The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 29, 2012) Power utilities should seriously take in criticism to restore trust 電力株主総会 批判を糧に信頼回復に努めよ（6月28日付・読売社説）
Nine electric power companies that own nuclear power plants held shareholders meetings Wednesday. Many shareholders called for management reform at the utilities. 原発を有する９電力会社の株主総会が開かれ、株主から経営改革を求める声が相次いだ。
Public opinion has turned strongly against power companies in the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 東京電力の福島第一原子力発電所事故を受け、電力会社への風当たりは強い。
Concerns are mounting over the nation's electricity supply. There is no prospect of reactors other than two at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant being restarted although the searing summer heat is almost here. 猛暑が近いのに、関西電力の大飯原発以外は再稼働のメドが立たず、電力供給に不安がある。
Power companies should seriously take shareholders' criticism of the current situation into account and utilize it for their management reform. 電力各社はこうした現状に対する株主の批判を真摯(しんし)に受け止め、経営改革に生かすべきだ。
About 4,500 shareholders attended TEPCO's meeting, which lasted a lengthy 5-1/2 hours, about the same as last year's meeting. 東電の株主総会は約４５００人が出席し、昨年並みの５時間半というロングラン総会となった。
Proposals from TEPCO, including one concerning the appointment of its directors, were approved. The new management team in which outgoing Chairman Tsunehisa Katsumata will be replaced by Kazuhiko Shimokobe, former head of the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund's steering committee, was decided. 取締役選任など会社の議案は可決され、退任する勝俣恒久会長の後任に原子力損害賠償支援機構の下河辺和彦・前運営委員長が就くなどの新体制が決まった。
An amendment to its articles of incorporation, which is necessary for strengthening TEPCO's financial standing through an injection of 1 trillion yen in public funds, also was approved. This paved the way for TEPCO's de facto nationalization. １兆円の公的資金による財務強化に必要な定款変更も了承され、実質国有化へ道筋がついた。
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TEPCO must be humble
The reborn TEPCO must steadily implement its comprehensive special business plan to reconstruct itself. The company also must fulfill its responsibility to decommission reactors at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant, pay compensation to people and businesses affected by the nuclear accident and ensure a stable electricity supply. TEPCO should drastically improve its corporate culture. 新生・東電は経営再建を図る総合特別事業計画を着実に実行し、廃炉と損害賠償、電力安定供給の責務を果たさねばならない。企業体質の抜本的な改善を図ることが求められよう。
Many people seeking compensation were bewildered when TEPCO sent them hefty tomes of application documents to fill out. TEPCO President Toshio Nishizawa provoked further ire late last year when he said, "Rate increases are a power company's right." At present, there is no likelihood that TEPCO can raise electricity rates for households. 東電は損害賠償の手続きで分厚い請求書類を送りつけ、被害者を困惑させた。「値上げは権利」という西沢俊夫社長の昨年末の発言も強い反発を招いた。家庭向けの料金値上げは、実施できる見通しがまだ立っていない。
TEPCO's insensitive responses were unsurprisingly lambasted as "a monopoly company's arrogance." It is important that the utility does not repeat such blunders. 「独占企業のおごり」と言われても仕方のない無神経な対応を、繰り返さないことが大事だ。
At TEPCO's meeting, the Tokyo metropolitan government--a major shareholder in the utility--proposed that the company's articles of incorporation include a provision stipulating that putting customer service first is TEPCO's mission. At KEPCO's shareholders meeting, the Osaka city government, the company's largest shareholder, made a proposal demanding thorough information disclosure, among other things. 東電の総会では、大株主の東京都が「顧客サービス第一を使命とする」との規定を定款に盛り込むよう提案した。関電では筆頭株主の大阪市が、徹底した情報開示などを求める株主提案を行った。
All these proposals were voted down. However, power companies should seriously take to heart public criticism of their tendency to give users short shrift and their closed management. これらの提案はいずれも否決されたが、電力各社は利用者軽視や閉鎖的な経営への批判を、重く受け止めるべきだろう。
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No N-power not an option
The meetings were used by many shareholders to call for the companies to end nuclear power generation. It was particularly disconcerting that the Osaka city government proposed KEPCO abolish all of its nuclear plants immediately. Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto also urged KEPCO to change its management strategy to one based on the assumption there will be no nuclear power. 「脱原発」を求める株主提案が相次いだ。中でも大阪市が関電に「速やかに全ての原発を廃止する」よう提案したのは問題だ。総会で橋下徹市長は、原発ゼロを想定した経営への転換も求めた。
Isn't Osaka, a city that consumes a massive volume of electricity, being irresponsible in taking the initiative in insisting that KEPCO abandon nuclear power generation? 電力の大消費地である大阪市が率先して「脱原発」を主張するのは、無責任ではないか。
Nuclear power is a fundamental power source for ensuring a stable energy supply. It was only natural that every proposal to dump nuclear power generation--including one put forward at the KEPCO meeting--was voted down. エネルギーの安定供給を図る上で、原発は基幹となる電源だ。関電を含む全ての「脱原発」提案が否決されたのは当然である。
Ensuring nuclear reactors are safe and restoring trust in the utilities are the most important factors in getting the reactors steadily reactivated. To this end, power companies must work hard to ensure air-tight safety at their nuclear plants and appropriately and thoroughly disclose information. 着実な原発再稼働に向けて最も重要なのは、安全確保と信頼回復だ。電力各社は、原発の安全管理と適切な情報開示の徹底に努めなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 28, 2012) （2012年6月28日01時49分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 28, 2012) 3 main parties must ensure reform bills pass upper house 一体法案可決 民自公路線で確実に成立を（6月27日付・読売社説）
◆造反には厳正な処分が必要だ
The House of Representatives passed bills on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems at a plenary meeting Tuesday. This marked a significant step toward the nation's fiscal reconstruction and social security reform. 財政再建と社会保障制度改革を推進するための大きな一歩だ。
The set of bills--with an increase in the consumption tax rate as the centerpiece--was approved by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and its junior partner, People's New Party, and also by the two main opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. 消費税率引き上げを柱とする社会保障・税一体改革関連法案が衆院本会議で民主、自民、公明、国民新各党などの賛成多数で可決された。
We applaud the fact that nearly 80 percent of lower house legislators voted for the bills on the consumption tax increase. 衆院議員の実に約８割が、賛成票を投じたことを評価したい。
The nation's political parties should ensure the bills pass the House of Councillors. This will require breaking free from the kind of politics that has prevented leaders from making hard decisions. 「決められない政治」に決別し、参院で法案を確実に成立させなければならない。
It was disappointing that as many as 57 DPJ lawmakers--mostly from groups led by former party President Ichiro Ozawa--voted against the consumption tax hike bills. 残念なのは、消費増税法案の採決で小沢一郎元代表のグループを中心に５７人もの民主党議員が反対したことである。
◆民主はもはや分裂状態
If 54 or more DPJ lawmakers leave the party, the ruling coalition would lose its majority in the lower house and become a minority government. 仮に造反議員が５４人以上、離党すれば、民主、国民新の連立与党は衆院で過半数に届かず、少数与党に転落する。
The ruling party's effective breakup over the bills is proof that its executives lack leadership skills. 民主党はもはや分裂状態だ。党執行部が統率力を欠いていることの証左である。
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Take action against rebels
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda will face more hardships in managing his administration if the ruling coalition becomes a minority government. While preserving his party's agreement on the reform bills with the LDP and Komeito, Noda should urgently rebuild the DPJ, which has been dysfunctional as a ruling party. 野田首相の政権運営は、一層困難になる。民自公の３党合意を堅持する一方で、政権党としての体を成していない民主党の態勢を立て直す必要がある。
Deciding how to deal with Ozawa and other dissidents should be his first step. そのための第一歩が、造反した小沢氏らへの対応にほかならない。
When Ozawa's supporters held a meeting after the vote, they agreed to leave their next move in Ozawa's hands. "I'll have to make a decision soon," he reportedly said. 小沢氏は、採決後、グループの会合で今後の対応について一任を取り付けた。「近いうちに決断しなければならない」とも語った。
Ozawa apparently aims to shake up Noda's administration further with an eye on leaving the DPJ to form a new party. 離党と新党結成を視野に野田政権を揺さぶる考えなのだろう。
On the surface, Ozawa insists that top priority should be placed on issues related to people's daily lives--a phrase the party trumpeted in its manifesto for the 2009 lower house election. Dig a little deeper, however, and it seems he is only interested in ensuring his and his group members' survival with an eye on the next lower house election. 表向きは「国民の生活が第一」と政権公約（マニフェスト）にこだわる姿勢を示しながら、実際は次期衆院選をにらんで、グループの生き残りを図っているだけではないのか。
Former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama also voted against the consumption tax increase bills, saying the issue was not among the policies proposed in the manifesto. Hatoyama acted as if he owned the DPJ when he then said he would not leave the party. 鳩山元首相も「マニフェストにまるでなかった」として消費増税法案に反対し、オーナー気取りで離党は考えないという。
Hatoyama himself should seriously reflect on his role in misleading the public by promoting the impractical manifesto. 鳩山氏こそ、実現性の乏しいマニフェストを主導し、国民を欺いてきたことを猛省すべきだ。
The DPJ's immature and vague policymaking process was not the only factor behind such a large number of lawmakers joining the rebellion. Part of the blame can be laid with Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, who hinted before the vote that the party would give only lenient punishments to members who defied the DPJ leaders. 造反議員がこれほど多数に上ったのは、民主党の政策決定過程が未熟であいまいなことと合わせて、輿石幹事長が採決前、造反しても寛大な処分とすることを示唆したからではないか。
The DPJ has never expelled members just because they rebelled against the party's leadership in voting. However, passage of the comprehensive reform bills is something that Noda declared he would stake his political life on. 民主党では法案採決での造反を理由に除名とした例はないというが、今回は首相が「政治生命を懸ける」と言明した法案である。
As a condition for his party's cooperation in Diet deliberations on the reform bills, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki called on the DPJ leaders to strictly punish the dissenting lawmakers. 自民党の谷垣総裁は、参院で一体改革法案の審議に協力する前提として、造反議員への厳しい処分を求めている。
Noda expressed his intention to come down hard on the rebels. We think the DPJ top brass should impose severe punishments as soon as possible. In particular, it does not need to show any restraint in dealing with Ozawa, who has gone as far as suggesting he will establish a new party. 首相も厳正に対処する意向を示した。民主党執行部は、早期に、重い処分を下すべきだ。特に、新党結成にまで言及している小沢氏に遠慮は要るまい。
The DPJ's relationship of trust with the LDP and Komeito will be undermined unless it takes definite disciplinary action against the rebels. The possibility cannot be ruled out that further revolts will occur during upcoming votes in the upper house. 党としてのけじめを明確にしなければ、自公両党との信頼関係が揺らぐ。参院での採決時にも造反議員が続出しかねない。
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Tripartite cooperation significant ◆自公の協力を評価する
At a news conference after Tuesday's vote, Noda said: "We can no longer keep passing debts on to future generations. Securing stable fiscal resources for social security programs and getting the nation's fiscal conditions back on a sound footing is the point of carrying out the integrated reform." 首相は、採決後の記者会見で、「将来の世代にツケを回すのは限界だ。社会保障の安定財源を確保し、財政健全化を達成するのが一体改革の意義だ」と強調した。
State debts, including those accruing from the issuance of government bonds and borrowings, amounted to about 960 trillion yen as of March 31, 2012. This is more than 7.5 million yen for every person in Japan. Furthermore, the social security budget will record a natural increase of 1 trillion yen a year as the population continues to age. 国債や借入金など国の借金は昨年度末で約９６０兆円に上り、国民１人当たり７５０万円を超す。高齢者は増え続け、社会保障予算は年１兆円ずつ自然に膨らむ。
It is obvious to everyone that state finances cannot be sustained by borrowing more money to pay off debts. 借金財政でしのぐ手法を繰り返せないのは、誰の目にも明らかである。
Noda was forced to reshuffle his Cabinet twice this year. This is one example that shows his clumsy management of the government. But on the issue of integrated reform, he has pushed ahead without flinching. He should be lauded for this. 首相は、今年に入って２度の内閣改造を強いられるなど、政権運営で不手際も目立ったが、一体改革では全くぶれずに実現へ突き進んできた。その姿勢は評価されるべきだ。
It is undeniable that Noda could not have come up with a scenario for legislating the reform bills without the cooperation of the LDP and Komeito. 無論、自民、公明両党の協力がなければ、到底、法案成立への道筋は描けなかった。
The two opposition parties joined talks with the DPJ on revisions of the bills even though there was no guarantee the lower house would be dissolved for a general election, and voted for the bills. This was a wrenching choice for the parties to make. The LDP and Komeito, it can be said, displayed a responsible attitude befitting parties that held power for many years as a coalition government. 衆院解散の確約を得られなかったにもかかわらず、自公両党が修正協議に応じ、賛成に回ったことは重い決断だった。長年、政権を担ってきた政党として、責任ある態度を示したと言える。
There are still hurdles to overcome before the final passage of the bills. But they will clear the Diet if the DPJ, LDP and Komeito maintain their "partial coalition." 法案成立まで、なおハードルはあるが、民自公３党の「部分連合」を保てば乗り切れよう。
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Electoral reform urgent ◆「０増５減」実施を急げ
In the upper house, discussions must be deepened on more efficient budget spending, such as cuts in social security benefits, as well as how to lift the national economy out of deflation. To help low-income earners, who will be affected more acutely by a consumption tax increase, introduction of reduced tax rates on some items should be studied. 参院では、社会保障の給付削減など「効率化」や、デフレ脱却の議論も深めるべきだ。消費税率引き上げの影響が大きい低所得者への対策として「軽減税率」導入の検討を重ねてもらいたい。
The three parties must tackle other pending issues in addition to the integrated reform bills. It will be necessary to pass a special bill for the issuance of deficit-covering bonds. ３党は、一体改革以外の懸案にも取り組まねばならない。赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案を成立させる必要がある。
Reform of the lower house electoral system must not be left on the back burner. 衆院の選挙制度改革も忘れてはならない。
The disparity of vote values between some constituencies under the current system has been judged by the Supreme Court as being in "an unconstitutional state." 「違憲状態」との司法判断が出ている。
However, no concrete steps have been taken to rectify this situation, which can only be described as dereliction on the part of the ruling and opposition parties. いまだに何ら具体的な手立てを講じていないのは与野党の怠慢と言うしかない。
In cooperating with the LDP and Komeito, the DPJ should give priority to correcting the vote value disparity by quickly implementing a plan to cut single-seat constituencies from five prefectures without increasing seats in other prefectures. 自公両党との協力で「０増５減」を先行して実施し、１票の格差を是正することが急務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 27, 2012) （2012年6月27日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 27, 2012) Can an Islamist-led govt coexist with Egypt's military? エジプト大統領 イスラムと軍は共存できるか（6月26日付・読売社説）
Mohammed Morsi, the candidate fielded by the Muslim Brotherhood, was declared the winner Sunday in the Egyptian presidential runoff election held earlier this month. エジプト大統領選で、イスラム主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」が擁立したモルシ氏が当選した。
Electing their own president in their first free election following the region's "Arab Spring" revolutionary democracy movements is a historic achievement for the people of Egypt, a great power in the Middle East and North Africa. 中東・北アフリカ地域の大国エジプトの国民が「アラブの春」を経て、初めて自由選挙で大統領を選んだことは、歴史的な重みを持つ。
But it remains to be seen whether Egypt's democratization will prove successful. This is not only because there is no affinity between Islamism and democracy, but because the Supreme Council of the Armed Forces (SCAF), the interim ruler of the country, may not relinquish power. だが、エジプトの民主化が成就するかどうかは依然、不透明だ。イスラム主義と民主主義に親和性がないだけではない。暫定統治にあたる軍最高評議会が、実権を手放そうとしていないからだ。
The extent to which Morsi will be able to advance democratization while avoiding confrontation with the military remains uncertain. モルシ氏が、軍との対立を回避し、どこまで民主化を進められるかについては、不安も大きい。
Morsi gained about 52 percent of the vote, just ahead of his rival, former Prime Minister Ahmed Shafiq. The rise in the power of Islamism in the aftermath of the collapse of the former Egyptian regime led by Hosni Mubarak continued in the presidential election. But nearly half of Egyptians are still anxious about the Brotherhood. モルシ氏の得票率は約５２％で、対立候補のシャフィク元首相とは僅差の勝利だった。ムバラク前政権崩壊後のイスラム主義台頭の潮流は、大統領選でも変わらなかったが、国民の半数近くはなお同胞団への不安を持っている。
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Islamism vs secularism
After being declared the election winner, Morsi said, "I am a president for all Egyptians," thus emphasizing his stance of giving consideration to secular elements. He also said he has respect for the military. 当選後、モルシ氏は「すべてのエジプト人のための大統領になる」と宣言して、世俗派に配慮する姿勢を強調した。「軍に敬意を持っている」とも述べた。
The statements apparently reflect his intention to overcome the nation's polarization into Islamism and secularism. 「イスラム主義か、世俗主義か」という二極化を克服したい、という意向の表明だろう。
But the road to this goal will be a rocky one. だが、実現は茨(いばら)の道である。
In the first place, the SCAF has greatly restricted the authority of the president's office. In addition, Morsi's support base is weak. 何より、大統領権限が軍最高評議会によって大きく制限されている。支えてくれる基盤も弱い。
The SCAF has dissolved the country's parliament, in which the Brotherhood was the dominant force. The SCAF has issued amendments to a "constitutional declaration" that is equivalent to a provisional constitution, thereby grabbing powers over legislation and the appointment of those who will draft a new national charter. This will make it possible for the SCAF to intervene in the process of formulating a new constitution. 軍最高評議会は、同胞団系が最大勢力を占めた人民議会を解散した。暫定憲法に相当する憲法宣言の改正を発表し、立法権や憲法起草委員の任命権を握った。憲法制定過程に介入できる内容だ。
These developments will considerably delay a real transition to civilian control. 実質的に民政移行を大幅に遅らせる動きである。
But it is to be noted that one factor behind the difficulty in creating a new constitution is that the Islamist forces themselves failed to smoothly select drafters of a charter in the parliament. ただ、新憲法制定の難航の一因は、イスラム主義勢力が、議会による起草委員会メンバーの円滑な選定に失敗したことがある。
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Mutual concessions vital
Whether Islamist forces and the military can make concessions to each other to work toward an early formulation of a new constitution is the key to progress in the country's democratization. 新憲法の早期制定に向け、イスラム主義勢力と軍が歩み寄ることができるかどうかが、今後の民主化の進展を左右しよう。
The Egyptian economy is in dire straits. Last year's political upheaval directly impacted tourism, a major industry of the country, and led to a drop in foreign investment. The country's foreign exchange reserves dropped sharply. The military administration has been holding talks with the International Monetary Fund to obtain financial aid. エジプトの経済状況は深刻だ。昨年の政変による混乱は、主要産業である観光を直撃し、外国からの投資が冷え込んだ。外貨準備高も急減した。軍政は、支援を受けるため、国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）と協議を続けている。
If Egypt is to restore public safety and reconstruct its economy through international assistance, it is essential for the president-elect and the military to cooperate with each other. 治安を回復し、国際的な支援を受け、経済を立て直すためにも、大統領と軍の協力は不可欠だ。
Islamist forces have been on the rise in Arab countries where long-ruling autocrats have been overthrown. Will democratization move ahead after all in Egypt? How the Morsi-led government will turn out is a crucial test for the future of the region. 長期独裁政権が崩壊したアラブ諸国で、イスラム主義勢力の台頭が著しい。はたして民主化は進むのか。モルシ政権の今後は、地域の将来を占う重要な試金石だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 26, 2012) （2012年6月26日01時26分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 26, 2012) Assist 'disadvantaged shoppers,' revitalize local economies 買い物弱者 地域の生命と活力守る支援を（6月25日付・読売社説）
