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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 11 TOKYO 003967 
 
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 07/18/06 
 
 
Index: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule 
 
Opinion polls: 
4) Koizumi Cabinet support rate up slightly to 41.6% in Jiji poll, 
but no boost from North Korea missile issue 
5) Abe now has a 30 point lead over Fukuda as public's favorite for 
next premier: Jiji poll 
 
Koizumi diplomacy: 
6) Prime Minister Koizumi at G8 Summit calls on North Korea to 
return to 6-party talks 
7) Prime Minister leads the way to keep North Korea issue high on 
the G8 summit agenda, despite Middle East flare up 
8) Koizumi's successful swan song at the G8 summit 
9) Minshuto's Ozawa dismisses Japan's accomplishments in obtaining 
UNSC resolution on North Korea 
 
Iraq reconstruction: 
10) GSDF completes scheduled withdrawal from Iraq 
11) ASDF will expand operations in Iraq, while Tokyo moves to pass a 
permanent dispatch law 
12) Defense chief Nukaga welcoming troops in Kuwait also calls for 
permanent dispatch law 
13) Nukaga praises SDF troops for accomplishing immediate goal in 
Iraq 
14) GSDF effort in Iraq a first step forward for Japan's 
international contributions 
 
Defense affairs: 
15) Prime Minister Koizumi rules out any possibility of Japan opting 
for preemptive strikes 
16) Nukaga to Okinawa next month to continue dialogue on USFJ base 
realignment process 
17) Minshuto leadership  Ozawa, Hatoyama, Kan  tour US bases on 
Okinawa in preparation for upcoming elections 
 
18) LDP presidential hopeful Abe publishes a book on his political 
thinking titled, "Toward a Beautiful Country" 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
UN considers sending international forces to Lebanon 
 
Mainichi: 
G-8 statement stipulates North Korean nuclear, missile and abduction 
issues, not mention measures for Middle East 
 
Yomiuri: 
G-8 calls for early resolution to North Korean abduction issue 
 
Nihon Keizai: 
Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry to enable people aged 65 and 
older to be newly covered by unemployment insurance 
 
Sankei: 
 
TOKYO 00003967  002 OF 011 
 
 
G-8 statement condemns North Korean missile launches 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
G-8 statement strongly calls for North Korea's complete abolition of 
nuclear weapons and giving up of nuclear programs 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) What G-8 should do is take action 
(2) Zidane's ejection: Racial discrimination should also be given a 
red card 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) End of G-8: No ideas regarding oil dependence 
(2) Environment tax: Need for a new tax system that can change 
economy and society 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) End of G-8: Make international cooperation on North Korea 
effective 
(2) Science Olympics: Support young people in intellectual pursuits 
 
Nihon Keizai: 
(1) G-8 must unite on Middle East crisis 
 
Sankei: 
(1) G-8 cooperation significant 
(2) Learning kanji spurs love of reading 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) G-8 should show examples 
(2) Thought should not be litmus test for renewal of teaching 
license 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, July 16 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2)  (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
Evening 
Working dinner with Summit participants at the Constantine Palace in 
a suburb of St. Petersburg. 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, July 17 
 
Morning 
Meetings with leaders of guest countries and delegates from 
international organizations at the palace. 
 
Noon 
Working lunch, followed by a photo session. 
 
Afternoon 
Met with Indian Prime Minister Singh at the cottage allocated to 
Japan. Gave a press conference for domestic and foreign reporters at 
the International Media Center. 
 
4) Poll: Cabinet support rate inches up to 41% 
 
 
TOKYO 00003967  003 OF 011 
 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged) 
July 15, 2006 
 
The approval rating for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's cabinet 
was 41.6%, according to findings from a Jiji Press poll released 
yesterday for July. The figure was up 1.0 percentage points from the 
preceding month. The disapproval rating was 38.4%, down 0.2 points. 
The government was questioned about its action in the wake of North 
Korea's recent firing of missiles, but there was no big change in 
the approval and disapproval ratings for the Koizumi cabinet. In the 
breakdown of public support for political parties, the leading 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) was at 11.0%, down 
1.1 points. The DPJ sustained a drop in its popularity rating for 
the first time since DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa took the party helm 
in April. 
 
The survey was conducted July 7-10 across the nation on a 
fact-to-face basis, with a total of 2,000 persons chosen from among 
males and females aged 20 and over. The retrieval rate was 69.0%. 
 
