The Yomiuri Shimbun January 14, 2014
New adults should combine realism with flexibility and entrepreneurship
成人の日 堅実さと柔軟な発想求めたい（1月13日付・読売社説）
Today is Coming-of-Age Day. We would like to celebrate the birth of 1.21 million new adults in Japan.
きょうは成人の日。１２１万人の新成人の門出を祝いたい。
We hope they will step forward strongly with keen awareness as adults.
大人としての自覚を胸に刻み、力強い一歩を踏み出してほしい。
They were born in 1993, when the Liberal Democratic Party-led government, which had held power since the merger of conservative parties in 1955, was replaced with a coalition government of non-LDP parties. Crown Prince and Princess Masako also married that year.
新成人が生まれた１９９３年には、５５年の保守合同以来続いた自民党政権に代わって、非自民の連立政権が誕生した。皇太子さまと雅子さまのご成婚もあった。
The years in which these young people grew up almost overlap the “two lost decades” when the Japanese economy faltered after the collapse of the asset-inflated bubble economy. There are concerns about a decline in their academic abilities because they received “cram-free education” from primary school to high school.
この若者たちが育った時期は、バブル経済が崩壊して、日本経済が低迷を続けた「失われた２０年」とほぼ重なる。小学校から高校までは、いわゆる「ゆとり教育」を受け、学力低下の懸念も指摘されてきた。
They are also a generation that mastered the skills needed in the age of information technology when they were still small, as the Internet and mobile phones have been available as long as they can remember.
物心がついた頃にはネットや携帯電話が既に登場しており、情報化時代のスキルを子供のうちから身に着けた世代でもある。
Seiko Holdings Corp., which has conducted questionnaire surveys among new adults every year, says this year’s new adults tend to pursue a down-to-earth lifestyle.
セイコーホールディングス社は毎年、新成人に対してアンケート調査を行っているが、それによると、今年の新成人は「堅実志向型」なのだという。
Asked what they place importance on, the largest number replied money. The largest number also said they want to spend more time studying. Of course, it is important to be down-to-earth like them, but we also hope they will have flexible mindsets and embrace challenges.
大切にしたいものとして「お金」、増やしたい時間として「勉強」を挙げた人が最も多かった。そうした堅実さはもちろん大切だが、新成人には、柔軟な発想とチャレンジ精神も求めたい。
Young entrepreneurs needed
Aya Ozeki, now 21, used ¥300,000 that she saved to start a business to establish a fashion company in Tokyo when she was still in her second year of high school.
例えば、現在２１歳の大関綾さんは、高校２年生の時に、起業のために貯(た)めていた３０万円を資本金として、東京都内にファッションの会社を設立した。
“I wanted to start a business when I could still capitalize on my youthful sensitivities,” she said.
「若い時の感性を生かせるうちに、起業したいと考えた」と話す。
Ozeki had a huge hit with her invention of a women’s necktie for businesswomen working actively in society, which nobody had conceived. She also developed a unique leather tie for men that is very easy to put on.
社会で活躍するビジネスウーマンのために、誰もが思いつかなかった女性用のネクタイを考案し、大ヒットとなった。男性ネクタイでも、装着しやすいユニークな革製の商品を開発した。
The government is developing a system to help young people start companies through subsidies and other means. We hope many young entrepreneurs like Ozeki will emerge from among the new adults.
政府も、補助金などによって、若者の起業を支援する体制を整えつつある。大関さんのような若い起業家が、新成人の中からも次々と出てくることを期待したい。
Japanese companies are facing fiercer-than-ever competition with both domestic and foreign rivals. If they are company employees, the new adults should clearly express their own ideas with the strong spirit to lead their companies.
日本の企業は、国内だけでなく海外からも、これまで以上の激しい競争にさらされている。会社員なら、会社を引っ張る気概を持って、自分自身の考えをはっきりと主張していくことが重要だ。
Whether they are members of the working world or still students, we hope they will set a rock-steady goal and improve themselves toward achieving it.
社会人であれ、学生であれ、しっかりと目標を立て、それに向かって自らを磨いてほしい。
By the time the new adults are 50, Japan is predicted to have transformed into a “piggyback” type of society, which means one working person will support one elderly person in a country with more elderly people and fewer children.
新成人が５０歳になる頃には、少子高齢化が一層進んで、現役世代１人の負担で高齢者１人の暮らしをまかなう「肩車型」の社会が到来するという。
However, it is the power of young people that will overcome the raging waves of the times, build a wealthy Japan and sustain the country’s future.
時代の荒波を乗り越えて、豊かな日本を築き、未来を支えていくのは、若い力である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 13, 2014)
（2014年1月13日01時31分 読売新聞）
2014/01/15
2014/01/14
道徳の教科化 規範意識の涵養につながるか
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 12, 2014
Moral education classes could enhance social norms of kids
道徳の教科化 規範意識の涵養につながるか（1月12日付・読売社説）
It is important to cultivate from childhood the awareness to abide by the rules of society and show consideration to others. Therefore, it is crucial to improve moral education.
社会のルールを守る規範意識を涵養(かんよう)し、他人を思いやる気持ちを培うことは大切だ。子供たちに対する道徳教育の充実が欠かせない。
A report, compiled by an experts’ panel on moral education set up by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, calls for moral education, which is not a regular subject at primary and middle school levels, to be treated as a “special subject” to improve the teaching of such classes.
文部科学省の有識者会議が、正規の教科ではない小中学校の「道徳の時間」を「特別の教科」にして、授業のレベルアップを求める報告書をまとめた。
The experts’ panel examined the issue after the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, which works directly under the prime minister, proposed in February that moral education should be made a regular subject as part of measures to prevent bullying at schools.
政府の教育再生実行会議が昨年２月にいじめ防止対策の一つとして教科化を提言し、それを踏まえて検討が重ねられてきた。
It is reasonable that the government aims to call on schools to realize how important moral education is by giving it the status of a regular subject, thus improving teaching methods.
教科としてきちんと位置付けることで、教育現場に道徳の重要性を再認識させ、指導の改善を図ろうとする方向性は妥当である。
Less value has been attached to moral education since the end of World War II in reaction to the moral education in prewar years that was propagated by nationalistic elements.
戦後の道徳教育は、国家主義的色合いが濃かったとされる戦前の「修身」へのアレルギーから、必要以上に軽視されがちだった。
Currently, one moral education class is offered per week. However, it is up to teachers to decide how to conduct such classes because there is no official textbook. There are differences among schools and teachers in regard to moral education classes.
現在、道徳の時間が週１コマ設けられているものの、教科書はなく、教え方は現場任せというのが実情だ。学校や教師によって、取り組み状況に差も見られる。
Some people have pointed out that moral education has lost substance, as some schools use slots designed for moral education to hold supplementary classes in other subjects.
他の教科の補習などに振り替えられているケースもあり、かねて形骸化が指摘されていた。
However, many problems must be worked out before moral education can be made a regular subject.
ただ、教科化を実現するにあたっては、課題が多い。
For instance, what kind of teaching materials should be used for moral education classes? The panel’s report called for the introduction of textbooks approved by the official screening system to provide teaching materials for such classes.
例えば、どのような教材を用いるかだ。報告書は、教材を安定的に供給する観点から、検定教科書の導入を提案した。
Forcing values on children
Strong criticism has been voiced about making moral education a regular subject, with some people saying it could lead to the government forcing certain values on children. The panel apparently aimed to dispel these concerns by proposing that private-sector companies should compile textbooks for moral education.
道徳の教科化に対しては、国による特定の価値観の押しつけにつながるとの批判が根強くある。民間の教科書会社に製作を委ねることにより、こうした懸念を払拭する目的もあるのだろう。
Innovative efforts by publishers on creating textbooks for moral education should be respected. However, to what extent should their products be approved if they are based on biased values or peculiar ideas?
だが、教科書会社の創意工夫を尊重するにしても、仮に、偏った価値観や特定の主義主張に基づく教科書が作られた場合、どこまで認めていくのか。
When working out standards for screening textbooks for moral education, education authorities should have in-depth discussions by coming up with various scenarios.
今後、具体的な検定基準を策定する際には、様々なケースを想定し、幅広い議論が求められる。
Moral education classes are supposed to be handled by homeroom teachers. This means that teacher-training programs at the university level and those for teachers offered by boards of education also should be reviewed. Teachers should be given access to appropriate methods for these classes.
道徳の授業は、学級担任の教師が担当することになる。それなら大学の教員養成課程や教育委員会の研修を見直す必要もあろう。教師が適切な指導方法を習得できるようにすべきだ。
Providing academic assessments for children’s achievements in moral education classes is difficult, as they focus on students’ psychological development.
道徳は子供の内面にかかわる分野だけに、成績評価が難しい。
It is understandable that the report proposed that children’s performances in moral education classes should be evaluated in written form, rather than numerical evaluations like Japanese, mathematics and other subjects.
報告書が、国語や算数・数学など通常の教科のような数値評価ではなく、学習の様子を記述式で評価する方法を検討するよう促したのはうなずける。
Education authorities are encouraged to come up with an evaluation method under which teachers can make detailed records on each student’s efforts and development during moral education classes, rather than deciding who performs better than others.
優劣をつけるのではなく、子供一人ひとりの努力や成長の足跡を丁寧に記録する。そんな評価の在り方を工夫したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2014)
（2014年1月12日01時15分 読売新聞）
Moral education classes could enhance social norms of kids
道徳の教科化 規範意識の涵養につながるか（1月12日付・読売社説）
It is important to cultivate from childhood the awareness to abide by the rules of society and show consideration to others. Therefore, it is crucial to improve moral education.
社会のルールを守る規範意識を涵養(かんよう)し、他人を思いやる気持ちを培うことは大切だ。子供たちに対する道徳教育の充実が欠かせない。
A report, compiled by an experts’ panel on moral education set up by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, calls for moral education, which is not a regular subject at primary and middle school levels, to be treated as a “special subject” to improve the teaching of such classes.
文部科学省の有識者会議が、正規の教科ではない小中学校の「道徳の時間」を「特別の教科」にして、授業のレベルアップを求める報告書をまとめた。
The experts’ panel examined the issue after the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, which works directly under the prime minister, proposed in February that moral education should be made a regular subject as part of measures to prevent bullying at schools.
政府の教育再生実行会議が昨年２月にいじめ防止対策の一つとして教科化を提言し、それを踏まえて検討が重ねられてきた。
It is reasonable that the government aims to call on schools to realize how important moral education is by giving it the status of a regular subject, thus improving teaching methods.
教科としてきちんと位置付けることで、教育現場に道徳の重要性を再認識させ、指導の改善を図ろうとする方向性は妥当である。
Less value has been attached to moral education since the end of World War II in reaction to the moral education in prewar years that was propagated by nationalistic elements.
戦後の道徳教育は、国家主義的色合いが濃かったとされる戦前の「修身」へのアレルギーから、必要以上に軽視されがちだった。
Currently, one moral education class is offered per week. However, it is up to teachers to decide how to conduct such classes because there is no official textbook. There are differences among schools and teachers in regard to moral education classes.
