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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 001341 
 
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 06/15/09-1 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Poll: Cabinet support down to 24 PERCENT  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(2) Hatoyama resigns as internal and communications minister; Prime 
minister fails to bring him around; Hatoyama leaves door open for 
departure from LDP (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(3) Kunio Hatoyama denies the possibility of leaving LDP to form new 
party (Mainichi) 
 
(4) North Korea declares intent to begin uranium enrichment, says 
"nuclear abandonment impossible," steps up "brinkmanship diplomacy" 
(Mainichi) 
 
(5) Japan to cooperate with U.S., ROK in implementing sanctions 
against DPRK (Mainichi) 
 
(6) Prime Minister Aso seeks DPJ's cooperation for setting special 
measures law on cargo inspections on North Korean ships; DPJ intends 
to respond to consultations (Nikkei) 
 
(7) Japan, U.S. finance chiefs share view, "Economies are emerging 
from worst period," agree to toughen sanctions on North Korea 
(Nikkei) 
 
(8) Interview with DPJ Secretary General Okada: "All secret 
agreements will be published" (Ryukyu Shimpo) 
 
(9) Japan to conduct space experiment with India in October 
(Sankei) 
 
(10) Japan proposes plan to assist Africa, including rice species 
development (Nikkei) 
 
(11) Japan to offer aid to materialize Mekong-India economic 
corridor initiative (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Poll: Cabinet support down to 24 PERCENT 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Abridged) 
June 13, 2009 
 
The public approval rating for Prime Minister Taro Aso and his 
cabinet decreased 2.2 points from last month to 24.1 PERCENT , 
according to an opinion poll conducted by Jiji Press on June 5-8. 
The Aso cabinet's support rate continued to rebound from March but 
has now stopped. The disapproval rating increased 4.6 points to 56.6 
PERCENT . Meanwhile, as "a politician appropriate for premiership," 
Yukio Hatoyama, president of the leading opposition Democratic Party 
of Japan (Minshuto), scored 34.6 PERCENT , with Aso at 23.9 PERCENT 
. 
 
The survey was conducted across the nation on a face-to-face basis 
with a total of 2,000 persons chosen from among men and women aged 
20 and over. The response rate was 66.8 PERCENT . 
 
In the popularity ranking of political parties for proportional 
representation in the next election for the House of 
Representatives, the DPJ tallied 33.9 PERCENT , up 5.0 points. The 
 
TOKYO 00001341  002 OF 009 
 
 
ruling Liberal Democratic Party was at 24.8 PERCENT , down 0.4 
points from last month. 
 
In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the LDP 
stood at 18.4 PERCENT , down 1.5 points from last month, and the DPJ 
at 15.5 PERCENT , up 1.3 points. The New Komeito, the LDP's 
coalition partner, was at 3.4 PERCENT . The Japanese Communist Party 
was at 1.3 PERCENT , the Social Democratic Party at 0.9 PERCENT , 
and the People's New Party at 0.1 PERCENT . "None" accounted for 
58.1 PERCENT . 
 
(2) Hatoyama resigns as internal and communications minister; Prime 
minister fails to bring him around; Hatoyama leaves door open for 
departure from LDP 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Top play) (Abridged) 
June 13, 2009 
 
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kunio Hatoyama, 60, 
tended his resignation to Prime Minister Taro Aso at the Prime 
Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) on the afternoon of June 12 
following his failed attempt to change the Prime Minister's intent 
of reappointing Yoshifumi Nishikawa as president of Japan Post 
Holdings Co. Hatoyama's resignation was accepted by the Prime 
Minister. It was a de facto dismissal of Hatoyama by the Prime 
Minister who intends to retain Nishikawa in the post. Hatoyama, a 
close ally of Aso, served as the Aso camp's campaign manager in 
three Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) presidential elections in the 
past. The Prime Minister, who failed to bring Hatoyama around, is 
certain to lose his momentum. A move to unseat Aso might be 
rekindled ahead of the next House of Representatives election. 
 
After tending his resignation, Hatoyama was asked by reporters about 
the possibility of leaving the LDP. In response, Hatoyama simply 
said, "I will consult with my colleagues." 
 
Meanwhile, the Prime Minister picked National Public Safety 
Commission Chairman Tsutomu Sato to double as internal affairs and 
communications minister. 
 
