The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 12, 2013)
Govt must lead efforts to speed up reconstruction
震災２年・再建を誓う日 政府主導で復興を加速させよ（3月11日付・読売社説）
◆安心して生活できる地域再生を◆
Today marks the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami that killed 15,881 people and left 2,668 others missing.
東日本大震災から２年を迎えた。
亡くなった人は１万５８８１人、行方不明は２６６８人に上る。
No fewer than 315,000 people have been forced to live as evacuees, and about 160,000 of them are from Fukushima Prefecture, where the nuclear crisis broke out at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
避難生活を送る被災者は３１万５０００人を下らない。うち約１６万人が、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故が起きた福島県の避難者である。
Let us together pray anew for the repose of the victims' souls. Reconstruction from the disaster has been delayed, and the government must take the initiative in accelerating rebuilding efforts.
国民みんなで改めて犠牲者の冥福を祈りたい。再起に向けた歩みは遅れている。政府が主導し、復興を加速しなければならない。
===
110,000 in temporary homes
◆今も仮設住宅に１１万人
Behind the slow progress of rebuilding municipalities is the difficulty of forming a consensus among the residents concerned. Whether to locate a commercial and industrial zone on higher ground or in a coastal area is one example. Another problem is whether to build high seawalls that could effectively separate the land and the sea.
市町村の復興計画が進んでいない背景には、住民の合意形成が難しい事情がある。例えば、商工業を営む場所を高台にするか、沿岸部にするかという問題だ。壁のような防潮堤で海と陸を遮断していいのかという問題もある。
Residents of Natori, Miyagi Prefecture, which was heavily damaged by the tsunami, wanted to rebuild where they lived rather than collectively relocate to an inland area. The municipal government plans to boost its reconstruction efforts by building a seawall and promoting changes in land use. But some residents oppose the plan.
津波で市街の一部が壊滅した宮城県名取市の住民たちは、内陸への集団移転ではなく、現地での再建を望んだ。市は防潮堤建設や区画整理を行って支援する方針だが、反対の声も残るという。
The only way to push the plan ahead is to launch it without obtaining the full approval of some residents.
計画を前に進めるには、住民の十分な合意がないまま、始動せざるを得ないのが実情だ。
A redevelopment plan in coastal zones was decided at an early stage of reconstruction by such fishery cities as Kamaishi, Iwate Prefecture, and Kesennuma and Ishinomaki, both in Miyagi Prefecture.
早期に沿岸部再開発を決めたのは、岩手県釜石市や宮城県気仙沼市、石巻市などの漁業都市だ。
As a senior Ishinomaki municipal government official put it, "As long as we cannot expect reconstruction without fishery business, we cannot desert the coastal areas."
「漁業でしか再建できない以上、海辺の土地は捨てられない」（石巻市幹部）との理由からだ。
Disaster victims commute from temporary housing to fishery processing factories and other workplaces, many of them no doubt worried about the reoccurrence of tsunami.
被災者たちは津波の再来に不安を覚えながら、仮設住宅から水産加工場などに通う。
Residents in Ishinomaki often say, "How can we strike a balance between earning income and being assured of our safety and security?" These words are compelling.
「収入と安全安心をどう両立させればいいか」。石巻でよく聞かれる言葉は切実だ。
The mayor of one city resigned in the face of opposition to reconstruction programs from residents and the municipal assembly. The past two years saw each local government and its residents explore ways to realize revival while facing their own predicaments.
復興策が議会や住民の反発を招き、辞職した町長もいる。それぞれの自治体と住民がジレンマに苦しみながら、「街の再生」を模索した２年だったと言えよう。
About 110,000 people still live in prefabricated temporary housing units. A matter of concern is the increase in the number of residents who complain about stress and unease caused by their inconvenient daily life. Local governments must expedite construction of housing so that the affected residents can lead a stable life as early as possible.
被災地のプレハブの仮設住宅には、今も約１１万人が暮らす。不自由な生活にストレスや不安を訴える住民が増えていることが懸念される。安定した生活が送れる新住居に早く移れるよう、自治体は復興住宅の建設を急ぐべきだ。
===
Agency bears heavy burden
◆復興庁の責任は重大だ
The low spending rate for a tremendous amount of rehabilitation expenditures cannot be ignored. About 1.4 trillion yen earmarked for the current fiscal year by Iwate, Miyagi and Fukushima prefectures and 34 municipalities cannot be implemented before March 31 and will be carried over to the new fiscal year starting in April.
巨額の復興費の消化率が低い実態は看過できない。岩手、宮城、福島の３県と３４市町村で、約１・４兆円が今年度中に予算執行できず、新年度に繰り越される。
This delay was partly caused by difficulty in purchasing plots of land needed for such projects as building houses for disaster victims. Another problem was that bidding for related public works has failed to attract businesses because they see little profitability in such projects.
復興住宅などの事業用地買収が難航したり、利益の薄い工事を業者が敬遠して入札が不調だったりしているためだという。
In coastal areas of Iwate and Miyagi prefectures, removal of debris has progressed. But in many areas, work to elevate plots of land sunken by the tsunami or to construct seawalls has not even started.
岩手、宮城両県の沿岸部では、がれきの撤去は進んだものの、津波で地盤沈下した土地のかさ上げや防潮堤建設などの工事に着手できていない地域が多い。
Wasting more time will only further delay reconstruction of the disaster-stricken areas.
この上、時間を浪費すれば、被災地の再生は遅れるばかりだ。
The Reconstruction Agency, which is tasked with functioning as a control tower for reconstruction projects, has a heavy responsibility. It must reinforce its cooperation with local governments and take the leadership in implementing measures for the affected areas.
司令塔機能を発揮すべき復興庁の責任は重い。各自治体との連携を一層強化し、被災地対策を主導する必要がある。
The agency has recently expanded the scope of how the reconstruction grants should be spent, making it possible to use them for such works as elevating the site where a fishery community once stood. Such a step is reasonable.
復興庁が最近、復興交付金の使途を広げ、漁業集落の跡地のかさ上げなどにも使えるようにしたのは妥当だ。
The agency must clear away the bottleneck in work and speed up the pace of spending reconstruction budgets.
工事の停滞を解消し、復興予算執行のスピードを上げなければならない。
As there are many sparsely populated communities in the affected areas, it is not easy to revitalize these communities anytime soon.
被災地には、過疎の市町村が多く、その場所にすぐに活気を取り戻すのは容易ではない。
On Okushiri Island in Hokkaido, which was hit in July 1993 by a major earthquake and tsunami, a large sum of reconstruction funds was spent on relocating communities to higher ground. But the population of the communities has been steadily declining.
かつて大地震と津波で被災した北海道奥尻島では、住民の高台移転などで多額の復興費が投じられた。しかし、その後は人口の減少に直面している。
The disaster-hit areas in the Tohoku region may need to learn lessons from this experience.
東北の被災地も、奥尻の教訓を生かす必要があろう。
Some local municipal governments, including Aomori and Toyama, have been carrying out projects designed to concentrate residential houses in certain districts, which are provided with such infrastructure as hospitals, schools and post offices, thus improving convenience. These projects are being implemented under a "compact city" concept.
青森市、富山市などでは、住民を一つの地域に集め、病院や学校、郵便局も整備して利便性を高める事業を進めている。「コンパクトシティー」と呼ばれる。
Applying such a concept to measures dealing with the depopulation of the disaster-affected areas could be worth discussing.
被災地の過疎対策への応用も検討に値するのではないか。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said: "Reconstruction [from the earthquake disaster] is the top priority, together with the revitalization of the Japanese economy. I want to win the people's trust in my administration by bringing about [tangible] results as soon as possible."
安倍首相は、「復興は日本経済再生と並ぶ最重要課題だ。一日も早く結果を出すことで信頼を得たい」と強調している。
As Abe has put it, without reconstruction, a "robust economy" cannot be realized.
復興なくして、首相が掲げる「強い経済」は実現できないだろう。
===
Solid results essential
◆問われる具体的成果
On Wednesday, the government made major changes in the membership of a panel of experts tasked with scrutinizing the reconstruction measures and recommending remedial steps to Abe. The panel is expected to compile an interim report by June.
政府は今月６日、復興策を点検し、首相に改善を提言する有識者会議「復興推進委員会」のメンバーを大幅に入れ替えた。６月をめどに中間報告をまとめる。
In the central government's present reconstruction programs, which were worked out under the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration, many things may require review when the reality of disaster-stricken areas is taken into consideration.
民主党政権が策定した現行の国の復興計画には、被災地の実情に照らすと、見直すべき点が多々あるだろう。
Why have the reconstruction projects been delayed? What kinds of new measures are needed? We hope the panel comes up with proposals that will lead to the rejuvenation of the affected area in Tohoku.
復興の遅れは何が原因か。新たにどのような施策が必要か。東北の再生につながる提言をまとめてもらいたい。
Now that two years have passed since the disaster, concrete actions with tangible results in the coming year are essential.
大震災から３年目に入り、求められているのは、具体的な行動と成果である。
Just as Abe has expressed his determination to realize reconstruction, it is the government's mission to accelerate the pace of reconstruction.
