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RUEAWJA/USDOJ WASHDC PRIORITY
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RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 0344
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 7004
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 6634

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 09 TOKYO 001815 
 
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 08/10/09 
 
Index: 
 
U.S.-Japan relations: 
1) President Obama, Prime Minister Aso to meet at UNGA late next 
month (Nikkei) 
2) Foreign Ministry does not intend to ask President Obama to 
consider visiting atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima, Nagasaki (Tokyo 
Shimbun) 
 
Defense and security affairs: 
3) Party heads Aso and Hatoyama make statements on security issues 
at Nagasaki (Asahi) 
4) Prime Minister Aso tells press in Nagasaki that he would not ask 
U.S. to relinquish first-strike option, stressing importance of 
nuclear umbrella (Tokyo Shimbun) 
5) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Hatoyama says three 
non-nuclear principles should be codified (Nikkei) 
6) Hatoyama revising DPJ's security policy line to suit the Social 
Democratic Party's pacifist stance (Tokyo Shimbun) 
7) DPJ's Maehara on TV talk show confirms no extension of the MSDF's 
Indian Ocean mission if DPJ in power, but would consider sending 
civilians to Afghanistan (Nikkei) 
8) Campaign pledges: New Komeito -- cut defense spending by 500 
billion yen over five years; Japanese Communist Party - scrap 
alliance; SDP - bring SDF home (Yomiuri) 
 
Election campaign: 
9) Nine organizations give severe report cards to LDP, DPJ (Asahi) 
 
10) Governors' association gives coalition parties higher evaluation 
than the DPJ (Tokyo Shimbun) 
11) DPJ emerging as the front runner in the upcoming Lower House 
election, although LDP still firm in the rural areas (Nikkei) 
12) Yoshimi Watanabe, political maverick who bolted the LDP, forms 
own party with initial membership of 17 (Asahi) 
 
Articles: 
 
U.S.-JAPAN RELATIONS 
 
1) Japan-U.S. summit planned for September when prime minister 
attends UN General Assembly 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
August 10, 2009 
 
The Japanese and U.S. governments have begun coordination for 
holding a bilateral summit in September. The meeting is being 
planned to coincide with the two leaders' participation in the UN 
General Assembly in New York and the G-20 financial summit in 
Pittsburg in late September. This will be their first meeting after 
the House of Representatives election on August 30. If Democratic 
Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama becomes the prime 
minister, it will be his first time to meet President Barack Obama. 
 
The two governments are in the final phase of coordination for 
President Obama to make his first visit to Japan around the time of 
the APEC summit in Singapore on November 14 and 15. The Ministry of 
Foreign Affairs has judged that "it is necessary for the two leaders 
to meet each other before the President's first visit," having in 
mind the possibility of a DPJ administration after the August 30 
election. It has been looking for an opportunity to set the meeting 
 
TOKYO 00001815  002 OF 009 
 
 
at an early date after the Lower House election. 
 
The summit will confirm that the two governments will continue to 
sustain and reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance in the wake of the 
outcome of the Lower House election. U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ) 
realignment and the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission 
in the Indian Ocean may be discussed. The DPJ is advocating a review 
of the USFJ realignment plans and has announced that the refueling 
mission will not be extended when its authorization expires in 
January 2010. It is widely believed that its negotiations with the 
U.S. will experience rough sailing. 
 
However, the planned summit meeting is taking place on the sidelines 
of an international conference, so the two leaders will not have too 
much time. If the summit turns out to be only an opportunity to get 
acquainted, it is unclear how much in-depth exchange of views will 
take place. 
 
The diplomatic agenda after the August 30 election includes the UN 
High-Level Event on Climate Change on September 22, speech at the UN 
General Assembly on September 23, and the financial summit on 
September 24 and 25. 
 
2) Foreign Ministry will not ask U.S. for President Obama's visit to 
atomic-bombed area 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full) 
August 8, 2009 
 
U.S. President Obama is expected to visit Japan in mid-November. 
Concerning his visiting the atomic-bombed cities of Hiroshima and 
Nagasaki during his stay in Japan, a senior Foreign Ministry (MOFA) 
official on August 7 said that the ministry will not make such a 
request to the U.S., saying: "I feel expectations are too high about 
that. This is not a matter we plan to ask the President but a matter 
about which the President himself should give thought." This 
statement will likely create a stir, because there is a growing view 
in those cities of asking the President, who advocates the 
elimination of nuclear weapons, to visit Hiroshima and Nagasaki. 
 
