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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 000245 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; 
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; 
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; 
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, 
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA 
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; 
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Kadena-based F-22A Raptor jets to conduct several hundred 
training missions for attack operations during Okinawa deployment 
(Okinawa Times) 
 
(2) Nakasone actually feels base-hosting burden (Okinawa Times) 
 
(3) Objections to dispatching the MSDF to Somalia under tight 
weapons-use rules -- Discussion between DPJ Vice President Seiji 
Maehara and Yoshiko Sakurai (Part B) (Shukan Shincho) 
 
(4) Why do we listen attentively to President Obama? Learning from 
his oratory (Shukan Asahi) 
 
(5) Government puts off decision on roadmap for civil servant system 
reform due to National Personnel Authority's boycott of meeting 
(Asahi) 
 
(6) Government to give reward for success totaling 250 million yen 
to researchers in medical services, environment areas, starting in 
fiscal 2009 (Nikkei) 
 
(7) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(8) EDITORIALS 
 
(9) Prime Minister's schedule, Jan. 30 & 31 (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Kadena-based F-22A Raptor jets to conduct several hundred 
training missions for attack operations during Okinawa deployment 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Full) 
January 31, 2009 
 
The U.S. Kadena Air Base yesterday invited about 50 media 
representatives from within and outside Okinawa Prefecture to a 
display of an F-22A Raptor stealth fighter jet housed in an on-base 
hangar. The state-of-the-art fighter jet, which was shown to the 
media, is one of 12 F-22A Raptor jets that have been temporarily 
deployed to Kadena since this month. Those 12 Kadena-based F-22A 
Raptor jets came from Langley Air Force Base in the U.S. mainland 
state of Virginia. Lt. Col. Lansing Pilch, who commands the 27th 
Fighter Squadron, said the 12 F-22A jets would conduct a total of 
several hundred training missions for attack operations during their 
Okinawa deployment. The commander also explained that the F-22As 
would not conduct any live-fire training on the island of Torishima 
or at any other ranges around the Kadena base during their Okinawa 
deployment. 
 
Kadena base neighbors are concerned about early morning takeoffs. In 
this regard, Pilch indicated that his squadron would comply with the 
aircraft noise restrictions. "At this point," Pilch said, "we don't 
know what time we will take off to return home." He added, "But we 
will try to minimize the noise." So saying, he avoided making a 
definite statement. 
 
Pilch also admitted for the first time that his squadron would carry 
out joint training exercises with 10 F-16 fighter jets that came 
from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska as hypothetical enemy planes 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
for the joint training. "They are divided into friends and foes, and 
each other's pilots will learn a lot through the various 
combinations of air-to-air and air-to-ground training missions," he 
said. Their training airspace is southeast or west of Okinawa's main 
island, according to him. 
 
Meanwhile, Pilch stressed the significance of joint training with 
the Air Self-Defense Force. "We're very much looking forward to 
doing so," he said. "It will be a wonderful opportunity for each 
other to learn," he added. However, he also said his squadron has 
yet to be scheduled to conduct joint training with the ASDF. 
 
Pilch also referred to joint training with the Navy and the Marine 
Corps and with U.S. Forces Japan and U.S. Forces Korea. He said: "We 
still have no plans, but the fighters in the region do not get used 
to joint training with the F-22, so we'd like to fill that. We will 
be able to improve each other's readiness." He implied his 
willingness to conduct joint training with F-22s deployed to 
Andersen Air Base in Guam. 
 
According to Pilch, ASDF Chief of Staff Kenichiro Hokazono visited 
the Kadena base on Jan. 29 to see the F-22s. 
 
Kadena Town assembly to pass resolution against F-22 deployment 
 
The assembly of Kadena Town yesterday held a meeting of its special 
committee on base issues over the current temporary deployment of 12 
F-22A Raptor fighter jets to the U.S. Kadena Air Base. The committee 
decided to present a protest resolution and a petition to a special 
session of the assembly on Feb. 5, seeking to withdraw the F-22A 
squadron immediately. 
 
In addition to the F-22A fighter jets, 10 F-16 fighters have also 
arrived at Kadena from Eielson Air Force Base in Alaska. The 
resolution and petition will therefore demand that all those F-22A 
and F-16 fighter planes not take off in the early morning when they 
return home. In addition, the two documents will also call for their 
immediate withdrawal. 
 
