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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 002361 
 
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 10/14/09 
 
INDEX: 
 
1) Top headlines 
2) Editorials 
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei) 
 
Ambassador Roos: 
4) Roos on Futenma relocation:  "The present agreement is best" 
(Asahi) 
5) Roos wants facility relocated according to original plan 
(Yomiuri) 
6) Roos stresses alliance's importance (Yomiuri) 
7) Roos meets with State Minister for Abduction Issue Nakai (Nikkei) 
 
 
Refueling mission: 
8) Prime Minister indicates the MSDF will withdraw from the Indian 
Ocean (Sankei) 
9) Foreign minister indicates refueling mission will end; 
termination supported by other cabinet members (Yomiuri) 
10) MSDF Chief of Staff Akahoshi secures understanding for refueling 
mission's termination (Mainichi) 
 
Futenma relocation: 
11) U.S. rejects proposal to integrate Futenma and Kadena facilities 
(Yomiuri) 
12) Okinawa Governor wants facility relocated to offing (Nikkei) 
 
Opinion polls: 
13) Asahi: 70% approve of review of supplemental budget; support 
rate drops to 65% (Asahi) 
 
Politics: 
14) Budgetary request largest ever (Yomiuri) 
 
Defense & security: 
15) MOD reform plan to start from scratch with change of 
administration (Asahi) 
16) Japanese and Indian officials to meet about anti-piracy measures 
(Yomiuri) 
 
Foreign relations: 
17) FM Okada and Indonesian president agree on promotion of East 
Asian Community initiative (Nikkei) 
18) Russian FM hopes Japanese counterpart will visit (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
1) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi: 
Income subsidy for rice farming households to start in FY2010 
 
Mainichi: 
Policy panels kick off at ministries; trial-and-error process begins 
for unification of policymaking 
 
Yomiuri: 
Futenma relocation: Governor accepts relocation within Okinawa on 
condition of moving runways further offshore 
 
Nikkei: 
 
TOKYO 00002361  002 OF 012 
 
 
Futenma: Governor demands moving runways further offshore 
 
Sankei: 
Part 1 of "Yonaguni Island in danger" series: China allowed to do as 
it likes in "sea of friendship" 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Okinawa governor's opinion on environmental assessment accepts 
Futenma relocation within the prefecture on condition of moving 
runways further offshore 
 
Akahata: 
9th plenum of JCP Central Committee opens; ensure victory in Upper 
House election based on lessons learned from general election 
 
2) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Hiroshima-Nagasaki Olympics: What is needed to realize a dream 
that all can share 
(2) Afghan strategy: Time for a drastic review 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) Withdrawal of refueling mission: Present comprehensive plans for 
Afghanistan 
(2) Overcome the past, promote Haneda as hub airport 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) Haneda airport: Promotion as hub an obvious option 
(2) Afghan aid: Look for a way to continue refueling mission 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Refueling mission: A repeat of "checkbook diplomacy"? 
(2) Make Haneda the main gateway to Japan 
 
Sankei: 
(1) Refueling mission in Indian Ocean: Avoid withdrawal that will 
undermine national interest 
(2) Olympics in the atomic-bombed cities: Politics taking 
precedence? 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Afghan aid: Offer civilian aid in areas desired by local people 
(2) Armenian reconciliation: Have courage to overcome the past 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Global warming prevention talks: Make political decision to 
reach agreement by deadline 
 
3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei) 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, October 12 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
Morning 
Stayed at his private residence. 
 
17:59 
Had dinner with the Emperor and Empress at the Imperial Palace. 
Wife, Miyuki, was also present. 
 
TOKYO 00002361  003 OF 012 
 
 
 
21:03 
Arrived at his private residence. 
 
Prime Minister's schedule, October 13 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
10:03 
Attended a cabinet meeting at the Kantei. Later met Defense Minister 
Kitazawa. Chief Cabinet Secretary Hirano was also present. 
 
11:25 
Met Ambassador to Vietnam Sakaba. 
 
13:54 
Met Upper House member Shokichi Kina. 
 
