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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 11 TOKYO 001190 
 
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 05/27/09 
 
Index: 
DAS Schiffer in Tokyo: 
1) In Nikkei interview, Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense 
Michael Schiffer stresses resolving North Korea nuclear problem by 
diplomacy  (Nikkei) 
2) DAS Schiffer sees F-35 as suiting Japan's purpose as a next 
generation fighter candidate, hints at possibility of joint 
production  (Nikkei) 
3) If Japan will co-develop and produce F-35 as next generation 
fighter, it first needs to relax weapons export ban  (Nikkei) 
 
North Korea problem - security response: 
4) LDP to propose in new defense program guidelines inclusion of 
provision to allow Japan an enemy-base strike capability  (Tokyo 
Shimbun) 
5) Prime Minister Aso says that Japan having an enemy-base strike 
capability would be "legally possible"  (Akahata) 
6) Some in the government are cautious about the Liberal Democratic 
Party (LDP) proposal for Japan to have a capability to strike enemy 
bases firing missiles at it  (Yomiuri) 
7) Senior officials confirms that U.S. only notified Japan of North 
Korea's nuclear test after the fact  (Mainichi) 
 
North Korea problem - political response: 
8) Lower House unanimously adopts resolution condemning North Korea 
for nuclear test  (Mainichi) 
9) Japan studying new sanctions to impose on North Korea in wake of 
nuclear weapons test  (Mainichi) 
10) But many in government realize that for Japan, there are few new 
sanctions that it could add against North Korea  (Asahi) 
 
North Korea problem - UN response: 
11) UNSC mulling resolution against North Korea that would contain 
sanctions, but split between toughliners (U.S., Japan) and 
softliners  (Nikkei) 
12) Japan lobbing UNSC members for support of resolution on North 
Korea  (Nikkei) 
 
DPJ moving ahead: 
13) One week at the helm, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President 
Hatoyama is taking a confrontational stance in the Diet, while Sec 
Gen Okada talks conciliation  (Nikkei) 
14) DPJ Secretary General Okada in interview outlines party goal of 
change of government  (Nikkei) 
15) DPJ starts working on manifesto for election (Yomiuri) 
 
 
Articles: 
 
1) U.S. to aim for diplomatic solution: Schiffer 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Concerning North Korea that recently carried out a second nuclear 
test and launched a long-range ballistic missile, visiting U.S. 
Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia Michael Schiffer 
told the Nihon Keizai Shimbun in an interview yesterday that there 
is no change in the Obama administration's policy of strengthening 
international pressure on North Korea through the United Nations 
Security Council and aiming for a diplomatic solution to the North 
Korean nuclear and missile issues. "We've not closed the diplomatic 
 
TOKYO 00001190  002 OF 011 
 
 
door," Schiffer said. Meanwhile, the Pentagon official indicated 
that the United States will remain alert to an additional nuclear 
test. "That's also likely," he said. 
 
In addition, Schiffer also stressed that there is no problem about 
the United States' expanded nuclear deterrence (nuclear umbrella) 
for Japan. "We are ready to talk with the Japanese government about 
all issues, including this matter (nuclear umbrella)," he said, 
indicating that Japan and the United States will likely consult on 
ways to strengthen nuclear deterrence. 
 
2) F-35 desirable as multipurpose jet: Pentagon official 
 
NIKKEI (Page 6) (Abridged) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Visiting U.S. Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for East Asia 
Michael Schiffer, when interviewed by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun 
yesterday, indicated that the F-35, a state-of-the-art 
fifth-generation fighter jet being co-developed by the United States 
and Britain, would be hopeful as Japan's follow-on mainstay fighter 
(FX). The Defense Ministry and the Self-Defense Forces regard the 
F-22, which is said to the world's strongest fighter, as the most 
likely candidate for the FX. However, Schiffer implicitly 
recommended the F-35, referring to the possible option for Japan to 
take part in the joint and licensed production of F-35s in the 
future. 
 
