The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 13, 2012)
Build a system to support clinical use of iPS cells
ｉＰＳ細胞 医療応用へ支援体制を整えよ（10月12日付・読売社説）
The race to put induced pluripotent stem cells into practical use will likely intensify soon as iPS cells are expected to play a pivotal role in regenerative medicine.
再生医療の切り札として、様々な種類の細胞に変化が可能なｉＰＳ細胞（新型万能細胞）の実用化に向けた競争がこれから本格化しそうだ。
Countries are already competing to research and develop iPS cells, which can be grown into different body cells, in hopes that iPS cells can be applied to various fields including regenerative medicine.
ｉＰＳ細胞は、再生医療を始め多様な用途への利用が期待できるだけに、各国が研究開発にしのぎを削っている。
Japan must not miss the boat--the government should take the initiative to improve the support system for clinical applications of iPS cells. There is no time to waste.
日本としても、政府が主導し、臨床応用への支援体制を早急に充実させる必要がある。
The aim of regenerative medicine is to replace or repair organs and tissues damaged by disease or injury with new cells.
再生医療は、病気や事故で傷ついた臓器や組織を、新しい細胞で作り直す治療だ。
The fact that Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, the creator of iPS cells, won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine shows that Japan is leading the world in the basic research of regenerative medicine.
ｉＰＳ細胞の作製に成功した山中伸弥・京都大教授のノーベル生理学・医学賞受賞が示すように、日本は再生医療の基礎研究では世界のトップレベルにある。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has decided to subsidize Yamanaka's iPS research with about 20 billion yen to 30 billion yen over about 10 years, to provide him with a stable research environment with long-term assistance.
文部科学省は、山中教授のｉＰＳ細胞研究の支援に、１０年程度で総額２００億～３００億円の助成を行うことを決めた。長期的な助成によって安定した研究環境を整えるのが目的だ。
It is crucial for the government to continue implementing such measures based on a strategic vision.
こうした戦略的な政策を継続していくことが必要である。
===
Delays in therapeutic application
However, there is a big problem in Japan's regenerative medicine--although the nation has a remarkable record in basic research, it lags behind other countries in therapeutic application. This problem is not limited to iPS cells research.
問題なのは、ｉＰＳ細胞に限らず、基礎では優れている日本の再生医療が、治療への応用で後れをとっていることだ。
Sheets of laboratory-grown skin cells have already been used to treat burns. However, domestically, only one other regenerative treatment--for cartilage tissue--is approved by the government, while about 50 treatments have been approved globally.
既に皮膚の細胞を培養して作った皮膚シートが、やけど治療に使われている。日本ではこのほか、軟骨組織１件が承認されているだけだが、海外では、約５０件もの製品が承認されている。
One of the underlying reasons why Japan lags behind other countries in therapeutic application is said to be a problem with clinical tests. The efficacy and safety of treatments and drugs are confirmed through clinical tests conducted on patients. However, many of the nation's hospitals are relatively small, making it difficult for them to find patients willing to participate in clinical tests.
治療への応用が進まない背景には、臨床試験を巡る問題がある。実際に患者に使って有効性や安全性を確かめる試験だが、国内には小規模な病院が多く、参加する患者を集めにくい。
It is necessary for the government to establish hospitals that will play a leading role in the nation's clinical tests. Other medical institutions must cooperate with such hospitals to effectively conduct clinical trials. Establishing such a system is important.
臨床試験の中核となる病院を整備し、医療機関が協力して試験を進める体制が求められる。
===
Improve quality of clinical studies
The quality of clinical studies conducted should also be improved.
医師が行う臨床研究のレベルアップも必要である。
Looking at the number of articles carried in major U.S. and European medical journals, Japan ranked high in basic research, but ranked 25th in clinical research. The number of Japanese clinical research articles carried in such journals is about one-fortieth of the number of U.S. articles, which led the rankings.
例えば、欧米の一流医学誌に掲載される論文数を比較すると、日本の国別順位は、基礎研究で上位を占めている反面、臨床研究では２５位に甘んじている。臨床研究の論文数は、首位の米国の４０分の１程度しかない。
This example shows Japan's weakness in clinical research and lower-than-expected achievements in the field.
研究体制が手薄で、成果も上がっていない現状を反映していると言えよう。
It is also essential to speed up the governmental approval process for regenerative medicine treatments.
再生医療に関する政府の承認審査をスピードアップさせることも欠かせないだろう。
Earlier this month, the Democratic Party of Japan agreed with the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito to establishing a basic law concerning clinical applications of regenerative medicine. The parties should pass a bill on establishing the basic law as soon as possible to prepare guidelines on promoting practical implementation of the technology.
民主、自民、公明３党は今月、再生医療の臨床応用に向けた基本法を制定することで合意した。早期に成立させ、実用化を推進する指針作りを急ぐべきだ。
(From the Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 12, 2012)
（2012年10月12日01時44分 読売新聞）
2012/10/14
2012/10/13
尖閣国有１か月 長期化する対日圧力に備えよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 12, 2012)
Prepare for prolonged pressure from China over Senkakus
尖閣国有１か月 長期化する対日圧力に備えよ（10月11日付・読売社説）
One month has passed since the government put three of the Senkaku Islands under state control. There is no sign that China's pressure on Japan will wane. The government should make necessary preparations on the assumption that the confrontation over the islands will lengthen.
尖閣諸島の国有化から１か月経過した。中国の対日圧力は弱まる気配がない。政府は対立の長期化を前提に、体制を整えるべきである。
China decided not to send its finance minister or the governor of the People's Bank of China to the plenary session of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, which are scheduled to open in Tokyo on Friday. The decision apparently aims at demonstrating to the world its protest against Japan over the Senkaku issue.
中国は、東京で１２日に開幕する国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会への財務相と中国人民銀行総裁の出席を見送った。尖閣問題で日本への抗議の意思をアピールするのが狙いだろう。
The world's second-largest economy is behaving as if it is showing little regard for a venue for the discussion of global economic issues. Such an attitude will never win the understanding of the international community.
世界２位の経済大国が、グローバルな経済問題を協議する場を軽視するかのように振る舞う。国際社会の理解は得られまい。
Following anti-Japan demonstrations that spread across China, the Chinese government allowed people to stage a campaign to boycott Japanese products. Unit sales of Japanese carmakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., substantially dropped in China in September. Adverse impacts on Japanese companies' business are spreading.
一時拡大した反日デモに続き、中国政府は日本製品の不買運動も容認した。トヨタ自動車など日系自動車メーカーの９月の販売台数は大幅に減った。日本企業のビジネスに悪影響が広がっている。
Also, many Chinese tourists have canceled visits to Japan, dealing a serious blow to airline companies and the tourism industry.
観光客の訪日中止などで航空会社や観光業への打撃も大きい。
===
Avoid risky compromise
Under tangible and intangible pressure from China, Japanese business circles are asking the government to quickly resolve the situation. Referring to Japan's diplomacy toward China, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said, "We can't concede what we can't concede, but we want to explore what is possible."
中国による有形無形の圧力を受け、日本の経済界は、政府に事態の早期打開を求めている。玄葉外相も対中外交に関して、「譲れないものは譲れないが、何が可能か模索したい」と述べた。
However, the government must not improvise its policies on the fly.
ただし、拙速は禁物だ。
If the government easily compromises on the issue, Japan's sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands itself could be put in danger.
安易に妥協すれば、尖閣諸島に関する日本の主権そのものが危うくなりかねない。
For years, China has made it a national policy to expand its territorial and maritime interests. Its goal for the time being is that Japan admit the existence of a territorial dispute over the islets and agree to sit at the negotiating table to discuss it. Beijing is expected to relentlessly apply pressure by various means until it extracts concessions from Japan.
中国は長年、領土・海洋権益の拡大を国策としてきた。当面の目標は、日本が領有権問題を認め、領土を巡る交渉に応じることである。日本の譲歩を引き出すまで、執拗(しつよう)に、様々な圧力をかけてくるだろう。
However, the amount of international trust that China will lose by unilaterally continuing its diplomacy of pressure against Japan must be substantial.
だが、中国が一方的な圧力外交を続けることで失う国際的な信用も大きいはずだ。
The government has unofficially decided to appoint Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Masato Kitera as the new ambassador to China to succeed Shinichi Nishimiya, who died before leaving for China to start his official duties as envoy. We urge the government to use the replacement of the ambassador to China as an opportunity to carefully seek common ground between Tokyo and Beijing.
