The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 22, 2012)
World's tallest tower will invigorate Japan
東京スカイツリー 世界一の塔が日本を元気に（5月21日付・読売社説）
At long last, Tokyo Skytree will officially open on Tuesday.
いよいよ、あす２２日、「東京スカイツリー」がオープンする。
Its height is 634 meters, nearly double that of Tokyo Tower. It is the world's tallest freestanding broadcasting tower. Views from the two observation decks, at 350 meters and 450 meters above the ground, must surely take every visitor's breath away. We would like to celebrate the opening of a structure that Japan can boast about to the world.
高さ６３４メートル。東京タワーの２倍に近く、自立式電波塔では世界一となる。地上３５０メートルと４５０メートルの展望台から望む光景には、誰もが息をのむことだろう。世界に誇るべき建築物の開業を祝いたい。
While construction was still going on in March last year, the Great East Japan Earthquake rocked Tokyo Skytree, which had nearly attained its ultimate height. However, no workers were injured and there was no damage to the tower itself. Construction steadily continued, and the tree's height reached 634 meters a week later.
ツリー工事中の昨年３月、最高点に達する直前に、東日本大震災の激しい揺れに見舞われた。だが、作業員にもツリーにも被害はなく、建設は着々と続けられ、１週間後に６３４メートルに到達した。
===
Symbol of overcoming ordeals
The incident demonstrated the reliability of Japan's earthquake-resistant construction technology. It also reinforced the image in many minds of Japan and the Japanese not yielding to difficulties.
耐震建築技術の確かさを証明した出来事であると同時に、日本と日本人の、困難に屈しない姿を、そこに重ね見た人も多かったのではないか。
Just as many people remember Tokyo Tower as a symbol of the rapid economic growth period from the late 1950s to the early 1970s, so may Tokyo Skytree become a new symbol of the present period, when Japan and the Japanese are overcoming ordeals of the Great East Japan Earthquake.
高度成長期の象徴として記憶された東京タワーのように、スカイツリーは、東日本大震災の試練を乗り越えていく、新たな時代の象徴となろう。
Tokyo Skytree embodies the best of Japan's construction technologies from the past to the present.
過去から現在に至る、日本の建築技術の結晶でもある。
Materials made with cutting-edge technologies and fine techniques of craftsmanship, such as steel pipes that distort very little even if they are piled up sky-high, were chosen from all over the country in a strict selection process.
天高く組み上げてもほとんどゆがみのない鋼管など、最新鋭の技術と職人技によって作られた建材が、全国から厳選された。
As the tower was constructed on a relatively small piece of land, its cross-sectional shape changes from an equilateral triangle at the base to a circle higher up. Here, shapes called "sori" and "mukuri," seen in temple and shrine construction and the design of Japanese swords, were utilized.
限られた広さの敷地に建設するため、塔の横断面が足元の正三角形から、上に行くにつれて円形に変わる。そこに「反り」「むくり」といった、寺社建築や日本刀などの造形が生かされた。
The use of a "shimbashira" cylindrical central column to dampen earthquake vibrations is taken from the technique used in Japanese five-story pagodas.
中心に「心柱」を通すという、地震の揺れを減じるための構造も五重塔の技法に学んでいる。
It has been reported that those who were involved in the construction of the Skytree engaged in the work with a zeal to surpass their engineering forebears who constructed Tokyo Tower. Their own efforts are now destined to become a similar target for engineers in the future.
建設に携わった人たちは、東京タワーを作った先輩技術者を乗り越える意気込みで取り組んだという。その姿が今度は、未来の技術者の目標となるだろう。
Tokyo Skytree is scheduled to take over the role of transmitting TV and radio waves from Tokyo Tower as early as January next year.
テレビ電波などを発信する役目は、来年初めにも東京タワーから引き継ぐ予定だ。
===
Big economic effect
Annual visitors to Tokyo Skytree and its related facilities are expected to number 32 million. The ward office of Sumida Ward, Tokyo, where the tree is located, estimates the economic ripple effect of the facilities will be 88 billion yen in the ward alone.
ツリーと関連施設で年間３２００万人の集客を見込む。地元・墨田区は経済波及効果を区内だけで８８０億円と試算している。
Around the Skytree, new tourism spots have arisen one after another, including the Tokyo Gate Bridge. We think many foreign sightseers will be attracted by the synergy of the Skytree and the other facilities.
周辺には東京ゲートブリッジなど、新たな観光スポットが相次いで誕生している。相乗効果によって、外国からの観光客を大勢呼び込めるのではないか。
However, although so many people are expected to visit Tokyo Skytree and its related facilities, infrastructure in the surrounding environment, such as sidewalks and train stations, has not been made fully ready for the opening.
ただ、これほどの人が集まる新施設に対して、歩道や駅など周辺整備が十分に追いついているとは言えない。
The Tokyo metropolitan government, the Sumida Ward Office and Tokyo Skytree officials should make every effort to prevent accidents and turmoil from occurring.
東京都と墨田区、施設関係者は、事故や混乱が起きぬよう万全を尽くしてもらいたい。
People's faces naturally turn upward when they approach the Skytree. We hope it will become a new strong base to invigorate the entire nation.
東京スカイツリーに近づく人たちの顔は、おのずと上を向く。日本全体を元気づける、新たな拠点になることを期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 21, 2012)
（2012年5月21日01時52分 読売新聞）
2012.05.23
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 21, 2012)
Let's enjoy a rare astronomical spectacle!
あす金環日食 天空のドラマを堪能したい（5月20日付・読売社説）
An annular solar eclipse, a phenomenon in which the moon blocks out most of the sun, leaving a ring of light around its circumference, takes place on Monday morning, May 21. The annular eclipse will be visible along the Pacific side of the country, from southern Kyushu to the southeastern part of Fukushima Prefecture.
太陽の中心部が月に隠され、周囲が金の輪のように輝く金環日食が２１日朝、九州南部から福島県南東部にかけての太平洋側で観測できる。
About two-thirds of the nation's population live in areas where the eclipse can be observed. It is said to be first time in 932 years--since the late Heian period (794-1192)--that such a large proportion of the population will be able to see an annular solar eclipse.
観測が可能な地域に、日本の人口の３分の２が住む。これほど広範囲で観測できるのは、平安時代以来９３２年ぶりという。
Another annular solar eclipse can be observed in Japan in 18 years, but the area from which it can be viewed will be limited to Hokkaido.
日本では１８年後にも金環日食が観測できる。だが、北海道だけと範囲は狭い。
This time is definitely a precious opportunity to view a heavenly spectacle. Why not take advantage of a wonderful astronomical show?
天空のドラマを楽しむ貴重な機会だ。堪能したい。
The eclipse begins from the top right side of the sun at about 6 a.m., evolving into a perfect, golden "ring of fire," at about 7:30 a.m. This state of "annularity" will last a maximum of five minutes or so.
