Monday, August 31, 2009
Kyodo Election Coverage for August 30 and 31
Julian Ryall (Telegraph) on Japan Election
- Japan votes for a new start as ruling LDP loses power after 50 years
Japan’s conservative ruling party was crushed by a radical rival on Sunday in a general election that brought an end to one of the democratic world’s longest spells of political dominance.
By Danielle Demetriou and Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 12:17AM BST 31 Aug 2009 - Landslide election result breaks LDP hold on Japan after five decades
Japan's Democratic Party has won a resounding general election victory, surpassing the 241 seats required for a majority less than two-and-a-half hours after polling stations closed.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 3:05PM BST 30 Aug 2009 - Japanese opposition sweeps to power
The opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) was headed for a landslide victory in the general elecion with exit polls suggesting that the win might be even larger had been projected.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 1:24PM BST 30 Aug 2009 - Japan elections: profile of Taro Aso, prime minister
The archetypal political blue-blood, the prime minister Taro Aso is deeply unpopular with the electorate going into Japan's general election on Sunday.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 12:44PM BST 28 Aug 2009 - Japan elections: profile of opposition leader Yukio Hatoyama
Just like his main rival in the Japanese general election, the opposition leader Yukio Hatoyama is the grandson of a former prime minister and son of a former foreign minister.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 1:06PM BST 28 Aug 2009 - Japan elections: voters expected to sweep ruling party out of office
Voters in the Japan elections on Sunday are expected to sweep Taro Aso's Liberal Democratic Party out of office for the first time in 55 years.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 1:39PM BST 28 Aug 2009 - Japan election: unemployed turn on the government
Japan's growing ranks of unemployed are among those who have turned on the government, which is expected to be voted out of office on Sunday.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 12:21PM BST 27 Aug 2009 - Miyuki Hatoyama is a wife to break the mould of Japanese first ladies
As her husband plots to shake up Japan's political world, Miyuki Hatoyama is expected to do the same to the even more staid role of first lady.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 6:03PM BST 24 Aug 2009 - Japan's political dynasties no longer appeal
A father or grandfather who had been elected to the Japanese parliament used to be a guarantee of a career in politics.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 6:29PM BST 20 Aug 2009 - Japan's ruling party faces heavy defeat at elections
Taro Aso's ruling Liberal Democratic Party is heading for a heavy defeat in the August 30 general election, according to the latest opinion polls.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 5:11PM BST 18 Aug 2009 - Barack Obama urged to attend Hiroshima memorial
Sixty-four years after he survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, Japanese fashion designer Issey Miyake has broken his silence on his memories of that day to invite President Barack Obama to attend this year's memorial event.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 9:30PM BST 15 Jul 2009 - British POWs snubbed as Japan apologises to US veterans
British prisoners of war condemned the Japanese government after it offered US veterans a full apology and invited them to visit the country while ignoring the plight of those from the UK.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 9:26PM BST 14 Aug 2009 - Will Japan's next leader break free of the puppetmasters?
World stage: Japan will have a new prime minister by the end of the summer, but some things are harder to change, says Julian Ryall.
By Julian Ryall in Tokyo
Published: 5:38PM BST 14 Jul 2009
Q+A: Japan PM-elect may ruffle U.S. on security issues
Mon Aug 31, 2009 5:38am EDTBy Isabel Reynolds
TOKYO (Reuters) - Japan's prime minister-elect, Yukio Hatoyama, has vowed to forge a more equal alliance with the United States while keeping ties with Washington at the center of diplomatic policy.
But a number of security issues could ruffle relations between the world's two largest economies, sparking concern among investors.
Following are questions and answers on some of the issues:
WHAT WILL HAPPEN TO U.S. FORCES IN JAPAN?
Japan hosts about 47,000 U.S. military personnel, a frequent source of irritation for communities near military bases, with many complaints of crime, noise and pollution.
Former Democratic Party leader Ichiro Ozawa drew criticism when he said earlier this year that most of the troops were not needed.
But the party's election manifesto makes no mention of a deep cut in troop levels, instead offering to propose amendments to the Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) under which U.S. troops operate in Japan and to rethink a planned redeployment of U.S. troops.
Washington and Tokyo have agreed to ease what is seen as an unfair burden on the southern island of Okinawa by moving a 4,000-strong U.S. Marine Corps base from the heavily populated area of Futenma to the north of the island where fewer people live.
About 8,000 Marines will be redeployed from Okinawa, partly at Japan's expense, to the U.S. territory of Guam as part of the deal.
