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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 07 TOKYO 000964 
 
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 04/27/09 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Government considering introducing early warning satellite to 
break away from its dependence on U.S. in MD operation (Sankei) 
 
(2) China sticks to IT information disclosure system, with aim of 
fostering domestic businesses; Plans to unveil details next month 
(Nikkei) 
 
(3) Japan, Russia to agree on four economy-related treaties on 
occasion of Premier Putin's visit to Japan next month (Nikkei) 
 
(4) Foreign visitors down 22 PERCENT  in March due to yen's 
appreciation (Nikkei) 
 
(5) TOP HEADLINES 
 
(6) EDITORIALS 
 
(7) Prime Minister's schedule, January 5 (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Government considering introducing early warning satellite to 
break away from its dependence on U.S. in MD operation 
 
SANKEI (Top play) (Abridged slightly) 
April 25, 2009 
 
Yasuto Tanaka 
 
In the wake of the launch of a long-range ballistic missile launch 
by North Korea (on April 5), the government and the ruling parties 
have begun considering introducing a geo-stationary early-warning 
satellite that can monitor missile launches and other events in 
specific areas. An early warning satellite is indispensable for a 
missile defense (MD) system. Japan now relies on U.S. early-warning 
satellites. A decision has been made to incorporate the study of 
sensors and the like in a basic space plan to be determined in late 
May. Given the situation, the government will earnestly consider 
(the introduction of an early-warning satellite) in the process of 
revising the National Defense Program Guidelines and the Midterm 
Defense Buildup Program (for fiscal 2010-2014). Some are cautious 
about introducing an early-warning satellite which will require a 
huge development cost. Many twists and turns are expected before a 
final decision is made. 
 
Defense minister holds a positive view 
 
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada in a press conference on April 24 
expressed a positive view about the introduction of an early-warning 
satellite, saying: "We are going to discuss it in the process of 
reviewing the National Defense Program Guidelines and other 
programs. We won't be able to launch it immediately, and it will 
cost a lot of money. We will have to consider a lot of factors, 
including its cost effectiveness." 
 
Military satellites can be roughly grouped into early-warning 
satellites and reconnaissance satellites (information-gathering 
satellites). An early-warning satellite is located 36,000 km above 
the Earth in a fixed position and monitors a region covering up to 
one third of the globe. The U.S. Air Force's DSP satellites use 
 
TOKYO 00000964  002 OF 007 
 
 
infrared sensors that can instantly detect heat from ballistic 
missile plumes against the earth's background. 
 
In contrast, reconnaissance satellites orbit 350 - 1,400 above the 
Earth to take high-resolution satellite images and collect data. 
Japan has three reconnaissance satellites. The U.S. Air Force's spy 
satellites have a resolution of 10 cm, whereas Japan's satellites 
have a resolution of 1 m, which is lower than the commercial 
satellites' resolution of 60 cm. Japan must increase its satellite 
radar performance. 
 
In the MD system, early warning satellites are designed to 
instantaneously detect a missile launch, Aegis-equipped vessels and 
ground-based radars are to determine the missile's trajectory based 
on the information and intercept it. The U.S. Air Force's current 
satellite early warning system (SEWS) consists of five DSP 
satellites which cover generally all the Earth's surface. The April 
5 North Korean missile launch was first detected by one of them. 
 
A launched North Korean satellite can land in Japan in seven to 10 
minutes. Every second counts for information on a missile launch. 
There are vocal calls in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) for an 
early introduction of an early-warning satellite, with former 
Defense Agency Deputy Director General Hiroshi Imazu saying: "Should 
Japan continue relying on the United States in obtaining vital 
information?" 
 
Enormous development cost 
 
In the government, there are negative opinions as well. The North 
American Aerospace Defense Command's (NORAD) ballistic analysis 
system to analyze radar data is the heart of the MD system. Without 
an analyzer, operation of an early-warning satellite is not 
possible. 
 
Further, the U.S. Air Force has invested 630 billion yen in a 
nine-year period in a project to develop and manufacture the 
next-generation satellite. If Japan is to develop a satellite 
independently, the cost might run higher. The development of 
ballistic analysis software would increase the cost even more. 
 
As such, there are more calls in the Defense Ministry for the 
introduction of high-performance reconnaissance satellites than for 
the development of an early-warning satellite. 
 
Possessing the weather satellite Himawari, a geostationary infrared 
sensor satellite, Japan has basic know how on the operation of an 
early-warning satellite. There is a projection that the development 
of a satellite will take Japan four years and accrue a cost of 100 
billion yen. Politically and diplomatically, the introduction of an 
early-warning satellite carries substantial significance. Such ideas 
as increasing the functions of the next-generation weather satellite 
to allow it to serve as an early warning-satellite and making the 
communications satellites multifunctional are also being mentioned. 
 
