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Viewing cable 08TOKYO3244, DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 11/26/08

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Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
08TOKYO3244 2008-11-26 08:15 2011-08-25 00:00 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Tokyo
VZCZCXRO9934
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #3244/01 3310815
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 260815Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 9039
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 3508
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 1147
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 4937
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 9156
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 1718
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 6552
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 2547
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2682
UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 10 TOKYO 003244 
 
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:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 11/26/08 
 
INDEX: 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) 47 PERCENT  of firms approve Aso's economic policies in survey 
two months after launch of his administration (Yomiuri) 
 
(2) Scope column: Government to put off setting up cabinet personnel 
bureau; Civil service system reform makes no headway, half-baked 
discussion on function, authority (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(3) Kanagawa, other base-hosting governors to hold liaison meeting 
with Japanese, U.S. governments in December (Kanagawa Shimbun) 
 
(4) Interview: Cluster ban treaty and its challenges (Mainichi) 
 
(5) Japan may be left out of expanded FTA among Pan Pacific nations 
(Nikkei) 
 
(6) Mid-term goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions cut: Study 
group to propose several options possibly by June next year (Asahi) 
 
 
(7) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(8) EDITORIALS 
 
(9) Prime Minister's schedule, November 25 (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) 47 PERCENT  of firms approve Aso's economic policies in survey 
two months after launch of his administration 
 
YOMIURI (Page 8) (Full) 
November 26, 2008 
 
Asked about the economic policy measures implemented by Prime 
Minister Taro Aso's cabinet since it was launched about two months 
ago, 47 of the 100 leading companies surveyed by Yomiuri said that 
they supported or somewhat supported them. This figure was nearly 
double the 25 firms that did not support completely or in part Aso's 
policy. Twenty eight firms gave no answer. According to the results 
of the survey, the rate of support by firms for the Aso cabinet, 
which gives priority to economic policy, was 47 PERCENT , slightly 
up from the 40.5 PERCENT  in the nationwide survey conducted by the 
Yomiuri Shimbun in early November. 
 
An automaker gave this specific comment: "Its stance of prioritizing 
economic policy over holding an election merits appreciation." A 
financial institute offered this opinion: "It has quickly come up 
with economic stimulus measures." As for the additional economic 
package announced in late October, a total of 56 firms supported the 
plan. 
 
Asked about the planned scheme of fixed-amount cash handouts 
totaling 2 trillion yen, the central pillar of the package, 28 firms 
did not approve, outnumbering the 17 firms that gave a positive 
reply. The survey results showed that many firms did not approve of 
the cash-handout scheme. An electric machinery company presented 
this severe view: "It is inconceivable that the plan will contribute 
to boosting the economy from the base up."  An energy firm said that 
 
TOKYO 00003244  002 OF 010 
 
 
unless people can feel assured under the nation's social security 
system, they would save the money. 
 
Countries are now urged to hammer out measures to contain the 
current financial crisis, which triggered a global economic 
slowdown. Of the 100 firms, 48 expressed support of the idea of 
strengthening the oversight system and regulations over financial 
institutions. Sixteen companies, most of which are financial 
institutions, said that the current regulations were satisfactory, 
and two firms replied that the regulations should be relaxed. But a 
higher percentage of firms supported the idea of strengthening 
regulations. 
 
As specific measures to ensure effective oversight and regulation of 
financial institutions (multiple answers), 30 companies called for 
promoting the disclosure of information on derivatives and other 
policies; and 24 firms and 23 firms cited the need to strengthen 
regulations governing hedge funds and rating agencies, 
respectively. 
 
Asked about a hike of the consumption tax, many respondents remained 
cautious, with 35 firms saying that the tax should not be raised 
until the economy turns around; and 34 companies replying that the 
government should thoroughly cut its wasteful spending before 
discussing a consumption tax hike. With respect to the tax rate for 
daily necessities, including food, 37 firms said that the current 
tax rate of 5 PERCENT  should be applied, while 16 PERCENT  were 
negative about adopting a reduced tax rate for daily necessities. 
 