(2) Nakasone actually feels base-hosting burden 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 1) (Full) 
February 2, 2009 
 
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, who made his first official 
visit to Okinawa Prefecture, met with Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima 
yesterday at the Okinawa prefectural government office. In the 
meeting, Nakasone and Nakaima confirmed that the government would 
steadily translate the planned realignment of U.S. forces in Japan 
into action. Meanwhile, Nakaima has been calling for the government 
to move the construction site of an alternative facility for the 
U.S. military's Futenma airfield from the currently planned location 
to an offshore area. On this issue, there was no progress in the 
meeting. Nakasone only said, "I think there are various challenges 
to clear, but we would like to carry it out while consulting with 
you all." 
 
After his meeting with the governor, Nakasone met the press at a 
hotel in the city of Naha. In his press remarks there, Nakasone 
indicated he would like to meet with U.S. Secretary of State at an 
early date. However, he implied that the Futenma alternative's 
offshore relocation would not be subject to bilateral negotiations 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
between Japan and the United States. "It's difficult to alter the 
plan without any rational reason," Nakasone said. "We would like to 
hear local views through the collection of objective data," he 
added. 
 
Nakaima filed a seven-point petition with Nakasone. In concrete 
terms, the governor requested the government to: 1) return the sites 
of U.S. military bases located south of Kadena; 3) close down 
Futenma airfield in three years; 3) revise the Japan-U.S. Status of 
Forces Agreement (SOFA) fundamentally; 4) prevent incidents and 
accidents and reduce aircraft noise; 5) partially revoke the 
designation of the so-called "Area Hotel Hotel" airspace and waters 
as training area and return waters closed off for the U.S. 
military's shooting, bombing, and other training exercises on the 
islands of Torishima and Kumejima; 6) resolve problems about the air 
defense identification zone (ADIZ) over the island of Yonagunijima; 
and 7) host a conference of APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) 
tourism ministers in Okinawa Prefecture in 2010. 
 
Nakasone also met off the record with Lt. Gen. Richard Zilmer, the 
top commander of U.S. forces in Okinawa, at Camp Schwab in the city 
of Nago. In the meeting, Nakasone proposed preventing incidents and 
accidents from recurring. According to the Foreign Ministry, Zilmer 
said the U.S. military wants to deepen cooperative relations with 
local communities. 
 
In addition, Nakasone also met with the heads of the prefecture's 
base-hosting municipalities and the ruling Liberal Democratic 
Party's local executives at a Naha hotel and listened to their views 
regarding base issues. 
 
Nakasone stated his impression of Kadena Air Base and Futenma 
airfield upon his visits there, saying, "I realized the burden of 
people in Okinawa Prefecture, where a number of U.S. military bases 
are located." With this, he reiterated the necessity of carrying out 
the realignment of U.S. forces as a measure to mitigate Okinawa's 
base-hosting burden. 
 
(3) Objections to dispatching the MSDF to Somalia under tight 
weapons-use rules -- Discussion between DPJ Vice President Seiji 
Maehara and Yoshiko Sakurai (Part B) 
 
SHUKAN SHINCHO (Pp. 50-53) (Abridged slightly) 
February 5, 2009 
 
Japan unable to defend itself 
 
Sakurai: Prime Minister Fukuda completely ignored the report. Has 
the report lost its validity? 
 
Maehara: It's still valid. 
 
Sakurai: Is it possible for Prime Minister Aso to continue with the 
report? 
 
Maehara: That's possible, but because his grip on power is weak, 
that would be difficult in reality. The coalition with the New 
Komeito might become a bottleneck, as well. But then, a shift in the 
government's interpretation of the Constitution in connection with 
the four scenarios would help resolve many problems associated with 
the Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) envisaged activities in 
waters off Somalia. To begin with, exercising the right to 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
collective self-defense is authorized under the UN Charter. All UN 
members are allowed to use both individual and collective defense 
rights. I think Japan should have a basic security law in the future 
and that the scope of the right to collective self-defense should be 
specified clearly in the law. From a viewpoint of Japan's security, 
it is natural to establish a system that can cooperate with the 
United States, Japan's ally, and other friendly nations, even if 
that is a step short of the level to adequately deal with a 
contingency. 
 
