VZCZCXRO6564
PP RUEHFK RUEHKSO RUEHNAG RUEHNH
DE RUEHKO #2619/01 3162305
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 122305Z NOV 09
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7491
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 9735
RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 7379
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 1198
RUEHNAG/AMCONSUL NAGOYA 4573
RUEHKSO/AMCONSUL SAPPORO 7896
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 1809
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 8475
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 7957

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 12 TOKYO 002619 
 
SIPDIS 
 
DEPT FOR E, P, EB, EAP/J, EAP/P, EAP/PD, PA; 
WHITE HOUSE/NSC/NEC; JUSTICE FOR STU CHEMTOB IN ANTI-TRUST DIVISION; 
TREASURY/OASIA/IMI/JAPAN; DEPT PASS USTR/PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE; 
SECDEF FOR JCS-J-5/JAPAN, 
DASD/ISA/EAPR/JAPAN; DEPT PASS ELECTRONICALLY TO USDA 
FAS/ITP FOR SCHROETER; PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR; 
CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA. 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA
 
SUBJECT:  DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 11/12/09 
 
INDEX: 
 
(1) Editorial: U.S. President Obama's visit to Japan - New 
administration being tested over management of Japan-U.S. alliance 
(Asahi) 
 
(2) Editorial: Obama's 1st visit to Japan should be starting point 
for deepening alliance (Mainichi) 
 
(3) Ginowan mayor to attend President Obama's speech on Nov. 14 
(Okinawa Times) 
 
(4) Editorial: The voice of Okinawa reached the Hatoyama cabinet on 
Futenma relocation? (Tokyo Shimbun) 
 
(5) Interview with Joseph Nye, professor at Harvard University: 
Japan, U.S. should issue new declaration on 50th anniversary of 
Security Treaty (Nikkei) 
 
(6) Interview with Professor Kent Calder: Create a venue for 
dialogue on Japan-U.S. security arrangements (Nikkei) 
 
(7) Failure to report accident lamented at funeral of victim of 
fatal hit-and-run incident in Okinawa (Okinawa Times) 
 
(8) Editorial: Folly of check-book diplomacy, again (Nikkei) 
 
(9) TOP HEADLINES (Nikkei) 
 
(10) EDITORIALS (Nikkei) 
 
ARTICLES: 
 
(1) Editorial: U.S. President Obama's visit to Japan - New 
administration being tested over management of Japan-U.S. alliance 
 
ASAHI (Page 3) (Full) 
November 12, 2009 
 
U.S. President Barack Obama will arrive in Japan tomorrow. In the 
presidential election campaign just one year ago, Obama called for 
change. Since he assumed office, he has demonstrated his originality 
in both domestic and foreign policies. The international community 
is now paying close attention to how Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, 
who also took over the reins of government (in the last House of 
Representatives election), is going to deepen Japan-U.S. relations 
in cooperation with President Obama. 
 
Attaching great importance to such global challenges as global 
warming and nuclear arms reduction, the Obama and Hatoyama 
administrations are willing to address these issues based on 
multilateral cooperation. We hope the two leaders, while reaffirming 
that the bilateral alliance will remain solid also in the future, 
will envision a fresh vision that is greatly different from the 
approach taken in the days of the Bush administration and successive 
Japanese governments led by the Liberal Democratic Party. 
 
But there is a thorny issue that stands in the way of Japan-U.S. 
relations - the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma 
Air Station. Japan and the U.S. agreed three years ago to relocate 
the facility to Henoko in Nago City. Although Secretary of Defense 
Robert Gates pressed Japan to accept this current plan before 
 
TOKYO 00002619  002 OF 012 
 
 
President Obama visits Japan, the two countries have decided not to 
spotlight the Futenma issue in the upcoming summit meeting. 
 
Instead, they agreed to have a cabinet-level task force speed up 
work to bring about a settlement to the issue at an early date. It 
is surely undesirable for the two leaders will be at odds over the 
Futenma issue during their meeting. 
 
