The Yomiuri Shimbun May 12, 2013
Japan should use TPP, RCEP talks to improve its global trade position
アジアＦＴＡ ＴＰＰと両輪で交渉力発揮を（5月11日付・読売社説）
In addition to the ongoing U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership talks, negotiations for the formation of a huge new free trade framework in Asia have also got moving.
米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉に続き、アジアで別の巨大な自由貿易圏作りが動き出した。
To pursue national interests, Japan must bolster a strategy to promote the two sets of negotiations simultaneously.
日本は国益を追求するため、二つの交渉を同時に推進する戦略を強化すべきである。
The first meeting of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), consisting of 16 countries, began Thursday in Brunei. The 16 members are Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India, plus the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
日中韓と、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）、豪州、ニュージーランド、インドの１６か国による包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）の初交渉がブルネイで始まった。
The RCEP would be a free trade framework covering almost all of Asia. Its members' gross domestic products total 20 trillion dollars, accounting for 30 percent of the world's total.
ＲＣＥＰは、アジアのほぼ全域をカバーする自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）である。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は計２０兆ドルに達し、世界全体の３割を占める経済圏だ。
The 16 nations will hold negotiations on a wide field of issues, including lowering tariffs and reducing investment barriers, as they try to reach agreement by the end of 2015. It is very significant to establish an Asian free trade agreement involving China and India.
１６か国は、関税引き下げや投資障壁の削減など幅広い分野で交渉し、２０１５年末の妥結を目指している。中国とインドを含めたアジアＦＴＡの意義は大きい。
U.S.-China rivalry
China, which is not taking part in the TPP talks, has a strong sense of crisis over the idea that it will be left out in the cold in forming trade rules in Asia. China's active participation in the RCEP framework indicates its intention to compete with the United States.
ＴＰＰに不参加の中国は、アジアの貿易ルール作りから取り残されることへの危機感が強い。ＲＣＥＰに積極的に関わり、米国に対抗する狙いがうかがえる。
Compared with the TPP, which will call for abolishing tariffs in 10 years in principle, the RCEP seeks a milder level of liberalization.
原則として１０年間で関税を撤廃するＴＰＰに比べ、ＲＣＥＰで求められる自由化の水準は低い。
Nevertheless, once the RCEP framework is formed, it will make it easier for Japan to arrange a supply chain to link production bases in Asia. It will also help expand Japan's exports, thereby giving momentum to the country's growth strategy of tapping into overseas demand.
とは言え、構想が実現すれば、日本企業がアジアの生産拠点をつなぐサプライチェーン（供給網）を整えやすくなる。輸出拡大にもプラスで、海外需要を取り込む日本の成長戦略に弾みがつく。
On the issue of lowering tariffs, Japan aims to reach an accord next year, one year earlier than scheduled. We hope Japan will exercise leadership to establish a free trade zone that will have a deeper degree of cooperation.
日本は関税引き下げでは、来年の前倒し合意も目指す構えだ。日本が主導し、より連携を深める自由貿易圏の実現を望みたい。
The RCEP talks are expected to favorably affect the TPP negotiations, which are entering a final stage.
大詰めを迎えるＴＰＰ交渉に与える好影響も期待される。
The United States and 10 other countries are holding talks with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of this year. Japan is likely to take its place at the negotiating table around July. Undeniably, Japan as a latecomer is in a disadvantageous position.
米国など１１か国はＴＰＰの年内合意を目指して交渉中で、日本も７月ごろに交渉のテーブルに着く見通しだ。ただし、遅れて参加する日本の不利は否めない。
Tough negotiations lie ahead for Japan, which wants to have five agricultural products, including rice and wheat, exempted from tariff abolition.
コメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の例外扱いにしたい日本には厳しい交渉が予想される。
Advantages of entry in 2 talks
We want Japan to take advantage of its position as a participant in both the RCEP, from which the United States is absent, and the TPP, from which China is absent.
米国が加わらないＲＣＥＰと、中国抜きのＴＰＰに加わる日本の立場を生かしてもらいたい。
It is essential for Japan to promote TPP and RCEP negotiations for its own advantage by winning concession from the United States, which is cautious about Chinese moves, while also calling for China to open its market wider by using the TPP as leverage.
中国の動きを警戒する米国の譲歩を引き出したり、ＴＰＰをテコに中国の市場開放を求めたりするなど、交渉を日本ペースで進めることが重要である。
Japan must make all-out efforts to have its opinions reflected in the formulation of rules.
日本の主張を反映させたルール作りに全力を挙げるべきだ。
RCEP and the TPP will serve as the initial framework of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific which Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation members, including Japan, China and the United States, seek to establish.
ＲＣＥＰとＴＰＰは、日中や米国などアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）が目指すアジア太平洋自由貿易地域（ＦＴＡＡＰ）の母体になるだろう。
Japan must display its bargaining power in both sets of trade negotiations to open up the vision for a future strategy.
日本が今、交渉力を発揮することが将来の戦略にもつながる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2013)
（2013年5月11日01時20分 読売新聞）
2013/05/13
2013/05/12
沖縄の「領有権」 中国の主張は誇大妄想気味だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 11, 2013
Claim in Chinese newspaper over Okinawa sovereignty megalomaniac
沖縄の「領有権」 中国の主張は誇大妄想気味だ（5月10日付・読売社説）
The People's Daily recently carried a shocking article that makes us feel China's expansionism has gone too far.
中国の膨張主義もここまで来たかとあきれ返る言いがかりである。
The article, carried in the Wednesday edition, was based on a paper written by two researchers that suggests China has sovereignty over the prefecture, claiming the matter remains unsettled.
８日付「人民日報」が沖縄県の帰属について、「未解決」とし、中国に領有権があると示唆する研究者の論文を掲載した。
We question the motive for carrying such a megalomaniac argument in the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, which reflects the stance of the Chinese government led by Xi Jinping.
こんな誇大妄想的な暴論を、習近平政権の意向を忠実に反映する中国共産党機関紙が掲載した意図を怪しまざるを得ない。
The paper contends that "Taiwan, its integrated islands [including the Senkakus], Penghu Island, and the Ryukyu Islands [Okinawa] were taken by Japan when the Shimonoseki Treaty was concluded in 1895 following the end of the Sino-Japanese War....the time has come to discuss the Ryukyu issue again, which remains unsettled."
論文は、日清戦争後の１８９５年の下関条約調印の際、「台湾と（尖閣諸島を含む）付属諸島、澎湖諸島、琉球（沖縄）が日本に奪われた」と指摘した上で、「歴史的に未解決の琉球問題を再び議論できる時が来た」と主張した。
Govt refutes dubious claim
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga countered the argument by saying: "Okinawa is irrefutably a Japanese territory from a historical and international perspective. Japan won't tolerate such a claim if it represents the Chinese government's position." It is understandable that he lodged such a strong protest with the Chinese side.
菅官房長官が、「沖縄は歴史的にも国際的にも我が国の領土であることは紛れもないことだ」と述べ、論文が「中国政府の立場であるならば、断固として受け入れられない」と、中国側に厳重に抗議したのは当然である。
Declarations of China's sovereignty over Okinawa have surfaced in past slogans at anti-Japan protests and in academic papers. But the Chinese government itself has never claimed sovereignty over the prefecture or taken concrete actions. This is probably because even Beijing recognizes the claim is groundless.
沖縄への「領有権」主張は中国で反日デモのスローガンや一部学者の論文には登場していた。だが中国政府が領有権を主張したり、具体的な行動を起こしたりしたことはない。さすがに根拠がないことを認識しているからだろう。
Referring to the paper during a news conference, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman did not directly state the government's stance on the sovereignty issue, only saying, "It's an issue that has attracted the attention of academia for a long time."
中国外務省の報道官は記者会見で論文に言及し、「学術界が長期間注目してきた問題だ」としただけで、領有権に触れなかった。
Provocation cannot be ignored
Beijing reportedly told Tokyo the article was "written by researchers in a private capacity."
中国政府は日本政府に対し、「研究者が個人の資格で執筆したもの」と説明したという。
Nevertheless, the article's contention cannot be taken lightly.
だが、今回の人民日報の論文を軽視するわけにはいかない。
This is particularly true because it was also the People's Daily that first referred to the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture as one of China's "core interests" in January last year. This term is used to define issues of national interest such as state sovereignty and territorial integrity, over which China has vowed not to make any concessions.
沖縄県・尖閣諸島を、国家主権や領土保全など絶対に譲歩できない国益を指す「核心的利益」の対象に初めて位置づけたのが昨年１月の人民日報だったからだ。
The Chinese government had avoided using the phrase until the same Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman used it to officially refer to the Senkakus in April.
その後、中国政府はこの言葉の使用を避けていたが、今年４月には、外務省報道官が公式に明言する事態となった。
The latest article comes less than two weeks after her remark. This could stem from Beijing's desire to pressure and upset the Abe administration, which has stood firm on Japan's claim to the Senkaku Islands.
それから２週間足らずで今回の論文を掲載した背景には、尖閣諸島をめぐって対立する安倍政権に圧力をかけて揺さぶろうとする習政権の狙いがあろう。
In an attempt to shatter Japan's effective control of the islands, the Xi administration has been increasingly confrontational by repeatedly sending Chinese surveillance ships into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkakus.