現在、道徳の時間が週１コマ設けられているものの、教科書はなく、教え方は現場任せというのが実情だ。学校や教師によって、取り組み状況に差も見られる。
Some people have pointed out that moral education has lost substance, as some schools use slots designed for moral education to hold supplementary classes in other subjects.
他の教科の補習などに振り替えられているケースもあり、かねて形骸化が指摘されていた。
However, many problems must be worked out before moral education can be made a regular subject.
ただ、教科化を実現するにあたっては、課題が多い。
For instance, what kind of teaching materials should be used for moral education classes? The panel’s report called for the introduction of textbooks approved by the official screening system to provide teaching materials for such classes.
例えば、どのような教材を用いるかだ。報告書は、教材を安定的に供給する観点から、検定教科書の導入を提案した。
Forcing values on children
Strong criticism has been voiced about making moral education a regular subject, with some people saying it could lead to the government forcing certain values on children. The panel apparently aimed to dispel these concerns by proposing that private-sector companies should compile textbooks for moral education.
道徳の教科化に対しては、国による特定の価値観の押しつけにつながるとの批判が根強くある。民間の教科書会社に製作を委ねることにより、こうした懸念を払拭する目的もあるのだろう。
Innovative efforts by publishers on creating textbooks for moral education should be respected. However, to what extent should their products be approved if they are based on biased values or peculiar ideas?
だが、教科書会社の創意工夫を尊重するにしても、仮に、偏った価値観や特定の主義主張に基づく教科書が作られた場合、どこまで認めていくのか。
When working out standards for screening textbooks for moral education, education authorities should have in-depth discussions by coming up with various scenarios.
今後、具体的な検定基準を策定する際には、様々なケースを想定し、幅広い議論が求められる。
Moral education classes are supposed to be handled by homeroom teachers. This means that teacher-training programs at the university level and those for teachers offered by boards of education also should be reviewed. Teachers should be given access to appropriate methods for these classes.
道徳の授業は、学級担任の教師が担当することになる。それなら大学の教員養成課程や教育委員会の研修を見直す必要もあろう。教師が適切な指導方法を習得できるようにすべきだ。
Providing academic assessments for children’s achievements in moral education classes is difficult, as they focus on students’ psychological development.
道徳は子供の内面にかかわる分野だけに、成績評価が難しい。
It is understandable that the report proposed that children’s performances in moral education classes should be evaluated in written form, rather than numerical evaluations like Japanese, mathematics and other subjects.
報告書が、国語や算数・数学など通常の教科のような数値評価ではなく、学習の様子を記述式で評価する方法を検討するよう促したのはうなずける。
Education authorities are encouraged to come up with an evaluation method under which teachers can make detailed records on each student’s efforts and development during moral education classes, rather than deciding who performs better than others.
優劣をつけるのではなく、子供一人ひとりの努力や成長の足跡を丁寧に記録する。そんな評価の在り方を工夫したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2014)
（2014年1月12日01時15分 読売新聞）
2014/01/13
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 11, 2014
Nuclear fuel recycling must be used to help supply nation with electricity
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい（1月11日付・読売社説）
A plant to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and three related facilities in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, are of the utmost importance to Japan’s energy security. It is essential to advance works to check the safety of the facilities both scientifically and fairly.
日本のエネルギー安全保障上、極めて重要な施設である。科学的かつ公正に、安全確認の作業を進めねばならない。
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has filed for regulatory safety screenings of the Rokkasho facilities with the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
日本原燃が、使用済み核燃料の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）と、関連する３施設について、安全審査を原子力規制委員会に申請した。
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the core facility in nuclear fuel recycling. It is a massive chemical plant that discomposes spent nuclear fuel and extracts uranium and plutonium to use as fuel.
再処理工場は、核燃料サイクルの中核となる施設である。使用済み核燃料を分解し、燃料として使えるウランやプルトニウムを取り出す巨大な化学プラントだ。
There is little equipment at the facilities that is subject to high temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the risk of an accident, in which the situation suddenly deteriorates during operations and large volumes of radioactive substances are emitted, is believed to be lower than that of nuclear power plants.
高温高圧になる設備はほとんどなく、運転中に事態が急激に悪化して放射能が大量放出される事故のリスクは原子力発電所よりも低い、と考えられている。
The facilities, on the other hand, could trigger tremendous damage in the event of major fires and other accidents, impairing their ability to contain massive volumes of the radioactive substances they store.
一方で、大量の放射性物質を貯蔵しているため、大規模火災などで放射能の封じ込め機能が損なわれると、被害は甚大になる。
It is essential for the NRA to conduct safety screening based on the characteristics of the Rokkasho facilities.
規制委は、こうした再処理工場の特性に十分留意して、安全審査に臨むことが肝要である。
Based on what happened in the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Nuclear Fuel strengthened anti-quake measures and now has a far bigger earthquake in its disaster scenario. It also plans to improve ventilation equipment at the facilities. It is hoped that the NRA, as a regulatory body, will closely examine if these facilities are sufficiently prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
原燃は東日本大震災を踏まえて地震対策を強化し、想定地震の規模を引き上げた。換気設備なども補強する。自然災害やテロへの備えは十分か。規制委として、しっかりと見極めてもらいたい。
Nuclear power is necessary
Nuclear power plants have a major role to play in the resource-scarce Japan. The country must utilize a certain portion of nuclear power to secure a stable supply of electricity.
エネルギー資源に乏しい日本にとって原発の役割は大きい。今後も一定程度を活用し、電力の安定供給を図らねばならない。
For this, recycling nuclear fuel is a meaningful policy. Rather than discarding spent nuclear fuel, recycling will lead to the effective use of uranium resources and reduce the volume of radioactive waste.
そのためにも、核燃料サイクルは有意義な政策である。使用済み核燃料を直接廃棄するより、ウラン資源の有効利用につながる。放射性廃棄物の量も減らせる。
Having begun research on nuclear fuel recycling in the 1960s, Japan has a good pool of technology it has developed. It is the only nonnuclear power that has been internationally sanctioned to use plutonium.
日本は１９６０年代から核燃料サイクルの研究を始め、技術の蓄積がある。国際的にも、核兵器を持たない国として唯一、プルトニウム利用を認められている。
Making light of these achievements, the previous administrations of the Democratic Party of Japan considered abolishing the Rokkasho plant, only to decide to allow its continuation in the face of opposition from the Aomori prefectural government and other parties, which had cooperated with the government’s goal of introducing nuclear fuel recycling.
こうした実績を軽んじ、民主党政権は、再処理工場の廃止を検討した。核燃料サイクル実現に協力してきた青森県などがこれに強く反発し、継続となった。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear the government will go ahead with nuclear fuel recycling.
“Our nation has a high level of technology by international standards,” Abe said at a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee in May last year. “We will tackle [nuclear fuel recycling] in cooperation with other nations.”
安倍首相は昨年５月に参院予算委員会で、「わが国は世界でも高い技術を有しており、世界各国と連携して取り組んでいく」と核燃料サイクルの活用を明言した。
The government should clearly define the nation’s nuclear power policies, including nuclear fuel recycling, in a basic energy program it plans to compile shortly and advance such policies accordingly.
政府は近くまとめるエネルギー基本計画に、核燃料サイクルを含む原子力政策を明確に位置づけ、着実に進める必要がある。
Unless a certain number of nuclear power reactors go into operation again, there will be no use for recycled fuel. And if the nation stores a considerable amount of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons, it could come under criticism from the international community.
一定数の原発が再稼働しないと、再処理で作った燃料の使い道はない。核兵器の材料にもなり得るプルトニウムをため込めば、国際的にも批判を浴びかねない。
The NRA, for its part, should accelerate its safety screening of nuclear power reactors, which are considerably lagging behind.
規制委は、大幅に遅れている原発の安全審査を加速すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2014)
（2014年1月11日01時39分 読売新聞）
Nuclear fuel recycling must be used to help supply nation with electricity
核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい（1月11日付・読売社説）
A plant to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and three related facilities in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, are of the utmost importance to Japan’s energy security. It is essential to advance works to check the safety of the facilities both scientifically and fairly.
日本のエネルギー安全保障上、極めて重要な施設である。科学的かつ公正に、安全確認の作業を進めねばならない。
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has filed for regulatory safety screenings of the Rokkasho facilities with the Nuclear Regulation Authority.
日本原燃が、使用済み核燃料の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）と、関連する３施設について、安全審査を原子力規制委員会に申請した。
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the core facility in nuclear fuel recycling. It is a massive chemical plant that discomposes spent nuclear fuel and extracts uranium and plutonium to use as fuel.
再処理工場は、核燃料サイクルの中核となる施設である。使用済み核燃料を分解し、燃料として使えるウランやプルトニウムを取り出す巨大な化学プラントだ。
There is little equipment at the facilities that is subject to high temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the risk of an accident, in which the situation suddenly deteriorates during operations and large volumes of radioactive substances are emitted, is believed to be lower than that of nuclear power plants.
高温高圧になる設備はほとんどなく、運転中に事態が急激に悪化して放射能が大量放出される事故のリスクは原子力発電所よりも低い、と考えられている。
The facilities, on the other hand, could trigger tremendous damage in the event of major fires and other accidents, impairing their ability to contain massive volumes of the radioactive substances they store.
一方で、大量の放射性物質を貯蔵しているため、大規模火災などで放射能の封じ込め機能が損なわれると、被害は甚大になる。
It is essential for the NRA to conduct safety screening based on the characteristics of the Rokkasho facilities.
規制委は、こうした再処理工場の特性に十分留意して、安全審査に臨むことが肝要である。
Based on what happened in the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Nuclear Fuel strengthened anti-quake measures and now has a far bigger earthquake in its disaster scenario. It also plans to improve ventilation equipment at the facilities. It is hoped that the NRA, as a regulatory body, will closely examine if these facilities are sufficiently prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks.
原燃は東日本大震災を踏まえて地震対策を強化し、想定地震の規模を引き上げた。換気設備なども補強する。自然災害やテロへの備えは十分か。規制委として、しっかりと見極めてもらいたい。
Nuclear power is necessary
Nuclear power plants have a major role to play in the resource-scarce Japan. The country must utilize a certain portion of nuclear power to secure a stable supply of electricity.
エネルギー資源に乏しい日本にとって原発の役割は大きい。今後も一定程度を活用し、電力の安定供給を図らねばならない。
For this, recycling nuclear fuel is a meaningful policy. Rather than discarding spent nuclear fuel, recycling will lead to the effective use of uranium resources and reduce the volume of radioactive waste.
そのためにも、核燃料サイクルは有意義な政策である。使用済み核燃料を直接廃棄するより、ウラン資源の有効利用につながる。放射性廃棄物の量も減らせる。
Having begun research on nuclear fuel recycling in the 1960s, Japan has a good pool of technology it has developed. It is the only nonnuclear power that has been internationally sanctioned to use plutonium.
日本は１９６０年代から核燃料サイクルの研究を始め、技術の蓄積がある。国際的にも、核兵器を持たない国として唯一、プルトニウム利用を認められている。
Making light of these achievements, the previous administrations of the Democratic Party of Japan considered abolishing the Rokkasho plant, only to decide to allow its continuation in the face of opposition from the Aomori prefectural government and other parties, which had cooperated with the government’s goal of introducing nuclear fuel recycling.
