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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 000569 
 
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 03/13/09 
 
Index: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's weekend schedule  (Nikkei) 
 
Defense and security affairs: 
4) Despite all the rhetoric, doubts remain that Japan could actually 
intercept North Korea's missile allegedly carrying a "satellite" 
(Tokyo Shimbun) 
5) Two MSDF destroyers set sail for the Gulf of Aden for anti-piracy 
operations under a maritime security action  (Mainichi) 
6) Government opinion poll finds 63 PERCENT  of Japanese support 
sending the MSDF to deal with pirates in waters off Somalia 
(Mainichi) 
7) Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) Katsuya Okada: Once the party 
is in power, it will "disclose" the "secret pact" on Okinawa 
reversion between U.S. and Japan  (Yomiuri) 
 
8) During Japan-Russia summit, Prime Minister Aso urged resolution 
of northern islands issue: "Can't build a relationship without 
progress on the territorial front"  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
G-20 finance ministers meeting: 
9) Finance Minister Yosano, meeting Treasury Secretary Geithner, 
pledges large scale economic stimulus package  (Nikkei) 
10) Yosano in G-20 debut follows U.S. lead in fiscal policy  (Asahi) 
 
 
Aso in action: 
11) In TV interview, Prime Minister Aso negative about a May or June 
dissolution of the Diet for a snap election  (Yomiuri) 
12) Aso on the interview hot seat as TV personality throws hardball 
questions at him  (Mainichi) 
 
DPJ in action: 
13) DPJ President Ozawa, unfazed by money scandal, is back on the 
stumping tour preparing for the next election  (Nikkei) 
14) Senior DPJ members on TV continue to complain about the 
"suspicious" timing of prosecutors' arrest of Ozawa aide for taking 
illegal donations  (Nikkei) 
15) Nishimatsu Construction scandal that has hit the DPJ is 
upsetting the united front and cooperation of the opposition parties 
 (Nikkei) 
 
16) After passing the budget, government and ruling parties to rush 
through remaining key legislation, including anti-piracy bill and 
Guam agreement  (Nikkei) 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Half of municipalities plan to raise nursing care insurance 
premiums 
 
Mainichi: 
Atomic energy departments set up at universities amid renewed 
attention due to global warming 
 
Yomiuri: 
 
TOKYO 00000569  002 OF 012 
 
 
MAFF minister eyes inspection system over ministry employees' 
alleged illegal union activities 
 
Nikkei: 
BOJ mulls buying subordinated debt to boost banks' capital 
 
Sankei: 
Examining G-20 meeting: Seeds of discord remain between U.S. and 
European countries 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Nishimatsu receives 80 PERCENT  of public works orders in Wakayama, 
Nikai's home turf 
 
Akahata: 
Growing fired non-regular workers take their cases to MHLW Labor 
Bureau 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Global warming and science and technology: Long-term strategy 
must center on solar energy 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) G-20 preparatory meeting: A vow to do everything too heavy 
(2) Postal privatization: Where is "starting point" of reform? 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) G-20 meeting left hard work for later 
(2) Sex education ruling: Radial class must not be left unaddressed 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Concerted G-20 action essential for overcoming and preventing 
crisis 
(2) Government document management bill finally presented to Diet 
 
Sankei: 
(1) G-20 financial meeting: Further cooperation in summit called 
for 
(2) Repaying scholarships a must 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) G-20: True unity to be tested 
(2) Sex education ruling natural 
 
Akahata: 
(1) MSDF destroyers set sail: Overseas mission must not be allowed 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, March 14 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 15, 2009 
 
10:00 
Left Haneda Airport on ASDF's U-4 multipurpose utility support 
aircraft. 
 
11:45 
Arrived at MSDF Iwakuni base. 
 
TOKYO 00000569  003 OF 012 
 
 
 
12:01 
Left Iwakuni base on GSDF helicopter. 
 
12:23 
Arrived at MSDF Kure base. 
 
