Newsletter No. 245
April 23, 2006

 

SUMMARY OF EVENTS IN JAPANESE-ISLAMIC RELATIONS FOR MARCH 2006

There were three major stories in March:

1) Japan’s fears of terrorism became a growing factor in government policy, and these fears were stoked by American visitors to Tokyo.

2) Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev made a successful visit to Tokyo.

3) The Iranian nuclear crisis brought increased pressure on Japanese policy toward Iran.

The first issue was subtle, but its effect may prove to be profound. Two high-level American visitors, U.S. Homeland Security chief Michael Chertoff and FBI Deputy Director John Pistole, came to Tokyo and suggested that Japan was a target of Islamic terrorism. Tokyo responded to these kinds of warnings by writing new antiterrorism bills, including such controversial measures as the fingerprinting of all foreigners in Japan.

President Ilham Aliyev of Azerbaijan made his first visit to Japan as head-of-state. The visit appeared to be a complete success. Japanese companies are involved in the Baku oil fields, and this visit seemed to be aimed at broadening and deepening the Japan-Azerbaijan relationship.

The Iranian nuclear crisis is an issue that has dogged Tokyo for months now, but there was fresh evidence in March that the Japanese position was coming under pressure. The most dramatic of these were reports that U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Robert Zoellick informally asked Tokyo to pull the plug on the Inpex Azadegan oil deal. The report was denied. In addition, on March 15th, Nippon Oil became the first company in the world to announce that they would cut back on oil imports from Iran due to the crisis.

Aside from the five major stories, there were the following smaller or more subtle events in March 2006:

1) The killer of Shosei Koda was captured in Iraq, and the ID of slain mercenary Akihiko Saito was discovered.

2) The 8th Session of the Kazakh-Japan Committee for Economic Cooperation was held in Astana.

3) The PetroRabigh project made progress as financers were lining up to support the ambitious venture. The construction costs, however, were estimated to be growing quickly.

4) Turkish parliamentarians took offense at an anti-bribery clause in a Japanese aid contract.

5) The “Central Asia Plus Japan” Intellectual Dialogue was held in Tokyo.

6) The expected announcement of the beginning of the GSDF pullout from Iraq was delayed indefinitely because of the political confusion in Baghdad and Tokyo’s unwillingness to break from its Anglo-American allies.

7) Japanese-Indonesian negotiations over aid for the construction of an MRT system in Jakarta deadlocked over the issue of where the components would be purchased from.

8) MOFA’s Yasuhisa Shiozaki made a quiet visit to Khartoum.

9) A yen loan was provided to build a road in Senegal.

10) Peace Winds Japan wrapped up its mission in the Kono district of Sierra Leone after UNHCR financing was withdrawn.

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There were a total of 172 articles in the newspapers surveyed this month.

1) Kotani, Morihiko, “Ro de no Noshukuan ni ‘Kikan Tanshuku’ Shucho; Iran Gaisho (The Iranian Foreign Minister Insists ‘For the Short Term’ about the Enrichment Plan in Russia),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 1, 2006.

2) Mainichi Shinbun, “Kokusaiteki Shinrai no Kakutoku Iran Gaisho ni Yosei; Koizumi Shusho (Prime Minister Koizumi Requests the Iranian Foreign Minister to Win International Confidence),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 1, 2006.

3) Mainichi Shinbun, “Iran Kaku Mondai; Seisai Kaihi e Nihon mo Jinryoku o (The Iranian Nuclear Issue; Japan Also Should Work to Avert the Sanctions against Iran),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 1, 2006.

4) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Kaku Mondai de Bei o Hihan: Iran Gaisho (Criticism of America over the Nuclear Question: Iranian Foreign Minister),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 1, 2006.

5) Yamaguchi, Hideto, “Chigai wa Umaru no ka (Can They Fill In the Differences?),” Asahi Shinbun, March 1, 2006.

6) Yoshida, Reiji, “Iran’s Foreign Minister Tells Japan Tehran Has a Right to Nuke Program,” Japan Times, March 1, 2006.

7) AFP-Jiji, “Mottaki Urges Japan Participation to Show Iran’s Atomic Goal is Benign,” Japan Times, March 2, 2006.

8) Haga, Kazuki, “Kyoko Riyu Shiritai; Koda-san Satsugai Otoko ga Jikyo; Iraku de Otto Shibo Hashida-san, ‘Hannin wa Kei ni Fukushite (I Want to Know the Reason; A Man Confesses to the Murder of Koda; The Wife of Hashida Who was Killed in Iraq, ‘The Murder Should Receive Punishment),” Asahi Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

9) Horiuchi, Takashi, “Iran Gaisho Tai-Tero Kosho ni Yusaburi; Kokunai de Noshuku Keizoku Hoshin ‘Heiwa Mokuteki’ Dakyo Saguru (The Iranian Foreign Minister Brings Up the Negotiations with Russia; The Plan of Continuing the Enrichment in Iran; They Insist That It Is ‘For Peace,’ and Will Search for Points of Compromise),” Asahi Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

10) Horiuchi, Takashi, “Uran Noshuku; Iran ‘Kokunai demo’; Gaisho, Kenkyuyo de Keizoku Hoshin (The Uranium Enrichment; Iran Demands ‘In Iran, too’; The Foreign Minister Plans to Continue It for Research Purposes),” Asahi Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

11) Japan Times, “There’s ‘No Going Back’ on Enrichment: Tehran; Iran Seeks to ‘Drive Wedge’ Between Nations,” Japan Time, March 2, 2006.

