The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 29, 2012)
Ensure steady progress on return of Okinawa bases
海兵隊移転合意 米軍基地返還を着実に進めよ（4月28日付・読売社説）
An agreement has been reached between Japan and the United States that has made it possible to balance the maintenance of deterrence capabilities with lessening Okinawa Prefecture's burden in hosting U.S. forces, while also mitigating Japan's share of the costs involved.
米軍の抑止力維持と沖縄の負担軽減が両立できて、費用負担も軽減される。
This is definitely a satisfactory accord for Japan.
日本にとって、満足できる合意である。
It is highly important to ensure steady progress on the transfer overseas of U.S. Marine Corps forces from the prefecture and the return of land occupied by U.S. military installations there on the basis of the latest agreement.
これに基づき、海兵隊の移転と米軍施設の返還を着実に進めることが肝要だ。
The Japan-U.S. Security Consultative Committee, comprising the foreign and defense ministers of the two countries, on Friday announced a joint statement on a review of the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan.
外務、防衛担当閣僚による日米安全保障協議委員会（２プラス２）が、在日米軍再編見直しに関する共同文書を発表した。
Under the agreement reached in the committee, also known as the "two-plus-two" meeting, about 9,000 marines will be moved from Okinawa Prefecture to locations outside Japan. About 4,000 will be transferred to Guam, and the rest to Hawaii, Australia and the U.S. mainland. As a result, the number of marines remaining in the prefecture will be reduced to approximately 10,000.
在沖縄海兵隊９０００人が海外移転し、うち４０００人はグアム、残りはハワイ、豪州、米本土に移る。沖縄に残るのは１万人だ。
===
Effective drop in costs
Dispersing marine forces over a broad area of the Western Pacific region with the aim of developing Guam as a strategic hub: This is the primary aim of U.S. forces' new strategy to cope effectively with China's growing military power. It will be conducive to boosting peace and security in the Asia-Pacific region as a whole.
海兵隊を沖縄から西太平洋全体に分散移転し、グアムに新たな拠点を設ける。これが、中国の軍事的台頭に対抗するための米軍の新戦略だ。アジア太平洋全体の平和と安全に資すると言える。
Such marine forces as the Third Marine Expeditionary Headquarters and the 31st Marine Expeditionary Unit, the Marine Corps' main fighting force, will remain in Okinawa. That the deterrence capabilities of U.S. forces in Japan will be maintained in this fashion is valuable from the viewpoint of beefing up Japan's defense of the Nansei Islands.
第３海兵遠征軍司令部や主力戦闘部隊の第３１海兵遠征部隊は、沖縄に残る。米軍の抑止力が維持されることは、日本の「南西防衛」強化の観点からも評価できる。
The accord reached in the consultative meeting to develop training areas in Guam and parts of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, such as Tinian, as shared facilities for U.S. forces and the Self-Defense Forces is highly significant for deepening defense cooperation between the two countries.
北マリアナ諸島のテニアンなどに自衛隊と米軍の共同訓練場を整備する合意は、防衛協力を深化するうえで重要な意味を持つ。
In a review of the costs Japan and the United States will share in implementing the realignment, Japan's fiscal disbursement has been set at 3.1 billion dollars (about 251 billion yen), equivalent to a figure established in a 2006 agreement on the matter, adjusted for inflation.
On the other hand, Japan's monetary contribution and loans in connection with the relocation of U.S. forces, which was initially planned to be about 3.3 billion dollars, has been reduced to zero. This means Japan's fiscal burden linked to the relocation has in effect been reduced.
日米の費用負担見直しでは、日本の財政支出は２００６年の合意金額に物価上昇分を含めた３１億ドル（約２５１０億円）とする一方で、出資・融資の約３３億ドルはゼロとした。実質的な負担減である。
It is truly a welcome development that the issue of sharing expenses related to having U.S. forces stationed in Japan and related matters have been settled in a way satisfactory to both countries. It was always a subject of fierce discussions in past Japan-U.S. negotiations.
在日米軍駐留経費など資金負担を巡っては、常に激しい日米交渉となるが、今回、双方が納得できる形で決着したのは良かった。
The accord divides five U.S. facilities in the southern part of Okinawa Prefecture, including Camp Zukeran, into 13 areas. They are either "eligible for immediate return upon completion of necessary procedures"; "eligible for return once the replacement facilities in Okinawa are provided"; or "eligible for return as U.S. Marine Corps forces relocate from Okinawa to locations outside of Japan."
沖縄県南部のキャンプ瑞慶覧など米軍５施設は、１３地区に分割し、「速やかに」「代替施設が提供され次第」「海兵隊の国外移転後」の３段階で返還される。
===
Henoko the only viable solution
The agreement to have U.S. facilities returned to Japan step by step, according to their degree of eligibility for return, can lead to tangible results in alleviating the burden on local areas where the facilities are located. We place a high value on this.
返還できる土地から順次、極力早く返還するとの合意は、目に見える形での地元負担の軽減につながる。高く評価できよう。
It is important to work out steps to effectively utilize the land after the return of the facilities to promote the economy of Okinawa Prefecture. Local entities concerned should actively devise plans to use the facilities' sites, and the central government should throw its support behind their initiatives.
米軍施設跡地を有効利用し、沖縄振興につなげることが重要だ。地元が積極的に案を出し、政府が側面支援するのが望ましい。
What must not be forgotten in this connection is the issue of relocating the functions of the Futenma Air Station within the prefecture.
忘れてならないのは、普天間飛行場の移設だ。
To avoid indefinite use of the Futenma facility by the marines, there can be no alternative to relocation to the Henoko district of Nago in the prefecture, which the joint statement has reconfirmed "remains the only viable solution that has been identified to date." The central government and the government of Okinawa Prefecture must consult more seriously about the issue of relocating Futenma to Henoko.
普天間の固定化を避ける近道はやはり、日米が「唯一の有効な解決策」と再確認した辺野古移設である。政府と沖縄県は、辺野古移設についてより真剣に協議しなければならない。
Regrettably, because of the U.S. government's insufficient groundwork, the U.S. Senate's Armed Services Committee made an objection, causing the announcement of the joint statement to be delayed two days. Both Japan and the United States have had problems on security matters.
今回、米政府の根回し不足で米上院軍事委員会が異論を唱え、共同文書発表が２日遅れたのは、残念だ。日米双方がそれぞれの国内問題を抱えている。
Endeavors on both sides to overcome these problems one by one will fortify the bilateral alliance.
その一つ一つを克服していくことで、同盟関係はより強固になるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 28, 2012)
（2012年4月28日01時02分 読売新聞）
2012/04/30
2012/04/29
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:演技でも感謝の一言を ／東京
April 22, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Give a word of thanks, even if it's not heartfelt
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:演技でも感謝の一言を ／東京
A busy April has begun, and I feel that in my consultation room I am seeing more people complaining of being frustrated or unable to calm down.
何かとあわただしい４月が始まり、診察室でも「落ち着かない」「イライラする」といった声を聞くことが多くなった気がする。
Some people say they have become more likely to break out in anger at home or in the office.
「会社や家でキレやすくなった」という人もいる。
They all think that things mustn't remain as they are, but they can't seem to calm down their feelings.
みんな「これじゃいけない」と思っているが、なかなか気持ちをしずめることができないのだ。
At those times, if someone close to them gave some kind words like "things are always tough, aren't they?" or "take it easy sometimes," they would surely feel better.
そんなとき、身近にいる誰かから「いつもたいへんでしょう」「たまにはゆっくり休んでね」といったやさしい言葉をかけられたら、どんなにほっとするだろう。
Their wound up feelings would loosen, and just from that they might feel like half their exhaustion was gone.
張りつめた心がほぐれて、それだけでも疲れが半減する気がするかもしれない。
However, busy people are usually surrounded by people who are "busier," who can't stop to talk.
それなのに、忙しい人のまわりにいるのはたいてい“もっと忙しい人”なので、なかなかねぎらいの声をかけられない。
In my consultation room, one woman told me that when she returned from her busy workplace, she hurried to make dinner.
診察室である女性が、こんな話をしてくれた。多忙な職場で働くその女性は、家に帰ってから急いで食事の支度をする。
When her husband would get home at night, he would say things like, "What, today's another vegetable stirfry? Let me eat something more refreshing once in a while."
深夜近くなって帰宅する夫は、帰るなり「なんだ、今日も野菜炒めか。たまにはさっぱりしたものを食わせてくれよ」と料理に不満を述べる。
The woman would find herself snapping back with things like, "This morning you didn't throw out the garbage, did you!? Even though I asked several times."
すると女性も思わず、「今朝、ごみ出ししてくれなかったでしょ！ あんなに頼んだのに」ととがめてしまう。
"Actually, I want to say, 'you must be tired from your late work,' and I want to have the same said to me.
「本当は“遅くまでおつかれさま”と言いたいし、言ってほしい。
But I can't say it.
でも、言えないんです。
Instead we criticize each other's mistakes," she told me.
相手のミスを指摘し合ってしまうんです……」
When we're tired, instead of words like "thank you," we tend to want to say things like, "Why don't you do such-and-such?" or "Do more of such-and-such," complaining or demanding.
疲れていると、どうしても「ありがとう」「おつかれさま」より、「どうしてやってくれないの？」「もっとこうしてよ」と不満や要求を口にしたくなる。
This is the same for anybody, no matter how high their position or how clever they are.
これは、どんなに地位の高い人や賢い人でも同じなのだ。
However, during these times, I expect that anyone can stop themselves and ask whether that is what the other person wants to hear.
でも、そこで「ちょっと待てよ。相手はいまそんな言葉を言ってほしいかな」と立ち止まることは、誰にでもできるはず。
As soon as we see each other, rather than criticizing or complaining, we should first smile and say something nice.
顔を合わせたとたん、「だらしないわね」「こっちだってたいへんなんだ」とチクチクと身近な人を攻撃し合うのはやめて、まずはにっこり笑って「今日も一日おつかれさま」「こちらこそ、いつもありがとう」。
Some people may say, "I can't say something I don't feel," but isn't it OK even if it's an act?
「思ってもいないことは言えない」という人もいるかもしれないけれど、たとえ演技だっていいではないか。
When we give kind words, we start to feel true feelings of thanks.
ねぎらいの言葉をかけるうちに、「そうそう、今日も無事に帰ってきてくれただけでも、ありがたいわね」「この人のこと、大切にしなきゃな」と本当の感謝の思いも生まれてくるというものだ。
If there is something we want to complain about, the other person will later listen to us.
どうしても伝えたい不満があれば、その後なら相手も素直に「そうだよね」と聞いてくれるはずだ。
First, we should look in the mirror and practice saying "thank you." It's OK to start by putting on an act.
まずは、鏡の前で笑顔と「ありがとう」の練習を。最初は“芝居”から始めてもよいのだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年04月17日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Give a word of thanks, even if it's not heartfelt
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:演技でも感謝の一言を ／東京
A busy April has begun, and I feel that in my consultation room I am seeing more people complaining of being frustrated or unable to calm down.
何かとあわただしい４月が始まり、診察室でも「落ち着かない」「イライラする」といった声を聞くことが多くなった気がする。
Some people say they have become more likely to break out in anger at home or in the office.
「会社や家でキレやすくなった」という人もいる。
They all think that things mustn't remain as they are, but they can't seem to calm down their feelings.
みんな「これじゃいけない」と思っているが、なかなか気持ちをしずめることができないのだ。
At those times, if someone close to them gave some kind words like "things are always tough, aren't they?" or "take it easy sometimes," they would surely feel better.
そんなとき、身近にいる誰かから「いつもたいへんでしょう」「たまにはゆっくり休んでね」といったやさしい言葉をかけられたら、どんなにほっとするだろう。
Their wound up feelings would loosen, and just from that they might feel like half their exhaustion was gone.
張りつめた心がほぐれて、それだけでも疲れが半減する気がするかもしれない。
However, busy people are usually surrounded by people who are "busier," who can't stop to talk.
それなのに、忙しい人のまわりにいるのはたいてい“もっと忙しい人”なので、なかなかねぎらいの声をかけられない。
In my consultation room, one woman told me that when she returned from her busy workplace, she hurried to make dinner.
診察室である女性が、こんな話をしてくれた。多忙な職場で働くその女性は、家に帰ってから急いで食事の支度をする。
When her husband would get home at night, he would say things like, "What, today's another vegetable stirfry? Let me eat something more refreshing once in a while."
深夜近くなって帰宅する夫は、帰るなり「なんだ、今日も野菜炒めか。たまにはさっぱりしたものを食わせてくれよ」と料理に不満を述べる。
The woman would find herself snapping back with things like, "This morning you didn't throw out the garbage, did you!? Even though I asked several times."
すると女性も思わず、「今朝、ごみ出ししてくれなかったでしょ！ あんなに頼んだのに」ととがめてしまう。
"Actually, I want to say, 'you must be tired from your late work,' and I want to have the same said to me.
「本当は“遅くまでおつかれさま”と言いたいし、言ってほしい。
But I can't say it.
でも、言えないんです。
Instead we criticize each other's mistakes," she told me.
相手のミスを指摘し合ってしまうんです……」
When we're tired, instead of words like "thank you," we tend to want to say things like, "Why don't you do such-and-such?" or "Do more of such-and-such," complaining or demanding.
疲れていると、どうしても「ありがとう」「おつかれさま」より、「どうしてやってくれないの？」「もっとこうしてよ」と不満や要求を口にしたくなる。
This is the same for anybody, no matter how high their position or how clever they are.
これは、どんなに地位の高い人や賢い人でも同じなのだ。
However, during these times, I expect that anyone can stop themselves and ask whether that is what the other person wants to hear.
でも、そこで「ちょっと待てよ。相手はいまそんな言葉を言ってほしいかな」と立ち止まることは、誰にでもできるはず。
As soon as we see each other, rather than criticizing or complaining, we should first smile and say something nice.
顔を合わせたとたん、「だらしないわね」「こっちだってたいへんなんだ」とチクチクと身近な人を攻撃し合うのはやめて、まずはにっこり笑って「今日も一日おつかれさま」「こちらこそ、いつもありがとう」。
Some people may say, "I can't say something I don't feel," but isn't it OK even if it's an act?
「思ってもいないことは言えない」という人もいるかもしれないけれど、たとえ演技だっていいではないか。
When we give kind words, we start to feel true feelings of thanks.
ねぎらいの言葉をかけるうちに、「そうそう、今日も無事に帰ってきてくれただけでも、ありがたいわね」「この人のこと、大切にしなきゃな」と本当の感謝の思いも生まれてくるというものだ。
If there is something we want to complain about, the other person will later listen to us.
どうしても伝えたい不満があれば、その後なら相手も素直に「そうだよね」と聞いてくれるはずだ。
First, we should look in the mirror and practice saying "thank you." It's OK to start by putting on an act.
まずは、鏡の前で笑顔と「ありがとう」の練習を。最初は“芝居”から始めてもよいのだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年04月17日 地方版
2012/04/28
観光推進計画 日本の魅力を世界に売り込め
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 27, 2012)
Brainstorm to attract more tourists to Japan
観光推進計画 日本の魅力を世界に売り込め（4月26日付・読売社説）
We hope the government and the private sector will make concerted efforts to convey to the world the appeal of Japan as a tourist destination.
官民が一体となって、日本の観光の魅力を世界にアピールしたい。
For the first time in five years, the government has developed a new master plan to boost the nation's tourism. The new Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan contains various policy targets to be achieved over five years from fiscal 2012.
政府が、５年ぶりに新たな観光立国推進基本計画を策定した。２０１２年度から５年間の様々な政策目標を盛り込んでいる。
The number of foreign visitors to Japan--both tourists and businesspeople--reached a record 8.61 million in 2010, but the number plummeted to 6.22 million in 2011 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
旅行とビジネスを合わせた訪日外国人数は、１０年に過去最高の８６１万人を記録したが、東日本大震災や原発事故の影響で１１年には６２２万人へ急減した。
The numbers are alarming--the 2010 figure only ranked 30th in the world. In Asia, Japan lags far behind China, which recorded 55.66 million tourists in 2010, the third-largest number in the world. Japan also trails such countries as Singapore and South Korea.
外国人の受け入れ数は、１０年でさえ世界３０位にとどまる。アジアの中でも、３位の中国（５５６６万人）に大きく離され、シンガポールや韓国にも及ばない。
We believe attracting more tourists from Asia and other developing areas would contribute to reinvigorating local cities, towns and villages and help the nation rebuild from the March 11, 2011, disaster.
成長するアジアなどから旅行者を呼び込むことが、地域活性化や震災復興にもつながろう。
The new plan sets a goal of increasing the number of foreign visitors to Japan to 18 million by 2016, more than twice the number seen in 2010. It also expects peoples' annual spending while traveling within the country--including Japanese travelers--to grow from 25 trillion yen to 30 trillion yen. However, both goals are not easy to achieve.
１６年までに訪日外国人を１８００万人へ引き上げるのが基本計画の目標だが、ピーク時の２倍以上だ。国内旅行消費額も年間２５兆円から３０兆円への拡大を見込んでいる。いずれもハードルは高い。
===
Tell the world Japan is safe to visit
First of all, the government and the public sector need to actively convey information to the world to dispel the false idea that travel to Japan is dangerous.
まず、「日本は危険だ」とする風評被害の解消に向け、積極的な情報発信が肝要である。
Last week, the World Travel & Tourism Council held a summit meeting of industry leaders for the first time in Japan. More than 1,000 people, including officials of major U.S. and European companies and media figures, participated in the event.
世界旅行ツーリズム協議会の観光サミットが先週、日本で初めて開かれた。欧米の有力企業やメディア関係者ら１０００人以上が参加した大規模なイベントだ。
We urge the government to proactively campaign to hold more international meetings in Japan--which would bring together many foreigners with strong influence in their home countries--and thoroughly promote the safety of Japan at those gatherings.
政府は、発信力の高い外国人が大勢集まる各種の国際会議を積極的に誘致し、安心で安全な日本を十分ＰＲしてほしい。
A blog written by a Swiss man who reported on his recent walk across Japan has gained worldwide popularity. Such grassroots activities to introduce Japan have a major effect in publicizing the nation. It may be worthwhile for the government to encourage foreign students in Japan to convey the attractiveness and safety of the nation to people in their home countries.
徒歩で列島を縦断したスイス人男性が旅先の模様を連日ブログで世界に発信し、反響を呼んだ。
草の根のニッポン紹介は効果が大きい。在日留学生に母国へＰＲしてもらうことも一案だろう。
About 3-1/2 years have passed since the Tourism Agency celebrated its inauguration. However, it is difficult to say that the agency has fulfilled its role as the leader of the nation's tourism policies due to budget constraints and human resource shortages. It needs to clarify the division of roles between itself and the Japan National Tourism Organization, an independent administrative institution whose tourism promotion operations overlap those of the agency.
発足３年半になる観光庁は、低予算や人材不足で、司令塔として十分機能しているとは言い難い。国際観光の促進事業で重複する独立行政法人・日本政府観光局との役割分担を明確にすべきだ。
===
Prepare unique tourism plans
Of course, tourist destinations also need to rack their brains to find ways to make themselves more appealing. Measures to boost local tourism led by prefectural and municipal governments often end up creating duplicate facilities or hosting events similar to those already available elsewhere in the nation.
もちろん、観光地が自らの魅力を高める工夫や努力も必要である。市町村や都道府県が中心となる地方の観光振興は、似たような施設、イベントが多い。
If neighboring local governments could work hand in hand to create tourism areas that stretch beyond borders, it could increase the number of tourists who prefer to travel to a variety of tourism spots as well as increase the number of overnight tourists. Other efforts, such as selling special tickets allowing unlimited travel in certain areas and valid on different transportation systems, could also increase the number of tourists.
隣接自治体が広域連携して観光圏を作れば、周遊型や滞在型の観光客を増やせる。複数の交通機関で利用可能なフリーパスなども集客アップにつながるはずだ。
The Golden Week holiday period begins this weekend. We urge the tourism industry to make efforts to respond to the diversifying needs of tourists, such as developing the information infrastructure that would enable people to receive sightseeing information easily on their mobile phones and prepare experience-oriented tours combining various fields such as medical tourism, agriculture and sports.
大型連休がまもなく始まる。旅行業界には、旅行者が観光情報を携帯電話で手軽に入手できる情報インフラの整備、医療や農業、スポーツを組み込んだ体験型商品の開発など、多様化する観光ニーズを取り込む工夫を求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 26, 2012)
（2012年4月26日01時45分 読売新聞）
Brainstorm to attract more tourists to Japan
観光推進計画 日本の魅力を世界に売り込め（4月26日付・読売社説）
We hope the government and the private sector will make concerted efforts to convey to the world the appeal of Japan as a tourist destination.
官民が一体となって、日本の観光の魅力を世界にアピールしたい。
For the first time in five years, the government has developed a new master plan to boost the nation's tourism. The new Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan contains various policy targets to be achieved over five years from fiscal 2012.
政府が、５年ぶりに新たな観光立国推進基本計画を策定した。２０１２年度から５年間の様々な政策目標を盛り込んでいる。
The number of foreign visitors to Japan--both tourists and businesspeople--reached a record 8.61 million in 2010, but the number plummeted to 6.22 million in 2011 due to the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
旅行とビジネスを合わせた訪日外国人数は、１０年に過去最高の８６１万人を記録したが、東日本大震災や原発事故の影響で１１年には６２２万人へ急減した。
The numbers are alarming--the 2010 figure only ranked 30th in the world. In Asia, Japan lags far behind China, which recorded 55.66 million tourists in 2010, the third-largest number in the world. Japan also trails such countries as Singapore and South Korea.
外国人の受け入れ数は、１０年でさえ世界３０位にとどまる。アジアの中でも、３位の中国（５５６６万人）に大きく離され、シンガポールや韓国にも及ばない。
We believe attracting more tourists from Asia and other developing areas would contribute to reinvigorating local cities, towns and villages and help the nation rebuild from the March 11, 2011, disaster.
成長するアジアなどから旅行者を呼び込むことが、地域活性化や震災復興にもつながろう。
The new plan sets a goal of increasing the number of foreign visitors to Japan to 18 million by 2016, more than twice the number seen in 2010. It also expects peoples' annual spending while traveling within the country--including Japanese travelers--to grow from 25 trillion yen to 30 trillion yen. However, both goals are not easy to achieve.
１６年までに訪日外国人を１８００万人へ引き上げるのが基本計画の目標だが、ピーク時の２倍以上だ。国内旅行消費額も年間２５兆円から３０兆円への拡大を見込んでいる。いずれもハードルは高い。
===
Tell the world Japan is safe to visit
First of all, the government and the public sector need to actively convey information to the world to dispel the false idea that travel to Japan is dangerous.
まず、「日本は危険だ」とする風評被害の解消に向け、積極的な情報発信が肝要である。
Last week, the World Travel & Tourism Council held a summit meeting of industry leaders for the first time in Japan. More than 1,000 people, including officials of major U.S. and European companies and media figures, participated in the event.
世界旅行ツーリズム協議会の観光サミットが先週、日本で初めて開かれた。欧米の有力企業やメディア関係者ら１０００人以上が参加した大規模なイベントだ。
We urge the government to proactively campaign to hold more international meetings in Japan--which would bring together many foreigners with strong influence in their home countries--and thoroughly promote the safety of Japan at those gatherings.
政府は、発信力の高い外国人が大勢集まる各種の国際会議を積極的に誘致し、安心で安全な日本を十分ＰＲしてほしい。
A blog written by a Swiss man who reported on his recent walk across Japan has gained worldwide popularity. Such grassroots activities to introduce Japan have a major effect in publicizing the nation. It may be worthwhile for the government to encourage foreign students in Japan to convey the attractiveness and safety of the nation to people in their home countries.
徒歩で列島を縦断したスイス人男性が旅先の模様を連日ブログで世界に発信し、反響を呼んだ。
草の根のニッポン紹介は効果が大きい。在日留学生に母国へＰＲしてもらうことも一案だろう。
About 3-1/2 years have passed since the Tourism Agency celebrated its inauguration. However, it is difficult to say that the agency has fulfilled its role as the leader of the nation's tourism policies due to budget constraints and human resource shortages. It needs to clarify the division of roles between itself and the Japan National Tourism Organization, an independent administrative institution whose tourism promotion operations overlap those of the agency.
発足３年半になる観光庁は、低予算や人材不足で、司令塔として十分機能しているとは言い難い。国際観光の促進事業で重複する独立行政法人・日本政府観光局との役割分担を明確にすべきだ。
===
Prepare unique tourism plans
Of course, tourist destinations also need to rack their brains to find ways to make themselves more appealing. Measures to boost local tourism led by prefectural and municipal governments often end up creating duplicate facilities or hosting events similar to those already available elsewhere in the nation.
もちろん、観光地が自らの魅力を高める工夫や努力も必要である。市町村や都道府県が中心となる地方の観光振興は、似たような施設、イベントが多い。
If neighboring local governments could work hand in hand to create tourism areas that stretch beyond borders, it could increase the number of tourists who prefer to travel to a variety of tourism spots as well as increase the number of overnight tourists. Other efforts, such as selling special tickets allowing unlimited travel in certain areas and valid on different transportation systems, could also increase the number of tourists.
隣接自治体が広域連携して観光圏を作れば、周遊型や滞在型の観光客を増やせる。複数の交通機関で利用可能なフリーパスなども集客アップにつながるはずだ。
The Golden Week holiday period begins this weekend. We urge the tourism industry to make efforts to respond to the diversifying needs of tourists, such as developing the information infrastructure that would enable people to receive sightseeing information easily on their mobile phones and prepare experience-oriented tours combining various fields such as medical tourism, agriculture and sports.
