The Yomiuri Shimbun November 29, 2013
Passage of NSC bill vital development in safeguarding nation’s peace, security
ＮＳＣ法成立 意義深い与野党の幅広い合意（11月28日付・読売社説）
We welcome the passage of a bill designed to establish an organ to play a key role in issuing directives related to our country’s diplomatic relations and national security. This legislation will soon launch a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, with the aim of ensuring the nation’s peace and security and defending its national interests.
日本の平和と安全を確保し、国益を守るため、政府の外交・安全保障政策の司令塔が誕生することを歓迎したい。
On Wednesday, the Diet enacted the NSC establishment law. Our country’s NSC will be inaugurated in early December. The first task of the soon-to-be-launched command center will be drafting a comprehensive national security strategy, the first of its kind for Japan, while also writing a new version of the National Defense Program Guidelines. This will likely be followed by the launch in January of a national security secretariat that will serve as the NSC’s executive office.
国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法が成立した。１２月初めに日本版ＮＳＣが創設され、まず初の国家安保戦略と、新しい防衛大綱を策定する。年明けには、事務局の国家安全保障局が発足する見通しだ。
The NSC establishment law was endorsed by the governing coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party. National security policies should be formulated based on suprapartisan consensus. Given this, it is highly significant that more than 90 percent of lawmakers in both Diet chambers united to pass the NSC bill into law.
設置法には、自民、公明の与党のほか、民主、日本維新の会、みんなの党も賛成した。安保政策は超党派の合意を基に進めるのが望ましい。衆参両院議員の９割超が足並みをそろえた意味は重い。
The envisaged NSC’s central pillar will be a meeting of the prime minister and three key cabinet members—the chief cabinet secretary, the foreign minister and the defense minister. As a general rule, the meeting is to be held once every two weeks, also attended by the deputy prime minister.
ＮＳＣの中核は、首相、官房長官、外相、防衛相による「４大臣会合」で、副総理も交えて、原則、２週間に１回開かれる。
It is most significant that a new system will be set up, by which the prime minister and relevant cabinet members will meet periodically to discuss important issues related to our country’s security and develop a common view on such matters. Themes will include situations related to China and North Korea, the ongoing realignment of U.S. armed forces in this country and issues related to our territory.
中国・北朝鮮情勢や在日米軍再編、領土に関する問題などの重要案件について、首相と関係閣僚が定期的に議論し、共通認識を持つ体制を構築する意義は大きい。
The NSC scheme will make it possible for top officials at the Prime Minister’s Office to afford a certain amount of time and energy to address diplomatic and security matters even at a time when the government is confronted by a number of tasks to be tackled at home. This task will be supported by the NSC executive office, which will comprise personnel with professional expertise, including senior Self-Defense Forces members.
多くの内政課題を抱えている時も、首相官邸が外交・安保案件に一定の時間と精力を充てる。自衛隊の制服組を含め、専門的知見を持つ事務局がこれを支える。
We hope all these arrangements will do much to ensure that diplomatic and security policies are given higher priority and are better formulated.
外交・安保政策の優先度を高め、充実させることにつなげたい。
Ensuring PM takes the lead
It will be necessary to ensure the Prime Minister’s Office takes the lead in determining the direction of security policy, a task that requires eliminating a lack of coordination among pertinent ministries and agencies.
重要なのは、関係省庁の縦割り行政を排し、首相官邸が政策の方向性を主導することだ。
This can be exemplified by such immediate tasks as responding to China’s recent move to set up an expanded air defense identification zone and the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture. Seeking solutions to both problems requires cooperative relations among several government ministries and agencies. The NSC will be tested over its ability to coordinate and adjust cooperation among these government offices.
例えば、当面の課題である中国の防空識別圏や、米軍普天間飛行場の移設の問題などは、複数の省庁の連携が欠かせない。ＮＳＣの総合調整力が試される。
Making appropriate decisions about security issues requires improving the ability of all government organs to gather and analyze information.
安全保障問題で的確な判断をするには、政府全体の情報収集・分析力の向上が前提となる。
The NSC establishment law states that relevant ministries and agencies are required to supply the new organ with information related to its function. Information to be managed by the NSC will include government secrets whose confidentiality would be tightly guarded under an envisaged law seeking to stiffen penalties on public servants who leak such information.
設置法は、関係省庁のＮＳＣへの情報提供義務を明記した。ＮＳＣは特定秘密も扱う。
With this in mind, relevant cabinet members must give their ministry personnel instructions necessary for facilitating a smooth information supply.
円滑な情報提供が実現するよう、関係閣僚は官僚に指示せねばならない。
It is also essential that the Diet does not fail to pass the bill designed to prevent the leakage of specified government secrets. The government should also make progress in reforming the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, although it has not done so in connection with the NSC scheme.
関係国との情報交換を進めるため、情報漏洩(ろうえい)を防ぐ特定秘密保護法案も成立させる必要がある。
今回は見送られた内閣情報調査室（内調）の改革も進めるべきだ。
Some duties of the NSC and the intelligence and research office may overlap, including analyzing the overseas state of affairs and intelligence regarding acts of international terrorism. The two organizations should promote effective cooperation between them.
ＮＳＣと内調は、海外情勢や国際テロ情報の分析などの業務が重複する可能性がある。効果的な連携体制が求められる。
The Diet has also adopted a resolution supplementary to the NSC establishment law that will require the government to consider producing the minutes of NSC ministerial meetings. This resulted from negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties.
国会では、与野党協議の結果、ＮＳＣの議事録の作成を検討するとの付帯決議が採択された。
Admittedly, it is necessary to create a system for compiling records regarding how decisions are made about important policy issues, so that each decision-making process could be verified in the future. Nonetheless, whether to produce the minutes of NSC meetings and disclose related information must be considered by putting all relevant government meetings into perspective, including cabinet meetings and conferences attended by cabinet ministers related to the NSC scheme.
重要政策の決定過程の記録を残し、後世の検証を受ける仕組みは大切である。ただ、議事録や情報公開は、閣議や関係閣僚会議なども含めた政府の会議全体について総合的に検討するのが筋だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 28, 2013)
（2013年11月28日01時34分 読売新聞）
2013/11/30
2013/11/29
秘密保護法案 指定対象絞り「原則公開」確実に
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 28, 2013
Scope of secrecy must be narrowed; more Diet discussions needed
秘密保護法案 指定対象絞り「原則公開」確実に（11月27日付・読売社説）
◆参院で文書管理の論議を深めよ
The House of Representatives’ passage of a bill to tighten the confidentiality of specified government information can be regarded as a clear indication that many legislators believe this country needs such legislation comparable to what has already been enacted in other advanced nations.
日本にも他の先進国と同様の機密保全法制が必要だとの意思が、明確に示されたと言えよう。
The bill is designed to tighten penalties on public servants and others who leak classified information related to national security. On Tuesday, the legislation was laid before a plenary session of the lower house, which approved it with the endorsement of a significant 70 percent of lawmakers in that chamber—those from the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as Your Party and some other legislators. The bill was then forwarded to the House of Councillors for further discussions.
安全保障に関する機密情報を漏えいした公務員らへの罰則を強化する特定秘密保護法案が、衆院本会議に緊急上程され、自民、公明の与党とみんなの党など議席の７割もの賛成多数で可決、参院に送付された。
Members of the opposition Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) left the chamber before the bill was put to a vote, despite its earlier agreement to support the legislation if some modifications were incorporated into it. Ishin no Kai was antagonized by the governing coalition’s decision to vote on the bill Tuesday instead of going along with its calls for more discussions.
法案修正で合意していた日本維新の会は採決に反発し、退席した。
Although Ishin no Kai regrettably refused to vote in favor of the bill, we find it commendable that the legislation passed the lower house with the backing of many lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties.
維新の会が賛成票を投じなかったのは残念だが、与野党の枠を超えた多くの支持によって、衆院を通過したことは評価できる。
Japan NSC comes into play
◆日本版ＮＳＣと両輪だ
Still, debates on revisions to the initial bill—an amendment drafted by the ruling parties, Your Party and Ishin no Kai—were far from sufficient. It is also a stretch to say that public anxiety about the nature of the bill has been laid to rest, as shown by the widespread fear that the legislation could restrict the people’s right to know.
ただ、与党とみんな、維新がまとめた修正案に対する審議は十分ではない。「知る権利」が制限されることなどへの国民の懸念が払拭されたとも言い難い。
The government and the ruling parties should carefully explain how the envisaged law would be applied in actuality during upper house debates on it, with the aim of gaining broad support for it.
政府・与党は参院審議で、幅広い支持を目指し、制度の運用のあり方も丁寧に説明すべきだ。
Japan’s security environment has become even more difficult in recent years due to such factors as North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and China’s growing military build-up.
北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備拡大など日本の安全保障環境は厳しさを増している。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had every reason to tell a session of the lower house Special Committee on National Security that “information gathering is critical for defending the safety of the people.”
衆院国家安全保障特別委員会で、安倍首相が「国民の安全を守るため情報収集が極めて重要だ」と述べたのはもっともだ。
The Abe administration intends to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council that would play a central role in issuing directives related to Japan’s diplomatic relations and national security. Every nation needs to refine its legal framework to ensure none of its secrets are leaked. This is essential for promoting efforts to exchange and share critical information among allies and friendly powers.
安倍政権は、外交・安全保障政策の司令塔となる国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を創設する方針だ。同盟国や友好国と重要情報の交換・共有を進めるには、機密が漏えいしない法制を整えることが必要である。
Given this, the envisaged NSC and legislation for preserving the secrecy of crucial information are inseparable when it comes to the government’s strategic decision-making function.
日本版ＮＳＣと機密保全法制は、政府の戦略的な意思決定に欠かせない車の両輪と言える。
The most contentious issue debated in connection with the bill was how the government would actually apply the envisaged law. During debates in the lower house, legislators said it would be impossible to dispel the anxiety that the government could arbitrarily expand the scope of information to be designated under the legislation, thus making it possible to keep concealing such secrets.
法案を巡る最大の論点は、政府が恣意(しい)的に秘密指定を拡大し、都合の悪い情報を秘匿し続けるという懸念が拭えないことだった。
The prime minister brushed off that assertion as a mistaken notion about the bill. He insisted that the legislation would be used as a multilayered system by which the government would be prevented from making arbitrary decisions about designating information as secret. Steps to be taken for that purpose include limiting the scope of designation to items stated in a table attached to the bill, and setting standards for secrecy designation based on the opinions of experts.
首相は、それを誤解だとし、指定範囲が法案の別表に限定され、かつ指定基準も有識者の意見に基づくなど恣意性を排除する「重層的な仕組み」だと主張した。
Information to be classified under the legislation would be removed—as a general rule—from the list of secrets 30 years after its designation. The modified bill stipulates the term of designation for each secret could be renewed by consent of the cabinet, but that the ultimate period would not exceed 60 years, except for areas of critical importance, including secret codes used by the government and sources of confidential information.
特定秘密は原則３０年で解除される。内閣の承認を得て指定が継続されたとしても、暗号や情報源など７項目の例外を除いて「６０年は超えられない」と修正された。
The prime minister told the lower house that information whose designation period could be extended beyond 30 years would be limited, as a general rule, to these seven areas.
首相は、３０年を超えて指定を継続する情報は「７項目に限ることを基本とする」とも表明した。
Debates on the bill in the lower house certainly did much to clarify the government’s thinking about how to apply the law, and also imposed tighter limits on the duration of secrecy designation.
審議を通じて、政府の考え方が明確になり、指定期間もより限定的になったのは確かだろう。
Fend off arbitrary judgment
◆恣意的判断の排除を
Nonetheless, bureaucratic organizations, with their ingrained principle of not rocking the boat, are expected to broaden the range of documents subject to protection as specifically designated secrets and become more cautious about declassifying them.
それでも官僚機構は、「事なかれ主義」の発想で秘密指定の対象を拡大し、解除にも慎重になることが予想される。
Presently, the government possesses about 420,000 documents containing specially managed secrets. Ninety percent of these documents are said to be related to Japan’s information-gathering satellites. The government should narrow down the range of classified information to be protected when it transfers documents into the category of specifically designated secrets.
現在、政府が保有する特別管理秘密文書は４２万件に上っている。その９割は日本の情報収集衛星に関する情報だというが、特定秘密に移行する際は、さらに対象範囲を絞る努力をすべきである。
If the number of specifically designated secrets grows too large, it would be physically difficult to check every piece of classified information and to declassify them should “the heads of administrative organizations” be replaced through a change of government or a cabinet reshuffle. It is important to work out a structure that prevents bureaucrats from hanging on to specifically designated secrets for too long.
特定秘密が大量になれば、政権交代や内閣改造によって「行政機関の長」が代わっても、秘密指定をいちいちチェックし、解除することは、物理的に難しい。官僚が特定秘密を抱え込まない仕組みを工夫することも肝要だ。
During a Diet session, Abe went so far as to say the government should establish a “third-party body” that would examine the appropriateness of the designation of documents branded as secret. He referred to such organizations as the Information Security Oversight Office within the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
秘密指定の妥当性を検証する「第三者機関」設置について、首相は、米国の国立公文書館にある情報保全監督局などを参考に、「設置すべきだと考えている」と踏み込んだ答弁をした。
It would be unreasonable for specifically designated secrets to be examined by people outside the organization. It would also give rise to the danger of information leaks. If a third-party organization is to be set up, it would be proper to have an internal unit within an administrative organization do the job, modeled on the setup in the United States.
部外者が特定秘密をチェックするのは無理がある。情報漏れのリスクも生じる。第三者機関を設けるならば、米国にならって、行政の内部組織の方が適切だ。
According to the modified bill, all secret documents that have been declassified “are to be made public, in principle” after a certain period. This modification is an improvement that will enable future generations to examine these documents.
修正案で、秘密が解除された情報は一定期間後に「原則公開」とされ、後世の検証が可能になるように改善されたと見ていい。
How such documents should be made public, stored or destroyed are major issues to be resolved. The Democratic Party of Japan asserted that certain rules should be established on information disclosure so that courts will be able to look at specific documents when handling a lawsuit that involves classified information. We think this proposal has some merit.
文書の公開や保存、廃棄のあり方は大きな課題となる。民主党が主張するように情報公開のルールを整備し、機密を巡る訴訟で裁判所が対象文書を見ることを可能にするのも一案ではないか。
As to the Diet’s involvement in specifically designated secrets, the ruling and opposition parties should stipulate such matters as the management of closed meetings through lawmaker-initiated legislation.
国会の特定秘密への関与については、与野党が秘密会の運営など議員立法で規定すべきだ。
Protecting ‘right to know’
◆「知る権利」どう担保
The bill also clearly gave some consideration to the freedom of news gathering and reporting. We welcome the fact that news gathering activity by people in the media will not be considered a crime unless it is conducted illegally or extremely improperly.
法案には、取材・報道の自由への配慮が明記された。報道関係者の取材行為は違法または著しく不当でない限り、罪に問われないとした点は前向きに評価できる。
Some opposition parties have been up in arms and claimed this bill “will cover the people’s eyes and ears and muzzle their mouths” and “control the state’s information and silence any criticism of the Japan-U.S. alliance.” But such fears are off the mark.
一部の野党がこの法案を「国民の目と耳、口をふさぐ」「国家の情報を統制し、日米同盟への批判を封じ込める」と声高に非難しているが、これは的外れである。
That being said, there is a danger that public servants will become so afraid of leaks that they will reject requests for interviews, making it harder for the media to share necessary information with the public.
だが、公務員が萎縮して取材に応じず、報道機関が必要な情報を伝えられなくなる恐れは残る。
How should the protection of classified information for national security be balanced with the people’s “right to know”? This topic also needs in-depth discussion in the upper house.
安全保障のための機密保全と、「知る権利」のバランスをどうとっていくか。この問題も参院で掘り下げるべきテーマだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2013)
（2013年11月27日02時13分 読売新聞）
Scope of secrecy must be narrowed; more Diet discussions needed
秘密保護法案 指定対象絞り「原則公開」確実に（11月27日付・読売社説）
◆参院で文書管理の論議を深めよ
The House of Representatives’ passage of a bill to tighten the confidentiality of specified government information can be regarded as a clear indication that many legislators believe this country needs such legislation comparable to what has already been enacted in other advanced nations.
日本にも他の先進国と同様の機密保全法制が必要だとの意思が、明確に示されたと言えよう。
The bill is designed to tighten penalties on public servants and others who leak classified information related to national security. On Tuesday, the legislation was laid before a plenary session of the lower house, which approved it with the endorsement of a significant 70 percent of lawmakers in that chamber—those from the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as Your Party and some other legislators. The bill was then forwarded to the House of Councillors for further discussions.
安全保障に関する機密情報を漏えいした公務員らへの罰則を強化する特定秘密保護法案が、衆院本会議に緊急上程され、自民、公明の与党とみんなの党など議席の７割もの賛成多数で可決、参院に送付された。
Members of the opposition Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) left the chamber before the bill was put to a vote, despite its earlier agreement to support the legislation if some modifications were incorporated into it. Ishin no Kai was antagonized by the governing coalition’s decision to vote on the bill Tuesday instead of going along with its calls for more discussions.
法案修正で合意していた日本維新の会は採決に反発し、退席した。
Although Ishin no Kai regrettably refused to vote in favor of the bill, we find it commendable that the legislation passed the lower house with the backing of many lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties.
維新の会が賛成票を投じなかったのは残念だが、与野党の枠を超えた多くの支持によって、衆院を通過したことは評価できる。
Japan NSC comes into play
◆日本版ＮＳＣと両輪だ
Still, debates on revisions to the initial bill—an amendment drafted by the ruling parties, Your Party and Ishin no Kai—were far from sufficient. It is also a stretch to say that public anxiety about the nature of the bill has been laid to rest, as shown by the widespread fear that the legislation could restrict the people’s right to know.
ただ、与党とみんな、維新がまとめた修正案に対する審議は十分ではない。「知る権利」が制限されることなどへの国民の懸念が払拭されたとも言い難い。
The government and the ruling parties should carefully explain how the envisaged law would be applied in actuality during upper house debates on it, with the aim of gaining broad support for it.
政府・与党は参院審議で、幅広い支持を目指し、制度の運用のあり方も丁寧に説明すべきだ。
Japan’s security environment has become even more difficult in recent years due to such factors as North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and China’s growing military build-up.
北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備拡大など日本の安全保障環境は厳しさを増している。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had every reason to tell a session of the lower house Special Committee on National Security that “information gathering is critical for defending the safety of the people.”
衆院国家安全保障特別委員会で、安倍首相が「国民の安全を守るため情報収集が極めて重要だ」と述べたのはもっともだ。
The Abe administration intends to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council that would play a central role in issuing directives related to Japan’s diplomatic relations and national security. Every nation needs to refine its legal framework to ensure none of its secrets are leaked. This is essential for promoting efforts to exchange and share critical information among allies and friendly powers.
安倍政権は、外交・安全保障政策の司令塔となる国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を創設する方針だ。同盟国や友好国と重要情報の交換・共有を進めるには、機密が漏えいしない法制を整えることが必要である。
Given this, the envisaged NSC and legislation for preserving the secrecy of crucial information are inseparable when it comes to the government’s strategic decision-making function.
日本版ＮＳＣと機密保全法制は、政府の戦略的な意思決定に欠かせない車の両輪と言える。
The most contentious issue debated in connection with the bill was how the government would actually apply the envisaged law. During debates in the lower house, legislators said it would be impossible to dispel the anxiety that the government could arbitrarily expand the scope of information to be designated under the legislation, thus making it possible to keep concealing such secrets.
法案を巡る最大の論点は、政府が恣意(しい)的に秘密指定を拡大し、都合の悪い情報を秘匿し続けるという懸念が拭えないことだった。
The prime minister brushed off that assertion as a mistaken notion about the bill. He insisted that the legislation would be used as a multilayered system by which the government would be prevented from making arbitrary decisions about designating information as secret. Steps to be taken for that purpose include limiting the scope of designation to items stated in a table attached to the bill, and setting standards for secrecy designation based on the opinions of experts.
首相は、それを誤解だとし、指定範囲が法案の別表に限定され、かつ指定基準も有識者の意見に基づくなど恣意性を排除する「重層的な仕組み」だと主張した。
Information to be classified under the legislation would be removed—as a general rule—from the list of secrets 30 years after its designation. The modified bill stipulates the term of designation for each secret could be renewed by consent of the cabinet, but that the ultimate period would not exceed 60 years, except for areas of critical importance, including secret codes used by the government and sources of confidential information.
特定秘密は原則３０年で解除される。内閣の承認を得て指定が継続されたとしても、暗号や情報源など７項目の例外を除いて「６０年は超えられない」と修正された。
The prime minister told the lower house that information whose designation period could be extended beyond 30 years would be limited, as a general rule, to these seven areas.
首相は、３０年を超えて指定を継続する情報は「７項目に限ることを基本とする」とも表明した。
Debates on the bill in the lower house certainly did much to clarify the government’s thinking about how to apply the law, and also imposed tighter limits on the duration of secrecy designation.
審議を通じて、政府の考え方が明確になり、指定期間もより限定的になったのは確かだろう。
Fend off arbitrary judgment
◆恣意的判断の排除を
Nonetheless, bureaucratic organizations, with their ingrained principle of not rocking the boat, are expected to broaden the range of documents subject to protection as specifically designated secrets and become more cautious about declassifying them.
それでも官僚機構は、「事なかれ主義」の発想で秘密指定の対象を拡大し、解除にも慎重になることが予想される。
Presently, the government possesses about 420,000 documents containing specially managed secrets. Ninety percent of these documents are said to be related to Japan’s information-gathering satellites. The government should narrow down the range of classified information to be protected when it transfers documents into the category of specifically designated secrets.
現在、政府が保有する特別管理秘密文書は４２万件に上っている。その９割は日本の情報収集衛星に関する情報だというが、特定秘密に移行する際は、さらに対象範囲を絞る努力をすべきである。
If the number of specifically designated secrets grows too large, it would be physically difficult to check every piece of classified information and to declassify them should “the heads of administrative organizations” be replaced through a change of government or a cabinet reshuffle. It is important to work out a structure that prevents bureaucrats from hanging on to specifically designated secrets for too long.
特定秘密が大量になれば、政権交代や内閣改造によって「行政機関の長」が代わっても、秘密指定をいちいちチェックし、解除することは、物理的に難しい。官僚が特定秘密を抱え込まない仕組みを工夫することも肝要だ。
During a Diet session, Abe went so far as to say the government should establish a “third-party body” that would examine the appropriateness of the designation of documents branded as secret. He referred to such organizations as the Information Security Oversight Office within the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration.
秘密指定の妥当性を検証する「第三者機関」設置について、首相は、米国の国立公文書館にある情報保全監督局などを参考に、「設置すべきだと考えている」と踏み込んだ答弁をした。
It would be unreasonable for specifically designated secrets to be examined by people outside the organization. It would also give rise to the danger of information leaks. If a third-party organization is to be set up, it would be proper to have an internal unit within an administrative organization do the job, modeled on the setup in the United States.
部外者が特定秘密をチェックするのは無理がある。情報漏れのリスクも生じる。第三者機関を設けるならば、米国にならって、行政の内部組織の方が適切だ。
According to the modified bill, all secret documents that have been declassified “are to be made public, in principle” after a certain period. This modification is an improvement that will enable future generations to examine these documents.
修正案で、秘密が解除された情報は一定期間後に「原則公開」とされ、後世の検証が可能になるように改善されたと見ていい。
How such documents should be made public, stored or destroyed are major issues to be resolved. The Democratic Party of Japan asserted that certain rules should be established on information disclosure so that courts will be able to look at specific documents when handling a lawsuit that involves classified information. We think this proposal has some merit.
文書の公開や保存、廃棄のあり方は大きな課題となる。民主党が主張するように情報公開のルールを整備し、機密を巡る訴訟で裁判所が対象文書を見ることを可能にするのも一案ではないか。
As to the Diet’s involvement in specifically designated secrets, the ruling and opposition parties should stipulate such matters as the management of closed meetings through lawmaker-initiated legislation.
国会の特定秘密への関与については、与野党が秘密会の運営など議員立法で規定すべきだ。
Protecting ‘right to know’
◆「知る権利」どう担保
The bill also clearly gave some consideration to the freedom of news gathering and reporting. We welcome the fact that news gathering activity by people in the media will not be considered a crime unless it is conducted illegally or extremely improperly.