首相の決意通り、復興を加速させることが政府の使命だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 11, 2013)
（2013年3月11日01時18分 読売新聞）
2013/03/13
2013/03/12
被災地の教育 復興の担い手を育成したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 11, 2013)
Tohoku children also need 'restoration' after disaster
被災地の教育 復興の担い手を育成したい（3月10日付・読売社説）
Children are the future of the Tohoku region, which was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. We hope their educational needs will be restored as quickly as possible in disaster-hit areas.
子供たちは東北の将来の担い手になる。東日本大震災の被災地の教育再生を加速させたい。
After the March 11, 2011, disaster, the government has dispatched a relatively generous number of teachers to support children at schools in the three disaster-hit prefectures in the Tohoku region.
東北３県の被災地の学校には震災後、教師が比較的手厚く配置され、子供たちの指導に当たってきた。
In the classrooms, special programs have been launched to have children learn traditional crafts of the areas and think about the future of their hometowns. Educating them on the places they hail from is expected to deepen the children's love for their communities and have a long-term effect in helping restore devastated areas.
学校現場では、地域の伝統工芸を学んだり、町の未来の姿を子供たちに考えさせたりする取り組みが始まっている。こうした郷土教育は、ふるさとへの愛着を深めさせ、復興を長期的に支える効果が期待できる。
The government should continue offering support through the dispatch of teachers and other school staff. It also should improve educational content and further develop the education system.
今後も、教職員の人的支援を継続し、教育の内容や体制をさらに充実させることが大切である。
===
Decrease in students
However, many schools have seen a decrease in students. This is most serious in municipalities around the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
問題は、子供の減少に直面している学校が多いことだ。特に深刻なのは、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の周辺自治体である。
For instance, the town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, has moved its administrative functions to the city of Nihonmatsu in another part of the prefecture. Namie Primary School has continued classes in a building of a defunct school in Nihonmatsu.
役場機能を福島県二本松市に移転した浪江町では、町立浪江小学校が市内の廃校校舎を使い、授業を続ける。
However, many of the school's children have transferred to other schools. Namie Primary School had more than 500 students before the earthquake and tsunami, but the number has dropped to only 30. No new students will enroll in the school in April.
だが、児童の多くは別の学校に移った。
震災前に５００人を超えた児童数は、現在３０人。４月からの新入生はいない。
Even if residents who evacuated to other areas returned to their hometowns, the situation would remain difficult. Hirono Primary School, run by the town of Hirono, Fukushima Prefecture, resumed classes at its old school building in August. But only 20 percent of its previous student body has returned to the school.
避難先から帰還しても、状況は厳しい。昨年８月から元の校舎で授業を再開した広野町立広野小学校では、戻った児童は震災前の２割程度にとどまっている。
Municipal governments apparently want to maintain the foundation of their communities and retain bonds with their residents by keeping local schools operating.
自治体には、学校を維持することで、地域の核や住民の絆を保ちたいとの思いがあるのだろう。
However, parents tend to be anxious about having their children return with them to their own homes in areas where radiation is still too high for them to do so in the foreseeable future or where the foundations for their livelihood have not yet been fully restored.
しかし、放射線量が高くて帰還の見通しが立たない地域、生活基盤の整っていない地域では、保護者は子供と一緒に元の家へ戻ることに不安を抱きがちだ。
Municipal governments have to present them with a picture of restoration in the near future along with detailed explanations. We also hope the central government and other organizations concerned will help create jobs in the disaster-hit areas, leading to the stabilization of the livelihood of children's guardians.
自治体は復興の近未来像を丁寧に説明する必要がある。国なども保護者の生活安定につながる雇用創出を支援してもらいたい。
===
Negative effects
It is also concerned that a prolonged life as an evacuee might have a negative effect on children.
長期化する避難生活が、子供に及ぼす影響も懸念される。
Children of evacuees are said to spend insufficient time on study at home because they have no space to concentrate on their studies in tiny temporary housing units.
狭い仮設住宅では落ち着いて勉強する場がなく、家庭学習がおろそかになると言われる。
The project of a nonprofit organization to have former schoolteachers and former cram school instructors help such children study after school is very significant.
元教師や元塾講師らが放課後に子供の学習の手助けをするＮＰＯ法人の試みは、大いに意義があろう。
Meanwhile, according to a school health survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the percentage of overweight children has increased sharply in Fukushima Prefecture, probably because they play less outdoors due to radiation fears.
文部科学省の学校保健統計調査によると、原発事故後、肥満傾向の子供の割合が福島県で急増している。放射線への不安から外遊びが減少したためと見られる。
The central and local governments should develop indoor sports facilities in addition to those at the schools so children can be more physically active.
学校以外でも屋内運動施設の設置を進め、子供が体を動かせる場所を確保したい。
Equally important is their psychological care. In case of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, the number of children who suffered from mental stress and needed psychological care peaked three years after the disaster.
心のケアも重要だ。阪神大震災では、精神的なストレスを抱え、ケアを必要とする子が震災３年後に最も多かった。
We hope the education ministry continues to send counselors to schools in the disaster-hit areas and develops consultation services further.
文科省はスクールカウンセラーの派遣を続け、相談体制の拡充を図ってほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 10, 2013)
（2013年3月10日01時12分 読売新聞）
Tohoku children also need 'restoration' after disaster
被災地の教育 復興の担い手を育成したい（3月10日付・読売社説）
Children are the future of the Tohoku region, which was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake. We hope their educational needs will be restored as quickly as possible in disaster-hit areas.
子供たちは東北の将来の担い手になる。東日本大震災の被災地の教育再生を加速させたい。
After the March 11, 2011, disaster, the government has dispatched a relatively generous number of teachers to support children at schools in the three disaster-hit prefectures in the Tohoku region.
東北３県の被災地の学校には震災後、教師が比較的手厚く配置され、子供たちの指導に当たってきた。
In the classrooms, special programs have been launched to have children learn traditional crafts of the areas and think about the future of their hometowns. Educating them on the places they hail from is expected to deepen the children's love for their communities and have a long-term effect in helping restore devastated areas.
学校現場では、地域の伝統工芸を学んだり、町の未来の姿を子供たちに考えさせたりする取り組みが始まっている。こうした郷土教育は、ふるさとへの愛着を深めさせ、復興を長期的に支える効果が期待できる。
The government should continue offering support through the dispatch of teachers and other school staff. It also should improve educational content and further develop the education system.
今後も、教職員の人的支援を継続し、教育の内容や体制をさらに充実させることが大切である。
===
Decrease in students
However, many schools have seen a decrease in students. This is most serious in municipalities around the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
問題は、子供の減少に直面している学校が多いことだ。特に深刻なのは、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の周辺自治体である。
For instance, the town of Namie, Fukushima Prefecture, has moved its administrative functions to the city of Nihonmatsu in another part of the prefecture. Namie Primary School has continued classes in a building of a defunct school in Nihonmatsu.
役場機能を福島県二本松市に移転した浪江町では、町立浪江小学校が市内の廃校校舎を使い、授業を続ける。
However, many of the school's children have transferred to other schools. Namie Primary School had more than 500 students before the earthquake and tsunami, but the number has dropped to only 30. No new students will enroll in the school in April.
だが、児童の多くは別の学校に移った。
震災前に５００人を超えた児童数は、現在３０人。４月からの新入生はいない。
Even if residents who evacuated to other areas returned to their hometowns, the situation would remain difficult. Hirono Primary School, run by the town of Hirono, Fukushima Prefecture, resumed classes at its old school building in August. But only 20 percent of its previous student body has returned to the school.
避難先から帰還しても、状況は厳しい。昨年８月から元の校舎で授業を再開した広野町立広野小学校では、戻った児童は震災前の２割程度にとどまっている。
Municipal governments apparently want to maintain the foundation of their communities and retain bonds with their residents by keeping local schools operating.
自治体には、学校を維持することで、地域の核や住民の絆を保ちたいとの思いがあるのだろう。
However, parents tend to be anxious about having their children return with them to their own homes in areas where radiation is still too high for them to do so in the foreseeable future or where the foundations for their livelihood have not yet been fully restored.
しかし、放射線量が高くて帰還の見通しが立たない地域、生活基盤の整っていない地域では、保護者は子供と一緒に元の家へ戻ることに不安を抱きがちだ。
Municipal governments have to present them with a picture of restoration in the near future along with detailed explanations. We also hope the central government and other organizations concerned will help create jobs in the disaster-hit areas, leading to the stabilization of the livelihood of children's guardians.
自治体は復興の近未来像を丁寧に説明する必要がある。国なども保護者の生活安定につながる雇用創出を支援してもらいたい。
===
Negative effects
It is also concerned that a prolonged life as an evacuee might have a negative effect on children.
長期化する避難生活が、子供に及ぼす影響も懸念される。
Children of evacuees are said to spend insufficient time on study at home because they have no space to concentrate on their studies in tiny temporary housing units.
狭い仮設住宅では落ち着いて勉強する場がなく、家庭学習がおろそかになると言われる。
The project of a nonprofit organization to have former schoolteachers and former cram school instructors help such children study after school is very significant.
