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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 003099 
 
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 11/07/08 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Obama to strengthen alliance between U.S. and Japan; Tells Prime 
Minister in telephone conversation (Yomiuri) 
 
(2) Obama wins U.S. presidency; Policy toward Japan unclear; 
Government expedites efforts to strengthen ties (with Obama 
transition team) in dealing with abduction, financial crisis, war on 
terror (Ryukyu Shimpo) 
 
(3) Japan may be pressed to end policy of prioritizing Japan-U.S. 
relations (Mainichi) 
 
(4) Who is Japan's Obama? Gap in Japanese and U.S. political systems 
(Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(5) Japan may be pressed to end policy of prioritizing Japan-U.S. 
relations (Okinawa Times) 
 
(6) U.S. ambassador negative that there will be delay in 
Guam-transfer plan (Okinawa Times) 
 
(7) Slight change in U.S. trade policy likely under Obama 
administration: Observation in Japan is that pace of liberalization 
will slow (Asahi) 
 
(8) MSDF education material includes expression, "The Japanese 
people have been held captive to a slavish mentality" (Asahi) 
 
(9) Summoning of Tamogami may hurt ruling coalition; His retirement 
drawing fire (Yomiuri) 
 
(10) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(11) EDITORIALS 
 
(12) Prime Minister's schedule, November 6 (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Obama to strengthen alliance between U.S. and Japan; Tells Prime 
Minister in telephone conversation 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpts) 
Eve., November 7, 2008 
 
Prime Minister Aso this morning held a 10-minute telephone 
conversation, his first, with President-elect Barack Obama from his 
office in the Kantei (Official Residence). The two agreed to 
strengthen alliance ties between Japan and the United States and to 
cooperate to deal with the global financial crisis. The Prime 
Minister expressed his desire to meet with Mr. Obama as quickly as 
possible. 
 
The Prime Minister congratulated Mr. Obama for winning the 
presidential election, and he then stressed, "The first principle of 
Japan's diplomacy is to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance." He 
brought up the Afghanistan issue, North Korea's nuclear program, the 
abduction issue, while stressing, "I would like to closely cooperate 
on the various challenges that the international community now 
faces." Obama responded, "We will tackle the issues together, and I, 
too, would like to strengthen the alliance." 
 
TOKYO 00003099  002 OF 012 
 
 
 
(2) Obama wins U.S. presidency; Policy toward Japan unclear; 
Government expedites efforts to strengthen ties (with Obama 
transition team) in dealing with abduction, financial crisis, war on 
terror 
 
RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 2) (Full) 
November 6, 2008 
 
In the wake of Democratic Senator Barack Obama's victory in the U.S. 
presidential election, the government decided on Nov. 5 to 
strengthen relations with the Obama transition team to closely 
monitor the incoming administration's approach. The government wants 
to communicate with (the Obama team) at an early date in dealing 
with the North Korean nuclear and abduction issues, the war on 
terror in Afghanistan, the worldwide financial crisis, global 
warming, and other issues. 
 
Chances are high that Obama, who is to take office after eight years 
of the Republican Bush administration, will appoint new persons as 
officers responsible for Asia policy, according a Japan-U.S. 
relations source. Building ties with the Obama side is likely to 
take time. 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura said in a press briefing 
yesterday: "Mr. Obama puts high priority on Japan-U.S. relations." 
In response to an indication that Obama puts weight on dialogue in 
dealing with North Korea, Kawamura simply said: "We will make 
efforts to obtain strong support and understanding from Mr. Obama 
toward the policy of the Japanese government." 
 
Obama even envisages a U.S.-DPRK summit. "We cannot sense to what 
extent he understands the abduction issue," a Foreign Ministry 
source said. The government intends to ask the United States not to 
lean overly toward dialogue before progress is made on the abduction 
issue. 
 
Obama is also calling for the continuation of the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean as part 
of Japan's assistance to Afghanistan. In July, the Bush 
administration conveyed its expectation to Tokyo that Japan would 
extend fiscal support worth about 2 trillion yen if it was difficult 
to dispatch SDF troops. Japan has not responded to it. 
 
