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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 11 TOKYO 000287 
 
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 02/04/08 
 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Growing opposition among government officials to restriction on 
foreign investment in airports: Idea goes against government policy 
of expanding inward foreign direct investment in Japan (Nikkei) 
 
(2) Government underscoring stance of giving priority to Africa with 
financial aid plans (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(3) Views on strategy for Diet dissolution split in DPJ (Nikkei) 
 
(4) Fierce battle over provisional tax rates: Sudden agreement 
between ruling and opposition camps creating commotion in LDP and 
DPJ (Mainichi) 
 
(5) Rivalry between "guardians" and "advisers" to Prime Minister 
Fukuda (Sankei) 
 
(6) Maher's remarks will wreck Okinawa-U.S. ties: Nakaima (Ryukyu 
Shimpo) 
 
(7) Poll on the public view of Japan (Yomiuri) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Growing opposition among government officials to restriction on 
foreign investment in airports: Idea goes against government policy 
of expanding inward foreign direct investment in Japan 
 
NIKKEI (Page 5) (Full) 
February 2, 2008 
 
Gaps in opinions on placing restrictions on foreign investment in 
airport corporations - a notion the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure 
and Transport (MLIT) is now mulling -- have surfaced among 
government officials, reflecting a growing concern that the move 
could work at cross purposes to the government's policy of boosting 
inward foreign direct investment in Japan which is a major pillar of 
its growth strategy. MLIT is now undergoing coordination with the 
possibility of adopting at a cabinet meeting next week a bill 
amending the Airport Consolidation Law that would include the new 
restriction. However, an increasing number of officials have begun 
to call for putting the idea on the back burner. 
 
The government's Regulatory Reform Council, chaired by Takao 
Kusakari, chairman of NKK Line, on Feb. 1 hastily released a stance 
of opposing MLIT's plan, noting, "Restricting foreign investment 
will dampen foreign companies' desire to invest in Japan, working 
negatively for the development of the Japanese economy and the 
boosting of the efficiency of airports." 
 
State Minister for Financial Policy Yoshimi Watanabe also told a 
news conference the same day, "The idea is diametrically opposed to 
the government strategy of boosting inward foreign direct investment 
in Japan." MLIT Minister Tetsuzo Fuyushiba is insisting, "A specific 
foreign company controlling airport corporations is against the 
national interest," revealing that cabinet ministers are not in 
agreement on the issue. 
 
MLIT is trying to introduce the regulation in response to Narita 
International Airport Corporation preparing to list its stocks on 
the stock exchange as early as fiscal 2009. It is considering 
 
TOKYO 00000287  002 OF 011 
 
 
amending the relevant law with the possibility of constraining 
foreign companies' ratio of capital contribution to Narita 
International Airport Corporation and an already-listed Japan 
Airport Terminal Company, which operates Haneda Airport, to 
one-third in terms of the right to vote. 
 
As a reason for restricting foreign investment, MLIT explained that 
since international hub airports are irreplaceable key facilities 
from the perspective of maintaining security and securing national 
interests, such as keeping international competitiveness, it is 
necessary to avoid such facilities from coming under the control of 
a foreign company in the same way investment in NTT and broadcasters 
are regulated. 
 
In foreign countries, public corporations usually operate main 
airports or governments hold a majority of stocks of such airports. 
In Britain, which has no foreign investment restriction, a Spanish 
company purchased a British company operating Heathrow Airport. MLIT 
underscored that chances are if the company operating Narita Airport 
is privatized without a foreign investment restriction, a foreign 
company would buy it. 
 
An argument opposing the introduction of such a restriction is based 
on the government's strategy of boosting inward foreign direct 
investment in Japan. There has appeared concern that if MLIT's plan 
to regulate foreign companies' investment in Japanese airports goes 
the rounds abroad, a trend of investment money bypassing Japan could 
accelerate. 
 