14:26 
Met Election Campaign Committee Chair Ishii, followed by the New 
Party Daichi representative Suzuki. 
 
16:21 
Met Japanese Olympic Committee President Tsunekazu Takeda and Upper 
House member Masamitsu Oishi. 
 
18:08 
Met Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Yamaoka, Lower House standing 
committee chairmen, and others at his official residential quarters. 
 
 
20:20 
Arrived at his private residence. 
 
AMBASSADOR ROOS 
 
4) Ambassador Roos says during interview "current agreement is the 
best" for Futenma relocation 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
Yoichi Kato, editorial staff member 
 
On Oct. 13 U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos gave his first 
interview to the Asahi Shimbun after taking up his post. Discussing 
the relocation of the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa, 
he said: "The Obama administration has considered all the other 
options and believes that the current agreement is the best option," 
indicating that the U.S. government has no intention to revise or 
change the plan. 
 
The Ambassador showed understanding for the Hatoyama 
administration's examination of the process by which the agreement 
was reached. However, he also said: "We hope and expect that after 
the examination the administration will be satisfied with this 
agreement." 
 
Regarding the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean, which Defense 
Minister Toshimi Kitazawa said will be withdrawn temporarily in 
January 2010, Roos said: "Not only the United States, but the 
 
TOKYO 00002361  004 OF 012 
 
 
members of the alliance of the willing also appreciate the mission 
and hope that it will continue." However, he also pointed out that 
"there are many ways to contribute to the situation in Afghanistan 
and Pakistan." He added, "The important thing is for Japan to 
continue to contribute in a meaningful way and expand its 
contribution if possible," indicating a hope for an expanded 
contribution. 
 
Gist of the interview 
 
Following is the gist of the interview with Ambassador Roos: 
 
Kato: Why were you appointed ambassador? 
 
Roos: I think President Obama, who knows me well, made that decision 
after considering who would be best for the United States at the 
present stage in Japan-U.S. relations. If I may borrow the 
President's words, I have a "close relationship" (with the 
President) based on trust. I will advise the President when he asks 
for my advice or when I think it's necessary. 
 
Kato: There was criticism in the U.S. that you were selected because 
you raised substantial funds for the presidential campaign and that 
you had no diplomatic experience. 
 
Roos: This is probably because I come from Silicon Valley in 
California, have experience in the business sector, and have a 
different background (from past ambassadors). 
 
I will work with every ounce of my being during my tenure, and make 
sure that when I leave, relations between the two countries, not 
only in the area of security, but also in a wide range of other 
areas, will have been strengthened. 
 
Kato: What is your approach to the Futenma issue? 
 
Roos: The Obama administration has considered all the options and 
believes that the current agreement is the best option. We expect 
that after the Hatoyama administration examines the negotiation 
process, it will be satisfied with this agreement. 
 
Kato: How about the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean? 
 
Roos: Not only the United States, but many members of the alliance 
of the willing also hope that the mission will continue. However, 
the important thing is that Japan continues to contribute in a 
meaningful way. There are many ways to do so. 
 
Kato: What is the possibility of the President's visiting 
Hiroshima? 
 
Roos: That is something for the President to decide. I visited 
Hiroshima (last week) and I was deeply moved. The trip was also for 
the purpose of conveying my thoughts to the President. 
 
5) U.S. Ambassador expresses hopes for relocation of Futenma Air 
Station as planned 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos gave an interview to the Yomiuri 
 
TOKYO 00002361  005 OF 012 
 
 
Shimbun at his official residence in Tokyo on Oct. 13. Referring to 
the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station 
in Okinawa, the Ambassador expressed strong expectations for the 
relocation to be realized as planned, saying, "I am optimistic that 
the roadmap (to relocate the air station to Nago in the prefecture) 
will move forward in the end." Some in the Hatoyama administration 
are calling for moving the Futenma Air Station out of Okinawa. The 
Ambassador expressed a view dismissive of making major changes to 
the plan by describing the roadmap as something agreed upon as the 
next stage in the strategic alliance. 
 