In a recent Japan-U.S. defense summit, U.S. Secretary of Defense 
Gates indirectly urged Defense Minister Hamada to buy F-35s, calling 
the F-35 a "good fighter jet." Schiffer's remarks can be taken as 
indicating that the Obama administration officially came up with its 
first official proposal for Japan to buy F-35s. 
 
Schiffer pointed out that the F-35, as well as the F-22, is a 
stealth aircraft that can hardly be caught by enemy radar and that 
is a multipurpose fighter with "surprisingly high capability." He 
said, "Japan also needs a highly capable multipurpose fighter jet." 
He stressed, "The F-35 is desirable in many respects." 
 
Concerning Japan's FX selection process, Schiffer said working-level 
defense officials from Japan and the United States have already been 
holding consultations on "what challenges Japan and the United 
States have and what capabilities (fighter planes) are needed." In 
this regard, Schiffer indicated that the working-level consultations 
would shortly be raised to the deputy assistant secretary level or 
higher for an intergovernmental agreement between Japan and the 
United States. 
 
3) Business chance likely if Japan participates in F-35 production 
 
NIKKEI (Page 6) (Abridged) 
May 27, 2009 
 
The F-35, as well as the F-22, is a next-generation fighter jet that 
is called a "fifth generation" fighter. However, its development 
cost is huge. Nine countries, including the United States and 
Britain, are therefore co-developing the F-35 in order to share its 
development cost and hold down its procurement cost. These countries 
will adopt the F-35 for their forces, so the scale of F-35 
production is expected to total several thousand units. Japan will 
need to ease its self-imposed three principles on arms exports in 
 
TOKYO 00001190  003 OF 011 
 
 
order for its defense industry, from Mitsubishi Heavy Industries 
down, to participate in the F-35's joint development and production. 
Japan's participation, if realized, will also likely expand the 
scale of Japan's defense business. 
 
If Japan takes part in the F-35's joint development, its defense 
industry's access to leading-edge military technologies will be 
possible. In the joint development of aircraft, its manufacturers 
are usually assigned to their respective portions of the aircraft. 
Japan's defense industry can also undertake sizable production. 
 
4) LDP to recommend possession of enemy base strike capability be 
specified in new National Defense Program Guidelines 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged slightly) 
May 27, 2009 
 
In the wake of North Korea's launch of ballistic missiles and the 
nuclear test, the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) National Defense 
Division defense policy subpanel reached a broad agreement yesterday 
to propose the possession of a capability to attack enemy bases for 
a cabinet decision on the National Defense Program Guidelines (NDPG) 
planned for the end of the year by the government. 
 
The draft proposal will specify the need to possess the offensive 
capability within the framework of the nation's strictly 
defense-oriented policy. The draft also includes plans to develop 
early warning satellites capable of detecting the launch of 
ballistic missiles as well as of reconnaissance satellites. It also 
calls for a review of the three principles banning weapons exports, 
saying that Japan should be allowed to jointly develop weapons with 
countries other than the United States. 
 
On the personnel front, the draft presents a plan to amend the 
administrative reform promotion law specifying streamlining the 
government in a way to exclude the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) as an 
exception. It also proposes securing revenues in the mid- to long 
terms by reviewing the government's basic economic and fiscal policy 
guidelines. 
 
A review of the government's constitutional interpretation of the 
right to collective self-defense and constitutional amendments are 
also called for. The LDP plans to present its proposals to the 
government after making a formal decision on them. 
 
Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada in a press conference yesterday 
called for calm debates on the enemy base strike option. 
 
5) Prime Minister Aso confirms that striking enemy bases is "legally 
possible" 
 
AKAHATA (Page 2) (Excerpt) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso yesterday commented on Japan gaining the 
capability of being able to strike enemy bases, which premises a 
first-strike capability against North Korean bases launching 
missiles. He said: "It has been discussed since the 1960s that Japan 
is able under the law to strike, bases on setting a specific 
framework." Although he did not touch on whether Japan should or 
should not have such a capability, he confirmed that such would be 
legally possible. He was speaking to the press. 
 
