2011/08/30 --The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 28 EDITORIAL: Japan needs to quickly compile road map for decontamination. 除染作業―工程表作りを急げ
The Japanese government has finally decided on a basic framework on how to proceed with the decontamination process of radioactive materials spewed from the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 福島第一原発の事故でまき散らされた放射性物質の除去（除染）について、政府がようやく基本方針を決め、きのう地元自治体に説明した。
The government's plan, explained to local governments on Aug. 27, is to halve the residents' exposure within two years, and in the case of children, to reduce it by 60 percent by conducting thorough decontamination procedures in schools and school routes. ２年で住民の被曝（ひばく）線量を半減させ、子どもについては、学校や通学路などの除染を徹底して６割減らす。
The center of the plan is to "reduce, step-by-step and rapidly" the number of areas that will measure 20 millisieverts and higher annually. そして年間の被曝線量が２０ミリシーベルト以上の地域を「段階的かつ迅速に縮小」させるのが柱だ。
However, such a target will not put the residents' minds at ease. しかし、こんな目標では、住民はとても安心できないのではないか。
The government estimates that even without actively doing anything, the amount of radiation exposure will decrease about 40 percent in two years due to rain and wind. 何もしなくても、雨や風で２年後には約４割減る、というのが政府の試算である。
It is too unambitious for the government to say it will achieve only an additional 10-20 percent reduction on its own. 上乗せ分が１～２割というのはあまりに低い目標だ。
Moreover, the latest framework plan does not tell us, even broadly, when the evacuees can return to their normal lives. しかも、今回の基本方針だけでは、避難している人たちがいつごろ元の生活に戻れるのか、大まかなメドも分からない。
The important thing is to have a comprehensive strategy. 大事なのは、総合的な戦略である。
To that end, it is essential to closely ascertain the exact situation of the contamination. そのために、まず汚染の詳しい実態の把握が不可欠だ。
We need to measure it in detail, covering sections whose sides are 100 to 500 meters long. １００～５００メートル四方くらいの細かさで調べる必要がある。
People evacuated from their homes are also hoping to learn the radiation levels around their houses. 避難している人たちも自宅周辺の汚染の程度を知りたがっている。
On Aug. 27, Prime Minister Naoto Kan apologized to the Fukushima prefectural governor of the possibility that residents of some areas close to the Fukushima nuclear plant will be unable to return to their houses for a long time. 菅首相はきのう、福島県知事に対し、原発の近くでは長期間帰れない場合が出てくると述べて、事故について陳謝した。
Of course, it may be possible that in areas with the worst levels of contamination, residents may be forced to give up ever returning to their homes. 確かに汚染のひどい所では、事実上、帰ることを断念せざるを得ない場合もあるかもしれない。
However, the residents can hardly accept that without sufficient data and some kind of yardstick. しかし、その基準とデータが示されないままでは、住民は納得できないだろう。
Along with figuring out the actual state of the contamination, the government needs to calculate the cost of the decontamination process and the available level of manpower. 汚染の実態把握と並行して、除染作業にかかるコストや投入できる人員をはじき出す。
Based on those assessments, the government must hurry to put together a road map that indicates the grand design, and spell out where the process will begin, how it will be conducted and how much time it will take. そのうえで、どの地域からどう進めていくのか、どの程度の時間がかかりそうか、国は全体像を示す工程表作りを急がなければならない。
Besides, the decontamination work itself must not be haphazard. 実際の作業も、ばらばらではいけない。
In addition to households, public institutions like schools, roads, as well as farms and nearby forests must also be watched. Otherwise, there is no way residents can return to their normal lives. 住宅に加え、学校などの公共施設や道路、さらに田畑や周辺の森林にも目を配らなければ、住民は安心して元の生活に戻ることはできない。
One major obstacle to the decontamination process is where to store the contaminated topsoil once it is removed. 一方、除染を進めるうえで大きな障害となっているのが、はぎとった土などの保管場所だ。
According to the framework plan, each local government is to set up a temporary storage place, and the central government will be responsible for securing a disposal site. 基本方針では、各自治体に仮置き場を設け、処分場は国の責任で確保することになっている。
However, Prime Minister Kan told the Fukushima governor that the central government has no choice but to create the "intermediate storage facility" within Fukushima Prefecture. ところが、菅首相は福島県知事に対し、同県内に「中間貯蔵施設」を整備せざるを得ないと述べた。
Suddenly talking about a new storage facility at this point will only create confusion. 今の段階で、唐突に新たな保管施設のことを持ち出しても、混乱を招くばかりだ。
Decontamination is not an easy matter, including securing the disposal site. 処分場の確保も含め、除染は簡単な問題ではない。
The plan must be scrupulous, while also being meticulous about procedure. きちんと手順を踏みつつ、綿密に計画を作る。
And the process must be done swiftly. 同時に作業は急がなければならない。
2011/08/28 The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 27 EDITORIAL: DPJ needs to reinvent its political future. 首相退陣、代表選へ―民主党は一から出直せ
Prime Minister Naoto Kan officially announced his resignation on Aug. 26, saying, "I've done what I've had to do." 菅首相がきのう、「やるべきことはやった」と述べて正式に退陣を表明した。
During the two years since the historic regime change, two prime ministers quickly got bogged down in a political quagmire and stepped down. 歴史的な政権交代から２年。あっという間に２人の首相が行き詰まり、去っていく。
This is undeniably a disastrous failure of politics under the rule of the Democratic Party of Japan. これは明らかな失政である。
What are the root causes of the dreadful political situation? 原因は何なのか。
It is not that Kan pushed policy in the wrong direction. 菅氏が掲げた政策の方向性が間違っていたわけではない。
Kan deserves credit for responding to the Fukushima nuclear disaster by trying to lead the nation toward a future less dependent on atomic energy. 原発事故のあと、脱原発に踏みだそうとしたのは、菅氏の功績といえる。
We also applaud him for tackling the tough political challenge of developing plans for the unpopular but important proposal of integrated tax and social security reform involving a consumption tax hike. 消費増税を含む税と社会保障の一体改革という不人気な政策づくりに取り組んだことも評価する。
But executing a policy requires building consensus. けれど、政治は合意を取りつけなければ前に進まない。
Kan was unskilled at consensus building, and he sometimes didn't even make efforts to win support for his proposals from his Cabinet members. 菅氏は合意づくりの術がつたなく、時に閣内の根回しさえ怠った。
As he simply proposed policies without laying the necessary political groundwork, he was inevitably criticized for practicing off-the-cuff politics. 方針を唱えるだけでは、思いつきの政治だと批判されても当然だった。
But let us hazard a question. だが、あえて問う。
Would the Kan administration have lasted much longer if he had been a leader with a broader perspective and a greater ability to build consensus? もっと視野が広く調整能力のある首相なら、長期政権になったのか。
The DPJ is in such disarray that it is hard to answer the question in the affirmative. 首をかしげざるを得ないほど、民主党は混乱している。
■未成熟な選挙互助会
Kan was constantly hobbled not merely by the opposition control of the Upper House but equally by perennial political wrangling within the ruling party. 菅氏が苦しんだのは、衆参のねじれとともに、党内の足の引っ張り合いだった。
Kan's efforts to push through such key policy initiatives as a consumption tax hike and a review of the party's election manifesto were met with opposition from party members, especially a group of lawmakers led by former DPJ chief Ichiro Ozawa. めざした消費増税やマニフェストの見直しなどに、小沢一郎元代表が率いるグループを中心に反対意見が渦巻き、
With the party unable to reach agreement on these and other key policy issues, the Kan administration lost political momentum. 党としての意思決定がままならず、政権は失速していった。
The confrontation within the party came to a head in June, when the Ozawa group threatened to support an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion against the Cabinet. 対立が最も先鋭化したのが、６月の野党提出の内閣不信任案に、小沢グループが賛成する構えを見せたときだ。
As he avoided a final Diet floor showdown with his opponents within the party, Kan set the stage for his departure. あそこで採決による決着を避けたために、菅氏は辞任への道を歩み始めた。
As the top item in the memorandum he exchanged with his predecessor, Yukio Hatoyama, during their talks for avoid passage of the no-confidence motion against him, Kan promised not to "destroy the DPJ." その際に、鳩山前首相と交わした覚書の第１項目に「民主党を壊さない」とあったことが、
This fact symbolized the grim reality and limitations of the party. 民主党の現実と限界を象徴していた。
The DPJ was formed as a rugged collection of politicians pursuing sharply different political agendas and approaches. もともと民主党は政策も政治手法も、水と油ほど違う勢力が一緒になった。
It was a political alliance among a wide range of lawmakers who didn't belong to the Liberal Democratic Party, which ruled the nation for decades. 衆院小選挙区で勝つために、「非自民」勢力を幅広く抱え込んだ結果だった。
Its principal mission was to secure electoral victories in single-seat constituencies of the Lower House. 要するに、小選挙区制が生んだ「選挙互助会」だったのだ。
In a nutshell, the DPJ was a mutual electoral support group born out of the single-seat election system. When it was in the opposition, the party managed to put up a united front under the banner of regime change. 野党のころは「政権交代」の一点で共闘できた。
As soon as it achieved this political goal, however, the party found itself without a shared vision and plunged into an endless cycle of infighting. しかし、成し遂げた途端に共通の目標を見失う。
The DPJ's track record since it came to power suggests that the group is too politically immature to be called a political party. そして内紛を繰り返す現状は、政党と呼ぶには未熟過ぎるように見える。
If the party remains as it is, the next administration is sure to repeat the same failure. このままでは、次の政権も同じ愚を繰り返すに違いない。
The challenge facing the DPJ is whether it can outgrow its old self as an electoral mutual support group and morph into a full-fledged political party. 「選挙互助会」から政党に脱皮できるかどうか。
The party leadership election officially announced on Aug. 27 is of critical importance for the political viability of the DPJ. きょう告示される党代表選は、民主党の存廃をかけた正念場になる。
During the prelude to the election, many prospective candidates talked about unity and reconciliation among party members. 前哨戦では、盛んに「挙党態勢」「党内融和」という言葉が聞かれた。
Such talk may find a certain resonance among party members who are eager to see an end to the intraparty struggle that continued even after the Great East Japan Earthquake in March. 震災後も繰り広げられた党内抗争は、いい加減にやめようという響きもあって、一定の説得力を持つ。
If, however, "party unity" here means turning a blind eye to differences over policies among members, such slogans only represent an extremely irresponsible answer to the party's problems. だが、「挙党一致」に込められた意味が、政策の違いには目をつむろうということなら、あまりにも無責任な対応だ。
If the candidates try to win the leadership race by offering the powerful Ozawa group key posts that control the party's election funds and the right to nominate official party candidates for national elections, the party will inevitably lose the support of even more voters. まして、小沢グループにカネと公認権を握るポストを譲るというのなら、有権者の支持をさらに失っていくのは避けられないだろう。
■結集するか分裂か
It is clear what the party should do in the leadership race. 代表選でやるべきことは、はっきりしている。
It should redefine its political position. 党の立ち位置を定め直すことだ。
First, all the candidates should make clear their stances toward the party's manifesto for the Lower House election that led to its ascent to power. 第一に、政権交代時に掲げたマニフェストへの対応を各候補者が明確にすることだ。
Would they revise or stick to the platform? 見直すのか貫くのか。
Candidates who vow to adhere to the manifesto should say how they would raise the money needed to deliver on the election promises. 順守するなら、どの予算を削って財源を調達するのか。
The DPJ's plan to raise funds through spending cuts has become synonymous with wishful thinking in the past two years. 「歳出削減で賄う」という表現はこの２年で「願望」と同義語になっているのだ。
Secondly, after the leadership election, all party members should come together to support the policies proposed by the winner and contribute to the new leader's efforts to push through his proposals. 第二に、選挙後は勝者の方針のもとに結集し、政策の実現に協力することだ。
The quality of the manifesto should be improved in line with the new policy agenda. それに沿ったマニフェストの質向上も要る。
DPJ lawmakers who cannot agree to the new chief's policy agenda should leave the party. 同意できない議員は党を割って出るしかなかろう。
Like the DPJ, the LDP also comprises politicians with widely different political stripes. 民主党のみならず、自民党も幅広い勢力を抱えており、
There is enough room for political realignment around key policy issues. 政策を軸に再編する余地はある。
Such a development would give voters a fresh opportunity to choose a new government on the basis of policies instead of a simple choice between the LDP and the DPJ. 有権者にとっても「自民党がだめだから民主党」といった否定形の選択の代わりに、政策本位で政権を選ぶ道が開ける。
■政策本位の政治へ
The worst thing that could happen to the party is a leadership contest without serious policy debate in which the candidates only propose vague policies in order to win as many votes as possible. Even if the party can choose its new leader without meaningful debate, such a race would plant seeds of future confrontation that hamper progress in politics. Political styles and ways to run the government should also be among major topics for the party leadership election. 代表選では、政治手法や政権運営の方法も問われるべきだ。
We believe that politics of partisan confrontation driven by the power of numbers should come to an end. 私たちは「数の力」で与野党が激突するばかりの政治を終わらせるべきだと考える。
When it was led by Ozawa, the DPJ exploited its power as the largest voting bloc in the Upper House to keep making things tough for the government of the LDP-New Komeito coalition. 民主党は小沢代表のとき、参院第１党の力を使い、徹底して自公政権を揺さぶった。
The DPJ used its political muscle effectively to drive the LDP-led government into a corner through such maneuvers as rejecting the government's nominees for the new Bank of Japan governor and thereby keeping the post of the central bank chief vacant for a while. 日銀総裁を空席にするなどして政府を追い込み、早期の衆院解散、政権交代を迫った。
The DPJ's strategy worked well to pressure the government into an early dissolution of the Lower House for an election to choose the government. 確かに政権交代を果たしたが、
The DPJ came to power as a result, but the party has been suffering from political reprisals by the LDP. 今度は民主党が報復を受け続けている。
During this period, Ozawa boasted that he would be able to raise any amount of money to finance the party's policy proposals and had the party increase the monthly child-care allowance it promised to 26,000 yen per child. 小沢氏は「財源はなんぼでもできる」と言い、子ども手当は月額２万６千円出すと公約を上積みさせた。
At the heart of such an approach to politics is a single-minded pursuit of power. こうした政治手法の根っこにあるのは、権力奪取を第一とする発想だ。
Japan should outgrow such old-fashioned politics and move toward a new era of politics in which the ruling and opposition parties try to find common ground through serious and constructive policy debate. こんな政治からは卒業して、与野党が政策本位で合意点を探す政治に変えよう。
The principal lesson to be gleaned from the bitter experiences in the past two years is that this is the only way to break the political stalemate in this age of a divided Diet. それが、ねじれが常態化する時代の政治を動かす道だと、この２年の経験から学ぶべきである。
(Mainichi Japan) August 28, 2011 Kaleidoscope of the Heart: In defense of (a little bit of) body odor 香山リカのココロの万華鏡：自己臭恐怖症 ／東京
A TV program I happened to see the other day featured clothing with odor-eliminating effects that have been a hit among consumers recently. テレビを見ていたら、「消臭効果のある衣料品がブーム」という話題を取り上げていた。
Sales of odor-eating underwear, socks and other clothing -- effective against everything from sweat and tobacco smells to the body odor of older men -- have been rising, according to the program. 汗やたばこのにおい、さらには男性の「加齢臭」といわれるにおいまでを消すという下着、靴下などが売り上げをのばしているという。
Sure, there are unpleasant odors, but do people really want to make everywhere odorless so much? たしかににおいの中には心地よくないものもあるが、そんなにどこもかしこも「においなし」にしたいだろうか。
If you get too nervous about eliminating odor, that could stress you out in itself. においを消すことに神経質になりすぎると、それ自体がストレスになるのではないか。
In my consultation room, I sometimes see patients who suffer from a unique condition called "olfactory reference syndrome." 診察室でときどき、「自己臭恐怖症」と呼ばれる特殊な状態に苦しむ人に会うことがある。
These patients wrongly assume that their body odor is offensive to people around them. これは「自分からにおいが出て、まわりの人たちを不快にしているのではないか」と常に気になる、という気配り型の神経症である。
They spray air freshener on themselves again and again before they go out, or even refrain from going out at all. 消臭スプレーを何度も振りかけたり外出を控えたりする人もいる。
They usually show up at dermatologists or other doctors first and are then referred to psychiatric clinics. たいていの場合は「においを消したい」と訪れた皮膚科などから紹介されて、メンタルクリニックにやって来る。
Even if others tell them that they don't smell at all, these patients believe that they are "smelly and disturbing everyone." Many of these cases are difficult to treat. いくらまわりが「においなんてしてないよ」と客観的に説明しても、「いや、におっている。みんなにいやな思いをさせている」という思い込みが強く、治療は難航する場合が多い。
Olfactory reference syndrome often plagues young people, whose futures remain undefined and who are still overly sensitive about what others think of them. この自己臭恐怖症は、自分の評価が定まっていない若い世代に起きることが多い。
Such a trivial thing as a friend turning his or her eyes away from them makes them think they are smelly and making others uncomfortable. 「人からどう見られてるのかな？」と過敏になりがちな年ごろでは、たとえば友だちがたまたま自分から目をそらしただけで「どうして？ そうか、私のにおいが苦痛なんだ」と結びつけてしまうのだ。
In contrast, these symptoms tend to disappear naturally when the patients get jobs and gain a certain degree of self-confidence. "I may have been wrong to worry too much about odor," one such patient said. だから逆に、仕事について自分に一定の自信がついてきたりすると「においのことは思いすごしだったかもしれません」と自然に治るケースも少なくない。
The current "odorless" boom, therefore, could be said to show that today even fully-fledged adult members of society lack confidence in themselves, and are always conscious about how others think of them. だとすると、誰もが「においを消さなきゃ」と必死になっているいまの時代は、おとなも自分に自信を持てず、常にひと目や人からの評価を気にしている、と言えるのではないだろうか。
Let's say a person became completely odor-free. Would he or she be liked by everybody? Probably not. もし仮に完全に無臭状態を実現できたとして、それだけで誰からも好かれる人間になるかというと、それも違うはずだ。
Ridding odor is minimal etiquette, but it is nonsense to try to eliminate all your odor. 最低限のエチケットとしての消臭は必要だが、「なんとしてもにおいをゼロに」などというのはナンセンス。
It is better to try and become someone who, even if smelling a bit sweaty, will be liked by everyone because of a cheerful smile and an even manner. That's far better for each of us and for society as well. それよりも、少々の汗のにおいなどはあっても、明るい笑顔やおだやかな口調でみんなから愛される人になることを目指すほうが、自分のためにも社会のためにもずっとよいと思う。
Whenever I see a person who fills up his or her room with deodorizers to remove any trace of bodily scent, I'm tempted to utter an old saying, "Too much of a good thing." 部屋中、からだ中のにおいを消すために大量のグッズを買い込む人を見ると、つい「過ぎたるは及ばざるがごとし」と古いことわざを口にしたくなる。
(Mainichi Japan) August 26, 2011 DPJ leadership hopefuls must tackle foreign diplomacy, long-neglected after disasters 社説：民主党代表選 どうする外交 瀬戸際の自覚が乏しい
Since the triple disasters of March 11, Japan has paid little attention to foreign diplomacy. 東日本大震災以降の日本はずっと外交不在の状態が続いてきた。
As the administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan struggled to begin rebuilding the devastated Tohoku region, a political battle was waged by ruling and opposition blocs over whether or not Kan should resign. 復興対応で手いっぱいの政権、首相退陣を巡り政争を繰り返す与野党－－。
Bringing an end to the stagnation that such political warfare has created and normalizing the course of Japan's foreign policy is one of the most important challenges that awaits the next prime minister. そうした閉塞（へいそく）感に終止符を打ち、外交を正常な軌道に戻すことは、次期首相の重要な課題である。