12:29 
Attended ceremony of MSDF destroyers' departure for anti-piracy 
mission in waters off Somalia, joined by Defense Minister Hamada. . 
 
14:49 
Met Lower House member Minoru Terada at Clayton Bay Hotel in Kure 
City. 
 
15:47 
Delivered speech at LDP Hiroshima chapter's meeting. 
 
16:52 
Met Kure Chamber of Commerce Chairman Seiichiro Okuhara, attended by 
LDP Hiroshima chapter's secretaries general Terada and Shinya 
Okuhara. 
 
19:43 
Left Hiroshima Airport on JAL 1620. 
 
20:46 
Arrived at Haneda Airport. 
 
21:15 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, March 15 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
 
March 16, 2009 
 
09:40 
Took a walk around his official residence. 
 
12:09 
Paid respects at his mother Kazuko's grave in Aoyama cemetery. 
 
12:41 
Had a haircut at barber shop Sato in Hotel Pacific Tokyo in 
Takanawa. 
 
15:05 
Appeared on an NHK panel discussion program held at his official 
residence. 
 
16:02 
Arrived at Imperial Hotel. 
 
18:57 
Dined with his wife Chikako and other family members at Chinese 
restaurant Ryutenmon in Westin Hotel Tokyo. 
 
22:17 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
 
TOKYO 00000569  004 OF 012 
 
 
4) Japan faced with difficulties in intercepting North Korea's 
satellite 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
March 16, 2009 
 
The government is on the alert for North Korea's moves for launching 
an "artificial satellite" during a period of time from April 4 and 
¶8. The government has hinted at the possibility of intercepting any 
ballistic missile or satellite flying across over to Japan's 
territorial soil or waters with the Self-Defense Forces' missile 
defense (MD) system. However, there are difficult problems on the 
technical and political sides. 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso recently said, "If there is a possibility of 
Japan sustaining damage directly (from North Korea's satellite 
launch), it will be possible to take action under the Self-Defense 
Forces Law." With this, Aso referred to MD interception. 
 
In 2006, North Korea launched seven ballistic missiles. The 
government has since deployed the Patriot Advanced Capability 3 
(PAC-3), a land-based ground-to-air missile, to SDF bases, including 
Iruma and Hamamatsu. In addition, the Standard Missile 3 (SM-3), a 
sea-based surface-to-air missile, has been amounted on the 
Aegis-equipped destroyers Kongo and Chokai. With this MD 
introduction, the SDF has been readied to intercept missiles. 
However, the MD system has never been used in actual warfare, of 
course. 
 
The government has a scenario in anticipation of intercepting 
missiles for three situations: 1) the defense minister issues 
destruction orders beforehand in conformity with SDF Law Article 
82's provisions; 2) if a launched missile, judging from its angle 
and direction, is deemed to come flying to Japan, an Aegis destroyer 
staged in the Sea of Japan will intercept it with the SM-3; and 3) 
if the SM-3 fails, the PAC-3 will intercept. 
 
If a launched missile passes far over Japan and is headed for the 
United States or elsewhere, it is "technically difficult" to 
intercept that missile, according to a government official. 
Moreover, it will conflict with the government's constitutional 
interpretation that prohibits Japan from exercising the right to 
collective self-defense, so the government will forgo its decision 
to intercept. 
 
There is a scenario prepared, but Japan does not necessarily have 
technical capabilities for it. The SM-3's intercept test, conducted 
off Hawaii in November 2008, ended in failure. At this point, the 
PAC-3 has yet to cover all over Japan. 
 
There are also political problems about interception. This time 
around, North Korea-unlike its previous missile launch in 1998-has 
gone through formalities to launch a satellite, notifying an 
international organization of its launch schedule and landing 
points. To get the international community's understanding for 
interception, the government will need to come up with a rational 
explanation. 
 
