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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 08 TOKYO 006814 
 
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 12//06 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Bills to raise SDF overseas missions to primary duties and 
upgrade Defense Agency to Defense Ministry clear Lower House; Calls 
for permanent law expected to gain momentum 
 
(2) Sixth year of MSDF dispatch to the Indian Ocean: Provided 20.3 
billion yen in free oil supplies; Results difficult to evaluate 
 
(3) JDA chief Kyuma hints at reducing the number of helicopter 
flights at Futenma but closing the base in three years seen as 
difficult 
 
(4) Editorial: Doubts and concerns not yet resolved over the bill 
upgrading the JDA to ministry status 
 
(5) Japan urged to make arrangements to deal with North Korea's nuke 
threat 
 
(6) Economic advisory panel studying abolishing requirement for 
companies to directly hire temporary workers 
 
(7) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(8) EDITORIALS 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Bills to raise SDF overseas missions to primary duties and 
upgrade Defense Agency to Defense Ministry clear Lower House; Calls 
for permanent law expected to gain momentum 
 
ASAHI (Page 3) (Abridged slightly) 
December 1, 2006 
 
The Lower House approved yesterday a bill to raise the Defense 
Agency to ministry status and a bill revising the Self-Defense 
Forces Law to upgrade the SDF's overseas activities to primary 
duties. They are likely to clear the Diet in the ongoing session, 
and the nation is expected to have a Defense Ministry as early as 
January. 
 
The SDF's overseas activities, currently defined as secondary 
duties, can be classified into five categories: (1) international 
disaster relief activities, (2) UN peacekeeping operations, (3) 
logistical support in contingencies in areas surrounding Japan, (4) 
activities under the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, and, (5) 
activities under the Iraq Reconstruction Support Law. Once the 
legislation is enacted, they will be defined as main duties. 
 
"The SDF has already conducted such activities as part of primary 
duties. Legislative steps are lagging behind reality," Defense 
Agency Director-General Fumio Kyuma explained by citing missions in 
Iraq and other countries. 
 
At the same time, with the step to upgrade SDF activities, calls for 
a permanent law to make things easier for dispatching the SDF 
overseas are likely to gain momentum. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is 
enthusiastic about enacting a permanent law that can eliminate the 
need for individual laws. 
 
Some are wary of upgraded overseas missions altering the nature of 
the country's exclusively defense-oriented policy. "SDF duties would 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 12//06 
 
change altogether," said Lower House Vice Speaker Takahiro Yokomichi 
after yesterday's plenary session, in which he voted against the 
bill. 
 
An opinion emerged in yesterday's Lower House Security Committee 
meeting that the SDF would change with the revision of the law. 
Kyuma responded: "The SDF will not use force on overseas missions. 
You must not assume that they will become armed forces." 
 
Kyuma also explained that by citing paragraph 1 of Article 9, the 
government was cautious enough to add to the bill the phrase, "in 
the scope which does not constitute the threat or use of force." 
 
An increase in joint operations by the SDF and the US military might 
lead to exercising the right to collective self-defense, which is 
prohibited under the government's interpretation of the 
Constitution. 
 
Abe is enthusiastic about reviewing the government's view of the 
right to collective defense. He also intends to establish a panel to 
reexamine the government's view. 
 
In a Washington Post interview, Abe said in connection with 
peacekeeping operations: "Is it a violation of the Constitution to 
rescue attacked foreign troops who are working with Japanese troops 
side by side?" He has also unveiled a plan to study ways to relax 
the SDF guidelines on the use of weapons, which are currently 
allowed only for defending themselves and international organ 
workers under their control to cover foreign troops, as well. 
 
(2) Sixth year of MSDF dispatch to the Indian Ocean: Provided 20.3 
billion yen in free oil supplies; Results difficult to evaluate 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Excerpts) 
Eve., December 1, 2006 
 
The Anti-Terror Special Measures Law, which supports the terrorist 
mop-up operations of the US, British and other countries in 
Afghanistan, was extended for another year in November, and the 
Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has now entered its sixth year of 
duty in the Indian Ocean. As of the 27th of last month, MSDF had 
supplied fuel free of charge to warships of other countries a total 
of 700 times. What were the actual results of its maritime 
operations carried out 18,000 kilometers from Japan? 
 
