(Mainichi Japan) September 29, 2008 Prime Minister Aso needs to consider the weight of his words 社説：麻生外交 発言の重みを自覚すべきだ
Prime Minister Taro Aso delivered a speech to the United Nations General Assembly on Thursday. He is the first Japanese prime minister to address that body in three years. 麻生太郎首相が２５日（日本時間２６日）、ニューヨークでの国連総会で演説した。日本の首相の国連総会出席は３年ぶりのことだ。
There is a reason that Prime Minister Aso chose the U.N. Headquarters as the venue for his first official act as prime minster. The leaders of U.N. member countries deliver speeches there annually around this time of year, but during the past two years, Japan's two previous prime ministers, Shinzo Abe and Yasuo Fukuda, stayed away because the timing conflicted with the launch of their own administrations. 就任したばかりの麻生首相が初仕事の場として国連本部を選んだのにはわけがある。国連では毎年この時期に加盟各国の首脳クラスが一般討論演説を行うが、日本の首相は昨年も一昨年も出席を見合わせた。安倍、福田両政権の発足と時期が重なったためだ。
If Japan's prime minister had missed this opportunity to address the U.N. for three years in a row, even though Japan attaches great importance to that organization, it would have had repercussions for Japan's international stature. This thought probably occurred to Prime Minister Aso, so although it is unusual for a prime minister to address the U.N. before delivering his own policy speech to the Diet, his decision to give priority to the U.N. by working this trip into his schedule was a good one. 「国連重視」を掲げながら３年続けての首相欠席となれば日本の国際信用にかかわる。麻生首相もそう思ったのだろう。国会での所信表明演説の前に国連で演説するのは異例だが、強行日程をおして国連総会を優先したことは是としたい。
The prime minister gave his speech an Aso color by stating that Japan is committed to growing its own economy in order to contribute to the stability of the global economy. 演説で麻生首相は、世界経済の安定に向け日本は経済を成長させることによって貢献していきたいとの考えを表明した。麻生カラーを出した部分だ。
He explained that Japan has carried out refueling operations in the Indian Ocean in cooperation with the campaign against terrorism and as part of the effort to assist in the reconstruction of Afghanistan, and said that Japan will "continue to proactively participate in unison with the international community in the fight against terrorism." テロ対策への協力では、アフガニスタン復興支援の一環としてインド洋での給油活動を行ってきたことを説明し、「今後とも国際社会と一体となりテロとの闘いに積極参画していく」と述べた。
His speech could be interpreted as signaling his resolve to continue the refueling operations. Given that the House of Representatives is expected to be dissolved soon, and that the outcome of the general election is uncertain, there is a possibility that the refueling operations may not be sustained. But even if that were to be the case, the prime minister has made an international pledge to "proactively participate" in the war against terrorism. Japan will have to pursue a policy that takes sufficient account of the importance of this pledge. 給油活動継続への決意を示したものと受け取れる。早期に予想される衆院解散・総選挙の結果次第で給油継続が不可能になる可能性があるが、そうなっても首相が表明したテロ対策への「積極参画」は国際公約として残る。その重要性を十分に認識して対応していく必要がある。
One thing should be said with regard to the weight that the prime minister's words carry. After his speech, Prime Minister Aso stated, in reference to the Constitution's prohibition against the exercise of the right of collective defense, that it "basically should be changed." He might have thought that he was simply voicing his personal views in response to a question from the press, but this is probably not a topic that should be handled so casually. 首相発言の重みに関し、ひとこと言っておきたい。麻生首相は演説後、集団的自衛権の行使を禁じた憲法解釈について「基本的に変えるべきものだ」と述べた。記者団に質問されたから持論を述べただけ、と思っているのかもしれないが、それほど軽々しく扱うべき話ではないだろう。
A committee of wisemen inaugurated by former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had issued a report on this topic that called for a change in the interpretation of the Constitution, but former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda shelved the report. And even Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada has stated politicians "need to settle into their seats to talk over the issue." An issue that affects the foundation of Japan's national security policy needs to be debated in a calm environment. この問題では安倍晋三元首相が発足させた政府の有識者会議が憲法解釈の変更を求める報告書を出したが、福田康夫前首相が棚上げにした経緯がある。浜田靖一防衛相も「腰を落ち着けてゆっくり話した方がいい」と言っている。国の安全保障政策の根幹にかかわる問題は冷静な環境のもとで議論されるべきである。
In regard to Japan's diplomacy with its neighbors, Aso said that Japan would make an effort to strengthen its relations with its important partners China and South Korea. We hope that he treats Japan's relations with China and South Korea, which have gotten on track again, with great care and revives the summit diplomacy that involves alternating visits by the leaders of these countries. 近隣外交について麻生首相は演説で、中国と韓国を重要なパートナーと位置づけ「関係強化に努める」と述べた。首脳往来が復活するなど軌道に乗り出した対中韓関係を大事にしてもらいたい。
Beijing in particular is alarmed by the "arc of freedom and prosperity" policy that Aso set forth while foreign minister, which it sees as a policy intended to contain China. Aso did not touch on this policy in his speech, but he asserted his belief in pursuing a "values diplomacy" that places a priority on building solidarity with countries that share the same basic values. He will need to provide a careful explanation of this point in order to avoid leaving the international community with a mistaken impression. 首相が外相時代に新機軸として打ち出した「自由と繁栄の弧」構想には、特に中国が「対中包囲網だ」と警戒心を抱いている。演説ではこの構想には触れなかったが、基本的価値を共有する諸国との連帯を重視し、価値観外交を進める考えを表明した。この点については国際社会に誤解を与えないよう、ていねいな説明が必要になる。
(Sep. 30, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Will Ozawa rise to Aso's challenge? 所信表明演説 小沢民主党代表はどう応じる（9月30日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Taro Aso's first policy speech at the Diet on Monday was unusual in that he deliberately tried to provoke the Democratic Party of Japan, the largest force in the House of Councillors, by asking questions and making requests to it. 参院第１党の民主党に質問したり要請したり、挑戦的で、異色の所信表明演説である。
Aso demanded the DPJ be prepared to provide answers to the questions he posed when it tries to grill him in the interpellation session. By doing so, Aso apparently aimed to address issues likely to be in the spotlight in the run-up to the anticipated dissolution of the House of Representatives for a general election. 麻生首相は、就任後初の演説で、民主党に対し、自分の「質問」への「答え」を用意して代表質問するよう求めた。衆院解散・総選挙をにらみ、予想される争点について、布石を打つ狙いがあるのだろう。
Aso's speech thus appeared as a challenge to the DPJ that Ichiro Ozawa, the party's president will be unable to completely ignore. Close attention should be paid on how Ozawa will respond. まるで、「果たし状」のようだが、小沢代表も、申し入れを全く無視するわけにはいくまい。代表質問で、これにどう応じるのかを注目したい。
Aso first asked whether the DPJ is prepared to establish rules on consensus building. 首相がまず、ただしたのは、衆参ねじれ状況下の国会で、民主党に合意形成のルールを打ち立てる「用意はあるのか」だった。
In the divided Diet, former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda continued to be shaken by the DPJ during the last ordinary session despite showing a cooperative attitude toward the opposition camp. 福田前首相は、通常国会で、野党との協調姿勢を前面に出しながら、民主党に翻弄(ほんろう)され続けた。
Aso obviously wants to avoid falling into the same trap as Fukuda. 麻生首相は、前政権の二の舞いは御免、ということだろう。
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Going on the offensive
Saying that the passage of a supplementary budget and its related bills are an urgent need, Aso pressed the DPJ hard to declare its position on the issue and clarify its stance on the government's plan to create a consumers affairs agency. Aso also suggested that ruling and opposition parties hold talks to coordinate policy. 「成立は焦眉(しょうび)の急」として、補正予算案とその関連法案に対する賛否や、消費者庁創設への対応を明確化するよう求めた。同時に、与野党協議も呼びかけた。
Regarding the nation's foreign policy and security issues, Aso raised two key questions. 外交・安全保障分野でも、次の２点を質問した。
First, he asked which the DPJ considers a higher priority: the Japan-U.S. alliance or the United Nations. 一つは、民主党は日米同盟と国連のどちらを「優先劣後」させようとしているのか、である。
Ozawa has been taking the U.N.-centered approach for a long time. Aso underlined that the nation's top diplomatic priority should be strengthening of the Japan-U.S. security alliance. He also said the nation could not realistically leave its fate entirely up to the United Nations. 小沢代表は、かねて「国連中心主義」の考え方に立っている。首相は、日本外交が最重視すべきは「日米同盟の強化」であり、「国運をそのまま委ねられない」のが国連の現実だ、と指摘した。
Second, Aso took up the issue of passing a bill to revise the new Antiterrorism Law to continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. Aso pressed the DPJ, asking whether it considers it appropriate for the nation to avoid engaging in activities that are required by the international community. その二は、海上自衛隊によるインド洋での給油活動を継続する新テロ対策特別措置法改正案の扱いだ。国際社会で果たすべき活動から逃れて「民主党はそれでもいいと考えているのか」と迫った。
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Chance of course change
There is the possibility of major policy changes regarding both issues if the DPJ takes power. Ozawa needs to wipe out that concern. いずれも、仮に民主党が政権を取った場合、懸念されている問題だ。小沢代表は、これを払拭(ふっしょく)する必要があろう。
Aso referred in the policy speech to the reconstruction of the nation's economy as an issue to be urgently tackled. He said that top priority for the time being should be given to measures to boost the flagging economy. This stance has apparently been announced as a lower house election is in sight. 演説で首相は、緊急課題として「日本経済の立て直し」を挙げ、当面は、景気対策に最優先で取り組む考えを表明した。衆院選を強く意識したものだ。
On the promised review of the health insurance system for those aged 75 or older, which some observers say is an effort to win votes in the upcoming election, Aso ended up merely saying that he would consider reviewing the system within a year or so. It is quite unclear how the system would be reviewed and what changes would be considered. だが、選挙対策との指摘もある後期高齢者医療制度の見直しについては、「１年をめどに必要な見直しを検討する」と述べただけで終わった。これでは、何をどう見直していくのか、全く不明のままではないか。
Since Aso delivered the speech in an unusual manner by asking the opposition's stance on a number of issues, he must answer sincerely during the upcoming interpellation session without dodging the opposition's questions. 首相は、野党の見解をただすという異例の演説をした以上、代表質問に対しては、野党の追及をかわすことなく、誠実に答弁しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2008) （2008年9月30日02時18分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 27, 2008 Japan, U.S. must adopt impeccable safety measures for nuclear carrier deployment 社説：原子力空母配備 「安全」に日米政府は万全策を
The U.S. nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington has arrived at its new home port of Yokosuka in Kanagawa Prefecture, the first U.S. nuclear carrier to be deployed to a home port outside the U.S. 米国の原子力空母ジョージ・ワシントン（ＧＷ）が２５日、神奈川県の米軍横須賀基地に配備された。原子力空母が米国外を母港とするのは初めてである。
The Navy published a 200-page comic book on the George Washington in April this year, aimed at assuaging the concerns of local residents. The comic book provides descriptions of the interior of the George Washington, its training regimen, and daily life on the aircraft carrier as it cruises from the U.S. to Yokosuka, and its hero is a Japanese-American sailor. 在日米海軍はＧＷを紹介する２００ページの漫画を作成、地元で配布した。発行は今年４月。日系米国人の新兵を主人公にし、米国から横須賀に向かうＧＷ艦内や訓練の様子、日常生活を描いたもので、原子力空母の配備に対する地元住民の不安を和らげるのが目的のようだ。
In one scene, the hero helps to extinguish a fire on board. The ship did in fact experience a fire off the coast of South America as it was bound for Japan -- but while the comic-book version of the fire had no effect on the vessel's operations, the real George Washington suffered 37 injuries to crew and was forced to undergo repairs, delaying its arrival at Yokosuka for over a month. The cause of the comic-book fire was an overheating washer-dryer, but the cause of the actual fire was more insidious -- a discarded cigarette. 漫画には、航行中のＧＷで火災が発生、主人公が消火に活躍する場面もある。 本物のＧＷは、日本に向けて南米沖を航行中の５月に実際に火災が発生し、３７人がけがをした。漫画では航行に影響はなかったが、本物は修理のため横須賀到着が予定より１カ月以上遅れる事態となった。原因も、漫画では洗濯乾燥機の過熱だったが、現実の火災はたばこの投げ捨てという悪質なものだった。
Since small problems and accidents on nuclear-powered vessels can potentially escalate into major crises involving local residents, it's only natural that the fire should have prompted the Japanese and U.S. governments to adopt a framework for preventing and responding to accidents. 原子力艦船は、小さなトラブルや事故が周辺住民を巻き込む重大事態に発展する可能性がある。火災事故を踏まえ、日米両政府が事故防止と発生に備えた十分な体制をとるのは当然だ。
In laying the groundwork for the deployment of the George Washington, the U.S. presented a fact sheet to the Japanese government in 2006 regarding the safety of nuclear-powered vessels. This document states repeatedly that accident scenarios including leaks of radioactive material are improbable, and adheres to the position that accidents will not happen. It also stresses that past port calls in Japan have never triggered spikes in radiation levels in the environment. 米国はＧＷ配備を控え、０６年に原子力軍艦の安全性に関する「ファクトシート」を日本政府に提示した。この文書は放射性物質の放出などの「事故が起こるシナリオは極めて非現実的」などと繰り返し、事故は起きないという立場に貫かれている。日本への過去の寄港で、環境中の「放射能の増加をまったく引き起こしていない」とも強調している。
But such statements are viewed with a strong dose of skepticism. In May 1968, when the nuclear submarine USS Swordfish called at the port of Sasebo in Nagasaki, a Japanese radiation monitoring boat detected radiation near the submarine 10 to 20 times above normal levels; and after the nuclear submarine USS Honolulu departed from Yokosuka Naval Base in September 2006, cobalt-58 and cobalt-60 were detected in the seas nearby. しかし、これを疑問視する声は強い。６８年５月、原潜ソードフィッシュが長崎・佐世保港に入港時、日本の放射能監視艇が原潜周辺で通常の１０～２０倍の放射能を測定した。０６年９月には、原潜ホノルルが横須賀基地を出港後、周辺海域でコバルト５８とコバルト６０が検出された。
In both cases, the U.S. denied that the radiation had any connection to the nuclear submarines, and efforts to get at the truth have been sidetracked. Last month, it was learned that the nuclear submarine USS Houston had also leaked radioactive coolant water when it was docked off White Beach in Okinawa, and when it visited Sasebo Port between June 2006 and July 2008. いずれも、米国側は原潜との関係を否定し、真相の究明はうやむやになっている。先月には、沖縄・ホワイトビーチ沖に停泊し、佐世保港に寄港した原潜ヒューストンで、０６年６月から今年７月にかけて放射性物質を含む冷却水が漏れていたことも判明した。
The Japanese response has been muffled by the U.S. military's wall of secrecy. When a nuclear submarine visited Japan for the first time in 1964, the U.S. government issued a statement declaring that it "would not provide technological information," and not allow "boarding of the submarine for the purpose of acquiring technological information." Japan's Foreign Ministry had no alternative but to rely on U.S. statements when providing information on leaks from the Houston. 日本側の対応を制約しているのが、米軍の軍事機密の壁である。原潜が初めて日本に寄港した６４年、米政府は声明で「技術上の情報を提供しない」し、「技術情報入手の目的で乗船するのを許可しない」と宣言している。ヒューストンの放射能漏れに関する情報も、外務省は米側の連絡をそのまま発表する以外に手だてはなかった。
But in the event of an accident, or if there is suspicion that an accident has occurred, it would be inadequate to simply rely on notices from the U.S. military. The Japanese government should discuss sufficient responses with the U.S. government including boarding of the vessels. Otherwise, the concerns of local residents cannot be sufficiently addressed. 事故が発生したり、その疑いがある場合には、米軍からの通報だけに頼るのでは不十分である。日本政府は、「立ち入り」を含めた十分な対応を米政府と取り決めるべきだ。そうでなければ、住民の不安に応えることはできない。
Too much water drowns the miller. Even when expounding one's opinions as a politician, one must not forget one's position as a cabinet member and keep on making remarks beyond the limits of reasonableness. 過ぎたるはなお及ばざるがごとし、ということだろう。政治家として持論を展開するにしても、閣僚としての立場を忘れて、矩(のり)をこえた発言を連発してはなるまい。
Construction and Transport Minister Nariaki Nakayama resigned Sunday to take responsibility of a series of verbal gaffes, including his description of those who have engaged in years of struggle against the expansion of Narita Airport as "squeaky wheels." 中山成彬国土交通相が２８日、成田空港拡張への反対を「ごね得」などとした一連の発言の責任をとって辞任した。
Nakayama retracted parts of his remarks, but he reiterated, "I've been thinking the Japan Teachers Union should be disbanded." 中山氏はいったん発言を部分的に撤回した後も、「日教組はぶっ壊す」などと繰り返していた。
The first Diet debates under the new Cabinet of Prime Minister Taro Aso will start Monday. The opposition parties were unanimous demanding Nakayama's resignation or dismissal. Nakayama's resignation seems to be aimed at minimizing any ill effects on the extraordinary Diet session and the planned House of Representatives election. 麻生新内閣として初の国会論戦が２９日から始まる。野党は辞任や罷免を要求していた。国交相辞任は、国会や衆院選への影響を最小限にとどめるためだろう。
As for a delay in Narita Airport development, Nakayama said: "More or less squeaky wheels, or I believe they are [the product] of bad postwar education. It is very regrettable that the airport has not been able to expand in a milieu in which people lack the spirit of sacrificing themselves to a degree for the sake of the public good and think it good if they care only about themselves." 中山氏は、成田空港整備の遅れについて、「ごね得というか、戦後教育が悪かった。公のためにはある程度自分を犠牲にしてでも、というのがなくて、自分さえよければという風潮の中で、空港拡張もできなかった」と述べた。
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Accurate, but undiplomatic
In general, the climate Nakayama described seems to exist. In the case of the Narita Airport issue, there is no denying that opposition to the project has harmed the public interest--to construct and maintain an airport that is safe and equipped with sufficient landing capacity. 一般的に、中山氏の言うような「風潮」は、なくはないだろう。成田空港の場合、反対派の運動がこれまで、安全で十分な発着能力をもつ空港を整備するという「公共の利益」を損ねてきたことも、また、否定できない。
However, describing them as "squeaky wheels" is questionable. As the person responsible for the nation's airport administration that requires dialogue with local residents, it was an inappropriate remark. だが、「ごね得」というのはいかがか。地元との対話が必要な空港行政の責任者としては、不適切な発言だろう。
As for the recent bribery scandal involving education board officials and teachers in Oita Prefecture, Nakayama said: "The children of Japan Teachers Union [members] can become teachers even if their grades are bad. That's why scholastic ability in Oita Prefecture is low." Also, he said: "One of the reasons I have proposed to conduct the nationwide academic achievement examination [for primary sixth-graders and middle school third-graders] was that I thought academic ability could be poor in areas where the teachers union has strong influence. Therefore, I think that the role of conducting the nationwide academic achievement examinations has come to an end." 中山氏は、大分県教育委員会の汚職事件に関して、「日教組の子どもは成績が悪くても先生になる。だから大分県の学力は低い」「私が全国学力テストを提唱したのも、日教組の強いところは学力が低いと思ったからだ。だから学力テストを実施する役目は終わったと思う」と語った。
Nakayama has criticized the Japan Teachers Union, saying that they do not teach students about the national flag and the national anthem, and oppose moral education. 中山氏は「国旗・国歌も教えない」「道徳教育に反対している」などとして日教組を批判した。
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Beyond his authority
Even if his remarks may have a point, the educational issue is not under the jurisdiction of the construction and transport minister. 的を射ている点もあるとしても、教育にかかわる問題は、国交相の所管外のことだろう。
By saying that the role of the nationwide academic achievement examination has come to an end, Nakayama especially cannot avoid being blamed for his imprudence. とくに、全国学力テストは役割を終えたというのは、軽率のそしりを免れない。
The examination, now in its second year since the Education, Science and Technology Ministry resumed administering it in 2007, has now reached the stage at which its results, at last, are about to be used to improve students' academic performances. 今年２回目が実施された学力テストは、ようやく、そのデータを学力向上に本格活用していく段階にあるからだ。
As for the government's tourism policy, Nakayama blurted out an apparent factual error, saying, "Japan is very introverted, or what may be called ethnically homogenous, or rather it tends to be inward-looking." 観光政策に関して、「日本は随分内向きな、単一民族」と口を滑らせた。明らかな事実誤認だ。
The Aso administration's record has been marred by the scandal of the Cabinet minister's resignation only five days after its launch. 内閣発足５日目にして、閣僚辞任という不祥事で、新政権は出端(ではな)をくじかれた形だ。
Aso must immediately seek to tighten discipline and manage the political situation. 麻生首相は、早急にタガを締め直し、政局運営にあたることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2008) （2008年9月29日01時54分 読売新聞）
Nakayama's foot-in-mouth antics already casting doubt on Aso's Cabinet Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Nariaki Nakayama remarked that some residents near Narita Airport refused to sell their land for the airport construction because they thought there would be more gain by holding out. He later retracted and apologized for his remarks, but it's not enough to settle the controversy he sparked.