Sakurai: I agree. I hear that the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has 
proposed a basic law governing the envisaged MSDF dispatch to 
Somalia but the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has not responded to 
the LDP's call for talks. 
 
Maehara: That's odd. 
 
Sakurai: That is why the DPJ's security policy is not trusted and 
there is skepticism about the party's ability to take power. China's 
military spending has grown 19-fold over the last two decades. 
Russia, too, has been building up its military strength at a 
tremendous pace. Under such circumstances, the possibility is not 
zero that Japan will become something like Taiwan. There is a strong 
indication that Taiwan is being placed under the joint control of 
the United States and China. For instance, the United States applies 
pressure on Taiwan to thwart its orientation toward independence, 
and it decides whether to sell arms to the island while watching 
China's reaction. It is becoming increasing difficult for Taiwan to 
determine its own fate based on its will. To prevent Japan from 
being driven into the same position, I think the time has come for 
Japan to acquire the military strength capable of defending itself 
independently. 
 
Maehara: Japan spends 5 trillion yen on defense annually, yet the 
system does not allow the country to defend itself independently. 
The Soviet Union used to be Japan's hypothetical enemy. Back then, 
the landing of massive invading forces was envisioned, and the 
Self-Defense Forces were positioned based on that. Today, there are 
three possible threats. The first would be missiles launched by 
North Korea; the second is any act of terrorism in any form, and the 
third is aggression on our sovereignty, including an invasion of a 
small island, namely by China. 
 
Sakurai: Under the current situation, Japan cannot deal with the 
three possible threats on its own. 
 
Maehara: Japan's missile defense system does not function without 
data from America's high-altitude geostationary satellites. Having a 
solid intelligence capability is most essential in dealing with 
terrorism, but Japan definitely lacks it, including the ability to 
collect satellite information and conduct intelligence activities. 
Japan relies on the United States on this point, as well. For 
instance, Japan has detected North Korean spy ships on two 
occasions, all based on data from the United States. As for the 
topic of invading one of our small islands, it might result in the 
question of air and sea supremacy. If China continues to build up 
its military power, Japan's effective control over the East China 
Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, would be endangered even if 
Japan cooperates with the United States. 
 
Sakurai: Your view pointing out difficulty for Japan to maintain its 
sea and air supremacy even with America's cooperation is extremely 
 
TOKYO 00000245  005 OF 012 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
important. On December 8 last year, a Chinese marine research vessel 
entered Japanese waters 3.2 kilometers away from the Senkaku Islands 
and stayed there for nine and a half hours. The Japanese side filed 
a protest, but the Chinese side said defiantly, "Diaoyu is China's 
inherent territory."  Director of China's State Oceanic 
Administration Department of Sea Area Management also noted: "In a 
disputed oceanic area, having effective control carries great 
significance. In the future, we will strengthen our jurisdiction 
over this sea area." I don't think the day Chinese individuals -- 
military or civilians -- will land on the Senkaku Islands is far 
off. 
 
2050 world map 
 
Maehara: According to a senior Foreign Ministry official, a 
Xinhua-affiliated newspaper reported that China would do it again. 
In order to prevent it, the Japan Coast Guard has increased 
security. I think Japan must consider a long-term plan, including 
cooperation between the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the U.S. 
military. Attention must be paid to the fact that China is 
proceeding with projects to build an aircraft carrier and utilize 
space. In the near future, China would possess 30 - 40 satellites 
and link them to aircraft carriers. The Chinese Navy is expected to 
expand its effective control not only over the East China Sea but 
also over the Pacific as well. 
 
Sakurai: Japan can immediately assemble JCG vessels in waters around 
the Senkakus. This can be done without any budgetary and legislative 
measures. There is a need to clearly demonstrate the existence of 
the U.S.-Japan Security Treaty and the MSDF, and to that end, the 
nation's defense spending which has fallen below 5 trillion yen must 
be increased. In terms of military might, Japan and China are said 
to be1 to 3 at present. With this pace, China's military muscle is 
expected to grow 10-hold in the next decade -- 30 times greater than 
Japan's. If such comes true, Japan would have to always worry about 
China's reaction and won't be able to say anything to them. 
 
