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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 002117 
 
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 04/19/06 
 
Index: 
 
1)   Top headlines 
2)   Editorials 
3)   Prime Minister's daily schedule 
 
4)   Yomiuri poll: Public gives Koizumi Cabinet a 70% approval 
  rating for five years of achievements, but 59% feel reforms have 
  expanded income disparity 
 
5)   Prime Minister Koizumi focusing on June 28-29 for visit to 
  Washington 
 
China connection: 
6)   Chinese leader tells visiting former Prime Minister 
  Hashimoto that China wants to improve relations with Japan 
7)   China corrects E. China Sea navigation ban to move it back 
to its own EEZ but question of international-law violation 
remains 
 
South Korea relations: 
8)   -- Japan sending maritime safety vessel to waters around 
  disputed Takeshima Island to carry out survey    6 
9)   -- ROK President Roh warns Japan not to carry out Maritime 
survey near Takeshima isles (Tokdo in Korean)       7 
 
Defense and security issues: 
10)  Iraq dispatch: ASDF may expand duties in Iraq to include 
  transport of UN goods, personnel 
11)   US, Japan sign MOU on cooperation to prevent cyber-terror 
attacks 
12)   US, Japan continue talks on return of control of air space 
near Yokota Air Base by 2009 
13)   Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe says planned cuts in SDF 
personnel will be in rear-echelon area 
 
14)  Japan Business Federation presents proposal to amend 
  Copyright Law to better protect intellectual property 
 
15)  Government panel readies interim report on Japan's "global 
  strategy" 
 
16)  Japan plans to invite US, China into post-Kyoto Protocol 
  anti-global warming regime 
 
Ozawa in action: 
17)  -- Ichiro Ozawa remarkably polite in first regular press 
  conference as Minshuto head 
18)  -- Main elements of policies of Ozawa's Minshuto revealed 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Kajima to ask 199 households to leave condominium in Otaru for 
reinforcement work due to falsified quake-resistance scam 
 
Mainichi: 
Police to arrest Kimura Construction President this week over 
housing scandal 
 
 
TOKYO 00002117  002 OF 012 
 
 
Yomiuri: 
Resona tells independent administrative institution to pay 14.4 
billion yen for Toto deal 
 
Nihon Keizai: 
Manufacturers to accelerate transfer of technologies before baby 
boomers' retirement 
 
Sankei: 
Government concerned about negative effect of sharp rises in 
crude oil prices, long-term interest rates on economy 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Yokohama district court orders Mitsubishi Motors to pay 5.5 
million yen in compensation in trial over wheel-separation 
accident 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1)  Asbestos: Kubota decides to pay compensation, but ... 
(2)  Economic growth imperative to ensure affluent livelihood 
 
Mainichi: 
(1)  Rescue of asbestos victims: "Kubota formula" can be used as 
reference 
(2)  Sharp rises in commodity market: Don't be off guard in 
protecting investors 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1)  Firms probed over bid rigging on sewage plant construction 
projects 
(2)  Investigations of faulty quake-resistance data: Is 
overcoming legal defects possible? 
 
Nihon Keizai: 
(1)  Surging oil prices causing concerns 
(2)  Mistake by Agency for Cultural Affairs may hurt 
Takamatsuzuka Tomb 
 
Sankei: 
(1)  Kubota's decision on asbestos merits appreciation 
(2)  Lets spread campaign to prevent illegal tree trimming 
worldwide 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1)  Oil price rise reaches dangerous level 
(2)  PCB disposal: Measures needed to remove concerns 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, April 18 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2)  (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
09:01 
Attended a cabinet meeting in Diet. 
 
09:27 
Met with Information Officer Mitani at Kantei. 
 
 
TOKYO 00002117  003 OF 012 
 
 
11:05 
Met with architect Tadao Ando, and later met with Akira Endo, 
chief of Biopharm, and others. Afterwards, met with JCG Director- 
General Ishikawa. 
 
