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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 13 TOKYO 001601 
 
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WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; 
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E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
 
SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 07/15/09 
 
Index: 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule  (Nikkei) 
 
Political meltdown: 
4) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) files a no-confidence motion in 
the Lower House and a censure motion in the Upper House against 
Prime Minister Aso  (Asahi) 
5) Koga quits as LDP's election strategist, but Prime Minister Aso 
says he will not accept the resignation  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
6) The Diet for all practical purposes is now closed  (Yomiuri) 
7) DPJ happy at being able to crush the LDP, but worried that Aso 
might quit and a more popular leader will take his place prior to 
the national election  (Sankei) 
 
Opinion polls: 
8) Aso Cabinet non-support rate in Yomiuri poll now at an 
astronomical 72.1 PERCENT , with most respondents wanting the 
national election to be as soon as possible  (Yomiuri) 
9) LDP's base support is shrinking according to latest Yomiuri poll 
(Yomiuri) 
10) Poll shows small businesses now feel the economy is getting 
worse  (Nikkei) 
 
Defense and security issues: 
11) Cargo inspection bill to be scrapped with the closing of the 
Diet  (Sankei) 
12) DPJ President Hatoyama says his party might be willing to 
acknowledge nuclear-loaded warship making port calls and transiting 
Japan  (Nikkei) 
13) Foreign Minister Nakasone says he is unwilling to look into the 
allegation of a secret nuclear pact with the U.S.  (Yomiuri) 
14) Japan Business Federation proposes easing of Japan's three 
no-weapons export principles  (Mainichi) 
15) Government complete final procedures for ratifying international 
cluster-munitions ban treaty  (Mainichi) 
16) To end Congressional impasse over F-22s, Senators McCain and 
Levin submit bill to end their procurement, sealing off Japan's bid 
to obtain such aircraft  (Sankei) 
 
17) One of the casualties of the DPJ boycott of the Upper House is 
the child-pornography law that is now likely to be scrapped 
(Yomiuri) 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
DPJ submits no-confidence motion to prevent Aso's resignation 
 
Mainichi: 
Voices to seek Aso's resignation remain in LDP 
 
Yomiuri, Tokyo Shimbun and Akahata: 
Upper House approves censure motion against Aso 
 
Nikkei: 
Listed firms' unfunded pension liabilities doubles to 13 trillion 
yen 
 
 
TOKYO 00001601  002 OF 013 
 
 
Sankei: 
Introduction of hybrids with expensive automobiles 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Diet at standstill: Aso's dissolution announcement creates 
unnecessary political vacuum 
(2) Kirin-Suntory merger: Time for realignment with eye on Asian 
market 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Review of Tokyo assembly election: Political parties should 
concentrate on drafting campaign pledges 
(2) Reelection of Yudhoyono: Continue effort to reconstruct the 
country 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Censure motion against Aso passed: Is DPJ going to scrap cargo 
inspection bill? 
(2) Revised Organ Transplant Law: In order to increase rely of 
lives 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Kirin, Suntory aim at leap abroad 
(2) Anxiety about unity in LDP 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Ruling, opposition parties urged to agree at party-heads meeting 
to pass cargo inspection bill 
(2) Organ transplant: take adequate measures for mental care 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Turmoil in LDP: Is it a sign that LDP will enter the election 
split into two groups? 
(2) Realignment of beer industry: Falling population prompts merger 
 
 
Akahata: 
(1) 87th anniversary of JCP's funding: Eying future, living the 
present 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, July 14 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 15, 20 
 
07:36 Took a walk around the official residence. 
10:01 Cabinet meeting at the Kantei. METI Minister Nikai stayed 
behind. Then met with Transport Minister Kaneko, followed by 
Agriculture Minister Ishiba. 
10:50 Met with incoming vice minister Suzuki and outgoing vice 
minister Takino of the Internal Affairs Ministry. Then met with 
incoming vice minister Kobayashi and outgoing vice minister Nishio 
of the Environment Ministry, followed by incoming vice minister 
Tango and outgoing vice minister Sugimoto of the Finance Ministry. 
11:24 Met with incoming vice minister Ono and outgoing vice minister 
Ozu of the Justice Ministry, followed by incoming vice minister 
Sakata and outgoing vice minister Zeniya of MEXT Ministry and 
incoming director general Mikuniya and outgoing director general 
 
