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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 11 TOKYO 006042 
 
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 10/17/06 
 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) US Secretary of State Rice issues strong warning to North Korea: 
"If there is another nuclear test, it will be further isolated" 
 
(2) Growing criticism of Nakagawa's nuclear argument may harm Abe 
administration 
 
(3) Editorial: Thoughtless remark on nuclear weapons by LDP policy 
chief Nakagawa 
 
(4) Interview on North Korea's nuclear test: Former LDP Vice 
President Taku Yamasaki calls for realization of US-DPRK talks 
instead of sanctions 
 
(5) North Korea with it nuclear test now laughing at peace-senile 
Japan 
 
(6) Minshuto issues statement welcoming UN resolution on sanctions 
against North Korea 
 
(7) Editorial: Abe administration's solid start merits appreciation 
 
(8) Former Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura to assume 
chairmanship of the Mori faction possibly next week 
 
(9) Okinawa has worst record in country for drunk driving 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) US Secretary of State Rice issues strong warning to North Korea: 
"If there is another nuclear test, it will be further isolated" 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Top play) (Full) 
Eve., October 17, 2006 
 
By Yasuhisa Oguri in Washington 
 
Prior to her visits to Japan, the Republic of Korea, China, and 
Russia, US Secretary of State Rice gave a press conference on the 
16th. In it, she gave a strong warning to North Korea, now that the 
view has emerged that it is preparing for a second nuclear test: "We 
are continuing to watch the situation, and are consulting other 
countries on this matter. (If it carries out another nuclear test,) 
North Korea will find itself even more isolated than ever." 
 
Secretary Rice pointed out that the purpose of her overseas travel 
 
SIPDIS 
was "to consult on how to build a practical framework for detecting 
and monitoring dangerous materials in the region." With North 
Korea's nuclear testing in mind, she indicated her intention to 
suggest setting up a body to stop the transfer of nuclear materials 
and sound out each country about such. 
 
On the other hand, she also commented on China's next move following 
the United Nations Security Council's adoption of a sanctions 
resolution against North Korea: "I am not worried about China not 
carrying out its responsibility," indicating her view that China 
would play out its role. 
 
Secretary Rice also stressed that if North Korea were to bring about 
 
SIPDIS 
an unforeseen contingency, "The United States has the will and the 
capability to fully carry out its security responsibilities toward 
its allies South Korea and Japan." She urged both countries: "Just 
 
TOKYO 00006042  002 OF 011 
 
 
are they are commonly blessed with safety, they also have the 
obligation to share responsibilities." 
 
(2) Growing criticism of Nakagawa's nuclear argument may harm Abe 
administration 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
October 17, 2006 
 
Liberal Democratic Party Policy Research Council Chairman Shoichi 
Nakagawa's remarks calling for discussion on possessing nuclear 
weapons in reaction to North Korea's declared nuclear test have 
created a sensation. The statement has drawn fire from the 
government and the ruling coalition, not to mention opposition 
parties. The statement is also expected to stir criticism from other 
countries, as well. The Nakagawa remarks might dampen the high 
popularity of the Abe administration that has just got off to a 
start. 
 
Possible harmful effect on by-elections 
 
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met last evening with Communist Party of 
China (CPC) International Department head Wang Jiarui, now visiting 
Japan to attend an exchange meeting between the CPC and Japan's 
ruling parties. Asked by Wang about the government's stance toward 
the three non-nuclear principles, Abe said matter-of-factly, "There 
is no need to worry about it." 
 
Desperate to minimize the impact of the Nakagawa statement, Chief 
Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki also said: "The government will 
maintain the three principles. The government's policy will not 
waver." 
 
New Komeito Representative Akihiro Ota also brushed aside Nakagawa's 
remarks, saying to reporters yesterday: "There is no need to discuss 
(the idea of possessing nuclear weapons)." A senior LDP lawmaker who 
has previously served as defense chief also took this view: "Nuclear 
armament can be discussed after Japan leaves the Nuclear 
Nonproliferation Treaty. The option, however, might end up 
destroying the country's economy." A senior Upper House member also 
disregarded the Nakagawa statement, noting, "It is inconceivable for 
Japan to possess nuclear weapons." Abe and Nakagawa, both 
conservative, have worked closely in persuing projects, including a 
group of junior lawmakers to consider Japan's future and history 
education. The appointment of Nakagawa as the party's policy chief 
seems to reflect Abe's strong wishes. The controversial remarks by 
Nakagawa -- an LDP executive and Abe's longtime ally -- could 
traumatize the Abe administration. 
 
