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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 16 TOKYO 000469 
 
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 03//09 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Prime Minister Aso: If North Korea launches a missile, we will 
bring it to the UN Security Council (Sankei) 
 
(2) New Komeito unable to draw up election strategy (Nikkei) 
 
(3) In anti-piracy map exercise, rules on weapons use also to be 
confirmed (Yomiuri) 
 
(4) Interview with CSIS President Hamre on DPJ Ozawa's U.S. 7th 
Fleet remark: Call for withdrawal of U.S. troops would distance U.S. 
from Japan (Nikkei) 
 
(5) Two civic groups call for global attention to damage caused by 
Okinawa bases at conference in U.S. (Okinawa Times) 
 
(6) Interview with DPJ Vice President Katsuya Okada -- DPJ will not 
endorse Guam International Agreement based on relocation of Futenma 
Air Station to Henoko district; DPJ will achieve results within one 
year after taking helm of government (Okinawa Times) 
 
(7) Interview with former USTR Schwab: U.S. trade policy has yet to 
be materialized: Democratic Party split over freedom and protection 
(Nikkei) 
 
(8) Nozomu Nakaoka's eye-opening experience about America 
 
(9) Weathervane column: Isoroku Yamamoto and Obama (Nikkei) 
 
(10) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(11) EDITORIALS 
 
(Corrected copy): Ozawa's 7th Fleet remark: DPJ says such is not the 
party's view; Ruling camp criticizes Ozawa as "lacking capability to 
run the government" (Yomiuri) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Prime Minister Aso: If North Korea launches a missile, we will 
bring it to the UN Security Council 
 
Nikkei Online 
March 2, 2009 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso said early this afternoon that if North 
Korea launches a long-range missile, no matter what form it might 
take, the issue will be taken to the UN Security Council. Speaking 
before reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence, Aso 
indicated that even if North Korea says it is a satellite, the 
launch is in violation of a UN resolution that prohibits North Korea 
from engaging in any ballistic missile activities. 
 
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone also told Chinese Prime Minister 
Wen Jiabao when they met yesterday that the launch would be a 
violation of the UN Security Council resolution. 
 
(2) New Komeito unable to draw up election strategy 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 2, 2009 
 
TOKYO 00000469  002 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
 
Many New Komeito members are now cautious about the notion of the 
House of Representatives being dissolved in April for a general 
election in May. The view is gaining ground in the New Komeito that 
it will be difficult to fight in the next House of Representatives 
election under the leadership of Prime Minister Taro Aso, whose 
popularity has plunged. However, since the party last year backed 
Aso as successor to then Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda to lead the 
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) into the next Lower House election, 
it cannot take action to remove Aso from office. Although the New 
Komeito has yet to draw up any election strategy, it intends to make 
efforts to expand support by setting its own policy. 
 
New Komeito leader Akihiro Ota called on Aso on Feb. 16 at the Prime 
Minister's Office and told him: 
 
"Since a next supplementary budget is closely related to the timing 
of Lower House dissolution, you should carefully look into the scale 
of an extra budget and when to compile it after seeing the political 
situation, as well as corporate financial reports, which will be 
released in March." 
 
Ota was concerned that Aso's remark about a supplementary budget 
might make the LDP's situation become more fluid, leading to calls 
for Lower House dissolution. Therefore, Ota urged Aso to be careful. 
 
 
Even New Komeito Secretary General Kazuo Kitagawa, who had been 
eager for the next general election to be held under Aso's 
leadership, said: "There is no other choice but to choose the best 
timing. A New Komeito lawmaker complained: "About 80 posters with a 
picture taken with the prime minister were damaged this year." 
Propelled out by the resignation of Shoichi Nakagawa as finance 
minister and state minister of financial affairs, New Komeito 
members have been dissatisfied with the Aso administration. 
 
The basic position of senior New Komeito members is that if the 
party tries to unseat the prime minister, it would not be understood 
(by the LDP). The reason is that when (then) Prime Minister Fukuda 
quit office last September, some LDP lawmakers criticized the New 
Komeito for creating a trend for Prime Minister Aso. If the New 
Komeito moves to remove Aso from office, it will certainly come 
under criticism from the public. 
 
Under such circumstances, the New Komeito has launched an effort to 
substantially revise its manifesto (set of campaign pledges) for the 
upcoming general election, which the party drafted last fall. 
 
The New Komeito's draft manifesto, which was revealed on March 1, 
includes a long list of its own policy measures, including 
improvement in social security, as well as economic stimulus 
measures. A senior party member said: "We will come up with a policy 
so that the public can clearly understand politics that the New 
Komeito aims at." The remark exudes the New Komeito's stance of 
acting in self-defense. 
 
The New Komeito seems to be using its manifesto as a strategic move 
for holding discussions regarding a new coalition government, if the 
LDP and New Komeito fail to secure a majority of the Lower House 
seats. The Aso cabinet is struggling with a disapproval rating of 80 
PERCENT . New Komeito leader Ota has begun to hint that his party 
may not stick to its coalition with the LDP after the election, 
 
TOKYO 00000469  003 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
noting: "Political realignment will occur after the general 
election. The formation of a coalition government will be decided by 
the result of the election." A senior New Komeito member said: "We 
want to come up with major policy in order to make it a card to be 
used when political realignment occurs." 
 
