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UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 08 TOKYO 001504
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 06/02/08
INDEX:
(1) Government-chartered commercial plan to deliver 400 tents to
quake-hit areas in Sichuan, China as additional aid (Mainichi)
(2) Trickery in the 420 billion yen in ODA loans to Africa (Asahi)
(3) Police unable to identify 1,696 victims of child pornography in
2007 (Mainichi)
(4) Only 14 African countries support Japan's bid for a permanent
UNSC seat (Sankei)
(5) Editorial: Will trilateral teamwork among Japan, China, ROK
function? (Nikkei)
(6) Poll on religion (Yomiuri)
ARTICLES:
(1) Government-chartered commercial plan to deliver 400 tents to
quake-hit areas in Sichuan, China as additional aid
MAINICHI ONLINE
12:50 pm, June 2, 2008
Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura revealed at a press
conference this morning that a government-charted civilian plane
carrying 400 tents offered gratis by Hyogo and Aichi prefectures
will leave at 7:00 p.m. today for China as the first batch of the
government's additional aid measures to earthquake-stricken areas in
Sichuan Province.
The chartered JAL plane will depart from Kansai International
Airport. The government has decided to provide China with an
additional 800 tents -- 700 possessed by the Cabinet Office's
International Peace Cooperation Headquarters and 100 by the Defense
Agency and Self-Defense Forces.
(2) Trickery in the 420 billion yen in ODA loans to Africa
ASAHI (Page 7) (Excerpts)
May 31, 2008
In the fourth Tokyo International Conference on African Development
(TICAD IV), Prime Minister Yasuda Fukuda unveiled a generous ODA
(official development assistance) plan including steps to double the
ODA budget over the next five years and to extend 4 billion dollars
(approximately 420 billion yen) in new yen-denominated loans to
Africa. Given the nation's tight financial situation, will the
government really be able to deliver on its promise?
In 2005, then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi announced a plan to
double ODA disbursements in three years. The government achieved its
target by 2007, but mostly because of debt-relief measures carried
out under the Paris Club of major creditor nations. The number of
new projects, which might be called "real water" spending or direct
fiscal outlays, remained unchanged, and some African leaders
questioned whether Japan's aid had actually doubled.
Meanwhile, Prime Minister Fukuda has unveiled a plan to double the
"real water" or new money portion that would exclude debt relief.
TOKYO 00001504 002 OF 008
The plan is designed to increase the "real water," which came to an
average of 100 billion yen between 2003 and 2007, to 200 billion yen
in 2012, generating a net increase of 300 billion yen in the
five-year period. Although annual targets are not shown, the amount
would have to be increased by 20 billion yen every year.
The government's position is that even if the Paris Club decides to
take new relief measures, it would not include them in the doubling
plan.
Prime Minister Fukuda also vowed to extend 420 billion yen in
yen-denominated loans to Africa over five years. Nevertheless, since
80 PERCENT of the "real water" consists of grant aid and
technological cooperation and only 20 PERCENT in yen loans, even by
doubling the figure, Japan's yen loans would come to 40 billion yen
in 2012. There is a gap with the pledge of extending 420 billion yen
over five years.
There is some trickery involved in the figure used.
It lies in the 420 billion yen that Japan will lend. Countries
receiving new loans must first pay back their outstanding loans. The
balance between the two therefore would come to 40 billion yen. A
Foreign Ministry official admitted that such a figure "would not
have an impact," so the government announced as the target that the
new loans would total 420 billion yen.
Such trickery with numbers reflects the country's tight fiscal
situation.
In 2006, the government adopted the basic policy guidelines designed
to reduce the ODA funding by 2 PERCENT -4 PERCENT annually for the
five years starting in fiscal 2007. Japan's ODA budget fell to fifth
place in the world in fiscal 2007. Despite growing calls for turning
this around, the gap remained wide, as seen in a May 20 Council for
Overseas Economic Cooperation meeting between Foreign Minister
Koumura, who called for a greater ODA budget, and Finance Minister
Nukaga, who was reluctant to increasing aid disbursements.
Doubling the disbursement to Africa alone in the ever shrinking ODA
pie would take a toll on funds to other regions, such as Asia and
South America, as well as to international organizations, such as
the United Nations.