14:04 
Met with Masamichi Sekiguchi, director of the Japanese Dolls 
Association, and others. 
 
14:14 
Visited the creative cloth wrapper "Furoshiki" Exhibition at 
Recruit Ginza 8 Building at Ginza. 
 
14:40 
Returned to Kantei. 
 
16:00 
Met with Vice Finance Minister Hosokawa and MOF Budget Bureau 
Director-General Fujii, joined by Vice Finance Minister for 
International Affairs Watanabe and MOF International Bureau 
Director-General Ido. 
 
17:32 
Attended the award ceremony to give the certificates of 
revitalization plans for special districts and zones for 
structural reform. 
 
18:03 
Met with State Minister in Charge of Financial Affairs and 
Economic and Fiscal Policy Yosano. 
 
19:06 
Dined with members of the LDP's "New Female Legislators' Meeting" 
at a restaurant at Kaigan, Minato Ward. 
 
21:05 
Returned to residence. 
 
4) Koizumi cabinet in office for 5 years; 59% see social divide 
as expanding from structural reforms; 70% laud performance 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
The Yomiuri Shimbun conducted a face-to-face nationwide public 
opinion survey, in which a total of 70% lauded the performance of 
Prime Minister Koizumi and his cabinet over the past five years. 
Such a high rating for the work done by the Koizumi cabinet can 
be taken as reflecting the enactment into law last year of 
legislative measures for postal privatization and his breaking 
down of factional politics in his ruling Liberal Democratic 
Party. However, nearly 60% think that the Koizumi cabinet's 
structural reforms have caused an expanding social divide. In the 
arena of foreign relations, more than 70% think the premier's 
visits to Yasukuni Shrine have seriously damaged Japan-China 
relations. The general public gives passing marks to Koizumi, but 
the poll shows that they are deeply dissatisfied with some 
negative aspects of his government. 
 
The Koizumi administration will mark its fifth anniversary on 
April 26. The survey was conducted April 8-9 across the nation, 
with a total of 3,000 persons sampled out of the nation's voting 
 
TOKYO 00002117  004 OF 012 
 
 
population. The rate of respondents was 60.8%. 
 
In the survey, respondents were asked if they appreciated the 
performance of Prime Minister Koizumi and his cabinet over the 
past five years. In response, the proportion of "yes" was up 
12percentage points from last year's survey and was at its 
highest over the past five years, with "no" totaling 28%. In the 
breakdown of public ratings for the Koizumi cabinet's performance 
in domestic and foreign policies, a total of 67% positively rated 
the Koizumi cabinet's domestic achievements, with a total of 59% 
appreciating its foreign policy. 
 
Respondents were also asked to pick one or more policy tasks that 
were achieved by the Koizumi cabinet in particular. In response 
to this question, the privatization of three state-run postal 
services accounted for 44%, with the privatization of four public 
highway corporations at 25% and the North Korea issue at 25%. 
Social security and educational reforms accounted for only 2%. 
 
Respondents were further asked about the Koizumi cabinet's 
restructuring drive. In response, positive ratings totaled 60%, 
with negative ones at 30%. Asked if the nation's social divide 
has expanded as a result of structural reforms, "yes" totaled 
59%, with "no" at 35%. 
 
On the diplomatic front, Koizumi has visited North Korea twice 
and met with Kim Jong Il. Asked about this, positive ratings 
totaled 81%. When it comes to the deployment of Self-Defense 
Forces troops in Iraq, positive ratings totaled 51%, with 
negative ones at 45%. 
 
In the meantime, however, Japan and China have had no mutual 
visits of their leaders for more than four and a half years. 
Asked about this situation, serious views totaled 72%. In this 
connection, respondents were asked if Koizumi was to blame for 
his visits to Yasukuni Shrine. In response to this question, 
"yes" totaled 61%, with "no" at 36%. A total of 63% positively 
evaluated his political style and remarks. 
 
