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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 13 TOKYO 000209 
 
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 1/29/09 
 
Index: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) 
 
Anti-piracy measures: 
4) P-3C patrol planes being considered for dispatch to waters off 
Somalia as part of anti-piracy mission  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
5) Information on pirate movements in waters off Somalia to be 
shared among Japan, U.S., EU  (Nikkei) 
6) Japanese ship owners want their vessels in pirate-infested waters 
of the Gulf of Aden to be included under EU military protection, as 
well  (Mainichi) 
7) New Komeito forced to accept MSDF mission to deal with pirates, 
giving priority to coalition with LDP, suppressing criticism within 
the party  (Asahi) 
8) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) ambivalent on anti-piracy 
mission, its members split into pro and con groups  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
9) In drafting new law for anti-piracy dispatches, major gap emerges 
between LDP and New Komeito over criteria for use of weapons  (Tokyo 
Shimbun) 
10) Voices of welcome, concern great news of pending dispatch of 
MSDF for anti-piracy mission  (Asahi) 
 
Diplomatic agenda: 
11) Finally, after more than a dozen tries, there will be a 
telephone conversation between Prime Minister Aso, President Obama 
(Sankei) 
12) Former Prime Minister Abe, now in Baghdad, tells Iraq's 
president that Japan will strengthen its economic ties with that 
country  (Yomiuri) 
13) Talks break down over Russian intransigence about removing 
entry-card requirement to northern islands, resulting in Japan 
halting aid to the territory  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
14) Main points of Foreign Minister Nakasone's foreign policy speech 
in the Diet  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
15) Prime Minister Aso's Diet speech gets mixed reviews from ruling 
and opposition camps  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
16) Domestic auto production plummets 24 PERCENT  in Dec., with 
Mitsubishi Motors dropping by 46 PERCENT   (Yomiuri) 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Former company president arrested on suspicion of tax evasion worth 
1.7 billion yen 
 
Mainichi: 
Government to assist rehabilitation of mentally disabled convicts 
after they serve prison terms 
 
Yomiuri: 
Health ministry study group develops universal vaccine for flu: Also 
effective for new strains of flu 
 
Nikkei: 
 
TOKYO 00000209  002 OF 013 
 
 
Government eyes 30 broadcast channels for mobile phones to be 
started in 2011 or later 
 
Sankei: 
Prime minister's policy speech: Resolve to create new order; fails 
to show next step 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
MSDF to be dispatched to Somalia: Government also considering 
sending P3Cs; Special operation unit to be allowed up to firing 
warning shots 
 
Akahata: 
Prime minister's policy speech adheres to sales tax hike, dispatch 
of troops: No breakthrough in employment problem 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Sharp increase in jobless people: Employ all sorts of employment 
measures 
(2) Aso speech: Words from prime minister who has lost credit with 
people weak 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Prime minister's policy speech: Aso scenario sounds empty 
(2) New cash remittance service: Change bank monopoly 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Prime minister's policy speech: Government should fulfill its 
role steadily 
(2) Agricultural administration reform: Promote discussion on review 
of acreage reduction policy 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Prime minister should come up with initiative to address the 
greatest crisis in the century 
(2) Preparations for dispatch of MSDF to Somalia have gotten under 
way at long last 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Prime minister's policy speech: Discuss the form of the state 
(2) Dispatch of MSDF to deal with pirates in waters off Somalia: 
Suprapartisan effort to enact new law urged 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Aso speech: "Along with the people" does not resonate with the 
public 
(2) Re-regulation on taxies: Do not forget consumer interest 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Prime minister's policy speech: Words "peace of mind and 
vitality" sound empty 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, January 28 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
January 29, 2009 
 
07:15 
 
TOKYO 00000209  003 OF 013 
 
 
Took a walk around his official residence. 
 
09:30 
Attended a meeting of the Security Council at the Kantei. Later, met 
Okinawa Governor Nakaima, Okinawa mayors association chairman 
Okinaga, Okinawa town and village heads association chairman Miyagi, 
with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura, Lower House member Seiji 
Nakamura, and others present. 
 