International bodies, such as the United Nations Development
Program, have been playing central roles in aid to Africa. Japan's
efforts to reduce its ODA disbursement in order just to make ends
meet might be criticized as preposterous.
(3) Police unable to identify 1,696 victims of child pornography in
2007
MAINICHI (Page 1) (Full)
June 2, 2008
Taku Soda, Yumi Isozaki
Mainichi Shimbun found that of the child pornography cases arrested
in 2007 by police across the country, there were 143 cases in which
victims were unable to be identified but based on their physical
features, they were afterwards judged by physicians as children
under 18. The major reason for difficulties in identifying them is
TOKYO 00001504 003 OF 008
because of the wide circulation of a large number of images due to
the wide use of the Internet. In many cases, images were unable to
be identified as children under 18. This fact explained how
difficult it is to limit the spread of child pornography in a global
Internet society.
Under existing laws, it is prohibited to sell and display openly
sexual images carrying children under 18. According to the National
Police Agency (NPA), the number of child pornography cases arrested
in 2007 came to 567, which involved a total of 304 child victims.
But the number of child victims as shown above is limited to cases
where victims were identified as children, and they did not include
cases where child victims were identified as children due to image
analyses. Mainichi Shimbun surveyed each prefectural police
headquarters about cases that were found by image analyses as
involving children and that led to arrests by the police. There were
143 cases found in 23 prefectures, and a total of 1,696 children
were victims.
In April 2007, the Osaka Prefectural Police arrested a man who had a
underage girl he became acquainted with through a dating service
website take pornographic photos of herself and send them to him by
her cell phone. Based on analyzing her images, the victim was
identified as a girl between age 13 and 15. In February last year,
the Okayama Prefectural Police arrested a man who bought images
through an Internet as girls under 11, again based on their image
analysis. The NPA's Juvenile Protection Measures Office Chief
Masanobu Fukuda said: "There are numbers of children whom we are
unable to identify. This evidently means that the child pornography
has been repeatedly copied."
The current Law for Punishing Acts Related to Child Prostitution and
Child Pornography does not ban "simple possession" for individuals
who view child pornography for their personal use. There is
indication that this has lead to a proliferation of child
pornography.
4) Only 14 African countries support Japan's bid for a permanent
UNSC seat
SANKEI (Page 3) (Full)
May 31, 2008
One of the purposes for Japan to host the fourth Tokyo International
Conference on African Development (TICAD IV) was to increase the
number of African countries supporting its bid for a permanent seat
on the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), Tokyo's ardent wish.
In his meeting with the top leaders of 40 countries for during three
days started a day before the opening of the TICAD IV, Prime
Minister Yasuo Fukuda tried to seek their understanding for Japan's
bid for a permanent UNSC seat. However, only 14 countries, less than
half of the number of countries that took part in the conference,
showed their clear "support."
In 2005, Japan, Germany and two other countries attempted to submit
a resolution calling for an expansion of the number of UNSC members
to the General Assembly but their attempt ended in failure because
the African Union failed to reach a consensus on African
representation in the Council.
Since the UN is expected to hold shortly negotiations of
TOKYO 00001504 004 OF 008
working-level officials, it is absolutely necessary for Japan to
secure support from African countries.
In Fukuda's marathon meeting, 11 African leaders said that they
would support Japan's position, but they did not make their
positions clear about Japan's UNSC seat bid. The Namibian president
said: "I will take the matter home, and we will look into it."
At a joint press conference after the TICAD meeting, Fukuda proudly
said: "I explained our country's position on reform of the UNSC and
I was able to obtain their understanding." However, the Yokohama
declaration stipulates that the participants confirmed again that
they should make efforts to reform the UNSC. A source connected with
the Foreign Ministry analyzed that individual countries had their
own reasons, such as relations with China. Japan was hit by the
reality that providing aid and getting support are two separate
things.
(5) Editorial: Will trilateral teamwork among Japan, China, ROK
function?
NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
June 2, 2008
South Korean President Lee Myung Bak visited China as a state guest
May 27-30. After talks between Lee and Chinese leaders, including a
summit with Chinese President Hu Jintao, the two governments issued
a joint statement specifying that they shared the perception that
cooperation among South Korea, China, and Japan is extremely
important for peace, stability, and prosperity in Asia.
