Newsletter No. 164
January 19, 2006

 

SUMMARY OF EVENTS IN JAPANESE-ISLAMIC RELATIONS FOR DECEMBER 2005

There were four major stories in December:

The second item involved only the third FTA agreement that Japan has signed, and the first with a Muslim country. There seems to be considerable momentum toward signing more bilateral FTAs in coming years. In particular, Indonesia seems eager to “catch up” to Malaysia in this respect. An FTA between Japan and the Gulf Cooperation Council is also being discussed.

The third item involves Inpex’s strategic decision to decisively move forward with the important oil deal with Iran. Inpex is concerned that the Iranian government may cancel the agreement if they continue to drag their feet over the international political issues. The Japanese government is more reluctant than the company to move forward at this juncture -- with the intensifying nuclear crisis and President Ahmadinejad’s exaggerated rhetoric -- but they seem to understand Inpex’s quite valid concerns that they must either push ahead now, or be pushed aside later.

The fourth item involves an event from 2003, but which was only discovered in December 2005. Sipah-e-Sahaba Pakistan is a radical outfit that apparently intended to create a terrorist cell in Japan. The man in question visited mosques in Japan and tried to recruit local Muslims to his cause. It remains unclear how successful or unsuccessful he may have been. The significance of the story is that it gives some definite features to the vague fears of a future terrorist event in Japan.

Aside from the four major stories, there were the following smaller or more subtle events in December 2005:

There were 156 relevant articles in the five regularly surveyed newspapers (Asahi, Japan Times, Mainichi, Nihon Keizai Shinbun, and Yomiuri):

1) Asahi Shinbun, “Yamasaki Taku-shi, Nennai ni Samawa Shisatsu (Taku Yamasaki Will Visit Samawa within This Year),” Asahi Shinbun, December 1, 2005.

2) Japan Times, “Japan to Give Morocco \10 Billion in Aid,” Japan Times, December 1, 2005.

3) Nakanishi, Toshihiro, “Chuto to no Kizuna: Bunka Koryu; Ishitsu-na Deai, Shigeki Umu (Ties with the Middle East: Cultural Exchange: Meeting with Foreigners Creates Stimulus),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 1, 2005.

4) Washio, Yuiko, “Kokoro ga Naru; Uiguru no Shirabe (Hearts are Ringing the Sound of the Uighurs),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 1, 2005.

5) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iraku Jieitai Kihon Hoshin ni Tesshu Joken; Seifu Haken Encho e Morikomi (The SDF in Iraq; the Withdrawal as Requirement of the Basic Policy; the Government Incorporates the Extension of the Detachment),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 1, 2005.

6) Furumoto, Yoso, “Iraku Haken Encho Boeicho Chokan Meigen (The Extension of the Detachment to Iraq: Director General of the Defense Agency Declares),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 2, 2005.

7) Japan Times, “A Door Opens to Gaza,” Japan Times, December 2, 2005.

8) Kyodo News, “One-Year Extension Seen for SDF Mission in Iraq,” Japan Times, December 2, 2005.

9) Mainichi Shinbun, “Kongetsu Chujun Iko Samawa Homon Yamasaki Zen-Fukusosai (After the Middle of This Month, A Visit to Samawa; Former Vice-President Yamasaki),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 2, 2005.

10) Nakanishi, Toshihiro, “Chuto to no Kizuna: Kigyo Bunka o Tsutaeru; ‘Ronri’ Kyoiku Toshi ni Tsunagaru (Ties with the Middle East: Pass On the Culture of the Business; ‘Logic’ Education Joins the Investment),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 2, 2005.

11) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Haken Keizoku Zentei ni Kento Hyomei; Boeicho Chokan (Defense Agency Chief: Assume the Continuation of the Detachment to Iraq),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 2, 2005.

12) Sadahiro, Takashi, “Busshu Seiken ‘Iraku’ de Kuryo; Hirogaru Ensen Seron Joyo Seisaku ni mo Shisho (The Bush Administration Worries about ‘Iraq’; War Weariness Expands; Obstacle to an Important Policy),” Yomuiri Shinbun, December 2, 2005.

13) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Nukaga Boei Chokan Samawa Homon e (The Director General of Defense Agency Nukaga to Visit Samawa),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 2, 2005.