10:34 
Met Environment Minister Saito and Vice Minister Nishio. 
 
11:18 
Met Foreign Ministry's Ambassador for Okinawa Affairs Imai and North 
American Affairs Bureau Director General Umemoto. 
 
12:50 
Attended a meeting of lawmakers in the Diet Building. 
 
13:01 
Attended a Lower House plenary session. 
 
15:01 
Attended an Upper House plenary session. 
 
16:23 
Arrived at the Kantei. 
 
17:35 
Attended a New Year's party held by the People's Political 
Association at the Grand Prince Hotel Akasaka. 
 
18:58 
Dined at an Italian restaurant in Ariake with Keio University 
President Yuichiro Anzai, Sankei Shimbun Chairman Takehiko Kiyohara 
and others. 
 
22:59 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
4) P-3C dispatch also considered for antipiracy measures 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Top play) (Abridged) 
January 29, 2009 
 
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada yesterday ordered the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force to prepare for antipiracy deployment to waters 
off the eastern African coast of Somalia. The MSDF, according to its 
unveiled plan, will dispatch two destroyers, which will be based in 
Djibouti, a coastal country facing the Gulf of Aden. The MSDF is 
also looking into the possibility of sending three P-3C patrol 
planes. A special security force, which will have its rangers 
onboard the MSDF destroyers, will fire warning shots at pirate 
ships. Hijacked ships, however, will be left to the Japanese 
government's negotiations for their release. 
 
The MSDF, in its law-based maritime security operations, is allowed 
to protect Japanese ships, including Japan-linked ones. Among them, 
there are an annual total of about 2,000 ships passing through the 
Gulf of Aden. They will be escorted by two MSDF destroyers. It takes 
one and a half days to pass through the 1,200-kilometer-long sealane 
extending east and west and including the Gulf of Aden, where 
 
TOKYO 00000209  004 OF 013 
 
 
pirates are rampant. The two MSDF destroyers are expected to convoy 
a big fleet of around 10 ships. 
 
If escorted ships are double-lined, it is possible to see all the 
ships that are convoyed between the two MSDF destroyers. With the 
naked eye, however, it is hard to see small ships like high-speed 
boats used by pirates. The destroyers' surface radar will become a 
vital eye for piracy surveillance. Antisubmarine helicopters onboard 
the destroyers will also make periodical warning flights. 
 
The special security force will embark on the MSDF destroyers. Its 
rangers, who are onboard a high-speed boat and a helicopter, will 
approach a pirate ship. After warning, they are expected to fire 
warning shots at the water surface. They are also allowed to go so 
far as to fire on a pirate ship. 
 
In the case of hijacked ships, however, the Japanese government is 
to embark on negotiations. That is because using weapons at a 
hijacked ship could victimize its crew taken hostage. For another, 
it will be difficult to handle pirates even after arresting them. 
 
5) Japan to share info with U.S., other countries on Somalia 
offshore pirates 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Abridged) 
January 29, 2009 
 
The government has now decided to dispatch the Maritime Self-Defense 
Force to waters off the eastern African coast of Somalia for 
antipiracy measures. Along with this decision, the government 
yesterday began coordinating with the United States, European Union 
countries, Russia, and China, which have already been conducting 
warning activities there, to share information on pirates. It will 
be easy to grasp the moves of pirate ships. In addition, the 
government believes that providing Japan's information to other 
countries will also lead to international cooperation. 
 
The MSDF's deployment this time is an action for maritime security 
policing under the Self-Defense Forces Law. Defense Minister 
Yasukazu Hamada yesterday directed the MSDF to prepare for maritime 
security operations. The Defense Ministry will send a fact-finding 
team to Somalia's neighbors next month. In March, the MSDF is 
expected to send out two destroyers with patrol helicopters 
onboard. 
 