In the breakdown of public support for other political parties, the 
ruling Liberal Democratic Party stood at 23.9%, down 0.5 points from 
last month. The DPJ dropped for the first time in three months. The 
New Komeito party, an LDP-allied coalition partner, was at 3.4%, up 
0.1 points. The Japanese Communist Party was at 1.7%, up 0.4 points. 
The Social Democratic Party (Shaminto) was at 1.2% and the People's 
New Party (Kokumin Shinto) at 0.1%, respectively leveling off from 
last month. No respondents picked the New Party Nippon (Shinto 
Nippon). Those who have no party to support accounted for 57.1%. 
 
5) Poll: Abe leads Fukuda in post-Koizumi race 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged) 
July 16, 2006 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe ranked top at 47.1% as a 
politician appropriate to be the next prime minister, according to 
findings from a Jiji Press poll released yesterday. His popularity 
in July was down 1.4 percentage points from the preceding month. 
Yasuo Fukuda, one of Abe's predecessors in the CCS post, ranked 
second at 17.0%, down 4.1 points. Their margin has increased from 
27.4 points in the last poll to 30.1 points in the latest poll. 
 
The survey was conducted July 7-10 across the nation on a 
fact-to-face basis, with a total of 2,000 persons chosen from among 
men and women aged 20 and over. The retrieval rate was 69.0%. 
 
Among other politicians, Foreign Minister Taro Aso ranked third at 
3.8%, followed by Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki at 1.6% and 
Senior Vice Justice Minister Taro Kono at 0.8%. Abe gained an 
advantage among all political party supporters. Among those 
supporting the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Abe stood at 65.7%, 
with Fukuda at 15.2. Among those supporting New Komeito, the 
coalition partner of the LDP, Abe was at 51.1% and Fukuda at 21.3%. 
Among those supporting the leading opposition Democratic Party of 
Japan (Minshuto), Abe was at 36.8% and Fukuda at 29.6. 
 
6) Prime Minister Koizumi calls on North Korea to return to 6-party 
talks 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpt) 
July 18, 2006 
 
TOKYO 00003967  004 OF 011 
 
 
 
By Nobusuke Tanaka in St. Petersburg, Russia 
 
Prime Minister Koizumi, speaking to the domestic and foreign press 
corps following the end of the G8 Summit on the evening of July 17 
(Same evening in Japan), stressed the following in referring to the 
recently passed resolution against North Korea by the United Nations 
Security Council: "I think that North Korea did not imagine that it 
would be passed by unanimous agreement, including China and Russia. 
North Korea should take this message seriously." He also pointed 
out: "The North should consider its own security and economic 
development in that context by returning as soon as possible to the 
six-party talks." He urged that country to quickly rejoin six-party 
talks. 
 
7) Prime Minister Koizumi displays leadership on North Korea issue 
in avoiding discussions from becoming concentrated only on Middle 
East; Ways for settlement remain unclear 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
St. Petersburg, Masanori Yamaguchi 
 
Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi on July 17 completed his 6th and 
last G-8 Summit (St. Petersburg Summit) schedule. Amid the ongoing 
military action by Israel against Lebanon, European leaders were 
keen to discuss the Middle East issue. However, the prime minister 
displayed his presence as a regular participant, conducting 
discussions on the North Korea issue and secured the solidarity of 
the Summit members on Pyongyang's missile, abduction and nuclear 
issues. 
 
Discussions on the afternoon of the 16th and during the luncheon on 
the 17th were centered on the regional situations. According to a 
participant, members pursued heated discussions on Israel's strikes 
on Lebanon and how to reconstruct the Middle East peace process. The 
Middle East issue took up about three quarters of the session on the 
afternoon of the 16th. Some delegates who were not at the conference 
took a sober view of the development of the discussions, noting, 
"The North Korea issue has ended with the adoption of a resolution 
at the UNSC." 
 
Under such circumstances, the prime minister resorted to a strategy 
of attracting the interest of leaders of participating countries by 
introducing messages from leaders of concerned Middle East 
countries, which he visited right before the Summit, instead of 
forcibly guiding the topic of discussions to the North Korea issue. 
Once he attracted the attention of participants to his statement, he 
called for solidarity over the North Korea issue. 
 