14) Asahi Shinbun, “Bei Iraku Senryaku; Meikaku na ‘Deguchi’ o Shimese (The U.S. Iraq Strategy; Suggest a Clear ‘Exit’),”Asahi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

15) Asahi Shinbun, “Nukaga Boei Chokan Samawa ni Shuppatsu (The General Director of the Defense Agency Nukaga Leaves for Samawa),” Asahi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

16) Furumoto, Yoso, “Nukaga Chokan Samawa Shuppatsu; Genchi Shisatsu Haken Encho e Kankyo Seibi (Director General Nukaga Leaves for Samawa; Visits the Field; Maintaining the Conditions for the Extension of the Dispatch),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

17) Ishiba, Shigeru, “Tettai Jiki no Ronri Kochiku o (Construct the Logic for the Time of Withdrawal),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

18) Kanazawa, Hiroaki, “Jukogyo Puranto Aitsugi Tachiage; Omaan, Sekika (Heavy Industry Plants are Started in Succession; Oman, Petrochemicals, etc.),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

19) Kyodo News, “Koizumi Aide Eyes Visit to Samawah,” Japan Times, December 3, 2005.

20) Morimoto, Kosei, “Sekaikan, Iran ni Minamoto (The World View, the Origin is Iran),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

21) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Boeicho Chokan Samawa ni Shuppatsu; Rikuji Tesshu Jiki Handan e Shisatsu (The Director General of the Defense Agency Leaves for Samawa; Visits to Judge the Time for Withdrawal of the GSDF),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

22) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Chuto Rekiho; Shusho, Raigetsu Jojun ni (Visit to the Middle East; the Prime Minister at the Beginning of Next Month),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

23) Ono, Motohiro, “Encho nara Shin Ninmu Fuyo o (If the Presence is Extended, Create New Duties),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

24) Penn, Michael, “Tai-Isuramu; Nihon no Wakamono ga Kankei Kizuke (Construct a Relationship between Young Japanese People and Islam),” Asahi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

25) Saeed Ali Al-Nowais, “Bilateral Partners; Economic Ties Fuel Expanding Exchanges,” Japan Times, December 3, 2005.

26) Soeya, Yoshihide, “Senryaku Mienu Taibei Keisha (Leaning on the U.S.A. Without Any Strategy),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

27) Wakamatsu, Satoru, “Aso Gaisho, Shunin Hatsu no Hobei; Kokuren, Iraku… Kenan Kogi e (Aso Visits the U.S.A. for the First Time as Foreign Minister; the UN, Iraq, and Negotiation of Pending Problems),” Asahi Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

28) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Nukaga Boeicho Chokan Samawa e Shuppatsu (Director General of the Defense Agency Nukaga Leaves for Samawa),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 3, 2005.

29) Asahi Shinbun, “Boeicho Chokan Samawa Shisatsu (The Director General of the Defense Agency Visits Samawa),” Asahi Shinbun, December 4, 2005.

30) Asahi Shinbun, “Himitsu Shuyojo ‘Jinken no Oshu’ Naraba (The Secret Camps; If It is the ‘Europe of Human Rights’),” Asahi Shinbun, December 4, 2005.

31) Asahi Shinbun, “Shusho, Toshiake Chuto Rekiho e; Isuraeru Toruko nado (The Prime Minister to Visit the Middle East in the Beginning of Next Year; Israel and Turkey),” Asahi Shinbun, December 4, 2005.

32) Furumoto, Yoso, “Nukaga Chokan, Samawa Homon; Taizai 4-jikan ‘Ｄeguchi Senryaku’ e no Omowaku mo (Director General Nukaga Visits Samawa; His Stay is Four Hours; Hidden Agenda on the ‘Exit Strategy’),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 4, 2005.

33) Japan Times, “On Iraq, Another War of Words,” Japan Times, December 4, 2005.

34) Mainichi Shinbun, “Sharon Shinto; Wahei ni Tsunagaru Seikai Saihen o (Sharon’s New Party; Reconstruct the Political Link to Peace),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 4, 2005.

35) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Samawa ‘Chian Antei’; Jieitai Haken Encho Boeicho Chokan ga Shisatsu (Samawa is ‘Secure”; The Extension of the Dispatch of the SDF; The Director General of the Defense Agency Visits),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 4, 2005.

36) Takahashi, Mutsuo, “Shinkyo no Tabi de (On a Trip to Xinjiang),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 4, 2004.

37) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Boeicho Chokan, Samawa Homon (The Director General of the Defense Agency Visits Samawa),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 4, 2005.

38) Furumoto, Yoso, “’Chian wa Mondai nai’ Kakuga Chokan Kikoku (No Problem about Security’: Director General Nukaga of the Defense Agency),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

39) Handa, Shohei, “Rikuji Sharyo ni Toseki; Samawa, Demotai (Stones Thrown at GSDF Vehicles; Samawa Demonstrators),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

40) Jiji Press, “’Happo suru’ to Keigoin ga Keikoku; Samawa Toseki Jiken (‘Shoot!’ Guard Man Shouts; Throwing Stones Incident in Samawa),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

41) Kyodo News, “Defense Agency Director General Visits SDF Troops in Southern Iraq; Other Duties Eyed,” Japan Times, December 5, 2005.