The situation, though, is becoming more and more complicated. The 
Okinawa governor and the Nago mayor have expressed their approval of 
the existing plan, but the change of government has boosted 
expectations among Okinawa prefecture and local residents for the 
Futenma facility to be moved out of the prefecture. They are also 
becoming more impatient about the prime minister's indecisive 
policy. 
 
Meanwhile, the danger of the Futenma Air Station must be removed as 
soon as possible. If a part of the overall plan for the realignment 
of U.S. forces in Japan is halted as a result of the existing plan 
being put back to square one, other measures to reduce the base 
burden on Okinawa, such as the return of the site to be vacated by 
the Futenma Air Station and the transfer of Marines to Guam, will 
also come to a stalemate. 
 
It might be an idea for Hatoyama to frankly speak of the difficulty 
and complexity of the Futenma issue. It is important for the prime 
minister to demonstrate his eagerness in the summit to exchange 
views on this issue in a serious manner because the issue bears on 
the base of the bilateral alliance, instead of sidestepping it. 
 
No matter what decision the prime minister makes, he will need a 
great deal of political energy to break the current impasse based on 
his decision. It is necessary for the two leaders to express their 
determination to resolve this issue at an early date in order to 
gain enough momentum to break the impasse. 
 
In an interview with NHK, President Obama indicated his 
understanding for the reexamination of the agreement to move the 
facility to Henoko by the Hatoyama administration, but also 
expressed his expectation for Japan's acceptance of the plan in the 
end. 
 
When a regime change takes place, it is possible that the new 
government will change the policies of the previous government, and 
this can result in friction. The new administrations are being 
tested on how they will manage the Japan-U.S. alliance. 
 
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the revision of the 
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. The new administrations of Japan and the 
U.S. will soon begin working on considering future options for the 
Japan-U.S. alliance and role-sharing for the 21st century. We hope 
the coming summit will be an appropriate starting point for this 
process. 
 
(2) Editorial: Obama's 1st visit to Japan should be starting point 
for deepening alliance 
 
MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full) 
November 11, 2009 
 
U.S. President Obama will come to Japan on Nov. 13 for the first 
time since taking office and will meet with Prime Minister Yukio 
 
TOKYO 00002619  003 OF 012 
 
 
Hatoyama. The two leaders are expected to talk about such issues as 
assistance measures for Afghan reconstruction, efforts to address 
climate change, and nuclear disarmament. 
 
Ahead of the summit meeting, the Japanese government has decided to 
extend 5 billion dollars (approximately 450 billion yen) in aid to 
Afghanistan over a period of five years from this year. This aid 
package for Afghanistan features such measures as providing 
vocational training for former Taliban militants to help them 
reenter society, continuing to pay half of the wages for local 
police, and carrying out agricultural and medical support. The 
government has shelved the option of sending the Self-Defense Forces 
to Afghanistan in lieu of continuing the Maritime Self-Defense 
Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean because of the 
deteriorating security situation in Afghanistan and out of 
consideration for the Social Democratic Party, one of the ruling 
Democratic Party of Japan's two coalition partners. Instead, the 
government has decided to provide civilian assistance with funding. 
 
Even so, Japan has extended a total of approximately 2 billion 
dollars in its civilian assistance to Afghanistan since 2002. As it 
stands, Japan's contributions will pile up in a major way. This is 
apparently a consequence of having made concessions to the United 
States as a price for discontinuing the MSDF's refueling mission in 
the Indian Ocean and limiting Japan's personnel contributions due to 
the worsening security situation in Afghanistan. Since the 
government is going to spend so much of the taxpayers' money, it 
should secure transparency through public accountability on such 
points as how much assistance is being provided. 
 
Meanwhile, it seems the two leaders will not delve too deeply into 
the issue of relocating the U.S. military's Futenma airfield in 
Okinawa Prefecture. This is to delay dealing with the problem. 
However, since Futenma is a major pending issue or Japan and the 
United States, it will undoubtedly be the most important issue 
lurking in the background of the summit meeting. 
 