政府は、赴任前に死去した西宮伸一中国大使の後任に木寺昌人官房副長官補を内定している。大使交代を契機に、日中双方の接点を慎重に探ってもらいたい。
===
China held at bay for now
China is continuing to make its presence felt by sending surveillance ships to waters near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島近海で、中国は監視船による示威行動を続けている。
However, Beijing has refrained from taking any action that could further escalate tension. This must be linked to recent moves the United States took to keep Chinese forces in check, such as dispatching two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Western Pacific and showing the news media a joint landing exercise by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Ground Self-Defense Force in Guam last month.
ただ、緊張感をエスカレートさせる行為は控えている。米国が先月、西太平洋に二つの空母部隊を派遣したり、グアムでの米海兵隊と陸上自衛隊の上陸訓練を公開したりするなど、中国軍をけん制したことと無縁ではあるまい。
It is clear that the Japan-U.S. alliance is functioning to deter China's provocation.
日米同盟が中国の挑発を抑止していることは明らかである。
The Japan Coast Guard, meanwhile, is forced to engage in vigilance and surveillance activities on a 24-hour basis. It has sent its patrol ships and boats from across the country to areas around the Senkaku Islands.
海上保安庁は、全国の巡視船艇をやり繰りして尖閣周辺海域に派遣し、２４時間態勢の警戒監視活動を余儀なくされている。
As long as it is necessary to maintain this preparedness for the long term, the government must take all possible measures, such as securing the necessary number of JCG personnel.
こうした態勢を長期間堅持する必要がある以上、政府は、要員の確保などに万全の策を講じなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 11, 2012)
（2012年10月11日01時27分 読売新聞）
Prepare for prolonged pressure from China over Senkakus
尖閣国有１か月 長期化する対日圧力に備えよ（10月11日付・読売社説）
One month has passed since the government put three of the Senkaku Islands under state control. There is no sign that China's pressure on Japan will wane. The government should make necessary preparations on the assumption that the confrontation over the islands will lengthen.
尖閣諸島の国有化から１か月経過した。中国の対日圧力は弱まる気配がない。政府は対立の長期化を前提に、体制を整えるべきである。
China decided not to send its finance minister or the governor of the People's Bank of China to the plenary session of the annual meetings of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank Group, which are scheduled to open in Tokyo on Friday. The decision apparently aims at demonstrating to the world its protest against Japan over the Senkaku issue.
中国は、東京で１２日に開幕する国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会への財務相と中国人民銀行総裁の出席を見送った。尖閣問題で日本への抗議の意思をアピールするのが狙いだろう。
The world's second-largest economy is behaving as if it is showing little regard for a venue for the discussion of global economic issues. Such an attitude will never win the understanding of the international community.
世界２位の経済大国が、グローバルな経済問題を協議する場を軽視するかのように振る舞う。国際社会の理解は得られまい。
Following anti-Japan demonstrations that spread across China, the Chinese government allowed people to stage a campaign to boycott Japanese products. Unit sales of Japanese carmakers, including Toyota Motor Corp., substantially dropped in China in September. Adverse impacts on Japanese companies' business are spreading.
一時拡大した反日デモに続き、中国政府は日本製品の不買運動も容認した。トヨタ自動車など日系自動車メーカーの９月の販売台数は大幅に減った。日本企業のビジネスに悪影響が広がっている。
Also, many Chinese tourists have canceled visits to Japan, dealing a serious blow to airline companies and the tourism industry.
観光客の訪日中止などで航空会社や観光業への打撃も大きい。
===
Avoid risky compromise
Under tangible and intangible pressure from China, Japanese business circles are asking the government to quickly resolve the situation. Referring to Japan's diplomacy toward China, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said, "We can't concede what we can't concede, but we want to explore what is possible."
中国による有形無形の圧力を受け、日本の経済界は、政府に事態の早期打開を求めている。玄葉外相も対中外交に関して、「譲れないものは譲れないが、何が可能か模索したい」と述べた。
However, the government must not improvise its policies on the fly.
ただし、拙速は禁物だ。
If the government easily compromises on the issue, Japan's sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands itself could be put in danger.
安易に妥協すれば、尖閣諸島に関する日本の主権そのものが危うくなりかねない。
For years, China has made it a national policy to expand its territorial and maritime interests. Its goal for the time being is that Japan admit the existence of a territorial dispute over the islets and agree to sit at the negotiating table to discuss it. Beijing is expected to relentlessly apply pressure by various means until it extracts concessions from Japan.
中国は長年、領土・海洋権益の拡大を国策としてきた。当面の目標は、日本が領有権問題を認め、領土を巡る交渉に応じることである。日本の譲歩を引き出すまで、執拗(しつよう)に、様々な圧力をかけてくるだろう。
However, the amount of international trust that China will lose by unilaterally continuing its diplomacy of pressure against Japan must be substantial.
だが、中国が一方的な圧力外交を続けることで失う国際的な信用も大きいはずだ。
The government has unofficially decided to appoint Assistant Chief Cabinet Secretary Masato Kitera as the new ambassador to China to succeed Shinichi Nishimiya, who died before leaving for China to start his official duties as envoy. We urge the government to use the replacement of the ambassador to China as an opportunity to carefully seek common ground between Tokyo and Beijing.
政府は、赴任前に死去した西宮伸一中国大使の後任に木寺昌人官房副長官補を内定している。大使交代を契機に、日中双方の接点を慎重に探ってもらいたい。
===
China held at bay for now
China is continuing to make its presence felt by sending surveillance ships to waters near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島近海で、中国は監視船による示威行動を続けている。
However, Beijing has refrained from taking any action that could further escalate tension. This must be linked to recent moves the United States took to keep Chinese forces in check, such as dispatching two aircraft carrier strike groups to the Western Pacific and showing the news media a joint landing exercise by the U.S. Marine Corps and the Ground Self-Defense Force in Guam last month.
ただ、緊張感をエスカレートさせる行為は控えている。米国が先月、西太平洋に二つの空母部隊を派遣したり、グアムでの米海兵隊と陸上自衛隊の上陸訓練を公開したりするなど、中国軍をけん制したことと無縁ではあるまい。
It is clear that the Japan-U.S. alliance is functioning to deter China's provocation.
日米同盟が中国の挑発を抑止していることは明らかである。
The Japan Coast Guard, meanwhile, is forced to engage in vigilance and surveillance activities on a 24-hour basis. It has sent its patrol ships and boats from across the country to areas around the Senkaku Islands.
海上保安庁は、全国の巡視船艇をやり繰りして尖閣周辺海域に派遣し、２４時間態勢の警戒監視活動を余儀なくされている。
As long as it is necessary to maintain this preparedness for the long term, the government must take all possible measures, such as securing the necessary number of JCG personnel.
こうした態勢を長期間堅持する必要がある以上、政府は、要員の確保などに万全の策を講じなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 11, 2012)
（2012年10月11日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012/10/12
復興予算「転用」 被災地支援が後回しでは困る
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 11, 2012)
Aid to disaster-stricken areas must be given priority
復興予算「転用」 被災地支援が後回しでは困る（10月10日付・読売社説）
Fiscal allocations for the reconstruction of areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake have been used for projects not directly related to disaster-stricken areas.
東日本大震災の復興予算が、被災地の再建とはかけ離れた事業に使われている。
This diversion of funds cannot be ignored.
これでは、予算の「転用」であり、看過できない。
Under pressure from the Liberal Democratic Party at the House of Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration, the Finance Ministry and other ministries listed projects under way. Many of the projects are suspected of not being essential to reconstruction.
自民党の追及を受け、財務省などが衆院決算行政監視委員会の関係議員に示した。その中には、「果たして復興関連なのか」と首をかしげたくなる事業が少なからず盛り込まれていた。
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry earmarked the cost for dealing with Sea Shepherd, an antiwhaling organization, as part of its reconstruction budget. Its reasoning is that unless antiwhaling protests can be halted, it will affect the reconstruction of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, which has whale processing facilities.
農林水産省は、反捕鯨団体シー・シェパードへの対策費を計上した。抗議活動を阻止しなければ、鯨肉加工施設がある宮城県石巻市の再建に影響するとの理屈だ。
The Justice Ministry allocated funds for vocational training programs at prisons in Saitama Prefecture and elsewhere on the grounds that inmates may work in disaster-stricken areas after being released. This argument is hardly persuasive.
埼玉県などの刑務所での職業訓練費について、法務省は「出所者が被災地で働くかもしれない」としているが、説得力を欠く。
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has provided a subsidy to a contact lens manufacturing plant in Gifu Prefecture because the plant procures materials from the disaster-stricken region.