Former Chief Cabinet Secretary Yasuhisa Shiozaki and Upper House 
member Hiroshige Seko during a meeting of the Liberal Democratic 
Party's Land and Transportation Division criticized the move, 
noting, "Such a proposal would send a wrong message about the 
Japanese market." The bill failed to secure approval at the panel 
meeting twice. 
 
Commenting on these arguments, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda told 
reporters on the evening of Feb.1, "I think that it would not be a 
good idea for Japan to close itself to the outside."  He called for 
consideration be given so that investment in Japan will not be 
hampered. 
 
MLIT aims at having its bill approved at a cabinet meeting next 
week, with one official saying, "Many ruling party members are in 
favor of our proposal, noting that a regulation restricting foreign 
investment is necessary." However, some among government officials 
took a view that the introduction of such a regulation would be put 
on the back burner for the time being. 
 
(2) Government underscoring stance of giving priority to Africa with 
financial aid plans 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 3) (Full) 
February 3, 2008 
 
The government has begun to underscore the stance of attaching 
importance to Africa, stemming from a desire to demonstrate its 
leadership at the 4th Tokyo International Conference for African 
Development (TICAD) in Yokohama in May and the G-8 Summit (Lake Toya 
Summit) in Hokkaido in July. The government has proposed setting up 
a fund mechanism intended to help developing countries take measures 
to contain global warming. It has chosen four African countries as 
 
TOKYO 00000287  003 OF 011 
 
 
the first countries to receive aid based on this mechanism. The 
government is eagerly working out support measures for African 
countries. 
 
In his speech in the annual meeting of the World Economic Forum 
(Davos Conference) in Switzerland, Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda 
ranked aid for Africa and the challenge of fighting global warming 
as its top priority tasks. In offering aid for Africa, the prime 
minister presented such conditions as (1) setting self-help efforts 
as the basis; and (2) having African countries accelerate their 
economic growth to bring about sustainable development. In a small 
meeting, Fukuda exchanged views on Africa problems with U.S. 
Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates and other prominent figures. 
 
Besides such appeals to the international community, Foreign 
Minister Masahiko Koumura visited Tanzania last month. It was the 
first Tanzania visit by a Japanese incumbent foreign minister in 29 
years. He promised there that the Japanese government will disburse 
260 million dollars, or approximately 28 billion yen, in aid for 
reconstruction from natural disasters and refugees in African 
countries, as well as for construction of training facilities for 
peacekeeping operations (PKO). 
 
Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori also announced at a general 
meeting of the Africa Association in Ethiopia late last month 
Japan's plan to offer 4.1 million dollars, or approximately 440 
million yen, through the United Nations World Food Program as 
measures for about 250,000 refugees in the fallout of the Kenya 
presidential election. 
 
The government is beefing up efforts to demonstrate its priority to 
Africa by coming up with support measures to fight global warming 
and development assistance measures. 
 
The government aims to attract attention to Japan from many African 
countries so that Japan will be able to display leadership at the 
TICAD and the G-8 Summit. 
 
Recently, China is stepping up "resource diplomacy" to African 
countries. Japan cannot see itself lag behind China in maneuvering 
to win over a majority of votes, particularly, focusing on its bid 
for UN Security Council permanent status. 
 
Even so, the government financial situation remains very difficult. 
The nation's official development assistance (ODA) budget has 
decreased to about 60 PERCENT  of its highest record in fiscal 1997. 
Financial sources for the aid announced by Foreign Minister Koumura 
will be squeezed out in the supplementary budget. The government 
finds it difficult to increase aid funds, so it is racking its 
brains over how to hammer out effective, strategic, and high-quality 
aid measures. 
 
