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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 11 TOKYO 004528 
 
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 09/27/07 
 
 
Index: 
 
(1) Ambassadors of 11 countries discuss the question of extending 
Japan's Antiterrorism Special Measures Law 
 
(2) Editorial -- Six-party talks: Tangible progress on nuclear and 
abduction issues desirable 
 
(3) Back-against-the-wall cabinet: Switch from Abe policy gathering 
steam 
 
(4) Education Minister Tokai says he returned donations, calling 
suspicions regrettable 
 
(5) Defense Minister Ishiba describes current government's Futenma 
relocation plan as ideal, points out difficulties in offshore 
relocation 
 
(6) Japanese tanker attacked by suicide terrorists 
 
(7) Leaks of harmful agents at Yokota Air Base: Whether to report 
and investigate incident depends on US military judgment 
 
(8) Teaming up with GSDF: Base sharing to push for integration 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Ambassadors of 11 countries discuss the question of extending 
Japan's Antiterrorism Special Measures Law 
 
SANKEI ONLINE NEWS (Full) 
September 27, 2007, 13:05 p.m. 
 
The ambassadors of 11 countries, including the United States, which 
have deployed their forces in the Indian Ocean, this morning 
gathered together at the Pakistani Ambassador's Residence at Shoto 
in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and discussed measures to persuade Japan to 
continue its refueling mission. By emphasizing the importance of 
international unity, they urged Japan to continue its Maritime 
Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) refueling operations and issued a joint 
statement expressing appreciation for Japan's refueling activities 
carried out to date. 
 
Those who participated in the gathering included ambassadors of the 
US, Britain, Germany, France, Australia, Italy, Canada, Greece, New 
Zealand, Pakistan, and Afghanistan. 
 
The statement said: "Japan has made amazing and essential 
contributions in the area of refueling, which decides on the fate of 
Operation Enduring Freedom. It has contributed to peace and 
stability in Afghanistan and international efforts to promote 
prosperity." Referring to recently-adopted United Nations Security 
Council Resolution 1776, the statement added: "Allies have 
understood, deeply appreciated, and hope for Japan's assistance." 
 
On the rumor that the MSDF might have refueled US vessels involved 
in combats in Iraq, US Ambassador to Japan J. Thomas Schieffer 
denied it, noting: "There has been no trace of such refueling." 
 
(2) Editorial -- Six-party talks: Tangible progress on nuclear and 
abduction issues desirable 
 
 
TOKYO 00004528  002 OF 011 
 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The six-party talks to discuss the North Korean nuclear issue are to 
restart in Beijing on Sept. 27 and hold the first plenary session 
since this past March. The session will give the first occasion to 
Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's just launched administration to face 
North Korea. Also, the session will test the administration's 
ability to deal with the nuclear and abduction issues. 
 
A major focus of the upcoming meeting is to set a specific roadmap 
for implementing the "next-phase action" leading to complete nuclear 
disablement. 
 
According to US Assistant Secretary of State Christopher Hill, the 
US chief delegate to the six-party talks, the plenary session will 
receive a report from a group of experts from the United States, 
China, and Russia on the results of their inspections of nuclear 
facilities in North Korea. Following the report, the participants 
will discuss progress at each of five working groups held in the 
summer. 
 
Based on the results of the discussions, a process for disabling 
major nuclear facilities, including (1) the graphite-moderated 
nuclear reactor in Yongbyon, (2) the reprocessing facility, and (3) 
the facility for the production of fuel rods will be sealed in a bid 
to prevent the total amount of nuclear-bomb-grade plutonium 
estimated at about 50 kg at present from increasing. On the 
reporting of nuclear programs, the session will call on the North to 
disclose its uranium enrichment program, which has not been made 
clear in the past, and aim to disable it, too. 
 
The United States appears to be motivated by its desire to 
facilitate disablement before the end of the year in order to pave 
the way for nuclear dismantlement next year. One concern in this 
regard is a growing possibility that the US will remove North Korea 
from the list of state sponsors of terrorism in an easygoing manner 
as called for by the North. 
 