Stores in many neighborhoods have closed, but residents do not have the means of transportation to reach distant places to shop. The problem of "disadvantaged shoppers" who face obstacles in buying daily necessities such as food is quite serious. 身近な地域の商店が消え、遠出しようにも交通手段がない。食料品などの買い物がままならない「買い物弱者」の悩みは切実である。
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has estimated the number of disadvantaged shoppers based on the national census, commerce statistics and other data. 農林水産省が、国勢調査や商業統計などを使って、買い物弱者の実態を推計した。
There are as many as 9.1 million people around the country without cars whose homes are 500 meters or more from stores where they can buy fresh food. Ten percent of the populations of Hokkaido and Nagasaki Prefecture are disadvantaged shoppers. The number topped 500,000 in Tokyo and Osaka Prefecture, respectively. 最寄りの生鮮食料品店まで直線で５００メートル以上離れ、自動車を持たない人は全国で９１０万人に上った。北海道や長崎県は人口の１割に達し、東京都、大阪府などでも５０万人を数えた。
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Problem not only in rural areas
People tend to think disadvantaged shoppers exist only in remote areas where depopulation and aging are steadily progressing and there is little public transportation. However, the ministry's study shows urban areas are no exception to the trend. 買い物弱者と言えば、人口減と高齢化が進み、公共交通機関が貧弱な過疎地に特有の現象、と思われがちだが、都市部も例外ではないことを示す。
Due to the advance of mass market retailers into suburban areas, local shopping arcades are being deserted and small shops are closing. This trend is growing nationwide. 大型量販店の郊外進出に押されて、徒歩圏にある地元商店街がさびれ、小型店が閉鎖するケースは全国的に増えている。
This is a serious situation that shows so-called food deserts--areas where daily food necessities such as fish, meat and vegetables are inaccessible--have been growing. 魚や肉、野菜など日々欠かせない食料の調達が困難な「フードデザート」（食の砂漠）の広がりをうかがわせる深刻な状況だ。
Both the public and private sectors should cooperate to map out various measures to deal with the respective situations of local communities. 官民が連携して、地域の実情に応じた多彩な支援策を検討することが必要である。
A variety of programs have already started in some areas, including mobile stores operated by local brick-and-mortar stores that visit residential areas, Net supermarkets that deliver commodities ordered online and shopping buses operated by residents. 地元商店などが住宅地に出向く出張店舗、インターネットで注文を受けた商品を配送するネットスーパー、住民らが運行する買い物バスなど、すでに各地で様々な取り組みが始まっている。
After the Great East Japan Earthquake, mini-mobile convenience stores in the quake-hit areas encouraged the quake-hit victims and contributed greatly to restoration of their daily lives. 東日本大震災でも、各地に商品を届けるコンビニの移動店舗などが被災者を元気づけ、生活復興に大きく貢献した。
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Creative ideas necessary
We expect the distribution industry to produce imaginative and creative ideas. Helping disadvantaged shoppers can also become an opportunity for businesses to uncover demand they previously missed. We hope the industry will look into the matter from a long-term business perspective. 流通業界の創意工夫が期待される。買い物支援は、これまで取り逃がしていた需要を掘り起こす新たな「商機」となりうる。息の長いビジネスを目指してほしい。
Nevertheless, some places such as underpopulated areas deep in the mountains will remain unprofitable no matter how hard the private sector alone tries. It will be indispensable for local governments to support private companies' efforts. それでも、山奥の過疎地など民間の経営努力だけでは、とても採算が取れないという場所は残る。自治体が支援して民間企業を後押しすることが欠かせない。
It may be necessary for local governments to promote the "compact city" initiative--bringing commercial and residential districts physically closer together--while securing public transportation for aged people that will make it easier for them to go shopping. Such community planning is important. 高齢者が外出して買い物しやすいよう公共交通を確保し、商業地と住宅地を近接させたコンパクトシティー構想を促進する。そうしたまちづくりの視点も大切だ。
If the problem of disadvantaged shoppers is left untouched, the outflow of population will never stop and local communities will become further devitalized. We hope residents, volunteers, companies and local administrations will combine their wisdom to come up with ways they can work together. 買い物弱者を放置すれば、人口流出が進み、地域は一段と疲弊しかねない。住民、ボランティア、企業、行政がどう連携できるか、知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
Concerning assistance to disadvantaged shoppers, a wide range of policy problems are interrelated--revitalization of local communities, transport policy and distribution of food are examples. 買い物支援は、地域活性化、交通政策、食品流通など幅広い政策課題が関連している。
The farm ministry, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry should not carry out research or introduce model cases separately, but reinforce measures to assist the shoppers in a unified manner as the government. 農水、経済産業、国土交通３省は、調査研究や事例紹介などをばらばらに実施するのではなく、政府一体で対策を強化すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 25, 2012) （2012年6月25日01時25分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 25, 2012) Emerging economies must accept environmental responsibilities リオ＋２０ 環境を守る責任は新興国にも（6月24日付・読売社説）
The summit ended as an illustration of how difficult it is for the international community to make truly concerted efforts to tackle global environmental problems. 地球環境問題に国際社会が一致協力して対処することの難しさを際立たせる結果となった。
The U.N. development summit to establish sustainable development goals, known as Rio+20, ended in Rio de Janeiro with the adoption of an agreement confirming the importance of making environmental protection consistent with economic growth. ブラジルのリオデジャネイロで開かれていた「国連持続可能な開発会議」（リオ＋２０）は、環境保全と経済成長を両立させる重要性を確認した文書を採択して閉幕した。
The summit, held 20 years after the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, was attended by heads of state and government officials of about 190 countries and territories, who discussed environmental protection measures for the next 10 years. １９９２年の国連環境開発会議（地球サミット）から２０年が経過したのを受け、約１９０か国・地域の首脳や政府関係者らが今後１０年間の環境保護策を協議した。
Yet it must be said that the summit produced extremely poor results. だが、成果は極めて乏しかったと言うしかない。
The leaders failed to decide on a global schedule for shifting to a "green economy," the biggest focus of the summit, leaving each country to tackle environmental problems on its own. 最大の焦点だった「グリーン経済」に移行する世界共通の工程表策定はできず、各国の自主的取り組みに委ねることになった。
Building a "green economy," which means shifting to a low-carbon society by reducing dependence on oil and other fossil fuels while at the same time fostering industries related to environmental protection, is a task the whole world faces. 石油など化石燃料への依存度を減らし、環境関連産業を育成しながら低炭素社会へと転換していく「グリーン経済」の構築は、世界全体の課題と言えよう。
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An old divide between nations
At the summit, Japan and other industrialized countries asserted that all countries must aim at shifting toward a green economy. But developing countries opposed the idea, saying it would hinder their economic growth. 会議では、日本など先進国が「全ての国が移行を目指すべきだ」と主張し、途上国は「経済成長の足かせになる」と反発した。
Thus the summit ended up achieving no progress on the confrontation between developed and developing economies. 先進国と途上国が対立する構図は結局、変わらなかった。
Following the 1992 Earth Summit in Rio, landmark accords such as the U.N. Framework Convention on Climate Change have been concluded, with countries making efforts to pursue the principle of "common but differentiated responsibilities." 地球サミットを機に、気候変動枠組み条約などが締結され、各国は「共通だが差異ある責任」を原則に対策を進めてきた。
The principle is based on the notion that, historically, global environmental degradation has mainly stemmed from the economic activities of the developed countries, making it necessary for the industrialized countries to assume heavier responsibilities for environmental problems. 環境破壊を招いたのは、先進国の経済活動であり、環境保護について、先進国は途上国より重い責任を持つという考え方だ。
This notion was later put into concrete form in the Kyoto Protocol based on the U.N. framework convention, under which only the developed countries are held responsible for reducing greenhouse gas emissions. それを具体化したのが、気候変動枠組み条約に基づく京都議定書だ。先進国だけが温室効果ガスの排出削減義務を負っている。
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China joins big-league emitters
Yet the global situation has changed greatly. Greenhouse gas emissions from such emerging economies as China and India, which have achieved rapid economic growth, continue to increase, with China surpassing the United States to become the world's biggest greenhouse gas emitter. しかし、状況は大きく変わった。急速な経済発展を遂げた中国、インドなど新興国の排出量が増え続け、中国は米国を抜いて世界一の排出国となった。
Despite these facts, Chinese Prime Minister Wen Jiabao insisted during the latest summit talks on defining his country as a "large developing country," maintaining China's stance that the developed countries must assume responsibility for environmental problems. それにもかかわらず、中国の温家宝首相は今回の会議でも、自国を「大きな途上国」と位置付け、先進国が責任を果たすべきだとの姿勢を崩さなかった。
It is obvious that to protect the global environment, such emerging economies as China have to assume their own responsibilities, commensurate to their economic scale. 地球環境を守るためには、中国など新興国も応分の責任を負わねばならないのは明らかだ。
At the summit, leaders agreed to reinforce the U.N. Environment Programme. 会議では、国連環境計画（ＵＮＥＰ）の強化で合意した。
But more than the expansion of a U.N. organization that is preoccupied with coordinating conflicting interests among member countries, what is needed is for developed countries to encourage newly emerging economies and developing countries to more actively tackle environmental problems. だが、各国の利害調整に追われる国連機関の拡充よりも、必要なのは新興国、途上国に積極的な取り組みを促す先進国の働きかけだ。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba has made clear Japan's intention of extending financial assistance of 6 billion dollars (about 477 billion yen) to developing countries over three years from fiscal 2013. It is also important for Japan to take the lead in offering technological assistance, such as energy-saving technologies, to developing countries. 玄葉外相は、３年間で６０億ドル（約４７７０億円）の途上国支援を表明した。日本が率先して、省エネルギーなどの技術支援を進めることも大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 24, 2012) （2012年6月24日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 24, 2012) Nuclear fuel cycle essential to national energy strategy 核燃料サイクル エネルギー戦略の重要な柱だ（6月23日付・読売社説）
The Cabinet Office's Atomic Energy Commission presented several options in its review of the government's policy of reprocessing all spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants around Japan. 原子力発電所の使用済み核燃料を再処理して使う「核燃料サイクル」政策について、内閣府の原子力委員会が、見直しの選択肢を提示した。
These options are being used in discussions at the government's Energy and Environment Council, which has been reviewing the nation's energy strategy in the wake of last year's crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 昨年の原発事故を受けて、政府のエネルギー・環境会議がエネルギー戦略を再検討している。その議論の材料という。
The commission drafted three options for the treatment of spent nuclear fuel, assuming nuclear power's share of total electricity generated in Japan in 2030 will stand at 0 percent, 15 percent, or 20 percent to 25 percent. 選択肢は、２０３０年の原発比率を、０％、１５％、２０～２５％に分け、それぞれの場合について使用済み核燃料の扱いを示した。
The most realistic scenarios are those assuming Japan will continue to use nuclear power. In those scenarios, the commission assumes the nuclear fuel cycle will be continued. We think their contents are based on the nation's conventional atomic energy policy and are reasonable. 現実的なのは、今後も原発を利用する選択肢である。この場合、核燃料サイクルも継続すると判断しており、これまでの原子力政策を踏まえた妥当な内容だろう。
With the nuclear fuel cycle, uranium resources could be used efficiently and the amount of radioactive waste could be reduced. That is why Japan has long seen reprocessing of all spent nuclear fuel as a national policy. 核燃料サイクルによって、ウラン資源を有効利用でき、廃棄すべき放射性物質の量を減らせる。日本が全量再処理を国策として位置づけてきたのは、このためだ。
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Spent fuel disposal proposed
However, if nuclear power's share of the nation's total electricity generation drops to 15 percent, reprocessing all spent fuel will produce more fuel than necessary. In that case, it would be appropriate to dispose of some spent fuel without reprocessing it, such as by burying it underground, the commission said. ただ、原発比率が１５％まで減れば、全量を再処理しても使い道に困る。このため、原子力委は、再処理しない分を地中に埋めるなど直接処分するのが適切とした。
This is the first time an official assumption has been made that spent fuel would be disposed of--even though the commission said this would only apply to some spent fuel. Since it is hard to imagine the number of nuclear power plants increasing for the time being, a revision of the national policy of reprocessing all spent fuel cannot be avoided. 一部とはいえ、直接処分を想定したのは今回が初めてだ。原発が増えることは当面考えにくく、国策の修正は、やむを得まい。
As for the scenario in which nuclear power accounts for 0 percent of the nation's electricity supply, all existing spent nuclear fuel would have to be disposed of. But this is unrealistic if Japan's difficult energy situation, without any viable alternative power sources in sight, is taken into consideration. 一方、使用済み核燃料をすべて直接処分する０％の選択肢は、代替電源の見通しがつかない厳しいエネルギー事情を考えれば、非現実的だ。
It would also be a waste of the valuable reprocessing-related technology that has been developed so far. これまで培ってきた関連技術も無に帰してしまう。
The Energy and Environment Council is scheduled to reach a conclusion around August. It should set firm positions in the nation's far-reaching energy strategy for the continuation of nuclear power generation and spent fuel reprocessing. エネ環会議は、８月にも結論を出す。原発と核燃料サイクルの継続を将来にわたるエネルギー戦略にしっかり位置づけるべきだ。
However, a mountain of problems remain. だが、課題も山積している。
The government has to decide at which nuclear power plants reprocessed nuclear fuel should be used while obtaining consent from the communities hosting such plants. 再処理を経た燃料を、どの原発で燃やすかを、地元の理解も得て決めねばならない。
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Solid nuclear policy needed
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd.'s reprocessing plant in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, which is still under construction, is meant to become the nation's center for nuclear fuel reprocessing. However, the plant is facing technological difficulties as it nears completion. 核燃料サイクルの拠点として建設中の日本原燃の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）は、完成間際で技術的難関にぶつかっている。
Meanwhile, the Monju test fast-breeder nuclear reactor in Fukui Prefecture has had its own series of problems, though it is expected to make the nuclear fuel cycle efficient if it begins full-scale operations. 核燃料サイクルを効率化できる高速増殖炉「もんじゅ」も、トラブルが続いている。
The nation needs a solid nuclear power policy to deal with those difficult challenges. 確固たる原子力政策なしには、こうした難題に対処できまい。
The Atomic Energy Commission asked the council to take national security into consideration in discussing the options, stressing that an international viewpoint is essential. 原子力委は、選択肢を巡って、「国際的視点が不可欠」と、安全保障面での検討も求めている。
It is an important aspect of the issue because Japan's reprocessing technology can contribute to nuclear nonproliferation in a world where emerging economies have higher expectations for development of nuclear power plants in their own countries. 新興国などで原発に期待が高まる中、日本の技術は、核不拡散などにも貢献できるだけに、重要な論点と言えよう。
The bill to create a new independent regulatory commission for nuclear plant safety, which recently passed the Diet, and the revised Atomic Energy Fundamental Law both stipulate that the nation's safety regulation on nuclear plants must contribute to protection of the nation's security. This is a matter of course if the role of nuclear technology is taken into consideration. 新たに成立した原子力規制委員会設置法と、改正原子力基本法にも「安全保障に資する」の文言が明記された。原子力技術の役割を考えれば、当然のことである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 23, 2012) （2012年6月23日01時09分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 23, 2012) DPJ must act against dissenters before reform vote 小沢氏造反明言 民主は厳正処分を事前に示せ （6月22日付・読売社説）
Ahead of a vote on social security and tax system reform bills, the Democratic Party of Japan must take a firm stand against dissenters if it hopes to extricate itself from a situation in which the ruling party can't even reach a consensus on such a crucial matter. 政策がバラバラで、重要な方針がなかなか決まらない。民主党がこうした混迷から脱するためにも、造反には厳しい姿勢で臨む必要がある。
At a meeting Thursday, secretaries general of the DPJ and the two main opposition parties--the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito--agreed to put a set of social security and tax system reform bills to a vote in the House of Representatives as swiftly as possible, and to have them enacted before the end of the current extended Diet session. 民主、自民、公明３党は幹事長会談で、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案を衆院で速やかに採決し、今国会中に成立させることを確認した。
法案の衆院通過は、来週の２６日になると見られる。
Overshadowing the expected passage of the bills in the lower house Tuesday are moves within the DPJ to rebel against the party's leadership. 採決における焦点は、民主党内の造反の動きである。
DPJ kingpin Ichiro Ozawa reiterated Thursday his opposition to the reform bills, saying he will make what he believes is the best choice after a vote is held. Ozawa also indicated he is considering forming a new party. 小沢一郎元代表は法案に反対する意向を改めて示し、採決が済めば、「最善の道を選びたい」と述べた。新党結成を検討する考えも表明した。
If he remains opposed to the bills, which Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has made a top priority, it is a matter of course that Ozawa would break away from the ruling DPJ. 野田政権が最重要課題と位置付ける法案に反対するのであれば、離党するのが筋であろう。
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Majority at stake
There is a possibility that DPJ legislators and others who support Ozawa's position will vote against the bills, withhold their ballot or refuse to attend the vote during a plenary session of the lower house. 小沢氏に同調した民主党議員らが、採決時に反対または棄権・欠席する可能性がある。
In the worst-case scenario, where a large number of dissenting DPJ lawmakers secede from the party, the ruling camp could lose its majority in the lower house, just as it did in the House of Councillors. 仮に造反議員が多数離党した場合、与党が衆院でも過半数を割り込む事態さえ予想される。
Given this possibility, DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi vowed to do his utmost to stop the party from splitting, saying he would "keep the party together" even if a certain number of DPJ lawmakers vote against the bills. こうした事情から、輿石幹事長は造反があっても、「党をまとめていきたい」と、党分裂の回避を目指す意向を示した。
If the DPJ leadership imposes weak punitive measures against dissenters, however, it would be no more than a Band-Aid solution, temporarily covering a deeply rooted policy rift in the DPJ. だが、造反議員への処分を甘くすることは、民主党が内包する深刻な路線対立を一時的に糊塗(こと)するだけではないか。
The DPJ has avoided imposing severe punishments on lawmakers who dissented from the party leadership in past votes on a nonconfidence motion against a previous cabinet and a state budget. 民主党は、内閣不信任決議案や予算案の採決時の造反に対し、厳しい処分を避けてきた。
It cannot be denied that discipline within the party has slackened and that party leadership has deteriorated. その結果、規律が緩み、党執行部の求心力も低下したことは否めない。
Ahead of this crucial vote, we believe the DPJ executives must show their clear resolve to work out stern measures against dissenters, such as expulsion from the party or a request they leave. Such steps would do much to deter opposition to passage of the reform bills. 党執行部は、造反すれば除名や離党勧告という重い処分を行うことを事前に明示し、採決に臨むべきだ。それが造反を思いとどまらせる上で一定の効果を持とう。
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Manifesto proved unworkable
As one reason for his opposition to the bills, Ozawa said, "Implementing a large-scale tax increase ahead of other key tasks is a serious breach of the people's trust." 一方、小沢氏は法案に反対する理由として、「大増税だけが先行するやり方は国民への背信行為」と語った。
He also reiterated an argument made in the DPJ's manifesto pledges for the 2009 general election that overhauling administrative bodies and eliminating wasteful spending of taxpayer money would yield significant revenue. さらに、統治機構を変え、無駄を徹底的に省けば財源が生まれると、政権公約（マニフェスト）の主張を繰り返した。