法案には、取材・報道の自由への配慮が明記された。報道関係者の取材行為は違法または著しく不当でない限り、罪に問われないとした点は前向きに評価できる。
Some opposition parties have been up in arms and claimed this bill “will cover the people’s eyes and ears and muzzle their mouths” and “control the state’s information and silence any criticism of the Japan-U.S. alliance.” But such fears are off the mark.
一部の野党がこの法案を「国民の目と耳、口をふさぐ」「国家の情報を統制し、日米同盟への批判を封じ込める」と声高に非難しているが、これは的外れである。
That being said, there is a danger that public servants will become so afraid of leaks that they will reject requests for interviews, making it harder for the media to share necessary information with the public.
だが、公務員が萎縮して取材に応じず、報道機関が必要な情報を伝えられなくなる恐れは残る。
How should the protection of classified information for national security be balanced with the people’s “right to know”? This topic also needs in-depth discussion in the upper house.
安全保障のための機密保全と、「知る権利」のバランスをどうとっていくか。この問題も参院で掘り下げるべきテーマだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2013)
（2013年11月27日02時13分 読売新聞）
2013/11/28
法人税減税 競争力強化へ具体策を詰めよ
国民には消費税値上げで負担を強い、大企業には法人税減税をほどこす。
税収を狙うんだったら、法人税も１０％切り上げすれば良いと思います。
国際競争力の強化を理由にする法人税減税政策にはうんざりします。
減税で儲けた分、企業の内部留保に回されるのは歴史が証明しています。
企業が海外にどんどん出ていくことは望ましいことです。
大量の日本人スタッフを派遣すれば、失業対策にもなります。
海外からの投資家はすでに活躍しています。
東証で荒稼ぎしているではありませんか。
＞国内企業の７割超が法人税を払っていない点も問題である。
大企業優遇政策であることが判明しました＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 27, 2013
Tax changes should boost companies’ competitiveness to promote growth
法人税減税 競争力強化へ具体策を詰めよ（11月26日付・読売社説）
Reducing the corporate tax rate is an effective way to enhance the competitiveness of Japanese companies and reinforce the foundations for national economic growth.
企業の競争力を高め、日本経済の成長基盤を強化するには、法人税率の引き下げが有効だ。
At the instruction of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, tax system talks on further reducing corporate tax have gotten into full swing between the government and the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
安倍首相の指示を受けて、一層の税率引き下げを巡る政府と自民、公明両党の税制協議が本格化している。
Their commitment to a growth strategy will be tested by how far they go in presenting a specific course of action.
どこまで具体的な方向性を示せるか。成長戦略への姿勢が問われよう。
In Tokyo, the effective corporate tax rate, when national and local taxes are combined, stands at about 38 percent. Even if the special reconstruction corporate tax—temporarily imposed on companies to finance post-disaster reconstruction projects—is excluded, companies still face corporate tax up to about 36 percent, which is much higher than the rates in European and other Asian countries, where it is mostly in the 20 percent range.
法人税の実効税率は、東京都の場合、国税と地方税合わせて約３８％だ。一時的に上乗せされている復興特別法人税を除いても約３６％となり、２０％台が多い欧州やアジアの国々と比べて高い。
As long as the corporate tax remains high, not only will much of the vitality of Japanese companies be lost, but the hollowing out of industry—companies moving production overseas to avoid the high cost of operating in Japan— may accelerate. The high tax will also have an adverse impact on employment and wages. Furthermore, to attract investment from abroad, a further reduction in the corporate tax rate is urgently needed.
高税率のままでは企業の活力を奪うばかりか、海外移転などで国内空洞化を加速させかねない。雇用や賃金にも悪影響が及ぶ。海外から投資を呼び込むためにも、一層の引き下げが急がれる。
Abe’s intention of improving the competitive environment for companies and adding impetus to the growth of the national economy is quite appropriate.
企業の競争環境を改善し、日本の成長に弾みをつけようとする首相の狙いは適切だ。
More than a few ruling party members take a cautious view about having ordinary households bear a heavier burden due to the consumption tax increase set for next spring, while reducing the corporate tax at the same time.
与党内には、来春の消費税率の引き上げで家計に負担を強いる一方、企業課税を軽くすることに慎重な意見も少なくない。
But it would be more beneficial to create a virtuous circle in which the invigoration of companies would have a ripple effect that would benefit households through wage hikes and other improvements.
だが、企業活性化が賃上げなどを通じて、家計にも波及する好循環を目指すことが有益だろう。
Seek new revenue sources
A cut of even one percentage point in the corporate tax rate is projected to reduce government revenue by about ¥400 billion. Therefore, one significant remaining hurdle is finding a tax revenue source to make up for the shortfall.
ハードルとなるのが、１％の引き下げで約４０００億円とされる法人税減税の財源確保策だ。
As the fiscal situation is harsh, the tax base must be broadened so as to collect taxes from a wider range of companies.
財政事情が厳しいだけに、より幅広い企業から税収を得る課税ベースの拡大が避けられまい。
Special policy measures to reduce corporate taxes on specific sectors of industry have a worth totaling about ¥7 trillion. As these measures vest interests in certain companies and industries, many criticize them as unfair. It is also argued that the policy effects of these steps are uncertain.
政策目的のために特定業種の法人税などを軽減する租税特別措置（租特）は約７兆円に上る。一部企業や業界の既得権益となり、不公平だとの批判が多い。政策効果が不透明だという指摘もある。
The government and the ruling parties should consider abolishing the special tax-cut measures deemed to have outlived their intended purpose, and cutting the scale of measures whose effect has been lessened.
租特のうち、役割を終えた制度の廃止や、効果が薄れた制度の縮減などを検討すべきだろう。
The fact that more than 70 percent of domestic companies do not pay corporate taxes is also problematic.
国内企業の７割超が法人税を払っていない点も問題である。
One possible idea is to review the system of carrying forward net operating losses, under which companies can reduce their tax expense by applying net operating losses from the past several years to the current year’s profit. With this option it would be possible to have more companies pay their fair share of taxes.
長期間にわたって、過去の損失を利益から差し引ける繰越欠損金制度を見直し、多くの企業に相応の税負担を求めるのは一案だ。
The abolition of the special corporate tax for post-disaster reconstruction one year earlier than initially planned, as worked out by the government, is also an important topic for talks by the ruling parties.
政府が打ち出した復興特別法人税の１年前倒し廃止案も、与党の重要な協議テーマである。
The one-year difference will cut tax revenues by ¥900 billion, lessening the burden on companies.
前倒し廃止により、９０００億円規模の税負担軽減が見込まれる。
However, a shortage of funds needed for reconstruction projects because of this measure must be avoided. The government and ruling parties have to clearly state an alternative revenue source and win the understanding of the people so as not to hinder the rebuilding effort.
ただ、そのために、復興財源が不足する事態は避けるべきだ。復興に支障をきたさぬよう、政府・与党は代替財源を明示し、国民の理解を得なければならない。
Also needed is for companies to use their accumulated internal reserves to make their own efforts. We hope to see the reinforcement of a strategy in which surplus funds at companies are used effectively and help rejuvenate the national economy.
内部留保を手元に積み上げてきた企業の自助努力も求められる。余剰資金を投資に有効活用し、日本経済再生に寄与する戦略を強化してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 26, 2013)
（2013年11月26日01時45分 読売新聞）
税収を狙うんだったら、法人税も１０％切り上げすれば良いと思います。
国際競争力の強化を理由にする法人税減税政策にはうんざりします。
減税で儲けた分、企業の内部留保に回されるのは歴史が証明しています。
企業が海外にどんどん出ていくことは望ましいことです。
大量の日本人スタッフを派遣すれば、失業対策にもなります。
海外からの投資家はすでに活躍しています。
東証で荒稼ぎしているではありませんか。
＞国内企業の７割超が法人税を払っていない点も問題である。
大企業優遇政策であることが判明しました＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 27, 2013
Tax changes should boost companies’ competitiveness to promote growth
法人税減税 競争力強化へ具体策を詰めよ（11月26日付・読売社説）
Reducing the corporate tax rate is an effective way to enhance the competitiveness of Japanese companies and reinforce the foundations for national economic growth.
企業の競争力を高め、日本経済の成長基盤を強化するには、法人税率の引き下げが有効だ。
At the instruction of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, tax system talks on further reducing corporate tax have gotten into full swing between the government and the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
安倍首相の指示を受けて、一層の税率引き下げを巡る政府と自民、公明両党の税制協議が本格化している。
Their commitment to a growth strategy will be tested by how far they go in presenting a specific course of action.
どこまで具体的な方向性を示せるか。成長戦略への姿勢が問われよう。
In Tokyo, the effective corporate tax rate, when national and local taxes are combined, stands at about 38 percent. Even if the special reconstruction corporate tax—temporarily imposed on companies to finance post-disaster reconstruction projects—is excluded, companies still face corporate tax up to about 36 percent, which is much higher than the rates in European and other Asian countries, where it is mostly in the 20 percent range.
法人税の実効税率は、東京都の場合、国税と地方税合わせて約３８％だ。一時的に上乗せされている復興特別法人税を除いても約３６％となり、２０％台が多い欧州やアジアの国々と比べて高い。
As long as the corporate tax remains high, not only will much of the vitality of Japanese companies be lost, but the hollowing out of industry—companies moving production overseas to avoid the high cost of operating in Japan— may accelerate. The high tax will also have an adverse impact on employment and wages. Furthermore, to attract investment from abroad, a further reduction in the corporate tax rate is urgently needed.
高税率のままでは企業の活力を奪うばかりか、海外移転などで国内空洞化を加速させかねない。雇用や賃金にも悪影響が及ぶ。海外から投資を呼び込むためにも、一層の引き下げが急がれる。
Abe’s intention of improving the competitive environment for companies and adding impetus to the growth of the national economy is quite appropriate.
企業の競争環境を改善し、日本の成長に弾みをつけようとする首相の狙いは適切だ。
More than a few ruling party members take a cautious view about having ordinary households bear a heavier burden due to the consumption tax increase set for next spring, while reducing the corporate tax at the same time.
与党内には、来春の消費税率の引き上げで家計に負担を強いる一方、企業課税を軽くすることに慎重な意見も少なくない。
But it would be more beneficial to create a virtuous circle in which the invigoration of companies would have a ripple effect that would benefit households through wage hikes and other improvements.
だが、企業活性化が賃上げなどを通じて、家計にも波及する好循環を目指すことが有益だろう。
Seek new revenue sources
A cut of even one percentage point in the corporate tax rate is projected to reduce government revenue by about ¥400 billion. Therefore, one significant remaining hurdle is finding a tax revenue source to make up for the shortfall.
ハードルとなるのが、１％の引き下げで約４０００億円とされる法人税減税の財源確保策だ。
As the fiscal situation is harsh, the tax base must be broadened so as to collect taxes from a wider range of companies.
財政事情が厳しいだけに、より幅広い企業から税収を得る課税ベースの拡大が避けられまい。
Special policy measures to reduce corporate taxes on specific sectors of industry have a worth totaling about ¥7 trillion. As these measures vest interests in certain companies and industries, many criticize them as unfair. It is also argued that the policy effects of these steps are uncertain.
政策目的のために特定業種の法人税などを軽減する租税特別措置（租特）は約７兆円に上る。一部企業や業界の既得権益となり、不公平だとの批判が多い。政策効果が不透明だという指摘もある。
The government and the ruling parties should consider abolishing the special tax-cut measures deemed to have outlived their intended purpose, and cutting the scale of measures whose effect has been lessened.
租特のうち、役割を終えた制度の廃止や、効果が薄れた制度の縮減などを検討すべきだろう。
The fact that more than 70 percent of domestic companies do not pay corporate taxes is also problematic.
国内企業の７割超が法人税を払っていない点も問題である。
One possible idea is to review the system of carrying forward net operating losses, under which companies can reduce their tax expense by applying net operating losses from the past several years to the current year’s profit. With this option it would be possible to have more companies pay their fair share of taxes.
長期間にわたって、過去の損失を利益から差し引ける繰越欠損金制度を見直し、多くの企業に相応の税負担を求めるのは一案だ。
The abolition of the special corporate tax for post-disaster reconstruction one year earlier than initially planned, as worked out by the government, is also an important topic for talks by the ruling parties.
政府が打ち出した復興特別法人税の１年前倒し廃止案も、与党の重要な協議テーマである。
The one-year difference will cut tax revenues by ¥900 billion, lessening the burden on companies.
前倒し廃止により、９０００億円規模の税負担軽減が見込まれる。
However, a shortage of funds needed for reconstruction projects because of this measure must be avoided. The government and ruling parties have to clearly state an alternative revenue source and win the understanding of the people so as not to hinder the rebuilding effort.
ただ、そのために、復興財源が不足する事態は避けるべきだ。復興に支障をきたさぬよう、政府・与党は代替財源を明示し、国民の理解を得なければならない。
Also needed is for companies to use their accumulated internal reserves to make their own efforts. We hope to see the reinforcement of a strategy in which surplus funds at companies are used effectively and help rejuvenate the national economy.
内部留保を手元に積み上げてきた企業の自助努力も求められる。余剰資金を投資に有効活用し、日本経済再生に寄与する戦略を強化してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 26, 2013)
（2013年11月26日01時45分 読売新聞）
2013/11/27
ＣＯＰ１９閉幕 国際協調で温暖化対策を前へ
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 26, 2013
Push ahead measures to tackle climate change with international cooperation
ＣＯＰ１９閉幕 国際協調で温暖化対策を前へ（11月25日付・読売社説）
Due to the conflicting interests of developed and developing countries, including emerging economies, the just-concluded discussions on climate change made hardly any progress. The latest U.N. talks on the issue vividly demonstrated the difficulties facing the international effort to tackle global warming.
先進国と、新興国を含む途上国の利害がぶつかり、議論が進まない。地球温暖化対策の現状が如実に示された。
The 19th Conference on Climate Change (COP19) has ended in Warsaw. The participants extended the meeting by one day, managing to prevent it from breaking down.
ワルシャワで開かれていた国連気候変動枠組み条約の第１９回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ１９）が閉幕した。会期を１日延長し、決裂だけは回避した。
A new greenhouse gas reduction framework to replace the Kyoto Protocol is to be implemented in 2020. By when should the participating countries submit their voluntary greenhouse gas emission targets for the years beyond 2020? As to this major point of contention, the participants agreed on a final draft of their joint communique that encourages their governments to present their targets in 2015.
京都議定書に代わる新たな枠組みは、２０２０年に発効予定だ。各国は温室効果ガスの２０年以降の自主的な削減目標をいつまでに提出するか。最大の焦点について、「１５年に提出することを奨励する」との最終案が合意に達した。
While advanced countries had tried to put a specific process in motion to build a new framework, developing countries opposed specifying the timing. It can be said that both sides went as far as they could in reaching the agreement. The negotiations on a new framework have a tough road ahead.
新たな枠組みへの具体的な道筋を着けようとする先進国に対し、途上国は時期の明示に反発した。ぎりぎりの線での合意だったと言えよう。新たな枠組みを巡る交渉の前途は多難である。
Recent spates of climate catastrophes such as the occurrence of super typhoons are said to be caused by global warming. When the delegation from the Philippines, which was hit hard by Typhoon No. 30, appealed for an immediate increase in efforts to tackle global warming, the appeal won the sympathy of other countries.
巨大台風の頻発など、このところの気候異変は、地球温暖化に起因しているとも言われる。台風３０号による甚大な被害を受けたフィリピンの交渉団が「すぐに行動を」と温暖化対策の前進を訴えると、各国の共感を呼んだ。
Developing nations want help
While sharing a sense of crisis over global warming, developing countries repeatedly asserted that advanced countries should proactively support them because of their weak financial position. They did so because they believe the advanced countries are responsible for global warming, as they have emitted a massive amount of greenhouse gas with their industrial production.
温暖化の危機感は共有しつつ、途上国側は、先進国が資金力に乏しい途上国を積極的に支援すべきだと主張し続けた。温暖化を招いた責任は、生産活動で温室効果ガスを大量に排出してきた先進国にあるとの理由からだ。
Indeed, it will be necessary to extend a certain amount of support to developing countries that cannot afford to take measures to deal with environmental issues on their own.
環境対策に手が回らない途上国に、一定の支援は必要だろう。
On the other hand, we should not forget the reality that the total amount of emissions from developing countries as a whole has topped the total amount for advanced countries now. It was quite reasonable for advanced countries, including Japan, to call on developing countries to adopt the stance of reducing emissions on their own initiative.
一方で、途上国全体の排出量が今や、先進国を上回っていることを忘れてはならない。途上国にも主体的に排出量を減らす姿勢が求められる、とする日本など先進国側の主張はもっともだ。
In particular, such emerging economies as China—the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gas—need to assume their fair share of responsibility for reducing the emissions.
特に、世界一の排出国である中国など新興国は、排出削減に応分の責任を負う必要がある。
Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara emphasized at the COP19 conference that the new framework should be fair and effective and be applied to all countries. It is vital to firmly maintain this course of action.
石原環境相はＣＯＰ１９で、新たな枠組みについて、「公平で実効性があり、すべての国に適用される内容でなければならない」と強調した。この方向性を堅持していくことが肝要である。
At the conference, the Japanese government expressed its new goal of “reducing its domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 3.8 percent from the fiscal 2005 level by the end of fiscal 2020,” a target that drew criticism from other countries as being too low.
日本政府は「２０年度までに０５年度比３・８％削減」という目標を表明したが、各国から「削減率が低すぎる」との批判を浴びた。
Yet the 3.8 percent cut is a numerical value set at a time when none of the nation’s nuclear power stations, which do not emit any carbon dioxide when generating electricity, are operating.
しかし、「３・８％減」は、発電時に二酸化炭素を排出しない原子力発電所が一つも稼働していない現状での数値だ。
The government should expedite its efforts to work out a basic energy plan that specifies a future ratio of nuclear power generation. It is important for the government to raise the emissions reduction target by the end of 2020 based on such a basic plan and to make steady progress in setting a realistic target for the years beyond 2020.
政府は、原発の将来的な比率を明示したエネルギー基本計画の策定を急ぐべきだ。その上で、２０年までの削減目標の上積みと、２０年以降の現実的な目標の設定を着実に進めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 25, 2013)
（2013年11月25日01時17分 読売新聞）
Push ahead measures to tackle climate change with international cooperation
ＣＯＰ１９閉幕 国際協調で温暖化対策を前へ（11月25日付・読売社説）
Due to the conflicting interests of developed and developing countries, including emerging economies, the just-concluded discussions on climate change made hardly any progress. The latest U.N. talks on the issue vividly demonstrated the difficulties facing the international effort to tackle global warming.
先進国と、新興国を含む途上国の利害がぶつかり、議論が進まない。地球温暖化対策の現状が如実に示された。
The 19th Conference on Climate Change (COP19) has ended in Warsaw. The participants extended the meeting by one day, managing to prevent it from breaking down.
ワルシャワで開かれていた国連気候変動枠組み条約の第１９回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ１９）が閉幕した。会期を１日延長し、決裂だけは回避した。
A new greenhouse gas reduction framework to replace the Kyoto Protocol is to be implemented in 2020. By when should the participating countries submit their voluntary greenhouse gas emission targets for the years beyond 2020? As to this major point of contention, the participants agreed on a final draft of their joint communique that encourages their governments to present their targets in 2015.
京都議定書に代わる新たな枠組みは、２０２０年に発効予定だ。各国は温室効果ガスの２０年以降の自主的な削減目標をいつまでに提出するか。最大の焦点について、「１５年に提出することを奨励する」との最終案が合意に達した。
While advanced countries had tried to put a specific process in motion to build a new framework, developing countries opposed specifying the timing. It can be said that both sides went as far as they could in reaching the agreement. The negotiations on a new framework have a tough road ahead.
新たな枠組みへの具体的な道筋を着けようとする先進国に対し、途上国は時期の明示に反発した。ぎりぎりの線での合意だったと言えよう。新たな枠組みを巡る交渉の前途は多難である。
Recent spates of climate catastrophes such as the occurrence of super typhoons are said to be caused by global warming. When the delegation from the Philippines, which was hit hard by Typhoon No. 30, appealed for an immediate increase in efforts to tackle global warming, the appeal won the sympathy of other countries.
巨大台風の頻発など、このところの気候異変は、地球温暖化に起因しているとも言われる。台風３０号による甚大な被害を受けたフィリピンの交渉団が「すぐに行動を」と温暖化対策の前進を訴えると、各国の共感を呼んだ。
Developing nations want help
While sharing a sense of crisis over global warming, developing countries repeatedly asserted that advanced countries should proactively support them because of their weak financial position. They did so because they believe the advanced countries are responsible for global warming, as they have emitted a massive amount of greenhouse gas with their industrial production.
温暖化の危機感は共有しつつ、途上国側は、先進国が資金力に乏しい途上国を積極的に支援すべきだと主張し続けた。温暖化を招いた責任は、生産活動で温室効果ガスを大量に排出してきた先進国にあるとの理由からだ。
Indeed, it will be necessary to extend a certain amount of support to developing countries that cannot afford to take measures to deal with environmental issues on their own.
環境対策に手が回らない途上国に、一定の支援は必要だろう。
On the other hand, we should not forget the reality that the total amount of emissions from developing countries as a whole has topped the total amount for advanced countries now. It was quite reasonable for advanced countries, including Japan, to call on developing countries to adopt the stance of reducing emissions on their own initiative.
一方で、途上国全体の排出量が今や、先進国を上回っていることを忘れてはならない。途上国にも主体的に排出量を減らす姿勢が求められる、とする日本など先進国側の主張はもっともだ。
In particular, such emerging economies as China—the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gas—need to assume their fair share of responsibility for reducing the emissions.
特に、世界一の排出国である中国など新興国は、排出削減に応分の責任を負う必要がある。
Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara emphasized at the COP19 conference that the new framework should be fair and effective and be applied to all countries. It is vital to firmly maintain this course of action.
石原環境相はＣＯＰ１９で、新たな枠組みについて、「公平で実効性があり、すべての国に適用される内容でなければならない」と強調した。この方向性を堅持していくことが肝要である。
At the conference, the Japanese government expressed its new goal of “reducing its domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 3.8 percent from the fiscal 2005 level by the end of fiscal 2020,” a target that drew criticism from other countries as being too low.
日本政府は「２０年度までに０５年度比３・８％削減」という目標を表明したが、各国から「削減率が低すぎる」との批判を浴びた。
Yet the 3.8 percent cut is a numerical value set at a time when none of the nation’s nuclear power stations, which do not emit any carbon dioxide when generating electricity, are operating.
しかし、「３・８％減」は、発電時に二酸化炭素を排出しない原子力発電所が一つも稼働していない現状での数値だ。
The government should expedite its efforts to work out a basic energy plan that specifies a future ratio of nuclear power generation. It is important for the government to raise the emissions reduction target by the end of 2020 based on such a basic plan and to make steady progress in setting a realistic target for the years beyond 2020.
政府は、原発の将来的な比率を明示したエネルギー基本計画の策定を急ぐべきだ。その上で、２０年までの削減目標の上積みと、２０年以降の現実的な目標の設定を着実に進めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 25, 2013)
（2013年11月25日01時17分 読売新聞）
2013/11/26
猪瀬氏に５０００万 「個人の借り入れ」は通らない
企業は何故政治献金をするのか？
見返りがあるからです。
政治献金は法律で禁止すべきだと思います。
そうしない限り自民党の特定企業中心優遇政策は続きます。
お金があればなんでもしても良いというわけではありません。
1票は1票なんです。
大卒でも小学卒でも。
タイではそれを問題にしているようですが、それはエリート意識というものです。
タイからロンドンのオックスフォード大学に留学している子女たちのエリート意識には、唖然とさせられます。
タイに戻って政界に入ったら、農民や貧困層無視の政策を展開するのでしょう。
それでも1票は1票なんです。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 25, 2013
Inose's explanation of why he took Tokushukai funds defies common sense
猪瀬氏に５０００万 「個人の借り入れ」は通らない（11月24日付・読売社説）
In a development that left many scratching their heads, Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose was found to have received ¥50 million from the Tokushukai medical group—under investigation by prosecutors for suspected election law violations—just before the December Tokyo gubernatorial race, in which he was elected to the post for the first time.
