Cablegate: Japanese Morning Press Highlights 08/25/09

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TAGS: OIIP KMDR KPAO PGOV PINR ECON ELAB JA

SUBJECT: JAPANESE MORNING PRESS HIGHLIGHTS 08/25/09

Index:

1) Top headlines
2) Editorials
3) Prime Minister's daily schedule (Nikkei)

Defense and security affairs:
4) Vice Foreign Minister Yabunaka admits to past discussions about
issue of nuclear transit, will probe into existence of documentation
(Asahi)
5) Yabunaka admits difference of opinion between Japan, U.S. over
nuclear-transit issue (Yomiuri)
6) Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Hatoyama creates stir
by saying he will approach President Obama on the nuclear-transit
issue (Yomiuri)
7) DPJ's Kan blasts Foreign Ministry on the nuclear pact issue
(Asahi)
8) Small group of demonstrators assemble to protest arrival of
Nimitz at Yokosuka (Tokyo Shimbun)
9) PACC: Top brass from Ground Self-Defense Force and U.S. Army meet
in Tokyo (Mainichi)

North Korea problem:
10) Senior U.S. official says that North Korea's reopening historic
site to tourism does not change the UN sanctions situation (Yomiuri)

11) Special envoy Bosworth thinking about a Pyongyang trip next
month (Yomiuri)
12) Japanese officials, observing U.S.-South Korea cooperation on
North Korea policy, again fear Japan will be left behind (Nikkei)

China connection:
13) Japan-China summit meeting set for end of next month (Yomiuri)

14) Chinese vessel spotted in waters of E-China Sea near gas field
Japan and China are supposed to co-develop (Asahi)

Election polls:
15) Sankei poll: 45.8% of electorate will vote DPJ in the
proportional races (Sankei)
16) Sankei: DPJ will secure about 300 seats in upcoming election
(Sankei)
17) Tokyo Shimbun survey shows relatively low interest among voters
in the manifestos (party campaign pledges) (Tokyo Shimbun)

18) DPJ going after the women's vote by doubling the number of
female candidates running for Lower House seats (Asahi)

19) Australian town cutting off sister-city ties with a Wakayama
city over annual slaughter of dolphins (Yomiuri)

Ariticles:

1) TOP HEADLINES

Asahi:
New-flu infections expanding as new school semesters begin; 38
schools closed temporarily

Mainichi:
Opinion polls affecting parties' election campaigns; LDP lawmakers

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stay in home constituencies, DPJ executives eager to become cabinet
ministers

Yomiuri:
Mass flu infections reported by 712 schools nationwide during summer
holidays

Nikkei:
Series of new materials developed to help reduce eco car weights

Sankei:
DPJ certain to win 300 seats and become party in power

Tokyo Shimbun:
3.06 million people cast ballots early - 1.5 times 2005 election

Akahata:
Chairman Shii plays up importance of JCP as "constructive opposition
party" in press conference in Nagano

2) EDITORIALS

Asahi:
(1) 2009 general election: Decentralization must not end as pie in
the sky
(2) International Science Olympiads: Japan needs more students who
like science

Mainichi:
(1) Nuclear abolition must follow change in North Korea's stance
(2) Lower House lection: General public's participation in politics
essential

Yomiuri:
(1) Helping youth find jobs is an urgent task
(2) Afghan presidential election: Securing legitimacy vital

Nikkei:
(1) International community must not let its guard down despite
North Korea's call for dialogue
(2) Realignment of retail industry expected centering on drug sales

Sankei:
(1) Campaign pledge to reform the pension system: Cross-party talks
essential to reach policy agreement
(2) NTV's examination program fails to resolve structural problems

Tokyo Shimbun:
(1) North-South dialogue must be based on progress on nuclear
abandonment
(2) 2009 Lower House election: Food policy requires debate

Akahata:
(1) General election and education: JCP's growth will bring about
major change

3) Prime Minister's Official Residence (Kantei)

Prime Minister's schedule, August 24

NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
August 25, 2009

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08:22
Left Haneda Airport on JAL1403.