The government maintains that the same technology is used to launch 
a satellite and a missile, so a satellite launch is a violation of 
United Nations Security Council Resolution 1718 that calls on North 
Korea to suspend all activities related to its ballistic missile 
 
TOKYO 00000569  005 OF 012 
 
 
program. However, China and Russia have yet to clarify their 
attitudes. After North Korea's satellite launch, Japan could be at a 
disadvantage on the diplomatic front. 
 
There is another risk. The government has introduced the MD system 
with a huge amount of investments. If the MD should fail to 
intercept, its reason for existing will be questioned. "We'd better 
not say so much about interception," a senior Foreign Ministry 
official said. 
 
5) Destroyers leave MSDF base on anti-piracy mission 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) 
March 15, 2009 
 
Kuniaki Kinoshita 
 
Following the invocation of the maritime policing provision (of the 
Self-Defense Forces Law), the Maritime Self-Defense Force's 
destroyers Sazanami and Samidare left Kure Base in Hiroshima 
Prefecture on March 14 to carry out anti-piracy operations in waters 
off Somalia. At a ceremony before the departure, Prime Minister Taro 
Aso emphatically said that (the government) would make utmost 
efforts for the enactment of anti-piracy legislation. 
 
The prime minister underlined the need to take anti-piracy measures, 
saying: "Piracy is mankind's common enemy. It threatens the lifeline 
of Japan that relies heavily on trade." He also encouraged the 
departing MSDF members, saying: "Your mission is a new mission 
associated with dangers and difficulties. I am proud of you." 
 
6) Gov't poll: 63 PERCENT  support MSDF antipiracy mission 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 15, 2009 
 
The Cabinet Office yesterday released findings from a public opinion 
poll on the Self-Defense Forces and defense issues. In the survey, 
respondents were asked if they thought Japan should engage in 
anti-piracy operations in waters off the eastern African coast of 
Somalia with the Self-Defense Forces' participation. To this 
question, more than 60 PERCENT  gave affirmative answers, broken 
down into 27.8 PERCENT  saying "yes" and 35.3 PERCENT  saying "yes 
to a certain degree." In the breakdown of negative answers, "no" 
accounted for 8.4 PERCENT , with "no to a certain degree" at 20.7 
PERCENT . 
 
Among male respondents, those supporting the effort accounted for 
72.8 PERCENT , which was higher than the figure for female 
respondents. Broken down into age brackets, the proportion of 
affirmative answers among those in their 20s was highest at 71.6 
PERCENT . The highest proportion of negative answers was among those 
in their 30s at 39.6 PERCENT . 
 
Respondents were also asked about their impression of the SDF. In 
response to this question, "good" totaled 80.9 PERCENT  but this was 
a drop of 4.0 points from the last survey taken in 2006. Respondents 
were further asked if they thought the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty 
was helpful. To this question, a total of 76.4 PERCENT  answered 
"yes," up 1.3 points. The figure marked an all-time high since this 
question was first asked in the 1978 survey. 
 
 
TOKYO 00000569  006 OF 012 
 
 
Furthermore, 69.2 PERCENT  answered "yes" when asked if they thought 
Japan could be involved in a war. Respondents were also asked what 
they were concerned about for Japan's peace and security (multiple 
choices). In the breakdown of their answers to this question, the 
"Korean Peninsula situation" topped all other answers at 56.8 
PERCENT , followed by "international terrorism" at 43.7 PERCENT  and 
the "Middle East situation" at 31.8 PERCENT . 
 
The survey is conducted across the nation almost every three years 
on a face-to-face basis. This time, a total of 3,000 persons were 
chosen from among males and females, aged 20 and over, and were 
surveyed in January. Answers were obtained from 1,781 persons (59.4 
PERCENT ). 
 