元教師や元塾講師らが放課後に子供の学習の手助けをするＮＰＯ法人の試みは、大いに意義があろう。
Meanwhile, according to a school health survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, the percentage of overweight children has increased sharply in Fukushima Prefecture, probably because they play less outdoors due to radiation fears.
文部科学省の学校保健統計調査によると、原発事故後、肥満傾向の子供の割合が福島県で急増している。放射線への不安から外遊びが減少したためと見られる。
The central and local governments should develop indoor sports facilities in addition to those at the schools so children can be more physically active.
学校以外でも屋内運動施設の設置を進め、子供が体を動かせる場所を確保したい。
Equally important is their psychological care. In case of the 1995 Great Hanshin Earthquake, the number of children who suffered from mental stress and needed psychological care peaked three years after the disaster.
心のケアも重要だ。阪神大震災では、精神的なストレスを抱え、ケアを必要とする子が震災３年後に最も多かった。
We hope the education ministry continues to send counselors to schools in the disaster-hit areas and develops consultation services further.
文科省はスクールカウンセラーの派遣を続け、相談体制の拡充を図ってほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 10, 2013)
（2013年3月10日01時12分 読売新聞）
2013/03/11
北朝鮮制裁決議 中国が履行せねば効果はない
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 10, 2013)
China's implementation is key for N. Korea sanctions
北朝鮮制裁決議 中国が履行せねば効果はない（3月9日付・読売社説）
New U.N. sanctions against North Korea are intended to increase international pressure on Pyongyang to shut down its nuclear weapons programs.
北朝鮮の核武装化に歯止めをかけようとする国際社会の圧力強化だ。
In a unanimous vote, the U.N. Security Council on Thursday passed a resolution to impose additional, tougher economic sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear test last month, the third it has conducted.
国連の安全保障理事会が、３回目の核実験を強行した北朝鮮に対し、経済制裁を追加、強化する決議を全会一致で採択した。
The resolution called for substantially stricter restrictions and surveillance on movements of money, goods and people related to North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs. While past resolutions merely asked member states to implement major sanction measures, the latest resolution obliges them to do so.
決議は、北朝鮮の核兵器・弾道ミサイル開発計画に関係するカネ、モノ、ヒトの移動の制限・監視を大幅に強化し、主要な制裁措置の実施を各国に義務づける内容だ。「要請」にとどまっていた従来の決議より踏み込んだ。
The past three resolutions against North Korea adopted by the U.N. Security Council have proved ineffective and failed to stop the country's nuclear and missile buildup. Apparently drawing a lesson from its failure, the United Nations has sent a more powerful message from the international community to North Korea this time. We approve.
過去３度の安保理の制裁決議は実効性を欠き、北朝鮮の核やミサイルの開発を阻止できなかった。その教訓を踏まえ、国際社会の強い決意を示したと評価できる。
===
New steps expand ban
To stop flows of money, U.N. member states are required to freeze financial transactions and services with North Korea as well as transfers of bulk cash to the country.
カネの移動を止めるため、各国は北朝鮮との金融取引や金融サービスを停止し、大量の現金持ち運びを制止しなければならない。
The latest resolution also calls on member states to inspect North Korea-related cargo suspected of containing banned items and deny entry to vessels that refuse to be inspected.
決議は、禁制品積載が疑われる貨物船への検査実施や、検査を拒否した船の入港禁止も定めた。
The countries are also obliged to deport North Korean nationals with suspected links to their country's nuclear and missile development.
核・ミサイル開発との関係が疑われる北朝鮮人を国外強制退去させることも義務づけている。
To make the sanctions effective, it is essential that China--North Korea's biggest trade partner and main benefactor--implement the resolution fully.
制裁の実効性を高めるには、北朝鮮の最大の貿易相手国かつ援助国である中国が、決議を確実に履行することが欠かせない。
China was initially reluctant to agree to sanctions such as one requiring inspections of North Korean cargo. However, Beijing gave a green light to such measures after finding it difficult to continue to stand up for a defiant Pyongyang. We hope the new measures will prove effective by being implemented thoroughly.
貨物検査などの義務化に消極的だった中国も、北朝鮮をかばいきれず、制裁強化に同意した。厳格な実施で効果を上げてほしい。
Meanwhile, North Korea reacted sharply against the new sanctions, vowing to take "powerful second and third countermeasures."
北朝鮮は、制裁強化に強く反発し、「より強力な２次、３次の対応措置」を予告している。
The U.N. resolution warns of even harsher action against North Korea if the country continues with nuclear tests and missile launches. In such an event, China may need to consider suspending its provision of energy to North Korea while South Korea might be well advised to consider closing down the Kaesong industrial complex, which it operates in cooperation with the North.
決議は、さらなる核実験やミサイル発射には、「さらなる重大な措置をとる」と警告した。中国はエネルギー供給の中止を、韓国は北朝鮮・開城工業団地の閉鎖を検討してもよいのではないか。
===
Pyongyang remains defiant
Meanwhile, North Korea has caused further concern by escalating its bellicose rhetoric.
懸念されるのは、北朝鮮が恫喝(どうかつ)の度合いを強めていることだ。
The supreme command of the Korean People's Army threatened the United States, saying Pyongyang is ready to counter with advanced nuclear arms so that Washington will be "engulfed in a sea of fire." The North Korean Foreign Ministry also said Pyongyang will exercise its right to "a preemptive nuclear attack" on the United States.
朝鮮人民軍最高司令部は、「精密核攻撃手段で立ち向かう」「押せば発射、放てば火の海になる」と米国をあからさまに威嚇し、外務省も「核先制攻撃の権利を行使することになる」と宣言した。
North Korea reportedly plans to hold a military parade in July to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the armistice in the Korean War. The parade is apparently aimed at enhancing the authority of Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, amid increased tensions with the United States.
朝鮮戦争の休戦協定署名から６０周年の７月に北朝鮮は「閲兵式」を計画している。米国との対決を背景に、金正恩第１書記の権威を高める狙いがあるのだろう。
Concerns over the regime of Kim Jong Un cannot be dismissed, as it has put priority on military-first politics and nuclear weapons, instead of rebuilding the country's economy, and deepened its isolation from the international community. Other countries must not lower their guard against Pyongyang's military and other provocative acts.
経済再建よりも核武装化の「先軍政治」を優先し、世界で孤立を深める金正恩政権の行方には危うさがつきまとう。関係国は、武力挑発などへの警戒を怠れない。
Japan needs to keep its eye on North Korea's moves and increase cooperation with the United States and South Korea to prepare for every possible contingency.
日本は、北朝鮮の動向を注視し、あらゆる事態に備え、米国や韓国と連携を強化する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 9, 2013)
（2013年3月9日01時55分 読売新聞）
China's implementation is key for N. Korea sanctions
北朝鮮制裁決議 中国が履行せねば効果はない（3月9日付・読売社説）
New U.N. sanctions against North Korea are intended to increase international pressure on Pyongyang to shut down its nuclear weapons programs.
北朝鮮の核武装化に歯止めをかけようとする国際社会の圧力強化だ。
In a unanimous vote, the U.N. Security Council on Thursday passed a resolution to impose additional, tougher economic sanctions on North Korea in response to its nuclear test last month, the third it has conducted.
国連の安全保障理事会が、３回目の核実験を強行した北朝鮮に対し、経済制裁を追加、強化する決議を全会一致で採択した。
The resolution called for substantially stricter restrictions and surveillance on movements of money, goods and people related to North Korea's nuclear and missile development programs. While past resolutions merely asked member states to implement major sanction measures, the latest resolution obliges them to do so.
決議は、北朝鮮の核兵器・弾道ミサイル開発計画に関係するカネ、モノ、ヒトの移動の制限・監視を大幅に強化し、主要な制裁措置の実施を各国に義務づける内容だ。「要請」にとどまっていた従来の決議より踏み込んだ。
The past three resolutions against North Korea adopted by the U.N. Security Council have proved ineffective and failed to stop the country's nuclear and missile buildup. Apparently drawing a lesson from its failure, the United Nations has sent a more powerful message from the international community to North Korea this time. We approve.
過去３度の安保理の制裁決議は実効性を欠き、北朝鮮の核やミサイルの開発を阻止できなかった。その教訓を踏まえ、国際社会の強い決意を示したと評価できる。
===
New steps expand ban
To stop flows of money, U.N. member states are required to freeze financial transactions and services with North Korea as well as transfers of bulk cash to the country.
カネの移動を止めるため、各国は北朝鮮との金融取引や金融サービスを停止し、大量の現金持ち運びを制止しなければならない。
The latest resolution also calls on member states to inspect North Korea-related cargo suspected of containing banned items and deny entry to vessels that refuse to be inspected.
決議は、禁制品積載が疑われる貨物船への検査実施や、検査を拒否した船の入港禁止も定めた。
The countries are also obliged to deport North Korean nationals with suspected links to their country's nuclear and missile development.
核・ミサイル開発との関係が疑われる北朝鮮人を国外強制退去させることも義務づけている。
To make the sanctions effective, it is essential that China--North Korea's biggest trade partner and main benefactor--implement the resolution fully.