His misconceptions and lack of proper understanding of the role of the ministry he supervises has raised questions as to whether he is qualified to serve as a Cabinet minister, and over the insight of Prime Minister Taro Aso, who appointed him.
Regarding Narita Airport, Nakayama remarked: "When I came home in 1978, I landed at the airport. Since then, there had been only one lane (runway) for many years, and it's a pity for Japan. Many held out, expecting more gain. I think it's one of the problems of post-war education. They lack public-mindedness. They have no desire to make a certain self-sacrifice for the benefit of the public, and think only of their own benefit, making it hard to expand the airport. It's a real shame."
Local residents opposing the Narita Airport construction project, which began in 1960s, were in bitter conflict with the national government from the start. Through negotiations with local residents at round-table talks and other places, the government admitted in 1995 that it was at fault for attempting to force the project through, and offered an apology.
In the apology, the government admitted its responsibility for the problem, and local residents have no reason to be criticized for holding out for more.
He failed to probe relations between the lack of public-mindedness and problems involving post-war education, and the dispute over the airport, and apparently made the remarks based on his groundless impressions -- and which could damage the mutual trust that local residents and the ministry have nurtured for many years through their efforts.
Nakayama then trained his sights on the Japan Teachers Union (JTU), and said: "The children of JTU members can become teachers even if their grades (in recruitment exams) are poor. Therefore, academic ability in Oita Prefecture is low," in an apparent reference to a bribery scandal involving recruitment of public school teachers in the prefecture.
"I proposed a nationwide academic aptitude test because I thought academic levels in areas where the JTU hold sway are low. Now I know it's true, so there's no longer any point in conducting such tests," he continued.
Nakayama proposed the test during his tenure as education, culture, sports, science and technology minister in the Cabinet of Junichiro Koizumi. Such an examination should be aimed at improving the academic levels of schoolchildren as a whole. However, he wanted to use it to prove a correlation between the JTU and low academic levels; which he failed to do. Claiming that "there is no longer any point in conducting such tests" -- as the minister who introduced the scheme, costing the government billions of yen a year -- is incredibly imprudent and irresponsible.
Regarding tourism policy, his remark that Japan is an ethnically homogeneous country has also been criticized for being a misconception.
This is not the first time that Nakayama's remarks have stirred controversy. One cannot help but wonder whether, Prime Minister Aso thought carefully about the selection of his Cabinet members and whether he really placed the right people in the right posts, as he said when he announced his Cabinet lineup.
This latest string of gaffes has raised doubts among a disappointed public. The government is faced with many outstanding issues, and Cabinet members are required to do their best to fulfill their duties, regardless of whether a general election will be called in the near future.
With the revolving-door nature of the top ministry posts in recent years, the Cabinet's trustworthiness as the top body of the executive branch of the government has been called into question.
The prime minister should instruct Cabinet ministers to properly understand policy issues they are supposed to tackle, and take a resolute action against any problem like the recent gaffe.
(Sep. 28, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Unclear what Masuzoe means by 'drastic review' 後期高齢者医療 意味不明な「抜本的見直し」（9月28日付・読売社説）
The government and ruling parties have been blowing hot and cold over the new medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older. 後期高齢者医療制度をめぐって、政府・与党が迷走している。
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe proposed a drastic review of the system, and Prime Minister Taro Aso backed the idea. However, it is not clear what such a "review" would mean in effect, and some lawmakers even within the ruling parties oppose the move. 舛添厚生労働相が、現行制度を抜本的に見直すとの方針を表明し、麻生首相も同調した。だが、「見直し」が何を意味するか判然とせず、与党にも反発が強い。
The Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito referred to the system in their latest agreement to maintain the coalition government, saying they would try to improve the system by taking into consideration elderly people's feelings about it. 自民党と公明党の政権合意では「高齢者の心情に配慮して、より良い制度に改善する」という表現にとどまった。
It goes without saying that governments should strive to improve every policy and system. But this is different from drastically reviewing them. すべての施策や制度は絶えず改善することが必要だ。しかし、抜本的見直しとは話が違う。
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Proposal ill thought out
Masuzoe said his proposal focuses on three principles: not distinguishing those insured only by their age; changing the current system of mandatorily deducting insurance premium payments from participants' pension accounts to a voluntary system; and ensuring that any changes to be made do not exacerbate feelings of inequity between working people and retirees receiving insurance premium payments. 舛添厚労相は後期高齢者医療制度の見直しについて、ポイントを掲げている。加入者を年齢のみで区分しない、年金からの保険料天引きを強制しない、世代間の対立を助長しない、の３点だ。
The first point may be the most important. The current system was intended to create a united medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older, whose medical fees have increased steeply in recent years, and to support aged people equally, notwithstanding the fact that working generations subscribe to various corporate health insurance plans. 特に問題となるのは、年齢で区分しない、とする点だろう。 医療費が急激に増える７５歳以上の人を対象に、統一した医療保険制度を作り、現役世代は様々な健保組合に属していても公平に高齢者全体を支えよう、というのが現行制度の精神である。
If the government and ruling parties decide to do away with the new system's age-bracket provisions because they worry overly that elderly people aged 75 and older have loudly protested against being described as koki koreisha (late-stage elderly people)--as the system refers to them--they will have to rebuild the system from scratch. 「後期高齢者」という呼称が招いた感情的な反発に配慮するあまり、年齢区分そのものを否定するのならば、制度の根幹から作り直さなければならない。
If those who continue to work regardless of their age are allowed to subscribe to corporate health insurance plans as members of the working generations, the government and ruling parties will merely have broadened the options of such people. This does not go beyond the framework of system improvement. 何歳になっても働き続けている人は現役として企業健保に所属できる、というのなら、選択肢を広げるだけで制度改善の範疇(はんちゅう)だ。
It is difficult to describe the first of the three points of Masuzoe's proposal--not distinguishing between those insured in regard to their age bracket--as a "drastic review" because an "improvement" is not the same as a "drastic review." 全く次元の異なる話であり、同じ「見直し」とは呼び難い。
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Alternative plan needed
The third point--aiming at a system that will not worsen feelings of inequity between working people and retirees--also is unclear. After all, the health insurance system for elderly people that lasted until fiscal 2007 hit a wall due to ambiguous rules on sharing burdens between working people and retirees. 世代間の対立を助長しない制度をめざす、という点も意味不明である。昨年度までの老人保健制度は、世代間の負担のルールがあいまいだったために、行き詰まったのではなかったか。
Masuzoe said he intends to ask an expert panel to discuss the makeup of an ideal new system from square one. But there are too many ambiguous points of contention. 舛添厚労相は、有識者会議に一から議論を委ねるという。不透明な論点があまりに多い。
In a Yomiuri Shimbun poll held immediately after the launch of the Aso Cabinet, 67.5 percent of respondents said they highly evaluated the agreement between the LDP and New Komeito to review the new medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older. This figure reflects people's dissatisfaction with the current situation. 麻生内閣発足に合わせて読売新聞が行った世論調査では、自公両党が後期高齢者医療制度の見直しに合意したことを６７・５％の人が「評価する」とした。現状に対する不満を反映した数字だろう。
But merely parroting the vague slogan "review" without offering a clear future vision can only be seen as a vote-catching gambit ahead of the forthcoming general election. Under the current situation, the government and ruling parties are in no position to criticize the opposition parties, which have demanded the abolition of the current system without putting forward an alternative plan. だが、明確な展望を示さないまま、漠然と「見直し」を唱えるだけでは総選挙をにらんだ人気取りとしか見えない。これでは政府・与党は、代案を出さずに「まず現行制度を廃止せよ」と主張する野党を批判できまい。
A long-range outlook is needed for reform of the social security system, including medical care for elderly people. If the government and ruling parties run about in confusion every time an election approaches, public anxiety and dissatisfaction will accumulate. 高齢者医療を含め、社会保障制度改革で必要なのは長期展望である。選挙が近づくごとに右往左往していては、そのたびに国民の不安と不満が蓄積される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 28, 2008) （2008年9月28日01時42分 読売新聞）
(Sep. 27, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Japan's message should be clearly transmitted 首相国連演説 日本の「言葉」を発信せよ（9月27日付・読売社説）
Taro Aso has made his diplomatic debut as prime minister. We hope he will play a leading role in sending a clear message to domestic and foreign audiences concerning what Japan attaches importance to and what it will try to accomplish in the international community. 麻生外交が始動した。日本は、国際社会で何を重んじ、何をなそうとするのか。麻生首相は、自ら先頭に立ち、明確なメッセージを国内外に発信してもらいたい。
Aso delivered a speech at the 63rd U.N. General Assembly on Thursday, becoming the first Japanese prime minister to address the meeting since 2005. 麻生首相が２５日、ニューヨークの国連総会で演説した。日本の首相の演説は３年ぶりだ。
"Peace and happiness are most certainly within our grasp through the pursuit of economic prosperity and democracy," Aso said. "I am determined to work in solidarity with countries holding fundamental values in common and to share Japan's experiences with nations strongly needing such support." 首相は「経済的な繁栄と民主主義を希求する先に、平和と人々の幸福が必ずや勝ち取れる」と強調した。基本的な価値観を共有する国々と連帯して日本の経験を各国に伝えたい、とも訴えた。
Aso's remarks reflect the basic stance of Japan's diplomacy: The country will actively support the growth of developing countries' economies and institutions, and contribute to rooting out poverty and terrorism. 途上国の経済発展や国造りを積極的に支援し、貧困解消やテロ撲滅に貢献する、という日本外交の基本姿勢を示したものだ。
The fact that it is the world's second-largest economy enables Japan to have its voice heard in the international community. But the country slipped to fifth place among official development assistance donors in 2007, mainly due to its deteriorating fiscal condition. If Aso is to strengthen foreign aid, as he has said he wants to do, it is indispensable to ensure Japan's economic growth first. 国際社会での日本の発言力の源泉は、世界２位の経済力にある。だが、財政事情の悪化で２００７年の日本の政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）実績は世界５位に転落した。 首相が目指すような対外支援を強化するには、まず、日本自身の経済成長が不可欠だ。
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Reform of UNSC needed
As foreign minister under the administration of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, Aso spelled out his diplomatic policy, which upholds universal values, including freedom, democracy and human rights, and supports the economic development and democratization of Eastern Europe and central Asia. 首相は、安倍政権の外相時代に、自由や民主主義、人権などの普遍的価値を重視し、東欧や中央アジアの経済発展や民主化を支援していく外交方針を掲げた。
Imposing one's values on another country is bound to draw opposition from that country. Diplomacy needs width and depth. 一方的な価値観の押しつけは相手国の反発を招きやすい。外交には幅や懐の深さも必要だ。
But Aso's willingness to spell out Japan's diplomatic philosophy is important. だが、日本の外交理念を「言葉」にして発信しよう、という首相の姿勢は大切だろう。
Reform of the U.N. Security Council, including Japan's bid to gain permanent membership, is important for the national interest. Fresh intergovernmental negotiations on expanding the Security Council will start by the end of February. Japan urgently needs to evolve a strategy centering on "an expansion of both permanent and nonpermanent membership," which Aso stressed in his speech. 日本が常任理事国入りを目指す安全保障理事会改革は、日本の国益のために重要だ。来年２月末までに新たな政府間交渉が開始される。首相が訴えた「常任・非常任理事国双方の議席拡大」を軸に早急に戦略を練る必要がある。 evolve= 1 〈論理・意見・計画などを〉徐々に発展［展開］させる;〈結論・法則などを〉導き出す ～ a new plan from a casual remark ふとした発言から新計画を発展させる. 2 〈におい・蒸気などを〉発する,放出する. 3 〔生〕…を進化させる. ━ 昿[Ⅰ（慱）] 1 発展［進化］する;〈作品の筋が〉進展する The balloon ～d into the airship. [=The airship ～d from [out of] the balloon.] 気球が発展して飛行船ができた. 2 〔生〕進化する. 語源 ラテン語Ivolvere (I-外に＋volvere回転する＝回転して解く→展開する） e･vólv･a･ble慝 ～･ment慥
If Japan is elected as one of the 10 new nonpermanent members of the Security Council in October, it would serve a two-year term, starting from January. 日本は、１０月の非常任理事国選挙で当選すれば、来年１月から２年間、安保理メンバーとなる。
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Refueling job must continue
Aso also declared in his speech, "Japan will continue into the future to stand side by side with the international community and participate proactively in the fight against terrorism." 首相は演説で「国際社会と一体となり、テロとの戦いに積極参画していく」と宣言した。日本が能動的な国連外交を展開するためにも、海上自衛隊によるインド洋での給油活動は継続すべきだ。
To conduct its active U.N. diplomacy, Japan should continue the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. Japan must shoulder a fair burden if it is to contribute to international peace cooperation activities and maintain the Japan-U.S. security alliance, which Aso clarified in his speech as an "unchangeable cornerstone" of Japan's diplomacy. 国際平和協力活動に貢献し、首相が演説で日本外交の「不変の基軸」と明言した日米同盟を堅持していくには、日本としても相応の役割を担わねばならない。
Referring to the government's interpretation of the Constitution, which bans the country from exercising the right of the collective self-defense, Aso told reporters in New York on Thursday, "Basically, it should be changed." 首相は記者団に、集団的自衛権の行使を禁じている政府の憲法解釈について、「基本的に解釈を変えるべきものだ」と語った。
In June, a panel of experts discussing the right of the collective self-defense, which was set up by Abe, submitted a proposal to then Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda calling for a change in the government's current interpretation. The government should tackle this issue seriously. 政府解釈の変更を求める有識者懇談会の提言が今年６月、福田前首相に提出されている。政府として真剣に取り組むべき課題だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 27, 2008) （2008年9月27日01時52分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 25, 2008 Which politician will be the next cartoon hero? 余録：風刺漫画の主人公
Former Prime Minister Shigeru Yoshida was looking for the house of an acquaintance while visiting Kamakura when a child playing baseball on a vacant lot saw him, and shouted, "The prime minister's here!" 吉田茂元首相が鎌倉の知人を訪ね、家を探していると、空き地で野球をしていた子供が見つけて叫んだ。「総理大臣がいるよ！」。
One of his playmates, not taking him seriously, shouted back, "Why would the prime minister come here?" But the child who had seen Yoshida said, "But he looks just like the cartoon character." Yoshida himself was fond of retelling this story. 仲間がバカにしたように「こんなとこに総理大臣がいるもんか」と言うと、見つけた子は「けど、漫画にそっくりだよ」吉田本人が好んで語っていた話という。
Indeed, Yoshida was caricatured in countless cartoons, and when he retired, one cartoonist came out with a cartoon in which cartoonists express their gratitude to the prime minister. 実際、風刺漫画に数限りなく描かれ、引退時には漫画家がこぞって元首相に感謝している漫画まで描かれたという人だ。