TOKYO 00001190  004 OF 011 
 
 
 
Since North Korea carried out a nuclear test on May 25, there are 
some in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) calling for considering 
allowing Japan a strike capability, so there is danger that the 
Prime Minister's remark will speed up that initiative. 
 
6) LDP draft proposal calls for possession of enemy base strike 
capability; Government remains cautious 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Abridged slightly) 
May 27, 2009 
 
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) National Defense Division 
national defense policy subcommittee approved in outline yesterday a 
set of draft proposals for the National Defense Program Guidelines 
(NDPG) to be revised by the government at the end of the year. The 
draft calls for the possession of a capability to strike enemy bases 
and relaxing the three principles banning weapons exports. 
 
The draft says that Japan needs to have the enemy base striking 
capability in order to deal with the improved ballistic missile 
capability and progress in the technology to downsize nuclear 
warheads. It is focused on reinforcing deterrence along with the 
Self-Defense Forces' (SDF) missile defense system, saying it is 
possible by combining information-gathering satellites, 
communications satellites, cruise missiles, and small solid rocket 
technology. LDP Research Commission Chairman Gen Nakatani said that 
having the ability would lead to greater deterrence. 
 
The government remains cautious, however. Defense Minister Yasukazu 
Hamada in a press conference after the cabinet meeting yesterday 
called for a calm response, saying, "Simple discussion would only 
inflame national sentiments." 
 
Under the Japan-U.S. security arrangements, U.S. forces are 
responsible for attacking enemy bases. In order for the SDF to 
possess the enemy base strike capability, the country must be 
prepared to bear enormous costs and face frictions with the United 
States and surrounding countries. At the LDP subcommittee meeting, 
some called for cautiousness so as not to cause any misunderstanding 
in relation to the Japan-U.S. alliance. The LDP plans to review 
wording for a final decision. 
 
The draft also calls for relaxing the three principles banning 
weapons exports in a way that allows Japanese companies to join 
international projects to develop equipment with countries other 
than the United States. In Europe and the United States, it is 
common to jointly develop state-of-the-art fighters and other 
defense equipment. But such is not possible for Japan because of its 
three principles, and this is why procurement costs are so high. The 
principles might also lower the technological level of the Japanese 
defense industry. 
 
At the same time, a cautious stance still prevails in the New 
Komeito about easing the three principles banning the exports of 
weapons. 
 
7) U.S. informs Japan of North Korea's nuclear test retroactively: 
Senior government official acknowledges delay in information 
 
MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
TOKYO 00001190  005 OF 011 
 
 
 
This newspaper has learned that although Washington had tried to 
notify Japan, its ally, of North Korea's nuclear test on May 25 in 
advance, it actually did so only after the test was carried, as it 
could not do so in time. A senior Japanese government official 
revealed this. 
 
According to this senior government official and other sources, the 
U.S. government had received notification from Pyongyang less than 
an hour before the test. However, it notified Tokyo of that only 
after 9:55 a.m. on the 25th, when seismic waves caused by the 
nuclear test were observed. 
 
The government does not formally reveal whether it receives such 
information or not, citing its relationship with the U.S. However, 
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone during a press conference on the 
morning of the 26th categorically said, "There was no advance 
information (from the U.S.)" However, foreign affairs spokesman 
Kazuo Kodama at a press conference on the evening of the same day 
corrected Nakasone's remark, saying, "The foreign minister meant to 
say that there was no notification from North Korea." Reporters 
questioned, "Does it mean that the foreign minister got mixed up?" 
 
8) Lower House unanimously passes resolution protesting North 
Korea's nuclear test 
 
MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
The Lower House at a plenary session on May 26 unanimously passed a 
resolution protesting against North Korea for conducting its second 
nuclear test. The resolution notes that the test is a serious 
challenge to the international nonproliferation system and is 
impermissible. The Upper House will also adopt a similar resolution 
on the 27th. 
 
