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On March 31, Prime Minister and DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama took part in a head-to-head debate of party leaders in the Diet. In response to a question from LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki regarding the relocation of Futenma base, he said, “I will move heaven and earth, and will definitely produce results by the end of May. I want [the people] to trust in the government.” He expressed his strong determination to obtain the approval of the US government regarding a new destination for the base, thereby resolving the issue.
He said that the government is currently considering several proposals, but due to the confidential nature of the negotiations, it was impossible to disclose these to the public at this stage and asked for people’s understanding on this point.
With regard to persuading the inhabitants of the eventual destination for the base facility to accept it, Hatoyama expressed his intention of making every effort to achieve this, saying that he intended to visit the location and personally engage in frank and serious dialogue and discussion with local residents.
Furthermore, with regard to eliminating the dangers posed by Futenma, Hatoyama said, “We cannot leave this any later than 2014,” expressing the intention of abiding by the time limit promised to the people of Okinawa.
At the same time, Hatoyama expressed the opinion in order to lighten the burden of the US bases on Okinawa, the nation as a whole should accept division of this burden, saying: “The entire nation should thank the people of Okinawa for the contribution they have made to the national security of Japan. I would like to ask the nation to accept this division of this burden.”
Tanigaki contended that Hatoyama had not fulfilled his responsibility over politics and money issues. The Prime Minister replied: “I will fulfil my responsibility by working on the people’s behalf, and meeting their expectations.”
New Komeito Chief Representative Natsuo Yamaguchi claimed that the Hatoyama Cabinet was divided over the issue of postal reform. In response, Hatoyama said, “The Cabinet is not divided. We are not a Cabinet that leaves everything up to the bureaucrats, and so I believe it is appropriate for the Cabinet Ministers to each have their own opinion. Having Ministers who make comments and debate is the style of the new Cabinet.”
In reply to a comment that the DPJ had in 2005 said that it would be necessary to reduce the limit on the amount of postal savings, Hatoyama said, “Was Prime Minister Koizumi’s proposal to reform the postal services through privatization really the right way to go? The regions have been adversely affected, and the management conditions for Japan Post have worsened. Through postal reform, we will be able to stop the collapse of the regions. Please do not concern yourself about this.”
There was a criticism that the lack of punctuality of Cabinet members indicated that the Cabinet was not functioning properly. Hatoyama said, “I would like us to reflect on those points we need to reflect on. We will make a new start.”
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