But this insistence at the core of the DPJ's manifesto that revenue sources could be raised--eventually by as much as 16.8 trillion yen--by such measures as reworking the state budget has already been proven false. What does Ozawa have to say about this? だが、予算組み替えなどで最終的に１６・８兆円もの財源を捻出できる、としたマニフェストの根幹部分はすでに破綻している。それをどう説明するのか。
Three successive cabinets, led by Yukio Hatoyama, Naoto Kan and now Noda, have acknowledged that major points of the DPJ manifesto are not realizable, and have adopted a more realistic approach to steering the government. 鳩山、菅、野田の３代の内閣は、マニフェストの主要政策が実現不可能であることを事実上認め、現実路線にかじを切ってきた。
Arrogant logic that disregards what the DPJ has learned in its policy discussions since it came to power can never be convincing. 政権交代後に積み重ねてきた政策論議を一切無視するような、身勝手な理屈は説得力を持たない。
What Ozawa needs to realize is that opposing the consumption tax rate increase, and thereby endangering the nation's social security system and government finances, is what should be condemned as an act of betrayal against the people. 消費増税に反対し、社会保障制度や財政の破綻を招くことこそ、国民を裏切る行為である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 22, 2012) （2012年6月22日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 22, 2012) Show concrete measures toward eurozone integration Ｇ２０首脳宣言 欧州包囲網が迅速な行動促す（6月21日付・読売社説）
It is meaningful that Japan and the United States, as well as China and other emerging economies, pressed Europe to take swift action to contain the eurozone fiscal and financial crisis. 欧州財政・金融危機の封じ込めへ、日米や中国など新興国が欧州に対し迅速な行動を強く促した意義は大きい。
At a summit meeting in Mexico, leaders of the Group of 20 advanced and emerging economies have adopted a declaration saying the G-20's eurozone members "will take all necessary policy measures to safeguard the integrity and stability of the area." メキシコで開かれた主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議は、「ユーロ圏があらゆる必要な措置を取る」とする首脳宣言を採択した。
The declaration also pointed out the growing risks and uncertainties in the world economy. 世界経済のリスクと不確実性の高まりも指摘した。
Parties backing austerity policies won a slim parliamentary majority in the recent Greek election, avoiding at least for the moment the worst-case scenario of Greece exiting the eurozone--which would inevitably plunge stock and exchange markets into chaos. ギリシャ議会の再選挙の結果、ギリシャのユーロ圏離脱と株式・為替市場の大混乱という、最悪の事態はひとまず回避された。
However, the future of the eurozone still remains unclear. The eurozone crisis is far from being settled as financial instability is spreading in Spain. The turmoil in Europe is holding back the world economy, slowing it down. しかし、先行きはまだ不透明だ。スペインの金融不安が広がり、危機収束にはほど遠い。欧州の混乱が世界経済の足を引っ張り、景気減速をもたらしている。
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Achievements at G-20 meeting
Frustrated by the eurozone's slow response to the crisis, U.S. President Barack Obama piled pressure on its member economies to make more efforts during the G-20 summit meeting. Ｇ２０では、欧州の対応の遅れに苛立(いらだ)つオバマ米大統領が圧力をかけた。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda presented a united front with the United States on pressing Europe at the summit, saying, "There's no time to waste." 野田首相も「一刻の猶予も許されない」と迫り、欧州包囲網が形成されたと言える。
In response, European G-20 members including Germany and France said they will consider devising a road map toward the creation of a banking union, a plan including such measures as centralizing the supervision of banks and procedures to deal with failed banks, which currently differ from one country to another. The nations said they will also consider strengthening fiscal integration of the area. これに対し、独仏両国など欧州側は、ユーロ圏で国ごとに異なる銀行の監督や破綻処理を統一する「銀行同盟」の行程表と、財政統合の検討を表明した。
The fundamental problem with the euro is that although the currencies of the eurozone nations have been integrated, their fiscal and monetary policies have not. That is why the eurozone economies are still unable to find their way out of the crisis although they have implemented piecemeal measures again and again. 通貨が統一された一方で、財政と金融行政がばらばらなことがユーロの構造的な問題だ。小出しの危機対策を繰り返しても、出口が見えない原因でもある。
However, Germany remains cautious about the banking union, as it is wary of an additional financial burden. Germany is also resisting the introduction of common euro bonds, which would allow the eurozone countries to raise funds as a unit, a measure considered key to strengthening the region's fiscal integration. ただ、「銀行同盟」を巡っては新たな財政負担を警戒するドイツがなお慎重だ。財政統合のカギとなるユーロ圏全体で資金調達する「ユーロ共通債」の発行についてもドイツが抵抗している。
It will not be easy to bridge the gaps among the eurozone economies, but they should take seriously the fact that G-20 members expressed their support for a banking union and other measures in the declaration, and deepen their economic integration. 各国間の溝を埋めるのは容易でないが、首脳宣言が銀行同盟などの方針を支持したことを欧州は重く受け止め、経済統合の深化を図るべきだ。
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Germany, France must take lead
Germany and France must take the initiative at a summit meeting of European Union leaders scheduled for next week to demonstrate concrete steps toward further fiscal integration to the world. 来週の欧州連合（ＥＵ）首脳会議では独仏が主導し、具体的な道筋を示す必要がある。
In addition, eurozone leaders should speed up their efforts to rescue Spain's banks, which hold massive bad loans. The cooperation between Greece's new government and other eurozone economies is also essential. 併せて、巨額の不良債権を抱えたスペインの銀行救済を急がねばならない。ギリシャ新政権とユーロ圏の連携も不可欠だ。
At the summit meeting, G-20 leaders also agreed that implementing excessive austerity measures alone will not be sufficient to rejuvenate the eurozone economy, and instead provoke financial instability. Ｇ２０は、行き過ぎた緊縮財政だけでは景気が回復せず、金融不安を招くとの認識も共有した。
It is praiseworthy that the G-20 members stated clearly in their declaration that "strong, sustainable and balanced growth remains the top priority of the G-20" and revised their stance of prioritizing restoration of fiscal health above all else. 首脳宣言が、「力強く持続可能で均衡の取れた成長はＧ２０の最優先課題」と明記し、財政健全化を最重視する路線を軌道修正した点は評価できる。
In another step toward containing the crisis, China and other emerging economies pledged huge sums to the International Monetary Fund, enabling the IMF to expand its pool of emergency loans to about 456 billion dollars (about 36 trillion yen). 中国などが拠出額を表明し、国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）の緊急融資枠が約４５６０億ドル（約３６兆円）に拡大したことも前進だ。
Markets are still doubtful the eurozone crisis will be resolved soon. In addition to the further self-help efforts of the eurozone economies, it is essential for the G-20 nations to strengthen their cooperation to contain the crisis. 欧州危機の早期収束には、市場は依然として懐疑的である。欧州の一層の自助努力とともに、Ｇ２０の結束強化が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 21, 2012) （2012年6月21日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 21, 2012) DPJ's policymaking process far too immature 民主党法案審査 政策決定過程が未熟すぎる（6月20日付・読売社説）
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan idles away its time as its executives try in vain to persuade its members to support certain policies. But its discussions are very difficult to control as everyone seems to have a different opinion. How many times have we seen this happening? 党執行部は懸命に説得するが、異論が噴出し、収拾できない。時間が無為に過ぎていく――。この不毛な光景を何度、見せられたことか。
The DPJ's internal procedures for approving the drafts of the revised bills on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems saw many twists and turns up until the last minute, despite agreement between the ruling and the two main opposition parties--the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. 社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の民主、自民、公明３党修正合意について、民主党の了承手続きは最後まで難航した。
When the DPJ held a joint meeting of subcommittees of the Policy Research Committee on Wednesday, some members opposed to or cautious over increasing the consumption tax rate argued it would be difficult for them to win an election if the party changed its policy of creating a minimum guaranteed pension system as this was a fundamental part of its manifesto for the 2009 House of Representatives election. Others said the DPJ has made too many concessions to the LDP on social security issues. 「最低保障年金制度の創設という政権公約（マニフェスト）の根幹を変えては、選挙に勝てない」「社会保障政策は自民党に譲歩し過ぎだ」。民主党政策調査会の合同会議では、増税反対・慎重派から、こんな意見が相次いだ。
As Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has staked his political life on passage of the comprehensive reform, it is unreasonable for DPJ members to work against the person they chose to be party president. It is no exaggeration to say that they maintained this kind of attitude when the DPJ was an opposition party. 自ら選んだ野田首相が「政治生命」を懸けている一体改革の足を引っ張ること自体、政党人として筋が通らない。野党体質を引きずっていると言うほかない。
The DPJ should be aware its ability to remain in power is being tested, so it should approve the drafts of the revised bills as soon as possible. 民主党は、自らの政権維持能力が試されていることを自覚し、早期に修正案を了承すべきだ。
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Unstable process causes confusion
The fundamental problem lies in the DPJ's internal culture in which it holds never-ending discussions and avoids making decisions. 問題の根源は、議論を延々と続けるだけで、物事を決めようとしない民主党の政治文化にある。
In September, Noda's Cabinet confirmed the DPJ's internal procedures for approving bills-- subcommittees of the Policy Research Committee review them first before they are approved by the committee's executive members. When it comes to important bills, a council of top government officials and DPJ executives give the final stamp of approval following a review by the committee. 野田政権は昨年９月、「政調部門会議→政調役員会」という法案審査手続きを確認した。重要法案については、政調会の審査に加えて、「政府・民主三役会議」の場で最終決定される。
The DPJ has changed its policymaking process every time it elects a new president. The administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama scrapped the Policy Research Committee, which was then revived by his successor, Naoto Kan. Noda's Cabinet has strengthened the committee's authority. This means the DPJ has failed to establish a stable policymaking process, causing internal discussions to stray off course. だが、政調会が鳩山政権で廃止され、菅政権で復活し、野田政権では権限が強まるなど、代表交代のたびに政策決定制度が変わり、根付かなかったことが、党内論議の迷走に拍車をかけている。
The LDP and Komeito, on the other hand, left discussions on revising bills on the integrated reform up to their respective executives before the three parties started talks. Both parties also have completed internal procedures to approve drafts of the revised bills. 自民、公明両党は今回、３党協議前に幹部に対応を一任した。合意内容の了承も終えている。
The two parties have built up a mature decision-making process through their years in power, so these steps are a matter of course. Even though opinions differed, they manage to complete their discussions without causing problems. 長年の与党経験を踏まえ、党内に異論があっても、決定的な対立を招く前に矛を収める「大人の知恵」を身につけているからだ。
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Responsibility as a ruling party
In contrast, the DPJ's discussions on important issues involve all of its Diet members--even first-term lawmakers. これに対し、民主党の場合、重要案件については、当選１回議員も含む全員参加の議論で決着させるのが通例である。
DPJ members may feel they are having vigorous and open arguments, but their discussions are poor in substance. 本人たちは、オープンで活発な議論をしているつもりかも知れないが、その中身は乏しい。
Under the divided Diet, it is odd if DPJ lawmakers believe all of the ruling party's opinions should score points. Instead, the party has a responsibility to move the nation's politics forward by considering arguments from opposition parties. It also should have enough will and capacity to fulfill its responsibility. 衆参ねじれ国会の下、与党の主張をすべて通すべきだと考える方がおかしい。むしろ、与党には、野党の意見を取り入れ、政治を前に進める責任がある。それを実行する意思と能力も求められる。
Even some of DPJ's prefectural chapters have criticized the group led by former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, which opposes the consumption tax hike even though the party has painstakingly gone through internal procedures on the issue. 丁寧に党内手続きを踏んで決めた消費税率引き上げに、小沢一郎元代表のグループが公然と反対している姿は、党の地方組織からも批判されている。
The DPJ should be aware that a ruling party has to make concise--and prompt--political decisions. 政権党には、政策決定の的確さとともに、スピードも要求されていることを自覚すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 20, 2012) （2012年6月20日01時07分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 20, 2012) Greek poll outcome must be 1st step toward ending crisis ギリシャ再選挙 ユーロ離脱は避けられたが（6月19日付・読売社説）
Parties calling for the maintenance of austerity policies expanded their support among voters in a Greek parliamentary election held Sunday, making it likely the country will avoid the worst-case scenario of a departure from the eurozone. ギリシャ議会の再選挙で、財政緊縮策の継続を主張した政党が支持を広げ、ユーロ圏離脱という最悪のシナリオは回避される方向になった。
This must serve as the first step toward ending the Greek turmoil and containing the European debt crisis. ギリシャの混乱を収束し、欧州危機を封じ込める一歩としなければならない。
Election results show the center-right New Democracy party gained the biggest number of seats, while center-left PASOK placed third. The two pro-austerity parties thus managed to acquire a parliamentary majority. 再選挙の結果、中道右派の新民主主義党が第１党になり、同じく緊縮路線で第３党となった中道左派の全ギリシャ社会主義運動と合わせて、獲得議席は過半数に達した。
The anti-austerity radical left Syriza bloc came in second. 緊縮財政に反対する急進左派連合は第２党にとどまった。
If the Syriza bloc had won the election, the European Union would have almost certainly withheld financial support for Greece. If this led to the country's departure from the eurozone, it would have dealt a great blow to the world economy, including Japan. 急進左派連合が勝利したなら、緊縮策の放棄によって欧州連合（ＥＵ）の支援が滞るのは確実だった。それでユーロ圏離脱が現実となれば、日本経済など世界経済に大打撃となったに違いない。
We applaud the Greek people for making a wise judgment at the eleventh hour. It is quite natural that finance ministers of the Group of Seven industrialized nations, including Japan and the United States, issued a statement that Greece staying in the eurozone while fulfilling its commitment to carry out fiscal austerity policies would be beneficial to all parties. ギリシャ国民が土壇場で賢明な判断を下したことは歓迎できる。日米など先進７か国（Ｇ７）財務相が、ギリシャに対し、緊縮財政の約束を順守しユーロ圏に残留することが「すべての利益になる」との声明を出したのは当然だ。
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Outlook still uncertain
But the prospects for the future remain unclear. The fact that stock price rebounds in Tokyo and other Asian markets and the buying back of the euro were limited indicates market skepticism about the possibility of Greece's economic rejuvenation. しかし、先行きは依然、不透明だ。東京とアジア市場の株価上昇やユーロの買い戻しが限定的だったのも、ギリシャ経済再生に対する市場の不信感を示す。
A host of challenges lie ahead. First, New Democracy must hold talks on the formation of a coalition government. It is necessary to establish as soon as possible a stable coalition government aimed at restoring fiscal health. 課題は山積している。新民主主義党はまず連立協議を行い、財政健全化を目指す安定政権を早期に樹立する必要がある。
Taking into consideration the people's opposition to fiscal austerity policies, New Democracy told voters during the election campaign that it would again hold negotiations with the EU to reexamine bailout terms and pledged to push back the date targeted for fiscal reconstruction. 選挙戦で新民主主義党は、国民の財政緊縮策への反発に配慮し、ＥＵと支援条件見直しの再交渉を行うと訴え、財政再建の達成目標時期の先送りを公約してきた。
But there is strong pressure from Germany and other eurozone countries for Greece to push through austerity and structural reform policies. ただしドイツを中心にＥＵ内には、ギリシャに緊縮財政と構造改革の断行を求める圧力が強い。
Simply tightening fiscal discipline will only invite a backlash from the people, making it impossible to open up new prospects. The Greek economy is expected to suffer continued negative growth. A sharp rise in runs on banks is amplifying financial unrest. 財政規律の強化だけでは、国民の反発を招くばかりで展望は見いだせまい。ギリシャ経済はマイナス成長が続く。銀行預金の引き出しが急増していることも金融不安を増幅する。
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Exploring breakthrough steps
We urge Greece and the EU to explore the possibility of working out breakthrough measures so fiscal rehabilitation and economic growth can accompany each other. It is worth studying revitalization measures utilizing a bailout framework that will include the European Investment Bank. 財政再建と経済成長を両立させるため、ギリシャとＥＵは打開策を探ってもらいたい。欧州投資銀行などの枠組みを利用した活性化策も検討に値しよう。
Financial uncertainty also is becoming serious in Spain, where banking business deteriorated due to the slump that has occurred in the aftermath of the bursting of the property bubble. Delay in taking action to deal with the Spanish crisis will send the EU into a vicious circle in which the crisis expands. 欧州では、バブル崩壊後の経済低迷で銀行経営が悪化したスペインの金融不安も深刻化しつつある。ここでも対応が後手に回ると危機が拡大する悪循環に陥る。
Following a summit conference of the Group of 20 economies that opened Monday in Mexico, an EU summit meeting will be held late this month. Germany and France are urged by the international community and markets to display leadership in formulating comprehensive prescriptions to remedy the European crisis. メキシコでの主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議に続き、月末にはＥＵ首脳会議が開かれる。独仏両国が主導して、欧州危機への包括的な処方箋を打ち出すことを国際社会も市場も催促している。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 19, 2012) （2012年6月19日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 19, 2012) Consumption tax opponents must get over their manifesto fixation 消費増税反対派 マニフェストの呪縛を解け（6月18日付・読売社説）
In the run-up to the Diet vote on bills for comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems, centering on the consumption tax hike, confrontations are escalating within the ruling Democratic Party of Japan. 消費税率引き上げを柱にした社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の採決に向けて、民主党内の対立が激化している。
At this stage, those who are against raising the consumption tax rate persist in arguing that other things must be done first, a stance we find deplorable. They may be breaking ranks against the plan to protect themselves in the next House of Representatives election. It is time for DPJ members to break the spell of their manifesto for the 2009 lower house election, which is the source of internal conflicts. この期に及んで「増税の前にやるべきことがある」と反対する姿は見苦しい。次期衆院選への保身ではないか。対立の根幹にある政権公約（マニフェスト）の呪縛を解くべきだ。
Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa criticizes Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's policy of raising the consumption tax rate, calling it a suicidal act, a blasphemy against the people and a breach of public trust. He is calling on DPJ members to hew to the party's manifesto pledges. 小沢一郎元代表は、野田首相の消費税率引き上げ方針を「自殺行為であり、国民に対する冒涜(ぼうとく)、背信行為だ」と批判する。政権交代の原点、２００９年衆院選のマニフェストに戻れと訴えている。
Ozawa and other opponents of raising the consumption tax view the manifesto as a "contract with the people." This is why party discussions over the manifesto end up in unproductive arguments over whether the party will stick to it or discard it. However, the manifesto is simply a set of principles and plans from the time when it was drawn up. マニフェストを「国民との契約」と位置づけるから、守る、守らないという非生産的な議論になる。マニフェストは、作成時点での方針や計画に過ぎない。
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Realism, flexibility called for
It is natural for politicians to appropriately and flexibly modify policies in accordance with changes in political and economic circumstances at home and abroad. 政治家が、内外の政治・経済情勢の変化に応じて、政策を的確かつ柔軟に修正するのは当然だ。
The 2009 manifesto was drawn up at the initiative of Ozawa and others when the DPJ still was in the opposition bloc. But with the feasibility of many manifesto policies having been called into question, it has effectively broken down. 小沢氏らが主導して野党時代に作った０９年マニフェストの政策の多くは、財源や実現可能性に疑問符がつき、既に破綻している。
The manifesto certainly did not touch on the consumption tax. 確かにこのマニフェストは、消費税について触れていない。
However, the party's manifesto for the House of Councillors election in 2010 clearly called for the launch of suprapartisan negotiations over comprehensive tax system reform, including the consumption tax. だが、１０年の参院選のマニフェストには「消費税を含む税制抜本改革に関する協議を超党派で開始する」と明記されている。