Washington is keen to press ahead with the project, which is supposed to be completed by 2014. Many residents of Okinawa, which suffered one of the bloodiest battles of World War Two, are dissatisfied with the plan for environmental and other reasons.
Democratic Party leader Hatoyama, who took over the party in May, has said the Marine base at Futenma should be moved away from Okinawa but he has not proposed an alternative location.
The party's proposed changes to the SOFA would include a requirement that U.S. forces make good any damage to the environment caused by their activities, a Japanese newspaper reported on Thursday.
Several cases of contamination have been discovered at sites returned to Japan after use by the U.S. military.
HOW FAR WILL JAPAN BACK U.S. MILITARY ACTIVITIES?
Hatoyama has said a Democratic government would not renew the mandate for Japanese ships on a refueling mission in the Indian Ocean in support of U.S.-led military activities in Afghanistan, although ships would not be brought home immediately
The legal mandate for the mission, which the Democrats opposed in parliament, expires in January.
Hatoyama's predecessor, Ozawa, had mentioned an alternative option of sending troops to Afghanistan under a United Nations mandate, but the idea of putting soldiers' lives at risk is unlikely to gain popular support. No Japanese troops have been killed in action since World War Two.
WHAT LINE WILL THE DEMOCRATS TAKE ON NUCLEAR WEAPONS?
Japan has long been ambivalent about nuclear arms.
Many Japanese use the fact that Japan is the only country to have suffered nuclear attacks as a platform to campaign for the abolition of nuclear weapons.
Hatoyama backs President Barack Obama's calls for a world free of nuclear arms and has promised to uphold Japan's three "non-nuclear principles" banning the making, possession or introduction into the country of nuclear arms.
If he becomes prime minister, Hatoyama would likely call for a nuclear arms-free world in a speech at the U.N. General Assembly in September, Japanese media say. Hatoyama has also said he will seek a U.S. pledge not to bring nuclear-armed vessels into Japanese ports.
But Japan benefits from a nuclear "umbrella" provided by Washington, something many see as increasingly necessary given China's growing military might and North Korea's nuclear arms program.
(Reporting by Isabel Reynolds; Editing by Michael Watson)
US reaches out as Japan shifts left
AFPby Shaun Tandon
Mon Aug 31, 3:37 am ET
WASHINGTON (AFP) – President Barack Obama's administration is calling for a "strong alliance" with Japan's incoming center-left government, which has vowed a more independent path for the long steadfast US ally.
The Democratic Party of Japan scored a landslide victory on Sunday, riding a wave of voter discontent with the conservative Liberal Democratic Party which ruled the economic giant virtually interrupted for more than half a century.
While the campaign focused on the bumbling economy, the Liberal Democrats were the architects of one of Japan's post-World War II credos -- leave security, and often foreign policy in general, in US hands.
Hours after the polls closed, White House spokesman Robert Gibbs said that Obama "looks forward to working closely with the new Japanese prime minister" -- most likely Yukio Hatoyama, a professorial Stanford-educated engineer.
"We are confident that the strong US-Japan alliance and the close partnership between our two countries will continue to flourish under the leadership of the next government in Tokyo," Gibbs said in a statement.
The State Department said it hoped for early talks with the new Japanese government on a range of issues including ending North Korea's nuclear drive and -- a common concern for both Obama and Hatoyama -- fighting global warming.
Secretary of State Hillary Clinton believes "the US-Japan alliance is strong and remains a cornerstone of peace and security in East Asia," State Department spokesman Ian Kelly said.
But Hatoyama, while saying that the US alliance would remain "the cornerstone" for Japan, has pledged to resist the US economic model and to devote more attention to Asia, where many remain bitter toward Tokyo over war memories.
In an essay on The New York Times website, Hatoyama said that "as a result of the failure of the Iraq war and the financial crisis, the era of US-led globalism is coming to an end and that we are moving toward an era of multi-polarity."
Hatoyama's Democrats have sought a review of the 47,000-strong US troop presence in Japan -- including a painstakingly negotiated but controversial deal on shifting some 8,000 Marines from Okinawa to the US territory of Guam.
Yet the Democrats -- borne of a 1998 mixed-marriage between disgruntled former Liberal Democrats and socialists -- have deep divisions. Some members, notably former party chief Seiji Maehara, are strong advocates of a more assertive Japanese defense role overseas.
"It is still very schizophrenic as a whole on the direction of Japan's foreign policy," said Weston Konishi, a Japan expert at the Mansfield Foundation think-tank.
The party will face crunch-time in January when it has to decide whether to extend a naval mission in the Indian Ocean that provides fuel to US-led forces in Afghanistan -- a country that is among Obama's top priorities.
