--The Asahi Shimbun, July 4
EDITORIAL: Feed-in tariff system offers opportunities
自然エネルギー―普及急ぎ新しい社会へ
A feed-in tariff system that requires utilities to purchase electricity generated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power at fixed rates took effect July 1.
太陽光や風力など自然エネルギーによる電力を、電力会社が買い取る制度が始まった。
Renewable energy sources other than hydropower account for only 1 percent of Japan's overall power generation.
日本の自然エネルギー発電量は、水力を除くと、全体の１％でしかない。
Increased use of these clean energy sources will not only reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions but help lessen the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation.
As an added benefit, there will be no need to import raw materials for electricity production.
資源を輸入に頼らず、温暖化防止にもなる電源は、脱原発依存を進めるうえでも重要だ。
The tariff system should be used wisely to expand the use of renewable energy.
新制度をテコに普及を急ぎたい。
The rates at which utilities buy power from renewable energy will be reviewed annually. But rates, once determined for specific sellers, are guaranteed for 10 to 20 years.
買い取り価格は電源ごとに毎年見直されるが、一度決まれば１０～２０年保証される。
For the first year of the system, the rates have been set at a relatively high level: around 42 yen per kilowatt-hour of solar power.
初年度は１キロワット時４２円の太陽光など全体的に高めの設定だ。
There are some who say the rates are too high.
高すぎるとの声はある。
The policy was deliberate. The only way to encourage businesses to enter the market is to ensure that they will be able to make a decent profit.
ただ参入企業を増やすには、一定の利益が確保できるようにしなければならない。
Given that Japan trailed other industrialized nations in introducing feed-in tariffs, setting attractive rates makes certain sense.
日本の取り組みの遅れを考えれば、やむをえない面がある。
In recent months, companies have been clamoring to enter the business. During the current fiscal year, Japan's total renewable power capacity is expected to increase by 2.5 gigawatts.
実際、ここにきて事業者の参入が相次いでいる。今年度中に２５０万キロワット分の発電設備が増える見通しだ。
Clearly, the rates at which utilities buy power under the system should be determined with great care since costs will be passed on to consumers.
もちろん、細心の注意を払う必要がある。買い取りコストは消費者が負担するからだ。
Electricity rates charged to households nationwide will be raised by a flat monthly amount of 0.22 yen per kilowatt-hour. A family with an average monthly power bill of 7,000 yen ($87.67) will have to pay about 100 yen more each month.
料金への上乗せは、全国一律で１キロワット時あたり月０・２２円。月７千円の電気代を払っている家庭では、家庭用太陽光の買い取り分も含めて１００円前後の負担になる。
The figure incorporates an increase resulting from the purchase of surplus electricity from household solar power generation systems.
Increases will be commensurate with the amount of power generated with renewable energy increases.
発電量が増えるほど上乗せ額も増える。
We don't doubt that many households are willing to put up with a certain level of increase in their electricity bills for expanding the use of renewable energy sources if it means reducing the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation.
原発を利用せずにすむなら、多少高くても自然エネルギーを選ぶという消費者も少なくないだろう。
But if rates remain at levels that pose an unreasonable burden on consumers, the system will eventually become unsustainable.
だが、買い取り価格が必要以上に高止まりし、消費者の負担感がつのれば、制度自体が行き詰まる。
Even in Europe, which has been leading the world in feed-in tariffs, the system is still very much a trial-and-error process.
先行する欧州も、この点では試行錯誤だ。
The government should heed the experiences of countries that introduced the system earlier.
政府は先行例から学びつつ、
Flexibility in purchase prices will be key as renewable power generation grows and costs drop due to technological advances.
普及の度合いや技術革新による発電コストの低減などを見て、柔軟に価格を見直していく必要がある。
The capacity of transmission lines and power distribution facilities will also have to be expanded.
自然エネルギーの普及には、送電線と配電設備の増強や
At the same time, the government will need to implement an expanded power distribution system so that electricity can be delivered to areas serviced by other utilities.
広域運用も不可欠だ。
The Tohoku region and Hokkaido are especially suited to wind power generation. The volume of electricity generated with wind power that is to be purchased under the new system is rapidly approaching a ceiling. This is because transmission networks in those regions have only a limited capacity.
風力の適地である東北や北海道では、送電網の限界から風力発電の買い取り枠が埋まりつつある。
The situation effectively undermines efforts to make full use of the renewable energy sources available.
これでは、せっかくの潜在資源を生かし切れない。
Enhancing electric power infrastructure requires huge investment.
設備の増強には多額の費用がかかる。
The public and private sectors must work together to stimulate the aggressive investment needed to construct a more powerful grid. This will become a huge public asset.
送電網の広域運用につながる電力改革を進めるとともに、積極的な投資を促す仕組みを官民で考え、公共財としての送電網整備を急がなければならない。
A renewable power generation business can be started with a relatively small amount of capital.
自然エネルギーは比較的少ない資本で取り組める。
This could lead to community-based enterprises in which investors fund wind-power facilities or citizen power plants operated by associations. The system will also spawn new businesses. Renting roofs for solar power generation comes to mind.
基金を設立して風車などを共有したり、組合組織による「市民発電所」を運営したりと、地域単位での工夫も可能だ。「屋根貸し」などのビジネスも生む。
The feed-in tariff system should be used in a way that helps build a new energy future for Japan.
制度をうまく活用し、新しいエネルギー社会を築こう。
2012/07/07
2012/07/06
社説:電力政策の未来 国民の主体的な選択で
July 04, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Japan's energy future must be decided by its people
社説:電力政策の未来 国民の主体的な選択で
The people of Japan must soon choose one option from among three mid- and long-term energy policy scenarios -- including levels of reliance on nuclear power ranging from zero to 25 percent -- announced recently by the government's Energy and Environment Council. The government is expected to adopt one of them by the end of August based on a national debate, and map out an "innovative energy and environment strategy" based on it.
政府のエネルギー・環境会議が、中長期のエネルギー政策に関する三つの選択肢を示した。政府は国民的議論を経て、８月末までに一つに絞り、「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」としてまとめる。
It will be a crucial choice that will determine the future of Japan. It is necessary to hold calm discussions on the issue and draw a conclusion that will convince every member of the public. To that end, it is indispensable for the government to provide accurate information such that the Japanese people can judge each option on its merits, and to hold discussions that will reflect the popular will.
日本の将来を左右する重大な選択だ。冷静な議論を重ね、納得いく結論を得る必要がある。それには、国民の判断の基準になる正確な情報提供や、民意を公正に反映する議論の場が不可欠だ。
Under scenarios 1, 2 and 3, the ratio of atomic power to total power consumption in Japan would be lowered to 0 percent, 15 percent and 20-25 percent, respectively, by 2030. Depending on the degree of Japan's dependence on nuclear power, the council estimated how far greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced, how much electricity charges would need to be raised and how much the country's GDP would be impacted.
３０年時点での電力の原子力発電依存度は０％、１５％、２０?２５％の３通り。原発依存度に応じ、温室効果ガスの削減度合いや電気料金の上げ幅、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）への影響なども試算している。
However, since each estimated figure has a wide range, the scenarios have not clearly shown how much effect a reduction in nuclear power would have on Japan's economy and the livelihoods of consumers, making it difficult for people to choose between the three options. We urge the council to provide more detailed and understandable information by explaining the basis for its calculations, the specific effects of a reduction in nuclear power on various fields, and other clarifications.
もっとも、そうした試算値には大きな幅があり、影響の大きさは見えにくい。これでは国民が選択するのも難しい。算定の根拠を詳しく説明したり、さまざまな分野で生じる影響を実感しやすい形で示すなど、より丁寧な情報提供を求めたい。
The government views Scenario 2 as the most realistic option because it calls for a mid-level reduction in atomic power and meshes with government policy to shut down reactors after 40 years of service. However, as the government is supposed to work out its new energy and environment policy based on national debate, it must not lead public opinion into supporting the scenario it favors.
政府は、原発依存度を１５％にする案を有力視している。三つの選択肢の中間に位置し、政府が掲げる原発の「４０年廃炉規定」をベースにしているからだ。しかし、「国民的議論」を前提とするからには、「結論ありき」で、民意を誘導することがあってはならない。
As part of national debate on Japan's future energy and environment policy, the government will hold its first so-called deliberative poll, ask members of the general public to submit their opinions and hold information sessions on the issue across Japan. In deliberative polls, randomly selected members of the public are surveyed on specific issues and invited to participate in debate sessions. Afterwards, they are queried again to see how their opinions have changed. This method, which makes it possible to tap a wide range of views from those who would not usually voice their opinions, is reportedly effective in getting a detailed view of public sentiment.
