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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 13 TOKYO 004829 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; 
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; 
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; 
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, 
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA 
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; 
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 10/16/07 
 
Index: 
 
(1) Poll on Fukuda cabinet, political parties, MSDF refueling 
(Asahi) 
 
(2) DPJ plans to summon former Defense Bureau Director General 
Moriya over alleged diversion of MSDF-supplied fuel (Asahi) 
 
(3) Missile training planned for next month to defend capital 
(Nikkei) 
 
(4) Government fails to produce evidence supporting its claim that 
Japanese oil was not used in Iraq war (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(5) Discontinuation of refueling operation would destroy Japan-US 
alliance (Sankei) 
 
(6) Debate on MSDF refueling ignoring national interest (Sankei) 
 
(7) Interview with Kang Sang Jung, professor at University of Tokyo: 
Weight of multinational relations increasing (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(8) Reconsideration on fight against terrorism: Interview with Tokyo 
University Professor Kang Sangjung -- Dead angle of Japan-US 
alliance; Japan caught in its own trap in foreign relations by 
characterizing abduction issue as major premise; Beginning of end of 
cold war (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(9) Foreign trainees: Justice Ministry to stipulate compliance rule; 
Guidelines for accepting foreign trainees to be toughened (Mainichi) 
 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Poll on Fukuda cabinet, political parties, MSDF refueling 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
October 16, 2007 
 
Questions & Answers 
(Figures shown in percentage, rounded off. Bracketed figures denote 
proportions to all respondents. Figures in parentheses denote the 
results of a survey conducted Sept. 25-26 unless otherwise 
specified.) 
 
Q: Do you support the Fukuda cabinet? 
 
Yes 47 (53) 
No 30 (27) 
 
Q: Why? (One reason only. Left column for those marking "yes" on 
previous question, and right for those saying "no.") 
 
The prime minister is Mr. Fukuda 27(13) 11(3) 
It's an LDP-led cabinet 21(10) 44(13) 
From the aspect of policies 19(9) 36(11) 
No particular reason 29(14) 8(2) 
 
Q: Which political party do you support now? 
 
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) 32 (33) 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) 24 (25) 
 
TOKYO 00004829  002 OF 013 
 
 
New Komeito (NK) 3 (4) 
Japanese Communist Party (JCP) 3 (3) 
Social Democratic Party (SDP or Shaminto) 1 (1) 
People's New Party (PNP or Kokumin Shinto) 0 (0) 
New Party Nippon (NPN or Shinto Nippon) 0 (0) 
Other political parties 0 (0) 
None 30 (30) 
No answer (N/A) + don't know (D/K) 7 (4) 
 
Q: In order to fight terrorist groups in Afghanistan, the United 
States and other foreign countries have sent their naval fleets to 
the Indian Ocean. The Antiterrorism Special Measures Law, which is 
for the Self-Defense Forces to back up their fleets, is to expire 
Nov. 1. The government will introduce a new legislative measure to 
the Diet in order for Japan to continue the SDF's activities there. 
However, the Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) is poised to 
oppose the legislation. Do you support it? (Figures in parentheses 
denote the results of a survey taken Sept. 13.) 
 
Yes 39 (35) 
No 44 (45) 
 
Q: The new legislative measure, which the government will introduce 
to the Diet, will restrict the SDF's activities to fuel and water 
supply only. Instead, the bill will not require the government to 
ask the Diet for its approval of the SDF's activities. Do you 
support this legislation? 
 
Yes 28 
No 48 
 
Q: (Only for those who answered "yes" to the foregoing question) Do 
you think the new legislation should be enacted into law as soon as 
possible, or do you otherwise think there is no need to hurry? 
 
Enact as soon as possible 64(18) 
No need to hurry 31(9) 
 
Q: The government asserts that the MSDF's activities in the Indian 
Ocean constitute the international community's efforts to block 
terrorism and are highly appreciated in the international community, 
including the United Nations. Is this assertion from the government 
convincing? 
 
Yes 34 
No 48 
 
Q: The DPJ asserts that the MSDF's activities in the Indian Ocean 
are not based on any UN resolution and fails to deter terrorism. Is 
this assertion from the DPJ convincing? 
 
Yes 34 
No 44 
 
Q: Do you think the DPJ should find common ground with the ruling 
coalition in their talks on the issue of the MSDF's activities in 
the Indian Ocean, or do you otherwise think the DPJ should carry 
through its standpoint against it? 
 