42) Kyodo News, “Rikuji Sharetsu ni Demotai Toseki; Samawa Kinko (The Demonstrators Throw Stones at the GSDF Vehicles Near Samawa),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

43) Kyodo News, “Samawa Kinko; Rikuji Shikiten Demotai Hoi; Sharyo ni Toseki Miraa Hason (Near Samawa; A Ceremony of the GSDF is Surrounded by the Demonstrators; Throwing Stones at the Vehicles; Mirror is Broken),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

44) Mainichi Shinbun, “Shusho, Chuto Rekiho e; 1-gatsu Jojun (The Prime Minister to Visit the Middle East at the Beginning of January),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

45) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “’Anzen Kakuho shi Katsudo Keizoku o’ Jieitai Iraku Haken de Shusho (‘Secure the Safety and Keep Supporting Them’; Prime Minister in Regard to the Detachment of the SDF to Iraq),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

46) Nukahora, Kimihiro, “Rikuji Sharetsu o Demotai Hoi; Samawa Kinko (Demonstrators Surround GSDF Vehicles Near Samawa),” Asahi Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

47) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Isuraeru Seikyoku; Chuto Wahei no Yukue ni Kichi to Deru no ka (The Political Situation in Israel; Is It Going to be Better or Worse on the Way to Peace in the Middle East?),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

48) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Shusho, Raigetsu Jojun Chuto 3-kakoku Rekiho; Seishiki Happyo (The Prime Minister to Visit Three Middle Eastern Countries at the Beginning of Next Month; Press Release),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 5, 2005.

49) Asahi Shinbun, “Jieitai Churyu Keizoku Iraku Shusho Yosei; Koizumi Shusho to Kaidan (The Iraqi Prime Minister Requests the Continuation of the Presence of the SDF; Meeting with Prime Minister Koizumi),” Asahi Shinbun, December 6, 2005.

50) Asahi Shinbun, “Katai Akushu (A Tight Squeeze),” Asahi Shinbun, December 6, 2005.

51) Kyodo News, “Government Planning First ODA for Use Against Terrorism,” Japan Times, December 6, 2005.

52) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Haken Encho Jimin Asu Ryosho e (The Extension of the Detachment to Iraq Will Be Approved by LDP Tomorrow),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 6, 2005.

53) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Haken; Encho o Aratamete Hyomei; Shusho, Jafari Shusho ni (The Detachment to Iraq; Announcing the Extension Again; Prime Minister to the Prime Minister Jaafari),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 6, 2005.

54) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Shusho Chuto Rekiho; Wahei Chukai ni Iyoku; Raigetsu Jojun; Iraku Shisatsu wa Hitei (The Prime Minister to Visit the Middle East; Eager to be the Negotiator of Peace; Beginning of Next Month; Denies a Visit of Iraq),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 6, 2005.

55) Utagawa, Megumi, “Basura-ko Fukkyu ni Enshakkan; Nihon, Iraku Kyodo Seimei; Sekiyu, Gasu de Kyoryoku (Yen Loans for the Revival of Basra Port; A Joint Statement by Iraq and Japan; Cooperation on Oil and Gas),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 6, 2005.

56) Yonemura, Koji, “Shusho no Chuto Rekiho; Samawa Homon Joho mo (The Visit to Middle East Countries of the Prime Minister; Some Information about a Visit to Samawa),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 6, 2005.

57) Akita, Hiroyuki, “Zainichi Beigun Saihen e; Bei, Chukan Hokoku Shusei Ojizu; Iraku Jieitai Betsu Ninmu Yosei mo (The Reorganization of the U.S. Forces in Japan; U.S. Does Not Reply to the Amendment of the Middle-Term Report; the SDF in Iraq Can Be Requested for Other Duties),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

58) Asahi Shinbun, “Iraku Rikuji; Eigo-gun Hikeba Tettai; Asu Kihon Keikaku Henko (The GSDF in Iraq; Withdrawal When the British and Australian Forces Withdraw; Change to the Basic Plan Tomorrow),” Asahi Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

59) Kato, Akira, “Iraku Jieitai; Shusho no Ninkichu ni Tettai o (The SDF in Iraq; Withdraw Them by the End of the Koizumi Administration),” Asahi Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

60) Kawaguchi, Kentaro, “Iraku Haken Rikuji Tettai Meguri Giron; Maehara-shi to Bei Kokubo Jikan (Discussions about the Withdrawal of the GSDF from Iraq; Maehara and the Vice-Secretary of the U.S. Defense Department),” Asahi Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

61) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Haken 1-nen Encho; Rikuji Tochu Tesshu ni Fuseki; Kihon Keikaku de Seifu Hoshin; Eigo-gun to no Chosei Kagi (One Year Extension to the Detachment to Iraq; the GSDF Prepares for the Withdrawal at Midterm; the Government Policy is in the Basic Plan; Key Point is the Adjustments to the British and Australian Forces),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

62) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “’Takokuseki-gun Mada Hitsuyo’ Jafari, Iraku Shusho; Nihon ni Churyu Keizoku Motomeru (The Multinational Force is Still Needed’; Iraqi Prime Minister Jaafari; Request to Japan for the Continuation of the Presence),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

63) Takahara, Kanako, “Iraq Leader Wants GSDF to Stay; Al-Jaafari Urges Mission Extension,” Japan Times, December 7, 2005.

64) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iraku Haken 1-nen Encho; Ji, Ko Bukai de Ryosho; Kihon Keikaku Asu Kakugi Kettei (The One Year Extension of the Detachment of the SDF in Iraq; LDP, Komeito Approve in Conference; Decision on the Basic Plan in the Cabinet Council Tomorrow),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

65) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iraku Rikuji Tesshu Joken; ‘Eigo-gun to Rendo’ Shisa; Kihon Keikaku Henko (The Requirement for the Withdrawal of the SDF in Iraq; Suggestions of ‘Working Together with the British and Australian Forces’; Changes to the Basic Plan),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

66) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Jieitai Haken Encho; Senryakuteki-na Iraku Shien Keizoku seyo (The Extension of the Detachment of the SDF; Continue the Strategic Support to Iraq),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

67) Yonemura, Koichi, “Iraku Jieitai; Encho Kikan nai no Tettai Shisa; Kihon Keikaku ‘Eigo no Doko Mikiwame’ (The SDF in Iraq; Suggestion of the Withdrawal Within the Extended Term; the Basic Plan ‘Affected by the Actions of the U.K. and Australia’),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 7, 2005.

68) Kyodo News, “Japan, Iraq Finalize Energy Support Deal; Tokyo Plans to Pull GSDF Out of Iraq Next Summer,” Japan Times, December 8, 2005.

69) Kyodo News, “Tokyo Plans to Pull GSDF from Iraq by Aug. 31,” Japan Times, December 8, 2005.

70) Moriyasu, Ken, “Takokuseki-gun Tettai, Rainen Kano ni; Yorudan Kokuo ga Tandoku Kaiken; Iraku Sosenkyo no Seiko Kagi (The Withdrawal of the Multinational Force Will Be Possible Next Year; the King of Jordan Gives an Exclusive Interview; In Iraq the Success of the General Election is the Key),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 8, 2005.

71) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Jieitai Haken Encho Kettei e (The SDF in Iraq; the Extension of the Detachment is Decided),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 8, 2005.

72) Sudo, Takashi, “’Iraku Tettai-ron Tegotae’ Hobei no Mehara-shi; Zen-Kokumu Fukuchokan to Kaidan (‘Some Reaction about the Withdrawal of the Detachment to Iraq’; Maehara Visits America; Conference with the Former Vice-Secretary of the State Department),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 8, 2005.

73) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Jieitai Iraku Haken 1-nen Encho Kyo Kettei; Eigo-gun no Ugoki de Tesshu mo Shiya (The Detachment of the SDF in Iraq; One Year Extension Will Be Decided Today; Thinking Also of Withdrawal in Conjunction with British and Australian Forces),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 8, 2005.

74) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Jieitai; Iraku Haken 1-nen Encho; Gogo Kakugi Kettei; Tochu Tesshu mo Sotei (The SDF; One Year Extension of the Detachment to Iraq; Decision in the Cabinet this Afternoon; Expecting Midterm Withdrawal Also),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 8, 2005.

75) Daikei, Tatsuya, “Indoneshia; Itochu ga Ogata Toshi; Chikatetsu ya Hatsuden 11 Jigyo Keikaku (Indonesia; Itochu Investment; Subway and Power Generation, Eleven Schemes),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 10, 2005.

76) Kanazawa, Hiroaki, “Sauji, Kinyu Kaiho Kasoku; Tsukacho Sosai Kaiken; Hogin mo Kangei; Gaishikei Hoken 20-sha Cho Ninka e; Kabu, Fudosan Kanetsu Soba ni Taisaku (Saudi Arabia, the Market Liberalization Accelerates; The President of Monetary Authority in Saudi Arabia is Interviewed; Japan Bank also Welcomes the Move; Twenty Foreign Affiliated Insurance Companies are Going to be Permitted; Stock, Real Estate Measures against Overheated Market),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 10, 2005.

77) Maehara, Yoshihiko, “Ishi no Kokusai Koken; Suudan de no Funto Oen (The International Contribution of Doctors; Support the Efforts in Sudan),” Asahi Shinbun, December 10, 2005.

78) Takahara, Kanako, “SDF Mission in Iraq Extended; June Exit Planned,”Japan Times, December 10, 2005.

79) Amitani, Ryujiro, “Misheru Fusein-san; Sekai Kakuchi no Nyuusu o Motto Mijika-na mono ni (Michelle Husain; To Feel Closer to News Around the World),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 11, 2005.