習政権は最近、日本の尖閣諸島に対する実効支配を切り崩そうと、尖閣周辺の領海に監視船を侵入させる示威活動を一段とエスカレートさせている。
It is necessary to maintain heightened awareness should China attempt to implement a propaganda campaign claiming sovereignty over both the Senkakus and the rest of Okinawa Prefecture in addition to its defiant maritime actions.
中国が示威活動と並行して、尖閣と沖縄を組み合わせた独自の主張を展開する宣伝戦に出てくることを警戒する必要がある。
Tokyo must convey the extreme malfeasance of China's territorial claims to the international community.
日本政府は中国の主張がいかに不当であるかを、国際社会で積極的に訴えていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 10, 2013)
（2013年5月10日01時39分 読売新聞）
Claim in Chinese newspaper over Okinawa sovereignty megalomaniac
沖縄の「領有権」 中国の主張は誇大妄想気味だ（5月10日付・読売社説）
The People's Daily recently carried a shocking article that makes us feel China's expansionism has gone too far.
中国の膨張主義もここまで来たかとあきれ返る言いがかりである。
The article, carried in the Wednesday edition, was based on a paper written by two researchers that suggests China has sovereignty over the prefecture, claiming the matter remains unsettled.
８日付「人民日報」が沖縄県の帰属について、「未解決」とし、中国に領有権があると示唆する研究者の論文を掲載した。
We question the motive for carrying such a megalomaniac argument in the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, which reflects the stance of the Chinese government led by Xi Jinping.
こんな誇大妄想的な暴論を、習近平政権の意向を忠実に反映する中国共産党機関紙が掲載した意図を怪しまざるを得ない。
The paper contends that "Taiwan, its integrated islands [including the Senkakus], Penghu Island, and the Ryukyu Islands [Okinawa] were taken by Japan when the Shimonoseki Treaty was concluded in 1895 following the end of the Sino-Japanese War....the time has come to discuss the Ryukyu issue again, which remains unsettled."
論文は、日清戦争後の１８９５年の下関条約調印の際、「台湾と（尖閣諸島を含む）付属諸島、澎湖諸島、琉球（沖縄）が日本に奪われた」と指摘した上で、「歴史的に未解決の琉球問題を再び議論できる時が来た」と主張した。
Govt refutes dubious claim
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga countered the argument by saying: "Okinawa is irrefutably a Japanese territory from a historical and international perspective. Japan won't tolerate such a claim if it represents the Chinese government's position." It is understandable that he lodged such a strong protest with the Chinese side.
菅官房長官が、「沖縄は歴史的にも国際的にも我が国の領土であることは紛れもないことだ」と述べ、論文が「中国政府の立場であるならば、断固として受け入れられない」と、中国側に厳重に抗議したのは当然である。
Declarations of China's sovereignty over Okinawa have surfaced in past slogans at anti-Japan protests and in academic papers. But the Chinese government itself has never claimed sovereignty over the prefecture or taken concrete actions. This is probably because even Beijing recognizes the claim is groundless.
沖縄への「領有権」主張は中国で反日デモのスローガンや一部学者の論文には登場していた。だが中国政府が領有権を主張したり、具体的な行動を起こしたりしたことはない。さすがに根拠がないことを認識しているからだろう。
Referring to the paper during a news conference, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman did not directly state the government's stance on the sovereignty issue, only saying, "It's an issue that has attracted the attention of academia for a long time."
中国外務省の報道官は記者会見で論文に言及し、「学術界が長期間注目してきた問題だ」としただけで、領有権に触れなかった。
Provocation cannot be ignored
Beijing reportedly told Tokyo the article was "written by researchers in a private capacity."
中国政府は日本政府に対し、「研究者が個人の資格で執筆したもの」と説明したという。
Nevertheless, the article's contention cannot be taken lightly.
だが、今回の人民日報の論文を軽視するわけにはいかない。
This is particularly true because it was also the People's Daily that first referred to the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture as one of China's "core interests" in January last year. This term is used to define issues of national interest such as state sovereignty and territorial integrity, over which China has vowed not to make any concessions.
沖縄県・尖閣諸島を、国家主権や領土保全など絶対に譲歩できない国益を指す「核心的利益」の対象に初めて位置づけたのが昨年１月の人民日報だったからだ。
The Chinese government had avoided using the phrase until the same Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman used it to officially refer to the Senkakus in April.
その後、中国政府はこの言葉の使用を避けていたが、今年４月には、外務省報道官が公式に明言する事態となった。
The latest article comes less than two weeks after her remark. This could stem from Beijing's desire to pressure and upset the Abe administration, which has stood firm on Japan's claim to the Senkaku Islands.
それから２週間足らずで今回の論文を掲載した背景には、尖閣諸島をめぐって対立する安倍政権に圧力をかけて揺さぶろうとする習政権の狙いがあろう。
In an attempt to shatter Japan's effective control of the islands, the Xi administration has been increasingly confrontational by repeatedly sending Chinese surveillance ships into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkakus.
習政権は最近、日本の尖閣諸島に対する実効支配を切り崩そうと、尖閣周辺の領海に監視船を侵入させる示威活動を一段とエスカレートさせている。
It is necessary to maintain heightened awareness should China attempt to implement a propaganda campaign claiming sovereignty over both the Senkakus and the rest of Okinawa Prefecture in addition to its defiant maritime actions.
中国が示威活動と並行して、尖閣と沖縄を組み合わせた独自の主張を展開する宣伝戦に出てくることを警戒する必要がある。
Tokyo must convey the extreme malfeasance of China's territorial claims to the international community.
日本政府は中国の主張がいかに不当であるかを、国際社会で積極的に訴えていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 10, 2013)
（2013年5月10日01時39分 読売新聞）
2013/05/11
川口氏訪中 委員長の「解任」は行き過ぎだ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 10, 2013
Demanding dismissal of Kawaguchi over China trip is going too far
川口氏訪中 委員長の「解任」は行き過ぎだ（5月9日付・読売社説）
Is this a matter really worth demanding the dismissal of the chairwoman of a House of Councillors standing committee? We doubt the appropriateness of this abrupt demand.
いきなり参院常任委員長の解任を求めるほどのことなのか。
On Wednesday, the Democratic Party of Japan and six other opposition parties jointly submitted to the upper house a resolution demanding the removal of Yoriko Kawaguchi as chairwoman of the chamber's Environment Committee.
民主党など参院の野党７党は、自民党の川口順子環境委員長の解任決議案を参院に共同提出した。
The opposition parties blamed Kawaguchi, a Liberal Democratic Party member, for extending her trip to China by one day without obtaining approval from opposition parties, resulting in the adjournment of an Environment Committee meeting.
"It's impossible to overlook her act, as it's tantamount to abdicating her duty as chairwoman," the opposition parties said.
中国への出張を許可なく１日延長した結果、環境委員会が流会となったことを問題視し、「委員長としての職責を自ら放棄したも同然で、断じて容認できない」と指摘している。
The resolution will be put to a vote Thursday, and is likely to be adopted as opposition parties hold a majority in the chamber. If adopted, it will be the first case in Japan's constitutional history of such a resolution being passed against the leader of a standing Diet committee.
９日の参院本会議で採決され、野党の賛成多数で可決される公算だ。常任委員長に対する解任決議案の可決は憲政史上初となる。
Reason for extension
Initially, Kawaguchi was scheduled to stay in China on April 23 and 24, and the main purpose of the trip was to attend a meeting of former foreign ministers of Asian countries. However, after arriving in China, a meeting with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, a vice prime minister-level official, was set for April 25. Kawaguchi extended her trip to take the meeting.
川口氏は、４月２３日から２日間の予定で訪中した。アジア各国の元外相らの会合などに参加するのが目的だったが、渡航後、副首相級の楊潔チ国務委員との会談が２５日に設定された。このため、帰国を１日延ばして会談に臨んだ。
There is an agreement between ruling and opposition parties to ask leaders of Diet standing committees to refrain from going abroad when the Diet is in session. Kawaguchi had to obtain approval from the executive board of the upper house's Rules and Administration Committee for her two-day trip to China.
参院には、国会開会中、常任委員長などに海外渡航自粛を求める与野党合意がある。２日間の訪中についても、議院運営委員会理事会の事前了承が必要だった。
Despite failing to obtain approval from opposition parties to extend her trip, Kawaguchi decided to stay for the additional day. It is clear she broke a rule. Opposition parties have also questioned the effectiveness of the meeting, saying it was meaningless for her to meet with a key Chinese official, as Kawaguchi is not in charge of diplomatic policy.
川口氏は、１日延長については野党の了承を得られないまま、強行した。ルール違反であることは確かだ。野党側には、政府の外交責任者でもない川口氏が中国要人と会談して何の役に立つのか、といった批判もある。
However, due to confrontations between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, exchanges and direct communications between the two nations' key government officials have almost completely stopped. We believe a meeting with Yang, who presides over China's diplomacy under the regime of President Xi Jinping, was meaningful to some degree.
だが、尖閣諸島をめぐる日中対立により、両国間の要人往来や直接対話はほぼ途絶えている。習近平新体制で外交全般を統括する楊氏との会談には、一定の意義があっただろう。
After apologizing, Kawaguchi said, "I couldn't turn my back on an opportunity that could serve national interests, which include protecting our sovereignty and land."