(3) Views on strategy for Diet dissolution split in DPJ 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
February 2, 2008 
 
The strategy of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) on forcing a 
dissolution of the House of Representatives is now wavering. The 
main opposition party initially had "a decisive battle in March" in 
mind, but this possibility has disappeared with a compromise 
agreement reached between the ruling and opposition camps on how to 
 
TOKYO 00000287  004 OF 011 
 
 
treat the gasoline and other road-related tax rates. Some DPJ 
lawmakers, concerned about a reignition of the concept of forming a 
"grand coalition" with the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), have 
begun to call for a more combative approach to selecting a successor 
to the incumbent Bank of Japan (BOJ) governor, whose term of office 
expires in March. Growing dissatisfaction in the party is also 
leading to questions about President Ichiro Ozawa's grip on the 
reins of the DPJ. 
 
Deep-seated war advocate 
 
"House of Representatives Speaker Yohei Kono said he did not mean to 
imply that a vote would be taken by the end of March," noted 
Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama in a press conference yesterday in 
 
SIPDIS 
referring to the mediation offer presented by the heads of both Diet 
chambers. The offer called for a certain conclusion to be reached by 
the end of this fiscal year. Hatoyama's aggressive remark reflects a 
growing mood for doing battle in the party. 
 
Deputy President Naoto Kan, who has been firmly behind Ozawa, 
emphasized in a meeting of his own group on the night of Jan. 31: 
"We will see real battle over the next two months." In another 
meeting the same day, Ozawa said: "The Japanese and U.S. election 
campaigns may coincide with a period when China is expected to face 
serious economic difficulties." Ozawa thus hinted that he is aiming 
to put off the dissolution of the Lower House until this fall. 
 
The conflict between those calling for political battle and others 
who want talks is affecting the process of selecting a successor to 
BOJ Governor Toshihiko Fukui. The government plans to promote Vice 
Governor Toshiro Muto to the BOJ governorship. Within the DPJ, too, 
some members are now in favor of making a compromise. 
 
Call for combative approach on appointment of new BOJ governor 
 
Hatoyama, however, told the press corps he plans to hold a meeting 
of the subcommittee on personnel appointments, chaired by Yoshito 
Sengoku, on Feb. 5, stressing: "At the committee, a view for 
separating fiscal policy from monetary policy was proposed." House 
of Councillors Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Susumu Yanase also 
stated in a press conference: "Separating fiscal policy from 
monetary policy is our party's policy. We are in the process of 
selecting proper personnel." 
 
Hatoyama and Yanase both used to belong to the now defunct New Party 
Sakigake. Diet Affairs Committee Deputy Chairman Jun Azumi, with 
whom Hatoyama made arrangements prior to his press conference, was 
also a member of the New Party Sakigake. 
 
Internal moves with an eye to the presidential election in September 
are expected to gather momentum from now. 
 
The idea of separating fiscal and monetary policies, in connection 
with the selection of a next BOJ governor, is the stock argument of 
Vice President Katsuya Okada, who has been regarded as one of the 
likely candidates for the next DPJ presidency. Okada assumed the 
chairmanship in January both of the global warming countermeasures 
headquarters and the parliamentary league to promote a campaign to 
provide foreign residents with local suffrage. One member speculated 
that Ozawa might have succeeded in winning over Okada to contain 
moves by resistance forces. 
 
 
TOKYO 00000287  005 OF 011 
 
 
(4) Fierce battle over provisional tax rates: Sudden agreement 
between ruling and opposition camps creating commotion in LDP and 
DPJ 
 
MAINICHI (Page 4) (Full) 
February 2, 2008 
 
The unexpected agreement between the ruling and opposition parties 
on the provisional tax for gasoline and other road-related taxes is 
now rattling the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or 
Minshuto), which had pledged to reduce gasoline prices by 25 yen a 
liter. The reason is that the largest opposition party may be unable 
to keep its pledge to cut the gasoline prices in April after the 
terms of the provisional tax rates expires on March 31 since the 
agreement incorporates the phrase that they will reach a certain 
conclusion by the end of this fiscal year. 
 
