July 29, 2012(Mainichi Japan) Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Bullying could happen to anyone 香山リカのココロの万華鏡:いじめは誰にでも起きる ／東京
The backlash against the problem of bullying has spread further. いじめ問題の波紋がさらに広がっている。
Following a recent publication of my column here, in which I wrote: "Why are those who are being bullied not seeking help? This is a problem that requires further thought," I was criticized for "trying to say that the victims who aren't seeking help are to blame." このコラムで「なぜ『いじめられてる』とＳＯＳを出せないか。もう一度、考えてみたい」と書いたら、「サインを出せない被害者が悪いと言いたいのか」と批判の声が上がった。
Needless to say, that is not the case. What I was really trying to say is that there are cases when, being in the swirl of all of this turmoil, some people are just unable to call for help, because they cannot fully realize what is happening to them. もちろんそうではない。私がいちばん言いたかったのは、「その渦中にあるときには自分の身に何が起きているのか、はっきりわからず、ＳＯＳの声も上げられない場合がある」ということだ。
As a matter of fact, I have witnessed this situation at my consultation room a couple of times now. 診察室でも何度もそういう経験をした。
Among these cases was a parent who brought their junior high school-aged daughter to me, saying she had been unwilling to go to school. After talking with the girl, I came to realize that she had been a victim of malicious bullying. あるとき「不登校ぎみなんです」と保護者に連れられて診察室に来た女子中学生といろいろと話しているうちに、その子は学校で陰湿ないじめ被害にあっていることがわかったことがあった。
However, when I told her that I think her problem was not her refusal to go to school, but the bullying itself, telling her she was correct not to go to school, she shook her head in denial, saying she disagrees with my opinion. 私は「不登校じゃなくていじめじゃないの。学校に行かないのは正解だよ」と言ったのだが、女子生徒は「えっ、そうなんですか。違うと思います」と首を横に振るばかりだった。
I wonder, could this be some sort of refusal to accept that one is being bullied? 「いじめられている、なんて思いたくない」ということなのだろう。
There are other cases, in which although bullied children gather courage to tell their parents and schools that they have been bullied, the adults themselves refuse to accept the reality. 中には、子どもが勇気を出していじめを認め、保護者や学校に申し出ても、今度はおとなたちが「まさか、いじめだなんて」と現実を見ようとしない場合もある。
I wonder if this is what happened at the school in Otsu, where a boy committed suicide after being bullied by classmates. 今回の大津市の問題もこれに当たるのだろうか。
Many adults think that for bullying to occur, there should be other fundamental problems happening at the institution. そういったおとなたちは「いじめ事件が起きるのは、日ごろから何か問題があるからだ」と思っていて、
Many people refuse to accept that bullying is actually happening, on the grounds that theirs is "a proper institution, that has nothing to do with badly handled households or schools." 「ウチはしっかりやっている。そういったダメな家庭、学校とは違う」と思い込みたいために、「これはいじめなんかじゃない」と言ってしまうのだ。
We all need to acknowledge that, unfortunately, with the current school system and society, bullying could happen anywhere. まず、誰もが認めなければならないのは、残念ながらいまの社会、いまの学校では、どんなところでもいじめの問題はすぐに起きる、ということだ。
Therefore, people who have fallen victim to bullying or schools where such incidents have occurred do not need to think that there is something wrong with them or the institution. そして、いじめが起きたからといって、「私が悪いんだ」「ウチはダメな学校になってしまった」などと考える必要はない。
Children who are being bullied should try to stay away from the place where that is happening, or in other words -- the school. 被害を受けてしまったら、本人はいじめが起きる場、つまり学校から逃げる。
Such children's parents should welcome them at home, while school officials should share the responsibility for the incident and deal with it together, instead of putting it all on the child's homeroom teacher or other single individuals. 保護者は逃げてきた子どもを、家でしっかり受けとめる。学校はそのクラスの担任教員などひとりにすべての責任を押しつけることはしないで、みんなで問題を共有して対処する。
Nobody should try to turn a blind eye to bullying or attempt to hide the truth from the public. いじめから目をそらしたり、外に対して隠そうとしたりしてはいけない。
In order to protect children from being bullied, you should not think of it as something atypical. いじめから子どもを守るためにも、いじめを特殊なものと見ないで。
You should think of it as something that could happen anywhere and to anyone. どこにでも誰にでも起きるものだと考えて。
I would like to repeat that one more time. もう一度、そう繰り返したい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 29, 2012) Nation craves moving drama at London Olympics ロンドン五輪 数多くの感動を味わいたい（7月28日付・読売社説）
The London Olympics have opened. What kind of drama will the athletes, who have come from all over the world, show us? We hope we will enjoy the quadrennial sporting festival. ロンドン五輪が開幕した。世界のアスリートたちは、どのようなドラマを見せてくれるのか。４年に１度のスポーツの祭典を堪能したい。
A total of 204 countries and territories will take part in this Summer Olympics. This is the first time female athletes have been included in every Olympic team, and also the first Games in which women will compete in all events. 今回の夏季五輪には、２０４の国・地域が参加する。そのすべてから女子選手が出場する初の五輪だ。全競技で女子種目が実施される初めての大会でもある。
London has become the first city to host the Olympics three times--first in 1908 and again in 1948. ロンドンで五輪が開催されるのは、１９０８年、４８年に続き３度目となる。
The British government has been cautious about security this time. The Olympic Village is surrounded by an electrified fence about five meters high, and surface-to-air missiles have been deployed in London's downtown areas. 今回、英国政府が神経をとがらせているのは、テロ対策だ。選手村は、高圧電流が流れる高さ約５メートルのフェンスに取り囲まれている。ロンドン市街には地対空ミサイルも配備されている。
We hope the British government will implement the best possible security measures until the Games end on Aug. 12. ８月１２日の大会終了まで、万全の警備体制を敷いてほしい。
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Limited budget
Europe is now in the middle of a financial crisis, and Britain is no exception, being forced to stage a "frugal Olympics" amid austerity measures. 欧州は金融危機の中にある。英国も例外ではなく、超緊縮財政下での「倹約五輪」となった。
The cost of holding the Games, reportedly about 1.13 trillion yen, is said to be only a quarter of what China spent for the previous Beijing Olympics, which were apparently aimed at raising the latter's national prestige. 日本円にして約１兆１３００億円とされる大会経費は、中国の国威発揚の場となった前回北京五輪の４分の１とも言われる。
Britain used concrete made from industrial waste to build the main Olympic stadium, and plans to transform the Olympic Village into a private housing complex after the Games. メーンスタジアムの建設には、産業廃棄物などが原料のコンクリートを利用した。選手村は大会終了後、民間の集合住宅として生まれ変わる予定だ。
The London Olympics feature cost-saving, care for the environment and effective use of facilities. 経費抑制、環境への配慮、施設の有効活用――。これらがロンドン五輪らしさを示している。
As for Japan, this year marks the 100th anniversary of its Olympic debut at the Stockholm Games in 1912. 日本にとっては、五輪に初めて参加した１９１２年のストックホルム大会から、ちょうど１００年の節目を迎えた。
A total of 293 Japanese athletes are competing at the current London Games, and the Japanese team has set a target of finishing fifth or higher in the gold medal standings. 今回、出場する日本選手は２９３人。選手団の目標は、国別の金メダル数で５位以内になることだ。
Japan won nine gold medals in the Beijing Olympics, finishing eighth. To secure the fifth spot, more than 15 golds will probably be needed. 北京五輪での金メダルは９個で、８位だった。５位になるには１５個以上が目安となるだろう。
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Test of Japan govt measures
In recent years, the Japanese government has selected events in which the nation has a higher probability of winning medals and allocated more subsidies to them. The London Olympics could serve as a test of such steps to boost the nation's competitiveness. 政府は近年、メダル有望種目に的を絞って、強化費を重点配分する事業に力を入れている。政府主導の強化策が奏功するかどうかも問われる五輪と言える。
If Japanese Olympians produce good results in the opening events such as swimming, judo and gymnastics, that could lift the spirits of the whole team. 大会序盤の競泳や柔道、体操などで好成績を挙げれば、日本選手団全体が勢いに乗る。
Kosuke Kitajima is notable as he will aim for his third consecutive Olympic golds in the men's 100- and 200-meter breaststroke. We hope he will swim his way into Olympic history. 特に、競泳平泳ぎの北島康介選手は、１００メートルと２００メートルで五輪３連覇の偉業に挑む。五輪史に名を刻む泳ぎを期待したい。
People in Japan are already excited about the Olympics after the men's and women's Japanese soccer teams won their opening games. The vigorous performances of the Japanese athletes encourage us as we root for them. 男女サッカーの白星発進で、国内は早くも沸き立っている。日本選手の活躍は、応援する私たちを元気づけてくれる。
The more impressive the athletes' performances, the more people will be interested in the Olympics. Such public interest is certain to become a tailwind for promoting the campaign to bring the 2020 Games to Tokyo. 感動を呼ぶシーンが多いほど、五輪への関心も高まるだろう。２０２０年東京五輪の招致活動を盛り上げていくうえでも、追い風となるに違いない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 28, 2012) （2012年7月28日05時15分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 28, 2012) Can Pyongyang change its 'military-first' doctrine? 北朝鮮新体制 「先軍政治」から転換できるか（7月27日付・読売社説）
Speculation is rife in the wake of the dismissal of the chief of North Korea's General Staff, who was widely seen as a mentor of that country's young leader, the ruling Workers' Party First Secretary Kim Jong Un. 北朝鮮の若い指導者、金正恩・党第１書記の後見役と目されていた軍総参謀長の解任が、様々な臆測を呼んでいる。
A little more than three months since it launched its new leadership, uncertainty is heightening over Pyongyang's future course, meaning we must remain vigilant. 新体制が本格的に始動して３か月余りたった北朝鮮の行方には不確実さが増しており、警戒が怠れない。
Two years ago, in the days of the late General Secretary Kim Jong Il, the now dismissed army chief was promoted to the post of vice chairman of the Central Military Commission of the party's political bureau, or politburo, along with Kim Jong Un. The man was at the top of North Korea's military elite, concurrently serving as a member of the standing committee of the politburo. 解任された総参謀長は、金正日総書記時代の２年前、正恩氏と一緒に党中央軍事委員会副委員長に抜擢(ばってき)され、政治局常務委員も務める軍のトップエリートだった。
In Kim Jong Il's funeral procession, the man walked in a leading position along with Kim Jong Un, and was seen a key figure supporting the new leader. 総書記の葬儀では、正恩氏とともに霊きゅう車の先頭を歩き、新体制で正恩氏を支える軍部の要と見られていた。
The meeting of the politburo that decided on his removal from all duties said the decision was "due to his illness," but some analysts believe there may have been a power struggle behind the decision. すべての職務からの解任を決めた政治局会議は、「病気のため」と説明しているが、背景に権力闘争の存在を指摘する声もある。
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New leadership style eyed?
