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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 08 TOKYO 000707 
 
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 03/30/09 
 
INDEX: 
 
AMERICAN EMBASSY, TOKYO 
PUBLIC AFFAIRS SECTION 
OFFICE OF TRANSLATION AND MEDIA ANALYSIS 
INQUIRIES:  03-3224-5360 
INTERNET E-MAIL ADDRESS: otmatokyo@state.gov 
DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 
March 30, 2009 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) DPJ Secretary General Hatoyama: Ozawa will decide before Lower 
House election whether he should remain or step down (Yomiuri) 
 
(2) Poll: 68 PERCENT  see economy as going in bad direction (Nikkei) 
 
 
(3) Coordination underway on mid-term goal for greenhouse emissions 
cuts, with focus on either 7 PERCENT  or 15-16 PERCENT  cut target 
(Nikkei) 
 
(4) Poll on bureaucracy (Yomiuri) 
 
(5) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(6) EDITORIALS 
 
(7) Prime Minister's schedule, March 28 (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) DPJ Secretary General Hatoyama: Ozawa will decide before Lower 
House election whether he should remain or step down 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) 
March 30, 3009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama 
revealed to reporters yesterday in Tokyo that DPJ President Ichiro 
Ozawa would decide just prior to the next House of Representatives 
election whether he should step down from his post over the alleged 
illicit donation scandal involving his political fund management 
organization. He also said that if Ozawa resigned, he, too, would 
quit his post. 
 
According to Hatoyama, he met with Ozawa on March 26 to suggest that 
both of them should resign if they judged a change in government 
would be difficult due to the attitude of the public toward the 
party having turned severe prior to the election." Ozawa replied, "I 
understand." 
 
Regarding Ozawa's fate, Hatoyama told the reporters: 
 
"The DPJ must become the largest party in the Lower House election, 
gaining a majority of the seats. We will conduct an election 
analysis in a necessary time. That will become a factor in our 
judgment." 
 
In this regard, a senior DPJ member said yesterday: "It is good that 
(Ozawa) will decide just before the Lower House is dissolved whether 
he should resign as party leader." 
 
TOKYO 00000707  002 OF 008 
 
 
 
The reason for Hatoyama having revealed his talks with Ozawa is the 
growing criticism in the party and elsewhere of Ozawa's earlier 
decision to remain in his post. According to a Yomiuri poll, 68 
PERCENT  of the public said that they were unhappy with Ozawa's 
decision. The DPJ suffered a blow in Sunday's Chiba gubernatorial 
election when its candidate was defeated. Hatoyama's revealing his 
discussion with Ozawa appears to have been aimed to quiet down 
criticism of Ozawa by saying that his earlier expression of his 
intention to remain in his post was not a final decision. 
 
Hatoyama, appearing on an NHK talk show yesterday, revealed that he 
would like to see an investigation team of experts from outside the 
party quickly set up. He said that the team would reveal how Ozawa's 
massive political funds was used and the way that the media was 
reporting the scandal. 
 
(2) Poll: 68 PERCENT  see economy as going in bad direction 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 30, 2009 
 
The Cabinet Office yesterday released the results of its opinion 
poll that probed the public's social attitudes. In the poll, 
respondents were asked in which areas they thought Japan was going 
in a bad direction. In the breakdown of multiple-choice answers to 
this question, "economy" added up to 68.6 PERCENT , up 25.2 points 
from the last poll taken in February 2008. The figure is an all-time 
high since a similar survey was started in 1998. 
 
The proportion of those who picked "economy" was over 70 PERCENT 
among both males and females in their 20s to 50s. "Employment, labor 
conditions" hit an all-time high of 57.5 PERCENT , up 26.4 points 
from the last survey. 
 
In the breakdown of answers to a question asking where Japan is 
going in a good direction, "science and technology" topped all other 
answers at 28.1 PERCENT . Asked whether public opinion is reflected 
in state policies, negative answers totaled 80.7 PERCENT , up 5.5 
points from the last survey. Among males and females in their 30s 
and 40s, negative answers accounted for over 85 PERCENT . The survey 
was conducted across the nation from Jan. 22 through Feb. 8, with a 
total of 10,000 persons chosen from among males and females aged 20 
and over. The rate of valid responses was 58.9 PERCENT . 
 
