Hatoyama sworn in as PM; Foreign Minister Okada meets US official Kurt Campbell; Okada orders thorough investigation into alleged secret pacts between Japan and the US; JASDF successfully participates in PAC-3 surface-to-air interception system in New M
  • Share
  • Tweet
  • Email
  • Whatsapp
  • Linkedin
  • Print
  • A new Japanese government under the leadership of Yukio Hatoyama assumed office on September 16. Reports noted that among other issues, North Korea will pose a major diplomatic challenge due to its nuclear programme, the abductions of Japanese nationals and Pyongyang’s demand for compensation over Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula1. Reports also noted that the government might contemplate a new role in Afghanistan, after the end of its naval re-fueling mission. Prime Minister Hatoyama is reportedly keen to offer agricultural aid and other assistance aimed at stabilizing the economic and social situation in the country2.

    Japan's new foreign minister Katsuya Okada met with US Assistant Secretary of State for East Asia and Pacific Affairs Kurt Campbell in Tokyo and reassured him of his government’s commitment to further strengthen bilateral ties, despite potential areas of disagreement, including the status of their military ties. Okada had earlier stated that he wants to review the status of the nearly 50,000 US troops stationed in Japan. The US on its part has already agreed to move 8,000 soldiers from Okinawa to Guam by 2014 but maintain a presence near Okinawa as was negotiated with the previous government. However, members of the ruling party have expressed reservations about a sustained American presence in Okinawa3.

    Foreign Minister Okada also stated on September 17 that he has ordered a thorough investigation into the alleged secret pacts between Japan and the US. He told reporters that there was a "high probability that the secret pacts exist" but that no clear evidence was available4.

    The Japan Air Self-Defence Force successfully shot down a mock ballistic missile in its second test of the US-developed Patriot Advanced Capability-3 (PAC-3) surface-to-air interception system in New Mexico. The interceptor used to shoot down the missile was produced by Japan under license5.

    In other developments, the IAEA formally approved the appointment of 62 year old Japanese diplomat Yukiya Amano as its next chief at the annual general meeting. Amano was elected as the next IAEA director general at a special Board of Governors meeting on July 2, 20096.

    Top