12) Jiji Press, “Koda-san Satsugai Jikyo; Iraku Taiho no Arukaida-kei Hikoku; ‘Tosho, Minoshirokin Nerau; Iraku Naimusho ‘Chosachu’; Jiji Tsushin ni Kataru (Confessed to the Murder of Koda; The Suspect Who is a Member of Al-Qaida Arrested in Iraq; ‘At First, the Aim was the Ransom; The Iraqi Interior Ministry ‘Investigating’),” Asahi Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

13) Jiji Press, “Koda-san Satsugai o Jikyo; Arukaida-kei Tero Yogisha; Iraku Tokyoku Kiso; ‘Tosho wa Minoshirokin Mokuteki’ (Confesses to the Murder of Koda; An Al-Qaida Terrorist Suspect is Prosecuted by the Iraqi Authorities; ‘At First, the Aim was Only a Ransom),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

14) Kagaya, Kazuki, “Koda-san Satsugai Yogisha o Taiho; Iraku (The Suspect Who Killed Koda is Arrested; Iraq),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

15) Katsuda, Tomomi, “Eiga ‘Myunhen’ de Ansatsusha o Netsuen shita Erikku Bana; Seijiteki Sokumen Yori Ningen ni Hikareta; Moderu no Jinbutsu tomo Hanashi Kyokan; ‘Ie’ ni Kogareru Hitobito no Monogatari ni (Eric Bana, Who Plays an Assassin Enthusiastically in the Movie ‘Munich’ is Attracted to the People Rather Than the Political Aspect; Talks to the Model of the Role and Identifies Himself with Him; It Becomes a Story about People Who Long for ‘Home’),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

16) Kyodo News, “Japan Will Side with UNSC Position in Iran: Aso,” Japan Times, March 2, 2006.

17) Kyodo News, “U.S. Wants Japanese Civilians in Iraq after SDF Exit,” Japan Times, March 2, 2006.

18) Marutani, Hiroshi, “Hatsu no Nichi-Bei-Go Anpo Taiwa; Kongetsu Chujun Iraku Rikuji Tettai Kyogi (The First Security Conference of Japan, the U.S., and Australia; Middle of This Month; Conference about the Withdrawal of the GSDF),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

19) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Cho Ogata Sekiyu Seisei Sochi; Kuweeto kara Juchu, Nihon Seikojo, Sogaku 220-okuen (A Oil Refinery; Accepting an Order from Kuwait; Japan Steel Works; Total is 22 Billion yen),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

20) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Koda-san Satsugai Jikyo; Chichi ‘Munashisa dake’; Shuhen Jumin ‘Hanmei, Yokatta’ (Admits Killing Koda; His Father ‘Just Feels Emptiness’; the Neighbors ‘It was Good that the Suspect was Found’),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

21) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “’Roshia Itaku wa Kikan Gentei’;Uran Noshuku Sagyo; Kaku Kaihatsu Hoki sezu; Iran Gaisho Kaiken (‘The Term for Entrusting to Russia is Limited’; The Uranium Enrichment Operation; Not to Give Up Nuclear Development; Iranian Foreign Minister Interview),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

22) Ogata, Kenichi, “Iran Uran Noshuku; ‘Kenkyu Setsubi no Junbi Kanryo’; Mottaki Gaisho Honshi to Kaiken; Tairo Kosho, Nanko Hisshi (The Iranian Uranium Enrichment; ‘We Have Finished Preparing the Research Facility’; Foreign Minister Mottaki Has an Interview with the Yomiuri, Negotiations with Russia will Make Slow Progress),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

23) Jiji Press, “Koda-san Satsugai Yogisha Taiho; ‘Tosho wa Minoshirokin Mokuteki; Al-Qaaida-kei no Otoko; Iraku (The Suspect Who Killed Koda is Arrested; ‘At First, the Aim was the Ransom’; Man Who is a Member of a Group Close to Al-Qaida; Iraq),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

24) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Kaku Kaihatsu Mondai; ‘Heiwa Riyo, Kokumin no Motome’; Iran Gaisho, Minshu Daihyo to Kaidan (The Nuclear Development Issue; ‘The Peaceful Application, the People Insist; the Iranian Foreign Minister Has Meeting with the Leader of the Democratic Party of Japan),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

25) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Kaku Mondai Seisai de Iran Gaisho; Nihon no Docho Kensei (About the Nuclear Issue Sanctions, the Iranian Foreign Minister Asks Japan to Sympathize),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

26) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Koda-san Satsugai Yogisha Taiho; ‘Ima wa, Munashisa dake’; Nogata no Chichi; Kaeranu Musuko Omoi (The Suspect Who Killed Koda is Arrested; ‘I Just Feel Emptiness Now’; His Father in Nogata Misses His Son Who Won’t Come Back Again),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 2, 2006.

27) Jiji Press, “Koda-san Satsugai Jikyo; Kazokura Aratamete Kuyashisa (Admits the Killing of Koda; His Family Regrets about Their Son Again),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 3, 2006.

28) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iran Kiki Kaihi e Shuyokoku wa Koe Hitotsu ni (The Lead Countries Need to Cooperate to Avert the Iranian Danger),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 3, 2006.

29) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Sauji Gappei Kigyo; 6600-okuen Chotatsu Happyo; Sumitomo Kagaku (Sumitomo Chemical Company Announces Complex Project with a Saudi Arabian Company and Raises 660 Billion Yen),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 3, 2006.

30) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Sumitomo Kagaku Sauji Gappei; Minshudo de Kankei Kyoka; Seijo Fuan, Toshi Risuku mo (The Complex Project of Sumitomo Chemical Company with a Saudi Arabian Company; Private Companies Exercise Leadership in Strengthening the Relationship; Political Insecurity and Risk of Investment Too),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 3, 2006.

31) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Sumitomo Kagaku; Sauji Gappei, 6600-okuen Chotatsu; Ginkodan to Goi; Jigyo Kibo 1-cho 1000-okuen (Sumitomo Chemical Company; the Complex Project with a Saudi Arabian Company, Raises 660 Billion Yen; Agrees with Banks; Business Scale is One Trillion 100 Billion yen),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 3, 2006.

32) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iraku Seifu, Konyu, Nihon-gawa ni Setsumei e; Koda-san Satsugai Jikyo (The Iraqi Government Will Explain to Japan This Evening; The Confession of Koda’s Killer),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 3, 2006.

33) Yoshida, Reiji, “World Must Allow Iran’s Uranium Program: Mottaki,” Japan Times, March 3, 2006.

34) Asahi Shinbun, “Iraku Rikuji Mienu Tairo; Bei, Nichi Ei Go o Kensei (The SDF in Iraq, There is No Clear Way to Withdraw; the U.S. Contains the U.K., Australia, and Japan),” Asahi Shinbun, March 4, 2006.

35) Kyodo News, “Iraq Suspect Admits Beheading Hostage,” Japan Times, March 4, 2006.

36) Mainichi Shinbun, “Samawa no Jieitai; 1-ichi mo Hayaku Tettai Meirei o (The SDF in Samawa; Order to Withdraw as Soon as Possible),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 4, 2006.

37) Mainichi Shinbun, “Yogisha Kiso wa 1-Shukan Ijo Ato; Koda-san Satsugai (It Will Be Over a Week Later Until Prosecution; the Murder of Koda),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 4, 2006.

38) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Koda-san Satsugai Jikyo Seishiki Kakunin; Gaimusho (The Confession of the Killing of Koda is Officially Confirmed; Foreign Ministry),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 4, 2006.

39) Sadahiro, Takashi, “Bei-In, Minseiyo Kakusasatsu de Goi; ‘Reigai’ Kaku Kakusan ni Kenen (The U.S.-India Agreement to Inspect the Non-Military Nuclear Facilities as ‘Exception’; Concern about the Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 4, 2006.

40) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Bei-In Genshiryoku Kyoryoku; Goi de Yuragu Kaku Kakusan Boshi Taisei (U.S.-India Nuclear Cooperation; The Nuclear Non-Proliferation System is Shaken by the Agreement),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 4, 2006.

41) Yomiuri Shinbun, “’Booru wa Tomodachi’ Iraku e Todoke; Kyaputen Tsubasa Shinsaku Hoei e; Fukko Shien de Teikyo (‘The Ball is Our Friend’, Send It to Iraq; The New Series of ‘Captain Tsubasa’ Will be Televised; Offered as Reconstruction Support),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 4, 2006.

42) Kyodo News, “Dubbed Soccer Cartoon ‘Captain Tsubasa’ Iraq TV-Bound,” Japan Times, March 5, 2006.

43) Mainichi Shinbun, “Indo Kaku Yonin: Beikoku wa Setsumei Sekinin o Hatase (The India Nuclear Deal: America Has the Responsibility to Explain It),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 5, 2006.

44) Yoshida, Hiroyuki, “Beikoku no Gaiko Seisaku ni mo Eikyo; Nihon Saigunbi Yokyu no Shoheki; ‘Iraku e Tekiyo’ wa Muri (It is Influenced by U.S. Diplomacy; The Barrier against the Demand for the Rearmament of Japan; It is Impossible to ‘Apply to Iraq’),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 5, 2006.

45) Kawakami, Yasunori, “Koda-san Satsugai; Torishirabe no Shosai Hanmei; Yogisha ‘Netto Eizo wa Jibun’ (The Killing of Koda; The Details of the Investigation Are Given; The Suspect ‘The Criminal in the Internet Video is Me’),” Asahi Shinbun, March 6, 2006.

46) Maeda, Eiji, “Isuramu no Oshie Nyumonhen; Sabaku ni Ikiru Tamino Chie; Guzo Suhai no Kinshi; Yogensha mo ‘Ningen’; Shokuji; Butaniku Kinshi wa Byoki no Yobo; Ginko; Rishi wa Tsukanai; Reihai; Shinshin Kiyomete 1-nichi 5-kai; Hukuso; Hige wa Muhan mado ni Chinamu; Junrei; Gimu Hataseba Sonkei Atsumeru(An Introduction to Islam; Wisdom of People Who Live in the Desert; Prohibits People from Worshiping Idols; Muhammad is also a Human; Food; Does the Prohibition of Pork Prevent Disease?; Banking; No Interest; Cloth; The Beard is for Muhammad; Pilgrimage; If They Do the Duties, They Will Be Held with Respect; Worship; Purge Bodies and Souls Five Times a Day),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 6, 2006,

47) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Genshiryoku, Shionome no Henka o Yomiayamaru na; Genjitsu Shugi ni Tenjiru Beikoku (Nuclear Power, Be Careful about Change; the U.S. Becomes Realistic),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 6, 2006.

48) Asahi Shinbun, “Iran no Kaku; Akirameruno wa Hayai (The Iranian Nuclear Program; It is Still Early to Give Up Efforts),” Asahi Shinbun, March 7, 2006.

49) Hasegawa, Yuki, “Koda-san Satsugai ‘Hoshu wa 200-doru’; Yogisha Kyojutsu (The Killing of Koda; ‘The Reward was 200 Dollars’; The Suspect Testifies),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 7, 2006.