In spite of this, however, little has been said about diplomacy and security by politicians expressing an interest in running for the head of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) -- and hence, the next prime minister. にもかかわらず、民主党代表選に出馬意欲を示す政治家の口から、外交や安全保障に関する発言がほとんど聞かれないのはどうしたことか。
We must not allow the upcoming election to become an inward-looking election, one solely concerned with political maneuvering for the right number of votes and the nature of the candidates' ties to former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa. 数合わせや小沢一郎元代表との距離感だけに焦点があたる、内向きの代表選であってはならない。
Meanwhile, other countries are making active and astute steps in their diplomatic affairs. 周辺では、関係主要国が活発で巧妙な外交を展開している。
Take, for example, the United States and China. U.S. Vice President Joe Biden recently visited both China and Japan, staying six days in China -- during which he poured his energies into establishing strong relations with Xi Jinping, said to be China's next president. 例えば米中だ。バイデン米副大統領が中国や日本を歴訪して帰国したが、中国には６日間滞在し、次のリーダーである習近平国家副主席との親密な関係づくりに精力を注いだ。
This was in stark contrast to Biden's visit to Japan, which lasted just two days and included a meeting with outgoing Prime Minister Kan as a mere formality. 退陣直前の菅直人首相と儀礼的に会談し、正味２日間の滞在だった日本とは対照的だ。
In addition, China appears to be testing the DPJ's stance toward China, as demonstrated in two Chinese patrol boats' entry into Japanese waters near the disputed Senkaku Islands. その中国は２４日、尖閣諸島周辺で漁業監視船が日本領海に侵入するなど、民主党の対中姿勢を改めて試すかのような行動をみせている。
Furthermore, there have been rising tensions between China and Russia, both battling for political and economic influence in the Far East region. 一方では、極東地域の政治的経済的影響力を競う中露の確執もここにきて目立ってきた。
The year 2012 will be a turning point not only in China, where the leadership of the Chinese Communist Party will change hands, but also in Russia, the U.S., and South Korea, where presidential elections are set to take place. 来年は中国の共産党指導部交代をはじめロシア、米国、韓国で大統領選が行われる節目の年だ。
While others have been formulating diplomatic strategies with next year in mind, Japan, due to its internal political skirmishes, has trailed behind both in influencing the establishment of a new regional order and its pursuit of national interests. 各国が２０１２年を念頭に置く外交戦略を練る中で、政治の停滞が続く日本は、地域の新たな秩序構築や国益競争で大きく後れをとっている。
As such, the diplomatic challenges that the next prime minister must deal with are all urgent. 次期首相の外交課題はいずれも待ったなしのものばかりだ。
There is the breakdown in talks over the Japan-U.S. joint declaration on bilateral security that needs to be addressed, and a much-needed breakthrough in the issue of relocating U.S. Marine Corps' Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture. 仕切り直しとなった日米安保共同宣言の後始末や、宙に浮く米軍普天間飛行場移設問題の打開。
There's also a visit to China by Japan's new prime minister, and a visit to Japan by South Korean President Lee Myung-bak, which must take place before the end of the year. 年内の宿題である新首相の訪中と、李明博（イミョンバク）韓国大統領の訪日。
Whoever takes the helm of government will be scrutinized for his ability -- or lack thereof -- to command a presence before other leaders at the East Asia Summit and APEC Summit, both set to take place this fall. 秋の東アジアサミット（ＥＡＳ）やアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）首脳会議で顔を合わせる各国首脳たちの前で、いかに発言力と存在感を示すかも厳しく問われよう。
Have the DPJ leadership election candidates-to-be taken these responsibilities into consideration? それらを考え抜いたうえで、首相になる決意を固めているのかどうか。
They are obligated to show how prepared they are for such duties. 候補者は自らの覚悟を語るべきである。
In the two years since the DPJ government came to power, it has downplayed the importance of continuity and botched diplomatic dealings by putting precarious ideals ahead of everything else. 継続性を軽視し、地に足のつかない理念先行の外交で失敗したのが、民主党政権の２年間だった。
The administration's strategy-building capabilities failed to improve, and diplomats' information and networks were not put to effective use. 官邸の戦略機能強化は実現せず、外交当局の情報とネットワークも活用できなかった。
Japanese foreign policy has veered far off course because the DPJ put a lid on intra-party conflict in order to take over government, and failed to reach a consensus on basic policies such as the Japan-U.S. alliance and a vision for an East Asian community, the "third opening" of Japan, and its stance toward China. 政権をとるため党内対立を封印し、「日米同盟と東アジア共同体」「第３の開国」「対中戦略」といった根幹の政策でコンセンサスづくりを怠ったことが、外交迷走の原因だ。
We hope that those running in the DPJ presidential race will take the mistakes that have been made to heart, realize the crossroads at which Japan is now standing, and carry out a heated debate on diplomatic policy. その反省を踏まえ、日本が瀬戸際にあるとの自覚を持って、真剣な外交論戦を聞かせてほしい。
Moody's downgrade a warning over fiscal, political ills The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 26, 2011) 日本国債格下げ 財政悪化と政策停滞の警鐘だ（8月25日付・読売社説）
The major U.S. ratings agency Moody's Investors Service on Wednesday downgraded Japanese government bonds from Aa2, the third-highest rating, to Aa3, the fourth-highest. 米大手格付け会社ムーディーズ・インベスターズ・サービスが２４日、日本国債の格付けを、上から３番目の「Ａａ２」から「Ａａ３」に１段階引き下げた。
The move should be taken as a warning regarding the deterioration of Japan's fiscal situation and the paralysis in its political sphere. 日本の財政悪化と政策停滞に対する警鐘と受け止めるべきだろう。
Now the level of Japanese government bonds is lower than those of Italy and Spain, where concern over government finances has been soaring, and the same as those of China and Chile. 財政不安が高まるイタリアやスペインを下回り、中国やチリなどと並ぶ水準となった。
In January, another U.S. rating firm downgraded Japanese bonds to the same level. 今年１月には別の米格付け会社も同水準に格下げした。
These are only independent evaluations by private firms, but they serve as guidelines for the creditworthiness of government bonds in the market. あくまで民間会社の独自評価だが、市場では国債の信用力の目安となる。
If investors sell off Japanese bonds and force the interest rate to rise because of the downgrade, the government's costs for interest payments will rise, which would aggravate the fiscal situation. 格下げを材料に国債が売られて金利が上昇すると、利払い費が増え、財政悪化に拍車がかかる。
Speculative moves have to be closely watched. 投機的な動きに注意が必要だ。
===
Fiscal rehabilitation in doubt
As reasons for the downgrade, Moody's named Japan's huge fiscal deficit and its doubts whether the country can become fiscally healthy. 今回の格下げ理由について、ムーディーズは、日本の財政赤字が巨額で、財政健全化の達成を疑問視していることを挙げた。
The ratings agency said, "Over the past five years, frequent changes in administrations have prevented the government from implementing long-term economic and fiscal strategies into effective and durable policies." It is natural for Japan to receive such a severe evaluation. ここ５年、首相が頻繁に交代したため一貫した経済・財政政策がとられなかった、という厳しい指摘を受けたのも当然である。
Because of the divided Diet, confrontations between ruling and opposition parties have intensified, blocking progress on various policies. ねじれ国会で与野党の対立が激化し、政策は足踏みしてきた。
The most pressing issue of all--restoration of fiscal health--has been put off, causing the situation to worsen. 最優先で取り組むべき財政健全化が先送りされ、事態は悪化した。
The outstanding long-term debts of the central and local governments combined are expected to be about 900 trillion yen at the end of the current fiscal year, or 1.8 times the gross domestic product. 今年度末の国と地方を合わせた長期債務残高は約９００兆円で、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の１・８倍にのぼる。
The country's debt-to-GDP ratio is worse than that of Greece, which is in a profound fiscal crisis. 債務の比率は、財政危機のギリシャより深刻だ。
According to the government's estimate, outstanding debts will balloon to nearly 1,200 trillion yen at the end of fiscal 2020. 政府の試算では、２０２０年度末に債務残高は１２００兆円近くに膨らむ見込みという。
The fiscal crises in the West have seriously affected global financial markets, but this situation is not what Japanese would call "a fire on the other side of the river." 欧米の財政危機が世界の金融市場を揺さぶっているが、日本にとって対岸の火事ではない。
Swift reforms in both revenue and spending must be enforced before it is too late. 歳出と歳入の両面で早期に改革を断行しないと手遅れになる。
===
Political will lacking
However, the politicians of this country have little sense of crisis about the status quo and lack firm determination to move forward with fiscal rehabilitation. だが、肝心の政治は、現状への危機感が薄く、財政再建を進める覚悟も足りない。
The key issues in the Democratic Party of Japan's presidential election, in which candidates are competing to replace Prime Minister Naoto Kan, will include tax hikes to secure revenue to rebuild from the Great East Japan Earthquake and a review of the dole-out policies in its manifesto for the 2009 House of Representative election. 「ポスト菅」を競う民主党代表選は、東日本大震災からの復興財源を得るための増税や、政権公約（マニフェスト）のばらまき政策見直しなどが争点となる。
However, many would-be candidates in the DPJ presidential election are cautious about the early introduction of tax hikes for reconstruction purposes. ところが、候補者の多くは早期の復興増税には慎重だ。
Likewise, no one has spoken in-depth about the government policy for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, which stipulates the consumption tax rate will be raised in stages to 10 percent in the mid-2010s. ２０１０年代半ばまでに消費税率を段階的に１０％に引き上げるとした社会保障と税の一体改革についても、踏み込んだ発言は聞かれない。
The post-Kan administration should make progress in reconstructing from the great earthquake and restoring fiscal health. 新政権には、与野党の協力によって、復興と財政健全化を進展させることが期待されている。
The government has to make the economy steadily recover to realize an early exit from deflation. This is indispensable for recovering confidence in Japanese government bonds. 景気を着実に回復させ、デフレからの早期脱却を図ることも、日本国債の信認回復に不可欠だ。
In the coming DPJ election we hope the candidates will discuss policies that prioritize economic growth, such as stabilizing the electricity supply and measures to combat the yen's appreciation. 代表選では、電力の安定化や円高対策など、経済成長を優先した政策を議論してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 25, 2011) （2011年8月25日01時09分 読売新聞）
N. Korea must give up nukes to get economic benefits The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 25, 2011) 金総書記訪露 対「北」協力は核放棄が前提だ（8月24日付・読売社説）
On his first visit to Russia in nine years, North Korean leader Kim Jong Il traveled about 5,000 kilometers by train to meet with Russian President Dmitry Medvedev in eastern Siberia on Wednesday. 往復１万キロ・メートル近い列車による長駆の旅だ。 北朝鮮の金正日総書記が９年ぶりにロシアを訪れ、東シベリアで２４日、メドベージェフ露大統領との初の首脳会談に臨む。
Kim's visit to Russia follows his trip to China in May. This burst of summit diplomacy with Chinese and Russian leaders is probably a calculated attempt by Kim to strengthen ties with two major powers that share borders with his country to help guarantee his regime's survival. ５月の訪中に続く、金総書記の相次ぐ首脳外交には、国境を接する二つの大国と緊密な関係を築くことが、自国の体制存続を担保するとの計算があろう。
Russia has been particularly positive toward Pyongyang. 今回目立つのは、ロシアの積極的な姿勢だ。
Ahead of Kim's visit, Moscow decided to offer 50,000 tons of food aid to North Korea, which has been plagued with food shortages. 金総書記の訪露に先立ち、食糧不足に悩む北朝鮮に食糧５万トンの無償援助を決めた。
Russia will host the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum in Vladivostok in autumn next year. 来年秋、ロシアは、ウラジオストクでアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）を主宰する。
This will be a crucial opportunity for Russia to accelerate resource development in Siberia and its entry into the Asian market. シベリアの資源開発とアジア市場への参入に、拍車をかける重要な機会だ。
From this strategic viewpoint also, Russia is keen to stabilize the situation on the Korean Peninsula. その戦略上からも、朝鮮半島の安定を図りたいのだろう。
===
Tripartite cooperation plan
In a congratulatory message he sent to Kim on Aug. 15, the 66th anniversary of the end of Japan's colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula, Medvedev proposed that Russia, North Korea and South Korea cooperate in energy development and railway construction. メドベージェフ大統領は、北朝鮮が日本の植民統治から解放された記念日の今月１５日、金総書記あて祝電で、エネルギーや鉄道建設の分野で、ロシアと北朝鮮、韓国が協力する計画を提唱した。
This clearly indicates Moscow's intention to strengthen its presence in Asia. アジアでの存在感を強めたいロシアの意図が透けて見える。
In concrete terms, the plan calls for building a natural gas pipeline vertically down the Korean Peninsula and opening a North-South railway that would link with the Trans-Siberian Railway. 具体的には、朝鮮半島を縦断する天然ガス・パイプラインの敷設や、シベリア鉄道と直結する南北朝鮮縦断鉄道の開通などだ。
Based on an agreement reached during summit talks, Russia and South Korea have held consultative meetings to discuss the supply of Russian natural gas, and transport routes via the Trans-Siberian Railway to the European market. すでにロシアは韓国と、首脳会談の合意を基に、ロシア産天然ガスの供給や、シベリア鉄道を経由した欧州市場への流通路の確保のため、実務協議を重ねている。
If realized, this ambitious project would ease tensions on the peninsula and stabilize the situation in Northeast Asia. 実現すれば、朝鮮半島の緊張緩和、北東アジア情勢の安定に寄与するであろう壮大な構想だ。
The project also would greatly benefit North Korea, which could earn rent for land used for the pipeline and receive electricity. 北朝鮮にとっても、パイプライン敷設地の賃貸料を得るほか、電力供給を受けることも可能になるなど、メリットは大きい。
===
Preconditions for help
However, we think this economic cooperation should go ahead only if two conditions are met. だが、そうした経済協力には重要な前提条件がある。
First, North Korea must not launch any military provocations against South Korea. 第一に、北朝鮮は韓国に武力挑発をしてはならない。
Confidence-building between the two countries is essential. 南北の信頼関係の構築が不可欠である。
Second, Pyongyang must make good on the promise it made in the joint statement issued after six-nation negotiations in September 2005 to abandon its nuclear development program. 第二に、北朝鮮は、２００５年９月の６か国協議の共同声明で自ら約束した核放棄を履行しなければならない。
North Korea should also discontinue its uranium enrichment, which some observers fear could lead to a new nuclear weapons development program. 新たな核兵器開発につながる懸念があるウラン濃縮計画もやめるべきだ。
If Russia wants to push economic cooperation, it should use it as leverage to coax North Korea to abandon its nuclear ambitions. ロシアが経済協力を進めたいなら、それをテコに、北朝鮮を核放棄に導かなければならない。
It is important that Medvedev has an opportunity to convey these concerns to Kim. メドベージェフ大統領が、こうした懸念を金総書記に伝える機会を持つことが重要だ。
At the very least, Moscow should continue to call on Pyongyang to allow inspections of its uranium enrichment facilities and put on hold nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. ロシアは今後も、少なくともウラン濃縮施設への査察受け入れや、核実験と弾道ミサイル発射の凍結などを、北朝鮮に求め続ける必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 24, 2011) （2011年8月24日01時39分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) August 23, 2011 Gov't should take responsibility for decontaminating soil tainted with radiation 社説：放射能汚染対策 説明尽くし国の責任で
The Japanese government appears prepared to go ahead with the decontamination of soil tainted with radioactive substances leaking from the tsunami-hit Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant after the ruling and opposition parties agreed to enact legislation to make up for a legal flaw. やっと法の不備が見直され、東京電力福島第１原発事故で拡散した放射性物質による環境汚染対策が進む見通しになった。
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) and two key opposition parties -- the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and New Komeito -- have agreed on the details of a special measures bill on land decontamination and disposal of rubble contaminated with radioactive substances. 民主、自民、公明３党が、土地の除染や汚染がれきの処理のための特別措置法案で合意した。
The bill likely will be submitted to the Diet as a lawmaker-initiated bill and become law during the ongoing session. 議員立法で今国会に提出され、成立の予定だ。
The Waste Disposal and Public Cleaning Law does not cover the disposal of rubble contaminated with radioactive substances. 放射性物質に汚染されたがれきなどの処理は、現行の廃棄物処理法の対象外で、処理の方法や主体などがこれまで規定されていなかった。
If enacted, the new law would be the first to cover how to deal with radiation contamination outside the premises of nuclear power plants. 成立すれば、放射性物質拡散による原発敷地外の環境汚染に対応する初めての法律になる。
Under the bill, the environment minister would designate areas with high levels of radiation as "special areas." 放射性物質を除去し、放射線量を下げる除染は、必要な場所について環境相が「特別地域」に指定。
The national government would decontaminate the designated areas based on a plan it would work out after listening to the opinions of the local governments concerned. 自治体の意見を聞いて国が実施計画を作り、除染する。
The minister would also designate areas where radioactive rubble must be disposed of, and the national government would collect such waste, and transport, store and dispose it at its own responsibility. 汚染がれきについても、環境相が対策地域を指定し、収集や運搬、保管、処分は国が行う。
The bill would require Tokyo Electric Power Co. (TEPCO), the operator of the crippled Fukushima power plant, to bear the costs of decontamination and disposal of rubble contaminated with radioactive substances as part of its compensation for the nuclear accident. いずれも費用は、原発事故の賠償対象として東電が負担する。これが法案の柱である。
Even though the bill would clarify the central government's responsibility for radiation contamination countermeasures, many hurdles must be cleared before such measures are implemented. 国の責任は明確になるが、前途は多難だ。
In particular, it is difficult to predict when the environment of the areas where residents have been evacuated can be improved to a level where they can come back and live safely because such a large-scale decontamination operation is unprecedented anywhere in the world. 特に、住民が帰宅することを前提にした大掛かりな除染は世界にも例がなく、先は見えにくい。
Therefore, the national government is required to fully release information on how far it intends to reduce radiation levels in affected areas based on its monitoring and provide a thorough explanation. どの地域をどれくらいの放射線量まで低減させるのか。モニタリングに基づく情報の公開と、徹底的な説明責任が国には求められる。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has for the first time released its estimation of annual cumulative radiation levels at 50 locations in no-entry areas within 20 kilometers from the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant. 文部科学省は、福島第１原発から半径２０キロ圏内の警戒区域での事故発生１年間の推計積算放射線量を先日、初めて公表した。
At 35 of the locations, the amount surpassed 20 millisieverts -- a level that requires residents to evacuate -- suggesting that extensive decontamination operations will be needed over a long period. ５０地点中３５地点で、避難対象である２０ミリシーベルトを超えた。広範囲の除染の必要性をうかがわせ、今後の除染作業が長期かつ継続的になることが予想される。
The government should also fully release information suggesting that evacuated residents cannot easily return home. だが、たとえ住民の帰宅にとってマイナスの情報でも、事実を知ってもらうことが大前提だ。
Moreover, depending on radiation levels, it might not be realistic for residents to come home soon even if their neighborhoods were decontaminated in accordance with the bill. また、地域の放射能汚染の程度や範囲によっては、法案に沿って除染をして帰宅することが現実的でないこともあり得るだろう。
Prime Minister Naoto Kan is expected to travel to Fukushima Prefecture later this week to explain to the local governments concerned as well as residents that even if decontaminated, some areas will likely remain unfit for living for many years. 菅直人首相は今週末にも福島県入りし、警戒区域内で相当長期間にわたり居住が難しい地域が残ることを直接、説明するとされる。
If so, the prime minister must show concrete data and explain how long evacuated residents must wait until they are allowed to return home in order to win their understanding. そうだとすれば、データをしっかりと示し、居住ができないと想定される期間などについて住民に十分説明し、理解を得なくてはならない。