TOKYO 00001601  003 OF 013 
 
 
Sato of the Financial Services Agency. 
12:50 Meeting of the lawmakers' council. 
13:05 Lower House plenary session. 
14:55 Arrived at the Kantei. 
15:31 Upper House plenary session. 
16:32 Met with Chairman Ishida of the Liaison Council of the LDP 
Secretaries General at the Kantei. 
17:07 Met with Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura. 
17:32 Lower House plenary session. Then met with Lower House Speaker 
Kono. 
18:20 Met with Secretary General Hosoda. Kawamura was present. 
Kawamura stayed behind. 
19:01 Public Relations Headquarters chief Furuya. 
20:10 Arrived at the official residence. 
 
4) Aim of preventing Aso from stepping down lies in DPJ's submission 
of non-confidence resolution, censure motion 
 
ASAHI (Top Play) (Slightly abridged) 
July 15, 2009 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and other opposition parties 
endorsed a nonbinding censure motion against Prime Minister Taro Aso 
at a plenary session of the House of Councillors yesterday. This is 
the second passage of a censure motion against a prime minister, 
following one against (then) prime minister Yasuo Fukuda in June 
¶2008. Meanwhile, the House of Representatives voted down a 
no-confidence motion against the Aso cabinet. In these votes, there 
were no rebels among the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) members. But 
anti-Aso moves are still going on in the LDP, and the DPJ is putting 
more pressure on the LDP. 
 
DPJ plots strategy to have LDP members put confidence in Aso 
 
Taking advantage of the gathered momentum following its overwhelming 
victory in the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election on July 12, the 
DPJ wants to fight against unpopular Prime Minister Aso in the next 
general election. By presenting a censure motion and a 
non-confidence motion, the main opposition party paved the way to 
draw out a decision by Aso to dissolve the Lower House. 
 
In a meeting of DPJ lawmakers yesterday, President Yukio Hatoyama 
indicated that the submission of the censure motion and the 
non-confidence motion prompted the prime minister to announce a 
timetable for dissolving the Lower House. Hatoyama said: 
 
"As a result of our submission of the censure motion and the 
non-confidence motion, Prime Minister Aso decided to dissolve the 
Diet on his own discretion. On Aug. 30 (the voting day), we will see 
a change in Japanese history." 
 
Due to its crushing defeat in the Tokyo election, the LDP is 
supposed to have no choice but to decide on the timeframe for Diet 
dissolution in order to contain the "Aso-dumping" moves. The DPJ 
calculated that the submission of a censure motion and a 
non-confidence motion must work effectively to urge the prime 
minister to make a decision. This prediction came true. Aso decided 
on July 13 to dissolve the Diet in the week starting July 21 and 
hold an election on Aug. 30 after a tug-of-war with senior ruling 
party members. 
 
However, uncertainty is still looming over a resignation of the 
 
TOKYO 00001601  004 OF 013 
 
 
prime minister, as DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada said: "If the 
prime minister intends to dissolve the Diet seriously, there is no 
need to wait another week." Under this situation, the DPJ's another 
aim was laid in its submission of the non-confidence motion. 
 
LDP members who distance themselves from Aso, including former 
secretaries general Hidenao Nakagawa and Tsutomu Takebe, voted down 
the motion in a Lower House plenary session yesterday, causing boos 
from DPJ and other opposition party members. 
 
In the Lower House, the ruling parties hold a two-thirds majority, 
so it is difficult to pass a non-confidence motion. In addition, for 
ruling party members, approving a motion is tantamount to a breach 
of trust that will lead to the removal of their names from the roll. 
Given this, LDP members had to place confidence in Prime Minister 
Aso, and eventually they now find it difficult to move to urge Aso 
to step down. This was indisputably what the DPJ was aiming at. 
 
Opposition parties have boycotted Diet deliberations following the 
submission of the resolution. Accordingly, the ruling coalition's 
attack on Hatoyama over the issue of false donation statements will 
be blocked. 
 
Looking at disorder in the LDP, the DPJ has started preparations to 
grab the reins of government. Even so, there are still 50 days until 
the election. A tense atmosphere is sweeping across the DPJ, as a 
mid-ranking official remarked: "Nobody know what could happen from 
now." The ruling bloc intends to continue pursuing the Hatoyama 
donation scandal. Now that a change of government is taking on a 
touch of becoming a real possibility, the DPJ needs to hurriedly 
make preparations for a transfer of power. 
 