Kim Jong Un, who earlier became a four-star general, obtained the post of "marshal of the republic" immediately after the removal of the chief of the General Staff. Kim Jong Un's acquisition of the topmost military position is thought to be a move to demonstrate that he has now a complete grip on the military both in name and substance, presumably in a bid to display the stability of his regime. 大将だった金正恩氏は、総参謀長の解任直後に「共和国元帥」に昇格した。名実ともに軍部を掌握したことを示し、政権の安定ぶりを誇示する狙いがあろう。
No other remarkable developments have been reported recently in the North Korean military, but Japan, together with the United States and South Korea, must continue to watch Pyongyang's moves. 北朝鮮の軍に目立った動きは伝えられていないものの、日本は米韓両国と連携し、今後の動向を注視しなければならない。
While pledging to dedicate himself unconditionally to his father's teachings, Kim Jong Un has shown signs of a new style of governance different from that of his father in a number of ways. 金正恩氏は、父親の「遺訓」を無条件で貫徹するとしながらも、目新しい統治スタイルを随所で示している。
In one high-profile example of this, North Korean media have disclosed that a young woman seen accompanying Kim Jong Un on various occasions is his wife. 北朝鮮メディアが、正恩氏に随行していた若い女性を「夫人」と紹介し、結婚していた事実を明らかにしたのはその一例だ。
He also authorized the TV broadcast of a performance by an all-female band, some of its members in miniskirts, during which an ersatz Mickey Mouse character made an appearance. ミニスカートの女性楽団の公演を放映させ、ミッキーマウスに似たキャラクターが登場した。
Such gestures appear designed to emphasize differences from his father, who preferred an authoritarian and mysterious pattern of behavior. There might even be hints that he favors North Korea opening up a bit to the international community. 権威主義的で神秘性を好んだ父親との違いを強調しようとしているかのように見える。孤立ではなく、国際社会と交流を深めたい意欲すら、うかがえる。
However, the question is whether these changes may lead eventually to a change from Pyongyang's traditional "songun," or military-first, doctrine. 問題は、こうした変化が果たして軍事最優先の「先軍政治」の転換につながるのかどうかだ。
As Kim Jong Un himself stressed in a speech, North Korea's most urgent task is "solving food problems of the people." 正恩氏が演説で強調した通り、最優先課題は「人民の食糧問題の解決」だ。
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Signs of economic reform
The task is to rebuild the North Korean economy in a way Kim Jong Un has pledged will mean people "no longer have to tighten their belts" and endure hunger. 空腹を我慢するために「ベルトを締めあげずにすむよう」経済を立て直すことにある。
He has issued instructions for steps to expand acreage of farmland and increase farming productivity. He has criticized the disorderly development and export of mineral resources that have been carried out in the name of "earning foreign currency." Apparently in connection with this, the new North Korean leader has come out with a policy of placing the management of his country's natural resources under the direct and integrated control of his Cabinet. 正恩氏は耕地面積の拡大や生産性向上を指示した。「外貨稼ぎ」の名の下に行われている地下資源の無秩序な開発・輸出を批判し、資源を内閣が一元的に管理する方針を表明した。
These could be signs of Kim Jong Un's resolve to embark on sweeping reforms of his country's economy. 経済の抜本的改革に乗り出す予告とも受け取れる。
The reality North Korea faces is that sanctions imposed by the international community, which North Korea brought on itself because of its nuclear weapons and missile development programs, have narrowed its options for economic reconstruction. だが、核とミサイルの開発によって国際社会からの経済制裁を招き、経済再建の選択肢を自ら狭めてきたのが、北朝鮮の現実だ。
It seems that a transformation of North Korea's "military-first" politics into "politics placing top priority on the economy" would be extremely hard to realize. 先軍政治から「経済最優先」への転換は容易ではあるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2012) （2012年7月27日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 27, 2012) China's hard-line stance cause for grave concern 南シナ海緊張 中国の強硬姿勢に深まる憂慮（7月26日付・読売社説）
We urge China to restrain itself from taking unilateral action and to work to alleviate tension through dialogue with Vietnam and other neighboring countries. 中国は一方的な行動を自制し、ベトナムなどと対話を通じて緊張緩和に努めてもらいたい。
China has created the city of "Sansha" to administer the Spratly Islands, the Paracel Islands and Macclesfield Bank in the South China Sea. Vietnam and the Philippines, which are vying for sovereignty over those island chains with China, immediately voiced strong opposition. 中国が、南シナ海の南沙、西沙、中沙の３諸島を管轄する「三沙市」を設置した。これらの諸島を巡って中国と領有権を争っているベトナムやフィリピンは直ちに強く反発した。
The three island chains were previously administered by a liaison office of Hainan Province in southern China, which is located on Woody Island in the Paracel Islands. China apparently aims to strengthen its effective control over the island chains by upgrading them to a city. ３諸島はこれまで、中国南部の海南省が西沙諸島の永興島に置く連絡事務所が管轄していた。市への格上げは、実効支配を強化する狙いがあろう。
China set up administrative organizations in Sansha, including a People's Congress, or city council, in which the mayor was elected. China said it plans to promote tourism, the fisheries industry and natural resource development in the South China Sea with Sansha as a foothold. 市の人民代表大会（市議会）を設置して市長も選出し、行政組織の体裁を整えた。三沙市を拠点に、南シナ海の観光・水産業、資源開発を推進する方針という。
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Responsibility lies with China
China's establishment of Sansha is a countermeasure against Vietnam's enactment of the Maritime Law, which stipulates its sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and the Paracel Islands. However, the initial cause of the trouble was that China unilaterally claimed sovereignty over the three island chains and other islets under the Law on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone 20 years ago. 中国の三沙市設置は、ベトナムが南沙、西沙両諸島の領有を明記する海洋法を制定したことへの対抗措置だ。だが、そもそも、中国が２０年前に領海法で３諸島などの領有を勝手に定めたことにトラブルの原因があった。
Even more serious is that China decided to establish in Sansha a "security area" in which the Chinese military will be in charge of defending key strongpoints. Small units are already stationed to protect runways and other facilities, but the establishment of the security area is considered preparation for full-scale military action in the South China Sea. さらに深刻なのは、中国軍が重要拠点の防衛に当たる「警備区」を、この三沙にも置くと決めたことだ。滑走路などを守る小規模な部隊は既に駐留しているが、南シナ海での本格的な軍事行動に備える態勢作りと言える。
China's attempt to use its military strength, which is far superior to that of Vietnam and other neighbors, to make the South China Sea "China's Sea" could trigger armed conflict. The situation is grave. 中国がベトナムなどに比べて圧倒的な軍事力を背景に、南シナ海を「中国の海」にしようとすることは、軍事的な衝突を引き起こしかねない。憂慮すべき事態だ。
China also unilaterally announced a plan to invite bids for natural resource development in waters that Vietnam claims are inside its exclusive economic zone. Beijing sent 30 fishing boats accompanied by fishery patrol ships to waters around the Spratly Islands and other islets. These actions could cause tension in the South China Sea. 中国は、ベトナムが排他的経済水域（ＥＥＺ）と主張する海域でも、一方的に資源開発の入札計画を発表した。南沙諸島などの周辺海域に漁船３０隻を漁業監視船とともに送り込んだ。いずれも、南シナ海に緊張をもたらす行為だ。
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Stability crucial
The stability of the South China Sea is crucial for the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. It is also conducive to Japan's national interests from the viewpoint of securing the safety of its sea lanes. 南シナ海の安定は、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）にとって欠かせない。海上交通路（シーレーン）の安全確保の観点から、日本の国益にも資する。
In concert with Vietnam and the Philippines, which are threatened by China, Japan needs to strengthen cooperation such as fostering human resources in the field of maritime security and offering patrol vessels to those countries. 日本は、中国の脅威にさらされているベトナムやフィリピンと連携して、海上安全保障分野での人材育成や巡視船供与などの協力を強める必要がある。
In the East China Sea, meanwhile, the situation surrounding the Senkaku Islands has been increasingly harsh. 東シナ海では、尖閣諸島をめぐる情勢が厳しさを増す一方だ。
Recently, Chinese fishery patrol ships intruded into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on two consecutive days. As in the South China Sea, China has been blatantly escalating moves to expand its maritime interests. 最近、中国の漁業監視船は２日連続で尖閣諸島近くの領海を侵犯した。南シナ海同様に、海洋権益を拡大しようとする中国の動きは露骨にエスカレートしている。
China is conducting activities to make its presence felt with many fishing boats in the South China Sea. The possibility that Beijing may do the same thing in the East China Sea cannot be ruled out. Japan must heighten its vigilance against China over the Senkaku Islands. 中国が南シナ海で展開している多数の漁船による示威活動を東シナ海で行う可能性も排除できない。日本は、尖閣諸島の警戒体制を強めねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 26, 2012) （2012年7月26日01時47分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 26, 2012) Don't decide energy option through ad hoc discussions エネルギー選択 付け焼き刃の議論で決めるな（7月25日付・読売社説）
The basic policy on energy, which will determine the nation's future, should not be decided through ad hoc "national debates." 国の将来を左右する重要なエネルギーの基本政策は、付け焼き刃の「国民的議論」で決めるべきものではない。
The government presented three options on the ratio of nuclear power in the nation's mix of power sources for the year 2030, namely zero, 15 percent, or 20 percent to 25 percent. It is carrying out procedures to seek public opinions regarding which option would be most desirable. 政府は２０３０年の電源に占める原子力発電の比率を、「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」とする３案を示し、どの選択肢が望ましいか、国民に意見を求める手続きを進めている。
Among such procedures are hearings where randomly selected members of the public express their opinions. Eleven such hearings have been or will be held through Aug. 4 at 11 locations nationwide. その一つが、抽選で選ばれた国民による意見聴取会だ。８月４日までに全国の計１１会場で開く。
It is reasonable for the government to seek a wide sample of public opinions, but it cannot be overlooked that the hearings have caused trouble. 国民に幅広く意見を求めるのは妥当だが、意見聴取会が混乱を招いている事態は看過できない。
At hearings on July 15 and 16, employees of electric power companies, who identified their employers by name, called for the continued use of nuclear power. Both times, this caused a fierce backlash from other participants who support moving away from dependence on nuclear energy. ７月１５～１６日の聴取会で、電力会社の社員が社名を明かしたうえで原発の利用継続を主張したところ、脱原発を求める出席者から強い批判を浴びた。
The government then hastily decided not to allow employees of power companies and affiliated businesses to express opinions at such hearings. At hearings held Sunday at two locations, the government kept four people working in the industry from expressing their views. すると政府は急きょ、電力会社と関連会社の社員に意見表明を認めない方針を決め、２２日に開かれた２か所の聴取会では、電力関係者４人に発言を辞退させた。
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Why have a gag rule?
We are concerned that prohibiting people in the power industry from expressing their views on energy policy is a form of suppression of free speech. The government needs to convincingly explain why it changed the rules in the middle of the process. 電力関係者というだけでエネルギー政策に関する意見表明を封じるのは、言論の自由を抑圧することにならないか。政府は、途中でルールを変更した理由をきちんと説明する必要がある。
To avoid unproductive black-and-white arguments over pro- or anti-nuclear power positions, we consider it vitally important for members of society to express opinions from various points of view and calmly discuss them. 原発推進と脱原発という不毛な「二項対立」を避けるには、多様な意見を出し合い、冷静に話し合うことが肝心なはずだ。
It is also distressing to observe the bad manners displayed by some participants at those hearings, such as excessive booing by those seeking an end to nuclear power. 意見聴取会で脱原発派が激しいヤジを飛ばすなど、マナー違反が散見されるのも残念である。
We also cannot eliminate our concerns over a "deliberative poll," a new method of public survey and discussions the government plans to conduct on Aug. 4 and 5. ８月４～５日に実施する新手法の「討論型世論調査」に関する懸念も拭えない。
Among about 3,000 people nationwide who responded in an opinion survey on the energy options, 200 to 300 who wished to participate in a two-day discussion meeting will do so. After the meeting, the government will again conduct an opinion survey on the participants. エネルギー選択に関する世論調査に答えた全国の約３０００人から希望者２００～３００人が参加して２日間の討論会を開き、終了後に再び意見を調べる。
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An opinion experiment
We understand the purpose of such a measure--to deepen public understanding of the issue through discussions and observe how public opinions change. But public views could be influenced in certain directions, depending on the content of materials used for discussions and how such an event is held. The government should consider such a method as a mere experimental project--it must not directly reflect the results derived from the event in shaping its policies. 討論を通じて理解を深め、意見の変化を見るという趣旨はわかるが、討論の資料や運営によって考えが誘導される恐れはないだろうか。政府は実験的な取り組みにとどめ、結果をストレートに政策判断へ反映させてはならない。
In the first place, all three policy options the government presented are based on the assumption that the ratio of renewable energy sources, including hydroelectric power, will be raised from the current 10 percent or so to 25 percent to 35 percent. People in business circles and others have vocally opposed such scenarios as unattainable. そもそも、政府の示した３選択肢はいずれも、水力を含めて現在約１０％の再生可能エネルギー比率を２５～３５％に引き上げる想定だ。経済界などでは、とても達成できないとする声が強い。
As long as current circumstances remain unchanged, none of the three policy choices represent a realistic composition of power sources to ensure a stable power supply. このままでは、どの選択肢を採用しても、電力を安定供給できる現実的な電源構成となるまい。
To hammer out a mid- to long-term energy policy in which impacts on the economy and the environment are taken into account, the government should reconsider the suitability of the three options. 経済や環境への影響を考慮した中長期のエネルギー政策を打ち出すためにも、政府は３選択肢の妥当性を再検討すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 25, 2012) （2012年7月25日01時42分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 25, 2012) Use lessons of Fukushima to improve N-plant safety 政府事故調報告 原発の安全向上に教訓生かせ（7月24日付・読売社説）
◆「想定外」に備える危機対策を
Based on lessons learned from the results of investigations into the unprecedented nuclear power plant crisis, the government and electric power companies must work on measures to prevent future nuclear accidents. 未曽有の原子力発電所事故の調査結果を教訓とし、政府と電力会社は、再発防止に取り組まねばならない。
The government's Nuclear Incident Investigation and Verification Committee, responsible for looking into the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, released its final report on Monday. 東京電力福島第一原発事故に関する政府の事故調査・検証委員会が最終報告書をまとめ、公表した。
Investigation commissions of the Diet and TEPCO as well as a private independent investigation panel have already released their respective reports on the crisis. With these four reports, clarification of the cause of the crisis and how it developed as well as identification of problems in the responses to it by the government and TEPCO have come to an end for the moment. 国会と東電の各事故調と民間の独立検証委員会が、それぞれ報告書を発表済みだ。四つの報告書が出そろい、事故の原因や経緯、政府や東電の問題点などの解明は一区切りがついた。
However, it will take more time to uncover the full scope of the crisis. It is necessary from now on to review crisis countermeasures to secure the safety of nuclear power plants while continuing a probe into the Fukushima disaster. だが、事故の全容解明にはまだ時間を要するだろう。今後も調査を継続しながら、危機対策を練り直し、原発の安全性を確保していく必要がある。
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Report denies quake damage ◆地震による損傷を否定