政府は、パブリックコメントの募集や全国での説明会に加え、今回初めて「討論型世論調査（ＤＰ）」を実施する。選択肢に関する世論調査を行い、回答者から討論会への参加者を募って、討論の前後で意見がどう変わったかを調査する手法だ。積極的に意見を表明しない層の意見をくみ上げられるなど、きめ細かく民意を探るのに適しているという。
In the past, many town meetings on specific policy issues and hearings on nuclear power policy have been criticized as unfair, as their organizers apparently attempted to lead public opinion with staged questions and stacked audiences. The management of the government's deliberative poll on energy and environment policy will be left to the discretion of a third-party panel to be set up shortly. The results of the survey will not win public trust unless the government ensures transparency through appointing appropriate experts to the panel and disclosing in full how the poll will operate.
これまで、民意を政策に反映させるためのタウンミーティングや原子力政策を巡る公聴会では、やらせや不公正な運営が、しばしば問題になった。ＤＰの運営は、新たに発足させる第三者委員会に委ねられる。委員の人選に意を尽くし、途中経過も公表するなど公正で透明性の高い運営を確保しなければ、結果への信頼は得られないだろう。
Questions remain as to the three scenarios themselves. Even if Scenario 2, which calls for a reduction in Japan's reliance on atomic power to 15 percent, is adopted, the ratio could be further reduced if some nuclear plants must be decommissioned for safety reasons before they hit 40 years in operation. None of the scenarios posit an energy and environmental vision for beyond 2030.
今回の選択肢そのものにも問題は残る。軸になりそうな原発依存度「１５％」は、立地条件などで耐用年数前に停止すべき原発があれば、引き下げ可能なはずだ。３０年以降の将来像も見通せない。
Regarding how to deal with spent nuclear fuel, scenarios 2 and 3 leave all possible options open, including full recycling.
また、使用済み核燃料の処理については、依存度０％の場合を除き、全量再処理を含むあらゆる可能性が残されたままだ。
This is a good opportunity for members of the general public to proactively choose their nation's policy. They should ask the government to clarify what they do not fully understand, and make a feasible choice that will guarantee Japan's energy security and protect the environment on a long-term basis.
国民にとっては、自ら主体になって選択する大切な機会だ。疑問は政府にしっかりとただし、将来に責任を持てる結論につなげたい。
Japan's energy future must be decided by its people
社説:電力政策の未来 国民の主体的な選択で
The people of Japan must soon choose one option from among three mid- and long-term energy policy scenarios -- including levels of reliance on nuclear power ranging from zero to 25 percent -- announced recently by the government's Energy and Environment Council. The government is expected to adopt one of them by the end of August based on a national debate, and map out an "innovative energy and environment strategy" based on it.
政府のエネルギー・環境会議が、中長期のエネルギー政策に関する三つの選択肢を示した。政府は国民的議論を経て、８月末までに一つに絞り、「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」としてまとめる。
It will be a crucial choice that will determine the future of Japan. It is necessary to hold calm discussions on the issue and draw a conclusion that will convince every member of the public. To that end, it is indispensable for the government to provide accurate information such that the Japanese people can judge each option on its merits, and to hold discussions that will reflect the popular will.
日本の将来を左右する重大な選択だ。冷静な議論を重ね、納得いく結論を得る必要がある。それには、国民の判断の基準になる正確な情報提供や、民意を公正に反映する議論の場が不可欠だ。
Under scenarios 1, 2 and 3, the ratio of atomic power to total power consumption in Japan would be lowered to 0 percent, 15 percent and 20-25 percent, respectively, by 2030. Depending on the degree of Japan's dependence on nuclear power, the council estimated how far greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced, how much electricity charges would need to be raised and how much the country's GDP would be impacted.
３０年時点での電力の原子力発電依存度は０％、１５％、２０?２５％の３通り。原発依存度に応じ、温室効果ガスの削減度合いや電気料金の上げ幅、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）への影響なども試算している。
However, since each estimated figure has a wide range, the scenarios have not clearly shown how much effect a reduction in nuclear power would have on Japan's economy and the livelihoods of consumers, making it difficult for people to choose between the three options. We urge the council to provide more detailed and understandable information by explaining the basis for its calculations, the specific effects of a reduction in nuclear power on various fields, and other clarifications.
もっとも、そうした試算値には大きな幅があり、影響の大きさは見えにくい。これでは国民が選択するのも難しい。算定の根拠を詳しく説明したり、さまざまな分野で生じる影響を実感しやすい形で示すなど、より丁寧な情報提供を求めたい。
The government views Scenario 2 as the most realistic option because it calls for a mid-level reduction in atomic power and meshes with government policy to shut down reactors after 40 years of service. However, as the government is supposed to work out its new energy and environment policy based on national debate, it must not lead public opinion into supporting the scenario it favors.
政府は、原発依存度を１５％にする案を有力視している。三つの選択肢の中間に位置し、政府が掲げる原発の「４０年廃炉規定」をベースにしているからだ。しかし、「国民的議論」を前提とするからには、「結論ありき」で、民意を誘導することがあってはならない。
As part of national debate on Japan's future energy and environment policy, the government will hold its first so-called deliberative poll, ask members of the general public to submit their opinions and hold information sessions on the issue across Japan. In deliberative polls, randomly selected members of the public are surveyed on specific issues and invited to participate in debate sessions. Afterwards, they are queried again to see how their opinions have changed. This method, which makes it possible to tap a wide range of views from those who would not usually voice their opinions, is reportedly effective in getting a detailed view of public sentiment.
政府は、パブリックコメントの募集や全国での説明会に加え、今回初めて「討論型世論調査（ＤＰ）」を実施する。選択肢に関する世論調査を行い、回答者から討論会への参加者を募って、討論の前後で意見がどう変わったかを調査する手法だ。積極的に意見を表明しない層の意見をくみ上げられるなど、きめ細かく民意を探るのに適しているという。
In the past, many town meetings on specific policy issues and hearings on nuclear power policy have been criticized as unfair, as their organizers apparently attempted to lead public opinion with staged questions and stacked audiences. The management of the government's deliberative poll on energy and environment policy will be left to the discretion of a third-party panel to be set up shortly. The results of the survey will not win public trust unless the government ensures transparency through appointing appropriate experts to the panel and disclosing in full how the poll will operate.
これまで、民意を政策に反映させるためのタウンミーティングや原子力政策を巡る公聴会では、やらせや不公正な運営が、しばしば問題になった。ＤＰの運営は、新たに発足させる第三者委員会に委ねられる。委員の人選に意を尽くし、途中経過も公表するなど公正で透明性の高い運営を確保しなければ、結果への信頼は得られないだろう。
Questions remain as to the three scenarios themselves. Even if Scenario 2, which calls for a reduction in Japan's reliance on atomic power to 15 percent, is adopted, the ratio could be further reduced if some nuclear plants must be decommissioned for safety reasons before they hit 40 years in operation. None of the scenarios posit an energy and environmental vision for beyond 2030.
今回の選択肢そのものにも問題は残る。軸になりそうな原発依存度「１５％」は、立地条件などで耐用年数前に停止すべき原発があれば、引き下げ可能なはずだ。３０年以降の将来像も見通せない。
Regarding how to deal with spent nuclear fuel, scenarios 2 and 3 leave all possible options open, including full recycling.
また、使用済み核燃料の処理については、依存度０％の場合を除き、全量再処理を含むあらゆる可能性が残されたままだ。
This is a good opportunity for members of the general public to proactively choose their nation's policy. They should ask the government to clarify what they do not fully understand, and make a feasible choice that will guarantee Japan's energy security and protect the environment on a long-term basis.
国民にとっては、自ら主体になって選択する大切な機会だ。疑問は政府にしっかりとただし、将来に責任を持てる結論につなげたい。
2012/07/05
民主党分裂―公約を鍛え直す契機に
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 3
EDITORIAL: Opportunity is ripe for DPJ to improve its public pledges
民主党分裂―公約を鍛え直す契機に
Veteran political fixer Ichiro Ozawa and 49 loyalists effectively resigned from the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on July 2.
民主党の小沢一郎元代表のグループが離党届を提出した。
They plan to create a new party in an effort to win over voters in the next Lower House election by campaigning on two key issues: opposition to an unpopular increase in the consumption tax rate and a pledge to phase out nuclear power generation.
