The Yomiuri Shimbun December 29, 2013
Successful Olympics bid, Mt. Fuji designation bright spots in 2013
２０１３回顧・日本 「五輪」「富士山」に希望がわいた（12月29日付・読売社説）
Apparently indicating the high hopes many people have for Olympic Games seven years ahead, readers of The Yomiuri Shimbun awarded first place on the list of “Japan’s top 10 news stories” this year to Tokyo winning the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
７年後の五輪開催に希望を見いだした人が多かったのだろう。
読売新聞の読者が選ぶ今年の「日本１０大ニュース」の１位に、「２０２０年夏季五輪・パラリンピックの開催地が東京に決定」が選ばれた。
This means 56 years will have elapsed since Tokyo hosted the Olympics in 1964.
東京で五輪が開催されるのは１９６４年以来５６年ぶりである。
The 1964 Olympiad served as a key factor behind the nation’s high economic growth. The coming Games are expected to act as a catalyst for this country’s reinvigoration. Every possible effort should be made to ensure that the Summer Games and Paralympics are successful.
前回五輪は、日本の高度成長を加速させる契機となった。今度の五輪は、日本再生の起爆剤となり得る。ぜひとも成功させたい。
With Naoki Inose being forced to resign as governor of Tokyo over his receipt of a dubious ¥50 million loan—16th on the domestic news list—personnel affairs concerning the organizing committee of the Games and progress on relevant matters have been left up in the air. It is extremely important for all quarters concerned to carry out concerted efforts to make the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics successful.
東京都の猪瀬直樹前知事が５０００万円受領問題（１６位）で辞職に追い込まれ、大会組織委員会の人事などに停滞がみられる。オールジャパン体制で着実に開催準備を進めることが肝要だ。
The initial design for the new National Athletic Stadium, the main venue of the Games’ competitions, is scheduled to be scaled down after the original plan came under criticism for being extravagant. It is essential to construct new facilities and refurbish existing ones for the Games without wasteful spending.
メーン会場の新国立競技場は「巨大すぎる」との指摘で、規模が縮小される見通しだ。無駄のない施設整備も欠かせない。
Second on the list of top 10 news items was UNESCO recognition of Mt. Fuji as a cultural World Heritage site. All components of cultural heritage relating to Mt. Fuji, including the Miho no Matsubara coastline in Shizuoka Prefecture, have been certified as “treasures of the world.”
僅差の２位は「富士山が世界文化遺産に決定」だった。当初除外される見込みだった「三保松原」を含むすべての構成資産が「世界の宝」と認定された。
The beauty of Mt. Fuji and its environs must be left intact for posterity. Regulations were tightened in summer this year on car traffic in the Mt. Fuji area and a fee was experimentally levied on people who wanted to climb the sacred peak. Further endeavors should be made for the environmental conservation of the country’s loftiest mountain and its vicinity.
美しい姿を後世に残さねばならない。この夏は、マイカー規制が拡充され、入山料徴収が試験導入された。今後は一層、環境保全に知恵を絞る必要があろう。
Many challenges ahead
In pro baseball, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles’ victory in the Japan Series for the first time placed fourth in the list, while the unbroken winning streak by Rakuten pitcher Masahiro Tanaka ranked eighth.
プロ野球では、楽天の「初の日本一」が４位、「田中投手が連勝の新記録」が８位に入った。
The triumph of Rakuten gave a great deal of encouragement to victims in the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, as its home ground is in Sendai. Tanaka, who was the major driving force of Rakuten capturing the highest accolade in Japan’s pro baseball world, is just entering negotiations on moving to a U.S. Major League Baseball team. We hope to see Tanaka performing brilliantly in the United States.
仙台が本拠地の楽天の優勝は、東日本大震災の被災者を大いに元気付けた。日本一の原動力となった田中将大投手は、米大リーグ球団との移籍交渉に入る。さらなる活躍を期待したい。
The news that baseball legends Shigeo Nagashima and Hideki Matsui received the People’s Honor Award from the government ranked fifth on the list.
「長嶋茂雄氏と松井秀喜氏に国民栄誉賞」は５位に入った。
Nagashima has made great contributions to developing professional baseball into Japan’s national sport. Matsui, a former slugger for the Yomiuri Giants and the New York Yankees, thrilled baseball fans with his huge home runs.
長嶋氏はプロ野球を国民的スポーツに発展させた最大の功労者だ。松井氏の豪快なホームランには、多くのファンが熱狂した。
The scene of Nagashima and his disciple Matsui in Giants’ uniforms performing in an opening pitch ceremony in celebration of their winning of the People’s Honor Award must have engraved itself deeply in people’s memories.
巨人のユニホームを着て始球式を行った師弟の姿は、人々の記憶に深く刻まれたに違いない。
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s success in ending the divided Diet after the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito garnered a majority of seats in the House of Councillors election in July placed third on the top 10 list. This achievement was conducive to increasing the Abe Cabinet’s stability.
安倍政権は「参院選で自民、公明両党が過半数獲得、ねじれ解消」（３位）で安定度を増した。
On the other hand, Japan faces many challenges.
一方で、課題も多い。
The decision to raise the consumption tax to 8 percent, which will be put into force in April, placed seventh. Negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade liberalization, ranked ninth, are destined to continue next year after failing to be concluded this year.
来年４月に消費税率８％への引き上げ（７位）が実施される。越年した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉（９位）も大詰めを迎える。
It is imperative for the government to ensure that the signs of business pickup thanks to the Abe administration’s Abenomics package of economic policies will lead to full-fledged recovery of the nation’s business activities. We strongly hope 2014 will prove to be a year when we can really feel the economy rejuvenating.
経済政策「アベノミクス」で上向いた景気を本格回復につなげる必要がある。来年は、経済再生を実感できる年としたい。
A number of natural calamities occurred this year, such as mudslides on Izu-Oshima Island, sixth on the list.
今年は、伊豆大島の土石流（６位）など、自然災害が相次いだ。
We must keep up our guard against disasters.
防災対策を怠ってはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 29, 2013)
（2013年12月29日01時22分 読売新聞）
2013/12/31
2013/12/30
辺野古移設承認 日米同盟強化へ重要な前進だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 28, 2013
Nakaima’s approval on Henoko to reinforce Japan-U.S. alliance
辺野古移設承認 日米同盟強化へ重要な前進だ（12月28日付・読売社説）
◆沖縄の負担軽減を加速させたい
It was an important advance toward solving the issue of relocating the functions of Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, which has faced various twists and turns since Japan and the United States agreed in 1996 on the return of the air station’s site to Japan.
１９９６年の日米合意以来、様々な曲折を経てきた米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題の解決に向けて重要な前進である。
Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima has approved the central government’s request to carry out a land reclamation project in publicly owned waters off the Henoko district in Nago in the prefecture, a necessary step for ultimately relocating the air station to the district.
沖縄県の仲井真弘多知事が、普天間飛行場の名護市辺野古への移設に伴う公有水面埋め立てを承認した。
The Futenma issue has been the biggest pending issue between the two countries for the last 17 years. A huge amount of time and energy has been devoted to it. The problem can be likened to a difficult simultaneous equation, in which many parties such as the Japanese and U.S. governments, Okinawa Prefecture, the city of Nago and the U.S. military have complicated circumstances.
普天間問題はこの１７年間、日米間の最大の懸案で、膨大な時間と精力が注がれてきた。日米両政府、沖縄県、名護市、米軍など多くの関係者が複雑な事情を抱える、困難な連立方程式だからだ。
Resolving this difficult issue without nullifying the past laborious efforts will have the highly significant effect of making the bilateral alliance stronger and more sustainable at a time when Japan’s security environment has been worsening.
これまでの苦労を無駄にせず、難題を克服することは、日本の安全保障環境が悪化する中、同盟関係をより強靱(きょうじん)で持続可能なものにするという大きな意義を持つ。
Okinawa Gov.’s determination
◆知事の決断を評価する
It seems Nakaima finally decided to bite the bullet.
仲井真知事にとっては、まさに苦渋の決断だったろう。
At first he conditionally supported the Henoko relocation, but he had to raise “relocation outside the prefecture” as an election campaign pledge when running for a second term since Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of the Democratic Party of Japan inflamed prefectural citizens’ expectations in an irresponsible manner during his 2009-10 administration, calling for “relocation at least outside the prefecture.”
当初は、辺野古移設を条件付きで支持していたが、民主党の鳩山首相が「最低でも県外移設」と県民の期待を無責任に煽(あお)ったため、２期目の知事選公約に「県外移設」を掲げざるを得なくなった。
However, it is crystal clear that the dangerous situation of Futenma Air Station, located in a densely populated area, would persist for a long time if the reclamation request was not approved.
しかし、埋め立てを承認しなければ、普天間飛行場の危険な現状が長期間にわたって固定化されてしまうのは確実だ。
During a press conference Friday, Nakaima said he judged that the government’s measures, including those to preserve the environment, “meet the standards [under the law]” for reasons of his approval. But he also emphasized, “My view that relocation of the air station outside the prefecture would be faster has not changed.”
知事は記者会見で、埋め立てを承認した理由について、「県外移設の方が早いとの考えは変わらない」と強調しつつ、政府の環境保全措置などが「基準に適合していると判断した」と語った。
The issue of bases in Okinawa Prefecture always involves conflicting approaches—whether to aim at drastic removal of bases or to promote a gradual reduction of base-hosting burdens. We praise Nakaima’s decision as a practical choice, giving top priority to steady reduction of the burden.
沖縄の米軍基地問題では常に、基地の抜本的な撤去を目指すか、段階的な負担軽減を進めるか、という方法論の対立がある。知事が着実な負担軽減を優先し、現実的選択をしたことを評価したい。
The Henoko relocation plan itself is significant, as it will remove a huge airfield from the densely populated area to a sparsely populated district. In addition, it will have the secondary effect of promoting the transfer of U.S. marines stationed in the prefecture to Guam. The relocation will consequently result in a major reduction in the base-hosting burden for the entire prefecture, leading to economic development of the prefecture as well.
辺野古移設は、広大な普天間飛行場を人口密集地から過疎地に移すうえ、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転を促進する副次的効果を持つ。県全体で大幅な負担軽減となり、沖縄の発展にも役立とう。
The prefectural governor’s brave decision has been criticized by those opposing the Henoko relocation plan, but we are sure even such people will highly evaluate his decision in the future.
知事の決断は、辺野古移設反対派から批判されているが、将来は高く評価されるはずだ。
Abe takes a risk
◆リスク取った安倍政権
We also praise the efforts of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which created conditions to facilitate Nakaima’s decision.
知事の判断を後押しした安倍政権の努力も支持したい。
It listed a number of measures to ease Okinawa Prefecture’s burden in hosting many U.S. bases. These included advancing the deadline for returning land used by Futenma Air Station and the Makiminato Service Area to the prefecture, the transfer of military training activities to various locations outside the prefecture and the start of negotiations on a new Japan-U.S. agreement concerning on-site environmental surveys by Japanese authorities on the U.S. bases.
基地負担の軽減策として、普天間飛行場や牧港補給地区の返還期間の短縮や訓練移転、米軍基地内の環境調査に関する新たな日米協定の協議開始などを示した。
The planned return of Futenma Air Station, targeted for fiscal 2022 at the earliest, was the result of arduous negotiations between Japan and the United States. It will not be easy to advance this timetable as requested by the governor, but Tokyo and Washington should make utmost efforts to do so.
９～１２年後の返還目標は、激しい日米交渉の結果で、知事の求める前倒しは簡単ではないが、日米両政府は最大限努力すべきだ。
Concerning the issue of moving the training areas for MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft outside Okinawa Prefecture, the local governments concerned are urged to offer cooperation proactively to share the burdens now heavily shouldered by the prefecture.
米軍輸送機オスプレイの訓練の県外移転も、沖縄の負担を日本全体で分かち合うため、関係自治体は積極的に協力してほしい。
Washington had been wary about revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, but agreed to enter negotiations on a new agreement that would supplement the SOFA. Environmental surveys of U.S. bases ahead of their return are expected to aid the eventual utilization of their sites. Efforts must be made to work out an agreement under which surveys can be started as early as possible.
米政府は従来、日米地位協定の改定に慎重だったが、地位協定を補足する新協定の協議には応じることになった。返還予定の米軍基地内での事前の環境調査は跡地利用を促進する。より早い段階から調査できる合意を目指したい。
As measures to promote the development of Okinawa Prefecture, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to secure a budget of the ¥300 billion level annually up until fiscal 2021, in addition to making an additional allocation in the fiscal 2014 budget, thus showing maximum consideration to the prefecture. For promotion of the prefecture’s northern areas, ¥5 billion will be earmarked every year.
沖縄振興策でも、安倍首相は、来年度予算の積み増しに加え、２０２１年度まで毎年３０００億円台の予算確保を約束するなど、最大限の配慮を示した。県北部振興策にも毎年５０億円を計上する。
With state finances in dire straits, these funds represent exceptionally preferential treatment for the prefecture. But it is an unavoidable step to break the stalemate on the Futenma relocation issue. If the DPJ-led government had not put the issue on such a serpentine path, the people of the nation would not have to bear such a huge expenditure of taxpayers’ money.
厳しい財政事情の中、異例の優遇措置だが、難局を打開するためにはやむを得まい。ただ、民主党政権が普天間問題を迷走させなければ、これほど巨額の国民負担は生じなかったろう。
The Abe administration was able to obtain the prefecture’s approval on the Futenma relocation plan largely because it consistently worked toward building a relationship of trust with Nakaima even at the political risk of the prefecture’s disapproval. That is why the governor became willing to face criticism from the local people.
安倍政権が沖縄県の承認を得られたのは、不承認時の政権への打撃というリスクも覚悟し、一貫してぶれずに、仲井真知事との信頼関係を築いたことが大きい。だからこそ、知事も県民からの批判というリスクを取ったのだろう。
Abe must make all-out efforts to secure the continuing deterrent effect of the U.S. military presence in Japan while also reducing burdens on Okinawa and continuing to nurture the relationship of trust with the governor.
首相は、知事との信頼を大切にしながら、米軍の抑止力の維持と沖縄の負担軽減の両立に全力を挙げなければなるまい。
Secure local support
◆地元の理解得る努力を
There is another hurdle to clear before the transfer of Futenma to the Henoko district in Nago can be realized.
普天間飛行場の辺野古移設の実現までには、まだ課題もある。
A Nago mayoral election, set for Jan. 19, is likely to be a one-on-one competition between the incumbent opposing the relocation plan and a former prefectural assemblyman approving it.
来月１９日の名護市長選は、移設に反対する現職と、容認する前県議の一騎打ちとなる見通しだ。
A former mayor has withdrawn his candidacy, leaving the former assemblyman the only candidate representing the camp approving the relocation plan. But it remains to be seen which side will emerge victorious.
前市長が出馬を取りやめ、容認派が一本化されたが、選挙結果は予断を許さない。
A scenario in which a local election influences the future course of national security must be avoided. In this sense, too, it was appropriate that Nakaima announced his approval of the relocation plan before the end of the year and ahead of the election date.
本来、一地方選が日本の安全保障の行方を左右するような事態は避けるべきだ。その意味でも、知事が承認時期を市長選前の年内にしたのは適切だった。
The Nago mayor is not authorized to cancel the relocation plan. But naturally it is desirable to secure the mayor’s cooperation if projects to construct substitute facilities are to be implemented more smoothly.
名護市長には、辺野古移設を中止させる権限はないにせよ、代替施設の建設工事をより円滑に実施するには、名護市の協力を得られた方が望ましいのは当然だ。
The government and ruling parties must make continued efforts to obtain understanding on the relocation plan from a wider spectrum of local people while explaining the significance and benefits of the relocation to Henoko in minute detail.
政府・与党は引き続き、辺野古移設の意義と効用を丁寧に説明して、地元関係者の理解を広げる努力を尽くすことが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 28, 2013)
（2013年12月28日01時32分 読売新聞）
Nakaima’s approval on Henoko to reinforce Japan-U.S. alliance
辺野古移設承認 日米同盟強化へ重要な前進だ（12月28日付・読売社説）
◆沖縄の負担軽減を加速させたい
It was an important advance toward solving the issue of relocating the functions of Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, which has faced various twists and turns since Japan and the United States agreed in 1996 on the return of the air station’s site to Japan.
１９９６年の日米合意以来、様々な曲折を経てきた米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題の解決に向けて重要な前進である。
Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima has approved the central government’s request to carry out a land reclamation project in publicly owned waters off the Henoko district in Nago in the prefecture, a necessary step for ultimately relocating the air station to the district.
沖縄県の仲井真弘多知事が、普天間飛行場の名護市辺野古への移設に伴う公有水面埋め立てを承認した。
The Futenma issue has been the biggest pending issue between the two countries for the last 17 years. A huge amount of time and energy has been devoted to it. The problem can be likened to a difficult simultaneous equation, in which many parties such as the Japanese and U.S. governments, Okinawa Prefecture, the city of Nago and the U.S. military have complicated circumstances.
普天間問題はこの１７年間、日米間の最大の懸案で、膨大な時間と精力が注がれてきた。日米両政府、沖縄県、名護市、米軍など多くの関係者が複雑な事情を抱える、困難な連立方程式だからだ。
Resolving this difficult issue without nullifying the past laborious efforts will have the highly significant effect of making the bilateral alliance stronger and more sustainable at a time when Japan’s security environment has been worsening.
これまでの苦労を無駄にせず、難題を克服することは、日本の安全保障環境が悪化する中、同盟関係をより強靱(きょうじん)で持続可能なものにするという大きな意義を持つ。
Okinawa Gov.’s determination
◆知事の決断を評価する
It seems Nakaima finally decided to bite the bullet.
仲井真知事にとっては、まさに苦渋の決断だったろう。
At first he conditionally supported the Henoko relocation, but he had to raise “relocation outside the prefecture” as an election campaign pledge when running for a second term since Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of the Democratic Party of Japan inflamed prefectural citizens’ expectations in an irresponsible manner during his 2009-10 administration, calling for “relocation at least outside the prefecture.”
当初は、辺野古移設を条件付きで支持していたが、民主党の鳩山首相が「最低でも県外移設」と県民の期待を無責任に煽(あお)ったため、２期目の知事選公約に「県外移設」を掲げざるを得なくなった。
However, it is crystal clear that the dangerous situation of Futenma Air Station, located in a densely populated area, would persist for a long time if the reclamation request was not approved.
しかし、埋め立てを承認しなければ、普天間飛行場の危険な現状が長期間にわたって固定化されてしまうのは確実だ。
During a press conference Friday, Nakaima said he judged that the government’s measures, including those to preserve the environment, “meet the standards [under the law]” for reasons of his approval. But he also emphasized, “My view that relocation of the air station outside the prefecture would be faster has not changed.”
知事は記者会見で、埋め立てを承認した理由について、「県外移設の方が早いとの考えは変わらない」と強調しつつ、政府の環境保全措置などが「基準に適合していると判断した」と語った。
The issue of bases in Okinawa Prefecture always involves conflicting approaches—whether to aim at drastic removal of bases or to promote a gradual reduction of base-hosting burdens. We praise Nakaima’s decision as a practical choice, giving top priority to steady reduction of the burden.
沖縄の米軍基地問題では常に、基地の抜本的な撤去を目指すか、段階的な負担軽減を進めるか、という方法論の対立がある。知事が着実な負担軽減を優先し、現実的選択をしたことを評価したい。
The Henoko relocation plan itself is significant, as it will remove a huge airfield from the densely populated area to a sparsely populated district. In addition, it will have the secondary effect of promoting the transfer of U.S. marines stationed in the prefecture to Guam. The relocation will consequently result in a major reduction in the base-hosting burden for the entire prefecture, leading to economic development of the prefecture as well.
辺野古移設は、広大な普天間飛行場を人口密集地から過疎地に移すうえ、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転を促進する副次的効果を持つ。県全体で大幅な負担軽減となり、沖縄の発展にも役立とう。
The prefectural governor’s brave decision has been criticized by those opposing the Henoko relocation plan, but we are sure even such people will highly evaluate his decision in the future.
知事の決断は、辺野古移設反対派から批判されているが、将来は高く評価されるはずだ。
Abe takes a risk
◆リスク取った安倍政権
We also praise the efforts of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which created conditions to facilitate Nakaima’s decision.
知事の判断を後押しした安倍政権の努力も支持したい。
It listed a number of measures to ease Okinawa Prefecture’s burden in hosting many U.S. bases. These included advancing the deadline for returning land used by Futenma Air Station and the Makiminato Service Area to the prefecture, the transfer of military training activities to various locations outside the prefecture and the start of negotiations on a new Japan-U.S. agreement concerning on-site environmental surveys by Japanese authorities on the U.S. bases.
基地負担の軽減策として、普天間飛行場や牧港補給地区の返還期間の短縮や訓練移転、米軍基地内の環境調査に関する新たな日米協定の協議開始などを示した。
The planned return of Futenma Air Station, targeted for fiscal 2022 at the earliest, was the result of arduous negotiations between Japan and the United States. It will not be easy to advance this timetable as requested by the governor, but Tokyo and Washington should make utmost efforts to do so.
９～１２年後の返還目標は、激しい日米交渉の結果で、知事の求める前倒しは簡単ではないが、日米両政府は最大限努力すべきだ。
Concerning the issue of moving the training areas for MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft outside Okinawa Prefecture, the local governments concerned are urged to offer cooperation proactively to share the burdens now heavily shouldered by the prefecture.
米軍輸送機オスプレイの訓練の県外移転も、沖縄の負担を日本全体で分かち合うため、関係自治体は積極的に協力してほしい。
Washington had been wary about revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, but agreed to enter negotiations on a new agreement that would supplement the SOFA. Environmental surveys of U.S. bases ahead of their return are expected to aid the eventual utilization of their sites. Efforts must be made to work out an agreement under which surveys can be started as early as possible.
米政府は従来、日米地位協定の改定に慎重だったが、地位協定を補足する新協定の協議には応じることになった。返還予定の米軍基地内での事前の環境調査は跡地利用を促進する。より早い段階から調査できる合意を目指したい。
As measures to promote the development of Okinawa Prefecture, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to secure a budget of the ¥300 billion level annually up until fiscal 2021, in addition to making an additional allocation in the fiscal 2014 budget, thus showing maximum consideration to the prefecture. For promotion of the prefecture’s northern areas, ¥5 billion will be earmarked every year.
沖縄振興策でも、安倍首相は、来年度予算の積み増しに加え、２０２１年度まで毎年３０００億円台の予算確保を約束するなど、最大限の配慮を示した。県北部振興策にも毎年５０億円を計上する。
With state finances in dire straits, these funds represent exceptionally preferential treatment for the prefecture. But it is an unavoidable step to break the stalemate on the Futenma relocation issue. If the DPJ-led government had not put the issue on such a serpentine path, the people of the nation would not have to bear such a huge expenditure of taxpayers’ money.
厳しい財政事情の中、異例の優遇措置だが、難局を打開するためにはやむを得まい。ただ、民主党政権が普天間問題を迷走させなければ、これほど巨額の国民負担は生じなかったろう。
The Abe administration was able to obtain the prefecture’s approval on the Futenma relocation plan largely because it consistently worked toward building a relationship of trust with Nakaima even at the political risk of the prefecture’s disapproval. That is why the governor became willing to face criticism from the local people.
安倍政権が沖縄県の承認を得られたのは、不承認時の政権への打撃というリスクも覚悟し、一貫してぶれずに、仲井真知事との信頼関係を築いたことが大きい。だからこそ、知事も県民からの批判というリスクを取ったのだろう。
Abe must make all-out efforts to secure the continuing deterrent effect of the U.S. military presence in Japan while also reducing burdens on Okinawa and continuing to nurture the relationship of trust with the governor.
首相は、知事との信頼を大切にしながら、米軍の抑止力の維持と沖縄の負担軽減の両立に全力を挙げなければなるまい。
Secure local support
◆地元の理解得る努力を
There is another hurdle to clear before the transfer of Futenma to the Henoko district in Nago can be realized.
普天間飛行場の辺野古移設の実現までには、まだ課題もある。
A Nago mayoral election, set for Jan. 19, is likely to be a one-on-one competition between the incumbent opposing the relocation plan and a former prefectural assemblyman approving it.
来月１９日の名護市長選は、移設に反対する現職と、容認する前県議の一騎打ちとなる見通しだ。
A former mayor has withdrawn his candidacy, leaving the former assemblyman the only candidate representing the camp approving the relocation plan. But it remains to be seen which side will emerge victorious.
前市長が出馬を取りやめ、容認派が一本化されたが、選挙結果は予断を許さない。
A scenario in which a local election influences the future course of national security must be avoided. In this sense, too, it was appropriate that Nakaima announced his approval of the relocation plan before the end of the year and ahead of the election date.
本来、一地方選が日本の安全保障の行方を左右するような事態は避けるべきだ。その意味でも、知事が承認時期を市長選前の年内にしたのは適切だった。
The Nago mayor is not authorized to cancel the relocation plan. But naturally it is desirable to secure the mayor’s cooperation if projects to construct substitute facilities are to be implemented more smoothly.
名護市長には、辺野古移設を中止させる権限はないにせよ、代替施設の建設工事をより円滑に実施するには、名護市の協力を得られた方が望ましいのは当然だ。
The government and ruling parties must make continued efforts to obtain understanding on the relocation plan from a wider spectrum of local people while explaining the significance and benefits of the relocation to Henoko in minute detail.