80) Ito, Masami, “High Court Reversal Convicts Peace Activists of SDF Trespass,” Japan Times, December 11, 2005.

81) Ogura, Izumi, “Nihon no Tsunami Enjo ‘Rainen ni wa Katsuyo’; Indoneshia Gaisho (The Tsunami Relief Support of Japan Will be ‘Used Next Year’; Indonesian Foreign Minister),” Asahi Shinbun, December 11, 2005.

82) Oyama, Hiroshi, “Iraku Shien Kinmitsu ni Renraku; Nichi-Go Gaisho Kaidan de Icchi (Tying Support to Iraq Together; Agreement at the Japan-Australian Foreign Ministers’ Meeting),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 11, 2005.

83) Asahi Shinbun, “Samawa Rikuji Fukin Chakudan ka; Shisetsu ya Taiin ni Higai nashi (Discharge Near the GSDF Camp in Samawa? No Damage to the Facilities or Members),” Asahi Shinbun, December 13, 2005.

84) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Kataaru de Genyu Seisan; Kosumo Sekiyu (Producing Crude Oil in Qatar; Cosmo Oil),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 13, 2005.

85) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Kataaru no Gesui Shori Genba Kakucho; Marubeni nado Juchu, 310-oku en (The Sewage Disposal Facilities in Qatar Expand; Marubeni and Others Accept an Order for 31 Billion Yen),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 13, 2005.

86) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Rikuji Shukueichi Chikaku Hodan 1-patsu Chakudan ka; Samawa, Hisho-on Kakunin (A Shell Lands Near the Camp of the GSDF? Confirming the Sounds of Flying Objects in Samawa),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 13, 2005.

87) Hayashi, Naoyuki, “Nichi, Mareeshia FTA o Teiketsu (Japan and Malaysia Conclude FTA),” Asahi Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

88) Hirata, Munehiro, “Jieitai no Iraku Haken Sai-Encho; Ruuru nashi de wa Tai-Bei Tsuiju; ‘Anpo Seisaku Tenkan’ Setsumei o (The Extension of the Detachment of the SDF to Iraq; It is Just Servility to America if We Don’t Have Rules; A Need to Explain ‘The Change of the Security Treaty Policy’),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

89) Kikuchi, Takashi, “Nihon, Mereeshia to FTA Shomei; Sankakokume, Raishu ni wa Hakko e (Japan Signs FTA with Malaysia; The Third Country, It Will Take Effect Next Autumn),” Yomuiri Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

90) Koseida, Jun, “Beigun no Iraku Churyu; ‘Saru mo Jigoku’ ni Gaishikan; Betonamu-ji no Seiken Ronri (The Presence of the US Forces in Iraq; Feels Like the ‘Leaving is Hell’ Political Logic of the Vietnam Era),” Asahi Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

91) Kyodo News, “Japan, Japanese Abroad Still Targets for Terrorism: Police,” Japan Times, December 14, 2005.

92) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Chuto Yuden no Keneki Shiya; Mitsubishiju, Sheru ni Saikutsu Gijutsu; CO2 Tsukai Enmei mo Kano (Considering the Rights and Interests of the Oil Fields in the Middle East; Mitsubishi Heavy Industry, Mining Techniques Left to Shell; Using CO2 Enables Continued Production from Old Oil Fields),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

93) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “FTA Raishu ni Hakko; Nihon, Mareeshia Ryo-Shusho ga Shomei; Kuruma nado Kanzei Teppai (FTA Takes Effect in Next Autumn; Japan and Malaysia; Both Prime Ministers Sign; Abolishing the Tariffs on Cars and Other Items),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

94) Utagawa, Megumi, “Nichi, Mareeshia FTA Teiketsu; ‘Higashi Ajia Jushi’ Kosoku (Japan and Malaysia Conclude FTA; ‘Look East’ Accelerates),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

95) Yamashita, Nobutaka, “Mareeshia to Keizai Renkei Kyotei; Koizumi Shusho Shomei (Economic Cooperation Agreement with Malaysia; Prime Minister Koizumi Signs),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 14, 2005.

96) Japan Times, “Mideast’s Democracy Dilemma,” Japan Times, December 15, 2005.

97) Kyodo News, “Japan, Malaysia Sign Deal on Bilateral FTA,” Japan Times, December 15, 2005.

98) Kyodo News, “Shell Hits Near GSDF Camp in Iraq,” Japan Times, December 15, 2005.

99) Mori, Chiharu, “CIA Himitsu Kosoku Shisetsu Giwaku; Tero Yogisha Meguri Beio ni Iken Tairitsu (The CIA Secret Prisons Suspicion; The Opinion of the U.S. and Europe Conflicts about the Suspects of Terrorism),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 15, 2005.