午前６時台から太陽の右上がかけ始め、同７時半ごろには、金色のリング状になる。この状態が最大５分間ほど続く。
===
Be careful of accident
The moment the edge of the moon overlaps that of the sun should not be missed. Sunlight appears to trickle out from the sun, creating gleaming beads, a phenomenon known as "Baily's beads."
月と太陽の端が重なる瞬間も見逃せない。すき間から太陽光が漏れ出し数珠状に輝く。「ベイリービーズ」と呼ばれる現象だ。
Viewing parties and other events related to the eclipse are scheduled in many parts of the country.
各地で観望会などが予定されている。
Given that the phenomenon occurs while people are commuting to school or workplaces, however, care must be taken not to fall while looking up at the sky while walking or cause an accident while driving.
だが、通勤通学の時間帯でもある。歩きながら空を見上げて転んだり、自動車運転中に事故を起こしたりするのは禁物だ。
Avoid observing the sun with the naked eye, which can harm your eyes. Injury of the retina can produce such symptoms as the appearance of black spots in your eyesight and distortion of objects.
太陽の直視も避けよう。目を痛めかねない。網膜が傷つくと視野の中に黒い斑点が見えたり、物がゆがんで見えたりする。
These symptoms usually disappear in about a week, but more long-lasting serious eye injuries can happen.
１週間程度で回復する例が多いが、時に症状が長期化するので要注意だ。
Special eclipse sunglasses have been on sale for some time. Viewers can also enjoy the phenomenon by way of what is called the pinhole method, observing the sun's images that are projected onto a surface through a small hole made in a piece of paper. Sunshine filtering through leaves can also cast an image of the eclipsed sun onto the ground.
観測専用めがねが販売されている。紙に小さな穴を開けて太陽光を通し、映し出された像を見るピンホール法もある。木漏れ日でも欠けた太陽が地面に映る。
The National Astronomical Observatory of Japan and other expert organizations have introduced various observation methods, which can serve as a useful reference.
国立天文台など専門機関がインターネットで観測法を紹介している。参考になるだろう。
The annular solar eclipse provides astronomical researchers with an excellent opportunity.
研究者にも絶好の機会だ。
A project has been undertaken to gauge the size of the sun more exactly by recording precisely the scope of the full "ring of fire," or annularity.
金環日食が見える範囲を精密に記録し、太陽の大きさを従来よりも正確に測定しようという研究プロジェクトも進められている。
===
Is Earth cooling?
The sun is an immensely huge lump of gases, and interaction between the gases yields the sun's energy.
太陽は巨大なガスの塊だ。このガスが反応しエネルギーが生まれる。
Determining the size of the sun more accurately would allow a more detailed understanding of solar energy generation.
大きさがもっと正確に分かれば、エネルギーが発生する仕組みを、より詳しく理解できよう。
Currently, the sun is a focus of attention of experts around the world because of an anomaly: It's activity has been at a low level last seen about 200 years ago, when Earth was in the midst of a cooling trend, according to researchers.
今、太陽は世界の専門家の関心の的でもある。異変が起きているためだ。約２００年前、地球が寒冷化していた時代と似た、活動の低い状態にあるという。
In addition to findings in studies by researchers in many foreign countries, data obtained in space by Hinode, the Japanese solar observation satellite, point to a steady decline in the sun's activities. Do these observations indicate Earth is again heading for a cooling phase?
世界各国の研究に加え、日本の太陽観測衛星「ひので」が宇宙で得たデータも、太陽活動の一層の低下を示唆している。再び地球が寒冷化する兆候だろうか。
The importance of solar studies is taking on increasing importance.
太陽を研究する意義は増している。
Although the designed lifetime of Hinode has ended, no plan has been discussed by the government about the wisdom of developing a successor, while budgetary appropriations for sun-related studies have been trimmed continually.
ところが、すでに寿命を超えている「ひので」の後継機は、政府内で検討もされず、太陽関連の研究予算も減る一方だ。
The government must continue to extend a certain amount of financial support to this field of research.
政府は、この分野へ一定の支援を続けていくべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 20, 2012)
（2012年5月20日01時39分 読売新聞）
2012.05.22
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 20, 2012)
Japan's space industry shoud build on H-2A rocket success
Ｈ２Ａ成功 宇宙産業の地歩を築く一歩に（5月19日付・読売社説）
The 21st H-2A rocket was successfully launched Friday with four satellites aboard. One of them, from South Korea, was the first to be launched under a contract from overseas.
初めて海外から受注した韓国の衛星など４基を載せたＨ２Ａロケット２１号機が、打ち上げに成功した。
All four satellites entered their planned orbits.
いずれの衛星も予定軌道に乗った。
Everything went flawlessly and on schedule.
すべてスケジュール通りで、極めて順調だった。
One of the four, the Arirang-3 satellite developed by the Korea Aerospace Research Institute was the focus of special attention. The South Korean satellite is equipped with a high-resolution camera capable of photographing small objects on the ground.
注目された衛星は、韓国航空宇宙研究院の「アリラン３号」だ。高解像度のカメラを搭載し、地上を精密撮影できる。
The successful liftoff marked Japan's entry into the commercial launch business for non-Japanese payloads, a goal people involved in the nation's space development programs have longed for. The success should be used to broaden opportunities for the nation's commercial satellite launch business.
日本の宇宙関係者が悲願としてきた、海外衛星の打ち上げビジネスへの参入に一歩をしるした。成功を商機拡大につなげたい。
The success this time was the 15th consecutive successful launch of the H-2A rocket since the explosion of the sixth H-2A in 2003. The H-2A program's 95.2 percent success rate makes it comparable to the best in the world.
Ｈ２Ａの打ち上げも、２００３年の６号機失敗後、１５回続けての成功となった。成功率９５・２％は世界のトップクラスだ。
===
More extensive record needed
The European Ariane rocket, a formidable rival for Japan in the space business competition, also has a success rate of about 95 percent--but it is based on a more extensive record of about 200 successful launches. The H-2A's corresponding figure of 21 launches leaves it far from truly catching up with the world's best.
ただし、打ち上げ回数では、日本の強力なライバルである欧州のロケット「アリアン」が約２００回に達している。成功率も約９５％だ。２１回のＨ２Ａは、世界水準には、まだまだ遠い。
Under the circumstances, Japan's commercial launch business faces a thorny and arduous path.
それだけに、日本の打ち上げビジネスの前途は険しい。
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd., the H-2A rocket manufacturer, began to seek contracts to launch commercial satellites around 2007. The company has had more than 100 inquiries from potential clients, but only one, the South Korean entity, actually signed on.
Ｈ２Ａを製造している三菱重工業は、０７年ごろから打ち上げ契約獲得を目指してきた。打診は１００件を超えるが、成約に至ったのは、今回の衛星以外にない。
Further business efforts are needed for such purposes as cutting back on launch costs.
打ち上げ費用を低減する取り組みを強化するなど、さらなる営業努力が必要だろう。
Explaining its choice of the H-2A rocket, South Korea cited the "inexpensiveness" of the latest launch.
