The Yomiuri Shimbun May 30, 2013
Create enjoyable environment for primary schoolers to learn English
小学校の英語 楽しく学べる環境を整えたい（5月29日付・読売社説）
If Japan wants to hone its competitive edge overseas, it is essential to foster broad-minded human resources with superb foreign language skills. To do so, the government should improve the nation’s educational environment.
日本の国際競争力を高める上で、豊かな語学力と幅広い視野を備えた人材が求められている。政府は教育環境の整備を進めるべきだ。
The Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, an expert panel under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has compiled a set of proposals that emphasize the necessity of expanding and improving the nation’s English education at all levels, from primary school to university, to foster individuals who can compete globally.
安倍首相直属の教育再生実行会議が、海外で活躍できる人材の育成に向け、小学校から大学に至るまで、英語教育の拡充が必要だとする提言をまとめた。
One noteworthy proposal suggests that the government consider making English a regular subject at primary schools.
注目したいのは、小学校で教える英語を正式な教科とするよう検討を促した点だ。
Since the 2011 academic year, “foreign language activity” has become a required course at primary schools. Now, fifth- and sixth-graders take English classes once a week.
小学校では２０１１年度から「外国語活動」が必修となり、５、６年生が週１回、英語を学んでいる。
The course is aimed at familiarizing students with the language and places emphasis on nurturing basic conversation and listening skills. Unlike middle school English classes, students do not study grammar.
英語に親しみ、慣れるのが目的で、中学校のような文法の指導はしない。初歩的な会話やヒアリングに重点を置いている。
Hurdles remain
As it is not a regular subject, no textbooks are used. While homeroom teachers are charged with leading foreign language activities, most did not receive sufficient instruction on how to teach English during college-level teacher training courses. As a result, many are concerned about their ability to instruct pupils.
正式な教科ではないため、教科書は用いない。教員養成課程で英語の指導法を十分学んでいない学級担任が教えることから、指導力に不安を抱える教師も多い。
We duly understand the aims of upgrading the course into a regular subject, making an English textbook available at primary schools and improving the quality of classes.
教科へ格上げすることで、教科書を作り、授業の質向上につなげようという狙いは理解できる。
However, many hurdles remain.
ただ、課題は多い。
If English is made into a regular subject, student performance must be graded. But is it fitting to give exams in a class that is aimed at familiarizing students with English? If grammar lessons are required, it may cause some students to dislike the subject from the primary school level.
正式な教科にすると、成績評価を行うことになる。その際、英語に親しむための授業で、テストによる評価はなじむだろうか。文法学習まで加わるようになれば、小学校の段階から英語嫌いになる子が出てくるかもしれない。
Enhancing the English skills of primary school teachers cannot be accomplished overnight. In addition to improved teacher training, it is necessary to establish a system in which classes are taught by teachers who specialize in English, or native English-speaking assistant language teachers work together with Japanese teachers.
小学校教師の語学力を高めるのも一朝一夕にはいくまい。研修の充実はもちろん、英語を専門とする専任教師が教えたり、外国人指導助手とチームで指導したりする体制を整えることが大切だ。
In other parts of Asia, such as China, South Korea and Taiwan, students begin learning English when they become third-grade primary school students. Some experts assert that early English education is key to helping students master the language.
他のアジアの国・地域を見ると、中国や韓国、台湾では、小学３年から英語を教えている。早い時期から学習を始めた方が身に着くと主張する専門家もいる。
On the other hand, many people insist that Japanese, the nation’s mother tongue, should be prioritized over learning English. Whether the government should promote an earlier start to English lessons is likely to become a point of contention in the future.
一方、母国語である日本語の習得を優先すべきだとの意見も根強い。実施学年を引き下げるかどうかは今後の争点となろう。
Universities lagging
The panel’s proposals also refer to university education, saying “their lagging globalization has reached a critical state.”
提言は、大学教育にも言及し、「グローバル化の遅れは危機的状況にある」との認識を示した。
The number of Japanese studying overseas is on the decline. There are also fewer foreign students studying in Japan than in the United States and European nations. It is crucial, among other things, to increase the number of courses taught in English to train Japanese students and attract foreigners.
日本人の海外留学生は減少傾向にあり、日本で学ぶ外国人留学生も欧米諸国に比べて少ない。英語を使った講義を増やすなど、日本人学生を鍛え、外国人留学生を呼び込む取り組みが欠かせない。
The panel also suggested TOEFL, a test that gauges the English proficiency of nonnative speakers, and other outside tests be used for university admission and graduation. We believe this idea merits consideration on the basis of prodding students to acquire practical language skills.
提言は、英語を母国語としない人の英語力を測る「ＴＯＥＦＬ」などの外部検定試験を、大学入試や卒業認定の判断材料に活用することも打ち出した。実践的な語学力の習得を促す観点から、検討に値するのではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 29, 2013)
（2013年5月29日02時07分 読売新聞）
2013/05/31
2013/05/30
波乱含みの株価 ひるまずアベノミクスを前に
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 29, 2013
Govt should stick with Abenomics despite volatility in stock market
波乱含みの株価 ひるまずアベノミクスを前に（5月28日付・読売社説）
Stock prices have suddenly turned volatile after steadily soaring on the high regard market players have for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policies, which have been dubbed “Abenomics.”
安倍首相の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を好感し、急上昇してきた株価が、一転して波乱含みになってきた。
People should not overreact to daily market fluctuations. The government and the Bank of Japan should steadily proceed with Abenomics and expedite measures to realize a full recovery of the nation’s economy, whose prospects have become increasingly rosy.
マーケットの日々の変動に、一喜一憂すべきではない。政府と日銀は、アベノミクスを着実に推進し、明るさを増してきた景気の本格的な回復を急ぐべきである。
The key stock average index on the Tokyo market has been stormy since late last week. On Thursday, the index rose to just below 16,000, but then suddenly plunged by more than 1,000 points, triggered by a worsening Chinese economic indicator. On Friday, Tokyo stocks swung wildly.
東京市場の平均株価は先週後半から荒れ模様となった。２３日に１万６０００円の目前まで上昇した後、中国の景気指標悪化をきっかけに１０００円以上も急落した。２４日には激しく乱高下した。
On Monday, the index again sharply dropped 469 points to close at 14,142.
週明けの２７日も、大幅に値を下げ、４６９円安の１万４１４２円で取引を終えた。
Locking in profits
In the current state of the market, wary investors are inclined to sell their stocks to lock in profits after experiencing the rapid rise in stock prices that started last autumn.
昨秋からの急ピッチな株価上昇の息切れを警戒し、市場は利益確保の売りが出やすい状況だ。
It is believed that another factor behind the recent accelerating drops in stock prices is a selling offensive launched by speculators overseas in such things as futures to exploit the bearish mindset of investors.
弱気な投資家心理に乗じて、海外の投機筋が先物などで売り攻勢を仕掛けたことも、下げを加速させているのだろう。
It will be problematic if this unstable market situation continues for a prolonged period and drags down the real economy. The government and the Bank of Japan need to beef up their oversight of market movements.
市場の不安定な状況が長引き、実体経済の足を引っ張るようでは困る。政府と日銀は、市場動向の監視を強める必要がある。
Rises in long-term interest rates also are a cause of concern. It had previously been expected that the rates would decline as the amount of government bonds purchased by the central bank increased under its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing policy. Instead, they have been rising to levels higher than those before the monetary easing.
長期金利の上昇も気がかりだ。日銀の「量的・質的金融緩和」で国債の買い入れ額が上積みされ、長期金利の低下が見込まれたが、逆に緩和前より上昇している。
A continuation of this trend could dilute the effects of monetary easing, putting a damper on firms’ capital investments as well as housing sales, which would result in a cooling down of the economy. The central bank must make all-out efforts to arrest rises in the interest rates.
このままでは、金融緩和の効果が減殺されて設備投資や住宅販売に水を差し、景気を冷やす恐れがある。日銀は金利上昇の阻止に、全力を挙げねばならない。
Rising stock prices and a correction in the appreciation of the yen since autumn can be attributed to the early expectations for Abenomics. We hope the government will give a boost to the economic recovery with concrete measures to solidify market confidence in economic policies.
昨秋からの株高や円高是正は、アベノミクスへの期待が先行してきたといえる。具体的な施策で景気回復を後押しすることで、経済政策に対する市場の信認を確かなものにしたい。
Abe’s strategy for economic growth, or the “third arrow” of Abenomics, is particularly important. To enhance the vigor of the private sector and achieve sustainable growth, it is essential to implement reforms to take on vested interests and change regulations that have prevented the entry of newcomers. Policy measures must also be taken to provide support in such areas as research and development.
特に「３本目の矢」である成長戦略が重要だ。民間活力を高め、持続的成長を実現するには、新規参入を阻む既得権益や規制を改革し、研究開発などを後押しする政策が不可欠である。
We consider it important for the government to hammer out a bold policy and swiftly promote it.
大胆な方針を打ち出し、迅速に推進することが大切だ。
Road map needed
Given the poor track record of the growth strategies of previous administrations, the government should draw up a road map to realize its growth strategy by establishing systems that are powerful enough to neutralize the negative effects that have resulted from the vertically segmented administrative structure of ministries and other government bodies.
歴代政権の成長戦略が成果に乏しかった教訓を踏まえ、府省縦割りの弊害を打破する強力な実施体制を構築し、実現への道筋を示すことが求められる。
Meanwhile, private companies--the main drivers of growth--should positively regard the fact that stock prices soared on prospects for recovery in their performance, backed by the yen’s ongoing depreciation.
主役の民間企業も、円安の進行が追い風となり、業績回復を見込んで株価が急上昇した事実を前向きに受け止めてほしい。
How can they strengthen their profit-earning capacities by opening up new markets with creative and innovative efforts as well as a can-do spirit? They will be tested for their true abilities concerning aggressive business strategies.
創意工夫とチャレンジ精神で新たな市場を開拓し、いかに収益力を強化するか。攻めの経営戦略の真価が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 28, 2013)
（2013年5月28日01時19分 読売新聞）
Govt should stick with Abenomics despite volatility in stock market
波乱含みの株価 ひるまずアベノミクスを前に（5月28日付・読売社説）
Stock prices have suddenly turned volatile after steadily soaring on the high regard market players have for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policies, which have been dubbed “Abenomics.”
安倍首相の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を好感し、急上昇してきた株価が、一転して波乱含みになってきた。
People should not overreact to daily market fluctuations. The government and the Bank of Japan should steadily proceed with Abenomics and expedite measures to realize a full recovery of the nation’s economy, whose prospects have become increasingly rosy.
マーケットの日々の変動に、一喜一憂すべきではない。政府と日銀は、アベノミクスを着実に推進し、明るさを増してきた景気の本格的な回復を急ぐべきである。
The key stock average index on the Tokyo market has been stormy since late last week. On Thursday, the index rose to just below 16,000, but then suddenly plunged by more than 1,000 points, triggered by a worsening Chinese economic indicator. On Friday, Tokyo stocks swung wildly.
東京市場の平均株価は先週後半から荒れ模様となった。２３日に１万６０００円の目前まで上昇した後、中国の景気指標悪化をきっかけに１０００円以上も急落した。２４日には激しく乱高下した。
On Monday, the index again sharply dropped 469 points to close at 14,142.
週明けの２７日も、大幅に値を下げ、４６９円安の１万４１４２円で取引を終えた。
Locking in profits
In the current state of the market, wary investors are inclined to sell their stocks to lock in profits after experiencing the rapid rise in stock prices that started last autumn.
昨秋からの急ピッチな株価上昇の息切れを警戒し、市場は利益確保の売りが出やすい状況だ。
It is believed that another factor behind the recent accelerating drops in stock prices is a selling offensive launched by speculators overseas in such things as futures to exploit the bearish mindset of investors.
弱気な投資家心理に乗じて、海外の投機筋が先物などで売り攻勢を仕掛けたことも、下げを加速させているのだろう。
It will be problematic if this unstable market situation continues for a prolonged period and drags down the real economy. The government and the Bank of Japan need to beef up their oversight of market movements.
市場の不安定な状況が長引き、実体経済の足を引っ張るようでは困る。政府と日銀は、市場動向の監視を強める必要がある。
Rises in long-term interest rates also are a cause of concern. It had previously been expected that the rates would decline as the amount of government bonds purchased by the central bank increased under its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing policy. Instead, they have been rising to levels higher than those before the monetary easing.
長期金利の上昇も気がかりだ。日銀の「量的・質的金融緩和」で国債の買い入れ額が上積みされ、長期金利の低下が見込まれたが、逆に緩和前より上昇している。
A continuation of this trend could dilute the effects of monetary easing, putting a damper on firms’ capital investments as well as housing sales, which would result in a cooling down of the economy. The central bank must make all-out efforts to arrest rises in the interest rates.
このままでは、金融緩和の効果が減殺されて設備投資や住宅販売に水を差し、景気を冷やす恐れがある。日銀は金利上昇の阻止に、全力を挙げねばならない。
Rising stock prices and a correction in the appreciation of the yen since autumn can be attributed to the early expectations for Abenomics. We hope the government will give a boost to the economic recovery with concrete measures to solidify market confidence in economic policies.
昨秋からの株高や円高是正は、アベノミクスへの期待が先行してきたといえる。具体的な施策で景気回復を後押しすることで、経済政策に対する市場の信認を確かなものにしたい。
Abe’s strategy for economic growth, or the “third arrow” of Abenomics, is particularly important. To enhance the vigor of the private sector and achieve sustainable growth, it is essential to implement reforms to take on vested interests and change regulations that have prevented the entry of newcomers. Policy measures must also be taken to provide support in such areas as research and development.
特に「３本目の矢」である成長戦略が重要だ。民間活力を高め、持続的成長を実現するには、新規参入を阻む既得権益や規制を改革し、研究開発などを後押しする政策が不可欠である。
We consider it important for the government to hammer out a bold policy and swiftly promote it.
大胆な方針を打ち出し、迅速に推進することが大切だ。
Road map needed
Given the poor track record of the growth strategies of previous administrations, the government should draw up a road map to realize its growth strategy by establishing systems that are powerful enough to neutralize the negative effects that have resulted from the vertically segmented administrative structure of ministries and other government bodies.
歴代政権の成長戦略が成果に乏しかった教訓を踏まえ、府省縦割りの弊害を打破する強力な実施体制を構築し、実現への道筋を示すことが求められる。
Meanwhile, private companies--the main drivers of growth--should positively regard the fact that stock prices soared on prospects for recovery in their performance, backed by the yen’s ongoing depreciation.
主役の民間企業も、円安の進行が追い風となり、業績回復を見込んで株価が急上昇した事実を前向きに受け止めてほしい。
How can they strengthen their profit-earning capacities by opening up new markets with creative and innovative efforts as well as a can-do spirit? They will be tested for their true abilities concerning aggressive business strategies.
創意工夫とチャレンジ精神で新たな市場を開拓し、いかに収益力を強化するか。攻めの経営戦略の真価が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 28, 2013)
（2013年5月28日01時19分 読売新聞）
2013/05/29
新型ロケット 国際価格競争に勝てる開発を
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 27, 2013
New rocket must be developed to win competition in intl launch market
新型ロケット 国際価格競争に勝てる開発を（5月26日付・読売社説）
This country must not fall behind other nations in the development of new rockets, which has been progressing worldwide.
世界で活気づく新型ロケット開発に日本も後れを取ってはならない。
An expert panel of the Cabinet Office’s Office of National Space Policy, the body tasked with setting the nation’s space development policies, has worked out a plan that calls for the development of a large next-generation rocket to get into full swing in fiscal 2014.
国の宇宙政策を決める内閣府宇宙政策委員会の専門部会が、次世代の大型ロケット開発を来年度から本格化させる方針をまとめた。
The goal is to develop an easy-to-use domestically produced rocket that can be launched at a low cost.
目標は、低コストで使いやすいロケットを開発することだ。
The current domestically made large rocket, the H-2A, costs about 10 billion yen to launch. This is 20 to 30 percent higher than launch costs for large rockets overseas.
現在の国産大型ロケットＨ２Ａは、１回の打ち上げに約１００億円かかる。海外の大型ロケットよりも、２～３割高い。
Lagging behind rivals
The result is that Japan has been performing poorly in the international competition for commercial contracts to launch private-sector satellites for such purposes as telecommunications and broadcasting.
その結果、通信、放送など民間の人工衛星打ち上げ事業の受注で国際的に苦戦している。
Costs to launch satellites, including intelligence-gathering satellites that only Japan can launch because of national security concerns, are inevitably higher than in other countries with rocket-launching capabilities.
安全保障上、他国には依頼できない情報収集衛星などの打ち上げも、割高にならざるを得ない。
Development of a low-cost rocket should be considered an urgent task to help reinvigorate the nation’s space development industries and mitigate the government’s fiscal burden for space programs.
宇宙産業の活性化、財政の負担軽減のため、低コストのロケット開発は急務と言えよう。
The United States, Europe, Russia and China have already begun developing next-generation rockets. This comes at a time when demand for launching satellites has been expanding in recent years in emerging economies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.
米国や欧州、ロシア、中国はすでに新型ロケット開発に乗り出している。アジアやアフリカの新興国で、人工衛星の打ち上げ需要が拡大したことが背景にある。
The H-2A rocket is among the world’s best in terms of performance and boasts a 95.5 percent launch success rate.
Ｈ２Ａは世界最高水準の性能を誇り、打ち上げ成功率も９５・５％と高い。
The challenge facing Japan’s rocket development program is to cut launch costs while keeping the H-2A’s high performance.
高性能のままで、低コストをいかに実現するかが、大きな課題である。
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. have jointly produced a blueprint for the development of a new rocket. The plan reportedly aims to cut current launch costs by half, to about 5 billion yen per launch.
宇宙航空研究開発機構（ＪＡＸＡ）と三菱重工業は、開発計画のたたき台をまとめている。打ち上げ費用の目標は、現在の半分に当たる約５０億円だという。
JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working to develop a completely new engine, the most fundamental element of rocket design. To lower launch costs, the plan reportedly calls for studying the advisability of joint manufacture of engines with U.S. companies and others.
ロケットの根幹部であるエンジンから新規開発に挑む。米企業との共同開発などで量産を図り、単価を下げることも視野にある。
Under the space policy council’s plan, the first launch of the envisioned new rocket will take place in 2020, the year the other rocket-manufacturing countries have set to start launching their new rockets. Specifics of the nation’s rocket development program should be crystallized as promptly as possible.
新型ロケットの打ち上げは、各国が設定した目標年に合わせて２０２０年に始める。計画の具体化を急いでもらいたい。
The space policy expert panel has said the new rocket development project should be undertaken mainly by the private sector, and the involvement of JAXA should be minimized. This could considerably reduce the project’s costs in the aggregate, currently an estimated 190 billion yen, according to the panel.
宇宙政策委の専門部会は、ロケットの開発は民間主導で進め、ＪＡＸＡの関与は最小限にとどめるとしている。これにより、総額１９００億円とされる開発費を圧縮するという。
Make best use of JAXA
Given the stringency of government finances, curbing rocket development expenses is vital.
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、開発予算の抑制は欠かせない。
However, rocket development always faces potential unforeseeable obstacles: If the private sector takes the lead in rocket development, it may be unable to solve such problems as unexpectedly high development expenses and harder-than-expected technical challenges.
一方で、ロケット開発では思わぬトラブルも起きる。予想外に費用を要したり、技術的な難題に直面したりして、民間主導では対処できない事態もあり得る。
JAXA has so far played the leading role in the nation’s space development programs, including its first satellite launch in 1970.
ＪＡＸＡは、１９７０年の初の人工衛星打ち上げなど日本の宇宙開発を先導してきた。
In the wake of the November 1999 failure to launch an H-2 rocket, the predecessor of the H-2A, JAXA effectively identified the causes of the failure and improved the rocket’s design, successfully upgrading its performance.
Ｈ２Ａの前身であるＨ２ロケットの打ち上げ失敗時には、原因究明と改良に取り組み、性能向上を実現した。
In light of this, a system should be created to address the development of the new rocket by suitably combining private- and public-sector strengths to exploit JAXA’s accumulated technology.
ＪＡＸＡの技術の積み上げも生かし、オールジャパンで開発する体制の構築が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 26, 2013)
（2013年5月26日01時38分 読売新聞）
New rocket must be developed to win competition in intl launch market
新型ロケット 国際価格競争に勝てる開発を（5月26日付・読売社説）
This country must not fall behind other nations in the development of new rockets, which has been progressing worldwide.
世界で活気づく新型ロケット開発に日本も後れを取ってはならない。
An expert panel of the Cabinet Office’s Office of National Space Policy, the body tasked with setting the nation’s space development policies, has worked out a plan that calls for the development of a large next-generation rocket to get into full swing in fiscal 2014.
国の宇宙政策を決める内閣府宇宙政策委員会の専門部会が、次世代の大型ロケット開発を来年度から本格化させる方針をまとめた。
The goal is to develop an easy-to-use domestically produced rocket that can be launched at a low cost.
目標は、低コストで使いやすいロケットを開発することだ。
The current domestically made large rocket, the H-2A, costs about 10 billion yen to launch. This is 20 to 30 percent higher than launch costs for large rockets overseas.
現在の国産大型ロケットＨ２Ａは、１回の打ち上げに約１００億円かかる。海外の大型ロケットよりも、２～３割高い。
Lagging behind rivals
The result is that Japan has been performing poorly in the international competition for commercial contracts to launch private-sector satellites for such purposes as telecommunications and broadcasting.
その結果、通信、放送など民間の人工衛星打ち上げ事業の受注で国際的に苦戦している。
Costs to launch satellites, including intelligence-gathering satellites that only Japan can launch because of national security concerns, are inevitably higher than in other countries with rocket-launching capabilities.
安全保障上、他国には依頼できない情報収集衛星などの打ち上げも、割高にならざるを得ない。
Development of a low-cost rocket should be considered an urgent task to help reinvigorate the nation’s space development industries and mitigate the government’s fiscal burden for space programs.
宇宙産業の活性化、財政の負担軽減のため、低コストのロケット開発は急務と言えよう。
The United States, Europe, Russia and China have already begun developing next-generation rockets. This comes at a time when demand for launching satellites has been expanding in recent years in emerging economies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.
米国や欧州、ロシア、中国はすでに新型ロケット開発に乗り出している。アジアやアフリカの新興国で、人工衛星の打ち上げ需要が拡大したことが背景にある。
The H-2A rocket is among the world’s best in terms of performance and boasts a 95.5 percent launch success rate.
Ｈ２Ａは世界最高水準の性能を誇り、打ち上げ成功率も９５・５％と高い。
The challenge facing Japan’s rocket development program is to cut launch costs while keeping the H-2A’s high performance.
高性能のままで、低コストをいかに実現するかが、大きな課題である。
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. have jointly produced a blueprint for the development of a new rocket. The plan reportedly aims to cut current launch costs by half, to about 5 billion yen per launch.
宇宙航空研究開発機構（ＪＡＸＡ）と三菱重工業は、開発計画のたたき台をまとめている。打ち上げ費用の目標は、現在の半分に当たる約５０億円だという。
JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working to develop a completely new engine, the most fundamental element of rocket design. To lower launch costs, the plan reportedly calls for studying the advisability of joint manufacture of engines with U.S. companies and others.
ロケットの根幹部であるエンジンから新規開発に挑む。米企業との共同開発などで量産を図り、単価を下げることも視野にある。
Under the space policy council’s plan, the first launch of the envisioned new rocket will take place in 2020, the year the other rocket-manufacturing countries have set to start launching their new rockets. Specifics of the nation’s rocket development program should be crystallized as promptly as possible.
新型ロケットの打ち上げは、各国が設定した目標年に合わせて２０２０年に始める。計画の具体化を急いでもらいたい。
The space policy expert panel has said the new rocket development project should be undertaken mainly by the private sector, and the involvement of JAXA should be minimized. This could considerably reduce the project’s costs in the aggregate, currently an estimated 190 billion yen, according to the panel.
宇宙政策委の専門部会は、ロケットの開発は民間主導で進め、ＪＡＸＡの関与は最小限にとどめるとしている。これにより、総額１９００億円とされる開発費を圧縮するという。
Make best use of JAXA
Given the stringency of government finances, curbing rocket development expenses is vital.
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、開発予算の抑制は欠かせない。
However, rocket development always faces potential unforeseeable obstacles: If the private sector takes the lead in rocket development, it may be unable to solve such problems as unexpectedly high development expenses and harder-than-expected technical challenges.