There is a possibility that the Obama administration will press hard 
Japan for greater contributions and that Prime Minister Taro Aso 
will find himself on the horns of a dilemma between foreign and 
domestic affairs. Regarding the issue of relocating Futenma Air 
Station to a site within the prefecture, as well, the next U.S. 
administration is likely to urge Japan to put an early end to the 
tempestuous coordination with affected municipalities as part of the 
realignment of U.S. forces in Japan. The new administration might 
also ask Japan to make greater financial contributions to the 
relocation of U.S. Marines from Okinawa to Guam which goes hand in 
hand with the Futenma relocation plan. The government is keeping a 
watchful eye (on the Obama team). 
 
Obama has indicated that he would proactively address such issues as 
global warming and nuclear disarmament. Some in the Foreign Ministry 
think that Japan-U.S. relations will expand. 
 
Reactions by political parties in Okinawa 
 
TOKYO 00003099  003 OF 012 
 
 
 
Liberal Democratic Party Okinawa chapter) 
 
We want to see President-elect Obama exhibit strong leadership, 
Japan and the United States forge relations of greater trust, make 
efforts to resolve outstanding issues, and reorganize, reduce and 
realign the U.S. bases in the prefecture. We expect he will work 
hard to reduce the burden on the Okinawa public. 
 
Social Democratic Party Okinawa chapter 
 
Obama's victory has naturally resulted form the Bush 
administration's Iraq war and the failed financial and economic 
polities centered on market fundamentalism. Both the United States 
and Japan need change. We will be watching the Obama 
administration's departure from market fundamentalism and its 
security and Asia policies. 
 
Japanese Communist Party Okinawa Committee 
 
The election results reflect the public criticism of the Bush 
administration's domestic and foreign policies. Although Obama 
advocates change, he is calling for more troops to Afghanistan at 
the same time. Aiming to break away from the abnormal subjugation to 
the United States, we will fight while upholding the realignment of 
U.S. forces and opposition to building new bases. 
 
New Komeito Prefectural Headquarters 
 
The United States will have a black President for the first time in 
its history. It is an epoch-making event breaking the racial walls. 
We expect (the United States) will exercise leadership in assuaging 
concerns over the global financial turmoil and bringing about global 
peace by promoting the elimination of nuclear weapons under the new 
President. We also expect the settlement of Okinawa base issues, 
including the status of forces agreement and the realignment and 
reduction of bases here. 
 
Democratic Party of Japan Okinawa chapter 
 
The Bush maladministration that has entangled the world in the war 
of aggression and brought about the economic failure will now end. 
The LDP-New Komeito coalition that has blindly followed the United 
States will experience the agonies of death. In order to deal with 
President-elect Obama, who is intellectual and idealistic, Japan 
needs an Ozawa-led DPJ administration. The time of change has come 
to Japan as well. 
 
Social Mass Party 
 
It has been 63 years since the end of WWII, and U.S. bases still 
exist in Okinawa. The new President must realize the pain and 
suffering of people in Okinawa. The Japanese government should 
negotiate with the Obama administration on the elimination of U.S. 
bases in order to relieve Okinawa residents of the heavy weight of 
bases. 
 
Sozo 
 
A change of government is what the American people have hoped for. 
This wave of change is likely to have a direct impact on Okinawa, 
which hosts the bulk of U.S. bases (in Japan). It is necessary to 
 
TOKYO 00003099  004 OF 012 
 
 
closely watch how the prefectural government will deal with (the new 
U.S. administration). 
 
People's New Party Okinawa chapter 
 
We would like to see the incoming U.S. administration give impetus 
to the diplomacy and defense -- especially the realignment and 
reduction of U.S. forces in Okinawa -- of Japan and the United 
States. What the prefectural government expects of the winner of the 
U.S. presidential election will become clear. 
 
(3) Japan may be pressed to end policy of prioritizing Japan-U.S. 
relations 
 
MAINICHI (Page 9) (Full) 
November 6, 2008 
 
By Noriko Hama, professor at Doshisha University 
 
The Bush administration has classified countries that agree to its 
policies as allies and countries opposed to them as enemies, as part 
of an America-first policy. In contrast, President-elect Barack 
Obama, who has advocated the need for change in the U.S., seems to 
be leaning toward multilateralism. Changes also may appear in 
Japan-U.S. relations. Even if Japan continues to label Japan-U.S. 
relations as the cornerstone of its foreign policy, as it has done 
in the days of the Bush administration, the situation could change 
in that attention will be no long paid to Japan. 
 
