The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 6, 2012)
Romney's good fight put Obama on the defensive
米大統領選討論 ロムニー善戦でオバマ守勢に（10月5日付・読売社説）
Democratic incumbent U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had a face-to-face confrontation Wednesday in Denver in their first televised debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election to be held on Nov. 6.
１１月６日の米大統領選投開票に向け、民主党候補のオバマ大統領と共和党候補のロムニー前マサチューセッツ州知事が直接対決する、第１回テレビ討論会が行われた。
Presidential debates, three of which will be held this year, are important events that give voters a chance to evaluate the candidates based on aspects of how they look on TV, such as their expressions and demeanor, as well as what they debate.
計３回行われる討論会は、討論の中身は無論、表情や態度などテレビ映りの良さが有権者の判断材料となる重要なイベントだ。
The debates are critical for Romney to turn the tables on his rival as he sees the voters' support for him remain sluggish partly due to his own verbal lapses. As his approval ratings have been plummeting in closely contested states, there will be no hope for Romney to win the race if he fails in the debates.
自らの失言で支持率がなかなか伸びないロムニー氏にとって、劣勢を挽回する重要な機会である。激戦州で支持率が急落していただけに失敗すれば勝ち目はない。
In polls taken right after the debate, Romney appeared to be viewed as the winner, probably because his going aggressively on the offensive proved effective. It can be said the ultimate outcome of the race has become uncertain again.
終了直後の世論調査でロムニー氏に軍配が上がったのは、積極的に攻めに出たのが功を奏した結果だろう。選挙戦の行方は再び混沌(こんとん)としてきたと言える。
===
Romney was in his element
Economic and domestic issues, the focus of the first debate, were where Romney, who has succeeded as a corporate executive, is at his strongest.
第１回討論のテーマ「経済・内政」は、経営者として成功したロムニー氏の得意分野だった。
The U.S. economy is in a critical state. It has been unable to pull itself out of its slowdown, and the jobless rate remains high. No president has ever been reelected since the end of World War II with the jobless rate hovering in the 8-percent range.
米経済の状況は厳しい。景気減速から抜け出せず、失業率は高止まりしている。第２次世界大戦後、失業率８％台で再選された米大統領はいない。
The first debate proved advantageous for Romney as he criticized Obama's misadministration in the past four years, while Obama, aiming to be reelected, was forced onto the defensive.
４年間の「失政」を攻撃するロムニー氏には有利で、再選を目指すオバマ氏は防戦に追われた。
Both candidates are being tested as to how they would realize a robust economic recovery and whether each can present any effective prescriptions to that end. In the debate, the differences in their policies have come to light once again.
両候補に問われているのは、力強い景気回復をどう実現していくのか、実効性ある処方箋を示すことである。討論では、政策の違いが改めて浮かび上がった。
Obama's stance attaches great importance to the role of the federal government in creating jobs. He put forward his cherished ideas, such as tax cuts for middle-income taxpayers; the rehiring of former teachers; investment in schools, roads and other public infrastructure; and expanded use of renewable energy.
オバマ氏は、雇用を創出するため、連邦政府の役割を重視する立場だ。中間所得層向け減税、教員の再雇用、学校や道路など公共投資、再生エネルギーの拡大などの持論を展開した。
Romney criticized Obama's budget policies as fiscal expansion, while emphasizing the need to enhance the private sector's vitality by making sizable tax cuts, including ones for upper-income households, and deregulation. He also renewed his public pledges to promote the nation's energy independence and create 12 million jobs.
ロムニー氏は財政膨張だと批判し、富裕層を含む大幅減税と規制撤廃で民間の活力を高める必要性を強調した。エネルギー自給の推進や１２００万人の雇用創出を改めて公約した。
===
Details needed on both sides
How can financial resources be secured? Or how can such a large-scale job creation be realized without economic stimulus measures through more government spending? In the economic stimulus measures put forward by the two candidates, there are more than a few that need to be worked out in detail.
財源をどう確保するのか。財政出動による景気刺激策なしに大規模な雇用を創出できるのか。両候補の景気浮揚策には、詰めるべき点が少なくない。
U.S. fiscal deficits have topped the 1 trillion dollars mark for four fiscal years in a row. The challenge of putting the fiscal house in order is an important task on which no time can be wasted.
財政赤字は、４年続けて１兆ドルを超えている。財政再建は待ったなしの重要な課題だ。
In his budget-cutting plan to trim the deficit, Obama does not treat national defense spending as an exception. But Romney opposes cuts in such spending. How will fiscal rehabilitation affect future U.S. military strategy, which attaches importance to Asia? This is also an issue that is related to the national security of Japan.
そのために必要な歳出削減で、オバマ氏は国防費も例外扱いにしないが、ロムニー氏は反対だ。財政再建が今後、アジアを重視する米国の軍事戦略にどう影響してくるのか。日本の安全保障にもかかわる問題である。
Diplomatic issues will be one of the topics covered in the second and third debates. U.S. policy toward China will probably become a major issue. We would like to pay close attention to how the debates turn out, as they may decide which side will win in the closely contested presidential race.
２回目、３回目の討論では外交もテーマとなる。対中政策が大きな争点となろう。接戦の帰趨(きすう)を決める論戦の行方を注視したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 5, 2012)
（2012年10月5日01時15分 読売新聞）
2012/10/07
2012/10/06
生活保護改革 自立促す就労支援に本腰を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 5, 2012)
Govt must do more to help welfare recipients find jobs
生活保護改革 自立促す就労支援に本腰を（10月4日付・読売社説）
The number of people receiving welfare benefits in Japan has reached a new record of 2.11 million, and they are expected to receive a total of 3.7 trillion yen this fiscal year.
生活保護の受給者は、２１１万人と過去最多を更新し、今年度の給付額は３兆７０００億円にのぼると見込まれる。
The government must knuckle down to help people who need financial help become self-reliant.
政府は、生活困窮者の自立支援に本腰を入れるべきだ。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has drafted a set of measures to help people who need financial help. The measures--the first of their kind--focus on job assistance. The ministry plans to compile a livelihood support strategy by the end of this year and submit related bills during an ordinary Diet session next year.
厚生労働省は、就労支援に力点を置いた初の生活困窮者政策案をまとめた。年内に「生活支援戦略」として策定し、来年の通常国会で関連法案を提出する方針だ。
About 300,000 welfare recipients are working-age people who have no jobs despite being capable of working. The proportion of such recipients has more than doubled over the past decade.
生活保護受給者の中には、働けるにもかかわらず、職のない現役世代が約３０万人いる。受給者に占める割合は、過去１０年で２倍以上に増えた。
This is apparently the result of the nation's prolonged economic malaise. An increase in the number of nonregular employees who have no employment insurance has become a major contributing factor to this trend.
背景には、景気低迷の長期化がうかがえる。雇用保険に未加入の非正規雇用者が増えたことの影響が大きいと言えよう。
According to the draft, the ministry would provide welfare recipients with opportunities to try light work in collaboration with local governments, companies and other organizations. This aims to help them restore their life rhythm, thus encouraging them to secure stable jobs.
厚労省案では、自治体や企業などと連携して、軽作業の労働体験の場を提供する。生活リズムを取り戻させて、安定的な就労につなげる狙いがある。
===
Rent assistance needed
The draft also proposes a scheme under which a portion of income a welfare recipient earns from work would be accumulated and given in a lump sum when they get off welfare.
生活保護受給中に就労で得た収入の一部を積み立て、保護から脱した時にまとめて受け取る制度も提案した。
It calls for establishing such a framework because welfare recipients have their benefits reduced if they have an income.
現在は、収入があると保護費が削られるからだ。
We believe it is crucial to introduce measures like this one that motivate welfare recipients to join the workforce.
こうした勤労意欲を促進する仕組みの導入は欠かせない。
It also is important to help them find places to live. The draft calls for providing in-kind benefits by having local governments pay their rent to landlords.
住居の確保も重要な支援である。家賃は、自治体が直接払う現物給付とする方向だ。
This would encourage landlords to rent rooms to welfare recipients because they would no longer have to worry about nonpayment of rent.
家賃滞納の恐れがなくなり、大家が安心して貸すことが期待できよう。
While encouraging welfare recipients to help themselves, it is also important to prevent low-income earners from reaching the point where they require welfare benefits.
受給者の自立を促す一方で、低所得者が生活保護受給に至らないよう支援することが大切だ。
There have been reports that 25 percent of welfare recipients had parents who also received benefits. They must be helped to break the chain of poverty being passed from parents to children.
生活保護受給者の２５％は、その親も受給していたとの報告がある。親から子への「貧困の連鎖」を断ち切らねばならない。
Many of these recipients graduated only from middle school or dropped out of high school.
This clearly shows that people from families receiving welfare benefits often have fewer education opportunities than people from households not on welfare.
中卒、高校中退の人も多く、一般家庭との教育格差は否めない。
The nation's small public expenditure on education has been blamed as a major factor for this trend.
教育への公的支出が少ないことが一つの要因とも指摘される。
===
Families also have responsibility
The ministry draft calls for providing learning support to children from households receiving welfare benefits, such as collaborating with the private sector to offer remedial classes to meet the needs of their families and local communities.
厚労省案によると、民間との連携で、家庭や地域の事情に応じて補習塾を開くなど、子どもたちの学習を支援する。
It is natural that relatives should be asked to explain why they do not support a family member facing financial difficulties even though they have a duty to do so. Even the mother of a popular comedian was recently found to have received welfare benefits.