一方で、ロケット開発では思わぬトラブルも起きる。予想外に費用を要したり、技術的な難題に直面したりして、民間主導では対処できない事態もあり得る。
JAXA has so far played the leading role in the nation’s space development programs, including its first satellite launch in 1970.
ＪＡＸＡは、１９７０年の初の人工衛星打ち上げなど日本の宇宙開発を先導してきた。
In the wake of the November 1999 failure to launch an H-2 rocket, the predecessor of the H-2A, JAXA effectively identified the causes of the failure and improved the rocket’s design, successfully upgrading its performance.
Ｈ２Ａの前身であるＨ２ロケットの打ち上げ失敗時には、原因究明と改良に取り組み、性能向上を実現した。
In light of this, a system should be created to address the development of the new rocket by suitably combining private- and public-sector strengths to exploit JAXA’s accumulated technology.
ＪＡＸＡの技術の積み上げも生かし、オールジャパンで開発する体制の構築が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 26, 2013)
（2013年5月26日01時38分 読売新聞）
2013/05/28
ミャンマー訪問 経済支援で日本の存在感を
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 28, 2013
Boost Japan's presence in Myanmar using leverage of economic aid
ミャンマー訪問 経済支援で日本の存在感を（5月27日付・読売社説）
Japan has come out with a massive assistance package for Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country pushing forward with democratization and economic reforms. This is part of Japan’s strategic arrangements for carving out a new market in Asia.
民主化と経済改革を進めるミャンマーに対し、日本が大型支援を表明した。アジアの新市場を開拓する布石でもある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Myanmar and held talks Sunday with President Thein Sein in the capital, Naypyidaw.
安倍首相がミャンマーを訪問し、テイン・セイン大統領と会談した。
Abe’s official visit is historic because it is the first to Myanmar by a Japanese prime minister in 36 years. The last prime minister to set foot there was Takeo Fukuda in 1977.
日本の首相としては、１９７７年の福田首相以来３６年ぶりの歴史的訪問だ。
Abe praised the Myanmar president’s reform efforts, and said Japan is willing to “support Myanmar’s nation-building endeavors by extending all possible assistance from both the public and private sectors.”
首相は大統領の改革を前向きに評価し、「官民の力を総動員し、国造りを応援する」と語った。
Specifically, Abe pledged to forgive 300 billion yen of the debts Myanmar owes Japan, and offered 91 billion yen in official development assistance for such purposes as developing an industrial park that will become a hub for Japanese companies in the swiftly emerging country.
具体的には、ミャンマーへの債権のうち３０００億円を帳消しとし、日本企業の拠点となる工業団地開発などに９１０億円の政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を拠出する。
Abe as ‘top salesman’
Abe expressed the government’s readiness to work in tandem with the private sector to develop Myanmar’s infrastructure, such as a large electricity generation plant, an electricity supply grid and a high-speed communication network.
大型発電所や電力供給網、高速通信網などの整備でも、民間と連携して支援する方針を示した。
Following its transition to a democratic government in March 2011, Myanmar has been drawing attention from all over the world as an attractive investment destination. Competition has been intensifying between many nations, including the United States, seeking to make inroads into Myanmar’s market.
民政移管後のミャンマーは、有力な投資先として世界中から注目され、米国をはじめ各国の進出競争が勢いを増している。
Abe has played the role of “top salesman” to help Japanese firms expand their business to Myanmar.
首相は、日本企業の進出促進に向けてトップセールスを図ったといえる。
The Myanmar president was quoted as expressing gratitude for Japan’s generosity, and stressed the importance of investment in Myanmar by Japanese companies.
大統領は謝意を示すと共に、日本の投資の重要性を強調した。
Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including natural gas, and a high-quality labor force as well as high market growth potential, Myanmar has often been dubbed Asia’s “last frontier.”
ミャンマーは、天然ガスなどの資源に恵まれ、労働力の質と市場の潜在力の高さから、「アジア最後のフロンティア」といわれる。
Japan’s cooperation for improving Myanmar’s straggling infrastructure will likely give a major boost to the development of its economy.
立ち遅れている社会基盤（インフラ）整備への日本の協力は、経済発展を大きく後押ししよう。
Abe told reporters the government hopes “Japan’s infrastructure-related exports to Myanmar, like those to Russia and the Middle East, will lead to growth in Japan’s economy.” Myanmar will certainly figure prominently in the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
首相は「ロシア、中東に続き、ミャンマーへのインフラ輸出も日本の成長につなげたい」と記者団に述べた。安倍政権の成長戦略の中で、ミャンマーは重要な位置を占めることになる。
Abe also told the president that Japan intends to help Myanmar improve its legal system and enhance its human resources.
首相は大統領に、法整備や人材育成を支援する意向を伝えた。
To ensure this wide-ranging economic assistance to Myanmar proves truly effective, improving that country’s legal system will be essential for creating an environment that attracts investment and for acquiring know-how about running businesses.
多様な経済支援を実効あるものにするには、ミャンマーの投資環境や企業運営などに関する法整備が必要だ。
Abe’s commitment to a program under which about 1,000 young people from Myanmar are to be invited to Japan will be effective in this respect.
ミャンマーから１０００人規模の青年を日本に招待する取り組みは効果的だ。
Both leaders reached an accord on bilateral cooperation for measures to eliminate poverty among Myanmar’s ethnic minorities. We hope the agreement paves the way for resolving human rights problems in Myanmar.
両首脳は、少数民族の貧困撲滅対策への協力でも一致した。人権問題の解決につなげたい。
Bolstering security ties
In addition, the two leaders agreed to bolster bilateral security cooperation. The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s “training squadron” is expected to make a port call in Myanmar for the first time, a move that will activate security interchanges between the two countries. This is extremely significant.
安全保障協力の強化でも合意した。海上自衛隊の「練習艦隊」がミャンマーに初めて寄港するなど、防衛交流が活発化する見通しだ。その意義は小さくない。
Tucked between China and India, Myanmar sits in a geopolitically important area. In 2014, Myanmar will chair meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
中国とインドの間に位置するミャンマーは、地政学的に要衝の地である。来年は東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の議長国だ。
Strengthening ties with Myanmar, which has changed course from leaning toward China, is in line with Abe’s diplomatic stance that advocates democracy and freedom.
中国寄りの外交から転換したミャンマーとの関係強化は、安倍首相が掲げる民主主義や自由を重視する外交路線とも重なる。
Pursuing this line should help hold in check a China that has become increasingly assertive both militarily and economically.
軍事、経済面で自己主張を強める中国への牽制(けんせい)にもなるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 27, 2013)
（2013年5月27日01時38分 読売新聞）
Boost Japan's presence in Myanmar using leverage of economic aid
ミャンマー訪問 経済支援で日本の存在感を（5月27日付・読売社説）
Japan has come out with a massive assistance package for Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country pushing forward with democratization and economic reforms. This is part of Japan’s strategic arrangements for carving out a new market in Asia.
民主化と経済改革を進めるミャンマーに対し、日本が大型支援を表明した。アジアの新市場を開拓する布石でもある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Myanmar and held talks Sunday with President Thein Sein in the capital, Naypyidaw.
安倍首相がミャンマーを訪問し、テイン・セイン大統領と会談した。
Abe’s official visit is historic because it is the first to Myanmar by a Japanese prime minister in 36 years. The last prime minister to set foot there was Takeo Fukuda in 1977.
日本の首相としては、１９７７年の福田首相以来３６年ぶりの歴史的訪問だ。
Abe praised the Myanmar president’s reform efforts, and said Japan is willing to “support Myanmar’s nation-building endeavors by extending all possible assistance from both the public and private sectors.”
首相は大統領の改革を前向きに評価し、「官民の力を総動員し、国造りを応援する」と語った。
Specifically, Abe pledged to forgive 300 billion yen of the debts Myanmar owes Japan, and offered 91 billion yen in official development assistance for such purposes as developing an industrial park that will become a hub for Japanese companies in the swiftly emerging country.
具体的には、ミャンマーへの債権のうち３０００億円を帳消しとし、日本企業の拠点となる工業団地開発などに９１０億円の政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を拠出する。
Abe as ‘top salesman’
Abe expressed the government’s readiness to work in tandem with the private sector to develop Myanmar’s infrastructure, such as a large electricity generation plant, an electricity supply grid and a high-speed communication network.
大型発電所や電力供給網、高速通信網などの整備でも、民間と連携して支援する方針を示した。
Following its transition to a democratic government in March 2011, Myanmar has been drawing attention from all over the world as an attractive investment destination. Competition has been intensifying between many nations, including the United States, seeking to make inroads into Myanmar’s market.
民政移管後のミャンマーは、有力な投資先として世界中から注目され、米国をはじめ各国の進出競争が勢いを増している。
Abe has played the role of “top salesman” to help Japanese firms expand their business to Myanmar.
首相は、日本企業の進出促進に向けてトップセールスを図ったといえる。
The Myanmar president was quoted as expressing gratitude for Japan’s generosity, and stressed the importance of investment in Myanmar by Japanese companies.
大統領は謝意を示すと共に、日本の投資の重要性を強調した。
Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including natural gas, and a high-quality labor force as well as high market growth potential, Myanmar has often been dubbed Asia’s “last frontier.”
ミャンマーは、天然ガスなどの資源に恵まれ、労働力の質と市場の潜在力の高さから、「アジア最後のフロンティア」といわれる。
Japan’s cooperation for improving Myanmar’s straggling infrastructure will likely give a major boost to the development of its economy.
立ち遅れている社会基盤（インフラ）整備への日本の協力は、経済発展を大きく後押ししよう。
Abe told reporters the government hopes “Japan’s infrastructure-related exports to Myanmar, like those to Russia and the Middle East, will lead to growth in Japan’s economy.” Myanmar will certainly figure prominently in the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
首相は「ロシア、中東に続き、ミャンマーへのインフラ輸出も日本の成長につなげたい」と記者団に述べた。安倍政権の成長戦略の中で、ミャンマーは重要な位置を占めることになる。
Abe also told the president that Japan intends to help Myanmar improve its legal system and enhance its human resources.
首相は大統領に、法整備や人材育成を支援する意向を伝えた。
To ensure this wide-ranging economic assistance to Myanmar proves truly effective, improving that country’s legal system will be essential for creating an environment that attracts investment and for acquiring know-how about running businesses.
多様な経済支援を実効あるものにするには、ミャンマーの投資環境や企業運営などに関する法整備が必要だ。
Abe’s commitment to a program under which about 1,000 young people from Myanmar are to be invited to Japan will be effective in this respect.
ミャンマーから１０００人規模の青年を日本に招待する取り組みは効果的だ。
Both leaders reached an accord on bilateral cooperation for measures to eliminate poverty among Myanmar’s ethnic minorities. We hope the agreement paves the way for resolving human rights problems in Myanmar.
両首脳は、少数民族の貧困撲滅対策への協力でも一致した。人権問題の解決につなげたい。
Bolstering security ties
In addition, the two leaders agreed to bolster bilateral security cooperation. The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s “training squadron” is expected to make a port call in Myanmar for the first time, a move that will activate security interchanges between the two countries. This is extremely significant.
安全保障協力の強化でも合意した。海上自衛隊の「練習艦隊」がミャンマーに初めて寄港するなど、防衛交流が活発化する見通しだ。その意義は小さくない。
Tucked between China and India, Myanmar sits in a geopolitically important area. In 2014, Myanmar will chair meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
中国とインドの間に位置するミャンマーは、地政学的に要衝の地である。来年は東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の議長国だ。
Strengthening ties with Myanmar, which has changed course from leaning toward China, is in line with Abe’s diplomatic stance that advocates democracy and freedom.
中国寄りの外交から転換したミャンマーとの関係強化は、安倍首相が掲げる民主主義や自由を重視する外交路線とも重なる。
Pursuing this line should help hold in check a China that has become increasingly assertive both militarily and economically.
軍事、経済面で自己主張を強める中国への牽制(けんせい)にもなるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 27, 2013)
（2013年5月27日01時38分 読売新聞）
2013/05/27
共通番号法成立 公正な社会保障へ大きな一歩
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 26, 2013
My Number step toward fair, effective way to manage social security system
共通番号法成立 公正な社会保障へ大きな一歩（5月25日付・読売社説）
◆情報漏えい対策に万全を期せ◆
The key foundation for the government to fairly and effectively impose taxes and provide social security benefits is finally set to be established.
公正で効率的な課税や社会保障給付を行う重要な基盤が、ようやく整うことになった。
It is vital to thoroughly inform people of the new system and make it conducive to improving convenience for the public.
国民に周知徹底し、利便性の向上に役立てることが肝要だ。
At a plenary session Friday, the House of Councillors passed bills for the so-called My Number system, under which people will be given identification numbers. The bills were supported by three major parties--the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan--and other parties. With the legislation passed into law, the system will start operating in 2016.
全国民に番号を割り振る共通番号制度関連法（マイナンバー法）が参院本会議で、自民、公明、民主３党などの賛成多数で可決、成立した。２０１６年からシステムの運用が始まる。
Most developed countries already have similar numbering systems. Japan lagged in taking such a step, but we welcome the fact that a numbering system will be launched in Japan, too.
既にほとんどの先進国が共通番号制度を取り入れている。後れを取ったとはいえ、日本でも導入されることを歓迎したい。
Public concerns eased
◆薄らいだ国民の不安感◆
The My Number system is intended to allow administrative bodies to better manage social security and taxation information by issuing a number card with a facial photo and an IC chip to Japanese citizens.
共通番号制度は、顔写真やＩＣ（集積回路）チップの入った「個人番号カード」を国民一人ひとりに交付し、行政機関が社会保障給付や納税を管理する仕組みだ。
Under the system, personal information about multiple subjects can be obtained simply with the individually assigned numbers. This is expected to improve the efficiency of administrative work.
この制度を使えば、個人の複数の情報を共通番号で「名寄せ」することによって、行政事務の効率化を図ることができる。
The system can integrate records of people’s income and benefits they receive and premiums they pay for pension, health care and nursing care.
所得のほかに、年金、医療、介護の保険料負担、給付などの記録を結びつけることが可能になる。
It is likely to help prevent failure to pay pension benefits and other administrative errors. To provide substantial administrative services, this system is essential.
年金の支給漏れの防止などにも役立つだろう。きめ細かい行政サービスを実現するためには、欠かせない制度である。
The benefits are also significant for citizens, as they will not be required to submit documents such as residence and income certificates when applying for pension and other welfare benefits. The system will enable cardholders to check their own records of pension and tax payments on computers.
国民にとっても、年金給付の申請の際、住民票や所得証明書が不要になるなど、メリットは大きい。パソコンで自分の年金や納税の状況を調べることもできる。
Previously, the introduction of such a system had met with criticism, with opponents saying personal information might not be secure. They also complained that a national code-number system would allow the uniform management of personal data by the government.
以前は、「個人情報流出の恐れがある」「国が個人情報を一元管理する国民総背番号制だ」といった拒否反応が強かった。
The My Number system bills were enacted in light of the stable operation of the Basic Resident Registration Network, or Juki Net, which was launched in 2002.
今回の共通番号法が成立した背景としては、２００２年に稼働した住民基本台帳ネットワークシステムが、安定的に運用されていることが挙げられる。
Juki Net, which enables the sharing of personal records nationwide by numbering all Japanese citizens, has improved public services for people and the efficiency of administrative work. For the more than 10 years since its introduction, the system has seen no serious information leaks or other trouble. This apparently has eased public concerns over the new system.
全住民にコード番号を付け、全国ネットで結んだこのシステムは、住民サービスの向上と行政事務の効率化で実績を上げている。１０年以上、深刻な情報漏れ事故も起きていない。国民の不安感は薄らいだと言えよう。
The new common number system will be set up based on Juki Net.
共通番号制度は、住基ネットのシステムを土台に構築される。
The fact that the DPJ, which had opposed the introduction of Juki Net, came to power in 2009 could be a big factor behind the legislation of the common number system. The administration of Yoshihiko Noda compiled bills for the system based on its policy of promoting integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, highlighting a consumption tax hike.
住基ネットに反対していた民主党が、０９年に政権についたことも共通番号の法制化の大きな要因と言える。野田内閣は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を打ち出す中で、共通番号法案をまとめた。
The bills cleared the Diet on Friday after being revised by the LDP, New Komeito and the DPJ. The three parties are responsible for pushing social security reforms together.
これを自公民３党で修正したのが今回の共通番号法である。社会保障の改革は、３党が協調して進めていく責任がある。
The application of the common number system will be limited to social security and tax procedures for the time being. Care must be taken in applying the system while attaching importance to protection of personal information.
共通番号制度の利用範囲は当面、個人情報の保護を重視し、社会保障や税の手続きに限定される。まずは運用に慎重を期すということだろう。
Medical care applications
◆利用範囲の拡大検討を◆
The convenience of the system can be further enhanced if its application is extended to medical care information.
診療情報などに利用範囲を広げれば、利便性はさらに高まる。
Resident cards and clinical records were lost after local government offices and hospitals were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, hampering work to rescue disaster victims. If the common number system is used in such an event, access from anywhere in the country would make it possible to confirm victims’ medical history and provide adequate treatment promptly.
東日本大震災の際、被災した役場や病院で住民票情報やカルテが失われ、被災者の救援に支障が生じた。共通番号を使えば、全国どこからでも被災者の病歴や服薬歴を確認でき、適切な治療を速やかに行えるのではないか。
In ordinary times, use of the system would make it possible for patients to avoid duplication of examinations and medication at two or more hospitals. It would also help prevent the risk of prescribing two or more incompatible medicines to the same patient, which could cause dangerous interactions.
災害時でなくても、患者が複数の病院で重複して検査や投薬を受ける無駄を省ける。副作用の恐れがある薬の「飲み合わせ」防止にも活用できよう。
The government is studying a plan to introduce a system to cap each household’s expenses for medical treatment, nursing care and child care, thereby curbing their copayments. The common number system is indispensable to achieve this goal.
政府は、医療や介護、保育などの費用総額に、世帯ごとに上限を設け、自己負担額を抑える制度の導入を検討している。その実現にも共通番号は欠かせない。
The new law stipulates that expansion of the range for application will be studied three years after the law is enforced. The government must strive to realize an effective application of the system.
新法は付則に、施行から３年をメドに利用範囲の拡大を検討すると明記している。政府は、制度の有効活用を図らねばならない。
In the United States, where the Social Security number system is in place, a number of scams have occurred in which numbers were stolen to take out loans in identity-theft crimes.
ただ、社会保障番号を導入している米国では、番号が盗用され、勝手にローンを組まれる「なりすまし」被害が多発している。
And in South Korea, resident registration numbers were leaked via the Internet, resulting in a number of cases of fraud in which identity thieves bought things using others’ numbers.
韓国でも、住民登録番号がインターネット上に流出し、他人が番号を使って買い物をするなどの詐欺事件が相次いだ。
In both cases, insufficient effort was made to ensure proper identification to protect against identity theft.
いずれも本人確認が不徹底なために起きた問題だ。
A credible system eyed
◆信頼性の高い制度に◆
Drawing a lesson from these cases, the government must work out countermeasures.
こうした事例を他山の石として、対策を講じてもらいたい。
To help prevent identity theft and other crimes, the new law stipulates that individual number cards with ID photos should be presented for over-the-counter identification. The law also stipulates penalties for those who leak information outside.
新法は、被害防止のため、窓口などでの本人確認は、顔写真入りの個人番号カードで行うよう定めている。情報を外部に漏らした場合の罰則も規定した。
As a third-party organization with a high degree of independence, a specific personal information protection commission will be established. The planned body will have strong investigative authority and be empowered to issue recommendations and orders if irregularities are discovered.
さらに、独立性の高い第三者機関として、「特定個人情報保護委員会」が新設される。強い調査権限を持ち、不正があった場合には勧告や命令ができる。
All possible measures must be taken to ensure adequate management of personal information so that the common numbering system will be trusted by the people.
個人情報の管理に万全を期し、国民から信頼される共通番号制度にする必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 25, 2013)
（2013年5月25日01時15分 読売新聞）
My Number step toward fair, effective way to manage social security system
共通番号法成立 公正な社会保障へ大きな一歩（5月25日付・読売社説）
◆情報漏えい対策に万全を期せ◆
The key foundation for the government to fairly and effectively impose taxes and provide social security benefits is finally set to be established.
公正で効率的な課税や社会保障給付を行う重要な基盤が、ようやく整うことになった。
It is vital to thoroughly inform people of the new system and make it conducive to improving convenience for the public.
国民に周知徹底し、利便性の向上に役立てることが肝要だ。
At a plenary session Friday, the House of Councillors passed bills for the so-called My Number system, under which people will be given identification numbers. The bills were supported by three major parties--the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan--and other parties. With the legislation passed into law, the system will start operating in 2016.
全国民に番号を割り振る共通番号制度関連法（マイナンバー法）が参院本会議で、自民、公明、民主３党などの賛成多数で可決、成立した。２０１６年からシステムの運用が始まる。
Most developed countries already have similar numbering systems. Japan lagged in taking such a step, but we welcome the fact that a numbering system will be launched in Japan, too.
既にほとんどの先進国が共通番号制度を取り入れている。後れを取ったとはいえ、日本でも導入されることを歓迎したい。
Public concerns eased
◆薄らいだ国民の不安感◆
The My Number system is intended to allow administrative bodies to better manage social security and taxation information by issuing a number card with a facial photo and an IC chip to Japanese citizens.
共通番号制度は、顔写真やＩＣ（集積回路）チップの入った「個人番号カード」を国民一人ひとりに交付し、行政機関が社会保障給付や納税を管理する仕組みだ。
Under the system, personal information about multiple subjects can be obtained simply with the individually assigned numbers. This is expected to improve the efficiency of administrative work.
この制度を使えば、個人の複数の情報を共通番号で「名寄せ」することによって、行政事務の効率化を図ることができる。
The system can integrate records of people’s income and benefits they receive and premiums they pay for pension, health care and nursing care.
所得のほかに、年金、医療、介護の保険料負担、給付などの記録を結びつけることが可能になる。
It is likely to help prevent failure to pay pension benefits and other administrative errors. To provide substantial administrative services, this system is essential.
年金の支給漏れの防止などにも役立つだろう。きめ細かい行政サービスを実現するためには、欠かせない制度である。
The benefits are also significant for citizens, as they will not be required to submit documents such as residence and income certificates when applying for pension and other welfare benefits. The system will enable cardholders to check their own records of pension and tax payments on computers.
国民にとっても、年金給付の申請の際、住民票や所得証明書が不要になるなど、メリットは大きい。パソコンで自分の年金や納税の状況を調べることもできる。
Previously, the introduction of such a system had met with criticism, with opponents saying personal information might not be secure. They also complained that a national code-number system would allow the uniform management of personal data by the government.
以前は、「個人情報流出の恐れがある」「国が個人情報を一元管理する国民総背番号制だ」といった拒否反応が強かった。
The My Number system bills were enacted in light of the stable operation of the Basic Resident Registration Network, or Juki Net, which was launched in 2002.
今回の共通番号法が成立した背景としては、２００２年に稼働した住民基本台帳ネットワークシステムが、安定的に運用されていることが挙げられる。
Juki Net, which enables the sharing of personal records nationwide by numbering all Japanese citizens, has improved public services for people and the efficiency of administrative work. For the more than 10 years since its introduction, the system has seen no serious information leaks or other trouble. This apparently has eased public concerns over the new system.
全住民にコード番号を付け、全国ネットで結んだこのシステムは、住民サービスの向上と行政事務の効率化で実績を上げている。１０年以上、深刻な情報漏れ事故も起きていない。国民の不安感は薄らいだと言えよう。
The new common number system will be set up based on Juki Net.
共通番号制度は、住基ネットのシステムを土台に構築される。
The fact that the DPJ, which had opposed the introduction of Juki Net, came to power in 2009 could be a big factor behind the legislation of the common number system. The administration of Yoshihiko Noda compiled bills for the system based on its policy of promoting integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, highlighting a consumption tax hike.
住基ネットに反対していた民主党が、０９年に政権についたことも共通番号の法制化の大きな要因と言える。野田内閣は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を打ち出す中で、共通番号法案をまとめた。
The bills cleared the Diet on Friday after being revised by the LDP, New Komeito and the DPJ. The three parties are responsible for pushing social security reforms together.
これを自公民３党で修正したのが今回の共通番号法である。社会保障の改革は、３党が協調して進めていく責任がある。
The application of the common number system will be limited to social security and tax procedures for the time being. Care must be taken in applying the system while attaching importance to protection of personal information.
