The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 13, 2012)
Ozawa's explanation unlikely to satisfy anyone
小沢氏公判 「秘書任せ」で理解得られるか（1月12日付・読売社説）
More than two years have passed since allegations against Ichiro Ozawa's political funds management organization surfaced over falsification of the political funds reports.
政治資金収支報告書の虚偽記入の疑惑発覚から２年余り。
The political heavyweight has never offered an explanation about the accusations in the Diet. So what did he say in the court?
国会で一度も説明することのなかった政界の実力者は、法廷で何を語ったか。
Ozawa, a former Democratic Party of Japan president indicted on suspicion of violating the Political Funds Control Law over the purchase of land by Rikuzan-kai, his political funds management organization, was questioned for two days recently in the Tokyo District Court. The testimony drew wide attention as it was believed to be the climax of Ozawa's trial.
資金管理団体・陸山会の土地購入を巡り、政治資金規正法違反に問われた民主党の小沢一郎元代表の裁判で、最大のヤマ場として注目された被告人質問が、２日間にわたり東京地裁で行われた。
In court, Ozawa said he "entirely entrusted [the political funds reports] to my secretaries" because he had "no time to pay attention directly" to them.
小沢氏は、収支報告書の作成に関し、「すべて秘書に任せていた」「直接関心を持ついとまはなかった」と主張した。
The main focus of the trial is whether the court will determine there was a conspiracy between Ozawa and his three former secretaries, including House of Representatives member Tomohiro Ishikawa, all of whom have been found guilty by the district court for falsifying the reports.
この裁判のポイントは、虚偽記入の実行役として起訴され、１審の東京地裁で有罪判決を受けた石川知裕衆院議員ら元秘書と、小沢氏との間で共謀が成立するかどうかだ。
Ozawa's remarks constitute a denial of his involvement in falsely reporting political funds.
小沢氏の発言は自らの関与を否定するものである。
===
Didn't kingpin take a peek?
However, we question Ozawa's contention that he "had never taken a look" at the political funds reports even after his trial started, in addition to leaving compilation of the reports solely to his secretaries.
だが、疑問なのは、小沢氏が収支報告書を秘書任せにしただけでなく、自身の裁判が始まった後も含めて、「一度も見たことがない」と言い切ったことだ。
To ensure fair political activities under public scrutiny, a system was established under the Political Funds Control Law to ensure disclosure of political organizations' earnings and spending by political funds.
政治資金規正法は、政治活動が国民の監視の下で公正に行われるようにするため、政治資金の収支の公開制度を設けている。
Political funds reports are an important source of information for people to decide whether political activities are being conducted fairly.
収支報告書は国民に判断材料を提供する重要な手がかりだ。
If Ozawa's statement is true, he should be criticized for belittling the spirit of the Political Funds Control Law.
発言が事実なら、小沢氏は規正法の趣旨を軽んじていると批判されても仕方がない。
In fact, Ozawa has continually insisted all transactions made by his political funds organization are transparent. 小沢氏は常々、「政治資金はすべてオープンにしている」と強調してきた。
Many people are probably wondering how Ozawa can make such a claim without looking at the political funds reports himself.
報告書も見ないで何を根拠にそう言えるのか、と疑問を抱く人も多かろう。
Moreover, politicians have supervisory responsibility over their secretaries. What does Ozawa think about that?
さらに、政治家は秘書に対して監督責任を負っている。それをどう考えているのか。
===
Land purchase still obscure
Rikuzan-kai paid 400 million yen to purchase the land, and Ozawa himself prepared the money. In court, Ozawa said the money came from "cash and profits on sales of real estate inherited from my parents, royalties on books and the salary I earned as a lawmaker."
小沢氏が自ら用意した土地購入原資の４億円の出所については、「親から相続した現金や不動産の売却益のほか、印税や議員報酬だ」などと説明した。
However, Ozawa has changed his explanation about the money during questioning by prosecutors.
The district court ruling on Ishikawa and the other two secretaries pointed out that Ozawa had failed to offer a clear explanation on the matter.
ただ、小沢氏は検察の事情聴取の過程で説明を変遷させており、石川議員らを有罪とした東京地裁判決でも「明快な説明ができていない」と指摘されていた。
To refute this criticism, Ozawa said in court he "did not know the exact details [of the money] at that time." However, this explanation fails to clear up the confusion.
小沢氏は法廷で、「その時点では具体的に分かっていなかっただけだ」と弁明したものの、不透明さは拭いきれない。
The two days of questioning effectively ended the examination of Ozawa in court. It is now up to the district court to decide whether Ozawa is criminally responsible for the falsification of the political funds reports.
この被告人質問で実質審理は終了し、小沢氏の刑事責任の有無は裁判所の判断に委ねられる。
Ozawa repeatedly has said he would reveal the truth in court. However, it is doubtful whether the public was convinced by his explanation when he thrust all the blame on his secretaries.
「法廷で真実を述べる」と語ってきた小沢氏だが、「秘書任せ」の主張に説得力はあったのか。
Unless Ozawa sincerely offers to provide every detail of his political funds, it will be difficult for him to win public understanding.
自らの政治資金について説明を尽くす姿勢を示さぬ限り、国民の理解は得られないだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2012)
（2012年1月12日01時21分 読売新聞）
2012/01/14
2012/01/13
日本経済再生 危機を直視し改革を断行せよ
日本の社会保障制度は世界一かも知れませんね。
欧米ではペンションと呼ばれる仕組みがあるようですが、具体的な金額は全く知りません。
日本の夫婦満額月額40万円というのは、世界の中でも突出しているのではないでしょうか。
タイには老人に支払われるお金もありますが、小額でこれは無いに等しいのです。
ですが、タイの老人たちは結構その生活をエンジョイできています。
仏教の教えから来るものなのでしょうね。ある意味で、タイは老人天国なのかも知れません。
日本もお金、おかねばっかしだけじゃなくて、精神的なもの、生きる証みたいなものを追求したらどうでしょうか。
先行きの不透明な老齢年金よりも、大切なような気がします。
イモーショナルに過ぎました。(汗） データ不足です。 m0m
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 12, 2012)
Govt must act resolutely on reforms to rebuild economy
日本経済再生 危機を直視し改革を断行せよ（1月11日付・読売社説）
The nation's economy, which had been coming back from the shock of the Great East Japan Earthquake, slowed down and came to a standstill last autumn.
東日本大震災のショックから持ち直していた景気が減速し、昨年秋に足踏み状態になった。
"Structural fatigue" has now pushed the nation's fiscal and social security systems close to their limits, making it apparent they cannot be sustained without drastic reforms.
財政や社会保障の“制度疲労”は、もはや限界に近く、抜本改革なしには持続できないことが明らかである。
The administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda must strive to accomplish an economic turnaround with the aim of rejuvenating the national economy.
日本経済の再生に向けて、野田政権は成長の回復を図らねばならない。
It is important that the administration does not back away from pursuing reforms that will be painful to the people, such as fiscal reconstruction, and carries them out resolutely.
財政再建など国民に痛みを伴う改革からも逃げず、断固として実行することが肝要だ。
===
Major causes for concern
◆深刻な円高と電力不足◆
Major causes for concern about the economy are the unprecedented strength of the yen and the deterioration of economies abroad, particularly in Europe.
懸念材料は、歴史的な超円高と、欧州を震源とした海外経済の悪化である。
The yen is hovering in the range between 75 yen and 80 yen to the dollar, and it also has gained strength against the euro, briefly rising to the range between 97 yen and 97.5 yen.
円相場は１ドル＝７０円台後半が定着し、対ユーロでも一時、９７円台前半に上昇した。
The nation's exports, which the economy relies heavily on, have declined, and industrial production has become sluggish.
頼みの輸出が減少し、工業生産は減速した。
Business sentiment has withered, and investment in plants and equipment remains dangerously low.
企業心理が冷え、設備投資も低空飛行が続く。
It is necessary to keep on guard against a further relapse in the economy.
景気腰折れに警戒する必要がある。
The government and the Bank of Japan embarked on a yen-selling, dollar-buying market intervention single-handedly last October, but with limited effect.
政府・日銀は昨年１０月、為替市場で円売り・ドル買いの単独介入に踏み切ったが、効果は限定的だった。
The slowdown in overseas economies is probably intensifying the pressure for the yen's further appreciation.
海外経済の減速が円高圧力を高めているのだろう。
The government and the central bank must expedite their efforts to correct the excessive rise of the yen, through flexible market intervention and additional monetary relaxation.
政府・日銀は機動的な介入と追加金融緩和によって、円高の是正を急がねばならない。
It is important that they doggedly work on their counterparts in Europe and the United States to realize a concerted market intervention.
欧米当局との協調介入の実現に向け、粘り強く働きかけることが重要だ。
Attention should also be paid to the possibility that the yen's excessive rise could bring about the hollowing-out of the nation's industries.
円高が産業空洞化を招く点にも注意を要する。
A survey taken by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry showed that if the present level of the yen's appreciation continues for another six months, about half of major manufacturers would shift plants and other facilities abroad.
経済産業省の調査では、現在の円高が半年続くと、大企業製造業の約半数が、工場などを海外移転すると答えた。
It is projected that 600,000 jobs will be lost at home if the hollowing-out of the Japanese auto industry progresses.
自動車産業で空洞化が進行すると、国内雇用が６０万人も減少するという推計もある。
Meanwhile, manufacturers' smaller suppliers, who cannot afford to shift their production bases abroad, face the prospect of going out of business, if domestic production contracts.
国内生産が縮小すれば、海外に出られない下請け企業は廃業の危機に瀕する。
The very foundation of manufacturing in Japan, which has been supported by a large number of small and midsize companies, must not be allowed to fall into ruin.
多くの中小企業が支える日本のモノ作りの土台を、崩壊させてはならない。
The electricity shortage is also exacerbating the industrial hollowing-out.
電力不足も空洞化を助長する要因だ。
As a result of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, other nuclear plants whose operations were suspended for regular checkups cannot resume operations.
Nearly 90 percent of the nation's 54 nuclear reactors are now idle.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、定期検査で止めた原発を再稼働できない中、全５４基の約９割が停止した。
There is a possibility that all the nuclear plants might be stopped by May. This would result in a loss of 30 percent of the nation's total power supply.
５月までに全原発が止まり、国内の電源の３割を失う恐れがある。
The government must get these nuclear plants running again by assuming full responsibility for confirming their safety and by winning the understanding of the relevant local governments.
政府は、原発の安全性確認に責任を持ち、地元自治体の理解を得て、再稼働を実現させなければならない。
Securing a stable supply of electricity is key to the rejuvenation of the national economy.
電力の安定供給確保も日本経済再生のカギを握る。
===
Use TPP to tap foreign demand
◆ＴＰＰで外需取り込め◆
Demand for goods and services created by the restoration efforts in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami is expected to support the economy.
景気下支えで期待されるのが、震災の復興需要だ。
The Diet has already passed restoration-related budgets totaling 15 trillion yen.
すでに１５兆円の復興関連予算が成立した。
Restoration projects should proceed steadily, reconstructing living and production bases and improving the economy simultaneously in the disaster areas.
被災地の生活・生産基盤の復活と景気浮揚を同時に果たすため、事業を着実に実施してほしい。
However, dependence on restoration demand alone, which is only temporary, will not open a new vista for the economy.
とはいえ、一時の復興特需に頼るだけでは展望は開けない。
The nation's working population, who are active consumers, numbers 80 million at present. However, that figure is expected to decrease to 70 million in 15 years and to 60 million in 25 years.
消費が活発な現役世代の人口は現在、約８０００万人だが、１５年後は７０００万人、２５年後には６０００万人に減る見込みだ。
The nation's rapid population decline is certain to shrink domestic demand.
人口減少の加速で、日本の内需縮小は避けられない。
To supplement it, Japan will need a strategy to tap into external demand in emerging economies in Asia and other regions where the economic growth is continuing.
成長が続くアジアなど新興国の外需を取り込む戦略が必須となる。
The first step in that direction is Japan's official participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade treaty. Prime Minister Noda announced last year that the nation would begin a consultation process with the United States and other countries to participate in negotiations on drafting the TPP pact.
第一歩は、野田首相が交渉参加に向け、米国などと協議に入ると表明した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への正式参加だ。
The TPP is a framework to liberalize trade and investment among Asia-Pacific countries by abolishing tariffs. At present, nine countries including the United States, Australia and Singapore are negotiating to draft the TPP treaty.
ＴＰＰは、アジア・太平洋の各国が関税を撤廃し、貿易や投資を自由化する枠組みで、米国とオーストラリア、シンガポールなど９か国が交渉している。
Japan will hurt its own national interests unless it immediately joins the negotiation process because otherwise it will lose the opportunity to have its opinions reflected in the TPP rules on trade liberalization and investment being discussed there.
日本も早く加わらないと、貿易自由化や投資のルール作りに間に合わず、国益を損なう。
However, arguments against it are smoldering domestically.
ところが、国内には異論がくすぶる。
In particular, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry and lawmakers with close ties to the farm sector claim Japan's participation in TPP would ruin its agricultural sector.
特に、農林水産省や農業関係議員は、ＴＰＰが日本農業を崩壊させると主張している。
However, we think the major causes of a crisis in Japan's agriculture are its low productivity and a shortage of people engaged in farming.
日本農業の危機は、低生産性や担い手不足が主因である。
The nation's agricultural industry could deal with liberalization of the farm products market if it makes itself competitive by consolidating farmland to boost productivity.
農地の集約化を進めて生産性を高め、競争力のある産業に転換すれば、農産物の市場開放に対応できるだろう。
The TPP should be considered a catalyst for the revival of Japanese agriculture.
ＴＰＰを農業再生の起爆剤と考えるべきだ。
Meanwhile, the combined long-term debts of the central and local governments are set to reach 937 trillion yen at the end of fiscal 2012, a figure that is double the gross domestic product.
国と地方の長期債務は２０１２年度末で９３７兆円と、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の約２倍に達する。
This is the worst fiscal condition in the world.
