 
nuclear declaration in the second phase for North Korea's 
abandonment of its nuclear programs. 
 
Nakasone requested cooperation anew to make headway for a solution 
to the pending issue of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea. 
Rice pledged cooperation, saying the United States' position remains 
firm. 
 
TOKYO 00002682  005 OF 012 
 
 
 
Regarding United Nations Security Council reforms, Rice reiterated 
that the United States will support Japan's bid for a permanent seat 
on the UNSC. Nakasone touched on the fact that Japan has announced 
its candidacy for this fall's election of nonpermanent UNSC members. 
"When Japan is elected, we would like to work together with other 
nonpermanent members to carry out U.N. reforms," he said. 
 
Referring to the issue of Japan's ongoing restrictions on its U.S. 
beef imports, Rice requested Japan take appropriate action. Nakasone 
only said, "This is a matter of food safety, so we will hold 
interdepartmental discussions based on scientific evidence." 
 
5) No change in dialogue and pressure policy line, says chief 
cabinet secretary on North Korea 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 29, 2008 
 
Commenting on the government's North Korea policy, Chief Cabinet 
Secretary Takeo Kawamura in an interview with the Nihon Keizai 
Shimbun and other dailies stressed, "I do not think the dialogue and 
pressure policy line has changed. The North Korea issue has not yet 
reached the stage that allows Japan to ease sanctions against that 
nation." Regarding the abductions of Japanese nationals by North 
Korea, he said, "There is no change at all in the government 
position that the abduction issue is Japan's most important issue." 
He also expressed his intention to shortly meet with family members 
of abduction victims. 
 
He stressed a policy of maintaining in principle the government goal 
of moving the primary balance of the central and local governments 
into the black by fiscal 2011, saying, "We have no intention of 
revising the cabinet decision." However, he at the same time 
indicated a view that it would be difficult to achieve the goal, 
noting, "Economic growth has slowed significantly. It would be 
fairly difficult to achieve that end without economic growth." 
 
6) Japan, U.S. reaffirm close cooperation on nuclear flattop 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2008 
 
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada met with U.S. Secretary of the Navy 
Winter yesterday at the Defense Ministry and confirmed that Japan 
and the United States will cooperate closely to ensure the safety of 
the U.S. Navy's nuclear-powered aircraft carrier George Washington, 
which has arrived at the U.S. Navy's Yokosuka base for deployment. 
 
"We have maximum confidence in safety," Winter said. "However," he 
added, "we will ensure transparency and will make efforts to 
exchange information closely." Hamada said, "There are also many 
people who are concerned about nuclear power." With this, he sought 
information disclosure. 
 
In addition, Winter called on Japan to continue the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. 
Hamada said, "We'd like to make our utmost efforts." 
 
7) U.S. Navy Secretary calls for continued refueling mission 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
 
TOKYO 00002682  006 OF 012 
 
 
September 29, 2008 
 
By Hiroaki Wada 
 
U.S. Navy Secretary Donald Winter, meeting the press at the U.S. 
Embassy in Tokyo on Sept. 26, strongly called for the continuation 
of the Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, 
describing it as a symbol of Japan's support for (the war on 
terrorism in Afghanistan). At the same time, expressing concern over 
the recent buildup of the Chinese Navy, the secretary explained that 
the nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington has been 
deployed at Yokosuka with the aim of enhancing deterrence in the 
western Pacific. 
 
Secretary Winter also indicated that the coalition forces' 
activities in Afghanistan are internationally recognized and that 
they must be maintained and achieve a victory, adding that Japan's 
assistance carries great significance for the countries that have 
sent naval vessels. Touching on the buildup of the Chinese Navy, he 
also said: "Its intent is unclear and we are concerned." 
 