共通番号制度の利用範囲は当面、個人情報の保護を重視し、社会保障や税の手続きに限定される。まずは運用に慎重を期すということだろう。
Medical care applications
◆利用範囲の拡大検討を◆
The convenience of the system can be further enhanced if its application is extended to medical care information.
診療情報などに利用範囲を広げれば、利便性はさらに高まる。
Resident cards and clinical records were lost after local government offices and hospitals were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, hampering work to rescue disaster victims. If the common number system is used in such an event, access from anywhere in the country would make it possible to confirm victims’ medical history and provide adequate treatment promptly.
東日本大震災の際、被災した役場や病院で住民票情報やカルテが失われ、被災者の救援に支障が生じた。共通番号を使えば、全国どこからでも被災者の病歴や服薬歴を確認でき、適切な治療を速やかに行えるのではないか。
In ordinary times, use of the system would make it possible for patients to avoid duplication of examinations and medication at two or more hospitals. It would also help prevent the risk of prescribing two or more incompatible medicines to the same patient, which could cause dangerous interactions.
災害時でなくても、患者が複数の病院で重複して検査や投薬を受ける無駄を省ける。副作用の恐れがある薬の「飲み合わせ」防止にも活用できよう。
The government is studying a plan to introduce a system to cap each household’s expenses for medical treatment, nursing care and child care, thereby curbing their copayments. The common number system is indispensable to achieve this goal.
政府は、医療や介護、保育などの費用総額に、世帯ごとに上限を設け、自己負担額を抑える制度の導入を検討している。その実現にも共通番号は欠かせない。
The new law stipulates that expansion of the range for application will be studied three years after the law is enforced. The government must strive to realize an effective application of the system.
新法は付則に、施行から３年をメドに利用範囲の拡大を検討すると明記している。政府は、制度の有効活用を図らねばならない。
In the United States, where the Social Security number system is in place, a number of scams have occurred in which numbers were stolen to take out loans in identity-theft crimes.
ただ、社会保障番号を導入している米国では、番号が盗用され、勝手にローンを組まれる「なりすまし」被害が多発している。
And in South Korea, resident registration numbers were leaked via the Internet, resulting in a number of cases of fraud in which identity thieves bought things using others’ numbers.
韓国でも、住民登録番号がインターネット上に流出し、他人が番号を使って買い物をするなどの詐欺事件が相次いだ。
In both cases, insufficient effort was made to ensure proper identification to protect against identity theft.
いずれも本人確認が不徹底なために起きた問題だ。
A credible system eyed
◆信頼性の高い制度に◆
Drawing a lesson from these cases, the government must work out countermeasures.
こうした事例を他山の石として、対策を講じてもらいたい。
To help prevent identity theft and other crimes, the new law stipulates that individual number cards with ID photos should be presented for over-the-counter identification. The law also stipulates penalties for those who leak information outside.
新法は、被害防止のため、窓口などでの本人確認は、顔写真入りの個人番号カードで行うよう定めている。情報を外部に漏らした場合の罰則も規定した。
As a third-party organization with a high degree of independence, a specific personal information protection commission will be established. The planned body will have strong investigative authority and be empowered to issue recommendations and orders if irregularities are discovered.
さらに、独立性の高い第三者機関として、「特定個人情報保護委員会」が新設される。強い調査権限を持ち、不正があった場合には勧告や命令ができる。
All possible measures must be taken to ensure adequate management of personal information so that the common numbering system will be trusted by the people.
個人情報の管理に万全を期し、国民から信頼される共通番号制度にする必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 25, 2013)
（2013年5月25日01時15分 読売新聞）
2013/05/26
日本版ＮＳＣ 情報収集・分析力も強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 25, 2013
Info-gathering, analysis capability must be bolstered in creating NSC
日本版ＮＳＣ 情報収集・分析力も強化せよ（5月24日付・読売社説）
It has been noted for many years that the existing Security Council of Japan exists as a mere formality.
政府の安全保障会議の形骸化が指摘されて久しい。
A control tower to discuss and lead the nation’s diplomatic and security policies must be created quickly.
外交・安保政策を実質的に議論し、主導する司令塔づくりを急がなければならない。
The government has disclosed a draft of a bill to establish a National Security Council, or a Japanese version of the U.S. NSC.
政府が国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法案の素案を明らかにした。
The pillar of the planned legislation is a regular meeting of the prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister. The Japanese National Security Council must be recognized as the decision-making body for Japan’s diplomatic and national security strategies, according to the draft.
首相と官房長官、外相、防衛相の３閣僚による会合を常設し、外交・安保戦略の実質的な決定機関とすることが柱だ。
Periodic talks essential
The framework of the current Security Council of Japan, comprising the prime minister and eight other Cabinet members, would remain intact and deliberate the fundamentals of security policies and related issues, the draft says.
首相と８閣僚で構成する安保会議の枠組みは残し、安保政策の基本方針などを審議する。
Depending on the matters concerned, a meeting of six or seven Cabinet members, or one made up of the four key ministers, plus such members as the land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister and the national public security commission chairman, would take place anytime it is needed, according to the draft.
The government plans to submit the bill to the Diet in early June.
テーマに応じて、中核の４人に国土交通相や国家公安委員長などを加えた６、７人の閣僚会合も随時、開く。来月上旬の法案の国会提出を目指している。
It is considerably difficult for the current council, which consists of as many as nine members, to have in-depth, substantive discussions and reach swift conclusions.
９人の会議で中身の濃い議論を行い、迅速に結論を出すのは難しい。
Although there have been unofficial meetings of the four key Cabinet members, the envisioned legislation for giving conferences statutory status as an official organ is significant.
従来も４人の非公式協議はあったが、法律上の正式機関と位置づけることの意義は大きい。
On the occasion of launching the government-envisaged NSC, it will be important to solidly establish such arrangements as having major Cabinet members consult periodically, about once every two weeks, to craft strategies and policies from a medium- and long-term perspective as well as comprehensive points of view. All government ministries and agencies concerned will need to fully coordinate to support the NSC.
ＮＳＣ創設を機に、主要閣僚が２週間に１回程度、定期的に外交・安保問題を協議し、中長期的かつ総合的な視点で戦略・政策を立案する。関係省庁も連携し、ＮＳＣを全面的に支える。こうした体制を確立することが重要だ。
In addition, the posts of the chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister must always be filled by highly competent individuals. These important posts should also come with guaranteed term lengths to ensure the right people are in place should they be needed.
同時に、官房長官や外相、防衛相には、常に実力者を起用し、一定期間は交代させないなど、人事面の工夫も求められる。
The practical operations of crisis management, such as those for coping with emergencies, would be left not to the secretariat of the NSC, but continue to be the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretariat headed by the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management, according to the draft.
緊急事態への対処など危機管理の実務は、ＮＳＣ事務局でなく、従来通り、内閣危機管理監が率いる内閣官房が統括するという。
It makes sense that the draft says the NSC would not be in charge of dealing with such matters as a massive domestic disaster.
ＮＳＣが国内の大規模災害などは扱わないのは当然だ。
However, as far as issues relating to the country’s diplomacy and security, such as the hostage crisis in Algeria in January and a North Korea missile launch, are concerned, the NSC secretariat should work closely with the the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management.
ただ、アルジェリアの人質事件や北朝鮮のミサイル発射など、外交・安全保障に関係する事態については、ＮＳＣ事務局が内閣危機管理監と緊密に連携する必要がある。
National security and intelligence capabilities are inextricably linked together. To beef up the quality of security policies, the enhancement of information-gathering and analysis capabilities is crucial. The government must buckle down and foster experts in intelligence activities.
安全保障とインテリジェンス（情報）は、車の両輪の関係にある。安保政策の質を高めるには情報収集・分析能力の強化が欠かせない。インテリジェンスの専門家育成に本腰を入れるべきだ。
Learn lessons from Iraq War
The draft has called for the appointment of “information liaison officers” at government organizations concerned, including the foreign and defense ministries and police and public security agencies, making it obligatory that they provide information to the NSC.
素案では、外務、防衛、警察、公安調査など関係省庁に局長級の「情報連絡官」を置き、ＮＳＣへの情報提供を義務づけた。
Japan’s intelligence organizations have long been mocked as being “unable to pass information to superiors, share it with other bodies or keep it from leaking.”
日本の情報機関は長年、「上がらず、回らず、漏れる」と揶揄(やゆ)されてきた。
This points to the problems of failing to have important information conveyed to the Prime Minister’s Office, not sharing information with other government entities, and not preventing leaks.
重要情報が首相官邸に適切に伝わらず、関係機関に共有されずに、外部に漏洩(ろうえい)しがちだという問題点を指摘したものだ。
By drawing lessons from the failure of the United States in starting a war with Iraq, the government, while abiding by the principle of separation of policy formulation and information analysis, must firmly build a system to ensure prompt conveyance of information.
イラク戦争開戦時の米国の失敗を教訓に、政策立案と情報分析の分離の原則は守りつつ、情報の迅速な伝達を可能にする仕組みを構築することが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2013)
（2013年5月24日01時02分 読売新聞）
Info-gathering, analysis capability must be bolstered in creating NSC
日本版ＮＳＣ 情報収集・分析力も強化せよ（5月24日付・読売社説）
It has been noted for many years that the existing Security Council of Japan exists as a mere formality.
政府の安全保障会議の形骸化が指摘されて久しい。
A control tower to discuss and lead the nation’s diplomatic and security policies must be created quickly.
外交・安保政策を実質的に議論し、主導する司令塔づくりを急がなければならない。
The government has disclosed a draft of a bill to establish a National Security Council, or a Japanese version of the U.S. NSC.
政府が国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法案の素案を明らかにした。
The pillar of the planned legislation is a regular meeting of the prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister. The Japanese National Security Council must be recognized as the decision-making body for Japan’s diplomatic and national security strategies, according to the draft.
首相と官房長官、外相、防衛相の３閣僚による会合を常設し、外交・安保戦略の実質的な決定機関とすることが柱だ。
Periodic talks essential
The framework of the current Security Council of Japan, comprising the prime minister and eight other Cabinet members, would remain intact and deliberate the fundamentals of security policies and related issues, the draft says.
首相と８閣僚で構成する安保会議の枠組みは残し、安保政策の基本方針などを審議する。
Depending on the matters concerned, a meeting of six or seven Cabinet members, or one made up of the four key ministers, plus such members as the land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister and the national public security commission chairman, would take place anytime it is needed, according to the draft.
The government plans to submit the bill to the Diet in early June.
テーマに応じて、中核の４人に国土交通相や国家公安委員長などを加えた６、７人の閣僚会合も随時、開く。来月上旬の法案の国会提出を目指している。
It is considerably difficult for the current council, which consists of as many as nine members, to have in-depth, substantive discussions and reach swift conclusions.
９人の会議で中身の濃い議論を行い、迅速に結論を出すのは難しい。
Although there have been unofficial meetings of the four key Cabinet members, the envisioned legislation for giving conferences statutory status as an official organ is significant.
従来も４人の非公式協議はあったが、法律上の正式機関と位置づけることの意義は大きい。
On the occasion of launching the government-envisaged NSC, it will be important to solidly establish such arrangements as having major Cabinet members consult periodically, about once every two weeks, to craft strategies and policies from a medium- and long-term perspective as well as comprehensive points of view. All government ministries and agencies concerned will need to fully coordinate to support the NSC.
ＮＳＣ創設を機に、主要閣僚が２週間に１回程度、定期的に外交・安保問題を協議し、中長期的かつ総合的な視点で戦略・政策を立案する。関係省庁も連携し、ＮＳＣを全面的に支える。こうした体制を確立することが重要だ。
In addition, the posts of the chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister must always be filled by highly competent individuals. These important posts should also come with guaranteed term lengths to ensure the right people are in place should they be needed.
同時に、官房長官や外相、防衛相には、常に実力者を起用し、一定期間は交代させないなど、人事面の工夫も求められる。
The practical operations of crisis management, such as those for coping with emergencies, would be left not to the secretariat of the NSC, but continue to be the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretariat headed by the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management, according to the draft.
緊急事態への対処など危機管理の実務は、ＮＳＣ事務局でなく、従来通り、内閣危機管理監が率いる内閣官房が統括するという。
It makes sense that the draft says the NSC would not be in charge of dealing with such matters as a massive domestic disaster.
ＮＳＣが国内の大規模災害などは扱わないのは当然だ。
However, as far as issues relating to the country’s diplomacy and security, such as the hostage crisis in Algeria in January and a North Korea missile launch, are concerned, the NSC secretariat should work closely with the the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management.
ただ、アルジェリアの人質事件や北朝鮮のミサイル発射など、外交・安全保障に関係する事態については、ＮＳＣ事務局が内閣危機管理監と緊密に連携する必要がある。
National security and intelligence capabilities are inextricably linked together. To beef up the quality of security policies, the enhancement of information-gathering and analysis capabilities is crucial. The government must buckle down and foster experts in intelligence activities.
安全保障とインテリジェンス（情報）は、車の両輪の関係にある。安保政策の質を高めるには情報収集・分析能力の強化が欠かせない。インテリジェンスの専門家育成に本腰を入れるべきだ。
Learn lessons from Iraq War
The draft has called for the appointment of “information liaison officers” at government organizations concerned, including the foreign and defense ministries and police and public security agencies, making it obligatory that they provide information to the NSC.
素案では、外務、防衛、警察、公安調査など関係省庁に局長級の「情報連絡官」を置き、ＮＳＣへの情報提供を義務づけた。
Japan’s intelligence organizations have long been mocked as being “unable to pass information to superiors, share it with other bodies or keep it from leaking.”
日本の情報機関は長年、「上がらず、回らず、漏れる」と揶揄(やゆ)されてきた。
This points to the problems of failing to have important information conveyed to the Prime Minister’s Office, not sharing information with other government entities, and not preventing leaks.
重要情報が首相官邸に適切に伝わらず、関係機関に共有されずに、外部に漏洩(ろうえい)しがちだという問題点を指摘したものだ。
By drawing lessons from the failure of the United States in starting a war with Iraq, the government, while abiding by the principle of separation of policy formulation and information analysis, must firmly build a system to ensure prompt conveyance of information.
イラク戦争開戦時の米国の失敗を教訓に、政策立案と情報分析の分離の原則は守りつつ、情報の迅速な伝達を可能にする仕組みを構築することが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2013)
（2013年5月24日01時02分 読売新聞）
2013/05/25
中国潜水艦潜航 海自の警戒能力向上が急務だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 24, 2013
Reinforcing MSDF's antisub patrol capability urgent task
中国潜水艦潜航 海自の警戒能力向上が急務だ（5月23日付・読売社説）
We would like to ask China to refrain from taking any more actions that would unnecessarily heighten Japan-China military tensions, even if they do not violate international laws.
国際法違反ではないものの、いたずらに軍事的緊張を高める行動だ。中国に自制を求めたい。
A series of incidents have taken place this month in which submarines believed to belong to the Chinese Navy conducted submerged passages in the contiguous zone near the Nansei Islands. Japan confirmed a passage on May 2 off Amami-Oshima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, and another off Kumejima island, Okinawa Prefecture, on May 12-13. The Defense Ministry has announced the incidents without identifying the country to which the submarines belong.
中国海軍所属とみられる潜水艦が南西諸島の接続水域内を海中に潜ったまま航行していた事案が今月、相次いで発生した。
２日に鹿児島県・奄美大島沖で、１２～１３日には沖縄県・久米島沖で潜航が確認され、防衛省は国名を伏せて事案を公表した。
It was an unusual response to such incidents, since revealing the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s submarine detection capability violates common sense from a military viewpoint. We believe the Japanese government was trying to send a warning to China.
海上自衛隊の潜水艦探知能力という手の内を明かすのは軍事的には「非常識」で、異例の対応だ。中国に対し、警告のメッセージを送ることを重視したのだろう。
However, it was revealed that a third submerged navigation incident took place off Minami-Daitojima island, Okinawa Prefecture, last Sunday. The warning proved to be ineffective.
しかし、１９日にも沖縄県・南大東島沖で３件目の潜航が発覚し、警告の効果はなかった。
International law requires submarines to remain on the surface when operating in territorial waters of other countries. But they are allowed to submerge when operating in contiguous zones. If a submarine of another nation enters Japan’s territorial waters while submerged, the Japanese government will order the MSDF to conduct maritime policing activity, as such an action constitutes an emergency.
国際法上、潜水艦は他国領海では海上に浮上して航行する義務がある一方、接続水域では潜航が認められている。とはいえ、日本の領海に入れば、直ちに海上警備行動を発令する非常事態となる。
Since Japan’s nationalization of three of the Senkaku Islands in September last year, official Chinese vessels have repeatedly intruded into Japanese territorial waters. Chinese Navy vessels even locked weapons-guiding radar on an MSDF helicopter and a destroyer.
中国は昨年９月の日本の尖閣諸島国有化後、中国公船による再三の領海侵入や、海軍艦船のレーダー照射事件を起こしている。
Aiming at maritime power
China’s intermediate- and long-term objectives are to become a “great maritime power” and expand its territories and maritime interests. It intends to do this by expanding the Chinese Navy’s maritime activity area to the western Pacific, which lies outside its “first island chain” perimeter linking Okinawa Prefecture, Taiwan and other major archipelagoes.
中長期的には、海軍の活動海域を、沖縄、台湾などを結ぶ第１列島線の外側の西太平洋に広げて、領土・海洋権益の拡大を図る「海洋強国」戦略も掲げる。
The submerged passage incidents this month are believed to be part of its “anti-access/area denial (A2/AD)” strategy, under which China aims to prevent U.S. military deployment, including aircraft carriers, inside the first island chain. They are also considered to be related to China’s provocative actions around the Senkaku Islands.
今回の潜航は、有事の際に第１列島線の内側に米軍空母などを侵入させない「接近阻止・領域拒否」戦略の一環であり、一連の示威活動とも連動しているようだ。
China’s self-righteous expansionism has invited negative reactions from the international community. Consequently, the philosophy has not benefitted the country. China must seriously grasp the reality and coolheadedly review its strategy.
中国の独善的な膨張主義は、国際社会の反発を招き、結果的に自らの利益になっていない。中国はその現状を直視し、冷静に戦略を見直すべきではないか。
And Japan must urgently beef up further patrol and surveillance activities against Chinese submarines by the MSDF’s P-3C Orion patrol aircraft and submarines.
日本は、中国軍の潜水艦に対する海自のＰ３Ｃ哨戒機や潜水艦などの警戒監視活動を一段と強化することが急務である。
The MSDF plans to gradually replace the aging P-3Cs to new P-1 anti-sub patrol aircraft and increase its submarine fleet from the current 16 to 22 in the near future.
海自は、老朽化したＰ３Ｃを新型哨戒機Ｐ１に順次更新するとともに、潜水艦を１６隻から２２隻体制に増やす方針だ。
Beef up quality, quantity
Taking into consideration the Chinese Navy’s rapid equipment buildup and modernization, as well as its excessive provocations against Japan, the priority in the new National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled at the year’s end must be to reinforce MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force equipment and personnel in both quality and quantity.
中国海空軍の急速な装備増強や近代化、過度な示威活動を踏まえれば、今年末に策定する新防衛大綱では、海自と航空自衛隊の装備と人員を質・量ともに拡充することが優先課題となる。
Furthermore, the Defense Ministry must advance its schedule for introducing the Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drone.
防衛省が検討している高高度無人偵察機グローバルホークの導入も前倒しで実施すべきだ。
Joint Japan-U.S. patrol and surveillance activities using the drone will lessen burdens on the MSDF and ASDF, which are operating at full capacity around the Nansei Islands. Such activities will also improve the SDF capabilities for high-level duties, including the detection of submarines.
無人機による日米共同の警戒監視活動は、南西諸島周辺でフル稼働中の海空自の負担を軽減し、潜水艦の探索などの高度な任務に取り組む体制を充実させよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2013)
（2013年5月23日01時14分 読売新聞）
Reinforcing MSDF's antisub patrol capability urgent task
中国潜水艦潜航 海自の警戒能力向上が急務だ（5月23日付・読売社説）
We would like to ask China to refrain from taking any more actions that would unnecessarily heighten Japan-China military tensions, even if they do not violate international laws.
国際法違反ではないものの、いたずらに軍事的緊張を高める行動だ。中国に自制を求めたい。
A series of incidents have taken place this month in which submarines believed to belong to the Chinese Navy conducted submerged passages in the contiguous zone near the Nansei Islands. Japan confirmed a passage on May 2 off Amami-Oshima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, and another off Kumejima island, Okinawa Prefecture, on May 12-13. The Defense Ministry has announced the incidents without identifying the country to which the submarines belong.
中国海軍所属とみられる潜水艦が南西諸島の接続水域内を海中に潜ったまま航行していた事案が今月、相次いで発生した。
２日に鹿児島県・奄美大島沖で、１２～１３日には沖縄県・久米島沖で潜航が確認され、防衛省は国名を伏せて事案を公表した。
It was an unusual response to such incidents, since revealing the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s submarine detection capability violates common sense from a military viewpoint. We believe the Japanese government was trying to send a warning to China.
海上自衛隊の潜水艦探知能力という手の内を明かすのは軍事的には「非常識」で、異例の対応だ。中国に対し、警告のメッセージを送ることを重視したのだろう。
However, it was revealed that a third submerged navigation incident took place off Minami-Daitojima island, Okinawa Prefecture, last Sunday. The warning proved to be ineffective.
しかし、１９日にも沖縄県・南大東島沖で３件目の潜航が発覚し、警告の効果はなかった。
International law requires submarines to remain on the surface when operating in territorial waters of other countries. But they are allowed to submerge when operating in contiguous zones. If a submarine of another nation enters Japan’s territorial waters while submerged, the Japanese government will order the MSDF to conduct maritime policing activity, as such an action constitutes an emergency.
国際法上、潜水艦は他国領海では海上に浮上して航行する義務がある一方、接続水域では潜航が認められている。とはいえ、日本の領海に入れば、直ちに海上警備行動を発令する非常事態となる。
Since Japan’s nationalization of three of the Senkaku Islands in September last year, official Chinese vessels have repeatedly intruded into Japanese territorial waters. Chinese Navy vessels even locked weapons-guiding radar on an MSDF helicopter and a destroyer.
中国は昨年９月の日本の尖閣諸島国有化後、中国公船による再三の領海侵入や、海軍艦船のレーダー照射事件を起こしている。
Aiming at maritime power
China’s intermediate- and long-term objectives are to become a “great maritime power” and expand its territories and maritime interests. It intends to do this by expanding the Chinese Navy’s maritime activity area to the western Pacific, which lies outside its “first island chain” perimeter linking Okinawa Prefecture, Taiwan and other major archipelagoes.
中長期的には、海軍の活動海域を、沖縄、台湾などを結ぶ第１列島線の外側の西太平洋に広げて、領土・海洋権益の拡大を図る「海洋強国」戦略も掲げる。
The submerged passage incidents this month are believed to be part of its “anti-access/area denial (A2/AD)” strategy, under which China aims to prevent U.S. military deployment, including aircraft carriers, inside the first island chain. They are also considered to be related to China’s provocative actions around the Senkaku Islands.
今回の潜航は、有事の際に第１列島線の内側に米軍空母などを侵入させない「接近阻止・領域拒否」戦略の一環であり、一連の示威活動とも連動しているようだ。
China’s self-righteous expansionism has invited negative reactions from the international community. Consequently, the philosophy has not benefitted the country. China must seriously grasp the reality and coolheadedly review its strategy.
中国の独善的な膨張主義は、国際社会の反発を招き、結果的に自らの利益になっていない。中国はその現状を直視し、冷静に戦略を見直すべきではないか。
And Japan must urgently beef up further patrol and surveillance activities against Chinese submarines by the MSDF’s P-3C Orion patrol aircraft and submarines.
日本は、中国軍の潜水艦に対する海自のＰ３Ｃ哨戒機や潜水艦などの警戒監視活動を一段と強化することが急務である。
The MSDF plans to gradually replace the aging P-3Cs to new P-1 anti-sub patrol aircraft and increase its submarine fleet from the current 16 to 22 in the near future.
海自は、老朽化したＰ３Ｃを新型哨戒機Ｐ１に順次更新するとともに、潜水艦を１６隻から２２隻体制に増やす方針だ。
Beef up quality, quantity
Taking into consideration the Chinese Navy’s rapid equipment buildup and modernization, as well as its excessive provocations against Japan, the priority in the new National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled at the year’s end must be to reinforce MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force equipment and personnel in both quality and quantity.