After assuming office in January, "President" Obama will be pressed 
to deal with such domestic challenges as containing the ongoing 
financial crisis and avoiding recession. Given this, Japan as a 
mature country in Asia should take measures to stabilize its economy 
and to support such emerging countries as Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. If Japan fails to become a presence 
that is relied on by other countries, the weight of their economic 
ties with Japan will drop. 
 
Based on the conventional Democratic Party's policy stance, some 
observers expect Ozawa to take a protectionist stance in trade 
policy. Judging from the remarks Obama made in the campaign, 
however, I do not think he will move to destroy the WTO-centered 
multinational free-trade structure. Even so, under the gloomy 
economic situation in the U.S., protectionist pressure is certainly 
growing to protect domestic auto and other industries. How the Obama 
administration will be able to balance such problems will be a test 
of his abilities. 
 
(4) Who is Japan's Obama? Gap in Japanese and U.S. political 
systems 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 22) (Full) 
November 7, 2008 
 
U.S. President-elect Barack Obama, a Democrat, is 47 years old. 
Feeling empathy for a young leader' calling for "change," Americans 
have entrusted the control of their country to him. Will there be a 
generational change in Japanese politics, too? Who is Japan's 
Obama? 
 
Akiyoshi Yamamura, a 48-year-old political journalist, said: "There 
are three Japanese politicians of Obama's general caliber, who are 
 
TOKYO 00003099  005 OF 012 
 
 
ambitious to become prime minister." 
 
The three include Akira Nagatsuma, 48, a House of Representatives 
member belonging to the Democratic Party of Japan, who is called 
"Mr. Pension;" Shigefumi Matsuzawa, 50, governor of Kanagawa 
Prefecture; and Hiroshi Tanaka, 44, mayor of Yokohama City. 
 
Yamamura praised the three politicians, and said: 
 
"Mr. Obama has power to continue to call for "change" even at a time 
when he faces a headwind. Japanese lawmakers are generally lacking 
in such drive, but those three are exceptions." 
 
Yamamura, however, pointed out: "With the current financial crisis, 
Japanese people are gradually becoming conservative in order to 
protect their livelihoods. There will not be a 'change boom' for the 
time being. They should take advantage of this opportunity to 
stimulate society." 
 
Yamamura also cited the names of Takuro Morinaga, a 15-year-old 
economic analyst, 51, and Tetsuya Miyazaki, a 46-year-old 
commentator. He explained: 
 
"In the past, they made extreme remarks on daytime television talk 
shows, but they have recently talked in a well-balanced manner. They 
know much about the economy, which is the public's major concern." 
 
Dave Specter, a TV producer, pins his hopes on the 39-year-old Osaka 
Gov. Toru Hashimoto. He highly praised Hashimoto's positive stance 
of entering the political world, quitting his law practice and jobs 
on TV. 
 
However, Specter cited the need for a review of Japan's election 
system as a 'Japanese version of change.' He said: 
 
"I can't believe that even though young people are asked to 
participate in politics, the holding of election campaigns using the 
Internet is not allowed. Since just delivering outdoor speeches is 
not attractive, capable young people do not aim the sights on 
entering politics." 
 
Something that is dramatic occurs in an U.S. presidential election, 
but such does not happen in an election of the Japanese prime 
minister. This is because there are differences in the political 
system between Japan and the United Stats. 
 
Japan has a parliamentary cabinet system and a prime minister is 
elected from among Diet members. In the case of the Liberal 
Democratic Party (LDP), party members elected at least five times to 
the Lower House can become a prime ministerial candidate. Therefore, 
the LDP Lower House members are required to spend enormous time 
until becoming prime minister. Shinzo Abe became prime minister at 
the age of 52, the youngest age in the postwar period. There is 
nobody who became prime minister in their forties. It is difficult 
for such to happen in the LDP. 
 