(3) In anti-piracy map exercise, rules on weapons use also to be 
confirmed 
 
YOMIURI ONLINE 
March 2, 2009 
 
Joint map exercise of "convoy escort," which will be carried out by 
Maritime Self-Defense Force's (MSDF) warships in waters off Somalia, 
Africa, as part of efforts to combat piracy, started at the MSDF 
officer candidate school in Meguro, Tokyo, this morning. 
 
The exercise has brought together about 155 persons mainly from the 
Defense Ministry, as well as from the Cabinet Secretariat, the 
Foreign Ministry, the Land, Infrastructure, Transport & Tourism 
Ministry, the Justice Ministry, and the Japan Coast Guard. During 
the exercise, the participants will confirm what steps should be 
taken by maritime safety officials on board and rules on SDF 
officials' use of weapons, on the assumption of several scenarios. 
These include: (1) a private ship approaches a Japan-related vessel 
on a patrol mission; (2) a pirate ship fires shots; and (3) an 
escort ship receives contact from a private vessel navigating nearby 
saying that it is being attacked by pirates. The exercise will 
continue until tomorrow evening. 
 
(4) Interview with CSIS President Hamre on DPJ Ozawa's U.S. 7th 
Fleet remark: Call for withdrawal of U.S. troops would distance U.S. 
from Japan 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 2, 2009 
 
Sunohara Tsuyoshi 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa, speaking 
about national security policy, said last week that that the "U.S. 
Navy's 7th Fleet alone is sufficient to maintain the U.S. military 
presence in Japan." How has this controversial remark been taken in 
the U.S.? The Nikkei asked Center for Strategic and International 
Studies (CSIS) President John Hamre for his view about the Ozawa 
remark. Hamre chairs the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee, 
directly linked to Secretary of Defense Gates, and is close to 
President Barack Obama. 
 
Japan to encounter nuclear issue 
 
-- How do you take the Ozawa remark? 
 
I have never been of the mind that Japan should always do as it is 
told by the U.S. The integration of Japan and the U.S. has advanced 
dynamically. In my view, Japan and the U.S. used to be like and 
elder brother and younger brother, but we no longer have such a 
relationship. We should not look back over our past but should 
consider our future. 
 
If Japan does not want to maintain the current partnership 
(alliance), Japan will have to consider increasing its defense 
 
TOKYO 00000469  004 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
spending. It might need to consider outlays equivalent to 3-4 
PERCENT  of the nation's gross national product (GNP). If Japan 
moves away from its alliance with the U.S., it will have to 
seriously face up to security challenges in this region. 
 
-- There is also the problem of the nuclear umbrella when 
considering the Japan-U.S. alliance. 
 
Nuclear deterrence is also a fundamental issue. If Japan cuts back 
on the alliance with the U.S despite the nuclear threats from North 
Korea and China, it will have to face this problem head on. I wonder 
if Japan will be able to ensure its safety from such nuclear threats 
on its own. 
 
-- Do you mean the view of stationing only the U.S. 7th Fleet in 
Japan is not realistic? 
 
The Navy alone, or the Air Force or Army alone, does not constitute 
the fundamental basis of national security. Joint operation among 
the three forces is a prerequisite. If Ozawa really aims to do so 
(to leave only the U.S. 7th Fleet in Japan), he might mean that 
Japan will upgrade the capabilities of the Air Self-Defense Force 
and the Ground Self-Defense Force. 
 
New U.S. administration's intention 
 
-- Was the Obama administration's priority to security policy 
reflected in the preferential treatment given to Japan? 
 
That intention naturally was behind the dispatch of the secretary of 
State to Japan and the invitation of the Japanese prime minister to 
the White House as the President's first foreign guest. The 
administration wanted to show its view that keeping a favorable 
relationship with Japan will serve our fundamental interests in 
Asia. The administration's stance is not simply intended to seek 
economic support. President Obama expects reliable partners to share 
responsibility as much as possible. 
 
-- Do you think that the Ozawa remark has put a damper on the 
administration's aim? 
 
The U.S. administration, now beset by major issues, would not 
welcome it if the security environment surrounding Asia suddenly 
turns unstable. If Japan calls on the U.S. to withdraw its troops, a 
distance and a vacuum will be created between the two countries. 
China has been expanding its defense budget, and its military 
buildup remains non-transparent. These elements must be considered 
comprehensively. It was a surprise to me (that Ozawa made a remark 
that lacked such consideration). 
 
A person with real leadership ability considers what Japan should do 
on the basis of objective assessment of security environment. I 
would like to emphasize that the Japan-U.S. alliance is a bargain 
and a tried and true alliance system for both countries. 
 
(5) Two civic groups call for global attention to damage caused by 
Okinawa bases at conference in U.S. 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
March 2, 2009 
 
Shoko Kakazu, Washington 
 
TOKYO 00000469  005 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
 
Representatives of an Okinawa peace civic liaison group and an 
anti-heliport group made their case against bases on Okinawa at the 
Security without Empire National Organizing Conference on Foreign 
Military Bases. The conference began at American University in 
Washington D.C. on Feb. 27. 
 