(3) Coordination underway on mid-term goal for greenhouse emissions 
cuts, with focus on either 7 PERCENT  or 15-16 PERCENT  cut target 
 
NIKKEI (Page 4) (Full) 
March 28, 2009 
 
The government held a meeting yesterday of the mid-term goal study 
commission (chaired by former Bank of Japan Governor Toshihiko 
Fukui) of an advisory panel on the global warming issue under the 
prime minister's direct control. The commission revealed its draft 
report on a mid-term goal to reduce the nation's greenhouse gas 
emissions through 2020. The report lists five options for Japan's 
reduction target, ranging from a 4 PERCENT  increase to a 25 PERCENT 
 decrease over 1990 levels. The report also includes the estimated 
economic impact of each target on the nation's gross domestic 
product (GDP) and household finances. The government, while 
carefully watching developments in international talks and domestic 
 
TOKYO 00000707  003 OF 008 
 
 
public opinion, will narrow down these options. But reflecting the 
recent worsened economic climate, the government will have to make a 
difficult decision in June. 
 
The options are (1) a 4 PERCENT  increase, (2) flat to a 3 PERCENT 
decrease, (3) a 7 PERCENT  decrease, (4) a 15-16 PERCENT  decrease, 
and (5) a 25 PERCENT  decrease. For all options except for the 
second target, the report presents specific measures to attain the 
goals and their impact on the economy. For the second option, since 
the calculation was worked out, with the same reduction costs set as 
those of other industrialized countries on the assumption that they 
will reduce their entire gas emissions by 25 PERCENT , so specific 
measures are not included in it. 
 
The estimates show that efforts to achieve the targets will have the 
cumulative effect of pushing down Japan's GDP by up to 6 PERCENT , 
which puts the maximum annual impact through 2020 at around minus 
0.5 PERCENT  if calculated simply. The report further shows that 
efforts to cut global warming gas emissions will likely add a 
maximum 1.9 PERCENT  points to the jobless rate and push up 
household lighting and heating costs as much as 140,000 yen in 
¶2020. 
 
Since the expenses to contain global warming will be added to energy 
prices, such utilities as electric and gas charges will go up, 
resulting in imposing a heavier financial burden on companies and 
households. In discussions at the advisory panel, such short-term 
economic stimulus measures as the Green New Deal, now under 
consideration by the government, has not been taken into 
consideration. 
 
Now that almost all mid-term goals have been presented, the 
government will start narrowing down the options in earnest. In 
order to have public views reflected in selecting one of them, the 
government plans to hold public hearings between cabinet ministers 
and the public and also to explain how important it is to fight 
global warming and what burden will be newly added to the public and 
firms. 
 
The options of a 7 PERCENT  cut and a 15-16 PERCENT  reduction are 
seen in the government as the most feasible choices. The 4 PERCENT 
-increase target will certainly meet criticism from other countries 
and regions in international talks. The 25 PERCENT -cut option will 
result in imposing an excessively heavy burden on the economy. 
Japan, in a bid to lead the international community in combating 
global warming, hopes to come up with a target that takes a step 
forward. Even so, the government finds it difficult to ask 
households and companies to bear an excessive burden. 
 
In a press conference after a cabinet meeting yesterday, Environment 
Minister Tetsuo Saito expressed concerns about the fact that the 
adverse effects have been excessively focused on. He said: "We must 
also take it into consideration that measures to reduce global 
warming gas emissions will generate new demand and jobs." A 
representative of an environment-related non-governmental 
organization (NGO) assailed the report, saying: "Consideration has 
not been fully given to the seriousness of damage caused by global 
warming." 
 
Fukui made this remark in winding up the meeting yesterday: "The 
selection of a mid-term goal will be an important government 
decision, with an eye on the future of Japanese society 10 years 
 
TOKYO 00000707  004 OF 008 
 
 
down the road. We would like to solicit frank views from the public. 
The government is likely to be pressed to explain what damage, in 
addition to a burden, will be generated by global warming. 
 
(4) Poll on bureaucracy 
 
YOMIURI (Page 14) (Full) 
March 27, 2009 
 
Questions & Answers 
(Figures shown in percentage) 
 
Q: Do you trust central government bureaucrats on the whole? 
 
Yes 6.3 
Yes to a certain degree 16.1 
No to a certain degree 29.1 
No 44.5 
No answer (N/A) 4.1 
 
 
Q: What is your impression of central government bureaucrats? If 
any, pick as many as you like from among those listed below. 
 
