The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 29, 2012)
Step up constitutional debate on 'national defense force'
「国防軍」 本質的な憲法論議に踏み込め（11月28日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party has pledged in its manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives election that it will revise the Constitution to enable Japan to possess a national defense military force. This has emerged as a key issue in the coming election campaign.
自民党が政権公約で、「国防軍」を保持するとした憲法改正を掲げたことが衆院選の争点の一つに浮上してきた。
At this juncture, each political party should wade into more fundamental discussions on revising the Constitution.
各党は、これを機に、より本質的な憲法改正論議に踏み込むべきである。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was quick to take a swipe at the LDP pledge. "I don't understand the significance of revising the Constitution to position the Self-Defense Forces as a military force, by venturing to change the name to a defense military force," he said. Noda's comments ignited a debate on this issue.
自民党の公約に対し、野田首相は「あえて国防軍と名前を変え、憲法を改正して位置づける意義が分からない」と発言した。これが論戦に火を付けた。
LDP President Shinzo Abe countered Noda's criticism, saying the problem is that the SDF are regarded as a military force under international law, but they are not a military force according to the government's interpretation of the Constitution. Abe went as far as saying that if the SDF are not a military force, SDF personnel would not be handled as prisoners of war if they are captured.
自民党の安倍総裁は、自衛隊は国際法上、軍隊と見なされているのに、政府の憲法解釈では軍隊ではないとされていることこそが問題だと反論した。軍隊でなければ、万一の場合、自衛隊員は捕虜として扱われないとも言及した。
We think Abe's point is quite reasonable.
もっともな見解である。
===
Defining the SDF
The first paragraph of Article 9 of the Constitution stipulates the nation's renunciation of war. The second paragraph says, "In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained." Thus, it spells out that Japan will not possess military forces.
憲法９条は、第１項で戦争を放棄し、第２項で「陸海空軍その他の戦力は、これを保持しない」と戦力不保持を定めている。
The LDP pledge mirrors a draft for revising the Constitution it announced in April when Sadakazu Tanigaki was the party's president. According to the draft, the first paragraph of Article 9 will be maintained, but the second paragraph will be deleted. The draft then stipulates the nation's maintenance of a "military force for defense," saying the preceding paragraph "does not prevent the country from invoking its right to self-defense."
自民党の公約は、谷垣総裁当時の４月に発表した憲法改正草案に沿ったものだ。草案は９条１項を継承する一方で、２項は削除した。その上で「自衛権の発動」を妨げるものではない、として「国防軍」の保持を明記している。
It is only natural for the Constitution to clearly define the organization that will defend this country. We think it is time to end the ambiguity over the legal status of the Self-Defense Forces.
憲法に、自衛のための組織を明確に記すことは当然だ。自衛隊の法的な位置づけを巡る混乱に終止符を打つべきである。
In 2004, The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed several revisions to the Constitution. One change we suggested was the maintenance of a "military force for self-defense."
読売新聞も２００４年の憲法改正試案で、「自衛のための軍隊」保持を盛り込んでいる。
When Noda's Democratic Party of Japan was an opposition party, he himself said in his book that the SDF are "a military force to the eyes of foreign nations," and they "have to be clearly defined [as a combat force] in the Constitution."
首相自身、野党時代の自著で、自衛隊を「外国から見たら、日本軍だ」とし、「きっちり憲法の中で位置づけなければいけない」と主張しているではないか。
We cannot understand why Noda recently made a statement that flew in the face of his own argument.
自らの持論を否定するような発言をするのは理解に苦しむ。
===
Noda rejecting own theory
It is also problematic that the prime minister said such things as, "Does this mean Japan should transform the SDF into an organization that launches intercontinental ballistic missiles?" This is nothing but an electioneering tactic to affix a "hawk" label to the LDP under Abe and unnecessarily stir up voters' anxieties.
首相が自民党の公約について、「自衛隊を大陸間弾道弾を飛ばすような組織にするのか」などと発言しているのも問題である。安倍自民党に「タカ派」のレッテルを貼り、殊更に有権者の不安を煽(あお)ろうとする選挙戦術そのものだ。
On the other hand, the previous DPJ manifesto's reference to planned discussions on revisions to the Constitution has vanished from its policy pledges for the coming election. This gives the strong impression that the party has retreated from its position three years ago, when it called for "free and unrestricted constitutional debate."
一方、民主党の新たな政権公約（マニフェスト）からは憲法改正に関する記載が姿を消した。「自由闊達(かったつ)な憲法論議を」とした３年前よりも後退した感が強い。
Given that the DPJ initiated the latest debate over the "defense military force," it must present its policy for defining the SDF and the right to self-defense in the Constitution.
「国防軍」を巡る論戦を仕掛けた以上、民主党は憲法で自衛隊や自衛権をどう位置づけるのか、方針をまとめるべきだ。
We hope the election campaign will feature lively debate on whether the right to collective self-defense can be exercised, and how the SDF should conduct its international activities.
衆院選では、憲法とも関連する、集団的自衛権行使の是非や、自衛隊の国際活動のあり方についても活発な論戦を期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 28, 2012)
（2012年11月28日01時23分 読売新聞）
2012/11/30
2012/11/29
韓国大統領選 対日・「北」政策を注視したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 28, 2012)
How will S. Korea's presidential election affect ties with Japan?
韓国大統領選 対日・「北」政策を注視したい（11月27日付・読売社説）
South Korea's presidential election campaign has officially kicked off. Voting is scheduled for Dec. 19.
韓国大統領選が告示され、１２月１９日投開票へ向け、選挙戦に入った。
Under the current Lee Myung Bak administration, the country's relations with North Korea and Japan have become severely strained. Will the new administration be able to rectify this situation? The outcome of the race will definitely affect Japan's future.
李明博政権で冷え込んだ北朝鮮や日本との関係は変わるのか。我が国にも影響を及ぼす重要な選挙だ。
The election, the first in five years, is expected to be a virtual head-to-head battle between Park Geun Hye of the ruling Saenuri Party and Moon Jae In of the main opposition Democratic United Party. It has become a straightforward conservative versus liberal choice after independent Ahn Cheol Soo, who was considered a powerful rival, dropped out of the race. The contest is expected to be a neck-and-neck race.
５年ぶりの今回選挙は、与党セヌリ党の朴槿恵候補と、最大野党・民主統合党の文在寅候補による事実上の保革一騎打ちだ。有力候補とみられた無所属の安哲秀氏が告示直前に出馬を辞退したためで、接戦が予想されている。
Park, representing the conservative camp, seeks to become the first female president of South Korea. Her father, Park Chung Hee, made the bold decision to normalize relations with Japan and paved the way for the nation's high economic growth during his presidency.
保守勢力を代表する朴氏は、初の女性大統領を狙う。父親は、日本との国交正常化に踏み切って韓国を高度経済成長路線に導いた故朴正煕大統領である。
Moon, who represents leftists whose origins can be traced back to those who served in the Kim Dae Jung administration, was imprisoned for opposing Park Chung Hee's long authoritarian rule, and has served as a human-rights lawyer and chief secretary of former President Roh Moo Hyun--Lee's predecessor.
一方、文氏は金大中政権以来の左派の流れをくむ。かつて朴大統領の長期独裁に反対し、投獄された経験を持つ。人権派弁護士として活動し、盧武鉉前大統領の秘書室長を務めた。
Although Park and Moon belong to the same generation, they have contrasting careers and their policies differ widely. We should pay close attention to their verbal battles.
同世代ながら対照的な経歴の２人は、政策の違いも鮮明だ。激しい論戦を注視したい。
===
Economic growth main issue
The campaign's main point of contention will be economic policy.
最大の争点は、経済政策だ。
Lee has succeeded in significantly boosting South Korea's exports through economic policies based on free trade agreements with the United States, the European Union and other countries. However, his policies have also resulted in a widening rich-poor gap. Unemployment among the younger generation also has become a persistent problem. The South Korean public has strongly criticized Lee for only focusing on big companies.
李大統領は、米欧などとの自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）推進を軸に輸出を大きく伸ばしたが、富裕層と低所得者層の格差が広がった。若者の雇用難が続き、大企業だけを優遇したとの批判が強い。
As a result, both candidates have pledged to narrow the rich-poor gap under the slogan of "economic democratization." Moon, for example, is focusing on reforming chaebols--South Korea's conglomerates--and placing more emphasis on helping ordinary workers. The two candidates will be tested on whether they can come up with concrete measures to ensure the nation's economic growth.
両候補が共に「経済民主化」で格差是正を掲げるのは、そのためだ。文氏は財閥改革や労働者重視に力点を置く。成長をどう確保するのか、具体策が問われよう。
The second issue will be North Korea.
第二の争点は、対北朝鮮だ。
Moon has said he will adopt the conciliatory "Sunshine Policy" that the Kim and Roh administrations used in dealing with North Korea, indicating that he was prepared to resume large-scale food and fertilizer aid to the reclusive country. Moon also has declared he wants to hold summit talks between Seoul and Pyongyang next year.
文氏は、金、盧両政権の対「北」融和政策の継承をうたい、食料や肥料の大規模支援を復活させる意向だ。来年に南北首脳会談を行うと宣言した。
We would like to know how Moon plans to approach North Korea to have that country abandon its nuclear development program.
核放棄をどう迫るのか、明らかにしてもらいたい。
Park said she would not hesitate to hold a summit meeting if it led to better ties between the two countries. However, she is taking a gradual approach on the issue, which is to deter North Korea from taking provocative actions on one hand while working on confidence building on the other. We believe her approach is more practical than Moon's.
朴氏も「関係発展のためなら」首脳会談を辞さぬ構えだが、北朝鮮の挑発を抑止しつつ、信頼醸成に基づき関係を築く“漸進”主義だ。まだしも現実的と言える。
===
Concern over bilateral relations
The two candidates' policies in regard to Japan are also important.
重要なのは対日政策である。
Japan-South Korea relations deteriorated rapidly after Lee's visit to the Takeshima islands and his call for an apology from the Emperor. The two candidates are in favor of rectifying strained relations with Japan, as they have talked about building "future-oriented" ties between the two countries. Park has also referred to the resumption of FTA negotiations between Japan and South Korea.
李大統領の竹島訪問と「天皇の謝罪」要求発言で、日韓関係は悪化した。両候補は「未来志向」を口にし、修復に前向きではある。朴氏は、日韓のＦＴＡ交渉の再開にも言及している。
However, Park and Moon both take uncompromising attitudes against Japan on certain issues, such as Takeshima. Moon's stance is especially worrying, as he says he will no longer allow Seoul to continue "quiet diplomacy" on the issue. He also suggested he will pursue Japan's legal responsibility on the issue of so-called comfort women if he becomes president.
だが、竹島など特定の問題では厳しい立場のままだ。とくに文氏は、竹島問題で「これ以上、静かな外交はしない」と述べる一方、慰安婦問題でも日本政府の法的責任を追及する態度を見せる。
We are concerned that if Moon takes office, he would emulate the diplomacy of the Roh administration, which took an unyielding hard-line stance against Japan and stalled relations between the two countries.
強硬一辺倒で日韓関係を停滞させた盧武鉉外交の再現になりかねない、との懸念は拭えない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2012)
（2012年11月27日01時12分 読売新聞）
How will S. Korea's presidential election affect ties with Japan?
韓国大統領選 対日・「北」政策を注視したい（11月27日付・読売社説）
South Korea's presidential election campaign has officially kicked off. Voting is scheduled for Dec. 19.
韓国大統領選が告示され、１２月１９日投開票へ向け、選挙戦に入った。
Under the current Lee Myung Bak administration, the country's relations with North Korea and Japan have become severely strained. Will the new administration be able to rectify this situation? The outcome of the race will definitely affect Japan's future.
李明博政権で冷え込んだ北朝鮮や日本との関係は変わるのか。我が国にも影響を及ぼす重要な選挙だ。
The election, the first in five years, is expected to be a virtual head-to-head battle between Park Geun Hye of the ruling Saenuri Party and Moon Jae In of the main opposition Democratic United Party. It has become a straightforward conservative versus liberal choice after independent Ahn Cheol Soo, who was considered a powerful rival, dropped out of the race. The contest is expected to be a neck-and-neck race.
５年ぶりの今回選挙は、与党セヌリ党の朴槿恵候補と、最大野党・民主統合党の文在寅候補による事実上の保革一騎打ちだ。有力候補とみられた無所属の安哲秀氏が告示直前に出馬を辞退したためで、接戦が予想されている。
Park, representing the conservative camp, seeks to become the first female president of South Korea. Her father, Park Chung Hee, made the bold decision to normalize relations with Japan and paved the way for the nation's high economic growth during his presidency.
保守勢力を代表する朴氏は、初の女性大統領を狙う。父親は、日本との国交正常化に踏み切って韓国を高度経済成長路線に導いた故朴正煕大統領である。
Moon, who represents leftists whose origins can be traced back to those who served in the Kim Dae Jung administration, was imprisoned for opposing Park Chung Hee's long authoritarian rule, and has served as a human-rights lawyer and chief secretary of former President Roh Moo Hyun--Lee's predecessor.
一方、文氏は金大中政権以来の左派の流れをくむ。かつて朴大統領の長期独裁に反対し、投獄された経験を持つ。人権派弁護士として活動し、盧武鉉前大統領の秘書室長を務めた。
Although Park and Moon belong to the same generation, they have contrasting careers and their policies differ widely. We should pay close attention to their verbal battles.
同世代ながら対照的な経歴の２人は、政策の違いも鮮明だ。激しい論戦を注視したい。
===
Economic growth main issue
The campaign's main point of contention will be economic policy.
最大の争点は、経済政策だ。
Lee has succeeded in significantly boosting South Korea's exports through economic policies based on free trade agreements with the United States, the European Union and other countries. However, his policies have also resulted in a widening rich-poor gap. Unemployment among the younger generation also has become a persistent problem. The South Korean public has strongly criticized Lee for only focusing on big companies.
李大統領は、米欧などとの自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）推進を軸に輸出を大きく伸ばしたが、富裕層と低所得者層の格差が広がった。若者の雇用難が続き、大企業だけを優遇したとの批判が強い。
As a result, both candidates have pledged to narrow the rich-poor gap under the slogan of "economic democratization." Moon, for example, is focusing on reforming chaebols--South Korea's conglomerates--and placing more emphasis on helping ordinary workers. The two candidates will be tested on whether they can come up with concrete measures to ensure the nation's economic growth.
両候補が共に「経済民主化」で格差是正を掲げるのは、そのためだ。文氏は財閥改革や労働者重視に力点を置く。成長をどう確保するのか、具体策が問われよう。
The second issue will be North Korea.
第二の争点は、対北朝鮮だ。
Moon has said he will adopt the conciliatory "Sunshine Policy" that the Kim and Roh administrations used in dealing with North Korea, indicating that he was prepared to resume large-scale food and fertilizer aid to the reclusive country. Moon also has declared he wants to hold summit talks between Seoul and Pyongyang next year.
文氏は、金、盧両政権の対「北」融和政策の継承をうたい、食料や肥料の大規模支援を復活させる意向だ。来年に南北首脳会談を行うと宣言した。
We would like to know how Moon plans to approach North Korea to have that country abandon its nuclear development program.
核放棄をどう迫るのか、明らかにしてもらいたい。
Park said she would not hesitate to hold a summit meeting if it led to better ties between the two countries. However, she is taking a gradual approach on the issue, which is to deter North Korea from taking provocative actions on one hand while working on confidence building on the other. We believe her approach is more practical than Moon's.
朴氏も「関係発展のためなら」首脳会談を辞さぬ構えだが、北朝鮮の挑発を抑止しつつ、信頼醸成に基づき関係を築く“漸進”主義だ。まだしも現実的と言える。
===
Concern over bilateral relations
The two candidates' policies in regard to Japan are also important.
重要なのは対日政策である。
Japan-South Korea relations deteriorated rapidly after Lee's visit to the Takeshima islands and his call for an apology from the Emperor. The two candidates are in favor of rectifying strained relations with Japan, as they have talked about building "future-oriented" ties between the two countries. Park has also referred to the resumption of FTA negotiations between Japan and South Korea.
李大統領の竹島訪問と「天皇の謝罪」要求発言で、日韓関係は悪化した。両候補は「未来志向」を口にし、修復に前向きではある。朴氏は、日韓のＦＴＡ交渉の再開にも言及している。
However, Park and Moon both take uncompromising attitudes against Japan on certain issues, such as Takeshima. Moon's stance is especially worrying, as he says he will no longer allow Seoul to continue "quiet diplomacy" on the issue. He also suggested he will pursue Japan's legal responsibility on the issue of so-called comfort women if he becomes president.
だが、竹島など特定の問題では厳しい立場のままだ。とくに文氏は、竹島問題で「これ以上、静かな外交はしない」と述べる一方、慰安婦問題でも日本政府の法的責任を追及する態度を見せる。
We are concerned that if Moon takes office, he would emulate the diplomacy of the Roh administration, which took an unyielding hard-line stance against Japan and stalled relations between the two countries.
強硬一辺倒で日韓関係を停滞させた盧武鉉外交の再現になりかねない、との懸念は拭えない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2012)
（2012年11月27日01時12分 読売新聞）
2012/11/28
社会保障 持続可能な制度へ論戦深めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 27, 2012)
Parties must deepen debate on sustainable welfare system
社会保障 持続可能な制度へ論戦深めよ（11月26日付・読売社説）
◇年金などの給付抑制が不可欠だ
Political parties must engage in policy discussions on how to build a sustainable social security system.
持続可能な社会保障制度をどう築くか、各党は現実的な政策を競い合うべきだ。
The nation's population is aging quickly amid a chronically low birthrate. The present "cavalry-type" society in which every senior citizen is sustained by 2.4 people of the working population will change into a "piggyback-type" one in 30 years in which there will be only 1.3 people for every retirement-age Japanese.
少子高齢化が急速に進む。１人の高齢者を２・４人の現役世代で支える今の「騎馬戦型」社会は、３０年後には１人を１・３人で支える「肩車型」社会になる。
If nothing is done to prevent this, the collapse of Japan's welfare system will only be a matter of time.
このままでは社会保障制度は早晩行き詰まるだろう。
◆一体改革の意義説明を◆
To help reconstruct state finances while covering rising social security costs, the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito joined hands to pass the bill on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. The centerpiece of this bill was a planned doubling of the consumption tax rate.
増え続ける社会保障支出を賄い、財政を再建するため、民主、自民、公明の３党は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革関連法を成立させた。
People's Life First and some other parties, however, want the planned tax increase rescinded. Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), on the other hand, says the social security system should not be sustained with the consumption tax." This is a questionable argument.
だが、国民の生活が第一などは消費増税の撤回を掲げている。日本維新の会は「消費税で社会保障を賄うのは不可」としているが、疑問だ。
The DPJ, the LDP and Komeito need to elaborate on the significance of the welfare and tax system reforms during campaigning for next month's House of Representatives election.
民自公３党は、衆院選で改革の意義を丁寧に訴える必要がある。
It is disconcerting that every party tends to trumpet only support for increasing welfare benefits and lessening the burdens on the public as they try to pander to voters during the election campaign.
懸念されるのは、各政党が選挙戦で有権者の歓心を買おうと、社会保障給付の拡充や負担軽減ばかりを唱えがちになることだ。
If welfare benefits are expanded without a clear objective, the inescapable result will be an endless rise in the consumption tax rate.
漫然と給付を拡大するなら、際限なく消費増税を続けなければならない。
===
Benefit outlays must be cut
Parties have a responsibility to explain how they will cap social security benefits.
社会保障給付の抑制策を提示することは、政治の責任である。
The revised National Pension Law enacted during the recent extraordinary Diet session was aimed at reining in pension payments. This should be applauded. The law revision will ensure pensions that had been overpaid by 2.5 percent will return to originally set levels.
年金給付を抑制するため、臨時国会で、改正国民年金法が成立したことは評価できる。２・５％の過払いとなっている給付が、ようやく本来の水準に戻される。
To ensure pensions can be stably provided, payment levels must be lowered further in accordance with the shifting demographics and changes in wages.
年金財政の安定には、人口や賃金の変動に合わせて、年金水準をさらに引き下げる必要がある。
Given the declining working population and erosion in wage levels caused by the sluggish economy, workers who pay pension premiums are shouldering heavier financial burdens. This will widen the generational gap in pension payments and make it inevitable that younger generations will receive smaller payments compared with their contribution of premiums and taxes. This will make it difficult to maintain the pension system.
