Cablegate: Tokyo Media Reaction - U.S. Presidential

VZCZCXRO4349
PP RUEHFK
DE RUEHKO #3091/01 3110819
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 060819Z NOV 08
FM AMEMBASSY TOKYO
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8604
RUEKJCS/SECDEF WASHDC PRIORITY
RUCPDOC/USDOC WASHDC PRIORITY
RUEATRS/DEPT OF TREASURY WASHINGTON DC PRIORITY
RUYNAAC/COMNAVFORJAPAN YOKOSUKA JA PRIORITY
RHHMUNA/HQ USPACOM HONOLULU HI PRIORITY
RHHMHBA/COMPACFLT PEARL HARBOR HI//N541// PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ PACAF HICKAM AFB HI//CC/PA// PRIORITY
RUHBANB/OKINAWA FLD OFC US FORCES JAPAN CP BUTLER JA PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/USFJ PRIORITY
INFO RUEHFK/AMCONSUL FUKUOKA 0815
RUEHOK/AMCONSUL OSAKA KOBE 4600
RUEHBJ/AMEMBASSY BEIJING 6248
RUEHMO/AMEMBASSY MOSCOW 2593
RUEHUL/AMEMBASSY SEOUL 2235
RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK 2439
RHEHAAA/NSC WASHDC

UNCLAS SECTION 01 OF 02 TOKYO 003091

SIPDIS

STATE FOR I/RF, PA/PR/FPC/W, IIP/G/EA, EAP/PD, R/MR,
EAP/J, EAP/P, PM;
USTR FOR PUBLIC AFFAIRS OFFICE;
TREASURY FOR OASIA/IMI;
SECDEF FOR OASD/PA;
CP BUTLER OKINAWA FOR AREA FIELD OFFICE;
PACOM HONOLULU FOR PUBLIC DIPLOMACY ADVISOR

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO JA
SUBJECT: TOKYO MEDIA REACTION - U.S. PRESIDENTIAL
ELECTION

1. LEAD STORIES: All Thursday morning papers gave top
play to the victory speech made by President-elect
Obama on Tuesday evening.

2. "Strong Hope for Change in America" The liberal
Asahi editorialized (11/6): "It looks like the American
people's strong desire to change their nation emerged
in the election results.... The American people decided
to entrust their nation to a 47-year-old
African-American president at a time when the country
is facing such difficulties as the wars in Iraq and
Afghanistan and the financial crisis. Their historic
choice appears to illustrate the American people's call
for two changes: the reconstruction of their society,
which was divided under the Bush administration, and an
end to unilateral domination on the part of the U.S.
Not only the U.S. itself but also its relations with
the international community will change and enter a new
era."

3. "We Hope for Change in America" The liberal
Mainichi's editorial stated (11/6): "Who could imagine
a year ago that the day (when an African-American is
elected president) would come? We are witnessing
American history, with an outstanding leader appearing
at a turning point. We hope the American people's
selection of Senator Obama in 2008 will be remembered
in world history as a wise decision.... We also hope
that Obama will rebuild the U.S., which foundered under
the eight years of the Bush administration, and
demonstrate his cooperation and leadership to the
world."

4. "Can U.S. Restore Its Credibility?" The moderate
Yomiuri's editorial stated (11/06): "...The U.S. is
experiencing an unprecedented financial crisis. Its
status as a military superpower has been questioned
since the war in Iraq. The reconstruction of America
was a major topic in the election.... Many voters seem
to have decided to entrust their future to President-
elect Obama."

5. "Obama Faced with Historic Economic Crisis" The
business-oriented Nikkei editorialized (11/06): "...The
biggest challenge for the Obama administration will be
to break free from the current financial crisis and
help the economy recover. The new administration will
be tested as to whether it will be able to take
effective measures to overcome the economic slowdown."

6. "U.S. Should Restore Confidence and Leadership" The
conservative Sankei stated in an editorial (11/6):
"...Obama needs to swiftly restore America's leadership
and the confidence of the international community in
order to spread such values as freedom and democracy by
listening to the opinions of the international
community and U.S. allies in Europe and Asia. The
international community needs to actively support U.S.
efforts to restore a 'strong America' through change."

7."Historic Choice by America" The liberal Tokyo
Shimbun contended in an editorial (11/06): "The
American people selected Senator Obama as the first
African-American president after much hesitation. We
expect their historic choice, which indicates the birth
of a new leader in a new century, will be rewarding."

TOKYO 00003091 002 OF 002

SCHIEFFER

© Scoop Media