His grandson, Liberal Democratic Party President and Prime Minister Taro Aso, who is himself a cartoon fan, has finally acquired the throne that allows him to become the hero of a political cartoon. In a crowded field of five, Aso won two-thirds of the votes cast in the LDP presidential election, and cruised to a landslide victory. その孫で、自身が漫画ファンという麻生太郎自民党新総裁も、ようやく念願の風刺漫画の主人公の座を手中に収めた ５人の候補乱立となった自民党総裁選で、投票総数の３分の２を集めて圧勝した麻生新総裁だった。
Aso takes the helm of a party that has been peering over the precipice because its two previous leaders abandoned the reins of government. But the new prime minister's plans for opposing Democratic Party of Japan leader Ichiro Ozawa, who on the previous day had unveiled his own platform, are falling into place. Without a doubt, the LDP is reading from a playbook that calls for the selection of a new party president to jumpstart the party's sagging approval ratings, and the pumping up of the new leader's popularity as he heads into the general election. ２代続けてトップが政権を投げ出したガケっぷちの党を率い、前日に政権構想を発表した民主党・小沢一郎代表と対決する構図が固まった もともと新総裁選びで党の支持率低下をリセットし、新リーダーの人気をもり立てて総選挙に臨むのが自民党のシナリオに違いない。
But in the interim, the U.S. financial crisis and the tainted rice scandal have snowballed. Holding the party presidential election in the midst of these events left people with the impression that Japanese politics was incapable of mustering a response. だがこの間の米金融危機、汚染米問題の拡大である。そのさなかの総裁選は状況に対応できない日本政治を象徴するかのように国民の目に映った
Shigeru Yoshida hated election campaigns. When his campaign strategists urged him to deliver speeches on the street, he refused, saying, "How can I speak on affairs of state where there is constant horse and car traffic!" But today, the LDP's popularity depends on the constant traffic of new party presidents. It just so happens that Ozawa's father, Saeki Ozawa, a masterful politician, was a close associate of Yoshida's. So of these two party leaders with a connection to Yoshida, who will survive to become the hero of a political cartoon? ("Yoroku," a front page column in the Mainichi Shimbun) 選挙運動嫌いだった吉田茂は、選挙参謀が街頭演説を求めると「車馬絡繹（らくえき）で国事が語れるか」と言って応じなかった。「絡繹」とは人馬の往来が絶えないさまを示した古い言葉だが、今や自民党には新総裁の絡繹での人気が頼りのようである ちなみに小沢代表の父親、小沢佐重喜（さえき）も吉田茂の側近としてらつ腕を振るった政治家だった。ではこの吉田ゆかりの与野党リーダー２人、どちらが風刺漫画の主人公として生き残るだろう。
(Sep. 26, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Aircraft carrier to aid stability in Asia 米原子力空母 アジア安定に役立つ日本配備（9月26日付・読売社説）
The nuclear-powered aircraft carrier USS George Washington arrived Thursday at the U.S. naval base in Yokosuka, Kanagawa Prefecture, a deployment expected to contribute not only to the defense of Japan but also to peace and stability in the entire Asia-Pacific region. 日本防衛だけでなく、アジア太平洋地域全体の平和と安定に貢献することが期待される。
The carrier replaces the conventional aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, which was deployed at the base in 1998, but is to be decommissioned due to its age. Its replacement marks the first U.S. nuclear-powered military vessel deployed to Japan. 米原子力空母「ジョージ・ワシントン」が海軍横須賀基地に配備された。１９９８年に配備された通常型空母「キティホーク」が老朽化し、退役することに伴う交代である。米原子力艦船の日本配備は初めてだ。
Commissioned in 1992, the George Washington is the fourth youngest of the U.S. Navy's 11 aircraft carriers. The ship has 75 planes on board and about 6,000 crew members, including pilots. ９２年就役のジョージ・ワシントンは、米海軍の空母１１隻の中で４番目に新しい。７５機の航空機を搭載し、航空要員を含めた乗組員は約６０００人に上る。
It is capable of engaging in military operations longer than conventional carriers as its power is generated by nuclear reactors. Its acceleration when setting sail also is much faster than that of conventional carriers. 動力源が原子炉のため、通常型空母と比べて、より長時間の作戦行動ができる。初動時の加速力も格段に優れている。
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A powerful deterrent
The deployment in Japan of an aircraft carrier with better capabilities strengthens the deterrent potential of the U.S. military. The presence of the U.S. military in Japan is a cornerstone of the Japan-U.S. security alliance, and an aircraft carrier plays a pivotal role. 日本配備の空母の高性能化は、米軍の抑止力の強化につながる。米軍のプレゼンス（存在）は、日米同盟の基盤だ。中でも空母が果たす役割は大きい。
When a presidential election was held in Taiwan in March, the Kitty Hawk and another U.S. aircraft carrier conducted an exercise in waters east of Taiwan as a show of force. The drill was believed to be aimed at preventing China from taking any action similar to a missile drill it conducted in the Taiwan Strait in 1996 to demonstrate its power when Taiwan held its first presidential election. 今年３月の台湾総統選の際には、キティホークなど２隻の米空母が台湾東方海域で訓練を実施し、周辺ににらみをきかせた。９６年の初の総統選で中国が行ったミサイル演習のような示威行動を防ぐのが目的とみられる。
Meanwhile, it is necessary to ensure safety regarding the nuclear-powered vessel. 一方で、原子力空母の安全対策には万全を期す必要がある。
In May, unauthorized smoking by a crew member aboard the George Washington sparked a fire, which resulted in the demotions of the captain and the executive officer. Due to necessary repair work, the carrier's deployment to Yokosuka was delayed by more than a month. Though the nuclear reactors were not damaged, it shows that an accident can be caused by simple misdeeds. ジョージ・ワシントンでは今年５月、乗組員が無断喫煙したたばこの火で火災が起きた。正副艦長は更迭され、修理のため日本配備が１か月以上遅れた。原子炉とは無関係だが、お粗末な事故だ。
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Easing public concerns
It was revealed in August that the nuclear-powered submarine USS Houston had leaked small amounts of radioactive substances from a water valve for more than two years, during which the submarine made Japanese port calls on 11 occasions. ８月には米原潜「ヒューストン」で２年以上にわたる微量の放射能漏れが発覚した。バルブからの水の染み出しが原因だ。この間、原潜は日本に１１回寄港していた。
The concentration of leaked radioactive substance was said to be about the same as what exists naturally in the ocean. The total amount of radiation leaked during the Japanese port calls is said to be far less than the amount released during one X-ray of the chest. 漏れた放射能は、海中に自然に存在する放射能と同程度の濃度とされる。日本寄港時の放出総量も、Ｘ線胸部撮影の１回分よりも、はるかに少ないという。
Even if this is so, the Japanese government must continue to urge the United States to take the utmost care in safety management of the aircraft carrier if it wants to dispel the anxieties of local residents and other people concerned. It also should proactively respond to requests to disclose information about accidents and other matters of public interest. それでも、地元住民や関係者の不安を解消するため、日本政府は、米側に空母の安全管理に細心の注意を払うよう求め続けるべきだ。事故などの情報公開に積極的に対応することも必要だ。
The Yokosuka city government approved in June 2006 the deployment of a nuclear-powered U.S. aircraft carrier and later signed a memorandum on disaster management with the U.S. military stationed in Japan. Last November, Japan and the United States conducted a joint disaster management drill. 神奈川県横須賀市は０６年６月に米原子力空母の配備を容認した。その後、在日米海軍と防災覚書を締結し、昨年１１月には日米合同の防災訓練を実施している。
A high-ranking U.S. Navy officer says that the navy's philosophy is to swiftly deal with any matter while it is still small to prevent it from developing into a major problem. To accomplish this, the two nations should make further efforts to establish a relationship of trust through joint drills and candid exchanges of opinions. 米海軍高官は「出来事が小さなうちに迅速に対処し、大きな問題になるのを防ぐのが、我々の哲学だ」と語る。そのためには、日米双方が、合同訓練や率直な意見交換を通じて、信頼関係を構築する努力が大切だろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 26, 2008) （2008年9月26日01時45分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 25, 2008 Poor political reportage promotes poor politics and politicians ぶら下がりの虚像
Taro Aso, who was elected prime minister on Wednesday, shares his deep feelings with a close friend: "I don't think ordinary people understand the anguish of extremely rich people." 今日、首相に選出される麻生太郎氏は、心を許した相手には「とてつもない金持ちに生まれた人間の苦しみなんて普通の人には分からんだろうな」としんみり語る。
Even though Aso occasionally assumes a persona where he "pretends" to be a bad guy, it appears that this is actually his true nature.
The way he considers himself to be someone born to a special fate, and his confidence that he has experienced hardships that nobody else knows reveal a deep psychological condition. How he will control the government appears likely to depend on this warped self-confidence. 時に偽悪家ぶるところがあるが、これは率直な気持ちだろう。自分を特別な運命に生まれたと信じる自惚（うぬぼ）れと、人知れぬ苦労も積んだという負けん気は、新首相の深層心理をうかがわせて興味深い。今後の政権運営は、この屈折した自負心が左右する気がする。
I talk about such a thing because I wondered why Yasuo Fukuda, who resigned as prime minister on Wednesday, had decided to dump his government in an irresponsible manner and later acted selfishly. It all leads to the conclusion that he was not qualified to be prime minister. Many political reporters realized this fact, but did they clearly report it? こんな話を持ち出すのは、今日で首相を終える福田康夫氏の無責任な政権放り出しと、その後の身勝手な言動に考え込んでしまったからだ。首相の器でなかったということに尽きるが、政治記者の多くは、そのことを知っていた。でも、それをきちんと伝えたか。
After Fukuda announced his decision to resign, the Mainichi Shimbun reported that as early as April he was tired of being prime minister. Nevertheless, the Mainichi Shimbun at the same time carried other articles saying that the prime minister was enthusiastic about his work. Even though Fukuda displayed a mixture of aggressive and feeble attitudes, I cannot help but admit that these reports were incorrect. This is because the reporters failed to get to the bottom of Fukuda's real intentions and simply believed what his aides said. 退陣表明後、弊紙は福田氏が４月には嫌気が差していたと報じた。ところが、当時の紙面を繰ってみると、「首相は意欲満々」と何度も書いている。強気と弱気が交錯していたにせよ、誤報と認めざるを得ない。
Since Junichiro Koizumi was in office, brief interviews with the prime ministers at their office, which were limited to twice a day, had continued for seven years. This set a bad precedent for political reporters who have now come to believe that such brief interviews are enough to write articles. Reporters were criticized for failing to ask tough questions during the news conference at which Fukuda announced his decision to resign because they were asking questions as if the news conference was just another one of the brief interviews at the prime minister's office. People often talk about the political crisis, but it's largely because of the crisis of political news coverage. (By Tomonaga Ito, Political News Writer, Mainichi Shimbun) 本人の実像に迫れず、秘書官らの煙幕をうのみにしたせいだ。小泉政権で昼夕２度に制限された首相への「ぶら下がり」。７年も続き、あれで済ますのが記者の悪弊になった。突っ込み不足と不評だった福田氏の退陣会見も「ぶら下がり」の延長だったからではないか。政治の危機と言うが、半分は政治報道の危機だろう。【伊藤智永】
(Sep. 25, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Aso must outline plan for 'radiant, strong' state 麻生内閣発足 「明るく強い国」をどう造る（9月25日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Taro Aso's new Cabinet was inaugurated Wednesday night. But it sets out under unusual circumstances, with the dissolution of the House of Representatives and a subsequent general election just around the corner. 麻生新内閣が発足した。衆院解散・総選挙を間近に控えた異例の船出である。今後も活力ある日本を維持していくには、どうすべきか。麻生首相は、内政、外交の見取り図を、早急に示さねばならない。
The question now is what Aso--the 59th man to serve as prime minister--should do to maintain the nation's vigor. 第９２代、５９人目の首相に選ばれた麻生首相は２４日夜、組閣を終え、新内閣を始動させた。
To ensure he can do so, he must present a blueprint mapping out the nation's politics and diplomacy as quickly as possible. （麻生首相はこれから先の国内政策と外交政策につき明確な青写真を国民に示さなければならない by srachai）
Announcing the lineup of his Cabinet himself at a press conference, Aso stressed that he is determined to make Japan a "radiant and strong country." He apparently believed it was important to deliver such a message directly to the public rather than leaving it to the chief cabinet secretary. 麻生首相は、自ら記者会見して閣僚名簿を発表し、「日本を明るく強い国にする」と強調した。官房長官任せにせず、国民に対して直接、メッセージを発することを重視したものだ。
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◆政策推進の３原則◆ 3 principles for governance
On appointing his Cabinet ministers, Aso instructed them "to promote policies for the benefit of the people," "to make the best use of bureaucrats" and "to devote efforts to the national interest rather than that of government ministries." These are apparently being dubbed "Aso's three principles" and he said he will make them the cornerstone of his policies. 首相は、閣僚の任命にあたり、「国民本位の政策を進める」「官僚は使いこなす」「省益ではなく国益に専念する」ように指示した。これを“麻生３原則”とし、政策推進の基本に据える考えを示したのだろう。
Aso named former Education, Science and Technology Minister Takeo Kawamura as chief cabinet secretary, a pivotal role in the Cabinet. As with the appointment of Hiroyuki Hosoda as Liberal Democratic Party secretary general, picking Kawamura indicates that Aso took into account his practical skills, which are highly thought of within the party. 内閣の要となる官房長官に、河村建夫・元文部科学相を起用した。自民党の細田博之幹事長と同様、党内で評価の高い実務能力を買ったものといえる。
Aso retained Kaoru Yosano, who was a contender in Monday's LDP presidential election, as state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy and named former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba as agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister. These appointments suggest Aso also hopes to build a united party by ensuring ministers are matched with positions suited to their policymaking abilities. 総裁選を戦った与謝野経済財政相は再任、石破茂・元防衛相は農相に登用した。両氏の得意分野の政策能力を活用し、挙党態勢にも配慮した人事だ。
In addition, Aso gave Cabinet posts to many of those who contributed to his victory in the party presidential race. Shoichi Nakagawa, finance minister and state minister in charge of financial services; Kunio Hatoyama, internal affairs and communications minister; and Akira Amari, state minister in charge of administrative reform, all supported Aso and contributed to his winning the presidential election. 自民党総裁選で麻生氏の勝利に貢献した議員を多数起用した。中川財務・金融相、鳩山総務相、甘利行政改革相は、麻生支持を打ち出し、早くから流れを作った。
Meanwhile, the prime minister named Yuko Obuchi, 34, who is in her third term in the lower house, as state minister in charge of the declining birthrate. She becomes the youngest ever postwar cabinet member. 戦後最年少閣僚として、３４歳で当選３回の小渕優子衆院議員を少子化相に抜擢(ばってき)した。
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Management in crisis ◆危機管理を怠るな◆
Since former Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's abrupt resignation announcement on Sept. 1, there have been serious problems to contend with at home and abroad. The new Cabinet must check the government's crisis management system and try to perfect the management of affairs of state. 今月１日の福田前首相の辞意表明後、国内外で、深刻な問題が発生している。内閣として、危機管理体制を総点検し、国政遂行に万全を期すことが求められる。
The financial crisis that originated in the United States is developing into a cross-border realignment of the financial industry that involves Japanese financial institutions. Meanwhile, the Japanese economy itself is slowing. 米国発の金融危機は、日本の金融機関も巻き込んで、国境を越えた金融再編に発展している。一方で、日本の景気は下降線をたどっている。
Given these difficult circumstances, agile management that unifies fiscal and financial considerations is going to be indispensable in guiding the country's economic policies. こうした難局にある経済政策の舵(かじ)取りでは、財政と金融の一体的、機動的な運営が欠かせない。
Aso also has asked Finance Minister Nakagawa to serve as state minister in charge of financial services. He says, quite reasonably, that the dual appointment ensures Japan has a state minister responsible for financial services in attendance at meetings of the Group of Seven finance ministers and central bank governors. 首相は、中川財務相に金融相を兼務させた。先進７か国財務相・中央銀行総裁会議（Ｇ７）で、日本の財務相が金融行政に関与していない事態を避けるのが狙い、と説明した。当然の判断だろう。
Meanwhile, police on Wednesday searched the headquarters of Osaka-based rice processing and sales firm Mikasa Foods on suspicion of selling tainted rice meant for industrial use as edible rice. The latest incident revealed government administrative processes are not functioning properly. 農薬などに汚染された事故米の不正転売問題で、警察当局は、米穀加工販売会社の強制捜査に踏み切った。行政の機能不全を露呈する不祥事だ。