5) Coordination underway for Prime Minister Koizumi's visit to US 
on June 28, 29 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
The governments of Japan and the United States are now 
coordinating a plan for a state visit to the US by Prime Minister 
Junichiro Koizumi on June 28-29, the Mainichi Shimbun learned 
yesterday. Besides meeting with President George W. Bush in 
Washington, the two governments are looking into a possibility 
that Koizumi will visit Memphis, Tennessee, where Elvis Presley 
was born. Koizumi is a big fan of Elvis. 
 
6) Chinese president's remarks are expression of "sincerity 
toward improving bilateral ties," Chinese official tells former 
Prime Minister Hashimoto 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
Keiko Yoshioka, Beijing 
 
 
TOKYO 00002117  005 OF 012 
 
 
Chinese Peoples' Political Consultative Conference Chairman Jia 
Qinglin met yesterday with former Prime Minister Ryutaro 
Hashimoto, who chairs the Association for the Promotion of 
International Trade. Hashimoto is now visiting Beijing. Jia told 
Hashimoto that what Chinese President Hu Jintao said in a meeting 
in late March with seven Japanese delegations to China was the 
"expression of China's forward-looking stance." 
 
Hashimoto revealed this in a press conference. Jia explained to 
Hashimoto that Hu meant: to deal with China-Japan relations from 
all political angles; to expand economic and trade exchanges and 
cooperation; and to place emphasis on improvement in friendship 
between people of the two countries. 
 
Commenting on Hu's remarks that the Japanese leader's visits to 
Yasukuni Shrine worsened bilateral ties, Jia said, "Showing a way 
to resolve the issue, the president expressed China's sincerity 
toward resolution of the issue and good faith." He reportedly 
sought a forward-looking and well-meaning response from Japan. 
 
7) China revises area for sea traffic ban, but questions remain 
about legality; Tokyo intends to question China about legal basis 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
April 19, 2006 
 
The Japanese government intends to question China on why it 
issued a notice banning ship traffic in a portion of the East 
China Sea, as well as the grounds for the notice. China later 
revised the notice; as a result, the Japanese side of the Japan- 
China median line is now excluded, but Japan still considers such 
a notice to lack a legal basis in international law. 
 
The United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea states that 
each nation can establish a safe zone around facilities and 
structures within its exclusive economic zone (EEZ) and restrict 
ship navigation, provided that such a safe zone extends 500 
meters from facilities and structures. However, the zone 
specified in China's revised notice - an area stretching 3.6 
kilometers east and west and 5 kilometers north to south - still 
goes far beyond what the UN Convention specifies. 
 
The UN Convention states that all ships are required to respect a 
safe zone. This provision is a legal basis for expelling ships 
that enter that zone. If China regards the zone it has 
established as what is specified in the UN Convention, there will 
be potential dangers to Japanese ships if they pass through the 
zone. 
 
A senior Foreign Ministry official yesterday emphasized: "We need 
to pay close attention to China to prevent it from hurting the 
freedom of navigation of Japanese ships and its fishing industry. 
If (China's notice) has no basis in law or treaty, we cannot 
allow it to take these forcible measures against ships." 
 
8) JCG vessel departs from Tokyo to conduct survey around 
Takeshima; Survey may begin tomorrow 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
A Japan Coast Guard (JCG) vessel departed from Tokyo sometime 
 
TOKYO 00002117  006 OF 012 
 
 
before April 18 to conduct oceanographic activities around 
Takeshima, a group of disputed islets known as Tokdo in South 
Korea, persons concerned revealed yesterday. 
 
The JCG survey was initially scheduled to start around April 20 
but it is likely to slip to late April or alter because of a 
possible backlash from South Korea. 
 