制裁の実効性を高めるには、北朝鮮の最大の貿易相手国かつ援助国である中国が、決議を確実に履行することが欠かせない。
China was initially reluctant to agree to sanctions such as one requiring inspections of North Korean cargo. However, Beijing gave a green light to such measures after finding it difficult to continue to stand up for a defiant Pyongyang. We hope the new measures will prove effective by being implemented thoroughly.
貨物検査などの義務化に消極的だった中国も、北朝鮮をかばいきれず、制裁強化に同意した。厳格な実施で効果を上げてほしい。
Meanwhile, North Korea reacted sharply against the new sanctions, vowing to take "powerful second and third countermeasures."
北朝鮮は、制裁強化に強く反発し、「より強力な２次、３次の対応措置」を予告している。
The U.N. resolution warns of even harsher action against North Korea if the country continues with nuclear tests and missile launches. In such an event, China may need to consider suspending its provision of energy to North Korea while South Korea might be well advised to consider closing down the Kaesong industrial complex, which it operates in cooperation with the North.
決議は、さらなる核実験やミサイル発射には、「さらなる重大な措置をとる」と警告した。中国はエネルギー供給の中止を、韓国は北朝鮮・開城工業団地の閉鎖を検討してもよいのではないか。
===
Pyongyang remains defiant
Meanwhile, North Korea has caused further concern by escalating its bellicose rhetoric.
懸念されるのは、北朝鮮が恫喝(どうかつ)の度合いを強めていることだ。
The supreme command of the Korean People's Army threatened the United States, saying Pyongyang is ready to counter with advanced nuclear arms so that Washington will be "engulfed in a sea of fire." The North Korean Foreign Ministry also said Pyongyang will exercise its right to "a preemptive nuclear attack" on the United States.
朝鮮人民軍最高司令部は、「精密核攻撃手段で立ち向かう」「押せば発射、放てば火の海になる」と米国をあからさまに威嚇し、外務省も「核先制攻撃の権利を行使することになる」と宣言した。
North Korea reportedly plans to hold a military parade in July to commemorate the 60th anniversary of the armistice in the Korean War. The parade is apparently aimed at enhancing the authority of Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea, amid increased tensions with the United States.
朝鮮戦争の休戦協定署名から６０周年の７月に北朝鮮は「閲兵式」を計画している。米国との対決を背景に、金正恩第１書記の権威を高める狙いがあるのだろう。
Concerns over the regime of Kim Jong Un cannot be dismissed, as it has put priority on military-first politics and nuclear weapons, instead of rebuilding the country's economy, and deepened its isolation from the international community. Other countries must not lower their guard against Pyongyang's military and other provocative acts.
経済再建よりも核武装化の「先軍政治」を優先し、世界で孤立を深める金正恩政権の行方には危うさがつきまとう。関係国は、武力挑発などへの警戒を怠れない。
Japan needs to keep its eye on North Korea's moves and increase cooperation with the United States and South Korea to prepare for every possible contingency.
日本は、北朝鮮の動向を注視し、あらゆる事態に備え、米国や韓国と連携を強化する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 9, 2013)
（2013年3月9日01時55分 読売新聞）
2013/03/10
シャープ再建 サムスンの出資に頼る苦渋策
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 9, 2013)
Sharp must accelerate rehab efforts with capital tie-up with Samsung
シャープ再建 サムスンの出資に頼る苦渋策（3月8日付・読売社説）
Sharp Corp., which has been in corporate rehabilitation, now aims to ensure its survival through a capital tie-up with longtime rival Samsung Electronics Co. of South Korea.
経営再建中のシャープが、長年のライバル、韓国サムスン電子との資本提携で生き残りを目指すことになった。
Sharp took a step toward strengthening its financial base with the tie-up, but uncertainty still looms over the company's future. Sharp is urged to swiftly advance its management reform with the tie-up as leverage.
財務基盤の強化へ、一歩前進だが、先行きは不透明である。提携をテコにした経営改革のスピードが問われよう。
According to the terms of their agreement, Samsung will invest 10.3 billion yen in capital and is expected to own a 3 percent stake in Sharp.
合意によると、サムスンがシャープに１０３億円を出資し、出資比率は３％になる見通しだ。
Sharp plans to provide Samsung with liquid crystal display (LCD) panels for smartphones and television sets, regaining sales in an effort to improve earnings. Samsung, for its part, focused on the advantage of stable procurement of LCD panels.
シャープは、サムスンにスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）やテレビ向けの液晶パネルを供給して販売を回復し、収益力の向上を狙う。サムスンはパネルを安定調達できる利点に着目した。
===
Deadlock in renegotiations
Hit by such factors as failed major investments and a sales slump in LCD panels, Sharp is expected to post a deficit for fiscal 2012, for the second business year in a row.
過剰投資の失敗と液晶パネルの販売不振などが響き、シャープは２０１３年３月期に２期連続で巨額赤字を計上する見込みだ。
A year ago, Sharp agreed to accept capital investment from major Taiwan manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. However, renegotiations with Hon Hai, which demanded a review of the terms of the agreement, hit a deadlock, raising concern over Sharp's ability to raise operational funds.
シャープは１年前、台湾の製造大手、鴻海(ホンハイ)精密工業から出資を受けることで合意した。しかし、条件見直しを求める鴻海との再交渉が暗礁に乗り上げ、資金繰りが不安視されていた。
With no bright prospects in its negotiations with Hon Hai, Sharp must have made the painful choice to ask Samsung for capital investment.
交渉の展望が見えない中で、サムスンに出資を求めるという苦渋の決断を下したのだろう。
Japanese and South Korean electronics manufacturers have battled fiercely since the 1990s in such fields as semiconductors, flat-screen TVs, LCD panels and lithium-ion batteries.
日韓の電機メーカーは１９９０年代から、半導体、薄型テレビ、液晶パネル、リチウムイオン電池などで激しく競争してきた。
At first, technologically superior Japanese firms were dominant, but in recent years Samsung and other South Korean firms have grown rapidly. Currently, the positions are reversed.
当初は技術力に勝る日本勢が優勢だったが、近年はサムスンなどが急成長して立場が逆転した。
The rare situation of a Japanese company accepting a major investment of capital from a South Korean one symbolizes the difference in vigor between companies in the two countries.
日本企業が韓国側から出資を受け入れるという異例の事態は、勢いの差を象徴している。
The focus from now on is whether Sharp can fully utilize the benefits of the tie-up with Samsung in accelerating its corporate rehabilitation efforts.
今後の焦点は、シャープがサムスンとの提携効果を生かし、再建を加速できるかどうかだ。
First, the company will be required to increase operation rates of factories by expanding sales routes of LCD panels and get its business into the black.
まず、液晶パネルの販路拡大で工場の稼働率を上げ、事業を黒字化することが求められよう。
Sharp has been making small and medium-size LCD panels for smartphones and tablet computers of Apple Inc. of the United States, which entrusts Hon Hai with the production of its products.
シャープは従来、米アップルのスマートフォン向けの中小型パネルを生産し、鴻海がアップル製品を受託製造する関係にある。
Sharp will provide small and medium-size LCDs to Samsung, which has been at loggerheads with Apple. The success or failure of this strategy, a departure from its dependence on Apple, will bear watching.
シャープは、アップルと争うサムスンにも中小型パネルを供給することになるが、「脱アップル依存」戦略の成否が注目される。
===
Prevent tech outflow
Sharp, which is obliged to redeem a huge amount of corporate bonds this autumn, still has a weak capital base. Further improvement of its financial capacity is an urgent task.
巨額の社債償還を今秋に控えたシャープの資金基盤はまだ弱い。一層の財務改善も急務だ。
Another concern is the possibility of an overseas outflow of Sharp's state-of-art technologies. Because of the capital tie-up, we wonder if Samsung may ask Sharp to provide its technologies to the South Korean firm. Countermeasures are needed to protect the technical base of Japan's creative manufacturing.
懸念されるのは、シャープの最先端技術の流出である。サムスンとの提携により、技術提供を要求されないか。日本のもの作りの基盤を守る対策も必要である。
Management rehabilitation is still under way at Japanese home appliance companies, including Panasonic Corp. We hope each of those companies will redouble its efforts to rise again, in line with the policy of the government, which attaches importance to strengthening industrial competitiveness.
パナソニックなど日本の家電各社は経営立て直しの途上にある。産業競争力強化を重視する政府と歩調を合わせ、各社が巻き返し策を急いでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 8, 2013)
（2013年3月8日01時30分 読売新聞）
Sharp must accelerate rehab efforts with capital tie-up with Samsung
シャープ再建 サムスンの出資に頼る苦渋策（3月8日付・読売社説）
Sharp Corp., which has been in corporate rehabilitation, now aims to ensure its survival through a capital tie-up with longtime rival Samsung Electronics Co. of South Korea.
経営再建中のシャープが、長年のライバル、韓国サムスン電子との資本提携で生き残りを目指すことになった。
Sharp took a step toward strengthening its financial base with the tie-up, but uncertainty still looms over the company's future. Sharp is urged to swiftly advance its management reform with the tie-up as leverage.