Furthermore, Kan should also explain specific measures to extend assistance to residents of such areas, including where they will live for the time being. さらに、今後どこで生活してもらうのかを含めた支援策についても考え方を示してもらいたい。
Difficult challenges to removing rubble will likely emerge in the future, such as how to secure a site for the disposal of ash generated after rubble contaminated with radioactive substances is incinerated. 汚染がれきの撤去についても、今後難しい問題が浮上する。撤去後に焼却した後の汚染灰の最終的な処分場所である。
Questions also remain as to whether the final disposal site should be created in Fukushima Prefecture or other areas. 処分場を福島県内にするのか、他の都道府県にするのか。
The national government must take all possible measures to ensure safety in disposing of contaminated rubble and gain the understanding of local residents. 国は安全対策に万全を期したうえで、地元の理解を得る努力をしなければならない。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 23, 2011) Maglev train project must serve national interests リニア新幹線 最先端技術を国益に生かせ（8月22日付・読売社説）
Central Japan Railway Co.'s ongoing project to build a maglev train system linking Tokyo and Osaka is finally in full swing. ＪＲ東海が進めているリニア中央新幹線の構想が、いよいよ本格的に動き出した。
Early this month, JR Tokai released a list of probable locations for intermediate stations in four prefectures--Aichi excluded--through which its envisaged magnetically levitated train would run on the Tokyo-Nagoya section of its route. The proposed sites include one on the border between Takamorimachi and Iida in Nagano Prefecture. 東京―名古屋間の４県に作る中間駅の候補地域が、高森町・飯田市（長野県）などに決まった。
Aiming to begin construction of its Chuo Shinkansen system in fiscal 2014, the railway firm is set to start an environmental impact study covering areas along the planned route as early as the end of this year. ２０１４年度の着工を目指し、年内にも沿線の環境影響調査に入る。
JR Tokai plans to start service along a portion of the envisaged route in 2027, extending its maglev train services to Osaka in 2045. The megaproject, which would link Tokyo and Osaka through a 67-minute ride, would cost a staggering 9 trillion yen. ２７年に開業し、４５年に大阪まで延伸する計画で、東京―大阪間を６７分で結ぶ。総建設費９兆円もの巨大プロジェクトだ。
The safety of buildings and facilities is under increasing public scrutiny due to the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and ensuing nuclear crisis. 東日本大震災や原発事故を受けて、安全性に対する国民の目は厳しさを増している。
Therefore, JR Tokai's first priority should be to ensure the new train system will operate safely. 最優先課題は安全運行である。
The ultrahigh-speed train line would also serve as a bypass for the current Tokaido Shinkansen line. リニア新幹線は、東海道新幹線の代替機能も持つ。
Given this, thorough safety measures must be taken so the new system will be able to serve as Japan's main transportation artery if a major natural disaster strikes. 大規模な自然災害の発生時に大動脈としての役割を果たせるよう徹底した安全対策を講じねばならない。
===
Hitting the brakes at 500 kph
The new Shinkansen--in which magnetic force is used to levitate a train about 10 centimeters above the ground--runs at 500 kph. リニア新幹線は磁力で地表から１０センチ程度浮上し、時速５００キロで走行する。
A focus of particular attention is how the system would respond to such emergencies as a powerful earthquake and power outage. 特に注目されているのが、大地震や停電への対策だ。
According to JR Tokai, the system would apply multiple types of brakes if it detected seismic waves, thus safely halting trains at a deceleration speed double that of the current Shinkansen system. ＪＲ東海によると、地震波を検知すれば、各種のブレーキが作動し、現行新幹線の２倍の急減速で安全に停止する。
This is also true with a safety mechanism that would be triggered in the event of an electric power failure. The new bullet train would maintain levitation on the strength of magnetic force, supported by side walls along a railway track to prevent a derailment. 停電しても、磁力で車両は浮いた状態に保たれ、側壁が脱線を防ぐという。
After studying the earthquake resistance of the maglev train, an advisory body to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has confirmed that the system's safeguards will serve their intended purposes. リニアの耐震性を検証した国土交通省の審議会は、こうした安全対策にお墨付きを与えた。
However, a major disaster could hit facilities to an extent beyond the expectations of the operators, as illustrated by the series of accidents at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. だが、原発事故で明らかになったように、事業者の想定を超えた災害が発生する可能性もある。
With this in mind, we hope JR Tokai will continue to make technological improvements in the safety of the new Shinkansen system. ＪＲ東海は、安全面での技術改良を続けてもらいたい。
The proposed route runs through the Southern Japanese Alps. About 70 percent of the line would be in underground tunnels. 計画ルートは南アルプスを貫き、全路線の７割が地下トンネルである。
This makes it necessary to implement measures aimed at guiding passengers to safety in the event that the maglev train comes to a sudden stop. 急停車した場合、乗客を安全に誘導する対策が必要だ。
===
Stations will be expensive
Another task for JR Tokai is to achieve a consensus with local governments affected by the project over the construction costs for the intermediate stations. 中間駅の建設費を巡って、地元自治体との調整も課題となる。
JR Tokai plans to pay for the construction of three key facilities: one terminal in Tokyo, another in Osaka and another major station in Nagoya. However, the railway firm has asked the four prefectural governments--each of which would host one intermediate station along the route--to pay the full cost of constructing those stations. ＪＲ東海は、東京、名古屋、大阪の３駅は自前で整備するが、沿線県に１駅ずつの中間駅は自治体に全額負担を求めている。
It would cost an estimated 35 billion yen to build an aboveground intermediate station. The bill for the construction of an underground station would amount to a hefty 220 billion yen. だが、費用は地上駅でも３５０億円、地下駅なら２２００億円かかる。
The local governments have demanded a reduction in their financial burdens, citing their own fiscal straits. 自治体は財政難を理由に、負担の軽減を要求している。
The maglev Shinkansen system is expected to provide a great economic boon, contributing to the economic and other development of areas along its route. リニア新幹線の経済効果は大きく、地域振興に役立つだろう。
It is important for JR Tokai and the local governments to fully discuss every aspect the project and build cooperative relations. 両者が、よく話し合って協力関係を築いていくことが大切だ。
It is also necessary to pay full consideration to the environmental impact of the project. 環境にも十分配慮する必要がある。
Areas along the proposed route are dotted with rich natural surroundings. 沿線には豊かな自然が残る。
We hope every effort will be made to minimize the impact of construction work on the ecosystem, water sources and all other environmental assets. 工事では、生態系や水源などへの影響を最小限に抑えたい。
The maglev train system is a remarkable feature of Japan's state-of-the-art technology. The system's technological excellence is bound to boost the nation's infrastructure export drive. リニアは、日本のインフラ輸出に役立つ最先端技術だ。
It is essential to obtain support and trust from the public for the Chuo Shinkansen project if the maglev train--which many regard as "a superexpress of the 21st century"--is to benefit the whole nation. 「２１世紀の超特急」を日本全体の利益とするには、国民の理解と信頼を得ることが何より重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2011) （2011年8月22日01時03分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) August 22, 2011 Race to replace Kan as prime minister an opportunity to display national will, vision 風知草：かすみ始めた「脱原発」＝山田孝男
Denuclearization," or the idea of reducing and eliminating Japan's dependence on nuclear energy, is becoming increasingly hazy. 「脱原発」がかすみ始めた。
As the countdown for Prime Minister Naoto Kan's resignation begins, many potential candidates for the next president of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) -- and hence the next prime minister -- are expressing their willingness to either maintain the current nuclear policy or to further promote nuclear power. 菅直人首相の退陣が秒読みに入り、原発の維持・推進に理解を示す後継候補が増殖している。
What I believe matters in the next DPJ presidential election is not so much whether Kan's successor is or is not a charismatic leader, but what his or her views are on the nuclear issue. 民主党代表選は、候補者の器量がＢ級かどうかよりも、この側面が重要だと思う。
In an essay titled "Gimon darake no Kan oroshi" (Calls for Kan to step down that leave a trail of doubts) that well-respected literary critic Norihiro Kato contributed to the Mainichi in the Aug. 11 Tokyo evening edition, Kato slams the lacking rhetoric of those who criticize the now anti-nuclear Kan. 高名な文芸評論家が「疑問だらけの菅降ろし」と題する一文を毎日新聞に寄せ、脱原発首相に対する批判勢力の言葉の貧しさを酷評した（加藤典洋、１１日夕刊東京本社版）。
According to Kato, the most important political challenge we now face is the issue of nuclear power. それによれば、いま最大の政治課題は原発である。
Kan has explicitly put forth the new goal of denuclearization, but his detractors have not contributed any clear proposals short of maintaining the status quo, i.e. the promotion of nuclear power. 首相は脱原発という新しい価値を明示したが、反対派は現状維持（原発推進）以外に提案がない。
How to deal with a lack of electricity is a problem of economics. 足りぬ電力をどうするかは経済の問題だ。
Kan's critics have dodged the real work of much-needed political debate, working merely to undermine Kan's political efforts, Kato writes. 反対派は真に必要な政治論戦をサボり、首相の政治努力を空洞化しようとしているにすぎない－－という。
Indeed, successor candidates have shown acceptance toward the preservation of nuclear power plants. 実際、後継候補たちは原発の維持に理解を示している。
Frontrunners in the race for DPJ presidency including Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda, former Minister of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Sumio Mabuchi and Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Banri Kaieda have respectively said: "It is realistic to amass nuclear power technology," "We will adopt the world's most stringent safety standards," and "It is dangerous to allow a simplistic notion of denuclearization to take a life of its own." 「原子力技術を蓄積することが現実的」（野田佳彦）、「世界最高の安全基準を策定する」（馬淵澄夫）、「短絡的な脱原発というイメージの独り歩きは危険」（海江田万里）……。
Some DPJ presidential hopefuls are in fact for denuclearization. But there's a sense that they're not as invested in it as Kan is. 脱原発志向の候補もいるにはいるが、菅をしのぐまでの執念は感じられない。
"Corruptio" (corruption), a novel written by Jin Mayama and published in July, is set in the not-so-distant future in which a political realignment takes place in a post-quake Japan, resulting in a pro-nuclear coalition government. 原発と政治を描いて話題の近未来小説「コラプティオ」（真山仁著、文芸春秋７月新刊）は、震災後の日本で政界再編が起き、原発推進派の連立政権が生まれるという話だ。
Under current circumstances, such a plot is not entirely unthinkable. このイメージがあながち荒唐無稽（むけい）とも言えない現状なのである。
Kan doesn't seem to think that will happen, however. "I think we've come to a point of no return," he told an acquaintance. "But (denuclearization) is a major policy that affects the entire social structure. So in that sense, there's still a long ways to go." 菅はどう見ているのか。知人の問いにこう答えた。 「もう逆戻りできないところまできたとは思うんですよ。ただ、これ（脱原発）は、社会構造全部にかかわる大政策ですからね。そういう意味では、まだまだこれからですよ」
Asked whether he had any lingering regret about leaving his post, Kan responded, "If I waited until I had no more regrets, I'd have to continue (to be prime minister) for another 10 years. 政権に未練はないかという質問には、「そんなこと言ったら１０年やってなくちゃいけない」。
" Kan is said to have read through Kato's essay, and said, "Somewhere out there, there are those who understand." 先に引いた加藤典洋の文章にも目を通しており、「見てくれている人は、見てくれている」と自負を語ったという。
It is not that post-Kan candidates are outright against denuclearization. 「ポスト菅」候補の面々も脱原発を否定しているわけではない。
It's that their campaign strategies involve refraining from making any concrete pro- or anti-nuclear power statements. 脱原発とも原発推進ともつかぬ玉虫色へ逃げ込むことが選挙対策になっている。
Only with votes can they win the post of DPJ chief and prime minister. 代表（首相）の座も票次第。
One can imagine how one of these candidates-turned-prime minister will fare when he or she comes head-to-head with the pro-nuclear government-industrial complex. 察しはつくが、それで原発推進の官産複合体と相撲が取れるか。
Pro-nuclear advocates argue that the promotion of nuclear energy is a major trend around the world, with an unsophisticated Japan the only one left wavering. 原発推進派の世界観にしたがえば「世界の主流は原発推進であり、青臭く迷っているのは日本だけ」である。
However, domestic distrust toward nuclear power has been smoldering respectively in the U.S., Russia, Britain and France. だが、米露英仏といえども国内で原発不信がくすぶっている。
After all, one of the world's largest nuclear power plants -- with three times the output of Chernobyl -- in the world's third largest economic superpower had collapsed. なにしろ、世界３位の経済大国で世界最大級の原発（出力でチェルノブイリの３倍）が崩壊したのだ。
The world has watched as some 100,000 people have fled their homes because of government-sanctioned or voluntary evacuations. 世界注視の中、強制退去と自主避難を合わせ、１０万人が故郷を追われて流浪している。
There's no reason for Japan to speak about its future in hushed tones out of regard for those who are a part of some "major trend around the world." 「世界の主流」の皆様に気兼ねして小声で将来を語る必要など、どこにもない。
I also have a problem with the know-it-alls who remark the decision for denuclearization has already been made, and that all that remains is "just" a schedule for its implementation. 「脱原発は決まった、後はスケジュールの問題だ」という訳知り顔の解説もひっかかる。
Sure, but who's actually going to do the scheduling? ごもっともだが、そのスケジュールを誰が詰めるのか。
Setting a deadline for five years from now or 50 years from now is as different as denuclearization and the promotion of nuclear power. 刻限が５年と５０年では、脱原発と原発推進ほどの違いがある。
It is worrisome that we do not know where Ichiro Ozawa, who leads the biggest faction within the DPJ and has the power to make or break the election for party president, stands on nuclear energy policy. 党内最大グループを率いて代表選を左右する小沢一郎元代表の原発観が不明な点も気になる。
Let us hope that he comes clean with his views. 明確にしてほしい。
The DPJ presidential race is not an election in which to select a leader "with common sense" to counteract Kan, who has been characterized as lacking in that area. これは「非常識な菅」の代わりに常識家を選ぶ選挙ではない。
Nor is the election one in which to select a puppet leader that can be manipulated by a former DPJ head. 元代表の操り人形を選ぶ選挙でもない。
Rather, the election is a chance to choose a leader who will challenge the pro-nuclear government-industrial complex, possessing both the will and ability to implement reforms. 原発推進の官産複合体に挑み、改革する意志と実力を備えた指導者を選ぶ。
The election must be seen and used as an opportunity to display Japan's national resolve to the world. その国家意思を世界に示す機会にしなければならない。
(Mainichi Japan) August 20, 2011 Saga over using firewood from tsunami-hit area in Kyoto bonfire shows cultural gap 発信箱：送り火に祈る＝布施広
When I was living in Kyoto as a student decades ago, I often climbed Mount Daimonji, one of the sites for Gozan no Okuribi, a traditional bonfire festival in this ancient capital. 学生時代を京都で過ごしたので大文字山にはよく登った。送り火の大文字保存会も身近な存在だった。
It is hard labor, but a significant event to bring a large quantity of firewood up to the mountain and set it alight in the shape of the kanji character, "dai" ("big"). 夏の盛り、大量のまきを山に運び、火床を配して燃やすのは大変だが、意義深い行事である。
When I heard that firewood from a pine tree from the tsunami-hit city of Rikuzentakata in Iwate Prefecture would be used for the bonfire I was impressed as it is a good ceremony to express condolences to disaster victims. 今年は岩手県陸前高田市の松を燃やすと聞いた時は、鎮魂の儀式としていい考えだと感心した。
Gozan no Okuribi is a ceremony to send off the spirits of the dead, who Buddhists believe come home to stay with their relatives during the Obon holiday period in mid-August before returning to heaven. (祇園の送り火はお盆に天国より戻った祖先たちの魂をなぐさめるための儀式なのだ。 ・・・スラチャイ訳）
However, the plan was cancelled after the organizer of the event as well as the local government wavered over whether to go ahead with it due to radiation concerns. この計画が二転三転、結局中止されたのは周知の通りだ。
In the end, small amounts of radioactive cesium were detected in the surface of the firewood, and the organizer and the local government had no choice but to bow to some local residents' arguments that burning Rikuzentakata firewood could spread radiation in the city and that it could taint water in Lake Biwa, which is used for drinking. 松材からセシウムが検出され、「放射能をばらまくのか」「水がめの琵琶湖が汚れる」などの声に抗しきれなかったらしい。
It is highly questionable whether such criticism has any scientific basis, but Gozan no Okuribi is a religious festival. 科学的根拠は疑問だが、もともと宗教的な伝統行事だ。
Scraping the surface of the firewood to remove cesium would never convince local residents who long for "pure" fire. 「松材の表皮を削れば問題ないのに」という感覚では、「きれいな火」を求める人々とは分かり合えまい。
It is difficult to coordinate views between the festival organizer and worried local residents. 調整はなかなか難しい。
Takeo Kuwahara, a French literature expert who lived in Kyoto for many years, wrote in his book, "Gakumon no Sekai" ("The World of Academics") that Kyoto residents are often described as "wicked," "individualistic," "cold" and "calm," just like the French. 京都に長く住んだ仏文学者の桑原武夫によると、京都はフランスに似て「意地が悪い」「個人主義」「冷たい」「冷静」などと言われるそうだ（講談社学術文庫「学問の世界」）。
But let's put aside comparisons between Kyoto residents and French people now. フランスとの比較はともかく、
Some people have criticized the Kyoto Municipal Government and the organizer as being "narrow minded" over the latest case, while others have appreciated their decision as "calm judgment not being overwhelmed by emotion." 今回の一件では京都市や保存会を「心が狭い」と批判する人もいるし「情に流されない冷静な判断」を評価する声もある。
Others may call the decision a typical response by Kyoto. いかにも京都らしいともいえようか。
Personally, I think the decision is regrettable because I wonder whether they should have been so afraid of such small levels of radiation. 私自身は「そんなに恐れる必要があったか」と残念だが、
At the same time, however, I have no intention of making light of the ancient capital's sensitiveness and culture. 古都の生活感覚を軽く見る気もない。
As a former resident, I have the impression that Kyoto, which is situated in a basin, forms a unique space both topographically and culturally, and that various things -- both tangible and intangible and good and evil -- gather and accumulate there, just like a satellite dish facing the sky. 元住民として言わせてもらえば、盆地の京都は地形的にも文化的にも独特の空間を形成し、空に向けた巨大なパラボラのように有形無形、善悪正邪、いろんなものが集まって堆積（たいせき）する感覚がある。
Therefore, careful behind-the-scenes efforts to persuade relevant parties to accept the burning of Rikuzentakata firewood in the festival should have been made in advance. だからこそ今年の送り火には入念な根回しが必要だったのだが、
But rather than blame the relevant parties, I would like to think the latest case has called into question how the entire nation should wisely handle radiation. 関係者だけを責めるより、全国的に放射線との賢明な付き合い方が改めて問われたと考えたい。
I prayed to the Kyoto bonfire on Aug. 16 that firewood from quake- and tsunami-hit areas can be burned in the Gozan no Okuribi festival next year and that the ongoing nuclear crisis, which continues to release radiation into the air, will be settled at an early date. １６日の送り火に祈った。来年は被災地の松を燃やせるように。何よりも、この「放射能時代」が早く終わるように。
วิธีทำของคุณแม่ที่รักจะได้รับบำนาญครอบครัวของผู้ตาย 愛する妻が遺族年金を受けるための手順 How to get the survivor’s pension for my loving wife.
คุณต้องอ่านเข้าใจดังที่จะกล่าวต่อไปนี้ 下記をよく読んで理解してください。 Read carefully the following items and understand them all.
