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RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 4916
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 4726

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 11 TOKYO 000903 
 
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 04/20/09 
 
INDEX: 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Interview with U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner: In U.S. 
challenge of resetting capitalism, Japan may be left behind [Asahi] 
 
 
(2) Beginning of G-2 era involving U.S. and Chinese economies? 
[Asahi] 
 
(3) UNSC presidential statement on North Korean missile launch: 
Japan-South Korea common front formed at request Aso's request 
[Asahi] 
 
(4) Chief cabinet secretary: Japan will serve as intermediary for 
Japanese-American journalist who was sentenced for spying [Sankei] 
 
(5) Futenma relocation plan must be reworked, says DPJ Vice 
President Maehara [Asahi] 
 
(6) Aso to pick by late June one of six options for greenhouse gas 
emissions reduction target [Asahi] 
 
(7) JICA to assist afforestation in developing countries, such as 
Vietnam: Prevention of global warming, elimination of eliminate 
poverty to be made compatible [Mainichi] 
 
(8) Prime Minister Aso resumes habit of going to hotel bars; 
Expression of relief with support rates rising? [Sankei] 
 
(9) Report on Yachi's remark that Japan should accept return of 3.5 
islands creates commotion [Yomiuri] 
 
(10) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(11) EDITORIALS 
 
(12)Prime Minister's schedule, April 18 [Nikkei] 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Interview with U.S. Treasury Secretary Geithner: In U.S. 
challenge of resetting capitalism, Japan may be left behind 
 
ASAHI (Page 7) (Full) 
April 19, 2009 
 
[Toshihiko Ogata, Washington] 
 
In an interview with the Asahi, U.S. Secretary of the Treasury 
Timothy Geithner emphasized the importance of the Group of 20 
(G-20). His remarks in the interview reflected Washington's 
willingness to shift the venue for establishing a new international 
financial order from the Group of Seven (G-7) to the G-20. 
 
The enhanced presence of the G-20 was made evident by the fact that 
two rounds of a G-20 financial summit were held, in Washington and 
London, to discuss how to deal with the financial crisis which broke 
out last fall. 
 
Washington's growing interest in the G-20 seems to stem from a 
 
TOKYO 00000903  002 OF 011 
 
 
leadership struggle with Europe. 
 
In late January, German Chancellor Angela Merkel proposed setting up 
an economic society council in the United Nations, similar to the UN 
Security Council. Germany and France harbor dissatisfaction with the 
U.S. and Britain for taking the initiative in creating a new order. 
A person connected with the Central Bank claimed: "It is strange for 
the U.S. and Britain, which triggered the crisis, to be responsible 
for forming a new order." 
 
The U.S., however, intends to make the existing forum of G-20 a more 
viable venue for decision-making. Japan has been left behind in this 
trend. Japan has insisted on the need for placing priority on the 
G-7, fearing that it might become less influential under the G-20 
framework. When a major European country indicated its intention to 
withdraw from the G-7, a government source said: "It is 
inconceivable that the U.S. will make light of the G-7." 
 
Japan had a chance to get more deeply involved in the G-20 when, in 
the second round of the financial summit in London on April 2, Japan 
was cited as a likely candidate to hold the next round of the 
summit. But one Japanese negotiator said: "In the third round, more 
concrete results are likely to be sought, so the next host nation 
may have to shoulder greater responsibilities and end up taking all 
the blame," showing no eagerness about hosting the next round from 
the beginning. 
 
It has been decided that New York will host the next round. Now that 
Washington's growing interest in the G-20 has become clearer, Japan 
may find itself submerged because it lacks the ability to think on a 
grand scale. 
 
(2) Beginning of G-2 era involving U.S. and Chinese economies? 
 
ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) 
April 19, 2009 
 
Chief editor Yoichi Funabashi 
 
On the wall of the office of the secretary of the U.S. treasury 
hangs a portrait of Alexander Hamilton, the first to hold that 
position. The treasury secretary is a major post, heading one of the 
best bureaucratic structures in the U.S. federal government. Timothy 
Geithner, who hails from the Treasury Department, is now assuming 
that heavy responsibility. With the nation now gripped by economic 
crisis, how he will handle the situation holds the key to the fate 
of the administration. 
 
