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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 004384 
 
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 09/20/07 
 
 
Index: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
Prime Minister's daily schedule: In hospital 
 
Anti-Terrorism Law: 
3) Once stopped, it will be difficult to restart MSDF Indian-Ocean 
refueling services this year 
4) LDP is hoping that new UNSC resolution of appreciation for 
anti-terror efforts will help MSDF refueling services in Indian 
Ocean continue 
5) Some in ruling camp hopeful that anti-terror law can still be 
extended in the current Diet session 
6) Prime Minister's direct appeal to the US President has made it 
difficult for Tokyo to backtrack on the anti-terror law 
7) Foreign Ministry worked hard UN members to set in motion the new 
UNSC resolution of appreciation for anti-terror efforts 
8) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) carefully watching UNSC move to 
pass resolution of appreciation but remains adamantly against the 
anti-terror law 
9) DPJ unlikely to change its basic attitude against the anti-terror 
law no matter what resolution the UNSC passes 
10) DPJ is ignoring the new UNSC resolution 
11) DPJ also trying to shoot down the Iraq dispatch with its own 
bill that would scrap the Iraq reconstruction assistance law 
 
LDP presidential campaign: 
12) Survey shows candidate Fukuda popular among middle-aged groups, 
while Aso appeals to young people 
13) Internet monitor survey lists pensions as the top priority issue 
for most people, while LDP chapters in another survey chose 
correcting income disparities 
14) Fukuda, Aso appear at the Foreign Correspondent Club of Japan 
15) Japan War-Bereaved Families Association to support Fukuda 
16) LDP bigwig Koga becoming more influential in the party due to 
Fukuda campaign 
 
17) Coup rumor denied by Chief Cabinet Secretary Yosano, but new 
rumor that LDP's Hidenao Nakagawa also knew about Abe's intention to 
resign 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Nikkei & Sankei: 
Average commercial land prices across Japan rise 1.0 PERCENT , first 
increase in 16 years 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Poll of 47 LDP local chapters and Internet users on priority tasks 
for next prime minister: "Pensions" cited by Internet users and 
"reduction of the gaps between rural and urban areas" by LDP local 
chapters 
 
Akahata: 
LDP presidential campaign strange; Lack of self-reflection, no 
difference in policy stances between two candidates, no change from 
previous politics 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
TOKYO 00004384  002 OF 012 
 
 
 
Asahi: 
(1) US interest rate cut in preparation for slowdown in economy 
(2) New Komeito still willing to be a coalition partner? 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Drastic interest rate cut by US: Radical measures essential to 
prevent increase in bad loans 
(2) Revision to Road Traffic Law: Need to eliminate drunk driving 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Japan, US joined hands to stabilize financial markets 
(2) Benchmark land prices: Mini-bubble involving land likely to come 
to end 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Japanese, US financial officials prioritize stabilizing the 
market 
 
Sankei: 
(1) More discussion needed to put "moral education" in a list of 
subjects 
(2) US interest rate cut: Prevent credit crunch with joint efforts 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) US interest rate cut: No optimism allowed despite recovery of 
stock prices 
(2) Copyright system for manga necessary in way to realize 
coexistence with readers 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Hansen's disease sufferers desire establishment of basic law 
 
3) Refueling resumption difficult this year 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force has been tasked with refueling 
US and other foreign naval vessels in the Indian Ocean under the 
Antiterrorism Special Measures Law to back up their antiterror drive 
in Afghanistan. To continue the MSDF's refueling mission, or not to 
continue it? That is a heavy challenge facing Japan's next prime 
minister to be elected shortly. However, Japan will have to call off 
the MSDF mission unless the antiterror law is extended beyond its 
Nov. 1 expiry. It would be difficult to resume the MSDF's refueling 
activities within the year. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party is 
already anticipating such a situation in its ongoing presidential 
race. 
 
LDP Secretary General Taro Aso: "It's difficult to extend the law." 
 
Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda: "I basically agree..." 
 
The two LDP presidential candidates sounded alike as they met the 
Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan yesterday. 
 
The new prime minister is expected to come into office on Sept. 25. 
There is a little over one month left thereafter until the 
antiterror law's Nov. 1 expiry. Meanwhile, the Diet is timetabled to 
close its current extraordinary session on Nov. 10. The days are not 
enough. The Tokiwa, an MSDF supply ship currently in the Indian 
 
TOKYO 00004384  003 OF 012 
 
 
Ocean, is certain to be recalled. The focus will be on how and when 
to create an agreement between the ruling and opposition parties to 
resume the MSDF's refueling activities. 
 
Aso has plans to present a new legislative measure to the Diet 
during its current extra session. The Democratic Party of Japan 
(Minshuto) and other opposition parties currently hold a majority of 
the seats in the House of Councillors. The Diet's 
opposition-controlled upper chamber would vote down the legislation. 
After that, the House of Representatives, currently dominated by the 
ruling parties, will take a second vote on the legislation to enact 
it into law with a majority of two thirds. Aso is in a position to 
go for the fastest track to resume the MSDF's refueling activities. 
 
Meanwhile, Fukuda, now gaining an advantage over Aso in the race, 
differs from Aso. 
 
"We have no choice but to work together with the DPJ in a 
cooperative manner. We spent time for the party's presidential 
election, so we have a limited number of options." This remark came 
from Fukuda on Sept. 14. 
 
On Sept. 16, Fukuda said, "I really don't know for now (about 
whether it is possible to prepare for a new law)." He also said: 
"Taking a second vote (in the Diet's lower chamber) is the last of 
all means. That's a rare case." 
 
Instead of Fukuda, former LDP Vice President Taku Yamasaki has come 
out with a scenario that differs from Aso's. Fukuda was chief 
cabinet secretary when Yamasaki was LDP secretary general. They 
worked to create the antiterror law after the Sept. 11, 2001 
terrorist attacks in the United States. The two are also keeping 
step with each other on Yasukuni Shrine and North Korea. Yamasaki is 
one of those who were quickest to field Fukuda in the party race. 
 
Yamasaki said in his faction's meeting on Sept. 14: "Japan will have 
to call off the MSDF's refueling activities. The United States also 
knows that. The problem is that we will have to make it acceptable 
to the DPJ. DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa says we need a resolution 
from the United Nations. Then, it's all right to get a new 
resolution for participation, as he says. In that case, it will take 
quite a long time to create a new law. One idea is to extend the 
Diet session until the end of the year to ram through the bill. 
However, we should not do such a foolish thing. Instead, we should 
carry it over to the ordinary Diet session next year, and then we 
should pass the legislation through talks." 
 
Fukuda has also hinted at the possibility of dissolving the Diet 
through talks after the budget for next fiscal year gets Diet 
approval. Fukuda is tuned in with Yamasaki on when and how to resume 
the MSDF's refueling activities. Prime Minister Abe staked his job 
on continuing the MSDF's refueling mission, and he was driven to 
step down. If Fukuda comes into office as prime minister, will the 
situation change? 
 
Japan has joined the international community's efforts in the war on 
terror over the past six years since the Sept. 11 events. Now, Japan 
is facing a challenge. 
 
4) Continuation of MSDF refueling operation: LDP works for adoption 
of new UNSC resolution, with "gratitude resolution" to be adopted 
today 
 
TOKYO 00004384  004 OF 012 
 
 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) is to adopt in the early 
hours of Sept. 20 (Japan time) a resolution that includes 
appreciation for Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Forces' (MSDF) 
participation in the Maritime Interdiction Operations (MIO) in the 
Indian Ocean. Behind the inclusion are secret moves by the Liberal 
Democratic Party (LDP) following its crushing defeat in the Upper 
House election held in late July. 
 