Whether the North will honestly carry out its pledge to completely 
dismantle nuclear weapons and programs still remains an open 
question. Recently the media reported that North Korea is suspected 
of having cooperated with Syria in developing nuclear weapons and 
missiles. On the question of disablement, as well, nothing has been 
decided, such as who will be responsible for the actual process and 
how to share the cost. 
 
Should the US government decide to delist North Korea at this point 
in time, that could simply have an adverse impact on a resolution of 
the abduction issue involving Japanese nationals and could also 
affect the Japan-US alliance. The Fukuda administration's 
capabilities will be tested in this connection. 
 
Fukuda expressed his enthusiasm, saying, "I'd like to resolve the 
abduction issue myself," but some have expressed concern that Fukuda 
may prioritize "dialogue over pressure" in contrast to the former 
Abe administration. Japan should not easily make concessions on the 
question of whether to extend its own sanctions taken since last 
fall against North Korea, such as a ban on North Korean ships, 
including the Man Gyong Bong, calling at Japanese ports. We hope to 
see the government's strong determination to move both the nuclear 
and abduction issues forward while working in close cooperation with 
 
TOKYO 00004528  003 OF 011 
 
 
the US, as well as the government's strategy for that end. 
 
(3) Back-against-the-wall cabinet: Switch from Abe policy gathering 
steam 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
The Fukuda cabinet was formally launched on the evening of Sept. 27. 
 His secretary reported to Fukuda, who was working in his office at 
the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei), "It appears that 
cabinet approval ratings in opinion polls conducted by various 
dailies are around 60 PERCENT ."  Fukuda replied with a smile, "Oh, 
really. We have to live up to public expectations." 
 
Fukuda was elected prime minister amid growing distrust in politics 
caused by the pension record-keeping errors, politics and money 
scandals, and the subsequent defeat of the Liberal Democratic Party 
(LDP) in the Upper House election, which led to Shjinzo Abe's sudden 
resignation. 
 
It was Fukuda himself who dubbed his cabinet the "against-the-wall 
cabinet" in a press conference held after the formation of the 
cabinet on the evening of September 25, because he was acutely 
alarmed about the idea that even one single mistake could cause the 
LDP to lose power. 
 
On the policy front, Fukuda is beginning to adjust the radical 
reform initiative carried on by the Koizumi and Abe administrations. 
Policy Research Council Chairman Tanigaki, who supported Fukuda in 
the LDP presidential election, stressed, "We must make a policy 
shift so that attention will be given to the downside of structural 
reforms." 
 
Supporters of Fukuda held policy talks in a Tokyo hotel on Sept. 15, 
when Fukuda announced his candidacy for the presidential election. A 
number of participants called for measures for those in vulnerable 
positions. Policies to put on hold such measures as an increase in 
medical copayments by the elderly and a reduction in child 
allowances for single-mother families, were adopted immediately. 
Fukuda's public pledges also incorporated measures to revitalize 
local economies. 
 
The shift from the Koizumi and Abe policies is a change in the 
political situation caused by the LDP's devastating defeat in the 
Upper House election. Structural changes are also gathering steam. 
An increasing number of members of the New Komeito and its power 
base Soka Gakkai now take the position that if they join hands only 
with the LDP, they will lose support or that they should look into 
non-cabinet tie-ups. 
 
The New Komeito in the power-sharing talks with the LDP strongly 
called for an increase in welfare-related spending. The policy 
agreements the two parties reached on the 25th included promoting 
the deployment of medical helicopters, strengthening assistance for 
child-rearing, including improved child allowances, nursery services 
and assistance to pregnant women, and considering a drastic review 
of the Disabled Persons Self-Help Assistance Law. 
 