Talk with the ruling coalition to find common ground 64 
Carry through its standpoint against it 22 
 
 
TOKYO 00004829  003 OF 013 
 
 
Q: Do you think the House of Representatives should be dissolved as 
soon as possible for a general election, or do you otherwise think 
there is no need to do so? (Figures in parentheses denote the 
results of a survey taken Sept. 13.) 
 
Dissolve as soon as possible 32 (50) 
No need to do so 60 (43) 
 
Q: Would you like the current LDP-led coalition government to 
continue, or would you otherwise like it to be replaced with a 
DPJ-led coalition government? (Figures in parentheses denote the 
results of a survey taken Sept. 13.) 
 
LDP-led coalition government 33 (33) 
DPJ-led coalition government 32 (41) 
 
Polling methodology: The survey was conducted Oct. 13-14 over the 
telephone on a computer-aided random digit dialing (RDD) basis. 
Respondents were chosen from among the nation's voting population on 
a three-stage random-sampling basis. Valid answers were obtained 
from 2,113 persons (58 PERCENT ). 
 
(2) DPJ plans to summon former Defense Bureau Director General 
Moriya over alleged diversion of MSDF-supplied fuel 
 
ASAHI (Page 2) (Full) 
Evening, October 15, 2007 
 
Kenji Yamaoka, chairman of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or 
Minshuto) Diet Affairs Committee, told a press conference on Oct. 15 
that his party plans to ask the Upper House Budget Committee to 
summon as witnesses former Vice Defense Minister Takemasa Moriya 
(Defense Bureau director general at the time) and Defense Agency (at 
the time) officials in charge over the issue of the government 
having given an incorrect figure regarding the amount of fuel the 
Maritime Self-Defense Force supplied to a US oiler in 2003. 
 
The government explained in May 2003 that the MSDF supplied 200,000 
gallons to a US oiler in March the same year. However, it corrected 
the amount to 800,000 tons in September this year. Yamaoka said, "We 
are now convinced even more strongly after investigation that this 
cannot be a clerical mistake." 
 
Yamaoka also revealed a plan to seek the exercise of investigative 
powers in national politics in order to get operational documents of 
the USS Kitty Hawk and USS Paul Hamilton disclosed over the alleged 
diversion of fuel to the Iraq operation. 
 
DPJ shadow foreign minister Yoshio Hachiro appearing on an NHK TV 
show said, "Since the prime minister was also responsible for the 
explanation given by the government at the time, we must consider 
the possibility of summoning him as a witness, based on the Diet 
Testimony Law." 
 
(3) Missile training planned for next month to defend capital 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 14, 2007 
 
Japan is now gearing up to defend Tokyo against ballistic missile 
attacks from foreign countries, with its deployment of the Patriot 
Advanced Capability 3 (PAC-3), a ground-to-air guided missile system 
 
TOKYO 00004829  004 OF 013 
 
 
designed to shoot down ballistic missiles. The Defense Ministry 
plans to carry out missile defense drills, with the Air Self-Defense 
Force mobilizing PAC-3 batteries to some locations, including Yoyogi 
Koen, a park in Tokyo's Shibuya Ward, and Harumi Futo Koen, a park 
in Tokyo's Chuo Ward. The PAC-3 training is intended to accurately 
grasp what is in the way of the PAC-3's mobile deployment and how 
long it will take. It is aimed to ready Japan for emergencies. 
 
Missile defense (MD) anticipates attacks mainly from North Korea. In 
March this year, the ASDF introduced the PAC-3 to its Iruma base in 
Saitama Prefecture for the first time. 
 
However, the PAC-3 covers a range of about 20 km. In the heart of 
Tokyo, there are potential targets like the Imperial Palace, the 
Diet, and the Kantei. The ASDF's Iruma base, however, is situated 
about 40 km away. The PAC-3 therefore cannot intercept missiles from 
the Iruma base, so the ASDF needs to mobilize PAC-3 batteries to 
Tokyo's downtown areas at a time when there are signs of possible 
missile launches. 
 
The Defense Ministry is considering Yoyogi, Harumi, and some other 
locations as candidate sites for the PAC-3's mobile deployment. In 
addition, the Defense Ministry's list of candidate sites includes 
the Ground-Self Defense Force's Ichigaya garrison in Tokyo's 
Shinjuku Ward and the GSDF's Nerima garrison in Tokyo's Nerima Ward. 
The Ichigaya garrison is where the Defense Ministry is 
headquartered. The off-base deployment of PAC-3 missiles may have to 
last a long time. The Defense Ministry therefore selected these 
locations, thinking it needs to secure spacious places. 
 