大型連休がまもなく始まる。旅行業界には、旅行者が観光情報を携帯電話で手軽に入手できる情報インフラの整備、医療や農業、スポーツを組み込んだ体験型商品の開発など、多様化する観光ニーズを取り込む工夫を求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 26, 2012)
（2012年4月26日01時45分 読売新聞）
2012/04/27
仏大統領選 欧州危機の行方を占う決戦へ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 25, 2012)
French presidential race to decide European crisis
仏大統領選 欧州危機の行方を占う決戦へ（4月24日付・読売社説）
No winner was chosen in the first round of voting in the French presidential election. Incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, former first secretary of the French Socialist Party, will now battle it out in a runoff election on May 6.
仏大統領選は第１回投票で決着せず、サルコジ大統領と最大野党・社会党のオランド前第１書記が、５月６日の決選投票に臨むことになった。
In Sunday's election, 10 candidates ran for the presidency. Hollande led with about 29 percent of the vote, while conservative Sarkozy settled for second place with about 27 percent.
今回の大統領選には１０人が立候補し、１回目の投票で、オランド氏が得票率約２９％で首位となり、現職サルコジ氏は約２７％で２位に甘んじた。
According to the latest opinion polls, Hollande will defeat his rival in the runoff by about 10 percentage points. Sarkozy's reelection is in danger.
最新の仏世論調査でも、決選投票でオランド氏が１０ポイント前後の差で勝利するとの結果が出ている。サルコジ氏の再選には黄信号がともっていると言えよう。
The biggest campaign issue is economic policy. Since the jobless rate has reached 10 percent in France, voters are focusing their attention on an economic growth policy to expand job opportunities, rather than fiscal rehabilitation.
最大の争点は、経済政策だ。失業率が１０％に達する中、国民の関心は財政再建よりも、雇用優先の成長路線に集中している。
Results of the runoff election could strongly influence the future of the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, which is still unresolved. The judgment French voters hand down will have a very grave import on whether the eurozone crisis can be contained.
選挙の結果は、いまだに収束しない欧州債務危機の行方を左右しかねない。ユーロ圏の危機封じ込めへ、仏国民が下す審判は、極めて重い意味を持っている。
===
Criticism against austerity
Member countries of the European Union last year agreed to support a new treaty that obliges them to balance their budgets.
欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、債務危機の再発防止のため、各国に財政均衡を義務づける新条約で合意した。
Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel played central roles in securing the agreements.
とりまとめの中心的な役割を担ったのが、サルコジ大統領とメルケル独首相だ。
However, Hollande wants the treaty to be renegotiated, reflecting growing criticism within the country over austerity measures.
しかし、オランド氏は条約の再交渉を求めている。国内で高まる財政緊縮策批判が背景にある。
In the first round of the French election, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front, came in third place. Le Pen believes France should leave the eurozone. In the election campaign she expressed opposition to the EU treaty, which calls on member countries to enhance fiscal discipline.
第１回投票で３位につけた極右「国民戦線」のルペン党首は、ユーロ圏脱退が持論で、選挙戦でも財政規律強化を定めたＥＵ新条約に反対した。
Hollande will move closer to victory in the runoff if he succeeds in attracting the votes of people who supported Le Pen.
オランド氏が決選投票でルペン支持票を取り込んだ場合、勝利に大きく前進しよう。
If he wins, Hollande will not be able to avoid friction with the German government, and the main pillars of the countermeasures taken against the fiscal crisis, which have been led by Germany and France, will be shaken.
オランド氏が当選すれば、独政権との摩擦は避けられず、独仏が主導してきた危機対策の柱が揺らぎかねない。
The debt crisis in Greece has been contained for the time being, but uneasiness over Spain's credit is smoldering and business is experiencing a downturn in Europe. Austerity measures are unpopular in any country because they lead to a reduction of civil servants and an increase in the age of pension eligibility.
ギリシャ危機はひとまず抑え込んでいるものの、スペインの信用不安がくすぶり、欧州の景気は冷え込んでいる。財政緊縮路線は、公務員減らしや年金受給年齢の引き上げなどにつながり、どの国でも不人気をかこっている。
===
Future of nuclear power
We are concerned the fiscal crisis might reignite and the global economy may be negatively affected if France, the second-largest economy in the eurozone, changes course.
ユーロ圏内第２の経済大国フランスが路線を変更する事態になれば、危機を再燃させ、世界経済に悪影響が及ぶ懸念がある。
Japan also is interested in the future of France's energy policy.
日本の関心は、エネルギー政策の行方にもある。
Nuclear power was expected to be a campaign issue after Hollande initially pledged to reduce nuclear power generation, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of electricity production in France, to 50 percent by 2025.
当初、オランド氏が、消費電力の８割近い原子力発電について「２０２５年までに５０％に縮小する」という公約を掲げ、原子力政策が争点になると思われたからだ。
However, after criticism that this policy would lead to a decrease in job opportunities, Hollande stopped voicing this pledge loudly.
だが、「雇用減少につながる」と批判されるや、オランド氏は声高に主張するのをやめた。
We wonder if the basic policy of France, a country powered mainly by nuclear plants, will remain unchanged.
「原発大国」の基本路線に変わりはない、となるのかどうか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 24, 2012)
（2012年4月24日01時26分 読売新聞）
French presidential race to decide European crisis
仏大統領選 欧州危機の行方を占う決戦へ（4月24日付・読売社説）
No winner was chosen in the first round of voting in the French presidential election. Incumbent President Nicolas Sarkozy and Francois Hollande, former first secretary of the French Socialist Party, will now battle it out in a runoff election on May 6.
仏大統領選は第１回投票で決着せず、サルコジ大統領と最大野党・社会党のオランド前第１書記が、５月６日の決選投票に臨むことになった。
In Sunday's election, 10 candidates ran for the presidency. Hollande led with about 29 percent of the vote, while conservative Sarkozy settled for second place with about 27 percent.
今回の大統領選には１０人が立候補し、１回目の投票で、オランド氏が得票率約２９％で首位となり、現職サルコジ氏は約２７％で２位に甘んじた。
According to the latest opinion polls, Hollande will defeat his rival in the runoff by about 10 percentage points. Sarkozy's reelection is in danger.
最新の仏世論調査でも、決選投票でオランド氏が１０ポイント前後の差で勝利するとの結果が出ている。サルコジ氏の再選には黄信号がともっていると言えよう。
The biggest campaign issue is economic policy. Since the jobless rate has reached 10 percent in France, voters are focusing their attention on an economic growth policy to expand job opportunities, rather than fiscal rehabilitation.
最大の争点は、経済政策だ。失業率が１０％に達する中、国民の関心は財政再建よりも、雇用優先の成長路線に集中している。
Results of the runoff election could strongly influence the future of the sovereign debt crisis in Europe, which is still unresolved. The judgment French voters hand down will have a very grave import on whether the eurozone crisis can be contained.
選挙の結果は、いまだに収束しない欧州債務危機の行方を左右しかねない。ユーロ圏の危機封じ込めへ、仏国民が下す審判は、極めて重い意味を持っている。
===
Criticism against austerity
Member countries of the European Union last year agreed to support a new treaty that obliges them to balance their budgets.
欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、債務危機の再発防止のため、各国に財政均衡を義務づける新条約で合意した。
Sarkozy and German Chancellor Angela Merkel played central roles in securing the agreements.
とりまとめの中心的な役割を担ったのが、サルコジ大統領とメルケル独首相だ。
However, Hollande wants the treaty to be renegotiated, reflecting growing criticism within the country over austerity measures.
しかし、オランド氏は条約の再交渉を求めている。国内で高まる財政緊縮策批判が背景にある。
In the first round of the French election, Marine Le Pen, leader of the far-right National Front, came in third place. Le Pen believes France should leave the eurozone. In the election campaign she expressed opposition to the EU treaty, which calls on member countries to enhance fiscal discipline.
第１回投票で３位につけた極右「国民戦線」のルペン党首は、ユーロ圏脱退が持論で、選挙戦でも財政規律強化を定めたＥＵ新条約に反対した。
Hollande will move closer to victory in the runoff if he succeeds in attracting the votes of people who supported Le Pen.
オランド氏が決選投票でルペン支持票を取り込んだ場合、勝利に大きく前進しよう。
If he wins, Hollande will not be able to avoid friction with the German government, and the main pillars of the countermeasures taken against the fiscal crisis, which have been led by Germany and France, will be shaken.
オランド氏が当選すれば、独政権との摩擦は避けられず、独仏が主導してきた危機対策の柱が揺らぎかねない。
The debt crisis in Greece has been contained for the time being, but uneasiness over Spain's credit is smoldering and business is experiencing a downturn in Europe. Austerity measures are unpopular in any country because they lead to a reduction of civil servants and an increase in the age of pension eligibility.
ギリシャ危機はひとまず抑え込んでいるものの、スペインの信用不安がくすぶり、欧州の景気は冷え込んでいる。財政緊縮路線は、公務員減らしや年金受給年齢の引き上げなどにつながり、どの国でも不人気をかこっている。
===
Future of nuclear power
We are concerned the fiscal crisis might reignite and the global economy may be negatively affected if France, the second-largest economy in the eurozone, changes course.
ユーロ圏内第２の経済大国フランスが路線を変更する事態になれば、危機を再燃させ、世界経済に悪影響が及ぶ懸念がある。
Japan also is interested in the future of France's energy policy.
日本の関心は、エネルギー政策の行方にもある。
Nuclear power was expected to be a campaign issue after Hollande initially pledged to reduce nuclear power generation, which accounts for nearly 80 percent of electricity production in France, to 50 percent by 2025.
当初、オランド氏が、消費電力の８割近い原子力発電について「２０２５年までに５０％に縮小する」という公約を掲げ、原子力政策が争点になると思われたからだ。
However, after criticism that this policy would lead to a decrease in job opportunities, Hollande stopped voicing this pledge loudly.
だが、「雇用減少につながる」と批判されるや、オランド氏は声高に主張するのをやめた。
We wonder if the basic policy of France, a country powered mainly by nuclear plants, will remain unchanged.
「原発大国」の基本路線に変わりはない、となるのかどうか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 24, 2012)
（2012年4月24日01時26分 読売新聞）
2012/04/26
Ｇ２０共同声明 ＩＭＦ増強は前進だが課題も
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 23, 2012)
Boost of IMF's lending power significant, but stay vigilant
Ｇ２０共同声明 ＩＭＦ増強は前進だが課題も（4月22日付・読売社説）
The world has moved a step closer to containing the European debt crisis, as the Group of 20 major economic powers worked harmoniously to reinforce the financial foundations of the International Monetary Fund.
欧州危機の封じ込めに向け、国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）の資金基盤の強化で足並みをそろえたのは前進である。
The G-20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors has concluded in Washington after adopting a joint statement. Traditional economic powers such as Japan, the United States and Germany participated in the meeting along with China and other emerging countries.
日米欧と中国などの新興国が参加し、ワシントンで開かれた主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議は共同声明を採択した。
The statement referred to global commitments to increase the IMF's lending resources--the meeting's focus of discussion--by over 430 billion dollars (about 35 trillion yen), achieved through international cooperation including efforts by Japan.
焦点だったＩＭＦ融資枠について、日本などが協力し、４３００億ドル（約３５兆円）超の拡大にメドを付けたと言及している。
The increase will double the amount the IMF can loan to countries in financial crisis. The
G-20 economic powers have finally succeeded in forming a united front against the eurozone debt crisis after being urged by markets to do so for a long time.
これでＩＭＦが財政危機国などに融資できる枠が倍増する。市場に促されていたＧ２０が、なんとか結束を示したと言えるだろう。
Apart from the IMF, Europe also has prepared its own funds to provide loans to such countries. Altogether, the safety net to prevent the debt crisis from spreading will top 110 trillion yen. We hope the reinforcement of the safety net will help stabilize markets.
震源地の欧州による自前の融資枠と合わせて、危機拡大に備えた安全網は１１０兆円を超える規模に膨らむ。市場安定に寄与することが期待される。
===
Japan took lead role
It is worthy to note that Japan led discussions at the G-20 meeting. At the beginning of this year, Europe announced it would provide 200 billion dollars to the IMF, but other nations had been reluctant to follow suit. However, just days ahead of the G-20 meeting, Japan announced it would provide 60 billion dollars to the IMF, ahead of other nations.
Ｇ２０の議論を主導したのは、日本だった。欧州が今年初め、自ら２０００億ドルの拠出を表明した後も、各国は対応を留保していたが、日本がＧ２０の直前、６００億ドルの拠出を真っ先に表明した。
The announcement primed the pump and a number of nations, including Nordic countries and Britain, promised to provide money to the IMF. In the end, Brazil, China, India and Russia--nations that had taken a cautious stance--promised to cooperate, without disclosing the amounts they would provide.
それが呼び水になり、北欧諸国や英国などが次々と拠出を表明した。慎重だった中国、インド、ブラジル、ロシアも金額を明示せずに協力に応じた。
It is regrettable that the United States, the IMF's largest contributor, declined to provide money to the institution, noting an increase in its budget deficit. However, it was significant for the IMF to increase its lending resources to 430 billion dollars, almost accomplishing the goal it set in January of securing 500 billion dollars.
財政赤字拡大を理由に、ＩＭＦへの最大出資国の米国が今回、拠出を見送ったのは残念だが、ＩＭＦが１月に掲げた５０００億ドルの目標に近い融資枠の増強が実現する意義は大きい。
However, the European debt crisis has yet to be resolved and is still a threat to the global economy.
しかし、問題は、欧州危機が完全に払拭されていないことだ。
The IMF statement said the possibility of the world economy plunging into a severe crisis has begun to recede after peaking a few months ago, but warned that "downside risks still persist." We share this concern.
共同声明が、「数か月前に世界経済が直面した深刻な危機に陥るリスクは後退し始めているが、悪化に転じるリスクはなお根強い」と警戒したのは、もっともだ。
===
Worries on Spain
Credit uncertainty is still smoldering in Spain, raising the nation's bond yields. If Spain's financial crisis worsens, it may reignite crises in Italy and Greece, and the whole region could flare up once again.
欧州では、スペインの信用不安がくすぶり、国債利回りが上昇している。スペインの財政危機が深刻化すれば、イタリアやギリシャに飛び火し、欧州の危機が再燃しかねない。
The French presidential election and Greek general election will soon take place. The results may endanger the framework of measures established to combat the region's debt crisis.
フランス大統領選とギリシャの総選挙を控え、結果次第では、これまでに作り上げた危機対策の枠組みが揺らぐ恐れもある。
The European economy is expected to contract this year. If eurozone nations become keen to implement austerity measures, this could further slow down the economy. The economic slowdown would curb tax revenues, resulting in deterioration of fiscal conditions. Such a vicious cycle has become a real possibility.
欧州経済は今年、マイナス成長が見込まれる。各国が緊縮財政に走ると、景気が失速し、税収も伸びず、財政が悪化する悪循環が現実味を帯びている。
The G-20 economies should warn eurozone economies not to lower their guard, and demand they steadily implement fiscal reforms and revive their economies.
Ｇ２０は欧州に対し、今回の合意に気を緩めず、財政改革と経済再生の着実な実施を迫るべきだ。
In addition to the European debt crisis, the world economy also faces the difficult problem of surging oil prices. The G-20 economies should not forget they are being tested on whether they can unite further to contain the crisis.
世界経済は、欧州問題だけでなく、原油高の難題も抱える。Ｇ２０の一層の結束が問われている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 22, 2012)
（2012年4月22日01時50分 読売新聞）
Boost of IMF's lending power significant, but stay vigilant
Ｇ２０共同声明 ＩＭＦ増強は前進だが課題も（4月22日付・読売社説）
The world has moved a step closer to containing the European debt crisis, as the Group of 20 major economic powers worked harmoniously to reinforce the financial foundations of the International Monetary Fund.
欧州危機の封じ込めに向け、国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）の資金基盤の強化で足並みをそろえたのは前進である。
The G-20 meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors has concluded in Washington after adopting a joint statement. Traditional economic powers such as Japan, the United States and Germany participated in the meeting along with China and other emerging countries.
日米欧と中国などの新興国が参加し、ワシントンで開かれた主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議は共同声明を採択した。
The statement referred to global commitments to increase the IMF's lending resources--the meeting's focus of discussion--by over 430 billion dollars (about 35 trillion yen), achieved through international cooperation including efforts by Japan.
焦点だったＩＭＦ融資枠について、日本などが協力し、４３００億ドル（約３５兆円）超の拡大にメドを付けたと言及している。
The increase will double the amount the IMF can loan to countries in financial crisis. The
G-20 economic powers have finally succeeded in forming a united front against the eurozone debt crisis after being urged by markets to do so for a long time.
これでＩＭＦが財政危機国などに融資できる枠が倍増する。市場に促されていたＧ２０が、なんとか結束を示したと言えるだろう。
Apart from the IMF, Europe also has prepared its own funds to provide loans to such countries. Altogether, the safety net to prevent the debt crisis from spreading will top 110 trillion yen. We hope the reinforcement of the safety net will help stabilize markets.
震源地の欧州による自前の融資枠と合わせて、危機拡大に備えた安全網は１１０兆円を超える規模に膨らむ。市場安定に寄与することが期待される。
===
Japan took lead role
It is worthy to note that Japan led discussions at the G-20 meeting. At the beginning of this year, Europe announced it would provide 200 billion dollars to the IMF, but other nations had been reluctant to follow suit. However, just days ahead of the G-20 meeting, Japan announced it would provide 60 billion dollars to the IMF, ahead of other nations.
Ｇ２０の議論を主導したのは、日本だった。欧州が今年初め、自ら２０００億ドルの拠出を表明した後も、各国は対応を留保していたが、日本がＧ２０の直前、６００億ドルの拠出を真っ先に表明した。
The announcement primed the pump and a number of nations, including Nordic countries and Britain, promised to provide money to the IMF. In the end, Brazil, China, India and Russia--nations that had taken a cautious stance--promised to cooperate, without disclosing the amounts they would provide.
それが呼び水になり、北欧諸国や英国などが次々と拠出を表明した。慎重だった中国、インド、ブラジル、ロシアも金額を明示せずに協力に応じた。
It is regrettable that the United States, the IMF's largest contributor, declined to provide money to the institution, noting an increase in its budget deficit. However, it was significant for the IMF to increase its lending resources to 430 billion dollars, almost accomplishing the goal it set in January of securing 500 billion dollars.
財政赤字拡大を理由に、ＩＭＦへの最大出資国の米国が今回、拠出を見送ったのは残念だが、ＩＭＦが１月に掲げた５０００億ドルの目標に近い融資枠の増強が実現する意義は大きい。
However, the European debt crisis has yet to be resolved and is still a threat to the global economy.
しかし、問題は、欧州危機が完全に払拭されていないことだ。
The IMF statement said the possibility of the world economy plunging into a severe crisis has begun to recede after peaking a few months ago, but warned that "downside risks still persist." We share this concern.
共同声明が、「数か月前に世界経済が直面した深刻な危機に陥るリスクは後退し始めているが、悪化に転じるリスクはなお根強い」と警戒したのは、もっともだ。
===
Worries on Spain
Credit uncertainty is still smoldering in Spain, raising the nation's bond yields. If Spain's financial crisis worsens, it may reignite crises in Italy and Greece, and the whole region could flare up once again.
欧州では、スペインの信用不安がくすぶり、国債利回りが上昇している。スペインの財政危機が深刻化すれば、イタリアやギリシャに飛び火し、欧州の危機が再燃しかねない。
The French presidential election and Greek general election will soon take place. The results may endanger the framework of measures established to combat the region's debt crisis.
フランス大統領選とギリシャの総選挙を控え、結果次第では、これまでに作り上げた危機対策の枠組みが揺らぐ恐れもある。
The European economy is expected to contract this year. If eurozone nations become keen to implement austerity measures, this could further slow down the economy. The economic slowdown would curb tax revenues, resulting in deterioration of fiscal conditions. Such a vicious cycle has become a real possibility.
欧州経済は今年、マイナス成長が見込まれる。各国が緊縮財政に走ると、景気が失速し、税収も伸びず、財政が悪化する悪循環が現実味を帯びている。
The G-20 economies should warn eurozone economies not to lower their guard, and demand they steadily implement fiscal reforms and revive their economies.
Ｇ２０は欧州に対し、今回の合意に気を緩めず、財政改革と経済再生の着実な実施を迫るべきだ。
In addition to the European debt crisis, the world economy also faces the difficult problem of surging oil prices. The G-20 economies should not forget they are being tested on whether they can unite further to contain the crisis.
世界経済は、欧州問題だけでなく、原油高の難題も抱える。Ｇ２０の一層の結束が問われている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 22, 2012)
（2012年4月22日01時50分 読売新聞）
2012/04/25
原発再稼働問題 自民党は傍観すべきではない
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 24, 2012)
LDP mustn't be bystander in talks on restarting reactors
原発再稼働問題 自民党は傍観すべきではない（4月23日付・読売社説）
Both the ruling and opposition parties share the same agenda on energy--avoiding a power crisis.
電力危機の回避は与野党共通の課題である。
The main opposition Liberal Democratic Party promoted the country's nuclear power policy for many years, so it is extremely hard to understand why the party has placed all the responsibility on the current government, as if it is someone else's problem. We believe the opposition should proactively help the government restart the country's nuclear reactors.
長年原子力政策を進めてきた自民党が、政府に全ての責任を押しつけ、他人事(ひとごと)のような態度を取るのは理解しがたい。原発の再稼働に向け、政府を積極的に側面支援すべきではないか。
In a recent speech, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki called for public understanding on the need to restart nuclear reactors. "Unless we reactivate the suspended nuclear reactors, it will lead to a number of problems, including disruption of the Japanese economy," he said.
自民党の谷垣総裁は講演で、「再稼働を行わなければ、日本経済の混乱やいろいろな不都合が起こる」と述べ、原発再稼働の必要性に理解を求めた。
The LDP's special committee on comprehensive energy policy clearly stated in an interim report the party would promote the resumption of the nuclear reactors "on the precondition that their safety is fully ensured and local residents' understanding and approval are obtained."
自民党の総合エネルギー政策特命委員会がまとめた中間報告でも「万全な安全確保と地元住民の理解・納得を前提」に、再稼働を推進すると明記した。
Nevertheless, the party is slow in helping reactivate the reactors.
にもかかわらず、再稼働に向けた自民党の動きは鈍い。
===
Foundation of energy system
Past LDP-led governments insisted nuclear power is essential for Japan, a country with scarce natural resources. In 1974, under the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, three laws were enacted, primarily aimed at promoting the construction of nuclear power plants by extending financial assistance to local governments hosting the plants, thereby laying the foundation of the country's energy system.
歴代の自民党政権は、資源に乏しい日本に原発は不可欠である、としてきた。田中内閣は１９７４年、原発の地元を財政支援する電源３法を成立させ、今日のエネルギー体制の基盤を築いた。
Fukui Prefecture is home to a number of nuclear power plants, including the Oi nuclear power plant operated by Kansai Electric Power Co., which has two reactors the central government wants to restart soon. The LDP maintains a strong influence in the prefecture as it holds all three of its seats in the House of Representatives' single-seat constituencies.
当面の再稼働の対象である関西電力大飯原発を始め、原発が集中する福井県では、自民党が衆院の３小選挙区の議席を独占するなど影響力を保っている。
The largest opposition party has made a number of proposals to the government regarding measures to reconstruct the country from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The party should in a similar manner present constructive opinions to help the government restart nuclear reactors. It is essential for the party to show consistency in its policies.
自民党は、東日本大震災の復興策で政府に様々な提言をしてきたように、原発問題でも再稼働を後押しする建設的な意見を提示してはどうか。自民党の政策の一貫性を示すことが肝要である。
The LDP's stance also is unsatisfactory with regard to both mid- and long-term nuclear power policies.
中長期の原発政策についても、自民党の姿勢は物足りない。
In its draft pledges for the next lower house election, the party effectively put off a decision on nuclear power by saying nationwide discussions should be held over a 10-year period. The party was unable to present a clear direction on the issue because some party members are critical of nuclear power.
次期衆院選公約の原案では「１０年で国民的議論」と、結論を先送りした。原発に批判的な議員を党内に抱え、方向性を打ち出すことができなかったためだ。
===
Realistic policies needed
Although we would like expanded use of renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power, there are no clear prospects of this. As LDP Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara has pointed out, it will be necessary not only to decommission aging nuclear reactors but also to replace them with more reliable models.
太陽光や風力など、再生可能エネルギーの拡大を期待したいが、確かな展望があるわけではない。石原幹事長が指摘する通り、古い原発を廃炉にするだけでなく、より信頼性の高い新型に置き換えていくことも必要だろう。
Tanigaki should exert his leadership in drawing up realistic energy policies, including how to utilize nuclear power.
谷垣総裁は原発の活用を含む、現実的なエネルギー政策の策定に指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
On the other hand, the Democratic Party of Japan, working in unison with the government, should proceed with the reactivation of nuclear reactors.
一方、民主党も、政府と一体となって原発の再稼働を推進しなければならない。
At the same time as the government is seeking Fukui Prefecture's cooperation in restarting the Oi plant's reactors, Yoshito Sengoku, acting chairman of the DPJ Policy Research Committee, met with local Diet members and assembly members of the party.
政府が大飯原発の再稼働へ福井県の協力を求めたのに合わせ、仙谷由人政調会長代行も地元議員らとの会合を開いた。
He stated in no uncertain terms that a political decision would be unavoidable regarding resumption of the nuclear reactors given the expected impact on companies' production and people's livelihood if they remained idle.
企業の生産活動や国民生活を踏まえ、「原発の再稼働に向けて政治決断せざるを得ない」と言明した。
To obtain understanding from local governments and residents concerned, the DPJ should abandon its irresponsible policy of ending the country's dependence on nuclear power.