50) Kyodo News, “Koda-san o Gomon sezu; Satsugai Yogisha Shosai o Kataru; ‘Namida Nagashi Kaho Motometa’ (Did Not Torture Koda; The Suspect Tells the Details; ‘He Cried and Appealed for Release),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 7, 2006.

51) Kyodo News, “Moto Nihon Yuko Kyokai no Kaichotaku Nerai? Bakudan; Samawa (Did It Aim for the Ex-President of the Japan Friendship Association? A Bomb; Samawa),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 7, 2006.

52) Kyodo News, “Samawa no Nihon Yuko Kyokai; Moto Kaicho Chikaku no Minka ni Tenagedan (The Japan Friendship Association; A House Near the Ex-President Has a Hand Grenade Thrown at It),” Asahi Shinbun, March 7, 2006.

53) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Sauji Sekka Setsubi 2000-okuen Juchu Happyo; Nikki, Sumika Gappei kara (JGC Announces Acceptance of Order of a 200 Billion Yen Petrochemical Complex Project from Saudi Arabian Oil Company and Sumitomo Chemical Company),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 7, 2006.

54) Nukihora, Yoshihiro, “’Meirei de Koda-san Satsugai’; Jobu Soshiki ‘Jibun wa Shiranu’; Yogisha ga Kataru (‘I Was Ordered to Kill Koda’; ‘I Do Not Know’ the Upper Group; The Suspect Says),” Asahi Shinbun, March 7, 2006.

55) Japan Times, “On the Brink of Civil War [Iraq],” Japan Times, March 8, 2006.

56) Kyodo News, “Japanese Hostage’s Killer Faces Charges in Iraq,” Japan Times, March 8, 2006.

57) Kyodo News, “Japan May Hire Controversial Firm to Dismantle Camp in Iraq,” Japan Times, March 8, 2005.

58) Takeda, Hiroshi, “Perusha no Giho o Fukkatsu; Kato Takuo no Togeiten (Reviving the Persian Techniques; Takuo Kato’s Ceramic Exhibition),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 8, 2006.

59) Hirano, Keiji, “Photojournalist’s Magnum Opus; Film Gives Rare Look at Palestinian Women,” Japan Times, March 9, 2006.

60) Kagaya, Kazuki, “Iran Kaku Kaihatsu; Tsunoru Kikika; Shigen Motsu Tsuyomi Gaiko no Buki; Bei no Atsuryoku Jikkosei Misukasu (Iranian Nuclear Development; Growing Fear: The Great Advantage of Being Rich in Resources as a Weapon of Diplomacy; Pressure from the U.S., Sees Through the Effectiveness),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 9, 2006.

61) Kyodo News, “Hostage Beheaded in Iraq ‘Not Tortured’; Hostage Given Food and Water for Three Days Before Execution, Captor Says,” Japan Times, March 9, 2006.

62) Takahashi, Muneo, “Fahami Hikoku ga Doki; ‘Iraku-jin Satsuriku no Genjitsu Shiraserutame’; Koda-san Satsugai Jikyo (The Suspect Fahmi Tells the Reasons; ‘To Tell the Facts about the Massacring of Iraqis; Admits Killing of Koda),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 9, 2006.

63) Yonemura, Koichi, “Kasetsu Jutaku Nyukyosha Nashi; Iran Jishin ODA 15-okuen de 900-ko (No Occupants for Temporary Housing; the Iranian Earthquake, 900 Houses by ODA Costing 1.5 Billion Yen),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 9, 2006.

64) Associated Press, “Extend Wire-Tapping Law to Terrorism Cases: FBI,” Japan Times, March 10, 2006.

65) Kagaya, Kazuki, “Iran Kaku Kaihatsu; Tsunoru Kikikan; Bei, Kakusan Boshi e Choki e Chokisen Kakugo; ‘Niju Kijun’ Tojokoku ni Fuman (The Iranian Nuclear Development; Growing Fear; the U.S. Says That Nonproliferation Will Take a Long Time; ‘Double Standard’; Developing Countries Complain),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

66) Koike, Kiyohiko, “’Heiwa Kokka’ no Insho Yowameta (Serious Damage to a ‘Peaceful Nation’),” Asahi Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

67) Mainichi Shinbun, “Bei-Iran; Shototsu eno Michi o Tsukisusumu na (U.S.-Iran; Do Not Choose the Path to Conflict),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

68) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Toruko Kokutetsu Densha 96-ryo Juchu; Mitsui Bussan nado (Accepting an Order of 96 Train Carriages from Turkish Railways; Mitsui & Co. and Other Companies),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

69) Okamoto, Yukio, “Tettai-go mo Minsei ni Koken o (Contribute to the People Even After the Withdrawal),” Asahi Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

70) Tanida, Kuniichi, “Iraku Kikoku 3-taiin Jisatsu; Boeicho ‘Genin, Tokutei Dekinu’ (Three Members Who Returned from Iraq Commit Suicide; Defense Agency ‘Does Not Find the Cause’),” Asahi Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

71) Tomizawa, Hikaru, “Jieitai Iraku Churyu no Imi; Haken Seika ni Anju suru na (The Meaning of the SDF Presence in Iraq; Do Not Be Satisfied with the Result),” Asahi Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

72) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iran Kaku Giwaku; Kokusai Shakai wa Ashinami o Midasuna (The Nuclear Doubts about Iran; International Society Should Cooperate),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 10, 2006.