Maehara: Japan's defense foundation relies heavily on the United 
States. When China becomes more powerful, Japan might not be able to 
import arms from the United States. So Japan has to build fighters, 
information-gathering satellites, and destroyers on its own to the 
greatest possible extent. Doing everything by itself would require 
tremendous efforts, so Japan must review its three principles 
banning weapons exports to open the door for joint development with 
other countries. I believe that will conducive to strengthening 
Japan's defense base. 
 
Sakurai: I have no objection to strengthening the defense base. But 
continuing for Japan, the world's sixth largest marine power, to 
scaling back the MSDF's power might be an act of betrayal of future 
generations. Japan that seems to have forgotten that foreign and 
military affairs go hand in hand would not be accepted by China, not 
to mention the United States, its ally. I would like to ask: "Would 
a Japan that is protected by China in waters off Somalia make people 
happy?" 
 
Maehara: In 2007, Goldman Sachs projected which country would be 
economic powers, extended to the year 2050. First place went to 
China, second place to the United States, and third to India. Japan 
tied with such countries as Russia, Mexico and Brazil. China will 
inevitably have greater influence. It is natural for countries in 
the vicinity of a rising country to become alarmed. In reality, I 
 
TOKYO 00000245  006 OF 012 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
think it is important to guide China to make appropriate 
international contributions so that it will not become arrogant. The 
question is how to deal properly with China. Standing by principles 
is most important in policy toward China. Based on that, it is 
necessary to cooperate in anything that is possible. Japan must deal 
with China skillfully by combing the two sides. 
 
Sakurai: To do so, it is essential for Japan to achieve true 
independence, especially military independence which is clearly 
missing from the country. 
 
(4) Why do we listen attentively to President Obama? Learning from 
his oratory 
 
SHUKAN ASAHI (Page 26-28) (Excerpts) 
February 6, 2009 
 
Many people might have been disappointed by the historical inaugural 
address by the first African-American President of the United 
States. President Barack Obama told Americans in calm tone about 'a 
new time to bear responsibility,' but he avoided using the kind of 
strong rhetoric of his campaign. Has President Obama lost his 
oratory skills? 
 
On January 22, the day after Barack Obama took the oath of office as 
president of the United States, a lecture titled "Explaining U.S. 
President Barack Obama's Inaugural Address" was held at the Diet 
Members' Building in the capital district of Nagatacho, Tokyo, as if 
to emulate the fever of enthusiasm that has swept across the United 
States. The lecture was sponsored by the think tank of the major 
opposition Democratic Party (DPJ). The hall was filled to capacity. 
DPJ Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama delivered a speech at the 
outset of the lecture, saying that he was impressed by the 
President's inaugural address being full of confidence. He drew 
laughter from participants when he said: "I feel ashamed when we 
Japanese politicians are compared with him." 
 
However, the general evaluation is that Obama's inaugural address 
was less impressive than the speeches he had delivered during the 
presidential campaign. 
 
Tsuda College Associate Professor Takeshi Suzuki, the lecturer at 
the event, said: "Some say that his address was disappointing. But 
that's the way it goes." What he meant is, for example, when 
Junichiro Koizumi became prime minister in April 2001, having used 
such words as 'reform' and "destroy the LDP" during the Liberal 
Democratic Party (LDP) presidential campaign, his policy speech was 
gentle. In a similar fashion, it is unreasonable to anticipate the 
reappearance of the phrase, "Yes, we can," in an inaugural address, 
which requires formalities. 
 
Suzuki continued: "Although Mr. Obama has changed U.S. history, 40 
PERCENT  of Americans voted for the Republican candidate. The role 
required for his inaugural address was to unite the country, which 
was divided during the campaign." 
 
Nevertheless, it is true that some U.S. presidents have delivered 
stirring inaugural addresses. In his inaugural address in 1933, 
President Franklin D. Roosevelt said: "The only thing we have to 
fear is fear." In 1961, President John F. Kennedy said: "Ask not 
what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your 
country." 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
 
There were not many impressive phrases like that in President 
Obama's inaugural address. However, Obama's style remained true. In 
the part calling on Americans to make efforts to achieve their 
dreams, he used alliteration, juxtaposing the word 'price' paid by 
the people and 'promise' made by the government. He compared the 
rocky road to secure freedom and democracy with a journey. 
 