お笑いタレントの母親が生活保護を受けていた問題もあり、扶養義務のある親族が扶養を断った際には、その理由の説明を求めることにしたのは当然だ。
Of course, it is also necessary to ensure people do not illegally receive welfare benefits.
無論、生活保護費の不正受給対策も徹底する必要がある。
Nevertheless, the elderly are the fastest growing group among welfare recipients due to the rapid graying of society and an increasing number of senior citizens who receive low pensions.
ただ、受給者のうち、最も増えているのは高齢者だ。急速な高齢化と、低年金者の増加による。
People who receive only basic pension payments have to get by on just 49,000 yen per month on average.
基礎年金だけの受給者は、平均額が月４万９０００円に過ぎない。
Reforming the welfare system should be conducted comprehensively along with overhauls in other fields, including employment, education and pensions.
生活保護制度の改革は雇用、教育、年金などの分野も合わせて包括的に進めなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 4, 2012)
（2012年10月4日01時39分 読売新聞）
Govt must do more to help welfare recipients find jobs
生活保護改革 自立促す就労支援に本腰を（10月4日付・読売社説）
The number of people receiving welfare benefits in Japan has reached a new record of 2.11 million, and they are expected to receive a total of 3.7 trillion yen this fiscal year.
生活保護の受給者は、２１１万人と過去最多を更新し、今年度の給付額は３兆７０００億円にのぼると見込まれる。
The government must knuckle down to help people who need financial help become self-reliant.
政府は、生活困窮者の自立支援に本腰を入れるべきだ。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has drafted a set of measures to help people who need financial help. The measures--the first of their kind--focus on job assistance. The ministry plans to compile a livelihood support strategy by the end of this year and submit related bills during an ordinary Diet session next year.
厚生労働省は、就労支援に力点を置いた初の生活困窮者政策案をまとめた。年内に「生活支援戦略」として策定し、来年の通常国会で関連法案を提出する方針だ。
About 300,000 welfare recipients are working-age people who have no jobs despite being capable of working. The proportion of such recipients has more than doubled over the past decade.
生活保護受給者の中には、働けるにもかかわらず、職のない現役世代が約３０万人いる。受給者に占める割合は、過去１０年で２倍以上に増えた。
This is apparently the result of the nation's prolonged economic malaise. An increase in the number of nonregular employees who have no employment insurance has become a major contributing factor to this trend.
背景には、景気低迷の長期化がうかがえる。雇用保険に未加入の非正規雇用者が増えたことの影響が大きいと言えよう。
According to the draft, the ministry would provide welfare recipients with opportunities to try light work in collaboration with local governments, companies and other organizations. This aims to help them restore their life rhythm, thus encouraging them to secure stable jobs.
厚労省案では、自治体や企業などと連携して、軽作業の労働体験の場を提供する。生活リズムを取り戻させて、安定的な就労につなげる狙いがある。
===
Rent assistance needed
The draft also proposes a scheme under which a portion of income a welfare recipient earns from work would be accumulated and given in a lump sum when they get off welfare.
生活保護受給中に就労で得た収入の一部を積み立て、保護から脱した時にまとめて受け取る制度も提案した。
It calls for establishing such a framework because welfare recipients have their benefits reduced if they have an income.
現在は、収入があると保護費が削られるからだ。
We believe it is crucial to introduce measures like this one that motivate welfare recipients to join the workforce.
こうした勤労意欲を促進する仕組みの導入は欠かせない。
It also is important to help them find places to live. The draft calls for providing in-kind benefits by having local governments pay their rent to landlords.
住居の確保も重要な支援である。家賃は、自治体が直接払う現物給付とする方向だ。
This would encourage landlords to rent rooms to welfare recipients because they would no longer have to worry about nonpayment of rent.
家賃滞納の恐れがなくなり、大家が安心して貸すことが期待できよう。
While encouraging welfare recipients to help themselves, it is also important to prevent low-income earners from reaching the point where they require welfare benefits.
受給者の自立を促す一方で、低所得者が生活保護受給に至らないよう支援することが大切だ。
There have been reports that 25 percent of welfare recipients had parents who also received benefits. They must be helped to break the chain of poverty being passed from parents to children.
生活保護受給者の２５％は、その親も受給していたとの報告がある。親から子への「貧困の連鎖」を断ち切らねばならない。
Many of these recipients graduated only from middle school or dropped out of high school.
This clearly shows that people from families receiving welfare benefits often have fewer education opportunities than people from households not on welfare.
中卒、高校中退の人も多く、一般家庭との教育格差は否めない。
The nation's small public expenditure on education has been blamed as a major factor for this trend.
教育への公的支出が少ないことが一つの要因とも指摘される。
===
Families also have responsibility
The ministry draft calls for providing learning support to children from households receiving welfare benefits, such as collaborating with the private sector to offer remedial classes to meet the needs of their families and local communities.
厚労省案によると、民間との連携で、家庭や地域の事情に応じて補習塾を開くなど、子どもたちの学習を支援する。
It is natural that relatives should be asked to explain why they do not support a family member facing financial difficulties even though they have a duty to do so. Even the mother of a popular comedian was recently found to have received welfare benefits.
お笑いタレントの母親が生活保護を受けていた問題もあり、扶養義務のある親族が扶養を断った際には、その理由の説明を求めることにしたのは当然だ。
Of course, it is also necessary to ensure people do not illegally receive welfare benefits.
無論、生活保護費の不正受給対策も徹底する必要がある。
Nevertheless, the elderly are the fastest growing group among welfare recipients due to the rapid graying of society and an increasing number of senior citizens who receive low pensions.
ただ、受給者のうち、最も増えているのは高齢者だ。急速な高齢化と、低年金者の増加による。
People who receive only basic pension payments have to get by on just 49,000 yen per month on average.
基礎年金だけの受給者は、平均額が月４万９０００円に過ぎない。
Reforming the welfare system should be conducted comprehensively along with overhauls in other fields, including employment, education and pensions.
生活保護制度の改革は雇用、教育、年金などの分野も合わせて包括的に進めなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 4, 2012)
（2012年10月4日01時39分 読売新聞）
2012/10/05
「尖閣」外交 領有の正当性示す広報戦略を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 4, 2012)
Govt should counter China's propaganda on Senkakus
「尖閣」外交 領有の正当性示す広報戦略を（10月3日付・読売社説）
China's propaganda campaign over the Senkaku Islands has run rampant, conveying false and improper messages to the world.
尖閣諸島に関して不当な主張を展開する中国の攻勢が激しい。
The Japanese government should counter China's campaign by demonstrating the legitimacy of Japan's territorial claim on the islands to the international community.
政府は、日本の領有権の正当性を国際社会に訴えて対抗すべきだ。
The newly reshuffled Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has approved the government's basic policy over the Senkaku Islands, which stipulated that the government will "fulfill its duties of defending the nation's land and territorial waters, including isolated islands, in accordance with international law."
野田内閣は改造に合わせ、「離島を含む領土・領海を守る責務を国際法に則(のっと)って果たす」との基本方針を閣議決定した。
The government should redouble its efforts to tell the world that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan's territory.
尖閣諸島が日本固有の領土であることを一層アピールしなければならない。
This is necessary to cope with China's tactics over the islands--on top of flexing its muscles by sending surveillance ships to the waters around the islands, it has also been striving to control the direction of international public opinion. China has launched a propaganda campaign against Japan in the United States and Europe, such as by running ads in major U.S. newspapers claiming that the islands "belong to China."
中国が、監視船を尖閣諸島周辺海域に送り込んで示威行動を続けるだけでなく、「情報戦」にも力を入れているからだ。例えば、尖閣諸島は「中国のものだ」との広告を米主要紙に掲載するなど、欧米での宣伝工作に乗り出した。
===
Don't let China get the upper hand
Japan has maintained a consistent stance over the issue that "there is no territorial dispute over the islands" based on the facts that the nation's territorial rights over the islands have already been established under international law and Japan has effective control over the islands.
政府は尖閣諸島について、国際法上、日本の領有権は確立し、実効支配もしていることから、「領土問題は一切存在しない」との立場を一貫して取っている。
Of course, there is no need for the government to change this policy, but if the nation continues ignoring China's claims, those claims may spread across the world. At a recent press conference, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said, "The nation's stance [over the islands] will remain unchanged, but we need to present our stance to the international community in an easy-to-understand manner."
We regard Gemba's remarks as appropriate.
無論、その立場は堅持すべきだが、超然と構えるだけでは中国の言い分が広がりかねない。玄葉外相は記者会見で「わが国の立場は変わらないが、国際社会に分かりやすく訴える必要がある」との認識を示した。もっともである。
The home page of the Foreign Ministry's website has a new banner labeled "Japan-China relations: Current situation of the Senkaku Islands," which links directly to a page explaining its view on the islands. For next fiscal year, the ministry has requested about 600 million yen for public relations, investigation and research over the nation's territorial integrity, including such work for the Senkaku Islands.
外務省はホームページに「日中関係（尖閣諸島をめぐる情勢）」と題したバナーを新設した。来年度概算要求にも尖閣諸島を含む領土保全のための情報発信や調査研究などに約６億円計上した。
It is essential for the nation to conduct public relations activities tenaciously and with a clear strategic vision.
粘り強く戦略的な対外広報活動を続けることが肝要である。
It is also important to swiftly respond to China's actions at diplomatic events.
外交の場で迅速かつ適切に対処することも欠かせない。
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi recently made remarks on the Senkaku Islands at the U.N. General Assembly. He claimed that Japan "stole" the islands in 1895 at the end of the Sino-Japanese War, and forced the Chinese government to sign an unequal treaty to cede the islands.