Meanwhile, Nakagawa indicated to reporters yesterday that he would 
not retract his controversial remarks, explaining: "I have always 
advocated opposition to going nuclear. Discussing (the option of 
going nuclear) does not conflict with observing the three 
non-nuclear rules." 
 
A government source thinks Nakagawa made the controversial remarks 
in part to demonstrate Japan's posture of not regarding the nuclear 
option as a taboo in dealing with North Korea, given that country's 
declaration of possessing nuclear weapons. People of Japan, the only 
country to have suffered nuclear attacks, are quick to respond 
negatively to discussion on possessing nuclear weapons. Some are 
voicing fear of the Nakagawa statement adversely affecting the Oct. 
22 Lower House by-elections. 
 
TOKYO 00006042  003 OF 011 
 
 
 
Such countries as the United States and China are keenly alarmed at 
North Korean's nuclear test throwing East Asia's strategy off 
balance and prompting Japan, South Korea, and Taiwan to go nuclear 
one after another. 
 
Behind the controversial statement seems to lie Nakagawa's intention 
to press China, a strong ally of North Korea, to wield significant 
influence over Pyongyang. But his remarks may evoke doubts not only 
in China but also the United States. 
 
Main points in Nakagawa's remarks 
 
7 There could be an argument that possession of nuclear weapons 
diminishes the likelihood of being attacked as we could fight back 
in such an event. 
 
7 The country will maintain the three non-nuclear principles, but 
discussion must be conducted. There is a need to discuss thoroughly 
whether or not one of the important postwar promises must be 
reviewed. 
 
7 At present, Japan has the three non-nuclear rules. But discussion 
must be conducted thoroughly because calls for possessing nuclear 
weapons would arise naturally in view of the situations in areas 
surrounding Japan. 
 
 (3) Editorial: Thoughtless remark on nuclear weapons by LDP policy 
chief Nakagawa 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 17, 2006 
 
Shoichi Nakagawa, chair of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Policy 
Research Council, stated on Oct. 15 that: "Debate is needed" 
regarding the question of whether Japan should possess nuclear 
armaments. But yesterday, he portrayed himself as " an opponent to 
Japan having nuclear arms." Nakagawa's controversial remark about 
Japan considering a nuclear option cropped up at a time when the 
international community is about to act together against North 
Korea's nuclear ambitions, so the contents of his statement not only 
lacked good judgment, it also could cause neighboring countries to 
harbor suspicions and fear about Japan's intentions. 
 
Specifically, Nakagawa stated on a TV program on Oct. 15 that 
although this was not his own opinion, "There is an argument calling 
on Japan to possess nuclear weapons as one option to prevent other 
countries from committing aggression against our country. This issue 
should be debated extensively." Even after the TV program ended, 
Nakagawa continued to tell reporters: "(Japan) is severely shackled 
by the three nonnuclear principles. I'm not saying this (nuclear 
armament) should be done immediately." He went on, "Some take the 
view that given the circumstances around Japan, it is only natural 
for Japan to have nuclear weapons." 
 
In connection with North Korea's nuclear test, a segment of the 
Western press has expressed concern about the possibility of Japan 
going nuclear. Perhaps aware of that concern, Prime Minister Shinzo 
Abe made it clear, as in his Diet replies, that Japan would firmly 
uphold the three nonnuclear principles. Despite this, Nakagawa's 
controversial remark could be taken by other countries, including 
China and South Korea, as the "armor worn beneath the clothes," and 
it could raise doubts about Japan among other countries. 
 
TOKYO 00006042  004 OF 011 
 
 
 
A number of conservative intellectuals take the view that it is 
strange to seal off debate about such a question. But a senior 
ruling party member's remark has much more weight than that of an 
ordinary citizen. In military context, Japan has generally reached 
the conclusion that a nuclear option is not a rational idea. 
 