Nine years ago, I interviewed then-Treasury Secretary Summers in the 
same room. An enlarged copy of a cover of Time magazine from the 
previous year, headlined "Committee that will save the world," hung 
on the wall. The cover carried the portraits of Federal Reserve 
Board Chairman Greenspan, Treasury Secretary Rubin and Deputy 
Treasury Secretary Summers. When I saw that poster, I felt their 
pride for being the ones who directed Clinton's America and the 
prosperity of the globalized world. 
 
Since the financial crisis that started in Wall Street, the first 
two figures in that poster have been denounced as the perpetrators 
who contributed to the bubble economy and seen as symbols of the 
greed of Wall Street. Summers, who took office as National Security 
Council (NEC) director in the Obama administration, is under fire 
 
TOKYO 00000903  003 OF 011 
 
 
for being partial toward Wall Street. Geithner is also under attack 
for his part in settling the toxic assets problem. Columbia 
University Professor Joseph Stiglitz criticized him as being an 
"American-style socialist who is making the American society pay the 
bill for the losses and has misappropriated profits in settling the 
problem of bad loans held by financial institutions." Since the 
government injected public money into banks and life insurers to 
stabilize the financial market, taxpayers are keeping close tabs on 
the government. Geithner has never been a Wall Streeter, but that is 
a label he now wears. The U.S. is now in the midst of populism. This 
is the chance for Geithner, who is said to be a good listener and 
thrives on adversity, to make his move. 
 
(3) UNSC presidential statement on North Korean missile launch: 
Japan-South Korea common front formed at request Aso's request 
 
ASAHI (Pages 1 and 4) (Almost full) 
April 20, 2009 
 
"I hear that China wants to settle on a presidential statement. In 
the Japan-China-ROK summit that will follow this meeting, I want to 
work upon China to accept a resolution." 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso made this comment in his meeting with the 
South Korean president that began at 2:15 p.m. April 11 at a hotel 
in Pattaya, Thailand. It was also intended to seek President Lee 
Myung Bak's consent to adopt a UN Security Council resolution 
condemning the North Korean missile launch. 
 
"I see your point," Lee replied. Hearing this, Aso continued: "What 
is in the draft presidential statement is unexpectedly good. If 
China insists on adopting a presidential statement in our talks, we 
should push China for a stronger statement, taking substance over 
the form." It was the moment when Aso indicated for the first time 
that the adoption of a presidential statement could not be helped. 
 
The question was whether to opt for a binding UNSC resolution or a 
nonbinding presidential statement. From his tense meeting a while 
before with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, Aso was aware that getting 
China to accept a resolution would be difficult. In New York, the 
United States, on which Japan relied, had already presented a draft 
statement to the five permanent UN Security Council members, Japan, 
and other countries, after comparing notes with China. The United 
States was about to remove the ladder from Japan, and South Korea 
was the only country Japan could depend on. 
 
Lee agreed with Aso. He said: "I support your approach. A 
presidential statement that is as strong as a resolution would be 
good. Let's hold out until the end for a strong statement." 
 
Aso said, "If the South Korean side brings that up, I will back you 
up." Thus a common front was formed by Japan and South Korea ahead 
of the Japan-China-ROK summit. 
 
There might be scenes in the future in which Japan will fall out of 
step with the United States, which tends to lean toward dialogue 
with North Korea. The Pattaya meeting became a good case study for 
Japan to strengthen cooperation with South Korea. 
 
Sources connected with the Japanese government revealed what was 
actually discussed at the Japan-China-ROK summit that took place 
against a backdrop of UNSC discussions at the final stage. 
 
TOKYO 00000903  004 OF 011 
 
 
 
Japan, South Korea sought substance over form; China expressed its 
appreciation to Japan and South Korea for their flexibility 
 
At 1 p.m. April 11, ahead of his meeting with Lee, Prime Minister 
Aso was holding talks with Chinese Premier Wen. Before leaving for 
Pattaya, Aso had told reporters, "A weak resolution would be 
meaningless." But throughout his meeting with Wen, Aso pressed China 
for a resolution. 
 
Aso said: "A strong message is necessary in reaction to North 
Korea's provocative act. The resolution should clearly specify that 
it was a 'violation' of (past UN resolutions). Japan thinks a 
resolution is appropriate." 
 
But Wen was obstinate. He said: "An excessive reaction might result 
in an outcome that is different from what we expected. 
Denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is vital. It must be 
achieved through the Six-Party Talks. A presidential statement is 
appropriate. If Japan and China can strike a deal, a conclusion can 
be reached before the end of the day." 
 