In the general meeting held on the morning of Feb. 28, Suzuyo 
Takasato, representative of the Okinawa peace civic group, reported 
on the current state of U.S. bases in Okinawa. Takasato also spoke 
of the crimes, human rights abuses, and environmental damage. 
Takasato was followed by three representatives from Iraq and Latin 
American countries. 
 
Eight workshops took place in the afternoon. In the workshop for 
eliminating U.S. bases in the Asia-Pacific region, representatives 
from Guam, Hawaii, Okinawa and South Korea reported on their 
respective histories and base-related damage, exposing common 
issues. 
 
Tomihiroshi Ashi, representative of the anti-heliport group from 
Okinawa, explained the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' 
Futenma Air Station to the coastal area of the Henoko district in 
Nago, using a chart. Ashi underline the need for cooperation among 
countries hosting U.S. bases, saying: "Unless Guam, Hawaii, and 
South Korea, as well as Japan, work together, true peace will not 
come to Asia." 
 
Ann Wright, a retired army reserve colonel, also called for 
resistance to violence against women on bases. 
 
(09030205st) Back to Top 
 
 
 
(6) Interview with DPJ Vice President Katsuya Okada -- DPJ will not 
endorse Guam International Agreement based on relocation of Futenma 
Air Station to Henoko district; DPJ will achieve results within one 
year after taking helm of government 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Full) 
March 2, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan Vice President Katsuya Okada gave an 
interview to the Okinawa Times in Naha on March 1. In it, Okada 
discussed the party's response to Diet approval of the Guam 
International Agreement and eagerness for taking the helm of 
government. 
 
Interviewed by Yoshiya Taira 
 
-- How is (the DPJ) going to deal with the Guam International 
Agreement? 
 
"At present, our party has yet to decide what our response will be. 
But I don't think the party is in a position to endorse an agreement 
that is based on the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma 
Air Station to the Henoko district in Nago. 
 
-- In connection with the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan, 
President Ichiro Ozawa said, "The U.S. Navy's 7th Fleet is enough to 
secure the U.S. presence in the Far East." How should that statement 
 
TOKYO 00000469  006 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
be taken? 
 
"President Ozawa's comment means that the presence of the 7th Fleet 
would be sufficient strictly in terms of Japan's defense, although 
not immediately. But the U.S. forces in Japan have another aspect of 
contributing to the peace and security of Asia and the Pacific. He 
did not refer to that part." 
 
"There is a need to discuss (the question of U.S. force realignment) 
that transcends status quo thinking. Acting as if someone has hit a 
beehive, the government and the ruling parties are making a big deal 
out of it without considering that point. That is because they have 
lost the ability to think." 
 
-- What is your view of Prime Minister Taro Aso? 
 
"The Liberal Democratic Party is showing signs of impending 
collapse. The premiership has been handed from Abe to Fukuda and 
then to Aso in a short period of time. They all enjoyed overwhelming 
support when they were picked. (The Aso cabinet) will not hold on 
for more than a few months. The LDP is corrupt, and there is no one 
who can become prime minister. I think the problem is the LDP rather 
than Prime Minister Aso." 
 
-- When do you think the House of Representatives will be 
dissolved? 
 
"It is a matter for the prime minister and the government to decide, 
so I cannot predict when that will happen. But given the likelihood 
that the Aso administration will not hold out for long, I think 
chances are high that the LDP will carry out a presidential election 
after the budget and related bills are enacted and that a general 
election will be called this spring under the new LDP president. 
 
-- Are you eager to take over the reins of government? 
 
"We are drawing up a manifesto that will enable people to feel there 
will be a change in government. (The manifesto) will feature ways to 
change bureaucracy-led politics, shore up the economy, and improve 
business conditions with an eye on Japan's future. Within one year 
after taking power, we will achieve results that will be visible to 
the public. We will aim at a victory of next year's House of 
Councillors election to grab a working majority in the Upper House 
as well. 
 
-- There are objections in the DPJ Okinawa prefectural chapter about 
the party's decision to endorse Mikio Shimoji of the People's New 
Party. 
 
"I would like to see the problem resolved for the sake of our taking 
over the reins of government." 
 
"Schisms within the opposition camp would not result in a change of 
administration. When a DPJ administration is launched, there should 
not be a case where there is no Lower House member from Okinawa who 
can speak on behalf of Okinawa. 
 
(7) Interview with former USTR Schwab: U.S. trade policy has yet to 
be materialized: Democratic Party split over freedom and protection 
 
NIKKEI (Page 7) (Full) 
February 28, 2009 
 
TOKYO 00000469  007 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
 
Following the ongoing global recession, protectionist moves are 
becoming visible in various countries. The Nihon Keizai Shimbun has 
asked former United States Trade Representative (USTR) Susan Schwab, 
who is visiting Japan, about the Obama administration's trade policy 
and prospects for trade liberalization talks. 
 
-- Some observers say that the Obama administration's trade policy 
is protectionist. What direction do you think it will take? 
 