韓国側は、打ち上げにＨ２Ａを選択した理由として、費用の「安さ」を挙げている。
An H-2A launch usually costs about 10 billion yen. But the launch fee was reportedly reduced considerably due to the fact that the South Korean satellite blasted off together with the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency's Shizuku, an observation satellite designed to scrutinize Earth's water environment.
Ｈ２Ａの打ち上げには、通常１００億円前後かかるが、韓国の衛星は、地球の水環境を詳細に観測する日本の宇宙航空研究開発機構の衛星「しずく」と相乗りのため料金が軽減されたという。
Further cuts in the production costs for the rocket are also essential.
ロケット製造コストの一層の削減も必要だ。
Mitsubishi Heavy Industries has set the goal of halving costs through steps such as reviewing its procurement methods.
三菱重工業も部品調達の見直しなどで、将来の費用半減を目標に掲げている。
===
Launch new rocket R&D
The government must actively support the engagement of domestic industry in the rocket launching business.
政府も、産業界の取り組みを積極的に後押しすべきだろう。
By launching a variety of government satellites, including ones for Earth observation and telecommunications, one after another with H-2A rockets, the government could help enhance its appeal to potential clients.
地球観測や通信など様々な政府の衛星を、今後もＨ２Ａで切れ目なく打ち上げることで、実績作りにも貢献する必要がある。
We believe now is the time to start studies in earnest about the development of a next-generation Japanese rocket to succeed the H-2A.
Ｈ２Ａの次の国産ロケット開発についても、本格的に検討を始めるべきではないか。
Without a new research and development project, this country will eventually lose excellent rocket technicians. In fact, the technicians who were involved in the development of the H-2A project have already begun to retire.
新規の研究開発がなければ、優秀な技術者はいなくなる。Ｈ２Ａに携わった技術陣はすでに引退し始めた。
In the United States, where rocket business start-ups have been set up at the initiative of private companies, launch costs are said to be about half those of the H-2A.
米国では、民間企業主導で、打ち上げ費用がＨ２Ａの半額程度という安価なロケットも登場している。
Although they have made few commercial launches so far, the U.S. space business start-ups are likely to become strong new rivals for Japan's satellite launch business.
実績はまだ少ないが、新たなライバルになろう。
Given the situation, it is imperative for this country to bolster cooperation among the government, industry and academia to maintain and strengthen domestic rocket technology.
国産ロケット技術の維持、強化へ産官学の協力が重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 19, 2012)
（2012年5月19日01時32分 読売新聞）
2012.05.21
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 19, 2012)
Devise effective strategy for robust economic recovery
ＧＤＰ高成長 景気の本格回復につなげたい（5月18日付・読売社説）
The nation's economy has finally begun to recover on the back of robust consumer spending and reconstruction projects launched after the Great East Japan Earthquake.
堅調な個人消費と東日本大震災の復興事業をテコに、ようやく景気が回復してきた。
It is crucial that the government use this tailwind to put the Japanese economy on a solid growth track.
追い風を生かし、日本経済を確かな成長軌道に乗せることが重要だ。
Japan's real gross domestic product for the January-March quarter of 2012 grew 1 percent from the previous quarter, marking positive growth for three consecutive quarters. GDP grew at a high rate of 4.1 percent on an annual basis.
今年１～３月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比１・０％増と、３四半期連続のプラス成長になった。年率換算で４・１％という高い成長率である。
Consumer spending, which accounts for 60 percent of GDP, marked its fourth straight quarterly increase. This was largely due to a surge in new car sales after a subsidy program for purchases of environmentally friendly vehicles was reinstated late last year. Consumption on entertainment, including amusement parks, also was brisk.
ＧＤＰの６割を占める個人消費は、４四半期連続でプラスとなった。昨年末にエコカー補助金が復活し、新車販売が急増した影響が大きい。遊園地など娯楽関連の消費も順調だった。
More than one year has passed since the March 11, 2011, disaster. It seems consumer sentiment, which cooled due to a mood of self-restraint that enveloped the nation after the catastrophe, has started to pick up.
震災から１年たち、自粛ムードで冷えた消費者心理が好転してきたようだ。
Also, public investment increased for the first time in three quarters. We think it is safe to say that economic growth is being led by domestic demand.
公共投資も、３四半期ぶりに増加に転じた。内需主導の成長と言えるだろう。
===
Recovery at crucial stage
Implementation of the almost 20 trillion yen reconstruction budget will soon enter a crucial stage. The government expects the economy will continue to log positive growth in the April-June quarter, supported by demand created by reconstruction projects.
総額２０兆円近い復興予算の執行は、これから本番を迎える。政府は４～６月期も復興需要を支えにプラス成長が続くと見ている。
However, the ability of public expenditures to prop up the economy is limited. There is concern that the economy could lose steam in summer and beyond.
ただし、財政支出による景気の押し上げ効果には限りがある。夏以降の息切れが心配だ。
The subsidy program for eco-friendly car purchases is scheduled to expire at the end of January next year, but its budget--which totals about 300 billion yen--could run out as early as this summer. If the subsidies end earlier than planned, car sales will inevitably drop sharply after the initial surge.
エコカー補助金の制度は来年１月末までだが、約３０００億円の予算は夏ごろにも底をつく可能性がある。支給が早めに打ち切りになれば、自動車販売の反動減は避けられまい。
Reconstruction projects also will end up sitting idle if rebuilding plans for disaster-hit areas do not progress smoothly.
復興事業も、被災地の復興計画作りが順調に進まないと停滞を余儀なくされる。
A looming electricity shortage this summer also could put a brake on production and further accelerate the hollowing-out of domestic industries.
夏の電力不足が、生産にブレーキをかけ、産業空洞化を一段と加速させる恐れもある。
The government should steadily implement policies, including reconstruction support and the reactivation of idled nuclear reactors after confirming they are safe.
政府は、復興支援や安全を確認した原子力発電所の再稼働など、政策を着実に進めるべきだ。
Upward pressure on the yen has intensified as concern mounts that the European financial crisis may flare up again due to recent political turmoil in Greece. This could drag down Japan's exports, which had only just started to recover.
ギリシャの混迷で欧州危機再燃への懸念が広がり、円高圧力が強まっている。持ち直してきた輸出の足を引っ張りかねない。
The government and the Bank of Japan need to muster the resolve to intervene in foreign exchange markets and take additional monetary-easing measures--if necessary--to prevent the yen from appreciating excessively.
政府・日銀は過度な円高の阻止へ、為替介入や追加金融緩和も辞さない決意が必要だ。
===
Focus on quality not quantity
A strategy for growth led by private-sector demand must be accelerated while reconstruction projects and other measures are having an effect.
復興事業などの効果があるうちに、民需主導の成長戦略を加速させることが求められる。
The growth strategy mapped out under the administration of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan two years ago incorporated about 400 measures. A government check of how these measures had been implemented found less than 10 percent had produced favorable results. The Kan administration's growth strategy was merely an empty slogan.