The government committee's investigation was characterized by detailed analysis of the technological aspects of the crisis based on a massive amount of data. This is because committee chairman Yotaro Hatamura, who advocates the "study of failure," placed importance on clarifying the truth of the crisis rather than finding out who is to blame. 政府事故調は、膨大なデータに基づき事故の技術的な側面を詳細に分析した点が特徴だ。「失敗学」を提唱している畑村洋太郎委員長が、責任追及よりも事実の解明に重点を置いたからだ。
The final report of the government's committee criticizes reports by other investigation panels, saying much of their content is based on obvious misinterpretation of facts. 最終報告書は、他の事故調による報告書について、「明らかな事実誤認を前提としているものが多い」と批判している。
For example, the Diet's Fukushima Nuclear Accident Independent Investigation Commission emphasized the possibility that the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake may have destroyed important reactor functions. However, the government's committee rejected the possibility that the earthquake damaged the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant's Nos. 1 to 3 reactors in a way that would have impaired the containment of radiation. 例えば、国会事故調は地震で原子炉の重要機能が壊れた可能性を強調したが、政府事故調は、地震で福島第一原発１～３号機に「（放射能の）閉じ込め機能を損なうような損傷が生じた可能性は否定される」と、反論した。
The reactors' operation data show that important equipment was functioning normally until the tsunami hit the plant. The analysis by the government's committee, which identified the tsunami, not the earthquake, as the main cause of the crisis, is persuasive. 原子炉の運転データからは、原発の重要機器が津波襲来まで正常に機能していたことが分かっている。地震ではなく、津波が事故の主因とした政府事故調の分析には説得力がある。
Since the outbreak of the nuclear crisis, the government has been working on measures against tsunami at nuclear power plants throughout the country. To reactivate idled reactors, we hope the government will explain the appropriateness of these measures to the public to ease their anxiety. 政府は、事故後、全国の原発で津波対策に取り組んできた。再稼働に向け、この対策が適切であることを国民に説明し、不安感の軽減につなげてもらいたい。
It is also important that the final report of the government's committee suggested the possibility that core meltdowns could have been prevented if TEPCO had appropriately responded to the situation after the tsunami hit the plant. 東電が津波発生後に適切に対応していれば、炉心溶融（メルトダウン）を防げた可能性がある、と示唆した点も重要だ。
The report concluded that the reactors' core could have been cooled before meltdown if measures had been immediately taken to lower pressure in the reactors before the situation worsened. 事態が悪化する前に、現場が速やかに原子炉内の圧力を下げる措置を取っていれば、溶融前に炉心の冷却ができたと断じている。
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Crisis response flawed
The report harshly evaluated TEPCO's ability--or lack thereof to respond to crises. 東電の危機対応力の欠如に厳しい評価を下したと言える。
Meanwhile, as other investigation commissions have done, the government committee had tough words about the then government's bungled handling of the crisis. 一方、他の事故調と同様、政府事故調が辛口の評価をしているのが、当時の政府の不手際だ。
◆不備だった官邸の対応
Regarding the crisis response by the Prime Minister's Office, the report says, "The lack of information, and its uneven distribution, made it inevitable for the office to make decisions without sufficient basis." 首相官邸の対応について、「情報の不足と偏在が生じ、十分な情報がないままに意思決定せざるを得なかった」とした。
Then Prime Minister Naoto Kan and his Cabinet ministers failed to adequately utilize a crisis control center set up in the basement of the Prime Minister's Office, where senior officials of relevant government offices were gathered. As a result, data from the System for Prediction of Environmental Emergency Dose Information (SPEEDI) was not used in giving evacuation guidance to residents. 菅首相や閣僚が、各府省幹部らが集まる官邸地下の「危機管理センター」を十分に活用しなかったためだ。その結果、放射性物質拡散予測システム「ＳＰＥＥＤＩ」を住民の避難誘導に利用することは検討もされなかった。
The Democratic Party of Japan-led government failed to make effective use of the bureaucratic machine due to its erroneous implementation of what it calls "politician-led politics." The government is largely to blame for having confounded the situation. 民主党政権が、誤った「政治主導」で官僚組織を使いこなせず、事態を混乱させた責任は重い。
Kan, who prided himself on being more familiar with nuclear matters than other Cabinet members, "didn't try to tackle the crisis systematically," the report says. The report criticizes Kan for his intervention in frontline crisis control operations, including his visit to the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant the day after it was crippled by the March 11 disaster. 最終報告書によると、原子力に「土地鑑」があると自負していた菅氏は「組織的に事態収拾に当たろうとしなかった」という。事故直後の原発視察を始めとする現場介入も、「弊害の方が大きい」と批判した。
The Prime Minister's Office asked the government offices concerned and TEPCO to have prior consultations with it concerning the content of information to be published, thereby causing delays in providing information to the public on meltdown and other problems at the nuclear reactors. 官邸が各府省や東電に対して、広報内容の事前連絡を求めたため、メルトダウンなど原発の状況に関する国民への情報提供も遅れた。
It is natural that the panel pointed these problems out in its final report. Efforts must be made to improve the way information is handled in times of crisis. こうした問題を指摘したのは当然である。危機的状況での情報発信の改善が求められよう。
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Obsession with safety myth ◆今後も事故究明続けよ
As a reason for the failure to prevent the accident, the final report says, "TEPCO and the government were obsessed with the myth that nuclear plants are safe," and criticizes such a stance as a fundamental problem. The report also points out that the government, due to its fiscal constraints, "set aside disasters with a lower probability of occurrence" from a list of those subject to strengthened countermeasures. 事故を防げなかった理由について、最終報告書は「東電も国も安全神話にとらわれていた」ことが根源的な問題、と批判した。政府が財源難から「発生確率の低い事象を除外」したとも指摘した。
In addition, the March 11 catastrophe was a complex disaster in which the nuclear crisis and natural disaster occurred simultaneously. It is essential to work out adequate precautionary measures to deal with a crisis that is anticipated to inflict serious damage even if the probability of its occurrence is slight. しかも、今回は、原発事故と自然災害が同時に起きる「複合災害」だった。発生確率が低くても甚大な被害が予想される危機への十分な備えは欠かせない。
The new nuclear regulatory commission to be established by the government must put priority on measures to be taken in ordinary times, such as formulating disaster-management programs and conducting disaster-response drills, on the assumption that a serious accident will happen. 新たに発足する政府の原子力規制委員会は、深刻な事故を想定した防災計画の策定や防災訓練の実施といった平時からの準備に重点を置く必要がある。
The Fukushima nuclear crisis has attracted global interest. The decommissioning of reactors, which will go on for a long time, and efforts to help disaster victims put their lives back together must be demonstrated, both at home and abroad. 国際的にも、事故への関心は高い。長期にわたる廃炉作業や被災者の生活再建の状況を国内外に示さねばならない。
In his personal impressions attached to the end of the report, Hatamura listed lessons from the disaster, including, "Simply creating the framework of a system does not mean it will work," and "Changes must be dealt with flexibly." 畑村委員長は、締めくくりの所感で「形を作っただけでは機能しない」「変化に柔軟に対応する」など、教訓を列挙した。
In addition to the importance of organizational reform, he stressed the need for members of an organization to be aware that there could be oversight in human thinking and prepare for events beyond their assumptions. 組織を改編するだけでなく、その構成員が、人間の考えには欠落があることを自覚し、「想定外」に備える重要性を訴えている。
All those involved in the nuclear power field must take these words to heart. 原子力に携わる全関係者は、肝に銘じるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 24, 2012) （2012年7月24日01時37分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 24, 2012) Revise law to improve Japan peacekeeping operations 駆けつけ警護 ＰＫＯの実効高める法改正を（7月23日付・読売社説）
The government should step up efforts to deal with issues left unresolved since the enactment of the nation's U.N. Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law 20 years ago. 国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）協力法の制定以来、２０年持ち越された重要課題の解決に向けて努力を重ねることが大切だ。
The Foreign and Defense ministries and the Cabinet Office have jointly compiled a bill to revise the PKO law. A major feature of the bill is a provision to allow the Self-Defense Forces to dispatch its members to rescue civilians in remote locations. 内閣、外務、防衛の３府省がＰＫＯ協力法改正案をまとめた。自衛隊が、離れた場所にいる民間人らを助ける「駆けつけ警護」を可能にすることが柱だ。
Since several members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan are cautious about the revision, submission of the bill to the current Diet session may be difficult. However, we expect the Cabinet to approve it as soon as possible. 民主党内には慎重論があり、今国会への改正案提出は困難視されているが、できるだけ早期に閣議決定してもらいたい。
Under the current PKO law, SDF members engaged in a U.N. peacekeeping operation are not allowed to use weapons except in self-defense and to avert imminent danger. Therefore, even if civilians caught in the middle of a riot, for instance, ask the SDF to rescue them, SDF members may not be able to do so. 現行法では、ＰＫＯに従事中の自衛官は、正当防衛などの目的でしか武器を使えない。このため、暴動などに巻き込まれた民間人から救援要請を受けても、現場に駆けて救出することができない。
If SDF members use weapons against "an actor equivalent to a state," such as an armed insurgent, it may constitute "an exercise of force against other nations," which is prohibited by the Constitution, the Cabinet Legislation Bureau says. 武装勢力など「国に準じる組織」に対して武器を使った場合、憲法の禁じる「他国への武力行使」に当たる恐れがある、との見解を内閣法制局が示しているからだ。
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Legalize rescue dispatch
However, is it feasible for the SDF to turn down a rescue request made by civilians--Japanese nationals in particular--because it might violate the Constitution? Such a situation could occur at any time. だが、自衛隊が民間人、特に日本人からの救援要請を受けた際、「憲法に抵触する恐れがある」として断ることが、実際にできるだろうか。そうした事態は、いつ発生してもおかしくない。
In such a case, SDF members may rush to a scene to rescue civilians but will not use weapons unless their own lives are threatened. The law, which forces SDF commanders to make a difficult decision, must be revised. 結局、とりあえず救援要請のあった場所に向かい、自分の身が危うくなったら、武器を使う――。そんな厳しい、ぎりぎりの決断を部隊指揮官に迫るような法律は、やはり改正する必要がある。
When the SDF began participating in U.N. peacekeeping operations, public opinion was divided. In the beginning, it might have made sense to place tight restrictions on the SDF's use of weapons. 自衛隊がＰＫＯに参加し始めた初期の段階では、国内世論の賛否が分かれていた。自衛官の武器使用を抑制的にすることにも一定の意味があったかもしれない。
Today, however, an overwhelming majority of Japanese support SDF participation in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Not only has this become a normal role for the SDF, but it has been upgraded to one of its primary missions. だが、今や、自衛隊のＰＫＯ参加は圧倒的多数の国民に支持されて定着し、自衛隊の本来任務に格上げされている。
We think it is reasonable to review restrictions on the use of weapons to improve the effectiveness of SDF activities, while taking the experience and needs of members actually involved in the activities into consideration. 様々な経験や現場のニーズを踏まえ、活動の実効性を高めるよう、武器使用のあり方を見直すのは当然だ。
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New condition nonsensical
The bill stipulates that SDF members would be allowed to use weapons only to support and supplement security efforts by a host state. ３府省の案は、「受け入れ国の治安維持を支援・補完する」ための武器使用は容認するという。
However, the Cabinet Legislation Bureau has urged that a condition be added so an SDF rescue mission would be limited to a situation where an attack by a state or an actor equivalent to a state is not expected. しかし、内閣法制局は、駆けつけ警護を「国や国に準じる組織の攻撃が想定されない」場合に限定する条件を追加するよう求めており、調整が難航している。
This condition makes coordination of views more difficult. We have doubts about the opinions of the bureau. 内閣法制局の主張は疑問だ。
Japan is the only country that interprets the use of weapons during peacekeeping operations based on a U.N. resolution as an exercise of military force. This contradicts conventional wisdom of the international community. If the Cabinet Legislation Bureau's condition is added to the envisaged revision, it could restrict SDF activities even more. 国連決議に基づくＰＫＯでの武器使用が「武力行使」に当たる恐れがあるとの解釈は、日本だけで、世界の常識から外れている。この条件を追加すれば、自衛隊の活動が今よりも制約されかねない。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda is positive about making SDF rescue missions legally possible. We hope the prime minister will tackle this issue based on the realities of places where peacekeeping operations are needed. 野田首相は、駆けつけ警護を可能にすることに前向きだ。ＰＫＯの現場の実情を踏まえ、この問題に取り組んでほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 23, 2012) （2012年7月23日01時45分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 23, 2012) Assad regime appears to be fraying from within シリア情勢 アサド政権がほころび始めた（7月22日付・読売社説）
The civil war in Syria continues to intensify. 内戦は激しくなるばかりだ。
The fact that the U.N. Security Council is dysfunctional and has been unable to work out effective measures to end the civil war is profoundly serious. それを食い止める有効策を打ち出せない国連安全保障理事会の機能不全は深刻である。
In the heart of Damascus, the national security headquarters was attacked by a suicide bomber on Wednesday. The attack killed senior government officials in a meeting, including the defense minister, the chief of the National Security Bureau and the deputy defense minister, President Bashar Assad's brother-in-law. シリアの首都ダマスカスの中心部で、治安機関施設が爆破され、会議中だった国防相や国家治安局長、アサド大統領の義兄である国防次官らが死亡した。
An anti-Assad regime group, the Free Syrian Army, claimed responsibility for the attack. 反体制派「自由シリア軍」が、犯行声明を出した。
Although security in Damascus had been relatively stable until recently, attacks by rebel forces in the capital have been occurring one after another since the middle of this month. 比較的治安が安定していたダマスカスだが、今月中旬から反体制派による攻撃が相次いでいた。
The fact that the inner core of the Assad government has been hit directly in the uprising in spite of the regime's heavy security measures is of grave significance. 厳戒をかいくぐって体制の中枢が直撃された意味は重大だ。
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No ceasefire in sight
A stream of defections has begun among the country's elites, such as the ambassador to Iraq and a brigadier general of an elite military unit. In addition, a large number of Syrian residents are fleeing abroad. 駐イラク大使や精鋭部隊の准将などエリートの離反が始まった。多数の住民が国外に脱出している。
In combination, the armed uprising against the Assad regime and deepening isolation of Damascus seem to have made Assad's hold on power increasingly tenuous. 反体制派の武装蜂起と国際的な孤立で、アサド体制は内部からほころび始めたのではないか。
The forces loyal to the government, whose firepower is superior to that of the rebels, have embarked on fierce retaliatory strikes in Damascus and many other parts of the country. 火力で優勢な政府軍は、ダマスカスなど各地で報復に乗り出した。
Both the government and antigovernment forces are bent on escalating the hostilities, and there are no signs of a ceasefire in sight. 政府軍と反体制派の双方が攻撃をエスカレートさせており、停戦の機運はまったく見えない。
Blame for the deterioration of the security conditions in Syria to this extent should be primarily placed on the Assad government. This is because the government, after expressing its intention to accept a six-point peace plan drawn up by joint U.N.-Arab League envoy Kofi Annan, has failed to carry it out. 治安がここまで悪化したのは、アサド政権の責任が大きい。国連とアラブ連盟の特使を務めるアナン前国連事務総長が示した停戦調停案を受け入れると表明しながら、実行しなかったからだ。
