On July 29, DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama responded to reporters’ questions while on the campaign trail in Kumamoto, emphasising that the prefecture was a significant battleground in the forthcoming general election, with the DPJ aiming to win seats in the three single-seat constituencies where the party has official candidates running.

Hatoyama went on to refer to the DPJ’s strategy for obtaining financial resources to implement policies in the event that the party is successful in taking control of the administration, saying that the DPJ would consult with local residents as a final step when considering whether to continue with public works projects that could be considered wasteful, such as the Oso Dam, on which 40 to 50 billion yen has been spent without the reservoir being filled with water. He went on to point out that the DPJ felt they had no alternative but to describe such projects as wasteful.

Hatoyama emphasised that the DPJ would seek out all kinds of waste that had not been pinpointed by the current LDP/Komeito administration, by engaging in classification of projects in order of priority and the like. He stressed the difference with the LDP saying that the DPJ would begin by eliminating more than 9 trillion yen of waste, something that would be impossible for the LDP considering their position.

Furthermore, Hatoyama referred to the refuelling operations being carried out by Japan Maritime Self Defense Forces in the Indian Ocean, saying that were the DPJ to take power, the new administration would not extend the new anti-terrorism special measures law that forms the basis for these operations, and would withdraw the SDF force by January 15, 2010, which is the expiry date for the operation. Hatoyama emphasised the need for continuity in foreign policy, saying, “Japan Maritime Self Defense vessels have been dispatched to the region and are engaged in operations there. Considering this situation, it would be impossible for us to order them to come back the very next day, immediately after taking power. A certain amount of time will be required.” He added, “I would like to establish a relationship of trust with President Obama during this period, and find a solution. Our stance is basically that we will not extend [the SDF mission]”