If Japan were to maintain a nuclear deterrent, it would have to have 
a capability of countering a second attack. Nuclear-tipped missiles 
to be used against the second strike need to be concealed. But Japan 
has no sites to do so. One idea may be to install them in a 
submarine, but facilities now used by the Maritime Self-Defense 
Force (MSDF) are limited, so they are easily detectable. 
 
It is unlikely that any country in the world would welcome Japan's 
opting for a nuclear solution. In that context, if Japan were to 
develop its own nuclear arms, it would be invite being isolated from 
the international community, just as North Korea now experiences. 
Nakagawa's argument that "some are beginning to insist that no doubt 
Japan should have it, given the circumstances around Japan" comes 
from the same logic that North Korea is now using. 
 
There is a view that debating a nuclear option will enhance 
deterrence, and eventually induce United States to turn its eye more 
toward Japan. This thinking, too, stems from the same logic North 
Korea uses: that by behaving like a "bad boy," it is drawing the 
attention of the US and other countries, thus helping to ensure its 
own security. 
 
(4) Interview on North Korea's nuclear test: Former LDP Vice 
President Taku Yamasaki calls for realization of US-DPRK talks 
instead of sanctions 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
October 17, 2006 
 
Interviewer: Tetsuya Furuta 
 
-- Do you think the United Nations' latest sanction resolution 
against North Korea will be effective? 
 
Yamasaki: "Unless North Korea shifts its attitude, (ship) 
inspections will be carried out mostly by the United States. The 
inspections would be significant in terms of cutting off sea lanes, 
even though China and Russia won't conduct them." 
 
-- The government and the ruling coalition are considering 
implementing own ship inspections? 
 
"I think Japan should do what it can do within the purview of the 
following three premises: the situation is recognized as a situation 
in areas surrounding Japan (shuhen jitaI or a contingency) (as 
stated in the Law on a Situation in the Areas Surrounding Japan); 
consent is obtained (from a country to which a ship belongs); and 
warning shots are not allowed. Perhaps US forces expect Japan to 
offer logistic support, such as refueling and water supplying. A 
number of arguments suggest Japan should be the first to be 
mobilized and do something, but that is wrong. Japan can't do so nor 
should it do so." 
 
-- Do you think it is possible under the UN resolution this time to 
see the current situation as a contingency in areas surrounding 
Japan as described in the law? 
 
TOKYO 00006042  005 OF 011 
 
 
 
"By somehow stretching the law, it is possible to recognize it as a 
situation in areas surrounding Japan, but I wonder whether it is 
necessary for Japan to do such a thing in order to conduct own ship 
inspections. I think Japan should do what it can in response to 
America's request. The first thing to do is to hold consultations 
with the US in a cool-headed manner." 
 
-- The Abe administration is proceeding in the belief that the 
current situation can be recognized as a situation in areas 
surrounding Japan. 
 
"If the current situation is recognized as a situation in areas 
surrounding Japan, that means Japan recognizes the existence of a 
contingency on the Korean Peninsula. But I don't think it is a good 
policy to stretch the law to recognize a contingency. The US does 
not regard it as a contingency in the Far East, either. Why is Japan 
moving in that direction? In terms of the prime minister's 
conventional assertion that 'abduction is more important than 
nuclear programs among the North Korean issues,' the current move is 
most undesirable. In the event of an emergency, (abductees) cannot 
return home safely." 
 
-- Do you think the government and the ruling parties are being too 
hasty? 
 
"Yes, indeed. If they remain as they are, they cannot achieve the 
two goals of denuclearizing the peninsula and resolving the 
abduction issue." 
 
-- What do you think is a way to make the peninsula a nuclear free 
zone? 
 
"First, Japan should work on the US to hold bilateral talks with the 
DPRK. But Japan has done nothing since former Prime Minister Koizumi 
visited (the US) in June. (The government of Japan) should ask (the 
US) to hold talks with North Korea, but it is urging it instead to 
step up sanctions. Such being the case, (a military solution) could 
arise; a war would be unavoidable." 
 