7) DPJ Vice President Okada says that once party takes helm of 
government, it will disclose the secret pact on Okinawa reversion 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
March 15, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan Vice President Katsuya Okada, in a speech 
in Osaka yesterday, referred to the existence of a secret pact 
reportedly concluded between the governments of Japan and the United 
States when Okinawa was returned to Japan in 1972. He said: "Once we 
are in power, everything will be disclosed." U.S. government 
documents have been made public proving the existence of a secret 
pact allowing the United States to bring nuclear weapons into Japan 
and obligating Japan to bear the cost of $4 million to restore 
returned U.S. bases to their original state. The Japanese government 
has denied the existence of the secret pact, but Okada said: "What 
has been concealed will be disclosed completely. (People) will know 
(the government) has told them a lie all along." 
 
8) In meeting with Medvedev last month, Aso presses Russia on 
territorial issue: Can't build relationship without progress on 
territorial front 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) 
March 16, 2009 
 
During their summit meeting in Sakhalin in February, Prime Minister 
Taro Aso pressed Russian President Dmitry Medvedev to resolve the 
Northern Territories issue, according to informed sources yesterday. 
Aso told Medvedev: 
 
"Japan is ready to establish a reciprocal relationship with Russia 
as its partner in the Asia-Pacific region. But it is impossible to 
do so unless the two countries conclude a peace treaty. If Russia 
has no intention to achieve progress on the (territorial) issue, a 
reciprocal relationship can't be built." 
 
According to a Japanese government source, Aso also asked Medvedev 
proposals to settle the territorial issue by the time of the planned 
bilateral summit on the sidelines of the next financial summit on 
April 2 in London. Medvedev replied, "We will consider it," the 
source said. 
 
In the Japan-Russia summit held on the occasion of the Hokkaido 
Toyako Summit last year, the Russian president indicated eagerness 
to push ahead with negotiations on the territorial issue, remarking: 
"A settlement of the territorial issue will drastically change the 
bilateral relationship." 
 
TOKYO 00000569  007 OF 012 
 
 
 
Since then, though, Russia has not made any specific moves that 
would lead to negotiations on the issue. Keeping this in mind, Aso 
presented a kind of ultimatum. 
 
In order for Japan and Russia to conclude a peace treaty, they need 
to first settle the issue of ownership of the four northern islands 
and set a demarcation line between the two countries. In a House of 
Representatives Budget Committee meeting held on the day following 
his meeting with Medvedev, Aso referred to the meeting and said: "I 
proposed to my counterpart that his government should present its 
reply on the territorial issue." 
 
The Russian president expressed in the Sakhalin meeting a 
willingness to grapple with the issue with "a new, creative and 
unconventional approach." The Japanese government hopes to move 
negotiations forward, based on the proposal that Russia will 
provide. 
 
9) Finance Minister Yosano promises large-scale economic stimulus 
package to U.S., forming united front against European countries, 
which call for toughening financial regulations 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) 
March 14, 2009 
 
Minister of Finance, State Minister for Financial Services and State 
Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy Kaoru Yosano during his 
first meeting with U.S. Secretary of the Treasury formally conveyed 
Japan's policy of implementing additional economic stimulus 
measures. He also referred to the size of public spending attaining 
2 PERCENT  of the domestic gross product (GDP). Japan's large-scale 
economic stimulus has now become a commitment to the U.S. Both 
ministers agreed on a cautious stance toward the idea of drastically 
strengthening financial regulations. They have thus formed a united 
front against eurozone countries, such as Germany and France, which 
are calling for toughening financial regulations. He responded to 
the U.S. as if to consider the wishes of the nation, which is 
cautious about drastically strengthening regulations in a manner 
that could impair market functions. Yosano's response reflects the 
position of the two countries in the world, as President Obama 
during the recent summit characterized Japan as the greatest 
partner. 
 
Key European countries, such as Germany and France, are cautious 
about increasing public spending. They are countering the U.S. in 
pursuit of strengthening financial regulations. In the meantime, it 
is impossible to boost demand in the global economy, if emerging 
countries, such as China, India and Brazil are brought into the 
fold. Though Japan is a key country with which the U.S. shares 
interests, it will likely be asked to make contribution to global 
policy coordination in a determined manner. 
 