Noda won the DPJ presidential election in August last year, pointing to the need to raise the consumption tax. It is not persuasive at all if opponents continue to insist on the 2009 manifesto, completely neglecting such processes. 昨年８月の民主党代表選で、野田首相は消費税率引き上げを唱えて勝利した。こうした経緯を全く無視して、０９年のマニフェストに固執しても説得力はない。
Regarding the 2009 lower house election, DPJ Vice President Katsuya Okada said in the Diet: "We won the election in the grand flow of people's wishes for a change in power, rather than as a result of the manifesto." We think he is quite right on this point. 岡田副総理は、国会で０９年の衆院選について、「マニフェストの結果というより、政権交代を望む国民の大きな流れの中で勝った」と指摘した。その通りだろう。
In a Yomiuri Shimbun opinion poll taken right after the lower house election, nearly 50 percent of respondents said the DPJ won the election because of voter frustration toward then Prime Minister Taro Aso and the Liberal Democratic Party. Only about 10 percent cited people's appreciation of the DPJ manifesto as the reason for its victory. 衆院選直後の読売新聞の世論調査では、民主党の勝因は「麻生首相や自民党への不満」が５割近くを占め、「民主党のマニフェストへの評価」は１割に過ぎない。
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There's no manifesto referendum
Japanese voters have yet to embrace a system in which they simply pass judgment on a ruling party's ability to realize its lower house manifesto pledges during the four-year term of its lower house members. Moreover, isn't the DPJ manifesto for the 2010 upper house election, in which the party was defeated, still in effect? The party remains unable to sort out even this point. 衆院選のマニフェストを４年間の任期を通じて実現し、次期衆院選で審判を受ける。そんな図式が有権者に受け入れられているわけでもない。敗北した参院選のマニフェストは生きていないのか、その整理さえついていない。
Furthermore, as the DPJ's defeat in the upper house election resulted in a divided Diet, in which the upper house is controlled by opposition parties, the party is unable to pass bills through the Diet without cooperation from opposition parties. さらに、参院選後の衆参ねじれ国会では野党の協力なしに法案は成立しなくなった。
Some of the DPJ's plans, such as creating a new pension system with a minimum guaranteed pension program and abolishing the special health insurance program for those aged 75 and older, are opposed by the LDP and New Komeito. In the divided Diet, how will it be possible for the party to realize such plans? 自民、公明両党が反対する「最低保障年金を柱とする新年金制度創設」や「後期高齢者医療制度の廃止」を一体どうやって実現するというのか。
It is irresponsible for the party to give the manifesto absolute priority, without taking into account changes in the political environment. The DPJ must reconsider the manifesto from its foundation. 政治環境の変化も考慮せず、マニフェストを絶対視するのは無責任に過ぎる。民主党はマニフェストを根本から考え直すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 18, 2012) （2012年6月18日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 18, 2012) Restart remaining N-reactors to prevent power shortages 大飯再稼働決定 着実な発電開始に万全を期せ（6月17日付・読売社説）
The government has decided to restart the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture. 政府が、関西電力大飯原子力発電所３、４号機の再稼働を決めた。
"The [Oi] reactors will be reactivated--this is the government's final decision. We'll take further steps toward restoring public trust in nuclear administration," Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said at a meeting with ministers in charge of the nation's nuclear policy on Saturday. 野田首相は１６日の関係閣僚会合で、「再稼働することを政府の最終判断とする。原子力行政の信頼回復に向け、さらに取り組みを進めていく」と述べた。
We want to praise the prime minister highly for taking the responsibility of restarting the nuclear reactors to prevent the nation from facing a power crisis. 電力危機を回避するため、首相が責任を持って再稼働を決断したことを高く評価したい。
The government has confirmed the safety of the Oi reactors based on its criteria for restarting suspended nuclear reactors. It took more than a year for the government to draw up the criteria, taking into account the lessons learned from the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 政府は、福島第一原発事故の教訓を反映した判断基準を１年以上かけてまとめ、その基準に沿って大飯原発の安全性を確認した。
Noda made the restart decision also after obtaining approval from the heads of Fukui Prefecture and the town of Oi. 地元の福井県と、おおい町の同意も得られた上での決定だ。
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Haste makes mistakes
However, the crucial moment has yet to come. It will take about six weeks for the Oi power plant's Nos. 3 and 4 reactors to fully resume operations. Preparatory work needs to be conducted thoroughly, as the reactors were suspended for a longer period than they would have been for ordinary periodic checkups. 肝心なのはこれからである。大飯原発の２基がフル稼働するまで約６週間かかる見込みという。通常の定期検査より運転停止の期間が長かったため、念入りに整備する必要がある。
It would be ideal if the restart of the nuclear reactors was in time for the nation's hottest season, when electricity consumption peaks, but doing things in haste often causes trouble. We urge KEPCO to work carefully and make thorough preparations to restart the Oi reactors. 再稼働を電力需要がピークとなる猛暑に間に合わせたいが、「急(せ)いては事を仕損じる」ことになっては大変だ。関電は慎重に作業を進め、発電再開に万全を期してもらいたい。
Needless to say, ensuring the safety of the nuclear reactors should be the top priority. If the power company overemphasizes keeping to its schedule, the pressure may lead to human errors. The government and the utility should prepare for a scenario in which the restart of the reactors falls behind schedule and continue implementing measures against possible power shortages for the time being. むろん、安全確保が最重要である。日程優先では焦りがミスを誘いかねない。稼働時期が遅れる事態も想定し、当面は電力不足への対策を続けるべきだ。
From July 2, KEPCO will ask its customers to cut power use by at least 15 percent from the same period in 2010. Companies are now busy making plans to comply with the request, such as increasing the amount of electricity produced by their in-house power generators and shifting the operation times of their factories. 関電管内では７月２日から１５％の節電が予定される。企業の間で自家発電の増強や操業時間変更などの対策が練られている。
To avoid discouraging the companies' efforts, the power company should not reduce the 15 percent reduction target until the operations of the Oi reactors are fully stabilized. 努力に水を差さぬよう、大飯原発の運転がしっかり安定するまで、節電目標の引き下げは避けるべきだ。
Even if the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors begin operating smoothly, the power supply in the Kansai region will remain precarious. The nation has become more dependent on thermal power plants, but they now face higher risks of mechanical trouble due to overuse. The government and the utility should stay vigilant against possible power failures. 大飯原発２基が順調に稼働したとしても、関西の電力需給は綱渡りが続く。頼みの火力発電所は、これまで酷使した影響で故障のリスクが高まっている。停電への警戒を怠ってはならない。
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Overreliance on thermal power
Even if the nation is able to avoid power shortages this summer, important problems will remain unresolved. 今夏の電力不足を何とか乗り切った後も、課題は残る。
If most of the nation's nuclear reactors remain idle, power companies have to pay extra fuel costs for thermal power plants, estimated at about 3 trillion yen a year. In addition to Tokyo Electric Power Co., which plans to raise electricity charges for households this summer, it will be unavoidable for other electric companies to raise their fees if the situation continues. The price hike may accelerate the nation's economic downturn, especially the trend of domestic companies moving their production bases abroad. ほとんどの原発が停止したままでは、火力発電の燃料費は全国で年３兆円も余計にかかる。東京電力以外も、電力料金の値上げは避けられまい。景気悪化と産業空洞化を加速させる恐れがある。
The government has a pressing need to restart the other suspended nuclear reactors--after confirming their safety--to resolve the nationwide power shortages. 大飯以外の原発も安全を確認したうえで再稼働し、全国的な電力不足を解消することが急務だ。
However, due to a delay in establishing a new administrative body in charge of regulating nuclear power, the government's efforts to restart suspended nuclear reactors have virtually stopped. しかし、原子力規制組織の発足が遅れ、大飯に続く再稼働手続きは事実上、ストップしている。
A bill to establish the nuclear regulatory committee is expected to pass the Diet soon, but more time will be wasted if the government takes too long to appoint committee members. The government should launch the regulatory committee as soon as possible and put evaluations for restarting the suspended nuclear reactors on track. 原子力規制委員会の設置法案は近く成立する見通しだが、委員の人選などに手間取れば時間を空費する。政府は速やかに規制委を発足させ、再稼働の審査体制を軌道に乗せることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 17, 2012) （2012年6月17日01時48分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 17, 2012) Noda should get DPJ members on board to support tax bills 一体改革合意 首相は民主党内説得に全力を（6月16日付・読売社説）
We would like to praise the agreement reached among the three major parties as substantial progress toward realization of comprehensive reform of the tax and social security systems, a long-time concern for Japan. 長年の懸案である社会保障と税の一体改革の実現に向けて、大きな前進と、歓迎したい。
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito on Friday agreed to modify and pass bills on the comprehensive reform. 民主、自民、公明３党が、一体改革関連法案の修正協議で合意した。
As initially scheduled, they will try to pass the bills in the House of Representatives before the current Diet session ends on Thursday. 当初の予定通り、今国会会期末の２１日までの法案の衆院通過を目指す。
Negotiations among the three parties ran into rough waters since there are gaps in their opinions, especially regarding social security. They deserve praise for making concessions with one another to form a consensus. We hope the parties will make this an important first step toward "decisive politics." 社会保障分野に関する各党の主張に隔たりがあり、交渉は難航したが、各党が譲り合い、合意を形成したことは高く評価できる。これを「決められる政治」に転じる貴重な一歩としてもらいたい。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda told DPJ negotiators to hammer out an agreement based on the LDP's counterproposal involving social security system reform. He decided to make drastic concessions to the opposition parties in policies on the pension system and child-rearing support. 野田首相は、自民党の対案を基本に合意をまとめるよう民主党の交渉当事者に指示し、年金制度や子育て支援策で大幅に野党に歩み寄る決断をした。
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LDP plays important role
Meanwhile, the LDP responded to Noda's decision and made concessions to the DPJ by retracting its demand that its draft proposal be accepted without any modifications. Though an opposition party, the LDP played a very important role. 自民党も、これに呼応し、自民案の「丸のみ」という要求を取り下げて譲歩した。野党ながら、自民党が果たした役割は大きい。
According to its 2009 lower house election manifesto, the DPJ aims to launch a minimum-guaranteed pension system and scrap a special health insurance system for people aged 75 or older. The LDP had initially demanded that the DPJ withdraw these plans from the manifesto. But the LDP did not continue to insist on that and instead agreed with the DPJ to shelve the issues temporarily and let an envisaged national council on social security reform discuss and reach conclusions on them later. 焦点だった最低保障年金の創設と後期高齢者医療制度の廃止については、民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）の撤回にこだわらず、一時棚上げして、「社会保障制度改革国民会議」で結論を出すことで折り合った。
If the LDP had remained unyielding on this point, DPJ centrists as well as those who oppose the consumption tax rate hike might have reacted against it, driving the DPJ to the brink of a split and making it difficult to hold a vote on the bills. 自民党が撤回に固執すれば、民主党の増税反対派に加え、中間派も反発して党分裂含みになり、採決が困難になる恐れがあった。
Komeito, which had also strongly insisted that the DPJ drop the issues from the manifesto, decided to support the agreement because its opinions were sufficiently reflected in it. That is significant. 民主党の公約撤回に強くこだわっていた公明党も、３党合意に自党の主張が一定程度反映されたことを評価し、最終的に合意に加わった。この意義は大きい。
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Broad consensus vital for long term
The comprehensive reform is a medium- and long-term issue that must be tackled by whatever party holds power. It is hoped that the bills can be passed with the support of as many parties as possible. 一体改革は、どの党が政権を取っても取り組まざるを得ない中長期的な重要課題である。できるだけ多くの党が賛成して、法案を成立させることが望ましい。
Though a conclusion on social security system reform was put off, this should not be criticized too quickly as prioritizing the tax increase. 社会保障改革の結論が先送りされたことを、単純に「増税先行」と批判するのは間違いである。
The tax hike will be implemented in April 2014. It is not a bad idea to compile a better policy after the national council spends a year discussing the social security system reform, compared to making a conclusion under duress with only one week of negotiations on the modifications. 増税の実施は再来年４月だ。１週間の修正協議で強引に結論を出すのと比べて、１年間かけて国民会議で議論し、より良い政策をまとめることは悪くない。
From now on, attention will be focused on whether members of the DPJ will accept the contents of this tripartite agreement and become ready to vote on the bills. 今後は、民主党が今回の合意内容を了承して採決に臨めるかどうかが、最大の焦点となる。
Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa and others have said there are things that must be done before raising the tax. With the same old irresponsible rhetoric, they are playing an intraparty numbers game by using DPJ lawmakers opposing the tax hike and rattling the prime minister. 小沢一郎元代表らは、「増税より前にやるべきことがある」との相変わらず無責任な論法で、増税反対勢力の多数派工作を展開し、野田首相を揺さぶっている。
Now that the DPJ, LDP and Komeito have reached the agreement, members of the ruling party can no longer be allowed to march to a different drum and try to prevent a vote on the bills. 民自公３党が合意したのに、政権党の足並みが乱れ、採決ができないような事態は許されない。
This is a critical phase that will determine the success or failure of the comprehensive reform. Noda should put his political life on the line to convince members of his party to minimize the intraparty opposition. 一体改革の成否がかかる正念場だ。首相は、党内の反対を最小限に抑えるため、まさに政治生命を懸けて党内を説得すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 16, 2012) （2012年6月16日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 16, 2012) Central govt must have role in setting up Osaka metropolis 「大阪都」法案 財政調整に国の関与は必要だ（6月15日付・読売社説）
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan and its coalition partner the People's New Party apparently want to avoid turning the Osaka Ishin no Kai (Osaka restoration group), led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto, into an enemy as they eye the next House of Representatives election. 次期衆院選をにらみ、橋下徹大阪市長が率いる地域政党・大阪維新の会を敵に回したくないとの思惑があるのだろう。
To create the Osaka metropolis that Hashimoto has pushed for, the parties have submitted a bill to the Diet that would enable the establishment of "special administrative wards" similar to Tokyo's 23 wards. 橋下氏が提唱する「大阪都」構想の実現に向け、民主、国民新両党は、東京２３区のような「特別区」の設置を可能にする特例法案を国会に共同提出した。
To the same end, opposition parties including the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and Your Party have submitted two bills to revise the Local Government Law. The ruling and opposition parties have said they intend to integrate these three bills as quickly as possible. 自民、公明、みんなの党なども同じ目的の地方自治法改正案を出している。各党は、与野党の計３案を早期に一本化する方向だ。
Making the necessary legal arrangements to allow local governments to choose autonomous systems appropriate to their conditions is consistent with the aim of decentralization. However, the parties appear to be speeding up the task as if they were trying to cater to Hashimoto. We view this as questionable. Passing this legislation is not an urgent matter, and we urge the parties to discuss the issue thoroughly so the seeds of future problems are not sown. 地域事情に応じて自治制度を選択できる法整備は、地方分権の趣旨に合致する。だが、各党が橋下氏の意向に沿うように結論を急ぐのは疑問だ。緊急性がある法案でもない。将来に禍根を残さぬよう慎重に議論してもらいたい。
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State involvement at odds
The major difference between the bills of the ruling and opposition parties concerns the level of central government involvement. The bill formulated by the ruling camp would require the consent of the internal affairs and communications minister when legal arrangements are needed to distribute tax revenue or enact fiscal control in the envisioned special wards. 与党案と二つの野党案で最大の違いは、国の関与の程度だ。与党案は、特別区の税源配分や財政調整に法整備を必要とする場合、総務相の同意を求めている。
The creation of an Osaka metropolis would require substantial legal revisions, such as to the Local Tax Law and the Local Allocation Tax Law. To make sure the shift to a new system is smooth and does not disrupt people's lives, the central government must be committed from the formulation stage. 都構想の実現には、地方税法や地方交付税法など、多くの法改正が必要になる。住民生活に支障がないよう円滑に新制度へ移行するには、国が制度設計の段階から関与するのは当然のことだ。
The bills compiled by the opposition parties would see less central government involvement, only allowing the state to provide local governments with information and receive explanations from them. 野党案は国の関与が薄い。情報提供や説明を受ける程度だ。
For example, the central government may not be able to say no when local governments ask for increased tax grants in conjunction with the establishment of the special wards. In such cases, the central government might have to cut tax grants to other regions, which would shake its role in the fundamental governance of the nation. たとえば、自治体が特別区への移行に併せて地方交付税の増額などを国に求めた場合、国はそれを拒めない可能性がある。他地域の交付税が減額され、国の統治のあり方も揺らぎかねない。
We believe the parties should come to a solution based on the ruling bloc's bill. 与党の特例法案を軸に調整を図るべきだろう。
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Local govts face grave tasks
The bills differ widely on the issue of population. The ruling bloc says more than 2 million residents would be needed to create a special administrative ward, while Your Party has set the threshold at 700,000. 特別区を設置するための人口要件でも、与党の「２００万人以上」から、みんなの党の「７０万人以上」まで開きがある。
Without a certain number of residents, local governments will find it difficult to independently provide welfare and other basic services, even with the cities divided into special wards. We are concerned that the initiative will prove ineffective and only increase costs, such as those for establishing ward assemblies, which is at odds with the purpose of the idea. 一定の人口規模がなければ、市を分割して特別区を設けても、福祉など基本的な住民サービスを独自に担うのは難しい。かえって区議会設置などのコストが膨らみ、非効率にならないか。
The bills merely stipulate the procedures required to create the special wards, but what is really important is whether local governments will be able to create adequate systems on their own. ただ、法案は、特別区設置の手続きを定めているに過ぎない。肝心なのは、地方の側がしっかりとした制度を作れるかどうかだ。
Discussions over the specifics of the Osaka metropolis have only begun in Osaka Prefecture and the city of Osaka. How should Osaka be divided? How much authority should the special wards be allowed over governance and finances? There are many issues left to consider. 都構想の具体像を巡る議論は、大阪府・市で始まったばかりだ。大阪市をどう分割するか、特別区にどこまで権限・財源を持たせるか、検討すべき課題は多い。
Some members of the Osaka prefectural and city assemblies have voiced opposition to the metropolis, with one saying, "Osaka would lose its vitality if the city was split," and another saying, "We could eliminate administrative overlap in the prefectural and city governments under the current system." 府議会や市議会には、「大阪市の分割によって活力がそがれる」「現状でも二重行政の解消は可能だ」という反対意見もある。
Hashimoto should make his plans based on a variety of views. After all, he is also fully accountable to residents. 橋下氏は、多様な意見を踏まえて立案すべきだ。住民にも丁寧に説明する責務があるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 15, 2012) （2012年6月15日02時25分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 15, 2012) China's military vehicle export to North Korea cannot be ignored ミサイル運搬車 見過ごせぬ中国の対「北」輸出（6月14日付・読売社説）
The international community must not ignore the current situation in which U.N. sanctions against North Korea are virtually toothless. 国連の対北朝鮮制裁が骨抜き同然になっている現状を、国際社会は看過してはならない。
It has recently been learned that China exported specialized vehicles that can be converted to transport and launch ballistic missiles to North Korea in August last year. 中国が昨年８月、弾道ミサイルの運搬・発射に転用可能な特殊車両を、北朝鮮に輸出していたことが明らかになった。
It is strongly suspected that the export of such vehicles violated U.N. Security Council resolutions that prohibit, among other actions, exports of goods contributing to North Korea's programs to develop weapons of mass destruction. 北朝鮮の大量破壊兵器開発計画に資する物資の輸出などを禁じた国連安全保障理事会の制裁決議に違反した疑いが濃厚である。