菅前政権が２年前に策定した新成長戦略は、約４００の施策が盛り込まれた。その実施状況を政府が点検したところ、成果が見られたのは１割弱にとどまった。全くの看板倒れである。
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is discussing a strategy for Japan's revitalization at the government's Council on National Strategy and Policy, which comprises cabinet ministers and representatives from business circles.
野田内閣は閣僚や経済界の代表による国家戦略会議で、「日本再生戦略」を検討している。
We urge the government to formulate an effective strategy by carefully selecting policies, rather than including every scheme in a bid to try to please everyone.
総花的にならないよう政策を厳選し、効果的な内容に仕上げてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 18, 2012)
（2012年5月18日01時38分 読売新聞）
2012.05.21
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 18, 2012)
Hollande, Merkel should bridge gap to contain Greek crisis
混迷ギリシャ 独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを（5月17日付・読売社説）
The political turmoil in Greece has deepened after negotiations to form a coalition government fell apart following a general election in which no party secured a majority in parliament. A new election will take place next month.
ギリシャで、総選挙後の連立交渉が失敗して再選挙が決まり、混迷が深まっている。
The international community is now casting anxious eyes on whether the eurozone economies can unite anew to prevent the debt crisis from flaring up again on the continent.
危機再燃を防ぐため、改めて欧州の結束が問われよう。
Parties that oppose Greece's austerity measures, such as the Radical Left Coalition (Syriza), may significantly increase the number of their seats in the next general election scheduled for mid-June. Such a situation could severely hinder Greece from compiling the necessary support for further spending cuts, a precondition for receiving financial support from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
６月中旬に実施されるギリシャ再選挙では、急進左派連合など財政緊縮策に反対する勢力が大きく伸長する可能性がある。欧州連合（ＥＵ）などから支援を受ける前提となる歳出削減策の取りまとめが、頓挫しかねない事態だ。
After the collapse of the power-sharing talks, stock prices dropped across the board in global markets, including those in Europe, the United States and Japan, and the euro plunged. The markets' reactions reflect growing awareness that Greece's exit from the eurozone has become a real possibility.
欧米、日本など世界の株式市場の株価が全面安となり、ユーロが急落した。ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱が現実味を増したと市場が危機感を強めた影響と言える。
If the Greek crisis once again spills over to Spain and Italy, both of whom are rebuilding their finances, it would then spread to other eurozone economies and jeopardize the foundation of the European economy.
ギリシャ危機が、財政再建途上のスペインやイタリアなどに再び飛び火すれば、欧州経済は揺らぎ、危機が拡大する。
Exports from China and other emerging economies to Europe will inevitably slow down if the financial crisis in Europe worsens, which would have a huge impact on the global economy. Europe is China's biggest market.
欧州を最大の市場とする中国など新興国の輸出も鈍化し、世界経済に大打撃を与えるだろう。
===
Efforts to deter market fears
Newly elected French President Francois Hollande flew to Berlin shortly after taking office to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting was apparently meant to defuse market fears regarding the Greek crisis by emphasizing the willingness of the two countries to take the initiative in resolving it.
フランスのオランド新大統領が就任直後にベルリンへ飛び、メルケル独首相と会談した。独仏主導で危機対応に取り組む姿勢を改めてアピールし、市場の不安を打ち消す狙いがあったと見られる。
Hollande and Merkel stressed they want Greece to stay in the eurozone. Regarding growth strategy for Europe, which has become the focal point in dealing with the financial crisis, Merkel expressed her plan to prepare specific proposals with France by an EU summit meeting scheduled for late June.
両首脳は、「ギリシャがユーロ圏にとどまることを望む」と強調した。焦点の成長戦略について、メルケル首相は、６月下旬のＥＵ首脳会議までに独仏共同の具体案をまとめる方針を表明した。
It is meaningful that the two leaders have agreed that Europe should not only focus on austerity measures, and acknowledged the necessity of a new growth strategy. We ask Germany and France to do their best to contain the financial crisis.
独仏両首脳が、欧州は財政緊縮一本やりでなく、新たな成長戦略を必要としている、との認識で一致した意義は大きい。危機封じ込めに全力を挙げてもらいたい。
===
Difference between 2 leaders
However, Merkel and Hollande differ fundamentally in their positions for dealing with the crisis, which could cast a shadow on their cooperation.
問題は、両首脳の考えに根本的な部分で隔たりがあることだ。
Hollande has demanded renegotiation of the EU's new budget discipline treaty--which was spearheaded by his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy--to include pro-growth elements in the pact. In domestic politics, Hollande has promised the French public to implement certain stimulus measures, such as hiring an additional 60,000 teachers.
オランド大統領は、サルコジ前大統領が推進した財政規律強化のためのＥＵ新条約について、成長に関する項目を盛り込むよう再交渉を主張してきた。国内では、６万人の教員採用など、財政出動を伴う公約を打ち出している。
In contrast, Merkel has put her priority on fiscal discipline. She has not changed her position of rejecting renegotiation of the new treaty, which 25 EU members--all but Britain and the Czech Republic--have signed.
メルケル首相は、財政規律を重視する立場だ。英国とチェコを除くＥＵ２５か国が署名済みの新条約を、再交渉することはできないという姿勢を崩していない。
Will Europe be able to devote sufficient attention to growth strategy while maintaining budget discipline? Germany and France should accelerate their efforts to build a consensus on devising a specific growth strategy and on whether to renegotiate the budget discipline treaty.
財政規律を維持しつつ、成長戦略にどう目配りするのか。独仏は成長戦略の具体化や新条約の扱いを巡り合意形成を急ぐべきだ。
Europe's financial crisis is expected to top the agenda at a Group of Eight summit meeting scheduled for this weekend in the United States.
今週末、米国で開かれる主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議は、欧州危機が主要議題となる。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda should ask Europe to settle the financial crisis as soon as possible. It is essential for Japan, which has yet to experience a full-fledged economic recovery, to prevent the excessive strength of the yen from becoming the status quo due to the turmoil in the Europe.
野田首相は、欧州に、危機の早期収束を重ねて求めるべきだ。本格的な景気回復が遅れている日本としては、欧州の混乱に伴う超円高の定着を防がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 17, 2012)
（2012年5月17日01時10分 読売新聞）
2012.05.20
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 18, 2012)
Hollande, Merkel should bridge gap to contain Greek crisis
混迷ギリシャ 独仏は協調し危機封じ込めを（5月17日付・読売社説）
The political turmoil in Greece has deepened after negotiations to form a coalition government fell apart following a general election in which no party secured a majority in parliament. A new election will take place next month.
ギリシャで、総選挙後の連立交渉が失敗して再選挙が決まり、混迷が深まっている。
The international community is now casting anxious eyes on whether the eurozone economies can unite anew to prevent the debt crisis from flaring up again on the continent.