"President Obama avoided referring to the trade issue in the early 
stage of the campaign. However, since the rival Clinton camp started 
calling for reviewing the North American Free Trade Agreement 
(NAFTA), he had to make a response. He presumably did not want to 
clarify his trade policy at heart. That is because there is 
disagreement in the Democratic Party between those who advocate free 
trade and those who support protectionism, attaching importance to 
employment. 
 
"In a speech delivered after taking office, President Obama laid 
emphasis on key areas, such as medical services. He did not touch on 
trade policy. At the moment, he is busily engaged with the 
transition of power that coincided with the economic crisis. It has 
been only a month since the launching of his administration. I think 
he has yet to firm up his trade policy." 
 
-- There is an impression that his opposition to a "Buy American" 
provision in the economic stimulus legislation was vague. 
 
"When the Democratic Party in the House of Representatives took the 
initiative in drafting the legislation, it became difficult for the 
Obama administration to deal with the issue. Even though the 
confrontation in the Senate was not so severe, in the House of 
Representatives, the Democratic Party pressed ahead with matters 
without consulting with the Republican Party. Strange legislation 
has been established without the involvement of the Republican Party 
in the policy-setting process. I believe the president himself was 
surprised." 
 
-- What is the real intent of the administration? 
 
"The real intent and principles of the Obama administration overlap. 
To begin with, the Obama administration did not want to give the 
impression that its 800 billion dollar economic stimulus package 
would benefit foreign companies. This is a realistic political 
decision. On the other hand, the administration needed to avoid 
international criticism that his policy is protectionist. As such, 
it resorted to the form of procuring U.S.-made products on a 
priority basis within the scope of not infringing on such 
international agreements as the World Trade Organization (WTO). 
 
"This is an afterthought. But it may have sent a message to 
countries that have not yet signed the WTO's government procurement 
agreement. That is because non-signatory nations will find it 
decisively disadvantageous to enter the U.S. market. There also 
could be high hopes for producing the effect of urging China to sign 
that agreement and aim for the liberalization and transparency of 
its government procurement market." 
 
-- How do you view the future of multilateral trade liberalization 
talks sponsored by the WTO? 
 
 
TOKYO 00000469  008 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
"The stance of emerging countries will determine the success or 
failure of the talks. The world is now faced with an economic 
crisis. In particular, what approach India and China will make in 
view of the overall picture of the global economy will hold the key. 
When the talks broke down in July last year, China's determination 
to clinch a deal was wavering, benefiting India, which remained 
hard-line. No serious discussion will take place before the election 
in India, which will be called as early as this April." 
 
-- Can we expect any change in China's stance? 
 
"I have an impression that an increasing number of Chinese 
government leaders understand the reality of the global economy. 
They are still learning. However, they are skilled in complex 
multilateral negotiations. China's logic so far has been that if it 
continues to grow, it will contribute to the global economy. They 
are, however, beginning to understand that such is not enough. 
 
"China will increasingly become an important trade partner for the 
U.S. The U.S. should tenaciously work on China to liberalize its 
trade. 
 
(Interviewer: Editorial board member Yasuhiko Ota) 
 
(8) Nozomu Nakaoka's eye-opening experience about America 
 
Saturday, February 21, 2009 
 
An exclusive interview with Secretary of State Hillary Clinton: 
Joined her traveling press corps as a blogger 
 
Having one's own blog is popular in the United States. A person who 
posts his or her opinion there is called a blogger. It is common for 
a leading newspaper and the like to introduce a blogger's views, 
describing him or her as an influential blogger. Scholars also 
actively use their blogs to publicize their analyses and critiques. 
On my blog, I posted an article about the White House having issued 
a press card to a blogger (April 1, 2005, "The story of the first 
blogger to be given a White House press card"). The opportunities 
are growing for a journalist to be successful without belonging to 
any large news company. In other words, journalism is becoming less 
monopolized by large news companies. But compared to the conditions 
in the United States, bloggers have yet to win national recognition 
in Japanese journalism. It is not easy (for an independent 
journalist) to approach an information source and write his or her 
independent analytical comments. Unless one goes beyond the realm of 
amateur journalism, they cannot compete with journalists belonging 
to large media companies. I am a professional freelance journalist 
who has contributed articles to magazines and the like. A blog is an 
effective means to send out messages, but without a blog, it is 
difficult in some cases to express one's views. U.S. Secretary of 
State Hillary Clinton arrived in Japan on Feb. 16. She was 
accompanied by the press corps that flew with her from the United 
States. I was allowed to join them as a blogger to cover the 
Secretary's activities. I also learned that it was Secretary 
Clinton's order to let a Japanese blogger join the traveling press. 
I was also allowed to have an exclusive interview with Secretary 
Clinton as a freelance journalist. The following is a report on 
that. 
 
One month has passed since Barack Obama became U.S. President. The 
U.S. economic stimulus bill (American Recovery and Reinvestment Act) 
 
TOKYO 00000469  009 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
passed Congress on Feb. 17 and President Obama signed it into law. 
Meeting with stiff resistance from Republicans in Congress, he was 
put on the hot seat and forced to compromise. President Obama is 
said to have achieved his first victory with the passage of a record 
$787 billion stimulus plan in a short period of time. His next 
challenge will be foreign policy. Vice President Joe Biden has 
already visited Europe. On Feb. 16, Secretary Clinton arrived in 
Japan, her first foreign destination. After Indonesia and South 
Korea, she finished her tour in China. President Obama picked Canada 
for his first foreign trip. (The U.S. administration's) first 
foreign policy effort was designed to demonstrate role-sharing, with 
President Obama opting for Canada, America's largest trade partner. 
Vice President Biden went to Europe, and Secretary of State Clinton, 
to Asia. Their decisions on where to visit first seem to have 
various implications. 
 