This official also indicated that in view of the President's 
itinerary in Japan, it would be difficult for him to spare time to 
visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki. He said: "The President will visit some 
other countries as well. His stay in Japan is too short for him to 
visit Hiroshima or Nagasaki." 
 
It is believed that this official made that statement, considering 
that since views positive toward the atomic bombings (of Hiroshima 
and Nagasaki) are deep-rooted in the U.S, it could incur criticism 
in the U.S., if the President visits the areas. However, 
expectations for his visiting the sites are running high in Japan, 
with former Lower House speaker Yohei Kono or Democratic Party of 
Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama indicating their intentions to 
ask the President, too. 
 
DEFENSE AND SECURITY AFFAIRS 
 
3) Party heads Aso and Hatoyama make statements on security issues 
in Nagasaki 
 
ASAHI (Page 1) (Full) 
August 10, 2009 
 
TOKYO 00001815  003 OF 009 
 
 
 
Prime Minister Aso and Democratic Party of Japan President Hatoyama 
visited Nagasaki on the 9th, "atomic-bomb day," and made statements 
on nuclear weapons and security policy.  Regarding the absence of 
the capacity to strike enemy bases, the prime minister commented 
that he believes it is necessary to explore setting up a session for 
consultations on the division of roles between Japan and the U.S. 
Hatoyama signaled that the three nonnuclear principles should be 
enshrined into law. 
 
Japan's defense-only policy, under which Japan does not possess 
weapons for strikes against other countries, envisions a division of 
roles in which the U.S. strikes enemy bases when necessary because 
of an imminent attack by the enemy. 
 
"On the basis of recommendations in the council's report," Aso said 
at a press conference, "we must explore through mutual consultations 
the concrete roles of Japan and the United States." The report of 
the "Council for Security and Defense Capability," which was 
submitted to the Prime Minister on August 4, recommended, among 
other things, consideration of the possibility of possessing an 
offensive capability. Also, Aso rejected demanding the U.S. renounce 
first strike use of nuclear weapons. "That is not realistic from the 
standpoint of guaranteeing Japan's security," he commented. 
 
Meanwhile, in a meeting with an atomic-bomb victims' organization, 
Hatoyama promised to consider enshrining into law the three 
nonnuclear principles. Until now the DPJ President has been guarded 
with respect to legislation, but committed himself when asked 
directly. However, DPJ leaders are cool to the idea of enshrining 
into law the three nonnuclear principles. 
 
4) Aso negative about argument for no-first-use of nuclear weapons 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Full) 
August 10, 2009 
 
In a press conference in Nagasaki yesterday afternoon, Prime 
Minister Taro Aso expressed a negative view about the notion that 
Japan should propose to the U.S. that it adopt the principle of 
no-first-use of nuclear weapons. He said, "If the issue of nuclear 
weapons is separated off, the balance of deterrence will collapse." 
Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Katsuya Okada has 
indicated that if the party assumes the reins of government, it will 
confer with the U.S. regarding adopting the principle of 
no-first-use of nuclear weapons. 
 
Emphasizing the need for Japan to maintain its three nonnuclear 
principles, Aso referred to the U.S. nuclear umbrella: "In light of 
the security situation surrounding Japan, the Japan-U.S. security 
arrangements will continue to be essential for it." 
 
In reference to the question of whether Japan should possess a 
preemptive-strike capability to deal with North Korea's nuclear and 
missiles, Aso indicated a positive view about holding talks with the 
U.S. on role-sharing, saying: 
 
"The Self-Defense Forces is not thinking about installing a system 
capable of striking enemy bases for now. On specific role-sharing, 
we have in mind the possibility of looking into consultations with 
the U.S. in the future." 
 
 
TOKYO 00001815  004 OF 009 
 
 
5) DPJ President Hatoyama considering legislation on three 
no-nuclear principles 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
August 10, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama indicated 
on August 9 that after the House of Representatives election (if his 
party wins), he plans to consider codifying the three no-nuclear 
principles. These principles are currently based on a Diet 
resolution. In response to such a request made at a meeting with 
atomic bombing victims' group in Nagasaki, Hatoyama said: "It is 
important to uphold the three no-nuclear principles. I think 
legislation is one option. I promise that the party will study this 
carefully." 
 
The Social Democratic Party had requested the DPJ's and the People's 
New Party's cooperation on legislating the three principles into law 
in July. Hatoyama had not been keen on the idea then, saying: "My 
feeling is that the three principles are a 'national will' that is 
above laws." He has changed his position after the request on August 
¶9. 
 