(2) Scope column: Government to put off setting up cabinet personnel 
bureau; Civil service system reform makes no headway, half-baked 
discussion on function, authority 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
November 24, 2008 
 
The government on Nov. 23 began coordination to put off the creation 
of a cabinet personnel bureau in fiscal 2009, which is one of the 
main features of civil service reform. Prime Minister Taro Aso will 
make a final decision on the matter after discussing it with 
Administrative Reform Minister Akira Amari. The reason is that many 
in the ruling coalition have called for a delay of the establishment 
because a discussion has been insufficient on what kind of authority 
and functions the planned personnel bureau should have. 
 
The establishment of the cabinet personnel bureau is stipulated in 
the Basic Law on Reform of the Civil Service System, which was 
enacted in June. Bills related to reform of the civil service 
system, which include the overall picture of the proposed personnel 
bureau, are expected to be presented to the Diet by June 2009. 
However, the law has no provisions regarding the timing of the 
establishment. 
 
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Administrative Reform Promotion 
Headquarters Chairman Koki Chuma intends to call for including 
expenses for the establishing of the personnel bureau in a draft 
budget for fiscal 2009. Former Administrative Reform Minister 
Yoshimi Watanabe, however, has objected to such an idea, arguing: 
"If the civil service system is not reformed even though the new 
personnel bureau is set up, the present promotion system of one's 
years of service in a ministry will remain as is." Watanabe has 
asserted that more time should be spent for consideration so that 
 
TOKYO 00003244  003 OF 010 
 
 
the personnel bureau will become a strong organization that can 
dispense reward and punishment and carry out private sector-level 
restructure. 
 
Amari, who is caught between the two sides, said: 
 
"One says that I am delaying the establishment of a personnel 
bureau, and the other says what I'm doing is fast and sloppy if a 
thorough discussion is not conducted on the functions of the 
bureau." 
 
Regarding the functions of the personnel bureau, the advisory panel 
to the government's civil service system reform headquarters 
presented on Nov. 14 a report to Amari. The report cited the 
Planning and Control Division of the National Personnel Authority, 
the Aged Personnel Division of the Personal and Pension Bureau of 
the Ministry of Internal Affairs and Communications (MIC), and the 
allowance control section of the Budget Bureau of the Finance 
Ministry as sections that should be transferred to the proposed 
cabinet personnel bureau. 
 
However, the ministries that were requested to transfer their 
sections to the planned new personnel bureau have already taken a 
stance of opposing the request. The report stipulated both the pros 
and cons regarding the transfer of the MIC's Administrative 
Management Bureau, which manages the fixed number of personnel of 
the ministries and agencies. Also, conclusions have not been reached 
on how far the cabinet personnel bureau has authority. Base on such 
a situation, the government has leaned to the judgment that it will 
be difficult to establish a cabinet personnel bureau in fiscal 
ΒΆ2009. 
 
Lawmakers who have called for an early establishment will inevitably 
criticize the government. Therefore, the government intends not to 
give the public the impression of retreating from its reform stance 
by formulating a roadmap for reform of the civil service system 
possibly before the end of the year. 
 
(3) Kanagawa, other base-hosting governors to hold liaison meeting 
with Japanese, U.S. governments in December 
 
KANAGAWA SHIMBUN (Online) 
November 25, 2008 (19:00) 
 
The Japanese and U.S. governments, U.S. Forces Japan, and governors 
from 14 prefectures hosting U.S. military bases will hold a liaison 
conference at the Foreign Ministry on Dec. 3. In the wake of 
incidents and accidents involving U.S. military personnel, including 
a U.S. military deserter's fatal stabbing of a taxicab driver in 
Yokosuka in March, Kanagawa Gov. Shigefumi Matsuzawa and other 
governors asked the Japanese and U.S. governments this spring to 
hold a liaison conference. 
 