Realizing those measures needs a considerable amount of financial 
resources. The government incorporated a policy of cutting social 
security outlays by 1.1 trillion yen over five years starting in 
 
TOKYO 00004528  004 OF 011 
 
 
fiscal 2007 in the basic policy guidelines on economic and fiscal 
management and structural reforms adopted last July. However, a 
switch from this policy is bound to occur. 
 
In addition, due to the trading of places between the ruling and 
opposition camps in the Upper House, the Japanese government has 
become a divided government in which the DPJ holds the key to 
realizing policies, according to Tokyo University Professor Akihiko 
Tanaka. The Fukuda administration is strapped with a structural 
problem, that is to say, it cannot pass bills into law without the 
DPJ's cooperation. 
 
Many take the view that if the New Komeito and the DPJ both attach 
importance to measures on social security and social disparities, 
the government might resort to a strategy of scattering about 
pork-barrel largesse. 
 
On the diplomatic front, Fukuda categorically said that he would not 
visit Yasukuni Shrine and that he would give weight to dialogue in 
dealing with North Korea. He also stressed a stance of holding talks 
with the DPJ regarding the issue of continuing the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force's refueling operation for US vessels that are 
engaging in antiterror operations in the Indian Ocean, though 
prospects for such talks have yet to be secured. 
 
How will Fukuda make a policy switch smoothly, while avoiding 
negative impacts? Since the thorny path remains unchanged since 
under the Abe administration, his ability as prime minister will be 
tested. 
 
(4) Education Minister Tokai says he returned donations, calling 
suspicions regrettable 
 
ASAHI Online (Full) 
13:34, September 27, 2007 
 
In connection with allegations that the Liberal Democratic Party 
Hyogo Prefecture No. 10 Electoral Branch headed by Education, 
Culture, Sports, Science, and Technology Minister Kisaburo Tokai 
received 1 million yen each in donations from a construction company 
undertaking a national public works project on the day and the day 
before the public announcements of the 2003 and 2005 Lower House 
elections, Tokai indicated earlier today that the branch has 
returned a total of 2.9 million in donations to the company. The 
education minister explained the reason this way: "My perception is 
that the donations were not violations of the Public Offices 
Election Law, but it was regrettable that suspicions arose. I 
therefore ordered the branch to return the money to clear its 
name." 
 
In responding to questions at the Education Ministry, Tokai said to 
the press: "Closely associating with the company for two 
generations, I have received assistance from it regularly." He also 
explained that the branch had received from the company a total of 
1.3 million yen in donations in 2003 and 1.6 million yen in 2005. 
 
The Public Offices Election Law prohibits companies in contract with 
the central government making donations in connection with national 
elections and candidates receiving donations. 
 
(5) Defense Minister Ishiba describes current government's Futenma 
relocation plan as ideal, points out difficulties in offshore 
 
TOKYO 00004528  005 OF 011 
 
 
relocation 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Slightly abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
At a press briefing yesterday after the just launched Fukuda 
cabinet's first meeting, Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba referred to 
the possibility of constructing a planned V-shaped airstrip offshore 
as called for by Okinawa Prefecture and Nago City regarding the 
relocation of the US Marine Corps Air Station Futenma and indicated 
there would be difficulties in doing so, noting: "I think the 
present plan is ideal. There is no change in the central 
government's way of thinking that (the current plan) will not be 
modified unless there is any rational reason." 
 
At the same time, Ishiba said, "I don't intend to turn a deaf ear to 
local voices. As a minister in charge, I want to have a proper 
perception about what are real local voices and how (airplanes) will 
actually fly." Ishiba thus underlined his intention to make efforts 
to know firsthand the desires of Okinawa Prefecture and Nago City 
and have a good grip of an operating plan for an alternative 
facility. 
 
Additionally, Ishiba mentioned that "The military bases cannot exist 
without local understanding and cooperation. Local understanding is 
of great importance for the continuation of the Japan-US alliance. 
The central government "absolutely should not make local residents 
feel 'the central government lacks sincerity in doing it.'" 
 