6) Hatoyama shifts position on three no-nuclear principles in 
consideration of SDP, giving impression of wavering 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 2) (Excerpts) 
August 10, 2009 
 
Yuji Nishikawa 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama indicated 
on August 9 that he will consider codifying the three no-nuclear 
principles, changing his previous cautious position on this matter. 
His switch is based on consideration to the Social Democratic Party 
(SDP), which is making such a demand, having in mind the forming a 
coalition with this party after the House of Representatives 
election. While this change of policy is appreciated by some, his 
statement also gave the impression of a wavering. His solicitude to 
the DPJ's potential coalition partner could be counterproductive. 
 
Hatoyama stressed to reporters in Nagasaki City on August 9 that the 
reason for considering legislation on the three principles is "the 
SDP's strong demand." 
 
SDP leader Mizuho Fukushima had indicated on August 6 that her party 
would not insist on legislation. She said: "The important thing is 
not to pass a law but to create a situation in which the three 
principles are guaranteed in the true sense." Nevertheless, she 
welcomed Hatoyama's policy shift, saying: "We would like to pass the 
law under the new administration." 
 
However, Hatoyama had just told reporters in Hiroshima City on 
August 6 that: "If they are codified, they might be distorted by the 
balance of political power with a change of administration," showing 
his hesitation about this move. He has apparently changed his 
position in just three days. 
 
Regardless of the propriety of his two statements, Hatoyama's giving 
the impression of wavering undermines his suitability as a candidate 
for prime minister, whose words need to be credible. One reason why 
Prime Minister Taro Aso's support rating is low is the inconsistency 
 
TOKYO 00001815  005 OF 009 
 
 
of his statements. 
 
For this reason, even the SDP and the People's New Party (PNP), 
which should welcome Hatoyama's compromise in policy, have voiced 
criticism. "He should stop making thoughtless statements which would 
suggest that he is under the illusion of having taken over the 
administration already," said PNP deputy leader Shizuka Kamei. 
 
7) DPJ's Maehara: Refueling mission will not be extended, to be 
replaced by civilian aid 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
August 10, 2009 
 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Vice President Seiji Maehara stated 
during a TV Asahi program on August 9 that the Maritime Self-Defense 
Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean will not be extended 
when its authorization expires in January 2010. He stressed that: 
"The operation to mop up terrorism (led by the U.S.) has bogged 
down. It is time to shift to reconstruction and civilian aid for 
Afghanistan." He indicated that proposals to engage in the building 
of infrastructure and other forms of aid in Afghanistan will be 
presented. 
 
On the report of the government's Council on Security and Defense 
Capabilities recommending the revision of the constitutional 
interpretation of the right of collective self-defense, Maehara 
said: "If we take over the administration, this report will not be 
the basis of policy. We will pick new people to draft another 
report." As to the alleged secret agreement between the Japanese and 
U.S. governments on the introduction of nuclear weapons, Maehara 
stated: "After a DPJ government is formed, we will investigate into 
this thoroughly. The three no-nuclear principles will be upheld." 
 
Maehara also said the party was thinking of asking U.S. President 
Barack Obama to visit the site of the atomic bombing in Hiroshima 
when he visits Japan in mid-November. 
 
8) New Komeito, JCP, and SDP defense policies as seen in their 
manifestoes 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full) 
August 8, 2009 
 
New Komeito proposes a numerical target of reducing defense spending 
by 500 billion yen in five years. The FY09 defense budget is over 
4.7 trillion yen. The party claims that reduction is possible 
through improved efficiency in equipment procurement and other 
measures. Regarding international cooperation, New Komeito approves 
of international peace cooperation operations and "non-military 
contribution" by the Self-Defense Forces (SDF). The continuation of 
the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean is also included in its 
manifesto (campaign pledges). On the other hand, its manifesto also 
emphasizes contributions by personnel and organizations other than 
the SDF. 
 
The Japanese Communist Party (JCP) advocates substantial reduction 
in the defense budget. It calls the dispatch of the Maritime 
Self-Defense Force (MSDF) to the Indian Ocean and waters off Somalia 
"dispatch of troops overseas" and demands the withdrawal of the 
MSDF. It calls for the abrogation of the Japan-U.S. security treaty 
because it constitutes a "military alliance." It also denounces the 
 
TOKYO 00001815  006 OF 009 
 
 
move to legislate a permanent law on SDF overseas missions as "a 
conspiracy to trample on the Constitution." 
 