Some DPJ lawmakers have received questions by phone from the party's 
regional chapters and municipal assembly members about how they 
should explain the gasoline issue to the electorate. The DPJ planned 
to hold a moral-boosting rally for cutting the gasoline prices in a 
national meeting Feb. 2 of officials in charge of policy, but there 
is growing concern in the party that the move may come under a 
barrage of questions. The Shizuoka prefectural chapter has suddenly 
decided to hold an explanatory meeting on Feb. 9 regarding the 
gasoline issue, inviting DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman 
Masayuki Naoshima to the session. 
 
The DPJ's regional organizations and assembly members at first were 
confused about party headquarters' policy of abolishing the 
provisional tax rates. 
 
According to the result of a Yomiuri Shimbun poll, of the 47 
prefectural assemblies, a total of 39 have adopted since last 
September a resolution calling for securing resources for road 
construction in rural areas. Of the 39 assemblies, 30 clearly 
demanded that the current provisional tax rates be retained. A total 
of 18 assemblies expressed their opposition to the DPJ's policy of 
completely integrating the special account of road-related taxes 
into the general account. Many DPJ-affiliated assembly members 
supported the adoption of a written statement opposing the plan to 
allocate the revenues for road projects to the general revenues. 
 
Such moves in the prefectural assemblies have now spread to DPJ Diet 
members. A total of nine Upper House members, including Yoshiro 
Kawakami, who belong to a DPJ-led group, met on Feb. 1 in the Diet 
with Policy Research Committee Chairman Masayuki Naoshima and handed 
a statement which says: "Should the provisional tax rates be 
abolished, persuasive replacement resources should be shown. A 
revenue shortfall of as much as 2.6 trillion yen will undermine 
services for local residents." 
 
A total of 39 legislators from the two Diet chambers supported a 
signature-collecting drive conducted by Upper House member Yasuhiro 
Oe. The number of potential advocates may increase even more. 
 
Meanwhile, the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has called for 
the need for retain the current special revenue for road 
construction and other road-related taxes in solidarity with local 
governments and assemblies, which have sought for securing resources 
for road construction. 
 
 
TOKYO 00000287  006 OF 011 
 
 
The aim of the LDP was to shake up the largest opposition party's 
rural area support. In a meeting of the national secretaries general 
in January, Deputy Secretary General Hiroyuki Sonoda asked the 
participants to make friends in the Diet. 
 
However, the LDP is not necessarily unified. With the agreement by 
the ruling and opposition camps including the phrase that revisions 
will be made only on items agreed by each party, different views are 
now coming to the fore. 
 
Recently one junior lawmaker was strongly urged by several 
supporters to support the idea of abolishing the provisional tax 
rates. The junior LDP member quipped: 
 
"In rural areas where many people drive a car, they are suffering 
from the hike in gasoline prices. I wonder if retaining the revenues 
for road construction and other road-related taxes is a true view of 
the desire of rural areas." 
 
LDP Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki threw a wet blanket on the issue 
in a board meeting on Feb. 1 when he said: "I want you to follow the 
party's policy." However, there is a mood in the party that a 
conflict will flare up again over the plan to shift the tax revenue 
for road construction to the general budget. 
 
In a study session on Feb. 1 of the LDP caucus in the Upper House, 
Kazuya Maruyama requested a study of promoting the plan to integrate 
the road-related tax special account with the general account. 
 
The sudden agreement between the ruling and opposition blocs is now 
gradually widening the divisions within the LDP and within the DPJ. 
 
(5) Rivalry between "guardians" and "advisers" to Prime Minister 
Fukuda 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
February 3, 2008 
 
A new trend is emerging in the political dynamics surrounding Prime 
Minister Yasuo Fukuda. For instance, there is a growing presence of 
former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano, who played an active 
role late last year in drafting lawmaker-sponsored legislation with 
the aim of settling the issue of people who had contracted hepatitis 
C after being administered contaminated blood products. Former Prime 
Minister Yoshiro Mori and former Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa 
of the Machimura faction have also enhanced their influence as main 
players in buttressing the administration of Prime Minister Fukuda, 
who used to belong to the Machimura faction. The mutual relations of 
Yosano and Mori and Nakagawa are delicate. Escalation of their 
rivalries might further rock the already shaky foundation of the 
Fukuda administration. 
 