LDP Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa, Foreign Minister Aso at the 
time and former Foreign Minister Machimura took the initiative in 
the move. They worked on Vice Foreign Minister Yachi and others, 
noting: "It is now difficult to extend the MSDF mission because the 
ruling and opposition parties have traded places in the Upper House. 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) would find it 
impossible to oppose an extension if there is a UN resolution that 
can serve as the basis for its operation." 
 
Yachi at first showed reluctance to accepting the idea, noting, "The 
MSDF's refueling operation has been internationally acknowledged. 
There is sufficient legitimacy in their mission. It would be 
difficult for Japan, which is not a UNSC member, to have it adopt a 
new resolution for domestic reasons." 
 
Nevertheless, the LDP insisted on securing a UN resolution, because 
it was aware that an extension of the MSDF mission is a major issue 
that could shake the Abe administration. In the end, the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs (MOFA) began strongly working on related countries 
in New York starting in late August. The key to settling this issue 
was a resolution for deciding on an extension of the International 
Security and Assistance Force (ISAF), whose establishment expires in 
mid-October. The secret scheme was to propose correcting the 
preamble of that resolution and instead including Japan's request. 
 
Russia, a UNSC member, opposed the idea most strongly, noting that 
the reason for adding the maritime interdiction operations was 
unclear. Germany, which has suffered many losses of their ISAF 
members, opposed Japan's request, saying that it is not acceptable 
for Japan to make a request regarding the ISAF resolution for 
domestic reasons. However, the trend for adopting the resolution was 
set with the US and Britain acting on behalf of the continuation of 
Japan's refueling operations. 
 
5) UN to adopt new antiterrorism resolution today; Government aims 
to quickly introduce new law to extend MSDF refueling mission 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Excerpts) 
September 20, 2007 
 
In a bid to extend the refueling mission of the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force (MSDF) in the Indian Ocean, the government 
intends to swiftly prepare new legislation based on a new resolution 
expected to be adopted by the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) 
on Sept. 19, local time. On the strength of approval from the UN, 
the government hopes to enact a law at an early date. The Democratic 
Party of Japan, though, has not eased its opposition to the MSDF 
refueling mission. Under such a situation, it will be difficult to 
enact a law by the end of the year. Some suggest extending the 
current extraordinary Diet session, which is due to be adjourned on 
 
TOKYO 00004384  005 OF 012 
 
 
Nov. 10, until early next year. 
 
The new UNSC resolution is designed to extend the antiterrorism 
mission in Afghanistan by the International Security Assistance 
Force (ISAF) for another year. At the request of the Japanese 
government, the resolution includes in the preamble a phrase 
expressing appreciation for maritime intercept operations (MIO) by 
the multinational naval force in the Indian Ocean. Even so, the 
resolution is aimed to extend the ISAF mission and is not intended 
solely to approve MIO, which is joined by the MSDF and is aimed to 
prevent terrorists from transiting the Indian Ocean. 
 
Key points in the new UNSC resolution 
 
(Preamble) 
? Express concern about the security situation in Afghanistan, 
particularly about the rise in terrorist acts by Taliban fighters 
and Al-Qaeda members. 
? Emphasize the need for continued international efforts by the ISAF 
and the multinational force participating in Operation Enduring 
Freedom (OEF). 
? Welcome the completion of the ISAF deployment across Afghanistan 
and its continued cooperation in OEF. 
?  Expresses appreciation for the leadership demonstrated by the 
North Atlantic Treaty Organization and the contributions by the ISAF 
and many countries in OEF, including MIO. 
(Text) 
? Extend the ISAF mission by 12 months beyond Oct. 13 in 2007. 
? Allow the participant countries in the ISAF to use every necessary 
means to achieve their missions. 
 