先の国連総会で、中国の楊潔チ(ヤンジエチー)外相は尖閣諸島について、「１８９５年、日本は日清戦争の末期に盗み取り、不平等条約で割譲させた」と訴えた。
Yang's remarks were a distortion of historical facts. It was totally appropriate for Kazuo Kodama, Japan's deputy U.N. ambassador, to exercise Japan's right to reply in General Assembly debate.
歴史的事実を歪曲(わいきょく)した発言であり、日本の児玉和夫国連次席大使が直ちに反論したのは当然だ。
===
China's claims distort history
Based on international law, the Japanese government incorporated the Senkaku Islands into Japan's territory in January 1895 after confirming that the islands were not under Chinese control. The islands were thus clearly Japanese territory when the two nations signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the Sino-Japanese War, in April that year. Kodama explained the facts to the assembly and concluded that China's claims were untenable.
日本は９５年１月、国際法に沿って、尖閣諸島に中国の支配が及んでいないことを確認し、領土に編入した。この手続きは、日清戦争を終結させた同年４月の下関条約の調印前であり、「中国の主張は成り立たない」と強調した。
It was only since the 1970s that the Chinese government began claiming territorial sovereignty over the islands, after the existence of an oil deposit was confirmed beneath the nearby seafloor. Before then, Beijing had never objected to Japan's possession of the Senkaku Islands. This fact clearly supports Japan's claims.
中国が尖閣諸島の領有権を唱え始めたのは周辺海域で石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７０年代だ。それ以前、中国は日本の尖閣領有に異議を一切唱えていない。日本の主張を補強する材料と言える。
The Chinese government has demanded that Japan admit the existence of a territorial dispute over the islands and settle it through dialogue.
中国は日本に対し、領土問題の存在を認め、「対話を通した問題解決」をするよう迫っている。
It is important for Japan to have discussions with China to improve the strained relations with the country. However, efforts to advance discussions must never undermine Japan's stance over sovereignty.
日中関係改善のための協議は大切だが、主権に関する日本の立場が揺らいではならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2012)
（2012年10月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
Govt should counter China's propaganda on Senkakus
「尖閣」外交 領有の正当性示す広報戦略を（10月3日付・読売社説）
China's propaganda campaign over the Senkaku Islands has run rampant, conveying false and improper messages to the world.
尖閣諸島に関して不当な主張を展開する中国の攻勢が激しい。
The Japanese government should counter China's campaign by demonstrating the legitimacy of Japan's territorial claim on the islands to the international community.
政府は、日本の領有権の正当性を国際社会に訴えて対抗すべきだ。
The newly reshuffled Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has approved the government's basic policy over the Senkaku Islands, which stipulated that the government will "fulfill its duties of defending the nation's land and territorial waters, including isolated islands, in accordance with international law."
野田内閣は改造に合わせ、「離島を含む領土・領海を守る責務を国際法に則(のっと)って果たす」との基本方針を閣議決定した。
The government should redouble its efforts to tell the world that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan's territory.
尖閣諸島が日本固有の領土であることを一層アピールしなければならない。
This is necessary to cope with China's tactics over the islands--on top of flexing its muscles by sending surveillance ships to the waters around the islands, it has also been striving to control the direction of international public opinion. China has launched a propaganda campaign against Japan in the United States and Europe, such as by running ads in major U.S. newspapers claiming that the islands "belong to China."
中国が、監視船を尖閣諸島周辺海域に送り込んで示威行動を続けるだけでなく、「情報戦」にも力を入れているからだ。例えば、尖閣諸島は「中国のものだ」との広告を米主要紙に掲載するなど、欧米での宣伝工作に乗り出した。
===
Don't let China get the upper hand
Japan has maintained a consistent stance over the issue that "there is no territorial dispute over the islands" based on the facts that the nation's territorial rights over the islands have already been established under international law and Japan has effective control over the islands.
政府は尖閣諸島について、国際法上、日本の領有権は確立し、実効支配もしていることから、「領土問題は一切存在しない」との立場を一貫して取っている。
Of course, there is no need for the government to change this policy, but if the nation continues ignoring China's claims, those claims may spread across the world. At a recent press conference, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said, "The nation's stance [over the islands] will remain unchanged, but we need to present our stance to the international community in an easy-to-understand manner."
We regard Gemba's remarks as appropriate.
無論、その立場は堅持すべきだが、超然と構えるだけでは中国の言い分が広がりかねない。玄葉外相は記者会見で「わが国の立場は変わらないが、国際社会に分かりやすく訴える必要がある」との認識を示した。もっともである。
The home page of the Foreign Ministry's website has a new banner labeled "Japan-China relations: Current situation of the Senkaku Islands," which links directly to a page explaining its view on the islands. For next fiscal year, the ministry has requested about 600 million yen for public relations, investigation and research over the nation's territorial integrity, including such work for the Senkaku Islands.
外務省はホームページに「日中関係（尖閣諸島をめぐる情勢）」と題したバナーを新設した。来年度概算要求にも尖閣諸島を含む領土保全のための情報発信や調査研究などに約６億円計上した。
It is essential for the nation to conduct public relations activities tenaciously and with a clear strategic vision.
粘り強く戦略的な対外広報活動を続けることが肝要である。
It is also important to swiftly respond to China's actions at diplomatic events.
外交の場で迅速かつ適切に対処することも欠かせない。
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi recently made remarks on the Senkaku Islands at the U.N. General Assembly. He claimed that Japan "stole" the islands in 1895 at the end of the Sino-Japanese War, and forced the Chinese government to sign an unequal treaty to cede the islands.
先の国連総会で、中国の楊潔チ(ヤンジエチー)外相は尖閣諸島について、「１８９５年、日本は日清戦争の末期に盗み取り、不平等条約で割譲させた」と訴えた。
Yang's remarks were a distortion of historical facts. It was totally appropriate for Kazuo Kodama, Japan's deputy U.N. ambassador, to exercise Japan's right to reply in General Assembly debate.
歴史的事実を歪曲(わいきょく)した発言であり、日本の児玉和夫国連次席大使が直ちに反論したのは当然だ。
===
China's claims distort history
Based on international law, the Japanese government incorporated the Senkaku Islands into Japan's territory in January 1895 after confirming that the islands were not under Chinese control. The islands were thus clearly Japanese territory when the two nations signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the Sino-Japanese War, in April that year. Kodama explained the facts to the assembly and concluded that China's claims were untenable.
日本は９５年１月、国際法に沿って、尖閣諸島に中国の支配が及んでいないことを確認し、領土に編入した。この手続きは、日清戦争を終結させた同年４月の下関条約の調印前であり、「中国の主張は成り立たない」と強調した。
It was only since the 1970s that the Chinese government began claiming territorial sovereignty over the islands, after the existence of an oil deposit was confirmed beneath the nearby seafloor. Before then, Beijing had never objected to Japan's possession of the Senkaku Islands. This fact clearly supports Japan's claims.
中国が尖閣諸島の領有権を唱え始めたのは周辺海域で石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７０年代だ。それ以前、中国は日本の尖閣領有に異議を一切唱えていない。日本の主張を補強する材料と言える。
The Chinese government has demanded that Japan admit the existence of a territorial dispute over the islands and settle it through dialogue.
中国は日本に対し、領土問題の存在を認め、「対話を通した問題解決」をするよう迫っている。
It is important for Japan to have discussions with China to improve the strained relations with the country. However, efforts to advance discussions must never undermine Japan's stance over sovereignty.
日中関係改善のための協議は大切だが、主権に関する日本の立場が揺らいではならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2012)
（2012年10月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
2012/10/04
野田内閣改造 日本の再生を託し得る布陣か
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 3, 2012)
Can Noda's new Cabinet be entrusted to revive Japan?
野田内閣改造 日本の再生を託し得る布陣か（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆「発信力」で田中文科相起用の愚◆
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has given favorable treatment to lawmakers seeking cabinet posts and obviously wanted to prevent more members from leaving his party ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election. The new lineup is characterized by such an inward-looking approach.
衆院選を控え、入閣を待望していた議員の処遇を図るとともに、これ以上の離党者を防ぎたいという「内向き」な姿勢の目立つ布陣である。
Noda launched his third reshuffled Cabinet on Monday. The purpose of the reshuffle, he said, was "to further deepen cooperation between the government and the ruling parties and to strengthen the Cabinet's functions."
野田第３次改造内閣が、発足した。野田首相はその目的を「政府与党の連携を一層深め、内閣の機能を強化する」と述べた。
The prime minister used a certain amount of ingenuity in the reshuffle by retaining core ministers, such as Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada, and appointing lawmakers who held executive posts in the Democratic Party of Japan to key posts.
岡田副総理ら要の閣僚を留任させて、民主党の役職経験者を重要閣僚に配置するなど工夫は見られる。
However, concern cannot be dispelled over whether the reshuffle will serve its purpose.
だが、果たして狙い通りになるのか、懸念を拭えない。
===
Rework nuclear plant policy
◆原発政策の立て直しを◆
When considering future national strategy and revival of Japan's economy, we wonder, first of all, why Noda retained Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano, who was responsible for allowing the nation's nuclear power plant and energy policy to stray off course.
今後の国家戦略や日本経済の再生を考えると、まず、疑問なのは原発・エネルギー政策を迷走させてきた枝野経済産業相を留任させたことである。
Edano played a central role when the government drew up its innovative energy and environmental strategy, which set a target of zero nuclear power plants operating in the 2030s.