วิธีทำทีจะต้องทำหลังจากผมตายแล้ว (คำพูลสอนสะอาดต้องตามคำที่จะกล่าวต่อไปนี้) 私の死後やるべきこと （私の妻カムプーンソーンサアートは以下の指示に従ってください） Things to do after my death are the followings. (My wife, Khumpoon Sonsaard shall follow the following instruction.)
1) คุณต้องได้รับใบรับรองแพทย์ตายที่โรงพยาบาล แล้วก็จะไปที่ว่าการอำเภอเพื่อได้รับมรณะบัตร ในมรณะบัตรต้องเขียนเบอร์พาสปอร์ของผม (คุณพ่อสุรชัย kiyoshi matsui) ด้วย 私が死亡したら、医者から死亡診断書をもらってください。 それからタイ国郡役場に出向いて死亡登録証(モラナバット)を発行してもらってください。 死亡登録証(モラナバット)に、私のパスポート番号を記入させてください。 As soon as after my death, you have to get a death certificate from the doctor. Then you have to go to the county office to obtain the death registration certificate. Passport number of myself must be written on the same document.
2) ไปสถานทูตญี่ปุ่นกับซองจดหมาย (a) และซองจดหมาย (b) ให้เจ้าหน้าที่สถานทูตญี่ปุ่น ซองจดหมาย (a) คือใบแจ้งตาย (ประมาณ1เดือนครึ่ง จะผ่าน แล้วก็ คุณจะสามารถได้รับเอกสารทะเบียนบ้าน จากญี่ปุ่น) ซองจดหมาย (b) คือเอกสารเพื่อได้บำนาญครอบครัวของผู้ตาย 封筒 (a) 、封筒 (b)を持って、バンコクの日本大使館に出かけ、二つの封筒を大使館の職員に渡してください。 封筒 (a) は死亡届です。(日本の戸籍に死亡の事実が記載されるまで一ヵ月半かかります） 封筒 (b) は遺族年金を受け取るための書類です。 You shall visit the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok, with envelope (a) and envelope (b) respectively to hand them to the personnel in charge with the Embassy. Envelope (a) encloses the notification of my death to the city in Japan. (It’ll take about one and half month for the documentation process.) Envelope (b) encloses the application form for survivors’ pension.
3) ไปที่ว่าการอำเภอเอาแบบฟอร์ม ท.ร．14/1เขียนให้แล้วก็ได้รับเอกสารดังนี้ (เอกสารทะเบียนประชา) タイ国郡役場に出かけて、タイ国民登録事項証明書（トーロー第14/1号様式）に必要事項を記入して証明を受けてく ださい。（居住証明） You shall visit the county office to get T.R.14/1 certificate. ( the certificate for residence)
4) ไปธนาคารกสิกรไทยสาขาย่อยบิ๊กซีขอนแก่น ได้รับเอกสารบัญชีของคุณแม่ เพื่อได้รับบำนาญครอบครัวของผู้ตายจากญี่ปุ่น (โดยภาษาอังกฤษดีกว่า) ธนาคาร bank: ธนาคารกสิกรไทยสาขาย่อยบิ๊กซีขอนแก่น kasikornbank big-c branch office ชื่อ name: นางคำพูล สองสะาด khumpoon sonsaard แลกที่บัญชี:A/C No. ●●●-●-●●●●●-● タイ農民銀行コンケンビクシー支店にでかけ、貴女の普通預金(Saving Account)口座の証明を取得してください。 (できれば英文で証明してもらってください) 銀行名： 名前（名義）： 口座番号： You shall visit Kasikorn Bank, Khonkaen big-c branch office to get the bank deposit certificate from the same bank. (English certificate is better, if possible.) Name of Bank: Name of the account: Number of the account:
5) ส่งซองจดหมาย (b)โดยอีเอ็มเอส ก่อนส้นซองจดหมาย (b) ทำให้เจ้าหน้าที่สถานทูตญี่ปุ่นตรวจเอกสารดังนี้ 封筒 (b)をEMS郵便にて日本に郵送してください。 封筒 (b)を日本に送る前に書類のチェックを受けてください。 Envelope (b) shall be sent to Japan by EMS. Before sending it to Japan, you'd better ask the personnel in charge with the Japanese Embassy chek the document.
6) บำนาญครอบครัวของผู้ตาย จ่ายให้เริ่มแล้ว ก็จะ ได้รับเอกสารที่จะถามคุณเกี่ยวกับเหตุการขณะนี้ เอกสารดังนี้จะมาจากญี่ปุ่นทุกปี ครั้งหนึ่ง ปลายเดือนพฤศจิกายนนะครับ คุณต้องเซ็นชื่อเอกสาร แล้วก็จะ ส่งให้ญี่ปุ่นทางไปรษณีย์โดยแอร์เมล์ เอกสารดังนี้ต้องถึงญี่ปุ่น เร็วกว่าปลายเดือนธันวาคม เอกสารดังนี้ต้องส่งทางไปรษณีย์ กับ ท.ร. 14/1 (เอกสารไทยเกี่ยวกับทะเบียนประชาชน) ด้วยนะครับ 遺族年金が支給開始されてから後、日本から現況届が送られてきます。 この書類は毎年一回、１１月末に送られてきます。 書類にサインしたら、日本にエアメールで返送してください。 この書類は日本に１２月末日必着です。 この書類は、タイ国民登録事項証明書（トーロー第14/1号様式）と一緒に返送してください。 Just after commencement of payment for survivors’ pension, you will get the certificate for present status of the survivors. This certificate form will be sent to you once a year, presumably the end of November. After signing on the certificate, you shall send it to Japan as soon as possible by airmail. This certificate must arrive in Japan by the end of December. This certificate must be sent to Japan with T.R.14/1. (certificate for residence)
เขียนโดยคุณพ่อ จากสวรรค์ รักแม่มาก 天国のお父さんより、 愛するママへ Made by papa from the heaven. To my loving mama.
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 20, 2011) 2-step test to protect Japan's staple food コメ放射能検査 二段構えで日本の主食を守れ（8月19日付・読売社説）
The green ears of rice glitter in rays of summer sunlight in paddies around the country. 全国の水田では、夏の日差しを受けて青々とした稲穂が輝いている。
However, this year's harvest season is likely to be a worrying time for rice farmers as well as consumers. だが今年は、稲作農家も消費者も、気がかりな収穫期を迎えることになりそうである。
Under the government's instructions, Tokyo and 16 prefectures, including Fukushima and Miyagi, are to examine whether rice harvested in the wake of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant contains radioactive substances. 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故に伴い、福島、宮城など１７都県は政府の指示を受け、コメに含まれる放射性物質の検査を行う。
Chiba Prefecture, which harvests rice ahead of the other 16 areas, has already begun inspections. 早場米地帯の千葉県では、トップを切って検査が始まった。
Anxieties about food safety spread among consumers after beef contaminated with radioactive cesium was marketed. 放射性セシウムに汚染された牛肉が出回り、食品に対する消費者の不安が広がっている。
The central government and concerned local governments must conduct thorough inspections so consumers can eat rice without fear. If contaminated rice is discovered, the governments must make every possible effort to prevent it from being marketed. 政府と関係自治体は徹底した検査で、安心して食べられるコメを確保し、万一、汚染米が見つかった場合には市場に流通させぬよう万全を期す必要がある。
Rice inspections comprise two steps. 検査は二段構えだ。
First, preharvest rice is sampled and tested in villages, towns and cities where high levels of radioactive cesium are reported in the soil and air. まず、土壌や大気中のセシウム濃度が高い市町村で、収穫前にサンプル調査を行う。
Second, in municipalities where high levels of radioactive cesium are detected in rice, much more stringent inspections are carried out on harvested rice sampled in more locations. 高い数値が出た市町村では第２弾として、収穫後に検査地点を増やし、詳しく調べる。
===
Careful inspections essential
If radioactive cesium exceeding the government-set safety limit is found, the rice is banned from shipping and disposed of. Compensation for this rice will be claimed from Tokyo Electric Power Co., operator of the crippled nuclear power plant. その結果、国の基準を超えるセシウムが検出された場合は、出荷停止、廃棄処分、東京電力への損害賠償請求という流れになる。
The total production of rice in Tokyo and the 16 prefectures is 4.6 million tons, half of the national production. １７都県のコメ生産量は約４６０万トンで全国のほぼ半分を占める。
If the safety of Japan's staple food is threatened, the effect will be immeasurable. 主食の安全性が脅かされる事態になれば、影響は計り知れない。
In the beef case, authorities were slow in taking countermeasures. The beef was found to be contaminated only after the meat had already been shipped. 牛肉問題では行政の対応が後手に回り、汚染が見つかったのは出荷後だった。
Unlike cattle, rice does not have individual identification numbers. If it is marketed, there is no way to trace contaminated rice. 牛と違って、コメには個体識別番号がなく、市場に出回れば追跡しようがない。
This means that rice must be inspected much more carefully. それだけに丁寧な検査が求められる。
However, prefectural inspection institutes already have enough on their hands, as they have to deal with contaminated beef and rice straw. 牛肉や稲わらの汚染に追われ、各県の検査機関は手いっぱいだ。
If inspections take time, a significant delay in rice shipments could result. 検査に手間取ればコメの出荷が大幅に遅れかねない。
Regardless, priority must be placed on safety. だが、ここは安全確認を優先すべきだろう。
===
Easy explanations needed
The rice distribution system in Japan is very complicated, and due consideration should be paid to the management system if contaminated rice is found. ただし、コメの流通は複雑である。汚染米が見つかった場合の管理体制も十分に配慮すべきだ。
Three years ago there was a case in which imported rice containing the residue of an agricultural chemical exceeding the safety limit and toxic mold was sold illegally to third parties as edible rice. ３年前には、基準以上の農薬やカビが付着した輸入米が、食用に不正転売されていた事故米事件が起きた。
Authorities must never make such a mistake again. 同様のミスは許されない。
Some consumers voiced concern that they would not feel safe even if the rice contains radioactive substances below the government-set limit. 消費者からは「国の基準を下回っても安心できない」といった声も聞かれる。
Due to these fears, consumers want to purchase rice harvested last year, before the nuclear accident. 原発事故の前に収穫された昨年産米が人気を集めているのも、不安心理からだろう。
In a report by an international organization on the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster in the former Soviet Union in 1986, radioactive cesium was detected in the soil, but this did not cause any health problems. １９８６年のチェルノブイリ原発事故の際もセシウムが土壌中などで検出されたが、セシウムによる健康被害はなかったと、国際機関が報告をまとめている。
The government must explain to consumers in layman's terms the safety of rice based on scientific grounds to prevent them from overreacting to radioactive contamination. 政府は、消費者が過剰反応することのないようコメの安全性の科学的根拠について分かりやすく説明する必要がある。
We expect consumers also to respond calmly to the situation. 消費者も冷静な対応を心がけてほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 19, 2011) （2011年8月19日01時14分 読売新聞）
●英語翻訳： English translation ภาษาไทย Letter from the Heaven To whom it may concern: It is nice to see you again. This letter is a kind of letter from the heaven, because I’ve already passed away. Myself have created this letter when I’m still alive. I’ve requested my wife, Khumpoon Sonsaard to send this letter to you immediately after my death. I’d like to express my sincere gratitude to you and your kind assistance when I’m alive. Thank you very much indeed. Here enclosed is an attachment of this letter for your further assistance to the bereaved. I’ve made every effort in creating this document but if there may be any mistake, please send it back to my wife, Khumpoon Sonsaard for necessary correction. Then, my wife will visit the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok for appropriate advice and assistance. I’ve already made for an arrangement in this regard with the Japanese Embassy in Bangkok. It’s almost impossible for my wife to understand Japanese words, so staff of the Japanese Embassy is a must to carry out the deal, as they can contact my wife with Thai language. I hope my family is able to spend a happy life, even after my death. I never forget your thoughtful mind and kindness given to my family and myself. Thank you so much. Kiyoshi Matsui, from the Heaven.
2011/08/19 --The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 18 EDITORIAL: Noda should watch his mouth 野田氏の発言―言葉を選ぶ器量を待つ
Finance Minister Yoshihiko Noda should think more carefully about the implications of his words when talking about sensitive topics if he wants to become prime minister. 首相をめざす志があるなら、よく考えてほしい。
Noda recently said the Class-A war criminals interred at the Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo--wartime leaders of Japan who were convicted by the postwar Tokyo tribunal--are no longer war criminals. 野田佳彦財務相が、靖国神社に合祀（ごうし）されているＡ級戦犯について、戦争犯罪人ではないとの見解を示した。
During the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, Noda rebutted Koizumi's argument that they were war criminals. In an Aug. 15 news conference, Noda said his position on the issue had basically not changed since that time. 野田氏は小泉内閣時代、戦争犯罪人だとする小泉氏に反論しており、１５日の記者会見で「（当時と）基本的に変わりありません」と答えた。
Noda put his view on the issue in a written question to the Koizumi Cabinet. 野田氏は、小泉内閣への質問主意書に以下の趣旨を記した。
The war criminals were pardoned, released or executed under agreements between the countries running the postwar judicial process, he argued. A basic tenet of modern law is that a person's criminal guilt disappears when the sentence has been carried out. 「戦犯」は関係国の同意のもと赦免・釈放され、あるいは死刑が執行されている。刑が終了した時点で、罪は消滅するのが近代法の理念である――。
In short, Noda believes the war criminals are no longer criminals because they paid their debt to society. 刑を終えたのだから、もはや犯罪者ではない。
He went on to ask what was wrong with the prime minister's visit to the Yasukuni Shrine if the people enshrined there were not criminals. まつられているのが犯罪者でない以上、首相の靖国参拝にどんな問題があるのか、という理屈立てだ。
The question here is not whether the sentences given to the wartime leaders were carried out. It is a historical issue about whether their acts were in fact war crimes. だが問われているのは刑を終えたか否かではなく、彼らの行為が戦争犯罪かどうかであり、歴史認識である。
Noda is off the mark. 野田氏の議論は焦点を外している。
What he says does nothing but unnecessarily hurt the feelings of many people, both Japanese and foreign, whose relatives were killed in the war. 国の内外を問わず、戦争で肉親を失った数多くの人々の心情をいたずらに傷つけるだけだ。
Noda is a member of the Cabinet and intends to run in the Democratic Party of Japan's upcoming election to choose its president. 野田氏は現職閣僚であり、まもなく行われる民主党代表選に立候補する意向を固めている。
If he becomes prime minister, he will have to speak about Japan's past as the representative of our nation. 首相になれば過去の歴史を背負い、日本国を代表して発言しなければならない。
He needs to exercise discretion in both action and words. 行動を慎み、言葉を選ぶのが当然だ。
Noda did not visit the Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15, the anniversary of the end of the war. 一方で、野田氏はこの終戦記念日に参拝しなかった。
When he ran for the party leadership race in 2002, he said he would not make an official visit to the shrine on the anniversary if he became prime minister, saying such an act would cause a diplomatic row. ０２年に代表選に立候補した際は「外交問題を引き起こす」ことを理由に、首相になっても終戦記念日の公式参拝はしないと言った。
But, if he puts importance on Japan's diplomacy, Noda should explain his views about this and other war-related issues. 外交を大切にするのなら、誠意ある言葉で説明すべきだ。
South Korea's Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade has criticized Noda's remarks as an attempt to deny the facts about Japan's invasions of its neighbors. 発言を受けて、韓国外交通商省は「侵略の歴史を否定しようとする言動だ」と批判している。
Noda's stance on the war criminal issue would have unwanted effects on Japan's relations with China and South Korea but also the United States, which led the Tokyo tribunal. 中国や韓国のみならず、東京裁判を主導した米国との関係にも良い影響は及ぼすまい。
Noda will face questions about this issue during the party leadership contest. 代表選に立候補しても、この点を問われるに違いない。
He needs to offer convincing and responsible answers to these questions and talk about his ideas about the war if he wants to be recognized as someone qualified to head the party and become Japan's prime minister. その時、自らの歴史認識も含めてきちんと話し、代表、そして首相の有資格者だと示してもらわなければならない。
In an article on the agenda he would pursue as the nation's leader, published in the September issue of the Bungei Shunju monthly magazine, Noda expressed his determination to tackle three crises: the decline of domestic industry, energy shortages and Japan's fiscal ills. 野田氏は、文芸春秋９月号に公表した「わが政権構想」で、国内産業の衰退や、電力・エネルギー、財政の「三つの危機」に取り組む決意を示している。
These certainly should be the top policy priorities at the moment and Noda should try to create a political environment that will allow for effective efforts to grapple with these formidable challenges. 確かに、いま優先すべきはそれらの課題だろう。とすれば、課題に取り組めるよう、野田氏は自ら環境を整えるべきだ。
Japan has been making serious, long-term efforts to come to terms with war-related issues. 歴史をめぐる問題は、苦労を重ねながらここまで積み上げてきた。
Japan's leader should not do or say anything that could undermine the progress that has been made or create a situation that makes it difficult for the nation to tackle the real problems it faces today. 国のリーダーの言動で再び歩みを止め、処理すべき課題に向き合えない事態を繰り返すべきではない。
2011/08/18 --The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 17 EDITORIAL: China's new flattop is a 'paper tiger' 中国空母―今は「張り子の虎」でも
China's first aircraft carrier departed from the country's northeastern port of Dalian for sea trials on Aug. 10. The launch was cheered not only at the dockside but around China. 中国初の空母が出航した。地元の大連だけでなく、中国各地で多くの人々が喝采した。
The Chinese have not forgotten invasions of their country in the 19th and 20th centuries by the great powers and appear to see this aircraft carrier as a symbol of their national strength. 列強の侵略を受けた記憶がまだ生々しい中国だからこそ、強国の象徴として空母が国民から歓迎されるのだろう。
However, the new vessel is an unsettling development for China's neighbors. しかし、近隣国は心穏やかにはいられない。
Some countries, including Vietnam, which have territorial disputes with China over islands in the South China Sea, are understandably alarmed. 南シナ海の島々をめぐり、中国と領有権を争うベトナムなどからすれば、脅威と映るのは当然だ。
In fact, the ship in question is an old tub that had its keel laid in the 1980s in the Soviet Union. It was dumped after the Soviet system collapsed. とはいえ、この空母は旧ソ連が１９８０年代に建造を始めたものの、崩壊とともに投げ出された旧世代の艦である。
The Chinese have reportedly refitted it completely, but it has no aircraft on board yet. 全面的に改修されたようではあるが、艦載機はまだ配備されていない。
The purpose of the sea trial is just to check the vessel's engine and radar performance and other functions. エンジンやレーダーなどの性能を確認するのが当面の航行目的だ。
Mao Tse-tung once described the U.S. nuclear bomb as a "paper tiger." 毛沢東はかつて、米国の原子爆弾を「張り子の虎」と呼んだ。
As things stand now, we can probably borrow the former Chinese leader's words with reference to the Chinese aircraft carrier. これに倣えば、試験航行したばかりの空母も、今の段階では「張り子の虎」に過ぎないといえるかもしれない。
It doesn't even have a name yet. 名前もまだつけられていない。
The real question is how China intends to develop its naval capability in the future. 問題は、中国が今後、空母をはじめとする海軍力をどのように展開していくかだ。
China, buoyed by its rapid economic rise, has begun to assert its national interests around the globe and has already done a phenomenal job of beefing up its navy to secure sea lanes and resources. 中国は経済発展とともに、世界中に「国益」を広げてきた。シーレーンや資源の確保のため、これまでも海軍力を目覚ましく増強させてきた。
Although no official announcement has been made, China is understood to be building its first completely domestically produced aircraft carrier in Shanghai. 公表されていないが、上海では初の国産空母を建造中だ。
The project will rely on data from the Soviet-built flattop's sea trial. 試験航行している空母のデータは国産空母に活用されるという。
The country is also in the process of developing anti-ship ballistic missiles that could target U.S. aircraft carriers. 米軍空母も目標とできる対艦弾道ミサイルも開発中だ。
Southeast Asian nations that are concerned about China's new assertiveness are stepping up their joint military exercises with the United States and increasing defense spending. 中国への警戒感から、東南アジア各国は米軍との共同軍事演習に力を入れるとともに、国防予算を増やしている。
They are hurrying to acquire submarines and battleships offering more advanced capabilities. 潜水艦や艦船の導入を急ぎ、装備の更新に余念がない。
India, which already has aircraft carriers, is now building a new flattop and is in the process of upgrading its submarine fleet. すでに空母を持つインドは新空母を建造中で、潜水艦の整備も進めている。
In the meantime, the economic ties between these nations and China are growing stronger. その一方で、各国とも中国との経済的な結びつきは強まるばかりだ。
Asian economies including China's are developing rapidly, but income gaps are widening. 中国をはじめアジアの経済は大きく発展しているが、国内の経済格差は拡大している。
We find it unfortunate that these countries are pouring their financial resources into military expansion when that money should be spent on social security and infrastructure development. 社会保障の充実やインフラ整備に注ぐべき財源を軍備拡張に多く費やすのはいかがなものか。