Incoming agriculture minister Ishiba should exercise leadership in cooperation with Seiko Noda, who retained her post as state minister in charge of consumer affairs, to ensure the safety of the nation's food and to regain the public's trust in the ministry. 石破農相は、再任された野田消費者相と協力し、「食の安全」の確保と農水省の信頼回復に指導力を発揮すべきだ。
Recent reports of the deteriorating health of North Korean leader Kim Jong Il have caused confusion over the future direction of this autocratic state's decision-making. 北朝鮮の金正日総書記の健康不安説で、独裁国家の意思決定の行方に不透明感が漂っている。
Against this backdrop, North Korea recently began work restoring its Yongbyon nuclear facility that it had previously agreed to disable. そうした中で、北朝鮮は、無能力化に合意していた寧辺の核施設の復旧作業に着手した。
Meanwhile, there is currently no prospect of Pyongyang resuming its reinvestigation into Japanese abducted by North Korean agents. 日本人拉致問題も、被害者の再調査入りのめどが立っていない。
Foreign Minister Hirofumi Nakasone and Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada need to reaffirm coordination with the United States and other countries concerned and give full attention to North Korea's actions. 中曽根外相、浜田防衛相は、米国など関係国との連携を再確認し、北朝鮮の動向に細心の注意を払う必要がある。
Meanwhile, an agreement reached between the LDP and its coalition partner New Komeito on Tuesday incorporates economic stimulus measures, including fixed-amount income and residential tax cuts that were demanded by New Komeito. The two parties also agreed to review an unpopular health care insurance program for people aged 75 or older. 麻生政権発足に先立つ自公両党の政権合意には、公明党が求めた所得・住民税の定額減税など当面の景気対策や、国民に批判の強い後期高齢者医療制度を見直す方針が盛り込まれた。
However, the agreement does not call for the financial burden the nation faces to be shouldered by the public, including through a consumption tax rate hike. And as for securing financial resources to fund ballooning social security costs, it simply refers to administrative reforms, including abolishing and consolidating local offices of the central government and ensuring budgetary allocations are not squandered. 一方で、消費税率の引き上げなど国民に負担を求める施策は見あたらない。財源確保策は、国の出先機関の廃止・縮小や、予算のムダの洗い出しなどの行政改革を掲げているだけだ。
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Tackling economic challenges ◆責任ある説明を◆
Having said, "The Japanese economy needs three years to recover," Aso has accepted the government's fiscal stimulus measures to turn around the flagging economy. He also has suggested he will push back the target of achieving a surplus in the primary balance, originally eyed for fiscal 2011, saying, "Conditions have changed." 首相は「日本経済は全治３年」として経済対策のための財政出動を容認し、２０１１年度に基礎的財政収支を黒字化する目標については「前提条件が変わった」と先送りする考えを示唆した。
A review of the health care insurance program for people aged 75 or older was unexpectedly floated during the closing stages of the LDP presidential election. But this raises the question of how the LDP and New Komeito will remain consistent with their previous insistence that the scheme is necessary. Aso and Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe should explain this properly to ensure there is no confusion among the public. 後期高齢者医療制度の見直しは、自民党総裁選の終盤に唐突に浮上した。必要性を訴えてきた政府・与党の従来の説明と、どう整合性をとるのか。首相と舛添厚生労働相は、国民を混乱させないよう、しっかりと説明すべきだ。
At his first press conference on assuming the premiership Wednesday night, Aso clarified that the government would raise its share of the burden for the basic pension to half from the current one-third from fiscal 2009. However, he did not present details on the financial resources available for doing so. 首相は、就任後初の記者会見で、来年度から基礎年金の国庫負担割合を２分の１に引き上げると明言しながら、財源については、明示しなかった。
The new Cabinet should urgently discuss concrete measures for securing such resources. 早急に具体的な財源措置を検討すべきである。
If Aso's administration is to achieve the goals it has laid out, the LDP clearly must prevail in its upcoming electoral battle with the Democratic Party of Japan, headed by Ichiro Ozawa. 近づく衆院選は、麻生首相が率いる自民党と、小沢代表の民主党との決戦となる。 麻生政権が実績を上げていくには、まず、小沢民主党に勝利しなければならない。
Aso is responsible for presenting clearly defined principles for the country's rejuvenation and outlining concrete policies for the public in his policy speech scheduled to be delivered at the Diet on Monday. 首相は、２９日の所信表明演説で、日本再生のためのより明確な理念と、具体的な政策を国民に示す責任がある。
We hope Aso will engage in lively and constructive debates with Ozawa and other opposition parties leaders during their interpellation. 代表質問でも、小沢代表をはじめ野党党首と、活発な論戦を展開してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 25, 2008) （2008年9月25日02時24分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 24, 2008 Environmental challenges ahead for Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine world heritage site 石見銀山遺跡：世界遺産へ観光客押し寄せ、「環境との調和」仕切り直し
◇石見銀山の挑戦 Shimane -- In July 2007, Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine in Oda, Shimane Prefecture, became the first Japanese industrial site to be registered as a world heritage site. It gained high appraisal during the World Heritage Committee investigation for its "coexistence with nature" and "harmony with the environment." However, environmental problems subsequently arose due to an increase in the number of tourists to the area. In response, local residents have made the bold decision to abolish a local bus service, which has been a precious means of transportation for them. From this autumn, the people of Oda will make a fresh start with an even greater respect for the environment. 日本初の産業遺跡として昨年７月、世界文化遺産に登録された石見銀山遺跡（島根県大田市）。世界遺産委員会の審査では「自然との共存」「環境との調和」が高い評価を受けた。だが、観光客の増加で、環境破壊という問題が浮上。住民は地域の足でもある路線バスの廃止を決断した。この秋、「環境」というキーワードに立ち返った仕切り直しが始まる。【大田通信部・船津健一】
◆観光客倍増 Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine is valued for three main features: The remains of the silver mine, the town itself, and the routes to the port. The core zone of the heritage area covers 442 hectares, encompassing the towns of Omori, Nima, and Yunotsu. The most popular site is Omori, where people can see the shaft of the silver mine and areas of the residential town that remain from the Edo period. Most tours planned by travel agencies focus on this town. An amazing 714,000 tourists visited the site in 2007 when it was registered as a world heritage site, almost double the number of the previous year. This year, the number of visitors reached 560,000 by the end of August, which is equivalent to a 1.7-fold increase on the previous year. 石見銀山遺跡を構成する要素は大きく三つ。銀鉱山跡、町並み、街道と港だ。大森町、仁摩（にま）町、温泉津（ゆのつ）町の市内３町に点在するそれらの総面積は約４４２ヘクタールになる。中でも、銀採掘坑道や江戸時代の区割りを伝える町並みが残る大森町には観光客が押し寄せる。旅行代理店のツアーもここに集中する。世界遺産に登録された０７年の観光客数は前年の２倍近い７１・４万人。今年は８月末で５６万人に迫り、前年同期比１・７倍と衰える気配がない。
The town of Omori is home to 390 people among 170 families. These people requested a "Park and Ride" system to Iwami Kotsu (headquarters in Masuda) last April to reduce the number of tourists' cars entering the town. People park their cars in a new free parking lot (with a capacity of 400 cars and 11 buses) 2.5 kilometers south of the area, and take a shuttle bus to the town. People are also discouraged from visiting the most popular site, the "Ryugenji Mabu (Mine Shaft)" at the foot of the mine by car. Instead, public buses (with a capacity 43 people) shuttle to and from the town area. Due to the increase in the number of tourists, the original nine round trips were increased to 18 roundtrips for weekdays and 35 for weekends and holidays. Along the narrow road where even passenger cars can barely pass, residents and visitors alike are suffering from exhaust fumes from the buses. 大森の町並み地区は、１７０世帯３９０人が暮らす「生活の場」でもある。観光車両の流入を防ぐため、市は昨年４月末、石見交通（本社・益田市）に要請して「パーク＆ライド」を始めた。同地区の２・５キロ南に新設した無料駐車場（乗用車４００台、観光バス１１台）に車を置き、同社の路線バスに乗り換えて町へ入ってもらう仕組みだ。一方、銀鉱山のふもとにある一番人気の「龍源寺間歩（まぶ）」（坑道）へも一般車両は乗り入れ禁止とし、町並み地区から路線バス（４３人乗り）を使ってもらうことになった。 従来は９往復だったダイヤを平日１８往復、土日祝日は３５往復と大幅に増便。普通車でもすれ違うのがやっとの市道で、住民も観光客も追い越していくバスの排ガスを浴び、顔をしかめた。
◆混雑、混乱 During the autumn tourist season, people flood into the town. "Weekday overcrowding turns into weekend chaos," sighs a community association official. Although it is only 30 minutes on foot from the town to the mine shaft, many tourists choose to wait for the bus. Many full buses go by until we can get on," the official added.
Responding to the complaints, the bus company has increased the service, resulting in nearly 100 shuttles on weekdays. The buses are always overcrowded and the residents can't use them. Moreover, the residents have to put up with exhaust fumes, noise, vibrations, etc. "It's not a local bus anymore -- it's turned into a tourist bus," complains the official. It didn't take long before the residents called for action. 苦情に応えて臨時便を増やしたため、多い日には平日でも１００台近くがピストン運行した。 いつも満員のバスには住民も乗れない。「もはや路線バスじゃない。 観光バスだ」。加えて排ガス、騒音、振動。住民が悲鳴を上げるまで時間はかからなかった。
In December last year, Omori Community Council decided to petition the city of Oda to abolish the running of the local bus. どうすればいいか。町民集会を重ねた末、大森町自治会協議会は昨年１２月、路線バスの廃止を大田市に陳情した。
One week after the petition, a 110 cm by 50 cm rock weighing 80 kg rolled down the slope alongside the bus route, right in front of the mine shaft. It was midnight, and luckily no one was injured, but the falling rock was exactly what the petitioners had predicted might occur as a result of the vibrations from the buses. An investigation confirmed that work to prevent falling rocks would take about two years to complete, which added pressure to do away with the local bus. その１週間後、坑道の手前のバス道に面した斜面から全長１１０センチ、幅５０センチ、重さ約８０キロの岩が落ちる落石事故が発生。深夜の発生でけが人はなかったが、陳情書が指摘した「バスの振動による落石」が現実になった。市は現場付近を通行止めとし、路線バスは手前の停留所で折り返すことになった。調査の結果、落石防止の工事に約２年かかることも判明。これが路線バス廃止へ向けた動きを後押しした。
◆「歩く」観光へ So it was decided that the local bus service that shuttles people between the mine shaft and the town would be abolished. Although there were pros and cons to the decision, one resident stated flatly, "If we get rid of the buses, tourists and physically challenged people may be (negatively) affected. Still, we residents live here all our lives. We can't live with such anxiety." 市と石見交通は来月１日から、坑道と町並みを往復していた路線バスを全廃する。決定までには賛否両論あったが、ある住民は集会でこう言い切った。「バスを廃止すれば、観光客が減ったり障害者に迷惑をかける。でも住人は死ぬまでそこに住み続ける。不安を抱えながら過ごすことはできません」
On the second autumn after its registration as a world heritage site, Iwami Ginzan Silver Mine will switch its policy to promoting sightseeing on foot. It has plans to introduce two hybrid buses that use both electric motors and conventional combustion engines along the "Park and Ride" routes from next fiscal year. 登録から２度目の秋を迎えた石見銀山は「歩く観光」にかじを切る。来年度からは、パーク＆ライド路線にモーターとエンジンを併用する「ハイブリッドバス」２台を導入する計画もある。
There are also plans to introduce emission-free electric buses, although not as a replacement for the lost local buses. Instead, they will cruise around the world heritage sites, limited to a walking speed of 5 km/hour and yielding to pedestrians. On Sept. 21, the "ultimate eco-car" was launched at the site, too. Three velotaxis (motorized tricycle taxis) with the capacity for two adults and one child were introduced. The driver also acts as a tour guide. 一方、排ガスを出さない電気バス導入計画も進んでいる。廃止路線のバス代わりではなく、歩行者優先の遺跡内を時速５キロ程度の歩く速さで遊覧する乗り物だ。遺跡内では２１日から「究極のエコカー」も登場した。大人２人と幼児１人が乗れる有料のベロタクシー（電動アシスト付き三輪自転車）３台で、運転手が観光ガイドも務める。
The decision of this small town in the Sanin area was heard throughout the nation. The aim for "coexistence of a world heritage site with the environment" has also been included in the residents' charter of Omori town: "Our residents have to live here every day of their lives. We are committed to serving the people and Iwami Ginzan. We dedicate ourselves to conserving our history, relics and nature for future generations." 山陰の片隅の小さな町が全国に発信する「環境と共生する世界遺産」への決意は、世界遺産登録後に大森町が定めた「住民憲章」にも表れている。「この町には暮らしがあります。私たちはこの町で暮らしながら、人とのきずなと石見銀山を未来に引き継ぎます。未来に向かって歴史と遺跡、そして自然を守ります」
Yukio Nishimura, a professor at Tokyo University specializing in city planning, cites an example from 1995 when another travel spot, Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture, had to build a parking lot over paddy fields following a rapid increase in the number of tourists after its registration as a world heritage site. "I hope that Iwami Ginzan will study the 'good' of various areas while avoiding the 'bad,' and become a place where people from across the nation can visit and learn." 都市計画などが専門の西村幸夫・東京大教授は、岐阜県の白川郷が９５年の世界遺産登録後、観光客の急増で合掌造り集落の水田を駐車場に変えた例を引き、「石見銀山は各地のいいところを学び、悪いところはうまく避け、日本中から学びに来る場所になってほしい」と期待を寄せる。
(Sep. 24, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Tighten inspections on China-made food メラミン牛乳 中国産食品の検疫を厳格に（9月24日付・読売社説）
It is hard to believe that a mildly toxic chemical could get mixed in with milk. But this is exactly what happened in yet another food scandal in China. 牛乳の中に有害な化学物質を混ぜるとは、にわかには信じがたい出来事だ。またしても中国の食品である。
Several babies died, and tens of thousands of children reportedly have been sickened in the country, after consuming powdered milk tainted with melamine. 中国では有害物質「メラミン」を含んだ粉ミルクが原因で乳児が死亡し、何万人もの子どもが健康被害を訴えている。
Adding melamine to milk can make it appear to be richer in protein, and Chinese dairy producers allegedly "supplemented" protein levels in milk by adding melamine to it after the milk was diluted with water. メラミンを混ぜると、蛋白(たんぱく)質を多く含む牛乳のように見せかけられる。酪農業者が原乳を水増しした後、薄まった蛋白質をメラミンで“補って”いたらしい。
This latest tainted food scandal has not been confined to China's shores. 隣国だけの問題ではない。
Although barely any fresh milk or other dairy products are imported from China, a substantial volume of processed foods made using Chinese milk already have entered the Japanese market. 中国の牛乳や乳製品は日本にほとんど輸入されていないものの、牛乳を原料とする加工食品の形では、かなり入り込んでいる。
Marudai Food Co., a leading manufacturer of ham and sausages based in Takatsuki, Osaka Prefecture, voluntarily announced Saturday that some of its products contained milk contaminated with melamine, and started recalling items already on the market. 菓子などに使用していた丸大食品は自主的に公表し、商品の回収を始めた。
According to the company, the amount of tainted milk used in the products was extremely small, and so far there have not been any reports of people being sickened after consuming them. It does not appear the widespread health problems in China will be replicated in Japan. 同社によれば、使用された牛乳は微量で、これまでのところ健康被害の報告はない。中国で懸念される状況が、そのまま日本で生じるわけではないだろう。
However, concerns among consumers will continue to grow as long as they are not able to distinguish between products that contain milk tainted with the chemical and those that do not. だが、問題のある牛乳がどのような商品に使われているのか、全く分からない状況では、消費者の不安は膨らむ。
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Time to tighten up checks
It is important that all of the concerned food production companies quickly grasp what is going on and announce the results of these investigations as soon as possible. 関連する食品メーカーは、実態調査を急ぎ、すべてを迅速に公表することが重要だ。
It also is necessary to review the way in which imported foods are dealt with at quarantine stations. At present, inspectors look only for pesticide residues and bacteria, not chemical contamination. 検疫のあり方も見直しが必要である。現状は、残留農薬や細菌の有無を調べることが目的で、化学物質の混入を想定していない。
Many cats and dogs died last year in the United States after eating pet food containing ingredients made in China. The culprit was found to be melamine. Yet Japanese quarantine authorities have not added melamine to their list of substances to be inspected for. This relaxed attitude toward potential chemical contamination must be abandoned and the possibility of such contamination must be assumed when checking imported foods. 昨年、米国で中国製原料のペットフードを食べた犬や猫が多数死んだ問題は、やはりメラミンが原因だった。にもかかわらず、メラミンを検査項目に加えていなかった。化学物質は想定外、との甘い姿勢は改めねばなるまい。
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China withholding information?