川口氏は陳謝した上で、「主権と領土を守る国益に背中を向けられなかった」と釈明している。
We believe opposition parties should have accepted Kawaguchi's apology, instead of adopting the heavy-handed approach of demanding her dismissal. If Kawaguchi had committed a mistake over an important bill, for example, demanding her dismissal would be understandable. This is not the case and the opposition parties have apparently overstepped.
野党側は解任決議という“強権発動”ではなく、陳謝を受け入れるべきではなかったか。重要法案に関する不手際でもないのに解任とは行き過ぎだろう。
Opposition's motives
Under upper house rules, it is possible to appoint a standing committee member to act as a proxy. It was possible for the Environment Committee to host their meeting on April 25 under a proxy.
参議院規則では、委員長の代理を立てることが認められている。２５日の委員会は、代理による議事運営も可能だったはずだ。
We assume opposition parties intend to reinforce their confrontational approach against the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ahead of this summer's upper house election. Some DPJ members said they expect this incident to become a foothold toward setting up a common front between opposition parties. However, voters are unlikely to be impressed with the opposition parties' tactics.
野党側は、夏の参院選に向けて、安倍政権との対決姿勢を強めたいのだろう。民主党には、野党共闘構築の足がかりになるという声もある。だが、こんな国会対応では有権者の共感は得られまい。
In protest of the opposition's resolution, the LDP and New Komeito boycotted an intense deliberation of an upper house Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday. It is unusual for ruling parties to skip budget deliberations--and quite irresponsible as well.
自民、公明両党は、野党の解任決議案提出に反発し、８日の参院予算委の集中審議を欠席した。予算審議での与党欠席は極めて異例であり、無責任だ。
Instead of focusing on attacking each other's missteps, both ruling and opposition parties should rather focus on competing fairly with their policies.
与野党は、相手の揚げ足取りばかりでなく、政策論争で正面から勝負すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 9, 2013)
（2013年5月9日01時28分 読売新聞）
Demanding dismissal of Kawaguchi over China trip is going too far
川口氏訪中 委員長の「解任」は行き過ぎだ（5月9日付・読売社説）
Is this a matter really worth demanding the dismissal of the chairwoman of a House of Councillors standing committee? We doubt the appropriateness of this abrupt demand.
いきなり参院常任委員長の解任を求めるほどのことなのか。
On Wednesday, the Democratic Party of Japan and six other opposition parties jointly submitted to the upper house a resolution demanding the removal of Yoriko Kawaguchi as chairwoman of the chamber's Environment Committee.
民主党など参院の野党７党は、自民党の川口順子環境委員長の解任決議案を参院に共同提出した。
The opposition parties blamed Kawaguchi, a Liberal Democratic Party member, for extending her trip to China by one day without obtaining approval from opposition parties, resulting in the adjournment of an Environment Committee meeting.
"It's impossible to overlook her act, as it's tantamount to abdicating her duty as chairwoman," the opposition parties said.
中国への出張を許可なく１日延長した結果、環境委員会が流会となったことを問題視し、「委員長としての職責を自ら放棄したも同然で、断じて容認できない」と指摘している。
The resolution will be put to a vote Thursday, and is likely to be adopted as opposition parties hold a majority in the chamber. If adopted, it will be the first case in Japan's constitutional history of such a resolution being passed against the leader of a standing Diet committee.
９日の参院本会議で採決され、野党の賛成多数で可決される公算だ。常任委員長に対する解任決議案の可決は憲政史上初となる。
Reason for extension
Initially, Kawaguchi was scheduled to stay in China on April 23 and 24, and the main purpose of the trip was to attend a meeting of former foreign ministers of Asian countries. However, after arriving in China, a meeting with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, a vice prime minister-level official, was set for April 25. Kawaguchi extended her trip to take the meeting.
川口氏は、４月２３日から２日間の予定で訪中した。アジア各国の元外相らの会合などに参加するのが目的だったが、渡航後、副首相級の楊潔チ国務委員との会談が２５日に設定された。このため、帰国を１日延ばして会談に臨んだ。
There is an agreement between ruling and opposition parties to ask leaders of Diet standing committees to refrain from going abroad when the Diet is in session. Kawaguchi had to obtain approval from the executive board of the upper house's Rules and Administration Committee for her two-day trip to China.
参院には、国会開会中、常任委員長などに海外渡航自粛を求める与野党合意がある。２日間の訪中についても、議院運営委員会理事会の事前了承が必要だった。
Despite failing to obtain approval from opposition parties to extend her trip, Kawaguchi decided to stay for the additional day. It is clear she broke a rule. Opposition parties have also questioned the effectiveness of the meeting, saying it was meaningless for her to meet with a key Chinese official, as Kawaguchi is not in charge of diplomatic policy.
川口氏は、１日延長については野党の了承を得られないまま、強行した。ルール違反であることは確かだ。野党側には、政府の外交責任者でもない川口氏が中国要人と会談して何の役に立つのか、といった批判もある。
However, due to confrontations between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, exchanges and direct communications between the two nations' key government officials have almost completely stopped. We believe a meeting with Yang, who presides over China's diplomacy under the regime of President Xi Jinping, was meaningful to some degree.
だが、尖閣諸島をめぐる日中対立により、両国間の要人往来や直接対話はほぼ途絶えている。習近平新体制で外交全般を統括する楊氏との会談には、一定の意義があっただろう。
After apologizing, Kawaguchi said, "I couldn't turn my back on an opportunity that could serve national interests, which include protecting our sovereignty and land."
川口氏は陳謝した上で、「主権と領土を守る国益に背中を向けられなかった」と釈明している。
We believe opposition parties should have accepted Kawaguchi's apology, instead of adopting the heavy-handed approach of demanding her dismissal. If Kawaguchi had committed a mistake over an important bill, for example, demanding her dismissal would be understandable. This is not the case and the opposition parties have apparently overstepped.
野党側は解任決議という“強権発動”ではなく、陳謝を受け入れるべきではなかったか。重要法案に関する不手際でもないのに解任とは行き過ぎだろう。
Opposition's motives
Under upper house rules, it is possible to appoint a standing committee member to act as a proxy. It was possible for the Environment Committee to host their meeting on April 25 under a proxy.
参議院規則では、委員長の代理を立てることが認められている。２５日の委員会は、代理による議事運営も可能だったはずだ。
We assume opposition parties intend to reinforce their confrontational approach against the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ahead of this summer's upper house election. Some DPJ members said they expect this incident to become a foothold toward setting up a common front between opposition parties. However, voters are unlikely to be impressed with the opposition parties' tactics.
野党側は、夏の参院選に向けて、安倍政権との対決姿勢を強めたいのだろう。民主党には、野党共闘構築の足がかりになるという声もある。だが、こんな国会対応では有権者の共感は得られまい。
In protest of the opposition's resolution, the LDP and New Komeito boycotted an intense deliberation of an upper house Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday. It is unusual for ruling parties to skip budget deliberations--and quite irresponsible as well.
自民、公明両党は、野党の解任決議案提出に反発し、８日の参院予算委の集中審議を欠席した。予算審議での与党欠席は極めて異例であり、無責任だ。
Instead of focusing on attacking each other's missteps, both ruling and opposition parties should rather focus on competing fairly with their policies.
与野党は、相手の揚げ足取りばかりでなく、政策論争で正面から勝負すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 9, 2013)
（2013年5月9日01時28分 読売新聞）
2013/05/10
医療改革提言 競争力高めて成長の原動力に
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 9, 2013
Enhance Japan's medical care competitiveness to boost growth
医療改革提言 競争力高めて成長の原動力に（5月8日付・読売社説）
◆最先端技術を早く役立てたい
Japan's medical care is in a precarious situation. It is winning in the technology field, but losing when it comes to business.
日本の医療は、技術で勝って、ビジネスで負ける深刻な状況だ。
Although the nation has superb technologies, it lags when it comes to the practical use of drugs and medical equipment.
優れた技術を持ちながら、医薬品や医療機器の実用化で後れをとっている。
These concerns were behind The Yomiuri Shimbun's decision to propose reform plans that would make Japan's medical care more competitive internationally and boost the country's economic growth.
読売新聞が、医療の国際競争力を高め、日本の成長に弾みをつけるための改革案を提言した背景には、こうした危機感がある。
Fostering the medical care industry is one pillar of a growth strategy that the government will compile in June. We urge the government to map out concrete and effective policies.
医療関連産業の育成は、政府が６月にまとめる成長戦略の柱の一つだ。具体的かつ実効性のある政策を打ち出してもらいたい。
The core of The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal is to strengthen medical care as an industry and harness it as an engine for economic growth.
提言の核心は、医療を産業として強化し、経済成長のエンジンとして活用するところにある。
Excess of imports hits 3 tril. yen
◆輸入超過は３兆円にも
Japan's rapidly graying population has increased demand for medical and nursing care, and imports of drugs and medical equipment are growing. On the other hand, exports of drugs and medical equipment remain anemic, with imports exceeding exports by about 3 trillion yen in 2011. A colossal amount of Japan's wealth is being sucked overseas. Sitting idly by is not an option.