近く新党を立ち上げ、「反消費増税」「脱原発」を旗印に、次の総選挙を戦うという。
Ozawa demanded that the DPJ withdraw the bills for raising the consumption tax rate. The bills recently passed the Lower House after 129 hours of Diet deliberations. A suprapartisan agreement was reached after days of talks between the DPJ and two opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. Ozawa’s demand was simply unrealistic and unreasonable.
小沢氏は、消費増税関連法案の撤回を要求していた。１２９時間に及ぶ国会審議と、自民、公明両党との修正協議の末、やっと衆院通過にこぎつけた法案である。無理難題というほかはない。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the ruling party’s leadership should expel these rebels instead of accepting their letters of resignation, thereby making a decisive break with the group.
野田首相と党執行部は離党届を受理するかたちではなく、除名処分を科してきっぱり決別するのが筋である。
There is no doubt that the defections will weaken the Noda administration’s power base in terms of the ruling party’s numerical strength in the Diet.
「数」のうえで野田政権の基盤が弱まるのは間違いない。
But the development is not necessarily a total loss for the DPJ, of which Ozawa was once president.
それでも、失うものばかりではない。
The ruling party has been plagued by perennial bickering between the Ozawa group and the anti-Ozawa camp over policies and political approaches. The party has been unable to achieve unity on such key policy issues as upping the consumption tax rate. The DPJ should use its break with the Ozawa group as a first step toward overcoming this obvious weakness.
政策でも政治手法でも、なにかといえば「小沢ＶＳ．反小沢」の対立できしむ。消費増税のような重要政策で結束できない。そんな民主党の「弱さ」を克服する一歩とするのだ。
Then, the DPJ should seek to use the framework for cooperation with the LDP and New Komeito to enact other important legislation during the extended Diet session. The ruling party needs to seek suprapartisan cooperation wherever possible to push through important policies.
そのうえで、民自公の３党協力の枠組みを延長国会の懸案処理に活用する。協力すべきは協力し、政治を前に進める。
That’s the only way left for Noda, who has to tackle many policy challenges in the face of a dominant opposition presence in the Upper House.
「ねじれ国会」のもと、首相に残された道はそれしかない。
At the same time, the DPJ should take this opportunity to stage an all-out effort to improve the political viability of its basic policy proposals. The party’s election manifesto for the 2009 Lower House election, developed under Ozawa’s leadership, was full of hollow promises that were not backed by a realistic financing plan. The party cannot afford to keep hewing to this bankrupt platform.
同時に、党をあげて基本政策を鍛え直す契機とすべきだ。小沢氏主導でまとめた０９年総選挙のマニフェストは財源の裏づけのない「果たせない公約」だった。これを、このまま掲げ続けるわけにはいかない。
On the other hand, Ozawa has pledged to return to the policy agenda that helped the DPJ come to power through the regime change in 2009. He would claim that his new party can deliver on the promise to raise 16.8 trillion yen (about $210 billion) to finance various policy proposals without raising the consumption tax.
一方、小沢氏は「政権交代の原点に立ち返る」ことを訴えている。消費増税なしに１６．８兆円の新規財源を生み出すという公約を、自分たちなら実行できる、と言いたいのだろう。
But Ozawa was responsible for implementing the DPJ’s policy pledges during nine months that the administration headed by Yukio Hatoyama was in office. At the time, Ozawa served as the ruling party’s secretary-general.
だが、鳩山政権の９カ月、小沢氏は幹事長として公約を実行すべき立場にあった。
Yet, we have hardly ever heard Ozawa propound specific proposals for the type of spending cuts that would be needed to produce such a large amount of money.
なのに、どこにどれだけの財源を生むムダがあるのか、小沢氏の口から具体的な提案をほとんど聞いたことがない。
In a recent Asahi Shimbun poll, only 15 percent of respondents voiced expectations for Ozawa’s new party, while 78 percent said they had no expectations.
朝日新聞の世論調査では、小沢氏らの新党について「期待する」という人は１５％にとどまった。それに対し「期待しない」という人は７８％に達した。
The poll findings apparently show that the nation’s voting public has become leery of the politician, who has again thrown politics into confusion by brandishing unrealistic policy proposals.
実行不能の公約を振りかざし、またぞろ政治をかき回す。そんな小沢氏に対する、民意の疑念が読み取れないか。
If the tax bills pass the Diet during the extended session, Noda will come under renewed pressure to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election to seek a fresh public mandate to govern the nation.
延長国会で関連法案が成立すれば、首相はいずれ衆院の解散・総選挙で国民に信を問うことが迫られよう。
The fragmented DPJ needs to focus on prompt suprapartisan cooperation to push through key policy challenges.
与野党を超えて懸案処理で協力しつつ、社会保障や原発をはじめ基本政策の方向性と、たしかな財源の裏付けがある現実的な公約づくりで競い合う。
On the other hand, the parties should vie for voter support by making clear their positions on such basic issues as social security and nuclear power generation and developing realistic platforms backed by solid financing plans.
民主党の分裂を機に、各党はそうした作業を急ぐべきだ。
EDITORIAL: Opportunity is ripe for DPJ to improve its public pledges
民主党分裂―公約を鍛え直す契機に
Veteran political fixer Ichiro Ozawa and 49 loyalists effectively resigned from the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on July 2.
民主党の小沢一郎元代表のグループが離党届を提出した。
They plan to create a new party in an effort to win over voters in the next Lower House election by campaigning on two key issues: opposition to an unpopular increase in the consumption tax rate and a pledge to phase out nuclear power generation.
近く新党を立ち上げ、「反消費増税」「脱原発」を旗印に、次の総選挙を戦うという。
Ozawa demanded that the DPJ withdraw the bills for raising the consumption tax rate. The bills recently passed the Lower House after 129 hours of Diet deliberations. A suprapartisan agreement was reached after days of talks between the DPJ and two opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. Ozawa’s demand was simply unrealistic and unreasonable.
小沢氏は、消費増税関連法案の撤回を要求していた。１２９時間に及ぶ国会審議と、自民、公明両党との修正協議の末、やっと衆院通過にこぎつけた法案である。無理難題というほかはない。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the ruling party’s leadership should expel these rebels instead of accepting their letters of resignation, thereby making a decisive break with the group.
野田首相と党執行部は離党届を受理するかたちではなく、除名処分を科してきっぱり決別するのが筋である。
There is no doubt that the defections will weaken the Noda administration’s power base in terms of the ruling party’s numerical strength in the Diet.
「数」のうえで野田政権の基盤が弱まるのは間違いない。
But the development is not necessarily a total loss for the DPJ, of which Ozawa was once president.
それでも、失うものばかりではない。
The ruling party has been plagued by perennial bickering between the Ozawa group and the anti-Ozawa camp over policies and political approaches. The party has been unable to achieve unity on such key policy issues as upping the consumption tax rate. The DPJ should use its break with the Ozawa group as a first step toward overcoming this obvious weakness.
政策でも政治手法でも、なにかといえば「小沢ＶＳ．反小沢」の対立できしむ。消費増税のような重要政策で結束できない。そんな民主党の「弱さ」を克服する一歩とするのだ。
Then, the DPJ should seek to use the framework for cooperation with the LDP and New Komeito to enact other important legislation during the extended Diet session. The ruling party needs to seek suprapartisan cooperation wherever possible to push through important policies.
そのうえで、民自公の３党協力の枠組みを延長国会の懸案処理に活用する。協力すべきは協力し、政治を前に進める。
That’s the only way left for Noda, who has to tackle many policy challenges in the face of a dominant opposition presence in the Upper House.
「ねじれ国会」のもと、首相に残された道はそれしかない。
At the same time, the DPJ should take this opportunity to stage an all-out effort to improve the political viability of its basic policy proposals. The party’s election manifesto for the 2009 Lower House election, developed under Ozawa’s leadership, was full of hollow promises that were not backed by a realistic financing plan. The party cannot afford to keep hewing to this bankrupt platform.
同時に、党をあげて基本政策を鍛え直す契機とすべきだ。小沢氏主導でまとめた０９年総選挙のマニフェストは財源の裏づけのない「果たせない公約」だった。これを、このまま掲げ続けるわけにはいかない。
On the other hand, Ozawa has pledged to return to the policy agenda that helped the DPJ come to power through the regime change in 2009. He would claim that his new party can deliver on the promise to raise 16.8 trillion yen (about $210 billion) to finance various policy proposals without raising the consumption tax.