Prior to the expiration on Friday of the mandate of the U.N. observer mission in Syria, it is quite natural that the United States and European countries presented a resolution to the Security Council on Thursday, warning the Assad regime of additional economic sanctions. The resolution, however, was vetoed by Russia and China. 国連の停戦監視団の任期切れを前に、安保理で米欧が、アサド政権に経済制裁を警告する決議案を出したのは当然である。だが、ロシアと中国が拒否権を行使して廃案となった。
This is the third double veto by Moscow and Beijing of a Security Council resolution addressing the Syrian crisis since last year. 対シリア決議案で両国の拒否権行使は昨年から３度目だ。
The vetoes are part of a pattern of Russia acting in defense of Syria--with which Moscow has strong military ties--and China following along. 軍事的に深いつながりを持つロシアがアサド政権をかばい、中国が同調する図式が今回も繰り返された。
Russia should stop trying to help prolong the Assad government, but instead exercise its influence to end the bloodshed. ロシアは、アサド政権の延命に固執せず、流血停止に向けて影響力を行使すべきである。
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Spillover to wider region feared
It is regrettable that the Security Council has ended up adopting a resolution simply extending the U.N. observer force's mandate for 30 days. 安保理が決めたのは結局、停戦監視団の任期の３０日間延長だけ、というのは残念だ。
Given that no ceasefire has been effected, the U.N. observer mission will be limited to such activities as on-the-spot inspections in the event of another massacre of residents of Syria. 停戦が実現していない中で、監視団ができることは、住民虐殺が起きた場合の現地調査などに限られよう。
In a meeting held in June between permanent members of the Security Council--Britain, China, France, Russia and the United States--and countries neighboring Syria, an agreement was reached on establishment of a provisional government comprising Syrian government members and members of the rebel forces. All countries concerned should increase pressure on Syria to materialize the agreement. 米露中英仏の安保理常任理事国とシリア周辺国が６月に開催した関係国会合では、シリアの政府関係者と反体制派の双方が参加する暫定政府樹立で合意している。実現に向けて、関係国はシリア側への働きかけを強めるべきだ。
Japan has dispatched transport troops of the Self-Defense Forces on a U.N.-sponsored peacekeeping mission for the purpose of disengaging Syrian and Israeli forces in the Golan Heights. 日本は、ゴラン高原でシリア軍とイスラエル軍の引き離しにあたる国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に自衛隊の輸送部隊を派遣している。
Further aggravation of the Syrian situation could destabilize the entire Middle East region. シリア情勢のこれ以上の悪化は中東地域の不安定化につながる。
Japan, too, should keep a close watch on how things develop. 日本も注視する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 22, 2012) （2012年7月22日02時01分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 22, 2012) Reform urged to regain trust of market amid Libor scandal 金利不正操作 市場の信頼回復へ改革を急げ（7月21日付・読売社説）
Distrust in financial markets has been heightened recently by suspected rigging in Britain of the world's most highly cited benchmark interest rate. Financial authorities must dig up the whole truth of the rate manipulation scandal to work out thorough measures to prevent a recurrence of the problem. 国際的な基準金利の不正操作が英国で発覚し、市場への不信感が高まっている。金融当局は真相を解明して再発防止策を徹底すべきである。
We refer, of course, to the rate-fixing scandal involving the London Interbank Offered Rate, better known as Libor. ＬＩＢＯＲ（ライボー）と呼ばれる「ロンドン銀行間取引金利」を巡る不正事件のことだ。
Libor is calculated on the basis of unregulated estimates of rates that major commercial banks operating in London--from Europe, the United States and elsewhere--submit to the British Bankers' Association, regarding costs the banks incur when borrowing from each other. ＬＩＢＯＲは、ロンドン市場で取引する欧米などの大手銀行が英銀行協会に自己申告する調達金利をもとに算出される。
Libor is widely used as a benchmark in connection with rates for corporate loans, derivatives contracts and many other financial deals around the world. Financial transactions tied to Libor are said to be worth an estimated 360 trillion dollars globally. 企業向け融資や金融派生商品などの指標に幅広く使われ、これらの金融取引の規模は、世界で約３６０兆ドルに上るという。
Such an important benchmark rate has been revealed to have been distorted by false submissions from Barclays, one of Britain's top banking groups. Barclays has paid a huge fine over the irregularities, and its false reporting was a clear betrayal of investors' trust. それほど重要な基準金利が英大手バークレイズの虚偽申告で歪(ゆが)められていた。バークレイズは巨額の罰金を支払ったが、投資家の信頼を裏切る背信行為である。
The wrongdoing is said to have been conducted from 2005 to 2009. 不正は２００５～０９年にかけて行われた。
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Not altered single-handedly
It seems the bank initially submitted artificially high rates to manipulate Libor levels upward to shore up its own profits. 当初は金利を高めに申告してＬＩＢＯＲを高く誘導し、利益を稼いだようだ。
But from around 2008, Barclays submitted deliberately low rates, in the midst of the 2007-2009 financial crisis marked by the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers. The manipulation was apparently a bid to bolster its bottom line by giving the impression that the bank could borrow money more cheaply and was thus healthier than it really was, so as to maintain its credibility even while being shaken by the crisis. リーマン・ショックの０８年前後からは、逆に低い金利を申告し、危機で揺らぐ自行の信用維持を狙ったらしい。
No one banking institution can single-handedly alter the calculations behind the Libor rate. There have been suspicions that banks other than Barclays may have conspired to rig Libor submissions. Suspicion has also arisen that an executive of the Bank of England, Britain's central bank, may have pressured Barclays to engage in the rate manipulation. だが、単独ではＬＩＢＯＲを操作しにくい。他行も談合していた疑いがある。英中央銀行幹部がバークレイズに不正操作を促していたとの疑惑も浮上している。
Under the circumstances, it is only natural that Britain's financial regulatory authorities have embarked on full-scale investigations into the matter, questioning a number of U.S. and European financial institutions. The regulatory authorities should plunge their investigative scalpel into the dark side of the financial world. 英金融監督当局が、複数の欧米金融機関の本格調査に乗り出したのは当然だ。金融界の暗部にメスを入れるべきだ。
The conduct of not only British regulators but also of financial regulatory authorities of the United States has been brought into question. 英国だけでなく、米国の金融当局の姿勢も問われている。
U.S. Treasury Secretary Timothy Geithner, while heading the New York Federal Reserve Bank in 2008, obtained information concerning Libor manipulation and offered the head of Britain's central bank a proposal on how to "eliminate the incentive to misreport." Authorities in both Britain and the United States, however, eventually left the problem unaddressed. Their response to the problem was inadequate. ガイトナー米財務長官はニューヨーク連邦準備銀行総裁だった０８年に問題を把握し、英中央銀行総裁に改善策を提言した。だが、英米当局とも結局は放置した。対応は不適切だったのではないか。
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Collective suits looming
Taking such things into account, Federal Reserve Chairman Ben Bernanke, in testimony to a U.S. congressional committee earlier this week, stated the Libor system should be considered "structurally flawed." こうした経緯を踏まえ、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）のバーナンキ議長は今週、米議会公聴会で、「ＬＩＢＯＲには構造的な欠陥がある」と述べた。
To ascertain whether submissions by banks are proper, stronger supervision is a must. 銀行各行の申告が正しいかどうか、監査の強化は不可欠だ。
Steps that must urgently be taken include increasing the number of banks making Libor submissions to enhance the transparency and trustworthiness of the critical benchmark. 金利を提示する銀行数を増やすなど、ＬＩＢＯＲの透明性と信頼性を高める改革が急務である。
It is possible that false Libor reports by banks other than Barclays may be exposed and collective lawsuits may be filed by investors and others over losses they suffered because of the Libor manipulation. We hope that market upheaval due to the scandal can be prevented from spreading. 今後、他行の不正が発覚したり、不利益を被ったという投資家などが金融機関に集団訴訟を起こしたりする可能性もある。市場の動揺が拡大しないよう望みたい。
For Japan, this is no fire on the other side of the river. 日本にとっても対岸の火事ではない。
The Japanese Bankers Association has decided to beef up its inspections of submissions from banks for the Tokyo Interbank Offered Rate, or Tibor, which has become known as the Japanese version of Libor. 日本版ＬＩＢＯＲとして、公表している東京銀行間取引金利（ＴＩＢＯＲ）について、全国銀行協会が点検を強化する方針を決めた。
Ceaseless efforts by the association and its member banks are essential for dispelling investors' mistrust over the benchmark rates. 投資家の不信を払拭する不断の努力が欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 21, 2012) （2012年7月21日01時20分 読売新聞）
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 20 EDITORIAL: New strategy needed for disposal of spent nuclear fuel 核燃料の処分―国の責任で新戦略を
To build a safe society that does not rely on nuclear power, it is necessary for the government not only to lower the ratio of nuclear power to overall electricity generation but also to show clearly that Japan will withdraw from the “nuclear fuel cycle” program. 原発に依存しない安心な社会をつくっていく。そのためには、発電全体での原発比率を下げるだけでなく、核燃料サイクルからの明確な撤退方針を示すことが必要だ。
The Energy and Environmental Council comprising related Cabinet members is set to decide the direction of Japan’s future energy policy at the end of August. As the ratio of dependence on nuclear energy in 2030, it is studying three scenarios of zero percent, 15 percent and 20 to 25 percent. 関係閣僚による「エネルギー・環境会議」は８月末、今後のエネルギー政策の方向性を決める。２０３０年での原発依存比率は、０％、１５％、２０～２５％の選択肢を検討している。
The council will also decide disposal methods for spent nuclear fuel at the same time. Storage and disposal of spent nuclear fuel are problems that stand in the way even when nuclear power plants are closed down. Japan is now at a major crossroads. その際、使用済み燃料の処分方法も決める。原発を止めても立ちはだかる使用済み燃料の保管・処分問題をどうするか。日本は今、大きな岐路に立つ。
The nuclear fuel cycle program, in which all spent nuclear fuel is reprocessed to extract plutonium and use it as fuel, has been the core of Japanese nuclear power policy. 使用済み燃料をすべて再処理し、プルトニウムをとり出して燃料として使う。この全量再処理・核燃料サイクルが日本の原子力政策の要となってきた。
The council presented the view that if Japan were to completely abolish nuclear power by adopting the “zero percent” case, it should not reprocess the spent nuclear fuel but bury it underground. In the remaining two cases, the methods of burying it and reprocessing it are both possible, according to the council. However, it should not make such half-baked conclusions but clearly shift gears from reprocessing it to burying it. エネルギー・環境会議は、原発ゼロなら全量を再処理せず、地下に埋設する直接処分が妥当で、あとの二つの場合は直接処分と再処理の両方があり得るとの見方を示している。だが、中途半端な結論にせず、再処理路線から直接処分の方向へ、明確にかじを切るべきだ。
From now, it is unlikely that Japan would build more nuclear power plants, meaning consumption of uranium fuel will drop. Under such circumstances, it is unreasonable to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and use relatively expensive plutonium. 今後の日本では、原発を増やすことは考えにくい。ウラン燃料の使用量が減るのに、わざわざ再処理して割高のプルトニウムを使うのは合理的でない。
If Japan aims at massive use of plutonium, which can be used to make nuclear weapons, even though it does not pay, it may prompt other countries to follow its example and reprocess spent nuclear fuel. If that happens, it would have a negative impact on global efforts toward nuclear nonproliferation. 日本が、経済的に見合わないのに、核兵器の材料ともなるプルトニウムの大規模利用をめざせば、それをまねて再処理に動く国が続出しかねない。そうなれば世界の核不拡散体制にも悪影響を与える。
That is all the more why we believe it would be wiser not to reprocess spent nuclear fuel but to bury it underground after keeping it in temporary storage facilities for several decades. だからこそ、使用済み燃料を再処理せず、数十年の間、中間貯蔵したあと直接処分するのが、得策と考える。
If we choose to bury it, however, spent nuclear fuel, which is supposedly a “valuable resource,” will suddenly become “worthless garbage.” As a result, the method, in which a private company handles spent nuclear fuel as a business, will hit a wall. ただ、この直接処分路線を選ぶと、「価値ある資源」だった使用済み燃料は一転して「価値のないごみ」になる。その結果、民間企業がビジネスとして使用済み燃料を扱う方式はいずれ、壁にぶつかるだろう。
To avoid that, it is indispensable for the government to come to the fore and present a mid- to long-term strategy. そこで、国が前面にたって中長期的な戦略をたてることが不可欠だ。
The government needs to advance the construction of temporary storage facilities for spent nuclear fuel, carry out research and development for burying it and find sites for the final disposal. It also needs to consider the nationalization of those projects. In Europe as well as the United States, instead of leaving the handling of spent nuclear fuel in the hands of private companies, governments are taking the initiative. 使用済み燃料の中間貯蔵施設の建設、最終処分の研究開発、最終処分地探しなどを、事業の国有化も含めて、国が責任を持って進めていくことだ。欧米諸国も、使用済み燃料の扱いを民間企業にあずけず、国が前面に出て取り組んでいる。
Many difficult problems need to be resolved, such as providing alternative pump-priming measures to Aomori Prefecture, which hosts nuclear fuel cycle facilities, and finding new businesses for Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd., which has been reprocessing spent nuclear fuel. They are all serious problems that weigh heavily and can only be shouldered by the government as Japan follows the path to a nuclear-free country. 核燃料サイクル施設がある青森県での代替の振興策や、再処理ビジネスをしてきた日本原燃の業務転換など、難題は多い。だが、いずれも、脱原発依存への途上で、国しか担いきれない重い任務である。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 20, 2012) New Tokyo office buildings should be disaster-resistant オフィスビル 官民で災害に強い都市目指せ（7月19日付・読売社説）
Strengthening functions of office buildings in Tokyo can also help the nation revive its economy. Tokyo is urged to restore its status, as major cities in other Asian countries are gaining competitive edges against it. 東京のオフィス機能を強化することは、日本経済の再生につながる。アジア諸都市に押され気味のＴＯＫＹＯの復権が期待されよう。
Central Tokyo has seen the opening of a number of major office buildings in recent months. 都心で大規模なオフィスビルの開業が相次いでいる。
Among others, DiverCity Tokyo in Koto Ward, Shibuya Hikarie next to Shibuya Station and East Tower at the foot of Tokyo Skytree in Sumida Ward have become popular among sightseers who are attracted to the complexes' commercial facilities. ダイバーシティ東京、渋谷ヒカリエ、東京スカイツリー脇のイーストタワーなどは、併設する商業施設とともに観光スポットとして人気を集めている。
Not a few of these newly opened buildings may become landmarks of their business districts, with JP Tower as an example. Built on the site of the historic Tokyo Central Post Office across the street from JR Tokyo Station, the high-rise was partially opened earlier this week. 東京駅前の旧東京中央郵便局跡に今週、一部オープンしたＪＰタワーなど、ビジネス街の顔となりそうな注目物件も少なくない。
According to a real estate industry estimate, the total floor space in large-scale buildings to become available this year in Tokyo's 23 wards will be about 1.8 million square meters--equivalent to the footprint of 38 Tokyo Domes. This marks the highest level since 2003, when the Roppongi Hills complex in Minato Ward was opened. 業界推計では、２３区内で今年供給される大型ビルの延べ床面積は東京ドーム３８個分の約１８０万平方メートルに上る。六本木ヒルズが開業した２００３年以来の水準だ。
The latest building boom is marked by high-rises created by the renovation or replacement of older structures in efforts to redevelop the capital's central districts, such as Marunouchi, Shibuya and Shinjuku. 今回の大型物件ラッシュの特徴は、丸の内・渋谷・新宿など都内中心部の再開発に伴う老朽ビルの建て替えや高層化である。テナント側のビル選定基準が変化していることも見逃せない。
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Tenants' priorities changing
It should be noted that today's tenants have different standards in choosing the buildings they pay rent for.