73) Furumoto, Yoso, “Iraku Rikuji; Tsukinai Tettai Konnan ni; Seiji Konran ya Chian Akka de (The GSDF in Iraq; It is Difficult to Withdraw Within This Month Because of the Political Confusion and the Political Deterioration),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 11, 2006.

74) Japan Times, “Political Storm Batters U.S. Ports,” Japan Times, March 11, 2006.

75) Kyodo News, “GSDF Suicides Watched for Postdeployment Link,” Japan Times, March 11, 2006.

76) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Kuruma Buhin-muke Jushu Zairyo; Mareeshia de Seisan; Dai Nippon Inki, Nen 3000-ton (Resin Materials for Car Parts; Production in Malaysia; Dai-Nippon Ink and Chemicals; 3000 Tons a Year),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 11, 2006.

77) Japan Times, “Danes, Muslims to Open Dialogue,” Japan Times, March 12, 2006.

78) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Kokusai Kyoryoku Gin; Toruko-muke Hatsu no Kyocho Yushi; Kankoku Yushutsunyu Gin to Kei 120-okuen (JBIC; The First Cooperative Financing for Turkey; Total of 12 Billion Yen with the Korean Export Import Bank),” Yomuiri Shinbun, March 12, 2006.

79) AFP-Jiji, “Corruption Clause Offends Touchy Turkish Parliament,” Japan Times, March 13, 2006.

80) Yanagisawa, Michinobu, “Koda-san Satsugai no Doki ya Keii Kataru; Badoru Yogisha Kataru (The Suspect Badr Tells the Reason for and the Process of Killing Koda),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 13, 2006.

81) Asahi Shinbun, “Iraku Taishi ni Yamaguchi-shi Kimaru (Yamaguchi is Decided Upon as the Japanese Ambassador to Iraq),” Asahi Shinbun, March 14, 2006.

82) Iizuka; Keiko, “Ei, 5-gatsu ni 800-nin Tesshu; Iraku Choryu Samawa nado Taisho ka; Kokubosho Happyo (The UK Will Withdraw 800 Members in May; What Effect on the Presence in Iraq and in Samawa? Defense Minister Announcement),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 14, 2006.

83) Momota, Tomohiro, “Muhanmado no Ha (The ‘Ha’ of Muhammad),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 14, 2006.

84) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Indoneshia Taishi ni Ebihara-shi (Ebihara Becomes the Japanese Ambassador to Indonesia),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 14, 2006.

85) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Honkaku Seiken Mikiwame Saishu Handan; Rikuji Tesshu de Aso Gaisho (Foreign Minister Aso Will Decide the Withdrawal of GSDF Based on the Iraqi Government),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 14, 2006.

86) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Josei Taiin 16-nin Hajimete Haken; Kaiji no Tai-Tero Shien Katsudo (Sixteen Women to be Deployed for the First Time; The MSDF Ant-Terrorism Support Mission),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 14, 2006.

87) Kasahara, Toshihiko, “Bei Kaini; Iran Seisai de Shin Hoan; Enerugii Bunya Toshi no Gaikoku Kigyo Taisho; Yuden Keikaku Motsu Nihon wa Kenen (House of Representatives Committee; A New Bill for Sanctions against Iran; Against Foreign Companies Which Invest in the Energy Field; Japan, Which Has Oil Field Plan, Is Apprehensive),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 16, 2006.

88) Kubo, Fumiaki; Miyake, Kunihiko; Sakai, Keiko (Sadamori, Daiji), “Kaisen kara 3-nen 3-Senmonka ga Kataru (Three Years Since the Outbreak of the War, Three Specialists Discuss It),” Asahi Shinbun, March 16, 2006.

89) Kyodo News, “First MSDF Women Join Indian Ocean Tour,” Japan Times, March 16, 2006.

90) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iran Genyu Izondo Sage; Shin Nisseki nado Motouri Kakusha; Kakumondai Seisai ni Sonae (Nippon Oil Corporation and Other Companies Try to Reduce Their Dependence upon Iranian Crude Oil to Prepare for the Nuclear Issue Sanctions),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 16, 2006.

91) Onishi, Masao, “Herushii Sosaetei Sho o Jushoshita Reshaado Kareddo-san; Afugan Fukko wa Kore kara (Reshad Khaled is Awarded the Healthy Society Award; ‘Afghanistan Starts to Develop Now’),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 16, 2006.

92) Yoshida, Reiji, “British Troop Adjustment No Factor for SDF: Aso,” Japan Times, March 16, 2006.

93) Jiji Press, “Local Iraqi Leader Asks GSDF to Stay, Build Power Plant,” Japan Times, March 17, 2006.

94) Kyodo News, “Isuraeru Iseki Nihon Tandoku de Hakkutsu; Tenridai, Rikkyo-dai Chosadan (Japan Excavates Remains in Israel Independently; Tenri University and Rikkyo University Research Team),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 17, 2006.

95) Maeda, Koji, “Sadogatake Beya; Isuraeru de Sumo Koen; 6-gatsu Shikai de ‘Rikishi Fuyu Jikken mo’ (Sadogatake Beya Gives a Sumo Performance in Israel in June; At the Dead Sea, ‘Sumo Wrestlers Floating Test, Too,’),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 17, 2006.

96) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Jieitai; Tesshu Handan, Saishu Dankai ni; Kyo Gaisho Hogo; Bei-Go to Kyogi e (The SDF in Iraq; It is Time to Decide on the Withdrawal; The Foreign Minister Visits Australia to Negotiate with the U.S. and Australia),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 17, 2006.