The Social Democratic Party (SDP) advocates the immediate withdrawal 
of the MSDF from the Indian Ocean. It asserts that anti-piracy 
operations should be undertaken "primarily by the Japan Coast Guard" 
and not by the MSDF. Its manifesto calls for "strict compliance" 
with the three nonnuclear principles. These policies are very likely 
to impact the management of the administration if the DPJ forms a 
coalition with the SDP. This party also advocates "the reduction of 
the SDF to the minimum number required for an exclusively defensive 
policy." 
 
ELECTION CAMPAIGN 
 
9) Nine groups give strict assessments to LDP, DPJ manifestos 
 
ASAHI (Top Play) (Excerpts) 
August 10, 2009 
 
Following the release of manifestos by all political parties, nine 
groups, such as private-sector think tanks, released the results of 
their assessments of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The point of departure between the 
two parties is that while the LDP is stressing continuity, the DPJ 
is calling for change. Many groups were critical of the growing 
trend in which both parties are now pledging to provide more money. 
Some even called on both parties to redraft their manifestos. With 
the weak points of both parties being exposed, the verbal war 
between the two parties will likely heat up even more. 
 
Nine groups took part in the manifesto verification meeting hosted 
by the national council to create a new Japan (21st century ad hoc 
council) and rated the manifestos of the LDP and the DPJ. Two 
organizations determined that the LDP holds a commanding lead, while 
four organizations put the DPJ in the lead. Two organizations gave 
the same scores to both parties. The LDP received an average score 
of 46.6, while the DPJ secured only 52.7 points despite a high score 
given by Rengo (Japanese Trade Union Confederation). Both parties 
thus received harsh ratings. 
 
PHP noted that the LDP's manifesto takes a conservative stance of 
just adding changes to the existing policies. Regarding the DPJ's 
manifesto, Japan Initiative said that its manifesto gives the 
impression that the party is trying to project a realistic image of 
power transfer. They pinned high hopes on the DPJ, which came up 
with clearer numerical goals. Regarding the feasibility of policies, 
some highly evaluated the LDP's manifesto as showing stability. 
 
Concerning foreign relations and security among individual policies, 
the Japan Association of Corporate Executives (Keizai Doyukai) said 
of the DPJ manifesto: "It has no comprehensive ideals." The Japan 
Research Institute criticized the DPJ's economic policy as lacking a 
growth strategy. 
 
Regarding visions for government operations, the DPJ received high 
evaluations from all groups. The LDP suffered a low evaluation with 
PHP noting that since prime ministers have been replaced one after 
another, it is necessary to have solid government operations, but 
its manifesto does not attach importance to its vision for 
government operations. 
 
 
TOKYO 00001815  007 OF 009 
 
 
10) Governors association gives higher grades to LDP, New Komeito 
than DPJ regarding decentralization policy 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Slightly abridged) 
August 10, 2009 
 
The National Governors' Association, chaired by Fukuoka Governor 
Wataru Aso, announced on Aug. 8 the results of its evaluation of the 
decentralization steps specified in the campaign pledges 
(manifestos) of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), the New Komeito, 
and the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) for the upcoming House of 
Representatives election. The group gave 60.6 points out of 100 to 
the LDP, 66.2 points to the New Komeito, and 58.3 points to the DPJ. 
The lower score for the DPJ reflected apprehension about a lack of 
specifics in the DPJ manifesto on where the fiscal revenues will 
come from. 
 
Saga Governor Yasushi Furukawa, the chairman of the association's 
special committee for assessing the parties' manifestos, commented 
in a press conference in Tokyo: "The marks given to the three 
political parties are considerably close. I think they have won 
qualifying scores." Osaka Governor Toru Hashimoto also said: "I felt 
that no matter which party assumes power, the decentralization 
challenge will make progress." 
 
The 29 governors who sit on the special committee made their 
respective marks based on the association's own evaluation 
standards, and point-based ratings were determined by averaging 
their grades. 
 
On an eight-item checklist, the DPJ received more points than the 
LDP, but 5.5 points were deducted from the total out of concern 
about the question of fiscal resources. Regarding the parties' 
willingness to legislate the establishment of a council for the 
central and local governments to discuss decentralization, another 
item on the list, the DPJ got 18.2 points of 30, more than the 16.9 
points for the LDP. Although the DPJ had not mentioned its plan in 
its manifesto to set up a formal council, it later added the planned 
council to its manifesto and also stressed the need for local 
governments to participate in setting decentralization measures. 
 
Out of the remaining seven items on the checklist, the governors' 
group gave a harsh rating to the DPJ on two items related to local 
tax and fiscal policy, citing a lack of explanation on how to raise 
revenues from local consumption tax and the transfer of tax 
resources. On four items, including a review of the subsidy system, 
the LDP received lower points than the DPJ, due to a lack of 
numerical targets and concern about its ability to carry out 
measures. 
 