When Lee visited Japan this past April, the two governments likewise
issued a joint statement emphasizing the importance of cooperation
among Japan, China, and South Korea. The latest joint statement
between South Korea and China has given the trilateral relationship
the status of a cornerstone in Asia. This could be taken to mean
that leaders of China and South Korea are trying to overcome their
complex feelings toward Japan over different historical views that
have previously strained their relations with Japan.
Japan, China, and South Korea have held summit talks almost annually
since 1999 on the sidelines of the ASEAN summit meeting.
Preparations are now underway for Japan to host the first trilateral
summit in Japan this coming fall, separately from the ASEAN context.
There are a number of challenges for the three countries to address,
beginning with the North Korean nuclear issue, the environmental
problem that includes acid rain, yellow sand, and climate change,
and disaster prevention cooperation, which has surfaced in the wake
of the recent Sichuan earthquake and the cyclone that hit Myanmar
(Burma) just recently.
The results of the China-South Korea summit this time have built up
hope that the age for Japan, China, and South Korea to exchange
views closely. The question in this context is whether trilateral
cooperation among the three countries will actually function.
Lee and Hu have agreed to upgrade the current bilateral relationship
to a strategic, cooperative partnership so that the two countries
would promote cooperation even in the area of security. China has
concluded a treaty with North Korea stipulating mutual military
TOKYO 00001504 005 OF 008
assistance in emergencies. China and North Korea are essentially
allies. With South Korea now given the status of a strategic
partnership, two Koreas' distance from China has now shrunk and is
becoming closer to being equal.
Yet, there are complex ulterior motives held by China and South
Korea. During the summit meeting, Hu told Lee, who is a hardliner on
North Korea compared with his predecessor President Roh Moo Hyun,
known to be soft toward that country: "As a friend of both Koreas, I
support their reconciliation and cooperation." The true value of the
trilateral teamwork among Japan, China, and South Korea will be
tested shortly as to how to deal with North Korea, including their
responses to the nuclear development issue.
The transport of relief goods by South Korean military aircraft for
victims of the Sichuan earthquake was realized as if to be timed to
Lee's visit to China. Meanwhile, a plan for the Japanese
Self-Defense Forces (SDF) to transport relief goods was cancelled
because the Chinese side turned cautious about the SDF's transport
of relief goods out of consideration for its domestic situation.
Relations among Japan, China, and South Korea still remain delicate.
Difficulties underlying trilateral cooperation among the three
countries have now again become evident.
(6) Poll on religion
YOMIURI (Page 25) (Full)
May 30, 2008
Questions & Answers
(Figures shown in percentage)
Q: Do you believe in some religion?
Yes 26.1
No 71.9
No answer (N/A) 2.1
Q: (For only those who answered "yes") Why? If any, pick as many
reasons as you like from among those listed below.
Because I want spiritual repose or something to believe in 44.5
Because I'm attracted to teachings 20.0
Because I'm attracted to its founder or a person of religion 3.3
Because there was something unfortunate around myself 5.2
Because my prayers could be answered 11.5
Because my household believes 52.8
Because I was inspired by someone I know 1.5
Other answers (O/A) 3.5
N/A 1.5
Q: Do you think a religion means for you to live a happy life?
Yes 36.6
No 59.1
N/A 4.3
Q: Among the following religious things, is there anything you do or
you have done? If any, pick as many as you like.
Serve, go to mass, train, or engage in missionary work, as a
religious doing 6.5
TOKYO 00001504 006 OF 008
Often pray before my household Buddhist or Shinto altar 56.7
At times read a sutra, the Bible, and the like 8.1
Transcribe a sutra 4.0
Visit my household grave during the Bon period or equinoctial week
78.3
Go to pray for safety, flourishing business, passing the entrance
exam, etc. 37.9
Go for a ceremony to drive away evil spirits 34.2
Take my baby to the local shrine or go to a festival for my children
of three, five and seven years of age 50.6
Wear a charm or amulet 33.2
Pay a visit to a shrine or a Buddhist temple when I happen to pass
by 24.1
Pay my first visit of the year to a shrine or temple during the New
Year 73.1
Sit in Zen meditation and the like for mental concentration 2.9
Make donations to a shrine, temple, or church 11.8
O/A 0.2
None of the above or nothing 3.9
N/A 0.5
Q: Do you think the Japanese people have little religious feeling?