The liaison conference will be held with the participation of 
representatives from the Foreign Ministry and the Defense Ministry 
on the Japanese side and representatives from the U.S. Embassy and 
USFJ on the U.S. side for consultations with the base-hosting 
governors on base issues. The foreign and defense ministers and U.S. 
Ambassador to Japan Schieffer are making arrangements for their 
attendance, according to officials. Matsuzawa said: "We will be able 
to have an opportunity to directly convey the voice of local 
communities to the Japanese and U.S. governments. This means so much 
 
TOKYO 00003244  004 OF 010 
 
 
to us. We will convey local views to them so they will carry out the 
planned realignment of U.S. forces in Japan as scheduled, including 
the transfer of Atsugi-based carrier-borne aircraft. I also want to 
propose revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement." 
 
The governors had initially called for the Japanese and U.S. 
governments to set up a special regional committee under their 
intergovernmental joint committee. However, the government was 
reluctant but instead acceded to the idea of holding a liaison 
conference. Matsuzawa said: "We will annually hold a regular meeting 
or two, and we will also make requests to them so we can hold an ad 
hoc meeting if and when there is a major change regarding base 
issues." 
 
(4) Interview: Cluster ban treaty and its challenges 
 
MAINICHI (Page 4) (Full) 
November 23, 2008 
 
Nonsignatories also should be pressured to ban cluster bombs 
 
Yukihisa Fujita, vice defense minister in the Democratic Party of 
Japan's shadow cabinet 
 
Countries concerned about cluster bombs and nongovernmental 
organizations have worked together to push for negotiations, and 
there will be an anti-cluster treaty with the approval of more than 
100 countries. This is significant. In 2001, the United Sates came 
under terrorist attacks. Since then, there have been wars in 
Afghanistan and Iraq. So we can appreciate the treaty that will 
prevent civilians from being involved. However, the draft treaty 
excludes state-of-the-art cluster bombs that have fewer bomblets. I 
wanted them to go further. 
 
When the antipersonnel landmine ban treaty came into effect, 
nosignatories also stopped using landmines. We can also expect the 
anti-cluster treaty to have similar effects. In the United States, 
Obama and his Democrat administration will come into office. The 
United States will not sign the treaty. Even so, the United States 
would be constrained. 
 
The Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain 
Conventional Weapons (CCW) (involving the U.S., Russia, and China, 
which are opposed to restricting certain conventional weapons) 
requires a unanimous agreement for its decisions, so it's difficult 
to see progress. However, the international community, including 
Japan, should not only try to involve more countries but also should 
make efforts to prevent nonsignatories (such as the U.S., Russia, 
and China) from using certain conventional weapons. That's 
important. 
 
The government was reluctant at first to create the treaty. However, 
House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono and other Dietmembers 
created a parliamentary league (against cluster bombs). This made 
the government change its attitude. Innocent children are killed in 
Afghanistan and Iraq. This fact probably pushed the government. 
 
There are U.S. military bases in Japan. Their presence here should 
be for defense in the Far East. In Iraq and Afghanistan, however, 
there are U.S. troops that were sent from U.S. military bases in 
Japan. They presumably use cluster bombs over there. However, the 
government's position is that it has nothing to do with them once 
 
TOKYO 00003244  005 OF 010 
 
 
they are off from their bases in Japan. Japan should hold itself 
even more responsible. 
 
I have the impression that Japan always follows other countries in 
disarmament negotiations, including the cluster bomb talks this 
time. Japan is the only atomic-bombed nation, so I want Japan to 
develop its diplomacy with more emphasis on humanity. As well as 
cluster bombs, depleted uranium munitions will also cause damage for 
a long time. This is also a big problem. It's more important than 
conducting refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. If Japan wants 
to be a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council, 
Japan should claim even more about this problem, too. 
 
Alternative weapons needed for national defense 
 
Gen Nakatani, chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party's Research 
Commission on Security 
 
Unexploded bombs have been left as they are. That's why innocent 
people were killed or wounded. There must not be such a situation 
any more. We have negotiated on the treaty to ban cluster bombs from 
the perspective of humanity. The treaty itself will now be in place. 
This is significant in itself. 
 