危機再燃を防ぐため、改めて欧州の結束が問われよう。
Parties that oppose Greece's austerity measures, such as the Radical Left Coalition (Syriza), may significantly increase the number of their seats in the next general election scheduled for mid-June. Such a situation could severely hinder Greece from compiling the necessary support for further spending cuts, a precondition for receiving financial support from the European Union and the International Monetary Fund.
６月中旬に実施されるギリシャ再選挙では、急進左派連合など財政緊縮策に反対する勢力が大きく伸長する可能性がある。欧州連合（ＥＵ）などから支援を受ける前提となる歳出削減策の取りまとめが、頓挫しかねない事態だ。
After the collapse of the power-sharing talks, stock prices dropped across the board in global markets, including those in Europe, the United States and Japan, and the euro plunged. The markets' reactions reflect growing awareness that Greece's exit from the eurozone has become a real possibility.
欧米、日本など世界の株式市場の株価が全面安となり、ユーロが急落した。ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱が現実味を増したと市場が危機感を強めた影響と言える。
If the Greek crisis once again spills over to Spain and Italy, both of whom are rebuilding their finances, it would then spread to other eurozone economies and jeopardize the foundation of the European economy.
ギリシャ危機が、財政再建途上のスペインやイタリアなどに再び飛び火すれば、欧州経済は揺らぎ、危機が拡大する。
Exports from China and other emerging economies to Europe will inevitably slow down if the financial crisis in Europe worsens, which would have a huge impact on the global economy. Europe is China's biggest market.
欧州を最大の市場とする中国など新興国の輸出も鈍化し、世界経済に大打撃を与えるだろう。
===
Efforts to deter market fears
Newly elected French President Francois Hollande flew to Berlin shortly after taking office to hold talks with German Chancellor Angela Merkel. The meeting was apparently meant to defuse market fears regarding the Greek crisis by emphasizing the willingness of the two countries to take the initiative in resolving it.
フランスのオランド新大統領が就任直後にベルリンへ飛び、メルケル独首相と会談した。独仏主導で危機対応に取り組む姿勢を改めてアピールし、市場の不安を打ち消す狙いがあったと見られる。
Hollande and Merkel stressed they want Greece to stay in the eurozone. Regarding growth strategy for Europe, which has become the focal point in dealing with the financial crisis, Merkel expressed her plan to prepare specific proposals with France by an EU summit meeting scheduled for late June.
両首脳は、「ギリシャがユーロ圏にとどまることを望む」と強調した。焦点の成長戦略について、メルケル首相は、６月下旬のＥＵ首脳会議までに独仏共同の具体案をまとめる方針を表明した。
It is meaningful that the two leaders have agreed that Europe should not only focus on austerity measures, and acknowledged the necessity of a new growth strategy. We ask Germany and France to do their best to contain the financial crisis.
独仏両首脳が、欧州は財政緊縮一本やりでなく、新たな成長戦略を必要としている、との認識で一致した意義は大きい。危機封じ込めに全力を挙げてもらいたい。
===
Difference between 2 leaders
However, Merkel and Hollande differ fundamentally in their positions for dealing with the crisis, which could cast a shadow on their cooperation.
問題は、両首脳の考えに根本的な部分で隔たりがあることだ。
Hollande has demanded renegotiation of the EU's new budget discipline treaty--which was spearheaded by his predecessor, Nicolas Sarkozy--to include pro-growth elements in the pact. In domestic politics, Hollande has promised the French public to implement certain stimulus measures, such as hiring an additional 60,000 teachers.
オランド大統領は、サルコジ前大統領が推進した財政規律強化のためのＥＵ新条約について、成長に関する項目を盛り込むよう再交渉を主張してきた。国内では、６万人の教員採用など、財政出動を伴う公約を打ち出している。
In contrast, Merkel has put her priority on fiscal discipline. She has not changed her position of rejecting renegotiation of the new treaty, which 25 EU members--all but Britain and the Czech Republic--have signed.
メルケル首相は、財政規律を重視する立場だ。英国とチェコを除くＥＵ２５か国が署名済みの新条約を、再交渉することはできないという姿勢を崩していない。
Will Europe be able to devote sufficient attention to growth strategy while maintaining budget discipline? Germany and France should accelerate their efforts to build a consensus on devising a specific growth strategy and on whether to renegotiate the budget discipline treaty.
財政規律を維持しつつ、成長戦略にどう目配りするのか。独仏は成長戦略の具体化や新条約の扱いを巡り合意形成を急ぐべきだ。
Europe's financial crisis is expected to top the agenda at a Group of Eight summit meeting scheduled for this weekend in the United States.
今週末、米国で開かれる主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議は、欧州危機が主要議題となる。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda should ask Europe to settle the financial crisis as soon as possible. It is essential for Japan, which has yet to experience a full-fledged economic recovery, to prevent the excessive strength of the yen from becoming the status quo due to the turmoil in the Europe.
野田首相は、欧州に、危機の早期収束を重ねて求めるべきだ。本格的な景気回復が遅れている日本としては、欧州の混乱に伴う超円高の定着を防がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 17, 2012)
（2012年5月17日01時10分 読売新聞）
2012.05.19
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 17, 2012)
Wen's 'core interests' remark over Senkakus a cause for concern
温首相尖閣発言 「核心的利益」は穏やかでない（5月16日付・読売社説）
China is reinforcing its hard-line stance over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture against a backdrop of swelling military strength and economic wealth.
沖縄県の尖閣諸島を巡り、膨張する軍事力と経済力を背景に中国の強硬姿勢が目立ってきた。
During a bilateral meeting with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in Beijing on Sunday, Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao reportedly mentioned the issues of the island chain, along with the Xinjiang Uygur Autonomous Region, where there is an ongoing separatist movement. Wen reportedly stressed that it is important for Japan to respect "China's core interests and major concerns."
北京で行われた日中首脳会談で温家宝首相は、分離独立運動が続く新疆ウイグル自治区とともに尖閣諸島に言及し、「中国の核心的利益と重大な関心事項を尊重するということが大事だ」と強調した。
China uses "core interests" to describe national sovereignty, maintenance of territorial integrity and other areas over which it will make no compromise at any price. Beijing has applied the expression to Taiwan, Tibet and the Uygur region before, but in recent years, it has reportedly used the term in regard to the South China Sea.
「核心的利益」とは中国が絶対に譲歩できない国家主権や領土保全などに用いる言葉だ。これまで台湾やチベット、ウイグルなどに使ってきたが、近年は南シナ海にも使用しているとされる。
The Chinese government has never officially used the expression for the Senkaku Islands. However, the People's Daily, the official newspaper of the Chinese Communist Party, used "core interests" in connection with the islands for the first time in January this year.
中国政府は、この表現を尖閣諸島に公式に使った例はない。だが、今年１月、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が、初めて使用した。
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Semantic tactic
Wen is thought to have used "core interests" and "major concerns" together in referring to the Senkaku Islands so that his remark could be taken to mean the islets are part of China's core interests.