労働力人口の減少や、不況に伴う賃金水準の低下で、年金保険料を納める現役世代の負担は重くなる一方だ。保険料や税の負担に比べ、給付が若い世代ほど少なくなる「世代間格差」が拡大し、制度の維持は難しくなる。
We urge the parties to also discuss how to expand the application of the corporate employees pension plan to nonregular workers, who have been increasing sharply, and what can be done for people who receive small pensions or none at all.
急増する非正規労働者に対する厚生年金の適用拡大や、低年金・無年金者対策についても論じてもらいたい。
In its effort to overhaul the pension system, the DPJ calls for establishing a guaranteed minimum pension payment. If this minimum monthly payment of 70,000 yen is to be covered by tax revenue, the consumption tax will have to be increased by up to another 6.2 percentage points. The likelihood that this proposal will be implemented is low.
民主党は年金制度を抜本的に見直そうと「最低保障年金」の創設を提唱している。だが、民主党が従来「月７万円」としてきた給付額を税財源で賄うと、消費税をさらに最大６・２％引き上げる必要があり、実現性に乏しい。
The draft of the DPJ campaign platform for the upcoming election does not mention any concrete figure for the minimum pension payment, apparently a reaction to the criticism it received on this issue.
今回の衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）原案に給付額の記載がないのは、こうした批判を意識したためだろう。
On the other hand, the LDP and Komeito want the current system maintained, but neither has shown enough concrete steps to keep it intact.
一方、自民、公明両党は現行制度の維持を主張しているが、そのための具体策は十分ではない。
We urge each party to present its vision for the public pension system and ways to improve it.
各党は、年金の将来像と制度の改善策を示すべきだ。
===
Health insurance facing crisis
◆危機的な健康保険財政◆
As baby boomers will be 75 or older in 2025, demand for health and nursing care will rise. It can safely be said that the improvement of at-home medical and nursing care and the upgrading of nursing care facilities are needed urgently.
団塊世代が７５歳以上の後期高齢者となる２０２５年に向けて、医療や介護の需要は増大する。在宅医療・介護サービスの拡充や、介護施設の整備は急務と言える。
The DPJ asserts that the medical insurance system for elderly people 75 or older should be abolished, and people in this age group transferred to the national health insurance program.
民主党は、後期高齢者医療制度を廃止し、７５歳以上の高齢者は国民健康保険に移行することを主張している。
But this medical insurance system has taken root, and there is little need to ax it.
だが、この制度は既に定着しており、廃止の必要性は希薄だ。
The LDP claims "the current system will be the base" of its plans. But some points need to be corrected.
自民党は「現行制度が基本」としているが、改めるべき点はあろう。
Due to the sizable contributions paid to the medical insurance system for the elderly, the finances of health insurance programs have fallen into a critical state. One such case is the National Health Insurance Association, which chiefly covers workers at small and midsize companies and their families.
高齢者医療への巨額の拠出金で、協会けんぽなどの健康保険財政が危機に陥っている。
Each party needs to think harder about how the current system can be reviewed.
各党は制度の見直しに、もっと知恵を絞る必要がある。
Time is of the essence for abolishing a special measure limiting out-of-pocket payments for medical bills people aged 70 to 74 pay to 10 percent of the total, and raising the limit to 20 percent as prescribed by law.
７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担を１割に抑える特例措置をやめ、法律の規定通り２割負担に引き上げることも懸案だ。
Medical costs have been creeping up partly because elderly patients often have medical consultations and checks at more than one institution and receive duplicate medication, and due to soaring dispensing fees. These costs must be brought down to reasonable levels.
複数の医療機関の受診や検査、投薬の重複、急増する調剤費など医療費の適正化も求められる。
Nursing care services are also being provided to some people whose need for it is not so pressing. Issues that need to be discussed include whether the out-of-pocket burdens of nursing care service bills should be raised and making sure people who need these services most are given priority.
介護サービスは、現在は要介護状態ほど重くない要支援者も対象になっているが、今後は自己負担の引き上げや重度の要介護者への重点給付が検討課題になろう。
===
Roles of new council
Our society also needs to do more to rectify the low birthrate. The total fertility rate--the average number of children each woman has in her lifetime--was just 1.39 in 2011.
少子化対策にも力を入れなければならない。１人の女性が産む子供の数を示す合計特殊出生率は、１１年に１・３９と低水準だ。
Under the comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems, 700 billion yen of the revenue generated by the consumption tax increase will be allocated to child-rearing support. It is also important to consider how to find money for steps to boost the birthrate. The nation will still spend less on this than European countries do.
社会保障と税の一体改革で、消費増税分のうち７０００億円を子育て支援に充てることになっている。それでも欧州諸国に比べ依然少ない少子化対策費をどう確保するか、という観点も重要だ。
◆国民会議の役割は重い◆
The soon-to-be established national council on social security system reform will have crucial roles to play. It needs to discuss how to build a solid social security system and to prepare ways to hold down benefit payments.
近く設置される社会保障制度改革国民会議が果たす役割は小さくない。信頼できる社会保障体制の構築を議論し、給付の抑制策をまとめる必要がある。
Unless the social security system is stable, people will remain anxious about their future. Regardless of which party holds power, it should maintain the current system while making modifications to accommodate the changing state of society. With this in mind, we hope each party will take part in constructive debates on this matter.
社会保障制度は安定したものでなければ、国民の不安は解消しない。どの政党が政権についても、制度を維持しながら、状況の変化に応じて修正を加えていくべきである。それを念頭に、建設的な論戦を展開してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 26, 2012)
（2012年11月26日01時20分 読売新聞）
2012/11/27
エネルギー政策 「脱原発」の大衆迎合を排せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 26, 2012)
Parties should base N-policies on realism, not popular emotions
エネルギー政策 「脱原発」の大衆迎合を排せ（11月25日付・読売社説）
◆電力安定確保の観点で選択を◆
How should Japan achieve a stable supply of power, which is indispensable for people's livelihoods and economic growth? Energy policies will become a major issue in the House of Representatives election to be held Dec. 16.
国民生活と経済成長に不可欠な電力をどのように安定的に確保するか。衆院選でエネルギー政策は大きな争点となる。
Nuclear power policies by the ruling and opposition parties have come under the spotlight due to the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、各党の原発政策が注目される。
It will be difficult to resolve many issues facing Japan, a country poor in natural resources, if the nation is divided simply between two camps--those seeking the abandonment of nuclear power and those wanting to keep it. All parties should hold in-depth discussions on the issue from various points of view, ranging from the economy and employment to the global environment and nuclear nonproliferation.
「脱原発」か、否か、という単純な二項対立では、資源小国・日本の諸課題を解決できない。各党は景気や雇用、地球環境、核不拡散など多角的な視点から、地に足の着いた論戦を展開すべきだ。
◆無責任な民主党の公約◆
The Fukushima crisis has resulted in the public becoming increasingly anxious over the safety of nuclear reactors. The government has to take all possible measures to boost their safety and prevent a similar crisis from occurring.
福島の事故で原発の安全に対する国民の不安は高まった。原発の安全性を向上させ、再発防止に万全を期さなければならない。
Considering that Japan's self-sufficiency in energy stands at just 4 percent, it is unrealistic for the nation to immediately abandon nuclear power, which supplies about 30 percent of the nation's electricity.
エネルギー自給率が４％の日本が、全電源の約３割を占める原発をただちに放棄するのは非現実的だ。
The nation's system for supplying electricity--often described as the "lifeblood of the economy"--would be weakened if the government gets emotionally carried away by attempts to ditch nuclear power generation. Such a stance could create problems for the nation's economy in the future.
ムードに流されて安易に脱原発に走れば、「経済の血液」である電力供給が弱体化する。日本経済の将来に禍根を残しかねない。
In campaigning for the election, each party should be aware that Japan stands at a crossroads in making an important choice--so should voters in casting their ballots.
各党と有権者は、重大な選択の岐路に立っていることを自覚して選挙に臨む必要がある。
It is a cause of concern that so many parties advocate denuclearization. We suspect they are just making policy promises that appeal to voters to win more support by taking advantage of people's anxiety over nuclear power generation.
懸念されるのは脱原発を掲げる政党が目立つことだ。国民の不安に乗じて支持拡大を狙う大衆迎合ではないか。
===
DPJ's irresponsible pledge
When compiling its manifesto for the upcoming general election, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan reportedly will include a target of "zero nuclear power plants" operating in the 2030s--a policy stated by the government's Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment. However, this strategy is flawed, because it fails to take into account the serious blow denuclearization would have on the nation's economy, and it is troubling that the DPJ would base a campaign pledge on it.
民主党は政府が「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」で打ち出した２０３０年代の「原発ゼロ」を、政権公約（マニフェスト）に盛り込むという。経済への打撃を軽視した、欠陥だらけの「戦略」をそのまま公約するのは問題だ。
Under the zero-nuclear power policy by the DPJ-led government, most nuclear power reactors' operations have remained suspended. Moreover, Japan's national wealth has been flowing out of the country at a rate of 3 trillion yen every year because of a surge of imports of liquefied natural gas and other fuel at a time when power suppliers are walking on a tightrope by operating aging thermal power plants at full capacity.
民主党政権の「脱原発路線」の影響で、ほとんどの原発が再稼働できていない。老朽化した火力発電所をフル稼働する綱渡りの中、液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）など燃料の輸入が急増し、年３兆円もの国富が流出し続けている。
Japan's industrial hollowing-out is accelerating as more and more companies move their factories overseas. This has had a serious impact on the nation's employment. However, the DPJ has done insufficient soul-searching over its own political missteps in the electricity field.
工場が海外移転する産業空洞化も加速し、国内雇用は危機に直面している。民主党は自らの“電力失政”への反省が足りない。
Shinzo Abe, president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, has criticized the DPJ as "really irresponsible" by proposing a zero-nuclear power policy. It is reasonable for the LDP--as a party aiming to return to power--to make clear in its campaign platform that an LDP government would take responsibility in reactivating nuclear reactors once their safety has been scientifically proved.
自民党の安倍総裁は、民主党の「原発ゼロ」方針を「極めて無責任だ」と批判した。科学的に安全性が確認できた原発は政府が責任を持って再稼働させると明言したのは、政権復帰を目指す責任政党として妥当な姿勢である。
However, the LDP's election platform states that the nation's energy source structure for mid- and long terms should be mapped out in the next 10 years. This shows it badly lacks a sense of urgency.
自民党の公約が、中長期的なエネルギー構成を１０年かけて決めるとしているのはスピード感に欠ける。
The party must hammer out a clear-cut approach to effectively utilizing nuclear power generation. At the same time, it is essential to study ways to adequately dispose of radioactive waste.
原発を有効活用する明確な方針を打ち出すべきだ。あわせて核廃棄物の処理について検討を進めることが欠かせない。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), which showed how eager it was to form a "third political force" to take on the DPJ and the LDP when it merged with former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), made the right decision by saying it would abandon its policy of "eliminating nuclear power generation altogether in the 2030s."
民主、自民の両党に次ぐ「第３極」を目指す日本維新の会が、石原慎太郎前東京都知事の率いる太陽の党と合流した際、「３０年代に原発全廃」の従来方針を取り下げたのは結構な判断だった。
However, Ishin no Kai's new energy platform, which calls for nothing more than "building a new supply-demand framework of energy," is regrettably equivocal.
だが、新たな政策が「新しいエネルギー需給体制の構築」というだけでは、あいまい過ぎる。
===
Renewable resources can't fill bill
◆再生エネ過信は禁物だ◆
Other parties, such as People's Life First and the Japanese Communist Party, have argued for the immediate or early cessation of the nation's nuclear power generation.
一方、即時あるいは早期の原発ゼロを主張するのが、国民の生活が第一や共産党などである。
Foes of nuclear power generation have insisted this country's need for electricity can be met without nuclear power plants on the ground that there was no blackout during the peak power consumption period in summer. Their argument, however, ignores such adverse consequences as the decline in the nation's production and hikes in electricity rates.
反原発派は夏のピーク時に停電しなかったため「原発なしで電気は足りる」と主張するが、生産停滞や電力料金の上昇などの悪影響を無視した的外れな見解だ。
The parties calling for the abandonment of nuclear power generation lack sincerity if they fail to explain to the voters the negative impacts that would accompany such a move.
脱原発のマイナス面も率直に有権者に示して選択を求める誠実な姿勢が求められる。
As alternative sources of energy, most parties have stressed the importance of such renewable energy sources as solar power and wind power.
ほとんどの党は、原発の代替電源として太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーを挙げる。
Although we would like to see the proliferation of such resources, renewable energy sources, with the exception of hydroelectric power generation, currently account for little more than 1 percent of the country's entire electricity output. It is far too optimistic to believe renewable energy sources would grow into a major source of electricity large enough in the near future to replace nuclear power generation.
再生エネの普及に期待したいが、水力を除けば全発電量の１％強にすぎない。すぐに原発に代わる主要電源に育つと見るのは甘すぎる。
The dearth of electricity, at least for now, cannot help but be addressed by the augmentation of thermal power generation using such fuels as coal and LNG.
当面は石炭やＬＮＧなど火力発電の増強で対応せざるを得まい。
It is nothing but an expedient, opportunist line of argument to advocate the abandonment of nuclear power while failing to mention such environmental problems as increases in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution due to an expansion of thermal power generation.
火力発電の増加による温室効果ガス排出や大気汚染など、環境問題に触れずに、「脱原発」を唱えるのはご都合主義である。
The lessons left behind by the two "oil shocks" in the 1970s and early 1980s, in which Japan, heavily dependent on oil for power generation, could have faced blackouts. It is imperative to secure a wide range of energy alternatives, including nuclear power generation.
発電燃料を原油に頼り、停電の危機に陥った石油ショックの教訓は重い。原発を含む多様な電源の選択肢を持つことが大切だ。
===
Diplomatic, security ramifications
◆外交・安保にも影響が◆
The zero-nuclear power policy of the government and the DPJ has puzzled the United States and European countries as it appears to contradict the government's stance of promoting at the same time the nation's nuclear fuel recycling program.
政府・民主党の「原発ゼロ」方針には、核燃料サイクルを同時に進める矛盾について欧米から疑問が呈された。
Washington, for that matter, has expressed strong concern that impediments may arise to ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear nonproliferation.
米国は原子力の平和利用や核不拡散に支障が出かねないとして、強い懸念を示した。
This is because spent nuclear fuel, if unused for power generation purposes after being reprocessed, would continue to be amassed, meaning that Japan's stockpile of plutonium, which can be diverted for the production of nuclear weapons, would keep increasing.
再処理した核燃料を発電に使わないと、核兵器に転用できるプルトニウムの保有量が、再処理で増え続けることになるからだ。
There could even be a possibility of this country losing both the special right to stockpile plutonium as stipulated by the Japan-U.S. Nuclear Power Cooperation Agreement and the nation's status as a partner of the United States in its nuclear policy in Asia.
日米原子力協定で認められているプルトニウム保有という特別な権利も、アジアにおける米核政策のパートナーの地位も、日本は同時に失う恐れがある。
From the standpoint of the nation's diplomatic and security priorities, the irresponsible argument for eliminating nuclear power generation must be abandoned.
外交・安全保障の観点からも、安易な「脱原発」は避けるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 25, 2012)
（2012年11月25日01時19分 読売新聞）
Parties should base N-policies on realism, not popular emotions
エネルギー政策 「脱原発」の大衆迎合を排せ（11月25日付・読売社説）
◆電力安定確保の観点で選択を◆
How should Japan achieve a stable supply of power, which is indispensable for people's livelihoods and economic growth? Energy policies will become a major issue in the House of Representatives election to be held Dec. 16.
国民生活と経済成長に不可欠な電力をどのように安定的に確保するか。衆院選でエネルギー政策は大きな争点となる。
Nuclear power policies by the ruling and opposition parties have come under the spotlight due to the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、各党の原発政策が注目される。
It will be difficult to resolve many issues facing Japan, a country poor in natural resources, if the nation is divided simply between two camps--those seeking the abandonment of nuclear power and those wanting to keep it. All parties should hold in-depth discussions on the issue from various points of view, ranging from the economy and employment to the global environment and nuclear nonproliferation.
「脱原発」か、否か、という単純な二項対立では、資源小国・日本の諸課題を解決できない。各党は景気や雇用、地球環境、核不拡散など多角的な視点から、地に足の着いた論戦を展開すべきだ。
◆無責任な民主党の公約◆
The Fukushima crisis has resulted in the public becoming increasingly anxious over the safety of nuclear reactors. The government has to take all possible measures to boost their safety and prevent a similar crisis from occurring.
福島の事故で原発の安全に対する国民の不安は高まった。原発の安全性を向上させ、再発防止に万全を期さなければならない。
Considering that Japan's self-sufficiency in energy stands at just 4 percent, it is unrealistic for the nation to immediately abandon nuclear power, which supplies about 30 percent of the nation's electricity.
エネルギー自給率が４％の日本が、全電源の約３割を占める原発をただちに放棄するのは非現実的だ。
The nation's system for supplying electricity--often described as the "lifeblood of the economy"--would be weakened if the government gets emotionally carried away by attempts to ditch nuclear power generation. Such a stance could create problems for the nation's economy in the future.
ムードに流されて安易に脱原発に走れば、「経済の血液」である電力供給が弱体化する。日本経済の将来に禍根を残しかねない。
In campaigning for the election, each party should be aware that Japan stands at a crossroads in making an important choice--so should voters in casting their ballots.
各党と有権者は、重大な選択の岐路に立っていることを自覚して選挙に臨む必要がある。
It is a cause of concern that so many parties advocate denuclearization. We suspect they are just making policy promises that appeal to voters to win more support by taking advantage of people's anxiety over nuclear power generation.
懸念されるのは脱原発を掲げる政党が目立つことだ。国民の不安に乗じて支持拡大を狙う大衆迎合ではないか。
===
DPJ's irresponsible pledge
When compiling its manifesto for the upcoming general election, the ruling Democratic Party of Japan reportedly will include a target of "zero nuclear power plants" operating in the 2030s--a policy stated by the government's Innovative Strategy for Energy and the Environment. However, this strategy is flawed, because it fails to take into account the serious blow denuclearization would have on the nation's economy, and it is troubling that the DPJ would base a campaign pledge on it.
民主党は政府が「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」で打ち出した２０３０年代の「原発ゼロ」を、政権公約（マニフェスト）に盛り込むという。経済への打撃を軽視した、欠陥だらけの「戦略」をそのまま公約するのは問題だ。
Under the zero-nuclear power policy by the DPJ-led government, most nuclear power reactors' operations have remained suspended. Moreover, Japan's national wealth has been flowing out of the country at a rate of 3 trillion yen every year because of a surge of imports of liquefied natural gas and other fuel at a time when power suppliers are walking on a tightrope by operating aging thermal power plants at full capacity.
民主党政権の「脱原発路線」の影響で、ほとんどの原発が再稼働できていない。老朽化した火力発電所をフル稼働する綱渡りの中、液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）など燃料の輸入が急増し、年３兆円もの国富が流出し続けている。
Japan's industrial hollowing-out is accelerating as more and more companies move their factories overseas. This has had a serious impact on the nation's employment. However, the DPJ has done insufficient soul-searching over its own political missteps in the electricity field.
工場が海外移転する産業空洞化も加速し、国内雇用は危機に直面している。民主党は自らの“電力失政”への反省が足りない。
Shinzo Abe, president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, has criticized the DPJ as "really irresponsible" by proposing a zero-nuclear power policy. It is reasonable for the LDP--as a party aiming to return to power--to make clear in its campaign platform that an LDP government would take responsibility in reactivating nuclear reactors once their safety has been scientifically proved.
自民党の安倍総裁は、民主党の「原発ゼロ」方針を「極めて無責任だ」と批判した。科学的に安全性が確認できた原発は政府が責任を持って再稼働させると明言したのは、政権復帰を目指す責任政党として妥当な姿勢である。
However, the LDP's election platform states that the nation's energy source structure for mid- and long terms should be mapped out in the next 10 years. This shows it badly lacks a sense of urgency.
自民党の公約が、中長期的なエネルギー構成を１０年かけて決めるとしているのはスピード感に欠ける。
The party must hammer out a clear-cut approach to effectively utilizing nuclear power generation. At the same time, it is essential to study ways to adequately dispose of radioactive waste.
原発を有効活用する明確な方針を打ち出すべきだ。あわせて核廃棄物の処理について検討を進めることが欠かせない。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), which showed how eager it was to form a "third political force" to take on the DPJ and the LDP when it merged with former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), made the right decision by saying it would abandon its policy of "eliminating nuclear power generation altogether in the 2030s."
民主、自民の両党に次ぐ「第３極」を目指す日本維新の会が、石原慎太郎前東京都知事の率いる太陽の党と合流した際、「３０年代に原発全廃」の従来方針を取り下げたのは結構な判断だった。
However, Ishin no Kai's new energy platform, which calls for nothing more than "building a new supply-demand framework of energy," is regrettably equivocal.