6) Japan ships under umbrella of EU naval vessels 
 
MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full) 
January 29, 2009 
 
"We're in the convoy of EU (European Union) naval ships for now, so 
we're feeling small," an official of the Japanese Shipowners' 
Association said. The government has now ordered the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force to prepare for deployment to waters off the coast 
of Somalia for antipiracy measures. This is aimed at answering such 
views in Japan, in addition to fulfilling Japan's international 
responsibility. "The government is also concerned about the shipping 
industry and answered our request," JSA Chairman Hiroyuki Maekawa, 
president of Kawasaki Kisen Kaisha, Ltd., said in a party yesterday 
evening of shipping business executives, welcoming the government's 
order. 
 
 
TOKYO 00000209  005 OF 013 
 
 
In waters off Somalia, 44 pirate attacks broke out in 2007 and 111 
in 2008. As seen from this, the number of pirate attacks has sharply 
increased. Since December last year, EU naval forces have been 
conducting antipiracy operations codenamed Operation Atalanta, which 
is named after a goddess of the hunt in a Greek myth. EU naval 
vessels will escort commercial ships passing through the Gulf of 
Aden at their request with their online registration with the EU 
naval forces of such specific data as their name, gross tonnage, and 
crew size. 
 
EU naval vessels are to escort EU-registered ships. However, non-EU 
ships also can ask for their escorting. Commercial ships gather at 
the eastern or western end of the 'safe corridor' in the gulf. EU 
naval vessels convoy commercial ships that are grouped according to 
their navigation speed. This could be a model for the MSDF's 
escorting. 
 
The Gulf of Aden is an overcrowded area with an annual total of 
about 20,000 ships passing through. However, there are about 6-10 EU 
naval vessels for escorting them. Some fleets gathering at a 
designated point may have to depart unescorted, according to a JSA 
official. "I never saw any naval vessel when we were under way over 
there," said a Japanese major shipping company's official. The MSDF, 
which will deploy two destroyers there, seem to have a limit to its 
activities. 
 
7) New Komeito patiently endorses prime minister's plans for sake of 
coalition arrangement 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Excerpts) 
January 29, 2009 
 
Akihiro Yamada 
 
The New Komeito, a party of peace, has easily endorsed a plan to 
dispatch the Maritime Self-Defense Force to waters off Somalia. The 
party, which is opposed to hiking the consumption tax that would 
directly hit the people's livelihood, is taking a wait-and-see 
attitude toward (Prime Minister Taro Aso's) plan to raise the sales 
tax. With the approach of the next general election, the New Komeito 
cannot afford to criticize the prime minister and thus it is just 
patiently holding itself back. 
 
In yesterday's press conference, Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa 
explained why his party endorsed the MSDF Somalia mission this way: 
"An anti-piracy mission comes under a policing action. It is not 
like going to war. It is on a different plane than (missions in) 
such countries as Iraq and Afghanistan." The New Komeito has been 
serving as a brake in the ruling bloc regarding its security policy. 
Late last year, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada was ordered by the 
prime minister to consider dispatching the SDF. Hamada, who was 
cautious about the dispatch, then sought the cooperation of the New 
Komeito, saying, "I cannot easily dispatch the MSDF under a maritime 
policing clause." 
 
A New Komeito member well-versed in defense policy rejected the 
notion of cooperating with Hamada, saying, "Now that the prime 
minister has announced his plan to dispatch the SDF, we cannot 
prolong the discussion." The same New Komeito lawmaker recently 
explained: "We cannot afford to drag the prime minister down." 
 
New Komeito Chief Representative Akihiko Ota made the following 
 
TOKYO 00000209  006 OF 013 
 
 
statement at the Jan. 18 LDP party convention: "It has been 10 years 
since the LDP-New Komeito coalition administration was launched. The 
relationship between the two parties is now growing into an 
extremely mature one. We are going to demonstrate our strength this 
year." 
 