枝野氏は、政府が２０３０年代に原発の稼働ゼロを目指す「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」を策定した際、中心的役割を担った。
Concerning this target, Edano was optimistic, saying, "As long as it's not done the wrong way, it will have a positive impact on the economy."
枝野氏は、原発ゼロについて「やり方を間違わなければ、むしろ経済にプラスだ」と楽観的な見解も示している。
His remark seems to ignore the various issues that concern business circles, such as the impact mothballing nuclear power plants would have on the Japanese economy, job losses caused by the hollowing-out of industry and a decrease in the number of nuclear power engineers.
こうした言動は、脱原発がもたらす日本経済への打撃や、産業空洞化に伴う雇用喪失、原子力関連の技術者減少など、経済界が懸念を示す様々な課題について軽視しているように見える。
Under the circumstances, Edano can only be accused of irresponsibility as the economy, trade and industry minister has to ensure a stable supply of electricity as well as industrial development.
これでは電力の安定供給と産業振興に責任を負う経産相として、無責任のそしりを免れない。
A wide range of cooperation from the business world is essential in developing technological innovations for renewable energy.
再生可能エネルギーの技術革新を実現するには、経済界の幅広い協力が必要だ。
Former DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman Seiji Maehara, who assumed the position of state minister for national policy, and economic and fiscal policy, pushed the government to decide on the zero nuclear power policy as head of the party's Energy and Environment Research Committee.
国家戦略・経済財政相に就任した前原誠司前政調会長も、これまで民主党のエネルギー・環境調査会をリードし、「原発ゼロ」の方針決定を後押ししてきた。
At a press conference after assuming his new post, Maehara said, "I'll promote a strategy to increase the nation's power, and work out plans for it." However, how will he overcome deflation and ensure the nation's growth while pushing for a zero nuclear power policy?
前原氏は、就任後の記者会見で「いかに国力を上げるかという国家戦略を推進し、企画立案する」と述べたが、「原発ゼロ」を推進する一方で、デフレ克服と成長促進をどう実現するのか。
Mapping out a mid- and long-term basic energy plan will be a huge task.
中長期的なエネルギー基本計画の策定が大きな課題になる。
In addition to opposition from the business community, the United States, which concluded a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy with Japan, has also expressed strong concern over Japan's nuclear power plant policy. It is crucial for Japan to improve its relationship with the United States.
経済界が反発していることに加えて、日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国も日本の原発政策に強い懸念を示している。関係を改善することが欠かせない。
Maehara, who once served as foreign minister, will find his ability to coordinate policy tested again.
外相経験もある前原氏の政策調整力が、改めて問われる。
===
Tanaka's appointment strange
◆党内不協和音収まらず◆
The appointment of Makiko Tanaka as education, culture, sports, science and technology minister is mystifying.
田中真紀子元外相の文部科学相起用は、およそ理解し難い。
Tanaka assumed the post of foreign minister during the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, but it soon became apparent she lacked even a fundamental knowledge of diplomacy. Her frequent aberrant behavior in dealing with the ministry's bureaucrats led to diplomacy becoming totally dysfunctional.
田中氏は小泉内閣で外相に就いたが、外交の基本的認識さえ欠く始末だった。外務官僚との確執から常軌を逸した行動を繰り返し、外交を機能不全に陥らせた。
It is obvious she lacks what it takes to serve as a cabinet minister. Of great concern is that she will lose control again and cause national politics to become chaotic. Noda said he placed great expectations on her communication skills. But if Tanaka's appointment is intended to help the DPJ in its campaign for the next general election, it would be like treating the general public with derision.
閣僚としての資質に乏しいことは明らかである。またもや暴走して国政を混乱させないか、大いに懸念される。首相は「発信力」を期待しているというが、仮にも選挙対策を考えたのなら、国民を愚弄する話ではないか。
An analysis of the list of Cabinet members who were named for the first time indicates their appointments were made as rewards for supporting Noda's reelection as DPJ president and aimed at promoting intraparty unity.
新任閣僚の顔ぶれには代表選で首相再選を支持した議員への論功行賞、党内融和もうかがえる。
Keishu Tanaka, one of the party's vice presidents and a former member of the now defunct Democratic Socialist Party, was appointed justice minister, while Wakio Mitsui and Ikko Nakatsuka, who both had close connections with former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, were named health, labor and welfare minister and state minister for financial services, respectively.
旧民社党系グループの田中慶秋副代表を法相に起用し、小沢一郎元代表に近かった三井辨雄氏を厚生労働相、中塚一宏氏を金融相に充てている。
Noda's three rivals in the DPJ presidential election and their supporters received no cabinet posts. It seems likely that consideration will be given to their groups in appointing senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
代表選で争った陣営からの入閣はなかったが、副大臣、政務官人事で配慮するようだ。
===
Intraparty discord
However, intraparty discord shows no sign of dissipating, and Noda will continue to be pressured over his management of the party.
だが、党内の不協和音が収まる気配はない。引き続き難しい党運営を迫られよう。
The prime minister stressed the need for cooperation between the government and ruling parties. His naming of former DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Koriki Jojima as finance minister is symbolic in this respect.
首相の強調する政府と与党との連携という観点では、財務相に城島光力前国会対策委員長を起用したことが象徴的だ。
The appointment could serve as an indication that Jojima's connections with the opposition parties will be used to help pass through the Diet a special bill to enable the issuance of deficit-covering government bonds and steadily promote integrated reform of social security and tax systems.
野党とのパイプを生かして、赤字国債発行を可能にするための特例公債法案の成立や、社会保障と税の一体改革を着実に進めるというメッセージにはなる。
Jojima's capabilities as finance minister will be put to the test during a meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank scheduled in Tokyo next week.
東京で来週開かれる国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会で財務相としての能力が試される。
===
Consistency important
◆外交安保の継続は当然◆
It is natural for Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto to retain their posts given the rigorous international environment surrounding Japan.
玄葉外相、森本防衛相の留任は、日本を取り巻く厳しい国際情勢を考えれば当然である。
Negotiations have just started with Russia to resolve the territorial dispute over four islands off Hokkaido. So have talks with North Korea over the abduction issue. It is also urgent to improve relations with China and South Korea, which have been strained over the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima island, respectively.
北方領土問題を巡るロシアとの交渉や、拉致問題で北朝鮮との協議の仕切り直しが始まったばかりだ。尖閣諸島、竹島問題で対立の続く日中・日韓関係を改善することも差し迫った課題だ。
Six MV-22 Ospreys flew to the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture from the U.S. Iwakuni Air Station on Monday. It is natural that Gemba pointed out the tilt-rotor transport aircraft are "indispensable for security in Japan and East Asia as they are key equipment of the marine corps."
米軍岩国基地に駐機していた新型輸送機オスプレイが１日、沖縄の米軍普天間飛行場に移動した。玄葉外相が、「日本、東アジアの安全保障にとって、海兵隊の中核となる装備なので不可欠だ」と指摘したのはもっともである。
Gemba and Morimoto must make all-out efforts to promote the relocation of the Futenma Air Station and further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. This will be necessary even as Japan rebuilds diplomatic ties vis-a-vis Beijing and Seoul.
対中・韓外交を立て直すためにも玄葉、森本両氏は、普天間飛行場の移設と日米同盟の一層の強化に全力を挙げねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 2, 2012)
（2012年10月2日01時25分 読売新聞）
Can Noda's new Cabinet be entrusted to revive Japan?
野田内閣改造 日本の再生を託し得る布陣か（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆「発信力」で田中文科相起用の愚◆
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has given favorable treatment to lawmakers seeking cabinet posts and obviously wanted to prevent more members from leaving his party ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election. The new lineup is characterized by such an inward-looking approach.
衆院選を控え、入閣を待望していた議員の処遇を図るとともに、これ以上の離党者を防ぎたいという「内向き」な姿勢の目立つ布陣である。
Noda launched his third reshuffled Cabinet on Monday. The purpose of the reshuffle, he said, was "to further deepen cooperation between the government and the ruling parties and to strengthen the Cabinet's functions."
野田第３次改造内閣が、発足した。野田首相はその目的を「政府与党の連携を一層深め、内閣の機能を強化する」と述べた。
The prime minister used a certain amount of ingenuity in the reshuffle by retaining core ministers, such as Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada, and appointing lawmakers who held executive posts in the Democratic Party of Japan to key posts.
岡田副総理ら要の閣僚を留任させて、民主党の役職経験者を重要閣僚に配置するなど工夫は見られる。
However, concern cannot be dispelled over whether the reshuffle will serve its purpose.
だが、果たして狙い通りになるのか、懸念を拭えない。
===
Rework nuclear plant policy
◆原発政策の立て直しを◆
When considering future national strategy and revival of Japan's economy, we wonder, first of all, why Noda retained Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano, who was responsible for allowing the nation's nuclear power plant and energy policy to stray off course.
今後の国家戦略や日本経済の再生を考えると、まず、疑問なのは原発・エネルギー政策を迷走させてきた枝野経済産業相を留任させたことである。
Edano played a central role when the government drew up its innovative energy and environmental strategy, which set a target of zero nuclear power plants operating in the 2030s.
枝野氏は、政府が２０３０年代に原発の稼働ゼロを目指す「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」を策定した際、中心的役割を担った。
Concerning this target, Edano was optimistic, saying, "As long as it's not done the wrong way, it will have a positive impact on the economy."
枝野氏は、原発ゼロについて「やり方を間違わなければ、むしろ経済にプラスだ」と楽観的な見解も示している。
His remark seems to ignore the various issues that concern business circles, such as the impact mothballing nuclear power plants would have on the Japanese economy, job losses caused by the hollowing-out of industry and a decrease in the number of nuclear power engineers.