97) Takasa, Tomohiro, “Go-gun Samawa Tettai Jieitai-go ni; Go-Gaisho ga Hyomei (The Australian Foreign Minister Says that the Australian Troops Will Withdraw after the SDF),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 17, 2006.

98) Yokota, Kazunari, “Iraku de Satsugai no Saito-san; Mibunshomei Hoji no Otoko Taiho to Genchi Hodo (Saito, Who was Killed in Iraq; Local Media Reports that A Man Who Has Saito’s ID is Arrested),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 17, 2006.

99) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Saito-san no Mibunsho Motsu Iraku-jin Kosoku; Shugeki, Fumei Jiken (The Iraqi Man Who Has Saito’s ID Card is Imprisoned),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 17, 2006.

100) Asahi Shinbun, “Bei no Shin Senryaku; Iraku 3-nen ni Mananda ka (The New American Strategy; Have They Learned Anything after Three Years in Iraq?),” Asahi Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

101) Daikei, Tatsuya, “Indoneshia Sekitan Sai Ote no Sanka 2-sha; Marubeni nado ga Baishu Kosho (The Largest Indonesian Coal Company’s Two Affiliates; Marubeni and Other Companies Negotiate Purchase),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

102) Kyodo News, “Japan to Hold Training Session for Iraqi Officials,” Japan Times, March 18, 2006.

103) Kyodo News, “Tai-Iran ‘Anpori Kyocho ga Hitsuyo’; Nichi-Bei-Go Gaisho Rikuji Tettai mo Kyogi (In Regard to Iran; ‘In the Security Council, We Need to Cooperate’; Japan-U.S.-Australia Foreign Minister’s Negotiations; Also about the Withdrawal of the SDF),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

104) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Kataaru no Kuko Koji 1000-okuen; Taisei ga Kyodo Juchu (Construction of an Airport in Qatar, Taisei Corporation Accepts the Order as a Joint Venture),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

105) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Paresuchina e Kinkyu Shokuryo Enjo; Sekai Shokuryo Keikaku (Emergency Food Aid for Palestine; WFP),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

106) Oyama, Hiroshi, “Nichi-Bei-Go, Hatsu no Senryaku Taiwa; Kyodo Seimei Iran Kaku Noshuku Teishi Yokyu (Japan-U.S.- Australia Have First Strategic Conference; Joint Statement; Demanding Iran to Stop the Enrichment of Uranium), Yomiuri Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

107) Takahara, Kanako, “Oil Firms Adjust Footing Amid Iran’s Nuclear Follies,” Japan Times, March 18, 2006.

108) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iraku Hatsu Gikai; Kokumin Togo Seifu ga Yuiitsu no Sentaku da (The First Assembly in Iraq; a Government Aiming for the Unification of the People is the Only Choice),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

109) Yoshino, Naoya, “Iraku Rikuji Tettai Jiki o Kyogi; Nichi-Bei-Go Gaisho ga Taiwa Senryaku (The Withdrawal of the GSDF from Iraq; Negotiating about the Time to Withdraw; the Japan-U.S.-Australia Foreign Ministers Have Strategic Talk),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 18, 2006.

110) Igarashi, Aya, “Nihon to no Domei, Ei ni Hitteki; Aamiteeji Zen-Kokumu Fukuchokan; 4-gatsu made ni ‘Hokoku’ Zokuhen (The Alliance with Japan is Equal to the UK; Former U.S. Deputy Secretary of State Armitage; the Next ‘Report’ by the End of April),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

111) Jiji Press, “’Jieitai no Tettai Rikutsu Tatanai’; Aso Gaisho (The SDF Does Not Mean Anything If It Withdraws in This Situation; Foreign Minister Aso),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

112) Kyodo News, “Seized Iraqi May Have ID of Ex-SDF Security Worker Believed Executed,” Japan Times, March 19, 2006.

113) Mainichi Shinbun, “Indoneshia no Sekitan Kaisha Baishu e; Marubeni (Marubeni Corporation Purchases Indonesian Coal Companies),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

114) Oyama, Hiroshi, “Nichi-Bei-Go Taiwa Chugoku-gun Zokyo ni Kenen; Aso Gaisho Iraku Tesshu Handan Sakiokuri (Japan-U.S.-Australia Conference; Concern about the Growth of the Chinese Army; Foreign Minister Aso Postpones Deciding on the Withdrawal),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

115) Tsugawa, Akihisa, “Nichi-Bei-Go Chugoku no Gunkaku Kenen (Japan-U.S.-Australia Concern about China’s Arms Expansion),” Asahi Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

116) Yabe, Takehiko, Takeishi, Eijiro, “Sekiyu Kakuho; Han-Beikoku to Fukamaru Kankei (Securing Oil; Close Relationships with Anti-American Countries),” Asahi Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

117) Yokota, Kazunari, “Musanna-shu, Eigun, Rikuji to Doji Tesshu mo (Muthanna Province; British Troops Can Withdraw with the GSDF),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

118) Yoshino, Naoya, “Iraku Rikuji Handan Sakiokuri ‘Tesshu Domino’ Kaihi; Bei ni Hairyo, Josei Mikiwame (Postponing Decision about the GSDF in Iraq; Avoiding ‘Withdrawal Domino Effect’; Concerns about the U.S., Keeping Watch on the Situation),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

119) Yoshino, Naoya, “Rikuji Tesshu Handan Sakiokuri; Nichi-Bei-Go Senryaku Taiwa; Iraku Shien de Itchi (Postponing Decision on the Time of Withdrawal; Japan-U.S.-Australia Strategic Conference; Agreeing to Support Iraq),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 19, 2006.