だが、新たな政策が「新しいエネルギー需給体制の構築」というだけでは、あいまい過ぎる。
===
Renewable resources can't fill bill
◆再生エネ過信は禁物だ◆
Other parties, such as People's Life First and the Japanese Communist Party, have argued for the immediate or early cessation of the nation's nuclear power generation.
一方、即時あるいは早期の原発ゼロを主張するのが、国民の生活が第一や共産党などである。
Foes of nuclear power generation have insisted this country's need for electricity can be met without nuclear power plants on the ground that there was no blackout during the peak power consumption period in summer. Their argument, however, ignores such adverse consequences as the decline in the nation's production and hikes in electricity rates.
反原発派は夏のピーク時に停電しなかったため「原発なしで電気は足りる」と主張するが、生産停滞や電力料金の上昇などの悪影響を無視した的外れな見解だ。
The parties calling for the abandonment of nuclear power generation lack sincerity if they fail to explain to the voters the negative impacts that would accompany such a move.
脱原発のマイナス面も率直に有権者に示して選択を求める誠実な姿勢が求められる。
As alternative sources of energy, most parties have stressed the importance of such renewable energy sources as solar power and wind power.
ほとんどの党は、原発の代替電源として太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーを挙げる。
Although we would like to see the proliferation of such resources, renewable energy sources, with the exception of hydroelectric power generation, currently account for little more than 1 percent of the country's entire electricity output. It is far too optimistic to believe renewable energy sources would grow into a major source of electricity large enough in the near future to replace nuclear power generation.
再生エネの普及に期待したいが、水力を除けば全発電量の１％強にすぎない。すぐに原発に代わる主要電源に育つと見るのは甘すぎる。
The dearth of electricity, at least for now, cannot help but be addressed by the augmentation of thermal power generation using such fuels as coal and LNG.
当面は石炭やＬＮＧなど火力発電の増強で対応せざるを得まい。
It is nothing but an expedient, opportunist line of argument to advocate the abandonment of nuclear power while failing to mention such environmental problems as increases in greenhouse gas emissions and air pollution due to an expansion of thermal power generation.
火力発電の増加による温室効果ガス排出や大気汚染など、環境問題に触れずに、「脱原発」を唱えるのはご都合主義である。
The lessons left behind by the two "oil shocks" in the 1970s and early 1980s, in which Japan, heavily dependent on oil for power generation, could have faced blackouts. It is imperative to secure a wide range of energy alternatives, including nuclear power generation.
発電燃料を原油に頼り、停電の危機に陥った石油ショックの教訓は重い。原発を含む多様な電源の選択肢を持つことが大切だ。
===
Diplomatic, security ramifications
◆外交・安保にも影響が◆
The zero-nuclear power policy of the government and the DPJ has puzzled the United States and European countries as it appears to contradict the government's stance of promoting at the same time the nation's nuclear fuel recycling program.
政府・民主党の「原発ゼロ」方針には、核燃料サイクルを同時に進める矛盾について欧米から疑問が呈された。
Washington, for that matter, has expressed strong concern that impediments may arise to ensuring the peaceful use of nuclear energy and nuclear nonproliferation.
米国は原子力の平和利用や核不拡散に支障が出かねないとして、強い懸念を示した。
This is because spent nuclear fuel, if unused for power generation purposes after being reprocessed, would continue to be amassed, meaning that Japan's stockpile of plutonium, which can be diverted for the production of nuclear weapons, would keep increasing.
再処理した核燃料を発電に使わないと、核兵器に転用できるプルトニウムの保有量が、再処理で増え続けることになるからだ。
There could even be a possibility of this country losing both the special right to stockpile plutonium as stipulated by the Japan-U.S. Nuclear Power Cooperation Agreement and the nation's status as a partner of the United States in its nuclear policy in Asia.
日米原子力協定で認められているプルトニウム保有という特別な権利も、アジアにおける米核政策のパートナーの地位も、日本は同時に失う恐れがある。
From the standpoint of the nation's diplomatic and security priorities, the irresponsible argument for eliminating nuclear power generation must be abandoned.
外交・安全保障の観点からも、安易な「脱原発」は避けるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 25, 2012)
（2012年11月25日01時19分 読売新聞）
2012/11/26
アジア経済連携 ＴＰＰテコに日本が主導せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 25, 2012)
Japan should take lead in regional trade pacts
アジア経済連携 ＴＰＰテコに日本が主導せよ（11月24日付・読売社説）
New initiatives have been launched to create two huge free trade blocs in Asia. Japan will face a test as to whether it can work out a strategy to expedite such moves to boost its economic growth.
アジアで新たに二つの巨大な自由貿易圏作りが動きだした。日本の成長促進へ、同時に推進する戦略が問われよう。
In Phnom Penh, 16 countries--Japan, Australia, China, India, New Zealand, South Korea and the 10 members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations--announced the start of negotiations under a regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP).
日中韓と、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）１０か国、インド、豪州、ニュージーランドの計１６か国がプノンペンで、包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）の交渉開始を宣言した。
The 16 nations are scheduled to begin the negotiations in early 2013 and aim to conclude terms, such as on tariff cuts and partial liberalization of investment in the region, by the end of 2015.
１６か国は２０１３年初めに交渉をスタートさせ、域内関税の引き下げや投資障壁の削減などについて１５年末までの妥結を目指す。
The combined gross domestic products of the RCEP nations total 20 trillion dollars, accounting for 30 percent of the global economy. This trade initiative is based on a vision Japan proposed. It would be significant to create a free trade zone that would include new economic giants China and India.
ＲＣＥＰは、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の合計が２０兆ドルに達し、世界の３割を占める経済圏だ。日本が提唱してきた構想がベースになっている。経済大国に成長した中国とインドを含む自由貿易圏を構築するメリットは大きい。
Hopes are high for the RCEP because the outcome of its negotiations could help Japanese companies expand their exports. The firms could also find it easier to develop international supply chains, which would link their production bases at home and in the RCEP region. This could pave the way for them to exploit Asia's dynamics to shore up their businesses.
交渉次第で日本企業の輸出拡大が期待できる。国内と域内の生産拠点をつないだ国際的なサプライチェーン（供給網）も整えやすくなる。アジアの活力を取り込むビジネス展開の道が広がろう。
===
Trilateral talks start next year
Japan, China and South Korea have also agreed to start trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations next year.
日中韓３か国は併せて、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）の交渉を来年開始することでも合意した。
Japan and China remain in a state of confrontation over the Senkaku Islands, while Japan's relationship with South Korea has become tense over the Takeshima islands. It is reasonable for the Japanese government to separate such territorial rows from trade issues and enter the negotiations, giving priority to the economy. We hope the government will seek early trade agreements.
日中は尖閣諸島、日韓は竹島を巡って対立しているが、領土問題を切り離し、経済優先で交渉に踏み出したのは妥当だ。早期合意を目指してもらいたい。
The launch of negotiations under these two trade frameworks was apparently prompted by China's concerns. Beijing appears to be wary about the strategy of the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to increase his country's influence in Asia by promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership multinational free trade talks.
二つの枠組みで交渉開始が決まった背景には、中国の思惑がうかがえる。中国は、米オバマ政権が環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉を推進し、アジアでの影響力増大を図っていることを警戒しているからだ。
To counter the TPP framework, which excludes China, Beijing has made its stance clear that it will push for the RCEP and the trilateral FTA, which do not involve the United States.
中国抜きのＴＰＰに対抗するためにも、米国が非メンバー国のＲＣＥＰや日中韓ＦＴＡを重視する方針を鮮明にしたと言える。
Apart from these, China has also agreed to create a free trade bloc under a framework, called the Free Trade Area of Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), which comprises 21 members such as Japan, China and the Untied States.
これとは別に、日中や米国など２１か国・地域は、地域全体をカバーするアジア太平洋自由貿易地域（ＦＴＡＡＰ）を将来的に実現する方針でも合意済みだ。
===
U.S., China rivalry to intensify
The FTAAP has no clear prospects. In the meantime, the tug-of-war between the United States, which is focusing on the TPP, and China, which is attempting to make the RCEP central to the region's economic activities, is expected to intensify.
ＦＴＡＡＰへの道筋は不透明だが、ＴＰＰを軸にする米国と、ＲＣＥＰを中心に据えたい中国との綱引きが活発化するだろう。
Meanwhile, Japan has come under pressure over its trade policies. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has repeatedly said his government "will pursue the TPP, the FTA among Japan, China and South Korea and the RCEP at the same time."
問われるのは日本の通商政策だ。野田首相は「ＴＰＰ、日中韓ＦＴＡ、ＲＣＥＰを同時並行的に推進する」と繰り返している。
First of all, Japan should speed up work to join the TPP talks as early as possible. The government then should use the TPP participation as a catalyst to proceed with negotiations for the RCEP and the trilateral FTA for the nation's benefit. We also hope Japan will win the terms it is seeking in the TPP negotiations.
日本はまず、ＴＰＰへの早期参加を急ぐべきだ。それを弾みにＲＣＥＰや日中韓の交渉を有利に進め、ＴＰＰ交渉でも自らの主張を反映できるようにしたい。
Amid competition between the United States and China, Japan needs to take the initiative in forming economic partnerships in Asia while protecting its interests.
米中のせめぎ合いの中、日本の国益を守りつつ、アジア経済連携を主体的に作る必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 24, 2012)
（2012年11月24日01時34分 読売新聞）
Japan should take lead in regional trade pacts
アジア経済連携 ＴＰＰテコに日本が主導せよ（11月24日付・読売社説）
New initiatives have been launched to create two huge free trade blocs in Asia. Japan will face a test as to whether it can work out a strategy to expedite such moves to boost its economic growth.
アジアで新たに二つの巨大な自由貿易圏作りが動きだした。日本の成長促進へ、同時に推進する戦略が問われよう。
In Phnom Penh, 16 countries--Japan, Australia, China, India, New Zealand, South Korea and the 10 members of Association of Southeast Asian Nations--announced the start of negotiations under a regional comprehensive economic partnership (RCEP).
日中韓と、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）１０か国、インド、豪州、ニュージーランドの計１６か国がプノンペンで、包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）の交渉開始を宣言した。
The 16 nations are scheduled to begin the negotiations in early 2013 and aim to conclude terms, such as on tariff cuts and partial liberalization of investment in the region, by the end of 2015.
１６か国は２０１３年初めに交渉をスタートさせ、域内関税の引き下げや投資障壁の削減などについて１５年末までの妥結を目指す。
The combined gross domestic products of the RCEP nations total 20 trillion dollars, accounting for 30 percent of the global economy. This trade initiative is based on a vision Japan proposed. It would be significant to create a free trade zone that would include new economic giants China and India.
ＲＣＥＰは、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の合計が２０兆ドルに達し、世界の３割を占める経済圏だ。日本が提唱してきた構想がベースになっている。経済大国に成長した中国とインドを含む自由貿易圏を構築するメリットは大きい。
Hopes are high for the RCEP because the outcome of its negotiations could help Japanese companies expand their exports. The firms could also find it easier to develop international supply chains, which would link their production bases at home and in the RCEP region. This could pave the way for them to exploit Asia's dynamics to shore up their businesses.
交渉次第で日本企業の輸出拡大が期待できる。国内と域内の生産拠点をつないだ国際的なサプライチェーン（供給網）も整えやすくなる。アジアの活力を取り込むビジネス展開の道が広がろう。
===
Trilateral talks start next year
Japan, China and South Korea have also agreed to start trilateral free trade agreement (FTA) negotiations next year.
日中韓３か国は併せて、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）の交渉を来年開始することでも合意した。
Japan and China remain in a state of confrontation over the Senkaku Islands, while Japan's relationship with South Korea has become tense over the Takeshima islands. It is reasonable for the Japanese government to separate such territorial rows from trade issues and enter the negotiations, giving priority to the economy. We hope the government will seek early trade agreements.
日中は尖閣諸島、日韓は竹島を巡って対立しているが、領土問題を切り離し、経済優先で交渉に踏み出したのは妥当だ。早期合意を目指してもらいたい。
The launch of negotiations under these two trade frameworks was apparently prompted by China's concerns. Beijing appears to be wary about the strategy of the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama to increase his country's influence in Asia by promoting the Trans-Pacific Partnership multinational free trade talks.
二つの枠組みで交渉開始が決まった背景には、中国の思惑がうかがえる。中国は、米オバマ政権が環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉を推進し、アジアでの影響力増大を図っていることを警戒しているからだ。
To counter the TPP framework, which excludes China, Beijing has made its stance clear that it will push for the RCEP and the trilateral FTA, which do not involve the United States.
中国抜きのＴＰＰに対抗するためにも、米国が非メンバー国のＲＣＥＰや日中韓ＦＴＡを重視する方針を鮮明にしたと言える。
Apart from these, China has also agreed to create a free trade bloc under a framework, called the Free Trade Area of Asia-Pacific (FTAAP), which comprises 21 members such as Japan, China and the Untied States.
これとは別に、日中や米国など２１か国・地域は、地域全体をカバーするアジア太平洋自由貿易地域（ＦＴＡＡＰ）を将来的に実現する方針でも合意済みだ。
===
U.S., China rivalry to intensify
The FTAAP has no clear prospects. In the meantime, the tug-of-war between the United States, which is focusing on the TPP, and China, which is attempting to make the RCEP central to the region's economic activities, is expected to intensify.
ＦＴＡＡＰへの道筋は不透明だが、ＴＰＰを軸にする米国と、ＲＣＥＰを中心に据えたい中国との綱引きが活発化するだろう。
Meanwhile, Japan has come under pressure over its trade policies. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has repeatedly said his government "will pursue the TPP, the FTA among Japan, China and South Korea and the RCEP at the same time."
問われるのは日本の通商政策だ。野田首相は「ＴＰＰ、日中韓ＦＴＡ、ＲＣＥＰを同時並行的に推進する」と繰り返している。
First of all, Japan should speed up work to join the TPP talks as early as possible. The government then should use the TPP participation as a catalyst to proceed with negotiations for the RCEP and the trilateral FTA for the nation's benefit. We also hope Japan will win the terms it is seeking in the TPP negotiations.
日本はまず、ＴＰＰへの早期参加を急ぐべきだ。それを弾みにＲＣＥＰや日中韓の交渉を有利に進め、ＴＰＰ交渉でも自らの主張を反映できるようにしたい。
Amid competition between the United States and China, Japan needs to take the initiative in forming economic partnerships in Asia while protecting its interests.
米中のせめぎ合いの中、日本の国益を守りつつ、アジア経済連携を主体的に作る必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 24, 2012)
（2012年11月24日01時34分 読売新聞）
2012/11/25
自民党政権公約 国論二分の政策でも方向示せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 24, 2012)
Now is the time for the LDP to take courageous policy stands
自民党政権公約 国論二分の政策でも方向示せ（11月23日付・読売社説）
What lessons has the Liberal Democratic Party drawn from the past administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which lasted from September 2006 to September 2007, and its three years of being an opposition party?
安倍政権時代に得た教訓と、３年余りの野党暮らしの経験は、どう生かされているのか。
Titled "We'll restore Japan," the LDP's platform for the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election includes a number of conservative policies reflecting the political leanings of Abe, who is once again the party's head.
「日本を、取り戻す。」と題した自民党の政権公約は、保守志向の「安倍カラー」が強い政策が目立つ。
One key pledge involves creating a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, which was a primary, though eventually unrealized, goal of Abe's past administration.
その一つが、安倍政権が取り組み、挫折した「国家安全保障会議」（日本版ＮＳＣ）の設置だ。
The country's national security environment has become increasingly severe in the face of China's rapid military buildup and North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Some mechanism to allow the country to cope rapidly with emergencies by blueprinting a comprehensive set of strategies is urgently needed.
中国の急速な軍備増強や北朝鮮の核開発など、日本を取り巻く安保環境は厳しさを増している。
首相官邸を中心に、総合戦略を立案し、緊急事態に即応できる体制を整える必要がある。
We see the proposal to create something like the NSC to serve as a control tower for coordinating diplomatic and security policy, which should be crafted so the Prime Minister's Office plays a central role, as entirely reasonable.
そのために外交・安保政策の司令塔を創設することは理解できる。
===
Bold stand on security, education
We also support the LDP platform's calls for creating a "Basic Law on State Security" that would enable the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
集団的自衛権の行使容認を掲げて、「国家安全保障基本法」制定を明記したことは評価したい。
This is a long-standing problem, and resolving it would do much to bolster Japan's alliance with the United States, which was marred by the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
長年の懸案だけに、実現すれば、鳩山政権以降、傷ついた日米同盟を修復し、強化する一助になる。
The LDP election platform also presents an education policy representative of Abe's political principles.
教育政策も安倍氏らしさを前面に打ち出した。
The platform argues, "Due to the strong influence of Nikkyoso (the Japan Teachers' Union) on the Democratic Party of Japan, the DPJ will never be able to address the challenge of truly restoring the nation's education system."
「日教組の影響を受けている民主党には、真の教育再生はできない」と主張し、
In terms of specific measures, the platform calls for changing the textbook authorization system to conform with the Fundamental Law of Education, which stipulates the principle of "love of country and community." It also calls for reviewing the board of education system.
The education platform proposed by the LDP is sure to become one of the focal points of the election.
「我が国と郷土を愛する」とした教育基本法に沿った教科書検定や、教育委員会制度の見直しなどを挙げた。選挙の主要な争点となろう。
To stimulate the economy, the LDP platform advocates a basic law to "make Japan's territory resilient" to disasters, which would consist of a hefty package of antidisaster programs.
景気刺激策の一つとして、「国土強靱(きょうじん)化基本法」を定め、集中的に防災対策を進めるという。
The DPJ has strongly criticized the LDP's proposed objectives, calling them "typical of the old style of pork-barrel public works projects."
The LDP needs to respond to the DPJ's criticisms by clarifying its proposals, especially about how to balance public works projects with the need for fiscal discipline.
この点について、民主党は「古いバラマキ型の公共事業だ」と批判する。財政規律との兼ね合いをどう図るのか、自民党は論戦の中で明らかにしてもらいたい。
===
Still muddy on nuclear power
Regarding the nation's idled nuclear power plants, the LDP platform calls for making judgments step by step, with the goal of solving the issue within three years.
原発の再稼働については、可否を順次判断し、３年以内に決着させるとしている。
The party needs to explain in detail how bringing nuclear plants back online is indispensable to preventing hikes in electricity rates and ensuring a stable power supply.
電気料金の高騰を抑え、電力を安定供給するためには再稼働が不可欠なことを国民に丁寧に説明する必要がある。
The LDP's platform punted on the future make-up of the country's energy supply, only saying the party would "establish the best mix of electricity sources." Obviously, a more clear-cut path toward utilizing nuclear power is needed.
将来については「１０年以内には『電源構成のベストミックス』を確立する」とあるだけで、結論を先送りした。原発をどう利用していくのか、道筋を示すべきだ。
Further, the platform's references to negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade pact are hardly sufficient.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への言及は、物足りない。
Although Abe has stated that Japan's participation in the TPP talks "should be a matter of course if the national interests can be safeguarded," the party has backpedaled to its initial position of "opposing [the TPP] as long as negotiations are premised on the elimination of all tariffs without exception."
安倍氏は「国益が守られれば、交渉は当然だ」と明言したのに、公約は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対する」と従来の見解通りにとどめた。
How long will the LDP believe it is acceptable to retain this irresponsible attitude as an opposition party over this issue? The party needs to move in a new direction that promotes participating in the TPP negotiations.
いつまで野党気分でいるつもりなのか。ＴＰＰ推進の方向にカジを切るべきである。
The LDP must have the courage to present clear, unequivocal policies, even if they carry the risk of splitting public opinion.
自民党は、国論を二分する政策についても明確な方針を打ち出さねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 23, 2012)
（2012年11月23日01時49分 読売新聞）
Now is the time for the LDP to take courageous policy stands
自民党政権公約 国論二分の政策でも方向示せ（11月23日付・読売社説）
What lessons has the Liberal Democratic Party drawn from the past administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which lasted from September 2006 to September 2007, and its three years of being an opposition party?
安倍政権時代に得た教訓と、３年余りの野党暮らしの経験は、どう生かされているのか。
Titled "We'll restore Japan," the LDP's platform for the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election includes a number of conservative policies reflecting the political leanings of Abe, who is once again the party's head.
「日本を、取り戻す。」と題した自民党の政権公約は、保守志向の「安倍カラー」が強い政策が目立つ。
One key pledge involves creating a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, which was a primary, though eventually unrealized, goal of Abe's past administration.