In a press conference yesterday, Hatoyama said: 
 
"A change of government was just a dream until now. But if we win 
the next general election, a change of government will take place. 
We are determined to fight the election with a stronger sense of 
responsibility than before." 
 
5) LDP Election Strategy Council Chairman Koga's resignation 
announcement expanding turmoil in the party; LDP executives come 
under attack at General Council meeting; Aso says, "I have no 
intention to accept resignation" 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) 
July 15, 2009 
 
Mikio Kanesugi, political department 
 
The turmoil in the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has 
expanded due to party executives coming under attack at a General 
Council meeting yesterday, as well as Election Strategy Council 
Chairman Makoto Koga's expression of his intention to resign. Koga 
expressed his intention to step down from his post to take 
responsibility for the LDP's crushing defeat in the Tokyo 
Metropolitan Assembly election on July 12, and for the turmoil he 
caused by calling on Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru to run on 
the LDP ticket in the next House of Representatives election. 
However, Koga's announcement of "his desertion in the face of the 
enemy" soon before Lower House dissolution has deepened further 
anxiety in the party about going into the general election under 
unpopular Prime Minister Taro Aso's leadership. 
 
TOKYO 00001601  005 OF 013 
 
 
 
"I caused the party trouble with the Higashikokubaru issue, so I 
will resign," said Koga and left the General Council meeting 
yesterday. A participant said Koga appeared to have spoken with 
emotion that he would quit his post, since the party executives were 
coming under criticism. 
 
Koga had maneuvered to field Higashikokubaru in the general election 
to help the LDP achieve a victory in the poll. However, many LDP 
members criticized Koga for trying to ride on the popular 
Higashikokubaru's coattails, and public opinion reacted coolly. 
"Since there was a rumor that Higashikokubaru will run in the 
election from the Tokyo (proportional representation bloc), I was 
asked by my supporters whether the LDP would be all right with 
that," said LDP Tokyo chapter head Nobuteru Ishihara. Some say that 
the Higashikokubaru issue became one of the reasons for the LDP's 
Tokyo election setback. Koga has been greatly unhappy at being 
treated like a war criminal. 
 
Aso clearly told reporters last evening: "I have no intention to 
accept his resignation." He instructed to LDP Secretary General 
Hiroyuki Hosoda to persuade Koga to retract his earlier remark, but 
Koga has no intention to withdraw for now. 
 
While the LDP is expected to suffer a setback in the upcoming 
general election, the party's Election Strategy Council chairman 
made an unusual resignation announcement. The LDP has yet to find 
any means to regain its party strength. Hosoda's call for "party 
unity for the election" has not reached the rank and file party 
members. 
 
6) Censure motion against Prime Minister endorsed, no-confidence 
motion voted down; Diet effectively in out-of-session mode 
 
YOMIURI (Top play) (Excerpts) 
July 15, 2009 
 
A no-confidence motion against the cabinet submitted by four 
opposition parties - the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), the 
Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party, and the 
People's New Party - was voted down by a majority of votes by the 
Liberal Democratic Party and the New Komeito during yesterday's 
House of Representatives plenary session. Meanwhile, the 
opposition-controlled House of Councillors adopted a censure motion 
against Prime Minister Taro Aso submitted by the four opposition 
parties plus the New Party Nippon. Consequently, the opposition bloc 
has decided to boycott all Diet deliberations, throwing the Diet 
effectively into an out-of-session mode ahead of its adjournment on 
July 28. Given the Prime Minister's plan to dissolve the Lower House 
on July 21, both the ruling and opposition blocs have now 
effectively kicked off their campaigning for the election on Aug. 
¶30. 
 
Prime Minister Aso told the press corps last night at his official 
residence: "I feel grateful that almost all LDP lawmakers (opposed) 
the no-confidence motion. I take the motion seriously." 
 
The motion was voted down with a vote of 333 to 139. Although Kotaro 
Nagasaki, who has submitted his letter of secession from the LDP, 
was absent, no LDP lawmakers voted for the motion. Among former LDP 
lawmakers, ex-METI Minister Takeo Hiranura voted against the motion, 
while former Administrative Reform Minister Yoshimi Watanabe, former 
 
TOKYO 00001601  006 OF 013 
 
 
Construction Minister Kishiro Nakamura and others voted for it. 
 