100) Oikawa, Masaya, “Chunichi Taishi ‘Taibei Tsuiju Dakedenai Chikara Hitsuyo; Bei Seifu Kokai Bunsho; Wangan Senso-ji, Kokumuchokan ni Koden (The Ambassador in Japan: Japan ‘Needs Power to Do Things Beyond Simply Service to the U.S.A.’; U.S. Government Opens Document; In the Gulf War, Official Telegram to the Secretary of State),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 15, 2005.

101) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Jieitai Iraku Haken ‘Hyoka’ 86% Beikoku (The Detachment of the SDF to Iraq: 86% of Americans Appreciate It),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 15, 2005.

102) Asahi Shinbun, “Bei Daitoryo; Kaisen no Ayamari Mitome yo (The U.S. President Should Admit the Mistake of the Outbreak of the War),” Asahi Shinbun, December 16, 2005.

103) Asahi Shinbun, “Nihon Enjo Keiyakuritsu 5-wari Sumatora-oki Jishin (The Aid of Japan; the Earthquake Off Sumatra; The Contract Rate is 50%),” Asahi Shinbun, December 16, 2005.

104) Kyodo News, “Kin of Fishermen Sue Over Fatal Israeli Ship Collision,” Japan Times, December 16, 2005.

105) Watanabe, Tsutomu, “Wangan Senso-ji Nihon Hihan no Denpo; Chunichi Taishi ‘Kiki Taio Fujubun’ (In the Gulf War, a Telegram Which Criticizes Japan; the American Ambassador in Japan ‘The Crisis Response is Inadequate’),” Asahi Shinbun, December 16, 2005.

106) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Sumatora-to Oki Jishin 246-okuen Teikyo Shitaga…; Tsukawareta Gaku 32-oku (The Earthquake near Sumatra Island; Though We Supplied 24.6 Billion Yen…, The Amount which is Spent is 3.2 Billion Yen),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 16, 2005.

107) Yonemura, Koichi, “Iraku Kaisen Konkyo ‘Machigai’ Shusho ‘Kekkaron’ de Seitoka (The Reason for the Outbreak of the Iraq War Was a ‘Mistake’; Prime Minister Defends His Position by ‘Considering Outcomes’),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 16, 2005.

108) Asahi Shinbun, “Iraku Senkyo; ‘Seiji no Kisetsu’ ga Kuru ka (The Election in Iraq: Has ‘The Season of Politics’ Come?),” Asahi Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

109) Bolat, Nurgaliyev K., “Kazakhstan: a Bright Outlook into the 21st Century,” Japan Times, December 17, 2005.

110) Hassan, Khalil Ebrahim, “Bahrain Opens Tokyo Embassy,” Japan Times, December 17, 2005.

111) Jiji Press, “Nihon Senpuku Hikoku ni Furansu de Kinko 30-nen; Arukaida-kei Kanbu (The Defendant Who Was Hidden in Japan is Condemned to Imprisonment for 30 Years in France; Related to Al-Qaida),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

112) Kawamura, Takeo, “Traditional Friendships on Diplomatic Silk Road; Growing Ties with Central Asia Will Augment Bilateral Exchanges with Kazakhstan,” Japan Times, December 17, 2005.

113) Mainichi Shinbun, “Iraku Senkyo; Jiritsu to Hanei ni Fumidasu Toki da (The Election in Iraq; Time to be Independent and Step Forward to Prosperity),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

114) Mainichi Shinbun, “Rebanon-jin Rachi Higaisha no Haha Menkai; Jenkinsu-san (The Mother of a Lebanese Kidnap Victim Meets Jenkins),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

115) Natsume, Takao, “Japan, Bahrain Landmark,” Japan Times, December 17, 2005.

116) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Hanshin Dai-Shinsai to Indo-yo Otsunami; Iji Umi Koe Sasaeai; Kobe no Koko-seira Indoneshia ni ‘Genki Torimodoshite’ (The Great Hanshin Earthquake and the Big Tsunami in the Indian Ocean; Surviving Children Support Each Other Internationally; High School Students in Kobe Visit Indonesia to ‘Lighten Up’),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

117) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Kakuha wa Ketsui Arata ni Kunizukuri ni Nagame (Each Group in Iraq Should Replenish Their Will and Try to Build the Nation),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

118) Takashima, Masayuki, “Expansive Economic Relations are in the Pipeline [Kazakhstan],” Japan Times, December 17, 2005.

119) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Iraku Senkyo; Honkaku Seiken e no Juyo-na Zenshin da (The Election in Iraq; Important Step toward a Legitimate Administration),” Yomuiri Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

120) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Shimpojiumu: Arabu to no Taiwa; Eichi no Kyoyu Motomete; Bunmeikan no Rikai o Sokushin; Minshuka e no Shien Hitsuyo (Symposium: Dialogue with the Arabs; Searching for Common Wisdom; Promoting Understanding among Each Civilization; Need to Support Democracy),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 17, 2005.