We believe each country should focus on fostering mutual trust through patient diplomacy. 各国とも地道な外交努力を通じて信頼醸成をめざす道を優先させるべきだ。
We would like to re-emphasize the gravity of China's responsibilities as a major power. その際、圧倒的な力を持つ中国の責任の大きさを改めて指摘しておきたい。
That said, Japan is at odds with China in the East China Sea. 日本も東シナ海で中国と対立している。
The situation in the South China Sea is not something we can dismiss as none of our business. 南シナ海の情勢もひとごとではない。
Japan's defense policy is based on its alliance with the United States, and, in the context of that alliance, it is collaborating with other Asian countries to deal with China. 日米同盟を軸にアジア諸国と協調しながら中国に向き合う。
While maintaining this basic stance, Japan also needs to make a greater effort than ever to improve direct relations with China. その基本線を押さえたうえで、中国との直接的な関係を深める努力もこれまで以上に必要だ。
(Mainichi Japan) August 17, 2011 Renewable energy expansion proposed in bill an unavoidable step for Japan 社説：再生エネ法 着実に取り組む体制を
A bill requiring utilities to purchase renewable energy at fixed prices is now expected to pass in the Diet. 再生可能エネルギー固定価格買い取り法案が成立の見通しとなった。
While many challenges still lie ahead, the establishment of a sustainable energy system is something that Japan cannot avoid, and we throw our support behind the development. 解決が必要な問題が数多く残されているものの、持続可能なエネルギーシステムの構築は、避けては通れない課題だ。利用が着実に拡大するよう、後押ししたい。
According to the proposed bill, utilities will buy electricity generated from renewable energy sources such as solar, wind and geothermal power, the cost of which utilities can then add to consumers' electricity bills. 太陽光や風力、地熱など再生可能エネルギーによってつくられた電力を電力会社が買い上げ、そのコストを電力料金に上乗せして回収するのが、この法案のポイントだ。
Utilities heretofore have bought only surplus energy from home solar systems, but passage of the bill will require utilities to purchase electricity generated by outside providers solely for sales purposes as well. これまでは自家使用を除く余剰分の買い取りだったが、純粋に販売目的の電力も新たに買い上げの対象となる。
The original goal of the bill was to curb the emission of greenhouse gases. 温室効果ガスの排出抑制がこの法案のもともとの目的だった。
However, after the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami triggered a nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant, the bill took on a whole new meaning. しかし、東日本大震災に伴う福島第１原子力発電所の事故を経て、原発への依存の見直しという観点が加わった。
As circumstances today differ drastically from when the bill was first drawn up, it's only natural that the bill has been revised. 法案策定段階と状況が大きく異なっており、修正が加えられたのは当然の成り行きだ。
The prices at which utilities will purchase electricity will be based on deliberations conducted by a third-party commission, whose members must be endorsed by the Diet. 買い取り価格は、人事に国会の同意が必要な第三者委員会の検討をもとに決める。
A new proviso has also been added to the bill ensuring the implementation of measures to aid industries that consume large quantities of electricity. また、電力使用量が多い産業には負担軽減措置をとるといったことが、新たに盛り込まれた。
Both maintaining transparency in the process by which electricity prices are set and offering special considerations for industries that will be greatly affected by the developments are crucial. 価格の決定過程を透明化し、影響の大きな産業に配慮することは必要な措置だ。
Prices must be set high enough to provide an incentive for private corporations and other parties to break into the business of energy generation. ただ、買い取り価格がある程度高くないと、参入意欲は高まらない。
If set too high, however, the new electricity surcharges could pose too much of a burden on large-scale energy consumers, which may then result in the hollowing out of industry and increased unemployment. かといって、価格が高くなりすぎると負担が大きくなり、産業の空洞化による雇用などへの影響も心配しなければならなくなる。
As such, prices must strike the right balance. バランスのとれた価格設定が重要だ。
The unstable supply and the varied voltages and frequencies of solar- and wind-based energy are an additional concern. また、太陽光や風力による発電は、発電量が不安定なのに加え、電圧や周波数といった電力の質の面での問題も抱えている。
Furthermore, as the power distribution networks currently used by individual utilities will not be sufficient to accommodate the new energy system, arrangements such as the widespread use of various power distribution networks must be made. 現在の電力会社ごとの送電網運用では導入に限界があるため、送電網の広域運用など導入量を増やす仕組みを構築する必要がある。
The strategy of initially storing generated electricity in batteries set up by households and businesses before stabilizing the energy is another way to expand the use of renewable energy. 家庭や事業所に設置した電池にいったん蓄え、安定化を図るといった方策も、再生エネルギーの活用拡大につながるだろう。
Although one of the original motivations behind the increased use of renewable energy sources had been the reduction of greenhouse gases, in light of the nuclear disaster and the nuclear power plants that are currently not in operation as a result, we have no choice but to increase our use of fossil fuels such as oil, natural gas and coal for the time being. 再生可能エネルギーの活用に期待されていたのは、温室効果ガスの抑制だったが、原発の停止にともない当面は、石油や天然ガス、石炭といった化石燃料に頼る分を増やさざるを得ない。
This means we have a huge task ahead of us: reducing our dependence on nuclear power while also aiming to reduce the emission of greenhouse gases. その分も含め、原発への依存度を下げつつ温室効果ガスの排出抑制も目指さなければならない。ハードルは高い。
Realizing the widespread use of electricity generated from renewable sources is something we cannot postpone. ただ、持続可能なエネルギー供給の実現は不可避の課題だ。
And we must not forget that adopting the new energy system will promote the growth of new business opportunities, including the creation of a smart grid -- the digitization of electrical grids through collaboration with the communications industry. また、そこには新しい産業を育てる面があることも忘れてはならない。通信と連携して賢い電力の使い方を探るスマートグリッドなどだ。
We hope to continue promoting the expansion of renewable energy, along with energy conservation and related policies. 省エネなど他の方策とも合わせて、着実に取り組んでいきたい。
2011/08/16 --The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 14 EDITORIAL: Thinking about the end of the war; for a better democracy. 終戦に思う―今、民主主義を鍛え直す
A young officer murmurs: "There is never any victory for those who do not progress. The best thing that could happen to us is to be defeated now and thus wake up. When will we be saved if we don't wake up now?" 「進歩のないものは決して勝たない。負けて目覚めることが最上の道だ。……今目覚めずしていつ救われるか」。青年士官がつぶやく。
In the spring of 1945, the Japanese battleship Yamato received orders to embark on a suicide mission. 戦艦大和（やまと）は昭和２０年春、帰還のあてない特攻出撃を命じられた。
The young officer's words were written down by a shipmate, Mitsuru Yoshida, in his "Senkan Yamato no Saigo" (Requiem for Battleship Yamato). 青年士官とともに乗艦した吉田満（みつる）が一部始終を書いた「戦艦大和ノ最期」にある。
His country had effectively forced him to meaningless end, but it seems the young officer still clung to hope. 青年士官は、無駄死にを強いたに等しい国でも、せめて、未来には希望を託したのだろう。
Yet, did we really achieve progress? Did we wake up? Have we really been saved? Aug. 15 marks the 66th anniversary of Japan's defeat in World War II. しかし、私たちは、進歩し、目覚め、救われたのだろうか。明日、敗戦から６６年。
--When will we wake up, if not now?-- ■今目覚めずしていつ
In August, shortly before Japan's defeat, a young trainee officer who was drafted as a student found himself on the Satsuma Peninsula in Kagoshima Prefecture. 敗戦間際の８月、学徒出陣で見習士官になった若者が鹿児島県薩摩半島にいた。
He was in command of troops preparing for a final showdown with U.S. forces. 中隊を率い米軍との決戦に備えていた。
They were defending an area they called "Ichikoro Jinchi" (easily defeated trench). 守る場所を「イチコロ陣地」と呼んだ。
They had four cannons and only 72 rounds. 配備された４門の大砲に砲弾はわずか７２発。
In a shooting match, their ammunition would not last even a few minutes. 撃ち続ければ数分ももたない。
When he asked his superior officer, "How are we going to fight with this?", the major replied on the spur of the moment, "When it comes to the push, there will be loads and loads of shells." 「これでどうやって戦うのか」と問うと、上官の少佐は、その場しのぎに「いざという時にはうなるほどの砲弾が来る」と言った。
After the war, the young trainee officer joined the Ministry of Finance and became a so-called elite bureaucrat. 若者は戦後、旧大蔵省に入りエリートと呼ばれる身となる。
Ritsuo Isobe, now 89, once headed the National Tax Agency. 磯辺律男元国税庁長官（８９）は戦時中のエリート、職業軍人らをこう見る。
His view of the wartime elite, mainly professional soldiers, is that "they were interested in nothing but their own promotion, and spared no thought about how they should conduct themselves for the sake of their country and the people." 「自分の階級を上げることしか関心がなく、国のため、国民のために自らがどうあるべきかを考えなかった」
In those days, the country sought additional enemies despite already being caught up in the quagmire of the Sino-Japanese war. 既に日中戦争の泥沼にはまっていたのに新たな敵を求めた。
As the United States was Japan's supplier of oil and other resources, it was unthinkable that Japan would dive headlong into the Pacific War against that country. 石油など資源の供給元だった米国相手の太平洋戦争への突入はあり得べからざることだった。
Yet, it was the military professionals who twisted the narrative, self-servingly calling it a war of survival and a matter of self-defense. それを自存自衛と都合よく言い換え、追い立てたのは軍人たちだった。
They rallied the country around those slogans. The citizens, whipped up into a frenzy by the early victories, answered the call and rallied around the military men. 国民も当初の勝利に浮かれ、軍人をもり立てた。
Why did they choose the path of self-destruction? なぜ、自滅への戦争を選んだのか。
In December, the movie "Isoroku Yamamoto" will be released. 今年１２月、映画「山本五十六（いそろく）」が公開される。
The actor playing the commander-in-chief of the Imperial Japanese Navy's Combined Fleet is Koji Yakusho. 山本連合艦隊司令長官を演じての思いを役所広司さんに尋ねた。
When we asked him his views after having played Yamamoto, Yakusho answered, "This country has a history of the elite running things as they see fit, and thinking that's all right. The same thing is happening now. 「この国にはエリートが自分たちに都合よく回しておけばいい、という歴史があり、今も続いている。
And on the other hand, the public is always serious about making money, but tends to forget things that are important." 一方で国民はビジネスや金もうけは真剣だが大事なことを忘れていく」と答えた。
--A negative structure repeated-- ■負の構図再び
The same pattern was repeated after the war. 戦後も繰り返された。
In the case of the bubble economy, the responsibility lay with the bureaucrats who left the excessive money supply as it was, and also with the public. That is because they capitalized on the booming assets by snatching up real estate and stocks, thereby inflating their prices far beyond their actual worth. バブル経済は、金余りを放置した官僚たちと、それに乗じて土地や株を買いあさり、本来の価値以上につり上げた国民の責任だ。
As a result, the prices of these assets went into a nosedive, creating a huge amount of bad loans. But the bureaucrats procrastinated about releasing information, which in turn delayed the solution. 揚げ句、暴落し多額の不良債権が発生したが、官僚は実態の公開を渋り解決が遅れた。
"The country was defeated, but there are roads." 「国破れて道路あり」。
Spending on public works projects spun out of control. 公共事業に大盤振る舞い。
Wasteful investments were made one after another, turning farm roads into airstrips, erecting opulent public buildings, and so on. 農道空港や豪華な箱もの施設など無駄な投資が積み重ねられた。
After the spending spree, we were left with an enormous fiscal deficit. 宴（うたげ）の後に膨大な財政赤字が残った。
And now the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. Was that not a story caused by overconfidence in the "nuclear village" comprising electric power companies, pro-nuclear bureaucrats and scholars? そして福島第一原発の事故。原子力村の自己過信が招いた物語でなかったか。
Despite being one of the most quake-prone countries on Earth, Japan built 54 nuclear reactors, apparently ignoring the fact that massive tsunami are known to strike. 世界有数の地震国。大津波も襲う大地に５４基もの原発を造った。
There were even plans to build at least 14 additional reactors by 2030, and raise our reliance on nuclear energy for electricity generation to 50 percent or higher. さらに２０３０年までに１４基以上増やし、総電力中の原子力を５割以上にする計画を立てていた。
Our excessive reliance on nuclear power was left unchecked and tolerated. 原発依存の過剰さが放置、容認されてきた。
The Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry, along with the power companies, closed their eyes to the realities of this quake-prone country. 経済産業省や電力会社は、地震国の真実に目を塞いだ。
They released convenient and palatable information, but they hid inconvenient data. 都合のいい情報は伝えるが不利なデータは隠す。
They also staged fake Q&A sessions to manipulate public opinion. さらにやらせ質問で世論を誘導。
This is just as bad as the wartime "daihonei happyo," or the military wartime propaganda that issued lie after lie about the war situation. ウソを重ねた軍部の「大本営発表」顔負けだ。
But is this just the nuclear village's fault? でも原子力村だけの責任か。
Tatsuhiro Kamisato, a project associate professor at the University of Tokyo, is a member of the Nippon Mae e Iinkai (Japan forward committee) set up by The Asahi Shimbun. He says the true cause of the nuclear crisis lies in the fact that "we failed to carry out a full-fledged democratic debate about nuclear energy," and that both "the closed system of experts" and "the lack of interest among most of the public" were complicit in allowing the accident to happen. 朝日新聞が設けた「ニッポン前へ委員会」の神里（かみさと）達博委員（東大特任准教授）は原発事故の真因として「原子力について民主的な熟議を怠ってきた」とし、「閉鎖的な専門家システム」と「大半の国民の無関心」という共犯関係によって生じたと指摘している。
National defense and securing stable energy supplies are vital functions of government. 国を守る力もエネルギーも必要な機能だ。
But the public went so far as to entrust their lives and properties to the bureaucrats and experts, sometimes standing by and just watching, while at other times making frantic efforts to obtain profits. しかし国民が自らの生命や財産まで官僚や専門家集団に委ね、ある時は傍観、ある時は狂奔した。
Perhaps this national habit of dependency and irresponsibility lies at the root of the repetitive failures that our country has experienced. この人任せと無責任が、度重なる失敗の根底にあるのではないか。
-- Our intent to protect -- ■自らの意思で守る
Each and every individual citizen should have the intent to protect their life and property; it is then that citizens can choose the people who will take those intentions and turn them into reality, make them our politicians and have them work for us. 生命や財産は、国民一人一人が守り抜くという意思を持ち、その意思を実現できる人物を政治家に選び、働かせる。
We have no choice but to create a system whereby the public and politicians can check the value and risks of a given issue. 国民と政治家が問題の価値やリスクをチェックできる仕組みを作り上げる、
This essentially amounts to reconstructing a better, more decent democracy. We have no other choice. すなわち民主主義を真っ当なものに鍛え直すしかない。
Information is desperately important. 死活的に重要なのは情報だ。
Alex Kerr, a scholar on East Asian culture, says that bureaucrats and a handful of experts have dominated information, and it was up to them to make the decisions. 東洋文化研究者アレックス・カーさんは「情報が官僚や一部の専門家に握られ、決断も彼らがしてきた。
By rights, that should be the politicians' and citizens' job, but they have been neglected, he says. 本来、政治家や国民が果たすべき役割がなおざりにされてきた」と指摘する。
As early as 2002, Kerr already wrote in his book, "Dogs and Demons: Tales from the Dark Side of Modern Japan," how Japan's pork-barrel, bureaucrat-led politics and information manipulation by the nuclear village constituted the dark side of Japan. 彼は２００２年の著書「犬と鬼・知られざる日本の肖像」で、既に利権政治と官僚主導に加え原子力村の情報操作を日本の暗部として書いていた。
He says that this structure has not changed since the war, all the way down to Fukushima. In order to change this, there is no other way but to tear down their monopoly of information, he says. 「この構造は戦争から福島まで変わらない。変えるには情報独占を打ち崩すしかない」と話す。
Healthy, independent journalism bears a heavy responsibility and has a major role to play. 健全で利害から独立したジャーナリズムが果たすべき責任と役割は重い。
Our role is to prevent the bureaucrats from monopolizing or manipulating information, and make sure that everyone whose lives and assets might be at risk get to share that information. 情報を官僚らに独占、操作させず、生命や資産が脅かされる可能性のある人全員が共有する。
We seek to fulfill our role without forgetting the history of failures. 失敗の歴史を忘却せず使命を果たしてゆきたい。
Only after having done so can we finally reply to the young officer on the Yamato. "Finally, we will take one step forward so that we can wake up and be saved." そうしてこそ大和の青年士官に答えられる。「私たちもようやく、目覚め救われるように、一歩前に出ます」と。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 14, 2011) Free riders make mockery of toll-free Tohoku expressways 東北高速無料化 「ただ乗り」許せば意味がない（8月13日付・読売社説）
One of the most glaring deficiencies of the populist policies espoused by Prime Minister Naoto Kan and the Democratic Party of Japan has been exposed. 菅民主党政権のポピュリズム体質のひずみが、また一つ露呈したと言えるだろう。
Many drivers have been taking advantage of the exemption on expressway tolls for trucks in the disaster-struck Tohoku region to travel without paying. 東北地方の高速道路無料化に便乗したトラックの「ただ乗り」問題である。
Hundreds of long-distance truck drivers bound for Tokyo and its vicinity from western Japan have exploited loopholes in this system by taking a longer route to get on or off at a toll-free section and avoid paying. 西日本から東京方面などへ向かう長距離トラックが、わざわざ遠回りして無料化の対象区間で乗り降りし、高速料金を浮かせるという“裏技”が横行している。
The system was intended to smooth the flow of goods to disaster areas by lowering transportation costs. トラックを対象とした無料化は本来、輸送コストを引き下げて被災地向けの物流を円滑にすることが目的だった。
However, a large number of truckers that have nothing to do with recovery work have abused the system by repeatedly traveling long distances on expressways for free. ところが、復興支援とは無関係のトラックが制度の不備を突き、ただ乗りを繰り返している。
This has resulted in traffic often backing up from toll gates as far as driving lanes, and frustrated ordinary drivers. 料金所から走行車線まで続く長い渋滞に、一般ドライバーからは不満の声が上がっている。
On the other side of the coin, trucking companies and related businesses in disaster-hit areas have welcomed the toll-free system. 一方で、被災地の運送業者などは無料化を歓迎している。
===
Flawed from the beginning
We think the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry should survey residents in affected areas and conduct fact-finding investigations regarding the toll-free system. If the ministry concludes the system is doing more harm than good, it should be dumped. 国土交通省は地元の意見や実態を調査し、無料化による副作用の方が大きいと判断したら、トラックの無料化を打ち切るべきだろう。
We believe there might have been problems with making Tohoku expressways toll-free from the very beginning. そもそも東北無料化の制度自体に無理があったのではないか。
Since June 20, vehicles driven by March 11 disaster victims, people who evacuated from around the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, and midsize or larger trucks have had their tolls waived. ６月２０日から始まった無料化は、被災者が乗る車と、トラックなど中型以上の車が対象になった。
These vehicles are exempt from paying when starting from or arriving at toll gates on 20 sections of expressways in Tohoku and parts of Ibaraki and Niigata prefectures. 東北全域と茨城、新潟両県の一部の高速２０路線で乗り降りした場合、料金がかからない。
To use the system, drivers need certificates issued by municipal governments that prove they are disaster victims. However, trucks do not need these certificates and are not even asked about the purpose of their travel. 被災者は自治体の被災証明が必要だが、トラックは不要で、走行目的もチェックされない。