Hatoyama is the third minister to leave the Aso cabinet following 
former Construction and Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama and 
former Finance Minister Shoichi Nakagawa. 
 
Prime Minister Aso met with Hatoyama twice at the Kantei on June 12. 
In the sessions, Aso tried to persuade Hatoyama to allow Nishikawa 
to keep his post on the condition of Nishiyama's apology, but 
Hatoyama rejected the idea. 
 
Later in the day, Aso made this comment about Hatoyama's 
resignation: "It is regrettable that we have given the public an 
impression that there is discord between the government and Japan 
Post over the postal business, the people's asset." 
 
Hatoyama, who had pressed for Nishikawa's resignation on the 
strength of his authority to give permission, drew fire from within 
the government and ruling parties centering on those supporting the 
postal privatization project. Given the situation, the Prime 
Minister decided to let Hatoyama go in order to minimize the postal 
row's impact on the next Lower House election. 
 
Parliamentary secretary also resigns 
 
TOKYO 00001341  003 OF 009 
 
 
 
In the wake of Hatoyama's resignation, Parliamentary Secretary for 
Health, Labor and Welfare Toru Toida also submitted his resignation 
from the post to Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe 
on the afternoon of June 12. 
 
Toda explained his act to the press corps at the Kantei this way, 
"The internal affairs and communications minister alone resigned 
from the post, but it takes two to make a quarrel. I just want to 
follow suit." 
 
Parliamentary Secretary for Environment Yoshihisa Furukawa, who had 
served as Hatoyama's secretary, also conveyed his intention to 
resign to chairman Taku Yamasaki of the Yamasaki faction, to which 
Furukawa belongs. But he retracted his resignation as he was 
dissuaded from resigning from the post by his colleagues. 
 
Furukawa later said to reporters: "Mr. Hatoyama was effectively 
fired. What he said was correct." 
 
(3) Kunio Hatoyama denies the possibility of leaving LDP to form new 
party 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) 
Evening, June 13, 2009 
 
Kunio Hatoyama, a House of Representatives member elected in the No. 
6 district in Fukuoka Prefecture, who was replaced for having caused 
turmoil over the reappointment of the president of Japan Post 
Holdings Co., denied the possibility of his seceding from the ruling 
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP). He said: "I have no such idea now. I 
am not considering (forming a new party). What I did has nothing to 
do with the political situation," when he was asked by the press 
corps at Fukuoka Airport in Fukuoka City. 
 
With regard to his recent response, Hatoyama said: "I have no regret 
because I was determined to do so. (It is important) to take 
responsibility." In addition, he remarked: 
 
"Some say that I was grandstanding, but I'm too awkward to do 
anything like that. I'm not as adaptable as my elder brother (Yukio 
Hatoyama, president of the main opposition Democratic Party of 
Japan)." 
 
He gave consideration to Prime Minister Taro Aso, saying: "He made a 
wrong decision this time. He is a good person, anyway. I hope he 
will not err in his judgment in the future." 
 
(4) North Korea declares intent to begin uranium enrichment, says 
"nuclear abandonment impossible," steps up "brinkmanship diplomacy" 
 
MAINICHI (Page 3) (Full) 
June 14, 2009 
 
Shozo Nishioka, Beijing 
 
Reacting strongly to the UN Security Council (UNSC) resolution 
imposing additional sanctions, North Korea has declared that it will 
weaponize its plutonium and begin enrichment of uranium. It is 
believed that the DPRK regards the UNSC resolution as a "further 
provocation by the U.S. and other countries" and is taking tougher 
"self-defense measures." This is taking its "brinkmanship diplomacy" 
 
TOKYO 00001341  004 OF 009 
 
 
of intimidating its neighbors with serious threats in order to draw 
concessions another step further. If the U.S. and other concerned 
nations maintain their tough stance, North Korea is expected to 
become even more adamant, conduct new nuclear and missile tests, and 
escalate the crisis continuously. 
 
North Korea has already circulated information relating to a third 
nuclear test. It is preparing to launch more ballistic missiles at 
its missile bases. It has asserted so far that, "When the highest 
interest of the state is violated, we have the right to conduct 
nuclear tests and launch missiles as much as we want." If the U.S. 
and other countries do not begin to engage in dialogue, there is an 
increasing possibility that more nuclear and missile tests will take 
place. 
 