急速な高齢化で医療・介護の需要が伸び、医薬品や医療機器の輸入額が増えている。一方で、輸出は振るわず、２０１１年は約３兆円の輸入超過だった。巨額の富が国外に流出している。手をこまねいていてはならない。
As exemplified by Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, who won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, Japan is a world leader in the field of basic research. However, the country straggles in the application of technology and relies heavily on foreign products.
山中伸弥・京大教授のｉＰＳ細胞（人工多能性幹細胞）研究がノーベル生理学・医学賞を受賞したように、日本は基礎研究の分野で世界をリードしている。だが、応用では立ち遅れ、外国製品に頼っているのが実情だ。
An episode involving a surgical robot named "da Vinci" epitomizes Japan's current situation.
「ダビンチ」と呼ばれる手術ロボットを巡るエピソードは、日本の現状を象徴している。
Manufactured in the United States, the computer-controlled da Vinci moves more delicately than a doctor's hands and fingers. By operating the robot instead of directly holding a scalpel, the surgeon can perform more accurate surgery. The da Vinci surgical system is being used in hospitals around the world.
コンピューター制御のダビンチは米国製で、医師の手や指より繊細な動きをする。外科医はメスの代わりにロボットを操作し、より精密な手術が可能になった。今や世界中の病院で使われている。
But as a matter of fact, a Japanese researcher studying artificial organs made a drawing that looked identical to the da Vinci robot in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the researcher's idea never came into practical use and was forgotten. The drawing was discovered among the researcher's possessions in 2011.
実は、ダビンチとそっくりな図面を、日本の人工臓器の研究者が１９７０年代に描いていた。残念なことに、実用化されることなく、その構想は埋もれ、一昨年、研究者の遺品から見つかった。
The reason such a valuable and outstanding idea did not get off the drawing board is because various obstacles clog the system for commercializing such devices. These obstacles must be cleared so Japan's medical care industry can grow.
せっかくの卓越したアイデアが実を結ばないのは、製品化へ制度上の様々な障害があるからだ。それを克服し、日本の医療関連産業を成長させる必要がある。
Cooperation necessary
◆必要な産学官の連携
The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed excellent research results be used through collaboration between the medical and engineering fields. The government plays an important role in encouraging companies with technological expertise to enter the medical care market and in strengthening cooperation between business and academic circles.
読売新聞は「医工連携」によって優れた研究成果を生かすよう提言した。技術力を持つ企業に参入を促し、産学連携を強めるため、政府が果たす役割は重要だ。
The time and cost required for clinical trials to ensure the safety of drugs and medical equipment in Japan are far longer and greater than in foreign countries. This saps corporate enthusiasm for developing medical products.
海外に比べ、日本では医薬品や医療機器の効果、安全性を調べる治験に時間と費用がかかりすぎ、企業の開発意欲をそいでいる。
For example, South Korea has huge hospitals with more than 2,000 beds, allowing each hospital to comfortably secure enough patients for its own clinical trials. Japan, on the other hand, has smaller hospitals, most of which are not equipped to carry out such trials.
例えば、韓国には２０００床を超える巨大病院があり、治験に参加する患者を１施設だけで容易に確保できる。これに対し、日本の病院は規模が小さく、治験の環境が整った施設はほとんどない。
A cluster of research institutions, hospitals and corporations have been set up in a special zone in Kobe designated by the government to develop advanced drugs and other medical products. However, current regulations restrict the number of beds at each hospital, so it is impossible to construct large hospitals there. It is imperative that the government quickly ease these regulations so a core hospital can be built to conduct clinical trials.
新薬開発などを目指し、政府が認定した神戸市の「先端医療産業特区」には研究所や病院、企業が集まるが、病床数は制限され、大規模病院を建設できない。政府は規制を緩和し、治験の中核病院を整備することが急務だ。
Safety screening of medical equipment does not require as much data as that of new drugs, which must be backed up by a huge volume of research figures. Despite this, the time required for a medical device to win government approval after being developed is about two years longer than in the United States.
医療機器の場合、安全性の審査に医薬品ほど膨大なデータを必要としない。それにもかかわらず、開発から承認までの期間が、日本は米国より約２年も長い。
We think it would be worthwhile to let a private institution, rather than regulatory authorities, screen and approve the use of new medical equipment, as is the case in Europe.
承認審査は、規制当局ではなく、欧州のように民間の認証機関に任せることも検討すべきだ。
The government should expand the scope of tax cuts for investments geared to research and development in this field, paving the way for venture companies to enter the business.
ベンチャー企業などが参入しやすくなるように、研究開発の投資減税の拡充も求められる。
Also, there must be an institution that directs Japan's medical technology development.
医療技術開発の司令塔も欠かせない。
A good model for Japan is the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), which orchestrates medical research and development in the United States. We welcome the government's move toward establishing a Japanese version of the NIH.
米国で医療研究開発を統括している国立衛生研究所（ＮＩＨ）の機能は、大いに参考になるのではないか。政府が「日本版ＮＩＨ」の設立へ動き出したことは評価できよう。
Above all else, Japanese medical researchers will need to change their perspectives for boosting the medical industry.
医学研究者に何よりも求められるのは、医療の産業化へ向けた発想の転換である。
Japanese universities tend to give more weight to basic medical research. We believe, however, they should give higher appraisal to clinical research results, which are useful to actual treatment.
日本の大学では、基礎研究を偏重する風潮が根強い。実際の治療に役立つ臨床研究の成果こそ高く評価されてしかるべきだ。
Expand mixed treatment
◆混合診療を拡充せよ
Under Japan's universal medical insurance system, anybody with a medical insurance card can receive treatment at any institution. The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal calls for maintaining this system so people can be assured that they can still get medical treatment.
日本の医療は、保険証があれば、どの医療機関にもかかれる国民皆保険制度だ。国民が安心して医療を受けられるよう、読売新聞の提言では制度の堅持を求めた。
But financial constraints will make it difficult to cover all new medical technology under the medical insurance system. It is necessary to expand the scope of so-called mixed treatment, in which medical tests and drugs are administered--and covered by public insurance--and advanced treatments, which are not covered by insurance, are provided.
ただ、新しい医療技術をすべて保険で賄うのは、財源の制約から難しい。公的医療保険で認められた検査や投薬とともに、保険が適用されない治療を併用する混合診療を拡充する必要がある。
At present, this mix is allowed for about 100 kinds of treatment designated by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, such as a heavy ion radiotherapy, a form of high-precision radiation therapy.
現在、混合診療は、高度放射線療法の重粒子線治療など、厚生労働省が指定した約１００種類の治療法にしか認められていない。
The unregulated expansion of allowable mixed treatments must be avoided. But if the procedures involve such state-of-the-art treatment as regenerative medicines that have been confirmed safe, we think they should be approved.
混合診療の野放図な拡大は避けねばならないが、安全性が確認された再生医療などの先端的医療であれば認めるべきだ。
Building a robust medical industry and maintaining the medical insurance system will certainly serve the best interests of patients.
強い医療産業を育て、医療保険制度もしっかり守っていく。それが患者の利益につながる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 8, 2013)
（2013年5月8日01時21分 読売新聞）
Enhance Japan's medical care competitiveness to boost growth
医療改革提言 競争力高めて成長の原動力に（5月8日付・読売社説）
◆最先端技術を早く役立てたい
Japan's medical care is in a precarious situation. It is winning in the technology field, but losing when it comes to business.
日本の医療は、技術で勝って、ビジネスで負ける深刻な状況だ。
Although the nation has superb technologies, it lags when it comes to the practical use of drugs and medical equipment.
優れた技術を持ちながら、医薬品や医療機器の実用化で後れをとっている。
These concerns were behind The Yomiuri Shimbun's decision to propose reform plans that would make Japan's medical care more competitive internationally and boost the country's economic growth.
読売新聞が、医療の国際競争力を高め、日本の成長に弾みをつけるための改革案を提言した背景には、こうした危機感がある。
Fostering the medical care industry is one pillar of a growth strategy that the government will compile in June. We urge the government to map out concrete and effective policies.
医療関連産業の育成は、政府が６月にまとめる成長戦略の柱の一つだ。具体的かつ実効性のある政策を打ち出してもらいたい。
The core of The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal is to strengthen medical care as an industry and harness it as an engine for economic growth.
提言の核心は、医療を産業として強化し、経済成長のエンジンとして活用するところにある。
Excess of imports hits 3 tril. yen
◆輸入超過は３兆円にも
Japan's rapidly graying population has increased demand for medical and nursing care, and imports of drugs and medical equipment are growing. On the other hand, exports of drugs and medical equipment remain anemic, with imports exceeding exports by about 3 trillion yen in 2011. A colossal amount of Japan's wealth is being sucked overseas. Sitting idly by is not an option.
急速な高齢化で医療・介護の需要が伸び、医薬品や医療機器の輸入額が増えている。一方で、輸出は振るわず、２０１１年は約３兆円の輸入超過だった。巨額の富が国外に流出している。手をこまねいていてはならない。
As exemplified by Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, who won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, Japan is a world leader in the field of basic research. However, the country straggles in the application of technology and relies heavily on foreign products.