その一つが、安倍政権が取り組み、挫折した「国家安全保障会議」（日本版ＮＳＣ）の設置だ。
The country's national security environment has become increasingly severe in the face of China's rapid military buildup and North Korea's nuclear weapons program. Some mechanism to allow the country to cope rapidly with emergencies by blueprinting a comprehensive set of strategies is urgently needed.
中国の急速な軍備増強や北朝鮮の核開発など、日本を取り巻く安保環境は厳しさを増している。
首相官邸を中心に、総合戦略を立案し、緊急事態に即応できる体制を整える必要がある。
We see the proposal to create something like the NSC to serve as a control tower for coordinating diplomatic and security policy, which should be crafted so the Prime Minister's Office plays a central role, as entirely reasonable.
そのために外交・安保政策の司令塔を創設することは理解できる。
===
Bold stand on security, education
We also support the LDP platform's calls for creating a "Basic Law on State Security" that would enable the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
集団的自衛権の行使容認を掲げて、「国家安全保障基本法」制定を明記したことは評価したい。
This is a long-standing problem, and resolving it would do much to bolster Japan's alliance with the United States, which was marred by the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
長年の懸案だけに、実現すれば、鳩山政権以降、傷ついた日米同盟を修復し、強化する一助になる。
The LDP election platform also presents an education policy representative of Abe's political principles.
教育政策も安倍氏らしさを前面に打ち出した。
The platform argues, "Due to the strong influence of Nikkyoso (the Japan Teachers' Union) on the Democratic Party of Japan, the DPJ will never be able to address the challenge of truly restoring the nation's education system."
「日教組の影響を受けている民主党には、真の教育再生はできない」と主張し、
In terms of specific measures, the platform calls for changing the textbook authorization system to conform with the Fundamental Law of Education, which stipulates the principle of "love of country and community." It also calls for reviewing the board of education system.
The education platform proposed by the LDP is sure to become one of the focal points of the election.
「我が国と郷土を愛する」とした教育基本法に沿った教科書検定や、教育委員会制度の見直しなどを挙げた。選挙の主要な争点となろう。
To stimulate the economy, the LDP platform advocates a basic law to "make Japan's territory resilient" to disasters, which would consist of a hefty package of antidisaster programs.
景気刺激策の一つとして、「国土強靱(きょうじん)化基本法」を定め、集中的に防災対策を進めるという。
The DPJ has strongly criticized the LDP's proposed objectives, calling them "typical of the old style of pork-barrel public works projects."
The LDP needs to respond to the DPJ's criticisms by clarifying its proposals, especially about how to balance public works projects with the need for fiscal discipline.
この点について、民主党は「古いバラマキ型の公共事業だ」と批判する。財政規律との兼ね合いをどう図るのか、自民党は論戦の中で明らかにしてもらいたい。
===
Still muddy on nuclear power
Regarding the nation's idled nuclear power plants, the LDP platform calls for making judgments step by step, with the goal of solving the issue within three years.
原発の再稼働については、可否を順次判断し、３年以内に決着させるとしている。
The party needs to explain in detail how bringing nuclear plants back online is indispensable to preventing hikes in electricity rates and ensuring a stable power supply.
電気料金の高騰を抑え、電力を安定供給するためには再稼働が不可欠なことを国民に丁寧に説明する必要がある。
The LDP's platform punted on the future make-up of the country's energy supply, only saying the party would "establish the best mix of electricity sources." Obviously, a more clear-cut path toward utilizing nuclear power is needed.
将来については「１０年以内には『電源構成のベストミックス』を確立する」とあるだけで、結論を先送りした。原発をどう利用していくのか、道筋を示すべきだ。
Further, the platform's references to negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade pact are hardly sufficient.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への言及は、物足りない。
Although Abe has stated that Japan's participation in the TPP talks "should be a matter of course if the national interests can be safeguarded," the party has backpedaled to its initial position of "opposing [the TPP] as long as negotiations are premised on the elimination of all tariffs without exception."
安倍氏は「国益が守られれば、交渉は当然だ」と明言したのに、公約は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対する」と従来の見解通りにとどめた。
How long will the LDP believe it is acceptable to retain this irresponsible attitude as an opposition party over this issue? The party needs to move in a new direction that promotes participating in the TPP negotiations.
いつまで野党気分でいるつもりなのか。ＴＰＰ推進の方向にカジを切るべきである。
The LDP must have the courage to present clear, unequivocal policies, even if they carry the risk of splitting public opinion.
自民党は、国論を二分する政策についても明確な方針を打ち出さねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 23, 2012)
（2012年11月23日01時49分 読売新聞）
2012/11/24
barack obama victory speach
バラク・オバマ米大統領、再選のスピーチ 英語全文
2012年11月7日（水）20:45
Thank you. Thank you. Thank you so much.
ありがとう、ありがとう。本当にどうもありがとう。
Tonight, more than 200 years after a former colony won the right to determine its own destiny, the task of perfecting our union moves forward. It moves forward because of you. It moves forward because you reaffirmed the spirit that has triumphed over war and depression, the spirit that has lifted this country from the depths of despair to the great heights of hope, the belief that while each of us will pursue our own individual dreams, we are an American family, and we rise or fall together as one nation and as one people.
元植民地が自分たちの宿命を自ら決める権利を勝ち取ってから200年以上たったこの夜、この国の団結をより完成させるための仕事が、さらに前に進みます。前進するのは、皆さんのおかげです。戦争や恐慌に打ち勝った心を、皆さんが再確認してくれたからです。この国を深い絶望の淵から素晴らしい希望の高みへと引き上げてくれた心のことです。私たちがそれぞれに個人の夢を追求する一方で、私たちはみな同じアメリカの家族なのだと。私たちはひとつの国、ひとつの国民として一緒に浮きも沈みもするのだという、信念のことです。
Tonight, in this election, you, the American people, reminded us that while our road has been hard, while our journey has been long, we have picked ourselves up, we have fought our way back, and we know in our hearts that for the United States of America, the best is yet to come.
この夜、この選挙では皆さんが、アメリカの人たちが、念押ししてくれました。私たちの旅路は辛く長いけれども、それでも私たちは立ち上がり、巻き返すために戦ってきたのだと。そしてアメリカ合衆国にとって最高の日々はこれからなんだと、私たちは胸の奥底で承知しているのだと。
I want to thank every American who participated in this election; whether you voted for the very first time or waited in line for a very long time, by the way, we have to fix that. Whether you pounded the pavement or picked up the phone, whether you held an Obama sign or a Romney sign, you made your voice heard and you made a difference.
この選挙に参加した全てのアメリカ人に感謝したい思いです。初めて投票した人にも、投票するため延々並んだ人にも。ちなみにあれは直さなきゃならない。あちこちの歩道を歩き回った人も。電話をしてくれた人も。オバマ支持の看板を持った人も、ロムニーの看板を持った人も。皆さんは声を上げてくれた。そして変化をもたらしたのです。
I just spoke with Governor Romney and I congratulated him and Paul Ryan on a hard-fought campaign. We may have battled fiercely, but it’s only because we love this country deeply and we care so strongly about its future. From George to Lenore to their son Mitt, the Romney family has chosen to give back to America through public service. And that is a legacy that we honor and applaud tonight. In the weeks ahead, I also look forward to sitting down with Governor Romney to talk about where we can work together to move this country forward.
つい先ほど、ロムニー知事と話をして、懸命に戦った選挙戦について知事とポール・ライアンに祝意を伝えました。私たちは激しく戦った。けれどもそれは、この国を深く愛しているからこそ。この国の未来をとても大事に思っているからこそです。ロムニー一家は、ジョージからレノア、そしてお二人の息子ミットに至るまで、公共への奉仕を通じてアメリカに恩返しをしてきました。私たちはこの夜、その伝統を尊重し称えます。これから数週間の間にロムニー知事と一緒になって、この国を前進させるためにどう協力できるかをじっくり話し合いたいと思い、楽しみにしています。
I want to thank my friend and partner of the last four years, America’s happy warrior, the best vice president anybody could ever hope for, Joe Biden.
過去4年にわたり友人とパートナーでいてくれた人にも感謝したいです。アメリカの幸福な戦士、これ以上はないという最高の副大統領、ジョー・バイデンです。
And I wouldn’t be the man I am today without the woman who agreed to marry me 20 years ago. Let me say this publicly. Michelle, I have never loved you more. I have never been prouder to watch the rest of America fall in love with you, too, as our nation’s first lady.
そして20年前に結婚を承諾してくれた女性がいなければ、今の私はありません。ミシェル、公の場ではっきり言わせてもらいたい。今までで一番、君を愛してる。僕が君を愛するように、アメリカ中が君をファーストレディとして愛するようになるのを、僕はずっと眺めてきた。こんな誇らしいことはない。
Sasha and Malia; before our very eyes, you’re growing up to become two strong, smart, beautiful young women, just like your mom. And I am so proud of you guys. But I will say that for now, one dog’s probably enough.
サーシャとマリーア。みんなの目の前で君たちはどんどん大きくなって、お母さんにそっくりの、強くて賢くて美しい若い女性になっていく。本当にすごく誇りに思ってるよ。ただし当分の間は、犬は一匹で十分だと思う。
To the best campaign team and volunteers in the history of politics, the best..., the best ever. Some of you were new this time around, and some of you have been at my side since the very beginning. But all of you are family. No matter what you do or where you go from here, you will carry the memory of the history we made together. And you will have the lifelong appreciation of a grateful president. Thank you for believing all the way, to every hill, to every valley. You lifted me up the whole way, and I will always be grateful for everything that you’ve done and all the incredible work that you’ve put in.
政治史上最高の選挙チームとボランティアのみんなにも。最高の、本当に最高の。今回初めての人たちもいたし、一番最初から側にいてくれた人たちもいる。みんな、家族です。みなさんが今後何をするにしても、どこへ行くにしても、みんなで一緒に作ったこの歴史の記憶はあなたの中に残る。そしてこの大統領はみなさんに終生、感謝し続けます。ずっと信じてくれて、ありがとう。あらゆる丘の上へ、あらゆる谷間へ、一緒に来てくれてありがとう。皆さんはずっと僕を盛り立ててくれた。皆さんの努力と素晴らしい働きに、僕はいつまでも感謝し続けます。
I know that political campaigns can sometimes seem small, even silly. And that provides plenty of fodder for the cynics who tell us that politics is nothing more than a contest of egos or the domain of special interests. But if you ever get the chance to talk to folks who turned out at our rallies and crowded along a rope line in a high school gym, or saw folks working late at a campaign office in some tiny county far away from home, you’ll discover something else.
選挙戦というのはくだらないものに見えることがある。ばかばかしく見えることだってある。それは承知しています。そのせいで、政治なんてしょせんエゴのぶつかり合いでしかないとか、特定利益が支配する領域に過ぎないとか、そうやって斜に構える連中に冷笑されてしまう。けれども実際に私たちの集会に来てくれた人たち、高校の体育館でロープに沿って並んだ人たちの話を聞いてもらったら、あるいは自宅を遠く離れた小さな地区の選挙事務所で遅くまで働く人たちを見てくれたら、たぶん違うものを目にすると思います。
You’ll hear the determination in the voice of a young field organizer who’s working his way through college and wants to make sure every child has that same opportunity. You’ll hear the pride in the voice of a volunteer who’s going door to door because her brother was finally hired when the local auto plant added another shift. You’ll hear the deep patriotism in the voice of a military spouse who’s working the phones late at night to make sure that no one who fights for this country ever has to fight for a job or a roof over their head when they come home.
そうすれば、働きながら大学に通う若い活動員の決意のほどを聞くでしょう。どの子供も自分と同じように大学に行けるようにしたいという、彼の強い思いを知るでしょう。地元の自動車工場がシフトを増やしたからやっときょうだいが働けるようになったという、若いボランティアに会えば、彼女がどれだけ誇りに思っているかを知るでしょう。彼女はそうやって誇りをもって、一軒一軒を訪ねて歩いたのです。深夜遅くまで電話をかけ続けた軍人の伴侶からは、国を愛する思いの深さを知るでしょう。国のために戦う兵士が決して、帰国してから仕事や住居で苦労しなくて済むように、その人は電話をかけ続けたのです。
That’s why we do this. That’s what politics can be. That’s why elections matter. It’s not small, it’s big. It’s important. Democracy in a nation of 300 million can be noisy and messy and complicated. We have our own opinions. Each of us has deeply held beliefs. And when we go through tough times, when we make big decisions as a country, it necessarily stirs passions, stirs up controversy. That won’t change after tonight. And it shouldn’t. These arguments we have are a mark of our liberty, and we can never forget that as we speak, people in distant nations are risking their lives right now just for a chance to argue about the issues that matter, the chance to cast their ballots like we did today.
だからこそ、私たちはこうしている。政治にはそういう可能性がある。だから選挙は大事なんです。つまらなくなんかない。大きい。大事なんです。人口3億人の国の民主主義というのは、うるさくてごちゃごちゃしていて複雑なものになりがちです。みんな自分の意見を持っているし、誰もが信じる何かを深いところに抱いている。そして大変な時代の最中に、国として大きな決断をする時、感情がかき立てられ、対立がかき立てられるのは当然のことです。この夜が明けても、それは変わらない。変わるべきじゃない。私たちが議論するのは、私たちの自由の印です。自分たちが何かを主張しているまさにその時、遠い国々の人たちは、大事な問題について言い争うチャンスのために戦い、命を賭けている。私たちが今日そうしたように、投票する権利のために命を賭けている。それは決して忘れられない。
But despite all our differences, most of us share certain hopes for America’s future. We want our kids to grow up in a country where they have access to the best schools and the best teachers, a country that lives up to its legacy as the global leader in technology and discovery and innovation, with all of the good jobs and new businesses that follow.
私たちの間には色々な違いや対立がある。けれどもほとんどの人は、アメリカの未来はこうなって欲しいという一定の思いを共有しています。
子供たちは、最高の学校と最高の教師がいる国で育って欲しい。技術や発明やイノベーションにおいて、世界のリーダーとしての役割を果たす国であってほしい。それがもたらす良い仕事や新しい事業の恩恵を受けられる、そういう国であって欲しい。
We want our children to live in an America that isn’t burdened by debt, that isn’t weakened up by inequality, that isn’t threatened by the destructive power of a warming planet. We want to pass on a country that’s safe and respected and admired around the world, a nation that is defended by the strongest military on earth and the best troops this world has ever known, but also a country that moves with confidence beyond this time of war to shape a peace that is built on the promise of freedom and dignity for every human being.
子供たちには、借金の重みに苦しんでいないアメリカで生きて欲しい。不平等のせいで衰退したり、温暖化の進む惑星の破壊にさらされたりしない、そういうアメリカで暮らして欲しい。安全な国、世界中で尊敬され憧れられる国を子供たちに残したい。世界最強で最高の軍隊に守られる国を。と同時に、今の戦争の時代を自信をもって乗り越えて、全人類の自由と尊厳が保証される平和を築く側に立つ、そういう国を、子供たちに残したい。
We believe in a generous America, in a compassionate America, in a tolerant America open to the dreams of an immigrant’s daughter who studies in our schools and pledges to our flag, to the young boy on the south side of Chicago who sees a life beyond the nearest street corner, to the furniture worker’s child in North Carolina who wants to become a doctor or a scientist, an engineer or an entrepreneur, a diplomat or even a president.
私たちは寛大なアメリカ、思いやり深いアメリカ、寛容なアメリカを信じています。この国の学校で学びこの国の旗に忠誠を誓う移民の娘に対して､彼女の夢に対して寛大で思いやり深く寛容なアメリカを。シカゴのサウスサイドに住みながらもより広い世界を夢見る少年の夢に対しても。医者や科学者やエンジニアや起業家や外交官や、あるいは大統領にもなりたいと夢見る、ノースカロライナの家具大工の子供に対しても。
That’s the future we hope for. That’s the vision we share. That’s where we need to go: forward. That’s where we need to go.
それが、それが、私たちが望む未来です。それが、私たちが共有するビジョンです。それが、私たちの目指すべきところです。前へ（forward)。私たちはそういう未来を目指さなくてはならないのです。
Now, we will disagree, sometimes fiercely, about how to get there. As it has for more than two centuries, progress will come in fits and starts. It’s not always a straight line. It’s not always a smooth path. By itself, the recognition that we have common hopes and dreams won’t end all the gridlock, resolve all our problems or substitute for the painstaking work of building consensus and making the difficult compromises needed to move this country forward.
ただし、どうやってそこに行くべきかについては、意見がぶつかることもあるでしょう。時に､激しく。200年前からそうだったように、進歩のペースはまばらなものです。まっすぐ直線に進むばかりではないし、いつもスムースに進むとも限らない。同じ希望や夢を共有していると認識するだけでは、膠着はなくならないし、問題も解消しない。合意形成のために苦労する代わりにはならない。この国の前進に必要な妥協点を見いだすためには、大変な苦労が必要です。希望は一緒だと認識するだけでは、その代わりにならない。
But that common bond is where we must begin. Our economy is recovering. A decade of war is ending. A long campaign is now over. And whether I earned your vote or not, I have listened to you. I have learned from you. And you’ve made me a better president. And with your stories and your struggles, I return to the White House more determined and more inspired than ever about the work there is to do and the future that lies ahead.
けれども共有する絆を、出発点にしなくてはなりません。この国の経済は回復しつつあります。10年以上続いた戦争も終わりつつあります。長い戦いは終わりました。そして皆さんに投票してもらう資格が私にあるかどうかはともかくとして、私は皆さんの声に耳を傾けてきました。皆さんから学んできました。皆さんのおかげで、より良い大統領になれました。皆さんの物語や戦いを抱えて、私はホワイトハウスに戻ります。やるべき仕事、待ち受ける未来について、今まで以上に決意を固め、意欲をもって。
Tonight you voted for action, not politics as usual. You elected us to focus on your jobs, not ours. And in the coming weeks and months, I am looking forward to reaching out and working with leaders of both parties to meet the challenges we can only solve together -- reducing our deficit, reforming out tax code, fixing our immigration system, freeing ourselves from foreign oil. We’ve got more work to do.
皆さんは今晩、行動を求めて投票しました。相変わらずの政治のままでいいと言ったのではない。私たちの仕事ではなく、自分たちの仕事が大事なのだと、皆さんはそのために私たちを選んだ。
なのでこれから私は、両党の協力なしでは解決できない課題に取り組むため、両党のリーダーたちに手をさしのべ、一緒に働くのを楽しみにしています。両党が協力しなければ、税制改革はできない。移民制度を直し、外国石油への依存から自由になることもできない。やるべき仕事はたくさんあります。
But that doesn’t mean your work is done. The role of citizens in our democracy does not end with your vote. America’s never been about what can be done for us, it’s about what can be done by us together, through the hard and frustrating but necessary work of self- government. That’s the principle we were founded on.
だからといって、皆さんの仕事がこれで終わりだというわけではありません。この国の民主主義における市民の役割は、投票でおしまいではないからです。アメリカは、何をしてもらえるかという国ではありません。そういう国だったことは一度もない。協力し合って何ができるか、それがアメリカです。自治という大変な、なかなか報われない、けれども必要な努力を通じて。その理念こそ、この国の建国の精神です。
This country has more wealth than any nation, but that’s not what makes us rich. We have the most powerful military in history, but that’s not what makes us strong. Our university, our culture are all the envy of the world, but that’s not what keeps the world coming to our shores. What makes America exceptional are the bonds that hold together the most diverse nation on Earth, the belief that our destiny is shared, that this country only works when we accept certain obligations to one another and to future generations, so that the freedom which so many Americans have fought for and died for come with responsibilities as well as rights, and among those are love and charity and duty and patriotism. That’s what makes America great.
私たちが豊かなのは、どの国よりも財力があるからではない。史上最強の軍隊を持つけれども、だから強いわけではない。この国の大学や文化は世界中からうらやましがられているけれども、世界中の人がこの国にやってくるのは、それが理由ではない。アメリカが特別なのは、地球上でもっとも多様なこの国をひとつに束ねる絆のおかげです。自分たちはひとつの運命を共有しているのだという、信念のおかげです。お互いや将来の世代に対する一定の義務を受け入れなければ、この国はうまくいかないという、そういう確信です。アメリカではあまりに多くの人が自由のために戦い、自由のために死んでいった。そうやって勝ち取った自由には権利もあれば責任もあるのだと。責任とはたとえば愛すること、思いやること、義務を果たし国を愛することだと。その信念があるからこそ、アメリカは偉大な国なのです。
I am hopeful tonight because I have seen this spirit at work in America. I’ve seen it in the family business whose owners would rather cut their own pay than lay off their neighbors and in the workers who would rather cut back their hours than see a friend lose a job. I’ve seen it in the soldiers who re-enlist after losing a limb and in those SEALs who charged up the stairs into darkness and danger because they knew there was a buddy behind them watching their back. I’ve seen it on the shores of New Jersey and New York, where leaders from every party and level of government have swept aside their differences to help a community rebuild from the wreckage of a terrible storm.