政府・与党は引き続き、辺野古移設の意義と効用を丁寧に説明して、地元関係者の理解を広げる努力を尽くすことが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 28, 2013)
（2013年12月28日01時32分 読売新聞）
2013/12/29
首相靖国参拝 外交立て直しに全力を挙げよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 27, 2013
Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine must be followed by diplomatic rebuilding
首相靖国参拝 外交立て直しに全力を挙げよ （12月27日付・読売社説）
◆国立追悼施設を検討すべきだ
In what could be called a “lightning shrine visit,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a surprise visit to Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday, raising the question of why he took such an action at this particular point in time. A number of other questions should also be asked, including what resolve and preparations were in his mind in making this visit to the shrine.
“電撃参拝”である。なぜ、今なのか。どんな覚悟と準備をして参拝に踏み切ったのか。多くの疑問が拭えない。
Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Thursday morning, on the first anniversary of the launch of the current Abe administration. It was his first visit since he assumed the top post of the government and the first visit to the war-related shrine by a sitting prime minister since then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi went there on Aug. 15, 2006.
安倍首相が政権発足１年を迎えた２６日午前、就任後初めて靖国神社に参拝した。現職首相の参拝は、２００６年８月１５日の小泉首相以来だ。
Regarding his inability to visit Yasukuni during the first Abe Cabinet in 2006-07, Abe is repeatedly on record as saying, “It was a matter of deepest regret.” Thursday’s visit can be said to be the fulfillment of a personal, long-cherished desire of the prime minister.
安倍首相は、第１次政権の任期中に靖国神社に参拝できなかったことについて「痛恨の極み」と述べていた。その個人的な念願を果たしたことになる。
U.S. ‘disappointed’
◆気がかりな米の「失望」
Abe refrained from visiting the shrine earlier this year on Aug. 15, the day marking the end of World War II, and during the shrine’s spring and autumn festivals. Instead, he only sent offerings of masakaki sacred tree stands and made monetary offerings called tamagushi-ryo.
首相は終戦記念日と靖国神社の春・秋季例大祭の際、真(ま)榊(さかき)や玉串料を奉納するにとどめてきた。
His decisions on those occasions may have been based on a broad perspective that a visit to Yasukuni would worsen Japan’s already strained relations with China and South Korea, which see Yasukuni as a symbol of Japan’s militarism, a step inadvisable from a diplomatic point of view.
参拝すれば、靖国神社を日本の軍国主義のシンボルと見る中国、韓国との関係が一層悪化し、外交上、得策ではないと大局的に判断したからだろう。
The United States was also concerned that a visit to the shrine by the prime minister could heighten Tokyo’s tensions with Beijing and Seoul.
米国も首相の参拝は中韓との緊張を高めると懸念していた。
On their trip to Japan in October, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel laid flowers at Tokyo’s Chidorigafuchi cemetery for the remains of unidentified Japanese who died overseas during World War II. This is believed to have been an attempt to dissuade Abe from making a Yasukuni visit.
ケリー国務長官とヘーゲル国防長官が１０月の来日の際、氏名不詳で遺族に渡せない戦没者の遺骨を納めた千鳥ヶ淵戦没者墓苑で献花したのは、そのメッセージだ。
We are especially concerned that the United States, in the wake of Abe’s visit to the shrine, has released an extraordinary statement saying that Washington “is disappointed that Japan’s leadership has taken an action that will exacerbate tensions with Japan’s neighbors.”
気がかりなのは、米国が「日本の指導者が近隣諸国との緊張を悪化させるような行動を取ったことに失望している」と、異例の声明を発表したことである。
Was this a miscalculation by Abe, who has placed top priority on the United States in his diplomatic policies?
日米関係を最重視する首相にとって誤算だったのではないか。
China has unilaterally declared an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea, heightening tension in the relations between Japan and China. China may beef up its offensive stance over the territorial sovereignty issue of the Senkaku Islands.
中国は東シナ海上空に防空識別圏を一方的に設定し、日中間の緊張を高めている。尖閣諸島をめぐって、さらに攻勢を強めてくる可能性もある。
Japan, in tandem with its ally the United States, must continue acting resolutely in defense of the integrity of the nation’s territorial land and sea.
日本は同盟国の米国と連携して領土・領海を守り抜かねばならない。
We cannot help but wonder whether Abe, at this highly sensitive time, has personally created a destabilizing factor for his administration by visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
この微妙な時機に靖国神社に参拝し、政権の不安定要因を自ら作ってしまったのではないか。
Some of the prime minister’s close aides reportedly prodded Abe to make a Yasukuni visit, saying China and South Korea have criticized Japan even though Abe had not gone there. The situation would remain unchanged even if the prime minister visited Yasukuni, they reportedly told him.
首相周辺には、「参拝しなくても中韓は日本批判を繰り返している。それなら参拝しても同じだ」と参拝を促す声があったという。
If Abe came to that conclusion as a result of his failure to find a way to improve relations with China and South Korea, we cannot help but feel that is regrettable.
首相が、中韓両国との関係改善の糸口を見いだせず、そうした判断に至ったのであれば残念だ。
New Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi opposed the visit when Abe phoned him immediately before his visit to the shrine, saying bluntly, “I cannot support that.” After Abe’s visit, Yamaguchi said, “As the prime minister presumably acted knowing there would be adverse reactions from both China and South Korea, the prime minister should personally make efforts to ameliorate the situation.”
公明党の山口代表は首相から参拝直前に電話があった際、「賛同できない」と反対した。「中韓両国の反発を予測しての行動だろうから、首相自身が改善の努力をする必要がある」と述べている。
Abe must do his utmost to rebuild the nation’s diplomacy, which has been marred because of his visit to Yasukuni.
首相は、外交立て直しに全力を挙げねばなるまい。
Abuse by China, ROK
◆中韓の悪のりを許すな
Regarding his Yasukuni visit, Abe said he chose that day “to report the progress of the first year of my administration and convey my resolve to build an era in which the people will never again suffer the ravages of war.” In regard to China and South Korea, Abe said, “I would like to explain this feeling of mine to them directly.”
首相は、参拝について「政権発足後、１年間の歩みを報告し、戦争の惨禍で再び人々が苦しむことのない時代を創る決意を込めて不戦の誓いをした」と説明した。中韓両国などに「この気持ちを直接説明したい」とも語った。
Rather than lending an ear to Abe’s statement, China and South Korea have begun to use his Yasukuni visit as material to back their claim that Japan is drifting to the right.
だが、中韓両国は、安倍首相に耳を傾けるどころか、靖国参拝を日本の「右傾化」を宣伝する材料に利用し始めている。
The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement that Abe’s visit “infringed on the national sentiment of war-victimized countries and defied the justice of history.” The South Korean government also criticized the visit, saying it was “an anachronistic act that would harm the stability and cooperation of Northeast Asia from its very foundation.”
中国外務省は、「戦争被害国の国民感情を踏みにじり、歴史の正義に挑戦した」との談話を表明した。韓国政府も「北東アジアの安定と協力を根本から損なう時代錯誤的な行為」と非難している。
Their misunderstanding and distortions are excessive.
誤解、曲解も甚だしい。
Japan has pursued the path of a pacifist nation in the postwar period while upholding the principles of freedom and democracy. It is missing the mark for these two countries to ignore this point and criticize Abe’s Yasukuni visit.
日本は戦後、自由と民主主義を守り、平和国家の道を歩んできた。中韓が、それを無視して靖国参拝を批判するのは的外れだ。
In the first place, China and South Korea should be blamed for worsening relations with Japan by linking the issue of perceptions of history with political and diplomatic affairs.
そもそも対日関係を悪化させたのは歴史認識問題を政治・外交に絡める中韓両国の方だ。
Aside from the propriety of Abe’s Yasukuni visit, how the prime minister of one nation mourns its war dead is not a matter for interference from other nations.
今回の参拝の是非は別として一国の首相が戦没者をどう追悼するかについて、本来他国からとやかく言われる筋合いもない。
Build nonreligious site
◆Ａ級戦犯合祀が問題
The predecessor of Yasukuni Shrine is Tokyo Shokonsha Shrine, which was built in 1869 to console the souls of soldiers from anti-Tokugawa Shogunate domains who died in civil wars to achieve the so-called Meiji Restoration. Samurai warriors in the late Tokugawa period, the war dead from the Sino-Japanese, Russo-Japanese and Showa wars are enshrined together at Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine, however, is not dedicated only to the war dead.
靖国神社の前身は、明治維新の戦火で亡くなった官軍側の慰霊のために建立された「東京招魂社」だ。幕末の志士や日清、日露戦争、そして昭和戦争の戦没者らが合祀(ごうし)されている。戦没者だけが祀(まつ)られているわけではない。
Behind the fact that worshipping at Yasukuni Shrine has become a political issue is the enshrinement there of former Prime Minister Hideki Tojo and other so-called Class A war criminals who were sentenced to death at the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, or Tokyo Trials.
靖国参拝が政治問題化した背景には、極東国際軍事裁判（東京裁判）で処刑された東条英機元首相ら、いわゆる「Ａ級戦犯」が合祀されていることがある。
Yasukuni Shrine has argued that it is impossible from a religious viewpoint to transfer enshrined souls elsewhere. But criticism of Class A criminals who led Japan into the Showa War is deep-seated, and there are still calls to move their souls to another place.
靖国神社は、合祀した御霊(みたま)を他に移す分祀は、教学上できないとしているが、戦争指導者への批判は根強く、「Ａ級戦犯」の分祀を求める声が今もなおある。
Abe stressed that he also visited Chinreisha Shrine, which is located on the premises of Yasukuni Shrine. Chinreisha is dedicated to the war dead killed worldwide—not only Japanese but also people of other countries—who are not enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine. If he gave such consideration, we believe he should have rather worshipped at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery.
首相は、靖国神社の境内にある「鎮霊社」に参拝したことも強調した。靖国神社には合祀されない国内外の戦死者らの慰霊施設である。そうした配慮をするのなら、むしろ千鳥ヶ淵戦没者墓苑に参るべきではなかったか。
It is difficult even for the Emperor and foreign dignitaries to worship at Yasukuni Shrine as long as it stays in its current status. Measures must be studied to make it possible for everyone to worship without any reserve, centering on a plan to build a national memorial site with no religious affiliation.
今の靖国神社には、天皇陛下も外国の要人も参拝しづらい。無宗教の国立追悼施設の建立案を軸に誰もがわだかまりなく参拝できる方策を検討すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 27, 2013)
（2013年12月27日01時43分 読売新聞）
Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine must be followed by diplomatic rebuilding
首相靖国参拝 外交立て直しに全力を挙げよ （12月27日付・読売社説）
◆国立追悼施設を検討すべきだ
In what could be called a “lightning shrine visit,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a surprise visit to Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday, raising the question of why he took such an action at this particular point in time. A number of other questions should also be asked, including what resolve and preparations were in his mind in making this visit to the shrine.
“電撃参拝”である。なぜ、今なのか。どんな覚悟と準備をして参拝に踏み切ったのか。多くの疑問が拭えない。
Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Thursday morning, on the first anniversary of the launch of the current Abe administration. It was his first visit since he assumed the top post of the government and the first visit to the war-related shrine by a sitting prime minister since then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi went there on Aug. 15, 2006.
安倍首相が政権発足１年を迎えた２６日午前、就任後初めて靖国神社に参拝した。現職首相の参拝は、２００６年８月１５日の小泉首相以来だ。
Regarding his inability to visit Yasukuni during the first Abe Cabinet in 2006-07, Abe is repeatedly on record as saying, “It was a matter of deepest regret.” Thursday’s visit can be said to be the fulfillment of a personal, long-cherished desire of the prime minister.
安倍首相は、第１次政権の任期中に靖国神社に参拝できなかったことについて「痛恨の極み」と述べていた。その個人的な念願を果たしたことになる。
U.S. ‘disappointed’
◆気がかりな米の「失望」
Abe refrained from visiting the shrine earlier this year on Aug. 15, the day marking the end of World War II, and during the shrine’s spring and autumn festivals. Instead, he only sent offerings of masakaki sacred tree stands and made monetary offerings called tamagushi-ryo.
首相は終戦記念日と靖国神社の春・秋季例大祭の際、真(ま)榊(さかき)や玉串料を奉納するにとどめてきた。
His decisions on those occasions may have been based on a broad perspective that a visit to Yasukuni would worsen Japan’s already strained relations with China and South Korea, which see Yasukuni as a symbol of Japan’s militarism, a step inadvisable from a diplomatic point of view.
参拝すれば、靖国神社を日本の軍国主義のシンボルと見る中国、韓国との関係が一層悪化し、外交上、得策ではないと大局的に判断したからだろう。
The United States was also concerned that a visit to the shrine by the prime minister could heighten Tokyo’s tensions with Beijing and Seoul.
米国も首相の参拝は中韓との緊張を高めると懸念していた。
On their trip to Japan in October, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel laid flowers at Tokyo’s Chidorigafuchi cemetery for the remains of unidentified Japanese who died overseas during World War II. This is believed to have been an attempt to dissuade Abe from making a Yasukuni visit.
ケリー国務長官とヘーゲル国防長官が１０月の来日の際、氏名不詳で遺族に渡せない戦没者の遺骨を納めた千鳥ヶ淵戦没者墓苑で献花したのは、そのメッセージだ。
We are especially concerned that the United States, in the wake of Abe’s visit to the shrine, has released an extraordinary statement saying that Washington “is disappointed that Japan’s leadership has taken an action that will exacerbate tensions with Japan’s neighbors.”
気がかりなのは、米国が「日本の指導者が近隣諸国との緊張を悪化させるような行動を取ったことに失望している」と、異例の声明を発表したことである。
Was this a miscalculation by Abe, who has placed top priority on the United States in his diplomatic policies?
日米関係を最重視する首相にとって誤算だったのではないか。
China has unilaterally declared an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea, heightening tension in the relations between Japan and China. China may beef up its offensive stance over the territorial sovereignty issue of the Senkaku Islands.
中国は東シナ海上空に防空識別圏を一方的に設定し、日中間の緊張を高めている。尖閣諸島をめぐって、さらに攻勢を強めてくる可能性もある。
Japan, in tandem with its ally the United States, must continue acting resolutely in defense of the integrity of the nation’s territorial land and sea.
日本は同盟国の米国と連携して領土・領海を守り抜かねばならない。
We cannot help but wonder whether Abe, at this highly sensitive time, has personally created a destabilizing factor for his administration by visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
この微妙な時機に靖国神社に参拝し、政権の不安定要因を自ら作ってしまったのではないか。
Some of the prime minister’s close aides reportedly prodded Abe to make a Yasukuni visit, saying China and South Korea have criticized Japan even though Abe had not gone there. The situation would remain unchanged even if the prime minister visited Yasukuni, they reportedly told him.
首相周辺には、「参拝しなくても中韓は日本批判を繰り返している。それなら参拝しても同じだ」と参拝を促す声があったという。
If Abe came to that conclusion as a result of his failure to find a way to improve relations with China and South Korea, we cannot help but feel that is regrettable.
首相が、中韓両国との関係改善の糸口を見いだせず、そうした判断に至ったのであれば残念だ。
New Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi opposed the visit when Abe phoned him immediately before his visit to the shrine, saying bluntly, “I cannot support that.” After Abe’s visit, Yamaguchi said, “As the prime minister presumably acted knowing there would be adverse reactions from both China and South Korea, the prime minister should personally make efforts to ameliorate the situation.”
公明党の山口代表は首相から参拝直前に電話があった際、「賛同できない」と反対した。「中韓両国の反発を予測しての行動だろうから、首相自身が改善の努力をする必要がある」と述べている。
Abe must do his utmost to rebuild the nation’s diplomacy, which has been marred because of his visit to Yasukuni.
首相は、外交立て直しに全力を挙げねばなるまい。
Abuse by China, ROK
◆中韓の悪のりを許すな
Regarding his Yasukuni visit, Abe said he chose that day “to report the progress of the first year of my administration and convey my resolve to build an era in which the people will never again suffer the ravages of war.” In regard to China and South Korea, Abe said, “I would like to explain this feeling of mine to them directly.”
首相は、参拝について「政権発足後、１年間の歩みを報告し、戦争の惨禍で再び人々が苦しむことのない時代を創る決意を込めて不戦の誓いをした」と説明した。中韓両国などに「この気持ちを直接説明したい」とも語った。
Rather than lending an ear to Abe’s statement, China and South Korea have begun to use his Yasukuni visit as material to back their claim that Japan is drifting to the right.
だが、中韓両国は、安倍首相に耳を傾けるどころか、靖国参拝を日本の「右傾化」を宣伝する材料に利用し始めている。
The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement that Abe’s visit “infringed on the national sentiment of war-victimized countries and defied the justice of history.” The South Korean government also criticized the visit, saying it was “an anachronistic act that would harm the stability and cooperation of Northeast Asia from its very foundation.”
中国外務省は、「戦争被害国の国民感情を踏みにじり、歴史の正義に挑戦した」との談話を表明した。韓国政府も「北東アジアの安定と協力を根本から損なう時代錯誤的な行為」と非難している。
Their misunderstanding and distortions are excessive.
誤解、曲解も甚だしい。
Japan has pursued the path of a pacifist nation in the postwar period while upholding the principles of freedom and democracy. It is missing the mark for these two countries to ignore this point and criticize Abe’s Yasukuni visit.
日本は戦後、自由と民主主義を守り、平和国家の道を歩んできた。中韓が、それを無視して靖国参拝を批判するのは的外れだ。
In the first place, China and South Korea should be blamed for worsening relations with Japan by linking the issue of perceptions of history with political and diplomatic affairs.
そもそも対日関係を悪化させたのは歴史認識問題を政治・外交に絡める中韓両国の方だ。
Aside from the propriety of Abe’s Yasukuni visit, how the prime minister of one nation mourns its war dead is not a matter for interference from other nations.
今回の参拝の是非は別として一国の首相が戦没者をどう追悼するかについて、本来他国からとやかく言われる筋合いもない。
Build nonreligious site
◆Ａ級戦犯合祀が問題
The predecessor of Yasukuni Shrine is Tokyo Shokonsha Shrine, which was built in 1869 to console the souls of soldiers from anti-Tokugawa Shogunate domains who died in civil wars to achieve the so-called Meiji Restoration. Samurai warriors in the late Tokugawa period, the war dead from the Sino-Japanese, Russo-Japanese and Showa wars are enshrined together at Yasukuni Shrine. The shrine, however, is not dedicated only to the war dead.
靖国神社の前身は、明治維新の戦火で亡くなった官軍側の慰霊のために建立された「東京招魂社」だ。幕末の志士や日清、日露戦争、そして昭和戦争の戦没者らが合祀(ごうし)されている。戦没者だけが祀(まつ)られているわけではない。
Behind the fact that worshipping at Yasukuni Shrine has become a political issue is the enshrinement there of former Prime Minister Hideki Tojo and other so-called Class A war criminals who were sentenced to death at the International Military Tribunal for the Far East, or Tokyo Trials.
靖国参拝が政治問題化した背景には、極東国際軍事裁判（東京裁判）で処刑された東条英機元首相ら、いわゆる「Ａ級戦犯」が合祀されていることがある。
Yasukuni Shrine has argued that it is impossible from a religious viewpoint to transfer enshrined souls elsewhere. But criticism of Class A criminals who led Japan into the Showa War is deep-seated, and there are still calls to move their souls to another place.
靖国神社は、合祀した御霊(みたま)を他に移す分祀は、教学上できないとしているが、戦争指導者への批判は根強く、「Ａ級戦犯」の分祀を求める声が今もなおある。
Abe stressed that he also visited Chinreisha Shrine, which is located on the premises of Yasukuni Shrine. Chinreisha is dedicated to the war dead killed worldwide—not only Japanese but also people of other countries—who are not enshrined at Yasukuni Shrine. If he gave such consideration, we believe he should have rather worshipped at Chidorigafuchi National Cemetery.
首相は、靖国神社の境内にある「鎮霊社」に参拝したことも強調した。靖国神社には合祀されない国内外の戦死者らの慰霊施設である。そうした配慮をするのなら、むしろ千鳥ヶ淵戦没者墓苑に参るべきではなかったか。
It is difficult even for the Emperor and foreign dignitaries to worship at Yasukuni Shrine as long as it stays in its current status. Measures must be studied to make it possible for everyone to worship without any reserve, centering on a plan to build a national memorial site with no religious affiliation.
今の靖国神社には、天皇陛下も外国の要人も参拝しづらい。無宗教の国立追悼施設の建立案を軸に誰もがわだかまりなく参拝できる方策を検討すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 27, 2013)
（2013年12月27日01時43分 読売新聞）
2013/12/28
ＰＫＯ弾薬提供 武器輸出の新原則策定を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 26, 2013
In intl crisis, govt must lay down new weapons-export principles
ＰＫＯ弾薬提供 武器輸出の新原則策定を急げ（12月26日付・読売社説）
A country working to support nation-building efforts in Africa under rigorous conditions has every reason to help another country engaged in the same task, a duty that has been taken for granted internationally.
厳しい環境の下、アフリカの国造りに共に取り組む仲間を助けるのは、国際常識である。
The Ground Self-Defense Force, now participating in a U.N. mission in South Sudan—officially called the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)—has provided South Korean forces with 10,000 bullets for rifles without asking for payment in exchange. The bullets were given via the UNMISS authorities. The GSDF’s bullet offer was the first of its kind to occur overseas.
国連南スーダン派遣団（ＵＮＭＩＳＳ）に参加中の陸上自衛隊が、小銃弾１万発をＵＮＭＩＳＳ経由で韓国軍に無償提供した。海外での自衛隊の弾薬譲渡は初めてだ。
Amid a rapid decline in the African country’s security situation, South Korean forces were working to protect the safety of about 15,000 refugees in their assigned area, surrounded by armed rebel groups.
南スーダンの治安情勢が悪化する中、韓国軍は宿営地に１万５０００人の避難民を保護し、反政府勢力から包囲されていた。
It is clear the Japanese government had no option but to supply bullets to the South Korean forces. The action was needed from the standpoint of humanity and urgency, given that the lives of South Korean soldiers and local refugees were at risk.
Supplying the bullets was essential for supporting the global significance of U.N. peacekeeping operations. No participants in the UNMISS mission except the GSDF were carrying bullets that could be used for rifles carried by South Korean soldiers.
韓国兵や避難民の生命にかかわる人道性や緊急性、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）という公共性、ＵＮＭＩＳＳ参加部隊で日本以外に同種の弾薬を携行していないことなど、どの観点からも弾薬を提供しない選択肢はなかった。
South Korean forces telephoned the GSDF unit and expressed their gratitude for the bullets.
韓国軍から現地の陸自部隊に感謝の電話もあった。
There may be cases in which the GSDF asks other nations to support its forces or come to its rescue. Making steady efforts to extend assistance comparable to the recent case of supplying bullets and increasing cooperation with foreign forces will ensure the security of GSDF personnel operating overseas.
陸自が今後、他国に支援や救援を頼むケースもあろう。今回のような協力を重ね、国際的連帯を強めることが、陸自の安全確保にも役立つ。
Regarding the U.N. Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law, which was the subject of questions during Diet sessions, the government has long said it does not expect requests from other nations to provide weapons and ammunition, and that if such a request were to be filed, it would reject the request. This line of reasoning apparently reflects the fact that it is extremely unusual for Japan to be asked by any other country to supply weapons and ammunition, even if it is a request that could affect the survival of the requesting nation’s forces.
政府はＰＫＯ協力法に関する国会答弁で、武器・弾薬の提供は想定されず、要請されても断るとしてきた。部隊の生存にかかわる武器・弾薬の提供を他国に要請される事態は極めて異例だからだ。
Civilian control effective
In deciding on the bullet offer, the government held a meeting of four relevant Cabinet members under the National Security Council and a Cabinet conference. In these meetings, the government concluded the bullet supply would be treated as an exception to its three rules on arms exports and its official interpretation of the peace cooperation law.
政府は今回、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の４大臣会合や閣議を開き、ＵＮＭＩＳＳへの弾薬提供を、武器輸出３原則やＰＫＯ協力法の政府見解の例外扱いとすることを決めた。
Given the lack of procedural defects in the latest decision, it is safe to say our nation’s principle of civilian control has fulfilled its purpose.
手続き上の欠陥はなく、文民統制も機能したと言える。
In 2011, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda relaxed the principles regarding arms exports, thus making it possible to offer weapons for peace-building and international cooperation purposes. However, the offer of arms was limited to foreign governments, meaning such institutions as the UNMISS authorities were not included in the list of organs to which our country would supply arms.
一昨年に野田内閣が３原則を緩和し、平和構築・国際協力目的の武器提供は可能になった。ただ、提供先は国に限られ、ＵＮＭＩＳＳなど国際機関は対象外だ。
The government is currently considering fundamentally reexamining the three principles. Taking the recent bullet supply into consideration, the government should lay down a new set of flexible and realistic principles as quickly as possible.
政府は、武器輸出３原則の抜本的見直しを検討している。今回の事例も踏まえ、柔軟で現実的な新原則を早期に策定すべきだ。
With the deterioration of the South Sudanese situation in mind, the U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution to shore up the UNMISS mission to better protect the safety of local residents. About 6,000 staff will be sent to South Sudan, where they will be united with about 7,500 military and police personnel already deployed there.
