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THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
2009/7/29
The Tokyo District Court on Tuesday ordered Prince Hotels Inc., its president and other executives to pay about 290 million yen in compensation to the Japan Teachers Union for unilaterally rescinding a contract to allow the group to use its facilities for a convention.
The hotel chain operator said it canceled the contract for the convention at the Grand Prince Hotel New Takanawa in Tokyo's Minato Ward over fears that right-wing groups would gather near the venue with sound trucks blaring slogans and disturb other guests and nearby residents.
Prince Hotels issued a statement saying it could not accept the ruling and is considering filing an appeal.
Presiding Judge Kiyotaka Kono unanimously sided with the union and ordered the accused parties to publish an apology in newspapers for the about-face, which forced the group to cancel a plenary session for the 57th National Conference on Educational Research scheduled in February 2008.
Kono harshly criticized the hotelier's side for failing to adhere to an order by the district court which was also upheld by the Tokyo High Court to allow use of the hotel facilities.
"(The accused) did not follow the order, and deliberately obstructed use of facilities by Nikkyoso (Japan Teachers Union)," Kono said, saying its intransigence ignored the "foundation of the judicial system." He said its responsibility for the illegal acts was grave.
Kono also recognized that Yukihiro Watanabe, president of Prince Hotels, "intentionally neglected its obligations to let (the union) use the facilities" and thus bore ultimate responsibility under corporate law for paying damages.
Moreover, the court recognized that the union members' right to hold the gathering was guaranteed by law. It ordered the defendants to pay 50,000 yen in damages to each of the 1,889 union members who were to attend the session.
Yuzuru Nakamura, chairman of the union's central executive committee, said Tuesday he welcomed the ruling as "clearly recognizing the freedom of assembly and the importance of educational research activities by teachers."
According to the ruling, the union signed a contract with Prince Hotels in October 2007 to reserve banquet room facilities and 190 guest rooms.
However, the following month, the hotel insisted on scrapping the contract and denied the union access to its facilities, citing a perceived threat from "right-wing activists" and their ubiquitous sound trucks.
The union sought an injunction from the Tokyo District Court so that it could use the hotel facilities. The Tokyo High Court dismissed the hotelier's appeal just two days before the convention was scheduled.
Prince Hotels ignored the decision, and as a result, the plenary session of the conference was canceled for the first time since the gathering was first held in 1951.(IHT/Asahi: July 29,2009)
2009/7/29
The main opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) on Monday unveiled its election manifesto to show voters it is ready to govern. The document lists the policies the party intends to pursue if it comes to power after the Aug. 30 Lower House election and explains how it would fund and implement the proposals.
The core message is this. By eliminating all wasteful spending of taxpayer money, Minshuto would have sufficient funding to implement key new policies, including providing financial support to families with children and income supplements to farmers.
Minshuto pledges to save 1.3 trillion yen by scrapping and reviewing unnecessary dam and other public works projects. Slashing personnel costs would save 1.1 trillion yen while an additional 6.1 trillion yen would be secured through cuts in expenditures for organizations offering post-retirement jobs for bureaucrats and other steps.
Minshuto's vow to generate as much as 9 trillion yen through spending cuts alone has been derided by the ruling camp as a "pipe dream." Voters probably are anxious and somewhat skeptical of the party's financing blueprint.
In an attempt to respond to such criticism and concerns, the party set out to show specifically, although not in great detail, how much money would be needed for its policy proposals, when they would be implemented and how the necessary funds would be raised. There is naturally a limit to such efforts by an opposition party which has no experience of running the government nor easy access to detailed data about the government's revenues and expenses. But the manifesto indicates Minshuto has tried as hard as it can to offer clearer ideas.
What is even more notable is Minshuto's pledge to dramatically alter the government's decision-making system.
Currently, budget allocations are decided through a tug of war among ministries and politicians backing them. Budget frameworks are largely fixed for individual ministries and bureaus while many special accounts are insulated from the Diet's scrutiny.
All these problems have combined to leave the nation with fiscal deficits well in excess of 800 trillion yen, which will pose a huge burden on future generations.
Minshuto says it will deliver on its election promises by fundamentally changing the flawed tax distribution system the LDP-controlled government has maintained without a qualm over the past half-century. In short, the opposition party is planning to change both the government policies and the system to implement them.