こうした言動は、脱原発がもたらす日本経済への打撃や、産業空洞化に伴う雇用喪失、原子力関連の技術者減少など、経済界が懸念を示す様々な課題について軽視しているように見える。
Under the circumstances, Edano can only be accused of irresponsibility as the economy, trade and industry minister has to ensure a stable supply of electricity as well as industrial development.
これでは電力の安定供給と産業振興に責任を負う経産相として、無責任のそしりを免れない。
A wide range of cooperation from the business world is essential in developing technological innovations for renewable energy.
再生可能エネルギーの技術革新を実現するには、経済界の幅広い協力が必要だ。
Former DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman Seiji Maehara, who assumed the position of state minister for national policy, and economic and fiscal policy, pushed the government to decide on the zero nuclear power policy as head of the party's Energy and Environment Research Committee.
国家戦略・経済財政相に就任した前原誠司前政調会長も、これまで民主党のエネルギー・環境調査会をリードし、「原発ゼロ」の方針決定を後押ししてきた。
At a press conference after assuming his new post, Maehara said, "I'll promote a strategy to increase the nation's power, and work out plans for it." However, how will he overcome deflation and ensure the nation's growth while pushing for a zero nuclear power policy?
前原氏は、就任後の記者会見で「いかに国力を上げるかという国家戦略を推進し、企画立案する」と述べたが、「原発ゼロ」を推進する一方で、デフレ克服と成長促進をどう実現するのか。
Mapping out a mid- and long-term basic energy plan will be a huge task.
中長期的なエネルギー基本計画の策定が大きな課題になる。
In addition to opposition from the business community, the United States, which concluded a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy with Japan, has also expressed strong concern over Japan's nuclear power plant policy. It is crucial for Japan to improve its relationship with the United States.
経済界が反発していることに加えて、日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国も日本の原発政策に強い懸念を示している。関係を改善することが欠かせない。
Maehara, who once served as foreign minister, will find his ability to coordinate policy tested again.
外相経験もある前原氏の政策調整力が、改めて問われる。
===
Tanaka's appointment strange
◆党内不協和音収まらず◆
The appointment of Makiko Tanaka as education, culture, sports, science and technology minister is mystifying.
田中真紀子元外相の文部科学相起用は、およそ理解し難い。
Tanaka assumed the post of foreign minister during the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, but it soon became apparent she lacked even a fundamental knowledge of diplomacy. Her frequent aberrant behavior in dealing with the ministry's bureaucrats led to diplomacy becoming totally dysfunctional.
田中氏は小泉内閣で外相に就いたが、外交の基本的認識さえ欠く始末だった。外務官僚との確執から常軌を逸した行動を繰り返し、外交を機能不全に陥らせた。
It is obvious she lacks what it takes to serve as a cabinet minister. Of great concern is that she will lose control again and cause national politics to become chaotic. Noda said he placed great expectations on her communication skills. But if Tanaka's appointment is intended to help the DPJ in its campaign for the next general election, it would be like treating the general public with derision.
閣僚としての資質に乏しいことは明らかである。またもや暴走して国政を混乱させないか、大いに懸念される。首相は「発信力」を期待しているというが、仮にも選挙対策を考えたのなら、国民を愚弄する話ではないか。
An analysis of the list of Cabinet members who were named for the first time indicates their appointments were made as rewards for supporting Noda's reelection as DPJ president and aimed at promoting intraparty unity.
新任閣僚の顔ぶれには代表選で首相再選を支持した議員への論功行賞、党内融和もうかがえる。
Keishu Tanaka, one of the party's vice presidents and a former member of the now defunct Democratic Socialist Party, was appointed justice minister, while Wakio Mitsui and Ikko Nakatsuka, who both had close connections with former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, were named health, labor and welfare minister and state minister for financial services, respectively.
旧民社党系グループの田中慶秋副代表を法相に起用し、小沢一郎元代表に近かった三井辨雄氏を厚生労働相、中塚一宏氏を金融相に充てている。
Noda's three rivals in the DPJ presidential election and their supporters received no cabinet posts. It seems likely that consideration will be given to their groups in appointing senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
代表選で争った陣営からの入閣はなかったが、副大臣、政務官人事で配慮するようだ。
===
Intraparty discord
However, intraparty discord shows no sign of dissipating, and Noda will continue to be pressured over his management of the party.
だが、党内の不協和音が収まる気配はない。引き続き難しい党運営を迫られよう。
The prime minister stressed the need for cooperation between the government and ruling parties. His naming of former DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Koriki Jojima as finance minister is symbolic in this respect.
首相の強調する政府と与党との連携という観点では、財務相に城島光力前国会対策委員長を起用したことが象徴的だ。
The appointment could serve as an indication that Jojima's connections with the opposition parties will be used to help pass through the Diet a special bill to enable the issuance of deficit-covering government bonds and steadily promote integrated reform of social security and tax systems.
野党とのパイプを生かして、赤字国債発行を可能にするための特例公債法案の成立や、社会保障と税の一体改革を着実に進めるというメッセージにはなる。
Jojima's capabilities as finance minister will be put to the test during a meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank scheduled in Tokyo next week.
東京で来週開かれる国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会で財務相としての能力が試される。
===
Consistency important
◆外交安保の継続は当然◆
It is natural for Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto to retain their posts given the rigorous international environment surrounding Japan.
玄葉外相、森本防衛相の留任は、日本を取り巻く厳しい国際情勢を考えれば当然である。
Negotiations have just started with Russia to resolve the territorial dispute over four islands off Hokkaido. So have talks with North Korea over the abduction issue. It is also urgent to improve relations with China and South Korea, which have been strained over the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima island, respectively.
北方領土問題を巡るロシアとの交渉や、拉致問題で北朝鮮との協議の仕切り直しが始まったばかりだ。尖閣諸島、竹島問題で対立の続く日中・日韓関係を改善することも差し迫った課題だ。
Six MV-22 Ospreys flew to the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture from the U.S. Iwakuni Air Station on Monday. It is natural that Gemba pointed out the tilt-rotor transport aircraft are "indispensable for security in Japan and East Asia as they are key equipment of the marine corps."
米軍岩国基地に駐機していた新型輸送機オスプレイが１日、沖縄の米軍普天間飛行場に移動した。玄葉外相が、「日本、東アジアの安全保障にとって、海兵隊の中核となる装備なので不可欠だ」と指摘したのはもっともである。
Gemba and Morimoto must make all-out efforts to promote the relocation of the Futenma Air Station and further strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. This will be necessary even as Japan rebuilds diplomatic ties vis-a-vis Beijing and Seoul.
対中・韓外交を立て直すためにも玄葉、森本両氏は、普天間飛行場の移設と日米同盟の一層の強化に全力を挙げねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 2, 2012)
（2012年10月2日01時25分 読売新聞）
2012/10/03
人生９０年時代 高齢者も社会の「支え手」に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 2, 2012)
Help elderly people support themselves, others
人生９０年時代 高齢者も社会の「支え手」に（10月1日付・読売社説）
With many baby boomers turning 65 this year, the number of Japanese aged 65 or older has topped 30 million for the first time, accounting for 24 percent of the population.
「団塊の世代」が６５歳を迎える今年、６５歳以上の高齢者人口が初めて３０００万人を超え、全人口の２４％となった。
Society as a whole must quickly make preparations to cope with the population's ever-accelerating pace of aging.
一段と加速する高齢化への備えを、社会全体で急がねばならない。
In 2050, the average life expectancy is projected to be 83 for men and 90 for women, up from 79 and 86, respectively, at present.
平均寿命は、男性が今の７９歳から２０５０年には８３歳に、女性が同じく８６歳から９０歳に延びると予測されている。
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda recently decided on a new outline of measures to cope with the aging society, which took a hard look at the arrival of an era in which more people will live to the age of 90.
「人生９０年時代」の到来を見据え、政府は、新たな高齢社会対策大綱を閣議決定した。
The outline's key feature was a call for elderly people, who have been "supported" under the social security system, to become more capable of "supporting" themselves and others if they are willing and able to do so.
従来は社会保障制度の下で「支えられる」側だった高齢者が、意欲と能力があれば「支える」側に回るよう求めたのが特徴だ。
Indeed, elderly people today look far more youthful than they once did.
確かに、今の高齢者は、かつてのお年寄りに比べ、はるかに若々しいと言える。
Men aged 65 can expect to live an average of another 19 years, while women likely will live for 24 more years--both about twice as long as people that age shortly after the end of World War II.
６５歳の人の平均余命は、男性１９年、女性２４年だ。それぞれ終戦直後の約２倍に延びた。
===
Many want to keep working
In physical fitness tests conducted by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the physical strength of elderly people has been improving year after year.
文部科学省による体力テストでも、高齢者の体力は年々向上している。
It may be necessary to change conventional thinking that lumps all elderly people under the label of "weak."
高齢者を一律に弱者とみてきた旧来の意識を、変えていくことは必要だろう。
Many people in their golden years are willing to work. A Cabinet Office survey found that more than 70 percent of men and women aged 60 or older want to work even after turning 65.
働く意欲が高い高齢者は多い。６０歳以上の男女を対象にした内閣府の調査では、６５歳を超えても働きたい人は７割を超える。
The new outline also set a target of creating "a society that ensures people have the opportunity to work and participate in society throughout their lives."
高齢社会対策大綱でも、「生涯にわたって就業や社会参加の機会が確保される社会」を目指すことを掲げた。
If elderly people can work and increase their income, consumption and tax revenues will increase. This would not only help rejuvenate the economy but also secure financial sources for social security programs.