The New Komeito has joined efforts with the LDP in three Lower House 
elections and three Upper House elections in the past. With an eye 
on possible Lower House dissolution in April, the party has begun 
making preparations for campaign cooperation. With the next general 
election coming up, putting an end to the coalition arrangement with 
the LDP is out of question. Given the situation, for the New 
Komeito, there is no other option but to continue supporting the Aso 
administration. This can explain why the party earlier this year did 
not side with the LDP group opposing the planned consumption tax 
hike, reversing its stance of late last year. 
 
8) DPJ leadership torn between two conflicting views on Somalia 
anti-piracy mission 
 
TOKYO SHMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
January 29, 2009 
 
Takayoshi Goto 
 
Discussions in the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) on the question 
of sending the Self-Defense Force to waters off Somalia for an 
anti-piracy mission have made little progress. The party leadership 
is torn between those favoring the dispatch and those calling for 
joining hands with other opposition parties, such as the Social 
Democratic Party (SDP), which opposes the dispatch. Security issues 
are a weak spot with the patchwork DPJ. Discontent is simmering 
toward the party's leadership, which seems half-hearted about 
resolving the issue. 
 
The SDP and the People's New Party have clearly expressed their 
opposition to the dispatch, saying that the matter must be dealt 
with by the Japan Coast Guard. At the Jan. 18 DPJ party convention, 
SDP head Mizuho Fukushima raised her objection before President 
Ichiro Ozawa and Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama, saying, "There is 
a possibility that armed force might be used." 
 
After the convention, Ozawa also referred to the possible use of the 
JCG. Hatoyama, too, expressed cautiousness, saying, "The public 
would think, 'Can civilian control be ensured?'" This comes from the 
judgment that it is inadvisable for the opposition parties to 
demonstrate discord in view of the Diet and the next Lower House 
election. 
 
Meanwhile, former DPJ President Seiji Maehara took this view at the 
Jan. 27 executive board meeting: "Are the specifics being discussed 
among opposition parties? Above all, our party should decide our own 
policy firmly." 
 
Ironically, it was the DPJ's Akihisa Nagashima who triggered the 
option of dispatching the SDF. Last October, during the previous 
extraordinary Diet session, Nagashima proposed dispatching the SDF, 
and Prime Minister Taro Aso in response expressed his intention to 
consider that option. 
 
Witnessing the divide between the two groups in the party, one DPJ 
lawmaker said: "This might end up giving (the ruling bloc) new 
 
TOKYO 00000209  007 OF 013 
 
 
ammunition to attack the DPJ, which always lacks unity when it comes 
to security issues." 
 
9) Many tough questions, such as weapons-use criteria, await ruling 
bloc project team's discussions of new anti-piracy legislation 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
January 29, 2009 
 
Takuji Soka 
 
The Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner New Komeito 
began discussions yesterday on drafting a new law allowing the 
government to dispatch the Self-Defense Force on anti-piracy 
missions as necessary. The discussions were timed to coincide with 
the government's order to the Maritime Self-Defense Force to prepare 
for its anti-piracy mission in waters off Somali. Although the 
ruling coalition plans to submit a bill to the Diet in early March, 
it faces many tough issues, such as weapons-use criteria. 
 
Five areas of discussion, such as the use of weapons, vessels 
subject to protection, and the Diet's role, are likely to become 
points at issue in the ruling bloc anti-piracy project team's (PT) 
discussions on the envisaged bill. 
 
In escorting vessels, the MSDF, dispatched under an SDF Law maritime 
policing clause, is allowed to use weapons only in legitimate 
self-defense and emergency evacuation. There are strong calls in the 
Defense Ministry and the LDP for relaxed standards under the 
envisaged new law. 
 
The New Komeito remains cautious. Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa 
told a press conference: "The objective is not to strike pirate 
ships but to show our deterrent capability." Lower House member 
Shigeki Sato, too, argued that it was possible to establish a new 
law without easing the weapons-use regulations. 
 
The types of vessels subject to protection are also likely to stir 
up controversy. 
 
The scope of protection is limited to Japanese-registered ships and 
foreign-registered vessels carrying Japanese cargo. The ruling 
parties have basically agreed to expand the scope to include 
foreign-registered vessels unrelated to Japan with the aim of 
playing up Japan's willingness to contribute to the international 
community. 
 