Referring to the Consultative Council on Futenma, which has not met 
since January of this year, Ishiba explained: "The council should 
meet as quickly as possible. The central government is responsible 
for setting the stage for the council to reopen. State Minister in 
Charge of Okinawa Fumio Kishida and I are responsible for doing so." 
Ishiba thus indicated his intention to restart the council as 
quickly as possible while working together with Kishida. 
 
Former Defense Minister Masahiko Komura, at a ceremony for him to 
leave the Defense Ministry to assume the post of foreign minister 
ahead of Ishiba arriving at the post of defense minister, said this 
about the Futenma relocation plan: "(The relocation plan) is a key 
to implementing the US force realignment plans." He then added: "The 
important thing is to keep trust relations with municipalities and 
residents. I hope the central government, in line with the Japan-US 
agreement, will give a detailed account of its views to local 
residents, listen to local views, hold discussion with the locals in 
all sincerity, and realize the relocation as swiftly as possible." 
 
(6) Japanese tanker attacked by suicide terrorists 
 
SANKEI (Page 1) (Abridged) 
September 27, 2007 
 
NYK Line's 280,000-ton tanker Takasuzu transports crude oil from the 
Persian Gulf to Japan through via the Indian Ocean. 
 
Oil tankers are vital for Japan, which imports 90 percent of its 
crude oil from the Middle East. Oil from the Middle East has been 
supporting the Japanese economy, producing electricity, and running 
automobiles. 
 
What if such tankers were attacked by terrorists in the sea lanes 
 
TOKYO 00004528  006 OF 011 
 
 
coming from the Middle East? Japan's energy supply would dry up and 
the Japanese economy would suffer a devastating blow from it, 
resulting in an oil crisis 
 
The Takasuzu in fact came under a terrorist attack in waters off 
Basra, Iraq, in the Persian Gulf and narrowly escaped sinking. It 
was the US-led coalition forces in the Persian Gulf that interdicted 
the terrorist attack against the Takasuzu. 
 
According to the British naval vessel Norfolk's operational logbook, 
an oil shipping terminal became the target of suicide attacks by 
small high-speed boats on April 24, 2004. Although damage to the 
terminal was slight, the Takasuzu docked at the port suffered 
serious damage. 
 
A coalition forces vessel spotted the three suspicious high-speed 
boats approaching and exchanged fire with them. One of them exploded 
several hundred meters away from the Takasuzu. 
 
The NYK Line Tokyo head office received a radio message saying that 
the Takasuzu had been attacked, sending shockwaves through the 
company. At around the same time, the Defense Agency Defense 
Intelligence Headquarters also received information on the 
incident. 
 
The tanker's hull was riddled with bullets and an iron door was 
blown away. Moreover, two US navy personnel and one Coast Guard 
sailor were killed in the incident. Although the terrorist attack 
was interdicted, the incident took a heavy human toll. 
 
Several days later, Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, who is connected with the 
Al Qaeda, issued a statement claiming responsibly for the attack. 
They think attacks on tankers would boost oil prices and that would 
deal a serious blow to the major Western powers. 
 
Some 40-50 Japanese tankers, including those of NYK Line, the 
operator of the Takasuzu, are cruising in the Persian Gulf at any 
given moment. NYK Line safe environment group chief Hiroshi Sekine 
said: "Without protection by the coalition forces, the tankers 
cannot go near waters off Basra." 
 
Meanwhile, 90 PERCENT  of the Iraqi national budget comes from oil 
exports. Use of such terminals is essential for the reconstruction 
of Iraq. 
 
In the wake of the Takasuzu incident, the coalition forces have set 
up a 3,000-meter alert zone in the port that is closed to 
unauthorized regular vessels. The security of this area is vital not 
only for the oil importing countries, such as Japan, but also for 
Iraq, the supplier, as well. 
 
The coalition forces are engaged in the war on terrorism from the 
Persian Gulf through the Indian Ocean with the aim of interdicting 
maritime terrorism. 
 