In cooperation with countries including the United States, a permanent member of the U.N. Security Council, Japan should ask China exactly how and why those vehicles were exported to North Korea and again strongly call for strict enforcement of the sanctions against that country. 日本政府は、安保理常任理事国の米国などと連携し、輸出の経緯などを中国にただして、制裁の徹底を改めて強く求めるべきだ。
The export of the vehicles to North Korea was discovered when the Japan Coast Guard, in an action based on the Security Council resolutions, inspected a Cambodian-registered vessel in Osaka Port in October. According to sources, a record of the vehicles having been exported from China to the port of Nampo in North Korea was found. 今回の特殊車両輸出は、昨年１０月、海上保安庁が決議に基づき大阪港で行ったカンボジア船籍の貨物船への立ち入り検査で発覚した。中国から北朝鮮の南浦港への輸出記録が見つかったという。
North Korea itself presented smoking-gun evidence by unveiling large special-purpose vehicles carrying "new ballistic missiles" during a military parade in April. This is because the vehicles closely resemble those manufactured by a Chinese defense contractor. 今年４月、北朝鮮が軍事パレードで、「新型弾道ミサイル」を載せた大型特殊車両を公開したことが、動かぬ“証拠”となった。中国の国防企業が製造する車両とそっくりだったからだ。
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'Timber' excuse just a fig leaf
The Japanese government has avoided explaining the matter, but it made inquiries to China via the U.S. government, according to the sources. Beijing reportedly said the vehicles were "for carrying timber" and therefore the export does not violate the Security Council resolutions. 政府は説明を避けているが、米政府を通じて照会したところ、中国は「木材運搬用」で決議違反ではないと釈明したとされる。
Even if the export was merely of truck chassis for civilian use, the vehicles were originally developed for military use. It must have been easy for North Korea to convert them into missile transporters. たとえ車台だけの民生用輸出だったとしても、本来が軍事用に開発した車両である。北朝鮮にとってミサイル運搬用への改造は容易だったに違いない。
North Korea probably wanted to flaunt the extended range of its missiles and improvements in its capability to fire missiles from mobile launch vehicles. We must not lower our guard against Pyongyang's development of ballistic missiles, which is being promoted in parallel with a nuclear weapons development program. 北朝鮮は、ミサイルの長射程化や移動発射能力の向上を誇示したかったのだろう。核開発と並行して弾道ミサイル開発を進めている点に警戒を怠ってはならない。
If North Korea conducts its third nuclear test, its full development of nuclear warheads will only be a matter of time. Japan, already within reach of the Rodong medium-range missile, will come under a dramatically increased threat. Stability in the East Asian region will be seriously undermined. 北朝鮮が３度目の核実験に踏み切れば、核弾頭開発は時間の問題だ。中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンの射程内にある日本にとって、脅威は格段に高まる。東アジア地域の安定は大きく損なわれよう。
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International unity needed
To stop North Korea's nuclear and missile development, the international community must make efforts to thoroughly implement sanctions against Pyongyang based on the Security Council resolutions. 北朝鮮の核・ミサイルの開発に歯止めをかけるため、国際社会は安保理決議に基づく対北朝鮮制裁の徹底に努めねばならない。
Cooperation from China, North Korea's neighbor and its biggest trading partner, is indispensable to this end, but a problem is that there seems to be no end to suspicious cases in which Pyongyang smuggles in goods via China. A report by an expert panel that advises the Security Council's sanctions committee points this out. 北朝鮮の隣国で最大の貿易相手国・中国の協力は不可欠だが、問題は、北朝鮮の密輸行為が中国経由で行われる疑惑事例が後を絶たないことだ。安保理の制裁委員会を補佐する専門家パネルの報告がそう指摘してきた。
China denies the allegation and has claimed that it strictly implements Security Council resolutions. This time again, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson declared that China "doesn't export goods banned by the resolutions or Chinese law." 中国は、こうした疑惑を否定するとともに、自ら決議を厳格に履行していると主張してきた。今回も外務省報道官は「決議と中国の法律が禁止しているものは輸出していない」と弁明した。
If that is so, China should give a full account of the export of the vehicles to North Korea. そうだとすれば、車両輸出の全容をきちんと説明すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 14, 2012) （2012年6月14日01時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 14, 2012) Eurozone must act quickly to halt financial crisis スペイン支援 欧州危機の連鎖を食い止めよ（6月13日付・読売社説）
The Spanish economy, the fourth largest in the eurozone, has deteriorated because of a business slump that followed the collapse of a property bubble. This forced the country to seek a financial bailout. ユーロ圏第４位の経済規模であるスペインが、不動産バブル崩壊後の経済不振で、金融支援を仰ぐ事態に発展した。
Spain is the fourth eurozone nation following Greece, Ireland and Portugal to seek financial help since the European sovereign debt crisis began in 2009. ２００９年に欧州債務危機が表面化してから、ギリシャ、アイルランド、ポルトガルに次いで４か国目である。
If the Spanish crisis spreads, it may trigger further chaos in world stock markets, including those in United States, Europe and Japan, and the yen will continue strengthening against the euro. These developments will deal a serious blow to the world economy. スペイン危機が拡大すれば、欧米や日本など世界の株式市場は一段と混乱し、ユーロ安・円高にも歯止めがかからなくなる。世界経済に深刻な打撃を与えよう。
The debt crisis has repeatedly affected Europe because of its failure to take prompt action. The current crisis must be contained quickly. 欧州は対応が後手に回り、危機を繰り返してきた。今度こそ、危機を早急に封じ込めるべきだ。
Seventeen eurozone countries have agreed to lend up to 100 billion euros (about 10 trillion yen) to Spanish banks, which are beset by huge bad debts. Loans from the European Financial Stability Facility, among other entities, will be used to help recapitalize struggling Spanish banks to halt credit uncertainty. ユーロを導入している１７か国は巨額の不良債権を抱えたスペインの銀行に最大１０００億ユーロ（約１０兆円）を支援する。欧州金融安定基金（ＥＦＳＦ）などの資金で銀行の資本を増強し、信用不安の収束を目指す方針である。
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Preemptive measure
Bankia S.A., a major Spanish bank mired in a management crisis, had asked the Spanish government to bail it out by injecting public funds. But the government, already struggling to fix its fiscal mess, could not afford to provide funds. 経営危機に陥った大手銀行バンキアは公的資金注入をスペイン政府に要請したが、財政が火の車の政府には救済する余裕はない。
Realizing the Spanish government would not be able to rescue Bankia and other Spanish banks by itself, the 17-member eurozone decided to provide financial aid as a preemptive measure. We consider this decision reasonable. その他の問題銀行を含め、政府による自力救済は難しいとユーロ圏が判断し、「予防的措置」として支援を決めたのは妥当だ。
Greece, which triggered the European debt crisis, will hold another election Sunday. If an antiausterity leftist party joins a new government after the election, it cannot be ruled out that Greece will break away from the eurozone. This would inevitably cause turmoil. １７日には、欧州危機の震源地・ギリシャで再選挙が行われる。財政緊縮に反対する左派が新政権入りすれば、ギリシャのユーロ離脱も現実になりかねない。そうなると大混乱は必至だろう。
Ahead of the Greek election, the eurozone joined hands to address the Spanish crisis to prevent it from disrupting financial markets. ギリシャの再選挙前に、ユーロ圏は結束してスペイン問題に対処する方針を打ち出し、市場の動揺を防ぐことを狙ったようだ。
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Outlook uncertain
However, uncertain prospects lie ahead. だが、先行きは不透明だ。
The eurozone has agreed on a broad framework of bailout plans for Spain but concrete details and the exact amount of rescue loans have been left pending. Besides working out concrete measures quickly and implementing them promptly, the eurozone also must tackle the realignment of financial institutions. ユーロ圏による支援の大枠が決まったとは言え、支援方法や金額は未定である。具体策を急ぎ、迅速に実行すべきだ。金融機関の再編にも取り組んでもらいたい。
While it still grapples with the bursting of the property bubble, Spain is expected to record minus economic growth this year and next. The amount of Spanish banks' nonperforming loans is expected to balloon further due to the protracted business slump. It remains to be seen whether the size of the eurozone's financial assistance will be adequate for dealing with the Spanish crisis. バブル崩壊の後遺症に苦しむスペインは、今年、来年とマイナス成長に低迷する見込みだ。不況の長期化に伴って、銀行の不良債権額がさらに膨らむだろう。ユーロ圏が想定する支援規模で十分かどうかは予断できない。
Assistance to Spain will be limited to the banking sector. Therefore, the country probably will not be asked by the eurozone to work out additional fiscal reconstruction measures. スペインへの支援は銀行部門に限定されるため、ギリシャのように、ユーロ圏から追加的な財政再建策は要求されない見通しだ。
But fiscal rehabilitation and economic growth are both indispensable for economic rejuvenation. Spain faces a tough challenge. ただし、経済再生には財政再建と経済成長の両立が欠かせない。スペインにとっては難題だ。
The European financial crisis will be a major item on the agenda of a summit meeting of the Group of 20 economies to be held in Mexico next week. Pressure is expected to mount on Germany and France, among other countries, to display leadership and unity to end the crisis. 欧州問題は、来週メキシコで開かれる主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議の最大の焦点となる。独仏両国などに対し、危機収束の実行力と結束を求める圧力が強まることは避けられまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 13, 2012) （2012年6月13日01時02分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 13, 2012) No need to pander to China over Senkaku Islands 丹羽大使発言 「尖閣」で対中配慮は無用だ（6月12日付・読売社説）
Japan has many pressing political issues with China. Was it wise to appoint a former executive of a trading house, which has business interests in China, as ambassador to that country? Such concerns have turned out to be well-founded. 政治的案件を多く抱える中国の大使に、ビジネスで利害関係がある商社出身者を起用して大丈夫なのか。そうした不安が的中したと言える。
At Monday's hearing at the House of Representatives Audit and Oversight of Administration Committee, the Tokyo metropolitan government's plan to purchase some of the Senkaku Islands was on the agenda. 衆院決算行政監視委員会で、東京都による尖閣諸島の購入問題が取り上げられた。
Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara attended the meeting as an unsworn witness. He argued that Ambassador Uichiro Niwa, who opposed the purchase plan, should be dismissed because his statements contravene the government's intentions. 参考人として出席した東京都の石原慎太郎知事は、丹羽宇一郎中国大使が購入に異議を唱えたことについて、「政府の意向と違う発言をする大使を更迭すべきだ」と主張した。
Irrespective of whether Niwa should be fired or not, his remarks have certainly opened up a can of worms. 更迭する、しないは別として、丹羽氏の発言には問題がある。
In an interview published in Thursday's issue of the British paper Financial Times, Niwa said, "It will result in an extremely grave crisis in relations between Japan and China" if the Tokyo government purchases some of the Senkaku Islands. ７日の英紙「フィナンシャル・タイムズ」によると、丹羽氏は都が尖閣諸島を購入すれば「日中関係は極めて重大な危機に陥る」と語った。
The proposal puts at risk the progress achieved since the countries normalized relations in 1972, he added. 「１９７２年の国交正常化以降達成してきた進展を危険にさらしかねない」とも述べた。
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Envoy must be careful
As the Senkaku purchase initiative is being spearheaded by Ishihara, a hawk on China, Niwa apparently feared Beijing would only become more agitated by the plan. 中国に批判的な石原氏が主導していることから、中国のさらなる反発を恐れたのだろう。
However, his remarks raise doubts about his insights as an ambassador. A nation's territories are essential elements of that country. Giving such self-centered consideration to China is unpardonable. だが、大使としての見識が疑われる発言だ。領土という国の根幹に関わる問題で身勝手な配慮は許されない。
It was only natural that Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura denied Niwa's comments represented the government's position. "It is his personal view and was absolutely not an announcement of the government's standpoint," Fujimura said. 藤村官房長官が「個人的見解であり、政府の立場を表明したものでは全くない」と否定したのは当然である。
The purchase of the islands is a domestic business transaction. It is fundamentally wrong to regard it as a diplomatic issue between Japan and China. Turning the Senkaku Islands, which are owned by private citizens, into public property would ensure foreign countries cannot purchase them and increase the stability of their legal status as a national territory. 尖閣諸島の売買は国内の商取引であり、日中間の外交問題と見なすこと自体、間違っている。民間所有の尖閣諸島が公有地となれば、外国による買収を防ぐことができ、法的安定性は高まろう。
Niwa, after being rebuked by the Foreign Ministry over his remarks, said he would not make such comments again and apologized. Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said Niwa would retain his post. However, if an ambassador who embraces a view different from the government's on an important policy matter is going to stay on, the government must explain clearly to the public its reasons for keeping him in this position. 外務省から注意を受けた丹羽氏は「もう一切、このようなコメントはしない」と回答し、謝罪した。玄葉外相は続投させるという。重要政策で政府と違う見解を持つ大使を続投させるなら、理由を明確に国民に説明する必要がある。
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Govt needs to do more
Ishihara also used the hearing to take a swipe at the national government's lax handling of Senkaku issues, and warned, "Japan's national interests could be lost." We can understand his sentiment. 一方、石原氏が委員会で、政府の尖閣問題への対処が甘いとし、「国益を失うことになる」と批判したのは理解できる。
Ishihara also emphasized that the purchase of the islands should, essentially, be made by the state. 都の尖閣諸島購入に関し、「本来は国がやるべきだ」とも主張した。
We hope the government will cooperate with the Tokyo government and come up with measures to stably maintain and administer the Senkakus. It is worth studying the possibility of nationalizing the islands in the future. 政府は、都と連携し、尖閣諸島を安定的に維持、管理する方策を打ち出してもらいたい。将来の国有化も検討に値しよう。
China has frequently made provocations such as sending patrol boats to waters surrounding the Senkaku Islands and even intruding into Japan's territorial waters. These actions appear to be intended to change the status quo. 中国は巡視船を尖閣周辺に派遣し、領海侵入などの挑発を繰り返すなど、現状変更を意図するかのような行動をしている。
All things considered, Japan must galvanize its effective control of the islands. It needs to consider steadily reinforcing the equipment and manpower of the Japan Coast Guard. そうである以上、日本は実効支配をより確かなものにすべきだ。海上保安庁の装備や人員の着実な拡充を検討する必要がある。
A bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law to enable JCG officers to control illegal activities on remote islands also needs to urgently be passed by the Diet. 海上保安官が離島での違法行為を検挙できるようにする海上保安庁法改正案の成立も急務だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 12, 2012) （2012年6月12日01時16分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 12, 2012) Sloppy operations of tour buses must not be overlooked 関越道バス事故 ずさんな運行実態を見逃すな（6月10日付・読売社説）
Accidents involving tour buses using expressways should be prevented by all means. 高速ツアーバスの事故の再発を防がねばならない。
The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has started studies toward reinforcing regulations on bus companies. This is an appropriate action. 国土交通省が、バス会社の規制強化に向けた検討に着手したのは、妥当と言えよう。
More than one month has passed since the Kanetsu Expressway accident in which seven passengers died. We are appalled by the bus company's careless management of bus operations. 関越自動車道で乗客７人が死亡した事故から１か月以上経過した。バス会社のお粗末な運行管理にはあきれるほかない。
The ministry will rescind the bus company's business license and suspend the business of the travel agency that planned the bus tour. These punishments are only natural. 国交省は、バス会社の事業許可を取り消し、ツアーを企画した旅行会社に業務停止の処分を下す方針だ。当然の措置である。
The direct cause of the accident was the bus driver falling asleep at the wheel, but the companies' awareness that they held people's lives in their hands was lacking. 直接的な原因は運転手の居眠りだったが、会社側はツアー参加者の人命を預かるという自覚を欠いていたのではないか。
The ministry also has a grave responsibility for its delayed response. Both the public and private sectors must work together to implement thorough safety measures. 対応が後手に回った国交省の責任も重い。官民が連携して安全対策を徹底しなければならない。
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Too many violations
The driver who caused the accident was hired on a daily basis, which is prohibited by law. The company did not perform health checks on the driver, as required by the ministry's rules, before he was allowed to drive a bus, or give him written instructions including bus operation routes. Operations on the day of the accident were left in the hands of the driver, who had little experience in long-distance driving. 事故を起こした運転手は、禁止された日雇い勤務で、乗務前に義務付けられた健康チェックを怠っていた。バス会社は、ルートなどを定めた指示書を作成せず、事故当日の運行は、長距離業務の経験が浅い運転手任せだった。
The bus company has committed 28 law violations but did not fix the problems involved in past violations. Also, the national administration neglected follow-up checks. 法令違反は２８項目に及んだ。過去の違反も改善されておらず、行政は事後チェックを怠った。
The most important problem is that this is hardly an exceptional case. 問題なのは、これが特異なケースとは言い切れないことだ。
Due to deregulation of the requirements for entry into the business in 2000, the number of tour bus companies has sharply increased to about 4,500. The competition to win orders from travel agencies has intensified, making excessive workloads a normal situation for drivers. ２０００年の参入規制緩和によって、ツアーバス会社は約４５００社まで急増した。受注競争は激化し、過労運転が常態化している。
According to a survey by the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, about 90 percent of chartered bus drivers have fallen asleep or felt drowsy while working. 総務省の調査では、運転手の９割が運転中に居眠りや睡魔の経験があると答えている。
According to transport ministry standards, the upper limit for one driver to drive a bus in a single day is 670 kilometers. 国交省の基準では、１人の運転手が１日に運転できる距離の上限は６７０キロ・メートルだ。
Since the accident, the tour bus industry has independently formulated guidelines, including assigning an alternative driver if a bus is operated for 450 kilometers or more at night. This was a step foward in the right direction, but the guidelines are not legally binding. ツアーバス業界は事故後、夜間に４５０キロ・メートル以上走る場合は交代運転手を用意するなどの独自指針を策定した。一歩前進と言えるが、指針には拘束力がない。
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Responsibility of travel firms
Many travel agencies that plan bus tours leave safety measures completely to the bus companies. This is also a problem. ツアーを手がける旅行会社の多くが、安全対策をバス会社に任せ切りにしている点も問題だ。
The transport ministry decided last week to formulate guidelines to require travel agencies dealing with bus tours using expressways to disclose safety information. The ministry will oblige the companies to clarify the number of alternative drivers in tour advertisements, for instance. We would like the ministry to enforce the guidelines immediately after they are formulated. 国交省は先週、高速バスツアーを扱う旅行会社に安全情報の開示を求めるガイドラインを策定することを決めた。ツアーの募集広告などに交代運転手の人数などを表示するよう義務付ける方針だ。速やかに運用してもらいたい。
The ministry plans to make travel agencies get permission for bus operations by next summer. The travel agencies will have heavier responsibility in terms of bus operation, which will help improve the situation. 来夏までに、旅行会社にバスの運行許可を取得させることにしている。旅行会社の運行責任が重くなる。これも有益だろう。
The Kanetsu Expressway accident was so serious partly because there was a space between the noise-blocking wall on the side of the road and the guardrail, and the wall pierced the bus' body when it hit the wall. Such spaces exist at 5,100 locations throughout the country. It is an urgent task to rectify this. 事故の被害が甚大だったのは、道路脇の防音壁とガードレールの間に隙間があり、衝突時に壁が車体にめり込んだことが一因だ。こうした隙間は全国５１００か所に上る。改修工事が急務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 10, 2012) （2012年6月10日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 9, 2012) Prosecutors defeated by new evidence in Mainali case 東電ＯＬ殺害 検察を敗北に導いた新証拠（6月8日付・読売社説）
"There is suspicion another person might have murdered the woman." 「第三者が女性を殺害した疑いがある」
As long as a court makes a judgment like this, it is only natural for a case to be retried. It was a complete defeat for prosecutors. 裁判所がこう認定した以上、裁判をやり直すのは当然と言えよう。検察の完敗である。
The Tokyo High Court on Thursday decided to grant a retrial and stay of execution for Govinda Prasad Mainali, a Nepalese national, at a hearing over his request for a retrial for the murder of a female employee of Tokyo Electric Power Co. 東京電力女性社員殺害事件の再審請求審で、東京高裁はネパール国籍のゴビンダ・プラサド・マイナリ元被告に対し、再審開始と刑の執行停止を決定した。
