電子書籍 活字文化の発展につなげたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 31, 2012)
Help e-books spread to promote printed word
電子書籍　活字文化の発展につなげたい（7月30日付・読売社説）

Market activity to promote the use of electronic books is picking up this summer. Efforts should be made to improve the environment for the spread of e-books so it can lead to further development of the culture of the printed word.
　この夏、電子書籍の普及を目指す市場の動きが活発化している。活字文化の一層の発展につながるよう、環境整備を図るべきだろう。

Rakuten, Inc. a leading online shopping service, has begun marketing a low-cost electronic reader. U.S. online retailer Amazon.com, the largest operator in the market, will soon launch digital readers that can display Japanese. Meanwhile, more publishers are moving their distribution of e-books into full gear.
　インターネット通販大手の楽天は、低価格の電子書籍端末の販売を始めた。業界最大手の米アマゾン社も、近く日本語で読める端末サービスで事業参入する。電子書籍の配信に本腰を入れる出版社も増えている。

In reality, however, the e-book market now consists mostly of such publications as comics for cell phone users.
　ただし、携帯電話向けのコミックなどが電子書籍市場の多数を占めているのが実情だ。

E-books are not widely used yet, primarily because digital readers are expensive and the number of books that can be read on them is limited.
　普及が進まないのは、端末価格が高額な上、電子版で読める本の数が限られているためである。

Also, standards for e-books have yet to be unified, leaving users of digital readers unable to read all the e-books available on the market. As things stand now, the readership of digital books will not increase markedly.
電子書籍の規格も統一されておらず、端末を買っても電子書籍がすべて読めるとは限らない。これでは読者層は広がるまい。

===

From a roar to a whimper

Some have called 2010 the first year of e-books, as that year saw a boom triggered by the market release of e-book readers. It cannot be denied that the boom started with a roar but ended in a whimper.
　電子書籍端末の発売でブームが起きた２０１０年を電子書籍元年と呼ぶこともあったが、掛け声倒れに終わった感が否めない。

This spring, Digital Publishing Initiatives Japan Co. was established with the financing of leading publishing firms and a public-private joint fund. It will support small and midsize publishing houses in releasing e-books of their titles, few of which have been digitized. The organization is expected to help expand the e-book market.
　今春、大手出版社や官民合同ファンドなどの出資で「出版デジタル機構」が設立された。デジタル化が進まない中小出版社の書籍の電子化などを支援していく。電子書籍市場の拡大に一定の役割を果たすと見られている。

Needless to say, a large number of people can probably only truly enjoy reading books printed on paper. But if digitization of books advances, that will make it easier to obtain academic or technical books with a limited circulation. In some cases, paper books that were out of print were revived as e-books.
　無論、本当の読書の楽しさは、紙の本でしか味わえないという人も多いだろう。だが、電子化が進めば、発行部数の少ない学術書や専門書の入手が容易になる。品切れになった本が電子版として復刊されるケースも相次いでいる。

Among the most advanced e-books are those that allow readers to write words on the text or look up words in a dictionary. It is also possible for users to post comments on Twitter. Such features would certainly help create new readership of e-books.
　最先端の電子書籍には、文中に書き込んだり、言葉を辞書で調べたりする機能が付いているものがある。ツイッターで感想を発信することも可能だ。新しい読者層が広がるに違いない。

In the era of digitization, new challenges are emerging, too.
　電子化時代には、新たな課題も浮上している。

===

Copyright infringement threat

For instance, if the contents of paper books are scanned, copied and distributed widely on the Internet without the permission of concerned parties, the damage would be immense.
　例えば、紙の本が許可なく複製され、ネット上に大量発信されると被害は甚大だ。

Yet publishing houses responsible for the layout and editing of books are not guaranteed copyright protection under the Copyright Law. They are thus unable to take legal steps over infringement of their rights.
しかし、本のレイアウトや編集を担う出版社は、著作権法上の権利が保障されておらず、権利侵害を訴えることができない。

Because of this, experts are discussing whether publishing firms and other entities should be given so-called rights neighboring on copyrights.
　そのために、出版社などに「著作隣接権」と呼ばれる権利を付与することが検討されている。

A study group comprising Diet members and experts and tasked with discussing the improvement of the foundations of printed culture released an interim report designed to pave the way for the creation of such neighboring rights.
　国会議員や有識者が組織した印刷文化の基盤整備を検討する勉強会は、著作隣接権の創設に向けた中間報告を発表した。

The group proposes that people who produce data for digital publications should be included among those protected by the neighboring rights.
この権利によって保護される対象には、電子出版用のデータの作成者も含めるべきだと提案している。

Further in-depth discussion is needed to protect the culture of the printed word.
　活字文化を守るため、議論を深めていく必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 30, 2012)
（2012年7月30日01時48分  読売新聞）

日露外相会談 戦略を持って交渉を継続せよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 31, 2012)
Strategy needed to discuss northern territories with Russia
日露外相会談　戦略を持って交渉を継続せよ（7月30日付・読売社説）

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, agreed during their meeting held in Sochi, a resort in southern Russia, to continue talks on the disputed northern territories between their top leaders, foreign ministers and vice foreign ministers.
　ロシア南部の保養地ソチで行われた玄葉外相とラブロフ露外相との会談は、北方領土問題について、次官級、外相、首脳のレベルでそれぞれ交渉していく方針で一致した。

Japan and Russia have not yet developed an environment in which they can make progress on the territorial issue. Priority should be given to building a relationship of mutual trust between the leaders of the two countries through various discussions.
　日本とロシアが領土問題を前進させる環境は、まだ整っていない。様々な協議を通じて首脳間の信頼関係を構築することが先決だ。

At the meeting, Gemba again expressed his regret over Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev's second visit to Kunashiri Island, one of the islands in the northern territories, earlier this month. It is also reasonable that Gemba told Lavrov that both countries need to pay due consideration to public sentiment in holding territorial talks.
　外相会談で、玄葉氏はメドベージェフ首相が今月初旬、北方領土の国後島を視察したことに改めて遺憾の意を示した。双方が国民感情に配慮しながら協議する必要があると述べたのも当然だろう。

Lavrov said Russia would continue discussions with Japan calmly and unemotionally, but added Russian leaders would continue to visit the northern territories.
　ラブロフ氏は「落ち着いた雰囲気で感情的にならずに」議論を続けるとしながらも、露要人の領土訪問は今後も続くと述べた。

===

Overcome difference of views

However, there is a critical problem.
　だが、これは極めて問題だ。

We cannot allow Moscow to ignore Tokyo's intention and enhance its effective control over the northern territories based only on its own logic.
　ロシア側が、日本政府の意向を無視し、自国の論理だけで北方領土の実効支配を強めることは容認できない。

It is questionable how deeply Moscow understands the seriousness of Japan's protest. Russia might be taking unfair advantage of the current instability in the Japanese government.
　日本の抗議の意思がどこまでロシア側に伝わっているのか疑問である。日本の政権基盤が不安定で、ロシア側から足元を見られているのかもしれない。

"Japan would like to solve [the territorial issue with Russia] based on agreements and documents between the two countries, and on the principles of law and justice," Gemba said.
　玄葉氏は領土問題で「両国間の諸合意、諸文書、法と正義の原則に基づき解決したい」と強調した。

However, there are differences in the interpretation of basic ideas such as "the principles of law and justice" between Japan and Russia. Tokyo must find solutions to overcome such differences.
ただ、日露間では「法と正義の原則」など、基本的な考え方が異なっている。それをどう克服するか、打開策を探る必要がある。

Gemba also held talks with Russian President Vladimir Putin. Putin highly praised the current economic development situation between Japan and Russia.
"We must think about what we can and should do," he said, expressing hope for further development of economic cooperation between the two countries.
　玄葉氏はプーチン大統領とも会談した。プーチン氏は日露間の経済発展の現状を高く評価し、「何ができるか、何をすべきかを考えないといけない」と述べ、日露の協力拡大に期待を表明した。

===

Japan-Russia ties important

In fact, economic relations between Japan and Russia have been deepening. It is notable that an increasing number of Japanese companies have engaged in oil and natural gas development projects in Sakhalin and in the auto industry in other parts of Russia. Japan's trade with Russia reached a record 30.7 billion dollars in 2011. 　実際、日露間の経済関係は深まっている。サハリンの石油・天然ガス開発プロジェクトや自動車分野などで、日本企業の進出が目立つ。２０１１年の貿易額は過去最高の約３０７億ドルとなった。

Enhanced relations would benefit both nations. The relationship may become more significant in dealing jointly with North Korea's nuclear development, China, which has been increasing its economic and military strength, and other international issues.
　日露関係の強化は、双方にメリットがある。経済だけではなく、北朝鮮の核問題や、経済・軍事力を高める中国に対処するためにも、重要性を増すだろう。

"We would like to continue [territorial] negotiations [with Japan] to seek a mutually acceptable solution," Putin was quoted as telling Gemba.
　プーチン氏は玄葉氏に「相互に受け入れ可能な解決策を探るべく、交渉を継続したい」との意向を示した。

Though his true intention is not clear, Putin seems to have expressed his willingness to settle the territorial dispute.
真意は不明だが、領土問題解決に意欲を見せている。

How should the government deal with Putin's administration, which places importance on the Asia-Pacific region, to find a clue to solve the territorial issue? Tokyo must rethink its Russia strategy.
　日本政府は、アジア太平洋地域を重視するプーチン政権に、どう向き合い、領土問題解決への糸口を見いだすか。対露戦略を練り直さなければならない。

The government should use every resource available in Japan to deal with Russia, including the dispatch of former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori, who has a good relationship with Putin, to Russia.
　プーチン氏と親交のある森元首相を特派するなど、“オールジャパン”で対応すべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 30, 2012)
（2012年7月30日01時48分  読売新聞）

香山リカのココロの万華鏡:いじめは誰にでも起きる ／東京

July 29, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Bullying could happen to anyone
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:いじめは誰にでも起きる　／東京

The backlash against the problem of bullying has spread further.
　いじめ問題の波紋がさらに広がっている。

Following a recent publication of my column here, in which I wrote: "Why are those who are being bullied not seeking help? This is a problem that requires further thought," I was criticized for "trying to say that the victims who aren't seeking help are to blame."
　このコラムで「なぜ『いじめられてる』とＳＯＳを出せないか。もう一度、考えてみたい」と書いたら、「サインを出せない被害者が悪いと言いたいのか」と批判の声が上がった。

Needless to say, that is not the case. What I was really trying to say is that there are cases when, being in the swirl of all of this turmoil, some people are just unable to call for help, because they cannot fully realize what is happening to them.
　もちろんそうではない。私がいちばん言いたかったのは、「その渦中にあるときには自分の身に何が起きているのか、はっきりわからず、ＳＯＳの声も上げられない場合がある」ということだ。

As a matter of fact, I have witnessed this situation at my consultation room a couple of times now.
診察室でも何度もそういう経験をした。

Among these cases was a parent who brought their junior high school-aged daughter to me, saying she had been unwilling to go to school.
After talking with the girl, I came to realize that she had been a victim of malicious bullying.
　あるとき「不登校ぎみなんです」と保護者に連れられて診察室に来た女子中学生といろいろと話しているうちに、その子は学校で陰湿ないじめ被害にあっていることがわかったことがあった。

However, when I told her that I think her problem was not her refusal to go to school, but the bullying itself, telling her she was correct not to go to school, she shook her head in denial, saying she disagrees with my opinion.
私は「不登校じゃなくていじめじゃないの。学校に行かないのは正解だよ」と言ったのだが、女子生徒は「えっ、そうなんですか。違うと思います」と首を横に振るばかりだった。

I wonder, could this be some sort of refusal to accept that one is being bullied?
「いじめられている、なんて思いたくない」ということなのだろう。

There are other cases, in which although bullied children gather courage to tell their parents and schools that they have been bullied, the adults themselves refuse to accept the reality.
　中には、子どもが勇気を出していじめを認め、保護者や学校に申し出ても、今度はおとなたちが「まさか、いじめだなんて」と現実を見ようとしない場合もある。

I wonder if this is what happened at the school in Otsu, where a boy committed suicide after being bullied by classmates.
今回の大津市の問題もこれに当たるのだろうか。

Many adults think that for bullying to occur, there should be other fundamental problems happening at the institution.
そういったおとなたちは「いじめ事件が起きるのは、日ごろから何か問題があるからだ」と思っていて、

Many people refuse to accept that bullying is actually happening, on the grounds that theirs is "a proper institution, that has nothing to do with badly handled households or schools."
「ウチはしっかりやっている。そういったダメな家庭、学校とは違う」と思い込みたいために、「これはいじめなんかじゃない」と言ってしまうのだ。

We all need to acknowledge that, unfortunately, with the current school system and society, bullying could happen anywhere.
　まず、誰もが認めなければならないのは、残念ながらいまの社会、いまの学校では、どんなところでもいじめの問題はすぐに起きる、ということだ。

Therefore, people who have fallen victim to bullying or schools where such incidents have occurred do not need to think that there is something wrong with them or the institution.
そして、いじめが起きたからといって、「私が悪いんだ」「ウチはダメな学校になってしまった」などと考える必要はない。

Children who are being bullied should try to stay away from the place where that is happening, or in other words -- the school.
被害を受けてしまったら、本人はいじめが起きる場、つまり学校から逃げる。

Such children's parents should welcome them at home, while school officials should share the responsibility for the incident and deal with it together, instead of putting it all on the child's homeroom teacher or other single individuals.
保護者は逃げてきた子どもを、家でしっかり受けとめる。学校はそのクラスの担任教員などひとりにすべての責任を押しつけることはしないで、みんなで問題を共有して対処する。

Nobody should try to turn a blind eye to bullying or attempt to hide the truth from the public.
いじめから目をそらしたり、外に対して隠そうとしたりしてはいけない。

In order to protect children from being bullied, you should not think of it as something atypical.
　いじめから子どもを守るためにも、いじめを特殊なものと見ないで。

You should think of it as something that could happen anywhere and to anyone.
どこにでも誰にでも起きるものだと考えて。

I would like to repeat that one more time.
もう一度、そう繰り返したい。

(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞　2012年07月24日　地方版

児童虐待 通報を生かす態勢の拡充急げ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 30, 2012)
System must be improved to utilize reports of child abuse
児童虐待　通報を生かす態勢の拡充急げ（7月29日付・読売社説）

To save small children from being abused, it is imperative for child consultation centers and neighbors to cooperate to quickly discover any abnormal goings-on.
　虐待されている乳幼児を救うには、児童相談所（児相）や地域が協力して、異変を早く発見することが重要だ。

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has compiled the number of reports and consultations concerning maltreatment of children that were dealt with by child consultation centers throughout the country in fiscal 2011.
　厚生労働省が２０１１年度に全国の児相で対応した虐待の通報や相談件数をまとめた。

The total number stood at 59,862, an increase of about 3,500 from fiscal 2010. This was the 21st consecutive year to see a record high in such cases.
前年度を約３５００件上回る、５万９８６２件に達し、過去最多を２１年連続で更新した。

One factor behind the rise in child abuse cases may be heightened awareness among the public of the importance of making reports to concerned parties to prevent child abuse.
　要因には、虐待防止に向けて、社会の通報意識が高まっていることもあるだろう。

On July 25, the parents of a 1-year-old girl in Hyogo Prefecture were arrested for abusing her, and the girl was put under protection by a child welfare facility.
　今月２５日、兵庫県で１歳の長女を虐待していた両親が逮捕され、子供は保護された。

What led to the parents' arrest was a report to police from a customer at a shop visited by the parents and their daughter. The customer was suspicious about bruises on the baby's face and reported the matter to police.
きっかけは、親子が訪れた店に居合わせた客が女児の顔のあざを不審に思い、警察に知らせたことだった。

===

Consultation centers sloppy

We should not hesitate to take such action, which many people are prone to consider meddlesome. The Child Abuse Prevention Law enacted in 2000 requires everyone to inform authorities of perceived cases of child abuse.
　こうした行動を、いらぬおせっかいと考えて躊躇(ちゅうちょ)してはならない。児童虐待防止法は関係機関への通告を義務づけている。

However, the problem is whether the higher consciousness of child abuse among the public can be adequately utilized to reduce the number of cases.
　問題は、社会の関心の高まりをきちんと生かせるかどうかだ。

A breakdown of child abuse cases in fiscal 2010 that was also released along with the figures for abuse cases in fiscal 2011 showed that 51 children died as a result of abuse across the country in fiscal 2010. Child consultation centers had obtained information about seven of the 51 before their deaths.
　併せて公表された１０年度の虐待事例の分析によると、５１人の子が虐待を受けて死亡し、うち７例は児相が情報をつかんでいた。

Recently, a 5-year-old boy died because of violence inflicted by his mother and her common-law husband on July 9 in Saitama Prefecture.
　最近も、今月９日に埼玉県で５歳男児が母親と内縁の夫に暴行され、死亡している。

The child consultation center concerned learned about the couple's abuse of the small boy and put him temporarily under protective custody. The center, however, subsequently decided that the danger of further abuse had lessened and returned him to the parents.
　児相は虐待を把握しており、一時保護もしたが、虐待の心配が少なくなったとみて、親元に帰していた。

The distressing result was primarily due to the misjudgment of the consultation center. An important lesson must be drawn from this tragedy and used to improve how child consultation centers respond to abuse.
結果的には児相の判断ミスと言えよう。教訓を今後の対応に生かさねばならない。

Child consultation centers have long had the structural problem of staff shortages.
　児相が抱える構造的な問題が人員不足である。

The numbers of reports and consultations regarding child abuse have increased to 2.6 times their level a decade ago, but the number of child welfare social workers is only 1.6 times the figure 10 years ago.
通報や相談件数はこの１０年で２・６倍にもなっているのに、児童福祉司の増員は１・６倍にとどまっている。

===

Suspension of parental rights

Without first securing a sufficient number of personnel capable of dealing with the initial stages of child abuse, it is hardly possible to effectively respond to serious child abuse cases. All prefectural governments and government ordinance-designated major cities should make a thorough review of the current placement of child welfare staffers, as beefing up personnel arrangements is an urgent issue.
　初期の通報や相談に対応できる人員をまず確保しなければ、深刻な事案にはなおのこと十分に対応できまい。都道府県や政令市は、職員の配置を見直し、態勢を拡充することが急務だ。

It was also worthy of note that 80 percent of fatalities from child abuse involve children under the age of 4. Especially conspicuous are cases of abuse by young parents whose children were born due to unwanted pregnancies.
　虐待による死亡例の８割が３歳以下に集中している。「望まない妊娠」で子を産んだ若い親が虐待するケースが目立つ。

In light of this, obstetricians and other medical staff should enhance their cooperation to prevent child abuse.
産婦人科など医療機関も連携を深め、虐待の予防に取り組んでもらいたい。

Another problem that should be addressed is the fact that some parents refuse intervention by child consultation centers and other child protection organs on the grounds of their parental rights.
　「親権」を盾に児相などの介入を拒む親もいる。

To cope with this situation, a new legal system was put into force in April, under which a family court can temporarily suspend parental rights if a petition is filed by the chief of a child consultation center. The system is designed to help parents who have abused their children rehabilitate themselves over a certain period of time.
　これに対し、児童相談所長などの申し立てがあれば、家庭裁判所が期限付きで親権を停止できる法的制度が今年４月からスタートした。ある程度の時間をおいて、虐待する親の更生を図るものだ。

There were seven such petitions from the heads of child consultation centers from April to June.
　４～６月の３か月だけで、児童相談所長から７件の申し立てが出ている。

The system should be fully utilized to help rebuild parent-child relations that could otherwise plunge into tragedy of child abuse.
親子関係の再建につなげる方策として活用したい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 29, 2012)
（2012年7月29日02時25分  読売新聞）

米ＧＤＰ低迷 景気失速を防ぐテコ入れ策を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 30, 2012)
U.S. needs to act quickly to stop economy from stalling
米ＧＤＰ低迷　景気失速を防ぐテコ入れ策を（7月29日付・読売社説）

The slowdown of the U.S. economy is becoming more apparent. The U.S. government will need to take more drastic economic stimulus measures.
　米国経済の減速が、一段と鮮明になってきた。思い切った景気テコ入れ策が求められよう。

Washington has announced in a preliminary report that U.S. real gross domestic product from April through June rose by an annualized 1.5 percent compared to the previous quarter. This was the first time in three quarters that the growth rate had dipped under 2 percent.
　米国政府が発表した２０１２年４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の速報値は、前期比年率で１・５％増にとどまった。１％台の低成長は、３四半期ぶりである。

The weak economic growth can be attributed to dull capital investment by companies and a sluggish increase in consumer spending, compounded by the deteriorating employment market, where the jobless rate has been stuck above 8 percent. A resurgence of the European financial crisis has also adversely affected economic growth in the United States.
　失業率が８％台に高止まりするなど雇用悪化に伴って、個人消費が伸び悩み、企業の設備投資が低調だったことが主因だ。欧州債務危機の再燃にも影響を受けた。

The U.S. economy seemed to have shifted onto a recovery track at the end of last year, but its momentum did not last long.
　米国経済は昨年末、いったん景気回復の軌道に乗ったように見えたが、勢いは続かなかった。

Some observers predict the U.S. economy will remain at a standstill and slow further from the latter half of this year through next year.
　米国景気の足踏みは続き、今年後半から来年にかけ、さらに減速するという観測も出ている。

===

'Fiscal cliff' looms

German and French leaders have agreed to use every possible means to deal with the deterioration of Spain's financial stability, but precisely what this will entail is still unclear. The slump of the U.S. and European economies is a destabilizing factor for the global economy.
　スペインの財政不安拡大に対し、独仏首脳が「あらゆる措置を取る」ことで合意したが、先行きは不透明だ。欧米経済の不振は、世界経済の波乱要素と言える。

The problem is that financial and monetary policies implemented by the United States to support its economy seem to have hit a brick wall.
　問題は、景気を下支えする米国の財政・金融政策に手詰まり感があることだ。

Large-scale tax breaks such as income tax cuts implemented by former U.S. President George W. Bush since 2001 will expire at the end of this year. Furthermore, based on an agreement between the ruling and opposition parties aimed at fiscal rehabilitation, a measure to automatically trigger a reduction of federal expenditures is scheduled to start next year.
　ブッシュ前大統領が０１年以降に実施した所得税減税などの大型減税措置は今年末に失効する。財政再建を目指す与野党合意により、来年から政府歳出の強制削減措置も発動される予定だ。

This combination of effective tax hikes as a result of the end of Bush-era tax cuts and slashing federal spending has been dubbed "the fiscal cliff."
　ブッシュ減税失効による事実上の増税と、巨額の歳出カットは、「財政の崖」と呼ばれる。

Excessive fiscal austerity would be like tumbling down the cliff and batter the economy. We think U.S. President Barack Obama's attempt to alleviate its impact by proposing a plan to extend expiring tax cuts for low- and middle-income earners is reasonable.
　崖から転落するような超緊縮財政は景気にマイナスだ。ショックを和らげようと、オバマ大統領が中低所得層向けの減税延長を提案したのはもっともである。

However, the opposition Republican Party, which has cranked up its adversarial stand against Obama as the November presidential election nears, does not seem willing to make any concession. It demands an across-the-board extension of the tax cuts for all Americans, including the wealthy. This issue looks likely to be settled after the election.
　しかし、１１月の大統領選に向けて対決色を強める野党共和党は富裕層を含めた減税延長を求め、歩み寄りはうかがえない。決着は選挙後に持ち越されそうだ。

===

Additional measures

With Washington unable to hammer out adequate financial measures anytime soon, expectations will rise that monetary policies will have some effect--for a while--in supporting the economy.
　適切な財政政策をすぐに打ち出せない以上、当面は、金融政策の下支え効果に期待が高まろう。

At the end of June, the U.S. Federal Reserve Board extended monetary easing measures for six months, which aim to drive long-term interest rates lower by buying more long-term government bonds to increase the percentage that it owns. However, the Fed postponed the third round of bond purchases known as QE3 (quantitative easing), which had been attracting the attention of the markets.
　米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）は６月末、長期国債の保有比率を高めて長期金利の低下を促す金融緩和策を半年延長した。だが、市場の焦点だった量的緩和策の第３弾（ＱＥ３）は見送った。

The Fed should not hesitate to launch QE3 and other additional measures if the employment situation continues to worsen and the markets fall into a panic if the European financial crisis expands.
　雇用情勢の悪化が止まらず、欧州危機拡大で市場が混乱する場合には、ＱＥ３を含め、追加策をためらうべきではあるまい。

However, any additional measures by the Fed likely will boost the historic appreciation of the yen against the U.S. dollar and the euro, and have a serious negative impact on Japan's economy.
　ただ、ＦＲＢの追加策は、ドルやユーロに対する歴史的な超円高を加速させ、日本の景気に深刻な影響を与える可能性がある。

We hope the government and the Bank of Japan will be extremely watchful of the situation and consider the possibility of intervening in the markets to prevent the yen from soaring even higher, as well as taking other monetary easing measures.
政府・日銀は警戒を強め、円高阻止の為替介入や、一段の金融緩和策を検討してもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 29, 2012)
（2012年7月29日02時25分  読売新聞）

野村トップ辞任 証券会社はタガを締め直せ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 29, 2012)
Securities houses must tighten up discipline to end insider trading
野村トップ辞任　証券会社はタガを締め直せ（7月28日付・読売社説）

When a major securities company deliberately tramples on the fairness of the market, it should be severely condemned. The resignation of its top executives is a matter of course.
　大手証券が自ら市場の公正を踏みにじった責任は重い。トップ辞任は当然である。

Kenichi Watanabe, chief executive officer of Nomura Holdings Inc., and another senior executive of the firm will step down at the end of this month to take responsibility for insider trading scandals involving capital increases through public offerings by listed companies.
　上場企業の公募増資を巡るインサイダー取引問題を受け、野村ホールディングスの渡部賢一グループ最高経営責任者（ＣＥＯ）ら経営首脳２人が今月末、引責辞任する。

In late June, Nomura revealed the findings of in-house investigations into the leaks of internal information to clients of its brokerage unit and also announced a set of steps to prevent the recurrence of insider trading. At that time, Watanabe said he would have his pay cut by half as a disciplinary measure, but he denied any intention to resign.
　野村が６月末に社内調査結果と当面の再発防止策を発表した際、渡部氏は自らの処分を減給にとどめ、辞任を否定していた。

It seems he subsequently found a reshuffle of the company's executive lineup unavoidable as major firms moved to desert Nomura, as shown by its exclusion from an increasing number of lists of key coordinators for planned stock and other securities offerings. His decision is rather belated.
　その後、株の売り出しなどの主幹事業務から、野村が外されるなど顧客離れが広がり、経営体制の刷新を迫られたのだろう。遅きに失した感は否めない。

Koji Nagai, serving as president of Nomura Securities Co. under the umbrella of Nomura Holdings since April this year, will take over as chief executive from Watanabe, while continuing to hold his current post as head of the nation's biggest securities house.
　後任のＣＥＯは、今年４月から傘下の野村証券で社長を務める永井浩二氏が兼務する。

===

Excessive drive for profits

In a press conference on Thursday, Nagai stated he will "renew this company from its foundation." To be true to his words, he should thoroughly push ahead with the company's internal reforms to prevent a repeat of insider trading.
　永井氏は記者会見で「野村を根底から作り替える」と述べた。言葉通り社内改革を進め、再発防止策を徹底してもらいたい。

This will be the first time in 15 years for Nomura's top post to be assumed by someone from the company's equities sales unit. He must do his utmost to tighten the lax discipline among the firm's sales employees, whose business ethics have eroded due to an excessive drive for profits.
　野村では１５年ぶりに営業出身のトップだ。永井氏は、収益偏重でモラルの低下した営業現場のタガを締め直す責任がある。

Cases of insider trading, such as those in which confidential information on planned capital increases is abused, have been revealed one after another this year. Nomura alone accounts for three such cases, the greatest incidence of such wrongdoing.
　今年は増資情報を悪用したインサイダー取引の摘発が相次ぎ、このうち野村からの情報漏洩(ろうえい)は３件と最も多かった。

It has been disclosed that Nomura's sales unit in charge of institutional investors obtained confidential information about planned public offerings from the corporate affairs unit handling corporate clients' capital increase plans. The sales unit clandestinely provided certain investors with the information as part of the brokerage's "quick-eared tips." A wall that was supposed to have been built to block flows of information between the two units existed in name only.
　機関投資家などを担当する営業部門が、企業増資を扱う法人部門から未公開情報を入手し、「早耳情報」として投資家に提供していた。本来、両部門の間に情報を遮断する壁が築かれているはずなのに、有名無実になっていた。

The act of helping large-lot contract clients profit by providing them with share information not available to the public is certain to work to the detriment of ordinary investors, including individual investors, by distorting the impartiality of the market. Such conduct is unforgivable.
　大口顧客を未公開情報でもうけさせれば、個人など一般投資家に不利益を与え、市場の公平性をゆがめる。許されない行為だ。

===

Toughen insider rules

A follow-up in-house probe by Nomura revealed there may have been other cases in which its employees leaked information. This makes us suspect insider irregularities at Nomura were a matter of routine. The full truth of the matter must be exposed.
　野村の追加調査では、摘発された不正取引以外に複数の情報漏洩の可能性が指摘されている。恒常的に行われていたのではないか。全容を解明する必要がある。

Cases in which information leaks led to insider trading have also been disclosed at other brokerages, such as SMBC Nikko Securities Inc. (formerly Nikko Cordial Securities Inc.) and Daiwa Securities Co.
　インサイダー取引につながった情報漏れは、ＳＭＢＣ日興証券（旧日興コーディアル証券）や大和証券などでも発覚した。

Strong suspicion has therefore arisen that provision of capital increase information to large-lot investors, major clients of securities houses, has long been a common business practice at major brokerages.
得意先の大口投資家への増資情報の提供は、大手証券の営業慣行としてまかり通っていた疑いがある。

The entire securities business world, including the Japan Securities Dealers Association, must buckle down to the task of preventing new instances of insider trading, through such steps as strengthening the association's self-imposed insider rules.
　日本証券業協会の自主ルール強化など、証券界を挙げて再発防止に取り組むべきだ。

The government, for its part, is considering revising the Financial Instruments and Exchange Law to raise the punitive surcharges against insider trading and to punish the individuals who leak information.
　政府は、金融商品取引法を改正し、インサイダー取引に対する課徴金の引き上げや、情報を漏らした側も処罰の対象とすることなどを検討している。

To remove the stigma on the Japanese market as "an insider-trading paradise," penalties against insider transactions should be quickly toughened.
　日本市場は「インサイダー天国」という汚名を返上するため、罰則の強化を急がねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 28, 2012)
（2012年7月28日05時15分  読売新聞）

ロンドン五輪 数多くの感動を味わいたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 29, 2012)
Nation craves moving drama at London Olympics
ロンドン五輪　数多くの感動を味わいたい（7月28日付・読売社説）

The London Olympics have opened. What kind of drama will the athletes, who have come from all over the world, show us? We hope we will enjoy the quadrennial sporting festival.
　ロンドン五輪が開幕した。世界のアスリートたちは、どのようなドラマを見せてくれるのか。４年に１度のスポーツの祭典を堪能したい。

A total of 204 countries and territories will take part in this Summer Olympics. This is the first time female athletes have been included in every Olympic team, and also the first Games in which women will compete in all events.
　今回の夏季五輪には、２０４の国・地域が参加する。そのすべてから女子選手が出場する初の五輪だ。全競技で女子種目が実施される初めての大会でもある。

London has become the first city to host the Olympics three times--first in 1908 and again in 1948.
　ロンドンで五輪が開催されるのは、１９０８年、４８年に続き３度目となる。

The British government has been cautious about security this time. The Olympic Village is surrounded by an electrified fence about five meters high, and surface-to-air missiles have been deployed in London's downtown areas.
　今回、英国政府が神経をとがらせているのは、テロ対策だ。選手村は、高圧電流が流れる高さ約５メートルのフェンスに取り囲まれている。ロンドン市街には地対空ミサイルも配備されている。

We hope the British government will implement the best possible security measures until the Games end on Aug. 12.
　８月１２日の大会終了まで、万全の警備体制を敷いてほしい。

===

Limited budget

Europe is now in the middle of a financial crisis, and Britain is no exception, being forced to stage a "frugal Olympics" amid austerity measures.
　欧州は金融危機の中にある。英国も例外ではなく、超緊縮財政下での「倹約五輪」となった。

The cost of holding the Games, reportedly about 1.13 trillion yen, is said to be only a quarter of what China spent for the previous Beijing Olympics, which were apparently aimed at raising the latter's national prestige.
日本円にして約１兆１３００億円とされる大会経費は、中国の国威発揚の場となった前回北京五輪の４分の１とも言われる。

Britain used concrete made from industrial waste to build the main Olympic stadium, and plans to transform the Olympic Village into a private housing complex after the Games.
　メーンスタジアムの建設には、産業廃棄物などが原料のコンクリートを利用した。選手村は大会終了後、民間の集合住宅として生まれ変わる予定だ。

The London Olympics feature cost-saving, care for the environment and effective use of facilities.
　経費抑制、環境への配慮、施設の有効活用――。これらがロンドン五輪らしさを示している。

As for Japan, this year marks the 100th anniversary of its Olympic debut at the Stockholm Games in 1912.
　日本にとっては、五輪に初めて参加した１９１２年のストックホルム大会から、ちょうど１００年の節目を迎えた。

A total of 293 Japanese athletes are competing at the current London Games, and the Japanese team has set a target of finishing fifth or higher in the gold medal standings.
　今回、出場する日本選手は２９３人。選手団の目標は、国別の金メダル数で５位以内になることだ。

Japan won nine gold medals in the Beijing Olympics, finishing eighth. To secure the fifth spot, more than 15 golds will probably be needed.
北京五輪での金メダルは９個で、８位だった。５位になるには１５個以上が目安となるだろう。

===

Test of Japan govt measures

In recent years, the Japanese government has selected events in which the nation has a higher probability of winning medals and allocated more subsidies to them. The London Olympics could serve as a test of such steps to boost the nation's competitiveness.
　政府は近年、メダル有望種目に的を絞って、強化費を重点配分する事業に力を入れている。政府主導の強化策が奏功するかどうかも問われる五輪と言える。

If Japanese Olympians produce good results in the opening events such as swimming, judo and gymnastics, that could lift the spirits of the whole team.
　大会序盤の競泳や柔道、体操などで好成績を挙げれば、日本選手団全体が勢いに乗る。

Kosuke Kitajima is notable as he will aim for his third consecutive Olympic golds in the men's 100- and 200-meter breaststroke. We hope he will swim his way into Olympic history.
　特に、競泳平泳ぎの北島康介選手は、１００メートルと２００メートルで五輪３連覇の偉業に挑む。五輪史に名を刻む泳ぎを期待したい。

People in Japan are already excited about the Olympics after the men's and women's Japanese soccer teams won their opening games. The vigorous performances of the Japanese athletes encourage us as we root for them.
　男女サッカーの白星発進で、国内は早くも沸き立っている。日本選手の活躍は、応援する私たちを元気づけてくれる。

The more impressive the athletes' performances, the more people will be interested in the Olympics. Such public interest is certain to become a tailwind for promoting the campaign to bring the 2020 Games to Tokyo.
　感動を呼ぶシーンが多いほど、五輪への関心も高まるだろう。２０２０年東京五輪の招致活動を盛り上げていくうえでも、追い風となるに違いない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 28, 2012)
（2012年7月28日05時15分  読売新聞）

ウナギ取引規制 日本の食文化を守る戦略

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 28, 2012)
Strategy needed to protect Japanese food culture
ウナギ取引規制　日本の食文化を守る戦略を（7月27日付・読売社説）

It is a worrisome development for the preservation of Japan's food culture.
　日本の食文化を守るうえで気になる動きだ。

The U.S. government is considering making eel subject to trade restrictions under the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES), also known as the Washington Convention.
　絶滅の恐れがある生物の国際取引を規制するワシントン条約の対象に、ウナギを加えることを米政府が検討している。

Among the eel covered by the U.S. proposal are Japanese eel, or Anguilla japonica, a species widely consumed in Japan, and American eel, or Anguilla rostrata. Under the U.S. proposal, trade in these types of eel would require an export approval certificate from the exporting country.
　アメリカウナギのほか、日本で広く食べられているニホンウナギも含まれる。規制案は、輸出国の許可証を必要とするものだ。

The U.S. government is expected to decide as early as this autumn whether it will formally make a proposal to a conference of signatory countries of the Washington Convention scheduled for March.
　米政府は、２０１３年３月に開かれるワシントン条約締約国会議で正式に提案するかどうか、今秋にも方針を決定するという。

The proposal would not make eel subject to a total trade ban under CITES. Should restrictions be introduced, however, it would inevitably affect Japan, as imported eel accounts for 70 percent to 80 percent of domestic consumption.
　全面的な輸出入の禁止ではないが、規制が実施されれば、国内消費の７～８割を輸入に頼る日本への影響は避けられない。

The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has to pay close attention to the U.S. move and work out a comprehensive strategy aimed at securing a stable supply of eel.
　農林水産省は米国の動向を注視するとともに、ウナギの安定供給を図る総合的な戦略を早急に講じる責任がある。

===

Marked decline in eel resources

The United States is calling for the protection of eel, primarily in light of the fact that eel resources are declining markedly around the world due to overfishing and global warming.
　米国がウナギ保護を求める背景には、乱獲や地球温暖化の影響などで、世界的に資源量が大幅に減少している事情がある。

European eel, or Anguilla anguilla, is already subject to trade restrictions under the Washington Convention, due to a decision made in 2007, based on a proposal by the European Union.
　すでにヨーロッパウナギは、欧州連合（ＥＵ）の提案で０７年に規制対象に決まった。

Because of this, Japan imports most of its eel for domestic consumption from China and Taiwan, where Japanese eels are cultured.
　このため日本は、ニホンウナギを養殖する中国や台湾などから、大半のウナギを輸入している。

At home, catches of young eels for culturing have been unprecedentedly poor for three years in a row. The total catch of young eels, called glass eels, is less than 5 percent of the peak about 50 years ago.
　国内では、養殖に使う稚魚のシラスウナギが３年連続の記録的な不漁で、漁獲量は約５０年前のピーク時の５％にも満たない。

Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Akira Gunji says glass eels are not currently in a state of depletion. But we must not be complacent.
　郡司農相は「枯渇している状況ではない」と説明するが、油断するのは禁物だ。

At the previous conference of CITES signatory nations in 2010, the United States and European countries proposed a ban on trade in Atlantic and Mediterranean bluefin tuna. By bringing developing countries over to its side, Japan narrowly prevented the proposal from being adopted at the conference.
　前回１０年のワシントン条約の会議では、欧米が大西洋・地中海クロマグロの禁輸案を提案した。途上国などを日本陣営に引き込むことで、辛うじて否決できた。

Like bluefin tuna, most eel caught around the world is consumed by Japanese people. This makes it all the more necessary for Japan to take the lead in making an earnest effort to preserve eel and manage their resources, so as to win the understanding of the international community.
　クロマグロ同様、世界で取れるウナギの大半は、日本人が食べている。それだけに、国際社会の理解を得るには、日本が率先してウナギの保護や資源管理に取り組む姿勢を示さねばならない。

It is essential for Japan to expedite its efforts to take necessary measures in cooperation with China and Taiwan.
　中国や台湾などと協力して対策を急ぐことが肝要だ。

===

Not enough known about eels

The ecology of eels has yet to be elucidated sufficiently. Although researchers succeeded in fully culturing eels from eggs in 2010, full culturing is far from being conducted on a commercial basis. Also needed are techniques to produce glass eels on a large scale, and surveys and research on spawning and their migrational routes.
　ウナギの生態は十分に解明されていない。１０年に卵からの完全養殖に成功したが、実用化には程遠い。稚魚を大量生産する技術の確立や産卵、回遊ルートなどの調査研究にも取り組むべきである。

If Japan fails to deal appropriately with the likely trade restrictions, the already rising price of eel may go up further. Such developments would not only threaten the business of eel culturers and restaurants, they would make eel into a luxury food out of reach for ordinary people.
　取引規制への対応を誤れば、値上がり傾向が続く価格がさらに高騰する恐れがある。養殖業者や専門店が経営難に陥るだけでなく、ウナギが庶民に手の届かない高級食材になりかねない。

Today is the midsummer day of the ox. We should tax our brains so we can continue eating broiled eel in sweet sauce.
　きょうは土用の丑(うし)の日。これからもかば焼きを食べ続けるために知恵を絞りたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2012)
（2012年7月27日01時27分  読売新聞）

北朝鮮新体制 「先軍政治」から転換できるか

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 28, 2012)
Can Pyongyang change its 'military-first' doctrine?
北朝鮮新体制　「先軍政治」から転換できるか（7月27日付・読売社説）

Speculation is rife in the wake of the dismissal of the chief of North Korea's General Staff, who was widely seen as a mentor of that country's young leader, the ruling Workers' Party First Secretary Kim Jong Un.
　北朝鮮の若い指導者、金正恩・党第１書記の後見役と目されていた軍総参謀長の解任が、様々な臆測を呼んでいる。

A little more than three months since it launched its new leadership, uncertainty is heightening over Pyongyang's future course, meaning we must remain vigilant.
　新体制が本格的に始動して３か月余りたった北朝鮮の行方には不確実さが増しており、警戒が怠れない。

Two years ago, in the days of the late General Secretary Kim Jong Il, the now dismissed army chief was promoted to the post of vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the party's political bureau, or politburo, along with Kim Jong Un. The man was at the top of North Korea's military elite, concurrently serving as a member of the standing committee of the politburo.
　解任された総参謀長は、金正日総書記時代の２年前、正恩氏と一緒に党中央軍事委員会副委員長に抜擢(ばってき)され、政治局常務委員も務める軍のトップエリートだった。

In Kim Jong Il's funeral procession, the man walked in a leading position along with Kim Jong Un, and was seen a key figure supporting the new leader.
　総書記の葬儀では、正恩氏とともに霊きゅう車の先頭を歩き、新体制で正恩氏を支える軍部の要と見られていた。

The meeting of the politburo that decided on his removal from all duties said the decision was "due to his illness," but some analysts believe there may have been a power struggle behind the decision.
　すべての職務からの解任を決めた政治局会議は、「病気のため」と説明しているが、背景に権力闘争の存在を指摘する声もある。

===

New leadership style eyed?