地元から理解を得るためにも、民主党は、無責任な「脱原発」路線と決別するのが筋である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 23, 2012)
（2012年4月23日01時14分 読売新聞）
LDP mustn't be bystander in talks on restarting reactors
原発再稼働問題 自民党は傍観すべきではない（4月23日付・読売社説）
Both the ruling and opposition parties share the same agenda on energy--avoiding a power crisis.
電力危機の回避は与野党共通の課題である。
The main opposition Liberal Democratic Party promoted the country's nuclear power policy for many years, so it is extremely hard to understand why the party has placed all the responsibility on the current government, as if it is someone else's problem. We believe the opposition should proactively help the government restart the country's nuclear reactors.
長年原子力政策を進めてきた自民党が、政府に全ての責任を押しつけ、他人事(ひとごと)のような態度を取るのは理解しがたい。原発の再稼働に向け、政府を積極的に側面支援すべきではないか。
In a recent speech, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki called for public understanding on the need to restart nuclear reactors. "Unless we reactivate the suspended nuclear reactors, it will lead to a number of problems, including disruption of the Japanese economy," he said.
自民党の谷垣総裁は講演で、「再稼働を行わなければ、日本経済の混乱やいろいろな不都合が起こる」と述べ、原発再稼働の必要性に理解を求めた。
The LDP's special committee on comprehensive energy policy clearly stated in an interim report the party would promote the resumption of the nuclear reactors "on the precondition that their safety is fully ensured and local residents' understanding and approval are obtained."
自民党の総合エネルギー政策特命委員会がまとめた中間報告でも「万全な安全確保と地元住民の理解・納得を前提」に、再稼働を推進すると明記した。
Nevertheless, the party is slow in helping reactivate the reactors.
にもかかわらず、再稼働に向けた自民党の動きは鈍い。
===
Foundation of energy system
Past LDP-led governments insisted nuclear power is essential for Japan, a country with scarce natural resources. In 1974, under the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Kakuei Tanaka, three laws were enacted, primarily aimed at promoting the construction of nuclear power plants by extending financial assistance to local governments hosting the plants, thereby laying the foundation of the country's energy system.
歴代の自民党政権は、資源に乏しい日本に原発は不可欠である、としてきた。田中内閣は１９７４年、原発の地元を財政支援する電源３法を成立させ、今日のエネルギー体制の基盤を築いた。
Fukui Prefecture is home to a number of nuclear power plants, including the Oi nuclear power plant operated by Kansai Electric Power Co., which has two reactors the central government wants to restart soon. The LDP maintains a strong influence in the prefecture as it holds all three of its seats in the House of Representatives' single-seat constituencies.
当面の再稼働の対象である関西電力大飯原発を始め、原発が集中する福井県では、自民党が衆院の３小選挙区の議席を独占するなど影響力を保っている。
The largest opposition party has made a number of proposals to the government regarding measures to reconstruct the country from the Great East Japan Earthquake. The party should in a similar manner present constructive opinions to help the government restart nuclear reactors. It is essential for the party to show consistency in its policies.
自民党は、東日本大震災の復興策で政府に様々な提言をしてきたように、原発問題でも再稼働を後押しする建設的な意見を提示してはどうか。自民党の政策の一貫性を示すことが肝要である。
The LDP's stance also is unsatisfactory with regard to both mid- and long-term nuclear power policies.
中長期の原発政策についても、自民党の姿勢は物足りない。
In its draft pledges for the next lower house election, the party effectively put off a decision on nuclear power by saying nationwide discussions should be held over a 10-year period. The party was unable to present a clear direction on the issue because some party members are critical of nuclear power.
次期衆院選公約の原案では「１０年で国民的議論」と、結論を先送りした。原発に批判的な議員を党内に抱え、方向性を打ち出すことができなかったためだ。
===
Realistic policies needed
Although we would like expanded use of renewable energy resources, such as solar and wind power, there are no clear prospects of this. As LDP Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara has pointed out, it will be necessary not only to decommission aging nuclear reactors but also to replace them with more reliable models.
太陽光や風力など、再生可能エネルギーの拡大を期待したいが、確かな展望があるわけではない。石原幹事長が指摘する通り、古い原発を廃炉にするだけでなく、より信頼性の高い新型に置き換えていくことも必要だろう。
Tanigaki should exert his leadership in drawing up realistic energy policies, including how to utilize nuclear power.
谷垣総裁は原発の活用を含む、現実的なエネルギー政策の策定に指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
On the other hand, the Democratic Party of Japan, working in unison with the government, should proceed with the reactivation of nuclear reactors.
一方、民主党も、政府と一体となって原発の再稼働を推進しなければならない。
At the same time as the government is seeking Fukui Prefecture's cooperation in restarting the Oi plant's reactors, Yoshito Sengoku, acting chairman of the DPJ Policy Research Committee, met with local Diet members and assembly members of the party.
政府が大飯原発の再稼働へ福井県の協力を求めたのに合わせ、仙谷由人政調会長代行も地元議員らとの会合を開いた。
He stated in no uncertain terms that a political decision would be unavoidable regarding resumption of the nuclear reactors given the expected impact on companies' production and people's livelihood if they remained idle.
企業の生産活動や国民生活を踏まえ、「原発の再稼働に向けて政治決断せざるを得ない」と言明した。
To obtain understanding from local governments and residents concerned, the DPJ should abandon its irresponsible policy of ending the country's dependence on nuclear power.
地元から理解を得るためにも、民主党は、無責任な「脱原発」路線と決別するのが筋である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 23, 2012)
（2012年4月23日01時14分 読売新聞）
2012/04/24
ミャンマー支援 民主化と市場経済に生かせ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 23, 2012)
Back Myanmar's democracy, economic reforms
ミャンマー支援 民主化と市場経済に生かせ（4月22日付・読売社説）
In throwing its support behind Myanmar's democratic transition, Japan deserves high marks for embarking on full-fledged development assistance to the Southeast Asian country ahead of the United States and European nations.
民主化を後押しするため、日本が欧米に先駆けて本格支援に乗り出したのは評価できる。
We hope this will be the start of stronger relations between Japan and Myanmar, which is in its democratic infancy.
新生ミャンマーとの関係を強化する出発点としたい。
President Thein Sein of Myanmar met Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Tokyo on Saturday during a visit that included participation in a six-way meeting with the leaders of four other Mekong Basin countries--Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
ミャンマーのテイン・セイン大統領が日本とメコン川流域５か国との首脳会議に合わせて来日し、野田首相と会談した。
In his meeting with Thein Sein, Noda said Japan would resume low-interest, long-term yen loans that have been suspended since the 1988 military crackdown on Myanmar's pro-democracy demonstrations. Resumption of Japan's development loans to Myanmar will add impetus to upgrading the country's large-scale infrastructure, such as roads and ports.
首相は、１９８８年の軍事クーデターで停止した円借款を再開する方針を表明した。道路や港湾など大型インフラの整備へ弾みがつくだろう。
Myanmar's nascent democracy is on the threshold of being put to the test.
ミャンマーの民主化の真価が問われるのは、これからである。
In parliamentary by-elections on April 1, Myanmar's opposition party, the National League for Democracy, led by democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, won a landslide victory.
４月１日の議会補選で、民主化運動指導者のアウン・サン・スー・チー氏ら、野党・国民民主連盟（ＮＬＤ）が圧勝した。
===
Watch out for conservatives
In spite of their crushing defeat, the ruling party and the country's military still hold 80 percent of the seats in the legislature.
完敗したとはいえ、与党と軍は議席の８割を占める。
Can the parliament play its role in fully pressing ahead with political and economic reforms? A popular verdict on this question will be handed down in the general election scheduled for 2015.
政治・経済の改革推進へ、国会は機能を十分に果たせるのか。２０１５年の総選挙で国民の審判が下される。
What is of utmost concern is that those with vested interests, centering around conservatives in Myanmar's armed forces who are unhappy with the democratic reforms, might maneuver to oust Thein Sein.
懸念されるのは、改革に不満な軍保守派など既得権益層が大統領の失脚を画策する事態だ。
Another cause of concern is that Suu Kyi and other NLD members may be prevented from taking their seats in the parliament. This is because the NLD, which wants the country's pro-military Constitution revised, opposes having its members sworn in as parliamentarians by taking an oath to "safeguard the Constitution."
憲法改正を訴えるＮＬＤが「憲法順守」の宣誓に反発し、スー・チー氏らが国会に登院できなくなりそうな状況も新たな不安材料である。
Meanwhile, the United States and European Union have been moving toward easing their sanctions on Myanmar.
欧米諸国は相次いで経済制裁緩和に動き出した。
The U.S. administration of President Barack Obama has announced its plans to gradually ease some of its sanctions. Last week, Washington relaxed financial restrictions on nongovernmental organizations' humanitarian and developmental assistance for Myanmar. The EU also will soon discuss the suspension of some Myanmar sanctions.
米国は、段階的制裁解除を進めている。民間活動団体（ＮＧＯ）のミャンマー向け人道・開発支援に対する金融規制解除は一例だ。欧州連合（ＥＵ）も近く、制裁停止の是非を協議する。
During military rule, Myanmar's diplomacy was dependent almost completely on China. Now the country is set to improve relations with Japan as well as the United States and European nations.
軍政時代に中国一辺倒だったミャンマーの外交は、日本や欧米との関係改善で幅を広げつつある。
===
Cooperation with Thailand
For Japan, the United States and European countries, consolidating relations with a nation of strategic pivotal importance that links Southeast Asia and South Asia is essential to counter China's growing influence.
日本や欧米にとっても、東南アジアと南アジアを結ぶ戦略的要衝国との関係強化は、膨張する中国をけん制する上で必要だ。
Human resources needed to carry out Myanmar's democratic reforms and organize the market economy are seriously lacking.
ミャンマーでは、民主化や市場経済体制の整備などに取り組む人材の不足が深刻化している。
Japan should extend a helping hand to Myanmar in a wide range of fields. Among them are development of younger-generation bureaucratic personnel, cooperation in creating a securities exchange, improving the livelihood of minority ethnic groups and enhancing agricultural skills.
日本が若手官僚の人材育成や証券取引市場育成への協力、少数民族の生活支援や農業技術向上など多方面で支援するのは妥当だ。
From the viewpoint of tapping Asia's growth potential to assist Japan's economic resuscitation, it also is extremely important to deepen relations with such Mekong Basin countries as Thailand and Vietnam.
日本にとって、アジアの成長を取り込み、経済再生につなげる上でも、メコン川流域のタイやベトナムなどと関係を深める意義は大きい。
One idea might be for Japanese businesses to cooperate with Thailand in investing in Myanmar, as Thailand has a strong influence over the new democracy.
日本企業が、ミャンマーに影響力をもつタイと連携して、投資を行うのも一案だろう。
It is worth noting that Japan, in the six-way summit, proposed a three-year cooperation plan for such purposes as improving infrastructure in the Mekong Basin.
日本が首脳会議で、メコン川流域のインフラ整備などを支援する今後３年間の新たな協力計画を表明したことは重要だ。
Japan's public and private sectors must use all means possible to ensure the envisioned cooperation can be achieved effectively.
効果的な支援をめぐって、今後、官民挙げて知恵を絞らなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 22, 2012)
（2012年4月22日01時50分 読売新聞）
Back Myanmar's democracy, economic reforms
ミャンマー支援 民主化と市場経済に生かせ（4月22日付・読売社説）
In throwing its support behind Myanmar's democratic transition, Japan deserves high marks for embarking on full-fledged development assistance to the Southeast Asian country ahead of the United States and European nations.
民主化を後押しするため、日本が欧米に先駆けて本格支援に乗り出したのは評価できる。
We hope this will be the start of stronger relations between Japan and Myanmar, which is in its democratic infancy.
新生ミャンマーとの関係を強化する出発点としたい。
President Thein Sein of Myanmar met Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Tokyo on Saturday during a visit that included participation in a six-way meeting with the leaders of four other Mekong Basin countries--Cambodia, Thailand, Laos and Vietnam.
ミャンマーのテイン・セイン大統領が日本とメコン川流域５か国との首脳会議に合わせて来日し、野田首相と会談した。
In his meeting with Thein Sein, Noda said Japan would resume low-interest, long-term yen loans that have been suspended since the 1988 military crackdown on Myanmar's pro-democracy demonstrations. Resumption of Japan's development loans to Myanmar will add impetus to upgrading the country's large-scale infrastructure, such as roads and ports.
首相は、１９８８年の軍事クーデターで停止した円借款を再開する方針を表明した。道路や港湾など大型インフラの整備へ弾みがつくだろう。
Myanmar's nascent democracy is on the threshold of being put to the test.
ミャンマーの民主化の真価が問われるのは、これからである。
In parliamentary by-elections on April 1, Myanmar's opposition party, the National League for Democracy, led by democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi, won a landslide victory.
４月１日の議会補選で、民主化運動指導者のアウン・サン・スー・チー氏ら、野党・国民民主連盟（ＮＬＤ）が圧勝した。
===
Watch out for conservatives
In spite of their crushing defeat, the ruling party and the country's military still hold 80 percent of the seats in the legislature.
完敗したとはいえ、与党と軍は議席の８割を占める。
Can the parliament play its role in fully pressing ahead with political and economic reforms? A popular verdict on this question will be handed down in the general election scheduled for 2015.
政治・経済の改革推進へ、国会は機能を十分に果たせるのか。２０１５年の総選挙で国民の審判が下される。
What is of utmost concern is that those with vested interests, centering around conservatives in Myanmar's armed forces who are unhappy with the democratic reforms, might maneuver to oust Thein Sein.
懸念されるのは、改革に不満な軍保守派など既得権益層が大統領の失脚を画策する事態だ。
Another cause of concern is that Suu Kyi and other NLD members may be prevented from taking their seats in the parliament. This is because the NLD, which wants the country's pro-military Constitution revised, opposes having its members sworn in as parliamentarians by taking an oath to "safeguard the Constitution."
憲法改正を訴えるＮＬＤが「憲法順守」の宣誓に反発し、スー・チー氏らが国会に登院できなくなりそうな状況も新たな不安材料である。
Meanwhile, the United States and European Union have been moving toward easing their sanctions on Myanmar.
欧米諸国は相次いで経済制裁緩和に動き出した。
The U.S. administration of President Barack Obama has announced its plans to gradually ease some of its sanctions. Last week, Washington relaxed financial restrictions on nongovernmental organizations' humanitarian and developmental assistance for Myanmar. The EU also will soon discuss the suspension of some Myanmar sanctions.
米国は、段階的制裁解除を進めている。民間活動団体（ＮＧＯ）のミャンマー向け人道・開発支援に対する金融規制解除は一例だ。欧州連合（ＥＵ）も近く、制裁停止の是非を協議する。
During military rule, Myanmar's diplomacy was dependent almost completely on China. Now the country is set to improve relations with Japan as well as the United States and European nations.
軍政時代に中国一辺倒だったミャンマーの外交は、日本や欧米との関係改善で幅を広げつつある。
===
Cooperation with Thailand
For Japan, the United States and European countries, consolidating relations with a nation of strategic pivotal importance that links Southeast Asia and South Asia is essential to counter China's growing influence.
日本や欧米にとっても、東南アジアと南アジアを結ぶ戦略的要衝国との関係強化は、膨張する中国をけん制する上で必要だ。
Human resources needed to carry out Myanmar's democratic reforms and organize the market economy are seriously lacking.
ミャンマーでは、民主化や市場経済体制の整備などに取り組む人材の不足が深刻化している。
Japan should extend a helping hand to Myanmar in a wide range of fields. Among them are development of younger-generation bureaucratic personnel, cooperation in creating a securities exchange, improving the livelihood of minority ethnic groups and enhancing agricultural skills.
日本が若手官僚の人材育成や証券取引市場育成への協力、少数民族の生活支援や農業技術向上など多方面で支援するのは妥当だ。
From the viewpoint of tapping Asia's growth potential to assist Japan's economic resuscitation, it also is extremely important to deepen relations with such Mekong Basin countries as Thailand and Vietnam.
日本にとって、アジアの成長を取り込み、経済再生につなげる上でも、メコン川流域のタイやベトナムなどと関係を深める意義は大きい。
One idea might be for Japanese businesses to cooperate with Thailand in investing in Myanmar, as Thailand has a strong influence over the new democracy.
日本企業が、ミャンマーに影響力をもつタイと連携して、投資を行うのも一案だろう。
It is worth noting that Japan, in the six-way summit, proposed a three-year cooperation plan for such purposes as improving infrastructure in the Mekong Basin.
日本が首脳会議で、メコン川流域のインフラ整備などを支援する今後３年間の新たな協力計画を表明したことは重要だ。
Japan's public and private sectors must use all means possible to ensure the envisioned cooperation can be achieved effectively.
効果的な支援をめぐって、今後、官民挙げて知恵を絞らなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 22, 2012)
（2012年4月22日01時50分 読売新聞）
2012/04/23
２閣僚問責可決 自民の審議拒否は無理がある
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 22, 2012)
LDP's boycott of Diet deliberations unreasonable
２閣僚問責可決 自民の審議拒否は無理がある（4月21日付・読売社説）
The House of Councillors passed censure motions against Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Takeshi Maeda and Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka by majority votes at its plenary session on Friday.
前田国土交通相と田中防衛相に対する問責決議が、参院本会議で野党の賛成多数により可決された。
This raised to six the total number of Cabinet ministers censured in the 2-1/2 years since the Democratic Party of Japan took power.
民主党政権になってから２年半、問責された閣僚は６人にのぼる。
Even if adopted, a censure motion in the upper house has no legally binding power, unlike no-confidence motions in the House of Representatives. Under the banner of the nonbinding censure motions, however, the opposition parties are demanding Maeda and Tanaka be replaced.
衆院の不信任決議と違って、参院の問責決議には法的拘束力がない。それなのに、野党は錦の御旗のようにして閣僚交代を迫る。
Such a malady, which is possible only in a divided Diet, should be rooted out.
衆参ねじれ国会を背景にした、こんな悪弊は断ち切るべきである。
The attitude of the Liberal Democratic Party is particularly problematic. The main opposition party has said it will boycott all deliberations until Maeda and Tanaka resign.
とくに問題なのは自民党だ。前田、田中両氏が辞任するまで全面的に審議を拒否するという。
The LDP apparently expects Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to agree to Maeda and Tanaka's dismissal, since he seeks the party's cooperation in enacting the bill to raise the consumption tax rate.
自民党は、野田首相が消費税率引き上げ関連法案で自民党に協力を求めている以上、両氏の更迭に応じると踏んでいるのだろう。
While in power, however, the LDP criticized opposition parties that boycotted Diet deliberations as "walking out on lawmakers' jobs." Has the LDP forgotten what it said?
だが、自民党は政権の座にあった時には、「審議拒否は国会議員の職場放棄」と野党を批判していた。その言葉を忘れたのか。
===
Futile conflict
It would not be so serious if the LDP boycotted deliberations at the final stage of the Diet session. However, the session is still only halfway completed and has a mountain of important bills to deliberate. Even some members of the party, including former LDP Secretary General Makoto Koga, have voiced doubt over the decision to boycott deliberations.
国会終盤ならまだしも、重要法案の山積する会期半ばである。古賀誠元幹事長ら党内からも審議拒否を疑問視する声が出ている。
New Komeito said it would boycott deliberations only at committees that Maeda and Tanaka have jurisdiction over. The opposition parties' failure to move in step with one another shows the LDP's decision to boycott all Diet deliberations is unreasonable.
公明党は、審議拒否を前田、田中両氏が所管する委員会にとどめる。野党の足並みの乱れを見ても、自民党の全面審議拒否に無理があるのは明らかだ。
In the past, the DPJ took advantage of censure motions many times. Even if the LDP returns to power in the next lower house election, it and Komeito still will not have a majority of seats at the upper house. The DPJ will likely take revenge in the same fashion. Such a futile conflict should not be repeated.
問責決議は、かつて民主党も多用した。仮に自民党が次期衆院選で政権を奪還した場合、参院では公明党を含めても過半数はない。民主党は意趣返ししよう。不毛な争いを繰り返すべきではない。
The prime minister has expressed his intention to keep Maeda and Tanaka at their posts. Noda apparently believes the LDP will have no choice but to return to deliberations if public criticism mounts against their boycott. It is like an endurance contest.
野田首相は、前田、田中両氏を続投させる意向を示している。審議拒否への批判が高まれば、自民党も審議に復帰せざるを得なくなる、との読みもあるのだろう。まさに「我慢比べ」の様相だ。
===
Maeda, Tanaka problematic
However, it is undeniable there are serious problems with Maeda and Tanaka.
ただ、両氏に大きな問題があることは否定できまい。
Maeda signed a document calling for support of a particular candidate in the mayoral election in Gero, Gifu Prefecture, and sent it in an official envelope to a senior member of a local association of construction companies.
前田氏は岐阜県下呂市長選で、特定の立候補予定者への支援を依頼する署名入り文書を建設業協会幹部に公用封筒で送っていた。
The censure motion against him claimed Maeda should not stay at his post because his action violated the Public Offices Election Law, which prohibits preelection campaigning as well as using the influence of one's official position in an election.
問責決議は、この行為を地位利用や事前運動を禁じた公職選挙法に抵触するとし、閣僚にとどまるべきではない、と断じた。
Meanwhile, the censure motion against Tanaka referred to turmoil caused by the government's response to North Korea's ballistic missile launch as "a fiasco that cannot be overlooked."
田中氏に関しては、北朝鮮のミサイル発射に対する対処の混乱を「看過できない失態」とした。
It also said Tanaka is "not nearly qualified" to be defense minster because he has made many mistakes, including his unprofessional responses to questions at the Diet.
素人丸出しの国会答弁など、数々の不手際もあって、防衛相として「資質が著しく欠ける」とも批判している。
It is imperative to hold Noda responsible for appointing Tanaka to the post.
野田首相は、任命責任を問われても仕方がない。
Tanaka is the second censured defense minister in the Noda Cabinet, following Yasuo Ichikawa. Noda has been too naive in his choice of ministers in charge of national security.
野田政権で防衛相への問責は一川保夫氏に続いて２人目だ。安全保障を担う閣僚の人事について、首相の認識は甘過ぎる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 21, 2012)
（2012年4月21日01時41分 読売新聞）
LDP's boycott of Diet deliberations unreasonable
２閣僚問責可決 自民の審議拒否は無理がある（4月21日付・読売社説）
The House of Councillors passed censure motions against Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Takeshi Maeda and Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka by majority votes at its plenary session on Friday.
前田国土交通相と田中防衛相に対する問責決議が、参院本会議で野党の賛成多数により可決された。
This raised to six the total number of Cabinet ministers censured in the 2-1/2 years since the Democratic Party of Japan took power.
民主党政権になってから２年半、問責された閣僚は６人にのぼる。
Even if adopted, a censure motion in the upper house has no legally binding power, unlike no-confidence motions in the House of Representatives. Under the banner of the nonbinding censure motions, however, the opposition parties are demanding Maeda and Tanaka be replaced.
衆院の不信任決議と違って、参院の問責決議には法的拘束力がない。それなのに、野党は錦の御旗のようにして閣僚交代を迫る。
Such a malady, which is possible only in a divided Diet, should be rooted out.
衆参ねじれ国会を背景にした、こんな悪弊は断ち切るべきである。
The attitude of the Liberal Democratic Party is particularly problematic. The main opposition party has said it will boycott all deliberations until Maeda and Tanaka resign.
とくに問題なのは自民党だ。前田、田中両氏が辞任するまで全面的に審議を拒否するという。
The LDP apparently expects Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to agree to Maeda and Tanaka's dismissal, since he seeks the party's cooperation in enacting the bill to raise the consumption tax rate.
自民党は、野田首相が消費税率引き上げ関連法案で自民党に協力を求めている以上、両氏の更迭に応じると踏んでいるのだろう。
While in power, however, the LDP criticized opposition parties that boycotted Diet deliberations as "walking out on lawmakers' jobs." Has the LDP forgotten what it said?
だが、自民党は政権の座にあった時には、「審議拒否は国会議員の職場放棄」と野党を批判していた。その言葉を忘れたのか。
===
Futile conflict
It would not be so serious if the LDP boycotted deliberations at the final stage of the Diet session. However, the session is still only halfway completed and has a mountain of important bills to deliberate. Even some members of the party, including former LDP Secretary General Makoto Koga, have voiced doubt over the decision to boycott deliberations.
国会終盤ならまだしも、重要法案の山積する会期半ばである。古賀誠元幹事長ら党内からも審議拒否を疑問視する声が出ている。
New Komeito said it would boycott deliberations only at committees that Maeda and Tanaka have jurisdiction over. The opposition parties' failure to move in step with one another shows the LDP's decision to boycott all Diet deliberations is unreasonable.
公明党は、審議拒否を前田、田中両氏が所管する委員会にとどめる。野党の足並みの乱れを見ても、自民党の全面審議拒否に無理があるのは明らかだ。
In the past, the DPJ took advantage of censure motions many times. Even if the LDP returns to power in the next lower house election, it and Komeito still will not have a majority of seats at the upper house. The DPJ will likely take revenge in the same fashion. Such a futile conflict should not be repeated.
問責決議は、かつて民主党も多用した。仮に自民党が次期衆院選で政権を奪還した場合、参院では公明党を含めても過半数はない。民主党は意趣返ししよう。不毛な争いを繰り返すべきではない。
The prime minister has expressed his intention to keep Maeda and Tanaka at their posts. Noda apparently believes the LDP will have no choice but to return to deliberations if public criticism mounts against their boycott. It is like an endurance contest.
野田首相は、前田、田中両氏を続投させる意向を示している。審議拒否への批判が高まれば、自民党も審議に復帰せざるを得なくなる、との読みもあるのだろう。まさに「我慢比べ」の様相だ。
===
Maeda, Tanaka problematic
However, it is undeniable there are serious problems with Maeda and Tanaka.