国連安全保障理事会は、現地情勢の悪化を踏まえ、住民保護の強化のため、ＵＮＭＩＳＳを増強する決議を採択した。展開中の軍事・警察要員約７５００人に加え、約６０００人を増派する。
It is imperative the U.N. resolution be implemented as promptly as possible, to resolve the South Sudanese situation.
事態の沈静化に向けて、決議を迅速に実施することが肝要だ。
About 30 months after its independence, South Sudan is on the brink of a civil war, as a conflict between its president and former vice president has grown into a tribal conflict. International engagement is essential for preventing the conflict from degenerating into civil war.
独立から２年半たつ南スーダンは、大統領と前副大統領の対立が部族紛争に発展し、内戦の瀬戸際にある。これを阻止するには、国際社会の関与が欠かせない。
The United States has begun to intermediate between the warring parties with the aim of seeking a solution to the problem through dialogue.
米国は、当事者間の対話による解決に向けて仲介を始めた。
Japan should contribute to the international peace initiative in South Sudan, a task that should be carried out with close attention to the safety of GSDF personnel operating in that country.
日本も、陸自隊員の安全に細心の注意を払いながら、国際社会の和平努力に貢献したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 26, 2013)
（2013年12月26日01時32分 読売新聞）
In intl crisis, govt must lay down new weapons-export principles
ＰＫＯ弾薬提供 武器輸出の新原則策定を急げ（12月26日付・読売社説）
A country working to support nation-building efforts in Africa under rigorous conditions has every reason to help another country engaged in the same task, a duty that has been taken for granted internationally.
厳しい環境の下、アフリカの国造りに共に取り組む仲間を助けるのは、国際常識である。
The Ground Self-Defense Force, now participating in a U.N. mission in South Sudan—officially called the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)—has provided South Korean forces with 10,000 bullets for rifles without asking for payment in exchange. The bullets were given via the UNMISS authorities. The GSDF’s bullet offer was the first of its kind to occur overseas.
国連南スーダン派遣団（ＵＮＭＩＳＳ）に参加中の陸上自衛隊が、小銃弾１万発をＵＮＭＩＳＳ経由で韓国軍に無償提供した。海外での自衛隊の弾薬譲渡は初めてだ。
Amid a rapid decline in the African country’s security situation, South Korean forces were working to protect the safety of about 15,000 refugees in their assigned area, surrounded by armed rebel groups.
南スーダンの治安情勢が悪化する中、韓国軍は宿営地に１万５０００人の避難民を保護し、反政府勢力から包囲されていた。
It is clear the Japanese government had no option but to supply bullets to the South Korean forces. The action was needed from the standpoint of humanity and urgency, given that the lives of South Korean soldiers and local refugees were at risk.
Supplying the bullets was essential for supporting the global significance of U.N. peacekeeping operations. No participants in the UNMISS mission except the GSDF were carrying bullets that could be used for rifles carried by South Korean soldiers.
韓国兵や避難民の生命にかかわる人道性や緊急性、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）という公共性、ＵＮＭＩＳＳ参加部隊で日本以外に同種の弾薬を携行していないことなど、どの観点からも弾薬を提供しない選択肢はなかった。
South Korean forces telephoned the GSDF unit and expressed their gratitude for the bullets.
韓国軍から現地の陸自部隊に感謝の電話もあった。
There may be cases in which the GSDF asks other nations to support its forces or come to its rescue. Making steady efforts to extend assistance comparable to the recent case of supplying bullets and increasing cooperation with foreign forces will ensure the security of GSDF personnel operating overseas.
陸自が今後、他国に支援や救援を頼むケースもあろう。今回のような協力を重ね、国際的連帯を強めることが、陸自の安全確保にも役立つ。
Regarding the U.N. Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law, which was the subject of questions during Diet sessions, the government has long said it does not expect requests from other nations to provide weapons and ammunition, and that if such a request were to be filed, it would reject the request. This line of reasoning apparently reflects the fact that it is extremely unusual for Japan to be asked by any other country to supply weapons and ammunition, even if it is a request that could affect the survival of the requesting nation’s forces.
政府はＰＫＯ協力法に関する国会答弁で、武器・弾薬の提供は想定されず、要請されても断るとしてきた。部隊の生存にかかわる武器・弾薬の提供を他国に要請される事態は極めて異例だからだ。
Civilian control effective
In deciding on the bullet offer, the government held a meeting of four relevant Cabinet members under the National Security Council and a Cabinet conference. In these meetings, the government concluded the bullet supply would be treated as an exception to its three rules on arms exports and its official interpretation of the peace cooperation law.
政府は今回、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の４大臣会合や閣議を開き、ＵＮＭＩＳＳへの弾薬提供を、武器輸出３原則やＰＫＯ協力法の政府見解の例外扱いとすることを決めた。
Given the lack of procedural defects in the latest decision, it is safe to say our nation’s principle of civilian control has fulfilled its purpose.
手続き上の欠陥はなく、文民統制も機能したと言える。
In 2011, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda relaxed the principles regarding arms exports, thus making it possible to offer weapons for peace-building and international cooperation purposes. However, the offer of arms was limited to foreign governments, meaning such institutions as the UNMISS authorities were not included in the list of organs to which our country would supply arms.
一昨年に野田内閣が３原則を緩和し、平和構築・国際協力目的の武器提供は可能になった。ただ、提供先は国に限られ、ＵＮＭＩＳＳなど国際機関は対象外だ。
The government is currently considering fundamentally reexamining the three principles. Taking the recent bullet supply into consideration, the government should lay down a new set of flexible and realistic principles as quickly as possible.
政府は、武器輸出３原則の抜本的見直しを検討している。今回の事例も踏まえ、柔軟で現実的な新原則を早期に策定すべきだ。
With the deterioration of the South Sudanese situation in mind, the U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution to shore up the UNMISS mission to better protect the safety of local residents. About 6,000 staff will be sent to South Sudan, where they will be united with about 7,500 military and police personnel already deployed there.
国連安全保障理事会は、現地情勢の悪化を踏まえ、住民保護の強化のため、ＵＮＭＩＳＳを増強する決議を採択した。展開中の軍事・警察要員約７５００人に加え、約６０００人を増派する。
It is imperative the U.N. resolution be implemented as promptly as possible, to resolve the South Sudanese situation.
事態の沈静化に向けて、決議を迅速に実施することが肝要だ。
About 30 months after its independence, South Sudan is on the brink of a civil war, as a conflict between its president and former vice president has grown into a tribal conflict. International engagement is essential for preventing the conflict from degenerating into civil war.
独立から２年半たつ南スーダンは、大統領と前副大統領の対立が部族紛争に発展し、内戦の瀬戸際にある。これを阻止するには、国際社会の関与が欠かせない。
The United States has begun to intermediate between the warring parties with the aim of seeking a solution to the problem through dialogue.
米国は、当事者間の対話による解決に向けて仲介を始めた。
Japan should contribute to the international peace initiative in South Sudan, a task that should be carried out with close attention to the safety of GSDF personnel operating in that country.
日本も、陸自隊員の安全に細心の注意を払いながら、国際社会の和平努力に貢献したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 26, 2013)
（2013年12月26日01時32分 読売新聞）
2013/12/27
天皇陛下８０歳 公務の負担軽減を検討したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 23, 2013
As Emperor turns 80, it’s time to consider trimming his duties
天皇陛下８０歳 公務の負担軽減を検討したい（12月23日付・読売社説）
The Emperor has marked his 80th birthday.
天皇陛下が８０歳の誕生日を迎えられた。
On this occasion, we express our heartfelt congratulations to the Emperor for reaching this milestone while being hale and hearty.
お元気で過ごされていることを心から喜びたい。
In February last year, the Emperor underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. His recovery has gone as scheduled. The Emperor currently performs official duties at the same pace as he did before the operation.
陛下は昨年２月に心臓の冠動脈のバイパス手術を受け、順調に回復された。現在は手術前と同じペースで公務に取り組まれている。
The day before his 80th birthday on Monday, the Emperor said at a news conference in the Imperial Palace, “While coming to terms with certain constraints due to my advancing age, I would like to continue playing my role as much as possible.”
誕生日前の記者会見で、陛下は「年齢による制約を受け入れつつ、できる限り役割を果たしていきたい」と述べられている。
Referring to his official duties, he said, “I wish to maintain my current pace, at least for a while.” This suggests he is rather negative about any move to reduce his official duties on health grounds.
公務については「しばらくはこのままでいきたい」と語り、健康上の理由による公務の軽減には否定的な考えを示された。
This is presumably because the Emperor, with his best wishes for the happiness of the people, still feels a strong sense of responsibility to continue moving forward with the populace.
国民の幸せを祈り、国民と共に歩み続けることに強い使命感をお持ちだからだろう。
Accompanied by the Empress, the Emperor visited such places this year as areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, and Minamata, the city in Kumamoto Prefecture that has become known for the mercury-poisoning disease with the same name. The Imperial couple also followed a tight schedule on their recent official visit to India.
今年も、陛下は皇后さまと共に東日本大震災の被災地や熊本県水俣市などを訪ねられた。先日、インドを公式訪問された際も、過密な日程をこなされた。
Many people want the Emperor to be able to continue to engage in his official duties in good health. For this very reason, however, we believe the burden placed on the Emperor should not be excessive.
陛下にお元気で公務を続けられてほしいと願う国民も多いことだろう。そうであればこそ、ご負担が過重になってはなるまい。
The Imperial Household Agency should examine how to reduce the load shouldered by the Emperor, perhaps by handing some of his duties to Imperial family members including Crown Prince Naruhito and his younger brother, Prince Akishino.
宮内庁は、公務時間のより一層の短縮や、皇太子さまや秋篠宮さまへの一部公務の引き継ぎも、検討していくべきだろう。
Adhering to Constitution
The Emperor’s stance of always giving consideration to the people is also represented by his views on his funeral and mausoleum.
常に国民を思いやる陛下の姿勢は、自らの葬儀や御陵に関する考え方にも表れている。
In November, the Imperial Household Agency announced that the Emperor plans to be cremated, rather than be buried as has been tradition for emperors since the Edo period, and scale down his mausoleum compared to those of the Emperor’s predecessors.
宮内庁は１１月、江戸時代から続いてきた土葬を火葬に変更し、御陵は規模を縮小する方針を明らかにした。
These plans fit snugly with the wishes of the Emperor and Empress not to impose an onerous burden on the people in regard to the construction of their mausoleums and their funerals. These decisions can be said to reflect the desire of the Emperor, who has been committed to ensuring the Imperial family can meet the changes of the times while keeping the essence of royal tradition intact.
御陵の整備や葬儀にあたって、国民に負担をかけてはならないという天皇、皇后両陛下のお考えを踏まえたものだ。伝統を守りつつも、時代に即した皇室のあり方を模索し続ける陛下らしいご決断と言えよう。
During the news conference, a question was asked about the relationship between the Imperial family and politics.
今回の記者会見では、皇室と政治の関係について質問が出た。
Some media outlets were outraged that Princess Hisako of Takamado attended the general session of the International Olympic Committee in September that chose Tokyo as host city of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
高円宮妃久子さまが、２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの開催を決めた９月の国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）総会に出席されたことに関し、一部メディアなどが問題視していた。
In reply to the question, the Emperor said when he faces a thorny question, “I have made it a rule to seek the opinions of the Imperial Household Agency director general and the agency’s councillors.”
陛下は、判断の難しい場合、「宮内庁長官や参与の意見を聴くことにしています」と答えられた。
This statement was intended to emphasize afresh his position of adhering closely to Article 4 of the Constitution, which stipulates the Emperor “shall not have powers related to government.”
天皇は「国政に関する権能を有しない」とする憲法４条を順守し、自らを律するというお立場を改めて強調されたのだろう。
At the IOC session, Princess Hisako only expressed Japan’s gratitude for such things as support extended from many nations after the Great East Japan Earthquake. She refrained from making any direct reference to Tokyo’s Games bid. Some media said her speech amounted to “using the Imperial family for political purposes.” It was nothing of the sort.
久子さまは、ＩＯＣ総会で大震災への各国の支援などに謝辞を述べただけで、東京招致への直接的な言及は避けられた。「皇室の政治利用」に当たるはずがない。
This issue must not be allowed to bother the Emperor any further.
この問題でこれ以上、陛下の心を煩わせてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 23, 2013)
（2013年12月23日01時25分 読売新聞）
As Emperor turns 80, it’s time to consider trimming his duties
天皇陛下８０歳 公務の負担軽減を検討したい（12月23日付・読売社説）
The Emperor has marked his 80th birthday.
天皇陛下が８０歳の誕生日を迎えられた。
On this occasion, we express our heartfelt congratulations to the Emperor for reaching this milestone while being hale and hearty.
お元気で過ごされていることを心から喜びたい。
In February last year, the Emperor underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. His recovery has gone as scheduled. The Emperor currently performs official duties at the same pace as he did before the operation.
陛下は昨年２月に心臓の冠動脈のバイパス手術を受け、順調に回復された。現在は手術前と同じペースで公務に取り組まれている。
The day before his 80th birthday on Monday, the Emperor said at a news conference in the Imperial Palace, “While coming to terms with certain constraints due to my advancing age, I would like to continue playing my role as much as possible.”
誕生日前の記者会見で、陛下は「年齢による制約を受け入れつつ、できる限り役割を果たしていきたい」と述べられている。
Referring to his official duties, he said, “I wish to maintain my current pace, at least for a while.” This suggests he is rather negative about any move to reduce his official duties on health grounds.
公務については「しばらくはこのままでいきたい」と語り、健康上の理由による公務の軽減には否定的な考えを示された。
This is presumably because the Emperor, with his best wishes for the happiness of the people, still feels a strong sense of responsibility to continue moving forward with the populace.
国民の幸せを祈り、国民と共に歩み続けることに強い使命感をお持ちだからだろう。
Accompanied by the Empress, the Emperor visited such places this year as areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, and Minamata, the city in Kumamoto Prefecture that has become known for the mercury-poisoning disease with the same name. The Imperial couple also followed a tight schedule on their recent official visit to India.
今年も、陛下は皇后さまと共に東日本大震災の被災地や熊本県水俣市などを訪ねられた。先日、インドを公式訪問された際も、過密な日程をこなされた。
Many people want the Emperor to be able to continue to engage in his official duties in good health. For this very reason, however, we believe the burden placed on the Emperor should not be excessive.
陛下にお元気で公務を続けられてほしいと願う国民も多いことだろう。そうであればこそ、ご負担が過重になってはなるまい。
The Imperial Household Agency should examine how to reduce the load shouldered by the Emperor, perhaps by handing some of his duties to Imperial family members including Crown Prince Naruhito and his younger brother, Prince Akishino.
宮内庁は、公務時間のより一層の短縮や、皇太子さまや秋篠宮さまへの一部公務の引き継ぎも、検討していくべきだろう。
Adhering to Constitution
The Emperor’s stance of always giving consideration to the people is also represented by his views on his funeral and mausoleum.
常に国民を思いやる陛下の姿勢は、自らの葬儀や御陵に関する考え方にも表れている。
In November, the Imperial Household Agency announced that the Emperor plans to be cremated, rather than be buried as has been tradition for emperors since the Edo period, and scale down his mausoleum compared to those of the Emperor’s predecessors.
宮内庁は１１月、江戸時代から続いてきた土葬を火葬に変更し、御陵は規模を縮小する方針を明らかにした。
These plans fit snugly with the wishes of the Emperor and Empress not to impose an onerous burden on the people in regard to the construction of their mausoleums and their funerals. These decisions can be said to reflect the desire of the Emperor, who has been committed to ensuring the Imperial family can meet the changes of the times while keeping the essence of royal tradition intact.
御陵の整備や葬儀にあたって、国民に負担をかけてはならないという天皇、皇后両陛下のお考えを踏まえたものだ。伝統を守りつつも、時代に即した皇室のあり方を模索し続ける陛下らしいご決断と言えよう。
During the news conference, a question was asked about the relationship between the Imperial family and politics.
今回の記者会見では、皇室と政治の関係について質問が出た。
Some media outlets were outraged that Princess Hisako of Takamado attended the general session of the International Olympic Committee in September that chose Tokyo as host city of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
高円宮妃久子さまが、２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの開催を決めた９月の国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）総会に出席されたことに関し、一部メディアなどが問題視していた。
In reply to the question, the Emperor said when he faces a thorny question, “I have made it a rule to seek the opinions of the Imperial Household Agency director general and the agency’s councillors.”
陛下は、判断の難しい場合、「宮内庁長官や参与の意見を聴くことにしています」と答えられた。
This statement was intended to emphasize afresh his position of adhering closely to Article 4 of the Constitution, which stipulates the Emperor “shall not have powers related to government.”
天皇は「国政に関する権能を有しない」とする憲法４条を順守し、自らを律するというお立場を改めて強調されたのだろう。
At the IOC session, Princess Hisako only expressed Japan’s gratitude for such things as support extended from many nations after the Great East Japan Earthquake. She refrained from making any direct reference to Tokyo’s Games bid. Some media said her speech amounted to “using the Imperial family for political purposes.” It was nothing of the sort.
久子さまは、ＩＯＣ総会で大震災への各国の支援などに謝辞を述べただけで、東京招致への直接的な言及は避けられた。「皇室の政治利用」に当たるはずがない。
This issue must not be allowed to bother the Emperor any further.
この問題でこれ以上、陛下の心を煩わせてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 23, 2013)
（2013年12月23日01時25分 読売新聞）
2013/12/26
国の権限移譲 地方の意志と能力も試される
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 24, 2013
Local governments’ will, capabilities tested in transfer of state authority
国の権限移譲 地方の意志と能力も試される（12月24日付・読売社説）
It is essential to revitalize regional areas by eliminating the waste caused by dual administration of central and local governments and work out innovative measures to utilize the individuality and characteristics of each region.
国と地方の二重行政によるムダの排除と、地域の個性や特色を生かした創意工夫を通じて、地方の活性化につなげることが肝要である。
The government has decided to transfer 48 types of clerical work and authority, including the expansion and management of national roads and first-class rivers under its direct control, to prefectures. It also plans to reexamine 18 clerical items, including provision of HelloWork’s job information.
政府が、国直轄の国道・１級河川の整備・管理など４８の事務・権限を政府から都道府県に移譲する方針を決定した。ハローワークの求人情報の自治体への提供など１８項目の事務見直しも決めた。
It will submit related bills to the ordinary Diet session convening early next year to realize these goals.
いずれも来年の通常国会に関連法案を提出し、実現を図る。
The transfer of authority on national roads and rivers has been left pending since the Council for Decentralization Reform, an advisory panel of the Cabinet Office, recommended this action in 2008. However, the Democratic Party of Japan-led government then came up with a wild scheme of “abolishing in principle” local agencies of the central government, thereby adding a serpentine dimension to discussions on decentralization. But the issue was eventually resolved with realistic measures worked out by the Liberal Democratic Party-led administration.
国道・河川の権限移譲は、２００８年の地方分権改革推進委員会の勧告以来の懸案だ。その後、民主党政権が国の出先機関の「原則廃止」といった乱暴な手法を掲げ、分権論議は迷走したが、ようやく現実的な内容で決着した。
Administration of some sections of national roads and first-class rivers has already been transferred to prefectures. It is unreasonable to assert that administration can only be carried out by the central government. Coherent town building may be possible by integrated expansion and administration of national roads and connected local roads.
国道や１級河川の一部区間の管理は既に、都道府県に委ねられている。政府しか管理できないとの理屈は成り立たない。国道に接続する地方道との一体的な整備・管理により、整合性の取れた町づくりも可能になるのではないか。
It was appropriate for the government to work out measures to secure fiscal resources, including one allocating local tax grants to finance maintenance and management costs incurred by prefectural governments. Decentralization will not make much headway without securing such fiscal resources.
権限移譲に伴い、都道府県が負担する維持管理費を地方交付税で賄うなどの財源確保策をまとめたのは適切だ。財源の手当てなしには地方分権は進まない。
2-way shift possible
It also will be possible depending on the situation to transfer authority over roads and rivers under the control of local governments to the central government.
一方で、地方が管理する道路や河川について、実情に応じて国直轄に移すことも可能にした。
Recent years have seen flood damage caused by heavy rain in various parts of the country. In some of these disasters, small municipalities found it difficult to take adequate crisis-management measures for rivers. The central government’s role in times of disaster was recognized anew following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accompanying huge task of reconstruction.
近年、各地で大雨による水害が発生し、小規模自治体では河川の管理や危機対応の難しい例が見受けられる。東日本大震災の復旧・復興では、災害時における政府の役割の重要性が再認識された。
Transferring authority in this manner is reasonable, rather than calling for the uniform transfer of authority to local governments.
地方移譲という画一的な施策にはせず、国への移譲も認める柔軟な制度にしたのは妥当だ。
Noteworthy is a system for handling registration and clerical work to audit nonprofit organizations that will provide paid-for transport services to replace taxis and buses in underpopulated areas.
注目されるのは、過疎地でタクシー・バスの代わりに有償旅客輸送を行う非営利組織（ＮＰＯ）などの登録・監査事務の扱いだ。
Clerical work will be transferred to municipalities that apply for the system. If they are reluctant to do this, such work will be transferred to prefectures willing to do so.
基本は、希望する市町村に国の事務を移すが、市町村が希望しない場合、希望する都道府県に移譲できる仕組みにした。
Thus, municipalities will be asked whether they want to undertake new clerical work or are capable of doing so and to make decisions on their own initiative. This formula can be applied to the transfer of other kinds of clerical work and authority to local governments.
新たな事務を引き受ける意志と能力があるか、自治体自身に判断を求める制度で、「手挙げ方式」と呼ばれる。他の事務・権限の地方移譲にも応用できるだろう。
It also has been decided to move 29 types of clerical work and authority, including a decision on standards for the composition of primary and middle school classes, to government-designated major cities. These cities will be required to bear the financial burden of paying schoolteachers and administrative personnel, but they will be able to exercise a wider range of discretionary powers, including whether to form small classes.
小中学校の学級編制基準の決定など、２９の都道府県の事務・権限を政令市に移すことも決まった。政令市が教職員給与を負担する一方、独自の判断で少人数学級を編成できるなど裁量権が広がる。
It is indispensable for the government, prefectures and municipalities to continue studying how to divide the various roles to promote practical decentralization.
政府と都道府県、市町村はどう役割分担すべきか、引き続き検討し、地に足のついた分権改革を進めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 24, 2013)
（2013年12月24日01時42分 読売新聞）
Local governments’ will, capabilities tested in transfer of state authority
国の権限移譲 地方の意志と能力も試される（12月24日付・読売社説）
It is essential to revitalize regional areas by eliminating the waste caused by dual administration of central and local governments and work out innovative measures to utilize the individuality and characteristics of each region.
国と地方の二重行政によるムダの排除と、地域の個性や特色を生かした創意工夫を通じて、地方の活性化につなげることが肝要である。
The government has decided to transfer 48 types of clerical work and authority, including the expansion and management of national roads and first-class rivers under its direct control, to prefectures. It also plans to reexamine 18 clerical items, including provision of HelloWork’s job information.
政府が、国直轄の国道・１級河川の整備・管理など４８の事務・権限を政府から都道府県に移譲する方針を決定した。ハローワークの求人情報の自治体への提供など１８項目の事務見直しも決めた。
It will submit related bills to the ordinary Diet session convening early next year to realize these goals.
いずれも来年の通常国会に関連法案を提出し、実現を図る。
The transfer of authority on national roads and rivers has been left pending since the Council for Decentralization Reform, an advisory panel of the Cabinet Office, recommended this action in 2008. However, the Democratic Party of Japan-led government then came up with a wild scheme of “abolishing in principle” local agencies of the central government, thereby adding a serpentine dimension to discussions on decentralization. But the issue was eventually resolved with realistic measures worked out by the Liberal Democratic Party-led administration.
国道・河川の権限移譲は、２００８年の地方分権改革推進委員会の勧告以来の懸案だ。その後、民主党政権が国の出先機関の「原則廃止」といった乱暴な手法を掲げ、分権論議は迷走したが、ようやく現実的な内容で決着した。
Administration of some sections of national roads and first-class rivers has already been transferred to prefectures. It is unreasonable to assert that administration can only be carried out by the central government. Coherent town building may be possible by integrated expansion and administration of national roads and connected local roads.
国道や１級河川の一部区間の管理は既に、都道府県に委ねられている。政府しか管理できないとの理屈は成り立たない。国道に接続する地方道との一体的な整備・管理により、整合性の取れた町づくりも可能になるのではないか。
It was appropriate for the government to work out measures to secure fiscal resources, including one allocating local tax grants to finance maintenance and management costs incurred by prefectural governments. Decentralization will not make much headway without securing such fiscal resources.
権限移譲に伴い、都道府県が負担する維持管理費を地方交付税で賄うなどの財源確保策をまとめたのは適切だ。財源の手当てなしには地方分権は進まない。
2-way shift possible
It also will be possible depending on the situation to transfer authority over roads and rivers under the control of local governments to the central government.