極めて不自然な現金の授受である。
昨年１２月の東京都知事選で初当選した猪瀬直樹知事が、強制捜査を受けた医療グループ「徳洲会」側から選挙前に５０００万円を受け取っていた。
According to his accounts, Inose visited Torao Tokuda, a former House of Representatives member and the founder of Tokushukai, in November last year to solicit support for his election bid, shortly after which the hospital group offered to provide funds to Inose. He received the ¥50 million directly from Takeshi Tokuda, the second son of Torao and a lower house member, at the Diet members’ building.
猪瀬知事は昨年１１月、グループ創業者の徳田虎雄・元衆院議員を訪ね、知事選への支援を要請した。その後、徳洲会側から資金提供に応じるとの申し出があり、次男の徳田毅衆院議員から議員会館で５０００万円を渡されたという。
What was the purpose of the funds?
現金の趣旨は何だったのか。
If they were meant for election campaigning, Inose was required to declare the ¥50 million in a campaign funds report, in accordance with the Public Offices Election Law. But there was no mention of the funds from Tokushukai in Inose’s report.
選挙運動のためであれば、公職選挙法に基づき、選挙運動費用収支報告書に記載しなければならない。知事の収支報告書に５０００万円の記載はない。
At a press conference, the governor said, “I personally borrowed the funds because I worried my savings would be wiped out due to election campaigning.” He is apparently claiming that because the funds from Tokushukai were not for his election campaign, his conduct did not violate the election law.
知事は記者会見で「選挙活動で預金が底をつくかも分からず、個人として借りた」と述べた。選挙資金ではないから、公選法に抵触しないとの主張だろう。
It is, however, only natural to assume he received the cash with the view of possibly using it for election campaigning as it was just before the start of official campaigning for the Tokyo race when he asked Tokuda to support his candidacy.
だが、選挙運動に充てる可能性もあったと解釈するのが自然ではないか。支援を要請したのは告示が間近に迫った時期だった。
Inose said he gave an IOU to Tokuda, but what exactly he scribbled down on the note is unknown, although he claimed the money was a no-interest, no-collateral loan. It was nonetheless a monetary transaction that is far from the social norm.
借用書を渡したと語ったものの、記載内容は明確でない。５０００万円は無利子、無担保だったという。常識からかけ離れた現金のやり取りだったと言えよう。
Disclosure came late
Even if it was a personal loan, as Inose claims, there is a problem. Although a metropolitan government ordinance requires the governor to report any loans, if any, in an asset disclosure statement, Inose did not do so. He revised the statement only after the scandal came to light Friday.
猪瀬知事が主張するように、個人の借り入れだったとしても問題はある。都条例は、借入金などを資産報告書に記載するよう義務付けているが、知事は記載していなかった。問題が発覚した２２日になって、資産報告書を訂正した。
The timing of his returning the money also stokes suspicion. The governor returned the money in full in late September right after the special investigation squad of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office searched Tokushukai’s Tokyo headquarters and other locations, suspecting violations of the election law.
返済時期も不自然である。知事は、東京地検特捜部が公選法違反容疑で徳洲会東京本部などの強制捜査に乗り出した直後の今年９月下旬、全額を返していた。
“I told them I would return the money in January or February, but I never got around to it,” Inose explained. But it is hard not to suspect he returned the money hastily as the investigation unfolded.
知事は「今年１～２月に返すと伝えたが、チャンスがなかった」と説明している。捜査の進展を受け、慌てて返済したのではないかとの疑念はぬぐえない。
The metropolitan and prefectural governors have the authority to grant permission to open hospitals and supervise them after they open. 都道府県知事は病院などの開設を許可する権限を持つ。開設後も指導監督する立場にある。
There are a number of hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly run by Tokushukai in Tokyo, but Inose denied providing any quid pro quos to the medical group for receiving the money—an act, in the first place, showing his lack of consciousness about social norms.
都内には徳洲会グループの病院と介護老人保健施設が存在する。猪瀬知事は、徳洲会側への便宜供与を否定したが、そもそも資金の受領自体、規範意識に欠ける。
The governor is playing a central role in preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. We regret that this scandal has poured cold water on the festive mood of hosting the sports extravaganza.
都知事は、２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの開催準備で、中心的役割を担う。今回の問題が、せっかくの五輪ムードに水を差したのは残念である。
If the scandal is prolonged, it could have negative ramifications on his management of the Tokyo metropolitan government. He must urgently give every possible explanation to convince doubters.
問題が長引けば、都政にも支障を来しかねない。知事は早急に説明を尽くすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 24, 2013)
（2013年11月24日01時49分 読売新聞）
見返りがあるからです。
政治献金は法律で禁止すべきだと思います。
そうしない限り自民党の特定企業中心優遇政策は続きます。
お金があればなんでもしても良いというわけではありません。
1票は1票なんです。
大卒でも小学卒でも。
タイではそれを問題にしているようですが、それはエリート意識というものです。
タイからロンドンのオックスフォード大学に留学している子女たちのエリート意識には、唖然とさせられます。
タイに戻って政界に入ったら、農民や貧困層無視の政策を展開するのでしょう。
それでも1票は1票なんです。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 25, 2013
Inose's explanation of why he took Tokushukai funds defies common sense
猪瀬氏に５０００万 「個人の借り入れ」は通らない（11月24日付・読売社説）
In a development that left many scratching their heads, Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose was found to have received ¥50 million from the Tokushukai medical group—under investigation by prosecutors for suspected election law violations—just before the December Tokyo gubernatorial race, in which he was elected to the post for the first time.
極めて不自然な現金の授受である。
昨年１２月の東京都知事選で初当選した猪瀬直樹知事が、強制捜査を受けた医療グループ「徳洲会」側から選挙前に５０００万円を受け取っていた。
According to his accounts, Inose visited Torao Tokuda, a former House of Representatives member and the founder of Tokushukai, in November last year to solicit support for his election bid, shortly after which the hospital group offered to provide funds to Inose. He received the ¥50 million directly from Takeshi Tokuda, the second son of Torao and a lower house member, at the Diet members’ building.
猪瀬知事は昨年１１月、グループ創業者の徳田虎雄・元衆院議員を訪ね、知事選への支援を要請した。その後、徳洲会側から資金提供に応じるとの申し出があり、次男の徳田毅衆院議員から議員会館で５０００万円を渡されたという。
What was the purpose of the funds?
現金の趣旨は何だったのか。
If they were meant for election campaigning, Inose was required to declare the ¥50 million in a campaign funds report, in accordance with the Public Offices Election Law. But there was no mention of the funds from Tokushukai in Inose’s report.
選挙運動のためであれば、公職選挙法に基づき、選挙運動費用収支報告書に記載しなければならない。知事の収支報告書に５０００万円の記載はない。
At a press conference, the governor said, “I personally borrowed the funds because I worried my savings would be wiped out due to election campaigning.” He is apparently claiming that because the funds from Tokushukai were not for his election campaign, his conduct did not violate the election law.
知事は記者会見で「選挙活動で預金が底をつくかも分からず、個人として借りた」と述べた。選挙資金ではないから、公選法に抵触しないとの主張だろう。
It is, however, only natural to assume he received the cash with the view of possibly using it for election campaigning as it was just before the start of official campaigning for the Tokyo race when he asked Tokuda to support his candidacy.
だが、選挙運動に充てる可能性もあったと解釈するのが自然ではないか。支援を要請したのは告示が間近に迫った時期だった。
Inose said he gave an IOU to Tokuda, but what exactly he scribbled down on the note is unknown, although he claimed the money was a no-interest, no-collateral loan. It was nonetheless a monetary transaction that is far from the social norm.
借用書を渡したと語ったものの、記載内容は明確でない。５０００万円は無利子、無担保だったという。常識からかけ離れた現金のやり取りだったと言えよう。
Disclosure came late
Even if it was a personal loan, as Inose claims, there is a problem. Although a metropolitan government ordinance requires the governor to report any loans, if any, in an asset disclosure statement, Inose did not do so. He revised the statement only after the scandal came to light Friday.
猪瀬知事が主張するように、個人の借り入れだったとしても問題はある。都条例は、借入金などを資産報告書に記載するよう義務付けているが、知事は記載していなかった。問題が発覚した２２日になって、資産報告書を訂正した。
The timing of his returning the money also stokes suspicion. The governor returned the money in full in late September right after the special investigation squad of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office searched Tokushukai’s Tokyo headquarters and other locations, suspecting violations of the election law.
返済時期も不自然である。知事は、東京地検特捜部が公選法違反容疑で徳洲会東京本部などの強制捜査に乗り出した直後の今年９月下旬、全額を返していた。
“I told them I would return the money in January or February, but I never got around to it,” Inose explained. But it is hard not to suspect he returned the money hastily as the investigation unfolded.
知事は「今年１～２月に返すと伝えたが、チャンスがなかった」と説明している。捜査の進展を受け、慌てて返済したのではないかとの疑念はぬぐえない。
The metropolitan and prefectural governors have the authority to grant permission to open hospitals and supervise them after they open. 都道府県知事は病院などの開設を許可する権限を持つ。開設後も指導監督する立場にある。
There are a number of hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly run by Tokushukai in Tokyo, but Inose denied providing any quid pro quos to the medical group for receiving the money—an act, in the first place, showing his lack of consciousness about social norms.
都内には徳洲会グループの病院と介護老人保健施設が存在する。猪瀬知事は、徳洲会側への便宜供与を否定したが、そもそも資金の受領自体、規範意識に欠ける。
The governor is playing a central role in preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. We regret that this scandal has poured cold water on the festive mood of hosting the sports extravaganza.
都知事は、２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの開催準備で、中心的役割を担う。今回の問題が、せっかくの五輪ムードに水を差したのは残念である。
If the scandal is prolonged, it could have negative ramifications on his management of the Tokyo metropolitan government. He must urgently give every possible explanation to convince doubters.
問題が長引けば、都政にも支障を来しかねない。知事は早急に説明を尽くすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 24, 2013)
（2013年11月24日01時49分 読売新聞）
2013/11/25
秘密保護法案 与野党の修正案は評価できる
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 24, 2013
Modified bill to protect specially designated secrets deserves credit
秘密保護法案 与野党の修正案は評価できる（11月23日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party and its ruling coalition partner New Komeito have agreed separately with the major opposition parties Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party on modifications of a bill aimed at strengthening the protection of specially designated state secrets. The bill is intended to stiffen penalties for public servants who leak such information.
自民、公明両党が、安全保障の機密情報を漏らした国家公務員らの罰則を強化する特定秘密保護法案について、日本維新の会、みんなの党とそれぞれ法案の修正で一致した。
This legal arrangement is essential for the envisioned Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, which will serve as the headquarters for Japan’s security strategy, to function well. The ruling coalition was right to discuss the matter over and over with the opposition parties without forcing its way with its dominant number of lawmakers.
安全保障戦略の司令塔となる国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）が機能するために欠かせない法制である。与党が数で押し切るのではなく、野党と協議を重ね、合意したことは評価したい。
If Ishin no Kai and Your Party take office, they will also have to designate such secrets and rescind the designations. Thus, it is important that both ruling and opposition parties work together to create the system.
維新の会やみんなの党も、政権を担えば、秘密の指定や解除に携わる。安全保障に関する分野で、与野党が協力し合って制度を構築することの意義は大きい。
The modifications are designed to enhance information management by the Cabinet through such measures as allowing the prime minister to supervise the secrecy designations and report them to a panel of experts to seek their opinions. The revisions also call for ministries and agencies to lose the authorization to make such designations if they do not exercise it within five years after the secrecy protection law takes effect.
修正内容は、首相が特定秘密の指定を監督し、有識者会議に報告して意見を聴くなど、内閣による情報管理を強めた。法施行から５年経(た)っても特定秘密がない府省は、指定の権限を失う。
The bill initially stipulated that the period of confidentiality would be up to five years and would be renewable, and that the period could be extended to 30 years or longer with Cabinet approval. However, a stipulation that the period cannot exceed 60 years has been added to the revised bill. Exceptions for this are limited to highly sensitive information in seven categories, such as secret codes, defense equipment and information sources.
上限５年で更新可能という特定秘密の「有効期間」は、３０年を超えても内閣が承認すれば延長できるとなっていたが、「６０年は超えられない」と書き加えた。例外は、暗号や防衛装備、人的情報源など７項目に限られる。
The revised bill also stipulates that all the documents not designated as secrets beyond 30 years should be transferred to the National Archives of Japan.
３０年超の延長が認められなかった文書は、すべて国立公文書館に移管することも条文化された。
Revisions ease some concerns
It is questionable whether the prime minister’s intended greater role will prove workable. However, it appears to be appropriate that the revised bill stipulates specially classified secrets will eventually be made public “in principle” while referring to exceptions and a system to archive key government documents.
首相の関与強化が実効性を伴うものになるかどうか、疑問もある。だが、「原則公開」とその例外項目、重要文書の保存を明確にしたのは適切な判断だ。
To some extent, the modifications likely will dispel concerns that the government may arbitrarily increase the subjects for designation as secrets and permanently conceal information inconvenient to it from the public.
政府が、特定秘密の対象を恣意(しい)的に拡大したり、都合の悪い情報を永久に秘匿したりしかねないといった懸念は、一定程度払拭されるのではないか。
The ruling parties have also included a supplemental provision in the bill that calls on the government to consider setting up a third-party body to check the appropriateness of the designations.
秘密指定の妥当性をチェックする「第三者機関」については、検討することを付則に明記した。
We understand that this provision is meant to keep the government in check by a third party. But questions have been raised over whether outsiders would be able to make appropriate decisions considering the massive amount of highly sensitive information that affects national security. If more people gain access to such secrets, the risk of leaks is expected to rise.
第三者によって、政府を牽制(けんせい)しようという趣旨はわかる。だが、安全保障の機微に触れる、専門性の高い大量の情報を部外者が的確に判断できるのか。特定秘密に関与する人が多くなれば、情報漏えいのリスクは増すだろう。
Unless the composition of the panel and how it will work are determined carefully, such a body could become a mere facade.
起用する人材や仕組みをよほど慎重に考えないと、形骸化した組織になる恐れがある。
The Democratic Party of Japan, the largest opposition party, has decided to oppose the secret protection bill unless the ruling parties accept its proposals.
民主党は、独自の対案が受け入れられなければ、特定秘密保護法案に反対する方針を決めた。
The DPJ proposes a narrower scope of specially classified secrets and sets the period of confidentiality at 30 years in principle. It also seeks a penalty of imprisonment of less than five years for violators of the law. As for the provision of such state secrets to the Diet, the DPJ says it would address the issue by amending the Diet Law. Such proposals are worth considering.
民主党の対案は、秘密の範囲をより限定し、指定期間は原則３０年、罰則を懲役５年以下などと規定している。国会への秘密提供については、国会法の改正で対応するとした。検討に値しよう。
Both ruling and opposition parties are urged to make efforts to deepen discussions on the matter.
与野党間で、さらに議論を深める努力をすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 23, 2013)
（2013年11月23日01時56分 読売新聞）
Modified bill to protect specially designated secrets deserves credit
秘密保護法案 与野党の修正案は評価できる（11月23日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party and its ruling coalition partner New Komeito have agreed separately with the major opposition parties Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party on modifications of a bill aimed at strengthening the protection of specially designated state secrets. The bill is intended to stiffen penalties for public servants who leak such information.
自民、公明両党が、安全保障の機密情報を漏らした国家公務員らの罰則を強化する特定秘密保護法案について、日本維新の会、みんなの党とそれぞれ法案の修正で一致した。
This legal arrangement is essential for the envisioned Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, which will serve as the headquarters for Japan’s security strategy, to function well. The ruling coalition was right to discuss the matter over and over with the opposition parties without forcing its way with its dominant number of lawmakers.
安全保障戦略の司令塔となる国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）が機能するために欠かせない法制である。与党が数で押し切るのではなく、野党と協議を重ね、合意したことは評価したい。
If Ishin no Kai and Your Party take office, they will also have to designate such secrets and rescind the designations. Thus, it is important that both ruling and opposition parties work together to create the system.
維新の会やみんなの党も、政権を担えば、秘密の指定や解除に携わる。安全保障に関する分野で、与野党が協力し合って制度を構築することの意義は大きい。
The modifications are designed to enhance information management by the Cabinet through such measures as allowing the prime minister to supervise the secrecy designations and report them to a panel of experts to seek their opinions. The revisions also call for ministries and agencies to lose the authorization to make such designations if they do not exercise it within five years after the secrecy protection law takes effect.
修正内容は、首相が特定秘密の指定を監督し、有識者会議に報告して意見を聴くなど、内閣による情報管理を強めた。法施行から５年経(た)っても特定秘密がない府省は、指定の権限を失う。
The bill initially stipulated that the period of confidentiality would be up to five years and would be renewable, and that the period could be extended to 30 years or longer with Cabinet approval. However, a stipulation that the period cannot exceed 60 years has been added to the revised bill. Exceptions for this are limited to highly sensitive information in seven categories, such as secret codes, defense equipment and information sources.
上限５年で更新可能という特定秘密の「有効期間」は、３０年を超えても内閣が承認すれば延長できるとなっていたが、「６０年は超えられない」と書き加えた。例外は、暗号や防衛装備、人的情報源など７項目に限られる。
The revised bill also stipulates that all the documents not designated as secrets beyond 30 years should be transferred to the National Archives of Japan.
３０年超の延長が認められなかった文書は、すべて国立公文書館に移管することも条文化された。
Revisions ease some concerns
It is questionable whether the prime minister’s intended greater role will prove workable. However, it appears to be appropriate that the revised bill stipulates specially classified secrets will eventually be made public “in principle” while referring to exceptions and a system to archive key government documents.
首相の関与強化が実効性を伴うものになるかどうか、疑問もある。だが、「原則公開」とその例外項目、重要文書の保存を明確にしたのは適切な判断だ。
To some extent, the modifications likely will dispel concerns that the government may arbitrarily increase the subjects for designation as secrets and permanently conceal information inconvenient to it from the public.
政府が、特定秘密の対象を恣意(しい)的に拡大したり、都合の悪い情報を永久に秘匿したりしかねないといった懸念は、一定程度払拭されるのではないか。
The ruling parties have also included a supplemental provision in the bill that calls on the government to consider setting up a third-party body to check the appropriateness of the designations.
秘密指定の妥当性をチェックする「第三者機関」については、検討することを付則に明記した。
We understand that this provision is meant to keep the government in check by a third party. But questions have been raised over whether outsiders would be able to make appropriate decisions considering the massive amount of highly sensitive information that affects national security. If more people gain access to such secrets, the risk of leaks is expected to rise.
第三者によって、政府を牽制(けんせい)しようという趣旨はわかる。だが、安全保障の機微に触れる、専門性の高い大量の情報を部外者が的確に判断できるのか。特定秘密に関与する人が多くなれば、情報漏えいのリスクは増すだろう。
Unless the composition of the panel and how it will work are determined carefully, such a body could become a mere facade.
起用する人材や仕組みをよほど慎重に考えないと、形骸化した組織になる恐れがある。
The Democratic Party of Japan, the largest opposition party, has decided to oppose the secret protection bill unless the ruling parties accept its proposals.
民主党は、独自の対案が受け入れられなければ、特定秘密保護法案に反対する方針を決めた。
The DPJ proposes a narrower scope of specially classified secrets and sets the period of confidentiality at 30 years in principle. It also seeks a penalty of imprisonment of less than five years for violators of the law. As for the provision of such state secrets to the Diet, the DPJ says it would address the issue by amending the Diet Law. Such proposals are worth considering.
民主党の対案は、秘密の範囲をより限定し、指定期間は原則３０年、罰則を懲役５年以下などと規定している。国会への秘密提供については、国会法の改正で対応するとした。検討に値しよう。
Both ruling and opposition parties are urged to make efforts to deepen discussions on the matter.
与野党間で、さらに議論を深める努力をすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 23, 2013)
（2013年11月23日01時56分 読売新聞）
2013/11/24
放射性廃棄物 政府は最終処分に責任を持て
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 23, 2013
Govt must act responsibly to find site for final N-waste repository
放射性廃棄物 政府は最終処分に責任を持て（11月22日付・読売社説）
No time must be wasted in strengthening government efforts to secure a site for a final disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste generated from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants.
原子力発電所から出る高レベル放射性廃棄物の最終処分場の用地確保へ向け、政府の取り組みを強化する必要がある。
An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has hammered out a set of new steps regarding how to secure candidate sites for a final repository, focusing on a recommendation that the government should be at the forefront of efforts to make progress on the issue.
経済産業省の有識者会議が、候補地の確保に関し、政府が前面に出て進展を目指すという新たな方針を打ち出した。
Currently, candidate sites are being sought through open solicitation, inviting volunteer candidates among municipal governments to host a final disposal site for radioactive waste. As a result, the opinions of local communities are being given great weight in the matter. So far, the government has just waited for municipalities to volunteer, but no candidates sites have been found since open solicitation began in 2002.
現在は市町村からの応募を前提としている。地域の意思を重視するという理由からだ。政府も「待ち」の姿勢に終始してきたが、２００２年の公募開始から、これまで候補地は見つかっていない。
To break the impasse, it is reasonable for the expert panel to propose that the government take on the responsibility of designating areas where high-level radioactive waste can safely be disposed of. This is the same policy followed by Sweden, which has selected a final disposal site. We hope to see the planned approach result in progress in locating candidate sites.
現状を打開するため、有識者会議が「安全に処分できる地域を国の責任で示す」とする方針を示したのは適切な判断と言えよう。
新たな方針は、最終処分場の選定に成功したスウェーデンと同じ手法だ。日本でも、候補地探しの前進を期待したい。
Authorities envision burying high-level radioactive waste deep underground, at least 300 meters below the surface, by constructing a disposal facility in stable rock formations in an area where there are no volcanoes or other threats.
高レベル放射性廃棄物は、火山などのない安定した地盤の地域を選び、地下３００メートルより深い地層に埋設する計画だ。
Similar methods have been employed overseas, since they make it possible to dispose of nuclear waste in a stable manner for more than 100,000 years.
海外も同様の方法を採用している。適した場所を選べば、１０万年以上、安定して廃棄物を処分できるためだ。
Radioactivity lessens with time, more than 99 percent of it ceasing to exist in about 1,000 years.
放射能は時間とともに減少し、約１０００年後には９９％以上が消滅する。
Excessive political risks
It should be noted that there is little public understanding of the current technological level and safety of geological disposal, hindering efforts to find a candidate site. Government efforts to widely disseminate correct, scientific knowledge about the matter are indispensable.
最終処分場の技術や安全性に対する理解が、ほとんど広まっていないことが、候補地探しの障害になってきたと言えよう。政府が、正しい知識を積極的に周知していくことが欠かせない。
Open solicitation of volunteer candidates is problematic in that municipal leaders put themselves at great political risk if they support hosting a disposal facility. When the mayor of Toyo, Kochi Prefecture, applied to be a candidate site, residents fiercely opposed the idea and the mayor was in danger of having to resign. The town’s application was withdrawn.
公募方式では、手を挙げた市町村長が過大な政治的リスクを抱えることも問題だ。０７年に高知県東洋町が応募した際は、反対運動が激化し、町長は辞任に追い込まれた。応募も取り下げられた。
The selection process of candidate sites can hardly make progress without wide-ranging support from the central government.
候補地には、政府の幅広い支援が欠かせない。
On Wednesday, urging the government to redouble its efforts to find candidate sites, the ministry’s expert panel cited the need to boost government efforts to promote the local economies of the municipalities concerned. The panel also proposed a forum in which the government and local residents closely exchange views on the matter. Both suggestions are very important.
有識者会議は、地域振興策の強化を挙げた。政府が地域住民と密接に意見交換する場を設けることも提案している。いずれも重要な指摘である。
The task of establishing a final disposal repository has been undertaken by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan, which was established by power utilities and other organizations under the Specified Nuclear Waste Final Disposal Law enacted in 2000. Reform of the waste management organization, which has failed to produce any tangible results, is also urgently needed.
処分場探しは、２０００年制定の最終処分法に基づき、電力会社などが設立した「原子力発電環境整備機構（ＮＵＭＯ）」が担当してきた。成果を上げられないＮＵＭＯの改革も急務だ。
Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has continued making unrealistic calls to completely stop the nation’s nuclear power generation, saying it is “too optimistic and irresponsible” to assume that a site can be found for a final disposal facility.
小泉元首相は、最終処分場の確保について、「めどを付けられると思う方が楽観的で無責任だ」とし、非現実的な「原発ゼロ」をなお主張している。
Even if the nation’s nuclear power generation should be eliminated, the problem of how to dispose of nuclear waste remains. It is impermissible to pass the burden of inaction on the matter to the next generation.