その心がアメリカ各地で生きているのを見ることができたので、今の私は希望に満ちています。家業の経営に際して、近所の人たちをクビにするくらいなら自分の給料を減らした方がましだという人たちに、その心を見ました。友達が職を失うくらいなら自分の時間数を減らした方がマシだという労働者にも。手足を失ってもまた再入隊する兵士たちに。後ろからしっかり守ってくれる仲間がいると分かっているから、暗闇の中、階段を駆け上っていった海軍特殊部隊の兵士たちに。ニュージャージーやニューヨークの岸辺でも見ました。どの政党かどのレベルの行政府かを問わず、大勢のリーダーたちが、凄まじい嵐に破壊されたコミュニティーを再建するため、ふだんの立場の違いを脇に追いやる姿にも、その心を見ました。
And I saw it just the other day in Mentor, Ohio, where a father told the story of his 8-year-old daughter whose long battle with leukemia nearly cost their family everything had it not been for health care reform passing just a few months before the insurance company was about to stop paying for her care. I had an opportunity to not just talk to the father but meet this incredible daughter of his. And when he spoke to the crowd, listening to that father’s story, every parent in that room had tears in their eyes because we knew that little girl could be our own.
そしてつい先日、オハイオ州メンターでも見ました。そこで会ったお父さんは、長いこと白血病を患う8歳の娘さんの話をしてくれました。保険会社がその子の治療費負担を止めようというわずか数カ月前に、医療保険改革法が成立したおかげで、彼女の治療を続けることができたと。そうでなければ、家族は全てを失っていただろうと。このお父さんの話を聞くだけでなく、素晴らしい娘さんにも会うこともできました。そしてお父さんが会場で自分たちの体験を語ってくれたとき、その場にいた全ての親御さんが目に涙を浮かべていました。あの小さい女の子は自分の子供だったかもしれないと、みんな分かっていたから。
And I know that every American wants her future to be just as bright. That’s who we are. That’s the country I’m so proud to lead as your president. And tonight, despite all the hardship we’ve been through, despite all the frustrations of Washington, I’ve never been more hopeful about our future. I have never been more hopeful about America. And I ask you to sustain that hope.
そして、女の子の未来が自分の子供の未来と同じくらい明るいものでありますようにと、アメリカ人全員が願っている。私たちはそういう国民だからです。そういう国だからこそ、私は皆さんの大統領としてこの国を率いることができて、本当に誇りに思っているのです。
そして今晩、実にたくさんの困難を経験してきたけれども、ワシントンに不満はたくさんあるけれども、それでもこの国の未来についてこれほど希望を抱いたことはありません。アメリカについて、これほど希望を抱いたことはない。その希望が長続きするよう、皆さんにお願いしたいのです。
I’m not talking about blind optimism, the kind of hope that just ignores the enormity of the tasks ahead or the road blocks that stand in our path. I’m not talking about the wishful idealism that allows us to just sit on the sidelines or shirk from a fight. I have always believed that hope is that stubborn thing inside us that insists, despite all the evidence to the contrary, that something better awaits us so long as we have the courage to keep reaching, to keep working, to keep fighting.
やみくもな楽観主義について話しているのではありません。前にたちはだかる仕事がいかに大変かをいたずらに無視したり、道をふさぐ障害物を無視したりする、そんな希望のことではありません。ただ高みの見物を決め込んだり、戦いから逃げ回るだけの脳天気な理想主義のことでもない。私はかねてから希望というのは、自分たちの中にある頑固な何かだと思ってきました。そんなの無理だとどんなに言われても、果敢に手を伸ばし続け、働き続け、戦い続ける勇気があれば、今より良いものが何か待っていると、頑なに信じ続ける何かだと。
America, I believe we can build on the progress we’ve made and continue to fight for new jobs and new opportunities and new security for the middle class. I believe we can keep the promise of our founding, the idea that if you’re willing to work hard, it doesn’t matter who you are or where you come from or what you look like or where you love. It doesn’t matter whether you’re black or white or Hispanic or Asian or Native American or young or old or rich or poor, abled, disabled, gay or straight. You can make it here in America if you’re willing to try.
アメリカの皆さん、私は信じています。これまでの成果をもとに私たちはさらに前進し、新しい仕事や新しいチャンスのため、中間層がより安心できる毎日のため、さらに戦い続けることができると。建国の約束を守ることができると。一生懸命働く気持ちがあるならば、何者だろうと構わない。どこから来たのでも、外見がどうだろう､どこを愛していようと構わない。黒人だろうが白人だろうが、ヒスパニックだろうがアジア系だろうがアメリカ先住民だろうが構わない。若くても年寄りでも金持ちでも貧乏でも、五体満足でも障害があっても、ゲイでもストレートでも。やる気さえあれば、ここアメリカではなんとかなる。
I believe we can seize this future together because we are not as divided as our politics suggests. We’re not as cynical as the pundits believe. We are greater than the sum of our individual ambitions and we remain more than a collection of red states and blue states. We are, and forever will be, the United States of America.
こういう未来を、みんな一緒につかめると私は信じています。この国の政治が言うほど、私たち国民は分断していないからです。評論家たちが言うほど、私たちはシニカルではないからです。私たちは、個々人の野心の総和よりもはるかに大きい。そして赤い州や青い州の寄せ集めよりも大きい。私たちはこれまでも、そして永遠に、諸州が団結したアメリカという国（the United States of America）なのです。
And together, with your help and God’s grace, we will continue our journey forward and remind the world just why it is that we live in the greatest nation on earth.
皆さんの助けと神の恩寵と共に、私たちは一緒になって前へ前へと旅を続けます。私たちが暮らすこの国がなぜ世界で最も偉大な国なのか、世界中に伝えながら。
Thank you, America. God bless you. God bless these United States.
ありがとう、アメリカ。神様の祝福がみなさんにありますよう。この団結した諸州（united states）を神様が祝福してくれますように。
（書き起こし・翻訳：加藤祐子）（編集：スラチャイ＾＾）
2012/11/23
米・ミャンマー 関係強化は中国へのけん制だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 22, 2012)
Japan, U.S. must join hands to aid Myanmar's reform drive
米・ミャンマー 関係強化は中国へのけん制だ（11月21日付・読売社説）
Recently reelected Barack Obama on Monday became the first serving U.S. president to visit Myanmar, a historic move in line with the U.S. strategy of attaching greater importance to Asia.
再選を果たしたオバマ米大統領が、現職大統領として初めてミャンマーを訪れた。
After meeting Myanmar President Thein Sein, Obama stressed the United States would support reform in the Southeast Asian nation, saying, "A process of democratic and economic reform here in Myanmar that has been begun by the president is one that can lead to incredible development opportunities."
米国の「アジア重視」戦略に沿った歴史的な訪問である。
オバマ大統領はテイン・セイン大統領との会談後、「民主化と経済改革は驚くべき発展をもたらすだろう」と述べ、改革支援の立場を強調した。
Obama also met with Aung San Suu Kyi, president of Myanmar's largest opposition party, and applauded her efforts in leading the pro-democracy movement.
最大野党党首のアウン・サン・スー・チー氏とも会い、民主化努力をねぎらった。
Myanmar was subject to tough economic sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States for many years while it suppressed human rights under the junta's rule.
ミャンマーは軍政時代の人権弾圧などを理由に、欧米から長年にわたり経済制裁を受けてきた。
But since the change to democratic rule in spring last year, the Myanmar government led by President Thein Sein has made steady efforts to promote democracy. Given this, the Obama administration has relaxed sanctions in phases since the start of this year. As a result, relations between the two countries have improved rapidly.
しかし、昨春の民政移管以来、テイン・セイン政権が民主化を着実に進めたことから、オバマ政権は今年に入り、制裁を段階的に緩和した。ミャンマーとの関係改善は急速に進んでいる。
===
A bulwark against China
The United States went ahead with Obama's trip to take ties to a new level. The visit can also be regarded as a check against China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence. China cozied up to junta-ruled Myanmar, thereby boosting its influence over that country.
米国が大統領の訪問で新生ミャンマーとの関係強化へ一段と踏み込んだのは、中国をけん制する狙いもあろう。軍事、経済両面で膨張する中国は、軍政時代のミャンマーと関係を強め、その影響力を増大させてきた。
That Obama chose Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand as the first countries to visit after his reelection is significant.
オバマ大統領が再選後初の歴訪先として、ミャンマーをはじめカンボジア、タイを選んだ意義は小さくない。
By doing so, Obama sent a strong message that he will seek, in his second term too, to deepen cooperative relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in both economic and security fields.
政権２期目も、経済、安保ともに東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国との連携を深めていくという強力なメッセージだ。
China will certainly be stewing over the U.S. move. It seems inevitable that Washington and Beijing will intensify their tug-of-war over Myanmar.
米国の動きに中国も内心穏やかではないはずだ。ミャンマーを巡る米中両国の綱引きが激化するのは避けられないだろう。
The United States plans to provide Myanmar with about 13.7 billion yen over the next two years to assist its education and democratization programs. We hope the Thein Sein administration will use this U.S. support as a springboard to further promote reforms in various fields.
米国はミャンマーの教育や民主化の支援に、今後２年間で約１３７億円を提供する方針だという。これを弾みに、テイン・セイン政権には、多方面で改革を一層進めてもらいたい。
===
Crucial moment ahead
Myanmar will chair ASEAN in 2014. The country will face a crucial moment in its economic reconstruction as it seeks to shake off its status as the poorest nation in ASEAN. The road to further democratization likely will be bumpy. It will not be easy to reconcile with minority ethnic groups that still are at odds with the government.
ミャンマーは２０１４年にＡＳＥＡＮ議長国を務める。域内最貧国脱却への経済再建はこれからが正念場だ。一層の民主化には曲折も予想される。対立が続く少数民族との和解も容易ではない。
Tokyo and Washington must work together to support democratization and economic reform in Myanmar. In October, Japan hosted a conference of industrialized nations and the World Bank in Tokyo, where arrangements for assistance to Myanmar were set.
日本や米国は協調してミャンマーの民主化や経済改革を支えていく必要がある。１０月には日本が主導して、先進国と世界銀行などによる支援国会合が東京で開かれ、国際社会の支援体制も整った。
In his meeting with Thein Sein in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced his government plans to offer yen credits to the tune of 50 billion yen next year.
今回、野田首相はプノンペンでテイン・セイン大統領と会談し、５００億円規模の円借款を来年実施する方針を伝えた。
Myanmar can become a new production base for Japanese firms. The Japanese government, for its part, must expedite its assistance to expand that country's economic infrastructure.
ミャンマーは、日系企業の新たな生産拠点となり得る。日本政府としても、経済基盤の整備への支援を急ぐべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 21, 2012)
（2012年11月21日01時50分 読売新聞）
Japan, U.S. must join hands to aid Myanmar's reform drive
米・ミャンマー 関係強化は中国へのけん制だ（11月21日付・読売社説）
Recently reelected Barack Obama on Monday became the first serving U.S. president to visit Myanmar, a historic move in line with the U.S. strategy of attaching greater importance to Asia.
再選を果たしたオバマ米大統領が、現職大統領として初めてミャンマーを訪れた。
After meeting Myanmar President Thein Sein, Obama stressed the United States would support reform in the Southeast Asian nation, saying, "A process of democratic and economic reform here in Myanmar that has been begun by the president is one that can lead to incredible development opportunities."
米国の「アジア重視」戦略に沿った歴史的な訪問である。
オバマ大統領はテイン・セイン大統領との会談後、「民主化と経済改革は驚くべき発展をもたらすだろう」と述べ、改革支援の立場を強調した。
Obama also met with Aung San Suu Kyi, president of Myanmar's largest opposition party, and applauded her efforts in leading the pro-democracy movement.
最大野党党首のアウン・サン・スー・チー氏とも会い、民主化努力をねぎらった。
Myanmar was subject to tough economic sanctions imposed by Europe and the United States for many years while it suppressed human rights under the junta's rule.
ミャンマーは軍政時代の人権弾圧などを理由に、欧米から長年にわたり経済制裁を受けてきた。
But since the change to democratic rule in spring last year, the Myanmar government led by President Thein Sein has made steady efforts to promote democracy. Given this, the Obama administration has relaxed sanctions in phases since the start of this year. As a result, relations between the two countries have improved rapidly.
しかし、昨春の民政移管以来、テイン・セイン政権が民主化を着実に進めたことから、オバマ政権は今年に入り、制裁を段階的に緩和した。ミャンマーとの関係改善は急速に進んでいる。
===
A bulwark against China
The United States went ahead with Obama's trip to take ties to a new level. The visit can also be regarded as a check against China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence. China cozied up to junta-ruled Myanmar, thereby boosting its influence over that country.
米国が大統領の訪問で新生ミャンマーとの関係強化へ一段と踏み込んだのは、中国をけん制する狙いもあろう。軍事、経済両面で膨張する中国は、軍政時代のミャンマーと関係を強め、その影響力を増大させてきた。
That Obama chose Myanmar, Cambodia and Thailand as the first countries to visit after his reelection is significant.
オバマ大統領が再選後初の歴訪先として、ミャンマーをはじめカンボジア、タイを選んだ意義は小さくない。
By doing so, Obama sent a strong message that he will seek, in his second term too, to deepen cooperative relations with members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in both economic and security fields.
政権２期目も、経済、安保ともに東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国との連携を深めていくという強力なメッセージだ。
China will certainly be stewing over the U.S. move. It seems inevitable that Washington and Beijing will intensify their tug-of-war over Myanmar.
米国の動きに中国も内心穏やかではないはずだ。ミャンマーを巡る米中両国の綱引きが激化するのは避けられないだろう。
The United States plans to provide Myanmar with about 13.7 billion yen over the next two years to assist its education and democratization programs. We hope the Thein Sein administration will use this U.S. support as a springboard to further promote reforms in various fields.
米国はミャンマーの教育や民主化の支援に、今後２年間で約１３７億円を提供する方針だという。これを弾みに、テイン・セイン政権には、多方面で改革を一層進めてもらいたい。
===
Crucial moment ahead
Myanmar will chair ASEAN in 2014. The country will face a crucial moment in its economic reconstruction as it seeks to shake off its status as the poorest nation in ASEAN. The road to further democratization likely will be bumpy. It will not be easy to reconcile with minority ethnic groups that still are at odds with the government.
ミャンマーは２０１４年にＡＳＥＡＮ議長国を務める。域内最貧国脱却への経済再建はこれからが正念場だ。一層の民主化には曲折も予想される。対立が続く少数民族との和解も容易ではない。
Tokyo and Washington must work together to support democratization and economic reform in Myanmar. In October, Japan hosted a conference of industrialized nations and the World Bank in Tokyo, where arrangements for assistance to Myanmar were set.
日本や米国は協調してミャンマーの民主化や経済改革を支えていく必要がある。１０月には日本が主導して、先進国と世界銀行などによる支援国会合が東京で開かれ、国際社会の支援体制も整った。
In his meeting with Thein Sein in Phnom Penh, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda announced his government plans to offer yen credits to the tune of 50 billion yen next year.
今回、野田首相はプノンペンでテイン・セイン大統領と会談し、５００億円規模の円借款を来年実施する方針を伝えた。
Myanmar can become a new production base for Japanese firms. The Japanese government, for its part, must expedite its assistance to expand that country's economic infrastructure.
ミャンマーは、日系企業の新たな生産拠点となり得る。日本政府としても、経済基盤の整備への支援を急ぐべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 21, 2012)
（2012年11月21日01時50分 読売新聞）
2012/11/22
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衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 21, 2012)
Political parties must spell out their visions for Japan
衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ（11月20日付・読売社説）
◆現実的な経済再生策が問われる◆
Japan stands at a crossroads. The direction it takes will be critical to determining whether Japan can remain one of the world's leading nations.
日本は今、「一流国」であり続けることができるかどうかの重大な岐路に立っている。
As political gridlock continues and the economy staggers along, the people's sense that the country is stagnating has been growing. How can the nation overcome this situation?
「決められない政治」が続き、経済も低迷する中、国民の閉塞感は強まるばかりだ。どう乗り越えていくか。
During the upcoming House of Representatives election campaign, we urge each party to present the course they want Japan to pursue and a new "vision" for this nation. Each party then needs to provide voters with detailed policy proposals based on these ideas.
衆院選で各党は、日本の針路と新たな「国家像」を提示すべきだ。それを踏まえて有権者に具体的な政策を訴える必要がある。
===
How to overcome deflation?
◆デフレ脱却への方策は◆
In his book, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano pointed out that the nation must wake up from its dreamlike "growth illusion" and face up to reality. Edano argues that Japan, which has become a mature society, can no longer expect growth to just happen. Even maintaining Japan's economic vigor is not an easy task, he says.
枝野経済産業相は著書で、「成長幻想」という夢から覚めて、現実と向き合うべきだと指摘する。成熟社会となった日本ではもはや成長は望めず、経済の活力維持さえ容易ではないという見解だ。
Behind the failure of the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration to hammer out an effective growth strategy and economy-boosting measures, we suspect "pessimism" like Edano's is rooted in people's minds.
民主党政権で有効な成長戦略や経済対策が打ち出せなかった背景には、枝野氏のような“悲観論”が根強いこともあるのではないか。
But if economic sluggishness and deflation continue, which leads to negative growth, it might further hollow out the nation's industry and shake the foundation of social security systems and national security.
だが、マイナス成長に陥るような景気低迷とデフレが続けば、産業が空洞化し、社会保障や安全保障の基盤が揺らぎかねない。
Consequently, we believe it essential for the nation to pursue stable growth and enhance its international competitiveness so it can maintain its national strength.
だからこそ、安定成長を追求し、国際競争力を高めることが、日本の国力の維持には不可欠である。
How to overcome deflation, reignite the economy and rectify disparities are probably the issues of most interest to people ahead of the election.
いかにデフレから脱却し、経済再生や格差是正を図るかは、国民の関心が最も高い争点だろう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe has said his administration, if realized, would work closely with the Bank of Japan in policy coordination to implement bold monetary easing measures. He also said the LDP-led administration would reinvigorate regional economies by "improving infrastructure to serve as investment for the future."
自民党の安倍総裁は、日銀との政策協調で大胆な金融緩和に取り組むとともに、「未来への投資となるインフラ整備」で地域を活性化させていくと語った。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda had few kind words for the LDP plan, saying, "I don't think Japan can be revitalized through a policy of promoting lavish public works projects." Instead, he again trumpeted his government's revitalization strategy aimed at fostering new markets in such fields as the environment and medicine and creating jobs.
野田首相は、「公共事業をばらまく政策で日本が再生するとは思えない」と自民党をけん制する一方、環境や医療などを中心に新たな市場と雇用の創出を目指す再生戦略を強調している。
But this strategy has so far produced little. The DPJ should present more convincing economic measures.
ただ、これまで戦略の成果は乏しかった。民主党は説得力のある経済対策を打ち出すべきだ。
Japan's future will be swayed by whether it participates in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework to harness the vigor of rapidly growing Asian economies. The DPJ and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) are set to vocally support joining the TPP talks.
急成長を遂げるアジアの活力を取り込むため、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）に参加するかどうかは、日本の将来を左右しよう。民主党、日本維新の会などは積極的に推進する構えだ。
===
TPP, nuclear energy key issues
◆ＴＰＰと原発がカギ◆
The LDP has taken a cautious stance on the TPP. It opposes the nation's participation in TPP negotiations as long as the pact is premised on the elimination of all tariffs "without sanctuary." But Abe, stressing the LDP's bargaining leverage, is poised to shift to a stance that supports participation in the talks. This change of tack is reasonable since the party seeks to return to power.
自民党は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対」と慎重な姿勢をとってきたが、安倍氏は自民党の「交渉力」を強調し、交渉参加へカジを切ろうとしている。政権復帰を目指す以上、当然の軌道修正である。
In preparation for further market liberalization, deeper discussions should be held on how to strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan's agricultural sector.
一層の市場開放に備え、農業の国際競争力を強化する方策についても議論を深めねばならない。
Deciding on an energy policy--especially what to do with the nation's nuclear power plants--also will be essential in designing Japan's future.
