VZCZCXRO4100
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #1664/01 2040024
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 230024Z JUL 09
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4757
INFO RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RHEHAAA/THE WHITE HOUSE WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUEAWJA/USDOJ WASHDC PRIORITY
RULSDMK/USDOT WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/JOINT STAFF WASHDC//J5//
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI
RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA//
RHMFIUU/USFJ //J5/JO21//
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA
RUAYJAA/CTF 72
RUEHNH/AMCONSUL NAHA 7737
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 5408
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 9216
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 2895
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 5925
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 0001
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 6643
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 6308

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 16 TOKYO 001664 
 
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 07/23/09 
 
Index: 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule  (Nikkei) 
 
Nakasone diplomacy: 
4) Foreign Minister Nakasone, Secretary of State Clinton in meeting 
discuss strengthening cooperation in five-party talks on North Korea 
 (Nikkei) 
5) Differences emerge between China and the U.S., Japan over North 
Korea policy  (Mainichi) 
6) Nakasone told by China's foreign minister that Japan will remain 
a priority relation for China no matter which party wins the Lower 
House election  (Sankei) 
 
Defense and security affairs: 
7) Proposal made for return to Japan of part of the U.S. forces' 
Ikego housing  (Yomiuri) 
8) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) in policy platform calls for 
cargo inspections of North Korean ships, taking pragmatic line in 
consideration of ties to U.S.  (Sankei) 
9) DPJ in manifesto (campaign pledges) accepts Maritime Self-Defense 
Force carrying out anti-piracy operations  (Yomiuri) 
10) DPJ is moving toward a pragmatic line in its foreign policy 
(Yomiuri) 
11) Gist of DPJ's new policy framework  (Yomiuri) 
12) DPJ Secretary General Okada rejects notion of revising the 
interpretation of the Constitution to allow Japan the use of the 
right of collective self-defense  (Yomiuri) 
 
Poll: 
13) Nikkei poll: DPJ support rate at 40 PERCENT , far outpacing the 
LDP's support rate stuck at 30 PERCENT ; Aso cabinet support rate 
flat at 20 PERCENT   (Nikkei) 
14) Majority of voters see pensions and medical care as top issues 
in the election  (Nikkei) 
15) Voters are continuing to leave the LDP ranks; Seven point jump 
in voting support for the DPJ, but 44 PERCENT  of voters still 
undecided  (Nikkei) 
 
Political agenda: 
16) Prime Minister Aso going around to different support 
organizations to seek support for the party in the election  (Asahi) 
 
17) Prime Minister Aso trying to rebuild LDP image by focusing on 
"self-reflection" and "change"  (Yomiuri) 
18) Three major support organizations of the LDP are moving away 
from the party  (Asahi) 
19) Former LDP lawmaker Hiranuma has lined up 15 supporters for his 
drive to build a third political force in the Diet  (Mainichi) 
 
20) Inspectors find two boxes of U.S. beef with spinal columns 
attached, a BSE-related risk material  (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
Articles: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Only 1 of 18 suspended national road projects canceled 
 
Mainichi: 
 
TOKYO 00001664  002 OF 016 
 
 
DPJ vows to reform Central Social Insurance Medical Council to 
decide medical service fees at Diet 
 
Yomiuri: 
DPJ aims to allow deployment of Maritime Self-Defense Force to 
combat piracy 
 
Nikkei: 
Emerging economies shifting funds to shorter-term U.S. government 
bonds 
 
Sankei: 
Total eclipse seen for first time in 46 years 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Lower House election (Part 1): Value of one vote 
 
Akahata: 
Searches underway for missing in Yamaguchi mudslides 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Priorities must be set straight in manifestos 
(2) Accurate information protects lives in mudslides 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Yamaguchi mudslides teach importance of examining living 
environment 
(2) Increase ability to send out cultural messages to meet 
electronic library system 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Leaders under scrutiny in Lower House contest 
(2) Torrential rains in Chugoku region: Nursing home must not be 
built in danger zone 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Shockwave of ROK-EU free-trade agreement 
(2) ASEAN calls for democratization of Burma 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Total eclipse exiting 
(2) Yamaguchi mudslides: Be prepared against unexpected disaster 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Manifestos take center stage in 2009 Lower House election 
(2) Yamaguchi mudslides: Early evacuation key to preventing 
disaster 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Aso unrepentant for his failure to provide sense of security 
 
3) Prime Minister's schedule, July 22 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
10:12 Arrived at the Kantei. 
11:26 Met Chief Cabinet Secretary Kawamura. 
12:58 Me special advisor Shimamura. 
13:19 Met Upper House member Kensei Mizote. 
 