8) North Korea, Middle East come into in spotlight: Prime Minister 
Koizumi bows out at his sixth G-8 Summit in triumph 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Almost Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
The St. Petersburg Summit is the last summit for Prime Minister 
Junichiro Koizumi, who is to step down in September. He appears to 
have made his presence felt by reporting to the other leaders on the 
situation in the Middle East, which he visited right before the 
summit, or leading discussions on North Korea's missile launches. 
 
TOKYO 00003967  005 OF 011 
 
 
Though his Asia diplomacy lacks luster, he appears to have managed 
discussions with other summit participants well, marking a brilliant 
close to his final summit. 
 
President Putin on July 15 started off the Japan-Russia talks with 
the remark, "We are looking forward to hearing a report on your 
visit to the Middle East." The prime minister responded: "This is my 
last summit. I will cooperate so that this summit, which Russia 
chairs for the first time, will be a meaningful one." 
 
He reported on his visit to the Middle East during a session on the 
international situation on the 16th. He revealed that his meeting 
with Israeli Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was held in a tense 
atmosphere on the day when the abduction of Israeli soldiers by 
Hezbollah took place. He then introduced his own plan for a corridor 
of peace and prosperity, which advocates the realization of peace in 
the Middle East. 
 
Regarding North Korea's missile launches, the prime minister 
expressed concern and called for international solidarity for a 
comprehensive settlement of issues related to that nation, including 
nuclear development, missiles, and the abduction issue. Other 
leaders supported Koizumi's call, noting, "We are all in unity over 
the North Korea issue," or "We totally agree with you. In 
particular, we support Japan on the abduction issue." 
 
Winding up the day's long session, the prime minister took a walk on 
the beach near his room to view the sunset over the Baltic Sea. He 
then bumped into Canadian Prime Minister Harper and his wife. He 
told them, "I am also a setting sun." Mrs. Harper then showed 
consideration to him, responding, "No, you a rising sun." 
 
Koizumi has participated in six G-8 summits, the largest number of 
any Japanese prime minister, topping the five marked by Yasuhiro 
Nakasone. It is certain that he made his presence felt in the 
international community. 
 
9) Ozawa denies Japan took initiative in UNSC resolution on North 
Korea 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
Ichiro Ozawa, president of the leading opposition Democratic Party 
of Japan (Minshuto), delivered a speech in Tokyo yesterday. In it, 
he denied that Japan played a leading role in the United Nations 
Security Council's adoption of a resolution denouncing North Korea 
in which there was no mention of the UN Charter's Chapter 7. "Japan 
was made to play the role of a hardliner, and behind the scenes, 
backroom wheeling and dealing between the United States and China 
and also between the Untied States and Russia was carried on," Ozawa 
said. "Japan is unwilling to admit its own defeat (while saying the 
resolution is binding) in interpretation, but in point of fact, 
Japan only played a role," he added. 
 
"In the end, they had no choice but to cross out Chapter 7 (as an 
endorsement of sanctions against North Korea)," Ozawa noted. 
 
10) GSDF completes pullout of troops from Iraq; Japan dispatched 
55,000 troops to Iraq in two and a half years 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpt) 
 
TOKYO 00003967  006 OF 011 
 
 
July 18, 2006 
 
Koichiro Takano, Kuwait 
 
The last 220 Ground Self-Defense Force troops of a 600-member 
contingent dispatched to the southern Iraq city of Samawah arrived 
at 1:35 p.m. on July 17 at Ali Al Salem Air Base in Kuwait after 
leaving Taril Airport in Samawah on an Air Self-Defense Force C-130 
transport plane. All the 600 GSDF members have pulled out of Iraq 
safely and they will return to Japan by the end of this month. 
 
11) Moves for establishing a permanent SDF dispatch law likely to 
gain momentum; GSDF completes troop pullout from Iraq; ASDF troops 
to continue activities for a while, engage in broader range of 
activities 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
July 18, 2006 
 
Yoso Furumoto 
 
Ground Self-Defense Force (GSDF) troops deployed to Iraq were all 
withdrawn yesterday from Iraq after finishing two and a half years 
of reconstruction assistance to that country. The dispatch of GSDF 
troops was a symbol of Koizumi diplomacy that has focused on the 
strengthening of the alliance with the United States. Without having 
suffered a single casualty, GSDF ended its tour with a successfully 
completed withdrawal. This success is likely to serve as a foothold 
for Japan to move on to the next stage of SDF cooperation with the 
US. On the other hand, Japan intends to continue the deployment of 
Air Self-Defense Forces (ASDF) troops to Kuwait for a while and 
widen their activity of transporting goods and personnel for the 
multinational forces and the United Nations (UN). Moves to establish 
a permanent law that will enable the SDF to dispatch its troops 
abroad on such missions as peacekeeping operations are likely to 
gain momentum in the next administration after Prime Minister 
Junichiro Koizumi steps down. 
 