一方で、地方が管理する道路や河川について、実情に応じて国直轄に移すことも可能にした。
Recent years have seen flood damage caused by heavy rain in various parts of the country. In some of these disasters, small municipalities found it difficult to take adequate crisis-management measures for rivers. The central government’s role in times of disaster was recognized anew following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accompanying huge task of reconstruction.
近年、各地で大雨による水害が発生し、小規模自治体では河川の管理や危機対応の難しい例が見受けられる。東日本大震災の復旧・復興では、災害時における政府の役割の重要性が再認識された。
Transferring authority in this manner is reasonable, rather than calling for the uniform transfer of authority to local governments.
地方移譲という画一的な施策にはせず、国への移譲も認める柔軟な制度にしたのは妥当だ。
Noteworthy is a system for handling registration and clerical work to audit nonprofit organizations that will provide paid-for transport services to replace taxis and buses in underpopulated areas.
注目されるのは、過疎地でタクシー・バスの代わりに有償旅客輸送を行う非営利組織（ＮＰＯ）などの登録・監査事務の扱いだ。
Clerical work will be transferred to municipalities that apply for the system. If they are reluctant to do this, such work will be transferred to prefectures willing to do so.
基本は、希望する市町村に国の事務を移すが、市町村が希望しない場合、希望する都道府県に移譲できる仕組みにした。
Thus, municipalities will be asked whether they want to undertake new clerical work or are capable of doing so and to make decisions on their own initiative. This formula can be applied to the transfer of other kinds of clerical work and authority to local governments.
新たな事務を引き受ける意志と能力があるか、自治体自身に判断を求める制度で、「手挙げ方式」と呼ばれる。他の事務・権限の地方移譲にも応用できるだろう。
It also has been decided to move 29 types of clerical work and authority, including a decision on standards for the composition of primary and middle school classes, to government-designated major cities. These cities will be required to bear the financial burden of paying schoolteachers and administrative personnel, but they will be able to exercise a wider range of discretionary powers, including whether to form small classes.
小中学校の学級編制基準の決定など、２９の都道府県の事務・権限を政令市に移すことも決まった。政令市が教職員給与を負担する一方、独自の判断で少人数学級を編成できるなど裁量権が広がる。
It is indispensable for the government, prefectures and municipalities to continue studying how to divide the various roles to promote practical decentralization.
政府と都道府県、市町村はどう役割分担すべきか、引き続き検討し、地に足のついた分権改革を進めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 24, 2013)
（2013年12月24日01時42分 読売新聞）
2013/12/25
ＮＨＫ新会長 偏りなき番組で責任を果たせ
>国外での外国人向け放送の拡充も急務だ。
↓＾＾
海外の日本人向け放送の拡充は急務だ。
民放はネットで世界に向けて無料開放して良いのでは？
厳しいのは日本だけ。
これも霞ヶ関の影響力か？
例えばタイ、全チャンネル無料で見られます＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 21, 2013
New NHK president must promote impartiality, fairness in broadcasts
ＮＨＫ新会長 偏りなき番組で責任を果たせ（12月21日付・読売社説）
We want NHK’s new president to fulfill his responsibility as the head of the public broadcasting corporation by promoting production of fair and neutral programs.
中立で公正な番組作りを推進することで、公共放送のトップとしての責任を果たしてほしい。
NHK’s Board of Governors has appointed Katsuto Momii to succeed Masayuki Matsumoto as the public broadcaster’s president. After serving as a vice president of Mitsui & Co., Momii has worked in various positions in the business world, including the post of president of Nihon Unisys Ltd., a major player in IT solutions services.
ＮＨＫの経営委員会は松本正之会長の後任に籾井勝人氏を選出した。籾井氏は三井物産で副社長を務めた後、情報システム会社の日本ユニシスで社長などを歴任した経済人だ。
Momii is the third NHK president in a row from the private sector. He should effectively reform the public broadcaster by using the management abilities he cultivated when he worked with private companies.
民間出身の会長は３代連続である。企業で培った経営手腕を存分に発揮し、ＮＨＫ改革の実効を上げることが求められる。
Matsumoto can be credited with such reforms as lowering viewers’ fees and reducing wages for NHK employees.
松本会長が受信料の値下げや職員給与の削減といった改革に取り組んだ点は評価できる。
However, compared with private broadcasters, NHK must do more to cut manpower and production costs. Momii should bring cost-consciousness home to all NHK employees to overhaul the bloated organization.
ただ、民放に比べ、要員削減や制作費の使い方などでＮＨＫの合理化努力はまだ甘い。籾井氏はコスト意識を徹底させ、肥大化した組織の見直しを図るべきだ。
Viewers’ fees account for more than 90 percent of NHK’s revenue, but nearly 30 percent of viewers do not pay the fees.
ＮＨＫの収入の９割超を占める受信料は、支払っていない比率が全国で３割近くに及ぶ。
Raising the fee collection rate will be necessary to help alleviate the people’s sense of unfairness.
国民の不公平感を和らげるためにも、受信料の徴収率をさらに引き上げる必要がある。
Legal compliance is also an important challenge for the new president. NHK’s Science and Technology Research Laboratories was hit by a scandal concerning fictitious orders this autumn. Serious irregularities such as insider trading have been rife in NHK.
法令順守も新会長の重要な課題だ。今秋には放送技術研究所で架空発注問題が起きた。ＮＨＫでは、インサイダー事件など過去にも深刻な不祥事が頻発している。
Enhance awareness
It is essential to enhance employees’ awareness and work toward preventing the recurrence of such incidents.
職員の意識向上を図り、再発防止に努めることが大切になる。
The political and business worlds have increasingly criticized NHK’s programs and reporting as biased, arguing that they took a negative stance in reporting on the maintenance and restart of nuclear power plants and the deployment of new U.S. Osprey military transport aircraft. This could also be a factor behind Matsumoto’s exit from the post of NHK president.
原発の維持・再稼働や米軍輸送機オスプレイの配備に批判的だとして、ＮＨＫの番組・報道には政財界から「偏っている」との批判が高まっていた。これも松本会長退任の背景にあろう。
Also, in regard to reporting on the law on protecting specially-designated state secrets, it seems that NHK failed to present a diverse range of views, inviting mostly experts with negative views of the law as guest commentators on the matter.
特定秘密保護法をめぐる報道でも、論点が多岐にわたらず、登場する識者の人選も、反対する側に傾いていたのではないか。
Momii, who will assume the post to take ultimate responsibility for production of programs, should constantly take care to ensure program contents are impartial while attaching importance to presenting views in a balanced manner when the programs take up subjects on which opinion is divided.
番組制作の最高責任者に就く籾井氏は、見解が分かれる問題を取り上げる場合、バランスを重視し、放送内容が中立かどうか絶えず目配りをしなくてはならない。
NHK’s political neutrality is a major principle stipulated in the Broadcast Law. The relationship of trust with viewers and listeners should be built by providing unbiased programs.
「不偏不党」は、放送法で定められた大原則だ。偏らない番組を提供し続けることで、視聴者との信頼関係を築くべきだろう。
Expanding and improving broadcasting for people overseas is also an urgent task. It will serve the national interest to actively broadcast programs about Japanese policies, culture and tourism resources overseas.
国外での外国人向け放送の拡充も急務だ。日本の政策や文化、観光資源を積極的に海外に発信していくことは国益にもつながる。
Momii will be pressed to craft an effective strategy to expand business in such fields as sales of programs to foreign cable television companies. High expectations will be placed on him in this regard because of his personal connections and the experience he accumulated working with a major trading house.
外国のケーブルテレビ会社への販売促進などで効果的な戦略を立てることが望まれる。商社出身の籾井氏の人脈やビジネス経験に期待したい。
Focusing on technological innovations such as development of next-generation high-definition broadcasting, dubbed “8K,” and simultaneous provision of programs on the Internet is another mission facing the new president.
次世代高画質放送「８Ｋ」（スーパーハイビジョン）の開発や、番組のインターネットへの同時配信といった技術革新に注力することも新会長の使命と言える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 21, 2013)
（2013年12月21日01時33分 読売新聞）
↓＾＾
海外の日本人向け放送の拡充は急務だ。
民放はネットで世界に向けて無料開放して良いのでは？
厳しいのは日本だけ。
これも霞ヶ関の影響力か？
例えばタイ、全チャンネル無料で見られます＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 21, 2013
New NHK president must promote impartiality, fairness in broadcasts
ＮＨＫ新会長 偏りなき番組で責任を果たせ（12月21日付・読売社説）
We want NHK’s new president to fulfill his responsibility as the head of the public broadcasting corporation by promoting production of fair and neutral programs.
中立で公正な番組作りを推進することで、公共放送のトップとしての責任を果たしてほしい。
NHK’s Board of Governors has appointed Katsuto Momii to succeed Masayuki Matsumoto as the public broadcaster’s president. After serving as a vice president of Mitsui & Co., Momii has worked in various positions in the business world, including the post of president of Nihon Unisys Ltd., a major player in IT solutions services.
ＮＨＫの経営委員会は松本正之会長の後任に籾井勝人氏を選出した。籾井氏は三井物産で副社長を務めた後、情報システム会社の日本ユニシスで社長などを歴任した経済人だ。
Momii is the third NHK president in a row from the private sector. He should effectively reform the public broadcaster by using the management abilities he cultivated when he worked with private companies.
民間出身の会長は３代連続である。企業で培った経営手腕を存分に発揮し、ＮＨＫ改革の実効を上げることが求められる。
Matsumoto can be credited with such reforms as lowering viewers’ fees and reducing wages for NHK employees.
松本会長が受信料の値下げや職員給与の削減といった改革に取り組んだ点は評価できる。
However, compared with private broadcasters, NHK must do more to cut manpower and production costs. Momii should bring cost-consciousness home to all NHK employees to overhaul the bloated organization.
ただ、民放に比べ、要員削減や制作費の使い方などでＮＨＫの合理化努力はまだ甘い。籾井氏はコスト意識を徹底させ、肥大化した組織の見直しを図るべきだ。
Viewers’ fees account for more than 90 percent of NHK’s revenue, but nearly 30 percent of viewers do not pay the fees.
ＮＨＫの収入の９割超を占める受信料は、支払っていない比率が全国で３割近くに及ぶ。
Raising the fee collection rate will be necessary to help alleviate the people’s sense of unfairness.
国民の不公平感を和らげるためにも、受信料の徴収率をさらに引き上げる必要がある。
Legal compliance is also an important challenge for the new president. NHK’s Science and Technology Research Laboratories was hit by a scandal concerning fictitious orders this autumn. Serious irregularities such as insider trading have been rife in NHK.
法令順守も新会長の重要な課題だ。今秋には放送技術研究所で架空発注問題が起きた。ＮＨＫでは、インサイダー事件など過去にも深刻な不祥事が頻発している。
Enhance awareness
It is essential to enhance employees’ awareness and work toward preventing the recurrence of such incidents.
職員の意識向上を図り、再発防止に努めることが大切になる。
The political and business worlds have increasingly criticized NHK’s programs and reporting as biased, arguing that they took a negative stance in reporting on the maintenance and restart of nuclear power plants and the deployment of new U.S. Osprey military transport aircraft. This could also be a factor behind Matsumoto’s exit from the post of NHK president.
原発の維持・再稼働や米軍輸送機オスプレイの配備に批判的だとして、ＮＨＫの番組・報道には政財界から「偏っている」との批判が高まっていた。これも松本会長退任の背景にあろう。
Also, in regard to reporting on the law on protecting specially-designated state secrets, it seems that NHK failed to present a diverse range of views, inviting mostly experts with negative views of the law as guest commentators on the matter.
特定秘密保護法をめぐる報道でも、論点が多岐にわたらず、登場する識者の人選も、反対する側に傾いていたのではないか。
Momii, who will assume the post to take ultimate responsibility for production of programs, should constantly take care to ensure program contents are impartial while attaching importance to presenting views in a balanced manner when the programs take up subjects on which opinion is divided.
番組制作の最高責任者に就く籾井氏は、見解が分かれる問題を取り上げる場合、バランスを重視し、放送内容が中立かどうか絶えず目配りをしなくてはならない。
NHK’s political neutrality is a major principle stipulated in the Broadcast Law. The relationship of trust with viewers and listeners should be built by providing unbiased programs.
「不偏不党」は、放送法で定められた大原則だ。偏らない番組を提供し続けることで、視聴者との信頼関係を築くべきだろう。
Expanding and improving broadcasting for people overseas is also an urgent task. It will serve the national interest to actively broadcast programs about Japanese policies, culture and tourism resources overseas.
国外での外国人向け放送の拡充も急務だ。日本の政策や文化、観光資源を積極的に海外に発信していくことは国益にもつながる。
Momii will be pressed to craft an effective strategy to expand business in such fields as sales of programs to foreign cable television companies. High expectations will be placed on him in this regard because of his personal connections and the experience he accumulated working with a major trading house.
外国のケーブルテレビ会社への販売促進などで効果的な戦略を立てることが望まれる。商社出身の籾井氏の人脈やビジネス経験に期待したい。
Focusing on technological innovations such as development of next-generation high-definition broadcasting, dubbed “8K,” and simultaneous provision of programs on the Internet is another mission facing the new president.
次世代高画質放送「８Ｋ」（スーパーハイビジョン）の開発や、番組のインターネットへの同時配信といった技術革新に注力することも新会長の使命と言える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 21, 2013)
（2013年12月21日01時33分 読売新聞）
2013/12/22
「首都直下地震」 人命と国の中枢をどう守るか
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 20, 2013
Act to protect lives and govt center from major earthquake damage
「首都直下地震」 人命と国の中枢をどう守るか（12月20日付・読売社説）
Paralysis of the nation’s nerve center in a major earthquake is a worst-case scenario that must be prevented.
大震災で日本の中枢機能がマヒする最悪の事態を防がねばならない。
A panel of the government’s Central Disaster Management Council, which has been studying measures to deal with the aftermath of a major quake whose focus is directly below Tokyo, has compiled a report on the scale of a predicted temblor and the damage likely to be caused.
首都直下地震の対策を検討してきた政府の中央防災会議の部会が、予想される地震の規模や、それによる被害予測をまとめた。
The predictions were made based on the assumption of a magnitude-7.3 earthquake occurring with its focus in southern central Tokyo. The panel has adopted this scenario because among the various quakes that might happen in Tokyo and its vicinity, there is a 70-percent possibility that a magnitude-7.3 quake will occur within 30 years and it would strike a direct blow to the nation’s nerve center.
想定したのは、東京都心南部を震源とするマグニチュード７・３の地震だ。首都周辺で起き得る大地震のうち、今後３０年間の発生確率が７０％と高く、国の中枢を直撃する恐れがあるためという。
The anticipated earthquake would cause shaking at an intensity of upper 6 on the Japanese scale of seven in central Tokyo, even reaching 7 in some areas. In the worst case, 610,000 buildings and houses are predicted to collapse and be destroyed by fire, causing about 23,000 deaths.
この地震では、震度６強の猛烈な揺れが都心部を襲う。一部地域は震度７になる。最悪の場合、建物６１万棟が倒壊・炎上し、約２万３０００人もの犠牲者が出る。
This reflects the fragility of a gigantic and overpopulated city. Countermeasures must be taken urgently.
巨大過密都市の弱点を反映したものだ。対策は急務である。
Above all, fires are of serious concern. Fires are anticipated to break out in various places simultaneously and spread for about two days. It is feared that disaster victims will not be able to escape and will be engulfed by fire.
特に火災は深刻だ。各所で同時多発し、延焼が２日程度続く。被災者が周囲を火に囲まれ、逃げられない事態も心配される。
Streets will be swamped with people who have lost their homes or are unable to return home. Major roads will become unusable due to the debris while railways and other transport networks will be disrupted.
住宅を失ったり、帰宅できなくなったりした被災者で街はあふれる。がれきで主要道路は不通となり、鉄道など交通網が止まる。
Losses of power, water and telephone connections may continue for about a week.
停電や電話の不通、断水が１週間程度も続くかもしれない。
Disruption of official functions
Of special concern is that the Diet, the Prime Minister’s Office and government offices will cease to function. If central coordination and control are lost, the damage will be compounded.
懸念されるのは、国会や首相官邸、官庁街が機能不全になることだ。震災対応の司令塔が失われれば、被害は一層拡大しよう。
Moreover, if the nerve center for economic activities is destroyed, production and distribution will stagnate, with a major impact across the nation. Economic damage is estimated to total about ¥95 trillion.
経済活動の中枢が壊滅すれば、生産や流通が滞り、全国に甚大な影響が及ぶ。経済被害の額は、約９５兆円に上るという。
政府や自治体はもちろん、企業や家庭で対策を講じたい。
If the percentage of buildings in Tokyo equipped with earthquake resistance measures is enhanced from the current 87 percent to 94 percent, the death toll would be halved, according to calculations by the panel.
今回、中央防災会議の部会は、東京都内の建物の耐震化率が今の８７％から９４％に上昇すると、死者数は半減すると試算した。
Regarding fires, if earthquake-sensing breakers, which stop power supply immediately upon sensing a temblor, were installed in every household to reduce the likelihood of fire, it is said that the fire death toll would drop by 90 percent.
火災についても、揺れを感知して電気を止める「感震ブレーカー」が全戸に普及し、初期消火できれば、焼死者は９割減るという。
The public and private sectors must cooperate in strengthening such immediately needed countermeasures.
官民が連携し、こうした足元の対策を強化することが肝要だ。
The Cabinet Office, under which the disaster panel exists, has drafted a program to preserve government functions in the aftermath of a disaster, taking into account the panel’s compilation of disaster damage predictions.
内閣府は、今回の被害想定に合わせ、政府の活動が震災時にも停滞しないようにする「事業継続計画」の素案をまとめた。
The program calls for quickly grasping the damage situation to begin rescue and relief activities. It also points out the need to disseminate accurate information both at home and abroad and make all-out efforts to carry out emergency measures on such priority issues as financial stability and public safety. It will be necessary to clarify the roles to be played by the government ministries and agencies concerned so that measures can be implemented without fail.
被災状況の把握を急ぎ、救助救援を展開する。内外への正確な情報発信に努め、金融の安定、治安対策などの非常時優先業務に全力を挙げるという内容だ。関係府省の役割分担を明確にし、確実に実施できるよう備えるべきだ。
A special law was enacted last month to accelerate countermeasures against an earthquake centered directly below Tokyo. Areas will be designated based on the law to accelerate the reinforcement of sewerage and other infrastructure systems with the joint efforts of the central and local governments. Projects must be promoted steadily on a priority basis.
対策の加速を図る首都直下地震対策特措法も先月、成立した。今後、下水道の補強などインフラ整備を急ぐ地域を指定し、政府と自治体が取り組むことになる。優先順位をつけ、着実に進めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 20, 2013)
（2013年12月20日01時36分 読売新聞）
Act to protect lives and govt center from major earthquake damage
「首都直下地震」 人命と国の中枢をどう守るか（12月20日付・読売社説）
Paralysis of the nation’s nerve center in a major earthquake is a worst-case scenario that must be prevented.
大震災で日本の中枢機能がマヒする最悪の事態を防がねばならない。
A panel of the government’s Central Disaster Management Council, which has been studying measures to deal with the aftermath of a major quake whose focus is directly below Tokyo, has compiled a report on the scale of a predicted temblor and the damage likely to be caused.
首都直下地震の対策を検討してきた政府の中央防災会議の部会が、予想される地震の規模や、それによる被害予測をまとめた。
The predictions were made based on the assumption of a magnitude-7.3 earthquake occurring with its focus in southern central Tokyo. The panel has adopted this scenario because among the various quakes that might happen in Tokyo and its vicinity, there is a 70-percent possibility that a magnitude-7.3 quake will occur within 30 years and it would strike a direct blow to the nation’s nerve center.
想定したのは、東京都心南部を震源とするマグニチュード７・３の地震だ。首都周辺で起き得る大地震のうち、今後３０年間の発生確率が７０％と高く、国の中枢を直撃する恐れがあるためという。
The anticipated earthquake would cause shaking at an intensity of upper 6 on the Japanese scale of seven in central Tokyo, even reaching 7 in some areas. In the worst case, 610,000 buildings and houses are predicted to collapse and be destroyed by fire, causing about 23,000 deaths.
この地震では、震度６強の猛烈な揺れが都心部を襲う。一部地域は震度７になる。最悪の場合、建物６１万棟が倒壊・炎上し、約２万３０００人もの犠牲者が出る。
This reflects the fragility of a gigantic and overpopulated city. Countermeasures must be taken urgently.
巨大過密都市の弱点を反映したものだ。対策は急務である。
Above all, fires are of serious concern. Fires are anticipated to break out in various places simultaneously and spread for about two days. It is feared that disaster victims will not be able to escape and will be engulfed by fire.
特に火災は深刻だ。各所で同時多発し、延焼が２日程度続く。被災者が周囲を火に囲まれ、逃げられない事態も心配される。
Streets will be swamped with people who have lost their homes or are unable to return home. Major roads will become unusable due to the debris while railways and other transport networks will be disrupted.
住宅を失ったり、帰宅できなくなったりした被災者で街はあふれる。がれきで主要道路は不通となり、鉄道など交通網が止まる。
Losses of power, water and telephone connections may continue for about a week.
停電や電話の不通、断水が１週間程度も続くかもしれない。
Disruption of official functions
Of special concern is that the Diet, the Prime Minister’s Office and government offices will cease to function. If central coordination and control are lost, the damage will be compounded.
懸念されるのは、国会や首相官邸、官庁街が機能不全になることだ。震災対応の司令塔が失われれば、被害は一層拡大しよう。
Moreover, if the nerve center for economic activities is destroyed, production and distribution will stagnate, with a major impact across the nation. Economic damage is estimated to total about ¥95 trillion.
経済活動の中枢が壊滅すれば、生産や流通が滞り、全国に甚大な影響が及ぶ。経済被害の額は、約９５兆円に上るという。
政府や自治体はもちろん、企業や家庭で対策を講じたい。
If the percentage of buildings in Tokyo equipped with earthquake resistance measures is enhanced from the current 87 percent to 94 percent, the death toll would be halved, according to calculations by the panel.
今回、中央防災会議の部会は、東京都内の建物の耐震化率が今の８７％から９４％に上昇すると、死者数は半減すると試算した。
Regarding fires, if earthquake-sensing breakers, which stop power supply immediately upon sensing a temblor, were installed in every household to reduce the likelihood of fire, it is said that the fire death toll would drop by 90 percent.
火災についても、揺れを感知して電気を止める「感震ブレーカー」が全戸に普及し、初期消火できれば、焼死者は９割減るという。
The public and private sectors must cooperate in strengthening such immediately needed countermeasures.
官民が連携し、こうした足元の対策を強化することが肝要だ。
The Cabinet Office, under which the disaster panel exists, has drafted a program to preserve government functions in the aftermath of a disaster, taking into account the panel’s compilation of disaster damage predictions.
内閣府は、今回の被害想定に合わせ、政府の活動が震災時にも停滞しないようにする「事業継続計画」の素案をまとめた。
The program calls for quickly grasping the damage situation to begin rescue and relief activities. It also points out the need to disseminate accurate information both at home and abroad and make all-out efforts to carry out emergency measures on such priority issues as financial stability and public safety. It will be necessary to clarify the roles to be played by the government ministries and agencies concerned so that measures can be implemented without fail.
被災状況の把握を急ぎ、救助救援を展開する。内外への正確な情報発信に努め、金融の安定、治安対策などの非常時優先業務に全力を挙げるという内容だ。関係府省の役割分担を明確にし、確実に実施できるよう備えるべきだ。
A special law was enacted last month to accelerate countermeasures against an earthquake centered directly below Tokyo. Areas will be designated based on the law to accelerate the reinforcement of sewerage and other infrastructure systems with the joint efforts of the central and local governments. Projects must be promoted steadily on a priority basis.
対策の加速を図る首都直下地震対策特措法も先月、成立した。今後、下水道の補強などインフラ整備を急ぐ地域を指定し、政府と自治体が取り組むことになる。優先順位をつけ、着実に進めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 20, 2013)
（2013年12月20日01時36分 読売新聞）
2013/12/21
イタイイタイ病 「全面解決」までの長い道のり
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 19, 2013
The long road to full settelment of itai-itai pollution disease cases
イタイイタイ病 「全面解決」までの長い道のり（12月19日付・読売社説）
As 45 years have passed since itai-itai disease was recognized by the state as a pollution-related disease, it was indeed a long journey for the issue to have been “fully resolved.”
公害病と認定されてから４５年、「全面解決」までの道のりは、あまりに長かった。
The case of itai-itai disease, an affliction caused by pollution in areas along the Jinzugawa river in Toyama Prefecture, reached its resolution when Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co.—the company that caused the pollution—and a victims group signed a compensation agreement on Tuesday. The company has also made a formal apology to the victims for the first time.
富山県の神通川流域で発生したイタイイタイ病を巡り、被害者団体と原因企業の三井金属鉱業が被害者救済の合意書に調印した。三井金属鉱業は初めて正式に謝罪した。
The victims have grown old and many victims have died. It appears that the victims and the company responsible for the pollution have mutually conceded and reached a full settlement.
被害者の高齢化が進む。他界した人も少なくない。被害者と原因企業が歩み寄り、全面解決を実現させたことを評価したい。
The main pillar of the agreement is that Mitsui Mining will pay a lump sum of ¥600,000 per person to those victims of the disease who were not recognized under the Environment Ministry’s criteria as victims of itai-itai disease and so were not eligible for compensation.