The DPRK has shown strong resentment to the recent UNSC response, 
calling it the "organ that created the 'UN Command,' which was the 
enemy in the Korean War." It has also displayed antagonism openly, 
claiming that, "The UNSC's hostile act amounts to the abrogation of 
the armistice agreement." (statement by the Foreign Ministry 
spokesman on May 29). Based on this logic, it is thought that North 
Korea may also take provocative action against South Korea, in 
addition to mass producing nuclear weapons. 
 
In its latest statement, North Korea has declared that "nuclear 
abandonment is absolutely and totally impossible," announcing, in 
effect, that it will not return to the Six-Party Talks and such 
other "processes for nuclear abandonment." On top of weaponizing its 
plutonium, it has made an official announcement on the development 
of nuclear arms using uranium, which is rarely found in other 
countries but is found in its natural form in great abundance in the 
DPRK. 
 
(5) Japan to cooperate with U.S., ROK in implementing sanctions 
against DPRK 
 
MAINICHI (Page 3) (Slightly abridged) 
June 14, 2009 
 
Naoyuki Inukai 
 
In light of North Korea's strong reaction to the UN sanction 
resolution and announcement of uranium enrichment, the Japanese 
government believes that the DRPK may further escalate tension, such 
as by conducting more nuclear tests. The Japanese government will 
steadily implement the provisions of the UN resolution, but it is 
concerned that China may weaken the sanctions. Therefore, it will 
cooperate with the U.S. and the ROK to strengthen its influence on 
China. 
 
A senior Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) official pointed out on 
June 13 that, "North Korea is expanding its brinkmanship diplomacy 
in desperation." Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General 
Hiroyuki Hosoda told reporters: "(North Korea) must not be 
tolerated. International cooperation in dealing with it is the only 
option." 
 
However, the DPRK has consistently ignored UN resolutions since its 
first nuclear test in 2006. If it conducts a third nuclear test and 
takes other provocative actions, the adoption of another UN 
resolution is expected. There seems to be no end to the futile 
cat-and-mouse chase. 
 
TOKYO 00001341  005 OF 009 
 
 
 
(6) Prime Minister Aso seeks DPJ's cooperation for setting special 
measures law on cargo inspections on North Korean ships; DPJ intends 
to respond to consultations 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
June 14, 2009 
 
Referring to the UN Security Council's adoption of a sanction 
resolution against North Korea in a speech made outdoors on June 14, 
Prime Minister Taro Aso emphasized that, "We must respond to threats 
from the neighboring country." He also said: "Since (the Democratic 
Party of Japan (DPJ)) has advocated the need for a UN-oriented 
foreign policy, I expect the DPJ will follow that policy line," 
calling for the DPJ's cooperation for enacting a special measures 
law that would enable Japan to carry out cargo inspections on ships 
going in and out of North Korean in international waters. 
 
At a press conference in Nagoya City, Hiroyuki Hosoda, secretary 
general of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), expressed 
strong eagerness for establishing a special measures law. 
 
In Chiba City on June 13, DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama told 
reporters that his party would respond to deliberations (on the 
matter) between the ruling and opposition camps. He said: 
 
"As the United Nations has unanimously adopted the sanction 
resolution against North Korea, the resolution should be respected. 
The DPJ should cooperate with legal reform if it is necessary." 
 
 
(7) Japan, U.S. finance chiefs share view, "Economies are emerging 
from worst period," agree to toughen sanctions on North Korea 
 
NIKKEI (Top Play) (Full) 
June 13, 2009 
 
(Yosuke Onchi, Lecce) 
 
Japanese Finance Minister Kaoru Yosano and U.S. Treasury Secretary 
Timothy Geithner in their meeting on the evening of June 12, local 
time, shared the view that the Japanese and U.S. economies are 
gradually emerging from their worst period as economic contraction 
has been slowing down. They also agreed on the need to implement 
sanctions against North Korea's second nuclear test without fail in 
line with the resolution adopted by the UN Security Council (UNSC) 
recently. 
 