We are, however, concerned about the Hatoyama cabinet's way of 
addressing the Futenma issue. In its manifesto for this summer's 
general election for the House of Representatives, the DPJ committed 
itself to reviewing the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan and the 
presence of U.S. military bases in Japan. During the election 
campaign, DPJ President Hatoyama clarified his intention to relocate 
Futenma airfield outside Okinawa Prefecture. "Futenma relocation 
outside Okinawa Prefecture" is a de facto public pledge. 
 
However, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada is giving heed to 
integrating the heliport functions of Futenma airfield into the U.S. 
Kadena Air Base, and Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa is leaning 
toward the current plan to relocate Futenma airfield to a coastal 
area of Camp Schwab in line with an intergovernmental agreement 
reached between Japan and the United States. The two ministers both 
agree on relocation within Okinawa Prefecture. The Hatoyama cabinet 
does not appear to be looking at all seriously into the possibility 
of moving the Futenma base out of Okinawa Prefecture. Prime Minister 
Hatoyama underscored both "the wishes of Okinawa Prefecture's local 
residents" and "the gravity of the intergovernmental agreement 
between Japan and the United States." However, he knew about the 
bilateral agreement when he insisted on Futenma relocation outside 
Okinawa Prefecture, didn't he? It is Prime Minister Hatoyama's 
responsibility to pave the way toward resolving the pending issue of 
Futenma relocation. We want Prime Minister Hatoyama and President 
 
TOKYO 00002619  004 OF 012 
 
 
Obama to exchange views at least to address the Futenma issue in an 
earnest manner and come up with a solution to the problem. 
 
Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the revision of the 
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. There has been a change of government 
both in Japan and in the United States. In response to this, it 
should be very significant for the two countries to start working 
together to deepen their bilateral alliance. Prime Minister Hatoyama 
has also played up the Japan-U.S. alliance as the foundation of 
Japan's foreign policy. Next November Japan will host the 
Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Yokohama. On that 
occasion, President Obama will visit Japan again to attend the 
forum. The upcoming Hatoyama-Obama summit should be the starting 
point for redefining the bilateral alliance. 
 
(3) Ginowan mayor to attend President Obama's speech on Nov. 14 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 2) (Full) 
November 12, 2009 
 
TOKYO-Yoichi Iha, mayor of Ginowan, site of the U.S. Marine Corps' 
Futenma Air Station, revealed on Nov. 11 that he has received from 
the U.S. Embassy an invitation to President Barack Obama's speech to 
be delivered in Tokyo on Nov. 14. The U.S. Embassy has also invited 
Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima, as well as the mayors of Okinawa 
City, Kadena, and Chatan, which are localities surrounding the U.S. 
Kadena Air Base. 
 
The Okinawa government is now arranging the governor's schedule. 
However, the three mayors will forgo attending the session on 
account of their official duties. 
 
According to Mayor Iha, the U.S. Embassy conveyed a verbal 
invitation to Ginowan City on Nov. 10. 
 
Reportedly, President Obama will speak on the U.S.'s Asia policy. 
However, Iha said that there was no explanation of why the heads of 
local governments in Okinawa were invited. 
 
In March 2009 Mayor Iha sent President Obama a letter in which he 
explained that the Futenma base is located in a densely populated 
area, in violation of U.S. safety standards, and called for an early 
removal of the risk imposed by the base. 
 
Iha said, "I was invited probably because of the pending issue (of 
Futenma base)," revealing a sense of expectancy. 
 
"If I am given an opportunity to express my view," Iha said, "I 
would like to tell the President to eliminate the risk posed by 
Futenma, not only for the sake of the children who are the city's 
treasures, but also for protecting Henoko Bay, where dugongs live. 
 
(4) Editorial: The voice of Okinawa reached the Hatoyama cabinet on 
Futenma relocation? 
 
TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 5) (Full) 
November 11, 2009 
 
Ahead of U.S. President Barack Obama's visit to Japan on Nov. 13, 
Okinawa's local residents held a rally (on Nov. 8) to protest the 
planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station 
within Okinawa. Hatoyama cabinet ministers have expressed their 
 
TOKYO 00002619  005 OF 012 
 
 
views, which are premised on relocating the Futenma base within the 
island prefecture. Has the voice of Okinawa reached the Hatoyama 
cabinet? 
 
