DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH

th 28 EP/JAPAN INTERPARLIAMENTARY MEETING 28 May – 1 June 2007 in Tôkyô and Hokkaido

REPORT

The Delegation for relations with Japan visited Japan from 28 May – 1 June 2007, under the leadership of Georg JARZEMBOWSKI (EPP-ED), Chairman of the Delegation.1 It held the 28th EP/Japan Interparliamentary Meeting at the of Japan in Tôkyô and met Prime Minister Shinzo ABE as well as Defence Minister Fumio KYUMA. This visit took place at a time when the global recession affected Japan with a particular intensity, given the country's dependency on exports. At the same time, the political climate was troubled, with an ailing government a few weeks or months ahead of a general election, but with an opposition party in an equally difficult position with the public opinion. More immediately, the visit followed immediately the G20 Summit in London, and North Korea had just launched a rocket (claimed to be a satellite launch, but identical to a long- range ballistic missile) the parts of which had landed in the Japan Sea, in breach of the UN sanctions resolutions.

PARLIAMENT The Speaker The Speaker of the House of Representatives, Mr. Yohei Kono, explained that the Diet was actively involved in the process to reform the constitution, relying in particular on examples taken from EU and EU Member states' experience. The requirement of a referendum was a new concept in Japan. Mr Nakayama explained the electoral rules to be specifically implemented for the referendum, in particular the prohibition of commercial style advertisement in the last two weeks Mr Jarzembowski asked which topics were of most interest to the citizens in Japan, mentioning climate change as main concern in Europe. Speaker replied that citizens expressed most interest in welfare and education questions, but in the political arena security and defence have taken a great importance. Mrs Breyer asked about the role of women in Japanese politics. The speaker replied that the participation of women in political life since 1945 started at a low level and even declined in the first decades, but is now increasing.

1 List of Members and programme are attached.

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 On a question by Mr Jarzembowski, he tried to define the profile of the main Japanese political parties, referring to history and main options of these parties. Vice-Speaker insisted on the fact that LDP had a focus on economic liberalisation, while DPJ tried to keep the balance between economic growth, state responsibility and citizens' aspirations.

Interparliamentary meeting Political situation in Japan and the EU and multilateral issues Mr Matsuda presented the major challenges facing Japan: constitutional reform, sustainability of the pensions systems and reform of the institutional structure for social security, Mr Jarzembowski expressed concern at the lack of commitment to Kyoto by US and , insisting that China cannot claim that it is a developing country any more. He mentioned that another major multilateral issue was at risk, namely the WTO negotiations, fearing that the Doha Development agenda was going into deadlock. Bilateral FTA agreements were being prepared with many important partners, and this was detrimental, not positive for global free trade progress. Regarding the reform of the constitution, Mr Jarzembowski and Mr Newton-Dunn analysed some of the lessons of the failure of the referendums in Europe. Mr Harbour expressed his concern at the slow progress towards the EU-Japan science and technology Agreement. Mr Nakagawa (DPJ) insisted on the need to transfer environmental technology to Japan's neighbours as part of an economic process based on market principles. He reminded that the referendum will only be organised based on a text adopted by more than 65% of members of each Chamber, which requires consensus building, a point which has not been attained yet, and that strict neutrality requirements apply for civil service, in particular education and public force. Mr Ford commented on the perspectives for a "mini-treaty" as a way to avoid the risky process of referendum. He mentioned the progress of CFSP, in particular the Rapid Deployment Force and EU's participation in peace operations in Africa (Congo) and Asia (Aceh). He mentioned EU's engagement with North Korea. Mr Inuzuka (DPJ) mentioned the unanimous vote by Japan's House of Councillors to ratify the accession to the International Criminal Court, and efforts to have the use of nuclear weapons considered as a crime. Mr Fatuzzo presented the ongoing reflection for harmonising the efforts towards sustainable pension systems throughout the EU, and inquired what solutions Japan is considering. Mr Tsushima exposed the current levels of contribution and payment applicable to workers as well as spouses, and the current debate over the long-term sustainability of the pension scheme confronted to aging population and careers changing from life-time employment towards more flexible patterns involving several employers and statuses. Mr Eda (DPJ) criticised the process followed by the LDP for the reform of the constitution making it the subject of party politics rather than consensus building. Mr Gotôda (LDP) highlighted the intensity of dialogue efforts in all aspects between European countries compared with the low level existing in Japan regarding relations with its neighbours. He expressed interest in the engagement policy towards North Korea, and in the management of foreign work within the social security system.