山中伸弥・京大教授のｉＰＳ細胞（人工多能性幹細胞）研究がノーベル生理学・医学賞を受賞したように、日本は基礎研究の分野で世界をリードしている。だが、応用では立ち遅れ、外国製品に頼っているのが実情だ。
An episode involving a surgical robot named "da Vinci" epitomizes Japan's current situation.
「ダビンチ」と呼ばれる手術ロボットを巡るエピソードは、日本の現状を象徴している。
Manufactured in the United States, the computer-controlled da Vinci moves more delicately than a doctor's hands and fingers. By operating the robot instead of directly holding a scalpel, the surgeon can perform more accurate surgery. The da Vinci surgical system is being used in hospitals around the world.
コンピューター制御のダビンチは米国製で、医師の手や指より繊細な動きをする。外科医はメスの代わりにロボットを操作し、より精密な手術が可能になった。今や世界中の病院で使われている。
But as a matter of fact, a Japanese researcher studying artificial organs made a drawing that looked identical to the da Vinci robot in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the researcher's idea never came into practical use and was forgotten. The drawing was discovered among the researcher's possessions in 2011.
実は、ダビンチとそっくりな図面を、日本の人工臓器の研究者が１９７０年代に描いていた。残念なことに、実用化されることなく、その構想は埋もれ、一昨年、研究者の遺品から見つかった。
The reason such a valuable and outstanding idea did not get off the drawing board is because various obstacles clog the system for commercializing such devices. These obstacles must be cleared so Japan's medical care industry can grow.
せっかくの卓越したアイデアが実を結ばないのは、製品化へ制度上の様々な障害があるからだ。それを克服し、日本の医療関連産業を成長させる必要がある。
Cooperation necessary
◆必要な産学官の連携
The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed excellent research results be used through collaboration between the medical and engineering fields. The government plays an important role in encouraging companies with technological expertise to enter the medical care market and in strengthening cooperation between business and academic circles.
読売新聞は「医工連携」によって優れた研究成果を生かすよう提言した。技術力を持つ企業に参入を促し、産学連携を強めるため、政府が果たす役割は重要だ。
The time and cost required for clinical trials to ensure the safety of drugs and medical equipment in Japan are far longer and greater than in foreign countries. This saps corporate enthusiasm for developing medical products.
海外に比べ、日本では医薬品や医療機器の効果、安全性を調べる治験に時間と費用がかかりすぎ、企業の開発意欲をそいでいる。
For example, South Korea has huge hospitals with more than 2,000 beds, allowing each hospital to comfortably secure enough patients for its own clinical trials. Japan, on the other hand, has smaller hospitals, most of which are not equipped to carry out such trials.
例えば、韓国には２０００床を超える巨大病院があり、治験に参加する患者を１施設だけで容易に確保できる。これに対し、日本の病院は規模が小さく、治験の環境が整った施設はほとんどない。
A cluster of research institutions, hospitals and corporations have been set up in a special zone in Kobe designated by the government to develop advanced drugs and other medical products. However, current regulations restrict the number of beds at each hospital, so it is impossible to construct large hospitals there. It is imperative that the government quickly ease these regulations so a core hospital can be built to conduct clinical trials.
新薬開発などを目指し、政府が認定した神戸市の「先端医療産業特区」には研究所や病院、企業が集まるが、病床数は制限され、大規模病院を建設できない。政府は規制を緩和し、治験の中核病院を整備することが急務だ。
Safety screening of medical equipment does not require as much data as that of new drugs, which must be backed up by a huge volume of research figures. Despite this, the time required for a medical device to win government approval after being developed is about two years longer than in the United States.
医療機器の場合、安全性の審査に医薬品ほど膨大なデータを必要としない。それにもかかわらず、開発から承認までの期間が、日本は米国より約２年も長い。
We think it would be worthwhile to let a private institution, rather than regulatory authorities, screen and approve the use of new medical equipment, as is the case in Europe.
承認審査は、規制当局ではなく、欧州のように民間の認証機関に任せることも検討すべきだ。
The government should expand the scope of tax cuts for investments geared to research and development in this field, paving the way for venture companies to enter the business.
ベンチャー企業などが参入しやすくなるように、研究開発の投資減税の拡充も求められる。
Also, there must be an institution that directs Japan's medical technology development.
医療技術開発の司令塔も欠かせない。
A good model for Japan is the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), which orchestrates medical research and development in the United States. We welcome the government's move toward establishing a Japanese version of the NIH.
米国で医療研究開発を統括している国立衛生研究所（ＮＩＨ）の機能は、大いに参考になるのではないか。政府が「日本版ＮＩＨ」の設立へ動き出したことは評価できよう。
Above all else, Japanese medical researchers will need to change their perspectives for boosting the medical industry.
医学研究者に何よりも求められるのは、医療の産業化へ向けた発想の転換である。
Japanese universities tend to give more weight to basic medical research. We believe, however, they should give higher appraisal to clinical research results, which are useful to actual treatment.
日本の大学では、基礎研究を偏重する風潮が根強い。実際の治療に役立つ臨床研究の成果こそ高く評価されてしかるべきだ。
Expand mixed treatment
◆混合診療を拡充せよ
Under Japan's universal medical insurance system, anybody with a medical insurance card can receive treatment at any institution. The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal calls for maintaining this system so people can be assured that they can still get medical treatment.
日本の医療は、保険証があれば、どの医療機関にもかかれる国民皆保険制度だ。国民が安心して医療を受けられるよう、読売新聞の提言では制度の堅持を求めた。
But financial constraints will make it difficult to cover all new medical technology under the medical insurance system. It is necessary to expand the scope of so-called mixed treatment, in which medical tests and drugs are administered--and covered by public insurance--and advanced treatments, which are not covered by insurance, are provided.
ただ、新しい医療技術をすべて保険で賄うのは、財源の制約から難しい。公的医療保険で認められた検査や投薬とともに、保険が適用されない治療を併用する混合診療を拡充する必要がある。
At present, this mix is allowed for about 100 kinds of treatment designated by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, such as a heavy ion radiotherapy, a form of high-precision radiation therapy.
現在、混合診療は、高度放射線療法の重粒子線治療など、厚生労働省が指定した約１００種類の治療法にしか認められていない。
The unregulated expansion of allowable mixed treatments must be avoided. But if the procedures involve such state-of-the-art treatment as regenerative medicines that have been confirmed safe, we think they should be approved.
混合診療の野放図な拡大は避けねばならないが、安全性が確認された再生医療などの先端的医療であれば認めるべきだ。
Building a robust medical industry and maintaining the medical insurance system will certainly serve the best interests of patients.
強い医療産業を育て、医療保険制度もしっかり守っていく。それが患者の利益につながる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 8, 2013)
（2013年5月8日01時21分 読売新聞）
2013/05/09
トルコ原発受注 官民でインフラ輸出の加速を
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 8, 2013
Accelerate nuclear, infrastructure exports with public-private efforts
トルコ原発受注 官民でインフラ輸出の加速を（5月6日付・読売社説）
A consortium of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and major French nuclear firm Areva SA is set to receive an order from Turkey for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
トルコが計画する原子力発電所の建設を、三菱重工業と仏原子力大手アレバの企業連合が受注することになった。
The agreement was made during a summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two nations also signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, which serves as a prerequisite for nuclear plant exports.
安倍首相とトルコのエルドアン首相が首脳会談で合意し、両国は輸出の前提となる原子力協定にも調印した。
This economic diplomacy, in which the prime minister himself acted as the top sales promoter, is laudable.
首相が自らトップセールスした経済外交の成果を評価したい。
In the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011, the then Democratic Party of Japan-led administration announced a policy of abandoning nuclear power. This caused concern that Japan's nuclear plant exports could be stalled, including an order already received from Vietnam.
２０１１年の東京電力福島第一原発事故後、民主党政権が「脱原発」を掲げたため、受注の決まっていたベトナムの案件も含め、原発輸出の停滞が懸念された。
1st deal since 2011 quake
The Turkish project marks the first time since the start of the Fukushima crisis that a deal has been struck over nuclear plant exports through public-private joint efforts.
官民の連携で輸出が決まるのは事故後で初めてだ。
This successful regaining of lost ground came after the Abe Cabinet clearly showed it would promote nuclear plant exports.
安倍内閣が、原発輸出を推進する姿勢を明確にしたことで、巻き返しに成功した。
The project in Turkey is a major one involving the construction of four nuclear reactors at a cost of 2 trillion yen. It is significant that Japan's technology, including that related to quake resistance, has been highly evaluated, beating out Chinese and South Korean rivals. It is hoped the success of receiving the order will boost Japan's nuclear plant exports.
今回の受注は、原発４基を新設する２兆円の大型案件だ。中国や韓国と競争の末、耐震性など日本の技術力が評価された意義は大きい。これを機に、原発輸出に弾みがつくことが期待される。
It is estimated that as many as 180 nuclear reactors could be built globally by 2035, mainly in Asia and the Middle East, where energy demand is certain to grow.
２０３５年までに世界で建設される原発は、エネルギー需要の増えるアジアや中東を中心に約１８０基にのぼるとの試算もある。
Exports of nuclear plant technology and other infrastructure, for which a huge amount of external demand can be expected, could serve as a key piece in the growth strategy of the nation, where the domestic market is shrinking due to a declining population.
