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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 11 TOKYO 001200 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; 
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; 
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; 
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, 
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA 
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; 
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
 
Index: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) 
 
Polls and surveys: 
4) Fukuda Cabinet support rate reaches a new low of 20 PERCENT  in 
Asahi poll  (Asahi) 
5) Cabinet support rate plummets to 21 PERCENT  in Nikkei poll, 
reflecting public's pique over gasoline price hike, flawed medical 
system for seniors  (Nikkei) 
6) In survey of major companies, 47 PERCENT  see recession coming by 
the end of the year  (Mainichi) 
7) Surprising 40 PERCENT  of major companies favor restrictions on 
foreign capital, survey shows  (Mainichi) 
 
China relations: 
8) Prime Minister Fukuda considering attending the opening ceremony 
of the Beijing Olympics  (Yomiuri) 
9) Japan and China to issue joint declaration of global warming 
countermeasures that are sector specific  (Mainichi) 
10) Finance ministers of ASEAN, Japan, China, South Korea to discuss 
ways to control inflation, as food and oil prices soar  (Nikkei) 
 
Defense affairs: 
11) Japanese employed as dental technicians at Yokota Air Base made 
to carry out X-rays of patients despite a lack of a license  (Tokyo 
Shimbun) 
12) Thirty-year old dental employee at Yokota explains that she 
carried out unlicensed X-ray work with anxiety when ordered to do so 
 (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
Political agenda: 
13) Upper House LDP, faced with serious public backlash, proposes 
altering the senior medical service system to exempt low income 
people from paying fees  (Mainichi) 
14) Lawmaker Hiranuma being wooed by both the LDP, DPJ to join the 
party  (Yomiuri) 
15) Former Defense Minister Koike organizes policy group of female 
lawmakers, motivated perhaps by a drive to succeed Fukuda as premier 
 (Mainichi) 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Poll: Cabinet approval rating sets new record low of 20 PERCENT 
 
Mainichi: 
Japan, China to map out joint statement on climate change 
 
Yomiuri: 
Access to child pornography websites will be blocked, according to 
the ruling bloc's proposal to amend the Law Banning Child 
Prostitution and Child Pornography  (Article in the English edition, 
The Daily Yomiuri) 
 
Nikkei: 
Canon to construct a state-of-art factory in U.S. for production of 
toner cartridge 
 
TOKYO 00001200  002 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
 
Sankei: 
Survey of major 135 companies: Moves for hiking prices spreading 
across the country 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Growing concern about ending long hospitalization of patients 
receiving treatment of stroke or patients with dementia with 
introduction of the medical service for the elderly 
 
Akahata: 
79th May Day events held in 357 locations across the country; Time 
to open way for new politics 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Rising prices: Japan now suffers both inflation and deflation 
(2) 100th anniversary of emigration into Brazil: Let's support 
Japanese-Brazilians who try to realize their dreams in Japan 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Police investigation based on assumed guilt never successful 
(2) Reform of public works projects: Citizens' participation in 
mapping out road construction projects necessary 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) FRB cuts interest rates: Difficult monetary policy likely to 
continue for a while 
(2) "La Folle Journee au Japon" of one million people takes root in 
Japan 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) U.S. monetary policy now at difficult stage 
(2) What we want to convey to President Hu when he is visiting 
Japan 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Osaka Gov. Hashimoto needs to show ways for financial 
reconstruction of prefectural government, not afraid of making waves 
 
(2) Hydrogen sulfide suicides: People living nearby also suffer 
hydrogen sulfide gas 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Medical system for elderly: Consideration needed for low-income 
class 
(2) Increase in female managers: Best use of women's enthusiasm by 
appointing them to higher positions 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Ruling parties responsible for reinstated gasoline tax that hits 
people's lives 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, May 1 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
10:00 
 
TOKYO 00001200  003 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
Met advisor Ito at the Kantei. 
 