The Democrats fought to bring the ships home while in opposition, saying Japan should not take part in "American wars."
In the meantime, Hatoyama is likely to head to the United States in September for the Group of 20 summit of major economies in Pittsburgh and the opening of the United Nations General Assembly.
When he meets Obama, "if he comes out articulating the kinds of things that he wrote, if he's quite critical of US global leadership, that could get the relationship off on the wrong foot," Konishi said.
"But if he tries to reassure President Obama on the strength of the US-Japan alliance and if he looks to ways to coooperate with the United States, that would obviously be well-received," he said.
Hatoyama spoke favorably about Obama on the campaign trail, often trying to link his party's struggle against the Liberal Democrats to Obama's own "change" message in his historic victory last year.
Obama, in turn, has been sensitive to Japan's fears of being ignored in the face of a rising China. He invited Taro Aso, the defeated prime minister, as his first foreign guest at the White House.
FOCUS: Foreign policy not to change radically but remains DPJ's weak point
August 30 2009 23:25 TOKYO, Aug. 30 KYODO
A drastic shift in foreign policy is unlikely under the envisaged new administration of the Democratic Party of Japan as it hopes to ensure continuity, although it has vowed to be more independent from the United States in its diplomacy.
But foreign and security matters could easily emerge as flashpoints for the incoming DPJ-led administration, with the party remaining vague in these areas apparently out of fear of causing discord among its members and the other parties with which it plans to form a coalition.
The diplomatic debut of DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama as new premier is likely to be in late September when he will attend the U.N. General Assembly in New York and possibly meet with U.S. President Barack Obama on the sidelines to seek his understanding of DPJ policies.
''There will be meetings on climate change, nuclear disarmament and international finance. They are all extremely important,'' a senior Foreign Ministry official said, indicating the diplomatic skills of the blue-blood politician, who has long remained an opposition member, will be put to the test soon after he takes office.
The DPJ said in its manifesto for Sunday's House of Representative election that it will build a ''close and equal Japan-U.S. alliance'' and will develop an ''autonomous foreign policy strategy for Japan.''
It also said it will ''propose'' a revision of the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement and ''move in the direction of reexamining the realignment of the U.S. military forces in Japan and the role of U.S. military bases in Japan.''
But the wording in the manifesto amounted to a toning down of what the DPJ had previously argued in a sign that it would shift to a more pragmatic position, and pundits believe an immediate drastic change is unlikely under the DPJ in foreign and defense areas.
Hatoyama has also said ''continuity in diplomacy is important'' and that he feels the need to first ''build a relationship of trust with U.S. President Barack Obama'' before making such proposals on SOFA and other issues.
''Basically, I think the DPJ will acknowledge the policies which have proceeded until now and then add changes little by little,'' Atsuo Ito, a political analyst, said.
But he warned that foreign and security issues will be an ''Achilles heel'' for the DPJ, as its policies have wavered depending on its leader, and that the DPJ has yet to clearly set a direction on such issues even though more than a decade has passed since its formation.
Comprising lawmakers ranging from right and left -- defectors from the conservative Liberal Democratic Party and former socialists -- the DPJ has often lacked unity among its members when it comes to those issues.
Adding to concerns were Hatoyama's flip-flops on the prospects for Japan's ongoing antiterrorism refueling mission in support of U.S.-led antiterrorism operations in and around Afghanistan.
The DPJ had staunchly opposed the dispatch of the Maritime Self-Defense Force to the Indian Ocean, with Ichiro Ozawa arguing when he was party leader that it is against the war-renouncing Constitution for Japan to provide logistical support for operations without U.N. authorization.
The DPJ's manifesto, however, does not touch upon the suspension of the mission. Hatoyama also said he will allow it to continue for the time being, although he noted he will ''basically not allow it to be extended beyond'' January next year when the special law for the mission will expire.
The developments showed the sensitiveness of the matter for the DPJ, which is apparently trying to take heed of calls from the United States to continue the mission as well as from the Social Democratic Party, a possible DPJ coalition partner, which is against deploying the Self-Defense Forces overseas.
The DPJ and the SDP also differ on the dispatch of MSDF ships for an antipiracy mission in waters off Somalia. But the DPJ needs the cooperation of the SDP and another party, the People's New Party, to control the less powerful House of Councillors.
So far, political pundits are divided on how the issue of the refueling mission will affect Japan-U.S. relations.
Tobias Harris, a Japan and East Asia specialist, said that suspending the mission will be ''a small victory'' for the DPJ, as it would allow them to say that they have followed through on what they have said they were going to do at a relatively limited cost.