09:17
Arrived at Kochi Airport/

09:53-
Delivered speeches in Kochi Prefecture.

11:45
Departed Ban-no-su Park on helicopter.

11:57
Arrived in Miyoshi City, Tokushima Prefecture.

12:08
Met LDP Tokushima Chapter Secretary General Kenji Takeuchi at
restaurant Rest House Ueno.

13:01
Delivered speech in front of the shopping center Furespo Awaikeda.

13:43
Departed Miyoshi City on helicopter.

14:00
Arrived in Niihama City, Ehime Prefecture.

14:09
Delivered speech at parking lot of Rihga Loyal Hotel.

14:50
Departed Niihama City on helicopter.

15:06
Arrived in Kochi City, Kochi Prefecture.

15:31
Delivered speech at central park in the city.

16:10
Departed Kochi City on helicopter.

16:39
Delivered speech in Shukumo City.

17:32
Departed the city on helicopter.

17:45
Arrived Uwajima City, Ehime Prefecture.

17:47
Delivered speech in the city.

18:18
Departed the city.

18:41
Arrived at Matsuyama Airport.

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19:49
Departed the airport on ANA 598.

20:56
Arrived at Haneda Airport.

21:28
Arrived at his official residence.

DEFENSE AND SECURITY AFFAIRS

4) Vice foreign minister admits "discussions" on bringing nuclear
arms into Japan, leaves open possibility of investigating secret
nuclear deal

ASAHI (Page 1) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Kei Ukai

In connection with the alleged secret agreement between Japan and
the United States that port calls by vessels carrying nuclear arms
do not constitute "introducing them into Japan," Administrative Vice
Minister of Foreign Affairs Mitoji Yabunaka stated at a news
conference on August 24 that "I understand that there had, at times,
been talk" about the definition of "introducing nuclear arms into
Japan," admitting that Japan and the U.S. differed on the definition
and had held discussions. This indicates that he has left open the
possibility of investigating the existence of the secret agreement
in the future.

The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), seeking to take over the
government after the general election, is poised to pursue the issue
of the secret agreement. DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama has indicated
that an investigation will also be conducted in the U.S. and a
conclusion will be reached within six months to a year. Hatoyama
also said that if he becomes prime minister, he will seek from the
U.S. a firm commitment not to introduce nuclear weapons (into
Japan). The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) has flatly denied the
existence of such an agreement, but with a DPJ administration fast
becoming a real possibility, the ministry is adjusting its
position.

Yabunaka said that "we understand that there had been various
discussions in the past" regarding such issues as whether port calls
by ships carrying nuclear arms constitute "introducing nuclear
weapons" - which legally requires prior consultation between the two
countries. However, he added that "they (the discussions) were not
about any secret agreement," maintaining MOFA's position that a
secret agreement does not exist.

With regard to U.S. nuclear arms, then President George Bush ordered
the removal of tactical nuclear weapons from ships and submarines in
1991, and the U.S. government declared in 1992 that removal had been
completed. Therefore, (U.S.) ships subsequently calling at Japanese
ports were not carrying any nuclear arms. Yabunaka also stressed his
understanding "that since 1991 (the introduction of nuclear arms)
has not been an issue because they are not carried on ships."

Yabunaka said with regard to an investigation into the secret accord
demanded by the DPJ, "At this point there are no concrete plans to
do so." He indicated that as far as MOFA is concerned, "the truth of

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the matter is that such an agreement does not exist." Yabunaka had
also stated at a news conference in June that "at this point, we do
not have any plan to reinvestigate."

Vice-Foreign Minister Yabunaka: There was a difference in
interpretation between Japan and U.S.

5) YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Vice-Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka indicated in a press
conference yesterday that there had been a difference in
interpretation between the Japanese and U.S. governments regarding
the principle of (not allowing) the United States to introduce
nuclear weapons into Japan.

Yabunaka said: "A long time ago, there was a difference in their
interpretations. A variety of views were exchanged in the past."

He also emphatically said, "This is not about a secret pact."

6) Principle of not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons
into Japan creates stir in DPJ

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Abridged slightly)
August 25, 2009

Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama's
indication that if the DPJ takes power in the upcoming House of
Representatives election, he will make clear that a DPJ
administration will not allow the United States to bring nuclear
weapons into Japan is now creating a stir.

Appearing on an Aug. 23 television program, Hatoyama indicated that
he will try to convince U.S. President Barack Obama to make clear
the principle of not allowing the introduction of nuclear weapons
into Japan, which is one of the three non-nuclear principles. "Prime
minister Hatoyama" intends to visit the United States to coincide
with a United Nations conference in the U.S. in September and then,
in a summit meeting with the U.S. President, he plans to take up
this matter.

In this connection, DPJ Deputy President Naoto Kan said yesterday:
"The Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MOFA) does not say things clearly.
Diplomacy conducted by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has been
based on diplomacy by MOFA. After friendship is deepened following
heart-to-heart talks between 'prime minister Hatoyama' and President
Obama, he will convey Japan's view to the United States."

In the 1990s, the U.S. shifted its policy to one of no longer
mounting nuclear weapons on its warships during peacetime. There is
a hopeful observation in the DPJ that even if the United States
declares that it will not introduce nuclear weapons into Japan,
there will be no major impact. It means that it will be a symbolic
event of an equal Japan-U.S. relationship, which the DPJ advocates.

At the same time, some observers think such an outlook is too
optimistic.

Regarding the operation of its nuclear weapons program, the U.S.
position is that if such is revealed, it would undermine its
deterrence factor. A U.S. expert on Japan, too, took this critical

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view: "China possesses nuclear weapons and North Korea is developing
nuclear weapons. Raising questions about the United States' nuclear
weapons alone at a time like that means that Japan's security
consciousness is too weak."

A lack of consistency in Hatoyama's remarks on the three non-nuclear
principles has also sparked concern.

In July Hatoyama said this about a "secret pact" on the introduction
of nuclear weapons, "Because there has been a need, a pragmatic
response has been made." Hatoyama later took a positive stance about
codifying the three non-nuclear principles, acting under pressure
from Social Democratic Party head Mizuho Fukushima. One DPJ lawmaker
commented: "He is deliberately creating a source of trouble. The
matter must be left ambiguous so as not be criticized as a violation
of our public pledge."

7) DPJ's Kan criticizes Foreign Ministry on secret agreement issue

ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) Deputy President Naoto Kan, at a
meeting in Okinawa City, Okinawa Prefecture, criticized the Foreign
Ministry for not admitting to the existence of a Japan-U.S. secret
deal on the introduction of nuclear weapons into Japan. He stated:
"(The ministry) takes the views of the United States into account
and does not say things clearly. That's the Foreign Ministry's way
of conducting diplomacy and the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) has
relied on it."

Referring in Naha City to the diplomatic schedule immediately
following the House of Representatives election, Kan predicted that
there is a possibility that DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama will meet
with U.S. President Barack Obama when he visits Washington after
being elected as prime minister by late September (if the DPJ wins
the election).

8) Protesters don't want U.S. aircraft carriers' port calls to
become a fait accompli

TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full)
Evening, August 24, 2009

On the morning of August 24, when the U.S. aircraft carrier Nimitz
arrived at the Yokosuka port, some 50 members of local citizens'
groups gathered at a park near the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka to
protest the danger of nuclear accidents. They called out slogans
like "U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier Nimitz go away!" and
"Don't come to Yokosuka, Nimitz!"