原発・エネルギー政策も日本の将来像と直結する重要政策だ。
The DPJ has declared a policy of achieving "zero nuclear power generation" by the 2030s.
民主党は２０３０年代に「原発ゼロ」を目指す方針を掲げた。
However, it is naive to expect that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will smoothly become more widely used. Japan's trade deficit has reached a record high, partly due to increased costs for fuel for thermal power generation as a substitute for idled nuclear reactors. It seems unavoidable that electricity charges will be raised further.
だが、太陽光、風力など再生可能エネルギーの普及に過大な期待は禁物だ。原発を代替する火力発電の燃料費増で日本の貿易赤字は過去最悪の水準に膨らんだ。電気料金の値上げは避けられまい。
There also are fears that abolishing nuclear plants will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which will have an adverse impact on the environment.
温室効果ガスの排出増による環境への悪影響も懸念される。
It is irresponsible to tout the "zero nuclear" policy without showing a concrete path to achieve this goal. The business world and the United States, which concluded a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Japan, have expressed strong concern over the nation's energy policy.
「原発ゼロ」への具体的な道筋を示さなければ無責任だ。経済界や日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国なども強い懸念を示している。
On this point, we applaud the LDP for declaring it will "act responsibly" to restart idled nuclear plants after it returns to power. We urge the party to reveal its medium- to long-term energy policy as well.
自民党が、原発の再稼働を「政府が責任を持って」進めるとしている点は評価できる。中長期的な政策も明らかにすべきだ。
Integrated reform of the social security and tax systems will also be a major issue in the election, as some parties have called for the consumption tax increase to be annulled or frozen.
社会保障と税の一体改革も、消費税率引き上げの凍結や撤回を主張する政党が少なくない以上、大きな争点である。
Under the law on the integrated reform, which was enacted through concerted efforts by the DPJ, LDP and New Komeito, the consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent in April 2014, and to 10 percent in October 2015.
民主、自民、公明の３党を中心に成立させた一体改革法は現行５％の消費税を１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月には１０％に引き上げる。
In our view, parties are just pandering to the public if their objective is only to prevent the consumption tax from being raised. They need to clarify how else they could fund social security costs, which are increasing by 1 trillion yen every year, and rebuild the nation's finances.
単なる増税反対なら、大衆迎合にほかならない。毎年１兆円前後も増え続ける社会保障費を賄い、財政を再建する手立ても明らかにすることが求められる。
In its campaign manifesto for the Dec. 16 election, Komeito included a pledge to introduce a reduced consumption tax rate for daily necessities to alleviate the burden the tax hike would impose on low-income earners. We believe this reduced rate issue also might become a major topic during the campaign.
公明党は政権公約（マニフェスト）に消費増税に伴う低所得者対策として軽減税率導入を掲げた。有力な論点になろう。
===
Debate security matters actively
◆主権・領土で論戦を◆
Depending on the outcome of the election, a new administration could come to power. However, the nation's basic policies on diplomacy and national security, which have their foundations in the Japan-U.S. alliance, should be resolutely maintained.
政権交代しても、日米同盟を基軸とする外交・安全保障政策の基本は堅持しなければならない。
Parties should spell out their plans for rebuilding ties with China and South Korea, which have been seriously strained by tensions over the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima islands, respectively. They also should actively debate issues such as whether to enable Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense and to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
尖閣諸島、竹島で悪化した日中、日韓関係をどう立て直すか。集団的自衛権の行使や米軍普天間飛行場移設問題も議論すべきだ。
Regarding reform of the lower house electoral system, various problems have been pointed out in the current system that combines single-seat constituencies with proportional representation. We expect parties to address this matter, including whether to reintroduce a multimember constituency system.
衆院選挙制度改革では現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制に様々な問題が指摘されている。中選挙区制の復活も含めて論じてほしい。
Parties must not skirt the issue of the division of roles between the two houses--a point that has plagued the bicameral system. The House of Councillors, which wields too much power, is urgently in need of reconstruction, and the nation's political functions must be restored.
その際、衆院と参院にどんな役割を持たせるか、二院制の問題に踏み込まざるを得ない。「強すぎる参院」の在り方を改め、政治の機能を回復することは急務だ。
Finally, we want to remind all parties that whether to amend the Constitution also is an important topic that deserves to be debated in the election campaign.
憲法改正が、重要な争点であることも忘れてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 20, 2012)
（2012年11月20日01時10分 読売新聞）
Political parties must spell out their visions for Japan
衆院選主要な争点 日本の国家像を具体的に語れ（11月20日付・読売社説）
◆現実的な経済再生策が問われる◆
Japan stands at a crossroads. The direction it takes will be critical to determining whether Japan can remain one of the world's leading nations.
日本は今、「一流国」であり続けることができるかどうかの重大な岐路に立っている。
As political gridlock continues and the economy staggers along, the people's sense that the country is stagnating has been growing. How can the nation overcome this situation?
「決められない政治」が続き、経済も低迷する中、国民の閉塞感は強まるばかりだ。どう乗り越えていくか。
During the upcoming House of Representatives election campaign, we urge each party to present the course they want Japan to pursue and a new "vision" for this nation. Each party then needs to provide voters with detailed policy proposals based on these ideas.
衆院選で各党は、日本の針路と新たな「国家像」を提示すべきだ。それを踏まえて有権者に具体的な政策を訴える必要がある。
===
How to overcome deflation?
◆デフレ脱却への方策は◆
In his book, Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano pointed out that the nation must wake up from its dreamlike "growth illusion" and face up to reality. Edano argues that Japan, which has become a mature society, can no longer expect growth to just happen. Even maintaining Japan's economic vigor is not an easy task, he says.
枝野経済産業相は著書で、「成長幻想」という夢から覚めて、現実と向き合うべきだと指摘する。成熟社会となった日本ではもはや成長は望めず、経済の活力維持さえ容易ではないという見解だ。
Behind the failure of the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration to hammer out an effective growth strategy and economy-boosting measures, we suspect "pessimism" like Edano's is rooted in people's minds.
民主党政権で有効な成長戦略や経済対策が打ち出せなかった背景には、枝野氏のような“悲観論”が根強いこともあるのではないか。
But if economic sluggishness and deflation continue, which leads to negative growth, it might further hollow out the nation's industry and shake the foundation of social security systems and national security.
だが、マイナス成長に陥るような景気低迷とデフレが続けば、産業が空洞化し、社会保障や安全保障の基盤が揺らぎかねない。
Consequently, we believe it essential for the nation to pursue stable growth and enhance its international competitiveness so it can maintain its national strength.
だからこそ、安定成長を追求し、国際競争力を高めることが、日本の国力の維持には不可欠である。
How to overcome deflation, reignite the economy and rectify disparities are probably the issues of most interest to people ahead of the election.
いかにデフレから脱却し、経済再生や格差是正を図るかは、国民の関心が最も高い争点だろう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe has said his administration, if realized, would work closely with the Bank of Japan in policy coordination to implement bold monetary easing measures. He also said the LDP-led administration would reinvigorate regional economies by "improving infrastructure to serve as investment for the future."
自民党の安倍総裁は、日銀との政策協調で大胆な金融緩和に取り組むとともに、「未来への投資となるインフラ整備」で地域を活性化させていくと語った。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda had few kind words for the LDP plan, saying, "I don't think Japan can be revitalized through a policy of promoting lavish public works projects." Instead, he again trumpeted his government's revitalization strategy aimed at fostering new markets in such fields as the environment and medicine and creating jobs.
野田首相は、「公共事業をばらまく政策で日本が再生するとは思えない」と自民党をけん制する一方、環境や医療などを中心に新たな市場と雇用の創出を目指す再生戦略を強調している。
But this strategy has so far produced little. The DPJ should present more convincing economic measures.
ただ、これまで戦略の成果は乏しかった。民主党は説得力のある経済対策を打ち出すべきだ。
Japan's future will be swayed by whether it participates in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework to harness the vigor of rapidly growing Asian economies. The DPJ and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) are set to vocally support joining the TPP talks.
急成長を遂げるアジアの活力を取り込むため、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）に参加するかどうかは、日本の将来を左右しよう。民主党、日本維新の会などは積極的に推進する構えだ。
===
TPP, nuclear energy key issues
◆ＴＰＰと原発がカギ◆
The LDP has taken a cautious stance on the TPP. It opposes the nation's participation in TPP negotiations as long as the pact is premised on the elimination of all tariffs "without sanctuary." But Abe, stressing the LDP's bargaining leverage, is poised to shift to a stance that supports participation in the talks. This change of tack is reasonable since the party seeks to return to power.
自民党は「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対」と慎重な姿勢をとってきたが、安倍氏は自民党の「交渉力」を強調し、交渉参加へカジを切ろうとしている。政権復帰を目指す以上、当然の軌道修正である。
In preparation for further market liberalization, deeper discussions should be held on how to strengthen the international competitiveness of Japan's agricultural sector.
一層の市場開放に備え、農業の国際競争力を強化する方策についても議論を深めねばならない。
Deciding on an energy policy--especially what to do with the nation's nuclear power plants--also will be essential in designing Japan's future.
原発・エネルギー政策も日本の将来像と直結する重要政策だ。
The DPJ has declared a policy of achieving "zero nuclear power generation" by the 2030s.
民主党は２０３０年代に「原発ゼロ」を目指す方針を掲げた。
However, it is naive to expect that renewable energy sources, such as solar and wind power, will smoothly become more widely used. Japan's trade deficit has reached a record high, partly due to increased costs for fuel for thermal power generation as a substitute for idled nuclear reactors. It seems unavoidable that electricity charges will be raised further.
だが、太陽光、風力など再生可能エネルギーの普及に過大な期待は禁物だ。原発を代替する火力発電の燃料費増で日本の貿易赤字は過去最悪の水準に膨らんだ。電気料金の値上げは避けられまい。
There also are fears that abolishing nuclear plants will lead to increased greenhouse gas emissions, which will have an adverse impact on the environment.
温室効果ガスの排出増による環境への悪影響も懸念される。
It is irresponsible to tout the "zero nuclear" policy without showing a concrete path to achieve this goal. The business world and the United States, which concluded a nuclear energy cooperation agreement with Japan, have expressed strong concern over the nation's energy policy.
「原発ゼロ」への具体的な道筋を示さなければ無責任だ。経済界や日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国なども強い懸念を示している。
On this point, we applaud the LDP for declaring it will "act responsibly" to restart idled nuclear plants after it returns to power. We urge the party to reveal its medium- to long-term energy policy as well.
自民党が、原発の再稼働を「政府が責任を持って」進めるとしている点は評価できる。中長期的な政策も明らかにすべきだ。
Integrated reform of the social security and tax systems will also be a major issue in the election, as some parties have called for the consumption tax increase to be annulled or frozen.
社会保障と税の一体改革も、消費税率引き上げの凍結や撤回を主張する政党が少なくない以上、大きな争点である。
Under the law on the integrated reform, which was enacted through concerted efforts by the DPJ, LDP and New Komeito, the consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent in April 2014, and to 10 percent in October 2015.
民主、自民、公明の３党を中心に成立させた一体改革法は現行５％の消費税を１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月には１０％に引き上げる。
In our view, parties are just pandering to the public if their objective is only to prevent the consumption tax from being raised. They need to clarify how else they could fund social security costs, which are increasing by 1 trillion yen every year, and rebuild the nation's finances.
単なる増税反対なら、大衆迎合にほかならない。毎年１兆円前後も増え続ける社会保障費を賄い、財政を再建する手立ても明らかにすることが求められる。
In its campaign manifesto for the Dec. 16 election, Komeito included a pledge to introduce a reduced consumption tax rate for daily necessities to alleviate the burden the tax hike would impose on low-income earners. We believe this reduced rate issue also might become a major topic during the campaign.
公明党は政権公約（マニフェスト）に消費増税に伴う低所得者対策として軽減税率導入を掲げた。有力な論点になろう。
===
Debate security matters actively
◆主権・領土で論戦を◆
Depending on the outcome of the election, a new administration could come to power. However, the nation's basic policies on diplomacy and national security, which have their foundations in the Japan-U.S. alliance, should be resolutely maintained.
政権交代しても、日米同盟を基軸とする外交・安全保障政策の基本は堅持しなければならない。
Parties should spell out their plans for rebuilding ties with China and South Korea, which have been seriously strained by tensions over the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima islands, respectively. They also should actively debate issues such as whether to enable Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense and to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
尖閣諸島、竹島で悪化した日中、日韓関係をどう立て直すか。集団的自衛権の行使や米軍普天間飛行場移設問題も議論すべきだ。
Regarding reform of the lower house electoral system, various problems have been pointed out in the current system that combines single-seat constituencies with proportional representation. We expect parties to address this matter, including whether to reintroduce a multimember constituency system.
衆院選挙制度改革では現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制に様々な問題が指摘されている。中選挙区制の復活も含めて論じてほしい。
Parties must not skirt the issue of the division of roles between the two houses--a point that has plagued the bicameral system. The House of Councillors, which wields too much power, is urgently in need of reconstruction, and the nation's political functions must be restored.
その際、衆院と参院にどんな役割を持たせるか、二院制の問題に踏み込まざるを得ない。「強すぎる参院」の在り方を改め、政治の機能を回復することは急務だ。
Finally, we want to remind all parties that whether to amend the Constitution also is an important topic that deserves to be debated in the election campaign.
憲法改正が、重要な争点であることも忘れてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 20, 2012)
（2012年11月20日01時10分 読売新聞）
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「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 20, 2012)
Ishin no Kai must clarify policies to vie with DPJ, LDP
「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな（11月19日付・読売社説）
If a new party aspires to become a third major force in national politics and take on the two main parties--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party--it will need to present clear proposals for addressing this nation's challenges.
民主、自民の２大政党に続く「第３極」を目指すなら、日本が直面する課題について明確な政策を掲げる必要がある。
Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party) has decided to merge into Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto. The new party will be led by Ishihara, with Hashimoto as acting leader.
石原慎太郎前東京都知事が率いる太陽の党は、橋下徹大阪市長を代表とする日本維新の会への合流を決めた。
石原氏が代表、橋下氏が代表代行に就く。
Hoping to capitalize on the high name recognition of both Ishihara and Hashimoto, Ishin no Kai is looking to fare well in the upcoming House of Representatives election, not only in proportional representation blocs but also in single-seat districts where large parties are seen as holding an advantage.
知名度の高い石原、橋下両氏が組む相乗効果で、衆院比例選だけでなく、大政党に有利な小選挙区でも議席確保を見込んでいる。
However, the two parties' merger was announced abruptly after Ishihara dropped an already announced plan to join forces with tax-slashing Genzei Nippon. The move thus smacks of a mutual-aid deal designed only to win the election.
ただ、石原氏は、いったん発表した減税日本との合流を白紙に戻すなど、動きが慌ただしい。「結集ありき」のような選挙互助会的政党には疑問を禁じ得ない。
===
Accord full of problems
The policy agreement put together by Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To is fraught with problems.
維新の会と太陽の党がまとめた合意文書にも問題が多い。
On nuclear power generation--a central issue in the election--the accord merely mentioned a need to set rules on safety standards. This likely was the result of disagreement between Ishin no Kai, which supports ending the nation's reliance on nuclear power in the 2030s, and Taiyo no To, which has been critical of the zero nuclear option.
焦点の原発政策に関しては、安全基準の「ルール構築」などにとどめた。「２０３０年代の原発全廃」を目指す維新の会と、脱原発には批判的な太陽の党の溝が埋まらなかったためだろう。
We agree with Ishihara's assertion that nuclear power policy needs to be discussed from a multifaceted viewpoint that takes economic and industrial factors into consideration. A zero nuclear policy is unrealistic at this point.
石原氏が言うように、原発政策は、経済・産業への影響など、複合的な観点から議論する必要がある。今から「原発ゼロ」を掲げるのは非現実的だ。
The proposal to make the consumption tax a local tax, a centerpiece of Ishin no Kai's platform, did make it into the agreement, although it was widely believed that Ishihara was less than enthusiastic about putting the consumption tax under local government control. If Ishihara has made an about-face, he needs to explain himself.
合意には、維新の会の看板政策とも言える「消費税の地方税化」が盛り込まれた。石原氏は地方税化に慎重だったはずなのに、政策をがらりと変えるのであれば、きちんとした説明が必要だ。
Concerning the Senkaku Islands, the accord called for urging China to make its case before the International Court of Justice. We question whether this position amounts to Japan admitting there exists a territorial dispute with China.
尖閣諸島問題では、中国に国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）への提訴を促す、とした。これでは、日本が領有権問題の存在を認めることにならないか疑問だ。
Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, the accord "supports participation in the TPP negotiations but opposes entry if the talks show it is not in the national interest." This appears to be a blending of the pro-TPP stance of Ishin no Kai and the anti-TPP position of Taiyo no To.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については「交渉に参加するが、協議の結果、国益に沿わなければ反対」とした。維新の会の推進論と、太陽の党の反対論を併記しただけのように見える。
===
A merger of convenience?
Other parties have denounced the tie-up as "a merger of convenience without policy." Hashimoto has refuted this. "We are much closer [on policy matters] than other conventional parties are," he said.
橋下氏は、「政策抜きの野合」との他党の批判に対し、「既存政党に比べれば、はるかに一致している」と反論している。
Even so, we worry that after the election, Ishin no Kai would be continually enveloped in chaos over internal policy differences, as has been the case with the DPJ.
そうは言っても、民主党のように路線対立で混乱を繰り返すのではないか、懸念は消えない。
Your Party has been lobbying to join forces with Ishin no Kai in next month's general election, also hoping to increase its national presence as a part of a third political pole. Furthermore, the People's Life First party is exploring ways to join hands with other parties by trumpeting its opposition to the planned consumption tax increase and its support of a zero nuclear policy.
「第３極」を目指して、みんなの党が維新の会との選挙協力を進めている。国民の生活が第一も、反消費増税、脱原発を掲げ、他党との連携を模索している。
These are moves intended to sway non-affiliated voters, who have increased due to a decline in people's trust in politics during the three-plus years of the DPJ-led administration.
民主党政権下で政治不信が高まり、無党派層が増えたことを意識した動きだ。
We urge political parties to avoid promoting policies aimed only at pandering to the people, and to sufficiently scrutinize their platforms.
国民の歓心を買うような政策ばかりでは困る。政策の十分な吟味が必要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2012)
（2012年11月19日01時30分 読売新聞）
Ishin no Kai must clarify policies to vie with DPJ, LDP
「第３極」 政策のあいまいさ放置するな（11月19日付・読売社説）
If a new party aspires to become a third major force in national politics and take on the two main parties--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party--it will need to present clear proposals for addressing this nation's challenges.
民主、自民の２大政党に続く「第３極」を目指すなら、日本が直面する課題について明確な政策を掲げる必要がある。
Former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party) has decided to merge into Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto. The new party will be led by Ishihara, with Hashimoto as acting leader.
石原慎太郎前東京都知事が率いる太陽の党は、橋下徹大阪市長を代表とする日本維新の会への合流を決めた。
石原氏が代表、橋下氏が代表代行に就く。
Hoping to capitalize on the high name recognition of both Ishihara and Hashimoto, Ishin no Kai is looking to fare well in the upcoming House of Representatives election, not only in proportional representation blocs but also in single-seat districts where large parties are seen as holding an advantage.
知名度の高い石原、橋下両氏が組む相乗効果で、衆院比例選だけでなく、大政党に有利な小選挙区でも議席確保を見込んでいる。
However, the two parties' merger was announced abruptly after Ishihara dropped an already announced plan to join forces with tax-slashing Genzei Nippon. The move thus smacks of a mutual-aid deal designed only to win the election.
ただ、石原氏は、いったん発表した減税日本との合流を白紙に戻すなど、動きが慌ただしい。「結集ありき」のような選挙互助会的政党には疑問を禁じ得ない。
===
Accord full of problems
The policy agreement put together by Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To is fraught with problems.
維新の会と太陽の党がまとめた合意文書にも問題が多い。
On nuclear power generation--a central issue in the election--the accord merely mentioned a need to set rules on safety standards. This likely was the result of disagreement between Ishin no Kai, which supports ending the nation's reliance on nuclear power in the 2030s, and Taiyo no To, which has been critical of the zero nuclear option.
焦点の原発政策に関しては、安全基準の「ルール構築」などにとどめた。「２０３０年代の原発全廃」を目指す維新の会と、脱原発には批判的な太陽の党の溝が埋まらなかったためだろう。
We agree with Ishihara's assertion that nuclear power policy needs to be discussed from a multifaceted viewpoint that takes economic and industrial factors into consideration. A zero nuclear policy is unrealistic at this point.