The survey will take place mainly in Japan's exclusive economic 
zone (EEZ), but given a fuzzy Japan-South Korea demarcation, the 
area of survey also includes part of the EEZ claimed by South 
Korea, according to the JCG. Japan has recognized the need to 
conduct the survey in reaction to South Korea's move to 
independently propose a name for the sea floor of this area at an 
international conference to be held in late June in Germany. 
 
The survey vessel was originally scheduled to enter Sakai Port in 
Tottori Prefecture, leave the port April 20, conduct a survey for 
a chart, and return to Sakai Port April 26. 
 
9) ROK president alarmed by Japan's plan for survey around 
Takeshima, may take counteraction if survey conducted 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
By Kyoji Fukushima, Seoul 
 
South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun yesterday strongly condemned 
the Japanese government for its plan to conduct a marine survey 
in the waters around Takeshima (Dokdo): "It can be seen as an act 
(by the Japanese government) justifying its history of 
aggression. It can be even viewed as a challenge to the future 
order of Northeast Asia." 
 
This remark was made when the president exchanged views with 
senior members from the ruling and opposition parties. Roh 
suggested he would take rigorous action if Japan conducted the 
survey, noting: "We in the South Korean government have dealt 
with Dokdo, which is effectively under our country's rule, in a 
way to avoid having it escalate into an (international) issue, 
but we are now forced to make a decision on whether we will 
continue our previous stance." 
 
Meanwhile, the South Korean Maritime Police Agency yesterday 
mobilized a total of 18 500-ton or larger patrol boats to the 
waters surrounding Takeshima (Dokdo) to keep watch on Japan's 
moves. 
 
10) Japan mulls UN airlift support in Iraq 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Abridged) 
April 19, 2006 
 
The government is looking into the possibility of expanding the 
scope of Air Self-Defense Force missions in Iraq to engage in 
personnel and materiel airlift services for the United Nations, 
sources said yesterday. Japan eyes embarking on these services 
before recalling Ground Self-Defense Force troops currently 
deployed in Iraq. In its expanded scope of missions, the ASDF is 
expected to weigh airlifts for US forces. The government will 
therefore modify its master plan under a law for special measures 
 
TOKYO 00002117  007 OF 012 
 
 
to assist Iraq's reconstruction. 
 
The United Nations Assistance Mission for Iraq (UNAMI) is 
currently at work in Iraq. However, the UNAMI actually depends on 
US and British military transport planes for its staff and 
materials. They will be left behind if there is no space on the 
planes. The United Nations has therefore asked the Japanese 
government to provide airlifts for its activities to be expanded 
in Iraq. 
 
The ASDF is currently on airlift missions for the GSDF and US 
forces with its C-130 transports shuttled between Iraq's southern 
districts and Kuwait. The Defense Agency is considering providing 
C-130 airlifts to the United Nations, as well. However, Japan is 
now coordinating with the United States to expand the scope of 
ASDF airlift missions mainly for US forces while envisioning the 
future withdrawal of GSDF troops currently deployed in the 
southern Iraqi city of Samawah for humanitarian reconstruction 
assistance. As it stands, the Japanese government has asked the 
United Nations to talk with the US government. 
 
The ASDF will also extend its airlift web for US forces in Iraq 
to cover Baghdad and other localities. Japan is expected to 
withdraw its Samawah-based troops this fall. In that case, the 
ASDF will continue its airlift role mainly for US forces and will 
be tasked with security backup activities. 
 
According to the government's current master plan, however, Japan 
is to conduct security backup activities as far as its 
humanitarian reconstruction activities are not affected. The 
government will therefore modify the master plan to define 
security-oriented logistics for the ASDF. 
 
11) Tokyo, Washington to cooperate against cyberattacks; MOU 
signed 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
The governments of Japan and the US on April 18 signed an 
exchange of notes, which stipulates a system for the Defense 
Agency and the US Department of Defense to exchange of 
intelligence on such matters as countermeasures for computer 
viruses. The aim is to enhance both countries' capabilities to 
counter cyberattacks. 
 