The censure motion (submitted to the Upper House) was adopted with a 
vote of 132-106. It became the second case to win approval following 
one submitted in June 2008 against then Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. 
Although the motion is unbinding, the opposition bloc has decided to 
boycott future Diet deliberations on the strength of the endorsed 
motion. As a result, 17 government-sponsored bills, including a 
North Korea ship inspections bill, and 91 lawmaker-initiated bills 
are now certain to be scrapped. 
 
At an LDP Lower House members' meeting held ahead of the Lower House 
plenary session, Prime Minister Aso announced a plan to set the 
stage for reexamining the ruling coalition's humiliating defeat in 
the latest Tokyo election, saying, "By taking the result humbly, we 
will reexamine it and respond to it based on our reflections on the 
result." Meanwhile, former Secretary General Hidenao Nakagawa sought 
the replacement of the prime minister, saying, "The party needs a 
change of heart and people. Discussion must be conducted at a 
general meeting of LDP Diet members from both chambers." 
 
LDP not to field Higashikokubaru 
 
The possibility has become stronger that the LDP will give up on the 
idea of fielding Miyazaki Gov. Hideo Higashikokubaru for the 
upcoming Lower House election, according to an LDP source yesterday. 
Behind the prospect lies the fact that the party's request for the 
popular governor's candidacy for the next Lower House election has 
drawn fire from the public, in addition to its serious setback in 
the July 12 Tokyo poll that was followed by Election Strategy 
Council Chairman Makoto Koga's announcement yesterday to step down 
from the post. 
 
Koga made the following comment to the press corps at LDP 
headquarters yesterday: "The manifesto (a set of campaign pledges) 
is our soul. If an agreement is not reached, I wonder what kind of 
decision Mr. Higashikokubaru will make." Witnessing the LDP's strong 
reaction, Higashikokubaru cautiously said, "The situation seems very 
severe." 
 
7) DPJ in optimistic mood but still wary: Ozawa spearheading party 
with eye on upcoming election 
 
SANKEI (Page 5) (Excerpts) 
July 15, 2009 
 
The endorsement of a censure motion against Prime Minister Taro Aso 
has boosted morale among members of the Democratic Party of Japan 
(DPJ) on July 14, with an eye on confronting the prime minister in 
the campaign for the upcoming Lower House. President Hatoyama said, 
"The time has come at last." Some are concerned that the party's 
election stance might cause members to let their guards down due to 
their great successes in major local elections, including the Tokyo 
Metropolitan Assembly election. 
 
Deputy President Ichiro Ozawa has been keeping a low profile due to 
the Nishimatsu Construction scandal. However, he has begun appearing 
out front, determined to bring about a change in government, his 
lon-cherished desire. 
 
After the Lower House plenary session voted down the no-confidence 
motion against the prime minister, DPJ Supreme Advisor Kozo Watanabe 
 
TOKYO 00001601  007 OF 013 
 
 
told reporters with a smile: "Those who voted against the 
no-confidence motion (among anti-Aso forces in the Liberal 
Democratic Party = LDP) are now unable to try to oust Aso. We 
appreciate that we will go into the election while the prime 
minister is Mr. Aso in terms of our party interests." 
 
The disarray in the LDP caused by Election Committee Chairman Makoto 
Koga's announcement of his decision to step down is also working as 
a boost to the DPJ. President Hatoyama said, "What the LDP is doing 
is undeniably not like that of the ruling party." 
 
The DPJ has assumed an election mode, totally boycotting Diet 
deliberations. Secretary General Katsuya Okada at a meeting of the 
lawmakers council and a plenary meeting of Upper House members 
encouraged participants to focus on the decisive battle, noting: 
"The Diet session will end today in effect. I would like you to 
return to your home constituencies and fully engage in (campaign) 
activities." 
 
Some party members have a sense of alarm with one senior Election 
Committee member saying, "If an optimistic mood permeates, the 
ruling parties will recover from a setback." Since there are nearly 
50 days until the election, some are concerned that our activities 
could fall into a slump." 
 
Deputy President Naoto Kan also warned at an executive meeting, "We 
must brace up, as a rebound from our landslide victory in the Tokyo 
election could come." 
 