だが、仮に「ゼロ」でも廃棄物は残る。次世代にツケを回すわけにはいかない。
The Liberal Democratic Party is also studying ways to secure a final disposal facility, and there are moves in the Diet to create a suprapartisan group of legislators to address the problem of a final repository. They should engage in discussions with a strong sense of responsibility.
自民党も、最終処分場の確保策の検討に乗り出した。国会には超党派議連を設ける動きもある。責任ある議論が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 22, 2013)
（2013年11月22日01時31分 読売新聞）
Govt must act responsibly to find site for final N-waste repository
放射性廃棄物 政府は最終処分に責任を持て（11月22日付・読売社説）
No time must be wasted in strengthening government efforts to secure a site for a final disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste generated from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants.
原子力発電所から出る高レベル放射性廃棄物の最終処分場の用地確保へ向け、政府の取り組みを強化する必要がある。
An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has hammered out a set of new steps regarding how to secure candidate sites for a final repository, focusing on a recommendation that the government should be at the forefront of efforts to make progress on the issue.
経済産業省の有識者会議が、候補地の確保に関し、政府が前面に出て進展を目指すという新たな方針を打ち出した。
Currently, candidate sites are being sought through open solicitation, inviting volunteer candidates among municipal governments to host a final disposal site for radioactive waste. As a result, the opinions of local communities are being given great weight in the matter. So far, the government has just waited for municipalities to volunteer, but no candidates sites have been found since open solicitation began in 2002.
現在は市町村からの応募を前提としている。地域の意思を重視するという理由からだ。政府も「待ち」の姿勢に終始してきたが、２００２年の公募開始から、これまで候補地は見つかっていない。
To break the impasse, it is reasonable for the expert panel to propose that the government take on the responsibility of designating areas where high-level radioactive waste can safely be disposed of. This is the same policy followed by Sweden, which has selected a final disposal site. We hope to see the planned approach result in progress in locating candidate sites.
現状を打開するため、有識者会議が「安全に処分できる地域を国の責任で示す」とする方針を示したのは適切な判断と言えよう。
新たな方針は、最終処分場の選定に成功したスウェーデンと同じ手法だ。日本でも、候補地探しの前進を期待したい。
Authorities envision burying high-level radioactive waste deep underground, at least 300 meters below the surface, by constructing a disposal facility in stable rock formations in an area where there are no volcanoes or other threats.
高レベル放射性廃棄物は、火山などのない安定した地盤の地域を選び、地下３００メートルより深い地層に埋設する計画だ。
Similar methods have been employed overseas, since they make it possible to dispose of nuclear waste in a stable manner for more than 100,000 years.
海外も同様の方法を採用している。適した場所を選べば、１０万年以上、安定して廃棄物を処分できるためだ。
Radioactivity lessens with time, more than 99 percent of it ceasing to exist in about 1,000 years.
放射能は時間とともに減少し、約１０００年後には９９％以上が消滅する。
Excessive political risks
It should be noted that there is little public understanding of the current technological level and safety of geological disposal, hindering efforts to find a candidate site. Government efforts to widely disseminate correct, scientific knowledge about the matter are indispensable.
最終処分場の技術や安全性に対する理解が、ほとんど広まっていないことが、候補地探しの障害になってきたと言えよう。政府が、正しい知識を積極的に周知していくことが欠かせない。
Open solicitation of volunteer candidates is problematic in that municipal leaders put themselves at great political risk if they support hosting a disposal facility. When the mayor of Toyo, Kochi Prefecture, applied to be a candidate site, residents fiercely opposed the idea and the mayor was in danger of having to resign. The town’s application was withdrawn.
公募方式では、手を挙げた市町村長が過大な政治的リスクを抱えることも問題だ。０７年に高知県東洋町が応募した際は、反対運動が激化し、町長は辞任に追い込まれた。応募も取り下げられた。
The selection process of candidate sites can hardly make progress without wide-ranging support from the central government.
候補地には、政府の幅広い支援が欠かせない。
On Wednesday, urging the government to redouble its efforts to find candidate sites, the ministry’s expert panel cited the need to boost government efforts to promote the local economies of the municipalities concerned. The panel also proposed a forum in which the government and local residents closely exchange views on the matter. Both suggestions are very important.
有識者会議は、地域振興策の強化を挙げた。政府が地域住民と密接に意見交換する場を設けることも提案している。いずれも重要な指摘である。
The task of establishing a final disposal repository has been undertaken by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan, which was established by power utilities and other organizations under the Specified Nuclear Waste Final Disposal Law enacted in 2000. Reform of the waste management organization, which has failed to produce any tangible results, is also urgently needed.
処分場探しは、２０００年制定の最終処分法に基づき、電力会社などが設立した「原子力発電環境整備機構（ＮＵＭＯ）」が担当してきた。成果を上げられないＮＵＭＯの改革も急務だ。
Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has continued making unrealistic calls to completely stop the nation’s nuclear power generation, saying it is “too optimistic and irresponsible” to assume that a site can be found for a final disposal facility.
小泉元首相は、最終処分場の確保について、「めどを付けられると思う方が楽観的で無責任だ」とし、非現実的な「原発ゼロ」をなお主張している。
Even if the nation’s nuclear power generation should be eliminated, the problem of how to dispose of nuclear waste remains. It is impermissible to pass the burden of inaction on the matter to the next generation.
だが、仮に「ゼロ」でも廃棄物は残る。次世代にツケを回すわけにはいかない。
The Liberal Democratic Party is also studying ways to secure a final disposal facility, and there are moves in the Diet to create a suprapartisan group of legislators to address the problem of a final repository. They should engage in discussions with a strong sense of responsibility.
自民党も、最終処分場の確保策の検討に乗り出した。国会には超党派議連を設ける動きもある。責任ある議論が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 22, 2013)
（2013年11月22日01時31分 読売新聞）
2013/11/23
衆院選違憲状態 国会の裁量に配慮した最高裁
>まず各都道府県に１議席を割り振るとした「１人別枠方式」が事実上残っている
この方式だと格差是正は出来ません。
少数意見の尊重？
やはり「１人別枠方式」は廃止すべきでしょう。
ところで、円ドルが100円台を回復したという表現はいかがなものでしょうか？
自国の通貨の価値が下がって喜んでいるのは、日本だけくらいのものなのです。
これも行き過ぎたリフレ政策の影響だと思います。
困ったものです。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 22, 2013
Top court respects Diet’s discretionary power over vote-value disparity
衆院選違憲状態 国会の裁量に配慮した最高裁（11月21日付・読売社説）
◆与野党は選挙制度改革を急げ◆
It was a judgment by the nation’s top court that respected the Diet’s discretionary power over the election system to the maximum extent possible.
選挙制度を巡る国会の裁量権を最大限に尊重した司法判断である。
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the House of Representatives election in December last year, in which the maximum disparity between the value of votes was 2.43-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.” The Diet must take the ruling seriously and swiftly tackle election system reform.
「１票の格差」が最大２・４３倍だった昨年１２月の衆院選について、最高裁は「違憲状態」にあったとの判決を言い渡した。国会は判決を重く受け止め、選挙制度改革に取り組まねばならない。
“Equality in the value of voting rights is not the absolute standard to determine the framework of an election system,” the top court said. 最高裁は「投票価値の平等は選挙制度の仕組みを決定する絶対の基準ではない」と指摘した。
When deciding the zoning of single-seat constituencies, such factors as local demographics, transportation conditions and geographical circumstances must be taken into account and balanced with equality in the value of voting rights, it said.
小選挙区の区割りを決める際には、「住民構成、交通事情、地理的状況なども考慮し、投票価値の平等との調和を図ることが求められる」との見解も示した。
‘Plus 0, minus 5’ praised
◆「０増５減」評価される◆
It was a practical and quite reasonable judgment in which the Supreme Court did not think improvement in the disparity of vote values in single-seat constituencies was an absolute necessity, but it recognized the need to take regional circumstances into consideration.
「１票の格差」の是正を絶対視せず、地域事情に配慮する必要性を認めたのは、現実的かつ極めて妥当な判断である。
The Supreme Court previously judged that the 2009 lower house election was in “an unconstitutional state” when the maximum disparity in the value of votes between the least populous constituency and the most heavily populated district was 2.30-to-1. As the disparity was further expanded in the lower house poll in December last year, some experts predicted the top court would judge it was “unconstitutional.”
最高裁は、最大２・３０倍だった２００９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断していた。昨年の衆院選は格差が拡大していたことから、さらに踏み込み、「違憲」判断を示すとの見方もあった。
But was the disparity left untouched for an excessive period of time that could not be overlooked?
見過ごせないほど長期にわたり格差が放置されていると見るのかどうか。
That was the deciding factor in its decision whether the 2012 poll was unconstitutional or in a state of unconstitutionality.
それが、「違憲」か「違憲状態」かの司法判断を分けるポイントだった。
In addition to how long the disparity was left untouched, the Supreme Court said that factors such as the content of measures to remedy the disparity and the necessary procedures for such measures should also be taken into consideration from a comprehensive viewpoint. This judgment will be an important index for making court decisions on similar cases in the future.
最高裁は今回、期間の長短だけでなく、是正措置の内容や、必要な手続きなどの事情を総合的に考慮すべきだとの判断も示した。今後の重要な指標となろう。
The latest top court decision praised the remedy of “increasing no seats, but decreasing five seats” in single-seat constituencies under the revised Public Offices Election Law that was passed by the Diet in June as “a step forward.” The disparity shrank to less than 2-to-1 through the measure.
判決は、国会が今年６月に成立させた改正公職選挙法による「０増５減」の是正策について、「一定の前進」と評価した。これにより、格差が２倍未満に縮小されたからである。
To change the zoning of constituencies, it was necessary to go through such procedures as having the lower house electoral district council recommend a reform plan to the prime minister and revise the Public Offices Election Law based on that plan.
区割りを変更するには、衆院選挙区画定審議会（区割り審）による改定案の首相への勧告と、それに基づく公選法改正などの手順を踏む必要があった。
It is therefore understandable that the top court realized that remedying the situation requires a certain amount of time.
最高裁が、格差是正に一定の時間を要すると理解を示したのもうなずける。
Need to reflect regional voices
◆地方の声反映が必要◆
However, there are also questionable elements to the decision. In the distribution of the quota of seats for single-seat constituencies in each prefecture, the method of distributing one seat first to each prefecture is still effectively in practice. Touching upon this point, the Supreme Court said, “It is hard to say that the structural problems were definitively resolved.”
判決には、疑問点もある。小選挙区の定数配分で、まず各都道府県に１議席を割り振るとした「１人別枠方式」が事実上残っていることについて、「構造的な問題が最終的に解決されているとはいえない」と言及した。
However, we feel that an attempt to transform the electoral system into one that does not reflect the rationale behind this formula could mean the opinions of voters in areas with a declining population are not properly represented in the results of lower house elections.
しかし、この方式の考え方を完全に排除すると、人口減が進む地方の有権者の声は反映されにくくなるのではないだろうか。
Legislators must step up their electoral reform drive in response to the top court’s ruling.
最高裁判決を踏まえ、問われるのは国会の一層の取り組みだ。
Instead of finding the vote-value disparities to be unconstitutional, the latest ruling found the gaps to be in a state of unconstitutionality, meaning these differences border on a violation of the vote-value equality guaranteed in the Constitution. However, lawmakers should not be allowed to become blase about debating how to reform the election system, citing the ruling as a reason for their neglect. The need to fundamentally reform the system remains unchanged, though the vote-value disparities fall only within a state of unconstitutionality.
違憲ではなく、違憲状態と判断されたことを理由に、選挙制度改革論議を鈍らせてはならない。違憲状態でも抜本的改革が必要な状況に変わりはない。
The ruling and opposition parties should actively promote discussions on electoral reform. In debating reform plans, they must take to heart their responsibility to ensure that any changes in the system will help create a stable political environment in a manner that represents the will of the people.
与野党は、精力的に議論を進めるべきである。その際、民意を集約し、安定した政治を実現する視点が欠かせない。
In early November, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito and the leading opposition party the Democratic Party of Japan held talks over lower house electoral reform. The parties agreed to reduce the number of lower house members while maintaining the current electoral system—known as the heiritsu formula, which combines single-seat constituencies with the proportional representation system—for the time being.
自民、公明の与党と民主党は今月上旬、衆院選挙制度改革について、現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制を当面維持しつつ、定数を削減することで合意した。
◆定数削減を絡めるな◆
The ruling parties have said they will seek a 30-member reduction in lower house members to be chosen under the proportional representation system, while maintaining the current number of lawmakers in that chamber who are to be elected from single-seat constituencies.
This is in contrast to the proposal advanced by the DPJ, which has insisted on cuts in the number of lower house members in both categories. The ruling parties and the DPJ are no closer to reaching a compromise on the issue.
だが、与党が、小選挙区の定数は維持して比例定数を３０削減する方針を掲げているのに対して、民主党は小選挙区、比例定数の両方の削減を主張している。折り合いはついていない。
The LDP, Komeito and the DPJ have said they intend to start discussions with other parties soon. However, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) insists on reducing the number of lower house members by a sizable 144.
自公民３党は近く他の政党と協議を開始する方針だというが、日本維新の会は全体で１４４もの大幅な定数減を唱えている。
If Ishin no Kai sticks to its guns, it will be difficult to see an agreement emerge from among these parties. However, the total number of legislators in this country cannot be deemed too large if compared with those in other nations. Given this, there is no need to be too obsessed with reducing the number of Diet members.
これでは合意は困難だ。そもそも日本の国会の定数は他国と比べても多すぎることはない。定数削減にこだわる必要はない。
Political parties should separate a proposed cut in lower house members from the overall issue. Instead, they should reconsider how the system should be operated and reformed.
定数削減は切り離して、制度のあり方を考え直すべきだ。
Consensus difficult
It is difficult for political parties to reach a consensus about how to reform the election system, an issue bound to provoke conflicts of interest among them. We believe the ruling and opposition parties should first hurry to determine what kind of broad course should be adopted in the pursuit of fundamental electoral reform, a task that should be followed by a plan to commission an independent panel of experts to draw up specific reform proposals, as suggested by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
各党の利害がぶつかる選挙制度について、政党間で合意することは難しい。与野党は抜本改革の大きな方向性を早急にまとめた上で、安倍首相が提案するような、有識者による第三者機関に具体案づくりを委ねるべきだろう。
Incumbent members of the lower chamber have a bit more than three years to serve in their positions if they complete their terms. They do not have enough time to take on electoral reform, considering the amount of time necessary for amending the legislation and making any changes in the system known to the public.
衆院議員の残り任期が３年余りとなる中、法改正作業や新制度の周知期間を考慮すると、残された時間は十分と言えない。
We believe it will be a viable idea to basically maintain the current system, but work to correct the vote-value disparities, as proposed by the LDP, Komeito and the DPJ.
自公民３党が主張しているように、現行制度を基本的に維持しながら、１票の格差の是正を図るのも一案だろう。
Electoral reform is not limited to the lower house. The House of Councillors is seeking to adopt a new election system, beginning with an election in 2016. In fact, lawsuits have been filed in several locations in the country over disparities in the value of votes cast in July’s upper house race. Two high courts and a branch of another high court are set to rule on these suits starting late this month. Their rulings are expected to affect the dispute over electoral reform related to vote-value disparities.
参院も２０１６年の次期参院選から新制度に移行することを目指している。今年７月の参院選でも１票の格差を巡る訴訟が全国で提起され、各高裁・支部が今月末から順次判断を示す。それが改革論議にも影響を与えよう。
The ruling and opposition parties should think about what kind of role the lower and upper houses should play, while at the same time striving to make progress in promoting electoral reform.
与野党は、衆参の役割分担を考慮し、同時に選挙制度改革を図るのが望ましい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 21, 2013)
（2013年11月21日01時36分 読売新聞）
この方式だと格差是正は出来ません。
少数意見の尊重？
やはり「１人別枠方式」は廃止すべきでしょう。
ところで、円ドルが100円台を回復したという表現はいかがなものでしょうか？
自国の通貨の価値が下がって喜んでいるのは、日本だけくらいのものなのです。
これも行き過ぎたリフレ政策の影響だと思います。
困ったものです。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 22, 2013
Top court respects Diet’s discretionary power over vote-value disparity
衆院選違憲状態 国会の裁量に配慮した最高裁（11月21日付・読売社説）
◆与野党は選挙制度改革を急げ◆
It was a judgment by the nation’s top court that respected the Diet’s discretionary power over the election system to the maximum extent possible.
選挙制度を巡る国会の裁量権を最大限に尊重した司法判断である。
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the House of Representatives election in December last year, in which the maximum disparity between the value of votes was 2.43-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.” The Diet must take the ruling seriously and swiftly tackle election system reform.
「１票の格差」が最大２・４３倍だった昨年１２月の衆院選について、最高裁は「違憲状態」にあったとの判決を言い渡した。国会は判決を重く受け止め、選挙制度改革に取り組まねばならない。
“Equality in the value of voting rights is not the absolute standard to determine the framework of an election system,” the top court said. 最高裁は「投票価値の平等は選挙制度の仕組みを決定する絶対の基準ではない」と指摘した。
When deciding the zoning of single-seat constituencies, such factors as local demographics, transportation conditions and geographical circumstances must be taken into account and balanced with equality in the value of voting rights, it said.
小選挙区の区割りを決める際には、「住民構成、交通事情、地理的状況なども考慮し、投票価値の平等との調和を図ることが求められる」との見解も示した。
‘Plus 0, minus 5’ praised
◆「０増５減」評価される◆
It was a practical and quite reasonable judgment in which the Supreme Court did not think improvement in the disparity of vote values in single-seat constituencies was an absolute necessity, but it recognized the need to take regional circumstances into consideration.
「１票の格差」の是正を絶対視せず、地域事情に配慮する必要性を認めたのは、現実的かつ極めて妥当な判断である。
The Supreme Court previously judged that the 2009 lower house election was in “an unconstitutional state” when the maximum disparity in the value of votes between the least populous constituency and the most heavily populated district was 2.30-to-1. As the disparity was further expanded in the lower house poll in December last year, some experts predicted the top court would judge it was “unconstitutional.”
最高裁は、最大２・３０倍だった２００９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断していた。昨年の衆院選は格差が拡大していたことから、さらに踏み込み、「違憲」判断を示すとの見方もあった。
But was the disparity left untouched for an excessive period of time that could not be overlooked?
見過ごせないほど長期にわたり格差が放置されていると見るのかどうか。
That was the deciding factor in its decision whether the 2012 poll was unconstitutional or in a state of unconstitutionality.
それが、「違憲」か「違憲状態」かの司法判断を分けるポイントだった。
In addition to how long the disparity was left untouched, the Supreme Court said that factors such as the content of measures to remedy the disparity and the necessary procedures for such measures should also be taken into consideration from a comprehensive viewpoint. This judgment will be an important index for making court decisions on similar cases in the future.
最高裁は今回、期間の長短だけでなく、是正措置の内容や、必要な手続きなどの事情を総合的に考慮すべきだとの判断も示した。今後の重要な指標となろう。
The latest top court decision praised the remedy of “increasing no seats, but decreasing five seats” in single-seat constituencies under the revised Public Offices Election Law that was passed by the Diet in June as “a step forward.” The disparity shrank to less than 2-to-1 through the measure.
判決は、国会が今年６月に成立させた改正公職選挙法による「０増５減」の是正策について、「一定の前進」と評価した。これにより、格差が２倍未満に縮小されたからである。
To change the zoning of constituencies, it was necessary to go through such procedures as having the lower house electoral district council recommend a reform plan to the prime minister and revise the Public Offices Election Law based on that plan.
区割りを変更するには、衆院選挙区画定審議会（区割り審）による改定案の首相への勧告と、それに基づく公選法改正などの手順を踏む必要があった。
It is therefore understandable that the top court realized that remedying the situation requires a certain amount of time.
最高裁が、格差是正に一定の時間を要すると理解を示したのもうなずける。
Need to reflect regional voices
◆地方の声反映が必要◆
However, there are also questionable elements to the decision. In the distribution of the quota of seats for single-seat constituencies in each prefecture, the method of distributing one seat first to each prefecture is still effectively in practice. Touching upon this point, the Supreme Court said, “It is hard to say that the structural problems were definitively resolved.”
判決には、疑問点もある。小選挙区の定数配分で、まず各都道府県に１議席を割り振るとした「１人別枠方式」が事実上残っていることについて、「構造的な問題が最終的に解決されているとはいえない」と言及した。
However, we feel that an attempt to transform the electoral system into one that does not reflect the rationale behind this formula could mean the opinions of voters in areas with a declining population are not properly represented in the results of lower house elections.
しかし、この方式の考え方を完全に排除すると、人口減が進む地方の有権者の声は反映されにくくなるのではないだろうか。
Legislators must step up their electoral reform drive in response to the top court’s ruling.
最高裁判決を踏まえ、問われるのは国会の一層の取り組みだ。
Instead of finding the vote-value disparities to be unconstitutional, the latest ruling found the gaps to be in a state of unconstitutionality, meaning these differences border on a violation of the vote-value equality guaranteed in the Constitution. However, lawmakers should not be allowed to become blase about debating how to reform the election system, citing the ruling as a reason for their neglect. The need to fundamentally reform the system remains unchanged, though the vote-value disparities fall only within a state of unconstitutionality.
違憲ではなく、違憲状態と判断されたことを理由に、選挙制度改革論議を鈍らせてはならない。違憲状態でも抜本的改革が必要な状況に変わりはない。
The ruling and opposition parties should actively promote discussions on electoral reform. In debating reform plans, they must take to heart their responsibility to ensure that any changes in the system will help create a stable political environment in a manner that represents the will of the people.
与野党は、精力的に議論を進めるべきである。その際、民意を集約し、安定した政治を実現する視点が欠かせない。
In early November, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito and the leading opposition party the Democratic Party of Japan held talks over lower house electoral reform. The parties agreed to reduce the number of lower house members while maintaining the current electoral system—known as the heiritsu formula, which combines single-seat constituencies with the proportional representation system—for the time being.
自民、公明の与党と民主党は今月上旬、衆院選挙制度改革について、現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制を当面維持しつつ、定数を削減することで合意した。
◆定数削減を絡めるな◆
The ruling parties have said they will seek a 30-member reduction in lower house members to be chosen under the proportional representation system, while maintaining the current number of lawmakers in that chamber who are to be elected from single-seat constituencies.
This is in contrast to the proposal advanced by the DPJ, which has insisted on cuts in the number of lower house members in both categories. The ruling parties and the DPJ are no closer to reaching a compromise on the issue.
だが、与党が、小選挙区の定数は維持して比例定数を３０削減する方針を掲げているのに対して、民主党は小選挙区、比例定数の両方の削減を主張している。折り合いはついていない。
The LDP, Komeito and the DPJ have said they intend to start discussions with other parties soon. However, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) insists on reducing the number of lower house members by a sizable 144.
自公民３党は近く他の政党と協議を開始する方針だというが、日本維新の会は全体で１４４もの大幅な定数減を唱えている。
If Ishin no Kai sticks to its guns, it will be difficult to see an agreement emerge from among these parties. However, the total number of legislators in this country cannot be deemed too large if compared with those in other nations. Given this, there is no need to be too obsessed with reducing the number of Diet members.
これでは合意は困難だ。そもそも日本の国会の定数は他国と比べても多すぎることはない。定数削減にこだわる必要はない。
Political parties should separate a proposed cut in lower house members from the overall issue. Instead, they should reconsider how the system should be operated and reformed.
定数削減は切り離して、制度のあり方を考え直すべきだ。
Consensus difficult
It is difficult for political parties to reach a consensus about how to reform the election system, an issue bound to provoke conflicts of interest among them. We believe the ruling and opposition parties should first hurry to determine what kind of broad course should be adopted in the pursuit of fundamental electoral reform, a task that should be followed by a plan to commission an independent panel of experts to draw up specific reform proposals, as suggested by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
各党の利害がぶつかる選挙制度について、政党間で合意することは難しい。与野党は抜本改革の大きな方向性を早急にまとめた上で、安倍首相が提案するような、有識者による第三者機関に具体案づくりを委ねるべきだろう。
Incumbent members of the lower chamber have a bit more than three years to serve in their positions if they complete their terms. They do not have enough time to take on electoral reform, considering the amount of time necessary for amending the legislation and making any changes in the system known to the public.