被災地から材料を調達しているから、として岐阜県のコンタクトレンズ工場などへの経済産業省の補助金もあった。
===
Okada's lame excuse
Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada explained at a news conference that "because we had to compile a huge budget within a short period, we didn't have time to go into details."
岡田副総理は記者会見で、「短期間に大きな予算を組まなければならず、細部まで目が届かなかった」と釈明した。
Based on its basic reconstruction policy, the government originally estimated 19 trillion yen would be required for reconstruction in the first five years. A total of 18 trillion yen was allocated in the first to third supplementary budgets for fiscal 2011 and in the initial budget for fiscal 2012.
復興予算は、復興基本方針で、必要な費用を当初５年間で１９兆円と見積もり、２０１１年度１～３次補正予算と１２年度当初予算で計１８兆円を計上した。
The budgets are aimed at decontaminating areas affected by the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the earthquake-triggered tsunami and disposing of debris.
原発事故に伴う除染作業や津波被害で生じた社会資本の復旧、がれき処理などに充てられる。
Under the pretext of using tax hikes as a major resource to carry out reconstruction, the residential tax and income tax will be increased over 10- and 25-year periods, respectively.
主な財源は、１０～２５年間に及ぶ住民税や所得税などの復興増税だ。
The government offices insisted on the validity of their budget allocations, arguing that the basic reconstruction policy includes such wording as "antidisaster measures will be carried out across the nation" and "reconstruction of the disaster-devastated areas will be impossible without revival of the national economy."
各府省は復興基本方針に「全国的に防災施策を行う」、「日本経済の再生なくして被災地の復興はない」といった文言があることから、予算の正当性を主張する。
It is true that measures also must be taken in other areas to prepare for disasters and prevent the hollowing out of industry.
確かに、被災地以外でも防災や産業空洞化対策は必要だ。
===
Significant delays
However, an anything-goes budget cannot be tolerated given the significant delays in the key reconstruction projects.
しかし、肝心の復興が大幅に遅れている中で、「何でもあり」のような予算は許されまい。
If government offices earmark spending even for projects that should be dealt with normally by the state budget because the reconstruction budget does not have a strict ceiling, it will invite a strong backlash from people who cooperated in the government's tax increase plans.
厳しい上限が設定されていない復興予算に目を付け、本来なら通常予算で対応すべき事業まで計上したのでは、増税に協力する国民から反発が強まるだろう。
On this matter, the LDP is calling for screening the projects although the Diet is not in session. The Diet must scrutinize whether the reconstruction budget is being used appropriately.
自民党はこの問題について、閉会中審査を求めている。復興予算が適切に使われているかどうか、国会は十分に精査すべきだ。
Implementation of the budget has been delayed in disaster-stricken areas. Only 60 percent of the 15 trillion yen earmarked for fiscal 2011 was used before the fiscal year ended on March 31, 2012. Concerns have been voiced about the differences between what is in the budget and what is needed.
被災地では予算執行が遅れている。１１年度分に計上した１５兆円のうち、年度内の消化は６割にとどまった。予算メニューとニーズの食い違いも指摘されている。
Tatsuo Hirano, state minister for disaster reconstruction, said, "We want to compile a budget for next fiscal year that will give priority to disaster-stricken areas." The government must make arrangements quickly so that the necessary funds can be allocated to these areas.
平野復興相は「来年度はできるだけ被災地に特化した予算を作りたい」との意向を表明した。政府は、被災地に必要な資金が行き渡るよう迅速に手当てすべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 10, 2012)
（2012年10月10日01時09分 読売新聞）
Aid to disaster-stricken areas must be given priority
復興予算「転用」 被災地支援が後回しでは困る（10月10日付・読売社説）
Fiscal allocations for the reconstruction of areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake have been used for projects not directly related to disaster-stricken areas.
東日本大震災の復興予算が、被災地の再建とはかけ離れた事業に使われている。
This diversion of funds cannot be ignored.
これでは、予算の「転用」であり、看過できない。
Under pressure from the Liberal Democratic Party at the House of Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration, the Finance Ministry and other ministries listed projects under way. Many of the projects are suspected of not being essential to reconstruction.
自民党の追及を受け、財務省などが衆院決算行政監視委員会の関係議員に示した。その中には、「果たして復興関連なのか」と首をかしげたくなる事業が少なからず盛り込まれていた。
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry earmarked the cost for dealing with Sea Shepherd, an antiwhaling organization, as part of its reconstruction budget. Its reasoning is that unless antiwhaling protests can be halted, it will affect the reconstruction of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, which has whale processing facilities.
農林水産省は、反捕鯨団体シー・シェパードへの対策費を計上した。抗議活動を阻止しなければ、鯨肉加工施設がある宮城県石巻市の再建に影響するとの理屈だ。
The Justice Ministry allocated funds for vocational training programs at prisons in Saitama Prefecture and elsewhere on the grounds that inmates may work in disaster-stricken areas after being released. This argument is hardly persuasive.
埼玉県などの刑務所での職業訓練費について、法務省は「出所者が被災地で働くかもしれない」としているが、説得力を欠く。
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has provided a subsidy to a contact lens manufacturing plant in Gifu Prefecture because the plant procures materials from the disaster-stricken region.
被災地から材料を調達しているから、として岐阜県のコンタクトレンズ工場などへの経済産業省の補助金もあった。
===
Okada's lame excuse
Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada explained at a news conference that "because we had to compile a huge budget within a short period, we didn't have time to go into details."
岡田副総理は記者会見で、「短期間に大きな予算を組まなければならず、細部まで目が届かなかった」と釈明した。
Based on its basic reconstruction policy, the government originally estimated 19 trillion yen would be required for reconstruction in the first five years. A total of 18 trillion yen was allocated in the first to third supplementary budgets for fiscal 2011 and in the initial budget for fiscal 2012.
復興予算は、復興基本方針で、必要な費用を当初５年間で１９兆円と見積もり、２０１１年度１～３次補正予算と１２年度当初予算で計１８兆円を計上した。
The budgets are aimed at decontaminating areas affected by the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the earthquake-triggered tsunami and disposing of debris.
原発事故に伴う除染作業や津波被害で生じた社会資本の復旧、がれき処理などに充てられる。
Under the pretext of using tax hikes as a major resource to carry out reconstruction, the residential tax and income tax will be increased over 10- and 25-year periods, respectively.
主な財源は、１０～２５年間に及ぶ住民税や所得税などの復興増税だ。
The government offices insisted on the validity of their budget allocations, arguing that the basic reconstruction policy includes such wording as "antidisaster measures will be carried out across the nation" and "reconstruction of the disaster-devastated areas will be impossible without revival of the national economy."
各府省は復興基本方針に「全国的に防災施策を行う」、「日本経済の再生なくして被災地の復興はない」といった文言があることから、予算の正当性を主張する。
It is true that measures also must be taken in other areas to prepare for disasters and prevent the hollowing out of industry.
確かに、被災地以外でも防災や産業空洞化対策は必要だ。
===
Significant delays
However, an anything-goes budget cannot be tolerated given the significant delays in the key reconstruction projects.
しかし、肝心の復興が大幅に遅れている中で、「何でもあり」のような予算は許されまい。
If government offices earmark spending even for projects that should be dealt with normally by the state budget because the reconstruction budget does not have a strict ceiling, it will invite a strong backlash from people who cooperated in the government's tax increase plans.
厳しい上限が設定されていない復興予算に目を付け、本来なら通常予算で対応すべき事業まで計上したのでは、増税に協力する国民から反発が強まるだろう。
On this matter, the LDP is calling for screening the projects although the Diet is not in session. The Diet must scrutinize whether the reconstruction budget is being used appropriately.
自民党はこの問題について、閉会中審査を求めている。復興予算が適切に使われているかどうか、国会は十分に精査すべきだ。
Implementation of the budget has been delayed in disaster-stricken areas. Only 60 percent of the 15 trillion yen earmarked for fiscal 2011 was used before the fiscal year ended on March 31, 2012. Concerns have been voiced about the differences between what is in the budget and what is needed.
被災地では予算執行が遅れている。１１年度分に計上した１５兆円のうち、年度内の消化は６割にとどまった。予算メニューとニーズの食い違いも指摘されている。
Tatsuo Hirano, state minister for disaster reconstruction, said, "We want to compile a budget for next fiscal year that will give priority to disaster-stricken areas." The government must make arrangements quickly so that the necessary funds can be allocated to these areas.