こうした実績を軽んじ、民主党政権は、再処理工場の廃止を検討した。核燃料サイクル実現に協力してきた青森県などがこれに強く反発し、継続となった。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear the government will go ahead with nuclear fuel recycling.
“Our nation has a high level of technology by international standards,” Abe said at a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee in May last year. “We will tackle [nuclear fuel recycling] in cooperation with other nations.”
安倍首相は昨年５月に参院予算委員会で、「わが国は世界でも高い技術を有しており、世界各国と連携して取り組んでいく」と核燃料サイクルの活用を明言した。
The government should clearly define the nation’s nuclear power policies, including nuclear fuel recycling, in a basic energy program it plans to compile shortly and advance such policies accordingly.
政府は近くまとめるエネルギー基本計画に、核燃料サイクルを含む原子力政策を明確に位置づけ、着実に進める必要がある。
Unless a certain number of nuclear power reactors go into operation again, there will be no use for recycled fuel. And if the nation stores a considerable amount of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons, it could come under criticism from the international community.
一定数の原発が再稼働しないと、再処理で作った燃料の使い道はない。核兵器の材料にもなり得るプルトニウムをため込めば、国際的にも批判を浴びかねない。
The NRA, for its part, should accelerate its safety screening of nuclear power reactors, which are considerably lagging behind.
規制委は、大幅に遅れている原発の安全審査を加速すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2014)
（2014年1月11日01時39分 読売新聞）
2014/01/12
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 9, 2014
U.S. engagement essential for bringing peace, stability to global hot spots
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与（1月9日付・読売社説）
◆「アジア重視」具体化が課題だ
Stability in the international order is facing challenges in various regions, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. To maintain peace and stability, a policy of forward engagement in these regions by the United States, the only superpower, is still essential.
アジア太平洋地域や中東などで、国際秩序の流動化が進んでいる。平和と安定を維持するには、依然、唯一の超大国である米国による各地域への積極的な関与が欠かせない。
However, U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to focus more on Asia—a strategic pivot of U.S. diplomacy and security policy more toward the Asia-Pacific region—has moved by fits and starts while the Obama administration is preoccupied with handling Middle East affairs.
しかし、外交・安全保障政策の軸足をアジア太平洋に移すというオバマ米大統領の「アジア重視」路線は、中東政策に足を取られ、順調に進んでいない。
With his weak domestic political foundation, can Obama reshape his foreign policy? Various difficult issues await him ahead of his trip to several Asian countries scheduled for April.
国内の政治基盤が弱いオバマ氏が、外交を立て直せるか。４月に予定されるアジア歴訪に向け、難題が待ち構えている。
Stumbling in Syria policy
◆シリア政策でつまずく
The Obama administration’s diplomatic limbo is epitomized by his Syria policy.
オバマ外交の迷走ぶりを露呈したのが、シリア政策だ。
The civil war in Syria has killed at least 100,000 people. Last summer, Obama announced a plan to launch a military strike against Syria, on the grounds that the administration of President Bashar Assad had used chemical weapons. At the same time, he took the extremely unusual step of asking Congress to approve the military strike. His decision to have Congress share the burden of launching an attack on Syria gave his presidential prestige a black eye.
１０万人もの死者を出しているシリア内戦を巡り、オバマ氏は昨夏、アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したとして武力攻撃を表明した。同時に、攻撃の承認を議会に求めたのは極めて異例な措置だ。議会に攻撃の責任分担を促したことは大統領の威信低下にもつながった。
However, the U.S. pressure did produce a result. Before Congress was to vote on a resolution to approve the military attack, the Assad administration announced it would abandon its chemical weapons arsenal. The military strike was averted, and Assad was allowed to stay in power.
米国の圧力が奏功した面もあり、議会が決議を行う前に、アサド政権は化学兵器の放棄に同意した。攻撃には至らず、政権の存続は容認された。
Neighboring countries of Syria that oppose the Assad administration, and antigovernment forces in Syria upbraided Obama over this “change of heart,” feeding distrust of the Obama administration. Obama himself probably thinks he made a miscalculation on this issue.
アサド政権に反発する周辺諸国や国内の反政府勢力は、オバマ氏の態度を「変心」と見なし、不信感を募らせた。オバマ氏にも誤算だったのではないか。
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, Obama took the bold step of holding direct dialogue with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The United States has since started negotiations with Iran, together with several other countries concerned, on the Iran nuclear issue. However, the future direction of these negotiations remains unclear because strong opposition to them remains within the U.S. Congress.
イランの核問題では、オバマ氏はイラン大統領との直接対話に踏み切り、米国は関係国と共にイランとの核交渉を開始した。だが、米議会内に反対論が強く、交渉の行方は不透明になっている。
Most of the U.S. troops dispatched to Afghanistan are scheduled to withdraw from that country by the end of this year. As U.S. forces have already pulled out of Iraq, the United States is expected to put a tentative end to its war on terrorism, which has lasted for more than a decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
アフガニスタンに派遣されている米軍は、今年末をめどに大部分が撤収する。イラクの米軍は撤収済みであり、２００１年の米同時テロ以来、十数年にわたる「テロとの戦い」には、一応の終止符が打たれる見通しだ。
War fatigue in U.S. society has generated a tendency among the public to dislike U.S. intervention and engagement in other countries’ affairs. This tendency to focus on domestic issues has also negatively affected Obama’s foreign policy.
米社会では「戦争疲れ」のため、他国への介入や関与を嫌う傾向が顕著になっている。この米国民の「内向き志向」もオバマ外交に影を落としている。
Democrats vs Republicans
◆党派対立が懸念される
Obama is being forced to pay careful consideration to Congress, since his administration cannot make policy decisions as it would like because the ruling Democratic Party maintains a majority in the Senate but the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
オバマ氏が議会への目配りを強いられるのは、与党の民主党が上院では過半数を維持するものの、下院は共和党に支配され、思うように政策決定できないからだ。
The Republican Party has continuously been on the offensive against the administration. Last year, the party thoroughly blocked the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, which Obama put into effect during his first term in office, resisting it even to the point of causing a partial shutdown of government functions in October.
共和党は、政府に攻勢をかけ続けている。昨年は、大統領が１期目に成立させた医療保険改革（オバマケア）の実施を徹底的に妨害し、１０月には政府機関の一部停止まで引き起こした。
Obama’s public approval rating briefly fell below 40 percent, his lowest ever.
オバマ氏の支持率は一時、４０％を切り、過去最低となった。
With a congressional midterm election set for November, it is certain that the Republicans will intensify their confrontational stance even further. Congressional management will be made more difficult for Obama. One cause for concern is that Obama’s diplomatic courses of action may be narrowed down.
今年１１月には、議会の中間選挙を控えており、共和党がより対決色を強めるのは確実だ。オバマ氏の議会運営は厳しいものとなろう。外交の選択肢が狭められることが懸念される。
Yet tension is only escalating in the Asia-Pacific region as China attempts to change the status quo by force. The situation in North Korea is also becoming ever more uncertain. We hope Obama will seriously tackle his diplomatic policy with emphasis placed on Asia.
だが、アジア太平洋では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、地域の緊張は高まる一方だ。北朝鮮情勢も不透明感を増している。オバマ氏にはアジア重視路線に本腰を入れて取り組んでもらいたい。
Deterrence with allies
◆同盟国と共に抑止策を
The challenges the United States must tackle are obvious.
米国が取り組むべき課題は明白だ。
One, in cooperation with its friends and allies in the region, is to hold back China’s expansionism, which deviates from international norms, as seen in its unilateral announcement of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea.
東シナ海における一方的な防空識別圏設定で見られたような国際常識を逸脱した中国の膨張主義を、地域の同盟国や友好国と共に抑止することである。
The Obama administration has already worked out plans for boosting its navy ships in the Asia-Pacific region from the current 50 percent of the total U.S. fleet to 60 percent by 2020. The administration also plans to newly dispatch an additional 800 army troops to South Korea to boost its forces stationed there.
オバマ政権は既に、アジア太平洋で活動する米海軍艦船を、２０年までに全体の５割から６割に引き上げる構想を打ち出している。韓国には、８００人規模の陸軍部隊を新たに派遣し、在韓米軍を増強するという。
In the economic field, negotiations on the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership accord, which will create a new free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific region with the United States and Japan taking the central roles, have entered the final stage.
経済分野では、米国と日本が中心となって、アジア太平洋地域の新たな自由貿易圏となる環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉が大詰めを迎えている。
If the military plans or the trade accord, or both, become reality, they will have a strong restraining effect on China’s moves to seek hegemony in the region.
いずれも実現すれば、中国の覇権を求める動きに対する強い牽制(けんせい)効果を持とう。
On the other hand, China’s President Xi Jinping told Obama, “The vast Pacific Ocean has enough space for two large countries like the United States and China,” calling for forging a new type of great-power relationship.
一方、中国の習近平国家主席は、オバマ氏に「広大な太平洋には両大国を受け入れる十分な空間がある」と述べ、「新しいタイプの大国関係」の構築を求めた。
Xi’s remarks, made during their summit talks in June, are thought to indicate a scheme for dividing the Asia-Pacific region in two, and having the United States effectively approve the expansion of China’s sphere of influence in the western Pacific.
アジア太平洋を二つに分割し、西太平洋における中国の勢力圏の拡大を米国に認めさせる構想と見られている。
It is worrisome that certain voices within the U.S. government seem to call for the country to side with China’s scheme of forging a new type of relationship between the two. Such calls are probably made in consideration of the two countries’ mutual economic dependence.
気がかりなのは、米政府内に「新たな大国関係」に同調するかのような声があることだ。中国との経済面での相互依存に配慮しているからだろう。
Few countries—let alone U.S. allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines—would be willing to accept a new international order led by China in place of the United States.
日本や韓国、オーストラリア、フィリピンなどの同盟国はもとより、アジアで、米国の代わりに中国が主導する秩序を受け入れたい国はほとんどあるまい。
We hope Washington makes a cautious response.
米国には慎重な対応を望みたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 9, 2014)
（2014年1月9日01時57分 読売新聞）
U.S. engagement essential for bringing peace, stability to global hot spots
米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与（1月9日付・読売社説）
◆「アジア重視」具体化が課題だ
Stability in the international order is facing challenges in various regions, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. To maintain peace and stability, a policy of forward engagement in these regions by the United States, the only superpower, is still essential.
アジア太平洋地域や中東などで、国際秩序の流動化が進んでいる。平和と安定を維持するには、依然、唯一の超大国である米国による各地域への積極的な関与が欠かせない。
However, U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to focus more on Asia—a strategic pivot of U.S. diplomacy and security policy more toward the Asia-Pacific region—has moved by fits and starts while the Obama administration is preoccupied with handling Middle East affairs.
しかし、外交・安全保障政策の軸足をアジア太平洋に移すというオバマ米大統領の「アジア重視」路線は、中東政策に足を取られ、順調に進んでいない。
With his weak domestic political foundation, can Obama reshape his foreign policy? Various difficult issues await him ahead of his trip to several Asian countries scheduled for April.