There might be a case where a destroyer would attack a pirate ship 
in order to rescue another vessel under attack far outside its 
control. Such an action might transcend the scope of legitimate 
self-defense. It is a tough question closely associated with the 
weapons-use rules. 
 
What to do with the Diet's involvement is also a point at issue. In 
terms of civilian control, it is desirable to make prior Diet 
approval mandatory, but that might serve to delay a dispatch, 
depending on circumstances. Conversely, seeking ex post facto 
approval might be criticized as slighting the Diet. 
 
Even if new legislation is submitted to the Diet, all efforts might 
come to naught if the Lower House is dissolved soon after. Many 
obstacles lie in the way before the envisaged new legislation can be 
 
TOKYO 00000209  008 OF 013 
 
 
passed. 
 
10) Planned MSDF anti-piracy mission off Somalia evoking both 
welcome and concern 
 
ASAHI (Page 34) (Excerpts) 
January 29, 2009 
 
The Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) started preparations 
yesterday to dispatch its escort vessels to waters off Somalia, 
Africa, to protect Japan-related ships from possible attacks by 
pirates. Those in the shipping industry have welcomed the planned 
dispatch based on a provision under the Self-Defense Forces Law for 
maritime patrol action, but some experts criticize it as "based on a 
stretched interpretation (of the policy provision)." 
 
An executive of the Japanese Shipowners' Association, composed of 
about 100 companies operating large vessels, has welcomed the order 
issued by Defense Minister Hamada, remarking: "We have not asked 
(the MSDF) to sink pirate ships but asked it to escort ships to 
prevent pirates from approaching them." 
 
About six Japan-related ships pass through the Gulf of Aden on any 
day. The ships get through the gulf under the protection of warships 
dispatched from the European Union (EU) and other countries, while 
taking one and a half or two days. Dokkyo University Professor Isami 
Takeda, an expert on piracy, said: "The protection of Japanese ships 
is naturally low on foreign militaries' lists of priorities. If SDF 
vessels are mobilized, we can feel safe." The professor is 
supportive of the dispatch plan, saying: "Piracy is a crime, so 
fighting pirates does not fall under 'war'," adding that it would be 
desirable for neighboring countries to boost their coast guards and 
for major countries to help reconstruct Somalia in the future. 
 
International University of Japan Professor Tomohito Shinoda 
commented: "The international community as a body should work to 
prevent piracy." But he posed questions about dispatching MSDF 
troops under the policing clause, remarking: "Since the provision 
allows troops to use weapons (which inflict harm) only for 
legitimate self-defense or averting imminent danger, they will have 
to engage in the mission with a sense of anxiety. It is necessary to 
ease the nation's weapon-use standards (under new legislation)." 
 
Yamaguchi University Professor Atsushi Kouketsu expressed his 
concern about the dispatch plan: "The policing clause does not 
assume operations in waters far from Japan. The plan is indisputably 
based on a stretched interpretation of the provision. That might 
become a precedent to allow (the MSDF) to be dispatched anywhere 
under the policing clause." 
 
Meanwhile, MSDF Chief of Staff Keiji Akahoshi said in a press 
conference yesterday: "We have neither discussed countermeasures 
against pirates nor conducted training to that end," stressing 
difficulty in dealing with new enemies. A senior MSDF official 
indicated that the use of weapons should be avoided as much as 
possible, saying: "The key point is to spot pirates at an early 
stage and to prevent them from approach a fleet." 
 
11) Aso, Obama to finally hold telephone talks 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
January 29, 2009 
 
TOKYO 00000209  009 OF 013 
 
 
 
The first telephone conversation between Prime Minister Taro Aso and 
U.S. President Barack Obama will likely be held on the morning of 
Jan. 29. During the call, the two leaders are expected to confirm 
their intentions to strengthen the bilateral alliance. Obama has 
already concluded his telephone conversations with the leaders of 
Western and Middle Eastern countries, putting his call to Aso on the 
back-burner. A senior Foreign Ministry official said: "As there are 
circumstances such as time differences, what number Japan might be 
is meaningless." However, a Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) source 
said: "The Obama administration might be making light of Japan." 
 