Aso rebutted Wen, going: "I believe it's important to send a unified 
strong message for the Six-Party Talks, as well. National sentiments 
cannot be overlooked. Imagine what could have happened if the 
missile's performance had been poor and its components had fell on 
[Japan] as a result. People of the Tohoku region have strong 
feelings about the launch. I believe you understand, as a lawmaker, 
the importance of responding to the matter properly." 
 
Wen said, "I am totally aware of the Japanese people's sentiments." 
But he still insisted that a presidential statement was most 
desirable. 
 
Aso said in conclusion: "After this, I am going to meet with 
President Lee. Let's discuss the matter at the Japan-China-South 
Korea summit that will follow." 
 
Meanwhile, former Prime Minister Thaksin's supporters forced the 
Thai government to call off all ASEAN-connected meetings, the 
worst-case scenario, and the foreign delegates had to leave Pattaya. 
The clock was ticking away. 
 
The leaders of Japan, China and South Korea met shortly after 3 p.m. 
that day after Aso and Lee had agreed to cooperate. 
 
At the outset of the meeting, Aso said: "I want to discuss only the 
North Korean issue. I already held talks with the South Korean and 
Chinese leaders, and the South Korean leader shares my view, which 
is, we should adopt a UN resolution." 
 
Lee backed up Aso, saying: "I agree with Japan. In order also to 
resume the Six-Party Talks at an early time, the unanimous adoption 
of a resolution is desirable." 
 
Wen still insisted: "China wants to see a presidential statement 
adopted." This promoted Aso to play out the substance-over-the-form 
scenario, as was agreed upon with Lee. Aso said: "A strong message 
is necessary. It is most important for the Security Council members 
to respond to the matter as one. For that, we don't mind exhibiting 
flexibility in the form. In such a case, the strongest expression 
must be used. The statement must specify that [the missile launch] 
 
TOKYO 00000903  005 OF 011 
 
 
was a violation." 
 
Wen said in response: "Japan demonstrated flexibility in the form. 
We owe much to Japan. I would like to express my appreciation to 
Japan and South Korea. We will cooperate closely via our mission to 
the United Nations, and I will order New York so that the 
presidential statement will become acceptable to you." 
 
It was the moment when Japan, China and South Korea settled on the 
presidential statement. 
 
Several hours later, before dawn April 12, Japan time, Prime 
Minister Aso received a report from New York aboard his aircraft 
returning home. The report said that the UNSC was likely to use the 
word "contravention" which has a stronger meaning than the 
expression "not in conformity" with past UN resolutions that was 
used in the original draft. 
 
"Contravention" is not as strong as "violation," but it can be 
translated as violation in both Japanese and Chinese. 
 
Learning of the report, Aso asked, "Contravention? What does it 
mean?" Hearing an explanation, Aso instructed the Foreign Ministry 
to accept the expression. 
 
The UN Security Council held an official meeting before dawn April 
14, Japan time, and adopted a presidential statement condemning the 
North Korean missile launch. 
 
A senior Foreign Ministry official offered the following explanation 
about why the UNSC adopted the unusually strong presidential 
statement: "Prime Minister Aso was able to join forces with 
President Lee, and Premier Wen, who puts high priority on relations 
with Japan, lent his ear to [Prime Minister Aso's view]." 
 
(4) Chief cabinet secretary: Japan will serve as intermediary for 
Japanese-American journalist who was sentenced for spying 
 
SANKEI ONLINE (Full) 
12:14, April 20, 2009 
 
Iran has sentenced a Japanese-American journalist to eight years in 
prison for espionage. Regarding this incident, Chief Cabinet 
Secretary Takeo Kawamura in a press briefing this morning indicated 
that Japan would serve as an intermediary of some sort. He said: 
"Relations between the United States and Iran are experiencing a 
thaw. Japan, as a country enjoying friendship with Iran, must serve 
as a go-between." 
 
About the United States' demand for the journalist's release, 
Kawamura said: "Japan has not taken any direct action because she is 
a U.S. citizen, but we are watching the incident with interest." 
 
(5) Futenma relocation plan must be reworked, says DPJ Vice 
President Maehara 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
April 18, 2009 
 
Hiroshi Ito, Washington 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Vice President Seiji Maehara 
 
TOKYO 00000903  006 OF 011 
 
 
delivered a speech in Washington D.C. on April 16. Regarding the 
planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station, 
Maehara said: "Even if the ideas of the governments of Japan and the 
United States are implemented, returning the air station would take 
more than 10 years. If a helicopter crashes during that period, the 
Japan-U.S. security system would be called into question. To avoid 
that risk, the plan must be revised from scratch." 
 