環境省の基準でイタイイタイ病と認定されず、救済から漏れていた被害者に、三井金属鉱業が１人当たり６０万円の一時金を支払うのが、合意書の柱だ。
Yet those victims recognized as sufferers by the state were entitled to receive ¥10 million per person.
認定患者への賠償金１０００万円とは大きな開きがある。
For victims who had sought to have their cases settled early, accepting the compensation proposal must have been a bitter decision.
早期解決を目指してきた被害者たちにとって、解決案の受け入れは苦渋の決断だったろう。
Eligible for the lump sum compensation will be those who meet certain criteria, including a degree of kidney dysfunction that is a symptom developed at a stage leading to itai-itai disease. Nearly 1,000 people are believed to be eligible to receive the payments.
一時金は、イタイイタイ病の前段症状である腎機能低下の度合いなどで、条件を満たした人が対象となる。該当者は１０００人近くに上るとみられる。
Mitsui Mining must compensate as many victims as possible.
三井金属鉱業には、可能な限り多くの人を救済する姿勢で臨むことが求められる。
Recognition difficult
Itai-itai disease is considered to be one of Japan’s four major pollution-related diseases, along with Minamata disease in Kumamoto Prefecture, Minamata disease in Niigata Prefecture, and Yokkaichi asthma in Mie Prefecture.
イタイイタイ病は、水俣病、新潟水俣病、四日市ぜんそくとともに４大公害病に数えられる。
As nephropathy patients suffered from brittle bones, they moaned in pain, crying “Itai, itai (It hurts, it hurts),” which is what gave the disease its name. It was recognized by the state as the country’s first pollution-related disease in 1968.
体の骨が折れやすくなり、患者が「痛い、痛い」と泣き叫んだことから、病名が付いた。１９６８年、日本初の公害病に認定された。
The disease was caused by cadmium, a heavy metal, discharged from the Kamioka mine in Gifu Prefecture. The pollutant spread through the consumption of rice and other things contaminated by cadmium in the river and harvested in the affected areas.
原因は、神岡鉱業所（岐阜県）から排出された重金属のカドミウムだ。汚染流域で収穫されたコメなどを通じて被害が広がった。
Mitsui Mining has cleaned up the polluted soil, in addition to paying compensation to those recognized as victims. The cleanup of soil in the polluted farm land was completed last year.
三井金属鉱業は、認定患者への賠償金支払いに加え、汚染地域の土壌改善などに取り組んできた。汚染された農地の復元事業は昨年、ようやく終了した。
Once pollution has been set off, it takes the polluter many years and hefty sums to provide relief measures to the victims and restore the environment—one lesson to be learned from itai-itai disease.
いったん公害を引き起こすと、被害者救済や環境の回復に長い年月と多くの費用を要する。イタイイタイ病の教訓である。
It can be said the criteria for officially recognizing sufferers of pollution-related diseases, set by the ministry, has blocked many sufferers from receiving compensation in a timely manner. As many sufferers of itai-itai disease were not recognized as sufferers until their cases became so serious that they developed the bone-softening disorder osteomalacia, those with relatively milder cases were left neglected.
環境省の患者認定基準が、早期の幅広い救済を阻んだと言えよう。重症化し、骨軟化症にならないと、イタイイタイ病と認定されないため、比較的、軽症の人が置き去りにされる結果となった。
Minamata disease is similar to itai-itai disease in that the ministry’s criteria for officially recognizing sufferers is rigid.
認定のハードルが極めて高いという点では、水俣病も同様だ。
In April, the Supreme Court backed a lower court ruling that recognized a sufferer who was not recognized under the ministry’s criteria as a victim of Minamata disease. Lawsuits with sufferers of the disease seeking relief measures are still continuing in the country.
最高裁は４月、環境省の基準で認定を退けられたケースについて、水俣病患者と認める判断を示した。被害者救済を巡る争いは、今なお続いている。
It is highly important, first and foremost, for sufferers of Minamata disease and others concerned with it to compromise.
水俣病問題でも、被害者をはじめ、当事者同士の歩み寄りが何よりも求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 19, 2013)
（2013年12月19日01時33分 読売新聞）
The long road to full settelment of itai-itai pollution disease cases
イタイイタイ病 「全面解決」までの長い道のり（12月19日付・読売社説）
As 45 years have passed since itai-itai disease was recognized by the state as a pollution-related disease, it was indeed a long journey for the issue to have been “fully resolved.”
公害病と認定されてから４５年、「全面解決」までの道のりは、あまりに長かった。
The case of itai-itai disease, an affliction caused by pollution in areas along the Jinzugawa river in Toyama Prefecture, reached its resolution when Mitsui Mining & Smelting Co.—the company that caused the pollution—and a victims group signed a compensation agreement on Tuesday. The company has also made a formal apology to the victims for the first time.
富山県の神通川流域で発生したイタイイタイ病を巡り、被害者団体と原因企業の三井金属鉱業が被害者救済の合意書に調印した。三井金属鉱業は初めて正式に謝罪した。
The victims have grown old and many victims have died. It appears that the victims and the company responsible for the pollution have mutually conceded and reached a full settlement.
被害者の高齢化が進む。他界した人も少なくない。被害者と原因企業が歩み寄り、全面解決を実現させたことを評価したい。
The main pillar of the agreement is that Mitsui Mining will pay a lump sum of ¥600,000 per person to those victims of the disease who were not recognized under the Environment Ministry’s criteria as victims of itai-itai disease and so were not eligible for compensation.
環境省の基準でイタイイタイ病と認定されず、救済から漏れていた被害者に、三井金属鉱業が１人当たり６０万円の一時金を支払うのが、合意書の柱だ。
Yet those victims recognized as sufferers by the state were entitled to receive ¥10 million per person.
認定患者への賠償金１０００万円とは大きな開きがある。
For victims who had sought to have their cases settled early, accepting the compensation proposal must have been a bitter decision.
早期解決を目指してきた被害者たちにとって、解決案の受け入れは苦渋の決断だったろう。
Eligible for the lump sum compensation will be those who meet certain criteria, including a degree of kidney dysfunction that is a symptom developed at a stage leading to itai-itai disease. Nearly 1,000 people are believed to be eligible to receive the payments.
一時金は、イタイイタイ病の前段症状である腎機能低下の度合いなどで、条件を満たした人が対象となる。該当者は１０００人近くに上るとみられる。
Mitsui Mining must compensate as many victims as possible.
三井金属鉱業には、可能な限り多くの人を救済する姿勢で臨むことが求められる。
Recognition difficult
Itai-itai disease is considered to be one of Japan’s four major pollution-related diseases, along with Minamata disease in Kumamoto Prefecture, Minamata disease in Niigata Prefecture, and Yokkaichi asthma in Mie Prefecture.
イタイイタイ病は、水俣病、新潟水俣病、四日市ぜんそくとともに４大公害病に数えられる。
As nephropathy patients suffered from brittle bones, they moaned in pain, crying “Itai, itai (It hurts, it hurts),” which is what gave the disease its name. It was recognized by the state as the country’s first pollution-related disease in 1968.
体の骨が折れやすくなり、患者が「痛い、痛い」と泣き叫んだことから、病名が付いた。１９６８年、日本初の公害病に認定された。
The disease was caused by cadmium, a heavy metal, discharged from the Kamioka mine in Gifu Prefecture. The pollutant spread through the consumption of rice and other things contaminated by cadmium in the river and harvested in the affected areas.
原因は、神岡鉱業所（岐阜県）から排出された重金属のカドミウムだ。汚染流域で収穫されたコメなどを通じて被害が広がった。
Mitsui Mining has cleaned up the polluted soil, in addition to paying compensation to those recognized as victims. The cleanup of soil in the polluted farm land was completed last year.
三井金属鉱業は、認定患者への賠償金支払いに加え、汚染地域の土壌改善などに取り組んできた。汚染された農地の復元事業は昨年、ようやく終了した。
Once pollution has been set off, it takes the polluter many years and hefty sums to provide relief measures to the victims and restore the environment—one lesson to be learned from itai-itai disease.
いったん公害を引き起こすと、被害者救済や環境の回復に長い年月と多くの費用を要する。イタイイタイ病の教訓である。
It can be said the criteria for officially recognizing sufferers of pollution-related diseases, set by the ministry, has blocked many sufferers from receiving compensation in a timely manner. As many sufferers of itai-itai disease were not recognized as sufferers until their cases became so serious that they developed the bone-softening disorder osteomalacia, those with relatively milder cases were left neglected.
環境省の患者認定基準が、早期の幅広い救済を阻んだと言えよう。重症化し、骨軟化症にならないと、イタイイタイ病と認定されないため、比較的、軽症の人が置き去りにされる結果となった。
Minamata disease is similar to itai-itai disease in that the ministry’s criteria for officially recognizing sufferers is rigid.
認定のハードルが極めて高いという点では、水俣病も同様だ。
In April, the Supreme Court backed a lower court ruling that recognized a sufferer who was not recognized under the ministry’s criteria as a victim of Minamata disease. Lawsuits with sufferers of the disease seeking relief measures are still continuing in the country.
最高裁は４月、環境省の基準で認定を退けられたケースについて、水俣病患者と認める判断を示した。被害者救済を巡る争いは、今なお続いている。
It is highly important, first and foremost, for sufferers of Minamata disease and others concerned with it to compromise.
水俣病問題でも、被害者をはじめ、当事者同士の歩み寄りが何よりも求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 19, 2013)
（2013年12月19日01時33分 読売新聞）
2013/12/20
国家安保戦略 日本守り抜く体制を構築せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 18, 2013
Build defensive system with clear policies under ‘proactive pacifism’
国家安保戦略 日本守り抜く体制を構築せよ（12月18日付・読売社説）
◆「積極的平和主義」の具体化が急務
Japan’s security environment situation has rapidly become precarious in recent years. It is therefore significant that the government laid down, for the first time, comprehensive and systematic guiding principles for maintaining peace and security in the East Asian region.
日本の安全保障環境は近年、急速に悪化している。東アジアの平和と安全の確保へ、包括的かつ体系的な指針を初めて定めた意義は大きい。
The government has decided on its national security strategy, a historic set of guidelines that replaces the nation’s Basic Policy for National Defense adopted in 1957.
政府が国家安全保障戦略を決定した。１９５７年の「国防の基本方針」に代わる歴史的文書だ。
The strategy was drawn up by the National Security Council—a Japanese version of the NSC of the United States—launched earlier this month.
今月上旬に発足した国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）が策定した。
It is historic that the government has put into process a motion to defend the national interest by marshaling the collective strength of the country, not only its defense capability but also its diplomatic, economic and technological capabilities.
防衛力だけでなく、外交・経済・技術力など国の総合力を駆使し、国益を守る道筋を描いたことは、画期的だと言える。
The strategy touts “proactive pacifism” as its principle, under which Japan will actively contribute to the peace and stability of the Asia and the broader international community.
戦略は、国際社会とアジアの平和と安定に積極的に寄与するという「積極的平和主義」を基本理念に掲げている。
Defend national interests
◆ＮＳＣ主導で国益守れ
North Korea has repeatedly taken provocative military actions by advancing its nuclear and missile development programs. Meanwhile, China has rapidly built up and modernized its own military capability, while attempting to change the status quo by force in areas near the Senkaku Islands by announcing a new air defense identification zone. We must also remain vigilant against international terrorism and cyber-attack threats.
北朝鮮は核・ミサイル開発を進展させ、軍事的挑発を繰り返す。中国は軍備を急速に増強・近代化し、防空識別圏の設定など、尖閣諸島周辺で「力による現状変更」を試みている。国際テロやサイバー攻撃への警戒も怠れない。
It is difficult to singlehandedly maintain the security of our nation. By contributing to peace in the region and the global community, the situation in areas surrounding Japan will improve, and cooperation with other countries concerned, including the United States, will be strengthened. Such contributions will prove valuable for enhancing Japan’s security.
日本単独で自国の安全を維持するのは難しい。世界と地域の平和に貢献することで、周辺情勢は改善され、米国など関係国との連携が強化される。日本の安全保障にも役立とう。
As long as Japan holds the position of a major player in the international community, it will have a say in drawing up various international rules, concerning, for instance, maritime activities and free trade.
日本が国際社会の主要プレーヤーの地位にあれば、海洋活動や自由貿易など、様々な国際ルール作りで発言権を確保できる。
To this end, the promotion of the proactive pacifism will be key.
そのために重要なのが、「積極的平和主義」の推進だ。
The strategy defines the peace and further prosperity of Japan as its national interests, while citing such challenges as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the rapid rise of China. It also defines strategic defense approaches, such as the formulation of the overall defense system and the reinforcement of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
戦略は、日本の平和、更なる繁栄などを国益と定義し、大量破壊兵器の拡散、中国の台頭といった課題を列挙した。総合的な防衛体制の構築、日米同盟の強化などの戦略的アプローチも明示した。
It is critical that the NSC swiftly takes charge and reflects this strategy appropriately in concrete policies. Efforts must also be made to create a cycle in which the strategy can be changed in accord with fresh developments, enhancing and improving its content.
ＮＳＣが主導し、この戦略を具体的な政策にきちんと反映させることが急務である。情勢の変化に応じて、戦略を修正し、より良い内容に高めていくサイクルを作り出す努力も欠かせない。
We are gratified that the strategy has referred to a policy of fostering respect for other countries and their people, in addition to love for this country and region.
戦略が、安全保障の国内基盤を強化するため、国民が「諸外国に対する敬意を表し、我が国と郷土を愛する心を養う」方針に言及したのは前向きに評価できる。
Regarding new diplomatic and foreign policies, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he will clearly present them to the world and to its people.
安倍首相は、新たな外交・安保政策について「国民、海外に対し透明性をもって示す」と語った。
It is important for Japan to give detailed explanations both at home and abroad to distinguish its diplomatic methods from the self-righteous methods of China.
中国の独善的な外交手法との違いを明確化するためにも、内外に丁寧な説明を行うことが大切だ。
Integrated defense capability
◆「統合機動防衛力」整備を
The new version of the National Defense Program Guidelines, which the Cabinet has adopted along with the national security strategy, embraces a concept termed “dynamic joint defense force.” The idea is derived from “dynamic defense power,” a concept framed in the current basic defense program, which was enforced in 2010. The new concept attaches great importance to managing the three arms of the Self-Defense Forces in a flexible and integrated manner.
安保戦略と同時に閣議決定された新しい防衛大綱は、「統合機動防衛力」という概念を打ち出した。２０１０年策定の現大綱の「動的防衛力」を発展させたもので、機動力に加えて陸海空３自衛隊の一体運用を重視するという。
The government has good reason to rework its basic defense framework to shore up our nation’s preparedness to deal with “gray-zone situations” that fall between peace and an emergency, a task that must be complemented by efforts to secure both a qualitative and quantitative improvement in the country’s defense capability.
平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」への対処を強化し、防衛力の「質」と「量」の両方を確保する方向性は妥当だ。
Japan is witnessing new threats today, even though the end of the Cold War virtually eliminated the danger of foreign armed forces invading the nation. New dangers include the possibility of remote Japanese islands being occupied by other countries, as well as ballistic missile attacks and acts of terrorism. Improving Japan’s defense capacity not only qualitatively but quantitatively is essential to reinforce surveillance efforts aimed at maintaining command of its territorial waters and airspace.
冷戦後、日本本土への着上陸侵攻の恐れはほぼ消滅したが、離島占拠、弾道ミサイル、テロなど、新たな脅威が出現している。警戒監視活動を強化し、制海・制空権を維持するには、「質」と同様、「量」も確保せねばならない。
It is reasonable that the new defense program guidelines call for an increase in SDF destroyers and fighter planes, after a continuous decline in numbers over the years. The government should quickly introduce Global Hawk surveillance drones while also increasing the number of SDF early-warning aircraft.
新大綱が、減少が続いていた護衛艦や戦闘機の数を増加に転じさせたのは適切である。無人偵察機グローバルホークの導入や早期警戒機の増強を急ぎたい。
The latest defense framework emphasizes the need to better defend the territorial integrity of isolated islands. It entails the addition of Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to the lineup of Ground Self-Defense Force equipment and creation of an amphibious rapid deployment brigade.
新大綱は、離島防衛の強化に力点を置き、陸上自衛隊への新型輸送機オスプレイの導入や水陸両用部隊の新設を明記した。
To defend remote islands, the SDF must improve its ability to swiftly mobilize troops. It is essential for the SDF to carry out joint exercises with the U.S. forces under various scenarios, while also reexamining the appropriateness of current restrictions on the use of weapons by SDF personnel in gray-zone situations.
離島防衛には、迅速に部隊を動かす機動力の向上が重要だ。様々なシナリオを想定し、米軍との共同訓練を重ねるとともに、グレーゾーンの事態における武器使用のあり方を検討する必要がある。
However, it is questionable whether the number of GSDF personnel should be increased by 5,000 from the current 154,000 as laid out in the new defense program guidelines.
疑問なのは、陸自の定数を現大綱の１５万４０００人から５０００人増やしたことである。
With the fiscal situation in dire straits, it is impossible to expect a large increase in defense budget appropriations. The nation’s defense capabilities should be improved in a manner that will allot funds where they are truly necessary and curtail appropriations where possible. 厳しい国家財政の下、防衛予算の大幅な伸びは期待できず、防衛力整備のメリハリが不可欠だ。
The new defense policy outline is correct in reducing the number of SDF tanks and firearms. Similar cuts should have been sought in areas of lower priority.
新大綱は、戦車・火砲を減らしたように、優先順位の低い分野は合理化すべきだった。
We feel that maintaining the current level of GSDF personnel in Hokkaido may be intended to help alleviate problems arising from the prefecture’s increasing depopulation.
北海道の陸自定数維持は過疎対策ではないか。
Right to collective self-defense
◆集団的自衛権を可能に
The new defense program guidelines state that the government will continue to study the advisability of possessing the capability to attack enemy ballistic missile bases and other facilities.
敵の弾道ミサイル基地などを攻撃する能力の保有については、検討を継続することになった。
It is imperative for the government to hold in-depth discussions about what kind of ability this country should develop to complement the Japan-U.S. alliance, instead of unilaterally carrying out such a strike.
日本単独で攻撃するのでなく、日米同盟を補完するにはどんな能力を持つのが効果的か、しっかり議論を深めることが肝要だ。
Another task that must be fulfilled is reconsidering the government’s current stance on the interpretation of the right to collective self-defense under the Constitution.
集団的自衛権の憲法解釈の見直しも、残された課題である。
The government’s official view on the issue must be reversed to make it possible for the nation to exercise that right in the event of an armed attack, when it comes to carrying out what the new basic defense framework terms as “proactive contribution to peace” and shoring up the bilateral alliance.
「積極的平和主義」の具体化や日米同盟の強化には、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にすることが必要だ。
To arrive at a conclusion on the matter after next year’s ordinary Diet session ends, the Abe administration should start coordinating its opinions in discussions with key players who are cautious about Japan exercising the right, namely New Komeito—the junior partner in the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition—and the Cabinet Legislation Bureau.
来年の通常国会閉幕後に結論を出せるよう、安倍政権は、行使に慎重な公明党や内閣法制局との調整に入るべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 18, 2013)
（2013年12月18日01時36分 読売新聞）
Build defensive system with clear policies under ‘proactive pacifism’
国家安保戦略 日本守り抜く体制を構築せよ（12月18日付・読売社説）
◆「積極的平和主義」の具体化が急務
Japan’s security environment situation has rapidly become precarious in recent years. It is therefore significant that the government laid down, for the first time, comprehensive and systematic guiding principles for maintaining peace and security in the East Asian region.
日本の安全保障環境は近年、急速に悪化している。東アジアの平和と安全の確保へ、包括的かつ体系的な指針を初めて定めた意義は大きい。
The government has decided on its national security strategy, a historic set of guidelines that replaces the nation’s Basic Policy for National Defense adopted in 1957.
政府が国家安全保障戦略を決定した。１９５７年の「国防の基本方針」に代わる歴史的文書だ。
The strategy was drawn up by the National Security Council—a Japanese version of the NSC of the United States—launched earlier this month.
今月上旬に発足した国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）が策定した。
It is historic that the government has put into process a motion to defend the national interest by marshaling the collective strength of the country, not only its defense capability but also its diplomatic, economic and technological capabilities.
防衛力だけでなく、外交・経済・技術力など国の総合力を駆使し、国益を守る道筋を描いたことは、画期的だと言える。
The strategy touts “proactive pacifism” as its principle, under which Japan will actively contribute to the peace and stability of the Asia and the broader international community.
戦略は、国際社会とアジアの平和と安定に積極的に寄与するという「積極的平和主義」を基本理念に掲げている。
Defend national interests
◆ＮＳＣ主導で国益守れ
North Korea has repeatedly taken provocative military actions by advancing its nuclear and missile development programs. Meanwhile, China has rapidly built up and modernized its own military capability, while attempting to change the status quo by force in areas near the Senkaku Islands by announcing a new air defense identification zone. We must also remain vigilant against international terrorism and cyber-attack threats.
北朝鮮は核・ミサイル開発を進展させ、軍事的挑発を繰り返す。中国は軍備を急速に増強・近代化し、防空識別圏の設定など、尖閣諸島周辺で「力による現状変更」を試みている。国際テロやサイバー攻撃への警戒も怠れない。
It is difficult to singlehandedly maintain the security of our nation. By contributing to peace in the region and the global community, the situation in areas surrounding Japan will improve, and cooperation with other countries concerned, including the United States, will be strengthened. Such contributions will prove valuable for enhancing Japan’s security.
日本単独で自国の安全を維持するのは難しい。世界と地域の平和に貢献することで、周辺情勢は改善され、米国など関係国との連携が強化される。日本の安全保障にも役立とう。
As long as Japan holds the position of a major player in the international community, it will have a say in drawing up various international rules, concerning, for instance, maritime activities and free trade.
日本が国際社会の主要プレーヤーの地位にあれば、海洋活動や自由貿易など、様々な国際ルール作りで発言権を確保できる。
To this end, the promotion of the proactive pacifism will be key.
そのために重要なのが、「積極的平和主義」の推進だ。
The strategy defines the peace and further prosperity of Japan as its national interests, while citing such challenges as the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction and the rapid rise of China. It also defines strategic defense approaches, such as the formulation of the overall defense system and the reinforcement of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
戦略は、日本の平和、更なる繁栄などを国益と定義し、大量破壊兵器の拡散、中国の台頭といった課題を列挙した。総合的な防衛体制の構築、日米同盟の強化などの戦略的アプローチも明示した。
It is critical that the NSC swiftly takes charge and reflects this strategy appropriately in concrete policies. Efforts must also be made to create a cycle in which the strategy can be changed in accord with fresh developments, enhancing and improving its content.
ＮＳＣが主導し、この戦略を具体的な政策にきちんと反映させることが急務である。情勢の変化に応じて、戦略を修正し、より良い内容に高めていくサイクルを作り出す努力も欠かせない。
We are gratified that the strategy has referred to a policy of fostering respect for other countries and their people, in addition to love for this country and region.
戦略が、安全保障の国内基盤を強化するため、国民が「諸外国に対する敬意を表し、我が国と郷土を愛する心を養う」方針に言及したのは前向きに評価できる。
Regarding new diplomatic and foreign policies, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said he will clearly present them to the world and to its people.
安倍首相は、新たな外交・安保政策について「国民、海外に対し透明性をもって示す」と語った。
It is important for Japan to give detailed explanations both at home and abroad to distinguish its diplomatic methods from the self-righteous methods of China.
中国の独善的な外交手法との違いを明確化するためにも、内外に丁寧な説明を行うことが大切だ。
Integrated defense capability
◆「統合機動防衛力」整備を
The new version of the National Defense Program Guidelines, which the Cabinet has adopted along with the national security strategy, embraces a concept termed “dynamic joint defense force.” The idea is derived from “dynamic defense power,” a concept framed in the current basic defense program, which was enforced in 2010. The new concept attaches great importance to managing the three arms of the Self-Defense Forces in a flexible and integrated manner.
安保戦略と同時に閣議決定された新しい防衛大綱は、「統合機動防衛力」という概念を打ち出した。２０１０年策定の現大綱の「動的防衛力」を発展させたもので、機動力に加えて陸海空３自衛隊の一体運用を重視するという。
The government has good reason to rework its basic defense framework to shore up our nation’s preparedness to deal with “gray-zone situations” that fall between peace and an emergency, a task that must be complemented by efforts to secure both a qualitative and quantitative improvement in the country’s defense capability.
平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」への対処を強化し、防衛力の「質」と「量」の両方を確保する方向性は妥当だ。
Japan is witnessing new threats today, even though the end of the Cold War virtually eliminated the danger of foreign armed forces invading the nation. New dangers include the possibility of remote Japanese islands being occupied by other countries, as well as ballistic missile attacks and acts of terrorism. Improving Japan’s defense capacity not only qualitatively but quantitatively is essential to reinforce surveillance efforts aimed at maintaining command of its territorial waters and airspace.