Companies looking for office space used to focus on where buildings were located and how convenient they were. Nowadays, more and more firms are paying increased attention to whether a building would allow them to continue their business operations in the event of a disaster, considering such factors as its degree of earthquake resistance and whether it has an emergency power supply. これまでは立地や利便性が中心だったが、ビルの耐震機能や非常用電源の設置など、災害時でも業務を継続できるかどうかを重視する企業が増えている。
Last year's Great East Japan Earthquake encouraged many companies to put a higher priority on preparing for a possible quake that could directly hit Tokyo. 東日本大震災を受けて、首都直下地震への備えを最優先に考えざるを得なくなったためだろう。
The real estate industry has been implementing disaster management measures, such as equipping newly constructed buildings with high-tech systems to inform tenants of the degree of damage sustained in an earthquake. 不動産業界は、地震時に被災状況を把握できるシステムを新型ビルに導入するなど防災対策を進めている。
It is important for the industry to further strengthen its efforts to make office buildings safer. 今後も安全面の取り組みを強化することが大切だ。
Considering the possibility of power shortages in the medium to long term, it is also vital for office buildings to work on energy measures, such as enhancing energy efficiency and diversifying power sources. 中長期的な電力不足を想定し、省エネや電源分散化など、エネルギー対策も欠かせない。
As the number of high-rise office buildings increase and more and more people work in them, it will become more important than ever for business districts to be prepared for a disaster. 大勢の人が働く高層オフィスが増えれば、従来以上にビジネス街の災害対策は重要となる。
Companies renting different buildings should work together to come up with plans to respond to a disaster, including ways to help people who are unable to return home. 複数のビルの入居企業が連携して帰宅困難者対策などを講じるべきだ。
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Excessive supply negative factor
It is a cause for concern, however, that a glut of office space could harm the real estate market. The vacancy rate of these rooms remains high due to sluggish demand, causing rents to fall over a prolonged period. Some brand-new buildings even find it difficult to reach full occupancy. 懸念されるのは、オフィスが一時期に集中して供給されることで不動産市況が悪化しかねない問題だ。オフィス需要の伸び悩みで空室率は高止まりし、賃料の長期下落傾向が続く。完成間近でもテナントが埋まらない物件もある。
Therefore, there is serious worry about a "Year 2012 Problem" for the real estate industry. 「不動産業界の２０１２年問題」と警戒する声は根強い。
A growing gap between supply and demand in office space could put downward pressure on land prices, negatively influencing the economy. The government, therefore, should keep an eye on the real estate market. 需給ギャップ拡大は地価の下押し圧力となり、経済への悪影響が気がかりだ。政府は不動産市況を注視しなければならない。
In March, the Tokyo metropolitan government compiled a basic strategy to promote local industry, which stipulates that it should help foreign companies settle in the capital. 都は３月に策定した産業振興基本戦略に「外国企業の定着」を掲げた。海外投資家が日本の不動産への投資を再開する動きもある。
Overseas investors have resumed pouring money into Japanese real estate. The metropolitan government should become more aggressive in promoting foreign investment, which will also help narrow the supply-and-demand gap for office space. オフィス需給を改善するためにも外資誘致を積極化すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 19, 2012) （2012年7月19日01時26分 読売新聞）
July 18, 2012(Mainichi Japan) Editorial: Gov't should be fair in listening to public opinion on nuclear power 社説:原発の意見聴取会 ずさん過ぎるやり方だ
The government's decision to ban employees at electric power companies from expressing themselves during hearings of opinions from members of the general public on Japan's energy policy should be regarded as only natural. 政府は、今後のエネルギー政策について国民の声を聞くための意見聴取会に関し、電力会社の社員が意見表明することを認めないよう運営方法を改めることになった。
Such hearings are important opportunities to reflect public opinion on Japan's key policies, and not venues to listen to interested parties' assertions. 意見聴取会は、国の将来を左右する重要な政策に国民の声を反映させる大切な機会であり、当事者の主張を聞く場ではない。
One cannot help but wonder why electric power industry insiders were initially allowed to attend public hearings on atomic power policy. As long as members of the public doubt whether the government is serious about listening to their opinions, the government cannot ensure fairness of its policy-making process. 運営の見直しは当然のことだ。しかし、なぜ当初からそうしなかったのか。「国民の声を本気で聞く気があるのか」と疑われるようでは、政策決定の正当性は確保できない。
Hearings are being held on three scenarios of Japan's reliance on nuclear power as of 2030: scenario 1 under which nuclear plants would be totally shutdown; scenario 2 under which the ratio of atomic power to Japan's total power supply would be 15 percent; and scenario 3 under which the ratio would be 20-25 percent. 意見聴取会は、２０３０年時点での原発の比率を０％、１５％、２０?２５％とした政府の選択肢について、それぞれを支持する国民から考えを聞くものだ。
Specifically, three members of the public who support scenario 1, three others who back scenario 2 and another three who are in favor of scenario 3 are invited to each hearing to express their opinions. The government has introduced such hearings along with deliberative polls -- which consist of public comments, debate and surveys -- as a means to reflect public opinion in its policy-making. パブリックコメントの募集、議論とアンケートを組み合わせた「討論型世論調査」と並び、今回の政策決定に国民の意見を生かす有力な手段として取り入れられた。
The government plans to hold 11 such sessions across the country. Three sessions have already been held, and the planning manager of Tohoku Electric Power Co. and a section chief at Chubu Electric Power Co.'s nuclear power department expressed their opinions in favor of atomic power at the Sendai and Nagoya sessions, respectively. 全国１１カ所で開催するが、これまでに開かれた３回のうち、仙台市では東北電力の企画部長が、名古屋市では中部電力原子力部の課長が、いずれも原発推進の立場で意見を述べた。
The number of speakers is limited to nine at each hearing. If one of the nine is a high-ranking official of a power supplier that is promoting nuclear power, it obviously runs counter to the hearings' purpose of listening to opinions from members of the general public, and raises serious questions about the fairness of such sessions. 発言者は、１会場９人に限られる。その１人が、原発推進の当事者である電力会社の幹部では、「国民の意見を聞く」という会の趣旨に反するし、公平性も疑われる。
Questions also remain about the way such hearings are being held. Speakers express their own opinions, but nobody asks questions and no discussion is held. Since opinions expressed by speakers are not summarized by the organizer, how can they be reflected in the government's energy policy? 聴取会の仕組みそのものにも疑問がある。発言者が一方的に考えを述べ、質疑も議論もない。意見はまったく集約されないが、これをどうやって政策決定に反映させるのか。
According to an advertising agency that serves as the secretariat of the hearings, of those who have applied to express their opinions at the Nagoya hearing, nearly 70 percent support a total elimination of nuclear plants, while over 20 percent back the 20-25 percent scenario. In Sendai, about 70 percent of applicants are in favor of the abolition of all nuclear power stations. Judging from these figures, the government's decision to allow three people each in favor of the three scenarios to express their opinions at the hearings is highly questionable. 事務局を務める広告代理店によると、名古屋では応募者のうち原発比率０％支持が７割弱、２０-２５％は２割強で、仙台でも応募者の約７割が０％支持だった。こうした比率を見ると、発言者を各選択肢につき３人ずつとすることにも疑問が残る。
Moreover, three people living in the Tokyo metropolitan area were selected as speakers at the Sendai hearing and underscored the need of nuclear power. In Nagoya, four of the nine speakers were from the Kansai or Kanto regions. さらに、仙台では首都圏在住者３人が発言者に選ばれ、原発の必要性を訴えた。名古屋でも、発言者のうち４人が関東・関西在住だった。
Such hearings have been organized across the country on the assumption that public opinion on nuclear power varies from region to region depending on the local situation, such as whether they host nuclear power stations. Therefore, such hearings should be held in a way local communities' opinions are reflected in energy policy. 全国で開催するのは、原発立地の有無などにより、地域によって見解も異なりうるという前提で、各地域の意見を聞くためだろう。より地元の声を反映させる形での運営が望ましい。
Biased opinions were expressed in some past symposia and other sessions on nuclear power policy organized by the government in a bid to manipulate public opinion, inviting public distrust. There are observations that the government is reportedly seeking to settle the issue, with an eye to adopting the 15 percent option. Behind the widespread anti-nuclear power campaigns is strong public distrust of the government's stance. 原発政策を巡っては、国主催のシンポジウムなどで「やらせ」による世論誘導がなされ、国民の不信を招いた経緯がある。今回も、政府は１５％案を軸に着地点を探っているとの見方がある。反原発運動が大きな広がりを見せている背景にも、そうした政府への強い不信感があるはずだ。
Hearings on energy policy will continue, and the government is also poised to conduct a deliberative poll on the issue. The government should make every effort to ensure fairness in the way it listens to opinions from the public on nuclear power policy in order not to invite public distrust. 意見聴取会は今後も続き、討論型世論調査も控えている。政府は国民の不信を招くことのないよう、公正性の確保に意を尽くすべきだ。
July 16, 2012(Mainichi Japan) Editorial: Pension system must be drastically reformed, welfare pension funds axed 社説:厚生年金基金改革 決められる政治の出番
The alleged misappropriation of at least 100 billion yen of welfare pension funds by asset management firm AIJ Investment Advisors Co. has people worried about the survival of public pensions. Those concerns are a bit off the mark, however. １０００億円以上もの厚生年金基金を消失させたＡＩＪ投資顧問事件で公的年金の存続を心配する人がいるが、それは違う。
Welfare pension funds are a third tier of pensions set up individually by corporations in addition to the two-tiered public pension scheme, comprised of a basic pension and an employees' pension. The ongoing scandal should not have any effect on public pensions, and any losses incurred by welfare pension funds should be dealt with by member companies. 厚生年金基金とは、基礎年金（１階）と厚生年金（２階）の上に企業が独自に設けた３階部分を指す。１、２階部分の公的年金には本来影響がなく、被害を受けた企業が自己責任で処理すべきものなのである。
The problem is that many of these funds cannot dissolve even if they want to, because they manage portions of the employees' pension on behalf of the national government. Furthermore, because many of the funds affected by the scandal are comprised of small- to mid-scale businesses in depressed industries, forcing repayment could push the companies themselves into bankruptcy. Demanding other fund members to take joint responsibility could even set off a chain of bankruptcies. 問題は、２階部分である厚生年金の一部を国から預かって代行運用しており、そこに穴が開いているため基金を解散したくてもできないことだ。もともと不況業種の中小企業が寄り集まった基金が多く、無理に返済を迫れば企業本体が倒産しかねない。共同で運用している他企業に連帯責任を求めれば連鎖倒産の恐れが出てくる。
The AIJ scandal is characterized by welfare pension funds that were lured by the sweet promise of high yields, after which they were dragged deeper and deeper into trouble. Of 578 welfare pension funds in Japan, some 40 percent now lack the cash necessary to manage a portion of employees' pensions; the total deficit comes out to over 700 billion yen. 危ない高利回りの甘言にだまされた基金がますます泥沼に引きずり込まれたのがＡＩＪ事件である。現在５７８の基金の約４割が、必要な積立金が不足する「代行割れ」の状態で、不足分の総額は７０００億円を超える。
There's no easy way out of this. As a proposal to make it easier for funds in crisis to dissolve, an expert panel to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare suggested reducing the amount of money that pension funds must return to the government, and eliminating any joint responsibility for repayment among member companies. 妙案があるわけではない。厚生労働省の有識者会議は、危機的な基金を解散しやすくするため、国への返還金の減額や加入企業の連帯返済の廃止などを打ち出した。
How, then, would the gaps left by money that has not been recovered be filled? Reserve funds from public pensions, the panel said. But would subscribers to employee pension plans who have nothing to do with the scandal accept such an idea? しかし、穴が開いた部分をどうするかといえば、公的年金の積立金で埋めるというのだ。まったく関係のない一般の厚生年金加入者はこれを受け入れるだろうか。
The panel was unable to reach a clear policy on reform that would lower the 5.5-percent projected rate of interest and slash the pension payments that retirees receive, by postponing topics for future deliberation or presenting them with both their pros and cons. その一方で、予定利率（５．５％）を引き下げたり、ＯＢの年金受給額を減額したりする改革案は検討の継続か両論併記にとどまり、明確な方針は示せなかった。
This may be due in part to precedents in which reductions in pension payments have not easily been accepted, as welfare pension funds serve as a part of an employee's retirement package. 厚生年金基金には退職金の一部という面もあり、容易に減額を認めなかった判例があることも影響しているのだろう。
However, unless pensioners who are receiving the third-tier of their pension schemes at high guaranteed yields share in the pain, it will be difficult to convince employee pension subscribers who will suffer the brunt of the damage. しかし、高い予定利率の３階建て部分を受給しているＯＢが痛みを分かち合わなければ、とばっちりを受ける厚生年金加入者の納得は得られないのではないか。
When the workforce was much larger than the pensioner population, pension management went smoothly and reserve funds just kept growing. 現役世代が年金受給世代よりはるかに多かったころは年金の運用実績も良く積立金は増えていく一方だった。
In contrast, our rapidly-aging society requires us to cut into our reserves bit by bit. 今は積立金を少しずつ取り崩しながら超高齢化を乗り切っていかねばならない。
To ensure the survival of public pension plans, we must quickly give up on funds that are unsustainable. 公的年金の持続可能性を損なわないためには、「代行割れ」の基金に早く見切りをつけることだ。
And if anyone is to decide who must endure the inevitable pain of this situation, it should be our politicians. 誰かが痛みを引き受けないといけないならば、「決められる政治」の出番ではないか。
All pension funds are suffering from a shrinking work force and a growing population of pensioners. Unless the economic situation undergoes dramatic improvement, provision of pensions at 5.5-percent estimated yield will leave the government even more financially strapped. 現役が減りＯＢが増えているのはどの基金も同じで、経済状況がよほど改善しない限り５．５％の予定利率で支給し続ければ財政が苦しくなるのはわかりきっている。
It is time for the government to begin fundamental reforms, including the complete abolishment of welfare pension funds. 厚生年金基金制度そのものの廃止も含めて抜本的な改革に着手すべきだ。
人間の本性とは所詮そのようなものなのです。 江戸時代の村八分、明治の同和問題など、この人間の性（さが）に根ざすものではないでしょうか。 タイでは王室を中心として｢to be number one｣というサークル活動がタイ全土で盛んに行われています。私も10年前に参加しています。 こちらは麻薬撲滅運動なのですが、似たようなサークル活動を全国的に展開すべきですね。野田さんなら出来るかも知れません。
（スラチャイ）
July 15, 2012(Mainichi Japan) Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Otsu school's bullying survey missed the point 香山リカのココロの万華鏡:調査の「ゴール」が違う ／東京
Recently, it became clear that severe bullying was behind the suicide of a second year junior high school student in Otsu, Shiga Prefecture, last October. 昨年１０月、滋賀県大津市で当時、中学２年の男子生徒が自殺した問題。背景には、深刻ないじめがあったことが明らかになった。
Following the boy's death, the city board of education conducted a survey on all students at the school, to which 16 answered that bullies had "forced (the boy) to 'practice suicide,'" among other acts. 市の教育委員会がこの生徒が自殺した後に全校アンケートを実施したところ、１６人が「（死亡した生徒が）自殺のリハーサルをするように強制されたと聞いた」などと回答を寄せていたという。
However, after questioning the suspected bullies and investigating other aspects of the case, city board of education officials concluded that "although it was confirmed that bullying in fact took place, we are unable to say that it had a causal link with the suicide." しかし、その後、市教委は加害者とされる生徒への聞き取りなどを経て、「いじめはあったが、それと自殺の因果関係は判断できない」との見解を示した。
In the past, too, the phrase, "We are unable to specify a cause-and-effect relationship," has often been used in suicide cases. これまでも自殺をめぐる問題で、「因果関係は特定できない」というフレーズが使われてきた。
Workplace harassment, prolonged labor in severe conditions, bullying by superiors, domestic violence, and now school bullying have all been settled by saying that "the relationship between the (suggested) cause and the fatalities is unclear." 「職場でのいやがらせはあったが、それと自殺との因果関係は明らかではない」というように、「長時間の過酷な労働」「上司からのハラスメント」「夫婦間の暴力」そして今回のような「学校でのいじめ」などが、「被害者の自殺との因果関係ははっきりしない」と結論づけられてきたのだ。
The aim behind surveys such as that conducted at the school in Otsu, however, is wrong from the start. こういった調査では、そもそものゴールが間違っている。
If the purpose of conducting the questionnaires is to find the cause of suicides, it's obvious that these attempts will end with officials saying, "We have been unable to determine the motive." 因果関係を特定するのが目的なら、それは「判断できない」という答えにたどり着くのは目に見えているのだ。
That is because the only person who can really confirm the motive is no longer alive. それを証明できる唯一の人である本人が、もうこの世にいないからだ。
As long as there is no one to point out the exact cause, and as long as the incident was not a scientific experiment where all conditions are rigorously controlled, it is extremely difficult to prove the relationship between a single cause and its effect. 「原因はこれです」と言える人がいなければ、条件が厳密に整えられた科学の実験でもない限り、ひとつの原因とひとつの結果との関係を証明するのはきわめてむずかしい。
For example, a person who is rejected for a job may think that the failure was because they spoke too quietly at the interview, but in fact there are many other possible reasons, including the content of the talk and the person's attitude, for example. 就職試験に失敗した人が、「面接で声が小さかったからかな」と想像しても、ほかにも話の内容や態度など考えられる原因はいくつもある。
In this case, the only thing the person can do to confirm their theory is to ask the official in charge of the hiring directly whether it was their voice that prompted the rejection. そうなると、決め手は採用者に「私を落としたのは、声の大きさに問題があったからですか」と尋ねるほかなく、
If they're unable to do so, no matter how much time they spend pondering why they were rejected, the answer is unknowable. それができないならいくら考えても「因果関係は明らかではない」という答えしかなくなる。
In the case of the boy's suicide, too, what should've been done was not searching for the cause of his death, looking for the guilty parties, or attempting to find out the relation between causes and the suicide. 今回の問題でも、やらなければならなかったのは自殺の原因探し、犯人探しや因果関係の証明ではなかったはずだ。
What should have been done was to first admit that severe bullying had taken place, followed by concrete consideration of why the bullying happened, why it couldn't be prevented, and what measures must be taken against it from now on. まずは「深刻ないじめがあった」という事実を認め、なぜ起きたか、なぜ防げなかったか、今後の対策は、といった具体的な検討を行うべきだ。
Still, I wonder why bullying hasn't disappeared from schools. それにしても、学校でのいじめはなぜなくならないのだろう。
There should be some deeper reason that allows it to persist despite the establishment of measures such as "discussing the importance of life" or "enforcing severe penalties" for offenders.