TOKYO 00001664  003 OF 016 
 
 
13:58 Attended a meeting of the party's secretaries general and 
policy research council chairmen across the nation at the Toshi 
Center Hotel. 
15:30 Met Secretary General Hosoda and others. 
16:28 Met National Federation of Dairy Cooperative Association 
Chairman Mamoru Moki in the JA Building. 
17:07 Met Nippon Keidanren Chairman Fujio Mitarai at the Keidanren 
Hall. 
17:47 Met government representative Iimura at the Kantei. 
18:12 Met Deputy Chief Cabinet Secretary Uruma. 
18:50 Met Disaster Prevention Minister Hayashi and Director General 
for Policy Planning Omori. 
19:13 Handled paperwork at his private office in Nagata-cho. 
19:28 Received acupuncture and moxibustion treatment in Kita-Aoyama. 
 
21:34 Returned to his official residence. 
 
4) Foreign Minister Nakasone confirms with U.S. cooperation among 
five parties (regarding North Korea) 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
Ken Sato, Phuket 
 
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, now visiting Phuket in southern 
Thailand, on July 22 held a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State 
Hilary Clinton. They agreed to strengthen cooperation among five 
countries excluding North Korea, based on the notion that the 
six-party talks to discuss North Korea's nuclear ambition are the 
most appropriate framework. They also welcomed the opening of a 
regular meeting between the two countries to discuss nuclear 
deterrence capabilities, confirming the nuclear deterrence 
capabilities, including the nuclear umbrella, which the U.S. 
provides to Japan. 
 
Nakasone after the meeting told reporters: "Holding five-party talks 
is fine, if it helps resume the six-party talks. However, it is 
important to hold bilateral or trilateral talks beforehand to foster 
communication." 
 
Nakasone also met with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechi. He 
during the meeting told him that he hopes China will fulfill its 
role for the resumption of the six-party talks. Concerning recent 
Chinese vessels' operations at the Shirakaba (Chunxiao in Chinese) 
gas field in the East China Sea, Nakasone expressed strong concern. 
He made it clear that any action that could put a dent in their 
mutually beneficial strategic relationship should not be taken. Yang 
said: "There will be no substantial change in the gas field. China 
attaches importance to the bilateral agreement on resources 
development." 
 
Concerning the riot in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region, Yang 
briefed, "It was a crime committed by separatists." Nakasone 
expressed concern that the riot had caused casualties. He told Yang, 
"I hope for a peaceful settlement." 
 
Nakasone during a meeting with his South Korean counterpart Yu Myung 
Hwan proposed, "It is necessary to tackle talks with North Korea in 
a comprehensive manner, based on a review of past talks." Both 
agreed to discuss comprehensive approach to the North. 
 
 
TOKYO 00001664  004 OF 016 
 
 
5) Chinese foreign minister tells Nakasone: China will give priority 
on Japan even after general election 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
Shoji Nishioka, Phuket, Thailand 
 
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone, who is now visiting Phuket in 
southern Thailand, met with his Chinese counterpart Yang Jiechie on 
the afternoon of July 22. In the meeting, Nakasone expressed strong 
concern about the fact that Chinese vessels had gathered near 
Shirakaba (Chunxiao in Chinese), a gas field in the East China Sea. 
He told Yang: "China should not take action that would deteriorate a 
strategic reciprocal relationship." In response, Yang said: "There 
is no actual change in the present situation of that gas field." The 
two foreign ministers agreed that contacts of working-level 
officials would be continued. 
 
Referring to the large-scale riot in the Xinjian Uighur Autonomous 
Region in the meeting, Yang underscored: "(The riot is) a deliberate 
and organizational act by those inside and outside China who are 
trying to split the region. China has dealt with the issue based on 
law." Nakasone then said: "I hope for a peaceful resolution." 
 
Yang made this comment on the Japanese political situation: "China 
will place importance on relations with Japan even after the general 
election." 
 
Nakasone met also with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton. In 
the session, regarding the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling 
mission in the Indian Ocean, he said: "I hope that the refueling 
mission will become the Japanese government's unchangeable policy." 
He indirectly expressed his hope that the refueling mission will 
continue even after the government is replaced. 
 
Nakasone held talks also with South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade 
Minister Yu Myung Hwan. The two agreed that a comprehensive effort 
will be needed to implement the 2005 joint declaration of the 
Six-Party Talks, which called for complete abandonment of North 
Korea's nuclear weapons. 
 
Clinton signed on July 22 the friendship treaty with the Association 
of Southeast Asian Nations. 
 
6) China emphasizes importance of Six-Party Talks, indicating 
difference from Japan, U.S. 
 
SANKEI (Page 9) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
(Hiroyuki Miyano, Phuket) 
 
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone held separate meetings on July 22 
with his counterparts of the ASEAN countries, the U.S., South Korea 
and China in Phuket, Thailand, on the sidelines of the ASEAN 
Regional Forum (ARF). In the string of meetings, Nakasone emphasized 
that North Korea's nuclear possession and ballistic missile 
development have posed a threat to regional security and were 
unacceptable. He then expressed his determination to resolve these 
problems and the issue of its past abductions of Japanese nationals 
in a package. Nakasone asked his counterparts to steadily implement 
 
TOKYO 00001664  005 OF 016 
 
 
a resolution adopted by the UN Security Council against North 
Korea. 
 
