Cablegate: Daily Summary of Japanese Press 10/14/09

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CINCPAC FLT/PA/ COMNAVFORJAPAN/PA.

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TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA

SUBJECT: DAILY SUMMARY OF JAPANESE PRESS 10/14/09

INDEX:

(1) Foreign minister visits Afghanistan; government hurriedly
looking into concrete measures to replace refueling mission;
vocational training and other measures likely to be main components
of Japan's assistance; deteriorating security situation to be major
stumbling block (Nikkei)

(2) Proponents, opponents of Futenma relocation in Nago City react
to Okinawa governor's position paper on environmental assessment
preparatory documents (Ryukyu Shimpo)

(3) Okinawans worried by possible scrapping of Futenma relocation
plan (Yomiuri)

(4) Editorial: Futenma relocation; Prime Minister must not hesitate
to modify election pledge (Sankei)

(5) Editorial: Japan-China-South Korea summit - Concept of forming
East Asian Community excluding U.S. dangerous (Sankei)

(6) Editorial: Japan-China-South Korea summit: Present overall
picture of East Asian Community (Mainichi)

(7) Japan-PRC-ROK summit seen as "unity among parties with widely
different motives" (Nikkei)

(8) Editorial: Will new administration repeat checkbook diplomacy?
(Nikkei)

(9) Fuji Heavy Industries and Defense Ministry at loggerheads over
initial cost of 50 billion yen following ministry's cancellation of
orders for attack helicopters (Mainichi)

(10) Opinion: A study on an "equal Japan-U.S. alliance" (Tokyo
Shimbun)

(11) Agriculture Minister Akamatsu breaks off press conference in
reaction to questions about a Japan-U.S. FTA (Asahi)

(12) Case of American father arrested for reclaiming his children
creating a stir in the U.S., may become diplomatic issue (Mainichi)

(13) Poll: Hatoyama cabinet, political parties (Asahi)

ARTICLES:

(1) Foreign minister visits Afghanistan; government hurriedly
looking into concrete measures to replace refueling mission;
vocational training and other measures likely to be main components
of Japan's assistance; deteriorating security situation to be major
stumbling block

NIKKEI (Page 2) (Excerpts)
October 12, 2009

Yoichi Yamamoto, Islamabad

In the wake of Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada's announcement of a
plan to enhance Japan's assistance for the reconstruction of
Afghanistan, the government will hurriedly look for concrete

TOKYO 00002365 002 OF 016

measures. Vocational training and agricultural technologies are
likely to be the main components of Japan's assistance. Whether they
can replace the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in
the Indian Ocean remains to be seen. (The Japanese government) is
now under pressure to come up with specific measures before U.S.
President Barack Obama visits Japan on Nov. 12.

After his talks with President Hamid Karzai, Okada expressed his
strong enthusiasm to enhance Japan's assistance (to Afghanistan).
Until now, the government has studied such possibilities as
airlifting supplies to Afghanistan's neighbor of Pakistan by
utilizing the Air Self-Defense Force's C-130 transport aircraft for
assisting refugees in Afghanistan. (But in his talks with Okada),
President Karzai reportedly expressed his hopes for Japan's active
assistance to Afghanistan, forcing Tokyo to quickly look for new
support measures.

Meanwhile, Okada stopped short of mentioning any specific aid
measures, making the difficulties in coming up with concrete steps
more evident. "(President Obama's upcoming visit to Japan) is one
factor, but assistance measures are not meant to be gifts for him,
so we are not focusing entirely on that," Okada said to the press
corps after arriving in Pakistan. Okada has subtly shifted his
enthusiasm to coming up with new measures before President Obama's
visit to Japan.

The deteriorating security situation (in Afghanistan) is the major
stumbling block to providing assistance to that country.

At present, there are over 100 Japanese persons engaged in
assistance activities, but it will be difficult to increase that
number significantly. Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and Foreign
Minister Okada, among others, are envisaging providing job training
with the aim of making peace with armed insurgents. But Japanese
persons are likely to find it difficult to become involved in such
training.

The security situation is not the only factor discouraging the
government from offering additional assistance. Japan has provided
assistance of 1.79 billion dollars, including humanitarian aid.
Given the nation's tight financial situation, it will be difficult
for the government to offer greater assistance. Of all the aid
measures, the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean to assist the
antiterrorism operation in and near Afghanistan is said to be the
most cost effective.

When it was an opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ)
consistently opposed legislation to extend the refueling mission,
insisting on civilian support instead. Even after taking power, some
in the government led by the DPJ are openly calling for the
continuation of the refueling mission. Although Okada stressed on
the night of Oct. 11 that "there will be no simple extension," the
matter could be a source of future dispute in the government/ruling
bloc.

Okada is scheduled to hold talks with Pakistani Prime Minister Syed
Yousaf Raza Gilani on the night of Oct. 11 (early on the morning of
Oct. 12, Japan time) and with President Asif Ali Zardari and others
on Oct. 12.