''I don't think the Obama administration is going to throw a tantrum (even if the mission is suspended)...And considering that if it placates their (the DPJ's) coalition partners to the left, I think it's really a very, very small price to pay for that.''
But Yumi Hiwatari, a Sophia University professor specializing in Japan-U.S. relations and defense issues, said that suspending the refueling mission will damage bilateral ties, warning that remaining vague on key policies will make it difficult for the DPJ to build ''a trustful relationship'' with Washington.
''Does a 'close and equal' Japan-U.S. relationship mean for Japan to increase its military strength? Will the DPJ dare to spur a national debate on how the SDF should be used under such a policy?'' Hiwatari said. ''I don't think the DPJ can win the trust of its ally when it's either saying nothing or just being vague.''
On the refueling mission, she also suggested it would be difficult for Japan to find alternative ways to contribute to the situation in Afghanistan when the refueling mission is considered the most Japan can do under its constitutional restrictions.
According to plans revealed in early August, the DPJ, as an alternative to the refueling mission, is considering reinforcing assistance to civilians and reconstruction aid in Afghanistan possibly by dispatching government and private-sector officials to relatively safe areas.
''But assistance by civilians is dangerous, for example in Kabul,'' Hiwatari said.
While much of the spotlight will be on how Japan-U.S. relations are affected under the new administration, Japan's neighbors are also paying attention to the election outcome.
Hatoyama is eager to strengthen ties with Asian countries, but a source close to Japan-South Korea relations is wary about some DPJ members having hawkish views regarding China and South Korea over historical issues.
As for the decades-old territorial-row with Russia, another senior Foreign Ministry official said there are ''not many options'' for realizing the goal of regaining control of the four Russian-held islands off Hokkaido even under a DPJ-led government.
Meanwhile, Hiwatari said that inconsistencies in foreign policy and other issues that may emerge under the new administration may not necessarily be a negative factor for the country.
''If problems come to light, then the people may notice the need to hold discussions on how we want our country to be. That may be what Japan needs to revive the country.''
==Kyodo
U.S. envoy says looking forward to working with new Japan gov't
Aug 30 10:10 PM US/EasternTOKYO, Aug. 31 (AP) - (Kyodo) — U.S. Ambassador to Japan John Roos said Monday he looks forward to working with the next Japanese government on "the full range of" bilateral issues.
Offering congratulations to the Japanese people "on the occasion of this historic election," Roos said in a statement, "The challenges we face are many, but through our partnership our two great democracies will meet them in a spirit of cooperation and friendship."
In Sunday's general election, the Democratic Party of Japan wrested power from the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party for the first government overturn by a main opposition force in Japanese post-World War II history.
The ambassador, who arrived in Japan Aug. 19, issued the comment following statements by White House Secretary Robert Gibbs and State Department spokesman Ian Kelly saying that U.S. President Barack Obama and Washington look forward to working closely with the new Japanese premier and government.
Mainichi :: Monday, August 31, 2009
- LDP coalition partner Komeito devastated in election, leader loses seat
Komeito, the junior partner in the coalition government led by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), had all eight candidates in single-seat constituencies lose in Sunday's election, including those of party leader Akihiro Ota and Secretary-General Kazuo Kitagawa. continued ... - Yokohama elects its first-ever female mayor
YOKOHAMA -- Fumiko Hayashi, a 63-year-old former corporate executive, was elected the city's first female mayor Sunday. continued ... - 'Koizumi Children' feel voters' wrath
Among the heavy casualties taken by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) in Sunday's Lower House election, the "Koizumi Children" -- many of them parachute candidates brought in by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi in the 2005 general election -- took a particularly severe beating. continued ... - Ozawa to continue as campaign chief in wake of DPJ victory; Cabinet still an open question
Former Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) leader Ichiro Ozawa will not be part of the new Cabinet, but with an eye on next year's House of Councillors elections looks to remain the party's campaign head. continued ... - Election staff blunder allows 11-year-old to vote in Sunday election
OSAKA -- An 11-year-old girl here voted in the House of Representative election Sunday after she was given a ballot sheet by mistake, the municipal election committee here has admitted. continued ... - LDP power vacuum won't be filled anytime soon following Aso resignation announcement
The Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) is looking for a new leader, after Prime Minister Taro Aso announced his resignation following the party's crushing defeat in Sunday's general election. However, with many factional leaders and top party officials left without a seat in the House of Representatives, the party is suffering a dearth of potential candidates. continued ... - DPJ manages 'hop, step, jump' -- but hasn't stuck the landing yet
The Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) has achieved its long-cherished aspiration -- held since the days of its predecessor, the former Democratic Party of Japan, founded in 1996 -- of taking over the reins of government. continued ... - U.S. battleship that hosted Japan's WWII surrender to get Pearl Harbor shipyard makeover
PEARL HARBOR, Hawaii (AP) -- The "Mighty Mo," the World War II battleship best known for hosting the formal surrender of Japan in 1945, is heading to the shipyard for repairs. continued ... - Hatoyama not likely to change U.S.-Japan alliance
TOKYO (AP) -- As Japan's opposition leader, Yukio Hatoyama was a strong critic of what he called Tokyo's subservient position to Washington. But with his party now expected to take power, he is not likely to do anything to derail what has been Japan's most successful overseas alliance, analysts said. continued ... - Opposition Democratic Party of Japan wins election in landslide
The largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) scored a landslide victory in Sunday's general election, capturing more than 300 of the 480 seats in the House of Representatives. continued ... - LDP tumbles from No. 1 bloc in Lower House for first time since founding in 1955
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) tumbled from its position as the No. 1 bloc in the powerful House of Representatives for the first time since its founding in 1955. continued ... - Ex-PM, top officials with ruling coalition parties lose seats in election
A former prime minister and other current and former top officials of ruling coalition parties, as well as several Cabinet ministers, were defeated in Sunday's House of Representatives election. continued ... - News Navigator: What kind of party is the DPJ?