平野復興相は「来年度はできるだけ被災地に特化した予算を作りたい」との意向を表明した。政府は、被災地に必要な資金が行き渡るよう迅速に手当てすべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 10, 2012)
（2012年10月10日01時09分 読売新聞）
2012/10/11
ノーベル賞 山中氏への支援体制を手厚く
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 10, 2012)
Beef up support for research of Nobel laureate Yamanaka
ノーベル賞 山中氏への支援体制を手厚く（10月9日付・読売社説）
Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
山中伸弥・京都大教授に、今年のノーベル生理学・医学賞が贈られることになった。
We offer our heartiest congratulations to him for winning this prestigious prize.
その栄誉を称(たた)え、心から喜びたい。
It is the first time in 25 years that a Japanese won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The only other Japanese laureate in this field was Susumu Tonegawa, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 1987.
日本人が生理学・医学賞を受賞するのは、１９８７年の利根川進博士以来、２５年ぶりである。
Yamanaka won the prize for developing a technology to reprogram somatic cells--a technology to return somatic cells such as skin cells to a state immediately after fertilization--the beginning of life. He was awarded the prize jointly with British scientist John Gurdon.
山中教授の授賞理由は、皮膚などの体細胞を、生命の始まりである受精直後の真っさらな状態に戻す「体細胞初期化」技術を開発したことだ。同じ分野の先達である英国のジョン・ガードン博士との共同受賞となる。
After fertilization, cells develop into specific cells of various tissues and organs as they grow and gradually age. Yamanaka's research reversed this process, which previously went in only one direction.
受精した細胞は、成長するにつれ、様々な組織や臓器の細胞に分化し、次第に老いてゆく。一方向にしか進まないこの過程を逆戻りさせたのが山中教授の研究だ。
It was an epoch-making achievement. Since Yamanaka announced results of his studies in 2006, his name has been at the top of the list of front-running Nobel candidates every year.
画期的な業績である。山中教授は、２００６年に成果を発表した後、毎年、ノーベル賞受賞者予想で筆頭に挙げられてきた。
===
Reprogramming cells
Yamanaka won the prize only six years after the announcement of his findings, probably due to the high expectations for the application of the technology in the medical field.
６年でのスピード受賞となったのは、医療への応用に高い期待があるからだろう。
Cells reprogrammed using Yamanaka's technology are called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. Organs and tissues damaged by diseases and injuries could theoretically be replaced with cells made from iPS cells. Such "regenerative medicine" is not just a dream anymore.
山中教授の技術で初期化された細胞は「ｉＰＳ細胞（新型万能細胞）」と呼ばれる。病気やケガで傷んだ臓器や組織を、ｉＰＳ細胞で作った細胞で置き換える「再生医療」も、もはや夢ではない。
For instance, the technology could be used to treat a patient paralyzed from the waist down due to a damaged spinal cord. Injecting nerve cells developed from iPS cells made from the patient's skin cells might regenerate his nerves and enable him to walk.
例えば、脊髄が損傷し下半身マヒとなった患者の治療だ。本人の皮膚細胞から作製したｉＰＳ細胞由来の神経細胞を注入すれば、拒絶反応なしに神経を再生でき、歩行が可能になるかもしれない。
Although Yamanaka's studies are still at the basic research stage, the technology has the potential to completely innovate medical technologies in the future.
まだ基礎研究ながら、将来的には医療を一新する可能性を秘めていると言えよう。
Kyoto University, where Yamanaka works, has obtained international patents on iPS cells as part of its efforts to stay at the top of research and development in this field.
山中教授の所属する京大は、ｉＰＳ細胞の作製法で国際特許も取得し、研究開発でトップを維持しようと努めている。
===
Japan lags other nations
However, the United States and some European countries, for instance, have jumped ahead in research aimed at actually putting the technology to practical use. Yamanaka has repeatedly sounded the alarm about this development, saying, "The United States and Europe are way ahead in terms of research funds and human resources."
しかし、実用化を目指す研究は欧米の方が先行している。山中教授は、「欧米は研究資金も人材もはるかに潤沢」と、繰り返し警鐘を鳴らしている。
In these nations, major pharmaceutical companies have been spending huge funds to advance iPS research. A shortage of researchers is not a problem for them.
欧米では、大手製薬企業が巨費を投じて研究を進めている。研究者の層も厚い。
Japan lags behind, not only in the field of iPS cells, but also in research systems for new drugs and treatment techniques.
これに対し日本では、ｉＰＳ細胞に限らず、新薬、新治療法の研究体制で後れを取っている。
Yamanaka's Nobel Prize success is a prime opportunity for the whole nation to reinforce efforts to energize research labs.
今回の受賞決定を契機に、国を挙げて、研究現場を活性化する取り組みを強化せねばならない。
Yamanaka's technology has also generated a new problem. Some observers have raised concerns that in research that fertilizes eggs with sperm, both created using iPS cell technology, a new life would be born through an abnormal reproduction process.
山中教授の技術は、新たな問題も生んでいる。精子や卵子を作って受精させる研究では、通常の生殖を経ない生命誕生になる、との懸念が指摘されている。
Consideration of this issue from a bioethics viewpoint should not be neglected.
生命倫理面での検討も、なおざりにはできない問題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 9, 2012)
（2012年10月9日01時27分 読売新聞）
Beef up support for research of Nobel laureate Yamanaka
ノーベル賞 山中氏への支援体制を手厚く（10月9日付・読売社説）
Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
山中伸弥・京都大教授に、今年のノーベル生理学・医学賞が贈られることになった。
We offer our heartiest congratulations to him for winning this prestigious prize.
その栄誉を称(たた)え、心から喜びたい。
It is the first time in 25 years that a Japanese won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The only other Japanese laureate in this field was Susumu Tonegawa, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 1987.
日本人が生理学・医学賞を受賞するのは、１９８７年の利根川進博士以来、２５年ぶりである。
Yamanaka won the prize for developing a technology to reprogram somatic cells--a technology to return somatic cells such as skin cells to a state immediately after fertilization--the beginning of life. He was awarded the prize jointly with British scientist John Gurdon.
山中教授の授賞理由は、皮膚などの体細胞を、生命の始まりである受精直後の真っさらな状態に戻す「体細胞初期化」技術を開発したことだ。同じ分野の先達である英国のジョン・ガードン博士との共同受賞となる。
After fertilization, cells develop into specific cells of various tissues and organs as they grow and gradually age. Yamanaka's research reversed this process, which previously went in only one direction.
受精した細胞は、成長するにつれ、様々な組織や臓器の細胞に分化し、次第に老いてゆく。一方向にしか進まないこの過程を逆戻りさせたのが山中教授の研究だ。
It was an epoch-making achievement. Since Yamanaka announced results of his studies in 2006, his name has been at the top of the list of front-running Nobel candidates every year.
画期的な業績である。山中教授は、２００６年に成果を発表した後、毎年、ノーベル賞受賞者予想で筆頭に挙げられてきた。
===
Reprogramming cells
Yamanaka won the prize only six years after the announcement of his findings, probably due to the high expectations for the application of the technology in the medical field.
６年でのスピード受賞となったのは、医療への応用に高い期待があるからだろう。
Cells reprogrammed using Yamanaka's technology are called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. Organs and tissues damaged by diseases and injuries could theoretically be replaced with cells made from iPS cells. Such "regenerative medicine" is not just a dream anymore.
山中教授の技術で初期化された細胞は「ｉＰＳ細胞（新型万能細胞）」と呼ばれる。病気やケガで傷んだ臓器や組織を、ｉＰＳ細胞で作った細胞で置き換える「再生医療」も、もはや夢ではない。
For instance, the technology could be used to treat a patient paralyzed from the waist down due to a damaged spinal cord. Injecting nerve cells developed from iPS cells made from the patient's skin cells might regenerate his nerves and enable him to walk.
例えば、脊髄が損傷し下半身マヒとなった患者の治療だ。本人の皮膚細胞から作製したｉＰＳ細胞由来の神経細胞を注入すれば、拒絶反応なしに神経を再生でき、歩行が可能になるかもしれない。
Although Yamanaka's studies are still at the basic research stage, the technology has the potential to completely innovate medical technologies in the future.
まだ基礎研究ながら、将来的には医療を一新する可能性を秘めていると言えよう。
Kyoto University, where Yamanaka works, has obtained international patents on iPS cells as part of its efforts to stay at the top of research and development in this field.
山中教授の所属する京大は、ｉＰＳ細胞の作製法で国際特許も取得し、研究開発でトップを維持しようと努めている。
===
Japan lags other nations
However, the United States and some European countries, for instance, have jumped ahead in research aimed at actually putting the technology to practical use. Yamanaka has repeatedly sounded the alarm about this development, saying, "The United States and Europe are way ahead in terms of research funds and human resources."