The ASDF will actually launch no PAC-3 missiles. However, the 
Defense Ministry will look into the communication environment of 
tracking radar needed to intercept missiles. In addition, the 
Defense Ministry will estimate the incoming trajectory of missiles 
and will also check the command and control of air defense missile 
units. Furthermore, the ministry will check to see if there are 
high-rise buildings standing in the way of PAC-3 intercepts. 
 
The PAC-3's off-base mobilization is expected to be on a large scale 
with a camping convoy of more than 20 vehicles, including support 
vehicles. It is also likely to encounter opposition from neighboring 
residents. 
 
Along with the PAC-3's mobilization drills, the Defense Ministry 
will also deploy the PAC-3 to ASDF air defense missile units based 
at Narashino in Chiba Prefecture, Takeyama in Kanagawa Prefecture, 
and Kasumigaura in Ibaraki Prefecture. PAC-3 deployment to these 
bases will be completed by the end of March next year. 
 
MD is a two-staged antimissile shield system to intercept 
projectiles flying toward Japan. At the initial stage, 
Aegis-equipped ships standing by in waters near Japan launch 
Standard Missile 3 (SM-3) missiles to intercept them in outer space. 
In case a sea-based SM-3 missile fails to hit a missile in flight, a 
ground-based PAC-3 missile will shoot it down. The SM-3's launch 
test will be also conducted in waters off Hawaii in December. 
 
(4) Government fails to produce evidence supporting its claim that 
Japanese oil was not used in Iraq war 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
October 14, 2007 
 
TOKYO 00004829  005 OF 013 
 
 
 
Heated debate is underway on the alleged diversion of Japanese oil 
for use in the Iraq war in connection with an extension of the 
Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operation in the Indian 
Ocean. In the earlier House of Representatives Budget Committee 
sessions, the Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto or DPJ) and other 
opposition parties persistently pursued the allegations, raising 
questions about the justification for the refueling operation. 
Although cabinet approval of new legislation to continue the 
refueling mission is planned for Oct. 17, the government has yet to 
offer clear answers to the questions. 
 
The opposition bloc is focused on the fuel diversion allegation 
because it is directly linked to the propriety of the refueling 
operation conducted for the last six years under the Antiterrorism 
Special Measures Law. 
 
If the MSDF were found to have refueled US vessels involved in the 
Iraq war by deviating from the purposes of the Antiterrorism Law, 
that would rock the grounds for the new legislation as well. 
 
The question is when and what the MSDF-refueled US vessels did. 
 
The vessels in question are the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk and 
the Aegis destroyer USS Paul Hamilton. On February 25, 2003, the 
MSDF supply vessel Tokiwa indirectly refueled the Kitty Hawk via the 
US oiler Pecos and directly refueled the Paul Hamilton. 
 
The opposition bloc thinks it is natural to conclude that the US 
aircraft carrier joined Operation Southern Watch (OSW) that started 
in early March against Iraq. 
 
OSW and the Iraq war are specified in the aircraft carrier's annual 
report for that year. 
 
The Aegis destroyer is capable of carrying Tomahawk long-range 
cruise missiles that were used against Iraq. Kazuhiro Haraguchi and 
other DPJ lawmakers described the Aegis destroyer as a core player 
in the Iraq War. 
 
Meanwhile, the government rejected the allegation that Japanese oil 
had been used in the Iraq war that started on March 20, 2003, with 
Defense Minister Ishiba saying, "The fuel from the MSDF was used up 
in February." 
 
The government also rebutted that activities in the Persian Gulf do 
not necessarily equate with the Iraq war, citing the area of 
activities in the Antiterrorism Law basic plan that includes the 
Persian Gulf. The government stressed that the two vessels that 
received fuel from the MSDF were engaged in Operation Enduring 
Freedom. 
 
The government is making preparations for releasing a report later 
this week concluding that Japanese oil was not diverted for use in 
the Iraq war. But the grounds for it remain unclear. The opposition 
bloc intends to press the government for clear evidence in upcoming 
Upper House Budget Committee sessions. 
 
(5) Discontinuation of refueling operation would destroy Japan-US 
alliance 
 
SANKEI (Page 15) (Abridged slightly) 
 
TOKYO 00004829  006 OF 013 
 
 
October 16, 2007 
 
By Kazuya Sakamoto, professor, Osaka University 
 
Why should the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in 
the Indian Ocean be continued? This question is often discussed from 
the likelihood that its discontinuation will undermine Japan's 
international position in the war on terrorism. 
 