Kim Jong Un, who earlier became a four-star general, obtained the post of "marshal of the republic" immediately after the removal of the chief of the General Staff. Kim Jong Un's acquisition of the topmost military position is thought to be a move to demonstrate that he has now a complete grip on the military both in name and substance, presumably in a bid to display the stability of his regime.
　大将だった金正恩氏は、総参謀長の解任直後に「共和国元帥」に昇格した。名実ともに軍部を掌握したことを示し、政権の安定ぶりを誇示する狙いがあろう。

No other remarkable developments have been reported recently in the North Korean military, but Japan, together with the United States and South Korea, must continue to watch Pyongyang's moves.
　北朝鮮の軍に目立った動きは伝えられていないものの、日本は米韓両国と連携し、今後の動向を注視しなければならない。

While pledging to dedicate himself unconditionally to his father's teachings, Kim Jong Un has shown signs of a new style of governance different from that of his father in a number of ways.
　金正恩氏は、父親の「遺訓」を無条件で貫徹するとしながらも、目新しい統治スタイルを随所で示している。

In one high-profile example of this, North Korean media have disclosed that a young woman seen accompanying Kim Jong Un on various occasions is his wife.
　北朝鮮メディアが、正恩氏に随行していた若い女性を「夫人」と紹介し、結婚していた事実を明らかにしたのはその一例だ。

He also authorized the TV broadcast of a performance by an all-female band, some of its members in miniskirts, during which an ersatz Mickey Mouse character made an appearance.
　ミニスカートの女性楽団の公演を放映させ、ミッキーマウスに似たキャラクターが登場した。

Such gestures appear designed to emphasize differences from his father, who preferred an authoritarian and mysterious pattern of behavior. There might even be hints that he favors North Korea opening up a bit to the international community.
　権威主義的で神秘性を好んだ父親との違いを強調しようとしているかのように見える。孤立ではなく、国際社会と交流を深めたい意欲すら、うかがえる。

However, the question is whether these changes may lead eventually to a change from Pyongyang's traditional "songun," or military-first, doctrine.
　問題は、こうした変化が果たして軍事最優先の「先軍政治」の転換につながるのかどうかだ。

As Kim Jong Un himself stressed in a speech, North Korea's most urgent task is "solving food problems of the people."
　正恩氏が演説で強調した通り、最優先課題は「人民の食糧問題の解決」だ。

===

Signs of economic reform

The task is to rebuild the North Korean economy in a way Kim Jong Un has pledged will mean people "no longer have to tighten their belts" and endure hunger.
空腹を我慢するために「ベルトを締めあげずにすむよう」経済を立て直すことにある。

He has issued instructions for steps to expand acreage of farmland and increase farming productivity. He has criticized the disorderly development and export of mineral resources that have been carried out in the name of "earning foreign currency." Apparently in connection with this, the new North Korean leader has come out with a policy of placing the management of his country's natural resources under the direct and integrated control of his Cabinet.
　正恩氏は耕地面積の拡大や生産性向上を指示した。「外貨稼ぎ」の名の下に行われている地下資源の無秩序な開発・輸出を批判し、資源を内閣が一元的に管理する方針を表明した。

These could be signs of Kim Jong Un's resolve to embark on sweeping reforms of his country's economy.
経済の抜本的改革に乗り出す予告とも受け取れる。

The reality North Korea faces is that sanctions imposed by the international community, which North Korea brought on itself because of its nuclear weapons and missile development programs, have narrowed its options for economic reconstruction.
　だが、核とミサイルの開発によって国際社会からの経済制裁を招き、経済再建の選択肢を自ら狭めてきたのが、北朝鮮の現実だ。

It seems that a transformation of North Korea's "military-first" politics into "politics placing top priority on the economy" would be extremely hard to realize.
　先軍政治から「経済最優先」への転換は容易ではあるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2012)
（2012年7月27日01時27分  読売新聞）

女性警察官 治安守る力として重用したい

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 27, 2012)
Police ranks should include more female officers
女性警察官　治安守る力として重用したい（7月26日付・読売社説）

Police are urged to better utilize the capability of female officers in criminal investigations and securing the safety of local communities.
　地域の安全確保や犯罪捜査に、女性警察官の力をもっと役立てていくことが求められよう。

Female officers currently account for just 6.8 percent of about 250,000 police personnel nationwide. The National Police Agency has revealed a policy of increasing the ratio to about 10 percent by 2023, and this year's White Paper on Police takes an extensive look at how to increase such numbers.
　全国の警察官（約２５万人）のうち、女性の占める割合は現在、６・８％だ。それを２０２３年までに１０％程度に引き上げる方針を警察庁は打ち出している。今年の警察白書では女性警官の増員を特集した。

Beyond simply hiring more new female graduates, there is also a plan to reemploy former female officers who are currently homemakers or have raised children. This is an attempt to take better advantage of women's viewpoints and sensitivities in police activities.
　新卒の採用拡大だけでなく、主婦や子育てを経験した退職者を再雇用する計画もある。警察活動に女性の視点や感性を取り込もうという試みだ。

It is said that police have been increasing the number of female employees at a slower pace than other government organizations and private companies. Therefore, it is important for the NPA to make steady progress in its policy.
　他の官庁や企業に比べて、警察での女性の進出は遅れているとされる。増員計画を着実に進めていくことが大切である。

Until a few decades ago, it was common for female officers to be assigned to traffic safety departments--which are mainly in charge of things like illegal parking--after graduating from police academies, with the expectation that they would work there for several years before quitting their jobs to get married.
　女性警官は一昔前まで、警察学校を卒業すると、駐車違反などを取り締まる交通部門に配属され、数年後に結婚退職というケースが多かった。

However, this has been changing in recent years.
　それに近年、変化が表れている。

===

Changes in career path

Many prefectural police headquarters now assign new female officers to koban police boxes, just like their male counterparts.
都道府県警の多くで女性警官が男性と同じく地域の交番勤務からスタートするようになった。

Police officers can acquire skills related to their duties while working at koban. In covering their assigned communities, they engage in anticrime activities and have to arrive at local crime scenes faster than any other officers.
　交番勤務は警察の基礎を学ぶ場だ。地域の防犯活動に取り組み、犯罪現場に真っ先に駆けつける。

Young police officers gain experience through these duties before being assigned to specialized fields such as criminal investigations and security.
若い警官はそうした職務で経験を積み、刑事捜査や警備といった専門分野に振り分けられる。

Assigning female officers to koban can provide police with chances to discover their potential.
　交番勤務は、女性警官の潜在能力を見いだす機会と言える。

In particular, female officers are expected to be better at investigating crimes in which women are usually victimized, such as sexual offenses, domestic violence and stalking cases.
　特に期待されるのは、性犯罪や家庭内暴力、ストーカーなど、女性が被害者になることの多い事件での捜査だ。

In a case that ended with the murder in Saikai, Nagasaki Prefecture, in December 2011 of two family members of a woman the alleged killer had been stalking, three different prefectural police headquarters--in Chiba, Nagasaki and Mie--failed to deal seriously with complaints from the woman's father, instead just giving him the runaround.
　昨年１２月に起きた長崎県西海市のストーカー殺人では、千葉、長崎、三重の３県警が、被害女性側からの相談をたらい回しにした結果、女性の家族２人が殺害されるという最悪の事態を招いた。

Their responses left the way open for the case's horrific outcome.
In this stalking case, male officers responded lackadaisically at all three headquarters. "They lacked sympathy for the stalked woman," a senior NPA official pointed out.
　各県警で不適切な対応をしたのは、いずれも男性警官だった。警察庁幹部は「被害女性への共感の欠如」を反省点に挙げた。

===

Useful in criminal investigations

Female victims of sex crimes and other offenses would be less reluctant to go to a police station if they found more officers of their own gender working in criminal affairs divisions. That would help decrease the number of female victims who give up on filing complaints with police.
　警察署の刑事課に女性警官が増えれば、性犯罪などの被害者の女性が相談しやすくなるだろう。泣き寝入りも減るのではないか。

Female officers can also bring other advantages to criminal investigations. Some female officers have already gained excellent reputations for their information-gathering skills as they enjoy good relationships with local residents thanks to their gentler manners.
　捜査でのメリットもある。柔らかな物腰で地域に溶け込み、情報収集の面で高い評価を受けている女性警官もいる。

Merely increasing the number of female officers, of course, would not automatically help police take full advantage of their skills. Another issue is motivating female officers with the prospect of promotion to management posts. It is noteworthy that only one police station in Japan--in Hokkaido--is headed by a female officer.
　もちろん、数を増やすだけでは、女性の力は生かせない。やる気を引き出すため、管理職への積極的な登用も課題だろう。女性の警察署長は現在、北海道警に１人いるだけなのが現状だ。

It is necessary for police forces to thoroughly review their personnel management to become more attractive workplaces for women.
　女性にとって警察が魅力的な職場となるよう、人事全般の再検討も必要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 26, 2012)
（2012年7月26日01時47分  読売新聞）

南シナ海緊張 中国の強硬姿勢に深まる憂慮

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 27, 2012)
China's hard-line stance cause for grave concern
南シナ海緊張　中国の強硬姿勢に深まる憂慮（7月26日付・読売社説）

We urge China to restrain itself from taking unilateral action and to work to alleviate tension through dialogue with Vietnam and other neighboring countries.
　中国は一方的な行動を自制し、ベトナムなどと対話を通じて緊張緩和に努めてもらいたい。

China has created the city of "Sansha" to administer the Spratly Islands, the Paracel Islands and Macclesfield Bank in the South China Sea. Vietnam and the Philippines, which are vying for sovereignty over those island chains with China, immediately voiced strong opposition.
　中国が、南シナ海の南沙、西沙、中沙の３諸島を管轄する「三沙市」を設置した。これらの諸島を巡って中国と領有権を争っているベトナムやフィリピンは直ちに強く反発した。

The three island chains were previously administered by a liaison office of Hainan Province in southern China, which is located on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands. China apparently aims to strengthen its effective control over the island chains by upgrading them to a city.
　３諸島はこれまで、中国南部の海南省が西沙諸島の永興島に置く連絡事務所が管轄していた。市への格上げは、実効支配を強化する狙いがあろう。

China set up administrative organizations in Sansha, including a People's Congress, or city council, in which the mayor was elected. China said it plans to promote tourism, the fisheries industry and natural resource development in the South China Sea with Sansha as a foothold.
　市の人民代表大会（市議会）を設置して市長も選出し、行政組織の体裁を整えた。三沙市を拠点に、南シナ海の観光・水産業、資源開発を推進する方針という。

===

Responsibility lies with China

China's establishment of Sansha is a countermeasure against Vietnam's enactment of the Maritime Law, which stipulates its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands. However, the initial cause of the trouble was that China unilaterally claimed sovereignty over the three island chains and other islets under the Law on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone 20 years ago.
　中国の三沙市設置は、ベトナムが南沙、西沙両諸島の領有を明記する海洋法を制定したことへの対抗措置だ。だが、そもそも、中国が２０年前に領海法で３諸島などの領有を勝手に定めたことにトラブルの原因があった。

Even more serious is that China decided to establish in Sansha a "security area" in which the Chinese military will be in charge of defending key strongpoints. Small units are already stationed to protect runways and other facilities, but the establishment of the security area is considered preparation for full-scale military action in the South China Sea.
　さらに深刻なのは、中国軍が重要拠点の防衛に当たる「警備区」を、この三沙にも置くと決めたことだ。滑走路などを守る小規模な部隊は既に駐留しているが、南シナ海での本格的な軍事行動に備える態勢作りと言える。

China's attempt to use its military strength, which is far superior to that of Vietnam and other neighbors, to make the South China Sea "China's Sea" could trigger armed conflict. The situation is grave.
　中国がベトナムなどに比べて圧倒的な軍事力を背景に、南シナ海を「中国の海」にしようとすることは、軍事的な衝突を引き起こしかねない。憂慮すべき事態だ。

China also unilaterally announced a plan to invite bids for natural resource development in waters that Vietnam claims are inside its exclusive economic zone. Beijing sent 30 fishing boats accompanied by fishery patrol ships to waters around the Spratly Islands and other islets. These actions could cause tension in the South China Sea.
　中国は、ベトナムが排他的経済水域（ＥＥＺ）と主張する海域でも、一方的に資源開発の入札計画を発表した。南沙諸島などの周辺海域に漁船３０隻を漁業監視船とともに送り込んだ。いずれも、南シナ海に緊張をもたらす行為だ。

===

Stability crucial

The stability of the South China Sea is crucial for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is also conducive to Japan's national interests from the viewpoint of securing the safety of its sea lanes.
　南シナ海の安定は、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）にとって欠かせない。海上交通路（シーレーン）の安全確保の観点から、日本の国益にも資する。

In concert with Vietnam and the Philippines, which are threatened by China, Japan needs to strengthen cooperation such as fostering human resources in the field of maritime security and offering patrol vessels to those countries.
　日本は、中国の脅威にさらされているベトナムやフィリピンと連携して、海上安全保障分野での人材育成や巡視船供与などの協力を強める必要がある。

In the East China Sea, meanwhile, the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands has been increasingly harsh.
　東シナ海では、尖閣諸島をめぐる情勢が厳しさを増す一方だ。

Recently, Chinese fishery patrol ships intruded into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on two consecutive days. As in the South China Sea, China has been blatantly escalating moves to expand its maritime interests.
　最近、中国の漁業監視船は２日連続で尖閣諸島近くの領海を侵犯した。南シナ海同様に、海洋権益を拡大しようとする中国の動きは露骨にエスカレートしている。

China is conducting activities to make its presence felt with many fishing boats in the South China Sea. The possibility that Beijing may do the same thing in the East China Sea cannot be ruled out. Japan must heighten its vigilance against China over the Senkaku Islands.
　中国が南シナ海で展開している多数の漁船による示威活動を東シナ海で行う可能性も排除できない。日本は、尖閣諸島の警戒体制を強めねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 26, 2012)
（2012年7月26日01時47分  読売新聞）

エネルギー選択 付け焼き刃の議論で決めるな

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 26, 2012)
Don't decide energy option through ad hoc discussions
エネルギー選択　付け焼き刃の議論で決めるな（7月25日付・読売社説）

The basic policy on energy, which will determine the nation's future, should not be decided through ad hoc "national debates."
　国の将来を左右する重要なエネルギーの基本政策は、付け焼き刃の「国民的議論」で決めるべきものではない。

The government presented three options on the ratio of nuclear power in the nation's mix of power sources for the year 2030, namely zero, 15 percent, or 20 percent to 25 percent. It is carrying out procedures to seek public opinions regarding which option would be most desirable.
　政府は２０３０年の電源に占める原子力発電の比率を、「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」とする３案を示し、どの選択肢が望ましいか、国民に意見を求める手続きを進めている。

Among such procedures are hearings where randomly selected members of the public express their opinions. Eleven such hearings have been or will be held through Aug. 4 at 11 locations nationwide.
　その一つが、抽選で選ばれた国民による意見聴取会だ。８月４日までに全国の計１１会場で開く。

It is reasonable for the government to seek a wide sample of public opinions, but it cannot be overlooked that the hearings have caused trouble.
　国民に幅広く意見を求めるのは妥当だが、意見聴取会が混乱を招いている事態は看過できない。

At hearings on July 15 and 16, employees of electric power companies, who identified their employers by name, called for the continued use of nuclear power. Both times, this caused a fierce backlash from other participants who support moving away from dependence on nuclear energy.
　７月１５～１６日の聴取会で、電力会社の社員が社名を明かしたうえで原発の利用継続を主張したところ、脱原発を求める出席者から強い批判を浴びた。

The government then hastily decided not to allow employees of power companies and affiliated businesses to express opinions at such hearings. At hearings held Sunday at two locations, the government kept four people working in the industry from expressing their views.
　すると政府は急きょ、電力会社と関連会社の社員に意見表明を認めない方針を決め、２２日に開かれた２か所の聴取会では、電力関係者４人に発言を辞退させた。

===

Why have a gag rule?

We are concerned that prohibiting people in the power industry from expressing their views on energy policy is a form of suppression of free speech. The government needs to convincingly explain why it changed the rules in the middle of the process.
　電力関係者というだけでエネルギー政策に関する意見表明を封じるのは、言論の自由を抑圧することにならないか。政府は、途中でルールを変更した理由をきちんと説明する必要がある。

To avoid unproductive black-and-white arguments over pro- or anti-nuclear power positions, we consider it vitally important for members of society to express opinions from various points of view and calmly discuss them.
　原発推進と脱原発という不毛な「二項対立」を避けるには、多様な意見を出し合い、冷静に話し合うことが肝心なはずだ。

It is also distressing to observe the bad manners displayed by some participants at those hearings, such as excessive booing by those seeking an end to nuclear power.
　意見聴取会で脱原発派が激しいヤジを飛ばすなど、マナー違反が散見されるのも残念である。

We also cannot eliminate our concerns over a "deliberative poll," a new method of public survey and discussions the government plans to conduct on Aug. 4 and 5.
　８月４～５日に実施する新手法の「討論型世論調査」に関する懸念も拭えない。

Among about 3,000 people nationwide who responded in an opinion survey on the energy options, 200 to 300 who wished to participate in a two-day discussion meeting will do so. After the meeting, the government will again conduct an opinion survey on the participants.
　エネルギー選択に関する世論調査に答えた全国の約３０００人から希望者２００～３００人が参加して２日間の討論会を開き、終了後に再び意見を調べる。

===

An opinion experiment

We understand the purpose of such a measure--to deepen public understanding of the issue through discussions and observe how public opinions change. But public views could be influenced in certain directions, depending on the content of materials used for discussions and how such an event is held. The government should consider such a method as a mere experimental project--it must not directly reflect the results derived from the event in shaping its policies.
　討論を通じて理解を深め、意見の変化を見るという趣旨はわかるが、討論の資料や運営によって考えが誘導される恐れはないだろうか。政府は実験的な取り組みにとどめ、結果をストレートに政策判断へ反映させてはならない。

In the first place, all three policy options the government presented are based on the assumption that the ratio of renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric power, will be raised from the current 10 percent or so to 25 percent to 35 percent. People in business circles and others have vocally opposed such scenarios as unattainable.
　そもそも、政府の示した３選択肢はいずれも、水力を含めて現在約１０％の再生可能エネルギー比率を２５～３５％に引き上げる想定だ。経済界などでは、とても達成できないとする声が強い。

As long as current circumstances remain unchanged, none of the three policy choices represent a realistic composition of power sources to ensure a stable power supply.
　このままでは、どの選択肢を採用しても、電力を安定供給できる現実的な電源構成となるまい。

To hammer out a mid- to long-term energy policy in which impacts on the economy and the environment are taken into account, the government should reconsider the suitability of the three options.
　経済や環境への影響を考慮した中長期のエネルギー政策を打ち出すためにも、政府は３選択肢の妥当性を再検討すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 25, 2012)
（2012年7月25日01時42分  読売新聞）

Family photo album in July, 2012

photo story 124-2012-07-22 Family plays at rachawadee resort.





photo story 123-2012-07-17 Aunt Sayoko sent us kimono.





photo story 122-2012-07-16 Family photo album made by mama's cellular phone up to July, 2012

政府事故調報告 原発の安全向上に教訓生かせ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 25, 2012)
Use lessons of Fukushima to improve N-plant safety
政府事故調報告　原発の安全向上に教訓生かせ（7月24日付・読売社説）

　◆「想定外」に備える危機対策を

Based on lessons learned from the results of investigations into the unprecedented nuclear power plant crisis, the government and electric power companies must work on measures to prevent future nuclear accidents.
　未曽有の原子力発電所事故の調査結果を教訓とし、政府と電力会社は、再発防止に取り組まねばならない。

The government's Nuclear Incident Investigation and Verification Committee, responsible for looking into the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, released its final report on Monday.
　東京電力福島第一原発事故に関する政府の事故調査・検証委員会が最終報告書をまとめ、公表した。

Investigation commissions of the Diet and TEPCO as well as a private independent investigation panel have already released their respective reports on the crisis. With these four reports, clarification of the cause of the crisis and how it developed as well as identification of problems in the responses to it by the government and TEPCO have come to an end for the moment.
　国会と東電の各事故調と民間の独立検証委員会が、それぞれ報告書を発表済みだ。四つの報告書が出そろい、事故の原因や経緯、政府や東電の問題点などの解明は一区切りがついた。

However, it will take more time to uncover the full scope of the crisis. It is necessary from now on to review crisis countermeasures to secure the safety of nuclear power plants while continuing a probe into the Fukushima disaster.
　だが、事故の全容解明にはまだ時間を要するだろう。今後も調査を継続しながら、危機対策を練り直し、原発の安全性を確保していく必要がある。

===

Report denies quake damage
　◆地震による損傷を否定

The government committee's investigation was characterized by detailed analysis of the technological aspects of the crisis based on a massive amount of data. This is because committee chairman Yotaro Hatamura, who advocates the "study of failure," placed importance on clarifying the truth of the crisis rather than finding out who is to blame.
　政府事故調は、膨大なデータに基づき事故の技術的な側面を詳細に分析した点が特徴だ。「失敗学」を提唱している畑村洋太郎委員長が、責任追及よりも事実の解明に重点を置いたからだ。

The final report of the government's committee criticizes reports by other investigation panels, saying much of their content is based on obvious misinterpretation of facts.
　最終報告書は、他の事故調による報告書について、「明らかな事実誤認を前提としているものが多い」と批判している。

For example, the Diet's Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission emphasized the possibility that the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake may have destroyed important reactor functions. However, the government's committee rejected the possibility that the earthquake damaged the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant's Nos. 1 to 3 reactors in a way that would have impaired the containment of radiation.
　例えば、国会事故調は地震で原子炉の重要機能が壊れた可能性を強調したが、政府事故調は、地震で福島第一原発１～３号機に「（放射能の）閉じ込め機能を損なうような損傷が生じた可能性は否定される」と、反論した。

The reactors' operation data show that important equipment was functioning normally until the tsunami hit the plant. The analysis by the government's committee, which identified the tsunami, not the earthquake, as the main cause of the crisis, is persuasive.
　原子炉の運転データからは、原発の重要機器が津波襲来まで正常に機能していたことが分かっている。地震ではなく、津波が事故の主因とした政府事故調の分析には説得力がある。

Since the outbreak of the nuclear crisis, the government has been working on measures against tsunami at nuclear power plants throughout the country. To reactivate idled reactors, we hope the government will explain the appropriateness of these measures to the public to ease their anxiety.
　政府は、事故後、全国の原発で津波対策に取り組んできた。再稼働に向け、この対策が適切であることを国民に説明し、不安感の軽減につなげてもらいたい。

It is also important that the final report of the government's committee suggested the possibility that core meltdowns could have been prevented if TEPCO had appropriately responded to the situation after the tsunami hit the plant.
　東電が津波発生後に適切に対応していれば、炉心溶融（メルトダウン）を防げた可能性がある、と示唆した点も重要だ。

The report concluded that the reactors' core could have been cooled before meltdown if measures had been immediately taken to lower pressure in the reactors before the situation worsened.
　事態が悪化する前に、現場が速やかに原子炉内の圧力を下げる措置を取っていれば、溶融前に炉心の冷却ができたと断じている。

===

Crisis response flawed

The report harshly evaluated TEPCO's ability--or lack thereof to respond to crises.
　東電の危機対応力の欠如に厳しい評価を下したと言える。

Meanwhile, as other investigation commissions have done, the government committee had tough words about the then government's bungled handling of the crisis.
　一方、他の事故調と同様、政府事故調が辛口の評価をしているのが、当時の政府の不手際だ。

　◆不備だった官邸の対応

Regarding the crisis response by the Prime Minister's Office, the report says, "The lack of information, and its uneven distribution, made it inevitable for the office to make decisions without sufficient basis."
　首相官邸の対応について、「情報の不足と偏在が生じ、十分な情報がないままに意思決定せざるを得なかった」とした。

Then Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his Cabinet ministers failed to adequately utilize a crisis control center set up in the basement of the Prime Minister's Office, where senior officials of relevant government offices were gathered. As a result, data from the System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information (SPEEDI) was not used in giving evacuation guidance to residents.
　菅首相や閣僚が、各府省幹部らが集まる官邸地下の「危機管理センター」を十分に活用しなかったためだ。その結果、放射性物質拡散予測システム「ＳＰＥＥＤＩ」を住民の避難誘導に利用することは検討もされなかった。

The Democratic Party of Japan-led government failed to make effective use of the bureaucratic machine due to its erroneous implementation of what it calls "politician-led politics." The government is largely to blame for having confounded the situation.
　民主党政権が、誤った「政治主導」で官僚組織を使いこなせず、事態を混乱させた責任は重い。

Kan, who prided himself on being more familiar with nuclear matters than other Cabinet members, "didn't try to tackle the crisis systematically," the report says. The report criticizes Kan for his intervention in frontline crisis control operations, including his visit to the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant the day after it was crippled by the March 11 disaster.
　最終報告書によると、原子力に「土地鑑」があると自負していた菅氏は「組織的に事態収拾に当たろうとしなかった」という。事故直後の原発視察を始めとする現場介入も、「弊害の方が大きい」と批判した。

The Prime Minister's Office asked the government offices concerned and TEPCO to have prior consultations with it concerning the content of information to be published, thereby causing delays in providing information to the public on meltdown and other problems at the nuclear reactors.
　官邸が各府省や東電に対して、広報内容の事前連絡を求めたため、メルトダウンなど原発の状況に関する国民への情報提供も遅れた。

It is natural that the panel pointed these problems out in its final report. Efforts must be made to improve the way information is handled in times of crisis.
　こうした問題を指摘したのは当然である。危機的状況での情報発信の改善が求められよう。

===

Obsession with safety myth
　◆今後も事故究明続けよ

As a reason for the failure to prevent the accident, the final report says, "TEPCO and the government were obsessed with the myth that nuclear plants are safe," and criticizes such a stance as a fundamental problem. The report also points out that the government, due to its fiscal constraints, "set aside disasters with a lower probability of occurrence" from a list of those subject to strengthened countermeasures.
　事故を防げなかった理由について、最終報告書は「東電も国も安全神話にとらわれていた」ことが根源的な問題、と批判した。政府が財源難から「発生確率の低い事象を除外」したとも指摘した。

In addition, the March 11 catastrophe was a complex disaster in which the nuclear crisis and natural disaster occurred simultaneously. It is essential to work out adequate precautionary measures to deal with a crisis that is anticipated to inflict serious damage even if the probability of its occurrence is slight.
　しかも、今回は、原発事故と自然災害が同時に起きる「複合災害」だった。発生確率が低くても甚大な被害が予想される危機への十分な備えは欠かせない。

The new nuclear regulatory commission to be established by the government must put priority on measures to be taken in ordinary times, such as formulating disaster-management programs and conducting disaster-response drills, on the assumption that a serious accident will happen.
　新たに発足する政府の原子力規制委員会は、深刻な事故を想定した防災計画の策定や防災訓練の実施といった平時からの準備に重点を置く必要がある。

The Fukushima nuclear crisis has attracted global interest. The decommissioning of reactors, which will go on for a long time, and efforts to help disaster victims put their lives back together must be demonstrated, both at home and abroad.
　国際的にも、事故への関心は高い。長期にわたる廃炉作業や被災者の生活再建の状況を国内外に示さねばならない。

In his personal impressions attached to the end of the report, Hatamura listed lessons from the disaster, including, "Simply creating the framework of a system does not mean it will work," and "Changes must be dealt with flexibly."
　畑村委員長は、締めくくりの所感で「形を作っただけでは機能しない」「変化に柔軟に対応する」など、教訓を列挙した。

In addition to the importance of organizational reform, he stressed the need for members of an organization to be aware that there could be oversight in human thinking and prepare for events beyond their assumptions.
　組織を改編するだけでなく、その構成員が、人間の考えには欠落があることを自覚し、「想定外」に備える重要性を訴えている。

All those involved in the nuclear power field must take these words to heart.
　原子力に携わる全関係者は、肝に銘じるべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 24, 2012)
（2012年7月24日01時37分  読売新聞）

私は建設会社勤務でした コピー機.com をお勧めいたします

私は大のプロレスファンですが、アントニオ猪木さんのファンでもあります。
アントニオ猪木さんが推奨するコピー機リースのコピー機.comなら間違いないですね。
首に巻いた赤い闘魂タオルはまだまだ健在で一安心いたしました。

本題です。

「コピー機.com」のサービスをブラウズしました。
私が特に気に入ったのは次の内容です。

１）　リース代が格安です。建設会社勤務でしたのでコピー機のリース代金には精通しています＾＾。

２）　コピー用紙、トナーなどの消耗品だって格安販売。４０％－７０％もの割引サービスは凄いです。

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　　　レビューブログからお知らせをいただきました。

駆けつけ警護 ＰＫＯの実効高める法改正を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 24, 2012)
Revise law to improve Japan peacekeeping operations
駆けつけ警護　ＰＫＯの実効高める法改正を（7月23日付・読売社説）

The government should step up efforts to deal with issues left unresolved since the enactment of the nation's U.N. Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law 20 years ago.
　国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）協力法の制定以来、２０年持ち越された重要課題の解決に向けて努力を重ねることが大切だ。

The Foreign and Defense ministries and the Cabinet Office have jointly compiled a bill to revise the PKO law. A major feature of the bill is a provision to allow the Self-Defense Forces to dispatch its members to rescue civilians in remote locations.
　内閣、外務、防衛の３府省がＰＫＯ協力法改正案をまとめた。自衛隊が、離れた場所にいる民間人らを助ける「駆けつけ警護」を可能にすることが柱だ。

Since several members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan are cautious about the revision, submission of the bill to the current Diet session may be difficult. However, we expect the Cabinet to approve it as soon as possible.
　民主党内には慎重論があり、今国会への改正案提出は困難視されているが、できるだけ早期に閣議決定してもらいたい。

Under the current PKO law, SDF members engaged in a U.N. peacekeeping operation are not allowed to use weapons except in self-defense and to avert imminent danger. Therefore, even if civilians caught in the middle of a riot, for instance, ask the SDF to rescue them, SDF members may not be able to do so.
　現行法では、ＰＫＯに従事中の自衛官は、正当防衛などの目的でしか武器を使えない。このため、暴動などに巻き込まれた民間人から救援要請を受けても、現場に駆けて救出することができない。

If SDF members use weapons against "an actor equivalent to a state," such as an armed insurgent, it may constitute "an exercise of force against other nations," which is prohibited by the Constitution, the Cabinet Legislation Bureau says.
　武装勢力など「国に準じる組織」に対して武器を使った場合、憲法の禁じる「他国への武力行使」に当たる恐れがある、との見解を内閣法制局が示しているからだ。

===

Legalize rescue dispatch

However, is it feasible for the SDF to turn down a rescue request made by civilians--Japanese nationals in particular--because it might violate the Constitution? Such a situation could occur at any time.
　だが、自衛隊が民間人、特に日本人からの救援要請を受けた際、「憲法に抵触する恐れがある」として断ることが、実際にできるだろうか。そうした事態は、いつ発生してもおかしくない。

In such a case, SDF members may rush to a scene to rescue civilians but will not use weapons unless their own lives are threatened. The law, which forces SDF commanders to make a difficult decision, must be revised.
　結局、とりあえず救援要請のあった場所に向かい、自分の身が危うくなったら、武器を使う――。そんな厳しい、ぎりぎりの決断を部隊指揮官に迫るような法律は、やはり改正する必要がある。

When the SDF began participating in U.N. peacekeeping operations, public opinion was divided. In the beginning, it might have made sense to place tight restrictions on the SDF's use of weapons.
　自衛隊がＰＫＯに参加し始めた初期の段階では、国内世論の賛否が分かれていた。自衛官の武器使用を抑制的にすることにも一定の意味があったかもしれない。

Today, however, an overwhelming majority of Japanese support SDF participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Not only has this become a normal role for the SDF, but it has been upgraded to one of its primary missions.
　だが、今や、自衛隊のＰＫＯ参加は圧倒的多数の国民に支持されて定着し、自衛隊の本来任務に格上げされている。

We think it is reasonable to review restrictions on the use of weapons to improve the effectiveness of SDF activities, while taking the experience and needs of members actually involved in the activities into consideration.
様々な経験や現場のニーズを踏まえ、活動の実効性を高めるよう、武器使用のあり方を見直すのは当然だ。

===

New condition nonsensical

The bill stipulates that SDF members would be allowed to use weapons only to support and supplement security efforts by a host state.
　３府省の案は、「受け入れ国の治安維持を支援・補完する」ための武器使用は容認するという。

However, the Cabinet Legislation Bureau has urged that a condition be added so an SDF rescue mission would be limited to a situation where an attack by a state or an actor equivalent to a state is not expected.
　しかし、内閣法制局は、駆けつけ警護を「国や国に準じる組織の攻撃が想定されない」場合に限定する条件を追加するよう求めており、調整が難航している。

This condition makes coordination of views more difficult. We have doubts about the opinions of the bureau.
　内閣法制局の主張は疑問だ。

Japan is the only country that interprets the use of weapons during peacekeeping operations based on a U.N. resolution as an exercise of military force. This contradicts conventional wisdom of the international community. If the Cabinet Legislation Bureau's condition is added to the envisaged revision, it could restrict SDF activities even more.
　国連決議に基づくＰＫＯでの武器使用が「武力行使」に当たる恐れがあるとの解釈は、日本だけで、世界の常識から外れている。この条件を追加すれば、自衛隊の活動が今よりも制約されかねない。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is positive about making SDF rescue missions legally possible. We hope the prime minister will tackle this issue based on the realities of places where peacekeeping operations are needed.
　野田首相は、駆けつけ警護を可能にすることに前向きだ。ＰＫＯの現場の実情を踏まえ、この問題に取り組んでほしい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 23, 2012)
（2012年7月23日01時45分  読売新聞）

シリア情勢 アサド政権がほころび始めた

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 23, 2012)
Assad regime appears to be fraying from within
シリア情勢　アサド政権がほころび始めた（7月22日付・読売社説）

The civil war in Syria continues to intensify.
　内戦は激しくなるばかりだ。

The fact that the U.N. Security Council is dysfunctional and has been unable to work out effective measures to end the civil war is profoundly serious.
それを食い止める有効策を打ち出せない国連安全保障理事会の機能不全は深刻である。

In the heart of Damascus, the national security headquarters was attacked by a suicide bomber on Wednesday. The attack killed senior government officials in a meeting, including the defense minister, the chief of the National Security Bureau and the deputy defense minister, President Bashar Assad's brother-in-law.
　シリアの首都ダマスカスの中心部で、治安機関施設が爆破され、会議中だった国防相や国家治安局長、アサド大統領の義兄である国防次官らが死亡した。

An anti-Assad regime group, the Free Syrian Army, claimed responsibility for the attack.
反体制派「自由シリア軍」が、犯行声明を出した。

Although security in Damascus had been relatively stable until recently, attacks by rebel forces in the capital have been occurring one after another since the middle of this month.
　比較的治安が安定していたダマスカスだが、今月中旬から反体制派による攻撃が相次いでいた。

The fact that the inner core of the Assad government has been hit directly in the uprising in spite of the regime's heavy security measures is of grave significance.
　厳戒をかいくぐって体制の中枢が直撃された意味は重大だ。

===

No ceasefire in sight

A stream of defections has begun among the country's elites, such as the ambassador to Iraq and a brigadier general of an elite military unit. In addition, a large number of Syrian residents are fleeing abroad.
　駐イラク大使や精鋭部隊の准将などエリートの離反が始まった。多数の住民が国外に脱出している。

In combination, the armed uprising against the Assad regime and deepening isolation of Damascus seem to have made Assad's hold on power increasingly tenuous.
反体制派の武装蜂起と国際的な孤立で、アサド体制は内部からほころび始めたのではないか。

The forces loyal to the government, whose firepower is superior to that of the rebels, have embarked on fierce retaliatory strikes in Damascus and many other parts of the country.
　火力で優勢な政府軍は、ダマスカスなど各地で報復に乗り出した。

Both the government and antigovernment forces are bent on escalating the hostilities, and there are no signs of a ceasefire in sight.
政府軍と反体制派の双方が攻撃をエスカレートさせており、停戦の機運はまったく見えない。

Blame for the deterioration of the security conditions in Syria to this extent should be primarily placed on the Assad government. This is because the government, after expressing its intention to accept a six-point peace plan drawn up by joint U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, has failed to carry it out.
　治安がここまで悪化したのは、アサド政権の責任が大きい。国連とアラブ連盟の特使を務めるアナン前国連事務総長が示した停戦調停案を受け入れると表明しながら、実行しなかったからだ。

Prior to the expiration on Friday of the mandate of the U.N. observer mission in Syria, it is quite natural that the United States and European countries presented a resolution to the Security Council on Thursday, warning the Assad regime of additional economic sanctions. The resolution, however, was vetoed by Russia and China.
　国連の停戦監視団の任期切れを前に、安保理で米欧が、アサド政権に経済制裁を警告する決議案を出したのは当然である。だが、ロシアと中国が拒否権を行使して廃案となった。