(2) Proponents, opponents of Futenma relocation in Nago City react
to Okinawa governor's position paper on environmental assessment

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preparatory documents

RYUKYU SHIMPO (Page 33) (Excerpts)
October 14, 2009

The governor submitted a position paper on the preparatory documents
for the environmental impact assessment of the site of the
replacement facility for Futenma Air Station to the Okinawa Defense
Bureau on Oct. 13. Peace and environmental groups opposing the
relocation to waters off Henoko in Nago City gave credit to the
inclusion of the investigation of dugongs over several years, but
criticized the governor strongly for "not reflecting popular will,"
"not touching on the issues in dispute," and "being negative." On
the other hand, district chiefs in Nago and Ginoza, which will host
the new facility, welcomed the position paper for "including the
views of the local communities." There is also an opinion demanding
more detailed surveys through test flights.

Masaaki Shiroma, chief of the Toyohara District in Nago, gave credit
to the governor's position paper for "heeding the local communities'
views" and including the demand to move the new facility further
offshore and move the helipads.

Kushi District chief Kiyotaka Higa commented on the governor's
demand for a concrete relocation plan from the national government,
stressing that "the new administration should clarify where it
stands on the relocation at an early date."

Yasuhide Miyagi, chairman of a volunteer group for the promotion of
the replacement facility in Henoko District, also approved of the
position paper to a certain extent. He said: "The governor drafted
his position paper with a full understanding of the local
communities' opinion. We hope the Ministry of Defense will respond
to the position paper and move forward with the relocation
project."

Takeichi Miyazato, district chief of Abe in Nago City, made the
following demand: "Abe will be seriously affected by noise. We hope
that an investigation on this will also be made in the future."

Akinobu Toma, chief of Matsuda District in Ginoza, said: "The
environmental assessment does not include a survey on noise from
transfers between bases. According to the Defense Bureau's briefing,
aircraft may fly over residential areas in some cases. We hope for a
thorough survey including this aspect."

(3) Okinawans worried by possible scrapping of Futenma relocation
plan

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Slightly abridged)
October 14, 2009

While the Hatoyama administration is looking into the possibility of
relocating the U.S. Marines' Futenma Air Station (in Ginowan City,
Okinawa) out of the prefecture, Governor Hirokazu Nakaima's position
paper submitted on Oct. 13 only demands minor modifications in the
current plan to relocate the base to Nago City. Behind this is the
concern that the existing plan may be scrapped.

Nago Mayor Yoshikazu Shimabukuro expressed doubts about the
feasibility of moving Futenma out of Okinawa. "So far, we have had a
debate that sharply divided the people of Okinawa," he said.

TOKYO 00002365 004 OF 016

"Although they are suddenly talking about relocation out of the
prefecture, there is no concrete plan at all." He criticized the
sudden about-face in the government's policy, saying, "What do they
think of the fact that the local communities were forced to make a
bitter decision?"

In exchange for accepting the relocation, the government has
promoted economic development in the northern part of Okinawa. A
national technical college, among other things, was founded in Nago.
The city is demanding the continuation of the development measures,
which will end this fiscal year. Such economic considerations are
also behind the local communities' objection to canceling the
relocation plan.

In light of such opinions in Okinawa, the government is agonizing
over its pledge in its election manifesto to "review the U.S. Forces
Japan realignment plans", the policy agreement among the ruling
coalition parties, and the significance of the Japan-U.S. agreement,
rendering it unable to make a final decision.

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama told reporters at the Prime Minister's
Official Residence (Kantei) on the evening of Oct. 13: "We would
like to think seriously about what sort of solution we can come up
with while giving due respect to our promise (in the manifesto)
to the people."

All the Liberal Democratic Party candidates in Okinawa who supported
the current relocation plan lost in the recent House of
Representatives election. The Social Democratic Party (SDP) asserted
at the liaison meeting of cabinet ministers on Oct. 13 that "the
popular will in Okinawa is loud and clear." At a news conference,
SDP Secretary General Yasumasa Shigeno also stressed that the party
"is pushing forward in the direction of disapproving" the current
plan.

U.S. President Barack Obama is scheduled to visit Japan from Nov.
12. Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa told a news conference held
after the cabinet meeting on Oct. 12 "that before President Obama's
visit we will most probably not be able to resolve all the issues to
enable the Prime Minister and the President to reach an agreement."

(4) Editorial: Futenma relocation; Prime Minister must not hesitate
to modify election pledge

SANKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 11, 2009

Until today Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama has called for moving U.S.
Forces' Futenma Air Station out of the prefecture. However, he has
now begun showing a stance of approving the relocation of the
facilities to the coastal area of Camp Schwab in Nago City as the
governments of Japan and the U.S. had agreed on, modifying his
policy.