"We will return safely at the beginning of the Golden Week 
consecutive holidays (early May) next year." On Nov. 12, the MSDF 
supply ship "Towada" (8,100 ton class) set sail from its homeport in 
Hiroshima Prefecture. The captain, Masakazu Yamashita (54) gave this 
farewell message to the MSDF officers and the approximately 300 
family members sending off the ship. 
 
It would be about five months before the vessel would return to 
port. The Towada was making its sixth trip, and for many of the 
crew, this would be their fifth dispatch. In addition to the 
psychological and physical burden on the crew, the hardship imposed 
on their families also was great. Moreover, the MSDF has only five 
supply ships, so before and after the dispatches, the crews must 
also undergo training and equipping and the like for their regular 
duties. 
 
The MSDF supply ships provide fuel and water cost free to US, UK and 
other foreign vessels on duty in the Indian Ocean. Their role is 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 12//06 
 
that of an ocean going "gasoline stand. " 
 
Over the past five years, a total of 55 MSDF vessels have been 
dispatched. The number of personnel involved in the operations 
totals 10,600. Fuel was delivered to vessels from 11 countries 
totaling 460,000 kiloliters (2.3 million oil drums). The MSDF 
vessels expended one year's time all together in the effort. The 
cost of the fuel provided over five years came to 20.3 billion yen. 
 
However, the specific results of the assistance are difficult to 
visualize. The number of times a month for refueling has dropped 
from a high in May 2003 of 32 times to the current 13 times a month. 
 
 
(3) JDA chief Kyuma hints at reducing the number of helicopter 
flights at Futenma but closing the base in three years seen as 
difficult 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
December 1, 2006 
 
(Tokyo)  Defense Agency Director General Fumio Kyuma, appearing in 
the Upper House Foreign and Defense Affairs Committee, made this 
comment regarding removing the dangerousness of the Marines Corps' 
Futenma Air Station until it is relocated to a site on the shores of 
Camp Schwab in Nago City: "Perhaps there might be a way of changing 
the frequency of use a bit. I would like to give some thought to 
that."  He thus hinted that he was thinking of studying the 
possibility of reducing the number of flights of helicopters 
attached to that base. On the issue of closing Futenma in three 
years, as promised by Hirokazu Nakaima during his campaign for 
prefectural governor, Kyuma said, "I don't think the US forces would 
give their OK to that," reiterating his view that it would be 
difficult. 
 
Director General Kyuma, referring to Nakaima's campaign promise, 
stressed: "I would like to quickly remove the dangerousness of 
Futenma. I, too, fully understand and feel that I would like to set 
some kind of goal within three years and bring about a shrinking of 
its functions in a way for all to see. I will work on that now and 
into the future."  He explained his view that it might be possible 
to consider setting a three-year limit if the goal were not 
"closing" the base but "removing its dangerousness." 
 
(4) Editorial: Doubts and concerns not yet resolved over the bill 
upgrading the JDA to ministry status 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 5) (Full) 
December 1, 2006 
 
The bill elevating the Defense Agency (JDA) to ministry status 
passed through the Lower House. It is an important bill that 
includes upgrading the Self-Defense Forces' (SDF) overseas 
activities (from being a supplementary duty) to a primary duty. But 
doubts and concerns over the bill have yet to be resolved. We expect 
debate on the bill will proceed  in a conscientious manner in the 
Upper House. 
 
Fourteen hours and 20 minutes: That was the time spent for 
deliberations on the JDA upgrading bill in the Diet committee before 
it went to the Lower House for approval. The time for debate was too 
short, compared to the 100 hours of deliberations on the bill 
amending the Basic Education Law, even though the JDA bill was in 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 12//06 
 
fact obscured by the tug of war between the ruling and opposition 
parties over the education bill. But the JDA bill could lead to a 
major change in Japan's national security policy. 
 