8) Political turmoil casting pall over Futenma relocation issue, may 
also affect Japan-U.S. talks 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 28, 2008 
 
With the inauguration of the Aso administration, major players who 
engaged in negotiations on the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine 
Corps' Futenma Air Station in Ginowan City, Okinawa Prefecture, have 
now left the Prime Minister's Office. Officials connected to U.S. - 
Japan relations are paying close attention to how this issue will 
play out now. The U.S. wants to ascertain Japan position on the 
relocation issue as soon as possible, out of the need to hand down 
agreements with Japan from the Bush administration to the new 
administration, which is to be launched in January following the 
presidential election in November. A delay in negotiations on the 
issue would adversely affect bilateral ties. 
 
The governments of Japan and the U.S. agreed in 2006 to construct a 
Futenma replacement facility in a coastal area of Camp Schwab in 
Nago City. But local governments involved in the plan have been 
calling for moving the construction site into the ocean. 
Coordination between both sides has run into a road block. The 
Koizumi and Abe administrations, in a drive to have the local 
communities agree on the government's plan, froze economic 
development plans for the northern part of Okinawa and cut state 
subsidies under the lead of the Defense Ministry. These moves evoked 
strong reactions from Okinawa. 
 
The Fukuda government shifted the initiative in negotiations to the 
Prime Minister's Office. Then Chief Cabinet Secretary Machimura, 
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Futahashi, and Assistant Deputy Chief 
Cabinet Secretary Saka mainly engaged in negotiations with the 
Okinawa side in a flexible manner. This August, the central 
government, the Okinawa government, and relevant local communities 
set up a working-level taskforce. With Machimura, Futahashi, and 
Saka leaving the Prime Minister's Office following the abrupt 
resignation of former Prime Minister Fukuda, however, many are 
worried that momentum for negotiations on the Futenma relocation 
issue might wane. 
 
 
TOKYO 00002682  007 OF 012 
 
 
In Washington, the Department of Defense plans to start budgetary 
explanations to Congress in February. Since huge amounts of funds 
will be needed for plans to relocate the Futenma Air Station and to 
transfer Marines in Okinawa to Guam, it is necessary for the U.S. 
government to show its outlook for the relocation to Congress. Based 
on the view that "it will be impossible to change or delay the plan 
after the government does the spadework with Congress," said a 
government source, the Japanese government would like to outline a 
path for talks with the Okinawa side, but under the current 
situation, it is impossible to address the issue in earnest in the 
run-up to the dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap 
election. The government plans to complete the environment impact 
assessment next spring and launch construction work in 2010. Some 
voice concern that if this process is delayed due to Japan's 
circumstances, it could throw ice on Japan-U.S. relations. 
 
9) Mainstay troops to be kept in Okinawa even after Marine 
relocation to Guam 
 
AKAHATA (Page 1) (Full) 
September 28, 2008 
 
Based on a plan to realign U.S. forces in Japan, the U.S. Marine 
Corps is going to construct a new base on the island of Guam for 
Okinawa-based U.S. Marines. In this connection, the U.S. Department 
of the Navy submitted a report to the U.S. Congress and the Guam 
governor on Sept. 15-16, unveiling the breakdown of U.S. Marines to 
be moved from Okinawa to Guam. The Japanese and U.S. governments 
have so far explained that the U.S. Marines in Okinawa will move 
8,000 troops and 9,000 family members to Guam. However, this is the 
first time that the United States has revealed such a breakdown in 
detail of troops to be relocated from Okinawa to Guam. According to 
the report, the U.S. Marines will continue to station frontline 
troops on Okinawa. 
 
The Japanese government has agreed to disburse approximately 6.1 
billion dollars (about 646 billion yen) of Japanese taxpayers' money 
on the pretext of alleviating Okinawa's base-hosting burden. The 
money will be used to build office and housing quarters for Marines. 
However, the Japanese government has not revealed any details about 
the planned construction of new facilities on Guam, saying Japan is 
still consulting with the United States. 
 
The 3rd Marine Expeditionary Force, or III MEF for short, is said to 
deploy a total of about 18,000 troops to Okinawa at present. 
Regarding their relocation to Guam, the report says III MEF will 
move a total of 8,620 troops, broken down into 3,050 command troops, 
1,100 ground combat troops, 1,850 air combat troops, 2,550 logistics 
combat troops, and 70 others. 
 