財務基盤の強化へ、一歩前進だが、先行きは不透明である。提携をテコにした経営改革のスピードが問われよう。
According to the terms of their agreement, Samsung will invest 10.3 billion yen in capital and is expected to own a 3 percent stake in Sharp.
合意によると、サムスンがシャープに１０３億円を出資し、出資比率は３％になる見通しだ。
Sharp plans to provide Samsung with liquid crystal display (LCD) panels for smartphones and television sets, regaining sales in an effort to improve earnings. Samsung, for its part, focused on the advantage of stable procurement of LCD panels.
シャープは、サムスンにスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）やテレビ向けの液晶パネルを供給して販売を回復し、収益力の向上を狙う。サムスンはパネルを安定調達できる利点に着目した。
===
Deadlock in renegotiations
Hit by such factors as failed major investments and a sales slump in LCD panels, Sharp is expected to post a deficit for fiscal 2012, for the second business year in a row.
過剰投資の失敗と液晶パネルの販売不振などが響き、シャープは２０１３年３月期に２期連続で巨額赤字を計上する見込みだ。
A year ago, Sharp agreed to accept capital investment from major Taiwan manufacturer Hon Hai Precision Industry Co. However, renegotiations with Hon Hai, which demanded a review of the terms of the agreement, hit a deadlock, raising concern over Sharp's ability to raise operational funds.
シャープは１年前、台湾の製造大手、鴻海(ホンハイ)精密工業から出資を受けることで合意した。しかし、条件見直しを求める鴻海との再交渉が暗礁に乗り上げ、資金繰りが不安視されていた。
With no bright prospects in its negotiations with Hon Hai, Sharp must have made the painful choice to ask Samsung for capital investment.
交渉の展望が見えない中で、サムスンに出資を求めるという苦渋の決断を下したのだろう。
Japanese and South Korean electronics manufacturers have battled fiercely since the 1990s in such fields as semiconductors, flat-screen TVs, LCD panels and lithium-ion batteries.
日韓の電機メーカーは１９９０年代から、半導体、薄型テレビ、液晶パネル、リチウムイオン電池などで激しく競争してきた。
At first, technologically superior Japanese firms were dominant, but in recent years Samsung and other South Korean firms have grown rapidly. Currently, the positions are reversed.
当初は技術力に勝る日本勢が優勢だったが、近年はサムスンなどが急成長して立場が逆転した。
The rare situation of a Japanese company accepting a major investment of capital from a South Korean one symbolizes the difference in vigor between companies in the two countries.
日本企業が韓国側から出資を受け入れるという異例の事態は、勢いの差を象徴している。
The focus from now on is whether Sharp can fully utilize the benefits of the tie-up with Samsung in accelerating its corporate rehabilitation efforts.
今後の焦点は、シャープがサムスンとの提携効果を生かし、再建を加速できるかどうかだ。
First, the company will be required to increase operation rates of factories by expanding sales routes of LCD panels and get its business into the black.
まず、液晶パネルの販路拡大で工場の稼働率を上げ、事業を黒字化することが求められよう。
Sharp has been making small and medium-size LCD panels for smartphones and tablet computers of Apple Inc. of the United States, which entrusts Hon Hai with the production of its products.
シャープは従来、米アップルのスマートフォン向けの中小型パネルを生産し、鴻海がアップル製品を受託製造する関係にある。
Sharp will provide small and medium-size LCDs to Samsung, which has been at loggerheads with Apple. The success or failure of this strategy, a departure from its dependence on Apple, will bear watching.
シャープは、アップルと争うサムスンにも中小型パネルを供給することになるが、「脱アップル依存」戦略の成否が注目される。
===
Prevent tech outflow
Sharp, which is obliged to redeem a huge amount of corporate bonds this autumn, still has a weak capital base. Further improvement of its financial capacity is an urgent task.
巨額の社債償還を今秋に控えたシャープの資金基盤はまだ弱い。一層の財務改善も急務だ。
Another concern is the possibility of an overseas outflow of Sharp's state-of-art technologies. Because of the capital tie-up, we wonder if Samsung may ask Sharp to provide its technologies to the South Korean firm. Countermeasures are needed to protect the technical base of Japan's creative manufacturing.
懸念されるのは、シャープの最先端技術の流出である。サムスンとの提携により、技術提供を要求されないか。日本のもの作りの基盤を守る対策も必要である。
Management rehabilitation is still under way at Japanese home appliance companies, including Panasonic Corp. We hope each of those companies will redouble its efforts to rise again, in line with the policy of the government, which attaches importance to strengthening industrial competitiveness.
パナソニックなど日本の家電各社は経営立て直しの途上にある。産業競争力強化を重視する政府と歩調を合わせ、各社が巻き返し策を急いでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 8, 2013)
（2013年3月8日01時30分 読売新聞）
2013/03/09
１票の格差違憲 立法府は司法の警告に応えよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 8, 2013)
Diet must correct disparities in value of votes
１票の格差違憲 立法府は司法の警告に応えよ（3月7日付・読売社説）
Once again, a severe judgment has been handed down against the Diet, which keeps on failing to correct disparities in the value of votes.
「１票の格差」を一向に是正しない国会に対する厳しい司法判断が、再び示された。
The Tokyo High Court on Wednesday said the December House of Representatives election, in which votes in some constituencies carried up to 2.43 times the weight of votes in other constituencies, was unconstitutional, as it violated the Constitution's stipulation of people's equality under the law.
格差が最大で２・４３倍だった昨年１２月の衆院選について、東京高裁は、法の下の平等を定めた憲法に違反していたと断じる「違憲判決」を言い渡した。
The Diet has had ample time to correct the disparities, but it took no effective measures before carrying out the election. The high court criticized the Diet's inaction, calling it a lapse that cannot be overlooked.
格差是正の時間的余裕はあったのに、有効な措置を講じず、選挙を実施した国会の不作為を「看過できない」と批判した。
Lawmakers must take the court ruling seriously and correct the disparities without further delay.
国会は判決を重く受け止め、格差是正を急がねばならない。
The latest ruling was handed down in light of a decision made by the Grand Bench of the Supreme Court in March 2011.
今回の判決は、最高裁大法廷が２０１１年３月に出した判決を踏まえたものだ。
In that ruling, the top court said that the 2009 lower house election, when the maximum disparity was 2.30, was held under a considerably unequal situation. However, it stopped short of declaring it unconstitutional, instead judging it to be in a "state of unconstitutionality." The court explained this by saying, "A reasonable time period to correct the disparities has not yet elapsed."
最高裁は格差が最大２・３０倍だった０９年衆院選について、著しい不平等は認めたが、「違憲状態」との判断にとどめていた。「是正する合理的期間は過ぎていない」という理由からだった。
===
No measures taken
During the extraordinary Diet session, the ruling and opposition parties made a legal revision to cut five lower house seats by scrapping five single-seat constituencies. However, a review of electoral districts based on the law was not made in time for the December election, which was thus held in the unconstitutional state.
与野党は先の臨時国会で、緊急避難的に小選挙区を「０増５減」とする法改正を行った。だが、区割り作業は間に合わず、衆院選は違憲状態のままで行われた。
Despite the warning from the Supreme Court, correction of the disparities in vote values did not progress. The Tokyo High Court did not declare the election invalid, but its decision surely goes farther than the 2011 Supreme Court ruling.
最高裁が警鐘を鳴らしたにもかかわらず、格差是正は進まない。東京高裁は、選挙無効こそ認めなかったものの、一歩踏み込んだ判断を示したと言える。
Similar cases are currently being tried at 14 high courts and branches throughout the country. All of the rulings are scheduled to be handed down within this month.
同様の訴訟は、全国１４の高裁・支部で審理され、いずれも今月中に判決が言い渡される。
The Public Offices Election Law requires a court to try to hand down a ruling within 100 days after a suit is filed. Although there have been past cases in which it took more than half a year for courts to hand down decisions, courts are now following the rule, thus urging the Diet to take swift corrective action.
公職選挙法には、裁判所は提訴から１００日以内に判決を出すよう努めるとの規定がある。これまでは半年以上かかるケースがあったが、今回、規定通りに判断を示す裁判所の姿勢は、国会に速やかな格差是正を迫るものだ。
===
Division of ultimate power
The group of lawyers who filed the latest suit argued, based in part on the Constitution's preamble that "sovereign power resides with the people," that the vote of one person holding such power should be strictly equal to the votes of others.
訴訟を起こした弁護士グループは、憲法前文にある「国民主権」の見地などから、主権者である国民の１票は厳格に平等でなければならない、と主張した。
The Tokyo High Court rejected this claim, but it will be a focal point in subsequent rulings to come.
東京高裁は、この主張については退けたが、今後の判決でも注目点の一つとなるだろう。
Members of the ruling and opposition parties said, "We will take the ruling seriously," or "The ruling includes condemnation of the legislative branch of the government." These are natural responses. Lawmakers must take concrete action to improve the situation.