中国海空軍の急速な装備増強や近代化、過度な示威活動を踏まえれば、今年末に策定する新防衛大綱では、海自と航空自衛隊の装備と人員を質・量ともに拡充することが優先課題となる。
Furthermore, the Defense Ministry must advance its schedule for introducing the Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drone.
防衛省が検討している高高度無人偵察機グローバルホークの導入も前倒しで実施すべきだ。
Joint Japan-U.S. patrol and surveillance activities using the drone will lessen burdens on the MSDF and ASDF, which are operating at full capacity around the Nansei Islands. Such activities will also improve the SDF capabilities for high-level duties, including the detection of submarines.
無人機による日米共同の警戒監視活動は、南西諸島周辺でフル稼働中の海空自の負担を軽減し、潜水艦の探索などの高度な任務に取り組む体制を充実させよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2013)
（2013年5月23日01時14分 読売新聞）
2013/05/24
女性の幹部登用 「なでしこ銘柄」増やしたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 23, 2013
Japan needs more companies that cherish their female workers
女性の幹部登用 「なでしこ銘柄」増やしたい（5月22日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has trumpeted women’s active involvement in the workforce as a pillar of the government’s growth strategy. He aims to better utilize women’s abilities to invigorate the nation’s economy.
安倍首相は、成長戦略の柱の一つに「女性の活躍」を掲げている。女性の能力をもっと生かし、経済の活性化を図るのが狙いだ。
Abe specifically asked for cooperation from the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and other organizations in urging all listed companies to appoint at least one female executive. Behind the request was Abe’s awareness that women’s participation in corporate management will also be conducive to companies’ growth.
首相は、その具体策として、全上場企業が女性の役員を最低１人は登用するよう経団連などに協力を求めた。女性の経営参画が、会社の成長にも資するという問題意識がある。
However, this will be easier said than done. In Japan, many companies remain reluctant to appoint women to managerial positions. Women fill about 40 percent of managerial and higher positions at companies and the public sector in other advanced countries, including the United States, France and Britain. This is far higher than Japan’s figure of about 12 percent.
「言うは易(やす)く行うは難し」である。日本では、女性の管理職登用が進んでいない。民間企業と公務員の管理職以上の女性は、米仏英各国など先進諸国では４０％前後なのに対し、日本では約１２％と大きく差がついている。
If nothing is done, it will be difficult to achieve the government’s goal of raising the proportion of women in leading positions in every field of society to at least about 30 percent by 2020.
このままでは、社会のあらゆる分野の指導的地位において女性が占める割合を「２０２０年までに少なくとも３０％程度」とする政府の目標を達成するのは難しい。
‘Nadeshiko issues’
The reaction by stock exchanges to the government’s request merits attention. They urged listed companies to disclose their number of female executives in the corporate governance reports they require the companies to submit.
注目されるのは、政府の要請に応じた各証券取引所の動きだ。上場企業に提出を義務づけている「コーポレート・ガバナンス（企業統治）報告書」に女性の役員数を開示するよう促している。
The Equal Employment Opportunity Law came into effect in 1986. Women hired for fast-track career positions at that time--part of what has often been called the “equal law generation”--have now climbed to senior positions in their companies.
男女雇用機会均等法の施行は１９８６年で、当時企業に採用された「均等法世代」と呼ばれる女性総合職も、幹部になっている。
We believe it is necessary to appoint capable career female workers to executive posts, rather than simply relying on bringing in human resources from outside.
女性役員には、外部の人材に頼るばかりではなく、生え抜きの女性社員を能力に応じて登用することが必要ではないか。
In February, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Tokyo Stock Exchange selected and announced the names of listed companies--including Kao Corp. and Toray Industries, Inc.--that excellently utilize their human resources by, for example, creating a better environment for women to continue working. These companies are called “Nadeshiko issues.”
経済産業省と東京証券取引所は今年２月、女性が働き続けるための環境整備など人材活用を積極的に進めている花王や東レなど上場企業を選定し、発表した。「なでしこ銘柄」と呼んでいる。
“Nadeshiko issues” can be a guide for investors to evaluate a company’s business administration ability to make maximum use of its human resources, as well as its ability to adapt to changes in the business environment.
投資家が、人材を生かす経営管理能力や環境変化への適応力を評価する目安になるという。
This new description gained traction after the Abe Cabinet took over proposals made by an expert panel during the administration of former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and made a request to the stock exchange. Fully using women in the workforce is an issue that every administration must address.
この取り組みは、安倍内閣が野田内閣時代の有識者会議の提言を引き継ぎ、証券取引所に働きかけて実現した。女性活用は、どの政権にも共通する課題と言える。
Longer child care leave
Last month, Abe asked leaders of business associations to let women take child care leave for up to three years. The current Child-rearing and Nursing Care Leave Law allows for one year of leave in principle and a maximum of 1-1/2 years. Abe called on companies to voluntarily extend this period.
首相は先月、育児休業を３年まで取得できるようにすることを経済界に要請した。現行の育児・介護休業法では原則１年、最長１年６か月となっているが、企業側に自主的な対応を求めたものだ。
Extended child care leave would give working women more options, and is one way to help them balance child-rearing and career. However, three years of child care leave will increase costs for companies, and some women fear it could negatively impact on their career and reduce their income. How can these problems be overcome?
働く女性の選択の幅は広がる。育児と仕事との両立を支える道を開く一つの方法だろう。だが、３年の育休で、企業負担は増し、女性にとってもキャリアでのマイナスや所得減への懸念がある。こうした課題をどう乗り越えるか。
The government also should steadily deal with the problem of long waiting lists for children to enroll in licensed day care centers. Setting up more such facilities for children aged 0 to 2, demand for which is especially high, would be one place to start.
需要の多い０～２歳児の保育施設の拡充など、待機児童対策もしっかり進めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 22, 2013)
（2013年5月22日01時31分 読売新聞）
Japan needs more companies that cherish their female workers
女性の幹部登用 「なでしこ銘柄」増やしたい（5月22日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has trumpeted women’s active involvement in the workforce as a pillar of the government’s growth strategy. He aims to better utilize women’s abilities to invigorate the nation’s economy.
安倍首相は、成長戦略の柱の一つに「女性の活躍」を掲げている。女性の能力をもっと生かし、経済の活性化を図るのが狙いだ。
Abe specifically asked for cooperation from the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and other organizations in urging all listed companies to appoint at least one female executive. Behind the request was Abe’s awareness that women’s participation in corporate management will also be conducive to companies’ growth.
首相は、その具体策として、全上場企業が女性の役員を最低１人は登用するよう経団連などに協力を求めた。女性の経営参画が、会社の成長にも資するという問題意識がある。
However, this will be easier said than done. In Japan, many companies remain reluctant to appoint women to managerial positions. Women fill about 40 percent of managerial and higher positions at companies and the public sector in other advanced countries, including the United States, France and Britain. This is far higher than Japan’s figure of about 12 percent.
「言うは易(やす)く行うは難し」である。日本では、女性の管理職登用が進んでいない。民間企業と公務員の管理職以上の女性は、米仏英各国など先進諸国では４０％前後なのに対し、日本では約１２％と大きく差がついている。
If nothing is done, it will be difficult to achieve the government’s goal of raising the proportion of women in leading positions in every field of society to at least about 30 percent by 2020.
このままでは、社会のあらゆる分野の指導的地位において女性が占める割合を「２０２０年までに少なくとも３０％程度」とする政府の目標を達成するのは難しい。
‘Nadeshiko issues’
The reaction by stock exchanges to the government’s request merits attention. They urged listed companies to disclose their number of female executives in the corporate governance reports they require the companies to submit.
注目されるのは、政府の要請に応じた各証券取引所の動きだ。上場企業に提出を義務づけている「コーポレート・ガバナンス（企業統治）報告書」に女性の役員数を開示するよう促している。
The Equal Employment Opportunity Law came into effect in 1986. Women hired for fast-track career positions at that time--part of what has often been called the “equal law generation”--have now climbed to senior positions in their companies.
男女雇用機会均等法の施行は１９８６年で、当時企業に採用された「均等法世代」と呼ばれる女性総合職も、幹部になっている。
We believe it is necessary to appoint capable career female workers to executive posts, rather than simply relying on bringing in human resources from outside.
女性役員には、外部の人材に頼るばかりではなく、生え抜きの女性社員を能力に応じて登用することが必要ではないか。
In February, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Tokyo Stock Exchange selected and announced the names of listed companies--including Kao Corp. and Toray Industries, Inc.--that excellently utilize their human resources by, for example, creating a better environment for women to continue working. These companies are called “Nadeshiko issues.”
経済産業省と東京証券取引所は今年２月、女性が働き続けるための環境整備など人材活用を積極的に進めている花王や東レなど上場企業を選定し、発表した。「なでしこ銘柄」と呼んでいる。
“Nadeshiko issues” can be a guide for investors to evaluate a company’s business administration ability to make maximum use of its human resources, as well as its ability to adapt to changes in the business environment.
投資家が、人材を生かす経営管理能力や環境変化への適応力を評価する目安になるという。
This new description gained traction after the Abe Cabinet took over proposals made by an expert panel during the administration of former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and made a request to the stock exchange. Fully using women in the workforce is an issue that every administration must address.
この取り組みは、安倍内閣が野田内閣時代の有識者会議の提言を引き継ぎ、証券取引所に働きかけて実現した。女性活用は、どの政権にも共通する課題と言える。
Longer child care leave
Last month, Abe asked leaders of business associations to let women take child care leave for up to three years. The current Child-rearing and Nursing Care Leave Law allows for one year of leave in principle and a maximum of 1-1/2 years. Abe called on companies to voluntarily extend this period.
首相は先月、育児休業を３年まで取得できるようにすることを経済界に要請した。現行の育児・介護休業法では原則１年、最長１年６か月となっているが、企業側に自主的な対応を求めたものだ。
Extended child care leave would give working women more options, and is one way to help them balance child-rearing and career. However, three years of child care leave will increase costs for companies, and some women fear it could negatively impact on their career and reduce their income. How can these problems be overcome?
働く女性の選択の幅は広がる。育児と仕事との両立を支える道を開く一つの方法だろう。だが、３年の育休で、企業負担は増し、女性にとってもキャリアでのマイナスや所得減への懸念がある。こうした課題をどう乗り越えるか。
The government also should steadily deal with the problem of long waiting lists for children to enroll in licensed day care centers. Setting up more such facilities for children aged 0 to 2, demand for which is especially high, would be one place to start.
需要の多い０～２歳児の保育施設の拡充など、待機児童対策もしっかり進めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 22, 2013)
（2013年5月22日01時31分 読売新聞）
2013/05/23
シェールガス 米国産輸入で高値買い是正を
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 22, 2013
Shale gas imports from U.S. to help remedy expensive LNG purchases
シェールガス 米国産輸入で高値買い是正を（5月21日付・読売社説）
The United States, which has seen a buoyant “shale gas revolution,” will open the way for the export of inexpensive natural gas to Japan.
「シェールガス革命」に沸いている米国が、割安な天然ガスの日本向け輸出に道を開く。
In the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, almost all of the nation’s nuclear reactors have remained idle. Given that Japan has to depend on thermal power generation, it is an important step to diversify the origins from which it imports the fuel for this.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、ほとんどの原発が停止し、火力発電に依存する日本にとって、調達先を多様化する重要な一歩である。
The U.S. Energy Department has authorized the export of liquefied natural gas by a Texas company, in which Chubu Electric Power Co. and Osaka Gas Co. are participants. Under the project, natural gas, including shale gas extracted from subterranean bedrock, will be liquefied and exported.
米エネルギー省は、中部電力と大阪ガスが参画するテキサス州の企業の液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）輸出事業を認可した。地中深くの岩盤から採掘したシェールガスなどをＬＮＧに加工して輸出する。
Chubu Electric and Osaka Gas reportedly plan to export up to 4.4 million tons of LNG annually from 2017. The amount is equivalent to 5 percent of Japan’s overall LNG imports.
中部電力と大阪ガスは、このプロジェクトで２０１７年から両社合わせて最大年４４０万トンを輸出する計画という。日本のＬＮＧ輸入量の５％にも相当する。
The United States, in principle, had barred LNG exports to nations that it did not have a free trade agreement with, including Japan.
米国は原則、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）を結んでいない日本などへのＬＮＧ輸出を規制していた。
It is significant, however, that the United States authorized the exports to Japan for the first time as an exception. It was likely judged that increases in domestic prices in the United States could be avoided even if it exports the gas to Japan. This is because prospects on the supply and demand balance have eased due to sharp increases in production thanks to the shale gas revolution.
しかし、例外的に対日輸出を初めて認めた意義は大きい。シェールガス革命で生産が飛躍的に増大して需給見通しが緩み、日本に輸出しても米国内の価格上昇は避けられると判断したのだろう。
TPP may have swayed decision
Also aided by Japan’s decision to participate in Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade negotiations, the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama likely attached weight to Japan-U.S. relations.
日本が、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加を決めたことも追い風になり、オバマ政権が日米関係を重視したといえる。
Enjoying the benefits of the shale gas revolution, Japan now will be able to obtain cheap gas.
シェールガス革命の恩恵を享受する日本は、これで安価なガスを調達できるようになる。
The price of LNG Japan imports from Qatar and other nations is about 17 dollars per million BTU (British thermal unit), which is four times higher than the price in North America.
日本がカタールなどから輸入するＬＮＧ価格は、１００万ＢＴＵ（英国式熱量単位）約１７ドルと北米のガス価格より４倍も高い。
Japan, which has yet to reactivate idled nuclear reactors, has been forced to purchase LNG at high prices, referred to as a “Japan premium,” as producer nations are taking advantage of Japan’s situation. The trade deficit, which reached a record high of more than 8 trillion yen in fiscal 2012, is mainly attributed to LNG imports.
原発を再稼働できない日本は、生産国から足元を見られ、「ジャパンプレミアム」という高値買いを強いられている。１２年度の貿易赤字が過去最大の８兆円超に達したのも、ＬＮＧ輸入が主因だ。
Gas brings negotiating power
If the nation imports gas produced in the United States, the price will be cheaper at about 10 dollars, even with liquefaction and transport costs included. Japan also can expect to take an advantageous position in LNG price negotiations with nations in the Middle East and other areas, using cooperation with the United States as a bargaining chip.
米国産ガスを輸入した場合、ＬＮＧへの加工代や輸送コストを加えても約１０ドルと割安になる。米国との連携を切り札に使い、中東などとのＬＮＧ価格交渉を有利に進める効果も期待できる。
In the United States, the Mitsubishi Corp. and Mitsui & Co. consortium as well as Sumitomo Corp. have been participating in natural gas development projects. The public and private sectors should join together to lobby for early authorization of export projects involving these companies so that Japan could further correct the problem of expensive LNG purchases.
米国では、三菱商事と三井物産の連合や住友商事が天然ガスの開発に参加している。官民連携でこれらのプロジェクトによる輸出の早期認可を働きかけ、高値買いの構造をさらに是正すべきだ。
It will take about four years for imports of natural gas from the United States to begin. Unless nuclear reactors are reactivated, the situation will remain unchanged as the nation will continue to depend on thermal power generation for the time being, having no choice but to face high fuel costs.
米国から天然ガス輸入が始まるのは約４年先だ。原発を再稼働できなければ、当面は火力頼みで、燃料コスト高を余儀なくされる状況は変わらない。
To stem the outflow of national wealth, the government needs to steadily reactivate nuclear reactors whose safety has been confirmed. The nation must create a comprehensive strategy for a stable supply of energy.
国富の流出を食い止めるため、政府は安全性が確認できた原発を着実に再稼働する必要がある。エネルギーを安定供給する総合戦略を構築しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 21, 2013)
（2013年5月21日01時25分 読売新聞）
Shale gas imports from U.S. to help remedy expensive LNG purchases
シェールガス 米国産輸入で高値買い是正を（5月21日付・読売社説）
The United States, which has seen a buoyant “shale gas revolution,” will open the way for the export of inexpensive natural gas to Japan.
「シェールガス革命」に沸いている米国が、割安な天然ガスの日本向け輸出に道を開く。
In the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, almost all of the nation’s nuclear reactors have remained idle. Given that Japan has to depend on thermal power generation, it is an important step to diversify the origins from which it imports the fuel for this.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、ほとんどの原発が停止し、火力発電に依存する日本にとって、調達先を多様化する重要な一歩である。
The U.S. Energy Department has authorized the export of liquefied natural gas by a Texas company, in which Chubu Electric Power Co. and Osaka Gas Co. are participants. Under the project, natural gas, including shale gas extracted from subterranean bedrock, will be liquefied and exported.
米エネルギー省は、中部電力と大阪ガスが参画するテキサス州の企業の液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）輸出事業を認可した。地中深くの岩盤から採掘したシェールガスなどをＬＮＧに加工して輸出する。
Chubu Electric and Osaka Gas reportedly plan to export up to 4.4 million tons of LNG annually from 2017. The amount is equivalent to 5 percent of Japan’s overall LNG imports.
中部電力と大阪ガスは、このプロジェクトで２０１７年から両社合わせて最大年４４０万トンを輸出する計画という。日本のＬＮＧ輸入量の５％にも相当する。
The United States, in principle, had barred LNG exports to nations that it did not have a free trade agreement with, including Japan.
米国は原則、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）を結んでいない日本などへのＬＮＧ輸出を規制していた。
It is significant, however, that the United States authorized the exports to Japan for the first time as an exception. It was likely judged that increases in domestic prices in the United States could be avoided even if it exports the gas to Japan. This is because prospects on the supply and demand balance have eased due to sharp increases in production thanks to the shale gas revolution.
しかし、例外的に対日輸出を初めて認めた意義は大きい。シェールガス革命で生産が飛躍的に増大して需給見通しが緩み、日本に輸出しても米国内の価格上昇は避けられると判断したのだろう。
TPP may have swayed decision
Also aided by Japan’s decision to participate in Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade negotiations, the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama likely attached weight to Japan-U.S. relations.
日本が、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加を決めたことも追い風になり、オバマ政権が日米関係を重視したといえる。
Enjoying the benefits of the shale gas revolution, Japan now will be able to obtain cheap gas.
シェールガス革命の恩恵を享受する日本は、これで安価なガスを調達できるようになる。
The price of LNG Japan imports from Qatar and other nations is about 17 dollars per million BTU (British thermal unit), which is four times higher than the price in North America.
日本がカタールなどから輸入するＬＮＧ価格は、１００万ＢＴＵ（英国式熱量単位）約１７ドルと北米のガス価格より４倍も高い。
Japan, which has yet to reactivate idled nuclear reactors, has been forced to purchase LNG at high prices, referred to as a “Japan premium,” as producer nations are taking advantage of Japan’s situation. The trade deficit, which reached a record high of more than 8 trillion yen in fiscal 2012, is mainly attributed to LNG imports.
原発を再稼働できない日本は、生産国から足元を見られ、「ジャパンプレミアム」という高値買いを強いられている。１２年度の貿易赤字が過去最大の８兆円超に達したのも、ＬＮＧ輸入が主因だ。
Gas brings negotiating power
If the nation imports gas produced in the United States, the price will be cheaper at about 10 dollars, even with liquefaction and transport costs included. Japan also can expect to take an advantageous position in LNG price negotiations with nations in the Middle East and other areas, using cooperation with the United States as a bargaining chip.
米国産ガスを輸入した場合、ＬＮＧへの加工代や輸送コストを加えても約１０ドルと割安になる。米国との連携を切り札に使い、中東などとのＬＮＧ価格交渉を有利に進める効果も期待できる。
In the United States, the Mitsubishi Corp. and Mitsui & Co. consortium as well as Sumitomo Corp. have been participating in natural gas development projects. The public and private sectors should join together to lobby for early authorization of export projects involving these companies so that Japan could further correct the problem of expensive LNG purchases.
米国では、三菱商事と三井物産の連合や住友商事が天然ガスの開発に参加している。官民連携でこれらのプロジェクトによる輸出の早期認可を働きかけ、高値買いの構造をさらに是正すべきだ。
It will take about four years for imports of natural gas from the United States to begin. Unless nuclear reactors are reactivated, the situation will remain unchanged as the nation will continue to depend on thermal power generation for the time being, having no choice but to face high fuel costs.
米国から天然ガス輸入が始まるのは約４年先だ。原発を再稼働できなければ、当面は火力頼みで、燃料コスト高を余儀なくされる状況は変わらない。
To stem the outflow of national wealth, the government needs to steadily reactivate nuclear reactors whose safety has been confirmed. The nation must create a comprehensive strategy for a stable supply of energy.
国富の流出を食い止めるため、政府は安全性が確認できた原発を着実に再稼働する必要がある。エネルギーを安定供給する総合戦略を構築しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 21, 2013)
（2013年5月21日01時25分 読売新聞）
2013/05/22
飯島氏の訪朝 「拉致」解決へ糸口つかめるか
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 21, 2013
Can Iijima's trip to North Korea be conducive to solving abduction issue?
飯島氏の訪朝 「拉致」解決へ糸口つかめるか（5月20日付・読売社説）
Is there any chance of finding a toehold to break the long-standing impasse on the problem of Japanese abducted by North Korean agents? The effectiveness of the diplomatic strategy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration is now being tested over the issue.
膠着(こうちゃく)状態に陥った日本人拉致問題を打開する糸口はつかめるのか。安倍政権の外交戦略の実効性が問われよう。
Isao Iijima, special adviser to the Cabinet Secretariat, who visited North Korea from Tuesday to Friday, briefed Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga after he returned on Saturday about his trip to Pyongyang. Iijima told the chief government spokesman he held “frank discussions” with senior North Korean officials.
１４日から１７日まで北朝鮮を訪れた飯島勲内閣官房参与が帰国し、菅官房長官に、「本音の話をしてきた」と報告した。
Among them was Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the country’s No. 2 leader. During the meetings, Iijima was quoted as saying that Japan “will not move an inch until the abductions involving Japanese citizens are resolved.”
飯島氏は北朝鮮で、序列２位の金永南・最高人民会議常任委員長ら要人と会談し、「拉致問題が解決しなければ、日本政府は動かない」とはっきり伝えたという。
N. Korea moves unpredictable
His visit to North Korea was presumably on behalf of Abe, who has publicly said the abduction problem “must be absolutely resolved under my Cabinet.”
今回の訪朝は、安倍首相の「拉致問題は安倍政権で絶対に解決しなければならない」との意向を受けたものだろう。
Iijima served as policy secretary for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and accompanied him on his 2002 and 2004 visits to North Korea. Abe has confidence in Iijima, who has been involved for years in North Korean diplomacy.
小泉首相の政務秘書官だった飯島氏は、２００２年と０４年の小泉訪朝に随行している。北朝鮮外交に関与してきた飯島氏に対する安倍首相の信任は厚い。
In 2008, Pyongyang, in working-level talks between Japan and North Korea, committed to the timely launch of a committee for the reinvestigation of Japanese abductees. North Korea, however, failed to live up to its commitment.
北朝鮮は、０８年の日朝実務者協議で、拉致被害者再調査のための委員会を早期に設置することを約束した。だが、北朝鮮は結局、再調査を見送っている。
In November last year, bilateral discussions resumed for the first time in four years under the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but subsequent sessions have been on hold following the North’s test firing of a long-range ballistic missile.
昨年１１月、金正恩体制下で実現した４年ぶりの日朝政府間協議も、北朝鮮の長距離弾道ミサイル発射で行き詰まったままだ。
The government has demanded all abductees be returned immediately, full information be disclosed about the abductions, and that all perpetrators be handed over to Japan. There is no telling how Pyongyang will react as it has reiterated that the abduction issue “has already been resolved.”
日本政府は北朝鮮に、拉致被害者の即時帰国、真相の究明、拉致実行犯の引き渡しを求めている。「拉致問題は解決ずみ」と繰り返してきた北朝鮮が、今後、どう応えてくるのか。
The government, for its part, must closely watch Pyongyang’s moves and independently develop diplomatic policies toward North Korea.
慎重に見極めつつ、主体的な外交を展開しなければならない。
One concern is the fact that Iijima’s surprise visit, which the Japanese government arranged in absolute secrecy, was leaked to the media by North Korea immediately after Iijima arrived in Pyongyang.
気がかりなのは、極秘裏に進めていたはずの今回の訪朝が、平壌到着のその時から北朝鮮に一方的に明らかにされたことである。
While the prime minister declined to comment on Iijima’s trip, North Korea treated him very well, as if flaunting his visit, publicizing in detail what he did every day. There can be no denying that the trip was exploited by North Korea.