しかし、実用化を目指す研究は欧米の方が先行している。山中教授は、「欧米は研究資金も人材もはるかに潤沢」と、繰り返し警鐘を鳴らしている。
In these nations, major pharmaceutical companies have been spending huge funds to advance iPS research. A shortage of researchers is not a problem for them.
欧米では、大手製薬企業が巨費を投じて研究を進めている。研究者の層も厚い。
Japan lags behind, not only in the field of iPS cells, but also in research systems for new drugs and treatment techniques.
これに対し日本では、ｉＰＳ細胞に限らず、新薬、新治療法の研究体制で後れを取っている。
Yamanaka's Nobel Prize success is a prime opportunity for the whole nation to reinforce efforts to energize research labs.
今回の受賞決定を契機に、国を挙げて、研究現場を活性化する取り組みを強化せねばならない。
Yamanaka's technology has also generated a new problem. Some observers have raised concerns that in research that fertilizes eggs with sperm, both created using iPS cell technology, a new life would be born through an abnormal reproduction process.
山中教授の技術は、新たな問題も生んでいる。精子や卵子を作って受精させる研究では、通常の生殖を経ない生命誕生になる、との懸念が指摘されている。
Consideration of this issue from a bioethics viewpoint should not be neglected.
生命倫理面での検討も、なおざりにはできない問題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 9, 2012)
（2012年10月9日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012/10/10
シニア消費 日本経済を牽引する団塊世代
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 9, 2012)
Baby boomers' consumption could be driving force for economy
シニア消費 日本経済を牽引する団塊世代（10月8日付・読売社説）
Consumption by elderly people has been picking up recently.
高齢者層の消費が活発だ。
We hope their purchasing power will give the nation's economy a shot in the arm.
この勢いを経済の活性化につなげたい。
Annual consumption by elderly people--mainly those aged 60 and older, including postwar baby boomers--topped 100 trillion yen for the first time in 2011. It accounted for 40 percent of domestic consumption.
団塊世代など６０歳以上を中心としたシニア層の消費は、２０１１年に初めて１００兆円を超え、国内消費の４割を占めた。
Monthly consumption expenditure per household whose head is aged 65 to 69 has been on an upward trend. The growth rate of expenditure for this age group is above the average for all demographics.
６５～６９歳の１世帯当たりの月間消費支出も増加基調で、伸び率は全世代平均を上回っている。
After retiring, elderly people tend to withdraw savings they squirreled away while they were working to spend on products they need or want. In economics, this is known as the "life-cycle hypothesis" (LCH).
シニア層は、現役時代の貯蓄を引退後に取り崩して消費に回す傾向がある。経済学では「ライフサイクル仮説」として知られる。
In addition to this special characteristic, many baby boomers, who are happy to spend their money and have led their generation, started turning 65 this year. The baby boomers have apparently been adding momentum to unconventional patterns of consumption.
そうした特性だけでなく、消費意欲が旺盛で時代をリードしてきた団塊世代が６５歳を迎え、従来のパターンとは違う消費行動に弾みがついているのだろう。
===
Elderly population growing
The proportion of people 65 and older has reached 24 percent of the population. This figure is expected to top 30 percent in 2030. It is important to maintain the consumption trend of senior citizens as an engine supporting the economy.
人口に占める６５歳以上の割合は２４％に達し、３０年には３０％を超える見込みだ。景気を支えるエンジン役として、シニア消費を持続させることが重要と言える。
Already business activities targeting seniors with time and money on their hands, such as supermarkets that open early in the morning and around-the-world cruises, have become popular.
すでに、時間と経済にゆとりを持つ高齢者を狙ったスーパーの早朝開店や世界一周クルーズなどが人気を集めている。
However, many companies seem unable to shake off their traditional mindsets. Today's senior citizens are not all modest old folks. They are very active and quite a few are willing to splash out for things they feel are significant, even if they usually closely watch their pennies in everyday life.
しかし、多くの企業は従来の発想から抜け出せていないのではないか。今のシニア層は、控えめな高齢者に限らない。活動的で、日常の支出は抑えても、自分が有意義と感じるこだわりの消費には出費を惜しまぬ人が少なくない。
It is not only consumption of tangible objects that is thriving, but also courses at culture schools and music schools, such as piano lessons. This suggests elderly people value spending time or having experiences that provide psychological satisfaction.
モノの消費だけでなく、カルチャースクールや、ピアノなど音楽教室の盛況が示すように、心の満足を得る時間や体験を大切にする傾向がうかがえる。
They are enthusiastic about staying healthy and favor items that help slow the aging process, which has been a boon for sports clubs and cosmetics that keep them looking younger.
健康の維持やアンチエイジングへの関心が高く、スポーツクラブや若々しさを保つ化粧品などの人気も高まっている。
===
Think outside the box
Potential money-spinners can be found in areas that many businesspeople assume would appeal more to young people. For instance, many elderly men are interested in sports cars. Many are accustomed to using personal computers and smartphones. The Internet is a familiar part of their daily life. They could contribute to the expansion of e-commerce.
若者向けと考えがちな分野にも商機は広がる。スポーツカーに関心を持つシニア男性は多い。パソコンやスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）の扱いに慣れ、インターネットは身近な存在だ。電子商取引の拡大にも貢献しよう。
We hope every corporation will sniff out the needs of elderly people and use their wisdom to develop or provide innovative products and services as well as cultivate new markets.
各企業は、こうしたシニア層のニーズを掘り起こし、斬新な商品やサービスの提供、新市場の開拓に知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
When baby boomers turned 60 in 2007 through 2009, consumption did not pick up as much as expected. Factors behind this included growing concern over whether these baby boomers could keep working until they reached 65, and sluggish stock prices after the so-called Lehman shock.
団塊世代が６０歳に達した０７～０９年は、期待されたほどには消費が盛り上がらなかった。リーマン・ショック後の株価低迷に加え、６５歳までの雇用確保への懸念が広がったことが要因とみられる。
The government must help erase elderly people's worries for the future by, for instance, implementing policies that will ensure social security systems can be stably maintained.
社会保障制度を安定的に維持するなど、将来の不安を解消する政策の後押しも必要だ。
If the willingness to spend among the elderly encourages greater consumption among working generations, the Japanese economy would undoubtedly have a bonanza.
シニア消費が牽引(けんいん)し、現役世代の消費も活発になれば、日本経済に好影響を及ぼすに違いない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 8, 2012)
（2012年10月8日01時27分 読売新聞）
Baby boomers' consumption could be driving force for economy
シニア消費 日本経済を牽引する団塊世代（10月8日付・読売社説）
Consumption by elderly people has been picking up recently.
高齢者層の消費が活発だ。
We hope their purchasing power will give the nation's economy a shot in the arm.
この勢いを経済の活性化につなげたい。
Annual consumption by elderly people--mainly those aged 60 and older, including postwar baby boomers--topped 100 trillion yen for the first time in 2011. It accounted for 40 percent of domestic consumption.
団塊世代など６０歳以上を中心としたシニア層の消費は、２０１１年に初めて１００兆円を超え、国内消費の４割を占めた。
Monthly consumption expenditure per household whose head is aged 65 to 69 has been on an upward trend. The growth rate of expenditure for this age group is above the average for all demographics.
６５～６９歳の１世帯当たりの月間消費支出も増加基調で、伸び率は全世代平均を上回っている。
After retiring, elderly people tend to withdraw savings they squirreled away while they were working to spend on products they need or want. In economics, this is known as the "life-cycle hypothesis" (LCH).
シニア層は、現役時代の貯蓄を引退後に取り崩して消費に回す傾向がある。経済学では「ライフサイクル仮説」として知られる。
In addition to this special characteristic, many baby boomers, who are happy to spend their money and have led their generation, started turning 65 this year. The baby boomers have apparently been adding momentum to unconventional patterns of consumption.
そうした特性だけでなく、消費意欲が旺盛で時代をリードしてきた団塊世代が６５歳を迎え、従来のパターンとは違う消費行動に弾みがついているのだろう。
===
Elderly population growing
The proportion of people 65 and older has reached 24 percent of the population. This figure is expected to top 30 percent in 2030. It is important to maintain the consumption trend of senior citizens as an engine supporting the economy.
人口に占める６５歳以上の割合は２４％に達し、３０年には３０％を超える見込みだ。景気を支えるエンジン役として、シニア消費を持続させることが重要と言える。
Already business activities targeting seniors with time and money on their hands, such as supermarkets that open early in the morning and around-the-world cruises, have become popular.