The latest food contamination scandal only surfaced after the Beijing Olympics had finished. Suspicions have been raised that the Chinese government might have suppressed revelations about the damage done, even though the effects were known about for quite some time, out of concern over the possible impact the scandal might have had on the Games. 今回の問題は北京五輪が閉幕してから顕在化した。健康被害の訴えはかなり以前からあったのに、五輪への影響を考えて公表を抑えていたのではないか、との疑念をぬぐえない。
The World Health Organization also said somebody obviously withheld information on the scandal. It is interesting to note that a major dairy products manufacturer that sold milk powder containing melamine was one of the sponsors of the Beijing Olympics. 世界保健機関（ＷＨＯ）も「誰かが一定期間、情報を隠していたことは明白だ」との見解を示している。メラミン入り粉ミルクを販売した大手乳製品メーカーは、五輪のスポンサー企業だった。
In addition, the truth about the problem of tainted Chinese-made frozen gyoza in Japan has not yet been clarified. The government should urge China more strongly to improve the safety of Chinese-made foods and to disclose information on food contamination quickly. 冷凍ギョーザ事件も、真相はいまだに究明されていない。中国に対して日本政府は、もっと厳しく事態の改善を求め、迅速な情報開示を要求すべきである。
Meanwhile, a series of food safety scandals also have been occurring in Japan, including pesticide- and mold-tainted rice designated by the government as suitable only for industrial use being sold for human consumption. 一方で、日本においても事故米が不正転用されるなど、食をめぐる不祥事が相次いでいる。
Concerned ministries, agencies and the food industry must thoroughly investigate these problems originating in our own country. Failure to do so will undermine Japan's ability to blame China for shortcomings on food safety. 中国に毅然(きぜん)としてモノを言うためにも、関係官庁、食品業界は足元を総点検し、襟を正す必要があろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 24, 2008) （2008年9月24日02時11分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 23, 2008 Regulator tip-offs defeat purpose of safety inspections 発信箱：何も変わらない＝玉木研二
Some baffling facts are emerging over how the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries conducts its inspections -- specifically, giving companies warning in advance. 汚染米問題は農水省の不可解な検査実態を露呈した。
Giving advance warning of inspections is like a pitcher warning a runner on base that he's going to throw a pickoff. He has no chance of getting the runner out; no, it's as if the pitcher doesn't even want to get him out. 予告するとは、野球なら「投げるぞう」と塁上走者に知らせてけん制球を投げるのと同じ。刺せるわけがない、いや、ハナから刺す気がない。
Think back 40 years. In the Kanemi-oil PCB poisoning scandal, where polychlorinated biphenyls were mixed in with rice bran oil, there were vast numbers of chickens dying on poultry farms months before reports of humans falling ill. ちょうど４０年前。ＰＣＢ（ポリ塩化ビフェニール）使用の熱媒体が製造工程の米ぬか油に混入したカネミ油症事件は、人体被害が広がる数カ月前、養鶏の大量死を起こした。
When it was discovered that cooking oil used to create their feed was the cause, the ministry went down to their factory in Kitakyushu to perform an inspection, since animal feed is part of their jurisdiction. But after the operator told them the oil was "OK," they simply left it at that. 食用工程から派生した油が用いられたエサが原因と分かり、飼料を所管する当時の農林省が北九州の工場に立ち入り検査していた。だが、食用油の方は「大丈夫」という業者の説明でそのままにした。
If, at the time, the Farm Ministry had contacted the then-Ministry of Health and Welfare, which was in charge of food hygiene, asked it to have a look -- just to be on the safe side -- the contamination could have been confirmed, and the damage to humans limited. However, they say that they were just staying within their jurisdiction. もしその時、農林省が自ら踏み込まずとも食品衛生を所管する厚生省（当時）に「念のため調べるべきだ」と速やかに連絡し、省を超えて徹底調査をしていたら、食用油の汚染も判明し、人体被害は相当回避できたはずだ。ところが、彼らは「所管」と「権限」の中で忠実に職務を果たしたというのである。
In Akira Kurosawa's "Ikiru," the protagonist is a local bureaucrat hopelessly dedicated to his job yet stricken with an incurable disease. Making a fresh start, he vows to "stand first for the people, and go the extra mile as a bureaucrat, working beyond his jurisdiction." 黒沢明監督の映画「生きる」は、ひたすら無遅刻無欠勤を守るだけの無気力な市役所課長が主人公だ。不治の病が彼を「市民のため先頭に立ち、縄張りを超えて働く役人」に生まれ変わらせる。だが、現実の役人世界が生まれ変わることは相当難儀らしい。
At his funeral, his boss remarks smugly: "That's the kind of thing someone who knows nothing about local government would say." His fellow desk jockeys nod their assent. 「そんなこと言ったって、キミ、それは役所の機構を知らない素人の言うことであってね」。映画の葬式のシーン。市役所の幹部がしたり顔で言い、周囲がうなずく。
The film was made in 1952. So much time has passed, yet the reality has not lost its color, because nothing much has changed. (Column by Kenji Tamaki, Expert Senior Writer, Mainichi Shimbun Editorial Board) １９５２年の作品。リアリティーが色あせないのはこれほど長い時が流れても何も変わっていないということだ。（論説室）
(Sep. 23, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Aso must speak out, seize political spotlight 麻生自民党総裁 「何をなすか」明確に発信せよ（9月23日付・読売社説）
Now is a critical time for the Liberal Democratic Party. Taro Aso, the newly elected party president, needs to get serious and face up to important issues in a speedy and bold manner. 自民党にとって危急存亡の秋(とき)である。麻生太郎新総裁は、そんな危機感をもって、迅速果敢に、重要課題に立ち向かう必要があろう。
Aso scored an overwhelming victory in Monday's party leadership election to become the 23rd LDP president, defeating four other candidates--Kaoru Yosano, state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy; Yuriko Koike, former defense minister; Nobuteru Ishihara, former chairman of the LDP Policy Research Council; and Shigeru Ishiba, former defense minister. 自民党総裁選は２２日、投開票の結果、麻生幹事長が、与謝野馨経済財政相、小池百合子・元防衛相、石原伸晃・元政調会長、石破茂・前防衛相の４氏に、大差をつけて勝利し、第２３代総裁に就任した。
Aso is set to be named prime minister at an extraordinary Diet session that convenes Wednesday. 麻生氏は、２４日に召集される臨時国会で首相に指名される。
◆責任感と耐久力を示せ◆ Aso's grandfather is Shigeru Yoshida, who served as prime minister for a number of years just after World War II. 麻生氏は、戦後、長期にわたり政権を担当した吉田茂・元首相の孫にあたる。
The prime minister's post has most recently been held by scions of political dynasties, Yasuo Fukuda and Shinzo Abe, both of whom abruptly resigned. Aso needs to demonstrate his strong sense of responsibility and staying power. 世襲議員の首相が２代続けて政権から中途退場した後を継ぐ総裁である。今度こそ、最高リーダーとして、強い責任感と耐久力を発揮してもらいたい。
Why did Aso defeat the other four candidates by such a big margin? それにしても、麻生氏がこれほど圧勝したのはなぜか。
This was the fourth time for Aso to run for party president. Having his own small faction as a stronghold, Aso gained support from members of all of the party's factions as he went through three campaigns for the party's top post since 2006. 麻生氏の総裁選への挑戦は今回で４回目だ。小派閥である麻生派を拠点に、２００６年から３年連続して総裁選を戦ううちに全派閥に横断的な支持を広げた。
His upbeat and unique character attracted popular support. In recent opinion polls, Aso was ranked as the person most suitable for the prime minister's post. 明るい独特のキャラクターが大衆受けし、「首相に最もふさわしい人」を聞く世論調査でも、最近はトップに立っていた。
Party members are pinning their hopes on Aso as the face of the party with the dissolution of the House of Representatives and a general election expected soon. とくに党内から期待されたのは、近づく衆院解散・総選挙での「党の顔」としてだろう。
Unlike Fukuda, who lacked the ability to convey strong messages, Aso was evaluated highly for his communication skills. 「発信力」不足の福田康夫・前総裁に比べて、高いコミュニケーション能力が買われたともいえよう。
Many LDP Diet members and local chapter representatives decided to support Aso in hopes of being on the winning side. As the cases of Abe and Fukuda showed, however, an overwhelming victory in a party race does not necessarily mean the winner can expect stable support from party members. 国会議員も地方代表も、「勝ち馬」に乗ろうと雪崩を打って麻生支持に回った。だが、安倍、福田政権のように、圧勝は必ずしも、党内基盤の安定を意味しない。
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Face of party
In appointing four main party executives, Aso retained incumbents in three of the four posts. For the post of party secretary general that he previously occupied, Aso picked Hiroyuki Hosoda, acting secretary general of the party. By retaining the previous executive lineup, Aso appears to be trying to ensure a smooth transition. 麻生総裁は、党役員人事で党四役のうち３人を留任させ、幹事長に細田博之幹事長代理を充てた。前体制を継承することで、スムーズな移行を図ったといえる。
Having elected Aso as party president, LDP lawmakers have a responsibility to support the new leader by building party unity. 麻生氏を選んだ以上、自民党国会議員は、挙党態勢の下、新総裁を支える責任があるだろう。
The relationship with the LDP's junior coalition partner New Komeito is also important. The ruling parties' relationship soured in the final days of the Fukuda administration over such issues as a bill to revise the new Antiterrorism Law to allow the Maritime Self-Defense Force to continue its refueling mission in the Indian Ocean and envisaged fixed-sum tax breaks. 公明党との関係も大切だ。福田政権の末期は、インド洋での海上自衛隊による給油活動を継続するための新テロ対策特別措置法改正案や定額減税などをめぐり、自公関係がギクシャクした。
It is necessary to strengthen the relationship with New Komeito to foster cooperation in the next lower house election. Reconfirming the two parties' ties is an urgent task for Aso. 公明党との関係強化は、衆院選での選挙協力のうえでも不可欠だろう。麻生総裁にとって、両党連携の再確認が急務である。
◆「麻生ＶＳ小沢」◆ Aso faces mounting problems. In the midst of the LDP presidential election, U.S. financial giant Lehman Brothers Inc. failed and stock prices violently fluctuated worldwide. Uncertainty over the economy has been growing due to commodity price hikes pushed by surging prices for raw materials. 自民党総裁選のさなか、米証券大手のリーマン・ブラザーズが経営破綻(はたん)し、日本の株価も乱高下した。原材料高による物価上昇もあって、景気の先行き不安が強まっている。
There were news reports that North Korean leader Kim Jong Il was facing health problems. Ahead of the news, North Korea halted its denuclearization process, which had been based on agreements reached in the six-party talks. It also postponed a reinvestigation into the abduction of Japanese nationals to North Korea by its agents. 北朝鮮の金正日総書記の健康不安説も流れた。それに先立ち、北朝鮮は６か国協議の合意に基づく核施設の無能力化作業を中断し、日本人拉致被害者の再調査についても先送りした。
The problem of illegal trade in agricultural chemical- and mold-tainted rice has expanded and developed to the point that the agriculture minister and the administrative vice farm minister resigned. 農薬などに汚染された事故米の不正取引問題は拡大し、農相、事務次官の辞任へと発展した。
All of these are serious problems. 深刻な問題ばかりである。
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Political priorities
Aso, after he is named prime minister on Wednesday, has to pick people who are trustworthy and immediately respond to such difficult issues in forming his cabinet. 麻生氏は、内閣人事では、これらの難問に即応できる、有能で信頼に足る人材を起用していかねばならない。
Yet, to fulfill his responsibility as LDP president, Aso's most basic task is to lead the LDP to victory over Ichiro Ozawa's Democratic Party of Japan in the next lower house election. 麻生総裁が、職責を果たしていくには、まず、次期衆院選で小沢代表が率いる民主党に勝利することが前提になる。
Aso had been labeling the LDP presidential race as an election to choose a "warrior" to face off against Ozawa. Immediately after he was elected the new LDP head, he emphasized, "I'll be able to say I fulfilled my destiny when we win in the next [lower house] election." 麻生氏は、総裁選を小沢代表と「戦う人」を選ぶ選挙と位置づけてきた。自民党大会で総裁に選出された直後には、「次の選挙に勝って初めて『天命』を果たしたことになる」と強調した。
◆政策の真贋が問われる◆ The lower house election, termed the Aso vs Ozawa election, will be a battle to determine the next ruling party. It will be fought on the basis of which party's policies are real and which are false. 政権の座をかけた「麻生ＶＳ小沢」の衆院選は、両党の政策の真贋(しんがん)を問う戦いになる。
In the LDP presidential race the five candidates debated various issues, which in some ways served as preparation for policy debate with the DPJ in the election. 総裁選では、５氏が論争を展開し、民主党との政策論戦への備えを固めるものにはなったろう。
However, there are quite a few issues that were not satisfactorily discussed. しかし、なお消化不良に終わった論点は少なくない。
For instance, how should the government fund its plan to take on a greater portion of the burden of paying basic pension benefits from fiscal 2009? ０９年度から基礎年金の国庫負担割合を２分の１にするための財源をどう手当てするのか。
Raising the consumption tax rate may not be possible for the next fiscal year, but is it acceptable for the ruling party not to discuss the issue at all for now? 消費税率の引き上げは、当面は無理にしても、まったく議論すらしなくていいのか。
Doesn't the LDP have to show at least a blueprint for drastic reform of the pension, health care and nursing care systems to cope with the declining birth rate, graying society and declining population? 少子高齢化、人口減社会における年金、医療、介護制度の抜本改革について、青写真を示すべきではないか。
What should be done to pass a bill to revise the new Antiterrorism Law to fulfill Japan's responsibility to the international community? 国際社会での責務を果たすための新テロ特措法改正案の成立を図るため、どんな手立てを講じなければならないのか。
As LDP president, Aso must provide a concrete and comprehensible answer for each of these questions. 麻生総裁は、これら一つ一つに、具体的でわかりやすい答えを示すことが求められる。
Aso's unique characteristics will not shine if he repeats mealy-mouthed remarks out of an excessive fear of being nailed down on undesirable pledges. 言質をとられるのを恐れるあまり、奥歯にものが挟まった発言を繰り返したりすれば、麻生氏の持ち味は失われかねない。
As a national leader he needs to elucidate his policy goals and explain how he will achieve them. 国家指導者として、これから「何をなすか」を明確に発信し、それを具体化するプロセスを説明していく必要があるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2008) （2008年9月23日01時54分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 20, 2008 Financial crisis (Pt. 3): No end to the worst crisis since WWII 金融崩壊：リーマン・ショック／下 戦後最悪の危機続く
"It's like a blood clot in a hopelessly tangled blood vessel." Following the Lehman Brothers collapse, the short-term interest rate for dollars traded between banks shot up more than 10 percent for some financial institutions. One U.K. bank stated that some banks may collapse due to a lack of liquidity, with no end in sight for the worst financial crisis since WWII, and the Sept. 18 announcement by major central banks in Japan, America, and Europe indicated that they would cooperate in supplying significant dollar funding to short-term money markets in an attempt to alleviate anxiety. 「血栓ができて血流が根詰まりしたみたいだ」。米大手証券リーマン・ブラザーズの経営破綻（はたん）後、銀行間で融通し合うドルの短期金利が突然、一部の金融機関向けで１０％以上に急上昇した。「流動性不足で破綻する銀行が出かねない」（英系銀行）戦後最悪の危機的状況が続く。日米欧の主要中央銀行が１８日夕、協調して短期金融市場に大量のドル資金を供給すると発表したのはこの不安を解消するのが狙いだった。
But confusion caused by the Lehman Brothers collapse continues. According to a major securities company, the decision on Sept. 16 to provide public support to AIG, a major American insurance corporation, raised hopes that the worst had passed. However, stock markets in New York were universally down on Sept. 17. Markets in Tokyo and Asia fell on Sept. 18, increasing the general anxiety. リーマン破綻に端を発した混乱が止まらない。米保険最大手ＡＩＧへの公的支援が１６日に決まり「最悪期を脱する」（大手証券）との期待が高まったが、１７日のニューヨーク株式市場は全面安。１８日の東京株式市場をはじめアジアの株式市場も下落、不安が増幅した。
The markets are voicing increasing dissatisfaction with financial authorities. According to a Japanese bank analyst, "there is absolutely no sense that they have a desire or strategy to actively strengthen their involvement in reducing credit instability." There is also a strong distrust of American financial authorities, that in a span of just two days flip-flopped on their policy for public support. 「積極的に関与を強めて信用不安を解消していこうという意欲や戦略が全く感じられない」（邦銀アナリスト）。市場では金融当局への不満が募る。わずか２日間で公的支援の方針を転換した米金融当局への不信が強い。
U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson hasn't made a public appearance since the Sept. 16 decision to prop up AIG. Facing criticism, White House press secretary Dana Perino uncomfortably commented on Sept. 17 that the "Treasury Secretary is working hard," but didn't touch on what the market really wants to know; specifically, the standards for providing public support. だが、１６日のＡＩＧへの公的支援決定後、ポールソン米財務長官は公の場に姿を見せない。矢面に立たされたホワイトハウスのペリーノ大統領報道官は１７日、「財務長官が努力している」と苦しい対応に追われたが、市場が知りたい「公的支援実施の基準」には歯切れが悪いままだった。
The fearful and suspicious market also turned on major U.S. securities firms -- firms that were supposed to be stable. On Sept. 17, shares of Morgan Stanley, the second largest securities firm in the U.S., temporarily dropped 44 percent in the New York market, forcing them to pursue mergers with multiple financial institutions. 疑心暗鬼に陥った市場は、経営に不安がないはずの米証券大手にも襲いかかる。１７日のニューヨーク市場で米証券２位のモルガン・スタンレーの株価は一時、４４％下落。同社は、複数の金融機関に合併を打診する事態に追い込まれた。
Investors are pulling their money out of the stock market and putting it into gold and U.S. bonds, regarded as the safer bet. During trading on Sept. 17 the price of gold jumped 70 dollars, its greatest increase ever, and the interest on three-month U.S. bonds dropped to 0.03 percent, the lowest level since WWII. 投資家は、株式市場から資金を引き揚げ、「最も安全な資産」と呼ばれる金市場や米国債市場へと向かう。金の価格は１７日の取引で史上最大となる７０ドルの上げ幅を記録、米国債３カ月物の金利は、戦後最低水準となる０・０３％となった。
The financial market upheaval has also affected the economies of developing nations, which have been supporting global growth. 金融市場の混乱は、世界の成長を支えてきた新興国の経済運営にも影響を与えた。
On Sept. 15, the People's Bank of China discarded its inflation control policy, lowering interest rates for the first time in six years and seven months, a shocking reduction in the interest rate that followed less than half a day after the announcement of the Lehman Brothers collapse. 中国人民銀行は１５日、インフレ抑制という政策目標を投げ捨て、６年７カ月ぶりの利下げに踏み切った。リーマンの破綻発表から半日もたたない電撃的な利下げだった。
"Vice Premier Wang Qishan, head of Chinese financial affairs, was in Los Angeles for Cabinet-level talks between the U.S. and China on Sept. 15. After seeing the impact of the Lehman Brothers collapse first-hand, he probably bypassed People's Bank of China President Zhou Xiaochan to directly convince Premier Wen Jiabao," speculates one financial insider. 「その日は金融担当の王岐山副首相が米中経済閣僚会議でロサンゼルスに滞在中だった。現地でリーマン破綻の影響の大きさを実感し、周小川・人民銀総裁の頭越しに温家宝首相を説得したのではないか」と金融関係者は推測する。
Regardless, stock markets continued to drop after this rate reduction, with dark clouds starting to color Chinese economic trends that had been universally optimistic following the end of the Beijing Olympics. だが、その後も株式市場は下落が続き、楽観論一色だった北京五輪後の中国経済動向には暗雲が垂れこめた。
The International Monetary Fund (IMF) tentatively estimates that losses from subprime loans "will reach 1.1 trillion dollars (115 trillion yen) worldwide," and IMF Managing Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn warned that the financial crisis may worsen. "The consequences for some financial institutions are still in front of us. We expect that in the coming weeks or months there will be more financial institutions that will have problems." 国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は、サブプライムローンの損失額は「全世界で１兆１０００億ドル（１１５兆円）に達する」と試算する。ストロスカーン専務理事は、１７日、サウジアラビアのジッダで「一部の金融機関への影響はこれから明らかになる。今後、数週間、あるいは数カ月で問題が浮上する可能性がある」と述べ、金融危機がさらに深まる可能性を警告した。