120) Associated Press, “Protesters Mark Iraq War Anniversary,” Japan Times, March 20, 2006.

121) Fukui, Satoru, “Uradoari Morokko; Mura ni Suido Kanki no Jumin (Ulad Aali, Morocco; Waterworks for the Village; People are Very Pleased),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 20, 2006.

122) Kyodo News, “Samawa Kengen Ijo wa 1-kagetsu Inai ni Ketsuron; Churyu Eigun Kokan (They Will Decide on the Transfer of Authority in Samawa within a Month; Local British Army Official),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 20, 2006.

123) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Tettai Jiki; ‘Sogoteki ni Handan; Kanbochokan (The Chief Cabinet Secretary Says that the Time of Withdrawal from Iraq Will be a ‘Comprehensive Judgment);” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 20, 2006.

124) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Shukyo Keni ni Tayoru Hiniku; Iraku Konran no 3-nen Kyokun o Antei ni Tsunage yo (The Ironic Situation of Depending on Religion; the Chaotic Three Years in Iraq; Relating What We Learned about Security),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 20, 2006.

125) Onuki, Tomoko, “Chuo Ajia 5-kakoku Gaisho Kaigo; Seifu 5-gatsu ni Kaisai e (The Central Asian Five Foreign Ministers’ Meeting; Government Will Hold It in May),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 20, 2006.

126) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iraku Senso 3-nen; Busshu Gaiko ga Shirizoketa Koritsu Shugi (Three Years of the Iraqi War; Bush Diplomacy Avoids Isolationism),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 20, 2006.

127) Monta, Yoshinori, “Banguradesshu to Watashi; Me Somuketa Kokei ma wa Kate ni (Bangladesh and Me; A Situation that He Turned Away From, But He Wants to Go There Again),” Asahi Shinbun, March 21, 2006.

128) Mori, Yoshiro, “Celebrating 50 Years of Freedom, Five Decades of Relationship [Tunisia],” Japan Times, March 21, 2006.

129) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Sekiyu Puranto Sauji de Kikoshiki; Sumitomo Kagaku (Oil Plant Holds Groundbeaking Ceremony in Saudi Arabia; Sumitomo Chemical),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 21, 2006.

130) Iizuka, Keiko, “Eigun, Iraku gawa to Tesshu Jiki Kyogi e; Raigetsu kara (The British Troops, Negotiations about the Time of Withdrawal with Iraq,” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 22, 2006.

131) Kyodo News, “Local Hire Pocketed Visa Overcharges at Indonesian Embassy,” Japan Times, March 22, 2006.

132) Kyodo News, “Israeli Shipping Firm Denies Hit-and-Run in Fatal Collision,” Japan Times, March 22, 2006.

133) Ikeuchi, Satoshi, “’Mahometto’ Kotobagari no u (‘Mahomet’, the Stupidity of the Word Roundup),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 23, 2006.

134) Mainichi Shinbun, “Iraku Tettai Handan ‘Nihon wa Dokuji ni’; Koizumi Shusho (The Decision of the Withdrawal from Iraq: ‘Japan Will Make Its Own Decision’; Prime Minister Koizumi),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 23, 2006.

135) Horiuchi, Mitsuo, “2005 Was a Special Year Highlighting Closeness of Bilateral Relationship [Pakistan],” Japan Times, March 24, 2006.

136) Jiji Press, “Japan May Freeze Fresh Aid to Palestinians,” Japan Times, March 24, 2006.

137) Kato, Manabu, “Dai Kibo Tero Saigai o Sotei; 14-Kikan ga Zujo Enshu; Fukuoka-shi de Yuji e no Taishoho Manabu (Assuming Major Damage from Terrorism; Fourteen Organizations Practice the Plan; In Fukuoka City, Learning How to Deal with Emergencies),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 24, 2006.

138) Mainichi Shinbun, “Busshu Kaiken; Ninki-nai no Iraku Seijoka ga Suji da (The Bush Conference; To Normalize Iraq within the Term is Important),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 24, 2006.

139) Mainichi Shinbun, “Kokusai Terorisumu Taisaku Shitsu ga Hossoku; Kenkei Honbu (International Terrorism Measures Room is Created and Begins Operations; Fukuoka Police Office),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 24, 2006.

140) Niaz, Karman, “Pakistan-Japan Ties Marked by Cooperation, Understanding,” Japan Times, March 24, 2006.

141) Shioda, Michio, “Arabu Bassingu (Arab Bashing),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 24, 2006.

142) Fujitani, Ken, “Nihon to Indoneshia no Igakusei; Saigaiji Shien Manabu; Kyodo de Kenshukai (Japanese and Indonesian Medical Students; Learning Emergency Medical Support; Holding a Joint Seminar),” Asahi Shinbun, March 25, 2006.

143) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Jieitai 27-nichi kara Togo Unyo Massaki Shodai Tobakucho ni Kiku; Tero, Saigai ni Jinsoku Taio (Unified and Managed from the 27th, Ask the First Joint Staff Officer, Massaki; Coinge with Terrorism and Disasters),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 25, 2006.

144) Sakaguchi, Satoshi, “Nihon no Musho Shien Hobo Shoka no Mikata; Ache no Fukko Saikencho Jikan (Japanese Grant Aid Will Be Dealt With; The Rehabilitation and Reconstruction Agency Secretary),” Asahi Shinbun, March 25, 2006.