The Futenma base, located in a densely populated area of Ginowan 
City, is considered the most dangerous base in the world. With 
regard to the relocation of the Futenma base, Prime Minister Yukio 
Hatoyama reiterated during the campaign for the House of 
Representatives election that the best option would be to move the 
base out of Japan or at least move it out of Okinawa Prefecture. He 
referred to the possibility of reviewing the current plan to 
relocate the Futenma base to a coastal area of Camp Schwab, which is 
based on an agreement reached between the Japanese and U.S. 
governments. 
 
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), which has advocated moving the 
Futenma base's heliport functions outside Okinawa Prefecture or 
outside Japan, has taken the reins of government. DPJ candidates 
opposed to the idea of relocating Futenma within Okinawa won all the 
four single-seat districts of Okinawa Prefecture in the general 
election. Therefore, it is only natural that Okinawan people 
strongly want the Futenma base at least moved out of the 
prefecture. 
 
Nevertheless, the rally was carried out against the relocation of 
Futenma airfield within Okinawa Prefecture. Okinawa Prefecture's 
local residents were driven by the necessity of crying out against 
the Futenma relocation within the prefecture since some cabinet 
ministers have made remarks breaking their party's promise to 
voters. 
 
"(Okinawa-based) U.S. Marines will be moved to Guam and refueling 
aircraft will be transferred to the U.S. Marine Corps' Iwakuni Air 
Station (in Yamaguchi Prefecture). It is a little wrong to think 
that this idea does not satisfy our campaign pledges at all," said 
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa. However, Foreign Minister Katsuya 
Okada has suggested the idea of looking into the possibility of 
integrating the Futenma base into the U.S. Kadena Air Base (in the 
town of Kadena and other municipalities in Okinawa Prefecture). He 
said, "The manifesto and comments made by party officials during the 
campaign are not equivalent." 
 
The remarks made during the election campaign are pledges. If they 
are not campaign pledges, what should voters believe when casting 
their ballots? 
 
Okinawa is home to approximately 75 PERCENT  of U.S. military bases 
in Japan. Recently, a fatal hit-and-run incident occurred in Yomitan 
Village, Okinawa Prefecture. The incident is suspected of involving 
a U.S. military vehicle. Needless to cite this case, Okinawa has 
borne an overly heavy burden. 
 
Prime Minister Hatoyama said, "This is not the kind of issue we can 
resolve immediately after taking office." It is understandable that 
it would not be easy to resolve the Futenma issue, as he said. 
 
We hear that the U.S. government, which has called for Japan to 
implement the agreement, has growing dissatisfaction with Prime 
Minister Hatoyama, who has expressed his intention to put off a 
conclusion on the issue. We hope, however, that the Prime Minister 
will arrive at a conclusion after due consideration. If he gives up 
early, Okinawa's high expectations of the Hatoyama administration 
 
TOKYO 00002619  006 OF 012 
 
 
will turn into a sense of distrust at once. 
 
We hope that Prime Minister Hatoyama will talk with President Obama 
without reserve on Nov. 13 in order to find common ground on the 
Futenma issue. During the summit, he should convey the feelings of 
Okinawan people to President Obama straightforwardly. 
 
Next year will mark the 50th anniversary of the revision of the 
U.S.-Japan Security Treaty. The bilateral alliance should be rebuilt 
from a mid- to long-term perspective. It is about time for the 
government to think about how to mitigate Okinawa's base-hosting 
burden. 
 
(5) Interview with Joseph Nye, professor at Harvard University: 
Japan, U.S. should issue new declaration on 50th anniversary of 
Security Treaty 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
November 10, 2009 
 
-- Japan-U.S. relations have been strained since the Hatoyama 
administration was launched. 
 
Nye: Since the change of government came after the Liberal 
Democratic Party's (LDP) monopoly on power lasting for many years, 
it is only natural for there to be some friction between the new 
government and the U.S. Most of the current friction could have been 
anticipated. There is no need to worry about this in the long run. 
The Japan-U.S. Security Arrangements are based on common interests 
such as what approaches they should take to rising China and 
unpredictable North Korea. 
 