高齢者が職に就くことで収入が増えれば、消費や税収が増える。経済の活性化はもちろん、社会保障の財源確保にもつながる。
To achieve this, more companies will have to employ people aged 70 or older. It is also necessary to provide places where elderly people can volunteer to help with child rearing or nursing care.
それには、７０歳以上の人を雇用する企業が、今以上に増える必要がある。高齢者が子育てや介護のボランティアとして活躍できる場を確保することも求められる。
===
Next decade will be crucial
On the other hand, the number of elderly people requiring support from others also will increase. The demand for nursing care and medical care will continue rising sharply until about 2025, when baby boomers turn 75 or older. The coming decade or so will be crucial for determining how society can build a sustainable nursing care system for the elderly.
一方で、支えが必要な高齢者も増えていく。団塊世代が７５歳以上になる２０２５年ごろまで、介護や医療の需要は急増し続ける。介護体制をどう整えるか、これからの１０年余が正念場となろう。
While the elderly population will increase, people of working age will continue decreasing in step with the declining birthrate. At present, there are about three people of working age to support each elderly person; this figure is forecast to fall to about one 50 years from now.
高齢者が増える反面、少子化に伴って、現役世代の人口は減り続ける。１人の高齢者を支える現役世代の数は、現在の約３人から、５０年後にはほぼ１人となる。
It is obvious that the current social security system will not be able to withstand such developments.
現行の社会保障制度では持ちこたえられないのが、明らかだ。
A national council for social security system reform, scheduled to be established in line with an accord reached among the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, must hold in-depth discussions on how to make the social security system sustainable.
民主、自民、公明３党の合意に基づき設置される予定の社会保障制度改革国民会議で、持続可能な社会保障制度について議論を深めるべきだ。
Each and every member of Japanese society needs to consider how they should live a life lasting 90 years, so they can support themselves as much as possible even when they reach an advanced age.
高齢期も可能な限り自立できるよう、一人ひとりが「人生９０年時代」の生き方を考えたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2012)
（2012年10月1日01時14分 読売新聞）
Help elderly people support themselves, others
人生９０年時代 高齢者も社会の「支え手」に（10月1日付・読売社説）
With many baby boomers turning 65 this year, the number of Japanese aged 65 or older has topped 30 million for the first time, accounting for 24 percent of the population.
「団塊の世代」が６５歳を迎える今年、６５歳以上の高齢者人口が初めて３０００万人を超え、全人口の２４％となった。
Society as a whole must quickly make preparations to cope with the population's ever-accelerating pace of aging.
一段と加速する高齢化への備えを、社会全体で急がねばならない。
In 2050, the average life expectancy is projected to be 83 for men and 90 for women, up from 79 and 86, respectively, at present.
平均寿命は、男性が今の７９歳から２０５０年には８３歳に、女性が同じく８６歳から９０歳に延びると予測されている。
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda recently decided on a new outline of measures to cope with the aging society, which took a hard look at the arrival of an era in which more people will live to the age of 90.
「人生９０年時代」の到来を見据え、政府は、新たな高齢社会対策大綱を閣議決定した。
The outline's key feature was a call for elderly people, who have been "supported" under the social security system, to become more capable of "supporting" themselves and others if they are willing and able to do so.
従来は社会保障制度の下で「支えられる」側だった高齢者が、意欲と能力があれば「支える」側に回るよう求めたのが特徴だ。
Indeed, elderly people today look far more youthful than they once did.
確かに、今の高齢者は、かつてのお年寄りに比べ、はるかに若々しいと言える。
Men aged 65 can expect to live an average of another 19 years, while women likely will live for 24 more years--both about twice as long as people that age shortly after the end of World War II.
６５歳の人の平均余命は、男性１９年、女性２４年だ。それぞれ終戦直後の約２倍に延びた。
===
Many want to keep working
In physical fitness tests conducted by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the physical strength of elderly people has been improving year after year.
文部科学省による体力テストでも、高齢者の体力は年々向上している。
It may be necessary to change conventional thinking that lumps all elderly people under the label of "weak."
高齢者を一律に弱者とみてきた旧来の意識を、変えていくことは必要だろう。
Many people in their golden years are willing to work. A Cabinet Office survey found that more than 70 percent of men and women aged 60 or older want to work even after turning 65.
働く意欲が高い高齢者は多い。６０歳以上の男女を対象にした内閣府の調査では、６５歳を超えても働きたい人は７割を超える。
The new outline also set a target of creating "a society that ensures people have the opportunity to work and participate in society throughout their lives."
高齢社会対策大綱でも、「生涯にわたって就業や社会参加の機会が確保される社会」を目指すことを掲げた。
If elderly people can work and increase their income, consumption and tax revenues will increase. This would not only help rejuvenate the economy but also secure financial sources for social security programs.
高齢者が職に就くことで収入が増えれば、消費や税収が増える。経済の活性化はもちろん、社会保障の財源確保にもつながる。
To achieve this, more companies will have to employ people aged 70 or older. It is also necessary to provide places where elderly people can volunteer to help with child rearing or nursing care.
それには、７０歳以上の人を雇用する企業が、今以上に増える必要がある。高齢者が子育てや介護のボランティアとして活躍できる場を確保することも求められる。
===
Next decade will be crucial
On the other hand, the number of elderly people requiring support from others also will increase. The demand for nursing care and medical care will continue rising sharply until about 2025, when baby boomers turn 75 or older. The coming decade or so will be crucial for determining how society can build a sustainable nursing care system for the elderly.
一方で、支えが必要な高齢者も増えていく。団塊世代が７５歳以上になる２０２５年ごろまで、介護や医療の需要は急増し続ける。介護体制をどう整えるか、これからの１０年余が正念場となろう。
While the elderly population will increase, people of working age will continue decreasing in step with the declining birthrate. At present, there are about three people of working age to support each elderly person; this figure is forecast to fall to about one 50 years from now.
高齢者が増える反面、少子化に伴って、現役世代の人口は減り続ける。１人の高齢者を支える現役世代の数は、現在の約３人から、５０年後にはほぼ１人となる。
It is obvious that the current social security system will not be able to withstand such developments.
現行の社会保障制度では持ちこたえられないのが、明らかだ。
A national council for social security system reform, scheduled to be established in line with an accord reached among the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, must hold in-depth discussions on how to make the social security system sustainable.
民主、自民、公明３党の合意に基づき設置される予定の社会保障制度改革国民会議で、持続可能な社会保障制度について議論を深めるべきだ。
Each and every member of Japanese society needs to consider how they should live a life lasting 90 years, so they can support themselves as much as possible even when they reach an advanced age.
高齢期も可能な限り自立できるよう、一人ひとりが「人生９０年時代」の生き方を考えたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2012)
（2012年10月1日01時14分 読売新聞）
2012/10/02
シャープ再建策 「液晶の雄」挫折は重い教訓だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 1, 2012)
Other firms must learn from Sharp's setback
シャープ再建策 「液晶の雄」挫折は重い教訓だ（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even a company with cutting-edge technology and a strong brand will founder if it makes a mistake in the selection and concentration of its business. The setback of Sharp Corp., dubbed a giant of liquid crystal display panels, is a warning for the Japanese manufacturing industry.
最先端技術やブランド力があっても、事業の選択と集中を誤ると行き詰まる。「液晶の雄」の挫折は、日本の産業界に警鐘を鳴らしている。
Amid a financial crisis, Sharp has compiled a rehabilitation plan centering on cutting more than 10,000 jobs and selling its television factories abroad. Highly evaluating the plan, Sharp's main financing banks have decided to extend a total of 360 billion yen in loans to the electrical appliance company.
経営危機に陥ったシャープが、１万人超の人員削減や海外のテレビ工場売却などを柱にした再建策をまとめた。これを評価した主力取引銀行が総額３６００億円の巨額融資を決めた。
This has temporarily settled Sharp's cash-flow concerns and helped it move a step closer to overcoming its management crisis.
懸念されたシャープの資金繰りにひとまずメドがつき、危機克服に前進したと言える。
Until several years ago, Sharp enjoyed outstanding business results because of the popularity of its LCD television sets manufactured at its Kameyama plant in Mie Prefecture, known as Kameyama models.
シャープは、三重県の亀山工場で製造する液晶テレビが「亀山モデル」と呼ばれて人気を集め、数年前まで業績は絶好調だった。
However, amid the yen's soaring appreciation and the weak won, South Korean companies have become more competitive and captured the global market of LCD panels and TV sets, displacing Sharp as the world's leading manufacturer of those products. The marked decline in prices of LCD panels and other products also hurt Sharp.
ところが、超円高やウォン安が続く中、競争力をつけた韓国企業などに主力の液晶パネルやテレビで市場を奪われ、パネルなどの価格急落も打撃となった。
===
Overconfidence causes mistake
Sharp spent a huge amount of money three years ago on construction of a state-of-the-art factory in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, to manufacture large LCD panels. But sales did not grow as much as expected, and the factory only worsened earnings results.
約３年前、大型液晶パネルを製造する最新鋭の大阪・堺工場を巨費で建設したが、販売が伸びずに業績悪化に拍車をかけた。
The firm declared record losses in its consolidated financial settlement for the business year ending in March, and huge losses are expected in the current term, too.
２０１２年３月期連結決算で過去最大の赤字を計上し、今期も大幅赤字が見込まれる。
Success of the Kameyama plant apparently led to overconfidence, causing Sharp to go astray in planning its business strategy.