This is the third double veto by Moscow and Beijing of a Security Council resolution addressing the Syrian crisis since last year.
　対シリア決議案で両国の拒否権行使は昨年から３度目だ。

The vetoes are part of a pattern of Russia acting in defense of Syria--with which Moscow has strong military ties--and China following along.
軍事的に深いつながりを持つロシアがアサド政権をかばい、中国が同調する図式が今回も繰り返された。

Russia should stop trying to help prolong the Assad government, but instead exercise its influence to end the bloodshed.
　ロシアは、アサド政権の延命に固執せず、流血停止に向けて影響力を行使すべきである。

===

Spillover to wider region feared

It is regrettable that the Security Council has ended up adopting a resolution simply extending the U.N. observer force's mandate for 30 days.
　安保理が決めたのは結局、停戦監視団の任期の３０日間延長だけ、というのは残念だ。

Given that no ceasefire has been effected, the U.N. observer mission will be limited to such activities as on-the-spot inspections in the event of another massacre of residents of Syria.
停戦が実現していない中で、監視団ができることは、住民虐殺が起きた場合の現地調査などに限られよう。

In a meeting held in June between permanent members of the Security Council--Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States--and countries neighboring Syria, an agreement was reached on establishment of a provisional government comprising Syrian government members and members of the rebel forces. All countries concerned should increase pressure on Syria to materialize the agreement.
　米露中英仏の安保理常任理事国とシリア周辺国が６月に開催した関係国会合では、シリアの政府関係者と反体制派の双方が参加する暫定政府樹立で合意している。実現に向けて、関係国はシリア側への働きかけを強めるべきだ。

Japan has dispatched transport troops of the Self-Defense Forces on a U.N.-sponsored peacekeeping mission for the purpose of disengaging Syrian and Israeli forces in the Golan Heights.
　日本は、ゴラン高原でシリア軍とイスラエル軍の引き離しにあたる国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に自衛隊の輸送部隊を派遣している。

Further aggravation of the Syrian situation could destabilize the entire Middle East region.
シリア情勢のこれ以上の悪化は中東地域の不安定化につながる。

Japan, too, should keep a close watch on how things develop.
日本も注視する必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 22, 2012)
（2012年7月22日02時01分  読売新聞）

金利不正操作 市場の信頼回復へ改革を急げ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 22, 2012)
Reform urged to regain trust of market amid Libor scandal
金利不正操作　市場の信頼回復へ改革を急げ（7月21日付・読売社説）

Distrust in financial markets has been heightened recently by suspected rigging in Britain of the world's most highly cited benchmark interest rate. Financial authorities must dig up the whole truth of the rate manipulation scandal to work out thorough measures to prevent a recurrence of the problem.
　国際的な基準金利の不正操作が英国で発覚し、市場への不信感が高まっている。金融当局は真相を解明して再発防止策を徹底すべきである。

We refer, of course, to the rate-fixing scandal involving the London Interbank Offered Rate, better known as Libor.
　ＬＩＢＯＲ（ライボー）と呼ばれる「ロンドン銀行間取引金利」を巡る不正事件のことだ。

Libor is calculated on the basis of unregulated estimates of rates that major commercial banks operating in London--from Europe, the United States and elsewhere--submit to the British Bankers' Association, regarding costs the banks incur when borrowing from each other.
　ＬＩＢＯＲは、ロンドン市場で取引する欧米などの大手銀行が英銀行協会に自己申告する調達金利をもとに算出される。

Libor is widely used as a benchmark in connection with rates for corporate loans, derivatives contracts and many other financial deals around the world. Financial transactions tied to Libor are said to be worth an estimated 360 trillion dollars globally.
　企業向け融資や金融派生商品などの指標に幅広く使われ、これらの金融取引の規模は、世界で約３６０兆ドルに上るという。

Such an important benchmark rate has been revealed to have been distorted by false submissions from Barclays, one of Britain's top banking groups. Barclays has paid a huge fine over the irregularities, and its false reporting was a clear betrayal of investors' trust.
　それほど重要な基準金利が英大手バークレイズの虚偽申告で歪(ゆが)められていた。バークレイズは巨額の罰金を支払ったが、投資家の信頼を裏切る背信行為である。

The wrongdoing is said to have been conducted from 2005 to 2009.
　不正は２００５～０９年にかけて行われた。

===

Not altered single-handedly

It seems the bank initially submitted artificially high rates to manipulate Libor levels upward to shore up its own profits.
当初は金利を高めに申告してＬＩＢＯＲを高く誘導し、利益を稼いだようだ。

But from around 2008, Barclays submitted deliberately low rates, in the midst of the 2007-2009 financial crisis marked by the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers. The manipulation was apparently a bid to bolster its bottom line by giving the impression that the bank could borrow money more cheaply and was thus healthier than it really was, so as to maintain its credibility even while being shaken by the crisis.
リーマン・ショックの０８年前後からは、逆に低い金利を申告し、危機で揺らぐ自行の信用維持を狙ったらしい。

No one banking institution can single-handedly alter the calculations behind the Libor rate. There have been suspicions that banks other than Barclays may have conspired to rig Libor submissions. Suspicion has also arisen that an executive of the Bank of England, Britain's central bank, may have pressured Barclays to engage in the rate manipulation.
　だが、単独ではＬＩＢＯＲを操作しにくい。他行も談合していた疑いがある。英中央銀行幹部がバークレイズに不正操作を促していたとの疑惑も浮上している。

Under the circumstances, it is only natural that Britain's financial regulatory authorities have embarked on full-scale investigations into the matter, questioning a number of U.S. and European financial institutions. The regulatory authorities should plunge their investigative scalpel into the dark side of the financial world.
　英金融監督当局が、複数の欧米金融機関の本格調査に乗り出したのは当然だ。金融界の暗部にメスを入れるべきだ。

The conduct of not only British regulators but also of financial regulatory authorities of the United States has been brought into question.
　英国だけでなく、米国の金融当局の姿勢も問われている。

U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, while heading the New York Federal Reserve Bank in 2008, obtained information concerning Libor manipulation and offered the head of Britain's central bank a proposal on how to "eliminate the incentive to misreport." Authorities in both Britain and the United States, however, eventually left the problem unaddressed. Their response to the problem was inadequate.
　ガイトナー米財務長官はニューヨーク連邦準備銀行総裁だった０８年に問題を把握し、英中央銀行総裁に改善策を提言した。だが、英米当局とも結局は放置した。対応は不適切だったのではないか。

===

Collective suits looming

Taking such things into account, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, in testimony to a U.S. congressional committee earlier this week, stated the Libor system should be considered "structurally flawed."
　こうした経緯を踏まえ、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）のバーナンキ議長は今週、米議会公聴会で、「ＬＩＢＯＲには構造的な欠陥がある」と述べた。

To ascertain whether submissions by banks are proper, stronger supervision is a must.
　銀行各行の申告が正しいかどうか、監査の強化は不可欠だ。

Steps that must urgently be taken include increasing the number of banks making Libor submissions to enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of the critical benchmark.
金利を提示する銀行数を増やすなど、ＬＩＢＯＲの透明性と信頼性を高める改革が急務である。

It is possible that false Libor reports by banks other than Barclays may be exposed and collective lawsuits may be filed by investors and others over losses they suffered because of the Libor manipulation. We hope that market upheaval due to the scandal can be prevented from spreading.
　今後、他行の不正が発覚したり、不利益を被ったという投資家などが金融機関に集団訴訟を起こしたりする可能性もある。市場の動揺が拡大しないよう望みたい。

For Japan, this is no fire on the other side of the river.
　日本にとっても対岸の火事ではない。

The Japanese Bankers Association has decided to beef up its inspections of submissions from banks for the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate, or Tibor, which has become known as the Japanese version of Libor.
日本版ＬＩＢＯＲとして、公表している東京銀行間取引金利（ＴＩＢＯＲ）について、全国銀行協会が点検を強化する方針を決めた。

Ceaseless efforts by the association and its member banks are essential for dispelling investors' mistrust over the benchmark rates.
投資家の不信を払拭する不断の努力が欠かせない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 21, 2012)
（2012年7月21日01時20分  読売新聞）

核燃料の処分―国の責任で新戦略を

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 20
EDITORIAL: New strategy needed for disposal of spent nuclear fuel
核燃料の処分―国の責任で新戦略を

To build a safe society that does not rely on nuclear power, it is necessary for the government not only to lower the ratio of nuclear power to overall electricity generation but also to show clearly that Japan will withdraw from the “nuclear fuel cycle” program.
　原発に依存しない安心な社会をつくっていく。そのためには、発電全体での原発比率を下げるだけでなく、核燃料サイクルからの明確な撤退方針を示すことが必要だ。

The Energy and Environmental Council comprising related Cabinet members is set to decide the direction of Japan’s future energy policy at the end of August. As the ratio of dependence on nuclear energy in 2030, it is studying three scenarios of zero percent, 15 percent and 20 to 25 percent.
　関係閣僚による「エネルギー・環境会議」は８月末、今後のエネルギー政策の方向性を決める。２０３０年での原発依存比率は、０％、１５％、２０～２５％の選択肢を検討している。

The council will also decide disposal methods for spent nuclear fuel at the same time. Storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel are problems that stand in the way even when nuclear power plants are closed down. Japan is now at a major crossroads.
　その際、使用済み燃料の処分方法も決める。原発を止めても立ちはだかる使用済み燃料の保管・処分問題をどうするか。日本は今、大きな岐路に立つ。

The nuclear fuel cycle program, in which all spent nuclear fuel is reprocessed to extract plutonium and use it as fuel, has been the core of Japanese nuclear power policy.
　使用済み燃料をすべて再処理し、プルトニウムをとり出して燃料として使う。この全量再処理・核燃料サイクルが日本の原子力政策の要となってきた。

The council presented the view that if Japan were to completely abolish nuclear power by adopting the “zero percent” case, it should not reprocess the spent nuclear fuel but bury it underground. In the remaining two cases, the methods of burying it and reprocessing it are both possible, according to the council. However, it should not make such half-baked conclusions but clearly shift gears from reprocessing it to burying it.
　エネルギー・環境会議は、原発ゼロなら全量を再処理せず、地下に埋設する直接処分が妥当で、あとの二つの場合は直接処分と再処理の両方があり得るとの見方を示している。だが、中途半端な結論にせず、再処理路線から直接処分の方向へ、明確にかじを切るべきだ。

From now, it is unlikely that Japan would build more nuclear power plants, meaning consumption of uranium fuel will drop. Under such circumstances, it is unreasonable to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and use relatively expensive plutonium.
　今後の日本では、原発を増やすことは考えにくい。ウラン燃料の使用量が減るのに、わざわざ再処理して割高のプルトニウムを使うのは合理的でない。

If Japan aims at massive use of plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons, even though it does not pay, it may prompt other countries to follow its example and reprocess spent nuclear fuel. If that happens, it would have a negative impact on global efforts toward nuclear nonproliferation.
　日本が、経済的に見合わないのに、核兵器の材料ともなるプルトニウムの大規模利用をめざせば、それをまねて再処理に動く国が続出しかねない。そうなれば世界の核不拡散体制にも悪影響を与える。

That is all the more why we believe it would be wiser not to reprocess spent nuclear fuel but to bury it underground after keeping it in temporary storage facilities for several decades.
　だからこそ、使用済み燃料を再処理せず、数十年の間、中間貯蔵したあと直接処分するのが、得策と考える。

If we choose to bury it, however, spent nuclear fuel, which is supposedly a “valuable resource,” will suddenly become “worthless garbage.” As a result, the method, in which a private company handles spent nuclear fuel as a business, will hit a wall.
　ただ、この直接処分路線を選ぶと、「価値ある資源」だった使用済み燃料は一転して「価値のないごみ」になる。その結果、民間企業がビジネスとして使用済み燃料を扱う方式はいずれ、壁にぶつかるだろう。

To avoid that, it is indispensable for the government to come to the fore and present a mid- to long-term strategy.
　そこで、国が前面にたって中長期的な戦略をたてることが不可欠だ。

The government needs to advance the construction of temporary storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel, carry out research and development for burying it and find sites for the final disposal. It also needs to consider the nationalization of those projects. In Europe as well as the United States, instead of leaving the handling of spent nuclear fuel in the hands of private companies, governments are taking the initiative.
　使用済み燃料の中間貯蔵施設の建設、最終処分の研究開発、最終処分地探しなどを、事業の国有化も含めて、国が責任を持って進めていくことだ。欧米諸国も、使用済み燃料の扱いを民間企業にあずけず、国が前面に出て取り組んでいる。

Many difficult problems need to be resolved, such as providing alternative pump-priming measures to Aomori Prefecture, which hosts nuclear fuel cycle facilities, and finding new businesses for Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., which has been reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. They are all serious problems that weigh heavily and can only be shouldered by the government as Japan follows the path to a nuclear-free country.
　核燃料サイクル施設がある青森県での代替の振興策や、再処理ビジネスをしてきた日本原燃の業務転換など、難題は多い。だが、いずれも、脱原発依存への途上で、国しか担いきれない重い任務である。

最初の一歩は スマートフォン 制作 サイトに無料でお問い合わせ

今朝は、スマートフォン 制作サイトに無料でお問い合わせできるサービスのご紹介です。
それは、SMARTPHONE WORKS　です。

SMARTPHONE WORKSは、参加企業の情報や過去の事例を見ながらスマートフォンサイト制作のお問い合わせをする企業を選ぶことができます。もちろん各企業への問い合わせは無料で行えます。

これからはPC主体の世の中からスマホ（スマートフォン）中心の世の中へと移り変わって行くのではないでしょうか。
世の中、一家に一台ならぬ、一人一台時代にさしかかって来ております。
これからはスマホのサイトを制作することで起業できる時代ですね。
不況で活力のない民間企業、これからは海外とスマホがキーワードになるでしょう。

あなたの起業した事業が成功するかどうか、スマホサイトの出来次第だということが出来ます。しっかりとした専門企業を見つけ出すことが成功への第一歩なのです。



その名も　smartphone works です。　かっこいい名前ですね。

オフィスビル 官民で災害に強い都市目指せ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 20, 2012)
New Tokyo office buildings should be disaster-resistant
オフィスビル　官民で災害に強い都市目指せ（7月19日付・読売社説）

Strengthening functions of office buildings in Tokyo can also help the nation revive its economy. Tokyo is urged to restore its status, as major cities in other Asian countries are gaining competitive edges against it.
　東京のオフィス機能を強化することは、日本経済の再生につながる。アジア諸都市に押され気味のＴＯＫＹＯの復権が期待されよう。

Central Tokyo has seen the opening of a number of major office buildings in recent months.
　都心で大規模なオフィスビルの開業が相次いでいる。

Among others, DiverCity Tokyo in Koto Ward, Shibuya Hikarie next to Shibuya Station and East Tower at the foot of Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward have become popular among sightseers who are attracted to the complexes' commercial facilities.
　ダイバーシティ東京、渋谷ヒカリエ、東京スカイツリー脇のイーストタワーなどは、併設する商業施設とともに観光スポットとして人気を集めている。

Not a few of these newly opened buildings may become landmarks of their business districts, with JP Tower as an example. Built on the site of the historic Tokyo Central Post Office across the street from JR Tokyo Station, the high-rise was partially opened earlier this week.
　東京駅前の旧東京中央郵便局跡に今週、一部オープンしたＪＰタワーなど、ビジネス街の顔となりそうな注目物件も少なくない。

According to a real estate industry estimate, the total floor space in large-scale buildings to become available this year in Tokyo's 23 wards will be about 1.8 million square meters--equivalent to the footprint of 38 Tokyo Domes. This marks the highest level since 2003, when the Roppongi Hills complex in Minato Ward was opened.
　業界推計では、２３区内で今年供給される大型ビルの延べ床面積は東京ドーム３８個分の約１８０万平方メートルに上る。六本木ヒルズが開業した２００３年以来の水準だ。

The latest building boom is marked by high-rises created by the renovation or replacement of older structures in efforts to redevelop the capital's central districts, such as Marunouchi, Shibuya and Shinjuku.
　今回の大型物件ラッシュの特徴は、丸の内・渋谷・新宿など都内中心部の再開発に伴う老朽ビルの建て替えや高層化である。テナント側のビル選定基準が変化していることも見逃せない。

===

Tenants' priorities changing

It should be noted that today's tenants have different standards in choosing the buildings they pay rent for.

Companies looking for office space used to focus on where buildings were located and how convenient they were. Nowadays, more and more firms are paying increased attention to whether a building would allow them to continue their business operations in the event of a disaster, considering such factors as its degree of earthquake resistance and whether it has an emergency power supply.
　これまでは立地や利便性が中心だったが、ビルの耐震機能や非常用電源の設置など、災害時でも業務を継続できるかどうかを重視する企業が増えている。

Last year's Great East Japan Earthquake encouraged many companies to put a higher priority on preparing for a possible quake that could directly hit Tokyo.
　東日本大震災を受けて、首都直下地震への備えを最優先に考えざるを得なくなったためだろう。

The real estate industry has been implementing disaster management measures, such as equipping newly constructed buildings with high-tech systems to inform tenants of the degree of damage sustained in an earthquake.
　不動産業界は、地震時に被災状況を把握できるシステムを新型ビルに導入するなど防災対策を進めている。

It is important for the industry to further strengthen its efforts to make office buildings safer.
今後も安全面の取り組みを強化することが大切だ。

Considering the possibility of power shortages in the medium to long term, it is also vital for office buildings to work on energy measures, such as enhancing energy efficiency and diversifying power sources.
　中長期的な電力不足を想定し、省エネや電源分散化など、エネルギー対策も欠かせない。

As the number of high-rise office buildings increase and more and more people work in them, it will become more important than ever for business districts to be prepared for a disaster.
　大勢の人が働く高層オフィスが増えれば、従来以上にビジネス街の災害対策は重要となる。

Companies renting different buildings should work together to come up with plans to respond to a disaster, including ways to help people who are unable to return home.
複数のビルの入居企業が連携して帰宅困難者対策などを講じるべきだ。

===

Excessive supply negative factor

It is a cause for concern, however, that a glut of office space could harm the real estate market. The vacancy rate of these rooms remains high due to sluggish demand, causing rents to fall over a prolonged period. Some brand-new buildings even find it difficult to reach full occupancy.
　懸念されるのは、オフィスが一時期に集中して供給されることで不動産市況が悪化しかねない問題だ。オフィス需要の伸び悩みで空室率は高止まりし、賃料の長期下落傾向が続く。完成間近でもテナントが埋まらない物件もある。

Therefore, there is serious worry about a "Year 2012 Problem" for the real estate industry.
　「不動産業界の２０１２年問題」と警戒する声は根強い。

A growing gap between supply and demand in office space could put downward pressure on land prices, negatively influencing the economy. The government, therefore, should keep an eye on the real estate market.
　需給ギャップ拡大は地価の下押し圧力となり、経済への悪影響が気がかりだ。政府は不動産市況を注視しなければならない。

In March, the Tokyo metropolitan government compiled a basic strategy to promote local industry, which stipulates that it should help foreign companies settle in the capital.
　都は３月に策定した産業振興基本戦略に「外国企業の定着」を掲げた。海外投資家が日本の不動産への投資を再開する動きもある。

Overseas investors have resumed pouring money into Japanese real estate. The metropolitan government should become more aggressive in promoting foreign investment, which will also help narrow the supply-and-demand gap for office space.
オフィス需給を改善するためにも外資誘致を積極化すべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 19, 2012)
（2012年7月19日01時26分  読売新聞）

社説:原発の意見聴取会 ずさん過ぎるやり方だ

July 18, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Gov't should be fair in listening to public opinion on nuclear power
社説:原発の意見聴取会　ずさん過ぎるやり方だ

The government's decision to ban employees at electric power companies from expressing themselves during hearings of opinions from members of the general public on Japan's energy policy should be regarded as only natural.
　政府は、今後のエネルギー政策について国民の声を聞くための意見聴取会に関し、電力会社の社員が意見表明することを認めないよう運営方法を改めることになった。

Such hearings are important opportunities to reflect public opinion on Japan's key policies, and not venues to listen to interested parties' assertions.
　意見聴取会は、国の将来を左右する重要な政策に国民の声を反映させる大切な機会であり、当事者の主張を聞く場ではない。

One cannot help but wonder why electric power industry insiders were initially allowed to attend public hearings on atomic power policy. As long as members of the public doubt whether the government is serious about listening to their opinions, the government cannot ensure fairness of its policy-making process.
　運営の見直しは当然のことだ。しかし、なぜ当初からそうしなかったのか。「国民の声を本気で聞く気があるのか」と疑われるようでは、政策決定の正当性は確保できない。

Hearings are being held on three scenarios of Japan's reliance on nuclear power as of 2030: scenario 1 under which nuclear plants would be totally shutdown; scenario 2 under which the ratio of atomic power to Japan's total power supply would be 15 percent; and scenario 3 under which the ratio would be 20-25 percent.
　意見聴取会は、２０３０年時点での原発の比率を０％、１５％、２０?２５％とした政府の選択肢について、それぞれを支持する国民から考えを聞くものだ。

Specifically, three members of the public who support scenario 1, three others who back scenario 2 and another three who are in favor of scenario 3 are invited to each hearing to express their opinions. The government has introduced such hearings along with deliberative polls -- which consist of public comments, debate and surveys -- as a means to reflect public opinion in its policy-making.
パブリックコメントの募集、議論とアンケートを組み合わせた「討論型世論調査」と並び、今回の政策決定に国民の意見を生かす有力な手段として取り入れられた。

The government plans to hold 11 such sessions across the country. Three sessions have already been held, and the planning manager of Tohoku Electric Power Co. and a section chief at Chubu Electric Power Co.'s nuclear power department expressed their opinions in favor of atomic power at the Sendai and Nagoya sessions, respectively.
　全国１１カ所で開催するが、これまでに開かれた３回のうち、仙台市では東北電力の企画部長が、名古屋市では中部電力原子力部の課長が、いずれも原発推進の立場で意見を述べた。

The number of speakers is limited to nine at each hearing. If one of the nine is a high-ranking official of a power supplier that is promoting nuclear power, it obviously runs counter to the hearings' purpose of listening to opinions from members of the general public, and raises serious questions about the fairness of such sessions.
発言者は、１会場９人に限られる。その１人が、原発推進の当事者である電力会社の幹部では、「国民の意見を聞く」という会の趣旨に反するし、公平性も疑われる。

Questions also remain about the way such hearings are being held. Speakers express their own opinions, but nobody asks questions and no discussion is held. Since opinions expressed by speakers are not summarized by the organizer, how can they be reflected in the government's energy policy?
　聴取会の仕組みそのものにも疑問がある。発言者が一方的に考えを述べ、質疑も議論もない。意見はまったく集約されないが、これをどうやって政策決定に反映させるのか。

According to an advertising agency that serves as the secretariat of the hearings, of those who have applied to express their opinions at the Nagoya hearing, nearly 70 percent support a total elimination of nuclear plants, while over 20 percent back the 20-25 percent scenario. In Sendai, about 70 percent of applicants are in favor of the abolition of all nuclear power stations. Judging from these figures, the government's decision to allow three people each in favor of the three scenarios to express their opinions at the hearings is highly questionable.
　事務局を務める広告代理店によると、名古屋では応募者のうち原発比率０％支持が７割弱、２０-２５％は２割強で、仙台でも応募者の約７割が０％支持だった。こうした比率を見ると、発言者を各選択肢につき３人ずつとすることにも疑問が残る。

Moreover, three people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area were selected as speakers at the Sendai hearing and underscored the need of nuclear power. In Nagoya, four of the nine speakers were from the Kansai or Kanto regions.
　さらに、仙台では首都圏在住者３人が発言者に選ばれ、原発の必要性を訴えた。名古屋でも、発言者のうち４人が関東・関西在住だった。

Such hearings have been organized across the country on the assumption that public opinion on nuclear power varies from region to region depending on the local situation, such as whether they host nuclear power stations. Therefore, such hearings should be held in a way local communities' opinions are reflected in energy policy.
　全国で開催するのは、原発立地の有無などにより、地域によって見解も異なりうるという前提で、各地域の意見を聞くためだろう。より地元の声を反映させる形での運営が望ましい。

Biased opinions were expressed in some past symposia and other sessions on nuclear power policy organized by the government in a bid to manipulate public opinion, inviting public distrust. There are observations that the government is reportedly seeking to settle the issue, with an eye to adopting the 15 percent option. Behind the widespread anti-nuclear power campaigns is strong public distrust of the government's stance.
　原発政策を巡っては、国主催のシンポジウムなどで「やらせ」による世論誘導がなされ、国民の不信を招いた経緯がある。今回も、政府は１５％案を軸に着地点を探っているとの見方がある。反原発運動が大きな広がりを見せている背景にも、そうした政府への強い不信感があるはずだ。

Hearings on energy policy will continue, and the government is also poised to conduct a deliberative poll on the issue. The government should make every effort to ensure fairness in the way it listens to opinions from the public on nuclear power policy in order not to invite public distrust.
　意見聴取会は今後も続き、討論型世論調査も控えている。政府は国民の不信を招くことのないよう、公正性の確保に意を尽くすべきだ。

毎日新聞　2012年07月18日　02時31分

日航再上場 公正な競争ゆがめない再建を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 19, 2012)
JAL reconstruction shouldn't distort fair competition
日航再上場　公正な競争ゆがめない再建を（7月18日付・読売社説）

Japan Airlines has filed with the Tokyo Stock Exchange to be relisted on the exchange, possibly in September.
　日本航空が東京証券取引所に株式の上場を申請し、９月の再上場を目指している。

If JAL is relisted, the airline will have shaken off the shackles of public management remarkably quickly--two years and eight months after it filed for bankruptcy protection under the Corporate Rehabilitation Law in January 2010.
　実現すれば、２０１０年１月の会社更生法の適用申請から２年８か月で公的管理を脱するスピード再生となる。

The government-backed Enterprise Turnaround Initiative Corporation of Japan injected 350 billion yen in public funds in JAL, which was delisted after it went bankrupt. If selling all the shares held by the corporation brings in more money than was spent propping up the airline, all public funds invested in JAL can be recovered.
　破綻後、日航株は上場廃止となり、官民ファンドの企業再生支援機構が３５００億円を出資した。再上場で株式を市場に放出し、出資額を上回る資金が得られれば、公的資金は全額回収できる。

For now at least, it seems JAL's rehabilitation has proceeded smoothly in that the financial burden shouldered by the public has been minimized as its management has been put back on track.
　経営を軌道に乗せ、国民負担を最小限に抑えるという観点からすれば、日航再生はひとまず順調に進んだと言ってよいだろう。

The biggest factor behind JAL's recovery was a sharp rebound in its business performance. JAL has chalked up record operating profits for two consecutive years, and its rate of profitability easily eclipsed that of other major airlines around the world.
　最大の要因は、業績のＶ字回復だ。２年連続で営業利益は過去最高を更新し、利益率は世界の主要航空会社を大きく上回った。

We applaud JAL for the efforts it made to reform its corporate culture of "relying on the government to foot the bill" under the leadership of Chairman Kazuo Inamori, the founder of Kyocera Corp.
　会長に就任した京セラ創業者の稲盛和夫氏のもと、日航自身が「親方日の丸」の企業風土を改革した努力は評価したい。

===

Generous assistance

However, it bears remembering that JAL could achieve brisk business results thanks to generous assistance measures such as the injection of public funds and debt waivers.
　ただし、好業績を実現できたのは、公的資金の投入や５２００億円もの債務免除などの手厚い支援があったからこそである。

Large-scale restructuring, including the cutting of 16,000 jobs and axing of loss-making routes, was possible because it was done under court administration.
　１万６０００人規模の人員削減や赤字路線廃止など大規模なリストラにしても、裁判所の管理下で初めて可能となった。

A matter of concern is that JAL, while operating with fewer financial burdens, has acquired an overwhelmingly dominant position over its rival All Nippon Airways. This threatens to distort the principle of fair competition.
　問題は、身軽になった日航が全日本空輸に比べて圧倒的に優位となり、公正な競争をゆがめかねない状況が生まれている点だ。

JAL posted 204.9 billion yen in operating profit in the business term ended in March 2012, more than double the record 97 billion yen logged by ANA. After-tax profits for JAL, which was exempted from paying corporate tax as part of the preferential measures to revive the airline, were nearly seven times bigger than ANA's.
　１２年３月期の日航の営業利益は２０４９億円で、過去最高益だった全日空の９７０億円の２倍を超える。法人税が免除される優遇措置により税引き後利益は全日空の７倍近い水準となっている。

JAL's interest-bearing debts are just one-fifth of ANA's. JAL's exemption from paying corporate tax will continue for seven years.
　経営の負担となる有利子負債は全日空の５分の１にとどまる一方、法人税免除は７年間続く。

If a company rebuilt with state assistance is treated preferentially over competitors fending for themselves, the end result will be unfairness.
　国の支援で再建した企業が、自助努力を続ける競争相手よりも優遇されれば、結果的に不公平を生むことになる。

===

Use profits for public good

At the very least, JAL--the operator of a public transportation network--needs to consider using its profits in ways that benefit the public, such as maintaining local routes and improving services.
　少なくとも日航は、公共交通機関として地方路線の維持やサービス向上などを通じ、利益を還元する対応を考える必要があろう。

A Liberal Democratic Party panel that believes JAL has been lavished with excessive public aid is calling for restrictions on JAL's planned opening of new routes and other operations, as a condition for approving JAL's relisting. We understand the LDP's demands in some respects, but political intervention must not be allowed.
　自民党の関係部会は、日航への公的支援を過剰と問題視し、新規路線の開設制限などを再上場の条件とするよう求めている。理解できる面はあるものの、政治が過剰に介入してはならないだろう。

There have been glaring shortcomings in policies aimed at realizing corporate reconstruction through public assistance while ensuring a fair, competitive environment for all comers. The European Union, by contrast, takes measures to restrict the business of a company that received public assistance.
　公的支援による企業再生と公正な競争環境の両立については、政策面の不備が目立つ。欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、公的支援を受けた企業の事業を制限する措置などを取っている。

Using these examples as references, the government must quickly consider what steps should be taken in the future.
こうした事例も参考に政府は検討を急ぐべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 18, 2012)
（2012年7月18日01時29分  読売新聞）

共通番号法案 なぜ審議入りできないのか

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 19, 2012)
Talks on 'My Number' bills should start soon
共通番号法案　なぜ審議入りできないのか（7月18日付・読売社説）

To make the nation's social security and tax systems work more effectively it is necessary to introduce a number system that thoroughly integrates personal information of Japanese citizens.
　社会保障制度と税制をより効果的に運営するには、国民一人ひとりの情報をきちんと結びつけられる番号制度の導入が不可欠である。

Toward this end, government-backed bills to introduce a My Number system that would provide each person with a unique identification number have been submitted to the House of Representatives. However, deliberations on the bills have yet to start. We wonder why.
　そのための「共通番号制度（マイナンバー）関連法案」が衆院に提出されたのに、一向に審議が始まらないのはどうしたことか。

Similar policy plans to introduce a personal number system were proposed while the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito were in power. Most of the ruling and opposition parties have recognized the need for such a system. As the content of their respective plans are nearly identical, further discussions should be held as soon as possible to ensure the bills are enacted quickly.
　共通番号については自公政権でもほぼ同じ構想が示され、与野党の大半が必要性を認めている。内容的にもほとんど一致しているのだから、早急に議論を詰め、確実に成立させるべきだ。

We also believe such discussions would lend support to deliberations on bills for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems that have started in the House of Councillors, and thereby accelerate constructive political processes.
　それが、参院で始まった社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の議論を後押しし、政治の建設的な流れを加速することにもつながる。

===

Increased efficiency

Under the system, personal identification numbers will be assigned to all Japanese citizens using the Basic Resident Registration Network, or Juki Net. Using the number as a "key," it will be possible to link records of an individual's income, premiums they pay and benefits they receive for pension, health care and nursing care.
　共通番号は、住基ネットのシステムを活用して全国民に付けられる。番号を「カギ」として使うことで、個人所得や年金、医療・介護の自己負担や給付などの記録を結びつけることが可能になる。

The system would also drastically simplify procedures for people to receive administrative services.
　これにより、国民が行政サービスを受けるための手続きも、大幅に簡素化されよう。

According to an estimate by a council of experts and local government heads to promote the My Number system, such a system would save about 300 billion yen a year in overhead costs for public administrative services through improved efficiency alone. Based on this figure, it is believed the system would pay for the cost of its own introduction in just one year.
　識者や首長らで作る「わたしたち生活者のための『共通番号』推進協議会」の試算では、行政事務の効率化だけでも毎年約３０００億円の経費節減効果がある。導入に必要な費用を、１年でほぼ取り戻せる計算だ。

Under the system, people will be able to check at any time such personal information as taxes and premiums they paid, health and nursing care they received, and future pension benefits. If users find a mistake in the records made by administrative bodies, they would be able to immediately request a correction.
　国民は、納めた税金や保険料、受けた医療や介護の内容、将来の年金額などを、いつでも確認できる。行政にミスがあればすぐに訂正を要求できるようにもなる。

In an opinion survey conducted by the Cabinet Office, about 60 percent of the respondents said they think such a personal ID number system is necessary.
内閣府の世論調査では約６割の人が番号は必要だと回答している。

The government intends to introduce the number system from January 2015, before the planned second-stage increase of the consumption tax rate in October 2015. Tax deductions and cash assistance for low-income earners, a measure proposed by the Democratic Party of Japan, will not be implemented without common ID numbers, which will be used to determine their income levels.
　政府は、消費税率の第２弾の引き上げ（２０１５年１０月）に間に合うよう、１５年１月から共通番号を導入する方針だ。民主党が低所得者対策で提唱する「給付付き税額控除」は、所得を把握できる共通番号なしには実現できない。

===

Finely tuned services

The introduction of the personal number system will significantly broaden the range of policy measures in social security and other areas. For example, cash benefits for child-rearing families would be calculated in a more finely tuned manner, taking into consideration the financial circumstances of each household. Welfare services would be able to more surely and efficiently assist those truly in need.
　番号導入で社会保障などの施策の幅は格段に広がる。たとえば、児童手当のような現金給付は、家庭の経済状況に応じてきめ細かく設計できる。本当に困窮している人に、確実かつ効果的に福祉が届くだろう。

The system also will be helpful in the event of a major disaster. It would make it possible to swiftly ascertain how many elderly people and people with chronic conditions have evacuated to which shelters, as well as what kinds drugs and other supplies are necessary and in what amounts.
　大災害時にも役立つ。高齢者や持病のある人がどの避難所に何人いて、薬や物資がどれだけ必要かを、迅速に把握できる。

Of course, thorough measures must be taken to prevent personal information from leaking. The bills include provisions to set up a committee to protect personal ID number information and to impose punitive measures such as imprisonment for up to four years for violators. We hope the ruling and opposition parties sufficiently deepen their discussions on this issue as well.
　無論、個人情報の漏洩(ろうえい)防止には万全の措置を講じなければならない。法案は「個人番号情報保護委員会」の設置や、懲役４年以下の罰則などを盛り込んでいる。与野党はこの点についても、十分に議論を深めてもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 18, 2012)
（2012年7月18日01時29分  読売新聞）

社説:厚生年金基金改革 決められる政治の出番

July 16, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Pension system must be drastically reformed, welfare pension funds axed
社説:厚生年金基金改革　決められる政治の出番

The alleged misappropriation of at least 100 billion yen of welfare pension funds by asset management firm AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has people worried about the survival of public pensions. Those concerns are a bit off the mark, however.
　１０００億円以上もの厚生年金基金を消失させたＡＩＪ投資顧問事件で公的年金の存続を心配する人がいるが、それは違う。

Welfare pension funds are a third tier of pensions set up individually by corporations in addition to the two-tiered public pension scheme, comprised of a basic pension and an employees' pension. The ongoing scandal should not have any effect on public pensions, and any losses incurred by welfare pension funds should be dealt with by member companies.
厚生年金基金とは、基礎年金（１階）と厚生年金（２階）の上に企業が独自に設けた３階部分を指す。１、２階部分の公的年金には本来影響がなく、被害を受けた企業が自己責任で処理すべきものなのである。

The problem is that many of these funds cannot dissolve even if they want to, because they manage portions of the employees' pension on behalf of the national government. Furthermore, because many of the funds affected by the scandal are comprised of small- to mid-scale businesses in depressed industries, forcing repayment could push the companies themselves into bankruptcy. Demanding other fund members to take joint responsibility could even set off a chain of bankruptcies.
　問題は、２階部分である厚生年金の一部を国から預かって代行運用しており、そこに穴が開いているため基金を解散したくてもできないことだ。もともと不況業種の中小企業が寄り集まった基金が多く、無理に返済を迫れば企業本体が倒産しかねない。共同で運用している他企業に連帯責任を求めれば連鎖倒産の恐れが出てくる。

The AIJ scandal is characterized by welfare pension funds that were lured by the sweet promise of high yields, after which they were dragged deeper and deeper into trouble. Of 578 welfare pension funds in Japan, some 40 percent now lack the cash necessary to manage a portion of employees' pensions; the total deficit comes out to over 700 billion yen.
危ない高利回りの甘言にだまされた基金がますます泥沼に引きずり込まれたのがＡＩＪ事件である。現在５７８の基金の約４割が、必要な積立金が不足する「代行割れ」の状態で、不足分の総額は７０００億円を超える。

There's no easy way out of this. As a proposal to make it easier for funds in crisis to dissolve, an expert panel to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggested reducing the amount of money that pension funds must return to the government, and eliminating any joint responsibility for repayment among member companies.
　妙案があるわけではない。厚生労働省の有識者会議は、危機的な基金を解散しやすくするため、国への返還金の減額や加入企業の連帯返済の廃止などを打ち出した。

How, then, would the gaps left by money that has not been recovered be filled? Reserve funds from public pensions, the panel said. But would subscribers to employee pension plans who have nothing to do with the scandal accept such an idea?
しかし、穴が開いた部分をどうするかといえば、公的年金の積立金で埋めるというのだ。まったく関係のない一般の厚生年金加入者はこれを受け入れるだろうか。

The panel was unable to reach a clear policy on reform that would lower the 5.5-percent projected rate of interest and slash the pension payments that retirees receive, by postponing topics for future deliberation or presenting them with both their pros and cons.
　その一方で、予定利率（５．５％）を引き下げたり、ＯＢの年金受給額を減額したりする改革案は検討の継続か両論併記にとどまり、明確な方針は示せなかった。

This may be due in part to precedents in which reductions in pension payments have not easily been accepted, as welfare pension funds serve as a part of an employee's retirement package.
厚生年金基金には退職金の一部という面もあり、容易に減額を認めなかった判例があることも影響しているのだろう。

However, unless pensioners who are receiving the third-tier of their pension schemes at high guaranteed yields share in the pain, it will be difficult to convince employee pension subscribers who will suffer the brunt of the damage.
しかし、高い予定利率の３階建て部分を受給しているＯＢが痛みを分かち合わなければ、とばっちりを受ける厚生年金加入者の納得は得られないのではないか。

When the workforce was much larger than the pensioner population, pension management went smoothly and reserve funds just kept growing.
　現役世代が年金受給世代よりはるかに多かったころは年金の運用実績も良く積立金は増えていく一方だった。

In contrast, our rapidly-aging society requires us to cut into our reserves bit by bit.
今は積立金を少しずつ取り崩しながら超高齢化を乗り切っていかねばならない。

To ensure the survival of public pension plans, we must quickly give up on funds that are unsustainable.
公的年金の持続可能性を損なわないためには、「代行割れ」の基金に早く見切りをつけることだ。