The high court's decision said, "Reasonable doubt has emerged" regarding the finalized conviction that sentenced Mainali to life in prison. The judgment is in line with a cardinal rule of criminal trials--give the accused the benefit of the doubt (when in doubt, for the accused). 決定は、無期懲役とした確定判決について「合理的な疑いが生じている」と断じた。「疑わしきは被告の利益に」という刑事裁判の鉄則に沿った判断である。
In 1997, a female employee of TEPCO was murdered in an apartment in Shibuya Ward, Tokyo, and robbed of about 40,000 yen in cash. Mainali has denied committing the crime throughout his trials. The Tokyo District Court handed down a not-guilty ruling but the Tokyo High Court overturned the decision and ruled Mainali was guilty. The guilty ruling was finalized by the Supreme Court in 2003. 東京都渋谷区のアパートで１９９７年、東電の女性社員が殺害され、現金約４万円を奪われたのが、この事件だ。マイナリ元被告は一貫して犯行を否認し、１審は無罪、２審で逆転有罪となり、最高裁で２００３年に確定した。
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New DNA analysis key
A point of issue in the high court hearing over the request for a retrial was the results of a fresh DNA analysis. The new analysis showed the DNA type of semen collected from inside the woman's body did not match that of Mainali but did match that in the body hair of another person left at the crime scene. 再審請求審で争点になったのは、新たに行われた鑑定の結果だ。女性の体内から採取された精液のＤＮＡ型がマイナリ元被告とは異なり、現場に落ちていた別人の体毛のＤＮＡ型と一致する、というものだった。
This evidence suggests there may have been another person at the crime scene. The high court's decision said it was likely Mainali would not have been convicted if the results of this analysis had been presented. 殺害現場に第三者がいたことをうかがわせる新証拠だ。決定は、「この鑑定結果があれば、公判での有罪認定には至らなかったと考えられる」と指摘した。
It is said that a DNA analysis could have been conducted with the technology available at the time of the crime. It cannot be helped that police and prosecutors have come under fire for not thoroughly investigating the case. 事件当時の技術でも、ＤＮＡ鑑定は可能だったとされる。警察・検察は、捜査を尽くさなかったと批判されても仕方がない。
Prosecutors have lodged an objection to the high court's decision, so the high court will again hear the case to consider whether to grant a retrial for Mainali. 検察が、決定に対する異議を申し立てたため、東京高裁が再び再審開始の可否を審理する。
On the other hand, the high court rejected the prosecutors' request to keep Mainali behind bars. Mainali, who was illegally staying in the country, was released Thursday and is expected to be deported to Nepal. 一方で高裁は、服役の継続を求めた検察の申し立てを退けた。不法残留していたマイナリ元被告は釈放され、本国に強制送還される見通しだ。
The high court's judgment on the latter point was unusual but considerate. 裁判所としては異例であり、配慮のある判断だと言える。
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Future hearing may lack defendant
The high court may have decided that prolonging Mainali's imprisonment any longer must be avoided, a nod to the fact that there are serious doubts about the guilty ruling. It is highly likely the high court's future hearing of the case will be conducted without Mainali. 有罪判決が揺らいだことを重視し、これ以上、懲役を長引かせるのは避けねばならないと考えたのだろう。今後の審理は、本人不在で行われる公算が大きい。
Fifteen years have already passed since Mainali's arrest. It is necessary to accelerate the high court hearing. マイナリ元被告の逮捕からすでに１５年が過ぎている。審理のスピードアップが必要だ。
Prosecutors should quickly accept a retrial if they are unable to present evidence that could reverse the high court's decision to approve a retrial for Mainali. 検察は、今回の再審開始決定を覆すような証拠を示すことができなければ、速やかに再審開始に応じるべきであろう。
There is much criticism against the current system, which is complicated and takes time before a retrial begins. Some people say a retrial should be started first and evidence then examined in detail at the court to uncover the truth. 再審開始に至るまでの、複雑で時間がかかる現行制度への批判は多い。まずは再審を開始し、その法廷で詳しい証拠調べをして真相解明すべきだとの声もある。
It is probably time to review the system. 制度のあり方を再検討する時期に来ているのではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 8, 2012) （2012年6月8日01時44分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 10, 2012) Restart of Oi nuclear plant important for people's livelihoods 大飯再稼働へ 国民生活を守る首相の決断（6月9日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda on Friday expressed his strong determination to restart the idled Nos. 3 and 4 reactors of the Oi nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture. 野田首相が福井県にある大飯原子力発電所３、４号機の再稼働に強い決意を表明した。
Noda said at a press conference: "Japanese society cannot be sustained with its nuclear power plants kept idle. The nuclear power plants are important sources of electricity." 首相は記者会見で「原発を止めたままでは、日本の社会は立ちゆかない。
"It is my judgment that they should be reactivated to protect the livelihoods of people in the nation," the prime minister stressed. 原発は重要な電源だ」とし、「国民の生活を守るため再稼働すべきというのが私の判断だ」と強調した。
It is significant that the prime minister has clearly defined nuclear power plants as power sources essential for Japan. This will keep the nation's energy policy temporarily from veering in the direction of having no nuclear power plants at all. 首相が原発を日本に欠かせない電源だと、明確に位置づけた意味は大きい。当面のエネルギー政策で、「原発ゼロ」の路線は回避される方向となろう。
Issei Nishikawa, governor of Fukui Prefecture, which hosts the Oi plant, requested that the prime minister explain to the public the necessity of nuclear power plants as a condition to agreeing to the restart. Noda's statement appears to have created an environment in which Fukui Prefecture can approve reactivation of the suspended reactors at the Oi plant. 福井県の西川一誠知事は、再稼働に同意する条件として、首相が原発の必要性を国民に説明することを求めていた。福井県が了承する環境は整ったと言える。
We expect the governments of both Fukui Prefecture and Oi, a town in the prefecture where the reactors are located, to express their official approval of the restart quickly and help accelerate the central government's procedures toward that end. 福井県とおおい町が早期に再稼働に同意し、手続きが加速するよう期待したい。
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Safety secured at Oi
Of course, it is important to secure the safety of the reactors before the reactivation. The government has already taken measures against tsunami at nuclear plants around the country. The Oi plant has finished its stress tests, the results of which have been approved by the government's Nuclear Safety Commission. もちろん再稼働には、原発の安全確保が重要である。政府は全国の原発で津波対策を実施し、大飯原発はストレステスト（耐性検査）も終えた。原子力安全委員会がテスト結果を了承している。
On top of that, when it is reactivated, the government will establish a special monitoring system that would see government officials, including a senior vice minister of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, stationed at the Oi plant. 大飯原発を再稼働する際は、経済産業副大臣らが現地に常駐する特別な監視体制も敷く。
"In fact, safety has already been secured," Noda said. 首相は「実質的には安全は確保されている」と述べた。
The government has spent more than a year implementing safety measures at the plant. That fact should be appreciated. 政府が１年以上をかけて安全対策を講じてきた点は、評価すべきだ。
Nishikawa has been hesitant to give his approval for the restart apparently because he objects to the attitudes of local governments around his prefecture. 西川知事が同意を見送っている背景には、周辺自治体の姿勢への反発があるのだろう。
In particular, Nishikawa has strongly criticized an option to allow reactivation of the Oi plant "only during summer." The option was proposed by the governors of Kyoto and Shiga prefectures along with Toru Hashimoto, mayor of Osaka, a city that receives electric power from Fukui Prefecture. 特に、福井県から電力供給を受ける大阪市の橋下徹市長や、京都府と滋賀県の知事が提案している「夏季限定」の再稼働案を、西川知事は強く批判している。
It is purely opportunistic to demand the operation of nuclear power plants only when electricity runs short. 電気が足りない時期だけ原発の運転を求めるのは、ご都合主義にほかならない。
We think Noda understands this properly. "Reactivation only during summer cannot protect the livelihood of the public," the prime minister said. この点について首相が、「夏限定の再稼働では国民生活は守れない」と述べたのは、妥当な認識である。
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Blackouts risk people's lives
Another problem is that 117 lawmakers of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan signed a petition urging the prime minister and other government leaders to take a more cautious approach to the restart. They said this summer's anticipated power shortages should be dealt with by saving electricity. 政権党である民主党の国会議員１１７人が、「今年の夏は節電で乗り切る」などとして、首相らに再稼働への慎重な対応を求める署名を提出したことも問題だ。
"If a sudden blackout happens, some people's lives could be jeopardized," said the prime minister. 首相は「突発的な停電が起これば、命の危険にさらされる人もいる」とした。
Noda also expressed his concern over the hollowing out of Japanese industry and employment losses. Why can't all DPJ lawmakers share the prime minister's crisis mentality? 産業空洞化や雇用喪失への懸念も示した。なぜこうした危機感を共有できないのか。
Signers of the petition include many DPJ lawmakers who oppose the consumption tax rate hike, such as members of intraparty groups supporting former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa. 署名には、小沢一郎元代表のグループなど、消費増税に反対する議員が多く加わっている。
They are apparently trying, in a roundabout way, to undermine the current administration, which is promoting comprehensive reform of social security and tax systems. 社会保障と税の一体改革を進める政権を、からめ手からゆさぶる狙いだろう。
The Oi plant's restart is needed to avert an imminent power crisis. They should not turn it into a political football match. 目の前の電力危機を回避する再稼働を、政争の具にしてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 9, 2012) （2012年6月9日01時31分 読売新聞）
--The Asahi Shimbun, June 5 EDITORIAL: U.S., China really need to talkPrevious ArticleEDITORIAL: Summit of 2 main parties seems the obvious way to go 南シナ海―中国は力をたのむな
TweetChina, with its growing economic and military might, is becoming more aggressive in asserting its maritime interests in the region. 経済力とともに軍事力を伸ばす中国が、海洋権益で強い姿勢に出ている。
China needs to stop its saber-rattling and make serious efforts to improve the climate for cool-headed international talks over sensitive issues that involve its neighbors. 力を振りかざすのはやめ、冷静に対話する環境づくりに努めるべきだ。
In recent weeks, tensions have been running high between China and the Philippines over the issue of sovereignty over the Scarborough Shoal, a rocky outcrop in the South China Sea. 南シナ海・スカボロー礁（中国名・黄岩島）で、領有権をめぐり、フィリピンとの緊張が続いている。
The Chinese media increasingly has been arguing for the use of military force to solve the territorial dispute. This view seems to reflect opinions in military circles. 中国では、軍事力行使を求める主張が、軍関係者や当局と結びついたメディアから出ている。
There is a huge gap in the naval power of each country. China has been racing to build up its military might and is now close to deploying its first aircraft carrier, while the Philippines doesn’t even have a vessel armed with missiles. 軍拡路線をひた走り、空母の正式配備が近づく中国と、ミサイル搭載の艦船も持たないフィリピンの軍事力の差は歴然としている。
However, the Philippines has a mutual defense treaty with the United States. The territorial dispute threatens to escalate into a dangerous confrontation that could involve the United States. だがフィリピンには米国と結ぶ相互防衛条約がある。このままでは米国も巻き込んだ緊張が高まりかねない。
The waters around the Scarborough Shoal, a triangular chain of rocks and reefs located some 230 kilometers off the western coast of Luzon island in the Philippines, are rich fishing grounds that draw fishermen from a number of countries. フィリピンのルソン島から西約２３０キロにあるこの海域は、各国の漁民が入り乱れる漁場だった。
Tensions flared in April after the Philippines sent a frigate to the area to chase off Chinese fishing vessels operating there. ４月にフィリピン海軍の軍艦が中国漁船を取り締まろうとして、対立に火がついた。
Two months on, patrol boats from both countries remain stationed around the shoal in a continuing standoff. 以来２カ月、両国の監視船がにらみあっている。
Beijing’s hard-nosed attitude reflects a growing sense of national greatness among Chinese. 中国の強硬姿勢の裏にあるのは、大国意識の強まりだ。
“A small country should not at will encroach on (the territory of) or provoke a large country,” China’s vice foreign minister, Fu Ying, wrote in a recent article in Lianhe Zaobao, a major Chinese-language newspaper in Singapore. Although she didn’t name any specific country, she was evidently referring to the Philippines. 「小国は意のままに大国を侵害したり、挑発したりしてはならない」 シンガポールの有力中国語紙「聯合早報」に先日、中国の傅瑩（フー・イン）外務次官の投稿が載った。名指しはしていないが、フィリピンを念頭に置いていることは明らかだ。
“A large country doesn’t belittle a small country,” Fu said. But such remarks inevitably make China’s neighbors jittery. 「大国は小国を軽視しない」という下りもあったが、これでは周辺の国々が不安を抱くのは無理もない。
If it is a great power, China should act like one and exercise more self-control. 大国ならば大国らしく、中国は自制を利かせてはどうか。
China’s rise is disturbing the established order in the region. Thus, the presence of U.S. forces is assuming increasing importance as a stabilizing factor. 中国の台頭で地域の秩序が揺らぎを見せるとき、安定の要素として、これまで以上に重みをますのが、米軍の存在だ。
During a recent international conference held in Singapore, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta outlined Washington’s strategy to expand its military presence in the Asia-Pacific region. The United States will reconfigure its naval forces from a 50-50 split between the Pacific and the Atlantic oceans so that 60 percent of the fleet is assigned to the Asia-Pacific region by 2020. シンガポールで開かれた国際会議でパネッタ米国防長官は、アジア太平洋に米軍を重点的に配置する方針を示した。太平洋と大西洋に半々で置いていた海軍の兵力を、２０２０年までに６対４の割合に変える。
The Obama administration, under strong political pressure to cut back on its defense spending, is withdrawing troops from Afghanistan and Iraq while placing greater security policy priority on Asia, a region which has massive trade flows with the United States and directly affects the country’s economic fortunes. 大幅な国防費削減を迫られ、アフガニスタンやイラクから兵力を撤退しつつ、貿易量が多くて米国の繁栄に直結するアジアを重視する。
Washington has made clear the United States has a clear national interest in maintaining the freedom of navigation in the South China Sea. 米政府は「南シナ海の航行の自由は米国の国益」との立場をとる。
Any U.S. action that could be construed by Beijing as ganging up on China is bound to cause alarm. Regional tensions will become inflamed if the United States draws its allies into a network to contain China. ただ、「対中包囲網」の色合いが強まりすぎれば、中国の過度な警戒を呼び起こし、かえって緊張を招きかねない。
The United States and China should take every opportunity to explore ways of working together to build up a new order in the region that provides the necessary reassurance to neighboring countries. 米中両国は、あらゆる機会をとらえて互いの理解を図り、周辺の国が安心できる秩序を作ることが求められる。
Such efforts would help promote the prosperity of the nations concerned. それが各国の繁栄につながる。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 8, 2012) More efforts, money needed to stop population decline 人口減少本格化 次世代支援にもっと知恵を（6月7日付・読売社説）
Japan has finally entered a period in which the population is decreasing substantially each year. 日本はいよいよ、本格的な人口減少時代に入った。
How can the nation deal with this unprecedented situation and maintain social vitality? We need to realize Japan has entered a critical stage. 史上例を見ない深刻な状況に、どのように対処し、活力を維持していくか。日本社会にとっての正念場であろう。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has released the nation's vital demographic statistics for 2011. The number of babies born last year hit a postwar low of about 1.05 million, while the number of deaths was about 1.25 million. 厚生労働省が２０１１年の人口動態統計を公表した。昨年は、生まれた赤ちゃんが１０５万人で戦後最少となる一方、１２５万人が亡くなった。
It was the first time since the survey started that a natural decrease in population exceeded 200,000, and the decrease is expected to grow year by year. This means that a population equivalent to core local cities such as Kofu and Matsue disappears every year. 日本の人口の自然減が２０万人を超えたのは初めてのことだ。減少規模は年々拡大する。甲府市、松江市といった中核都市が、毎年一つずつ消えていくに等しい。
The total fertility rate, or the average number of children a woman will have in her lifetime, was 1.39, the same as the previous year. The rate was on an upward trend after bottoming out in 2005, but it seems to have leveled off. １人の女性が産む子の数に近い「合計特殊出生率」は前年と同じ１・３９だった。０５年以来、徐々に回復する傾向にあったが、頭打ちの感が強い。
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People hesitate to start families
The average age at which first-time mothers gave birth was 30.1 in 2011, exceeding the age of 30 for the first time--demonstrating the current tendency for women to have babies later. 第１子出産時の母親の平均年齢が３０・１歳と、初めて３０歳を超えたことは、出産高齢化の進行を象徴している。
The number of marriages last year was 662,000, another postwar low. This illustrates the growing trend for people to delay marriage, or not marry at all. 婚姻件数は６６万２０００組で最少だった。非婚・晩婚の傾向も強まっている。
Of course, it is each individual's choice whether to marry or have children. However, the current situation gives people few options but to give up or delay marriage as well as delay having children. 無論、結婚するか否か、子どもを産むかどうかは、個人の自由だが、非婚、晩婚、出産先送りを選択せざるを得ない状況がある。
Young people now hesitate to start families of their own due to various concerns, including difficulties in finding work, anxiety about the nation's social security system--particularly regarding the future of the pension system--and the underdeveloped environment for raising children when both parents work. 若者の就職状況の厳しさ、年金をはじめとする社会保障制度への不安、共働きをしながら子どもを育てる環境の未整備――といった様々な懸念が、家庭を持つことをためらわせている。
It is urgent to change the current social security system, which emphasizes elderly people, by implementing measures that will cover all generations and making sure financial resources are distributed more evenly. 高齢者を重視した現行の社会保障制度の施策と財源を「全世代型」に改めることが急務であろう。
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Take steps now
The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has announced a new program to reduce the number of children on waiting lists to enter day care centers--dubbed the new system to support children and households raising children--as part of its integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. The government has also revealed its plan to develop a comprehensive strategy to improve the employment situation of young people. 政府・与党は、社会保障・税一体改革の一環として、「子ども・子育て新システム」という待機児童解消策を掲げるとともに、若者の雇用環境を改善する総合戦略の策定を打ち出している。
Although there are differences in the details, the ruling and opposition parties have taken the same approach of combining the wisdom of various people to draw up measures that will help young people--who will lead Japan in the future--and allocate more money to such measures. Looking at the vital demographic statistics, it is clear lawmakers must speed up their efforts to achieve integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. 細部では与野党間に相違もあるが、日本の将来を担う次世代を支援する政策に、財源と知恵をもっと振り向けるという方向性では一致している。人口動態の数字を見れば、一体改革の実現を急ぐ必要があるのは明らかだ。
If the government fails to take appropriate measures while the population is declining at a growing rate, the economy will suffer from a shrinking labor force and society will lose its vitality. 人口減が進む中で手をこまぬいていれば、労働力人口は不足し、社会の活力が衰えていく。
To avoid such a situation, the government must take multiple steps to maintain a dynamic society. そうした事態を避けるために、政府は重層的な活力維持策を講じていく責任がある。
Above all, the government must create better social and corporate environments to help women find jobs more easily and work more comfortably, to maintain a sufficient labor force. 労働力人口を確保するには、女性が就業しやすい企業・社会環境を整えることが第一だ。
The government should also enable people to work in more diverse ways, which would help motivated elderly people work longer. Furthermore, it is important for politicians to discuss whether to beef up the nation's efforts to accept foreign workers. 意欲ある高齢者にも長く活躍してもらえるよう、働き方の多様化も進めるべきだ。外国人を積極的に受け入れることも、政治の検討課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 7, 2012) （2012年6月7日01時13分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 7, 2012) Japan's manufacturers should focus on growth markets 日本の製造業 成長市場の攻略で巻き返しを（6月6日付・読売社説）
Japan's manufacturing sector faces serious challenges. The nation must urgently review its strategies to regain the industries' overall competitiveness. 日本の製造業は、厳しい試練に直面している。競争力を回復する戦略の練り直しが急務だ。
The government has compiled this year's White Paper on Manufacturing Industries, which examines the pressing issues of a sector often described as "losing in business projects despite winning in technological prowess." 政府は今年のものづくり白書をまとめ、「技術で勝って事業で負ける」という製造業の現状と課題を分析した。