The report also says the U.S. military plans to prepare 3,520 family 
housing units and 3,800 single rooms. 
 
The troops to be moved from Okinawa to Guam are mostly command and 
logistics personnel, with the exception of a helicopter company. 
Base control troops (at Camp Butler) will also be retained in 
Okinawa, thereby maintaining and consolidating necessary base 
functions. In fact, the greater part of those who will be moved from 
Okinawa to Guam belongs to Camp Courtney in the middle of Okinawa's 
main island. However, the base will not be returned. 
 
On the whole, the Guam relocation is not only a far cry from 
 
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alleviating Okinawa's burden but will also strengthen the U.S. 
military's strike functions in the Pacific region, along with the 
planned construction of a new airfield in a coastal area of Camp 
Schwab in the island prefecture's northern district. 
 
10) Transport Minister Nakayama resigns, former Administrative 
Reform Minister Kaneko succeeds him; Oct. 3 Lower House dissolution 
highly likely 
 
SANKEI (Top play) (Full) 
September 29, 2008 
 
Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama, 65, 
yesterday formally resigned to take responsibility for a series of 
controversial remarks. He had only served in his post five days. 
Prime Minister Taro Aso immediately appointed former Administrative 
Reform Minister Kazuyoshi Kaneko, in an attempt to quickly put the 
incident behind him. Nakayama's resignation has shocked and shaken 
the ruling coalition, which is worried about any negative impact on 
the newly inaugurated cabinet. Although Aso has looked into the 
possibility of dissolving the House of Representatives after passing 
the 2008 supplementary budget through the Diet, the New Komeito, the 
ruling Liberal Democratic Party's junior coalition partner, has 
hardened its stance toward Aso's Lower House dissolution plan, with 
one senior member saying: "If deliberations are held on the budget, 
we will have to suffer even more damage." Ruling coalition members 
already have started to pave the way for Lower House dissolution on 
Oct. 3 after the end of each party's representative interpellations 
in both chambers of the Diet. It is now looking more likely that the 
Lower House will be dissolved on Oct. 3. 
 
Nakayama called on Aso at the Prime Minister's Official Residence 
yesterday morning and he apologized for his remarks about local 
residents opposing the expansion of Narita International Airport, as 
well as about the Japan Teachers' Union. Nakayama then handed in his 
resignation, telling Aso: "I don't want to cause any more trouble." 
After quitting his post, Nakayama told a press conference: 
 
"I was determined to fulfill my mission in a key cabinet post, but I 
have now decided to step down from that post, since my remarks may 
undermine Diet deliberations, amid the growing economic crisis." 
 
The government and ruling coalition plan it to hold interpellations 
in both chambers of the Diet Oct. 10-3 after the policy speech by 
the prime minister today. They initially intended to start 
deliberations on Oct. 6 on the supplementary budget with an eye on 
the implementation of an emergency economic package. They hoped to 
pass the budget by Oct. 10. The Democratic Party of Japan and other 
opposition parties had sounded the ruling camp out on "Oct 10 Lower 
House dissolution through talks." 
 
Due to the Nakayama incident, the New Komeito began to balk at 
carrying out deliberations on the supplementary budget, with one 
senior member arguing: 
 
"If deliberations on the budget are started soon, the opposition 
will pursue the prime minister's responsibility for appointing him. 
As a result, the cabinet support rate could drop." 
 
The New Komeito has already ordered its lawmakers to stay around the 
Diet building on the afternoon of Oct. 3. The party appears to be 
preparing for Oct. 3 Lower House dissolution and the start of 
 
TOKYO 00002682  009 OF 012 
 
 
official campaign on Oct. 21 for a Nov. 2 general election. 
 
However, Aso at present is still looking into the possibility of 
passing the supplementary budget. 
 