The resolution calls on North Korea to denuclearize itself. It also 
urges the government to boost diplomatic efforts so as to settle 
various pending issues, such as the abduction, nuclear, and missiles 
issues. 
 
The ruling parties' North Korean Missile and Nuclear Issues 
Countermeasures Headquarters on the 26th issued a statement saying 
that the government should do its utmost to realize a new UN 
Security Council resolution. The panel at its first meeting held the 
same day decided to work on the UN and the U.S. government to 
strengthen measures to deal with the North by dispatching three 
lawmakers from the ruling parties, including former Liberal 
Democratic Party (LDP) vice president Taku Yamasaki, to the U.S. on 
the 27th. 
 
9) North Korea's nuclear test: Government considering strengthening 
measures against money-laundering as additional sanction 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Following the underground nuclear test by North Korea, the 
government on May 26 started looking into strengthening measures 
against terrorist funds and money-laundering involving North Korea 
as Japan's original additional sanction. Since the UN Security 
Council (UNSC) has decided to freeze assets of three North Korea 
 
TOKYO 00001190  006 OF 011 
 
 
companies, in the wake of the launch of a ballistic missile in May, 
the government aims to make an arrangement to allow for an immediate 
freeze or seizure of organizations or individuals that have been 
found out to be involved in North Korea's terrorist funds. 
 
As measures to counter North Korea's terrorist funds following its 
nuclear test in 2006, the government had designated in accordance 
with the Foreign Exchange and Foreign Trade Control Law 15 
organizations and one individual as being involved in North Korea's 
nuclear arms, weapons of mass destruction and ballistic missiles. 
Accordingly, it has been taking measures to prevent the transfers of 
such funds. 
 
However, the Financial Action Task Force (FATA), a subordinate 
organization of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and 
Development (OECD), in October last year issued a recommendation to 
rectify 40 items regarding Japan's anti-terror measures, noting, for 
instance, that Japan's measures only regard fund-raising by 
terrorists as a crime and remain vague about whether indirect fund 
assistance or collection by cooperators constitutes a crime. 
 
The recommendations are not legally binding. However, unless key 
recommendations are complied with, Japan could be disaffiliated from 
FATA. As such, the government has been aiming to completely comply 
with the recommendations. However, following the nuclear test this 
time, it has decided to take a measure, characterizing it as an 
addition to the existing set of measures. 
 
10) Only few North Korea sanctions available for Japan; Government 
cautious about additional sanction measures 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Excerpts) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Atsuko Tannai, Toru Higashioka 
 
The government is working hard to have the UN Security Council adopt 
a strong resolution in reaction to North Korea's nuclear test. But 
the government is trying to avoid seeking new sanctions, while 
carefully watching moves by China and Russia. Although the 
government is looking for ways to reinforce Japan's unilateral 
sanctions, there are hardly any effective measures left at Japan's 
disposal. 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso last evening indicated to a group of 
reporters that the government is aiming at a fresh UN Security 
Council resolution, saying, "A UN Security council must come first, 
and things will begin from there." Earlier, in the morning, Aso 
spoke with U.S. President Barack Obama on the phone in which Aso 
successfully elicited from the U.S. president the need to adopt a 
strong resolution swiftly. 
 
Chief Cabinet Secretary Takeo Kawamura also expressed Japan's 
determination to play a central role in drafting the resolution. 
Although all government sources play up Japan's determination to 
adopt a strong resolution, no one mentions a new sanctions 
resolution. 
 
In discussions on a response to the North's missile launch in April, 
China and Russia opposed adopting a resolution to the last. Some 
observers anticipate that this time around, Russia will show a stern 
stance toward the North but will remain cautious about additional 
 
TOKYO 00001190  007 OF 011 
 
 
sanctions. If Japan insists on sanctions, that might give the 
impression that Japan is out of step with other countries. Given the 
situation, Japan is likely to try to find a settlement line between 
an accord of the international community and harsh contents. 
 