国内の政治基盤が弱いオバマ氏が、外交を立て直せるか。４月に予定されるアジア歴訪に向け、難題が待ち構えている。
Stumbling in Syria policy
◆シリア政策でつまずく
The Obama administration’s diplomatic limbo is epitomized by his Syria policy.
オバマ外交の迷走ぶりを露呈したのが、シリア政策だ。
The civil war in Syria has killed at least 100,000 people. Last summer, Obama announced a plan to launch a military strike against Syria, on the grounds that the administration of President Bashar Assad had used chemical weapons. At the same time, he took the extremely unusual step of asking Congress to approve the military strike. His decision to have Congress share the burden of launching an attack on Syria gave his presidential prestige a black eye.
１０万人もの死者を出しているシリア内戦を巡り、オバマ氏は昨夏、アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したとして武力攻撃を表明した。同時に、攻撃の承認を議会に求めたのは極めて異例な措置だ。議会に攻撃の責任分担を促したことは大統領の威信低下にもつながった。
However, the U.S. pressure did produce a result. Before Congress was to vote on a resolution to approve the military attack, the Assad administration announced it would abandon its chemical weapons arsenal. The military strike was averted, and Assad was allowed to stay in power.
米国の圧力が奏功した面もあり、議会が決議を行う前に、アサド政権は化学兵器の放棄に同意した。攻撃には至らず、政権の存続は容認された。
Neighboring countries of Syria that oppose the Assad administration, and antigovernment forces in Syria upbraided Obama over this “change of heart,” feeding distrust of the Obama administration. Obama himself probably thinks he made a miscalculation on this issue.
アサド政権に反発する周辺諸国や国内の反政府勢力は、オバマ氏の態度を「変心」と見なし、不信感を募らせた。オバマ氏にも誤算だったのではないか。
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, Obama took the bold step of holding direct dialogue with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The United States has since started negotiations with Iran, together with several other countries concerned, on the Iran nuclear issue. However, the future direction of these negotiations remains unclear because strong opposition to them remains within the U.S. Congress.
イランの核問題では、オバマ氏はイラン大統領との直接対話に踏み切り、米国は関係国と共にイランとの核交渉を開始した。だが、米議会内に反対論が強く、交渉の行方は不透明になっている。
Most of the U.S. troops dispatched to Afghanistan are scheduled to withdraw from that country by the end of this year. As U.S. forces have already pulled out of Iraq, the United States is expected to put a tentative end to its war on terrorism, which has lasted for more than a decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil.
アフガニスタンに派遣されている米軍は、今年末をめどに大部分が撤収する。イラクの米軍は撤収済みであり、２００１年の米同時テロ以来、十数年にわたる「テロとの戦い」には、一応の終止符が打たれる見通しだ。
War fatigue in U.S. society has generated a tendency among the public to dislike U.S. intervention and engagement in other countries’ affairs. This tendency to focus on domestic issues has also negatively affected Obama’s foreign policy.
米社会では「戦争疲れ」のため、他国への介入や関与を嫌う傾向が顕著になっている。この米国民の「内向き志向」もオバマ外交に影を落としている。
Democrats vs Republicans
◆党派対立が懸念される
Obama is being forced to pay careful consideration to Congress, since his administration cannot make policy decisions as it would like because the ruling Democratic Party maintains a majority in the Senate but the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives.
オバマ氏が議会への目配りを強いられるのは、与党の民主党が上院では過半数を維持するものの、下院は共和党に支配され、思うように政策決定できないからだ。
The Republican Party has continuously been on the offensive against the administration. Last year, the party thoroughly blocked the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, which Obama put into effect during his first term in office, resisting it even to the point of causing a partial shutdown of government functions in October.
共和党は、政府に攻勢をかけ続けている。昨年は、大統領が１期目に成立させた医療保険改革（オバマケア）の実施を徹底的に妨害し、１０月には政府機関の一部停止まで引き起こした。
Obama’s public approval rating briefly fell below 40 percent, his lowest ever.
オバマ氏の支持率は一時、４０％を切り、過去最低となった。
With a congressional midterm election set for November, it is certain that the Republicans will intensify their confrontational stance even further. Congressional management will be made more difficult for Obama. One cause for concern is that Obama’s diplomatic courses of action may be narrowed down.
今年１１月には、議会の中間選挙を控えており、共和党がより対決色を強めるのは確実だ。オバマ氏の議会運営は厳しいものとなろう。外交の選択肢が狭められることが懸念される。
Yet tension is only escalating in the Asia-Pacific region as China attempts to change the status quo by force. The situation in North Korea is also becoming ever more uncertain. We hope Obama will seriously tackle his diplomatic policy with emphasis placed on Asia.
だが、アジア太平洋では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、地域の緊張は高まる一方だ。北朝鮮情勢も不透明感を増している。オバマ氏にはアジア重視路線に本腰を入れて取り組んでもらいたい。
Deterrence with allies
◆同盟国と共に抑止策を
The challenges the United States must tackle are obvious.
米国が取り組むべき課題は明白だ。
One, in cooperation with its friends and allies in the region, is to hold back China’s expansionism, which deviates from international norms, as seen in its unilateral announcement of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea.
東シナ海における一方的な防空識別圏設定で見られたような国際常識を逸脱した中国の膨張主義を、地域の同盟国や友好国と共に抑止することである。
The Obama administration has already worked out plans for boosting its navy ships in the Asia-Pacific region from the current 50 percent of the total U.S. fleet to 60 percent by 2020. The administration also plans to newly dispatch an additional 800 army troops to South Korea to boost its forces stationed there.
オバマ政権は既に、アジア太平洋で活動する米海軍艦船を、２０年までに全体の５割から６割に引き上げる構想を打ち出している。韓国には、８００人規模の陸軍部隊を新たに派遣し、在韓米軍を増強するという。
In the economic field, negotiations on the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership accord, which will create a new free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific region with the United States and Japan taking the central roles, have entered the final stage.
経済分野では、米国と日本が中心となって、アジア太平洋地域の新たな自由貿易圏となる環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉が大詰めを迎えている。
If the military plans or the trade accord, or both, become reality, they will have a strong restraining effect on China’s moves to seek hegemony in the region.
いずれも実現すれば、中国の覇権を求める動きに対する強い牽制(けんせい)効果を持とう。
On the other hand, China’s President Xi Jinping told Obama, “The vast Pacific Ocean has enough space for two large countries like the United States and China,” calling for forging a new type of great-power relationship.
一方、中国の習近平国家主席は、オバマ氏に「広大な太平洋には両大国を受け入れる十分な空間がある」と述べ、「新しいタイプの大国関係」の構築を求めた。
Xi’s remarks, made during their summit talks in June, are thought to indicate a scheme for dividing the Asia-Pacific region in two, and having the United States effectively approve the expansion of China’s sphere of influence in the western Pacific.
アジア太平洋を二つに分割し、西太平洋における中国の勢力圏の拡大を米国に認めさせる構想と見られている。
It is worrisome that certain voices within the U.S. government seem to call for the country to side with China’s scheme of forging a new type of relationship between the two. Such calls are probably made in consideration of the two countries’ mutual economic dependence.
気がかりなのは、米政府内に「新たな大国関係」に同調するかのような声があることだ。中国との経済面での相互依存に配慮しているからだろう。
Few countries—let alone U.S. allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines—would be willing to accept a new international order led by China in place of the United States.
日本や韓国、オーストラリア、フィリピンなどの同盟国はもとより、アジアで、米国の代わりに中国が主導する秩序を受け入れたい国はほとんどあるまい。
We hope Washington makes a cautious response.
米国には慎重な対応を望みたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 9, 2014)
（2014年1月9日01時57分 読売新聞）
2014/01/10
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 8, 2014
Editorial / Consumption tax hike must support stable social security
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に（1月8日付・読売社説）
◆医療・介護費の抑制は不可避だ
In April, Japan’s consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The tax hike is placed as the main pillar of the nation’s integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, and the increase in tax revenues will be used exclusively for social security purposes.
社会保障と税の一体改革の柱として、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は全額、社会保障に充てられる。
We believe this is an opportunity to make 2014 the starting point to achieve the goal of building stable social security systems.
今年を安定した社会保障制度の実現に向けた出発点としたい。
The rapid graying of society and the decrease in the working population have made our social security systems fragile.
急速な高齢化と働く世代の減少により、日本の社会保障制度は揺らいでいる。
About a half century ago, about 10 working-age people supported each elderly person through our social security model. Now, just 2.4 working-age people shoulder the cost of supporting one elderly person. The scale of the human pyramid is expected to narrow even further by around 2050—when each elderly person will have to ride on the shoulders of one working-age person.
約５０年前には、１０人の現役世代が１人の高齢者を支えていた。だが、今は２・４人で１人の「騎馬戦型」だ。２０５０年頃には、現役世代１人が１人の高齢者を支える「肩車型」社会が到来する。
Don’t let our children pay
◆次代につけを回すな
The nation is highly dependent on debt, chiefly government bonds, to cover the ballooning cost of pensions, medical care and nursing care. This has become the main source of the government’s deteriorating fiscal condition. We should no longer neglect the problem by simply passing down the current burden to future generations.
増え続ける年金、医療、介護費用の財源は、国債など借金に大きく依存し、国の財政悪化を加速させる主因になっている。将来の世代への負担のつけ回しをこれ以上、放置できない。
The consumption tax hike will enable the government—at least for a while—to finance social security costs such as basic public pensions. It will increase the sustainability of our social security systems, a step toward the goal of achieving the systems’ long-term stability.
消費増税によって、基礎年金などの財源をひとまず確保できる。社会保障制度の持続可能性が高まることは一歩前進である。
The increase in consumption tax revenues will also be used in building a system in which medical care and nursing care services join hands in supporting the lives of elderly people who choose to continue living at home. The money will also be used to reduce national health insurance premiums.
増税分は、在宅の高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の構築や、国民健康保険の保険料軽減などにも充てられる。
The government’s social security reform measures will be implemented under the assumption that the consumption tax rate will be further be raised to 10 percent in October 2015. It will be an important task for the government to steadily realize the second hike to solidify our social security systems. To do so, the government needs to carefully scrutinize how the nation’s economy reacts after the April hike.
一連の改革は、２０１５年１０月に予定される消費税率１０％への引き上げが前提となっている。社会保障制度を強固にするには、景気の動向を見極め、税率８％からの再引き上げを着実に実施することが課題となる。
However, it is impossible to fully cover ballooning social security costs through consumption tax hikes, even after the second hike goes into effect.
ただ、消費税率を１０％に引き上げても、増大する社会保障費のすべてを賄うことはできない。
To realize the goal of achieving stable social security systems and putting the nation’s finances on a healthy footing, we cannot afford to put off trimming spending in the three fields of medical care, elderly care and pensions.
安定した社会保障制度を実現し、財政健全化を図るには、医療、介護、年金の給付費抑制は待ったなしである。
The surge in medical care costs in particular is causing a headache. The government has decided to, in effect, decrease medical treatment fees paid from the national health insurance system to medical institutions for fiscal 2014, and we believe this judgment was appropriate.