首相がノーコメントを通す間、北朝鮮側は飯島氏を厚遇し、動静を連日詳報した。結果的に北朝鮮に利用された面は否めない。
Was Iijima accompanied by an interpreter from Japan? Have records of the content of talks he had with North Korean officials been made available to the Japanese government? Wasn’t his visit linked to the issue of auctioning the headquarters building in Tokyo of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon)?
日本人通訳は付いていたのか。会談記録は日本側にも残っているのか。朝鮮総連中央本部（東京）の競売問題との関係はなかったのか。
There are many questions like these regarding Iijima’s visit.
多くの疑問がある。
Bid to divide alliance
In giving the green-light to Iijima’s visit, North Korea may have aimed at probing the internal affairs of the Abe Cabinet. At the same time, Pyongyang may have been trying to drive a wedge between Japan, the United States and South Korea, which are set to increase pressure on North Korea.
北朝鮮には、安倍政権の内情を探るとともに、圧力を強めようとする日米韓の連携にくさびを打ち込む狙いがあっただろう。
Glyn Davies, the U.S. special representative for North Korea policy who was in Japan last week, said, “We knew that North Korea would eventually shift their strategy to that of seeking engagement in an effort to split us.” Japan must not give North Korea even the smallest chance of taking advantage of any development in foreign relations.
来日した米国のデービース北朝鮮担当政府特別代表は、「北朝鮮が我々を分断するため、挑発から対話に戦略転換することは予測していた」と述べた。北朝鮮に、付け入る隙を与えてはなるまい。
The government should redouble efforts to keep international cooperation over North Korea’s missile development ambitions intact, while steadily working to resolve the abduction issue.
核・ミサイル問題での国際連携を堅持しながら、拉致問題解決へ進展を図っていく。
The Abe administration is urged to produce positive results in addressing these difficult challenges.
その難しい課題に結果を出すことが、安倍政権に求められている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 20, 2013)
（2013年5月20日01時20分 読売新聞）
Can Iijima's trip to North Korea be conducive to solving abduction issue?
飯島氏の訪朝 「拉致」解決へ糸口つかめるか（5月20日付・読売社説）
Is there any chance of finding a toehold to break the long-standing impasse on the problem of Japanese abducted by North Korean agents? The effectiveness of the diplomatic strategy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration is now being tested over the issue.
膠着(こうちゃく)状態に陥った日本人拉致問題を打開する糸口はつかめるのか。安倍政権の外交戦略の実効性が問われよう。
Isao Iijima, special adviser to the Cabinet Secretariat, who visited North Korea from Tuesday to Friday, briefed Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga after he returned on Saturday about his trip to Pyongyang. Iijima told the chief government spokesman he held “frank discussions” with senior North Korean officials.
１４日から１７日まで北朝鮮を訪れた飯島勲内閣官房参与が帰国し、菅官房長官に、「本音の話をしてきた」と報告した。
Among them was Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the country’s No. 2 leader. During the meetings, Iijima was quoted as saying that Japan “will not move an inch until the abductions involving Japanese citizens are resolved.”
飯島氏は北朝鮮で、序列２位の金永南・最高人民会議常任委員長ら要人と会談し、「拉致問題が解決しなければ、日本政府は動かない」とはっきり伝えたという。
N. Korea moves unpredictable
His visit to North Korea was presumably on behalf of Abe, who has publicly said the abduction problem “must be absolutely resolved under my Cabinet.”
今回の訪朝は、安倍首相の「拉致問題は安倍政権で絶対に解決しなければならない」との意向を受けたものだろう。
Iijima served as policy secretary for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and accompanied him on his 2002 and 2004 visits to North Korea. Abe has confidence in Iijima, who has been involved for years in North Korean diplomacy.
小泉首相の政務秘書官だった飯島氏は、２００２年と０４年の小泉訪朝に随行している。北朝鮮外交に関与してきた飯島氏に対する安倍首相の信任は厚い。
In 2008, Pyongyang, in working-level talks between Japan and North Korea, committed to the timely launch of a committee for the reinvestigation of Japanese abductees. North Korea, however, failed to live up to its commitment.
北朝鮮は、０８年の日朝実務者協議で、拉致被害者再調査のための委員会を早期に設置することを約束した。だが、北朝鮮は結局、再調査を見送っている。
In November last year, bilateral discussions resumed for the first time in four years under the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but subsequent sessions have been on hold following the North’s test firing of a long-range ballistic missile.
昨年１１月、金正恩体制下で実現した４年ぶりの日朝政府間協議も、北朝鮮の長距離弾道ミサイル発射で行き詰まったままだ。
The government has demanded all abductees be returned immediately, full information be disclosed about the abductions, and that all perpetrators be handed over to Japan. There is no telling how Pyongyang will react as it has reiterated that the abduction issue “has already been resolved.”
日本政府は北朝鮮に、拉致被害者の即時帰国、真相の究明、拉致実行犯の引き渡しを求めている。「拉致問題は解決ずみ」と繰り返してきた北朝鮮が、今後、どう応えてくるのか。
The government, for its part, must closely watch Pyongyang’s moves and independently develop diplomatic policies toward North Korea.
慎重に見極めつつ、主体的な外交を展開しなければならない。
One concern is the fact that Iijima’s surprise visit, which the Japanese government arranged in absolute secrecy, was leaked to the media by North Korea immediately after Iijima arrived in Pyongyang.
気がかりなのは、極秘裏に進めていたはずの今回の訪朝が、平壌到着のその時から北朝鮮に一方的に明らかにされたことである。
While the prime minister declined to comment on Iijima’s trip, North Korea treated him very well, as if flaunting his visit, publicizing in detail what he did every day. There can be no denying that the trip was exploited by North Korea.
首相がノーコメントを通す間、北朝鮮側は飯島氏を厚遇し、動静を連日詳報した。結果的に北朝鮮に利用された面は否めない。
Was Iijima accompanied by an interpreter from Japan? Have records of the content of talks he had with North Korean officials been made available to the Japanese government? Wasn’t his visit linked to the issue of auctioning the headquarters building in Tokyo of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon)?
日本人通訳は付いていたのか。会談記録は日本側にも残っているのか。朝鮮総連中央本部（東京）の競売問題との関係はなかったのか。
There are many questions like these regarding Iijima’s visit.
多くの疑問がある。
Bid to divide alliance
In giving the green-light to Iijima’s visit, North Korea may have aimed at probing the internal affairs of the Abe Cabinet. At the same time, Pyongyang may have been trying to drive a wedge between Japan, the United States and South Korea, which are set to increase pressure on North Korea.
北朝鮮には、安倍政権の内情を探るとともに、圧力を強めようとする日米韓の連携にくさびを打ち込む狙いがあっただろう。
Glyn Davies, the U.S. special representative for North Korea policy who was in Japan last week, said, “We knew that North Korea would eventually shift their strategy to that of seeking engagement in an effort to split us.” Japan must not give North Korea even the smallest chance of taking advantage of any development in foreign relations.
来日した米国のデービース北朝鮮担当政府特別代表は、「北朝鮮が我々を分断するため、挑発から対話に戦略転換することは予測していた」と述べた。北朝鮮に、付け入る隙を与えてはなるまい。
The government should redouble efforts to keep international cooperation over North Korea’s missile development ambitions intact, while steadily working to resolve the abduction issue.
核・ミサイル問題での国際連携を堅持しながら、拉致問題解決へ進展を図っていく。
The Abe administration is urged to produce positive results in addressing these difficult challenges.
その難しい課題に結果を出すことが、安倍政権に求められている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 20, 2013)
（2013年5月20日01時20分 読売新聞）
2013/05/21
北極海の開発 資源や航路で戦略的関与を
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 20, 2013
Japan should strategically engage in discussions on Arctic development
北極海の開発 資源や航路で戦略的関与を（5月19日付・読売社説）
As an increasing number of countries have clearly demonstrated their interest in the commercial and military potential of the Arctic Ocean, the government should unite relevant parties to draw up a national strategy on the region.
商業、軍事利用の潜在的な可能性が高い北極海を巡り、各国の利害が交錯し始めた。日本もオールジャパンで国家戦略を練るべきである。
In Sweden, the Arctic Council comprising the United States, Russia and Nordic countries held a ministerial meeting last week for the first time in two years. The council has admitted six countries, including Japan, China and South Korea, as observers.
米露両国や北欧諸国などによる「北極評議会」が２年ぶりの閣僚会議をスウェーデンで開き、日本や中国、韓国など６か国のオブザーバー資格を新たに承認した。
The Arctic Council is a forum for discussing and coordinating development of the Arctic and protecting its environment. Japan was granted observer status based on its internationally recognized contributions to environmental research and observation of the region. It is significant to be allowed to participate in the council’s meetings as an observer. This will serve Japan’s interests as a maritime nation.
評議会は、北極圏開発や環境保護を協議する場で、日本は環境研究や極地観測への貢献が評価された。オブザーバーとして協議に参加する意義は大きい。海洋国家としての国益にもつながろう。
Potential for new routes
Since the amount of sea ice has been decreasing every year due to global warming, many countries are focused on whether new regular routes connecting Asia and Europe can be opened in the Arctic Ocean.
北極海は、地球温暖化に伴って年々海氷が縮小している。アジアと欧州を結ぶ定期航路ができるかどうか、注目されている。
In December, a tanker of a company related to the Russian government transported liquefied natural gas produced in Norway to Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. This was the world’s first instance of LNG transportation via an Arctic route.
昨年１２月には、ロシア政府系企業のタンカーが、ノルウェーの液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）を福岡県北九州市に運んだ。北極海航路を利用した世界初のＬＮＧ輸送だ。
If such routes become regularly available, Japan will benefit from a reduced navigation distance to and from Europe, as Arctic channels are about 40 percent shorter than those using the Suez Canal.
こうした航路が定着すれば、日本にとっても、欧州との航行距離がスエズ運河経由より約４割縮まるという利点がある。
However, ships will face a higher risk of grounding in the Arctic Ocean because it is shallow. Vessels will also have to depend mainly on Russian ports for rescue activities in case of contingencies.
ただ、北極海は海深が浅く、船舶の座礁事故の危険性が高い。救難などの拠点となる港湾は、主にロシアに頼らざるを得ない。
On the pretext of preventing accidents, Russia is gaining commercial control of Arctic routes by, for example, obliging ships traveling on them to pay to have icebreakers lead their vessels.
事故を防ぐためにロシアは、航行する船舶に砕氷船の随行を義務づけて料金を課すなど、商業的に支配権を握りつつある。
Japan should carefully assess whether stable navigation can be ensured on the routes and if so, if it is worthwhile to use them.
安定した航行が確保され、採算が取れるかどうか。日本は慎重に見極めるべきだ。
Abundant energy resources such as natural gas and crude oil at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean also make the region very attractive.
北極海の海底には、豊富な天然ガスや原油などのエネルギー資源が眠っていることも魅力だ。
Exploitation of such resources in the frigid sea will be an extremely large-scale state project. Countries have already begun bargaining for commercial use of the resources in the future. Japan, too, must enhance cooperation between the government and private sector to study the issue.
酷寒の海での資源開発は大規模な国家的プロジェクトとなる。商業利用に向け、各国の駆け引きが始まっている。日本も官民連携を強化し、検討する必要がある。
Role in national security
It is worrying, however, that Russia, which has been pursuing a policy of southward advancement for decades, may start utilizing the Arctic routes for national defense.
気がかりなのは、南下政策を長年進めてきたロシアが、北極海航路に安全保障上も目を転じることだ。
There is a possibility Moscow could reinforce its Pacific fleet, including nuclear submarines, and intensify its activities in Northeast Asia.
原子力潜水艦などでつくる太平洋艦隊を増強し、北東アジアでの活動を強める可能性がある。
The United States also declared it vital to expand national security interests in the Arctic, and has unveiled a strategy defining development of the region as beneficial to the country. Additionally, Beijing is escalating activities to secure its own maritime interests.
米国も「安全保障上の利益拡大が重要だ」として、北極圏開発を国益と位置づける国家戦略を発表した。中国も「海洋権益」の確保を目指し、活発に動いている。
Japan cannot afford to stand on the sidelines of this issue. If more countries begin frequently using Arctic routes, the Soya, Tsugaru and Tsushima straits will become important gateways to China, Russia and other countries.
日本も無関係ではいられない。北極海航路の使用が国際的に活発化すれば、宗谷、津軽、対馬海峡が中国、ロシアなどの重要な“出入り口”となるだろう。
Other nations’ actions regarding the Arctic Ocean should also be closely monitored in the interest of national security.
北極圏の動向は、日本の安全保障政策の観点からも注視していくことが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 19, 2013)
（2013年5月19日01時11分 読売新聞）
Japan should strategically engage in discussions on Arctic development
北極海の開発 資源や航路で戦略的関与を（5月19日付・読売社説）
As an increasing number of countries have clearly demonstrated their interest in the commercial and military potential of the Arctic Ocean, the government should unite relevant parties to draw up a national strategy on the region.
商業、軍事利用の潜在的な可能性が高い北極海を巡り、各国の利害が交錯し始めた。日本もオールジャパンで国家戦略を練るべきである。
In Sweden, the Arctic Council comprising the United States, Russia and Nordic countries held a ministerial meeting last week for the first time in two years. The council has admitted six countries, including Japan, China and South Korea, as observers.
米露両国や北欧諸国などによる「北極評議会」が２年ぶりの閣僚会議をスウェーデンで開き、日本や中国、韓国など６か国のオブザーバー資格を新たに承認した。
The Arctic Council is a forum for discussing and coordinating development of the Arctic and protecting its environment. Japan was granted observer status based on its internationally recognized contributions to environmental research and observation of the region. It is significant to be allowed to participate in the council’s meetings as an observer. This will serve Japan’s interests as a maritime nation.
評議会は、北極圏開発や環境保護を協議する場で、日本は環境研究や極地観測への貢献が評価された。オブザーバーとして協議に参加する意義は大きい。海洋国家としての国益にもつながろう。
Potential for new routes
Since the amount of sea ice has been decreasing every year due to global warming, many countries are focused on whether new regular routes connecting Asia and Europe can be opened in the Arctic Ocean.
北極海は、地球温暖化に伴って年々海氷が縮小している。アジアと欧州を結ぶ定期航路ができるかどうか、注目されている。
In December, a tanker of a company related to the Russian government transported liquefied natural gas produced in Norway to Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. This was the world’s first instance of LNG transportation via an Arctic route.
昨年１２月には、ロシア政府系企業のタンカーが、ノルウェーの液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）を福岡県北九州市に運んだ。北極海航路を利用した世界初のＬＮＧ輸送だ。
If such routes become regularly available, Japan will benefit from a reduced navigation distance to and from Europe, as Arctic channels are about 40 percent shorter than those using the Suez Canal.
こうした航路が定着すれば、日本にとっても、欧州との航行距離がスエズ運河経由より約４割縮まるという利点がある。
However, ships will face a higher risk of grounding in the Arctic Ocean because it is shallow. Vessels will also have to depend mainly on Russian ports for rescue activities in case of contingencies.
ただ、北極海は海深が浅く、船舶の座礁事故の危険性が高い。救難などの拠点となる港湾は、主にロシアに頼らざるを得ない。
On the pretext of preventing accidents, Russia is gaining commercial control of Arctic routes by, for example, obliging ships traveling on them to pay to have icebreakers lead their vessels.
事故を防ぐためにロシアは、航行する船舶に砕氷船の随行を義務づけて料金を課すなど、商業的に支配権を握りつつある。
Japan should carefully assess whether stable navigation can be ensured on the routes and if so, if it is worthwhile to use them.
安定した航行が確保され、採算が取れるかどうか。日本は慎重に見極めるべきだ。
Abundant energy resources such as natural gas and crude oil at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean also make the region very attractive.
北極海の海底には、豊富な天然ガスや原油などのエネルギー資源が眠っていることも魅力だ。
Exploitation of such resources in the frigid sea will be an extremely large-scale state project. Countries have already begun bargaining for commercial use of the resources in the future. Japan, too, must enhance cooperation between the government and private sector to study the issue.
酷寒の海での資源開発は大規模な国家的プロジェクトとなる。商業利用に向け、各国の駆け引きが始まっている。日本も官民連携を強化し、検討する必要がある。
Role in national security
It is worrying, however, that Russia, which has been pursuing a policy of southward advancement for decades, may start utilizing the Arctic routes for national defense.
気がかりなのは、南下政策を長年進めてきたロシアが、北極海航路に安全保障上も目を転じることだ。
There is a possibility Moscow could reinforce its Pacific fleet, including nuclear submarines, and intensify its activities in Northeast Asia.
原子力潜水艦などでつくる太平洋艦隊を増強し、北東アジアでの活動を強める可能性がある。
The United States also declared it vital to expand national security interests in the Arctic, and has unveiled a strategy defining development of the region as beneficial to the country. Additionally, Beijing is escalating activities to secure its own maritime interests.
米国も「安全保障上の利益拡大が重要だ」として、北極圏開発を国益と位置づける国家戦略を発表した。中国も「海洋権益」の確保を目指し、活発に動いている。
Japan cannot afford to stand on the sidelines of this issue. If more countries begin frequently using Arctic routes, the Soya, Tsugaru and Tsushima straits will become important gateways to China, Russia and other countries.
日本も無関係ではいられない。北極海航路の使用が国際的に活発化すれば、宗谷、津軽、対馬海峡が中国、ロシアなどの重要な“出入り口”となるだろう。
Other nations’ actions regarding the Arctic Ocean should also be closely monitored in the interest of national security.
北極圏の動向は、日本の安全保障政策の観点からも注視していくことが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 19, 2013)
（2013年5月19日01時11分 読売新聞）
2013/05/20
農業の成長戦略 「所得倍増」へ農地集積を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 19, 2013
Farmland integration needed to double income of farmers in light of TPP entry
農業の成長戦略 「所得倍増」へ農地集積を急げ（5月18日付・読売社説）
How should Japan revitalize its agriculture to prepare for further market liberalization? The government is likely to face a test on whether its efforts to turn the nation’s agricultural sector from one centering on small farms into one featuring more highly productive large-scale agricultural businesses will prove viable.
一層の市場開放に備えて、日本農業をどう再生するか。小規模農家から生産性の高い大規模営農へ、転換を促す施策の実効性が問われよう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday unveiled aggressive agricultural reform plans under the second part of his growth strategy.
安倍首相は、成長戦略第２弾の柱として「攻めの農業」の実現を打ち出した。
“We’ll definitely carry out agricultural structural reform this time around,” Abe said. “Without farmland integration, we can’t improve productivity.”
「農業の構造改革を今度こそ確実にやり遂げる。農地の集積なくして、生産性向上はない」と述べた。
We believe his envisaged reform is on the right course.
改革の方向性は間違っていない。
The reform plans feature a new intermediate system for farmland, which Abe called a farmland integration bank. The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry is aiming to launch the system as soon as possible.
目玉となるのは、首相が「農地集積バンク」と呼んだ新たな農地仲介制度である。農林水産省が早期導入を目指している。
Govt eyes new farmland body
The plans call for prefectural agricultural public corporations, which currently handle trading of farmland, to be given greater authority and transformed into a new public body that will manage farmland. The body would lease farmland from small farmers and others and introduce it to potential tenants--farmers seeking to expand farming business and agricultural corporations.
現在、農地売買などを行っている都道府県の農業公社に強い権限を与え、農地を管理する機構に衣替えする。機構が小規模農家などから土地をいったん借り上げ、大規模化を目指す農家や農業法人に橋渡しする仕組みだ。
In the past 20 years, deserted farmland doubled to a total area almost equivalent to that of Shiga Prefecture. This is a serious matter.
耕作せずに放置されたままの放棄地は２０年で倍増し、滋賀県全体とほぼ同じ規模にまで拡大した。深刻な状況といえる。
The focal point of the reform is whether the new system will be able to foster large farmers.
焦点は、新制度が大規模農家の育成につながるかどうかだ。
The failure to find tenants would mean the new body would need to pay rent for the farmland. It would also have to cover the cost of maintenance and management of the land as well as the development of irrigation systems.
借り手が見つからないと機構が農地を丸抱えすることになり、その間も、機構は農地の貸し手に賃料を払い続ける必要がある。農地を維持管理し、用排水路を整備する費用もかかる。
In this case, it is estimated the body would have to shoulder hundreds of billions of yen a year in costs. If this intermediate program proves unsuccessful, it would end up injecting massive public funds without producing results.
財政負担は年数千億円と見込まれている。仲介がうまく進まなければ、巨額の国費を投入するだけで終わりかねない。
To secure farmland tenants, it is essential that the government draw up a measure to encourage companies and other entities to enter the agricultural sector. The body will also need to offer prime farmland, which can be integrated easily.
借り手を確保するには、企業などの新規参入を後押しする政策が不可欠だ。集約しやすい優良農地を仲介することも求められる。
Unless the government reviews the role of its agricultural panel tasked with leasing and trading of farmland, the panel could become an obstacle to farmland integration.
農地の賃貸や売買の許可権限を持つ農業委員会を見直さないと、農地集積の支障となろう。
As long as the prime minister regards agriculture as a key sector in his growth strategy, we urge the farm ministry to devise effective systems that may encroach on the vested interests of entities such as agricultural cooperatives.
農業を成長戦略と位置付ける以上、農水省はメリハリの利いた制度設計を行い、農協などの既得権に切り込んでもらいたい。
In announcing the next stage of his economic policy, Abe set a goal of doubling farming income during a 10-year period. This is an ambitious goal that will require efforts also by farmers and other players in the sector, propelled by effective measures.
首相は「１０年間で農業・農村の所得倍増目標」を掲げたが、効果的な施策をテコに農業従事者も努力しないと高いハードルだ。
Measures should be consistent
Meanwhile, questions have been raised about the Liberal Democratic Party’s move to consider expanding the current income-support program for certain farming households, such as rice producers, and launching a new program to provide all farmers who maintain farmland with subsidies.
自民党がコメ農家などを対象とする所得補償制度を拡充し、農地を維持している全農家に補助金を支給する制度を検討していることも問題である。
If even small farmers are eligible to receive subsidies, the government is unlikely to find farmers willing to lease their farmland. We believe measures that could hamper the government’s initiative in farmland integration should be reviewed.
零細農家でも補助金をもらえるなら、農地の出し手は増えまい。農地集約の方針に妨げとなる政策は再考すべきではないか。
For a long time, the government has failed to expand domestic farmland. Ahead of Japan’s entry into talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the government must speed up work on agricultural reform.
農地の規模拡大は長年実現できなかった。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加をにらみ、改革を加速しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 18, 2013)
（2013年5月18日01時17分 読売新聞）
Farmland integration needed to double income of farmers in light of TPP entry
農業の成長戦略 「所得倍増」へ農地集積を急げ（5月18日付・読売社説）
How should Japan revitalize its agriculture to prepare for further market liberalization? The government is likely to face a test on whether its efforts to turn the nation’s agricultural sector from one centering on small farms into one featuring more highly productive large-scale agricultural businesses will prove viable.
一層の市場開放に備えて、日本農業をどう再生するか。小規模農家から生産性の高い大規模営農へ、転換を促す施策の実効性が問われよう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday unveiled aggressive agricultural reform plans under the second part of his growth strategy.
安倍首相は、成長戦略第２弾の柱として「攻めの農業」の実現を打ち出した。
“We’ll definitely carry out agricultural structural reform this time around,” Abe said. “Without farmland integration, we can’t improve productivity.”
「農業の構造改革を今度こそ確実にやり遂げる。農地の集積なくして、生産性向上はない」と述べた。
We believe his envisaged reform is on the right course.
改革の方向性は間違っていない。
The reform plans feature a new intermediate system for farmland, which Abe called a farmland integration bank. The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry is aiming to launch the system as soon as possible.
目玉となるのは、首相が「農地集積バンク」と呼んだ新たな農地仲介制度である。農林水産省が早期導入を目指している。
Govt eyes new farmland body
The plans call for prefectural agricultural public corporations, which currently handle trading of farmland, to be given greater authority and transformed into a new public body that will manage farmland. The body would lease farmland from small farmers and others and introduce it to potential tenants--farmers seeking to expand farming business and agricultural corporations.