The first foreign destination for then President George W. Bush was 
Mexico. Because President Obama and Secretary Clinton did not refer 
to Japan during their presidential campaigns, there were complaints 
that they were slighting Japan. There was speculation in Britain, as 
well, that the Obama administration was taking a policy slighting 
Britain. But because the British foreign secretary met with 
President Obama ahead of other foreign leaders, the British people 
seem to have felt somewhat relieved. Similarly, the Japanese 
government seems to have felt relieved with Secretary Clinton's 
decision to visit Japan first and President Obama's invitation to 
Prime Minister Taro Aso to come to the White House as the first 
foreign visitor. 
 
Secretary Clinton arrived in Japan on the evening of Feb. 16 and 
left for Indonesia on the early morning of Feb. 18. 
 
Last weekend, I received a telephone call from someone at the U.S. 
Embassy who asked me: "There has been an instruction from the 
Department of State to include a Japanese blogger in the press corps 
traveling with Secretary Clinton. You, Mr. Nakaoka, are a blogger, 
aren't you? Can you join them?" I said in response, "I am a 
journalist and have my own blog," and I accepted the offer, seeing 
it as the chance of a lifetime. I heard later on from a U.S. Embassy 
employee that including a Japanese blogger in the traveling press 
corps was the Secretary's personal desire. At present, bloggers' 
influence is becoming really strong in the United States. In 
reality, bloggers cannot be ignored politically. 
 
The following is what I experienced during Secretary Clinton's visit 
to Japan. On Feb. 16, I got on a van from the U.S. Embassy along 
with other staffers and headed for Haneda Airport to greet Secretary 
Clinton. It was the coldest evening of the winter. Exposed to the 
biting sea breeze, I felt my body would freeze while waiting for her 
arrival. The Secretary arrived at the airport at 7:30 p.m. A welcome 
ceremony was held at a VIP room away from Haneda Airport. Secretary 
Clinton played up the importance of Japan-U.S. relations, saying, 
"The bilateral relationship between the United States and Japan is a 
cornerstone in our efforts around the world." In response, a 
Japanese government representative offered words of welcome, saying, 
"The fact that you as Secretary of State chose Japan as your first 
foreign destination indicates that the U.S. government attaches 
importance to Japan-U.S. relations." The Secretary's Japan visit 
began with an exchange of encouragements in consideration of the 
criticism that the Obama administration had been slighting relations 
with Japan. 
 
 
TOKYO 00000469  010 OF 016 
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 03//09 
 
After the welcoming ceremony, I got on a bus along with traveling 
reporters who had arrived in Japan on the special plane from the 
United States and headed for their hotel, the Hotel Okura. I was 
with a group of 18 reporters representing newspapers, such as The 
New York Times and The Washington Post, television broadcasters, 
such as CNN and Fox, and news agencies like Reuters and Bloomberg. 
My first day of newsgathering activities ended with a notice to come 
to the hotel by 6:30 a.m. the following morning to cover the 
Secretary's visit to Meiji Shrine. 
 
The morning of Feb. 17 was finger-numbing cold, as well. The 
Secretary visiting the shrine showed up before the Japanese and 
American press corps. Japanese reporters asked her, "What's your 
impression?" or, "Why are you visiting Meiji Shrine?" It was 
impressive that the Secretary stopped and answered politely, "Meiji 
Shrine is very beautiful. I came to the shrine to show respect for 
the culture of Japan." The question remained about why she chose to 
visit Meiji Shrine, a religious facility, ahead of other places. It 
became clear through subsequent newsgathering activities that the 
U.S. Embassy had added Meiji Shrine to her schedule because there 
were no official events until noon and that there was no special 
intent behind it. 
 
After visiting Meiji Shrine, Secretary Clinton returned to the U.S. 
Embassy and addressed the embassy community. After expressing her 
appreciation to the embassy staff, the Secretary explained her basic 
thinking about foreign policy. She also used the word "3D" -- 
meaning diplomacy, defense and development -- at other venues than 
the official press conference. The Secretary emphatically said: 
"Policy does not work well when any of the 3Ds is absent." In other 
words, foreign policy does not function effectively with diplomacy 
and military strength alone. 
 
She also used the expression "smart power" several times. Military 
strength is referred to as "hard power." Over the last several 
years, "soft power" has been used often instead of "hard power." It 
means that a nonmilitary approach, such as cultural exchanges, is 
essential in pursuing foreign policy. The concept was first 
advocated by Harvard University Prof. Joseph Nye. Then someone came 
up with the idea of "smart power," which effectively combines other 
elements to "soft power." In order to carry out foreign policy 
effectively, Secretary Clinton said: "Smart power must be exercised, 
and to do so, pragmatism and principles must be combined." It 
sounded as if she were pointing out the difference between the Obama 
administration and the Bush administration, which repeatedly made 
big mistakes being bound by idealism. 
 