According to the memorandum of understanding (MOU), for security 
reasons, Japan's Joint Staff Office and the US Pacific Command 
will undertake the exchange of intelligence on antivirus measures 
and security issues through US forces in Japan. Conveying such 
information to a foreign country requires a prior written 
agreement. 
 
The exchange of intelligence will focus on defense intelligence, 
but Tokyo and Washington will also exchange information on the 
systems of their governments as a whole and related data, 
according to need. Intelligence possessed by the Cabinet 
Secretariat Security Center, which is responsible for 
 
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intelligence and security of the entire government, will also 
become subject to exchange. 
 
This is the first time for Japan to sign an MOU like this. The US 
 
TOKYO 00002117  008 OF 012 
 
 
has already concluded similar pacts with Britain, Sweden, Canada, 
Australia, and New Zealand. 
 
12) Japan, US to continue Yokota airspace talks to settle issue 
by 2009 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
Japan and the US have been trying to coordinate views for 
continued talks with the aim of partially returning the airspace 
now controlled by Yokota Air Base straddling Fussa and other 
municipalities in Tokyo by 2009, timed with the completion of the 
fourth runway at Haneda Airport. The issue was not specified in 
the final US force realignment report, sources revealed 
yesterday. 
 
In past bilateral talks, the US had repeatedly rejected Japan's 
call for a total return of the airspace by citing the operation 
of US Air Force planes and other factors. But showing 
understanding to the excessive congestion of civilian planes 
using Haneda and Narita airports, the US broadly agreed in March 
to partially return the airspace. 
 
But consequent talks have run into snags over such factors as the 
portion of the airspace to be returned, its scale, and a 
timeframe. As a result, the two countries have decided to 
continue talks on the airspace along with the military-civilian 
use of the Yokota base by establishing a panel after producing 
the final report. 
 
The Yokota airspace stretches over Tokyo and eight prefectures in 
the Kanto region. Its maximum altitude is 7,000 meters. Because 
civilian planes are required to avoid the Yokota airspace, near- 
miss cases could occur. 
 
13) Abe: SDF personnel cuts mainly in rear-echelon area 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe said yesterday before the 
House of Representatives Administrative Reform Special Committee 
regarding a plan to reduce the number of Self-Defense Force 
personnel: "It's important not to create any sacred areas. We 
will reduce the personnel mainly by entrusting rear-echelon 
operations to the private sector." Abe revealed the government's 
intention to reduce the size of the SDF pursuant to its plan to 
slash civil servants by 5% over the next five years. 
 
Meanwhile, Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga cited 
education, food services, and periodical inspections of transport 
planes as examples of the "rear area." At the same time, the 
defense chief expressed reluctance about reducing SDF personnel, 
as is the case with civil servants, saying, "Closely associated 
with national security, some factors are nonnegotiable." 
 
14) Keidanren to propose amending Copyright Law; Proposals 
include establishment of third-party organization to settle 
trouble over distribution of royalties 
 
YOMIURI (Page 19) (Excerpts) 
 
TOKYO 00002117  009 OF 012 
 
 
April 19, 2006 
 
The Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) yesterday 
compiled a set of policy proposals that, among other things, 
seeks revisions to the Copyright Law. The aim is to promote 
content distribution with an eye toward the fusion of 
telecommunications and broadcasting. The report pointed out the 
need for a new system of copyright law that would both protect 
copyright holders and facilitate the use of content. Envisioning 
repeated use of TV programs on the Internet, the proposals call 
for changes to the fees for secondary use and the creation of a 
third-party organization that will serve as an arbiter in the 
event of a dispute over royalties. Nippon Keidanren will shortly 
present the package of proposals to the government's Intellectual 
Property Rights Headquarters. 
 
The proposals by this organization that counts numerous major 
corporations among its members will likely affect discussions by 
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Takenaka's private 
study panel. 
 