That seems true, to some extent. Many countries, including those who 
opposed the Iraq war, such as France and Germany, are engaged in 
dangerous security duties in the war on terrorism In Afghanistan. 
Given the situation, Tokyo's decision to put an end to the MSDF's 
harsh yet low-risk mission due to domestic political circumstances 
would damage Japan's international reputation and influence, 
terribly disappointing other countries, especially Pakistan, whose 
maritime operation relies on Japanese oil. Pakistan's participation 
is politically vital in order to prevent the war on terrorism from 
turning into a clash between the Western and Islamic worlds. 
 
In addition, the Indian Ocean is vital for Japan's oil imports. The 
US-led coalition naval forces receiving oil from Japan are 
contributing to the security of the Indian Ocean. This can explain 
why the international view of Japan is severe. 
 
There are some other reasons why the refueling operation must be 
extended. If Tokyo is to suspend the refueling mission at this 
point, Japan would not only turn itself into an onlooker to the 
international security effort, as it did during the 1991 Gulf War, 
but also endanger the alliance with the United States. 
 
This might really happen in view of Democratic Party of Japan 
(Minshuto or DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa's adamant opposition to 
extending the refueling mission for a lack of a direct UN 
resolution. Ozawa's argument is based on UN endorsement. His 
UN-centered diplomacy is out of line with the general interpretation 
of the Constitution and popular will. Contrary to his wishes, 
Ozawa's argument would probably work against Japan's participation 
in international security operations. 
 
What really bothers me is his argument that because the war in 
Afghanistan was launched independently by the United States without 
a UN resolution, Japan was not allowed to assist its military action 
in the first place. His argument would fundamentally rock the 
Japan-US alliance. To the United States, the war in Afghanistan is a 
war in self-defense. What is the point of forming an alliance if a 
country cannot assist its ally in a war of self-defense? 
 
True, under the US-Japan Security Treaty, Japan is not required to 
help the United States in areas outside the territories under the 
administration of Japan. Being an ally requires more than what is 
specified in a treaty, however. Although the security treaty is the 
backbone of the Japan-US alliance, it does not represent the entire 
alliance. 
 
In the wake of 9/11, the Japanese government declared to stand by 
the United States after contemplating the devastating attack and 
decided to assist the United States in the war in Afghanistan to the 
extent permitted by the Constitution. Japan's support has been 
appreciated by the United States, and the Japan-US alliance has been 
elevated as a result. If Japan had turned a blind eye to the war in 
Afghanistan by saying it was America's war, the Japan-US alliance 
 
TOKYO 00004829  007 OF 013 
 
 
would have immediately followed a path toward becoming a mere 
shell. 
 
A contingency determines the true worth of an alliance. An alliance 
that does not function properly in the wake of a contingency will 
cease to exist. The Japan-US alliance will rarely face such a 
contingency. Other countries are unlikely to launch an armed attack 
on the Untied States, the world's largest military power, or its 
ally, Japan. This makes it difficult to for the two countries to 
confirm the value of their alliance. 
 
9/11 was a rare contingency for the United States. The attack on the 
United States was something unexpected under the US-Japan Security 
Treaty that was revised 40 years ago. 
 
The Japan-US alliance functioned well in the wake of 9/11, enabling 
the two countries to confirm the value of their alliance. Ozawa has 
called Japan's action a mistake. Such a statement by the head of the 
largest opposition party which has moved closer to taking the reins 
of government would raise serious questions about the true worth of 
the Japan-US alliance, and that might eventually result in an 
irreversible consequence. 
 
(6) Debate on MSDF refueling ignoring national interest 
 
SANKEI (Page 1&3) (Full) 
October 13, 2007 
 
With the end of question-and-answer sessions at the House of 
Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration, 
the Lower House almost completed deliberations. In the 
interpellations at the Lower House plenary session and the Budget 
Committee, the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and 
other opposition parties grilled the government over allegations 
that fuel provided by the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to a US 
aircraft carrier via a US supply ship was used in the Iraq 
operation. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and his cabinet ministers 
adopted a low profile in responding questions. There was no scene in 
which Fukuda or other cabinet ministers reacted strongly to the 
opposition, emphasizing the need to continue the refueling 
operation. The term of the MSDF mission will end on Nov. 1. 
 