Asked by reporters last evening about the timing of Lower House 
dissolution and a general election, Aso said: "At the present stage, 
I am prioritizing passage of the supplementary budget." Asked about 
the possibility of Lower House dissolution on Oct. 3 soon after 
interpellations in both chambers of the Diet, he said in a strong 
tone: "The government has never made such a statement." The reason 
for Aso sticking to committee deliberations on the supplementary 
budget is because the possibility is strong that he will be 
criticized by the opposition for deserting a sinking ship. 
 
In a meeting yesterday with Aso, New Komeito Secretary General Kazuo 
Kitagawa stressed: "In order to implement our policy, we should ask 
for the people's vote of confidence as early as possible." He 
appears to have urged Aso to dissolve the Lower House as soon as 
possible, with "Oct. 3" in mind. 
 
Concerned about the opposition's attack on the Nakayama problem at 
budget committee sessions starting on Oct. 6, some LDP members are 
now calling for Lower House dissolution on Oct. 3. 
 
Aso has repeatedly stressed the importance of passage of the 
supplementary budget. However, he will likely be pressured into 
making a difficult judgment. 
 
11) The five-day minister: Construction and Transport Minister 
Nakayama resigns from post in only five days; Rails the press with 
his stock argument for one hour 
 
ASAHI (Page 38) (Excerpts) 
September 29, 2008 
 
Construction and Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama resigned on 
Sept. 28, just five days after assuming the post, due to a series of 
controversial remarks. In a press conference to announce his 
resignation, Nakayama continued to criticize the Japan Teachers' 
Union, saying, "I made the statement with firm conviction," and "I 
wanted to draw public attention." His sharp tongue drew fire even 
from within the LDP. 
 
After tendering his resignation to Prime Minister Taro Aso on the 
morning of Sept. 28, Nakayama held the press conference at the 
ministry in which the former minister railed on with his stock 
argument for about one hour. 
 
12) LDP members indignant at Nakayama, calling his action a "suicide 
terrorist bombing" 
 
ASAHI (Page 38) (Abridged slightly) 
September 29, 2008 
 
Both disgust and anger toward Nariaki Nakayama are raging through 
the Liberal Democratic Party. 
 
Lower House member Seiji Kihara representing Tokyo Constituency No. 
20 held a state affairs briefing session on the night of Sept. 28 in 
which he offered an apology, saying, "I am sorry for the 
construction and transport minister' series of remarks that lacked a 
 
TOKYO 00002682  010 OF 012 
 
 
any sense of tension." After the meeting, Kihara said: "The prime 
minister's responsibility for appointing Nakayama might draw 
attention as the Aso administration's only accomplishment. Under the 
current circumstances, it is difficult to face the next Lower House 
election." At the same time, Kihara highly valued Prime Minister 
Aso's statement attaching importance to the supplementary budget, 
saying, "I think he intends to achieve results to impress the public 
even if it means postponing the dissolution of the Lower House." 
 
Masaaki Taira representing the Tokyo No. 4 district said angrily: 
"We have to fight in the election with the reins of government at 
stake. (Nakayama) is unable to sense that atmosphere. Many party 
members wonder whether the Lower House should even be dissolved when 
our chances of winning are so slim. I don't think this is the right 
timing to win." 
 
Masakazu Kakuma, secretary general of the Toyama prefectural 
chapter, said, "We are indignant because we cannot rule out an 
impact on the next election." Secretary General Hideaki Takeuchi of 
the Kanagawa prefectural chapter noted frustratingly: "(Mr. 
Nakayama) has dampened our motivation. He has caused too much 
trouble." 
 
Taimei Yamaguchi representing the Saitama No. 10 district, who is 
also chairman of the Saitama prefectural chapter, offered an apology 
as a guest at the New Komeito prefectural convention held on Sept. 
28 in the Urawa district in Saitama City, saying: "I am afraid that 
Mr. Nakayama's remarks have caused you a great deal of trouble. Some 
urged Prime Minister Aso to dismiss (Mr. Nakayama) from his post 
rather than accepting his resignation." 
 