And if anyone is to decide who must endure the inevitable pain of this situation, it should be our politicians.
誰かが痛みを引き受けないといけないならば、「決められる政治」の出番ではないか。

All pension funds are suffering from a shrinking work force and a growing population of pensioners.
Unless the economic situation undergoes dramatic improvement, provision of pensions at 5.5-percent estimated yield will leave the government even more financially strapped.
　現役が減りＯＢが増えているのはどの基金も同じで、経済状況がよほど改善しない限り５．５％の予定利率で支給し続ければ財政が苦しくなるのはわかりきっている。

It is time for the government to begin fundamental reforms, including the complete abolishment of welfare pension funds.
厚生年金基金制度そのものの廃止も含めて抜本的な改革に着手すべきだ。

毎日新聞　2012年07月16日　02時32分

高校早期卒業 人材発掘のステップとなるか

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 18, 2012)
Multilateral approach needed for early university entrance
高校早期卒業　人材発掘のステップとなるか（7月17日付・読売社説）

The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is planning to study an early graduation system that would allow outstanding high school students to graduate at the age of 17. Would this grade-skipping system lead to more students entering university earlier?
　１７歳でも高い能力が認められれば、大学に進学できる。そんな「飛び入学」の普及を後押しすることになるだろうか。

Under the envisaged system, high school students would be able to graduate if they complete the three-year curriculum in two years. It is designed to open the door for students with excellent academic abilities to enter universities early and promote programs for them to study abroad.
　文部科学省が高校を２年で卒業可能にする「早期卒業制度」の検討を始める。優れた能力を持つ生徒に早い時期から大学で学べる道を開き、海外留学も促進しようというものだ。

For Japan to survive severe international competition, it is essential to foster world-class researchers and leaders in various fields. It is understandable for the ministry to want to tap highly capable human resources through the new system.
　日本が厳しい国際競争を勝ち抜くには、世界に通用する研究者や様々な分野のリーダーの育成が欠かせない。新たな制度を通し、優秀な人材を発掘していこうという狙いは理解できる。

It is the norm in the United States, Europe and China not to set age requirements for university entrance. In Japan, however, most students have to complete 12 years of study--six years at primary school, three years at middle school and three years at high school--before entering university. Under the current system, university entrance is generally permitted only for high school graduates aged 18 or older.
　欧米や中国では、大学入学に年齢制限を設けていないのが一般的だ。これに対し、日本の学校教育制度では、「６・３・３制」の計１２年の課程を修了することが大学入学の要件だ。原則１８歳以上でなければ、大学には進めない。

===

Flexible system required

It also will be necessary to establish a flexible education system so students are given a wide variety of choices for their future courses.
　日本でも多様な進路選択を可能にする柔軟な教育制度を整備することは必要だろう。

Even under the current school education system, high school students can enter universities at the age of 17 if they are judged by universities to have outstanding aptitudes in specific fields. Many students who have entered university early have moved on to graduate courses and become researchers.
　現在でも、学校教育制度の例外措置として、大学側が特定の分野で「特に優れた資質を有する」と判断した場合に、１７歳の飛び入学を認めている。これを利用した生徒の多くは大学院にまで進み、研究者の道を歩んでいる。

Over the past 15 years, Chiba University and five other universities have accepted such students, but the total number has been held down to a mere 100 or so. The difficulty in judging "outstanding aptitudes" is considered a factor that prevents the system from becoming more widespread.
　だが、過去１５年間で千葉大など六つの大学が約１００人を受け入れたにすぎない。「特に優れた資質」の判定が難しいことが普及を妨げる要因の一つとされる。

Another problem is that if high school students enter university by taking advantage of the grade-skipping system, they will be unable to obtain high school graduation certificates and are treated as if they are dropouts.
　現在の制度で飛び入学をした場合、中退の扱いで高校卒業の資格を得られないことも、問題点として挙げられている。

===

Criteria for early graduation

Many challenges lie ahead before a full-fledged early graduation system can be realized.
　実現への課題は多い。

The key problem is who will decide which students should be allowed to graduate after their second year at high school and what standards will be used to make such judgments.
　最大の問題は、高校２年での卒業について、どこがどのような基準で認定するかということだ。

Will early graduation be permitted if students are assessed as having exceptionally high abilities in a certain subject or if they have achieved academic records surpassing certain levels in each subject? Depending on which standard is adopted, the range and number of students subject to early graduation will vary.
　ある科目で飛び抜けた才能があれば認めるのか、それとも、各科目で一定水準以上の成績を収めることを条件にするのかで、対象者の範囲や人数も変わってくる。

Universities, for their part, will be required to devise methods to select such students. Revising the current system only to permit second-year high school students to take university entrance examinations may lead to a concentration of students in combined middle and high schools, thereby intensifying competition in entrance examinations among students of lower ages.
　大学側の選抜方法も工夫しなければならない。従来の入試を高校２年生でも受験できる形にするだけなら、中高一貫教育校に生徒が集まり、受験競争の低年齢化を招くことになるかもしれない。

We believe it will be essential to come up with a method that closely examines the capability of students to be creative and think for themselves.
　知識の量を問うだけでなく、発想力や思考力を見極める方法を検討すべきではないか。

In the United States, there is a system under which students are allowed to attend university-level classes while enrolled at high school. They obtain credits for these classes after they enter university.
　米国では、高校に在学しながら大学レベルの授業を受け、進学後に大学の単位として認定される仕組みも定着している。

Which system will be suitable to ascertain the outstanding abilities of students? A multilateral approach will be needed in working out the new system, while using foreign cases as reference points.
優れた能力を見いだすには、どんな制度が適しているのか。海外の事例も参考に多角的な検討が求められる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 17, 2012)
（2012年7月17日01時27分  読売新聞）

空の規制緩和 競争力の強化は安全最優先で

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 18, 2012)
Safety must remain paramount as airline deregulation proceeds
空の規制緩和　競争力の強化は安全最優先で（7月17日付・読売社説）

Reform of aviation regulations is necessary to boost the competitiveness of airlines. However, safe operation must be a basic premise.
　航空会社の競争力強化に向けた空の規制改革は必要だ。ただし、安全運航が大前提である。

The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry is easing regulations in the aviation field. It decided to review 100 items within the current fiscal year after discussing requests from airlines.
　国土交通省が、航空分野の規制緩和を進めている。航空会社の要望を検討し、今年度中に１００項目の見直しを行う方針を打ち出した。

Japan's aviation safety regulations are said to be strict by global standards. But some regulations do not fit with the times because airplane performance and safety technology have improved.
　日本の航空安全規制は世界標準に比べて厳しいとされる。航空機の性能や安全技術の向上で、時代に合わなくなった規制もある。

To help domestic airlines prevail amid global competition, it may be necessary to revise excess regulations to lessen the burden on them.
　世界の航空競争を勝ち抜くには過剰な規制を改め、航空会社の負担を軽減する必要があろう。

===

Rational revision of rules

For example, the ministry clarified in its review of aviation regulations that airplane refueling will be allowed even while passengers are aboard. This will reduce planes' turnaround time at airports and thereby increase efficiency.
　例えば、空港での航空機の待機時間を短縮し、稼働率を上げるため、旅客が機内にいても給油できることを明確にした。

A regulation that only one pilot of a two-pilot plane may be aged 60 or older also has been revised. Now both pilots may be 60 or older.
　２人で操縦する旅客機で、６０歳以上のパイロットは１人に限られていた規制を改め、２人とも６０歳以上でも飛べるようになった。

Securing young pilots has become difficult because of a worldwide pilot shortage. Allowing airlines to make greater use of skilled veteran pilots will enable them to allocate their crew members more flexibly.
　世界的なパイロット不足の中で若手確保が難しくなっている。熟練した技量を持つベテランだけで運航できれば、弾力的な乗員計画が可能になる。

Meanwhile, the ministry also decided to allow airlines to examine pilots' qualifications by using flight simulators, which are utilized for that purpose in the United States and Europe. Compared with when an actual airplane is used for the examination, this will cut costs and enable airlines to use more airplanes for regular operations.
　パイロットの資格審査では、欧米で活用されているフライトシミュレーターを使用できることにした。実物の飛行機を使うより費用がかからず、機体を通常運航に回せるメリットもある。

In Japan this year, low-cost carriers that offer cheap airfares through various cost-cutting efforts have begun full-scale operations. In March, Peach Aviation started services from the Kansai region. From the Tokyo metropolitan area, Jetstar Japan launched services in July and AirAsia Japan will begin operation in August.
　日本では今年、コスト削減で運賃を抑えた格安航空会社が本格稼働している。３月に関西圏でピーチ・アビエーションが就航し、首都圏でも７月にジェットスター・ジャパン、８月にエアアジア・ジャパンと参入が相次ぐ。

The latest deregulation apparently aims to assist these low-cost carriers.
　今回の規制緩和は、こうした格安航空会社を後押しすることも念頭に置いているのだろう。

===

Caution amid competition

What must be kept in mind with regard to the review of regulations is that safety must never be neglected.
　規制見直しで忘れてならないのは、安全性をおろそかにしてはならないということだ。

Safety tends to be slighted as competition intensifies due to deregulation. It was only recently that such a negative effect was highlighted in a fatal bus accident on the Kanestu Expressway in April.
　規制緩和による競争激化で安全は軽視されがちである。その弊害は、４月の高速ツアーバス事故で浮き彫りになったばかりだ。

No domestic airline has had a fatal accident since the Japan Airlines jumbo jet crash in 1985.
　国内航空業界では、１９８５年の日航ジャンボ機墜落事故以来、死亡事故は起きていない。

However, more than 100 safety incidents that did not lead to serious accidents are reported each year.
　だが、重大事故に至らなくても年間１００件以上の安全上のトラブルが報告されている。

Skymark Airlines has been given a stern warning from the ministry for making six operational errors from February to May. The ministry must keep tabs on airlines to thoroughly ensure safe operation from now on as well.
　今年２～５月に６件の運航ミスを重ねたスカイマークは、国交省から厳重注意を受けた。国交省は今後も、安全運航の徹底に目を光らせなければならない。

Airlines and airports will be required to make steady efforts, more than ever before, to ensure safety. Flyers, for their part, should carefully evaluate not only services and airfares but also airline companies' attitude toward ensuring safety.
　航空会社や空港は、従来以上に安全確保への地道な取り組みが求められよう。利用者も、サービスや価格だけでなく、航空会社の安全重視への姿勢を見極めたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 17, 2012)
（2012年7月17日01時27分  読売新聞）

香山リカのココロの万華鏡:調査の「ゴール」が違う ／東京

人間の本性とは所詮そのようなものなのです。
江戸時代の村八分、明治の同和問題など、この人間の性（さが）に根ざすものではないでしょうか。
タイでは王室を中心として｢to be number one｣というサークル活動がタイ全土で盛んに行われています。私も10年前に参加しています。
こちらは麻薬撲滅運動なのですが、似たようなサークル活動を全国的に展開すべきですね。野田さんなら出来るかも知れません。

（スラチャイ）

July 15, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Otsu school's bullying survey missed the point
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:調査の「ゴール」が違う　／東京

Recently, it became clear that severe bullying was behind the suicide of a second year junior high school student in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, last October.
　昨年１０月、滋賀県大津市で当時、中学２年の男子生徒が自殺した問題。背景には、深刻ないじめがあったことが明らかになった。

Following the boy's death, the city board of education conducted a survey on all students at the school, to which 16 answered that bullies had "forced (the boy) to 'practice suicide,'" among other acts.
　市の教育委員会がこの生徒が自殺した後に全校アンケートを実施したところ、１６人が「（死亡した生徒が）自殺のリハーサルをするように強制されたと聞いた」などと回答を寄せていたという。

However, after questioning the suspected bullies and investigating other aspects of the case, city board of education officials concluded that "although it was confirmed that bullying in fact took place, we are unable to say that it had a causal link with the suicide."
しかし、その後、市教委は加害者とされる生徒への聞き取りなどを経て、「いじめはあったが、それと自殺の因果関係は判断できない」との見解を示した。

In the past, too, the phrase, "We are unable to specify a cause-and-effect relationship," has often been used in suicide cases.
　これまでも自殺をめぐる問題で、「因果関係は特定できない」というフレーズが使われてきた。

Workplace harassment, prolonged labor in severe conditions, bullying by superiors, domestic violence, and now school bullying have all been settled by saying that "the relationship between the (suggested) cause and the fatalities is unclear."
「職場でのいやがらせはあったが、それと自殺との因果関係は明らかではない」というように、「長時間の過酷な労働」「上司からのハラスメント」「夫婦間の暴力」そして今回のような「学校でのいじめ」などが、「被害者の自殺との因果関係ははっきりしない」と結論づけられてきたのだ。

The aim behind surveys such as that conducted at the school in Otsu, however, is wrong from the start.
　こういった調査では、そもそものゴールが間違っている。

If the purpose of conducting the questionnaires is to find the cause of suicides, it's obvious that these attempts will end with officials saying, "We have been unable to determine the motive."
因果関係を特定するのが目的なら、それは「判断できない」という答えにたどり着くのは目に見えているのだ。

That is because the only person who can really confirm the motive is no longer alive.
それを証明できる唯一の人である本人が、もうこの世にいないからだ。

As long as there is no one to point out the exact cause, and as long as the incident was not a scientific experiment where all conditions are rigorously controlled, it is extremely difficult to prove the relationship between a single cause and its effect.
　「原因はこれです」と言える人がいなければ、条件が厳密に整えられた科学の実験でもない限り、ひとつの原因とひとつの結果との関係を証明するのはきわめてむずかしい。

For example, a person who is rejected for a job may think that the failure was because they spoke too quietly at the interview, but in fact there are many other possible reasons, including the content of the talk and the person's attitude, for example.
就職試験に失敗した人が、「面接で声が小さかったからかな」と想像しても、ほかにも話の内容や態度など考えられる原因はいくつもある。

In this case, the only thing the person can do to confirm their theory is to ask the official in charge of the hiring directly whether it was their voice that prompted the rejection.
そうなると、決め手は採用者に「私を落としたのは、声の大きさに問題があったからですか」と尋ねるほかなく、

If they're unable to do so, no matter how much time they spend pondering why they were rejected, the answer is unknowable.
それができないならいくら考えても「因果関係は明らかではない」という答えしかなくなる。

In the case of the boy's suicide, too, what should've been done was not searching for the cause of his death, looking for the guilty parties, or attempting to find out the relation between causes and the suicide.
　今回の問題でも、やらなければならなかったのは自殺の原因探し、犯人探しや因果関係の証明ではなかったはずだ。

What should have been done was to first admit that severe bullying had taken place, followed by concrete consideration of why the bullying happened, why it couldn't be prevented, and what measures must be taken against it from now on.
まずは「深刻ないじめがあった」という事実を認め、なぜ起きたか、なぜ防げなかったか、今後の対策は、といった具体的な検討を行うべきだ。

Still, I wonder why bullying hasn't disappeared from schools.
　それにしても、学校でのいじめはなぜなくならないのだろう。

There should be some deeper reason that allows it to persist despite the establishment of measures such as "discussing the importance of life" or "enforcing severe penalties" for offenders.

I also believe that those who bully have very distorted minds and have themselves been pushed to the edge.
「命の大切さを教える」とか「厳罰化を進める」といった対策では解決できない深い問題がいまの教育の現場にはあり、いじめを行う側の心も相当、ゆがめられ追い詰められているのだと思う。

What is it that makes one want to bully others?
なぜいじめたくなるのか。

And why are those who are being bullied not seeking help?
なぜ「いじめられてる」とＳＯＳを出せないか。

This is a problem that requires further thought.
もう一度、考えてみたい。

(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞　2012年07月10日　地方版

集団的自衛権 行使容認へ憲法解釈を見直せ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 17, 2012)
Review top law to exercise collective self-defense right
集団的自衛権　行使容認へ憲法解釈を見直せ（7月16日付・読売社説）

Japan possesses the right of collective self-defense but cannot exercise it. Many experts in various fields today agree the government should review this strange and problematic interpretation of the Constitution.
　日本は集団的自衛権を保有しているが、行使はできない――。この奇妙で、問題の多い政府の憲法解釈を見直すべきだという考え方は今や、多くの有識者の共通認識である。

The government should realize the review as soon as possible.
　政治の責任で、早期に実現を図らなければならない。

The Frontier Subcommittee of the government's Council on National Strategy and Policy recently proposed the government should review the interpretation of the Constitution on the right of collective self-defense to establish a security cooperation network.
　政府の国家戦略会議のフロンティア分科会が、「安全保障協力ネットワークを形成する」ため、集団的自衛権に関する憲法解釈の見直しを検討するよう提言した。

The right of collective self-defense is the right of a sovereign state to use force to retaliate against an aggressor that has attacked an ally. The right is endorsed in the Charter of the United Nations.
　集団的自衛権は、同盟国などが攻撃された際、主権国家が武力で反撃する権利で、国連憲章も認めている。

The subcommittee's proposal is laudable because it has revived discussions on the review of the interpretation of the Constitution, which have not been very active.
今回の提言が、やや低調だった憲法解釈の見直し論議を活性化させたことを評価したい。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda responded quickly to the proposal.
　提言に素早く反応したのが野田首相だ。

The prime minister showed his positive stance toward allowing the nation to exercise its right of collective self-defense in the Diet.
"I would like to deepen discussions [on the issue] within the government," Noda said. "One opinion holds that the minimum right of self-defense includes elements of the right of collective self-defense."
国会答弁で、「政府内の議論も詰めたい」「集団的自衛権の一部を必要最小限度の自衛権に含むというのは、一つの考えだ」と語り、集団的自衛権の行使容認に前向きな姿勢を示した。

===

Noda pursues pet theory

The prime minister is known to strongly support the idea that the nation should be allowed to exercise its right of collective self-defense, but he repeatedly said after assuming office in September that he has not thought of changing the government's interpretation at present. It is significant that Noda has openly discussed the issue this time.
　首相は、「行使容認」が持論だが、昨年９月の就任後は「現段階で解釈変更は考えていない」と繰り返していた。首相が持論の“封印”を解いた意義は大きい。

The Japan-U.S. security alliance would collapse if the Self-Defense Forces ignored attacks on U.S. naval vessels near SDF ships in the Sea of Japan without assisting them.
　日本海で自衛隊艦船の近くにいる米軍艦船が攻撃された場合、自衛隊が黙って見過ごすようでは、日米同盟は崩壊してしまう。

Allowing Japan to exercise its right of collective self-defense and repeatedly holding Japan-U.S. joint drills based on the right would further develop bilateral defense cooperation and steadily improve the effectiveness of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
　集団的自衛権の行使を可能にして、それに基づく日米共同演習を重ねれば、防衛協力が進展し、同盟の実効性は着実に高まる。

Putting off the issue of the right of collective self-defense further will badly damage Japan's national interests because the security environment is becoming increasingly difficult in Northeast Asia.
　北東アジアの安全保障環境が一段と厳しくなる中、この問題をいつまでも先送りすることは、日本の国益を大きく損ねよう。

In June 2008, changes to the official interpretation of the Constitution were proposed by the government's roundtable conference of experts, which discussed four types of the right of collective self-defense, including defending U.S. military ships.
　２００８年６月には、米艦防護など４類型の集団的自衛権に関する政府の有識者懇談会が憲法解釈の変更を提言した。

Similar proposals were made in August 2009 and August 2010 by panels of experts on revision of National Defense Program Outlines under governments led by the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, and by the Democratic Party of Japan, respectively.
防衛大綱改定に関する自公政権と民主党政権の有識者会議も、０９年８月と１０年８月に同様の提言を行っている。

===

Time ripe for review

Now, the time seems ripe for Noda to make a political decision.
　野田首相が政治決断するための機は熟したとも言えよう。

However, changes made in the government's interpretation of the Constitution in regard to this issue based only on the prime minister's judgment might cause confusion later because a new prime minister could make a new interpretation, for instance.
　ただし、首相判断だけでの解釈変更では、首相が交代すれば再び解釈変更が可能となるなど混乱を招きかねない。

With establishment of related laws, the government should legally guarantee that the nation can exercise its right of collective self-defense.
　関連法を制定し、集団的自衛権が行使可能なことを法的に担保することが、より望ましい。

The LDP early this month endorsed an outline of its own basic national security bill, the contents of which would make the above possible.
　自民党は今月上旬、そうした内容の「安全保障基本法案」の概要を決定している。

We hope the government and the DPJ will cooperate with the LDP and other parties to draft legislation and ensure changes in the interpretation of the Constitution while using this draft bill as a reference.
　政府・民主党は、自民党などと連携し、この法案も参考にしながら、憲法解釈変更をより確実にするための立法作業にも取り組んでもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 16, 2012)
（2012年7月16日01時22分  読売新聞）

中国の領海侵入 尖閣諸島への挑発は目に余る

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 14, 2012)
China making waves again with Senkaku Islands incursion
中国の領海侵入　尖閣諸島への挑発は目に余る（7月13日付・読売社説）

It is disturbing to see Chinese government vessels again intruding into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
　中国政府の船による尖閣諸島周辺での領海侵犯は目に余る。

Japan must call on China through diplomatic channels to exercise self-restraint and at the same time establish systems to deal with China's provocations.
　日本は、外交を通じて中国に自制を促すとともに挑発に対応できる体制を整えねばならない。

Three Chinese fishery patrol boats intruded into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on Wednesday and Thursday. The patrol ships were purportedly protecting Chinese fishing rights. It is unusual to see such aggressive activity by them on consecutive days.
　中国の漁業監視船３隻が１１～１２日、尖閣諸島近海の日本の領海を相次いで侵犯した。本来は中国の漁業権益を守るのが役目だが、連日の示威活動は異例だ。

When a Japan Coast Guard patrol ship asked the Chinese boats to leave, they insisted they were conducting legitimate official duties. They also told the JCG not to obstruct them and to leave "Chinese territorial waters" immediately. Afterward, they lingered in areas surrounding the Japanese territorial waters.
　海上保安庁の巡視船の退去要求に対し、中国側は「正当な公務の執行であり、妨害するな。ただちに中国の領海から離れよ」と強い表現で応答し、周辺海域からもすぐには立ち去らなかった。

===

China's claims baseless

The incursion was likely a response to the Japanese government's expression of intent to purchase three of the islands. The Chinese government apparently wished to demonstrate its strong determination.
　日本政府が尖閣諸島の国有化方針を打ち出したことへの対抗措置なのだろう。中国政府の強い意志をうかがわせる行動である。

Infringement of Japan's sovereignty cannot be overlooked. It was a matter of course that Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba lodged a protest against China when meeting his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, in Phnom Penh.
　日本の主権に対する侵害は看過できない。玄葉外相がプノンペンでの日中外相会談で楊潔?中国外相に抗議したのは、当然だ。

As Yang insisted that the Senkaku Islands were inherently Chinese territory, the talks ended in a stalemate.
　楊外相は、尖閣諸島を「中国固有の領土だ」と述べ、協議は平行線に終わった。

But it is important that Japan persevere in countering China's baseless claims and urging it to correct its behavior.
　しかし、中国の不当な主張には粘り強く反論し、行動を改めるよう求めていくことが肝要だ。

Chinese patrol vessels also entered Japanese territorial waters in March. China plans to increase the number of patrol vessels and beef up their capabilities. Its enhancement of its naval forces also has been noticeable. Growing tensions in waters off the Senkaku Islands appear inevitable.
　３月にも中国巡視船が日本の領海に入った。中国は今後、巡視船を増強する方針だ。海軍拡充も著しい。尖閣諸島周辺海域で緊張が高まることは避けられない。

Preparing for the contingency of illegal landings on the islands, the Japanese government needs to strengthen the JCG and the police, and establish necessary legislation in an urgent manner.
　日本政府は、尖閣諸島に不法上陸される事態に備え、海保や警察の体制強化を図るとともに、必要な法整備を急ぐ必要がある。

===

Stronger measures called for

We wonder why the Diet has yet to start deliberations on a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law to allow JCG officers to respond to crimes on remote islands. The revision should be enacted as soon as possible.
　国会は、離島での海保による犯罪検挙を認める海上保安庁法改正案について、なぜ審議入りしないのか。早く成立させるべきだ。

The Japan-U.S. alliance plays the most important role in deterring China. The U.S. government's clear statement that the Senkaku Islands fall within targeted areas for Japan-U.S. joint defense is extremely important.
　中国を抑止するため、最も重要な役割を果たすのが日米同盟だ。米政府が尖閣諸島について、日米共同防衛の対象地域だと明言していることは極めて重要である。

The Japanese government, for its part, intends to strengthen its defense capabilities for small island areas including the Nansei Islands. It is essential that concrete steps be taken.
　日本政府も、南西諸島など島嶼部の防衛強化を打ち出しており、着実な具体化が大事だ。

Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also are concerned about China's maritime expansion.
　中国の海洋進出を懸念しているのは東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国も同様である。

At a foreign ministers meeting with China in Phnom Penh, ASEAN proposed talks be started among nations concerned to devise a legally binding "code of conduct" for the activities of concerned nations in the South China Sea.
　ＡＳＥＡＮはプノンペンでの中国との外相会議で、南シナ海での関係国の活動を法的に拘束する「行動規範」を策定する協議に入るよう提案した。

But China has yet to agree. This is apparently because such a code of conduct, if established, could impose restrictions on Chinese acts.
　だが、中国はこれに応じていない。規範ができれば、中国の行動が制約されかねないからだ。

To prevent more serious conflict from breaking out, effective rules on maritime affairs are indispensible. The Japanese and U.S. governments should cooperate with ASEAN member states to persuade China in this regard.
　紛争を避けるには、実効性ある海のルールが欠かせない。日米両国はＡＳＥＡＮ各国と連携し、中国を説得すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 13, 2012)
（2012年7月13日01時05分  読売新聞）

中国ＧＤＰ 景気失速を食い止める対策を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 15, 2012)
China must try to halt economic slowdown
中国ＧＤＰ　景気失速を食い止める対策を（7月14日付・読売社説）

Spillover effects of the European debt crisis have become a drag on the Chinese economy, an engine of world growth.
　欧州債務危機が波及して、世界の成長エンジンである中国経済に急ブレーキがかかってきた。

China's slowdown could deal a serious blow to already gloomy prospects for the world economy. Measures to halt the slowdown are needed.
　低迷する世界経済の先行きに、さらに深刻な影響を与えかねない。景気失速を食い止める対策が求められよう。

The Chinese government has announced the country's real gross domestic product grew 7.6 percent in the April-June period over a year earlier, falling below 8 percent for the first time in about three years. The country's growth slowed for a sixth straight quarter.
　中国政府が発表した２０１２年４～６月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率は、実質で前年同期比７・６％増となり、約３年ぶりに８％の大台を割った。成長率の低下は６四半期連続である。

Eight percent growth is regarded as the minimum needed for China to maintain its economic activity and employment levels. China's stagnating growth since the so-called Lehman Shock in 2008 has been significant.
　中国にとって、８％成長は、経済活動や雇用を維持する最低ラインとされる。２００８年のリーマン・ショック後以来の低成長にとどまった意味は少なくない。

The economic weakness is mainly due to the slowdown in exports to Europe and other countries amid the lingering European debt woes. A slump in public investment and corporate capital spending has sent the country's manufacturing activity into decline. Consumer spending has also lost impetus. These three areas--exports, manufacturing and consumer spending--all slowed together.
　景気減速は、欧州危機の長期化に伴い、欧州向けなどの「輸出」が鈍化したのが主因だ。公共投資や企業の設備投資が落ち込んで、「生産」が下降線をたどり、「個人消費」の勢いも鈍った。３本柱がそろって振るわなかった。

===

Steps to shore up economy

Last week, China's central bank lowered key interest rates for two consecutive months. Before announcing the GDP numbers Friday, China apparently aimed to reduce the news' negative impact on the economy by slashing the rates.
　中国当局は先週、２か月連続で政策金利を引き下げた。成長率の発表に先手を打ち、景気を下支えする狙いだろう。

Beijing has taken a series of steps to shore up the economy, such as introducing an incentive program for buyers of energy-saving home electronic appliances and eco-friendly vehicles and bringing future infrastructure investment plans forward.
　省エネ家電やエコカーの購入支援策、インフラ投資の前倒しを決めるなど、財政面からも、次々と景気対策を打ち出している。

The Chinese government has lowered the country's growth outlook for this year from 8 percent to 7.5 percent. It must be wary now that its economy has begun to cool at a pace faster than it anticipated.
　中国政府は、今年の成長目標を従来の８％から７・５％に引き下げている。だが、予想を上回るペースでの減速に、景気失速を警戒し始めたに違いない。

China plans to change its top leadership this autumn. Even though China cannot achieve high growth at a rate of more than 10 percent as it once did, moderate growth must be secured to enable the leadership transition to go smoothly.
　中国は今秋、最高指導部の交代を予定している。かつての１０％以上の高成長は再現できなくても、「中成長」は、指導部交代を円滑に進めるうえでも、死守しなければならない目標だろう。

However, China's economic prospects are unclear.
　だが、先行きは不透明だ。

The debt crisis in Europe, China's major export destination, has yet to be resolved, while the U.S. economy has seen signs of slowdown. Alarmed by the current situation, the International Monetary Fund next week reportedly plans to lower its forecast for global economic growth.
　主要輸出先である欧州の危機はまだ収束せず、米国経済も停滞気味だ。事態を懸念した国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は週明けに、世界経済見通しを下方修正する。

===

Boost domestic demand

To achieve stable growth, China urgently needs to shift its economy to one led by domestic demand that will allow it not to depend excessively on exports. For that purpose, the country should spend more on environmental measures and infrastructure projects, such as development of subway systems.
　中国が安定成長を実現するには、輸出に過度に依存しない内需主導型経済への転換が急務だ。環境対策や地下鉄整備などのインフラ追加投資が必要になる。

As commodity prices have been steady, China also has room to take additional monetary easing measures. Steering the economy in the right direction is difficult, but we urge Beijing to consider effective measures as soon as possible.
　物価が沈静化していることから追加金融緩和の余地もある。舵(かじ)取りは難しいが、効果的な政策を速やかに検討してもらいたい。

Brazil, India and South Korea have cut key interest rates one after another. Moves to ease monetary policy have gained momentum in the world.
　ブラジル、インド、韓国も相次いで利下げし、世界的に金融緩和の流れが加速している。

Meanwhile, it is of concern that there is no sign that the extreme strength of the yen will end soon, in light of a spate of rate cuts and the sluggishness of the U.S. and European economies. It is vital for both the government and the Bank of Japan to better respond to the situation by trying foreign exchange intervention and other possible measures.
　利下げラッシュと、欧米経済の低迷を背景に、超円高に歯止めがかからないことは問題だ。政府・日銀は為替介入を含め、機動的に対応することが重要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 14, 2012)
（2012年7月14日01時15分  読売新聞）

領海侵入―中国は冷静に振る舞え

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 13
EDITORIAL: China’s provocative acts unacceptable around Japanese territory
領海侵入―中国は冷静に振る舞え

Three Chinese fishery patrol vessels intruded into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
　沖縄県の尖閣諸島沖で、中国の漁業監視船３隻が日本の領海に侵入した。

The intrusion took place immediately after Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated plans for the government to buy three of the islands. It would be natural to assume that China's move was aimed at claiming ownership of the islands to counter the Japanese government’s decision.
　野田首相が尖閣諸島３島の国有化を表明した直後である。これに対抗して、領有権を主張する狙いと見るのが自然だろう。

The act needlessly heightens tensions between the two countries, and we strongly urge China to exercise self-control.
　いたずらに両国間の緊張を高める行為であり、中国側の自制を強く求める。

The event took place on the very day when the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers were to meet on the sidelines of meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Cambodia.
　折しも、カンボジアでの東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の会議に合わせて、日中の外相が会談する当日だった。

At the meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba referred to the Senkaku Islands issue and stated, “It is important to manage the islands in a calm and stable manner.”
　玄葉光一郎外相は会談で、尖閣問題について「平穏かつ安定的に維持管理していくことが重要」と説明した。

On the Chinese side, some observers think the Japanese government is trying to change the status quo through national ownership by taking advantage of the moves of Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, who has announced that the Tokyo metropolitan government will purchase the islands.
　中国側には、さきに尖閣諸島購入を表明した東京都の石原慎太郎知事の動きに乗じて、日本政府が国有化によって現状を変えようとしている、という受け止め方がある。

That is a misunderstanding.
　誤解である。

Whether the islands are privately owned or are the property of the Tokyo metropolitan government or the government of Japan, it makes no difference to the fact they are Japanese territory. However, if the metropolitan government buys them, it is possible that Ishihara, who takes a tough stand against China, could resort to provocative action.
　民間所有であっても、都や国の所有であっても、日本の領土であることに違いはない。しかし、都が買った場合、中国に強硬な姿勢をとる石原氏が挑発的な行動に出る恐れがある。

To prevent unpredictable situations from arising, national ownership stands to reason.
　予期しない事態の発生を防ぐためには、国有化は理にかなっている。

The Chinese side should understand that in the long run, it would benefit both countries.
　長い目で見れば両国の利益になることを、中国側は理解すべきである。

In the last few years, Chinese patrol vessels have repeatedly intruded into waters surrounding the islands. It is the Chinese side that should immediately stop such provocative actions.
　周辺海域ではここ数年、中国の監視船による領海侵入が繰り返し起きている。むしろ中国側こそ、そうした挑発行為はただちにやめるべきだ。

The deterioration of bilateral relations is not in the best interest of China, either. The meeting between the foreign ministers ended with both sides asserting their positions. However, according to sources, it lasted longer than planned and was held amid a calm atmosphere.
　両国関係の悪化は、中国にとっても得策ではあるまい。外相会談は、双方がそれぞれの立場を主張して終わったが、予定時間を超え、冷静な雰囲気の中で行われたという。

We want to believe that the Chinese government also doesn’t want the problem to overheat.
　中国政府にも、これ以上、過熱させたくないという思いがあると受けとめたい。

China is also developing territorial disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea. This problem was discussed in the series of ASEAN meetings.
　中国は南シナ海でも、フィリピン、ベトナムとの間で領有権をめぐる対立を深めている。ＡＳＥＡＮの一連の会議でも、この問題がテーマになった。

Amid such circumstances, once again, China’s intrusion into Japanese waters must have given international society the impression that the country is taking tough stand, and caused Southeast Asian countries to grow increasingly wary of China.
　そうした中で、今回の領海侵入は中国の強硬ぶりを改めて印象づけ、東南アジアの国々も警戒を強めたのではないか。

In the second half of this year, Chinese leadership is expected to undergo a major reshuffle. In a desperate attempt to solidify a domestic foothold, there is a growing tendency for China to show off its power to dodge criticism on the Internet and other media that it is “weak-kneed.”
　中国は、今年後半に指導部の大幅な交代を控える。国内の体制固めに躍起になるあまり、インターネットなどの「弱腰」批判を気にして力の誇示に傾く場面が増えている。

China should realize that unless it is very careful, its behavior could cause its neighbors to view it as a threat.
　中国の振る舞いは、一つ間違えば周辺国に脅威と映りかねないことを自覚すべきだ。

If China prides itself as “a major power,” we urge it to show it can act calmly.
　「大国」を自任するのであれば、冷静に行動できることを示して欲しい。

小沢新党 大衆迎合の色濃い「生活第一」

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 13, 2012)
Ozawa's latest political party is mainly a populist stunt
小沢新党　大衆迎合の色濃い「生活第一」（7月12日付・読売社説）

The third-largest party in Diet, after the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party, has been born. The new party's size makes it a force to be reckoned with in national politics, especially in light of the dissolution of the House of Representatives for a general election.
　民主、自民に次ぐ第３党の誕生だ。衆院解散・総選挙に向けた政局で、侮れない規模である。

We are concerned about the addition of yet another factor that could throw Japan's politics into further turmoil.
　政治を一層混迷させる要因が増えたことに、懸念を抱かざるを得ない。

Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa and his followers, who had been expelled from the ruling party, held a meeting to inaugurate Kokumin no Seikatsu ga Daiichi (People's livelihoods first) in Tokyo on Wednesday. Forty-nine lawmakers from the lower house and the House of Councillors who had belonged to the DPJ joined the new party.
　民主党を除名された小沢一郎元代表らが、都内で新党「国民の生活が第一」の結党大会を開いた。民主党に属していた衆参国会議員４９人が新党に参加した。

Ozawa, who became leader of the new party, said, "I'm determined to take action to seek the withdrawal of bills to raise the consumption tax rate in the name of integrated reform."
　代表に就任した小沢氏は、「一体改革に名を借りた消費増税法案を撤回させるべく行動していく決意だ」と訴えた。

The aim of launching the new party is to consolidate forces opposed to the consumption tax hike. It can also be said the new party is vying for power in opposition to the line that the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito have taken on the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems.
　新党旗揚げの狙いは反消費増税勢力の結集だ。社会保障・税一体改革での民主、自民、公明路線に対する権力闘争とも言えよう。

===

A potential rebel network

Ozawa is aiming to form loose alliances with regional parties, including Genzei Nippon (Tax cut Japan) led by Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, and other opposition parties. In the Diet, the new party plans to form a parliamentary group with the Kizuna Party, which was formed by earlier DPJ defectors.
　小沢氏は、河村たかし名古屋市長の「減税日本」など地域政党や野党と緩やかに連携することを目指している。国会では、民主党離党組の「新党きづな」と統一会派を結成する方針だ。

At a press conference on Wednesday, Ozawa also said he would cooperate with former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and others who remain in the DPJ although they rebelled against the party during the vote on integrated reform bills.
　小沢氏は記者会見で、一体改革関連法案の採決時に造反しながら民主党に残った鳩山元首相らと連携していく考えも示した。

Hatoyama's appalling words and deeds keep dragging down Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, but the number of rebels remaining in the DPJ cannot be ignored.
　野田首相の足を引っ張り続ける鳩山氏の言動には、あきれるばかりだが、党内に残った造反組の数は軽視できない。

It looks certain that Noda will experience more difficulties in handling the government now. To counter Ozawa, Noda must do his utmost to maintain cooperative relationships with the LDP and Komeito.
　首相の政権運営が、一層難しくなることは確かだろう。小沢氏に対抗するためにも、首相は自公両党との協調関係を保つことに全力を挙げねばなるまい。

===

A lack of vitality and solidity

However, the launch of the new party lacks emotional uplift. This is because it is the fourth new party that Ozawa, dubbed the "destroyer," has formed and therefore it lacks freshness.
　ただし、新党の発足に高揚感は乏しい。何しろ、「壊し屋」と称される小沢氏の４度目の新党であり、新鮮味に欠ける。

Among lower house members who joined the new party, two-thirds are first-time lawmakers with weak electoral bases. Their ulterior motive--surviving the next lower house election with opposition to the tax hike as a driving force--can be seen.
　新党に参加した衆院議員のうち３分の２は、選挙地盤の固まっていない新人議員だ。反増税をバネにして次期衆院選で生き残ろうという思惑が、透けて見える。

The new party's name, Kokumin no Seikatsu ga Daiichi (People's livelihoods first), is a slogan used in the DPJ's manifesto for the 2009 lower house election. An LDP member remarked, "It [the new party] may be taking the same path as the DPJ, which touted a pie-in-the-sky manifesto." This criticism has a point.
　新党名に選んだ「国民の生活が第一」も、民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）のキャッチフレーズである。「出来もしないマニフェストを掲げた民主党と同じ道を進んでいくことになるのでは」という自民党の批判は一理ある。

It is unclear how the new party would reconstruct critical state finances and cover social security costs, which are swelling by more than 1 trillion yen a year, without the consumption tax hike.
　消費増税なしに、どうやって危機的な国家財政を立て直し、毎年１兆円以上増え続けている社会保障費をまかなうのか不透明だ。