I also believe that those who bully have very distorted minds and have themselves been pushed to the edge. 「命の大切さを教える」とか「厳罰化を進める」といった対策では解決できない深い問題がいまの教育の現場にはあり、いじめを行う側の心も相当、ゆがめられ追い詰められているのだと思う。
What is it that makes one want to bully others? なぜいじめたくなるのか。
And why are those who are being bullied not seeking help? なぜ「いじめられてる」とＳＯＳを出せないか。
This is a problem that requires further thought. もう一度、考えてみたい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 15, 2012) China must try to halt economic slowdown 中国ＧＤＰ 景気失速を食い止める対策を（7月14日付・読売社説）
Spillover effects of the European debt crisis have become a drag on the Chinese economy, an engine of world growth. 欧州債務危機が波及して、世界の成長エンジンである中国経済に急ブレーキがかかってきた。
China's slowdown could deal a serious blow to already gloomy prospects for the world economy. Measures to halt the slowdown are needed. 低迷する世界経済の先行きに、さらに深刻な影響を与えかねない。景気失速を食い止める対策が求められよう。
The Chinese government has announced the country's real gross domestic product grew 7.6 percent in the April-June period over a year earlier, falling below 8 percent for the first time in about three years. The country's growth slowed for a sixth straight quarter. 中国政府が発表した２０１２年４～６月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率は、実質で前年同期比７・６％増となり、約３年ぶりに８％の大台を割った。成長率の低下は６四半期連続である。
Eight percent growth is regarded as the minimum needed for China to maintain its economic activity and employment levels. China's stagnating growth since the so-called Lehman Shock in 2008 has been significant. 中国にとって、８％成長は、経済活動や雇用を維持する最低ラインとされる。２００８年のリーマン・ショック後以来の低成長にとどまった意味は少なくない。
The economic weakness is mainly due to the slowdown in exports to Europe and other countries amid the lingering European debt woes. A slump in public investment and corporate capital spending has sent the country's manufacturing activity into decline. Consumer spending has also lost impetus. These three areas--exports, manufacturing and consumer spending--all slowed together. 景気減速は、欧州危機の長期化に伴い、欧州向けなどの「輸出」が鈍化したのが主因だ。公共投資や企業の設備投資が落ち込んで、「生産」が下降線をたどり、「個人消費」の勢いも鈍った。３本柱がそろって振るわなかった。
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Steps to shore up economy
Last week, China's central bank lowered key interest rates for two consecutive months. Before announcing the GDP numbers Friday, China apparently aimed to reduce the news' negative impact on the economy by slashing the rates. 中国当局は先週、２か月連続で政策金利を引き下げた。成長率の発表に先手を打ち、景気を下支えする狙いだろう。
Beijing has taken a series of steps to shore up the economy, such as introducing an incentive program for buyers of energy-saving home electronic appliances and eco-friendly vehicles and bringing future infrastructure investment plans forward. 省エネ家電やエコカーの購入支援策、インフラ投資の前倒しを決めるなど、財政面からも、次々と景気対策を打ち出している。
The Chinese government has lowered the country's growth outlook for this year from 8 percent to 7.5 percent. It must be wary now that its economy has begun to cool at a pace faster than it anticipated. 中国政府は、今年の成長目標を従来の８％から７・５％に引き下げている。だが、予想を上回るペースでの減速に、景気失速を警戒し始めたに違いない。
China plans to change its top leadership this autumn. Even though China cannot achieve high growth at a rate of more than 10 percent as it once did, moderate growth must be secured to enable the leadership transition to go smoothly. 中国は今秋、最高指導部の交代を予定している。かつての１０％以上の高成長は再現できなくても、「中成長」は、指導部交代を円滑に進めるうえでも、死守しなければならない目標だろう。
However, China's economic prospects are unclear. だが、先行きは不透明だ。
The debt crisis in Europe, China's major export destination, has yet to be resolved, while the U.S. economy has seen signs of slowdown. Alarmed by the current situation, the International Monetary Fund next week reportedly plans to lower its forecast for global economic growth. 主要輸出先である欧州の危機はまだ収束せず、米国経済も停滞気味だ。事態を懸念した国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は週明けに、世界経済見通しを下方修正する。
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Boost domestic demand
To achieve stable growth, China urgently needs to shift its economy to one led by domestic demand that will allow it not to depend excessively on exports. For that purpose, the country should spend more on environmental measures and infrastructure projects, such as development of subway systems. 中国が安定成長を実現するには、輸出に過度に依存しない内需主導型経済への転換が急務だ。環境対策や地下鉄整備などのインフラ追加投資が必要になる。
As commodity prices have been steady, China also has room to take additional monetary easing measures. Steering the economy in the right direction is difficult, but we urge Beijing to consider effective measures as soon as possible. 物価が沈静化していることから追加金融緩和の余地もある。舵(かじ)取りは難しいが、効果的な政策を速やかに検討してもらいたい。
Brazil, India and South Korea have cut key interest rates one after another. Moves to ease monetary policy have gained momentum in the world. ブラジル、インド、韓国も相次いで利下げし、世界的に金融緩和の流れが加速している。
Meanwhile, it is of concern that there is no sign that the extreme strength of the yen will end soon, in light of a spate of rate cuts and the sluggishness of the U.S. and European economies. It is vital for both the government and the Bank of Japan to better respond to the situation by trying foreign exchange intervention and other possible measures. 利下げラッシュと、欧米経済の低迷を背景に、超円高に歯止めがかからないことは問題だ。政府・日銀は為替介入を含め、機動的に対応することが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 14, 2012) （2012年7月14日01時15分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 14, 2012) China making waves again with Senkaku Islands incursion 中国の領海侵入 尖閣諸島への挑発は目に余る（7月13日付・読売社説）
It is disturbing to see Chinese government vessels again intruding into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. 中国政府の船による尖閣諸島周辺での領海侵犯は目に余る。
Japan must call on China through diplomatic channels to exercise self-restraint and at the same time establish systems to deal with China's provocations. 日本は、外交を通じて中国に自制を促すとともに挑発に対応できる体制を整えねばならない。
Three Chinese fishery patrol boats intruded into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on Wednesday and Thursday. The patrol ships were purportedly protecting Chinese fishing rights. It is unusual to see such aggressive activity by them on consecutive days. 中国の漁業監視船３隻が１１～１２日、尖閣諸島近海の日本の領海を相次いで侵犯した。本来は中国の漁業権益を守るのが役目だが、連日の示威活動は異例だ。
When a Japan Coast Guard patrol ship asked the Chinese boats to leave, they insisted they were conducting legitimate official duties. They also told the JCG not to obstruct them and to leave "Chinese territorial waters" immediately. Afterward, they lingered in areas surrounding the Japanese territorial waters. 海上保安庁の巡視船の退去要求に対し、中国側は「正当な公務の執行であり、妨害するな。ただちに中国の領海から離れよ」と強い表現で応答し、周辺海域からもすぐには立ち去らなかった。
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China's claims baseless
The incursion was likely a response to the Japanese government's expression of intent to purchase three of the islands. The Chinese government apparently wished to demonstrate its strong determination. 日本政府が尖閣諸島の国有化方針を打ち出したことへの対抗措置なのだろう。中国政府の強い意志をうかがわせる行動である。
Infringement of Japan's sovereignty cannot be overlooked. It was a matter of course that Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba lodged a protest against China when meeting his Chinese counterpart, Yang Jiechi, in Phnom Penh. 日本の主権に対する侵害は看過できない。玄葉外相がプノンペンでの日中外相会談で楊潔?中国外相に抗議したのは、当然だ。
As Yang insisted that the Senkaku Islands were inherently Chinese territory, the talks ended in a stalemate. 楊外相は、尖閣諸島を「中国固有の領土だ」と述べ、協議は平行線に終わった。
But it is important that Japan persevere in countering China's baseless claims and urging it to correct its behavior. しかし、中国の不当な主張には粘り強く反論し、行動を改めるよう求めていくことが肝要だ。
Chinese patrol vessels also entered Japanese territorial waters in March. China plans to increase the number of patrol vessels and beef up their capabilities. Its enhancement of its naval forces also has been noticeable. Growing tensions in waters off the Senkaku Islands appear inevitable. ３月にも中国巡視船が日本の領海に入った。中国は今後、巡視船を増強する方針だ。海軍拡充も著しい。尖閣諸島周辺海域で緊張が高まることは避けられない。
Preparing for the contingency of illegal landings on the islands, the Japanese government needs to strengthen the JCG and the police, and establish necessary legislation in an urgent manner. 日本政府は、尖閣諸島に不法上陸される事態に備え、海保や警察の体制強化を図るとともに、必要な法整備を急ぐ必要がある。
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Stronger measures called for
We wonder why the Diet has yet to start deliberations on a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law to allow JCG officers to respond to crimes on remote islands. The revision should be enacted as soon as possible. 国会は、離島での海保による犯罪検挙を認める海上保安庁法改正案について、なぜ審議入りしないのか。早く成立させるべきだ。
The Japan-U.S. alliance plays the most important role in deterring China. The U.S. government's clear statement that the Senkaku Islands fall within targeted areas for Japan-U.S. joint defense is extremely important. 中国を抑止するため、最も重要な役割を果たすのが日米同盟だ。米政府が尖閣諸島について、日米共同防衛の対象地域だと明言していることは極めて重要である。
The Japanese government, for its part, intends to strengthen its defense capabilities for small island areas including the Nansei Islands. It is essential that concrete steps be taken. 日本政府も、南西諸島など島嶼部の防衛強化を打ち出しており、着実な具体化が大事だ。
Member states of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations also are concerned about China's maritime expansion. 中国の海洋進出を懸念しているのは東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）各国も同様である。
At a foreign ministers meeting with China in Phnom Penh, ASEAN proposed talks be started among nations concerned to devise a legally binding "code of conduct" for the activities of concerned nations in the South China Sea. ＡＳＥＡＮはプノンペンでの中国との外相会議で、南シナ海での関係国の活動を法的に拘束する「行動規範」を策定する協議に入るよう提案した。
But China has yet to agree. This is apparently because such a code of conduct, if established, could impose restrictions on Chinese acts. だが、中国はこれに応じていない。規範ができれば、中国の行動が制約されかねないからだ。
To prevent more serious conflict from breaking out, effective rules on maritime affairs are indispensible. The Japanese and U.S. governments should cooperate with ASEAN member states to persuade China in this regard. 紛争を避けるには、実効性ある海のルールが欠かせない。日米両国はＡＳＥＡＮ各国と連携し、中国を説得すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 13, 2012) （2012年7月13日01時05分 読売新聞）
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 13 EDITORIAL: China’s provocative acts unacceptable around Japanese territory 領海侵入―中国は冷静に振る舞え
Three Chinese fishery patrol vessels intruded into Japanese territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. 沖縄県の尖閣諸島沖で、中国の漁業監視船３隻が日本の領海に侵入した。
The intrusion took place immediately after Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda indicated plans for the government to buy three of the islands. It would be natural to assume that China's move was aimed at claiming ownership of the islands to counter the Japanese government’s decision. 野田首相が尖閣諸島３島の国有化を表明した直後である。これに対抗して、領有権を主張する狙いと見るのが自然だろう。
The act needlessly heightens tensions between the two countries, and we strongly urge China to exercise self-control. いたずらに両国間の緊張を高める行為であり、中国側の自制を強く求める。
The event took place on the very day when the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers were to meet on the sidelines of meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations in Cambodia. 折しも、カンボジアでの東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の会議に合わせて、日中の外相が会談する当日だった。
At the meeting with his Chinese counterpart, Foreign Minister Koichiro Genba referred to the Senkaku Islands issue and stated, “It is important to manage the islands in a calm and stable manner.” 玄葉光一郎外相は会談で、尖閣問題について「平穏かつ安定的に維持管理していくことが重要」と説明した。
On the Chinese side, some observers think the Japanese government is trying to change the status quo through national ownership by taking advantage of the moves of Tokyo Governor Shintaro Ishihara, who has announced that the Tokyo metropolitan government will purchase the islands. 中国側には、さきに尖閣諸島購入を表明した東京都の石原慎太郎知事の動きに乗じて、日本政府が国有化によって現状を変えようとしている、という受け止め方がある。
That is a misunderstanding. 誤解である。
Whether the islands are privately owned or are the property of the Tokyo metropolitan government or the government of Japan, it makes no difference to the fact they are Japanese territory. However, if the metropolitan government buys them, it is possible that Ishihara, who takes a tough stand against China, could resort to provocative action. 民間所有であっても、都や国の所有であっても、日本の領土であることに違いはない。しかし、都が買った場合、中国に強硬な姿勢をとる石原氏が挑発的な行動に出る恐れがある。
To prevent unpredictable situations from arising, national ownership stands to reason. 予期しない事態の発生を防ぐためには、国有化は理にかなっている。
The Chinese side should understand that in the long run, it would benefit both countries. 長い目で見れば両国の利益になることを、中国側は理解すべきである。
In the last few years, Chinese patrol vessels have repeatedly intruded into waters surrounding the islands. It is the Chinese side that should immediately stop such provocative actions. 周辺海域ではここ数年、中国の監視船による領海侵入が繰り返し起きている。むしろ中国側こそ、そうした挑発行為はただちにやめるべきだ。
The deterioration of bilateral relations is not in the best interest of China, either. The meeting between the foreign ministers ended with both sides asserting their positions. However, according to sources, it lasted longer than planned and was held amid a calm atmosphere. 両国関係の悪化は、中国にとっても得策ではあるまい。外相会談は、双方がそれぞれの立場を主張して終わったが、予定時間を超え、冷静な雰囲気の中で行われたという。
We want to believe that the Chinese government also doesn’t want the problem to overheat. 中国政府にも、これ以上、過熱させたくないという思いがあると受けとめたい。
China is also developing territorial disputes with the Philippines and Vietnam in the South China Sea. This problem was discussed in the series of ASEAN meetings. 中国は南シナ海でも、フィリピン、ベトナムとの間で領有権をめぐる対立を深めている。ＡＳＥＡＮの一連の会議でも、この問題がテーマになった。
Amid such circumstances, once again, China’s intrusion into Japanese waters must have given international society the impression that the country is taking tough stand, and caused Southeast Asian countries to grow increasingly wary of China. そうした中で、今回の領海侵入は中国の強硬ぶりを改めて印象づけ、東南アジアの国々も警戒を強めたのではないか。
In the second half of this year, Chinese leadership is expected to undergo a major reshuffle. In a desperate attempt to solidify a domestic foothold, there is a growing tendency for China to show off its power to dodge criticism on the Internet and other media that it is “weak-kneed.” 中国は、今年後半に指導部の大幅な交代を控える。国内の体制固めに躍起になるあまり、インターネットなどの「弱腰」批判を気にして力の誇示に傾く場面が増えている。
China should realize that unless it is very careful, its behavior could cause its neighbors to view it as a threat. 中国の振る舞いは、一つ間違えば周辺国に脅威と映りかねないことを自覚すべきだ。
If China prides itself as “a major power,” we urge it to show it can act calmly. 「大国」を自任するのであれば、冷静に行動できることを示して欲しい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 13, 2012) Ozawa's latest political party is mainly a populist stunt 小沢新党 大衆迎合の色濃い「生活第一」（7月12日付・読売社説）