It appears difficult to make a policy switch at once, owing to
strong opposition to the approval of the Japan-U.S. agreement from
within the ruling coalition, including the Social Democratic Party
(SDP). However, we would like to praise the prime minister's stance
of trying to explore a pragmatic way to settle the Futenma issue.

Since this issue is an essential part of the Japan-U.S. alliance,
the Japanese must not mishandle it. We would like the prime minister

TOKYO 00002365 005 OF 016

to doggedly work to coordinate views for a settlement of the issue
according to the agreement. He should not hesitate to revise the
manifesto.

On Oct. 7 the prime minister hinted at the possibility of approving
the Japan-U.S. agreement, switching from his current policy of
moving the Futenma functions out of the prefecture. He told
reporters: "What we said in the manifesto is a pledge. I do not
think it should be changed lightly," while adding, "I do not rule
out the possibility of such a pledge changing over time."

On the 8th, he rejected the interpretation of his statement as
having approved the Japan-U.S. agreement, saying, "I never said such
a thing." In the meantime, he has left room to search for a
settlement in line with the agreement, while trying to obtain
understanding from Okinawa's residents. He said, "From among the
various ideas and options I would like to find an agreement
acceptable to the people and Okinawa's residents."

The prime minister has stressed, "To begin with, there is the fact
that Japan and the U.S. have agreed to the plan." He has thus
clearly taken the position that it is impossible to disregard the
U.S. government's reservations about changing the existing plan. The
U.S. Congress has also approved it.

The prime minister probably realized the significance of the
agreement after he assumed power. He is probably aware of the need
to immediately eliminate the danger Futenma Air Station poses
residents in the vicinity of the air station

The DPJ, which advocates equal Japan-U.S. relations, has taken up
the Futenma issue along with the issue of revising the Status of
Forces Agreement to realize that policy. However, the pledge to
overturn the agreement, which was reached after repeated talks
between the governments of Japan and the U.S., was presumably
unreasonable.

The SDP is determined not to give in on the relocation of the
Futenma facilities outside the prefecture. However, with respect to
the proper nature of the U.S. Forces Japan realignment and the U.S.
military bases in Japan, the coalition agreement reached before the
launch of the administration simply noted, "Deal with issues with
the possibility of revising them." The prime minister should display
leadership for the coordination of views among the ruling parties to
reach a realistic settlement.

(5) Editorial: Japan-China-South Korea summit - Concept of forming
East Asian Community excluding U.S. dangerous

SANKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 11, 2009

Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao, and South
Korean President Lee Myung-Bak met in Beijing on Oct. 10 and agreed
to enhance cooperation in urging North Korea to return to the
Six-Party Talks. They also issued a joint statement that proposed
studying the concept of an East Asian Community.

Hatoyama wrapped up his first round of two-day Asia diplomacy after
meeting with the South Korean president and with the Chinese
premier.

TOKYO 00002365 006 OF 016

It is naturally necessary for Japan, China and South Korea to
strengthen their cooperative structure for urging North Korea to
abandon its nuclear and missile development programs, as well as for
resolving the issue of its past abductions of Japanese nationals. We
welcome the fact that the three countries will enhance cooperation.
But Hatoyama's community initiative contains much of concern. For
example, we have doubts about how the community would handle the
U.S. and China. Hatoyama is obligated to give a clear-cut,
consistent explanation of the community plan so that the Japan-U.S.
alliance will not be put at risk.

On issues related to North Korea, Premier Wen reported on the
results of his recent visit to the North. In response, the leaders
confirmed the need to deepen cooperation, also aiming to resume
U.S.-North Korea talks, Japan-North Korea talks, and South-North
Korea talks.

Although North Korea has been showing signs of softening its
posture, that nation might impose conditions for its return to the
Six-Party Talks. The road to resumption of the Six-Party Talks is
likely to be bumpy. The countries concerned should continue to
steadily implement the current UN sanctions against the North until
it unconditionally returns to the Six-Party Talks. It is regrettable
that the three leaders did not confirm this point in their meeting.

What worries us most is the concept of an East Asian Community.
Hatoyama set forth the concept in his speech at the recent UN
General Assembly and during the Japan-U.S. summit held in New York
last month. But Hatoyama stopped short of explaining it when he met
with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines of the UN
assembly. Given this, a senior U.S. official complained: "I am
amenable to Japan's move to deepen cooperation with Asian countries,
but I do not think a regional framework excluding the U.S. will be
beneficial." U.S. government officials have voiced similar
complaints or views of apprehension toward Hatoyama's proposed
community concept.

Hatoyama said in an interview held immediately after assuming the
premiership, "I have no intention to exclude the U.S.," but Foreign
Minister Katsuya Okada has said: "We would like to consider (a
community that includes) Japan, China, South Korea, the Association
of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) countries, India, Australia, and
New Zealand." Hatoyama also said in a press conference after he met
with the leaders of China and South Korea: "Japan has overly
depended on the U.S." This remark also makes us very uncomfortable.