Yosano and Geithner met prior to a meeting of finance ministers from 
the Group of Eight (G-8) countries that opened on the evening of the 
12th. 
 
At the outset of the bilateral meeting, Yosano explained the 
measures Japan took to buoy up its economy, including the fiscal 
2009 supplementary budget worth 15 trillion yen adopted in late May. 
Geithner, citing the so-called "stress tests" the U.S. government 
recently conducted to assess the viability of major financial 
institutions, said: "The U.S. economy has improved considerably." 
 
Yosano replied, "Your explanation encourages us." The two finance 
ministers shared the view that some signs of global economic 
stabilization have been observed recently. 
 
TOKYO 00001341  006 OF 009 
 
 
 
 According to sources accompanying him, Yosano also referred to the 
UNSC resolution against North Korea and emphasized: "The nuclear 
test is a threat to peace and stability in the international 
community. It is totally unacceptable." He indicated that the 
international community should work together to deal with the North 
Korean issue." Geithner replied: "I completely agree. We must 
toughen sanctions." 
 
Yosano and Geithner also exchanged views on the importance of the 
Chinese economy in the global economy. Geithner talked about his 
recent visit to China. They further conferred on the issue of 
China's currency yuan and apparently agreed to urge China to 
moderately raise its exchange rate to the dollar. But the two did 
not refer to recent rises in long-term interest rates and crude oil 
prices. 
 
(8) Interview with DPJ Secretary General Okada: "All secret 
agreements will be published" 
 
RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 2) (Full) 
June 13, 2009 
 
-- What is the significance of the next election and the importance 
of the four districts in Okinawa? 
 
Okada: The significance of the election lies in the change of 
government itself. Cooperation among the three opposition parties is 
going well, and we would like to win all four seats. While there are 
some problems left in the third district, we are working at 
resolving the issues. We will not allow the Liberal Democratic Party 
(LDP) to fish in troubled waters. 
 
-- What are you going to do about the relocation of the Futenma Air 
Station to the area off Henoko in Nago City? What do you think of 
the U.S. Forces Japan realignment? 
 
Okada: Is it appropriate for two large bases, Futenma and Kadena to 
exist in Okinawa and East Asia? The move to Henoko will make the 
base a permanent one and the two bases may exist indefinitely. We 
should start with a clean slate and discuss the issue based on its 
premises. We will be able to talk with the Obama administration. It 
is necessary to think about the optimum level of presence of the 
U.S. Forces in Guam, Japan, the ROK, and so forth. 
 
-- How about the drastic revision of the Status of Forces Agreement 
(SOFA)? 
 
Okada: The proposal of the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is ideal 
but something that has existed for a long time cannot be changed at 
once. We will assign the order of priority through discussions. What 
types of crimes have been committed repeatedly and developed into an 
issue? It is necessary to make the U.S. side understand the reality. 
 
 
-- The law on special measures for Okinawa development will expire 
in March 2012. What do you think of Okinawa's development? 
 
Okada: While the law has been effective to a certain extent, (the 
government's) intervention is necessary. Unfortunately, Okinawa is 
far from becoming self-reliant. The national government is providing 
a high rate of subsidies, but this may actually be preventing 
 
TOKYO 00001341  007 OF 009 
 
 
self-reliance. Since the financial share of Okinawa is low, even low 
priority projects are implemented. Has Okinawa's thinking been 
reflected in policies? The Okinawan people should think about what 
is needed (including legislative measures). 
 
-- Okinawa has a high unemployment rate. What is your thinking on 
the economy, unemployment, and the rectification of social 
disparities? 
 
Okada: It is necessary to change the economic structure reliant on 
exports. The key to (the expansion of) domestic demand is the 
primary industries and the new service industries, such as medical 
and nursing care services, and Asia. Both are linked to Okinawa. 
Okinawa has various potentials in fishery and other primary 
industries. 
 
--- Do you think a secret agreement was signed at the time of 
Okinawa's reversion to Japanese administration? 
 
Okada: This has been proven by the U.S. side, so we should say there 
was a secret agreement. The problem is that transparency is lacking 
in information disclosure in Japan, and this is one of the harmful 
effects of prolonged politics by one ruling party, the LDP. With a 
change of government, all the agreements, except those that will 
cause problems, can be published in no time and without any cost. 
While opinions will be divided, this will enable profound debates 
and deepen the people's understanding of diplomacy. 
 