121) Yoshida, Reiji, “War Hussein’s Fault: Koizumi,” Japan Times, December 17, 2005.

122) Kyodo News, “Japan-Funded Aceh Road Project Starts Up; \910 Million in Food Aid,” Japan Times, December 18, 2005.

123) Shimazaki, Toshio, “Nihon Senpuku Aru Kaaida-kei Kanbu; Tero Kanyo, Kinko 30-nen; Furansu de Hanketsu (A Man Related to Al-Qaida Who Has Hidden in Japan; Participation in Terrorism; Imprisonment for 30 Years; Decided in France),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 18, 2005.

124) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Tero Taisaku e Teiki Kyogi; Nichi, ASEAN Raishun ni mo Kaishi Joho Kyoyu ya Jinzai Ikusei (Regular Conferences on Terror Defense; Japan and ASEAN Start Conferences Next Spring; Sharing Information and Training),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 18, 2005.

125) Fuse, Hiroshi, “Iraku Senso; Sukyandaru Tsugitsugi Nayami Tsukinu Bei Seiken (The Iraq War; Scandals Come One After Another, The Worries of the U.S. Government Do Not End),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 19, 2005.

126) Ikeuchi, Satoshi, “Chuto, Kozo Henka no 1-nen (The Middle East, Year of Structural Change),” Asahi Shinbun, December 19, 2005.

127) Jiji Press, “Rikuji to no Renkei Go-Gaisho ‘Juncho’; Samawa (Cooperation with the GSDF; Australian Foreign Minister is ‘Favorable’; Visits Samawa),” Asahi Shinbun, December 19, 2005.

128) Kyodo News, “U.S. Used Japan’s Gulf War Isolation to Push it onto World Stage,” Japan Times, December 19, 2005.

129) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Nichi, Paresuchina 3-gatsu Kakuryokyu Kyogi; Tokyo de Kaisai e (Japan and Palestine Cabinet Ministers’ Level Conference Will be Held in Tokyo in March),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 19, 2005.

130) Fujitani, Ken, “Indoneshia Hatsu Josei dake no Koban; Nihon Seifu ga Shien (The First Woman’s Only Police Box in Indonesia; Japanese Government Support),” Asahi Shinbun, December 20, 2005.

131) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Oiru Manee to Nihon Kabu; ‘Fukkatsu’ de Shikin Furumuke (The Oil Money and Japanese Stocks; Applying the Funds to ‘Revival’),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 20, 2005.

132) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Paresuchia Senkyo Nihon ga Kinkyu Shien (The Election in Palestine, Japan’s Emergency Support),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 20, 2005.

133) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Oil Manee to Nihon Kabu; ‘Antei Kabunushi’ e Rabu Kooru (Oil Money and Japanese Stocks; A Call to ‘Stable Stockholders’),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 21, 2005.

134) Yomiuri Shinbun, “Kaizoku Taisaku Denshi Nettowaaku; Seisaku Hoshin; Marakka Kaikyo (The Anti-Piracy Electronic Network; Government Policy; Malacca Straits),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 21, 2005.

135) Kanazawa, Hiroaki, “Sauji no Toskika Aruwariido Oji ni Kiku: ‘Kabu Yasuku Kyosoryoku’ Sentaku Kijun; Toshisaki, Sonii ni mo Chumoku; Chuto Shikin Infura Seibi e (Listening to Saudi Investor Prince Al-Walid: ‘Low Prices and Competitive Power’; the Standard of Selection; Sees Sony as a Good Investment; Middle East Funds to Maintain the Infrastructure),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 22, 2005.

136) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Oiru Manee to Nihon Kabu; Toshi Buumu Shomin wa Uchimuki (Oil Money and Japanese Stocks; The Boom of Investment; Ordinary People are Interested in the Domestic Scene),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 22, 2005.

137) Al-Saad, Badr, and Furutani, Takuya “Oiru Manee to Nihon Kabu; Toshi Hiritsu, Sara ni Takameru; Juntaku-na Shikin M&A mo (Oil Money and Japanese Stocks; Make Investment Ratios Higher; Abundant Funds and M&A, Too),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 23, 2005.

138) Asahi Shinbun, “Iraku Saiken ‘Hoken Nashi’ mo Sakugen; Ote Shosha, 8-wari Kaishu Funo (The Credit of Iraq; Reducing ‘No Insurance’; Major Firms Cannot Withdraw 80%),” Asahi Shinbun, December 23, 2005.

139) Maeda, Eiji, “Kanshin Takaku, Jinsoku ni Katsudo; Fukko no Kagi Jumin Sanka (Great Interests, Moving Speedily; the Key of the Recovery is the Participation of Locals),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 23, 2005.

140) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Chikatetsu Tero Fusege Gomi Bako Zokuzoku Tekkyo; Fukuoka no Kakusen ‘Jidai no Nagare’ (To Protect the Subway against Terrorism Trash Cans are Removed One After Another; Each Line in Fukuoka ‘The Tide of the Times’),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 23, 2005.

141) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Muke Saiken; Ote 6-shosha ga 1961-okuen Hoki (The Credit for Iraq; The Major Six Firms Give Up 196 Billion Yen),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 23, 2005.

142) Ando, Ken, “Toruko Kanko no Hojin Gakusei Fumei (A Japanese Student Tourist is Missing in Turkey),” Asahi Shinbun, December 25, 2005.

143) Kyodo News, “Kanko no Hojin Gakusei Toruko de Yukue Fumei (A Japanese Student Tourist is Missing in Turkey),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 25, 2005.

144) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Tero Taisaku, Bosai ni Mushowaku; ODA (The Voluntary Limit of Terror Defense; Disaster Prevention),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 25, 2005.

145) Okamoto, Michiro, “Toruko de Hojin Gakusei Sengetsu kara Yukue Fumei (A Japanese Student in Turkey Has Been Missing Since Last Month),” Yomiuri Shinbun, December 25, 2005.

146) Kyodo News, “Toruko Ryoko no Hojin Gakusei Fumei; Soryojikan, Joho Teikyo Uttae (A Japanese Student Traveling in Turkey Has Been Missing; The Consulate General Needs Information),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 26, 2005.

147) Isogawa, Tomoyoshi; Sadamori, Daiji; Takanarita, Jun; and Yoshida, Fumihiko, “Kinpakukan Masu Kokusai Josei; Media wa Sekai o Do Tsutaeta ka; Rakkanron Takamaru Beikoku; Tettai de Tero Gekika mo (The Tense International Situation; How Does the World Media Report It? The Iraqi Issue; The US Has an Optimistic Attitude; Withdrawal May Bring Out the Intensification of Terrorism),” Asahi Shinbun, December 28, 2005.

148) Kurihara, Toshio, “Indoneshia de Imariyaki no Hahen; Edojidai Chuki no Saku Gaiko, Boekishi no Shiryo ni (A Piece of Imariware Found in Indonesia; It was Made in the Middle of the Edo Period; Will be a Source of Information on the History of Diplomacy and Trade),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 28, 2005.

149) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Jieitai Iraku Tesshu; ‘Rainen Zenhan’ 46%; Eigun nado to Doji ‘Sokuji’ wa 28% (The Withdrawal of the SDF from Iraq; ‘The First Half of Next Year’ 46%; Withdrawing Together with the British Force; ‘Immediately’ is 28%),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 28, 2005.

150) Asahi Shinbun, “Hitobito no Kokoro Tsukami Naose; Tai-Tero Senso o Kangaeru (Attract the Hearts of People Again; Reconsider the War on Terrorism),” Asahi Shinbun, December 29, 2005.

151) Hirachi, Noboru and Takekawa, Masaki, “Mitsui Sumitomo Gin Dobai ni Hatsu no Shiten; Chukyo no Kyoten; Oiru Manee Nerai (Mitsui Sumitomo Bank Establishes a Branch for the First Time in Dubai; The Stronghold of the Middle East for Oil Money),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 29, 2005.

152) Matsuo, Ryo, “Shusho Chuto o Raigetsu Rekiho; Bei no Shin Wahei An Sokumen Shien; Sonzaikan Apiiru ga Kadai (The Prime Minister Visits the Middle East Next Month; Partial Support for the New US Peace Plan; How Can Make an Appeal?),” Mainichi Shinbun, December 29, 2005.

153) Nakagawa, Hitoki, “Kokusai Sekiyu; Iran Yuden Rainen Kaihatsu; Seisan, 08-nen Kaishi Hoshin (Inpex Develops the Oil Field in Iran; Plans to Start Production from ’08),” Asahi Shinbun, December 29, 2005.

154) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Afugan Shien 2-oku Doru Kyoshutsu e Seifu (The Government Contributes Two Hundred Million Dollars to Support Afghanistan),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 29, 2005.

155) Nihon Keizai Shinbun, “Iraku Rikuji Tettai, Eigo to Chosetsu e; Seifu, ‘Rainen no Zenhan’ Mosaku; Taibei Hairyo de Kakehiki mo (Adjusting the Time of the Withdrawal from Iraq with the British and Australian Forces; the Government Gropes Toward ‘Within the First Half of Next Year’; Maneuvering in Consideration of the US),” Nihon Keizai Shinbun, December 30, 2005.

156) Asahi Shinbun, “Iran Kaku Kyogi; Hakyoku o Sakeru Ketsudan o (The Conference about Nuclear Issues with Iran; The Need of a Decision to Avoid a Collapse),” Asahi Shinbun, December 31, 2005.