Japan and the United States agreed on the roadmap in May 2006 during 
the former Bush administration. Ambassador Roos explained that the 
U.S. administration examined the roadmap after Obama took office and 
has reaffirmed its critical importance. Showing understanding of 
expected calls for reexamining the roadmap in the wake of the change 
of administration in Japan, the Ambassador said: "We have to give 
the Democratic Party of Japan time. It is not fair to set a deadline 
tied to a visit to Japan by the President (next month)." 
 
The Ambassador also expressed hopes for the continuation of the 
Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean 
beyond its expiry next January, saying: "I understand that a final 
conclusion has yet to be reached. Japan's refueling mission is 
highly appreciated." He also commented, "The United States and many 
other countries are hoping that Japan will step up its contributions 
(to Afghanistan)." 
 
During the Japan-China-ROK summit on Oct. 10, Prime Minister 
Hatoyama said Japan has been too dependent on the United States. The 
Ambassador expressed displeasure about this statement, saying, "The 
expression (used to describe the Japan-U.S. relationship) was not 
appropriate." At the same time, the Ambassador said, "The Prime 
Minister's statement describing (Japan and the United States) as 
equal partners is correct." 
 
Asked if there was any chance for President Barack Obama to visit 
Hiroshima, the city that suffered an atomic bombing, the Ambassador 
said: "It is a matter for the President to decide. I have visited 
there and I was deeply moved. I want to convey my experience to the 
President." 
 
6) Interview with U.S. Ambassador to Japan; underlines importance of 
bilateral alliance, while expressing concern about Japan drifting 
away from U.S. 
 
YOMIURI (Page 6) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
Takashi Sadahiro, International Department 
 
On Oct. 13 U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos gave an interview to 
the Yomiuri Shimbun in which he emphasized good relations between 
Japan and the United States, saying: "The relationship between the 
two countries is firmer than ever before. It will blossom further in 
the future." But the Ambassador stopped short of presenting any 
concrete measures to close the schism in Japan-U.S. relations that 
since the change of administration in Japan has emerged over the 
planned realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and contributions to 
Afghanistan. The Ambassador's remarks advocating the importance of 
the bilateral alliance disclosed the U.S. side's alarm with 
President Barack Obama's visit to Japan only one month away. 
 
TOKYO 00002361  006 OF 012 
 
 
 
In the interview, Ambassador Roos reiterated the Obama 
administration's official view that the Japan-U.S. alliance is the 
cornerstone of strategic and economic relations in Asia. He also 
reacted calmly to the Hatoyama administration's policy of attaching 
importance to Asia, saying, "The Japan-U.S. relationship is not a 
zero-sum game (in which it grows weaker if another relationship 
becomes stronger)." He presented a sort of idealistic theory --  if 
not only Japan but also the United States strengthens its relations 
with Asian countries, including China, the Japan-U.S. alliance will 
become firmer. 
 
During his trip to China, Prime Minister Hatoyama said that Japan 
has been too dependent on the United States. Ambassador Roos frankly 
described Hatoyama's words as inappropriate. He could not accept the 
idea of Japan distancing itself from the United States by shifting 
the focus of its diplomacy to Asia. 
 
On the afternoon of Oct. 13, ahead of the interview, the Ambassador 
called on National Public Safety Commission Chairman Hiroshi Nakai. 
Referring to the abduction issue during the interview, the 
Ambassador said: "It is not only a political issue but also an 
ethical issue. We would like to cooperate with Japan in order to 
achieve a satisfactory result." This offered a glimpse of the U.S. 
intention to work closely with Japan in addressing issues critical 
to it with the aim of preventing the Japan-U.S. alliance from 
becoming hollow. 
 
Gist of the interview with Ambassador Roos 
 
-- Is there any chance President Barack Obama will visit Hiroshima? 
 
Ambassador Roos: Whether or not to visit Hiroshima (during his visit 
to Japan in November) is a matter for President Obama to decide 
personally. I have visited Hiroshima and I was deeply moved. I want 
to convey my personal experience to the President. 
 