In the meeting between Nakasone and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary 
Clinton, they shared the view that the role to be played by China as 
the chair of the Six-Party Talks is important. To that end, the two 
reaffirmed the need for the five members in the Six-Party Talks, 
excluding North Korea, to confer on future response and steps. 
 
In meeting with Nakasone, Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi 
recognized the need for the member countries to steadily implement 
the resolution, but he expressed that discussion among the six 
countries is necessary, indicating a different view from that of 
Japan and the U.S. He said: "The framework of six-party talks is an 
effective platform to resolve the problems, so we would like to go 
hand in hand. 
 
7) Plan to return part of the U.S. forces' Ikego Housing Area on 
condition of building additional military housing 
 
YOMIURI (Page 38) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
The Ministry of Defense (MOD) presented a proposal on July 22 to 
return to Zushi City some 40 hectares of green land in the 
southwestern part of the U.S. forces' Ikego Housing Area (with a 
total land area of 288 hectares), which straddles the cities of 
Yokohama and Zushi, on conditions including cooperation with 
building an additional 700 housing units for U.S. military families. 
Zushi has been opposed to the plan to build more houses. If the 
MOD's proposal is implemented, this will be the first case of 
partial return of military base land in 31 years, since October 
¶1978. The area of land returned will also be the largest in scale on 
record, over four times the total of 8.6 hectares returned during 
the reversion campaign in the 1970s. 
 
Zushi Mayor Ryuichi Hirai held a news conference on the same day, 
where he stated: "This was an unexpected proposal. We appreciate it 
to a certain extent. We will study this seriously." 
 
The national government announced a plan in 2003 to build additional 
family housing units in the Yokohama side of the Ikego Housing Area, 
which Zushi City opposed on the ground that the Ikego forest 
straddling the two cities will be damaged. In 2004, the city filed 
an administrative litigation with the Yokohama District Court 
demanding an injunction on the government's plan, on the ground that 
this "violates the 1994 agreement among the government, Kanagawa 
Prefecture, and Zushi City on not constructing additional houses and 
preserving the greenery." After the case was rejected in the first 
trial, the Tokyo High Court also threw out the case in 2007. Zushi 
has decided not to appeal. 
 
However, Zushi has refused to cooperate with the construction of a 
U.S. military elementary school and a tunnel in the Zushi side of 
the housing area in order to block the construction plan. The new 
proposal includes cooperation in building the elementary school and 
tunnel among the conditions. Yokohama City, on the other hand, has 
agreed to the construction work in the Yokohama side of the 
facility. 
 
Toshio Saito, head of the South Kanto Defense Bureau, who conveyed 
the government's proposal to Mayor Hirai, said that, "We presented 
 
TOKYO 00001664  006 OF 016 
 
 
an outline of the plan after coordinating with U.S. Forces Japan." 
 
8) DPJ decides to include in draft manifesto - Policy Index 2009 - 
clear reference to carrying out cargo inspections of North Korean 
ships; Shifting to pragmatic policy line to ease confrontation with 
U.S. 
 
SANKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
July 23, 2009 
 
The contents of the Democratic Party of Japan's (DPJ) Policy Index 
2009, which will become the draft for the party's manifesto 
(campaign pledges) in the Lower House election, were revealed 
yesterday. On North Korea policy, the text stressed, "We will take 
firm measures" on such matters as implementing cargo inspections, 
based on the United Nations Security Council resolution. With the 
possibility increasing that there will be a change in 
administration, such expressions from last year's policy index as 
"probing into host nation support (sympathy budget) for U.S. forces 
stationed in Japan" have been removed, and the text has the 
characteristic of steering toward a pragmatic line, such as 
weakening the tone of confrontation with the United States. 
 
 Regarding relations with the U.S., last year's policy index stated, 
"We will start a drastic revision" of the Japan-U.S. Status of 
Forces Agreement," but in this year's text, the wording has been 
watered down to: "We will propose a revision." On U.S. force 
realignment and what to do about U.S. bases in Japan, as well, the 
expression before, "We will carry out an unrelenting probe," has 
been replaced with, "We will continue to review." 
 
The text points out that North Korea's second nuclear weapon test 
and launching of ballistic missiles are "a clear threat and cannot 
be tolerated." It stresses that regarding such matters as 
implementation of cargo inspections and additional sanctions, based 
on a UN resolution to make the North scrap its weapons of mass 
destruction and development, possession, and deployment of missiles, 
"we will take resolute measures." 
 
The DPJ in the previous Diet session did not respond to 
deliberations on the special measures bill to inspect the cargo of 
North Korean ships that the government had presented. But in case 
the party takes over power, it has stated its intention to quickly 
pass the same bill. 
 