Ozawa also said his party will make it clear that it will seek to end nuclear power generation. There is no denying that such a policy is haphazard. How will a stable power supply be realized?
　小沢氏は、「脱原発を鮮明にしていきたい」とも語った。場当たり的な感は否めない。電力の安定供給をどう実現するのか。

If the new party proclaims it will put people's livelihoods first, it should give a concrete and detailed explanation of how it will do so. Simply advocating populist slogans to appeal to voters is irresponsible.
　国民の生活本位と言うのなら、具体的かつ丁寧に説明してもらいたい。有権者へのアピールを意識して、大衆迎合的なスローガンを唱えるだけでは無責任である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 12, 2012)
（2012年7月12日01時21分  読売新聞）

大津いじめ自殺 市教委の対応は看過できない

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 13, 2012)
Education board's response to suicide mustn't be overlooked
大津いじめ自殺　市教委の対応は看過できない（7月12日付・読売社説）

How did the people concerned perceive the loss of a precious life as a result of bullying? Members of the educational field apparently strove only to protect their organization.
　いじめに苦しんで失われた命の重みを、どう受け止めたのか。教育現場は組織防衛に腐心したとしかみえない。

Last October, a second-year middle school student jumped to his death in Otsu. It has been learned that the city's education board ended its investigation into the incident although the probe had not been conducted properly.
　大津市で昨年１０月、市立中学２年の男子生徒が飛び降り自殺した。その対応を巡り、市教育委員会が、いじめの一端を把握しただけで調査を打ち切っていたことがわかった。

Soon after the suicide, the education board conducted two surveys of the municipal school's students at the request of the student's family. Some respondents said the student was forced to practice killing himself while others said they saw him extorted. Some students even claimed that teachers turned a blind eye to the bullying.
　自殺直後、遺族の求めで市教委が全校生徒に実施した２回のアンケートには、男子生徒が「自殺の練習をさせられていた」「恐喝されていた」といった回答があった。教師が「見て見ぬふりをしていた」との回答も含まれていた。

These claims apparently help unravel the facts behind the suicide. However, the education board failed to make sufficient efforts to confirm the allegations and simply concluded after a three-week investigation that it could not confirm them. We find this questionable.
　いずれも自殺の背景を想起させる内容だ。市教委が真偽を十分確かめることなく、３週間の調査で「事実の確証を得られなかった」と結論づけたのは問題である。

The education board reportedly did not verify most of the claims made in the second survey. These included an eyewitness account that the bullies "held a mock funeral" for the boy, but his family was not even informed of this. The board has said it overlooked this allegation.
　２回目のアンケート結果に至っては、大半が確認作業さえなされていない。「葬式ごっこ」との言葉もあったが、遺族にも説明していなかった。市教委は「見落とした」と釈明している。

===

Slipshod handling of case

The education board's handling of the boy's suicide was utterly slipshod. The board apparently lacks a sense of responsibility in confronting school bullying.
　一連の市教委の対応は、ずさん極まりないと言うほかない。いじめに向き合う責任感が欠如していると言えよう。

Otsu Mayor Naomi Koshi admitted earlier this month that the education board's probe was flawed and has decided to launch a new investigation into the boy's suicide. This is a reasonable move.
　今月になって大津市の越直美市長は調査の欠陥を認め、再調査の実施を決めた。当然だろう。

The new investigation will be conducted by an independent expert panel. Why did the people concerned fail to prevent the suicide? Did the education board and the school attempt to cover up information unfavorable to them? We want the panel to thoroughly clear up such questions.
　再調査は、有識者による第三者委員会が担う。なぜ自殺を防げなかったのか。市教委や学校にとって都合の悪い情報を隠そうとしたのではないか。問題点を徹底的に洗い出してもらいたい。

The student's parents have filed a lawsuit against the Otsu city government and others, seeking damages. The city has denied a direct link between the bullying and the suicide, but the mayor has indicated the city may seek to settle. Koshi reportedly intends to ask for the suit to be discontinued or suspended for the time being.
　男子生徒の両親は、市などを相手取り損害賠償請求訴訟を起こしている。市は、いじめと自殺の因果関係を否定し、係争中だが、市長は和解の意向も示している。当面は訴訟の中断か延期を申し入れるという。

We urge all the parties in the lawsuit to cooperate fully with the reinvestigation.
　訴訟の当事者も、再調査に全面的に協力すべきである。

===

Police's response questionable

Questions also have been raised over the police's response to the incident.
　警察の対応にも疑問が残る。

After the student's death, his father tried three times to submit an offense report to police, but the Shiga prefectural police did not accept it, saying it was difficult to determine whether this was a criminal case. The police should be criticized for their hesitancy in uncovering the truth behind the suicide.
　生徒の死後、父親が３回、被害届を出そうとしたが、滋賀県警は「犯罪事実が特定できない」と受理しなかった。真相解明に及び腰だったとみられても仕方がない。

The prefectural police finally set up a special team and searched the education board's offices and the middle school on Wednesday.
１１日にようやく捜査班を設置し、市教委や中学校を捜索した。

According to the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the number of reported cases of school bullying was 77,630 in fiscal 2010, marking the first increase in four years. There are probably unknown cases not included in this figure.
　文部科学省が把握している学校でのいじめの件数は、２０１０年度に７万７６３０件を数え、４年ぶりに増加に転じた。表面化していないケースもあるだろう。

Bullying can happen at any school. It is vital to examine each case and share lessons among people in education to prevent them from overlooking signs of bullying.
　どの学校でも、いじめは起こり得る。予兆を見逃さないためには個々の事例を検証し、教訓を教育現場で共有することが大切だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 12, 2012)
（2012年7月12日01時21分  読売新聞）

フィリピンでもインターナショナルクラスの英語がマスター出来ます

今日は、フィリピン留学ネット というサイトのご紹介を致します。
フィリピン（マニラ他）やセブ島への留学手続きをサポートするサイトなのです。

私は政府開発援助ODAのプロジェクトの管理をするために、フィリピンのミンダナオ島に一年派遣されました。
英語は結構得意なほうでしたが、現地入りしてびっくり、フィリピンの役所では英語だけでどこでもコミュニケーションがとれました。英会話だったら、多少のフィリピンなまりはありますが、私よりはるかに上のクラスであると感じました。
そうです。フィリピンは英語だけでも生活出来る東南アジアでは唯一の国だったのです。

日本でも英語力は英会話を含めて大切なビジネススキルと成ってきています。
グローバル化がどんどん進んでいる現在ではなおさらのことですね。

アメリカやオーストラリアの英会話学校へ留学するのもひとつの手ではありますが、どちらも物価が日本と同程度で生活費自体も日本で暮らすのと同じくらいかかります。語学留学先の英会話学校だって、授業時間が少ない割には高額のトゥイション（授業料）を取られます。お金がかかりすぎるのが欠点なのです。

ここは目先を転じて、物価が安くて生活費のかからないフィリピンに着目してはどうでしょうか。
で、フィリピン留学の特徴を簡単に述べてみます。

１）　欧米圏の海外留学に比べて費用が3分の2以下のコスト
２）　1日の勉強時間が欧米留学圏の語学学校の約2倍（1日8時間以上の授業時間数を確保）
３）　1日3～5時間の先生とマンツーマン授業で徹底した会話力アップを実現

フィリピン留学説明会 というのが、ただ今日本の主要都市で行われています。

アフガン支援 復興には統治の改善が急務だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 12, 2012)
Better governance holds key to rebuilding Afghanistan
アフガン支援　復興には統治の改善が急務だ（7月11日付・読売社説）

At a conference held Sunday in Tokyo, the international community sent a clear message of continued support for Afghanistan. It is essential that Afghan reconstruction proceeds steadily to prevent that country from again becoming a hotbed for international terrorism.
　国際社会は、アフガニスタンへの支援を継続するという明確なメッセージを発した。再び国際テロの温床とならぬよう復興を着実に進めたい。

About 80 countries and international organizations attended the meeting to discuss assistance for Afghanistan. They adopted the Tokyo Declaration, which calls for providing 16 billion dollars (about 1.28 trillion yen) over four years from this year. This is a productive result.
　アフガン復興を話し合う支援国会議が東京で開かれ、約８０か国・国際機関が参加した。今年から２０１５年までの４年間に、計１６０億ドル（約１兆２８００億円）超の支援を行うとした「東京宣言」を採択したのが成果である。

Combat troops of the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), which have helped provide security for Afghan people, will pull out of Afghanistan by the end of 2014 after transferring security responsibility to the Afghan government. Their withdrawal must not be allowed to lead to a weakened government and a resurgence of the former ruling Taliban group.
　現地の治安を支えてきた国際治安支援部隊（ＩＳＡＦ）の戦闘部隊は、治安権限をアフガン政府に移行して、１４年末までに撤収する。それが政府の弱体化と旧支配勢力タリバンの復権を招くことになってはならない。

===

Japan's support crucial

The fact that the international community displayed its resolve to support the Afghan government even after the ISAF troops pull out will be significant in stabilizing Afghanistan.
　ＩＳＡＦ撤収後も国際社会がアフガン政府を支えるという決意を示したことは、アフガン安定化に大きな意味を持とう。

The Japanese government will provide up to 3 billion dollars (about 240 billion yen) in aid to Afghanistan over five years through 2016. The 3 billion dollars breaks down into 2.2 billion dollars for expanding infrastructure and agricultural development, and 800 million dollars to cover security-related costs, including salaries of police officers.
　日本政府は１６年までの５年間に最大３０億ドル（約２４００億円）を拠出する。インフラ（社会基盤）整備や農業支援など開発分野に２２億ドル、警察官の給与など治安分野に８億ドルをあてる。

In 2009, the administration of then Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama pledged up to 5 billion dollars to Afghanistan over nearly five years. The 3 billion dollars committed by Japan this time will be part of the 5 billion dollars that has yet to be given, and the period of provision will be extended until 2016.
　０９年に鳩山政権が約束した「今後おおむね５年間で最大５０億ドル」の支援のうち、未拠出分を１６年まで延長して実施する形だ。

Fiscal conditions are severe in every donor country. To continue Afghan aid amid such a situation, public support in each nation will be crucial.
　支援国の財政事情は、どこも厳しい。その中で、アフガン支援を続けていくには、各国の国民からの理解が欠かせない。

As the second-biggest donor following the United States, Japan bears a heavy responsibility for Afghanistan's reconstruction. Tokyo must strictly examine whether the huge amount of money it provides will be used effectively.
　日本は、米国に次ぐ主要支援国として、アフガン復興に大きな責任を担っている。巨額の拠出が有効に生かされているかどうか、使途を厳正に検証すべきである。

The Tokyo Declaration includes the establishment of a system to check at a ministerial-level meeting every two years the progress of international assistance and political reform by the Afghan government.
　東京宣言には、国際社会の支援とアフガン政府の政治改革の進捗(しんちょく)状況を２年ごとに閣僚級会合で点検する仕組みが盛り込まれた。

===

Kabul must help itself

It is right and proper that donor nations urged Kabul anew to become more self-reliant and improve its governance further.
　支援国側が、アフガン政府に改めて自立を促し、一層の統治の改善を求めたのは当然だ。

The declaration also spells out that the Afghan government will work toward rooting out corruption, establish an independent judiciary and enhance administrative capabilities such as proper budget implementation.
　宣言には、アフガン政府が、腐敗防止や独立した司法の確立、予算の適正な執行など行政能力向上に取り組むことも明記された。

Afghan President Hamid Karzai vowed at the Tokyo meeting to strengthen the rule of law and fight corruption in his country. But the question on everyone's lips is whether these goals can be achieved. Karzai will leave office in 2014 when his term expires. The Afghan government must tackle the job of rectifying the corruption-riddled system from a medium- and long-term perspective.
　支援国会議でカルザイ大統領は、「法の支配や腐敗対策を強めていく」と約束した。問題はそれが実行できるかどうかだ。大統領は１４年には任期を終えて退く。アフガン政府は汚職体質の改善に、中長期的に取り組むべきだ。

Kabul must redouble its efforts to improve public safety in preparation for the ISAF's withdrawal. It is extremely difficult to militarily defeat the Taliban force, which remains firmly entrenched in southern tribal communities. It will be necessary to explore the possibility of seeking reconciliation through talks with the Taliban's moderate elements.
　アフガン政府は、ＩＳＡＦ撤退に向けて、治安状況の改善へ努力を倍加させねばならない。南部の部族社会に根を張るタリバンを軍事的に鎮圧するのは極めて難しい。タリバン穏健派との和解を模索する対話も必要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 11, 2012)
（2012年7月11日01時40分  読売新聞）

オスプレイ配備 政府は安全性の説明を尽くせ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 12, 2012)
Govt must fully explain safety of Osprey
オスプレイ配備　政府は安全性の説明を尽くせ（7月11日付・読売社説）

It is important to evaluate and discuss the safety of the U.S. military's new transport aircraft in a coolheaded manner.
　米軍新型輸送機の安全性については、冷静に評価し、議論することが肝要である。

During his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the planned deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in Japan, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba asked Washington to provide information on the causes of two crashes earlier this year involving the aircraft.
　玄葉外相がクリントン米国務長官と会談し、海兵隊の垂直離着陸機ＭＶ２２オスプレイの日本配備に関連して、今年発生した２件の墜落事故の原因の情報提供を要請した。

While Clinton pledged the United States would conduct thorough investigations into the aircraft's safety and share the results with Japan, she expressed no intention of changing the plan to deploy the Osprey in Japan.
　クリントン長官は、「安全性について調査を徹底的に行い、結果を日本と共有する」と約束するとともに、日本配備の方針は変更しない考えを表明した。

The United States should be given credit for its willingness to provide information to Japan. The Japanese government should collect information through such means as sending experts to the United States to closely examine the aircraft.
　日本への情報提供に前向きな米側の姿勢は評価できる。政府は、専門家の訪米などを通じて情報を収集し、吟味する必要がある。

===

Opposition to deployment

Following the crash of an MV-22 Osprey in Morocco in April, a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey crashed during an exercise in mid-June in Florida.
　４月のモロッコにおけるＭＶ２２の墜落事故に続き、６月中旬には米フロリダ州で訓練中の空軍の同型機ＣＶ２２が墜落した。

The United States plans to deploy the MV-22 Osprey at Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, after temporarily stationing them at the U.S. Marine Corps' Iwakuni base in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. However, local governments concerned have expressed their opposition to the deployment or temporary stationing of the aircraft, citing safety concerns.
　配備先の沖縄県宜野湾市の普天間飛行場や、一時駐機先である山口県岩国市の岩国基地の関係自治体は、安全性を懸念し、配備や駐機に反対している。

We believe the government must thoroughly explain the aircraft's safety to these local authorities to gain their understanding as much as possible.
　政府は、ＭＶ２２の安全性について関係自治体に丁寧に説明し、理解を広げなければならない。

As the causes of the accidents were not attributed to problems with the aircraft themselves, the U.S. military has not prohibited the aircraft from flying or taken similar measures.
　２件の事故原因は機体の問題ではないとされ、米軍は飛行禁止措置などを取っていない。

The shift from the CH-46 transport helicopters--which have been in operation for nearly four decades--to the new aircraft is not in itself a bad thing. Actually, from a safety standpoint, it would be more problematic to continue using the CH-46 for a long time.
　そもそも、４０年近く使用している輸送ヘリコプターＣＨ４６から新型輸送機への交代は、悪いことではない。むしろ老朽化した輸送ヘリを今後も長期間使い続けることの方が安全上の問題があろう。

The rate of serious MV-22 accidents resulting in death or damage of 2 million dollars or more is 1.93 per 100,000 flight hours. This rate is lower than the average rate of 2.45 for all marine corps aircraft.
　ＭＶ２２の１０万飛行時間当たりの重大事故（死亡または２００万ドル以上の損害を伴う事故）率は１・９３件で、海兵隊航空機の平均の２・４５件よりも低い。

===

Enhanced capabilities

The deployment of the MV-22, which boasts high capabilities in terms of maximum speed and flight range, among other features, would enhance the U.S. military's capability to conduct civilian rescue operations and disaster relief activities. The deployment also would help improve the U.S. forces' assault landing operations and increase deterrence capabilities. These factors cannot be overlooked.
　一方で、最高速度、航続距離などの性能が優れるＭＶ２２の配備によって、米軍の民間人救出や災害救援の活動は強化される。強襲上陸作戦能力が向上し、抑止力が高まることも見逃せない。

In addition, the deployment would be in line with the U.S. military's strategy of increasing its presence in the west Pacific region to deal with the rapid rise of the Chinese military.
　中国の急速な軍事的台頭に対応し、西太平洋地域を重視する米軍戦略とも合致している。

The United States plans to deliver 12 Ospreys to Iwakuni later this month, then transport them to Okinawa Prefecture. As the retirement of CH-46 helicopters is under way, the circumstances do not allow for impediments to operations of the U.S. forces.
　米側は、今月下旬にオスプレイ１２機を岩国に搬入した後、沖縄に配備する予定だ。ＣＨ４６の退役が始まる中、部隊運用に支障を生じさせられない事情がある。

Reports on the accidents in Morocco and Florida are expected to be compiled later this month and in late August, respectively. The Japanese and U.S. governments have agreed not to fly the MV-22 in Japan until the reports are completed.
　モロッコの事故は今月下旬、フロリダの事故は８月末に報告書がまとまる見通しだ。日米両政府は、それまではＭＶ２２を日本で飛行させないことで一致している。

This is an adequate decision. It is important to realize the deployment of the aircraft in accordance with this agreement and take sufficient measures to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents.
　妥当な判断である。日米合意を順守し、事故の再発防止策をきちんと講じたうえ、配備を実現することが重要となろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 11, 2012)
（2012年7月11日01時40分  読売新聞）

予算委党首対決 民自公連携で実り多い国会に

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 11, 2012)
3-party cooperation key to successful Diet business
予算委党首対決　民自公連携で実り多い国会に（7月10日付・読売社説）

To make indecisive politics decisive, it is vital for the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito to uphold their agreement on the integrated reform of social security and tax systems and extend their relationship of trust.
　「決められない政治」を「決める政治」に変える。そのためには、民主、自民、公明の３党が合意と信頼を最大限尊重し合うことが欠かせない。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki faced off at the House of Representatives Budget Committee Monday. Referring to many DPJ lawmakers voting against the reform bills in a recent lower house plenary session in defiance of the party leadership, Tanigaki criticized the DPJ by saying the rebellious action "undermines the relationship of trust among the three parties."
　野田首相と自民党の谷垣総裁が衆院予算委員会で、直接対決した。谷垣氏は、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の衆院採決での民主党議員の大量造反問題を取り上げ、「３党の信頼関係をないがしろにする」と非難した。

Noda said, "I deeply apologize over the matter as DPJ president."
　首相は、「民主党代表として深くおわび申し上げる」と陳謝した。

The prime minister also stressed, "I'd like to fulfill my responsibility by making utmost efforts in House of Councillors deliberations to pass the bills in line with the three-party agreement."
「参院審議では、３党合意を踏まえ、法案がきちんと成立するよう全力を尽くして責任を果たしたい」とも強調した。

Despite the mass defection by former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa and his followers, the party avoided becoming a minority ruling party in the lower house. But there are potential defectors within the party who indicated they may join hands with a new party to be led by Ozawa. This makes it more difficult for Noda to steer his government.
　民主党は、小沢一郎元代表らの大量離党の結果、衆院での少数与党への転落は免れたが、党内には小沢新党との連携を示唆する離党予備軍もいる。首相の政権運営は一段と厳しさを増すだろう。

===

Build relationship of trust

Passage of the integrated reform bills and other important bills will not be possible without the cooperation of the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito. Noda and the DPJ leadership must work toward building and maintaining the relationship of confidence with the two opposition parties.
　一体改革法案など重要法案の成立は、民自公３党の連携抜きにはあり得ない。首相と民主党執行部は、自公両党との信頼関係の構築・維持に努めねばならない。

Tanigaki lambasted the government over the consumption tax hike and its shelving of a promised system to guarantee minimum pension benefits, saying it "runs counter to the [DPJ's own] manifesto." The LDP leader also called for the lower house to be dissolved for a general election after the reform bills clear the Diet.
　谷垣氏は、消費税率引き上げや、最低保障年金制度の棚上げを「マニフェスト（政権公約）違反」と批判し、一体改革法案成立直後の衆院解散・総選挙を求めた。

Noda countered that none of the parties had withdrawn their specific policies--including the DPJ's aim to introduce a minimum pension system--in hammering out the three-party accord.
　首相は「最低保障年金など各党固有の政策を撤回したわけではない」と反論した。

He rejected the idea of early dissolution of the lower house, saying, "I'd like to seek the people's confidence in the administration after accomplishing what should be done, including the integrated reform."
「一体改革を含め、やらなければいけないことをやり抜いた暁に、国民に信を問いたい」と早期解散も否定した。

Because dissolving the lower house was not a condition of the three-party accord, which was worked out while shelving difficult issues such as the minimum pension plan, Tanigaki's demands lack persuasive power.
　３党合意が、衆院解散を条件とせず、最低保障年金制度などの問題を棚上げで決着させた以上、谷垣氏の要求は説得力がない。

If Tanigaki sticks to criticizing the government over violation of the manifesto, he will fall into his own trap by appearing to make adherence to manifestos a top priority.
谷垣氏が「公約違反」に固執し過ぎると、形を変えた「マニフェスト至上主義」に陥ってしまう。

===

Passage of bond bill crucial

As an example of "what should be done" before dissolving the lower house, Noda cited legislation of a special bill on the issuance of deficit-covering government bonds.
　首相は、衆院解散の前提となる「やらなければならないこと」の例として、赤字国債発行に必要な特例公債法案の成立を挙げた。

Finance Minister Jun Azumi said unless the special bill is passed in the current session of the Diet, the government will run short of fiscal resources for the national budget before the end of October.
　安住財務相は、今国会で特例公債法案が成立しない場合、１０月中には政府予算の財源が枯渇するとの見通しを示している。

Even if the LDP returns to power, the party will also find it difficult to deal with the special bill on issuance of deficit-financing government bonds because a divided Diet, with different parties controlling the two houses, is almost certain to persist.
　現状のままでは、仮に自民党が衆院選で政権復帰を果たしても、衆参ねじれ国会が続くのがほぼ確実であり、今度は自ら特例公債法案の扱いに苦慮しよう。

The LDP must cooperate in the passage of the special bill without taking fiscal resources "hostage."
　自民党は、予算財源を「人質」に取る対応はやめ、特例公債法案の成立に協力すべきだ。

Other urgent tasks facing the extended Diet session are the correction of the disparity of the value of votes in lower house elections and passage of bills related to the introduction of a common ID number system for social security and tax programs. We hope the current Diet session will bring about fruitful results.
　延長国会では、衆院選の「１票の格差」是正や共通番号制度関連法案の成立も急務だ。３党の連携で実り多い国会にしたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 10, 2012)
（2012年7月10日01時35分  読売新聞）

尖閣国有化方針 政府と都は安定管理へ協調を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 11, 2012)
Central, Tokyo govts should get in tune over Senkaku Islands
尖閣国有化方針　政府と都は安定管理へ協調を（7月10日付・読売社説）

The inability of the central and Tokyo metropolitan governments to get on the same page will be only to China's advantage. They need to closely cooperate on the Senkaku Islands issue.
　政府と東京都が牽制(けんせい)しあえば、中国を利するだけだ。両者は、緊密に連携する必要がある。

The central government has finally made a concrete move to put the Senkaku Islands under state control.
　政府が、尖閣諸島の国有化に向けて、ようやく具体的に動き始めた。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has admitted that the government is holding talks with the metropolitan government and the owner of three islands in the five-islet chain. "From the viewpoint of peacefully and stably maintaining and managing [the islands], we've been in contact [with the metropolitan government and others] at various levels," Noda said to the House of Representatives Budget Committee on Monday.
　野田首相は、衆院予算委員会で「平穏かつ安定的に維持・管理する観点で、様々なレベルで接触している」と述べ、都や地権者と協議に入っていることを認めた。

The central government's aspirations of putting the Senkaku Islands under state control will advance efforts to better maintain the territorial integrity and effective control of the islands.
　政府が尖閣諸島の国有化を目指すことは、領土保全、実効支配の強化に向けて前進となる。

The government currently leases the three islands, including Uotsurijima, from the owner and bans people other than government officials from landing on them. However, under individual ownership, through which the islands could be sold to or inherited by a third person, the future of the islands could be unstable.
　政府は魚釣島など３島を地権者から賃借し、政府関係者以外の立ち入りを禁じている。だが、第三者への売却や相続があり得る個人所有では安定的とは言えない。

===

China's claim unwarranted

Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara has built up a relationship of trust with the islands' owner. Donations to the Tokyo government to purchase the three islands have topped 1.3 billion yen.
　東京都の石原慎太郎知事は、地権者との一定の信頼関係を築いている。購入費などに充てる予定の都の募金も１３億円を超えた。

Given the recent developments, various options are on the table, including having the metropolitan government buy the three islands and then immediately transfer them to the central government.
　これまでの経緯を考えると、いったん都が購入した後、政府に速やかに譲渡するなど、様々な方法が考えられよう。

Ishihara has expressed distrust of the government's plan to purchase the islands, saying the Noda administration is trying "to gain popularity" and deriding it as "abrupt." However, now is not the time for the central and metropolitan governments to be out of step.
　石原氏は政府の方針に「人気稼ぎだろう」「唐突だ」と不信感を表明したが、政府と都が足並みを乱している場合ではない。

It is essential that the islands be surely placed under state control, regardless of how this is done. The central and metropolitan governments must speed up necessary arrangements to make this happen.
　どのような手順を踏むにせよ、着実に国有化することが肝要である。政府と都の間で調整を急がねばならない。

The Japanese government's plan to place the islands under state control prompted Beijing to issue a statement saying, "No one will ever be permitted to buy and sell China's sacred territory."
　日本政府の国有化方針に対し、中国は「中国の神聖な領土を売買することは絶対許さない」とする談話を発表した。

However, it was only in 1971--after the existence of oil reserves was confirmed near the Senkaku Islands--that China started to claim sovereignty over them.
　だが、中国が領有権を主張し始めたのは、周辺海域での石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７１年だ。

Japan has been in effective control of the islands since it incorporated them into its territory based on international law in 1895. It is unreasonable of China, which effectively gave tacit approval to Japan's control of the Senkakus, to belatedly claim sovereignty over them.
　日本は１８９５年、国際法に基づき尖閣諸島を領土に編入して、実効支配している。それを事実上黙認していた中国が、後から領有権を主張するのは不当である。

===

Strengthen JCG

Chinese fishery patrol boats approach waters around the Senkaku Islands almost monthly and repeatedly make their presence felt.
　中国の漁業監視船は毎月のように尖閣諸島周辺に近づき、示威行為を繰り返している。

Earlier this month, Taiwan patrol vessels and a leisure fishing boat briefly intruded into Japanese territorial waters.
　今月には台湾の巡視船などが日本の領海内に入った。

These provocations will only undermine Japan-China and Japan-Taiwan relations. We strongly urge Beijing and Taipei to exercise self-restraint.
　こうした挑発活動は、日中、日台関係を損なうだけである。強く自制を求めたい。

Even if the government puts the Senkaku Islands under state control in the future, this in itself will not be able to prevent intrusions and other illegal acts.
　この先、日本政府が尖閣諸島を国有化しても、それだけで不法侵入などを防げるわけではない。

It will be necessary to enable Japan Coast Guard officers to apprehend foreign nationals who illegally land on the Senkaku Islands. To do so, the Diet should quickly deliberate a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law.
　不法上陸した外国人を海上保安官が検挙できるようにする必要がある。そのための海上保安庁法改正案の国会審議を急ぐべきだ。

Also, the JCG must be strengthened in terms of manpower and the quality of its equipment, through such measures as deploying a large patrol vessel that will enable long-term monitoring of waters around the Senkaku Islands and increasing the number of JCG officers.
　尖閣諸島周辺で長期間の監視活動ができるような大型巡視船の配備や、保安官の増員など、質と量の両面から海保の体制強化も図らなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 10, 2012)
（2012年7月10日01時35分  読売新聞）

効率よく配置された衛星サイトは究極のSEO対策と言えます

衛星サイトは英語ではサテライトサイトと呼ばれていますが、元祖はアメリカです。
衛星サイトについて、私は英語の文献しか読んだことがありませんが、以下は私の解釈です。

１）　中心に引き立てるべきメインのサイトを置きます。

２）　衛星サイトはメインのサイトを引き立てるべく記事を作成しますが、それぞれの衛星サイトは機械ではなくって、本物の人間の手で書かれるのが特徴です。それらは、いわゆるライター記事と呼ばれています。

３）　衛星サイトは、相互に関連するキーワードを駆使してメインのサイトにリンクがつながるように作成します。

検索ロボットが巡回した直後、メインのサイトの閲覧者数が驚異的に増えるは、検索ワードが上位に位置されるからだと考えられています。

様々なSEO対策の中でも、衛星サイトによる被リンク 獲得の対策は最高の技術だとされています。アメリカで爆発的に売れ行きを増やした手法として極めて有名なのです。

社説:国の尖閣購入 手続きは静かに淡々と

July 09, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Senkaku purchase must be settled calmly in Japan
社説:国の尖閣購入　手続きは静かに淡々と

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has made it clear that the national government will move toward nationalizing part of the Senkaku Islands in southwestern Japan, the purchase of which the Tokyo Metropolitan Government has been negotiating with their private owner.
　東京都が民間人の地権者と買い取り交渉を進めている尖閣諸島（沖縄県石垣市）について、野田佳彦首相は国有化に踏み切る方針を固めた。

Noda has objected to Tokyo's bid to buy the islands from the outset, as reflected by his statement: "The protection of (national) territory is the job of the national government, and it is unreasonable for the Tokyo Metropolitan Government to be involved in it."
私たちは「領土の保全は国の仕事であり、都が出てくるのは筋違いだ」と主張してきた。

Indeed, ownerhip of the islands by the national government makes more sense than their purchase by the Tokyo government. Regardless, the sale and purchase of the islands should be pushed forth calmly and matter-of-factly.
その点からは、都が購入するより国が所有する方が道理にかなっているだろう。手続きは静かに淡々と進めるべきだ。

The Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan from the standpoint of both history and international law, but China also claims the islands, making them a point of contention between the two countries. Following a lecture by Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara in April in the U.S. in which he declared, "Tokyo will protect the Senkakus," the manner in which the islands have been managed was shoved into the spotlight.
　尖閣諸島は歴史的にも国際法上も日本固有の領土だが、中国も領有権を主張して日中間の火ダネとなっている。こうした中、石原慎太郎都知事が今年４月の米国での講演で「東京が尖閣諸島を守る」と購入計画を明らかにしたことで、島の管理のあり方が焦点に浮上していた。

Of the Senkaku Islands, the national government leases Uotsuri, Minamikojima, and Kitakojima islands from private owner, paying them annual fees. From the perspective of territorial protection, however, these circumstances are hardly ideal. The national government had attempted to nationalize the islands in the past, but negotiations with the islands' owner had broken down.
　尖閣諸島のうち魚釣島、南小島、北小島の３島は政府が地権者から借りて賃料を毎年支払っているが、領土保全の観点からは安定的とは言いがたい。このためかつては政府も国有化を検討したが、地権者と話が折り合わなかった経緯がある。

Ishihara is proposing a resolution to this vulnerable state of territorial ownerhip, and the protection of the Senkaku Islands from Chinese attempts to undermine Japanese control over them. The metropolitan government has already collected 1.3 billion yen in donations for the purchase, and is poised to sign contracts with the islands' owner within the current fiscal year.
　石原氏の問題提起は所有形態をめぐる不安定な状況を解消し、日本の実効支配を崩そうとする中国から尖閣諸島を守る、というものだった。都にはすでに１３億円を超える寄付金が集まっており、年度内にも購入契約を結ぶ方向となっている。

However, if the Tokyo Metropolitan Government were to fully take over the reins of a territorial dispute -- a responsibility that lies with the national government -- it would invite further confusion. Ishihara has said he is prepared to buy advertisements in multiple U.S. newspapers explaining the significance of Tokyo's bid to buy the islands, but such a move is inadvisable, as it would impress upon the international community that the territorial dispute between Japan and China is escalating.
　だが、国が責任を負うべき領土問題で都が主導権を握るのはかえって混乱を招き、逆効果だ。石原氏は、米国の複数の新聞に尖閣諸島購入の意義を訴える意見広告を出す考えなどを明らかにしているが、日中間で領土問題が紛争化していることをことさら国際社会に印象づけるようにもなり、得策とは言えない。

Noda is believed to have started the ball rolling toward national government acquisition of the islands due to fears that Tokyo's bid was turning into a done deal, wresting control of the issue from the national government. That Tokyo's plan has won support from the public, and the Noda administration's desire to avoid any negative effects that critiques of a weak-kneed stance against China could have on national politics are also likely to have prompted the move.
　野田首相がここにきて国有化に動き出したのは、このままでは都による購入が既成事実化し、尖閣問題で政府のコントロールがきかなくなることを懸念したためとみられる。都の尖閣購入方針に世論の支持が集まっていることや、対中弱腰との批判が政局に悪影響を与えるのを避けたい思惑も背景にあるだろう。

The issue at hand, however, involves the protection and stable management of national territory, a matter of national sovereignty. Ishihara has criticized the Noda administration's move toward the nationalization of the disputed islands as "populist." It goes without saying that the matter must not be handled as a means to provide the administration with a popularity boost.
　ただし、これは領土の保全と安定管理という、すぐれて国家主権にかかわる問題である。石原氏は野田政権が購入に動き出したことを「人気取り」と批判しているが、政権浮揚を目的とした国有化であってはならないことは言うまでもない。

As the islands' owner are said to be more favorable toward the idea of selling to the Tokyo government than to the national government, the Noda administration is expected to face difficulties in its upcoming negotiations. As such, the administration should consult with Tokyo and the islands' private owner, including on the possibility of having the Tokyo Metropolitan Government buy the islands from the current owner, after which the national government would buy them from Tokyo.
地権者は国ではなく都に売却したい意向といわれており、政府の交渉は難航が予想される。まず都が購入してから国が買うことも含め、政府は手順を踏んで地権者や都と話し合うべきだ。

Ultimately, ownerhip of the Senkaku Islands is a domestic issue. A continued clash between the national government and the Tokyo Metropolitan Government over territory belonging to Japan is meaningless, and represents a chaotic state of domestic affairs that we should not be exposing to the international community.
　尖閣諸島の所有権が誰にあるかはあくまで国内問題である。固有の領土を巡り国と都が対立を続けるのは不毛であり、そのような混迷を国際社会にさらすべきではない。

毎日新聞　2012年07月08日　02時32分

ちいさな企業 日本再生に期待される潜在力

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 10, 2012)
Harness small firms' potential to revitalize Japan
ちいさな企業　日本再生に期待される潜在力（7月8日付・読売社説）

Small and midsize companies account for 90 percent of domestic enterprises, and are a huge potential source of technological and human capital. We hope they will play a significant role in kick-starting the economy.
　日本企業の９割を占める中小企業は、技術や人材などの潜在力を持つ。日本経済に弾みをつける役割を期待したい。

A panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry formed to investigate the future of small and midsize businesses recently announced its proposals for revitalizing this sector. The panel's report compiled the views of workers at small and midsize companies including managers, female entrepreneurs and younger workers.
　経済産業省の「“ちいさな企業”未来会議」は、中小企業の活性化策に関する提言をまとめた。中小企業の経営者や女性起業家、青年層などの現場の声を集約したのが特徴である。

An important part of the proposals is the request for the government to revise conventional measures by paying more attention to smaller companies, instead of supporting the relatively major members of this sector with priority.
　提言のポイントは、比較的規模が大きい中小企業を主な支援対象としてきた政府に対し、小規模企業にも十分目配りするよう、施策の修正を求めたことだ。

The number of small and midsize companies has decreased by 650,000 over the last decade, to the detriment of about 3 million jobs. Smaller firms that close or struggle are particularly noticeable.
　中小企業は、過去１０年で約６５万社減り、雇用者数は約３００万人も減少した。小規模な企業の廃業や経営不振が目立つ。

With the domestic market shrinking due to the aging population and low birthrate, and businesses being pinched by an unusually high yen, smaller companies tend to be affected also by overseas transfers and poor performance by the large companies they do business with. Small and midsize companies face an increasingly harsh business environment.
　少子高齢化に伴う国内市場の縮小や超円高に加え、取引先である大企業の海外移転や業績悪化に振り回されがちだ。経営環境は一段と厳しくなっている。

===

Looking for the next Toyota

The decline in small and midsize businesses has led to a vicious cycle that exhausts regional economies. This can no longer be ignored.
　中小企業の低迷により、地域経済が疲弊するという悪循環に陥っている状況も看過できない。

The panel displayed a stronger level of concern, pointing out that "small enterprises can change Japan." Indeed, we believe that only revitalized small and midsize firms can maintain regional jobs and prevent the further hollowing out of domestic industries.
　未来会議が危機感を強め、「小さな企業が日本を変える」と指摘したのは妥当だ。中小企業が活性化してこそ、地域の雇用が維持され、空洞化を防ぐ方策になる。

Many major firms such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Panasonic Corp. started out as small, local factories. A vital question for today is how to discover and support a future Toyota that has growth potential.
　トヨタ自動車やパナソニックなどの大企業も、小さな町工場からスタートした。成長が見込まれる「未来のトヨタ」を発掘し、後押しすることが問われている。

Unfortunately, many small firms miss opportunities for dramatic growth because of a lack in practical management expertise.
　実践的な経営ノウハウが不足しているため、飛躍のチャンスを逃している小規模企業も多い。

The panel's proposal emphasized the importance of boosting a one-stop management support system where financial institutions, certified tax accountants and others could help small and midsize enterprises in cooperation with the central and local governments. Aid would be provided depending on the individual company's stage, whether just starting out, stable or growing, or looking for successors. Details of the system should be worked out as soon as possible.
　提言は、起業から安定・成長期、事業承継など、企業の段階に応じて、国や自治体と連携しながら金融機関、税理士などがワンストップで経営支援する「知識サポート体制」の強化を打ち出した。具体化を急ぐべきだろう。

===

Market unique technology

Measures are also necessary to assist small and midsize businesses in improving unique technological skills and enhancing their products' market competitiveness. We think an initiative to create a concentrated area for overseas-oriented industry--one of the panel's proposals--deserves serious consideration. Parties involved need to rack their brains to discover the best ways for small and midsize firms to expand their sales in Asia and elsewhere.
　オンリーワンの技術を磨き、製品力を強化する支援策の充実も重要だ。提言が示した「海外展開集積地域構想」は検討に値する。中小企業がアジアなどで販路を拡大できるように知恵を絞りたい。

In addition to manufacturing, companies in service industries such as nursing care and medical services need to be developed, as women and young people can work comfortably in these fields. It is important to develop working environments that can better utilize the potential of this nation's women.
　ものづくりだけでなく、女性や若者が働きやすい介護、医療などのサービス分野の企業育成が課題と言える。女性パワーをもっと活用する環境整備が欠かせない。

Policies concerning small and midsize companies should be one of the pillars of the government's up-coming strategy for revitalizing Japan. However, care must be taken so these measures are not just an additional form of lavish support.
　政府は近くまとめる日本再生戦略の柱に中小企業政策を位置づけるべきだ。ただし、大前提は、施策を精査し、ばらまき型の追加支援としないことである。

Small and midsize companies have no hope of success if they merely rely on government support. They must have the originality and ingenuity to proactively find new opportunities on their own.
　中小企業が政府などの支援に頼るだけでは、展望は開けない。創意工夫で自ら活路を開く積極的な姿勢が求められよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 8, 2012)
（2012年7月8日01時13分  読売新聞）

