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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 08 TOKYO 002162 
 
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:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 04/20/06 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Takeshima issue: ROK rejects Japan's compromise solution 
 
(2) Japan's plan for Takeshima survey: Japan, ROK still in 
standoff over survey; Tokyo looks for ways to finalize the issue 
with diplomatic efforts, while Seoul remains tough toward Tokyo 
 
(3) Why marine survey now? - Questions and answers: Counteraction 
against ROK ahead of international conference on naming of sea 
floor 
 
(4) Editorial: Japan must proceed with yen loans to China calmly 
centering on the environment 
 
(5) Ginoza mayor: The central government made it clear that there 
will be no touch-and-go drills at alternate facility 
 
(6) Editorial: Top priority should be on removing people's 
anxiety about PCB waste 
 
(Corrected copy) Japan, ROK trade last-minutes barbs over 
Takeshima survey; Japan looking for ways to reach breakthrough, 
while ROK adopts parliamentary resolution seeking cancellation of 
survey 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Takeshima issue: ROK rejects Japan's compromise solution 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts) 
Evening, April 20, 2006 
 
The two Japan Coast Guard (JCG) survey ships - "Kaiyo" and 
"Meiyo" - will conduct a marine survey in the waters around 
Takeshima. This morning they were awaiting the go-ahead for their 
departure off Sakai Port in Tottori Prefecture. The government is 
proceeding with preparations for the survey, while making every 
possible effort to resolve the current standoff with South Korea, 
which is opposed to Japan's planned survey. In this regard, 
Ambassador to South Korea Shotaro Oshima met with South Korean 
Minister of Foreign Affairs and Trade Ban Ki Moon in Seoul. 
 
At a meeting this morning of the Upper House Committee on Foreign 
Affairs and Defense, Foreign Minister Aso emphasized that the 
planned survey is legitimate and will be implemented at least in 
Japan's exclusive economic zone (EEZ), adding, "Under 
international law, there is no problem on our side." He also 
stated: "Negotiations are underway via diplomatic channels in 
trying to avoid unforeseeable circumstances and aiming to reach a 
peaceful solution." 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe also told the press corps: "Japan and 
South Korea continue informal conversations, aiming to bring 
about an amicable solution. We'd like to watch in what direction 
they will head." 
 
Meanwhile, in South Korea, Song Min Soon, chief secretary to the 
president for unification, foreign, and security policy in the 
Blue House, today indicated the government's intention to reject 
Japan's compromise proposal that if South Korea were not to bring 
up a proposal for using Korean names to describe undersea 
topography at the upcoming international conference, Japan would 
 
TOKYO 00002162  002 OF 008 
 
 
cancel the survey. Song said: "We won't withdraw (our proposal on 
the use of Korean names to describe topography)." Song was making 
these remarks on a KBS radio program. 
 
(2) Japan's plan for Takeshima survey: Japan, ROK still in 
standoff over survey; Tokyo looks for ways to finalize the issue 
with diplomatic efforts, while Seoul remains tough toward Tokyo 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Excerpts) 
April 20, 2006 
 
Japan and South Korea are in a standoff over Japan's plan for a 
marine research survey in the waters surrounding Takeshima (or 
Dokdo in Korean). The Japanese government has begun looking for 
ways to resolve the standoff via talks, although it is proceeding 
with preparations for the survey. South Korea's still tough 
stance toward Japan makes it bleak for the two countries to 
resolve the standoff via talks. 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe told a press conference 
yesterday: "We'd like to finalize the issue as amicably as 
possible. From this standpoint, we've been in contact with South 
Korean officials." "We are proceeding with preparations 
philosophically and somberly," Abe added, revealing his 
expectations for a settlement through negotiations with South 
Korea. 
 
As the reason why the government decided to implement an 
oceanographic survey, Vice Foreign Minister Shotaro Yachi has 
explained: "South Korea has conducted the survey in the same sea 
area over the past four years." 
 