衆院議員の残り任期が３年余りとなる中、法改正作業や新制度の周知期間を考慮すると、残された時間は十分と言えない。
We believe it will be a viable idea to basically maintain the current system, but work to correct the vote-value disparities, as proposed by the LDP, Komeito and the DPJ.
自公民３党が主張しているように、現行制度を基本的に維持しながら、１票の格差の是正を図るのも一案だろう。
Electoral reform is not limited to the lower house. The House of Councillors is seeking to adopt a new election system, beginning with an election in 2016. In fact, lawsuits have been filed in several locations in the country over disparities in the value of votes cast in July’s upper house race. Two high courts and a branch of another high court are set to rule on these suits starting late this month. Their rulings are expected to affect the dispute over electoral reform related to vote-value disparities.
参院も２０１６年の次期参院選から新制度に移行することを目指している。今年７月の参院選でも１票の格差を巡る訴訟が全国で提起され、各高裁・支部が今月末から順次判断を示す。それが改革論議にも影響を与えよう。
The ruling and opposition parties should think about what kind of role the lower and upper houses should play, while at the same time striving to make progress in promoting electoral reform.
与野党は、衆参の役割分担を考慮し、同時に選挙制度改革を図るのが望ましい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 21, 2013)
（2013年11月21日01時36分 読売新聞）
2013/11/22
核燃料取り出し 政府が前面に出て廃炉目指せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 21, 2013
Govt must take lead in Fukushima nuclear reactor decommissioning
核燃料取り出し 政府が前面に出て廃炉目指せ（11月20日付・読売社説）
Decommissioning work at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years, is finally under way.
今後、３０～４０年間にわたって続く廃炉作業の入り口に、ようやく立ったということだろう。
Work has begun to remove nuclear fuel from the plant’s No. 4 reactor, bringing the decommissioning work into a new stage of the timetable drawn up by the government and TEPCO.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の４号機で、核燃料の取り出しが始まった。政府、東電が策定した廃炉工程表の新たな段階である。
There are many unknown aspects to deal with, and work to remove nuclear fuel is difficult, as it will continue to take place in an environment with high radiation levels. TEPCO must give top priority to ensuring safety and tackle this task with utmost seriousness.
未知の領域が多く、強い放射線の中での困難な作業が続く。東電は安全確保を最優先に、緊張感を持って取り組まねばならない。
The No. 4 reactor was offline for a regular inspection at the time of the outbreak of the nuclear crisis in March 2011. Unlike the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors, a core meltdown did not occur at the No. 4 reactor, as nuclear fuel was kept with unused fuel in a storage pool inside the reactor building.
４号機は事故当時、定期検査中だった。核燃料は建屋内のプールに未使用の核燃料とともに保管されていたため、１～３号機のような炉心溶融は起きなかった。
However, hydrogen believed to have come from the neighboring No. 3 reactor via an exhaust system exploded, blowing off the upper portion of the No. 4 reactor building.
だが、隣の３号機から排気系統を伝って流れ込んだとみられる水素が爆発し、建屋が壊れた。
Inside the storage pool, there are 1,331 spent nuclear fuel assemblies and 202 unused fuel assemblies. TEPCO plans to remove all of them by the end of next year.
プール内に残った使用済み核燃料は１３３１体、未使用燃料は２０２体に上る。東電は来年末までに、それらをすべて取り出す。
Although reinforcement work has been carried out at the No. 4 reactor, leaving nuclear fuel in the seriously damaged building brings risks of radiation leaks. Removing nuclear fuel is thus an indispensable part of reactor decommissioning. Nuclear fuel assemblies are to be pulled out of the storage pool one by one with a crane, placed in a shipping container and moved to a shared pool.
４号機には補強工事を施したとはいえ、損傷が大きい建屋に核燃料を置いておけば、放射能漏れのリスクを伴う。燃料取り出しは廃炉に向けた不可欠な作業だ。核燃料を１体ずつつり上げて輸送容器に入れ、共用プールに移す。
During the nuclear fuel removal process, meticulous attention must be given to debris remaining inside the No. 4 reactor’s storage pool. It is necessary to prevent such debris from damaging nuclear fuel assemblies when the assemblies are pulled out of the storage pool.
取り出し作業で細心の注意が求められるのは、４号機のプール内に残るがれきだ。核燃料をつり上げる際に接触するなどして、傷つけないようにする必要がある。
Thorough NRA checks needed
The Nuclear Regulation Authority will oversee the nuclear fuel removal work under a special system. It is important that the NRA thoroughly check whether its schedule is realistic and ensure that potential sources of trouble have not been overlooked.
原子力規制委員会は特別体制で作業を監督する。スケジュールに無理はないか。トラブルの種が見過ごされていないか。しっかりとチェックすることが大切だ。
As for the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors, damaged areas have yet to be identified and the melted fuel situation is unknown. The amount of water contaminated with radioactive substances apparently leaking from damaged areas has continued to increase.
１～３号機については損傷部が特定されておらず、溶けた燃料の状況も分からない。損傷部から漏れる汚染水は増え続けている。
We urge TEPCO to apply the expertise it gains during the nuclear fuel removal work at the No. 4 reactor to recovering melted fuel and other materials at the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors.
４号機の核燃料取り出し作業で得られるノウハウを、１～３号機での溶融した燃料などの取り出しにも役立ててもらいたい。
The development of advanced robots that can be used for monitoring the situation inside reactors, as well as technology to repair damaged sections, must be taken full advantage of.
炉内の状況把握に役立つ高度なロボットや、損傷部分の補修技術の開発も進めねばならない。
One major challenge is to secure a sustainable workforce for decommissioning the reactors.
大きな課題は、廃炉作業を担う要員の持続的な確保である。
The decommissioning work is arduous, since it requires workers to wear a full face mask and protective suit. It remains difficult even now to organize the 2,000 to 3,000 workers believed to be needed for this work.
全面マスクと防護服を着けて進める作業は過酷だ。２０００～３０００人が必要とされる要員の手配は、現在でも容易でない。
As the decommissioning work proceeds, workers will face increased levels of exposure to radiation, and some restrictions may be needed to limit access to the sites by experienced technicians.
廃炉工程が進めば、放射線の被曝(ひばく)量がさらに増え、現場への立ち入りを制限せざるを得ないベテラン技術者も出るだろう。
More than ¥2 trillion is said to be necessary for reactor decommissioning work and measures to deal with contaminated water. The government must move steadily forward with this long-term decommissioning work, by taking the lead in developing the needed technology, securing a sustainable workforce, and providing financial assistance.
廃炉・汚染水対策には２兆円以上が必要とされる。政府が前面に出て技術開発や要員確保、資金支援に取り組み、長丁場の廃炉作業を確実に進めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 20, 2013)
（2013年11月20日02時21分 読売新聞）
Govt must take lead in Fukushima nuclear reactor decommissioning
核燃料取り出し 政府が前面に出て廃炉目指せ（11月20日付・読売社説）
Decommissioning work at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years, is finally under way.
今後、３０～４０年間にわたって続く廃炉作業の入り口に、ようやく立ったということだろう。
Work has begun to remove nuclear fuel from the plant’s No. 4 reactor, bringing the decommissioning work into a new stage of the timetable drawn up by the government and TEPCO.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の４号機で、核燃料の取り出しが始まった。政府、東電が策定した廃炉工程表の新たな段階である。
There are many unknown aspects to deal with, and work to remove nuclear fuel is difficult, as it will continue to take place in an environment with high radiation levels. TEPCO must give top priority to ensuring safety and tackle this task with utmost seriousness.
未知の領域が多く、強い放射線の中での困難な作業が続く。東電は安全確保を最優先に、緊張感を持って取り組まねばならない。
The No. 4 reactor was offline for a regular inspection at the time of the outbreak of the nuclear crisis in March 2011. Unlike the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors, a core meltdown did not occur at the No. 4 reactor, as nuclear fuel was kept with unused fuel in a storage pool inside the reactor building.
４号機は事故当時、定期検査中だった。核燃料は建屋内のプールに未使用の核燃料とともに保管されていたため、１～３号機のような炉心溶融は起きなかった。
However, hydrogen believed to have come from the neighboring No. 3 reactor via an exhaust system exploded, blowing off the upper portion of the No. 4 reactor building.
だが、隣の３号機から排気系統を伝って流れ込んだとみられる水素が爆発し、建屋が壊れた。
Inside the storage pool, there are 1,331 spent nuclear fuel assemblies and 202 unused fuel assemblies. TEPCO plans to remove all of them by the end of next year.
プール内に残った使用済み核燃料は１３３１体、未使用燃料は２０２体に上る。東電は来年末までに、それらをすべて取り出す。
Although reinforcement work has been carried out at the No. 4 reactor, leaving nuclear fuel in the seriously damaged building brings risks of radiation leaks. Removing nuclear fuel is thus an indispensable part of reactor decommissioning. Nuclear fuel assemblies are to be pulled out of the storage pool one by one with a crane, placed in a shipping container and moved to a shared pool.
４号機には補強工事を施したとはいえ、損傷が大きい建屋に核燃料を置いておけば、放射能漏れのリスクを伴う。燃料取り出しは廃炉に向けた不可欠な作業だ。核燃料を１体ずつつり上げて輸送容器に入れ、共用プールに移す。
During the nuclear fuel removal process, meticulous attention must be given to debris remaining inside the No. 4 reactor’s storage pool. It is necessary to prevent such debris from damaging nuclear fuel assemblies when the assemblies are pulled out of the storage pool.
取り出し作業で細心の注意が求められるのは、４号機のプール内に残るがれきだ。核燃料をつり上げる際に接触するなどして、傷つけないようにする必要がある。
Thorough NRA checks needed
The Nuclear Regulation Authority will oversee the nuclear fuel removal work under a special system. It is important that the NRA thoroughly check whether its schedule is realistic and ensure that potential sources of trouble have not been overlooked.
原子力規制委員会は特別体制で作業を監督する。スケジュールに無理はないか。トラブルの種が見過ごされていないか。しっかりとチェックすることが大切だ。
As for the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors, damaged areas have yet to be identified and the melted fuel situation is unknown. The amount of water contaminated with radioactive substances apparently leaking from damaged areas has continued to increase.
１～３号機については損傷部が特定されておらず、溶けた燃料の状況も分からない。損傷部から漏れる汚染水は増え続けている。
We urge TEPCO to apply the expertise it gains during the nuclear fuel removal work at the No. 4 reactor to recovering melted fuel and other materials at the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors.
４号機の核燃料取り出し作業で得られるノウハウを、１～３号機での溶融した燃料などの取り出しにも役立ててもらいたい。
The development of advanced robots that can be used for monitoring the situation inside reactors, as well as technology to repair damaged sections, must be taken full advantage of.
炉内の状況把握に役立つ高度なロボットや、損傷部分の補修技術の開発も進めねばならない。
One major challenge is to secure a sustainable workforce for decommissioning the reactors.
大きな課題は、廃炉作業を担う要員の持続的な確保である。
The decommissioning work is arduous, since it requires workers to wear a full face mask and protective suit. It remains difficult even now to organize the 2,000 to 3,000 workers believed to be needed for this work.
全面マスクと防護服を着けて進める作業は過酷だ。２０００～３０００人が必要とされる要員の手配は、現在でも容易でない。
As the decommissioning work proceeds, workers will face increased levels of exposure to radiation, and some restrictions may be needed to limit access to the sites by experienced technicians.
廃炉工程が進めば、放射線の被曝(ひばく)量がさらに増え、現場への立ち入りを制限せざるを得ないベテラン技術者も出るだろう。
More than ¥2 trillion is said to be necessary for reactor decommissioning work and measures to deal with contaminated water. The government must move steadily forward with this long-term decommissioning work, by taking the lead in developing the needed technology, securing a sustainable workforce, and providing financial assistance.
廃炉・汚染水対策には２兆円以上が必要とされる。政府が前面に出て技術開発や要員確保、資金支援に取り組み、長丁場の廃炉作業を確実に進めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 20, 2013)
（2013年11月20日02時21分 読売新聞）
2013/11/21
タクシン氏の亡霊にさいなまれるタイ民主党
พรรคประชาธิปัตย์ต่อสู้กับผีของทักษิณชินวัตร
Thai Democratic Party struggled with the ghost of Thaksin Shinawatra
タクシン氏の亡霊にさいなまれるタイ民主党
英字紙を読みまくり、調べたら、アピシット元首相を中心とする民主党議員たちが、裁判所にこの問題を提訴していました。
タイには憲法裁判所という、特別な裁判所があるみたいですが、民主党がこの問題を提訴したのは10月1日のことです。
事の発端は、タイ貢党主体の議会が、タイ上院（参議院みたい）の議員選出方法を、公正なる国民の選挙投票による方法に変えようとした点です。
日本はもちろんこちらの方法なので、日本だったらまったく違憲ではありません。
昨日の夕方ですが、憲法裁判所から違憲裁定（憲法違反）が下されました。
違憲ならばすぐに議会が解散されるかというと、そこは三権分立なのでしょう。
おとがめなしというか、特に言及はありませんでした。
日本でも1票当たりの地域格差が違憲判決を受けていますが、それで選挙が無効となるかと言えば、答えはノーです。
三権分立の精神で、監視はするけれども、改善自体は議会に一任されているようですね。
タイでは下院の議員は25歳以上で立候補できますが、上院では40歳以上でないと立候補出来ません。
上院議員の資質的な要件として、知識階級のようなものに属する必要があるようです。
英語版ではそれが明確に記載されています。
上院議員選挙では地域でのコネとか資金力が一番大切で、バンコク富裕層、ビジネスマン、知識層などのエリート層に属しているのが要件なんです。
これではタイ北部や東北部の農民の間から上院議員が生まれるはずがありません。
タイの憲法では、今の不自然なる方式が望ましいということなのでしょう。
で、上院は全員民主党支持のねじれ国会となっているんです。
ねじれ国会解消のために、インラック首相は上院議員選挙法改定に踏み切ったのだと考えますが、バンコクエリート層からは権力独占のための手法だと、叩かれました。
叩いたのは、アピシット元首相やステープ元副首相などの民主党議員たちなんです。
選挙が公正ならば、またタイ貢献党が勝利するのは間違いないところです。
最近になって、英文読解の速度がかなりあがって来たので、面白くなり、英文読解三昧の日々です。
タイの英字紙として有名なのはバンコクポストとネイションの二大紙です。
どちらもバンコクエリート層に属すると断定します。
記事を読んでいて気分が悪くなるのは、政府広報誌みたいな読売新聞の比ではありません。
これではタイの農民たちは浮かばれないでしょうね。
それで、いきおい数の力に頼ってしまうのでしょうが、デモは暴動に繋がりやすいので注意が肝要なんです。
以下、タイの英字新聞を二週間読み続けた印象です。
ざっくりとした話しとして聞いて下さい。
タイの軍隊と警察はバンコクエリート層寄りです。
タイの裁判所はバンコクエリート層寄りです。
バンコクの一流大学や学者たちはバンコクエリート層支持派です。
タイの商工会などは全部バンコクエリート層支持派です。
バンコクエリート層はプライドが異常に高くて、選挙で選ばれている現体制を認めたくないのだと思います。
ステープ氏などは、タクシン氏支配の社会構造が、これ以上続くくらいならば死んだ方がましだと、公言してはばかりません。
亡霊にさいなまれるとはこのことではないでしょうか。
裁判で膨大な財産を没収されてしまったタクシン氏が現在も生き残れているのは、彼の類い希なるビジネスセンスによるものなのです。
それがステープ氏始め、民主党が一番恐れているところなんです。
学生たちの中には、何でも反対を呪文のように唱えるやからだっているのは、日本と何ら変わりません。
以下資料です、
バンコク週報の記事を引用、
cite from bangkok shuho,
タクシン派議員、憲法裁判断拒否の姿勢を表明
20/11/2013
憲法裁判所が政府の推す上院議員関連改憲案の合憲性に関する判断・決定を下すのを翌日に控えた11月19日、政権党・タイ貢献党の実動部隊「反独裁民主戦線（ＵＤＤ）」が都内ホアマークのラチャマンカラ・スタジアムで開催中の政府支持集会において、上下院議員約30人がタクシン支持者約６万人を前に、「国会議員には憲法を改正する権限がある。改憲案を支持した上下院議員３１２人は憲法裁判所の判断を拒否する」と表明した。
上院議員関連改憲案は議会通過に伴い、インラック首相が10月１日に国王陛下のご承認を得る手続きをとったものの、同案を違憲とする訴えが憲法裁に起こされたことから、王室サイドは同案の扱いを決めるべく憲法裁の判断を待っている状態。
なお、学識者からは、「憲法裁判断を拒絶するとの表明は憲法違反。上下院議員３１２人は罷免に値する」との意見も出ている。
Thai Democratic Party struggled with the ghost of Thaksin Shinawatra
タクシン氏の亡霊にさいなまれるタイ民主党
英字紙を読みまくり、調べたら、アピシット元首相を中心とする民主党議員たちが、裁判所にこの問題を提訴していました。
タイには憲法裁判所という、特別な裁判所があるみたいですが、民主党がこの問題を提訴したのは10月1日のことです。
事の発端は、タイ貢党主体の議会が、タイ上院（参議院みたい）の議員選出方法を、公正なる国民の選挙投票による方法に変えようとした点です。
日本はもちろんこちらの方法なので、日本だったらまったく違憲ではありません。
昨日の夕方ですが、憲法裁判所から違憲裁定（憲法違反）が下されました。
違憲ならばすぐに議会が解散されるかというと、そこは三権分立なのでしょう。
おとがめなしというか、特に言及はありませんでした。
日本でも1票当たりの地域格差が違憲判決を受けていますが、それで選挙が無効となるかと言えば、答えはノーです。
三権分立の精神で、監視はするけれども、改善自体は議会に一任されているようですね。
タイでは下院の議員は25歳以上で立候補できますが、上院では40歳以上でないと立候補出来ません。
上院議員の資質的な要件として、知識階級のようなものに属する必要があるようです。
英語版ではそれが明確に記載されています。
上院議員選挙では地域でのコネとか資金力が一番大切で、バンコク富裕層、ビジネスマン、知識層などのエリート層に属しているのが要件なんです。
これではタイ北部や東北部の農民の間から上院議員が生まれるはずがありません。
タイの憲法では、今の不自然なる方式が望ましいということなのでしょう。
で、上院は全員民主党支持のねじれ国会となっているんです。
ねじれ国会解消のために、インラック首相は上院議員選挙法改定に踏み切ったのだと考えますが、バンコクエリート層からは権力独占のための手法だと、叩かれました。
叩いたのは、アピシット元首相やステープ元副首相などの民主党議員たちなんです。
選挙が公正ならば、またタイ貢献党が勝利するのは間違いないところです。
最近になって、英文読解の速度がかなりあがって来たので、面白くなり、英文読解三昧の日々です。
タイの英字紙として有名なのはバンコクポストとネイションの二大紙です。
どちらもバンコクエリート層に属すると断定します。
記事を読んでいて気分が悪くなるのは、政府広報誌みたいな読売新聞の比ではありません。
これではタイの農民たちは浮かばれないでしょうね。
それで、いきおい数の力に頼ってしまうのでしょうが、デモは暴動に繋がりやすいので注意が肝要なんです。
以下、タイの英字新聞を二週間読み続けた印象です。
ざっくりとした話しとして聞いて下さい。
タイの軍隊と警察はバンコクエリート層寄りです。
タイの裁判所はバンコクエリート層寄りです。
バンコクの一流大学や学者たちはバンコクエリート層支持派です。
タイの商工会などは全部バンコクエリート層支持派です。
バンコクエリート層はプライドが異常に高くて、選挙で選ばれている現体制を認めたくないのだと思います。
ステープ氏などは、タクシン氏支配の社会構造が、これ以上続くくらいならば死んだ方がましだと、公言してはばかりません。
亡霊にさいなまれるとはこのことではないでしょうか。
裁判で膨大な財産を没収されてしまったタクシン氏が現在も生き残れているのは、彼の類い希なるビジネスセンスによるものなのです。
それがステープ氏始め、民主党が一番恐れているところなんです。
学生たちの中には、何でも反対を呪文のように唱えるやからだっているのは、日本と何ら変わりません。
以下資料です、
バンコク週報の記事を引用、
cite from bangkok shuho,
タクシン派議員、憲法裁判断拒否の姿勢を表明
20/11/2013
憲法裁判所が政府の推す上院議員関連改憲案の合憲性に関する判断・決定を下すのを翌日に控えた11月19日、政権党・タイ貢献党の実動部隊「反独裁民主戦線（ＵＤＤ）」が都内ホアマークのラチャマンカラ・スタジアムで開催中の政府支持集会において、上下院議員約30人がタクシン支持者約６万人を前に、「国会議員には憲法を改正する権限がある。改憲案を支持した上下院議員３１２人は憲法裁判所の判断を拒否する」と表明した。
上院議員関連改憲案は議会通過に伴い、インラック首相が10月１日に国王陛下のご承認を得る手続きをとったものの、同案を違憲とする訴えが憲法裁に起こされたことから、王室サイドは同案の扱いを決めるべく憲法裁の判断を待っている状態。
なお、学識者からは、「憲法裁判断を拒絶するとの表明は憲法違反。上下院議員３１２人は罷免に値する」との意見も出ている。
ＡＳＥＡＮ外交 安保・経済で戦略的な連携に
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 20, 2013
Build strategic ties with ASEAN in security, economic fields
ＡＳＥＡＮ外交 安保・経済で戦略的な連携に（11月19日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stepped up efforts to reinforce ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
安倍首相が東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）との連携強化に力を入れている。
We applaud his efforts for serving as a check against China, which has been increasing its military and economic presence, and for their strategic importance in ensuring regional stability.
軍事、経済の両面で台頭する中国を牽制(けんせい)し、地域の安定を図る上で戦略的重要性を持つと評価できる。
Abe visited Cambodia and Laos on Saturday and Sunday, completing visits to all 10 ASEAN member nations in less than one year since he took office.
首相がカンボジアとラオスを訪問した。就任から１年足らずでＡＳＥＡＮ加盟の１０か国すべてを回り終えたことになる。
During his latest swing through the region, Abe explained his government’s diplomatic policies, saying Japan will contribute to world peace through proactive pacifism based on the principle of international cooperation.
首相は今回の訪問で、日本の外交方針について「国際協調主義に基づく積極的平和主義の立場で貢献していく」と説明した。
Leaders of Cambodia and Laos hailed Japan’s postwar progress as a pacifist nation and supported Abe’s diplomatic stance. They also agreed to promote security dialogue between Japan and their countries. Deepening mutual understanding through such endeavors has great significance.
カンボジアとラオスの首脳は、平和国家・日本の戦後の歩みを評価し、首相を支持した。安保対話の促進でも合意しており、相互理解を深めていく意義は大きい。
It was also decided that Japan will help train Cambodian personnel who will participate in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Self-Defense Forces personnel were dispatched to Cambodia in 1992 in Japan’s first U.N. peacekeeping mission. Sharing the SDF’s expertise in road construction and maintenance could contribute to deepening bilateral security cooperation.
国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に参加するカンボジアの要員育成に日本が協力することも決まった。カンボジアでのＰＫＯに日本は初めて自衛隊を派遣した。自衛隊の道路整備技術などを伝えることは安保協力の深化につながろう。
In a series of meetings, discussions were held on the situation in the South China Sea, where China is locked in territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and other Asian nations. Abe and the Cambodian and Laotian leaders concurred on the need to finalize as soon as possible the code of conduct that ASEAN and China have been discussing.
一連の会談では、中国とフィリピン、ベトナムなどとの領有権争いが続く南シナ海情勢についても協議した。ＡＳＥＡＮと中国が交渉中の「行動規範」を早期に策定する必要性で一致した。
A code of conduct, which has legal binding power, would aim to use international rules to curb any Chinese use of force to expand its maritime interests.
法的拘束力を持つ行動規範は、国際ルールによって、中国の力による進出を抑え込む狙いがある。
Japan, U.S. back code
Japan and the United States support efforts to compile this code, but China has been lukewarm on the matter. Beijing has been trying to curry favor with Cambodia, Laos and other pro-China ASEAN countries, thereby inducing a split among the group’s members.
日米は規範策定を支持するが、中国は消極的だ。親中的なカンボジアやラオスなどを懐柔し、ＡＳＥＡＮ内の分断も図っている。
But now that Cambodia and Laos have shown a positive attitude toward this code of conduct, Tokyo expects it will have a favorable effect on ASEAN’s unity.