In the meantime, after the treaty is signed and ratified, and once 
the treaty comes into effect, we will be prohibited immediately from 
using cluster bombs, and basically we will be required to scrap all 
our cluster bombs in eight years' time. We need to consider 
alternatives so there will be no problem from the perspective of 
national defense, and we will also have to study how to fight in the 
future. 
 
Japan currently has four types of cluster munitions (which will 
leave many of their submunitions or bomblets unexploded). The 
Defense Ministry is going to scrap them and will instead introduce 
single-warheaded weapons with no submunitions. We've so far 
discussed how to restrict cluster bombs. As a result, we will have 
more precise and modernized bombs. I can say this is a good aspect. 
Scrapping cluster bombs will cost much, but we should do so without 
delay. 
 
Concerning the treaty that bans antipersonnel landmine, I tackled 
the issue, representing the LDP. When I was Defense Agency director 
general, I called on the defense chiefs of other countries to scrap 
landmines. Russia promised to scrap its landmines. However, Russia 
has yet to do so. The United States and China are reluctant. In the 
case of cluster bombs as well, Japan should call on other countries 
to scrap landmines in international cooperation. 
 
In the CCW talks, the United States, Russia, and China (which are 
not expected to sign the anti-cluster treaty) have been continuing 
discussions. The ban treaty will be in place, so I hope the CCW 
convention will also impose similar restrictions. 
 
In modern warfare, civilians must not be killed or wounded. That's a 
categorical imperative. In the future, if there are civilian 
casualties resulting from cluster bombs, and if such makes the news, 
then countries that used cluster bombs-even though these countries 
do not join the cluster ban treaty-will be under fire for their 
continued use of such prohibited weapons. Superpowers would find it 
difficult to use cluster bombs. 
 
 
TOKYO 00003244  006 OF 010 
 
 
When it comes to the disposal of unexploded landmines, a nonprofit 
organization of retirees from the Self-Defense Forces and volunteers 
in the private sector are working overseas and backing from the 
government. For the disposal of unexploded cluster bombs as well, 
the government should continue its backing through a similar 
framework. 
 
(5) Japan may be left out of expanded FTA among Pan Pacific nations 
 
NIKKEI (Page 5) (Full) 
November 22, 2008 
 
The Trans-Pacific Economic Partnership Agreement (known as P4) 
signed by four Pan Pacific nations is expected to attract more 
countries. In September, negotiations were launched for the U.S. to 
join the agreement. Following the U.S., Australia and Peru also 
expressed their intentions on the 20th in succession to participate 
in the accord. The Trans-Pacific agreement is now likely to become 
the core of economic integration in the region, an idea proposed by 
the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation Conference (APEC). Japan may 
be left out of economic partnerships in the Pacific Rim region. 
 
The Trans-Pacific Agreement was signed by Singapore, New Zealand, 
Chile, and then Brunei. The accord is designed to promote the 
liberalization of trade in farm and industrial products, financial 
services, and investment rules. The four countries have decided to 
phase out all tariffs by 2015 in their transactions. The P4 is now 
expected to expand to P7 with the U.S. Australia, and Peru as new 
members. 
 
Among the APEC member countries, Canada and Mexico reportedly is 
considering the possibility of participating in the agreement. 
Meanwhile, Japan, negative about opening up its market of farm 
products such as rice, has stayed out of the framework of P4, which 
is now expected to glow into a comprehensive free trade agreement 
(FTA) of APEC. Minister of Economy, Trade and Industry Toshihiro 
Nikai told reporters on the 20th after attending an APEC ministerial 
meeting: "It is impossible to form a consensus in the nation at 
present," indicating that Japan would not join the Trans-Pacific 
Agreement. 
 