Suzuki, admitting that he is an "Obama maniac," said: 
 
"He has indicated he will follow a policy of cooperating with the 
international community, and not follow the Bush administration's 
unilateralism. President Obama has revealed his intention to seek 
harmony with the Muslim world. What he advocates will become the key 
to his administration. As he said in his inaugural address: 'The old 
hatreds shall someday pass;' and 'As the world grows smaller, our 
common humanity shall reveal itself.' I think there is a possibility 
that his inaugural address will be highly praised in the future." 
 
Yasuharu Ishizawa, professor of political science at Gakushuin 
Women's College, agreed: "Mr. Obama might have demonstrated (in his 
inaugural speech) a shift from the mode of the presidential 
campaign, in which he spoke about his ideals, to the reality of 
having to lead his administration." 
 
Ishizawa noted that since it is not that simple to deal with the 
reality that needs to be overcome, Obama did not use slogans from 
the presidential campaign. 
 
Reiterates the word we 
 
A crowd of 1.8 million people assembled in Washington to watch 
Obama's swearing-in ceremony, outpacing the 1.2 million who gathered 
for Lyndon Johnson's inauguration. President Obama's ability to 
express himself has not weakened, having brought 1.8 million people 
to the capital. 
 
Makiko Haraga, part-time lecturer at Tokyo Institute of Technology, 
who is well acquainted with Obama's speeches, said: 
 
"Mr. Obama is fond of Shakespeare's works, so his inaugural address 
had the flavor of literature that drew fully from the strength of 
his rhyming words and poetic phrasing. It fascinated me." 
 
She explained the features of Obama's speeches as follows: 
 
First, Obama uses the word 'we' instead of 'I'. He had frequently 
used 'we' before he used the wording 'we the people,' which U.S. 
presidents have to use in their inaugural addresses. His purpose is 
to gain favorable responses from audiences. 
 
Second, he repeats the same phrases as follows: 
 
For us, they picked up their few worldly possessions and traveled 
across oceans in search of a new life. For us, they toiled in 
sweatshops, and settled the West, endured the lash of the whip, and 
plowed the hard earth. For us, they fought and died in places like 
Concord and Gettysburg, Normandy and Khe Sahn. 
 
This is the price and the promise of citizenship. This is the source 
of our confidence -- the knowledge that God calls on us to shape an 
uncertain destiny. This is the meaning of our liberty and our 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
creed. 
 
Third, he gives the impression by using contrasting words such as 
that: 
 
"We gather because we have chosen hope over fear, unity of purpose 
over conflict and discord. 
 
"Your people will judge you on what you can build, not what you 
destroy." 
 
Fourth, he attracts people with his experiences and scene setting, 
such as this remark about himself: 
 
"A man whose father less than 60 years ago might not have been 
served in a local restaurant can now stand before you to take a most 
sacred oath." 
 
As many as 400,000 copies of "Collection of Obama Speeches" on CD, 
which the publishing company Asahi Press put on sale last fall as a 
teaching aid, have been sold. According to Yuzo Yamamoto, head of 
the third editorial department of Asahi Press, the teaching material 
was bought by a wide range of people aged 14 through 93. Most of 
them say that they bought it just to listen to it, even though they 
were unable to understand it in English. 
 
Asahi Press sold 20,000 copes of the teaching material called 
"Collection of Best Speeches by American Presidents," which was put 
on sale three years ago. Sales are flowing due to the oratory talent 
of Obama. His audio edition of Dreams from My Father won a 2006 
Grammy award for the best spoken word album. The publishing company 
will release in late January "The Inaugural Address of Barack Obama" 
on CD, trying to catch lightning in a bottle. 
 
(5) Government puts off decision on roadmap for civil servant system 
reform due to National Personnel Authority's boycott of meeting 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
January 31, 2009 
 
The government has put off its decision on a roadmap for reform of 
the civil servant system, although it planned to do so on Jan. 30. 
The major reason for the postponement was that coordinate had failed 
due to resistance by the National Personnel Authority (NPA) against 
the government plan to transfer the authority to appoint senior 
ministry officials to a cabinet personnel and administrative 
management bureau, which will be established. Meeting with such 
bureaucratic resistance, the government is now unable to reform the 
civil servant system, which is aimed at exercising political 
leadership. 
 
After releasing a sigh at a press conference, State Minister for 
Administrative Reform Akira Amari complained about the NPA, saying: 
 
"Success in the civil servant system reform relies on the NPA. If 
part of the NPA functions is not transferred to the new bureau, the 
reform program will be undermined. Is it possible for bureaucrats to 
absent themselves from meetings hosted by the prime minister? That's 
impossible. Is the NPA a special organization?" 
 