Katsuei Hirasawa of Tokyo Constituency No. 17, who has recently 
offered apologies on many occasions, such as at a 
respect-for-the-aged meeting, said: "What (Mr. Nakayama) did was no 
more than a suicide terrorist bombing, and we have to pay for it. He 
also expressed a desire for early Lower House dissolution, saying: 
"The cabinet cannot do its job unless we dissolve the Lower House 
and seek the views of the general public." 
 
13) Repercussions of resignation of transport minister affect 
political timetable: Calls for dissolution prior to supplementary 
budget 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
September 29, 2008 
 
Following the resignation of Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama, 
voices calling for dissolution of the Lower House before starting 
deliberations on the fiscal 2008 supplementary budget in the current 
Diet session are gaining ground in the ruling camp. This is because 
holding a Diet debate will give an opportunity for the opposition 
camp to attack the ruling parties and adversely effect the ruling 
camp's chances in the Lower House election. Instead, a plan to 
incorporate a new set of economic pump-priming measures in their 
manifesto (campaign promises) for the Lower House Election has 
surfaced. The prime minister still insists on holding deliberations 
on the supplementary budget bill, but he is now being pressed to 
make a difficult decision. 
 
The government and the ruling parties have had in mind dissolution 
of the Lower House in early October and holding the national 
election on either November 2 or 9. Their basic strategy has been to 
 
TOKYO 00002682  011 OF 012 
 
 
dissolve the Diet while support rates in the polls for the new prime 
minister are still high. 
 
Commenting on setting the election for November 2, which would fall 
in the the middle of a holiday weekend, Secretary General Hiroyuki 
Hosoda said on a Fuji TV program on September 28, "The consecutive 
holidays will basically not hamper us from setting the election for 
Nov. 2." 
 
Election Committee Chairman Makoto Koga of the Liberal Democratic 
Party (LDP) in a speech given in Hokkaido said, "I believe the prime 
minister has determined the election schedule. He will presumably 
press ahead with that schedule." 
 
However, the resignation of Nakayama will likely affect 
deliberations on the supplementary budget bill, which the prime 
minister insists on holding. The ruling parties have had in mind the 
tactic of holding deliberations on the supplementary budget bill but 
dissolving the Lower House if the opposition camp opposes the bill. 
 
Now that Nakayama has stepped down, a growing view is that taking 
time before dissolving the Lower House would mean there would be 
more opportunities for the prime minister to be pursued in the Diet 
and the increased possibility of ministers' controversial statements 
or scandals being revealed. A view that it would be better to remove 
in advance any risk factors by dissolving the Lower House 
immediately after the questioning session by each political party on 
Oct. 3 has emerged in the ruling parties. 
 
14) LDP Secretary General Hosoda: Target is to win majority 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 29, 2008 
 
By Daisuke Kondo 
 
LDP Secretary General Hiroyuki Hosoda gave an interview to news 
companies, including the Mainichi Shimbun, at party headquarters on 
Sept. 26. About the victory-or-defeat line in the next Lower House 
election, he said: "There is no one who thinks the (ruling 
coalition) will be able to use a two-thirds overriding vote in the 
House of Representatives (after the election). Our target is for the 
LDP and New Komeito to win a majority and remain in power." 
 
He also indicated that the ruling coalition would feel out the 
opposition bloc's response to the possible timing for dissolving the 
Lower House by linking it to the fiscal 2008 supplementary budget, 
saying: "It is natural to discuss matters with the opposition bloc, 
but we have had bitter experiences since last year. We need to 
closely monitor the opposition bloc's moves." 
 
15) Upper House member Naoki Tanaka to leave LDP 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Excerpt) 
September 27, 2008 
 
House of Councillors member Naoki Tanaka yesterday submitted a 
letter of departure from the Liberal Democratic Party. A spokesman 
of his local office said of the reason for leaving the party in an 
interview with the Mainichi Shimbun: "He made the decision from a 
comprehensive point of view, because he will back former Foreign 
Minister Makiko Tanaka, who will run in the next House of 
 
TOKYO 00002682  012 OF 012 
 
 
Representatives election." 
 
SCHIEFFER