Tight legal restrictions do not allow Japan to send Maritime 
Self-Defense Force vessels to the "battle zone" in the Persian Gulf. 
Given the situation, MSDF supply vessels have been refueling naval 
vessels of the multinational forces in the Indian Ocean. In 
addition, because the MSDF is not allowed to directly root out 
maritime terrorism, Japan has to rely on other countries in 
defending its tankers. 
 
TOKYO 00004528  007 OF 011 
 
 
 
The MSDF refueling operations have been based on the Antiterrorism 
Special Measures Law. Opposition parties are opposing the law's 
extension, saying the government is not allowed to send troops to 
places irrelevant to the security of Japan. 
 
The Takasuzu incident has proved that waters in the Persian Gulf 
directly concern Japan. MSDF supply vessels have been supporting the 
war on terrorism and also protecting the economic artery that is 
directly connected with Japan's national interests at the same 
time. 
 
MSDF personnel have been dutifully providing ship-to-ship refueling 
services in the Indian Ocean under the scorching sun. Japan's 
departure from the Indian Ocean is likely to force the Pakistani 
vessels to leave the area, as they are heavily dependent on fuel 
from the MSDF. Such a development might unnecessarily harm the 
Japan-US alliance as well. 
 
Touching on the possibility of MSDF withdrawal, the British economic 
daily Financial Times said on Sept. 13 that "this is not bushido; 
this is being chicken." Japan's departure would take a toll on other 
countries, and that would seem like fleeing from the enemy lines. 
 
The countries that have sent ground troops to the coalition forces 
think Japan's Antiterrorism Law is taken political hostage in the 
country. The latest Newsweek issue cynically reported that Japan's 
irresponsible politics is being booed by other counties. At least 
the United States has the tradition that partisan interests 
connected with national security must be stopped at the water's 
edge. Both the Republicans and Democrats avoid clashing head-on by 
giving top priority to defending the country in the event of a 
national contingency. 
 
That is the right thing to do. As seen in the Takasuzu incident, the 
Japanese public must not forget that the country's economy is 
founded on the sacrifices of the coalition forces, including the 
United States. 
 
The UN Security Council adopted on Sept. 19 a resolution extending 
the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF) in Afghanistan 
that also included words of appreciation for Japan's refueling 
operations. Japan's operations are being highly appreciated out of 
proportion of its risks. 
 
As of Sept. 26, the Takasuzu is cruising west in the Arabian Sea 
north of the Indian Ocean where the MSDF remains on alert. The 
tanker is expected to arrive in the Persian Gulf in several days. 
 
NYK Line's Sekine fears that the Japanese tankers would become 
defenseless after the Antiterrorism Law expires. He said: "The 
tankers must pass through even dangerous areas. If possible, I would 
like to see MSDF vessels give protection to the tankers in the 
Persian Gulf, but that's not possible, so my understanding is that 
they are engaged in refueling operations in the Indian Ocean." 
 
It is near impossible to root out terrorism, aggression, and 
intimidations from the international community. If Japan 
self-servingly decides to leave the Indian Ocean, that would be 
tantamount to forcing other countries to assume the risks and 
burdens. 
 
 
TOKYO 00004528  008 OF 011 
 
 
(7) Leaks of harmful agents at Yokota Air Base: Whether to report 
and investigate incident depends on US military judgment 
 
ASAHI (Page 37) (Full) 
September 27, 2007 
 
It has been found that a total of 90 cases of leakage of toxic 
materials, including jet fuel, occurred at Yokota Air Base or its 
affiliated facilities over the past seven years but that local 
government was notified of only one case. The local communities must 
be informed of the actual state of pollution and properly deal with 
the situation. Is there no impact on the environments around the 
base? 
 
A team of lawyers in a lawsuit complaining aircraft noise at Yokota 
Air Base visited the Foreign Ministry in April and asked if no fault 
was found with the US military, which did not inform Japan of most 
of the incidents. An official responsible for matters related to the 
Japan-US Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) replied: "The US 
military, which has the authority to hand down a judgment, judged 
that the incidents would have no impact on the environment outside 
the base. There is no problem." This reply underscored the 
ministry's stance of leaving everything to the US military's 
discretion. 
 