一方、小沢氏は「政権交代の原点に立ち返る」ことを訴えている。消費増税なしに１６．８兆円の新規財源を生み出すという公約を、自分たちなら実行できる、と言いたいのだろう。
But Ozawa was responsible for implementing the DPJ’s policy pledges during nine months that the administration headed by Yukio Hatoyama was in office. At the time, Ozawa served as the ruling party’s secretary-general.
だが、鳩山政権の９カ月、小沢氏は幹事長として公約を実行すべき立場にあった。
Yet, we have hardly ever heard Ozawa propound specific proposals for the type of spending cuts that would be needed to produce such a large amount of money.
なのに、どこにどれだけの財源を生むムダがあるのか、小沢氏の口から具体的な提案をほとんど聞いたことがない。
In a recent Asahi Shimbun poll, only 15 percent of respondents voiced expectations for Ozawa’s new party, while 78 percent said they had no expectations.
朝日新聞の世論調査では、小沢氏らの新党について「期待する」という人は１５％にとどまった。それに対し「期待しない」という人は７８％に達した。
The poll findings apparently show that the nation’s voting public has become leery of the politician, who has again thrown politics into confusion by brandishing unrealistic policy proposals.
実行不能の公約を振りかざし、またぞろ政治をかき回す。そんな小沢氏に対する、民意の疑念が読み取れないか。
If the tax bills pass the Diet during the extended session, Noda will come under renewed pressure to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election to seek a fresh public mandate to govern the nation.
延長国会で関連法案が成立すれば、首相はいずれ衆院の解散・総選挙で国民に信を問うことが迫られよう。
The fragmented DPJ needs to focus on prompt suprapartisan cooperation to push through key policy challenges.
与野党を超えて懸案処理で協力しつつ、社会保障や原発をはじめ基本政策の方向性と、たしかな財源の裏付けがある現実的な公約づくりで競い合う。
On the other hand, the parties should vie for voter support by making clear their positions on such basic issues as social security and nuclear power generation and developing realistic platforms backed by solid financing plans.
民主党の分裂を機に、各党はそうした作業を急ぐべきだ。
2012/07/04
福島の漁再開―一歩ずつ、元の姿に
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 1
EDITORIAL: More stringent labels on fish products needed
福島の漁再開―一歩ずつ、元の姿に
Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture recently went back to their livelihoods for the first time since the nuclear disaster last year. For the past 15 months, they had voluntary suspended their operations.
Their catches were sold at retail stores within the prefecture on a trial basis.
原発事故で自粛が続いていた福島県沖の漁が１年３カ月ぶりに再開され、県内の小売店で試験的に売られ始めた。
We sincerely hope they get back on their feet soon. Putting their offerings through thorough radiation tests will be a sure way to win back customers still leery of sea produce following the reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant.
検査を徹底し、消費者の理解を得つつ、事故前の生活を取り戻していってほしい。
Two kinds of octopus, as well as shellfish, were selected for the initial shipments. No detectable amounts of radioactive cesium were found in these species in regular testing done after the disaster.
販売されたのは、事故後の定期的な検査で放射性セシウムが不検出となっているタコと貝の３種類。
After being tested for radiation beforehand, the octopus and shellfish were boiled and put on sale. Sales were fairly brisk.
出荷時の検査を経て、ゆでた商品が並び、売れ行きはまずまずという。
Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture plan to start test sales outside the prefecture to gauge overall consumer reaction.
消費者の反応を見ながら、県外でも販売を試みる計画だ。
Fishermen who are still idle are receiving compensation from Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the crippled nuclear power plant.
漁を自粛している漁業者には東京電力から賠償金が支払われている。
Stable livelihoods are vital for rebuilding the ravaged local communities.
とはいえ、地域社会を再興していくには、安定した生業が欠かせない。
The government’s new food safety standards on radioactive cesium levels, introduced in April, set the limit at 100 becquerels per kilogram for common food items. The new ceiling is five times stricter than the previous, provisional limit.
食品の放射能汚染では「１キロあたり１００ベクレル以下」という基準がある。今春から、以前の暫定基準より５倍厳しくなった。
However, the prefectural fishing cooperative has adopted its own limit of 50 becquerels.
県漁連は「５０ベクレル以下」の独自基準を設けている。
Naturally, people have different levels of anxiety about radioactive contamination. There are many who feel they may still be at risk if they eat food containing radioactive materials even if the levels of contamination are below the safety limit.
ただ、放射能汚染への不安感には個人差があり、基準を満たしていても安心できないという人が少なくない。
Only small samples from large catches of seafood can be tested for radiation. Unlike agricultural or livestock products, marine produce generally cannot be strictly linked to specific areas since fish swim far and wide.
一度に大量に水揚げする魚介類はサンプリング検査にならざるをえない。農産物や畜産類と違って広い海を泳ぎ回る問題もある。
To reassure consumers about the safety of seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture, local fishermen need to adhere to some simple common-sense steps. They must make sure that careful radiation tests are carried out before shipment and fully disclose information about both the test methods and results.
出荷時の検査をきめ細かく行い、検査の方法と結果を合わせて公表する。
It is also crucial to sell seafood that has been found to contain no detectable levels of radioactivity or marine produce meeting the safety standards.
不検出の魚種をはじめ、基準を満たす魚だけを出荷する。この基本作業を続けていくしかない。
As for shipments out of the prefecture, wholesalers may be unwilling to buy seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture because of concerns about sales.
県外への出荷では、卸業者が売れ行きを心配して買い付けを控えることも予想される。
Direct sales to consumers should also be considered as many people are keen to support disaster-hit areas by buying food products from the areas, so long as they know they are safe.
消費者に直売するルートも検討してはどうか。「安全なら、買って被災地を助けたい」と考える人は多いはずだ。
In Pacific waters off Fukushima Prefecture and in Tokyo Bay, TEPCO and the central and local governments are doing radiation tests on samples of seawater, mud from the seabed, fish and living things they eat.
福島県沖などの太平洋と東京湾では、東電や国、自治体が海水と海底の土、魚やそのえさとなる生物の検査を続けている。
Amounts of radioactive cesium have fallen significantly or to undetectable levels in many kinds of fish that swim near the surface or in the middle depths of the sea. This includes most migratory species of fish, along with squid and octopus, according to the Fisheries Agency.
水産庁の分析では、海面近くや海中の中層を泳ぐ魚の多くと回遊性の魚、イカやタコ類などではセシウムが減っていたり、不検出になったりしている。
In contrast, fish that live near the seabed are often found to contain levels of radiation above the safety threshold. This seems to be explained by the fact that cesium tends to be absorbed in mud on the sea floor.
一方、海底近くにいる底魚類では基準を超える例が目立つ。セシウムが海底の泥に吸着するためとみられる。
Radiation tests of samples of seawater and seabed mud should be carried out more frequently and at more locations for further analysis.
海水や海底土の検査も地点と回数を増やし、分析を深めてもらいたい。
Place-of-origin labels of fish usually show the prefectures where the landing ports are located. But this can be a disadvantage because it does not make clear where the fish was actually caught.
魚の産地表示では水揚げ港の都道府県を示すことが多いが、どこでとったのかわからないのが難点だ。
A growing number of labels on seafood products caught in Pacific waters off eastern Japan, including Fukushima Prefecture, show the name of the prefecture or one of the seven sea areas into which the region has been divided. This new labeling system is being promoted by the Fisheries Agency.
福島県沖を含む東日本太平洋の水産物では、水産庁の指導で、「○○県沖」や、七つに分けた海域での表示が広がりつつある。
Further efforts should be made to provide consumers with more accurate and detailed information about seafood products from the region.
消費者への丁寧な情報提供に、さらに工夫してほしい。
EDITORIAL: More stringent labels on fish products needed
福島の漁再開―一歩ずつ、元の姿に
Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture recently went back to their livelihoods for the first time since the nuclear disaster last year. For the past 15 months, they had voluntary suspended their operations.
Their catches were sold at retail stores within the prefecture on a trial basis.
原発事故で自粛が続いていた福島県沖の漁が１年３カ月ぶりに再開され、県内の小売店で試験的に売られ始めた。
We sincerely hope they get back on their feet soon. Putting their offerings through thorough radiation tests will be a sure way to win back customers still leery of sea produce following the reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant.
検査を徹底し、消費者の理解を得つつ、事故前の生活を取り戻していってほしい。
Two kinds of octopus, as well as shellfish, were selected for the initial shipments. No detectable amounts of radioactive cesium were found in these species in regular testing done after the disaster.