巨額の外需獲得が見込める原発などのインフラ（社会基盤）輸出は、人口減少で国内市場が縮小する日本にとって、成長戦略の切り札といえる。
Regarding nuclear plant construction projects in emerging nations, negotiations in many cases have the strong commitment of the governments concerned and also involve aid and security issues. Japan may lag behind such rivals as Russia, whose leader is active in sales promotion in those countries.
新興国の原発建設には政府が強く関与し、援助や安全保障を絡めた交渉になる例が多い。首脳が売り込みをかけるロシアなど、ライバルに後れを取りかねない。
The government should remain at the forefront and extend comprehensive policy support by fully utilizing public financing and other means.
日本政府が今後も前面に出て、公的金融などを駆使した総合的な政策支援を行うべきだ。
Setting up a council on overseas economic cooperation and infrastructure export strategies comprising Cabinet members in March, the government has just begun discussions on prospects of nuclear projects and other businesses overseas. We hope the government closely cooperates with the private sector to hammer out effective measures.
政府は３月、関係閣僚による「経協インフラ戦略会議」を設け、原発ビジネスの展開などについて論議を始めたばかりだ。民間と緊密に連携し、実効性のある施策を打ち出してもらいたい。
Policy vagueness worrying
A cause of concern is the vagueness of the nation's mid- to long-term policy direction on nuclear power.
気がかりなのは、日本の中長期的な原発政策の方向性が、あいまいなことである。
If the nation enthusiastically promotes sales of Japan-made nuclear plants overseas while refraining from building new nuclear plants or expanding existing facilities at home, it will be difficult to win the confidence of partner nations.
日本製の原発を海外に熱心に売り込む一方、日本国内では新増設しないというのでは、相手国の信頼は得られまい。
Replacing old reactors at home with the most advanced, safer models one after another would also contribute to significant improvements in the nation's nuclear technology and the nurturing of high-caliber human resources. The government must clarify its energy strategy, which should realistically acknowledge that nuclear power will continue to be used as a major power source.
国内の古くなった原発を順次、安全性の高い最新型に更新することで原子力技術は一段と向上し、優秀な人材も育つ。原発を主要電源として活用し続ける現実的なエネルギー戦略を、政府は明確に打ち出さなければならない。
The nation should export nuclear plants whose safety has been enhanced with the use of knowledge obtained from dealing with the Fukushima crisis and cooperate with other nations in operating those plants. We consider this is a duty Japan is required to fulfill.
福島第一原発事故の知見で安全性を高めた原発を輸出し、運用にも協力する。これが日本に求められる責務のひとつである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 6, 2013)
（2013年5月6日01時32分 読売新聞）
Accelerate nuclear, infrastructure exports with public-private efforts
トルコ原発受注 官民でインフラ輸出の加速を（5月6日付・読売社説）
A consortium of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and major French nuclear firm Areva SA is set to receive an order from Turkey for the construction of a nuclear power plant.
トルコが計画する原子力発電所の建設を、三菱重工業と仏原子力大手アレバの企業連合が受注することになった。
The agreement was made during a summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two nations also signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, which serves as a prerequisite for nuclear plant exports.
安倍首相とトルコのエルドアン首相が首脳会談で合意し、両国は輸出の前提となる原子力協定にも調印した。
This economic diplomacy, in which the prime minister himself acted as the top sales promoter, is laudable.
首相が自らトップセールスした経済外交の成果を評価したい。
In the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011, the then Democratic Party of Japan-led administration announced a policy of abandoning nuclear power. This caused concern that Japan's nuclear plant exports could be stalled, including an order already received from Vietnam.
２０１１年の東京電力福島第一原発事故後、民主党政権が「脱原発」を掲げたため、受注の決まっていたベトナムの案件も含め、原発輸出の停滞が懸念された。
1st deal since 2011 quake
The Turkish project marks the first time since the start of the Fukushima crisis that a deal has been struck over nuclear plant exports through public-private joint efforts.
官民の連携で輸出が決まるのは事故後で初めてだ。
This successful regaining of lost ground came after the Abe Cabinet clearly showed it would promote nuclear plant exports.
安倍内閣が、原発輸出を推進する姿勢を明確にしたことで、巻き返しに成功した。
The project in Turkey is a major one involving the construction of four nuclear reactors at a cost of 2 trillion yen. It is significant that Japan's technology, including that related to quake resistance, has been highly evaluated, beating out Chinese and South Korean rivals. It is hoped the success of receiving the order will boost Japan's nuclear plant exports.
今回の受注は、原発４基を新設する２兆円の大型案件だ。中国や韓国と競争の末、耐震性など日本の技術力が評価された意義は大きい。これを機に、原発輸出に弾みがつくことが期待される。
It is estimated that as many as 180 nuclear reactors could be built globally by 2035, mainly in Asia and the Middle East, where energy demand is certain to grow.
２０３５年までに世界で建設される原発は、エネルギー需要の増えるアジアや中東を中心に約１８０基にのぼるとの試算もある。
Exports of nuclear plant technology and other infrastructure, for which a huge amount of external demand can be expected, could serve as a key piece in the growth strategy of the nation, where the domestic market is shrinking due to a declining population.
巨額の外需獲得が見込める原発などのインフラ（社会基盤）輸出は、人口減少で国内市場が縮小する日本にとって、成長戦略の切り札といえる。
Regarding nuclear plant construction projects in emerging nations, negotiations in many cases have the strong commitment of the governments concerned and also involve aid and security issues. Japan may lag behind such rivals as Russia, whose leader is active in sales promotion in those countries.
新興国の原発建設には政府が強く関与し、援助や安全保障を絡めた交渉になる例が多い。首脳が売り込みをかけるロシアなど、ライバルに後れを取りかねない。
The government should remain at the forefront and extend comprehensive policy support by fully utilizing public financing and other means.
日本政府が今後も前面に出て、公的金融などを駆使した総合的な政策支援を行うべきだ。
Setting up a council on overseas economic cooperation and infrastructure export strategies comprising Cabinet members in March, the government has just begun discussions on prospects of nuclear projects and other businesses overseas. We hope the government closely cooperates with the private sector to hammer out effective measures.
政府は３月、関係閣僚による「経協インフラ戦略会議」を設け、原発ビジネスの展開などについて論議を始めたばかりだ。民間と緊密に連携し、実効性のある施策を打ち出してもらいたい。
Policy vagueness worrying
A cause of concern is the vagueness of the nation's mid- to long-term policy direction on nuclear power.
気がかりなのは、日本の中長期的な原発政策の方向性が、あいまいなことである。
If the nation enthusiastically promotes sales of Japan-made nuclear plants overseas while refraining from building new nuclear plants or expanding existing facilities at home, it will be difficult to win the confidence of partner nations.
日本製の原発を海外に熱心に売り込む一方、日本国内では新増設しないというのでは、相手国の信頼は得られまい。
Replacing old reactors at home with the most advanced, safer models one after another would also contribute to significant improvements in the nation's nuclear technology and the nurturing of high-caliber human resources. The government must clarify its energy strategy, which should realistically acknowledge that nuclear power will continue to be used as a major power source.
国内の古くなった原発を順次、安全性の高い最新型に更新することで原子力技術は一段と向上し、優秀な人材も育つ。原発を主要電源として活用し続ける現実的なエネルギー戦略を、政府は明確に打ち出さなければならない。
The nation should export nuclear plants whose safety has been enhanced with the use of knowledge obtained from dealing with the Fukushima crisis and cooperate with other nations in operating those plants. We consider this is a duty Japan is required to fulfill.
福島第一原発事故の知見で安全性を高めた原発を輸出し、運用にも協力する。これが日本に求められる責務のひとつである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 6, 2013)
（2013年5月6日01時32分 読売新聞）
2013/05/08
こどもの日 「イクメン」が世間を変える
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 6, 2013
Getting more fathers involved in raising kids can change society
こどもの日 「イクメン」が世間を変える（5月5日付・読売社説）
May 5 is Children's Day. Masaru Ibuka, the late founder of Sony Corp. known for putting his heart into educational activities, once said of parenthood, "Nothing is more noble and wonderful than the work of raising children."
きょう５日は「こどもの日」。育児について、ソニー創業者で教育にも情熱を注いだ井深大氏は「これほど崇高で素晴らしい仕事はない」という言葉を残している。
We were reminded of this sentiment by a prizewinning essay titled "Oyaji no kyaraben" (Dad's bento inspired by popular characters) in this year's annual Children's Future Award essay contest, which is sponsored by The Yomiuri Shimbun and other organizations.
それを実感させるのが、今年の「こども未来賞」（読売新聞社など主催）に選ばれた「親父(おやじ)のキャラ弁」という作文だ。
The essay was written by Ryutaro Nakamura, a 38-year-old company employee of Saitama Prefecture. He made bento for his daughter, who had just started kindergarten, while his pregnant wife was laid low by a bad case of morning sickness.
幼稚園に入った長女のために、つわりのひどい妻に代わって弁当作りをした埼玉県の会社員中村竜太郎さん（３８）が書いた。
Nakamura's daughter was very shy around strangers. He hoped she would be able to make new friends at kindergarten if he made bento in which the side dishes were decorated to resemble popular anime character Ampanman and animals.
人見知りする長女が友達を作るきっかけにと、おかずでアンパンマンや動物を描いた。
The daughter, presumably in a gesture to her father, always ate all her lunch, and told him it was "delicious."