すでに、時間と経済にゆとりを持つ高齢者を狙ったスーパーの早朝開店や世界一周クルーズなどが人気を集めている。
However, many companies seem unable to shake off their traditional mindsets. Today's senior citizens are not all modest old folks. They are very active and quite a few are willing to splash out for things they feel are significant, even if they usually closely watch their pennies in everyday life.
しかし、多くの企業は従来の発想から抜け出せていないのではないか。今のシニア層は、控えめな高齢者に限らない。活動的で、日常の支出は抑えても、自分が有意義と感じるこだわりの消費には出費を惜しまぬ人が少なくない。
It is not only consumption of tangible objects that is thriving, but also courses at culture schools and music schools, such as piano lessons. This suggests elderly people value spending time or having experiences that provide psychological satisfaction.
モノの消費だけでなく、カルチャースクールや、ピアノなど音楽教室の盛況が示すように、心の満足を得る時間や体験を大切にする傾向がうかがえる。
They are enthusiastic about staying healthy and favor items that help slow the aging process, which has been a boon for sports clubs and cosmetics that keep them looking younger.
健康の維持やアンチエイジングへの関心が高く、スポーツクラブや若々しさを保つ化粧品などの人気も高まっている。
===
Think outside the box
Potential money-spinners can be found in areas that many businesspeople assume would appeal more to young people. For instance, many elderly men are interested in sports cars. Many are accustomed to using personal computers and smartphones. The Internet is a familiar part of their daily life. They could contribute to the expansion of e-commerce.
若者向けと考えがちな分野にも商機は広がる。スポーツカーに関心を持つシニア男性は多い。パソコンやスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）の扱いに慣れ、インターネットは身近な存在だ。電子商取引の拡大にも貢献しよう。
We hope every corporation will sniff out the needs of elderly people and use their wisdom to develop or provide innovative products and services as well as cultivate new markets.
各企業は、こうしたシニア層のニーズを掘り起こし、斬新な商品やサービスの提供、新市場の開拓に知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
When baby boomers turned 60 in 2007 through 2009, consumption did not pick up as much as expected. Factors behind this included growing concern over whether these baby boomers could keep working until they reached 65, and sluggish stock prices after the so-called Lehman shock.
団塊世代が６０歳に達した０７～０９年は、期待されたほどには消費が盛り上がらなかった。リーマン・ショック後の株価低迷に加え、６５歳までの雇用確保への懸念が広がったことが要因とみられる。
The government must help erase elderly people's worries for the future by, for instance, implementing policies that will ensure social security systems can be stably maintained.
社会保障制度を安定的に維持するなど、将来の不安を解消する政策の後押しも必要だ。
If the willingness to spend among the elderly encourages greater consumption among working generations, the Japanese economy would undoubtedly have a bonanza.
シニア消費が牽引(けんいん)し、現役世代の消費も活発になれば、日本経済に好影響を及ぼすに違いない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 8, 2012)
（2012年10月8日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012/10/09
首都高速道路 東京再生につながる改修を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 8, 2012)
Revamping Tokyo's expressways could give capital a boost
首都高速道路 東京再生につながる改修を（10月7日付・読売社説）
How should a large-scale renovation be undertaken on Tokyo's aging expressway system?
老朽化が進む首都高速道路の大規模改修をどう進めるか。
This is a crucial task that will affect disaster prevention preparations, redevelopment projects and distribution networks in the metropolitan area.
首都圏の防災や再開発、流通網にも影響する重要な課題だ。
An expert panel of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has compiled a package of recommendations that call for the elevated Inner Circular Route to be shifted underground and for other routes of the weblike network to be revamped. We can understand why the recommendations go further than simply proposing an upgrade of the expressways and instead urge that Tokyo's shutoko tollways be radically overhauled.
国土交通省の有識者会議が、都心環状線の地下移設やルート変更などを柱とする提言をまとめた。単なる設備更新にとどまらず、首都高の抜本再生を求めた点は理解できる。
We hope the ministry will launch studies with the Tokyo metropolitan government and Metropolitan Express Co., the operator of the network, about specifics of the envisioned changes.
国交省は東京都や首都高会社と具体策の検討に入ってほしい。
Tokyo's expressways extend across the capital and three neighboring prefectures, making the network a major transport artery for the entire national economy.
１都３県にまたがる首都高は、日本経済を支える大動脈だ。
===
Dangerous curves, junctions
This year marks the 50th year since the first section of the expressway system opened. About 30 percent of the network's 300 kilometers was built at least 40 years ago.
しかし、最初の区間が開通してから今年で５０年を迎え、総延長３００キロのうち３割は完成後４０年以上が経過した。
The expressways need repairs at nearly 100,000 locations, a threefold increase from seven years ago. Temporary fixes are approaching the limit of their usefulness.
補修が必要な損傷箇所は１０万近く、７年間で３倍に増えた。応急処置も限界だ。
To build as many expressways as possible in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, most were constructed above existing roads and waterways to avoid land procurement problems. The result is that 95 percent of expressways are elevated or in tunnels, making it an unusual network by global standards.
東京五輪に間に合わせるため、用地買収が不要な道路や水路の上の空間を利用した結果、全体の９５％が高架橋やトンネルという世界でも特異な道路となっている。
The ministry panel focused its discussions on the Inner Circular Route because it has many tight curves and hazardous junctions on roads threading their way through densely built-up areas. Traffic accidents and congestion occur frequently. In addition, making expressways more earthquake-resistant is urgently needed in preparation for an expected powerful epicentral quake with its focus below Tokyo.
有識者会議が都心環状線を問題視したのは、建物の間を縫う急カーブや無理な合流地点が多く、事故や渋滞が多発しているからだ。首都直下型地震に備えるため、耐震強化は急務だろう。
One of the panel's recommendations was to dismantle elevated sections that spoil Tokyo's landscape and hang ominously over areas and people below. This could be a good option for a new expressway system.
東京の景観を損ね、周囲に圧迫感を与えている高架橋を撤去し、地下化を進める案は選択肢になりうるのではないか。
The biggest problem, of course, will be coming up with the more than 4 trillion yen that would be needed for this massive project.
だが、最大の問題は、４兆円を超えるともされる巨額の建設費をどう確保するかである。
Considering the increasingly stringent government finances, the panel quite rightly pointed out that restructuring the expressways "should be funded not by counting on government money as much as possible, but instead mainly by toll revenues."
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、有識者会議が「税金に極力頼らず、料金収入を中心に対応すべきだ」と指摘したのは当然と言える。
===
Draw lessons from overseas
However, a large jump in tolls could earn the ire of expressway users. Harnessing private-sector funds as much as possible by such means as selling land that will become vacant in prime locations after elevated sections are dismantled should be scrutinized.
ただし、通行料金の大幅な値上げは、利用者の反発を招きかねない。高架の撤去後に空いた一等地の売却などで、できるだけ民間資金を活用する工夫が要る。
About 60 percent of vehicles that use the Inner Circular Route simply drive through the heart of Tokyo. This is a major cause of the chronic traffic jams, a situation that must be taken into account in remodeling the expressways.
都心環状線に流入する車の６割は通過するだけで、それが慢性的な渋滞の原因となっている現状も併せて改善したい。
Some observers argue that the Inner Circular Route could be done away with by improving routes that form a concentric pattern in outer areas of the Inner Circular Route, such as the Central Circular Route and Tokyo Outer Ring Road, or Gaikando.
首都圏の迂回(うかい)ルートとして、都心環状線の外側に同心円状に位置する中央環状線や、東京外郭環状道路の整備が進めば、都心環状線は不要だとする意見もある。
The reconstruction of expressways has rejuvenated the central part of many major cities, such as Seoul, Seattle, Duesseldorf and Paris. We hope these cities provide useful references for Tokyo's case.
世界では近年、ソウル、シアトル、デュッセルドルフ、パリなど都心部の高速道路改修を都市再生につなげた事例が多い。大いに参考にしてもらいたい。
The Tokyo metropolitan expressway system is not alone in nearing the end of its expected service life. Many roads, bridges and water and sewerage systems built by the central and local governments across the country during Japan's high-growth days also are becoming decrepit.
首都高に限らず、全国各地で高度成長期に国や自治体が整備した道路や橋、上下水道などが軒並み耐用年数を迎えている。
Renovating Tokyo's expressway network, if done successfully, could be a good model for upgrading aging infrastructure throughout the country.