Some observers speculate that Hatoyama might be eyeing a European
Union (EU)-style East Asian community. If that is the case, he
should explain how China, with different political and social
systems, fits into the concept.

The prime minister and the foreign minister should take to heart
this point: Collaboration and cooperation with the U.S. based on the
Japan-U.S. alliance are necessary for Japan to demonstrate
leadership in Asia.

(6) Editorial: Japan-China-South Korea summit: Present overall
picture of East Asian Community

MAINICHI (Page 5) (Full)
October 11, 2009

TOKYO 00002365 007 OF 016

A Japan-China-South Korea summit was held in Beijing, China. During
the meeting, Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama proposed his Initiative
for an East Asian Community and reportedly received favorable
responses from Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and South Korean President
Lee Myung Bak. Japan's Asia diplomacy has at last gotten under way.

Japan's Asia diplomacy over the past several years during the
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been thrown into the background.
Japan has been stuck between China, which has established its status
as a major power through tremendous economic growth, and the U.S.,
which is approaching China rapidly. It has managed to climb out of
the deadlock probably due to the result of the change in
government.

However, the initiative of an East Asian Community is not the prime
minister's original idea. The framework for the Japan-China-South
Korea summit itself has been realized as part of the initiative of
an East Asian Community. The predecessor of the Japan-China-South
Korea summit was the informal three-nation summit held in Kuala
Lumpur in 1997. Since it was held on the sidelines of the informal
Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) summit, it was dubbed
rented-room diplomacy. Prime minister Ryutaro Hashimoto at the time
proposed holding the meeting. Since China's influence was not very
strong at the time, Japan was able to demonstrate leadership in
dealing with the stormy Asian currency crisis.

This framework combining ASEAN leaders and the leaders of Japan,
China, and South Korea led to the Joint Statement on East Asia
Cooperation issued at the ASEAN Plus Three summit held in Manila 10
years ago. This brought about discussions on an East Asian
Community, which has then developed into the current East Asia
Summit (EAS), that Australia, New Zealand, and India also
participate in. Through this process, the Japan-China-South Korea
has taken shape, breaking away from ASEAN last year.

The initiative of an East Asian Community already exists. The prime
minister has yet to explain the differences between his own
Initiative for an East Asian Community and that advocated by past
prime ministers, such as Mr. Junichiro Koizumi.

The U.S. has not been involved in the East Asian Community debate
from the beginning. However, it is certain that the U.S. is
concerned that it might be shut out of the Asian market.

During the meeting the prime minister reportedly said, "There has
been a tendency for Japan to be overly dependent on the U.S." This
statement is easy to understand, but we must not forget that the
U.S. is fretting over Japan becoming anti-American. The prime
minister should present a specific and complete picture of his idea
of an East Asian Community in order to avoid provoking unexpected
backlash.

China has announced that North Korea is hoping to resume Japan-North
Korea talks. It appears that the deadlocked Japan-North Korea
relations will likely be set into motion. The leaders of Japan,
China, and South Korea have sent a message to North Korea by
demonstrating their ties. We would like to see Prime Minister
Hatoyama prove by his own actions that diplomatic power is stronger
than military power.

(7) Japan-PRC-ROK summit seen as "unity among parties with widely
different motives"

TOKYO 00002365 008 OF 016

NIKKEI (Page 1) (Full)
October 11, 2009

Hiroyuki Akita, editorial staff member

The leaders of Japan, China, and the Republic of Korea (ROK)
gathered in Beijing on Oct. 10 and agreed to strengthen cooperation
in areas ranging from the economy to foreign affairs. However, what
can be gleaned from their smiling faces are their widely different
motives. The handshake among the three leaders actually signals the
start of new maneuverings.

Unity among parties with widely different motives

The Great Hall of the People is a huge stone building facing the
Tiananmen Square. After their meeting lasting approximately two
hours, the three leaders all called for unity at their news
conference. In addition to cooperation in such areas as the
environment, energy, and trade, a new "long-term goal" has been
added, namely, the development of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's
concept of an East Asian community.

However, the all-important substance of this concept has remained
ambiguous, and there is no indication that the three leaders
attempted to flesh out the concept. This is because leaving the
concept ambiguous is more convenient for the three countries, since
they have widely different motives.

For Hatoyama, the East Asian community concept is a tool for
showcasing his difference with Liberal Democratic Party diplomacy,
which he has criticized for "subservience to the U.S." Hatoyama
stated at the beginning of the trilateral summit: "Japan has tended
to rely too much on the U.S in the past. While the Japan-U.S.
alliance is important, we would like to formulate policies that
place more importance on Asia," conveying his position of attaching
importance to Asia.