The U.S. and Australia have promoted wide-ranging FTA negotiations, 
also eyeing a plan to create a Pan-Pacific economic zone, keeping in 
mind the delayed process of setting new trade rules by the World 
Trade Organization. China has also accelerated moves to conclude 
bilateral agreements, as seen from its conclusion of a FTA with 
Peru. If Japan drops out of the partnership framework, it may not be 
able to enjoy benefits from free trade and investment. 
 
(6) Mid-term goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions cut: Study 
group to propose several options possibly by June next year 
 
ASAHI (Page 6) (Full) 
November 26, 2008 
 
The first meeting of the study group reporting to the Prime 
Minister's Office (Kantei) that is tasked with discussing a mid-term 
goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions was held on November 25. 
Participants agreed to a plan to propose several options by around 
June next year. Setting a mid-term goal is the focus of attention in 
United Nations talks on a post-Kyoto Protocol framework. The 
government will explore the appropriate level for such a goal and 
 
TOKYO 00003244  007 OF 010 
 
 
watch for a chance to announce it, while paying close attention to 
the next U.S. administration, which is positive about taking 
measures to combat global warming. 
 
Gap between reality and ideals 
 
Participants were split into those who attach importance to energy 
policy and those who give priority to the environment. Each side 
voiced its views at the outset of the meeting. Yoichi Kaya, deputy 
executive director of the Research Institute of Innovative 
Technology for the Earth (RITE) said, "The greatest issues are 
whether it is possible to meet the goal and s whether it is possible 
to shoulder the cost." Hironori Hamanaka, executive director of the 
Institute for Global Environment Strategies (IGES), stated, "It is 
important to indicate the feasibility of attaining the goal and to 
show the impact of climate change and its risks in quantitative 
terms." 
 
The challenge of how to fill the gap between reality -- the extent 
cuts can be achieved using the present form of technology and 
industrial structure -- and ideal -- the amount of cuts necessary to 
reduce damage caused by global warming -- has already emerged. 
 
The study group will discuss several projections in cooperation with 
Japan's prominent research institutes specializing in global 
environment and energy policy. The plan is to prepare options for a 
mid-term goal, while coordinating outlooks for the future economic 
situation and the technologies that will be needed, preconditions 
for setting a mid-term goal. The plan also will take into account 
existing measures to curb global warming and the achievable amount 
of emissions cuts. 
 
Toshihiko Fukui, chairman of the study group and former Bank of 
Japan (BOJ) governor was enthusiastic, "While adjusting the model, I 
want to prepare a framework the government can use to face 
international talks,." 
 
However, according to many numerical estimates presented by various 
research bodies, Japan can achieve only a small amount of reduction, 
even if it spends the same amount of money as other industrialized 
countries do. This is because it has already made major-scale 
investments in energy saving for many years. Industrial circles are 
bound to express dissatisfaction, if industrialized countries set a 
mid-term goal in a lock-step way in talks on a post-Kyoto framework, 
which aim to reach an agreement late next year. 
 
Close attention on next U.S. administration 
 
With the 14th session of the Conference of Parties to the Climate 
Change Convention (COP14) close at hand, the government is paying 
close attention to the moves of the incoming Obama administration in 
setting a mid-term goal. It will hold a meeting of four related 
ministers, centered on the chief cabinet secretary, possibly on the 
27th and coordinate external strategy, including how a mid-term goal 
should be set. 
 
Obama this month gave a video speech at an international conference 
on the global warming issue. As a long-term goal to be achieved by 
2050, he came up with an 80 PERCENT  cut in comparison with the 1990 
level, which is more ambitious than a 60 PERCENT -80 PERCENT  cut 
advocated by the former Fukuda administration. However, when it 
comes to a mid-term goal, his proposal was reducing the amount of 
 
TOKYO 00003244  008 OF 010 
 
 
emissions to the 1990 level by 2020. 
 