温首相の今回の発言は、「核心的利益」と「重大な関心事項」をひとくくりにすることで、尖閣諸島が「核心的利益」とも読み取れるように意図したものだろう。
In making the remark, the Chinese premier seems to have been thinking of the Chinese public's negative reaction to recent developments over the Senkakus--Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara's announcement that his government plans to purchase part of the islands and the Japanese government's decision to give names to four uninhabited islets of the chain.
尖閣諸島に関し、東京都の石原慎太郎知事の買い取り構想や日本政府による無人島命名に、中国国内で反発が広がった。そのことが念頭にあるようだ。
Wen's remark can be seen as a reflection of the Chinese government's increasingly assertive stance in claiming sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands as Beijing tries to expand its maritime interests.
海洋権益の拡大を図る中国政府が、従来以上に領有権を主張する方針を鮮明にしたと言える。
China demonstrates its presence by sending fishery patrol vessels to waters near the islands almost every month. Japan should further reinforce its surveillance arrangements for the nation's remote islands and territorial waters.
中国の監視船は毎月のように尖閣諸島周辺で示威行動に出ている。日本は離島と領海の監視体制を一段と強化する必要がある。
It is natural for Noda to remind Wen that the Senkaku Islands are part of Japan's sovereign territory and call for self-restraint on China's part, saying, "China's stepped-up activities [around the islands] are upsetting the Japanese public."
野田首相が温首相に、尖閣諸島が日本固有の領土であると主張し、「中国の活動の活発化が日本国民の感情を刺激している」と、自制を求めたのは当然である。
At the same time, it is regrettable that China refused Japan's request for a one-on-one meeting between Noda and Chinese President Hu Jintao. The rebuff was apparently a signal of China's dissatisfaction over not only the Senkaku issue, but also Japan's issuance of visas to Uygurs exiled from the autonomous region to attend an international assembly being held in Tokyo.
中国側の意向で、胡錦濤国家主席と野田首相との個別会談が見送られたのも問題だ。尖閣に加え、東京での国際会議に出席する亡命ウイグル人にビザを発給したことへの不満の表明とみられる。
===
Many pending issues
Japan and China, which mark the 40th anniversary of the normalization of diplomatic relations this year, face a pile of pending issues.
国交正常化４０周年を迎えた日中間に懸案は山積している。
Despite Japan's repeated requests, China has not agreed to resume negotiations on joint development of gas fields in the East China Sea since the 2010 collision of a Chinese trawler with Japan Coast Guard vessels off the Senkaku Islands.
東シナ海のガス田開発に関する交渉は一昨年の尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件以来、日本の再三の要請にもかかわらず、開かれていない。
Also dubious was China's stance over North Korea's nuclear activities when the leaders of Japan, China and South Korea held summit talks Sunday. A joint declaration was initially scheduled to be released in tandem with the meeting, but it was not unveiled until the following day--and then it did not refer to North Korea at all.
北朝鮮の核問題でも、中国の対応には疑問が残った。日中韓首脳会談に合わせ発表される予定だった共同宣言は、１日遅れの発表となり、肝心の北朝鮮については一切言及しなかった。
The delay was reportedly caused by China, which seemed reluctant to produce a document that would urge North Korea to exercise the self-restraint not to carry out a new nuclear test or other provocative actions because it wanted to avoid angering Pyongyang.
北朝鮮を刺激したくない中国が、核実験などの自制を促す内容を盛り込むことに反対する姿勢を崩さなかったのが原因だ。
Considering such a stance, it is only natural to question whether China has a will to prevent North Korea from conducting a nuclear test.
これでは、中国に北朝鮮の核実験を阻止する意思があるのかと疑われても仕方あるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 16, 2012)
（2012年5月16日01時28分 読売新聞）
2012.05.18
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 16, 2012)
Okinawa economic development, national security both important
沖縄復帰４０年 経済と安保を両立させたい（5月15日付・読売社説）
Okinawa Prefecture celebrates the 40th anniversary of its reversion to Japanese sovereignty on Tuesday.
沖縄県はきょう、本土復帰４０周年を迎える。
An event to commemorate the anniversary in Ginowan will be attended by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the heads of the other two branches of government, Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima and others.
宜野湾市で、野田首相ら三権の長や仲井真弘多知事などが出席して記念式典が行われる。
The prefecture continues to bear the excessive burden of hosting 74 percent of U.S. military facilities in this country, measured by land area. Under such circumstances, the government is urged to find a way to achieve both economic development of the prefecture and effective national security.
日本全体の米軍施設用地の７４％が集中する過重な負担が続く中、政府はいかに経済振興と安全保障を両立させるかが問われる。
The government last week decided on the basic policy for an Okinawa Prefecture economic development plan. The plan for the next decade, to begin this fiscal year, will be the fifth of its kind. A major pillar of the policy is to make the prefecture into an international distribution base through construction of a second runway at Naha Airport. The government aims to enable the prefecture to move toward self-supporting economic development. Based on the policy, the Okinawa prefectural government is to decide the details of the economic development plan on Tuesday.
政府は先週、今後１０年間の第５次沖縄振興計画の基本方針を決定した。那覇空港の第２滑走路整備による国際物流拠点化が柱で、沖縄の自立的な経済発展を目指す内容だ。この方針に基づき、沖縄県がきょう振興計画を決定する。
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Use development budget effectively
It is quite appropriate for the government to have changed the main entity to compile the plan from itself to the prefectural government. We hope the central and prefectural governments will steadily carry out projects in the plan to take full advantage of the geographical and international features of the prefecture, which is the closest part of Japan to many Asian countries.
計画の策定主体を政府から沖縄県に変更したのは、妥当である。アジアに近接する地理的特性や国際性を生かした計画を着実に実行に移してもらいたい。
Past development plans focused on "correction of disparities between the prefecture and other parts of the country." Despite those efforts, prefectural residents' incomes have remained around 70 percent of the national average. As the manufacturing industry can hardly grow there, manufacturers' contribution to gross prefectural product has fallen from 11 percent 40 years ago to 4 percent today.
過去の振興計画は「本土との格差是正」を掲げてきたが、県民１人当たりの所得は全国平均の７割前後にとどまる。製造業が育たず、県内総生産に占める割合は４０年前の１１％から４％に低下した。
The prefecture's economic structure stands on three main pillars: U.S. military bases, public works projects and tourism. Dependence on the central government's budget for the prefecture's development is also high.
基地、公共事業、観光に頼る「３Ｋ経済」の構造が続き、政府予算への依存度も高い。
The Democratic Party of Japan-led administration, partly as amends for having caused turmoil over the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station relocation issue, has beefed up its Okinawa Prefecture development budget to a handsome 293.7 billion yen this fiscal year.