According to several sources, Hatoyama's scenario for the East Asian
community is to launch a number of projects and call for
participants from Asian countries without fixing the membership of
the community, and eventually, countries deeply involved with these
projects will come together and begin to form the framework of the
East Asian community.

A senior official of the Hatoyama administration says: "We will not
exclude the U.S. However, if they are not interested, we will start
without them and urge them to participate later," which indicates
that Japan will not be bound by the U.S.' wishes and intends to take
the initiative in Asian diplomacy.

On the other hand, what China really wants to do for now is to watch
how the specifics of the concept unfold. It anticipates (the
membership of the community) to be the same as the existing
framework of the 10 ASEAN states plus Japan, China, and the ROK,
excluding the U.S. or Australia. This is what Premier Wen Jiabao
meant when he proposed the "utilization of existing frameworks" at
the summit.

The reason why Wen agreed to the concept, albeit unenthusiastically,
is that with the U.S. in mind, China wants to pull Japan even just a
little bit closer to the Chinese side. A PRC government source

TOKYO 00002365 009 OF 016

notes: "Even if an equilateral triangular relationship among Japan,
the U.S., and China is not possible, China wants to narrow down the
distance between Japan and China as much as possible."

A Japan-ROK diplomatic source observes that the ROK "is very wary of
Japan-China leadership in building the Asian order," but it has
decided to respond positively to the concept of an East Asian
community for now.

Use of different slogans to suit the occasion

Hatoyama just reaffirmed Japan-U.S. solidarity at the bilateral
summit in September. In Beijing, he turned around and gave top play
to emphasis on Asia, staging a "drama of friendship." However, there
are risks to using different slogans to suit the occasion in the
U.S. and in Asia.

At an informal gathering, U.S. Deputy Secretary of State James
Steinberg, who was in Japan in late September, reportedly expressed
his displeasure with Japan: "I was astounded when the concept of an
East Asian community first came up in the UN speech. There is
absolutely nothing wrong with Japan improving its relations with its
neighbors, but we wish we had been consulted in advance."

There is an opinion in the Hatoyama administration that a balance
between relations with the U.S. and with Asia can be maintained by
promoting a free trade agreement (FTA) with the U.S. However, the
U.S. does not value economic benefits alone. A U.S. government
source notes: "The concept will not materialize right away in any
case. What we are concerned about is that the U.S., as an ally, was
not briefed in advance on an important matter like this."

Upon his return from Beijing on the evening of Oct. 10, Hatoyama
commented that "we were able to confirm a relationship under which
we are able to talk candidly." Hatoyama gave priority to the
atmosphere of cooperation with the U.S., China, and the ROK during
his visit to the U.S. in September and also during his most recent
overseas trip. Behind the fagade, many pending issues, such as U.S.
Forces Japan realignment and the Japan-China dispute over gas field
development in the East China Sea, are waiting to be resolved.
Hatoyama's ability to assign a clear order of priority to these
issues and tackle these homework assignments one by one will now be
tested.

(8) Editorial: Will new administration repeat checkbook diplomacy?

NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
October 14, 2009

In connection with the submission of bills to amend laws authorizing
Japan's refueling operations in the Indian Ocean, which expire in
January next year, Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada said, "In reality,
it would be difficult to submit such legislation." As a result, the
refueling mission by the Maritime Self-Defense Force will end.

The foreign minister inspected Afghanistan for seven hours. However,
he unceremoniously made a statement meaning that the government will
end the operation. Ending the operation appears to have been a
foregone conclusion.

The Japanese government reportedly intends to finalize its stances
toward the Japan-U.S. agreement on the Okinawa Futenma Air Station

TOKYO 00002365 010 OF 016

issue and the refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in a package and
present it to U.S. President Obama, who is to visit Japan on Nov.
12.

Regarding the two issues, one is the agreement reached by Japan and
the U.S. The other is an issue which Japan should decide on its own.
Considering two unrelated issues as a package seems strange.

Provided that the government's strategy is to end the refueling
operation, while pressing ahead with the Okinawa issue in accordance
with the present Japan-U.S. agreement, we discern in its
calculations that it has an eye on domestic affairs -- namely, it
has in mind its relations with the Social Democratic Party (SDP), a
coalition partner. From a diplomatic perspective ending the
refueling operation is a hard decision to make.

We have been giving our view that ending the refueling operation
will require contributions in human resources that meet the
following conditions: (1) more meaningful than the refueling
operation; (2) as safe or even safer than the refueling operation;
and (3) impervious to criticism as checkbook diplomacy. Ending the
operation will lead to checkbook diplomacy. Japan has been
criticized for writing checks but not doing the heavy lifting.

It is only natural for Japan to extend civilian aid. However, it has
been reported that 130 people sent by the Foreign Ministry, the
Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) and non-governmental
organizations (NGO) are already active in that nation. The foreign
minister, who inspected that nation amid tight security, should
understand more than anyone that the security situation there does
not allow a substantial increase in aid personnel.