Even on the antipiracy measures, such as operations in waters off 
Somalia, the party has been opposed. But the text clearly states: 
"We will carry out activities to deal with piracy taking proper 
procedures." It also states: "In case it is difficult for only the 
Japan Coast Guard to handle the issue, we also concur with 
dispatching the Self-Defense Forces, based on preparing a framework 
that will ensure thorough civilian control." 
 
9) DPJ policy index condones MSDF anti-piracy mission, imposes 
restrictions on wage income deductions 
 
YOMIURI (Top play) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) compiled on July 22 its policy 
index, which will be the basis of its manifesto (campaign pledges) 
for the House of Representatives election. In anticipation of the 
 
TOKYO 00001664  007 OF 016 
 
 
DPJ's taking over the administration, the document condones the 
deployment of the Maritime Self-Defense Force (MSDF) for anti-piracy 
missions. The termination of the MSDF's refueling operations in the 
Indian Ocean is also not included. The DPJ has put forward a 
pragmatic line in foreign policy, giving consideration to relations 
with the U.S. In addition, it has left room for increasing the 
consumption tax rate in the future and is imposing restrictions on 
wage income deductions. The party will streamline the policy index 
further and issue its manifesto before the end of July. 
 
The DPJ normally compiles a policy index each year based on 
discussions at the party's policy divisions. Since a Lower House 
election is taking place this year, President Yukio Hatoyama also 
participated in the drafting process of the new policy index. 
 
The DPJ asserts that anti-piracy measures are primarily the duty of 
the Japan Coast Guard (JCG), and the organization of this agency 
will be reinforced accordingly. In addition, "in cases where the 
situation is difficult for the JCG to handle alone, the dispatch of 
the SDF to pirate-infested areas under a strict civilian control 
mechanism will also be allowed." 
 
The policy index for 2008 had opposed the MSDF's refueling mission 
under the new special antiterrorism measures law. However, this item 
has been discarded from the new policy index because Hatoyama 
indicated that the mission will be allowed to continue for the time 
being. It is believed that this is meant to leave some flexibility 
for making a political decision after taking over power. 
 
With regard to the Japan-U.S. alliance, the wording on the Status of 
Forces Agreement (SOFA) has been softened. Previously, the DPJ said 
that it would "work on drastic revisions," but now, it will only 
"suggest revisions." As to Japan's share in the cost of stationing 
U.S. forces in the country (the so-called sympathy budget), while 
the party once intended to "continuously examine" such allocations, 
the new document makes no direct mention of this issue. 
 
The DPJ will maintain the 5 percent tax rate for the consumption 
tax, but in the future, on condition of making this a social welfare 
tax and drastic reform of the social welfare systems, a tax hike 
will be implemented "after seeking the people's verdict by 
clarifying the margin of increase and the purpose of the additional 
revenue." 
 
With regard to tax reforms, there will be a shift "from deductions 
to allowances" and the various tax deductions will be reviewed. 
Deductions for spouses and dependents will be revised or abolished, 
to be replaced by the "child allowance" of 26,000 yen per child per 
month until the child graduates from middle school. 
 
While at present, wage income deductions are allowed for all 
salaried workers, no matter how much they earn, an income cap will 
now be applied, which will mean a tax increase for high income 
earners. 
 
10) DPJ to adopt pragmatic foreign policy to dispel voters' 
concerns 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
With an eye on a possible change of government, the Democratic Party 
 
TOKYO 00001664  008 OF 016 
 
 
of Japan (DPJ) in its 2009 policy platform underscores a pragmatic 
approach in the diplomatic area. Based on this platform, the party 
will draw up its manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives 
election. By playing up its pragmatic approach, the DPJ aims to 
erase the voters' concerns toward its policies. 
 
A senior DPJ member said yesterday: "A change of government is 
becoming a possibility. We were trying to underline policy 
differences between the government and our party, but we decided to 
give priority to a well-balanced approach, stemming from the 
judgment that our conventional stance is likely to cause 
misunderstood." 
 
Regarding the Northern Territorial issue, which President Yukio 
Hatoyama regards as a priority issue, the DPJ's conventional stance 
is to call for the four islands to be returned in a package. But the 
platform suggests that the party will explore ways to settle the 
issue in a flexible manner. 
 
The DPJ has been strongly opposed to the dispatch of Self-Defense 
Force (SDF) troops to the Indian Ocean and Iraq, worrying U.S. 
government sources that if the DPJ takes over the political reins, 
Japan-U.S. relations might go sour. 
 
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has lashed out at the DPJ's 
foreign and security policies. In light of this, many voice doubts 
about the DPJ's ability to hold the reins of government. The party 
also aims to dodge a debate on such issues at hand as whether the 
Maritime Self-Defense Force should continue its refueling mission in 
the Indian Ocean by taking an "ambiguous stance." 
 
The platform, though, presents no specific proposals about 
antiterrorism policy. It does not go beyond its conventional stance 
on such basic policies as national security and constitutional 
revision, either. The DPJ finds it difficult to be united on policy 
because the party is a hodge-podge group housing former Social Japan 
Socialist Party and LDP members. 
 