-- Some in the ruling parties assert that it is all right to discuss 
a nuclear option for Japan. 
 
"That is out of the question. It's OK if commentators or critics 
debate the issue, but it is bad for those who are responsible for 
political affairs to discuss it. Because they would mislead the 
public." 
 
(5) North Korea with it nuclear test now laughing at peace-senile 
Japan 
 
SANKEI (Page 17) (Full) 
October 13, 2006 
 
Tadae Takubo, visiting professor at Kyorin University 
 
I wonder if this kind of opinion comes from a perception gap. This 
country's press editorials-with a few exceptions-are really lukewarm 
(over North Korea's recent nuclear test). This time around, some 
anti-US segments of the media are suddenly beginning to insist on 
using the Japan-US alliance as a deterrent. That's ridiculous. Even 
more annoying, one anti-US newspaper emphasized in its editorial 
that Japan would have to soften the tensions in a careful manner so 
 
TOKYO 00006042  006 OF 011 
 
 
that North Korea will not come out with any reckless act on the 
strength of its nuclear weapons. That's really embarrassing. 
 
North Korea, which hates Japan, has now joined the club as the 
eighth nuclear power. This is a cold fact about the way realpolitik 
actually is in the international arena. North Korea will soon target 
its arsenal of nuclear-warhead-tipped missiles at Japan. This has 
further spurred the nuclear nonproliferation regime's collapse. The 
six-party talks, which were supposed to have blocked North Korea 
from going nuclear, were only used as a tool for North Korea to 
attain its goal to carry out nuclear testing. Even if North Korea 
returns to the six-party talks, the other five countries would face 
further difficulties in their efforts on the diplomatic front to 
urge North Korea to give up its nuclear ambitions. I suppose South 
Korean President Roh Moo Hyun almost admits that fact now. Seoul's 
"sunshine policy," which seemed to contain something meaningful, was 
no more than a chimera. In my view, the balance of power in East 
Asia has drastically changed. 
 
Meanwhile, there was a curious happening in Okinawa at the same time 
that North Korea carried out its nuclear test. A freighter carrying 
Patriot Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3) ground-to-air intercept 
missiles, which were soon to be deployed to the US Kadena Air Base 
in Okinawa Prefecture as a missile defense (MD) system, was held up 
for a while in the middle of Kin Bay. The local media played up this 
fact. They don't seem to care about what crisis all of Japan 
including Okinawa was facing. However, I wonder if we can just laugh 
it off. I think this kind of problem epitomizes Japan. 
 
Unashamedly enough, Japan, in its postwar constitution, declared 
"the justice and faith of the peace-loving peoples of the world." 
The government, in its interpretation thereof, has taken the 
position that Japan is vested with the right to collective 
self-defense but is not allowed to exercise it. Furthermore, Japan 
has taken a defense-only posture and avowed its "three nonnuclear" 
principles (of not possessing, producing or allowing nuclear weapons 
into Japan). These policies are the backbones of Japan in its 
postwar era. Need I say that they have now all collapsed before 
North Korea's nuclear test? Prime Minister Shinzo Abe recently 
visited Beijing, where he made a statement to the following effect 
in line with Prime Minister Murayama's August 1995 statement: "Japan 
in the 60 postwar years stands on its deep self-reflection on the 
fact that it once inflicted severe damage and left scars on the 
peoples of countries in Asia." This statement, however, sounds empty 
before Pyongyang's loud laugh. 
 
What can Japan do? Japan should work together with the United States 
to have the United Nations Security Council adopt a resolution in 
line with Chapter 7 of the United Nations Charter and take effective 
sanction measures at the earliest possible date. At the same time, 
Japan should implement all possible sanctions that might be still 
left. 
 
Whether China will agree to impose sanctions on North Korea or 
impose conditions will have a meaning. China itself is probably well 
aware that this will be a touchstone for whether it can become a 
responsible stakeholder and a player in maintaining international 
order. 
 
I hope that international sanctions will make North Korea decide to 
give up its nuclear ambitions. If we cannot hope for it, then I 
presume that the dynasty of Kim Jong Il would be overthrown from 
within itself. 
 