父の気持ちを察してか、長女はいつも残さず食べ、「おいしい」と言った。
However, the father later learned the bento contained too much food for the small girl. Sometimes, with tears in her eyes, she would shovel her lunch into her mouth, even after the other kids had finished eating.
小さな体には量が多い弁当を、皆が食べ終わった後も涙目でほおばっていたのだと後に知る。
Nakamura's essay ends by saying, "Making bento was truly a precious time I shared with my daughter."
作文は、弁当を作った時間は「長女と私だけの宝物の時間である」と結ばれている。
When receiving the prize, Nakamura expressed his delight, saying, "I feel thankful to my children for teaching me many things, and I'll keep growing together with them."
中村さんは「いろいろなことを教えてくれた子供たちに感謝し、これからも一緒に成長していきたい」と受賞の喜びを語った。
By affectionately raising children, parents also can grow. Some data indicate the more time a husband spends caring for a child, the higher the probability the couple will have a second child. It is important for Japan to produce more fathers dubbed "ikumen" (men actively involved in child rearing) like Nakamura.
愛情を持って子供を育てることで、親も成長する。夫の育児時間が長い夫婦ほど、第２子を持つ割合が高いというデータもある。中村さんのような「イクメン」を増やすことが大切だ。
Abe for longer care leave
A growing number of local governments are arranging courses on daily household chores for fathers, such as cooking and ironing lessons. Nonprofit organizations have been hosting more gatherings at which fathers can talk with each other about the joys and difficulties of rearing children.
父親向けに、料理やアイロンのかけ方などの家事講座を開く自治体が増えてきた。父親同士で子育ての楽しみや苦労を語り合う会合などを開くＮＰＯ法人の活動も広がっている。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for the business world to voluntarily extend child care leave, which under current law can be taken for a maximum of 1-1/2 years, up until a child becomes 3 years old, both for male and female employees.
安倍首相は、現行法では最長１年６か月までの育児休業期間について、子供が３歳になるまで男女とも取得できるよう、経済界に自主的な取り組みを要請した。
Some companies allow male workers to take paid child care leave for about two weeks. We think every company should make further efforts to encourage male employees to get more involved in child rearing.
男性社員に２週間程度の有給での育児休業を認める企業もある。男性の育児参加をさらに促す企業努力を各社に求めたい。
Beef up community ties
The ties between parents of small children and communities that look warmly after child-rearing couples are also important.
育児中の家庭を温かく見守る地域とのつながりも重要だ。
There have been cases in which parents playing with their kids at a park have been told by neighbors they are "noisy." So what are they supposed to do?
親子が公園で遊んでいても「うるさい」と言われることがある。これでは居場所がない。
A Children's Future Foundation survey found 34 percent of mothers felt "alone and isolated from society" while raising children.
こども未来財団の調査では、母親の３４％が育児中に「社会から隔絶され、自分が孤立しているように感じる」と回答している。
Japan should set up more places where parents and kids can casually get together. Parents can chat and let their kids play at local facilities that support child rearing, such as community centers and children's centers. We hope people whose children have left the nest will help run these facilities.
親子が気軽に集える場を増やすべきだ。公民館や児童館を利用した「地域子育て支援拠点」では、親同士が語り合い、子供を遊ばせている。運営に、子育てを終えた人たちの協力を期待したい。
Having communities lending a hand and providing more support to mothers with children will greatly help people going through parenthood.
地域で子供を見守り、母親を支えることが育児の力になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 5, 2013)
（2013年5月5日01時00分 読売新聞）
Getting more fathers involved in raising kids can change society
こどもの日 「イクメン」が世間を変える（5月5日付・読売社説）
May 5 is Children's Day. Masaru Ibuka, the late founder of Sony Corp. known for putting his heart into educational activities, once said of parenthood, "Nothing is more noble and wonderful than the work of raising children."
きょう５日は「こどもの日」。育児について、ソニー創業者で教育にも情熱を注いだ井深大氏は「これほど崇高で素晴らしい仕事はない」という言葉を残している。
We were reminded of this sentiment by a prizewinning essay titled "Oyaji no kyaraben" (Dad's bento inspired by popular characters) in this year's annual Children's Future Award essay contest, which is sponsored by The Yomiuri Shimbun and other organizations.
それを実感させるのが、今年の「こども未来賞」（読売新聞社など主催）に選ばれた「親父(おやじ)のキャラ弁」という作文だ。
The essay was written by Ryutaro Nakamura, a 38-year-old company employee of Saitama Prefecture. He made bento for his daughter, who had just started kindergarten, while his pregnant wife was laid low by a bad case of morning sickness.
幼稚園に入った長女のために、つわりのひどい妻に代わって弁当作りをした埼玉県の会社員中村竜太郎さん（３８）が書いた。
Nakamura's daughter was very shy around strangers. He hoped she would be able to make new friends at kindergarten if he made bento in which the side dishes were decorated to resemble popular anime character Ampanman and animals.
人見知りする長女が友達を作るきっかけにと、おかずでアンパンマンや動物を描いた。
The daughter, presumably in a gesture to her father, always ate all her lunch, and told him it was "delicious."
父の気持ちを察してか、長女はいつも残さず食べ、「おいしい」と言った。
However, the father later learned the bento contained too much food for the small girl. Sometimes, with tears in her eyes, she would shovel her lunch into her mouth, even after the other kids had finished eating.
小さな体には量が多い弁当を、皆が食べ終わった後も涙目でほおばっていたのだと後に知る。
Nakamura's essay ends by saying, "Making bento was truly a precious time I shared with my daughter."
作文は、弁当を作った時間は「長女と私だけの宝物の時間である」と結ばれている。
When receiving the prize, Nakamura expressed his delight, saying, "I feel thankful to my children for teaching me many things, and I'll keep growing together with them."
中村さんは「いろいろなことを教えてくれた子供たちに感謝し、これからも一緒に成長していきたい」と受賞の喜びを語った。
By affectionately raising children, parents also can grow. Some data indicate the more time a husband spends caring for a child, the higher the probability the couple will have a second child. It is important for Japan to produce more fathers dubbed "ikumen" (men actively involved in child rearing) like Nakamura.
愛情を持って子供を育てることで、親も成長する。夫の育児時間が長い夫婦ほど、第２子を持つ割合が高いというデータもある。中村さんのような「イクメン」を増やすことが大切だ。
Abe for longer care leave
A growing number of local governments are arranging courses on daily household chores for fathers, such as cooking and ironing lessons. Nonprofit organizations have been hosting more gatherings at which fathers can talk with each other about the joys and difficulties of rearing children.
父親向けに、料理やアイロンのかけ方などの家事講座を開く自治体が増えてきた。父親同士で子育ての楽しみや苦労を語り合う会合などを開くＮＰＯ法人の活動も広がっている。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for the business world to voluntarily extend child care leave, which under current law can be taken for a maximum of 1-1/2 years, up until a child becomes 3 years old, both for male and female employees.
安倍首相は、現行法では最長１年６か月までの育児休業期間について、子供が３歳になるまで男女とも取得できるよう、経済界に自主的な取り組みを要請した。
Some companies allow male workers to take paid child care leave for about two weeks. We think every company should make further efforts to encourage male employees to get more involved in child rearing.
男性社員に２週間程度の有給での育児休業を認める企業もある。男性の育児参加をさらに促す企業努力を各社に求めたい。
Beef up community ties
The ties between parents of small children and communities that look warmly after child-rearing couples are also important.
育児中の家庭を温かく見守る地域とのつながりも重要だ。
There have been cases in which parents playing with their kids at a park have been told by neighbors they are "noisy." So what are they supposed to do?
親子が公園で遊んでいても「うるさい」と言われることがある。これでは居場所がない。
A Children's Future Foundation survey found 34 percent of mothers felt "alone and isolated from society" while raising children.
こども未来財団の調査では、母親の３４％が育児中に「社会から隔絶され、自分が孤立しているように感じる」と回答している。
Japan should set up more places where parents and kids can casually get together. Parents can chat and let their kids play at local facilities that support child rearing, such as community centers and children's centers. We hope people whose children have left the nest will help run these facilities.
親子が気軽に集える場を増やすべきだ。公民館や児童館を利用した「地域子育て支援拠点」では、親同士が語り合い、子供を遊ばせている。運営に、子育てを終えた人たちの協力を期待したい。
Having communities lending a hand and providing more support to mothers with children will greatly help people going through parenthood.
地域で子供を見守り、母親を支えることが育児の力になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 5, 2013)
（2013年5月5日01時00分 読売新聞）
2013/05/07
猪瀬知事発言 東京五輪実現へ失点挽回せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 6, 2013
Tokyo Olympic bid committee must do its best to overcome Inose's gaffe
猪瀬知事発言 東京五輪実現へ失点挽回せよ（5月5日付・読売社説）
How can Japan recover from the damage caused by the Tokyo governor's thoughtless remarks on the other bidders for the 2020 Summer Olympics? With less than five months before the International Olympic Committee chooses a host city, Japan's bidding campaign for the Games is entering a crucial stage.