Even if the main opposition party takes over the reins of government 
and forms a coalition government with the Social Democratic Party 
and other opposition parties, members in the coalition might be at 
odds over basic policies. The DPJ needs to conduct a thorough 
intraparty discussion first. 
 
11) Gist of set of DPJ policies 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
(Cabinet) 
 
For the prime minister to visit Yasukuni Shrine in his official 
capacity is problematical. We should build a national memorial 
facility, establish a crisis management agency,; reduce Okinawa's 
burden resulting from U.S. forces in Japan, and have the Northern 
Territories returned at an early date. 
 
(Children, gender equality) 
 
Provide monthly child care allowance of 26,000 yen per child; 
provide a childbirth subsidy of 550,000 yen; introduce a selective 
dual surname system. 
 
TOKYO 00001664  009 OF 016 
 
 
 
(Administrative reform) 
 
Over 100 ruling-party lawmakers will join the government as cabinet 
ministers or senior vice ministers; set up an administrative 
renovation council; prohibit civil servants' amakudari (golden 
parachuting) practice; abolish independent administrative 
corporations in principle; reduce the total labor cost of national 
civil servants by more than 20 percent. 
 
(Decentralization) 
 
Strengthen basic local governments (municipalities); introduce a 
lump-sum subsidy system; establish a new system to correct fiscal 
disparities; abolish the local government contribution system; 
legislate for consultations between the central and local 
governments. 
 
(Political reform) 
 
Abolish corporate and organizational donations in three years' time; 
restrict candidates standing for seats once occupied by family 
members; reduce the number of Lower House proportional 
representation seats by 80; reform the Upper house election system; 
granting local suffrage to foreign residents; prohibit local heads 
from seeking fourth term. 
 
(Postal businesses) 
 
Drastically review the postal businesses. 
 
(Judicial affairs) 
 
Make criminal investigations transparent; consider introduction of a 
life imprisonment system. 
 
(Foreign, defense affairs) 
 
Establish a Japan-U.S. alliance for a new age; propose a revision of 
the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement; review the modalities of 
U.S. force realignment and U.S. bases in Japan; promote friendship 
and cooperation with China; resolute steps against North Korea, 
including additional sanctions; the state must settle the abduction 
issue in a responsible manner; although it is the Japan Coast 
Guard's duty to take antipiracy measures, the dispatch of the 
Self-Defense Forces should also be allowed. 
 
(Fiscal and financial matters) 
 
Realize a surplus in the primary balance; compile budgets under the 
leadership of lawmakers. 
 
(Tax system) 
 
Abolish the ruling party Tax System Research Commission; abolish the 
spousal and dependent deductions (excluding the high school, college 
students, and aged dependent deductions); put a cap on the 
application of deductions from employment income; keep the 
consumption tax rate at 5 percent and use the entire consumption tax 
revenue for the pension program; in the future, use the revenue for 
the safety net, such as the guaranteed minimum pension benefit and 
medical costs; clarify the range of a tax hike and purposes of use 
 
TOKYO 00001664  010 OF 016 
 
 
based on a drastic reform of the social security system and bring it 
into shape after obtaining a public mandate; abolish the provisional 
gasoline tax rate; free up road-related revenues for general 
spending. 
 
(Education, science) 
 
Make high school education free of charge. 
 
(Health and Welfare) 
 
Abolish the medical insurance system for people 75 and older; 
increase the number of medical department students by 1.5-fold. 
 
(Pension) 
 
Address intensively the question of unidentified pension accounts; 
reform the pension system to create a scheme to provide guaranteed 
minimum pension of 70,000 yen a month per person. 
 
(Labor) 
 
Review the Worker Dispatch Law; set the minimum wage at 1,000 yen. 
 
(Agriculture, Forestry, and Fisheries) 
 
Establish an income indemnity system for individual farming 
households; increase the food self-sufficiency ratio to 60 percent 
in 20 years' time. 
 
(Economy, industries) 
 
Increase the small business support budget by three-fold. 
 
(Land, transportation) 
 
Make expressways toll free in principle; suspend the Kawabe Dam 
project and other projects. 
 
(Environment) 
 
Reduce greenhouse gas emissions by over 60 percent from 1990 levels 
by 2050. 
 
(Constitution) 
 
Consider amending the Constitution in a cautious yet proactive 
manner. 
 
12) DPJ's Okada negative on reviewing constitutional interpretation 
of right of collective self-defense 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Secretary General Katsuya Okada gave 
a speech at a hotel in Tokyo on July 22. He said that "I am not 
really keen" on reviewing the government's constitutional 
interpretation banning the exercise of the right of collective 
self-defense. Okada stated that, "If (the exercise of) the right of 
collective self-defense is allowed, the spirit of Article 9 of the 
Constitution of restricting the use of force overseas will 
 
TOKYO 00001664  011 OF 016 
 
 
practically be lost." He added that, "This issue must be discussed 
with the awareness that this will change the basic thinking of 
Article 9." 
 