The third-largest party in Diet, after the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party, has been born. The new party's size makes it a force to be reckoned with in national politics, especially in light of the dissolution of the House of Representatives for a general election. 民主、自民に次ぐ第３党の誕生だ。衆院解散・総選挙に向けた政局で、侮れない規模である。
We are concerned about the addition of yet another factor that could throw Japan's politics into further turmoil. 政治を一層混迷させる要因が増えたことに、懸念を抱かざるを得ない。
Former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa and his followers, who had been expelled from the ruling party, held a meeting to inaugurate Kokumin no Seikatsu ga Daiichi (People's livelihoods first) in Tokyo on Wednesday. Forty-nine lawmakers from the lower house and the House of Councillors who had belonged to the DPJ joined the new party. 民主党を除名された小沢一郎元代表らが、都内で新党「国民の生活が第一」の結党大会を開いた。民主党に属していた衆参国会議員４９人が新党に参加した。
Ozawa, who became leader of the new party, said, "I'm determined to take action to seek the withdrawal of bills to raise the consumption tax rate in the name of integrated reform." 代表に就任した小沢氏は、「一体改革に名を借りた消費増税法案を撤回させるべく行動していく決意だ」と訴えた。
The aim of launching the new party is to consolidate forces opposed to the consumption tax hike. It can also be said the new party is vying for power in opposition to the line that the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito have taken on the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. 新党旗揚げの狙いは反消費増税勢力の結集だ。社会保障・税一体改革での民主、自民、公明路線に対する権力闘争とも言えよう。
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A potential rebel network
Ozawa is aiming to form loose alliances with regional parties, including Genzei Nippon (Tax cut Japan) led by Nagoya Mayor Takashi Kawamura, and other opposition parties. In the Diet, the new party plans to form a parliamentary group with the Kizuna Party, which was formed by earlier DPJ defectors. 小沢氏は、河村たかし名古屋市長の「減税日本」など地域政党や野党と緩やかに連携することを目指している。国会では、民主党離党組の「新党きづな」と統一会派を結成する方針だ。
At a press conference on Wednesday, Ozawa also said he would cooperate with former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and others who remain in the DPJ although they rebelled against the party during the vote on integrated reform bills. 小沢氏は記者会見で、一体改革関連法案の採決時に造反しながら民主党に残った鳩山元首相らと連携していく考えも示した。
Hatoyama's appalling words and deeds keep dragging down Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, but the number of rebels remaining in the DPJ cannot be ignored. 野田首相の足を引っ張り続ける鳩山氏の言動には、あきれるばかりだが、党内に残った造反組の数は軽視できない。
It looks certain that Noda will experience more difficulties in handling the government now. To counter Ozawa, Noda must do his utmost to maintain cooperative relationships with the LDP and Komeito. 首相の政権運営が、一層難しくなることは確かだろう。小沢氏に対抗するためにも、首相は自公両党との協調関係を保つことに全力を挙げねばなるまい。
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A lack of vitality and solidity
However, the launch of the new party lacks emotional uplift. This is because it is the fourth new party that Ozawa, dubbed the "destroyer," has formed and therefore it lacks freshness. ただし、新党の発足に高揚感は乏しい。何しろ、「壊し屋」と称される小沢氏の４度目の新党であり、新鮮味に欠ける。
Among lower house members who joined the new party, two-thirds are first-time lawmakers with weak electoral bases. Their ulterior motive--surviving the next lower house election with opposition to the tax hike as a driving force--can be seen. 新党に参加した衆院議員のうち３分の２は、選挙地盤の固まっていない新人議員だ。反増税をバネにして次期衆院選で生き残ろうという思惑が、透けて見える。
The new party's name, Kokumin no Seikatsu ga Daiichi (People's livelihoods first), is a slogan used in the DPJ's manifesto for the 2009 lower house election. An LDP member remarked, "It [the new party] may be taking the same path as the DPJ, which touted a pie-in-the-sky manifesto." This criticism has a point. 新党名に選んだ「国民の生活が第一」も、民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）のキャッチフレーズである。「出来もしないマニフェストを掲げた民主党と同じ道を進んでいくことになるのでは」という自民党の批判は一理ある。
It is unclear how the new party would reconstruct critical state finances and cover social security costs, which are swelling by more than 1 trillion yen a year, without the consumption tax hike. 消費増税なしに、どうやって危機的な国家財政を立て直し、毎年１兆円以上増え続けている社会保障費をまかなうのか不透明だ。
Ozawa also said his party will make it clear that it will seek to end nuclear power generation. There is no denying that such a policy is haphazard. How will a stable power supply be realized? 小沢氏は、「脱原発を鮮明にしていきたい」とも語った。場当たり的な感は否めない。電力の安定供給をどう実現するのか。
If the new party proclaims it will put people's livelihoods first, it should give a concrete and detailed explanation of how it will do so. Simply advocating populist slogans to appeal to voters is irresponsible. 国民の生活本位と言うのなら、具体的かつ丁寧に説明してもらいたい。有権者へのアピールを意識して、大衆迎合的なスローガンを唱えるだけでは無責任である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 12, 2012) （2012年7月12日01時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 12, 2012) Govt must fully explain safety of Osprey オスプレイ配備 政府は安全性の説明を尽くせ（7月11日付・読売社説）
It is important to evaluate and discuss the safety of the U.S. military's new transport aircraft in a coolheaded manner. 米軍新型輸送機の安全性については、冷静に評価し、議論することが肝要である。
During his meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton over the planned deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps' MV-22 Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft in Japan, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba asked Washington to provide information on the causes of two crashes earlier this year involving the aircraft. 玄葉外相がクリントン米国務長官と会談し、海兵隊の垂直離着陸機ＭＶ２２オスプレイの日本配備に関連して、今年発生した２件の墜落事故の原因の情報提供を要請した。
While Clinton pledged the United States would conduct thorough investigations into the aircraft's safety and share the results with Japan, she expressed no intention of changing the plan to deploy the Osprey in Japan. クリントン長官は、「安全性について調査を徹底的に行い、結果を日本と共有する」と約束するとともに、日本配備の方針は変更しない考えを表明した。
The United States should be given credit for its willingness to provide information to Japan. The Japanese government should collect information through such means as sending experts to the United States to closely examine the aircraft. 日本への情報提供に前向きな米側の姿勢は評価できる。政府は、専門家の訪米などを通じて情報を収集し、吟味する必要がある。
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Opposition to deployment
Following the crash of an MV-22 Osprey in Morocco in April, a U.S. Air Force CV-22 Osprey crashed during an exercise in mid-June in Florida. ４月のモロッコにおけるＭＶ２２の墜落事故に続き、６月中旬には米フロリダ州で訓練中の空軍の同型機ＣＶ２２が墜落した。
The United States plans to deploy the MV-22 Osprey at Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, after temporarily stationing them at the U.S. Marine Corps' Iwakuni base in Iwakuni, Yamaguchi Prefecture. However, local governments concerned have expressed their opposition to the deployment or temporary stationing of the aircraft, citing safety concerns. 配備先の沖縄県宜野湾市の普天間飛行場や、一時駐機先である山口県岩国市の岩国基地の関係自治体は、安全性を懸念し、配備や駐機に反対している。
We believe the government must thoroughly explain the aircraft's safety to these local authorities to gain their understanding as much as possible. 政府は、ＭＶ２２の安全性について関係自治体に丁寧に説明し、理解を広げなければならない。
As the causes of the accidents were not attributed to problems with the aircraft themselves, the U.S. military has not prohibited the aircraft from flying or taken similar measures. ２件の事故原因は機体の問題ではないとされ、米軍は飛行禁止措置などを取っていない。
The shift from the CH-46 transport helicopters--which have been in operation for nearly four decades--to the new aircraft is not in itself a bad thing. Actually, from a safety standpoint, it would be more problematic to continue using the CH-46 for a long time. そもそも、４０年近く使用している輸送ヘリコプターＣＨ４６から新型輸送機への交代は、悪いことではない。むしろ老朽化した輸送ヘリを今後も長期間使い続けることの方が安全上の問題があろう。
The rate of serious MV-22 accidents resulting in death or damage of 2 million dollars or more is 1.93 per 100,000 flight hours. This rate is lower than the average rate of 2.45 for all marine corps aircraft. ＭＶ２２の１０万飛行時間当たりの重大事故（死亡または２００万ドル以上の損害を伴う事故）率は１・９３件で、海兵隊航空機の平均の２・４５件よりも低い。
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Enhanced capabilities
The deployment of the MV-22, which boasts high capabilities in terms of maximum speed and flight range, among other features, would enhance the U.S. military's capability to conduct civilian rescue operations and disaster relief activities. The deployment also would help improve the U.S. forces' assault landing operations and increase deterrence capabilities. These factors cannot be overlooked. 一方で、最高速度、航続距離などの性能が優れるＭＶ２２の配備によって、米軍の民間人救出や災害救援の活動は強化される。強襲上陸作戦能力が向上し、抑止力が高まることも見逃せない。
In addition, the deployment would be in line with the U.S. military's strategy of increasing its presence in the west Pacific region to deal with the rapid rise of the Chinese military. 中国の急速な軍事的台頭に対応し、西太平洋地域を重視する米軍戦略とも合致している。
The United States plans to deliver 12 Ospreys to Iwakuni later this month, then transport them to Okinawa Prefecture. As the retirement of CH-46 helicopters is under way, the circumstances do not allow for impediments to operations of the U.S. forces. 米側は、今月下旬にオスプレイ１２機を岩国に搬入した後、沖縄に配備する予定だ。ＣＨ４６の退役が始まる中、部隊運用に支障を生じさせられない事情がある。
Reports on the accidents in Morocco and Florida are expected to be compiled later this month and in late August, respectively. The Japanese and U.S. governments have agreed not to fly the MV-22 in Japan until the reports are completed. モロッコの事故は今月下旬、フロリダの事故は８月末に報告書がまとまる見通しだ。日米両政府は、それまではＭＶ２２を日本で飛行させないことで一致している。
This is an adequate decision. It is important to realize the deployment of the aircraft in accordance with this agreement and take sufficient measures to prevent the recurrence of similar accidents. 妥当な判断である。日米合意を順守し、事故の再発防止策をきちんと講じたうえ、配備を実現することが重要となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 11, 2012) （2012年7月11日01時40分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 11, 2012) Central, Tokyo govts should get in tune over Senkaku Islands 尖閣国有化方針 政府と都は安定管理へ協調を（7月10日付・読売社説）
The inability of the central and Tokyo metropolitan governments to get on the same page will be only to China's advantage. They need to closely cooperate on the Senkaku Islands issue. 政府と東京都が牽制(けんせい)しあえば、中国を利するだけだ。両者は、緊密に連携する必要がある。
The central government has finally made a concrete move to put the Senkaku Islands under state control. 政府が、尖閣諸島の国有化に向けて、ようやく具体的に動き始めた。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has admitted that the government is holding talks with the metropolitan government and the owner of three islands in the five-islet chain. "From the viewpoint of peacefully and stably maintaining and managing [the islands], we've been in contact [with the metropolitan government and others] at various levels," Noda said to the House of Representatives Budget Committee on Monday. 野田首相は、衆院予算委員会で「平穏かつ安定的に維持・管理する観点で、様々なレベルで接触している」と述べ、都や地権者と協議に入っていることを認めた。
The central government's aspirations of putting the Senkaku Islands under state control will advance efforts to better maintain the territorial integrity and effective control of the islands. 政府が尖閣諸島の国有化を目指すことは、領土保全、実効支配の強化に向けて前進となる。
The government currently leases the three islands, including Uotsurijima, from the owner and bans people other than government officials from landing on them. However, under individual ownership, through which the islands could be sold to or inherited by a third person, the future of the islands could be unstable. 政府は魚釣島など３島を地権者から賃借し、政府関係者以外の立ち入りを禁じている。だが、第三者への売却や相続があり得る個人所有では安定的とは言えない。
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China's claim unwarranted
Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara has built up a relationship of trust with the islands' owner. Donations to the Tokyo government to purchase the three islands have topped 1.3 billion yen. 東京都の石原慎太郎知事は、地権者との一定の信頼関係を築いている。購入費などに充てる予定の都の募金も１３億円を超えた。
Given the recent developments, various options are on the table, including having the metropolitan government buy the three islands and then immediately transfer them to the central government. これまでの経緯を考えると、いったん都が購入した後、政府に速やかに譲渡するなど、様々な方法が考えられよう。
Ishihara has expressed distrust of the government's plan to purchase the islands, saying the Noda administration is trying "to gain popularity" and deriding it as "abrupt." However, now is not the time for the central and metropolitan governments to be out of step. 石原氏は政府の方針に「人気稼ぎだろう」「唐突だ」と不信感を表明したが、政府と都が足並みを乱している場合ではない。
It is essential that the islands be surely placed under state control, regardless of how this is done. The central and metropolitan governments must speed up necessary arrangements to make this happen. どのような手順を踏むにせよ、着実に国有化することが肝要である。政府と都の間で調整を急がねばならない。
The Japanese government's plan to place the islands under state control prompted Beijing to issue a statement saying, "No one will ever be permitted to buy and sell China's sacred territory." 日本政府の国有化方針に対し、中国は「中国の神聖な領土を売買することは絶対許さない」とする談話を発表した。
However, it was only in 1971--after the existence of oil reserves was confirmed near the Senkaku Islands--that China started to claim sovereignty over them. だが、中国が領有権を主張し始めたのは、周辺海域での石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７１年だ。
Japan has been in effective control of the islands since it incorporated them into its territory based on international law in 1895. It is unreasonable of China, which effectively gave tacit approval to Japan's control of the Senkakus, to belatedly claim sovereignty over them. 日本は１８９５年、国際法に基づき尖閣諸島を領土に編入して、実効支配している。それを事実上黙認していた中国が、後から領有権を主張するのは不当である。
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Strengthen JCG
Chinese fishery patrol boats approach waters around the Senkaku Islands almost monthly and repeatedly make their presence felt. 中国の漁業監視船は毎月のように尖閣諸島周辺に近づき、示威行為を繰り返している。
Earlier this month, Taiwan patrol vessels and a leisure fishing boat briefly intruded into Japanese territorial waters. 今月には台湾の巡視船などが日本の領海内に入った。
These provocations will only undermine Japan-China and Japan-Taiwan relations. We strongly urge Beijing and Taipei to exercise self-restraint. こうした挑発活動は、日中、日台関係を損なうだけである。強く自制を求めたい。
Even if the government puts the Senkaku Islands under state control in the future, this in itself will not be able to prevent intrusions and other illegal acts. この先、日本政府が尖閣諸島を国有化しても、それだけで不法侵入などを防げるわけではない。
It will be necessary to enable Japan Coast Guard officers to apprehend foreign nationals who illegally land on the Senkaku Islands. To do so, the Diet should quickly deliberate a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law. 不法上陸した外国人を海上保安官が検挙できるようにする必要がある。そのための海上保安庁法改正案の国会審議を急ぐべきだ。