JDA is an external agency attached to the Cabinet Office at present. 
Without approval from the prime minister, it cannot submit important 
issues directly to a cabinet meeting or make a budgetary request. 
That's why JDA has insisted on the need to be upgraded to a ministry 
so that it can act swiftly. 
 
However, should a defense emergency occur, the first person to 
receive word would be the prime minister. It would be inconceivable 
to postpone it pending a cabinet decision. Given this, the purpose 
of the upgrading bill may be to save JDA's face as a government 
organization, as well as to raise the morale of the personnel. 
 
We have other doubts, too. One concerns the Abe administration's 
move to create a Japanese-style National Security Council (NSC) and 
use the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) as the control 
tower for foreign and security policies. This new development seems 
to contradict the JDA bill, which aims to shift defense powers from 
the Kantei to the defense establishment? 
 
Elevating JDA to a ministry status is nothing new; the idea has been 
around a long time. Until recently, however, it has not seen the 
light of the day. One reason is perhaps because of our nation's 
recollection of the military having had its own way in the prewar 
and wartime periods. 
 
If so, why is it acceptable now to bring up that idea? If the 
government cannot explain the reason appropriately, it will 
naturally come under such criticism as capitalizing on the public 
crisis awareness caused by the North Korean nuclear issue, or the 
junior coalition partner New Komeito's insistence on enacting the 
bill by the end of the year in order to avoid the Upper House 
election next year. 
 
More importantly, the bill will shift the SDF's overseas activities 
from a "supplementary duty" to "primary duty." 
 
In other words, the bill allows the government to give its 
"approval" to operations of the SDF overseas,  -- expanded now to 
cover the Indian Ocean and Iraq through passage of special measures 
laws. It allows the government to create a fait accompli. We find it 
difficult to understand that the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or 
Minshuto), which had previously demanded the removal of the SDF 
deployment in Iraq from the primary duties in return for it to 
approve the JDA upgrading bill, easily withdrew that demand. 
 
There is analysis that by making overseas activities a primary duty, 
the government intends to give impetus to the move to create a 
permanent law enabling Japan to dispatch SDF troops as needed and 
thereby to expand the range of SDF activities. Should SDF operations 
go into areas leading to the use of force abroad, Japan will violate 
the Constitution, not to mention undermining the nation's 
defense-only policy. 
 
JDA Director-General Fumio Kyuma has stressed: "No change will be 
made to the basics of the defense policy, such as "sole 
self-defense," not becoming a military power, upholding the three 
nonnuclear principles, and securing civilian control. A Diet 
resolution adopted along with the passage (in the Lower House) of 
the upgrading bill states the need to thoroughly ensure civilian 
 
TOKYO 00006814  005 OF 008 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 12//06 
 
control. This promise must be kept in the process of deliberations 
on the bill in the Upper House, and depending on circumstances, the 
Upper House should issue a warning if the promise seems about to be 
broken. 
 
(5) Japan urged to make arrangements to deal with North Korea's nuke 
threat 
 
YOMIURI (Page 13) (Full) 
November 30, 2006 
 
North Korea's nuclear ambitions have posed a serious threat to 
Japan's national security. Japan must make necessary arrangements, 
assuming possible contingencies that might occur in the course of 
trying to defuse the North Korean nuclear confrontation or dealing 
with the nuclear threat. 
 
In an effort to denuclearize North Korea, the US might launch a 
limited attack on the nation, but setting aside this option, there 
will be no other way but to depend on both dialogue and pressure. In 
the six-party talks, the five members of the six-party talks, 
excluding North Korea, should strengthen cooperation and produce 
specific results so that the North will begin to move toward 
denuclearization. To that end, it will be necessary for the 
countries concerned to toughen sanctions and containment measures 
against the North, and for China to exert its influence on that 
nation. 
 