13) Poll: DPJ scores 40 PERCENT  in public support, LDP at 30 
PERCENT ; Cabinet support flat at 20 PERCENT 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
The Nihon Keizai Shimbun and TV Tokyo conducted a joint spot public 
opinion survey on July 21-22. The Democratic Party of Japan 
(Minshuto) marked 40 PERCENT  in public support, up 3 points from 
the last survey taken in early July. The Liberal Democratic Party 
also rose 1 point to 30 PERCENT . The DPJ outstripped the LDP by 10 
points for the first time since a survey taken shortly after the LDP 
sustained a crushing defeat in the July 2007 election for the House 
of Councillors. The Aso cabinet's public approval rating was 20 
PERCENT , down 1 point from the last survey. 
 
In the survey, respondents were asked which political party they 
would vote for in their proportional representation blocs of the 
House of Representatives in its forthcoming general election. In 
this public preference of political parties for proportional 
representation, the LDP dropped 1 point from the last survey to 24 
PERCENT , with the DPJ rising 5 points to 40 PERCENT . Asked about 
the desirable form of government, 12 PERCENT  chose an "LDP-led 
coalition government," up 1 point. Those opting for a "DPJ-led 
coalition government" accounted for 29 PERCENT , up 3 points. 
Meanwhile, an "LDP-DPJ grand coalition" reached 42 PERCENT . 
 
Respondents were also asked to choose between Prime Minister Aso and 
DPJ President Hatoyama as to who is more appropriate to become prime 
minister after the next election for the House of Representatives. 
In this popularity ranking for the premiership, Aso was at 9 PERCENT 
, down 2 points from the last survey. Hatoyama rose 6 points to 28 
PERCENT . "Neither one" accounted for 57 PERCENT . 
 
In the breakdown of reasons given on a multiple-choice answer basis 
for not supporting the Aso cabinet, a total of 60 PERCENT  said the 
prime minister has no leadership ability, topping all other 
answers. 
 
The survey was taken by Nikkei Research Inc. over the telephone on a 
random digit dialing (RDD) basis. For the survey, samples were 
chosen from among men and women aged 20 and over across the nation. 
A total of 1,453 households with one or more eligible voters were 
sampled, and answers were obtained from 869 persons (59.8 PERCENT 
). 
 
14) Poll: 55 PERCENT  weigh pension, healthcare 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Abridged) 
July 23, 2009 
 
In the Nihon Keizai Shimbun poll this time, respondents were asked 
on a multiple-choice answer basis about policies they would weigh 
when voting in the next general election for the House of 
Representatives. To this question, "pension, healthcare" topped all 
other answers, adding up to 55 PERCENT , up 9 points from the last 
poll taken in early July. "Economic stimulus measures," which ranked 
top in the last poll, was in second place at 49 PERCENT , up 1 
 
TOKYO 00001664  012 OF 016 
 
 
point. In third place was "job security" as in the last poll, 
dropping 3 points to 42 PERCENT . It may safely be said that the 
public is focusing its attention on social security policy measures, 
with the general election set for Aug. 30. 
 
Broken down into age brackets, among those in their 20s, "economic 
stimulus measures" accounted for 49 PERCENT , followed by "job 
security" at 47 PERCENT  and "pension, healthcare" at 37 PERCENT . 
Among those in their 60s, "pension, healthcare" topped all other 
answers at 66 PERCENT , way above 46 PERCENT  for "economic stimulus 
measures." 
 
"Consumption tax hike" was at 13 PERCENT , down 5 points from 18 
PERCENT  in the last poll, and it was lowest among all nine policies 
given for multiple choices. Those in their 30s to 50s are currently 
propping up the nation's social security system and will be its 
beneficiaries in the future. In these age brackets, the figures for 
this consumption tax ranged from 15 PERCENT  to 16 PERCENT , 
comparatively higher than in the case of other generations. Among 
those in their 20s, however, the figure was only 2 PERCENT  (12 
PERCENT  in the last poll). 
 
15) Poll: LDP losing public support 
 
NIKKEI (Page 3) (Abridged) 
July 23, 2009 
 
In the latest Nihon Keizai Shimbun poll, the rate of public support 
for the Democratic Party of Japan (Minshuto) was 10 points higher 
than that for the Liberal Democratic Party. The DPJ scored a 
two-digit lead on the LDP for the first time since a poll taken 
shortly after the July 2007 election for the House of Councillors, 
in which the LDP suffered a crushing defeat under then Prime 
Minister Shinzo Abe. With the next election for the House of 
Representatives just around the corner, floating voters, who hold 
the key, are clearly opting for the DPJ. Moreover, some LDP 
supporters are also distancing themselves from the LDP. 
 