現在、農地売買などを行っている都道府県の農業公社に強い権限を与え、農地を管理する機構に衣替えする。機構が小規模農家などから土地をいったん借り上げ、大規模化を目指す農家や農業法人に橋渡しする仕組みだ。
In the past 20 years, deserted farmland doubled to a total area almost equivalent to that of Shiga Prefecture. This is a serious matter.
耕作せずに放置されたままの放棄地は２０年で倍増し、滋賀県全体とほぼ同じ規模にまで拡大した。深刻な状況といえる。
The focal point of the reform is whether the new system will be able to foster large farmers.
焦点は、新制度が大規模農家の育成につながるかどうかだ。
The failure to find tenants would mean the new body would need to pay rent for the farmland. It would also have to cover the cost of maintenance and management of the land as well as the development of irrigation systems.
借り手が見つからないと機構が農地を丸抱えすることになり、その間も、機構は農地の貸し手に賃料を払い続ける必要がある。農地を維持管理し、用排水路を整備する費用もかかる。
In this case, it is estimated the body would have to shoulder hundreds of billions of yen a year in costs. If this intermediate program proves unsuccessful, it would end up injecting massive public funds without producing results.
財政負担は年数千億円と見込まれている。仲介がうまく進まなければ、巨額の国費を投入するだけで終わりかねない。
To secure farmland tenants, it is essential that the government draw up a measure to encourage companies and other entities to enter the agricultural sector. The body will also need to offer prime farmland, which can be integrated easily.
借り手を確保するには、企業などの新規参入を後押しする政策が不可欠だ。集約しやすい優良農地を仲介することも求められる。
Unless the government reviews the role of its agricultural panel tasked with leasing and trading of farmland, the panel could become an obstacle to farmland integration.
農地の賃貸や売買の許可権限を持つ農業委員会を見直さないと、農地集積の支障となろう。
As long as the prime minister regards agriculture as a key sector in his growth strategy, we urge the farm ministry to devise effective systems that may encroach on the vested interests of entities such as agricultural cooperatives.
農業を成長戦略と位置付ける以上、農水省はメリハリの利いた制度設計を行い、農協などの既得権に切り込んでもらいたい。
In announcing the next stage of his economic policy, Abe set a goal of doubling farming income during a 10-year period. This is an ambitious goal that will require efforts also by farmers and other players in the sector, propelled by effective measures.
首相は「１０年間で農業・農村の所得倍増目標」を掲げたが、効果的な施策をテコに農業従事者も努力しないと高いハードルだ。
Measures should be consistent
Meanwhile, questions have been raised about the Liberal Democratic Party’s move to consider expanding the current income-support program for certain farming households, such as rice producers, and launching a new program to provide all farmers who maintain farmland with subsidies.
自民党がコメ農家などを対象とする所得補償制度を拡充し、農地を維持している全農家に補助金を支給する制度を検討していることも問題である。
If even small farmers are eligible to receive subsidies, the government is unlikely to find farmers willing to lease their farmland. We believe measures that could hamper the government’s initiative in farmland integration should be reviewed.
零細農家でも補助金をもらえるなら、農地の出し手は増えまい。農地集約の方針に妨げとなる政策は再考すべきではないか。
For a long time, the government has failed to expand domestic farmland. Ahead of Japan’s entry into talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the government must speed up work on agricultural reform.
農地の規模拡大は長年実現できなかった。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加をにらみ、改革を加速しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 18, 2013)
（2013年5月18日01時17分 読売新聞）
2013/05/19
「もんじゅ」 安全意識の抜本改革が必要だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 18, 2013
JAEA must drastically improve its safety awareness on Monju
「もんじゅ」 安全意識の抜本改革が必要だ（5月17日付・読売社説）
The de facto “operation ban” to be ordered for the prototype fast-breeder reactor is extremely serious.
事実上の「運転禁止」となる深刻な事態だ。
The Nuclear Regulation Authority has decided to order the Japan Atomic Energy Agency to suspend preparations for resuming operations at its trouble-plagued prototype fast-breeder reactor Monju in Fukui Prefecture. The decision was made because of slipshod inspections of the reactor.
福井県にある高速増殖炉「もんじゅ」に対し、原子力規制委員会が、運転再開に向けた作業の停止を命じることを決めた。あまりに点検がずさんだったためだ。
The JAEA, which operates Monju, reported to the Secretariat of the NRA in January this year that the agency had failed to check about 10,000 parts of the reactor during its inspections. Furthermore, the secretariat’s on-site inspection later found the agency had even failed to check important equipment such as an emergency power device.
今年１月、「もんじゅ」を運営する日本原子力研究開発機構が約１万件の点検漏れがあったことを原子力規制庁に報告した。さらに、その後の規制庁の立ち入り検査で、非常用電源機器など重要設備の点検漏れも判明した。
Inspections of equipment are fundamental to ensuring safety. The JAEA, which is the core organization for nuclear research in this country, seems to have adopted a laissez-faire attitude toward the basics.
設備の点検は、安全確保の根幹だ。原子力研究の中核組織である原子力機構で、その基本がないがしろにされていたことになる。
It is inevitable for the agency to come under severe criticism.
厳しい措置はやむを得まい。
Monju is a key reactor for development of a nuclear fuel cycle to effectively utilize uranium resources.
もんじゅは、ウラン資源を有効活用する核燃料サイクル開発の要となる原子炉だ。
The reactor, however, was suspended for more than 10 years due to a sodium coolant leak in 1995 shortly after a test operation. Operations were resumed in 2010, but were suspended once more after a nuclear fuel in-vessel transfer machine fell. Many people are expressing doubts about the cost of the reactor as a budget of nearly 1 trillion yen has been spent on it so far.
試験運転から間もない１９９５年のナトリウム漏れ事故で１０年以上、止まった。２０１０年に運転を再開したが、核燃料交換装置の落下事故で停止が続いている。１兆円近い予算が投じられていることを問題視する声もある。
The agency must handle the reactor in a way that does not cause the public to further lose trust in it.
だからこそ、信頼を損なうことのない運営が求められよう。
Unbelievable remark
Despite the situation, JAEA President Atsuyuki Suzuki reportedly said during the NRA Secretariat’s hearings, “It is inevitable for mistakes to be made while we carry out formalities.”
それにもかかわらず、原子力機構の鈴木篤之理事長は、規制庁の聴取に対し、「形式的ミスはやむを得ない」と述べたという。
This is an unbelievable statement as it comes from an expert who once served as chairman of the now-defunct Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. He seems to have little sense of responsibility in ensuring the safety of nuclear power.
旧原子力安全委員会の委員長まで務めた専門家の発言とは思えない。原子力の安全確保に対する責任感が希薄なのではないか。
Were there no problems in the frequency and methods of the inspections? The activities of the agency should be thoroughly examined to clarify where the problems lie. It is also important to verify whether adequate funds were appropriately secured to ensure optimal allocation of staff, as well as for the inspections.
点検の頻度、方法に問題はなかったのか。課題を洗い出す必要がある。人員配置や点検に要する予算の確保が適切だったのか、検証することも重要である。
With the idling of Monju, criticism has been raised over the research and development of nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle. Under the circumstances, measures must be put in place to keep up the morale of the Monju and related staff.
もんじゅが動かず、原子力や核燃料サイクルの研究開発に批判が出る中、職員の士気を低下させない対策も求められよう。
Nuclear fuel cycle
Asked about the nuclear fuel cycle at a meeting of the House of Councillors Budget Committee on Monday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said: “Japan possesses a high level of nuclear fuel cycle technology. Japan will cooperate with other countries to continue to promote the cycle.”
安倍首相は１３日の参院予算委員会で、核燃料サイクルについて問われ、「日本は高い技術を有しており、世界と連携し、継続して進めていく」と明言した。
This is a reasonable view if we consider it from the standpoint of the energy security of Japan, a resource-thirsty country.
資源に乏しい日本のエネルギー安全保障を考えれば、もっともな見解だ。
Abe also pointed out, “Each country has been struggling with how to handle spent nuclear fuel.” A fast-breeder reactor can efficiently burn radioactive substances in spent nuclear fuel. This specific reactor should be positioned as the main pillar of the nuclear fuel cycle.
首相は、「使用済み核燃料への対応に各国が悩んでいる」とも指摘した。高速増殖炉は使用済み核燃料中の放射性物質を効率的に燃やせる。今後も、核燃料サイクルの柱に位置付けるべきだ。
The NRA reportedly will not lift its suspension order until the JAEA confirms it has undergone organizational reforms. To avoid the operation ban being prolonged, the NRA must give the JAEA concrete instructions on what reforms it should carry out to ensure Monju’s operations resume in the near future.
規制委は、原子力機構の体質改善を確認するまで命令を解除しない方針という。いたずらに「運転禁止」が長引かないよう、規制委は再開を前提に、改革すべき項目を具体的に指示すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 17, 2013)
（2013年5月17日01時16分 読売新聞）
JAEA must drastically improve its safety awareness on Monju
「もんじゅ」 安全意識の抜本改革が必要だ（5月17日付・読売社説）
The de facto “operation ban” to be ordered for the prototype fast-breeder reactor is extremely serious.
事実上の「運転禁止」となる深刻な事態だ。
The Nuclear Regulation Authority has decided to order the Japan Atomic Energy Agency to suspend preparations for resuming operations at its trouble-plagued prototype fast-breeder reactor Monju in Fukui Prefecture. The decision was made because of slipshod inspections of the reactor.
福井県にある高速増殖炉「もんじゅ」に対し、原子力規制委員会が、運転再開に向けた作業の停止を命じることを決めた。あまりに点検がずさんだったためだ。
The JAEA, which operates Monju, reported to the Secretariat of the NRA in January this year that the agency had failed to check about 10,000 parts of the reactor during its inspections. Furthermore, the secretariat’s on-site inspection later found the agency had even failed to check important equipment such as an emergency power device.
今年１月、「もんじゅ」を運営する日本原子力研究開発機構が約１万件の点検漏れがあったことを原子力規制庁に報告した。さらに、その後の規制庁の立ち入り検査で、非常用電源機器など重要設備の点検漏れも判明した。
Inspections of equipment are fundamental to ensuring safety. The JAEA, which is the core organization for nuclear research in this country, seems to have adopted a laissez-faire attitude toward the basics.
設備の点検は、安全確保の根幹だ。原子力研究の中核組織である原子力機構で、その基本がないがしろにされていたことになる。
It is inevitable for the agency to come under severe criticism.
厳しい措置はやむを得まい。
Monju is a key reactor for development of a nuclear fuel cycle to effectively utilize uranium resources.
もんじゅは、ウラン資源を有効活用する核燃料サイクル開発の要となる原子炉だ。
The reactor, however, was suspended for more than 10 years due to a sodium coolant leak in 1995 shortly after a test operation. Operations were resumed in 2010, but were suspended once more after a nuclear fuel in-vessel transfer machine fell. Many people are expressing doubts about the cost of the reactor as a budget of nearly 1 trillion yen has been spent on it so far.
試験運転から間もない１９９５年のナトリウム漏れ事故で１０年以上、止まった。２０１０年に運転を再開したが、核燃料交換装置の落下事故で停止が続いている。１兆円近い予算が投じられていることを問題視する声もある。
The agency must handle the reactor in a way that does not cause the public to further lose trust in it.
だからこそ、信頼を損なうことのない運営が求められよう。
Unbelievable remark
Despite the situation, JAEA President Atsuyuki Suzuki reportedly said during the NRA Secretariat’s hearings, “It is inevitable for mistakes to be made while we carry out formalities.”
それにもかかわらず、原子力機構の鈴木篤之理事長は、規制庁の聴取に対し、「形式的ミスはやむを得ない」と述べたという。
This is an unbelievable statement as it comes from an expert who once served as chairman of the now-defunct Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. He seems to have little sense of responsibility in ensuring the safety of nuclear power.
旧原子力安全委員会の委員長まで務めた専門家の発言とは思えない。原子力の安全確保に対する責任感が希薄なのではないか。
Were there no problems in the frequency and methods of the inspections? The activities of the agency should be thoroughly examined to clarify where the problems lie. It is also important to verify whether adequate funds were appropriately secured to ensure optimal allocation of staff, as well as for the inspections.
点検の頻度、方法に問題はなかったのか。課題を洗い出す必要がある。人員配置や点検に要する予算の確保が適切だったのか、検証することも重要である。
With the idling of Monju, criticism has been raised over the research and development of nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle. Under the circumstances, measures must be put in place to keep up the morale of the Monju and related staff.
もんじゅが動かず、原子力や核燃料サイクルの研究開発に批判が出る中、職員の士気を低下させない対策も求められよう。
Nuclear fuel cycle
Asked about the nuclear fuel cycle at a meeting of the House of Councillors Budget Committee on Monday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said: “Japan possesses a high level of nuclear fuel cycle technology. Japan will cooperate with other countries to continue to promote the cycle.”
安倍首相は１３日の参院予算委員会で、核燃料サイクルについて問われ、「日本は高い技術を有しており、世界と連携し、継続して進めていく」と明言した。
This is a reasonable view if we consider it from the standpoint of the energy security of Japan, a resource-thirsty country.
資源に乏しい日本のエネルギー安全保障を考えれば、もっともな見解だ。
Abe also pointed out, “Each country has been struggling with how to handle spent nuclear fuel.” A fast-breeder reactor can efficiently burn radioactive substances in spent nuclear fuel. This specific reactor should be positioned as the main pillar of the nuclear fuel cycle.
首相は、「使用済み核燃料への対応に各国が悩んでいる」とも指摘した。高速増殖炉は使用済み核燃料中の放射性物質を効率的に燃やせる。今後も、核燃料サイクルの柱に位置付けるべきだ。
The NRA reportedly will not lift its suspension order until the JAEA confirms it has undergone organizational reforms. To avoid the operation ban being prolonged, the NRA must give the JAEA concrete instructions on what reforms it should carry out to ensure Monju’s operations resume in the near future.
規制委は、原子力機構の体質改善を確認するまで命令を解除しない方針という。いたずらに「運転禁止」が長引かないよう、規制委は再開を前提に、改革すべき項目を具体的に指示すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 17, 2013)
（2013年5月17日01時16分 読売新聞）
2013/05/18
橋下氏発言 女性の尊厳踏みにじる不見識
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 17, 2013
Hashimoto's remarks affront to women, reveal ignorance
橋下氏発言 女性の尊厳踏みにじる不見識（5月16日付・読売社説）
It was a statement that made us doubt his common sense and dignity as a public figure.
公人としての見識と品位が問われる発言だ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) coleader Toru Hashimoto recently told reporters that so-called comfort women were “necessary to maintain discipline in the military forces at that time” by deterring rapes by soldiers.
日本維新の会の橋下共同代表が、いわゆる従軍慰安婦について、兵士によるレイプを抑え、「軍の規律を維持するには当時は必要だった」と記者団に語った。
Furthermore, Hashimoto revealed that he advised a senior officer of the U.S. forces in Japan to let soldiers “actively utilize” sex-related services.
さらに、橋下氏が在日米軍幹部に、風俗業の「活用」を働きかけていたことも明らかになった。
On Wednesday, Hashimoto offered the clarification that he “never said the system is necessary now.” And it may be true, as Hashimoto said, that similar systems to provide sexual services were used during the war by armies other than the defunct Imperial Japanese Army.
橋下氏は１５日、慰安婦について「いま必要とは一切言っていない」と釈明した。戦時中、旧日本軍以外にも類似した存在があったという指摘は、その通りだろう。
Nevertheless, it is inevitable that loudly arguing that comfort women were necessary for the military would be seen as making light of women’s dignity.
とは言え、軍に慰安婦が必要だったと声高に主張することが、女性の尊厳を軽んじるものと受け止められても仕方あるまい。
Strong opposition
It is natural that strong opposition was raised against Hashimoto’s remarks, including from Tomomi Inada, state minister in charge of administrative reform. “I believe the comfort women system violated the human rights of women,” Inada said.
橋下氏の発言に対し、稲田行政改革相が「慰安婦制度は女性の人権に対する侵害だと思っている」と述べたように、強い反発の声が上がったのも当然である。
Hashimoto made the statement to the press in connection with the stance of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet concerning its recognition of history.
今回の発言は、歴史認識をめぐる安倍内閣の姿勢に関連して、記者団の質問に答えたものだ。
A 1993 statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono concerning the comfort women issue contains expressions indicating that Japanese administrative and military authorities forcibly recruited women as comfort women in an organized manner. His comments were not based on any official or historical materials.
慰安婦問題に関する１９９３年の河野官房長官談話には、資料的な根拠もないまま、日本の官憲が組織的、強制的に女性を慰安婦にしたかのような記述がある。
Such expressions, which may invite misunderstandings, need a review based on facts.
そうした誤解を招くような記述は、事実を踏まえた見直しが必要だ。
Irresponsible attitude
Hashimoto advocates a review of the Kono statement. However, to accept the existence of comfort women during wartime as “necessary” may conversely spread misunderstanding on the issue internationally.
橋下氏は河野談話の見直しが持論である。だが、戦時中の慰安婦の存在を「必要だった」と認めることは、逆に国際的にも誤解を広げることになるのではないか。
Hashimoto criticized the Japanese government over its handling of the comfort women issue, as the government maintains the problem was legally settled with the 1965 Treaty of Basic Relations between Japan and South Korea. He also said “due consideration must be given” to former comfort women.
橋下氏は、日本政府が１９６５年の日韓基本条約で慰安婦問題は法的に解決済みだとしていることを批判し、元慰安婦に「配慮すべきだ」とも語っている。
However, it is irresponsible for Hashimoto to advance such an argument without suggesting concrete measures.
だが、何ら具体策もないのに、こうした主張をするのは無責任である。
Meanwhile, the statement about actively utilizing sex-related businesses was advice given to a senior officer of the U.S. forces stationed in Japan when Hashimoto recently visited Okinawa Prefecture.
一方、「風俗業活用」発言は橋下氏が最近沖縄を訪問した際、在日米軍幹部に進言したという。
Hashimoto told the senior officer that handling soldiers’ sexual desires is an important subject for the military in any era and suggested actively utilizing legal sex-related services in Japan.
兵士の性をどう制御するかは、いつの時代も軍の課題だとして、日本で合法的に行われている風俗業を活用してはどうかと語った。
The senior officer replied that such activity was prohibited by U.S. forces and closed the subject, according to Hashimoto.
幹部は、軍では禁じられていると答え、この話を打ち切った。
Hashimoto lacks understanding of the disciplinary rules of the U.S. military. Such a statement was probably taken as an insult to U.S. forces in Japan.
米軍の規律に対する無理解であり、侮辱とも受け止められたのではないか。
Women’s dignity is strongly respected in U.S. society. Among history-related issues in Japan, the U.S. public has turned an especially stern eye on the comfort women issue.
米国社会では、女性の尊厳が重んじられている。日本の歴史問題の中でも、とりわけ慰安婦問題に対する視線が厳しい。
It is only natural that people in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere have criticized his remarks as reckless statements that treat women like implements.
沖縄などからも、女性を道具として扱う暴言と批判の声が上がったのももっともだ。
We cannot help but question why Hashimoto had to make such a proposal and why he had to publicly announce it.
なぜ、橋下氏がこうした提案をし、それを表明する必要があったのか。首を傾(かし)げざるを得ない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 16, 2013)
（2013年5月16日01時46分 読売新聞）
Hashimoto's remarks affront to women, reveal ignorance
橋下氏発言 女性の尊厳踏みにじる不見識（5月16日付・読売社説）
It was a statement that made us doubt his common sense and dignity as a public figure.
公人としての見識と品位が問われる発言だ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) coleader Toru Hashimoto recently told reporters that so-called comfort women were “necessary to maintain discipline in the military forces at that time” by deterring rapes by soldiers.
日本維新の会の橋下共同代表が、いわゆる従軍慰安婦について、兵士によるレイプを抑え、「軍の規律を維持するには当時は必要だった」と記者団に語った。
Furthermore, Hashimoto revealed that he advised a senior officer of the U.S. forces in Japan to let soldiers “actively utilize” sex-related services.
さらに、橋下氏が在日米軍幹部に、風俗業の「活用」を働きかけていたことも明らかになった。
On Wednesday, Hashimoto offered the clarification that he “never said the system is necessary now.” And it may be true, as Hashimoto said, that similar systems to provide sexual services were used during the war by armies other than the defunct Imperial Japanese Army.
橋下氏は１５日、慰安婦について「いま必要とは一切言っていない」と釈明した。戦時中、旧日本軍以外にも類似した存在があったという指摘は、その通りだろう。
Nevertheless, it is inevitable that loudly arguing that comfort women were necessary for the military would be seen as making light of women’s dignity.
とは言え、軍に慰安婦が必要だったと声高に主張することが、女性の尊厳を軽んじるものと受け止められても仕方あるまい。
Strong opposition
It is natural that strong opposition was raised against Hashimoto’s remarks, including from Tomomi Inada, state minister in charge of administrative reform. “I believe the comfort women system violated the human rights of women,” Inada said.
橋下氏の発言に対し、稲田行政改革相が「慰安婦制度は女性の人権に対する侵害だと思っている」と述べたように、強い反発の声が上がったのも当然である。
Hashimoto made the statement to the press in connection with the stance of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet concerning its recognition of history.
今回の発言は、歴史認識をめぐる安倍内閣の姿勢に関連して、記者団の質問に答えたものだ。
A 1993 statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono concerning the comfort women issue contains expressions indicating that Japanese administrative and military authorities forcibly recruited women as comfort women in an organized manner. His comments were not based on any official or historical materials.
慰安婦問題に関する１９９３年の河野官房長官談話には、資料的な根拠もないまま、日本の官憲が組織的、強制的に女性を慰安婦にしたかのような記述がある。
Such expressions, which may invite misunderstandings, need a review based on facts.
そうした誤解を招くような記述は、事実を踏まえた見直しが必要だ。
Irresponsible attitude
Hashimoto advocates a review of the Kono statement. However, to accept the existence of comfort women during wartime as “necessary” may conversely spread misunderstanding on the issue internationally.
橋下氏は河野談話の見直しが持論である。だが、戦時中の慰安婦の存在を「必要だった」と認めることは、逆に国際的にも誤解を広げることになるのではないか。
Hashimoto criticized the Japanese government over its handling of the comfort women issue, as the government maintains the problem was legally settled with the 1965 Treaty of Basic Relations between Japan and South Korea. He also said “due consideration must be given” to former comfort women.
橋下氏は、日本政府が１９６５年の日韓基本条約で慰安婦問題は法的に解決済みだとしていることを批判し、元慰安婦に「配慮すべきだ」とも語っている。
However, it is irresponsible for Hashimoto to advance such an argument without suggesting concrete measures.
だが、何ら具体策もないのに、こうした主張をするのは無責任である。
Meanwhile, the statement about actively utilizing sex-related businesses was advice given to a senior officer of the U.S. forces stationed in Japan when Hashimoto recently visited Okinawa Prefecture.
一方、「風俗業活用」発言は橋下氏が最近沖縄を訪問した際、在日米軍幹部に進言したという。
Hashimoto told the senior officer that handling soldiers’ sexual desires is an important subject for the military in any era and suggested actively utilizing legal sex-related services in Japan.
兵士の性をどう制御するかは、いつの時代も軍の課題だとして、日本で合法的に行われている風俗業を活用してはどうかと語った。
The senior officer replied that such activity was prohibited by U.S. forces and closed the subject, according to Hashimoto.
幹部は、軍では禁じられていると答え、この話を打ち切った。
Hashimoto lacks understanding of the disciplinary rules of the U.S. military. Such a statement was probably taken as an insult to U.S. forces in Japan.
米軍の規律に対する無理解であり、侮辱とも受け止められたのではないか。
Women’s dignity is strongly respected in U.S. society. Among history-related issues in Japan, the U.S. public has turned an especially stern eye on the comfort women issue.
米国社会では、女性の尊厳が重んじられている。日本の歴史問題の中でも、とりわけ慰安婦問題に対する視線が厳しい。
It is only natural that people in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere have criticized his remarks as reckless statements that treat women like implements.
沖縄などからも、女性を道具として扱う暴言と批判の声が上がったのももっともだ。
We cannot help but question why Hashimoto had to make such a proposal and why he had to publicly announce it.
なぜ、橋下氏がこうした提案をし、それを表明する必要があったのか。首を傾(かし)げざるを得ない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 16, 2013)
（2013年5月16日01時46分 読売新聞）
2013/05/17
卵子提供の仲介 子供を守る法整備に踏み出せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 16, 2013
Legal framework needed to protect children born from donated ova
卵子提供の仲介 子供を守る法整備に踏み出せ（5月15日付・読売社説）
The number of children born to women who have undergone reproductive treatment is on the rise. The government should begin creating a legal framework to protect such children.