11:01 
Met Fukuoka Governor Aso, chair of the Association of Prefectural 
Governors, and representatives of six local organizations, followed 
by LDP Security Research Commission Chairman Nakatani, Lower House 
member Yasukazu Hamada and others. Afterward met former Secretary 
General Nakagawa. 
 
14:27 
Met Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Ota and Assistant Deputy 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Saka. 
 
15:00 
Met Chinese students in Japan and others, followed by Vice-Finance 
Minister for International Affairs Shinohara. 
 
16:10 
Met Deputy Foreign Minister Sasae, Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau 
Director-General Saiki, METI Vice Minister for International Affairs 
Toyoda, Resources and Energy Agency Director-General Mochizuki, and 
Environment Ministry Global Environment Bureau Director-General 
Minamikawa. 
 
17:04 
Met Special Advisor to the Cabinet Nishimura, followed by Chief 
Cabinet Secretary Machimura. 
 
18:30 
Met Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Iwaki. 
 
19:03 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
4) Poll: Cabinet support lowest at 20 PERCENT 
 
ASAHI (Top play) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
In the wake of the Diet approval of a government-introduced bill to 
reinstate gasoline surcharges with the House of Representatives' 
second vote, the Asahi Shimbun conducted a telephone-based 
nationwide spot public opinion survey from the evening of Apr. 30 
through the evening of May 1. In the survey, respondents were asked 
if they supported the reinstatement of gasoline surcharges. To this 
question, 22 PERCENT  answered "yes," with 66 PERCENT  saying "no." 
The approval rating for Prime Minister Fukuda's cabinet was 20 
PERCENT , down further from its all-time low of 25 PERCENT  in the 
last survey taken Apr. 19-20. The disapproval rating was 59 PERCENT 
(60 PERCENT  in the last survey). 
 
In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the ruling 
Liberal Democratic Party stood at 24 PERCENT  (26 PERCENT  in the 
last survey), with the leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan 
(Minshuto) at 28 PERCENT  (22 PERCENT  in the last survey). As seen 
from these results, the DPJ topped the LDP. The DPJ last outstripped 
the LDP in August last year when the Abe cabinet was in office. In 
the survey, respondents were asked which political party they would 
vote for in their proportional representation blocs if an election 
were to be held now for the House of Representatives. In response to 
this question, 39 PERCENT  opted for the DPJ, with 22 PERCENT 
choosing the DPJ. In February this year, the DPJ was at 32 PERCENT , 
 
TOKYO 00001200  004 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
with the LDP at 30 PERCENT . This time around, the DPJ gained more 
support from women. 
 
The LDP and its coalition partner, New Komeito, took a second vote 
in the House of Representatives to pass the gas surcharge bill 
through a concurring vote of two-thirds. In the survey, respondents 
were asked if they thought this was appropriate, apart from whether 
they support it or not. To this question, "yes" accounted for 29 
PERCENT , with "no" at 54 PERCENT . 
 
The government and ruling parties are going to take another second 
vote in the lower chamber to pass a bill intended to use gasoline 
taxes for road construction and other road-related infrastructure 
projects. Asked about this, negative opinions outnumbered 
affirmative ones, with 28 PERCENT  answering "yes" and 59 PERCENT 
saying "no." Meanwhile, 67 PERCENT  favored the idea of 
incorporating road-related tax revenues into the state's general 
account budget, with 22 PERCENT  negative. As seen from these 
figures, the idea is generally supported. 
 
Meanwhile, the DPJ is now looking into the possibility of submitting 
a censure motion against Fukuda in the House of Councillors. In the 
survey, respondents were asked if they supported this DPJ stance. To 
this question, 42 PERCENT  answered "yes," with 40 PERCENT  saying 
"no." When asked what Fukuda should do if the motion is passed, 60 
PERCENT  said he should dissolve the House of Representatives for a 
general election, with 25 PERCENT  saying he will not have to resign 
or dissolve the lower chamber and 9 PERCENT  insisting that he 
should resign. 
 