判決に対して与野党は「厳粛に受け止める」「立法府への糾弾の意味も含まれている」としている。当然の反応である。ただちに具体的な行動をとるべきだ。
The Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan have agreed to carry out a drastic review of the lower house election system, including reduction of lower house seats, during the current Diet session. However, work to realize the agreement has been slow. Since the election system affects the rise and fall of political parties, it must face twists and turns for the parties to reach an agreement on concrete measures.
自民、公明、民主３党は、今国会中に定数是正を含む衆院選挙制度の抜本的な見直しを行うことで合意したものの、作業は遅々として進展していない。選挙制度は、各党の消長にかかわる問題だけに、合意形成は難航しよう。
However, they have little time. Further negligence is simply unacceptable, as it erodes the very authority of the Diet as the legislative branch.
だが、時間は限られている。立法府の権威を自らおとしめる、これ以上の怠慢は許されない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 7, 2013)
（2013年3月7日01時21分 読売新聞）
Diet must correct disparities in value of votes
１票の格差違憲 立法府は司法の警告に応えよ（3月7日付・読売社説）
Once again, a severe judgment has been handed down against the Diet, which keeps on failing to correct disparities in the value of votes.
「１票の格差」を一向に是正しない国会に対する厳しい司法判断が、再び示された。
The Tokyo High Court on Wednesday said the December House of Representatives election, in which votes in some constituencies carried up to 2.43 times the weight of votes in other constituencies, was unconstitutional, as it violated the Constitution's stipulation of people's equality under the law.
格差が最大で２・４３倍だった昨年１２月の衆院選について、東京高裁は、法の下の平等を定めた憲法に違反していたと断じる「違憲判決」を言い渡した。
The Diet has had ample time to correct the disparities, but it took no effective measures before carrying out the election. The high court criticized the Diet's inaction, calling it a lapse that cannot be overlooked.
格差是正の時間的余裕はあったのに、有効な措置を講じず、選挙を実施した国会の不作為を「看過できない」と批判した。
Lawmakers must take the court ruling seriously and correct the disparities without further delay.
国会は判決を重く受け止め、格差是正を急がねばならない。
The latest ruling was handed down in light of a decision made by the Grand Bench of the Supreme Court in March 2011.
今回の判決は、最高裁大法廷が２０１１年３月に出した判決を踏まえたものだ。
In that ruling, the top court said that the 2009 lower house election, when the maximum disparity was 2.30, was held under a considerably unequal situation. However, it stopped short of declaring it unconstitutional, instead judging it to be in a "state of unconstitutionality." The court explained this by saying, "A reasonable time period to correct the disparities has not yet elapsed."
最高裁は格差が最大２・３０倍だった０９年衆院選について、著しい不平等は認めたが、「違憲状態」との判断にとどめていた。「是正する合理的期間は過ぎていない」という理由からだった。
===
No measures taken
During the extraordinary Diet session, the ruling and opposition parties made a legal revision to cut five lower house seats by scrapping five single-seat constituencies. However, a review of electoral districts based on the law was not made in time for the December election, which was thus held in the unconstitutional state.
与野党は先の臨時国会で、緊急避難的に小選挙区を「０増５減」とする法改正を行った。だが、区割り作業は間に合わず、衆院選は違憲状態のままで行われた。
Despite the warning from the Supreme Court, correction of the disparities in vote values did not progress. The Tokyo High Court did not declare the election invalid, but its decision surely goes farther than the 2011 Supreme Court ruling.
最高裁が警鐘を鳴らしたにもかかわらず、格差是正は進まない。東京高裁は、選挙無効こそ認めなかったものの、一歩踏み込んだ判断を示したと言える。
Similar cases are currently being tried at 14 high courts and branches throughout the country. All of the rulings are scheduled to be handed down within this month.
同様の訴訟は、全国１４の高裁・支部で審理され、いずれも今月中に判決が言い渡される。
The Public Offices Election Law requires a court to try to hand down a ruling within 100 days after a suit is filed. Although there have been past cases in which it took more than half a year for courts to hand down decisions, courts are now following the rule, thus urging the Diet to take swift corrective action.
公職選挙法には、裁判所は提訴から１００日以内に判決を出すよう努めるとの規定がある。これまでは半年以上かかるケースがあったが、今回、規定通りに判断を示す裁判所の姿勢は、国会に速やかな格差是正を迫るものだ。
===
Division of ultimate power
The group of lawyers who filed the latest suit argued, based in part on the Constitution's preamble that "sovereign power resides with the people," that the vote of one person holding such power should be strictly equal to the votes of others.
訴訟を起こした弁護士グループは、憲法前文にある「国民主権」の見地などから、主権者である国民の１票は厳格に平等でなければならない、と主張した。
The Tokyo High Court rejected this claim, but it will be a focal point in subsequent rulings to come.
東京高裁は、この主張については退けたが、今後の判決でも注目点の一つとなるだろう。
Members of the ruling and opposition parties said, "We will take the ruling seriously," or "The ruling includes condemnation of the legislative branch of the government." These are natural responses. Lawmakers must take concrete action to improve the situation.
判決に対して与野党は「厳粛に受け止める」「立法府への糾弾の意味も含まれている」としている。当然の反応である。ただちに具体的な行動をとるべきだ。
The Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan have agreed to carry out a drastic review of the lower house election system, including reduction of lower house seats, during the current Diet session. However, work to realize the agreement has been slow. Since the election system affects the rise and fall of political parties, it must face twists and turns for the parties to reach an agreement on concrete measures.
自民、公明、民主３党は、今国会中に定数是正を含む衆院選挙制度の抜本的な見直しを行うことで合意したものの、作業は遅々として進展していない。選挙制度は、各党の消長にかかわる問題だけに、合意形成は難航しよう。
However, they have little time. Further negligence is simply unacceptable, as it erodes the very authority of the Diet as the legislative branch.
だが、時間は限られている。立法府の権威を自らおとしめる、これ以上の怠慢は許されない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 7, 2013)
（2013年3月7日01時21分 読売新聞）
2013/03/08
中国国防費膨張 「海洋強国化」は危険な軍拡だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 7, 2013)
China's dangerous maritime expansion
中国国防費膨張 「海洋強国化」は危険な軍拡だ（3月6日付・読売社説）
China, which has trumpeted its desire to become a maritime power, has been rapidly expanding its military might.
「海洋強国化」を掲げる中国が、軍事力を急激に膨張させている。
If Xi Jinping's administration wants to dispel the "China threat theory" being increasingly espoused by neighboring countries, it should commit itself to making its military power more transparent and actively engage in confidence-building steps.
周辺国で高まる「中国脅威論」を、習近平政権が否定するのなら、軍事力の透明性向上や信頼醸成に積極的に取り組むべきだ。
At the National People's Congress, or parliament, that convened Tuesday, China unveiled a 10.7 percent year-on-year increase in defense spending in the 2013 national budget to about 740.6 billion yuan (about 11.11 trillion yen). This is about 2.4 times the size of Japan's defense budget.
中国の全国人民代表大会（全人代＝国会）が開幕し、公表された２０１３年の国家予算案で、国防費は前年実績比１０・７％増の約７４０６億元（約１１兆１１００億円）に上った。日本の防衛予算の約２・４倍の規模である。
China's defense budget has logged double-digit increases for more than 20 consecutive years, excluding 2010, when the global recession buffeted that country. Its actual military expenditure remains unclear because the disclosed figure does not include money earmarked for weapon research and development, for example.
世界同時不況が影響した１０年を除き、国防費の２ケタ増は２０年以上続いている。公表分に兵器の研究開発費などは含まれないとされ、不透明さは変わらない。
China should fully disclose the breakdown of its defense budget and plans to introduce military equipment.
国防費の内訳や装備導入計画を公開することが求められる。
China's military expansion policy, which is behind the substantial rise in defense spending, also is a destabilizing factor that could trigger military expansion in neighboring nations, including India.
国防費大幅増の背景にある軍拡路線は、インドなど周辺国の軍拡を招く不安定要因でもある。
===
Senkakus need vigilance
The Xi administration probably will appropriate this budget predominantly to projects reinforcing China's navy and air force so it can encircle the East China Sea and the South China Sea as "China's Sea," to counter the U.S. strategy that places greater emphasis on Asia.
習政権は、「アジア重視」戦略を進める米国に対抗し、東シナ海と南シナ海を「中国の海」として囲い込むため海空軍力増強に予算を重点的に投入するのだろう。
China's military has been accelerating development of its own stealth fighter jet and construction of domestic aircraft carriers and new frigates. It reportedly has conducted about 40 exercises this year.
中国軍は、ステルス機の開発のほか、国産空母や新型フリゲート艦などの建造を急いでいる。今年の演習は約４０回に上るという。
This year's government work report delivered at the National People's Congress stressed that China will protect its maritime interests. The Chinese Navy and State Oceanic Administration have confirmed they will strengthen their cooperation.
全人代の今年の政府活動報告は、「国家の海洋権益を守っていく」と強調した。海軍と国家海洋局は連携強化を確認している。
There is the possibility that Chinese surveillance ships, with assistance from the navy, could take a more hard-line stance around the Senkaku Islands. Chinese vessels might seize Japanese fishing boats or apprehend their crew members. Japanese authorities must step up their vigilance.