TOKYO 00006042  007 OF 011 
 
 
 
The Kim dynasty reminds me of Romania's Ceausescu, who was supposed 
to have completely placed his military under his control but 
encountered its unexpected defection in a riot raised by a small 
number of Hungarian residents in 1989. He met with a tragic end. 
However, I must admit that a view of this kind contains wishful 
thinking. 
 
Some people are saying Japan would go nuclear and cause a chain 
reaction to Taiwan. This, they say, would bring about a "nuclear 
domino phenomenon." Forty years ago, Saburo Hayashi, a Mainichi 
Shimbun correspondent to Paris, interviewed Gen. Pierre Galois, who 
was an aide to President DeGaulle. 
 
In the interview, Gen. Galois said France went nuclear in the cause 
of coping with the military threat of the Soviet Union. At the same 
time, however, the general came up with a weird forecast, saying 
countries in the Far East, stipulated by China's acquisition of 
nuclear weapons, would also face up to a similar problem in the 
future. In those days, my eyes were riveted on the Soviet threat, so 
I didn't believe his outlook. But now that we are facing North 
Korea's nuclear weapons, I cannot suppress a grunt of admiration. 
 
However, the circumstances of France in those days are quite 
different from the position of Japan today. Should the greater part 
of Japan incline to go nuclear, everybody could imagine how 
difficult it is for the world's second biggest economic power to 
join the nuclear club. 
 
The moment DeGaulle had nuclear weapons in his hands, he bragged 
that he was set free from bonds with America. Japan, as an ally of 
the United States, is under the nuclear umbrella of Uncle Sam. 
Japan's choosing to follow in the footsteps of DeGaulle will touch 
the alliance's subtle point. In point of fact, it would be 
impossible for Japan to go nuclear at present. 
 
However, would it be all right to deprive Japan of all possible 
options at our own discretion in our age? Japan must be prepared at 
least to defend itself on its own if and when it is at a moment of 
truth, or Japan cannot be powerful enough in its action. 
 
(6) Minshuto issues statement welcoming UN resolution on sanctions 
against North Korea 
 
NIHON KEIZAI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 16, 2006 
 
Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) Policy Research Council 
Chairman Takeaki Matsumoto yesterday issued a statement welcoming 
the adoption by the United Nations of a resolution calling for 
sanctions against North Korea. It noted, "We highly evaluate that 
the UN is eager to perform its initial function." Asked in an Asahi 
TV program the same day about the party's view about ship 
inspections as stipulated in the resolution, Matsumoto only replied, 
"Japan has to do what it can do." 
 
In her party's statement, Social Democratic Party head Mizuho 
Fukushima praised the resolution, but regarding ship inspections, 
she said, "Since such act might lead to battle action, we must be 
cautious about implementing the measure." Speaking before reporters 
in Tokyo yesterday, Policy Council Chairman Tomoko Abe indicated a 
negative view about recognizing a "regional contingency." The 
recognition is a precondition for the Maritime Self-Defense Force to 
 
TOKYO 00006042  008 OF 011 
 
 
be allowed to join ship inspections. Abe said, "If the current state 
is recognized as a regional contingency, an expanded interpretation 
may be frequently applied in the future." 
 
In an Asahi TV program the same day, Japanese Communist Party Policy 
Committee Chairman Akira Koike said: "The state of a wartime fire 
raging on the opposite shore is being defined as a regional 
contingency. The current state cannot be recognized as a 
contingency." 
 
(7) Editorial: Abe administration's solid start merits appreciation 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) 
October 14, 2006 
 
Meetings at the budget committees of both chambers ended yesterday. 
In the meetings, Abe engaged in full-fledged Diet debate as the 
prime minister for the first time. Immediately after assuming 
office, Abe has resumed summit meetings with Chinese and South 
Korean leaders. He also faced an unexpected development in the form 
of North Korea's nuclear test. He seems to have so far steadily 
managed his government, and we would like to give him credit. 
 
What is noteworthy is that Abe changed his perception of Japan's 
wartime history before his meetings with the Chinese and South 
Korean leaders. 
 