(Interviewer: Manabu Saito) 
 
(9) Japan to conduct space experiment with India in October 
 
SANKEI (Top play) (Abridged) 
June 12, 2009 
 
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA) plans to conduct a 
life science experiment with India this fall using a recoverable 
satellite. This is the first time for Japan and India to carry out a 
test together in outer space. India is aiming to become a space 
power. By establishing a partnership with India, Japan will ensure 
opportunities for scientific experiments over a long period of time 
even after the U.S. space shuttle and the International Space 
Station (ISS) end their operations. 
 
The bilateral joint experiment will use the SRE-2, a recoverable 
capsule experimental satellite developed by the Indian Space 
Research Organization (ISRO). The SRE-2 will be launched in October 
from a site located in India's southeastern coastal district with 
its payload including JAXA's small experimental unit. 
 
Primitive algae, called spirulina, will be put in the experimental 
unit and cultivated in orbit at an altitude of about 625 kilometers. 
About two weeks later, the capsule will be recovered at sea. JAXA 
will analyze at DNA levels how zero gravity will affect 
photosynthesis. Japan and India will conduct joint research on such 
possibilities as the feasibility of a "plant factory" to produce 
food in outer space. 
 
JAXA will shortly enter into a cooperation agreement with its Indian 
counterpart and transport the experimental unit in June. The 
research project will be conducted with the participation of Tokyo 
University, Chuo University, and Ibaraki University. About two years 
 
TOKYO 00001341  008 OF 009 
 
 
ago, there was a proposal from India for a joint experiment. Since 
then, Japanese and Indian researchers have continued their studies. 
 
Japan last year started a space experiment in its ISS experiment 
module named "Kibo." However, the United States has only announced 
its ISS operational plan for the years up to 2015 and has shown 
nothing specific for the years ahead. Japan will lose its space 
laboratory after the ISS project is discontinued. 
 
Unlike the ISS, a recoverable satellite's duration is short. It can 
do only small-scale experiments. However, it has advantages as well. 
For instance, its costs are low, and it is easy to use. Japan 
launched a recoverable satellite in 2002 but has no plans to launch 
any more recoverable satellites. JAXA wants to deepen its 
partnership with India to ensure opportunities for ongoing 
experiments. 
 
(10) Japan proposes plan to assist Africa, including rice species 
development 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) 
June 14, 2009 
 
(Yosuke Onchi, Lecce) 
 
During a meeting of finance ministers from the Group of Eight (G-8) 
nations on June 13, the Japanese government proposed a plan to 
assist Africa through international research institutes. The plan 
includes measures to develop new species of rice and eucalyptus 
suitable to arid land, with the aim of increasing food output and 
securing sources for absorption of carbon dioxide. 
 
In Africa, in which the penetration rate of the irrigation system 
stays at only 4 PERCENT , high expectations are being placed on the 
development of a species of rice tolerant of dryness and disease. 
The government will provide assistance to research institutes 
through the World Bank. 
 
(11) Japan to offer aid to materialize Mekong-India economic 
corridor initiative 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Full) 
June 14, 2009 
 
The Japanese government has decided to offer assistance in 
materializing the Mekong-India economic corridor initiative to 
connect the Mekong region with the Indian Ocean community. Under 
this concept, the building of a highway system that will link 
Vietnam, Cambodia, and Thailand is a key component. To that end, 
Japan will set up a joint study group with Thailand in July. It aims 
to help turn the initiative into a concrete arrangement by helping 
devise financial and legal frameworks involving private funds and 
also by providing official development assistance (ODA) funds. 
 
The planned highway will stretch from Ho Chi Minh City in southern 
Vietnam to Ranong, Pangya and Pak Bara along Thailand's southeastern 
Indian Ocean coast through Phnom Penh, capital of Cambodia, and 
Bangkok, capital of Thailand. This policy decision is part of 
Japan's plan, announced by Prime Minister Taro Aso in April, to 
double Asian economic output through financial aid amounting to 67 
billion dollars, or approximately 6.6 trillion yen. 
 
 
TOKYO 00001341  009 OF 009 
 
 
ZUMWALT