民主党政権は、米軍普天間飛行場移設問題を迷走させた負い目もあり、今年度の沖縄振興予算を２９３７億円へ大幅に増やした。
To use the funds effectively, it is essential for the prefectural government and each municipality in the prefecture to compile economic development measures based on medium and long-term outlooks and continue their self-help efforts.
これを有効に使うためには、沖縄県と各市町村が、中長期的展望に立った振興策を企画し、自助努力を続けることが大切だ。
The prefectural government will be able to utilize the central government's lump-sum grants with fewer usage restrictions. It can also shift the focus of the budget, previously on construction of tangible objects such as infrastructure and fancy public facilities, to intangible things such as environmental and welfare programs.
自由度の高い一括交付金を活用し、社会資本や箱物の整備などハード中心だった予算の使途を、環境、福祉などソフト重視に見直すことも求められよう。
===
Importance for national security
Recently, Chinese military and other ships have been regularly observed around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and other areas. Taking into consideration the rapid reinforcement and modernization of the Chinese Navy and Air Force, the prefecture's geopolitical importance for national security will become far greater from now on.
最近は、中国の軍艦や政府船による尖閣諸島周辺などでの活動が恒常化している。中国海空軍の急速な増強と近代化を踏まえれば、今後、沖縄の安全保障面の地政学的重要性は一層大きくなる。
The government must squarely face this fact and firmly maintain the efficacy and deterrence value of the Japan-U.S. alliance based on defense cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military.
政府は、この現実を直視し、自衛隊と米軍の防衛協力を基盤とする日米同盟の抑止力と実効性を堅持しなければならない。
At the same time, the government needs to do its best to reduce the prefecture's burden through such measures as facilitating the return of U.S. military facilities to Japan, which will follow the transfer of U.S. marines stationed in Okinawa Prefecture to bases overseas, and making operational improvements in the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement. It should also patiently work on the relocation of the functions of the Futenma Air Station to the Henoko district of Nago.
同時に、在沖縄海兵隊の海外移転に伴う米軍施設の返還や日米地位協定の運用改善など、地元負担の軽減に全力を挙げる必要がある。普天間飛行場の辺野古移設にも粘り強く取り組むべきだ。
Also important is to map out effective utilization of land to be vacated by the U.S. military.
重要なのは、米軍施設跡地の有効利用を図ることだ。
The government is now studying construction of an advanced cancer treatment facility in a residential district in Camp Foster, formerly called Camp Zukeran, stretching over Okinawa city and several other municipalities.
政府は、キャンプ瑞慶覧の住宅地区に最先端のがん治療施設を整備することを検討している。
It is indispensable for the government to gradually and steadily win the understanding of the prefecture and its residents toward the realignment of U.S. forces stationed in Japan.
こうした事業を通じて、在日米軍再編への地元の理解を地道に広げることが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 15, 2012)
（2012年5月15日01時45分 読売新聞）
2012.05.17
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 15, 2012)
Japan, China, South Korea cooperation promising
日中韓首脳会談 ＦＴＡと「北」で具体的成果を（5月14日付・読売社説）
It is hoped that broad cooperation between Japan, China and South Korea will result in substantial progress on such key issues as the formation of a free trade zone and North Korea's nuclear development program.
日中韓３か国の幅広い協力を、自由貿易圏の形成や北朝鮮の核開発など重要課題における具体的な成果につなげたい。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda agreed with Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao and South Korean President Lee Myung Bak in their summit meeting in Beijing to launch negotiations on a three-way free trade agreement by the end of this year.
野田首相が北京で中国の温家宝首相、韓国の李明博大統領と会談し、日中韓の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉を年内に開始することで合意した。
The three countries signed a three-party investment accord, which specifies the protection of intellectual property rights and other issues, a prerequisite for the envisaged FTA.
３か国は、ＦＴＡの前提となる、知的財産権の保護などを定めた日中韓の投資協定に署名した。
Because South Korea initially indicated its priority was on concluding an FTA with China, it was considered uncertain whether the three countries would be able to agree on starting negotiations for the three-way accord. Given this background, we welcome the latest agreement among the three leaders.
韓国が当初、中韓２国間のＦＴＡを優先する姿勢を見せ、３か国の交渉入りが危ぶまれていただけに、今回の合意を歓迎したい。
It will be very significant if the three countries--which together account for about 20 percent of the global gross domestic product--form a free trade zone. In addition, it is vital for Japan's growth strategy to increase its trade with China and South Korea, countries that are rapidly boosting economic activities.
世界の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の約２割を占める日中韓が自由貿易圏を作る意義は大きい。急速に経済を拡大させている中韓両国との貿易を活発化することは、日本の成長戦略にも欠かせない。
===
Japan still stuck at home
China became positive about forming a three-party FTA partly because Japan began full-fledged moves toward participating in negotiations for the Trans-Pacific Partnership framework, the establishment of which the United States, Australia and seven other countries are now negotiating.
中国が日韓とのＦＴＡに前向きになった背景には、米豪など９か国が交渉中の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加に日本が本格的に動き始めたことがある。
Yet, Japan is still unable to announce its participation in the TPP negotiations due to delayed coordination of different opinions at home. The later our country participates in the negotiations, the less room there will be for it to become involved in setting the rules of international trade within the framework.
だが、日本は国内調整の遅れから、ＴＰＰ交渉参加を表明できないでいる。参加が遅れるほど、日本は国際貿易のルール作りに関与する余地が狭まってしまう。
In addition to taking part in the U.S.-led TPP negotiations as soon as possible, the government must proactively promote reforms and strengthen competitiveness of the domestic farming sector. We believe such efforts would favorably affect the establishment of an FTA between Japan, China and South Korea.
米国主導のＴＰＰ交渉に早期に参加するとともに、国内農業の改革と競争力強化に積極的に取り組む必要がある。それが日中韓ＦＴＡにも良い影響を与えよう。
The three leaders also agreed to beef up cooperation over North Korea's nuclear activities. Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said it is important to prevent the country from resorting to further provocative actions, including a new nuclear test.
首脳会談では、北朝鮮の核問題について日中韓の連携を強化することで一致した。野田首相は「核実験を含む、さらなる挑発行為を防ぐことが重要だ」と語った。
To this end, it will be vital that Japan, the United States and South Korea, which are taking a hard line with North Korea, and China, which takes a conciliatory approach to the country, keep in step with each other.
肝心なのは、北朝鮮に厳しい日米韓などと、融和的な中国との足並みをそろえることだ。
===
Sanctions cranked up
North Korea launched a ballistic missile in mid-April. In response, the U.N. Security Council approved additional sanctions against the country on May 2, under which three more organizations related to Pyongyang, including a North Korean trading firm, were added to the list of entities subject to asset freezes their assets by U.N. members.
先月中旬に弾道ミサイルを発射した北朝鮮に対し、国連安全保障理事会は今月２日、北朝鮮の貿易会社など３団体を資産凍結の対象に加える制裁を決定した。
Though Japan, the United States, South Korea and others proposed adding about 40 organizations to the asset freeze list, the number was reduced to three due to China's objection.