Japan has cited the need for preparations for an upcoming 
international conference on sea floor topography slated for June 
as the direct objective of its planned survey. The survey comes 
under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure and Transport (MLIT) 
and will be implemented by survey vessels of the Japan Coast 
Guard (JCG). A senior MLIT official revealed: "Preparations for 
the survey began quite some time ago. From the beginning we have 
been in contact with the Prime Minister's Official Residence and 
the Foreign Ministry on the survey plan and have discussed it 
with them." 
 
The JCG has announced that the survey will be conducted from 
April 14 through June 30. This timeframe seems to be the best, 
given the time necessary for analyzing the survey results and 
topographical naming the areas in time for the upcoming 
international conference. 
 
Japan has yet to find a catalyst for improving relations with 
South Korea, but Tokyo in its heart wants to avoid adding any 
fuel to the current flames of tensions. On April 17, Vice Foreign 
Minister Yachi met with South Korean Ambassador to Japan Ra Jong 
Yil and told him: "If South Korea were to steer clear of 
submitting geographical names at the upcoming international 
conference, Japan would not have to conduct a marine survey." 
Tokyo keeps a "watch on how Seoul will respond to" while 
proceeding with preparations for dispatching survey boats," 
according to a government source. 
 
(3) Why marine survey now? - Questions and answers: Counteraction 
against ROK ahead of international conference on naming of sea 
floor 
 
TOKYO 00002162  003 OF 008 
 
 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 3) (Full) 
April 20, 2006 
 
Q: What is the exclusive economic zone (EEZ)? 
 
A: The EEZ is a sea zone over which a coastal nation has 
sovereign rights in such economic activities as commercial 
fishing, as well as exploration and development of natural 
resources. The EEZ runs a distance of 200 nautical miles or some 
370 kilometers out from the coast of a nation (which is the basis 
of the nation's territorial waters). As the distance between 
Japan and South Korea is less than 400 nautical miles, 
theoretically, the equidistant line or the median line between 
the two nations is the boundary of their respective EEZs. Japan 
and South Korea both claim Takeshima, and depending on which of 
the two nations the islets come under, the median line between 
the two nations will change. The EEZs asserted each by Japan and 
South Korea overlap each other in a portion of the waters around 
Takeshima. 
 
Q: Which country has sovereignty over the waters around 
Takeshima? 
 
A: In 1952, The Republic of Korea government of Syngman Rhee 
(1946-60) declared that country's sovereignty over Takeshima. 
South Korea since then has installed guards on a regular basis on 
the isles and maintained effective control there in order to make 
public its claim. The area around Takeshima is a fertile fishing 
ground for red snow crabs, sea urchins, abalone, and other marine 
products. Under the Japan-ROK fishery pact that took effect in 
1999, both sides designated that fishing ground as a provisional 
zone under their joint control, but the fact is that Japanese 
fishing boats cannot enter the area freely. Discontent among 
local fishermen about fishery rights in those waters in effect 
led to the proclamation of "Takeshima Day" by the Shimane 
Prefectural Assembly. 
 
Q: Why has Japan planned to carry out marine research now? 
 
A: An international conference on naming sea-floor topography 
will be held in Germany in June. It will be co-hosted by the 
International Hydrographic Organization (IHO). Participating 
nations will each bring their proposals for names of undersea 
mountains and marine basins and discuss which names are 
appropriate. South Korea has already decided on the Korean names 
of four locations in the area that comes under the EEZs of Japan 
and South Korea, and it intends to obtain a seal of approval for 
such names at the conference. To counter such a move by the ROK, 
Japan judged it is necessary to carry out a survey on its own. 
 
Q: How will Japan conduct the survey? 
 
A: The survey will be conducted by sending sound waves from the 
vessel's bottom to the sea floor and detect the responses. Data 
on geography, geology, and temperatures can be obtained by 
surveys, but the planned survey will be focused on geography. The 
survey is expected to be completed in a week or so. 
 
Q: Are there any grounds for South Korea to seize Japanese survey 
ships? 
 