-- What do you think of the Hatoyama administration's performance? 
 
Nye: It is premature to make an evaluation. To put it in Navy terms, 
it is better to turn your eyes to the horizon than to become seasick 
while looking down the waves that are rocking the ship. 
 
Japan-U.S. relationship is not a master-servant relationship 
 
-- Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has said in Diet replies: "The LDP 
was blindly following the U.S.;" and "a review of the Japan-U.S. 
relationship is necessary." 
 
Nye: It is incorrect to liken the Japan-U.S. relationship to the 
relationship between a master and servant. Japan and the U.S. are 
legally on an equal footing, so if Japan does not need to ensure its 
national security with the presence of U.S. military forces, it can 
ask the U.S. to withdraw them. If Japan makes such a request, the 
U.S. will withdraw its troops. 
 
The Self-Defense Force's capabilities are inferior to those of the 
U.S. military. But that is the consequence of the policy Japan took, 
reflecting its historical and political circumstances. If Japan 
hopes and tries to possess the same level of military power as that 
of the U.S., it will cost Japan and its neighbors a great deal. In 
new areas such as energy and climate change prevention technology, 
Japan will be able take the initiative because it has technical 
capabilities that are superior to those of the U.S. 
 
-- What are your thoughts on the concept of the East Asian Community 
proposed by Prime Minister Hatoyama? 
 
TOKYO 00002619  007 OF 012 
 
 
 
Nye: It depends on how the concept is defined. Japan's efforts to 
deepen ties with its neighbors should be welcomed. It should be 
possible to establish a regional community that overlaps with 
existing regional frameworks, such as the ASEAN (Association of 
Southeast Asian Nation) plus Japan, the U.S. and South Korea; the 
East Asia Summit Conference; and the Asia-Pacific Economic 
Cooperation (APEC) forum. 
 
But it would not be at all productive to create a mechanism 
excluding the U.S. -- the world's largest economic power -- in an 
age of global interdependence. This point should be taken into 
consideration. China probably wouldn't welcome an agreement that 
would block its entry into the U.S. market, either. 
 
-- China's gross domestic product (GDP) will soon surpass Japan's. 
Has Japan become less valuable to the U.S.? 
 
Nye: China is no match for Japan yet in terms of GDP per capita and 
economic sophistication. Japan is also a partner to the U.S. because 
it is a democratic state. 
 
Kadena-Futenma integration plan difficult 
 
-- The U.S. government has been calling on Japan to implement the 
existing plan for the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma 
Air Station. 
 
Nye: This problem already existed when I was working for the Defense 
Department more than 10 years ago. It will not be beneficial for 
both countries to spend another 10 years in pursuit of a better 
plan. There is a proposal for integrating the Futenma airfield with 
Kadena Air Base. But the Air Force at the Kadena base and the Marine 
Corps at the Futenma air station conduct very different activities 
in contingencies, so their coexistence would be difficult. 
 
-- Prime Minister Hatoyama has said: "I want to listen to the views 
of the Okinawan people." A Nago mayoral election and an Okinawa 
gubernatorial election will be held next year. 
 
Nye: It is undesirable to take much time in reaching a conclusion, 
but U.S. Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell takes the view 
that there is enough time to listen to the voices of concern and 
understand the political issues. 
 
-- How should the Japan-U.S. relationship be developed in the 
future? 
 
Nye: East Asia became prosperous owing to the Japan-U.S. alliance. 
It was appropriate that President Bill Clinton and Prime Minister 
Ryutaro Hashimoto declared in 1996: "The Security Treaty is not a 
relic from the Cold War but the foundation for regional stability in 
the Cold-War period." Next year marks the 50th anniversary of the 
Japan-U.S. Security Treaty. Reconfirming that everything has gone 
smoothly under the Security Treaty is the cleverest way (to develop 
the Japan-U.S. relationship). To that end, I expect Japan and the 
U.S. will issue a new declaration. It is desirable for Japan and the 
U.S. to affirm their cooperation in dealing with global issues. 
 