世界最悪の状況だ。
Nonetheless, the government keeps piling up huge deficits. Tax revenues are increasing at a sluggish pace due to the economic downturn while expenditures, particularly social security spending on medical care and pension programs, are ballooning.
経済の低迷で税収が伸びないうえに、医療や年金など社会保障費を中心に歳出が膨らみ、巨額の財政赤字を垂れ流している。
===
Take the tax bull by the horns
◆消費税上げが必要だ◆
Members of the Japanese workforce are showing a stronger tendency to spend less and save more for fear that the nation's fiscal and social security system might collapse eventually.
財政や社会保障制度がいずれ、破綻しかねないとの不安から、働く世代が消費を抑え、貯蓄を増やす傾向が強まっている。
The government must halt the vicious cycle in which anxiety about the future dampens consumer spending, resulting in low economic growth and reduced tax revenues.
将来不安が消費を冷やし、低成長と税収減を招く悪循環を断ち切らねばならない。
However, lawmakers do not seem to be keenly aware of this pinch.
しかし、政治の危機感は薄い。
Policy measures are still a mixture of the standstill and the rambling due to the divided Diet and populist pandering.
衆参ねじれ国会と大衆迎合（ポピュリズム）で、政策はいまだに停滞と迷走を繰り返している。
The only way to rehabilitate the nation's finances and social security system is to secure stable financial sources with a consumption tax rate increase.
財政と社会保障を立て直すには消費税率を引き上げ、安定財源を確保するほかに道はない。
Regardless of whatever party is in power, this is a task that any government must accomplish.
これは与野党を問わず、政治が実現しなければならない課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2012)
（2012年1月11日01時11分 読売新聞）
欧米ではペンションと呼ばれる仕組みがあるようですが、具体的な金額は全く知りません。
日本の夫婦満額月額40万円というのは、世界の中でも突出しているのではないでしょうか。
タイには老人に支払われるお金もありますが、小額でこれは無いに等しいのです。
ですが、タイの老人たちは結構その生活をエンジョイできています。
仏教の教えから来るものなのでしょうね。ある意味で、タイは老人天国なのかも知れません。
日本もお金、おかねばっかしだけじゃなくて、精神的なもの、生きる証みたいなものを追求したらどうでしょうか。
先行きの不透明な老齢年金よりも、大切なような気がします。
イモーショナルに過ぎました。(汗） データ不足です。 m0m
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 12, 2012)
Govt must act resolutely on reforms to rebuild economy
日本経済再生 危機を直視し改革を断行せよ（1月11日付・読売社説）
The nation's economy, which had been coming back from the shock of the Great East Japan Earthquake, slowed down and came to a standstill last autumn.
東日本大震災のショックから持ち直していた景気が減速し、昨年秋に足踏み状態になった。
"Structural fatigue" has now pushed the nation's fiscal and social security systems close to their limits, making it apparent they cannot be sustained without drastic reforms.
財政や社会保障の“制度疲労”は、もはや限界に近く、抜本改革なしには持続できないことが明らかである。
The administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda must strive to accomplish an economic turnaround with the aim of rejuvenating the national economy.
日本経済の再生に向けて、野田政権は成長の回復を図らねばならない。
It is important that the administration does not back away from pursuing reforms that will be painful to the people, such as fiscal reconstruction, and carries them out resolutely.
財政再建など国民に痛みを伴う改革からも逃げず、断固として実行することが肝要だ。
===
Major causes for concern
◆深刻な円高と電力不足◆
Major causes for concern about the economy are the unprecedented strength of the yen and the deterioration of economies abroad, particularly in Europe.
懸念材料は、歴史的な超円高と、欧州を震源とした海外経済の悪化である。
The yen is hovering in the range between 75 yen and 80 yen to the dollar, and it also has gained strength against the euro, briefly rising to the range between 97 yen and 97.5 yen.
円相場は１ドル＝７０円台後半が定着し、対ユーロでも一時、９７円台前半に上昇した。
The nation's exports, which the economy relies heavily on, have declined, and industrial production has become sluggish.
頼みの輸出が減少し、工業生産は減速した。
Business sentiment has withered, and investment in plants and equipment remains dangerously low.
企業心理が冷え、設備投資も低空飛行が続く。
It is necessary to keep on guard against a further relapse in the economy.
景気腰折れに警戒する必要がある。
The government and the Bank of Japan embarked on a yen-selling, dollar-buying market intervention single-handedly last October, but with limited effect.
政府・日銀は昨年１０月、為替市場で円売り・ドル買いの単独介入に踏み切ったが、効果は限定的だった。
The slowdown in overseas economies is probably intensifying the pressure for the yen's further appreciation.
海外経済の減速が円高圧力を高めているのだろう。
The government and the central bank must expedite their efforts to correct the excessive rise of the yen, through flexible market intervention and additional monetary relaxation.
政府・日銀は機動的な介入と追加金融緩和によって、円高の是正を急がねばならない。
It is important that they doggedly work on their counterparts in Europe and the United States to realize a concerted market intervention.
欧米当局との協調介入の実現に向け、粘り強く働きかけることが重要だ。
Attention should also be paid to the possibility that the yen's excessive rise could bring about the hollowing-out of the nation's industries.
円高が産業空洞化を招く点にも注意を要する。
A survey taken by the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry showed that if the present level of the yen's appreciation continues for another six months, about half of major manufacturers would shift plants and other facilities abroad.
経済産業省の調査では、現在の円高が半年続くと、大企業製造業の約半数が、工場などを海外移転すると答えた。
It is projected that 600,000 jobs will be lost at home if the hollowing-out of the Japanese auto industry progresses.
自動車産業で空洞化が進行すると、国内雇用が６０万人も減少するという推計もある。
Meanwhile, manufacturers' smaller suppliers, who cannot afford to shift their production bases abroad, face the prospect of going out of business, if domestic production contracts.
国内生産が縮小すれば、海外に出られない下請け企業は廃業の危機に瀕する。
The very foundation of manufacturing in Japan, which has been supported by a large number of small and midsize companies, must not be allowed to fall into ruin.
多くの中小企業が支える日本のモノ作りの土台を、崩壊させてはならない。
The electricity shortage is also exacerbating the industrial hollowing-out.
電力不足も空洞化を助長する要因だ。
As a result of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, other nuclear plants whose operations were suspended for regular checkups cannot resume operations.
Nearly 90 percent of the nation's 54 nuclear reactors are now idle.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、定期検査で止めた原発を再稼働できない中、全５４基の約９割が停止した。
There is a possibility that all the nuclear plants might be stopped by May. This would result in a loss of 30 percent of the nation's total power supply.
５月までに全原発が止まり、国内の電源の３割を失う恐れがある。
The government must get these nuclear plants running again by assuming full responsibility for confirming their safety and by winning the understanding of the relevant local governments.
政府は、原発の安全性確認に責任を持ち、地元自治体の理解を得て、再稼働を実現させなければならない。
Securing a stable supply of electricity is key to the rejuvenation of the national economy.
電力の安定供給確保も日本経済再生のカギを握る。
===
Use TPP to tap foreign demand
◆ＴＰＰで外需取り込め◆
Demand for goods and services created by the restoration efforts in areas devastated by the March 11 earthquake and tsunami is expected to support the economy.
景気下支えで期待されるのが、震災の復興需要だ。
The Diet has already passed restoration-related budgets totaling 15 trillion yen.
すでに１５兆円の復興関連予算が成立した。
Restoration projects should proceed steadily, reconstructing living and production bases and improving the economy simultaneously in the disaster areas.
被災地の生活・生産基盤の復活と景気浮揚を同時に果たすため、事業を着実に実施してほしい。
However, dependence on restoration demand alone, which is only temporary, will not open a new vista for the economy.
とはいえ、一時の復興特需に頼るだけでは展望は開けない。
The nation's working population, who are active consumers, numbers 80 million at present. However, that figure is expected to decrease to 70 million in 15 years and to 60 million in 25 years.
消費が活発な現役世代の人口は現在、約８０００万人だが、１５年後は７０００万人、２５年後には６０００万人に減る見込みだ。
The nation's rapid population decline is certain to shrink domestic demand.
人口減少の加速で、日本の内需縮小は避けられない。
To supplement it, Japan will need a strategy to tap into external demand in emerging economies in Asia and other regions where the economic growth is continuing.
成長が続くアジアなど新興国の外需を取り込む戦略が必須となる。
The first step in that direction is Japan's official participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade treaty. Prime Minister Noda announced last year that the nation would begin a consultation process with the United States and other countries to participate in negotiations on drafting the TPP pact.
第一歩は、野田首相が交渉参加に向け、米国などと協議に入ると表明した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への正式参加だ。
The TPP is a framework to liberalize trade and investment among Asia-Pacific countries by abolishing tariffs. At present, nine countries including the United States, Australia and Singapore are negotiating to draft the TPP treaty.
ＴＰＰは、アジア・太平洋の各国が関税を撤廃し、貿易や投資を自由化する枠組みで、米国とオーストラリア、シンガポールなど９か国が交渉している。
Japan will hurt its own national interests unless it immediately joins the negotiation process because otherwise it will lose the opportunity to have its opinions reflected in the TPP rules on trade liberalization and investment being discussed there.
日本も早く加わらないと、貿易自由化や投資のルール作りに間に合わず、国益を損なう。
However, arguments against it are smoldering domestically.
ところが、国内には異論がくすぶる。
In particular, the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry and lawmakers with close ties to the farm sector claim Japan's participation in TPP would ruin its agricultural sector.
特に、農林水産省や農業関係議員は、ＴＰＰが日本農業を崩壊させると主張している。
However, we think the major causes of a crisis in Japan's agriculture are its low productivity and a shortage of people engaged in farming.
日本農業の危機は、低生産性や担い手不足が主因である。
The nation's agricultural industry could deal with liberalization of the farm products market if it makes itself competitive by consolidating farmland to boost productivity.
農地の集約化を進めて生産性を高め、競争力のある産業に転換すれば、農産物の市場開放に対応できるだろう。
The TPP should be considered a catalyst for the revival of Japanese agriculture.
ＴＰＰを農業再生の起爆剤と考えるべきだ。
Meanwhile, the combined long-term debts of the central and local governments are set to reach 937 trillion yen at the end of fiscal 2012, a figure that is double the gross domestic product.
国と地方の長期債務は２０１２年度末で９３７兆円と、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の約２倍に達する。
This is the worst fiscal condition in the world.
世界最悪の状況だ。
Nonetheless, the government keeps piling up huge deficits. Tax revenues are increasing at a sluggish pace due to the economic downturn while expenditures, particularly social security spending on medical care and pension programs, are ballooning.
経済の低迷で税収が伸びないうえに、医療や年金など社会保障費を中心に歳出が膨らみ、巨額の財政赤字を垂れ流している。
===
Take the tax bull by the horns
◆消費税上げが必要だ◆
Members of the Japanese workforce are showing a stronger tendency to spend less and save more for fear that the nation's fiscal and social security system might collapse eventually.
財政や社会保障制度がいずれ、破綻しかねないとの不安から、働く世代が消費を抑え、貯蓄を増やす傾向が強まっている。
The government must halt the vicious cycle in which anxiety about the future dampens consumer spending, resulting in low economic growth and reduced tax revenues.
将来不安が消費を冷やし、低成長と税収減を招く悪循環を断ち切らねばならない。
However, lawmakers do not seem to be keenly aware of this pinch.
しかし、政治の危機感は薄い。
Policy measures are still a mixture of the standstill and the rambling due to the divided Diet and populist pandering.
衆参ねじれ国会と大衆迎合（ポピュリズム）で、政策はいまだに停滞と迷走を繰り返している。
The only way to rehabilitate the nation's finances and social security system is to secure stable financial sources with a consumption tax rate increase.
財政と社会保障を立て直すには消費税率を引き上げ、安定財源を確保するほかに道はない。
Regardless of whatever party is in power, this is a task that any government must accomplish.
これは与野党を問わず、政治が実現しなければならない課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2012)
（2012年1月11日01時11分 読売新聞）
2012/01/11
野田外交の責務 日本の存在高める戦略を持て
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 11, 2012)
Noda must pursue diplomacy that will enhance nation's presence
野田外交の責務 日本の存在高める戦略を持て（1月10日付・読売社説）
It has been pointed out for years that Japan's diplomatic standing is deteriorating, a condition likened to "ground subsidence."
日本外交の地盤沈下が指摘されて久しい。
With the prime minister being changed annually for six years in a row, international awareness of this country's existence has further declined.
６年連続で首相が交代し、国際社会での日本の存在感は一層薄まっている。
Last year, we received heartwarming help from all over the world after the country suffered the disastrous Great East Japan Earthquake.
昨年は、東日本大震災に対し世界中から温かい支援を受けた。
This international bond made us recognize afresh the importance of diplomacy.
国際的な連帯は外交の重要性を再認識させた。
This year, Japan must drop its inward-looking stance and advance an active diplomacy to improve the nation's presence in the world.
日本は今年、内向き姿勢を排し、自らの存在を高める能動的な外交を展開することが肝要だ。
To this end, the top priority should be the deepening of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has described as the "cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy."
優先して取り組むべきは、野田首相が「日本外交の基軸」と強調する日米同盟の深化である。
◆首相訪米で同盟深化を◆
Both the Japanese and U.S. governments are now planning an official visit by Noda to the United States this year.
日米両政府は今年、野田首相の公式訪米を検討している。
Originally, the governments planned a U.S. visit in 2010 by the then prime minister and an announcement of a joint document aimed at deepening the bilateral alliance to mark the 50th anniversary of the revision of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
However, the plan has been continuously postponed due to political upheaval in Japan and other reasons.
本来は、日米安全保障条約改定５０周年の２０１０年に首相訪米と同盟深化の共同文書の発表を計画していたが、日本の政局の混乱などで先送りされ続けてきた。
The plan should be realized this year.