Yes 45.1
No 48.9
N/A 6.0
Q: There is a view saying the reason why Japanese morality has
recently degenerated is because Japanese are not very religious. Do
you agree with this opinion?
Yes 17.2
No 78.5
N/A 4.3
Q: Do you feel something in nature that transcends human
capabilities?
Yes 56.3
No 39.2
N/A 4.5
Q: Do you feel respect for your ancestors?
Yes 94.0
No 4.5
N/A 1.5
Q: The Fundamentals of Education Law, in its 2006 amendment,
incorporates respect for general learning. What would do you like to
be taught at school about religion? If any, pick as many as you like
from among those listed below.
The histories of major religions 30.6
The distributions of religions in the world 19.3
The teachings of major religions 19.9
The significance of religions 21.3
Tolerant feelings for those who believe in other religions 20.7
Respect for life and nature 70.8
O/A 0.3
Religions should not be taught 6.9
TOKYO 00001504 007 OF 008
N/A 3.6
Q: Have you ever had feelings like those listed below about today's
religious organizations? If any, pick as many as you like.
Stir up people's anxiety and force them into a religion 42.5
There are few respectable persons of religion 16.4
They don't well contribute to local communities in humanity,
welfare, etc. 14.6
Their activities are unknown 46.8
They collect much money for expensive offerings or donations 36.0
They're enthusiastic about business that has nothing to do with
their religions 22.4
They have strong ties with politics 28.6
They have sectarian antagonism 13.3
Nothing in particular 19.0
N/A 1.4
Q: What would you like to be done about your funeral or grave? Would
you like your funeral to have no religious affiliation?
Yes 39.1
No 48.5
No need for a funeral 8.1
N/A 4.3
Q: What about your grave? Pick only one from among those listed
below.
Buried in my ancestral grave 56.1
Buried in the grave of my family 23.6
Buried in my own grave 1.4
Buried in a common grave 1.6
Want my ashes to be scattered at sea or in the mountains 7.9
O/A 0.2
Nothing in particular 7.5
N/A 1.7
Q: These days, there are people being attracted to something
spiritual or trying to find repose through something invisible and
spiritual like one's previous existence, numen, or aura. Are you
attracted to these spiritual things?
Yes 20.6
No 75.4
N/A 4.0
Q: What do you think becomes of the souls of people who died? Pick
only one from among those listed below.
Extinguished 17.6
End up in their graves 9.9
Go to another world 23.8
Reincarnated 29.8
O/A 0.9
Souls do not exist 9.0
N/A 9.1
Q: Among the following things, is there anything that concerns you?
If any, pick as many as you like.
TOKYO 00001504 008 OF 008
Wedding on the most unlucky day in the six-day Buddhist cycle 42.5
Funeral on a day in the six-day Buddhist cycle on which one's luck
affects that of one's friends 42.0
Purification with salt when returning from a funeral 29.5
Encountering a funeral coach 8.6
Sleeping with one's head to the north 27.3
What is in one's dream 6.8
Chopsticks being broken 5.5
Cutting one's nails at night 10.5
Being in the middle of three people for group photographing 5.0
Figure 4 14.8
Friday the thirteenth 8.1
Critical years 40.8
The direction of a house 17.1
The number of strokes in kanji characters for a name 11.1
Wearing an amulet 12.6
Fortune tellers in TV, magazines 10.9
None of the above 18.8
N/A 1.1
Polling methodology
Date of survey: May 17-18.
Subjects of survey: 3,000 persons chosen from among all eligible
voters throughout the country (at 250 locations on a stratified
two-stage random-sampling basis).
Method of implementation: Door-to-door visits for face-to-face
interviews.
Number of valid respondents: 1,837 persons (61.2 PERCENT )
Breakdown of respondents: Male-46 PERCENT , female-54 PERCENT ;
persons in their 20s-9 PERCENT , 30s-15 PERCENT , 40s-16 PERCENT ,
50s-21 PERCENT , 60s-22 PERCENT , 70 and over-17 PERCENT ; big
cities (Tokyo's 23 wards and government-designated cities)-22
PERCENT , major cities (with a population of more than 300,000)-19
PERCENT , medium-size cities (with a population of more than
100,000)-24 PERCENT , small cities (with a population of less than
100,000)-23 PERCENT , towns and villages-12 PERCENT .
SCHIEFFER