(Sep. 22, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Ozawa talks big, but can he deliver? 小沢民主党 まだ見えぬ政策実行の財源（9月22日付・読売社説）
The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan under Ichiro Ozawa needs to present the public with clear and feasible policies that could offer a viable alternative for Japanese politics. 小沢民主党に今、求められているのは、日本の政治の選択肢を、明確で実行可能な政策の形で国民に示すことである。
An easy metric for weighing the pros and cons of policies is to look at them when linked to financial resources available to bring them about. If it is not clear where the money for election pledges will come from, then these pledges cannot be seriously considered as viable alternatives. 政策は、財源とセットで考えることで、その是非が判断できる。財源の根拠が不明確な公約では、選択肢にならない。
Ozawa's reelection to a third term as party president was formally endorsed at the party's convention on Sunday. 民主党大会で小沢代表の３選が正式に承認された。
In his acceptance speech, Ozawa said the next House of Representatives election would be the "deciding battle" and stressed he would stake his political future to bring about a change of government. He retained all the party's current executives, including Secretary General Yukio Hatoyama, a sign Ozawa is setting the stage early for the next general election. 小沢代表は演説で、次期衆院選を「最後の戦い」と位置づけ、自らの政治生命をかけて政権交代を目指す決意を強調した。鳩山幹事長ら全役員を留任させた。早期の総選挙に対応するためだろう。
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A question of funding
In his speech, Ozawa presented three timelines for implementing different policies under a DPJ administration: one for policies related to the fiscal 2009 budget; one for policies to be put in place within two years; and one for policies to be put in place within four years. Financing these policies, set to come to about 22 trillion yen, would be secured by boldly changing the general and special account budgetary systems. 小沢代表は、自らの政権構想の個別政策の実施時期を「来年度予算で」「２年以内」「４年以内」に３分類すると表明した。財源は、一般会計や特別会計の予算などを「総組み替え」して捻(ねん)出(しゅつ)する。総額で２２兆円になるという。
Ozawa plans to disclose concrete policy proposals in the party's manifesto for the next general election set for release by the end of the month. 具体的な内容は、月内に発表する次期衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）で示す予定だ。
Ozawa's plan for a new administration, which would put top priority on quality-of-life issues, includes fundamental proposals that carry huge budgets, such as a system to guarantee minimum pension payments funded by tax revenue, an income compensation system for each farming household and a system to eliminate expressway tolls. However, these proposals have been criticized due to the ambiguous funding spelled out for them. 「国民の生活が第一」を掲げる小沢代表の政権構想には、最低保障年金、農家の戸別所得補償、高速道路の無料化など、多額の予算が必要な政策が並ぶ。そのための財源はあいまいで、強く批判されてきた。
With this criticism in mind, Ozawa might have been trying with his speech to clarify the timing and financial backing for his policies. 小沢代表が政策の実施時期や財源を明示しようとするのは、その批判を踏まえたものだろう。
But it still remains unclear what Ozawa would cut from the fiscal 2009 budget, what policies he would carry out and how he would proceed with the drastic change in general and special account budgetary systems to secure these necessary financial resources. The manifesto will need to present clearer, more concrete explanations. だが、来年度予算では、何を削り、何を実施するのか。その後、「総組み替え」をどう進めるのか、まだ不透明なままだ。マニフェストでは、より具体的で明快な説明が求められる。
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Sticky issues remain
The DPJ has pursued questions about scandals tied to bureaucrats, including the pension record fiasco and wasteful usage of tax revenues collected exclusively for highway projects. In this way, the DPJ has appeared to be playing its role as an opposition party. 民主党は、年金記録漏れ、道路特定財源の無駄遣いなど、官僚の不祥事を追及してきた。「野党」として、一定の役割を果たしてきたとは言えよう。
But more importantly, it needs to present to the public the policies necessary for being a ruling party. しかし、より重要なのは、「与党」になった場合の政策だ。
The DPJ opposes the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling activities in the Indian Ocean. How can Japan otherwise help the global war on terrorism? Considering the current situation in which it silences any serious discussion within the party about such counterproposals, the DPJ seems too irresponsible. 安全保障面で民主党は、インド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動に反対している。日本は今後、「テロとの戦い」にどう関与していくのか。現実的な対案について、党内論議さえ封印している現状は、あまりに無責任ではないか。
The DPJ and the People's New Party agreed in merger talks to drastically review the privatization of postal services. Although plans for the merger have been shelved, the DPJ intends to specify in its manifesto the need to review postal privatization, including a freeze on the sale of state-owned shares and again offering three key postal services under one roof. 民主党は国民新党との合併協議で、郵政民営化の抜本的見直しで合意した。合併構想は白紙に戻ったが、政府保有株の売却凍結、郵政３事業の一体的サービスの提供など、民営化見直しはマニフェストに明記する方針だ。
Does this not run counter to the DPJ's administrative reform policy of basically abolishing public corporations and the special account system? The party also needs to clarify this for the public. 特殊法人、特別会計の原則廃止を唱える民主党の行政改革路線に逆行するのではないか。この点も、詳しい説明が必要だろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2008) （2008年9月22日02時08分 読売新聞）
(Sep. 21, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Public financing giant needs to trim down 政府系金融再編 「メガ公庫」のスリム化進めよ（9月21日付・読売社説）
The reorganization of eight government-affiliated financial institutions, which was prescribed in the structural reform policies of the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, will begin in October. 小泉構造改革で打ち出された政府系金融機関の再編が、１０月から実施される。
The reorganization is aimed at streamlining public financing, which is characterized by wasteful use of funds, and at entrusting to the private sector business fields it can look after. To enable the fruit of structural reforms to be harvested, efficiency should be further boosted after the reorganization. ムダが多い官製金融をスリム化し、民間が担える分野は民間に任せるのが狙いだ。改革の実を挙げるためには、再編後も効率化を図らねばならない。
Three government financial entities, including the National Life Finance Corporation, and the Japan Bank for International Cooperation's international financial unit will be integrated to create the Japan Finance Corporation (JFC). The government-affiliated financial institutions will be fully unified when the Okinawa Development Finance Corporation is subsumed within the JFC sometime after fiscal 2012. 国民生活金融公庫など３公庫と国際協力銀行の国際金融部門が統合し、「日本政策金融公庫」が誕生する。沖縄振興開発金融公庫も２０１２年度以降に合流し、政府系金融機関は一本化される。
The Development Bank of Japan and Shoko Chukin Bank will become government-funded companies. The two companies will be totally privatized between five and seven years from now. The operations of Japan Finance Corporation for Municipal Enterprises will be transferred to an organization jointly funded by municipalities. 日本政策投資銀行と商工組合中央金庫は政府出資の株式会社となり、５～７年後に完全民営化される。公営企業金融公庫は、地方自治体が出資する「地方公営企業等金融機構」に業務を引き継ぐ。
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JFC must assist public sector
With the revamping of the three financial institutions, including the Development Bank of Japan, the government's target of halving the balance of outstanding loans by government-affiliated financial institutions will be achieved. But this is not enough. 日本政策投資銀など３機関が衣替えするため、政府系金融機関の融資残高を半減する政府目標は達成される。だが、それだけでは不十分である。
First of all, it is indispensable to streamline the JFC, which will have 25 trillion yen of outstanding loans--an amount equivalent to those held by Resona Holdings, Inc. For commercial banks targeting the same clients as the JFC--small and midsize companies--the massive government-affiliated financial institution will become a rival to be reckoned with. まず、日本政策金融公庫のスリム化が欠かせない。融資残高は２５兆円と大手銀行のりそなグループ並みだ。中小企業など得意先が重なる銀行にとって、「メガ公庫」は手強(ごわ)いライバルとなる。
The JFC should not steal the best clients from private banks. It should focus on business fields that only public financing can undertake, including offering loans to small and midsize companies hit by the credit crunch. It should devote its energies to complementing the public sector. 優良顧客を公庫が民間銀行から横取りするようなことがあってはならない。貸し渋りに苦しむ中小企業への融資など、公的金融でなければ担えない案件に絞り、民業の補完に徹するべきだ。
Public financing will be put to the test at a time when the nation is grappling with a financial crisis and the threat of a recession looms. The government must prepare a system to supply a smooth flow of funds to businesses in need. 金融危機や不況の時こそ政策金融の真価が問われる。円滑な資金供給体制を整えておきたい。
As a matter of course, the fact that the JFC will play such a role should not be used as an excuse to preserve the organization's structure intact. もちろん、こうした役割を組織温存の口実としてはならない。
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Do away with sectionalism
Although the number of executives will be reduced from the current 43 in the former four organizations, the JFC will still have 27 executives. This is a transparent bid by the supervisory authorities to create plum jobs into which they can parachute retiring government officials. The quota should be pared further. 役員の定員は、旧４機関の合計４３人から減らすものの、まだ２７人もいる。天下り先を確保したい監督官庁の思惑が見え見えだ。さらに削り込むべきである。
While the number of JFC branches, at 152, will be two-thirds of the total of 233 of those of its predecessors, the number of workers will be trimmed just 5 percent from the about 8,000 staff now working for the predecessors. This problem results from the fact that the structures of each of the predecessor entities will be preserved after the reorganization. 支店は統合前の２３３店から１５２店へと３分の２に減るのに、約８０００人の職員は５年で５％しか減らさない。旧機関別に組織が縦割りで残る弊害である。
To make the reorganization effective, it is vital to do away with sectionalism and reduce the number of staff substantially by setting a numerical target. 統合効果を発揮するには、縦割りを解消し、数値目標を定め人員を大幅に削減する必要がある。
An assessment committee should be appointed to oversee the JFC to prevent cronyism. 公庫を監視する評価委員会も、チェックがお手盛りにならぬよう、委員の人選が重要となる。
Meanwhile, after being privatized, the Development Bank of Japan and Shoko Chukin Bank will find themselves in a more severe business environment, in which they will have to bear the higher costs needed to raise funds, as they do not have an "unspoken guarantee from the government." 一方、政策投資銀と商工中金は完全民営化されると「暗黙の政府保証」がなくなり、資金調達コストが高くなるなど、これまでより厳しい環境に置かれる。
In the process of becoming independent, it is imperative for the two organizations to make such management efforts as a thorough restructuring and development of highly profitable businesses. 独り立ちに向け、徹底したリストラや収益性の高い事業の開発など、経営努力が欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2008) （2008年9月21日01時54分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 21, 2008 Unusual all-red dragonfly found at Tokyo museum トンボ：体も羽も赤いトンボ 都内２例目、ビオトープで見つかる－－北区 ／東京
The red dragonfly, Sept. 19, 2008.The Kita-ku Fureai Insect Information Center made an unusual find in its biotope: an all-red dragonfly, only the second one ever found in the metropolitan area, and which has been tentatively identified as a red grasshawk dragonfly. 北区立自然ふれあい情報館（同区十条仲原４）のビオトープで、体と羽が赤いトンボが見つかった。専門家は東南アジアに生息するフチドリベッコウトンボではないかと見ている。都内で確認されるのは２例目で、前回は０５年９月、同区赤羽付近で目撃されている。
Museum staff first found the dragonfly on Sept. 3 and managed to take a photo, but it flew off before they could capture it. 同区によると、今月３日、自然ふれあい情報館のスタッフがビオトープ内のコガマの葉にとまっているところを見つけた。写真は撮ったが、捕獲できなかった。
The photo was sent to an expert on south-east Asian dragonflies, asking him to identify it, but without a live specimen a positive identification couldn't be made. 同館が東南アジアのトンボを研究している専門家に写真を送り、トンボの種類を確定してもらえるよう依頼。しかし標本がないため、種類の確定にはいたっていないという。
According to the expert, the dragonfly could have been swept up by a low pressure air system, accidently imported along with some water plants, or brought in to the country for breeding purposes and escaped. 専門家は「低気圧に乗って運ばれたか、輸入された水草に付着したものがふ化したか、飼育用など故意に持ち込まれたものが逃げ出したことが考えられる」と説明している。【吉永磨美】
(Sep. 20, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Culture at farm ministry sowed seeds of scandals 農水２首脳辞任 不祥事が続く体質が問題だ（9月20日付・読売社説）
Friday's turn of events showed that Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Seiichi Ota and Toshiro Shirasu, the ministry's top bureaucrat, finally came to realize how heavy their responsibility has been in allowing public distrust in food safety to spread so widely. 食への不信を拡大した責任の重さに気がついたということだろう。 Ota and Shirasu, administrative vice agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister, resigned Friday to take responsibility for the scandal in which imported rice contaminated with pesticide and mold was illicitly resold for purposes other than industrial use. Shirasu was effectively sacked from his post. 太田誠一農相と農林水産省の白須敏朗次官が、農薬などに汚染されたコメの不正転売問題の責任を取って辞任した。次官は事実上の更迭である。
It is only natural that the ministry's two top officials were replaced, but these personnel changes alone will not be enough to change the organizational climate in the ministry, which has induced one scandal after another. A sweeping structural reform should be carried out to resuscitate the ministry. トップ２人の交代は当然だが、それだけでは、不祥事が続く体質は改まるまい。抜本的な改革で再生させる必要があろう。
Against the backdrop of widespread distribution of tainted rice is the ministry's industry-friendly stance, exemplified by its aggressive selling of contaminated rice to companies and its overlooking of the illicit sale of such rice as food by conducting lackadaisical inspections. 汚染米の流通が拡大した背景には、業者に積極的に汚染米を売り込み、甘い検査で転売を見逃し続けていた農水省の業界寄りの姿勢があった。
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Succession of missteps
The ministry badly mishandled the situation after the illicit distribution of tainted rice came to light earlier this month. The ministry's section chief in charge of selling tainted imported rice refused to disclose the names of companies that bought the rice, saying the ministry "does not have the authority to do so." 不正発覚後の対応も、極めて問題だった。担当課長は、「農水省には権限がない」などとして流通先の公表を拒んだ。
At the instruction of the Prime Minister's Office, the ministry revealed the list of those companies this week, but the list contained many errors, such as the inclusion of companies that have not dealt in tainted rice. 官邸の指示で、公表に踏み切った際には、汚染米を扱っていない業者まで流通先に含めるなど、ミスが相次いだ。
The ministry's Food Safety and Consumer Affairs Bureau in charge of food safety issues initially was excluded from the ministry's response to the scandal because "no health damage" was reported. It took a whole week after the ministry revealed the illicit distribution for it to enlist all its bureaus to deal with the spiraling problem. 「健康被害はない」という理由で、本来、食の安全を担当するはずの消費・安全局は当初、外されていた。その後、問題の拡大を受けて省をあげての体制をとったのは、最初に問題を公表してから１週間もたってからだった。
Ota and Shirasu, both of whom were supposed to display leadership in dealing with the scandal, made comments that exposed the ministry's irresponsibility. "I'm not overly fazed by the scandal," Ota, said, while Shirasu opined, "I don't think [we were] directly responsible for the scandal." さらに、陣頭指揮すべき大臣と次官は、「ジタバタ騒いでいない」「責任があるとは思わない」などと発言し、無責任体質を露呈する有り様だった。
The ministry has repeatedly mishandled food safety issues. For example, it made light of information on bovine spongiform encephalopathy from the European Union, and, as a result, it allowed the infiltration of BSE into Japan. 農水省はこれまでも、欧州連合（ＥＵ）からの情報を軽視し、ＢＳＥ（牛海綿状脳症）の国内への侵入を許すなど、食の安全を巡って失政を重ねている。
Based on lessons learned from such errors, the Food Safety Commission of the Cabinet Office and the ministry's Food Safety and Consumer Affairs Bureau were established five years ago, tasked with revamping the administration of food safety so policies would be implemented from the viewpoints of consumers. ５年前に食品安全委員会が生まれ、省内に消費・安全局を設けたのも、この反省から、消費者の目線に立つ役所に生まれ変わるのが狙いだった。
But none of these lessons were heeded. だが、こうした教訓は全く生かされなかった。
===
Problems systemic
In response to the scandal, the ministry has mapped out a package of measures designed to prevent the recurrence of such incidents. According to its plans, rice inspection and sales will be handled by different sections of the ministry, and a new system will be put in place to make country-of-origin labeling mandatory for tainted rice. 今回の事態を受け、農水省は、コメの検査と販売を別の部局に担当させ、原産地表示を制度化するなどの再発防止策をまとめた。
Of course, these measures are not enough. A thorough rethink is required if the government wants to change the organizational nature of the ministry. これだけでは、到底不十分だ。どうすれば農水省の体質を変えられるか、一から考え直さなければならない。
For example, the ministry would be well advised to recruit an outsider to assume the key oversight function at its secretariat and take other steps to beef up its supervisory functions. 例えば、官房の中枢に、お目付け役として外部の人材を登用するなど、監視機能の一段の強化を図ってはどうか。
On Friday, the Cabinet Office established a panel of experts who will identify problems in the ministry's handling of tainted rice and supervision of companies buying such rice. Problem-prevention measures will also be studied by the panel. １９日には内閣府で、農水省の対応の問題点を検証し、再発防止策などを検討する有識者会議が始動した。
We hope the panel will work out specific reform measures that also go as far as rectifying the structural problems of the ministry. 農水省の組織の在り方まで踏み込んで、改革の具体案を打ち出してほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2008) （2008年9月20日01時57分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 19, 2008 Japan needs to rethink emergency economic measures in wake of U.S. financial crisis 社説：米国発金融危機 日本は緊急施策の見直しを
The U.S. financial crisis, which has triggered the collapse of major financial institutions and prompted government bailouts, will have harmful consequences for the Japanese economy. 大手金融機関が経営破綻（はたん）や政府による救済にまで立ち至った米国の金融危機は、日本経済にも悪影響を及ぼす。