Government lacks zeal 
 
In a Lower House Budget Committee session on Oct. 9, Liberal 
Democratic Party (LDP) Policy Research Council Chairman Sadakazu 
Tanigaki said: "Japan relies on the Middle East for about 90 PERCENT 
 of its energy supply. Preventing terrorists from running loose in 
that region will greatly benefit our country's national interests." 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura then responded: "When 
considering sea-lanes, the MSDF mission contributes also to national 
interests." 
 
However, debate did not heat up. The DPJ had Secretary General Yukio 
Hatoyama appear at interpellations at the Lower House, and Deputy 
President Naoto Kan and Vice President Katsuya Okada at Budget 
Committee sessions. The three former DPJ heads concentrated their 
questions on the alleged diversion of Japan's fuel to the Iraq 
operation, as well as on information disclosure. 
 
The three did not question the government as to what national 
interests Japan should pursue in Afghanistan, the Middle East and 
 
TOKYO 00004829  008 OF 013 
 
 
Central Asia, as well as the significance of the refueling mission. 
Also Prime Minister Fukuda and Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba did 
not enthusiastically talk about the importance of the refueling 
service in terms of national interests. 
 
Japan Mine Action Service (JMAS) Chairman Tetsuya Nishimoto, former 
chairman of the Joint Staff Council, underscored: 
 
"We should talk about a national security issue based on national 
interests. It should not be made a political issue. Continuing the 
refueling mission will meet our country's national interests." 
 
Nishimoto stressed the importance of the refueling service from 
three viewpoints. 
 
First, the refueling operation contributes to the stability of the 
Middle East oil transport route, which is vital for Japan's 
development and prosperity. Second, most of the roughly 40 countries 
taking part in the war on terror are free nations, so continuing the 
refueling operation will lead to maintaining cooperation with the 
international community, which can be called an "international 
freedom alliance." Third, the refueling mission is part of Japan's 
cooperation with the United States, an ally. 
 
Why did the opposition not talk about national interests in Diet 
debate even though one of their roles in the debate is to pursue the 
government? 
 
Wall of military secrecy 
 
The opposition, by bringing up the alleged diversion of the fuel, 
however, was able to draw a correction and apology from Fukuda. 
 
Fukuda on May 9, 2003, when he was chief cabinet secretary, stated 
on the alleged provision of fuel to USS Kitty Hawk in a press 
briefing: 
 
"The Kitty Hawk consumes 200,000 gallons of fuel per day. She 
consumes immediately the amount of (fuel provided by the MSDF). So, 
it is realistically impossible that Japan's fuel was used in the 
Iraq operation." 
 
However, it was discovered that the amount of fuel Japan provided to 
the US supply ship was 800,000 gallons. Fukuda then offered an 
apology. The US and Japanese governments have denied the alleged 
fuel diversion, but is it possible to use fuel provided by the MSDF 
for antiterrorism operations in and around Afghanistan alone? It is 
true that there remains the wall of military secrecy even if US 
forces provide Japan with information. 
 
DPJ Lower House member Akihisa Nagashima, who is well-versed in 
security policy, stated: 
 
"When thinking of the organization of US forces, the primary duty of 
US aircraft that received oil in the Indian Ocean is to carry out 
its operations under the multilateral fleet engaged in the Operation 
Enduring Freedom (OEF) in and around Afghanistan." 
 
He also continued, "If the same aircraft enters the Persian Gulf 
(using the remaining fuel), the aircraft will be automatically 
transferred to other units and be engaged in the Iraq operation." 
 
 
TOKYO 00004829  009 OF 013 
 
 
He said: "US aircraft must have conducted such an operation every 
day since the start of the Iraq war." 
 
Nagashima's view is that the present Antiterrorism Special Measures 
Law, which the government hurriedly made in response to the 
terrorist attacks on the US in September 2001, was established in 
the face of common military sense. If it is true, Prime Minister 
Fukuda is caught in his own trap by his remark made in 2003. 
Therefore, a fruitless argument will likely continue at the Diet. 
 
Is participation in ISAF unconstitutional? 
 
DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa's argument to have the Self-Defense 
Forces (SDF) participate in the International Security Assistance 
Force (ISAF) created a controversy. He has not suggested a specific 
plan. It is uncertain whether his view will be included in a bill 
the party would come up with. 
 