Ending the refueling mission means that Japan will withdraw from the
war on terror in Afghanistan, which is being pursued by the
coalition of the willing, including the U.S. and North Atlantic
Treaty Organization (NATO) member nations. After the Japan-U.S.
summit Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama noted, "I have built a
relationship of trust (with U.S. President Obama)." If Japan
withdraws, it would affect his relationship with President Obama.

President Obama is suffering mental agony over requests for an
increase in military capacity from commanders in the fields and a
call for a cut in such from Vice President Biden. Japan's withdrawal
will affect NATO member nations, which are enduring despite their
wish to pull out of Afghanistan. Japan's withdrawal will hurt its
relations with the U.S. more seriously that the foreign minister
thinks.

Defense Parliamentary Secretary Akihisa Nagashima needs to urge the
foreign minister to change his mind at the risk of his position.
Vice Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka is urged to do the same. There
is a precedent for then vice foreign minister Masuo Takashima
announcing his intention to step down over then prime minister Zenko
Suzuki's statement on the Japan-U.S. alliance.

(9) Fuji Heavy Industries and Defense Ministry at loggerheads over
initial cost of 50 billion yen following ministry's cancellation of
orders for attack helicopters

MAINICHI (Page 10) (Abridged slightly)
Evening, October 13, 2009

TOKYO 00002365 011 OF 016

Tetsuya Hioka, Masaki Takahashi

The Ministry of Defense and Fuji Heavy Industries Ltd. (FHI) are at
odds over the ministry's decision to cancel orders for "Apache"
attack helicopters for the Ground Self-Defense Force. Last month FHI
submitted to the ministry a written demand for payment of nearly 50
billion yen, claiming that the company had paid licensing fees and
other expenses to a U.S. firm on the premise of the ministry's
initial plan to purchase 62 units, but the ministry cancelled the
plan after buying only 10 units. FHI will not hesitate to file a
civil suit against the ministry if it does not comply with the
company's demand. Meanwhile, the ministry is determined not to budge
an inch, maintaining that the contracts were concluded on a
single-year basis and that it did not enter into contract to
purchase all 62 units.

The ministry decided in 2001 to introduce the AH-64D (Apache)
helicopter to replace the superannuated AH-1S (Cobra) anti-tank
helicopter. It determined 62 helicopters were required. FHI and
parts suppliers paid more than 40 billion yen in initial expenses
including licensing fees paid to Boeing Company of the United
States. FHI reportedly began production according to a plan to
recover the expenses through a levy on each of the 62 units.

But the ministry cancelled the purchase after placing orders for a
total of 10 units between fiscal 2002 and fiscal 2007. The ministry
ascribed its decision to the high price tag -- 8 billion yen apiece
-- against the background of dwindling defense spending in the
post-Cold War era. A further reason for cancelling the order,
according to the ministry, was FHI's explanation that it would need
an enormous additional investment to continue licensed production
because Boeing would stop its production of AH-64Ds.

FHI also bought from Boeing parts for three units for a little less
than 10 billion yen in anticipation of orders between fiscal 2008
and fiscal 2009. With the termination of procurement, a total of
about 50 billion yen, including the initial cost, has become
uncollectible.

The problem resulted from the unique business practices between the
government and defense-related companies. In the event of licensed
production of high-ticket equipment, such as aircraft, it has been
customary in Japan for the corporate side to pay the initial cost
and to claim payments through a levy on each of the aircraft to be
delivered. The number of aircraft to be delivered has not been
specified in a contract.

The ongoing trouble prompted the Ministry of Defense to adopt in
fiscal 2008 a system to clarify the total initial cost and to make
the total payment in the initial procurement year.

(10) Opinion: A study on an "equal Japan-U.S. alliance"

TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 5) (Full)
October 14, 2009

Yoichi Toyoda, commentary writer

In the recent House of Representatives election, the Democratic
Party of Japan pledged to create an "equal Japan-U.S. alliance
relationship" and promised to look into the possibility of
relocating the U.S. forces' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa outside

TOKYO 00002365 012 OF 016

the prefecture or outside Japan. These two issues are both linked to
the question of the "symmetry of the alliance."

The Japan-U.S. alliance has long been described as "asymmetrical,"
and this has been an underlying principle in Japan's foreign policy.
While the United States has an obligation to defend Japan, Japan
does not have an obligation to defend the United States. Therefore,
Japan should make positive military contributions in line with U.S.
international strategy.

However, the long-term stationing of foreign troops on Japan's
ancestral land and the fact that these troops enjoy extraterritorial
rights is in itself a contribution of vital importance. (In that
sense), the alliance can be considered "symmetrical" even without
military contributions.

If the alliance is symmetrical, then it can be considered "equal."
Yet, it is unclear whether the Hatoyama administration considers the
Japan-U.S. alliance to be symmetrical.