Before assuming the premiership, Abe took a negative view about the 
statement in 1995 in which Prime Minister Murayama expressed an 
apology for Japan's colonial rule and aggression, as well as the 
statement issued by Chief Cabinet Secretary Kono in 1993 admitting 
the Imperial Japanese Army's involvement in the comfort-women issue. 
In Diet deliberations, Abe revealed that his government would honor 
the two statements. The prime minister, by making such statements, 
succeeded in putting an end to the thorny issue of historical views, 
which some observers had viewed as a bottleneck for his 
administration. The environment was thus set for meetings with the 
Chinese and South Korean leaders. 
 
There must have been on hand intelligence that North Korea would 
soon conduct a nuclear test. Based on such analysis, Abe took a 
strategic stance, judging that getting out of step with these two 
countries would be playing right into North Korea's hands. 
 
The prime minister also said that Japan has no nuclear ambitions and 
will uphold the three non-nuclear principles. Keeping in mind the 
emergence in the United States of the speculation that Japan might 
consider the nuclear option in the wake of North Korea's nuclear 
test, Abe make took a quick response measure. 
 
The prime minister also gave this Diet reply: "Some might complain 
that my remarks (on historical views and the nation's nuclear 
option) are contradictory to what I said before. I meekly accept the 
criticism." Those expecting Abe to demonstrate his own policy 
imprint have already express dissatisfaction with his policy switch. 
On Oct. 13, ahead of the United Nations Security Council's adoption 
of a resolution calling for sanctions against North Korea, Japan in 
a cabinet meeting adopted its own sanctions against North Korea. 
Some observers analyze that this move represent the prime minister's 
willingness to demonstrate that he is a "fighting prime minister." 
 
Some expect that Abe might begin to express his own stock views 
after riding through the House of Councillors election next summer. 
 
TOKYO 00006042  009 OF 011 
 
 
But in various opinion polls, the prime minister's stance toward 
China and South Korea has won high support rates. As long as he 
continues to listen to the public's views, Abe is unlikely to change 
his current stance in principle. 
 
Turning to domestic affairs, the Education Revitalization Council, 
set up under the instruction of Prime Minister Abe, includes a 
variety of members including conservatives, moderates, and liberals. 
Some anticipated that only those who have views close to the prime 
minister's might be selected. But he gave consideration to a 
well-balanced lineup. 
 
Before the Abe administration was launched, the Mainichi Shimbun 
encouraged the prime minister not to be overly eager and to be 
flexible, although some other papers highlighted the danger of a 
"hawkish prime minister." To counter the opposition camp, including 
Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan), it is natural for the prime 
minister to opt for widening the wing without exclusively devoting 
himself to the rightwing. The opposition side might have the feeling 
that the prime minister gave it the dodge. It is now urged to revamp 
its strategy. 
 
The prime minister will inevitably continue to face a crucial moment 
for a whole. Tensions over the North Korea issue are expected to run 
higher following the adoption by the United Nations of a resolution 
against that nation. We hope Prime Minister Abe will continue to be 
steady and flexible as he did when his government got off to a 
start. 
 
(8) Former Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura to assume 
chairmanship of the Mori faction possibly next week 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 17, 2006 
 
Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, who chairs the Mori faction in 
the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), firmed up his intention on Oct. 
16 to resign his post in the near future. Accompanying that 
decision, coordination is going forward in the faction to name as 
the next chairman former Foreign Minister Nobutaka Machimura, who is 
now secretary general of the faction. The formal decision to appoint 
him may come as early as next week, 
 
Mori, who served as chairman for five years under the Koizumi 
administration, hinted at the possibility of his retiring when he 
said at a meeting of the faction Sept. 21, following the selection 
of Shinzo Abe (of the same faction) as LDP president: "My role in 
the faction is generally over." He was asked by Yasuo Fukuda and 
other senior faction leaders to stay on but did not respond. 
 
Mori yesterday told his aides: "From the start, I always thought 
that I would resign as chairman once the LDP presidential election 
was over. My feeling remains the same as before. No matter how you 
press me to stay, I won't change my mind." He stressed that he would 
not change his view about resigning the post. The successor, 
Machimura, has let it be known to several faction officials that he 
desired the post. Coordination will now begin to appoint him to the 
chairman's position. The idea has been floating of making Mori the 
honorary chairman of the faction. 
 