-- Japan plans to extend up to 5 billion dollars, or approximately 
450 billion yen, in aid to Afghanistan. Will this measure be 
regarded as a proper measure to replace the possible halt of the 
 
TOKYO 00002619  008 OF 012 
 
 
ongoing refueling mission in the Indian Ocean or a postponement of 
the Futenma relocation issue? 
 
Nye: Although I am not a member of the government, I think it is an 
appropriate proposal. 
 
(6) Interview with Professor Kent Calder: Create a venue for 
dialogue on Japan-U.S. security arrangements 
 
NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full) 
November 12, 2009 
 
Interview with Professor Kent Calder, director of Edwin O. 
Reischauer Center for East Asian Studies, Johns Hopkins University, 
by editorial staff member Tsuyoshi Sunohara 
 
Sunohara: Is the current confusion in the Japan-U.S. relationship 
caused by the end of the framework of cooperation between the 
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the U.S. Republican Party, and 
the change of administration in both countries? 
 
Calder: Yes, of course. Personal connections play a key role in the 
Japan-U.S. relationship. The old personal networks between the two 
countries built in the past no longer exist. However, delicate 
issues such as the security arrangements cannot be resolved without 
such personal contacts because mutual trust is indispensable for 
behind-the-scenes negotiations. The lack of personal connections at 
the high level in particular has complicated the problem. The 
bilateral relationship relied too much on the personal friendship 
between former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and former President 
George Bush in the past few years. They did too many things, 
including Iraq aid and missile defense, simultaneously at a time 
when the political base of the Japan-U.S. alliance was limited and 
personal networks inadequate. 
 
Loss of personal connections 
 
Sunohara: It appears that the Democratic Parties in Japan and the 
U.S. do not know each other well and are suspicious of each other. 
 
Calder: When the LDP was the ruling party, it urged the U.S. not to 
have anything to do with the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). The 
U.S. side, particularly during the Bush administration, paid no 
attention to the DPJ. While the DPJ did not have policymaking powers 
at that time, it was a mistake that the U.S. side did not have 
foresight and did not build any personal contacts with the DPJ. 
During the Clinton administration, then U.S. Ambassador to Japan 
Thomas Foley met with Yukio Hatoyama and Naoto Kan, who were then in 
the opposition, after the House of Councillors election in 1998. 
That sort of relationship no longer exists today. 
 
Sunohara: What is the Obama administration's stance toward the 
Hatoyama administration? 
 
Calder: There are two schools of thought. One is highly suspicious 
and takes a tough stance, while the other school wants to wait and 
see a little longer. The first school is concerned about the 
(Asia-centered) regionalism advocated by the Hatoyama administration 
and regards the new administration as being "cold to the United 
States." From the U.S. standpoint, it is unclear whether Prime 
Minister Hatoyama is willing to include the U.S. in his concept of 
the East Asian community. While most people (in the Obama 
 
TOKYO 00002619  009 OF 012 
 
 
administration) belong to the wait-and-see group, there is 
increasing distrust. 
 
Sunohara: There are many pending issues relating to the Japan-U.S. 
security arrangements, such as the relocation of the Futenma Air 
Station and the secret agreement on bringing nuclear arms into 
Japan. What are the issues on which the U.S. can compromise and what 
are the ones on which it cannot? 
 
Calder: While I do not think there is any problem with the 
Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) (which prescribes the 
legal status of U.S. Forces Japan (USFJ)), some changes from the 
standpoint of reinforcing the alliance are possible. The question of 
Futenma relocation should be discussed in the broader context of 
"what is the significance of Futenma for the Japan-U.S. 
relationship." 
 
I think the current plan for Futenma relocation is the best option. 
However, if Japan disagrees, there is also the option of creating a 
new venue for government level dialogue similar to the Japan-U.S. 
Special Action Committee on Okinawa (SACO) (which drafted the 1996 
Japan-U.S. Joint Declaration on Security). The new body can come to 
a conclusion to coincide with the 50th anniversary of the bilateral 
security treaty at about this time next year. 
 
"Submersion" has begun 
 
Sunohara: Won't advanced military technology and the loss of 
confidence in the Japan-U.S. alliance cause the receding of the U.S. 
defense line to the line linking the U.S. territories of Guam and 
Hawaii? 
 