生殖医療で子供を授かる女性が増えている。政府は子供の権利を守る法整備に着手すべきだ。
Three women, suffering from infertility due to congenital or other conditions, will receive ova from third-party donors. This will be the first time women will receive ova from third-party donors through an intermediate organization.
先天性疾患などで卵子ができない３人の女性が第三者から卵子の提供を受けることになった。仲介団体による第三者の卵子あっせんは初めてのケースだ。
When a nonprofit organization, mainly comprising infertile patients and their families and doctors, asked for ova donations, more than 40 people responded, according to the NPO.
不妊患者の家族、医師らで作るＮＰＯ法人が、無報酬で卵子の提供者を募ったところ、４０人以上が提供を申し込んだという。
At a press conference this week, the NPO read a message of gratitude from a prospective recipient, and quoted an egg donor as saying, "I'm happy to help someone who's suffering."
ＮＰＯ法人は記者会見で、提供を受ける患者の感謝の言葉や、「悩んでいる人の力になれてうれしい」という卵子提供者の声を紹介した。
We can understand the feelings of people who want to help women wishing to have children.
子供が欲しいという女性の願いに、善意で応えてあげようという気持ちは理解できる。
Don't ignore problems
However, a number of potential problems arising from infertility treatment must not be overlooked. First, births from donated ova are expected to complicate family relationships. A child born via reproductive treatment will have two mothers--the mother who gives birth and the "genetic mother" who donates the ova.
ただし、こうした不妊治療に伴う様々な問題を見過ごしてはならない。まず、家族関係が複雑になることだ。生まれてくる子供には、出産した「産みの母」と卵子提供者である「遺伝上の母」という２人の母親ができる。
Although the Supreme Court has previously ruled that a woman who gives birth is the child's mother, there is no relevant law. To prevent friction over inheritance and other family issues, legal arrangements must be made to clarify parental relationships for children born after reproductive treatment.
出産した女性を母親とする最高裁の判例はあるが、明文化した法令は存在しない。相続などのトラブルを防ぐには、生まれた子供の親子関係を法的に規定することが欠かせない。
Ensuring children's right to learn about their birth also is an important issue that must be addressed.
子供が出自を知る権利をどう担保するか、も重要な課題だ。
The NPO has drawn up a set of rules that call for donors' addresses, names and other personal data to be disclosed if the children of recipients request such information when they turn 15. We believe a system should be created to have a public body strictly manage such personal information over the long term.
ＮＰＯ法人は、子供が１５歳になった時点で、当人が希望すれば、提供者の住所や氏名などを開示するという独自ルールを定めている。それなら、こうした個人情報を公的機関で長期間、厳重に管理する仕組みも必要ではないか。
From an ethical standpoint, regulations on the egg donation business are also needed.
倫理上、卵子の売買規制も求められよう。
Following the NPO's announcement of the ova donations, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Norihisa Tamura said: "We'll take our time to consider this issue. We haven't reached the point of setting up a study panel as there are so many opinions to consider."
今回のケースを受けて、田村厚生労働相は「時間をかけて検討したい。いろいろな意見があり、すぐに検討会を設立する状況ではない」と述べた。
Government slow to act
This position would allow reproductive treatment using donated ova to spread without a legal framework.
これでは、法的なルールのないまま治療が広がるのを黙認することになる。
In 1998, a doctor in Nagano Prefecture conducted the nation's first in vitro fertilization using donated ova. In 2003, a health ministry council compiled a report that gave the green light to egg donations.
そもそも、国内の卵子提供による体外受精は、長野県の医師が１９９８年、初めて実施し、厚労省の審議会は２００３年、卵子提供を容認する報告書をまとめた。
However, in the 10 years since then, a legal framework for ova donations has yet to be created.
だが、１０年たっても肝心の制度構築は手つかずのままだ。
In the meantime, more than 80 children have been born through in vitro fertilization using ova donated from recipients' families and friends. A growing number of couples also received ova overseas.
その間にも、家族や友人から卵子の提供を受けた体外受精で、８０人以上の子供が誕生している。海外に渡航し、卵子提供を受けて出産するカップルも増えている。
Without any regulations, children born with donated ova may face obstacles when they grow up. The government must act quickly to make the necessary legal arrangements.
ルールがないままでは、子供が成長した時に不利益が生じる恐れがある。政府は対応を急がなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 15, 2013)
（2013年5月15日01時35分 読売新聞）
Legal framework needed to protect children born from donated ova
卵子提供の仲介 子供を守る法整備に踏み出せ（5月15日付・読売社説）
The number of children born to women who have undergone reproductive treatment is on the rise. The government should begin creating a legal framework to protect such children.
生殖医療で子供を授かる女性が増えている。政府は子供の権利を守る法整備に着手すべきだ。
Three women, suffering from infertility due to congenital or other conditions, will receive ova from third-party donors. This will be the first time women will receive ova from third-party donors through an intermediate organization.
先天性疾患などで卵子ができない３人の女性が第三者から卵子の提供を受けることになった。仲介団体による第三者の卵子あっせんは初めてのケースだ。
When a nonprofit organization, mainly comprising infertile patients and their families and doctors, asked for ova donations, more than 40 people responded, according to the NPO.
不妊患者の家族、医師らで作るＮＰＯ法人が、無報酬で卵子の提供者を募ったところ、４０人以上が提供を申し込んだという。
At a press conference this week, the NPO read a message of gratitude from a prospective recipient, and quoted an egg donor as saying, "I'm happy to help someone who's suffering."
ＮＰＯ法人は記者会見で、提供を受ける患者の感謝の言葉や、「悩んでいる人の力になれてうれしい」という卵子提供者の声を紹介した。
We can understand the feelings of people who want to help women wishing to have children.
子供が欲しいという女性の願いに、善意で応えてあげようという気持ちは理解できる。
Don't ignore problems
However, a number of potential problems arising from infertility treatment must not be overlooked. First, births from donated ova are expected to complicate family relationships. A child born via reproductive treatment will have two mothers--the mother who gives birth and the "genetic mother" who donates the ova.
ただし、こうした不妊治療に伴う様々な問題を見過ごしてはならない。まず、家族関係が複雑になることだ。生まれてくる子供には、出産した「産みの母」と卵子提供者である「遺伝上の母」という２人の母親ができる。
Although the Supreme Court has previously ruled that a woman who gives birth is the child's mother, there is no relevant law. To prevent friction over inheritance and other family issues, legal arrangements must be made to clarify parental relationships for children born after reproductive treatment.
出産した女性を母親とする最高裁の判例はあるが、明文化した法令は存在しない。相続などのトラブルを防ぐには、生まれた子供の親子関係を法的に規定することが欠かせない。
Ensuring children's right to learn about their birth also is an important issue that must be addressed.
子供が出自を知る権利をどう担保するか、も重要な課題だ。
The NPO has drawn up a set of rules that call for donors' addresses, names and other personal data to be disclosed if the children of recipients request such information when they turn 15. We believe a system should be created to have a public body strictly manage such personal information over the long term.
ＮＰＯ法人は、子供が１５歳になった時点で、当人が希望すれば、提供者の住所や氏名などを開示するという独自ルールを定めている。それなら、こうした個人情報を公的機関で長期間、厳重に管理する仕組みも必要ではないか。
From an ethical standpoint, regulations on the egg donation business are also needed.
倫理上、卵子の売買規制も求められよう。
Following the NPO's announcement of the ova donations, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Norihisa Tamura said: "We'll take our time to consider this issue. We haven't reached the point of setting up a study panel as there are so many opinions to consider."
今回のケースを受けて、田村厚生労働相は「時間をかけて検討したい。いろいろな意見があり、すぐに検討会を設立する状況ではない」と述べた。
Government slow to act
This position would allow reproductive treatment using donated ova to spread without a legal framework.
これでは、法的なルールのないまま治療が広がるのを黙認することになる。
In 1998, a doctor in Nagano Prefecture conducted the nation's first in vitro fertilization using donated ova. In 2003, a health ministry council compiled a report that gave the green light to egg donations.
そもそも、国内の卵子提供による体外受精は、長野県の医師が１９９８年、初めて実施し、厚労省の審議会は２００３年、卵子提供を容認する報告書をまとめた。
However, in the 10 years since then, a legal framework for ova donations has yet to be created.
だが、１０年たっても肝心の制度構築は手つかずのままだ。
In the meantime, more than 80 children have been born through in vitro fertilization using ova donated from recipients' families and friends. A growing number of couples also received ova overseas.
その間にも、家族や友人から卵子の提供を受けた体外受精で、８０人以上の子供が誕生している。海外に渡航し、卵子提供を受けて出産するカップルも増えている。
Without any regulations, children born with donated ova may face obstacles when they grow up. The government must act quickly to make the necessary legal arrangements.
ルールがないままでは、子供が成長した時に不利益が生じる恐れがある。政府は対応を急がなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 15, 2013)
（2013年5月15日01時35分 読売新聞）
2013/05/16
サイバー対話 攻撃抑止へ日米協力を深めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 15, 2013
Japan must deepen cooperation with U.S. to deter cyber-attacks
サイバー対話 攻撃抑止へ日米協力を深めよ（5月14日付・読売社説）
A string of serious cyber-attacks and cyberterrorism incidents have occurred around the world. The government should promote extensive cooperation with the United States and reinforce its countermeasures against such attacks.
世界各地で深刻なサイバー攻撃・テロが相次いでいる。政府は、米国との幅広い協力を進め、対策を強化すべきだ。
The Japanese and U.S. governments recently held their first bilateral "cyber dialogue." They released a joint statement saying they would cooperate comprehensively to defend such critical infrastructure as telecommunication networks, financial systems and electricity supplies, and to establish international rules on cyber-issues.
日米両政府が「サイバー対話」を初めて開催し、通信、金融、電力など重要インフラの防御策や国際ルール作りで包括的な協力を行うとの共同声明を発表した。
Both sides agreed to hold a second meeting this autumn and to deepen their dialogue.
今秋に第２回会合を開き、対話を重ねることでも一致した。
Bilateral cooperation in the new field of cyberspace security will help both nations deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance as a whole, just as cooperation on space and maritime security has done. We hope cooperation in the new field will steadily take shape.
サイバー空間の安全保障という新分野における協力は、宇宙や海上安全保障などの連携と同様、日米同盟全体の深化につながる。着実に具体化させたい。
The threat is real
In March this year, several financial institutions and TV stations in South Korea came under a cyber-attack that caused massive disruptions to users of automated teller machines and personal computers. The South Korean government later concluded the attack had been the work of a North Korean intelligence agency.
今年３月、韓国の金融機関やテレビ局がサイバー攻撃を受け、現金自動預け払い機（ＡＴＭ）やパソコンに大規模障害が発生した。韓国政府は、北朝鮮の対外工作機関の犯行と断定した。
Japan should not treat this incident as "a fire on the other side of the river." Major players in the nation's defense industry, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., as well as courts and government organizations have already been targeted by cyber-attacks.
日本にとって対岸の火事ではない。既に三菱重工業など防衛産業や、裁判所、政府機関がサイバー攻撃の標的となっている。
It is imperative that Japan share an awareness of the threat posed by the latest cyber-attack and reinforce its defenses through exchanges of information and cooperation with the United States, a "leading nation in cyberspace."
「サイバー先進国」である米国との情報交換や協力を通じて、最新のサイバー攻撃に関する脅威認識を共有するとともに、防御策の実効性を高めることが急務だ。
Japan also needs to earnestly foster professional engineers in this field and strengthen the protection of infrastructure through joints efforts by the government and private sector.
専門技術者の育成や、官民一体によるインフラ防御体制の強化にも本腰を入れねばならない。
Working out international rules will be an important task in the days ahead.
今後、重要になるのは国際ルール作りだ。
Last year, the United Nations established an expert panel on cyberspace security, and 15 countries, including Japan, the United States and Britain, began talks on an international code of conduct.
国連は昨年、サイバー安全保障に関する専門家会合を設置し、日米英など１５か国が国際行動規範などの協議を始めた。
In the United States and European countries, the application of international laws of war and the right of collective self-defense against cyber-attacks have been discussed.
欧米では、サイバー攻撃に対し、戦時国際法や集団的自衛権を適用することも議論されている。
It is important for Japan to cooperate with the countries concerned, including the United States, and get involved in drawing up the international rules.
日本も、米国など関係国と連携し、国際ルール作りに積極的に関与することが肝要である。
Stand united against China
The Defense Ministry plans to establish what has tentatively been called the "cyberspace defense corps" in the Self-Defense Forces in spring next year.
防衛省は来春、自衛隊に「サイバー空間防衛隊」（仮称）を新設する予定だ。
Under what sort circumstances will the government be able to invoke the right of self-defense and switch the primary responsibility for repelling cyber-attacks to the SDF from police authorities? Study of such issues from a legal perspective will be needed.
どんな事態になれば自衛権を発動し、対処主体を警察から自衛隊に切り替えるのか、法的な検討が求められよう。
In an annual report released last week on military and security developments involving China, the U.S. Defense Department singled Beijing out for criticism by stating that last year numerous computer systems were targeted for intrusions, "some of which appear to be attributable directly to the Chinese government and military."
先週発表された中国の軍事力に関する米国防総省の年次報告は、昨年発生したサイバー攻撃の一部に中国政府・軍が関与していたと名指しで批判している。
It is vital for the international community to stand united in guiding China into abiding by international rules, just as it must on security issues in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
東シナ海・南シナ海での安全保障問題と同じように、国際ルールを順守する方向に中国を導くには国際社会の結束が欠かせない。
It is also significant that the latest Japan-U.S. dialogue was attended by officials not only from the Foreign Ministry, but from other government bodies including the Cabinet Secretariat, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Defense Ministry and the National Police Agency.
今回の日米対話は、外務省に加え、内閣官房、総務、経済産業、防衛、警察など関係省庁がそろって参加した点にも意義がある。
In working out and implementing measures against cyber-attacks, it is important for ministries and agencies concerned to act as a single team by sharing relevant information, rather than getting bogged down by bureaucratic sectionalism.
サイバー対策は、関係省庁が縦割りに陥らず、情報を共有して一丸で取り組むことが大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 14, 2013)
（2013年5月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
Japan must deepen cooperation with U.S. to deter cyber-attacks
サイバー対話 攻撃抑止へ日米協力を深めよ（5月14日付・読売社説）
A string of serious cyber-attacks and cyberterrorism incidents have occurred around the world. The government should promote extensive cooperation with the United States and reinforce its countermeasures against such attacks.
世界各地で深刻なサイバー攻撃・テロが相次いでいる。政府は、米国との幅広い協力を進め、対策を強化すべきだ。
The Japanese and U.S. governments recently held their first bilateral "cyber dialogue." They released a joint statement saying they would cooperate comprehensively to defend such critical infrastructure as telecommunication networks, financial systems and electricity supplies, and to establish international rules on cyber-issues.
日米両政府が「サイバー対話」を初めて開催し、通信、金融、電力など重要インフラの防御策や国際ルール作りで包括的な協力を行うとの共同声明を発表した。
Both sides agreed to hold a second meeting this autumn and to deepen their dialogue.
今秋に第２回会合を開き、対話を重ねることでも一致した。
Bilateral cooperation in the new field of cyberspace security will help both nations deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance as a whole, just as cooperation on space and maritime security has done. We hope cooperation in the new field will steadily take shape.
サイバー空間の安全保障という新分野における協力は、宇宙や海上安全保障などの連携と同様、日米同盟全体の深化につながる。着実に具体化させたい。
The threat is real
In March this year, several financial institutions and TV stations in South Korea came under a cyber-attack that caused massive disruptions to users of automated teller machines and personal computers. The South Korean government later concluded the attack had been the work of a North Korean intelligence agency.
今年３月、韓国の金融機関やテレビ局がサイバー攻撃を受け、現金自動預け払い機（ＡＴＭ）やパソコンに大規模障害が発生した。韓国政府は、北朝鮮の対外工作機関の犯行と断定した。
Japan should not treat this incident as "a fire on the other side of the river." Major players in the nation's defense industry, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., as well as courts and government organizations have already been targeted by cyber-attacks.
日本にとって対岸の火事ではない。既に三菱重工業など防衛産業や、裁判所、政府機関がサイバー攻撃の標的となっている。
It is imperative that Japan share an awareness of the threat posed by the latest cyber-attack and reinforce its defenses through exchanges of information and cooperation with the United States, a "leading nation in cyberspace."
「サイバー先進国」である米国との情報交換や協力を通じて、最新のサイバー攻撃に関する脅威認識を共有するとともに、防御策の実効性を高めることが急務だ。
Japan also needs to earnestly foster professional engineers in this field and strengthen the protection of infrastructure through joints efforts by the government and private sector.
専門技術者の育成や、官民一体によるインフラ防御体制の強化にも本腰を入れねばならない。
Working out international rules will be an important task in the days ahead.
今後、重要になるのは国際ルール作りだ。
Last year, the United Nations established an expert panel on cyberspace security, and 15 countries, including Japan, the United States and Britain, began talks on an international code of conduct.
国連は昨年、サイバー安全保障に関する専門家会合を設置し、日米英など１５か国が国際行動規範などの協議を始めた。
In the United States and European countries, the application of international laws of war and the right of collective self-defense against cyber-attacks have been discussed.
欧米では、サイバー攻撃に対し、戦時国際法や集団的自衛権を適用することも議論されている。
It is important for Japan to cooperate with the countries concerned, including the United States, and get involved in drawing up the international rules.
日本も、米国など関係国と連携し、国際ルール作りに積極的に関与することが肝要である。
Stand united against China
The Defense Ministry plans to establish what has tentatively been called the "cyberspace defense corps" in the Self-Defense Forces in spring next year.
防衛省は来春、自衛隊に「サイバー空間防衛隊」（仮称）を新設する予定だ。
Under what sort circumstances will the government be able to invoke the right of self-defense and switch the primary responsibility for repelling cyber-attacks to the SDF from police authorities? Study of such issues from a legal perspective will be needed.
どんな事態になれば自衛権を発動し、対処主体を警察から自衛隊に切り替えるのか、法的な検討が求められよう。
In an annual report released last week on military and security developments involving China, the U.S. Defense Department singled Beijing out for criticism by stating that last year numerous computer systems were targeted for intrusions, "some of which appear to be attributable directly to the Chinese government and military."
先週発表された中国の軍事力に関する米国防総省の年次報告は、昨年発生したサイバー攻撃の一部に中国政府・軍が関与していたと名指しで批判している。
It is vital for the international community to stand united in guiding China into abiding by international rules, just as it must on security issues in the East China Sea and South China Sea.
東シナ海・南シナ海での安全保障問題と同じように、国際ルールを順守する方向に中国を導くには国際社会の結束が欠かせない。
It is also significant that the latest Japan-U.S. dialogue was attended by officials not only from the Foreign Ministry, but from other government bodies including the Cabinet Secretariat, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Defense Ministry and the National Police Agency.
今回の日米対話は、外務省に加え、内閣官房、総務、経済産業、防衛、警察など関係省庁がそろって参加した点にも意義がある。
In working out and implementing measures against cyber-attacks, it is important for ministries and agencies concerned to act as a single team by sharing relevant information, rather than getting bogged down by bureaucratic sectionalism.
サイバー対策は、関係省庁が縦割りに陥らず、情報を共有して一丸で取り組むことが大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 14, 2013)
（2013年5月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
2013/05/15
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:「待ち疲れ」ならぬように ／東京
May 12, 2013(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Waiting on benefits from 'Abenomics' can bring stress
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:「待ち疲れ」ならぬように ／東京
Major tour companies announced before this past "Golden Week" holiday period that the number of Japanese expected to travel during the period was a record high. Experts said this is because the economic mood in Japan has been recovering thanks to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies, known as "Abenomics." I think the point here is that Japan's economy, or people's incomes, aren't actually improving, but rather their "mood" about the economy is gaining a lift.
旅行会社が大型連休前に発表したところでは、この休みの期間中の旅行者は過去最高なのだとか。理由は「安倍政権の経済政策『アベノミクス』で景況感が改善しているから」と分析されていた。ここでポイントになるのは、実際に景気が良くなり現実にお金がたくさんあるのではなく、あくまで景気の状態に対する印象の「景況感」が改善しているだけ、ということだろう。
Meanwhile, weekly magazines are saying only some people are becoming richer under the Abenomics scheme and the economic bubble will burst before most people can benefit from it. They warn that people's lives may become even more difficult. If that is true, we can't be too optimistic that our salaries will increase just because stock prices are on the rise.
一方、週刊誌のコラムなどには、「もうかるのは一部のお金持ちだけ。大半の人たちは恩恵を受ける前にバブルがはじけ、生活がより苦しくなる危険も」とも。もしそうなら、「株価が上がったから、そのうち私の給料も上がるはず」などと浮かれてもいられない。
So far I haven't heard any of my patients claiming they are making a fortune because of Abenomics. Instead, I am hearing the usual negative stories such as "I can't make ends meet with my pay from my part-time job," "I was laid off" and "I have to let go of my house because I can't pay the mortgage."
診察室で会う人からは、まだ「アベノミクスで大もうけです」といった言葉は聞こえてこない。相変わらず「このバイト代では生活できない」「パートの仕事を打ち切られた」「ローンが払えないので家を手放す」など“景気の悪い話”ばかりだ。
Although the media is reporting that large firms are making profits, I suspect most of us are just waiting, half excited and half worried, to see how Abenomics will affect our lives.
誰もが「大手企業の業績が好転」というニュースを横目に「その効果は私まで回ってくるのか」と期待半分、不安半分で待っているというところだろう。
Of course, it's better than not having any hope at all, but there is a limit to "just waiting." There was an old Japanese song that portrayed a mother waiting for her son to come home from a battle field for 10 years. However, that is a rare case. For how long in general do we have to wait? Just waiting alone can cause stress. It can cause even greater stress when there is a possibility of not receiving any benefits from Abenomics.
もちろん、不安一色よりはいいのかもしれないが、それでも「ただ待つ」のには限界がある。歌謡曲「岸壁の母」の母親は、戦地から帰らぬ息子を待ち続け１０年間、港に通い続けるという設定だが、これは特殊なケースだろう。一般的にどれくらい待てばよいのか。期間も示されずにただ待つということ自体、私たちには大きなストレスになる。しかも、待ったあげく「あなたへの恩恵はありませんでした」と、外れる場合もあるとなれば、ストレスはさらに倍増。
Those who are waiting with hope of getting a raise in their pay at their part-time job, just like stock prices, will be disappointed when they realize that their lives are not getting any easier. Then they may gradually become psychologically unstable due to stress caused by waiting. By the time they give up on waiting, many in society may have fallen into a crisis.
「株価がどんどん上がっている。私は株を持っていないが、今にきっとバイト代も上がるはず」と、楽しみに待っている人も「あれ？ まだ生活が苦しいままだぞ」と疑問を抱くようになり、「いつまで待てばいいのか」と、次第に待つストレスから気持ちが不安定になっていく。そのうち、「待ってもダメみたい」とあきらめが生じる頃には社会全体がパニックになるかもしれない。
Because people's expectations of Abenomics have been growing, I think it is time for the government to indicate just how long people will have to wait until their salaries and lives will improve and tell them what they should work on until then. I don't want to see people lining up at my clinic because they got depressed waiting.
アベノミクスへの期待が膨らむ一方の今だからこそ、政権には一般の人たちにも、「いつ頃まで待てば給料や生活にこういう改善があります。それまでにこんな努力をしてくださいね」というロードマップを示してほしいと思う。そのうち診察室に「待ち疲れうつ」の人があふれることだけは避けたいものだ。
(Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2013年05月06日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Waiting on benefits from 'Abenomics' can bring stress
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:「待ち疲れ」ならぬように ／東京
Major tour companies announced before this past "Golden Week" holiday period that the number of Japanese expected to travel during the period was a record high. Experts said this is because the economic mood in Japan has been recovering thanks to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies, known as "Abenomics." I think the point here is that Japan's economy, or people's incomes, aren't actually improving, but rather their "mood" about the economy is gaining a lift.