The Mainichi answers common questions some readers may have regarding the Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), following its landslide victory in Sunday's general election
(Mainichi Japan) August 31, 2009 continued ... - Editorial: DPJ must fulfill promises it made to the public
It was truly a watershed election. Heavyweights and veterans in the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) dropped like flies in battles against new, previously unknown candidates. It was evidence that the people categorically chose change, bringing about a historical transfer of power.
(Mainichi Japan) August 31, 2009 continued ...
Japan Times :: Monday, August 31, 2009
- 3. NATIONAL NEWS
Foreigners weigh in on election outcome
Aug. 31, 2009
Staff report
Although foreigners couldn't vote in Sunday's election, many were focused on its outcome. continued ... - 4. NATIONAL NEWS - MARIKO YASUMOTO
Ozawa reaches goal; clout to grow
Aug. 31, 2009
By MARIKO YASUMOTO, Kyodo News
The Democratic Party of Japan's major election victory Sunday was what acting President Ichiro Ozawa had been aiming for, ensuring his influence on the political scene will grow further. continued ... - 5. NATIONAL NEWS
'Koizumi's Children' find the tables turned
Aug. 31, 2009
Kyodo News
Liberal Democratic Party candidates who were drafted four years ago by then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and swept into victory by upholding his reforms lost their single-seat districts across the country Sunday. continued ... - 6. NATIONAL NEWS
New Komeito leaders knocked out
Aug. 31, 2009
Kyodo News
New Komeito suffered a major blow Sunday, with leader Akihiro Ota and other senior members losing their Diet seats. continued ... - 7. NATIONAL NEWS
Several LDP bigwigs sent down to defeat
Aug. 31, 2009
Kyodo News
Many of the Liberal Democratic Party's heavyweights did not escape defeat in their electoral districts Sunday at the hands of challengers from the Democratic Party of Japan. continued ... - 8. NATIONAL NEWS - ERIC JOHNSTON
Komeito, LDP crash in Kansai
Aug. 31, 2009
By ERIC JOHNSTON, Staff writer
OSAKA — The Kansai region's most prominent members in the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito lost their seats to younger challengers Sunday, part of the overwhelming national trend in favor of the Democratic Party of Japan and the other opposition parties. continued ... - 10. NATIONAL NEWS
Live-fire drill at base of Fuji is a ¥350 million blast for fans
Aug. 31, 2009
GOTENBA, Shizuoka Pref. (Kyodo) About 2,400 Ground and Air Self-Defense Force personnel took part in an annual live-fire drill Sunday at the foot of Mount Fuji, mobilizing dozens of tanks, helicopters and fighter jets. The 110-minute drill ate up ¥350 million worth of fuel and ammunition. continued ... - 12. NATIONAL NEWS - MINORU MATSUTANI
11-year-old gets away with voting
Aug. 31, 2009
By MINORU MATSUTANI, Staff writer
A tall 11-year-old girl voted Sunday in the Lower House election and her ballots were counted as valid, an Osaka Election Management Committee official said. continued ... - 13. NATIONAL NEWS - NATSUKO FUKUE and MARIKO KATO
Voters, fed up with LDP, say it's time for change
Aug. 31, 2009
By NATSUKO FUKUE and MARIKO KATO, Staff writers
As the Democratic Party of Japan's stunning victory and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party's resounding defeat was reported Sunday night, many voters on the streets of Tokyo said they savored their chance to vote for change. continued ... - 14. NATIONAL NEWS
Hatoyama finally gets his chance
Aug. 31, 2009
Kyodo News
Upholding "fraternalism" as his personal political banner, Yukio Hatoyama has often been called an "alien" in the political jungle but has arguably grown more capable as a leader in recent years. continued ... - 15. NATIONAL NEWS - JUN HONGO
Victor puts on the glitz, with dash of humble
Aug. 31, 2009
By JUN HONGO, Staff writer
The Democratic Party of Japan victory was large enough to leave a grin even on the face of "iron-armed" deputy leader Ichiro Ozawa. continued ... - 16. ANALYSIS - ALEX MARTIN
Historic sea change at polls product of frustrated public
Aug. 31, 2009
By ALEX MARTIN, Staff writer
For better or worse, history has been made.