A: The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea regards government- 
 
TOKYO 00002162  004 OF 008 
 
 
owned ships as "public ships" and grants them the right of not 
being seized or searched in any sea areas. But when (one nation's 
public ships) conduct a survey in another country's EEZ, the 
former needs to obtain approval from the latter. The survey Japan 
has planned this time include the sea area that comes under both 
Japan's and South Korea's EEZs. That's why South Korea has raised 
an objection to Japan's survey plan. Reportedly, South Korea has 
an option of using a larger patrol boat to push (Japan's) survey 
ships out of (South Korea's) EEZ if they were not to observe an 
order by South Korea to stop. 
 
(4) Editorial: Japan must proceed with yen loans to China calmly 
centering on the environment 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 20, 2006 
 
The government's decision on yen loans to China has slipped to 
fiscal 2006. The delay is ascribable to the Liberal Democratic 
Party's inability to reach an agreement in rough-going Japan- 
China talks on the development of gas fields in the East China 
Sea, as well as other factors. Projects subject to yen loans for 
fiscal 2005 have already been decided. But with no clue as to 
whether bilateral relations will improve soon, there is no 
prospect for a cabinet decision. 
 
Last year, Japan obtained China's consent to terminate yen loans 
by 2008 when Beijing will host the Olympics. Only three years 
including fiscal 2005 remain. It goes without saying that 
development aid is a diplomatic tool, and that Japan must deal 
with the gas field issue firmly. With an end to yen loans near at 
hand, it would not be wise to become emotional. 
 
At the same time, we would like to see China take actions in 
consideration of Japanese national sentiments in dealing with 
matters, including the gas field issue. 
 
Japan's yen loans to China started in fiscal 1979. In the early 
days, Japan's assistance focused on industrial infrastructure 
that supported that country's reform and open-door policy, such 
as ports, harbors, and railways. The emergence in the late 1990s 
of environmental issues related to industrialization prompted 
Japan to shift its focus to environmental protection, pollution 
control, and human resources. At present, aid is not being 
extended for industrial infrastructure. Fiscal 2005 projects are 
all related to the environment and human resources. 
 
Yen loans for environment-related projects up to fiscal 2004 
reached 850 billion yen, or about 30% of the whole. Their 
efficacy has been confirmed by a survey by Kyoto University and 
other institutions. The survey covered 16 air and water pollution 
projects of the fourth yen-loan term (FY1996-2000). The 
institutions estimated that the sulfur dioxide emission reduction 
effect at the surveyed area was 190,000 tons, which corresponded 
to one-fourth of Japan's total emissions of 800,000 tons in 2000. 
Improved water-supply facilities have also helped purity water. 
 
China's environmental contamination is also felt in Japan through 
acid rain, marine pollution, and other phenomena. Environmental 
deterioration would also constrain China's economic development. 
As seen in global warming, it is essential for China to take 
solid environmental measures as a member of the international 
community. 
 
TOKYO 00002162  005 OF 008 
 
 
 
Although it is China's primary responsibility to take proper 
measures, Japan is happy to cooperate. Japan intends to continue 
extending technical cooperation to improve the environment even 
after yen loans are terminated. Apart from economic cooperation, 
the Clean Development Mechanism to extend funds and technology to 
projects reducing carbon dioxide emissions has also been set in 
motion. 
 
The strategic utilization of the official development assistance 
(ODA) program must not be confined to pure diplomatic issues. 
Dragging China into a post-Kyoto Protocol framework would be one 
approach. Striking a balance between the environment and 
development is also specified in the ODA Charter that was revised 
in August 2003. It is essential to use yen loans to China to help 
improve the environment of not only East Asia but also the rest 
of the world. 
 
The best way is to proceed with yen loans calmly until the end, 
while saying what we have to say. 
 
(5) Ginoza mayor: The central government made it clear that there 
will be no touch-and-go drills at alternate facility 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 1) (Full) 
Evening, April 19, 2006 
 
Ginoza 
 
Regarding a plan to build two runways at the coastline of Camp 
Schwab in Nago, the relocation site for the US Marine Corps' 
Futenma Air Station, Mayor Hajime Azuma of Ginoza, a village 
close to the relocation site, said earlier today: 
 
"I have been told clearly by the central government that (US 
Marine aircraft) would not conduct touch-and-go drills. We 
discussed the fundamental agreement based on that direction, and 
the village believes there will be no such drills." 
 