6) Prime Minister Abe explained plan on new UN antiterrorism 
resolution to President Bush 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The Japanese government prepared a plan to insert in a United 
Nations Security Council (UNSC) resolution a phrase expressing 
appreciation for the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling 
mission, keeping in mind public opinion and the Democratic Party of 
Japan's (DPJ) opposition to extending the MSDF mission. This 
strategy was pushed ahead more smoothly than expected by persons 
concerned, owing to cooperation between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe 
and United States President Bush, both of who have been driven into 
corner over the war against terrorism. 
 
The plan emerged in the government in early September, just after 
the DPJ launched a new leadership in preparation for fighting the 
ruling camp. Meanwhile, some members called for caution about the 
proposal. One member said: "If the expression of appreciation is 
linked to a resolution aimed to extend the mission of the 
International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), Japan's operation 
might be taken as involving the use of force." Another said: "The 
government has explained that Japan's operation is based on a past 
UN resolution. If the plan is turned into action, it will be 
inconsistent with the conventional explanation." 
 
Although many remained cautious, there was no other good idea. The 
Foreign Ministry unofficially asked UNSC members for their views 
about the plan through local embassies and received favorable 
replies from them. In the Japan-US summit held on Sept. 8 on the 
 
TOKYO 00004384  006 OF 012 
 
 
sidelines of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit in 
Sydney, as well, Prime Minister Abe explained to President Bush the 
plan to insert appreciation in a UNSC resolution, seeking his 
cooperation. 
 
In the US government, there is strong concern that if Japan 
withdraws from the war against terrorism, Pakistan, which is the 
sole participant among Islamic countries and whose naval ships have 
been refueled by Japan, might also leave the front lines. The 
president, who has been in a great quandary over the Iraq war, 
promptly accepted Japan's request, according to informed sources. 
 
7) UNSC to adopts resolution "thanking" nations apparently in 
response to Japan's strong appeal 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
Yu Koyama 
 
It has been decided to include in a United Nations resolution on 
operations in Afghanistan an expression of appreciation for nations, 
including Japan, participating in the ongoing antiterrorism missions 
in that country. This move reflects the Japanese government's 
pressure on the UN to provide a good reason for Japan's Maritime 
Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to continue its refueling mission -- which 
is to expire on Nov. 1 -- in the Indian Ocean. The government used 
the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) argument 
against continuing the MSDF's refueling mission because of the lack 
of any UN resolution giving approval to that mission against the 
party. Taking advantage of this resolution, the government and the 
ruling coalition intend to stimulate public opinion and gain the 
advantage over the DPJ. 
 
The MSDF has been engaged in the refueling mission under the 
Antiterrorism Special Measures Law. Internationally, this mission is 
seen as part of "Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF)" led by the 
Coalition of the Willing, composed mainly of US troops. An idea of 
including appreciation for nations participating in the 
antiterrorism campaign in a UN resolution came from the Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs (MOFA). MOFA has lobbied the UN Security Council 
(UNSC) member nations to include appreciation in a resolution since 
the start of this month. A senior MOFA official explained: "It is 
safe to say that this idea was in effect aimed at convincing the 
DPJ." 
 
The government has used UNSC Resolution 1368 calling on "the 
international community to make even more efforts to prevent 
terrorism" adopted in September 2001 as the grounds for operations 
under OEF. But the DPJ has contended that such operations are not 
specifically mentioned in the resolution." The DPJ has been opposed 
to the MSDF's refueling mission. 
 
Behind MOFA's energetic lobbying was the domestic situation where 
given the reversal of the positions in the Upper House between the 
ruling and opposition parties, the government needs to obtain the 
DPJ's approval for continuing the MSDF's refueling mission. A senior 
MOFA official explained that if a resolution expressing 
"appreciation for nations participating in operations under OEF, 
including maritime interdiction operation," and a "need for 
continued operations," is adopted, "the DPJ will lose the grounds 
for its opposition." 
 