Japan's real GDP shrank in the second quarter (April to June) at an annualized rate of 3 percent compared with the previous quarter, and there are no signs that a recovery is underway in the third quarter, which ends on Sep. 30. If the financial crisis sends the U.S. economy into a deep recession, not only will Japan's exports fall off but also private-sector facilities investment will dry up. And if corporate performance deteriorates, workers' wages will stagnate, and personal consumption will decline. 今年４～６月期の実質成長率は前期比、年率でマイナス３％だった。７～９月期も立ち直りの兆候は出ていない。米国経済が金融危機の影響でより不況色が強まれば、日本は輸出の減少のみならず、海外需要を当てにしてきた民間設備投資の停滞も深くなる。企業業績が悪化すれば勤労者の賃金も伸び悩み、個人消費も抑えられる。
While these developments could set off a global depression, the Liberal Democratic Party, which is in the midst of a presidential election, and politicians on the whole have been oblivious to them. ところが、総裁選中の自民党のみならず、政治全体が、世界同時不況をも招きかねない事態への感度が鈍いと言わざるを得ない。
On Wednesday, the government convened an economic and fiscal consultative meeting, the first such meeting since it adopted a comprehensive economic stimulus package on Aug. 29. The intent of the economic stimulus package is to jumpstart the Japanese economy, which is facing a global downturn triggered by the U.S. subprime crisis and high oil prices. The most urgent measures in the package are supposed to be implemented right away. 政府は１７日、経済財政諮問会議を開いた。「緊急総合対策」を決定した先月２９日以来だ。総合対策は米国のサブプライム問題に端を発した世界的な成長鈍化や原油高に直面している日本経済へのテコ入れ策だ。緊急を要する施策は直ちに実行するとされている。
But during the three weeks that have passed since the end of last month, the global economy has been jarred by upheaval. Hence, the implications of recent developments for the Japanese economy have also changed. The recent upheaval notwithstanding, Japan's politicians have yet to muster a response. And Wednesday's economic and fiscal consultative meeting did not go beyond analyzing the current situation. 先月末からの約３週間、世界経済は激動した。日本経済への影響も、違ってきたはずだ。それにもかかわらず、政治は動かなかった。１７日の会議も情勢分析段階にとどまった。
The more urgent the policy, the greater the caution that will need to be exercised to implement measures to carry it out. At one time, the price of oil had soared to 140 dollars a barrel, but has since fallen to 90 dollars a barrel. It is only natural, then, that the measures in the emergency stimulus package that address high oil prices be given a second look. 緊急性の高い対策であればあるほど、講ずべき施策の内容は異なってくる。一時、１バレル＝１４０ドル水準まで高騰した原油価格は、反落し９０ドル程度になっている。総合対策の原油高騰への緊急対策は、内容を見直すのが当然だ。
If the U.S. financial crisis grows more severe, Japanese financial institutions may be compelled to screen borrowers more strictly and be more apt to restrict lending. But small and medium-sized firms would bear the brunt of such changes. That is why measures that aim to give a shot in the arm to the finance sector or to prevent cutbacks in lending will become even more important. 米国の金融危機が深刻化すれば、日本の金融機関も連想で、厳密な審査など、貸し出しを絞る行動に出やすい。そのあおりを受けるのが中小・零細企業である。そこで、金融の円滑化や貸し渋り対策は一段と重要になる。
Furthermore, if exports languish for a long period of time, and the value of the yen continues to climb in foreign exchange markets, companies will try to restore their competitiveness by squeezing their subcontractors to extract lower prices from them. The government will then have to respond by beefing up its measures to protect subcontractors. また、輸出の低迷長期化や外国為替市場で円高が進めば、元請け企業は競争力回復のため下請け代金の切り下げなどに走りがちだ。下請け企業へのしわ寄せである。こうしたことへの対応として、下請け事業者保護対策は強化しなければならない。
Though a political vacuum exists today, any attempt by the current administration to slack off and postpone economic management and policy decisions will not be tolerated. As has been the case in the U.S. financial crisis, conditions in Japan can change drastically in a flash. Prime Minister Yasuo Fukuda's Cabinet must shoulder the responsibility of managing the economy until the next prime minister is designated in the extraordinary Diet session. Since the government has already adopted a stimulus package, it must, while assessing events as they unfold, conduct a review of its emergency economic measures and seek to give them concrete shape. 政治空白と言われる状況にせよ、時の政権が経済運営や政策判断を怠ることや後回しにすることは許されない。米国の金融危機のように短期間に状況は激変する。福田康夫内閣は臨時国会で次期首相指名が行われるまで、経済運営を担わなければならない。総合対策を決定した以上は、事態の進行を見定めつつ、緊急実行施策は見直しも行い、具体化しなければならない。
It is still not clear when the supplementary budget to fund additional fiscal measures will be compiled and deliberated in the Diet. Though the general elections are looming, it is absurd that the LDP has still not determined its own policy on this issue. 追加予算措置が必要な施策のための補正予算をいつ編成し、国会審議はどうするのかも明らかでない。総選挙の時期と絡んでいるにしろ、自民党の方針が定まっていないのはおかしい。
Since the global economy is changing from moment to moment, the proper way to manage the Japanese economy would be to assess new developments accurately and then devise the necessary remedies. 世界経済は刻々と変化している。それを的確にとらえ、必要な施策を講ずるのが正常な経済運営の姿だ。
(Mainichi Japan) September 18, 2008 U.S. should prevent a financial crisis chain reaction 社説：リーマン破綻 危機の連鎖、米は全力で防げ
With the housing bubble in the U.S. finally triggering the bankruptcy of long-established securities corporation Lehman Brothers, and fellow major brokerage Merrill Lynch narrowly escaping collapse by selling itself, the collapse of the nerve center of the finance industry -- and the pride of the U.S. -- has rocked the securities and financial market worldwide. 米国の住宅バブル崩壊は、ついに老舗の大手証券、リーマン・ブラザーズを倒産に追いやった。同じ大手証券のメリルリンチも、破綻（はたん）こそ免れたが、事実上の身売りを選ばざるを得なかった。米国が世界に誇ってきた金融業の中枢が、崩れ始めたことを象徴する一連の出来事に、米国内だけでなく世界の証券・金融市場が大きく揺さぶられた。
However, Meltdown Monday's chain reaction cannot proceed unchecked. Japanese banks also have a 170 billion yen loan commitment in Lehman, and anxiety on how it will directly and indirectly influence Japan has spread. This may result in an unexpected and heavy blow, as countless financial institutions and investors are interrelated with various markets via complex financial products. The U.S. authorities should take all the necessary measures to avoid events expanding into a global depression. 週明けに始まった動揺なので、「メルトダウン・マンデー」などと呼ばれている。しかし、原子力施設の炉心溶解（メルトダウン）のように破綻の連鎖が止まらなくなる事態が起きてしまっては手遅れだ。邦銀もリーマンに計約１７００億円を融資しており、今後、日本への直接、間接の影響が心配される。複雑な金融商品を介して、多数の金融機関や投資家、複数の市場が関連し合っているため、予想もしなかったところに大きな打撃が及ぶ恐れもある。金融メルトダウン、世界的大不況へと発展しないよう、米当局にはあらゆる対策を取ってもらいたい。
The U.S. government's injection of the equivalent of over 20 trillion yen into government-affiliated housing finance companies Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac -- while leaving Lehman out in the cold -- is, in a sense, understandable. Fannie and Freddie have huge amounts of debt from overseas financial institutions under the implicit guarantee of the U.S. government, and if the U.S. allowed those two companies to collapse, the discredited dollar would crash, triggering global chaos. The influence on the housing market was also considered too serious. 政府系住宅金融会社、ファニーメイとフレディマックに計２０兆円超の公的資金投入枠を用意し、救済に乗り出した米政府が、リーマンには支援の手を差し伸べなかったことには、やむを得ない部分もある。ファニー、フレディは、米政府の保証付きという暗黙の了解のもとで海外の金融機関などから巨額の資金を借りていた。破綻を許せば、信頼を失ったドルの暴落など世界的な大混乱が予想された。住宅市場に与える影響も、甚大過ぎると思われた。
And while Lehman may have been the fourth largest U.S. brokerage, it still falls short of the scale of Fannie and Freddie. Furthermore, its business contacts are financial institutions and professional investors: Pumping in tax money for failure caused by sloppy risk management could lead to problems in future, while also serving to establish a precedent for major automotive manufactures or other private sectors. リーマンは米４位の証券会社とはいえ、ファニー、フレディの規模には及ばない。取引相手は金融機関やプロの投資家だ。リスク管理の甘さからきた経営の失敗を、税金で穴埋めすれば将来に重大な禍根を残すとの判断だろう。リーマンを救えば、他の金融機関や、さらには大手自動車メーカーなど一般企業まで次々と救済しなければならなくなる恐れもあった。
Still, if a chain reaction of collapses were to start, or if it threw the market into a panic, we can't simply stick to the principle of self-responsibility. When the Japanese bad loan mess intensified, the U.S. government required an all-out policy mobilization in order "to avoid financial crisis induced by Japan." The same should go for the U.S. しかしながら、今後、連鎖的な破綻や、市場にパニックが広がる恐れが生じれば、自己責任の原則を唱えてばかりもいられない。日本の不良債権問題が深刻化したとき米政府は、「日本発の金融危機を引き起こすな」と政策の総動員を求めた。今の米国は、まさに同じことが求められている。
This crisis has long since moved on from being a management problem at one lone financial institution, and has now caused the finance industry to crumble -- the very foundation of the securities business on which American capitalism was based -- thanks to overconfidence in highly-developing financial technologies and a global money glut, while disregarding risk evaluation, the basics of basics. 今回の金融危機では、個別金融機関の経営問題の次元を超え、米国の資本主義がよりどころとしてきた証券ビジネスの根幹、金融業の姿そのものが、崩れ落ちてしまった。金融技術の高度化と世界的な金余りの中で、自信過剰に陥り、リスクの評価という基本中の基本を軽視した結末である。
It's only logical that the price would eventually be paid by the country that danced on the bubble. The global economy will not tolerate a joint suicide. その代償はバブルに踊った当事国で払うのが筋というものだ。世界経済まで道連れにされるようでは、たまらない。
(Sep. 19, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Land price mini bubble beginning to burst 基準地価 ミニバブル崩壊が始まった（9月19日付・読売社説）
A mini bubble in land prices that has formed in the past few years in the country's larger cities appears set to burst. 大都市でこの数年続いていた地価のミニバブルが、いよいよ崩壊しつつあるようだ。
This is in part a consequence of the turmoil from the U.S. subprime mortgage crisis that has been pummeling the global economy. 世界経済に打撃を与えているサブプライムローン問題などが背景にある。
Once land prices in Tokyo and other major cities--which are leading indicators for land prices in other parts of the country--begin to fall, it will significantly affect land prices nationwide. Therefore, movements in land prices in major cities need to be closely watched. 地価の先行指標とされる東京などで本格的な下落が始まれば、全国的に大きな影響を与える。今後、大都市の地価動向を注視する必要があろう。
According to a survey released by the Construction and Transport Ministry on Thursday, the nationwide average price for residential land declined 1.2 percent in the year to July from the previous year, while commercial land prices fell 0.8 percent. 国土交通省が発表した今年７月１日時点の都道府県地価（基準地価）は、全国の住宅地で前年比１・２％、商業地で０・８％、それぞれ下落した。
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Downward trend continues
In the previous four years, the rate at which land values were falling was slowing, but this year the pace of decline again picked up. Last year saw the first increase in 16 years for the price of commercial land, but this year prices again were falling. 昨年は、住宅地で４年連続して下落幅が縮小していたが、今年はそれが拡大した。商業地は昨年、１６年ぶりに値上がりに転じたが、今年は再び水面下に沈んだ。
It was surprising that the recovery in land prices in the three metropolitan regions lost steam. Average residential land prices in the three metropolitan regions of Tokyo, Osaka and Nagoya saw a 1.4 percent increase. Last year the increase was 4 percent. The commercial land price average in the areas marked a 3.3 percent rise against a 10.4 percent gain a year earlier. ３大都市圏の地価回復にブレーキがかかったのが響いた。３大都市圏平均で昨年は、住宅が４・０％、商業地で１０・４％の上昇だったが、今年は１・４％と３・３％の上昇に減速した。
The most conspicuous of all changes was in the land prices in Tokyo's 23 wards. The residential land price average in Minato Ward dropped 2.3 percent this year compared with a 24.1 percent rise the previous year. In Shibuya Ward, it declined 3.7 percent against a 23.3 percent increase the previous year. Commercial areas in these wards saw similar changes. なかでも、東京都区部の動きが目を引く。住宅地で昨年２４・１％も上昇した港区が今年は２・３％の下落に転じた。同じく２３・３％の上昇だった渋谷区も、３・７％値下がりした。商業地でも似たような状況である。
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Devil's in the details
Further detailed analyses throw into sharp relief the clear setback in land prices. さらに詳しく分析すると、地価反落の様子が鮮明だ。
Land prices in a residential area in Tokyo's Roppongi district rose 7.3 percent in the latter half of 2007 from the previous six months, but dropped 6.8 percent in the first half of this year. Twelve of the 15 residential areas surveyed in Tokyo dropped in the first half of this year. この１年間を半年ごとに区切って調べたところ、港区六本木のある住宅地は、昨年後半は７・３％上昇したのに、今年前半は６・８％の下落だ。調査対象の都内の住宅地１５地点で、今年前半に下落したのが１２地点もある。
Among commercial areas, land prices in one location in Ebisu, Shibuya Ward, increased 10 percent in the latter half of 2007, but declined 6.7 percent in the first half of this year. Among the 29 locations surveyed in Tokyo, land prices for 13 of them fell in the first half of this year while nine were virtually unchanged. 商業地では、渋谷区恵比寿のある地点が、昨年後半は１０・０％値上がりしたのに対し、今年前半は６・７％値下がりした。調査対象の都内２９地点のうち、今年前半に下落したのは１３地点で、横ばいだったのが９地点だった。
Over the past few years land prices have jumped as much as 30 percent to 40 percent each year in many locations in central Tokyo. But the latest survey found that these areas in particular had the greatest slide. It is obvious the downward trend is accelerating this year. 東京都心ではここ数年、年率３０～４０％も値上がりした地点が少なくない。今回はそうした地点ほど値下がりに転じており、今年に入って下落傾向に拍車がかかっていることが見て取れる。
One of the causes for the decline is that an excessive rise in land prices in prime locations has made it difficult for real estate investment there to be profitable, which has in turn held back such investment. 優良地の地価が上がり過ぎて収益が得にくくなり、投資が手控えられたのが値下がりの要因だ。
Another factor is that many foreign investment funds have withdrawn investments in Japan due to the U.S. subprime loan fiasco. サブプライムローン問題の影響で、海外の投資ファンドが日本から資金を引き揚げていることも影響している。
Land prices have begun to drop in other countries as well. And we must brace ourselves for even greater downturns in land prices here. 世界的にみて、地価は多くの国で値下がりに転じている。日本でも今後、下落傾向がさらに強まると覚悟せねばなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2008) （2008年9月19日01時47分 読売新聞）
(Sep. 18, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun Blame for rice scandal also lies with ministry 汚染米拡大 農水省は責任を痛感せよ（9月18日付・読売社説）
Rice meant for industrial use because it was unfit for human consumption has been illicitly distributed and ended up in consumers' mouths. Serious ramifications from this scandal, which has jeopardized food safety, are spreading nationwide. 工業用のコメが横流しされて消費者の口に入ってしまった。食の安全を揺るがす深刻な事態が全国に広がっている。
It was revealed Tuesday that a large portion of the about 1,400 tons of rice contaminated with pesticide residue or mold that the government sold to Osaka-based Mikasa Foods was resold to about 380 companies in Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka and 21 other prefectures. More than 600 tons of the rice was distributed as food. 国が大阪市の「三笠フーズ」に売った、農薬などによる汚染米約１４００トンの一部が２４都府県の約３８０社に転売され、６００トン以上が食用になっていたことが明らかになった。
The book must be thrown at the people involved in this act that betrayed public trust in food. The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry also must bear heavy responsibility for failing to detect the illicit act and allowing damage from the tainted rice to spread. 食への信頼を裏切った行為は厳しく糾弾されなければならない。不正を見抜けず、汚染米による被害を拡大させた農林水産省の責任も重大だ。
The government should be united in urgently unraveling the truth about this scandal and mapping out measures to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. 政府は一丸となって、全容解明と再発防止策づくりを急ぐべきだ。
Tainted rice distributed by Mikasa Foods was served in meals at day care centers and other locations. Concentrations of the pesticide methamidophos detected in the rice exceeded safe levels. 三笠フーズが転売した汚染米は保育園などの給食に使われ、安全基準を超すメタミドホスが検出された。
The rice has been processed to make shochu liquor and sweets, and only a fraction of the tainted rice Mikasa bought from the government was used for industrial purposes. It is believed that Mikasa intended to sell the rice for food from the beginning. 焼酎や菓子にも加工され、工業用に使用されたのはごく一部だった。最初から食用として転売する狙いだったとみられる。
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Slack government checks
The ministry inspected Mikasa facilities almost 100 times, but only after notifying the company in advance. This allegedly gave Mikasa time to produce bogus sales slips and temporarily change the processing procedure for inspections to mask its wrongdoing. 農水省は１００回近く三笠フーズを検査したが、検査日時を事前に通告していたため、伝票を偽造したり、検査時だけ工程を変えたりしてごまかされていた。
Aside from Mikasa, three companies resold tainted rice meant for industrial use they bought from the government. In all these cases, the ministry blindly believed explanations offered by the companies and did not bother to confirm who bought the rice from these companies. 三笠フーズ以外にも３社が工業用として仕入れた汚染米を不正に転売していたが、農水省はいずれも業者側の説明を鵜呑(うの)みにし、転売先の確認もしなかった。
The government imported the tainted rice in keeping with an accord under the World Trade Organization. If the unsold rice is returned to the exporting nations, Japan will not able to fulfill its import obligations. Companies willing to buy such tainted rice were therefore welcome clients for the ministry. 汚染米は世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）の合意に基づいて国が輸入したものだ。輸出国に返品すれば、輸入枠を消化したことにならない。汚染米を買ってくれる業者は、農水省にはありがたい存在だった。
We wonder if the ministry and these companies developed collusive ties, which resulted in lackadaisical inspection practices. If such ties indeed resulted in such a blatant disrespect for food safety, the blame for this scandal should fall squarely on the ministry as well as the companies that distributed the tainted rice. 甘い検査の背景に、農水省と業者とのなれ合いがあったのではないか。その結果、食の安全がないがしろにされたとしたら、農水省も業者と同罪だ。
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Consumers disrespected
Since the scandal surfaced earlier this month, the ministry's behavior has been nothing short of disrespectful to consumers. For example, it initially refused to disclose the list of companies that bought the tainted rice. 問題発覚後も、農水省は流通先リストの公表を拒むなど、消費者の目線を忘れた対応が目立った。
Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Seiichi Ota made matters worse last week when he said he was not overly fazed by the scandal, a remark that raised doubt about whether he knows what it takes to ensure the food on Japan's tables is safe. 太田誠一農相が「じたばた騒いでいない」と述べるなど、食の安全への自覚を疑う発言もあった。
At the urging of the Prime Minister's Office, the ministry eventually produced the list of companies that purchased tainted rice and decided to return the remaining spoiled rice to the exporting countries, or to incinerate it. 農水省は首相官邸から促されてようやくリストを公表し、今後は汚染米を返品または焼却することを決めた。