特に問題なのは、医療費の急増だ。政府が来年度の診療報酬の改定で実質的な引き下げを決めたのは適切な措置と言える。
It is also essential to improve efficiency and cut waste in medical services.
医療を効率化し、無駄を省くことも欠かせない。
Currently, many elderly patients who have several diseases receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. As a result, the patients undergo unnecessary medical examinations and are administered drugs they do not need.
複数の病気を持つ多くの高齢者が、いくつもの医療機関にかかり、検査や投薬を重複して受けている。
Not only is this is a waste of medical resources paid for by the government, but a considerable number of patients end up suffering from side effects of drugs excessively prescribed to them.
医療費の無駄遣いであるばかりでなく、薬の副作用により、かえって体調を悪化させているケースも少なくない。
Health insurance societies and other organizations that provide health insurance services should encourage subscribers not to seek unnecessary medical consultations. The medical expense statements of patients should be thoroughly examined, a possibility since record-keeping has improved through the use of computers.
健康保険組合などの保険者は、電子化が進むレセプト（診療報酬明細書）の点検を徹底し、患者に重複受診の是正を促すべきだ。
In carrying out this plan, it will be advisable to take advantage of the “my number” system that will go into effect in 2016. The system will enable government offices in charge of three types of administrative duties and services—taxation, social security and disaster response—to manage the personal information of all individuals through 12-digit numbers.
１６年に創設される共通番号制度（マイナンバー）も活用したい。
After it goes into force, the system will for some time be used to carry out procedures for tax and social security benefit payments. If the scope of its use is expanded to include records of medical services received by individuals, it would do much to prevent them from seeking needless treatment and medication.
当面は納税や社会保障給付の手続きに使われるが、診療情報に利用範囲を拡大すれば、重複受診・投薬の防止に役立とう。
To relax the financial burdens shouldered by corporate and other workers, it also will be inevitable to require well-off elderly people to share burdens commensurate with their financial means in receiving medical services.
現役世代の負担を軽減するため、経済力のある高齢者に相応の負担を求めることも不可避だ。
Excessive burden
◆過重な現役世代の負担
In April, there will be a rise in the percentage of medical fees paid by elderly people. The figure for those aged 70 to 74 will increase to 20 percent, as initially set in the revised Health Insurance Law of 2008. Despite this revision, the government has kept the ratio at 10 percent as an exceptional measure, fearing possible angry reactions from elderly people.
７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担が４月、法定の２割に引き上げられる。
This means the government has had to dip into the national coffers to make up for massive losses since 2008. Therefore, it is reasonable for the government to raise the ratio of medical fees to be paid by those in that age bracket.
高齢者の反発を恐れ、政府は０８年以降１割に据え置き、穴埋めに巨額の国費を投入してきた。引き上げは当然の措置である。
A similar measure will also be taken in regard to government-administered nursing care insurance services. The share of expenses covered by high-income recipients will be raised from 10 percent to 20 percent. This is essential if the state-run nursing care insurance system is to be maintained.
介護保険サービスでは、高所得者を対象に、自己負担率を現在の１割から２割に引き上げる。制度維持のためにはやむを得まい。
What should be done to halt the drop in the number of workers, which form the backbone of the social security systems? The entire matter must be explored from this point of view, when it comes to sustaining the systems in future.
担い手となる現役世代の減少をどう食い止めるか。社会保障制度を将来にわたって安定させるには、この視点も不可欠だ。
The nation’s total fertility rate (TFR)—the number of babies born to a woman during her lifetime—stands at only 1.41. The number of newborn babies was at an all-time low last year. The total population declined by a record 244,000 in 2013, an indication that the reduction will likely accelerate further in future. Efforts should be made to encourage young people to marry, while also assisting parents in raising their children.
１人の女性が生涯に産む子供の数を示す合計特殊出生率は１・４１にとどまり、昨年の出生数は過去最少だった。人口減は最大の２４万４０００人に達し、今後一層、加速する。若者の結婚、育児支援に力を入れる必要がある。
We hope the government will take a broad range of steps to address problems arising from the low birthrate. Measures should be taken to ensure no children are on waiting lists for day care centers. This would enable parents to raise their children while continuing to work outside their homes.
働きながら子育てできる環境を整えるため、保育所の待機児童解消など、政府は幅広い少子化対策を講じてもらいたい。
The growth in the number of nonregular employees is another cause for worry. In most cases, they earn so little that they pay low taxes and social insurance premiums. Measures should be taken to improve their employment conditions.
非正規労働者の増大も懸念材料である。所得が低く、税や社会保険料の納付額が少ないからだ。非正規雇用の待遇改善を図ることも求められる。
There is a mountain of tasks to be carried out in resolving problems related to social security systems. However, political leaders have been slow to reform these systems.
社会保障制度を巡る問題は山積しているが、改革を進める政治の動きは鈍い。
Push 3-way discussions
◆自公民協議を推進せよ
This is evident in the fate of a three-party reform plan adopted in 2012, under an administration led by the then ruling Democratic Party of Japan. The DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito agreed to reform the social security and tax systems in an integrated manner, mainly featuring an increase in the consumption tax rate.
消費増税を柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革は、民主党政権時代に自民、公明、民主３党の合意で決定された。
However, the DPJ withdrew from three-party negotiations in August 2013 after the government’s National Council on Social Security System Reform put together a final report detailing its recommendations. The DPJ defended its move by saying its recommendations had not been reflected in the report.
だが、昨年８月、社会保障制度改革国民会議の報告書がまとまった際、民主党は自らの主張が反映されていないことを理由に、３党協議から離脱した。
Though the DPJ said it would return to the three-party talks later, little progress has been made in facilitating discussions on the issue. It should cooperate in the talks, given its earlier initiative in forming the three-party accord.
その後、協議に戻ることを表明したが、議論は停滞している。３党合意を主導した民主党は、協議の進展に協力すべきだ。
Social security reform is an important task that must be tackled by whatever political party is in power.
どの党が政権を担っても、社会保障制度の改革は避けて通れない重い課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 8, 2014)
（2014年1月8日01時27分 読売新聞）
Editorial / Consumption tax hike must support stable social security
社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に（1月8日付・読売社説）
◆医療・介護費の抑制は不可避だ
In April, Japan’s consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The tax hike is placed as the main pillar of the nation’s integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, and the increase in tax revenues will be used exclusively for social security purposes.
社会保障と税の一体改革の柱として、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は全額、社会保障に充てられる。
We believe this is an opportunity to make 2014 the starting point to achieve the goal of building stable social security systems.
今年を安定した社会保障制度の実現に向けた出発点としたい。
The rapid graying of society and the decrease in the working population have made our social security systems fragile.
急速な高齢化と働く世代の減少により、日本の社会保障制度は揺らいでいる。
About a half century ago, about 10 working-age people supported each elderly person through our social security model. Now, just 2.4 working-age people shoulder the cost of supporting one elderly person. The scale of the human pyramid is expected to narrow even further by around 2050—when each elderly person will have to ride on the shoulders of one working-age person.
約５０年前には、１０人の現役世代が１人の高齢者を支えていた。だが、今は２・４人で１人の「騎馬戦型」だ。２０５０年頃には、現役世代１人が１人の高齢者を支える「肩車型」社会が到来する。
Don’t let our children pay
◆次代につけを回すな
The nation is highly dependent on debt, chiefly government bonds, to cover the ballooning cost of pensions, medical care and nursing care. This has become the main source of the government’s deteriorating fiscal condition. We should no longer neglect the problem by simply passing down the current burden to future generations.
増え続ける年金、医療、介護費用の財源は、国債など借金に大きく依存し、国の財政悪化を加速させる主因になっている。将来の世代への負担のつけ回しをこれ以上、放置できない。
The consumption tax hike will enable the government—at least for a while—to finance social security costs such as basic public pensions. It will increase the sustainability of our social security systems, a step toward the goal of achieving the systems’ long-term stability.
消費増税によって、基礎年金などの財源をひとまず確保できる。社会保障制度の持続可能性が高まることは一歩前進である。
The increase in consumption tax revenues will also be used in building a system in which medical care and nursing care services join hands in supporting the lives of elderly people who choose to continue living at home. The money will also be used to reduce national health insurance premiums.
増税分は、在宅の高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の構築や、国民健康保険の保険料軽減などにも充てられる。
The government’s social security reform measures will be implemented under the assumption that the consumption tax rate will be further be raised to 10 percent in October 2015. It will be an important task for the government to steadily realize the second hike to solidify our social security systems. To do so, the government needs to carefully scrutinize how the nation’s economy reacts after the April hike.
一連の改革は、２０１５年１０月に予定される消費税率１０％への引き上げが前提となっている。社会保障制度を強固にするには、景気の動向を見極め、税率８％からの再引き上げを着実に実施することが課題となる。
However, it is impossible to fully cover ballooning social security costs through consumption tax hikes, even after the second hike goes into effect.
ただ、消費税率を１０％に引き上げても、増大する社会保障費のすべてを賄うことはできない。
To realize the goal of achieving stable social security systems and putting the nation’s finances on a healthy footing, we cannot afford to put off trimming spending in the three fields of medical care, elderly care and pensions.
安定した社会保障制度を実現し、財政健全化を図るには、医療、介護、年金の給付費抑制は待ったなしである。
The surge in medical care costs in particular is causing a headache. The government has decided to, in effect, decrease medical treatment fees paid from the national health insurance system to medical institutions for fiscal 2014, and we believe this judgment was appropriate.
特に問題なのは、医療費の急増だ。政府が来年度の診療報酬の改定で実質的な引き下げを決めたのは適切な措置と言える。
It is also essential to improve efficiency and cut waste in medical services.
医療を効率化し、無駄を省くことも欠かせない。
Currently, many elderly patients who have several diseases receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. As a result, the patients undergo unnecessary medical examinations and are administered drugs they do not need.
複数の病気を持つ多くの高齢者が、いくつもの医療機関にかかり、検査や投薬を重複して受けている。
Not only is this is a waste of medical resources paid for by the government, but a considerable number of patients end up suffering from side effects of drugs excessively prescribed to them.
医療費の無駄遣いであるばかりでなく、薬の副作用により、かえって体調を悪化させているケースも少なくない。
Health insurance societies and other organizations that provide health insurance services should encourage subscribers not to seek unnecessary medical consultations. The medical expense statements of patients should be thoroughly examined, a possibility since record-keeping has improved through the use of computers.
健康保険組合などの保険者は、電子化が進むレセプト（診療報酬明細書）の点検を徹底し、患者に重複受診の是正を促すべきだ。
In carrying out this plan, it will be advisable to take advantage of the “my number” system that will go into effect in 2016. The system will enable government offices in charge of three types of administrative duties and services—taxation, social security and disaster response—to manage the personal information of all individuals through 12-digit numbers.
１６年に創設される共通番号制度（マイナンバー）も活用したい。
After it goes into force, the system will for some time be used to carry out procedures for tax and social security benefit payments. If the scope of its use is expanded to include records of medical services received by individuals, it would do much to prevent them from seeking needless treatment and medication.