Yosano visited the Prime Minister's Office (Kantei) around noon Jan. 
29, the day before a House of Representatives plenary session was 
expected to adopt a stopgap bill designed to extend the expiration 
of the provisional gasoline tax rate from March 31 to the end of 
May. "I'm here to discuss follow-up measures for the hepatitis 
issue," Yosano told the reporters. But once in the prime minister's 
office, Yosano advised Fukuda that the Lower House should not take a 
vote on the legislation. He warned: 
 
"Although Lower House Speaker Yohei Kono will probably allow the 
 
TOKYO 00000287  007 OF 011 
 
 
chamber to take a vote, the step would undermine the authority of 
the House of Councillors, and in the long run, it would create 
confusion in the administration." 
 
Patiently listening to Yosano's advice, Fukuda in the end said, "I 
see your point." 
 
According to a person close to the prime minister, Fukuda, too, 
wanted to avoid steamrolling the stopgap legislation, giving 
priority to talks with the major opposition Democratic Party of 
Japan. Fukuda reportedly called Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki to 
his official residence on the following day, Jan. 30, and told him 
to handle the matter, while keeping in mind Yosano's advice. 
 
Following the government's response to the hepatitis C issue, which 
had lowered the cabinet's support rating, aides close to the prime 
minister have begun calling for Yosano's return to the Kantei. "The 
prime minister and Mr. Yosano seem to be on the same wavelength," a 
Kantei source said. 
 
Yosano has taken some other steps as well. For instance, he has 
become the vice-president of the board of directors of the Center 
for International Exchange which is chaired by DPJ President Ichiro 
Ozawa. They are scheduled to attend a board of directors meeting on 
Feb. 4. It will bring Yosano and Ozawa together for the first time 
since their go game on Oct. 28, two days before Fukuda-Ozawa talks, 
in which the idea of a grand coalition cropped up. Ozawa has asked 
Yosano to sit through the board of directors meeting, although he 
had to leave it early. 
 
What makes the prime minister so eager to pursue a policy line of 
dialogue with the DPJ? A senior DPJ member explained it this way: 
"In order to maintain the political calm, the prime minister wants 
to delay Lower House dissolution and a general election as long as 
possible and to keep the grand-coalition option alive." 
 
The term of office of the Bank of Japan governor is scheduled to 
expire on March 19. Given the divided Diet in which the opposition 
bloc controls the Upper House, the prime minister, who desperately 
wants to avoid a showdown with the DPJ and confusion, cannot afford 
to forsake his ties to Ozawa, which have resulted from two rounds of 
party-head talks last year. Yosano is obviously trying to serve as a 
bridge between Fukuda and Ozawa. 
 
Mori, on the other hand, takes pride in regarding himself as 
Fukuda's "guardian." Mori served as an arbitrator between Fukuda and 
Ozawa for the grand-coalition concept. Mori has also recently called 
Fukuda to let him know his willingness to negotiate with Ozawa on 
the appointment of the new BOJ governor. 
 
Nevertheless, the stage is not set for Yosano and Mori to join hands 
for Fukuda and Ozawa. Former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appointed 
Yosano his chief cabinet secretary when he shuffled his cabinet last 
August. Mori reportedly opposed Yosano's appointment because he was 
not a member of the Machimura faction. 
 
Nakagawa, who is close to Mori, has also visited the Kantei often to 
offer advice to the prime minister on the question of a special 
secret slush fund known as the "buried treasure" and other matters. 
 