カンボジアとラオスが行動規範に前向きな姿勢を示したことで、日本政府はＡＳＥＡＮの結束に好影響を及ぼすと期待している。
The is not a matter of someone else’s business for Japan, given that this nation has been the target of China’s saber-rattling over the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島を巡る中国の示威行動に直面する日本にとっても、この問題は他人事(ひとごと)ではない。
Harnessing the vigor of Southeast Asia’s remarkable economic growth will be indispensable for promoting the Abe administration’s growth strategy. It was natural that Abe said at a news conference in Laos, “Japan’s growth cannot be achieved without ASEAN’s.”
経済発展著しい東南アジアの活力を取り込むことは、安倍政権の成長戦略に欠かせない。首相がラオスでの記者会見で「ＡＳＥＡＮの成長なくして、日本の成長もない」と語ったのはもっともだ。
In the health and medical treatment fields, a memorandum was signed on introducing Japanese-style medical care. This is expected to increase exports of Japanese drugs and medical equipment.
保健や医療分野の協力では、日本式医療の導入に向けた覚書を締結した。日本の医薬品や医療機器の輸出増も期待できる。
Japan plays a major role in ASEAN market integration. Intergovernmental negotiations should be accelerated to create an environment that can facilitate more investment by Japanese businesses.
ＡＳＥＡＮの市場統合に日本が果たす役割は大きい。日本企業が投資しやすい環境作りへ、政府間協議を加速させるべきだ。
Japan and ASEAN have a profound relationship, and this year marks the 40 anniversary of bilateral friendship and cooperation. Japan will host a special summit meeting with ASEAN leaders in Tokyo in mid-December. We hope this will be an opportunity to further buttress Japan-ASEAN ties.
日本とＡＳＥＡＮの関係は深い。今年は、友好協力４０周年の節目に当たる。１２月中旬には、東京に各国の首脳を迎えて特別首脳会議を開く。協力をさらに強固にする機会としたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2013)
（2013年11月19日02時17分 読売新聞）
Build strategic ties with ASEAN in security, economic fields
ＡＳＥＡＮ外交 安保・経済で戦略的な連携に（11月19日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stepped up efforts to reinforce ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
安倍首相が東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）との連携強化に力を入れている。
We applaud his efforts for serving as a check against China, which has been increasing its military and economic presence, and for their strategic importance in ensuring regional stability.
軍事、経済の両面で台頭する中国を牽制(けんせい)し、地域の安定を図る上で戦略的重要性を持つと評価できる。
Abe visited Cambodia and Laos on Saturday and Sunday, completing visits to all 10 ASEAN member nations in less than one year since he took office.
首相がカンボジアとラオスを訪問した。就任から１年足らずでＡＳＥＡＮ加盟の１０か国すべてを回り終えたことになる。
During his latest swing through the region, Abe explained his government’s diplomatic policies, saying Japan will contribute to world peace through proactive pacifism based on the principle of international cooperation.
首相は今回の訪問で、日本の外交方針について「国際協調主義に基づく積極的平和主義の立場で貢献していく」と説明した。
Leaders of Cambodia and Laos hailed Japan’s postwar progress as a pacifist nation and supported Abe’s diplomatic stance. They also agreed to promote security dialogue between Japan and their countries. Deepening mutual understanding through such endeavors has great significance.
カンボジアとラオスの首脳は、平和国家・日本の戦後の歩みを評価し、首相を支持した。安保対話の促進でも合意しており、相互理解を深めていく意義は大きい。
It was also decided that Japan will help train Cambodian personnel who will participate in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Self-Defense Forces personnel were dispatched to Cambodia in 1992 in Japan’s first U.N. peacekeeping mission. Sharing the SDF’s expertise in road construction and maintenance could contribute to deepening bilateral security cooperation.
国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に参加するカンボジアの要員育成に日本が協力することも決まった。カンボジアでのＰＫＯに日本は初めて自衛隊を派遣した。自衛隊の道路整備技術などを伝えることは安保協力の深化につながろう。
In a series of meetings, discussions were held on the situation in the South China Sea, where China is locked in territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and other Asian nations. Abe and the Cambodian and Laotian leaders concurred on the need to finalize as soon as possible the code of conduct that ASEAN and China have been discussing.
一連の会談では、中国とフィリピン、ベトナムなどとの領有権争いが続く南シナ海情勢についても協議した。ＡＳＥＡＮと中国が交渉中の「行動規範」を早期に策定する必要性で一致した。
A code of conduct, which has legal binding power, would aim to use international rules to curb any Chinese use of force to expand its maritime interests.
法的拘束力を持つ行動規範は、国際ルールによって、中国の力による進出を抑え込む狙いがある。
Japan, U.S. back code
Japan and the United States support efforts to compile this code, but China has been lukewarm on the matter. Beijing has been trying to curry favor with Cambodia, Laos and other pro-China ASEAN countries, thereby inducing a split among the group’s members.
日米は規範策定を支持するが、中国は消極的だ。親中的なカンボジアやラオスなどを懐柔し、ＡＳＥＡＮ内の分断も図っている。
But now that Cambodia and Laos have shown a positive attitude toward this code of conduct, Tokyo expects it will have a favorable effect on ASEAN’s unity.
カンボジアとラオスが行動規範に前向きな姿勢を示したことで、日本政府はＡＳＥＡＮの結束に好影響を及ぼすと期待している。
The is not a matter of someone else’s business for Japan, given that this nation has been the target of China’s saber-rattling over the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島を巡る中国の示威行動に直面する日本にとっても、この問題は他人事(ひとごと)ではない。
Harnessing the vigor of Southeast Asia’s remarkable economic growth will be indispensable for promoting the Abe administration’s growth strategy. It was natural that Abe said at a news conference in Laos, “Japan’s growth cannot be achieved without ASEAN’s.”
経済発展著しい東南アジアの活力を取り込むことは、安倍政権の成長戦略に欠かせない。首相がラオスでの記者会見で「ＡＳＥＡＮの成長なくして、日本の成長もない」と語ったのはもっともだ。
In the health and medical treatment fields, a memorandum was signed on introducing Japanese-style medical care. This is expected to increase exports of Japanese drugs and medical equipment.
保健や医療分野の協力では、日本式医療の導入に向けた覚書を締結した。日本の医薬品や医療機器の輸出増も期待できる。
Japan plays a major role in ASEAN market integration. Intergovernmental negotiations should be accelerated to create an environment that can facilitate more investment by Japanese businesses.
ＡＳＥＡＮの市場統合に日本が果たす役割は大きい。日本企業が投資しやすい環境作りへ、政府間協議を加速させるべきだ。
Japan and ASEAN have a profound relationship, and this year marks the 40 anniversary of bilateral friendship and cooperation. Japan will host a special summit meeting with ASEAN leaders in Tokyo in mid-December. We hope this will be an opportunity to further buttress Japan-ASEAN ties.
日本とＡＳＥＡＮの関係は深い。今年は、友好協力４０周年の節目に当たる。１２月中旬には、東京に各国の首脳を迎えて特別首脳会議を開く。協力をさらに強固にする機会としたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2013)
（2013年11月19日02時17分 読売新聞）
2013/11/20
温室ガス目標 やっと「２５％減」が撤回された
｢法律は悪法であっても守らなければならない｣と言って、自ら毒をあおり命を絶ったのはソクラテスでした。
同じように、一旦国際社会に公然と見得を切るような約束をした以上、それは守られなければならないと思います。
約束が守れなければ、腹を切るくらいの覚悟がないと大きな口を叩く資格はありません。
ころころと責任者（内閣）が一年くらいで入れ替わるのでこうなります。
現職にはしっかり4年間働いて責任をまっとうしてもらいたいものです。
安倍首相、国際社会でも高い評価を受けていますが、長続きするように祈ります。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 19, 2013
Retraction of 25% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target reasonable
温室ガス目標 やっと「２５％減」が撤回された（11月18日付・読売社説）
As all the nation’s nuclear power plants, which emit no carbon dioxide in the process of generating electricity, have remained offline, there can be no doubt that it is extremely difficult to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions.
発電の際、二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）を出さない原子力発電所が一つも稼働していない現状では、温室効果ガスの排出量を減らすのは困難である。
The new target announced by the government for curtailing greenhouse gas emissions can safely be called a down-to-earth decision, though some may deem it too modest.
政府が発表した温室効果ガスの新たな削減目標は、控えめながら現実的な数値と言えよう。
The new target seeks to trim emissions by 3.8 percent from fiscal 2005 levels by fiscal 2020. With no prospects for the resumption of nuclear power plant operations in sight, the new target was calculated on the assumption that nuclear power would provide none of the country’s power.
２０２０年度までに０５年度比で３・８％削減する――。それが新たな目標だ。原発の再稼働が見通せない中、発電量における原発の比率をゼロとして算出した。
Japan’s previous target was to slash emissions by 25 percent compared to fiscal 1990 levels, which was hammered out in 2009 by then Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. The replacement of the unrealistically high goal that Hatoyama abruptly put out, without building domestic consensus, is a good thing.
日本のこれまでの目標は、鳩山元首相が０９年に打ち出した「１９９０年比２５％削減」だった。国内の合意を得ないまま、唐突に掲げた非現実的な目標が、ようやく改められたことを評価したい。
Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara is to announce the 3.8 percent cutback target as Japan’s international pledge at the 19th Conference of Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change now under way in Warsaw.
ワルシャワで開かれている国連の気候変動枠組み条約第１９回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ１９）で、石原環境相が「３・８％削減」を国際公約として表明する。
Criticism from abroad that the new target is insufficient is probably inevitable. Reducing emissions by 3.8 percent from fiscal 2005 equals an increase of about 3 percent from fiscal 1990 levels. The reduction figure may well appear inferior to the goal set by the United States of cutting green house gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels.
不十分な目標という各国の批判は避けられないだろう。０５年度比３・８％減は、９０年度比にすると約３％増となる。米国の０５年比１７％減と比べても見劣りする。
Draw up N-power outlook
Referring to the new target, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has noted that the 3.8 percent reduction has been set “just as a provisional figure.” His statement indicates that this country is prepared to revise upward the reduction target, depending on the future reactivation of nuclear plants.
安倍首相は、３・８％減について、「あくまで現時点での目標」だと位置付けた。今後、原発の再稼働とともに、より高い削減率へと修正していく方針だ。
It is estimated that an increase by 5 points of the percentage of nuclear power output among the nation’s entire power generation would reduce Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 percent.
原発比率が５％上がれば、温室効果ガスは３％ほど削減できる。
To obtain understanding from other countries about the new target, the government should scrupulously explain that the target is only provisional.
各国の理解を得るため、政府は暫定的な目標であることを丁寧に説明せねばならない。
The government has also worked out a diplomatic strategy for “going on the offensive” to fight global warming.
政府は今回、「攻めの地球温暖化外交戦略」もまとめた。
The centerpiece of the strategy is the government’s pledge to provide $16 billion (about ¥1.6 trillion) in combined financial assistance from the government and private sectors over a period of three years from 2013 to help developing countries tackle climate change. The contribution from Japan will account for one-third of all the financial assistance emerging nations have been asking for at COP19.
１３年からの３年間で、途上国への支援として、官民合わせて１６０億ドル（約１兆６０００億円）を拠出するのが柱だ。ＣＯＰで途上国側が求めている支援額の３分の１に相当する。
The strategy also incorporates such projects as the launch of a satellite capable of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from China and other Asian countries.
中国などアジア諸国の温室効果ガス排出量を観測できる人工衛星の打ち上げなども盛り込んだ。
It is highly important to stress Japan’s readiness to actively contribute to slashing global greenhouse gas emissions through its high technological capabilities, even though this country cannot currently afford to set a lofty reduction target.
現時点では、高い削減目標は掲げられないものの、得意の技術力で世界全体の温室効果ガス削減に貢献する。この姿勢を積極的にアピールすることも大切だ。
Even more significant in connection with the greenhouse gas reduction goal is what target should be set for beyond 2020. This is because a new framework for fighting global warming to take the place of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol is scheduled to go into effect in 2020.
削減目標で、より重要なのは、２０２０年以降の数値である。京都議定書に代わる新たな枠組みが２０年に発効する予定だからだ。
A focus of the COP19 discussions is when the participating countries should produce their respective reduction targets in line with the new framework.
ＣＯＰ１９では、各国が新たな枠組みでの削減目標をいつまでに提出するかが焦点となっている。
To push ahead with measures against global warming that take into account the years from 2020 on, the government must clarify in a new version of the Basic Energy Plan its position on what percentage of the nation’s electricity supplies should be provided through nuclear power in the future.
日本政府が２０年以降を見据えた温暖化対策を推進するためには、エネルギー基本計画などで原発の将来的な比率を明確にすることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 18, 2013)
（2013年11月18日01時44分 読売新聞）
同じように、一旦国際社会に公然と見得を切るような約束をした以上、それは守られなければならないと思います。
約束が守れなければ、腹を切るくらいの覚悟がないと大きな口を叩く資格はありません。
ころころと責任者（内閣）が一年くらいで入れ替わるのでこうなります。
現職にはしっかり4年間働いて責任をまっとうしてもらいたいものです。
安倍首相、国際社会でも高い評価を受けていますが、長続きするように祈ります。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 19, 2013
Retraction of 25% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target reasonable
温室ガス目標 やっと「２５％減」が撤回された（11月18日付・読売社説）
As all the nation’s nuclear power plants, which emit no carbon dioxide in the process of generating electricity, have remained offline, there can be no doubt that it is extremely difficult to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions.
発電の際、二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）を出さない原子力発電所が一つも稼働していない現状では、温室効果ガスの排出量を減らすのは困難である。
The new target announced by the government for curtailing greenhouse gas emissions can safely be called a down-to-earth decision, though some may deem it too modest.
政府が発表した温室効果ガスの新たな削減目標は、控えめながら現実的な数値と言えよう。
The new target seeks to trim emissions by 3.8 percent from fiscal 2005 levels by fiscal 2020. With no prospects for the resumption of nuclear power plant operations in sight, the new target was calculated on the assumption that nuclear power would provide none of the country’s power.
２０２０年度までに０５年度比で３・８％削減する――。それが新たな目標だ。原発の再稼働が見通せない中、発電量における原発の比率をゼロとして算出した。
Japan’s previous target was to slash emissions by 25 percent compared to fiscal 1990 levels, which was hammered out in 2009 by then Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. The replacement of the unrealistically high goal that Hatoyama abruptly put out, without building domestic consensus, is a good thing.
日本のこれまでの目標は、鳩山元首相が０９年に打ち出した「１９９０年比２５％削減」だった。国内の合意を得ないまま、唐突に掲げた非現実的な目標が、ようやく改められたことを評価したい。
Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara is to announce the 3.8 percent cutback target as Japan’s international pledge at the 19th Conference of Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change now under way in Warsaw.
ワルシャワで開かれている国連の気候変動枠組み条約第１９回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ１９）で、石原環境相が「３・８％削減」を国際公約として表明する。
Criticism from abroad that the new target is insufficient is probably inevitable. Reducing emissions by 3.8 percent from fiscal 2005 equals an increase of about 3 percent from fiscal 1990 levels. The reduction figure may well appear inferior to the goal set by the United States of cutting green house gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels.
不十分な目標という各国の批判は避けられないだろう。０５年度比３・８％減は、９０年度比にすると約３％増となる。米国の０５年比１７％減と比べても見劣りする。
Draw up N-power outlook
Referring to the new target, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has noted that the 3.8 percent reduction has been set “just as a provisional figure.” His statement indicates that this country is prepared to revise upward the reduction target, depending on the future reactivation of nuclear plants.
安倍首相は、３・８％減について、「あくまで現時点での目標」だと位置付けた。今後、原発の再稼働とともに、より高い削減率へと修正していく方針だ。
It is estimated that an increase by 5 points of the percentage of nuclear power output among the nation’s entire power generation would reduce Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 percent.
原発比率が５％上がれば、温室効果ガスは３％ほど削減できる。
To obtain understanding from other countries about the new target, the government should scrupulously explain that the target is only provisional.
各国の理解を得るため、政府は暫定的な目標であることを丁寧に説明せねばならない。
The government has also worked out a diplomatic strategy for “going on the offensive” to fight global warming.
政府は今回、「攻めの地球温暖化外交戦略」もまとめた。
The centerpiece of the strategy is the government’s pledge to provide $16 billion (about ¥1.6 trillion) in combined financial assistance from the government and private sectors over a period of three years from 2013 to help developing countries tackle climate change. The contribution from Japan will account for one-third of all the financial assistance emerging nations have been asking for at COP19.
１３年からの３年間で、途上国への支援として、官民合わせて１６０億ドル（約１兆６０００億円）を拠出するのが柱だ。ＣＯＰで途上国側が求めている支援額の３分の１に相当する。
The strategy also incorporates such projects as the launch of a satellite capable of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from China and other Asian countries.
中国などアジア諸国の温室効果ガス排出量を観測できる人工衛星の打ち上げなども盛り込んだ。
It is highly important to stress Japan’s readiness to actively contribute to slashing global greenhouse gas emissions through its high technological capabilities, even though this country cannot currently afford to set a lofty reduction target.
現時点では、高い削減目標は掲げられないものの、得意の技術力で世界全体の温室効果ガス削減に貢献する。この姿勢を積極的にアピールすることも大切だ。
Even more significant in connection with the greenhouse gas reduction goal is what target should be set for beyond 2020. This is because a new framework for fighting global warming to take the place of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol is scheduled to go into effect in 2020.
削減目標で、より重要なのは、２０２０年以降の数値である。京都議定書に代わる新たな枠組みが２０年に発効する予定だからだ。
A focus of the COP19 discussions is when the participating countries should produce their respective reduction targets in line with the new framework.
ＣＯＰ１９では、各国が新たな枠組みでの削減目標をいつまでに提出するかが焦点となっている。
To push ahead with measures against global warming that take into account the years from 2020 on, the government must clarify in a new version of the Basic Energy Plan its position on what percentage of the nation’s electricity supplies should be provided through nuclear power in the future.
日本政府が２０年以降を見据えた温暖化対策を推進するためには、エネルギー基本計画などで原発の将来的な比率を明確にすることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 18, 2013)
（2013年11月18日01時44分 読売新聞）
2013/11/19
自動車課税 公平な負担へ議論を尽くせ
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 18, 2013
Broad perspective needed to review fairness of taxes on motor vehicles
自動車課税 公平な負担へ議論を尽くせ（11月17日付・読売社説）
How to review the current tax levies on motor vehicles has emerged as a major point of contention in discussions about next fiscal year’s tax system changes, which will culminate toward year-end.
消費増税に伴う自動車課税の見直しが、年末の税制改正論議で大きな争点となってきた。
The government and the ruling coalition parties of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito must do their best to realistically resolve the issue by paying balanced attention to the necessity of securing tax revenues and the possible impact tax changes could have on the economy.
政府と自民、公明の与党は、財源の確保と景気への影響に目配りした現実的な解決策に知恵を絞るべきである。
The ruling camp is committed to abolishment of the “automobile acquisition tax,” imposed at the time of purchasing a new motor vehicle, if the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent in October 2015 as planned.
政府が２０１５年１０月に消費税率を１０％へ予定通り引き上げる場合、与党は車の購入時に課している「自動車取得税」を廃止する方針を掲げている。
Some fear the consumption tax hike could cause a drop in motor vehicle sales, slowing the pace of economic recovery.
自動車販売が消費増税で落ち込めば、景気の足を引っ張りかねない。
It should be noted in this connection that the automobile acquisition tax has been under fire from various quarters for being a form of double taxation when combined with the consumption tax. Abolishing the acquisition tax is the right thing to do.
取得税は、消費税との「二重課税」との批判も受けてきた。取得税の廃止は適切だろう。
Revenues in fiscal 2013 from the automobile acquisition tax, a local tax, are estimated at ¥190 billion and play an important role as revenue sources of local governments.
地方税である取得税は１３年度で１９００億円の税収が見込まれ、地方財政の一端を担っている。
The question in this connection is how to secure new sources of revenue to make up for revenue shortfalls caused by the planned abolition of the tax.
問題は取得税の撤廃で不足が生じる財源をどう確保するかだ。
The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry has proposed covering the shrinkage in tax revenue by raising the yearly minivehicle tax paid by minivehicle owners, which is now ¥7,200.
総務省は、軽自動車の所有者が毎年納める「軽自動車税」の増税などで賄う案をまとめた。
The tax burden on minivehicle users is about one-fourth that of owners of small passenger cars for private use with engine displacement of 1,000cc or less, which is ¥29,500 a year.
現在の軽自動車税（自家用）は年７２００円で、排気量１０００ｃｃ以下の小型の自家用車にかかる「自動車税」の年２万９５００円と比べると、税負担は約４分の１に過ぎない。
Respect ‘beneficiaries pay’
The ministry argues that the gap in the tax burdens is “unreasonably out of balance.”
「バランスを欠いている」というのが総務省の主張だ。
Motor vehicles with engine displacement of 660cc or less are categorized as minivehicles. Recently, the differences between minivehicles and small passenger and other small vehicles have markedly narrowed in such terms as prices and fuel efficiency. Minivehicles have become increasingly popular, now accounting for about 40 percent of the sales of new vehicles.
排気量６６０ｃｃ以下が軽自動車の基準だが、最近、軽自動車と小型車の価格や燃費などの差が縮まっている。新車販売の約４割を占めるなど人気が高い。
The ministry-proposed review of the tax burden gaps between minivehicles and other motor vehicles is worthy of consideration.
税負担の違いの見直しを狙う総務省案は、検討に値する。
Auto businesses and the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, however, have vehemently opposed the idea of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry.
自動車業界や経済産業省はこれに猛反発している。
Leaders of the motor vehicle industry argued in a recent news conference that the envisioned increase in the minivehicle tax would “make abolition of the automobile acquisition tax meaningless,” insisting that drops in tax revenues should be covered by tax levies on things other than motor vehicles.
業界首脳らは記者会見し、「財源を軽自動車税にするなら取得税廃止が無意味になる」と述べ、車以外への課税で賄うべきだと訴えた。
The auto business leaders also stressed that minivehicles serve as “means of transport tied to the daily lives” of people who live in rural areas, where other means of transportation are meager.
軽自動車が交通手段の乏しい地方を中心に「生活の足」として役立っている点も強調した。
It should be noted, however, that motor vehicles put a burden on roads, which require costly repairs and maintenance, and affect the environment. Coming up with revenue to fund repairs and renewal of older roads is a serious challenge for local governments.
ただ、自動車の走行で道路や環境に負荷がかかり、維持や保全に費用が発生する。老朽化した道路の修繕や更新の財源の手当ては地方自治体の深刻な課題である。
It would be hard to make up for declines in revenue brought by the abolition of the automobile acquisition tax by additional taxes on non-vehicle products alone. It will be inevitable for minivehicle users to assume a heavier tax burden in accordance with the beneficiaries-pay principle.
取得税廃止による税収の穴を車以外の課税で全て埋めるのは難しい。受益者負担として一定の課税を迫られるのはやむを得まい。
With taxes related to motor vehicles amounting to nearly ¥8 trillion a year, a widely held opinion is that consumers’ motor vehicle taxes are unreasonably heavy.
自動車関係の税収は合計で８兆円近くに上り、消費者の負担が重すぎるとの批判も根強い。
There are also calls to expand tax breaks for highly efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles.
環境性能の高い車を優遇するエコカー減税の拡充を望む声もある。
Besides addressing the issues of the automobile acquisition tax and the minivehicle tax, the government and the ruling coalition parties should consider the motor vehicle-linked tax system in its entirety when discussing what should be done to realize impartiality in taxation.
政府・与党は、取得税と軽自動車税の問題にとどまらず、自動車課税全体を見渡し、公平な課税の在り方を議論すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 17, 2013)
（2013年11月17日01時43分 読売新聞）
Broad perspective needed to review fairness of taxes on motor vehicles
自動車課税 公平な負担へ議論を尽くせ（11月17日付・読売社説）
How to review the current tax levies on motor vehicles has emerged as a major point of contention in discussions about next fiscal year’s tax system changes, which will culminate toward year-end.
消費増税に伴う自動車課税の見直しが、年末の税制改正論議で大きな争点となってきた。
The government and the ruling coalition parties of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito must do their best to realistically resolve the issue by paying balanced attention to the necessity of securing tax revenues and the possible impact tax changes could have on the economy.