当面は納税や社会保障給付の手続きに使われるが、診療情報に利用範囲を拡大すれば、重複受診・投薬の防止に役立とう。
To relax the financial burdens shouldered by corporate and other workers, it also will be inevitable to require well-off elderly people to share burdens commensurate with their financial means in receiving medical services.
現役世代の負担を軽減するため、経済力のある高齢者に相応の負担を求めることも不可避だ。
Excessive burden
◆過重な現役世代の負担
In April, there will be a rise in the percentage of medical fees paid by elderly people. The figure for those aged 70 to 74 will increase to 20 percent, as initially set in the revised Health Insurance Law of 2008. Despite this revision, the government has kept the ratio at 10 percent as an exceptional measure, fearing possible angry reactions from elderly people.
７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担が４月、法定の２割に引き上げられる。
This means the government has had to dip into the national coffers to make up for massive losses since 2008. Therefore, it is reasonable for the government to raise the ratio of medical fees to be paid by those in that age bracket.
高齢者の反発を恐れ、政府は０８年以降１割に据え置き、穴埋めに巨額の国費を投入してきた。引き上げは当然の措置である。
A similar measure will also be taken in regard to government-administered nursing care insurance services. The share of expenses covered by high-income recipients will be raised from 10 percent to 20 percent. This is essential if the state-run nursing care insurance system is to be maintained.
介護保険サービスでは、高所得者を対象に、自己負担率を現在の１割から２割に引き上げる。制度維持のためにはやむを得まい。
What should be done to halt the drop in the number of workers, which form the backbone of the social security systems? The entire matter must be explored from this point of view, when it comes to sustaining the systems in future.
担い手となる現役世代の減少をどう食い止めるか。社会保障制度を将来にわたって安定させるには、この視点も不可欠だ。
The nation’s total fertility rate (TFR)—the number of babies born to a woman during her lifetime—stands at only 1.41. The number of newborn babies was at an all-time low last year. The total population declined by a record 244,000 in 2013, an indication that the reduction will likely accelerate further in future. Efforts should be made to encourage young people to marry, while also assisting parents in raising their children.
１人の女性が生涯に産む子供の数を示す合計特殊出生率は１・４１にとどまり、昨年の出生数は過去最少だった。人口減は最大の２４万４０００人に達し、今後一層、加速する。若者の結婚、育児支援に力を入れる必要がある。
We hope the government will take a broad range of steps to address problems arising from the low birthrate. Measures should be taken to ensure no children are on waiting lists for day care centers. This would enable parents to raise their children while continuing to work outside their homes.
働きながら子育てできる環境を整えるため、保育所の待機児童解消など、政府は幅広い少子化対策を講じてもらいたい。
The growth in the number of nonregular employees is another cause for worry. In most cases, they earn so little that they pay low taxes and social insurance premiums. Measures should be taken to improve their employment conditions.
非正規労働者の増大も懸念材料である。所得が低く、税や社会保険料の納付額が少ないからだ。非正規雇用の待遇改善を図ることも求められる。
There is a mountain of tasks to be carried out in resolving problems related to social security systems. However, political leaders have been slow to reform these systems.
社会保障制度を巡る問題は山積しているが、改革を進める政治の動きは鈍い。
Push 3-way discussions
◆自公民協議を推進せよ
This is evident in the fate of a three-party reform plan adopted in 2012, under an administration led by the then ruling Democratic Party of Japan. The DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito agreed to reform the social security and tax systems in an integrated manner, mainly featuring an increase in the consumption tax rate.
消費増税を柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革は、民主党政権時代に自民、公明、民主３党の合意で決定された。
However, the DPJ withdrew from three-party negotiations in August 2013 after the government’s National Council on Social Security System Reform put together a final report detailing its recommendations. The DPJ defended its move by saying its recommendations had not been reflected in the report.
だが、昨年８月、社会保障制度改革国民会議の報告書がまとまった際、民主党は自らの主張が反映されていないことを理由に、３党協議から離脱した。
Though the DPJ said it would return to the three-party talks later, little progress has been made in facilitating discussions on the issue. It should cooperate in the talks, given its earlier initiative in forming the three-party accord.
その後、協議に戻ることを表明したが、議論は停滞している。３党合意を主導した民主党は、協議の進展に協力すべきだ。
Social security reform is an important task that must be tackled by whatever political party is in power.
どの党が政権を担っても、社会保障制度の改革は避けて通れない重い課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 8, 2014)
（2014年1月8日01時27分 読売新聞）
2014/01/09
ロシア連続テロ ソチ五輪の安全確保が急務だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 7, 2014
Ensuring security for Sochi Games essential in light of recent bombings
ロシア連続テロ ソチ五輪の安全確保が急務だ（1月7日付・読売社説）
The Russian government is urged to absolutely ensure the security of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, which are set to open in one month.
ロシア政府は、開幕が１か月後に迫ったソチ冬季五輪の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
Late last month, suicide bombings that targeted a railway station and a trolleybus occurred two days in a row, killing more than 30 people, in Volgograd, a major city about 700 kilometers northeast of Sochi on the Black Sea coast.
黒海沿岸のソチから北東約７００キロに位置する大都市ボルゴグラードで先月末、鉄道駅やトロリーバスを狙った自爆テロが２日連続で発生し、計３０人以上が死亡した。
In the Dagestan Republic in the North Caucasus region, adjacent to Sochi, terrorist attacks have occurred one after another, killing several people.
ソチに隣接する北カフカス地方にあるダゲスタン共和国でもテロが相次ぎ、数人の死者が出た。
The recent series of indiscriminate terrorist attacks are believed to be the acts of Islamic extremists and may have been committed by an armed group, which has announced its intention to obstruct the Sochi Games through terror attacks, while calling for the independence of the North Caucasus, which has a large population of Muslims, and the establishment of an Islamic state there.
一連の無差別テロは、イスラム過激派の犯行とみられている。中でも、イスラム教徒が多い北カフカスの独立とイスラム国家樹立を主張して、テロによるソチ五輪妨害を表明した武装組織が関与した可能性が指摘されている。
This is a worrisome situation. Whatever purposes these attacks may have, terrorism must not be tolerated.
憂慮すべき事態である。犯行目的が何であれ、テロは決して許されない。
Yet there is no denying that the high-handed political stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin has exacerbated the opposition among Muslims, as he has repressed minorities, media and political forces that do not agree with his administration.
ただ、プーチン露大統領の強権的な政治姿勢が、イスラム教徒らの反発を増幅させている側面も否定できない。政権の意に沿わない少数派やメディア、政治勢力を力で抑圧してきたからだ。
It is deemed inevitable the leaders of such countries as the United States, Germany and France have decided not to attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, on the grounds of human-rights issues in Russia.
米独仏などの首脳が、人権問題を理由に、ソチ五輪開会式への出席を見送ることにしたのは、やむを得ないのではないか。
At least for now, it is a matter of urgency to prevent terrorist attacks at the Winter Games, where athletes, senior officials of foreign governments and spectators will gather from around the world.
当面は、世界中のアスリートや政府要人、観客らが集う五輪をテロから守ることが急務である。
Areas in and around Sochi have already been put under tight security, with the police and military forces mobilized. But even tighter security is needed.
ソチ周辺では既に、警察や軍による厳戒態勢が敷かれているが、一層の警戒が必要だ。
Other targets possible
Other cities and areas, such as Moscow, may also become a target of terrorism. We hope the Russian government will be on alert against terrorism nationwide.
モスクワなど他の地域が狙われる可能性もある。ロシア全土でテロ対策を強化してほしい。
Following the deadly attacks in Volgograd, Putin said, “We'll fiercely and consistently continue the fight against terrorists until their complete annihilation.” He may also intend to show regional stability both at home and abroad by hosting a successful Winter Games, set to be held near the unstable region of the North Caucasus.
プーチン氏はテロ発生後、「テロリストを完全に壊滅させるまで徹底した戦いを続ける」と述べた。不安定な北カフカス近くで五輪を成功させ、地域の安定を内外に誇示する意図もあるようだ。
The Russian authorities have said that last year they killed 260 members of extremist groups in the North Caucasus region and elsewhere. It is certain that they will continue to vigorously carry out cleanup operations.
ロシア当局は昨年、北カフカスなどで過激派２６０人を殺害したと発表した。さらに激しいテロ掃討作戦が行われるのは確実だ。
Yet it is difficult for force alone to end terrorism and solve the fundamental problem.
だが、武力だけでテロを終息させることは難しく、根本的な問題解決にはつながるまい。
The Putin administration has used force to bring an armed Islamic force under control in Chechnya in the same region. However, rebels who escaped the offensives by Russian forces have continued to operate in Dagestan and elsewhere.
プーチン政権は、北カフカスにあるチェチェン共和国のイスラム武装勢力を軍事力で制圧した。その際、攻撃を逃れた残党がダゲスタンなどで活動を続けている。
To bring about lasting regional stability, it is essential to help enhance the poverty-stricken people’s livelihood in the region so as to keep the area from becoming a hotbed of terrorism.
地域の長期的安定には、貧しい北カフカスの住民生活を向上させ、テロの温床にならないようにすることが肝要である。
In Sochi, a Group of Eight summit meeting will also be held in June. It can be said the credibility of the Putin administration is at stake over its ability to maintain public peace.
ソチでは今年６月、主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議も開かれる。治安の維持に、プーチン政権の威信がかかっていると言えよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 7, 2014)
（2014年1月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
Ensuring security for Sochi Games essential in light of recent bombings
ロシア連続テロ ソチ五輪の安全確保が急務だ（1月7日付・読売社説）
The Russian government is urged to absolutely ensure the security of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, which are set to open in one month.
ロシア政府は、開幕が１か月後に迫ったソチ冬季五輪の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
Late last month, suicide bombings that targeted a railway station and a trolleybus occurred two days in a row, killing more than 30 people, in Volgograd, a major city about 700 kilometers northeast of Sochi on the Black Sea coast.
黒海沿岸のソチから北東約７００キロに位置する大都市ボルゴグラードで先月末、鉄道駅やトロリーバスを狙った自爆テロが２日連続で発生し、計３０人以上が死亡した。
In the Dagestan Republic in the North Caucasus region, adjacent to Sochi, terrorist attacks have occurred one after another, killing several people.
ソチに隣接する北カフカス地方にあるダゲスタン共和国でもテロが相次ぎ、数人の死者が出た。
The recent series of indiscriminate terrorist attacks are believed to be the acts of Islamic extremists and may have been committed by an armed group, which has announced its intention to obstruct the Sochi Games through terror attacks, while calling for the independence of the North Caucasus, which has a large population of Muslims, and the establishment of an Islamic state there.
一連の無差別テロは、イスラム過激派の犯行とみられている。中でも、イスラム教徒が多い北カフカスの独立とイスラム国家樹立を主張して、テロによるソチ五輪妨害を表明した武装組織が関与した可能性が指摘されている。
This is a worrisome situation. Whatever purposes these attacks may have, terrorism must not be tolerated.
憂慮すべき事態である。犯行目的が何であれ、テロは決して許されない。
Yet there is no denying that the high-handed political stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin has exacerbated the opposition among Muslims, as he has repressed minorities, media and political forces that do not agree with his administration.