The government and ruling coalition reacted negatively to Ozawa's 
assertion, ignoring the conformity of SDF's participation in the 
ISAF with the SDF's deployment in Iraq. 
 
Foreign Minister Masahiko Komura pointed out on Oct. 7: "As all of 
Afghanistan is like a combat zone, (participation in the ISAF) will 
be difficult based on the interpretation of the Constitution (which 
prohibits the use of arms overseas)." New Komeito leader Akihiro Ota 
in a press conference on the 12th stated his opposition to Ozawa's 
view. 
 
The ruling camp has not taken a positive stance of consulting with 
the DPJ on the issue of Japan's participation in the ISAF. 
 
Should a DPJ-led government be inaugurated and the DPJ insist on an 
UN-centered foreign and security policy, policy, including 
constitutional reinterpretation, would be greatly changed. On Oct. 
7, Ishiba questioned (Ozawa's) argument that (SDF dispatch) will not 
violate Article 9 of the Constitution if the UN supports it. Since 
the government and ruling camp did not rebut the DPJ, they are now 
losing the best opportunity to hold a security debate. 
 
True meaning of continuing MSDF refueling mission 
 
A new antiterrorism bill will be approved in a cabinet meeting on 
the 17th. However, some in the ruling LDP and New Komeito have 
started calling for putting off enactment of the bill to the regular 
Diet session next year. Even a former LDP vice president, who now 
heads the ruling coalition's security project team, took a bearish 
attitude, noting, "If we take a second vote (with more than 
two-thirds) in the Lower House, a censure motion against the prime 
minister will be adopted in the Upper House. As a result, the prime 
minister would be forced to dissolve the Lower House." 
 
In the current session, the Fukuda cabinet is taking the approach of 
fighting with its back to the wall. An LDP source, however, said: 
"Lawmakers in the party mainstream probably want to close the extra 
session as early as possible and display their power in compiling a 
budget for next fiscal year. It is outrageous to dissolve the Lower 
House since the New Komeito also doesn't want to do so." 
 
(7) Interview with Kang Sang Jung, professor at University of Tokyo: 
Weight of multinational relations increasing 
 
 
TOKYO 00004829  010 OF 013 
 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 25) (Full) 
October 13, 2007 
 
Japan should change conventional way of thinking to avoid further 
isolation 
 
In December 2003, when Japan dispatched Self-Defense Force (SDF) 
troops to Iraq for the first time, former Prime Minister Yasuhiro 
Nakasone spoke on an NHK-TV program of the significance of the SDF 
dispatch, based on the government's intentions: 
 
"If the United States suffers a setback in Iraq, there may be some 
changes in its stance of applying pressure on North Korea. In such a 
case, it might become difficult for Japan to resolve the abduction 
issue. ... The US should make concessions so that such 
industrialized countries (opposed to the Iraq war) as Germany, 
France and Russia will be able to work with the US. (To mediate 
between both sides,) Japan should cooperate with the US." 
 
Citing such noble causes as "doing it in return for pressure against 
North Korea" and "offering advice as an ally" Nakasone emphasized 
the importance of Japan's cooperation in the US-led war on 
terrorism. In actuality, however, US-North Korea relations are 
improving despite there being no prospects in sight for a settlement 
of the abduction issue. 
 
Kang expressed concern about the Japanese government's overly 
optimistic outlook, saying: "The US is a superpower capable of 
taking independent action. Although Japan-US relations are 
important, the US gives top priority to its own national interests 
in determining security and diplomatic policies and changes policies 
according to circumstances. I wonder how much Japan has been aware 
of this basis." 
 
The US media has reported that a plan to bring about reconciliation 
on the Korean Peninsula is emerging as the last achievement for the 
Bush administration, which has been dogged by the situation in the 
Middle East. 
 
In contrast to Japan's emphasis on the Japan-US alliance, the US has 
had concerns about Japan. In July, the House of Representatives 
adopted a resolution seeking an apology from Japan over the sexual 
exploitation of Asian women by the Japanese military during World 
War II - the so-called comfort women issue. According to Kang, the 
US was apprehensive about the former Abe administration's 
reactionary moves, fearing that such moves might reverse Japan's 
historical views about the Tokyo Trial,  with Kang adding: "The US 
strongly feared that Japan would tackle the North Korea issue based 
on (the Abe administration's reactionary) historical perceptions." 
 