However, in the United States where president is elected directly by 
the people, politicians like Obama, who do not have much experience 
in politics, can become president by popular vote. Keiko Iiboshi, a 
talent and essayist, 45, said: "I felt envy at the United States 
where anybody has a chance to become president." She then said: 
 
 
TOKYO 00003099  006 OF 012 
 
 
"Although some Japanese prime ministers have influence even after 
they resign, U.S. presidents leave politics once they leave office. 
Unless the Japanese political system is changed to one under which 
lawmakers defeated in a prime ministerial election would be required 
to leave the political world, the next generations will not come 
out." 
 
Iiboshi lamented that she could not find anyone like Obama among 
Japanese politicians. 
 
There are 19 Diet members who were born in 1961, the same year as 
Obama. 
 
Diet member born in 1961 
 
Lower House member Upper House member 
Masaaki Akaike (LDP) Tsutomu Oshima (DPJ) 
Tatsuya Ito (LDP) Kusuo Oshima (DPJ) 
Yasushi Kaneko (LDP) Minoru Kawasaki (DPJ) 
Hiroshi Kawauchi (DPJ) Yoshimasa Hayashi (LDP) 
Yukari Sato (LDP) 
Tetsuya Shiokawa (JCP) 
Mikio Shimoji (PNP) 
Hideo Jinpu (DPJ) 
Kaname Tajima (DPJ) 
Sanae Takaichi (LDP) 
Koichi Takemasa (DPJ) 
Hiroshi Hase (LDP) 
Yutaka Banno (DPJ) 
Kenji Wakamiya (LDP) 
Shu Watanabe (DPJ) 
 
LDP = Liberal Democratic Party 
DPJ = Democratic Party of Japan 
JCP = Japanese Communist Party 
PNP = People's New Party 
 
(5) Japan may be pressed to end policy of prioritizing Japan-U.S. 
relations 
 
MAINICHI (Page 9) (Full) 
November 6, 2008 
 
By Noriko Hama, professor at Doshisha University 
 
The Bush administration has classified countries that agree to its 
policies as allies and countries opposed to them as enemies, as part 
of an America-first policy. In contrast, President-elect Barack 
Obama, who has advocated the need for change in the U.S., seems to 
be leaning toward multilateralism. Changes also may appear in 
Japan-U.S. relations. Even if Japan continues to label Japan-U.S. 
relations as the cornerstone of its foreign policy, as it has done 
in the days of the Bush administration, the situation could change 
in that attention will be no long paid to Japan. 
 
After assuming office in January, "President" Obama will be pressed 
to deal with such domestic challenges as containing the ongoing 
financial crisis and avoiding recession. Given this, Japan as a 
mature country in Asia should take measures to stabilize its economy 
and to support such emerging countries as Association of Southeast 
Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries. If Japan fails to become a presence 
that is relied on by other countries, the weight of their economic 
 
TOKYO 00003099  007 OF 012 
 
 
ties with Japan will drop. 
 
Based on the conventional Democratic Party's policy stance, some 
observers expect Ozawa to take a protectionist stance in trade 
policy. Judging from the remarks Obama made in the campaign, 
however, I do not think he will move to destroy the WTO-centered 
multinational free-trade structure. Even so, under the gloomy 
economic situation in the U.S., protectionist pressure is certainly 
growing to protect domestic auto and other industries. How the Obama 
administration will be able to balance such problems will be a test 
of his abilities. 
 
(6) U.S. ambassador negative that there will be delay in 
Guam-transfer plan 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Full) 
November 7, 2008 
 
(Tokyo) 
 
U.S. Ambassador to Japan Thomas Schieffer yesterday expressed a 
negative view about a possible delay in the planned transfer of 
Marines in Okinawa to Guam. In reference to a comment made by Adm. 
Timothy Keating, commander of the Pacific Command, indicating that 
there would be a delay in the Marines-transfer plan, Schieffer said: 
"A postponement (of the timing for the transfer) will not serve U.S. 
and Japanese national interests." 
 
The ambassador said: "I don't know what specific construction work 
has delayed the relocation plan and how the increase in the total 
transfer cost agreed on between the U.S. and Japan has affected the 
plan. But I think that if the plan is implemented as soon as 
possible, superior facilities will be built at a smaller cost." 
 
Asked if the Guam transfer plan and the Futenma relocation plan are 
a package, the ambassador replied: "We will be happy to move 
(Marines out of Okinawa to Guam) as quickly as possible, but until a 
Futenma replacement facility is ready, they cannot move, because 
that would reduce the capability of the U.S. forces to react to 
contingencies in the Pacific region." 
 