It was also impressive that as policy challenges, the Secretary 
underlined the need to address climate change, develop clean energy, 
and eliminate poverty. She hardly referred to the war on terror, 
which was unexpected. Even an American journalist said, "Secretary 
Clinton has rarely used the words 'war on terror.'" She further 
called for the establishment of new international networks and 
partnerships, saying, "Global issues cannot be resolved by one 
country alone." This, too, can be said to mark an enormous 
difference in foreign policy from that of the Bush administration, 
which was largely inclined toward unilateralism. 
 
After the events at the U.S. Embassy, the Secretary had a working 
lunch and meeting with Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone at the 
Foreign Ministry's Iikura Guesthouse, and a ceremony was held for 
the signing of the Guam International Agreement. Regarding the 
 
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agreement, the Secretary said: "The modernization of our military 
posture in the Pacific reinforces the mission to defend Japan and 
deter any attack." The signing of the pact was the biggest event in 
Clinton's visit to Japan. The Iikura Guesthouse press conference 
room was tightly packed with American and Japanese reporters. 
Enthusiasm for Clinton was also evident from a U.S. Embassy 
official's comment: "Even when a high-ranking official at the level 
of the Secretary of State visits Japan, not so many journalists show 
up." 
 
In the press conference after signing the pact, Foreign Minister 
Nakasone said: "I welcome the fact that she chose Japan as the 
destination for her first overseas trip as Secretary of State, 
because that is an indication that Secretary Clinton and the Obama 
administration attach importance to Japan-U.S. relations." Secretary 
Clinton, too, said: "The alliance between the United States and 
Japan is a cornerstone of our foreign policy. A coordinated global 
response is necessary in order to address challenges facing our two 
countries. As the first and second largest economies in the world, 
we must fulfill our great responsibilities. Japan has been a leader 
in laying the groundwork for a clean energy future, and we look 
forward to working together on a bilateral and multilateral basis on 
energy and climate change." 
 
Regarding the North Korean issue, Secretary Clinton clarified the 
Obama administration's basic policy stance: "We discussed the 
importance of very close coordination in our approach to the 
Six-Party Talks. We must advance our efforts to secure the complete 
and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea." She added: "I am 
aware that the abductee issue is very important for Japan. The 
abductee issue is part of the Six-Party Talks, as we believe it 
should be, because it is more likely to yield to progress as part of 
a comprehensive engagement with North Korea." Further, in response 
to a question from a reporter, the Secretary, as if sending a clear 
message to North Korea, noted: "If North Korea abides by the 
obligations it has already entered into and verifiably and 
completely eliminates its nuclear program, then there will be a 
reciprocal response, certainly from the United States. There would 
be a chance to normalize relations, to enter into a peace treaty 
rather than an armistice, and to expect assistance for the people of 
North Korea." After the press conference, the Secretary had a 
meeting with Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada at the Iikura 
Guesthouse. 
 
After the meeting, the Secretary left the Iikura Guesthouse for a 
tea party hosted by the Empress. Of the journalists from the United 
States, only 10 were allowed to accompany her (to the Imperial 
Palace). Afterward, the Secretary attended a town hall meeting held 
at the University of Tokyo. Although the event was scheduled to 
begin at 5:40 p.m., the Secretary did not arrive at the hall until 
shortly after 6:00 p.m. After arriving at the hall and a few words 
by a university representative, Secretary Clinton began talking 
about an episode 75 years ago in which some members of the New York 
Yankees toured Japan and drew huge and enthusiastic crowds. The 
Secretary went on and told the students that she, as a former 
senator from New York, was a lifelong baseball fan and that she had 
played baseball when she was young, drawing applause from the 
students. She also urged the students to ask questions, saying: 
"Part of my trip here today is to hear your views." 
 
Again, touching on "smart power," the Secretary explained: "It is 
not only building new global networks or engaging in 
 
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government-to-government interactions, but relying on the wisdom and 
the common sense of people around the world." The students asked 
questions in English, and I cannot introduce them all in my blog. 
Some questions were interesting, and Secretary Clinton's clear-cut 
responses were truly impressive. The town hall meeting did not end 
until after 7:00 p.m. 
 
The event proceeded smoothly, and a U.S. Embassy official said to 
me, "Would you like to have an interview with the Secretary?" I was 
told to stand by until 9:00 p.m. because the Secretary was likely to 
be able to spare her time after her meeting with (Democratic Party 
of Japan President) Ichiro Ozawa that started shortly after 8:00 
p.m. But the time was not decided, and I left the hotel a little 
after 11:00 p.m. Late at night, I received a notice saying, "Please 
come to the hotel at 7:30 a.m. tomorrow." I arrived at the hotel 
lobby shortly after 7:00 a.m. the following morning, made 
arrangements with a State Department press official, and waited for 
the time for the interview. But again, it was difficult for the 
Secretary to spare time. Even so, I was able to interview the 
Secretary, although for only a short time, before leaving the hotel. 
The following is what took place in my exclusive interview with 
Secretary Clinton: 
 
(The interview with Secretary Clinton) 
 
-- Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner said in his Senate 
confirmation hearing that China was manipulating its currency. What 
is your view? 
 