Under an agreement reached by the Japan-US Joint Committee, the US 
military is required to notify Japan of a spill incident that could 
cause pollution. The Foreign Ministry has no intention to work to 
review the agreement, with one official saying: "It is not true to 
interpret that everything should be reported." 
 
There was a case in which although the US military notified the 
Japanese government of an incident, the Japanese government did not 
relay the news to local governments concerned. On April 9 in 2002, 
about 5,680 litters of fuel leaked from a tank. Data kept by the US 
military stated that the incident "could pose a threat to public 
health and safety." 
 
According to explanations by the Foreign Ministry and the Tokyo 
Regional Defense Facilities Administration Bureau on this case, the 
US military notified the government of the leak as reference 
information and was not based on the Joint Committee's agreement. 
They replied in response to the Tokyo metropolitan government's 
request for disclosure of information that they would properly 
respond and report even if it was just reference information. 
 
There were cases in which local governments, even if informed of an 
incident, remain unable to cope with the situation. 
 
Many pollution accidents have occurred at US military bases in 
Okinawa. Kadena Air Base suffered a jet fuel leak of about 8,700 
liters in late May. The US military was aware of the leak on May 29, 
but it notified the Foreign Ministry about the incident two days 
later, and the ministry did not inform the Okinawa prefectural 
government of it until June 1, according to the prefectural 
government. 
 
The prefectural government asked the US military to allow it to 
collect soil samples, but the US military declined the request, on 
the strength of its facility-management right specified in the SOFA. 
Okinawa officials entered the base twice, but they were just allowed 
to conduction visual checks. They said they had no alternative but 
 
TOKYO 00004528  009 OF 011 
 
 
to only watch US troops moving the soil to another location in the 
base. 
 
Contamination status at Onna Communication Site in Onna Village was 
revealed for the first time after the site was returned to Japan. 
 
In 1996, the year after the base was returned, 104 tons of mud 
containing 12 times larger amounts of polychorinated byhenyl (PCB) 
and other harmful substances than the allowable ones under the 
government's regulations were found. The US military has refused to 
take care of the contaminated mud, on the grounds that the SOFA does 
not require the US military to restore original state. The Japanese 
government has kept the mud in drums at the Air Self-Defense Force 
Onna Base. 
 
The Tokyo government is eager to make Yokota Air Base an airport 
used by both the US military and Japanese civilians, as one of the 
campaign pledges by Governor Shintaro Ishihara. 
 
Officials responsible for foreign and defense affairs of the two 
countries have discussed potential problems expected to surface if 
the plan is implemented and conditions since last October. Both 
governments plan to come up with a policy decision by this October. 
 
The Tokyo metropolitan government had conducted a groundwater 
inspection in areas near the station until last fiscal year, 
following a leak of 68 kiloliters of aircraft fuel into the site of 
Yokota base in 1993. The government reached the conclusion that 
nothing abnormal was detected, without any health threat. 
 
An official of the Tokyo government, though, commented regarding the 
leak in the military base: "It is difficult to estimate how 
seriously the soil in the entire base has been polluted. There will 
be no other way but for us to continue to urge the US military to 
give consideration to the ambient environments." 
 
Yoichi Endo, former assembly member of Fussa City, which houses 
Yokota AB, and has engaged in base-monitoring activity, said that 
this case exposed the US military's little consideration to safety. 
He said: "The joint use plan involving commercial airlines that must 
give top priority to the safety-first principle should be considered 
in a cautious manner." 
 
(8) Teaming up with GSDF: Base sharing to push for integration 
 
ASAHI (Kanagawa edition) (Page 34) (Full) 
September 21, 2007 
 
Takashi Watanabe, Asahi Shimbun 
 
The air was dry with the sun blazing down. The horizon was 
reddish-brown over the vast expanse of America's land in the 
wilderness. A tank that was brought in from Japan was rolling across 
the ground, firing a shell. In the sky overhead, an antitank 
helicopter hovered. The chopper then launched rockets. 
 