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 Mrs Resetarits corrected some of Mr Gotôda's comments as somehow over-optimistic. Mrs Komiyama praised the European family-friendly social allowances system, and the work- life balance, allowing for a better birth rate. Mr Jarzembowski informed that Germany is moving towards this kind of system, inspired by the French and Scandinavian models. He hinted at the fact that a higher employment rate by women would limit the pressure for an influx of foreigners. Contrary to previous speakers, Mrs Kaufmann spoke in favour of constitutional referenda as the way to involve the people, saying that the failure in France and the Netherlands were the result of tactical mistakes in the "yes" campaigns rather than a consequence of the institution of referendum itself, and reminded that there had been successful referendums also, eg. in Spain.

Situation in the Middle East Mr Pascu exposed the risks of deterioration in Iraq and Afghanistan but also in Pakistan, and exposed the positions of EP regarding Iraq and the Israel-Palestine conflict. Mrs Maruya (Komeito) insisted on the need to foster confidence-building measures at civil society level and highlighted the room for Euro-Japanese cooperation in humanitarian aid. EU and Japan should jointly put pressure to foster dialogue between USA and Iran on all subjects including Iraq. Mr Jarzembowski pointed at the complexity of the situation and the difficulty to deal with terrorist organisations with the tools of country-to-country diplomacy. Dialogue is only possible if all sides agree to start it and accept its basic preconditions. Mr Haraguchi recalled that the DPJ had opposed Japan's involvement in Iraq's invasion and criticised the behaviour of the USA in the country, both in terms of its military and reconstruction policies. He insisted that the harm caused by radiations in nuclear experiments and incidents had been underestimated. Mr Newton-Dunn mentioned the peace process in Northern Ireland, insisting that the existence of the EU had been an essential argument to support reconciliation. He expressed pessimism about the situation in Middle East, as fundamental Islam is incompatible with democracy and human rights, and as Israel would certainly strike first before Iran attains the level of producing a nuclear bomb. Mrs Resetarits insisted that the conflict in the Palestinian territories was fuelled by the siege conditions imposed by Israel, and that the living conditions in Gaza were the main reason for radicalism. Mr Ford declared that Iran's development of nuclear weapons would probably not have been started had not Israel already a stock of over 100 nuclear weapons, developed through US help or at least blessing. Mr Inuzuka asked how development aid could contribute to the stability of Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr Jarzembowski answered that aid could work only as part of a stabilised political situation, or at least a direction commonly agreed by the different sides in conflict. FTA/EPA and Energy policy Mr Harbour highlighted the importance of services in the production of wealth and in international trade. He pointed out that open competition was needed in this area, in particular

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 regarding financial services and the legislative framework, in particular regarding acquisitions and mergers. Rules on public procurement, as well as the ability for research and development entities to take part in pilot contracts are an important point for future integration of Japan and EU economies. Mr Jarzembowski quoted the ongoing work on emission trading for aviation in the EU and pointed to its possible international implications. He also mentioned the question of an EU/Japan aviation agreement to replace the existing bilateral agreements, mentioning the achievements reached between the EU and USA. Mr Kosugi exposed the energy-efficiency schemes in Japan. Eco-taxes have not been introduced, but there is a strong promotion of energy-efficient equipments, in particular through labelling of most effective products. Japan is eager at promoting environment- friendly lifestyles. Mr Matsuda reminded that the reduction target for Japan under the Kyoto protocol was 6%. He mentioned nuclear power as the most efficient way to limit CO2 emissions, even if it was not accounted for as such. Mr Shiokawa (Communist Party) mentioned the importance of protecting the rights of workers and fighting poverty. He pointed out that Japan was the only OECD country where poverty was raising. In many companies, the rate of non-regular, sometimes illegal workers was significant. He referred to the political consequences of such social evolutions, mentioning the European examples of the services provision directive and the failure of the Constitution referendum in France, and insisted on the social corporate responsibility. Mr Ford questioned Japan's policy of negotiating FTAs both with ASEAN and with individual Southeast Asian member states. Mrs Breyer detailed the emission trading plans in member states, and Harbour confirmed the importance of taking into account the enforcement of labour and environmental standards in harmonisation and globalisation agreements, something EU has achieved in the directive on services provision and pursues in the multilateral framework.