8) Poll: 56 PERCENT  wanted earlier election, 70 PERCENT  don't 
support Aso cabinet 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Abridged) 
July 15, 2009 
 
Prime Minister Aso is now determined to carry out an election for 
the House of Representatives on a schedule to announce it on Aug. 18 
and set voting and vote-counting for Aug. 30. The Yomiuri Shimbun 
conducted a telephone-based spot nationwide public opinion survey 
from the afternoon of July 13 through yesterday. Asked about this 
election scheduling, a total of 56 PERCENT  answered that they 
wanted the election set earlier than that date, with 30 PERCENT 
saying it was appropriate and 10 PERCENT  saying they wanted it set 
later than that date. Asked about the ruling Liberal Democratic 
Party's preparedness for the election under Aso, 46 PERCENT  said it 
was good, with 40 PERCENT  saying they wanted him to be replaced 
with someone else. The Aso cabinet's support rate was 18.6 PERCENT , 
down from the 19.7 PERCENT  rating in the last spot survey taken 
July 2-3 after Aso's ad hoc appointments of cabinet ministers. The 
nonsupport rate rose to 72.1 PERCENT  from 66.4 PERCENT , topping 70 
PERCENT  since it last did in the March 6-8 survey (74.8 PERCENT ). 
 
In the breakdown of public support for political parties, the 
leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) scored 30.1 
PERCENT  (28.6 PERCENT  in the last spot survey), with the LDP at 
24.8 PERCENT  (25.5 PERCENT  in the last spot survey). 
 
9) Poll: LDP supporters wavering 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Abridged) 
July 15, 2009 
 
 
TOKYO 00001601  008 OF 013 
 
 
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party's crushing defeat in the recent 
election for the Tokyo metropolitan assembly had great repercussions 
on its supporters, the Yomiuri Shimbun found from its spot 
nationwide public opinion survey. The LDP's turf is becoming shaky 
with Prime Minister Aso as its leader. 
 
Aso has now made up his mind to announce an election for the House 
of Representatives on Aug. 18 and set voting and vote-counting for 
Aug. 30. Among LDP supporters, 45 PERCENT  said it was appropriate, 
with 33 PERCENT  saying they wanted the election set earlier than 
that date. Among those who support the leading Democratic Party of 
Japan (Minshuto), more than 72 PERCENT  said the election should 
have been set for an earlier date, with 23 PERCENT  saying it was 
appropriate. The figures apparently show the difference between the 
mindsets of DPJ supporters and LDP supporters. DPJ supporters want 
to keep up the momentum of the DPJ's overwhelming victory in the 
Tokyo metropolitan assembly election with the House of 
Representatives election scheduled early on, while LDP supporters 
want to set up a cooling-off period. 
 
Asked about the outcome of the Tokyo metropolitan assembly election, 
46 PERCENT  of LDP supporters said it was not good, but 37 PERCENT 
said it was good. The Aso cabinet's support rate remains low, and 
the LDP is still in trouble. The figures shown in the survey seem to 
reflect dissatisfaction with Aso and the LDP. 
 
Such dissatisfaction can also be seen in the ratings on the LDP's 
preparedness to conduct the forthcoming House of Representatives 
election with Aso as its leader. Among LDP supporters, 53 PERCENT 
said it was good, but 37 PERCENT  said they wanted Aso to be 
replaced with someone else. Aso has now set a schedule for the House 
of Representatives election. The figures, however, show that a 
number of LDP supporters still want the prime minister to be 
replaced. 
 
10) Nikkei poll: 41 percent of small- and medium-size businesses see 
the economy as having worsened, topping those who answered it has 
improved 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Abridged slightly) 
July 15, 2009 
 
According to a survey of small- and medium-size business operators 
conducted by the Nihon Keizai Shimbun on July 14, 41 percent of 
respondents said that the domestic economy has worsened or is 
showing signs of further deteriorating, topping those who said that 
the economy has improved, who marked 26 percent. While leading 
companies' financial health is improving, small- and medium-size 
businesses  remain in severe condition. 
 
However, 31 percent said that they would increase their research and 
development budgets for fiscal 2009. Despite adverse circumstances, 
the companies are strengthening their stance of pursuing technical 
development in such areas as the environment in order to assure 
future growth. 
 
The survey, the fifth of its kind, was carried out targeting the 
managers of 500 small- and medium-size businesses throughout the 
nation. The survey sent questionnaires on June 30 and received 
replies from 263 by July 10. 
 