At this time, the government's national civil servant system reform 
promotion headquarters (headed by Prime Minister Taro Aso) was 
 
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SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
supposed to make a decision on the roadmap for civil service 
reform. 
 
With an eye on the submission of related bills to the Diet in March, 
Amari has dwelled on making a decision before the end of January. 
The NPA is in charge of making a decision on the fixed number of 
posts (by grade), connected to salaries of various ministries and 
agencies. Amari has called on the NPA to transfer its function so 
that the cabinet personnel and administrative management bureau will 
be able to smoothly carry out personnel allocation. 
 
The Liberal Democratic Party's (LDP) committee on reform of the 
civil servant system agreed on Jan. 29 on the notion of allowing the 
government to decide on the roadmap without obtaining approval of 
the NPA. Following this, Amari telephoned NAP President Masahito 
Tani. 
 
However, Tani refused to attend a meeting of the government panel. 
Amari urged him to explain why he would not take part in the 
meeting, but he did not give any explanation. As a result, Chief 
Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura decided to put off a decision, for 
the reason that more time should be spent to avoid creating discord 
in the government as there still remains time left. 
 
In the ruling coalition, criticism of the NPA is growing, with one 
senior LDP member saying: "It's an outrageous organization. It's the 
strongest force of resistance." Aso, while supporting Amari's 
position, intends to watch Kawamura's effort for coordination. Some 
members of the government's panel have now called for an early 
settlement, with one member saying: "Since the NPA will never give 
in, the Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) should make a 
final decision. It is the prime minister's responsibility." 
 
NPA concerned about whether neutrality and fairness can be secured 
 
The NPA opposes the transfer of its functions for two major reasons: 
whether basic labor rights and the neutrality and fairness of 
personnel changes can be secured. 
 
Civil servants' basic labor rights, including the right of dispute, 
are restricted. If the right to decide on salaries is transferred to 
the cabinet, labor conditions might be unilaterally changed. The NPA 
asserts that there is a possibility that the transfer will create 
constitutional problems. 
 
Moreover, the NPA insists that if authorities to conduct employment 
exams, training, appointment and dismissal, and official reprimands, 
are integrated into the new bureau, the government will pick 
personnel as its wants. 
 
NPA President Tani told reporters on Jan. 26: "I cannot understand 
why (reform) cannot be realized without transferring key NPA 
functions to the new bureau." 
 
After retiring from the former Posts and Telecommunications Ministry 
as administrative vice minister, Tani served as president of the 
currently Yu-cho Foundation, and as chairman of the currently SKY 
Perfect JSAT Co. He was reappointed as NPA president last April 
backed by the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the major 
opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and other parties. He is 
now encountering increasing criticism from the government and ruling 
parties. 
 
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A person around Aso made a cynical comment: "He is in a trench. The 
former postal bureaucrat is tough. That's why he enjoys high 
reputation in the NPA." 
 
Even so, the NPA is showing no signs of giving in. One senior NPA 
official said: "The Aso cabinet is just worried that it could be 
criticized for backpedaling on the reforms. It is unreasonable that 
the NPA is being branded as a force of resistance." 
 
(6) Government to give reward for success totaling 250 million yen 
to researchers in medical services, environment areas, starting in 
fiscal 2009 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
February 2, 2009 
 
The government will introduce a reward-for-success-type research and 
development (R&B) assistance system in fiscal 2009. It will choose 
R&D subjects eligible for reward from areas that are indispensable 
as policies, such as medical services and measures to curb global 
warming greenhouse gas emissions. Under the system, researchers who 
achieved their goals will be given cash awards totaling 
approximately 250 million yen. Since rewards are paid only to 
successful researchers, assistance can be given to researchers in an 
effective way. The effect of speeding up technical innovation 
through competition among researchers can also be expected. 
 
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry (METI) will start 
discussion on specific R&D subjects, by setting up an experts 
committee possibly in April. The New Energy Development Organization 
(NEDO), an independent administrative agency, will be responsible 
for the practical operation of the system, including inviting 
participants, screening them and giving rewards. 
 