石原氏が言うように、原発政策は、経済・産業への影響など、複合的な観点から議論する必要がある。今から「原発ゼロ」を掲げるのは非現実的だ。
The proposal to make the consumption tax a local tax, a centerpiece of Ishin no Kai's platform, did make it into the agreement, although it was widely believed that Ishihara was less than enthusiastic about putting the consumption tax under local government control. If Ishihara has made an about-face, he needs to explain himself.
合意には、維新の会の看板政策とも言える「消費税の地方税化」が盛り込まれた。石原氏は地方税化に慎重だったはずなのに、政策をがらりと変えるのであれば、きちんとした説明が必要だ。
Concerning the Senkaku Islands, the accord called for urging China to make its case before the International Court of Justice. We question whether this position amounts to Japan admitting there exists a territorial dispute with China.
尖閣諸島問題では、中国に国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）への提訴を促す、とした。これでは、日本が領有権問題の存在を認めることにならないか疑問だ。
Regarding the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, the accord "supports participation in the TPP negotiations but opposes entry if the talks show it is not in the national interest." This appears to be a blending of the pro-TPP stance of Ishin no Kai and the anti-TPP position of Taiyo no To.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）については「交渉に参加するが、協議の結果、国益に沿わなければ反対」とした。維新の会の推進論と、太陽の党の反対論を併記しただけのように見える。
===
A merger of convenience?
Other parties have denounced the tie-up as "a merger of convenience without policy." Hashimoto has refuted this. "We are much closer [on policy matters] than other conventional parties are," he said.
橋下氏は、「政策抜きの野合」との他党の批判に対し、「既存政党に比べれば、はるかに一致している」と反論している。
Even so, we worry that after the election, Ishin no Kai would be continually enveloped in chaos over internal policy differences, as has been the case with the DPJ.
そうは言っても、民主党のように路線対立で混乱を繰り返すのではないか、懸念は消えない。
Your Party has been lobbying to join forces with Ishin no Kai in next month's general election, also hoping to increase its national presence as a part of a third political pole. Furthermore, the People's Life First party is exploring ways to join hands with other parties by trumpeting its opposition to the planned consumption tax increase and its support of a zero nuclear policy.
「第３極」を目指して、みんなの党が維新の会との選挙協力を進めている。国民の生活が第一も、反消費増税、脱原発を掲げ、他党との連携を模索している。
These are moves intended to sway non-affiliated voters, who have increased due to a decline in people's trust in politics during the three-plus years of the DPJ-led administration.
民主党政権下で政治不信が高まり、無党派層が増えたことを意識した動きだ。
We urge political parties to avoid promoting policies aimed only at pandering to the people, and to sufficiently scrutinize their platforms.
国民の歓心を買うような政策ばかりでは困る。政策の十分な吟味が必要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2012)
（2012年11月19日01時30分 読売新聞）
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民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 19, 2012)
Political system damaged by DPJ's aversion to bureaucracy
民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」（11月18日付・読売社説）
◆一体改革法成立は歴史的成果だ◆
The first thing the Democratic Party of Japan should do before the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election is review its past three years and two months in power. Can the DPJ do serious soul-searching on the plethora of issues it has mishandled and reflect the lessons learned in its campaign pledges for the upcoming election?
衆院選前にまず行うべきは、３年２か月に及ぶ民主党政権の総括だ。数々の失政を真剣に反省して、その教訓を新たな主張に反映できるのかが民主党に問われている。
The public approval rating for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama was as high as 75 percent when it was inaugurated after the 2009 lower house election. Public approval of the current administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has declined to just 24 percent, showing how the public's initial high expectations of the DPJ were dashed after the change of government.
読売新聞世論調査では、鳩山内閣発足時の支持率が７５％だったのに対し、現在の野田内閣は２４％。政権交代に対する国民の期待の大きさと失望の広がりを物語る。
Under the DPJ government, the nation's politics have continued to suffer from confusion and stagnation, and this is not just because the Diet is divided. It is mostly because the party is incapable of managing the government.
民主党政権で政治の混乱と停滞が続いたのは、衆参ねじれ国会だけでなく、政権担当能力の未熟さに起因する部分が大きい。
◆数々の失政を反省せよ◆
This was symbolized by the DPJ's failed manifesto for the last general election. After reviewing its pledges, the party concluded that only 53 of them--including making tuition at public high schools free--had been implemented during its tenure. The figure represents only about 30 percent of the 170 original promises.
その象徴が、政権公約（マニフェスト）の破綻だ。民主党自身の検証でも、１７０件の政策のうち実現できたのは、高校無償化など５３件、約３割にとどまる。
The DPJ has many things to reflect on. Among its blunders, it was extremely optimistic to believe it could secure 16.8 trillion yen a year just through tweaking spending plans. It also suffered a setback in seeking to cancel construction of the Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture because it made the decision without consulting parties involved.
予算組み替えで「年１６・８兆円の財源確保が可能」とした甘い見通し、関係者との事前調整なしに掲げた「八ッ場ダムの建設中止」の挫折など、反省点は多い。
The DPJ's misguided "politician-led policymaking" have caused the administration to repeatedly malfunction.
誤った「政治主導」は、政府の機能を大幅に低下させた。
===
DPJ should reflect on blunders
Its budget screening initiative turned out to be nothing more than politicians playing to the gallery by bashing bureaucrats, and the process squeezed out only a limited amount of fiscal resources.
事業仕分けは、官僚たたきのパフォーマンスに過ぎず、捻出できた財源は限定的だった。
Based on an opposition-like stance, the DPJ took a hostile of view of bureaucrats and shunned the bureaucracy in deciding and carrying out policies. This weakened both the political and bureaucratic systems because public servants only awaited instructions from ministers, and politicians were not informed of important matters.
野党的体質から官僚を敵視し、「脱官僚」を進めた結果、官僚は指示待ちになる一方、政治家には重要情報が入らず、政官双方の劣化を招いた。
This problem became particularly apparent following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, when Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Cabinet failed to respond promptly. This caused confusion in helping the people in the disaster-hit areas and in dealing with the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
菅内閣での東日本大震災の被災者支援や原発事故対応の遅れと混乱が典型例だ。
Politicians are supposed to fully utilize bureaucrats and try to bring out their best.
政治家は本来、官僚を使いこなし、その能力を最大限引き出すことにこそ、腐心すべきだ。
When it comes to nuclear energy, the DPJ initially said operations of reactors should be resumed once their safety was confirmed. However, the party abruptly proposed an infeasible zero-nuclear power policy instead, and caused widespread confusion due to insufficient coordination with the United States and domestic local governments that host nuclear power plants.
当初は、安全性を確認した原発は活用するとしていたのに、場当たり的に非現実的な「原発ゼロ」方針を掲げ、米国や関係自治体との調整不足から迷走を重ねた。
On the economic front, the DPJ could not propose an effective growth strategy even though it promised to revive the nation's economy. It also failed to work together with the business community.
経済再生を掲げながら実効性ある成長戦略を打ち出せず、経済界との足並みもそろわなかった。
Under the slogan "from concrete to people," the government has slashed spending on public works projects from 7.1 trillion yen for fiscal 2009 to 4.6 trillion yen for fiscal 2012--a decrease that has battered local economies.
「コンクリートから人」のスローガンの下、政府の公共事業費は当初予算ベースで２００９年度の７・１兆円から１２年度の４・６兆円に減り、地方は疲弊した。
Furthermore, because of other problematic policies such as those for budgetary handouts, the general account appropriations in the initial fiscal 2012 state budget have swollen to 96.7 trillion yen, including budgets for restoration from the Great East Japan Earthquake and related expenditures, from 88.5 trillion yen in fiscal 2009.
一方で、それ以外のバラマキ政策などによって、一般会計当初予算は、０９年度の８８・５兆円から１２年度は実質９６・７兆円（復興費などを含む）に膨張している。
With the issuance of deficit-covering bonds having exceeded 30 trillion yen every year in recent years, government finances have deteriorated steadily as shown by the fact that the outstanding balance of government debts is expected to reach 709 trillion yen at the end of this fiscal year--a drastic jump from fiscal 2009's 594 trillion yen.
毎年３０兆円超の赤字国債発行により財政は一層悪化し、国債発行残高は５９４兆円から今年度末に７０９兆円に増える見通しだ。
Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, meanwhile, has failed to take responsibility even after his former secretaries were found guilty in September 2011 of charges of violating the Political Funds Control Law, tarnishing the public's image of the DPJ as a clean party.
小沢一郎元代表は、元秘書３人が政治資金規正法違反で有罪になっても責任を取らず、民主党のクリーンなイメージを傷つけた。
===
Persistent intraparty wrangling
◆党内対立が常に続いた◆
Within the ruling party, there was nonstopwrangling between pro-Ozawa and anti-Ozawa party members regarding DPJ's policies.
党内では「親小沢対反小沢」の路線対立が続いた。
The intraparty disarray stemmed mainly from the party's failure at the time of its 2003 merger with the Liberal Party, in which top priority was placed on cobbling together non-Liberal Democratic Party political forces without the spadework of reconciling political ideals and key policies among them.
０３年の自由党との合併時に非自民勢力の結集を優先し、理念や政策をすり合わせなかったことのツケと言える。
An opposition party can cover up intraparty policy differences, but a party in power, charged with implementing policies, cannot.
野党なら党内の政策の違いを糊塗(こと)できるが、政策を実行する与党はそうはいかない。
The split within the DPJ in early July over the issue of raising the consumption tax rate showed the party's internal contradictions had reached a critical point.
消費税率引き上げをめぐる党の分裂は、内部矛盾が臨界点に達したものだ。
None of the party executives, including Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, made any move to assume responsibility for the party's split.
しかし、輿石幹事長ら執行部は、誰も責任を取ろうとしなかった。
The DPJ's policymaking process continued to falter as shown by a decision to abolish the Policy Research Committee, which was subsequently reversed by another decision to reinstate the panel, ostensibly to beef up its functions.
党政策調査会が廃止、復活を経て強化されるなど、政策決定システムも安定しなかった。
Although animated intraparty discussions were held, they often ended up failing to reach a timely conclusion.
活発に議論はするが、期限に結論が出ない。
DPJ legislators frequently turned their backs on what had earlier been decided within the party, revisiting issues that had been settled once.
決定事項に従わず、過去の経緯を踏まえず議論を蒸し返す。
And because the party did not take minutes of its meetings, intraparty discussions failed to be cumulative, resulting in superficial debates. Almost every time policies were discussed within the party, its immature political culture was brought to light.
議事録がないため議論が蓄積されず、深まらない。党内の政策論議のたびに民主党の未熟な政治文化が露呈した。
In addition, the DPJ's confused handling of diplomatic policy harmed the country's national interests.
外交の迷走は国益を損ねた。
The muddle involving the issue of relocating functions of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture because of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's mishandling of the matter weakened the Japan-U.S. alliance and created distrust among the people of Okinawa Prefecture. The scars remain unhealed even now.
鳩山元首相による米軍普天間飛行場移設問題の混乱が日米同盟を弱体化させ、沖縄に不信感を残した。その傷は今も癒えない。
The diplomatic blunders of the DPJ administration were exploited by neighboring countries, as shown by the ramming of Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels off the Senkaku Islands in September 2010 by a Chinese fishing boat, the sudden visit in July 2012 by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to the northern territories off eastern Hokkaido and the visit in August this year by South Korean President Lee Myung Bak to the Takeshima islets.
尖閣諸島沖での中国漁船衝突事件、メドベージェフ露首相の北方領土訪問、李明博韓国大統領の竹島訪問など、領土問題で近隣国につけ込まれる一因ともなった。
===
Noda's historic achievements
◆野田首相は他にも実績◆
Nevertheless, the DPJ-led administration can be credited with the historic achievement of realizing the passage of legislation on comprehensive social security and tax system reform.
民主党政権の歴史に残る成果は社会保障・税一体改革関連法を成立させたことだ。
Although the major opposition LDP played an important role in the legislation, the driving force behind the reform was the resolve of Noda, who risked his political life fully realizing the danger of a split in the party.
自民党も重要な役割を果たしたが、野田首相が政治生命をかけて退路を断ち、党分裂という重い代償も辞さずに突き進んだことが原動力だった。
The prime minister also gave full play to his leadership in bringing the Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture of Kansai Electric Power Co. back online and announcing his support of Japan's participation in multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations.
首相は関西電力大飯原発の再稼働で指導力を発揮し、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題でも積極姿勢を示した。
Noda should be credited for attaining a degree of results in spite of the pile of "adverse legacies" left by the administrations of his two predecessors, Hatoyama and Kan.
鳩山、菅政権の「負の遺産」を抱えつつ一定の実績を残したと評価できる。
On the diplomatic and national security front, the Noda Cabinet rightly revealed Japan-U.S. secrets, including one on Japan's tacit agreement to allow U.S. nuclear arms to be brought into this country, and relaxed Japan's three-point principles concerning weapons exports.
外交・安全保障分野では、核持ち込みなどに関する日米密約を解明し、武器輸出３原則を緩和した。
These had been long-pending tasks that the LDP and New Komeito did not accomplish when they were in power, and they can safely be called positive results of the change of government.
いずれも自民・公明連立政権では実現できなかった長年の課題であり、政権交代の効用と言える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 18, 2012)
（2012年11月18日01時24分 読売新聞）
Political system damaged by DPJ's aversion to bureaucracy
民主党政権総括 政治の劣化を招いた「脱官僚」（11月18日付・読売社説）
◆一体改革法成立は歴史的成果だ◆
The first thing the Democratic Party of Japan should do before the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election is review its past three years and two months in power. Can the DPJ do serious soul-searching on the plethora of issues it has mishandled and reflect the lessons learned in its campaign pledges for the upcoming election?
衆院選前にまず行うべきは、３年２か月に及ぶ民主党政権の総括だ。数々の失政を真剣に反省して、その教訓を新たな主張に反映できるのかが民主党に問われている。
The public approval rating for the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama was as high as 75 percent when it was inaugurated after the 2009 lower house election. Public approval of the current administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has declined to just 24 percent, showing how the public's initial high expectations of the DPJ were dashed after the change of government.
読売新聞世論調査では、鳩山内閣発足時の支持率が７５％だったのに対し、現在の野田内閣は２４％。政権交代に対する国民の期待の大きさと失望の広がりを物語る。
Under the DPJ government, the nation's politics have continued to suffer from confusion and stagnation, and this is not just because the Diet is divided. It is mostly because the party is incapable of managing the government.
民主党政権で政治の混乱と停滞が続いたのは、衆参ねじれ国会だけでなく、政権担当能力の未熟さに起因する部分が大きい。
◆数々の失政を反省せよ◆
This was symbolized by the DPJ's failed manifesto for the last general election. After reviewing its pledges, the party concluded that only 53 of them--including making tuition at public high schools free--had been implemented during its tenure. The figure represents only about 30 percent of the 170 original promises.
その象徴が、政権公約（マニフェスト）の破綻だ。民主党自身の検証でも、１７０件の政策のうち実現できたのは、高校無償化など５３件、約３割にとどまる。
The DPJ has many things to reflect on. Among its blunders, it was extremely optimistic to believe it could secure 16.8 trillion yen a year just through tweaking spending plans. It also suffered a setback in seeking to cancel construction of the Yamba Dam in Gunma Prefecture because it made the decision without consulting parties involved.
予算組み替えで「年１６・８兆円の財源確保が可能」とした甘い見通し、関係者との事前調整なしに掲げた「八ッ場ダムの建設中止」の挫折など、反省点は多い。
The DPJ's misguided "politician-led policymaking" have caused the administration to repeatedly malfunction.
誤った「政治主導」は、政府の機能を大幅に低下させた。
===
DPJ should reflect on blunders
Its budget screening initiative turned out to be nothing more than politicians playing to the gallery by bashing bureaucrats, and the process squeezed out only a limited amount of fiscal resources.
事業仕分けは、官僚たたきのパフォーマンスに過ぎず、捻出できた財源は限定的だった。
Based on an opposition-like stance, the DPJ took a hostile of view of bureaucrats and shunned the bureaucracy in deciding and carrying out policies. This weakened both the political and bureaucratic systems because public servants only awaited instructions from ministers, and politicians were not informed of important matters.
野党的体質から官僚を敵視し、「脱官僚」を進めた結果、官僚は指示待ちになる一方、政治家には重要情報が入らず、政官双方の劣化を招いた。
This problem became particularly apparent following the March 11, 2011, earthquake and tsunami, when Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Cabinet failed to respond promptly. This caused confusion in helping the people in the disaster-hit areas and in dealing with the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
菅内閣での東日本大震災の被災者支援や原発事故対応の遅れと混乱が典型例だ。
Politicians are supposed to fully utilize bureaucrats and try to bring out their best.
政治家は本来、官僚を使いこなし、その能力を最大限引き出すことにこそ、腐心すべきだ。
When it comes to nuclear energy, the DPJ initially said operations of reactors should be resumed once their safety was confirmed. However, the party abruptly proposed an infeasible zero-nuclear power policy instead, and caused widespread confusion due to insufficient coordination with the United States and domestic local governments that host nuclear power plants.
当初は、安全性を確認した原発は活用するとしていたのに、場当たり的に非現実的な「原発ゼロ」方針を掲げ、米国や関係自治体との調整不足から迷走を重ねた。
On the economic front, the DPJ could not propose an effective growth strategy even though it promised to revive the nation's economy. It also failed to work together with the business community.
経済再生を掲げながら実効性ある成長戦略を打ち出せず、経済界との足並みもそろわなかった。
Under the slogan "from concrete to people," the government has slashed spending on public works projects from 7.1 trillion yen for fiscal 2009 to 4.6 trillion yen for fiscal 2012--a decrease that has battered local economies.
「コンクリートから人」のスローガンの下、政府の公共事業費は当初予算ベースで２００９年度の７・１兆円から１２年度の４・６兆円に減り、地方は疲弊した。
Furthermore, because of other problematic policies such as those for budgetary handouts, the general account appropriations in the initial fiscal 2012 state budget have swollen to 96.7 trillion yen, including budgets for restoration from the Great East Japan Earthquake and related expenditures, from 88.5 trillion yen in fiscal 2009.
一方で、それ以外のバラマキ政策などによって、一般会計当初予算は、０９年度の８８・５兆円から１２年度は実質９６・７兆円（復興費などを含む）に膨張している。
With the issuance of deficit-covering bonds having exceeded 30 trillion yen every year in recent years, government finances have deteriorated steadily as shown by the fact that the outstanding balance of government debts is expected to reach 709 trillion yen at the end of this fiscal year--a drastic jump from fiscal 2009's 594 trillion yen.
毎年３０兆円超の赤字国債発行により財政は一層悪化し、国債発行残高は５９４兆円から今年度末に７０９兆円に増える見通しだ。
Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, meanwhile, has failed to take responsibility even after his former secretaries were found guilty in September 2011 of charges of violating the Political Funds Control Law, tarnishing the public's image of the DPJ as a clean party.
小沢一郎元代表は、元秘書３人が政治資金規正法違反で有罪になっても責任を取らず、民主党のクリーンなイメージを傷つけた。
===
Persistent intraparty wrangling
◆党内対立が常に続いた◆
Within the ruling party, there was nonstopwrangling between pro-Ozawa and anti-Ozawa party members regarding DPJ's policies.
党内では「親小沢対反小沢」の路線対立が続いた。
The intraparty disarray stemmed mainly from the party's failure at the time of its 2003 merger with the Liberal Party, in which top priority was placed on cobbling together non-Liberal Democratic Party political forces without the spadework of reconciling political ideals and key policies among them.
０３年の自由党との合併時に非自民勢力の結集を優先し、理念や政策をすり合わせなかったことのツケと言える。
An opposition party can cover up intraparty policy differences, but a party in power, charged with implementing policies, cannot.
野党なら党内の政策の違いを糊塗(こと)できるが、政策を実行する与党はそうはいかない。
The split within the DPJ in early July over the issue of raising the consumption tax rate showed the party's internal contradictions had reached a critical point.
消費税率引き上げをめぐる党の分裂は、内部矛盾が臨界点に達したものだ。
None of the party executives, including Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, made any move to assume responsibility for the party's split.
しかし、輿石幹事長ら執行部は、誰も責任を取ろうとしなかった。
The DPJ's policymaking process continued to falter as shown by a decision to abolish the Policy Research Committee, which was subsequently reversed by another decision to reinstate the panel, ostensibly to beef up its functions.
党政策調査会が廃止、復活を経て強化されるなど、政策決定システムも安定しなかった。
Although animated intraparty discussions were held, they often ended up failing to reach a timely conclusion.
活発に議論はするが、期限に結論が出ない。
DPJ legislators frequently turned their backs on what had earlier been decided within the party, revisiting issues that had been settled once.