日米韓などは約４０団体の追加を提案したが、中国の反対で３団体にとどまった。
We regret to say that the latest sanctions are insufficient as a penalty against North Korea, which neglected calls from the international community not to go ahead with the ballistic missile launch.
国際社会の発射中止要求を無視した北朝鮮への懲罰として、十分とは言えない。
"This is the time to adopt more effective measures," President Lee said. To prevent a nuclear test by North Korea, it is important to step up pressure on Pyongyang to exercise self-restraint.
北朝鮮の核実験の阻止には、李大統領が「より効果的な方策を講じる時点に来ている」と指摘したように、北朝鮮に自制を促す圧力を強めることが重要だ。
As a country that has influence on North Korea through its food and energy assistance, China has a great responsibility and role to play in this respect.
食糧やエネルギー支援を通じて北朝鮮への一定の影響力を持つ中国の責任と役割は大きい。
China has so far maintained the stance of not provoking North Korea by any means. A change in Beijing's position would make cooperation between Japan, China and South Korea even more substantial.
とにかく北朝鮮を刺激しない、という従来の姿勢を中国が転換することが、日中韓協力をより実の伴うものに高めよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 14, 2012)
（2012年5月14日01時35分 読売新聞）
2012.05.16
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タイでは外国人の土地購入は固く禁止されています。これが当り前ではないでしょうか。
江戸時代や明治の初期、娘を借金の肩代わりとして差し出す悪しき風習がありました。
国土を外国人に売り渡すことは、これと同じようなものではないでしょうか。
法改正を望みます。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 14, 2012)
Establish rules to protect watershed areas quickly
外資の森林買収 水源地保全のルール作り急げ （5月13日付・読売社説）
Foreign purchases of Japan's woodlands are on the rise.
外国資本による森林の買収が拡大している。
A total of 157 hectares of forest was acquired with foreign capital in 2011, almost four times the amount from a year earlier, according to data compiled by the Forestry Agency and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. The total from 2006 to 2011 reached as much as 785 hectares in seven prefectures, including Hokkaido, where nearly 90 percent of such purchases took place.
林野庁と国土交通省がまとめた２０１１年の買収実績は１５７ヘクタールで、前年の約４倍に増加した。０６年からの累計は、７道県で７８５ヘクタールに及び、北海道が全体の９割以上を占めている。
However, a survey of prefectural governments by The Yomiuri Shimbun this spring found the total area purchased with foreign capital reached 1,100 hectares, greatly exceeding the government's figures.
読売新聞が今春、都道府県を対象に実施した調査では、買収面積は計１１００ヘクタールに達し、政府の統計を大きく上回った。
As cases have been coming to light of Chinese companies acquiring land under the names of Japanese intermediary firms, the survey finding is probably just the tip of the iceberg.
中国企業などが、仲介する日本企業の名義で買収する事例も表面化しており、調査結果は「氷山の一角」に過ぎないだろう。
Worrisome is the fact that many of the acquired forested areas are in watersheds on which local communities depend. There have also been acquisitions of forested areas for purposes that are not clear. Should vital watershed areas be developed without restraint, the daily lives of local people could be threatened.
懸念されるのは、買収案件に地域の水源にかかる森林が多く含まれていることだ。利用目的がはっきりしないケースもある。水源地が乱開発される事態になれば、住民生活が脅かされかねない。
Even among those Western countries where land ownership by foreigners is permitted, a number of them restrict the ownership or development of areas near water sources.
外国人の土地保有を認める欧米でも、水源地周辺は所有や開発を規制している国が多い。
===
Keep an eagle eye on forests
The government must become more aware of land ownership and transactions, and discuss restrictions for protecting these areas.
政府は、水源地の売買や保有の実態を十分把握し、保全のために必要な規制を検討すべきである。
With its enforcement last month, the revised Forest Law makes it mandatory for transactions involving forest lots of less than one hectare to be reported to authorities upon acquisition. Previously, there was no reporting requirement for lots of that size.
４月に施行された改正森林法は、従来は対象外だった１ヘクタール未満の森林売買についても取得後の届け出義務を課した。
Although the enforcement of the revision is a step forward, it is hardly sufficient since authorities will learn of such purchases only after the deals are made.
一歩前進ではあるが、事後に取引を把握するため、十分とは言い難い。
With their own ordinances enforced in April, the prefectural governments of Hokkaido and Saitama have made it obligatory for land transactions around the headwaters of rivers to be reported to them in advance.
北海道と埼玉県は４月施行の条例で、水源周辺の土地取引には事前の届け出を義務付けた。
Four other prefectures, including Yamagata and Gunma, are considering the enactment of similar ordinances.
山形、群馬など４県も同様の条例制定を検討中という。
We approve of local governments proactively taking defensive measures. Upon learning of a questionable potential transaction involving land in a vital watershed, local governments may be able to take such countermeasures as acquiring the area themselves.
自治体が独自の防衛策に乗り出したのは評価できる。事前に動きを把握できれば、自治体の買い上げなど対抗策も可能になろう。
Yet under the Japanese legal system, land dealings themselves cannot be restricted, making it unclear whether such ordinances will be effective.
ただ、日本の法制度では、土地取引自体は規制できず、条例が有効かどうかは不透明だ。
At the same time, the role of foreign capital in revitalizing the local economy is significant. What is needed is a rule to ensure that forest land transactions the local governments cannot currently keep an eye on are brought to light, rather than one to merely inflame wariness against foreign capital to no purpose.
一方、外資の誘致が地域経済の活性化に果たす役割は、小さくない。外資への警戒感をいたずらにあおるのではなく、行政の目が届かない山林取引を放置しないようなルール作りが必要だ。
===
Controls must not go too far
Legal provisions are needed to define the lands to be protected, such as vital watershed areas, and to restrict trading in those areas specifically.
水源林など守るべき土地を明確化し、そこでは特例的に取引を規制する法整備が求められる。
The protection of the headwaters of rivers is an important issue for national security. Compared to local governments, however, the central government has less sense of crisis. Cooperative links among relevant ministries have not been formed.
水源林保全は国の安全保障上も重要な課題である。だが、自治体に比べ、政府の危機感は薄い。関係省庁の連携もできていない。
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan launched a working-group panel concerning land acquisition by foreigners in January last year and advocates a policy of studying the possibility of regulating foreign acquisition of areas near the headwaters of rivers or Self-Defense Forces facilities.
民主党は、外国人による土地取得に関する作業部会を昨年１月に発足させ、水源地や自衛隊関連施設の周辺などを対象に規制を検討する方針を掲げている。
We hope the government will more clearly recognize the importance of conservation of national land and exercise political leadership to take comprehensive measures to deal with the issue.
国土保全の重要性を認識し、政治主導で包括的な対策を講じてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 13, 2012)
（2012年5月13日01時44分 読売新聞）
2012.05.15
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