首都高改修への取り組みは、老朽インフラ再生のモデルになるはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 7, 2012)
（2012年10月7日01時27分 読売新聞）
Revamping Tokyo's expressways could give capital a boost
首都高速道路 東京再生につながる改修を（10月7日付・読売社説）
How should a large-scale renovation be undertaken on Tokyo's aging expressway system?
老朽化が進む首都高速道路の大規模改修をどう進めるか。
This is a crucial task that will affect disaster prevention preparations, redevelopment projects and distribution networks in the metropolitan area.
首都圏の防災や再開発、流通網にも影響する重要な課題だ。
An expert panel of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has compiled a package of recommendations that call for the elevated Inner Circular Route to be shifted underground and for other routes of the weblike network to be revamped. We can understand why the recommendations go further than simply proposing an upgrade of the expressways and instead urge that Tokyo's shutoko tollways be radically overhauled.
国土交通省の有識者会議が、都心環状線の地下移設やルート変更などを柱とする提言をまとめた。単なる設備更新にとどまらず、首都高の抜本再生を求めた点は理解できる。
We hope the ministry will launch studies with the Tokyo metropolitan government and Metropolitan Express Co., the operator of the network, about specifics of the envisioned changes.
国交省は東京都や首都高会社と具体策の検討に入ってほしい。
Tokyo's expressways extend across the capital and three neighboring prefectures, making the network a major transport artery for the entire national economy.
１都３県にまたがる首都高は、日本経済を支える大動脈だ。
===
Dangerous curves, junctions
This year marks the 50th year since the first section of the expressway system opened. About 30 percent of the network's 300 kilometers was built at least 40 years ago.
しかし、最初の区間が開通してから今年で５０年を迎え、総延長３００キロのうち３割は完成後４０年以上が経過した。
The expressways need repairs at nearly 100,000 locations, a threefold increase from seven years ago. Temporary fixes are approaching the limit of their usefulness.
補修が必要な損傷箇所は１０万近く、７年間で３倍に増えた。応急処置も限界だ。
To build as many expressways as possible in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, most were constructed above existing roads and waterways to avoid land procurement problems. The result is that 95 percent of expressways are elevated or in tunnels, making it an unusual network by global standards.
東京五輪に間に合わせるため、用地買収が不要な道路や水路の上の空間を利用した結果、全体の９５％が高架橋やトンネルという世界でも特異な道路となっている。
The ministry panel focused its discussions on the Inner Circular Route because it has many tight curves and hazardous junctions on roads threading their way through densely built-up areas. Traffic accidents and congestion occur frequently. In addition, making expressways more earthquake-resistant is urgently needed in preparation for an expected powerful epicentral quake with its focus below Tokyo.
有識者会議が都心環状線を問題視したのは、建物の間を縫う急カーブや無理な合流地点が多く、事故や渋滞が多発しているからだ。首都直下型地震に備えるため、耐震強化は急務だろう。
One of the panel's recommendations was to dismantle elevated sections that spoil Tokyo's landscape and hang ominously over areas and people below. This could be a good option for a new expressway system.
東京の景観を損ね、周囲に圧迫感を与えている高架橋を撤去し、地下化を進める案は選択肢になりうるのではないか。
The biggest problem, of course, will be coming up with the more than 4 trillion yen that would be needed for this massive project.
だが、最大の問題は、４兆円を超えるともされる巨額の建設費をどう確保するかである。
Considering the increasingly stringent government finances, the panel quite rightly pointed out that restructuring the expressways "should be funded not by counting on government money as much as possible, but instead mainly by toll revenues."
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、有識者会議が「税金に極力頼らず、料金収入を中心に対応すべきだ」と指摘したのは当然と言える。
===
Draw lessons from overseas
However, a large jump in tolls could earn the ire of expressway users. Harnessing private-sector funds as much as possible by such means as selling land that will become vacant in prime locations after elevated sections are dismantled should be scrutinized.
ただし、通行料金の大幅な値上げは、利用者の反発を招きかねない。高架の撤去後に空いた一等地の売却などで、できるだけ民間資金を活用する工夫が要る。
About 60 percent of vehicles that use the Inner Circular Route simply drive through the heart of Tokyo. This is a major cause of the chronic traffic jams, a situation that must be taken into account in remodeling the expressways.
都心環状線に流入する車の６割は通過するだけで、それが慢性的な渋滞の原因となっている現状も併せて改善したい。
Some observers argue that the Inner Circular Route could be done away with by improving routes that form a concentric pattern in outer areas of the Inner Circular Route, such as the Central Circular Route and Tokyo Outer Ring Road, or Gaikando.
首都圏の迂回(うかい)ルートとして、都心環状線の外側に同心円状に位置する中央環状線や、東京外郭環状道路の整備が進めば、都心環状線は不要だとする意見もある。
The reconstruction of expressways has rejuvenated the central part of many major cities, such as Seoul, Seattle, Duesseldorf and Paris. We hope these cities provide useful references for Tokyo's case.
世界では近年、ソウル、シアトル、デュッセルドルフ、パリなど都心部の高速道路改修を都市再生につなげた事例が多い。大いに参考にしてもらいたい。
The Tokyo metropolitan expressway system is not alone in nearing the end of its expected service life. Many roads, bridges and water and sewerage systems built by the central and local governments across the country during Japan's high-growth days also are becoming decrepit.
首都高に限らず、全国各地で高度成長期に国や自治体が整備した道路や橋、上下水道などが軒並み耐用年数を迎えている。
Renovating Tokyo's expressway network, if done successfully, could be a good model for upgrading aging infrastructure throughout the country.
首都高改修への取り組みは、老朽インフラ再生のモデルになるはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 7, 2012)
（2012年10月7日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012/10/08
秋の臨時国会 先送りは政権の責任放棄だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 7, 2012)
Govt must convene Diet swiftly and not abdicate responsibility
秋の臨時国会 先送りは政権の責任放棄だ（10月6日付・読売社説）
Moves are afoot that may lead to postponement of talks between the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the two major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as delay the convocation of an extraordinary Diet session that was scheduled for this autumn.
民主、自民、公明３党の党首会談と秋の臨時国会が先送りされるような動きが強まってきた。
This undoubtedly runs contrary to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's stated goal of realizing "politics capable of making resolute decisions."
野田首相が掲げる「決断する政治」に、明らかに逆行している。
The LDP's new president, Shinzo Abe, met Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi on Friday, and they agreed to pressure Noda to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election this year, based on the prime minister's pledge in August to do so "sometime soon."
自民党の安倍総裁と公明党の山口代表が会談し、「近いうち」の衆院解散・総選挙という首相の約束に基づき、「年内の解散」を要求する方針で一致した。
In the meeting, Yamaguchi said voting and vote counting for a general election should be completed no later than Dec. 9, a date he considered a "commonsense" time limit.
山口氏は１２月９日投開票が「常識的なリミット（期限）」と指摘した。
The heads of the two major opposition parties also confirmed they would press the prime minister in a meeting of the three parties' chiefs to clearly explain how he would pass a bill submitted by the government to enable the issuance of deficit-covering bonds.
両氏は、赤字国債発行を可能にする特例公債法案の成立への「解決策」を首相が３党首会談で示すよう求めることも確認した。
===
Govt, DPJ bear more blame
Noda's pledge to dissolve the lower house soon was part of the three-party agreement reached over comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems. We see the demand made by the LDP and Komeito for this pledge to be fulfilled as reasonable.
「近いうち」の解散は、社会保障と税の一体改革に関する民自公３党合意に含まれる。自公両党が履行を求めるのは理解できる。
A delay in passing the bond bill would force the government to cut back on spending called for in the state budget, which could adversely impact local government finances and people's lives. The opposition camp, therefore, should not make approval of the bond bill contingent on dissolving the lower house.
ただ、特例公債法案成立が遅れれば、政府予算の執行抑制により地方財政や国民生活に一層の悪影響を及ぼす。野党は、解散を法案成立の条件にすべきではない。
However, more problematic by far is how the government and the DPJ have dealt with these matters.
無論、より問題が大きいのは政府・民主党の対応である。
It should be noted that it was Noda's idea to hold a meeting of the leaders of the three parties, as he wanted to "reconfirm the three-party agreement" on social security and tax reform.
そもそも「一体改革の３党合意を再確認したい」と３党首会談を言い出したのは、野田首相だ。
However, the prime minister and his party have failed even to sound out the LDP and Komeito about the feasibility of a meeting of the heads of the three parties, despite a full week having passed since Abe became LDP president. We feel the DPJ sorely lacks the sense of responsibility required of a ruling party.