ただ、両氏に大きな問題があることは否定できまい。
Maeda signed a document calling for support of a particular candidate in the mayoral election in Gero, Gifu Prefecture, and sent it in an official envelope to a senior member of a local association of construction companies.
前田氏は岐阜県下呂市長選で、特定の立候補予定者への支援を依頼する署名入り文書を建設業協会幹部に公用封筒で送っていた。
The censure motion against him claimed Maeda should not stay at his post because his action violated the Public Offices Election Law, which prohibits preelection campaigning as well as using the influence of one's official position in an election.
問責決議は、この行為を地位利用や事前運動を禁じた公職選挙法に抵触するとし、閣僚にとどまるべきではない、と断じた。
Meanwhile, the censure motion against Tanaka referred to turmoil caused by the government's response to North Korea's ballistic missile launch as "a fiasco that cannot be overlooked."
田中氏に関しては、北朝鮮のミサイル発射に対する対処の混乱を「看過できない失態」とした。
It also said Tanaka is "not nearly qualified" to be defense minster because he has made many mistakes, including his unprofessional responses to questions at the Diet.
素人丸出しの国会答弁など、数々の不手際もあって、防衛相として「資質が著しく欠ける」とも批判している。
It is imperative to hold Noda responsible for appointing Tanaka to the post.
野田首相は、任命責任を問われても仕方がない。
Tanaka is the second censured defense minister in the Noda Cabinet, following Yasuo Ichikawa. Noda has been too naive in his choice of ministers in charge of national security.
野田政権で防衛相への問責は一川保夫氏に続いて２人目だ。安全保障を担う閣僚の人事について、首相の認識は甘過ぎる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 21, 2012)
（2012年4月21日01時41分 読売新聞）
2012/04/22
地震想定見直し 首都の減災対策強化を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 21, 2012)
Tokyo's disaster management plans need urgent upgrade
地震想定見直し 首都の減災対策強化を急げ（4月20日付・読売社説）
The current disaster management system for Tokyo, which experts say is at risk of being struck by a major earthquake, needs to be drastically reviewed.
大地震の危険性が指摘されてきた首都・東京の防災体制を抜本的に見直す必要がある。
In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Tokyo metropolitan government updated its estimates of the damage a major quake would cause for the first time in six years.
東日本大震災を受け、東京都が地震被害想定を６年ぶりに更新した。
If a quake with its focus in northern Tokyo Bay strikes the metropolitan area, the estimated damage could cause a great number of deaths and injuries. New damage estimates show that 300,000 buildings--about 10 percent of all buildings in Tokyo--could be destroyed by the quake or resulting fires, and about 9,700 people could be killed in the disaster.
直下型の東京湾北部地震が起きると、人的被害は最悪となる。都内の建物の約１割に相当する３０万棟が全壊・焼失して、約９７００人が死亡すると予測している。
The newly estimated death toll is about 1.5 times higher than the previous estimate of about 6,400. The predicted casualties are expected to be enormous.
前回想定した死者数は約６４００人だったが、約１・５倍に膨れ上がった。甚大な被害である。
Such alarming figures have come to light as the latest seismology research predicts strong quakes could occur in an area about 1.5 times greater than previously thought. If the predicted quake occurs in this area, about 70 percent of Tokyo's 23 wards could be struck by tremors registering upper 6 or higher on the Japanese seismic intensity scale. As some areas could be hit by tremors of the highest intensity level of 7, even reinforced concrete buildings could be destroyed or damaged.
地震学の最新研究で、強い揺れが予想される地域が約１・５倍に広がったことが深刻な数字につながった。２３区内の７割は震度６強以上で揺れる。震度７の地域もあり、鉄筋コンクリート製の建物さえ全壊するものがある。
Although the quake- and fire-resistance of buildings has improved, many buildings are expected to collapse and fires are predicted to break out particularly in areas of the 23 wards with high concentrations of wooden houses.
住宅の耐震・耐火性は向上しているが、とりわけ、２３区内の木造住宅密集地域で倒壊、火災の多発が予測されている。
Earlier this fiscal year, the metropolitan government introduced a program that will require residents of certain areas to make their houses fire-resistant. It intends to designate areas subject to the program as early as this summer.
都は、今年度から、こうした地域で耐火住宅への建て替えを強制的に進める制度を設けた。今夏にも、対象地区を選定する。
The metropolitan government must steadily make preparations to reduce damage from the predicted quake.
被害を減らせるよう、着実に取り組まねばならない。
===
Steps for those stranded urged
In the event of such a quake, about 3.39 million people could be forced to take shelter, mainly because their houses or apartments are badly damaged. The figure is about 10 times higher than the number of evacuees in the Great East Japan Earthquake. The new estimates also predict about 5.17 million people, such as workers in Tokyo, may be unable to return home.
自宅の被災などによる避難者も約３３９万人にのぼる。東日本大震災の約１０倍だ。都内の企業で働く会社員ら約５１７万人が帰宅困難になるとも推計している。
To help people unable to return home, the metropolitan government last month enacted an ordinance calling on companies to store three days' worth of food and water that can be used in the event of a disaster. We hope companies will reliably comply with the ordinance. The metropolitan government should also increase cooperation with other entities, such as public transportation companies, lodging facilities and convenience stores.
帰宅困難者対策について、都は３月、企業に３日分の水、食料の備蓄を求める条例を制定した。確実に履行してもらいたい。交通機関や宿泊施設、コンビニなどとの協力も強化すべきだ。
We also urge the metropolitan government to consider measures to assist shoppers and tourists who are in central Tokyo at the time of a disaster.
都心を訪れる買い物客や観光客の支援も検討しておきたい。
The metropolitan government intends to work out new local disaster management plans--on which specific measures will be based--by September. With the aim of dependably minimizing damage from the quake, it must compile adequate plans.
都は、９月までに対策の基本となる新たな地域防災計画を策定する。確実な減災を目指して計画をまとめねばならない。
===
Specific preparations are vital
Many factors are difficult to predict when estimating quake damage for a major city.
大都市での地震では、被害想定が困難なものも多い。
In the latest review, the metropolitan government simply listed the possible intensity of tremors in different areas. But it needs to be ready for more contingencies such as preparing for rescue and relief efforts in case community halls and other facilities, where many people gather, collapse. If a tsunami occurs in Tokyo Bay, ships could cause serious fires after being washed ashore.
今回の見直しでは発生の可能性が列挙されているだけだが、例えば多数が集まるホールなどの倒壊に備えた救助・救援対策を事前に講じておく必要がある。東京湾で津波が起きれば、船舶が流され大規模な火災も起こり得る。
High-rise buildings in central Tokyo may suffer damage from long-period ground motion, which would cause them to sway slowly and severely.
都心の高層ビルでは、ゆっくり大きく揺れる長周期地震動による被害があるかもしれない。
The central government also plans to draw up damage estimates for the entire Tokyo metropolitan area this winter. How can the nation maintain the operation of key government bodies, companies' headquarters and freight centers?
政府も今冬、首都圏全域の被害想定をまとめる。首都圏に集中する政府中枢、企業の本社、物流の拠点を、どう維持するか。
We hope the government will take all possible measures, including coordinated steps with Osaka and other major cities, to prevent Japan's political system and economy from being paralyzed.
日本の政治、経済をマヒさせないよう、大阪など主要都市との協力も視野に、万全を期したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 20, 2012)
（2012年4月20日01時26分 読売新聞）
Tokyo's disaster management plans need urgent upgrade
地震想定見直し 首都の減災対策強化を急げ（4月20日付・読売社説）
The current disaster management system for Tokyo, which experts say is at risk of being struck by a major earthquake, needs to be drastically reviewed.
大地震の危険性が指摘されてきた首都・東京の防災体制を抜本的に見直す必要がある。
In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Tokyo metropolitan government updated its estimates of the damage a major quake would cause for the first time in six years.
東日本大震災を受け、東京都が地震被害想定を６年ぶりに更新した。
If a quake with its focus in northern Tokyo Bay strikes the metropolitan area, the estimated damage could cause a great number of deaths and injuries. New damage estimates show that 300,000 buildings--about 10 percent of all buildings in Tokyo--could be destroyed by the quake or resulting fires, and about 9,700 people could be killed in the disaster.
直下型の東京湾北部地震が起きると、人的被害は最悪となる。都内の建物の約１割に相当する３０万棟が全壊・焼失して、約９７００人が死亡すると予測している。
The newly estimated death toll is about 1.5 times higher than the previous estimate of about 6,400. The predicted casualties are expected to be enormous.
前回想定した死者数は約６４００人だったが、約１・５倍に膨れ上がった。甚大な被害である。
Such alarming figures have come to light as the latest seismology research predicts strong quakes could occur in an area about 1.5 times greater than previously thought. If the predicted quake occurs in this area, about 70 percent of Tokyo's 23 wards could be struck by tremors registering upper 6 or higher on the Japanese seismic intensity scale. As some areas could be hit by tremors of the highest intensity level of 7, even reinforced concrete buildings could be destroyed or damaged.
地震学の最新研究で、強い揺れが予想される地域が約１・５倍に広がったことが深刻な数字につながった。２３区内の７割は震度６強以上で揺れる。震度７の地域もあり、鉄筋コンクリート製の建物さえ全壊するものがある。
Although the quake- and fire-resistance of buildings has improved, many buildings are expected to collapse and fires are predicted to break out particularly in areas of the 23 wards with high concentrations of wooden houses.
住宅の耐震・耐火性は向上しているが、とりわけ、２３区内の木造住宅密集地域で倒壊、火災の多発が予測されている。
Earlier this fiscal year, the metropolitan government introduced a program that will require residents of certain areas to make their houses fire-resistant. It intends to designate areas subject to the program as early as this summer.
都は、今年度から、こうした地域で耐火住宅への建て替えを強制的に進める制度を設けた。今夏にも、対象地区を選定する。
The metropolitan government must steadily make preparations to reduce damage from the predicted quake.
被害を減らせるよう、着実に取り組まねばならない。
===
Steps for those stranded urged
In the event of such a quake, about 3.39 million people could be forced to take shelter, mainly because their houses or apartments are badly damaged. The figure is about 10 times higher than the number of evacuees in the Great East Japan Earthquake. The new estimates also predict about 5.17 million people, such as workers in Tokyo, may be unable to return home.
自宅の被災などによる避難者も約３３９万人にのぼる。東日本大震災の約１０倍だ。都内の企業で働く会社員ら約５１７万人が帰宅困難になるとも推計している。
To help people unable to return home, the metropolitan government last month enacted an ordinance calling on companies to store three days' worth of food and water that can be used in the event of a disaster. We hope companies will reliably comply with the ordinance. The metropolitan government should also increase cooperation with other entities, such as public transportation companies, lodging facilities and convenience stores.
帰宅困難者対策について、都は３月、企業に３日分の水、食料の備蓄を求める条例を制定した。確実に履行してもらいたい。交通機関や宿泊施設、コンビニなどとの協力も強化すべきだ。
We also urge the metropolitan government to consider measures to assist shoppers and tourists who are in central Tokyo at the time of a disaster.
都心を訪れる買い物客や観光客の支援も検討しておきたい。
The metropolitan government intends to work out new local disaster management plans--on which specific measures will be based--by September. With the aim of dependably minimizing damage from the quake, it must compile adequate plans.
都は、９月までに対策の基本となる新たな地域防災計画を策定する。確実な減災を目指して計画をまとめねばならない。
===
Specific preparations are vital
Many factors are difficult to predict when estimating quake damage for a major city.
大都市での地震では、被害想定が困難なものも多い。
In the latest review, the metropolitan government simply listed the possible intensity of tremors in different areas. But it needs to be ready for more contingencies such as preparing for rescue and relief efforts in case community halls and other facilities, where many people gather, collapse. If a tsunami occurs in Tokyo Bay, ships could cause serious fires after being washed ashore.
今回の見直しでは発生の可能性が列挙されているだけだが、例えば多数が集まるホールなどの倒壊に備えた救助・救援対策を事前に講じておく必要がある。東京湾で津波が起きれば、船舶が流され大規模な火災も起こり得る。
High-rise buildings in central Tokyo may suffer damage from long-period ground motion, which would cause them to sway slowly and severely.
都心の高層ビルでは、ゆっくり大きく揺れる長周期地震動による被害があるかもしれない。
The central government also plans to draw up damage estimates for the entire Tokyo metropolitan area this winter. How can the nation maintain the operation of key government bodies, companies' headquarters and freight centers?
政府も今冬、首都圏全域の被害想定をまとめる。首都圏に集中する政府中枢、企業の本社、物流の拠点を、どう維持するか。
We hope the government will take all possible measures, including coordinated steps with Osaka and other major cities, to prevent Japan's political system and economy from being paralyzed.
日本の政治、経済をマヒさせないよう、大阪など主要都市との協力も視野に、万全を期したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 20, 2012)
（2012年4月20日01時26分 読売新聞）
2012/04/21
石原氏尖閣発言 領土保全に国も関与すべきだ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 20, 2012)
Govt should be involved in guarding territorial integrity
石原氏尖閣発言 領土保全に国も関与すべきだ（4月19日付・読売社説）
Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara has announced in a speech during his visit to the United States that the Tokyo metropolitan government plans to purchase some of the Senkaku Islands in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture.
沖縄県石垣市にある尖閣諸島を東京都が買い上げる。そんな計画を、石原慎太郎知事が訪米中に講演で明らかにした。
In response to Ishihara's announcement, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda referred to the possibility that the central government might move to possess the islets in place of the metropolitan government, saying it "will confirm the true intention of the owner [of the islets] and discuss the matter from every angle."
これを受けて、野田首相は国会で「所有者の真意を確認し、あらゆる検討をする」と述べ、都に代わって国が保有する可能性に言及した。
Ishihara, who has said, "Tokyo will protect the Senkaku Islands," raised an important question as to how the country's territorial integrity should be maintained. His intention is probably to encourage the Democratic Party of Japan-led government, which has little interest in territorial issues, to change its attitude on the matter.
「東京が尖閣諸島を守る」という石原氏が、国の領土保全のあり方に重要な一石を投じたと言える。石原氏には、領土問題への関心が薄い民主党政権に意識改革を促す意図もあるのだろう。
The Senkaku Islands were incorporated into Japanese territory during the Meiji era (1868-1912). The government sold most of the islands to an individual 80 years ago.
尖閣諸島は明治時代、日本の領土に編入された。政府はその大半を８０年前に個人に払い下げた。
The owner of the islets has changed due to inheritance and transfers. Owners have been approached by many people who want to buy the islands.
相続や譲渡によって所有者が交代したり、複数の購入話が地権者側に持ち込まれたりしたという。
===
Private ownership unstable
If the metropolitan government purchases the islands, they will no longer be under individual ownership, which tends to be unstable.
都が購入すれば不安定になりがちな個人所有から抜け出せる。
According to Ishihara, the metropolitan government plans to purchase three of the Senkaku Islands, including Uotsurijima island. The metropolitan government and the owner have already reached a broad agreement on the sale, and negotiations have entered the final stage.
石原氏によると、購入の対象は尖閣諸島の魚釣島など３島で、都と地権者は既に大筋合意し、詰めの交渉を進めている。
Soliciting donations is one possibility to collect the money to buy the islets, but much of the cost is expected to be covered by taxes paid by Tokyo residents. However, there are high hurdles to clear before Ishihara's plan can be realized, including obtaining approval from the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.
購入資金は、寄付を募る案もあるが、多くは都民の税金で賄うと見られる。購入の前提となる都議会の承認など、石原氏の構想実現には高いハードルもある。
One important point is to develop a system to stably maintain and conserve the Senkaku Islands over the long term.
肝心なのは、尖閣諸島を長期間、安定的に維持、保全できる体制を整えることである。
The government leased the Senkaku Islands from the owners in 2002, in a bid to make it easier for the government to regulate Japanese people's landing on the islands without permission and illegal landings by foreigners.
政府は２００２年、尖閣諸島を地権者から借り上げた。日本人の無許可上陸や外国人の不法上陸を規制しやすくするためだ。
Even if the metropolitan government buys the islands, it is the central government that has the diplomatic and defense authority necessary to maintain Japanese territory. As long as there is expected to be friction between China and the metropolitan government over the sale of the islands, the central government should get involved in the matter.
都が購入するとしても、領土保全に必要な外交・防衛の権限を持っているのは政府だ。中国などとのトラブルが想定される以上、やはり政府が関与すべきだろう。
The central and metropolitan governments must closely discuss the matter and conduct the necessary coordination. One idea could be to have discussions between the central and metropolitan governments and the owner of the three islets.
政府と都は今後、緊密に協議、連携しなければならない。地権者側を交えた３者で話し合いを進めるのも一案ではないか。
===
China's claims unreasonable
The Chinese government has objected to Ishihara's announcements, saying, "All unilateral measures by Japan are illegal and invalid." However, China's claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands is unreasonable in terms of the history of the Senkakus and international law.
中国政府は石原氏の発言に「日本のいかなる一方的措置も違法、無効である」と反発している。だが、中国の領有権の主張には歴史的にも国際法上も無理がある。
A Chinese patrol vessel entered Japanese territorial waters near the islands last month. China's repeated provocations are a problem.
尖閣諸島を巡っては、中国の巡視船が先月、日本の領海に侵入した。中国側の挑発的な行為が続いているのは問題だ。
The Japanese government needs to improve the Japan Coast Guard's monitoring system, such as by deploying large patrol vessels in waters off the Senkaku Islands.
日本政府は、大型の巡視船を尖閣周辺海域に配備するなど、海上保安庁の監視体制の拡充を図る必要がある。
A bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law that would allow JCG officers to clamp down on crimes, including illegal landings by foreigners, on remote islands such as the Senkaku Islands has already been submitted to the Diet. The ruling and opposition parties should enact the bill at an early date.
尖閣諸島のような離島で、海上保安官が、外国人の不法上陸などの犯罪を取り締まることを認める海上保安庁法改正案は、すでに国会に提出されている。与野党は早期に成立させるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 19, 2012)
（2012年4月19日01時12分 読売新聞）
Govt should be involved in guarding territorial integrity
石原氏尖閣発言 領土保全に国も関与すべきだ（4月19日付・読売社説）
Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara has announced in a speech during his visit to the United States that the Tokyo metropolitan government plans to purchase some of the Senkaku Islands in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture.
沖縄県石垣市にある尖閣諸島を東京都が買い上げる。そんな計画を、石原慎太郎知事が訪米中に講演で明らかにした。
In response to Ishihara's announcement, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda referred to the possibility that the central government might move to possess the islets in place of the metropolitan government, saying it "will confirm the true intention of the owner [of the islets] and discuss the matter from every angle."
これを受けて、野田首相は国会で「所有者の真意を確認し、あらゆる検討をする」と述べ、都に代わって国が保有する可能性に言及した。
Ishihara, who has said, "Tokyo will protect the Senkaku Islands," raised an important question as to how the country's territorial integrity should be maintained. His intention is probably to encourage the Democratic Party of Japan-led government, which has little interest in territorial issues, to change its attitude on the matter.
「東京が尖閣諸島を守る」という石原氏が、国の領土保全のあり方に重要な一石を投じたと言える。石原氏には、領土問題への関心が薄い民主党政権に意識改革を促す意図もあるのだろう。
The Senkaku Islands were incorporated into Japanese territory during the Meiji era (1868-1912). The government sold most of the islands to an individual 80 years ago.
尖閣諸島は明治時代、日本の領土に編入された。政府はその大半を８０年前に個人に払い下げた。
The owner of the islets has changed due to inheritance and transfers. Owners have been approached by many people who want to buy the islands.
相続や譲渡によって所有者が交代したり、複数の購入話が地権者側に持ち込まれたりしたという。
===
Private ownership unstable
If the metropolitan government purchases the islands, they will no longer be under individual ownership, which tends to be unstable.
都が購入すれば不安定になりがちな個人所有から抜け出せる。
According to Ishihara, the metropolitan government plans to purchase three of the Senkaku Islands, including Uotsurijima island. The metropolitan government and the owner have already reached a broad agreement on the sale, and negotiations have entered the final stage.
石原氏によると、購入の対象は尖閣諸島の魚釣島など３島で、都と地権者は既に大筋合意し、詰めの交渉を進めている。
Soliciting donations is one possibility to collect the money to buy the islets, but much of the cost is expected to be covered by taxes paid by Tokyo residents. However, there are high hurdles to clear before Ishihara's plan can be realized, including obtaining approval from the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly.
購入資金は、寄付を募る案もあるが、多くは都民の税金で賄うと見られる。購入の前提となる都議会の承認など、石原氏の構想実現には高いハードルもある。
One important point is to develop a system to stably maintain and conserve the Senkaku Islands over the long term.
肝心なのは、尖閣諸島を長期間、安定的に維持、保全できる体制を整えることである。
The government leased the Senkaku Islands from the owners in 2002, in a bid to make it easier for the government to regulate Japanese people's landing on the islands without permission and illegal landings by foreigners.
政府は２００２年、尖閣諸島を地権者から借り上げた。日本人の無許可上陸や外国人の不法上陸を規制しやすくするためだ。
Even if the metropolitan government buys the islands, it is the central government that has the diplomatic and defense authority necessary to maintain Japanese territory. As long as there is expected to be friction between China and the metropolitan government over the sale of the islands, the central government should get involved in the matter.
都が購入するとしても、領土保全に必要な外交・防衛の権限を持っているのは政府だ。中国などとのトラブルが想定される以上、やはり政府が関与すべきだろう。
The central and metropolitan governments must closely discuss the matter and conduct the necessary coordination. One idea could be to have discussions between the central and metropolitan governments and the owner of the three islets.
政府と都は今後、緊密に協議、連携しなければならない。地権者側を交えた３者で話し合いを進めるのも一案ではないか。
===
China's claims unreasonable
The Chinese government has objected to Ishihara's announcements, saying, "All unilateral measures by Japan are illegal and invalid." However, China's claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands is unreasonable in terms of the history of the Senkakus and international law.
中国政府は石原氏の発言に「日本のいかなる一方的措置も違法、無効である」と反発している。だが、中国の領有権の主張には歴史的にも国際法上も無理がある。
A Chinese patrol vessel entered Japanese territorial waters near the islands last month. China's repeated provocations are a problem.
尖閣諸島を巡っては、中国の巡視船が先月、日本の領海に侵入した。中国側の挑発的な行為が続いているのは問題だ。
The Japanese government needs to improve the Japan Coast Guard's monitoring system, such as by deploying large patrol vessels in waters off the Senkaku Islands.
日本政府は、大型の巡視船を尖閣周辺海域に配備するなど、海上保安庁の監視体制の拡充を図る必要がある。
A bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law that would allow JCG officers to clamp down on crimes, including illegal landings by foreigners, on remote islands such as the Senkaku Islands has already been submitted to the Diet. The ruling and opposition parties should enact the bill at an early date.
尖閣諸島のような離島で、海上保安官が、外国人の不法上陸などの犯罪を取り締まることを認める海上保安庁法改正案は、すでに国会に提出されている。与野党は早期に成立させるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 19, 2012)
（2012年4月19日01時12分 読売新聞）
2012/04/20
人民元改革 着実な切り上げで安定成長を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 19, 2012)
China must revalue yuan to attain stable growth
人民元改革 着実な切り上げで安定成長を（4月18日付・読売社説）
China has expanded the yuan's trading band for the first time in five years. Yet, it must continue to steadily revalue its currency to help stabilize its economy.
中国が人民元相場の変動幅を５年ぶりに拡大した。
着実に人民元を上昇させ、中国経済の安定に役立てるべきだ。
From Monday, the People's Bank of China allowed the yuan to fluctuate by 1 percent above and below the rate set daily by the bank, double the previous 0.5 percent.
中国人民銀行は今週、元の対ドル相場が１日に変動できる幅について、毎日決める基準値の上下１％幅に倍増した。
China's effort to give its currency more flexibility so it can fluctuate more actively is reasonable.
これまでより相場が動きやすくなるよう、中国が元の柔軟化を目指すことは妥当だ。
Beijing expanded the band of yuan's fluctuations apparently because of mounting pressure from Washington, which has been saddled with a huge trade deficit with China. In the United States, where a presidential election will be held in November, criticism has been growing stronger that China is keeping its currency at unduly low levels.
変動幅を拡大した理由は、巨額の対中貿易赤字を抱える米国が圧力を強めているためだろう。１１月の大統領選を控えた米国では、中国が元を不当に安く抑えているとの批判が高まりつつある。
The Chinese yuan may become a focal point of a meeting of financial ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 major economies opening in Washington later this week.
今週末にワシントンで開かれる主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）の財務相・中央銀行総裁会議でも、人民元問題が焦点になる見通しだ。
===
Preemptive move
China's decision to give the yuan more flexibility was an apparent move ahead of the G-20 conference to show the world its willingness to promote currency reform.
中国は先手を打って、人民元改革に取り組む姿勢を国際的にアピールしたと指摘できる。
However, the yuan failed to meet expectations as it fluctuated in narrow ranges on Monday, the first trading day, and Tuesday. The yuan closed at 6.3015 per dollar Tuesday, virtually unchanged from last week.
しかし、取引初日となった１６日と、１７日の相場は小動きで、肩すかしに終わった。１７日の終値は、先週とほぼ同水準の１ドル＝６・３０１５元だった。
The Chinese monetary authorities plan to continue intervening in exchange markets by selling the yuan and buying the dollar to stem the sharp rise in the yuan's value.
中国当局は従来通り、元売り・ドル買いの為替介入を続け、元の急上昇を抑える構えだ。
But China will not be able to correct the trade imbalance by carrying out such a token reform.
