2009 DECEMBER 16 - DECEMBER 22

Public opinion prevented hasty settlement of issue of new U.S. base in Okinawa
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan is in disarray over the U.S. Marine Corps Futenma Air Station in Okinawa. While looking for a replacement of Ginowan as the host of the Futenma base, Prime Minister Hatoyama Yukio says it is necessary for the three ruling parties to hold further consultations regarding where to move the Futenma base operations.

COP15 ends up in failing to adopt legally binding accord
The 15th Conference of the Parties to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change held in Copenhagen December 7-18 failed to reach a conclusion contrary to world expectations. However, because of the international demand calling for measures to deal with climate change, the breakdown of negotiations was avoided at the last moment.

Tokyo governor again made luxurious overseas trips
Tokyo Governor Ishihara Shintaro used a total of 130 million yen for his four trips abroad this year to promote Tokyo’s bid to host the 2016 Olympic Games. This fact was uncovered by Japanese Communist Party Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly members.

POLITICS
Government’s arrangement of imperial audience is against Constitution: Shii
What must be done to deal with crisis of jobs and survival of SMEs at   year-end? - Akahata editorial (excerpts)
‘The other prime minister’: Is Ozawa following Tanaka’s path?
- Akahata, ‘Current’ column

DPJ government follows in LDP’s steps in pursuing further defense build-up - Akahata editorial (excerpts)

FUTENMA
Ruling parties decide to shelve Futenma base issue

U.S. Futenma base and planned new base in Nago are both illegal under U.S. law
Ginowan City Assembly unanimously demands early return of U.S. Futenma base site
Public opinion prevented hasty settlement of issue of new U.S. base in Okinawa

SCANDAL
DPJ is urged to investigate fund-raising for Ozawa: JCP Kokuta
Constructors have succumbed to pressure from Ozawa’s aide to give donations
PM Hatoyama denies his involvement in illegal donation scandal

LABOR
Shouts of ‘Give us jobs!’ echo throughout Tokyo administrative district
Panasonic subsidiary illegally used temporary worker but found not responsible for hiring him: top court
Government panel starts discussing bill to create tighter rules on use of temporary workers
For better working conditions: Rodo-soken holds symposium on 20th anniversary

WELL-BEING
Citizens’ group petitions finance minister to draft budget putting priority on protecting people’s livelihoods
JCP Dietmembers call for promotion of relief measures for former leprosy patients
Welfare ministry to propose that high school students receive medical services using health insurance cards
Rate of medical checkups drops among elderly aged 75 and older

ENVIRONMENT
COP15 ends up in failing to adopt legally binding accord - Akahata editorial (excerpts)

PEACE
4 Kyoto-based religious bodies protest against Obama

TOKYO

Tokyo governor again made luxurious overseas trips

JCP
JCP Chair Shii holds talks with China’s Vice President Xi
JCP Shii attends Kazakhstan’s Independence Day reception

To our readers:
Due to New Year holidays, the next issue of Japan Press Weekly will be published on January 9, 2010.