Further, touching on the Obama administration's nuclear disarmament 
drive, Maehara said: "It must truly be welcomed. However, in terms 
of Asia, if the drive is pushed forward by the United States and 
Russia alone, excepting China, it might shake international trust in 
nonproliferation (the nuclear umbrella)." 
 
(6) Aso to pick by late June one of six options for greenhouse gas 
emissions reduction target 
 
ASAHI (Page 7) (Excerpts) 
April 18, 2009 
 
Kenichi Goromaru, Tomohisa Yamaguchi 
 
Discussion of Japan's target for reducing greenhouse gas emissions 
by 2020 will enter an important phase ahead of a final decision in 
June. President Barack Obama has indicated a willingness to lead 
international negotiations, but Japan remains unable to ready a 
mid-term target. Amid growing criticism of Japan, attention is being 
paid to what decision Prime Minister Aso will make. 
 
In a meeting on global warming on April 17, Aso said: "It is 
necessary to hold nation-wide discussion. Upon listing to public 
views, I would like to make a proper decision on the nation's 
mid-term target by the end of June, at the latest." He indicated 
that he would pick one of the six options cited by an expert panel 
on his own judgment. 
 
The government will hold informal meetings to listen to public views 
in five locations across the nation starting on April 20. On the 
20th, Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura, foreign Minister Nakasone, 
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Nikai, and environment Minister 
Saito will start discussing the matter. 
 
Aso has repeatedly made these remarks: "Environmental protection and 
(economic) growth can be pursued simultaneously;" and "It is a 
chance to create new industries." In early April, Aso announced an 
economic growth strategy designed to create 1.4 million jobs by 
promoting solar power generation and boosting domestic sales of 
econ-friendly vehicles. This package is similar to U.S. President 
Barack Obama's "Green New Deal" concept. 
 
The dominant view among experts, however, is that stepped-up efforts 
against global warming will inevitably lower economic growth, even 
if consideration is given to expected economic growth through new 
industries. A member of the expert panel also said: "From a 
comprehensive point of view, measures to fight global warming will 
inevitably bring about more negative effects on the economy." 
 
A 25% reduction is included among the six options, though industrial 
circles strongly opposed this option. The Democratic Party of Japan 
(DP) came up with this reduction target in its draft anti-global 
warming bill last year. A senior member of the Cabinet Secretariat 
said: "By inserting a numerical figure acceptable for the DPJ, we 
 
TOKYO 00000903  007 OF 011 
 
 
prepared a mechanism that can be used even if the DPJ assumed 
political power." Nobody can predict what option the prime minister 
will pick. 
 
(7) JICA to assist afforestation in developing countries, such as 
Vietnam: Prevention of global warming, elimination of eliminate 
poverty to be made compatible 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Almost full) 
April 19, 2009 
 
Hajime Eguchi 
 
Strong prospects have appeared that the UN Framework Convention on 
Climate Change will approve before long a project to cut greenhouse 
gas emissions aimed at balancing measures to combat global warming 
greenhouse gases and improving people's livelihood in developing 
countries through aforestation. The Japan International Corporation 
Agency (JICA) is assisting the project, which will become eligible 
for emissions trading. Afforestation for the same purpose has 
already been approved in India. Afforestation will likely spread as 
a method that will serve a dual - eliminating poverty and cutting 
greenhouse gas emissions. 
 
The Kyoto Protocol approves clean development mechanism as a measure 
for industrialized countries to cut their greenhouse gas emissions. 
Under the scheme, industrialized countries that implemented projects 
to cut greenhouse gas emissions in developing countries can offset 
the cuts against the output of their own country. Such projects 
include afforestation, energy saving at industrial plants and the 
introduction of recyclable energies. Afforestation is technically 
difficult. It is also difficult to raise funds. As such, there are 
only three registered cases. 
 