(2) China sticks to IT information disclosure system, with aim of 
fostering domestic businesses; Plans to unveil details next month 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Excerpts) 
April 25, 2009 
 
By Shunsuke Tabeta in Beijing 
 
TOKYO 00000964  003 OF 007 
 
 
 
The Chinese government will lay out in detail by May the system it 
plans to introduce to force foreign manufacturers to disclose 
security-related data about their information-technology (IT) 
products. The governments of Japan, the U.S., and European countries 
raised strong objections to China's decision, on the grounds that 
their manufacturers' intellectual property might be passed on to 
Chinese competitors. But the Chinese government, which is eager to 
become an IT power, only renewed its resolve to introduce the 
system. The new requirement might deal a serious blow to companies 
of Japan, the U.S., and European countries, depending on which 
products are subject to the new rule. 
 
The Chinese government plans to add 13 IT security products to the 
list of items that must be approved under the China Compulsory 
Certification (CCC) program, its own safety standard. China plans to 
include on the list software essential for the security of computer 
systems and equipment, such as operating systems for IC chips and 
network-monitoring systems. Japanese, U.S. and European companies 
are strong in producing IT security products. If they fail to obtain 
approval from China, they will become unable to sell their products 
in that country. 
 
China announced in January 2008 that it would introduce the new 
system in May 2009. But in the face of negative reactions from 
Japan, the U.S. and Europe, it stated in a meeting of the World 
Trade Organization (WTO) this March its decision to postpone the 
move. However, it has notified the Japanese government of a plan to 
unveil the details of the system, including implementation rules by 
May. 
 
China explains that the aim of the new requirement is to enhance 
information security. China is facing an increasing number of 
cybercrimes. In addition, information related to the Chinese 
Communist Party and government tends to spread beyond their 
scrutiny. The government is stepping up efforts to monitor online 
information under the pretext of public security. 
 
A Chinese government source said: "By introducing the system, the 
government actually aims at fostering the nation's IT industry." The 
Chinese IT industry grew 12.8 PERCENT  to 770 billion yuan, or 
approximately 11 trillion yen, in 2008. But many Chinese companies 
make hardware products, a business that yield small profit margins, 
so the government hopes to have domestic manufacturers make a shift 
to establishing information networks using advanced software. 
 
The initial purpose of the CCC program is to check the safety of the 
materials used to make such products as home appliances. If IT 
security products are added to the list, firms might be required to 
disclose source codes. An executive of a Japanese manufacturer 
grumbled: "Our know-how could be leaked to Chinese firms. (The 
Chinese government) might be aiming to nurture rivals (to foreign 
firms)." 
 
A member of the Chinese government panel that manages the CCC 
program said on the 24th. "There will be no changes in our policy of 
adding IT security products and our plan of postponing the 
introduction of the system for the time being." The Chinese 
government is expected to make a final decision upon analyzing other 
countries' responses. 
 
(3) Japan, Russia to agree on four economy-related treaties on 
 
TOKYO 00000964  004 OF 007 
 
 
occasion of Premier Putin's visit to Japan next month 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 26, 2009 
 
Coinciding with a visit to Japan by Russian Premier Vladimir Putin 
in May, the governments of Japan and Russia will conclude four 
treaties and agreements on such economic areas as nuclear energy 
development. The aim is to pave the way for promoting talks on the 
dispute over Russia-held islands off Hokkaido, the biggest bilateral 
issue. The territorial dispute will likely be concretely discussed 
in a summit meeting between Prime Minister Taro Aso and President 
Dmitry Medvedev slated for July. Whether the upcoming summit can 
find a path resolving the dispute is unknown. 
 
Putin's Japan visit in May was formally decided during the 
Aso-Medvedev summit in February in Sakhalin, Russian Far East. Final 
coordination is now underway with an eye to Putin coming to Tokyo 
around April 12 and a meeting between Aso and Putin. Putin will 
visit for the first time after stepping down from the presidential 
post. He will meet with Aso for the first time, as well. 
 
On the occasion of Putin's visit, the two governments are expected 
to conclude four treaties (including agreements) regarding the 
economy and business, areas where there is much demand. Of the four 
treaties, Tokyo and Moscow have had difficulties particularly in 
talks to conclude a nuclear-energy agreement. If such a nuclear pact 
is signed, it would be easier for Japan and Russia to carry out 
technical cooperation in the nuclear energy area, including uranium 
enrichment and the processing of spent nuclear fuel. 
 
A pact to ease visa procedures and a customs-duty mutual assistance 
agreement are aimed to activate the flow of people and goods between 
the two countries. A mutual assistance pact on criminal 
investigations would smooth investigative cooperation regarding 
international crime. Business circles have strongly called for the 
conclusion of those treaties, citing that they are indispensable for 
strengthening bilateral relations. 
 
Japan and Russia will conclude those treaties because Moscow has 
called for expanding bilateral cooperation, including technical 
cooperation on energy development, with Tokyo. The Japanese 
government has a strategy of paving the way for resolving the issue 
of the Northern Territories by presenting concrete results in 
strengthening bilateral ties. 
 