In view of the popularity of online games, which were not 
foreseen by the existing law, the report pointed out that it 
would be necessary to consolidate rules on the use of copyrighted 
products and called for a drastic revision to the Copyright Law, 
as well as a revision to the range of what is allowed as personal 
use. 
 
15) Draft interim report on global strategy; Exports of 
agricultural, marine products to be doubled; Number of foreign 
tourists to be increased to 10 million; CEFP sets numerical 
targets 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
A draft interim report on a global strategy, which the Council on 
Economic and Fiscal Policy (CEFP, chaired by Prime Minister 
Koizumi) will finalize today, was unveiled. The panel will then 
compile a final report in May and reflect it in the government's 
basic policy guidelines on economic and fiscal management and 
structural reforms. 
 
The draft included such targets as boosting exports of 
agricultural products, boosting the capacity of Narita and Haneda 
Airports, and attracting more foreign tourists. To achieve these 
ends, the report set numerical targets with timetables. According 
to the draft, Japan will increase the number of its global 
research centers to 30 by 2010 in order to double the value of 
exports of agricultural and marine products to 600 billion yen in 
fiscal 2009. It will also increase the number of short-term 
foreign visitors by such means as broadcasting Japanese TV 
programs abroad. It will aim to increase the number of foreign 
tourists to 10 million by 2010. Other targets include an 
expansion of the number of foreign workers allowed to work in 
Japan and the establishment of an East Asia economic zone. The 
aim is to maintain Japan's competitiveness in the midst of 
growing pressure from the rise of China and India. 
 
The draft interim report noted that Japan would aim to become a 
world-leading industrial nation and a country that displays 
intellectual leadership in the international community. As means 
 
TOKYO 00002117  010 OF 012 
 
 
to achieve this end, the report cited domestic structural reforms 
and boosting national wealth in cooperation with foreign 
countries. 
 
On the economic front, the draft noted that Japan would aim to 
raise the ratio of the value of trade with free trade agreement 
partners to 25% and establish an East Asia economic zone, 
including ASEAN+3 (Japan, China and South Korea), India and 
Australia. 
16) Japan to urge US, China to participate in a new anti-global 
warming framework that will follow the Kyoto Protocol 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
Since the Kyoto Protocol obligated industrialized nations to 
limit emissions of greenhouse gases but lacked anti-global 
warming measures after 2013, the Japanese government yesterday 
made clear its position to seek to establish a follow-on 
framework in which all nations, including the United States and 
China, would participate. Ahead of the first session for 
discussing post-Kyoto Protocol measures, planned in Germany in 
mid-May, the Japanese government presented this suggestion to the 
Secretariat of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate 
 
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Change. 
 
Citing the fact that greenhouse gases emitted by the 
industrialized nations, which are obligated by the Kyoto Protocol 
to reduce the emissions of such gases, are only 30% or so of the 
world total emissions, the Japanese government stressed: "All the 
countries need to take emission-reduction measures in accordance 
with their respective capabilities." In addition, Japan has urged 
major emitters, such as China, which is not under obligation to 
reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and the US, to make their utmost 
to reduce emissions. 
 
The May conference will be the first occasion for countries 
across the world, including the US and China, to discuss measures 
to be taken after the expiration of the Kyoto Protocol. 
 
17) Minshuto President Ozawa in press conference plays up 
politeness of "new Ozawa"; Denies "secret meeting" with Soka 
Gakkai chairman 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) President Ichiro Ozawa 
yesterday held his first press conference at party headquarters 
since he assumed his new post. He once dismissed meetings the 
press as "service." He has had many run-ins with the media in the 
past. Yesterday's press briefing, however, was extended more than 
10 minutes beyond the set timeframe. In the 30-minute press 
conference, he played up the "new Ozawa" by responding to 
questions all smiles. He, however, denied with a straight face 
reports of a meeting with Soka Gakkai Chairman Einosuke Akiya, 
saying, "I did not meet him." 
 