-- What is your assessment of the current Japan-U.S. relationship? 
 
Roos: The President told me that (the Japan-U.S. relationship) is 
the cornerstone of the United States' strategic and economic 
relations in Asia. The Japan-U.S. relationship is firmer than ever 
before. It will continue to flourish in the future. 
 
-- Prime Minister Hatoyama said that Japan has been too dependent on 
the United States. What do you think of his statement? 
 
Roos: Bilateral relations are not a zero-sum game. I don't think 
(Japan has been too dependent on the United States) is a proper 
expression. I think the Prime Minister's statement that Japan and 
the United States are equal partners is correct and that they should 
remain equal partners in the future as well. 
 
-- Is there any prospect for the resolution of the issue of 
relocating the U.S. Martine Corps' Futenma Air Station? 
 
Roos: Japan and the United States have agreed on a roadmap (to 
relocate the Futenma Air Station to Nago in Okinawa Prefecture) as 
the next stage in the strategic alliance. The roadmap is designed to 
strengthen the bilateral alliance. It was examined at the start of 
the Obama administration and its critical importance has been 
reaffirmed. It is being studied by the new administration in Japan 
 
TOKYO 00002361  007 OF 012 
 
 
as well. We should give the Democratic Party of Japan time to reach 
its own conclusion. But I am optimistic that the roadmap will move 
forward in the end. It is not fair to set a "deadline (for an 
agreement)" to coincide with the President's visit to Japan. I don't 
think it is appropriate for the United States to set an artificial 
deadline for Japan. 
 
-- Japan might decide to terminate the refueling mission in the 
Indian Ocean. How would such a decision affect Japan-U.S. 
relations? 
 
Roos: I understand that a final decision (on the refueling mission) 
has not been reached. It is not a matter of Japan-U.S. relations but 
a matter of all countries providing support and of the international 
community. The war against terrorism is critical for all of us. 
Japan's refueling mission is highly appreciated. The United States 
and many other countries are hoping Japan will increase its 
contributions (to Afghanistan). Foreign Minister Okada's proposal 
(of civilian support) could be an important contribution. 
 
-- What is your view of the issue of abductions by North Korea? 
 
Roos: It is not only a political issue but an ethical issue as well. 
We would like to cooperate with Japan to achieve a satisfactory 
result. 
 
7) State Minister for Abduction Issue Nakai asks for U.S. 
cooperation 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
State Minister for Abduction Issue Hiroshi Nakai on October 13 met 
with U.S. Ambassador to Japan Roos for about 40 minutes at the 
Cabinet Office. During the meeting Nakai asked for U.S. cooperation 
on the issue of the abduction of Japanese nationals by North Korea. 
Emerging from the meeting Roos told reporters: "We talked about 
Japan and the U.S. closely working together toward the settlement of 
the abduction issue. We discussed how important this issue is and 
that we plan to continue to cooperate on it." 
 
REFUELING MISSION 
 
 
8) Government to withdraw MSDF from Indian Ocean 
 
SANKEI (Page 1) (Excerpts) 
October 14, 2009 
 
The government has decided to withdraw Maritime Self-Defense Force 
personnel engaged in the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean when 
the new antiterrorism special measures law expires on Jan. 15. 
Speaking before reporters last evening, Prime Minister Yukio 
Hatoyama indicated that the government would not extend the law. He 
said: 
 
"We would like to make a judgment based on what the mission has 
meant for the Afghan government. The Afghan government does not have 
strong feelings about Japan's refueling mission." 
 
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa also said in a press conference 
yesterday: "We will withdraw (the mission) quietly in accordance 
 
TOKYO 00002361  008 OF 012 
 
 
with the law, which is to expire in January." 
 
9) Ministers support, LDP criticizes FM Okada's statement on 
withdrawing MSDF refueling mission 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada stated in Pakistan on Oct. 12 that a 
bill to extend the refueling mission of the Maritime Self-Defense 
Force (MSDF) after the expiration of its authorization in January 
will not be submitted to the extraordinary Diet session. Opinions in 
support of this statement have been voiced in the government. 
 