尖閣諸島周辺で、中国の監視船が海軍の支援を受け、さらなる強硬姿勢をとる可能性も出てきた。日本漁船の拿捕(だほ)や船員の拘束も起きかねない。日本は警戒を強める必要がある。
===
More provocations possible
Automatic spending cuts that have started in the United States could restrict U.S. military operations in the western Pacific. Given the circumstances, there are concerns the Chinese Navy may instigate a provocation similar to the incident this year in which a Chinese frigate locked its fire-control radar on a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel.
米国の歳出強制削減で西太平洋での米軍活動が抑制されかねない中、懸念されるのは、海上自衛隊艦艇へのレーダー照射事件のような中国海軍の挑発行動である。
China should try to build trust with Japan by resuming talks on establishing a bilateral system for emergency communications at sea. Tokyo must enhance the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. alliance and do everything in its power to defend the Senkaku Islands.
中国は、海上での緊急連絡体制の構築を目的とする日本との協議を再開させ、信頼醸成を図るべきだ。日本は、日米同盟の抑止力を高め、尖閣諸島の防衛態勢に万全を期さなければならない。
Dealing with environmental problems is an urgent task for the Xi administration. Serious air pollution in China has exposed the limits of Beijing's policy of focusing on economic growth above all else. We think China should also appropriate more of its budget to expanding the social security system in preparation for the costs that will come with its rapidly graying population.
習政権にとって喫緊の課題は環境問題への対応だ。深刻な大気汚染は成長至上主義の限界を露呈している。急速な高齢化に備えた社会保障の拡充にも、さらに予算を投入すべきではないか。
Meanwhile, China's domestic security budget exceeds the defense budget. This indicates that the Chinese government believes it has no choice but to flex strong state power to deal with disturbances that frequently erupt across that country.
その一方で、国内治安対策費は国防予算を上回っている。全土で多発する暴動に、強権で対処せざるを得ないのだろう。
Stimulating a sense of national greatness among Chinese people by military expansion, thereby diverting domestic frustrations to external elements, is a dangerous game.
軍拡によって国民の大国意識を刺激し、不満を外にそらすのは、危険な手法である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 6, 2013)
（2013年3月6日02時05分 読売新聞）
China's dangerous maritime expansion
中国国防費膨張 「海洋強国化」は危険な軍拡だ（3月6日付・読売社説）
China, which has trumpeted its desire to become a maritime power, has been rapidly expanding its military might.
「海洋強国化」を掲げる中国が、軍事力を急激に膨張させている。
If Xi Jinping's administration wants to dispel the "China threat theory" being increasingly espoused by neighboring countries, it should commit itself to making its military power more transparent and actively engage in confidence-building steps.
周辺国で高まる「中国脅威論」を、習近平政権が否定するのなら、軍事力の透明性向上や信頼醸成に積極的に取り組むべきだ。
At the National People's Congress, or parliament, that convened Tuesday, China unveiled a 10.7 percent year-on-year increase in defense spending in the 2013 national budget to about 740.6 billion yuan (about 11.11 trillion yen). This is about 2.4 times the size of Japan's defense budget.
中国の全国人民代表大会（全人代＝国会）が開幕し、公表された２０１３年の国家予算案で、国防費は前年実績比１０・７％増の約７４０６億元（約１１兆１１００億円）に上った。日本の防衛予算の約２・４倍の規模である。
China's defense budget has logged double-digit increases for more than 20 consecutive years, excluding 2010, when the global recession buffeted that country. Its actual military expenditure remains unclear because the disclosed figure does not include money earmarked for weapon research and development, for example.
世界同時不況が影響した１０年を除き、国防費の２ケタ増は２０年以上続いている。公表分に兵器の研究開発費などは含まれないとされ、不透明さは変わらない。
China should fully disclose the breakdown of its defense budget and plans to introduce military equipment.
国防費の内訳や装備導入計画を公開することが求められる。
China's military expansion policy, which is behind the substantial rise in defense spending, also is a destabilizing factor that could trigger military expansion in neighboring nations, including India.
国防費大幅増の背景にある軍拡路線は、インドなど周辺国の軍拡を招く不安定要因でもある。
===
Senkakus need vigilance
The Xi administration probably will appropriate this budget predominantly to projects reinforcing China's navy and air force so it can encircle the East China Sea and the South China Sea as "China's Sea," to counter the U.S. strategy that places greater emphasis on Asia.
習政権は、「アジア重視」戦略を進める米国に対抗し、東シナ海と南シナ海を「中国の海」として囲い込むため海空軍力増強に予算を重点的に投入するのだろう。
China's military has been accelerating development of its own stealth fighter jet and construction of domestic aircraft carriers and new frigates. It reportedly has conducted about 40 exercises this year.
中国軍は、ステルス機の開発のほか、国産空母や新型フリゲート艦などの建造を急いでいる。今年の演習は約４０回に上るという。
This year's government work report delivered at the National People's Congress stressed that China will protect its maritime interests. The Chinese Navy and State Oceanic Administration have confirmed they will strengthen their cooperation.
全人代の今年の政府活動報告は、「国家の海洋権益を守っていく」と強調した。海軍と国家海洋局は連携強化を確認している。
There is the possibility that Chinese surveillance ships, with assistance from the navy, could take a more hard-line stance around the Senkaku Islands. Chinese vessels might seize Japanese fishing boats or apprehend their crew members. Japanese authorities must step up their vigilance.
尖閣諸島周辺で、中国の監視船が海軍の支援を受け、さらなる強硬姿勢をとる可能性も出てきた。日本漁船の拿捕(だほ)や船員の拘束も起きかねない。日本は警戒を強める必要がある。
===
More provocations possible
Automatic spending cuts that have started in the United States could restrict U.S. military operations in the western Pacific. Given the circumstances, there are concerns the Chinese Navy may instigate a provocation similar to the incident this year in which a Chinese frigate locked its fire-control radar on a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel.
米国の歳出強制削減で西太平洋での米軍活動が抑制されかねない中、懸念されるのは、海上自衛隊艦艇へのレーダー照射事件のような中国海軍の挑発行動である。
China should try to build trust with Japan by resuming talks on establishing a bilateral system for emergency communications at sea. Tokyo must enhance the deterrence of the Japan-U.S. alliance and do everything in its power to defend the Senkaku Islands.
中国は、海上での緊急連絡体制の構築を目的とする日本との協議を再開させ、信頼醸成を図るべきだ。日本は、日米同盟の抑止力を高め、尖閣諸島の防衛態勢に万全を期さなければならない。
Dealing with environmental problems is an urgent task for the Xi administration. Serious air pollution in China has exposed the limits of Beijing's policy of focusing on economic growth above all else. We think China should also appropriate more of its budget to expanding the social security system in preparation for the costs that will come with its rapidly graying population.
習政権にとって喫緊の課題は環境問題への対応だ。深刻な大気汚染は成長至上主義の限界を露呈している。急速な高齢化に備えた社会保障の拡充にも、さらに予算を投入すべきではないか。
Meanwhile, China's domestic security budget exceeds the defense budget. This indicates that the Chinese government believes it has no choice but to flex strong state power to deal with disturbances that frequently erupt across that country.
その一方で、国内治安対策費は国防予算を上回っている。全土で多発する暴動に、強権で対処せざるを得ないのだろう。
Stimulating a sense of national greatness among Chinese people by military expansion, thereby diverting domestic frustrations to external elements, is a dangerous game.
軍拡によって国民の大国意識を刺激し、不満を外にそらすのは、危険な手法である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 6, 2013)
（2013年3月6日02時05分 読売新聞）
2013/03/07
米国歳出削減 大統領と議会は混乱収拾急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 6, 2013)
Obama, Congress must unsnarl chaos over budget
米国歳出削減 大統領と議会は混乱収拾急げ（3月5日付・読売社説）
The automatic spending cuts aimed at slashing U.S. federal spending have been implemented. President Barack Obama and Republican and Democratic lawmakers must find points of compromise and unsnarl the confusion soon.
米国政府の歳出を強制的に削減する制度が発動された。オバマ米大統領と民主、共和両党は妥協点を探り、混乱の早期収拾を図るべきである。
The spending cuts amount to 1.2 trillion dollars (about 110 trillion yen) over a 10-year period, with 85 billion dollars, or about 10 percent of government spending for fiscal 2013 (which started on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30), to be cut.
歳出削減額は１０年間で１・２兆ドル（約１１０兆円）に上り、２０１３会計年度（１２年１０月～１３年９月）では、歳出の約１割に相当する８５０億ドルがカットされる。
The automatic budget cuts were mandated in legislation passed in the summer of 2011 when Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a fiscal reconstruction plan. Without an agreement on a middle- or long-term fiscal deficit-cutting deal, the budget cuts were to be invoked in January.
強制削減制度は、財政再建を巡る１１年夏の与野党攻防の際に設けられた。中長期的な財政赤字削減策をまとめられない場合、今年１月に発動する予定だった。
To avert the so-called fiscal cliff of automatic spending cuts and middle-class tax increases, at least as a temporary fix, the deadline for implementing the budget cuts was put off by two months.