JICA is assisting an afforestation project in northeastern Vietnam. 
The average annual income of a farmer living in that area is about 
400 dollars. The project is aimed at increasing income of local 
residents, by creating jobs related to afforestation and jobs to 
take care of forests. Profits gained on the sales of emissions 
quotas gained by afforestation and timbers will be distributed to 
residents. According to the program, about 320 households will take 
part in this project. They will plant approximately 500,000 acacias 
in wasteland with the aim of achieving 43,000 tons of carbon dioxide 
emissions cuts. The sales amount of emissions quotas are estimated 
to reach 180,000 dollars or roughly 18 million yen. 
 
JICA will nurture human resources versed in CDM in Vietnam. It will 
also assist the UN in their screening procedures. Honda Vietnam will 
provide 25 million yen to cover the initial cost need for technical 
assistance. This has settled a financial issue. The Japan 
International Research Center for Agricultural Sciences and Ricoh 
are also promoting similar plans. 
 
Yosuke Nishi of the JICA Global Environment Department said, "It is 
significant that a difficult challenge has been settled due to 
Japan's assistance. We want to use the project in Vietnam as a model 
case for future projects." 
 
(8) Prime Minister Aso resumes habit of going to hotel bars; 
Expression of relief with support rates rising? 
 
SANKEI (Page 5) (Full) 
 
TOKYO 00000903  008 OF 011 
 
 
April 20, 2009 
 
Hiroshi Oda 
 
Probably because of his cabinet support rates, once at the 10% 
level, having reversed course and risen, Prime Minister Taro Aso 
recently is often seen flashing a smile. He now allows reporters to 
take longer time for questions than before. He has now resumed his 
habit of going to hotel bars. 
 
Aso told reporters attached to the Prime Minister's Official 
Residence (Kantei): "You work very hard, don't you?" After press 
meetings, he sometimes smiles brilliantly. 
 
A person close to Aso said: "The prime minister has a cheerful 
disposition. This is nothing to do with the cabinet support rate." 
However, since Aso lost a great deal of weight two months ago, his 
aides were concerned about it. 
 
Although Aso took more than six minutes for his press briefings last 
October and November soon after taking office, the time he spent for 
such press briefings from last December until March dropped to about 
four minutes following the sharp plunge in his support ratings. In 
April, however, he has spent (until April 17) an average of about 
five and a half minutes. 
 
The number of times he has dined at his official residence has 
decreased. He instead goes to hotel bars four times a week. On April 
17, he went to a sushi bar and a restaurant. 
 
According to his official schedules, he met there with his 
secretaries. It was, however, unveiled that he met on April 13 and 
15 at hotel bars with senior New Komeito members, and with Yoshihide 
Suga, deputy chairman of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Election 
Strategy Council, on April 16. 
 
Former Finance Minister Bunmei Ibuki, a LDP member, told Aso at a 
restaurant on April 15: "This is an important time now that support 
rates are rising. I don't want you to make any mistakes." Aso 
reportedly gave him a wry smile. 
 
(9) Report on Yachi's remark that Japan should accept return of 3.5 
islands creates commotion 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
April 18, 2009 
 
A Mainichi Shimbun report on former Administrative Vice Foreign 
Minister and Government Representative Shintaro Yachi's remark 
yesterday created a stir in the government and ruling parties. Yachi 
talked about resolving the dispute over Russia-held islets off 
Hokkaido by suggesting that Japan and Russia split the whole areas 
of the four islands. The government is desperately trying to put a 
lid on the report, with Secretary General Takeo Kawamura saying: 
"That's Yachi's personal view." However, speculation is also aloof 
that Yachi made the remark in line with Aso's view. 
 
According to an article carried on the Mainichi's April 17 morning 
edition, Yachi was quoted as saying: "Japan should accept (the 
return of) 3.5 islands. I don't want to see the issue of the 
Northern Territories becoming a stumbling block between Tokyo and 
Moscow." Citing the return of the Shikotan Island and the Habomai 
 
TOKYO 00000903  009 OF 011 
 
 
islet group that Russia has proposed based on the joint declaration 
concluded in 1956 by Japan and the Soviet Union, Yachi was quoted as 
saying: 
 
"The area of the Shikotan and Habomai isles accounts for only 7% of 
the entire areas of the four islands. Etorofu is a large island. If 
the total landmass of the four islands were to be equally divided 
into two, one portion would be the size of three islands plus 20-25% 
of the Etorofu Island. This would mean the return of four islands 
effectively." 
 