"Those who are unwilling to be dispatched must not be dispatched," 
Koizumi reiterated. Lying behind this phrase was his concern that 
the loss of lives could happen. 
 
Japan therefore gave the top priority to safety in considering SDF 
activities. Iraq's southern city of Samawah is said to be relatively 
stable, but Japan judged that overland transportation of goods would 
be dangerous, so SDF activities in that city were centered on water 
supply, medical guidance, and the supervision of repair works. These 
activities were carried out without pointing a gun at residents; as 
a result, SDF troops were able to build friendly ties with the local 
community. They have also received a good evaluation from other 
countries as a model for reconstruction assistance carried out by 
troops. 
 
Japan dispatched GSDF troops in response to the US request. In order 
to pull out the troops, it was necessary for Japan to obtain 
America's understanding and in return for the pullout to expand ASDF 
troops' activities to cover Baghdad and the northern province, 
Arbil. Japan's basic plan for reconstruction assistance under the 
special measures law on Iraq reconstruction assistance will expire 
in December. The government then will be forced to make a decision 
whether to continue the ASDF troop deployment. 
 
 
TOKYO 00003967  007 OF 011 
 
 
When the plans for the realignment of US forces in Japan are 
implemented, the SDF and US forces will be even more unified in 
their activities. The New National Defense Program Guideline also 
has worked out the policy of expanding activities for international 
peace and cooperation. When the US deploys their troops abroad next 
time, the US will likely expect Japan to do more than it did in the 
dispatch of its troops to Iraq. 
 
In anticipation of such a possible request, the Liberal Democratic 
Party has already begun discussing the question of establishing a 
permanent law relating to the overseas SDF dispatch. 
 
12) JDA chief Nukaga emphasizes need to establish a permanent law on 
overseas SDF dispatch 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
Kyodo News Service, Kuwait 
 
At a press conference yesterday afternoon (late at night on the same 
day, Japan time), Defense Agency (JDA) Director-General Fukushiro 
Nukaga spoke of the question of whether to establish a permanent law 
that will enable the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to dispatch its 
troops abroad as needed and emphasized the need to establish such a 
law, saying: "I think it is desirable that a general law will be 
established so that the SDF will take action swiftly and expand 
their activities." 
 
In addition, Nukaga said, "This matter should be discussed in the 
ruling parties," indicating he welcomed the start of a full-fledged 
discussion on the matter in the ruling camp. 
 
13) Nukaga: GSDF's original objectives accomplished 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
Takashi Imai, Kuwait 
 
Defense Agency Director-General Fukushiro Nukaga held a press 
conference at a hotel in Kuwait City on the evening of July 17 
(night of July 17, Japan time). Referring to the fact that all 
Ground Self-Defense Force troops withdrew from Iraq, the defense 
chief said: "The GSDF has assisted the reconstruction of Iraq by the 
Iraqi people. The GSDF has completed its original objectives." 
Nukaga also noted regarding conditions for a withdrawal of 
Kuwait-based Air Self-Defense Force troops, who have been engaged in 
an airlift mission: "We will consider it by taking into account a 
broad range of factors, such as Iraq's security situation and 
management by the Iraqi government." 
 
Nukaga also met with Kuwaiti Defense Minister Sheikh Jaber Mubarak 
al-Hamad as-Sebah in Kuwait City on the night of July 16 (early July 
17, Japan time) and asked for support for the ASDF. In response, 
Jaber said: "We greatly appreciate Japan's assistance to Iraq. Japan 
is an important country for Kuwait, and we plan to extend any 
assistance possible." 
 
14) Unstable security situation In Iraq forces government to review 
its private-sector strategy 
 
 
TOKYO 00003967  008 OF 011 
 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
July 18, 2006 
 
Takashi Imai, Kuwait 
 
The Ground Self-Defense Force's reconstruction assistance in Iraq 
that has lasted two years and a half has finally come to an end. The 
Iraq mission provided Japan with an opportunity for further 
international contributions and challenges. 
 