The US Army has a field training ground in Yakima County, 
Washington. The training area, also known as the Yakima range, is 
situated about 200 kilometers southeast of the US Army's Fort Lewis 
base. At the Yakima range, the Ground Self-Defense Force conducted 
maximum-range live-fire training on Sept. 6-15, with the 
participation of about 340 GSDF members, including those from the 
 
TOKYO 00004528  010 OF 011 
 
 
GSDF Western Army. In Japan, there is no place for such full-scale 
live-fire training. 
 
"We were given an environment where we could use firearms to the 
fullest." With this, Masatsugu Ono, who commands the GSDF 8th 
Artillery Regiment 3rd Battalion, thanked the US Army. 
 
The US Army, however, did not only offer a training site in its 
cooperation with the GSDF. In the United States, the GSDF has 
annually conducted 16 training exercises. For this year's training, 
Ft. Lewis sent about 100 troops, including those from the 17th Fires 
Brigade, which is a modular field artillery unit of the US Army's 
1st Corps, or I Corps ("eye core") for short, and which has 
state-of-the-art multiple-launch rocket systems (MLRS). For the GSDF 
training, they served as 'stagehands' to give training advice, 
refuel vehicles and helicopters, put out underbrush fires, and 
provide water and food. 
 
The GSDF training this time was commanded by Kazumichi Miyamoto, 
deputy commander of the 8th Division, a GSDF field unit based in 
Kumamoto City. "We trained until late at night," Miyamoto said, "and 
they also helped us until late at night." He added, "I take off my 
hat." 
 
The US Army's 9th Corps (IX Corps) used to locate its headquarters 
on Camp Zama in Kanagawa Prefecture. Its headquarters was absorbed 
into the headquarters of I Corps in 1995. Since then, I Corps and 
the GSDF have annually conducted a bilateral joint command post 
exchange (CPX) drill in Japan or the United States, with their 
command staffs using computers. 
 
The GSDF has posted officers to I Corps headquarters since 1996, as 
well as South Korea and Australia, to liaise with the US Army and 
coordinate training exercises, including live-fire drills at 
Yakima. 
 
"The important thing is to share intelligence between trustworthy 
countries," I Corps Public Affairs Officer McDorman said. "For the 
United States," the I Corps spokesman added, "Japan is an important 
friend." One GSDF officer also said, "We meet and talk every day, 
and then we trust each other." 
 
In the process of realigning the US military presence in Japan, I 
Corps will locate its headquarters on Camp Zama to command its 
forward-deployed troops. The GSDF will also move the headquarters of 
its Central Readiness Command (CRC) to Camp Zama by the end of 
fiscal 2012 from its current location at the GSDF's Asaka garrison 
that stretches over Saitama Prefecture and Tokyo. The Defense 
Ministry has earmarked approximately 1.5 billion yen in its budget 
estimate for fiscal 2008 to build facilities and billets at Zama. 
 
Among those concerned with military affairs in Japan and the United 
States, this base sharing at Zama is seen as a symbol of bilateral 
cooperation. That is because Japan and the United States are 
expected to go ahead with their military integration further as I 
Corps and the CRC share the base for their respective commands. 
 
On Sept. 14, US Army Brig. Gen. Donald Campbell, the deputy 
commanding general of I Corps, was also in the Yakima range to see 
the GSDF's live-fire training for the day. 
 
After the training, Campbell talked to each of the young GSDF 
 
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members there and dined with GSDF officers. When the I Corps deputy 
commander was leaving on a helicopter, I asked him about the plan to 
set up a command of forward-deployed troops at Camp Zama. 
 
"After the command of forward-deployed troops is located at Camp 
Zama, our two countries' bilateral relationship would be 
strengthened further," Campbell answered. 
 
Note: This is the second of a three-part series. 
 
SCHIEFFER