Consequently, trucks can travel without paying on expressway sections that have no tollgates. 途中で料金所を通過しない路線を選べば、全区間を無料で走れる。
Here's one case that highlights the system's flaws. 例えば、こんな具合だ。
A truck drives from the Kansai region via the Meishin, Chuo, Keno or Kita-Kanto expressways and passes a tollbooth at the Mito Interchange of the Joban Expressway, which is in a toll-free section. 関西から名神、中央、圏央、北関東などの高速を走り、無料化対象の常磐道水戸インターチェンジ（ＩＣ）で降りる。
The truck then makes a U-turn and drives back through the same tollgate--again without having to pay. This would enable the truck to reach its actual destination in Tokyo or neighboring areas without paying a single yen. すぐにＵターンして水戸ＩＣから乗り、本来の目的地の東京方面を目指す。
===
System must be reviewed
A transport ministry survey conducted in late July found about 800 of 6,000 trucks that went through tollgates of the Mito Interchange from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. returned to those gates--but in the opposite direction--within one hour. 国土交通省が先月下旬に調査したところ、午前７時から午後７時までに水戸ＩＣを降りたトラック約６０００台のうち、約８００台が１時間以内に戻ってきた。
This meant one or two of every 10 trucks were suspected of unfairly using the toll-free system, according to the ministry. １０台のうち１～２台は、便乗トラックの疑いがあるという。
It is also problematic that narrow streets used by children going to school and residential roads near interchanges have become clogged with heavy trucks. Many locals have complained about the trucks making dangerous U-turns and the noise they generate. ＩＣ付近の狭い通学路や生活道路に大型トラックがあふれ、危険なＵターン走行や騒音を訴える声が相次いでいるのも問題だ。
Although making a U-turn around interchanges on national highways is illegal, some truck drivers have turned around at parking lots of commercial establishments and other places. The result is that the situation remains uncorrected. 周辺の国道はＵターン禁止になったが、トラックは沿道の商業施設駐車場などで転回しており、事態は一向に改善していない。
The DPJ's campaign pledge to make all expressways toll-free is foolish because even people who do not use expressways will be forced to bear financial burdens related to them. 民主党が公約に掲げる全国の高速無料化は、利用しない人にも負担を強いるおかしな制度だ。
The confusion sparked by the toll-free Tohoku expressways should be an opportunity to put the DPJ's toll abolition plan under the microscope. 今回の東北無料化での混乱を、見直しの契機とすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 13, 2011) （2011年8月13日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 13, 2011) Japan, U.S., Europe must hasten to end fiscal crisis 世界市場混乱 日米欧は危機の収束を急げ（8月12日付・読売社説）
Unrest in global financial markets is continuing, as there is no end in sight to fiscal crises in the United States and some European countries, with credit uncertainty spreading. 世界的な市場の混乱がおさまらない。米国と欧州の財政危機の収束が見通せず、信用不安が拡大しているためだ。
International coordination must be enhanced to stabilize the markets, while Japan, the United States, European countries and emerging economies must also deal appropriately with their respective problems. 市場の安定には国際協調を強化し、日米欧や新興国がそれぞれ自国の抱える課題に適切に対処することが欠かせない。
Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven leading economies announced Monday they would jointly take every possible step to stabilize the markets. 先進７か国財務相・中央銀行総裁会議（Ｇ７）は８日、「あらゆる手段を講じる」とする緊急声明を発表した。
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board pledged in a statement issued Tuesday to keep interest rates near zero until mid-2013. 米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）も９日に、ゼロ金利政策を２０１３年半ばまで続けるとの声明を出した。
A barrage of countermeasures temporarily stopped a chain-reaction global decline in stock values, but stock markets in the United States and European countries crashed again on Wednesday. 矢継ぎ早の対応で、世界的な株安の連鎖にいったんは歯止めがかかったが、１０日の欧米市場は再び総崩れとなった。
The stock average also fell below 9,000 again on the Tokyo Stock Exchange on Thursday. １１日の東京株式市場も、平均株価が再び９０００円を割り込んだ。
However, it is not easy to deal with the latest market unrest because it has been caused by a complex web of factors. 今回の混乱は要因が複雑に絡み合っており、対応が難しい。
===
U.S., Europe blamed for unrest
Since the U.S. government failed to take drastic countermeasures against its fiscal deterioration, U.S. Treasury bonds were downgraded by Standard & Poor's. 米国は、財政悪化に大胆なメスを入れられず、米国債は格下げされた。
Under the circumstances, increased public spending to boost the economy can hardly be expected. 財政出動による景気浮揚も期待しにくい。
In Europe, fiscal crises in Greece and other countries have spread to Italy and Spain, and credit uncertainty has even spilled over to France, which is one of the countries helping them. 欧州では、ギリシャなどの財政危機がイタリアやスペインに飛び火し、さらに支援する側のフランスにも信用不安が拡大した。
Financial institutions around the world possess a huge number of government bonds issued by the United States and European countries. 米国や欧州各国の国債は世界の金融機関が大量に保有している。
If the value of those bonds plummets, financial instability will grow. 急落すれば金融不安が高まる。
The United States and European countries must proceed steadily with fiscal reconstruction and try to resolve the turmoil as soon as possible. 米欧各国は財政再建を着実に進め、混乱収拾を急がねばならない。
Meanwhile, economic overheating and inflation are concerns in emerging economies. 新興国は、景気過熱やインフレが心配だ。
According to some observers, surplus funds put out by developed countries' monetary easing measures have flowed into emerging economies to inflate economic bubbles. 先進国の金融緩和による余剰資金が流れ込み、バブルを発生させたとの見方もある。
Countries around the world must work together and steer their respective economic policies cautiously to prevent bubbles in emerging economies from collapsing and to make soft landings possible. バブル崩壊を防ぎ、新興国の経済を軟着陸させるには、国際協調による慎重なかじ取りが求められる。
===
Economic stimulus needed
Although the Japanese government and the Bank of Japan conducted an independent yen-selling intervention, the yen's value still remains high and is likely at any time to again reach a postwar record value above the 76 yen-to-the-dollar level. 日本では、政府・日銀による単独為替介入の後も、円相場は１ドル＝７６円台の最高値をうかがう水準にある。
The government and the central bank must conduct a concerted intervention with the United States and European countries to demonstrate their determination not to allow the yen's further appreciation. 欧米各国との協調介入を実現し、円高進行を断固阻止する姿勢を示す必要があろう。
The government has upgraded the nation's economic outlook to "picking up" because it considers the economic downturn caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and subsequent tsunami to be almost over. 震災による景気悪化が一段落したとして、政府は景気判断を「持ち直し」に上方修正した。
It also assumes a scenario in which Japan's economic growth will shift into high gear with overseas demand as a driving force, but we think this prospect is too rosy because the future of economies abroad does not allow much room for optimism. さらに海外需要をテコに成長が本格化するとのシナリオを描いているが、海外経済の先行きは楽観できない。見通しが甘すぎる。
The government must prioritize economic stimulus measures in its policy management. 景気優先の政策運営が欠かせない。
Projects to restore damage caused by the disaster will lead to expansion of domestic demand. 震災復興事業は内需拡大につながる。
It should daringly proceed with such projects after securing stable financial resources. 安定財源を確保し、大胆に事業を推進していくべきだ。
Confusion over the nation's energy policy under Prime Minister Naoto Kan's administration, especially on such issues as denuclearization, has raised the specter of severe electricity shortages and caused public concern over the future of the nation's economic growth. 「脱原発依存」をはじめ、迷走する菅政権のエネルギー政策が電力不足を招き、成長の先行き不安も引き起こしている。
The nation's growth strategy and energy policy must be put back into shape as Kan's Cabinet finally is coming to its end. 「ポスト菅」に向けて、成長戦略やエネルギー政策を、しっかりと立て直さなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 12, 2011) （2011年8月12日01時08分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 12, 2011) Next administration must show clear path to reconstruction 読売緊急提言 新首相の下で復興体制確立を（8月11日付・読売社説）
◆財源は消費税率引き上げを柱に◆
As of Thursday, it has been five months since the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, but reconstruction of disaster-hit areas has been greatly delayed from the government's initial schedule. 東日本大震災の発生から５か月たつのに、復興が大幅に遅れている。
Disposal of the massive amount of debris in the areas has not progressed smoothly, while many disaster survivors are still forced to live in evacuation centers. 被災地では大量のがれき処理が進まず、多数の被災者はいまだに避難所生活を余儀なくされている。
There is also political turmoil as a result of Prime Minister Naoto Kan's irresponsible extemporaneous remarks and ad hoc responses to various issues. 菅首相の思いつき発言と場当たり的な対応で、政治の混迷が続く。
There are even fears the Japanese economy will lose momentum due to upsets in financial markets, such as the hyper-appreciation of the yen and global plunges in stock prices. 超円高や世界的な株安などの市場の混乱により、日本の景気の腰折れすら懸念される。
At this juncture, we have no time to lose in drastically changing the current political framework. 政治体制の刷新に、もはや一刻の猶予も許されない。
The Yomiuri Shimbun has compiled a set of emergency proposals concerning reconstruction from the great earthquake. 読売新聞社は、震災復興に関する緊急提言をまとめた。
The central and local governments should unite to accelerate efforts to reconstruct the quake- and tsunami-hit areas and rebuild the lives of people in those areas as early as possible. 国と地方が一体となって復興作業を加速し、被災地の暮らしを一日も早く再建させたい。
It is also an urgent task to decontaminate areas tainted by radiation around the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. 福島第一原子力発電所の周辺の放射能除染作業も急務だ。
Japan must overcome the great earthquake and the nuclear crisis and realize a strong economic recovery. 大震災と原発事故を克服し、力強い景気回復を実現しなければならない。
What is really necessary is to restore political leadership in the nation. 何よりも必要なのは政治のリーダーシップを取り戻すことだ。
===
Chose new DPJ head quickly ◆代表選の論戦が重要だ◆
The prime minister, who announced his intention to resign in early June, still clings to the post, inviting serious paralysis in domestic and foreign policy. He must resign immediately. ６月初めに退陣表明したはずの首相が居座り、内政・外交の著しい停滞を招いている。即刻、退陣すべきである。
We would like the Democratic Party of Japan to swiftly elect Kan's successor as party president. 民主党は、速やかに新代表を選出してもらいたい。
The new DPJ president should not endlessly adhere to the party's unpopular election manifesto, which has already proved unworkable. 新代表は、破綻した政権公約（マニフェスト）にいつまでも固執することがあってはならない。
The new DPJ head should be strongly determined to bid farewell to the failed attempt to implement "government led by politicians" and able to effectively handle and make good use of bureaucrats and their expertise. 誤った「政治主導」に決別する意思と、官僚機構を使いこなす能力が求められる。
It is also indispensable for the new DPJ leader to put a premium on consultations between the ruling and opposition parties. 与野党協議を重視する姿勢も不可欠である。
Under the currently divided Diet, in which the ruling parties hold a majority in the House of Representatives and opposition parties have a majority in the House of Councillors, it is important for both blocs to cooperate in deliberating on and enacting bills. 衆参ねじれ国会では、与野党が法案の審議や成立に協力することが大事だ。
The new administration will have several options to swiftly carry out effective policy measures, including a grand coalition and cooperation from parties not represented in the cabinet. 有効な政策を迅速に遂行するためにも、新政権では大連立、閣外協力などの選択肢が考えられる。
The ruling and opposition parties need to put aside their political tug-of-war for about one year to seriously face the current national crisis. 与野党は最低１年間程度は政局の駆け引きから離れ、国難に立ち向かう必要がある。
According to the government's basic reconstruction policy, the first five years will be a period of intense reconstruction that will require revenues of at least 19 trillion yen. 政府の復興基本方針は、今後５年間を復興の集中期間とし、最低１９兆円の財源が必要と指摘した。
Of this amount, 13 trillion yen--not including money necessary for the first and second supplementary budgets for the current fiscal year--should be financed through means including the issuance of reconstruction bonds, spending cuts and non-tax revenue, the policy says. 今年度第１、２次補正予算分を除いた１３兆円の財源について、復興債の発行や歳出削減、税外収入で賄うとしている。
===
Discuss tax increase ◆増税論議を与野党で◆
Considering the nation's severe fiscal circumstances, the issuance of reconstruction bonds is unavoidable. 厳しい財政事情を考えると、復興債発行はやむを得ない。
The problem is how to secure revenues to redeem the government bonds. 問題はその復興債の償還財源をどのように確保するかである。
The government seems to be thinking about raising such key taxes as income, corporate and consumption taxes. 政府は、所得税、法人税、消費税の「基幹税」の増税を考えているようだ。
It must not leave debts to future generations, but should finance the redemption of the reconstruction bonds through stable revenue sources. 借金を将来につけ回しせず、復興債の償還を安定財源で賄うべきだ。
In this regard, we think it is most appropriate to make an increase in the consumption tax rate a major pillar of the tax hikes, because a wide variety of consumers can share the burden. 広く負担を分かち合える消費税の増税を柱とするのが妥当といえよう。
The plan for integrated reform of the tax and social security systems--which the government and ruling parties adopted in June--proposed that consumption tax revenue be used exclusively for social security purposes and the tax rate be raised to 10 percent by the middle of the 2010s. 政府・与党が６月に決めた社会保障と税の一体改革案は、消費税を社会保障財源として位置づけ、「２０１０年代半ばまでに１０％に引き上げる」と明記した。
It is reasonable to use the consumption tax revenue for social security purposes, in response to a graying society with a chronically low birthrate. 少子高齢化に対応し、消費税収を社会保障財源に充てるのは当然だ。
===
Raise consumption tax to 8%
Now that the nation is in a state of emergency, it may be advisable for the consumption tax rate to be raised by about 3 percentage points, starting in fiscal 2013, and for a considerable part of the increased revenue to be used for the redemption of the post-disaster reconstruction bonds. 非常時だからこそ、１３年度から消費税率を３％前後引き上げ、当面は増収分の相当部分を復興債の償還に使ってはどうか。
A one percentage point hike in the consumption tax would be expected to increase tax revenue by 2.5 trillion yen. 消費税率１％の引き上げで２・５兆円の増収が見込まれる。
The ruling and opposition parties should begin talks soon on the process of raising the tax rate and on the use of the increased revenue. 税率引き上げの道筋や増収分の扱いについて、与野党で早急に協議を始めるべきだ。
In connection with the issuance of post-disaster reconstruction bonds, the utilization of "buried treasure," idle funds held by individual households, is also promising. 復興債の発行に関連し、家計に眠る埋蔵金の活用も有望だ。
It may be advisable for the government to draw out this sleeping private capital by issuing a no-interest, nontaxable government bond that is exempt from inheritance tax, and utilize it for reconstruction efforts. 利子がつかない代わりに相続税が免除される「無利子非課税国債」を発行して家計の資金を引き出し、復興に活用したい。
Although the Japanese economy is picking up, there are worrisome factors, namely insufficient electricity and the rapid appreciation of the yen. 日本の景気は持ち直してきたが、懸念材料は、電力不足と急激な円高進行である。
===
Prevent power crisis from expanding ◆電力危機の拡大を防げ◆
In the aftermath of the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima plant, operations cannot be resumed at nuclear power plants that have completed regular inspections. 原発事故後、定期検査を終えた各地の原発の運転が再開できない状況が続く。
Operations at other nuclear power plants also are to be suspended for their regular inspections by next spring. 残る原発も来春までに検査で停止する。
A devastating power shortage is becoming more of a real possibility. 電力危機が現実味を帯びてきた。
Many companies are shifting their production bases abroad to avoid the risks stemming from the power shortage and the rapid rise of the yen. If this trend accelerates, the nation's industries will be hollowed out. 電力不足と超円高のリスクを回避するため、多くの企業が工場を海外に移転する動きを加速させると国内産業は空洞化する。
This could undermine the foundation of the national economy. 日本経済の土台が揺らぎかねない。
To prevent such economic decay, the government should first ensure the safety of nuclear power plants and have operations resume at verified plants one by one, with the central government taking responsibility. そうした衰退を防ぐには、まず原発の安全性を確認したうえで、国の責任で原発を順次、再稼働させていくべきである。
It is right for the government to pursue as an ultimate goal the promotion of such natural energies as solar, wind and geothermal power. But we cannot count on their becoming major power sources anytime soon. 太陽光、風力、地熱などの自然エネルギーの普及を目指す方向は正しいが、直ちに主要な電力源になることは期待できない。
The government should pursue the best and most realistic energy policy, while utilizing nuclear power. 政府は原子力を活用しながら、現実的で最善のエネルギー政策を追求しなければならない。
The realization of full-fledged economic expansion will boost post-disaster reconstruction and expand support to disaster-stricken areas. 本格的な景気拡大の実現が、震災復興に弾みをつけ、被災地の支援を充実させる。
The government and the Bank of Japan must do their utmost to prevent the too-rapid appreciation of the yen, which would have an adverse impact on the economy. 政府・日銀は、景気に悪影響を与える超円高の阻止に全力を挙げるべきだ。
It is also desirable to reinforce the growth strategy of drawing on the vitality of foreign economies, through cooperation between the public and private sectors. 官民連携で海外の活力を取り込む成長戦略も強化したい。
Japan must also quickly rebuild its export system, including such social infrastructure as the high-speed Shinkansen railway system and nuclear power plants for emerging economies, and participate in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. 新興国向けの新幹線や原発などのインフラ輸出体制を立て直し、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加を急ぐことも求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 11, 2011) （2011年8月11日03時04分 読売新聞）
2011/08/10 --The Asahi Shimbun, Aug. 9 EDITORIAL: Countries need to work together to avert another global financial crisis 米国債格下げ―世界危機への連鎖防げ
Standard & Poor's, the credit rating agency, has stripped the U.S. government debt of its top-notch rating for the first time in history. 初の米国債格下げ。
Europe's sovereign debt crisis is showing no signs of waning. 収まらない欧州の債務問題。
And the yen is trading at historically high levels against the greenback. そして歴史的な円高ドル安――。
Concerns about government debt in the industrialized world are threatening to create a full-blown financial crisis that will deliver a massive blow to the global economy. 財政赤字をめぐる不安が世界経済を揺るがす危機に発展しかねない。
The urgency of the situation prodded the Group of Seven leading economies into action. そんな切迫感から主要７カ国（Ｇ７）が動いた。
At an emergency conference Aug.7, their finance ministers and central bankers issued a joint statement pledging to work in tandem to regain fiscal health and restore stability in foreign exchange markets. 電話による緊急の財務相・中央銀行総裁会議を開き、財政再建や為替安定などで結束するとの声明を発した。
We welcome their quick response to the situation. 機敏な反応を歓迎する。
For many years, U.S. government bonds have been regarded as the safest financial assets in the world. 米国債は長く世界で最も安全な金融資産とされてきた。