North Korea imports 80% of its crude oil and 30% of its food supply 
from China. Given this fact, China is considered to have enormous 
influence over the North, but China reportedly does not want to see 
North Korea collapse. Some take the view that since the ultimate 
purpose of Kim Jong Il's nuclear weapons programs is to ensure his 
regime's continuance, Kim will never scrap them. 
 
In the process of pressuring the North to abandon its nuclear 
ambitions, there is a possibility of triggering a public security or 
military disturbances, or an exodus of refugees. Japan needs to 
consider what countermeasures to take, assuming such a crisis 
situation. It is also necessary to study the possibility of applying 
the law for emergencies near Japan and joining hands with the US 
military. 
 
Assuming that Pyongyang might be brandishing nuclear threats with 
the aim of attaining its own purposes, Japan must prepare a system 
so that such threats will not have any effect. 
 
First, Japan must upgrade its self-defense system. The government is 
making preparations to introduce a ballistic missile defense (BMD) 
system capable of shooting down incoming missiles. Japan should 
introduce the system as soon as possible by frontloading the 
project. To supplement this system, the US has brought some 
equipment into Japan. If possible, Japan should ask for more 
equipment to be deployed in our country. 
 
Regarding a enemy-base strike capability, the government now takes 
the policy of relying on the US even for operations within the scope 
of self-defense allowed under the Constitution. In view of the 
current security environment, however, there may be a case in which 
Japan has to take action independently. Given this, it might be 
necessary for Japan to discuss the possibility of have certain 
functions, based on the principle of sharing roles between Japan and 
the US. 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 12//06 
 
 
Second, it is important to further strengthen the Japan-US alliance. 
US deterrence, including the possibility of nuclear retaliation, is 
absolutely necessary as means to prevent North Korea from carrying 
out reckless acts. The US has frequently confirmed its commitment to 
protect Japan, but Japan also should step up efforts to strengthen 
the Japan-US alliance by enhancing its own credibility as a 
partner. 
 
It is also of utmost necessity for Japan and the US to improve their 
cooperative arrangements so that they will be able to effectively 
respond to contingencies. Specifically, both countries should work 
out a joint operation plan for times of emergency in Japan and a 
mutual cooperation plan for regional contingencies. 
 
The issue of whether Japan is allowed to use collective self-defense 
is another urgent task. This issue initially should be settled by 
amending the Constitution, but imminent problems should be settled 
even if it means employing ingenuity. It is also necessary to 
reconsider the argument for banning as a violation of the 
Constitution those support activities that link the SDF to the US 
military's use of force, even if such are not operations that entail 
the use of force, such as transport of goods and personnel. 
 
Japan's stance of depending on the US nuclear umbrella in dealing 
with nuclear threats remains unchanged. Nonetheless, since nuclear 
policy is closely related to national security, thorough discussion 
is necessary. For the time being, it might be necessary for Japan to 
fully discuss with the US what the United States' nuclear deterrence 
should be in the future. 
 
(By Ken Sato, vice chairman of the Institute for International 
Policy Studies) 
 
(6) Economic advisory panel studying abolishing requirement for 
companies to directly hire temporary workers 
 
ASAHI (Top Play) (Slightly abridged) 
December 1, 2006 
 
In a meeting yesterday, the government's Council on Economic and 
Fiscal Policy started discussion on a review of the current 
temporary staff employment system that requires companies hiring 
temporary workers to reemploy them as permanent workers after they 
work there for a certain period of time. This is a key element in 
the "Labor Big Bang" initiative, designed by the government to 
reform the labor market. In the meeting, private-sector members 
proposed abolishing or extending the maximum period of a contract. 
If the restriction on the contract period is removed, the obligation 
on companies to give permanent status to temporary workers will be 
abolished. The advisory panel will set up an expert group tasked 
with discussing a sweeping review of the Worker Dispatch Law. 
 