11) Seeking stronger sanctions on the DPRK at UNSC debate: Japan, 
U.S. taking tough stance, may differ with China, Russia 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Hiroyuki Nakamae, New York 
 
The UN Security Council (UNSC) engaged in substantial discussions on 
May 26 on sanctions against North Korea's second nuclear test. 
Japan, the U.S. and others are seeking the implementation of ship 
inspections and tougher asset freezing, but differences with China's 
and Russia's position still remain. What will be written into the 
new resolution against the DPRK that the UNSC is working to adopt? 
We looked at the prospects of the debate. 
 
(Scenario 1) Inclusion of new sanctions 
 
Japanese ambassador to the UN Yukio Takasu has stressed several 
times after North Korea's nuclear test that "the UNSC's authority 
will suffer if it does not deal with this sternly." North Korea had 
ignored UNSC Resolution 1718 of 2006 banning any further nuclear 
tests by the DPRK. Japan, the U.S., and Europe are jointly seeking 
new and stronger sanctions. 
 
According to a UN source, Japan, the U.S. and others are seeking: 
(1) the expansion of the embargo on nuclear and missile related 
items; (2) listing more North Korean organizations targeted for the 
freezing of assets, which currently number only three; and (3) 
stricter inspection of DPRK ships; among other things. These are all 
sanctions already included in the 2006 resolution adopted after the 
DPRK's first nuclear test. However, their effectiveness has been in 
question because they apply to a limited number of targets or 
implementation is only at the discretion of UN member states. 
 
At the UNSC discussions on whether to include ship inspections in 
2006, China had opposed this measure up to the last minute on 
grounds that they "might bring about an explosive situation." In the 
end, UN members were only asked to cooperate, and this sanction has 
essentually not been implemented. If Japan and others attempt to 
pass a resolution requiring member states to inspect DPRK vessels, 
China is very likely to disapprove. 
 
(Scenario 2) Conditional strengthening of sanctions 
 
Rumors among UN sources have it that the proposed compromise is to 
pass a conditional "warning resolution" stating that if North Korea 
fails to abide by the resolution to be adopted this time, additional 
sanctions will be imposed in the next resolution. 
 
Such a resolution will threaten North Korea with future sanctions, 
as well as ban any further nuclear tests and compel it to return to 
the Six-Party Talks at an early date. If the DPRK returns to the 
Talks, sanctions will not be implemented. 
 
Japan, the U.S., and Europe want strong measures. The French deputy 
chief of mission says: "North Korea should be made to pay for its 
 
TOKYO 00001190  008 OF 011 
 
 
action." Conditional strengthening of sanctions also gives North 
Korea a probation period before sanctions are imposed, so this may 
be seen as weak-kneed in Japan and elsewhere. 
 
 (Scenario 3) Thorough implementation of existing sanctions 
 
While not fully effective, the 2006 resolution has put in place 
various sanctions, including an embargo on materials related to 
missile and nuclear development and luxury goods, as well as the 
freezing of assets of companies and individuals. There is a 
persistent opinion that "even the thorough implementation of 
existing sanctions can produce the desired results," (according to a 
UN diplomatic source). If the new resolution merely calls for the 
thorough implementation of existing sanctions, Japan and others 
seeking stronger sanctions will be dissatisfied, while this will 
suit the position of China and Russia, which are reluctant to 
provoke the DPRK. 
 
Like in 2006, the UNSC is expected to aim for a resolution based on 
Article 7 of the UN Charter, which is legally binding on the 
targeted state and UN members. However, since an "Article 7 
resolution" is a "strong resolution" that is premised on the use of 
force in an extreme case, China and Russia may disapprove. 
 