亀山での成功が過信につながり、戦略を誤ったのだろう。
This shows the grim reality that even a prestigious company with a history of 100 years can be forced to drastically restructure its business.
創業１００年を迎えた老舗企業ですら、抜本的な事業再構築を迫られる厳しい現実だ。
First, Sharp must quickly enhance areas of its speciality including small and midsize LCD panels for smartphones, the market of which is expected to grow, and home electric appliances and copying machines. Another key factor in profitability is whether the firm can capture markets in emerging economies.
まず、成長が期待できるスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）向けの中小型液晶や、白物家電、複写機といった得意分野の強化を急がねばならない。新興国市場の攻略も収益確保のカギを握る。
Optimism is out of the question for Sharp, and speed will be a decisive factor in overhauling the company.
先行きは楽観できない。経営刷新のスピードが問われる。
Attention will now turn to partnership negotiations between Sharp and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., a major contracted manufacturer in Taiwan. In March, Hon Hai agreed to maintain a ratio of investment in Sharp of 9.9 percent. After the price of Sharp's stock plunged, the companies began renegotiating the partnership, but the talks have made little headway.
焦点は、台湾の受託製造大手、鴻海(ホンハイ)精密工業との提携交渉の行方だ。鴻海は３月、シャープに１０％弱出資することでいったん合意したが、シャープ株価の急落に伴う再交渉が難航している。
===
Competition in global market
Sharp desperately needs measures to further enhance its financial foundation through a partnership with Hon Hai and boost global sales of small and midsize LCD panels and other products. We hope Sharp will sign an agreement with Hon Hai as soon as possible. However, Sharp must be very wary of the outflow of its most advanced technology.
シャープにとっては、鴻海との提携で財務基盤をさらに強化し、中小型液晶などの世界販売を増やす方策が不可欠だ。早期合意を目指してもらいたい。ただ、最先端技術の流出には要警戒である。
Japan's manufacturing industry, including electrical appliance manufacturers, are facing the yen's soaring appreciation and intensified global competition. Japanese firms must learn a lesson from Sharp's case and strengthen their competitiveness by developing strategic products that anticipate changing market demand and exploiting growing markets.
電機業界など日本の製造業は、超円高と激しい国際競争に直面している。シャープを教訓とし、市場の変化を先取りした戦略商品の開発や、成長市場の開拓で競争力を強化せねばならない。
The government also has an important role to play in supporting the nation's industry. The government must curb the yen's appreciation and try to secure a stable supply of electricity by reactivating nuclear power reactors around the country. It also must initiate active trade policies such as Japan's early participation in negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.
産業を支える政府の役割も重要だ。超円高を阻止し、原子力発電所の再稼働で電力の安定供給を図るとともに、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への早期参加など積極的な通商政策が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2012)
（2012年9月30日01時36分 読売新聞）
Other firms must learn from Sharp's setback
シャープ再建策 「液晶の雄」挫折は重い教訓だ（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even a company with cutting-edge technology and a strong brand will founder if it makes a mistake in the selection and concentration of its business. The setback of Sharp Corp., dubbed a giant of liquid crystal display panels, is a warning for the Japanese manufacturing industry.
最先端技術やブランド力があっても、事業の選択と集中を誤ると行き詰まる。「液晶の雄」の挫折は、日本の産業界に警鐘を鳴らしている。
Amid a financial crisis, Sharp has compiled a rehabilitation plan centering on cutting more than 10,000 jobs and selling its television factories abroad. Highly evaluating the plan, Sharp's main financing banks have decided to extend a total of 360 billion yen in loans to the electrical appliance company.
経営危機に陥ったシャープが、１万人超の人員削減や海外のテレビ工場売却などを柱にした再建策をまとめた。これを評価した主力取引銀行が総額３６００億円の巨額融資を決めた。
This has temporarily settled Sharp's cash-flow concerns and helped it move a step closer to overcoming its management crisis.
懸念されたシャープの資金繰りにひとまずメドがつき、危機克服に前進したと言える。
Until several years ago, Sharp enjoyed outstanding business results because of the popularity of its LCD television sets manufactured at its Kameyama plant in Mie Prefecture, known as Kameyama models.
シャープは、三重県の亀山工場で製造する液晶テレビが「亀山モデル」と呼ばれて人気を集め、数年前まで業績は絶好調だった。
However, amid the yen's soaring appreciation and the weak won, South Korean companies have become more competitive and captured the global market of LCD panels and TV sets, displacing Sharp as the world's leading manufacturer of those products. The marked decline in prices of LCD panels and other products also hurt Sharp.
ところが、超円高やウォン安が続く中、競争力をつけた韓国企業などに主力の液晶パネルやテレビで市場を奪われ、パネルなどの価格急落も打撃となった。
===
Overconfidence causes mistake
Sharp spent a huge amount of money three years ago on construction of a state-of-the-art factory in Sakai, Osaka Prefecture, to manufacture large LCD panels. But sales did not grow as much as expected, and the factory only worsened earnings results.
約３年前、大型液晶パネルを製造する最新鋭の大阪・堺工場を巨費で建設したが、販売が伸びずに業績悪化に拍車をかけた。
The firm declared record losses in its consolidated financial settlement for the business year ending in March, and huge losses are expected in the current term, too.
２０１２年３月期連結決算で過去最大の赤字を計上し、今期も大幅赤字が見込まれる。
Success of the Kameyama plant apparently led to overconfidence, causing Sharp to go astray in planning its business strategy.
亀山での成功が過信につながり、戦略を誤ったのだろう。
This shows the grim reality that even a prestigious company with a history of 100 years can be forced to drastically restructure its business.
創業１００年を迎えた老舗企業ですら、抜本的な事業再構築を迫られる厳しい現実だ。
First, Sharp must quickly enhance areas of its speciality including small and midsize LCD panels for smartphones, the market of which is expected to grow, and home electric appliances and copying machines. Another key factor in profitability is whether the firm can capture markets in emerging economies.
まず、成長が期待できるスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）向けの中小型液晶や、白物家電、複写機といった得意分野の強化を急がねばならない。新興国市場の攻略も収益確保のカギを握る。
Optimism is out of the question for Sharp, and speed will be a decisive factor in overhauling the company.
先行きは楽観できない。経営刷新のスピードが問われる。
Attention will now turn to partnership negotiations between Sharp and Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., a major contracted manufacturer in Taiwan. In March, Hon Hai agreed to maintain a ratio of investment in Sharp of 9.9 percent. After the price of Sharp's stock plunged, the companies began renegotiating the partnership, but the talks have made little headway.
焦点は、台湾の受託製造大手、鴻海(ホンハイ)精密工業との提携交渉の行方だ。鴻海は３月、シャープに１０％弱出資することでいったん合意したが、シャープ株価の急落に伴う再交渉が難航している。
===
Competition in global market
Sharp desperately needs measures to further enhance its financial foundation through a partnership with Hon Hai and boost global sales of small and midsize LCD panels and other products. We hope Sharp will sign an agreement with Hon Hai as soon as possible. However, Sharp must be very wary of the outflow of its most advanced technology.
シャープにとっては、鴻海との提携で財務基盤をさらに強化し、中小型液晶などの世界販売を増やす方策が不可欠だ。早期合意を目指してもらいたい。ただ、最先端技術の流出には要警戒である。
Japan's manufacturing industry, including electrical appliance manufacturers, are facing the yen's soaring appreciation and intensified global competition. Japanese firms must learn a lesson from Sharp's case and strengthen their competitiveness by developing strategic products that anticipate changing market demand and exploiting growing markets.
電機業界など日本の製造業は、超円高と激しい国際競争に直面している。シャープを教訓とし、市場の変化を先取りした戦略商品の開発や、成長市場の開拓で競争力を強化せねばならない。
The government also has an important role to play in supporting the nation's industry. The government must curb the yen's appreciation and try to secure a stable supply of electricity by reactivating nuclear power reactors around the country. It also must initiate active trade policies such as Japan's early participation in negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact.
産業を支える政府の役割も重要だ。超円高を阻止し、原子力発電所の再稼働で電力の安定供給を図るとともに、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への早期参加など積極的な通商政策が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2012)
（2012年9月30日01時36分 読売新聞）
2012/10/01
日韓外相会談 対話継続で未来志向の関係を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 30, 2012)
Govt must continue dialogue with South Korea
日韓外相会談 対話継続で未来志向の関係を（9月29日付・読売社説）
Although discussions on territorial issues have ended without progress, it is significant that both sides reconfirmed the need to improve bilateral relations.
領土問題は平行線だったが、２国間関係を改善する方針を確認した意義は小さくない。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Kim Sung Hwan, meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly session in New York, agreed on the importance of trying to build "stable, future-oriented" relations between Japan and South Korea. The two sides also agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in such fields as the economy, human and cultural exchanges and security.
玄葉外相と韓国の金星煥外交通商相が国連本部で会談し、「安定的で未来志向」の日韓関係の構築に向けて努力することで一致した。経済、人的・文化交流、安全保障などの分野で協力することでも合意した。
After South Korean President Lee Myung Bak made an unprecedented visit on Aug. 10 to Takeshima, the disputed islets in the Sea of Japan, a sequence of overly emotional actions taken by South Korea led to an angry round of finger-pointing between Tokyo and Seoul.
８月１０日の李明博大統領の竹島訪問後、韓国側の一連の対応はあまりに感情的で、日韓両国は一時、非難合戦に陥った。
We are pleased to see the two countries at last beginning to move toward repairing bilateral ties from a broader point of view.
ようやく大局的な観点から、関係の立て直しに動き始めたことを歓迎したい。
Bilateral discord is certain to benefit North Korea in connection with such problems as its nuclear weapons development programs and abductions of Japanese and South Korean nationals.