Excellent 23.7 
Diligent 10.1 
A sense of mission 6.8 
A sense of responsibility 6.9 
Long-term perspective 3.1 
Cautious 7.0 
Fair, clean 2.1 
Flexible 0.9 
Each office's interests come first 30.4 
Consider precedents first 25.8 
Ambitious 28.7 
Arrogant, haughty 28.6 
Collusive ties with political, industrial circles 42.1 
Control political, industrial circles 20.1 
Irresponsible 25.8 
A sense of entitlement 31.9 
Sticking to vested rights, interests 22.5 
Amakudari ("descent from heaven" or government bureaucrats' practice 
of moving into public corporations or private businesses after 
retirement 58.2 
Nothing in particular 4.7 
Other answers (O/A) 0.3 
 
Q: There is an opinion saying excellent human resources should be 
recruited for central government offices. Do you agree to this 
opinion? 
 
Yes 80.5 
No 16.1 
N/A 3.4 
 
Q: There is an opinion saying an excessive criticism of bureaucrats 
will demoralize bureaucrats and will not be in the public's 
interests. Do you agree to this opinion? 
 
Yes 41.0 
No 52.6 
N/A 6.4 
 
TOKYO 00000707  005 OF 008 
 
 
 
Q: There is an opinion saying that bureaucrats are pushing for 
administrative services with a sense of mission. Do you agree to 
this opinion? 
 
Yes 31.2 
No 60.1 
N/A 8.7 
 
Q: There is an opinion saying that bureaucrats are sticking to 
precedents and are unable to meet economic and social changes 
promptly. Do you agree to this opinion? 
 
Yes 77.8 
No 15.4 
N/A 6.8 
 
Q: There are two opinions about the private sector's economic 
activities. Which opinion is closer to yours? 
 
(A) The central government should do away with its bureaucrats' 
guidance and coordination. 
(B) The central government should retain its bureaucrats' guidance 
and coordination to a certain extent. 
 
(A) to a certain degree 34.6 
(B) to a certain degree 55.2 
N/A 10.2 
 
Q: Do you think politicians should be tasked with the role of making 
policies for the country, or do you otherwise think central 
government bureaucrats should be tasked with this policymaking 
role? 
 
Politicians 58.8 
Bureaucrats 9.0 
Can't say which 28.5 
N/A 3.6 
 
Q: Do you think politicians are taking the initiative in making 
policy decisions for Japan, or do you otherwise think central 
government bureaucrats are taking the initiative in doing so? 
 
Politicians 22.9 
Bureaucrats 48.9 
Can't say which 24.3 
N/A 3.9 
 
Q: There are opinions about the amakudari practice of central 
government bureaucrats. One is that amakudari is unacceptable 
because it could result in collusive ties between bureaucrats and 
industrial circles. Another opinion is that there is no problem 
because it uses capable human resources. Do you think the amakudari 
practice of central government offices is unacceptable or 
unavoidable, or do you otherwise think there is no problem? 
 
Unacceptable 77.7 
Unavoidable 17.5 
No problem 2.1 
N/A 2.7 
 
Q: What do you think the government should address on a priority 
 
TOKYO 00000707  006 OF 008 
 
 
basis to reform its national public service system? Pick up to two 
from among those listed below. 
 
Establish a merit system 29.5 
Recruit from the private sector or push for personnel exchanges with 
the private sector 36.6 
Prohibit amakudari outplacement 55.2 
Prevent collusive ties with politicians 38.4 
Establish a system allowing the prime minister to display more 
leadership 14.6 
O/A 0.3 
Nothing in particular 3.4 
N/A 1.4 
 
 
Polling methodology 
Date of survey: March 14-15. 
Subjects of survey: 3,000 persons chosen from among all eligible 
voters throughout the country (at 250 locations on a stratified 
two-stage random-sampling basis). 
Method of implementation: Door-to-door visits for face-to-face 
interviews. 
Number of valid respondents: 1,755 persons (58.5 PERCENT ) 
Breakdown of respondents: Male-48 PERCENT , female-52 PERCENT ; 
persons in their 20s-8 PERCENT , 30s-14 PERCENT , 40s-17 PERCENT , 
50s-21 PERCENT , 60s-25 PERCENT , 70 and over-16 PERCENT ; big 
cities (Tokyo's 23 wards and government-designated cities)-22 
PERCENT , major cities (with a population of more than 300,000)-17 
PERCENT , medium-size cities (with a population of more than 
100,000)-26 PERCENT , small cities (with a population of less than 
100,000)-24 PERCENT , towns and villages-11 PERCENT . 
 
