While the government prepares to roll out the red carpet for U.S. President George W. Bush as he arrives today in Tokyo for his inaugural visit, a collection of nongovernmental groups are planning a less warm welcome.
Japanese NGOs as well as the Democrats Abroad Japan organization will give Bush a frosty greeting by drawing attention to his rejection of the Kyoto climate pact and emphasizing their opposition to the alternative plan he announced on Thursday.
"We protest against America's new proposal and appeal to Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi to call on the U.S. to return to the protocol and reconfirm his intention to see Japan ratify it during the current Diet session," said Masaaki Nakajima, of Friends of the Earth Japan.