On July 13, a ceremony was held at the Olympic stadium in the 
southern Iraqi city of Samawah to transfer security duties from the 
multinational force to the Iraqi government. 
 
The stadium's grounds, devastated by war, have been improved by GSDF 
troops, and its plumbing and spectators' seats have been repaired 
with funds from Japan's official development assistance (ODA). The 
ceremony was an embodiment of Japan's successful combination of the 
SDF and the ODA. 
 
Unlike peacekeeping operations led by the United Nations, Japan 
independently arranged the Iraq mission, including its destination, 
its duration, and its specific activities. Japan's comprehensive 
assistance in Iraq, including ODA, has won high marks 
internationally. 
 
In some areas, Japan's assistance has not preceded as planned 
 
The government has hoped that private firms would continue with the 
GSDF's reconstruction assistance in Iraq in order to turn interests 
linked to energy in Japan's favor by establishing communication 
channels with them. But the unstable security situation in Iraq due 
to intensifying terrorism and sectarian conflicts is forcing Japan 
to review its strategy of sending private firms to Iraq. 
 
Private corporations remain unable to conduct advance surveys for 
ODA projects. In October 2003, the government announced ODA totaling 
5 billion dollars (about 550 billion yen) to Iraq. Of its yen loans 
worth 3.5 billion dollars, the use of 2.8 billion dollars has not 
been determined. 
 
15) Japan will not carry out preemptive attack: Koizumi 
 
SANKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
St. Petersburg-Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, meeting the press 
at the International Media Center in the city of St. Petersburg, 
Russia, yesterday evening (yesterday night Japan time), referred to 
the United Nations Security Council's adoption of a resolution 
denouncing North Korea, and he urged North Korea to return to the 
six-party talks at an early date. "It's extremely important that the 
Security Council unanimously adopted the resolution," Koizumi said. 
"North Korea should take this message seriously and should return to 
the six-party talks as soon as possible," he added. At the same 
time, Koizumi also said, "If they come back to the six-party talks, 
they can hold bilateral talks, as well as behind-the-scenes talks." 
With this, Koizumi indicated that it would be possible for North 
Korea to hold talks with the United States as desired by North Korea 
if North Korea returns to the six-party talks. 
 
In addition, Koizumi ruled out the idea of carrying out a preemptive 
 
TOKYO 00003967  009 OF 011 
 
 
attack against North Korea in connection with the rise of arguments 
over the advisability of striking enemy bases in the wake of North 
Korea's recent firing of missiles. "We're exclusively 
defense-oriented, and we have no intention at all to carry out a 
preemptive attack against any country," Koizumi remarked. 
 
However, Koizumi indicated that Japan would improve the Self-Defense 
Forces' equipment, saying, "We should maintain our own deterrent 
capabilities so that they will not misunderstand and think that 
Japan would not resist even if it is attacked." 
 
16) JDA chief Nukaga to visit Okinawa in late August, eager to 
advance plans for the realignment of US forces in Japan 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
Takashi Imai, Kuwait 
 
Defense Agency Director-General Nukaga late at night on July 16 
(early July 17, Japan time) told reporters traveling with him at a 
Kuwait hotel that he would visit Okinawa in late August. He is 
scheduled to meet with Mayor Yoshikazu Shimabukuro of Nago City, a 
planned relocation site for the US Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station 
currently in Ginowan City, and other officials. Nukaga highlighted 
his eagerness to advance plans for the US force realignment, 
including the relocation of MCAS Futenma, which has made little 
progress. 
 
On the relocation of Futenma, the central government and the Okinawa 
prefectural government agreed on May 11 that they would basically 
follow the government plan to relocate the base to a coastal area of 
Camp Schwab. 
 
On May 20, the cabinet approved a basic policy concerning the US 
force realignment in Japan that includes the establishment of a 
consultative organ among the central and prefectural governments, 
and relevant municipalities. But the prefectural government has been 
opposed to the central government's attitude of going ahead with the 
government plan as a prearranged course. No prospects are in sight 
for such a consultative organ, let alone when its first meeting will 
take place. 
 
The central government intends to map out a construction plan for an 
alternative facility by October. By making a tour of Okinawa, Nukaga 
apparently intends to pave the way for the relocation, with an eye 
on Prime Minister Koizumi's stepping down in September. 
 