SIPDIS 
Nakagawa, too, has bad chemistry with Yosano. When it comes to 
economic and fiscal management, Nakagawa and Yosano are like oil and 
water, with the former attaching importance to economic growth and 
 
TOKYO 00000287  008 OF 011 
 
 
the latter focused on fiscal soundness. The prime minister, who has 
only a few dependable aides and policy advisers, is expected to run 
his administration while struggling to keep a balance between 
Yosano, the resourceful adviser, and Mori and Nakagawa, the 
"guardians." 
 
(6) Maher's remarks will wreck Okinawa-U.S. ties: Nakaima 
 
RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 1) (Abridged) 
Eve., February 1, 2008 
 
Okinawa Prefecture's Governor Hirokazu Nakaima, meeting the press 
this morning, voiced dissatisfaction with Kevin Maher, U.S. consul 
general in Okinawa, for his recent remarks over the issue of 
building an alternative facility for the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma 
Air Station. Maher has indicated a negative view of Okinawa 
Prefecture's request to move the construction site out to the sea. 
"I wonder if the consul general is authorized to say such a thing 
when we are asking the government to respect local views," Nakaima 
said. "I fear that the remarks could mess up the relationship 
between Okinawa and the United States," he added. He also voiced a 
critical comment, saying: "He sounded as if to totally ignore the 
environment law and environmental ordinances. It's really 
regrettable." 
 
(7) Poll on the public view of Japan 
 
YOMIURI (Page 13) (Full) 
January 25, 2008 
 
Questions & Answers 
(Figures shown in percentage) 
 
Q: Are you proud of being Japanese? 
 
Very proud 54.8 
Somewhat proud 37.9 
Not proud 5.6 
No answer (N/A) 1.7 
 
 
Q: What is it that you are proud about in Japan and its people? Pick 
as many as you like from those listed below. 
 
History, tradition, culture 71.6 
Country, nature 43.4 
Constitution 16.8 
Emperor system 12.0 
Economic prosperity 18.9 
Education, science and technology 19.3 
Nationality 28.0 
Social stability, public security 28.4 
Other answers (O/A) 0.7 
Nothing in particular (NIP) + N/A 4.2 
 
Q: Do you think the Japanese people are superior to the peoples of 
other countries? 
 
Yes 69.6 
No 24.6 
N/A 5.8 
 
 
TOKYO 00000287  009 OF 011 
 
 
Q: If you were to be born again, would you like to be born Japanese 
again? 
 
Yes 84.7 
No 10.3 
N/A 5.0 
 
Q: What do you think Japan is like now? Pick as many as you like 
from among those listed below. 
 
Military power 2.0 
Economic power 35.9 
Pacifist nation  59.7 
Cultured nation 27.2 
Welfare state 9.6 
Closed country 10.1 
Trustworthy country 8.4 
Democratic country 25.2 
Self-driven country 4.2 
N/A 4.8 
 
 
Q: What is the matter of primary concern to you in your daily life? 
Pick as many as you like from among those listed below. 
 
World 24.9 
Japan 39.5 
Local community 44.5 
Job 38.3 
Family 47.4 
Myself 28.9 
N/A 1.3 
 
Q: Do you want to serve the nation? 
 
Yes 73.3 
No 20.3 
N/A 6.5 
 
Q: What is your image of serving the nation? Pick as many as you 
like from among those listed below. 
 
Work to defend Japan's peace and security 44.3 
Work for Japan's economic growth 22.4 
Work for the international community to help heighten Japan's 
reputation 10.3 
Perform in art, culture, sports, etc. 12.0 
Work as an assembly member or as local government head 1.5 
Work for the national government or a local government 4.0 
Work and pay taxes 34.2 
Bring up children for the future 48.2 
Volunteer for disaster relief activities 25.6 
O/A+NIP+N/A 7.9 
 
Q: Do you think you have a strong feeling of love for the nation? 
 