販売されたのは、事故後の定期的な検査で放射性セシウムが不検出となっているタコと貝の３種類。
After being tested for radiation beforehand, the octopus and shellfish were boiled and put on sale. Sales were fairly brisk.
出荷時の検査を経て、ゆでた商品が並び、売れ行きはまずまずという。
Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture plan to start test sales outside the prefecture to gauge overall consumer reaction.
消費者の反応を見ながら、県外でも販売を試みる計画だ。
Fishermen who are still idle are receiving compensation from Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the crippled nuclear power plant.
漁を自粛している漁業者には東京電力から賠償金が支払われている。
Stable livelihoods are vital for rebuilding the ravaged local communities.
とはいえ、地域社会を再興していくには、安定した生業が欠かせない。
The government’s new food safety standards on radioactive cesium levels, introduced in April, set the limit at 100 becquerels per kilogram for common food items. The new ceiling is five times stricter than the previous, provisional limit.
食品の放射能汚染では「１キロあたり１００ベクレル以下」という基準がある。今春から、以前の暫定基準より５倍厳しくなった。
However, the prefectural fishing cooperative has adopted its own limit of 50 becquerels.
県漁連は「５０ベクレル以下」の独自基準を設けている。
Naturally, people have different levels of anxiety about radioactive contamination. There are many who feel they may still be at risk if they eat food containing radioactive materials even if the levels of contamination are below the safety limit.
ただ、放射能汚染への不安感には個人差があり、基準を満たしていても安心できないという人が少なくない。
Only small samples from large catches of seafood can be tested for radiation. Unlike agricultural or livestock products, marine produce generally cannot be strictly linked to specific areas since fish swim far and wide.
一度に大量に水揚げする魚介類はサンプリング検査にならざるをえない。農産物や畜産類と違って広い海を泳ぎ回る問題もある。
To reassure consumers about the safety of seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture, local fishermen need to adhere to some simple common-sense steps. They must make sure that careful radiation tests are carried out before shipment and fully disclose information about both the test methods and results.
出荷時の検査をきめ細かく行い、検査の方法と結果を合わせて公表する。
It is also crucial to sell seafood that has been found to contain no detectable levels of radioactivity or marine produce meeting the safety standards.
不検出の魚種をはじめ、基準を満たす魚だけを出荷する。この基本作業を続けていくしかない。
As for shipments out of the prefecture, wholesalers may be unwilling to buy seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture because of concerns about sales.
県外への出荷では、卸業者が売れ行きを心配して買い付けを控えることも予想される。
Direct sales to consumers should also be considered as many people are keen to support disaster-hit areas by buying food products from the areas, so long as they know they are safe.
消費者に直売するルートも検討してはどうか。「安全なら、買って被災地を助けたい」と考える人は多いはずだ。
In Pacific waters off Fukushima Prefecture and in Tokyo Bay, TEPCO and the central and local governments are doing radiation tests on samples of seawater, mud from the seabed, fish and living things they eat.
福島県沖などの太平洋と東京湾では、東電や国、自治体が海水と海底の土、魚やそのえさとなる生物の検査を続けている。
Amounts of radioactive cesium have fallen significantly or to undetectable levels in many kinds of fish that swim near the surface or in the middle depths of the sea. This includes most migratory species of fish, along with squid and octopus, according to the Fisheries Agency.
水産庁の分析では、海面近くや海中の中層を泳ぐ魚の多くと回遊性の魚、イカやタコ類などではセシウムが減っていたり、不検出になったりしている。
In contrast, fish that live near the seabed are often found to contain levels of radiation above the safety threshold. This seems to be explained by the fact that cesium tends to be absorbed in mud on the sea floor.
一方、海底近くにいる底魚類では基準を超える例が目立つ。セシウムが海底の泥に吸着するためとみられる。
Radiation tests of samples of seawater and seabed mud should be carried out more frequently and at more locations for further analysis.
海水や海底土の検査も地点と回数を増やし、分析を深めてもらいたい。
Place-of-origin labels of fish usually show the prefectures where the landing ports are located. But this can be a disadvantage because it does not make clear where the fish was actually caught.
魚の産地表示では水揚げ港の都道府県を示すことが多いが、どこでとったのかわからないのが難点だ。
A growing number of labels on seafood products caught in Pacific waters off eastern Japan, including Fukushima Prefecture, show the name of the prefecture or one of the seven sea areas into which the region has been divided. This new labeling system is being promoted by the Fisheries Agency.
福島県沖を含む東日本太平洋の水産物では、水産庁の指導で、「○○県沖」や、七つに分けた海域での表示が広がりつつある。
Further efforts should be made to provide consumers with more accurate and detailed information about seafood products from the region.
消費者への丁寧な情報提供に、さらに工夫してほしい。
2012/07/03
慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る
--The Asahi Shimbun, June 29
EDITORIAL: Freedom of expression must be protected
慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る
On the question of Nikon Corp.’s decision to cancel a photo exhibition featuring “comfort women” who were forced to provide sex to Japanese soldiers before and during World War II, the Tokyo District Court issued an injunction requiring the company to provide the venue in line with the contract with a photographer.
元従軍慰安婦をテーマにした写真展を、ニコンが一方的に中止すると決めた問題で、東京地裁は「ニコンは契約に基づき、会場を貸さなければならない」という仮処分決定を出した。
Although Nikon filed an appeal, the photo exhibition opened on June 26 as scheduled.
同社は異議を申し立てたが、写真展は予定どおり始まった。
We find Nikon’s actions all the more regrettable because the company has a strong social impact.
社会的影響力のある企業だけに残念でならない。
Could it be that Nikon lost its cool in the face of loud protests against the event and missed something important?
大きな声にあわてて、大切なものを見失ってしまったのか。
During court proceedings, Nikon argued that it could not provide the venue, whose purpose is to advance photographic culture, for an event that has political implications.
裁判でニコン側は「写真文化の向上を目的とする会場を、政治性のある催しに貸せない」と主張した。
In response, the court stated that depending on themes, photographic culture may not be completely free from politics.
The court concluded that the exhibition in question does not run counter to the “purpose” advocated by Nikon.
これに対し地裁は、扱うテーマによっては一定の政治性を帯びるのが写真文化だと述べ、今回の企画はニコンが唱える「目的」に反するものとはいえないと結論づけた。
The ruling showed the court’s clear-cut stance to protect freedom of expression.
表現活動を理解し、その自由を守る姿勢をはっきり示した判断といえる。
Comments blasting the comfort women exhibition as “treason” swirled around the Internet after the announcement of the planned event. Nikon has received complaints, as well. The development apparently led to its decision to call off the show despite its earlier approval.
今回の写真展をめぐっては、ネット上に「売国行為」といった批判が飛びかい、ニコンにも抗議が寄せられたという。こうした動きが中止の判断につながったのは想像に難くない。
It is understandable that a business wants to avert trouble.
もめごとを避けたい気持ちはわかる。
But abruptly depriving a photographer of a venue to exhibit his works is too rash.
だが、いきなり公表の場を奪うのは乱暴にすぎる。
Nikon lenses have captured various controversies around the world, including war and pollution, and recorded many images of joy and grief.
ニコンのレンズは戦争や公害など世界の矛盾を切り取り、多くの喜びと悲しみを記録してきた。
The company has also been highly commended for making social contributions, including its program to support photographers.
写真家への支援などの社会貢献でも高い評価を得ている。
It is a pity that its reputation has been damaged by an issue concerning none other than freedom of expression.
そんなイメージを、ほかでもない表現の自由をめぐる問題で傷つけてしまうとは。
If threats are expected, the company should seek police cooperation to ensure safety.
混乱が心配されるのなら、警察に協力を求めて万全を期す。
Still, in light of objective facts, if a serious situation is likely, only then should the company consider cancelling the show.
それでも、客観的な事実に照らして、重大な事態が具体的に予測されるときに初めて中止などを検討する――。
Nikon should have taken appropriate measures based on past court rulings over similar cases.
今回と似たようなケースをめぐって裁判所が重ねてきた判断を踏まえ、適切な対応をとるべきだった。
Thanks to the security of freedom of expression and speech, including the exhibition of photos, people can freely exchange ideas, gain support and have an opportunity to realize their own mistakes.
写真の発表をふくむ表現・言論の自由が保障されているからこそ、人々は考えを互いに交換し、賛同者を増やしたり、逆に自分の誤りに気づくきっかけを得たりする。
It is upon such ground that democracy is built.
その土壌のうえに民主主義は成立する。
However, attacks against people with different ideas have become increasingly common, including those on the Internet.