12) Japan holding talks with individual states on censure resolution 
against DPRK; debate on sanctions starts at UNSC 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Hiroyuki Nakamae, New York 
 
The UN Security Council (UNSC) began coordination on a censure 
resolution against North Korea's second nuclear test on the morning 
of May 26 (evening of May 26 Japan time). UNSC members, Japan in 
particular, engaged in bilateral discussions behind the scenes to 
work on the wording of the resolution. According to Interfax, a 
source at the Foreign Ministry of Russia, the current UNSC chair, 
points out that while North Korea should not be isolated, "a UNSC 
resolution is being put to the test; a tough sanction resolution 
will be inevitable." Vigorous discussions on sanctions have also 
started. 
 
At an informal emergency meeting held on the previous day, the 15 
UNSC members agreed on adopting a new resolution. They also shared 
the view that North Korea has violated the 2006 resolution 
prohibiting the DPRK from conducting further nuclear tests. It 
appears that another unofficial ambassadorial level meeting on a 
different subject held on May 26 simultaneously with the bilateral 
working level coordination process also discussed the North Korea 
issue. Japan plans to collate various opinions under a seven-nation 
framework consisting of the five permanent UNSC members plus Japan 
and South Korea. 
 
With regard to sanctions, Japan, the U.S. and others will look at 
the possibility of including such measures as expanding the scope of 
asset freezing and strengthening ship inspections. However, China 
and Russia have not revealed their position at the UNSC. Japanese UN 
envoy Yukio Takasu explains that, "The debate has not reached that 
stage." U.S. ambassador to the UN Susan Rice would only state 
cautiously that "it is premature," mindful of China's and Russia's 
position. Japan and the U.S. will come up with a draft proposal and 
 
TOKYO 00001190  009 OF 011 
 
 
seek the opinion of the concerned countries. 
 
13) Division of roles between Hatoyama, Okada and Ozawa becoming 
clearer in DPJ 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Today marks a week since the new leadership was launched in the 
Democratic Party of Japan. Role-sharing among leaders has become 
evident. Encouraged by the DPJ-backed candidate's winning in the 
Saitama mayoral election -- the first battle for Yukio Hatoyama 
after assuming the party presidency - the DPJ president is now ready 
to come out swinging in his first debate with Prime Minister Taro 
Aso, set for today, taking a confrontational stance. Secretary 
General Katsuya Okada is stepping up efforts to reach out to other 
opposition parties to form a united front. Deputy President Ichiro 
Ozawa, who is responsible for election strategy, is busy stumping 
across the nation. 
 
Supreme Advisor Kozo Watanabe told reporters last night after his 
birthday party at a Japanese restaurant in Tokyo last night: "Mr. 
Okada has what Mr. Hatoyama does not have, while Mr. Hatoyama has 
what Mr. Okada does not have. The best team has been formed." 
 
Hatoyama in a meeting of regular executive members yesterday 
stressed: "I am determined to topple the Aso administration from 
power and establish a new government at an early date." After 
setting up an election office for the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly 
election scheduled for July 12, Hatoyama emphasized in a press 
conference: "We will have all our members in both Houses of the Diet 
make efforts for the Tokyo Assembly election in an attempt to grab 
political power." 
 
Okada met with leaders of the Social Democratic Party and the 
People's New Party two days after assuming his current post and 
proposed holding policy talks with a view to forming a coalition 
government. In an interview with the Nikkei and other newspaper 
companies yesterday, Okada refrained from making any in-depth 
remarks on themes on which views tend to divide among opposition 
parties, such as security and economic policies. 
 
Ozawa, who has resumed a stumping tour of local areas, will be 
visiting Fukuoka, Kumamoto and other prefectures starting today, 
following Kagoshima and Okinawa. He told his aide: "I will 
energetically visit local areas." 
 
The Hatoyama-led DPJ has made a smooth start, but the funds-raising 
scandal involving Nishimatsu Construction Co., which prompted Ozawa 
to resign as party president, is likely to continue to be a 
hindrance to party management. Some party members are still calling 
for Ozawa to fulfill his accountability, but both Hatoyama and Okada 
have made these inarticulate remarks: "The fact will be unveiled in 
a report of a third-party committee (in the party)," and, "That is a 
personal problem in principle." 
 