On the next administration's approach to the realignment of U.S. 
forces in Japan, Schieffer said in a news conference following 
Barack Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential election: "No matter 
who leads the government, the U.S. will naturally implement the 
measures agreed on between the two countries for the sake of mutual 
benefits." 
 
Asked about his future course, the ambassador indicated that he 
would leave his current post with the change of government, 
remarking: "My tenure will end when the president's term of office 
expires on Jan. 20. 
 
(7) Slight change in U.S. trade policy likely under Obama 
administration: Observation in Japan is that pace of liberalization 
will slow 
 
ASAHI (Page 6) (Full) 
November 7, 2008 
 
Barack Obama won the U.S. presidency, putting up reform as his 
slogan. During the campaign period, he took a protectionist stance 
 
TOKYO 00003099  008 OF 012 
 
 
regarding trade policy, the Democratic Party's traditional stance. 
However, he is expected to take a pragmatic policy line, once he 
assumes the presidency. As such, there seems to be a slim chance 
that the kind of Japan-U.S. trade friction that occurred in the 
1990s will reemerge. However, there is concern about trade friction 
with China. 
 
The Democratic Party, whose support base includes trade unions, is 
believed to have a strong protectionist tendency. Obama is critical 
of the Bush's trade liberalization policy. He opposed the free trade 
agreement (FTA) with South Korea, which has yet to secure 
Congressional approval, as disadvantageous to U.S. workers. 
 
He also touched on the need to take a second look at the North 
American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA) with Canada and Mexico, which 
is already in force. The multilateral free trade talks (Doha Round) 
under the World Trade Organization (WTO) broke down with the U.S. 
confronting India and China in July. He supported the outcome. 
However, Keio University Professor Fukunari Kimura noted that the 
prevailing view is that since he took such a stance for the 
election's sake, he would eventually move closer to the middle of 
the road. 
 
The new administration is expected to focus on measures to deal with 
the financial crisis. Masahiro Sakurauchi, Deputy Division Director 
of the Japan External Trade Organization (JETRO), predicted, "The 
priority order of trade is low. Trade is a field subject to public 
criticism. He would not bring it up for the time being." Rikkyo 
University Professor Kiyohiko Fukushima's projection is: "Since 
globalization has progressed, no payback can be expected from 
protectionist measures. Such measures would only slow the pace of 
liberalization." 
 
Trade friction between Japan and the U.S. intensified during the 
Clinton administration. However, with the advancement of Japanese 
companies into the U.S., U.S. trade deficit with Japan, which 
accounted for about 70 PERCENT  of its entire trade deficit in the 
early 1990s, dropped to a little over 10 PERCENT . Japan Business 
Federation (Nippon Keidanren) chairman Fujio Mitarai stressed: 
"Japanese companies are contributing to the creation of jobs in the 
U.S. through local production. Now is different from the time when 
Japan adopted an export-oriented trade policy." 
 
In the meantime, U.S. trade deficit with China topped 30 PERCENT  of 
its entire trade deficits in 2007. One senior Economy, Trade and 
Industry Ministry official projected, "There will be more occasions 
in which the two countries will take a joint step over such issues 
as the protection of intellectual property rights, which Mr. Obama 
attaches importance." 
 
Will Mr. Obama take a hard-line stance to China? 
 
"I will exercise all diplomatic tools available to me in order to 
make China change." Obama made this reply to a letter of questions 
sent by the National Council of Textile Organizations. 
 
He also pointed out, "China's massive current-account surplus is 
directly linked with exchange operations" and "It will bring about 
significant imbalance that is undesirable for the global economy. It 
will also cause problems within China." Obama thus blamed China for 
its exchange policy." He also emphasized his differences from the 
Bush administration, which took a cautious approach in identifying 
 
TOKYO 00003099  009 OF 012 
 
 
China as an exchange- manipulating country, by appointing Henry 
Paulson to serve as treasury secretary. 
 
China has adopted an export-curbing policy in order to ease trade 
friction. As the financial crisis became serious, its economic 
growth in the July-September quarter sharply dropped. China has come 
up with a string of measures to shore up exports since July. The 
rise in the exchange rate of the yuan, which shot up to 6 points 
against the dollar in April, came to a halt. It made a 
month-on-month fall in October. 
 