5) Poll: Cabinet support rate nosedives to 21 PERCENT 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Abridged) 
May 2, 2008 
 
The Nikkei conducted a spot public opinion survey on Apr. 30 and May 
1 and found that the rate of public support for Prime Minister Yasuo 
Fukuda and his cabinet had dropped 8 percentage points from the last 
survey in mid-April to hit an all-time low of 21 PERCENT . The 
nonsupport rate for the Fukuda cabinet rose 9 points and reached its 
all-time high of 68 PERCENT . This can be taken as reflecting 
(public attitudes toward) the reinstatement of gasoline surcharges 
and the introduction in April of a new medical fee system for the 
elderly. Meanwhile, support for the ruling Liberal Democratic Party 
stood at 33 PERCENT , with the leading opposition Democratic Party 
of Japan (Minshuto) scoring 36 PERCENT . The DPJ has outstripped the 
LDP for the first time in eight years. 
 
In the last survey, the Fukuda cabinet's support rate fell below 30 
PERCENT  for the first time (in the Nikkei series). The Abe and 
Koizumi cabinets never fell below 25 PERCENT . The Fukuda cabinet's 
support rate is closing in on the 16 PERCENT  rating the Mori 
cabinet had at its last stage. Fukuda will inevitably face 
difficulties in managing his administration. 
 
In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the LDP 
dropped 5 points from the last survey, with the DPJ up 7 points. The 
DPJ last topped the LDP in August last year (when Shinzo Abe was 
prime minister), but this is the first time for the Fukuda cabinet 
to see the DPJ outstrip the LDP. The LDP's downfall in public 
support jacked up the rating for the DPJ as an alternative for those 
critical of the LDP. 
 
TOKYO 00001200  005 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
 
The survey was taken by Nikkei Research Inc. by telephone on a 
random digit dialing (RDD) basis. For the survey, samples were 
chosen from among men and women aged 20 and over across the nation. 
A total of 1,329 households with one or more eligible voters were 
sampled, and answers were obtained from 711 persons (53.5 PERCENT 
). 
 
6) Poll: "The economy will enter into a recession before year's 
end," say 47 PERCENT  of surveyed leading companies; Business 
sentiment plummeting since December last year 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
A survey of leading companies carried out by the Mainichi Shimbun 
has found that the firms are taking a harsh view of the future of 
the Japanese economy. Asked about the present state of the economy, 
22 PERCENT  replied that the economy was declining slowly, while 2 
PERCENT  noted that the economy was worsening. Approximately 25 
PERCENT  of surveyed companies had the perception that the economy 
was declining. The portion of companies that see the economy 
entering into a recession before year's end reached 47 PERCENT , 
indicating a situation in which concern about the future of the 
Japanese economy was mounting due to the slowdown of the U.S. 
economy and soaring crude oil prices. 
 
Queried about the present state of the economy, 72 PERCENT  of the 
firms said that the economy was leveling off. Those that replied 
that the economy was recovering, albeit slowly, plummeted to 3 
PERCENT  from the highest level of 58 PERCENT  recorded in the 
previous survey carried out last December. Business sentiment has 
thus significantly deteriorated in a short period of time. 
 
The poll was carried out in mid-April targeting 121 companies, 
mainly listed on the stock exchange, and obtained replies from 119 
companies. 
 
Regarding the future of the economy, 37 PERCENT  replied that the 
economy was leveling off, followed by 31 PERCENT , which thought 
that the economy was recovering slowly, 29 PERCENT , which saw the 
economy as declining slowly, and 2 PERCENT , which expected the 
economy would enter into a recession. 
 
The poll asked the 80 companies that had replied the economy was 
either leveling off, declining slowly or entering into a recession 
about the timing of the economy entering into a recession. The 
largest ratio of 31 PERCENT  replied that it had already entered 
into a recession, followed by 21 PERCENT , which replied that it 
would enter into a recession in the first half of 2008 and 18 
PERCENT , which said that it would enter into a recession in the 
second half of the same year. Thus, 70 PERCENT  of pollees predicted 
that the economy would enter into a recession before the end of the 
year. 
 