(9) Okinawa has worst record in country for drunk driving 
 
YOMIURI (Page 13) (Full) 
 
TOKYO 00006042  010 OF 011 
 
 
October 7, 2006 
 
Does drunk driving vary based on the locality? The Yomiuri Shimbun 
calculated the number of crackdowns on drunk driving per 100,000 
licensed drivers based on the National Police Agency's released data 
about the number of drunk driving cases and the population of 
licensed drivers throughout the country. 
 
Looking at last year's worst offenders, Okinawa Prefecture by far 
overwhelmed all other prefectures with 1,123 cases (per 100,000 
licensed drivers), followed by Yamanashi Prefecture and Mie 
Prefecture. Furthermore, both Kochi Prefecture and Akita 
Prefecture-where people were found to be spending much more money on 
alcoholic drinks than other prefectures, according to the Ministry 
of Internal Affairs and Communications' survey of household 
expenses-ranked high on the prefectural list of offenders. 
Meanwhile, Gifu Prefecture was the lowest of all prefectures with 
107 cases. Nara Prefecture and Fukui Prefecture were also less than 
10%  of the record set by Okinawa Prefecture. 
 
In 2001, the criminal code was revised with the establishment of 
charges against dangerous driving resulting in death or injury. 
After that, the total number of nationwide cases of arrests for 
drunk driving decreased from 175,730 in 2003 to 140,873 last year. 
During that time, however, the annual number of arrests in 
crackdowns on drunk driving increased from 8,074 to 9,285 in Okinawa 
Prefecture, likewise up from 1,692 to 2,275 in Yamanashi Prefecture 
and up from 3,160 to 3,243 in Mie Prefecture. The figures show that 
the introduction of severe penalties has had no effect in these 
prefectures. 
 
In the Okinawa prefectural police's survey of about 2,500 persons 
charged with drunken driving, three out of every four persons 
"didn't think of drinking at first." However, one out of every four 
persons answered that they had "thought about drinking from the 
beginning." There were also about 400 violators who had driven home 
drunk, even though they only lived within a radius of one kilometer 
from where they drank. "Okinawa's sunset is late when compared with 
the mainland, and people have many chances to drink away from their 
homes," says an official of the traffic planning division at the 
Okinawa Prefectural Police Headquarters. "That's probably why they 
have a weak feeling of guilt about drinking and driving," the 
official added. 
 
The Tokyo-based Institute for Traffic Accident Research and Data 
Analysis (ITARDA) attributes drunk driving in part to the degree of 
development of public transportation, such as railways and buses. 
The worst five includes Wakayama Prefecture and Oita Prefecture -- 
prefectures that neighbor big cities -- Yamanashi Prefecture and Mie 
Prefecture. On the contrary, Tokyo and certain other prefectures 
like Kanagawa Prefecture, Saitama Prefecture, and Kyoto Prefecture, 
which are highly urbanized areas with various public transportation 
networks, ranked low on the list. 
 
Such regional disparities, however, should take into account such 
likely factors as local climates and age structures, in addition to 
transportation networks and geographic conditions. 
 
Police arrests for drunk driving in 2005 ASTERISK 
High Low 
  ¶1. Okinawa       1,123         1. Gifu            107 
  ¶2. Yamanashi       388         2. Nara            109 
  ¶3. Mie             265         3. Fukui           110 
 
TOKYO 00006042  011 OF 011 
 
 
  ¶4. Wakayama        260         4. Tokyo           111 
  ¶5. Oita            256         5. Tokushima       117 
  ¶6. Kochi           255         6. Shiga           124 
  ¶7. Tottori         238         7. Kanagawa        134 
  ¶8. Hyogo           232         7. Kagawa          134 
  ¶9. Akita           224         7. Saitama         134 
 ¶10. Aomori          211        10. Kyoto           139 
 
Cases per 100,000 licensed drivers, based on data provided by NPA. 
 
SCHIEFFER