The mid-term goal proposed by the European Union (EU), which has 
thus far led UN talks, is a 20 PERCENT  cut from the 1990 level. 
Japan welcomes Obama's proposal for reducing emissions to the 1990 
level. One senior Foreign Ministry official said, "The proposal is 
convenient to Japan. Mr. Obama has indicated a clear-cut stance of 
seriously tackling measures to curb global warming." The government 
envisages a scenario of Japan and the U.S. cooperating to face the 
EU. 
 
However, there is no guarantee that Japan's expectations will be 
met. EU officials are hastily approaching those who will be in 
charge of measures to deal with domestic global warming in the next 
Obama administration. Obama is positive about introducing emissions 
trading on the federal level the aim being to promote domestic 
measures to combat climate change. Some already take the view that 
the possibility of the EU and the U.S. becoming closer may be more 
realistic than the possibility of Japan and the U.S. cooperating 
with each other, as one government source put it. 
 
(7) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: Tokyo Shimbun 
Suspect in murder, assault incidents involving ex-welfare officials 
found to have several million yen in debts; Plotted to attack five 
households in three days 
 
Mainichi: Nikkei 
U.S. unveils 800 billion dollar package to cope with credit crunch 
 
Yomiuri: 
Government plans to require hearings of opinion from victims, 
bereaved families if those sentenced to life imprisonment are 
released on parole 
 
Sankei: 
Kim Hyon Hui criticizes "pro-North Korea" Roh Moo Hyun 
administration 
 
Akahata: 
No monitoring system to prevent resale of foreign farm products 
imported for nonfood use 
 
(8) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Challenges await new U.S. economic team 
(2) Postponement of submission of second supplementary budget bill 
to Diet session: Where can we find politics that does not back away 
from problems 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Postponement of submission of second supplementary budget bill 
to Diet session makes no sense 
(2) Bailout of Citigroup: No exit from crisis in sight 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Extension of Diet session: Time for prime minister to 
re-solidify his foothold 
(2) New U.S. economic ministers: Lineup of technocrats to face 
financial crisis 
 
TOKYO 00003244  009 OF 010 
 
 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) New U.S. administration to aim to reconstruct economy, led 
technocrats 
(2) Postponement of second supplementary budget to Diet session 
illogical 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Postponement of second supplementary budget to Diet session: 
Where has Prime Minister Aso's determination to materialize policy 
gone? 
(2) Lineup of U.S. economic ministers: Make preemptive move to 
overcome financial crisis 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Postponement of second supplementary budget to Diet session: 
Prime minister's explanation incomprehensible 
(2) South Korea and North Korea: Lee administration should settle 
down in dealing with Pyongyang 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Group of Article 9: Grass-roots power to apply the Constitution 
 
(9) Prime Minister's schedule, November 25 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
November 26, 2008 
 
10:34 
Arrived at Haneda Airport by government plane. 
 
11:09 
Called at the Imperial Palace to report his return. 
 
11:32 
Arrived at his private residence in Kamiyama-cho. 
 
13:36 
Met New Komeito Secretary General Kitagawa at the Kantei. Followed 
by Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura. 
 
13:43 
Met Kawamura, Finance Minister Nakagawa, Economy, Trade and Industry 
Minister Yosano, LDP Secretary General Hosoda, Kitagawa, and 
others. 
 
14:35 
Met Education, Science and Technology Minister Shionoya and Vice 
Minister Zeniya. 
 
15:18 
Met Director of Studies at the IISS Cronin. Later met Deputy Chief 
Cabinet Secretary Uruma. 
 
16:55 
Attended an attestation ceremony for Supreme Court Chief Justice 
Takesaki and then a ceremony for Sendai High Court Chief Justice 
Chiba. 
 
18:25 
Dined with Otsuji, chairman of the LDP Upper House caucus, Upper 
House Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Suzuki, and others at a 
 
TOKYO 00003244  010 OF 010 
 
 
Japanese restaurant in the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka, also joined 
by Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura and Deputy Chief Cabinet 
Secretary Konoike. 
 
20:33 
Met Cronin at a pub in the Imperial Hotel. 
 
22:27 
Returned to his private residence. 
 
SCHIEFFER