今年こそ、実現せねばなるまい。
===
Speed up Futenma relocation
To realize the plan, it is important for the government to advance the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を前進させることが大切だ。
In late December, the government submitted to the Okinawa prefectural government an environmental impact assessment for an alternative facility to be constructed in the Henoko district of Nago in the same prefecture.
政府は昨年末、名護市辺野古に建設する代替施設の環境影響評価書を沖縄県に提出した。
The most difficult hurdle for realizing the relocation plan is to obtain permission to reclaim land in offshore waters from Okinawa Gov.
Hirokazu Nakaima, who stressed "relocation of the air station functions outside the prefecture" as one of his election campaign pledges.
最大の関門は、「県外移設」を公約した仲井真弘多知事から公有水面埋め立ての許可を得ることだ。
Noda must seek a comprehensive agreement with the Okinawa prefectural government on the Futenma issue, the relocation of marine corps personnel stationed in the prefecture to Guam and the prefecture's economic development programs, among other issues.
野田首相は、普天間問題や在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転、沖縄振興などに関する沖縄県との包括的な合意を目指さねばならない。
It will also be important for him to repeatedly have strategic dialogues with the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which has made clear its diplomatic position of focusing on Asia.
These joint discussions are necessary to cope with China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence.
「アジア重視」路線を鮮明にしたオバマ政権と、膨張する中国に共同で対処するための戦略対話を重ねることも重要となる。
To guide China toward the observation of international rules for settling economic problems and maritime territorial issues, Japan and the United States should closely cooperate in the use of frameworks for multilateral discussions, including the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Regional Forum, as well as Japan-U.S.-South Korea, Japan-U.S.-India and Japan-U.S.-Australia trilateral frameworks.
経済や海洋問題で国際ルールを順守する方向に中国を誘導するには、日米が緊密に連携し、東アジア首脳会議やＡＳＥＡＮ地域フォーラム（ＡＲＦ）などの多国間会議や、日米韓、日米印、日米豪の枠組みを活用する必要がある。
◆「拉致」前進へ連携強化◆
The situation on the Korean Peninsula has become increasingly opaque due to the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
北朝鮮の金正日総書記の死去で朝鮮半島情勢は不透明になった。
To prepare for unforeseen contingencies, it is indispensable for our nation not only to cooperate with the United States, but also to closely share information and coordinate policies with both China and South Korea.
不測の事態に備えるため、日米だけでなく、中韓両国との緊密な情報共有と政策調整が不可欠だ。
===
Expand trilateral ties
We also need to expand trilateral defense cooperation with the United States and South Korea by formulating operational plans to deal with contingencies and participating in joint exercises and other activities.
有事を想定した作戦計画の策定や共同演習の実施など、日米韓の防衛協力も拡充したい。
In December, South Korea brought up the issue of the so-called comfort women, but Japan should not budge on its stance that all compensation issues have been settled.
韓国は昨年１２月、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題を提起してきたが、日本は、請求権問題は解決済みとの立場を一切変更すべきではない。
At the same time, our nation should develop future-oriented relations with Seoul.
同時に、日韓関係を未来志向で発展させることも求められよう。
As for North Korea, the leadership change there should be exploited to break the stalemate on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted to that country.
北朝鮮の指導者交代を、膠着(こうちゃく)状態にある日本人拉致問題を前進させる契機とする発想が必要だ。
Late last month, the government decided to reinforce the abduction issue countermeasures headquarters.
政府は先月末、拉致問題対策本部の体制を強化する方針を決定した。
In close cooperation with the United States, China, South Korea and Russia, the government must devise a strategy to try to resolve the North Korean nuclear and abduction issues at the same time.
米中韓露各国との連携を密にし、核問題と拉致問題を同時に動かす戦略を練らねばならない。
In Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will almost certainly return to the Kremlin after winning a presidential election in March.
ロシアでは、３月の大統領選を経てプーチン首相が大統領に復帰することが確実視されている。
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev takes the stand of not recognizing the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration that pledged to return two islands off Hokkaido to Japan after conclusion of a peace treaty.
メドベージェフ大統領は、北方領土の２島返還を明記した１９５６年の日ソ共同宣言さえ認めない立場で、国後島訪問を強行し、日露関係は冷却化した。
He visited Kunashiri Island in November 2010 despite Japan's opposition, thereby cooling bilateral relations. Russia's expected presidential change must be used to improve the relations.
大統領交代を関係改善の機会としたい。
Russia will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum's summit meeting in Vladivostok in September.
ロシアは今年９月、ウラジオストクでアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）を主催する予定で、
The country seeks our nation's cooperation in energy development.
日本にエネルギー協力を求めている。
Japan needs strategic diplomacy that will respond flexibly depending on Moscow's behavior.
ロシアの出方に応じた柔軟かつ戦略的な外交が求められる。
Many international conferences will be held in Japan this year.
日本では今年、多くの国際会議が開かれる。
They include the 6th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting set for May in Okinawa Prefecture, a ministerial conference on large-scale disasters in summer, a general meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in October and a ministerial conference on nuclear safety in December.
５月には沖縄で太平洋・島サミットを開く。夏に大規模災害の閣僚級会議、１０月に国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会、年末に原子力安全に関する閣僚級会議が予定されている。
Based on the lessons learned from the March 11 disaster and subsequent reconstruction efforts, Japan must focus on the new roles it can play in disaster countermeasures, the world economy and nuclear power generation. 大震災からの日本の復興と、震災の教訓を踏まえた防災、世界経済、原子力の各分野における日本の新たな役割をアピールすべきだ。
This would serve to repay the assistance offered by foreign countries in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
それが各国からの震災支援に対する恩返しともなろう。
===
ODA skid must be halted
◆ＯＤＡ削減に歯止めを◆
For Japan to secure a voice on the world stage, the continual cuts in budgetary outlays for official development assistance must be halted.
日本が国際的な発言力を確保するには、外交の「武器」である政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）予算の削減に歯止めをかけねばならない。
ODA spending has fallen year on year for 13 consecutive years and now stands at about half its peak level. ＯＤＡは１３年連続で減少し、今はピーク時の約半分にすぎない。
Japan's ranking has dropped to fifth on the world's list of ODA donors.
支出額は世界５位に後退した。
Through the effective use of ODA, the government must build strategic relationships with countries in Southeastern, Southwestern and Central Asia as a check against China's rising presence in these areas.
ＯＤＡの効果的な活用で、中国の台頭をにらんだ東南・南西・中央アジア諸国との戦略的関係を構築すべきだ。
We also hope that ODA to resource-rich African countries will be expanded.
資源が豊富なアフリカ各国への援助も拡充したい。
It is also important for Japan to take part more in international cooperation activities such as U.N. peacekeeping operations.
国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）などの国際協力に、より積極的に参加することも大切である。
The government will soon send an advance team of the Ground Self-Defense Force that will take part in U.N. peacekeeping operations in the Republic of South Sudan, which became independent from Sudan last year.
政府は、昨年独立した南スーダンでのＰＫＯに近く陸上自衛隊の先遣隊を派遣する。
About 240 GSDF personnel in charge of construction of facilities will be sent by late March.
３月下旬までに施設部隊約２４０人を送り、
They plan to engage in construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in the suburbs of the capital city of Juba.
首都ジュバ近郊で道路や橋の整備を行う予定だ。
It is very significant for Japan to contribute to the nation-building of the newly independent African nation.
南スーダンの国造りに貢献する意義は大きい。
Local security is stable at present.
現地の治安は現在、安定しているが、
But the possibility remains that the situation will change.
情勢が変化する可能性もある。
To ensure the safety of GSDF personnel, it is necessary to expand the rules of engagement for the use of arms to international standards, allowing GSDF personnel to use arms for the purpose of carrying out their missions.
自衛隊員の安全確保には、武器使用基準を国際標準並みに拡大し、任務遂行目的の使用を可能にする必要がある。
The issue has been left pending for a long time, but now is the time to resolve it politically.
この長年の懸案を、そろそろ政治の責任で解決すべき時だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 10, 2012)
（2012年1月10日01時15分 読売新聞）
Noda must pursue diplomacy that will enhance nation's presence
野田外交の責務 日本の存在高める戦略を持て（1月10日付・読売社説）
It has been pointed out for years that Japan's diplomatic standing is deteriorating, a condition likened to "ground subsidence."
日本外交の地盤沈下が指摘されて久しい。
With the prime minister being changed annually for six years in a row, international awareness of this country's existence has further declined.
６年連続で首相が交代し、国際社会での日本の存在感は一層薄まっている。
Last year, we received heartwarming help from all over the world after the country suffered the disastrous Great East Japan Earthquake.
昨年は、東日本大震災に対し世界中から温かい支援を受けた。
This international bond made us recognize afresh the importance of diplomacy.
国際的な連帯は外交の重要性を再認識させた。
This year, Japan must drop its inward-looking stance and advance an active diplomacy to improve the nation's presence in the world.
日本は今年、内向き姿勢を排し、自らの存在を高める能動的な外交を展開することが肝要だ。
To this end, the top priority should be the deepening of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has described as the "cornerstone of Japanese diplomacy."
優先して取り組むべきは、野田首相が「日本外交の基軸」と強調する日米同盟の深化である。
◆首相訪米で同盟深化を◆
Both the Japanese and U.S. governments are now planning an official visit by Noda to the United States this year.
日米両政府は今年、野田首相の公式訪米を検討している。
Originally, the governments planned a U.S. visit in 2010 by the then prime minister and an announcement of a joint document aimed at deepening the bilateral alliance to mark the 50th anniversary of the revision of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty.
However, the plan has been continuously postponed due to political upheaval in Japan and other reasons.
本来は、日米安全保障条約改定５０周年の２０１０年に首相訪米と同盟深化の共同文書の発表を計画していたが、日本の政局の混乱などで先送りされ続けてきた。
The plan should be realized this year.
今年こそ、実現せねばなるまい。
===
Speed up Futenma relocation
To realize the plan, it is important for the government to advance the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を前進させることが大切だ。
In late December, the government submitted to the Okinawa prefectural government an environmental impact assessment for an alternative facility to be constructed in the Henoko district of Nago in the same prefecture.
政府は昨年末、名護市辺野古に建設する代替施設の環境影響評価書を沖縄県に提出した。
The most difficult hurdle for realizing the relocation plan is to obtain permission to reclaim land in offshore waters from Okinawa Gov.
Hirokazu Nakaima, who stressed "relocation of the air station functions outside the prefecture" as one of his election campaign pledges.
最大の関門は、「県外移設」を公約した仲井真弘多知事から公有水面埋め立ての許可を得ることだ。
Noda must seek a comprehensive agreement with the Okinawa prefectural government on the Futenma issue, the relocation of marine corps personnel stationed in the prefecture to Guam and the prefecture's economic development programs, among other issues.
野田首相は、普天間問題や在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転、沖縄振興などに関する沖縄県との包括的な合意を目指さねばならない。
It will also be important for him to repeatedly have strategic dialogues with the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama, which has made clear its diplomatic position of focusing on Asia.
These joint discussions are necessary to cope with China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence.
「アジア重視」路線を鮮明にしたオバマ政権と、膨張する中国に共同で対処するための戦略対話を重ねることも重要となる。
To guide China toward the observation of international rules for settling economic problems and maritime territorial issues, Japan and the United States should closely cooperate in the use of frameworks for multilateral discussions, including the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Regional Forum, as well as Japan-U.S.-South Korea, Japan-U.S.-India and Japan-U.S.-Australia trilateral frameworks.
経済や海洋問題で国際ルールを順守する方向に中国を誘導するには、日米が緊密に連携し、東アジア首脳会議やＡＳＥＡＮ地域フォーラム（ＡＲＦ）などの多国間会議や、日米韓、日米印、日米豪の枠組みを活用する必要がある。
◆「拉致」前進へ連携強化◆
The situation on the Korean Peninsula has become increasingly opaque due to the death of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il.
北朝鮮の金正日総書記の死去で朝鮮半島情勢は不透明になった。
To prepare for unforeseen contingencies, it is indispensable for our nation not only to cooperate with the United States, but also to closely share information and coordinate policies with both China and South Korea.
不測の事態に備えるため、日米だけでなく、中韓両国との緊密な情報共有と政策調整が不可欠だ。
===
Expand trilateral ties
We also need to expand trilateral defense cooperation with the United States and South Korea by formulating operational plans to deal with contingencies and participating in joint exercises and other activities.
有事を想定した作戦計画の策定や共同演習の実施など、日米韓の防衛協力も拡充したい。
In December, South Korea brought up the issue of the so-called comfort women, but Japan should not budge on its stance that all compensation issues have been settled.
韓国は昨年１２月、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題を提起してきたが、日本は、請求権問題は解決済みとの立場を一切変更すべきではない。
At the same time, our nation should develop future-oriented relations with Seoul.
同時に、日韓関係を未来志向で発展させることも求められよう。
As for North Korea, the leadership change there should be exploited to break the stalemate on the issue of Japanese nationals abducted to that country.
北朝鮮の指導者交代を、膠着(こうちゃく)状態にある日本人拉致問題を前進させる契機とする発想が必要だ。
Late last month, the government decided to reinforce the abduction issue countermeasures headquarters.
政府は先月末、拉致問題対策本部の体制を強化する方針を決定した。
In close cooperation with the United States, China, South Korea and Russia, the government must devise a strategy to try to resolve the North Korean nuclear and abduction issues at the same time.
米中韓露各国との連携を密にし、核問題と拉致問題を同時に動かす戦略を練らねばならない。
In Russia, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin will almost certainly return to the Kremlin after winning a presidential election in March.
ロシアでは、３月の大統領選を経てプーチン首相が大統領に復帰することが確実視されている。
Russian President Dmitry Medvedev takes the stand of not recognizing the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration that pledged to return two islands off Hokkaido to Japan after conclusion of a peace treaty.
メドベージェフ大統領は、北方領土の２島返還を明記した１９５６年の日ソ共同宣言さえ認めない立場で、国後島訪問を強行し、日露関係は冷却化した。
He visited Kunashiri Island in November 2010 despite Japan's opposition, thereby cooling bilateral relations. Russia's expected presidential change must be used to improve the relations.