改革へのポーズだけでは、貿易不均衡を是正できまい。
It is essential for China to raise the yuan's exchange rate to levels commensurate with its status as the world's second largest economy and structurally reform its economy.
なによりも大事なのは、世界２位の経済大国に見合った元相場を実現し、中国経済の構造改革にもつなげていくことだ。
China's gross domestic product for the January-March quarter showed a moderate 8.1 percent increase over the same period the year before, marking a slowdown for five consecutive quarters and the lowest increase in about three years.
中国の１～３月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率は、前年同期比８・１％増にとどまり、５四半期連続で減速した。約３年ぶりの低成長である。
The slowdown in China's economy was primarily caused by reduced exports to Europe, which is mired in a sovereign debt crisis. Beijing is trying to shift from an export-reliant economy to one led by domestic demand centering on personal consumption. However, this transformation has made little progress.
景気減速は、財政危機に陥った欧州向けの輸出減少が主因だ。中国政府は輸出依存型から、個人消費などを中心にした内需主導型経済への転換を目指しているが、その変革は遅れている。
===
Concern about inflation
Will China's economy slow down further or get back on the road to stable growth? It can be said the country is facing a crucial turning point.
中国景気がさらに減速するか、安定成長に回復できるか、正念場にあると言えよう。
The country's consumer prices have been soaring, refueling concern about inflation. If the Chinese authorities flood the domestic market with an excessive money supply in their efforts to curb the yen's rise by selling the currency in exchange markets, inflation may accelerate.
(●これは誤植でしょうね＾＾to curb the yen's rise→to curb the yuan's riseプロでも間違えることもあるのです＾＾）
一方、消費者物価が上昇し、インフレ懸念が再燃し始めた。中国当局が意図的に元の上昇を抑える元売り介入を通じ、過剰なマネーを国内にあふれさせると、インフレが一段と加速しかねない。
For this reason, China must make all-out efforts to control inflation by allowing the yuan's exchange rate to rise gradually. If prices become stable, it will widen the scope of options to carry out financial policies. It also will have the effect of reducing reliance on exports.
だからこそ、中国は元の段階的な上昇を容認し、インフレ抑制に全力を挙げるべきだ。物価が安定すれば、金融政策の余地が広がる。輸出に頼り過ぎない経済への転換を後押しする効果もあろう。
High expectations are placed on China to help put the global economy, which is still reeling from the effect of the European fiscal debt crisis, and the Japanese economy on a stable path.
欧州財政危機の余波が続く世界経済や、日本経済の安定に向けて、中国への期待は大きい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2012)
（2012年4月18日01時26分 読売新聞）
China must revalue yuan to attain stable growth
人民元改革 着実な切り上げで安定成長を（4月18日付・読売社説）
China has expanded the yuan's trading band for the first time in five years. Yet, it must continue to steadily revalue its currency to help stabilize its economy.
中国が人民元相場の変動幅を５年ぶりに拡大した。
着実に人民元を上昇させ、中国経済の安定に役立てるべきだ。
From Monday, the People's Bank of China allowed the yuan to fluctuate by 1 percent above and below the rate set daily by the bank, double the previous 0.5 percent.
中国人民銀行は今週、元の対ドル相場が１日に変動できる幅について、毎日決める基準値の上下１％幅に倍増した。
China's effort to give its currency more flexibility so it can fluctuate more actively is reasonable.
これまでより相場が動きやすくなるよう、中国が元の柔軟化を目指すことは妥当だ。
Beijing expanded the band of yuan's fluctuations apparently because of mounting pressure from Washington, which has been saddled with a huge trade deficit with China. In the United States, where a presidential election will be held in November, criticism has been growing stronger that China is keeping its currency at unduly low levels.
変動幅を拡大した理由は、巨額の対中貿易赤字を抱える米国が圧力を強めているためだろう。１１月の大統領選を控えた米国では、中国が元を不当に安く抑えているとの批判が高まりつつある。
The Chinese yuan may become a focal point of a meeting of financial ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 major economies opening in Washington later this week.
今週末にワシントンで開かれる主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）の財務相・中央銀行総裁会議でも、人民元問題が焦点になる見通しだ。
===
Preemptive move
China's decision to give the yuan more flexibility was an apparent move ahead of the G-20 conference to show the world its willingness to promote currency reform.
中国は先手を打って、人民元改革に取り組む姿勢を国際的にアピールしたと指摘できる。
However, the yuan failed to meet expectations as it fluctuated in narrow ranges on Monday, the first trading day, and Tuesday. The yuan closed at 6.3015 per dollar Tuesday, virtually unchanged from last week.
しかし、取引初日となった１６日と、１７日の相場は小動きで、肩すかしに終わった。１７日の終値は、先週とほぼ同水準の１ドル＝６・３０１５元だった。
The Chinese monetary authorities plan to continue intervening in exchange markets by selling the yuan and buying the dollar to stem the sharp rise in the yuan's value.
中国当局は従来通り、元売り・ドル買いの為替介入を続け、元の急上昇を抑える構えだ。
But China will not be able to correct the trade imbalance by carrying out such a token reform.
改革へのポーズだけでは、貿易不均衡を是正できまい。
It is essential for China to raise the yuan's exchange rate to levels commensurate with its status as the world's second largest economy and structurally reform its economy.
なによりも大事なのは、世界２位の経済大国に見合った元相場を実現し、中国経済の構造改革にもつなげていくことだ。
China's gross domestic product for the January-March quarter showed a moderate 8.1 percent increase over the same period the year before, marking a slowdown for five consecutive quarters and the lowest increase in about three years.
中国の１～３月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率は、前年同期比８・１％増にとどまり、５四半期連続で減速した。約３年ぶりの低成長である。
The slowdown in China's economy was primarily caused by reduced exports to Europe, which is mired in a sovereign debt crisis. Beijing is trying to shift from an export-reliant economy to one led by domestic demand centering on personal consumption. However, this transformation has made little progress.
景気減速は、財政危機に陥った欧州向けの輸出減少が主因だ。中国政府は輸出依存型から、個人消費などを中心にした内需主導型経済への転換を目指しているが、その変革は遅れている。
===
Concern about inflation
Will China's economy slow down further or get back on the road to stable growth? It can be said the country is facing a crucial turning point.
中国景気がさらに減速するか、安定成長に回復できるか、正念場にあると言えよう。
The country's consumer prices have been soaring, refueling concern about inflation. If the Chinese authorities flood the domestic market with an excessive money supply in their efforts to curb the yen's rise by selling the currency in exchange markets, inflation may accelerate.
(●これは誤植でしょうね＾＾to curb the yen's rise→to curb the yuan's riseプロでも間違えることもあるのです＾＾）
一方、消費者物価が上昇し、インフレ懸念が再燃し始めた。中国当局が意図的に元の上昇を抑える元売り介入を通じ、過剰なマネーを国内にあふれさせると、インフレが一段と加速しかねない。
For this reason, China must make all-out efforts to control inflation by allowing the yuan's exchange rate to rise gradually. If prices become stable, it will widen the scope of options to carry out financial policies. It also will have the effect of reducing reliance on exports.
だからこそ、中国は元の段階的な上昇を容認し、インフレ抑制に全力を挙げるべきだ。物価が安定すれば、金融政策の余地が広がる。輸出に頼り過ぎない経済への転換を後押しする効果もあろう。
High expectations are placed on China to help put the global economy, which is still reeling from the effect of the European fiscal debt crisis, and the Japanese economy on a stable path.
欧州財政危機の余波が続く世界経済や、日本経済の安定に向けて、中国への期待は大きい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2012)
（2012年4月18日01時26分 読売新聞）
2012/04/19
対「北」議長声明 これで核実験阻止できるのか
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 18, 2012)
UNSC presidential statement not enough to deter DPRK
対「北」議長声明 これで核実験阻止できるのか（4月17日付・読売社説）
U.N. Security Council discussions on North Korea's failed launch of a ballistic missile ended with the adoption of a presidential statement strongly condemning Pyongyang, and recognizing the launch as a serious violation of U.N. resolutions.
北朝鮮の長距離弾道ミサイルを巡る国連安全保障理事会の協議は、発射の強行を強く非難し、安保理決議への「重大な違反」と認定する議長声明の採択で決着した。
The presidential statement demanded that North Korea refrain from launching another missile or carrying out a new nuclear test. The council warned it would take appropriate actions if Pyongyang rejected the council's demands. The statement also urged other U.N. members to fully enforce existing sanctions based on Security Council resolutions against North Korea.
議長声明は、北朝鮮に、新たな弾道ミサイル発射や核実験の実施をしないよう要求し、違反した場合は「安保理が相応の行動を取る」と警告した。各国にも、既存の安保理決議の制裁措置を徹底するよう求めている。
When Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile three years ago, claiming like the latest launch that it was a rocket carrying a satellite, the Security Council also issued a presidential statement condemning North Korea.
３年前、北朝鮮が今回と同じく「衛星」打ち上げと称して長距離弾道ミサイルを発射した時も、安保理は議長声明で非難した。
Although the new presidential statement is stronger than the one adopted in 2009, we are dissatisfied because it is not a binding resolution.
今回は、より強いメッセージとなったとは言え、拘束力のある決議でなかったことは物足りない。
China, a permanent member of the Security Council, remains cautious about applying strong pressure on North Korea. It is also concerned that too much pressure might destabilize China's own security.
常任理事国の中国は、北朝鮮へ強い圧力をかけることに慎重姿勢を崩していない。自国の安定が損なわれることも警戒している。
===
U.S.-China compromise
Apparently that was why Beijing secured a compromise with Washington to issue a presidential statement that was strong in substance but lacked binding power.
米国との間で、内容は強めても形式は拘束力のない議長声明にする妥協が図られたのだろう。
We highly doubt the presidential statement will stop North Korea from carrying out a third nuclear test or new missile launch.
これで、北朝鮮の３回目の核実験やさらなるミサイル発射を阻止できるのか。大いに疑問だ。
Whenever North Korea has launched a missile or conducted a nuclear test in the past, the Security Council has issued a presidential statement or a resolution condemning that country and demanding it halt such actions.
安保理は、北朝鮮がミサイル発射や核実験を行うたびに、議長声明や決議で、非難と中止要求を繰り返してきた。
However, the Security Council has never taken any military measures or imposed full-fledged economic sanctions.
だが、軍事的措置や本格的な経済制裁に踏み込んだことはない。
North Korea probably feels no effect at all from past measures.
北朝鮮が痛痒(つうよう)を感じるはずもない。
Pyongyang has defied U.N. resolutions again to launch a missile. This proves existing resolutions lack teeth.
今回も、北朝鮮は決議を無視して、ミサイル発射を強行した。既存の制裁決議に実効性がなかったことを示している。
Japan sees a growing threat from North Korea's missiles and nuclear arms every day.
日本にとって、北朝鮮の核とミサイルによる脅威は、日に日に増すばかりである。
A focal point is the reaction of China, which shares a border with North Korea and is the country's close ally and its biggest trading partner. China should be aware of its own responsibility and more strictly enforce embargoes against Pyongyang, including those on materials related to nuclear arms and missiles, and luxury items. Beijing also should improve its cargo inspections to check for embargoed goods.
問題は、北朝鮮と国境を接し、同盟関係にもある最大の貿易相手国、中国だ。その責任を自覚し、既存の決議に基づく核・ミサイル関連物資や贅沢(ぜいたく)品の禁輸と、禁輸品の貨物検査を徹底すべきだ。
===
N-arms or economic growth
After the failed "satellite" launch, North Korea's state media announced that Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Korean Workers' Party, had been appointed first chairman of the National Defense Commission, a newly created position. He now holds supreme power in his country.
「衛星」発射には失敗したが、金正恩・朝鮮労働党第１書記は、新設の国防委員会第１委員長にも就任し、最高権力者となった。
In a military parade Sunday, North Korea showed off a variety of weapons, including Rodong medium-range ballistic missiles that can reach Japan.
１５日の軍閲兵式には、日本に届く中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンなど多くの兵器が登場した。
In a speech on the occasion, Kim declared that his father's "military first" policy would continue. He emphasized that the dignity of the Korean people and sovereignty of the nation are more important than peace, which is necessary for economic construction.
金氏は演説で、軍事最優先の「先軍革命」路線の継承を表明し、経済建設に平和は大切だが、それ以上に「民族の尊厳と国の自主権が貴重だ」と強調した。
This apparently means the development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles will continue.
核とミサイルの開発継続宣言だろう。
However, nuclear and missile development are not compatible with economic rehabilitation. The international community must make Kim Jong Un understand this.
核とミサイルの開発と、経済立て直しは両立しない。そのことを、国際社会は、金正恩氏に認識させる必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 17, 2012)
（2012年4月17日01時49分 読売新聞）
UNSC presidential statement not enough to deter DPRK
対「北」議長声明 これで核実験阻止できるのか（4月17日付・読売社説）
U.N. Security Council discussions on North Korea's failed launch of a ballistic missile ended with the adoption of a presidential statement strongly condemning Pyongyang, and recognizing the launch as a serious violation of U.N. resolutions.
北朝鮮の長距離弾道ミサイルを巡る国連安全保障理事会の協議は、発射の強行を強く非難し、安保理決議への「重大な違反」と認定する議長声明の採択で決着した。
The presidential statement demanded that North Korea refrain from launching another missile or carrying out a new nuclear test. The council warned it would take appropriate actions if Pyongyang rejected the council's demands. The statement also urged other U.N. members to fully enforce existing sanctions based on Security Council resolutions against North Korea.
議長声明は、北朝鮮に、新たな弾道ミサイル発射や核実験の実施をしないよう要求し、違反した場合は「安保理が相応の行動を取る」と警告した。各国にも、既存の安保理決議の制裁措置を徹底するよう求めている。
When Pyongyang launched a ballistic missile three years ago, claiming like the latest launch that it was a rocket carrying a satellite, the Security Council also issued a presidential statement condemning North Korea.
３年前、北朝鮮が今回と同じく「衛星」打ち上げと称して長距離弾道ミサイルを発射した時も、安保理は議長声明で非難した。
Although the new presidential statement is stronger than the one adopted in 2009, we are dissatisfied because it is not a binding resolution.
今回は、より強いメッセージとなったとは言え、拘束力のある決議でなかったことは物足りない。
China, a permanent member of the Security Council, remains cautious about applying strong pressure on North Korea. It is also concerned that too much pressure might destabilize China's own security.
常任理事国の中国は、北朝鮮へ強い圧力をかけることに慎重姿勢を崩していない。自国の安定が損なわれることも警戒している。
===
U.S.-China compromise
Apparently that was why Beijing secured a compromise with Washington to issue a presidential statement that was strong in substance but lacked binding power.
米国との間で、内容は強めても形式は拘束力のない議長声明にする妥協が図られたのだろう。
We highly doubt the presidential statement will stop North Korea from carrying out a third nuclear test or new missile launch.
これで、北朝鮮の３回目の核実験やさらなるミサイル発射を阻止できるのか。大いに疑問だ。
Whenever North Korea has launched a missile or conducted a nuclear test in the past, the Security Council has issued a presidential statement or a resolution condemning that country and demanding it halt such actions.
安保理は、北朝鮮がミサイル発射や核実験を行うたびに、議長声明や決議で、非難と中止要求を繰り返してきた。
However, the Security Council has never taken any military measures or imposed full-fledged economic sanctions.
だが、軍事的措置や本格的な経済制裁に踏み込んだことはない。
North Korea probably feels no effect at all from past measures.
北朝鮮が痛痒(つうよう)を感じるはずもない。
Pyongyang has defied U.N. resolutions again to launch a missile. This proves existing resolutions lack teeth.
今回も、北朝鮮は決議を無視して、ミサイル発射を強行した。既存の制裁決議に実効性がなかったことを示している。
Japan sees a growing threat from North Korea's missiles and nuclear arms every day.
日本にとって、北朝鮮の核とミサイルによる脅威は、日に日に増すばかりである。
A focal point is the reaction of China, which shares a border with North Korea and is the country's close ally and its biggest trading partner. China should be aware of its own responsibility and more strictly enforce embargoes against Pyongyang, including those on materials related to nuclear arms and missiles, and luxury items. Beijing also should improve its cargo inspections to check for embargoed goods.
問題は、北朝鮮と国境を接し、同盟関係にもある最大の貿易相手国、中国だ。その責任を自覚し、既存の決議に基づく核・ミサイル関連物資や贅沢(ぜいたく)品の禁輸と、禁輸品の貨物検査を徹底すべきだ。
===
N-arms or economic growth
After the failed "satellite" launch, North Korea's state media announced that Kim Jong Un, first secretary of the Korean Workers' Party, had been appointed first chairman of the National Defense Commission, a newly created position. He now holds supreme power in his country.
「衛星」発射には失敗したが、金正恩・朝鮮労働党第１書記は、新設の国防委員会第１委員長にも就任し、最高権力者となった。
In a military parade Sunday, North Korea showed off a variety of weapons, including Rodong medium-range ballistic missiles that can reach Japan.
１５日の軍閲兵式には、日本に届く中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンなど多くの兵器が登場した。
In a speech on the occasion, Kim declared that his father's "military first" policy would continue. He emphasized that the dignity of the Korean people and sovereignty of the nation are more important than peace, which is necessary for economic construction.
金氏は演説で、軍事最優先の「先軍革命」路線の継承を表明し、経済建設に平和は大切だが、それ以上に「民族の尊厳と国の自主権が貴重だ」と強調した。
This apparently means the development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles will continue.
核とミサイルの開発継続宣言だろう。
However, nuclear and missile development are not compatible with economic rehabilitation. The international community must make Kim Jong Un understand this.
核とミサイルの開発と、経済立て直しは両立しない。そのことを、国際社会は、金正恩氏に認識させる必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 17, 2012)
（2012年4月17日01時49分 読売新聞）
2012/04/18
ＡＩＪ問題 時代状況に合う年金基金に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 17, 2012)
Entire pension fund system must be overhauled
ＡＩＪ問題 時代状況に合う年金基金に（4月16日付・読売社説）
The recent scandal involving AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has exposed a structural problem concerning corporate employees' pension funds.
ＡＩＪ事件は、厚生年金基金の構造的な問題をあぶり出した。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry bears a heavy responsibility as it effectively ignored problems by failing to take appropriate measures, even though it was clear the entire system needs fixing.
制度全体の行き詰まりが明白であったのに、適切な手を打たず、事態を事実上、放置してきた厚生労働省の責任は重い。
The Diet is desperate to pursue the responsibility of those involved in the scandal, having summoned AIJ President Kazuhiko Asakawa as an unsworn witness. However, the Diet and administrative authorities should work to substantially improve the system and leave to investigators the task of uncovering the company's activities, which border on fraud.
国会はＡＩＪ投資顧問の浅川和彦社長らを証人喚問し、責任追及に躍起である。だが、詐欺まがいの行為の実態解明は捜査当局に委ねて、国会と行政は、本質的な制度改善に取り組むべきだろう。
AIJ is suspected of claiming to earn large profits through the stable management of assets in order to conclude contracts with corporate employees' pension funds that had trouble managing their money.
ＡＩＪは、年金資金を思ったように運用できていない厚生年金基金に対して、「安定的に高い収益を得ている」と偽って投資を勧誘し、運用委託契約を結んだ疑いが持たれている。
Of about 580 corporate employees' pension funds in Japan, about 70 signed contracts with AIJ. However, even those that did not do so have trouble managing their assets.
勧誘に乗ったのは約５８０基金のうち約７０基金だが、運用に苦しんでいる状況はどこも同じだ。
Corporate employees' pension funds are designed to manage not only contributions paid into corporate pension programs but also part of the public pension programs, and to pay out pensions to retirees.
厚生年金基金は自前の企業年金に加え、公的年金の一部も運用し、退職者に支給する。
===
Guaranteed high yields
At one time, these funds secured high yields, but their performance has deteriorated in recent years due to falling share prices and low interest rates. As a result, many corporate employees' pension funds are running short of reserves needed to pay pensions.
かつては高利回りを確保したが、近年は株安や低金利で運用成績が悪化し、年金支給に必要な積立金が不足している基金が多い。
In addition, 90 percent of these pension funds set guaranteed yields at an annual rate of 5.5 percent, the same yield as when the economy was booming. Based on this yield, the funds promised substantial payments to pension beneficiaries. In an effort to achieve this guaranteed rate, the funds that entrusted their assets to AIJ ended up suffering massive losses.
しかも９割の基金は、予定利率を好調時と同じ年５・５％に据え置き、これが達成される前提で年金支給額を約束している。何とか予定利率に近い運用実績を得ようと、ＡＩＪの勧誘に乗った基金が被害に遭った。
The corporate employees' pension fund system has been unable to cope with the changing environment. Most of the funds offered postretirement jobs to former officials of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the now-defunct Social Insurance Agency. A total of 689 such people were on their payrolls as of March 1.
厚生年金基金の制度全体が環境の変化に対応できていない。基金の大半に厚労省や旧社会保険庁から計６８９人が天下っている。
The government cannot evade criticism that it has failed to take drastic measures to improve the system, partly because of the tight personnel network of former welfare ministry officials.
厚労省人脈が張り巡らされていることが、抜本的対策を怠ってきた一因と見られても仕方あるまい。
The welfare ministry has finally begun considering measures to bring pension funds more in line with the situation today, such as by relaxing the rules to allow them to reduce payments. It has established a panel of experts for this purpose.
厚労省は有識者会議を設け、年金を減額できる要件の緩和など、時代状況に合わせた改善策の検討作業にようやく乗り出した。
Reviewing the current system's unduly generous conditions, such as an extremely high guaranteed yield, may result in cuts in pension benefits and hikes in pension premiums. However, the system cannot be maintained if the pain accompanying such revisions is put off.
高い予定利率など甘い前提を見直すことは、年金支給額のカットや掛け金の引き上げにつながる。だが、そうした痛みを伴う改正を先送りすれば制度は続かない。
===
Learn lesson from AIJ scandal
This not only concerns corporate employees' pension funds, it involves the entire public pension system. The AIJ scandal should make the authorities and those concerned with the pension system even more aware of the serious situation surrounding the current pension system.
これは厚年基金だけでなく公的年金全体に共通する話だ。ＡＩＪ事件を機に、年金制度の厳しい現状を改めて認識すべきである。
In the wake of the AIJ scandal, the Financial Services Agency for the first time investigated the entire investment advisory industry. As a result, it came to light that only about half of investment advisory companies had been screened by outside auditors.
金融庁は、事件を受けて、初めて投資顧問業界全体の調査を行った。監査法人の外部監査を受けている投資顧問業者は、半数程度に過ぎないことが分かった。
We should not tighten regulations without reason, but given that investment advisory firms are entrusted with the management of pension funds, which are supposed to support retirees, we are disturbed by the lack of transparency in their management.
いたずらに規制強化に向かうべきではないが、老後の生活を支える年金原資の運用を託す先としては透明性を欠く。
The government also should urgently review the Financial Services Agency's methods of monitoring the investment advisory industry.
金融庁の投資顧問業界に対するチェック体制についても、早急に見直すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2012)
（2012年4月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
Entire pension fund system must be overhauled
ＡＩＪ問題 時代状況に合う年金基金に（4月16日付・読売社説）
The recent scandal involving AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has exposed a structural problem concerning corporate employees' pension funds.
ＡＩＪ事件は、厚生年金基金の構造的な問題をあぶり出した。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry bears a heavy responsibility as it effectively ignored problems by failing to take appropriate measures, even though it was clear the entire system needs fixing.
制度全体の行き詰まりが明白であったのに、適切な手を打たず、事態を事実上、放置してきた厚生労働省の責任は重い。
The Diet is desperate to pursue the responsibility of those involved in the scandal, having summoned AIJ President Kazuhiko Asakawa as an unsworn witness. However, the Diet and administrative authorities should work to substantially improve the system and leave to investigators the task of uncovering the company's activities, which border on fraud.
国会はＡＩＪ投資顧問の浅川和彦社長らを証人喚問し、責任追及に躍起である。だが、詐欺まがいの行為の実態解明は捜査当局に委ねて、国会と行政は、本質的な制度改善に取り組むべきだろう。
AIJ is suspected of claiming to earn large profits through the stable management of assets in order to conclude contracts with corporate employees' pension funds that had trouble managing their money.
ＡＩＪは、年金資金を思ったように運用できていない厚生年金基金に対して、「安定的に高い収益を得ている」と偽って投資を勧誘し、運用委託契約を結んだ疑いが持たれている。
Of about 580 corporate employees' pension funds in Japan, about 70 signed contracts with AIJ. However, even those that did not do so have trouble managing their assets.
勧誘に乗ったのは約５８０基金のうち約７０基金だが、運用に苦しんでいる状況はどこも同じだ。
Corporate employees' pension funds are designed to manage not only contributions paid into corporate pension programs but also part of the public pension programs, and to pay out pensions to retirees.
厚生年金基金は自前の企業年金に加え、公的年金の一部も運用し、退職者に支給する。
===
Guaranteed high yields
At one time, these funds secured high yields, but their performance has deteriorated in recent years due to falling share prices and low interest rates. As a result, many corporate employees' pension funds are running short of reserves needed to pay pensions.
かつては高利回りを確保したが、近年は株安や低金利で運用成績が悪化し、年金支給に必要な積立金が不足している基金が多い。
In addition, 90 percent of these pension funds set guaranteed yields at an annual rate of 5.5 percent, the same yield as when the economy was booming. Based on this yield, the funds promised substantial payments to pension beneficiaries. In an effort to achieve this guaranteed rate, the funds that entrusted their assets to AIJ ended up suffering massive losses.