Two themes will likely be picked. Applied technologies with urgent 
need for practical use such areas such as medical services and for 
measures to curb greenhouse gases will be eligible. R&D's that are 
eligible for rewards would be specified. Such R&D's include, for 
instance, the development of a kit for a new strains of flu test, 
the development of vehicles that purify air while moving and the 
development of fuel cells that use platinum 30 PERCENT  less than 
the amount used for conventional types. 
 
The government is envisaging researchers at universities and 
companies as prospective researchers. If they achieve their goals, 
two thirds of the development cost with approximately 250 million 
yen as the upper limit will would be given to them. When there are 
two researchers eligible for reward in one research area, they will 
share the cash reward. 
 
Incorporating a reward for success system in the R&D assistance 
system could promote the participation of researchers who aspire to 
cash award and investment in R&D's from a wide range of areas. 
 
Reward for success-type assistance for R&D's is well-established in 
the U.S., as can be seen in the example of the National Aeronautics 
and Space Administration (NASA), which held a contest in which 5 
million dollars (approximately 450 million yen) of cash award was 
offered to researchers who developed technology that lead to the 
construction of a space elevator connecting outer space and the 
Earth. 
 
TOKYO 00000245  011 OF 012 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
 
(7) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Government to remove amakudari mediation function of public-private 
people exchange center: Decision likely to be reached next month 
 
Mainichi: 
Woman with terminal cancer chooses to spend final days at home 
 
Yomiuri: 
Obama eyes new regular comprehensive top-level strategic dialogue 
with China 
 
Nikkei: 
Japan plans to host international donors conference for Pakistan 
around spring: Assistance likely to reach several billion dollars 
 
Sankei: 
Defense Ministry mulling integrated operation of GSDF, MSDF, ASDF in 
anti-piracy measures in waters off Somalia 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
List of 6,000 Japanese soldiers held captive found in U.S. 
 
Akahata: 
Sales tax is anti-social security tax, General Secretary Ichita 
states during NHK TV Sunday Toron 
 
(8) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Farmland reform: Abolish acreage reduction policy 
(2) Prototype fast-breeder reactor Monju: Question arose due to 
delay in resumption of operation 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Dating change economic conditions: Flexible response, based on 
quick response needed 
(2) Visa-free visit program among Japanese and Russian residents 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Suspension of execution of portions of sentence: Determine 
efficacy of prevention of subsequent offence 
(2) Japanese movies: Hand down films to posterity 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Davos Conference showed deepened global economic crisis and 
absence of leaders 
(2) US economy in serious recession 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Emperor's official function: Reduce burden, giving priority to 
his health condition 
(2) Ban on bringing cell phones to elementary and middle schools: 
Prepare environment to help students stop heavily relying on cell 
phones 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Iran's nuclear development: Find breakthrough through direct 
dialogue 
(2) Children's physical strength: Increase opportunities for sports 
 
TOKYO 00000245  012 OF 012 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 02//09 
 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Now is the time to use reserve 
 
(9) Prime Minister's schedule, Jan. 30 & 31 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
February 1, 2009 
 
Jan. 30 (local time) 
 
Night 
Arrived at Zurich international airport in Switzerland. Stayed at 
Movenpick Hotel. 
 
Jan. 31 
 
Morning 
Left Zurich on a helicopter. Arrived in Davos. Chatted with Swiss 
President Merz at Congress Hotel. Chatted with Briton Prime Minister 
Brown at Congress Center. Delivered speech at annual World Economic 
Forum (Davos meeting). 
 
Noon 
Attended informal environment session. Had lunch with business 
leaders from various countries at Schweitzer Hotel. 
 
Afternoon 
Met with Danish Prime Minister Rasmussen at Congress Hotel. Departed 
Davos on helicopter. 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, Jan. 31 & Feb. 1 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
 
February 1, 2009 
 
Jan. 31 (local time) 
 
Evening 
Arrived at Zurich international airport on helicopter. Stayed at 
Movenpick Hotel. 
 
Night 
Left for Japan. 
 
Feb. 1 (Japan time) 
 
15:30 
Arrived at Haneda airport. 
 
16:03 
Had haircut at barber shop Sato in Takanawa Hotel Pacific Tokyo. 
 
17:29 
Signed in to report his return at the Imperial Palace. 
 
18:01 
Met at Kantei with Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Konoike joined by 
Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Matsumoto. 
 
ZUMWALT