大統領交代を関係改善の機会としたい。
Russia will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum's summit meeting in Vladivostok in September.
ロシアは今年９月、ウラジオストクでアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）を主催する予定で、
The country seeks our nation's cooperation in energy development.
日本にエネルギー協力を求めている。
Japan needs strategic diplomacy that will respond flexibly depending on Moscow's behavior.
ロシアの出方に応じた柔軟かつ戦略的な外交が求められる。
Many international conferences will be held in Japan this year.
日本では今年、多くの国際会議が開かれる。
They include the 6th Pacific Islands Leaders Meeting set for May in Okinawa Prefecture, a ministerial conference on large-scale disasters in summer, a general meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank in October and a ministerial conference on nuclear safety in December.
５月には沖縄で太平洋・島サミットを開く。夏に大規模災害の閣僚級会議、１０月に国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会、年末に原子力安全に関する閣僚級会議が予定されている。
Based on the lessons learned from the March 11 disaster and subsequent reconstruction efforts, Japan must focus on the new roles it can play in disaster countermeasures, the world economy and nuclear power generation. 大震災からの日本の復興と、震災の教訓を踏まえた防災、世界経済、原子力の各分野における日本の新たな役割をアピールすべきだ。
This would serve to repay the assistance offered by foreign countries in the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
それが各国からの震災支援に対する恩返しともなろう。
===
ODA skid must be halted
◆ＯＤＡ削減に歯止めを◆
For Japan to secure a voice on the world stage, the continual cuts in budgetary outlays for official development assistance must be halted.
日本が国際的な発言力を確保するには、外交の「武器」である政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）予算の削減に歯止めをかけねばならない。
ODA spending has fallen year on year for 13 consecutive years and now stands at about half its peak level. ＯＤＡは１３年連続で減少し、今はピーク時の約半分にすぎない。
Japan's ranking has dropped to fifth on the world's list of ODA donors.
支出額は世界５位に後退した。
Through the effective use of ODA, the government must build strategic relationships with countries in Southeastern, Southwestern and Central Asia as a check against China's rising presence in these areas.
ＯＤＡの効果的な活用で、中国の台頭をにらんだ東南・南西・中央アジア諸国との戦略的関係を構築すべきだ。
We also hope that ODA to resource-rich African countries will be expanded.
資源が豊富なアフリカ各国への援助も拡充したい。
It is also important for Japan to take part more in international cooperation activities such as U.N. peacekeeping operations.
国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）などの国際協力に、より積極的に参加することも大切である。
The government will soon send an advance team of the Ground Self-Defense Force that will take part in U.N. peacekeeping operations in the Republic of South Sudan, which became independent from Sudan last year.
政府は、昨年独立した南スーダンでのＰＫＯに近く陸上自衛隊の先遣隊を派遣する。
About 240 GSDF personnel in charge of construction of facilities will be sent by late March.
３月下旬までに施設部隊約２４０人を送り、
They plan to engage in construction and maintenance of roads and bridges in the suburbs of the capital city of Juba.
首都ジュバ近郊で道路や橋の整備を行う予定だ。
It is very significant for Japan to contribute to the nation-building of the newly independent African nation.
南スーダンの国造りに貢献する意義は大きい。
Local security is stable at present.
現地の治安は現在、安定しているが、
But the possibility remains that the situation will change.
情勢が変化する可能性もある。
To ensure the safety of GSDF personnel, it is necessary to expand the rules of engagement for the use of arms to international standards, allowing GSDF personnel to use arms for the purpose of carrying out their missions.
自衛隊員の安全確保には、武器使用基準を国際標準並みに拡大し、任務遂行目的の使用を可能にする必要がある。
The issue has been left pending for a long time, but now is the time to resolve it politically.
この長年の懸案を、そろそろ政治の責任で解決すべき時だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 10, 2012)
（2012年1月10日01時15分 読売新聞）
不安な世界経済 欧州危機の早期収束がカギだ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 10, 2012)
Resolving European crisis key to buoying global economy
不安な世界経済 欧州危機の早期収束がカギだ（1月9日付・読売社説）
A somber new year has begun for the global economy, with no victory in sight in the battle to solve the financial crisis that started in Europe.
欧州発の金融危機を克服するメドが立たないまま、世界経済の重苦しい新年がスタートした。
Can we prevent the crisis from spreading further and stave off a rapid slowdown in the global economy?
危機拡大を防ぎ、世界景気の急減速を回避できるか。
Many hurdles lie ahead, and rough going is expected for the global economy.
いくつものハードルが待ち構え、波乱含みだ。
Last autumn, the International Monetary Fund forecast the global economy as a whole would grow 4 percent in real terms in 2012.
But it is highly likely the IMF will revise this projection downward to the mid-3 percent range as early as this month.
国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は昨秋、２０１２年の世界経済について全体で実質４％成長と予想したが、１月中にも、３％台半ば程度に下方修正する公算が大きい。
The eurozone economy could log negative growth due to its financial crisis and fiscal austerity policy.
金融危機と緊縮財政などに伴い、ユーロ圏はマイナス成長に陥りかねない。
The flagging economies in eurozone countries are expected to weigh down not only the United States and Japan but also emerging economies, including China, that have been enjoying robust growth.
An economic slowdown in those countries is considered unavoidable.
それが米国や日本だけでなく、好調だった中国など新興国の足も引っ張り、景気減速は不可避とみられている。
===
Prevent economy from stalling
◆景気失速を回避せよ
However, we must avoid a stall that could cause the global economy to nosedive.
だが、世界景気が急激に落ち込むような失速は回避しなければならない。
To do so, it is critical to resolve the European crisis soon.
そのためには、欧州危機の早期収束が重要だ。
Last year, credit uncertainty triggered by Greece's lax fiscal management spread to countries such as Italy and Spain, which are saddled with massive fiscal deficits.
The market was unsettled and stock prices remained low.
昨年は、放漫財政のギリシャが発端になり、巨額の財政赤字を抱えたイタリアやスペインなどに信用不安が飛び火した。市場は動揺し、株価が低迷した。
The euro became mired in its most serious crisis since its introduction in 1999.
１９９９年の導入以来、最大のピンチに陥ったのが通貨ユーロだ。
The depreciation of the euro accelerated and it fell below 100 yen around the change of the year.
ユーロ安が加速し、年末から年明けにかけ、１ユーロ＝１００円を割り込んでいる。
In December, a summit meeting of the European Union, including countries that use the euro such as Germany and France, finally agreed on countermeasures whose main pillars include strengthening fiscal discipline in the respective countries.
独仏などのユーロ導入国を含む欧州連合（ＥＵ）の首脳会議は昨年１２月、ようやく、財政規律の強化などを柱にした対策を決めた。
It is praiseworthy that Europe, which has always been reactive in dealing with the crisis, began taking action.
対応が後手に回ってきた欧州が動き出したことは評価できる。
However, bondholders continue to unload Italian and other European bonds, and their yields continue to rise. しかし、その後も、イタリアなどの国債が売られ、国債流通利回りは上昇傾向にある。
The Italian and Spanish governments will redeem a large amount of bonds.
イタリアとスペインが大量の国債償還を控えている。
The market appears to be increasingly wary over whether the two countries can get through the redemption.
それを乗り越えることができるかどうか、市場は警戒を強めているのだろう。
Major credit-rating agencies may downgrade the bonds of France and further cut their assessments of bonds of other European countries.
大手格付け会社が、フランスなども含め、欧州各国の国債を一段と格下げする恐れもある。
There seems to be no end to the turmoil.
混乱の火種は消えない。
The EU's crisis countermeasures are still not powerful enough to dispel the financial concerns.
ＥＵの危機対策は、金融不安の払拭にはまだ力不足である。
It is essential that European countries strengthen their solidarity and seriously work on crisis countermeasures.
欧州各国が結束を強め、危機対策に本気で取り組むことが肝要だ。
First and foremost, eurozone countries should steadily implement measures to support Greece, for which it would be unrealistic to drop the euro.
Countries such as Germany and France must fully support the country.
ユーロ導入国はまず、ギリシャ支援策を着実に実行すべきだ。ギリシャのユーロ離脱は非現実的といえる。独仏などが全力で支えねばならない。
As a safety net, it is also urgent to expand the financial foundations of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), which was agreed on at the summit meeting.
安全網として、首脳会議が合意した欧州金融安定基金（ＥＦＳＦ）の資金基盤拡充も急務だ。
There is no time to waste in increasing the capital of banks that hold bonds of Italy and other European countries.
イタリア国債などを保有する銀行の資本増強も待ったなしである。
The role of the European Central Bank, known as the "guardian of the euro," is certain to grow.
“ユーロの番人”の欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）の役割は増す。
We hope to see the ECB study the advisability of taking drastic steps such as expanded purchases of Italian government bonds.
イタリアの国債購入拡大など、大胆な策を検討してもらいたい。
The most fundamental problem with Europe is that individual European countries have been handling their fiscal policies separately, while employing a common currency.
通貨は一つだが、財政はバラバラということが、欧州の根本的な問題だ。
European leaders have properly agreed on the need to beef up their countries' fiscal discipline, and on their mutual monitoring of fiscal conditions.
首脳たちが財政規律を強化し、互いに監視する方針で合意したのは妥当だ。
Now the question is whether Germany and France will be able to take concerted action to deepen European integration.
独仏両国が足並みを乱さず、欧州統合を深化させる行動力が問われよう。
===
U.S. also on tightrope
◆米国経済も綱渡り
Although the U.S. economy has begun to pick up slowly, it is still not on track toward a full recovery.
米国経済は緩やかに持ち直しているが、本格回復は遅れている。
The high jobless rate in the United States is still hovering at about 9 percent, and it is unclear whether personal spending will continue growing in the new year.
失業率は約９％に高止まりし、個人消費の持続力は不透明だ。
If the United States is affected by a deterioration of the European economies, it could raise fears that U.S. business conditions will worsen.
今後、欧州経済の悪化が波及すると、景気低迷も懸念される。
Furthermore, there are signs of a looming stalemate in the handling of U.S. fiscal and financial policy.
加えて、財政、金融の両政策とも手詰まり感が目立つ。
As the confrontation continues unabated between the ruling and opposition parties over ways to reduce fiscal deficits, a focus of attention in the U.S. political arena, additional business stimulus by President Barack Obama's administration seems hardly possible.
焦点の財政赤字削減を巡る与野党の対立が続き、オバマ大統領の追加景気対策の実施は、事実上、困難になっている。
While it is urgently necessary for the United States to reduce its colossal fiscal deficits, excessive belt-tightening measures could dampen business activity.
巨額財政赤字を抱える米国の財政再建も必要だが、過度な緊縮財政には、景気を冷やし過ぎる副作用もある。
As political maneuvering intensifies with the presidential election drawing near, Obama should give full play to his leadership in pursuit of a compromise plan with Congress over the fiscal woes.
大統領選に向け、与野党の駆け引きが激しくなる中、大統領は議会と妥協策を探る手腕を発揮してほしい。
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve Board has decided on the extraordinary policy of keeping its interest rate near zero until the end of the first half of 2013, but its effect on shoring up business activity is considered limited.
一方で、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）は、異例のゼロ金利政策を２０１３年半ばまで継続する方針を決めたが、景気下支えの効果は限定的とみられる。
The Fed should watch carefully how things evolve in the European debt crisis and the world's financial markets, as well as changes in the currently unstable U.S. economy, and should not hesitate to flexibly invoke new financial policies, such as further quantitative monetary easing.
ＦＲＢは、欧州危機と金融市場の推移、不安定な米国景気などを注視し、一段の量的緩和策を含めて、機動的な金融政策の発動をためらうべきではない。
===
Great hopes pinned on China
◆中国への期待大きい
There are growing calls for solidarity among the Group of 20 economies, comprised of industrially advanced countries including Japan, the United States and European nations, and such emerging economies as China, India and Brazil.
日米欧の先進国に、中国、インド、ブラジルなど新興国を加えた主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）の結束も、改めて求められる。
In the wake of the 2008 bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, the G-20 successfully mobilized its members to coordinate fiscal and financial policy and ride out the global financial crisis that followed the U.S. investment bank's failure.
０８年のリーマン・ショック後、Ｇ２０がそろって、財政と金融政策を総動員し、世界不況を克服した。
In particular, China should be given credit for playing a great role in overcoming the crisis by implementing a huge business stimulus program.
とくに巨額の景気対策を実施した中国の役割は大きかった。
The international community is now focused on how China, which has become the world's No. 2 economy, will contribute to coping with the current European debt crisis.
焦点は、今や、世界第２位の経済大国になった中国が、今回の欧州危機に対し、どんな貢献ができるかだ。
One idea would be for it to buy a significant amount of bonds issued by the EFSF.
欧州のＥＦＳＦ債の積極的な購入は一案だろう。
The world is also placing hopes on China's steps to buoy its domestic economy, which has begun to show signs of a slowdown due to such factors as drops in exports to Europe.
欧州向け輸出減などが原因で、減速傾向がでてきた中国経済の景気テコ入れ策も期待される。
Compared with Japan, the United States and European countries, China has considerably more room to hammer out fiscal stimulus measures and additional monetary easing.
日米欧に比べると、中国は財政刺激策や、一段の金融緩和に踏み切る余地がある。
By maintaining stable economic growth with a flexible range of policies, China could help prop up the global economy.
機動的な政策で安定成長を維持することが、世界経済の下支えに役立つ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 9, 2012)
（2012年1月9日01時24分 読売新聞）
Resolving European crisis key to buoying global economy
不安な世界経済 欧州危機の早期収束がカギだ（1月9日付・読売社説）
A somber new year has begun for the global economy, with no victory in sight in the battle to solve the financial crisis that started in Europe.
欧州発の金融危機を克服するメドが立たないまま、世界経済の重苦しい新年がスタートした。
Can we prevent the crisis from spreading further and stave off a rapid slowdown in the global economy?
危機拡大を防ぎ、世界景気の急減速を回避できるか。
Many hurdles lie ahead, and rough going is expected for the global economy.