しかも９割の基金は、予定利率を好調時と同じ年５・５％に据え置き、これが達成される前提で年金支給額を約束している。何とか予定利率に近い運用実績を得ようと、ＡＩＪの勧誘に乗った基金が被害に遭った。
The corporate employees' pension fund system has been unable to cope with the changing environment. Most of the funds offered postretirement jobs to former officials of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the now-defunct Social Insurance Agency. A total of 689 such people were on their payrolls as of March 1.
厚生年金基金の制度全体が環境の変化に対応できていない。基金の大半に厚労省や旧社会保険庁から計６８９人が天下っている。
The government cannot evade criticism that it has failed to take drastic measures to improve the system, partly because of the tight personnel network of former welfare ministry officials.
厚労省人脈が張り巡らされていることが、抜本的対策を怠ってきた一因と見られても仕方あるまい。
The welfare ministry has finally begun considering measures to bring pension funds more in line with the situation today, such as by relaxing the rules to allow them to reduce payments. It has established a panel of experts for this purpose.
厚労省は有識者会議を設け、年金を減額できる要件の緩和など、時代状況に合わせた改善策の検討作業にようやく乗り出した。
Reviewing the current system's unduly generous conditions, such as an extremely high guaranteed yield, may result in cuts in pension benefits and hikes in pension premiums. However, the system cannot be maintained if the pain accompanying such revisions is put off.
高い予定利率など甘い前提を見直すことは、年金支給額のカットや掛け金の引き上げにつながる。だが、そうした痛みを伴う改正を先送りすれば制度は続かない。
===
Learn lesson from AIJ scandal
This not only concerns corporate employees' pension funds, it involves the entire public pension system. The AIJ scandal should make the authorities and those concerned with the pension system even more aware of the serious situation surrounding the current pension system.
これは厚年基金だけでなく公的年金全体に共通する話だ。ＡＩＪ事件を機に、年金制度の厳しい現状を改めて認識すべきである。
In the wake of the AIJ scandal, the Financial Services Agency for the first time investigated the entire investment advisory industry. As a result, it came to light that only about half of investment advisory companies had been screened by outside auditors.
金融庁は、事件を受けて、初めて投資顧問業界全体の調査を行った。監査法人の外部監査を受けている投資顧問業者は、半数程度に過ぎないことが分かった。
We should not tighten regulations without reason, but given that investment advisory firms are entrusted with the management of pension funds, which are supposed to support retirees, we are disturbed by the lack of transparency in their management.
いたずらに規制強化に向かうべきではないが、老後の生活を支える年金原資の運用を託す先としては透明性を欠く。
The government also should urgently review the Financial Services Agency's methods of monitoring the investment advisory industry.
金融庁の投資顧問業界に対するチェック体制についても、早急に見直すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2012)
（2012年4月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012/04/17
原発再稼働要請 立地自治体の理解が最優先だ
地元のおごりだと感じました。
ご飯を頂くときに農家の人々に感謝の気持ちを抱きますが、それとは少し違うのでは。
本質は同じものかも。難しい。
スラチャイ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 16, 2012)
Priority should be given to host governments' consent
原発再稼働要請 立地自治体の理解が最優先だ（4月15日付・読売社説）
The government is at a crucial juncture regarding reactivation of the suspended Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture.
関西電力大飯原子力発電所３、４号機（福井県おおい町）の再稼働に向けた正念場である。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's Cabinet must unite to convince the local governments hosting the plant and local residents, and quickly win their understanding.
野田内閣は、速やかに地元の理解を得るよう、一丸となって説得しなければならない。
On Saturday, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano held talks with Fukui Gov. Issei Nishikawa, Oi Mayor Shinobu Tokioka and other officials at the Fukui prefectural government office, asking for local understanding of the restart of the suspended reactors.
枝野経済産業相が１４日、福井県庁で西川一誠知事や時岡忍おおい町長らと相次いで会談し、大飯原発の再稼働に理解を求めた。
Edano told them the central government has confirmed the safety of the reactors, in accordance with the new safety criteria sought by the Fukui prefectural government, and concluded it is necessary to restart the reactors.
枝野氏は、福井県から要望のあった新たな安全基準に沿って安全性を確認し、再稼働が必要と判断したと説明した。
Nishikawa refrained from answering during the talks, saying he wants to "check carefully" the appropriateness of restarting the reactors.
西川知事は再稼働の妥当性を「厳正にチェックしたい」と、回答を留保した。
===
Send consistent message
Nishikawa praised Edano's remark that the government would use nuclear energy as an important power source. He also asked the government to send unwavering messages that nuclear power generation is essential.
知事は、枝野氏が原発を重要な電源として活用すると述べた点を評価し、「原発が必要不可欠であることについて、政府はぶれることのないメッセージを出してほしい」と要請した。
If it is going to ask local governments hosting nuclear power plants to cooperate, the Noda administration must make it clear it has broken from the idea of making the country's energy policy free from its dependence on nuclear power, a position advocated by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and other government leaders although there were no prospects for its realization.
立地自治体に協力を求める以上、野田政権は菅前首相らの唱えた、展望なき「脱原発」からの決別を明確にするべきである。
On the other hand, Nishikawa said with a strong sense of dissatisfaction that the efforts and contributions made by local governments and communities hosting nuclear plants have not necessarily been understood by the areas that consume the electricity.
一方で知事は、原発を受け入れてきた地元の努力や貢献が「電力を消費する地域に必ずしも理解されていない」と、強い不満を示した。
During a press conference following his talks with Edano, the governor said the prefectural government will make the ultimate decision on whether the reactors should be restarted.
その後の記者会見では、再稼働の是非は「最終的には立地県が判断すべきだ」とも述べた。
He likely intended to refute criticism that the government's judgment on the restart was too hasty, an opinion voiced by governors of the neighboring prefectures of Shiga and Kyoto and by Toru Hashimoto, mayor of Osaka, a major consumer of the power generated from the KEPCO plant.
滋賀、京都の両知事や、電力の大量消費地である大阪市の橋下徹市長が、政府の再稼働判断は拙速だと批判しているためだろう。
It was also made apparently in opposition to Edano's earlier remark that the government needs to win the understanding not merely of the local governments hosting the plant but also of the nation, as a major accident at the plant would affect the entire country.
枝野氏が「日本全国が地元」と発言したことへの反発もある。
Needless to say, it is important to win understanding for the restart from neighboring governments. But the central government has to give the most weight to the local governments hosting the plant.
もちろん、周辺の自治体から理解を得ることは重要だが、政府は立地自治体の意向を最大限に尊重する必要がある。
===
Power shortage looms
If the nuclear reactors suspended for regular inspections are not restarted, all 54 of the nation's reactors will become idle in early May. In particular, the area in which the Oi plant is located and that is covered by the supply of electricity generated by KEPCO is expected to suffer a power shortage of up to about 20 percent this summer.
定期検査で止めた原発を再稼働しなければ、５月上旬に全原発５４基が停止する。特に大飯原発のある関電管内では今夏、最大約２０％の電力不足が予想される。
During a press conference Friday, Edano said power outages and shortages would significantly affect such socially disadvantaged people as the sick and the elderly.
枝野氏は１３日の記者会見で、再稼働の必要性に関連し、「停電や電力不足は病気の人や高齢者など社会的弱者に大きなしわ寄せを与える」などと指摘した。
He also said it was by no means permissible to bring about a power crisis by siding with optimists who say power supply and demand could be managed somehow through power-saving efforts or other measures. He is quite right.
節電などで何とかなるとの楽観論にくみして、電力危機を招くことは「到底許されない」とも強調した。妥当な認識だ。
If we replace nuclear power generation with thermal power, fuel costs for this fiscal year will increase by as much as 3.1 trillion yen for the whole nation.
原発を火力で代替すると、今年度の燃料コストは全国で３・１兆円も増える。
Therefore Edano is not going too far to say that within the near future the service areas covered by KEPCO may be asked to accept a hike in their utility charges.
枝野氏が「関電管内も遠からず、電力料金の値上げをお願いせざるを得ない」と言うのも、決して大げさではない。
Sufficient consideration should be given to the economic aspect of the power supply so the nation's economy is not adversely affected by such developments as the hollowing-out of industry.
産業空洞化などで日本経済に打撃を与えぬよう、経済性への配慮を欠いてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 15, 2012)
（2012年4月15日01時25分 読売新聞）
ご飯を頂くときに農家の人々に感謝の気持ちを抱きますが、それとは少し違うのでは。
本質は同じものかも。難しい。
スラチャイ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 16, 2012)
Priority should be given to host governments' consent
原発再稼働要請 立地自治体の理解が最優先だ（4月15日付・読売社説）
The government is at a crucial juncture regarding reactivation of the suspended Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture.
関西電力大飯原子力発電所３、４号機（福井県おおい町）の再稼働に向けた正念場である。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's Cabinet must unite to convince the local governments hosting the plant and local residents, and quickly win their understanding.
野田内閣は、速やかに地元の理解を得るよう、一丸となって説得しなければならない。
On Saturday, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano held talks with Fukui Gov. Issei Nishikawa, Oi Mayor Shinobu Tokioka and other officials at the Fukui prefectural government office, asking for local understanding of the restart of the suspended reactors.
枝野経済産業相が１４日、福井県庁で西川一誠知事や時岡忍おおい町長らと相次いで会談し、大飯原発の再稼働に理解を求めた。
Edano told them the central government has confirmed the safety of the reactors, in accordance with the new safety criteria sought by the Fukui prefectural government, and concluded it is necessary to restart the reactors.
枝野氏は、福井県から要望のあった新たな安全基準に沿って安全性を確認し、再稼働が必要と判断したと説明した。
Nishikawa refrained from answering during the talks, saying he wants to "check carefully" the appropriateness of restarting the reactors.
西川知事は再稼働の妥当性を「厳正にチェックしたい」と、回答を留保した。
===
Send consistent message
Nishikawa praised Edano's remark that the government would use nuclear energy as an important power source. He also asked the government to send unwavering messages that nuclear power generation is essential.
知事は、枝野氏が原発を重要な電源として活用すると述べた点を評価し、「原発が必要不可欠であることについて、政府はぶれることのないメッセージを出してほしい」と要請した。
If it is going to ask local governments hosting nuclear power plants to cooperate, the Noda administration must make it clear it has broken from the idea of making the country's energy policy free from its dependence on nuclear power, a position advocated by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and other government leaders although there were no prospects for its realization.
立地自治体に協力を求める以上、野田政権は菅前首相らの唱えた、展望なき「脱原発」からの決別を明確にするべきである。
On the other hand, Nishikawa said with a strong sense of dissatisfaction that the efforts and contributions made by local governments and communities hosting nuclear plants have not necessarily been understood by the areas that consume the electricity.
一方で知事は、原発を受け入れてきた地元の努力や貢献が「電力を消費する地域に必ずしも理解されていない」と、強い不満を示した。
During a press conference following his talks with Edano, the governor said the prefectural government will make the ultimate decision on whether the reactors should be restarted.
その後の記者会見では、再稼働の是非は「最終的には立地県が判断すべきだ」とも述べた。
He likely intended to refute criticism that the government's judgment on the restart was too hasty, an opinion voiced by governors of the neighboring prefectures of Shiga and Kyoto and by Toru Hashimoto, mayor of Osaka, a major consumer of the power generated from the KEPCO plant.
滋賀、京都の両知事や、電力の大量消費地である大阪市の橋下徹市長が、政府の再稼働判断は拙速だと批判しているためだろう。
It was also made apparently in opposition to Edano's earlier remark that the government needs to win the understanding not merely of the local governments hosting the plant but also of the nation, as a major accident at the plant would affect the entire country.
枝野氏が「日本全国が地元」と発言したことへの反発もある。
Needless to say, it is important to win understanding for the restart from neighboring governments. But the central government has to give the most weight to the local governments hosting the plant.
もちろん、周辺の自治体から理解を得ることは重要だが、政府は立地自治体の意向を最大限に尊重する必要がある。
===
Power shortage looms
If the nuclear reactors suspended for regular inspections are not restarted, all 54 of the nation's reactors will become idle in early May. In particular, the area in which the Oi plant is located and that is covered by the supply of electricity generated by KEPCO is expected to suffer a power shortage of up to about 20 percent this summer.
定期検査で止めた原発を再稼働しなければ、５月上旬に全原発５４基が停止する。特に大飯原発のある関電管内では今夏、最大約２０％の電力不足が予想される。
During a press conference Friday, Edano said power outages and shortages would significantly affect such socially disadvantaged people as the sick and the elderly.
枝野氏は１３日の記者会見で、再稼働の必要性に関連し、「停電や電力不足は病気の人や高齢者など社会的弱者に大きなしわ寄せを与える」などと指摘した。
He also said it was by no means permissible to bring about a power crisis by siding with optimists who say power supply and demand could be managed somehow through power-saving efforts or other measures. He is quite right.
節電などで何とかなるとの楽観論にくみして、電力危機を招くことは「到底許されない」とも強調した。妥当な認識だ。
If we replace nuclear power generation with thermal power, fuel costs for this fiscal year will increase by as much as 3.1 trillion yen for the whole nation.
原発を火力で代替すると、今年度の燃料コストは全国で３・１兆円も増える。
Therefore Edano is not going too far to say that within the near future the service areas covered by KEPCO may be asked to accept a hike in their utility charges.
枝野氏が「関電管内も遠からず、電力料金の値上げをお願いせざるを得ない」と言うのも、決して大げさではない。
Sufficient consideration should be given to the economic aspect of the power supply so the nation's economy is not adversely affected by such developments as the hollowing-out of industry.
産業空洞化などで日本経済に打撃を与えぬよう、経済性への配慮を欠いてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 15, 2012)
（2012年4月15日01時25分 読売新聞）
2012/04/16
recent family photo
Family returns home in Chaiyaphum during songkran holiday from 13 April, 2012 to 14 April, 2012.
「衛星」発射失敗 強固な北朝鮮包囲網の構築を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 15, 2012)
N. Korean missile launch demands a strong response
「衛星」発射失敗 強固な北朝鮮包囲網の構築を（4月14日付・読売社説）
North Korea's missile launch Friday was supposed to be a thunderous salute to celebrate the completion of the transfer of power to Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the Kim dynasty, and also to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country's founder. But it resulted only in undermining the regime's authority.
３代にわたる権力継承完成と金日成主席生誕１００年の祝砲のはずが、政権の威信を失墜させる結果に終わった。
The international community had warned the regime not to go through with it, but Pyongyang went ahead with the test launch of a long-range ballistic missile that it claimed was a rocket carrying a satellite.
北朝鮮が、国際社会の警告を無視して、「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射を強行した。
Shortly after the launch, however, the missile exploded and its fragments fell into the Yellow Sea. The U.S. Defense Department believes it was a modified version of a Taepodong-2 missile, the same type as one fired in April 2009.
しかし、発射直後に爆発し、破片が黄海に落下した。米国防総省は、２００９年４月と同様の「テポドン２」改良型とみている。
===
Violation of UNSC resolutions
◆追求すべき安保理決議◆
Though the test failed, it was an apparent violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from using ballistic missile technology to launch anything. We cannot overlook North Korea's flouting of the UNSC resolutions.
失敗はしたものの、「弾道ミサイル技術を使ったいかなる発射」も北朝鮮に禁じた国連安全保障理事会決議への明らかな違反だ。決議を愚弄する北朝鮮の行為は、決して看過できない。
The launch threw a U.S.-North Korea agreement reached in February into the dustbin. Pyongyang had made promises, including a temporary suspension of test-firing ballistic missiles, in return for U.S. food aid to the impoverished country.
食糧支援と引き換えに長距離ミサイル発射の一時停止などを約束した２月の米朝合意は反古(ほご)同然となった。
The international community must keep urging Pyongyang to stop its nuclear development program, including its enrichment of uranium.
国際社会は、ウラン濃縮活動を含む核開発の中止を引き続き追求しなければならない。
In a timely action the day before the launch, foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries, including Japan and the United States, adopted a chairman's statement at a meeting demanding that North Korea abandon its ambitions for nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
日米など主要８か国（Ｇ８）外相会議が、核とミサイルの放棄などを北朝鮮に求める議長声明を採択したのは、時宜を得た対応だろう。
We think the U.N. Security Council should adopt a new statement by the chair or pass another resolution against Pyongyang. It should not only condemn North Korea but also strengthen economic sanctions to tighten an international noose around the country.
安保理も、新たな議長声明や決議を採択すべきだ。北朝鮮を非難するとともに、経済制裁を強化し、国際包囲網を強固にする必要がある。
Meanwhile, Japan must seek resumption of negotiations with the country, aiming at comprehensive settlement of nuclear, missile and abduction issues.
日本も、核やミサイル、拉致問題の包括的解決を目指し、日朝交渉の再開を探らねばならない。
It is a concern, however, that Kim Jong Un's administration, which has just started, might rush to conduct the country's third nuclear test in an attempt to make up for the failed missile launch.
懸念されるのは、発足したばかりの金正恩新政権が、発射失敗の挽回を図ろうと、３回目の核実験を急ぐ可能性があることだ。
North Korea test-fired another long-range ballistic missile three years ago. Like this time, the regime claimed it was just a rocket carrying a satellite. After the U.N. Security Council condemned the country in a chairman's statement, Pyongyang reacted sharply and pressed ahead with the second nuclear test.
３年前、今回同様に「衛星」と称した長距離弾道ミサイル発射が、安保理議長声明で非難されるや、北朝鮮は猛反発し、２回目の核実験に突き進んだ。
To make North Korea refrain from carrying out a nuclear test this time, concerned countries must stand together and display a resolute attitude. If they fail to adopt a united stance, the countries will fall right into Pyongyang's trap.
核実験を自制させるには、関係国が結束し、毅然(きぜん)とした対応をとることが肝心である。足並みが乱れれば、北朝鮮の思うつぼだ。
A focal point of the issue is how China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, will react.
焦点となるのは、安保理常任理事国の中国の対応である。
Beijing fears the collapse of the North Korean regime and has been enhancing its assistance to the country for years. This time, it has requested that other countries respond calmly, saying North Korea might act negatively and engage in military provocations if international pressure is strengthened.
中国は、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れ、支援を強めてきた。今回も圧力を強めると北朝鮮が反発し、武力挑発の懸念があるとして、関係国に「冷静な対応」を求めている。
However, China's long-standing conciliatory attitude apparently has allowed North Korea to look down on the international community and repeat its reckless deeds.
It has made Pyongyang believe the international community has neither the capability nor the intention to stop Pyongyang even if the regime tries to go ahead with another nuclear test.
そんな長年の融和的な態度が、核実験を強行しても国際社会には止める能力も意思もない、と北朝鮮がみくびり、暴挙を重ねる結果を招いてきたのではないか。
===
Direct menace from Rodong
◆核ミサイルの断念迫れ◆
North Korea invited foreign experts and journalists to the launch site and what it said was the satellite mission control center in a bid to show its "transparency."
北朝鮮は今回、外国の専門家や記者団を発射基地や管制センターに案内するなど、「透明性」の演出に努めてきた。
Pyongyang also acknowledged the failure of the missile launch, for the first time ever in the annals of its missile development program.
初めて発射の失敗も認めた。
These steps are seemingly designed to help justify the "satellite" launch as "utilization of space technology for peaceful purposes."
「衛星」発射がミサイルではなく、「平和利用」だと正当化したいのだろう。
However hard the regime may try to put up such a front, there can be no doubt Pyongyang's ultimate goal is enhancement of its ballistic missile technological capability.
いくら体裁を装っても、最終的に狙っているのは弾道ミサイル技術の向上だ。
Pouring a colossal amount of cash into "satellite" development even at the expense of many of its people who are on the verge of starvation is undoubtedly for the purpose of swiftly developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
飢餓に瀕(ひん)した多くの国民を犠牲にしてまで巨額資金を「衛星」に投じるのは、核兵器を運ぶミサイルの開発を急いでいるためにほかならない。
If it continues to conduct nuclear tests and missile launches, North Korea will sooner or later reach the stage of deploying missiles carrying nuclear warheads--a situation that would be extremely alarming for this country.
核実験やミサイル発射を繰り返せば、北朝鮮はいずれ、核ミサイル配備の段階に行き着こう。日本が最も警戒すべき事態である。
Direct threats to Japan for now are medium-range Rodong ballistic missiles with a range of about 1,300 kilometers that have already been deployed on a war footing.
日本にとって直接の脅威は、既に実戦配備されている射程約１３００キロの中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンだ。
It is vitally important to ensure deterrence against North Korea by further beefing up the alliance between Japan and the United States.
日米同盟を強化し、対北朝鮮抑止力を維持することが欠かせない。
In dealing with the North's latest missile launch, the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military in Japan worked together by dividing roles between their personnel and sharing missile information through a bilateral joint operations coordination center at the U.S. Yokota Air Base in Fussa, western Tokyo. The collaboration is highly significant.
自衛隊と米軍は今回、横田基地の日米統合運用調整所を通じて、ミサイル情報を共有し、部隊運用で役割を分担した。その意義は大きい。
===
Japan-U.S. collaboration vital
◆日米共同対処が重要だ◆
From late March, the SDF had Aegis destroyers deployed in the East China Sea and surface-to-air missile units in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere.
自衛隊は３月末から、東シナ海にイージス艦、沖縄県などには地対空誘導弾部隊を配備した。
The two-layer configuration for missile interception was meant to doubly assure the SDF's ability to respond to a contingency.
二段構えの迎撃態勢は、万一の事態に備えたものだった。
The consultations and preparations between the central government and local entities in Okinawa Prefecture ahead of the North Korean missile launch are experiences that should be used to boost the effectiveness of Japan-U.S. military exercises and joint programs for coping with missile attacks.
沖縄県の自治体と協議・調整した経験も踏まえて、今後の日米の共同訓練や対処計画の向上につなげることが重要だ。
Regrettably, however, the government's announcement that the missile launch had actually occurred was markedly slow.
残念なのは、政府のミサイル情報の発表がもたついたことだ。
The Prime Minister's Office could not confirm the missile launch even after South Korea issued an announcement to that effect. The result was that the Japanese government's official announcement came 40 minutes or more after the launch.
首相官邸は、韓国の発表後も発射を確認できず、日本の正式発表は発射の４０分以上も後だった。
Since Japan is dependent on information from the U.S. satellite early warning system and the government in 2009 issued erroneous information about a North Korean "missile launch," it is understandable that the government may have been cautious in confirming the information.
Even so, the timing of the missile information announcement can only be considered extremely belated.
日本は、米軍の早期警戒情報に依拠しているうえ、０９年の「発射」誤報を踏まえ、確認作業に慎重を期したことは理解できるが、あまりに遅いと言わざるを得ない。
It is imperative to thoroughly verify the causes of the delay in the relay of information and then find ways to improve the information relaying methods.
情報伝達の遅れの検証と、それに基づく伝達方法の改善が求められる。
The way the government's initial announcement was made, saying the missile launch "has not been confirmed yet," could have been worded better. For example, the government could have said, "There's information about a missile launch, which is now being confirmed."
第一報の発表も「発射を確認していない」ではなく、「発射情報があり、確認中」とするなど工夫の余地があったはずだ。
Deficiencies have also been brought to light in the government's emergency report systems to the nation's local governments, including the J-Alert communications system linking local governments across the country.
全国瞬時警報システム（Ｊアラート）などの自治体への速報体制にも不備が判明した。
To bolster the nation's crisis management system, it is urgently necessary for the government to take such steps as increasing the number of local governments equipped with antidisaster wireless systems.
防災無線の整備率を高めるなど、日本全体の危機管理体制の強化が急務だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 14, 2012)
（2012年4月14日01時01分 読売新聞）
N. Korean missile launch demands a strong response
「衛星」発射失敗 強固な北朝鮮包囲網の構築を（4月14日付・読売社説）
North Korea's missile launch Friday was supposed to be a thunderous salute to celebrate the completion of the transfer of power to Kim Jong Un, the third generation of the Kim dynasty, and also to mark the 100th anniversary of the birth of Kim Il Sung, the country's founder. But it resulted only in undermining the regime's authority.
３代にわたる権力継承完成と金日成主席生誕１００年の祝砲のはずが、政権の威信を失墜させる結果に終わった。
The international community had warned the regime not to go through with it, but Pyongyang went ahead with the test launch of a long-range ballistic missile that it claimed was a rocket carrying a satellite.
北朝鮮が、国際社会の警告を無視して、「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射を強行した。
Shortly after the launch, however, the missile exploded and its fragments fell into the Yellow Sea. The U.S. Defense Department believes it was a modified version of a Taepodong-2 missile, the same type as one fired in April 2009.
しかし、発射直後に爆発し、破片が黄海に落下した。米国防総省は、２００９年４月と同様の「テポドン２」改良型とみている。
===
Violation of UNSC resolutions
◆追求すべき安保理決議◆
Though the test failed, it was an apparent violation of U.N. Security Council resolutions that ban North Korea from using ballistic missile technology to launch anything. We cannot overlook North Korea's flouting of the UNSC resolutions.
失敗はしたものの、「弾道ミサイル技術を使ったいかなる発射」も北朝鮮に禁じた国連安全保障理事会決議への明らかな違反だ。決議を愚弄する北朝鮮の行為は、決して看過できない。
The launch threw a U.S.-North Korea agreement reached in February into the dustbin. Pyongyang had made promises, including a temporary suspension of test-firing ballistic missiles, in return for U.S. food aid to the impoverished country.
食糧支援と引き換えに長距離ミサイル発射の一時停止などを約束した２月の米朝合意は反古(ほご)同然となった。
The international community must keep urging Pyongyang to stop its nuclear development program, including its enrichment of uranium.
国際社会は、ウラン濃縮活動を含む核開発の中止を引き続き追求しなければならない。
In a timely action the day before the launch, foreign ministers of the Group of Eight countries, including Japan and the United States, adopted a chairman's statement at a meeting demanding that North Korea abandon its ambitions for nuclear weapons and long-range missiles.