The survey asked how respondents compare the present situation of 
 
TOKYO 00001601  009 OF 013 
 
 
the domestic economy with that of six months ago. Thirty-five 
percent said that the economy has declined further. The ratio of 
those who have a negative view of the present economic situation 
reached 41 percent, if the ratio of respondents who replied that the 
economy is showing signs of further deterioration - 7 percent - is 
combined. Only one company or 0.4 percent said that the economy has 
improved. The ratio of companies that replied that the economy is 
showing signs of improvement stood at 26 percent. 
 
According to a poll of 100 corporate managers, which this newspaper 
carried out in late June, targeting leading companies, 49 percent 
said that the economy has improved, topping those who replied that 
the economy has worsened - 33 percent. The results of the two polls 
indicate that while leading companies have started easing production 
cuts, small- and medium-size companies' business confidence remains 
sluggish. 
 
11) Cargo inspection bill to be scrapped 
 
SANKEI (Page 3) (Abridged) 
July 15, 2009 
 
A special measures bill allowing the country to inspect cargos of 
North Korea-related vessels cleared the House of Representatives 
yesterday afternoon after it was approved by the Lower House 
Antipiracy Special Committee and a Lower House plenary session by a 
majority of votes by the ruling parties. Meanwhile, the opposition 
camp has decided to boycott all Diet deliberations following the 
House of Councillors' adoption of a censure motion against Prime 
Minister Taro Aso. As a result, the cargo inspection bill is certain 
to be scrapped when the Lower House is dissolved. 
 
Japan took the initiative in having the UN Security Council adopt a 
sanctions resolution on North Korea in the wake of the reclusive 
country's second nuclear test. Japan's failure to enact the cargo 
inspection legislation will block the complete implementation of the 
UN resolution and it might end up destroying a plan to build an 
international net keeping an watchful eye on North Korea. Further, 
Japan's failure to join the cargo inspection program might prompt 
China and other countries that have close ties with North Korea to 
decide not to implement the UN resolution, seriously affecting the 
effectiveness of the UN resolution. 
 
The UN sanctions resolution requires all its members to inspect 
cargo ships with the aim of blocking nuclear- and missile-related 
materials from entering North Korea. Japan's special measures 
legislation is designed to empower the Japan Coast Guard (JCG) and 
customs officers to examine cargos in order to find banned items to 
North Korea. 
 
The JCG Law only allows inspections of vessels carrying cargos in 
violation of domestic legislation, such as drugs and weapons. 
Inspecting civilian goods that could be used for nuclear and missile 
development is not allowed under this law. In the event a cargo 
inspection must be conducted, the government will have to apply the 
Ship Inspection Operations Law after defining the situation as a 
neighboring contingency that might result in an armed attack on 
Japan if left unaddressed. 
 
The abolition of the cargo inspection bill will limit Japan's 
activities to information-gathering and tracking ships by the 
Self-Defense Forces, leaving cargo inspections to other countries. 
 
TOKYO 00001601  010 OF 013 
 
 
At a press conference yesterday, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada 
expressed his regret over the bill's fate, while indicating that 
Japan will continue perform its regular duties, such as gathering 
information. 
 
12) DPJ Hatoyama indicates approval of port calls, passage of 
nuclear-armed U.S. warships 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 15, 2009 
 
In a press conference last evening, Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) 
President Yukio Hatoyama indicated that his party would allow U.S. 
warships carrying nuclear weapons to make port calls in Japan and 
pass through Japanese territorial waters without consulting Japan. 
It is said that there was a secret pact to allow the U.S. to bring 
nuclear weapons into Japanese territories when the U.S.-Japan 
Security Treaty was revised in 1960. Hatoyama said: "Although Japan 
has maintained the three nonnuclear principles, I acknowledge that 
Japan has taken realistic response measures regarding certain 
issues." 
 
Should the contents of the secret pact be acknowledged, it would 
infringe on the three nonnuclear principles, including one to 
prohibit nuclear weapons from entering Japan. 
 
Asked by reporters last night about whether he intends to review the 
three principles if his party takes over the political reins, 
Hatoyama said: "I did not say so." But the compatibility of his 
remarks might give rise to controversy. Hatoyama said: 
 
"We cannot sidestep a reality we have to face up to. Once we assume 
political power, we will fully discuss the issue with the U.S. It 
would be most desirable for us to openly keep the three 
principles." 
 