香山リカのココロの万華鏡:受給者の苦悩に配慮を ／東京

July 08, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Remember there is no shame in accepting welfare
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:受給者の苦悩に配慮を　／東京

Recently, a committee for tackling illegal public assistance payouts has been launched in Kanagawa Prefecture. It appears that prefectural authorities and local law enforcers will be collaborating to establish a system to purge fraudulent public assistance recipients from the welfare rolls.
　神奈川県では、生活保護をめぐる連絡会が発足、不正受給の撲滅を目指すという。行政と県警がタッグを組んで不正受給をなくすシステムを作っていくそうだ。

When I hear people saying things along the lines of, "People taking welfare unlawfully is indeed a problem, but...," I feel somewhat depressed. As a matter of fact, a number of my patients have told me they're considering taking themselves off public assistance, such as cancelling their disability pensions or their applications for injury or illness allowances.
　「たしかに不正受給は問題だけどね」と、こういう話題を耳にすると気持ちがめいってしまう。実は私の診察室でもすでに何人かが、「障害年金をもらっているがやめたいと思う」「休職中だが今月は傷病手当の申請を辞退したい」などと言い出しているのだ。

One tearful patient, currently unable to work due to an illness and with a family on welfare, told me, "They are my relatives so I should be the one sending them money.
親族が生活保護を受給し、自分もいま病気で仕事につくことができないある患者さんは、「やっぱり親族ですから私が仕送りすべきですよね。本当に情けない」と涙を浮かべた。

I feel really miserable." The other patients of mine who raised similar concerns are all taking welfare assistance as a last resort, just to maintain a base-line standard of living. These folks can hardly be accused of welfare fraud.
　みんなそれ以外の方法がなく、ギリギリの生活を保つために、年金や手当をもらっている人たちだ。断じて不正受給などではない。

I tell such patients that they should hold their heads high and continue receiving their allowances without feeling bad about it. But they, feeling a heavy sense of responsibility, shake their heads in disapproval.
「あなたの場合、堂々ともらっていいんですよ」などと励ましてみるが、まじめな彼らは首を横に振る。

"While the government is talking of increasing the consumption tax to improve Japan's finances, I feel extremely bad for taking public money," one patient said. "When I watch reports of illegal welfare recipients on TV, I feel as if they are pointing at me, and I feel alienated."
「だって国の財政もたいへんで消費税を上げようという中、私が公的なお金をいただくのは、申し訳なさすぎますよ。テレビで不正受給の話題が取り上げられるたび、自分が責められているようで身の置きどころがなくなります」

All welfare recipients that I know of feel similar. There are some media reports on public assistance recipients who drive foreign cars, or on criminals coercing social workers into putting them on the public assistance rolls. However, I want to ask: Where are these things actually happening?
　私が知っている生活保護や障害年金の受給者は、みなこのような人たちなのだ。一部で伝えられているような、「生活保護なのに外車を乗り回している」「福祉課の職員を脅迫して申請している」といった例がいったいどこにいるのか、と言いたいくらいだ。

What will happen to people if they withdraw from welfare assistance? I find statements such as "as long as one is determined, they should be able to find all sorts of jobs," mostly come from people lucky enough to be both healthy and socially engaged.
　もし、彼らが役所の窓口に行って「今月でもうけっこうです」と受け取りを辞退したら、その先はどうなるのだろう。「やる気になればどんな仕事でもあるはず」などと言うのは、健康や人間関係に恵まれている人の発想なのではないか。

What I tell my patients is: "I understand your feelings well. But you still need a little bit more time before you return to work. Until then, please protect your life by accepting welfare assistance, and concentrate on your treatment. You can repay society for its kindness after you recover." This does not, however, bring a smile to their faces.
　「気持ちはよくわかりました。でも、働けるようになるまでにはもう少しだけ時間がかかります。それまでは生活保護でしっかり自分の生活を守ってください。安心して療養に専念してください。世の中への恩返しは、元気になってからでもいいじゃないですか」。社会からの支えを借りても生き続けるように、と必死に励ますが、「はあ、そうですか」と答える彼らの笑顔はどことなく力ない。

I agree that it is important to crack down on illegal welfare recipients. However, at the same time I hope another system -- one that tracks down people who need assistance but aren't getting it -- is also launched.
　不正受給を取り締まるのも必要かもしれないが、本当に必要なのに社会的サービスが行きわたっていない人を見つける、というシステムも作ってほしい。

The number of people who are unable to maintain even the most basic standard of living, and who are in a constant fear of "causing trouble" to others, is greater than people imagine.
世の中には「誰の迷惑にもなりたくない」と最低限のレベルの生活さえ送れないまま生きている人が、想像よりたくさんいるのだ。

(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞　2012年07月03日　地方版

日本と韓国―不幸なすれ違いを憂う

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 6
EDITORIAL: Surely Japan and South Korea can patch things up
日本と韓国―不幸なすれ違いを憂う

Once again, things have become skewed between Japan and South Korea. This is most unfortunate.
　日本と韓国。この隣国間で、また不幸なすれ違いが起きた。

The two countries were supposed to sign an accord on military intelligence sharing last week. But one hour before the signing ceremony, it was put off at the request of the South Korean side.
　両政府の間で締結が合意されていた軍事情報の秘密保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）が先週、署名式の段取りまで決まっていたのに、その１時間前になって韓国側の求めで延期された。

The deal had caused an outcry in South Korea because it was secretly endorsed by the Cabinet and not made public right away. The ruckus even led to the resignation of high-ranking government officials.
　韓国の与野党の反発が原因で、政府高官の辞任騒ぎにまで発展している。

The proposed General Security of Military Information Agreement is a framework for the Self-Defense Forces and the South Korean military to share intelligence and safeguard that information.
　協定は、自衛隊と韓国軍との間で軍事情報を共有するため、互いに提供された情報を保護するための枠組みだ。

It represented the first full-fledged attempt at defense cooperation between the two neighbors. As Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba put it, it was supposed to be "a historic event."
　日韓間の初めての本格的な防衛協力であり、玄葉外相が言うように「歴史的な出来事」となるはずだった。

That is all the more reason we are disheartened by the last-minute postponement.
　それだけに、土壇場での延期は残念だ。

At the heart of the agreement is the sharing of information related to North Korea.
　協定のもとでは、北朝鮮関連の情報提供がおもに想定されていた。

Japan and South Korea had no such formal framework, although both countries have separate accords with the United States.
日米、米韓の間では共有されているのに、日韓の間にはそれがない。

A lack of communication between Tokyo and Seoul, which forms one side of the Japan-U.S.-South Korea intelligence-sharing triangle, was behind the confusion that reigned in Tokyo after North Korea tested a ballistic missile in April under the guise of a satellite launch.
That is why defense authorities of both countries had high expectations for the agreement.
　４月の北朝鮮による事実上のミサイル発射失敗についての情報が錯綜（さくそう）したのは、まさに日米韓の三角形の一辺が欠けているためだった。だから、日韓の防衛当局の間では、協定への期待は高かった。

However, there was persistent criticism of the pact in South Korea, which critics said could lead Japan to wage military aggression again.
　ところが、韓国内からは「日本による再侵略」などという批判が伝えられた。

South Korea has bitter memories of being colonized by Japan. There is also lingering resentment over the issue of "comfort women," who were forced to provide sexual services for Japanese soldiers before and during war, which no doubt has added to the sense of alarm.
Given this background, we can fully appreciate that people in South Korean are nervous about implications of military cooperation. Indeed, those feelings should not be ignored.
　日本による植民地支配の記憶を持つ韓国だ。慰安婦問題の再燃もあり、「軍事協力」という響きに敏感になる国民感情はよくわかる。こうした思いはないがしろにすべきではない。

Still, the notion of Japan becoming an aggressive military power would bring looks of total surprise to most Japanese. We hope calm heads will prevail.
　それにしても、「再侵略」とは、大多数の日本人にとっては思いもよらぬ批判だし、あまりに冷静さを欠いている。

Japan, the United States and South Korea share common values.
Trilateral cooperation in the area of security in the Asia-Pacific region would greatly benefit South Korea, given North Korea's disquieting moves and China's flexing of military muscle.
　アジア太平洋地域で、日米韓という、共通の価値観を持つ国が安全保障で協力することは、北朝鮮の不穏な動きや中国の台頭を考えれば、韓国にも利益が大きいはずだ。

Japan is partly to blame, though.
It recently sowed needless seeds of distrust by incorporating a provision to the Atomic Energy Basic Law that nuclear power should "contribute to national security."
　もっとも日本だって、原子力基本法に「我が国の安全保障に資する」との文言を加え、いらぬ不信の種をまいた。

That prompted a South Korean lawmaker to say his country should also possess nuclear capability. The comment was clearly pitched at South Korea's presidential election to be held in December.
これに刺激されたのだろう。大統領選をうかがう韓国の政治家から「韓国も核保有能力を持つべきだ」との発言が飛び出した。

Japan, too, is headed for a Lower House election. Politicians need to heed public opinion.
　これから年末に向け、韓国では大統領選がある。日本でも総選挙がちらついてきた。政治家にしてみれば、世論が気になる季節だ。

In any country, issues related to nationalism generate a sharp public response.
　どこの国でも、ナショナリズムがからむ問題に世論は敏感だ。

Off-the-cuff remarks by politicians tend to carry far more weight these days when the utterances are played up on the Internet.
ちょっとした政治家の言動が、ネットによって何倍にも増幅される。

That is all the more reason at a time like this, we urge politicians to keep their cool.
　こんな時だからこそ、政治には冷静さを保ってほしい。

夜行バスは現代のタイムトンネル 高速バスinfomation

東京大阪間であれば私は断然夜行バス派です。
ひとつには出張旅費が大幅に節約出来るからですが、もっと大きな理由がございます。
夜行バスを使うことにより東京大阪をまたにかけ平日勤務状態で活動できるのが最も大きなメリットです。

私の武器は小型のノートパソコンと表計算ソフトですが、CADのソフトも時々使用致します。
夜行バスの中でも、眠りにつく前の数時間は貴重です。
会議の資料を作成したり、ネットで検索して明日の会議への知識を蓄え、作戦を練ります。

夜行バスは私にとって小さな事務所と同じようなものなのです。
競争の激しい現代のビジネス社会では、これくらいやらないと手強いライバルに圧倒的な差をつけることは出来ないのです。表計算ソフト、CADソフトに加えて本人の闘志、やる気が一番大切な要素であることには変わりはありません。

あなたも夜行バスをフルに活用してビジネス社会で生き残りを賭けてみませんか。
高速バスinfomation　高速バス 大阪 東京　があなたの力になると思います。

ヒッグス粒子 未知の探求へ新たな一歩だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 8, 2012)
Higgs boson discovery marks new start in probing the unknown
ヒッグス粒子　未知の探求へ新たな一歩だ（7月7日付・読売社説）

A new subatomic particle believed to be the "Higgs boson," hunted for more than 40 years by particle physicists around world, has been discovered at long last.
　世界の物理学者たちが４０年以上も探し続けてきた「ヒッグス粒子」とみられる新粒子が、ついに見つかった。

The European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, on the Swiss-French border near Geneva, announced the discovery on Wednesday. This can definitely be called a glorious accomplishment that will go down in history.
　スイス・ジュネーブ郊外の欧州合同原子核研究機関（ＣＥＲＮ）が発表した。歴史に残る偉業と言えよう。

In the smallest fractions of a second after the birth of the universe, the Higgs boson was responsible for the existence of mass, commonly thought of as weight, in all matter, according to the "Standard Model" of physics. Since it is the origin of mass in the universe, the Higgs boson is also known as the "God particle."
　宇宙誕生の直後、この粒子が万物に重さ（質量）を与えた、と物理学の「標準理論」では考えられている。重さの源だけに、「神の粒子」とも呼ばれている。

How did the universe come into being? How was substance brought into existence? How did galaxies form and the stars ignite? How did life first begin to stir?
　宇宙はどのように誕生したか。物質はどんな仕組みで生成され、星や銀河ができ、生命が登場したのか。

The new discovery marks a milestone in the grand quest to understand the ultimate origins of humanity.
人類の根源を辿(たど)る壮大な旅の一つの到達点だろう。

According to the Standard Model, every substance consists of 17 kinds of ultramicroscopic particles that cannot be divided into any smaller units.
　標準理論によれば、すべての物質は、それ以上分割できない１７種類の極微の素粒子で構成されている。

===

Final building block

Of such particles, electrons were first discovered in 1897, while the existence of a total of 16 particles--every subatomic particle except the Higgs boson--had been confirmed by 2000.
まず電子が１８９７年に見つかり、２０００年までに、ヒッグス粒子を除いて、計１６種類の存在が確認されていた。

The discovery of the Higgs boson means the final building block necessary to explain the development of the universe from its birth 13.7 billion years ago right up to the present moment has been identified.
　１３７億年前の宇宙創生から現在まで、宇宙の歩みを説明する理論を裏付ける最後の部品が、これでそろったことになる。

This achievement has been made using CERN's circular 27-kilometer underground proton accelerator. The accelerator is a gigantic facility built at a cost of 550 billion yen. It can make protons, a kind of microparticle, collide with each other in a vacuum at nearly the speed of light for a high-energy collision.
　この発見は、ＣＥＲＮにある全周２７キロ・メートルの円形加速器で成し遂げられた。建設費５５００億円の巨大施設だ。真空に保ったパイプの中に、微粒子の陽子を光速に近いスピードで飛ばし、陽子同士を衝突させることができる。

CERN researchers repeated such collisions 1.1 quadrillion times, analyzing in detail the fragments produced by the impacts. These include the new Higgs particle, which they have identified with 99.99998 percent certainty, the announcement said.
　これを１１００兆回繰り返して衝撃で飛び出した破片を詳細に分析し、新粒子を９９・９９９９８％の確率で見つけたという。

From Japan, 110 researchers from universities and other research organizations, including the University of Tokyo, have taken part in the CERN program, playing significant roles in such activities as data analysis.
　東京大など１６の大学・研究機関から日本人１１０人が参加し、分析などに活躍した。

It was a theory formulated by Yoichiro Nambu, a Japanese-born professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, that provided the foundation for the prediction of the existence of the Higgs boson.
ヒッグス粒子の存在予言も、ノーベル物理学賞受賞者の南部陽一郎・米シカゴ大名誉教授の理論が基になった。

We feel proud of Japan's contribution.
　日本の貢献が誇らしい。

===

Trust in science

The pursuit of mysteries of the universe is certain to go on. Experiments with the newly found subatomic particle will lead to the detailed elucidation of its properties. It may even be possible to crack open a new realm of cosmic theory. Physicists have great expectations.
　これからも探求は続く。実験を重ねれば新粒子の詳しい性質が分かる。そこから新たな理論が生まれるかもしれない。そう物理学者たちは期待している。

This is because current theory can account for about only 4 percent of the energy that lets matter, and the universe itself, exist. We hope to see Japanese researchers aggressively striving to make further discoveries to help shape our understanding of the universe.
　今の理論ではまだ、宇宙にある物質、宇宙を支えるエネルギーの４％しか説明できないからだ。さらなる発見へ、日本の研究者も挑戦してほしい。

After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear power plant accident last year, an increasing number of people in this country are becoming distrustful of or anxious about science and technology.
　昨年の東日本大震災と原子力発電所の事故以降、国内で科学技術に不信や不安を抱く人が増えている。

A survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has shown that as many as four out of every 10 people think humans "cannot take control" of outcomes of science and technology. This is double the figure from before the March 11, 2011, disaster.
文部科学省の調査では「人間は科学技術をコントロールできない」と考える人が１０人中４人もいる。震災前の倍になった。

It is strongly hoped that a breakthrough such as the discovery of the Higgs boson will help resuscitate people's dreams about the future of science.
　ヒッグス粒子の究明のような取り組みが、科学への夢を取り戻すきっかけになればいい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 7, 2012)
（2012年7月7日01時23分  読売新聞）

整備新幹線 ３区間の着工をなぜ急ぐのか

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 8, 2012)
Repair old roads and bridges instead of extending Shinkansen lines
整備新幹線　３区間の着工をなぜ急ぐのか（7月7日付・読売社説）

Expanding the nation's Shinkansen network is hardly a high-priority public works project, considering its high need for financial resources and its modest prospects of profitability. Giving it the green light was apparently a hasty decision. We question it.
　建設財源や事業の採算性を考慮すれば、優先度の高い公共事業とは思えない。あまりにも拙速で疑問が残る決定だ。

Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Yuichiro Hata has approved the construction of three stretches of bullet train lines, projects that had been virtually frozen by the Democratic Party of Japan since it took the reins of government in 2009.
　政権交代で事実上、凍結されていた整備新幹線の未着工区間について、国土交通相が建設を認可した。

The stretches will link Sapporo with Shin-Hakodate on the Hokkaido Line, Kanazawa with Tsuruga on the Hokuriku Line and Isahaya with Nagasaki on the Kyushu Line. The stretches are parts of construction projects for which planning dates back to 1973.
北海道・新函館―札幌、北陸・金沢―敦賀、九州・諫早―長崎の３区間である。

Late last year, the government and the DPJ suddenly changed their minds and decided to launch the construction of the three stretches. Hata decided to approve the construction after receiving a go-ahead from a transport ministry panel that assessed the cost-effectiveness of the construction projects.
　政府・与党が昨年末に一転、着工方針を決め、投資効果を審査した国交省の審議会がゴーサインを出したことを受けたものだ。

Local governments and businesspeople around the three stretches hope the bullet trains will be a catalyst to rejuvenate local communities and their economies. However, it is not certain whether the construction would really lead to a rosy future.
　沿線の自治体や経済界は、新幹線を地域活性化の起爆剤と期待している。だが、必ずしもバラ色の展望が開けるとは言い難い。

===

Cost-effectiveness questioned

About 70 percent of the projects' expenses, which are estimated to be about 3 trillion yen, will be shouldered by the central and local governments.
　３兆円にのぼる事業費の７割程度は、国と自治体が負担する。

The transport ministry has decided to extend the construction period of the three stretches to minimize annual expenses. "We had to consider maintaining fiscal discipline, so we decided to take time in constructing the three sections," Hata said.
　国交省は１年当たりの事業費を抑えるために通常より工期を延ばす。羽田国交相は「時間をかけて整備することで、財政規律に配慮した」と説明した。

As a result, the opening of the three sections will be delayed significantly. It will take 10 years for the Kyushu Line section to open, 14 years for the Hokuriku Line section and 24 years for the Hokkaido Line section.
　その結果、開業は九州１０年後、北陸１４年後、北海道に至っては２４年後と大幅にずれ込む。

By a back-of-the-envelope calculation, that means the central and local governments will have to pay about 100 billion yen annually for more than two decades of construction.
　単純計算でも、国と地方は２０年以上にわたり年１０００億円の巨費を投じ続けることになる。

If the construction periods are prolonged, there is no guarantee that the expenses will stay within the budget. Recall the bitter experience of construction expenses for the Nagano Line's section connecting Takasaki and Nagano ballooning to about 140 percent of the initial budget.
　工期が長引けば、建設費が予定通りに収まる保証はない。かつて長野新幹線・高崎―長野間の費用が当初計画の１・４倍に膨らんだことは苦い教訓だ。

For local governments, deciding what to do with railway lines that run parallel to Shinkansen lines will also be difficult. The operation of such railway lines will be entrusted to entities such as "third sector" companies--business ventures jointly financed by the public and private sectors. However, it will be difficult for such companies to make a profit, so it is likely they will have to raise fares in the future.
　地元にとっては、新幹線と並行して走る在来線の扱いも難しい。第３セクターなどに運営が委託されるが、採算確保は厳しく、運賃の値上げは避けられまい。

In the first place, the government's outlook on the three sections' balance of payments after the opening is overly optimistic. The government has estimated that the number of people who travel on the three sections will increase as travel time decreases due to the introduction of bullet trains. However, the overall benefit of the projects is expected to outweigh expenses only slightly.
　そもそも開業後の収支見通しが甘過ぎるのではないか。所要時間短縮で利用者が増えると試算したが、全体の投資効果は事業費をわずかに上回るに過ぎない。

Budget airlines have begun entering the nation's aviation market recently, connecting the Tokyo metropolitan area and the Kansai region with Sapporo, Fukuoka and other local cities at extremely low prices. The government did not take into account the impact of such budget carriers on the new Shinkansen sections, and the likely intensification of competition in the near future.
　参入が相次ぐ格安航空会社は首都圏、関西圏と札幌、福岡などを超低価格で結ぶ。この影響や競争激化も考慮していない。

===

Repairing roads more urgent

The DPJ-led government has continuously made pledges to cut budgets for public works projects, but failed to set a clear standard on how to sort out necessary projects and to differentiate the money allotted to each project. This is the underlying problem of this issue.
　民主党政権は公共事業予算の削減を掲げるばかりで、事業の「選択と集中」について明確な方針がない。それが問題だ。

The most important thing for the government to do is efficiently allocate the limited budget to necessary projects. It is totally opposite to this principle to accelerate the construction of Shinkansen lines, which involves lavish public spending on certain local cities and villages.
　最も重要なのは、限られた予算を必要な事業に効率的に投入することだろう。地方へのバラマキ色が強い新幹線の着工を急ぐことは本末転倒である。

A more urgent task facing the central government is rather to maintain, repair and upgrade roads and other infrastructure built during the period of high economic growth. Such costs are estimated to be about 190 trillion yen over the next 50 years. If the government lets old bridges and roads decay without taking necessary measures, they could break down in the future and disrupt the daily lives of the people.
　むしろ、高度成長期に造られ、老朽化したインフラの維持・更新が緊急の課題だ。５０年間で１９０兆円の費用が必要とされる。放置すれば、古い橋や道路が壊れ、日常の生活にも支障が出よう。

This is exactly why the government should have the courage not to start new projects that are neither necessary nor urgent.
　だからこそ、不要不急の新規事業は切り込まねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 7, 2012)
（2012年7月7日01時23分  読売新聞）

公務員退職給付 官民格差の解消を前提とせよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 7, 2012)
Eliminate disparity between public, private retirement packages
公務員退職給付　官民格差の解消を前提とせよ（7月6日付・読売社説）

How should the government eliminate the disparity in retirement packages between the public and private sectors?
　官民の格差をいかに解消するか――。

A government expert panel has compiled a draft plan for reforms of the retirement and pension system for civil servants.
政府の有識者会議が公務員の退職金や年金のあり方について改革案をまとめた。

A bill that would unify the pension system for corporate employees and the mutual pension plan for civil servants in October 2015 is expected to be passed by the Diet during the current session as part of the integrated reform of the social welfare and tax systems.
　社会保障と税の一体改革の一環として、会社員の厚生年金と公務員の共済年金を２０１５年１０月に統合する被用者年金一元化法案が衆院を通過し、今国会で成立する見通しだ。

Assuming the two pension schemes are unified, the government panel stated that retirement payments and pension benefits should be regarded as a comprehensive retirement package, and demanded that such packages be more closely aligned with retirement programs offered by the private sector.
　有識者会議は、この年金統合を前提に、公務員の退職金と年金を合わせて「退職給付」ととらえ、これを総合的に民間に合わせる方針を示した。

We see this proposal as reasonable.
妥当と言えよう。

According to a survey by the National Personnel Authority last year, the average retirement pay package for national civil servants--retirement pay and an additional benefit paid under the mutual pension program--was 29.5 million yen, exceeding by 4.03 million yen the average retirement pay and corporate pension benefits of workers at companies with more than 50 employees.
　人事院の昨年の調査によると、国家公務員の退職金と「職域加算」と呼ばれる共済年金の上乗せ支給の合計は２９５０万円で、従業員５０人以上の民間企業の平均的退職給付（退職金と企業年金の合計）を４０３万円上回っている。

The panel's first proposal was to remove this gap. Retirement benefits for corporate employees have shrunk since the so-called Lehman shock in 2008. In light of this, a significant reduction in retirement packages for public servants is inevitable. We believe the government should make bold cuts instead of acting piecemeal.
　提言はまず、この分を引き下げるよう求めた。リーマン・ショック以降、民間の退職給付は落ち込んでいる。公務員の退職給付もこれに合わせて、大幅にカットすることはやむを得まい。あまり段階を踏まずに実施すべきだろう。

===

End preferential treatment

In integrating the private and public pension systems, the bill calls for abolishing the additional pension payment of about 20,000 yen a month for civil servants, which is seen as a symbol of preferential treatment for public workers. The panel has also focused on discussing how public servants should receive retirement benefits.
　厚生・共済年金の統合で、公務員優遇の象徴とされた月額約２万円の職域加算は廃止される。公務員の老後資金をどう形成するかが議論の焦点となった。

The panel has proposed a two-tier scheme in which retirement packages would be provided in a lump sum as well as pension payments, where the total amount is to be on par with private-sector levels.
　有識者会議は、公務員の退職給付を「一時払い」と「年金払い」の２本立てとし、その合計を民間水準に合わせるよう提言した。

In the private sector, a combined provision of lump-sum retirement pay and corporate pension benefits is common.
　民間では一時金と企業年金を組み合わせた退職給付が主流だ。

The introduction of a payment scheme similar to that used by the private sector would make it easier for the government to adjust the public-private disparity.
形態も民間に合わせた方が、今後、官民格差を調整しやすい。

In other words, the panel has proposed the creation of something similar to a corporate pension system for civil servants.
このため、「年金払い」部分を元に“公務員版企業年金”を新設する。

===

New pension scheme sought

Providing retirement packages to civil servants in two stages would not require any extra public funds compared with paying benefits in a lump sum.
No extra taxpayer money would need to be injected into a corporate-style pension system for public employees.
　退職給付をすべて一時金で支給する場合と公費負担は変わらず、公務員版企業年金に特別の税金が投入されるわけではない。

However, we urge the government to carefully formulate the new pension system and be fully accountable for it to prevent people from viewing it as a different form of preferential treatment for public employees.
　ただし、国民から、「形を変えた公務員優遇」といった見方をされないよう、政府には、新年金についての十分な説明と設計上の配慮が求められる。

Making the pension benefits smaller than the current additional payment of about 20,000 yen is one way this could be accomplished.
現行の職域加算よりも受取額を小さく設計することは、一策であろう。

If the Diet passes legislation to integrate the two pension schemes, the amount of taxpayer money injected into the mutual pension plan under "additional expenses" would also be cut.
The mutual pension program replaced the "onkyu" allowance system that was financed by tax revenue instead of premium payments.
Even under the current pension system, however, injections of taxpayer money have been necessary to cover pension payments for retired civil servants who worked when the onkyu system was in place.
　被用者年金一元化法案が成立すれば、共済年金ができる前の恩給制度との関係で続いてきた「追加費用」という税金投入も削減される。

If the additional payments are cut, about 860,000 retired public employees will have their pension benefits reduced by up to 10 percent.
この結果、退職した元公務員のうち約８６万人の受給者は、年金額が最大で１０％減る。

Measures to remove the public-private retirement benefit gap will be difficult to bear for public servants, but they are inevitable in light of the nation's serious financial difficulties and the tough situation faced by private companies. Swiftly eliminating the private-public disparity is essential.
　一連の措置は公務員には厳しい内容だが、深刻な財政や民間の苦しい状況を考えれば、やむを得ないだろう。官民格差は、迅速に解消することが重要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 6, 2012)
（2012年7月6日01時19分  読売新聞）

女性専用育毛シャンプー vefla（ヴェフラ）モイストクレンジングシャンプー

私は当時はまだ余り得意でない英語での勤務によるストレスにより円形脱毛症にかかったことがあります。
髪が抜け落ちる苦しみは耐え難いものではありました。
当時はドイツはまだ西と東に分断されていましたが、私は西ドイツから毛はえ薬を輸入して治療しました。

普段から、育毛シャンプーを利用していれば、このような苦しみを味わうことは無かったような気がしています。
頭皮と毛細血管の健康を取り戻せば髪は自然に回復するのです。
要は、普段から育毛シャンプー等で髪を大切にしておくことが大切なのです。

今回、再度サイトで女性のための育毛シャンプー vefla（ヴェフラ）モイストクレンジングシャンプーをチェックしてみました。
このシャンプーは女性用ですが、男性でも同様の効果があると思いました。
育毛シャンプー vefla（ヴェフラ）モイストクレンジングシャンプーの特徴は次の通りです。

１）　毛髪や頭皮に優しいアミノ酸系（弱酸性）シャンプーなので安心なのです。
２）　真珠たんぱく質エキスをはじめとした9種類の毛髪・頭皮ケア成分が配合されているリッチなシャンプーです。
３）　ノンシリコンシャンプーですから頭皮地肌への呼吸を妨げません。

女性で薄毛のお悩みをお抱えの貴方には、シャンプー　発毛 を促す 育毛シャンプー vefla（ヴェフラ）モイストクレンジングシャンプーをお勧めいたします。

昔は大道占い師、今は電話占いサイト 「電話占いひとみワールド」

人間というものは本質的に弱いもので、ついつい占い師に頼ってしまうのは、やはり、確信がないからなのでしょうね。
かく言う私自身も新宿の大道占い師によく手相を診てもらいました。
こちらは最終電車を乗り過ごしてほろ酔い加減なので、話しを合わせるのは占い師にとっては容易いことではなかったのかと反省しています。占い師（男性）の占いはよく的を得たものであり感心するやら驚いたりした経験がございます。

今回ご紹介するサイトは電話占いサイト「電話占いひとみワールド 」です。
霊感豊かで経験豊富な霊能者たちがサイトに登録されており、霊能者を指名して電話占いの申し込みだって出来るのです。
「電話占いひとみワールド」サイトは一度相談された人々が再度訪問する、いわゆるリピーター率の高いサイトらしいです。８５％以上のリピーター率という実績は、占いが良く当たるからなのでしょうね。

以下「電話占いひとみワールド」サイトのセールスポイントです。

１）　無料会員登録するとポイントが貯まって無料鑑定ができます
２）　毎週水曜日は安いのです
３）　毎週金曜日はポイントが2倍となります
４）　毎週日曜日は通話料が無料となります

なお、

電話占いひとみワールドスタッフブログ には電話占いの体験談が満載です。

また、

当たる人気占い師紹介　も一見の価値がございます。

露首相国後訪問 交渉の「再活性化」に逆行する

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 6, 2012)
Medvedev's Kunashiri visit complicates territorial issue
露首相国後訪問　交渉の「再活性化」に逆行する（7月5日付・読売社説）

There has been absolutely no improvement in the new Russian administration's attitude toward Japan. 　ロシア新政権の対日姿勢は、決して好転していない。

Consequently, the government should reframe its diplomatic stance toward Russia.
　それを前提に、政府は対露外交を練り直すべきである。

Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev on Tuesday visited Kunashiri Island, one of the four Russian-held islands that constitute the northern territories off Hokkaido.
　ロシアのメドベージェフ首相が、北方領土の国後島を訪れた。

He said the visit was part of an inspection tour of the Far East, but he claimed: "This is our native land. We will not give away an inch."
極東地域の視察の一環というが、「我々の古来の土地だ。一寸たりとも渡さない」と語っている。

His remark appears to be aimed at rejecting Japan's demand for the territories' return.
領土返還を求める日本を牽制(けんせい)するのが狙いだろう。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed during a meeting last month to "reactivate" negotiations over the long-standing territorial dispute, but was that agreement actually meaningless? 　先月、野田首相とプーチン大統領が会談し、領土交渉の「再活性化」で一致したのは、一体何だったのか。

Russia's sudden shrugging off of Japan's claims just when a new relationship was forming cannot be ignored.
日露が新たな関係を構築しようという矢先に、ロシアがいきなり日本の主張を一蹴する行為に及んだことは看過できない。

Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba expressed displeasure over Medvedev's visit, saying it "throws cold water on efforts to create a positive atmosphere between Japan and Russia."
　玄葉外相は、「日露の前向きな雰囲気作りに水を差す」と不快感を示した。

It is only natural for the government to lodge a protest with Russia, but the fact that the government was unable to stop the visit, despite being aware that it would take place, only shows Japan's feeble diplomatic position vis-a-vis Russia.
政府がロシアに抗議したのは当然だが、訪問を察知しながら止められなかった点に、対露外交の弱体ぶりが表れている。

===

Visit's timing suspect

This was Medvedev's second visit to Kunashiri, the first coming in November 2010 when he was president.
　メドベージェフ氏の国後島訪問は大統領時代の２０１０年１１月に続いて２度目だ。

At the time, the administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan was at sixes and sevens over how to respond to collisions between a Chinese fishing boat and Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels off the Senkaku Islands. 当時の菅政権は、尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件を巡る対応で揺れていた。

Medvedev's latest visit coincided with the breakup of the Democratic Party of Japan.
今回も民主党分裂の時期と重なった。

Moscow appears to be taking advantage of times of confusion in Japan's administration.
　日本の政権の混乱にロシアがつけ込んでいるようにも見える。

If nothing is done, the northern territories will become more solidly Russian through further infrastructure development and military buildup, pushing the possibility of their return farther away.
このままでは、インフラ整備や軍備増強で北方領土の「ロシア化」が進み、領土返還は遠のこう。

It is essential for the Noda administration to regroup and strengthen the nation's diplomacy, basing it around the Japan-U.S. alliance.
　政権を立て直し、日米同盟を基軸とした外交体制の強化を図っていくことが重要である。

The Putin administration has begun to focus more on developing the Far East, establishing a new Far East Development Ministry in May.
　プーチン政権は、５月に極東発展省を新設するなど、極東地域の開発に一段と力を入れ始めた。

Moscow also hopes the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum summit meeting, scheduled for September in Vladivostok, will provide a venue to attract investment from Asia-Pacific nations.
　ウラジオストクで９月に開かれるアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）首脳会議を、アジア太平洋の国々からの投資を呼び込む好機と位置づけている。

===

Trade could be harmed

Putin even indicated during the summit meeting with Noda last month that he hoped Japanese companies would increase investment in Russia. "Trade between Russia and Japan falls short of its potential," he said.
　日露首脳会談でもプーチン大統領は、野田首相に対し、「日露の潜在力に比べれば貿易額はまだまだ低い」として、日本企業の投資増大を望む意向を示した。

If this is Moscow's true feeling, it should have exercised restraint in Medvedev's visit to the northern territories, because such provocative acts also have a negative impact on Russia.
　そう考えるのであれば、メドベージェフ氏の北方領土訪問のような挑発的な行動は、ロシアにとってもマイナスであり、自制すべきだっただろう。

It is in the mutual interests of both nations to expand cooperation between Japan and Russia in liquefied natural gas and other energy areas.
　液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）などエネルギー分野での日露協力を拡大することは双方に利益となる。

Japan-Russia ties are also important in facing China, which is increasing its presence through its growing economic and military might.
　経済力や軍事力を背景に急速に存在感を高める中国と向き合うためにも、日露の連携は重要だ。

How will Japan solve the northern territories issue, which is a major obstacle for bilateral relations?
　両国間のトゲになっている北方領土問題をどう解決するか。

Gemba will visit Russia soon.
　近く玄葉外相が訪露する。

There is no need for the government to be hasty in resolving the territorial issue.
焦る必要はない。

The government must show its determination to break the impasse.
腹を据えて事態の打開に取り組まねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 5, 2012)
（2012年7月5日01時33分  読売新聞）

社説:いじめ自殺 事実の解明を丹念に

July 05, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Suicide of bullied boy calls school probes into question
社説:いじめ自殺　事実の解明を丹念に

A questionnaire conducted at a junior high school in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, immediately after a 13-year-old boy leapt to his death in October last year found that the student was "forced to practice killing himself" and was "told to put a dead sparrow into his mouth" -- comments suggesting he had been severely bullied.
　大津市で昨年１０月、いじめを受けていた市立中学２年男子生徒が自殺した問題で、直後に学校が在校生にアンケートを実施した。
　回答の中には、この生徒が「自殺の練習をさせられていた」「死んだスズメを口の中に入れろと言われていた」などとあり、いじめがかなり深刻だった可能性を示唆する情報があった。

The Otsu Municipal Board of Education, however, failed to disclose the results of the questionnaire when it held a news conference in November last year, and wrapped up its investigation into the case.
　市教委は１１月の記者会見でこれを明らかにせず、調査を打ち切った。

Responding to a damages lawsuit filed this year by the student's parents against the Otsu Municipal Government and other parties concerned, the education board insisted that it could not determine the suicide was triggered by bullying.
生徒の両親が今年、市や関係者を相手取って起こした損害賠償請求訴訟では、「いじめが原因の自殺とは断定できない」と主張してきた。

After the content of the questionnaire surfaced, the board maintained that it had been unable to confirm the facts because the questionnaire responses contained anonymous answers and hearsay.
　これらのアンケート回答内容が表面化すると、市教委は回答は伝聞や無記名だったことから事実確認できなかったと説明した。

One is left wondering how much time the education board spent analyzing the information that emerged through the questionnaire and whether officials painstakingly conducted follow-up surveys before calling off their investigation.
　だが、その情報にどこまで時間をかけ、丹念な追跡調査をやった結果の打ち切りだったのだろうか。

The attitudes of the education board and school officials who repeatedly decline to comment on the case "as it is pending in court" are also puzzling.
　細かな点になると、市教委や学校側は「訴訟中であり、コメントは差し控えたい」となりがちなのも、釈然としない。

In recent years, some schools have tailored their explanations about problems to face the threat of lawsuits.
　近年、学校にまつわる問題で、説明に訴訟を意識したような対応が見られる。

They seem to focus more on how advantageous or disadvantageous their explanations will be in court than on pursuing the truth to the best of their ability and revealing the facts. Is this how schools are supposed to be?
学校教育の現場で、真実を探求して、できるだけ明らかにするよりも、法廷での有利不利への思惑が優先することは、本来ありえないはずではないか。

The issue of bullying at schools in Japan dates back decades, but schools have long hesitated to disclose cases of bullying, deeming them disgraceful or exceptional.
　日本の学校教育でいじめの問題は古い。長く学校側は不祥事として公にはしたがらなかった。また、例外的な事例ととらえがちだった。

In 2006, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology ordered schools to promptly instruct and continuously educate students about bullying, on the presumption that bullying could affect any child or school.
At the same time, it issued detailed precautions.
　しかし、０６年、文部科学省は学校に「いじめはどの子、どの学校にも起こり得る」を前提とし、細かい注意点も示して、迅速かつ継続的な指導を求めた。

The ministry has also alerted schools to the possibility of underhanded bullying continuing even when the circumstances seem trivial or when the problems seem to have settled down.
また、一見ささいなこと、収まったようなことでも、陰湿ないじめが続いている可能性にも注意を喚起してきた。

In the student questionnaire in Otsu, it emerged that the victim had been subjected to coercive acts other than "suicide practice."
　大津の在校生アンケートには、「自殺の練習」のほかにもさまざまな強要行為が加えられていた情報がある。

Did the school and the education board thoroughly try to uncover the facts regarding every single piece of information provided in the questionnaire?
その一つ一つに学校や市教委は徹底的な事実解明をしたのか。

One student reported speaking to a teacher about the bullying, but what was the school's response?
また先生に相談したという回答もあったというが、どう対応したのか。

The information provided in the questionnaire and the lessons learned from the case should be shared widely. 　可能な限り、広く情報と教訓を共有したい。

The school needs to reveal more about how and why the questionnaire was conducted and how the school evaluated the results.
今回、アンケートについても、調査経緯と判断をもっと明らかにする必要がある。

Information disclosure at schools, which is increasingly being sought, needs to encompass scandals, their causes, the processes involved, the effects of those incidents, and the measures that need to be taken.
　近年重視される学校の情報開示は、さまざまな不祥事も明らかにし、原因、過程、結果に学び、対策を共に講じることを含む。

Educational institutions should have been aware of such principles from bitter lessons in the past.
それは苦い教訓から認識されていたはずだ。

