By Japan Bureau Chief Michiyo Ishida
Posted: 31 March 2010 0026 hrs
TOKYO : Japanese Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama appears to be a besieged man lately.
He is facing pressure to make a decision on the crucial relocation of the US base in Okinawa, the Cabinet is clashing over postal reform, and a political funds scandal is hurting his approval ratings.
But analysts said it's not the end of the road for PM Hatoyama and his government.
The future of the Futenma Air Base in Okinawa is never far from the news these days.
Everyone is watching for the Japanese PM's decision on where to relocate the base.
Mr Hatoyama had wanted the base relocated outside of Okinawa, which is not realistic for Washington.
According to media reports, he is now hoping to move out a portion of the military function to Tokunoshima Island in Kagoshima Prefecture.
But strong protests were heard over the weekend.
"By mistake, they introduced this problem in Japanese political sphere. But every participant in the discussion understands the importance of US-Japan relations. Anyway, they have to settle this problem until the end of May. So this is a very critical moment," said Jun Iio, VP and Professor of Government, National Graduate Institute for Policy Studies.
Another problem plaguing the PM is the political funds scandal.
Prosecutors have demanded that Keiji Katsuba, Mr Hatoyama's former chief accountant, be sentenced to 2 years in prison for mishandling of political funds. That includes the mishandling of Mr Hatoyama's allowance given from his mother which is 15 million yen a month. The verdict is expected to be handed down in late April.
"Hatoyama's secretary problem is very stupid. We should criticize him. But the trouble has already been settled.
"Prosecutors found out that the prime minister himself is innocent and his political secretary himself (did) the wrong things. So probably this problem will end in a month or so. As a matter of fact, Hatoyama's cabinet has successfully set up a new year's budget, and successfully passed the Diet. So basically Hatoyama's Cabinet is going well," said Iio.
Professor Iio believes Mr Hatoyama has a chance to regain public support after resolving the US base relocation issue, and by introducing a new financial plan and pension system as promised.
Analysts also said it is too soon to rate the current government which took power in August. They added it should be given at least one year to see through its policies. - CNA /ls
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