日米など主要８か国（Ｇ８）外相会議が、核とミサイルの放棄などを北朝鮮に求める議長声明を採択したのは、時宜を得た対応だろう。
We think the U.N. Security Council should adopt a new statement by the chair or pass another resolution against Pyongyang. It should not only condemn North Korea but also strengthen economic sanctions to tighten an international noose around the country.
安保理も、新たな議長声明や決議を採択すべきだ。北朝鮮を非難するとともに、経済制裁を強化し、国際包囲網を強固にする必要がある。
Meanwhile, Japan must seek resumption of negotiations with the country, aiming at comprehensive settlement of nuclear, missile and abduction issues.
日本も、核やミサイル、拉致問題の包括的解決を目指し、日朝交渉の再開を探らねばならない。
It is a concern, however, that Kim Jong Un's administration, which has just started, might rush to conduct the country's third nuclear test in an attempt to make up for the failed missile launch.
懸念されるのは、発足したばかりの金正恩新政権が、発射失敗の挽回を図ろうと、３回目の核実験を急ぐ可能性があることだ。
North Korea test-fired another long-range ballistic missile three years ago. Like this time, the regime claimed it was just a rocket carrying a satellite. After the U.N. Security Council condemned the country in a chairman's statement, Pyongyang reacted sharply and pressed ahead with the second nuclear test.
３年前、今回同様に「衛星」と称した長距離弾道ミサイル発射が、安保理議長声明で非難されるや、北朝鮮は猛反発し、２回目の核実験に突き進んだ。
To make North Korea refrain from carrying out a nuclear test this time, concerned countries must stand together and display a resolute attitude. If they fail to adopt a united stance, the countries will fall right into Pyongyang's trap.
核実験を自制させるには、関係国が結束し、毅然(きぜん)とした対応をとることが肝心である。足並みが乱れれば、北朝鮮の思うつぼだ。
A focal point of the issue is how China, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, will react.
焦点となるのは、安保理常任理事国の中国の対応である。
Beijing fears the collapse of the North Korean regime and has been enhancing its assistance to the country for years. This time, it has requested that other countries respond calmly, saying North Korea might act negatively and engage in military provocations if international pressure is strengthened.
中国は、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れ、支援を強めてきた。今回も圧力を強めると北朝鮮が反発し、武力挑発の懸念があるとして、関係国に「冷静な対応」を求めている。
However, China's long-standing conciliatory attitude apparently has allowed North Korea to look down on the international community and repeat its reckless deeds.
It has made Pyongyang believe the international community has neither the capability nor the intention to stop Pyongyang even if the regime tries to go ahead with another nuclear test.
そんな長年の融和的な態度が、核実験を強行しても国際社会には止める能力も意思もない、と北朝鮮がみくびり、暴挙を重ねる結果を招いてきたのではないか。
===
Direct menace from Rodong
◆核ミサイルの断念迫れ◆
North Korea invited foreign experts and journalists to the launch site and what it said was the satellite mission control center in a bid to show its "transparency."
北朝鮮は今回、外国の専門家や記者団を発射基地や管制センターに案内するなど、「透明性」の演出に努めてきた。
Pyongyang also acknowledged the failure of the missile launch, for the first time ever in the annals of its missile development program.
初めて発射の失敗も認めた。
These steps are seemingly designed to help justify the "satellite" launch as "utilization of space technology for peaceful purposes."
「衛星」発射がミサイルではなく、「平和利用」だと正当化したいのだろう。
However hard the regime may try to put up such a front, there can be no doubt Pyongyang's ultimate goal is enhancement of its ballistic missile technological capability.
いくら体裁を装っても、最終的に狙っているのは弾道ミサイル技術の向上だ。
Pouring a colossal amount of cash into "satellite" development even at the expense of many of its people who are on the verge of starvation is undoubtedly for the purpose of swiftly developing missiles capable of delivering nuclear weapons.
飢餓に瀕(ひん)した多くの国民を犠牲にしてまで巨額資金を「衛星」に投じるのは、核兵器を運ぶミサイルの開発を急いでいるためにほかならない。
If it continues to conduct nuclear tests and missile launches, North Korea will sooner or later reach the stage of deploying missiles carrying nuclear warheads--a situation that would be extremely alarming for this country.
核実験やミサイル発射を繰り返せば、北朝鮮はいずれ、核ミサイル配備の段階に行き着こう。日本が最も警戒すべき事態である。
Direct threats to Japan for now are medium-range Rodong ballistic missiles with a range of about 1,300 kilometers that have already been deployed on a war footing.
日本にとって直接の脅威は、既に実戦配備されている射程約１３００キロの中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンだ。
It is vitally important to ensure deterrence against North Korea by further beefing up the alliance between Japan and the United States.
日米同盟を強化し、対北朝鮮抑止力を維持することが欠かせない。
In dealing with the North's latest missile launch, the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military in Japan worked together by dividing roles between their personnel and sharing missile information through a bilateral joint operations coordination center at the U.S. Yokota Air Base in Fussa, western Tokyo. The collaboration is highly significant.
自衛隊と米軍は今回、横田基地の日米統合運用調整所を通じて、ミサイル情報を共有し、部隊運用で役割を分担した。その意義は大きい。
===
Japan-U.S. collaboration vital
◆日米共同対処が重要だ◆
From late March, the SDF had Aegis destroyers deployed in the East China Sea and surface-to-air missile units in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere.
自衛隊は３月末から、東シナ海にイージス艦、沖縄県などには地対空誘導弾部隊を配備した。
The two-layer configuration for missile interception was meant to doubly assure the SDF's ability to respond to a contingency.
二段構えの迎撃態勢は、万一の事態に備えたものだった。
The consultations and preparations between the central government and local entities in Okinawa Prefecture ahead of the North Korean missile launch are experiences that should be used to boost the effectiveness of Japan-U.S. military exercises and joint programs for coping with missile attacks.
沖縄県の自治体と協議・調整した経験も踏まえて、今後の日米の共同訓練や対処計画の向上につなげることが重要だ。
Regrettably, however, the government's announcement that the missile launch had actually occurred was markedly slow.
残念なのは、政府のミサイル情報の発表がもたついたことだ。
The Prime Minister's Office could not confirm the missile launch even after South Korea issued an announcement to that effect. The result was that the Japanese government's official announcement came 40 minutes or more after the launch.
首相官邸は、韓国の発表後も発射を確認できず、日本の正式発表は発射の４０分以上も後だった。
Since Japan is dependent on information from the U.S. satellite early warning system and the government in 2009 issued erroneous information about a North Korean "missile launch," it is understandable that the government may have been cautious in confirming the information.
Even so, the timing of the missile information announcement can only be considered extremely belated.
日本は、米軍の早期警戒情報に依拠しているうえ、０９年の「発射」誤報を踏まえ、確認作業に慎重を期したことは理解できるが、あまりに遅いと言わざるを得ない。
It is imperative to thoroughly verify the causes of the delay in the relay of information and then find ways to improve the information relaying methods.
情報伝達の遅れの検証と、それに基づく伝達方法の改善が求められる。
The way the government's initial announcement was made, saying the missile launch "has not been confirmed yet," could have been worded better. For example, the government could have said, "There's information about a missile launch, which is now being confirmed."
第一報の発表も「発射を確認していない」ではなく、「発射情報があり、確認中」とするなど工夫の余地があったはずだ。
Deficiencies have also been brought to light in the government's emergency report systems to the nation's local governments, including the J-Alert communications system linking local governments across the country.
全国瞬時警報システム（Ｊアラート）などの自治体への速報体制にも不備が判明した。
To bolster the nation's crisis management system, it is urgently necessary for the government to take such steps as increasing the number of local governments equipped with antidisaster wireless systems.
防災無線の整備率を高めるなど、日本全体の危機管理体制の強化が急務だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 14, 2012)
（2012年4月14日01時01分 読売新聞）
2012/04/12
鳩山議員外交 危うい理屈で国益を損ねる愚
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 11, 2012)
Hatoyama's foolish trip to Iran hurt national interests
鳩山議員外交 危うい理屈で国益を損ねる愚（4月10日付・読売社説）
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited Iran despite government pressure to call the trip off, with the result that Tehran exploited the occasion. This was a development the government feared.
政府の中止要請を無視して強行した外遊が、相手国に利用される結果となった。事前に懸念された通りの展開である。
Hatoyama met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his aides in Tehran on Sunday to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear development program.
鳩山元首相がテヘランを訪問し、イランの核開発問題をめぐって、アフマディネジャド大統領らと会談した。
According to an Iranian report on the talks, Hatoyama criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for applying double standards toward certain countries, including Iran, saying such treatment was unfair.
イラン側の発表によると、鳩山氏は大統領との会談で、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）がイランなどに二重基準的な対応をとっているのは不公平だと語ったという。
At a press conference in the Diet building on Monday following his return home, Hatoyama denied making this comment, saying he profoundly regrets what he called a "complete fabrication" by Tehran.
鳩山氏は帰国後、「完全な捏造(ねつぞう)で、大変遺憾に思っている」などと記者団に語り、イラン側発表を否定した。
There is no doubt, however, that Hatoyama's visit to Tehran was exploited to justify Iran's nuclear development program.
だが、鳩山氏の訪問がイランの核開発の正当化に利用されたのは否定しようがない。
Iran has come under increasingly severe sanctions from the United States and Europe. Talks between Iran and six countries on Tehran's nuclear development program are to resume in the near future.
イランの核問題は今、欧米諸国が制裁圧力を強める中、イランと関係６か国の協議再開を控えた微妙な時期にある。
===
Ridiculous comment
It is extremely unfortunate that Hatoyama's visit to Iran has had a dampening effect on the government's diplomacy, which places priority on cooperating with the United States and European nations.
鳩山氏の外遊が、欧米と協調する日本外交の足を引っ張ったのは、重大な問題だ。
The government repeatedly asked Hatoyama not to visit Tehran. But Hatoyama turned a deaf ear to the requests, arguing that his trip "is part of my activities I'm making in a personal capacity as a legislator, as there is a significant possibility diplomatic efforts by an individual legislator could help the national interest."
政府は再三、訪問中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は「議員個人の活動であり、議員の外交努力で国益に資することが十分あり得る」などと反論し、聞き入れなかった。
When it comes to carrying out diplomacy between a former Japanese prime minister and the president of a foreign country, Hatoyama's remark convinces no one.
しかし、外交の常識として、首相経験者と大統領の会談にそんな言い訳は通用しない。
Is it any wonder that Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura reacted with dismay? "We continued to ask him not to make the trip at this sensitive time, even as an individual lawmaker acting on his own accord," he said.
藤村官房長官が「個人の立場でも、こういう時期に訪問をしない方がいいと言い続けてきた」と不快感を示したのも当然である。
With his own, self-centered way of thinking, Hatoyama probably felt like he was indirectly supporting Japan's diplomacy.
鳩山氏には、日本外交を側面支援したいという身勝手な思惑があったのだろう。
Diplomacy is the domain of the government, and diplomatic moves by individual lawmakers should be limited to an auxiliary role.
だが、外交は政府の専管事項であり、議員外交はその補完にとどめるべきだ。
The leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan is partly responsible for the problem Hatoyama caused this time. Apparently to ensure party unity, the DPJ leadership decided in late February to appoint Hatoyama, a supreme adviser of the party, to the post of adviser in charge of diplomatic affairs.
民主党執行部にも責任の一端がある。党内融和のため、２月下旬、最高顧問の鳩山氏を外交担当に決めたことだ。
===
Unaware of his incompetence
Immediately after his appointment, Hatoyama visited China at the same time as a DPJ delegation led by Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi. Hatoyama and the DPJ delegation held separate meetings the same day with Vice President Xi Jinping, who is expected to be elevated to the top Chinese post. The DPJ's lack of coordination for its extraordinary "dual diplomacy" immediately was brought to light.
その直後、鳩山氏は訪中し、輿石幹事長ら党訪中団と同じ日に、中国の習近平国家副主席と別個に会談するという異例の「二元議員外交」を行い、党内の調整不足ぶりを露呈した。
Hatoyama is primarily responsible for virtually causing the Japan-U.S. relationship to collapse. His chaotic handling of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture was epitomized by his controversial "Trust me" remark during talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on the issue. As he was prime minister at the time, Hatoyama's summit diplomacy hurt our national interests.
鳩山氏は首相在任中、「トラスト・ミー」といった不見識な言動で、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を迷走させ、日米関係を危機に陥らせた張本人だ。こうした危うい首脳外交が、国益を損ねた。
Even after he stepped down as prime minister, Hatoyama angered Okinawa Prefecture by describing his remarks concerning the deterrence provided by U.S. forces stationed in prefecture as nothing but "expediency." Has he forgotten his bungling already?
退任後も、在沖縄海兵隊の抑止力に関する自らの発言を「方便だった」と言い放ち、沖縄の強い怒りを買った。多くの失敗を、もう忘れてしまったのか。
Hatoyama is a type of politician who should refrain from becoming involved in diplomacy, both in light of his incompetence and personality.
鳩山氏は、能力的にも性格的にも、外交に関与してはならない政治家だ。
He should become more aware his limitations as quickly as possible.
そのことを、一日も早く本人が自覚してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 10, 2012)
（2012年4月10日01時08分 読売新聞）
Hatoyama's foolish trip to Iran hurt national interests
鳩山議員外交 危うい理屈で国益を損ねる愚（4月10日付・読売社説）
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama visited Iran despite government pressure to call the trip off, with the result that Tehran exploited the occasion. This was a development the government feared.
政府の中止要請を無視して強行した外遊が、相手国に利用される結果となった。事前に懸念された通りの展開である。
Hatoyama met with Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and his aides in Tehran on Sunday to discuss Iran's controversial nuclear development program.
鳩山元首相がテヘランを訪問し、イランの核開発問題をめぐって、アフマディネジャド大統領らと会談した。
According to an Iranian report on the talks, Hatoyama criticized the International Atomic Energy Agency for applying double standards toward certain countries, including Iran, saying such treatment was unfair.
イラン側の発表によると、鳩山氏は大統領との会談で、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）がイランなどに二重基準的な対応をとっているのは不公平だと語ったという。
At a press conference in the Diet building on Monday following his return home, Hatoyama denied making this comment, saying he profoundly regrets what he called a "complete fabrication" by Tehran.
鳩山氏は帰国後、「完全な捏造(ねつぞう)で、大変遺憾に思っている」などと記者団に語り、イラン側発表を否定した。
There is no doubt, however, that Hatoyama's visit to Tehran was exploited to justify Iran's nuclear development program.
だが、鳩山氏の訪問がイランの核開発の正当化に利用されたのは否定しようがない。
Iran has come under increasingly severe sanctions from the United States and Europe. Talks between Iran and six countries on Tehran's nuclear development program are to resume in the near future.
イランの核問題は今、欧米諸国が制裁圧力を強める中、イランと関係６か国の協議再開を控えた微妙な時期にある。
===
Ridiculous comment
It is extremely unfortunate that Hatoyama's visit to Iran has had a dampening effect on the government's diplomacy, which places priority on cooperating with the United States and European nations.
鳩山氏の外遊が、欧米と協調する日本外交の足を引っ張ったのは、重大な問題だ。
The government repeatedly asked Hatoyama not to visit Tehran. But Hatoyama turned a deaf ear to the requests, arguing that his trip "is part of my activities I'm making in a personal capacity as a legislator, as there is a significant possibility diplomatic efforts by an individual legislator could help the national interest."
政府は再三、訪問中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は「議員個人の活動であり、議員の外交努力で国益に資することが十分あり得る」などと反論し、聞き入れなかった。
When it comes to carrying out diplomacy between a former Japanese prime minister and the president of a foreign country, Hatoyama's remark convinces no one.
しかし、外交の常識として、首相経験者と大統領の会談にそんな言い訳は通用しない。
Is it any wonder that Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura reacted with dismay? "We continued to ask him not to make the trip at this sensitive time, even as an individual lawmaker acting on his own accord," he said.
藤村官房長官が「個人の立場でも、こういう時期に訪問をしない方がいいと言い続けてきた」と不快感を示したのも当然である。
With his own, self-centered way of thinking, Hatoyama probably felt like he was indirectly supporting Japan's diplomacy.
鳩山氏には、日本外交を側面支援したいという身勝手な思惑があったのだろう。
Diplomacy is the domain of the government, and diplomatic moves by individual lawmakers should be limited to an auxiliary role.
だが、外交は政府の専管事項であり、議員外交はその補完にとどめるべきだ。
The leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan is partly responsible for the problem Hatoyama caused this time. Apparently to ensure party unity, the DPJ leadership decided in late February to appoint Hatoyama, a supreme adviser of the party, to the post of adviser in charge of diplomatic affairs.
民主党執行部にも責任の一端がある。党内融和のため、２月下旬、最高顧問の鳩山氏を外交担当に決めたことだ。
===
Unaware of his incompetence
Immediately after his appointment, Hatoyama visited China at the same time as a DPJ delegation led by Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi. Hatoyama and the DPJ delegation held separate meetings the same day with Vice President Xi Jinping, who is expected to be elevated to the top Chinese post. The DPJ's lack of coordination for its extraordinary "dual diplomacy" immediately was brought to light.
その直後、鳩山氏は訪中し、輿石幹事長ら党訪中団と同じ日に、中国の習近平国家副主席と別個に会談するという異例の「二元議員外交」を行い、党内の調整不足ぶりを露呈した。
Hatoyama is primarily responsible for virtually causing the Japan-U.S. relationship to collapse. His chaotic handling of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture was epitomized by his controversial "Trust me" remark during talks with U.S. President Barack Obama on the issue. As he was prime minister at the time, Hatoyama's summit diplomacy hurt our national interests.
鳩山氏は首相在任中、「トラスト・ミー」といった不見識な言動で、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を迷走させ、日米関係を危機に陥らせた張本人だ。こうした危うい首脳外交が、国益を損ねた。
Even after he stepped down as prime minister, Hatoyama angered Okinawa Prefecture by describing his remarks concerning the deterrence provided by U.S. forces stationed in prefecture as nothing but "expediency." Has he forgotten his bungling already?
退任後も、在沖縄海兵隊の抑止力に関する自らの発言を「方便だった」と言い放ち、沖縄の強い怒りを買った。多くの失敗を、もう忘れてしまったのか。
Hatoyama is a type of politician who should refrain from becoming involved in diplomacy, both in light of his incompetence and personality.
鳩山氏は、能力的にも性格的にも、外交に関与してはならない政治家だ。
He should become more aware his limitations as quickly as possible.
そのことを、一日も早く本人が自覚してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 10, 2012)
（2012年4月10日01時08分 読売新聞）
2012/04/11
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:消費税に不信感 ／東京
April 08, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Distrust toward the consumption tax hike
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:消費税に不信感 ／東京
Will the consumption tax finally be raised? The plan is said to be to increase it to 8 percent in April 2014 and 10 percent in October 2015.
消費税がついに上がるのだろうか。２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％と段階的に引き上げられる予定だという。
When I mention the proposed consumption tax hike at university, many students say, "I'm just barely getting by on my part-time wages.
大学で消費税の話をすると、多くの学生たちはまず「バイト代で生活がギリギリなのに、生活に必要なものの値段がこれ以上、上がるのは困る」と“個人の事情”を口にする。
If the price of things needed for daily living goes up further, I'll be in trouble." However, afterwards, they say, as if to themselves, "But without the raise there won't be enough money for social security, so it can't be helped."
しかしその後で、「でも、そうしないと社会保障の財源が足りない、っていうなら仕方ないのかな」と“社会の事情”に顔を向け、自分に言い聞かせるようにつぶやく。
I think that after the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people hold a stronger feeling that rather than thinking only about their own gains or losses, everyone in society has to share the burden.
「自分の損得ばかり言わずに、みんなで“痛み”を引き受けなければ」という気持ちは、大震災以降、多くの人で強くなっているのだと思う。
However, there is one big problem, and that is lingering distrust that the money gathered by raising the consumption tax will really be used for the benefit of everyone.
しかし、ここにひとつ大きな問題がある。「消費税を上げたとして、そのお金は本当に“みんなのため”に使われるの？」という不信感が、どうしても消えないのだ。
According to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, all the income from the consumption tax will be used for social security payments and child-raising measures, but people do not believe this.
野田首相によると、消費税の税収はすべて社会保障給付と少子化対策にのみあてる、と言っているが、それがどうしても信用できない。
They hold suspicions that however much money is taken by the government, it will not lead to improved social security in their lives. They suspect that the money will be used to plug budget deficits elsewhere.
「結局、取るものだけ取っても、私たちの生活の安心にはつながらないのではないのか」「別の赤字を補填（ほてん）するのに使われるのではないのか」など、限りなく疑ってしまいたくなる。
During debates on the consumption tax, it is often cited that in northern Europe "all countries have consumption tax rates of around 25 percent."
消費税の議論でよく引き合いに出されるのは、「どの国も消費税が約２５％」という北欧諸国の例だ。
Compared to that, the figures for the Japanese consumption tax are low.
それに比べれば、数字の上だけで考えれば日本の消費税はまだまだ低い。
However, there is a definite difference.
ただ、北欧諸国と日本には決定的な違いがある。
In northern Europe there is very high trust amongst citizens in their governments.
それは、北欧では国民の政治や行政に対する信頼度がとても高い、ということだ。
Of course there are various problems there, but overall citizens trust their governments and, feeling they can receive proper services that will let them live securely, they are willing to pay high consumption taxes.
もちろんいろいろな問題もあるにはあるが、それでも全体的には国民は政府や行政を信頼しており、「きちんとしたサービスが受けられ、安心して暮らせる」と思っているからこそ、高い消費税も支払う気になるわけだ。
Looking at those who come into my consultation room, I think that the largest source of stress for people is distrust.
診察室で見ていると、人間にとっていちばんのストレスは、この「不信感」だと思う。
People might not believe the things others in their family, school, or workplace say.
家族や学校、職場を信じられない。
Even if someone tells them nice words, they find a way to doubt them and wonder if they're being tricked.
誰かがやさしい言葉をかけてくれても、「だまされているのでは」と疑心暗鬼になってしまう。
It is this distrust itself that pushes people into depression and darkness.
こういった不信感こそが、人をうつ病などの心の病に追い込んでいくのだ。
We actually want to trust our governments.
私たちだって、できれば政治や行政を信用したい。
Rather than saying, "The government's pledge to raise the consumption tax rate and use it for welfare is a lie," we should say, "I'm sure it won't act in bad faith, so although I'm not happy about it, I'll help."
「消費税を上げて福祉にあてる？ どうせ口だけでしょ」などと疑わず、「あなたたちなら悪いようにはしないだろうから、うれしくはないけれど協力しましょう」と言ってみたい。
If the tax rate is increased while we are full of distrust, it will only become a big burden on both heart and wallet. 不信感いっぱいの中でただ税率だけが上がるのは、心にとっても財布にとっても大きな負担になるだけだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年04月03日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Distrust toward the consumption tax hike
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:消費税に不信感 ／東京
Will the consumption tax finally be raised? The plan is said to be to increase it to 8 percent in April 2014 and 10 percent in October 2015.
消費税がついに上がるのだろうか。２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％と段階的に引き上げられる予定だという。
When I mention the proposed consumption tax hike at university, many students say, "I'm just barely getting by on my part-time wages.
大学で消費税の話をすると、多くの学生たちはまず「バイト代で生活がギリギリなのに、生活に必要なものの値段がこれ以上、上がるのは困る」と“個人の事情”を口にする。
If the price of things needed for daily living goes up further, I'll be in trouble." However, afterwards, they say, as if to themselves, "But without the raise there won't be enough money for social security, so it can't be helped."
しかしその後で、「でも、そうしないと社会保障の財源が足りない、っていうなら仕方ないのかな」と“社会の事情”に顔を向け、自分に言い聞かせるようにつぶやく。
I think that after the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people hold a stronger feeling that rather than thinking only about their own gains or losses, everyone in society has to share the burden.
「自分の損得ばかり言わずに、みんなで“痛み”を引き受けなければ」という気持ちは、大震災以降、多くの人で強くなっているのだと思う。
However, there is one big problem, and that is lingering distrust that the money gathered by raising the consumption tax will really be used for the benefit of everyone.
しかし、ここにひとつ大きな問題がある。「消費税を上げたとして、そのお金は本当に“みんなのため”に使われるの？」という不信感が、どうしても消えないのだ。
According to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, all the income from the consumption tax will be used for social security payments and child-raising measures, but people do not believe this.
野田首相によると、消費税の税収はすべて社会保障給付と少子化対策にのみあてる、と言っているが、それがどうしても信用できない。
They hold suspicions that however much money is taken by the government, it will not lead to improved social security in their lives. They suspect that the money will be used to plug budget deficits elsewhere.
「結局、取るものだけ取っても、私たちの生活の安心にはつながらないのではないのか」「別の赤字を補填（ほてん）するのに使われるのではないのか」など、限りなく疑ってしまいたくなる。
During debates on the consumption tax, it is often cited that in northern Europe "all countries have consumption tax rates of around 25 percent."
消費税の議論でよく引き合いに出されるのは、「どの国も消費税が約２５％」という北欧諸国の例だ。
Compared to that, the figures for the Japanese consumption tax are low.
それに比べれば、数字の上だけで考えれば日本の消費税はまだまだ低い。
However, there is a definite difference.
ただ、北欧諸国と日本には決定的な違いがある。
In northern Europe there is very high trust amongst citizens in their governments.
それは、北欧では国民の政治や行政に対する信頼度がとても高い、ということだ。
Of course there are various problems there, but overall citizens trust their governments and, feeling they can receive proper services that will let them live securely, they are willing to pay high consumption taxes.