"Port calls by several nuclear-powered aircraft carriers could turn
Yokosuka into a supply base for nuclear-powered aircraft carriers,"
remarked Masahiko Goto, a lawyer and leader of the citizens' groups
opposed to the deployment of nuclear-powered aircraft carriers. "It
is necessary to halt the process of making these port calls a fait
accompli." The U.S. Navy has been reinforcing its support systems at
Yokosuka with the stationing of the George Washington, and there is
concern that Yokosuka may become the home port of nuclear-powered
aircraft carriers in Far East Asia.

"The situation on the Korean peninsula is unpredictable," commented

TOKYO 00001954 007 OF 012

Military analyst Kazuhisa Ogawa on the Nimitz's port calls. "You do
not, of course, want to leave an empty house; you want to continue
to exert pressure." Military commentary Tetsuo Maeda offered a
different opinion: "The risk of radiation leaks will increase if
nuclear-powered aircraft carriers other than the George Washington
call (at Yokosuka) on a regular basis. It is not right that Japan
can't address this problem through domestic laws."

9) Japan hosts first regional military top-brass meeting

MAINICHI (Page 2) (Full)
August 25, 2009

The Pacific Armies Chiefs Conference (PACC) began yesterday at a
Tokyo hotel with the participation of high-ranking officers from the
armies of 22 countries in the Asia-Pacific region. The PACC is
co-sponsored by the Ground Self-Defense Force and the U.S. Army.
This is the first time for Japan to host a PACC event.

The PACC is held every two years by its host and the United States.
This is the sixth PACC gathering, focusing on international relief
operations to be conducted in the event of earthquakes, tsunamis,
and other disasters. This time the PACC is linked to a seminar for
staff officers and will discuss how to carry out training and
cooperation for disaster relief operations and how to train
commanding officers. It will be in session until Aug. 28.

NORTH KOREA PROBLEM

10) Senior U.S. government official says, "Resumption of Kumgang-san
tourism development project will not infringe on sanctions
resolution"

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Yasuhiro Maeda, Seoul

Regarding the resumption of the development of Kumgang-san tourism,
a project South Korea is implementing as economic cooperation for
North Korea, U.S. State Department Coordinator for Implementation of
UNSC Resolution 1874 Philip Goldberg revealed his view that the
project is for the sake of economic and humanitarian development and
it does not infringe on the United Nations Security Council's (UNSC)
resolution against North Korea due to its nuclear test. He made this
comment in a reply to a question asked by reporters in Seoul, where
he was visiting.

North Korea had been seeking the resumption of the project. Goldberg
presumably determined that it would not be wise to let that nation
harden its attitude, when it is showing a stance of shifting to a
dialogue line. Goldberg, however, stressed his stance of keeping the
sanctions in place regardless of the resumption of the project,
noting, "Sanctions against the North, including financial sanctions,
will continue."

11) Bosworth eyes visit to North Korea in early September

YOMIURI (Page 7) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Keiichi Honma, Washington

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Stephen Bosworth, special representative for North Korea policy, is
considering a visit to North Korea possibly in early September,
according to informed sources yesterday. If this plan is carried
out, the first official talks between the U.S. and North Korea will
be held during the administration of President Barack Obama.

According to U.S. government sources, details of the plan for
Bosworth's visit to Pyongyang began to be discussed around
mid-August, after former president Bill Clinton visited that nation.
North Korea conveyed its willingness to accept Bosworth through the
Office to the United Nations in New York and other organizations,
the sources said.

Under the present plan, Bosworth would make a round of visits to
Japan, China and South Korea by mid-September, and visit North Korea
during this period. U.S. Special Envoy to the Six-Party Talks Sung
Kim would accompany him on his tour of North Korea, and there is
even a report that they would meet North Korean leader Kim Jong-il

Given the recent switch of North Korea to a policy of dialogue, some
observers believe it aims to seek direct negotiations with the U.S.
through Bosworth. Even so, the U.S. has maintained a stance calling
for the North's denuclearization and return to the Six-Party Talks,
so there is the possibility that the U.S. would forgo the plan as a
result of a failure to bridge these differences in behind-the-scenes
negotiations for arranging the visit.