冷戦後、日本本土への着上陸侵攻の恐れはほぼ消滅したが、離島占拠、弾道ミサイル、テロなど、新たな脅威が出現している。警戒監視活動を強化し、制海・制空権を維持するには、「質」と同様、「量」も確保せねばならない。
It is reasonable that the new defense program guidelines call for an increase in SDF destroyers and fighter planes, after a continuous decline in numbers over the years. The government should quickly introduce Global Hawk surveillance drones while also increasing the number of SDF early-warning aircraft.
新大綱が、減少が続いていた護衛艦や戦闘機の数を増加に転じさせたのは適切である。無人偵察機グローバルホークの導入や早期警戒機の増強を急ぎたい。
The latest defense framework emphasizes the need to better defend the territorial integrity of isolated islands. It entails the addition of Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft to the lineup of Ground Self-Defense Force equipment and creation of an amphibious rapid deployment brigade.
新大綱は、離島防衛の強化に力点を置き、陸上自衛隊への新型輸送機オスプレイの導入や水陸両用部隊の新設を明記した。
To defend remote islands, the SDF must improve its ability to swiftly mobilize troops. It is essential for the SDF to carry out joint exercises with the U.S. forces under various scenarios, while also reexamining the appropriateness of current restrictions on the use of weapons by SDF personnel in gray-zone situations.
離島防衛には、迅速に部隊を動かす機動力の向上が重要だ。様々なシナリオを想定し、米軍との共同訓練を重ねるとともに、グレーゾーンの事態における武器使用のあり方を検討する必要がある。
However, it is questionable whether the number of GSDF personnel should be increased by 5,000 from the current 154,000 as laid out in the new defense program guidelines.
疑問なのは、陸自の定数を現大綱の１５万４０００人から５０００人増やしたことである。
With the fiscal situation in dire straits, it is impossible to expect a large increase in defense budget appropriations. The nation’s defense capabilities should be improved in a manner that will allot funds where they are truly necessary and curtail appropriations where possible. 厳しい国家財政の下、防衛予算の大幅な伸びは期待できず、防衛力整備のメリハリが不可欠だ。
The new defense policy outline is correct in reducing the number of SDF tanks and firearms. Similar cuts should have been sought in areas of lower priority.
新大綱は、戦車・火砲を減らしたように、優先順位の低い分野は合理化すべきだった。
We feel that maintaining the current level of GSDF personnel in Hokkaido may be intended to help alleviate problems arising from the prefecture’s increasing depopulation.
北海道の陸自定数維持は過疎対策ではないか。
Right to collective self-defense
◆集団的自衛権を可能に
The new defense program guidelines state that the government will continue to study the advisability of possessing the capability to attack enemy ballistic missile bases and other facilities.
敵の弾道ミサイル基地などを攻撃する能力の保有については、検討を継続することになった。
It is imperative for the government to hold in-depth discussions about what kind of ability this country should develop to complement the Japan-U.S. alliance, instead of unilaterally carrying out such a strike.
日本単独で攻撃するのでなく、日米同盟を補完するにはどんな能力を持つのが効果的か、しっかり議論を深めることが肝要だ。
Another task that must be fulfilled is reconsidering the government’s current stance on the interpretation of the right to collective self-defense under the Constitution.
集団的自衛権の憲法解釈の見直しも、残された課題である。
The government’s official view on the issue must be reversed to make it possible for the nation to exercise that right in the event of an armed attack, when it comes to carrying out what the new basic defense framework terms as “proactive contribution to peace” and shoring up the bilateral alliance.
「積極的平和主義」の具体化や日米同盟の強化には、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にすることが必要だ。
To arrive at a conclusion on the matter after next year’s ordinary Diet session ends, the Abe administration should start coordinating its opinions in discussions with key players who are cautious about Japan exercising the right, namely New Komeito—the junior partner in the Liberal Democratic Party-led ruling coalition—and the Cabinet Legislation Bureau.
来年の通常国会閉幕後に結論を出せるよう、安倍政権は、行使に慎重な公明党や内閣法制局との調整に入るべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 18, 2013)
（2013年12月18日01時36分 読売新聞）
2013/12/19
張成沢氏処刑 失政への不満封じる恐怖政治
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 17, 2013
North Korea’s reign of terror aimed at containing people’s frustrations
張成沢氏処刑 失政への不満封じる恐怖政治（12月17日付・読売社説）
The latest developments in North Korea indicate that the country has become even more unstable since former leader Kim Jong Il died two years ago.
金正日総書記の死から２年を経て、北朝鮮は一段と不安定化しているということだろう。
Jang Song Thaek, vice chairman of the National Defense Commission who was regarded as the No. 2 man in the Kim Jong Un regime, was sentenced to death for allegedly trying to take power by staging a military coup. He was executed the same day, just four days after he was ousted from all his posts and expelled from the Workers’ Party of Korea.
金正恩政権のナンバー２と目されていた張成沢国防委員会副委員長が、解任・党除名処分の４日後、クーデター目的の国家転覆陰謀行為を働いたなどとして死刑判決を言い渡され、即刻処刑された。
These developments illustrate the coldhearted nature of Kim—the ruling party’s first secretary—who is trying to strengthen his dictatorship through a reign of terror that included liquidating his uncle, in the apparent belief that without doing so he would not be able to maintain control of the country.
自身の叔父すら抹殺する「恐怖政治」で独裁体制の強化を図ろうとする金正恩第１書記の冷酷な本性と、そうでもせねば国内を統制できないとの危機感の表れだ。
North Korea’s state-run media reported the sentence, handed down at a special military court of the State Security Department—the country’s secret police—accusing Jang of attempting to bring about the collapse of the country’s economy and people’s livelihoods. It also said that if the state was driven to the verge of collapse, Jang believed he could grab the reins of power.
国営メディアは、秘密警察・国家安全保衛部の特別軍事法廷の判決文を伝え、「国の経済と人民生活を破局に追い込もうとした」と張氏を糾弾した。国家が崩壊寸前になれば、政権簒奪(さんだつ)に成功するとの打算があったとしている。
Jang was accused in court of a diverse range of crimes, including an act of treason by cheaply selling off the country’s land with a 50-year lease to a foreign country—land in a special economic and trade zone in Rason near its borders with China and Russia—and triggering tremendous economic confusion with the redenomination of the currency four years ago.
挙げられた罪状は、中露との国境に位置する羅先経済貿易地帯の土地を「５０年期限で外国に売り飛ばす売国行為」や、４年前のデノミによる「途方もない経済的混乱の惹(じゃっ)起(き)」など多岐にわたる。
To what extent these accusations are true is not known. But the issuance of this statement itself is tantamount to North Korea admitting there are cracks in the regime and economic maladministration. Kim’s regime may be trying to lay all the responsibility on Jang to justify its legitimacy.
どこまで事実か疑わしいが、こうした発表自体が体制内の亀裂と経済失政を自認したに等しい。全責任を張氏になすりつけ、政権の正当化を図る狙いではないか。
North Korea, which is reinforcing its state control at home, may adopt a policy of external provocations.
国内統制を強める北朝鮮は、対外的には挑発路線に一層傾斜する可能性がある。
There are strong fears that the country may flaunt its nuclear deterrent by conducting its fourth nuclear test and fire yet another missile under the guise of launching an artificial satellite.
核抑止力の誇示へ、４回目の核実験や、「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称するミサイル発射に踏み切ることへの懸念は強い。
Nuclear missile development
In this respect, it has been learned through analyses of satellite photos that North Korea has restarted a plutonium reactor, while moving ahead with improving nuclear test and missile launch sites. The international community must pay close attention to such developments and cooperate to deal with them.
事実、プルトニウム生産炉の運転再開や、核実験場、ミサイル発射場の整備を進める様子が衛星写真の分析で判明している。国際社会は、今後の動向を鋭意注視し、連携して対応せねばならない。
Now that Jang has been removed from the scene, Kim apparently intends to carry out economic activities under the Cabinet-led leadership.
張氏の勢力一掃後、金第１書記は、内閣主導の名の下で、経済活動を展開する意向のようだ。
There are no signs of the country changing its policy of pursuing, in parallel, both economic reconstruction and the strengthening of its nuclear capability.
経済再建と核戦力強化の二兎(にと)を追う「並進路線」を変える兆しは見られない。
As long as North Korea continues to pursue nuclear and missile development, international economic sanctions against the country will not be relaxed. The country will not be successful in wooing any foreign investment or foreign tourists.
だが、核・ミサイル開発を続ける限り、北朝鮮への経済制裁は緩和されない。外国からの投資や観光客誘致の成果は上がるまい。
The North Korean people’s frustration will grow as economic hardships continue. The danger of the country collapsing from within is growing.
経済の困窮によって、国民の不満は高まる。内部から崩壊に向かうリスクは増すばかりだ。
In its efforts to develop the northeastern part of China by helping stabilize North Korea, Beijing has been urging Pyongyang to carry out reforms and open its market. The execution of Jang, who had assumed the pivotal role in this scheme, is probably a major blow to China’s influence.
中国は、北朝鮮を安定化させて中国東北部の開発につなげようと、改革・開放を促してきた。その中心人物でもあった張氏の処刑は、大きな誤算だろう。
The destabilization of a despotic state developing nuclear weapons could lead to the outbreak of domestic turmoil. This is an important phase when Japan should prepare itself for any emergency by firmly maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance and reinforcing its defense capability.
核武装する独裁国家の不安定化は、内乱など暴発の危険を伴う。日米同盟を堅持し、防衛力を強化して備えるべき重要な局面だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 17, 2013)
（2013年12月17日01時35分 読売新聞）
North Korea’s reign of terror aimed at containing people’s frustrations
張成沢氏処刑 失政への不満封じる恐怖政治（12月17日付・読売社説）
The latest developments in North Korea indicate that the country has become even more unstable since former leader Kim Jong Il died two years ago.
金正日総書記の死から２年を経て、北朝鮮は一段と不安定化しているということだろう。
Jang Song Thaek, vice chairman of the National Defense Commission who was regarded as the No. 2 man in the Kim Jong Un regime, was sentenced to death for allegedly trying to take power by staging a military coup. He was executed the same day, just four days after he was ousted from all his posts and expelled from the Workers’ Party of Korea.
金正恩政権のナンバー２と目されていた張成沢国防委員会副委員長が、解任・党除名処分の４日後、クーデター目的の国家転覆陰謀行為を働いたなどとして死刑判決を言い渡され、即刻処刑された。
These developments illustrate the coldhearted nature of Kim—the ruling party’s first secretary—who is trying to strengthen his dictatorship through a reign of terror that included liquidating his uncle, in the apparent belief that without doing so he would not be able to maintain control of the country.
自身の叔父すら抹殺する「恐怖政治」で独裁体制の強化を図ろうとする金正恩第１書記の冷酷な本性と、そうでもせねば国内を統制できないとの危機感の表れだ。
North Korea’s state-run media reported the sentence, handed down at a special military court of the State Security Department—the country’s secret police—accusing Jang of attempting to bring about the collapse of the country’s economy and people’s livelihoods. It also said that if the state was driven to the verge of collapse, Jang believed he could grab the reins of power.
国営メディアは、秘密警察・国家安全保衛部の特別軍事法廷の判決文を伝え、「国の経済と人民生活を破局に追い込もうとした」と張氏を糾弾した。国家が崩壊寸前になれば、政権簒奪(さんだつ)に成功するとの打算があったとしている。
Jang was accused in court of a diverse range of crimes, including an act of treason by cheaply selling off the country’s land with a 50-year lease to a foreign country—land in a special economic and trade zone in Rason near its borders with China and Russia—and triggering tremendous economic confusion with the redenomination of the currency four years ago.
挙げられた罪状は、中露との国境に位置する羅先経済貿易地帯の土地を「５０年期限で外国に売り飛ばす売国行為」や、４年前のデノミによる「途方もない経済的混乱の惹(じゃっ)起(き)」など多岐にわたる。
To what extent these accusations are true is not known. But the issuance of this statement itself is tantamount to North Korea admitting there are cracks in the regime and economic maladministration. Kim’s regime may be trying to lay all the responsibility on Jang to justify its legitimacy.
どこまで事実か疑わしいが、こうした発表自体が体制内の亀裂と経済失政を自認したに等しい。全責任を張氏になすりつけ、政権の正当化を図る狙いではないか。
North Korea, which is reinforcing its state control at home, may adopt a policy of external provocations.
国内統制を強める北朝鮮は、対外的には挑発路線に一層傾斜する可能性がある。
There are strong fears that the country may flaunt its nuclear deterrent by conducting its fourth nuclear test and fire yet another missile under the guise of launching an artificial satellite.
核抑止力の誇示へ、４回目の核実験や、「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称するミサイル発射に踏み切ることへの懸念は強い。
Nuclear missile development
In this respect, it has been learned through analyses of satellite photos that North Korea has restarted a plutonium reactor, while moving ahead with improving nuclear test and missile launch sites. The international community must pay close attention to such developments and cooperate to deal with them.
事実、プルトニウム生産炉の運転再開や、核実験場、ミサイル発射場の整備を進める様子が衛星写真の分析で判明している。国際社会は、今後の動向を鋭意注視し、連携して対応せねばならない。
Now that Jang has been removed from the scene, Kim apparently intends to carry out economic activities under the Cabinet-led leadership.
張氏の勢力一掃後、金第１書記は、内閣主導の名の下で、経済活動を展開する意向のようだ。
There are no signs of the country changing its policy of pursuing, in parallel, both economic reconstruction and the strengthening of its nuclear capability.
経済再建と核戦力強化の二兎(にと)を追う「並進路線」を変える兆しは見られない。
As long as North Korea continues to pursue nuclear and missile development, international economic sanctions against the country will not be relaxed. The country will not be successful in wooing any foreign investment or foreign tourists.
だが、核・ミサイル開発を続ける限り、北朝鮮への経済制裁は緩和されない。外国からの投資や観光客誘致の成果は上がるまい。
The North Korean people’s frustration will grow as economic hardships continue. The danger of the country collapsing from within is growing.
経済の困窮によって、国民の不満は高まる。内部から崩壊に向かうリスクは増すばかりだ。
In its efforts to develop the northeastern part of China by helping stabilize North Korea, Beijing has been urging Pyongyang to carry out reforms and open its market. The execution of Jang, who had assumed the pivotal role in this scheme, is probably a major blow to China’s influence.
中国は、北朝鮮を安定化させて中国東北部の開発につなげようと、改革・開放を促してきた。その中心人物でもあった張氏の処刑は、大きな誤算だろう。
The destabilization of a despotic state developing nuclear weapons could lead to the outbreak of domestic turmoil. This is an important phase when Japan should prepare itself for any emergency by firmly maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance and reinforcing its defense capability.
核武装する独裁国家の不安定化は、内乱など暴発の危険を伴う。日米同盟を堅持し、防衛力を強化して備えるべき重要な局面だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 17, 2013)
（2013年12月17日01時35分 読売新聞）
2013/12/18
武器輸出新原則 防衛産業維持にも目を向けよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 16, 2013
Govt must consider how to maintain defense industry, production base
武器輸出新原則 防衛産業維持にも目を向けよ（12月16日付・読売社説）
Japan should reinforce its international cooperation in the area of defense equipment and maintain its defense technology and production base as national security priorities.
防衛装備面での国際連携を強化し、日本の防衛生産・技術基盤を維持するという安全保障の観点を最重視すべきだ。
The government and ruling parties have started drastically reviewing the three principles on arms exports and drawing up new rules on arms exports.
政府・与党が、武器輸出３原則を抜本的に見直し、新たな武器輸出の原則を策定する作業を開始した。
The three principles, confirmed in 1967 by the administration of then Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, prohibit Japan from exporting arms to countries in the Communist bloc, countries to which arms exports are banned by U.N. resolutions and countries involved in conflict.
３原則は、１９６７年に佐藤内閣が共産圏諸国、国連決議による武器禁輸国、紛争当事国向けの武器輸出を禁止したものだ。
In 1976, the administration under then Prime Minister Takeo Miki went so far as to effectively ban all such exports, saying the nation must refrain from exporting arms to even countries not subject to the three principles.
７６年に三木内閣が３原則の対象国以外への輸出も慎むとして、事実上の全面禁輸に踏み込んだ。
Since 1983, however, the government had made one exception after another to the principles, as confirmed in informal remarks made by chief cabinet secretaries, providing the United States with weapons technology, exporting mine detectors and patrol vessels for peace-building efforts and jointly developing and producing missile defense equipment with other countries.
８３年以降、武器技術の対米供与、地雷探知機、巡視船など平和貢献目的の輸出や、ミサイル防衛の国際共同開発・生産について、官房長官談話で次々と例外を設けてきた。
As a result, the whole system has become extremely complex and hard to understand.
その結果、極めて複雑で、分かりづらい制度となっている。
This time, the administration under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to end the total ban and to narrow the list of countries subject to export restrictions, while at the same time making the whole system more consistent. Such efforts to meet the needs of the times are appropriate.
安倍政権が今回、全面禁輸はやめて、禁輸対象国を絞り込むとともに、全体を整合性ある仕組みにするのは、時代の要請に応じたものであり、妥当である。
Enhance national security
The important thing is to create a standard that will enhance Japan’s national security.
重要なのは、日本の安全保障に役立つ基準を作ることだ。
In light of the recent military developments in China and North Korea, the international situation surrounding Japan has become ever harsher.
中国や北朝鮮の最近の軍事動向を踏まえれば、日本の国際情勢は厳しさを増している。
Expanding cooperation in the area of defense equipment with such countries as the United States, an ally of Japan, European countries and Australia will stimulate the improvement of Japan’s defense technology and the reinforcement of international cooperation, thus contributing to the peace and security of Japan.
同盟国の米国や、欧州諸国、豪州などとの装備面の協力を拡大することは、日本の防衛技術の向上や国際連携の強化を促し、日本の平和と安全に寄与しよう。
It is important to expand international cooperation by making it possible for Japan to export finished products, and parts and components of arms, in addition to joint development and production of arms with other countries.
武器の国際共同開発・生産に加えて、武器の完成品や部品の輸出も可能にすることで、国際協力を拡大することが大切である。
It is also necessary to establish procedures appropriately to prevent the arms from being transferred to a third country and to tighten export controls on general-purpose parts that can be used either militarily or commercially.
無論、武器の第三国移転を防止する手続きや、武器に転用されかねない汎用品の輸出管理を厳格化するなどの「歯止め」措置も適切に定める必要がある。
The government and ruling parties must discuss these issues properly and work out a conclusion soon.
政府・与党できちんと議論し、早期に結論を出すべきだ。
It must be kept in mind that because the government’s defense budgets were cut back for 10 years in a row up to fiscal 2012, Japan’s defense technology and domestic production base has been undermined.
留意すべきは、昨年度まで１０年連続で防衛予算が削減されたことで、日本の防衛生産・技術基盤が揺らぎ始めていることだ。
In the past 10 years, nearly 90 private companies have pulled out of the defense industry, making it hard in some areas to secure technicians with specific skills.
ここ１０年で９０社近くの民間企業が防衛分野から撤収し、一部では特殊な熟練技術者の確保が困難になりつつある。
As tanks, destroyers and fighter planes become ever more technologically advanced, the unit price of the equipment rises. Repair and maintenance costs for the equipment have also been rising. As a result, the government has no choice but to reduce the amount of such equipment procured, putting a strain on the management of companies in the defense industry.
戦車や護衛艦、戦闘機の高性能化に伴い、装備の単価は上昇する。装備品の修理や整備費も増えている。その結果、装備の調達数を減らさざるを得なくなり、防衛産業の経営を圧迫している。
The decline in the nation’s defense technology and its production base will directly lead to the decline in the nation’s overall defense capability. The government needs to discuss ways to maintain and foster the nation’s defense industry in earnest under the constraint of limited defense spending.
防衛生産・技術基盤の衰退は、国家の総合的な防衛力の低下に直結する。政府は、限られた予算で防衛産業を維持・育成する方策を真剣に検討する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 16, 2013)
（2013年12月16日01時22分 読売新聞）
Govt must consider how to maintain defense industry, production base
武器輸出新原則 防衛産業維持にも目を向けよ（12月16日付・読売社説）
Japan should reinforce its international cooperation in the area of defense equipment and maintain its defense technology and production base as national security priorities.
防衛装備面での国際連携を強化し、日本の防衛生産・技術基盤を維持するという安全保障の観点を最重視すべきだ。
The government and ruling parties have started drastically reviewing the three principles on arms exports and drawing up new rules on arms exports.
政府・与党が、武器輸出３原則を抜本的に見直し、新たな武器輸出の原則を策定する作業を開始した。
The three principles, confirmed in 1967 by the administration of then Prime Minister Eisaku Sato, prohibit Japan from exporting arms to countries in the Communist bloc, countries to which arms exports are banned by U.N. resolutions and countries involved in conflict.
３原則は、１９６７年に佐藤内閣が共産圏諸国、国連決議による武器禁輸国、紛争当事国向けの武器輸出を禁止したものだ。
In 1976, the administration under then Prime Minister Takeo Miki went so far as to effectively ban all such exports, saying the nation must refrain from exporting arms to even countries not subject to the three principles.
７６年に三木内閣が３原則の対象国以外への輸出も慎むとして、事実上の全面禁輸に踏み込んだ。
Since 1983, however, the government had made one exception after another to the principles, as confirmed in informal remarks made by chief cabinet secretaries, providing the United States with weapons technology, exporting mine detectors and patrol vessels for peace-building efforts and jointly developing and producing missile defense equipment with other countries.
８３年以降、武器技術の対米供与、地雷探知機、巡視船など平和貢献目的の輸出や、ミサイル防衛の国際共同開発・生産について、官房長官談話で次々と例外を設けてきた。
As a result, the whole system has become extremely complex and hard to understand.
その結果、極めて複雑で、分かりづらい制度となっている。
This time, the administration under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is set to end the total ban and to narrow the list of countries subject to export restrictions, while at the same time making the whole system more consistent. Such efforts to meet the needs of the times are appropriate.
安倍政権が今回、全面禁輸はやめて、禁輸対象国を絞り込むとともに、全体を整合性ある仕組みにするのは、時代の要請に応じたものであり、妥当である。
Enhance national security
The important thing is to create a standard that will enhance Japan’s national security.
重要なのは、日本の安全保障に役立つ基準を作ることだ。
In light of the recent military developments in China and North Korea, the international situation surrounding Japan has become ever harsher.
中国や北朝鮮の最近の軍事動向を踏まえれば、日本の国際情勢は厳しさを増している。
Expanding cooperation in the area of defense equipment with such countries as the United States, an ally of Japan, European countries and Australia will stimulate the improvement of Japan’s defense technology and the reinforcement of international cooperation, thus contributing to the peace and security of Japan.
同盟国の米国や、欧州諸国、豪州などとの装備面の協力を拡大することは、日本の防衛技術の向上や国際連携の強化を促し、日本の平和と安全に寄与しよう。
It is important to expand international cooperation by making it possible for Japan to export finished products, and parts and components of arms, in addition to joint development and production of arms with other countries.
武器の国際共同開発・生産に加えて、武器の完成品や部品の輸出も可能にすることで、国際協力を拡大することが大切である。
It is also necessary to establish procedures appropriately to prevent the arms from being transferred to a third country and to tighten export controls on general-purpose parts that can be used either militarily or commercially.
無論、武器の第三国移転を防止する手続きや、武器に転用されかねない汎用品の輸出管理を厳格化するなどの「歯止め」措置も適切に定める必要がある。
The government and ruling parties must discuss these issues properly and work out a conclusion soon.
政府・与党できちんと議論し、早期に結論を出すべきだ。
It must be kept in mind that because the government’s defense budgets were cut back for 10 years in a row up to fiscal 2012, Japan’s defense technology and domestic production base has been undermined.
留意すべきは、昨年度まで１０年連続で防衛予算が削減されたことで、日本の防衛生産・技術基盤が揺らぎ始めていることだ。
In the past 10 years, nearly 90 private companies have pulled out of the defense industry, making it hard in some areas to secure technicians with specific skills.
ここ１０年で９０社近くの民間企業が防衛分野から撤収し、一部では特殊な熟練技術者の確保が困難になりつつある。
As tanks, destroyers and fighter planes become ever more technologically advanced, the unit price of the equipment rises. Repair and maintenance costs for the equipment have also been rising. As a result, the government has no choice but to reduce the amount of such equipment procured, putting a strain on the management of companies in the defense industry.
戦車や護衛艦、戦闘機の高性能化に伴い、装備の単価は上昇する。装備品の修理や整備費も増えている。その結果、装備の調達数を減らさざるを得なくなり、防衛産業の経営を圧迫している。
The decline in the nation’s defense technology and its production base will directly lead to the decline in the nation’s overall defense capability. The government needs to discuss ways to maintain and foster the nation’s defense industry in earnest under the constraint of limited defense spending.
防衛生産・技術基盤の衰退は、国家の総合的な防衛力の低下に直結する。政府は、限られた予算で防衛産業を維持・育成する方策を真剣に検討する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 16, 2013)
（2013年12月16日01時22分 読売新聞）
2013/12/17
日・ＡＳＥＡＮ 海と空で対中連携が強まった
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 15, 2013
Japan, ASEAN strengthen ties in bid to counter China in air and at sea
日・ＡＳＥＡＮ 海と空で対中連携が強まった（12月15日付・読売社説）
In a success in his Southeast Asian diplomacy, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe saw a summit meeting of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agree to jointly urge China to abide by international rules.