Simply emphasizing making the alliance equal will only serve to
highlight the fact that the alliance is not equal, which will in
turn diminish the significance of providing military bases.

On the other hand, if the relocation of bases outside the country is
to be considered with a full understanding of the great significance
of providing such bases, additional military contributions will be
necessary to prevent the alliance from becoming asymmetrical as a
result of relocating bases outside the country.

If an "equal alliance" does not pertain to symmetry, but only refers
to a relationship in which Japan is able to "speak out," this may
give rise to misunderstanding by the neighboring countries. But if
we are talking about strategic diplomacy that will stir up the
United States, then it is a different story.

(11) Agriculture Minister Akamatsu breaks off press conference in
reaction to questions about a Japan-U.S. FTA

ASAHI (Page 10) (Slightly abridged)
Evening, October 10, 2009

Ogata in Washington

During his meetings with senior U.S. government officials held on
his recent visit to the U.S., Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries
Minister Hirotaka Akamatsu did not raise the Democratic Party of
Japan's (DPJ) proposal for concluding a Japan-U.S. free trade
agreement (FTA). In its manifesto for the latest general election
the party pledged to expedite negotiations on a Japan-U.S. FTA.
Asked by reporters if he made no reference on this pledge during a
press conference after the meetings, Akamatsu, with a look of
impatience, suddenly broke off the press conference and then left
Washington.

Akamatsu reportedly stopped short of bringing up a Japan-U.S. FTA
when he met with U.S. Trade Representatives Ron Kirk on Oct. 8 and
Secretary of Agriculture Tom Vilsack on the 9th. In a press
conference on the 9th, the same question was posed to him. In
response, Akamatsu reiterated: "(The meetings) were not intended to
discuss such an issue. Their major purpose was to establish a new
bilateral relationship." When one reporter asked whether Japan might

TOKYO 00002365 013 OF 016

send the wrong message -- that it was not eager to deliver on its
pledge -- Akamatsu replied: "An FTA involves many other areas. The
Foreign Ministry handles the issue of FTAs." Although the
Agriculture Ministry had announced that the press conference would
last for 20 minutes, when about 15 minutes passed, Akamatsu,
ignoring a question, suddenly declared: "Since 20 minutes have
passed, I will end this press conference."

(12) Case of American father arrested for reclaiming his children
creating a stir in the U.S., may become diplomatic issue

MAINICHI (Page 11) (Full)
Evening, October 13, 2009

Akira Kudo, Hideto Inoue

With cases of one parent in a failed international marriage taking
the children back to his or her home country becoming a societal
problem, an American man was arrested in Fukuoka Prefecture for
attempting to reclaim his children from his divorced wife last
month. The case is creating a major stir. The U.S. media have given
the case prominent coverage, and American citizens staged a protest
in front of the Japanese Embassy in Washington. Western countries
are increasingly critical of Japan, blaming the spike in problems on
the fact that Japan is not a signatory to the Hague Treaty
stipulating rules for resolving disputes arising from international
marriages. The current case may present Japan with a fresh
diplomatic challenge.

Christopher John Savoie, 38, was arrested by Fukuoka Prefectural
Police officers of the Yanagawa Police Station on the charge of
abducting minors. At about 7:45 a.m. on September 28 he forcibly put
his son, 9, a third grader, and daughter, 6, a first grader -- who
were on their way to school with his Japanese ex-wife -- in his
rented car and drove away with them. The ex-wife called the police,
and when Savoie arrived at the U.S. Consulate General in Fukuoka
City with the two children, police officers questioned and arrested
him on the spot, taking the children into protective custody. The
Yanagawa Police Station claims "this is a Japanese case and will be
investigated under Japanese law."

The Associated Press and other U.S. media outlets have covered this
case. According to the Japanese Embassy in the U.S., CNN TV carried
a report with the family's picture, and on Oct. 3, a dozen or so
protesters demonstrated in front of the embassy.

According to the Yanagawa police, Savoie married his Japanese
ex-wife in Japan in 1995 and has acquired Japanese citizenship.
Later, the family moved to the U.S.

Savoie's lawyer in Japan says that he divorced his ex-wife in
Tennessee last January. The Williamson County Court in Tennessee
ruled at the time that (1) the children will live with their mother
in Tennessee and Savoie will spend four months with them each year;
(2) either parent will have to inform and obtain the consent of the
other parent before moving with the children out of the state; and
(3) the ex-wife will get 50 percent of the property and Savoie will
also pay child support.

However, in August the ex-wife took the children back to Japan
without notifying Savoie. For this reason, the court granted Savoie
custody of the children, and the local police obtained a warrant for

TOKYO 00002365 014 OF 016

the ex-wife's arrest on the charge of abducting them.