いくつものハードルが待ち構え、波乱含みだ。
Last autumn, the International Monetary Fund forecast the global economy as a whole would grow 4 percent in real terms in 2012.
But it is highly likely the IMF will revise this projection downward to the mid-3 percent range as early as this month.
国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は昨秋、２０１２年の世界経済について全体で実質４％成長と予想したが、１月中にも、３％台半ば程度に下方修正する公算が大きい。
The eurozone economy could log negative growth due to its financial crisis and fiscal austerity policy.
金融危機と緊縮財政などに伴い、ユーロ圏はマイナス成長に陥りかねない。
The flagging economies in eurozone countries are expected to weigh down not only the United States and Japan but also emerging economies, including China, that have been enjoying robust growth.
An economic slowdown in those countries is considered unavoidable.
それが米国や日本だけでなく、好調だった中国など新興国の足も引っ張り、景気減速は不可避とみられている。
===
Prevent economy from stalling
◆景気失速を回避せよ
However, we must avoid a stall that could cause the global economy to nosedive.
だが、世界景気が急激に落ち込むような失速は回避しなければならない。
To do so, it is critical to resolve the European crisis soon.
そのためには、欧州危機の早期収束が重要だ。
Last year, credit uncertainty triggered by Greece's lax fiscal management spread to countries such as Italy and Spain, which are saddled with massive fiscal deficits.
The market was unsettled and stock prices remained low.
昨年は、放漫財政のギリシャが発端になり、巨額の財政赤字を抱えたイタリアやスペインなどに信用不安が飛び火した。市場は動揺し、株価が低迷した。
The euro became mired in its most serious crisis since its introduction in 1999.
１９９９年の導入以来、最大のピンチに陥ったのが通貨ユーロだ。
The depreciation of the euro accelerated and it fell below 100 yen around the change of the year.
ユーロ安が加速し、年末から年明けにかけ、１ユーロ＝１００円を割り込んでいる。
In December, a summit meeting of the European Union, including countries that use the euro such as Germany and France, finally agreed on countermeasures whose main pillars include strengthening fiscal discipline in the respective countries.
独仏などのユーロ導入国を含む欧州連合（ＥＵ）の首脳会議は昨年１２月、ようやく、財政規律の強化などを柱にした対策を決めた。
It is praiseworthy that Europe, which has always been reactive in dealing with the crisis, began taking action.
対応が後手に回ってきた欧州が動き出したことは評価できる。
However, bondholders continue to unload Italian and other European bonds, and their yields continue to rise. しかし、その後も、イタリアなどの国債が売られ、国債流通利回りは上昇傾向にある。
The Italian and Spanish governments will redeem a large amount of bonds.
イタリアとスペインが大量の国債償還を控えている。
The market appears to be increasingly wary over whether the two countries can get through the redemption.
それを乗り越えることができるかどうか、市場は警戒を強めているのだろう。
Major credit-rating agencies may downgrade the bonds of France and further cut their assessments of bonds of other European countries.
大手格付け会社が、フランスなども含め、欧州各国の国債を一段と格下げする恐れもある。
There seems to be no end to the turmoil.
混乱の火種は消えない。
The EU's crisis countermeasures are still not powerful enough to dispel the financial concerns.
ＥＵの危機対策は、金融不安の払拭にはまだ力不足である。
It is essential that European countries strengthen their solidarity and seriously work on crisis countermeasures.
欧州各国が結束を強め、危機対策に本気で取り組むことが肝要だ。
First and foremost, eurozone countries should steadily implement measures to support Greece, for which it would be unrealistic to drop the euro.
Countries such as Germany and France must fully support the country.
ユーロ導入国はまず、ギリシャ支援策を着実に実行すべきだ。ギリシャのユーロ離脱は非現実的といえる。独仏などが全力で支えねばならない。
As a safety net, it is also urgent to expand the financial foundations of the European Financial Stability Facility (EFSF), which was agreed on at the summit meeting.
安全網として、首脳会議が合意した欧州金融安定基金（ＥＦＳＦ）の資金基盤拡充も急務だ。
There is no time to waste in increasing the capital of banks that hold bonds of Italy and other European countries.
イタリア国債などを保有する銀行の資本増強も待ったなしである。
The role of the European Central Bank, known as the "guardian of the euro," is certain to grow.
“ユーロの番人”の欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）の役割は増す。
We hope to see the ECB study the advisability of taking drastic steps such as expanded purchases of Italian government bonds.
イタリアの国債購入拡大など、大胆な策を検討してもらいたい。
The most fundamental problem with Europe is that individual European countries have been handling their fiscal policies separately, while employing a common currency.
通貨は一つだが、財政はバラバラということが、欧州の根本的な問題だ。
European leaders have properly agreed on the need to beef up their countries' fiscal discipline, and on their mutual monitoring of fiscal conditions.
首脳たちが財政規律を強化し、互いに監視する方針で合意したのは妥当だ。
Now the question is whether Germany and France will be able to take concerted action to deepen European integration.
独仏両国が足並みを乱さず、欧州統合を深化させる行動力が問われよう。
===
U.S. also on tightrope
◆米国経済も綱渡り
Although the U.S. economy has begun to pick up slowly, it is still not on track toward a full recovery.
米国経済は緩やかに持ち直しているが、本格回復は遅れている。
The high jobless rate in the United States is still hovering at about 9 percent, and it is unclear whether personal spending will continue growing in the new year.
失業率は約９％に高止まりし、個人消費の持続力は不透明だ。
If the United States is affected by a deterioration of the European economies, it could raise fears that U.S. business conditions will worsen.
今後、欧州経済の悪化が波及すると、景気低迷も懸念される。
Furthermore, there are signs of a looming stalemate in the handling of U.S. fiscal and financial policy.
加えて、財政、金融の両政策とも手詰まり感が目立つ。
As the confrontation continues unabated between the ruling and opposition parties over ways to reduce fiscal deficits, a focus of attention in the U.S. political arena, additional business stimulus by President Barack Obama's administration seems hardly possible.
焦点の財政赤字削減を巡る与野党の対立が続き、オバマ大統領の追加景気対策の実施は、事実上、困難になっている。
While it is urgently necessary for the United States to reduce its colossal fiscal deficits, excessive belt-tightening measures could dampen business activity.
巨額財政赤字を抱える米国の財政再建も必要だが、過度な緊縮財政には、景気を冷やし過ぎる副作用もある。
As political maneuvering intensifies with the presidential election drawing near, Obama should give full play to his leadership in pursuit of a compromise plan with Congress over the fiscal woes.
大統領選に向け、与野党の駆け引きが激しくなる中、大統領は議会と妥協策を探る手腕を発揮してほしい。
Meanwhile, the Federal Reserve Board has decided on the extraordinary policy of keeping its interest rate near zero until the end of the first half of 2013, but its effect on shoring up business activity is considered limited.
一方で、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）は、異例のゼロ金利政策を２０１３年半ばまで継続する方針を決めたが、景気下支えの効果は限定的とみられる。
The Fed should watch carefully how things evolve in the European debt crisis and the world's financial markets, as well as changes in the currently unstable U.S. economy, and should not hesitate to flexibly invoke new financial policies, such as further quantitative monetary easing.
ＦＲＢは、欧州危機と金融市場の推移、不安定な米国景気などを注視し、一段の量的緩和策を含めて、機動的な金融政策の発動をためらうべきではない。
===
Great hopes pinned on China
◆中国への期待大きい
There are growing calls for solidarity among the Group of 20 economies, comprised of industrially advanced countries including Japan, the United States and European nations, and such emerging economies as China, India and Brazil.
日米欧の先進国に、中国、インド、ブラジルなど新興国を加えた主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）の結束も、改めて求められる。
In the wake of the 2008 bankruptcy of Lehman Brothers, the G-20 successfully mobilized its members to coordinate fiscal and financial policy and ride out the global financial crisis that followed the U.S. investment bank's failure.
０８年のリーマン・ショック後、Ｇ２０がそろって、財政と金融政策を総動員し、世界不況を克服した。
In particular, China should be given credit for playing a great role in overcoming the crisis by implementing a huge business stimulus program.
とくに巨額の景気対策を実施した中国の役割は大きかった。
The international community is now focused on how China, which has become the world's No. 2 economy, will contribute to coping with the current European debt crisis.
焦点は、今や、世界第２位の経済大国になった中国が、今回の欧州危機に対し、どんな貢献ができるかだ。
One idea would be for it to buy a significant amount of bonds issued by the EFSF.
欧州のＥＦＳＦ債の積極的な購入は一案だろう。
The world is also placing hopes on China's steps to buoy its domestic economy, which has begun to show signs of a slowdown due to such factors as drops in exports to Europe.
欧州向け輸出減などが原因で、減速傾向がでてきた中国経済の景気テコ入れ策も期待される。
Compared with Japan, the United States and European countries, China has considerably more room to hammer out fiscal stimulus measures and additional monetary easing.
日米欧に比べると、中国は財政刺激策や、一段の金融緩和に踏み切る余地がある。
By maintaining stable economic growth with a flexible range of policies, China could help prop up the global economy.
機動的な政策で安定成長を維持することが、世界経済の下支えに役立つ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 9, 2012)
（2012年1月9日01時24分 読売新聞）
2012/01/10
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：まず目の前を大切に ／東京
(Mainichi Japan) January 8, 2012
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Doing things in your own way a good enough goal for 2012
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：まず目の前を大切に ／東京
At the end of last year, I was interviewed by a magazine and was asked for my goals and words to live by in the year 2012.
昨年末に雑誌の取材を受けて、「来年のご自身の目標やキーワードは何ですか」と聞かれたのでこう答えた。
"Well, I don't have any particular goals, and I guess I'd live by the words 'for the time being' and 'in my own way,'" I answered.
「えーと、目標はとくになくて、キーワードは“とりあえず”と“それなりに”ですね」
The magazine editor there looked at me with an expression that said, "What? Are you joking?" but I was just being honest.
それを聞いた編集者は、「はあ？ 冗談でしょう？」と言いたげな顔をしたのだが、私としては、正直な気持ちを話しただけだ。
At the end of last year, many of my patients mentioned things being a certain way "for the time being" and that they'd done something or another "in their own way."
診察室でも年末には、この「それなりに」「とりあえず」という言葉を何度も聞いた。
They all had plenty to deal with, since they faced illness in addition to the earthquake disasters and the long-continuing recession that affected the entire country.
大震災、長引く不況、その上、患者さんたちにとっては病気との闘いもあるわけだから、誰もがいわゆる“いっぱいいっぱい”。
As the end of such an eventful year approached, it was only natural for my discussions with patients to turn to how far they'd made it -- in their own way, and how they hoped to make similar progress -- for the time being.
その中で迎えた年末に、「まあ、自分なりになんとかがんばって、ようやくここまで来た感じですね」「とりあえず来年も、いまのペースでゆっくりやっていきますよ」という会話になるのは、ごく自然のことだろう。
And that's no easy feat. Under such unfavorable conditions, making it to the end of one year and welcoming the next even if it is "in one's own way" is actually a grueling task.
いや、それどころではない。この苦難の状況の中、たとえ「とりあえず」であっても年末までこぎつけ、そして新しい年を迎えるというのは、実はたいへんなことなのだ。
"Doing things in your own way, at least for the time being, to get by is an incredible achievement," I might say to a patient. "It's because you've been working so hard at your day-to-day life and treatment that you've come this far."
「とりあえず、それなりにやってきた。それって、とてもすごいことじゃないですか。あなたが一生懸命、生活や治療に取り組んできたからこそ、そう言えるんですよ」
In normal conversation, the possible subtext of the phrases "in my own way" and "for the time being" is that whatever has been accomplished is sufficient only according to a subjective yardstick, and that any achievement is temporary.
ふだんの会話の中では、「とりあえず」や「それなりに」という言葉は、決して良い意味では使われない。
They have the negative implication that things have been left unfinished and people have been left unsatisfied.
なんだか中途半端で終わったとか、不満足なままだった、といったあいまいな感じがするときに使われることがほとんどだ。
But in these times, it's especially hard to attain high ideals or perfect success.
とはいえこの時代、高いところにある理想とか完璧な成功だとかを追い求めても、そこにはなかなか到達しない。
On the contrary, we are sometimes treated to unpredictable incidents and unexpected sources of stress.
それどころか、私たちの毎日には、いろいろなアクシデントも起これば思わぬ悩みごとがわいてくることもある。
Amidst all that, we have to do what we can to take on a day at a time while not giving up, at least for the time being.
そんな中、すべてを「もうダメだ」と投げ出すことなく、「とりあえず、今日一日」と自分に言い聞かせながら目の前にあることに取り組む。
Keeping that up is no simple task.
その積み重ねは、決して簡単なことではない。
I expect there are many others who, like me, have yet to set up a particular goal for this year.
私に限らず、これといった今年の目標がまだ立っていない、という人もたくさんいるだろう。
To those people I recommend that for the time being, you just try doing things in your own way.
そういう人に私はおすすめしたい。
「まずは、とりあえず今日だけ、自分なりにやれることをやってみる、というのはどうでしょう」。
I, too, hope to move forward this year not by chasing after goals too high or too far, but by first of all treasuring those things and people directly in front of me, and taking each step slowly.
私も遠くや高いところはあまり見ずに、まずは目の前の人やものを大切にしながら、ゆっくりと生きていきたい。今年もよろしくお願いします。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年1月4日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Doing things in your own way a good enough goal for 2012
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：まず目の前を大切に ／東京
At the end of last year, I was interviewed by a magazine and was asked for my goals and words to live by in the year 2012.
昨年末に雑誌の取材を受けて、「来年のご自身の目標やキーワードは何ですか」と聞かれたのでこう答えた。
"Well, I don't have any particular goals, and I guess I'd live by the words 'for the time being' and 'in my own way,'" I answered.
「えーと、目標はとくになくて、キーワードは“とりあえず”と“それなりに”ですね」
The magazine editor there looked at me with an expression that said, "What? Are you joking?" but I was just being honest.