Kang also defines "advice as an ally" as an "empty theory," 
comparing Japan-US relations with those between the US and the 
European Union (EU), saying: 
 
"It is true that Germany and France are closely linked to the US 
under the framework of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization 
(NATO), and they have a voice as representatives of the EU. But 
Japan has failed to establish relations with its neighbors, so it 
has to rely on the US, far from being an advisor to it." 
 
The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) has refueled warships in the 
Indian Ocean as part of Japan's cooperation in the war on terrorism. 
 
TOKYO 00004829  011 OF 013 
 
 
This principle, though, has begun to shake as Northeast Asia has 
been thrown turmoil. 
 
Kang said: "The Japanese government has yet to emerge from the 
conventional way of viewing the world in the context of the Japan-US 
alliance. The ongoing war against terrorism is now apparently at a 
standstill. It might be essential for Japan as its friend to present 
different options to the US, without blindly following the US." 
 
Even so, many persons voice concern that the US might apply pressure 
on Japan and that Japan might find itself more isolated in the 
international community if Japan refuses to continue the MSDF 
refueling mission. In the case of South Korea, too, its government 
has decided to withdraw its troops from Afghanistan. The US has not 
criticized any of the countries whose troops have already left 
Iraq. 
 
Kang said: "Some might say that if one objects to the US, the US 
will treat that person badly. But Japan defied the US over the 
comfort women issue. In the six-party talks, Japan has been isolated 
because of its stance of prioritizing the abduction issue over the 
nuclear issue." 
 
More than 10 years have passed since the Soviet Union and the 
Eastern Bloc collapsed. Now that the US is stumbling over 
Afghanistan and Iraq, the world is becoming more multipolar, 
according to Kang, who added: 
 
"The case of Northeast Asia is not exceptional. An agreement reached 
in the six-party talks advocates a mechanism to bring about 
stability and to ensure it in this region. The US, based on its 
failure in unilateral action led by neoconservatives, is now hopeful 
of establishing in this region a permanent security system and a 
multinational framework useful in dealing with such countries as 
Russia and China. In such a case, the Japan-US security arrangement 
will unavoidably become less significant." 
 
Such a trend will urge Japan to alter its conventional Cold War 
mentality whereby it has treated the Japan-US alliance as though it 
were a golden rule. Kang made the following conclusion: 
 
"Japan-US relations will continue to be important. But Japan now 
needs to have a way of thinking flexible enough to give 
consideration to multinational relations, in addition to Japan-US 
relations. By doing so, Japan might be able to find a way to correct 
the current one-sided relations between Japan and the US." 
 
(8) Reconsideration on fight against terrorism: Interview with Tokyo 
University Professor Kang Sangjung -- Dead angle of Japan-US 
alliance; Japan caught in its own trap in foreign relations by 
characterizing abduction issue as major premise; Beginning of end of 
cold war 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 24) (Full) 
October 13, 2007 
 
Japan has stated its determination to keep the Japan-US alliance 
firm as its realistic reason to join the war on terror. In 
particular, Japan shifted to a cooperative stance in the war on 
terror believing that US pressure would be essential to settling the 
issue of abductions of Japanese nationals, to which North Korea 
admitted the year following the 9-11 terrorist attacks on the US. 
 
TOKYO 00004829  012 OF 013 
 
 
However, the improvement in US-DPRK relations last year has caused 
the abduction issue to retreat into the background. Now, even the 
possibility of Japan's isolation is being talked about. Tokyo 
Shimbun asked Tokyo University Professor Kang Sangjung about whether 
there is a "dead angle" or weak spot in the Japan-US alliance. 
 
Recent developments in the wake of the 6th six-party talks late last 
month and the inter-Korean summit early this month have changed the 
situation centered on the DPRK. Participants in the six-party talks 
confirmed that the disablement of the DPRK's nuclear facilities and 
the removal of the nation from the US list of state sponsors of 
terrorism should be implemented concurrently. Leaders of the two 
Koreas at the summit declared economic cooperation along the coast 
of the Yellow Sea and preparations to end the Korean War. 
 
Commenting on the series of the moves involving the two Koreas, Kang 
noted: "The two agreements are complementary. They indicate the 
beginning of the end of the cold-war structure, which has been in 
place in northeastern Asia for 60 years." 
 
He continued: "The DPRK has recognized South Korea, which has not 
yet signed the armistice agreement (1953) on the Korean War, as a 
partner to build a peace system and the two countries have started 
moving toward signing a peace agreement. Regarding US-DPRK 
relations, Secretary of State Rice may visit Pyongyang, and the US 
is likely to remove the nation from its list of states sponsoring 
terrorism. What comes next will be normalization of ties between the 
US and the DPRK." 
 