145) Yamada, Atsushi, “Shijo Kaitaku Chi no Hate made; Kajo Zaiko Mohohin Chuto Hete Kakushi e (Tapping New Markets at the Ends of the Earth; Surplus Stocks Go Through the Middle East to Everywhere),” Asahi Shinbun, March 25, 2006.

146) Japan Times, “A Fair Ruling in Britain,” Japan Times, March 26, 2006.

147) Nishida, Mutsumi, “Iraku de Fuzaisha Tohyo (Absentee Ballots in Iraq?),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 26, 2006.

148) Handa, Shohei, “Jieitai ga Togo Unyo; Kinkyuji Riku-Kai-Ku kara Ninmu Butai (The SDF is Unified; In an Emergency, Mission Teams by the Ground Air, Maritime SDF),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 27, 2006.

149) Islam, M. Serajul, “Democracy, Growth Go Hand in Hand [Bangladesh],” Japan Times, March 27, 2006.

150) Japan Times, “Tunisia’s Ambassador to Japan Salah Hannachi [Photo],” Japan Times, March 27, 2006.

151) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Indoneshia Hatsu no MRT Enki (Indonesia’s First MRT is Delayed),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 27, 2006.

152) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Indoneshia ni Shin-kojo (A New Factory in Indonesia),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 27, 2006.

153) Asahi Shinbun, “En Shakkan 764-okuen o Kyoyo; Seifu (Supplying 76.4 Billion Yen as a Yen-Loan; the Government [Iraq]),” Asahi Shinbun, March 28, 2006.

154) Tanaka, Min, “Indoneshia to Watashi; Michi no Ba Motome Odori no Tabi (Indonesia and Me; Looking Forward to an Unknown Place, a Trip with Dancing),” Asahi Shinbun, March 28, 2006.

155) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Kohan Kokkai; Gyokaku Suishin Hoan e Juten; Shusho ‘Iraku Tesshu’ ‘Nitchu’ Futomei (The Latter Part of the Diet; Focus on the Promotion of the Reform Bills; Prime Minister on the ‘Withdrawal from Iraq, ‘Japan-China,’ Are Not Clear),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 28, 2006.

156) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Tai-Iraku 765-okuen; Shakkan Kangai Hatsudensho, Kowan Seibi (76.5 Billion Yen-Loan to Iraq; Irrigation, Power Plant, Maintaining Harbor; Government Policy),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 28, 2006.

157) Asahi Shinbun, “’Wahei Jitsugen e Doryoku Keizoku o’; Abe Kanbo Chokan (‘Keep Working Hard to Realize Peace; Chief Cabinet Secretary Abe),” Asahi Shinbun, March 29, 2006.

158) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Antei Chotatsu e Bunsan Kasoku mo; Nihon no Denryoku Gasu Kakusha (May Start to Spread Out Sources for Stability; The Japanese Power Companies and Gas Companies [Indonesia]),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 29, 2006.

159) Ueda, Shigeru, “Fushiga Mondai Tenno dattara (If the Political Cartoons were of the Emperor),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 29, 2006.

160) Asahi Shinbun, “Isuraeru; ‘Tettai’ wa Kangei shitai ga (We Would Like to Welcome the ‘Withdrawal’),” Asahi Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

161) Asahi Shinbun, “Kakikomi Kyokasho Tojo; Ko-1 Muke 05-nendo Kentei; Hatten Gakushu Morikomu; Iraku-sen, Yasukuni, Shusei Aitsugu (Text Book with a Blank; For First Grade High School Students, Authorized Textbooks in 2005; Incorporates Advanced Study; Iraq War, Yasukuni, Many Modifications),” Asahi Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

162) Asahi Shinbun, “Seifu Kenkai to Itchi Tettei; Monkasho, Tsuyoi ‘Kodawari’ (Agreeing to the Government Opinion Completely; the Ministry of Education’s Strong Pressure [Textbooks on Iraq)),” Asahi Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

163) Ikeda, Osamu, “Arabu Bunka Shokai de Koro (Contribution to the Introduction of Arab Cultures),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

164) Kyodo News, “Samawa Shukueichi Chikaku ni Chakudan ka (Did a Shell Land Near the Samawa Base?),” Asahi Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

165) Mainichi Shinbun, “Chuto Wahei; Henkaku e no Mini o Sonchose yo (The Middle East Peace; Respecting Public Opinion about the Changes),” Mainichi Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

166) Nakamae, Hiroyuki, “Bei, Nihon ni Kugi Sasu; Iran Kaku Mondai de Kokuren Taishi; Sekiyu Bijinesu Yusen Kensei (The US Warns Japan; the Ambassador to the UN on the Iranian Nuclear Issue, Restraint Must Precede Oil Business),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

167) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Juyo na Suteppu; Gaimu Fuku Daijin (An Important Step; The Vice-Foreign Minister [Iran]),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

168) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Senkyo ga Shime shita Chuto no Henka to Kabe (The Election Reveals the Change and Barriers of the Middle East),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

170) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Isuraeru Senkyo; Kadima wa Antei Seiken o Tsukureruka (The Israeli Election; Can Kadima Make a Stable Government?),” Yomiuri Shinbun, March 30, 2006.

171) Yoshida, Reiji, “\76.5 Billion Earmarked; Iraq to Get First Reconstruction Loans,” Japan Times, March 30, 2006.

172) Asahi Shinbun, “Shusho no Kokusai Koyaku Dai 1-go; Senegaru Doro Seibi Enshakkan no Kyoyo Kettei (The Prime Minister’s First International Pledge; Maintaining the Roads in Senegal; Decides to Supply Yen-Loan),” Asahi Shinbun, March 31, 2006.