But negotiations between Obama and both parties collapsed, leading to the automatic budget cuts. This is an extremely serious situation.
「財政の崖」をひとまず回避するため、発動期限は２か月先送りされたが、それでも大統領と与野党の協議が決裂し、発動を防げなかったのは深刻な事態だ。
While Obama and the Democrats have been calling for cutting the federal deficit by additional tax increases on the rich and spending cuts, Republicans adamantly oppose the tax increases.
大統領と与党・民主党は、富裕層への追加増税と歳出カットによる赤字削減を主張しているのに対し、共和党はあくまで、増税に反対する強硬姿勢を崩さない。
===
Deep-rooted confrontation
This resulted in a deep-rooted confrontation that started even before last year's presidential election.
昨年の大統領選挙前からの根深い対立を浮き彫りにしている。
The automatic spending cuts will not immediately damage the U.S. economy or affect the people's lives, but if they are kept in place for a protracted period of time, ill effects will be felt both at home and abroad. The situation must be watched.
歳出の強制削減によって、ただちに米国経済や国民生活に不都合が生じるものではないが、発動が長期化すれば、影響は内外に広がる。要警戒である。
For instance, with the cuts in spending on national defense, about 800,000 civilian personnel of the U.S. Defense Department face furloughs, which could hinder U.S. security operations in the western Pacific and Japan.
例えば、国防費削減で米軍の職員約８０万人が一時帰休を強いられて、西太平洋や日本などの安全保障に支障が生じかねない。
With the cuts in air traffic controllers, some airport control towers might be closed. A large number of teachers may also be fired. With the budget cuts, these scenarios will come closer to reality.
航空管制官の削減で管制塔が閉鎖したり、教員が大量解雇されたりする事態も現実味を帯びる。
In the long term, the cuts are likely to slow down the U.S. economy, which has at last shown signs of recovery, and also damage the world economy.
ようやく景気回復の傾向が出てきた米国経済の足を引っ張り、世界経済にも打撃を与えそうだ。
While the main budget for the current fiscal year has yet to be passed into law, the provisional six-month budget will expire on March 27.
今年度予算はまだ成立せず、暫定予算の失効が２７日に迫っている。
Unless the main budget or a new provisional budget is decided on, further disarray will follow and may even cause a government shutdown.
それまでに本予算も新たな暫定予算も決まらないと、政府窓口の一部閉鎖という、さらなる混乱に拡大するだろう。
The focal issue at least for the time being is whether the confrontation between Obama and congressional Republicans will end before such adverse effects spread.
当面の焦点は、そうした悪影響が広がる前に、対立に終止符を打てるかどうかである。
===
Radical solution required
The responsibilities of the president and the Congress are grave. It is important for them to compromise soon and produce a radical solution to realize both fiscal reconstruction and economic growth, instead of continuing an unproductive exchange of denunciations.
大統領と議会の責任は重大だ。不毛な非難合戦を続けるのではなく、財政再建と経済成長を両立させる抜本策について、速やかに歩み寄ることが肝要だ。
There are many pending problems over fiscal management. Unless the limit on federal borrowing is raised by the middle of May, the U.S. government may even default on its obligations.
財政を巡る懸案は多い。５月半ばまでに連邦債務上限を引き上げられない場合、債務不履行（デフォルト）に陥る恐れすらある。
The president and Democratic and Republican lawmakers have repeatedly put off solving problems every time their negotiations have deadlocked. But makeshift measures will not lead to a fundamental solution.
大統領と与野党はこれまで、協議が行き詰まるごとに、問題先送りを繰り返してきた。だが、その場しのぎの策では、根本的な解決にならない。
The big question is whether the United States can rid itself of "politics characterized by indecision."
「決められない政治」から脱することが厳しく問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 5, 2013)
（2013年3月5日01時29分 読売新聞）
Obama, Congress must unsnarl chaos over budget
米国歳出削減 大統領と議会は混乱収拾急げ（3月5日付・読売社説）
The automatic spending cuts aimed at slashing U.S. federal spending have been implemented. President Barack Obama and Republican and Democratic lawmakers must find points of compromise and unsnarl the confusion soon.
米国政府の歳出を強制的に削減する制度が発動された。オバマ米大統領と民主、共和両党は妥協点を探り、混乱の早期収拾を図るべきである。
The spending cuts amount to 1.2 trillion dollars (about 110 trillion yen) over a 10-year period, with 85 billion dollars, or about 10 percent of government spending for fiscal 2013 (which started on Oct. 1 and ends on Sept. 30), to be cut.
歳出削減額は１０年間で１・２兆ドル（約１１０兆円）に上り、２０１３会計年度（１２年１０月～１３年９月）では、歳出の約１割に相当する８５０億ドルがカットされる。
The automatic budget cuts were mandated in legislation passed in the summer of 2011 when Democrats and Republicans failed to agree on a fiscal reconstruction plan. Without an agreement on a middle- or long-term fiscal deficit-cutting deal, the budget cuts were to be invoked in January.
強制削減制度は、財政再建を巡る１１年夏の与野党攻防の際に設けられた。中長期的な財政赤字削減策をまとめられない場合、今年１月に発動する予定だった。
To avert the so-called fiscal cliff of automatic spending cuts and middle-class tax increases, at least as a temporary fix, the deadline for implementing the budget cuts was put off by two months.
But negotiations between Obama and both parties collapsed, leading to the automatic budget cuts. This is an extremely serious situation.
「財政の崖」をひとまず回避するため、発動期限は２か月先送りされたが、それでも大統領と与野党の協議が決裂し、発動を防げなかったのは深刻な事態だ。
While Obama and the Democrats have been calling for cutting the federal deficit by additional tax increases on the rich and spending cuts, Republicans adamantly oppose the tax increases.
大統領と与党・民主党は、富裕層への追加増税と歳出カットによる赤字削減を主張しているのに対し、共和党はあくまで、増税に反対する強硬姿勢を崩さない。
===
Deep-rooted confrontation
This resulted in a deep-rooted confrontation that started even before last year's presidential election.
昨年の大統領選挙前からの根深い対立を浮き彫りにしている。
The automatic spending cuts will not immediately damage the U.S. economy or affect the people's lives, but if they are kept in place for a protracted period of time, ill effects will be felt both at home and abroad. The situation must be watched.
歳出の強制削減によって、ただちに米国経済や国民生活に不都合が生じるものではないが、発動が長期化すれば、影響は内外に広がる。要警戒である。
For instance, with the cuts in spending on national defense, about 800,000 civilian personnel of the U.S. Defense Department face furloughs, which could hinder U.S. security operations in the western Pacific and Japan.
例えば、国防費削減で米軍の職員約８０万人が一時帰休を強いられて、西太平洋や日本などの安全保障に支障が生じかねない。
With the cuts in air traffic controllers, some airport control towers might be closed. A large number of teachers may also be fired. With the budget cuts, these scenarios will come closer to reality.
航空管制官の削減で管制塔が閉鎖したり、教員が大量解雇されたりする事態も現実味を帯びる。
In the long term, the cuts are likely to slow down the U.S. economy, which has at last shown signs of recovery, and also damage the world economy.
ようやく景気回復の傾向が出てきた米国経済の足を引っ張り、世界経済にも打撃を与えそうだ。
While the main budget for the current fiscal year has yet to be passed into law, the provisional six-month budget will expire on March 27.
今年度予算はまだ成立せず、暫定予算の失効が２７日に迫っている。
Unless the main budget or a new provisional budget is decided on, further disarray will follow and may even cause a government shutdown.
それまでに本予算も新たな暫定予算も決まらないと、政府窓口の一部閉鎖という、さらなる混乱に拡大するだろう。
The focal issue at least for the time being is whether the confrontation between Obama and congressional Republicans will end before such adverse effects spread.
当面の焦点は、そうした悪影響が広がる前に、対立に終止符を打てるかどうかである。
===
Radical solution required
The responsibilities of the president and the Congress are grave. It is important for them to compromise soon and produce a radical solution to realize both fiscal reconstruction and economic growth, instead of continuing an unproductive exchange of denunciations.
大統領と議会の責任は重大だ。不毛な非難合戦を続けるのではなく、財政再建と経済成長を両立させる抜本策について、速やかに歩み寄ることが肝要だ。
There are many pending problems over fiscal management. Unless the limit on federal borrowing is raised by the middle of May, the U.S. government may even default on its obligations.
財政を巡る懸案は多い。５月半ばまでに連邦債務上限を引き上げられない場合、債務不履行（デフォルト）に陥る恐れすらある。
The president and Democratic and Republican lawmakers have repeatedly put off solving problems every time their negotiations have deadlocked. But makeshift measures will not lead to a fundamental solution.
大統領と与野党はこれまで、協議が行き詰まるごとに、問題先送りを繰り返してきた。だが、その場しのぎの策では、根本的な解決にならない。
The big question is whether the United States can rid itself of "politics characterized by indecision."
「決められない政治」から脱することが厳しく問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 5, 2013)
（2013年3月5日01時29分 読売新聞）
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