According to Minshuto's vision, more than 100 members of the party would assume senior government positions and work for integrated policymaking by the Cabinet. Budget outlines would be drawn up by a new national strategy bureau under the direct supervision of the prime minister, not the Finance Ministry. An administrative renovation council would be set up to eliminate wasteful and unfair elements in the state budget and the administrative system. The Minshuto government would also scrap the practice of administrative vice ministers meeting to tweak proposals to be endorsed by the Cabinet.
These measures, if implemented, would radically change the current system for budget and policy development, which is under bureaucratic control. Minshuto President Yukio Hatoyama's enthusiasm about what he describes as "a historic shift" is understandable. But bureaucrats will inevitably put up fierce resistance to maintain their powers. Would the Minshuto government have sufficient political muscle to overcome the resistance? Is the party capable of establishing political leadership in policymaking?
Still, Minshuto argues that is what a power transfer is all about.
The Liberal Democratic Party should realize that here lies a key campaign issue for the election next month. Does the LDP intend to cling to its traditional way of spending taxpayer money and the system for compiling state budgets? Or is the party willing to embark on reform? We hope the LDP will respond seriously to these questions.
With more than a month before the election day, there is still ample time for the two parties to compete to offer a more convincing vision.
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 28(IHT/Asahi: July 29,2009)
Takeo Azuma / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
The Democratic Party of Japan, in its manifesto, has shifted to a pragmatic approach in its foreign policy, a move clearly aimed at attracting conservative votes in the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election.
The change is also intended to open the way for flexibility in policymaking in the event the party win the election and takes power, political analysts said.
But the policy shift, rather than representing a fundamental change brought about through intraparty brainstorming, seems to have been decided on the hoof, thereby containing a potential danger, the analysts added.
"We remain consistent," DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama told reporters Sunday in Sanjo, Niigata Prefecture. Speaking of the party's policy of approving the continuance of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling operations in the Indian Ocean for the time being, Hatoyama said, "We can hardly issue an order saying, 'All the ships must return,' the day after we come to power."
The DPJ had been criticizing the coalition government's foreign and security policy, denouncing it as being "obedient to the United States," while strongly opposing the overseas dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces.
Speaking on an NHK talk show Sunday, the Liberal Democratic Party's Acting Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara criticized the main opposition party over its policy about-face, saying: "The party's security policy has changed repeatedly in the past couple of years. Can it build a relationship of trust with U.S. President [Barack] Obama? The people, I think, feel uneasy about this."
With its accession to power becoming a realistic possibility, the DPJ decided to change its policy strategy based on the judgment that if it stuck to its conventional stance, Japan-U.S. relations would cool rapidly.
In fact, the U.S. side conveyed just such a concern to the DPJ.
Harvard University Prof. Joseph Nye, a former U.S. assistant secretary of defense for international security affairs, met with Hatoyama, who was then DPJ secretary general, at a Tokyo hotel in December. Nye reportedly warned against the party's campaign pledges, which, he pointed out, included opposition to the relocation of the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station elsewhere within Okinawa Prefecture and a halt to the refueling operations in the Indian Ocean, saying that if these policies were pressed abruptly on the Obama administration, the administration would take this as a signal that the DPJ was not interested in maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance.
Nye's warning sent a shock wave through the DPJ.
A DPJ executive who has connection with U.S. political circles immediately began spadework to prevent the party from including in its manifesto statements that would limit the policy options of foreign and defense ministers of a Hatoyama administration. A member of the party's manifesto study and preparation committee tried to win over party members hailing from the Japan Socialist Party, predecessor of the Social Democratic Party, by contending that "the Hatoyama administration [to be created in the aftermath of the general election] won't last long if it sticks to the position of objecting to everything [pertaining to security relations with the United States]."
The DPJ's assertion in its manifesto, which was unveiled Monday, differs greatly from its conventional position on the refueling mission. In its list of policies compiled in 2008 as the basis for producing the manifesto, the party expressed opposition to extension of the new Antiterrorism Law, asserting that the government had failed to reassess the refueling activities and scrutinize their effect. This claim was eliminated in its entirety in the 2009 list of policies.
DPJ Acting President Ichiro Ozawa, who harshly criticized the United States during his tenure as party president from April 2006 to May this year, said at a news conference in Otsuki, Yamanashi Prefecture, on Sunday: "The Japan-U.S. alliance and U.N.-centered diplomacy needn't be mutually contradictory. The issue will be easily enough settled if we hold talks on it with the United States."