We urge educators to put legal issues aside and focus on uncovering the facts and disclosing them.
　司法の場は別とし、教育者自ら事実を掘り下げ、つまびらかにする姿勢を求めたい。

Educators must not narrow the scope of information disclosed due to fears of potential lawsuits.
もちろん、裁判を意識するがゆえに情報公開を加減するようなことはあってはならない。

毎日新聞　2012年07月05日　02時32分

自然エネルギー―普及急ぎ新しい社会へ

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 4
EDITORIAL: Feed-in tariff system offers opportunities
自然エネルギー―普及急ぎ新しい社会へ

A feed-in tariff system that requires utilities to purchase electricity generated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power at fixed rates took effect July 1.
　太陽光や風力など自然エネルギーによる電力を、電力会社が買い取る制度が始まった。

Renewable energy sources other than hydropower account for only 1 percent of Japan's overall power generation.
　日本の自然エネルギー発電量は、水力を除くと、全体の１％でしかない。

Increased use of these clean energy sources will not only reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions but help lessen the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation.
As an added benefit, there will be no need to import raw materials for electricity production.
資源を輸入に頼らず、温暖化防止にもなる電源は、脱原発依存を進めるうえでも重要だ。

The tariff system should be used wisely to expand the use of renewable energy.
新制度をテコに普及を急ぎたい。

The rates at which utilities buy power from renewable energy will be reviewed annually. But rates, once determined for specific sellers, are guaranteed for 10 to 20 years.
　買い取り価格は電源ごとに毎年見直されるが、一度決まれば１０～２０年保証される。

For the first year of the system, the rates have been set at a relatively high level: around 42 yen per kilowatt-hour of solar power.
初年度は１キロワット時４２円の太陽光など全体的に高めの設定だ。

There are some who say the rates are too high.
　高すぎるとの声はある。

The policy was deliberate. The only way to encourage businesses to enter the market is to ensure that they will be able to make a decent profit.
ただ参入企業を増やすには、一定の利益が確保できるようにしなければならない。

Given that Japan trailed other industrialized nations in introducing feed-in tariffs, setting attractive rates makes certain sense.
日本の取り組みの遅れを考えれば、やむをえない面がある。

In recent months, companies have been clamoring to enter the business. During the current fiscal year, Japan's total renewable power capacity is expected to increase by 2.5 gigawatts.
　実際、ここにきて事業者の参入が相次いでいる。今年度中に２５０万キロワット分の発電設備が増える見通しだ。

Clearly, the rates at which utilities buy power under the system should be determined with great care since costs will be passed on to consumers.
　もちろん、細心の注意を払う必要がある。買い取りコストは消費者が負担するからだ。

Electricity rates charged to households nationwide will be raised by a flat monthly amount of 0.22 yen per kilowatt-hour. A family with an average monthly power bill of 7,000 yen ($87.67) will have to pay about 100 yen more each month.
　料金への上乗せは、全国一律で１キロワット時あたり月０・２２円。月７千円の電気代を払っている家庭では、家庭用太陽光の買い取り分も含めて１００円前後の負担になる。

The figure incorporates an increase resulting from the purchase of surplus electricity from household solar power generation systems.
Increases will be commensurate with the amount of power generated with renewable energy increases.
発電量が増えるほど上乗せ額も増える。

We don't doubt that many households are willing to put up with a certain level of increase in their electricity bills for expanding the use of renewable energy sources if it means reducing the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation.
　原発を利用せずにすむなら、多少高くても自然エネルギーを選ぶという消費者も少なくないだろう。

But if rates remain at levels that pose an unreasonable burden on consumers, the system will eventually become unsustainable.
だが、買い取り価格が必要以上に高止まりし、消費者の負担感がつのれば、制度自体が行き詰まる。

Even in Europe, which has been leading the world in feed-in tariffs, the system is still very much a trial-and-error process.
　先行する欧州も、この点では試行錯誤だ。

The government should heed the experiences of countries that introduced the system earlier.
政府は先行例から学びつつ、

Flexibility in purchase prices will be key as renewable power generation grows and costs drop due to technological advances.
普及の度合いや技術革新による発電コストの低減などを見て、柔軟に価格を見直していく必要がある。

The capacity of transmission lines and power distribution facilities will also have to be expanded.
　自然エネルギーの普及には、送電線と配電設備の増強や

At the same time, the government will need to implement an expanded power distribution system so that electricity can be delivered to areas serviced by other utilities.
広域運用も不可欠だ。

The Tohoku region and Hokkaido are especially suited to wind power generation. The volume of electricity generated with wind power that is to be purchased under the new system is rapidly approaching a ceiling. This is because transmission networks in those regions have only a limited capacity.
　風力の適地である東北や北海道では、送電網の限界から風力発電の買い取り枠が埋まりつつある。

The situation effectively undermines efforts to make full use of the renewable energy sources available.
これでは、せっかくの潜在資源を生かし切れない。

Enhancing electric power infrastructure requires huge investment.
　設備の増強には多額の費用がかかる。

The public and private sectors must work together to stimulate the aggressive investment needed to construct a more powerful grid. This will become a huge public asset.
送電網の広域運用につながる電力改革を進めるとともに、積極的な投資を促す仕組みを官民で考え、公共財としての送電網整備を急がなければならない。

A renewable power generation business can be started with a relatively small amount of capital.
　自然エネルギーは比較的少ない資本で取り組める。

This could lead to community-based enterprises in which investors fund wind-power facilities or citizen power plants operated by associations. The system will also spawn new businesses. Renting roofs for solar power generation comes to mind.
基金を設立して風車などを共有したり、組合組織による「市民発電所」を運営したりと、地域単位での工夫も可能だ。「屋根貸し」などのビジネスも生む。

The feed-in tariff system should be used in a way that helps build a new energy future for Japan.
　制度をうまく活用し、新しいエネルギー社会を築こう。

原子力規制委 適材確保へ「国会同意」見直せ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 5, 2012)
Don't overly restrict nuclear panel membership
原子力規制委　適材確保へ「国会同意」見直せ（7月4日付・読売社説）

Will the government be able to rebuild its nuclear safety regime? It depends on whether it can properly select members of a new nuclear regulatory commission.
　原子力安全行政の立て直しの成否は、新設される原子力規制委員会の人選にかかっている。

We urge the government to make every effort to select the best people for the job. The ruling and opposition parties should also review whether the current system under which the Diet approves the government's personnel proposals for certain institutions is being used properly.
　政府には、適材の選考に万全を尽くしてもらいたい。与野党も国会同意人事のあり方を見直さねばならない。

Ahead of appointing members of the nuclear regulatory commission, the government has compiled guidelines for selecting its members.
　政府は、原子力規制委の人事に先立ち、人選の要件（ガイドライン）をまとめた。

The guidelines bar people who have served at nuclear-related companies or related organizations in the past three years, regardless of whether they were ordinary employees or executives. People who have received a certain amount of remuneration for lectures and other services from a single nuclear-related company in the past three years will also be barred from the commission.
　過去３年間に原子力事業者や関連団体の役員と従業員だった者を委員に起用しない。事業者から一定額以上の報酬を受けた者も同様に扱う、などとしている。

===

Avoid excluding N-experts

The aim of avoiding people who have cozy ties with nuclear-related companies to ensure the neutrality and fairness of the nuclear safety administration is understandable.
　原子力安全行政の中立性と公正さを確保するため、事業者と癒着した人物の起用を避けようという狙いは、理解できる。

However, it will be difficult to secure the most suitable people for the new commission if the government excessively excludes people who have been involved in the nuclear power industry. One important requirement for commission members should be a profound practical knowledge of nuclear power plants and related fields.
　だが、原発事業に携わった人を過度に排除するようでは、適切な人材を確保できまい。原発などの現場の事情を熟知していることは重要な要素である。

The role of the regulatory commission's chairman and members is not limited to crisis management after the outbreak of nuclear accidents. They also need skills to lead a nuclear regulatory agency, which will act as the secretariat of the commission, and to negotiate with the central and local governments.
　委員長と委員には、事故時の危機対処に加え、事務局である規制庁の統率、政府内や自治体との調整の手腕も求められる。

It is desirable for the government to appoint people who have both such expertise and extensive practical experience.
　そうした専門知識を併せ持つ実務家を選ぶことが望ましい。

The commission is not a place to discuss the nation's energy policies. Appointment by the government of people who vehemently favor abolishing nuclear power plants could lead to confrontations over the use of nuclear power within the commission. This could hinder the body from carrying out its main tasks, such as monitoring the safety of nuclear power reactors.
　規制委はエネルギー政策を議論する場ではない。過激な「脱原発」派を起用すれば、規制委内で原子力の是非を巡る対立が起き、原発の安全性確認など規制委本来の業務に支障が出る恐れがある。

===

Scrap unjust rule on appointments

The government's appointment of the commission's chairman and four members requires Diet approval.
　政府が委員長と４人の委員を任命するには、国会で同意を得なければならない。

There is one problem--a rule that stipulates that the appointment of the chairman and members will be scrapped, in principle, if the media reports personnel proposals before they are submitted to the Diet.
　問題は、人事案が国会に提示される前に報道されれば、原則としてその人事を認めないルールがあることだ。

The rule was made under a proposal by the Democratic Party of Japan in 2007, which was then in opposition, and was stipulated in a written agreement between the chairmen of Rules and Administration committees of both houses of the Diet.
２００７年、野党だった民主党の要求で衆参両院の議院運営委員長合意に明記された。

The government's nomination of regulatory commission members has drawn wide public attention, so it is possible the media will report the government's personnel proposals before they are submitted to the Diet. In March, the government scrapped the nomination of a Bank of Japan policy board member after it was reported by the media before it was submitted to the Diet. This rule must be abolished as soon as possible.
　規制委の人事は、国民の関心が高く、提示前でも報じられることは十分あり得る。実際、今年３月には、事前報道された日本銀行審議委員の人事案が撤回された。この規定は早急に削除すべきだ。

It is possible to abuse this regulation by leaking nominations to the media to intentionally torpedo them. Scrapping nominations that the government has concluded are the best for the nation just because they are reported in the media would cause confusion in the appointment of members, and stall the government's administration of nuclear safety.
　この規定を悪用し、報道機関に漏らして人事案をつぶすことも可能となる。政府が最善と考えた人事を、事前報道を理由に撤回させれば、人事が混乱し、原子力安全行政は停滞しかねない。

It is unacceptable to use the Diet's approval of the government's personnel proposals as a political weapon, as the DPJ did when it was in opposition.
　野党時代の民主党のように、同意人事を政争の具とすることは許されない。

For nominations of the Bank of Japan governor, which also require Diet approval, both houses invite candidates to their meetings of the Rules and Administration committees, request the candidates to give speeches and ask them questions.
　国会同意人事である日銀総裁の場合は、衆参の議院運営委員会で候補の所信聴取と質疑を実施している。

Considering the importance of the nuclear regulatory commission, the Diet should make similar efforts to evaluate the competence of candidates.
規制委の委員長と委員についても、その重要性を考えれば、国会の場で適格性をじっくり見極める工夫も必要ではないか。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 4, 2012)
（2012年7月4日01時05分  読売新聞）

社説:電力政策の未来 国民の主体的な選択で

July 04, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Japan's energy future must be decided by its people
社説:電力政策の未来　国民の主体的な選択で

The people of Japan must soon choose one option from among three mid- and long-term energy policy scenarios -- including levels of reliance on nuclear power ranging from zero to 25 percent -- announced recently by the government's Energy and Environment Council. The government is expected to adopt one of them by the end of August based on a national debate, and map out an "innovative energy and environment strategy" based on it.
　政府のエネルギー・環境会議が、中長期のエネルギー政策に関する三つの選択肢を示した。政府は国民的議論を経て、８月末までに一つに絞り、「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」としてまとめる。

It will be a crucial choice that will determine the future of Japan. It is necessary to hold calm discussions on the issue and draw a conclusion that will convince every member of the public. To that end, it is indispensable for the government to provide accurate information such that the Japanese people can judge each option on its merits, and to hold discussions that will reflect the popular will.
　日本の将来を左右する重大な選択だ。冷静な議論を重ね、納得いく結論を得る必要がある。それには、国民の判断の基準になる正確な情報提供や、民意を公正に反映する議論の場が不可欠だ。

Under scenarios 1, 2 and 3, the ratio of atomic power to total power consumption in Japan would be lowered to 0 percent, 15 percent and 20-25 percent, respectively, by 2030. Depending on the degree of Japan's dependence on nuclear power, the council estimated how far greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced, how much electricity charges would need to be raised and how much the country's GDP would be impacted.
　３０年時点での電力の原子力発電依存度は０％、１５％、２０?２５％の３通り。原発依存度に応じ、温室効果ガスの削減度合いや電気料金の上げ幅、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）への影響なども試算している。

However, since each estimated figure has a wide range, the scenarios have not clearly shown how much effect a reduction in nuclear power would have on Japan's economy and the livelihoods of consumers, making it difficult for people to choose between the three options. We urge the council to provide more detailed and understandable information by explaining the basis for its calculations, the specific effects of a reduction in nuclear power on various fields, and other clarifications.
　もっとも、そうした試算値には大きな幅があり、影響の大きさは見えにくい。これでは国民が選択するのも難しい。算定の根拠を詳しく説明したり、さまざまな分野で生じる影響を実感しやすい形で示すなど、より丁寧な情報提供を求めたい。

The government views Scenario 2 as the most realistic option because it calls for a mid-level reduction in atomic power and meshes with government policy to shut down reactors after 40 years of service. However, as the government is supposed to work out its new energy and environment policy based on national debate, it must not lead public opinion into supporting the scenario it favors.
　政府は、原発依存度を１５％にする案を有力視している。三つの選択肢の中間に位置し、政府が掲げる原発の「４０年廃炉規定」をベースにしているからだ。しかし、「国民的議論」を前提とするからには、「結論ありき」で、民意を誘導することがあってはならない。

As part of national debate on Japan's future energy and environment policy, the government will hold its first so-called deliberative poll, ask members of the general public to submit their opinions and hold information sessions on the issue across Japan. In deliberative polls, randomly selected members of the public are surveyed on specific issues and invited to participate in debate sessions. Afterwards, they are queried again to see how their opinions have changed. This method, which makes it possible to tap a wide range of views from those who would not usually voice their opinions, is reportedly effective in getting a detailed view of public sentiment.
　政府は、パブリックコメントの募集や全国での説明会に加え、今回初めて「討論型世論調査（ＤＰ）」を実施する。選択肢に関する世論調査を行い、回答者から討論会への参加者を募って、討論の前後で意見がどう変わったかを調査する手法だ。積極的に意見を表明しない層の意見をくみ上げられるなど、きめ細かく民意を探るのに適しているという。

In the past, many town meetings on specific policy issues and hearings on nuclear power policy have been criticized as unfair, as their organizers apparently attempted to lead public opinion with staged questions and stacked audiences. The management of the government's deliberative poll on energy and environment policy will be left to the discretion of a third-party panel to be set up shortly. The results of the survey will not win public trust unless the government ensures transparency through appointing appropriate experts to the panel and disclosing in full how the poll will operate.
　これまで、民意を政策に反映させるためのタウンミーティングや原子力政策を巡る公聴会では、やらせや不公正な運営が、しばしば問題になった。ＤＰの運営は、新たに発足させる第三者委員会に委ねられる。委員の人選に意を尽くし、途中経過も公表するなど公正で透明性の高い運営を確保しなければ、結果への信頼は得られないだろう。

Questions remain as to the three scenarios themselves. Even if Scenario 2, which calls for a reduction in Japan's reliance on atomic power to 15 percent, is adopted, the ratio could be further reduced if some nuclear plants must be decommissioned for safety reasons before they hit 40 years in operation. None of the scenarios posit an energy and environmental vision for beyond 2030.
　今回の選択肢そのものにも問題は残る。軸になりそうな原発依存度「１５％」は、立地条件などで耐用年数前に停止すべき原発があれば、引き下げ可能なはずだ。３０年以降の将来像も見通せない。

Regarding how to deal with spent nuclear fuel, scenarios 2 and 3 leave all possible options open, including full recycling.
　また、使用済み核燃料の処理については、依存度０％の場合を除き、全量再処理を含むあらゆる可能性が残されたままだ。

This is a good opportunity for members of the general public to proactively choose their nation's policy. They should ask the government to clarify what they do not fully understand, and make a feasible choice that will guarantee Japan's energy security and protect the environment on a long-term basis.
　国民にとっては、自ら主体になって選択する大切な機会だ。疑問は政府にしっかりとただし、将来に責任を持てる結論につなげたい。

反原発デモ―音ではなく、声をきけ

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 4
EDITORIAL: Anti-nuclear protesters should step up their efforts
反原発デモ―音ではなく、声をきけ

The restart of reactors at the Oi plant of Kansai Electric Power Co. drew hordes of protesters to the nuclear plant as well as the prime minister's office in Tokyo.
　関西電力・大飯原発の再稼働に、多くの人々が首相官邸前や原発周辺などに集まって反対の声を上げた。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda reportedly remarked of the rally taking place outside his office, "That's a lot of noise out there."
　官邸前のデモについて野田首相は、「大きな音がしますね」と漏らしたという。

On any divisive issue, voices of protest are bound to arise.
　賛否が分かれる問題では、どちらを選んでも反対の声は上がる。

If Noda's choice of the word "noise" gave away his negative thinking--that such a protest will dissuade him from reaching a decision and moving on--he must think again.
いちいち耳を傾けていたら物事を決めたり、進めたりできない。人々の声を音と表現する背景に、そうした意識があるなら、思い直してもらいたい。

Many anti-nuclear demonstrators were political independents who had never taken to the streets or attended a rally before. They were "ordinary" citizens from all walks of life who simply responded instantaneously to a call for action. Their loose solidarity is a phenomenon typical in this Internet era, as already evidenced in the United States and the Middle East.
　党派に属さず、これまでデモや集会に参加したこともない。参加者にはそんな普通の生活者が多い。幅広い層が瞬時に呼応して集まり、ゆるやかにつながる。米国や中東でも見られたネット時代ならではの現象だ。

Their commitment comes from the heart. "I just had to come here. Nothing could stop me," said a 43-year-old Shiga Prefecture woman, who brought her 2-year-old to a rally in the town of Oi in Fukui Prefecture.
　思いは真剣だ。２歳の子を抱いて福井県おおい町の反対行動に加わった滋賀県の女性（４３）は「いてもたってもいられずに来ました」と話した。

Huge demonstrations and rallies, which had gone out of fashion in Japan, have returned with a vengeance after the meltdowns at the Fukushima No. 1 plant in March last year. The development reveals the sorry state of the nation's indirect democracy today; the will of the people is not being followed through by their elected representatives.
　日本ではなりを潜めていた大規模デモや集会が、福島第一原発の事故後に相次いでいる。それは、選挙を通じた間接民主主義が民意をきちんとくみとれない現実を映し出してもいる。

"Nobody wants a face-off with the riot police," said a 19-year-old university student who attended rallies in Oi as well as in front of the prime minister's office. "If given the chance, anyone would much rather speak directly to the prime minister or the KEPCO president."
　「誰だって機動隊と向き合いたくなんかありません」と、官邸とおおい両方に行った大学生の女性（１９）。「関西電力や首相と直接話す機会があれば、みんなそちらを選びます」

Bills demanding a local referendum on nuclear power generation have been rejected by both the Osaka municipal assembly and the Tokyo metropolitan assembly. The nation's two major political parties are in favor of restarting reactors that are currently offline. This is why many citizens are taking to the streets and raising their voices, refusing to be treated as if their opinions don’t matter. Popular protest meetings, conducted in keeping with the law, are perfectly desirable under any participatory democracy.
　大阪市と東京都の議会は、原発の是非を問う住民投票の条例案をあっさり否決した。永田町では２大政党がともに再稼働を支える側にいる。そんななか、多くの人々が自分たちの意見が行き場を失わないよう、街頭に集まり、声をあげている。ルールを守れば、デモも集会も民主主義への大事な参加方式だ。

So long as politicians and central government officials see such actions as nothing more than "protests for protest's sake," the people's mistrust for those authority figures will only grow.
　それを、政治家や省庁が相変わらず「反対のための反対」としか見ないなら、政治や行政への不信は増幅されるだろう。

For the Noda administration, which is calling for national debates on its nuclear policy, what is happening right outside the prime minister's office is anything but just "a lot of noise." On the contrary, the administration must now seek to create a system for listening directly to the people's voices that the conventional political "radar" cannot fully pick up.
　原子力政策で国民的論議をめざす野田政権にとって、「音」ではすまない動きが今、目の前で起きている。むしろこの動きを、既存の政治回路ではとらえ切れない声を直接聴く仕組みづくりにつなげるべきである。

We also urge the protesters to step up their efforts to force a change in the government's energy policy through their own actions.
　反原発の側も、その動きを実際の政策の変化につなげる試みを強めてはどうだろう。

For instance, if they are willing to accept heftier electricity bills in exchange for abandoning nuclear power generation, they should thoroughly debate among themselves how much more they are willing to pay. They should also confirm their commitment to even more aggressive power-saving efforts so they can tell the government to at least start decommissioning high-risk nuclear reactors.
　「原発停止で電気料金があがっても、これくらいなら受け入れる」「節電をもっと進めるから、リスクの高い原発から廃炉に」といった話を、地域や集会などでもっと積み重ねる。

And when they have completed their discussions and reached their own conclusions, they should present them to the government and the power companies--and not back off.
その成果を束ねて、政府や電力会社に異論の声を届ける。

Voices of protest, raised in this manner, will have a greater impact on the nation's energy policy.
　そうしてこそ、声は、政策への影響力を高められる。

民主党分裂 限界に達した政権の内部矛盾

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 4, 2012)
DPJ's inconsistencies end with departure of Ozawa bloc
民主党分裂　限界に達した政権の内部矛盾（7月3日付・読売社説）

The Democratic Party of Japan has split.
　民主党が分裂した。

While calling for complete solidarity on the surface, the ruling party has consistently faced internal problems. We can say the party's internal contradictions have ended with a bang.
　表向きは「一致団結」を唱えながら、常に内紛を繰り返してきた政権党の内部矛盾が、ついに限界に達したと言える。

Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa and 49 others from both houses of the Diet submitted letters of resignation to the party's executive branch. They are expected to launch a new party sometime this week at the earliest.
　小沢一郎元代表ら衆参両院議員５０人が離党届を党執行部に提出した。週内にも新党を結成する。

The 50 members comprise 38 from the House of Representatives and 12 from the House of Councillors. In the lower house, the group will become the third largest force as the number exceeds that of New Komeito. Ozawa is reportedly considering the creation of a united parliamentary group with other parties including Kizuna Party, which was formed by lawmakers who left the DPJ in December last year.
　５０人の内訳は衆院３８人、参院１２人だ。衆院では、公明党を抜き第３党となる。昨年末に民主党を離党した「新党きづな」などとの統一会派の結成も検討している。

As Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's administration will barely hold onto its majority in the lower house, its steering of Diet business must become more unstable and severe. Among remaining party members, some might quit depending on the situation.
　野田政権は、衆院の過半数は辛うじて維持するが、より不安定で厳しい国会運営を迫られる。党内には、なお離党予備軍も残る。

===

Stronger ties with opposition

However, with the departure of hard-line rebel lawmakers, the sense of unity in the DPJ may grow. This might make policy decisions smoother.
　反面、党内に、多数の強硬な反対勢力を抱えていた時よりも、党の一体感が高まり、政策決定が円滑に進む可能性もある。

Concerning bills on the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, Noda emphasized afresh, "I'll fulfill my responsibility by surely passing them into law."
　野田首相は、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案について、「必ず成立させることで、責任を果たす」と改めて強調した。

From now on, the DPJ needs to cooperate much more with the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito to ensure early passage of the reform bills and lower house electoral system reform.
　今後は、自民、公明両党との連携を従来以上に大切にして、関連法案の早期成立や衆院選挙制度改革などに取り組む必要がある。

In regard to the new party he is likely to launch, Ozawa said, "We'll return to our starting point of regime change and offer a political system in which the people will have a choice." He likely will stress his "anti-consumption tax hike" slogan and try to tie up with regional political parties. However, there are no prospects he will be successful.
　小沢氏は、自らの新党について「政権交代の原点に立ち返り、国民が選択できる政治を構築する」と語った。「反消費増税」を掲げ、地域政党との協力を模索する構えだが、展望は開けていない。

In various opinion polls, respondents overwhelmingly said they "don't expect much from a new party envisaged by Ozawa." Osaka Ishin no Kai (Osaka restoration group) and Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara also say they will not cooperate with Ozawa's new party.
　世論調査では、小沢新党に「期待しない」との回答が圧倒的に多い。大阪維新の会や石原慎太郎東京都知事は、連携を否定する。

About two-thirds of the 50 members who quit the DPJ have been elected only once--they are generally called "Ozawa kids" and have weak electoral power bases.
　５０人の約３分の２が当選１回の衆参両院議員で、選挙基盤の弱い「小沢チルドレン」が主体だ。

They were forced to resign after losing out in an intraparty policy conflict, but they seem to believe they can survive in a new party when the next elections are held for the lower and upper houses.
党内の路線闘争に敗れ、追い込まれた末の離党である。新党で次期国政選に臨む方が生き残れるのではないか、という計算もあろう。

The DPJ split reveals the risk of a ruling party acting as "mutual aid society for elections" after gathering non-LDP forces without first unifying philosophies and policies.
　今回の党分裂は、理念や政策を一致させないまま、非自民勢力を結集した「選挙互助会」的な政権党の危うさも露呈した。

===

Pros and cons of having Ozawa

The DPJ merged with the Liberal Party led by Ozawa in September 2003 in preparation for a lower house election, without holding talks on coordinating policies.
　民主党は２００３年９月、次期衆院選に備え、政策協議も行わず、小沢氏率いる自由党と合併した。

Later, Ozawa rebuilt relations with labor unions and regional organizations to ensure victory in upcoming elections. It is true he played an important role in the party taking over the reins of government in 2009.
その後、小沢氏が選挙対策として労働組合や地方組織との関係を立て直し、０９年の政権交代に大きな役割を果たしたのは確かだ。

However, the party had to deal with lawmakers Ozawa gathered around him.
　だが、小沢グループという「派閥」を抱えた代償も大きかった。

Ozawa's signature political maneuver--acting arbitrarily without consultation--has never changed, creating a pointless confrontation between "pro-Ozawa" and "anti-Ozawa" forces within the party.
小沢氏特有の独断専行的な政治手法は以前と変わらず、民主党内に「親小沢」対「反小沢」という不毛な対立軸が生まれた。

It should not be forgotten that the party's manifesto for the 2009 lower house election created under Ozawa's initiative lacked revenue sources and this "negative legacy" has been the cause of constant criticism in recent years.
　小沢氏主導の政権公約が、財源の裏付けがなく、最近は批判を招くだけの「負の遺産」となっていたことも忘れてはなるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 3, 2012)
（2012年7月3日01時29分  読売新聞）

民主党分裂―公約を鍛え直す契機に

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 3
EDITORIAL: Opportunity is ripe for DPJ to improve its public pledges
民主党分裂―公約を鍛え直す契機に

Veteran political fixer Ichiro Ozawa and 49 loyalists effectively resigned from the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on July 2.
　民主党の小沢一郎元代表のグループが離党届を提出した。

They plan to create a new party in an effort to win over voters in the next Lower House election by campaigning on two key issues: opposition to an unpopular increase in the consumption tax rate and a pledge to phase out nuclear power generation.
　近く新党を立ち上げ、「反消費増税」「脱原発」を旗印に、次の総選挙を戦うという。

Ozawa demanded that the DPJ withdraw the bills for raising the consumption tax rate. The bills recently passed the Lower House after 129 hours of Diet deliberations. A suprapartisan agreement was reached after days of talks between the DPJ and two opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. Ozawa’s demand was simply unrealistic and unreasonable.
　小沢氏は、消費増税関連法案の撤回を要求していた。１２９時間に及ぶ国会審議と、自民、公明両党との修正協議の末、やっと衆院通過にこぎつけた法案である。無理難題というほかはない。

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the ruling party’s leadership should expel these rebels instead of accepting their letters of resignation, thereby making a decisive break with the group.
　野田首相と党執行部は離党届を受理するかたちではなく、除名処分を科してきっぱり決別するのが筋である。

There is no doubt that the defections will weaken the Noda administration’s power base in terms of the ruling party’s numerical strength in the Diet.
　「数」のうえで野田政権の基盤が弱まるのは間違いない。

But the development is not necessarily a total loss for the DPJ, of which Ozawa was once president.
　それでも、失うものばかりではない。

The ruling party has been plagued by perennial bickering between the Ozawa group and the anti-Ozawa camp over policies and political approaches. The party has been unable to achieve unity on such key policy issues as upping the consumption tax rate. The DPJ should use its break with the Ozawa group as a first step toward overcoming this obvious weakness.
　政策でも政治手法でも、なにかといえば「小沢ＶＳ．反小沢」の対立できしむ。消費増税のような重要政策で結束できない。そんな民主党の「弱さ」を克服する一歩とするのだ。

Then, the DPJ should seek to use the framework for cooperation with the LDP and New Komeito to enact other important legislation during the extended Diet session. The ruling party needs to seek suprapartisan cooperation wherever possible to push through important policies.
　そのうえで、民自公の３党協力の枠組みを延長国会の懸案処理に活用する。協力すべきは協力し、政治を前に進める。

That’s the only way left for Noda, who has to tackle many policy challenges in the face of a dominant opposition presence in the Upper House.
　「ねじれ国会」のもと、首相に残された道はそれしかない。

At the same time, the DPJ should take this opportunity to stage an all-out effort to improve the political viability of its basic policy proposals. The party’s election manifesto for the 2009 Lower House election, developed under Ozawa’s leadership, was full of hollow promises that were not backed by a realistic financing plan. The party cannot afford to keep hewing to this bankrupt platform.
　同時に、党をあげて基本政策を鍛え直す契機とすべきだ。小沢氏主導でまとめた０９年総選挙のマニフェストは財源の裏づけのない「果たせない公約」だった。これを、このまま掲げ続けるわけにはいかない。

On the other hand, Ozawa has pledged to return to the policy agenda that helped the DPJ come to power through the regime change in 2009. He would claim that his new party can deliver on the promise to raise 16.8 trillion yen (about $210 billion) to finance various policy proposals without raising the consumption tax.
　一方、小沢氏は「政権交代の原点に立ち返る」ことを訴えている。消費増税なしに１６．８兆円の新規財源を生み出すという公約を、自分たちなら実行できる、と言いたいのだろう。

But Ozawa was responsible for implementing the DPJ’s policy pledges during nine months that the administration headed by Yukio Hatoyama was in office. At the time, Ozawa served as the ruling party’s secretary-general.
　だが、鳩山政権の９カ月、小沢氏は幹事長として公約を実行すべき立場にあった。

Yet, we have hardly ever heard Ozawa propound specific proposals for the type of spending cuts that would be needed to produce such a large amount of money.
　なのに、どこにどれだけの財源を生むムダがあるのか、小沢氏の口から具体的な提案をほとんど聞いたことがない。

In a recent Asahi Shimbun poll, only 15 percent of respondents voiced expectations for Ozawa’s new party, while 78 percent said they had no expectations.
　朝日新聞の世論調査では、小沢氏らの新党について「期待する」という人は１５％にとどまった。それに対し「期待しない」という人は７８％に達した。

The poll findings apparently show that the nation’s voting public has become leery of the politician, who has again thrown politics into confusion by brandishing unrealistic policy proposals.
　実行不能の公約を振りかざし、またぞろ政治をかき回す。そんな小沢氏に対する、民意の疑念が読み取れないか。

If the tax bills pass the Diet during the extended session, Noda will come under renewed pressure to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election to seek a fresh public mandate to govern the nation.
　延長国会で関連法案が成立すれば、首相はいずれ衆院の解散・総選挙で国民に信を問うことが迫られよう。

The fragmented DPJ needs to focus on prompt suprapartisan cooperation to push through key policy challenges.
　与野党を超えて懸案処理で協力しつつ、社会保障や原発をはじめ基本政策の方向性と、たしかな財源の裏付けがある現実的な公約づくりで競い合う。

On the other hand, the parties should vie for voter support by making clear their positions on such basic issues as social security and nuclear power generation and developing realistic platforms backed by solid financing plans.
　民主党の分裂を機に、各党はそうした作業を急ぐべきだ。

福島の漁再開―一歩ずつ、元の姿に

--The Asahi Shimbun, July 1
EDITORIAL: More stringent labels on fish products needed
福島の漁再開―一歩ずつ、元の姿に

Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture recently went back to their livelihoods for the first time since the nuclear disaster last year. For the past 15 months, they had voluntary suspended their operations.
Their catches were sold at retail stores within the prefecture on a trial basis.
　原発事故で自粛が続いていた福島県沖の漁が１年３カ月ぶりに再開され、県内の小売店で試験的に売られ始めた。

We sincerely hope they get back on their feet soon. Putting their offerings through thorough radiation tests will be a sure way to win back customers still leery of sea produce following the reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant.
　検査を徹底し、消費者の理解を得つつ、事故前の生活を取り戻していってほしい。

Two kinds of octopus, as well as shellfish, were selected for the initial shipments. No detectable amounts of radioactive cesium were found in these species in regular testing done after the disaster.
　販売されたのは、事故後の定期的な検査で放射性セシウムが不検出となっているタコと貝の３種類。

After being tested for radiation beforehand, the octopus and shellfish were boiled and put on sale. Sales were fairly brisk.
出荷時の検査を経て、ゆでた商品が並び、売れ行きはまずまずという。

Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture plan to start test sales outside the prefecture to gauge overall consumer reaction.
消費者の反応を見ながら、県外でも販売を試みる計画だ。

Fishermen who are still idle are receiving compensation from Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the crippled nuclear power plant.
　漁を自粛している漁業者には東京電力から賠償金が支払われている。

Stable livelihoods are vital for rebuilding the ravaged local communities.
とはいえ、地域社会を再興していくには、安定した生業が欠かせない。

The government’s new food safety standards on radioactive cesium levels, introduced in April, set the limit at 100 becquerels per kilogram for common food items. The new ceiling is five times stricter than the previous, provisional limit.
　食品の放射能汚染では「１キロあたり１００ベクレル以下」という基準がある。今春から、以前の暫定基準より５倍厳しくなった。

However, the prefectural fishing cooperative has adopted its own limit of 50 becquerels.
県漁連は「５０ベクレル以下」の独自基準を設けている。

Naturally, people have different levels of anxiety about radioactive contamination. There are many who feel they may still be at risk if they eat food containing radioactive materials even if the levels of contamination are below the safety limit.
　ただ、放射能汚染への不安感には個人差があり、基準を満たしていても安心できないという人が少なくない。

Only small samples from large catches of seafood can be tested for radiation. Unlike agricultural or livestock products, marine produce generally cannot be strictly linked to specific areas since fish swim far and wide.
一度に大量に水揚げする魚介類はサンプリング検査にならざるをえない。農産物や畜産類と違って広い海を泳ぎ回る問題もある。

To reassure consumers about the safety of seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture, local fishermen need to adhere to some simple common-sense steps. They must make sure that careful radiation tests are carried out before shipment and fully disclose information about both the test methods and results.
　出荷時の検査をきめ細かく行い、検査の方法と結果を合わせて公表する。

It is also crucial to sell seafood that has been found to contain no detectable levels of radioactivity or marine produce meeting the safety standards.
不検出の魚種をはじめ、基準を満たす魚だけを出荷する。この基本作業を続けていくしかない。

As for shipments out of the prefecture, wholesalers may be unwilling to buy seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture because of concerns about sales.
　県外への出荷では、卸業者が売れ行きを心配して買い付けを控えることも予想される。

Direct sales to consumers should also be considered as many people are keen to support disaster-hit areas by buying food products from the areas, so long as they know they are safe.
消費者に直売するルートも検討してはどうか。「安全なら、買って被災地を助けたい」と考える人は多いはずだ。

In Pacific waters off Fukushima Prefecture and in Tokyo Bay, TEPCO and the central and local governments are doing radiation tests on samples of seawater, mud from the seabed, fish and living things they eat.
　福島県沖などの太平洋と東京湾では、東電や国、自治体が海水と海底の土、魚やそのえさとなる生物の検査を続けている。

Amounts of radioactive cesium have fallen significantly or to undetectable levels in many kinds of fish that swim near the surface or in the middle depths of the sea. This includes most migratory species of fish, along with squid and octopus, according to the Fisheries Agency.
　水産庁の分析では、海面近くや海中の中層を泳ぐ魚の多くと回遊性の魚、イカやタコ類などではセシウムが減っていたり、不検出になったりしている。

In contrast, fish that live near the seabed are often found to contain levels of radiation above the safety threshold. This seems to be explained by the fact that cesium tends to be absorbed in mud on the sea floor.
　一方、海底近くにいる底魚類では基準を超える例が目立つ。セシウムが海底の泥に吸着するためとみられる。

Radiation tests of samples of seawater and seabed mud should be carried out more frequently and at more locations for further analysis.
海水や海底土の検査も地点と回数を増やし、分析を深めてもらいたい。

Place-of-origin labels of fish usually show the prefectures where the landing ports are located. But this can be a disadvantage because it does not make clear where the fish was actually caught.
　魚の産地表示では水揚げ港の都道府県を示すことが多いが、どこでとったのかわからないのが難点だ。

A growing number of labels on seafood products caught in Pacific waters off eastern Japan, including Fukushima Prefecture, show the name of the prefecture or one of the seven sea areas into which the region has been divided. This new labeling system is being promoted by the Fisheries Agency.
　福島県沖を含む東日本太平洋の水産物では、水産庁の指導で、「○○県沖」や、七つに分けた海域での表示が広がりつつある。

Further efforts should be made to provide consumers with more accurate and detailed information about seafood products from the region.
消費者への丁寧な情報提供に、さらに工夫してほしい。

東京－大阪間なら断然夜行バスです

私は東京－大阪間なら断然夜行バスを選びます。
その理由は二つです。

１）　夜行バスを使うことによって一日という移動時間が節約できます。
２）　夜行バス料金は新幹線や飛行機に比べて割安です。

東京から大阪周辺への出張だったら、昼間の時間をまったく犠牲にしないで有効に使うことが出来るので大助かりですね。切れるビジネスマンは実は夜行バス派だったりするのです。

iPhoneかiPadを持参すれば、夜行バス内で長時間過ごすのもまったく苦になりませんね。
小型のノートパソコンで仕事をしているビジネスマンも見かけたことがありますが、まわりの迷惑にならないようにほどほどに楽しむ心がけも必要なのです。その点、iPhoneかiPadならば、キーを叩く音が出ないので完璧なのです。

夜行バス 東京 大阪の売りポイントは三つあります。

１）　多数の車種から選べます（エコノミーからデラックスまで豊富です）
２）　その他の路線も充実しています（福岡へは大阪から乗り継ぎが出来ます）
３）　出発地・行き先が直ぐにわかる便利なサイト（一発検索機能付きです）

電力株主総会―自治体の提案を生かせ

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 26
EDITORIAL: Power companies must heed shareholder proposals from local governments
電力株主総会―自治体の提案を生かせ

Those of Kansai Electric Power Co. and Tokyo Electric Power Co. are drawing much attention because some local governments that hold shares in the utilities are demanding a greater say in their management and policies. Toru Hashimoto, the mayor of Osaka city, is among those local government heads who will attend the meetings to explain their ideas. Osaka city is KEPCO's largest shareholder.
　原発をもつ９電力会社の株主総会が２７日に開かれる。
　注目は、株を保有する自治体が議案を出した関西電力と東京電力だ。関電の筆頭株主である大阪市の橋下徹市長ら自治体の首脳が総会に出席し、提案の内容を説明する。