ただ、プーチン露大統領の強権的な政治姿勢が、イスラム教徒らの反発を増幅させている側面も否定できない。政権の意に沿わない少数派やメディア、政治勢力を力で抑圧してきたからだ。
It is deemed inevitable the leaders of such countries as the United States, Germany and France have decided not to attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, on the grounds of human-rights issues in Russia.
米独仏などの首脳が、人権問題を理由に、ソチ五輪開会式への出席を見送ることにしたのは、やむを得ないのではないか。
At least for now, it is a matter of urgency to prevent terrorist attacks at the Winter Games, where athletes, senior officials of foreign governments and spectators will gather from around the world.
当面は、世界中のアスリートや政府要人、観客らが集う五輪をテロから守ることが急務である。
Areas in and around Sochi have already been put under tight security, with the police and military forces mobilized. But even tighter security is needed.
ソチ周辺では既に、警察や軍による厳戒態勢が敷かれているが、一層の警戒が必要だ。
Other targets possible
Other cities and areas, such as Moscow, may also become a target of terrorism. We hope the Russian government will be on alert against terrorism nationwide.
モスクワなど他の地域が狙われる可能性もある。ロシア全土でテロ対策を強化してほしい。
Following the deadly attacks in Volgograd, Putin said, “We'll fiercely and consistently continue the fight against terrorists until their complete annihilation.” He may also intend to show regional stability both at home and abroad by hosting a successful Winter Games, set to be held near the unstable region of the North Caucasus.
プーチン氏はテロ発生後、「テロリストを完全に壊滅させるまで徹底した戦いを続ける」と述べた。不安定な北カフカス近くで五輪を成功させ、地域の安定を内外に誇示する意図もあるようだ。
The Russian authorities have said that last year they killed 260 members of extremist groups in the North Caucasus region and elsewhere. It is certain that they will continue to vigorously carry out cleanup operations.
ロシア当局は昨年、北カフカスなどで過激派２６０人を殺害したと発表した。さらに激しいテロ掃討作戦が行われるのは確実だ。
Yet it is difficult for force alone to end terrorism and solve the fundamental problem.
だが、武力だけでテロを終息させることは難しく、根本的な問題解決にはつながるまい。
The Putin administration has used force to bring an armed Islamic force under control in Chechnya in the same region. However, rebels who escaped the offensives by Russian forces have continued to operate in Dagestan and elsewhere.
プーチン政権は、北カフカスにあるチェチェン共和国のイスラム武装勢力を軍事力で制圧した。その際、攻撃を逃れた残党がダゲスタンなどで活動を続けている。
To bring about lasting regional stability, it is essential to help enhance the poverty-stricken people’s livelihood in the region so as to keep the area from becoming a hotbed of terrorism.
地域の長期的安定には、貧しい北カフカスの住民生活を向上させ、テロの温床にならないようにすることが肝要である。
In Sochi, a Group of Eight summit meeting will also be held in June. It can be said the credibility of the Putin administration is at stake over its ability to maintain public peace.
ソチでは今年６月、主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議も開かれる。治安の維持に、プーチン政権の威信がかかっていると言えよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 7, 2014)
（2014年1月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
2014/01/08
安倍外交と安保 日米で対中国戦略を強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 6, 2014
Japan, U.S. must bolster strategy for coping effectively with China
安倍外交と安保 日米で対中国戦略を強化せよ（1月6日付・読売社説）
◆集団的自衛権の「行使」を可能に
The international situation surrounding Japan remains opaque.
日本を取り巻く国際情勢は「視界不良」の状態が続いている。
To maintain our nation’s peace and prosperity, it is imperative to map out and implement diplomatic and security policies more actively and strategically than ever before.
自国の平和と繁栄の維持には、より能動的で戦略的な外交・安全保障政策を展開することが欠かせない。
The most important task in addressing this challenge is to beef up Japan’s alliance with the United States.
その中核的な役割を担うのは、やはり日米同盟の強化である。
In particular, North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs and China’s arms buildup and maritime advances have been destabilizing the whole Asia-Pacific region.
北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備増強と海洋進出は、アジア太平洋地域全体を不安定化させている。
Under the circumstances, it is crucial to enhance the deterrent power of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which has been rated highly by many countries in the region as an “international public good.”
多くの域内国から「国際公共財」と評価される日米同盟の抑止力を高めることが急務だ。
Beef up defense guidelines
◆防衛指針の改定が重要
Toward the end of last year, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe created the Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council and mapped out the National Security Strategy.
安倍内閣は昨年末、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を設置し、国家安保戦略を策定した。
The Abe administration has also won approval from the Okinawa prefectural government for land reclamation required to relocate the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in the prefecture to the Henoko district on the prefecture’s northeastern coast.
米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設に伴う埋め立て承認も沖縄県から取り付けた。
Both the establishment of the NSC and the progress on the Futenma relocation are highly conducive to solidifying the alliance.
いずれも強固な同盟関係の構築に向けて重要な意義を持つ。
As its top priority this year, the government should conduct a long-overdue review of the conventional interpretation of the Constitution regarding this country’s right to collective self-defense.
今年、優先して取り組むべきは、長年の懸案である集団的自衛権の憲法解釈の見直しである。
Under the current interpretation, the Self-Defense Forces are not allowed to retaliate even if a nearby U.S. military vessel is attacked, having no choice but to turn a blind eye to the situation. This could cause the Japan-U.S. alliance to crumble at its foundation.
近くで米軍艦船が攻撃されても自衛隊は反撃できず、看過するしかない。そんな事態に陥ったら同盟関係は成り立たない。
Changing the existing constitutional interpretation that this country “has the right to collective self-defense but cannot exercise it,” thereby making exercise of the right possible, would represent a major step toward rectifying the asymmetry in the bilateral alliance, in which the United States has “an obligation to defend Japan, but Japan has no obligation to defend the United States.”
「集団的自衛権を有するが、行使できない」との憲法解釈を変更し、行使を可能にすれば、「米国は日本を守るが、日本は米国を守らない」という非対称の同盟を是正する大きな一歩となる。
It is crucial for the government to iron out differences between its views and those of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and New Komeito, which either oppose altering the current constitutional interpretation or are wary of such a change. Abe should lead the way in calibrating these views.
その実現には、反対・慎重論が強い内閣法制局や公明党との調整がカギだ。安倍首相は、指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
Also high on the agenda is yet another revision to the guidelines for defense cooperation between Japan and the United States scheduled for late this year.
年末に予定される日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）の再改定も、重要課題となる。
The current guidelines resulted from the revision in 1997 of earlier ones. The current guidelines primarily take into account a possible crisis on the Korean Peninsula, providing specifics about the SDF’s logistic support for U.S. forces. A law was passed in 1999 concerning SDF operations to assist U.S. military forces during an emergency in areas surrounding Japan, but as yet the government has had no occasion to recognize such an emergency as stipulated by the law.
１９９７年に改定された現指針は、朝鮮半島有事を念頭に、自衛隊の米軍支援の具体的な内容を定めた。９９年には周辺事態法も制定されたが、その後、周辺事態の認定は一度もない。
To make it possible for the SDF to deal promptly with such crises as the seizure of a remote island in Japan’s territory by Chinese agents pretending to be fishermen, the forthcoming Japan-U.S. security guidelines should specify a new framework for close cooperation between the SDF and U.S. forces even in “gray areas” between peacetime and emergencies.
中国の偽装漁民による離島占拠といった事態に迅速に対処するため、平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」の段階から自衛隊と米軍が緊密に連携する枠組みを新指針で示すべきだ。
Another essential task is to ramp up the SDF’s patrol and surveillance capabilities as well as rapid response preparedness based on the new National Defense Program Outline drawn up toward the end of 2013.
昨年末に策定した新防衛大綱に基づき、自衛隊の警戒監視・即応体制を増強することも大切だ。
Some argue that strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities would stir up adverse reactions from neighboring countries, thus worsening the nation’s security environment.
防衛力の強化は周辺国の反発を招き、むしろ安全保障環境が悪化する、との主張が一部にある。
It should be noted, however, that China continued its large-scale arms buildup even as Japan’s defense expenditures shrank for 10 consecutive years.
だが、中国などは、日本の防衛予算が１０年連続で減少している間も大幅な軍備増強を続けてきた。
Diplomacy and military affairs are closely connected. Unless both are reinforced, Japan cannot defend its territory and our national interests.
外交と軍事は車の両輪だ。双方を強化しないと、領土を守り、国益を確保することはできない。
The issue of how to face China, which has gained power militarily and economically and does not mind changing the international order by force, is a concern not only for Japan but also for the international community.
軍事、経済面で台頭し、力による国際秩序の変更も辞さない中国とどう向き合うかは、日本だけでなく、国際社会共通の懸案だ。
Recover lost ground
◆靖国の失点を回復せよ
There is no denying that Abe’s recent visit to Yasukuni Shrine has given China an excuse to criticize Japan and has weakened Japan's partnership with other friendly countries.
安倍首相の靖国神社参拝が、中国に日本批判の口実を与え、国際連携を弱めたのは否めない。
Before Abe’s visit to the shrine, it was China’s self-righteous behavior, including its unilateral establishment of an air defense identification zone, that drew criticism from the international community. But Japan, too, may be held responsible for worsening the regional situation. The government should not make light of the fact that the United States, Japan’s ally, expressed “disappointment” with Abe’s visit to the shrine.
従来は、防空識別圏の一方的な設定など、中国の独善的な振る舞いが国際社会で問題視されていたが、今後、日本にも情勢悪化の責任があるとの見方が広がりかねない。同盟国の米国による「失望」表明を軽視すべきではない。
It is important that Abe, first of all, hold close talks with the U.S. side and explain the true intention of his visit, while at the same time working out Japan’s mid- and long-term strategies toward China.
安倍首相はまず、米国と緊密に協議し、靖国参拝の真意を説明するとともに、中長期的な対中国戦略を練ることが肝要だ。
In cooperation with South Korea, Australia and Southeast Asian countries, Japan must persistently urge China to comply with international standards and “act responsibly.”
韓国、豪州、東南アジアとも連携し、中国に、国際規範を順守し、「責任ある行動」を取るよう粘り強く促さねばならない。
Since the government nationalized some of the Senkaku Islands in September 2012, Japan-China relations have plunged to what is said to be their worst level in postwar history, and no summit talks have been held since the nationalization. Japan must assume this situation may last for a protracted period.
日中関係は一昨年９月の尖閣諸島の国有化以来、首脳会談が開けず、戦後最悪と言われる。この長期化も覚悟する必要がある。
Needless to say, Japan must not make any concessions whatsoever over territorial issues.
無論、日本は領土問題で一切の譲歩をすべきではない。
But closing the door on bilateral dialogue and cooperation in such fields as economic and environmental issues would be detrimental to both countries.
ただ、経済、環境などの分野の対話や協力まで閉ざすことは、日中双方にマイナスだ。
To explore ways to cooperate on these practical issues may help both countries take a step forward toward returning to the “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.”
こうした実務的な連携を模索することが「戦略的互恵関係」に回帰する一歩となろう。
Foreign visits important
◆国益重視の外国訪問を
Advocating “proactive contributions to peace,” Abe went abroad on 13 occasions last year, visiting 25 countries, including all the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He will visit India, Ethiopia and four other countries this month.