安倍氏の総裁選出後、既に１週間以上になるのに、会談の打診さえしていないのは、政権党の自覚を欠いているのではないか。
Moves by DPJ lawmakers to leave the party have continued even after the party's leadership election last month. If eight more DPJ Diet members were to bolt, the ruling bloc would lose its majority in the lower house.
民主党は代表選後も離党の動きが収まらない。あと８人が離党すれば与党全体でも衆院の過半数を割る。
The party also fears that if an extraordinary Diet session were convened without an agreement in place with the LDP and Komeito on key issues, the ruling camp would be unable to defeat a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet, thus forcing the prime minister to dissolve the lower house.
自公両党との合意もなしで臨時国会を開けば、内閣不信任決議案を否決できず、解散に追い込まれかねないとの懸念がある。
===
No excuse for procrastination
The revelation that a prefectural DPJ chapter headed by Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka received donations from a company run by a Taiwan national has dealt a fresh blow to the Noda administration.
田中法相が代表を務める党総支部が、在日台湾人の経営する会社から政治献金を受けていたことも政権への新たな打撃となった。
Earlier, the DPJ faced two similar scandals where political donations from foreign nationals, which are banned by the Political Funds Control Law, were accepted by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Seiji Maehara, the current state minister in charge of national policy.
民主党では、菅前首相や前原国家戦略相にも外国人献金が発覚している。
The fact that Tanaka was appointed to the Cabinet without sufficient investigation into whether he was free of such problems makes us question the DPJ's capacity to govern.
同様の問題がないか、事前に十分確認することなく、田中氏を入閣させたこと自体、党の統治能力に疑問符が付く。
The government choosing not to convene a Diet session for fear of being brought to task by the opposition over these issues would be a grave mistake in terms of priorities.
こうした問題などを追及されることを恐れて、国会を開かないというなら、本末転倒である。
No time must be wasted in passing the bill to allow deficit-covering bonds to be issued, as well as legislation to rectify vote-value disparities in lower house elections. These urgent political tasks must be accomplished through an extraordinary Diet session as early as possible.
特例公債法案や衆院選の「１票の格差」是正は、もはや先送りができない。早急に臨時国会を開き、優先的に処理すべきだ。
The Noda Cabinet should not be allowed to put off convening the Diet while trying to shift the blame for being unable to issue deficit-covering bonds to the opposition and asserting the lower house cannot be dissolved because of the "state of unconstitutionality" of the electoral system.
野田政権が国会召集を先延ばしする一方で、赤字国債が発行できない責任を野党に押しつけ、「違憲状態」では解散できないと主張するのは、許されない。
It is questionable whether any administration that fails to address policy matters and attempts to delay dissolution of the lower house is fit to survive.
政策に取り組まず、解散を遅らせることを目標とするような政権は、存在意義が問われる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 6, 2012)
（2012年10月6日01時06分 読売新聞）
Govt must convene Diet swiftly and not abdicate responsibility
秋の臨時国会 先送りは政権の責任放棄だ（10月6日付・読売社説）
Moves are afoot that may lead to postponement of talks between the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the two major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as delay the convocation of an extraordinary Diet session that was scheduled for this autumn.
民主、自民、公明３党の党首会談と秋の臨時国会が先送りされるような動きが強まってきた。
This undoubtedly runs contrary to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's stated goal of realizing "politics capable of making resolute decisions."
野田首相が掲げる「決断する政治」に、明らかに逆行している。
The LDP's new president, Shinzo Abe, met Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi on Friday, and they agreed to pressure Noda to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election this year, based on the prime minister's pledge in August to do so "sometime soon."
自民党の安倍総裁と公明党の山口代表が会談し、「近いうち」の衆院解散・総選挙という首相の約束に基づき、「年内の解散」を要求する方針で一致した。
In the meeting, Yamaguchi said voting and vote counting for a general election should be completed no later than Dec. 9, a date he considered a "commonsense" time limit.
山口氏は１２月９日投開票が「常識的なリミット（期限）」と指摘した。
The heads of the two major opposition parties also confirmed they would press the prime minister in a meeting of the three parties' chiefs to clearly explain how he would pass a bill submitted by the government to enable the issuance of deficit-covering bonds.
両氏は、赤字国債発行を可能にする特例公債法案の成立への「解決策」を首相が３党首会談で示すよう求めることも確認した。
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Govt, DPJ bear more blame
Noda's pledge to dissolve the lower house soon was part of the three-party agreement reached over comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems. We see the demand made by the LDP and Komeito for this pledge to be fulfilled as reasonable.
「近いうち」の解散は、社会保障と税の一体改革に関する民自公３党合意に含まれる。自公両党が履行を求めるのは理解できる。
A delay in passing the bond bill would force the government to cut back on spending called for in the state budget, which could adversely impact local government finances and people's lives. The opposition camp, therefore, should not make approval of the bond bill contingent on dissolving the lower house.
ただ、特例公債法案成立が遅れれば、政府予算の執行抑制により地方財政や国民生活に一層の悪影響を及ぼす。野党は、解散を法案成立の条件にすべきではない。
However, more problematic by far is how the government and the DPJ have dealt with these matters.
無論、より問題が大きいのは政府・民主党の対応である。
It should be noted that it was Noda's idea to hold a meeting of the leaders of the three parties, as he wanted to "reconfirm the three-party agreement" on social security and tax reform.
そもそも「一体改革の３党合意を再確認したい」と３党首会談を言い出したのは、野田首相だ。
However, the prime minister and his party have failed even to sound out the LDP and Komeito about the feasibility of a meeting of the heads of the three parties, despite a full week having passed since Abe became LDP president. We feel the DPJ sorely lacks the sense of responsibility required of a ruling party.
安倍氏の総裁選出後、既に１週間以上になるのに、会談の打診さえしていないのは、政権党の自覚を欠いているのではないか。
Moves by DPJ lawmakers to leave the party have continued even after the party's leadership election last month. If eight more DPJ Diet members were to bolt, the ruling bloc would lose its majority in the lower house.
民主党は代表選後も離党の動きが収まらない。あと８人が離党すれば与党全体でも衆院の過半数を割る。
The party also fears that if an extraordinary Diet session were convened without an agreement in place with the LDP and Komeito on key issues, the ruling camp would be unable to defeat a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet, thus forcing the prime minister to dissolve the lower house.
自公両党との合意もなしで臨時国会を開けば、内閣不信任決議案を否決できず、解散に追い込まれかねないとの懸念がある。
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No excuse for procrastination
The revelation that a prefectural DPJ chapter headed by Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka received donations from a company run by a Taiwan national has dealt a fresh blow to the Noda administration.
田中法相が代表を務める党総支部が、在日台湾人の経営する会社から政治献金を受けていたことも政権への新たな打撃となった。
Earlier, the DPJ faced two similar scandals where political donations from foreign nationals, which are banned by the Political Funds Control Law, were accepted by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Seiji Maehara, the current state minister in charge of national policy.
民主党では、菅前首相や前原国家戦略相にも外国人献金が発覚している。
The fact that Tanaka was appointed to the Cabinet without sufficient investigation into whether he was free of such problems makes us question the DPJ's capacity to govern.
同様の問題がないか、事前に十分確認することなく、田中氏を入閣させたこと自体、党の統治能力に疑問符が付く。
The government choosing not to convene a Diet session for fear of being brought to task by the opposition over these issues would be a grave mistake in terms of priorities.
こうした問題などを追及されることを恐れて、国会を開かないというなら、本末転倒である。
No time must be wasted in passing the bill to allow deficit-covering bonds to be issued, as well as legislation to rectify vote-value disparities in lower house elections. These urgent political tasks must be accomplished through an extraordinary Diet session as early as possible.
特例公債法案や衆院選の「１票の格差」是正は、もはや先送りができない。早急に臨時国会を開き、優先的に処理すべきだ。
The Noda Cabinet should not be allowed to put off convening the Diet while trying to shift the blame for being unable to issue deficit-covering bonds to the opposition and asserting the lower house cannot be dissolved because of the "state of unconstitutionality" of the electoral system.
野田政権が国会召集を先延ばしする一方で、赤字国債が発行できない責任を野党に押しつけ、「違憲状態」では解散できないと主張するのは、許されない。
It is questionable whether any administration that fails to address policy matters and attempts to delay dissolution of the lower house is fit to survive.
政策に取り組まず、解散を遅らせることを目標とするような政権は、存在意義が問われる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 6, 2012)
（2012年10月6日01時06分 読売新聞）
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