もちろんいろいろな問題もあるにはあるが、それでも全体的には国民は政府や行政を信頼しており、「きちんとしたサービスが受けられ、安心して暮らせる」と思っているからこそ、高い消費税も支払う気になるわけだ。
Looking at those who come into my consultation room, I think that the largest source of stress for people is distrust.
診察室で見ていると、人間にとっていちばんのストレスは、この「不信感」だと思う。
People might not believe the things others in their family, school, or workplace say.
家族や学校、職場を信じられない。
Even if someone tells them nice words, they find a way to doubt them and wonder if they're being tricked.
誰かがやさしい言葉をかけてくれても、「だまされているのでは」と疑心暗鬼になってしまう。
It is this distrust itself that pushes people into depression and darkness.
こういった不信感こそが、人をうつ病などの心の病に追い込んでいくのだ。
We actually want to trust our governments.
私たちだって、できれば政治や行政を信用したい。
Rather than saying, "The government's pledge to raise the consumption tax rate and use it for welfare is a lie," we should say, "I'm sure it won't act in bad faith, so although I'm not happy about it, I'll help."
「消費税を上げて福祉にあてる？ どうせ口だけでしょ」などと疑わず、「あなたたちなら悪いようにはしないだろうから、うれしくはないけれど協力しましょう」と言ってみたい。
If the tax rate is increased while we are full of distrust, it will only become a big burden on both heart and wallet. 不信感いっぱいの中でただ税率だけが上がるのは、心にとっても財布にとっても大きな負担になるだけだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年04月03日 地方版
2012/04/10
原子力人材確保 「脱原発」からの決別が急務だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 8, 2012)
Make sure nuclear fields have quality human resources
原子力人材確保 「脱原発」からの決別が急務だ（4月7日付・読売社説）
How can Japan secure and develop human resources who will work in the nuclear power field? This task needs to be jointly tackled by the government and the private sector.
原子力を担う人材を今後、どう育て、確保するか。官民が協力して取り組むべき課題である。
The number of students wishing to study nuclear power has declined since the crisis started last year at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. In addition, many young people have become reluctant to take jobs in nuclear-related industries.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、原子力を学ぼう、という学生が減った。原子力関連産業への就職も敬遠されている。
The seriousness of the Fukushima accident certainly is one factor behind these developments. Moreover, stances taken by prime ministers since the crisis began have negatively impacted the situation. Former Prime Minister Naoto Kan abruptly announced that he wanted to free the country's future energy policy from its dependence on nuclear power generation, apparently without carefully considering the ramifications of such a change. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who succeeded Kan, has been slow in crafting specific policies on how to utilize nuclear power in this country.
事故の深刻さもあろうが、菅前首相が安易に、「脱原発」を標榜(ひょうぼう)し、野田首相も、原発の具体的な活用策をなかなか打ち出そうとしないことが響いている。
===
Future vision needed
Fields devoid of future potential will be unable to attract talented personnel.
将来の展望が開けない分野に人材は集まらない。
Yet, when considering an ideal combination of power sources for this nation, nuclear power will be essential along with thermal power and other energy sources. The government must clearly devise a future vision for the country's energy supply by squarely looking at reality.
最適な電源の組み合わせを考えるうえで、原子力は火力などとともに欠かせない。政府は、その現実を見据えた将来像を、明確に描いてみせるべきだ。
Even if the government opts to depart from the country's dependence on nuclear power, Japan still will need human resources to tackle the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant and decommission reactors there. According to a plan compiled by the government and the utility, decommissioning the reactors and clearing up the site will take at least 40 years.
仮に「脱原発依存」を選択するとしても、福島第一原発の事故処理や廃炉を担う人材は必須だ。政府と東電がまとめた計画では、最終的に廃炉にし、現場を片づけるまでに最短でも４０年かかる。
This lengthy operation will be shouldered by the children of today.
この長丁場を、今の子供たち世代が担うことになる。
Furthermore, such work will require highly advanced technologies.
しかも高度な技術を要する。
Safely removing and reducing radioactive contaminants at the nuclear plant will require more sophisticated robot and remote control technologies. Making estimates on the extent of the damage inside the crippled reactors, where people are still unable to enter, also will need the latest computer technology.
放射能汚染を安全に除去、軽減するには、今のロボット、遠隔操作技術を洗練せねばならない。人が近づけない原子炉内の損傷状況を推計するにも、最新のコンピューター技術が活用される。
A wide array of research and development activities, as well as technological innovations, will be needed over a long period of time.
さらに長期にわたって、多彩な研究開発と技術革新が必要だ。
Capable personnel will have to be available to the nuclear regulatory agency, electric power companies and nuclear-related manufacturers to improve the safety of existing reactors through regulations, inspections and repairs. Strict safety controls are required around the clock even at idled nuclear reactors.
既存の原発の安全性を向上させる規制や点検、補修でも、原子力規制庁や電力会社、メーカーに優秀な人材を配したい。運転を停止している原発でも、常に厳重な安全管理が求められる。
===
Japan has intl role to play
An option of replacing dated reactors with new models is expected to be discussed in the future. Electric utilities and nuclear-related manufacturers will have to nurture and train engineers capable of leading the design and building of these reactors.
老朽化した原発を新型に置き換えることも今後検討されよう。その設計や建設を主導できる技術者を、電力会社やメーカーは育てておかなくてはならない。
Exports of nuclear power infrastructure--a field the government has been promoting--will be impossible without engineers well versed in safety regulatory measures of international standards.
政府が進める原発の輸出も、国際水準の安全規制策に熟知した技術者なしでは実現しない。
Japan's neighboring countries, such as China and South Korea, have been constructing nuclear power plants one after another. With lessons learned from the Fukushima nuclear crisis, international cooperation must be promoted to prevent the occurrence of a similar serious nuclear accident. In this field, too, experts will play vital roles.
近隣の中国、韓国などは原発を次々に増設している。福島第一原発の事故を教訓に、重大事故が起きないよう国際協力を進めるべきだ。ここでも、やはり専門家が重要な役割を果たす。
Japan is a country with many reactors and a proponent of the peaceful use of nuclear power. Other nations expect Japan to contribute to such fields as nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear terrorism countermeasures at the International Atomic Energy Agency and in other international arenas.
多数の原発を有し原子力の平和利用を進める日本には、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）などを舞台に核不拡散や核テロ対策で国際貢献することも期待されている。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is implementing projects to nurture human resources in the nuclear power field including subsidies to nuclear-related courses at universities and other educational institutes. We think the government should accelerate efforts to improve and expand such programs.
文部科学省は、大学などが設けた原子力関連の講座を予算面で支援するなど、人材育成の事業を進めている。こうした取り組みの充実、拡大を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 7, 2012)
（2012年4月7日01時30分 読売新聞）
Make sure nuclear fields have quality human resources
原子力人材確保 「脱原発」からの決別が急務だ（4月7日付・読売社説）
How can Japan secure and develop human resources who will work in the nuclear power field? This task needs to be jointly tackled by the government and the private sector.
原子力を担う人材を今後、どう育て、確保するか。官民が協力して取り組むべき課題である。
The number of students wishing to study nuclear power has declined since the crisis started last year at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. In addition, many young people have become reluctant to take jobs in nuclear-related industries.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、原子力を学ぼう、という学生が減った。原子力関連産業への就職も敬遠されている。
The seriousness of the Fukushima accident certainly is one factor behind these developments. Moreover, stances taken by prime ministers since the crisis began have negatively impacted the situation. Former Prime Minister Naoto Kan abruptly announced that he wanted to free the country's future energy policy from its dependence on nuclear power generation, apparently without carefully considering the ramifications of such a change. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, who succeeded Kan, has been slow in crafting specific policies on how to utilize nuclear power in this country.
事故の深刻さもあろうが、菅前首相が安易に、「脱原発」を標榜(ひょうぼう)し、野田首相も、原発の具体的な活用策をなかなか打ち出そうとしないことが響いている。
===
Future vision needed
Fields devoid of future potential will be unable to attract talented personnel.
将来の展望が開けない分野に人材は集まらない。
Yet, when considering an ideal combination of power sources for this nation, nuclear power will be essential along with thermal power and other energy sources. The government must clearly devise a future vision for the country's energy supply by squarely looking at reality.
最適な電源の組み合わせを考えるうえで、原子力は火力などとともに欠かせない。政府は、その現実を見据えた将来像を、明確に描いてみせるべきだ。
Even if the government opts to depart from the country's dependence on nuclear power, Japan still will need human resources to tackle the ongoing crisis at the Fukushima nuclear plant and decommission reactors there. According to a plan compiled by the government and the utility, decommissioning the reactors and clearing up the site will take at least 40 years.
仮に「脱原発依存」を選択するとしても、福島第一原発の事故処理や廃炉を担う人材は必須だ。政府と東電がまとめた計画では、最終的に廃炉にし、現場を片づけるまでに最短でも４０年かかる。
This lengthy operation will be shouldered by the children of today.
この長丁場を、今の子供たち世代が担うことになる。
Furthermore, such work will require highly advanced technologies.
しかも高度な技術を要する。
Safely removing and reducing radioactive contaminants at the nuclear plant will require more sophisticated robot and remote control technologies. Making estimates on the extent of the damage inside the crippled reactors, where people are still unable to enter, also will need the latest computer technology.
放射能汚染を安全に除去、軽減するには、今のロボット、遠隔操作技術を洗練せねばならない。人が近づけない原子炉内の損傷状況を推計するにも、最新のコンピューター技術が活用される。
A wide array of research and development activities, as well as technological innovations, will be needed over a long period of time.
さらに長期にわたって、多彩な研究開発と技術革新が必要だ。
Capable personnel will have to be available to the nuclear regulatory agency, electric power companies and nuclear-related manufacturers to improve the safety of existing reactors through regulations, inspections and repairs. Strict safety controls are required around the clock even at idled nuclear reactors.
既存の原発の安全性を向上させる規制や点検、補修でも、原子力規制庁や電力会社、メーカーに優秀な人材を配したい。運転を停止している原発でも、常に厳重な安全管理が求められる。
===
Japan has intl role to play
An option of replacing dated reactors with new models is expected to be discussed in the future. Electric utilities and nuclear-related manufacturers will have to nurture and train engineers capable of leading the design and building of these reactors.
老朽化した原発を新型に置き換えることも今後検討されよう。その設計や建設を主導できる技術者を、電力会社やメーカーは育てておかなくてはならない。
Exports of nuclear power infrastructure--a field the government has been promoting--will be impossible without engineers well versed in safety regulatory measures of international standards.
政府が進める原発の輸出も、国際水準の安全規制策に熟知した技術者なしでは実現しない。
Japan's neighboring countries, such as China and South Korea, have been constructing nuclear power plants one after another. With lessons learned from the Fukushima nuclear crisis, international cooperation must be promoted to prevent the occurrence of a similar serious nuclear accident. In this field, too, experts will play vital roles.
近隣の中国、韓国などは原発を次々に増設している。福島第一原発の事故を教訓に、重大事故が起きないよう国際協力を進めるべきだ。ここでも、やはり専門家が重要な役割を果たす。
Japan is a country with many reactors and a proponent of the peaceful use of nuclear power. Other nations expect Japan to contribute to such fields as nuclear nonproliferation and nuclear terrorism countermeasures at the International Atomic Energy Agency and in other international arenas.
多数の原発を有し原子力の平和利用を進める日本には、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）などを舞台に核不拡散や核テロ対策で国際貢献することも期待されている。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is implementing projects to nurture human resources in the nuclear power field including subsidies to nuclear-related courses at universities and other educational institutes. We think the government should accelerate efforts to improve and expand such programs.
文部科学省は、大学などが設けた原子力関連の講座を予算面で支援するなど、人材育成の事業を進めている。こうした取り組みの充実、拡大を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 7, 2012)
（2012年4月7日01時30分 読売新聞）
2012/04/09
鳩山元首相のイラン訪問 試される野田首相の指導力
この毎日英字紙の記事には日本語版がありません。
仕方がないのでスラチャイが意訳しておきました。
鳩山さんはお金持ちなので旅費・宿泊費だって自由になるのでしょうね。
個人旅行レベルだったら政府も口を出せませんよね＾＾。
困ったものです（汗）；
スラチャイ
(mainichi Japan) April 07, 2012
Ex-PM Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran highlights Noda admin's lack of control
鳩山元首相のイラン訪問 試される野田首相の指導力
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran -- under fire from the international community for its nuclear program -- to meet with high-ranking officials despite opposition from the government illustrates the administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's lack of control.
このような世界情勢の中で鳩山元首相のイラン訪問はいかがなものか。野田首相どうした！
When his plan was revealed, the diplomatic authorities attempted to persuade him to abandon the visit, but he refused to comply. The Prime Minister's Office is standing idle, regarding the visit as a personal trip.
今回は見送るよう説得したら聞く耳をもたない＾＾。
Despite criticism, Hatoyama justified his planned visit to Iran by saying, "If only the executive branch of the government is allowed to perform diplomacy, legislators cannot be engaged in diplomacy. It's important for each individual to make efforts to contribute to diplomatic efforts based on their own will."
私が個人レベルで世界平和のために努力することのどこが悪い！（意訳です＾＾）
The role that Diet members play in diplomacy is of great significance. Exchanges of visits and discussions between Japanese and U.S. legislators helped strengthen the bilateral alliance. When serious problems arose in Japan's relations with South Korea and China, experienced Diet members familiar with these countries' situations played a key role in solving them. Now, the role that legislators play in diplomacy has declined considerably.
議員が外交に関与するのは当り前だ。（のクラッカー＾＾）
日米でも同じ。
だって、韓国や中国のときだって、それなりの通が外交目的で外遊したじゃないか。（中曽根元首相のことだと思います＾＾）
一介の議員だって頑張らないとね。
However, the executive branch of the government is primarily responsible for diplomacy, and lawmakers should play a supplementary role that does not deviate from the executive branch's negotiating positions. In other words, individual legislators should not perform diplomacy based on their own will as Hatoyama claims. If individual legislators' diplomatic efforts deviate from government policy, it will only allow other countries to use the inconsistency to their own advantage.
そんなことを主張されても一介の議員のイラン訪問が、国の方針と違っていれば問題だ。
一介の議員は外交活動は控えるべきなのだ。
海千山千の諸外国に付け入る隙を与えるようなものだ。
It is essential for Japan to try to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program through various channels. Hatoyama, who serves as a supreme diplomatic adviser to the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), has decided to visit Iran based on this belief. If so, he should go there after sufficiently coordinating his views with those of the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry. Remarks made by ex-PM Hatoyama will be taken seriously by foreign officials.
イランには日本政府よりあらゆる手段を通して核保有への野望を断ち切ってもらうようにすべきなのだ。
鳩山元首相の個人的信念だけで済まされる問題ではない。
外務省と綿密な打ち合わせをしたあとでもよいではないか。
外国首脳陣だって不快感をただよわせている。
A fierce tug-of-war is under way between Iran and six major countries -- five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany -- over the next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program. It is embarrassing that Japan is confused over whether the former prime minister should visit Iran while the international community is trying to maintain a unified front on the Iranian nuclear issue.
イランと関係主要６カ国は紛争の真っ最中。
世界が必死になってイランを説得しようとしているこの時期に何故イラン訪問をするのか。
それはイラン（いらん）のだ＾＾。
Prime Minister Noda is partially responsible for the confusion. His appointment of Hatoyama -- also to blame for the government's muddled approach to the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture -- as a diplomatic adviser to the DPJ has been called into question.
野田首相にも一端の責任はある。
鳩山元首相を普天間移設問題のアドバイザーに起用したのもうなずけない。
If Noda wants Hatoyama to play a diplomatic role as an individual legislator, the prime minister should have exchanged opinions with him and made it clear that the government would not approve his visit unless it was in line with the government's policy.
鳩山元首相が出発前に野田首相と事前に綿密な打ち合わせをして政府のイラン外交方針と矛盾しないような布石を打っておくべきであった。
The confusion over Hatoyama's visit to Iran and the appointment of Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka, whose qualification for the post has been called into question, has suggested that Prime Minister Noda is unable to take the lead in diplomatic and security policy.
野田首相は外交問題に関していえば落第点なのだ。
なぜなら、今回の鳩山元首相のイラン訪問容認、それと田中防衛相の起用。しっちゃかめっちゃかじゃないか＾＾。
Hatoyama also visited China apart from a DPJ delegation to China led by party Secretary-General Azuma Koshiishi. Chinese officials apparently raised doubts about the DPJ's control over its own members' activities.
前にも中国へ手前勝手に出かけているし、中国だって困惑してるのではないの。
The DPJ does not appear to fully understand the basic principle that diplomacy should not be performed based on a political party's or an individual's ideas. The DPJ should be aware of this principle in order not to repeat this embarrassing behavior.
民主党は外交手段に長けていない。外交には基本的手法があるのだ。個人レベルでやってはいけない事だって存在する。今後、民主党には猛省を期待する。
（翻訳は意訳で、話し言葉を多用しました＾＾ ｂｙ スラチャイ）
関連記事１：
鳩山元首相:イラン訪問へ 日本政府は不快感
毎日新聞 2012年04月04日 19時12分（最終更新 04月04日 22時26分）
鳩山由紀夫元首相＝藤井太郎撮影
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６～９日にイランを訪問し、アフマディネジャド大統領やジャリリ最高安全保障委員会事務局長らと会談する予定であることが４日分かった。鳩山氏は同日、東京都内で記者団に「イラン情勢は緊迫の度を加えているが、戦争状態にしてはならない。個人の立場で努力したい」と語った。
しかし国際社会は核開発を続けるイランに制裁圧力を強め、日本もイラン産原油の輸入削減方針を打ち出したばかり。玄葉光一郎外相は同日の記者会見で、鳩山氏のイラン訪問について「政府としては適切なレベル、適切なタイミングで働き掛けを行うことが極めて重要と考える」と述べ、不快感を示した。【横田愛】
関連記事２：
ルース駐日大使:鳩山氏のイラン訪問 政府に懸念伝える
毎日新聞 2012年04月08日 02時30分
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６日にイラン訪問へ出発する前にルース駐日米大使が首相官邸に電話で懸念を伝えていたことが７日分かった。政府関係者によると、訪問中止を強く求める発言はなかったものの、大使は「鳩山氏のためにも良いことではない」と指摘。米国と欧州が核開発を続けるイランへの経済制裁を強める中、鳩山氏の訪問が国際協調の足並みを乱しかねないと憂慮したとみられる。
電話を受けた官邸スタッフは「野田佳彦首相と玄葉光一郎外相も中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は一議員として行くとのことだ」と説明。政府として関与していないことを強調したという。鳩山氏は政府側からの中止要請に応じずイラン入り。８日にアフマディネジャド大統領と会談する予定だ。
仕方がないのでスラチャイが意訳しておきました。
鳩山さんはお金持ちなので旅費・宿泊費だって自由になるのでしょうね。
個人旅行レベルだったら政府も口を出せませんよね＾＾。
困ったものです（汗）；
スラチャイ
(mainichi Japan) April 07, 2012
Ex-PM Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran highlights Noda admin's lack of control
鳩山元首相のイラン訪問 試される野田首相の指導力
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's planned visit to Iran -- under fire from the international community for its nuclear program -- to meet with high-ranking officials despite opposition from the government illustrates the administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's lack of control.
このような世界情勢の中で鳩山元首相のイラン訪問はいかがなものか。野田首相どうした！
When his plan was revealed, the diplomatic authorities attempted to persuade him to abandon the visit, but he refused to comply. The Prime Minister's Office is standing idle, regarding the visit as a personal trip.
今回は見送るよう説得したら聞く耳をもたない＾＾。
Despite criticism, Hatoyama justified his planned visit to Iran by saying, "If only the executive branch of the government is allowed to perform diplomacy, legislators cannot be engaged in diplomacy. It's important for each individual to make efforts to contribute to diplomatic efforts based on their own will."
私が個人レベルで世界平和のために努力することのどこが悪い！（意訳です＾＾）
The role that Diet members play in diplomacy is of great significance. Exchanges of visits and discussions between Japanese and U.S. legislators helped strengthen the bilateral alliance. When serious problems arose in Japan's relations with South Korea and China, experienced Diet members familiar with these countries' situations played a key role in solving them. Now, the role that legislators play in diplomacy has declined considerably.
議員が外交に関与するのは当り前だ。（のクラッカー＾＾）
日米でも同じ。
だって、韓国や中国のときだって、それなりの通が外交目的で外遊したじゃないか。（中曽根元首相のことだと思います＾＾）
一介の議員だって頑張らないとね。
However, the executive branch of the government is primarily responsible for diplomacy, and lawmakers should play a supplementary role that does not deviate from the executive branch's negotiating positions. In other words, individual legislators should not perform diplomacy based on their own will as Hatoyama claims. If individual legislators' diplomatic efforts deviate from government policy, it will only allow other countries to use the inconsistency to their own advantage.
そんなことを主張されても一介の議員のイラン訪問が、国の方針と違っていれば問題だ。
一介の議員は外交活動は控えるべきなのだ。
海千山千の諸外国に付け入る隙を与えるようなものだ。
It is essential for Japan to try to persuade Iran to abandon its nuclear weapons program through various channels. Hatoyama, who serves as a supreme diplomatic adviser to the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ), has decided to visit Iran based on this belief. If so, he should go there after sufficiently coordinating his views with those of the Prime Minister's Office and the Foreign Ministry. Remarks made by ex-PM Hatoyama will be taken seriously by foreign officials.
イランには日本政府よりあらゆる手段を通して核保有への野望を断ち切ってもらうようにすべきなのだ。
鳩山元首相の個人的信念だけで済まされる問題ではない。
外務省と綿密な打ち合わせをしたあとでもよいではないか。
外国首脳陣だって不快感をただよわせている。
A fierce tug-of-war is under way between Iran and six major countries -- five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany -- over the next round of talks on Iran's nuclear program. It is embarrassing that Japan is confused over whether the former prime minister should visit Iran while the international community is trying to maintain a unified front on the Iranian nuclear issue.
イランと関係主要６カ国は紛争の真っ最中。
世界が必死になってイランを説得しようとしているこの時期に何故イラン訪問をするのか。
それはイラン（いらん）のだ＾＾。
Prime Minister Noda is partially responsible for the confusion. His appointment of Hatoyama -- also to blame for the government's muddled approach to the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture -- as a diplomatic adviser to the DPJ has been called into question.
野田首相にも一端の責任はある。
鳩山元首相を普天間移設問題のアドバイザーに起用したのもうなずけない。
If Noda wants Hatoyama to play a diplomatic role as an individual legislator, the prime minister should have exchanged opinions with him and made it clear that the government would not approve his visit unless it was in line with the government's policy.
鳩山元首相が出発前に野田首相と事前に綿密な打ち合わせをして政府のイラン外交方針と矛盾しないような布石を打っておくべきであった。
The confusion over Hatoyama's visit to Iran and the appointment of Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka, whose qualification for the post has been called into question, has suggested that Prime Minister Noda is unable to take the lead in diplomatic and security policy.
野田首相は外交問題に関していえば落第点なのだ。
なぜなら、今回の鳩山元首相のイラン訪問容認、それと田中防衛相の起用。しっちゃかめっちゃかじゃないか＾＾。
Hatoyama also visited China apart from a DPJ delegation to China led by party Secretary-General Azuma Koshiishi. Chinese officials apparently raised doubts about the DPJ's control over its own members' activities.
前にも中国へ手前勝手に出かけているし、中国だって困惑してるのではないの。
The DPJ does not appear to fully understand the basic principle that diplomacy should not be performed based on a political party's or an individual's ideas. The DPJ should be aware of this principle in order not to repeat this embarrassing behavior.
民主党は外交手段に長けていない。外交には基本的手法があるのだ。個人レベルでやってはいけない事だって存在する。今後、民主党には猛省を期待する。
（翻訳は意訳で、話し言葉を多用しました＾＾ ｂｙ スラチャイ）
関連記事１：
鳩山元首相:イラン訪問へ 日本政府は不快感
毎日新聞 2012年04月04日 19時12分（最終更新 04月04日 22時26分）
鳩山由紀夫元首相＝藤井太郎撮影
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６～９日にイランを訪問し、アフマディネジャド大統領やジャリリ最高安全保障委員会事務局長らと会談する予定であることが４日分かった。鳩山氏は同日、東京都内で記者団に「イラン情勢は緊迫の度を加えているが、戦争状態にしてはならない。個人の立場で努力したい」と語った。
しかし国際社会は核開発を続けるイランに制裁圧力を強め、日本もイラン産原油の輸入削減方針を打ち出したばかり。玄葉光一郎外相は同日の記者会見で、鳩山氏のイラン訪問について「政府としては適切なレベル、適切なタイミングで働き掛けを行うことが極めて重要と考える」と述べ、不快感を示した。【横田愛】
関連記事２：
ルース駐日大使:鳩山氏のイラン訪問 政府に懸念伝える
毎日新聞 2012年04月08日 02時30分
鳩山由紀夫元首相が６日にイラン訪問へ出発する前にルース駐日米大使が首相官邸に電話で懸念を伝えていたことが７日分かった。政府関係者によると、訪問中止を強く求める発言はなかったものの、大使は「鳩山氏のためにも良いことではない」と指摘。米国と欧州が核開発を続けるイランへの経済制裁を強める中、鳩山氏の訪問が国際協調の足並みを乱しかねないと憂慮したとみられる。
電話を受けた官邸スタッフは「野田佳彦首相と玄葉光一郎外相も中止を求めたが、鳩山氏は一議員として行くとのことだ」と説明。政府として関与していないことを強調したという。鳩山氏は政府側からの中止要請に応じずイラン入り。８日にアフマディネジャド大統領と会談する予定だ。
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