それを聞いた編集者は、「はあ？ 冗談でしょう？」と言いたげな顔をしたのだが、私としては、正直な気持ちを話しただけだ。
At the end of last year, many of my patients mentioned things being a certain way "for the time being" and that they'd done something or another "in their own way."
診察室でも年末には、この「それなりに」「とりあえず」という言葉を何度も聞いた。
They all had plenty to deal with, since they faced illness in addition to the earthquake disasters and the long-continuing recession that affected the entire country.
大震災、長引く不況、その上、患者さんたちにとっては病気との闘いもあるわけだから、誰もがいわゆる“いっぱいいっぱい”。
As the end of such an eventful year approached, it was only natural for my discussions with patients to turn to how far they'd made it -- in their own way, and how they hoped to make similar progress -- for the time being.
その中で迎えた年末に、「まあ、自分なりになんとかがんばって、ようやくここまで来た感じですね」「とりあえず来年も、いまのペースでゆっくりやっていきますよ」という会話になるのは、ごく自然のことだろう。
And that's no easy feat. Under such unfavorable conditions, making it to the end of one year and welcoming the next even if it is "in one's own way" is actually a grueling task.
いや、それどころではない。この苦難の状況の中、たとえ「とりあえず」であっても年末までこぎつけ、そして新しい年を迎えるというのは、実はたいへんなことなのだ。
"Doing things in your own way, at least for the time being, to get by is an incredible achievement," I might say to a patient. "It's because you've been working so hard at your day-to-day life and treatment that you've come this far."
「とりあえず、それなりにやってきた。それって、とてもすごいことじゃないですか。あなたが一生懸命、生活や治療に取り組んできたからこそ、そう言えるんですよ」
In normal conversation, the possible subtext of the phrases "in my own way" and "for the time being" is that whatever has been accomplished is sufficient only according to a subjective yardstick, and that any achievement is temporary.
ふだんの会話の中では、「とりあえず」や「それなりに」という言葉は、決して良い意味では使われない。
They have the negative implication that things have been left unfinished and people have been left unsatisfied.
なんだか中途半端で終わったとか、不満足なままだった、といったあいまいな感じがするときに使われることがほとんどだ。
But in these times, it's especially hard to attain high ideals or perfect success.
とはいえこの時代、高いところにある理想とか完璧な成功だとかを追い求めても、そこにはなかなか到達しない。
On the contrary, we are sometimes treated to unpredictable incidents and unexpected sources of stress.
それどころか、私たちの毎日には、いろいろなアクシデントも起これば思わぬ悩みごとがわいてくることもある。
Amidst all that, we have to do what we can to take on a day at a time while not giving up, at least for the time being.
そんな中、すべてを「もうダメだ」と投げ出すことなく、「とりあえず、今日一日」と自分に言い聞かせながら目の前にあることに取り組む。
Keeping that up is no simple task.
その積み重ねは、決して簡単なことではない。
I expect there are many others who, like me, have yet to set up a particular goal for this year.
私に限らず、これといった今年の目標がまだ立っていない、という人もたくさんいるだろう。
To those people I recommend that for the time being, you just try doing things in your own way.
そういう人に私はおすすめしたい。
「まずは、とりあえず今日だけ、自分なりにやれることをやってみる、というのはどうでしょう」。
I, too, hope to move forward this year not by chasing after goals too high or too far, but by first of all treasuring those things and people directly in front of me, and taking each step slowly.
私も遠くや高いところはあまり見ずに、まずは目の前の人やものを大切にしながら、ゆっくりと生きていきたい。今年もよろしくお願いします。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2012年1月4日 地方版
2012/01/08
指導者交代の年―国際社会の構想をきそえ
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 4
EDITORIAL: World leaders need philosophy of coexistence
指導者交代の年―国際社会の構想をきそえ
The year 2012 may see some comings and goings among familiar world leaders.
２０１２年は、おなじみの世界の指導者が、かなり入れ替わる年になるかもしれない。
U.S. President Barack Obama is seeking re-election.
米国は、オバマ大統領が２期目にいどむ。
In China, Xi Jinping, currently a high-ranking member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, is expected to become party secretary-general.
中国で、共産党総書記に習近平（シー・チンピン）・党政治局常務委員が選ばれる見通しだ。
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is aiming for a presidential comeback, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to seek another term.
ロシアは、プーチン首相が大統領返り咲きを目指す。サルコジ仏大統領は再選期を迎える。
And in South Korea, where presidents may serve only one term, voters will be electing President Lee Myung-bak's successor.
大統領再選が禁じられている韓国は、李明博（イ・ミョンバク）氏の後継を選挙する年だ。
Each country has its own set of complex issues.
各国とも内情は複雑である。
Pitfalls of turning inward
■内向きへの落とし穴
Polarization between conservatism and liberalism is accelerating in the United States.
米国は、保守とリベラルの二極化がますます進む。
Economic disparities are growing in China.
中国では経済格差が広がった。
The Russian public is becoming increasingly critical of authoritarian government of the last 12 years.
ロシアは１２年間にわたる強権政治への反発が強まっている。
In France, the deteriorating economy is giving rise to xenophobic tendencies, while citizens' groups are gaining political prominence in South Korea, poised to sideline the nation's established political parties that are fast losing popular support.
フランスでは経済悪化が排外的な動きを誘発している。韓国では既成政党が批判され、市民派が政治の主役に躍り出ようとしている。
The waves of reform are lapping in each of these countries.
どの国も変革の波に洗われている。
Serial economic crises have destroyed traditional social ties, and the Internet has opened up a whole new forum of discourse.
経済危機の連鎖が社会の絆をたち切り、インターネットが開いた言論空間が、既存の秩序をゆさぶり始めた。
With the existing order now standing on shaky ground, no incumbent can be certain of re-election, while a change of government may spell further political chaos.
現職が再選されるかは不透明であり、指導者の交代が政治をいっそう混迷させる可能性もある。
In an election year or when a leadership change is imminent, politicians focus on domestic issues, and the whole nation tends to turn inward.
選挙や政権交代の時期は、国内へのアピールに力を入れるため、内向きになりやすい。
We are concerned that this tendency may become even more pronounced this year because of the generally unstable state of the world.
混乱の時代に、その傾向がいっそう強まらないか心配だ。
Twenty years have passed since the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
冷戦が終わり、旧ソ連が崩壊してから２０年がたつ。
Seen from the economic and information-related perspectives, the world has become one.
経済や情報の流れでみると、世界はひとつになった。
As is obvious from global warming and the European debt crisis triggered by Greece, our world is saddled with problems that cannot be resolved by any single country.
ギリシャ発の経済危機や地球温暖化が示すように、国家単位では解決できない課題が山積している。
Even economic recession and unemployment, which used to be domestic issues just for the nations concerned, now require collective action.
従来は国内で完結していた不況や失業への対応も、一国では限りがある。
Traditional policy packages are no longer viable today.
できあいの政策パッケージに頼ることは不可能となった。
An era is definitely ending, but we cannot see a new era at all.
ひとつの時代が終わろうとしているのに、新しい時代はいっこうに見えてこない。
We are caught in a deep historic crisis.
深い歴史的危機のなかに私たちはある。
We must first understand that there are no simple solutions to the problems confronting us now.
まずは、目下の問題に簡単な解決策などないことを、理解しよう。
And this is just the sort of time in history when political forces coalesce to create and attack an easy-to-identify "enemy."
こういう時代には、わかりやすい「敵」をつくって、攻撃する政治がはびこる。
New philosophy of coexistence
■新しい共存の論理を
In the United States, the federal government is the target of attack of the conservative and populist Tea Party movement that is gaining support in certain sectors.
米国では、保守の大衆運動である茶会（ティーパーティー）が、連邦政府そのものを敵対視し、支持をのばしている。
In China, there are young people who go wild with excitement when the government or the military play hardball on territorial and naval issues.
中国では、領土問題や海洋戦略で政府や軍が強硬姿勢を取ると、熱狂する若者たちがいる。
Hate-filled words fly.
憎しみをあおる言葉が飛びかう。
"Nationalism" is used as an excuse for taking people's attention away from domestic problems.
内から目をそらすためにナショナリズムが使われる。
Hatred and fear are contagious.
憎しみと恐怖は伝わりやすい。
We must guard against this sort of negative chain reaction.
負の連鎖に警戒せねばならない。
The world does not need to hear irresponsible words that only appeal to the emotional masses.
世界が必要としているのは、沸騰する国民感情に迎合する甘言ではない。
What the world does need to hear is a philosophy of coexistence that is appropriate to this transitional period in history.
歴史の転機にふさわしい共存の論理のはずだ。
How has humanity overcome crises in the past?
人類は過去の危機をどう乗り越えただろうか。
The world's great imperial powers clashed in World War I. Toward the end of this "war to end all wars," U.S. President Woodrow Wilson delivered the "Fourteen Points" address, in which he presented a postwar blueprint for ethnic self-determination, the establishment of an international peace organ, and so on.
帝国主義の列強が衝突した第１次世界大戦では、大戦末期にウィルソン米大統領が青写真を描いた。民族自決や、国際平和機構の設立などを掲げた「１４カ条」を打ち出した。
During World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt co-drafted the Atlantic Charter, which called for no territorial aggrandizement, reduction of trade restrictions and other ideals and became the basis of the postwar global order.
第２次大戦では、ルーズベルト米大統領とチャーチル英首相が「大西洋憲章」を発表した。領土不拡大、貿易の機会均等などの柱は、戦後構想の礎石となった。
History proves that a new order cannot be brought into being by armed force alone.
新しい秩序は、力だけでは生まれない。
A philosophical blueprint of the world is indispensable.
あるべき世界の姿を描く論理が不可欠なことを歴史は示している。
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. who died last year, was called a "visionary" for his extraordinary foresight and ability to create a future.
昨年亡くなったアップルの創業者、スティーブ・ジョブズは「ビジョナリー」と呼ばれた。
未来を予見し、構築する人という意味である。
He captured the hearts of people by giving form to his innovative ideas.
魅力的なアイデアを新しい商品に具現化し、人々の心をつかんだ。
Ability to realize ideals
■思考を現実化する力
World leaders should be visionaries, too.
領域は違うが、世界の指導者に求められるのも、同じ資質ではないだろうか。
All over the world, there are certain things people seek, wherever they may be living.
地球上のどこに住もうとも、人々が求めるものがある。
They include the minimum standards of life to maintain human dignity, freedom of speech, freedom from racial and religious discrimination, and not being killed in war or acts of violence.
人間らしい最低限の生活、言論の自由、人種や宗教で差別されないこと、戦争や暴力で命を奪われないこと。
People in all countries know that these goals cannot be attained by their efforts alone, and that they share their fate with the entire world.
どの国の人々も、自分たちの力だけではそういう目標が達成されないこと、世界の運命が分かちがたく結びついていることを知っている。
Their collective yearning must not go unanswered, and a blueprint for a new international community must be drawn up.
人々のこうした願いをたばねて、新しい国際社会の構想を示す必要がある。
Specific steps have already been shown.
すでに個別の対処法は、あれこれ出ている。
One is to bolster a framework for multilateral coordination to better deal with today's new realities, and there are signs that the G-20 is addressing this.
たとえば、主要２０カ国・地域サミット（Ｇ２０）にその兆しが見られるような、新しい現実に対応した多国間の調整枠組みを充実させること。
Another is to set up a crisis control system that will prevent the eruption of international animosity over nuclear proliferation and territorial disputes.
核兵器の拡散や領土問題が、国と国との憎しみに火をつけない危機管理の仕組みを整えること。
Many countries concur that such steps must be taken.
このような対策が必要なことに多くの国の合意がある。
But what is lacking is the ability of world leaders to communicate the need to seek these goals in easy-to-understand words and in a well-reasoned manner, and convince people in their countries.
欠けているのは、こうした目標に向かって進むべきことを、魅力的な言葉とわかりやすい論理で説明し、国民を説得する指導者の力なのである。
A political visionary is someone who can do this.
それが政治で求められるビジョナリーではないか。
We would like the incumbents and challengers alike in this year's elections or planned transfers of power to compete with one another on their visionary ideas.
今年、世界の選挙や指導者の交代で、そういう構想を競い合ってほしい。
EDITORIAL: World leaders need philosophy of coexistence
指導者交代の年―国際社会の構想をきそえ
The year 2012 may see some comings and goings among familiar world leaders.
２０１２年は、おなじみの世界の指導者が、かなり入れ替わる年になるかもしれない。
U.S. President Barack Obama is seeking re-election.
米国は、オバマ大統領が２期目にいどむ。
In China, Xi Jinping, currently a high-ranking member of the Politburo Standing Committee of the Communist Party of China, is expected to become party secretary-general.
中国で、共産党総書記に習近平（シー・チンピン）・党政治局常務委員が選ばれる見通しだ。
Russian Prime Minister Vladimir Putin is aiming for a presidential comeback, and French President Nicolas Sarkozy is expected to seek another term.
ロシアは、プーチン首相が大統領返り咲きを目指す。サルコジ仏大統領は再選期を迎える。
And in South Korea, where presidents may serve only one term, voters will be electing President Lee Myung-bak's successor.
大統領再選が禁じられている韓国は、李明博（イ・ミョンバク）氏の後継を選挙する年だ。
Each country has its own set of complex issues.
各国とも内情は複雑である。
Pitfalls of turning inward
■内向きへの落とし穴
Polarization between conservatism and liberalism is accelerating in the United States.
米国は、保守とリベラルの二極化がますます進む。
Economic disparities are growing in China.
中国では経済格差が広がった。
The Russian public is becoming increasingly critical of authoritarian government of the last 12 years.
ロシアは１２年間にわたる強権政治への反発が強まっている。
In France, the deteriorating economy is giving rise to xenophobic tendencies, while citizens' groups are gaining political prominence in South Korea, poised to sideline the nation's established political parties that are fast losing popular support.
フランスでは経済悪化が排外的な動きを誘発している。韓国では既成政党が批判され、市民派が政治の主役に躍り出ようとしている。
The waves of reform are lapping in each of these countries.