Neighbourhood policy Mr Hatoyama commented on the development of Japan-China trade and relations, to oppose value-based diplomacy and promote a vision of brotherhood in relations with China and Russia. Mr Lewandowski exposed that the growing trade relations and good business climate went along with an increase of tensions with Russia. He pointed out the use of energy supply as a political weapon (80% of all 55 cases of energy cuts or threats by Russia since 1991 had a political, not economic motivation). He mentioned that EU's vision of "soft power" did not correspond Russia's geopolitical attitude. However Europe needs Russia, both economically and in the international arena, where Russia can leverage its veto power in view of a deal-oriented, not rules-oriented policy, more than Russia needs Europe. Mr Haraguchi (DPJ) stated that Japan had the same values concern with Russia, as well as territorial dispute. He commented on North Korea's attitude and insisted on EU's support in the abductions issue.

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 Mr Jarzembowski reminded that trade links were reciprocal, and that democratic countries did not have to sacrifice their values for the sake of trade. He warned against the fuzzy content of Japanese demands regarding the abductees as a hindrance for making this issue a priority in discussions with North Korea. He asked about Japan's position regarding the current level of the Chinese currency and about the developments of normalisation of Japan's relations with China and South Korea. Mrs Yoshikawa (Communist Party) expressed concern that a revision of Art. 9 of the Japanese Constitution would worsen relations with its neighbours, where distrust is still high, and expressed doubts that Japan had reflected enough about its history. Mr Tsushima put the exchange rate question in relation with the deflationary tendencies in Japanese economy. Mr Ford compared the situation in China and Russia: the loss of control by the power on the society and the economy fuels authoritarian and nationalist attitude. He insisted like Mr Jarzembowski on the fact that negotiations on the abductees required a joint investigation team under a neutral and independent chairmanship as a way to progress.

Government Prime Minister The meeting with Prime Minister Shinzô ABE was mostly a courtesy call. The Prime Minister mentioned the importance for Japan of the upcoming G8 Summit at Toya Lake, and the joint commitment of Japan and the EU towards fighting climate change.

Minister for Defence In the meeting with Minister for Defence Kyuma, the Minister mentioned his recent visits to European countries and contacts with NATO. The creation of a Ministry of Defence instead of a second rank agency as in the past was linked to the participation of Japan's Self-Defense Forces in international activities. Japan and European countries share the same values, therefore it was important to co-operate in peace missions together. Japan was looking forward to establishing forward-looking co- operation with the EU. Mr Jarzembowski commented positively on the establishment of a Ministry for Defence, which it is normal to have in a democratic country. He referred to the German experience as an example of the importance of overcoming the distrust stemming from history and building co-operation with neighbours based on the democratic values. He asked the Minister about his assessment of the development of armed forces in the People's Republic of China, the build-up of North Korea's military capacity, and more generally the security situation in East Asia.

The Minister explained that China's development will bring this country closer to democratic countries; he expected better dialogue. China was spending more money for the modernisation of its military capabilities however it had not that much expertise and

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 maintaining very large forces was very costly for a country that tries to focus as much as possible on economic development. China's effort was not directed towards Japan so it was not considered as a threat but Japan was keeping an eye on the expansion of China's maritime capability. Japan but also South eastern Asian countries were cautious of China's policy, but the attitude was not feeling too concerned, but to have good diplomatic relations and a positive, undistorted perception of China's geopolitical vision. North Korea did not have a real military capability but an ability to launch terrorist attacks or other disruptive assaults. The one-man leadership made the country's behaviour unpredictable, and it did not follow a rational line in accordance with the country's own interests. Japan felt that international cooperation was needed to discourage North Korea's "rogue state" behaviour. Mrs Resetarits referred to Austria's debate on neutrality vs. involvement in European defence and drew a parallel with Japan's situation regarding peace-keeping missions. Mr Pascu referred to the fact that Japan has a high dependency on trade, foreign investment, energy and raw materials supply, etc. With so many activities international how could Japan secure networks and communication lines, project forces, establish logistics? Mr Ford asked about Japan's future plans regarding Iraq. The Minister replied that since WWII the Japanese people had proved peace-loving. Even if Japan changes its Constitution, this would not imply more military activity or budget. The problem with the current wording of the Constitution resided in the inability to use forces overseas for international, especially UN cooperation activities. Even with an amended article 9, Japan will keep some limitations. Regarding Iraq, the role of Japan was to contribute to the stability in the country. The Diet currently considered extending Japan's current limited involvement for two more years.