12) Government worrying about being left in lurch due to North
Korea's "dialogue approach"

NIKKEI (Page 2) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Following a meeting held between South Korean President Lee
Myung-bak and North Korean envoys who visited Seoul to mourn the
death of former South Korean president Kim Dae Jung, the Japanese
government paying close attention to moves by North Korea. Bearing
also in mind the recent visit to North Korea by former U.S.
president Bill Clinton, the government intends to call on the U.S.
and South Korea to step up cooperation so that Japan will not left
in the lurch due to North Korea's "dialogue approach."

In a press conference yesterday, Chief Secretary Takeo Kawamura,
even while praising the meeting between President Lee and the North
Korean envoys, made this remark: "It is imperative for Japan to
continue to closely contact with the U.S. and South Korea."
Government officials are worrying that South Korea and the U.S.
could take a reconciliatory stance toward North Korea again. Vice
Foreign Minister Mitoji Yabunaka stressed in a press conference
yesterday: "Japan in line with the U.S., South Korea and China will
continue to urge North Korea to end its nuclear weapons ambition."

CHINA CONNECTION

13) Government coordinating possibility of holding Japan-China
summit late next month

YOMIURI (Page 2) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Tokyo and Washington on August 24 started coordination on the

TOKYO 00001954 009 OF 012

possibility of holding a bilateral summit on the sidelines of a
series of international conferences, including the financial summit,
to be held in the U.S. in late September. The planned meeting will
likely be attended by Chinese President Hu Jintao. Provided that
Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) President Yukio Hatoyama becomes
prime minister after the Lower House election on August 30, this
will be their first meeting.

The leaders of both countries will likely exchange views mainly on
ways to strengthen bilateral ties. China plans to give priority to
internal affairs until the National Day (National Foundation Day) on
October 1, when the nation marks the 60th anniversary of the
foundation of the country. As such, talks on such issues as the
development of gas fields in the East China Sea will likely be put
off until a summit meeting after October or later.

14) Chinese ship spotted in Shirakaba gas field

ASAHI (Page 4) (Full)
August 25, 2009

The Japanese government has confirmed that a Chinese ship conducting
work of some sort has been spotted in the Shirakaba (Chunsiao in
Chinese) gas field in the East China Sea, which Tokyo and Beijing
have agreed to develop jointly. The Japanese Foreign Ministry
inquired about the ship to its Chinese counterpart. The Japanese
side reportedly received a reply from the Chinese side saying that
the ship was performing maintenance work on the facilities and there
is no change in the agreement in effect.

According to government officials, the Chinese ship was seen in the
Shirakaba gas field for several days. Reportedly, digging work has
not been confirmed.

ELECTION POLLS

15) Poll: 45.8% prefer DPJ for proportional representation

SANKEI (Page 1) (Abridged)
August 25, 2009

The Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network (FNN) conducted a joint
poll Aug. 20-23 on the sidelines of a survey looking into the
situation in campaign battles for the upcoming general election for
the House of Representatives. In the poll, respondents were asked
which political party they would vote for in their proportional
representation blocs. In this public preference of political parties
for proportional representation, the Democratic Party of Japan had a
big lead over the Liberal Democratic Party, with the DPJ scoring
45.8% and the LDP at 24.4%. The DPJ has been promoting a slogan for
a change of government, which has now penetrated into the public.
This seems to be a reason for the DPJ's advantage in the campaign.

The Aso cabinet's public approval rating was 22.2%, up 1.7 points
from the last poll. The disapproval rating was 67.9%, up 1.3 points
from the last poll. In the breakdown of public support for political
parties, the DPJ stood at 36.0%, up 4.9 points from the last poll.
The LDP was at 26.1%, up 4.1 points from the last poll.