旅行会社が大型連休前に発表したところでは、この休みの期間中の旅行者は過去最高なのだとか。理由は「安倍政権の経済政策『アベノミクス』で景況感が改善しているから」と分析されていた。ここでポイントになるのは、実際に景気が良くなり現実にお金がたくさんあるのではなく、あくまで景気の状態に対する印象の「景況感」が改善しているだけ、ということだろう。
Meanwhile, weekly magazines are saying only some people are becoming richer under the Abenomics scheme and the economic bubble will burst before most people can benefit from it. They warn that people's lives may become even more difficult. If that is true, we can't be too optimistic that our salaries will increase just because stock prices are on the rise.
一方、週刊誌のコラムなどには、「もうかるのは一部のお金持ちだけ。大半の人たちは恩恵を受ける前にバブルがはじけ、生活がより苦しくなる危険も」とも。もしそうなら、「株価が上がったから、そのうち私の給料も上がるはず」などと浮かれてもいられない。
So far I haven't heard any of my patients claiming they are making a fortune because of Abenomics. Instead, I am hearing the usual negative stories such as "I can't make ends meet with my pay from my part-time job," "I was laid off" and "I have to let go of my house because I can't pay the mortgage."
診察室で会う人からは、まだ「アベノミクスで大もうけです」といった言葉は聞こえてこない。相変わらず「このバイト代では生活できない」「パートの仕事を打ち切られた」「ローンが払えないので家を手放す」など“景気の悪い話”ばかりだ。
Although the media is reporting that large firms are making profits, I suspect most of us are just waiting, half excited and half worried, to see how Abenomics will affect our lives.
誰もが「大手企業の業績が好転」というニュースを横目に「その効果は私まで回ってくるのか」と期待半分、不安半分で待っているというところだろう。
Of course, it's better than not having any hope at all, but there is a limit to "just waiting." There was an old Japanese song that portrayed a mother waiting for her son to come home from a battle field for 10 years. However, that is a rare case. For how long in general do we have to wait? Just waiting alone can cause stress. It can cause even greater stress when there is a possibility of not receiving any benefits from Abenomics.
もちろん、不安一色よりはいいのかもしれないが、それでも「ただ待つ」のには限界がある。歌謡曲「岸壁の母」の母親は、戦地から帰らぬ息子を待ち続け１０年間、港に通い続けるという設定だが、これは特殊なケースだろう。一般的にどれくらい待てばよいのか。期間も示されずにただ待つということ自体、私たちには大きなストレスになる。しかも、待ったあげく「あなたへの恩恵はありませんでした」と、外れる場合もあるとなれば、ストレスはさらに倍増。
Those who are waiting with hope of getting a raise in their pay at their part-time job, just like stock prices, will be disappointed when they realize that their lives are not getting any easier. Then they may gradually become psychologically unstable due to stress caused by waiting. By the time they give up on waiting, many in society may have fallen into a crisis.
「株価がどんどん上がっている。私は株を持っていないが、今にきっとバイト代も上がるはず」と、楽しみに待っている人も「あれ？ まだ生活が苦しいままだぞ」と疑問を抱くようになり、「いつまで待てばいいのか」と、次第に待つストレスから気持ちが不安定になっていく。そのうち、「待ってもダメみたい」とあきらめが生じる頃には社会全体がパニックになるかもしれない。
Because people's expectations of Abenomics have been growing, I think it is time for the government to indicate just how long people will have to wait until their salaries and lives will improve and tell them what they should work on until then. I don't want to see people lining up at my clinic because they got depressed waiting.
アベノミクスへの期待が膨らむ一方の今だからこそ、政権には一般の人たちにも、「いつ頃まで待てば給料や生活にこういう改善があります。それまでにこんな努力をしてくださいね」というロードマップを示してほしいと思う。そのうち診察室に「待ち疲れうつ」の人があふれることだけは避けたいものだ。
(Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2013年05月06日 地方版
2013/05/14
企業決算 好調自動車と苦境電機の明暗
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 13, 2013
Despite strong FY12 results, firms should seek new business strategy
企業決算 好調自動車と苦境電機の明暗（5月12日付・読売社説）
The weaker yen and other economic factors have helped many Japanese companies achieve solid financial results. Now, their ability to implement aggressive strategies that can enhance their core businesses and promote growth stands to be tested.
円安などを追い風に、好業績の企業が相次いでいる。経営体質をいかに強化し、成長に弾みを付けるか。各社の攻めの戦略が問われよう。
Many companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange recently announced their consolidated settlements of accounts for fiscal 2012, and their average earnings are projected to grow for the first time in two fiscal years. It is also notable that several firms project a large or record increase in profits in fiscal 2013, which ends next March.
東証１部上場企業の２０１３年３月期連結決算の発表がピークを迎えた。企業平均では、２期ぶりの増益となる見通しだ。１４年３月期に大幅な増益や最高益を予想する企業も目立つ。
Many of those companies have overcome challenges such as damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and massive floods in Thailand that inundated their factories the same year. Correction of the yen's excessive appreciation due to Abenomics, the economic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, and other measures have had tremendous effects on the improved earnings. Personal consumption has also embarked on a gradual path toward recovery.
多くの企業が、東日本大震災やタイ洪水といった試練を克服した。安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」などで、超円高が是正された効果は大きい。個人消費の回復傾向もでてきた。
We commend these improvements in the business environment that have led to increased profitability.
経営環境の好転で、収益改善が進んだことを歓迎したい。
Automakers leading recovery
A prime example of the economic upswing is the auto industry.
その代表が自動車業界だ。
Toyota Motor Corp. reported its operating profit in fiscal 2012 reached 1.3 trillion yen, 3.7 times higher than the previous fiscal year and exceeding 1 trillion yen for the first time in five fiscal years. The automaker projects an increase to 1.8 trillion yen in operating profit this fiscal year, approaching the peak recorded before the so-called Lehman shock in 2008.
トヨタ自動車は１３年３月期の営業利益が前期比３・７倍の１・３兆円となり、５期ぶりに１兆円を超えた。今期は１・８兆円に増える見込みで、２００８年のリーマン・ショック前に記録した最高益に迫る勢いである。
Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said his company is standing at the starting line to realize sustainable growth. His remarks suggest the firm believes recovery is nigh due to an increase in exports.
「持続的成長のスタートラインに立てた」という豊田章男社長の発言からは、輸出をテコにした復活への手応えがうかがえる。
Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Co. said its annual profit came in nearly flat due to floundering sales in the Chinese market resulting from the deterioration of Japan-China relations. However, other automakers such as Honda Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp. reported rosier results. The companies' improved performance is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the broader Japanese economy because the auto industry relies on various supporting industries such as parts manufacturers.
日産自動車は、日中関係の悪化で中国市場が低迷して伸び悩んだが、ホンダ、スズキなども好業績だった。部品など自動車産業の裾野は広く、日本経済全体に及ぼす好影響が期待できる。
Increased domestic demand is reflected in the results of major department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. The firm marked a record operating profit due to brisk sales of luxury goods on the back of high stock prices, which stimulated consumption. Many housing construction firms have also achieved solid results, apparently benefitting from a rush of demand before the consumption tax increase takes effect next year.
内需関連では、株高による資産効果で高額品販売が好調だった三越伊勢丹が、営業利益の過去最高を更新した。住宅も好業績が多かった。消費税増税を控えた駆け込み需要に支えられたのだろう。
On the other hand, the electric appliance industry has fallen on hard times, failing to reap any benefits from the weaker yen.
対照的に、円安などの波に乗れず、依然として苦境に立たされているのが電機業界である。
For instance, Panasonic Corp. said its after-tax loss exceeded 700 billion yen for the second consecutive year. Sony Corp. is back in the black for the first time in five fiscal years. However, it was only able to return to profitability thanks to restructuring measures such as the sale of some of its buildings, and has failed to pull its TV and other divisions out of the doldrums.
パナソニックは２期連続で税引き後利益が７０００億円台の赤字に陥った。ソニーは５期ぶりに黒字に転じたが、自社ビル売却などリストラ頼みで、テレビ事業などの不振から抜け出せない。
Toshiba Corp. reported a decline in operating profit because the weakened yen negatively impacted earnings on its liquid crystal display televisions imported to Japan from the firm's factories abroad.
東芝は、円安で逆に、海外工場から輸入する液晶テレビなどが打撃を受けて営業減益だった。
Firms project turnaround
These companies project their businesses will recover this fiscal year, but competition with foreign rivals such as South Korean firms remains intense.
各社とも今期の業績回復を見込むが、韓国企業などとの競争は激しい。
The Japanese players have to recoup lost ground by focusing on strategic, profitable products and rethinking their selection of and concentration on core businesses. They should aim to accelerate efforts to gain market share in emerging economies and other nations.
事業の「選択と集中」を練り直し、収益を稼ぐ戦略商品で巻き返す必要がある。新興国などの市場取り込みを加速すべきだ。
The Japanese economy has only halfway recovered thus far; the government's role in supporting private companies is still important. Effective growth-strategy measures are essential, such as a reduction of corporate tax rates and relaxation of regulations. Cooperation must also be enhanced between the government and the private sector to boost infrastructure exports.
経済再生は道半ばで、企業を後押しする政府の役割は重要である。法人税率引き下げや、規制緩和などの効果的な成長戦略が不可欠だ。インフラ輸出での官民連携を強化しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 12, 2013)
（2013年5月12日01時28分 読売新聞）
Despite strong FY12 results, firms should seek new business strategy
企業決算 好調自動車と苦境電機の明暗（5月12日付・読売社説）
The weaker yen and other economic factors have helped many Japanese companies achieve solid financial results. Now, their ability to implement aggressive strategies that can enhance their core businesses and promote growth stands to be tested.
円安などを追い風に、好業績の企業が相次いでいる。経営体質をいかに強化し、成長に弾みを付けるか。各社の攻めの戦略が問われよう。
Many companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange recently announced their consolidated settlements of accounts for fiscal 2012, and their average earnings are projected to grow for the first time in two fiscal years. It is also notable that several firms project a large or record increase in profits in fiscal 2013, which ends next March.
東証１部上場企業の２０１３年３月期連結決算の発表がピークを迎えた。企業平均では、２期ぶりの増益となる見通しだ。１４年３月期に大幅な増益や最高益を予想する企業も目立つ。
Many of those companies have overcome challenges such as damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and massive floods in Thailand that inundated their factories the same year. Correction of the yen's excessive appreciation due to Abenomics, the economic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, and other measures have had tremendous effects on the improved earnings. Personal consumption has also embarked on a gradual path toward recovery.
多くの企業が、東日本大震災やタイ洪水といった試練を克服した。安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」などで、超円高が是正された効果は大きい。個人消費の回復傾向もでてきた。
We commend these improvements in the business environment that have led to increased profitability.
経営環境の好転で、収益改善が進んだことを歓迎したい。
Automakers leading recovery
A prime example of the economic upswing is the auto industry.
その代表が自動車業界だ。
Toyota Motor Corp. reported its operating profit in fiscal 2012 reached 1.3 trillion yen, 3.7 times higher than the previous fiscal year and exceeding 1 trillion yen for the first time in five fiscal years. The automaker projects an increase to 1.8 trillion yen in operating profit this fiscal year, approaching the peak recorded before the so-called Lehman shock in 2008.
トヨタ自動車は１３年３月期の営業利益が前期比３・７倍の１・３兆円となり、５期ぶりに１兆円を超えた。今期は１・８兆円に増える見込みで、２００８年のリーマン・ショック前に記録した最高益に迫る勢いである。
Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said his company is standing at the starting line to realize sustainable growth. His remarks suggest the firm believes recovery is nigh due to an increase in exports.
「持続的成長のスタートラインに立てた」という豊田章男社長の発言からは、輸出をテコにした復活への手応えがうかがえる。
Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Co. said its annual profit came in nearly flat due to floundering sales in the Chinese market resulting from the deterioration of Japan-China relations. However, other automakers such as Honda Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp. reported rosier results. The companies' improved performance is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the broader Japanese economy because the auto industry relies on various supporting industries such as parts manufacturers.
日産自動車は、日中関係の悪化で中国市場が低迷して伸び悩んだが、ホンダ、スズキなども好業績だった。部品など自動車産業の裾野は広く、日本経済全体に及ぼす好影響が期待できる。
Increased domestic demand is reflected in the results of major department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. The firm marked a record operating profit due to brisk sales of luxury goods on the back of high stock prices, which stimulated consumption. Many housing construction firms have also achieved solid results, apparently benefitting from a rush of demand before the consumption tax increase takes effect next year.
内需関連では、株高による資産効果で高額品販売が好調だった三越伊勢丹が、営業利益の過去最高を更新した。住宅も好業績が多かった。消費税増税を控えた駆け込み需要に支えられたのだろう。
On the other hand, the electric appliance industry has fallen on hard times, failing to reap any benefits from the weaker yen.
対照的に、円安などの波に乗れず、依然として苦境に立たされているのが電機業界である。
For instance, Panasonic Corp. said its after-tax loss exceeded 700 billion yen for the second consecutive year. Sony Corp. is back in the black for the first time in five fiscal years. However, it was only able to return to profitability thanks to restructuring measures such as the sale of some of its buildings, and has failed to pull its TV and other divisions out of the doldrums.
パナソニックは２期連続で税引き後利益が７０００億円台の赤字に陥った。ソニーは５期ぶりに黒字に転じたが、自社ビル売却などリストラ頼みで、テレビ事業などの不振から抜け出せない。
Toshiba Corp. reported a decline in operating profit because the weakened yen negatively impacted earnings on its liquid crystal display televisions imported to Japan from the firm's factories abroad.
東芝は、円安で逆に、海外工場から輸入する液晶テレビなどが打撃を受けて営業減益だった。
Firms project turnaround
These companies project their businesses will recover this fiscal year, but competition with foreign rivals such as South Korean firms remains intense.
各社とも今期の業績回復を見込むが、韓国企業などとの競争は激しい。
The Japanese players have to recoup lost ground by focusing on strategic, profitable products and rethinking their selection of and concentration on core businesses. They should aim to accelerate efforts to gain market share in emerging economies and other nations.
事業の「選択と集中」を練り直し、収益を稼ぐ戦略商品で巻き返す必要がある。新興国などの市場取り込みを加速すべきだ。
The Japanese economy has only halfway recovered thus far; the government's role in supporting private companies is still important. Effective growth-strategy measures are essential, such as a reduction of corporate tax rates and relaxation of regulations. Cooperation must also be enhanced between the government and the private sector to boost infrastructure exports.
経済再生は道半ばで、企業を後押しする政府の役割は重要である。法人税率引き下げや、規制緩和などの効果的な成長戦略が不可欠だ。インフラ輸出での官民連携を強化しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 12, 2013)
（2013年5月12日01時28分 読売新聞）
2013/05/13
１ドル＝１００円台 円安テコに経済再生を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 12, 2013
Govt should revive economy quickly on back of yen's persistent weakness
１ドル＝１００円台 円安テコに経済再生を急げ（5月11日付・読売社説）
The yen, which had been on the verge of passing the 100 yen mark to the U.S. dollar for a while, broke the key threshold for the first time in about four years this week. The Japanese currency has also weakened against the euro, drifting around 130 yen.
１ドル＝１００円の直前で一進一退の攻防が続いていた円相場が、約４年ぶりに１００円台に下落した。対ユーロでも約１３０円の円安・ユーロ高水準で推移している。
Correcting an excessively strong yen will provide a boost to ending the nation's persistent deflation. The government and the Bank of Japan must speed up work to revive the economy by taking up this opportunity.
超円高の是正は、デフレからの脱却に追い風となる。好機を生かし、政府と日銀は経済再生を急がなければならない。
The yen's surpassing of the 100 yen line was triggered by dollar-purchasing and yen-selling mainly on upbeat U.S. jobs data and growing expectations of a U.S. economic recovery.
米国の雇用指標が改善し、米景気の回復期待で、ドル買い・円売りが強まったことが、１００円突破の直接の引き金となった。
On the back of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Abenomics economic measures and bold monetary easing steps taken under central bank Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda, the exchange rate, which was about 80 yen to the dollar six months ago, has weakened significantly.
安倍首相の経済政策「アベノミクス」と、黒田東彦日銀総裁の大胆な金融緩和が奏功し、半年前に８０円前後だった円相場は、大きく円安に振れていた。
In favorable response to the yen's weakness, the Nikkei Stock Average recovered to the 14,000 yen mark for the first time in about five years this week. Also, on the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones industrial average soared above 15,000 for the first time. It is encouraging that rapidly rising stock prices in Japan and the United States have provided brisk news for the economy.
円安を好感し、東京市場の平均株価は約５年ぶりに１万４０００円台を回復した。ニューヨーク市場の株価も、初めて１万５０００ドル台に上昇した。日米の株価急騰で、経済に明るさが広がってきたのは心強い。
Recovery with a virtuous cycle
Propelled by the yen's depreciation, Japanese exporters, such as automakers, have seen a boost in their international competitiveness, as well as increased profits.
円安をテコに、自動車など日本の輸出企業は国際競争力が向上し、収益が拡大している。
If growing demand overseas leads them to increase production and capital investment, the benefits could spill over to the domestic economy, as employment and consumption are likely to improve. We have high hopes of a solid economic recovery with such a virtuous cycle.
外需主導で生産や設備投資が活発化すれば、雇用は改善し、消費など内需にも恩恵が波及しよう。こうした好循環による、本格的な景気回復に期待したい。
However, caution is called for regarding possible side effects of the yen's continuing weakness. One potential concern is criticism from other countries of the yen's independent slide.
ただし、円安がさらに加速した場合は、副作用への注意も怠れない。まず、円の独歩安に対する海外の批判が懸念される。
In an April meeting of Group of 20 major economies' finance ministers and central bank governors, Japan gained a measure of understanding for its explanation that the Bank of Japan's aggressive monetary easing has not been aimed at manipulating its currency downward but tackling prolonged deflation.
４月の主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議で、日銀の大胆な金融緩和はデフレ脱却が目的で円安誘導ではないとの説明に、一定の理解は得られた。
Japan also needs to further clarify its policy to fight deflation at a meeting of the Group of Seven nations' finance chiefs and central bank governors, which started Friday in Britain.
英国で１０日に始まった先進７か国（Ｇ７）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議でも、デフレ克服に向けた日本の政策運営について、丁寧に説明する必要がある。
But it is also important that in the meeting, the G-7 countries will reconfirm the view that excessive exchange rate fluctuations are undesirable.
Ｇ７各国が、過度な為替変動は望ましくないとの認識を再確認することも重要だ。
Side effects of yen's weakness
The yen's rapid descent is expected to result in price increases for imported materials and products, weighing on profits of companies that rely on imports. Such companies cannot help but raise prices of their products and services if they find it difficult to cover rising costs with cost-cutting efforts.
急激な円安は、輸入原料や製品の価格を上昇させ、輸入品に頼る企業の利益を圧迫する。企業努力で吸収できない分は、値上げせざるを得ない。
Prices of flour, cooking oil and other imported items have already been on the rise. With costs of imported fuel for thermal power production soaring, utilities have also announced a series of electricity rate hikes, hitting both businesses and households.
実際に小麦粉や食用油などの値上げが相次いでいる。火力発電向けの輸入燃料も高騰し、電力各社は電気料金を次々に値上げしている。企業にも家計にも痛手だ。
Price increases caused by rising costs are likely to have a negative impact on companies' performances. As a result, wages would not go up. Such side effects could create a drag on the government's envisaged growth strategy. By taking advantage of the yen's weakness, we urge the government to boost demand and eventually achieve sustainable growth.
コスト高が原因の物価上昇だけでは企業業績は低迷し、賃金も増えない。かえって成長戦略の足かせとなろう。円安を生かして需要を拡大し、持続的な成長を実現することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2013)
（2013年5月11日01時20分 読売新聞）
Govt should revive economy quickly on back of yen's persistent weakness
１ドル＝１００円台 円安テコに経済再生を急げ（5月11日付・読売社説）
The yen, which had been on the verge of passing the 100 yen mark to the U.S. dollar for a while, broke the key threshold for the first time in about four years this week. The Japanese currency has also weakened against the euro, drifting around 130 yen.
１ドル＝１００円の直前で一進一退の攻防が続いていた円相場が、約４年ぶりに１００円台に下落した。対ユーロでも約１３０円の円安・ユーロ高水準で推移している。
Correcting an excessively strong yen will provide a boost to ending the nation's persistent deflation. The government and the Bank of Japan must speed up work to revive the economy by taking up this opportunity.
超円高の是正は、デフレからの脱却に追い風となる。好機を生かし、政府と日銀は経済再生を急がなければならない。
The yen's surpassing of the 100 yen line was triggered by dollar-purchasing and yen-selling mainly on upbeat U.S. jobs data and growing expectations of a U.S. economic recovery.
米国の雇用指標が改善し、米景気の回復期待で、ドル買い・円売りが強まったことが、１００円突破の直接の引き金となった。
On the back of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Abenomics economic measures and bold monetary easing steps taken under central bank Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda, the exchange rate, which was about 80 yen to the dollar six months ago, has weakened significantly.
安倍首相の経済政策「アベノミクス」と、黒田東彦日銀総裁の大胆な金融緩和が奏功し、半年前に８０円前後だった円相場は、大きく円安に振れていた。
In favorable response to the yen's weakness, the Nikkei Stock Average recovered to the 14,000 yen mark for the first time in about five years this week. Also, on the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones industrial average soared above 15,000 for the first time. It is encouraging that rapidly rising stock prices in Japan and the United States have provided brisk news for the economy.
円安を好感し、東京市場の平均株価は約５年ぶりに１万４０００円台を回復した。ニューヨーク市場の株価も、初めて１万５０００ドル台に上昇した。日米の株価急騰で、経済に明るさが広がってきたのは心強い。
Recovery with a virtuous cycle
Propelled by the yen's depreciation, Japanese exporters, such as automakers, have seen a boost in their international competitiveness, as well as increased profits.
円安をテコに、自動車など日本の輸出企業は国際競争力が向上し、収益が拡大している。
If growing demand overseas leads them to increase production and capital investment, the benefits could spill over to the domestic economy, as employment and consumption are likely to improve. We have high hopes of a solid economic recovery with such a virtuous cycle.
外需主導で生産や設備投資が活発化すれば、雇用は改善し、消費など内需にも恩恵が波及しよう。こうした好循環による、本格的な景気回復に期待したい。
However, caution is called for regarding possible side effects of the yen's continuing weakness. One potential concern is criticism from other countries of the yen's independent slide.
ただし、円安がさらに加速した場合は、副作用への注意も怠れない。まず、円の独歩安に対する海外の批判が懸念される。
In an April meeting of Group of 20 major economies' finance ministers and central bank governors, Japan gained a measure of understanding for its explanation that the Bank of Japan's aggressive monetary easing has not been aimed at manipulating its currency downward but tackling prolonged deflation.
４月の主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議で、日銀の大胆な金融緩和はデフレ脱却が目的で円安誘導ではないとの説明に、一定の理解は得られた。
Japan also needs to further clarify its policy to fight deflation at a meeting of the Group of Seven nations' finance chiefs and central bank governors, which started Friday in Britain.
英国で１０日に始まった先進７か国（Ｇ７）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議でも、デフレ克服に向けた日本の政策運営について、丁寧に説明する必要がある。
But it is also important that in the meeting, the G-7 countries will reconfirm the view that excessive exchange rate fluctuations are undesirable.
Ｇ７各国が、過度な為替変動は望ましくないとの認識を再確認することも重要だ。
Side effects of yen's weakness
The yen's rapid descent is expected to result in price increases for imported materials and products, weighing on profits of companies that rely on imports. Such companies cannot help but raise prices of their products and services if they find it difficult to cover rising costs with cost-cutting efforts.
急激な円安は、輸入原料や製品の価格を上昇させ、輸入品に頼る企業の利益を圧迫する。企業努力で吸収できない分は、値上げせざるを得ない。
Prices of flour, cooking oil and other imported items have already been on the rise. With costs of imported fuel for thermal power production soaring, utilities have also announced a series of electricity rate hikes, hitting both businesses and households.
実際に小麦粉や食用油などの値上げが相次いでいる。火力発電向けの輸入燃料も高騰し、電力各社は電気料金を次々に値上げしている。企業にも家計にも痛手だ。
Price increases caused by rising costs are likely to have a negative impact on companies' performances. As a result, wages would not go up. Such side effects could create a drag on the government's envisaged growth strategy. By taking advantage of the yen's weakness, we urge the government to boost demand and eventually achieve sustainable growth.
コスト高が原因の物価上昇だけでは企業業績は低迷し、賃金も増えない。かえって成長戦略の足かせとなろう。円安を生かして需要を拡大し、持続的な成長を実現することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2013)
（2013年5月11日01時20分 読売新聞）
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