Among floating voters, the DPJ reached 21 PERCENT , up 7 points from 
the last poll taken in early July, as a party preferred for 
proportional representation in the forthcoming election for the 
House of Representatives. The LDP dropped 2 points to 4 PERCENT 
among them. "Undecided" also accounted for 44 PERCENT . 
 
Among LDP supporters, the LDP dropped 5 points to 72 PERCENT  as a 
party preferred for proportional representation in the next general 
election. Among DPJ supporters, 86 PERCENT  answered that they would 
vote for the DPJ, up 7 points from the last poll. 
 
In the popularity ratings for post-election premiership as well, 
Prime Minister Taro Aso, even among LDP supporters, was at 24 
PERCENT , down 5 points, with "neither" accounting for 63 PERCENT . 
Among New Komeito supporters, Aso dropped 6 points to 15 PERCENT , 
with "neither" reaching 72 PERCENT . 
 
Among DPJ supporters, DPJ President Hatoyama rose 6 points but 
remained at 51 PERCENT , with "neither" accounting for 44 PERCENT . 
This popularity figure apparently has yet to become a decisive 
factor ensuring the DPJ's victory in the upcoming general election. 
 
16) Prime minister to call around various organizations to seek 
support for LDP in Lower House election 
 
TOKYO 00001664  013 OF 016 
 
 
 
ASAHI (Page 3) (Excerpts) 
July 23, 2009 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso on July 22 began visiting various business 
organization to seek support (for the Liberal Democratic Party = 
LDP) in the upcoming Lower House election. It is quite unusual for 
any prime ministers to call around business organizations. The prime 
minister is now faced with changes in business organizations' 
stances, such as some have begun to subtly distance themselves from 
the LDP. The Japan Business Federation (Nippon Keidanren) has so far 
openly supported the LDP. However, it now stops short of 
categorically declaring its only supports the LDP. 
 
The prime minister told reporters yesterday evening: "It is 
important to properly brief what we have done for various 
organizations. They listened to me with keen interest." 
 
Calling around various organizations in the early stage of election 
campaigns is the election style of Prime Minister Aso, who is in his 
ninth Diet term. He called JA-Zenchu and Nippon Keidanren on the 
22nd. He is expected to visit automobile-related organizations, such 
as the Japan Automobile Manufacturers Association (JAMA) on the 
23rd. He also intends to visit the Japan Pharmaceutical 
Association. 
 
The prime minister at the JA-Zenchu told some 200 workers: "The LDP 
has protected farmers since its formation in 1955. I would like to 
solicit cooperation from the JA group in the upcoming election." 
 
According to a related source, this is the first time for the LDP 
president himself to directly call for support from JA-Zenchu JA 
workers right after the Diet dissolution. His speech lasted for 
about 20 minutes. JA-Zenchu workers reportedly said later that it 
appeared that the LDP was really having an uphill fight. 
 
At Nippon Keidanren, the prime minister met with Chairman Fujio 
Mitarai. According to a person who was present at the meeting, the 
prime minister stressed the track records he has achieved, "I have 
implemented economic stimulus measures, based on four budgets, since 
the global economic recession hit us right after I took office." 
Mitarai reportedly asked the prime minister, "I would like the LDP 
to work together and get down to serious policy discussions." 
 
17) "Self-reflection," "changes" buzzwords in LDP policy platform 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
Prime Minister Taro Aso has issued a written instruction to 
executive party members regarding what manifesto the Liberal 
Democratic Party's (LDP) should prepare for the upcoming House of 
Representatives election. In the instruction, Aso emphasized the 
need to "allay public anger and give an image that the LDP will 
change itself, based on its self-reflection," apparently bearing in 
mind the dismal public support ratings of his cabinet. 
 
Aso distributed copies of his written instruction to the members of 
the party's committee on formation of policy platform, chaired by 
Secretary General Hosoda, during its meeting in June. Aso asked the 
members to formulate a two-stage policy platform - (1) what pledges 
should be made; and (2) what image should be given. 
 
TOKYO 00001664  014 OF 016 
 
 
 
In the first stage, Aso, focusing on the Democratic Party of Japan's 
emphasis on a change of government, ordered the members to 
underscore the LDP's ability to manage political affairs, 
particularly, differences in security and other policies between the 
LDP and the DPJ. 
 
Regarding an image, the instruction analyzes: "Public distrust in 
politics has yet to be erased, and such distrust has led to their 
criticism of the LDP, which has held the reins of government for 
many years. The public now expect the DPJ to bring about some 
changes." Based on this view, Aso emphasized the need for the LDP to 
show its determination to change itself, in order to assuage the 
public's discontent. 
 
18) Vote-gathering organizations gradually distancing themselves 
from LDP 
 
ASAHI (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
July 23, 2009 
 
There seems to a change going on in three major organizations - the 
Japan Medical Association, Association of General Construction of 
Japan Inc., and Japan Agricultural Cooperatives - which have long 
supported the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) as vote-gathering 
machines. According to the result of a survey the Asahi Shimbun 
conducted on the three organizations in the 47 prefectures and 
related political organizations, many of them still support the LDP, 
but some organizations have changed their responses such as that 
they have decided to let their members cast their votes on their own 
or to support the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) (in the upcoming 
House of Representatives election). 
 