The mayor also noted about the deployment of MV22 Ospreys, 
vertical takeoff and landing aircraft: "I have clearly heard from 
the central government that such aircraft would not be deployed." 
 
Before the House of Representatives Committee on Security, 
Defense Agency Director Fukushiro Nukaga indicated yesterday that 
Japan and the United States had not discussed the possibility of 
conducting touch-and-go drills at the alternate facility. He 
said: 
 
"There are three small (fixed-wing) planes (that will be 
relocated). They are liaison planes, and I have not been told 
that they would be used in drills. We didn't discuss specifically 
how the US military would deal with them." 
 
At the same time, Nukaga explicitly said regarding touch-and-go 
drills, currently conducted by US Marines at Futenma Air Station, 
"I have no direct knowledge of US military operations." 
 
Telephone opinion survey shows increase in opponents to V-shaped 
plan; Nago mayor dismisses allegation that he breached his 
campaign pledge 
 
Nago 
 
TOKYO 00002162  006 OF 008 
 
 
 
In a recent public opinion survey conducted by the Okinawa Times, 
71% of respondents expressed opposition to the plan to build two 
runways in a V shape at the coastline of Camp Schwab in Nago to 
replace Futenma Air Station. Earlier today, Nago Mayor Yoshikazu 
Shimabukuro commented on the results: 
 
"In such a telephone survey, it's easier to say 'disagreeable' 
than 'agreeable.' People tend to express opposition more strongly 
(than they actually feel). Still, I would like to explain the 
results (to citizens) by taking them as they are." 
 
Shimabukuro also emphatically said: 
 
"Defense Agency Director General Fukushiro Nukaga first presented 
an X-shaped plan designed to fly planes over land. I fought with 
him and eventually succeeded in moving it to the ocean side. I 
didn't give in to the government's pressure. People are not aware 
of that fact. I gave my consent to the (V-shaped) plan because 
the flight paths do not go over residential areas." 
 
In reaction to allegation that Shimabukuro breached his campaign 
pledge, the mayor said, "I don't think I broke my campaign 
pledge." 
 
Regarding the Okinawa Times' opinion survey in which 70% 
disapproved the two-runway plan, an Okinawa government official 
said yesterday, "The results reflect the Okinawa public's 
disapproval of the coastal plan." 
 
He also took this view about the fact that 70% of respondents 
supported Gov. Keiichi Inamine's stance opposing the coastal 
plan: 
 
"The prefectural government has always been opposed to the 
coastal plan. At the base lies the Okinawa public's long- 
cherished dream of removing Futenma Air Station out of the 
prefecture. In a sense, the results are natural." 
 
(6) Editorial: Top priority should be on removing people's 
anxiety about PCB waste 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 5) (Full) 
April 19, 2006 
 
The government has decided to dispose of all PCB (polychlorinated 
biphenyl) waste by 2016. But troubles over PCB disposal 
facilities have continued to occur. In order to smoothly carry 
out the plan to dispose of the waste, the public's anxiety must 
first be assuaged above anything else. 
 
If we speak of PCBs, what comes to mind first is the Kanemi 
cooking-oil incident. This serious case of mass food poisoning 
occurred in 1968 in western Japan. About 13,000 victims were 
affected, some seriously. People who consumed the cooking oil 
contaminated with PCBs suffered from serious skin eruptions and 
inflammation of the eyelids. 
 
In the wake of the incident, the government banned the production 
and importation of PCBs, which are often used as insulation oil 
and in insulators. The deadline for the disposal of PCBs has been 
set. In view of their toxicity, PCBs must be destroyed as early 
as possible. 
 
TOKYO 00002162  007 OF 008 
 
 
 
It is only natural that many people who still remember the Kanemi 
Incident are worried about PCBs. It is understandable therefore 
that construction and operation of disposal facilities have been 
accompanied by trouble. 
 
According to the nation's basic plan, Japan Environment Safety 
Corporation (JESC) is building government-funded disposal 
facilities in Kitakyushu City, Osaka City, Toyota City, Koto Ward 
in Tokyo, and Muroran City, in order to proceed with the 
detoxification of PCBs. However, only two facilities in the 
cities of Kitakyushu and Toyota have started operating. 
 