Kang analyzed the agreements: "Each agreement has some insufficient 
points. There is criticism that nothing will move forward if it is 
only South and North Korea. This criticism is correct. However, both 
leaders understand that. What is important is that they are aware of 
their role to expedite the multilateral talks." 
 
On the other hand, there has been little progress on the abductions 
of Japanese nationals. What do you think the reason for that is? 
Kang replied: "South Korea and North Korea are making their moves in 
a multinational framework. However, that is not the case with the 
Japanese government. It must search for ways to settle the abduction 
issue in a grand design. However, it bases its actions on the stand 
that settling the abduction is the premise for all other issues. It 
is caught on its own foreign policy trap." 
 
With the argument rampant that Japan is being left behind, Foreign 
Minister Nobutaka Machimura, after his meeting with Rice on Sept. 
22, proudly said that he had obtained an assurance from the US that 
it would consider the abduction issue when it delists the DPRK from 
its list of state sponsors of terrorism. However, Rice during a 
press conference two days after the meeting with Machimura indicated 
her intention to separate the abduction issue from the delisting 
process. 
 
US switches its policy to bringing DPRK into fold 
 
Concerning the real intention of the US, Kang pointed out the switch 
in its DPRK policy. John Bolton, a hard-line neo-conservative, was 
the US ambassador to the UN when North Korea conducted a nuclear 
test last October and the UN the imposed sanctions against it. Kang 
said, "The US at that time was employing a policy of containing the 
DPRK with an eye on replacing its regime." However, following the 
devastating defeat of the ruling Republican Party in the midterm 
 
TOKYO 00004829  013 OF 013 
 
 
election last November, Bolton was forced to quit. Kang said: "The 
US is now considering making the Korean Peninsula its own strategic 
base, by bringing the DPRK into the fold instead of containing it. 
The signing of a free trade agreement (FTA) with South Korea in 
April follows this logic. The US must remove the wall left over from 
the cold war that separates South Korea and the DPRK in order to 
realize its new strategy." 
 
The biggest obstacle to its attempt to end the cold war is the North 
Korean nuclear issue. Kang said, "Once the DPRK's denuclearization 
is verifiable, it would mean that the final obstacle to the US 
delisting the DPRK as a state sponsor of terrorism has disappeared. 
Settling the abduction issue cannot become an absolute condition. 
That is the meaning of the words 'one working group must not affect 
progress of efforts by another working group' having been 
categorically mentioned in the six-party talks in February." 
 
(9) Foreign trainees: Justice Ministry to stipulate compliance rule; 
Guidelines for accepting foreign trainees to be toughened 
 
MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full) 
October 16, 2007 
 
The training program for foreign workers is harshly criticized as 
serving as means to use foreign workers as cheap labor. The Justice 
Ministry Immigration Bureau yesterday decided to further tighten the 
existing guidelines by stipulating a compliance rule to be imposed 
on domestic entities that accept foreign trainees and unlawful 
practices in concrete terms. The ministry will revise the present 
guidelines before year's end to improve the application of the 
system. 
 
At present, there are approximately 160,000 foreign trainees, with 
hosting entities, such as companies and cooperative associations, 
numbering about 15,000. There have been many troubles involving 
foreign trainees at the training places. For instance, there was a 
case incident last year in which a Chinese trainee assaulted three 
employees of his host entity, because he was dissatisfied with the 
way they treated him. The number of entities recognized as having 
engaged in unlawful practices reached a record high of 229, about 
250 PERCENT  higher than the number registered in 2003. The number 
of trainees who went missing reached 2,201, approximately 420 
PERCENT  higher than the number marked in 1999 (513). 
 
As a main feature, the draft amendment incorporates in concrete 
terms the considerations host entities must give and lists the 
unlawful practices -- although such were also included in the 
present guidelines, they were in abstract terms. 
 
Considerations include bans on such practices as host entities 
accepting foreign trainees through brokers, deducting portions of 
their wages and prohibiting foreign trainees from going out, with 
the aim of preventing them from running away, and an obligation to 
use foreign trainees' mother tongues for employment contracts. As 
unlawful practices, the draft amendment cites the following cases in 
concrete terms: (1) signing secret contracts in order to pay lower 
wages; (2) forcing foreign trainees to work overtime; and (3) taking 
away passports without the consent of trainees. 
 
SCHIEFFER