The Japan Medical Association was called the strongest lobby group 
in terms of gathering votes and its assertiveness. Of medical 
associations and medical federations (ishi-renmei) in 40 
prefectures, which have decided their positions, only 27 prefectures 
decided to support candidates backed by the LDP and New Komeito to 
run in single-seat constituencies in their areas. 
 
Moreover, more and more medical organizations are distancing 
themselves from the LDP, by allowing their members to cast their 
votes on their own in the next general election. Reacting negative 
to the health insurance system for people aged 75 and older, the 
Ibaraki Prefectural Medical Federation has decided to support the 
DPJ. The Ibaraki Prefectural Medical Federation recommends for the 
first time the LDP and DPJ candidates in the No. 1 district in the 
prefecture. 
 
In the Association of General Construction of Japan and related 
organizations, as many as 15 prefectures have not decided on which 
party they should support. The reason is because they have yet to be 
asked by candidates for their recommendation. 
 
Meanwhile, the Akita prefectural association has decided to 
recommend both the LDP and DPJ candidates in the No. 1 and 3 
districts. The DPJ had not asked for the association's 
recommendation, but it requested this time. 
 
Four prefectural associations have chosen free voting. The Tokyo 
prefectural association has allowed free voting for about ten years. 
Okinawa Prefecture has chosen free voting for the first time. 
 
TOKYO 00001664  015 OF 016 
 
 
 
With regard to agricultural organizations, including the national 
federation of farmers and agricultural policy (noseiren), which are 
called the LDP's stronghold, 28 prefectural organizations have still 
support the LDP. However, in Fukushima Prefecture, the agricultural 
organization supports the LDP candidates in the No. 1, 2, and 5 
districts, but it supports the DPJ candidate in the No. 3 district. 
The organization will let its member cast their votes on their own 
in the No. 4 district. In Okayama, the agricultural organization 
recommends Takeo Hiranuma, an independent, who left the LDP in 2005, 
who is going to run in the No. 3 district. The Hiroshima 
agricultural organization recommends Shizuka Kamei of the People's 
New Party in the No. 6 district. The Aomori and Mie prefectural 
organizations have decided to allow their members to vote on their 
own decisions. 
 
19) Hiranuma announces 15 candidates for third political force 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
Takeo Hiranuma, former international trade and industry minister, 
announced at a press conference yesterday a lineup of 15 candidates 
he plans to support in the upcoming House of Representatives 
election as members of his group, which will be made up of 
independent lawmakers. They will run in the election as 
independents. The 15 members include two former Lower House members 
(Ryuji Koizumi and Minoru Kiuchi). 
 
Hiranuma said: "I have no intention to return to the Liberal 
Democratic Party or join the Democratic Party of Japan. We will take 
action as a third political force." Asked whether he will form a new 
party, he replied: "We reached a consensus that we will run in the 
election as conservative independents belonging to the Hiranuma 
group. We will consider a new party after the election." 
 
20) Specified risk materials found in U.S. beef imports 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 30) (Full) 
July 23, 2009 
 
The Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries (MAFF) and the 
Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare (MHLW) on July 22 announced 
that spinal columns, a specified risk material for BSE, where 
materials believed to be the cause of BSE tend to accumulate, were 
found in beef imports from the U.S. 
 
This is the twelfth case of the violation of the import conditions 
set by Japan since the resumption of U.S. beef imports in the summer 
of 2006, and the second case of the inclusion of specified risk 
materials (SRM). Both ministries have suspended imports from the 
supplier and asked the U.S. Department of Agriculture to investigate 
the cause. 
 
The spinal columns were found among packages of frozen boned rib of 
beef shipped from Creekstone Farms Premium Beef's plant in Kansas. 
The MAFF Animal Quarantine Service on the 21st inspected 28 of 810 
packages (roughly 16 tons) that arrived at Tokyo Port and found two 
packages that contained spinal columns, which were not mentioned in 
the safety certificates. There were no problems with the remaining 
808 packages. 
 
 
TOKYO 00001664  016 OF 016 
 
 
At present, Japan approves the imports of U.S. beef from SRM-removed 
cattle aged up to 20 months, on the condition that products to be 
exported to Japan carry safety certificates issued by the U.S. 
government. When SRM were found in U.S. beef imports in January 
2006, the government placed a blanket ban on such imports. Japan has 
imported U.S. beef totaling approximately 148,000 tons from 41 meat 
processing plants since the resumption of imports. Approximately 
9,000 tons or about 6 PERCENT  of those imports have been from 
Creekstone Farms Premium Beef. 
 
According to Starzen International, the importer of the beef in 
question based in Minato Ward, Tokyo, the meat was to be sold for 
commercial use, such as for use in box lunches. 
 
ZUMWALT