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told reporters on the evening of Oct. 
13 that "the Afghan government does not necessarily have a strong 
preference for the refueling mission," and said, "We would like to 
figure out what is most expected of Japan," including vocational 
training for former soldiers under the old Taliban regime. With 
regard to contribution in terms of personnel under a poor security 
situation, Hatoyama stressed that "there will be some ways to do 
command and control work, even for just a small number of people." 
 
At a news conference held after the cabinet meeting, Chief Cabinet 
Secretary Hirofumi Hirano stated: "The Foreign Minister's statement 
carries a lot of weight. We would like to make the final decision 
giving due respect to this." Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa also 
said: "The law expires in January 2010. The MSDF will be withdrawn 
without any fuss." Social Democratic Party leader Mizuho Fukushima 
(consumer affairs minister) expressed her support for the foreign 
minister's position as well. She said: "There are many things Japan 
can do in terms of civilian aid." 
 
Meanwhile, Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) Secretary General Tadamori 
Oshima stated at a news conference on Oct. 13: "The refueling 
mission in the Indian Ocean is meant (for Japan) to fulfill its due 
share of responsibility in the international war against terrorism. 
If the Democratic Party of Japan does not want to continue the 
mission, we are determined to submit counterproposals." However, New 
Komeito has indicated that it will not go along with the LDP's 
counterproposals because "in principle, the government is 
responsible (for legislation)." (Chief Representative Natsuo 
Yamaguchi). The opposition parties disagree on this issue. 
 
10) MSDF chief of staff takes view that countries receiving fuel 
from Japan understand government's policy of not extending refueling 
operations 
 
MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
At a regular press conference yesterday, Maritime Self-Defense Force 
(MSDF) Chief of Staff Keiji Akahoshi clarified that he held talks 
early this month on the MSDF's refueling mission in the Indian 
Ocean, which will expire next January, with top Navy officials from 
eight countries, including the United States, to which Japan has 
supplied fuel. Akahoshi took the view that he was able to obtain a 
certain level of understanding toward the government's policy of not 
simply extending the mission. 
 
The eight countries represented at the talks were the United States, 
Pakistan, France, Germany, Canada, Britain, New Zealand, and 
 
TOKYO 00002361  009 OF 012 
 
 
Denmark. 
 
FUTENMA RELOCATION 
 
11) U.S. refuses Japan's proposal on integrating of Futenma 
functions into Kadena base in bureau director-level talks 
 
YOMIURI (Page 2) (Slightly abridged) 
October 14, 2009 
 
In talks held on Oct. 5 in Washington by Japanese and U.S. bureau 
director-level officials in charge of foreign and defense affairs, 
the Japanese side sounded the U.S. out on a proposal to integrate 
U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station (Ginowan City, Okinawa 
Prefecture) into the Air Force's Kadena Air Base (Nago City). Japan 
and the U.S. have already agreed to relocate the Futenma facility to 
the coastal area of Camp Schwab. The U.S. side flatly rejected 
Japan's proposal in the talks, with one official remarking, "That is 
out of the question." 
 
Several informed sources said yesterday that under Japan's proposal, 
the U.S. Air Force would reduce the number of fighters stationed at 
Kadena base and instead relocate the helicopter functions of Futenma 
base to Kadena. 
 
12) Okinawa governor calls for moving Futenma relocation site 
offshore 
 
NIKKEI (Top play) (Excerpts) 
October 14, 2009 
 
Okinawa Governor Hirokazu Nakaima yesterday submitted to the Okinawa 
Defense Bureau a position paper on the assessment of the 
environmental impact of the existing plan to transfer the U.S. 
Marine Corps' Futenma air Station (in Ginowan City, Okinawa 
Prefecture) to the coastal area of Camp Schwab in Nago City. In the 
paper, he called for moving the construction site as far offshore as 
possible. The government will start the coordination process to 
determine the construction site, bearing in mind U.S. President 
Barack Obama's upcoming visit to Japan set for Nov. 12 and based on 
the governor's opinion. In the Okinawa prefectural assembly, a 
number of members are still calling for moving the heliport 
functions of the Futenma Air Station outside Okinawa. The U.S. 
government remains cautious about revising the existing relocation 
plan. Attention will be focused on what moves the U.S. will make. 
 