「積極的平和主義」を主唱する安倍首相は昨年、１３回も外遊し、東南アジア全１０か国を含む２５か国を訪問した。今月も、インド、エチオピアなど６か国を訪れる。
Diplomacy is a hardheaded game in which a country has to do its utmost to gain more friends and expand its national interests to the maximum. Strategically building amicable relations with as many countries as possible will become an asset for Japan’s diplomacy.
外交は、いかに仲間を増やし、自国の利益を極大化するか、という冷徹なゲームだ。より多くの国と良好な関係を戦略的に構築することが日本外交の財産となる。
In recent years, prime ministers were replaced almost annually, making it difficult for Japan to pursue head-of-state diplomacy. Visits to foreign countries by Abe, who can expect a long-term administration, can be utilized as an important diplomatic card.
近年は、首相交代が年中行事化し、首脳外交もままならなかったが、長期政権を視野に入れた安倍首相の外国訪問は重要な外交カードとして活用できる。
It is essential for Japan to enhance its presence internationally by proactively becoming involved in crafting international security rules, such as those on maritime activities and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in addition to pursuing its economic diplomacy in such fields as exports of infra-structure-related technology, energy and free trade agreements.
インフラ輸出やエネルギー、自由貿易協定など経済外交に加え、海洋活動、大量破壊兵器の拡散防止など安全保障分野の国際ルール作りにも積極的に関与し、日本の存在感を高めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 6, 2014)
（2014年1月6日01時31分 読売新聞）
Japan, U.S. must bolster strategy for coping effectively with China
安倍外交と安保 日米で対中国戦略を強化せよ（1月6日付・読売社説）
◆集団的自衛権の「行使」を可能に
The international situation surrounding Japan remains opaque.
日本を取り巻く国際情勢は「視界不良」の状態が続いている。
To maintain our nation’s peace and prosperity, it is imperative to map out and implement diplomatic and security policies more actively and strategically than ever before.
自国の平和と繁栄の維持には、より能動的で戦略的な外交・安全保障政策を展開することが欠かせない。
The most important task in addressing this challenge is to beef up Japan’s alliance with the United States.
その中核的な役割を担うのは、やはり日米同盟の強化である。
In particular, North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs and China’s arms buildup and maritime advances have been destabilizing the whole Asia-Pacific region.
北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備増強と海洋進出は、アジア太平洋地域全体を不安定化させている。
Under the circumstances, it is crucial to enhance the deterrent power of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which has been rated highly by many countries in the region as an “international public good.”
多くの域内国から「国際公共財」と評価される日米同盟の抑止力を高めることが急務だ。
Beef up defense guidelines
◆防衛指針の改定が重要
Toward the end of last year, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe created the Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council and mapped out the National Security Strategy.
安倍内閣は昨年末、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を設置し、国家安保戦略を策定した。
The Abe administration has also won approval from the Okinawa prefectural government for land reclamation required to relocate the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in the prefecture to the Henoko district on the prefecture’s northeastern coast.
米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設に伴う埋め立て承認も沖縄県から取り付けた。
Both the establishment of the NSC and the progress on the Futenma relocation are highly conducive to solidifying the alliance.
いずれも強固な同盟関係の構築に向けて重要な意義を持つ。
As its top priority this year, the government should conduct a long-overdue review of the conventional interpretation of the Constitution regarding this country’s right to collective self-defense.
今年、優先して取り組むべきは、長年の懸案である集団的自衛権の憲法解釈の見直しである。
Under the current interpretation, the Self-Defense Forces are not allowed to retaliate even if a nearby U.S. military vessel is attacked, having no choice but to turn a blind eye to the situation. This could cause the Japan-U.S. alliance to crumble at its foundation.
近くで米軍艦船が攻撃されても自衛隊は反撃できず、看過するしかない。そんな事態に陥ったら同盟関係は成り立たない。
Changing the existing constitutional interpretation that this country “has the right to collective self-defense but cannot exercise it,” thereby making exercise of the right possible, would represent a major step toward rectifying the asymmetry in the bilateral alliance, in which the United States has “an obligation to defend Japan, but Japan has no obligation to defend the United States.”
「集団的自衛権を有するが、行使できない」との憲法解釈を変更し、行使を可能にすれば、「米国は日本を守るが、日本は米国を守らない」という非対称の同盟を是正する大きな一歩となる。
It is crucial for the government to iron out differences between its views and those of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and New Komeito, which either oppose altering the current constitutional interpretation or are wary of such a change. Abe should lead the way in calibrating these views.
その実現には、反対・慎重論が強い内閣法制局や公明党との調整がカギだ。安倍首相は、指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
Also high on the agenda is yet another revision to the guidelines for defense cooperation between Japan and the United States scheduled for late this year.
年末に予定される日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）の再改定も、重要課題となる。
The current guidelines resulted from the revision in 1997 of earlier ones. The current guidelines primarily take into account a possible crisis on the Korean Peninsula, providing specifics about the SDF’s logistic support for U.S. forces. A law was passed in 1999 concerning SDF operations to assist U.S. military forces during an emergency in areas surrounding Japan, but as yet the government has had no occasion to recognize such an emergency as stipulated by the law.
１９９７年に改定された現指針は、朝鮮半島有事を念頭に、自衛隊の米軍支援の具体的な内容を定めた。９９年には周辺事態法も制定されたが、その後、周辺事態の認定は一度もない。
To make it possible for the SDF to deal promptly with such crises as the seizure of a remote island in Japan’s territory by Chinese agents pretending to be fishermen, the forthcoming Japan-U.S. security guidelines should specify a new framework for close cooperation between the SDF and U.S. forces even in “gray areas” between peacetime and emergencies.
中国の偽装漁民による離島占拠といった事態に迅速に対処するため、平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」の段階から自衛隊と米軍が緊密に連携する枠組みを新指針で示すべきだ。
Another essential task is to ramp up the SDF’s patrol and surveillance capabilities as well as rapid response preparedness based on the new National Defense Program Outline drawn up toward the end of 2013.
昨年末に策定した新防衛大綱に基づき、自衛隊の警戒監視・即応体制を増強することも大切だ。
Some argue that strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities would stir up adverse reactions from neighboring countries, thus worsening the nation’s security environment.
防衛力の強化は周辺国の反発を招き、むしろ安全保障環境が悪化する、との主張が一部にある。
It should be noted, however, that China continued its large-scale arms buildup even as Japan’s defense expenditures shrank for 10 consecutive years.
だが、中国などは、日本の防衛予算が１０年連続で減少している間も大幅な軍備増強を続けてきた。
Diplomacy and military affairs are closely connected. Unless both are reinforced, Japan cannot defend its territory and our national interests.
外交と軍事は車の両輪だ。双方を強化しないと、領土を守り、国益を確保することはできない。
The issue of how to face China, which has gained power militarily and economically and does not mind changing the international order by force, is a concern not only for Japan but also for the international community.
軍事、経済面で台頭し、力による国際秩序の変更も辞さない中国とどう向き合うかは、日本だけでなく、国際社会共通の懸案だ。
Recover lost ground
◆靖国の失点を回復せよ
There is no denying that Abe’s recent visit to Yasukuni Shrine has given China an excuse to criticize Japan and has weakened Japan's partnership with other friendly countries.
安倍首相の靖国神社参拝が、中国に日本批判の口実を与え、国際連携を弱めたのは否めない。
Before Abe’s visit to the shrine, it was China’s self-righteous behavior, including its unilateral establishment of an air defense identification zone, that drew criticism from the international community. But Japan, too, may be held responsible for worsening the regional situation. The government should not make light of the fact that the United States, Japan’s ally, expressed “disappointment” with Abe’s visit to the shrine.
従来は、防空識別圏の一方的な設定など、中国の独善的な振る舞いが国際社会で問題視されていたが、今後、日本にも情勢悪化の責任があるとの見方が広がりかねない。同盟国の米国による「失望」表明を軽視すべきではない。
It is important that Abe, first of all, hold close talks with the U.S. side and explain the true intention of his visit, while at the same time working out Japan’s mid- and long-term strategies toward China.
安倍首相はまず、米国と緊密に協議し、靖国参拝の真意を説明するとともに、中長期的な対中国戦略を練ることが肝要だ。
In cooperation with South Korea, Australia and Southeast Asian countries, Japan must persistently urge China to comply with international standards and “act responsibly.”
韓国、豪州、東南アジアとも連携し、中国に、国際規範を順守し、「責任ある行動」を取るよう粘り強く促さねばならない。
Since the government nationalized some of the Senkaku Islands in September 2012, Japan-China relations have plunged to what is said to be their worst level in postwar history, and no summit talks have been held since the nationalization. Japan must assume this situation may last for a protracted period.
日中関係は一昨年９月の尖閣諸島の国有化以来、首脳会談が開けず、戦後最悪と言われる。この長期化も覚悟する必要がある。
Needless to say, Japan must not make any concessions whatsoever over territorial issues.
無論、日本は領土問題で一切の譲歩をすべきではない。
But closing the door on bilateral dialogue and cooperation in such fields as economic and environmental issues would be detrimental to both countries.
ただ、経済、環境などの分野の対話や協力まで閉ざすことは、日中双方にマイナスだ。
To explore ways to cooperate on these practical issues may help both countries take a step forward toward returning to the “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.”
こうした実務的な連携を模索することが「戦略的互恵関係」に回帰する一歩となろう。
Foreign visits important
◆国益重視の外国訪問を
Advocating “proactive contributions to peace,” Abe went abroad on 13 occasions last year, visiting 25 countries, including all the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He will visit India, Ethiopia and four other countries this month.
「積極的平和主義」を主唱する安倍首相は昨年、１３回も外遊し、東南アジア全１０か国を含む２５か国を訪問した。今月も、インド、エチオピアなど６か国を訪れる。
Diplomacy is a hardheaded game in which a country has to do its utmost to gain more friends and expand its national interests to the maximum. Strategically building amicable relations with as many countries as possible will become an asset for Japan’s diplomacy.
外交は、いかに仲間を増やし、自国の利益を極大化するか、という冷徹なゲームだ。より多くの国と良好な関係を戦略的に構築することが日本外交の財産となる。
In recent years, prime ministers were replaced almost annually, making it difficult for Japan to pursue head-of-state diplomacy. Visits to foreign countries by Abe, who can expect a long-term administration, can be utilized as an important diplomatic card.
近年は、首相交代が年中行事化し、首脳外交もままならなかったが、長期政権を視野に入れた安倍首相の外国訪問は重要な外交カードとして活用できる。
It is essential for Japan to enhance its presence internationally by proactively becoming involved in crafting international security rules, such as those on maritime activities and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in addition to pursuing its economic diplomacy in such fields as exports of infra-structure-related technology, energy and free trade agreements.
インフラ輸出やエネルギー、自由貿易協定など経済外交に加え、海洋活動、大量破壊兵器の拡散防止など安全保障分野の国際ルール作りにも積極的に関与し、日本の存在感を高めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 6, 2014)
（2014年1月6日01時31分 読売新聞）
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