東京都知事の非常識な発言による失点を、どう挽回するか。五輪の招致活動は、これからが正念場である。
"Islamic countries, the only thing they share in common is Allah and they are fighting with each other, and they have classes," Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose, who also chairs the Tokyo bid committee, was quoted as saying during an interview with a U.S. newspaper.
「イスラム諸国が唯一、共有するのはアラーだけだ。互いに争い事をしているし、階級もある」。２０２０年東京五輪の招致委員会会長である猪瀬直樹都知事が、米紙とのインタビューで語ったとされる発言だ。
He apparently was referring to Tokyo's rival bidder--Istanbul, Turkey's capital. We think his remark lacked respect for a different culture.
招致のライバルであるイスタンブール（トルコ）を念頭に置いたことは明らかで、異文化への敬意が感じられない。
We also believe Inose violated the IOC's Rules of Conduct forbidding bid committee members from directly criticizing rival cities or comparing their own cities with other bidders.
招致活動に関し、他の立候補都市の批判や比較を禁じた国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）の行動規範に違反していると言える。
Abe apologizes to Turkey
When he visited Turkey last week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Abe told Erdogan he was afraid Turkey was offended by Inose's remarks and that he hoped the two countries would do their best to win their bids in a spirit of fair play.
トルコを訪問した安倍首相は、エルドアン首相との会談で「トルコ側として不快に感じたのでないか」と陳謝し、「フェアプレーの精神にのっとり、お互いベストを尽くしていきたい」と述べた。
The Turkish prime minister thanked Abe for his remarks. We praise Abe for calming the situation in a very friendly manner.
エルドアン首相は「（安倍首相の）発言に感謝する」と応じた。安倍首相が友好的に問題を沈静化させたことを評価したい。
Turkey is a country friendly to Japan and is an important economic partner. Inose is deeply responsible for causing a situation that forced the prime minister to apologize to Turkey.
トルコは親日国であり、経済的にも重要なパートナーだ。安倍首相が陳謝する事態を招いた猪瀬知事の責任は重い。
We notice Inose has done and said many things unfit for the head of the 7.5 billion yen bidding campaign.
それにしても、猪瀬知事には、７５億円をかけた招致活動のトップとは思えない言動が多い。
In addition to Tokyo and Istanbul, Madrid is also bidding for the 2020 Games.
２０２０年五輪には東京、イスタンブールのほか、マドリード（スペイン）が立候補している。
Inose was also quoted as saying in the interview: "Compare the two countries where they have yet to build infrastructure, very sophisticated facilities." This remark apparently violated the rules of conduct, too.
知事はインタビューで「インフラが未整備で、非常に洗練された施設もない二つの国と比較してほしい」とも語ったという。これも行動規範に反しているだろう。
Inose initially claimed several of his remarks quoted in the interview "failed to express my true intentions." But he later changed his mind and said he wanted to "apologize for making some inappropriate remarks."
知事は一連の発言について、「真意が正しく伝わっていない」とのコメントを出し、一転して「不適切な発言があり、おわびしたい」と謝罪した。
Responses questionable
We think Inose's response was questionable in terms of settling the problem quickly.
事態の早期収拾には疑問が残る対応だった。
We also cannot understand why he wrote on Twitter after the apology that the latest incident taught him a good lesson about who his friends and enemies were. This might make one suspect Inose may not really regret what he said.
謝罪後、ツイッターに「今回の件で誰が味方か敵か、よくわかったのは収穫」と書き込んだのも不可解だ。反省しているのか、疑われかねない。
We wonder if winning a record 4.34 million votes in the Tokyo gubernatorial election at the end of last year has made Inose arrogant.
昨年末の都知事選で、史上最多の４３４万票を獲得したおごりはないのだろうか。
It is now important to figure out how Tokyo can recoup its lost ground before the committee decides on a host city for the 2020 Games on Sept. 7. We are very concerned how the Tokyo governor's remarks will affect the voting behavior of IOC members of other countries, particularly those from Islamic countries.
今後の課題は、９月７日の開催地決定に向け、東京がどう巻き返すかである。知事発言がイスラム諸国などのＩＯＣ委員の投票行動に影響を及ぼすことが心配だ。
The Tokyo bid committee must overcome the negative impact caused by Inose's gaffe and carefully explain Tokyo's plan for the Olympics to bolster support for the city.
招致委としては、今回の舌禍問題を乗り越え、東京の開催計画を丁寧に説明して、支持を拡大していくことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 5, 2013)
（2013年5月5日01時00分 読売新聞）
Tokyo Olympic bid committee must do its best to overcome Inose's gaffe
猪瀬知事発言 東京五輪実現へ失点挽回せよ（5月5日付・読売社説）
How can Japan recover from the damage caused by the Tokyo governor's thoughtless remarks on the other bidders for the 2020 Summer Olympics? With less than five months before the International Olympic Committee chooses a host city, Japan's bidding campaign for the Games is entering a crucial stage.
東京都知事の非常識な発言による失点を、どう挽回するか。五輪の招致活動は、これからが正念場である。
"Islamic countries, the only thing they share in common is Allah and they are fighting with each other, and they have classes," Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose, who also chairs the Tokyo bid committee, was quoted as saying during an interview with a U.S. newspaper.
「イスラム諸国が唯一、共有するのはアラーだけだ。互いに争い事をしているし、階級もある」。２０２０年東京五輪の招致委員会会長である猪瀬直樹都知事が、米紙とのインタビューで語ったとされる発言だ。
He apparently was referring to Tokyo's rival bidder--Istanbul, Turkey's capital. We think his remark lacked respect for a different culture.
招致のライバルであるイスタンブール（トルコ）を念頭に置いたことは明らかで、異文化への敬意が感じられない。
We also believe Inose violated the IOC's Rules of Conduct forbidding bid committee members from directly criticizing rival cities or comparing their own cities with other bidders.
招致活動に関し、他の立候補都市の批判や比較を禁じた国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）の行動規範に違反していると言える。
Abe apologizes to Turkey
When he visited Turkey last week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan.
Abe told Erdogan he was afraid Turkey was offended by Inose's remarks and that he hoped the two countries would do their best to win their bids in a spirit of fair play.
トルコを訪問した安倍首相は、エルドアン首相との会談で「トルコ側として不快に感じたのでないか」と陳謝し、「フェアプレーの精神にのっとり、お互いベストを尽くしていきたい」と述べた。
The Turkish prime minister thanked Abe for his remarks. We praise Abe for calming the situation in a very friendly manner.
エルドアン首相は「（安倍首相の）発言に感謝する」と応じた。安倍首相が友好的に問題を沈静化させたことを評価したい。
Turkey is a country friendly to Japan and is an important economic partner. Inose is deeply responsible for causing a situation that forced the prime minister to apologize to Turkey.
トルコは親日国であり、経済的にも重要なパートナーだ。安倍首相が陳謝する事態を招いた猪瀬知事の責任は重い。
We notice Inose has done and said many things unfit for the head of the 7.5 billion yen bidding campaign.
それにしても、猪瀬知事には、７５億円をかけた招致活動のトップとは思えない言動が多い。
In addition to Tokyo and Istanbul, Madrid is also bidding for the 2020 Games.
２０２０年五輪には東京、イスタンブールのほか、マドリード（スペイン）が立候補している。
Inose was also quoted as saying in the interview: "Compare the two countries where they have yet to build infrastructure, very sophisticated facilities." This remark apparently violated the rules of conduct, too.
知事はインタビューで「インフラが未整備で、非常に洗練された施設もない二つの国と比較してほしい」とも語ったという。これも行動規範に反しているだろう。
Inose initially claimed several of his remarks quoted in the interview "failed to express my true intentions." But he later changed his mind and said he wanted to "apologize for making some inappropriate remarks."
知事は一連の発言について、「真意が正しく伝わっていない」とのコメントを出し、一転して「不適切な発言があり、おわびしたい」と謝罪した。
Responses questionable
We think Inose's response was questionable in terms of settling the problem quickly.
事態の早期収拾には疑問が残る対応だった。
We also cannot understand why he wrote on Twitter after the apology that the latest incident taught him a good lesson about who his friends and enemies were. This might make one suspect Inose may not really regret what he said.
謝罪後、ツイッターに「今回の件で誰が味方か敵か、よくわかったのは収穫」と書き込んだのも不可解だ。反省しているのか、疑われかねない。
We wonder if winning a record 4.34 million votes in the Tokyo gubernatorial election at the end of last year has made Inose arrogant.
昨年末の都知事選で、史上最多の４３４万票を獲得したおごりはないのだろうか。
It is now important to figure out how Tokyo can recoup its lost ground before the committee decides on a host city for the 2020 Games on Sept. 7. We are very concerned how the Tokyo governor's remarks will affect the voting behavior of IOC members of other countries, particularly those from Islamic countries.
今後の課題は、９月７日の開催地決定に向け、東京がどう巻き返すかである。知事発言がイスラム諸国などのＩＯＣ委員の投票行動に影響を及ぼすことが心配だ。
The Tokyo bid committee must overcome the negative impact caused by Inose's gaffe and carefully explain Tokyo's plan for the Olympics to bolster support for the city.
招致委としては、今回の舌禍問題を乗り越え、東京の開催計画を丁寧に説明して、支持を拡大していくことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 5, 2013)
（2013年5月5日01時00分 読売新聞）
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