Calder: While this is possible, theoretically, I don't think the 
situation will come to that. The stationing of U.S. forces in 
Okinawa is directly linked to the credibility of the nuclear 
umbrella provided by the U.S. to Japan. However, if Japan cuts back 
its omoiyari yosan (the so-called sympathy budget; host nation 
support) for the USFJ, this will lead to a reduction of U.S. troops. 
The nuclear umbrella and the sympathy budget will be the pillars 
supporting the bilateral alliance in the future. If Japan fails to 
recognize this, it will suffer a serious blow. 
 
Sunohara: The Japan-U.S. alliance was said to be "drifting" after 
the end of the East-West Cold War. What do you think of the present 
situation? 
 
Calder: I would not say it is "sinking," but "submersion" has begun. 
The alliance relationship with Japan remains an important 
cornerstone of the United States' strategy for Asia. Japan and the 
U.S. must build broad networks, starting with personal links, in 
order to make their relationship lasting. Energy strategy and new 
forms of economic cooperation should also be discussed. 
 
(7) Failure to report accident lamented at funeral of victim of 
fatal hit-and-run incident in Okinawa 
 
OKINAWA TIMES (Page 28) (Full) 
November 12, 2009 
 
The funeral of Masakazu Hokama, 66, who died in the hit-and-run 
incident by a car with a "Y" license plate in Sobe, Yomitan Village, 
was held on Nov. 11 at the village's welfare center for the elderly. 
 
TOKYO 00002619  010 OF 012 
 
 
Some 350 relatives and acquaintances of the deceased attended the 
funeral. They bid farewell to Mr. Hokama and lamented that "fleeing 
the scene of the accident was terrible" and "if the accident had 
been reported (immediately), he might have lived." Meanwhile, no one 
from the U.S. forces attended the funeral service. 
 
The ceremony was held on the afternoon of Nov. 11, and a picture of 
Mr. Hokama wearing a suit was placed in the center of the altar. 
Flowers adorned the entrance of the hall. Along with the classmates 
and other people who knew the deceased, Prime Minister Yukio 
Hatoyama and several cabinet ministers also sent flowers. 
 
A man, 52, who was a colleague of Mr. Hokama more than 20 years ago 
at an auto repair shop in Ginowan City, said with a trembling voice: 
"I am deeply distressed. It is so sad. If the accident had been 
reported immediately, he might have lived. He was still so 
young..." 
 
Another man, 66, who was a classmate of Mr. Hokama in elementary, 
middle, and high school, said: "He was an honest and gentle person. 
It is truly regrettable because he was just about to start his life 
after retirement. He will not be able to rest in peace if the 
American soldier guilty of this is not punished properly." According 
to those who attended the funeral, the members of the bereaved 
family looked devastated. 
 
Denjitsu Ishimine, vice mayor of Yomitan, who represented the 
village at the funeral, stated grimly: "It was a vicious case of 
hit-and-run. The victim, Mr. Hokama, and his family will surely feel 
resentful." 
 
He also emphasized, "Okinawa is under the rule of law. I ask that 
the investigation be conducted rigorously and the culprit be 
punished promptly." 
 
A relative merely said, "I hope they find out the cause (of the 
accident) quickly," before leaving the hall in a hurry. 
 
(8) Editorial: Folly of check-book diplomacy, again 
 
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full) 
November 12, 2009 
 
As a fresh measure to support Afghanistan, the government will 
disburse up to 5 billion dollars over five years starting in 2009. 
The money will be used mainly for the civilian sector, such as 
vocational training for former soldiers of the anti-government 
Taliban militants or the building of infrastructure. This will be 
conveyed to U.S. President Obama by Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. 
Projects implemented in the past cost no more than 10 billion yen a 
year. However, they have earned international praise. The government 
will spend 90 billion yen a year for projects to be launched anew. 
Since it is not known whether all that money will be spent, the 
government will end up dispensing it like pork-barrel largesse. How 
would Government Revitalization Unit officials, who are currently 
screening budget requests, categorize such a way of spending tax 
revenues? 
 
When Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada announced the government 
decision to end the the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling 
mission in the Indian Ocean, we had doubts about the plan, saying, 
"Will the government repeat check-book diplomacy again?" Extending 
 
TOKYO 00002619  011 OF 012 
 
 
assistance to the civilian sector to, basically, replace the 
suspended refueling operation is check-book diplomacy itself. Will 
Japan once again become a country that writes checks instead of 
doing the heavy lifting? 
 
In 2002, Japan pledged financial assistance worth 2 billion dollars, 
of which approximately 1.8 billion dollars was used over eight years 
as a result of aid workers running around to undertake detailed 
coordination against a background of poor security. In comparison, 5 
billion dollars to be spent over five years is an extraordinary 
figure, according to an aid source. 
 
Given the deteriorated security in Afghanistan, there is a 
possibility the money will not be used up. In that event, the money 
might be entrusted to a UN body or a non-governmental organization 
to spend instead. This would be tantamount to dumping the 
responsibility for implementing assistance on others. 
 
The Government Revitalization Unit is now discussing how to squeeze 
budget requests for fiscal 2010. One billion dollars is no small 
amount of money for use in a year. Given the decision-making 
process, the figure appears to be a foregone conclusion instead of 
being decided on the basis of projects to be undertaken. 
 
In the meantime, the cost of the refueling mission is no more than 
10 billion yen. The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) identified this 
operation as unconstitutional. However, it did not touch on it in 
its policy manifesto. The operation is still going on. Prime 
Minister Hatoyama has left open other options, noting, "We will not 
simply extend the mission." However, he has steered clear of going 
into details. 
 
Providing 5 billion dollars would be meaningful, if it is spent 
properly. However, the refueling mission is far more meaningful in 
terms of cost-effectiveness. It is also appreciated by European 
countries and the U.S. It is imperative for the government to speed 
up discussion on specific issues for the continuation of the 
refueling operation. 
 
(9) TOP HEADLINES 
 
Asahi 
 
Government Revitalization Unit decides to abolish seven items worth 
50 billion yen in first day work 
 
Mainichi: 
Government panel decides to cut 10 projects totaling 70 billion yen 
in first day work 
 
Yomiuri: 
Government budget examination panel decides to abolish 10 projects 
worth 50 billion yen on day one 
 
Nikkei: 
FamilyMart, jointly with Itochu, to acquire am/pm convenience stores 
to rival Lawson 
 
Sankei: 
Report on Henoko, Futenma's relocation site: People grew up with and 
benefitted from U.S. bases 
 
 
TOKYO 00002619  012 OF 012 
 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
Government panels decides to abolish 12 projects worth 71.9 billion 
yen and to review payments to medical institutions 
 
Akahata: 
Poll with 2,000 unemployed: 63 PERCENT  out of job for over three 
months, 47 PERCENT  receiving unemployment benefits; government, 
large firms must fulfill their responsibilities 
 
10) EDITORIALS 
 
Asahi: 
(1) Obama's visit to Japan: Will to manage alliance to be tested 
(2) 20th anniversary of the Emperor's accession to throne - 
opportunity to think about the future image of the Emperor 
 
Mainichi: 
(1) 20th anniversary of the Emperor's accession to throne: Emperor 
as symbol of the state 
(2) Budget screening begins: The people are watching 
 
Yomiuri: 
(1) 20th anniversary of the Emperor's enthronement: Public reverence 
for the Imperial Family is deep-seated 
(2) Hisaya Morishige, renowned actor of postwar period, passes away 
 
Nikkei: 
(1) Will JAL's revitalization plan be postponed again? 
(2) Checkbook diplomacy a foolish approach 
 
Sankei: 
(1) 20th anniversary of the Emperor's enthronement: We wish for 
prosperity of the state and Imperial Family: Start considering 
imperial succession from square one 
 
Tokyo Shimbun: 
(1) Ichihashi arrested thanks to citizens' cooperation 
(2) Actor Morishige dies: The sun rises and also sets 
 
Akahata: 
(1) Expedite efforts for enactment of new law governing services and 
support for persons with disabilities 
 
ROOS