TOKYO 00004384  007 OF 012 
 
 
 
In the ministry, however, someone noted, "The resolution bill is 
related to the International Security Assistance Force's (ISAF) 
missions, and it is not directly giving any grounds to operations 
under OEF. Whether the resolution can serve as a material to 
convince the DPJ is still questionable." Given this, it remains to 
be seen whether MOFA's lobbying will bear fruit. 
 
8) New UN resolution: DPJ to watch public opinion attentively, while 
remaining opposed to continuation of refueling operation 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The UN Security Council is expected to adopt a resolution including 
appreciative words for the multinational maritime interdiction 
operations (MIO) in the Indian Ocean, in which the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force is taking part. Despite that, the major 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto or DPJ) decided 
yesterday to continue opposing the MSDF's refueling operation, 
saying the content of the resolution does not provide any clear 
grounds for the MSDF operation. At the same time, there is a view in 
the DPJ that the party must study a flexible response by discerning 
public trends as the responsible largest party in the House of 
Councillors. The government and ruling parties are watching 
carefully how public opinion affects the DPJ's response. 
 
Regarding the UN resolution, DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman 
Masayuki Naoshima said in yesterday's press conference: "A 
resolution simply expressing appreciation will not be able to change 
our thinking." Deputy President Seiji Maehara, who supports an 
extension of the MSDF mission, also indicated before the press corps 
that the new UN resolution would be insufficient, saying: "A 
resolution authorizing the MIO is necessary. The government must 
explain to the public what effect it will have (on the refueling 
mission)." 
 
The government has explained that the Antiterrorism Law, which has 
been serving as the basis for the MSDF mission, has a seal of 
approval from the United Nations by citing UN Security Council 
Resolution 1368 that recognized 9/11 as a threat to international 
peace and security and Resolution 1267 that urged UN member 
countries to take antiterrorism measures. 
 
Meanwhile, DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa has clearly opposed an 
extension of the refueling mission, saying that the war on terrorism 
in and around Afghanistan is America's war of self-defense and that 
there has been no UN resolution directly requesting the MSDF's 
refueling operation. 
 
At the same time, some in the DPJ have begun paying attention to 
public trends. A DPJ lawmaker specialized in national defense took 
this view: "Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda is a 
seasoned politician, and we need Diet measures distinct from those 
of the Abe administration. If public opinion gradually supports the 
refueling mission, the DPJ might find itself isolated." 
 
Some DPJ lawmakers, including Akihisa Nagashima, have given positive 
assessments to the government's efforts for the additional UN 
resolution. It remains to be seen which side -- the government and 
ruling parties or the DPJ -- can win public support. 
 
 
TOKYO 00004384  008 OF 012 
 
 
9) DPJ remains adamantly opposed to extension of MSDF mission 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) intends to 
oppose an extension of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling 
operation in the Indian Ocean even if the UN Security Council adopts 
a new resolution. The DPJ's view is that a new resolution to express 
"appreciation" for antiterrorism operations will still not be direct 
authorization by the United Nations, which President Ichiro Ozawa 
has called for. Even former President Seiji Maehara, who has 
expressed his understanding for the MSDF mission, has reacted 
negatively, saying: "I feel it is a makeshift measure." 
 
Ozawa yesterday directed Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Kenji 
Yamaoka that the party should adhere to its opposition to the 
government's plan to extend the Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, 
even a new resolution is adopted. He told Yamaoka: "It's not 
germane. The Constitution and the Japan-US Security Treaty cannot be 
tricked by expressions of appreciation." 
 
The DPJ's Foreign Affairs and Defense Division confirmed yesterday 
that even if a new resolution was adopted, the party would 
"laughingly dismiss it." Yoshio Hachiro, foreign minister of the 
Next Cabinet, told reporters: "The UN resolution will not at all 
directly single out the antiterrorism operations in which the MSDF 
has participated." Keiichiro Asao, defense minister of the Next 
Cabinet, also said: "We will not change our opposition." 
 