ところが最近は、ネット空間の言論をはじめとして、異なる考えを認めず、過激な批判を浴びせ、萎縮させる動きがさかんだ。
We also recognize the emerging trend among people to think it is safer not to put up resistance but to swim with the tide.
抗せず、なびいた方が無難という風潮も見え隠れする。
Which way is such an oppressive society headed? We need to remember the lessons of history.
そうして息苦しくなった世の中はどこへゆくのか。歴史の教訓に思いをいたすべきだ。
An intolerant society is fragile and weak.
ひと色に塗りこめられた社会は、もろく弱い。
What should each of us do to prevent Japan from becoming such a country?
この国をそうさせないために、一人ひとりがそれぞれの現場で何をなすべきか。
We must always think and use our wisdom.
常に考え、知恵を働かさねばならない。
EDITORIAL: Freedom of expression must be protected
慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る
On the question of Nikon Corp.’s decision to cancel a photo exhibition featuring “comfort women” who were forced to provide sex to Japanese soldiers before and during World War II, the Tokyo District Court issued an injunction requiring the company to provide the venue in line with the contract with a photographer.
元従軍慰安婦をテーマにした写真展を、ニコンが一方的に中止すると決めた問題で、東京地裁は「ニコンは契約に基づき、会場を貸さなければならない」という仮処分決定を出した。
Although Nikon filed an appeal, the photo exhibition opened on June 26 as scheduled.
同社は異議を申し立てたが、写真展は予定どおり始まった。
We find Nikon’s actions all the more regrettable because the company has a strong social impact.
社会的影響力のある企業だけに残念でならない。
Could it be that Nikon lost its cool in the face of loud protests against the event and missed something important?
大きな声にあわてて、大切なものを見失ってしまったのか。
During court proceedings, Nikon argued that it could not provide the venue, whose purpose is to advance photographic culture, for an event that has political implications.
裁判でニコン側は「写真文化の向上を目的とする会場を、政治性のある催しに貸せない」と主張した。
In response, the court stated that depending on themes, photographic culture may not be completely free from politics.
The court concluded that the exhibition in question does not run counter to the “purpose” advocated by Nikon.
これに対し地裁は、扱うテーマによっては一定の政治性を帯びるのが写真文化だと述べ、今回の企画はニコンが唱える「目的」に反するものとはいえないと結論づけた。
The ruling showed the court’s clear-cut stance to protect freedom of expression.
表現活動を理解し、その自由を守る姿勢をはっきり示した判断といえる。
Comments blasting the comfort women exhibition as “treason” swirled around the Internet after the announcement of the planned event. Nikon has received complaints, as well. The development apparently led to its decision to call off the show despite its earlier approval.
今回の写真展をめぐっては、ネット上に「売国行為」といった批判が飛びかい、ニコンにも抗議が寄せられたという。こうした動きが中止の判断につながったのは想像に難くない。
It is understandable that a business wants to avert trouble.
もめごとを避けたい気持ちはわかる。
But abruptly depriving a photographer of a venue to exhibit his works is too rash.
だが、いきなり公表の場を奪うのは乱暴にすぎる。
Nikon lenses have captured various controversies around the world, including war and pollution, and recorded many images of joy and grief.
ニコンのレンズは戦争や公害など世界の矛盾を切り取り、多くの喜びと悲しみを記録してきた。
The company has also been highly commended for making social contributions, including its program to support photographers.
写真家への支援などの社会貢献でも高い評価を得ている。
It is a pity that its reputation has been damaged by an issue concerning none other than freedom of expression.
そんなイメージを、ほかでもない表現の自由をめぐる問題で傷つけてしまうとは。
If threats are expected, the company should seek police cooperation to ensure safety.
混乱が心配されるのなら、警察に協力を求めて万全を期す。
Still, in light of objective facts, if a serious situation is likely, only then should the company consider cancelling the show.
それでも、客観的な事実に照らして、重大な事態が具体的に予測されるときに初めて中止などを検討する――。
Nikon should have taken appropriate measures based on past court rulings over similar cases.
今回と似たようなケースをめぐって裁判所が重ねてきた判断を踏まえ、適切な対応をとるべきだった。
Thanks to the security of freedom of expression and speech, including the exhibition of photos, people can freely exchange ideas, gain support and have an opportunity to realize their own mistakes.
写真の発表をふくむ表現・言論の自由が保障されているからこそ、人々は考えを互いに交換し、賛同者を増やしたり、逆に自分の誤りに気づくきっかけを得たりする。
It is upon such ground that democracy is built.
その土壌のうえに民主主義は成立する。
However, attacks against people with different ideas have become increasingly common, including those on the Internet.
ところが最近は、ネット空間の言論をはじめとして、異なる考えを認めず、過激な批判を浴びせ、萎縮させる動きがさかんだ。
We also recognize the emerging trend among people to think it is safer not to put up resistance but to swim with the tide.
抗せず、なびいた方が無難という風潮も見え隠れする。
Which way is such an oppressive society headed? We need to remember the lessons of history.
そうして息苦しくなった世の中はどこへゆくのか。歴史の教訓に思いをいたすべきだ。
An intolerant society is fragile and weak.
ひと色に塗りこめられた社会は、もろく弱い。
What should each of us do to prevent Japan from becoming such a country?
この国をそうさせないために、一人ひとりがそれぞれの現場で何をなすべきか。
We must always think and use our wisdom.
常に考え、知恵を働かさねばならない。
2012/07/02
小沢・輿石会談 無茶な要求には付き合えない
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 1, 2012)
DPJ should firmly refuse Ozawa's unreasonable demand
小沢・輿石会談 無茶な要求には付き合えない（6月30日付・読売社説）
Former Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa has made an unreasonable demand connected to his threats to bolt from the party. This tactic is fitting for the man dubbed the "destroyer," but we urge the DPJ leadership to flatly refuse his demand.
「離党カード」をちらつかせ、理不尽な要求を突きつける――。まさに「壊し屋」らしい手法だが、民主党執行部は断固拒否すべきだ。
Ozawa held talks with DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi three times and said that he intends to leave the party with a group of lawmakers who support him if bills related to comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems are voted on and passed at the House of Councillors.
民主党の小沢一郎元代表が輿石幹事長と３回にわたり会談し、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案を参院で採決、成立させるなら、自らのグループを率いて集団離党する考えを伝えた。
Koshiishi urged Ozawa to reconsider, and negotiations between them are continuing. Ozawa expressed his intention to make a final decision on whether to leave the DPJ as early as the beginning of next week.
輿石氏は、翻意を求め、調整が続いている。小沢氏は週明けには結論を出したい意向という。
Ozawa's demand is very unreasonable and impossible for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to accept, as he has staked his own political career on passage of the bills.
小沢氏の要求は、法案成立に政治生命を懸ける野田首相が到底容認できない、無茶なものだ。
However, it is a problem that Koshiishi is considering making some concessions to avoid a split in the DPJ.
問題なのは、輿石氏が、党分裂を回避しようと、何らかの妥協を検討していることである。
===
Tail wagging the dog
The bills were revised based on an agreement reached among the ruling DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. The agreement has significant meaning since it was compiled based on mutual concessions among the three parties.
関連法案は、民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づき、修正された。３党合意は、各党が譲り合ってまとめたもので、極めて重い。
However, Ozawa and a few dozen DPJ lawmakers cast ballots against the bills in the House of Representatives. Since that meant a rebellion against the three-way agreement, the LDP and Komeito have responded strongly against their action.
小沢氏らが法案の衆院採決で反対したことは、３党合意への造反を意味し、自民、公明両党は強く反発している。
Nonetheless, if the DPJ leadership makes concessions to win Ozawa over, it will be the tail wagging the dog.
それなのに、小沢氏を懐柔するために、民主党執行部が妥協するのは本末転倒だ。
The rebellion by Ozawa and others is the inevitable price the DPJ leadership must pay for closing its eyes and trying to cover up serious intraparty conflict over policy issues in the name of maintaining harmony within the DPJ. The chasm in the DPJ is already beyond repair.
小沢氏らの造反は、党執行部が「党内融和」の名の下、深刻な路線対立に目をつぶり、糊塗(こと)してきたツケにほかならない。党内の亀裂は、もはや修復不能である。
What Koshiishi should do is hand down a tough punishment for Ozawa.
輿石氏が今すべきは、小沢氏に厳しい処分を下すことだ。
First, Ozawa's claim lacks legitimacy, even though he sticks fast to the DPJ's election pledges and insists that the party must carry out its promises to voters.