Yachi, who is now visiting the United States, told reporters in 
Washington on the evening of April 16 (on the morning of April 17): 
"That's a mistake." He then emphasized the Japan should settle the 
territorial row in consideration of bilateral cooperation on energy 
development. He stated: 
 
"There is a possibility that Russia will return the four islands if 
Japan offers cooperation as much as possible. There is also a 
possibility that Japan will not stick to the return of the four 
islets if there is a limit on what Japan will be able to obtain." 
 
China and Russia resolved their boundary dispute by dividing the 
region in question into two. Yachi appears to have this case in his 
mind. 
 
The government is negative about Yachi's view, however. Kawamura, at 
a press conference on April 17, stressed that there was no change in 
the government policy of seeking for the return of the four islands. 
He stated: "The government's basic policy is to conclude a peace 
treaty with Russia by resolving the issue of the ownership of the 
four islands." A senior Foreign Ministry official pointed out: "The 
government representative is not in a position to make a comment." 
 
During his tenure as foreign minister, however, Asp talked about the 
idea of splitting the total land mass of the four island into two. 
In compliance with the wishes of Aso, Yachi, who served as vice 
foreign minister until January last year, is now serving as an 
advisor on foreign policy to the prime minister. Aso and Russian 
President Dmitry Medvedev agreed in their summit in February to 
resolve the territorial dispute by a new creative approach. There is 
also a view that Aso might use the idea of dividing the total 
landmass of the four islands as a negotiating card in his talks with 
Russian Premier Putin, who will visit Japan in May, as well as in 
his summit with Medvedev on the sidelines of the Group of Eight (G8) 
in July. 
 
Aso told the press corps on the evening of April 17 that there would 
be no change in the government policy. He said: "If the ownership of 
the four islands is made clear, we will deal flexibly with the 
issue. Some in the ruling camp, however, have doubts about Aso's 
handling of the issue, with one member saying, "If the government 
compromises with Russia, it may come under severe criticism from the 
public. With the next general election approaching, such an idea 
involves risks." 
 
(10) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Ruling, opposition agree to draft a new organ transplant law 
 
Mainichi: 
 
TOKYO 00000903  010 OF 011 
 
 
Birds disappearing from aging forests 
 
Yomiuri: 
Internal report attributes Monju troubles to poor discipline 
 
Nikkei: 
Japanese firms stepping up efforts to develop new materials for 
eco-friendly cars 
 
Sankei: 
Osaka governor bullish in debate on subsidy system for government 
projects 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
IOC team "impressed by compact plan" upon wrapping up Tokyo visit 
 
Akahata: 
JCP member calls in TV program for thorough deliberations needed on 
anti-piracy bill that includes many problems 
 
(11) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Ruling, opposition parties should move to quickly strengthen 
Antimonopoly Law 
(2) Welfare Ministry urged to introduce medical treatment system 
reflecting sexual differences 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) DPJ president: Don't escape from party head talks 
(2) Deregulation of mother riding bicycle with two children: Safety 
must be considered first 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Consumer agency must avoid turf war 
(2) Kanji body must emerge from "privately-run business" 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Economic crisis urges for evolution in auto industry 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Make consumer agency a public interests-oriented body 
(2) U.S. urged to disclose records on unclear negotiations with 
North Korea 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Problems must be exposed before Social Insurance Agency 
introduces security card system 
(2) IOC team's visit to Japan: We expect to listen to views about 
Olympics 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Review of care need assessment: Collapsed plan must be 
cancelled 
 
(12)Prime Minister's schedule, April 18 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 19, 2009 
 
08:51 
Hosted a cherry-blossom-viewing party at the Shinjuku Imperial 
 
TOKYO 00000903  011 OF 011 
 
 
Garden. 
 
10:31 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
11:32 
Dined at a Japanese restaurant in Yurakucho with a friend from his 
college days in the U.S. 
 
12:50 
Visited an eyeglass store in Otemachi. 
 
13:16 
Arrived at the Imperial Hotel. 
 
16:29 
Visited an acupuncture clinic in Kita-aoyama. 
 
19:00 
Hosted a dinner party for the IOC evaluation team at the State 
Guesthouse in Moto-Akasaka. 
 
21:48 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, April 19 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
 
April 20, 2009 
 
11:34 
Took a walk around his official residence. 
 
15:40 
Attended an eco-friendly vehicle test-drive event at LDP party 
headquarters. 
 
16:32 
Held talks with comic artist Kanshi Hirokane in taping a PR video, 
in the presence of Publicity Division Chief Furuya. 
 
17:58 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
ZUMWALT