It seems that the more DPJ lawmakers know about the contents of the 
UN resolution, the more they have strengthened their opposition. In 
response to an interview by Nikkei, Maehara pointed out: "It is 
desirable to directly ask the public as to whether they support or 
not. It is not fair to try to change the mood of the public by a UN 
resolution expressing appreciation." Another DPJ lawmaker also made 
a critical comment: "It is unusual to use the United Nations for 
internal politics." 
 
10) DPJ sticking to its position opposing MSDF refueling services in 
the Indian Ocean, despite a UN resolution of appreciation 
 
TOKYO (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) has eagerly rejected 
a new United Nations Security Council resolution on the 
anti-terrorist mop-up operations in Afghanistan. The reason is if 
the mood of the public swings based on the resolution and public 
approval of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's continuing operations 
in the Indian Ocean rises, the party, which has consistently been 
against the refueling services, 
 
The essence of new UNSC resolution would clearly express 
appreciation for the coalition of the willing, including Japan, for 
carrying out Operation Enduring Freedom (OEF) under the US lead, and 
would cite the need to continue OEF operations. 
 
Until now, the government has cited as the grounds for the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force (MSDF) refueling operations an ordinary UN 
resolution that criticizes terrorism and includes in it a request 
for cooperation to punish terrorist organizations. The new 
 
TOKYO 00004384  009 OF 012 
 
 
resolution, if adopted, would come in the form of adding to the 
grounds and the legitimacy of the refueling operations. With this, 
the government hopes to get the DPJ, as the largest party in the 
Upper House, to reverse its policy course. 
 
However, DPJ leaders have stressed the party will stick to its 
opposition to the refueling activities until the end. Policy Board 
Chairman Masayuki Uejima at a press conference stressed, "Our 
thinking has not changed a bit." Next Cabinet Foreign Minister 
Yoshiro Hachiro noted that since the expression of appreciation is 
in the resolution's preamble, "It is not at all proper stipulation 
for OEF activities in a UN resolution." 
 
DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama criticized the resolution as a 
"farce," citing open lobbying by the Japanese government to continue 
refueling activities. 
 
11) DPJ to submit bill scrapping Iraq Reconstruction Assistance Law 
to Upper House: Information disclosure eyed 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) yesterday decided to 
submit to the Upper House during the extraordinary Diet session a 
bill scrapping the Iraq Reconstruction Assistance Special Measures 
Law aimed at an immediate pullout of Air Self-Defense Force (ASDF) 
troops from Iraq, where they are engaging in an airlift mission for 
multinational forces. The party is set to pursue the government over 
insufficient information disclosure and the legitimacy of the 
dispatch of ASDF personnel to Iraq as well as the propriety of 
continuing the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) mission for 
refueling in the Indian Ocean, when Diet debate starts after the 
election of a new prime minister. 
 
The DPJ is opposing the dispatch of SDF personnel to Iraq, noting 
that it is doubtful whether the SDF mission is relevant for the 
reconstruction of Iraq and that information disclosure by the 
government is also extremely insufficient. The DPJ has so far 
introduced a bill scrapping the law three times. Now that the 
opposition is the dominant force in the Upper House, the DPJ will 
aim at having the bill adopted in the Upper House first and then 
securing its adoption and passage in the Lower House with the 
consent of the ruling camp. 
 
The government intends to submit a bill approving the dispatch of 
MSDF troops during the extraordinary Diet session. However, 
suspecting that MSDF ships refueled US vessels heading for Iraq, the 
DPJ plans to seek the disclosure of related data and to exercise 
administrative investigation rights. 
 
Government denies diversion of fuel 
 
Regarding the MSDF refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, the 
government in a written answer adopted at a cabinet meeting denied 
refueling vessels heading for the Iraq operation, noting that MSDF 
personnel confirm each time they provide refueling service that 
concerned vessels are engaging in activities stipulated under the 
Antiterrorism Special Measures Law. The reply was made in response 
to a memorandum on questions submitted by Upper House member Shinkun 
Haku of the DPJ. 
 