The U.S. Embassy in Japan has issued no comment on this case on the
grounds that diplomatic exchanges between governments cannot be made
public. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) says it is
examining whether to sign the Hague Treaty. MOFA is refraining from
making any comments on the case that may "affect the
investigation."

Interview with arrested father

Savoie met with Mainichi Shimbun for about 15 minutes at the
Yanagawa Police Station on Oct. 8. Following is the gist of the
interview:

Q: What do you think of this case?

Savoie: I think it is odd that (Japanese) criminal law is being
applied to a parent meeting his children. My ex-wife violated
(American law) by taking them back to Japan in August.

Q: Why did you try to take them away?

Savoie: I missed my children. Oct. 9 is the birthday of my late
father and one of my children. I'm really sad not to be able to see
them.

Q: Do you think your arrest is illegal?

Savoie: What you have (right now) is a system that favors whoever
takes the children back to Japan. You need a system that will allow
the continuation of a relationship with both parents (and not just
one).

Q: Do you have anything to say to your ex-wife?

Savoie: She thinks that she is the only victim, but I hope she puts
herself in our children's shoes.

(13) Poll: Hatoyama cabinet, political parties

ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged)
October 14, 2009

Questions & Answers
(Figures shown in percentage, rounded off. Bracketed figures denote
proportions to all respondents. Figures in parentheses denote the
results of the last survey conducted Sept. 16-17.)

Q: Do you support the Hatoyama cabinet?

Yes 65 (71)
No 16 (14)

Q: Why? (One reason only. Left column for those marking "yes" on
previous question, and right for those marking "no.")

The prime minister is Mr. Hatoyama 5(3) 3(1)
It's a DPJ-led cabinet 18(12) 15(2)
Policy 47(31) 58(9)
Action 25(16) 19(3)

TOKYO 00002365 015 OF 016

Q: Which political party do you support now?

Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ or Minshuto) 45 (46)
Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) 15 (15)
New Komeito (NK) 3 (3)
Japanese Communist Party (JCP) 2 (3)
Social Democratic Party (SDP or Shaminto) 1 (1)
Your Party (YP or Minna no To) 1 (1)
People's New Party (PNP or Kokumin Shinto) 0 (0)
New Party Nippon (NPN or Shinto Nippon) 0 (0)
Other political parties 0 (0)
None 29 (29)
No answer (N/A) + don't know (D/K) 4 (2)

Q: To what extent do you appreciate the Hatoyama cabinet's job
performance up to now? (Only one choice)

Appreciate very much 12
Appreciate somewhat 63
Don't appreciate very much 18
Don't appreciate at all 4

Q: The DPJ-led government has now come into office. Do you think the
initiative of politicians will be stronger toward the bureaucrats?

Yes 51 (49)
No 33 (32)

Q: The Hatoyama cabinet has decided to review the 14-trillion-yen
supplementary budget compiled by the former Aso cabinet, and the
Hatoyama cabinet has decided not to execute budgeted projects
totaling over 2.5 trillion yen. To what extent do you appreciate
this? (One choice only)

Appreciate very much 23
Appreciate somewhat 50
Don't appreciate very much 22
Don't appreciate at all 4

Q: Prime Minister Hatoyama has made an international pledge to
attain a reduction of 25 PERCENT in Japan's greenhouse gas
emissions (from 1990 levels) by 2020 in an effort to prevent global
warming. Do you support this pledge?

Yes 72
No 21

Q: Would you be content if the targeted emissions reduction caused
you to shoulder a heavier burden on your livelihood or if it caused
Japan to affect its business activity?

Yes 40
No 51

Q: Land, Infrastructure and Transport Minister Maehara has clarified
his decision to call off the planned construction of Yamba Dam in
Gumma Prefecture. Do you approve of this decision?

Yes 44
No 31

TOKYO 00002365 016 OF 016

Q: Justice Minister Chiba has clarified her intention to prepare a
legislative measure allowing married couples to use separate
surnames. Do you approve of this legislative initiative?

Yes 48
No 41

Q: Prime Minister Hatoyama's fund-managing body listed fictitious
individual donations in its mandatory reports of political funds. On
this issue, he has not given any account in detail to "avoid saying
anything that could affect investigations." Is this convincing?

Yes 20
No 70

Q: The LDP has elected Mr. Sadakazu Tanigaki as its new president.
Do you think this is good?

Yes 38
No 28

Q: Do you think the LDP will change under President Tanigaki?

Yes 20
No 66

Q: Would you like the LDP to recover itself as a party to counter
the DPJ?

Yes 80
No 13

Polling methodology: The survey was conducted Oct. 11-12 over the
telephone on a computer-aided random digit dialing (RDD) basis.
Respondents were chosen from among the nation's voting population on
a three-stage random-sampling basis. Households with one or more
eligible voters totaled 3,567. Valid answers were obtained from
2,052 persons (58 PERCENT ).

ROOS

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