決定事項に従わず、過去の経緯を踏まえず議論を蒸し返す。
And because the party did not take minutes of its meetings, intraparty discussions failed to be cumulative, resulting in superficial debates. Almost every time policies were discussed within the party, its immature political culture was brought to light.
議事録がないため議論が蓄積されず、深まらない。党内の政策論議のたびに民主党の未熟な政治文化が露呈した。
In addition, the DPJ's confused handling of diplomatic policy harmed the country's national interests.
外交の迷走は国益を損ねた。
The muddle involving the issue of relocating functions of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture because of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama's mishandling of the matter weakened the Japan-U.S. alliance and created distrust among the people of Okinawa Prefecture. The scars remain unhealed even now.
鳩山元首相による米軍普天間飛行場移設問題の混乱が日米同盟を弱体化させ、沖縄に不信感を残した。その傷は今も癒えない。
The diplomatic blunders of the DPJ administration were exploited by neighboring countries, as shown by the ramming of Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels off the Senkaku Islands in September 2010 by a Chinese fishing boat, the sudden visit in July 2012 by Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev to the northern territories off eastern Hokkaido and the visit in August this year by South Korean President Lee Myung Bak to the Takeshima islets.
尖閣諸島沖での中国漁船衝突事件、メドベージェフ露首相の北方領土訪問、李明博韓国大統領の竹島訪問など、領土問題で近隣国につけ込まれる一因ともなった。
===
Noda's historic achievements
◆野田首相は他にも実績◆
Nevertheless, the DPJ-led administration can be credited with the historic achievement of realizing the passage of legislation on comprehensive social security and tax system reform.
民主党政権の歴史に残る成果は社会保障・税一体改革関連法を成立させたことだ。
Although the major opposition LDP played an important role in the legislation, the driving force behind the reform was the resolve of Noda, who risked his political life fully realizing the danger of a split in the party.
自民党も重要な役割を果たしたが、野田首相が政治生命をかけて退路を断ち、党分裂という重い代償も辞さずに突き進んだことが原動力だった。
The prime minister also gave full play to his leadership in bringing the Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture of Kansai Electric Power Co. back online and announcing his support of Japan's participation in multilateral Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations.
首相は関西電力大飯原発の再稼働で指導力を発揮し、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題でも積極姿勢を示した。
Noda should be credited for attaining a degree of results in spite of the pile of "adverse legacies" left by the administrations of his two predecessors, Hatoyama and Kan.
鳩山、菅政権の「負の遺産」を抱えつつ一定の実績を残したと評価できる。
On the diplomatic and national security front, the Noda Cabinet rightly revealed Japan-U.S. secrets, including one on Japan's tacit agreement to allow U.S. nuclear arms to be brought into this country, and relaxed Japan's three-point principles concerning weapons exports.
外交・安全保障分野では、核持ち込みなどに関する日米密約を解明し、武器輸出３原則を緩和した。
These had been long-pending tasks that the LDP and New Komeito did not accomplish when they were in power, and they can safely be called positive results of the change of government.
いずれも自民・公明連立政権では実現できなかった長年の課題であり、政権交代の効用と言える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 18, 2012)
（2012年11月18日01時24分 読売新聞）
2012/11/19
衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 18, 2012)
Political parties to be tested on their ability to deliver
衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力（11月17日付・読売社説）
◆「第３極」の真価を見極めたい◆
The public's attention has recently been directed to whether the ruling Democratic Party of Japan will continue to lead the government or the two main opposition forces, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, will return to power. The focus has also been on the extent to which Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other new political parties can expand their influence.
民主党を中心とする政権の継続か、自民、公明両党の政権奪還か。日本維新の会など新党がどれだけ勢力を伸ばすか。
The upcoming House of Representatives election is expected to be critical as it could chart the course for the nation's future.
日本の将来を左右する極めて重要な衆院選となろう。
On Friday, the lower house was dissolved. The general election is set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4. For all intents and purposes, the election battle has effectively kicked off.
衆院が１６日、解散された。衆院選は、１２月４日公示、１６日投開票の日程で行われる。事実上の選挙戦が始まった。
In the election, the DPJ will be evaluated on its performance during its three-year rule by three prime ministers since Yukio Hatoyama.
今回の衆院選では、まず鳩山内閣以来３代、３年にわたった民主党政権の実績が問われる。
===
Noda recognized for bold acts
◆民主党に不利でも決断◆
During the 2009 lower house election campaign, the potential for a change in government was high, and the DPJ earned a stunning victory. But many voters appear to be suffering from the present political disorder and a decision-making stalemate as result of the party's win.
２００９年衆院選では「政権交代」ムードが先行し、民主党が大勝した。その結果もたらされた国政の混乱と停滞を多くの有権者が痛感したのではないか。
There are plenty of issues that the DPJ has mishandled. These include diplomatic missteps by the Hatoyama Cabinet when it pursued politician-led handling of state affairs in the wrong way and the ineptitude of Naoto Kan's administration in addressing the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
誤った政治主導を振りかざした鳩山内閣の外交迷走、菅内閣の原子力発電所事故対応の不手際など、失政の具体例には事欠かない。
At a press conference Friday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said: "I previously said I would ask for a public mandate once the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems was achieved. I dissolved [the lower house] to fulfill this promise."
野田首相は記者会見で、衆院解散の目的について「社会保障と税の一体改革を実現した暁には、近いうちに信を問うと言った。その約束を果たすためだ」と説明した。
It is indeed a historic accomplishment that the prime minister was able to pass integrated reform bills, which center on bills to raise the consumption tax rate, in the divided Diet, where the House of Councillors is controlled by the opposition. We can understand that he respected an agreement with the LDP and Komeito, which cooperated with Noda's party to enact the historic bills.
首相が、消費税率引き上げを柱とする一体改革関連法の成立を衆参ねじれ国会で実現したことは、確かに歴史に残る功績である。それに協力した自公両党との合意を大切にする姿勢は理解できる。
We also applaud Noda for following through with the dissolution even though many of DPJ members, including Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, opposed the breakup of the chamber and election prospects were dim for the party.
極めて選挙に不利な状況にありながら、首相が輿石幹事長ら党内の反対を押し切り、解散を断行したことも評価に値しよう。
The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has also been declining. In a recent Yomiuri Shimbun survey, the rating plunged to 19 percent, the lowest since the Cabinet's inauguration in September of last year. Furthermore, DPJ members continue to leave the party, with no end in sight to the defections.
野田内閣の支持率は低迷し、読売新聞の世論調査では昨年９月の内閣発足以来、最低の１９％と危機的水準にある。民主党からの離党に歯止めがかからない。
Noda said at the press conference Friday: "We have an ongoing political situation in which we are unable to make decisions. By dissolving [the lower house], I'd like to put an end to this evil practice."
一方で首相は、「決められない政治が続いてきた。その悪弊を解散で断ちたい」とも述べた。
Regardless of the election outcome, the Diet will remain divided at least until next summer's upper house election, as no party holds a majority of seats in the chamber. To move politics forward, it is essential for parties to cooperate with one another or form a coalition.
衆院選の結果がどうであれ、参院で過半数の議席を有する政党はなく、少なくとも来夏の参院選までは衆参のねじれは解消しない。政治を前に動かすには、政党間の連携や連立が不可欠だ。
===
Interparty cooperation needed
◆民自公の協調は必要だ◆
The increase in the consumption tax is only halfway complete based on the agreement by the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito. To achieve the intended reform of the social security and tax systems, the three parties are likely to be urged to maintain their cooperative stance after the election.
民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づく消費増税は道半ばである。改革を成し遂げるためにも、選挙後、民自公協調路線を維持することが求められよう。
A stable government with either of the two major parties at its center is needed most for Japan's revival. We consider it unfavorable to have a coalition government consisting of multiple parties since consensus building would be slow going.
日本の再生にとって最も必要なのは、２大政党のいずれかを軸とする安定した政権である。合意形成に手間取るような多党化は、好ましくない。
However, several new parties, including Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), recently have emerged one after another, aiming to become a third political force following the DPJ and the LDP.
しかし、民主、自民両党に次ぐ第３極を目指そうと日本維新の会、太陽の党など新党が続々と誕生した。
With the unprecedented number of more than 10 parties campaigning, efforts are also under way to unite them. The new parties aim to attract voters frustrated with established political parties.
１０を超える党の乱立という異例の展開で、勢力結集へ模索が続く。既成政党への不満の受け皿になることを狙っている。
Many former lower house members who have just lost their Diet seats due to the dissolution are quitting the parties they belonged to and joining new parties, in an apparent attempt to survive the upcoming general election. We must seek to find the true value of a potential third political force.
前議員が新党に走る動きは、生き残りのためではないか。第３極の真価を見極める必要がある。
We expect each party to clarify its vision for the future of Japan and list its policies according to priority.
各党は、日本のあるべき「国家像」を明確にし、政策の優先度を示してもらいたい。
The public has completely lost faith in the DPJ's manifesto made in the 2009 lower house election. The party's unfulfilled handout policy pledges, such as the child-rearing allowance of 26,000 yen per month and the abolition of expressway tolls, have failed to materialize due to a lack of financing. This has only led to an amplification of voters' distrust in politics.
０９年衆院選での民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）に対する信頼は失墜した。月２万６０００円の子ども手当や高速道路無料化など実現しなかったバラマキ政策は財源の裏付けを欠いていた。政治不信を増幅する原因になった。
Parties must not repeat the mistake of competing with each other to win an election by making policy promises that appeal to voters, but which are unfeasible.
国民の歓心を買うため、実現性のない、大衆迎合の政策を競う愚を繰り返してはなるまい。
In drafting new election pledges, parties should consider that a bill could fail without the cooperation of other parties in the divided Diet. Only setting deadlines for realizing election promises and other numerical targets is meaningless.
新たな公約の作成に際しては、ねじれ国会で、他党の協力なしに法案が成立しないことを考えるべきだ。政策の達成期限や数値目標だけを示しても、意味はない。
Noda again stressed his policy to achieve zero nuclear power generation in the 2030s.
野田首相は、３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す方針を改めて強調した。
The upcoming election will determine "whether the party aiming to depart from the nation's dependence on nuclear power or the party promoting the conventional energy policy will win," said the prime minister.
「脱原発依存の方向感を持つ政党が勝つのか、従来のエネルギー政策を進める政党が勝つのかが問われる」と位置づけた。
===
Policies must be scrutinized
◆大衆迎合の政策避けよ◆
People's Life First, Your Party and Ishin no Kai also advocate denuclearization as one of their policies.
国民の生活が第一、みんなの党、日本維新の会なども「脱原発」を唱えている。
However, we doubt zero nuclear power generation is a realistic policy. Many issues must be resolved before such a target can be achieved, such as securing alternative energy sources, raising electricity rates, and addressing the negative effects on the economy and employment.
だが、代替エネルギーの確保や電気料金の値上げ問題、経済・雇用への悪影響など多くの懸案があり、脱原発が果たして現実的な政策と言えるのか、疑問である。
The LDP plans to support nuclear power plants whose safety has been confirmed, with a pledge by the government to accept responsibility for their reactivation. We expect the LDP to present its medium- to long-term energy policy in detail.
自民党は「政府が責任を持って再稼働する」として安全性を確認した原発は活用する考えだ。中長期のエネルギー政策についても具体的に提示してほしい。
Additionally, there are a number of other important issues that should be addressed, such as a growth strategy for reviving the Japanese economy; Japan's possible participation in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact; social security; territorial and sovereignty matters; and national security.
争点は、このほか、日本経済再生のための成長戦略、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題、社会保障、領土・主権問題、安全保障など数多い。
Voters should carefully scrutinize the respective candidates' policies and capabilities to execute them so they can make an informed choice without regret.
各政党、各候補の政策とその実行能力を厳しく吟味し、後悔しない「選択」を目指したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 17, 2012)
（2012年11月17日01時30分 読売新聞）
Political parties to be tested on their ability to deliver
衆院解散 問われる各党の公約と実行力（11月17日付・読売社説）
◆「第３極」の真価を見極めたい◆
The public's attention has recently been directed to whether the ruling Democratic Party of Japan will continue to lead the government or the two main opposition forces, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, will return to power. The focus has also been on the extent to which Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other new political parties can expand their influence.
民主党を中心とする政権の継続か、自民、公明両党の政権奪還か。日本維新の会など新党がどれだけ勢力を伸ばすか。
The upcoming House of Representatives election is expected to be critical as it could chart the course for the nation's future.
日本の将来を左右する極めて重要な衆院選となろう。
On Friday, the lower house was dissolved. The general election is set for Dec. 16 with official campaigning to start Dec. 4. For all intents and purposes, the election battle has effectively kicked off.
衆院が１６日、解散された。衆院選は、１２月４日公示、１６日投開票の日程で行われる。事実上の選挙戦が始まった。
In the election, the DPJ will be evaluated on its performance during its three-year rule by three prime ministers since Yukio Hatoyama.
今回の衆院選では、まず鳩山内閣以来３代、３年にわたった民主党政権の実績が問われる。
===
Noda recognized for bold acts
◆民主党に不利でも決断◆
During the 2009 lower house election campaign, the potential for a change in government was high, and the DPJ earned a stunning victory. But many voters appear to be suffering from the present political disorder and a decision-making stalemate as result of the party's win.
２００９年衆院選では「政権交代」ムードが先行し、民主党が大勝した。その結果もたらされた国政の混乱と停滞を多くの有権者が痛感したのではないか。
There are plenty of issues that the DPJ has mishandled. These include diplomatic missteps by the Hatoyama Cabinet when it pursued politician-led handling of state affairs in the wrong way and the ineptitude of Naoto Kan's administration in addressing the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
誤った政治主導を振りかざした鳩山内閣の外交迷走、菅内閣の原子力発電所事故対応の不手際など、失政の具体例には事欠かない。
At a press conference Friday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said: "I previously said I would ask for a public mandate once the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems was achieved. I dissolved [the lower house] to fulfill this promise."
野田首相は記者会見で、衆院解散の目的について「社会保障と税の一体改革を実現した暁には、近いうちに信を問うと言った。その約束を果たすためだ」と説明した。
It is indeed a historic accomplishment that the prime minister was able to pass integrated reform bills, which center on bills to raise the consumption tax rate, in the divided Diet, where the House of Councillors is controlled by the opposition. We can understand that he respected an agreement with the LDP and Komeito, which cooperated with Noda's party to enact the historic bills.
首相が、消費税率引き上げを柱とする一体改革関連法の成立を衆参ねじれ国会で実現したことは、確かに歴史に残る功績である。それに協力した自公両党との合意を大切にする姿勢は理解できる。
We also applaud Noda for following through with the dissolution even though many of DPJ members, including Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, opposed the breakup of the chamber and election prospects were dim for the party.
極めて選挙に不利な状況にありながら、首相が輿石幹事長ら党内の反対を押し切り、解散を断行したことも評価に値しよう。
The public approval rating for Noda's Cabinet has also been declining. In a recent Yomiuri Shimbun survey, the rating plunged to 19 percent, the lowest since the Cabinet's inauguration in September of last year. Furthermore, DPJ members continue to leave the party, with no end in sight to the defections.
野田内閣の支持率は低迷し、読売新聞の世論調査では昨年９月の内閣発足以来、最低の１９％と危機的水準にある。民主党からの離党に歯止めがかからない。
Noda said at the press conference Friday: "We have an ongoing political situation in which we are unable to make decisions. By dissolving [the lower house], I'd like to put an end to this evil practice."
一方で首相は、「決められない政治が続いてきた。その悪弊を解散で断ちたい」とも述べた。
Regardless of the election outcome, the Diet will remain divided at least until next summer's upper house election, as no party holds a majority of seats in the chamber. To move politics forward, it is essential for parties to cooperate with one another or form a coalition.
衆院選の結果がどうであれ、参院で過半数の議席を有する政党はなく、少なくとも来夏の参院選までは衆参のねじれは解消しない。政治を前に動かすには、政党間の連携や連立が不可欠だ。
===
Interparty cooperation needed
◆民自公の協調は必要だ◆
The increase in the consumption tax is only halfway complete based on the agreement by the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito. To achieve the intended reform of the social security and tax systems, the three parties are likely to be urged to maintain their cooperative stance after the election.
民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づく消費増税は道半ばである。改革を成し遂げるためにも、選挙後、民自公協調路線を維持することが求められよう。
A stable government with either of the two major parties at its center is needed most for Japan's revival. We consider it unfavorable to have a coalition government consisting of multiple parties since consensus building would be slow going.
日本の再生にとって最も必要なのは、２大政党のいずれかを軸とする安定した政権である。合意形成に手間取るような多党化は、好ましくない。
However, several new parties, including Ishin no Kai and Taiyo no To (The Sunrise Party), recently have emerged one after another, aiming to become a third political force following the DPJ and the LDP.
しかし、民主、自民両党に次ぐ第３極を目指そうと日本維新の会、太陽の党など新党が続々と誕生した。
With the unprecedented number of more than 10 parties campaigning, efforts are also under way to unite them. The new parties aim to attract voters frustrated with established political parties.
１０を超える党の乱立という異例の展開で、勢力結集へ模索が続く。既成政党への不満の受け皿になることを狙っている。
Many former lower house members who have just lost their Diet seats due to the dissolution are quitting the parties they belonged to and joining new parties, in an apparent attempt to survive the upcoming general election. We must seek to find the true value of a potential third political force.
前議員が新党に走る動きは、生き残りのためではないか。第３極の真価を見極める必要がある。
We expect each party to clarify its vision for the future of Japan and list its policies according to priority.
各党は、日本のあるべき「国家像」を明確にし、政策の優先度を示してもらいたい。
The public has completely lost faith in the DPJ's manifesto made in the 2009 lower house election. The party's unfulfilled handout policy pledges, such as the child-rearing allowance of 26,000 yen per month and the abolition of expressway tolls, have failed to materialize due to a lack of financing. This has only led to an amplification of voters' distrust in politics.
０９年衆院選での民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）に対する信頼は失墜した。月２万６０００円の子ども手当や高速道路無料化など実現しなかったバラマキ政策は財源の裏付けを欠いていた。政治不信を増幅する原因になった。
Parties must not repeat the mistake of competing with each other to win an election by making policy promises that appeal to voters, but which are unfeasible.
国民の歓心を買うため、実現性のない、大衆迎合の政策を競う愚を繰り返してはなるまい。
In drafting new election pledges, parties should consider that a bill could fail without the cooperation of other parties in the divided Diet. Only setting deadlines for realizing election promises and other numerical targets is meaningless.
新たな公約の作成に際しては、ねじれ国会で、他党の協力なしに法案が成立しないことを考えるべきだ。政策の達成期限や数値目標だけを示しても、意味はない。
Noda again stressed his policy to achieve zero nuclear power generation in the 2030s.
野田首相は、３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す方針を改めて強調した。
The upcoming election will determine "whether the party aiming to depart from the nation's dependence on nuclear power or the party promoting the conventional energy policy will win," said the prime minister.
「脱原発依存の方向感を持つ政党が勝つのか、従来のエネルギー政策を進める政党が勝つのかが問われる」と位置づけた。
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Policies must be scrutinized
◆大衆迎合の政策避けよ◆
People's Life First, Your Party and Ishin no Kai also advocate denuclearization as one of their policies.
国民の生活が第一、みんなの党、日本維新の会なども「脱原発」を唱えている。
However, we doubt zero nuclear power generation is a realistic policy. Many issues must be resolved before such a target can be achieved, such as securing alternative energy sources, raising electricity rates, and addressing the negative effects on the economy and employment.
だが、代替エネルギーの確保や電気料金の値上げ問題、経済・雇用への悪影響など多くの懸案があり、脱原発が果たして現実的な政策と言えるのか、疑問である。
The LDP plans to support nuclear power plants whose safety has been confirmed, with a pledge by the government to accept responsibility for their reactivation. We expect the LDP to present its medium- to long-term energy policy in detail.
自民党は「政府が責任を持って再稼働する」として安全性を確認した原発は活用する考えだ。中長期のエネルギー政策についても具体的に提示してほしい。
Additionally, there are a number of other important issues that should be addressed, such as a growth strategy for reviving the Japanese economy; Japan's possible participation in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact; social security; territorial and sovereignty matters; and national security.
争点は、このほか、日本経済再生のための成長戦略、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題、社会保障、領土・主権問題、安全保障など数多い。
Voters should carefully scrutinize the respective candidates' policies and capabilities to execute them so they can make an informed choice without regret.
各政党、各候補の政策とその実行能力を厳しく吟味し、後悔しない「選択」を目指したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 17, 2012)
（2012年11月17日01時30分 読売新聞）
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