 
TOKYO 00004384  010 OF 012 
 
 
12) Online poll: Fukuda backed by middle-aged, Aso by young people 
 
TOKYO (Page 2) (Abridged) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The Tokyo Shimbun's recent online poll of political monitors, the 
results of which were tabulated yesterday, shows what strata support 
former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda and Liberal Democratic 
Party Secretary General Taro Aso, who are running in the LDP 
presidential race. The survey also shows the public's severe view of 
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who has now announced his resignation. 
 
In popularity rating, Fukuda stood at 40.1 PERCENT , with Aso at 
18.2 PERCENT . However, 36.1 PERCENT  had no expectations for the 
two. 
 
Among those who picked Fukuda, those in their 20s and 30s accounted 
for 37.6 PERCENT , and those aged 40 and over at 62.4 PERCENT . 
Meanwhile, among those who opted for Aso, the total proportion of 
those in their 20s and 30s was 43.8 PERCENT , and those aged 40 and 
over at 56.3 PERCENT . Among those who support Fukuda, there are 
comparatively many middle-aged and elderly people. Among those who 
support Aso, there are many young people. 
 
Respondents were also asked who they thought would be appropriate 
for prime minister. To this question, Ichiro Ozawa, president of the 
leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto), ranked top. 
More than one third of the respondents named DPJ lawmakers, 
including two DPJ vice presidents, Katsuya Okada and Naoto Kan. 
Fukuda ranked second, and Aso in third place. 
 
13) Poll: Online monitors, LDP local execs differ on priority 
issues 
 
TOKYO (Top play) (Abridged) 
September 20, 2007 
 
The Tokyo Shimbun conducted a questionnaire survey of the ruling 
Liberal Democratic Party's local chapter executives prior to the 
LDP's presidential election in the wake of Prime Minister Shinzo 
Abe's announcement of his resignation. In addition, the Tokyo 
Shimbun also conducted an online poll of 500 political monitors. The 
LDP's local executives want the new prime minister (LDP president) 
to correct the nation's social divide, while the online monitors 
want the next premier to fast-track policy measures for pensions. 
The monitors also want the House of Representatives to be dissolved 
at an early date for a general election. However, the LDP's local 
chapters want the next premier to move down a Diet dissolution. 
 
14) Fukuda, Aso address foreign press club 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda and incumbent Liberal 
Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Taro Aso, who are running 
in the LDP presidential election, yesterday delivered speeches at 
the Foreign Correspondents Club of Japan. Fukuda stressed: "The next 
prime minister will be required to carry out reforms for the benefit 
of the daily lives of the people. Measures will be needed to wipe 
away the public's anxiety." He expressed his eagerness to correct 
problems caused by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi's reform 
 
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drive. 
 
Aso referred to the negative side of the Koizumi reform program, 
saying: "It is clear that no achievement was made in local area 
reforms," adding, "I would like to promote effective reform in the 
e-government area." 
 
The two shared the perception that the issue of extending the 
Maritime Self-Defense Forces' refueling operation in the Indian 
Ocean should be resolved by new legislation. 
 
15) Japan War-Bereaved Families Association to support Fukuda 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 19, 2007 
 
The Japan War-Bereaved Families Association, which is a strong 
support organization for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), 
will decide in a meeting today of its directors to back former Chief 
Cabinet Secretary Yasuo Fukuda in the LDP presidential election. The 
association and Fukuda share the view that various problems caused 
by the enshrinement of Class-A war criminals in Yasukuni Shrine 
should be resolved in some way. Chairman Makoto Koga, a former LDP 
secretary general, was quick to support Fukuda. He will confirm 
 
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today the decision by the directors in a second study session on the 
separating of Class-A war criminals from Yasukuni. 
 