(Note) In some cases, the total percentage does not become 100 
PERCENT  due to rounding. 
 
(5) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
63 PERCENT  of survey respondents say Ozawa should resign as 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) leader 
 
Mainichi: Sankei: Tokyo Shimbun: 
Morita elected Chiba governor, defeating DPJ candidate by big 
margin 
 
Yomiuri: 
Public prosecutors to build case against Economy, Trade and Industry 
Minister Nikai side on suspicion of receiving corporate donations 
 
Nikkei: 
Three leading Chinese companies to invest 6 trillion in 
third-generation cell phone market 
 
Akahata: 
Head of Secretariat Ichida in NHK Sunday Toron talk show calls for 
intensive Diet deliberations on Nishimatsu Construction 
 
(6) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) US strategy toward Afghanistan: International community also 
urged to use resourcefulness 
 
TOKYO 00000707  007 OF 008 
 
 
(2) Passive smoking preventive regulation: First step taken by 
Kanagawa Prefecture should be spread all over nation 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Criticism of Wall Street: Economy cannot be revitalized with 
confrontational stance 
(2) IAEA director genera election: Japan's stance unclear 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Chiba gubernatorial election: Favorable trend for Democratic 
Party of Japan (DPJ) changed 
(2) Nationwide achievement test: We welcome participation of all 
municipalities 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Increase budget to improve nursing care and child-care: Reform 
needed 
(2) Confidence in agriculture ministry hit the lowest ground 
 
Sankei: 
(1) DPJ defeated in Chiba gubernatorial election: Use occasion to 
reform Ozawa leadership 
(2) China's military power: China should fulfill responsibility for 
enhancing transparency 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Chiba gubernatorial election: Use his vigor for fiscal 
reconstruction 
(2) Goal of cutting greenhouse gas emissions: Forward-looking 
political decision needed 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Iwakuni lawsuit against noise of jet fighters: Residents' action 
could not be helped 
 
(7) Prime Minister's schedule, March 28 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
March 29, 2009 
 
11:54 
Left Haneda Airport by ANA flight 563, with Deputy Secretary General 
Hayashi. 
 
13:01 
Arrived at Kochi Airport. Arrived at the green square at the airport 
to see the bronze statue of Shigeru Yoshida, with former Defense 
Agency Director General Gen Nakatani and others. 
 
14:01 
Attended a joint meeting of the LDP Kochi Chapter's Youth Section 
and the Women's Section at a Japanese-style hotel in Kochi. 
 
15:06 
Attended a gathering calling itself "Student Diet in Kochi" held by 
students in the prefecture at Central Park in the city. 
 
16:29 
Met Kochi Governor Ozaki in a Japanese-style hotel in the city. 
 
17:01 
Met an LDP Kochi prefectural assembly members' delegation. Later, 
 
TOKYO 00000707  008 OF 008 
 
 
enjoyed watching goods connected with former Prime Minister Shigeru 
Yoshida at the lobby in the hotel. 
 
18:16 
Met former Financial Services Minister Yamamoto, chairman of the LDP 
Kochi prefectural chapter, at Kochi Airport. 
 
18:46 
Left Kochi Airport by JAL flight 1490. 
 
19:39 
Arrived at Haneda Airport. 
 
20:22 
Met at his official residence with Finance Minister Yosano, Vice 
Finance Minister Sugimoto, Financial Services Agency Director 
General Sato, Vice Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Mochizuki, 
BOJ Deputy Governor Yamaguchi, and others. Yosano, Sugimoto and 
others stayed behind. 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, March 29 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
 
March 30, 2009 
 
10:07 
Took a walk around his official residence. 
 
13:09 
Arrived at an osteopathy clinic in Kita-Aoyama to receive 
treatment. 
 
15:40 
Arrived at the Imperial Hotel. 
 
18:12 
Arrived at his official residence. 
 
20:30 
Held a telephone conversation with British Prime Minister Brown, in 
the presence of Assistant Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Hayashi and 
Foreign Ministry's Economic Affairs Bureau Director General Suzuki. 
 
POST