"How to get the global economy back on track is a pressing issue 
today, and the best way is for the United States and Japan to urge 
China to work together to resurrect the economy. Our top short-term 
priority is to turn around the global economy as early as possible 
(rather than dealing with the question of the Chinese currency)." 
 
-- If America's trade deficit grows, it might significantly reduce 
the expected impact of the huge U.S. economic stimulus package, 
wouldn't it? 
 
"Trade imbalance is a serious issue for the United States. The 
United States has a huge trade deficit not only with China but also 
with Japan. Other countries rely on exports to the United States. At 
the same time, China and Japan have been purchasing large amounts of 
U.S. Treasury bonds. Such a situation was resolved temporarily when 
my husband (Bill Clinton) was serving as president, but 
unfortunately, that did not long last. But at present, there is an 
issue that must be prioritized over the question of trade imbalance, 
that is, again the recovery of the world economy. Other issues are 
also serious, but I think they are resolvable." 
 
-- Protectionist moves are seen in the United States, as evidenced 
by the inclusion of the "Buy American" clause in the stimulus bill 
that has been enacted recently. 
 
"The clause has been modified. U.S. actions must be in line with 
international accords. Every country has an urge for protectionism. 
We must deal with such a situation extremely carefully. If such a 
move appears, the recovery of the global economy would slow down. I 
can understand that many people fear losing their jobs. World 
leaders, including President Obama, must address such a situation. 
We must work hard to restore trust in markets. To do so, 
protectionist moves must be blocked. 
 
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-- About future relations between Japan, the United States, and 
China. 
 
"The United States used to be the world's largest carbon dioxide 
emitter. Today, China is number one. Climate change is serious, and 
Japan, the United States and China must work together in addressing 
China's environmental issues." 
 
Though the interview was conducted in an extremely short period of 
time, it was impressive that (the Secretary) offered truly clear-cut 
answers to my questions. The Obama administration was launched just 
recently, but I felt that Secretary Clinton's words were testimony 
to (the administration's) basic thinking about its future foreign 
policy. 
 
Nozomu Nakaoka: 
 
Freelance journalist; contributor to a variety of media; writes 
books and gives lectures; part-timer lecturer at International 
Christian University (ICU), Japan Women's University (JWU), and 
Musashino University; teaches at ICU five undergraduate and graduate 
subjects, such as American Culture Studies and Modern American 
Economics; at JWU, teaches Introduction to Economics and Comparative 
Social Studies; at Musashino University, teaches Asian Economics and 
other subjects. 
 
(9) Weathervane column: Isoroku Yamamoto and Obama 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
January 25, 2009 
 
By editorial writer Hiroyuki Akita 
 
Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto was the Combined Fleet Commander who 
planned the surprise attack on Pearl Harbor during the Pacific War. 
Even in the U.S. military he was known as a "great commander." While 
he was to the end against starting a war with the United States, 
believing that it would destroy Japan, in the end he himself carried 
out the role as commander of lighting the fuse. What served as the 
opportunity for Yamamoto to realize the national strength of the 
U.S. was his time as a foreign student at Harvard University, where 
we was sent by the Imperial Navy. He lodged at someone's home in the 
suburbs of Boston, which was just next door to the house where John 
¶F. Kennedy was born. In 1919, Kennedy was just three years old. 
 
The reason why Yamamoto was against launching a war with the U.S. 
was not just because he knew well the gaps in military power and 
economic power between that country and Japan. It was also because 
he perceived the inner strength of the American society for banding 
together and coming up with a great leader during a time of crisis. 
He was thinking about Lincoln, a great man whom he especially 
respected. 
 
"I really liked Lincoln. I think he was a great human being, 
irrespective of his being an American." This is what he told an aide 
when he was posted to Washington. He said he had warm feelings 
toward Lincoln for freeing the slaves and for having even given up 
his life for the sake of the freedom of mankind. This passage comes 
from the book "Yamamoto Isoroku," written by Hiroyuki Agawa 
(Published by Shincho Bunko). 
 
 
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It has been ninety years this year since Yamamoto was a foreign 
student at Harvard University. In the United States, oddly enough, 
the newly inaugurated President Obama similarly deeply respects 
Lincoln and has used him as a model in facing the nation's 
difficulties, with feverish hopes behind him.  However, the path 
ahead is steep. He is now being pressed to respond to such issues as 
the financial crisis, Afghanistan, and Iraq. 
 
A U.S. government source explained: "The intent is to send Secretary 
Clinton and other officials to as many countries as possible during 
the first 100 days in order to link up with major countries. Japan 
is on the priority list." The country that the Obama administration 
was staring fixedly at was its ally Japan. 
 
The Aso administration, suffering from low support rates and faced 
with a divided Diet, cannot come up with bold international 
contributions. The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), too, with the 
possibility of a change of government now in sight, has still not 
given indicated what the details of its foreign and security 
policies will be. 
 
"Japan must not take a stance of waiting. Since it has the 
capability, it should be able to make a major contribution." Last 
December, a foreign-policy brain of the Obama administration 
forcefully urged a DPJ lawmaker in this way, but there was nothing 
but a feeling of anxiety behind his words. 
 