そもそも民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）に固執し、「国民との約束を実行する」との小沢氏の主張には、正当性がない。
Nearly two years and 10 months have passed since the DPJ took power. The party's manifesto said it would be possible to generate a total of 16.8 trillion yen annually by squeezing the state budget, but that has already fallen by the wayside. Ozawa was DPJ secretary general for more than eight months, but there is no evidence that he tried to make the election pledges a reality at that time.
政権交代後、２年１０か月近くになる。年間１６・８兆円の財源捻出が可能としたマニフェストは完全に破綻している。小沢氏自身、幹事長を８か月以上務めながら、公約実現に動いた形跡はない。
===
Ozawa implausible
Ozawa is now arguing that other things should be done before raising the consumption tax rate or that the DPJ should return to the starting point at which the party took power from the LDP. But nobody can trust Ozawa unless he clearly shows concrete measures for administrative reform and economic revival.
今になって、「増税の前にやるべきことがある」「民主党は政権交代の原点に戻れ」などと唱えても、説得力のある行政改革や景気改善の具体策を明示しなければ、信用できるはずがない。
Ozawa joined the DPJ after forming and dissolving the Japan Renewal Party (Shinseito), the New Frontier Party (Shinshinto) and the Liberal Party since his exit from the LDP 19 years ago.
小沢氏は１９年前に自民党を離党して以来、新生、新進、自由の各党の結成・解散を繰り返した後、民主党に合流した。
He is attached to a high-handed and self-righteous political style, which prioritizes political gamesmanship over policy measures, and also to money politics.
政策より政局を重視する、強引で独善的な政治手法や、金権体質を今も引きずっている。
"First of all, I myself must change," Ozawa declared in April 2006 when he assumed the post of DPJ president.
２００６年４月、小沢氏は民主党代表に就任する際、「まず私自身が変わらなければならない」と大見えを切った。
However, his moves toward departure from the party show that Ozawa's political style has not changed at all.
だが、今回の離党に向けた動きは、小沢流の政治が何ら変わっていないことを裏付けている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 30, 2012)
（2012年6月30日01時16分 読売新聞）
DPJ should firmly refuse Ozawa's unreasonable demand
小沢・輿石会談 無茶な要求には付き合えない（6月30日付・読売社説）
Former Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa has made an unreasonable demand connected to his threats to bolt from the party. This tactic is fitting for the man dubbed the "destroyer," but we urge the DPJ leadership to flatly refuse his demand.
「離党カード」をちらつかせ、理不尽な要求を突きつける――。まさに「壊し屋」らしい手法だが、民主党執行部は断固拒否すべきだ。
Ozawa held talks with DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi three times and said that he intends to leave the party with a group of lawmakers who support him if bills related to comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems are voted on and passed at the House of Councillors.
民主党の小沢一郎元代表が輿石幹事長と３回にわたり会談し、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案を参院で採決、成立させるなら、自らのグループを率いて集団離党する考えを伝えた。
Koshiishi urged Ozawa to reconsider, and negotiations between them are continuing. Ozawa expressed his intention to make a final decision on whether to leave the DPJ as early as the beginning of next week.
輿石氏は、翻意を求め、調整が続いている。小沢氏は週明けには結論を出したい意向という。
Ozawa's demand is very unreasonable and impossible for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to accept, as he has staked his own political career on passage of the bills.
小沢氏の要求は、法案成立に政治生命を懸ける野田首相が到底容認できない、無茶なものだ。
However, it is a problem that Koshiishi is considering making some concessions to avoid a split in the DPJ.
問題なのは、輿石氏が、党分裂を回避しようと、何らかの妥協を検討していることである。
===
Tail wagging the dog
The bills were revised based on an agreement reached among the ruling DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. The agreement has significant meaning since it was compiled based on mutual concessions among the three parties.
関連法案は、民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づき、修正された。３党合意は、各党が譲り合ってまとめたもので、極めて重い。
However, Ozawa and a few dozen DPJ lawmakers cast ballots against the bills in the House of Representatives. Since that meant a rebellion against the three-way agreement, the LDP and Komeito have responded strongly against their action.
小沢氏らが法案の衆院採決で反対したことは、３党合意への造反を意味し、自民、公明両党は強く反発している。
Nonetheless, if the DPJ leadership makes concessions to win Ozawa over, it will be the tail wagging the dog.
それなのに、小沢氏を懐柔するために、民主党執行部が妥協するのは本末転倒だ。
The rebellion by Ozawa and others is the inevitable price the DPJ leadership must pay for closing its eyes and trying to cover up serious intraparty conflict over policy issues in the name of maintaining harmony within the DPJ. The chasm in the DPJ is already beyond repair.
小沢氏らの造反は、党執行部が「党内融和」の名の下、深刻な路線対立に目をつぶり、糊塗(こと)してきたツケにほかならない。党内の亀裂は、もはや修復不能である。
What Koshiishi should do is hand down a tough punishment for Ozawa.
輿石氏が今すべきは、小沢氏に厳しい処分を下すことだ。
First, Ozawa's claim lacks legitimacy, even though he sticks fast to the DPJ's election pledges and insists that the party must carry out its promises to voters.
そもそも民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）に固執し、「国民との約束を実行する」との小沢氏の主張には、正当性がない。
Nearly two years and 10 months have passed since the DPJ took power. The party's manifesto said it would be possible to generate a total of 16.8 trillion yen annually by squeezing the state budget, but that has already fallen by the wayside. Ozawa was DPJ secretary general for more than eight months, but there is no evidence that he tried to make the election pledges a reality at that time.
政権交代後、２年１０か月近くになる。年間１６・８兆円の財源捻出が可能としたマニフェストは完全に破綻している。小沢氏自身、幹事長を８か月以上務めながら、公約実現に動いた形跡はない。
===
Ozawa implausible
Ozawa is now arguing that other things should be done before raising the consumption tax rate or that the DPJ should return to the starting point at which the party took power from the LDP. But nobody can trust Ozawa unless he clearly shows concrete measures for administrative reform and economic revival.
今になって、「増税の前にやるべきことがある」「民主党は政権交代の原点に戻れ」などと唱えても、説得力のある行政改革や景気改善の具体策を明示しなければ、信用できるはずがない。
Ozawa joined the DPJ after forming and dissolving the Japan Renewal Party (Shinseito), the New Frontier Party (Shinshinto) and the Liberal Party since his exit from the LDP 19 years ago.
小沢氏は１９年前に自民党を離党して以来、新生、新進、自由の各党の結成・解散を繰り返した後、民主党に合流した。
He is attached to a high-handed and self-righteous political style, which prioritizes political gamesmanship over policy measures, and also to money politics.
政策より政局を重視する、強引で独善的な政治手法や、金権体質を今も引きずっている。
"First of all, I myself must change," Ozawa declared in April 2006 when he assumed the post of DPJ president.
２００６年４月、小沢氏は民主党代表に就任する際、「まず私自身が変わらなければならない」と大見えを切った。
However, his moves toward departure from the party show that Ozawa's political style has not changed at all.
だが、今回の離党に向けた動きは、小沢流の政治が何ら変わっていないことを裏付けている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 30, 2012)
（2012年6月30日01時16分 読売新聞）
2012/07/01
対イラン制裁 強化を疑惑払拭につなげよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 30, 2012)
Tougher sanctions could force Iran to change nuclear policy
対イラン制裁 強化を疑惑払拭につなげよ（6月29日付・読売社説）
The United States and European countries have little option but to strengthen sanctions pressure on Iran for rebuffing efforts by the international community to clarify suspicions about its nuclear program. In parallel with this move, it is necessary to seek a solution by tenaciously pushing for dialogue with Iran.
核疑惑の解明を拒むイランに対して、米欧が制裁の圧力を強めるのは、やむを得ない。並行して粘り強く対話による解決を目指す必要がある。
On Thursday, it became possible, after a six-month grace period, for the United States to invoke financial sanctions with the aim of curbing Iran's oil exports. The U.S. government now can bar financial institutions of countries that do not significantly reduce imports of Iranian oil from dealing with U.S. banks.
イランの原油輸出の抑制を狙った米国の金融制裁が、半年の猶予期間を経て２８日、発動可能となった。米政府は、イランとの原油取引を大幅に減らさない国の金融機関に、米銀行との取引を禁じることができる。
In cooperation with the United States, the European Union also will totally ban imports of Iranian oil from Sunday.
米国と連携し、欧州連合（ＥＵ）も、７月１日からイラン産原油の輸入を全面的に禁止する。
Both sanctions are designed to curb Iran's oil exports--a crucial revenue source. They will deal a stinging blow to Iran.