At the facility in Toyota City last November, the distillation 
tank's manometer came off and liquid including PCB evaporated. As 
a result, gas was discharged outside the facility. Although 
Toyota City has authority for the operation of the industrial 
waste disposal facility, and it has concluded an environmental 
protection agreement with JESC, it does not intends to allow the 
facility to restart its operation unless the city's security 
surveillance committee, which includes representatives of its 
citizens, agrees to it. 
 
Besides the nation's basic plan, Nippon Sharyo built a disposal 
facility in Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, in an attempt to enter 
the industrial waste disposal business. It was discovered that 
the facility had 26 violations, areas that did not match to the 
city's regulations. The city assembly has severely charged the 
company with lacking social responsibility. 
 
People are concerned that there might be defects hidden in the 
more critical parts of the facility. If changes are made without 
taking the prescribed procedure and giving explanations to local 
residents, people will deepen their distrust in the facility. 
 
The public is paying strict attention to such companies in view 
of our country's history of industrial pollution, including the 
Yokkaichi case decades ago. The disposal of PCB waste is a 
settlement of the negative legacy of the past. But efforts to 
dispose of PCB waste themselves must not heighten public concern. 
 
A fast way to smoothly move ahead with the PCB disposal operation 
is to examine technical and systematic problems that had caused 
the accident, as well as to disclose full information to the 
public. 
 
(Corrected copy) Japan, ROK trade last-minutes barbs over 
Takeshima survey; Japan looking for ways to reach breakthrough, 
while ROK adopts parliamentary resolution seeking cancellation of 
survey 
 
ASAHI (Top play) (Excerpts) 
April 20, 2006 
 
The government of the Republic of Korea (ROK) has raised a strong 
objection to the Japan Coast Guard's (JCG) plan for a marine 
survey within (Japan's) exclusive economic zone (EEZ) that 
includes the waters around Takeshima (Dokdo), which is claimed by 
both Japan and the ROK. The Japanese government, hoping to 
resolve the standoff, continued negotiations with the ROK 
yesterday. ROK Minister of Foreign Affairs & Trade Ban Ki Moon is 
expected to call Japanese Ambassador to the ROK Shotaro Oshima 
this morning to convey his country's response to the Japanese 
 
TOKYO 00002162  008 OF 008 
 
 
side. Meanwhile, the JCG's two survey boats yesterday arrived at 
Sakai Port in Tottori Prefecture and are standing by there for a 
survey. Depending on the response from the ROK, relations between 
the two countries are likely to go from bad to worse. 
 
Prime Minister Koizumi late yesterday stated: "I'd like to deal 
with the matter in accordance with international law." When asked 
by reporters at his official residence about the strong 
opposition raised by the ROK government, Koizumi said: "It's 
better not to be overly excited. Japan will respond in a non- 
emotional manner." He called on the ROK to respond cool-headedly. 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe told a press briefing yesterday: 
"Following international law, both sides need to respond coolly. 
Our planned survey is a scientific one, and I think it is the 
same as the ones conducted by other countries." Abe indicated 
that a marine survey is allowed without giving prior notice to 
other countries under the United Nations Convention on the Law of 
the Sea. 
 
He also revealed that Japan was discussing the matter with the 
ROK, saying: "We on the part of Japan want to resolve it as 
amicably as possible. We are in contact with South Korean 
officials." 
 
According to a government official, Administrative Vice Foreign 
Minister Shotaro Yachi yesterday met with ROK Ambassador to Japan 
Ra Jong Yil in Tokyo and suggested adopting a prior notification 
system under which both countries would give prior notice to each 
other on surveys. 
 
In addition, Japan has suggested to the ROK that if the ROK did 
not apply to the upcoming international conference in June for 
permission to use Korean names to describe the ocean floor in the 
area, Japan would postpone the survey. 
 
But the ROK appears unwilling to change its stance in spite of 
this suggestion. Ban said, "If Japan immediately withdrew its 
(survey) plan, we'd be able to respond to negotiations with 
Japan." As it stands, no clue for resolving the standoff is in 
sight. 
 
SCHIEFFER