14) Interview with DPJ Secretary General Okada 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
May 27, 2009 
 
Major exchanges in an interview with Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) 
 
TOKYO 00001190  010 OF 011 
 
 
Secretary General Katsuya Okada follow: 
 
 -- How many seats is the DPJ aiming to win and what will be the 
main campaign issue in the next House of Representatives election? 
When do you expect the election will take place? 
 
We aim for garnering a majority by ourselves. If we cannot attain 
this goal, we will cooperate with other opposition parties to bring 
about a change of government. It is meaningless to talk about 
numbers (goals). Regime change itself is the main campaign issue. I 
think (the Lower House election) is likely to take place in early 
August, but it could coincide with the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly 
election. 
 
-- When will the party conduct its own election survey? 
 
I have no comment. 
 
-- Some critics criticize the party for lacking specifics on where 
the financial resources will come from to fund its campaign 
pledges. 
 
I have said in the presidential race that we should present more 
detailed plans. We will place important policies first on the list 
for funding. 
 
-- What is the party's stance about the consumption tax? 
 
We will not raise (the tax rate) in the next four years. During this 
period, we will cope with the situation by slashing waste and 
changing budgetary allocations. 
 
-- How is the party going to erase the public distrust in politics 
in the wake of the fund-raising scandal involving Nishimatsu 
Construction Co.? 
 
The new leadership under President Hatoyama has been formed. This is 
the DPJ's reply. (The incident) is basically a personal problem. 
 
I have told Mr. Ozawa that it would be better to explain how the 
money was used. I think this suggestion is proper. 
 
-- How about the possibility of joining hands with the New Komeito? 
 
It is inconceivable for us to form a coalition with the current 
partner of the Liberal Democratic Party. 
 
15) DPJ starts preparing policy manifesto for next Lower House 
election 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Slightly abridged) 
May 27, 2009 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) formally decided in its 
executive meeting yesterday to set up a preparatory committee tasked 
with forming a policy manifesto for the next House of 
Representatives election. The manifesto is likely to include 
measures to build "a fraternal society," as advocated by President 
Hatoyama, and to promote "nuclear disarmament," as called for by 
Secretary General Okada. But on the issue of reducing the fixed 
number of House of Councillors members, difficult negotiations are 
expected. 
 
TOKYO 00001190  011 OF 011 
 
 
 
Hatoyama said in a press conference yesterday: "We would like to 
work with the people directly and form policies that will make 
family finances more affluent, instead of leaving matters in the 
hands of bureaucrats. We would like to include such policies (in the 
manifesto), underscoring how we differ from the Liberal Democratic 
Party." 
 
The preparatory committee, chaired by Policy Research Council 
Chairman Naoshima, expects to complete the task in June. In the 
Upper House election in 2007, the DPJ set forth such pledges as 
pension reform and child-bearing allowances and won a landslide 
victory. The party intends to include these measures in the new 
manifesto. In the presidential race, both Hatoyama and Secretary 
General Okada came up with a plan to establish a nuclear-free zone 
in Northeast Asia to make Japan, South Korea, and North Korea into a 
nuke-free zone. Based on this concept, the party hopes to emphasize 
nuclear disarmament in line with the U.S. Obama administration's 
stance. 
 
Regarding the fixed numbers of seats for both Houses in the Diet, 
the idea of reducing the number of Upper House seats has also been 
floated, in addition to a plan to slash the number of Lower House 
proportional representation seats by 80, as proposed in the 2007 
Upper House election. In the press conference yesterday, Hatoyama 
stressed: "It should not be enough to reduce only the number of 
Lower House seats." Okada met Azuma Koshiishi, chairman of the DPJ 
Caucus in the Upper House yesterday, and they agreed to establish a 
consultative body and study the possibility, but Upper House members 
have raised opposition to this idea. 
 
ZUMWALT