いずれも、イランにとって重要な収入源である原油輸出にブレーキをかける制裁措置だ。イランには痛手となろう。
The United States and its European allies decided to take these measures after several rounds of talks between six nations--the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany--and Iran held from April to June failed to produce any substantial results.
米欧の措置は、国連安全保障理事会の常任理事国にドイツを加えた６か国が、４～６月に行ったイランとの協議で成果がなかったことを受けたものだ。
===
Ball in Tehran's court
To prevent Iran from converting enriched uranium into material that could be used in a nuclear weapon, the six countries pressed Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program and transfer enriched uranium it possesses out of the country. Tehran rejected these requests.
６か国は、核兵器開発への転用を防止するため、ウラン濃縮の停止と、保有している濃縮ウランの海外搬出をイランに求めたが、拒否された。
Iran also has refused to comply with requests by the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect several suspect nuclear facilities.
イランは国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）が求める疑惑施設への査察も受け入れていない。
As long as Iran denies it is developing nuclear weapons, it must take concrete actions to dispel suspicions about its nuclear program.
核兵器開発を否定する以上、イランは疑惑を払拭する具体的措置をとらなければならない。
Iran's oil exports were already falling before Washington and European countries invoked tougher sanctions, and this is hurting the Iranian economy. This fall was the result of Japan and the EU cutting their proportion of imports of Iranian oil and making up for this shortfall with oil from Saudi Arabia and other nations.
米欧の制裁強化が実際に発動される前から、原油輸出量はすでに減少傾向で、イラン経済を揺さぶっている。日本やＥＵが、原油輸入に占めるイラン産の割合を減らし、サウジアラビア産などで代替しつつあるためだ。
India, South Korea, Turkey and South Africa also have cut imports of Iranian oil.
インド、韓国、トルコ、南アフリカなどもイラン産原油の輸入削減に動き出した。
As the global economy has slowed due to factors such as credit uncertainty in Europe, the tight oil supply-demand balance has been eased and oil prices, which temporarily surged, have been pulling back since May.
欧州の信用不安などによる世界経済の減速に伴い、原油需給の逼迫(ひっぱく)感が薄れ、一時高騰した原油価格も５月以降は低下している。
===
Israel should hold fire
It is somewhat uncertain how China, the largest importer of Iranian oil, will react. Nevertheless, Iran, which relies heavily on oil revenue, is feeling the squeeze. Its economy has been deteriorating as inflation runs wild.
イラン原油の最大輸入国である中国の動向に不透明な面はあるとはいえ、原油収入に依存するイランにとっては苦しい展開だ。イランではインフレも進行しており、経済状況は悪化している。
The United States and European nations should actively seek talks with Iran, especially now that the sanctions have proven to have had some effect.
米欧は、制裁に一定の効果が出ている今こそイランとの協議を積極的に探ることが求められる。
We are concerned that a military strike by Israel against Iran could become more of a realistic possibility unless the international community can find a lead to clearing up the suspicions swirling around Tehran's nuclear program.
懸念されるのは、核疑惑解決の糸口がつかめないと、それだけイスラエルによるイラン攻撃が現実味を増してくることだ。
The use of force would throw the Middle East into chaos and hammer the global economy. We urge Israel to exercise self-restraint and not attack Iran, but rather watch calmly whether sanctions will force a change in Tehran's policy.
武力行使は、中東地域を混乱に陥れ、世界経済に打撃となる。イスラエルは、攻撃を自制し、制裁がイランの政策を変えるのかどうか、冷静に見極めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 29, 2012)
（2012年6月29日01時12分 読売新聞）
Tougher sanctions could force Iran to change nuclear policy
対イラン制裁 強化を疑惑払拭につなげよ（6月29日付・読売社説）
The United States and European countries have little option but to strengthen sanctions pressure on Iran for rebuffing efforts by the international community to clarify suspicions about its nuclear program. In parallel with this move, it is necessary to seek a solution by tenaciously pushing for dialogue with Iran.
核疑惑の解明を拒むイランに対して、米欧が制裁の圧力を強めるのは、やむを得ない。並行して粘り強く対話による解決を目指す必要がある。
On Thursday, it became possible, after a six-month grace period, for the United States to invoke financial sanctions with the aim of curbing Iran's oil exports. The U.S. government now can bar financial institutions of countries that do not significantly reduce imports of Iranian oil from dealing with U.S. banks.
イランの原油輸出の抑制を狙った米国の金融制裁が、半年の猶予期間を経て２８日、発動可能となった。米政府は、イランとの原油取引を大幅に減らさない国の金融機関に、米銀行との取引を禁じることができる。
In cooperation with the United States, the European Union also will totally ban imports of Iranian oil from Sunday.
米国と連携し、欧州連合（ＥＵ）も、７月１日からイラン産原油の輸入を全面的に禁止する。
Both sanctions are designed to curb Iran's oil exports--a crucial revenue source. They will deal a stinging blow to Iran.
いずれも、イランにとって重要な収入源である原油輸出にブレーキをかける制裁措置だ。イランには痛手となろう。
The United States and its European allies decided to take these measures after several rounds of talks between six nations--the five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany--and Iran held from April to June failed to produce any substantial results.
米欧の措置は、国連安全保障理事会の常任理事国にドイツを加えた６か国が、４～６月に行ったイランとの協議で成果がなかったことを受けたものだ。
===
Ball in Tehran's court
To prevent Iran from converting enriched uranium into material that could be used in a nuclear weapon, the six countries pressed Iran to halt its uranium enrichment program and transfer enriched uranium it possesses out of the country. Tehran rejected these requests.
６か国は、核兵器開発への転用を防止するため、ウラン濃縮の停止と、保有している濃縮ウランの海外搬出をイランに求めたが、拒否された。
Iran also has refused to comply with requests by the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect several suspect nuclear facilities.
イランは国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）が求める疑惑施設への査察も受け入れていない。
As long as Iran denies it is developing nuclear weapons, it must take concrete actions to dispel suspicions about its nuclear program.
核兵器開発を否定する以上、イランは疑惑を払拭する具体的措置をとらなければならない。
Iran's oil exports were already falling before Washington and European countries invoked tougher sanctions, and this is hurting the Iranian economy. This fall was the result of Japan and the EU cutting their proportion of imports of Iranian oil and making up for this shortfall with oil from Saudi Arabia and other nations.
米欧の制裁強化が実際に発動される前から、原油輸出量はすでに減少傾向で、イラン経済を揺さぶっている。日本やＥＵが、原油輸入に占めるイラン産の割合を減らし、サウジアラビア産などで代替しつつあるためだ。
India, South Korea, Turkey and South Africa also have cut imports of Iranian oil.
インド、韓国、トルコ、南アフリカなどもイラン産原油の輸入削減に動き出した。
As the global economy has slowed due to factors such as credit uncertainty in Europe, the tight oil supply-demand balance has been eased and oil prices, which temporarily surged, have been pulling back since May.
欧州の信用不安などによる世界経済の減速に伴い、原油需給の逼迫(ひっぱく)感が薄れ、一時高騰した原油価格も５月以降は低下している。
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Israel should hold fire
It is somewhat uncertain how China, the largest importer of Iranian oil, will react. Nevertheless, Iran, which relies heavily on oil revenue, is feeling the squeeze. Its economy has been deteriorating as inflation runs wild.
イラン原油の最大輸入国である中国の動向に不透明な面はあるとはいえ、原油収入に依存するイランにとっては苦しい展開だ。イランではインフレも進行しており、経済状況は悪化している。
The United States and European nations should actively seek talks with Iran, especially now that the sanctions have proven to have had some effect.
米欧は、制裁に一定の効果が出ている今こそイランとの協議を積極的に探ることが求められる。
We are concerned that a military strike by Israel against Iran could become more of a realistic possibility unless the international community can find a lead to clearing up the suspicions swirling around Tehran's nuclear program.
懸念されるのは、核疑惑解決の糸口がつかめないと、それだけイスラエルによるイラン攻撃が現実味を増してくることだ。
The use of force would throw the Middle East into chaos and hammer the global economy. We urge Israel to exercise self-restraint and not attack Iran, but rather watch calmly whether sanctions will force a change in Tehran's policy.
武力行使は、中東地域を混乱に陥れ、世界経済に打撃となる。イスラエルは、攻撃を自制し、制裁がイランの政策を変えるのかどうか、冷静に見極めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 29, 2012)
（2012年6月29日01時12分 読売新聞）
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