The meetings offer a precious opportunity for the representatives of areas that are big users of electricity to directly express their views to top executives of the utilities about the way the firms are managed. Clearly, the companies need to ensure that serious and constructive debate takes place rather than simply advancing the proceedings in a mechanical way.
　大消費地の代表が直接、電力会社の経営にものをいう貴重な機会だ。機械的な議事進行ではなく、主張をぶつけ合う緊張感のあるやりとりを期待する。

The cities of Osaka, Kobe and Kyoto have proposed that KEPCO stop providing electricity generated by nuclear power.
　関電には大阪、神戸、京都の３市がいずれも脱原発を提案している。

Osaka is urging the utility to change its Articles of Incorporation to commit itself to closing down all its nuclear power plants as soon as possible. In similar proposals, Kyoto and Kobe say the company should pledge in the document to establish a "sustainable power supply system that is not dependent on nuclear power generation."
　大阪市は「可及的速やかな全原発の廃止」、京都、神戸両市は「原発に依存しない持続可能な電力供給体制」という表現で定款の変更を迫る。

In notices of the annual shareholders meeting sent out to shareholders, the utility expressed its opposition to these proposals. Japan's energy self-sufficiency rate is just 4 percent. The company argues that Japan will be left vulnerable if it becomes too dependent on fossil fuels.
　関電は株主に送った招集通知で「日本のエネルギー自給率は４％であり、化石燃料への過度の依存はリスクがある」と反対姿勢を示している。

The financial institutions that together own 30 percent of the utility are also expected to oppose the proposals. This is because the company would keep losing money if it closed its nuclear power plants, causing it to cut its dividends.
　株式の３割を占める金融機関も、原発を動かさなければ赤字が続き、配当減は避けられないため、反対する見通しだ。

But the proposals from local government chiefs who represent more than 4 million voters in the three cities carry considerable weight.
　しかし、３市で４００万人をこす有権者の代表からの提案は重い。

The utility should realize that public opinion is forcefully pushing for a shift in its management strategy toward a society that is not dependent on nuclear energy. If it diversified its power sources, KEPCO would be in a position to strengthen its mid- and long-term management, thereby serving the interests of its shareholders.
　原発に依存しない社会へ向けて、経営の転換を求める強い世論があると受けとめるべきだ。電源の多様化は中長期的な経営体質の強化につながり、株主利益にもつながる。

The three Kansai cities have also jointly proposed measures to inject greater transparency into the utility’s management. This includes disclosure of individual board members' salaries. They are also calling on the company to separate its power generation and transmission operations. All these arguments are based on the viewpoint of electricity users.
　さらに３市は、経営の透明性確保や役員報酬の個別開示を共同提案したほか、発送電分離を求める議案もある。いずれも利用者の視点に立った主張だ。

Irrespective of whether the ideas are approved at the meeting, KEPCO has a duty to pay serious attention to the proposals and opinions that are presented.
　議案の採否にかかわらず、関電には提案や総会での意見を経営に生かす責任がある。

Institutional investors that are opposed to the proposals should be aware that their actions are being closely watched by the public.
　反対する機関投資家も、社会が注視していることを強く意識してほしい。

TEPCO's shareholders meeting will be attended by Naoki Inose, vice governor of Tokyo.
　東電の総会には、東京都の猪瀬直樹副知事が出席する。

Inose has been behind the metropolitan government's move to reduce its reliance on the utility. He has cited TEPCO's "family companies" as a problem in relation to its planned rate hikes and asked Chubu Electric Power Co. to supply power to the capital.
　猪瀬氏は東電の値上げをめぐってファミリー企業の問題を指摘したり、都として中部電力に電力供給を求めたりと、「脱東電」をはかってきた。

The metropolitan government has announced four proposals for the meeting and is urging other shareholders to support them. One calls on TEPCO to describe its commitment to the principle of giving priority to "customer services" as a general rule.
　顧客サービスを使命とする経営理念を総則に盛り込むことなど４議案を提案し、他の株主にも賛同を呼びかけている。

The Tokyo metropolitan government's proposals are likely to be rejected. But the central government, which wants to place TEPCO under state control and push through necessary reforms from the inside, has a clear interest in not antagonizing the metropolitan government.
　議案自体は否決される公算が大きいが、今総会で東電を国有化し、内部から改革を進めたい国としては、「敵」にしたくない存在でもある。

Since last year's disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, people have become increasingly skeptical about safety measures implemented by utilities and their supply-demand estimates across the nation. The shareholders meetings should be a starting point to reform the management and operations of the electric power companies.
　福島第一原発の事故以降、電力各社の安全対策や需給見通しに各地で疑問の声があがった。株主総会を、電力会社が生まれ変わるきっかけにしなければならない。

一体改革、衆院通過―緊張感もち、政治を前へ

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 27
EDITORIAL: With tax bills passed, parties should address other pressing issues

After nearly three years of frustrating political meandering since the Democratic Party of Japan took over the government in September 2009, the nation finally took a step forward on June 26, when the Lower House passed bills for integrated tax and social security reforms.
　政権交代からまもなく３年。迷走を重ねてきた「決められない政治」が、ようやく一歩、前に進む。率直に歓迎したい。
　社会保障と税の一体改革関連法案が衆院を通過した。

In their bid for power, political parties usually stress their differences from their rivals.
　政権交代の時代、政党は「違い」を強調しがちだ。

But this time, the DPJ and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito made compromises on an important policy that will directly affect the nation's future. They are assuming joint responsibility, which is significant in itself.
　そんななか、民主、自民、公明の３党が、国の将来に直結する重要政策で歩み寄り、共同責任を負う意義は大きい。

An "act of necessity"
■緊急避難的な選択

A DPJ group led by former party leader Ichiro Ozawa rejected the bills en masse, effectively splitting the party. 　衆院採決では民主党の小沢一郎元代表らが集団で反対し、民主党は分裂状態に入った。

Having thus rebelled against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda who was "staking his political life on the bills," the Ozawa group's only logical course of action would be to leave the party.
　野田首相が「政治生命をかける」とまで言った法案に反対した勢力が、このまま同じ党にい続けるのはおかしい。

We believe Noda and Ozawa have no choice now but to part company.
　首相と小沢氏はこの際、きっぱりたもとを分かつしかない。

Under parliamentary democracy, the party that has been elected to power carries out its election pledges. Strictly speaking, the DPJ-LDP-New Komeito framework of cooperation goes against that basic principle of parliamentary democracy.
　政党が選挙で競い、勝者が公約を実行する。それが議会制民主主義の要諦（ようてい）なら、３党協力の枠組みはそれとは矛盾する。

However, we see the tripartite cooperation as an "act of necessity" for preventing further fruitless government-opposition confrontations and breaking the vicious cycle of political deadlock.
　しかし、与野党が角突き合わせ、身動きがとれない政治の惨状を打開するためには、やむをえない、緊急避難的な選択だと受け止める。

When the DPJ won the 2009 Lower House election, it pledged "no consumption tax hike." But the promise proved to be irresponsible sweet talk when the national debt was pushing 1,000 trillion yen.
　０９年総選挙で、民主党は「消費税は上げない」と言って政権を射止めた。国の借金が１千兆円に迫るなか、それは無責任な「甘い夢」だった。

Faced with the many constraints stemming from the globalization of the economy and the graying of Japanese society, the government had only limited options in trying to fix the nation's fiscal problems.
　経済はグローバル化し、少子高齢化も進む。多くの制約のなかで、政治がとりうる選択肢は少ない。

The DPJ's ineffectiveness as the ruling party became pronounced after it lost its majority in the Upper House in the 2010 election.
　民主党政権の混迷を決定づけたのは、１０年の参院選の敗北による「ねじれ国会」である。

The woes of a divided Diet had also dogged the LDP administrations of Yasuo Fukuda and Taro Aso for two years before the party tumbled from power.
　自民党もまた、政権を失うまでの２年間、福田、麻生両政権で「ねじれ国会」に苦悩した。

Prime ministers have changed every year over the last five years, and both the LDP and the DPJ have paid dearly for it. The newly forged DPJ-LDP-New Komeito collaboration on the tax and social security reform bills is an outcome of that messy history.
　首相が１年おきに代わるなど、この５年、２大政党はともに重い代償を払ってきた。そのことが、結果として今回の枠組みに結びついた。

Refrain from logrolling, political strife
■なれ合い、政争排せ

How long the tripartite collaboration will last is anyone's guess.
　この３党の協力態勢がいつまで続くかは見通せない。

The current term of Lower House legislators will expire in a little over a year from now, and an Upper House election is slated for next summer.
　衆院議員の任期切れまであと１年あまり。来年夏には参院選がある。

As elections approach, political parties usually begin to exaggerate their differences from their rivals and engage in heavy-duty mudslinging.
選挙が近づけば近づくほど、政党同士が必要以上に違いを強調し、足の引っ張り合いが激しくなるのが永田町の通例だからだ。

In fact, the LDP is already clamoring for an early dissolution of the Lower House followed by a snap election, taking advantage of the Noda administration's weakened footing due to the Ozawa group's rebellion.
　実際、小沢氏らの造反で弱まった野田政権の足元を見るかのように、自民党はさっそく早期の解散・総選挙を求める声を強めている。

The LDP must not repeat the folly of bringing government to a grinding halt by starting a political war that will have no benefits for the public.
　国民そっちのけの政争で、政治を停滞させる愚を繰り返してはならない。

But there is also the opposite fear of the three parties staying together and capitalizing on their joint strength in numbers to lead the nation in a direction they want.
　逆の不安もある。３党が巨大な「数」をたのみに、手前勝手な方向に走り出すことだ。

There are signs of this already happening.
　その芽はすでに現れている。

In negotiating amendments to proposed nuclear regulation bills, the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito added a clause that could effectively take the teeth out of the existing provision for decommissioning nuclear reactors after they have been in operation for 40 years.
　原子力規制法案をめぐる３党の修正協議で、原発を稼働４０年で廃炉にする条文を骨抜きにしかねない規定が盛られた。

The three parties also added a new clause to the Atomic Energy Basic Law that says to the effect that one purpose of the use of nuclear energy is for a "security guarantee."
　３党はまた、原子力の利用は「我が国の安全保障に資する」ために確保するとの文言を原子力基本法に追加した。

Simply put, the parties have amended the nation's "nuclear policy Constitution" in the absence of any public discussion.
「原子力政策の憲法」が、十分な議論もないままに変更されたのだ。

In the meantime, the LDP has proposed a bill for spending 15 trillion yen over three years on road construction and other projects. A bill of this nature is definitely a throwback to the old days when money was squandered on public works projects. Will the DPJ have the backbone to stop this?
　自民党は、３年で１５兆円の巨費を道路整備などにあてる国土強靱（きょうじん）化法案を提出している。この時代錯誤の提案に、民主党が歯止めをかけられるかどうかが問われる。

The three-party collaboration is a double-edged sword.
　３党協力の枠組みは「両刃（もろは）の剣」である。

The parties must work together where necessary, but without political logrolling. We hope they will start building a political culture that befits the present age.
　なれ合うことなく、緊張感をもって協力すべきは協力する。政権交代の時代にふさわしい政治文化を築く第一歩としたい。

Lay groundwork for general election
■総選挙へ環境整備を

A number of pressing issues require immediate political attention, including a bill for the issuance of deficit-covering government bonds, which has remained on the back burner for too long. Another is the vote-value disparity among Lower House electorates that has been judged unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. The Diet must settle these issues without delay during the extended session.
　政治がいま、回答を迫られている課題は山ほどある。
　たとえば、たなざらしのままの赤字国債発行法案や、最高裁に違憲状態と指弾された衆院の「一票の格差」是正だ。延長国会でこれら喫緊の課題を決着させる。それが最優先だ。

The three parties have agreed to discuss the nation's social security policy on "kokumin kaigi" (citizens' forum) for one year. This is a good way to share political responsibility and ensure continuity in discussions of various issues, even in the event of a change of government.
　３党は、社会保障政策について「国民会議」で１年間、話し合うことで合意した。政権交代で与野党が入れ替わっても、多様な分野で政治を前に進めていく責任を分かち合う。そんなルールと仕組みも整えたい。

There is also the need to further advance debate on issues that affect Japan's future, such as its nuclear energy policy, trade liberalization and recovery and reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Talks have been shelved on these issues because of the political skirmishes over the consumption tax hike bills.
　消費増税をめぐる政争の陰で先送りされてきた原子力政策、貿易自由化、震災復興など、日本の未来図にかかわる議論も加速しなければならない。

The integrated tax and social security reforms are certainly necessary, but it is true that the DPJ has reneged on its campaign promise to the people not to raise the consumption tax. The party at the time pledged to "generate 16.8 trillion yen in new revenue sources by reworking the national budget." It is clear now that the very basis of the campaign pledge was pure fantasy.
　一体改革は必要だが、民主党政権が消費税は上げないという国民との約束に背いたのは間違いない。「予算の組み替えなどで１６．８兆円の新規財源を生み出す」とした、政権公約の根幹が実行不能な幻にすぎなかったことはいまや明らかだ。

Naturally, there are calls for an early dissolution of the Lower House so that the public can decide the DPJ's fate.
　筋から言えば、ここは早期の解散・総選挙で信を問い直すべしという声が出るのは自然だ。

But unless the vote disparity issue is resolved, a snap election cannot be held. It will take at least a few months for the electorates to be redrawn and the public to become familiar with the new electoral map.
　とはいえ、衆院の「一票の格差」を正さなければ、解散・総選挙はできまい。それには区割りと周知に数カ月かかる。

Each party must hasten to lay the groundwork for the next general election.
　各党は、総選挙を行うための環境を早く整える必要がある。

In the meantime, the parties must also rework their campaign messages and ensure their promised programs are solidly funded.
　そしてそれまでの間に、各党がしっかりした財源の裏づけのある公約を練り直すべきだ。

Discussions on the "citizens' forum" may be only at the halfway point, but each party can assert its policy in its election manifesto.
　「国民会議」の議論は半ばになろうが、各党の主張は公約に反映させればいい。

東電国有化―まず企業風土を改めよ

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 28
EDITORIAL: With revamped TEPCO, now comes the cost
東電国有化―まず企業風土を改めよ

Shareholders of Tokyo Electric Power Co. formally decided on June 27 to put the utility under effective state control.
　東京電力の実質国有化が、株主総会で正式に決まった。

The decision at the annual shareholders meeting cleared the way for a new management team led by Chairman Kazuhiko Shimokobe and President Naomi Hirose to take the helm at the financially troubled company, known as TEPCO.
下河辺和彦会長、広瀬直己社長のもと、新体制による経営がスタートする。

But TEPCO’s business plan to regain financial health, based on the assumption that it can restart idled reactors at its Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture, is seriously flawed and will need a fundamental revision at some point.
　しかし、柏崎刈羽原発（新潟県）の再稼働などを前提に、収支改善を目指す事業計画には無理がある。早晩、抜本的な見直しが避けられない。

TEPCO in its revamped form needs to focus on making compensation payments to victims of the Fukushima nuclear disaster and restructuring its business operations in a way that anticipates the reform of the electric power market being considered by the government.
　こうしたなかで、新生東電に求められるのは、原発事故の賠償を誠実に行うこと。そして、電力改革を先取りした事業再構築を進めることである。

To tackle these challenges effectively, TEPCO needs to reform its corporate culture.
そのためには、企業風土の改革が不可欠だ。

Under the government-approved restructuring plan, TEPCO will shift to an in-house “company system.” The utility’s different business divisions, such as thermal power generation, power transmission and distribution and other operations, will become semi-independent units.
　新しい東電はカンパニー制に移行し、火力発電や送配電を分社化する。

With TEPCO preoccupied with dealing with the consequences of the Fukushima meltdowns, the reorganization is aimed at making it easier for the utility to operate its businesses jointly with potential partners, such as new power suppliers and investment funds.
東電に余力がないため、新規事業者やファンドとの共同運営をしやすくする。

TEPCO’s new structure makes sense given the separation of power generation and transmission and other key elements of the envisioned power market reform.
　発送電の分離をはじめとする今後の電力改革を考えれば、望ましい体制だ。

Since it receives taxpayer money, TEPCO needs to make exhaustive efforts to improve its efficiency and ensure full disclosure of financial and other relevant information about its individual units, such as cost data.
国費を入れる以上、効率化はもちろん、経費など部門ごとの情報公開も徹底しなければならない。

Above all, the new management team should be aware that the public is keenly watching its performance, trying to assess its commitment to reforming the utility.
　なにより経営陣に自覚してほしいのは、国民が「東電は本当に変わるのか？」と刺すような目で見ていることだ。

During the year and three months since the disaster at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, TEPCO has shown few encouraging signs of mending its ways. There have been serious delays in negotiations over compensation to victims of the accident. The utility’s explanations about its plan to raise power rates have been grossly insufficient. The report on its investigation into the accident was all about shuffling responsibility onto others.
　賠償交渉の遅れ、料金値上げでの不十分な説明、責任転嫁に終始する事故調査報告書――。事故から１年３カ月、東電の企業体質にはほとんど変化が見られない。

The private-sector panel that looked into the accident cited TEPCO’s complacency due to its market monopoly, its highly compartmentalized business structure and its traditional tendency to cover up problems as factors behind the accident.
　民間の事故検証委員会も、事故に至る伏線として、独占に甘えた業界体質や縦割りの業務体制、トラブルを隠蔽（いんぺい）しがちな企業風土を指摘している。

That is not to say there have been no signs of change among individual employees and workplaces of the utility.
　社員一人ひとりや個々の現場に、変化の芽がないわけではない。

The company’s potential for change was apparently stifled by the old management team, which concentrated its thoughts and energies on self-defense.
自己防衛に走る旧経営陣のもとでは身動きが取れなかったといえる。

The attitude of top management is vital for the reform. The role of the new president, Hirose, an insider who has been promoted to the post from his previous position as a managing director, is particularly important.
トップの姿勢、とりわけ東電内部から昇格した広瀬社長の責任は重い。

A new management reform task force will be created as a team of about 30. Half of the members will come from the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund and the other half will be TEPCO employees.
The government-supported fund was created to help TEPCO pay compensation to victims of the nuclear disaster.
　新設される経営改革本部は、原子力損害賠償機構からの出向者と東電社員が半々、約３０人の混成チームだ。

The task force should be staffed mainly by reform-minded middle-rank and young employees and highly motivated outsiders so that it can spearhead TEPCO’s reform drive.
志ある中堅や若手、外部の人材を登用し、改革の先頭に立たせてほしい。

The government will be by far the largest shareholder of TEPCO and a provider of huge amounts of funds for the utility.
　国は、東電にとって飛び抜けた大株主であり、巨額の資金提供者となる。

At the same time, the government, which has been promoting nuclear power generation, shares the responsibility with TEPCO for dealing with the consequences of the accident.
一方で、原発を推進してきた当事者として共同責任も負う立場にある。

Considering the tremendous amounts of funds needed for paying compensation and decontaminating areas polluted by radiation, the current financing framework, under which TEPCO is required to pay back the money supplied by the government over a long period, is just a fantasy.
　賠償や除染などにかかる費用を考えれば、国が支援したお金を東電に長期にわたって返済させていく今の枠組みは虚構にすぎない。

Keeping TEPCO alive would hamper policy efforts to revitalize the power market.
東電の温存は電力市場の活性化も阻害する。

The government needs to confront the inevitability of putting a heavy financial burden on the public for cleaning up the mess and embark on serious efforts to create a new framework for tackling problems with TEPCO and overhauling the nation’s power supply system.
　国は事故の後始末で国民負担が避けられない現実を直視し、東電処理の新たな枠組みづくりと電力改革に腰を据えて取り組まなければならない。

慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 29
EDITORIAL: Freedom of expression must be protected
慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る

On the question of Nikon Corp.’s decision to cancel a photo exhibition featuring “comfort women” who were forced to provide sex to Japanese soldiers before and during World War II, the Tokyo District Court issued an injunction requiring the company to provide the venue in line with the contract with a photographer.
　元従軍慰安婦をテーマにした写真展を、ニコンが一方的に中止すると決めた問題で、東京地裁は「ニコンは契約に基づき、会場を貸さなければならない」という仮処分決定を出した。

Although Nikon filed an appeal, the photo exhibition opened on June 26 as scheduled.
同社は異議を申し立てたが、写真展は予定どおり始まった。

We find Nikon’s actions all the more regrettable because the company has a strong social impact.
　社会的影響力のある企業だけに残念でならない。

Could it be that Nikon lost its cool in the face of loud protests against the event and missed something important?
大きな声にあわてて、大切なものを見失ってしまったのか。

During court proceedings, Nikon argued that it could not provide the venue, whose purpose is to advance photographic culture, for an event that has political implications.
　裁判でニコン側は「写真文化の向上を目的とする会場を、政治性のある催しに貸せない」と主張した。

In response, the court stated that depending on themes, photographic culture may not be completely free from politics.
The court concluded that the exhibition in question does not run counter to the “purpose” advocated by Nikon.
これに対し地裁は、扱うテーマによっては一定の政治性を帯びるのが写真文化だと述べ、今回の企画はニコンが唱える「目的」に反するものとはいえないと結論づけた。

The ruling showed the court’s clear-cut stance to protect freedom of expression.
　表現活動を理解し、その自由を守る姿勢をはっきり示した判断といえる。

Comments blasting the comfort women exhibition as “treason” swirled around the Internet after the announcement of the planned event. Nikon has received complaints, as well. The development apparently led to its decision to call off the show despite its earlier approval.
　今回の写真展をめぐっては、ネット上に「売国行為」といった批判が飛びかい、ニコンにも抗議が寄せられたという。こうした動きが中止の判断につながったのは想像に難くない。

It is understandable that a business wants to avert trouble.
　もめごとを避けたい気持ちはわかる。

But abruptly depriving a photographer of a venue to exhibit his works is too rash.
だが、いきなり公表の場を奪うのは乱暴にすぎる。

Nikon lenses have captured various controversies around the world, including war and pollution, and recorded many images of joy and grief.
　ニコンのレンズは戦争や公害など世界の矛盾を切り取り、多くの喜びと悲しみを記録してきた。

The company has also been highly commended for making social contributions, including its program to support photographers.
写真家への支援などの社会貢献でも高い評価を得ている。

It is a pity that its reputation has been damaged by an issue concerning none other than freedom of expression.
そんなイメージを、ほかでもない表現の自由をめぐる問題で傷つけてしまうとは。

If threats are expected, the company should seek police cooperation to ensure safety.
　混乱が心配されるのなら、警察に協力を求めて万全を期す。

Still, in light of objective facts, if a serious situation is likely, only then should the company consider cancelling the show.
それでも、客観的な事実に照らして、重大な事態が具体的に予測されるときに初めて中止などを検討する――。

Nikon should have taken appropriate measures based on past court rulings over similar cases.
今回と似たようなケースをめぐって裁判所が重ねてきた判断を踏まえ、適切な対応をとるべきだった。

Thanks to the security of freedom of expression and speech, including the exhibition of photos, people can freely exchange ideas, gain support and have an opportunity to realize their own mistakes.
　写真の発表をふくむ表現・言論の自由が保障されているからこそ、人々は考えを互いに交換し、賛同者を増やしたり、逆に自分の誤りに気づくきっかけを得たりする。

It is upon such ground that democracy is built.
その土壌のうえに民主主義は成立する。

However, attacks against people with different ideas have become increasingly common, including those on the Internet.
　ところが最近は、ネット空間の言論をはじめとして、異なる考えを認めず、過激な批判を浴びせ、萎縮させる動きがさかんだ。

We also recognize the emerging trend among people to think it is safer not to put up resistance but to swim with the tide.
抗せず、なびいた方が無難という風潮も見え隠れする。

Which way is such an oppressive society headed? We need to remember the lessons of history.
そうして息苦しくなった世の中はどこへゆくのか。歴史の教訓に思いをいたすべきだ。

An intolerant society is fragile and weak.
　ひと色に塗りこめられた社会は、もろく弱い。

What should each of us do to prevent Japan from becoming such a country?
この国をそうさせないために、一人ひとりがそれぞれの現場で何をなすべきか。

We must always think and use our wisdom.
常に考え、知恵を働かさねばならない。

電力の選択肢―熟議を生かす工夫を

--The Asahi Shimbun, June 30
EDITORIAL: Japan needs broad public debate on its energy future
電力の選択肢―熟議を生かす工夫を

The government has laid out three different visions for the future of the nation's power supply.
　新たなエネルギー計画の策定に向けた選択肢を、政府が示した。

It plans to craft its new long-term energy policy by the end of August after a national debate on these alternatives.
「国民的議論」を経て、８月末までに方針を決める。

What kind of energy future should Japanese society build following the harrowing experience of the Fukushima nuclear disaster?
　福島の原発事故を経験した日本は、どのようなエネルギー社会をつくるべきか。

This is a very important question with huge implications for policy efforts to protect people's livelihoods, support the nation's economy and ensure that today's Japanese will fulfill their responsibilities to future generations.
生活や経済を支えるうえでも、将来世代への責任を果たすうえでも、極めて重要なテーマだ。

We need to have serious, in-depth conversations on the issue. We should not leave the matter to others.
　人任せにせず、さまざまな場で議論を深めよう。

The three options proposed by the government posit three different shares for nuclear energy in the nation's total power supply in 2030.
　選択肢は三つだ。２０３０年時点で発電量に占める原発の比率をもとに組み立ててある。

We have been calling for the phasing out of nuclear power generation as soon as possible, and various polls have shown that a majority of Japanese are in favor of reducing dependence on atomic energy.
　私たちは、できるだけ早期に原発をゼロにすべきだと主張してきた。世論調査でも、多くの人が原発依存度を減らすことに賛成している。

However, there is wide disagreement among people on issues like how fast and how far nuclear power generation should be reduced, and what should be the main alternative to atomic energy as a power source.
　だが、どんなスピードでどこまで減らすか、原発に代わる電力として何を重視するかは、意見が分かれるところだ。

The government is preparing to hold a series of public hearings on its energy policy.
It will conduct a public consultation to give people an opportunity to express their views.
　政府は、国民的議論の場として意見聴取会やパブリックコメントなどの準備を進める。

One notable element in the government's efforts to get people involved in the policymaking process will be a "deliberative opinion poll."
注目されるのは「討論型世論調査」と呼ばれる新しい手法だ。

A group of people randomly selected from around the nation will be asked to answer a preliminary questionnaire. 　全国から無作為に選んだ人たちに予備的なアンケートをし、回答者から参加者を募る。

The respondents will then be invited to study basic information about the issues at hand and hold discussions before answering another questionnaire.
参加者は基礎的な知識を学び、議論したうえで、もう一度アンケートに答える。

The results of the final poll, revealing changes in the respondents' views after learning about and deliberating on the issues, will be treated as informed public opinion and used in policymaking.
学習や討論による意見の変化を「成熟した世論」として、政策形成に役立てようという試みだ。

The approach will allow citizens with different opinions on specific issues to have face-to-face discussions so that they can understand each others' thinking and seek common ground.
　意見の異なる市民同士が実際に向き合い、お互いの考えを理解しあいながら合意点を探る。

It could help prevent debate on nuclear power generation becoming polarized between the pro- and anti-nuclear camps.
「原発維持」か「脱原発」かに二極化しがちな状況を乗り越えるうえでも意義は大きい。

The problem is that there won't be enough time for the process to work well because of an inflexible timetable. 　問題は、「はじめに日程ありき」で、与えられる時間が短すぎることである。

Even preparing materials for a discussion meeting requires a lot of time and care, and the neutrality of the organizers must be guaranteed.
　本来は、討論会での資料一つとっても入念な準備が必要だ。運営者は中立性が保証されなければならない。

Chairing such debates will require great skill and experience.
議論の進行役にも習熟がいる。

Some experts have pointed out various problems with the government's current plan in writing, and officials should try to fix the problems and improve the plan by addressing those opinions and proposals.
専門家から問題点を指摘する意見書も出た。

　政府はこうした声を採り入れて改善をはかってほしい。

Public debate on energy policy must continue even after the government's decision at the end of August, and the framework encouraging deep and mature deliberation by citizens on the nation's energy future should be kept in place.
　政府の方針は８月末に決定するが、エネルギー政策は今後も議論を深める必要がある。市民による熟議の枠組みは継続していくべきだ。

The fostering of forums for discussion could lead to new ideas about the use of electricity and unique energy strategies in specific regions.
　議論の場や参加者が増えれば、電気の使い方や地域独自の戦略など、新しいアイデアが生まれるかもしれない。

The government could benefit greatly from accumulating expertise in fostering public debate on policy issues and using it for policymaking in other areas as well.
ノウハウを積み重ね、他の政策にも広げてはどうだろう。

Distrust and discord can grow easily among people with different opinions.
　不信や対立は簡単に生じる。

The real test of democracy lies in the efforts of people to overcome those disagreements and work out realistic answers.
民主主義が本当に試されるのは、立場の違いを越えて現実的な解を出す作業だ。

Amid a widespread feeling of hopelessness at the current political gridlock, the new approach should be a first step toward a breakthrough.
政治の閉塞（へいそく）感が漂うなか、新しい試みを現状打開の一歩にしよう。

朝鮮総連 本部競売手続きを受け入れよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 1, 2012)
Insolvent Chongryon must accept auction of its headquarters
朝鮮総連　本部競売手続きを受け入れよ（6月30日付・読売社説）

It has become possible at long last for the building and land of the central headquarters of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan, known as Chongryon, to be auctioned off.
　在日本朝鮮人総連合会中央本部（東京）の土地とビルを競売にかけることが、ようやく可能になった。

The government-backed Resolution and Collection Corporation should proceed steadily with procedures to collect its loans to Chongryon.
整理回収機構は、着実に債権回収を進めていく必要がある。

In a lawsuit in which the RCC sought confirmation that the association is the de facto owner of the headquarters building and land, the Supreme Court on Wednesday turned down Chongryon's appeal, finalizing the court verdict entirely in favor of the RCC.
　整理回収機構が、総連本部の所有権が朝鮮総連にあることの確認を求めた訴訟で、最高裁は、総連側の上告を棄却した。機構の全面勝訴が確定した。

Chongryon's central office is situated in a prime location in the heart of Tokyo and is deemed the North Korean residents group's most valuable piece of property.
　本部は都心の一等地にあり、総連の最大の資産とされる。

The top court's decision makes it likelier that Chongryon may be forced to move out of its head office.
その拠点施設からの立ち退きを迫られる可能性が高まったと言える。

Beginning in 1997, credit cooperatives for pro-Pyongyang Korean residents in Japan collapsed one after another.
　１９９７年以降、在日朝鮮人系信用組合が相次いで破綻した。

The government, aiming to protect depositors, injected a huge amount of taxpayer money--more than 1 trillion yen--into 16 such financial institutions for pro-Pyongyang Koreans across the country.
政府は預金者保護のため、全国の１６信組に１兆円を超える巨額の公的資金を投入した。

===

Overdue loans total 62.7 billion yen

In the process of the cash injection, the RCC took over bad loans from the 16 credit cooperatives and reached the conclusion that 62.7 billion yen of the nonperforming loans had been extended to Chongryon.
　資金投入に伴い、１６信組から不良債権を引き継いだ機構は、焦げ付いた融資のうち計６２７億円が総連向けだったと特定した。

Chongryon has therefore been obliged to pay back that amount to the RCC.
　総連には、これを機構に返済する義務がある。

It is believed that Chongryon obtained the loans from the cooperatives almost coercively.
　各信組からの融資は、総連が半ば強制的に出させていたとされる。

In Diet deliberations, the question was once raised of whether the funds might have been unlawfully remitted to North Korea.
一部は北朝鮮に不正送金されたという疑惑が、国会で追及されたこともある。

Chongryon has no corporate status, and the central headquarters building and land have been registered as assets of a separate organization, a partnership company affiliated with the pro-Pyongyang Korean residents association.
　総連は法人格を持たず、本部の土地・建物の所有者は登記上、関連の合資会社になっている。

In the court battle between the group and the RCC, decisions handed down by the first- and second-instance courts ruled that Chongryon "has the right to dispose of the head office and premises as there are no records that it paid [the partnership firm] for using them." The highest court has fully upheld those rulings.
　だが、今回の裁判で、１、２審は「不動産の処分権限は総連が持ち、総連は建物の使用料も払っていない」と認定し、最高裁もこれを全面的に支持した。

As long as ownership by the partnership company is in name only, it is natural for the court to judge that Chongryon is the effective owner of the property.
　合資会社の所有が形式的なものに過ぎない以上、所有権が総連にあることを認めた裁判所の判断は当然と言えよう。

Chongryon, for its part, is considered to lack the solvency to fully cover the 62.7 billion yen it owes.
　総連には、６２７億円全額の弁済能力はないとみられている。

The RCC has already sold Chongryon-related facilities at auction in such areas as Kyoto, Osaka, Aichi and Fukui prefectures, using the proceeds to cover part of the bad loans involved.
すでに機構は京都、大阪、愛知、福井などの関連施設を競売にかけ、債権を回収している。

===

Public takes a dim view

The government-affiliated bad loan collection agency should calmly and steadily work toward securing a court decision for selling the Chongryon central headquarters building and land at auction.
　機構は今後、本部の競売を裁判所に申し立てる手続きについても、粛々と進めてもらいたい。

Chongryon has so far maintained that the RCC has been acting on "a political motivation to drive us into dissolution by depriving us of our central headquarters, which is of pivotal importance to our activities as it has functions comparable to those of an embassy."
　総連はこれまで、「機構は大使館に比すべき活動拠点である本部を奪い、総連を解散に追い込むという政治的な意図を有している」などと反論してきた。

The RCC, however, has been acting simply for the purpose of fulfilling its mission of collecting the taxpayer money that was put into Chongryon.
　だが、機構は、公的資金回収という使命を遂行しているだけだ。

Chongryon's argument is definitely off the mark.
総連の主張は的はずれである。

The group instead must extend cooperation to the RCC in paying back its liabilities.
総連は、債務返済に協力しなければならない。

North Korea has abducted Japanese citizens and has carried out repeated missile launches and reckless nuclear tests.
　北朝鮮は日本人を拉致し、核実験やミサイル発射を繰り返し強行した。

The Japanese public has cast a skeptical eye on Chongryon, too, as it is under the leadership of Pyongyang.
その指導下にある総連に対しても日本国民の目は厳しい。

Chongryon must take to heart that it can never be allowed to evade the obligation to repay the bad loans.
　返済逃れは許されない。総連はそのことを肝に銘じるべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 30, 2012)
（2012年6月30日01時16分  読売新聞）

小沢・輿石会談 無茶な要求には付き合えない

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 1, 2012)
DPJ should firmly refuse Ozawa's unreasonable demand
小沢・輿石会談　無茶な要求には付き合えない（6月30日付・読売社説）

Former Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa has made an unreasonable demand connected to his threats to bolt from the party. This tactic is fitting for the man dubbed the "destroyer," but we urge the DPJ leadership to flatly refuse his demand.
　「離党カード」をちらつかせ、理不尽な要求を突きつける――。まさに「壊し屋」らしい手法だが、民主党執行部は断固拒否すべきだ。

Ozawa held talks with DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi three times and said that he intends to leave the party with a group of lawmakers who support him if bills related to comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems are voted on and passed at the House of Councillors.
　民主党の小沢一郎元代表が輿石幹事長と３回にわたり会談し、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案を参院で採決、成立させるなら、自らのグループを率いて集団離党する考えを伝えた。

Koshiishi urged Ozawa to reconsider, and negotiations between them are continuing. Ozawa expressed his intention to make a final decision on whether to leave the DPJ as early as the beginning of next week.
　輿石氏は、翻意を求め、調整が続いている。小沢氏は週明けには結論を出したい意向という。

Ozawa's demand is very unreasonable and impossible for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to accept, as he has staked his own political career on passage of the bills.
　小沢氏の要求は、法案成立に政治生命を懸ける野田首相が到底容認できない、無茶なものだ。

However, it is a problem that Koshiishi is considering making some concessions to avoid a split in the DPJ.
　問題なのは、輿石氏が、党分裂を回避しようと、何らかの妥協を検討していることである。

===

Tail wagging the dog

The bills were revised based on an agreement reached among the ruling DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. The agreement has significant meaning since it was compiled based on mutual concessions among the three parties.
　関連法案は、民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づき、修正された。３党合意は、各党が譲り合ってまとめたもので、極めて重い。

However, Ozawa and a few dozen DPJ lawmakers cast ballots against the bills in the House of Representatives. Since that meant a rebellion against the three-way agreement, the LDP and Komeito have responded strongly against their action.
　小沢氏らが法案の衆院採決で反対したことは、３党合意への造反を意味し、自民、公明両党は強く反発している。

Nonetheless, if the DPJ leadership makes concessions to win Ozawa over, it will be the tail wagging the dog.
それなのに、小沢氏を懐柔するために、民主党執行部が妥協するのは本末転倒だ。

The rebellion by Ozawa and others is the inevitable price the DPJ leadership must pay for closing its eyes and trying to cover up serious intraparty conflict over policy issues in the name of maintaining harmony within the DPJ. The chasm in the DPJ is already beyond repair.
　小沢氏らの造反は、党執行部が「党内融和」の名の下、深刻な路線対立に目をつぶり、糊塗(こと)してきたツケにほかならない。党内の亀裂は、もはや修復不能である。

What Koshiishi should do is hand down a tough punishment for Ozawa.
　輿石氏が今すべきは、小沢氏に厳しい処分を下すことだ。

First, Ozawa's claim lacks legitimacy, even though he sticks fast to the DPJ's election pledges and insists that the party must carry out its promises to voters.
　そもそも民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）に固執し、「国民との約束を実行する」との小沢氏の主張には、正当性がない。

Nearly two years and 10 months have passed since the DPJ took power. The party's manifesto said it would be possible to generate a total of 16.8 trillion yen annually by squeezing the state budget, but that has already fallen by the wayside. Ozawa was DPJ secretary general for more than eight months, but there is no evidence that he tried to make the election pledges a reality at that time.
　政権交代後、２年１０か月近くになる。年間１６・８兆円の財源捻出が可能としたマニフェストは完全に破綻している。小沢氏自身、幹事長を８か月以上務めながら、公約実現に動いた形跡はない。

===

Ozawa implausible

Ozawa is now arguing that other things should be done before raising the consumption tax rate or that the DPJ should return to the starting point at which the party took power from the LDP. But nobody can trust Ozawa unless he clearly shows concrete measures for administrative reform and economic revival.
　今になって、「増税の前にやるべきことがある」「民主党は政権交代の原点に戻れ」などと唱えても、説得力のある行政改革や景気改善の具体策を明示しなければ、信用できるはずがない。

Ozawa joined the DPJ after forming and dissolving the Japan Renewal Party (Shinseito), the New Frontier Party (Shinshinto) and the Liberal Party since his exit from the LDP 19 years ago.
　小沢氏は１９年前に自民党を離党して以来、新生、新進、自由の各党の結成・解散を繰り返した後、民主党に合流した。

He is attached to a high-handed and self-righteous political style, which prioritizes political gamesmanship over policy measures, and also to money politics.
政策より政局を重視する、強引で独善的な政治手法や、金権体質を今も引きずっている。

"First of all, I myself must change," Ozawa declared in April 2006 when he assumed the post of DPJ president.
　２００６年４月、小沢氏は民主党代表に就任する際、「まず私自身が変わらなければならない」と大見えを切った。

However, his moves toward departure from the party show that Ozawa's political style has not changed at all.
　だが、今回の離党に向けた動きは、小沢流の政治が何ら変わっていないことを裏付けている。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 30, 2012)
（2012年6月30日01時16分  読売新聞）