どの国も変革の波に洗われている。
Serial economic crises have destroyed traditional social ties, and the Internet has opened up a whole new forum of discourse.
経済危機の連鎖が社会の絆をたち切り、インターネットが開いた言論空間が、既存の秩序をゆさぶり始めた。
With the existing order now standing on shaky ground, no incumbent can be certain of re-election, while a change of government may spell further political chaos.
現職が再選されるかは不透明であり、指導者の交代が政治をいっそう混迷させる可能性もある。
In an election year or when a leadership change is imminent, politicians focus on domestic issues, and the whole nation tends to turn inward.
選挙や政権交代の時期は、国内へのアピールに力を入れるため、内向きになりやすい。
We are concerned that this tendency may become even more pronounced this year because of the generally unstable state of the world.
混乱の時代に、その傾向がいっそう強まらないか心配だ。
Twenty years have passed since the end of the Cold War and the collapse of the Soviet Union.
冷戦が終わり、旧ソ連が崩壊してから２０年がたつ。
Seen from the economic and information-related perspectives, the world has become one.
経済や情報の流れでみると、世界はひとつになった。
As is obvious from global warming and the European debt crisis triggered by Greece, our world is saddled with problems that cannot be resolved by any single country.
ギリシャ発の経済危機や地球温暖化が示すように、国家単位では解決できない課題が山積している。
Even economic recession and unemployment, which used to be domestic issues just for the nations concerned, now require collective action.
従来は国内で完結していた不況や失業への対応も、一国では限りがある。
Traditional policy packages are no longer viable today.
できあいの政策パッケージに頼ることは不可能となった。
An era is definitely ending, but we cannot see a new era at all.
ひとつの時代が終わろうとしているのに、新しい時代はいっこうに見えてこない。
We are caught in a deep historic crisis.
深い歴史的危機のなかに私たちはある。
We must first understand that there are no simple solutions to the problems confronting us now.
まずは、目下の問題に簡単な解決策などないことを、理解しよう。
And this is just the sort of time in history when political forces coalesce to create and attack an easy-to-identify "enemy."
こういう時代には、わかりやすい「敵」をつくって、攻撃する政治がはびこる。
New philosophy of coexistence
■新しい共存の論理を
In the United States, the federal government is the target of attack of the conservative and populist Tea Party movement that is gaining support in certain sectors.
米国では、保守の大衆運動である茶会（ティーパーティー）が、連邦政府そのものを敵対視し、支持をのばしている。
In China, there are young people who go wild with excitement when the government or the military play hardball on territorial and naval issues.
中国では、領土問題や海洋戦略で政府や軍が強硬姿勢を取ると、熱狂する若者たちがいる。
Hate-filled words fly.
憎しみをあおる言葉が飛びかう。
"Nationalism" is used as an excuse for taking people's attention away from domestic problems.
内から目をそらすためにナショナリズムが使われる。
Hatred and fear are contagious.
憎しみと恐怖は伝わりやすい。
We must guard against this sort of negative chain reaction.
負の連鎖に警戒せねばならない。
The world does not need to hear irresponsible words that only appeal to the emotional masses.
世界が必要としているのは、沸騰する国民感情に迎合する甘言ではない。
What the world does need to hear is a philosophy of coexistence that is appropriate to this transitional period in history.
歴史の転機にふさわしい共存の論理のはずだ。
How has humanity overcome crises in the past?
人類は過去の危機をどう乗り越えただろうか。
The world's great imperial powers clashed in World War I. Toward the end of this "war to end all wars," U.S. President Woodrow Wilson delivered the "Fourteen Points" address, in which he presented a postwar blueprint for ethnic self-determination, the establishment of an international peace organ, and so on.
帝国主義の列強が衝突した第１次世界大戦では、大戦末期にウィルソン米大統領が青写真を描いた。民族自決や、国際平和機構の設立などを掲げた「１４カ条」を打ち出した。
During World War II, British Prime Minister Winston Churchill and U.S. President Franklin D. Roosevelt co-drafted the Atlantic Charter, which called for no territorial aggrandizement, reduction of trade restrictions and other ideals and became the basis of the postwar global order.
第２次大戦では、ルーズベルト米大統領とチャーチル英首相が「大西洋憲章」を発表した。領土不拡大、貿易の機会均等などの柱は、戦後構想の礎石となった。
History proves that a new order cannot be brought into being by armed force alone.
新しい秩序は、力だけでは生まれない。
A philosophical blueprint of the world is indispensable.
あるべき世界の姿を描く論理が不可欠なことを歴史は示している。
Steve Jobs, co-founder of Apple Inc. who died last year, was called a "visionary" for his extraordinary foresight and ability to create a future.
昨年亡くなったアップルの創業者、スティーブ・ジョブズは「ビジョナリー」と呼ばれた。
未来を予見し、構築する人という意味である。
He captured the hearts of people by giving form to his innovative ideas.
魅力的なアイデアを新しい商品に具現化し、人々の心をつかんだ。
Ability to realize ideals
■思考を現実化する力
World leaders should be visionaries, too.
領域は違うが、世界の指導者に求められるのも、同じ資質ではないだろうか。
All over the world, there are certain things people seek, wherever they may be living.
地球上のどこに住もうとも、人々が求めるものがある。
They include the minimum standards of life to maintain human dignity, freedom of speech, freedom from racial and religious discrimination, and not being killed in war or acts of violence.
人間らしい最低限の生活、言論の自由、人種や宗教で差別されないこと、戦争や暴力で命を奪われないこと。
People in all countries know that these goals cannot be attained by their efforts alone, and that they share their fate with the entire world.
どの国の人々も、自分たちの力だけではそういう目標が達成されないこと、世界の運命が分かちがたく結びついていることを知っている。
Their collective yearning must not go unanswered, and a blueprint for a new international community must be drawn up.
人々のこうした願いをたばねて、新しい国際社会の構想を示す必要がある。
Specific steps have already been shown.
すでに個別の対処法は、あれこれ出ている。
One is to bolster a framework for multilateral coordination to better deal with today's new realities, and there are signs that the G-20 is addressing this.
たとえば、主要２０カ国・地域サミット（Ｇ２０）にその兆しが見られるような、新しい現実に対応した多国間の調整枠組みを充実させること。
Another is to set up a crisis control system that will prevent the eruption of international animosity over nuclear proliferation and territorial disputes.
核兵器の拡散や領土問題が、国と国との憎しみに火をつけない危機管理の仕組みを整えること。
Many countries concur that such steps must be taken.
このような対策が必要なことに多くの国の合意がある。
But what is lacking is the ability of world leaders to communicate the need to seek these goals in easy-to-understand words and in a well-reasoned manner, and convince people in their countries.
欠けているのは、こうした目標に向かって進むべきことを、魅力的な言葉とわかりやすい論理で説明し、国民を説得する指導者の力なのである。
A political visionary is someone who can do this.
それが政治で求められるビジョナリーではないか。
We would like the incumbents and challengers alike in this year's elections or planned transfers of power to compete with one another on their visionary ideas.
今年、世界の選挙や指導者の交代で、そういう構想を競い合ってほしい。
2012/01/07
混迷の日本政治 「消費税」を政争の具にするな
付録＾＾：
記事のコメントではなくって朝日新聞社の英文記事力作のご紹介です。
新聞社は各社とも北京に駐在員を置いているようですね。
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北京で中国人HIV患者たちの置かれている実態を秘密裏に（？）取材した朝日新聞の力作。
この記者は朝日新聞の北京駐在員みたいですが、多分、事前に中国当局の許可をとっての取材ではないかと思います。いきなりこの記事を掲載したら中国を追放されるかも知れないからです。
英文はスラチャイと同じ中学生レベルで大変読みやすいです。
内容がしっかりとしているので、それは十分にカバーされているのです。
新聞記事の命はそのコンテンツ（内容）ですからね。
↓
http://kiyoshimatforklog.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2012/01/beijing-tragedy.html
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 6, 2012)
Don't let consumption tax become political football
混迷の日本政治 「消費税」を政争の具にするな（1月5日付・読売社説）
Japan finds itself facing various difficult problems that must be resolved immediately. There is not a second to lose.
日本が直面しているのは一刻の猶予も許されない課題ばかりである。
These issues include reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, dealing with the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, increasing the consumption tax rate and reforming the social security system, participation in talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, and rebuilding the country's diplomatic and security systems.
震災復興や原子力発電所事故の対応、消費税率引き上げと社会保障制度改革、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、外交・安全保障体制の立て直し……。
However, this country's politicians, who are supposed to play vital roles in resolving such issues, remain unable to implement necessary policies in the current divided Diet, under which the opposition bloc controls the House of Councillors.
肝心の政治は、衆参ねじれ国会の下、必要な政策を実現できない。
Under these circumstances, the public increasingly feels the situation is stalemated.
国民の閉塞感は強まっている。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's tenure as president of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and Sadakazu Tanigaki's term as president of the Liberal Democratic Party will expire in September.
今年は、９月に野田民主党代表と谷垣自民党総裁が任期切れを迎える。
Internal power struggles within the two major parties are certain to intensify as the leadership elections draw near, leaving domestic politics more vulnerable to the influence of short-term interests.
それに向けて２大政党で党内の権力抗争が強まり、政治は一層目先の利益に左右されよう。
Even so, the DPJ and the LDP must act with a broad viewpoint and strategy in mind.
だが、そうであっても、民主、自民両党は、大局観と戦略を忘れずに行動すべきである。
===
Break with failed pledges
◆破綻した公約と決別を◆
At his first press conference of the year Wednesday, Noda said integrated reform of the social security and tax systems cannot be put off any longer and stressed his intention to submit related bills to the Diet at the end of March.
野田首相は４日の年頭記者会見で、社会保障と税の一体改革について、「これ以上先送りできない」と述べ、３月末に関連法案を国会に提出する意向を強調した。
It is apparent that the current social security system, which asks the working generation to share an ever-increasing burden, will become unable to support the elderly sooner or later.
現役世代の負担に頼る現行制度では高齢者を支え切れなくなるのは明らかだ。
Unless the system is funded by revenue from the consumption tax, which imposes an equal burden on all generations, the possibility that Japan will sink into a fiscal crisis--like the current one in Europe--will become very real.
すべての世代が負担を分かち合う消費税で財源を賄わないと、欧州のような財政危機さえ現実味を帯びてくる。
Nonetheless, former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and some other DPJ members are openly opposed to the proposed consumption tax hike.
それなのに、小沢一郎元代表や鳩山元首相ら民主党議員の一部は、消費税率の引き上げに公然と反旗を翻している。
Their actions reveal from time to time their logic of self-preservation, which centers on the fear they will not be able to win elections unless they propose populist policies.
「世論受けしない政策を掲げると選挙で勝てない」という保身の論理が見え隠れする。
But it will be a betrayal of the public if they insist on adhering to the failed manifesto the DPJ put forward for the 2009 House of Representatives election.
破綻した政権公約（マニフェスト）の墨守をいまだに主張するのは、国民を欺く行為にほかならない。
In the discussion over the consumption tax hike within the DPJ at the end of last year, opponents strongly sought "reforms in which the government as well as Diet members share the pain," such as reducing the number of Diet seats and cutting the salaries of central government officials.
昨年末、消費税を巡る民主党内の論議で、反対派は議員定数削減や国家公務員給与の削減など「自ら身を切る改革」を強く求めた。
The prime minister showed his willingness in this regard, saying he wants to realize such reforms as quickly as possible during the ordinary Diet session that will be convened later this month.
首相も、「通常国会のなるべく早い時期に実現させたい」と積極的な姿勢を示している。
Political and administrative reforms are of course necessary.
無論、政治改革、行政改革は必要である。
But the agreement on these reforms must not be made a prerequisite to the submission of bills related to the consumption tax.
だが、これを消費税の関連法案提出の前提条件としてはなるまい。
In that case, opponents may try to use them as an excuse to put off the consumption tax hike.
反対派の狙う増税先送りの口実になりかねない。
The prime minister must do everything in his power to convince not only DPJ members but also the public about his policies.
首相は、党内はもとより国民を渾身(こんしん)の力で説得すべきである。
He still lacks the ability to make his ideas well understood and coordinate opinion with other parties so his "unwavering resolve" can be put into practice.
「不退転の覚悟」を実行に移すための発信力と調整力が、まだまだ足りない。
Noda expressed his intention to call on the opposition parties next week to hold talks on the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems.
野田首相は、社会保障と税の一体改革について、来週、野党に協議を呼びかける考えを明らかにした。
But to do so, the prime minister must improve relationships with opposition parties.
それには、野党との関係を改善しなければならない。
===
Boycott must be avoided
◆野党も責任を免れない◆
During the extraordinary Diet session last month the upper house passed censure motions against Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa and consumer affairs minister Kenji Yamaoka.
The LDP, New Komeito and some other opposition parties are set to boycott Diet deliberations attended by the two ministers.
臨時国会で参院の問責決議が可決された一川防衛相、山岡消費者相について自民、公明両党などは両氏の出席する審議を拒否する構えだ。
This is essentially a strategy that should not be taken.
本来は、採ってはならない戦術である。
However, the opposition bloc's cooperation will be vital if the government and the DPJ are to pass budget-related bills--including a bill to enable the government to issue deficit-covering government bonds totaling 38 trillion yen--during the ordinary Diet session.
だが、通常国会で、３８兆円もの赤字国債を発行するための特例公債法案など予算関連法案を成立させるには、野党の協力が欠かせない。
Noda must do more to break the impasse by taking necessary steps, such as replacing the two ministers in question in a Cabinet reshuffle.
野田首相は、内閣改造で閣僚を入れ替えるなど、事態の打開を図る必要がある。
Commenting on Noda's call for talks on the consumption tax between the ruling and opposition parties, Tanigaki said at a press conference Wednesday that the DPJ's manifesto does not presuppose a consumption tax rate hike and therefore "the DPJ-led administration is not qualified to propose this issue."