Behind such a judgment is, as a party executive put it, a calculation that it is advisable to put priority for the moment on bringing about tangible results on issues related to the people's livelihood, such as provision of child allowances, and show its diplomatic hand later.
On July 21, when the lower house was dissolved for a general election, Hatoyama declared to a senior party member, "We'll pursue a pragmatic policy line from now on."
===
Other opposition parties miffed
The SDP, a minor opposition party that is considering joining a DPJ-led coalition government if created following the general election, has been increasingly critical of the DPJ's policy shift.
Referring to the MSDF's refueling activities, SDP President Mizuho Fukushima said: "Since the opposition parties opposed the bill in question altogether, the first step to be taken must be to seek public disclosure of information on the refueling operations. It's unreasonable for the DPJ to change its stance [on the issue] abruptly."
The new Antiterrorism Law, based on which refueling operations are conducted, will expire in January. The Diet must pass a bill to revise the law if such operations are to be continued. The DPJ must start legislative preparations for that purpose immediately after the election if it takes over the reins of government.
But because the DPJ does not control the House of Councillors singlehandedly, it will require the cooperation of the SDP and the People's New Party if it establishes a government after the election. The refueling operations issue is expected to become a focal point in power-sharing negotiations with the two parties, observers said.
There is a view within the DPJ that the SDP's attempt to stress its difference from the DPJ in foreign and security policies is intended to avoid it being buried in the forthcoming election. Some DPJ lawmakers predict the SDP will follow in the DPJ's footsteps after the election, saying the party will also find it unavoidable to shift to a pragmatic policy line after the election.
But it remains to be seen how the SDP will react.
The DPJ's change of tack did not come about as a result of intensive discussions within the party. Given that the DPJ is a hodgepodge of lawmakers whose former party affiliations range from the defunct JSP to the LDP, a senior Foreign Ministry official cringed at the prospect of a DPJ-led government, saying, "There are too many things that we've been kept in the dark about, including its foreign policy."
As for whether to continue the refueling activities, DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada said: "If we come into office, we'll have the option of revising the new Antiterrorism Law. It can't be ruled out that the [refueling] operations will be permitted after necessary revisions are made to the law. It's useless to consider what we'll do on the matter at this juncture."
Okada thereby indicated that the party will decide on the matter after taking power.
Asked to comment on the SDP's objection to the DPJ's policy shift Sunday, Okada was sanguine, saying, "We'll be able to compromise with each other."
(Jul. 29, 2009)
- Teachers union wins hotel battle (7/29) ★
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
The Tokyo District Court on Tuesday ordered Prince Hotels Inc., its president and other executives to pay about 290 million yen in compensation to the Japan Teachers Union for unilaterally rescinding a contract to allow the group to use its facilities for a convention. continued ...
- Nakada quits to work on 'new politics' (7/29)
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
YOKOHAMA--Hiroshi Nakada has apparently positioned himself for a return to national politics by abruptly resigning as mayor of Yokohama on Tuesday. continued ...
- EDITORIAL: Cost of social security (7/29)
2009/7/29
Offering slogans such as a "worry-free society" and "people's lives come first," the ruling and opposition parties are all promising better social safety nets for the nation. Unquestionably, social security will be the main focus of the Aug. 30 Lower House election. continued ...
- EDITORIAL: Minshuto's manifesto (7/29) ★
2009/7/29
The main opposition Minshuto (Democratic Party of Japan) on Monday unveiled its election manifesto to show voters it is ready to govern. The document lists the policies the party intends to pursue if it comes to power after the Aug. 30 Lower House election and explains how it would fund and implement the proposals. continued ...
- ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / LDP vows to make preschool free (Jul.29)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
The Liberal Democratic Party will introduce free education for preschool children aged between 3 and 5 over the next four years and take quick steps to support people's livelihoods if it forms the next government, according to a draft of the party's manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives election, the full text of which was revealed Tuesday. continued ...
- ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / DPJ shift to pragmatic approach causes stir (Jul.29) ★
Takeo Azuma / Yomiuri Shimbun Staff Writer
The Democratic Party of Japan, in its manifesto, has shifted to a pragmatic approach in its foreign policy, a move clearly aimed at attracting conservative votes in the Aug. 30 House of Representatives election. continued ...