Panasonic Corp., Sony Corp. and Sharp Corp. have all posted record deficits primarily because of poor results in their flat-panel television businesses, while semiconductor manufacturer Elpida Memory, Inc. filed for bankruptcy protection earlier this year. Automakers have been lagging behind their U.S. and European rivals in China, the world's largest market. パナソニック、ソニー、シャープは、テレビの不振で過去最大の赤字を計上し、半導体のエルピーダメモリは経営危機に陥った。自動車各社も世界最大の中国市場で欧米メーカーに出遅れている。
It is a serious situation in which Japan's entire manufacturing sector--once the nation's forte--has nearly crumbled due to the yen's hyperappreciation. 超円高が逆風となり、「お家芸」だった製造業が、ほぼ総崩れという深刻な状況だ。
Why have Japanese manufacturers lost their competitiveness so rapidly? なぜ、日本企業の競争力は急速に低下したのだろうか。
It is primarily because they "responded slowly to international structural changes," as the white paper put it. 白書が指摘している通り、「国際的な構造変化への対応が遅れた」のが主因である。
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Time to shift from all-in-one system
Japanese companies used to enjoy the advantage of a system in which they covered the entire production process from planning and developing to manufacturing. 日本企業のこれまでの強みは、製品の企画・開発から製造まで一貫して取り組む体制だった。
But today, companies in emerging countries have boosted their competitiveness as they have become able to mass-produce goods at low cost. Many overseas firms--with Apple Inc. of the United States as a good example--focus only on planning and developing products, while commissioning their assembly to manufacturers in emerging countries. ところが、今では、新興国企業も低コストで大量生産が可能になり、競争力を強化した。米アップルのように、製品の企画や開発に集中し、製品組み立ては新興国企業に委託するケースも多い。
Japanese manufacturers' lack of similar focus has them trapped--they cannot make profits despite their technological advantages because their indecisive stances have caused them to lose global market share. 日本企業は技術力はあるのに、どっちつかずで世界の販売シェアを落とし、利益を稼げない。そんな隘路(あいろ)に陥っている。
To make matters worse, Japanese companies have been failing to promptly respond to changes in demand in emerging markets, which have an exploding number of middle-income households. 一方、中間所得層が爆発的に増加している新興国市場の変化に対しても日本企業の対応は鈍い。
The white paper poses a question: "Whom should manufacturing serve?" This seems to encourage manufacturers to discover needs in growth markets and apply their management resources to meeting such needs. 「誰のためのものづくりか」という白書の問いかけは、成長市場のニーズを発掘し、経営資源を投入することを促したものだ。
We urge Japanese makers to accelerate their efforts to develop low- and mid-priced products for emerging markets, such as other Asian countries. They also should establish an appropriate system of international division of labor to quickly assemble products in places close to target markets. アジアなどの新興国市場向けの低・中価格の製品開発を加速するとともに、市場に近い現地で迅速に製造する最適な国際分業体制の構築を進めてもらいたい。
It is surely important for Japanese manufacturers to select business projects and concentrate their resources on them. It is difficult, however, for them to turn their fortunes around if they only focus on downsizing their operations. These firms should keep a sharp eye out to identify fields in which they can demonstrate competitiveness. 「事業の選択と集中」は大事だが、単なる事業縮小では活路を見いだせない。自社の競争力を発揮できる目利き力が問われる。
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Strengthen advantages
If Japanese companies relocate more and more of their manufacturing functions overseas, however, it will accelerate the hollowing-out of domestic industries and declining employment. There is also concern that Japanese industrial culture--characterized by achieving goals and solving problems--will deteriorate. ただ、生産拠点の海外移転が加速すると、国内の空洞化が進み、雇用が減少する。日本の強みである現場力の低下も懸念される。
In this regard, it is appropriate for the white paper to call for the nation's manufacturing sector to strengthen its "mother factory" function to support overseas production sites. We urge manufacturers to establish strategies to boost their research and development divisions, as well as their flagship factories. 白書が、海外拠点を支援する国内の「マザー機能」の強化を求めたのは妥当だ。各社は、日本での研究開発部門や基幹工場を充実させる戦略を工夫してほしい。
The government also has an important role to play in reviving the nation's manufacturing industry. It should overcome its delay in signing bilateral economic partnership agreements. It should also decide to take part in the Trans-Pacific Partnership multinational trade framework as soon as possible. 製造業の復活へ、政府の役割も重要だ。経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）の出遅れを挽回し、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の早期参加も決断しなければならない。
To maintain domestic manufacturing functions, moreover, it is crucial for the government to ensure a stable electric power supply by accelerating efforts to reactivate idled nuclear reactors. 国内生産の維持には、原子力発電所の再稼働を急ぎ、電力の安定供給を図ることも不可欠だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 6, 2012) （2012年6月6日01時29分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 6, 2012) Noda must play commanding role on social security, tax reform 野田再改造内閣 日本の命運かかる６月政局（6月5日付・読売社説）
◆首相は一体改革へ陣頭指揮を
The new Cabinet lineup is obviously aimed at placing top priority on passing bills on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, the main pillar of which is to raise the consumption tax rate. 消費税率引き上げを柱とする社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の成立を最優先にする布陣であることは明らかだ。
With the current Diet session approaching its end on June 21, the rereshuffled Noda Cabinet was launched Monday. In creating an environment to move integrated reform forward, the reshuffle can be termed "defense-oriented" to ensure smooth Diet deliberations. 国会の会期末が２１日に迫る中、野田再改造内閣が４日発足した。一体改革を前進させるための環境整備であり、国会審議を円滑にする「守り」重視の改造人事にほかならない。
To pass the bills through the Diet, Democratic Party of Japan executives must make strenuous efforts to realize negotiations with the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito to revise the bills and vote on them in the House of Representatives. 法案を成立させるには、民主党執行部が、自民党など野党との法案修正協議から採決に至る具体策を講じることが欠かせない。
◆修正協議への環境整備
The European credit crisis has flared up again with fiscally suffering Greece at the core. For Japan, this is not a fire on the other side of the river. Fiscal rehabilitation and social security reform are problems the government must not continue to leave untouched. The ruling and opposition parties should not confront each other merely to serve their own interests. 財政危機のギリシャを震源地に、欧州の信用不安が再燃している。日本にとって、対岸の火事ではない。財政再建や社会保障改革は、もはや不可避の課題である。与野党が党利党略で争っている場合ではなかろう。
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Start talks on bills' revisions
The primary object of the reshuffle was to "dismiss" Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka and Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Takeshi Maeda, who were both censured in the House of Councillors. This was to help start negotiations with the opposition parties on revising the bills. 改造人事の眼目は、参院で問責決議が可決された田中防衛相と前田国土交通相を更迭し、野党と修正協議に臨む点にある。
Noda chose Prof. Satoshi Morimoto of Takushoku University as the new defense minister. In speaking of his expectations of Morimoto, Noda said, "He is one of the top experts in the security field in the country." 野田首相は、後任の防衛相に拓殖大の森本敏教授を起用し、「安全保障分野の我が国の第一人者の一人」と期待を示した。
His two immediate predecessors--Yasuo Ichikawa and Tanaka--have been criticized by opposition parties as "amateurs," calling into question Noda's personnel management ability. 防衛相は、一川保夫氏、田中直紀氏と２代続けて「素人」と野党から批判を浴び、首相の人事能力にも疑問符がついていた。
For that reason, Noda apparently selected a "professional," who has considerable insight and accountability. Morimoto, a former Air Self-Defense Force member, has also served as a Foreign Ministry bureaucrat. In the administration of former Prime Minister Taro Aso, he was appointed to the post of special adviser to the defense minister. それだけに見識、説明能力ともに難のない「玄人」を充てたのだろう。森本氏は自衛官出身で外務官僚などを経て、麻生政権で防衛相補佐官を務めた実績もある。
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Nonpolitician in defense post
This is the first time a nonpolitician has been given the defense portfolio since the Defense Agency, the ministry's predecessor, debuted in 1954. The LDP and other opposition parties criticized the appointment, saying only politicians chosen through elections are able to take responsibility for defense issues. Some observers said the appointment was proof the DPJ lacks suitable human resources. ただ、１９５４年の防衛庁発足以来、防衛閣僚の民間人起用は初めてだ。自民党などから「国防上の問題で責任を取れるのは、選挙で選ばれた政治家しかない」との批判も出ている。民主党の人材不足を証明したとの見方もある。
There are many problems awaiting the new defense minister, such as relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture, the transfer of marines in the prefecture to bases overseas, China's expanding naval and other maritime activities and North Korea's missile and nuclear development programs. As a defense expert, Morimoto must demonstrate his ability to handle all these tasks. 米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題や在沖縄海兵隊の海外移転、中国の海洋進出、北朝鮮のミサイル・核開発など直面する課題は多い。森本氏には、専門家としての力量を発揮することが求められよう。
Among ministers who were replaced were Maeda, who was criticized over a possible violation of the Public Offices Election Law; Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Michihiko Kano, who reportedly had connections with a Chinese diplomat questionably involved in a program to promote agricultural exports to China; and Justice Minister Toshio Ogawa, who was observed viewing an Internet horse racing site on his cell phone in a Diet committee room. 公職選挙法に抵触する疑いが生じた前田国交相のほか、農産物の対中輸出促進事業に関与した中国人外交官との関係が取り沙汰される鹿野農相、国会で競馬サイトを見ていた小川法相が交代した。
Former senior vice farm minister Akira Gunji, who assumed the post of agriculture, forestry and fisheries minister, is a senior member of a DPJ group that does not favor Japan's participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade talks. We hope Gunji will not try to apply the brakes if the prime minister decides on official participation in the TPP talks. 農相に就いた郡司彰・元農水副大臣は、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加に否定的な民主党内のグループの幹部だ。首相が今後、正式参加を決断する際にブレーキをかける存在とならないようにしてもらいたい。
Now that the two censured Cabinet ministers have been replaced, the LDP should abandon its tactics of rejecting Diet deliberations and move Diet business along in the upper house where sessions have been stalled. 自民党は、問責２閣僚の交代が実現した以上、審議拒否戦術をやめ、“開店休業”の参院を中心に国会審議を動かすべきだ。
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Building trust with LDP ◆輿石氏も腹をくくれ
In the reshuffle, Noda left the DPJ leadership lineup intact. The main point is whether Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi and other party executives will be prepared to join Noda in building cooperative relations with the LDP. 今回の改造では、民主党執行部の役員人事は手つかずだった。問題は、輿石幹事長らが首相と同様に腹をくくり、自民党との協力関係を構築できるかどうかだ。
Koshiishi, the No. 2 man in the ruling party, seems to be determined to put off the vote on the bills to raise the consumption tax because of fears that former party President Ichiro Ozawa and other opponents of the tax hike will vote against the bills if a vote is taken at this juncture. 輿石氏は、小沢一郎元代表グループら反対派が造反する恐れがあるとし、法案の採決先送りを狙っているように見える。
If this is the case, it will be impossible to win the trust of the LDP. The DPJ leadership must initiate negotiations with the LDP on revising the consumption tax bills as early as possible by presenting a deadline of June 15 for a vote on the bills in the House of Representatives. Ozawa and members of his group are firmly resolved to oppose the bills. Preparations for the vote should be made on the assumption that it will be difficult to reverse their stance. だが、それでは自民党の信頼は得られまい。民主党執行部は、１５日という事実上の衆院採決目標を示して修正協議入りを急ぐべきである。小沢氏らの反対の意向は固い。翻意は難しいことを前提に採決に備える必要がある。
At a news conference Monday, Noda said he had directed the party executives to keep him informed of the situation on a daily basis and would make a final decision whenever he thought necessary. 野田首相は４日の記者会見で、民主党幹部に毎日、的確な情報を上げるよう指示したことを明らかにし、「必要な判断は私がする」と明言した。
This illustrates his firm determination to spearhead talks with the LDP. 陣頭指揮をとる覚悟なのだろう。
One compelling option Noda should consider is one-on-one talks with LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki to break the stalemate. 自民党の谷垣総裁との党首会談によって、困難な局面を打開することも有力な選択肢だ。
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Bold concessions vital
To ensure results from negotiations on the revision of the tax hike bills, the DPJ should shelve its signature policies put forth in its campaign pledge for the 2009 general election, including establishment of a new pension system with a minimum pension benefit and its plan to abolish the special medical service system for people aged 75 or older. 民主党は、修正協議で成果を得るため、政権公約（マニフェスト）に掲げた最低保障年金を柱とする新年金制度創設や、後期高齢者医療制度廃止という看板政策を棚上げしなければならない。
◆大胆な妥協が必要だ
We make this assertion not only because the LDP strongly objects to policies mentioned in the manifesto but also because they are extremely problematic. It would be realistic for the DPJ to agree to an LDP proposal calling for the establishment of a national conference on social security system reform that allows experts to participate in the discussions. 自民党が強く反発しているからだけではなく、内容にも問題が多い。自民党の提案する「社会保障制度改革国民会議」を受け入れて、有識者も交えてじっくり議論するのが現実的だ。
Along with negotiations on revision of the bills to promote integrated social security and tax system reforms, reform of the electoral system for the lower house is another problem that must be tackled urgently. 一体改革関連法案の修正協議と並行して、衆院の選挙制度改革も喫緊の課題である。
A plan to cut one single-seat constituency in each of five prefectures without increasing seats in other prefectures' single-seat constituencies--which is aimed at correcting the disparity of vote value in the lower house election--must be implemented before carrying out drastic reforms of the electoral system. It is essential to rectify the current situation, which has been judged unconstitutional by the Supreme Court. 「１票の格差」を是正するための「０増５減」を選挙制度の抜本改正とは切り離し、先行処理するしかない。「違憲状態」の現状を速やかに改めることが肝要だ。
The ruling and opposition parties must take to heart that their judgments and actions will determine the future course of Japan. Extension of the Diet session beyond the June 21 deadline will be unavoidable. Whether it can be extended or not will greatly affect the prime minister's governance. 与野党は、この６月の判断と行動が日本の命運を握ることを肝に銘じるべきだ。会期延長は避けられない。首相の政権運営にも大きく影響する。
Drastic concessions will be needed to move the politics ahead. 政治の前進のためには大胆な妥協が必要となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 5, 2012) （2012年6月5日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 5, 2012) Markets warning Europe to bring credit crisis under control ユーロ急落 欧州の努力を促す市場の警告（6月4日付・読売社説）
The credit crisis in Europe has flared up again, and there seems to be no end to the euro's depreciation. To end the crisis, further efforts by European nations are indispensable. 欧州の信用不安が再燃し、ユーロ安に歯止めがかからない。危機を封じ込めるため、欧州の一層の努力が不可欠だ。
Late last week, the euro nosedived in the foreign exchange market, hitting the 95 yen level for the first time in 11-1/2 years. As the yen's value also rose to the 77 yen level against the dollar, it seems to be a matter of one-sided appreciation of the Japanese currency. 外国為替市場で先週末、ユーロが急落し、１１年半ぶりに１ユーロ＝９５円台に突入した。円相場は対ドルでも１ドル＝７７円台に急騰し円の独歩高になってきた。
Meanwhile, shares on the Tokyo Stock Exchange have plunged across the board, discouraged by the yen's historic hyperappreciation. Due to factors such as worsening of the U.S. unemployment rate, shares have fallen sharply on the New York Stock Exchange, and stocks continue to fall worldwide. 歴史的な超円高が嫌気され、東京株式市場の株価は大幅に下落した。米国の失業率悪化などで、ニューヨーク市場の株価も急落し、世界同時株安が進んでいる。
This is a serious situation in which violent fluctuations in financial markets could continue. 市場の乱高下が続きかねない深刻な状況と言えよう。
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No prospective end to debt crisis
The main cause for the sharp fall of the euro and the related stock market declines is that there is no prospect for the European debt crisis to be brought under control. ユーロ急落と、連鎖株安の主因は、欧州債務危機を収束させる見通しが立たないことだ。
After failing to form a coalition government, Greece will have another election in mid-June. However, depending on results of the election, the country may face further obstacles in its economic rehabilitation and be forced to leave the eurozone. If this happens, major chaos will be inevitable. 今月中旬に再選挙を行うギリシャは、選挙結果によっては、経済再建に行き詰まり、ユーロ圏からの離脱を迫られる恐れがある。そうなれば、大混乱は必至だ。
The Greek credit crisis has spread to Spain, which has experienced a collapse of its real estate bubble, with the situation deteriorating to the point that a major bank has asked for an injection of public funds. ギリシャの信用不安は、不動産バブルが崩壊したスペインに飛び火し、大手銀行が公的資金の注入を申請する事態に発展した。
However, the Spanish government, which is suffering from fiscal deficits, cannot provide drastic relief measures anytime soon. Due to rising anxieties, holders of Spanish government bonds have gone on a selling spree. しかし、財政赤字を抱えるスペイン政府はすぐに抜本的な救済ができない。懸念が高まり、スペイン国債が売り込まれている。
The International Monetary Fund and the European Union have already made arrangements to financially assist some nations facing the crisis, but the help is not sufficient to support Spain, which has the fourth-biggest economy in the eurozone. 国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）と欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、欧州の危機国を金融支援する体制を整えたが、ユーロ圏第４位の経済規模のスペインを支えるほど十分ではない。
The world must remain on alert to prevent the European-born crisis from escalating to a level that could deal a major blow to the world economy. 欧州発の危機に拍車がかかり、世界景気に大打撃を与える事態を警戒する必要がある。
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Franco-German initiative essential
To control the chaos in Spain, cooperation between Germany and France is crucial. スペインの混乱を乗り切るためにも独仏両国の連携が重要だ。
German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who argues for restoring fiscal health, and French President Francois Hollande, who emphasizes economic growth, have made no progress toward narrowing their differences. 財政健全化路線のメルケル独首相と、経済成長をより重視するオランド仏大統領の主張の違いは、まだ調整されていない。
Germany and France should act in close concert to come up with a prescription to revive Europe under which both fiscal health and economic growth can be realized side by side. Eurozone nations must unite behind the initiative of the two countries to study measures to help Spain. 独仏は足並みをそろえ、財政と成長を両立させる欧州再生の処方箋を描くべきだ。両国主導でユーロ圏が結束し、スペイン支援策を検討することが急務である。
In May, a summit meeting of the Group of Eight major countries said Greece should stay in the eurozone. In mid-June, a summit meeting of the Group of 20 will be held in Mexico, and pressure on Europeans to swiftly respond to the situation will further intensify. ギリシャのユーロ残留を求めた５月の主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議に続き、今月中旬にメキシコで２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議が開かれる。欧州の迅速な対応を促す圧力がさらに強まろう。
The euro crisis will also adversely affect the Japanese economy. The yen's sharp appreciation and the euro's decline will hit export-oriented companies and further cool the economy. ユーロ危機は日本経済にも悪影響を及ぼす。急激な円高・ユーロ安で輸出企業が打撃を受け、景気に冷や水を浴びせるからだ。
Finance Minister Jun Azumi has said he will resolutely respond to the the yen's hyperappreciation and hinted at a yen-selling intervention. We think his comments are appropriate. 安住財務相が超円高に「断固として対応する」と述べ、円売り介入を示唆したのは妥当だ。
The government and the Bank of Japan need to beef up cooperation with North America and Europe. The central bank may also need to study additional monetary-easing measures. 政府・日銀は、欧米との連携を強化する必要がある。日銀の追加金融緩和策も検討しなければなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 4, 2012) （2012年6月4日01時29分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 4, 2012) Intl community must make Syria stop bloodshed シリア情勢 停戦を順守させ流血止めよ（6月3日付・読売社説）