Zou Gang, deputy chief of the Chinese Foreign Ministry press office 
during a regular press conference on November 6 rebutted, "We 
recognize that China has a problem of trade imbalance. However, the 
U.S. should not lay the blame on China alone, in particular, the 
exchange rage of the yuan." He continued, "China seeks the 
continuation of free trade policy. It is wary of the emergence of 
protectionism." The U.S. and China are in agreement on the need to 
prevent the financial crisis from spreading further. However, there 
seems to be little room for the two countries to make concessions 
for the time being. There is even a possibility of confrontation 
surfacing due to the change in administration in the U.S. 
 
(8) MSDF education material includes expression, "The Japanese 
people have been held captive to a slavish mentality" 
 
ASAHI (Page 39) (Full) 
November 7, 2008 
 
"The Japanese people have lost confidence. They regard it as taboo 
to have a sense of patriotism, not to mention speaking of it, and 
they have been held captive to a slavish mentality." 
 
The above expression is included in reference material formulated by 
the Maritime Self-Defense Force Staff Office for moral education for 
its members, it was found in a meeting yesterday of the House of 
Councillors' Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee. Defense Minister 
Hamada apologized for it, saying: "The expression gives us a sense 
of discomfort." 
 
Democratic Party of Japan lawmaker Haku Shinkun, who received a copy 
of the material in question from the Defense Ministry, said:  "I was 
upset at the word 'senmin -- lowly people' (TN: A kind of slave 
status in pre-modern Japan). This may be regarded as a sort of 
discriminatory term. This is a problem." Hamada replied: "We will 
fully examine the expression and if we judge it inappropriate, we 
will change the wording." 
 
This material is dated March 2002. The part in question was quoted 
from a book (published in 1976) authored by a professor at another 
university. 
 
(9) Summoning of Tamogami may hurt ruling coalition; His retirement 
drawing fire 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Abridged slightly) 
November 7, 2008 
 
There have been new developments since the dismissal of Toshio 
Tamogami from the post of Air Self-Defense Force chief of staff due 
to his essay on the Showa War and other events that were at variance 
with the government's view. They include the revelation that 78 ASDF 
 
TOKYO 00003099  010 OF 012 
 
 
members submitted essays to the contest in which Tamogami won first 
prize. The government and the ruling coalition might find themselves 
in a difficult situation depending on what Tamogami says as an 
unsworn witness before the House of Councillors Foreign Affairs and 
Defense Committee on Nov. 11. 
 
78 entries 
 
The government is visibly shocked by the fact that 78 SDF members 
sent essays to the contest. There is a possibility that the ASDF was 
systematically involved in the contest. 
 
Vice-Defense Minister Kohei Masuda indicated in a press conference 
yesterday that the government would conduct a survey with a 
disciplinary action in mind, saying: "If essays' contents deviated 
significantly from the government's view, some sort of punitive 
action might follow." 
 
The Defense Ministry's survey has found that the Air Staff Office 
had informed ASDF troops across the nation of how to enter the 
contest as being helpful for brainstorming. 
 
Democratic Party of Japan Upper House Caucus Chairman Azuma 
Koshiishi indicated that his party would grill the government at the 
Diet in order to find out if there was a systematic involvement in 
the essay contest that collected essays from 78 ASDF members. 
 
A former LDP cabinet minister said in a serious tone: "If SDF 
personnel systemically released unchecked essays running counter to 
the government's view, that is truly grave from a viewpoint of 
civilian control." 
 
Unexpected reaction 
 
Before the Upper House Foreign Affairs and Defense Committee 
yesterday, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada announced his intention 
to ask Tamogami to voluntarily return his retirement allowance. 
 
The ministry's step that allowed Tamogami to retire from the SDF 
instead of taking disciplinary action against him has drawn fire 
from both the ruling and opposition camps. "The defense minister 
finds it necessary to urge the ex-ASDF chief to return his 
retirement benefits," a government source said. 
 