But Standard & Poor's, one of the three major credit-rating agencies, has--for the first time ever--lowered its rating of long-term federal debt one notch from the top grade of AAA. その最上位の格付けを、大手格付け会社スタンダード・アンド・プアーズ（Ｓ＆Ｐ）が初めて引き下げた。
The investment services company said the downgrade was based mainly on a bleaker outlook for the U.S. public finances in the wake of political confusion in the Congress over the issue of increasing the government's borrowing limit. 債務上限の引き上げなどをめぐる米議会の政治的混乱から、本格的な財政再建への展望が暗い点を重く見た。
As former Federal Reserve Board Chairman Paul Volcker once said, the key question concerning the problem of government debt is not whether the country can pay back its debt but whether it has the will to do so. 政府債務問題は「その国が返済できるかどうかではなく、返済する気があるかどうかの問題だ」（ボルカー元米連邦準備制度理事会議長）といわれる。
The recent partisan squabbling over the debt ceiling issue has called into question Washington's will to tackle its fiscal woes. まさにこの点への疑義が募った。
The U.S. government and Congress should work together to come up with stronger, more convincing measures to reduce the federal debt. 米政府と議会に財政再建策の拡充を改めて求めたい。
The two other major rating agencies, Moody's Investor Service and Fitch Ratings, have decided to maintain their top credit ratings for the U.S. government. ムーディーズ、フィッチという他の大手は最上位の格付けを維持した。
There are clearly no other financial assets that are as safe, liquid and actively traded as U.S. government bonds. 相対的に信用が高く、発行量も多く、市場取引も活発な金融資産として、米国債に代わるものは他に見当たらない。
Analysts say the downgrade is unlikely to prompt investors to dump Treasuries. 投げ売りが広がる恐れは少ないとみられている。
But even the indirect effects of the downgrade are serious enough to warrant much attention. ただし、格下げの間接的な影響だけでも無視できない。
As the risk of investing in Treasuries has increased, investors are likely to try to reduce their exposure to riskier investments, with serious consequences for stocks and bonds with lower ratings. 投資家は米国債のリスクが高まった分、もっと危ない投資対象を減らして対応する可能性が高い。
The immediate worry is that the rolling sovereign debt crisis in Europe may become even worse. 株式や格付けの低い債券への影響が心配だ。まず懸念されるのが、すでに欧州で燃え上がっている政府債務危機の火に油が注がれることだ。
The G-7 joint statement called on the member states of the European Union to swiftly ratify and implement their recent agreements on measures to enhance the European Financial Stability Facility, a bailout fund to rescue debt-ridden European countries. Ｇ７の緊急声明は、欧州が先に決めた欧州金融安定化基金の強化策を加盟国が早く承認して実行するよう催促している。
Europe needs to act with haste to expand the fund so as to ease concerns about Italy's debt crisis. イタリアの不安を抑え込むため、安定化基金の拡大にも急ぎ取りかかってほしい。
The joint G-7 statement also suggested that the world's richest countries are ready to make concerted intervention in currency markets to stop the dollar from weakening further and to curb wild fluctuations in exchange rates. 緊急声明はドル安と為替相場の混乱を防ぐため、協調介入もにおわせた。
Japan wants to prevent the yen, which is already close to the all-time high against the dollar, from rising further. 日本は戦後最高値に迫る円高の進行を押しとどめたい。
But the dollar's weakness is not a problem for Japan alone. だが、ドル安は日本だけの問題ではない。
A repeat of the devaluation race that occurred last autumn must be avoided. 昨秋のような通貨安競争の再燃は避けなければならない。
The current crisis resulted from a confluence of deep-rooted problems. 進行中の危機は根が深い。
Countries need to take steps to fix their public finances while preventing their economies from sinking into recession in the face of relentless pressure from markets. 市場の圧迫に耐え、景気悪化を防ぎ、しかも財政再建を進める。
The question is whether the major industrial nations will be able to commit themselves firmly to cooperation for achieving these goals. そんな３正面作戦に向けて主要国が腰を据えて協力できるかどうか。
Also important is expanding this international cooperation to include key emerging countries like China. 中国など新興国にも連携の輪を広げられるか。
Another big challenge facing rich countries is how to deal with the consequences of the trend toward a multipolar currency system, which will be accelerated by the downgrade of U.S. government bonds. そして米国債の格下げで進むであろう国際通貨秩序の多極化にどう対応するか。
The multitude of challenges facing the world economy demands strenuous and coordinated international efforts based on a broad perspective. 山積する課題に、広い視野で当たってほしい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 10, 2011) Coordinated action on financial markets crucial Ｇ７緊急声明 問われる具体的な協調行動（8月9日付・読売社説）
Japan, the United States and European countries have made clear their determination to cooperate to avert turmoil in the financial markets resulting from the recent downgrading of the U.S. credit rating. 日米欧が連携して、米国債の格下げによる金融市場の混乱を回避する決意を明確にした。
Yet the effect has so far been limited and has failed to eliminate unease in the markets. The question now is what concrete policy coordination is needed. しかし、その効果は限定的で、市場の不安感は払拭できていない。より具体的な政策協調が問われよう。
Finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of Seven leading economies held an emergency telephone conference Monday morning (Japan time) and adopted a joint statement. 日米欧の先進７か国財務相・中央銀行総裁会議（Ｇ７）は８日朝、緊急に電話で協議し、共同声明を採択した。
They held the conference right before the opening of Asian financial markets, indicating their sense of crisis and intention to forestall unrest in the markets. 東京やアジア市場が開く直前に会議を開いたのは、市場の動揺を警戒し、先手を打ちたいＧ７の危機感の表れだ。
It also said, "We are committed to taking coordinated action where needed," making clear their stance of supporting the markets by supplying ample funds. 共同声明は、「金融安定化と成長を支えるためにあらゆる手段を講じる」と表明した。
The statement said, "We are committed to taking necessary measures to support financial stability and economic growth." さらに「必要な場合は協調行動を取る」とし、資金供給によって市場を下支えする姿勢も明らかにした。
Late last week, Standard & Poor's cut the U.S. credit rating for the first time, as the credit ratings agency made a grim assessment of the outlook of U.S. fiscal reconstruction. 先週末、米格付け会社のスタンダード・アンド・プアーズ（Ｓ＆Ｐ）が、米国の財政再建の見通しを厳しく評価し、米国債の格付けを史上初めて引き下げた。
===
Market confidence shaken
The statement did not refer directly to this issue. But the markets' confidence in the U.S. currency has been shaken further, and the financial markets face a crucial juncture. Stock prices may fall worldwide, and the dollar-selling trend may accelerate. 声明は直接、この問題に言及しなかったが、ドルの信認が一段と揺らぎ、世界的な株安連鎖と、ドル売りが加速しかねない正念場を迎えている。
The statement praised the "decisive actions" of the United States and European countries in trying to reduce their fiscal deficits. 米国と欧州の財政赤字削減策に関し、声明は「断固たる行動を歓迎する」と指摘した。
The G-7 ministers urged the United States and European countries to steadily take actions to put their fiscal houses in order--actions that the markets would rate highly. The ministers may have been attempting to restore order to the markets. 市場が評価できるような着実な財政再建を米欧に促すことで、混乱の沈静化を狙ったのだろう。
On Monday, the 225-issue Nikkei Stock Average plunged 202.32 points from Friday's close on the Tokyo Stock Exchange. And on other Asian markets, stock prices declined. ８日の東京株式市場の株価は前週末比２０２円安と下落した。アジア市場でも株価が値下がりした。
On the currency market, the U.S. dollar was traded at around 78 yen. 為替市場では、１ドル＝７８円をはさんだ取引が続いた。
A free fall in stock prices and a surge in the yen's value have been averted, at least for now, but prospects remain murky. ひとまず、株価の暴落や円急騰は回避できたが、先行きは不透明である。
The G-7 nations should consider that the markets are calling for additional concerted actions. 市場はＧ７の一段の行動を求めているとみるべきだ。
===
Focus on Italy, Spain
In Europe, the yields on government bonds of such deficit-ridden countries as Greece have been rising across the board. 欧州では、ギリシャなど財政赤字国の国債利回りが軒並み上昇している。
In particular, Italian and Spanish government bonds, whose creditworthiness is a source of spreading uncertainty, are coming under increasing scrutiny. 中でも、信用不安が広がっているイタリアとスペインが市場の焦点になりつつある。
In tandem with the issuance of the G-7 statement, the European Central Bank promptly decided to buy Italian and Spanish government bonds. We think this is proper. Ｇ７声明と連動する形で、欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）がさっそく、両国の国債を買い入れる方針を決めた点は評価できる。
We hope the ECB will work more closely with France and Germany and they all will do their utmost to contain the crisis. ＥＣＢは仏独と連携を強め、危機の封じ込めに全力を挙げてほしい。
Japan, for its part, needs to make efforts to prevent the yen from soaring again to the level of 76 yen to the dollar. 日本としては、円相場が再び、１ドル＝７６円台に急騰する事態を防がねばならない。
The effect of the yen-selling market intervention, which Japan implemented unilaterally on Thursday, has already weakened. 日本が４日に単独で実施した円売り介入の効果が早くも薄れている。
It is significant that the G-7 statement said, "We will consult closely in regard to actions in exchange markets and will cooperate as appropriate," in an effort to hold in check excess volatility in exchange rates. Ｇ７声明が過度な為替変動をけん制し、「緊密に協議し、適切に協力する」と明記した意義は大きい。
Japan should demonstrate its resolve to prevent the dollar from plunging and the yen from rising too sharply, by taking such actions as concerted market intervention with the United States and European countries. ドル急落と超円高の阻止へ、日本は米欧との協調介入も含め、断固たる姿勢で臨むべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 9, 2011) （2011年8月9日01時14分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) August 7, 2011 Kaleidoscope of the Heart: A lesson in occupational health 香山リカのココロの万華鏡：産業保健の講座受講 ／東京
There is a field of medicine called occupational health, which involves protecting the health of people working in companies and organizations. 医学の中に、企業や組織などで働く人たちの健康を守る産業保健という分野がある。
Recently I made up my mind to take part in a one-week intensive summer course at the University of Occupational and Environmental Health. 一念発起して、産業医大で行われている１週間の夏季集中講座に参加した。
The program included statistics, ergonomics and training involving electrocardiograms and other issues that I'm not too good with, so I felt relieved when the topic of mental health came up. 統計学や人間工学、心電図など苦手な分野の講習が続く中、唯一ほっとできるのはメンタルヘルス系の科目だ。
Saying I'm relieved with talk about depression may sound strange, but being a psychiatrist, I guess that's where I fit in. 「うつ病の話にほっとする」などというのはおかしな表現だが、やっぱりこれが自分の居場所ということなのだろう。
In a lecture by Jun Nakamura of the university's Department of Psychiatry, one particular phrase that struck me was: "Psychiatric health in modern Japan is an economic issue." 産業医大精神科の中村純教授の講義で印象に残ったのは、「現代日本の精神保健は、経済問題」というフレーズだった。
In other words, the "emotional problems" that are in the spotlight in present-day Japan are intertwined with economic issues and changes in social structure at some point along the line. つまり、いまの日本でクローズアップされている「心の問題」は、いずれもどこかに経済の問題や社会構造の変化が関係している、ということだ。
It's true that there is a lot of stress in companies today, with harsh personnel evaluations, a doctrine of competitiveness, and corporate restructuring that could happen any moment. たしかに、会社に目をやると厳しい人事評価や競争主義、いつ宣告されるかわからないリストラ、などストレスがいっぱい。
At the same time, job hunting is also becoming tougher for students and some have no option but to become part-time job hoppers or NEETs -- those not in education, employment or training. さらに学生の就職活動は過酷になるばかりで、その結果、仕事につけずにフリーターやニートにならざるをえない若者もいれば、
Others go from one temp job to another and end up losing both their work and their families. 派遣労働を転々として、最終的に仕事も家も失ってしまう人さえいる。
But since other people are busy looking out for number one, no one lends a helping hand. そうなっても、誰もが自分のことで精いっぱいなので、助けの手もさしのべられない。
In other words, people in society today can't feel at ease whether they are in an organization or not. つまり、いまの社会では人は組織にいてもいなくても、安心して暮らすことができない、ということだ。
Stress levels rise in an atmosphere of uneasiness and tension, and there is no doubt people who suffer from depression and other conditions as a result. 不安や緊張の中でストレスが高まり、うつ病などになる人も当然、増えるだろう。
However, no matter how much psychiatrists call for revision of the nation's economic structure, society will never change overnight. とはいえ、精神科医がいくら「経済構造を見なおせ」などと声を上げても、すぐに社会が変わるわけではない。
Accordingly, there is no option but to handle the situation with preventive measures within the community and companies, and with treatment in consultation rooms. そうであれば、まずは地域や企業では予防を、診察室では治療を、という地道な作戦しかない。
Professor Nakamura says that when someone in an organization takes leave due to depression or some other reason, he wants the person and those around that person to find significance in the event upon their return to work. 中村教授は、組織でうつ病などで休職した人が出た場合は、その復職にあたって本人もまわりも病気の経験に意義を見いだせるようにしてほしい、と語った。
In one cited example, when a worker succumbed to depression, the person's department looked back on its approach to work, and decreased overtime and provided more opportunities for communication. たとえば、うつ病になる人が出たことで、その部署がこれまでの働き方を振り返り、残業を減らしたりコミュニケーションの機会を増やしたりした。
The person who had fallen ill also made an effort to increase family time. 本人も、家族とすごす時間を増やすように生活を工夫した。
If such an approach can be adopted, then it should be possible for the person to say, "It was good that I had depression." もしそうできたら、まさに「うつ病になってよかった」ということになるはずだ。
I had secretly thought that if occupational health was really interesting, then I might change jobs, but what I learned from taking part in the course was that it was good I became a psychiatrist. 「産業保健があまりに面白かったらこっちに転職しようかな」とひそかに思っていた私だが、この講座で学んだことは「精神科医になってよかった」ということ。
I will now aim to become a doctor whose patients can think, "I got ill but there were some good things about that." これからは患者さんに、「病気になったけれど、よかったこともあった」と思ってもらえるような医者を目指すことにしよう。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 8, 2011) U.S. must rebuild finances to stem global market unrest 米国債格下げ 市場の動揺防ぐ財政再建策を（8月7日付・読売社説）
The credit rating of U.S. government bonds, once among the world's highest, has been downgraded for the first time in history. 世界で最上級だった米国債の格付けが、史上初めて引き下げられた。
In the aftermath of the downgrade, stock prices may plunge around the world from Monday, and the depreciation of the dollar could accelerate. “格下げショック”を受け、週明け以降、世界同時株安や、ドル安に拍車がかかりかねない。
To stem the unrest in global financial markets, it is imperative for the United States to chart out a package of measures to steadily rebuild government finances. 市場の動揺を食い止めるには、米国の着実な財政再建策が不可欠である。
U.S. credit rating agency Standard & Poor's on Friday lowered the long-term U.S. credit rating by one level from the top-tier AAA rating to AA-plus. 米格付け会社のスタンダード・アンド・プアーズ（Ｓ＆Ｐ）は５日、米国の長期国債格付けを最上級の「ＡＡＡ（トリプルＡ）」から、「ＡＡ（ダブルＡ）プラス」に１段階引き下げた。
As a reason for the downgrade, S&P said the accord reached between Congress and the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama "falls short of what, in our view, would be necessary to stabilize the government's medium-term debt dynamics." Ｓ＆Ｐは国債格下げの理由として、「中期的な財政安定化が不十分」と指摘している。
Obama and the Democratic and Republican parties recently agreed on an increase in the government's statutory borrowing limit and a set of fiscal consolidation measures. In the wake of that agreement, the Budget Control Act of 2011 was enacted Tuesday, centering on a goal of reducing the federal deficit by 2.4 trillion dollars over 10 years. オバマ大統領と与野党は、政府の借金枠である債務上限の引き上げと財政再建で合意し、１０年間で２・４兆ドルの赤字削減を柱にした予算管理法が２日に成立した。
===
Deficit cut not sufficient
However, there is still a gulf in views about specific steps to reduce government debt, and the deficit cut agreed upon on Tuesday is substantially smaller than Obama's initial plan to reduce government debt by 3 trillion dollars to 4 trillion dollars. しかし、具体的な赤字削減策を巡る主張の隔たりは大きく、削減幅も大統領の当初案だった３兆～４兆ドルに比べて小さい。
S&P is believed to have decided on the downgrade in light of these circumstances. Ｓ＆Ｐはこうした状況を評価し、格下げを決めたと言えよう。
The U.S. government has criticized S&P's reduction in the credit rating, but what is seriously being questioned now is the effectiveness of the Budget Control Act. 米国政府は格下げに反論したが、予算管理法の実効性が厳しく問われている。
The president and the political parties should accelerate their discussions on a range of issues, including spending cuts and tax increases, to hammer out reliable measures that will gain markets' confidence. 大統領と与野党は歳出カットと増税を含めた協議を加速し、市場の信認を得られるような財政再建の方策を打ち出すべきだ。
Meanwhile, we cannot help but feel anxious over the adverse impact the downgrade of the U.S. credit rating could have on the world's financial markets. 一方、今回の格下げが、世界の金融市場に与える悪影響を懸念せざるを得ない。
Reflecting the slowdown in the U.S. and European economies, the Dow Jones industrial average plummeted more than 500 points Thursday, and the index fluctuated erratically the following day. 米欧経済の減速をきっかけに、ニューヨーク株式市場の平均株価は４日、５００ドル超も急落し、５日も乱高下した。 Stock prices declined across the board in European, Japanese and other Asian markets. 欧州や日本などアジア市場でも、軒並み、株価が全面安となった。
On the foreign exchange front, the hyper-appreciation of the yen slowed somewhat because of the yen-selling intervention by the government and the Bank of Japan. However, pressure has resurged to weaken the dollar against the Japanese currency. 外国為替市場では、政府・日銀の円売り介入で超円高にいったんブレーキがかかったが、再び、ドル安圧力が強まっている。
If the trustworthiness of the dollar erodes further following the cut in the U.S. credit rating, the credit markets of the world would unavoidably be thrown into confusion. 国債格下げでドルに対する信認がさらに揺らぐと、債券市場を含めた混乱は避けられまい。
===
Fed moves crucial
Japan is the world's second-largest holder, next to China, of U.S. government bonds. 日本は中国に次ぐ世界２位の米国債の保有国だ。
Due attention should be paid to what repercussions there would be from declines in U.S. government bond prices. 国債下落の影響にも注意する必要がある。
Attention is being focused at present on whether the U.S. Federal Reserve Board, in a meeting scheduled for Tuesday, will opt for additional quantitative monetary easing to stimulate the economy. 当面の焦点は、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が９日開く会合で、景気てこ入れのため、追加緩和策に踏み切るかどうかだ。
Given that the U.S. government, shackled by huge fiscal deficits, has found it hard to adopt any measures to stimulate business activity, expectations have been rising for the Fed to adopt fresh monetary easing. 財政赤字を抱えた政府は景気刺激策に動きにくく、ＦＲＢに期待する声は強い。
Additional monetary easing by the U.S. central bank could lead to further acceleration of the yen's appreciation and the dollar's depreciation, something very damaging to this country. ただ、追加緩和策は円高ドル安を誘導し、日本には厳しい展開も予想される。
The world economy has been expanding since the global financial crisis was brought to an end thanks to unity among major economies. 世界経済は、主要国の結束で金融危機を克服した後、景気拡大を続けてきた。
A new round of coordinated efforts among major economies is needed to prevent another financial crisis. 危機の再燃を防ぐ連携が改めて求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 7, 2011) （2011年8月7日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 7, 2011) Govt must ensure progress on N-disaster compensation 原発賠償指針 被害救済を着実に前進させよ（8月6日付・読売社説）