10) Yosano makes his debut in international conference as finance 
minister: Follows U.S. lead on fiscal policy 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
March 16, 2009 
 
State Minister for Economic and Fiscal Policy Yosano, who recently 
assumed the additional posts of minister of finance and state 
minister for financial services, has made his debut on the 
 
TOKYO 00000569  008 OF 012 
 
 
international stage at the meeting of the G-20 finance ministers and 
central bank governors. Emerging from the meeting, he told 
reporters, "Since I have not had a drink for more than two years, 
there is no worry that I will get drunk." Reporters, including those 
from foreign media organizations, questioned him about drinking, 
because former Finance Minister Nakagawa was visibly incoherent in 
front of reporters after the meeting of finance ministers and 
central bank governors from the Group of Seven (G-7) last month. 
 
Concerning fiscal policy, over which a division was seen between the 
U.S. and European countries, Yosano clarified his stance of 
following the U.S. lead. During a meeting with U.S. Secretary of the 
Treasury Geithner on the 13th, he announced his intention to achieve 
the target of fiscal expenditures worth 2 PERCENT  of gross domestic 
product (GDP), in line with the U.S.' call. Regarding tightening 
monetary restrictions, as advocated by the Europeans, Yosano said: 
"I understand such a need, but what is more important is finding a 
way to overcome the current crisis." 
 
11) Aso cautious about dissolving Lower House in May, June, based on 
stance of prioritizing enactment of extra budget 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Slightly abridged) 
March 16, 2009 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso yesterday indicated a cautious view about 
dissolving the House of Representatives before a fiscal 2009 
supplementary budget bill, which the government plans to submit to 
the Diet before or after the Golden Week holidays in May, passes the 
Diet. Appearing on an NHK panel discussion, Aso said: "At this 
point, I cannot say that I will dissolve (the Lower House) in May or 
June." 
 
As the main reason for his view, Aso cited the need to focus on 
boosting the economy. He said: "Since calls for fiscal stimulus 
measures totaling 2 PERCENT  of gross domestic product (GDP) are 
also mounting (around the world), we will have to take proper 
measures. We must carry out our word." 
 
Regarding North Korea's announced plan to put a satellite into space 
using a rocket in April, Aso emphasized: "We have no intention to 
identify it as a satellite. If a projectile is launched, it is 
apparently in violation of a UN (resolution). Japan in cooperation 
with the U.S. and South Korea will deal with the issue at the UN 
Security Council in a resolute manner." 
 
12) During NHK program, Terry Ito chides the prime minister that his 
guard is too low when making comments 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
March 16, 2009 
 
Hirohiko Sakaguchi 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso, appearing yesterday on an NHK TV program 
titled, "Listening to the Prime Minister", received some hard-ball 
questions from TV producer Terry Ito. 
 
Citing the prime minister's mispronunciations of Chinese characters 
when reading speeches and his gaffes in commenting on the 
postal-privatization policy and other matters, Terry Ito noted: "You 
are often off your guard when making statements; such is acceptable 
 
TOKYO 00000569  009 OF 012 
 
 
only at a bar." 
 
The prime minister replied: "That's because I rarely look at the 
prepared text when I speak." Ito also asked, "You didn't expect your 
support ratings to plunge this low, did you?" In response, the prime 
minister said somewhat masochistically: "Since my childhood, I 
really haven't' been a likeable person." 
 
Terry Ito pressed the prime minister harder, saying, "When you are 
going to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general 
election?" Aso cautiously replied: "I must not be taken in by Mr. 
Ito's words. The public's expectations of (improving) economic and 
employment conditions are very high. I don't want to make empty 
promises; many factors must be taken into consideration." 
 
The NHK public relations bureau explained the addition of Terry Ito 
to the program in this way: "Appearing on many programs of other 
broadcasters, Mr. Ito has proactively commented on a variety of 
popular topics, spurring high interest among the viewers." 
 