Asked about his pledge in the presidential election that he would 
change himself, Ozawa responded: "I have to offset my faults 
within reason. I will respond to your questions in a polite way 
as much as I can." His remarks evoked laughter. 
 
TOKYO 00002117  011 OF 012 
 
 
 
Asked about Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's remark that Ozawa 
would try to split the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Ozawa 
answered, "The LDP will not break up as long as it is a ruling 
party. Please tell (the prime minister) that I will not make a 
vain effort." He sought to check the Prime Minister. When the 
person in charge of the press conference tried to end the 
session, he said: "I don't mind responding more questions. Let's 
continue." 
 
Ozawa, however, he continued denying press reports that he met on 
April 11 with the Soka Gakkai chairman: "I did not meet him. 
That's your news coverage problem." The Soka Gakkai public 
relations office, meanwhile, has admitted that the meeting was 
held. 
 
18) Minshuto to underscore "coexistence," "priority to UN" in new 
policy platform 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Excerpts) 
April 19, 2006 
 
Under the leadership of new leader Ichiro Ozawa, the Democratic 
Party of Japan (Minshuto) will soon start a full-scale discussion 
to work out a new policy platform that will underscore its 
confrontational stance toward the Koizumi administration. Ozawa, 
keeping in mind the widening income disparity in the Japanese 
society, will emphasize the necessity of building a jobs and 
social-security safety net, with "coexistence" as the buzzword 
(TN: i.e. coexistence and co-prosperity -- a policy slogan used 
in postwar Japan to emphasize the harmonious and non-competitive 
aspects of the society or the government's social compact with 
the people). The key point on the national security front is to 
what extent Ozawa will be able to use his stock argument, a 
"United Nations-centered policy." But if he tries to come up with 
specific measures in a hasty manner, the opposition party may 
balk and split again. Given this situation, some observers 
anticipate Minshuto may not lay down its new platform before the 
fall. 
 
"There are some issues on which our stance is somewhat vague in 
our platform, so I would like to also reach a clear-cut 
conclusion on these issues," Ozawa said in a press conference 
yesterday. He indicated his eagerness to start drafting a new 
policy platform immediately after the upcoming by-election in 
Chiba. 
 
Ozawa has turned his attention to establishing a social safety 
net, with "co-existence" as the buzzword. 
 
Ozawa has advocated neo-liberal policies in the past, such as 
thorough deregulation. Recently, however, he has criticized 
Koizumi's structural reforms as the main cause for creating a 
society with widening income disparity where the "law of the 
jungle" prevails, stressing the need for job-creation measures. 
 
"The eight reform measures" Ozawa proposed in his campaign 
rhetoric for the latest party presidential election included a 
passage noting: "The basic portions of pension, nursing, and 
elderly medical spending should be financed with revenues from 
the consumption tax." In order to turn this proposal into action, 
a significant hike of the consumption tax hike will be 
 
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unavoidable. He also suggested the need to lower the income tax 
rate. Some say that this measure is contradictory to his call for 
safety nets. 
 
Ozawa's eight policy measures 
 
Finance the basic portions of pension, nursing, and elderly 
medical expenditures with revenues from the consumption tax. 
 
Lower the consumption tax rate. Abolish the deduction system and 
increase allowances. 
 
Completely scrap specific tied subsidies. Introduce a package 
subsidy system for local governments. 
 
Have the central government take responsibility for compulsory 
education in the end and allow municipal governments to adopt 
their own programs without any restrictions. 
 
Liberalize agricultural business, and introduce a deficiency 
payment system for mainstream products. 
 
Set the challenge of protecting the global environment for humans 
as a national goal. 
 
Establish an UN-centered security policy. Improve relations with 
China, South Korea, and other neighboring countries, with Japan- 
US relations as the bedrock of Japan's diplomacy. 
 
Revive familial ties and regional solidarity. Create a society 
where people can live comfortably. 
 
SCHIEFFER