Hatoyama emphasized in the press conference: "It is most imperative 
for the government to come up with a unified view." Upon saying this 
was his personal view, he remarked: "Also bearing North Korean 
issues in mind, the government has taken realistic measures. We also 
should consider in that direction." 
 
A senior Social Democratic Party member expressed his displeasure 
last night, saying: "The three principles are the policy of this 
country. President Hatoyama should not make such a statement." 
 
Aso denies existence of secret pact 
 
Asked by reporters at the Prime Minister's Official Residence 
yesterday, Prime Minister Taro Aso denied again the existence of a 
secret pact to allow the U.S. to bring nuclear weapons into Japan, 
saying: "There was not a secret agreement as I have said from 
before. I have no intention to examine this issue." 
 
13) FM Nakasone will not reinvestigate "secret agreement" 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
July 15, 2009 
 
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone criticized the demand by House of 
Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee Chairman Taro Kono for the 
government to revise its reply that "a secret agreement on bringing 
 
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in nuclear weapons does not exist between Japan and the U.S." at a 
news conference on July 14. He said: "I think it is inappropriate 
for one individual to demand the revision of the government's reply 
on an important issue like this without solid evidence." He 
announced that he does not plan to reinvestigate whether such a 
secret accord exists since "previous prime ministers and foreign 
ministers have said that the secret agreement does not exist. I have 
no plans to conduct an investigation." 
 
14) Nippon Keidanren recommends relaxing three arms export 
principles to open way for joint development 
 
MAINICHI (Page 4) (Full) 
July 15, 2009 
 
Kohei Misawa 
 
The Nippon Keidanren (Japan Business Federation) issued a 
recommendation on July 14 seeking the relaxation of the three 
principles of arms export in order to enable joint development of 
weapons with foreign countries. 
 
The three arms export principles basically ban the export of arms 
and related technologies. Meanwhile, with the shipment of F-2 
support fighters ending in FY11, production of fighters has peaked 
out, and many affiliated businesses are withdrawing from the 
market. 
 
Joint international development has become the main trend in the 
development of next generation fighters in America and Europe. 
Development by one country has become difficult because this process 
requires substantial technological innovation and funding. Nippon 
Keidanren is seeking a review of the three arms export principles 
claiming that the relaxation of these principles will allow Japanese 
companies to participate in joint development, and this will 
contribute to the reinforcement of Japan's defense capability. 
 
15) Government completes ratification procedures for cluster bomb 
ban treaty 
 
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full) 
July 15, 2009 
 
Ken Uzuka; Takayasu Ogura, New York 
 
The Japanese government completed on July 14 the ratification 
procedures for the International Convention on Cluster Munitions 
(Oslo Treaty) banning the production, possession, and use of cluster 
bombs, whose duds often cause civilian casualties. It deposited the 
instrument of ratification with the UN headquarters in New York on 
the same day. Japan is the 14th country to ratify the treaty after 
Norway, Mexico, and other countries and is the second country to do 
so among the G-8 nations after Germany. The government has given 
emphasis to the prevention of humanitarian damages and worked for 
the early ratification of the treaty. 
 
The treaty will take effect about six months after ratification by 
30 countries. With Japan and Germany's ratification, the 
effectuation of the treaty next year has become quite probable. 
 
This is the second time that Japan has ratified a disarmament treaty 
initiated by the concerned countries -- excluding the U.S., Russia, 
 
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and China - and NGOs, after its ratification of the Anti-Personnel 
Mine Ban Treaty in 1998. With this, disarmament has taken shape as a 
new theme in Japanese diplomacy. 
 
16) F-22 situation in turmoil 
 
SANKEI (Page 9) (Abridged) 
July 15, 2009 
 
Takashi Arimoto, Washington 
 
Concerning the issue over continued procurement of the F-22A Raptor, 
a state-of-the-art fighter jet model for the U.S. Air Force, Senate 
Armed Services Committee Chairman Levin (Democrat) and Sen. McCain 
(Republican), a senior member of the committee, presented a bill on 
July 13 seeking to discontinue the procurement of F-22s in the 2010 
defense authorization bill. McCain, who fought against President 
Obama in last year's presidential race, is now acting in concert 
with Obama. Meanwhile, many of the Congress members in the Senate 
and in the House are calling for F-22 procurement to be continued 
for job security and other reasons. McCain, however, is now boosting 
his efforts to bring them around. This is an unprecedented 
development in the U.S. Congress. In connection with the issue of 
F-22 exports to Japan, all eyes will be on how the Senate and the 
House will vote in plenary sessions. 
 