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH JAPAN

28th EP/Japan Interparliamentary Meeting 28 May - 1 June 2007 / HOKKAIDO

LIST OF PARTICIPANTS

Members (14) Group Country Committees

Mr Georg JARZEMBOWSKI EPP-DE Germany Transport and Tourism Chairman Fisheries Ms Karin RESETARITS ALDE Austria Culture 1st Vice-Chairman Women's Rights Mr Jaroslav ZVĚŘINA EPP-DE Czech Legal Affairs 2nd Vice-Chairman Republic

Mr Ioan Mircea PAŞCU PES Romania Foreign Affairs (Vice-Chairman)

Mr Malcolm HARBOUR EPP-DE United Internal Market and Consumer Protection Kingdom Mr Janusz LEWANDOWSKI EPP-DE Poland Budgets Mr Carlo FATUZZO EPP-DE Italy Employment and Social Affairs Mr Antolin SÁNCHEZ PRESEDO PES Spain Economic and Monetary Affairs Mr Pier Antonio PANZERI PES Italy Employment and Social Affairs Mr Glyn FORD PES United International Trade Kingdom Petitions Mr Bill NEWTON DUNN ALDE United Internal Market and Consumer Protection Kingdom Ms Margarita STARKEVIČIŪTĖ ALDE Lithuania Economic and Monetary Affairs Ms Hiltrud BREYER GREEN Germany Committee on the Environment, Public Health and Food Safety Ms Sylvia-Yvonne KAUFMANN GUE/NGL Germany Constitutional Affairs

Secretariat

Mr JACOB Thierry Ms CARNAZZA Germana

Political group staff

Mr Philipp SCHULMEISTER (EPP-ED)

Abbreviations:

EPP-DE Group of the European People's Party (Christian Democrats) and European Democrats PES Socialists Group in the European Parliament ALDE Group of the Alliance of Liberals and Democrats of Europe GUE/NGL Confederal Group of the European United Left/Nordic Green Left UEN Union for Europe of the Nations Group GREENS Group of the Greens/European Free Alliance

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 The 28th Japan-EP Interparliamentary Conference Japanese Delegation List

Delegates (36 members) Leader Mr. Taro NAKAYAMA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Deputy Leader Mr. Iwao MATSUDA, MP H.C., Liberal Democratic Party Adviser Mr. Tsutomu HATA, MP H.R., Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents Acting Leader Mr. , MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Acting Leader Mr. , MP H.R., Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents Member Mr. Tadamori OSHIMA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Takeo KAWAMURA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Kenji KOSAKA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Takashi KOSUGI, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Masazumi GOTODA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Masahiko KOMURA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Genichiro SATA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Yuji TSUSHIMA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Takuya HIRAI, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Koji FUTADA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Kosuke HORI, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Ms. Mayumi MORIYAMA, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Shunichi YAMAGUCHI, MP H.R., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Akihiro OHATA, MP H.R., Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents Ms. Yoko KOMIYAMA, MP H.R., Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents Mr. Masaharu NAKAGAWA, MP H.R., Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents Mr. Kazuhiro HARAGUCHI, MP H.R., Democratic Party of Japan and Club of Independents Mr. Kazuyoshi AKABA, MP H.R., New Komeito Ms. Kaori MARUYA, MP H.R., New Komeito Mr. Tetsuya SHIOKAWA, MP H.R., Japanese Communist Party

Mr. Shinya IZUMI, MP H.C., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Shinsuke SUEMATSU, MP H.C., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Tadashi TAURA, MP H.C., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Masaharu NAKAGAWA, MP H.C., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Hiroo NAKASHIMA, MP H.C., Liberal Democratic Party Mr. Tadashi INUZUKA, MP H.C., The Democratic Party and The Shin- Ryokufukai Mr. , MP H.C., The Democratic Party and The Shin- Ryokufukai Ms. Wakako HIRONAKA, MP H.C., The Democratic Party and The Shin- Ryokufukai Mr. Yasuo YAMASHITA, MP H.C., The Democratic Party and The Shin- Ryokufukai Mr. Kiyohiro ARAKI, MP H.C., New Komeito Ms. Haruko YOSHIKAWA, MP H.C., Japanese Communist Party

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 EUROPEAN PARLIAMENT

DELEGATION FOR RELATIONS WITH JAPAN The 28th Japan-EP Interparliamentary Meeting

PROGRAMME 28 May – 1 June 2007 in Tokyo & Hokkaido

Sunday 27 May Arrival of the EP delegation in Tokyo/Narita Airport 15h00 - 16h30 Coordination meeting between the EP and Japanese Diet Secretariats Imperial Hotel, Meeting Room F 17h00 - 18h00 Briefing by Mr. Hugh RICHARDSON, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Japan - Imperial Hotel - OOGI Room 18h30 Buffet Dinner Residence of the Head of Delegation Stay at the Imperial Hotel 1-1, Uchisaiwai-cho 1-chome, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-8558 Tel: +81 3 3504 1111, Fax: +81 3 3581 9146