- ELECTION 2009--BATTLE FOR POWER / LDP guard up over Aso gaffe fears (Jul.29)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Liberal Democratic Party officials are growing anxious over what Prime Minister Taro Aso might say in the run-up to the House of Representatives election after he suggested Saturday that the elderly are only good for working. continued ...
- Group aims to help cut vote value disparities (Jul.29)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Lawyers and business leaders on Tuesday established a group to raise public awareness about the current discrepancies in vote values among Diet members' constituencies in rural and urban areas, aiming to encourage society to solve the problem. continued ...
- Editorial :: Parties must show how to deal with deficit (Jul.29)
The Yomiuri Shimbun
How can Japan, which has the largest deficit among developed countries, rebuild its finances? This is a vital issue to be contested during the House of Representatives election campaign and a theme neither the ruling nor the opposition parties can avoid. continued ...
Jul 28 12:51 PM US/Eastern
WASHINGTON, July 28 (AP) - (Kyodo) — The top U.S. military commander in the Pacific expressed confidence Wednesday about the strength of the security alliance between the United States and Japan.
"The strength of our alliance with Japan remains powerful, vibrant and at the centerpiece of all of our strategies in the Asia-Pacific region," Adm. Timothy Keating told reporters.
He was commenting on moves by Japan toward acquiring the capacity to strike an enemy's missile launch sites as part of its defensive capabilities envisaged under the nation's new National Defense Program Guidelines.
Citing the nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier George Washington's deployment last September at its home port in Yokosuka, Japan, Keating said it is a "strong signal" of the U.S. commitment to protect Japan.
By David Allen, Stars and Stripes
Pacific edition, Wednesday, July 29, 2009
CAMP FOSTER, Okinawa — The party expected to topple the party that has ruled Japan for more than 50 years has backed away from previous stands against the current U.S.-Japan military partnership.
The Japan Democratic Party, part of an opposition party coalition, issued a platform Monday evening that spells out several key areas it intends to pursue should it win the Aug. 30 Lower House elections.
However, it eliminated any mention of its previously stated opposition to plans to move air operations from Marine Corps Air Station Futenma, located in the heart of an urban area, to a new airport on rural Camp Schwab. In the past, the party called for moving Marine air operations somewhere outside Okinawa.
It also watered down its previous demands for a radical revision of the status of forces agreement and to the amount of money spent by Japan to support the U.S. bases. Instead, it announced it would "propose a revision of the status of forces agreement and review the planned realignment and the presence of the U.S. military in Japan."
In other military matters, the platform dropped the party’s opposition to the use of Japan’s Maritime Self-Defense Force to engage in refueling U.S. ships in the Indian Ocean and the dispatch of destroyers to prevent piracy off the coast of Somalia.
Under its "Foreign Relations" section of the platform the party promises to "build a close and equal relations with the United States as the foundation of Japan’s foreign policy … we will positively undertake Japan’s responsibilities while sharing roles with the Unites States."
U.S. officials were unavailable for comment on the platform Monday evening. Lt. Gen. Edward Rice, commander of U.S. Forces Japan, said Thursday that the present realignment plan, which includes the Futenma relocation and transferring 8,000 Marines and their families to Guam in 2014, offers the best solution to move U.S. troops from densely populated areas in Japan.
"It’s not maybe everything that everybody wanted," Rice said. "But it certainly is progress in terms of both providing for the continued defense of Japan and security in the region and decreasing the impact of the presence of U.S. forces on the local communities."
U.S. officials have said that the relocation of Marine air operations to Camp Schwab is key to the move of Marines to Guam and the eventual closing of several Marine bases in southern Okinawa.
"Policies on foreign relations, including U.S. military issues, were left ambiguous because their priority at this time is to appeal to voters whose interests are elsewhere," said Masaaki Gabe, professor of international relations at the University of the Ryukyus. "Right now their priorities are domestic issues."
Besides, it would be difficult to change plans already agreed to by both countries, he said.
"The plans have been already moving forward and it would be very difficult for them to make changes now," Gabe said, adding that the DPJ could always adopt platform changes next July when the election for the Diet’s Upper House is scheduled.
"At this time, they would rather leave the realignment issue to tackle later," he said. "Not at this time when winning the majority seats is their utmost priority."
Stripes reporter Chiyomi Sumida contributed to this report.
THE ASAHI SHIMBUN
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