16) DPJ certain to take office, garnering about 300 seats

SANKEI (Top play) (Abridged)

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August 25, 2009

Ahead of Aug. 30's general election for the House of
Representatives, the Sankei Shimbun and Fuji News Network (FNN)
conducted a telephone-based joint public opinion survey on Aug.
20-23 to look into the situation in the final phase of campaign
battles. The Liberal Democratic Party is rallying in some electoral
districts. However, the Democratic Party of Japan has an advantage
and is expected to garner 300 seats. The DPJ is now certain to take
office. The LDP is highly likely to win 130 or so seats, less than
half of its pre-election holding in the Diet's lower chamber.
However, more than 30% of the polled voters did not clarify their
voting preference. Given this, the situation could change.

The LDP has been failing to take the lead in the election campaign
and has so far ensured only 60 seats. The LDP may lose all of its
pre-election seats in 12 prefectures, including Hokkaido, Yamanashi,
Shizuoka, and Okinawa. In addition, the LDP is highly likely to lose
its seats in Tokyo, Chiba, and Kanagawa, where the LDP monopolized
almost all seats in the last general election held four years ago
when the House of Representatives was dissolved over the
privatization of state-run postal services. Even the LDP's factional
leaders and former cabinet ministers, such as Former Finance
Minister Shoichi Nakagawa and former LDP Vice President Taku
Yamasaki, are also facing an uphill battle. Two former prime
ministers, Toshiki Kaifu and Yoshiro Mori, are also on the
borderline. For proportional representation as well, the LDP is
likely to be at around 50 or so, just half of the DPJ's.

The New Komeito is now certain to garner 20 seats. In single-seat
constituencies, however, the party's president, Akihiro Ota, and
many other candidates running from the party are on the borderline.
It seems difficult for the New Komeito to secure its pre-election
strength. LDP and New Komeito leaders are aiming to secure a
majority of seats for the LDP and the New Komeito. However, the way
things are going, the two parties could fall substantially below a
majority and are highly likely to lose power.

17) Survey shows 30% greatly interested in campaign manifestos

TOKYO SHIMBUN (Page 1) (Full)
August 25, 2009

According to the results released yesterday of a joint survey by the
Tokyo Shimbun, Hokkaido Shimbun, Nishi-Nihon Shimbun, and Kochi
Shimbun, many voters are interested in the political parties'
campaign manifestos for the Aug. 30 House of Representatives
election, although there are some differences among regions.

Analysis was conducted based on the results of a general survey
across the nation and surveys in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Aichi, Kochi, and
Fukuoka prefectures. Five levels of contact with the manifestos were
used when posing questions.

Respondents who replied that they obtained and read the manifestos,
or that they read them in paper or on the Internet accounted for
about 30%, although the rate was lower in Kochi. The percentages in
Tokyo and Aichi were particularly high, probably reflecting voters'
great interest in politics in Tokyo and Nagoya after they
experienced the recent Tokyo assembly and Nagoya mayoral elections
that attracted a lot of attention.

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The largest number of respondents - 40 to 50% - across the nation
and in the five prefectures said that when they came into contact
with information (on the manifestos), they paid careful attention to
it. The rate in Tokyo was 42.6%. These figures show that many
respondents are eager to obtain knowledge of the manifestos when
information becomes available to them, even though they are not
trying to actively acquire knowledge.

Those who replied they just came across the information or they had
no interest in it stayed at only about 20%. The system of "manifesto
elections" was introduced in the Lower House election in 2003 for
the first time. The numerical figures in the survey showed that an
increasing number of voters are now willing to make their selections
based on policies.

The newspapers conducted the nationwide survey on 3,600 persons in
mid-August and the surveys in the five prefectures from Aug. 20-22.
Valid responses were collected from 34,631 persons aged at 20 or
older.