The Democratic Party of Japan was headed Sunday evening to winning more than 300 Lower House seats, an unprecedented landslide for any political party in the postwar era. continued ... - 17. NATIONAL NEWS
DPJ starts to plan Cabinet lineup
Aug. 31, 2009
Talks scheduled with opposition allies over coalition government
Kyodo News
The Democratic Party of Japan launched plans Sunday to put together a new administration as it headed for certain victory in a historic general election, DPJ members said. continued ... - 23. NATIONAL NEWS - MASAMI ITO
Aso decides to step down
Aug. 31, 2009
Taking blame for election rout and giving up the LDP presidency
By MASAMI ITO, Staff writer
The air was somber Sunday evening at the Liberal Democratic Party's headquarters in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, as party executives faced the media as the rival Democratic Party of Japan scored a historic victory. continued ... - 33. ELECTION 2009
In landslide, DPJ wins over 300 seats
Aug. 31, 2009
LDP crushed; Hatoyama set to take power
Compiled from Kyodo, Staff report
The Democratic Party of Japan won the Lower House election by a landslide Sunday, grabbing more than 300 seats in the 480-seat chamber. continued ... - 35. EDITORIAL
Historic day for Japanese politics
Aug. 31, 2009
In a historic change in Japan's parliamentary political history, the Democratic Party of Japan defeated the Liberal Democratic Party-Komeito ruling coalition in Sunday's Lower House election. The DPJ has captured 308 seats out of the 480 seats in the all-important chamber. continued ...
Asahi :: Monday, August 31, 2009
- State debt at record 860 trillion yen (8/31)
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
The central government's outstanding debt reached a record 860.26 trillion yen as of June 30, up 13.76 trillion yen from three months earlier, according to Finance Ministry figures.
The long-term debt, which must be repaid mainly with taxpayer money, accounted for 581 trillion yen, or about 4.5 million yen on a per capita basis.
The debt blowout has been triggered by the initial fiscal 2009 budget plan to issue new government bonds worth about 33 trillion yen, the highest level in four years.
The outstanding long-term debt of the central government and local governments combined is expected to rise to 816 trillion yen by the end of March 2010, equivalent to about 170 percent of the nation's gross domestic product.(IHT/Asahi: August 31,2009) continued ... - Aso dug own grave with verbal gaffes, misjudgment (8/31)
BY ROY K. AKAGAWA, STAFF WRITER
The sheer magnitude of the swing in votes and seats in Sunday's Lower House election cannot simply be written off as an electoral triumph for the Democratic Party of Japan. continued ... - DPJ hands historic loss to LDP, takes over government(8/31)
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
In an unprecedented political upheaval that could change the way Japan is run, the Democratic Party of Japan seized 308 seats in Sunday's Lower House election, bouncing the Liberal Democratic Party from power. continued ... - Lower House gets facelift: More women and newcomers (8/31)
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
A record number of female candidates and a significant number of rookie politicians won Lower House seats thanks to the overwhelming election victory by the Democratic Party of Japan on Sunday. continued ... - DPJ takes power in landslide win (8/31)
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
With chants of "change," the Democratic Party of Japan won control of government in the Lower House election Sunday in a historic victory that left the once-dominant Liberal Democratic Party in tatters. continued ... - Hatoyama born with a silver spoon (8/31)
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
Politics runs in Yukio Hatoyama's bloodline. As the scion of a famed political family, his pedigree guaranteed he could make a name for himself in the public eye. continued ... - Top political figures swept from office (8/31)
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
A former prime minister, party executives and other famous political figures who have spent virtually their entire careers in government were wiped out in a day of carnage on Sunday as fed-up voters delivered a crushing defeat to the coalition government. continued ... - EDITORIAL: History textbook issue in Yokohama (8/31)
Next spring, nearly half of the municipal junior high schools in Yokohama will start using the history textbook compiled under the initiative of the Japanese Society for History Textbook Reform. continued ... - EDITORIAL: Debate on expressway tolls (8/31)
Expressway tolls were a topic of debate during campaigning for Sunday's Lower House election. The Liberal Democratic Party has set a ceiling of 1,000 yen on expressway tolls on Saturdays, Sundays and national holidays as a measure to rev up the economy, while the opposition Democratic Party of Japan has promised to make expressways toll-free roads in principle. continued ...