中国が国際ルールを順守するよう、連携して働きかけることについては認識を共有できた。安倍首相の東南アジア外交の成果と言える。
At a special summit meeting among Japan and 10 ASEAN nations held in Tokyo, the leaders adopted a joint statement saying it is important to ensure the safety of seas and the freedom of navigation as well as to resolve conflicts in accordance with the “universally recognized principles of international laws.”
日本と東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）１０か国の首脳らが参加した特別首脳会議が東京で開催され、海上の安全、航行の自由及び、国際法の原則に基づく紛争解決などの重要性をうたった共同声明を採択した。
The statement clearly stated the nations will cooperate to ensure the “freedom of overflight” and “civil aviation safety” in air zones over the high seas—with China’s air defense identification zone in mind, although it did not specifically refer to China.
名指しは避けたものの、中国の防空識別圏設定を念頭に、公海上空での「飛行の自由」や「民間航空の安全」を確保するため、協力する方針も明記された。
Some Southeast Asian nations, such as Cambodia and Laos, have close ties with China. Nonetheless, it was significant that Japan and the ASEAN member nations issued the joint statement with the aim of holding China in check, which has heightened tensions not only on the seas but also in the air.
東南アジアにはカンボジアやラオスなど中国と結びつきが強い国もある。だが、海のみならず、空でも緊張を高める中国を牽制(けんせい)する上で、日本とＡＳＥＡＮ各国が共同声明を出した意義は大きい。
Without consulting with its neighbors, China unilaterally set its ADIZ over the East China Sea and threatened to adopt “emergency defensive measures” by the Chinese military against any aircraft that refuses to obey its instructions. It also hinted at setting another ADIZ over the South China Sea.
中国は周辺国と協議せずに一方的に東シナ海に識別圏を設け、全ての航空機を対象に、指示に従わなければ中国軍による緊急措置を取ると威嚇した。南シナ海での識別圏設定も示唆している。
“Without free ocean and air [navigation], we can’t expect to have active trade,” Abe stressed at a press conference.
安倍首相は、記者会見で「自由な海や空がなければ、活発な貿易は期待できない」と強調した。
‘Proactive pacifism’
During his separate meetings with the ASEAN leaders and during the summit sessions, Abe said Japan will contribute to regional stability based on “proactive pacifism” and proposed holding a meeting of defense ministers from Japan and the ASEAN members.
首脳会議や各国首脳との個別会談では、「積極的平和主義」に基づき、地域の安定に貢献すると表明し、日本とＡＳＥＡＮ各国との防衛相会合も呼びかけた。
It is imperative for Japan to deepen cooperative security ties with the ASEAN countries to deal with China and North Korea.
中国や北朝鮮と向き合うためには、東南アジア諸国と安全保障での協力を深める必要がある。
ASEAN and China are considering setting legally binding codes of conduct in the South China Sea, where they have prolonged territorial disputes, but Beijing is reluctant to accept such codes. Japan should cooperate with the United States in backing ASEAN efforts to conclude an early agreement on codes of conduct with China.
ＡＳＥＡＮと中国は、領有権争いの続く南シナ海での行動を法的に拘束する「行動規範」を検討中だが、中国は消極的だ。早期策定に向けて、日本は米国と連携し、ＡＳＥＡＮを後押ししなければならない。
During the special summit meeting, participants also made progress in the area of economic cooperation. They broadly agreed in the two fields of investment and service in negotiations for a Japan-ASEAN economic partnership agreement.
特別首脳会議では経済面での協力も前進した。日・ＡＳＥＡＮの経済連携協定交渉が、投資とサービスの２分野でほぼ合意した。
Abe expressed Japan’s support for an economic community ASEAN aims to create by the end of 2015 and pledged to actively provide official development assistance to the body.
安倍首相は、２０１５年をめどとするＡＳＥＡＮの経済共同体設立を支援する意向を表明し、政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）供与も積極的に進めると約束した。
Absorbing the vigor of rapidly growing Southeast Asia will provide a springboard for Japan’s economic growth.
成長著しい東南アジアの活力を取り込むことが、日本の経済成長にも弾みとなる。
The leaders also formulated a mid- and long-term plan for cooperation not only in political and economic fields but also in the area of antidisaster measures. They also plan to have more active exchanges in culture, arts, tourism and sports.
特別首脳会議で中長期ビジョンもまとまった。政治・経済だけでなく、防災面での協力を強化し、文化・芸術、観光、スポーツなどで交流を促進するとしている。
Japan and ASEAN have just observed the 40th anniversary of their friendship this year. It is hoped that they will strengthen their strategic ties even further.
日本とＡＳＥＡＮの友好協力は４０周年を迎えた。戦略的な連携を一層強めていきたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 15, 2013)
（2013年12月15日01時25分 読売新聞）
Japan, ASEAN strengthen ties in bid to counter China in air and at sea
日・ＡＳＥＡＮ 海と空で対中連携が強まった（12月15日付・読売社説）
In a success in his Southeast Asian diplomacy, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe saw a summit meeting of Japan and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations agree to jointly urge China to abide by international rules.
中国が国際ルールを順守するよう、連携して働きかけることについては認識を共有できた。安倍首相の東南アジア外交の成果と言える。
At a special summit meeting among Japan and 10 ASEAN nations held in Tokyo, the leaders adopted a joint statement saying it is important to ensure the safety of seas and the freedom of navigation as well as to resolve conflicts in accordance with the “universally recognized principles of international laws.”
日本と東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）１０か国の首脳らが参加した特別首脳会議が東京で開催され、海上の安全、航行の自由及び、国際法の原則に基づく紛争解決などの重要性をうたった共同声明を採択した。
The statement clearly stated the nations will cooperate to ensure the “freedom of overflight” and “civil aviation safety” in air zones over the high seas—with China’s air defense identification zone in mind, although it did not specifically refer to China.
名指しは避けたものの、中国の防空識別圏設定を念頭に、公海上空での「飛行の自由」や「民間航空の安全」を確保するため、協力する方針も明記された。
Some Southeast Asian nations, such as Cambodia and Laos, have close ties with China. Nonetheless, it was significant that Japan and the ASEAN member nations issued the joint statement with the aim of holding China in check, which has heightened tensions not only on the seas but also in the air.
東南アジアにはカンボジアやラオスなど中国と結びつきが強い国もある。だが、海のみならず、空でも緊張を高める中国を牽制(けんせい)する上で、日本とＡＳＥＡＮ各国が共同声明を出した意義は大きい。
Without consulting with its neighbors, China unilaterally set its ADIZ over the East China Sea and threatened to adopt “emergency defensive measures” by the Chinese military against any aircraft that refuses to obey its instructions. It also hinted at setting another ADIZ over the South China Sea.
中国は周辺国と協議せずに一方的に東シナ海に識別圏を設け、全ての航空機を対象に、指示に従わなければ中国軍による緊急措置を取ると威嚇した。南シナ海での識別圏設定も示唆している。
“Without free ocean and air [navigation], we can’t expect to have active trade,” Abe stressed at a press conference.
安倍首相は、記者会見で「自由な海や空がなければ、活発な貿易は期待できない」と強調した。
‘Proactive pacifism’
During his separate meetings with the ASEAN leaders and during the summit sessions, Abe said Japan will contribute to regional stability based on “proactive pacifism” and proposed holding a meeting of defense ministers from Japan and the ASEAN members.
首脳会議や各国首脳との個別会談では、「積極的平和主義」に基づき、地域の安定に貢献すると表明し、日本とＡＳＥＡＮ各国との防衛相会合も呼びかけた。
It is imperative for Japan to deepen cooperative security ties with the ASEAN countries to deal with China and North Korea.
中国や北朝鮮と向き合うためには、東南アジア諸国と安全保障での協力を深める必要がある。
ASEAN and China are considering setting legally binding codes of conduct in the South China Sea, where they have prolonged territorial disputes, but Beijing is reluctant to accept such codes. Japan should cooperate with the United States in backing ASEAN efforts to conclude an early agreement on codes of conduct with China.
ＡＳＥＡＮと中国は、領有権争いの続く南シナ海での行動を法的に拘束する「行動規範」を検討中だが、中国は消極的だ。早期策定に向けて、日本は米国と連携し、ＡＳＥＡＮを後押ししなければならない。
During the special summit meeting, participants also made progress in the area of economic cooperation. They broadly agreed in the two fields of investment and service in negotiations for a Japan-ASEAN economic partnership agreement.
特別首脳会議では経済面での協力も前進した。日・ＡＳＥＡＮの経済連携協定交渉が、投資とサービスの２分野でほぼ合意した。
Abe expressed Japan’s support for an economic community ASEAN aims to create by the end of 2015 and pledged to actively provide official development assistance to the body.
安倍首相は、２０１５年をめどとするＡＳＥＡＮの経済共同体設立を支援する意向を表明し、政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）供与も積極的に進めると約束した。
Absorbing the vigor of rapidly growing Southeast Asia will provide a springboard for Japan’s economic growth.
成長著しい東南アジアの活力を取り込むことが、日本の経済成長にも弾みとなる。
The leaders also formulated a mid- and long-term plan for cooperation not only in political and economic fields but also in the area of antidisaster measures. They also plan to have more active exchanges in culture, arts, tourism and sports.
特別首脳会議で中長期ビジョンもまとまった。政治・経済だけでなく、防災面での協力を強化し、文化・芸術、観光、スポーツなどで交流を促進するとしている。
Japan and ASEAN have just observed the 40th anniversary of their friendship this year. It is hoped that they will strengthen their strategic ties even further.
日本とＡＳＥＡＮの友好協力は４０周年を迎えた。戦略的な連携を一層強めていきたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 15, 2013)
（2013年12月15日01時25分 読売新聞）
2013/12/16
与党税制大綱 家計と景気への目配り十分か
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 13, 2013
Reduced consumption rate system must be at same time as hike to 10%
与党税制大綱 家計と景気への目配り十分か（12月13日付・読売社説）
◆消費税１０％と同時に軽減税率を
We are concerned that increasing the consumption tax rate to 8 percent from April may dampen personal spending. The latest tax policy agreement between the ruling coalition parties has left unresolved problems regarding measures to shore up business activities.
来年４月に消費税率を８％に引き上げた後、個人消費の失速を招かないか。景気下支えに課題を残したと言えよう。
The Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner New Komeito decided Thursday on an outline for tax system revisions for fiscal 2014. The decision signifies the ruling parties’ endorsement of a government budget draft for next fiscal year and a set of tax revision bills to be presented to the Diet early next year.
自民、公明の与党は２０１４年度の税制改正大綱を決めた。政府の来年度の予算案と、税制改正法案を裏付けるものだ。
The LDP-Komeito agreement has fallen short of deciding on a specific date to introduce a reduced consumption tax rate system to curb the tax rate on food and other daily necessities to benefit low-income people. The agreement also has incorporated such items as income and residential tax levies on salaried workers. Steps to impose heavier tax burdens on households are conspicuous in the accord.
低所得者対策として、食料品などの消費税率を低く抑える軽減税率の導入時期の決定を見送ったほか、会社員を対象にした増税などを盛り込んだ。家計の負担を増やすメニューが目立つ。
Specific timing ambiguous
◆導入時期は曖昧なまま
The biggest focus in the tax revision discussions was whether a reduced tax rate system should be introduced at the same time as an increase in the sales tax to 10 percent scheduled for October 2015.
最大の焦点は、政府が１５年１０月に予定通り消費税率を８％から１０％へ上げる場合、同時に軽減税率を導入するかどうかだった。
In January, the ruling coalition reached an agreement to “make efforts to introduce” a tax break on necessities when the planned hike to 10 percent occurs.
与党は今年１月、１０％増税時の「導入を目指す」と合意した。
The ruling parties' accord, this time, however, said a reduced tax rate system “will be introduced at a time when the consumption tax rate is 10 percent, after necessary financial resources and understanding from the public, including businesses, are secured.” It added that the ruling camp will “reach a conclusion on the matter by December 2014.”
だが、今回の大綱は「必要な財源を確保しつつ、事業者を含む国民の理解を得た上で税率１０％時に導入する」と記し、「１４年１２月までに結論を得る」ことにした。
The proviso added to the ruling coalition’s accord, such as “understanding from the public,” will weigh heavily on future discussions on a reduced tax rate, since the wording in the accord can be interpreted as either “at the same time as the hike to 10 percent” or “sometime after” the hike.
導入に「国民の理解」などの条件を付けた意味は重く、「１０％に引き上げと同時」とも「１０％に引き上げ後のいつか」とも解釈できる。
This is the product of compromise between the LDP, which has remained wary of implementing a reduced tax rate, and Komeito, which has strongly insisted the proposed tax break on such items as food and newspapers be introduced when the rate is raised to 10 percent.
導入に慎重姿勢を崩さない自民党と、１０％への増税の時期と合わせて食料品や新聞などを対象に導入すべきだとする公明党との妥協の産物にほかならない。
A reduced tax rate system would mitigate tax burdens on all taxpayers, including lower-income people, helping shore up a broad spectrum of household budgets.
軽減税率は、低所得層を含む国民全体の税負担を幅広く和らげて家計を下支えする。
It is also problematic that the tax system revision outline this time has come short of discussing specifics, such as which items would be eligible for a lower tax rate.
今回の大綱が、軽減税率の対象品目など具体的な検討に踏み込めなかったのも問題である。
Decisions on specific items to be covered and plans to put the reduced rate system into practice must not be postponed unnecessarily. A decision should be made quickly to introduce a reduced tax rate at the same time the rate is increased to 10 percent.
いたずらに対象品目や制度設計などの決定を遅らせてはならない。１０％増税と同時の導入を速やかに決断すべきだろう。
During the ruling camp’s tax discussions, the LDP’s Tax System Research Commission and the Finance Ministry pointed out the introduction of the reduced tax rate system would make it necessary to employ an invoice system to log the tax rates and amounts item by item, leading to complicated clerical work for businesses.
今回、自民党税調と財務省は、軽減税率の導入には、商品ごとに税率や税額を記載したインボイス（税額票）が必要で、企業の事務負担が増すと指摘した。
Given that business deals free from the consumption tax, including land transactions, and those subject to the tax have been in place even under the existing tax system, Komeito refuted that argument in the discussions, noting a reduced tax rate system could be realized without an invoice system. The LDP tax panel and the Finance Ministry should have more aggressively addressed resolving impediments to employing a reduced tax rate.
ただ、今でも土地売買など非課税取引と消費税を課す取引は混在しており、公明党はインボイスは不要だと反論した。自民党税調と財務省は積極的に課題解決へ取り組むべきだったのではないか。
The tax system revision outline also includes steps to reduce the income tax breaks for company employees and other salaried workers, and raising their income and residential taxes. People whose annual income exceeds ¥12 million will be subject to heavier taxes from 2016, and those whose annual income is more than ¥10 million will be subject to them from 2017.
大綱は、会社員などの給与所得控除を削減し、所得税や住民税を増税する方針も盛り込んだ。１６年から年収１２００万円超の人を対象とし、１７年からは１０００万円超の人まで拡大する。
According to a trial calculation by the Finance Ministry, people with an annual income of ¥15 million are estimated to have an additional tax burden of ¥70,000 to ¥110,000 a year. There are fears this will dampen their motivation to spend in anticipation of an increase in the burden on household budgets.
財務省の試算では、年収１５００万円の場合、年７万～１１万円の負担増となる見込みだ。将来の家計の負担増を見越し、消費意欲は減退する恐れがある。
As the planned consumption tax hike is expected to increase the perceived burden on low-income earners, the ruling parties seem to have tried to alleviate the sense of unfairness by imposing increased tax burdens on high-income earners.
消費増税で低所得者の負担感が増すため、与党は、高所得者への課税強化で不公平感を和らげることを狙ったようだ。
Fast and sloppy
◆拙速な所得控除見直し
However, full-scale discussions on the reexamination of tax deductions were conducted for merely a week. It cannot be helped if the ruling parties are criticized for targeting company employees, whose income can be easily ascertained, unlike that of the self-employed, to ensure tax revenue.
だが、控除見直しを巡る本格的な議論は、わずか１週間だった。自営業者と違い、収入を把握しやすい会社員を狙い撃ちするのでは「取りやすいところから取る」と批判されても仕方がない。
Quite a few people are increasingly dissatisfied over the fact that the ruling parties quickly decided on a tax hike for salaried workers while not presenting a time frame for introducing the reduced consumption tax rates.
軽減税率の導入時期を示さない一方で、サラリーマン増税を即決したことに、不満を募らせる人も少なくないだろう。
In the case of taxation on automobiles, the tax hike for light motor vehicles was incorporated into the outline of tax system revisions as a measure to secure fiscal resources needed to phase out the automobile acquisition tax from next fiscal year.
自動車課税では、購入時に課す自動車取得税を来年度から段階的に縮小・廃止するための財源確保策として、軽自動車税の増税などを盛り込んだ。
The tax on light vehicles is less than that on compact cars. As long as light vehicles also impose burdens on roads and the environment, it is unavoidable for the light vehicle tax to be raised in line with the beneficiary-to-pay principle.
軽自動車税は、小型車の税金に比べて納税者の負担が軽い。軽自動車も道路や環境に負荷をかける以上、受益者負担として引き上げられるのはやむを得まい。
In regard to lowering the corporate tax, which was regarded as a centerpiece of the government’s growth strategy, the outline said merely that the matter will “continue to be studied.” Discussions on concrete measures such as the timing and margin for a tax cut have not deepened.
成長戦略の目玉とされた法人税率の引き下げは、「引き続き検討を進める」と記しただけで、減税の時期や引き下げ幅などの具体論は深まらなかった。
Japan’s corporate tax rates—even if excluding the special corporate tax for reconstruction from the 2011 disaster, which is planned to be abolished at the end of fiscal 2013, one year ahead of schedule as an economic measure—are higher than those in Europe and many other Asian countries.
しかし、経済対策で１年前倒し廃止が決まった復興特別法人税を除いても、日本の法人税は欧州やアジアの多くの国より高い。
Cut corporate tax urgently
◆法人税率引き下げ急げ
To stem the hollowing out of industry and lure investments from overseas, it will be indispensable to lower corporate tax rates further. The matter must be studied at a faster pace.
産業空洞化に歯止めをかけ、海外から投資を呼び込むため、税率の一層の引き下げが不可欠だ。検討の加速が求められよう。
Companies that will benefit from the early abolition of the special corporate tax for reconstruction should use improved profits for wage hikes and employment expansion, thereby spreading benefits to households.
復興特別法人税の前倒し廃止の恩恵を受ける企業は、収益向上を賃上げや雇用拡大につなげ、家計に波及させていくべきだ。
The outline has also put forth a policy of approving up to 50 percent of entertainment expenses used by big businesses to entertain business partners and clients as necessary expenses with no tax levied.
大綱は、大企業が取引先の接待などに使う交際費の５割までを税務上の経費（損金）として認め、非課税とする方針も掲げた。
It is understandable that the outline aims to expand the tax exemption system, which has been applied to part of the entertainment expenses of small and midsize companies as impairment costs, to big businesses. We hope sales for drinking and eating establishments will increase by making it easier for firms to increase entertainment expenses and that this will prove effective in curbing the adverse effects of the consumption tax hike.
これまで中小企業の交際費の一部について損金扱いを認めてきた措置を大企業に拡充する狙いは理解できる。企業が交際費を増やしやすくなることで、飲食店などの売り上げが伸び、消費増税の影響を抑える効果に期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 13, 2013)
（2013年12月13日01時39分 読売新聞）
Reduced consumption rate system must be at same time as hike to 10%
与党税制大綱 家計と景気への目配り十分か（12月13日付・読売社説）
◆消費税１０％と同時に軽減税率を
We are concerned that increasing the consumption tax rate to 8 percent from April may dampen personal spending. The latest tax policy agreement between the ruling coalition parties has left unresolved problems regarding measures to shore up business activities.
来年４月に消費税率を８％に引き上げた後、個人消費の失速を招かないか。景気下支えに課題を残したと言えよう。
The Liberal Democratic Party and coalition partner New Komeito decided Thursday on an outline for tax system revisions for fiscal 2014. The decision signifies the ruling parties’ endorsement of a government budget draft for next fiscal year and a set of tax revision bills to be presented to the Diet early next year.
自民、公明の与党は２０１４年度の税制改正大綱を決めた。政府の来年度の予算案と、税制改正法案を裏付けるものだ。
The LDP-Komeito agreement has fallen short of deciding on a specific date to introduce a reduced consumption tax rate system to curb the tax rate on food and other daily necessities to benefit low-income people. The agreement also has incorporated such items as income and residential tax levies on salaried workers. Steps to impose heavier tax burdens on households are conspicuous in the accord.
低所得者対策として、食料品などの消費税率を低く抑える軽減税率の導入時期の決定を見送ったほか、会社員を対象にした増税などを盛り込んだ。家計の負担を増やすメニューが目立つ。
Specific timing ambiguous
◆導入時期は曖昧なまま
The biggest focus in the tax revision discussions was whether a reduced tax rate system should be introduced at the same time as an increase in the sales tax to 10 percent scheduled for October 2015.
最大の焦点は、政府が１５年１０月に予定通り消費税率を８％から１０％へ上げる場合、同時に軽減税率を導入するかどうかだった。
In January, the ruling coalition reached an agreement to “make efforts to introduce” a tax break on necessities when the planned hike to 10 percent occurs.
与党は今年１月、１０％増税時の「導入を目指す」と合意した。
The ruling parties' accord, this time, however, said a reduced tax rate system “will be introduced at a time when the consumption tax rate is 10 percent, after necessary financial resources and understanding from the public, including businesses, are secured.” It added that the ruling camp will “reach a conclusion on the matter by December 2014.”
だが、今回の大綱は「必要な財源を確保しつつ、事業者を含む国民の理解を得た上で税率１０％時に導入する」と記し、「１４年１２月までに結論を得る」ことにした。
The proviso added to the ruling coalition’s accord, such as “understanding from the public,” will weigh heavily on future discussions on a reduced tax rate, since the wording in the accord can be interpreted as either “at the same time as the hike to 10 percent” or “sometime after” the hike.
導入に「国民の理解」などの条件を付けた意味は重く、「１０％に引き上げと同時」とも「１０％に引き上げ後のいつか」とも解釈できる。
This is the product of compromise between the LDP, which has remained wary of implementing a reduced tax rate, and Komeito, which has strongly insisted the proposed tax break on such items as food and newspapers be introduced when the rate is raised to 10 percent.
導入に慎重姿勢を崩さない自民党と、１０％への増税の時期と合わせて食料品や新聞などを対象に導入すべきだとする公明党との妥協の産物にほかならない。
A reduced tax rate system would mitigate tax burdens on all taxpayers, including lower-income people, helping shore up a broad spectrum of household budgets.
軽減税率は、低所得層を含む国民全体の税負担を幅広く和らげて家計を下支えする。
It is also problematic that the tax system revision outline this time has come short of discussing specifics, such as which items would be eligible for a lower tax rate.
今回の大綱が、軽減税率の対象品目など具体的な検討に踏み込めなかったのも問題である。
Decisions on specific items to be covered and plans to put the reduced rate system into practice must not be postponed unnecessarily. A decision should be made quickly to introduce a reduced tax rate at the same time the rate is increased to 10 percent.
いたずらに対象品目や制度設計などの決定を遅らせてはならない。１０％増税と同時の導入を速やかに決断すべきだろう。
During the ruling camp’s tax discussions, the LDP’s Tax System Research Commission and the Finance Ministry pointed out the introduction of the reduced tax rate system would make it necessary to employ an invoice system to log the tax rates and amounts item by item, leading to complicated clerical work for businesses.
今回、自民党税調と財務省は、軽減税率の導入には、商品ごとに税率や税額を記載したインボイス（税額票）が必要で、企業の事務負担が増すと指摘した。
Given that business deals free from the consumption tax, including land transactions, and those subject to the tax have been in place even under the existing tax system, Komeito refuted that argument in the discussions, noting a reduced tax rate system could be realized without an invoice system. The LDP tax panel and the Finance Ministry should have more aggressively addressed resolving impediments to employing a reduced tax rate.
ただ、今でも土地売買など非課税取引と消費税を課す取引は混在しており、公明党はインボイスは不要だと反論した。自民党税調と財務省は積極的に課題解決へ取り組むべきだったのではないか。
The tax system revision outline also includes steps to reduce the income tax breaks for company employees and other salaried workers, and raising their income and residential taxes. People whose annual income exceeds ¥12 million will be subject to heavier taxes from 2016, and those whose annual income is more than ¥10 million will be subject to them from 2017.
大綱は、会社員などの給与所得控除を削減し、所得税や住民税を増税する方針も盛り込んだ。１６年から年収１２００万円超の人を対象とし、１７年からは１０００万円超の人まで拡大する。
According to a trial calculation by the Finance Ministry, people with an annual income of ¥15 million are estimated to have an additional tax burden of ¥70,000 to ¥110,000 a year. There are fears this will dampen their motivation to spend in anticipation of an increase in the burden on household budgets.
財務省の試算では、年収１５００万円の場合、年７万～１１万円の負担増となる見込みだ。将来の家計の負担増を見越し、消費意欲は減退する恐れがある。
As the planned consumption tax hike is expected to increase the perceived burden on low-income earners, the ruling parties seem to have tried to alleviate the sense of unfairness by imposing increased tax burdens on high-income earners.