自民党の谷垣総裁は４日、記者会見し、首相が消費税問題で協議を呼びかけたことに関連し、民主党のマニフェストは消費税率の引き上げを前提としておらず、「民主党政権にこの問題を発議する資格はない」と述べた。
Tanigaki then called again for the dissolution of the lower house for a general election at an early date.
その上で、改めて早期の衆院解散・総選挙を求めている。
The LDP and Komeito should not turn the consumption tax issue into a political football.
消費税を政争の具にすべきではない。
If a lower house election is held before tax-related bills are submitted to the Diet, the consumption tax hike would become a contested election issue and tax reform could get shunted on to the back burner.
法案提出前の衆院選となれば、増税の是非が争点となり、制度改革は先送りされかねない。
Tanigaki also referred to his party's pledge during the 2010 upper house election to raise the consumption tax rate to 10 percent and said he will advance this policy.
谷垣氏は消費税率１０％への引き上げを２０１０年参院選で公約したことにも言及し、この方針は推し進めると語った。
The government and the DPJ--as the LDP insisted--changed their policy and leaned toward raising the consumption tax rate. However, the LDP is putting the cart before the horse if it hinders the government and the DPJ from realizing this tax increase.
その自民党の主張通り、政府・民主党が税率引き上げに政策を転換したのに、実現を妨害するのは、本末転倒である。
===
Opposition also to blame
◆「話し合い解散」目指せ◆
The LDP and Komeito, which held power for many years, also have a grave responsibility for Japan's lapsing into a critical fiscal situation.
日本が危機的な財政状況に陥ったのは、長年政権を担当してきた自公両党の責任も大きい。
Reconstructing the nation's tattered public finances is an unavoidable task for whichever administration is in power.
財政再建は、どの政権も避けて通れない。
Even if the LDP wins the next lower house election, the LDP and Komeito together do not hold a majority in the upper house.
They would have no choice but to ask the DPJ for cooperation.
自民党が仮に次期衆院選で勝っても、参院は自公両党でも過半数を得ておらず、民主党に協力を求めざるを得ないのだ。
The LDP and Komeito should join negotiations with the DPJ on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems.
自公両党は、民主党と、社会保障と税の一体改革に関する協議のテーブルにつくべきだろう。
We urge the LDP and Komeito to help pass the consumption tax-related bills at an early date and effectively agree with the DPJ through dialogue to dissolve the lower house.
与野党は、消費税の関連法案を早期に成立させて、事実上の「話し合い解散」に持ち込むことを模索してはどうか。
Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori said the ruling and opposition parties should first make progress on such issues as the consumption tax rate hike and electoral reform and then seek the people's mandate in the next lower house election, asking which party worked hard.
森元首相も、消費税率引き上げや選挙制度改革などで与野党が成果を上げてから、次期衆院選で「どの党が頑張ったか」を国民に問えばいい、と語っている。
Do the LDP and Komeito intend to just sit by and watch when it comes to the TPP comprehensive trade and economic framework and the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture? 自公両党は、ＴＰＰや米軍普天間飛行場移設の問題では傍観するのか。
Rather than simply taking potshots at Noda's administration, the two parties should encourage political debate by clearly spelling out their own policies, and deepen discussions on those issues.
政権を批判するだけでなく、自ら明確な方針を掲げて論戦を挑み、議論を深めてもらいたい。
We strongly believe this process would help build a powerful and stable political framework, including a rearrangement of the coalition.
そうしたプロセスが、連立の組み替えなど、強力かつ安定した政治体制の構築を目指す動きにもつながるはずである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 5, 2012)
（2012年1月5日01時51分 読売新聞）
記事のコメントではなくって朝日新聞社の英文記事力作のご紹介です。
新聞社は各社とも北京に駐在員を置いているようですね。
そういえば昔、毎日新聞北京特派員の今田先生と知り合い、銀座のバーで飲ませてもらったことがあります＾＾。
北京で中国人HIV患者たちの置かれている実態を秘密裏に（？）取材した朝日新聞の力作。
この記者は朝日新聞の北京駐在員みたいですが、多分、事前に中国当局の許可をとっての取材ではないかと思います。いきなりこの記事を掲載したら中国を追放されるかも知れないからです。
英文はスラチャイと同じ中学生レベルで大変読みやすいです。
内容がしっかりとしているので、それは十分にカバーされているのです。
新聞記事の命はそのコンテンツ（内容）ですからね。
↓
http://kiyoshimatforklog.cocolog-nifty.com/blog/2012/01/beijing-tragedy.html
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 6, 2012)
Don't let consumption tax become political football
混迷の日本政治 「消費税」を政争の具にするな（1月5日付・読売社説）
Japan finds itself facing various difficult problems that must be resolved immediately. There is not a second to lose.
日本が直面しているのは一刻の猶予も許されない課題ばかりである。
These issues include reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, dealing with the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, increasing the consumption tax rate and reforming the social security system, participation in talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, and rebuilding the country's diplomatic and security systems.
震災復興や原子力発電所事故の対応、消費税率引き上げと社会保障制度改革、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、外交・安全保障体制の立て直し……。
However, this country's politicians, who are supposed to play vital roles in resolving such issues, remain unable to implement necessary policies in the current divided Diet, under which the opposition bloc controls the House of Councillors.
肝心の政治は、衆参ねじれ国会の下、必要な政策を実現できない。
Under these circumstances, the public increasingly feels the situation is stalemated.
国民の閉塞感は強まっている。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's tenure as president of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and Sadakazu Tanigaki's term as president of the Liberal Democratic Party will expire in September.
今年は、９月に野田民主党代表と谷垣自民党総裁が任期切れを迎える。
Internal power struggles within the two major parties are certain to intensify as the leadership elections draw near, leaving domestic politics more vulnerable to the influence of short-term interests.
それに向けて２大政党で党内の権力抗争が強まり、政治は一層目先の利益に左右されよう。
Even so, the DPJ and the LDP must act with a broad viewpoint and strategy in mind.
だが、そうであっても、民主、自民両党は、大局観と戦略を忘れずに行動すべきである。
===
Break with failed pledges
◆破綻した公約と決別を◆
At his first press conference of the year Wednesday, Noda said integrated reform of the social security and tax systems cannot be put off any longer and stressed his intention to submit related bills to the Diet at the end of March.
野田首相は４日の年頭記者会見で、社会保障と税の一体改革について、「これ以上先送りできない」と述べ、３月末に関連法案を国会に提出する意向を強調した。
It is apparent that the current social security system, which asks the working generation to share an ever-increasing burden, will become unable to support the elderly sooner or later.
現役世代の負担に頼る現行制度では高齢者を支え切れなくなるのは明らかだ。
Unless the system is funded by revenue from the consumption tax, which imposes an equal burden on all generations, the possibility that Japan will sink into a fiscal crisis--like the current one in Europe--will become very real.
すべての世代が負担を分かち合う消費税で財源を賄わないと、欧州のような財政危機さえ現実味を帯びてくる。
Nonetheless, former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and some other DPJ members are openly opposed to the proposed consumption tax hike.
それなのに、小沢一郎元代表や鳩山元首相ら民主党議員の一部は、消費税率の引き上げに公然と反旗を翻している。
Their actions reveal from time to time their logic of self-preservation, which centers on the fear they will not be able to win elections unless they propose populist policies.
「世論受けしない政策を掲げると選挙で勝てない」という保身の論理が見え隠れする。
But it will be a betrayal of the public if they insist on adhering to the failed manifesto the DPJ put forward for the 2009 House of Representatives election.
破綻した政権公約（マニフェスト）の墨守をいまだに主張するのは、国民を欺く行為にほかならない。
In the discussion over the consumption tax hike within the DPJ at the end of last year, opponents strongly sought "reforms in which the government as well as Diet members share the pain," such as reducing the number of Diet seats and cutting the salaries of central government officials.
昨年末、消費税を巡る民主党内の論議で、反対派は議員定数削減や国家公務員給与の削減など「自ら身を切る改革」を強く求めた。
The prime minister showed his willingness in this regard, saying he wants to realize such reforms as quickly as possible during the ordinary Diet session that will be convened later this month.
首相も、「通常国会のなるべく早い時期に実現させたい」と積極的な姿勢を示している。
Political and administrative reforms are of course necessary.
無論、政治改革、行政改革は必要である。
But the agreement on these reforms must not be made a prerequisite to the submission of bills related to the consumption tax.
だが、これを消費税の関連法案提出の前提条件としてはなるまい。
In that case, opponents may try to use them as an excuse to put off the consumption tax hike.
反対派の狙う増税先送りの口実になりかねない。
The prime minister must do everything in his power to convince not only DPJ members but also the public about his policies.
首相は、党内はもとより国民を渾身(こんしん)の力で説得すべきである。
He still lacks the ability to make his ideas well understood and coordinate opinion with other parties so his "unwavering resolve" can be put into practice.
「不退転の覚悟」を実行に移すための発信力と調整力が、まだまだ足りない。
Noda expressed his intention to call on the opposition parties next week to hold talks on the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems.
野田首相は、社会保障と税の一体改革について、来週、野党に協議を呼びかける考えを明らかにした。
But to do so, the prime minister must improve relationships with opposition parties.
それには、野党との関係を改善しなければならない。
===
Boycott must be avoided
◆野党も責任を免れない◆
During the extraordinary Diet session last month the upper house passed censure motions against Defense Minister Yasuo Ichikawa and consumer affairs minister Kenji Yamaoka.
The LDP, New Komeito and some other opposition parties are set to boycott Diet deliberations attended by the two ministers.
臨時国会で参院の問責決議が可決された一川防衛相、山岡消費者相について自民、公明両党などは両氏の出席する審議を拒否する構えだ。
This is essentially a strategy that should not be taken.
本来は、採ってはならない戦術である。
However, the opposition bloc's cooperation will be vital if the government and the DPJ are to pass budget-related bills--including a bill to enable the government to issue deficit-covering government bonds totaling 38 trillion yen--during the ordinary Diet session.
だが、通常国会で、３８兆円もの赤字国債を発行するための特例公債法案など予算関連法案を成立させるには、野党の協力が欠かせない。
Noda must do more to break the impasse by taking necessary steps, such as replacing the two ministers in question in a Cabinet reshuffle.
野田首相は、内閣改造で閣僚を入れ替えるなど、事態の打開を図る必要がある。
Commenting on Noda's call for talks on the consumption tax between the ruling and opposition parties, Tanigaki said at a press conference Wednesday that the DPJ's manifesto does not presuppose a consumption tax rate hike and therefore "the DPJ-led administration is not qualified to propose this issue."
自民党の谷垣総裁は４日、記者会見し、首相が消費税問題で協議を呼びかけたことに関連し、民主党のマニフェストは消費税率の引き上げを前提としておらず、「民主党政権にこの問題を発議する資格はない」と述べた。
Tanigaki then called again for the dissolution of the lower house for a general election at an early date.
その上で、改めて早期の衆院解散・総選挙を求めている。
The LDP and Komeito should not turn the consumption tax issue into a political football.
消費税を政争の具にすべきではない。
If a lower house election is held before tax-related bills are submitted to the Diet, the consumption tax hike would become a contested election issue and tax reform could get shunted on to the back burner.
法案提出前の衆院選となれば、増税の是非が争点となり、制度改革は先送りされかねない。
Tanigaki also referred to his party's pledge during the 2010 upper house election to raise the consumption tax rate to 10 percent and said he will advance this policy.
谷垣氏は消費税率１０％への引き上げを２０１０年参院選で公約したことにも言及し、この方針は推し進めると語った。
The government and the DPJ--as the LDP insisted--changed their policy and leaned toward raising the consumption tax rate. However, the LDP is putting the cart before the horse if it hinders the government and the DPJ from realizing this tax increase.
その自民党の主張通り、政府・民主党が税率引き上げに政策を転換したのに、実現を妨害するのは、本末転倒である。
===
Opposition also to blame
◆「話し合い解散」目指せ◆
The LDP and Komeito, which held power for many years, also have a grave responsibility for Japan's lapsing into a critical fiscal situation.
日本が危機的な財政状況に陥ったのは、長年政権を担当してきた自公両党の責任も大きい。
Reconstructing the nation's tattered public finances is an unavoidable task for whichever administration is in power.
財政再建は、どの政権も避けて通れない。
Even if the LDP wins the next lower house election, the LDP and Komeito together do not hold a majority in the upper house.
They would have no choice but to ask the DPJ for cooperation.
自民党が仮に次期衆院選で勝っても、参院は自公両党でも過半数を得ておらず、民主党に協力を求めざるを得ないのだ。
The LDP and Komeito should join negotiations with the DPJ on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems.
自公両党は、民主党と、社会保障と税の一体改革に関する協議のテーブルにつくべきだろう。
We urge the LDP and Komeito to help pass the consumption tax-related bills at an early date and effectively agree with the DPJ through dialogue to dissolve the lower house.
与野党は、消費税の関連法案を早期に成立させて、事実上の「話し合い解散」に持ち込むことを模索してはどうか。
Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori said the ruling and opposition parties should first make progress on such issues as the consumption tax rate hike and electoral reform and then seek the people's mandate in the next lower house election, asking which party worked hard.
森元首相も、消費税率引き上げや選挙制度改革などで与野党が成果を上げてから、次期衆院選で「どの党が頑張ったか」を国民に問えばいい、と語っている。
Do the LDP and Komeito intend to just sit by and watch when it comes to the TPP comprehensive trade and economic framework and the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture? 自公両党は、ＴＰＰや米軍普天間飛行場移設の問題では傍観するのか。
Rather than simply taking potshots at Noda's administration, the two parties should encourage political debate by clearly spelling out their own policies, and deepen discussions on those issues.
政権を批判するだけでなく、自ら明確な方針を掲げて論戦を挑み、議論を深めてもらいたい。
We strongly believe this process would help build a powerful and stable political framework, including a rearrangement of the coalition.
そうしたプロセスが、連立の組み替えなど、強力かつ安定した政治体制の構築を目指す動きにもつながるはずである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 5, 2012)
（2012年1月5日01時51分 読売新聞）
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