The DPJ as well does not think it would be good to leave matters as 
they are now. Last fall, when the Diet deliberations were entering 
the home stretch on the bill to extend the refueling mission in the 
Indian Ocean, the party secretly contacted the U.S. government and 
reportedly told officials that it did not intend to the refueling 
issue to be used for political purposes. 
 
Although the party opposed the bill, it told Washington that it did 
not intend to willfully block its passage or force a halt in 
refueling services. Sending this message to Washington, the party 
was saying that there was room to cooperate with the U.S. 
administration. 
 
Japanese public opinion in general has greeted the arrival of the 
Obama administration with good feelings. Yet, behind the popularity 
of Obama, there are worrisome signs, as seek in the views of those 
who point to the "decline of the United States," as seen in the 
failure of the Iraq war and the collapse of the U.S.-style financial 
system. 
 
In 1929, eight years after Yamamoto attended Harvard, America 
entered the Great Depression. There were voices within the Japanese 
military then saying that America no longer need be feared, and 
Japan in December 1941 launched a war against the United States. In 
that context, the assertions of Yamamoto and others were squelched. 
 
 
Even in the 1980s, when the U.S. was saddled with huge deficits in 
its fiscal and trade areas, the argument about the decline of 
America again came out. Can Obama overcome the financial crisis and 
rebuild America? If Yamamoto were still alive, he would likely be 
inclined to say not to look down on the inner strength of the U.S. 
based only on what is visible to the eye. 
 
(10) TOP HEADLINES 
 
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Asahi: 
Four major ad agency clients saved large amount of money on ad mail 
illegally using postal fee discount for disabled 
 
Mainichi: 
U.S. trying to learn lessons on financial woes from Japan's "lost" 
decade 
 
Yomiuri: 
EU leaders agree to set up financial supervisory body to prevent 
recurrence of crisis 
 
 
Nikkei: 
Corporate bond issues surge to 1.5 trillion yen in February: 
Companies rushing to procure funds 
 
Sankei: 
Democratic Party of Japan: Sense of apprehension to precariousness 
of having a "Prime Minister Ozawa" 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Assistance to Brazilian schools, making them eligible for subsidies: 
Education Ministry decides to ease regulations on establishment of 
schools 
 
Akahata: 
Solidarity to prevent dismissal of temporary workers: Metal industry 
workers assemble 
 
(11) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Guidelines for use of weapons: Do not cash in on piracy issue 
(2) Child-care system: Hurry to invest in future 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Japan-China foreign ministerial meeting: Do not spark political 
friction with Senkaku Island sovereignty issue 
(2) Kashiwazaki Kariwa nuclear power plant: Modest and cautious 
decision needed to restart operations 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Japan-China foreign ministerial meeting: Essence of reciprocal 
relationship to be called into question 
(2) Trial of Pol Pot group: How can their responsibility for 
committing massacre be pursued? 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) U.S. program to pull out of Iraq indicates realistic decision 
(2) We want Japan and China to discuss economic matters as well 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Illegal exports to North Korea: Strictly monitor alternate 
routes 
(2) Invitation of Tokyo Olympic Games: Diet resolution will give 
momentum 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
 (1) One airplane accident after another: We wonder whether airline 
carriers are slighting safety 
 
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(2) ASEAN: Stability and unity are indispensable 
 
 
Akahata: 
(1) President Obama and Afghanistan: Time to take action for 
political settlement 
 
(Corrected copy): Ozawa's 7th Fleet remark: DPJ says such is not the 
party's view; Ruling camp criticizes Ozawa as "lacking capability to 
run the government" 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
March 2, 2009 
 
In connection to a series of remarks by Democratic Party of Japan 
(DPJ) President Ichiro, including, "The U.S. military presence of 
only the 7th Fleet in the Far East would be enough," a senior member 
of the DPJ appearing on a television program on March 1 was pressed 
to explain what Ozawa had meant. 
 
Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Kenji Yamaoka on an NHK talk show 
explained: "During the meeting between Mr. Ozawa and Secretary of 
State Clinton, he made a statement, 'Since there have been major 
changes since the war, consideration should be given as to what to 
do, and if both countries agree, Japan should carry out a role that 
is should be doing.' Using that example, when the time comes for 
Japan to play such a role with the U.S.'s concurrence, it probably 
would take such a form (as the 7th Fleet being enough)." He then 
added, "As to whether that will become the DPJ's conclusion, 
discussion has yet to start." He stressed that Ozawa's remark was 
not the party's official view. 
 
Vice President Kan, appearing on Fuji Television, said: "It is not 
much of a problem within the party. The U.S. Marines on Okinawa are 
not there to guard Okinawa, and the government, too, has decided 
that most of them should return to Guam. I don't think that the 
direction is that much different (from the government's position)." 
He sought to check the government and ruling camp which have been 
heightening their criticism. 
 
In contrast, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Election Strategy 
Committee Deputy Chairman Yoshihide Suga, speaking in Iwate 
Prefecture, criticized: "He has rejected the very basis of Japan's 
defense policy. If such a willful person becomes prime minister, the 
relationship of trust between Japan and the United States will 
disappear." 
 
ZUMWALT