The governor's position paper notes that "the environmental impact 
of the existing plan is considered to be extremely serious." The 
paper also says: "Moving the facility outside the prefecture would 
be the best choice, but (the Okinawa government) had to accept the 
transfer of the facility within the prefecture in order to remove 
the danger of the Futenma facility." The paper then urges "the 
government to present its policy and specific plans quickly." If the 
government accepts Nakaima's call for moving the site offshore, he 
is expected to agree to the transfer of the Futenma facilities to 
Camp Schwab. 
 
A major basis for judgment for the government of Prime Minister 
Yukio Hatoyama is the response by the U.S. Obama government. The 
U.S. side has shown a negative view about revising the plan of 
relocating the Futenma facility to the coastal area of Camp Schwab. 
But a source connected to Japan-U.S. relations takes this view: "If 
 
TOKYO 00002361  010 OF 012 
 
 
the existing plan is altered to move the construction site offshore 
to some extent, there is a possibility that the U.S. might accept 
the plan in the end." 
 
U.S. Secretary of Defense Robert Gates will be visiting Japan next 
week, and President Obama is scheduled to visit Japan next month. 
Bearing these events in mind, the Hatoyama government intends to 
make a final decision on the site after it carefully watches the 
U.S. side's response. If the U.S. government indicates a willingness 
to accept the governor's request for moving the site offshore, a 
growing number of people might begin to accept the transfer of the 
facilities within the prefecture. 
 
OPINION POLLS 
 
13) Poll: Hatoyama cabinet's support rate at 65% 
 
ASAHI (Page 1) (Abridged) 
October 14, 2009 
 
The rate of public support for Prime Minister Hatoyama and his 
cabinet was 65% in a telephone-based nationwide public opinion 
survey conducted by the Asahi Shimbun on Oct. 11-12. The cabinet 
support rate remains high, though it edged down from the 71% rating 
from the last survey conducted right after its inauguration. The 
nonsupport rate for the Hatoyama cabinet was 16% (14% in the last 
survey). 
 
It has now been nearly one month since the Hatoyama cabinet made its 
debut. In the survey, respondents were asked about the Hatoyama 
cabinet's performance up to now. In response to this question, a 
total of 75% gave affirmative answers, broken down into 12% saying 
they "appreciate very much" and 63% saying they "appreciate to a 
certain extent." Meanwhile, those who "don't appreciate very much" 
accounted for 18%, with the proportion of those who "don't 
appreciate at all" reaching 4%. Among those who support the ruling 
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), 91% gave affirmative ratings for 
the Hatoyama cabinet's job performance. Even among those who support 
the now-opposition Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), 50% were 
affirmative. It may safely be said that the Hatoyama cabinet has 
gotten off to a smooth start with the public's positive ratings for 
its policy switchovers from the previous LDP-led government. 
 
Respondents were also asked about the Hatoyama cabinet's specific 
policies. The Hatoyama cabinet is now in the process of reviewing 
the supplementary budget, which was compiled by the previous 
administration, in order to suspend spending on budgeted projects 
totaling over 2.5 trillion yen. Asked about this, 23% answered that 
they "appreciate very much," with 50% saying they "appreciate 
somewhat." Meanwhile, "don't appreciate very much" accounted for 
22%, with "don't appreciate at all" at 4%. As seen from these 
figures, affirmative answers markedly outnumbered negative ones. 
 
Hatoyama has vowed in the international community to attain a 
reduction of 25% in Japan's greenhouse gas emissions (from 1990 
levels) by 2020 in an effort to prevent global warming. In the 
survey, respondents were asked if they supported this international 
commitment. To this question, 72% answered "yes," with 21% saying 
"no." Respondents were further asked if they would be content if the 
emissions reduction caused them to shoulder a heavier burden on 
their livelihoods or affect business activity. To this question, 
"yes" accounted for 40%, with "no" at 51%. 
 