政府と自民、公明の与党は、財源の確保と景気への影響に目配りした現実的な解決策に知恵を絞るべきである。
The ruling camp is committed to abolishment of the “automobile acquisition tax,” imposed at the time of purchasing a new motor vehicle, if the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent in October 2015 as planned.
政府が２０１５年１０月に消費税率を１０％へ予定通り引き上げる場合、与党は車の購入時に課している「自動車取得税」を廃止する方針を掲げている。
Some fear the consumption tax hike could cause a drop in motor vehicle sales, slowing the pace of economic recovery.
自動車販売が消費増税で落ち込めば、景気の足を引っ張りかねない。
It should be noted in this connection that the automobile acquisition tax has been under fire from various quarters for being a form of double taxation when combined with the consumption tax. Abolishing the acquisition tax is the right thing to do.
取得税は、消費税との「二重課税」との批判も受けてきた。取得税の廃止は適切だろう。
Revenues in fiscal 2013 from the automobile acquisition tax, a local tax, are estimated at ¥190 billion and play an important role as revenue sources of local governments.
地方税である取得税は１３年度で１９００億円の税収が見込まれ、地方財政の一端を担っている。
The question in this connection is how to secure new sources of revenue to make up for revenue shortfalls caused by the planned abolition of the tax.
問題は取得税の撤廃で不足が生じる財源をどう確保するかだ。
The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry has proposed covering the shrinkage in tax revenue by raising the yearly minivehicle tax paid by minivehicle owners, which is now ¥7,200.
総務省は、軽自動車の所有者が毎年納める「軽自動車税」の増税などで賄う案をまとめた。
The tax burden on minivehicle users is about one-fourth that of owners of small passenger cars for private use with engine displacement of 1,000cc or less, which is ¥29,500 a year.
現在の軽自動車税（自家用）は年７２００円で、排気量１０００ｃｃ以下の小型の自家用車にかかる「自動車税」の年２万９５００円と比べると、税負担は約４分の１に過ぎない。
Respect ‘beneficiaries pay’
The ministry argues that the gap in the tax burdens is “unreasonably out of balance.”
「バランスを欠いている」というのが総務省の主張だ。
Motor vehicles with engine displacement of 660cc or less are categorized as minivehicles. Recently, the differences between minivehicles and small passenger and other small vehicles have markedly narrowed in such terms as prices and fuel efficiency. Minivehicles have become increasingly popular, now accounting for about 40 percent of the sales of new vehicles.
排気量６６０ｃｃ以下が軽自動車の基準だが、最近、軽自動車と小型車の価格や燃費などの差が縮まっている。新車販売の約４割を占めるなど人気が高い。
The ministry-proposed review of the tax burden gaps between minivehicles and other motor vehicles is worthy of consideration.
税負担の違いの見直しを狙う総務省案は、検討に値する。
Auto businesses and the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, however, have vehemently opposed the idea of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry.
自動車業界や経済産業省はこれに猛反発している。
Leaders of the motor vehicle industry argued in a recent news conference that the envisioned increase in the minivehicle tax would “make abolition of the automobile acquisition tax meaningless,” insisting that drops in tax revenues should be covered by tax levies on things other than motor vehicles.
業界首脳らは記者会見し、「財源を軽自動車税にするなら取得税廃止が無意味になる」と述べ、車以外への課税で賄うべきだと訴えた。
The auto business leaders also stressed that minivehicles serve as “means of transport tied to the daily lives” of people who live in rural areas, where other means of transportation are meager.
軽自動車が交通手段の乏しい地方を中心に「生活の足」として役立っている点も強調した。
It should be noted, however, that motor vehicles put a burden on roads, which require costly repairs and maintenance, and affect the environment. Coming up with revenue to fund repairs and renewal of older roads is a serious challenge for local governments.
ただ、自動車の走行で道路や環境に負荷がかかり、維持や保全に費用が発生する。老朽化した道路の修繕や更新の財源の手当ては地方自治体の深刻な課題である。
It would be hard to make up for declines in revenue brought by the abolition of the automobile acquisition tax by additional taxes on non-vehicle products alone. It will be inevitable for minivehicle users to assume a heavier tax burden in accordance with the beneficiaries-pay principle.
取得税廃止による税収の穴を車以外の課税で全て埋めるのは難しい。受益者負担として一定の課税を迫られるのはやむを得まい。
With taxes related to motor vehicles amounting to nearly ¥8 trillion a year, a widely held opinion is that consumers’ motor vehicle taxes are unreasonably heavy.
自動車関係の税収は合計で８兆円近くに上り、消費者の負担が重すぎるとの批判も根強い。
There are also calls to expand tax breaks for highly efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles.
環境性能の高い車を優遇するエコカー減税の拡充を望む声もある。
Besides addressing the issues of the automobile acquisition tax and the minivehicle tax, the government and the ruling coalition parties should consider the motor vehicle-linked tax system in its entirety when discussing what should be done to realize impartiality in taxation.
政府・与党は、取得税と軽自動車税の問題にとどまらず、自動車課税全体を見渡し、公平な課税の在り方を議論すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 17, 2013)
（2013年11月17日01時43分 読売新聞）
2013/11/18
教科書検定基準 領土と歴史の理解に役立つ
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 17, 2013
Review of school textbook screening must help understanding of history
教科書検定基準 領土と歴史の理解に役立つ（11月16日付・読売社説）
It is essential that textbooks children study accurately describe their country’s territories and history.
子供たちが学ぶ教科書には、自国の領土や歴史についての正しい記述が不可欠である。
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Hakubun Shimomura has announced that the government plans to review its standards on textbook screenings and aims to implement new criteria beginning next fiscal year.
下村文部科学相が、教科書検定基準を見直す方針を表明した。来年度の検定からの適用を目指す。
We regard it reasonable that the government has decided to require textbooks to mention its consensus views on historical and territorial issues, a key point of the review.
見直しの柱として、政府の統一見解があれば、必ず記述するよう求めた点はうなずける。
Japan’s confrontations with China and South Korea over territorial and historical issues have escalated. Teaching Japan’s stance accurately would help children correctly understand the nation’s relationship with other countries. Such efforts are also important for the nation to foster people capable of disseminating the message of the legitimacy of the government’s positions on such issues to the international community.
領土や歴史認識に関し、中国や韓国との対立が目立つ。日本の立場を教えることは、他国との関係を正しく理解する助けになる。国際社会で日本の正当性を発信する人材を育てる上でも重要だ。
South Korea has unlawfully occupied the Takeshima islands, an inherent part of Japanese territory, and Tokyo has taken the stance that there is no territorial dispute with Beijing over the Senkaku Islands administered by Japan.
日本固有の領土である竹島については、韓国が不法占拠している。日本が有効支配している尖閣諸島を巡っては、日中間に解決すべき領有権問題は存在しない。
Japan also has frictions with South Korea over the so-called comfort women issue and South Koreans’ rights to seek compensation from Japanese companies for what they claim was forced labor during wartime.
韓国との間には、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題や、戦時中に徴用された韓国人労働者の賠償請求権に絡むあつれきも生じている。
The Japanese and South Korean governments reached an accord on damage claims in 1965 that stipulates the issue “was resolved completely and finally.” Thus, the issue of compensation for individual South Koreans has been settled already.
１９６５年に日韓両国政府が締結した日韓請求権協定には、請求権問題は「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記されている。個人請求権の問題は解決済みだ。
It is vital that such Japanese government stance will be expressed in textbooks.
こうした日本政府の立場を教科書で伝えることは大切だ。
Objectivity is key
In revamping textbook screening standards, the government intends to demand that textbook publishers avoid conclusive descriptions on issues for which it has yet to reach a consensus. We believe this is an appropriate call to secure objectivity of textbooks.
検定基準の見直しでは、通説が定まっていない事項について、断定的な記述をしないことも盛り込まれる。教科書の客観性を担保する上で適切な措置だろう。
For example, the number of people killed in the 1937 Nanjing Incident has yet to be determined. The figures vary widely, with some Japanese estimates citing several tens of thousands to 200,000 while China estimates more than 300,000 people were killed.
例えば、１９３７年の南京事件の犠牲者数は確定していない。日本では数万人から２０万人、中国では３０万人以上など諸説がある。
When dealing with such sensitive issues, descriptions unbiased by certain historical views are crucial.
このような事例を扱う際には、特定の歴史観に偏らないバランスのとれた記述が欠かせない。
In responding to a question in the Diet in April, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his view that the current textbook screening system does not reflect the spirit of the revised Fundamental Law of Education, which emphasizes the cultivation of patriotism. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s special panel also has called for the screening standards to be improved, saying it has found “descriptions with a self-deprecating view” in history textbooks.
教科書検定に関し、安倍首相は４月の国会答弁で、愛国心などの涵養(かんよう)をうたった改正教育基本法の精神が生きていないとの認識を示した。自民党の特別部会も「自虐史観の記述がある」として、検定基準の改善を要望していた。
However, the government has stopped short of seeking a review of a provision that requires it to pay certain consideration to Japan’s past relations with its neighboring Asian countries when referring to modern and contemporary history.
ただ、近隣アジア諸国への配慮を求める近隣諸国条項については今回、見直しが見送られた。
This so-called neighboring-countries provision was added to the textbook screening standards in 1982 to mitigate the fierce reactions from China and South Korea following false media reports that the education ministry had forced a change in the country’s textbooks of the description of an “invasion” of China by the defunct Imperial Japanese Army to an “advance.”
１９８２年、教科書で旧日本軍の中国「侵略」が「進出」に書き換えられたとの誤報を機に、中国と韓国が反発し、それを沈静化させるために設けられた条項だ。
The creation of such a provision, however, has produced side effects such as self-restrictions by publishers and writers of textbooks.
だが、その後、教科書会社や執筆者が自己規制するなどの副作用も出てきた。
In the increasingly globalized contemporary society, the nation should respect not only its neighbors but also other countries.
グローバル化が進む現代社会では、近隣諸国に限らず、他国を尊重する姿勢が求められる。
The historic role played by the provision is apparently coming to an end.
近隣諸国条項は歴史的役割を終えつつあると言える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 16, 2013)
（2013年11月16日01時33分 読売新聞）
Review of school textbook screening must help understanding of history
教科書検定基準 領土と歴史の理解に役立つ（11月16日付・読売社説）
It is essential that textbooks children study accurately describe their country’s territories and history.
子供たちが学ぶ教科書には、自国の領土や歴史についての正しい記述が不可欠である。
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Hakubun Shimomura has announced that the government plans to review its standards on textbook screenings and aims to implement new criteria beginning next fiscal year.
下村文部科学相が、教科書検定基準を見直す方針を表明した。来年度の検定からの適用を目指す。
We regard it reasonable that the government has decided to require textbooks to mention its consensus views on historical and territorial issues, a key point of the review.
見直しの柱として、政府の統一見解があれば、必ず記述するよう求めた点はうなずける。
Japan’s confrontations with China and South Korea over territorial and historical issues have escalated. Teaching Japan’s stance accurately would help children correctly understand the nation’s relationship with other countries. Such efforts are also important for the nation to foster people capable of disseminating the message of the legitimacy of the government’s positions on such issues to the international community.
領土や歴史認識に関し、中国や韓国との対立が目立つ。日本の立場を教えることは、他国との関係を正しく理解する助けになる。国際社会で日本の正当性を発信する人材を育てる上でも重要だ。
South Korea has unlawfully occupied the Takeshima islands, an inherent part of Japanese territory, and Tokyo has taken the stance that there is no territorial dispute with Beijing over the Senkaku Islands administered by Japan.
日本固有の領土である竹島については、韓国が不法占拠している。日本が有効支配している尖閣諸島を巡っては、日中間に解決すべき領有権問題は存在しない。
Japan also has frictions with South Korea over the so-called comfort women issue and South Koreans’ rights to seek compensation from Japanese companies for what they claim was forced labor during wartime.
韓国との間には、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題や、戦時中に徴用された韓国人労働者の賠償請求権に絡むあつれきも生じている。
The Japanese and South Korean governments reached an accord on damage claims in 1965 that stipulates the issue “was resolved completely and finally.” Thus, the issue of compensation for individual South Koreans has been settled already.
１９６５年に日韓両国政府が締結した日韓請求権協定には、請求権問題は「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記されている。個人請求権の問題は解決済みだ。
It is vital that such Japanese government stance will be expressed in textbooks.
こうした日本政府の立場を教科書で伝えることは大切だ。
Objectivity is key
In revamping textbook screening standards, the government intends to demand that textbook publishers avoid conclusive descriptions on issues for which it has yet to reach a consensus. We believe this is an appropriate call to secure objectivity of textbooks.
検定基準の見直しでは、通説が定まっていない事項について、断定的な記述をしないことも盛り込まれる。教科書の客観性を担保する上で適切な措置だろう。
For example, the number of people killed in the 1937 Nanjing Incident has yet to be determined. The figures vary widely, with some Japanese estimates citing several tens of thousands to 200,000 while China estimates more than 300,000 people were killed.
例えば、１９３７年の南京事件の犠牲者数は確定していない。日本では数万人から２０万人、中国では３０万人以上など諸説がある。
When dealing with such sensitive issues, descriptions unbiased by certain historical views are crucial.
このような事例を扱う際には、特定の歴史観に偏らないバランスのとれた記述が欠かせない。
In responding to a question in the Diet in April, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his view that the current textbook screening system does not reflect the spirit of the revised Fundamental Law of Education, which emphasizes the cultivation of patriotism. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s special panel also has called for the screening standards to be improved, saying it has found “descriptions with a self-deprecating view” in history textbooks.
教科書検定に関し、安倍首相は４月の国会答弁で、愛国心などの涵養(かんよう)をうたった改正教育基本法の精神が生きていないとの認識を示した。自民党の特別部会も「自虐史観の記述がある」として、検定基準の改善を要望していた。
However, the government has stopped short of seeking a review of a provision that requires it to pay certain consideration to Japan’s past relations with its neighboring Asian countries when referring to modern and contemporary history.
ただ、近隣アジア諸国への配慮を求める近隣諸国条項については今回、見直しが見送られた。
This so-called neighboring-countries provision was added to the textbook screening standards in 1982 to mitigate the fierce reactions from China and South Korea following false media reports that the education ministry had forced a change in the country’s textbooks of the description of an “invasion” of China by the defunct Imperial Japanese Army to an “advance.”
１９８２年、教科書で旧日本軍の中国「侵略」が「進出」に書き換えられたとの誤報を機に、中国と韓国が反発し、それを沈静化させるために設けられた条項だ。
The creation of such a provision, however, has produced side effects such as self-restrictions by publishers and writers of textbooks.
だが、その後、教科書会社や執筆者が自己規制するなどの副作用も出てきた。
In the increasingly globalized contemporary society, the nation should respect not only its neighbors but also other countries.
グローバル化が進む現代社会では、近隣諸国に限らず、他国を尊重する姿勢が求められる。
The historic role played by the provision is apparently coming to an end.
近隣諸国条項は歴史的役割を終えつつあると言える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 16, 2013)
（2013年11月16日01時33分 読売新聞）
2013/11/17
ＧＤＰ減速 経済成長の持続力を高めたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 16, 2013
Bolster self-sustaining growth despite decelerated GDP pickup
ＧＤＰ減速 経済成長の持続力を高めたい（11月15日付・読売社説）
Although the pace of the nation’s economic growth since the beginning of the year has slowed, economic expansion remains in positive territory.
年初から続いていた高成長にブレーキがかかったが、プラス成長は維持している。
The government, together with the Bank of Japan, should steadily push ahead with the Abenomics economic policy of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to accelerate fresh economic growth.
政府と日銀は、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」を着実に前進させ、成長の再加速を図ってもらいたい。
The nation’s preliminary real gross domestic product for the July-September period, announced by the Cabinet Office on Thursday, showed a 0.5 percent rise from the previous quarter, the fourth straight quarter of improvement.
内閣府が発表した今年７～９月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・５％増と、４四半期連続でプラスになった。
On an annualized basis, however, the growth figure is 1.9 percent, half the previous quarter’s 3.8 percent.
だが、年率換算の成長率は１・９％で、前期の３・８％から半減した。
A major factor behind the decrease is the sluggish pace of personal spending, which has served as the engine for economic growth.
成長を牽引(けんいん)してきた個人消費が低迷したことが響いた。
Exports, which were expected to increase on the strength of the weakening yen, turned to negative growth in the July-September period on declining demand from emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere.
円安の追い風が期待された輸出も、アジアなど新興国の景気減速を受けて、マイナスに転じた。
What shored up the growth despite weak domestic and external demand in such major categories was expenditures on public works projects, which increased through a set of emergency economic stimulus measures.
内外需の柱が不振に陥る中で、成長を支えたのは、緊急経済対策で上積みした公共投資だった。
Commenting on the latest GDP figure, Akira Amari, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, expressed a bullish point of view, saying the government believes “domestic demand has remained firm, indicating the economy will continue picking up.” However, this is no time for the government to let its guard down.
甘利経済財政相は「内需は底堅く、景気が引き続き上向いていると考える」と、強気の見方を示したが、油断は禁物だろう。
Higher growth achieved through public spending cannot last for long.
財政出動による成長の押し上げは、持続力に限りがある。
Price markups looming
Any uptrend will level off sooner or later if public spending-led growth is not replaced with self-sustaining growth through increases in private demand such as consumer spending and capital investment.
消費や設備投資など民間需要が主導する自律的な成長に移行しないと、いずれ息切れは避けられまい。
What should be of particular concern is rising prices of imported goods such as food and fuel, in addition to increased electricity charges due to idle nuclear power stations.
懸念されるのは、食品や燃料など輸入品の価格が上昇し、原子力発電所の停止で電力料金も値上がりしていることだ。
According to a survey by the Cabinet Office, 90 percent of households believe prices will be “higher than they are now” in the coming year. There are fears that consumer sentiment will ebb due to anxieties over increased prices.
内閣府の調査で、９割の世帯が１年後の物価は「上がる」と答えた。物価高を警戒して、消費者の心理が冷え込みかねない。
Although consumption will likely become firmer from around the end of the year until the early months of next year due to a last-minute surge in demand ahead of a consumption tax increase on April 1, reactionary drops after the tax hike could be highly problematic.
来年４月の消費税率引き上げをにらんだ「駆け込み需要」で、消費は年末から来年にかけて堅調さを取り戻すにしても、問題なのは増税後の反動減だ。
Should consumer spending run out of steam, the economic recovery could plunge into an alarming state, falling into a serious “consumption slump,” just before realizing the “virtuous economic cycle” the Abe administration has been seeking.
消費が失速すれば、日本経済再生に黄信号がともる。安倍政権の目指す「経済の好循環」を実現するどころか、深刻な「消費不況」に沈む恐れがある。
The first-half aggregate profits of listed companies through September are likely to be double those of a year earlier. It is strongly hoped that firms enjoying good business performance will take the bold step of raising wages to help boost household purchasing power.
上場企業の今年９月中間決算は、利益総額が前年の２倍に増える勢いだ。好業績の企業が賃上げに踏み切り、家計の購買力を底上げすることが望まれる。
Boosting income for both regular and nonregular employees of not only large companies, but also second-tier, medium- and small-sized businesses is certain to become a key task.
大企業だけでなく、中堅・中小企業の従業員や非正規労働者を含めた、所得全体の向上も大きな課題となろう。
The current slow pace of capital investment by private businesses is also a matter of concern.
民間企業の設備投資の回復が鈍いのも気がかりである。
Private-sector companies of course play a predominant role in realizing economic growth. All companies are urged to find a way out of being on the defensive, relying solely on cost curtailment, and instead draw up forward-looking business strategies.
経済成長の主役は民間企業である。各社が前向きの経営戦略を描き、合理化頼みの「守りの経営」から脱することが求められる。
The government, for its part, must redouble efforts to support corporate strategies through such measures as bold deregulation and cuts in effective corporate tax rates, which are significantly higher than those in other advanced economies.
政府は、大胆な規制改革や主要国より高い法人税実効税率の引き下げなど、企業戦略を後押しする施策を加速させるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 15, 2013)
（2013年11月15日01時36分 読売新聞）
Bolster self-sustaining growth despite decelerated GDP pickup
ＧＤＰ減速 経済成長の持続力を高めたい（11月15日付・読売社説）
Although the pace of the nation’s economic growth since the beginning of the year has slowed, economic expansion remains in positive territory.
年初から続いていた高成長にブレーキがかかったが、プラス成長は維持している。
The government, together with the Bank of Japan, should steadily push ahead with the Abenomics economic policy of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to accelerate fresh economic growth.
政府と日銀は、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」を着実に前進させ、成長の再加速を図ってもらいたい。
The nation’s preliminary real gross domestic product for the July-September period, announced by the Cabinet Office on Thursday, showed a 0.5 percent rise from the previous quarter, the fourth straight quarter of improvement.
内閣府が発表した今年７～９月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・５％増と、４四半期連続でプラスになった。
On an annualized basis, however, the growth figure is 1.9 percent, half the previous quarter’s 3.8 percent.
だが、年率換算の成長率は１・９％で、前期の３・８％から半減した。
A major factor behind the decrease is the sluggish pace of personal spending, which has served as the engine for economic growth.
成長を牽引(けんいん)してきた個人消費が低迷したことが響いた。
Exports, which were expected to increase on the strength of the weakening yen, turned to negative growth in the July-September period on declining demand from emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere.
円安の追い風が期待された輸出も、アジアなど新興国の景気減速を受けて、マイナスに転じた。
What shored up the growth despite weak domestic and external demand in such major categories was expenditures on public works projects, which increased through a set of emergency economic stimulus measures.
内外需の柱が不振に陥る中で、成長を支えたのは、緊急経済対策で上積みした公共投資だった。
Commenting on the latest GDP figure, Akira Amari, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, expressed a bullish point of view, saying the government believes “domestic demand has remained firm, indicating the economy will continue picking up.” However, this is no time for the government to let its guard down.
甘利経済財政相は「内需は底堅く、景気が引き続き上向いていると考える」と、強気の見方を示したが、油断は禁物だろう。
Higher growth achieved through public spending cannot last for long.
財政出動による成長の押し上げは、持続力に限りがある。
Price markups looming
Any uptrend will level off sooner or later if public spending-led growth is not replaced with self-sustaining growth through increases in private demand such as consumer spending and capital investment.
消費や設備投資など民間需要が主導する自律的な成長に移行しないと、いずれ息切れは避けられまい。
What should be of particular concern is rising prices of imported goods such as food and fuel, in addition to increased electricity charges due to idle nuclear power stations.
懸念されるのは、食品や燃料など輸入品の価格が上昇し、原子力発電所の停止で電力料金も値上がりしていることだ。
According to a survey by the Cabinet Office, 90 percent of households believe prices will be “higher than they are now” in the coming year. There are fears that consumer sentiment will ebb due to anxieties over increased prices.
内閣府の調査で、９割の世帯が１年後の物価は「上がる」と答えた。物価高を警戒して、消費者の心理が冷え込みかねない。
Although consumption will likely become firmer from around the end of the year until the early months of next year due to a last-minute surge in demand ahead of a consumption tax increase on April 1, reactionary drops after the tax hike could be highly problematic.
来年４月の消費税率引き上げをにらんだ「駆け込み需要」で、消費は年末から来年にかけて堅調さを取り戻すにしても、問題なのは増税後の反動減だ。
Should consumer spending run out of steam, the economic recovery could plunge into an alarming state, falling into a serious “consumption slump,” just before realizing the “virtuous economic cycle” the Abe administration has been seeking.
消費が失速すれば、日本経済再生に黄信号がともる。安倍政権の目指す「経済の好循環」を実現するどころか、深刻な「消費不況」に沈む恐れがある。
The first-half aggregate profits of listed companies through September are likely to be double those of a year earlier. It is strongly hoped that firms enjoying good business performance will take the bold step of raising wages to help boost household purchasing power.
上場企業の今年９月中間決算は、利益総額が前年の２倍に増える勢いだ。好業績の企業が賃上げに踏み切り、家計の購買力を底上げすることが望まれる。
Boosting income for both regular and nonregular employees of not only large companies, but also second-tier, medium- and small-sized businesses is certain to become a key task.
大企業だけでなく、中堅・中小企業の従業員や非正規労働者を含めた、所得全体の向上も大きな課題となろう。
The current slow pace of capital investment by private businesses is also a matter of concern.
民間企業の設備投資の回復が鈍いのも気がかりである。
Private-sector companies of course play a predominant role in realizing economic growth. All companies are urged to find a way out of being on the defensive, relying solely on cost curtailment, and instead draw up forward-looking business strategies.