These moves came rather belatedly. The ministry should make the distribution channels of rice more transparent and beef up its supervision of imported rice. 遅すぎたくらいだ。コメ流通の透明化や輸入米の管理強化をさらに進めるべきである。
The Osaka, Fukuoka and Kumamoto prefectural police plan to start full-fledged investigations into Mikasa Foods to establish a criminal case. We hope the police will trace the entire distribution network of the tainted rice and uncover the underhand tricks Mikasa employed. Doing so will help find ways to prevent a recurrence of similar incidents. 大阪、福岡、熊本の３府県警は、近く三笠フーズの強制捜査に乗り出す方針だ。再発を防ぐためにも流通経路の全容とともに、悪質な手口の解明を期待したい。
The rice in question reportedly is unlikely to pose health risks. Although this scandal constitutes a grave betrayal of public trust in food, it should not trigger disproportionate reactions. We hope consumers will respond to this scandal calmly. 問題の汚染米が、健康に影響する可能性は極めて低いとされる。食への信頼が裏切られた事実は重いが、過剰反応は禁物だ。消費者は冷静に対応してほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 18, 2008) （2008年9月18日01時55分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 15, 2008 Japanese diners enjoy 'Table for Two' with African children 知りたい！：広がるＴＦＴ ランチから２０円、アフリカの子供に
◇日本発の活動、現在６１企業・団体で Masahisa KogureWorried about metabolic syndrome? Why not curb your calories at lunch while subsidizing food aid for children in Africa? 社員食堂でカロリー控えめのランチを取って食事代の一部をアフリカの子供への給食支援に充てる「テーブル・フォー・ツー（ＴＡＢＬＥ ＦＯＲ ＴＷＯ＝ＴＦＴ）」運動が広まっている。
Such a fantastic idea has been made reality through a scheme called "Table for Two (TFT)." The movement, initiated in Japan, has been adopted in India and has prompted the United States and Britain to follow suit. Through the program, diners at cafeterias of companies and other establishments participating in the project donate 20 yen each time they have lunch, which becomes food aid for African children. Why 20 yen? That is about what it costs to provide one meal in Africa. So far, 61 companies and organizations in Japan are participating in the program, which is expected to improve their employees' health while making an international contribution. 社員の健康対策と国際貢献を両立する日本発のユニークな活動として、現在６１企業・団体が参加しているという。ＴＦＴはどう役立っているのか？
While about 850 million people are suffering from starvation in developing countries, approximately 1.6 billion people around the world are overweight, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). 世界保健機関（ＷＨＯ）などによると、途上国では約８億５０００万人が飢餓に苦しむ。その一方、世界では約１６億人が太りすぎだという。
In order to balance such a disparity, Masaakira James Kondo, associate professor at the University of Tokyo, and other young leaders from political and business circles in Japan hatched the idea for the campaign. They named it "Table for Two," with the image in their mind of sharing a dining table with children in developing countries. そんな「食の不均衡」を解消できないかと、近藤正晃ジェームス・東大特任准教授ほか若手政財界のリーダーらが集まり、「ＴＦＴ」を発案した。 ちょうどアフリカの給食１食分にあたる２０円を食事代から寄付する仕組みで、途上国の子供と一緒に食卓を囲むイメージから名付けた。
The donations are collected by the TFT secretariat and are then distributed to Uganda, Rwanda and Malawi by way of the U.N. World Food Program (WFP) and other international organizations. 社員食堂などから届いた寄付金は「ＴＦＴ」事務局（０３・５７７１・４１１７）が取りまとめ、世界食糧計画（ＷＦＰ）などを通じウガンダ、ルワンダ、マラウイの３カ国で学校給食費を支援する。
Masahisa Kogure, 35, chief of the TFT secretariat, visited Uganda in early June. Driving for five hours from the country's capital, he reached a poor village in a mountainous area, where the only way to make a living is by growing bananas and corn. 事務局長の小暮真久さん（３５）は６月上旬、ウガンダを訪ねた。首都から車で５時間のルヒイラ村。山あいに集落が点在し、バナナとトウモロコシ栽培で生計を立てる貧しい地域だ。
At a primary and secondary school he visited, porridge was being distributed to children for breakfast. Their lunch was corn flour paste with soup of beans and vegetables. 訪問先のニャカムリ小中学校では始業前、朝食のおかゆが子供たちに配られていた。トウモロコシの粉を練り、豆と野菜のスープをかけた食事は昼食になる。
Because children in the village are an important labor force for fetching water and taking care of goats, enrollment at the schools had been poor. However, the number of students sharply increased from about 380 to about 630 two years ago after the school started to provide meals to children. この地域で子供たちは、水くみやヤギの世話など貴重な労働力だ。就学率は低かったが、２年前に給食を始めてから生徒数は約３８０人から約６３０人と大幅に増えた。
"Our students started to talk about their future jobs and dreams," the principal of the school told Kogure, referring to the change that was brought about by providing school meals to children. 同校のフローレンス校長は、小暮さんに「生徒は将来の仕事や夢を語るようになった」と、給食が与えた変化の大きさを語った。
In 2000, the United Nations set the Millennium Development Goals, which are aimed at reducing poverty in developing countries. Seventy-nine villages in 10 African countries were designated as model regions called "Millennium Villages." The village that Kogure visited is one of them. 国連は００年に途上国の貧困削減計画「ミレニアム開発目標」を設定。アフリカ１０カ国の７９の村をモデル地域の「ミレニアム村」に指定、ルヒイラ村もその一つだ。
The recent rising food prices, however, appears to pose a threat to the U.N. program. Instead of using costly corn, the school started to reduce the amount of school meals and serve biscuits instead. 計画の障害となりかねないのが、食糧高騰。トウモロコシの調達に費用がかさむため、給食の配給量を減らしたり、ビスケットの配給でしのいでいる。
The school also started growing saplings of vegetables in the schoolyard in order to relieve the adverse effect from the rising grain market. The school also gives out saplings to local residents and asks them to bring in part of the harvested vegetables to the school as ingredients for school meals. Parents of the students also participate in cooking school meals. 同校は、校庭で野菜の苗木を栽培。地域住民にも苗木を配り、収穫後は一部を食材として持ち寄ってもらう。保護者も調理に参加する。
"School meals prompted local residents to form a new community centered around the school. I strongly felt the importance of school meal aid," said Kogure. 「給食をきっかけに、学校を核にした地域づくりが進んでいる。給食支援の重要性を痛感した」と小暮さん。
Sumitomo Chemical Co., one of the participants of the TFT campaign, has donated about 600,000 yen through the program since the company joined the drive in May this year. 今年５月から本社や工場など８カ所でＴＦＴを始めた住友化学（東京都中央区）は、これまで約６０万円を寄付した。
The TFT secretariat has so far made about 185,000 meals worth of donations to Africa, according to the organization. For more information, call the TFT secretariat at: 03-5771-4117. ＴＦＴ事務局が集めてアフリカに送った給食費は約１８万５０００食分。日本発の運動はインドに伝わり、米国や英国でも準備が進められている。
(Sep. 17, 2008) The Yomiuri Shimbun U.S. in no-win situation on Lehman failure 米金融不安 公的資金をためらったツケ（9月17日付・読売社説）
The U.S. subprime mortgage crisis, the largest factor behind the recent turmoil in the global economy, has claimed its biggest victim to date. 世界経済の最大の波乱要因だったサブプライムローン問題が、ついに、米国の大手証券の破綻(はたん)に発展した。
The failure of major U.S. securities firm Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. caused the U.S. dollar to sharply drop and stock prices in New York and other markets worldwide to plummet. この影響でドルは急落し、株価もニューヨーク市場はじめ、世界各地で暴落した。
Financial and monetary authorities in the United States and other nations will need to work together to ensure this does not become the entree to a smorgasbord of even more devastating financial collapses. All possible measures, such as injecting funds into markets and lowering interest rates, need to be taken to ride out this financial emergency. これ以上の危機の連鎖を防ぐには、米国と各国の金融・通貨当局の協調が欠かせまい。市場への資金供給や緊急利下げなど、あらゆる政策を動員して、この非常時に対処する必要があろう。
◆リーマン破綻の衝撃◆
Lehman Brothers--the nearly 160-year-old prestigious investment bank that was the fourth-largest securities house in the United States--filed for bankruptcy with debts totalling 613 billion dollars. The bankruptcy is the largest ever in the United States. 破綻に追い込まれたのは米証券４位のリーマン・ブラザーズだ。負債総額は６１３０億ドル（約６４兆円）という、米国で過去最大の倒産である。
Many observers had expected that Lehman Brothers would be able to cobble together a rescue plan before it was too late. As a result, the abrupt announcement of its failure Monday sent shock waves through global financial markets. 創業１６０年近い老舗証券で、なんとか救済策がまとまると思われていただけに、突然の破綻に衝撃が走ったのは当然だ。
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Stock prices nosedive
The company's stocks had fallen sharply as the extent of its massive losses and writedowns due to the subprime mortgage crisis became evident. U.S. government officials and private sector representatives tried to devise a way to rescue the firm, but they were unable to settle on to whom the firm should be sold. The rescue efforts proved fruitless. サブプライムローン問題で巨額な損失を抱えていることが表面化し、株価が急落していた。官民の協議で救済を模索していたが、結局、身売り先が見つからず、行き詰まった。
In March, the U.S. government used public funds to help Bear Sterns, the fifth-largest U.S. securities firm, when it ran into financial difficulty. On Sept. 7, the U.S. government also earmarked a huge amount of public funds to rescue government-affiliated mortgage financiers Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae. 米国政府はこの３月、経営危機に陥った米証券５位のベア・スターンズの救済に公的資金を投入した。今月７日には、政府系住宅金融公社への巨額の公的資金投入を決めた。
This time, however, the federal government refused to provide public funds to keep Lehman Brothers afloat. The U.S. government apparently decided it would no longer shoulder the fiscal burden of extending relief measures so willingly and was concerned that bailout plans would create a culture of moral hazard among financial institutions. しかし、今回は、公的資金の投入を拒んだ。安易な救済による財政負担を回避し、金融機関のモラルハザード（企業倫理の欠如）を警戒したとされる。
It became obvious, however, that no financial institution would step in to save Lehman Brothers without financial help from the government. だが、財政支援がなければ、リーマンを救済する金融機関が現れないことは自明だったろう。
Did the U.S. government have any other options? Some observers have suggested that the government should not have hesitated to inject public funds. The Lehman Brothers' case offered a lesson to be learned on what policies should be taken to handle similar cases in the future. 米国政府に、他の選択肢がなかったのか。金融危機の拡大を防ぐには、公的資金の投入をためらうべきではなかった、との指摘もある。今後の政策対応に教訓を残したと言えよう。
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Merrill Lynch another victim
Meanwhile, Bank of America, the second-largest U.S. bank, has announced it will acquire Merrill Lynch, the third-largest U.S securities firm. The bank had been considered a likely contender to ride to the rescue of Lehman Brothers, but made an about-face. 一方で、米銀行２位のバンク・オブ・アメリカは、米証券３位のメリルリンチを救済合併すると発表した。当初は、リーマン・ブラザーズの救済に乗り出すと見られていたが、方向転換した。
Rumors were swirling among market players that Merrill Lynch would be the next to go under. Its plight left it with no choice but to bite the bullet and take shelter under the Bank of America umbrella. メリルリンチは、市場で次に危ない証券会社とうわさされており、大手銀行の傘の下に、なりふり構わず逃げ込んだ格好だ。
Three of the five leading U.S. securities firms that had acted as engines for the global economy have been either driven out of the market or bought up by others. This is a highly unusual state of affairs. この結果、世界を牽引(けんいん)した米証券トップ５社のうち、３社が市場から淘汰(とうた)されたり、買収されるという異常事態につながった。
◆市場の不安払拭がカギ◆
The subprime housing loan problem continues to reverberate around the globe. Anxiety among market players is spreading. Concerns have even arisen about the financial health of American International Group Inc. 問題は、サブプライムローン問題が一向に収束せず、市場に疑心暗鬼が広がっていることだ。米保険最大手ＡＩＧの経営不安説まで流れている。
Stock markets have been turbulent. Monday's New York stock prices plunged more than 500 points from Friday's close. Stock prices in Tokyo fell by more than 600 points as a state of panic gripped investors and selling pressure snowballed. 株式市場は大荒れだ。１５日のニューヨーク株価は先週末比で５００ドル超も値下がりした。東京市場でもパニック的に売りが加速し、下げ幅は６００円を超えた。
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board, in cooperation with the European Central Bank and the Bank of Japan, has decided to supply money to short-term markets to calm fears. Speculation that the FRB would cut interest rates heightened Tuesday. これを受けて、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）は、欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）や日銀と連携し、短期金融市場に一斉に資金供給を行った。ＦＲＢが１６日に利下げに踏み切るとの観測も急浮上した。
These moves likely came as the Fed hoped to stop the declines in stock prices worldwide. But in reality, wiping out financial uncertainty will be next to impossible unless U.S. housing prices stop falling. The measures, we fear, may end up being not very effective. 世界同時株安に、なんとか歯止めをかけたいと考えてのことだろう。だが、米国の住宅価格の下落に歯止めがかからない限り、金融不安の払拭(ふっしょく)は難しいのが現実だ。政策の手詰まり感は否めない。
◆日本にとっても大津波◆
A vicious cycle--in which financial uncertainty cools down the real U.S. economy and causes an economic downturn--is becoming reality. Fears over ensuing slowdowns in the economies of Japan and other nations are growing. 金融不安が、米国の実体経済を冷え込ませ、景気後退を招く悪循環が現実になりつつある。それが日本を含む世界経済を減速させる恐れも高まっている。
The Lehman shock cannot be brushed off as a "fire on the other side of the river." Rather, it is a "tsunami" of the largest scale. The utmost care should be taken in policy management to prevent the flagging Japanese economy from deteriorating further. リーマン・ショックは、日本にとって対岸の火事どころか、最大級の津波といえよう。ただでさえ悪化しつつある景気が底割れしないよう、政策運営に細心の注意を払わねばならない。
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Unfavorable winds
The annualized growth rate of Japan's gross domestic product in the April-June period was revised downward from minus 2.4 percent in a preliminary report to minus 3 percent. If the economies of other nations, including the United States, continue to be battered by confusion in financial markets, winds unfavorable to the Japanese economy might blow stronger. ４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、年率換算の成長率が速報のマイナス２・４％からマイナス３・０％に下方修正された。金融市場の混乱で米国をはじめ海外経済が一段と冷え込めば、日本経済への逆風はさらに強まることになる。
Under these circumstances, the government's top priority should be to quell uncertainty over the financial markets. こうした状態で、最優先で取り組むべきは、金融市場の不安の沈静化である。
As some financial institutions hurried to obtain newly released funds, short-term interest rates in the Tokyo market rose. In response, the Bank of Japan injected additional funds. The central bank must continue to promptly supply funds to prevent the financial contraction that all corporate managers dread. 一部の金融機関が資金調達を急いだことで、東京市場で短期金利が上昇した。それに対応して日銀が追加の資金供給に踏み切った。企業経営にとって大敵の金融収縮を防ぐため、日銀は機動的に資金供給を続ける必要があろう。
Japanese financial institutions have exposure to Lehman Brothers of more than 400 billion yen. These institutions must do everything they can to get a clear picture of what will happen to those liabilities and related losses that might be incurred. 国内の金融機関が保有するリーマン向け債権は計４０００億円に達する。これら債権がどうなるのか、関連損失も含めた影響の把握を急がねばならない。
Crude oil prices have dropped sharply in recent weeks due to uncertainty over the world economy. Meanwhile, many Japanese export industries are at risk of being hit hard as the yen continues to appreciate against the dollar. 世界経済の先行き不安から、原油は大幅に値下がりしたが、円高・ドル安の進行で、日本の輸出産業への打撃が懸念される。
The government should consider drawing up measures that provide relief as soon as possible to prevent the credit crunch from debilitating small and midsized companies, and support corporate efforts to keep their employees on the payroll. 中小企業に対する貸し渋りの防止や、雇用確保のための支援など、ショックの痛みを和らげる施策を早急に検討すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 17, 2008) （2008年9月17日01時51分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) September 15, 2008 Respect for the Aged Day 余録：敬老の日
The little girl Nelly was close to her next door neighbor, Bartholomew. When she was a toddler, the old man took her on walks in a stroller, and when she began to totter about on her own, he lent her a helping hand when she needed one. As Nelly grew up, Bartholomew grew older. 少女ネリーは隣のおじいさんととても仲良し。赤ちゃんのころは毎日、ベビーカーで散歩に連れていってもらい、ヨチヨチ歩きだすと、必要な時だけ手を貸してくれました。ネリーが成長していくと、おじいさんはもっとおじいさんになっていきます
One day, Bartholomew got injured and had to use a wheelchair. So Nelly began to push him around in it and take him on walks, just as he had done for her when she was little. As the days passed, they made "special trades" for everything -- the baby stroller for the wheel chair, the helping hand of the old man for the helping hand of the young girl. ある日、けがをして車イスの生活になったおじいさん。今度はネリーが、かつて自分がしてもらったように車イスを押して散歩に出かけます……。月日が流れると、ベビーカーが車イスに、手を引くのが老人から少女に、とすべての場面が「とっかえっこ」
"A Special Trade," by Sally Wittman (translated by Shuntaro Tanigawa as "Tottoki no tokkaekko"), is an American picture book that gracefully tells us how we should treat the elderly that we encounter. Indeed, as we live our lives, we all trade in one role for another. 米国の絵本「とっときのとっかえっこ」（谷川俊太郎訳、童話館出版）は、周りが老人にどう接していけばいいのか、さりげなく伝えてくれる。私たちは役割を「とっかえっこ」しながら時代を生きている
Today is Respect-for-the-Aged Day, and it is quite sad to hear depressing tales of grandchildren who steal from, or even kill their grandparents. And due to the shortage of young workers, the elderly are forced to rely increasingly on foreign workers to provide their nursing and home care. As long as the nuclear family displaces the extended family, and people live longer, the gulf between generations will continue to widen. きょうは敬老の日だが、孫が祖父母の金を奪ったり、殺したりする暗い事件ばかりが浮かび、悲しくなる。看護・介護の現場では、若い労働力の不足で外国人労働者に頼らざるをえなくなった。核家族化や長寿化が進むほど、世代間の断絶が深まっている
And as the income gap increases, young low-income earners and the elderly will suffer the most. さらに最近の格差拡大でもっとも苦しんでいるのが老人とワーキングプアの若者だ。
In the October issue of "Sekai" magazine, psychiatrist Inada Nada and author Karin Amamiya have called on young people and the elderly to join hands to "change Japan," and are urging that more respect be given to the spirit of mutual assistance rather than the concept of self-responsibility. そんな老人と若者が連帯して「日本を変えよう」と精神科医のなだいなださんと作家の雨宮処凛（かりん）さんが訴えている（雑誌「世界」１０月号）。自己責任論よりも相互扶助の精神を尊重しようというのだ
In this summer's hit movie, "Ponyo on the Edge of a Cliff by the Sea," there is a nursery school situated right next to a nursing home for the aged. The director Hayao Miyazaki apparently believes that "mutual support between generations" begins with exchanges between children and the elderly. To respect the aged is to sustain the hope to live. 今夏にヒットした映画「崖の上のポニョ」では保育園と老人ホームが隣り合わせにあった。「世代間の支え合い」は子供と高齢者の交流から始まると宮崎駿監督も思っているようだ。老いを敬うことは生きる希望をつなぐことだ。
("Yoroku," a front-page column in the Mainichi Shimbun) 毎日新聞 2008年9月15日 0時11分