11) DPJ gaining momentum to become largest party in Diet 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
August 8, 2009 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) is gaining momentum to surpass 
the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) both in single-seat 
constituencies and in the proportional representation segment in the 
Aug. 30 House of Representatives election (announcement on Aug. 18), 
given severe public criticism of the government led by Prime 
Minister Taro Aso. Under the current situation, the main opposition 
party is likely to become the largest party in the Diet, according 
 
TOKYO 00001815  008 OF 009 
 
 
to a nationwide survey by Nikkei. Meanwhile, the LDP is stepping up 
efforts to solidify its support bases mainly in local districts. 
 
The DPJ leads in about 90 of the 300 single-seat constituencies, 
while the LDP has the advantage in about 50. In the remaining 
constituencies, prospective candidates are in close competition. 
Even so, the situation remains in flux as many voters will 
apparently be undecided until just before the day of the election. 
 
The DPJ is gathering momentum in such districts as Hokkaido, Tokai, 
Tohoku, Tokyo and Kinki where labor unions, a key support base for 
the party, are firmly rooted. It is showing strength in urban areas 
with a large number of unaffiliated voters and is also catching up 
in Kita-Kanto and Kyushu, in which the LDP has so far had an 
advantage. 
 
The LDP is ahead in Gunma, Yamaguchi, and Kagoshima prefectures. It 
is generally leading in the Chugoku and Shikoku. It also retains an 
advantage in such urban areas as Kanagawa. 
 
The New Komeito is a front-runner in certain constituencies, but the 
party has yet to get a firm grip on most of the constituencies. The 
Japanese Communist Party (JCP) is likely to have difficulty in 
securing any seats in the single-seat constituencies. The Social 
Democratic Party (SDP) is aiming to seize seats in Okinawa, while 
the People's New Party is leading in Hiroshima. New parties expected 
to be formed soon, including one led by Yoshimi Watanabe and another 
led by Takeo Hiranuma, are also likely to gain seats. In the 
proportional representation blocs, the DPJ is also on track to 
unseat the LDP as the largest party. The New Komeito, the JCP and 
the SDP are eager to protect their respective current seats. 
 
12) Watanabe announces formation of new party that will field 15 
election candidates 
 
ASAHI (Page 1) (Excerpts) 
August 9, 2009 
 
Former state minister for administrative reform Yoshimi Watanabe 
announced at a press conference held at a Tokyo hotel on August 9 
that he has launched a new political party called "Minna no To" 
(Everybody's Party). He will head the party. He released the party's 
manifesto, which features a shift away from bureaucracy-oriented 
politics, and a promotion of policies to increase the autonomy of 
local regions and improve the national livelihood. He appointed 
Kenji Eda, a former Lower House member, as an officer responsible 
for party affairs, and Upper House member Keiichiro Asao, who bolted 
from the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), as a policy-making officer. 
The party will field 13 candidates on its ticket and two with 
recommendations in the Lower House election. 
 
Watanabe indicated a stance of thoroughly eliminating wasteful 
spending, by breaking bureaucracy-oriented politics noting, "If the 
LDP is to rely on bureaucracy and the Democratic Part of Japan is to 
depend on labor unions, it is our party that can really carry out 
reform." 
 
The party's manifesto includes proposals for cutting 100,000 
national government employees, Lower House members from the current 
480 to 300 and Upper House members from the present 242 to 100. 
These proposals are to be implemented within the next seven years. 
The adoption of a sovereign local region-type doshu or regional bloc 
 
TOKYO 00001815  009 OF 009 
 
 
system of substantively transferring authorities, fiscal resources 
and personnel to local governments will also be carried out within 
the same timeframe. The manifesto clearly notes that the party will 
aim for a shift from bureaucracy. As part of such an effort, it will 
set up a Kasumigaseki reform council at the Kantei and appoint more 
than 100 politicians or citizens as panel members. 
 
Watanabe underscored, "Even if the DPJ secures a majority in the 
Lower House, the situation in the Upper House (the DPJ falls short 
of a majority) will not change. Moves for political realignment will 
occur with our party working as a catalyst." He indicated a desire 
to aim to reorganize political circles, advocating reform of 
Kasumigaseki. Regarding relations with the DPJ, he said, "President 
Hatoyama, Deputy President Naoto Kan and I have reaffirmed that we 
will cooperate with each other except in elections." 
 
ZUMWALT