As the greatest causes for worry for the Japanese economy (up to 
three answers were allowed), the largest number -- 101 companies -- 
cited the future of the U.S. economy, followed by 99, which noted 
the sharp rise in raw material prices, 46, which cited sluggish 
personal consumption, and 41, which cited exchange fluctuation. 
 
Eleven companies cited the political situation and the management of 
 
TOKYO 00001200  006 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
the administration due to the continuing unstable political 
situation, as can be seen in the temporary vacancy of the Bank of 
Japan governor's post. 
 
7) Poll on leading companies: 40 PERCENT  in favor of restricting 
foreign investment, while 24 PERCENT  against it 
 
MAINICHI (Page 9) (Slightly abridged) 
May 2, 2008 
 
A poll carried out by the Mainichi Shimbun has found that leading 
companies are divided in their views of the government's plan to 
restrict foreign investment, such as a British investment fund's 
effort to increase its stake in J-Power. The proportion of companies 
in favor of restricting foreign investment for security reasons 
reached 40 PERCENT . However, many companies also opposed the idea, 
noting that such a restriction would dampen foreign companies' 
desire to invest in Japan. Among companies in favor of the 
restriction, many expressed qualified agreement. 
 
The survey found that 40 PERCENT  were in favor of restricting 
foreign investment, 24 PERCENT  opposed the restriction, and 36 
PERCENT  gave other replies, such as neither supporting nor opposing 
it. 
 
Among companies in favor of introducing a foreign investment 
restriction, Fuji Xerox noted that speculative investment by 
overseas investment funds could mar the stability of public works. 
Kirin Holdings said that restricting overseas investment is not an 
exceptional practice even among industrialized countries. 
 
As a reason for opposing the restriction, NEC noted that if there 
are security or other reasons, companies can go on the market and 
that it is unfair to change the rule part way. 
 
Many companies in favor of the restriction called for the 
transparency of rules and procedures. 
 
In the meantime, regarding a question on measures to defend 
themselves from takeover bids, 29 PERCENT  replied that they had 
already introduced such measures, while 18 PERCENT  said that they 
were considering such. However, 44 PERCENT  relied that they have no 
such plans. As reasons for that, TEPCO, for instance, noted that it 
is important to enhance corporate value through improvement of 
profitability. 
 
8) Prime Minister Fukuda considering attending opening ceremony of 
Beijing Olympics 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
It was learned yesterday that the government was looking into the 
possibility of Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's attending the opening 
ceremony of the Beijing Olympics. Fukuda intends to make a decision 
on whether he will attend it after gauging the political situation 
in Japan after the Group of Eight summit in July in Hokkaido, as 
well as the Chinese government's handling of the Tibet issue. 
 
Fukuda told the press in late April about the possibility of his 
attending the opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics: "The 
question is whether my political schedule will allow me to do so at 
 
TOKYO 00001200  007 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
that time." He indicated in his remark that he would consider it in 
a positive manner. In 1988, then Prime Minister Noboru Takeshita 
took part in the opening ceremony of the Seoul Olympics. 
 
9) Japan, China to map out joint statement on climate change 
 
MAINICHI (Top play) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
Yu Takayama 
 
 
The Japanese and Chinese governments yesterday agreed to formulate a 
joint statement on climate change during the upcoming May 7 
bilateral summit in Tokyo between Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda and 
Chinese President Hu Jintao. The Chinese side will describe Japan's 
proposal for a "sector-selective approach" to reduce greenhouse gas 
emissions by industry and by sector as an "important step" and will 
praise it for the first time. This will be significant support for 
Japan at the upcoming Group of Eight (G-8) Hokkaido Toyako Summit in 
July, where climate change will be high on agenda. 
 