日韓の足並みが乱れては、核や拉致の問題で北朝鮮を利するだけだ。
===
No progress on Takeshima
As the main ally of both Tokyo and Seoul, the United States has expressed concern over the Japan-South Korea discord and encouraged Tokyo and Seoul to improve their relations.
日韓の対立については、同盟国の米国も懸念を隠さず、関係改善を働きかけていた。
Stabilization of relations with South Korea is very important for Japan, which has become embroiled in a major row with China over the government purchase of three of the Senkaku Islands from a private Japanese citizen.
日本にとっては、尖閣諸島の国有化をめぐり対中関係が悪化している時だけに、対韓関係を安定化させる意味は大きい。
However, rapprochement between Japan and South Korea may be limited while South Korean President Lee is in office. For the moment, the Japanese government, by taking into account the inauguration of a new government in South Korea scheduled for February next year, must continue dialogue with Seoul at the foreign ministerial and other levels.
李大統領の在任中の関係改善は限定的なものとなろうが、来年２月の韓国新政権発足後も視野に入れ、当面は、外相級などで対話を重ねることが重要である。
Concerning the islets of Takeshima, Gemba and Kim could do nothing in their talks but reiterate their countries' territorial arguments.
竹島問題では、双方が従来の主張を繰り返すにとどまった。
In his speech in the United Nations, Kim stated, "No country should take advantage of international legal procedures for political purposes."
金外相は国連演説で、「どの国も政治的目的のために国際法の手続きを利用すべきでない」などと語ったが、
There should be no problem at all, however, for any country to argue its case based on internationally accepted rules.
国際ルールに基づいて自国の主張を展開・実現することに何も問題はあるまい。
Because South Korea has rejected Japan's idea of jointly taking the dispute over the islets to the International Court of Justice, Japan must calmly prepare to unilaterally take the case to the U.N. court.
韓国が国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）への共同提訴を拒否した以上、日本は、単独提訴に向けて、準備を粛々と進める必要がある。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in his U.N. speech emphasized the importance of "the rule of law," declaring Japan's position of "upholding the principle of solving territorial disputes peacefully by complying with international law."
野田首相は国連演説で、「法の支配」を重視し、領土紛争を「国際法に従い、平和的に解決する原則を堅持する」と宣言した。
Noda also prodded all member nations of the world body to accept compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ.
ＩＣＪに訴えられた際の応訴を義務づける「義務的管轄権」を各国が受諾することも呼びかけた。
===
China's high-handed diplomacy
Since 1958, Japan has recognized the authority of the ICJ, but a number of countries--including China and South Korea--do not accept the court's jurisdiction.
日本は１９５８年から義務的管轄権を受諾しているが、中韓両国などは受諾していない。
As long as South Korea argues its claim to Takeshima, known as Dokdo in South Korea, is legitimate, it should hold its head high and fight out the issue at the ICJ.
韓国も、竹島の領有権の正当性を主張するなら、本来、ＩＣＪで堂々と争えば良いはずだ。
Japan's appeal to the international community about its position of resolving territorial conflicts based on international law will distinguish it from China, which has been staging one-sided, high-handed diplomacy on the issue of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
日本が国際法に基づき領土紛争を解決する姿勢をアピールすることは、尖閣問題で一方的で高圧的な外交を展開する中国との違いを鮮明にする効果もあろう。
In the meeting with Gemba, the South Korean foreign minister raised the issue of so-called comfort women, reportedly calling on Japan to take "measures at state level."
いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題については、金外相が提起し、「国家的次元の措置」を求めたという。
However, the issue between Japan and South Korea of wartime claims for compensation has been "fully and finally resolved" under the 1965 treaty for normalization of bilateral relations.
日韓間の請求権問題は、６５年の国交正常化時に「完全かつ最終的に解決」している。
The government must steadfastly refrain from an easy compromise over this matter.
日本は、安易な妥協は厳に慎むべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2012)
（2012年9月29日01時32分 読売新聞）
Govt must continue dialogue with South Korea
日韓外相会談 対話継続で未来志向の関係を（9月29日付・読売社説）
Although discussions on territorial issues have ended without progress, it is significant that both sides reconfirmed the need to improve bilateral relations.
領土問題は平行線だったが、２国間関係を改善する方針を確認した意義は小さくない。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and South Korean Foreign Affairs and Trade Minister Kim Sung Hwan, meeting Thursday on the sidelines of the U.N. General Assembly session in New York, agreed on the importance of trying to build "stable, future-oriented" relations between Japan and South Korea. The two sides also agreed to boost bilateral cooperation in such fields as the economy, human and cultural exchanges and security.
玄葉外相と韓国の金星煥外交通商相が国連本部で会談し、「安定的で未来志向」の日韓関係の構築に向けて努力することで一致した。経済、人的・文化交流、安全保障などの分野で協力することでも合意した。
After South Korean President Lee Myung Bak made an unprecedented visit on Aug. 10 to Takeshima, the disputed islets in the Sea of Japan, a sequence of overly emotional actions taken by South Korea led to an angry round of finger-pointing between Tokyo and Seoul.
８月１０日の李明博大統領の竹島訪問後、韓国側の一連の対応はあまりに感情的で、日韓両国は一時、非難合戦に陥った。
We are pleased to see the two countries at last beginning to move toward repairing bilateral ties from a broader point of view.
ようやく大局的な観点から、関係の立て直しに動き始めたことを歓迎したい。
Bilateral discord is certain to benefit North Korea in connection with such problems as its nuclear weapons development programs and abductions of Japanese and South Korean nationals.
日韓の足並みが乱れては、核や拉致の問題で北朝鮮を利するだけだ。
===
No progress on Takeshima
As the main ally of both Tokyo and Seoul, the United States has expressed concern over the Japan-South Korea discord and encouraged Tokyo and Seoul to improve their relations.
日韓の対立については、同盟国の米国も懸念を隠さず、関係改善を働きかけていた。
Stabilization of relations with South Korea is very important for Japan, which has become embroiled in a major row with China over the government purchase of three of the Senkaku Islands from a private Japanese citizen.
日本にとっては、尖閣諸島の国有化をめぐり対中関係が悪化している時だけに、対韓関係を安定化させる意味は大きい。
However, rapprochement between Japan and South Korea may be limited while South Korean President Lee is in office. For the moment, the Japanese government, by taking into account the inauguration of a new government in South Korea scheduled for February next year, must continue dialogue with Seoul at the foreign ministerial and other levels.
李大統領の在任中の関係改善は限定的なものとなろうが、来年２月の韓国新政権発足後も視野に入れ、当面は、外相級などで対話を重ねることが重要である。
Concerning the islets of Takeshima, Gemba and Kim could do nothing in their talks but reiterate their countries' territorial arguments.
竹島問題では、双方が従来の主張を繰り返すにとどまった。
In his speech in the United Nations, Kim stated, "No country should take advantage of international legal procedures for political purposes."
金外相は国連演説で、「どの国も政治的目的のために国際法の手続きを利用すべきでない」などと語ったが、
There should be no problem at all, however, for any country to argue its case based on internationally accepted rules.
国際ルールに基づいて自国の主張を展開・実現することに何も問題はあるまい。
Because South Korea has rejected Japan's idea of jointly taking the dispute over the islets to the International Court of Justice, Japan must calmly prepare to unilaterally take the case to the U.N. court.
韓国が国際司法裁判所（ＩＣＪ）への共同提訴を拒否した以上、日本は、単独提訴に向けて、準備を粛々と進める必要がある。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in his U.N. speech emphasized the importance of "the rule of law," declaring Japan's position of "upholding the principle of solving territorial disputes peacefully by complying with international law."
野田首相は国連演説で、「法の支配」を重視し、領土紛争を「国際法に従い、平和的に解決する原則を堅持する」と宣言した。
Noda also prodded all member nations of the world body to accept compulsory jurisdiction of the ICJ.
ＩＣＪに訴えられた際の応訴を義務づける「義務的管轄権」を各国が受諾することも呼びかけた。
===
China's high-handed diplomacy
Since 1958, Japan has recognized the authority of the ICJ, but a number of countries--including China and South Korea--do not accept the court's jurisdiction.
日本は１９５８年から義務的管轄権を受諾しているが、中韓両国などは受諾していない。
As long as South Korea argues its claim to Takeshima, known as Dokdo in South Korea, is legitimate, it should hold its head high and fight out the issue at the ICJ.
韓国も、竹島の領有権の正当性を主張するなら、本来、ＩＣＪで堂々と争えば良いはずだ。
Japan's appeal to the international community about its position of resolving territorial conflicts based on international law will distinguish it from China, which has been staging one-sided, high-handed diplomacy on the issue of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands.
日本が国際法に基づき領土紛争を解決する姿勢をアピールすることは、尖閣問題で一方的で高圧的な外交を展開する中国との違いを鮮明にする効果もあろう。
In the meeting with Gemba, the South Korean foreign minister raised the issue of so-called comfort women, reportedly calling on Japan to take "measures at state level."
いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題については、金外相が提起し、「国家的次元の措置」を求めたという。
However, the issue between Japan and South Korea of wartime claims for compensation has been "fully and finally resolved" under the 1965 treaty for normalization of bilateral relations.
日韓間の請求権問題は、６５年の国交正常化時に「完全かつ最終的に解決」している。
The government must steadfastly refrain from an easy compromise over this matter.
日本は、安易な妥協は厳に慎むべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2012)
（2012年9月29日01時32分 読売新聞）
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