Four private-sector members of the advisory panel, including 
International Christian University Professor Naohiro Yashiro and 
Nippon Keidanren (the Japan Business Federation) Chairman Fujio 
Mitarai, submitted a report titled, "Labor Big Bang and 
Second-Chance Assistance." As tasks to be considered now, the report 
proposes a review of the Worker Dispatch Law; an expansion of job 
categories for foreign workers; future options for the minimum wage 
system; and improvement in child-care service. 
 
The focus of attention is on regulations pertaining to dispatched 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 12//06 
 
workers. Under the current law, the maximum period of a contract for 
such workers is set at three years. Companies hiring temporary 
workers are obligated to employ them as permanent workers after they 
work there for a long period of time. Private-sector panel members 
pointed out that these regulations have destabilized the status of 
dispatched workers because companies tend to suspend the contracts 
with such workers in short a space of time in order to avoid the 
obligation to give them permanent status. They stressed that the 
removal of the maximum period of a contract will contribute to 
protecting the job security of dispatched workers. 
 
However, there is the basic principle in the Labor Law specifying, 
"Companies' direct employment of workers should be the basic 
principle." 
 
The correction of unfair disparities is also cited as one purpose of 
the Labor Big Bang. The panel is expected to discuss easing the 
conditions for dismissing regular workers or lowering such workers' 
wages as part of efforts to narrow the disparities between permanent 
and nonpermanent workers in a variety of employment types. 
 
The Japanese Trade Union Confederation is worried about the Labor 
Big Bang, one executive remarking: "Since discussion has been 
conducted without the presence of laborers, company-friendly 
measures may be worked out." It also remains to be seen how the new 
expert panel will reflect nonpermanent workers' views in their 
policy decisions. 
 
Prime Minister Abe said in the meeting, "Reforming the labor market 
is a major challenge for the cabinet." He plans to have the expert 
panel conduct full discussion. The prime minister also intends to 
set up a cross-sectional study group and include a policy direction 
and timetable (for labor market reform) in the government's annual 
economic and fiscal policy guidelines due out next summer. 
 
Private-sector members also suggested enhancing the quality of 
services at Public Employment Security Office institutions by 
introducing the market testing system designed to increase the 
efficiency of services at government offices through competitive 
bidding between the public and private sectors. The Ministry of 
Health, Labor and Welfare is opposed to the proposal, citing the 
International Labor Organization (ILO) Treaty. 
 
But private-sector member refuted that if the transfer of some 
services to the private sector while main public networks are 
maintained does not infringe on the treaty." 
 
(7) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
CEFP considers eliminating corporate obligation to shift the status 
of part-timers to regular employees after a certain period 
 
Mainichi: 
Council on Revitalization of Education drafts a program for students 
and parents to evaluate teachers 
 
Yomiuri: 
Reform of Social Insurance Agency: Ruling camp proposes shifting 
power of collection to MHLW 
 
Nihon Keizai: 
US reconsiders excessive internal control to lighten corporate 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 12//06 
 
burdens 
 
Sankei: 
LDP constitutional panel proposes allowing people 18 or older to 
vote in national referendums 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
V-shaped pair of airstrips planned in Nago: Two-way landings in an 
emergency likely to be allowed in response to US request 
 
Akahata: 
Revising the Basic Education Law for worse promoted by MEXT office 
involved in prearranged questions for town-hall meetings 
 
(8) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Murakami pleads not guilty 
(2) 15th Asian Games in Doha 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Raising Defense Agency to ministry comes with heavy 
responsibility 
(2) Murakami trial: Restoring market trust not an easy task 
 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) DPJ made right decision on defense ministry bills 
(2) Murakami trial: "Guilty statement" hard to forget 
 
Nihon Keizai: 
(1) Cooperating with NATO essential for preventing terrorism 
(2) Windows Vista not free from problems 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Cross-party agreement on defense ministry laudable 
(2) Murakami Fund scandal requires thorough probe 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Questions and concerns still remain about defense ministry 
bills 
(2) Murakami trial a chance to consider social disparities 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Defense ministry bills trampling on Constitution must be 
scrapped 
 
SCHIEFFER