The U.N. Security Council must prevent further tragedies of bloodshed in Syria. 国連安全保障理事会はシリアにおける流血の惨事を繰り返させてはならない。
A string of massacres Friday and Saturday in the central Syrian town of Houla has pushed former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan's ceasefire arbitration plans to the brink of collapse. 中部ホウラでの虐殺事件が、アナン前国連事務総長の停戦調停案を崩壊寸前に追いやっている。
Failure of the plans could plunge Syria into civil war, which in turn could destabilize the entire Middle East. The situation remains extremely tense. 調停が失敗すれば、シリアは内戦状態に陥り、中東全体が不安定になる恐れが強い。事態は極めて緊迫している。
Under the circumstances, the Security Council must waste no time in taking such steps as beefing up the U.N. mission monitoring the ceasefire in Syria. It also must increase pressure on the regime of Syrian President Bashar Assad to do its best to implement Annan's peace plans. 安保理は直ちに、国連シリア停戦監視団の機能強化などを図り、アサド政権へ圧力を強め、調停案の履行に全力をあげるべきだ。
In Houla, where government forces carried out artillery attacks, more than 100 bodies--including those of many children--were found. 政府軍が砲撃したホウラでは、多数の子供を含む１００以上の遺体が見つかった。
Members of the U.N. monitoring mission who rushed to Houla confirmed that many of the bodies showed the victims had been subject to atrocities such as being gunned down or stabbed to death. 現地を訪れた国連停戦監視団は、多くの遺体に撃たれたり刺されたりした残虐行為があることを確認した。
Anti-Assad dissidents say the massacre was the work of government militiamen, but the truth of the incident remains unknown. 反体制派は、政府側民兵の仕業と見るが、真相は不明だ。
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Unarmed monitors ineffective
Ever since antigovernment demonstrations began in Syria in March 2011, there has been increasing bloodshed due to a crackdown on dissidents by government forces and clashes with rebels. As a result, fatalities in the violence have surpassed 10,000, according to the United Nations. 昨年３月、シリアで反政府デモが始まって以来、政府側の武力弾圧や反体制勢力との衝突で流血は拡大の一途をたどり、国連によると、死者は１万人を超えた。
The Syrian government once accepted peace arbitration plans that Annan, a joint special envoy of the United Nations and the Arab League, worked out in March. It is highly regrettable that Damascus has effectively trashed the plans. 国連とアラブ連盟の共同特使であるアナン氏が今年３月に示した調停案を、シリア政府もいったん受けいれたはずだ。その後、反古(ほご)同然にしたのは遺憾である。
The U.N. mission of fewer than 300 unarmed observers can hardly act effectively considering the situation. だが、３００人足らずの丸腰の監視団では機能を果たせない。
The United Nations should urgently address the task of realizing measures to bolster the U.N. mission, based on proposals made by such countries as the United States and Britain to provide Syrian antigovernment forces with aircraft and dispatch armed monitors. 航空機供与や武装警護団派遣など、米国や英国の提案を軸に、監視団強化の具体化を急ぐべきだ。
Armed anti-Assad groups have declared they would take unrestrained military actions if the ceasefire accord is broken. Such a worst-case scenario must be averted by all means. 反体制派の武装組織は、停戦合意が崩れれば自由に軍事行動を取ると宣言している。そうした最悪の事態は回避せねばならない。
In the Security Council, the United States and European countries have been seeking measures such as economic sanctions to force President Assad to step down, bringing them into conflict with Russia and China, which oppose such actions. 安保理では、アサド大統領の退陣や経済制裁を求める欧米と、これに反対するロシア、中国が対立している。
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Russia behind suppression
The opposition put up by Russia, in particular, has been hampering enforcement of anti-Syria sanctions. 特にロシアの抵抗が、対シリア制裁を妨げてきた。
Syria is an important importer of weapons from Russia, and Damascus provides the Russian Navy with supply bases. 背景には、シリアがロシアにとって重要な武器輸出先であり、露海軍に補給拠点も提供していることがある。
In a Russian-French summit meeting on Friday, Russian President Vladimir Putin, in response to French President Francois Hollande's argument in favor of anti-Syria sanctions, insisted sanctions "could not work," and there were no signs the differences of views could be narrowed. １日の仏露首脳会談でも、対シリア制裁を主張するオランド仏大統領に対して、プーチン露大統領が「制裁は効果的ではない」と反論し、溝は埋まらなかった。
Given that Russia has long backed the Assad regime, it has a responsibility to firmly press Damascus to bring the bloodshed to an end. アサド政権を支えてきたロシアには、流血停止をシリアに強く働きかける責任がある。
The United States and European countries have been imposing economic sanctions on Syria on their own. 欧米諸国は、シリアに対して独自の経済制裁を科している。
In the wake of the Houla massacre, they have asked Syrian ambassadors and others to leave. Following suit, Japan has also asked the Syrian ambassador to leave. ホウラ事件後、シリア大使らに国外退去を求め、日本も同調した。
The Assad regime, whose main power base is the minority Alawis Muslim community, has ruled for years by relentlessly oppressing the people. 少数派のイスラム教アラウィ派を権力基盤とするアサド政権は、国民を抑圧し続けてきた。
The intensified suppression has shaken the legitimacy of the Assad regime even more, leaving no alternative but deeper international isolation. 弾圧強化で統治の正統性は一層揺らぎ、孤立を深めるばかりだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 3, 2012) （2012年6月3日01時42分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 3, 2012) Direct yen-yuan exchange expected to boost trade 円と人民元 日中貿易を拡大する直接取引（6月2日付・読売社説）
That the Japanese yen and the Chinese yuan, also known as the renminbi, can now be exchanged without going through the U.S. dollar is of major significance. 日本円と中国通貨・人民元を、ドルを介さずに直接交換できる意義は大きい。
Expectations are high that the enhanced convenience in yen-yuan exchanges will give impetus to trade and investment between Japan and China. 利便性の向上により、日中間の貿易や投資に弾みをつけたい。
Based on an agreement between the Japanese and Chinese governments, direct trading in the Japanese and Chinese currencies was launched on Friday on the Tokyo and Shanghai markets. 日中両国政府が合意し、円と元の直接取引が、１日から東京と上海の市場で始まった。
The yen is now the second major currency, after the dollar, to be allowed to directly trade with the yuan. 元との直接交換が認められた主要通貨は、米ドルに次いで円が２番目だ。
In the first day of direct yen-yuan trading on the Tokyo foreign exchange market, the rate closed at around 12.32 yen to the yuan. 初日の東京外国為替市場は、１元＝１２円３２銭前後で取引を終えた。
In Tokyo, it appeared that three megabanks--Bank of Tokyo Mitsubishi UFJ, Mizuho Bank and Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corp.--took part in the trading. The yen-yuan deals in Shanghai on the initial day were done much the same way as on the Tokyo market. ３メガバンクなどが取引に参加したようだ。上海市場もほぼ同水準で取引が行われた。
The trading volume of the yen-yuan pair was not so large on the first day, marking a quiet start to direct trading. Future growth of the bilateral currency exchange markets is hoped for. 取引量はまだ多くなく、静かなスタートだが、今後、市場の成長が期待される。
The total value of trade between Japan and China, including both imports and exports, has shot up to about triple the level of a decade ago, currently standing at 27.5 trillion yen a year. 輸出と輸入を合わせた日中の貿易額は年間２７・５兆円に上り、１０年前の約３倍に膨らんでいる。
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Lessening costs and risks
On the strength of direct trading, both the yen and the yuan will likely become more prominent on global foreign exchange markets, with trade and investments between the two countries expanding. It will be meaningful that the currencies of Asia's two biggest economies are likely to thus have a greater influence on the world's monetary system, now based on the dollar as the predominant hard currency. 直接取引をテコに、２国間の貿易や投資が拡大していくに連れ、円と元の存在感が高まるだろう。米ドルを基軸にした世界の通貨体制に、アジアの２大通貨が一石を投じる意味がある。
Until now, exchanges between the yen and the yuan have mostly been conducted by referring to their respective exchange rates against the dollar, the global circulation of which is large. 円と元の交換はこれまで、流通量が多いドルを仲立ちにした間接取引が中心となっている。
When a financial institution converts yen into yuan to provide companies with yuan under the conventional system, it is necessary to first convert yen into dollars before converting the dollars into yuan, a procedure with double the currency transaction costs of direct trading. 金融機関が円を元に交換したり、企業に元を受け渡したりする場合、いったん円をドルに替えた後、元に替えるという手続きが必要で、手数料も２度かかる。
By making use of direct trading, such dual procedures and transaction costs become unnecessary, helping reduce the costs that must be paid by financial institutions and companies engaging in import and export operations. The risk of yen-yuan rates being affected by erratic fluctuations of the dollar will also be mitigated. 直接取引を利用すれば、こうした二重の手続きと手数料が不要になり、金融機関や輸出入を行う企業はコストを削減できる。交換レートがドル相場の変動に左右されるリスクも低下するだろう。
The Japanese government plans to create in the future an "offshore market" dealing with yuan-denominated financial products in Tokyo for the purpose of reinvigorating the Tokyo market. The London and Singapore markets, too, have been keen to realize such offshore markets, and the Japanese government should make the envisioned Tokyo offshore yuan market a reality as early as possible. 日本政府は将来、元建て債券などの金融商品を取引する「オフショア市場」を東京に創設し、市場の活性化を図る考えだ。ロンドンやシンガポールも狙っている。早期実現を目指してほしい。
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Beijing must ease regulations
China, for its part, has set the goal of expanding international use of the yuan to raise the unit's status as a key international currency. China has said the go-ahead Beijing has given to direct yen-yuan trading is part of efforts to accomplish this goal. 一方、中国は国際通貨として元の利用を拡大する「国際化」を進めようとしており、今回の措置もその一環と位置づけている。
China's foreign exchange reserves have swollen to a level exceeding 3 trillion dollars, a great majority of which is held in dollar form. 中国の外貨準備高は３兆ドル以上に膨らみ、そのうちの大半がドル資産とされる。
By means of the commencement of direct yen-yuan trading, Beijing seems to be placing a curb on the amount of money China receives from Japanese companies in dollars, with a view to lessening its dependence on the greenback in settling international trade. 円と元の直接取引開始で日本企業からのドルの受け取りを抑え、過度なドル依存から脱却する狙いもうかがえる。
There are many problems that have yet to be resolved, however. ただ、課題は少なくない。
For one thing, the exchange rate of the yuan against the yen in the Shanghai market is allowed to fluctuate only within a limited range of 3 percent above or below a reference rate that is set daily by Chinese monetary authorities. 上海市場の元の対円相場については、中国当局が毎日提示する基準値の上下３％内に１日当たりの変動幅が制限されている。
In order to realize Beijing's goal of further facilitating the yuan's international use, it is imperative for China to have a more flexible stance in favor of accepting a wider range of fluctuations in the exchange rates of the yuan against the dollar and the yen. It is also urged to ease regulations involving financial and capital transactions across national borders as well as investments in China's domestic sectors. 中国が対ドルと対円でより柔軟な為替変動を容認し、国境を越えた金融・資本取引や国内の投資規制も緩和する。それが、元の一層の国際化には不可欠だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 2, 2012) （2012年6月2日01時10分 読売新聞）
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 27 EDITORIAL: Japan can learn from Germany's phaseout of nuclear energy ドイツの脱原発―素早い行動が生む果実
It has been almost a full year since Germany chose to return to the path of phasing out nuclear power. ドイツが脱原発の道に回帰して、間もなく１年になる。
The country’s goal is to close all of its 17 reactors by 2022. And its industry and society are all moving toward that same goal, creating new jobs and businesses on the way. １０年後の２２年までに１７基の原発をすべて閉鎖する。そんなゴールを見すえて、産業界や社会が一斉に動き、新たな雇用やビジネスが生まれている。
Japan can learn much from Germany’s example: to act promptly based on a clear-cut government goal and plan, and seize the fruits of those labors. 政府の明確な目標と計画のもと、素早い行動で果実を手にする――。脱原発に向けて、日本が学ぶべきことは多い。
What symbolizes Germany's change is the action taken by its industry. ドイツの変化を象徴しているのは産業界の動きだ。
Germany's major utilities, E.ON AG and RWE, canceled their participation in Britain's nuclear plant construction project, despite the fact they had already set up a joint venture. The decision was made as they took into account the rising construction costs and the mounting risks involving the nuclear power industry. In line with government policy toward electricity deregulation, they also separated their power distribution sections within Germany. 電力大手のエーオンとＲＷＥは、英国の原発建設計画からの撤退を決めた。すでに合弁会社を設立していたが、今後の建設費増や原発事業のリスクを重視した判断だ。政府の電力自由化策に応じて、ドイツ国内の送電線部門も切り離した。
German electronics titan Siemens has also ceased its involvement in nuclear power. The company is starting to transform itself into a "green" company, investing in R&D for new power grids and power storage, as well as in offshore wind farms. Siemens no doubt decided to pursue these measures on expectations of profits. 電機大手シーメンス社も、原子力事業から完全撤退した。新しい送配電システムや蓄電の研究開発、洋上風力発電所への投資を進め、「グリーン企業」への変身を図りつつある。そこに新たな収益源を期待しているからだろう。
The economic effects of the spread of renewable natural energy, such as wind, solar and biomass, deserve close attention. According to the German government's estimates, natural energy created 380,000 jobs, including work in the manufacturing to distribution services. 注目したいのは、風力や太陽光、バイオマスなどの自然エネルギー普及による経済効果だ。ドイツ政府の推計では、ものづくりから流通サービス業まで約３８万人の雇用が生まれた。
There are also many projects seeking to create communities with high-level energy efficiency by improving insulation in buildings and homes. Measures to save electricity and conserve energy are blended quite naturally into daily life, which then stimulates the economy. There seems to be a positive cycle here. ビルや住宅の断熱性を向上させて、エネルギー効率の高い街をつくる取り組みも広がっている。節電や省エネが生活に無理なくとけ込み、経済も活性化する好循環がそこに見える。
In the aftermath of the accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, eight reactors in Germany, mainly old ones, were stopped. As a result, the ratio of nuclear-generated electricity fell to the 10-percent range. The government's goal is to increase the percentage of natural energy, which rose to about 20 percent as a result of the fall in nuclear power, to 35 percent by 2020. 福島第一原発の事故を受け、古い原発を中心に８基の運転が停止された。この結果、原発の発電量は昨年、全体の１０％台に下落した。逆に約２０％まで増えた自然エネルギーの比率を、２０年までに３５％水準に引き上げるのが政府の目標だ。
However, the swift pace of this shift has exceeded expectations and is also causing confusion. One example is the lowering of buyback rates for solar energy. ただ、予想以上の変化の早さは混乱も生んでいる。太陽光発電の買い取り価格の引き下げはその一例だ。
The spread of solar energy has been buoyed by the buyback program whereby utilities purchase the generated renewable energy at a fixed rate. However, excessive investment has forced consumers to pay higher electricity bills, so the buyback price is due to be cut by more than 20 percent. 自然エネルギーによる発電を固定価格で電力会社に買い取らせる仕組みは、その普及を支えてきた。しかし投資が過熱し、電気料金を通じて消費者の負担増を招いたため、買い取り価格を２割以上引き下げる予定だ。
To spread the use of renewables at a steady pace, it is necessary to stay abreast of the detailed changes in power generation costs and adjust the buyback rates accordingly. This would prove to be a valuable lesson for Japan as its buyback program begins in earnest in July. 自然エネルギーを着実に広げるには、発電コストの変化をきめ細かく把握し、買い取り価格を点検していく必要がある。今年７月から買い取り制度が本格スタートする日本にとっても、他山の石となろう。
Germany is stimulating its economy and society by setting a firm goal for the phaseout of nuclear power and deftly combining that with a support program for renewable energy. That is the kind of invention and action that Japan needs. 脱原発への確固たる目標に自然エネルギーへの支援策をうまく組みあわせて、経済や社会の活性化につなげる。日本に必要なのはそんな発想と行動だ。
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 31 EDITORIAL: Noda’s premature decision to restart Oi reactors 大飯再稼働―これでは不信ぬぐえぬ
The Noda administration has effectively decided to restart the No. 3 and No. 4 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.’s Oi nuclear power plant. 野田政権が関西電力大飯原発３、４号機の再稼働を事実上、決めた。
The government concluded that it has obtained the understanding of the Union of Kansai Governments, which has been opposed to the restarts. The association on May 30 called on the government to make an “appropriate judgment” on the assumption that the reactivation is a “limited” response. 再稼働に反対してきた関西広域連合が３０日、「限定的なものとして適切な判断」をするよう求めたことで、理解が得られたと判断した。
We have been opposed to restarting nuclear plants without addressing some important issues. There has been no significant progress in securing the safety of nuclear plants, and we have strong doubts about the Noda administration’s judgment. 私たちは、見切り発車のように原発を再稼働させることに反対してきた。原発の安全性確保をめぐる状況に、大きな変化があったわけではない。野田政権の判断に強い疑問を抱かざるをえない。
In deciding whether to restart nuclear reactors, we believe it is most important to review safety standards and anti-disaster measures based on lessons from the Fukushima nuclear accident. Crisis management measures need to be established to minimize damage from an unanticipated disaster. 私たちが再稼働の判断で最も重視したのは、福島の事故を踏まえた安全基準や防災対策の見直しであり、「想定外」のことが起きても減災をはかる危機対応の整備だった。
More than anything, we have asked the government to draw up a road map for moving away from nuclear power and make a clear policy shift. Only a minimum number of nuclear plants required should be in operation. なにより、脱原発への道筋を明確にし、「必要な数しか動かさない」政策への転換を示すことが不可欠だと指摘してきた。
However, the Noda administration has decided to restart the Oi reactors based on a political judgment, without evaluation by experts. What it has done only amounts to a stopgap measure, namely introducing stress tests and having the Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency compile provisional safety standards. ところが、野田政権が進めたのは、ストレステストの後、付け焼き刃ともいえる暫定的な安全基準を原子力安全・保安院にまとめさせ、専門家の評価なしに政治判断で再稼働に踏み出すことだった。
The government has not produced concrete measures to reduce Japan’s dependence on nuclear power. People remain concerned that the government may be trying to bring nuclear reactors back online without meaningful debate. 政権から脱原発依存に向けた具体策は示されていない。「なし崩し的に原発を動かそうとしているのではないか」。国民の不信はぬぐえないままだ。
We cannot understand why the Union of Kansai Governments, which has critically pointed out these problems, abruptly changed its stance on May 30. こうした問題点を厳しく指摘してきた関西広域連合が３０日になって、姿勢を転換したのにも首をかしげる。
At a meeting of the Union of Kansai Governments, nuclear power policy minister Goshi Hosono said, “We will examine (nuclear plants), including the Oi plant, under new safety standards after a new nuclear regulatory agency is set up.” He noted that the Diet has begun discussions on legislation to create the new agency. 関西広域連合の会合に出席した細野原発相は、原子力規制庁の設置法案が国会で審議入りしたことを踏まえ、「規制庁発足後、大飯を含め新たな安全基準で再度精査する」と説明した。
If that is the case, the government should clearly state that it would keep the Oi plant running only this summer and shut it down again once power demand falls. であれば、大飯を稼働させるにしても、あくまでこの夏に限定した措置とし、電力需要が一段落したところで再度停止することを明言すべきだ。
The government should also announce its policy to decommission aging reactors as well as those vulnerable to major earthquakes. Some examples include the Tsuruga No. 1 reactor and the Mihama No. 1 reactor, both of which started operations more than 40 years ago. 加えて、運転開始からすでに４０年を超える敦賀１号機や美浜１号機をはじめとした老朽化原発や、大地震などのリスクが大きい原発の廃炉を早期に打ち出す必要がある。
The reactivation of the Oi plant should not slacken efforts to have regional utilities supply power to each other or have companies and households save electricity. 大飯原発の再稼働で、電力融通や節電対策の手が緩むことがあってはならない。
There are good chances of power stations having problems, and the western part of Japan is expected to have far from enough electricity. It is important to continue experimenting with a wide-area operation of electricity grids and measures to curb power demand, partly for planning the nation’s future electric power policy. 発電所にトラブルが発生する可能性は十分にあるし、西日本全体では依然として電力は不足気味だ。今後の電力政策を考えるうえでも、送電網の広域運用や需要抑制策の実績を積み重ねていくことが重要である。
The people were preparing themselves for a “summer without nuclear plants” following a third-party review of regional utilities’ electricity demand-supply forecasts. The people’s will should not be defied. 第三者による電力需給見通しの検証を経て、国民は「原発ゼロの夏」への備えを整えつつあった。その意志を無視してはならない。