Aso and Obama held a telephone conversation last November following 
Obama's victory in the U.S. presidential election, but they have not 
had any conversation since Obama took the oath of office as 
President of the United States. During their conversation, Aso is 
expected to offer Obama his congratulations and ask him for a summit 
meeting at an early date. They will also confirm their intentions to 
strengthen cooperation in order to resolve the issues of North 
Korea's nuclear program and abductions of Japanese nationals. 
 
Since becoming president, Obama has held telephone talks with four 
Middle Eastern country leaders, including Israeli Prime Minister 
Olmert, on Jan. 21; with the prime ministers of Britain and Canada 
on the 23rd; and with the French president, German chancellor and 
Russian president on the 26th. He then on the 27th held telephone 
talks with the Australian prime minister, the first leader of the 
Asia-Pacific region to hold such talks with Obama. 
 
Japan, which believes that its alliance with the United States is 
the cornerstone of its foreign policy, appears to have fallen behind 
those countries. Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura, however, 
stated at a press conference yesterday: 
 
"I do not worry at all. (Prime Minister Aso) was able to hold a 
friendly discussion with President Obama immediately after he won 
the presidential race. The President underscored how important in 
Asia Japan was." 
 
Kawamura rejected the view of Japan being taken lightly. 
 
Nevertheless, we can't help feeling that "foreign countries see the 
Aso administration's weak political situation," a senior Foreign 
Ministry official said. 
 
The reality is that there still is no actual prospect for a summit 
between Aso and Obama. 
 
12) Former Prime Minister Abe visits Iraq: Agreement reached with 
president to strengthen economic ties 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
January 29, 2009 
 
Former Prime Minister Abe on the morning of January 28 (evening of 
the same day, Japan time) visited Iraq as a special envoy of Prime 
Minister Aso. He met with President Talabani at the presidential 
residence in Baghdad. He is the first former Japanese prime minister 
to visit Iraq since the collapse of the Hussein administration in 
April 2003. The aim of his Iran visit is to convey to that nation 
that Japan will continue to attach importance to it even though the 
Self-Defense Forces troops have pulled out from assistance 
 
TOKYO 00000209  010 OF 013 
 
 
operations. 
 
During the meeting, Abe said, "Japan would like to strengthen 
business ties with Iran, in particular, in the energy field, 
including oil." The president responded, "I want to develop Iraq as 
an oil-producing country, using Japan's technology." 
 
Abe also conveyed to Talabani the Japanese government's policy of 
dispatching an election monitoring team to Iraq's local assembly 
elections. 
 
Prior to the meeting, Abe attended a signing ceremony for the 
Comprehensive Partnership Building Declaration, which includes 
bilateral cooperation in the energy area. The declaration 
stipulates: (1) Japanese companies will cooperate for the 
consolidation of oil-related social infrastructure (in Iraq), and 
Iraq will supply oil and gas to Japan on a stable basis; (2) the 
construction of power plants by Japanese companies is to be 
promoted; and (3) a joint ministerial-level economic committee is to 
be set up. Japan is the third country, following the U.S. and the 
EU, to sign such an accord with Iraq. According to the Foreign 
Ministry, Iraq is the third largest holder of confirmed crude oil 
reserves in the world. As that country's public security stabilizes, 
many countries are beginning to take interest in the development of 
the energy resources there. 
 
13) Government halts humanitarian aid to Northern Territories over 
Russia's demand for submission of disembarkation card by Foreign 
Ministry officials; Talks with Russia fall through 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Almost Full) 
January 29, 2009 
 
Russia demanded that Japanese government officials on a humanitarian 
mission for Russian residents living in the Northern Territories 
submit disembarkation cards before arriving on Kunashiri Island. In 
this connection, the Foreign Ministry on January 28 announced that 
since talks with Russia on that issue failed, Japanese officials 
have rejected submitting embarkation cards and will return to Nemuro 
Port. Following the incident, the government has decided to cancel 
humanitarian assistance for the remainder of fiscal 2008 or through 
March. 
 