消費増税で低所得者の負担感が増すため、与党は、高所得者への課税強化で不公平感を和らげることを狙ったようだ。
Fast and sloppy
◆拙速な所得控除見直し
However, full-scale discussions on the reexamination of tax deductions were conducted for merely a week. It cannot be helped if the ruling parties are criticized for targeting company employees, whose income can be easily ascertained, unlike that of the self-employed, to ensure tax revenue.
だが、控除見直しを巡る本格的な議論は、わずか１週間だった。自営業者と違い、収入を把握しやすい会社員を狙い撃ちするのでは「取りやすいところから取る」と批判されても仕方がない。
Quite a few people are increasingly dissatisfied over the fact that the ruling parties quickly decided on a tax hike for salaried workers while not presenting a time frame for introducing the reduced consumption tax rates.
軽減税率の導入時期を示さない一方で、サラリーマン増税を即決したことに、不満を募らせる人も少なくないだろう。
In the case of taxation on automobiles, the tax hike for light motor vehicles was incorporated into the outline of tax system revisions as a measure to secure fiscal resources needed to phase out the automobile acquisition tax from next fiscal year.
自動車課税では、購入時に課す自動車取得税を来年度から段階的に縮小・廃止するための財源確保策として、軽自動車税の増税などを盛り込んだ。
The tax on light vehicles is less than that on compact cars. As long as light vehicles also impose burdens on roads and the environment, it is unavoidable for the light vehicle tax to be raised in line with the beneficiary-to-pay principle.
軽自動車税は、小型車の税金に比べて納税者の負担が軽い。軽自動車も道路や環境に負荷をかける以上、受益者負担として引き上げられるのはやむを得まい。
In regard to lowering the corporate tax, which was regarded as a centerpiece of the government’s growth strategy, the outline said merely that the matter will “continue to be studied.” Discussions on concrete measures such as the timing and margin for a tax cut have not deepened.
成長戦略の目玉とされた法人税率の引き下げは、「引き続き検討を進める」と記しただけで、減税の時期や引き下げ幅などの具体論は深まらなかった。
Japan’s corporate tax rates—even if excluding the special corporate tax for reconstruction from the 2011 disaster, which is planned to be abolished at the end of fiscal 2013, one year ahead of schedule as an economic measure—are higher than those in Europe and many other Asian countries.
しかし、経済対策で１年前倒し廃止が決まった復興特別法人税を除いても、日本の法人税は欧州やアジアの多くの国より高い。
Cut corporate tax urgently
◆法人税率引き下げ急げ
To stem the hollowing out of industry and lure investments from overseas, it will be indispensable to lower corporate tax rates further. The matter must be studied at a faster pace.
産業空洞化に歯止めをかけ、海外から投資を呼び込むため、税率の一層の引き下げが不可欠だ。検討の加速が求められよう。
Companies that will benefit from the early abolition of the special corporate tax for reconstruction should use improved profits for wage hikes and employment expansion, thereby spreading benefits to households.
復興特別法人税の前倒し廃止の恩恵を受ける企業は、収益向上を賃上げや雇用拡大につなげ、家計に波及させていくべきだ。
The outline has also put forth a policy of approving up to 50 percent of entertainment expenses used by big businesses to entertain business partners and clients as necessary expenses with no tax levied.
大綱は、大企業が取引先の接待などに使う交際費の５割までを税務上の経費（損金）として認め、非課税とする方針も掲げた。
It is understandable that the outline aims to expand the tax exemption system, which has been applied to part of the entertainment expenses of small and midsize companies as impairment costs, to big businesses. We hope sales for drinking and eating establishments will increase by making it easier for firms to increase entertainment expenses and that this will prove effective in curbing the adverse effects of the consumption tax hike.
これまで中小企業の交際費の一部について損金扱いを認めてきた措置を大企業に拡充する狙いは理解できる。企業が交際費を増やしやすくなることで、飲食店などの売り上げが伸び、消費増税の影響を抑える効果に期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 13, 2013)
（2013年12月13日01時39分 読売新聞）
2013/12/15
マンデラ氏死去 今こそ継承したい寛容の精神
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 12, 2013
World must learn from, carry on Mandela’s legacy of forgiveness
マンデラ氏死去 今こそ継承したい寛容の精神（12月12日付・読売社説）
About 100 heads of state and other world leaders mourned the death of Nelson Mandela at a memorial service for the former South African president in Johannesburg on Tuesday, showing how Mandela was revered all around the world.
約１００人の国家元首や首脳級の要人が集い、その死を悼んだ。世界中で尊敬される指導者だった証しである。
Mandela, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate honored for his strenuous fight against apartheid and eventual success in ending his country’s system of racial segregation, died last Thursday. He was 95.
南アフリカで、アパルトヘイト（人種隔離政策）を撤廃に導いて、ノーベル平和賞を受けたネルソン・マンデラ元大統領が、９５歳で死去した。
The global dignitaries at the national memorial service held for Mandela at a stadium in South Africa’s largest city included Crown Prince Naruhito and former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. In a memorial address, U.S. President Barack Obama praised the anti-apartheid icon’s achievements, describing him as “a giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice and in the process moved billions around the world.”
ヨハネスブルクで行われた追悼式には、皇太子さまが、福田康夫元首相とともに参列された。オバマ米大統領は演説で、マンデラ氏を「歴史上の巨人だった。国家を正義に導き、世界の何十億の人々を揺り動かした」と称賛した。
During the second half of the 20th century, Afrikaner whites, the South African minority that ruled the country, repressed the black majority under legislation based on the apartheid policy. Black members of the population did not possess the right to vote and were even restricted in where they could live.
２０世紀後半の南アでは、支配権を握る少数派の白人が、アパルトヘイトに基づき、多数派の黒人を法的に抑圧した。黒人には参政権がなく、居住地も制限された。
A lawyer, Mandela fought racial discrimination in his country after joining the anti-apartheid activities of the African National Congress, then a political party struggling for the freedom of black South Africans. Mandela’s adherence to his cause despite 27 years in prison for treason provokes amazement.
弁護士だったマンデラ氏は、黒人解放組織、アフリカ民族会議（ＡＮＣ）の反アパルトヘイト活動に参加して、人種差別と闘った。反逆罪で、２７年間も獄中生活を強いられたにもかかわらず、節を曲げなかったのは、驚嘆に値する。
The true worth of Mandela’s political leadership was demonstrated when and after he was asked by his nation’s white government to help end apartheid. By that time, the South African government could no longer endure the international sanctions imposed on the country.
マンデラ氏が政治指導者としての真骨頂を発揮したのは、国際社会の制裁に耐えかねた白人政権から、アパルトヘイト撤廃への協力を求められて以降だ。
The power of forgiveness
Mandela ended the ANC’s pursuit of an armed struggle and negotiated with the white government, which resulted in an end to apartheid and a national election open to all races. This enabled the ANC to take the reins of government, with Mandela becoming South Africa’s first black president. However, he urged the black majority not to retaliate against whites.
ＡＮＣの武力闘争路線を終わらせ、政権との交渉で、アパルトヘイト廃止と全人種参加選挙にこぎつけた。ＡＮＣが政権を掌握したのに伴い、黒人として初の大統領に選出されたが、白人に対する報復を強く戒めた。
In his inaugural address as South African president in 1994, Mandela pledged to “build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts.” In fact, the position of vice president was assumed by Mandela’s predecessor, a white president.
１９９４年の大統領就任演説で「黒人や白人ら全ての国民が、胸を張って歩ける社会を建設する」と約束し、副大統領には白人の前大統領が就いた。
Mandela’s spirit of tolerance—with which he sought to transform South Africa into a nation in which all ethnic groups could live in harmony—deeply affected people around the world.
多人種共存を目指す寛容の精神が、世界の人々に深い感銘を与えたと言える。
In 1995, South Africa hosted the rugby World Cup. Mandela cheered for his country’s national team, which comprised mostly white players—an episode that helped create a sense of unity among South Africans. The story was later made into an American film that became known to many people around the world.
南アで開催されたラグビー・ワールドカップ（Ｗ杯）で、白人主体の代表チームを自ら応援し、国民の一体感を育んだ逸話は、映画化され、よく知られている。
Mandela’s achievements also included his successful post-apartheid economic policies, which included efforts to skillfully utilize the vitality of white industrialists instead of depriving them of management rights. He did not persist in his own view that his country’s mines should be placed under state control. All this contributed to economic growth.
白人の企業家から経営権を奪わず、むしろその活力を生かした経済政策も実績である。持論だった鉱山国有化などには固執せず、南アの経済成長につなげた。
However, today South Africa seems to be experiencing what may be regarded as the adverse effects of the ANC’s prolonged rule, including corruption within its administration and abuse of privilege. Little progress has been made in narrowing economic disparities between the white minority and the black majority.
だが、現在の南アでは、ＡＮＣ政権が長期化するに伴い、政権内で腐敗や特権乱用の傾向が目立っている。白人と黒人の間の経済格差の解消も進まない。
Ethnic conflicts and bloodshed attributable to religious differences continue to rage in many parts of the world. Not only South Africans but also people around the world must remind themselves of the precious lessons taught by Mandela.
世界各地では、民族や宗教の違いに根ざす流血が続く。南アに限らず、国際社会全体で、マンデラ氏の残した教訓を改めてかみしめる必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 12, 2013)
（2013年12月12日01時27分 読売新聞）
World must learn from, carry on Mandela’s legacy of forgiveness
マンデラ氏死去 今こそ継承したい寛容の精神（12月12日付・読売社説）
About 100 heads of state and other world leaders mourned the death of Nelson Mandela at a memorial service for the former South African president in Johannesburg on Tuesday, showing how Mandela was revered all around the world.
約１００人の国家元首や首脳級の要人が集い、その死を悼んだ。世界中で尊敬される指導者だった証しである。
Mandela, a Nobel Peace Prize laureate honored for his strenuous fight against apartheid and eventual success in ending his country’s system of racial segregation, died last Thursday. He was 95.
南アフリカで、アパルトヘイト（人種隔離政策）を撤廃に導いて、ノーベル平和賞を受けたネルソン・マンデラ元大統領が、９５歳で死去した。
The global dignitaries at the national memorial service held for Mandela at a stadium in South Africa’s largest city included Crown Prince Naruhito and former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda. In a memorial address, U.S. President Barack Obama praised the anti-apartheid icon’s achievements, describing him as “a giant of history, who moved a nation toward justice and in the process moved billions around the world.”
ヨハネスブルクで行われた追悼式には、皇太子さまが、福田康夫元首相とともに参列された。オバマ米大統領は演説で、マンデラ氏を「歴史上の巨人だった。国家を正義に導き、世界の何十億の人々を揺り動かした」と称賛した。
During the second half of the 20th century, Afrikaner whites, the South African minority that ruled the country, repressed the black majority under legislation based on the apartheid policy. Black members of the population did not possess the right to vote and were even restricted in where they could live.
２０世紀後半の南アでは、支配権を握る少数派の白人が、アパルトヘイトに基づき、多数派の黒人を法的に抑圧した。黒人には参政権がなく、居住地も制限された。
A lawyer, Mandela fought racial discrimination in his country after joining the anti-apartheid activities of the African National Congress, then a political party struggling for the freedom of black South Africans. Mandela’s adherence to his cause despite 27 years in prison for treason provokes amazement.
弁護士だったマンデラ氏は、黒人解放組織、アフリカ民族会議（ＡＮＣ）の反アパルトヘイト活動に参加して、人種差別と闘った。反逆罪で、２７年間も獄中生活を強いられたにもかかわらず、節を曲げなかったのは、驚嘆に値する。
The true worth of Mandela’s political leadership was demonstrated when and after he was asked by his nation’s white government to help end apartheid. By that time, the South African government could no longer endure the international sanctions imposed on the country.
マンデラ氏が政治指導者としての真骨頂を発揮したのは、国際社会の制裁に耐えかねた白人政権から、アパルトヘイト撤廃への協力を求められて以降だ。
The power of forgiveness
Mandela ended the ANC’s pursuit of an armed struggle and negotiated with the white government, which resulted in an end to apartheid and a national election open to all races. This enabled the ANC to take the reins of government, with Mandela becoming South Africa’s first black president. However, he urged the black majority not to retaliate against whites.
ＡＮＣの武力闘争路線を終わらせ、政権との交渉で、アパルトヘイト廃止と全人種参加選挙にこぎつけた。ＡＮＣが政権を掌握したのに伴い、黒人として初の大統領に選出されたが、白人に対する報復を強く戒めた。
In his inaugural address as South African president in 1994, Mandela pledged to “build the society in which all South Africans, both black and white, will be able to walk tall, without any fear in their hearts.” In fact, the position of vice president was assumed by Mandela’s predecessor, a white president.
１９９４年の大統領就任演説で「黒人や白人ら全ての国民が、胸を張って歩ける社会を建設する」と約束し、副大統領には白人の前大統領が就いた。
Mandela’s spirit of tolerance—with which he sought to transform South Africa into a nation in which all ethnic groups could live in harmony—deeply affected people around the world.
多人種共存を目指す寛容の精神が、世界の人々に深い感銘を与えたと言える。
In 1995, South Africa hosted the rugby World Cup. Mandela cheered for his country’s national team, which comprised mostly white players—an episode that helped create a sense of unity among South Africans. The story was later made into an American film that became known to many people around the world.
南アで開催されたラグビー・ワールドカップ（Ｗ杯）で、白人主体の代表チームを自ら応援し、国民の一体感を育んだ逸話は、映画化され、よく知られている。
Mandela’s achievements also included his successful post-apartheid economic policies, which included efforts to skillfully utilize the vitality of white industrialists instead of depriving them of management rights. He did not persist in his own view that his country’s mines should be placed under state control. All this contributed to economic growth.
白人の企業家から経営権を奪わず、むしろその活力を生かした経済政策も実績である。持論だった鉱山国有化などには固執せず、南アの経済成長につなげた。
However, today South Africa seems to be experiencing what may be regarded as the adverse effects of the ANC’s prolonged rule, including corruption within its administration and abuse of privilege. Little progress has been made in narrowing economic disparities between the white minority and the black majority.
だが、現在の南アでは、ＡＮＣ政権が長期化するに伴い、政権内で腐敗や特権乱用の傾向が目立っている。白人と黒人の間の経済格差の解消も進まない。
Ethnic conflicts and bloodshed attributable to religious differences continue to rage in many parts of the world. Not only South Africans but also people around the world must remind themselves of the precious lessons taught by Mandela.
世界各地では、民族や宗教の違いに根ざす流血が続く。南アに限らず、国際社会全体で、マンデラ氏の残した教訓を改めてかみしめる必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 12, 2013)
（2013年12月12日01時27分 読売新聞）
2013/12/13
ＴＰＰ交渉 日米対立が招いた合意先送り
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 11, 2013
Final TPP accord postponed due to conflict between Japan, U.S.
ＴＰＰ交渉 日米対立が招いた合意先送り（12月11日付・読売社説）
As participating countries failed to reconcile a variety of conflicts, including one between Japan and the United States, an accord on creating a new free trade zone in Asia and the Pacific region has been postponed till next year. A rough road lies ahead for the negotiations.
日米などの対立が解けず、アジア太平洋地域での新たな自由貿易圏作りの合意は、来年に先送りされた。交渉の前途は多難である。
A ministerial meeting of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks ended in Singapore on Tuesday.
シンガポールで開かれていた環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の閣僚会合が閉幕した。
Japan, the United States, Australia and nine other nations in the talks abandoned their goal of reaching an accord by the end of this year, which they originally hoped for. The countries will continue intensive discussions and hold a ministerial meeting again in January, they said in a joint statement issued after the meeting.
日米、豪州など１２か国は、当初目指した年内妥結を断念し、「交渉の妥結に向けて集中的に作業を続ける。閣僚会合を１月に開く」との声明を発表した。
As the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama had given the highest priority to reaching a final accord within this year, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman continued pressing Japan and emerging countries on tariff elimination and market liberalization.
オバマ米政権は年内合意を最優先し、フロマン通商代表が、日本や新興国に関税撤廃や市場開放を求める圧力をかけ続けた。
But it is difficult to settle negotiations on issues on which the participants’ interests are complexly tangled. It can be said the latest talks highlighted the reality that the talks will not proceed as Washington hoped.
しかし、参加国の利害が複雑に絡み合う交渉のとりまとめは難しい。米国の思惑通りに進まない現実を浮き彫りにしたと言える。
In particular, the conflict between Japanese and U.S. interests became clear. There is no denying that the conflict between the two countries may have held up negotiations as a whole.
とくに鮮明になったのが日米両国の対立だった。全体の交渉も停滞させた印象が否めない。
Sticking points
The Liberal Democratic Party has been asserting that rice, wheat and barley, and three other sensitive agricultural products should be regarded as “sanctuaries” exempt from tariff elimination. Bearing this in mind, Japan rejected the U.S. call for full tariff elimination, with no exceptions.
自民党はコメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の聖域扱いとするよう主張している。これを踏まえた日本は、全品目の関税撤廃を求める米国の要求を拒否した。
Instead, Japan reportedly proposed, as a concession, to the U.S. side that it would raise its liberalization rate—the percentage of trade items that will be tariff-free—to about 95 percent. But the United States reportedly rejected the proposal.
その代わり、全品目のうち関税撤廃に応じる自由化率を約９５％に引き上げる譲歩案を提示した模様だが、米国は拒んだという。
On the other hand, Washington, which aims at expanding sales of U.S. automobiles in Japan, called on Tokyo to ease regulations on vehicle safety and environmental standards. But Japan steadily refused.
一方、米国車の販売拡大を目指す米国が日本市場での自動車の安全や環境の基準緩和を求めた点では、日本が拒否を続けた。
With midterm elections slated for next November, the Obama administration, which wants to showcase a final TPP accord as its achievement, is not in a position to make easy compromises.
来年１１月の中間選挙を控え、ＴＰＰ合意を成果としてアピールしたいオバマ政権には、安易に妥協できない事情があるのだろう。
Yet Japan needs to proactively tap into the vitality of fast-growing Asian economies and fuel its own growth, rather than merely maintaining a defensive stance.
だが、日本も守りに徹するだけでなく、成長著しいアジアの活力を取り込み、成長に弾みをつける攻めの姿勢が必要である。
While trying to reinforce the international competitiveness of agriculture, a sector Japan has been called on to liberalize further, the government must make a strategic plan to promote free trade, centering around the TPP.
一層の市場開放を求められる農業の競争力強化を図りつつ、ＴＰＰを軸に自由貿易を推進する戦略を練らなければならない。
Fierce conflicts between the United States and such emerging economies as Malaysia and Vietnam over the protection of intellectual property rights and competition policies can also be cited as reasons why the participating countries gave up on the final accord in Singapore.
シンガポールでの妥結を断念した一因として、知的財産権や競争政策を巡り、米国と、マレーシア、ベトナムなど新興国が激しく対立した事情も挙げられる。
The conflicts among the 12 countries are deep-rooted, so there is little cause for optimism that they will be able to reach an accord at next month’s ministerial meeting. The major focus will be how flexibly the United States can respond to other countries’ assertions.
１２か国の対立は根深く、１月の閣僚会合での決着は楽観できない。米国がどこまで柔軟に対応できるかが最大の焦点になろう。
Meanwhile, South Korea’s next moves deserve close attention, as that country has made clear its intention to participate in the TPP.
注視すべきは、ＴＰＰへの参加意向を表明した韓国の動きだ。
For South Korea to join the negotiations, it needs to win the approval of the 12 participating countries. That could happen as early as the spring. Before that happens, Japan needs to take the lead in formulating the trade rules and aim to reach an early accord to best take advantage of having already been a member.
韓国の合流には１２か国の同意が必要で、早くても来春になるが、日本はその前に貿易ルール作りを主導して早期妥結を図り、先行メリットを生かしたい。
Japan must demonstrate tough bargaining power in pursuit of its national interests.
国益の追求へ、したたかな交渉力が日本に求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2013)
（2013年12月11日01時43分 読売新聞）
Final TPP accord postponed due to conflict between Japan, U.S.
ＴＰＰ交渉 日米対立が招いた合意先送り（12月11日付・読売社説）
As participating countries failed to reconcile a variety of conflicts, including one between Japan and the United States, an accord on creating a new free trade zone in Asia and the Pacific region has been postponed till next year. A rough road lies ahead for the negotiations.
日米などの対立が解けず、アジア太平洋地域での新たな自由貿易圏作りの合意は、来年に先送りされた。交渉の前途は多難である。
A ministerial meeting of the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks ended in Singapore on Tuesday.
シンガポールで開かれていた環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の閣僚会合が閉幕した。
Japan, the United States, Australia and nine other nations in the talks abandoned their goal of reaching an accord by the end of this year, which they originally hoped for. The countries will continue intensive discussions and hold a ministerial meeting again in January, they said in a joint statement issued after the meeting.
日米、豪州など１２か国は、当初目指した年内妥結を断念し、「交渉の妥結に向けて集中的に作業を続ける。閣僚会合を１月に開く」との声明を発表した。
As the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama had given the highest priority to reaching a final accord within this year, U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman continued pressing Japan and emerging countries on tariff elimination and market liberalization.
オバマ米政権は年内合意を最優先し、フロマン通商代表が、日本や新興国に関税撤廃や市場開放を求める圧力をかけ続けた。
But it is difficult to settle negotiations on issues on which the participants’ interests are complexly tangled. It can be said the latest talks highlighted the reality that the talks will not proceed as Washington hoped.
しかし、参加国の利害が複雑に絡み合う交渉のとりまとめは難しい。米国の思惑通りに進まない現実を浮き彫りにしたと言える。
In particular, the conflict between Japanese and U.S. interests became clear. There is no denying that the conflict between the two countries may have held up negotiations as a whole.
とくに鮮明になったのが日米両国の対立だった。全体の交渉も停滞させた印象が否めない。
Sticking points
The Liberal Democratic Party has been asserting that rice, wheat and barley, and three other sensitive agricultural products should be regarded as “sanctuaries” exempt from tariff elimination. Bearing this in mind, Japan rejected the U.S. call for full tariff elimination, with no exceptions.
自民党はコメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の聖域扱いとするよう主張している。これを踏まえた日本は、全品目の関税撤廃を求める米国の要求を拒否した。
Instead, Japan reportedly proposed, as a concession, to the U.S. side that it would raise its liberalization rate—the percentage of trade items that will be tariff-free—to about 95 percent. But the United States reportedly rejected the proposal.
その代わり、全品目のうち関税撤廃に応じる自由化率を約９５％に引き上げる譲歩案を提示した模様だが、米国は拒んだという。
On the other hand, Washington, which aims at expanding sales of U.S. automobiles in Japan, called on Tokyo to ease regulations on vehicle safety and environmental standards. But Japan steadily refused.
一方、米国車の販売拡大を目指す米国が日本市場での自動車の安全や環境の基準緩和を求めた点では、日本が拒否を続けた。
With midterm elections slated for next November, the Obama administration, which wants to showcase a final TPP accord as its achievement, is not in a position to make easy compromises.
来年１１月の中間選挙を控え、ＴＰＰ合意を成果としてアピールしたいオバマ政権には、安易に妥協できない事情があるのだろう。
Yet Japan needs to proactively tap into the vitality of fast-growing Asian economies and fuel its own growth, rather than merely maintaining a defensive stance.
だが、日本も守りに徹するだけでなく、成長著しいアジアの活力を取り込み、成長に弾みをつける攻めの姿勢が必要である。
While trying to reinforce the international competitiveness of agriculture, a sector Japan has been called on to liberalize further, the government must make a strategic plan to promote free trade, centering around the TPP.
一層の市場開放を求められる農業の競争力強化を図りつつ、ＴＰＰを軸に自由貿易を推進する戦略を練らなければならない。
Fierce conflicts between the United States and such emerging economies as Malaysia and Vietnam over the protection of intellectual property rights and competition policies can also be cited as reasons why the participating countries gave up on the final accord in Singapore.
シンガポールでの妥結を断念した一因として、知的財産権や競争政策を巡り、米国と、マレーシア、ベトナムなど新興国が激しく対立した事情も挙げられる。
The conflicts among the 12 countries are deep-rooted, so there is little cause for optimism that they will be able to reach an accord at next month’s ministerial meeting. The major focus will be how flexibly the United States can respond to other countries’ assertions.
１２か国の対立は根深く、１月の閣僚会合での決着は楽観できない。米国がどこまで柔軟に対応できるかが最大の焦点になろう。
Meanwhile, South Korea’s next moves deserve close attention, as that country has made clear its intention to participate in the TPP.
注視すべきは、ＴＰＰへの参加意向を表明した韓国の動きだ。
For South Korea to join the negotiations, it needs to win the approval of the 12 participating countries. That could happen as early as the spring. Before that happens, Japan needs to take the lead in formulating the trade rules and aim to reach an early accord to best take advantage of having already been a member.
韓国の合流には１２か国の同意が必要で、早くても来春になるが、日本はその前に貿易ルール作りを主導して早期妥結を図り、先行メリットを生かしたい。
Japan must demonstrate tough bargaining power in pursuit of its national interests.
国益の追求へ、したたかな交渉力が日本に求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2013)
（2013年12月11日01時43分 読売新聞）
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