As Fukuda compiled a report calling for creating a new national 
cemetery when he was serving as chief cabinet secretary, there is a 
possibility that debate on the Yasukuni issue would be pushed ahead 
if he assumes the prime minister's post. The association has opposed 
the idea of building a national cemetery, but a study of removing 
Class-A war criminals from the Shinto shrine is aimed at urging 
Yasukuni Shrine to change its stance. There is a hidden motive of 
promoting debate on a removal of Class-A war criminals from Yasukuni 
by debating construction of a new national cemetery. 
 
16) Koga's influence strengthening in LDP 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
Makoto Koga, a former secretary general of the Liberal Democratic 
Party (LDP) who heads a faction in the LDP, has promoted his 
political presence. He led the move to field former Chief Cabinet 
Secretary Yasuo Fukuda in the ongoing LDP presidential race, setting 
 
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the trend favorable to Fukuda. Koga's influence will likely grow in 
a Fukuda government. 
 
Koga said: "My political belief is closer to that of Fukuda than 
Secretary General Taro Aso's." He cited Fukuda's policy toward Asia 
 
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and a policy of placing importance on the daily lives of people as 
reasons for his support for Fukuda. He has set up the election 
taskforce team in a Tokyo hotel on his own (for Fukuda). 
 
Despite the sudden presidential election, Koga was quick to take 
action. Following Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's announcement of his 
intention to resign, Koga held on the evening of Sept. 12 a general 
meeting of his faction. He soon made contact with Taku Yamasaki, 
former LDP vice president, and Sadakazu Tanigaki, former finance 
minister, winning their support for Fukuda. A senior Koga faction 
member stressed: "Since our faction first voiced support for Fukuda, 
 
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other factions decided to back him." 
 
Koga and Yuya Niwa first co-chaired the faction since June 2006. 
However, Niwa left the faction after assuming the post of the LDP 
General Council chairman last September. So Koga became the 
faction's chairman last October. He has made efforts to take over 
the faction. Niwa appears to be supporting Aso, but few faction 
members will likely follow him. The dominant view is that Niwa's 
clout will inevitably decline as the possibility of Fukuda becoming 
the next prime minister is now certain. 
 
There may be a change in the Koga faction's strategy. 
 
Kota is positive about a merger with the Tanigaki faction, aiming at 
forming a middle-size Kochikai, while Niwa has advocated the notion 
of creating a grand Kochikai. There is a view that if Niwa's 
influence weakens, the idea of forming a middle-size Kochikai will 
be pushed forward quickly. 
 
17) Did former Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa know about Prime 
Minister Abe's intention to resign? 
 
SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) 
September 20, 2007 
 
Although the "coup d'etat" rumor is that Chief Cabinet Secretary 
Kaoru Yosano and Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General 
Tao Aso ultimately forced Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to step down. 
Yosano has fought back, indicating that former Secretary General 
Hidenao Nakagawa also knew of Abe's decision. Nakagawa called at the 
Prime Minister's Official Residence to meet Abe on Sept. 11, the day 
before Abe announced his resignation. 
 
Regarding this point, Yosano stated at a press conference yesterday: 
"It is true that he met with the prime minister. So it would not be 
strange if the prime minister had told him his intention to quit." 
 
Asked about this by reporters, Yosano responded: "It can be said 
that the prime minister wanted to convey his intention in some 
fashion on Sept. 10 or 11. But I failed to sense it," saying that he 
heard Abe's intention to step down for the first time on the 12th. 
He also underscored: "There is nothing wrong with a little media 
skirmish over information, but moderation is needed. Otherwise, the 
LDP will lose public confidence." 
 
Asked by reporters whether the coup rumor was slanderous, Yosano 
replied, "That's right." 
 
On Sept. 11, New Komeito leader Akihiro Ota, too, met with Abe. 
Yosano clearly stated that Ota did not know about Abe's intention. 
 
SCHIEFFER