Daily Yomiuri Online :: Monday, August 31, 2009
- ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / Voters heed call for change / DPJ tapped disenchantment with LDP, vowed help for struggling (Aug.31)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Democratic Party of Japan officials have viewed that the abrupt resignations of former prime ministers Shinzo Abe and Yasuo Fukuda and Prime Minister Taro Aso's inconsistent remarks on policy fueled voter distrust of the ruling coalition and contributed to a change of government. continued ... - ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / Nation votes for change / DPJ to take over govt after crushing victory at polls (Aug.31)
The Daily Yomiuri
The leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan swept to a landmark victory in Sunday's House of Representatives election, evidently spurred by voters' desire for a shift in power. continued ... - ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / Former premier Kaifu loses seat to DPJ rival (Aug.31)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Toshiki Kaifu, a former prime minister from the Liberal Democratic Party, has lost his seat in the House of Representatives after being defeated in Sunday's general election.
Prime minister from 1989 to 1991, Kaifu suffered a humiliating loss in Aichi Constituency No. 9 to Democratic Party of Japan candidate Mitsunori Okamoto, 38. continued ... - ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / Voter turnout reaches 69%, highest since '96 (Aug.31)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
According to unofficial early election returns, voter turnout in Sunday's House of Representatives election was 69.13 percent, the highest level since the electoral system combining single-seat constituencies and proportional representation was introduced in the 1996 lower house poll. continued ... - ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / LDP has long road to travel after catastrophic defeat (Aug.31)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The Liberal Democratic Party lost two things in Sunday's House of Representatives election: its position as the leading party in the lower house, which the LDP had held since the party was founded in 1955, and the reins of the central government. continued ... - ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / New strategy for growth needed (Aug.31)
Toshihiko Yada / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
During the campaigning for Sunday's general election, both the ruling and opposition parties trumpeted various policies aimed at pulling the nation out of the current "once-in-a-century" economic crisis, but due to pork-barrel spending plans there were few signs of concrete measures to ensure future economic growth. continued ... - Editorial :: DPJ must be responsible, live up to expectations (Aug.31)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The public's discontent with the Liberal Democratic Party's politics has combined with their desire to see changes that could be wrought by a Democratic Party of Japan-led government, to bring about a historic shift in power. continued ...
Yukio Hatoyama Roses
Monday 31st August, 07:43 AM JSTDemocratic Party of Japan leader Yukio Hatoyama poses with rosettes indicating winning party candidates at the Democratic Party of Japan election headquarters in Tokyo on Sunday.
Obama looks forward to working with new Japan PM: White House
Aug 30 06:18 PM US/EasternWASHINGTON, Aug. 30 (AP) - (Kyodo) — U.S. President Barack Obama looks forward to working closely with the new prime minister of Japan to be installed following the Democratic Party of Japan's landslide victory in Sunday's general election, the White House said.
"The people of Japan have participated in an historic election in one of the world's leading democracies. As a close friend and ally, the United States awaits the formation of a new Japanese government," White House Press Secretary Robert Gibbs said in a statement.
"President Obama looks forward to working closely with the new Japanese prime minister on a broad range of global, regional and bilateral issues," he said.
In Sunday's general election, the main opposition DPJ scored a landslide victory, dealing a crushing blow to the ruling Liberal Democratic Party and knocking it from power for only the second time in its 54-year history.
The historic victory, which has given the untested opposition party 308 seats in the powerful 480-member House of Representatives, will enable DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama to become the new prime minister, replacing LDP President Taro Aso, who has held the premiership for less than a year.
Gibbs expressed confidence "that the strong U.S.-Japan alliance and the close partnership between our two countries will continue to flourish under the leadership of the next government in Tokyo."
Separately, the State Department said Washington will work closely with Hatoyama's government over such issues as North Korea's nuclear programs and climate change.
"We congratulate Japan on this historic election and join the people of Japan in reaffirming the strong democratic tradition that we share," department spokesman Ian Kelly said in a statement.