Aso and Medvedev agreed in their summit in February to pursue a 
"creative and unconventional approach" in resolving the territorial 
dispute. This month, Shotaro Yachi, currently government 
representative and former administrative vice foreign minister, 
suggested in an interview by the Mainichi Shimbun resolving the 
issue with the return of 3.5 islands, which include the Kunashiri 
Island, the Habomai islet group and part of the Etorofu Island of 
the four islands now held by Russia. All eyes are now focused on how 
Russia will act. 
 
The Foreign Ministry's position, however, is that Aso and Medvedev 
will discuss the issue on the sidelines of the annual G-8 summit in 
July in Italy, and that the Russian leader will present a reply to 
Aso during their next meeting. Many government officials are of the 
view that since Putin has strong influence over Medvedev, chances 
are strong that he will convey to the Japanese government some sort 
 
TOKYO 00000964  005 OF 007 
 
 
of the message from Moscow. 
 
(4) Foreign visitors down 22 PERCENT  in March due to yen's 
appreciation 
 
NIKKEI (Page 4) (Full) 
April 25, 2009 
 
The number of foreigners who visited Japan in March dropped 22.2 
PERCENT  from the same month the year before to 568,900, marking the 
eighth consecutive monthly decline, according to preliminary data 
released on April 24 by the Japan National Tourism Agency. Affecting 
the tally for March were the global economic slowdown and a large 
number of canceled flights into Narita Airport stemming from a plane 
crash. 
 
In the month, 42.2 PERCENT  fewer South Koreans, 21.5 PERCENT  less 
Taiwanese and 21.1 PERCENT  fewer Americans visited Japan. The 
strong yen was also blamed. 
 
The only notable increase was seen in the number of visitors from 
China, which jumped 11.3 PERCENT  to 101,100. Flush with stock 
market gains, affluent Chinese are eager to travel, and promotional 
campaigns highlighting cherry blossoms helped drum up interest in 
Japan. 
 
(5) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi, Mainichi, Yomiuri, Sankei, and Tokyo Shimbun 
Swine flu sparks global panic; WHO declares emergency; Eight 
infected in New York; Infection suspected in Europe, Middle East and 
New Zealand 
 
Nikkei: 
Rate of national pension payment falls to 62 PERCENT  in FY 2008, 
lowest-ever 
 
Akahata: 
JCP's second workplace seminar ends 
 
(6) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Put an end to limited tender system 
(2) Advanced research fund essential for solid foundation 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) People must be alert against swine flu 
(2) Review of city planning must follow the decision to allow three 
persons to ride a bicycle 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Nation must prepare for swine flu pandemic 
(2) Google book search library and print culture 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Swine flu pandemic requires swift international cooperation 
(2) Action essential for economic recovery 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Northern Territories issue: Prime minister must uphold return of 
four islands 
 
TOKYO 00000964  006 OF 007 
 
 
(2) Swine influenza: Correct information essential for calm 
response 
 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) G-7 fails to pave way for growth 
(2) Nagoya mayoral election: Victory of individual overshadow 
political parties 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Postal discount system for handicapped people abused 
 
(09042702st) Back to Top 
 
(7) Prime Minister's schedule, January 5 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
April 25, 2009 
 
Spent the morning at his official residence. 
 
14:06 
Called at the Imperial Palace to sign a note to express gratitude 
for the participation of the Emperor and Empress in the "Green" 
Ceremony. 
 
14:27 
Attended a Tokyo general assembly of a trilateral committee of 
experts from Japan, the U.S., and Europe at the Hotel Okura. 
 
14:54 
Arrived at his official residence. 
 
15:54 
Enjoyed shopping with his family at the clothing store "KAPITAL 
LEGS" in Ebisu. 
 
16:30 
Dined with his family at the restaurant "The Terrace" in the Westin 
Hotel Tokyo. 
 
17:07 
Returned to the clothing store in Ebisu. 
 
17:33 
Arrived at his official residence. 
 
19:27 
Attended a dinner party of a conference of cabinet ministers from 
oil producer and consumer countries at the Hotel New Otani. 
 
20:01 
Dined at the steakhouse "Makoto" in Nihonbashi with his family. 
 
21:41 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
 
April 26, 2009 
 
 
 
TOKYO 00000964  007 OF 007 
 
 
10:04 
Met crisis management officer Ito at his official residence. 
 
10:24 
Took a walk around his official residence. 
 
13:17 
Boarded the Japan Coast Guard's patrol ship Yashima at Harumi Pier 
for an inspection parade, with Vice Land, Infrastructure, Transport 
and Tourism Minister Kano and JCG Commandant Iwasaki. 
 
17:04 
Arrived at Harumi Pier. 
 
17:35 
Had his hair cut at a barbershop in the Hotel Pacific Tokyo in 
Takanawa. 
 
19:16 
Returned to his official residence. 
 
ZUMWALT