13) DPJ's Ozawa resumes campaign activities; He apologizes, saying 
"I'm sorry for all the fuss" 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 16, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Ichiro Ozawa attended a 
meeting yesterday in Yokohama City of DPJ new-face candidates for 
the next House of Representatives election. With this, he has 
resumed his campaign activities for the next Lower House election, 
which he had suspended after the arrest of his state-paid secretary 
over the donation scandal involving Kanematsu Construction Co. 
According to participants, Ozawa said at the outset of the meeting: 
"I'm sorry for all the fuss." He then stressed the need for a change 
in government through the next general election, saying: "We will 
create politics that enables the public to select a government under 
the two-party system, which is our party's principle." 
 
Time, a U.S. magazine, carried on March 14 an article in which Ozawa 
had given it an interview on the 7th. In it, Ozawa said: "I was very 
surprised at my secretary's arrest. It was a mistake that we had 
corrected in the past." 
 
14) DPJ lawmakers' distrust of prosecutors, many members quietly 
watching President Ozawa's course of action 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 16, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) lawmakers one by one yesterday 
expressed their strong distrust of the Tokyo Public Prosecutors 
Office's special investigation squad's investigation into alleged 
huge illegal donations from Nishimatsu Construction Co. that has 
resulted in the arrest of DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa's state-paid 
secretary. Many DPJ lawmakers are quietly watching to see whether 
Ozawa will decide to resign from his post. 
 
In an outdoor speech delivered in Funabashi City, Chiba Prefecture, 
Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama claimed that the DPJ's plan to have 
the Diet pass a bill requiring video and audio recording of the 
complete investigation process may have something to do with the 
arrest of Ozawa's secretary. 
 
TOKYO 00000569  010 OF 012 
 
 
 
Appearing on a TV Asahi program yesterday, former Policy Research 
Committee Chairman Yoshito Sengoku said: "There is evidence that 
prosecutors are trying to file trumped up charges against the 
secretary. If their case is not prosecuted well, it will expose a 
massive blunder." Sengoku stressed that he would take a stand of 
quietly watching what decision Ozawa would make on his course of 
action, when asked by reporters. He said: "Since he is a 
professional when it comes to elections, I think he may announce his 
decision after analyzing the circumstances." 
 
Meanwhile, asked in an NHK program yesterday about calls for 
explanations by investigative authorities on the arrest of Ozawa's 
secretary, Prime Minister Taro Aso stated: "It is difficult to think 
that prosecutors would make a judgment that they should stop because 
of the timing." 
 
15) DPJ rife with speculation about whether Ozawa will resign, as 
party is buffeted by Nishimatsu political donation scandal; Junior 
to mid-ranking lawmakers hope for Okada as successor 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
March 15, 2009 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is rife with speculation about 
whether President Ozawa will remain in his post or step down. 
Following the arrest of his state-funded secretary in connection 
with illegal political donations received from the Nishimatsu 
Construction Co., an atmosphere is building as everyone waits for 
Ozawa's decision. Junior to mid-ranking DPJ lawmakers hope DPJ Vice 
President Okada will be promoted to the presidency. Regardless of 
what happens, the party's predisposition for relying on Ozawa will 
remain. Deputy President Naoto Kan r at a meeting of the DPJ 
Kanagawa Chapter held in Yokohama on March 14 said strongly: "I know 
you are concerned about the situation. However, we must wait for 
President Ozawa's decision and respond to it properly." Referring to 
donations made to the Ozawa side, Vice President Seiji Maehara 
during an assembly held that evening pointed out, "There is a 
problem of whether it is all right to accept such huge donations, 
even if they were legal, For me, it is unthinkable." 
 
Members ostensibly support Ozawa's continuance in presidency 
 
Ozawa has indicated his intention to decide whether to stay on or 
resign based on developments in the investigation by public 
prosecutors and the possible impact on the upcoming Lower House 
election. As a result, the prevailing mood in the party is to wait 
and see how things will go for the time being, while supporting 
Ozawa's continuing to serve in his post. 
 