During the Japan-China summit, both leaders intend to work out a 
joint statement to advance strategic, reciprocal relations. In 
addition to this, it has now been revealed that they will come up 
with a joint statement on climate change, as well. The Chinese side 
will recognize the importance of a "sector-selective" approach and 
praise it as an "important step" for future international talks. 
 
As steps the Chinese side will take, the joint statement will 
include (1) working together with other countries of the world while 
bearing in mind Japan's proposal to halve the world greenhouse gas 
emissions by 2050; (2) joining as an active participant in 
post-Kyoto Protocol framework talks to be applied in 2013 or beyond; 
and (3) appreciating Japan's assistance to developing countries, for 
instance, a funding mechanism on the scale of $10 billion. 
 
Meanwhile, the Japanese side (in the joint statement) will praise 
the Chinese side's efforts as seen in its national program featuring 
a 20 PERCENT  cut in energy consumption by 2010 from the 2005 level. 
The joint statement will include this phrase that goes, "(Japan) is 
ready to help China's efforts." 
 
China has now been exposed to international criticism for the 
Tibetan issue, and it has been criticized by industrialized nations 
as being negative about measure to prevent climate change. Japan and 
China intend to use the upcoming bilateral summit to put on display 
their positive stand on measures to prevent global warming and 
appease international criticism by demonstrating good bilateral ties 
to an international audience. 
 
In the meantime, the Fukuda administration, whose approval ratings 
have been on the decline, wants to produce somehow tangible results 
from the Japan-China summit. Sharing these ulterior motives by both 
sides, the two countries have now decided to formulate a joint 
statement (on climate change). 
 
The Chinese side is still opposed to Fukuda's proposal to set 
country-selective goals of greenhouse gas emissions cuts by giving 
each country each target of emission cuts. So, this point will not 
be mentioned in the joint statement. 
 
 
TOKYO 00001200  008 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
10) ASEAN plus 3 finance ministers to discuss ways to constrain 
inflation, following sharp rise in crude oil, food prices 
 
NIKKEI (Page 5) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
Finance ministers of the 10 countries of the Association of 
Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) plus Japan, China and South Korea 
will discuss on May 4 in Madrid, Spain, the economic situation in 
their region and mutual cooperation in the financial area. Agenda 
items will include how to constrain inflation and maintain economic 
growth, amid soaring crude oil and food prices and mounting pressure 
for price hikes across the region. Another focus of attention is 
whether participants can enter into specific discussions on such 
issues as signing a multilateral currency swap agreement and 
revitalizing the Asian bond market. 
 
Finance ministers of those countries will meet on the sidelines of 
the annual plenary meeting of the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to be 
held in Madrid. Asian countries are maintaining relatively high 
economic growth. However, concern has risen in the region about 
inflation, as seen in the sharp rise in rice prices. Since people in 
some areas are still suffering from poverty, how to strike a balance 
between inflation and economic growth will come into focus, as one 
senior Finance Ministry official put it. 
 
Regarding measures to deal with inflation, ADB Governor Haruhiko 
Kuroda pointed out: "We expect participants will agree to adopt a 
tougher belt-tightening policy and tolerate the appreciation of 
their own currencies. However, since the appreciation of a currency 
will lead to a decline in export competitiveness, whether they can 
share that notion is unclear." 
 
The focal point of monetary cooperation is a currency swap 
agreement, under which signatory countries swap foreign currencies 
in the event to of a currency crisis. An agreement has already been 
reached on the direction of such an agreement at the Kyoto 
conference last year. Concerned countries are now undertaking 
coordination with the possibility of setting a total amount at 80 
billion dollars. Countries that are expected to outlay foreign 
currencies, such as Japan, are cautious about easing a condition for 
invoking foreign currency swap. However, countries that will likely 
borrow foreign currency are seeking a user-friendly mechanism. A 
tug-of-war will likely occur over the ratio of contributions. 
 
Another topic of discussion is revitalizing the Asian bond market. 
The focus of the meeting this time will be mapping out a road map 
with the aim of paving the way for an easier issuance of local 
currency-based bonds so that governments and companies in the region 
can procure funds in a stable way. 
 