According to a Defense Ministry source, the ministry, after 
dismissing Tamogami as ASDF chief of staff on Oct. 31, asked for his 
concurrence to face disciplinary action by omitting a set of 
examination prosecutors. But because he indicated that he would 
fight by expressing his desire to debate whether what he did 
constituted a violation of disciplinary rules, the ministry gave up 
the option of taking disciplinary action against him. The ministry 
announced that Tamogami retired as of Nov. 3, citing the mandatory 
retirement age. 
 
In the committee meeting yesterday, Defense Minister Hamada 
explained: "A set of procedures for disciplinary action takes more 
than 10 months. Salary must be paid during that period, so we 
decided on the quickest step." Hamada also said regrettably: "We 
thought he would retire voluntarily as he would acutely sense his 
heavy responsibility following the demotion from the post of ASDF 
chief of staff, but that did not happen." 
 
 
TOKYO 00003099  011 OF 012 
 
 
Aso sees no problem in the Defense Ministry's step 
 
In response to a question from a reporter at the Prime Minister's 
Office last night, Prime Minister Taro Aso indicated that there was 
no problem in the Defense Ministry's step that allowed Toshio 
Tamogami, 60, to retire under the age limit, saying: "Because he was 
removed from office, he needed to abide by the mandatory retirement 
age rule, and the matter had to be settled at that stage." 
 
Retirement age for ASDF chief of staff is 62 and for lieutenant 
general is 60. When Tamogami was demoted to lieutenant general on 
Oct. 31, he was already 60. Aso asked: "Unless he was allowed to 
retire, the government would have to keep paying his salary. Do you 
think it's better to keep him?" 
 
(10) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, and Tokyo Shimbun: 
Toyota forecasts some 70 PERCENT  fall in FY 2008 group operating 
profit; Lowers estimate by 1 trillion yen 
 
Nikkei: 
European central banks cut interest rates, IMF projects negative 
growth in Europe, Japan, U.S. in 2009 
 
Sankei: 
Parliamentary league agrees to tighten regulations on foreign 
capital buyouts 
 
Akahata: 
Firing of hardworking temporary employees rampant among large 
companies, including Mazda, Nissan, and Canon 
 
(11) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Obama era: Japanese diplomacy also needs change 
(2) Moriya sentences to jail term: Defense Ministry has long way to 
go for rebuilding itself 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Tamogami scandal: Government's responsibility must be clarified 
(2) Court ruling on Moriya case signifies something more than crime 
by vice-defense minister 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Even Toyota can't escape global woes 
(2) Moriya trial: Recurrence of breach of trust must be prevented 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) More regional bureaus must be abolished following Prime 
minister's order 
(2) Toyota lowers projected profit by 1 trillion yen 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Russia's missile deployment raises unnecessary tension 
(2) Amendment to financial function strengthening law requires 
innovative ideas 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Amended financial function strengthening legislation designed to 
offer fixed-rate assistance raises questions 
 
TOKYO 00003099  012 OF 012 
 
 
(2) Moriya ruling: Nature of Defense Ministry must be reexamined 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Social security council report calling for consumption tax hike 
totally unconvincing 
 
(12) Prime Minister's schedule, November 6 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
November 7, 2008 
 
07:31 
Took a walk around his private residence in Kamiyama-cho. 
 
10:07 
Met at Kantei with Decentralization Reform Council Chairman Niwa, 
joined by Internal Affairs Minister Hatoyama. Met later with Shoko 
Chukin Bank President Tetsuo Seki, followed by Ambassador to South 
Africa Ozawa. 
 
11:33 
Met with former Swiss President Dyce (TN: phonetic). 
 
12:57 
Met with former Prime Minister Abe and former Finance Minister Ibuki 
in Diet building. 
 
13:02 
Attended Lower House plenary session. 
 
14:09 
Met at Kantei with Minister of State for Declining Birthrate Obuchi, 
followed by former Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Iwaki. 
 
16:29 
Met with Economic and Fiscal Policy Minister Yosano. 
 
17:06 
Met with Ambassador to Russia Saito, followed by LDP Administrative 
Reform Promotion Headquarters chief Chuma. 
 
18:03 
Met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura. 
 
19:12 
Dined with secretaries in the restaurant Shima in Nihonbashi MM 
building. 
 
221:15 
Met secretaries at the bar Golden Lion in Imperial Hotel. 
 
23:20 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
SCHIEFFER