U.S. Nippon Communications Network to Broadcast Hatoyama's First 30 Days

Recent massive of budget requests by government ministries' agencies used to be nothing more than annual routine in Japan. But this year, something has changed. What has changed since the Hatoyama administration was started one month ago?

The Prime Minister, Yukio Hatoyama, says he wants a national budget that places importance on individual people's lives. The new administration is adamant, the government policy be let by politicians, not by bureaucrats. The skill of each politician is now being foot to the test.

Deputy Prime Minister, Naoto Kan, says the idea that it is politicians who must take the initiatives to starting to take hold in Japan. Law makers appointed to top ministry agencies posts have been trying to trim spending whenever they can.

The aim is to secure funding for the policy in ruling Democratic Party manifesto. The Senior Vice Minister, Masahiko Yamada, says he can't trim any more fat. The new government is still in the process in figuring how politicians can take the lead in forming government policy.

What has changed since the Hatoyama administration was started one month ago? Today's Close-up will feature the exclusive interview of the key player, Deputy Prime Minister, Naoto Kan.

"Our priority is on the policy of manifesto. Our administration is trying to change. We want to use money on people, not on concrete. The fiscal discipline will be pointless without changing the content of budget. I have watched successful administrations for the past 20 or 30 years, none has exceeded in maintaining the fiscal discipline. Our budget will be different in content. - Deputy Prime Minister and National Strategy Minister, Naoto Kan"

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Hatoyama's First 30 Days will be presented in the New York area by USN (US-Nippon Communications Network, a division of IRM U.S.A. Inc.) on Saturday, November 7, at 5:00 PM via NYC-TV Chanel 25 available on various cables, satellite networks and also including the Digital Television (DTV).

This documentary is one in a series entitled "Today's Close-Up" produced by NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation). It had its premier broadcast in Japan, October 15, 2009.

USN-TV broadcasts to the greater NY Metropolitan Area every Saturday via NYC-TV Ch. 25 (5:00 - 6:00 p.m.) The program includes "Visit to My Homeland" - a sightseeing tour of Japan's countryside; "Japan Video Topics" - What's on Japan, culture, cuisine, Matsuri (Festival) and other curious scenes from Japan. "USN Report" - community news of U.S.-Japan events in New York area; and "Wuta" - featuring clips from Japanese pop music scene.