According to a senior JDA official, the following view is emerging 
in the government: "A preparatory organization for a consultative 
organ should be first established, and discussions with Nago City 
and other municipalities willing to talk with the central government 
should be held first, bypassing the Okinawa prefectural 
government." 
 
17) Three Minshuto executives tour US bases in Okinawa to pave way 
for combining efforts of anti-LDP forces 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
July 16, 2006 
 
Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) President Ichiro Ozawa, acting 
 
TOKYO 00003967  010 OF 011 
 
 
president Naoto Kan, and Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama separately 
toured US bases in Okinawa on July 15. The purpose was to play up 
the party's stance of placing high priority on Okinawa and its 
strong rivalry toward the ruling coalition with an eye on the 
Okinawa gubernatorial election this fall and the Upper House 
election next summer. But the party's stance remains elusive 
regarding the highly controversial plan to relocate Futenma Air 
Station. 
 
Ozawa visited Futenma Air Station in Ginowan and Kan and Hatoyama 
toured Camp Schwab in Nago, the relocation site for Futenma Air 
Station. 
 
After the tour, Ozawa harshly criticized the government and the 
ruling coalition before reporters in Naha, saying: "If Japan is 
America's true ally, the two countries must talk things over. Japan 
is at America's beck and call, and that is embodied in the base 
issue." 
 
Ozawa is digging in his heels against the ruling coalition over the 
US force realignment issue apparently with the Okinawa gubernatorial 
election this fall and the Upper House election next summer in 
mind. 
 
Five opposition parties in Okinawa, including Minshuto, have decided 
to field a single candidate for the gubernatorial race under the 
slogan of opposing US force realignment. 
 
To Ozawa, eager to bring about regime change, Okinawa is a symbol of 
Japan-US relations and a vital constituency for joining forces 
opposed to the LDP-New Komeito coalition. A victory by the 
opposition camp's candidate in the Okinawa gubernatorial election 
could pave the way for rallying anti-LDP forces together for next 
year's Upper House election. 
 
But Minshuto's stance remains unclear regarding the planned 
relocation of Futenma Air Station to Camp Schwab, a major campaign 
issue. 
 
Last August, the party released its Okinawa vision urging the 
government to look for ways to relocate Futenma Air Station out of 
Okinawa first and then to aim for relocation abroad based on changes 
to the environment surrounding its strategy. The party also backed a 
candidate advocating a site outside Okinawa in the Nago mayoral race 
in January this year. 
 
The circumstances have changed tremendously since last August, as 
evidenced by an agreement between Tokyo and Washington to relocate 
Futenma functions to the coastal area of Camp Schwab and the Nago 
mayor's approval of the plan. 
 
A senior Minshuto member said, "At present, we cannot say 'yes' or 
'no' to the relocation plan." 
 
On July 15, Ozawa only said, "It's best to reflect the wishes of 
local residents," without referring to the government's Futenma 
relocation plan. 
 
18) Abe to publish book containing his political vision 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) 
July 18, 2006 
 
TOKYO 00003967  011 OF 011 
 
 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Shinzo Abe, considered to be the most likely 
candidate to succeed Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, will publish 
a book on July 20 titled "Toward a Beautiful Country." It will 
contain a draft of the political vision he will use in the September 
Liberal Democratic Party presidential election. Some LDP lawmakers 
assume that Abe may aim to use this book to further boost popular 
support even though he already has the edge over other possible 
candidates. 
 
Abe writes in the book his basic thinking about Asia diplomacy, the 
Constitution, education and social security. 
 
On Asia policy, Abe criticizes Chinese and South Korean leaders for 
refusing to hold meetings a the summit level due to Prime Minister 
Koizumi's visits to Yasukuni Shrine. The expectation is that he seek 
to improve Japan's relations with other Asian countries, including 
India and Australia. The book also likely contains measures to 
create a society in which those who once failed once can have 
another chance to try again, giving consideration to criticism of 
the Koizumi reform drive for widening the income gap. 
 
Abe has put off the announcement of his candidacy for the LDP 
presidential race planned until sometime after the G-8 summit, 
probably to late August. There was a view that the publication of 
his book might be delayed like his planned announcement of 
candidacy. But a person close to Abe said, "The book will go on sale 
on July 20." 
 
SCHIEFFER