However, if Ozawa's secretary is indicted, DPJ members tend to think 
that Ozawa cannot avoid resigning. This view is prominent mainly 
among mid-ranking and junior members, who would be affected by the 
scandal when they run in the Lower House election. Some party 
members remain cautious about holding an election to replace Ozawa 
with several candidates running. They feel this would create an 
awkward feeling in the party. However, the view now beginning to be 
heard is to choose Okada, based on internal party talks. 
 
16) With prospects in sight for fiscal 2009 budget, government, 
ruling camp to narrow down key bills to produce "results" prior to 
general election 
 
TOKYO 00000569  011 OF 012 
 
 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
March 16, 2009 
 
Now that prospects for the fiscal 2009 budget bill to pass the Diet 
is in sight, the focus of attention in the current Diet session is 
shifting to deliberations on other key bills. With an eye on the 
next House of Representatives election, which will be held by this 
fall, the government and the ruling camp intend to enter 
deliberations on bills over which the ruling and opposition sides 
remain divided, such as an anti-piracy bill. The opposition bloc is 
also ready to submit its counterproposals in an effort to underscore 
its ability to hold the reins of government. But the timetable for 
deliberations by the end of the current session is tight, so the 
fates of any bills remain uncertain. 
 
Appearing on an NHK program yesterday, Prime Minister Taro Aso 
stressed the need to enact a bill designed to deal with piracy in 
waters off Somalia, Africa, saying: "We must pass the bill (in the 
current Diet session) without fail." 
 
Ruling camp to demonstrate distinctions from opposition bloc 
 
Of the 64 bills the government plans to submit in the ongoing Diet 
session, the ruling camp regards these three as key: An anti-piracy 
bill, a consumer bill, and a bill amending the National Civil 
Service Law. The government also plans to pick for priority 
deliberations about ten more bills over which the ruling and 
opposition camps have widely different views. 
 
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Diet Affairs Committee Chairman 
Tadamori Oshima said on the 13th: "We will start deliberations on 
one key bill after another, taking time out from discussing the 
budget bill." In a Lower house plenary session tomorrow, 
deliberations on the consumer bill start. The ruling coalition also 
intends to begin discussing the anti-piracy bill and a bill amending 
the Special Measures Law on Industrial Revitalization by the end of 
this month. 
 
Every year, the government and ruling camp start deliberations on 
key bills in March, despite intensive deliberations conducted on a 
budget bill in the month, because "it becomes difficult to enact key 
bills unless they clear the Lower House by early April," as 
explained by a senior LDP member. 
 
Lengthy extension of session difficult 
 
The ongoing Diet session is to adjourn on June 3. To enact the bills 
during the session by a two-thirds lower chamber overriding vote, 
they must be adopted in the Lower House by April 5. The New Komeito, 
which has placed emphasis on the Tokyo Metropolitan assembly 
election on July 12, is negative about a lengthy extension of the 
session. 
 
Major bills, treaty in current Diet session 
 
Name Contents 
Anti-piracy bill To dispatch Maritime Self-Defense Force troops to 
protect vessels from possible attacks by pirates off Somalia, 
Africa. 
Bill amending the National Civil Service Law (to be submitted from 
now) To establish a cabinet personnel and administrative management 
 
TOKYO 00000569  012 OF 012 
 
 
bureau and introduce an open recruitment system for senior posts. 
Bill to establish a consumer agency To establish a consumer agency 
to integrate administrative functions. 
Bill amending the National Pension Law To raise the rate of the 
burden that pensions place on the national treasury to 50 PERCENT 
starting in fiscal 2009. 
Bill amending the Special Measures Law on Industrial Revitalization 
To keep profitable businesses in place by injecting public funds in 
small and medium firms. 
Accord on transfer of U.S. Marines in Okinawa to Guam. To form a 
legal framework to transfer Marines in Okinawa to Guam. 
 
ZUMWALT