18) DPJ eyes women voters by doubling the number of female
candidates

ASAHI (Page 4) (Abridged slightly)
August 25, 2009

There is a change in the stance of women in supporting political
parties in the upcoming House of Representatives election. Many
female voters, who used to support the Liberal Democratic Party
(LDP), are now shifting to the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ). This
means that new efforts by the DPJ, which used to rely on male
supporters, are now bearing fruit. This has become one of the strong
driving forces for the DPJ.

Actress Kazuo Matsui, who is popular with housewives as a
"charismatic housewife," appeared on a campaign broadcast (along
with DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama). This indicates the DPJ's extra
efforts to generate a new image. The LDP had its female House of
Councillors member appeared on its election broadcast, as well.

How to win over woman voters has been a challenge for the DPJ since
its foundation. Observers have said that it is the DPJ's biggest
challenge. For example, according to the results of an Asahi opinion
poll conducted immediately before the 2005 Lower House election, 21%
of male respondents supported the DPJ, compare to 12% of women. Many
woman voters supported the LDP led by Prime Minister Junichiro
Koizumi, which resulted in a big win for the party.

This time, however, something is different from the previous general
election. The Asahi Shimbun has found in its poll on Aug. 15-16 that
the female support rate for the DPJ was 25%, far more than the five
percentage points supporting the LDP. The male approval rating for
the DPJ was 38%. In particular, the DPJ's support rates by both men
and women in their twenties, thirties, and forties were almost the
same.

In the 2005 Lower House election, Koizumi fielded 26 woman
candidates, the number of which was than double the female
candidates the LDP had filed in the 2003 general election, in which
all 26 candidates were elected.

In the ongoing election, DPJ Deputy President Ichiro Ozawa, who is

TOKYO 00001954 012 OF 012

in charge of the election strategy, has filed 46 woman candidates,
twice the number of female candidates the DPJ had sponsored in the
previous snap election. Ozawa had them filed in single-seat
districts against influential LDP candidates.

The DPJ is filing female candidates in all single-seat districts in
Kochi Prefecture, in which LDP members won all districts in the
previous election. Regarding the DPJ's female candidates for the
proportional representation segment, the Tokyo Seikatsusha Network
asked the DPJ to file Eiko Ishige, a specialist in welfare affairs,
a candidate for its proportional representation section, and the LDP
has fielded her as No. 2 candidate on its list for the Tokyo
proportional representation bloc of the ballot. The DPJ's Upper
House member Masako Okawara, who hailed from the Tokyo Seikatsusha
Network, said: "Mr. Ozawa is trying to cover part that the DPJ lacks
by filing women. Women voters have now realized that politics is
related to our daily lives."

19) Town of Broome says "No!" to dolphin kill, no to sister city
relationship to Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture

YOMIURI (Page 37) (Full)
August 25, 2009

Tetsu Okazaki, Sydney

The town of Broome in northwestern Australia on August 24 decided to
suspend its 28-year-old sister city relationship with Taiji Town,
Wakayama Prefecture, because of the area's slaughter of dolphins. It
has notified the Japanese Consulate General in Perth of its
decision. The city council voted unanimously that it will suspend
the relationship as long as the dolphin kill continues in the area.

Occasioned by "The Cove," a documentary film on Taiji Town's dolphin
kill, which an American secretly shot, has been shown in the U.S.
and Australia since July. The Sea Sheppard, a U.S. anti-whaling
group, which has been opposing Taiji Town's dolphin kill, has
reportedly urged the town of Broome and its citizens to end the
sister city relationship with Taiji Town.

According to the town of Broome, the e-mail address of a senior
official of the town was posted on the Internet. This official then
received more than 10,000 e-mails critical of the town's sister city
relationship with Taiji Town both from home and abroad. Mayor
Campbell told the Yomiuri Shimbun, "There was a potential danger of
Japanese people living in this town being harmed if we had
mishandled this issue. It was a tough decision."

ROOS

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