Monday 28 May

08h30 – 09h00 Bureau working breakfast for the leaders of the two delegations ‘Imperial Hotel, Meeting Room “UME” 10h00-10h30 Meeting with Mr. Fumio KYUMA, Defense Minister 11h15 - 11h50 Courtesy call on H.E. Mr. Yohei KONO, Speaker of the House of Representatives Drawing Room of the Speaker, House of the Representatives 12h15 - 13h30 Buffet Luncheon hosted by M. Taro NAKAYAMA, Leader of the Japanese Delegation Hotel Okura, ‘Oak Room’ 14h00 - 17h00 First Working Session (Internet TV broadcasting) Committee Room 43, House of Councilors 17h20 - 18h00 Courtesy call on H.E. Ms. Chikage OOGI, President of the House of Councilors Drawing Room of the President, House of the Councilors 18h30 - Reception jointly hosted by the Speaker and the President Official Residence of the President 20h00 Convivial Party with Japan-EU Interparliamentary League of Friendship (optional) Hotel New Otani Stay at the Imperial Hotel Tuesday 29 May

08h00 - 9h00 Counterpart Political Party Meeting with LDP

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 08h00 - 9h00 Counterpart Political Party Meeting with DPJ Free Time 12h00 - 14h00 Working Luncheon “Improving the Trade and Business Environment Between Japan and Europe” Guest Speakers: - The View of European Business: Mr. Richard Collasse, Chairman of the European Business Council (EBC), President and General Representatives of Chanel K.K. - The View of Japanese Business: Mr. Tadashi OKAMURA, Co-Chairman of the Japan-EU Business Dialogue Round Table (JEBDRT), Chairman of the Board of TOSHIBA Cooperation Hotel Okura, ‘Oak Room’ 13h30 Joint Press Conference - Leaders of the two Delegations 14h30 - 16h30 Second Working Session (Internet TV broadcasting) Committee Room 43, House of Councilors

18h00-18h15 Meeting with Mr Shinzo ABE, Prime Minister Official Residence of the Prime Minister 18h30 - Reception hosted by Georg JARZEMBOWSKI, Leader of the EP Delegation and Mr Hugh RICHARDSON, Head of Delegation of the European Commission to Japan Meiji Kinenkan Stay at the Imperial Hotel

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320 Wednesday 30 May

08h15 Leave the hotel 09h30 Depart for Shin-Chitose airport (Sapporo) on flight ANA57 11h05 Arrive at Shin-Chitose airport 12h15 - 13h15 Welcome Reception hosted by the Vice-Governor of Hokkaido Sheraton Sapporo Hotel 14h30 - 15h20 Tour of the Automobile Recycling Facility in the eastern part of Tomakomai City (MATEC Inc.) 16h00 - 17h30 Tour of “Poroto Kotan” and “Ainu Museum” 18h10 Arrive at the Japanese inn and hot-spring “Oyado Kiyomizuya” 19h30 - 21h30 Dinner hosted by the Acting-Leader of the Japanese Delegation in the inn (Japanese Foods) Stay at the Oyado Kiyomizuya 173, Noboribetsuonsen-cho, Noboribetsu City, Hokkaido 059-0551 Tel: +81 143 84 2145, Fax: +81 143 84 2146 Thursday 31 May

09h00 Leave the inn 09h40 - 10h40 Tour of the Port of Muroran 10h40 - 11h40 Tour of the PCB waste treatment facility (Japan Environment Safety Corporation: JESCO) 12h30 - 14h00 Lunch Restaurant Cowbel (Shiraoi Beef) 15h00 - 16h10 Brewery tour in Kirin beer park Chitose 17h30 Arrive at Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo 19h30 - Dinner hosted by the Acting-Leader of the Japanese Delegation in the hotel (Chinese Foods) Stay at Keio Plaza Hotel Sapporo Kita5, Nishi7-2-1, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido 060-0005 Tel: +81 11 271 0111, Fax: +81 11 271 7943 Friday 1 June 06h00 Mr Jarzembowski and members leave the hotel for Shin-Chitose airport 11h00 Other members leave the hotel for Shin-Chitose airport 10h00-11h30 Settlement meeting between the EP and Japanese Diet Secretariats

CR\784834EN.doc PE 424.320