11) Japanese employees at dental unit on Yokota Air Base taking 
X-rays without license as part of treatment 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 25) (Abridged slightly) 
May 2, 2008 
 
Several Japanese employees working at the dental department on U.S. 
Yokota Air Base (straddling Tokyo's Fussa and other municipalities) 
have been taking X-rays of patients without a license, it was 
learned yesterday. The Japanese employees are governed by Japanese 
law. A Ministry of Defense source said: "If such is true, it's 
 
TOKYO 00001200  009 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
illegal. We would like to confirm the matter." 
 
According to several employees, they work at a dentistry unit for 
U.S. servicemen, their families, and civilian employees. Some 20 
Japanese employees working as dental hygienists or dental assistants 
have undergone X-ray photograph training since last fall. About 10 
members have completed the training. Some of them have been 
photographing patients as part of treatment. Employees who have yet 
to complete the training are also said to be photographing patients, 
operating machines under the pretext of on the job training. 
 
Shooting X-ray images involves the risk of being exposed to 
radiation. For this reason, only physicians, dentists, and 
radiological technicians are allowed to shoot X-ray pictures under 
the Radiological Technologist Law. Violators face up to one year in 
prison, a fine of up to 500,000 yen, or both. 
 
Becoming a radiological technician requires the passage of a 
national examination to obtain a license from the health, labor and 
welfare minister. Completing the U.S. military training course does 
not mean obtaining a license. A MOD Labor Management Division 
official said: "The Japanese employees are subject to Japanese law. 
Taking X-ray photographs without a license is illegal. We are now in 
talks with the U.S. military on the matter, but we hear that (the 
Japanese employees) are (now) under training. We would like to 
confirm the facts." 
 
According to a base-connected person, USFJ issued a notice dated 
October 29, 2007, to the Japanese employees saying: "As a result of 
a full examination of the matter, we have concluded that shooting 
X-ray images is appropriate and free from any legal problems." 
 
The USFJ press department has told the Tokyo Shimbun: "We are aware 
of the circumstances, but it will take a little more time on matters 
that are under talks with the Japanese government." 
 
12) Female employee in her 30s: "I wanted to refuse (taking X-rays). 
I am worried" 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 25) (Abridged slightly) 
May 2, 2008 
 
"The U.S. military told me there is no need to worry, but I am 
concerned because I don't have any technical knowledge." The comment 
came from an anxious-looking female employee in her 30s who is 
actually taking X-rays without a license after undergoing training. 
 
Her workplace is visited by a dozen or so patients daily, and X-rays 
are shot for about a half of them. "I wanted to refuse (taking 
X-rays) as much as possible, but (shooting X-rays) is unavoidable as 
part of my job. I need to follow orders and do so." 
 
People operating dental X-ray equipment are said to have a lower 
risk of developing leukemia or cancer than those using chest X-ray 
machines. But concerns still remain. 
 
Another female employee working at the unit for several years has 
taken X-rays of over ten people daily during her five-day training. 
"After completing the training, a doctor has sometimes ordered me to 
shoot X-rays. If any problems occurred to the bodies of patients or 
myself, I wonder if the Japanese government and the U.S. military 
would deal with them. I am worried." 
 
TOKYO 00001200  010 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
 
The Japanese government is the employer of the Japanese employees 
working at U.S. military bases. Another female employee, a licensed 
dental hygienist, indicated that she had worried that (the Japanese 
government) might strip her of her license, but a military official 
in charge said to her, "Your position will be safe." 
 
According to a person concerned, the U.S. military has been giving 
training to Japanese employees as well since it introduced digital 
X-ray equipment last year. The purpose is to facilitate dental 
treatment. 
 