"We will work closely with the new Japanese government in moving toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, addressing the threat of climate change and increasing the availability of renewable energy," he said.
Kelly also said that among other issues to be dealt with by Washington and Tokyo are how to bring Afghanistan and Pakistan back to stability, and addressing international humanitarian and health issues.
"As Secretary (of State Hillary) Clinton has said, the U.S.-Japan alliance is strong and remains a cornerstone of peace and security in East Asia," the spokesman said.
"We welcome the opportunity to work with the new government in Tokyo to build upon our past successes and further cement this indispensable alliance," he said.
U.S. Poised for Change as Tokyo Leadership Shifts
AUGUST 31, 2009By JACOB M. SCHLESINGER
Washington Hopes for Greater Cooperation on North Korea, Trade, Although New Rulers Emphasize Independent Stance
WASHINGTON -- U.S. officials, increasingly frustrated in recent years with what they saw as the paralyzed leadership of Japan's ruling party, are looking to the new regime to bring more-effective handling of shared goals.
The Democratic Party of Japan, victorious in Sunday's election, has vowed greater independence from Washington as a centerpiece of its foreign policy. But people involved in relations between the two countries play down the notion of a serious break, noting that cooperation has been tepid from the long-ruling Liberal Democratic Party on a range of overlapping interests, from promoting global free trade to containing North Korea's nuclear program.
"All things get harder when the government doesn't have any political capital," said the former U.S. ambassador to Japan, Thomas Schieffer, referring to the LDP's plunging popularity during his tenure from 2005 until earlier this year. "Hopefully, this election will clear that up. ... Hopefully, Japan will take a stronger role in the international community."
The Obama administration is "confident that the strong U.S.-Japan alliance and the close partnership between our two countries will continue to flourish" despite the change in government, the White House said in a statement.
U.S. officials and analysts, however, say it will take time for a new government to be more effective. Much of the cabinet will lack governing experience. And while the Democratic Party of Japan won a handy majority at the polls, the DPJ is a sprawling left-right coalition unified as much by opposition to the LDP as support for any one policy.
"Though on the outside, they appear to be one happy family, there's a lot of diversity, from conservatives to socialists" said Illinois Rep. Don Manzullo, the top Republican on the House Foreign Affairs subcommittee that deals with Asian issues.
The DPJ has said it would revisit some of the details of the U.S.-Japan security agreement, including possibly demanding a reduction of military bases on the strategically important island of Okinawa. Rhetorically, the DPJ has tried to show more distance from the U.S. than it has come to expect from Tokyo over the decades, when both sides called the alliance their most important in the world.
In a widely cited essay published shortly before the election, DPJ leader Yukio Hatoyama wrote that Japan should "shake off U.S.-style globalization." He said "the Japan-U.S. relationship is an important pillar of our diplomacy" -- not the primary pillar -- and suggested closer ties with Asia.
An LDP loss -- and American acceptance of the party's fall -- is an important symbolic turning point in ties between the two countries. The U.S. played a major role in the creation of the LDP in 1955. It was the height of the Cold War, when Washington actively meddled in the domestic politics of countries around the world, seeking to prop up -- and sometimes create -- ruling parties that would join the global alliance against the Soviet Union.
With Washington's active encouragement, the LDP was created as the merger of two conservative parties -- one led by Mr. Hatoyama's grandfather -- to keep Japan's Socialist Party out of power. For nearly 40 years, Japanese politics revolved around the two parties, though for much of that time the Socialists never had a credible chance of taking power.
While the LDP was long a symbol of Japan's close ties with the U.S., the party also came to represent growing tensions between the two countries, as the U.S. demanded Tokyo do more to open Japanese markets to foreign goods and services, and shoulder more responsibility for U.S.-led global priorities, such as the 1991 Gulf War.
Americans complained that the LDP viewed the trans-Pacific alliance too passively, accepting the protection of the U.S. security umbrella without doing enough in return.
The end of the Cold War led to a reordering of Japan's domestic politics in the early 1990s, when the LDP briefly lost power. It took more than a decade for a credible opposition party, in the form of the DPJ, to emerge.
U.S. officials note that many DPJ leaders -- including Mr. Hatoyama -- began their political careers with the LDP before defecting to create a new party, suggesting that the new government isn't likely to make any sharp break with the past.
"They're looking for more respect, a higher profile, and more inclusion in international affairs," said Mr. Manzullo. "That's fine. But there's a very strong relationship between Japan and the U.S., and I don't think they want to see that jeopardized."
Write to Jacob M. Schlesinger at jacob.schlesinger@wsj.com
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