Yes 29.2 
Yes to a certain degree 41.5 
No to a certain degree 18.7 
No 6.5 
N/A 4.2 
 
 
TOKYO 00000287  010 OF 011 
 
 
Q: What is your image of loving the nation? Pick as many as you like 
from among those listed below. 
 
Love my local community, hometown 61.5 
Respect tradition, culture 49.0 
Work to defend Japan's peace and security 31.0 
Work for Japan's development, prosperity 20.6 
Proud of being Japanese 46.7 
Love and respect the Emperor and the Imperial Household 11.9 
Support Japan in Olympic and other international games 18.8 
O/A 0.3 
NIP 3.7 
N/A 1.0 
 
Q: If Japan comes under attack from foreign troops, what would you 
do? Pick only one from among those listed below. 
 
Resist with arms 16.0 
Resist in other ways 38.9 
Get away to a safe place 33.1 
Give in 6.6 
N/A 5.4 
 
Q: What do you want the government to do in particular? Pick up to 
three from among those listed below. 
 
Defend Japan's peace and security 76.6 
Fulfill welfare 51.7 
Develop Japan's economy 35.3 
Create rules for economic activities 6.7 
Protect human rights 22.6 
Maintain public security 34.6 
Fulfill education 25.4 
Work for the international community 8.2 
O/A 0.2 
NIP+N/A 1.3 
 
 
Q: There are two opinions about the Japanese government's role. Pick 
only one. 
 
(A) It is desirable for Japan to have a "small government" that 
reduces its regulations, scales down its functions, and lessens 
public burdens but instead minimizes its public services. 
(B) It is desirable for Japan to have a "big government" that 
imposes more regulations, scales up its functions, and increases 
public burdens but instead improve public services. 
 
(A) 37.8 
(B) 33.3 
Can't say which 26.3 
N/A 2.6 
 
Q: Do you think the government should lessen its regulations for 
free market mechanisms? 
 
Yes 59.4 
No 30.9 
N/A 9.7 
 
Q: Do you think the government should make positive efforts to 
dissolve economic disparities in the nation? 
 
TOKYO 00000287  011 OF 011 
 
 
 
Yes 84.1 
No 11.9 
N/A 4.0 
 
Q: Do you think the government should ensure the nation's social 
security, including pensions and welfare, and for that do you think 
it is all right to increase public burdens, including taxes,? 
 
Yes 44.8 
No 47.1 
N/A 8.1 
 
Q: How would you like Japan to turn out? Pick up to three from among 
those listed below. 
 
A country that pursues economic affluence 38.9 
A country that weighs science and technology 14.3 
A country that fulfills welfare 57.3 
A country that displays political clout in the international 
community 13.3 
A country that appeals to the world on the importance of peace 41.5 
A country that weighs security 20.0 
A county that becomes a model of democratic government 11.5 
A country that weighs cultural promotion 10.4 
A country that makes much of nature and the earth's environment 
45.6 
O/A+NIP+N/A 1.5 
 
Polling methodology 
Date of survey: Jan. 12-13. 
Subjects of survey: 3,000 persons chosen from among all eligible 
voters throughout the country (at 250 locations on a stratified 
two-stage random-sampling basis). 
Method of implementation: Door-to-door visits for face-to-face 
interviews. 
Number of valid respondents: 1,780 persons (59.3 PERCENT ) 
Breakdown of respondents: Male-49 PERCENT , female-51 PERCENT ; 
persons in their 20s-10 PERCENT , 30s-15 PERCENT , 40s-16 PERCENT , 
50s-20 PERCENT , 60s-24 PERCENT , 70 and over-15 PERCENT ; big 
cities (Tokyo's 23 wards and government-designated cities)-23 
PERCENT , major cities (with a population of more than 300,000)-17 
PERCENT , medium-size cities (with a population of more than 
100,000)-26 PERCENT , small cities (with a population of less than 
100,000)-23 PERCENT , towns and villages-11 PERCENT . 
 
SCHIEFFER