Obama has decided to discontinue F-22 procurement. However, the 
House Armed Services Committee, following the Senate Armed Services 
Committee, also approved a bill in late June that additionally 
earmarked 1.75 billion dollars (approx. 161 billion yen) for the 
procurement of seven F-22 jets. Levin and McCain voted against the 
bill. Obama sent a letter to them to ask for their cooperation, 
saying continued procurement will waste the defense budget. 
 
Obama, who is highly popular, is opposed to continuing F-22 
procurement. So is McCain. Nevertheless, many of the Senators and 
the Representatives are strongly calling for F-22 procurement to be 
continued. That is because F-22 production straddles more than 40 
states, involving more than 25,000 workers, and has a direct bearing 
on employment in their home constituencies. 
 
The F-22 is regarded as the most likely candidate for the Air 
Self-Defense Force's follow-on mainstay fighter (FX). The Senate 
Armed Services Committee has earmarked spending in the bill for a 
feasibility study of F-22 exports. Levin has named Japan as a target 
for F-22 exports. 
 
17) Suspension of Diet deliberations to mean scrapping of cargo 
inspection, child pornography bills, deferring of key legislations 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
July 15, 2009 
 
With the opposition boycott of Diet deliberations, the Diet 
adjourned on July 14, in effect. As the Diet will be dissolved next 
week, 17 bills submitted by the government and 91 bills initiated by 
Diet members will all be scrapped. Many important bills, including 
the special measures law on North Korean cargo inspection, which the 
ruling parties had wanted to pass in the current session, and the 
amendment to the law banning child prostitution and pornography, on 
which the ruling parties and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) 
were engaged in revision discussions, will now be deferred. 
 
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The cargo inspection bill was passed by a majority vote of the 
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and New Komeito in the House of 
Representatives in the late afternoon of July 14 and sent to the 
House of Councillors. However, the opposition-controlled Upper House 
is expected to not even accept the bill. 
 
This bill will be the legal basis for implementing UN Security 
Council (UNSC) Resolution 1874 imposing sanctions on North Korea. 
While there is an opinion that actual cases of Japan inspecting 
cargo on ships traveling to and from North Korea are not likely, the 
government is concerned that "the delay in legislation may give rise 
to doubts about Japan's previous stance of actively calling for the 
passage of the UNSC resolution." 
 
The DPJ had leaned toward approving the bill, but it has abandoned 
deliberation on the legislation, giving priority to its 
confrontation with the Aso administration. At a news conference on 
July 14, President Yukio Hatoyama explained that, "This bill needs 
to be passed speedily after the DPJ takes over the administration." 
 
Since the current Diet session is regarded as the last one before 
the Lower House election, the ruling parties and the DPJ have 
cooperated to a certain degree in steering Diet business. This is 
evidenced by the fact that of the 69 new bills submitted by the 
government, 62 or 89.9 percent were passed, representing a rise of 
23 percent points over last year. The enactment rate has recovered 
to the level in 2007 (91.8 percent), when the "twisted Diet" (where 
the ruling bloc controls the Lower House, while the opposition 
controls the Upper House) came to pass. However, in the final phase 
of the Diet session, political maneuvering over dissolution resulted 
in stagnation in Diet business. 
 
Time has run out for the deliberation of the amendments to the civil 
service law and the Narita International Airport, Inc. law, while 
the amendment to the temporary worker placement law, which will lead 
to the improvement of working conditions, has not even been 
scheduled for deliberation. 
 
Meanwhile, with regard to bills initiated by Diet members, while 19 
of them, including the amendment to the organ transplant law carried 
over from the previous session, were passed, many of them made no 
progress in the deliberation. As to measures to regulate child 
pornography, which have been criticized by the international 
community for being too lenient, the ruling parties and the DPJ had 
been considering banning the downloading and possession of visual 
images of child pornography, but the bill was not passed by the 
current Diet session. Diet members involved with this bill say that 
"it is regrettable that we ran out of time." 
 
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