13) Insurance system for the elderly: Upper House LDP to propose 
full exemption from fees by low-income persons 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Excerpt) 
May 2, 2008 
 
In connection with the medical system for the elderly, the Upper 
House Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members (chaired by former 
Health and Labor Minister Hidehisa Otsuji) yesterday firmed up a 
policy course of compiling this month a proposed revision of the 
system centered on fully exempting from premium fees low income 
persons. They will then present the plan to the government. The 
members will coordinate in the direction of exempting from insurance 
premiums those low-income persons whose full incomes fall below the 
basic pension (of 66,000 yen per month per single household). Under 
the current system, premiums are lowered at the most to 70 PERCENT . 
The government, as well, is expected to give consideration to the 
proposal. 
 
14) LDP, DPJ each trying to woo Hiranuma over to their party 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and main opposition 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) have sent out positive signals to 
Takeo Hiranuma, former international trade and industry minister, 
who bolted the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in opposition to the 
government's policy of privatizing the state-run postal services, 
with his cooperation after the next House of Representatives 
election. 
 
DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa invited Hiranuma to a Japanese restaurant 
in Akasaka, Tokyo, on the night of April 28, and they enjoyed 
singing karaoke songs there. Ozawa reportedly proposed forming a new 
party and called for cooperation for the DPJ. Hiranuma gave a vague 
reply. 
 
On the night of April 30, LDP Secretary General Bunmei Ibuki dined 
with Hiranuma. The two once belonged to the former Kamei faction, 
now called the Ibuki faction. They seem to have exchanged views on 
the internal situation of the LDP. 
 
Hiranuma explained his meeting with Ozawa: "There was nothing fishy 
about our discussion. I am not planning to cooperate with Mr. 
Ozawa." A person close to Hiranuma pointed out: 
 
"(Hiranuma) has been regarded as supplementary force. As he held a 
meeting with Mr. Ozawa, he was able to have the LDP recognize his 
political presence with an eye on political realignment." 
 
TOKYO 00001200  011 OF 011 
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 05//08 
 
 
15) Former Defense Minister Koike forms policy group of female Diet 
members, motivated perhaps by desire for prime minister's post 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) 
May 2, 2008 
 
With the Fukuda Cabinet's support rates plummeting in the polls, 
former Defense Minister Yuriko Koike has been boosting her political 
presence. Koike announced yesterday the formation of a policy group 
of three female House of Representatives members. She, along with 
former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, also was involved last 
month in the founding of a parliamentary league on environmental 
issues. Speculation has been rife in the ruling Liberal Democratic 
Party (LDP) that she made those moves motivated by her ambition to 
succeed Yasuo Fukuda as the prime minister. 
 
Koike said at a press conference held yesterday in the Diet 
building: "Women are Japan's largest untapped energy. I would like 
policy for women to be made by women." The policy group is named 
Tokyo Projects of and by Ladies (TPL). 
 
The female lawmakers who showed up at the press conference were 
Kuniko Inoguchi, former state minister in charge of Japan's 
declining birthrate, and Lower House member Yukari Sato. Koike, a 
Lower House member, represents the Tokyo No. 10 constituency. Sato, 
a Lower House member elected in the Tokai proportional 
representation bloc, will run in the next Lower House election as a 
candidate for the Tokyo No. 5 constituency. Inoguchi is a Lower 
House member elected in the Tokyo proportional representation bloc. 
Therefore, the three will work together mainly in Tokyo. 
 
When asked by the press about her name being mentioned as a 
candidate for the next prime minister, Koike responded: "It is a 
great honor, but I am now a foot soldier who is firming up my 
political footing for the next Lower House election." 
 
Koike is also secretary general of the Parliamentarians' League to 
Achieve the Kyoto Protocol. Former Prime Minister Koizumi is 
honorary advisor to the league. She held a meeting on April 9 with 
Koizumi and Seiji Maehara, former president of the main opposition 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), to exchange views. A senior member 
of the Machimura faction, to which Koike belongs, made this comment: 
"She has earnestly attended the weekly meetings of the faction. She 
has good sense, so it is safe to bet that she has taken actions with 
an eye on the future political situation." 
 
DONOVAN