The government has worked out a set of interim guidelines stipulating the range of compensation for damage caused by Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant. 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故被害に対する賠償の範囲や対象を定めた「中間指針」がまとまった。
This is a step toward full-fledged compensation for the nuclear crisis. 本格的な賠償に向けて前進したことになる。
The nuclear accident has caused thousands of people to evacuate or close their businesses, so the economic cost of the disaster will be colossal. 原発事故で大勢の人が避難や休業を余儀なくされ、経済的な被害は甚大だ。
The government and TEPCO must steadily implement the relief measures called for by the guidelines. 政府と東電は、被害救済を着実に実現していかなければならない。
The government's Dispute Reconciliation Committee for Nuclear Damage Compensation compiled a second set of guidelines in late May. 政府の原子力損害賠償紛争審査会は、５月末の２次指針で、
These guidelines suggested requiring TEPCO to pay compensation for, among other things, evacuation costs, the mental trauma suffered by affected people and damage to farmers caused by radiation scares. The latest interim guidelines have expanded the scope of compensation to include damage caused to tourism companies by cancellations by foreign travelers, and losses resulting from foreign countries' restrictions on Japanese imports. （この部分の英訳、日本語と細かな部分で異なる） 避難費用や精神的な苦痛、農産品の風評被害などへの賠償を認める方針を示していた。 中間指針では、対象の範囲をさらに広げた。 例えば、外国人観光客のキャンセルによる観光業者の損害や、海外の輸入規制に起因する損害などを追加した。
===
New guidelines reasonable
The interim guidelines call for compensation payments to cattle farmers in 17 prefectures for financial losses caused by halted beef shipments and consumer fears that were stirred up when beef from cattle fed rice straw contaminated with radioactive cesium was shipped. 放射性セシウムによる牛肉汚染では、出荷停止に伴う損害や、汚染されたエサ用の稲わらが流通した１７道県の風評被害も認めた。
We think providing compensation for a broad range of nuclear crisis-linked damage is fair. 幅広い被害に対する賠償を認定したのは妥当といえる。
The range of people entitled to receive compensation has been substantially expanded compared with provisional payments made so far. カバーする範囲が広い分、これまでの仮払いより、
The compensation costs will skyrocket, and getting the cash into people's pockets will require more manpower. 手間も費用もけた違いとなりそうだ。
In addition, the guidelines could be reviewed at some point and the range of redress coverage expanded again. 中間指針の見直しで、賠償対象がさらに拡大する可能性もある。
TEPCO estimates compensation claims, including those in connection with nuclear scares, will number 400,000 to 500,000. 東電は、風評被害も含めた賠償請求は４０万～５０万件にのぼると見込んでいる。
The utility's department in charge of compensation payments will be increased to more than 5,000 personnel from 1,000 now, and will start handling claims in September. 賠償の担当部門を現在の１０００人体制から５０００人以上に増やし、９月から被害者の請求に対応するという。
TEPCO will determine payout amounts by examining whether individual claims meet criteria spelled out in the guidelines. 東電は、賠償を求められた被害が、中間指針の対象にあたるかどうかを点検し、支払額などを決める。
There likely will be times when the utility has to make tough decisions about whether some people are eligible to receive compensation, and how much they should get. 具体的な線引きや算定で、難しい判断を迫られるだろう。
===
Establish support body quickly
Many people are hoping to receive financial relief as quickly as possible. 一刻も早い救済を願う被害者は多い。
Negotiations between TEPCO and disaster victims could become very emotional. 感情的なやりとりになるケースもあるだろう。
Above all else, the compensation procedure must proceed without a hitch. 肝心なのは混乱なく賠償手続きを進めることだ。
For this purpose, the compensation system should be strengthened as the need arises. 必要に応じて体制強化を図ってもらいたい。
Disaster sufferers dissatisfied with TEPCO-proposed payments can seek arbitration through the dispute reconciliation committee. 東電が提示した賠償額に納得できない被害者は、紛争審査会に和解の仲介を求めることができる。
Indications are that many of these cases may not reach an agreeable solution, so they will end up in the courts. それでも折り合わず、最終的に裁判など司法の場での決着をめざす案件も相当数にのぼりそうだ。
We hope the courts and other parties in the judiciary will prepare to quickly and efficiently settle compensation-related disputes. 裁判所をはじめ法曹界も、紛争処理を円滑に進めるための準備を怠らないでほしい。
TEPCO is short of cash as the costs of stabilizing the crippled reactors and buying fuel for thermal power generation rise. 東電は事故収束や火力発電などの増加で出費がかさみ、資金繰りが厳しい。
It is imperative that the government financially supports TEPCO to keep the compensation process on track. 賠償を軌道に乗せるには、政府の援助が欠かせない。
A law creating a new government-backed organization tasked with securing funds to help TEPCO pay compensation has recently been enacted. すでに東電の損害賠償を公的に支援する「原子力損害賠償支援機構法」などが成立した。
The government must quickly craft a compensation payment support framework by setting up the envisioned organization and securing the money needed to keep it functioning. 政府は、遅滞なく機構設立や予算の確保を進め、賠償支援の体制固めを急ぐべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 6, 2011) （2011年8月6日01時16分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) August 6, 2011 Lessons learned from A-bombing should be applied to welfare of Fukushima residents 社説：原爆の日 経験を原発にも生かせ
Aug. 6 marks the 66th anniversary of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima in 1945. 原爆が投下されて６日で６６年。
We commemorate the anniversary under different circumstances than usual this summer -- amid the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant crippled by the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. 今年の夏は、いつもと様相が異なっている。３月１１日に発生した東日本大震災は東京電力福島第１原発事故を引き起こした。
Scenes of many areas in the Tohoku region devastated by the triple disaster have reminded many hibakusha, or survivors of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings, of their own cities when they were reduced to ashes by the blasts and intense heat. 地震と津波で壊滅した東北の町並みと、放射性物質による汚染によって住民が避難を余儀なくされた福島を、爆風と熱線によって廃虚と化した故郷と重ね合わせた広島と長崎の被爆者は少なくない。
On top of this, we are now facing the hazards involved in the use of nuclear energy, and the peace declarations that Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui read during the Aug. 6 anniversary ceremony and Nagasaki Mayor Tomihisa Taue will read on Aug. 9 mention the Fukushima nuclear crisis. 私たちは原子力の利用がはらむ危うさと今、向き合っている。 今年の平和記念式典で読み上げられる「平和宣言」は原発事故を反映したものになる。
The Hiroshima Municipal Government is urging the national government to review its overall energy policy at an early date. 広島市は初めてエネルギー政策の早急な見直しと具体策を政府に求める。
In his peace declaration Matsui quoted the late Ichiro Moritaki, former chairman of the Japan Congress against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs stated, who said, "Nuclear energy and humankind cannot coexist." 引用するのは、核の軍事、平和利用双方に反対を唱えた被爆者で、原水爆禁止日本国民会議（原水禁）議長などを務めた故森滝市郎氏の「核と人類は共存できない」との言葉だ。
The Nagasaki Municipal Government will not mention "elimination of nuclear power plants" but clearly call for a decrease in Japan's reliance on nuclear power stations in the future. 長崎市は、「脱原発」の言葉こそ使わないが、原発からの将来的な脱却を明確に打ち出す。
The Fukushima nuclear crisis has also had some influence on the policies of hibakusha organizations and anti-nuclear groups. 被爆者・反核団体にも変化が見える。
The Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations has decided to incorporate calls for the gradual shutdown and dismantling of nuclear reactors in its platform -- a first in its 55-year history. 被爆者の全国組織「日本原水爆被害者団体協議会」は１９５６年の結成以来初めて全原発の順次停止・廃炉を求める「脱原発」を運動方針に掲げることを決めた。
With A-bombing survivors' suffering from the after-effects of radiation exposure fully in mind, the confederation has also submitted a petition to the central government urging that residents of areas near the Fukushima nuclear plant as well as workers undergo regular health checks. 放射線被害に苦しんできた経験を踏まえ、原発の周辺住民や作業員に「健康管理手帳」を交付し、定期的な健康診断を実施するよう求める要望書を政府などに提出した。
The Japan Congress against Atomic and Hydrogen Bombs recently held an international convention in Fukushima for the first time and appealed for the elimination of nuclear power stations. 原水禁も、原発事故を受けて初めて福島で世界大会を開催し、「脱原発」を訴えた。
However, there are differences between hibakusha and anti-nuclear organizations over the pros and cons of calling for the elimination of nuclear power plants. 運動は一枚岩ではない。
There are some organizations and activists who argue that the peace movement and nuclear power plants are separate issues. 「平和運動と日本のエネルギー政策にからむ原発の是非は分けて考えるべきだ」という主張があるのも事実だ。
True, there are big differences between destructive atomic bombs, which release huge amounts of radiation in a moment, and nuclear plant accidents, in which radioactive substances that emit low levels of radiation spread and affect extensive areas. すさまじい破壊力で一瞬にして大量の放射線を放出した原爆と、低線量の放射性物質の影響が広範囲で続く原発事故の違いは大きい。
Still, they are the same in that people are worried about radiation exposure over the long term. だが、人々が放射線被ばくによる不安に長年苦しめられる点は共通する。
The lack of knowledge about the effects of being exposed to low doses of radiation has caused widespread fears among residents around the Fukushima plant. 原発事故の場合、低線量被ばくの影響に未解明の部分があることが不安を大きくしている。
While keeping in mind the differences between atomic bombing and nuclear plant accidents, specialized knowledge collected by Radiation Effects Research Foundation -- which has conducted research on the effects of radiation on hibakusha -- as well as lessons learned from the Chernobyl nuclear crisis should be fully utilized for the health management of residents near the Fukushima plant. 原爆との違いも考慮したうえで、広島と長崎の被爆者を対象に放射線の影響を調査している放射線影響研究所など、専門研究機関が蓄積してきた専門知識やチェルノブイリ事故の経験を住民の健康管理に積極的に活用したい。
For many years, nuclear weapons and nuclear power plants have been regarded as completely separate matters. 核兵器と原発はこれまで切り離して考えられてきた。
Furthermore, the safety myth of atomic energy had taken root in society in recent years. 近年は原子力に対する「安全神話」も浸透していた。
However, the Fukushima nuclear crisis has reminded the public of the risks involved with nuclear power stations. しかし、福島の事故は原発の危険性に改めて目を向けさせた。
It is our mission to step up efforts to dispatch messages to the world calling for nuclear disarmament while fully utilizing our experiences as the only atomic-bombed country to ensure the safety of nuclear power stations. 唯一の被爆国としての経験を原発対策にも生かしながら、従来にも増して核廃絶のメッセージを発信し続けるのが私たちの責務である。
(Mainichi Japan) August 4, 2011 Japan should free up electricity distribution network in reforms to power system 社説：電力体制改革 送電網開放で分散型へ
In Japan there were hardly any power cuts. 停電はめったにない。
The power voltage and frequency was stable, and people could use as much electricity as they wanted. 電圧や周波数も安定している。そして、使いたいだけ供給してくれる。
Then the Great East Japan Earthquake and ensuing nuclear crisis hit the nation. しかし、東日本大震災によって状況は一変した。
In the wake of the disaster, nuclear power plants were brought to a stop one after another, and despite the full mobilization of thermal power stations, requests to conserve power arose not only in eastern Japan, which suffered the brunt of the disaster, but also in western Japan. 安定的に電力を供給してきた原子力発電所が相次いで止まり、火力発電所を総動員しているものの、節電要請は被災した東日本だけでなく西日本へも広がっている。
To flexibly respond to this situation, and to reduce dependence on nuclear power plants and boost the supply of renewable energy such as solar and wind power, revision of Japan's power system is now needed. 原発への依存度を下げ、太陽光や風力などの再生可能エネルギーによる電力を増やしていくうえからも、それに柔軟に対応できるよう、電力体制の見直しが必要だ。
◇発送電分離が浮上
In the wake of the disaster, it has been suggested that the tasks of generating and distributing power in Japan -- now handled entirely by the nation's power companies -- should be split up. その中で電力会社の発電と送電部門を分割する発送電分離論も浮上している。
The crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 Nuclear Power Plant has exposed various problems faced by the power companies, which hold monopolies over various regions. 地域独占の電力会社が抱えるさまざまな問題が、原発事故を機に露呈している。
The argument that drastic reform can only come about by splitting up power generation and distribution is understandable. それを抜本的に改めるには、分離が必要だという主張は理解できる。
However, implementation of such changes is no easy task. ただし、その実現にはかなり高いハードルがある。
It will not do any good to strap the nation to a lofty goal only to run aground. 大きな目標を掲げたものの、それにしばられ暗礁に乗り上げてしまったということになっても困る。
A realistic approach is needed. より現実的な道も探る必要があるのではないか。
The reason the current power system has been maintained is that liberalization of the power market that began in the 1990s has not taken full force. 現在の電力体制が維持されたのは、９０年代に始まった電力市場の自由化が中途半端な形で終わった結果だ。
It is a different story with liberalization of the communications market, where new entries have progressed a great deal while NTT remains united under a holding company. 一方、通信市場の自由化では、ＮＴＴは持ち株会社の下で一体のまま、新規参入が大きく進んだ。
Surely a sensible idea would be to examine why liberalization of the power market has not progressed in the same way as liberalization in the communications market, and revise Japan's power system. 通信と違い電力の自由化が実質的に進展しなかった理由を検証し、電力体制の見直しを行うというのも、有力な選択肢ではないだろうか。
Of course, before any such reform takes place, the issue of ownership and operation of nuclear power plants must be settled. もちろん、原発の所有と運営の問題を解決することが前提となる。
Clearly a power company cannot handle the risks of a nuclear accident by itself. 原発事故のリスクを、電力会社が単独で背負うことができないのは明らかだ。
It has been suggested that power plants be made separate and the government take control of them in the form of a public corporation, for example. 原発を分離して公社などの形で国が責任を持つという案もある。
This issue must quickly be resolved. この問題について、早急に結論を出す必要がある。
Liberalization of the power market has led to the formation of a power producer and supplier system under which newly generated power -- such as the surplus from home solar systems -- can be sold through a power company's distribution network. (この部分英訳抜け多し＾＾） 電力会社が原発にますます傾斜するようになった背景には、電力、ガス、石油といったエネルギー産業間での競争がある。この競争に勝ち抜くため、原子力は低コストで電力を供給できるとＰＲしてきた。 その一方で、電力自由化により、自ら発電した電力を電力会社の送電網を使って小売りする特定規模電気事業者（ＰＰＳ）などの制度が設けられた。
But due to various limitations, the share held by power providers under this system remains low. しかし、さまざまな制約からシェアは低いままにとどまっている。
Furthermore, power companies have been reluctant to introduce solar and wind power generation on the grounds that it is costly to produce and could result in a lower quality of electricity. また、太陽光や風力による発電もコストが高いうえ電力の質を落としかねないとして、電力会社は導入に腰が引けていた。
The way power is used depends on the economic entity involved, be it a household or a company. 電力を使うパターンは家庭や企業など経済主体によって多様だ。
Entities that generate their own power can sell power they do not use. 自家発電設備を持っている場合、自らが使用しない時間帯は自家発電による電力を売ることができ、
If it became easy to find users who would purchase this power, then it would be possible to limit the number of power facilities in society as a whole. それを購入するユーザーを見つけることが容易になれば、社会全体の電力設備を抑制できるだろう。
It was hoped that liberalization of the power market would greatly facilitate this, but that hasn't been the case. 電力自由化に期待されていたことだったが、それも不十分な結果になっている。
Investment in power generation facilities could be further curbed by switching consumption to off-peak periods to level out demand. ピーク時を避けて電力を使うようにして需要を平準化すれば、発電設備への投資をさらに抑えられる。
Overcoming the frequency barrier that exists between power companies in eastern and western Japan could also boost electricity exchanges between the companies that produce it. また、東日本と西日本の周波数の壁を越え多くの電力を送受できるようにすることも含め、電力会社間での電力融通の強化もポイントだ。
If it became possible to find suppliers and users who can meet each other's needs over a wider area and more newcomers entered the market, then we could expect lower electricity prices through competition. 互いのニーズに見合った新たな電力の供給者と需要者を、より広範な地域から見つけることができるようになり、電力市場への参加者が増えれば、競争促進による電気料金の抑制効果も期待できる。
◇ＮＴＴ方式を参考に
If the introduction of a fixed-price purchasing system for electric power generated with renewable energy -- which has not been viewed as unstable and difficult to introduce on a large scale -- could be viewed as one wheel of a vehicle, then greater electricity exchanges between power companies is another. 不安定電源として導入に限界があるとされてきた再生可能エネルギーによる電力も、普及を促す固定買い取り制度の導入を一方の車輪とするなら、もう一方は電力会社間の電力融通の拡大だ。
It is important that both wheels be set in motion. その両輪が活用拡大に欠かせない。
Japan should proceed with revisions to its power system while considering a model of local production for local consumption. 地産地消のような分散型の電力の供給と消費という視点も踏まえ、電力体制の見直しを進めるべきではないだろうか。
It cannot be denied that the separation of the generation and delivery of power is an important point of discussion. 発送電分離も重要な論点で否定するわけではない。
But it would mean that power suppliers, which are private companies, be asked to donate their assets, creating the problem of how to compensate the power companies. ただ、民間企業の電力会社に財産の提供を求めることになり、その対価をどう負担するのかという問題が生ずる。
Furthermore, it is possible that responsibility now imposed on power companies to supply power, which has contributed to securing a stable source, could become vague if the generation and distribution of power were separated. また、現在、電力会社に課され安定供給の基盤となっている供給義務も、発送電分離となった場合、責任があいまいになる恐れがある。
In handling revisions to the power system, a useful reference can be found in NTT's opening of its phone network. 電力体制の見直しにあたって参考となるのが、ＮＴＴの電話網の開放だろう。
Other phone carriers can use NTT's network under the same conditions as NTT, and when they do, strict rules are laid out. ＮＴＴの電話網は、他の通信事業者もＮＴＴと同等の条件で利用でき、その際のルールが厳密に定められている。
Checks are performed to see whether these rules are being kept, and there is an arbitration system to solve problems. それが守られているのかをチェックし、裁定でトラブルに決着をつける仕組みもある。
While there was no splitting up of phone networks in the liberalization of the phone market, the opening of the NTT's network enabled users to freely choose which carrier they used. 通信市場の自由化は電話網の分離はなかったものの、ＮＴＴの電話網開放によって、利用者は通信事業者を自由に選べるようになった。
Perhaps such a model could be taken into account when opening up Japan's electricity distribution network. これを参考に送電網の開放を進めてみてはどうだろうか。
To boost market functionality that connects providers and buyers, diversification of services provided by the Japan Electric Power Exchange is needed. 売買をつなぐ機能を強化するには、電力取引所のメニューの多様化も必要だ。
But rather than implementing such measures, if these measures encourage new power businesses to enter the market, then it should become possible to secure a diverse supply of electricity, including renewable energy, and enhance the efficiency of power generation facilities. こうした措置により電力事業への新規参入を促せば、再生可能エネルギーの活用も含め多様な電源を確保し、発電設備を効率的に運用できるようになるだろう。
We call for the points of discussion that formerly emerged in the liberalization of the power market to be revisited in light of the nuclear crisis to bring about revisions to Japan's power system. かつての電力自由化の際の論点を、原発事故を踏まえて再整理し、電力体制の見直しにつなげていくよう提案したい。