The Japanese side expressed regret at what happened. The governments 
of both countries have agreed to start talks to settle the latest 
issue. Chances are that this issue would be brought up at a summit 
meeting between President Medvedev and Prime Minister Aso, which 
Medvedev proposed to Aso, if realized. There is fear that if Russia 
does not change its stance, the visa-free visit programs allowing 
Japanese citizens and current Russian residents in the Northern 
Territories to visit mutually without passports or visas will be 
forced to be suspended. 
 
Foreign Ministry press secretary Kazuo Kodama during a press 
briefing on the 28th said that submission of disembarkation cards 
would mean that Japan accepts Russia's claim that Kunashiri Island 
belongs to Russia. He criticized Russia's approach, noting that it 
is beyond comprehension. He, however, stressed that the latest 
development should not affect talks on the conclusion of the peace 
treaty. According to the spokesman, the Russian side explained that 
the amendment to its domestic law in 2006 necessitates submission of 
disembarkation cards. It claims that it notified Japan of the matter 
 
TOKYO 00000209  011 OF 013 
 
 
on the 23rd. 
 
14) Gist of speech on foreign policy 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 4) (Excerpts) 
January 29, 2009 
 
The following is a gist of Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone's 
speech on Japan's foreign policy. 
 
(Basic foreign policy) 
 
There are a host of challenges Japan should tackle swiftly, 
including the profound global economic crisis, international 
terrorism, regional disputes, and climate change. Japan should 
present its clear-cut views and take a vigorous and responsible 
diplomatic approach to lead the international community. 
 
(Japan-U.S. relations) 
 
The Japan-U.S. alliance is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and 
also is imperative to maintaining peace and stability in the 
Asia-Pacific region. Japan's frank and specific proposals to the new 
administration of President Barack Obama will contribute to further 
strengthening the alliance. In order to maintain deterrence and 
reduce the burden on Okinawa and other local communities concerned, 
the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan should be steadily 
implemented. 
 
(Policy toward neighbors) 
 
Cooperation among Japan, China and South Korea is vital to 
developing the Asia region. Japan will step up efforts to frequently 
exchange views with the two countries. In an effort to build a 
strategic mutually-beneficial relationship with China and a mature 
partnership with South Korea, Japan will work to establish extensive 
cooperative relations with those two countries. 
 
In relations with North Korea, Japan will get down to brass tacks to 
bring about an agreement in the six-party talks on a specific regime 
to verify the North Korean nuclear development programs, move the 
denuclearization process forward, as well as produce results in the 
reinvestigation of the whereabouts of the abduction victims in order 
to repatriate them. Japan will move ahead with negotiations with 
Russia to have the Northern Territories issue reach a final 
settlement. 
 
(Cooperation for peace and stability) 
 
Japan will reinforce cooperation with those that share common values 
with Japan, including European countries and the North Atlantic 
Treaty Organization (NATO). The nation will work on the parties 
concerned to perpetuate the ceasefire in the Gaza Strip. Japan will 
make efforts to establish a long-term friendly relationship with 
Iraq, where the Self-Defense Forces have now completed their 
five-year mission. We also will continue to work on Iran in order to 
resolve nuclear problem. 
 
(World economy) 
 
Overcoming the financial and economic crisis is an urgent challenge 
facing the international community. We will proactively tackle this 
 
TOKYO 00000209  012 OF 013 
 
 
challenge in cooperation with other countries at the second 
financial summit and other forums. We will continue efforts to bring 
about a settlement of the new round of World Trade Organization 
global trade talks (Doha Round) and to promote negotiations on 
concluding economic trade partnerships. 
 
(Environment and climate change) 
 
We are determined to display leadership in building an effective 
mechanism that will be joined by all major economies in a 
responsible manner. Based on the principles of nuclear 
nonproliferation and nuclear safety, we will promote nuclear power 
cooperation. 
 