TOKYO 00002361  011 OF 012 
 
 
 
POLITICS 
 
14) Fiscal 2010 budget requests likely to be largest ever 
 
YOMIURI (Page 1) (Excerpt) 
October 14, 2009 
 
A strong possibility has emerged that fiscal 2010 general-account 
budget requests to be submitted by each government agency on October 
15 will reach around 95 trillion yen. The figure is much larger than 
the fiscal 2004 budget of 89.1494 trillion yen, and the largest-ever 
size at the stage of submitting requests. Prime Minister Hatoyama 
has asked each government agency to set the amounts of budget 
requests for existing policy measures below the level of the fiscal 
2009 initial budget. However, the review of budget requests is 
proceeding with difficulty. The amount of requests could increase by 
nearly 7 trillion yen from the fiscal 2009 initial budget due to the 
implementation of new programs, such as the introduction of a 
child-care allowance system. 
 
DEFENSE & SECURITY 
 
15) Defense ministry reform plan rendered null and void due to 
change in government 
 
ASAHI (Page 4) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
The Defense Ministry Reform Headquarters Council, chaired by Defense 
Minister Toshimi Kitazawa, on October 13 decided to withdraw a 
Defense Ministry reform plan, which the previous Liberal Democratic 
Party administration had been considering following a series of 
scandals such as a bribery case involving former vice defense 
minister Takemasa Moriya. The Council intends to discuss the 
direction of the organizational reform from the beginning in 
conjunction with the envisaged overall review of the role of defense 
following the change in government. 
 
Defense Parliamentary Secretary Daizo Kusuda told reporters after 
the meeting: "The effects and objective of reforming the ministry 
have yet to be discussed thoroughly. We must start off by 
identifying problems once again." The Council, which consists of the 
defense minister and the chiefs of the staff of the Ground, 
Maritime, and Air Self Defense Forces, will also be disbanded. The 
defense minister, the senior vice defense minister, and the defense 
parliamentary secretaries will lead future discussions on reforming 
the ministry. 
 
16) Japan, India to discuss antipiracy measures 
 
YOMIURI (Page 4) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
Japan-India talks on maritime security between foreign and defense 
officials at the director general level will be held today in New 
Delhi. The two countries' working-level officials will begin 
exchanging views mainly on antipiracy measures in the Indian Ocean, 
a strategic location for maritime traffic. A Japan-India joint 
declaration on bilateral security cooperation formulated when Indian 
Prime Minister Singh visited Japan last October stipulated that the 
two countries will promote cooperation between maritime security 
 
TOKYO 00002361  012 OF 012 
 
 
authorities from Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Indian 
Navy. 
 
FOREIGN RELATIONS 
 
17) Foreign minister visits Indonesia: Agreement reached on 
promotion of concept of East Asian Community 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
Yasuji Nozawa, Jakarta 
 
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada on October 13 visited Indonesia and 
met with President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono and Foreign Minister 
Noer Hassan Wirajuda separately. Both countries agreed to cooperate 
for the promotion of the concept of an East Asian Community 
advocated by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. 
 
Emerging from the meeting (with Hassan), Okada underscored at a 
press conference, "Indonesia will be a key partner for Japan as we 
press ahead with the East Asian Community concept." Hassan stated, 
"The envisaged community should be balanced and comprehensive." 
Okada and Yudhoyono during their meeting vowed that both countries 
will back up the democratization of Myanmar (Burma). 
 
18) Russia hopes Foreign Minister Okada will visit Moscow 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
October 14, 2009 
 
House of Councillors President Satsuki Eda, now visiting Russia, 
held a press conference on Oct. 13 in Moscow. During the press 
briefing, he revealed that Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov 
expressed hope that Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada will visit Russia 
before the end of the year or early next year. Eda's visit to Russia 
was the first visit in 10 years by a Japanese Upper House 
president. 
 
ROOS