経済成長の主役は民間企業である。各社が前向きの経営戦略を描き、合理化頼みの「守りの経営」から脱することが求められる。
The government, for its part, must redouble efforts to support corporate strategies through such measures as bold deregulation and cuts in effective corporate tax rates, which are significantly higher than those in other advanced economies.
政府は、大胆な規制改革や主要国より高い法人税実効税率の引き下げなど、企業戦略を後押しする施策を加速させるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 15, 2013)
（2013年11月15日01時36分 読売新聞）
2013/11/16
諫早開門問題 司法判断だけでは解決できぬ
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 15, 2013
Isahaya issue cannot be solved solely with judicial decisions
諫早開門問題 司法判断だけでは解決できぬ（11月14日付・読売社説）
Another layer of confusion has been added to the issue concerning the Isahaya Bay land reclamation project in Nagasaki Prefecture. We think it is impossible to solve the problem with only judicial judgments.
長崎県の諫早湾干拓事業を巡る問題は、混迷の度を増すばかりだ。もはや、司法判断による解決は困難ではないか。
The Nagasaki District Court has decided to issue a provisional injunction to the government to stop the planned opening of floodgates of a dike built in the bay.
長崎地裁が、湾内に設けられた堤防排水門の開門差し止めを国に命じる仮処分を決定した。
The court has judged it is highly probable agriculture and fisheries will suffer damage if the floodgates were to be opened. The court therefore ruled in favor of parties who filed a suit, including farmers, who oppose a government study that would involve opening the floodgates.
「開門すれば、農業や漁業が被害を受ける蓋然性が高い」と判断し、開門調査に反対する干拓地の営農者らの訴えを認めた。
It is a conclusion in direct opposition to the one made by the Fukuoka High Court in December 2010. The high court ordered the government to open the floodgates for five years to investigate what impact it could have on fisheries in the area. The high court decision has already been finalized.
２０１０年１２月の福岡高裁判決と正反対の結論である。高裁は、漁業に与える影響を調べるため、国に対して５年間の開門を命じ、判決は確定している。
It is natural for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to have commented on the matter, “It is an extremely difficult situation as we are charged with two [conflicting] obligations: ‘We must open the gates’ or ‘We must not open the gates.’”
林農相が「開門と、開門してはならないという二つの義務を負うことになり、大変難しい状況だ」と語ったのは当然だろう。
Because judges base their decisions on the advantages and disadvantages to parties in a lawsuit from evidence submitted, the interests of parties not directly involved in the lawsuit are not taken into consideration.
裁判官は、提出された証拠だけに基づき、訴訟当事者のみの利害を判断するため、訴訟に絡まない関係者の利害は考慮されない。
In cases in which the interests of farmers and fishermen are intricately intertwined with multiple lawsuits underway—as can be seen with the Isahaya issue—conflicting judicial conclusions are sometimes drawn according to evidence submitted to courts.
この問題のように、営農者や漁業者の利害が複雑に交錯し、複数の訴訟が係争中のケースでは、示された証拠によって相反する結論が導かれることもある。
Political settlement desirable
As a result, judicial rulings will fall short of fully solving the issue. Therefore, we believe it is desirable to settle the Isahaya Bay issue politically rather than through judicial rulings.
結果として、司法判断によって解決が遠のく。諫早湾問題は、司法決着よりも、政治による解決が望ましいと言える。
However, thorough preparations and coordination are indispensable to politically solve the problem. After the Fukuoka High Court’s ruling in 2010, then Prime Minister Naoto Kan decided not to appeal the high court decision to the Supreme Court although he had not sufficiently examined the impact of opening the floodgates and other factors.
ただし、政治解決を図るには周到な調整が欠かせない。菅首相（当時）は、福岡高裁判決後、開門の影響などを十分に検討しないまま、上告を断念した。
“I have my own knowledge on this issue,” Kan stressed, but he was ultimately unable to point the problem toward a final settlement. Instead, his actions have invited distrust against the politics of parties involved in the issue.
菅氏は「私なりの知見を持っている」と力説したが、最終解決への道筋は示し得なかった。それどころか、関係者の政治不信を招く結果になった。
If the government had appealed the high court ruling to the top court, there was a possibility the issue could have ended with a court-mediated settlement. Even if such a settlement was not made, there might have been a different development in the issue’s history if the Supreme Court had handed down its decision on the issue, because top court decisions strongly influence subsequent decisions in trials at lower courts regarding similar cases.
上告していれば、和解成立の可能性もあった。そうでなくても、下級審に強い影響力を持つ最高裁判決が示されれば、異なる展開になっていたかもしれない。
The Fukuoka High Court-ordered deadline to begin the floodgate-opening study, Dec. 20, is now approaching. With the Nagasaki court’s decision, it is unlikely for the government to start the investigation by the date. The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must do its best to reach out to parties involved in this issue, such as local governments, fishermen and farmers, to find a compromise.
福岡高裁判決が命じた開門調査の開始期限は１２月２０日に迫っている。今回の決定で、期限内の調査開始は見通せなくなったと言えよう。安倍政権は事態打開に向け、地元自治体や漁業者、営農者の歩み寄りに全力を挙げるべきだ。
The Isahaya Bay land reclamation project has been regarded as a prime example of a “public works project that cannot be stopped once it has started.” The initial purpose of the project was to create an increase in food production. However, even if the government shifted its policy to reducing rice fields, the project would continue under the pretext of disaster management or securing a water resource.
諫早湾の干拓事業は、「止まらない公共事業」の代名詞とされてきた。当初は、食料増産が目的だったが、国が減反政策に転換しても、防災や水資源確保などに名目を変えて継続された。
We suspect the government underestimated the impact of the project on fishermen and farmers as it placed too much priority on simply keeping the project moving. The major lesson from the issue of the Isahaya Bay land reclamation project is how important it is to obtain the understanding of the parties involved.
政府は事業継続を優先するあまり、漁業者や営農者への影響を過小評価していたのではないか。利害関係者の理解を得ることがいかに大切か。諫早湾干拓事業の大きな教訓である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 14, 2013)
（2013年11月14日01時46分 読売新聞）
Isahaya issue cannot be solved solely with judicial decisions
諫早開門問題 司法判断だけでは解決できぬ（11月14日付・読売社説）
Another layer of confusion has been added to the issue concerning the Isahaya Bay land reclamation project in Nagasaki Prefecture. We think it is impossible to solve the problem with only judicial judgments.
長崎県の諫早湾干拓事業を巡る問題は、混迷の度を増すばかりだ。もはや、司法判断による解決は困難ではないか。
The Nagasaki District Court has decided to issue a provisional injunction to the government to stop the planned opening of floodgates of a dike built in the bay.
長崎地裁が、湾内に設けられた堤防排水門の開門差し止めを国に命じる仮処分を決定した。
The court has judged it is highly probable agriculture and fisheries will suffer damage if the floodgates were to be opened. The court therefore ruled in favor of parties who filed a suit, including farmers, who oppose a government study that would involve opening the floodgates.
「開門すれば、農業や漁業が被害を受ける蓋然性が高い」と判断し、開門調査に反対する干拓地の営農者らの訴えを認めた。
It is a conclusion in direct opposition to the one made by the Fukuoka High Court in December 2010. The high court ordered the government to open the floodgates for five years to investigate what impact it could have on fisheries in the area. The high court decision has already been finalized.
２０１０年１２月の福岡高裁判決と正反対の結論である。高裁は、漁業に与える影響を調べるため、国に対して５年間の開門を命じ、判決は確定している。
It is natural for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to have commented on the matter, “It is an extremely difficult situation as we are charged with two [conflicting] obligations: ‘We must open the gates’ or ‘We must not open the gates.’”
林農相が「開門と、開門してはならないという二つの義務を負うことになり、大変難しい状況だ」と語ったのは当然だろう。
Because judges base their decisions on the advantages and disadvantages to parties in a lawsuit from evidence submitted, the interests of parties not directly involved in the lawsuit are not taken into consideration.
裁判官は、提出された証拠だけに基づき、訴訟当事者のみの利害を判断するため、訴訟に絡まない関係者の利害は考慮されない。
In cases in which the interests of farmers and fishermen are intricately intertwined with multiple lawsuits underway—as can be seen with the Isahaya issue—conflicting judicial conclusions are sometimes drawn according to evidence submitted to courts.
この問題のように、営農者や漁業者の利害が複雑に交錯し、複数の訴訟が係争中のケースでは、示された証拠によって相反する結論が導かれることもある。
Political settlement desirable
As a result, judicial rulings will fall short of fully solving the issue. Therefore, we believe it is desirable to settle the Isahaya Bay issue politically rather than through judicial rulings.
結果として、司法判断によって解決が遠のく。諫早湾問題は、司法決着よりも、政治による解決が望ましいと言える。
However, thorough preparations and coordination are indispensable to politically solve the problem. After the Fukuoka High Court’s ruling in 2010, then Prime Minister Naoto Kan decided not to appeal the high court decision to the Supreme Court although he had not sufficiently examined the impact of opening the floodgates and other factors.
ただし、政治解決を図るには周到な調整が欠かせない。菅首相（当時）は、福岡高裁判決後、開門の影響などを十分に検討しないまま、上告を断念した。
“I have my own knowledge on this issue,” Kan stressed, but he was ultimately unable to point the problem toward a final settlement. Instead, his actions have invited distrust against the politics of parties involved in the issue.
菅氏は「私なりの知見を持っている」と力説したが、最終解決への道筋は示し得なかった。それどころか、関係者の政治不信を招く結果になった。
If the government had appealed the high court ruling to the top court, there was a possibility the issue could have ended with a court-mediated settlement. Even if such a settlement was not made, there might have been a different development in the issue’s history if the Supreme Court had handed down its decision on the issue, because top court decisions strongly influence subsequent decisions in trials at lower courts regarding similar cases.
上告していれば、和解成立の可能性もあった。そうでなくても、下級審に強い影響力を持つ最高裁判決が示されれば、異なる展開になっていたかもしれない。
The Fukuoka High Court-ordered deadline to begin the floodgate-opening study, Dec. 20, is now approaching. With the Nagasaki court’s decision, it is unlikely for the government to start the investigation by the date. The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must do its best to reach out to parties involved in this issue, such as local governments, fishermen and farmers, to find a compromise.
福岡高裁判決が命じた開門調査の開始期限は１２月２０日に迫っている。今回の決定で、期限内の調査開始は見通せなくなったと言えよう。安倍政権は事態打開に向け、地元自治体や漁業者、営農者の歩み寄りに全力を挙げるべきだ。
The Isahaya Bay land reclamation project has been regarded as a prime example of a “public works project that cannot be stopped once it has started.” The initial purpose of the project was to create an increase in food production. However, even if the government shifted its policy to reducing rice fields, the project would continue under the pretext of disaster management or securing a water resource.
諫早湾の干拓事業は、「止まらない公共事業」の代名詞とされてきた。当初は、食料増産が目的だったが、国が減反政策に転換しても、防災や水資源確保などに名目を変えて継続された。
We suspect the government underestimated the impact of the project on fishermen and farmers as it placed too much priority on simply keeping the project moving. The major lesson from the issue of the Isahaya Bay land reclamation project is how important it is to obtain the understanding of the parties involved.
政府は事業継続を優先するあまり、漁業者や営農者への影響を過小評価していたのではないか。利害関係者の理解を得ることがいかに大切か。諫早湾干拓事業の大きな教訓である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 14, 2013)
（2013年11月14日01時46分 読売新聞）
2013/11/15
フィリピン台風 被災者救援に日本も力尽くせ
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 14, 2013
Japan, other countries should do more to deal with natural disasters
フィリピン台風 被災者救援に日本も力尽くせ（11月13日付・読売社説）
Destruction from the killer typhoon that struck the Philippines produced a tragic scene reminiscent of areas devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
東日本大震災の被災地を想起させる悲惨な光景が広がっている。
Typhoon Haiyan smashed into the Philippines Friday, a catastrophe that is believed to have left as many as 10,000 dead and affected an estimated 11.3 million people. Japan should do its utmost to aid the typhoon-ravaged country.
猛烈な台風３０号が、フィリピンを直撃し、死者１万人とも言われる壊滅的な被害が出た。被災者は約１１３０万人に上る。日本は最大限の支援を急ぐべきだ。
The typhoon is believed to have registered a maximum wind velocity of 105 meters per second. Tacloban, the main city on Leyte Island, was severely damaged, with tsunami-like waves several meters high striking the area. Surging floodwaters destroyed a huge number of simple wooden houses in the city, and even wiped out some local communities.
台風の最大瞬間風速は秒速１０５メートルだったとされる。最も被害が大きかったレイテ島の中心都市タクロバンは数メートルの高潮に襲われた。簡素な木造の住宅は破壊され、消滅した集落もあるという。
No contact has yet been made with many of the 133 Japanese residents on Leyte and neighboring Samar Island.
レイテ島と隣のサマル島に住む邦人１３３人の多くとも連絡が取れないままだ。
There is a pressing need to search for and rescue missing people, while also treating those injured in the disaster. This must be complemented by efforts to deliver water, food and medical supplies to survivors.
行方不明者の捜索や救助、負傷者の治療が急務である。同時に、被災者に水や食料、医薬品を届けなければならない。
It is also important to take hygiene measures to prevent people from falling victim to infectious diseases and other ill-effects caused by the typhoon.
感染症などで犠牲者をこれ以上増やさないようにするための衛生対策も重要だ。
Though he reportedly called on his people to evacuate before the typhoon hit, Philippine President Benigno Aquino was unable to prevent a catastrophe. Little progress has been made in determining the extent of the damage. His administration also has been slow to release information about casualties. There is a growing lack of confidence among Filipinos in their government over its failure to take appropriate post-disaster measures.
アキノ大統領は台風上陸前に避難を呼びかけたというが、甚大な被害を食い止められなかった。被災状況の把握が進まず、死傷者に関する情報の公開も遅れている。政府の対応の不手際には国民の不信感も高まっている。
The international community needs to extend its full support to the Philippines. There is much that can be done to aid the disaster-stricken country—not just rescue work. International assistance may include securing means of communications and transportation, and assembling relief supplies. In fact, Japan, the United States, China, the European Union and other nations have already announced what assistance they will provide.
国際社会による全面的な支援が必要だ。被災者救出にとどまらず、通信手段や交通の確保、救援物資の集積など協力できることは多い。既に、日本をはじめ、米国、中国、欧州連合（ＥＵ）などが、次々に支援を表明している。
Set up typhoon info network
The Japanese government has sent a medical team from the Japan Disaster Relief Team to the Philippines, while also deciding to extend $10 million, or about ¥1 billion, in emergency grants-in-aid for that country.
日本政府は、国際緊急援助隊の医療チームを現地に送るとともに、１０００万ドル（約１０億円）の緊急無償資金協力を決めた。
The government was quick to decide it would dispatch Self-Defense Forces personnel in response to a request from the Philippine government. A 50-member advance SDF team is scheduled to arrive first, with the aim of extending medical and other assistance to stricken areas.
比政府の要請を受けて、政府が自衛隊の派遣を決めたのも妥当な判断だ。先遣隊５０人がまず現地入りし、医療支援などにあたる。
In the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Japan received a great deal of assistance from other countries, including the Philippines. Japan has an obligation to aid any disaster-hit nation.
東日本大震災の際、日本は、フィリピンを含む各国から多大な支援を受けた。 国際的な災害支援は日本の責務と言えよう。
After coastal areas along the Indian Ocean were hit by tsunami generated by a massive earthquake in 2004, the Japanese government took the initiative in establishing a multilateral tsunami warning system covering the region.
２００４年のインド洋津波の後、日本政府は、インド洋における多国間の津波警戒システムの構築に、主導的役割を果たした。
Japan’s initiative in this respect also covers typhoons. The Japan Meteorological Agency has provided other Asian nations with data from weather satellites and other weather-related information. A multilateral typhoon information network should be created to reduce damage caused by a disaster comparable to the typhoon.
台風に関しても、日本の気象庁が、気象衛星のデータや予報情報をアジア諸国に提供しているが、今回のような被害を少しでも減らすために、同様の情報ネットワーク作りが求められる。
Asia is one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. About half of the victims of natural calamities in the past 30 years have been in this part of the world.
アジアは世界有数の自然災害多発地帯だ。過去３０年間の犠牲者の約半数が集中するという。
Japan, the Philippines and other Asian nations that frequently suffer typhoon damage should further increase their cooperation to reduce and manage devastation caused by typhoons.
日本やフィリピンをはじめ、台風災害に苦しめられるアジア各国は、防災面での連携も一層強化すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 13, 2013)
（2013年11月13日01時52分 読売新聞）
Japan, other countries should do more to deal with natural disasters
フィリピン台風 被災者救援に日本も力尽くせ（11月13日付・読売社説）
Destruction from the killer typhoon that struck the Philippines produced a tragic scene reminiscent of areas devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
東日本大震災の被災地を想起させる悲惨な光景が広がっている。
Typhoon Haiyan smashed into the Philippines Friday, a catastrophe that is believed to have left as many as 10,000 dead and affected an estimated 11.3 million people. Japan should do its utmost to aid the typhoon-ravaged country.
猛烈な台風３０号が、フィリピンを直撃し、死者１万人とも言われる壊滅的な被害が出た。被災者は約１１３０万人に上る。日本は最大限の支援を急ぐべきだ。
The typhoon is believed to have registered a maximum wind velocity of 105 meters per second. Tacloban, the main city on Leyte Island, was severely damaged, with tsunami-like waves several meters high striking the area. Surging floodwaters destroyed a huge number of simple wooden houses in the city, and even wiped out some local communities.
台風の最大瞬間風速は秒速１０５メートルだったとされる。最も被害が大きかったレイテ島の中心都市タクロバンは数メートルの高潮に襲われた。簡素な木造の住宅は破壊され、消滅した集落もあるという。
No contact has yet been made with many of the 133 Japanese residents on Leyte and neighboring Samar Island.
レイテ島と隣のサマル島に住む邦人１３３人の多くとも連絡が取れないままだ。
There is a pressing need to search for and rescue missing people, while also treating those injured in the disaster. This must be complemented by efforts to deliver water, food and medical supplies to survivors.
行方不明者の捜索や救助、負傷者の治療が急務である。同時に、被災者に水や食料、医薬品を届けなければならない。
It is also important to take hygiene measures to prevent people from falling victim to infectious diseases and other ill-effects caused by the typhoon.
感染症などで犠牲者をこれ以上増やさないようにするための衛生対策も重要だ。
Though he reportedly called on his people to evacuate before the typhoon hit, Philippine President Benigno Aquino was unable to prevent a catastrophe. Little progress has been made in determining the extent of the damage. His administration also has been slow to release information about casualties. There is a growing lack of confidence among Filipinos in their government over its failure to take appropriate post-disaster measures.
アキノ大統領は台風上陸前に避難を呼びかけたというが、甚大な被害を食い止められなかった。被災状況の把握が進まず、死傷者に関する情報の公開も遅れている。政府の対応の不手際には国民の不信感も高まっている。
The international community needs to extend its full support to the Philippines. There is much that can be done to aid the disaster-stricken country—not just rescue work. International assistance may include securing means of communications and transportation, and assembling relief supplies. In fact, Japan, the United States, China, the European Union and other nations have already announced what assistance they will provide.
国際社会による全面的な支援が必要だ。被災者救出にとどまらず、通信手段や交通の確保、救援物資の集積など協力できることは多い。既に、日本をはじめ、米国、中国、欧州連合（ＥＵ）などが、次々に支援を表明している。
Set up typhoon info network
The Japanese government has sent a medical team from the Japan Disaster Relief Team to the Philippines, while also deciding to extend $10 million, or about ¥1 billion, in emergency grants-in-aid for that country.
日本政府は、国際緊急援助隊の医療チームを現地に送るとともに、１０００万ドル（約１０億円）の緊急無償資金協力を決めた。
The government was quick to decide it would dispatch Self-Defense Forces personnel in response to a request from the Philippine government. A 50-member advance SDF team is scheduled to arrive first, with the aim of extending medical and other assistance to stricken areas.
比政府の要請を受けて、政府が自衛隊の派遣を決めたのも妥当な判断だ。先遣隊５０人がまず現地入りし、医療支援などにあたる。
In the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Japan received a great deal of assistance from other countries, including the Philippines. Japan has an obligation to aid any disaster-hit nation.
東日本大震災の際、日本は、フィリピンを含む各国から多大な支援を受けた。 国際的な災害支援は日本の責務と言えよう。
After coastal areas along the Indian Ocean were hit by tsunami generated by a massive earthquake in 2004, the Japanese government took the initiative in establishing a multilateral tsunami warning system covering the region.
２００４年のインド洋津波の後、日本政府は、インド洋における多国間の津波警戒システムの構築に、主導的役割を果たした。
Japan’s initiative in this respect also covers typhoons. The Japan Meteorological Agency has provided other Asian nations with data from weather satellites and other weather-related information. A multilateral typhoon information network should be created to reduce damage caused by a disaster comparable to the typhoon.
台風に関しても、日本の気象庁が、気象衛星のデータや予報情報をアジア諸国に提供しているが、今回のような被害を少しでも減らすために、同様の情報ネットワーク作りが求められる。
Asia is one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. About half of the victims of natural calamities in the past 30 years have been in this part of the world.
アジアは世界有数の自然災害多発地帯だ。過去３０年間の犠牲者の約半数が集中するという。
Japan, the Philippines and other Asian nations that frequently suffer typhoon damage should further increase their cooperation to reduce and manage devastation caused by typhoons.
日本やフィリピンをはじめ、台風災害に苦しめられるアジア各国は、防災面での連携も一層強化すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 13, 2013)
（2013年11月13日01時52分 読売新聞）
2013/11/14
Abe dined with exiled former Thai Premier, Thaksin Shinawatra
cite from msn sankei,
english translation by srachai,
2013.10.26 18:10 ［安倍首相］
2013.10.26 18:10 [Abe]
安倍首相、海外逃亡中のタイの元首相と会食
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, dined with exiled former Thai Prime Minister,Thaksin Shinawatra
安倍晋三首相は２６日、タイのタクシン元首相と都内のホテルで、昼食をとりながら会談した。両国の経済問題などについて意見交換したとみられる。
On October 26, 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met to take a lunch with former exiled Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at a hotel in Tokyo, discussing about bilateral economic issues between the two countries.
タクシン氏はインラック現首相の実兄にあたる。国有地の不正購入をめぐる汚職事件で実刑判決を受け海外逃亡中だ。
Exiled Thaksin is a brother of Yingluck Shinawatra, the current Prime Minister of Thailand.
Being sentenced tow years' imprisonment at the Thai Court against some bribery scandals involving the illegal purchase of State-owned land, Thaksin exiled him as a fugitive abroad.
タイ政界に影響力を有しているタクシン氏だが、日本の首相が、海外逃亡中の外国要人と会談するのは異例だ。
Although Thaksin still has great influence in Thailand politics, it is quite an extraordinary case for Japan's Prime Minister to meet an exiled foreign dignitaries.
related story,
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/news/131026/plc13102618110010-n1.htm
http://www.newsclip.be/article/2013/10/31/19574.html
english translation by srachai,
2013.10.26 18:10 ［安倍首相］
2013.10.26 18:10 [Abe]
安倍首相、海外逃亡中のタイの元首相と会食
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, dined with exiled former Thai Prime Minister,Thaksin Shinawatra
安倍晋三首相は２６日、タイのタクシン元首相と都内のホテルで、昼食をとりながら会談した。両国の経済問題などについて意見交換したとみられる。
On October 26, 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met to take a lunch with former exiled Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at a hotel in Tokyo, discussing about bilateral economic issues between the two countries.
タクシン氏はインラック現首相の実兄にあたる。国有地の不正購入をめぐる汚職事件で実刑判決を受け海外逃亡中だ。
Exiled Thaksin is a brother of Yingluck Shinawatra, the current Prime Minister of Thailand.
Being sentenced tow years' imprisonment at the Thai Court against some bribery scandals involving the illegal purchase of State-owned land, Thaksin exiled him as a fugitive abroad.
タイ政界に影響力を有しているタクシン氏だが、日本の首相が、海外逃亡中の外国要人と会談するのは異例だ。
Although Thaksin still has great influence in Thailand politics, it is quite an extraordinary case for Japan's Prime Minister to meet an exiled foreign dignitaries.
related story,
http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/news/131026/plc13102618110010-n1.htm
http://www.newsclip.be/article/2013/10/31/19574.html
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