(Countermeasures to terrorism and piracy) 
 
In a bid to prevent Afghanistan from becoming a hotbed of terrorism 
again, Japan will provide aid in wide-ranging areas, such as 
security, economics, and education, as well as boost its assistance, 
including the dispatch of civilians to participate in provisional 
reconstruction teams. Japan will also provide assistance to Pakistan 
to help eradicate terrorism there and stabilize its economy. 
 
Japan is a maritime, trade-oriented country, so ensuring navigation 
and maritime safety is essential for our national survival and 
prosperity. Rampant hijackings by pirates are a matter of concern. 
In view of protecting Japanese lives and property, our urgent task 
is to work out anti-piracy measures. We will continue to study new 
legislation and create urgent measures. 
 
15) Prime Minister Aso's policy speech so low key, even ruling 
parties criticize it 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
January 29, 2009 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso yesterday delivered a policy speech in 
plenary sessions of the two houses of the Diet. His policy speech 
seemed sluggish, as if he lacked eagerness for his coalition to win 
a victory in the next general election for the House of 
Representatives, scheduled for the fall. Aso's political momentum 
could further slow down. 
 
In his policy speech last September, Aso demanded that the main 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) make clear its position 
toward such issues as a bill amending the new Antiterrorism Special 
Measures Law. With his plan to dissolve the Lower House and call a 
snap election in mind, he clarified his stance of confronting the 
DPJ, calling out the name of that party twelve times. He showed in 
that speech his optimistic views, such as that he had had no doubts 
about the Japanese people's potential. 
 
In his policy speech yesterday, however, he made no mention of the 
DPJ, using no provocative words. 
 
Aso's policy speech consisted of 8,467 words, the shortest speech 
after Prime Minister Zenko Suzuki delivered one even shorter (7,393 
words) in 1982. What was noticeable was the reference to hiking the 
consumption tax and a shift away from the structural reform policy 
propelled by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi. It was a dull 
policy speech aimed to please everyone. 
 
 
TOKYO 00000209  013 OF 013 
 
 
Aso read almost all the speech from his notes in a straightforward 
manner. His speech did not meet any loud applause. 
 
A former Liberal Democratic Party executive member made this 
critical comment: "I did not feel any enthusiasm. It was a mixture 
of pieces written by bureaucrats. It was just plain dull." A senior 
New Komeito member severely criticized it: "Politicians need 
freshness and a spirit that gives the public pluck and hope. In that 
sense, it was a failure." 
 
After delivering his policy speech, Aso told reporters: "There is no 
change in my mind (from the previous speech)." 
 
16) Domestic auto production plummets 24 PERCENT  in December 
compared to year before, with Mitsubishi Motors dropping 46 PERCENT 
 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
January 29, 2009 
 
The nation's largest eight automakers yesterday announced their 
production and domestic sales results for Dec. 2008. Domestic 
production for the eight companies combined was 706,609 vehicles, a 
drop of 24 PERCENT  (228,327 vehicles), compared to the same month a 
year before. The scale of the reduction in production exceeded the 
combined production of Honda and Nissan in Dec. 2007 (224,161 
units). 
 
Mitsubishi Motors' production dropped by 46.6 PERCENT  or almost 
half, compared to the same period last year. In addition, Mazda 
reduced production by 42.5 PERCENT , Nissan, by 40.9 PERCENT , all 
registering record drops. Toyota Motors (including Daihatsu 
Industries and Hino Motors) cut production by 21 PERCENT , but this 
was the second record drop following November's figure. 
 
Domestic sales for the eight companies dropped 15.4 PERCENT  to 
281,424 vehicles. Mitsubishi Motors registered a 31.3 PERCENT 
reduction in sales, which was worse than the sales of Nissan, 
Mitsubishi, and Fuji Heavy Industries (Subaru). Sales by those three 
companies dropped over 20 PERCENT , compared to the same period a 
year before. 
 
ZUMWALT