Also, the JCG must be strengthened in terms of manpower and the quality of its equipment, through such measures as deploying a large patrol vessel that will enable long-term monitoring of waters around the Senkaku Islands and increasing the number of JCG officers. 尖閣諸島周辺で長期間の監視活動ができるような大型巡視船の配備や、保安官の増員など、質と量の両面から海保の体制強化も図らなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 10, 2012) （2012年7月10日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 10, 2012) Harness small firms' potential to revitalize Japan ちいさな企業 日本再生に期待される潜在力（7月8日付・読売社説）
Small and midsize companies account for 90 percent of domestic enterprises, and are a huge potential source of technological and human capital. We hope they will play a significant role in kick-starting the economy. 日本企業の９割を占める中小企業は、技術や人材などの潜在力を持つ。日本経済に弾みをつける役割を期待したい。
A panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry formed to investigate the future of small and midsize businesses recently announced its proposals for revitalizing this sector. The panel's report compiled the views of workers at small and midsize companies including managers, female entrepreneurs and younger workers. 経済産業省の「“ちいさな企業”未来会議」は、中小企業の活性化策に関する提言をまとめた。中小企業の経営者や女性起業家、青年層などの現場の声を集約したのが特徴である。
An important part of the proposals is the request for the government to revise conventional measures by paying more attention to smaller companies, instead of supporting the relatively major members of this sector with priority. 提言のポイントは、比較的規模が大きい中小企業を主な支援対象としてきた政府に対し、小規模企業にも十分目配りするよう、施策の修正を求めたことだ。
The number of small and midsize companies has decreased by 650,000 over the last decade, to the detriment of about 3 million jobs. Smaller firms that close or struggle are particularly noticeable. 中小企業は、過去１０年で約６５万社減り、雇用者数は約３００万人も減少した。小規模な企業の廃業や経営不振が目立つ。
With the domestic market shrinking due to the aging population and low birthrate, and businesses being pinched by an unusually high yen, smaller companies tend to be affected also by overseas transfers and poor performance by the large companies they do business with. Small and midsize companies face an increasingly harsh business environment. 少子高齢化に伴う国内市場の縮小や超円高に加え、取引先である大企業の海外移転や業績悪化に振り回されがちだ。経営環境は一段と厳しくなっている。
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Looking for the next Toyota
The decline in small and midsize businesses has led to a vicious cycle that exhausts regional economies. This can no longer be ignored. 中小企業の低迷により、地域経済が疲弊するという悪循環に陥っている状況も看過できない。
The panel displayed a stronger level of concern, pointing out that "small enterprises can change Japan." Indeed, we believe that only revitalized small and midsize firms can maintain regional jobs and prevent the further hollowing out of domestic industries. 未来会議が危機感を強め、「小さな企業が日本を変える」と指摘したのは妥当だ。中小企業が活性化してこそ、地域の雇用が維持され、空洞化を防ぐ方策になる。
Many major firms such as Toyota Motor Corp. and Panasonic Corp. started out as small, local factories. A vital question for today is how to discover and support a future Toyota that has growth potential. トヨタ自動車やパナソニックなどの大企業も、小さな町工場からスタートした。成長が見込まれる「未来のトヨタ」を発掘し、後押しすることが問われている。
Unfortunately, many small firms miss opportunities for dramatic growth because of a lack in practical management expertise. 実践的な経営ノウハウが不足しているため、飛躍のチャンスを逃している小規模企業も多い。
The panel's proposal emphasized the importance of boosting a one-stop management support system where financial institutions, certified tax accountants and others could help small and midsize enterprises in cooperation with the central and local governments. Aid would be provided depending on the individual company's stage, whether just starting out, stable or growing, or looking for successors. Details of the system should be worked out as soon as possible. 提言は、起業から安定・成長期、事業承継など、企業の段階に応じて、国や自治体と連携しながら金融機関、税理士などがワンストップで経営支援する「知識サポート体制」の強化を打ち出した。具体化を急ぐべきだろう。
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Market unique technology
Measures are also necessary to assist small and midsize businesses in improving unique technological skills and enhancing their products' market competitiveness. We think an initiative to create a concentrated area for overseas-oriented industry--one of the panel's proposals--deserves serious consideration. Parties involved need to rack their brains to discover the best ways for small and midsize firms to expand their sales in Asia and elsewhere. オンリーワンの技術を磨き、製品力を強化する支援策の充実も重要だ。提言が示した「海外展開集積地域構想」は検討に値する。中小企業がアジアなどで販路を拡大できるように知恵を絞りたい。
In addition to manufacturing, companies in service industries such as nursing care and medical services need to be developed, as women and young people can work comfortably in these fields. It is important to develop working environments that can better utilize the potential of this nation's women. ものづくりだけでなく、女性や若者が働きやすい介護、医療などのサービス分野の企業育成が課題と言える。女性パワーをもっと活用する環境整備が欠かせない。
Policies concerning small and midsize companies should be one of the pillars of the government's up-coming strategy for revitalizing Japan. However, care must be taken so these measures are not just an additional form of lavish support. 政府は近くまとめる日本再生戦略の柱に中小企業政策を位置づけるべきだ。ただし、大前提は、施策を精査し、ばらまき型の追加支援としないことである。
Small and midsize companies have no hope of success if they merely rely on government support. They must have the originality and ingenuity to proactively find new opportunities on their own. 中小企業が政府などの支援に頼るだけでは、展望は開けない。創意工夫で自ら活路を開く積極的な姿勢が求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 8, 2012) （2012年7月8日01時13分 読売新聞）
July 08, 2012(Mainichi Japan) Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Remember there is no shame in accepting welfare 香山リカのココロの万華鏡:受給者の苦悩に配慮を ／東京
Recently, a committee for tackling illegal public assistance payouts has been launched in Kanagawa Prefecture. It appears that prefectural authorities and local law enforcers will be collaborating to establish a system to purge fraudulent public assistance recipients from the welfare rolls. 神奈川県では、生活保護をめぐる連絡会が発足、不正受給の撲滅を目指すという。行政と県警がタッグを組んで不正受給をなくすシステムを作っていくそうだ。
When I hear people saying things along the lines of, "People taking welfare unlawfully is indeed a problem, but...," I feel somewhat depressed. As a matter of fact, a number of my patients have told me they're considering taking themselves off public assistance, such as cancelling their disability pensions or their applications for injury or illness allowances. 「たしかに不正受給は問題だけどね」と、こういう話題を耳にすると気持ちがめいってしまう。実は私の診察室でもすでに何人かが、「障害年金をもらっているがやめたいと思う」「休職中だが今月は傷病手当の申請を辞退したい」などと言い出しているのだ。
One tearful patient, currently unable to work due to an illness and with a family on welfare, told me, "They are my relatives so I should be the one sending them money. 親族が生活保護を受給し、自分もいま病気で仕事につくことができないある患者さんは、「やっぱり親族ですから私が仕送りすべきですよね。本当に情けない」と涙を浮かべた。
I feel really miserable." The other patients of mine who raised similar concerns are all taking welfare assistance as a last resort, just to maintain a base-line standard of living. These folks can hardly be accused of welfare fraud. みんなそれ以外の方法がなく、ギリギリの生活を保つために、年金や手当をもらっている人たちだ。断じて不正受給などではない。
I tell such patients that they should hold their heads high and continue receiving their allowances without feeling bad about it. But they, feeling a heavy sense of responsibility, shake their heads in disapproval. 「あなたの場合、堂々ともらっていいんですよ」などと励ましてみるが、まじめな彼らは首を横に振る。
"While the government is talking of increasing the consumption tax to improve Japan's finances, I feel extremely bad for taking public money," one patient said. "When I watch reports of illegal welfare recipients on TV, I feel as if they are pointing at me, and I feel alienated." 「だって国の財政もたいへんで消費税を上げようという中、私が公的なお金をいただくのは、申し訳なさすぎますよ。テレビで不正受給の話題が取り上げられるたび、自分が責められているようで身の置きどころがなくなります」
All welfare recipients that I know of feel similar. There are some media reports on public assistance recipients who drive foreign cars, or on criminals coercing social workers into putting them on the public assistance rolls. However, I want to ask: Where are these things actually happening? 私が知っている生活保護や障害年金の受給者は、みなこのような人たちなのだ。一部で伝えられているような、「生活保護なのに外車を乗り回している」「福祉課の職員を脅迫して申請している」といった例がいったいどこにいるのか、と言いたいくらいだ。
What will happen to people if they withdraw from welfare assistance? I find statements such as "as long as one is determined, they should be able to find all sorts of jobs," mostly come from people lucky enough to be both healthy and socially engaged. もし、彼らが役所の窓口に行って「今月でもうけっこうです」と受け取りを辞退したら、その先はどうなるのだろう。「やる気になればどんな仕事でもあるはず」などと言うのは、健康や人間関係に恵まれている人の発想なのではないか。
What I tell my patients is: "I understand your feelings well. But you still need a little bit more time before you return to work. Until then, please protect your life by accepting welfare assistance, and concentrate on your treatment. You can repay society for its kindness after you recover." This does not, however, bring a smile to their faces. 「気持ちはよくわかりました。でも、働けるようになるまでにはもう少しだけ時間がかかります。それまでは生活保護でしっかり自分の生活を守ってください。安心して療養に専念してください。世の中への恩返しは、元気になってからでもいいじゃないですか」。社会からの支えを借りても生き続けるように、と必死に励ますが、「はあ、そうですか」と答える彼らの笑顔はどことなく力ない。
I agree that it is important to crack down on illegal welfare recipients. However, at the same time I hope another system -- one that tracks down people who need assistance but aren't getting it -- is also launched. 不正受給を取り締まるのも必要かもしれないが、本当に必要なのに社会的サービスが行きわたっていない人を見つける、というシステムも作ってほしい。
The number of people who are unable to maintain even the most basic standard of living, and who are in a constant fear of "causing trouble" to others, is greater than people imagine. 世の中には「誰の迷惑にもなりたくない」と最低限のレベルの生活さえ送れないまま生きている人が、想像よりたくさんいるのだ。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 8, 2012) Higgs boson discovery marks new start in probing the unknown ヒッグス粒子 未知の探求へ新たな一歩だ（7月7日付・読売社説）
A new subatomic particle believed to be the "Higgs boson," hunted for more than 40 years by particle physicists around world, has been discovered at long last. 世界の物理学者たちが４０年以上も探し続けてきた「ヒッグス粒子」とみられる新粒子が、ついに見つかった。
The European Organization for Nuclear Research, or CERN, on the Swiss-French border near Geneva, announced the discovery on Wednesday. This can definitely be called a glorious accomplishment that will go down in history. スイス・ジュネーブ郊外の欧州合同原子核研究機関（ＣＥＲＮ）が発表した。歴史に残る偉業と言えよう。
In the smallest fractions of a second after the birth of the universe, the Higgs boson was responsible for the existence of mass, commonly thought of as weight, in all matter, according to the "Standard Model" of physics. Since it is the origin of mass in the universe, the Higgs boson is also known as the "God particle." 宇宙誕生の直後、この粒子が万物に重さ（質量）を与えた、と物理学の「標準理論」では考えられている。重さの源だけに、「神の粒子」とも呼ばれている。
How did the universe come into being? How was substance brought into existence? How did galaxies form and the stars ignite? How did life first begin to stir? 宇宙はどのように誕生したか。物質はどんな仕組みで生成され、星や銀河ができ、生命が登場したのか。
The new discovery marks a milestone in the grand quest to understand the ultimate origins of humanity. 人類の根源を辿(たど)る壮大な旅の一つの到達点だろう。
According to the Standard Model, every substance consists of 17 kinds of ultramicroscopic particles that cannot be divided into any smaller units. 標準理論によれば、すべての物質は、それ以上分割できない１７種類の極微の素粒子で構成されている。
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Final building block
Of such particles, electrons were first discovered in 1897, while the existence of a total of 16 particles--every subatomic particle except the Higgs boson--had been confirmed by 2000. まず電子が１８９７年に見つかり、２０００年までに、ヒッグス粒子を除いて、計１６種類の存在が確認されていた。
The discovery of the Higgs boson means the final building block necessary to explain the development of the universe from its birth 13.7 billion years ago right up to the present moment has been identified. １３７億年前の宇宙創生から現在まで、宇宙の歩みを説明する理論を裏付ける最後の部品が、これでそろったことになる。
This achievement has been made using CERN's circular 27-kilometer underground proton accelerator. The accelerator is a gigantic facility built at a cost of 550 billion yen. It can make protons, a kind of microparticle, collide with each other in a vacuum at nearly the speed of light for a high-energy collision. この発見は、ＣＥＲＮにある全周２７キロ・メートルの円形加速器で成し遂げられた。建設費５５００億円の巨大施設だ。真空に保ったパイプの中に、微粒子の陽子を光速に近いスピードで飛ばし、陽子同士を衝突させることができる。
CERN researchers repeated such collisions 1.1 quadrillion times, analyzing in detail the fragments produced by the impacts. These include the new Higgs particle, which they have identified with 99.99998 percent certainty, the announcement said. これを１１００兆回繰り返して衝撃で飛び出した破片を詳細に分析し、新粒子を９９・９９９９８％の確率で見つけたという。
From Japan, 110 researchers from universities and other research organizations, including the University of Tokyo, have taken part in the CERN program, playing significant roles in such activities as data analysis. 東京大など１６の大学・研究機関から日本人１１０人が参加し、分析などに活躍した。
It was a theory formulated by Yoichiro Nambu, a Japanese-born professor emeritus at the University of Chicago and a recipient of the Nobel Prize in Physics, that provided the foundation for the prediction of the existence of the Higgs boson. ヒッグス粒子の存在予言も、ノーベル物理学賞受賞者の南部陽一郎・米シカゴ大名誉教授の理論が基になった。
We feel proud of Japan's contribution. 日本の貢献が誇らしい。
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Trust in science
The pursuit of mysteries of the universe is certain to go on. Experiments with the newly found subatomic particle will lead to the detailed elucidation of its properties. It may even be possible to crack open a new realm of cosmic theory. Physicists have great expectations. これからも探求は続く。実験を重ねれば新粒子の詳しい性質が分かる。そこから新たな理論が生まれるかもしれない。そう物理学者たちは期待している。
This is because current theory can account for about only 4 percent of the energy that lets matter, and the universe itself, exist. We hope to see Japanese researchers aggressively striving to make further discoveries to help shape our understanding of the universe. 今の理論ではまだ、宇宙にある物質、宇宙を支えるエネルギーの４％しか説明できないからだ。さらなる発見へ、日本の研究者も挑戦してほしい。
After the Great East Japan Earthquake and the subsequent nuclear power plant accident last year, an increasing number of people in this country are becoming distrustful of or anxious about science and technology. 昨年の東日本大震災と原子力発電所の事故以降、国内で科学技術に不信や不安を抱く人が増えている。
A survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has shown that as many as four out of every 10 people think humans "cannot take control" of outcomes of science and technology. This is double the figure from before the March 11, 2011, disaster. 文部科学省の調査では「人間は科学技術をコントロールできない」と考える人が１０人中４人もいる。震災前の倍になった。
It is strongly hoped that a breakthrough such as the discovery of the Higgs boson will help resuscitate people's dreams about the future of science. ヒッグス粒子の究明のような取り組みが、科学への夢を取り戻すきっかけになればいい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 7, 2012) （2012年7月7日01時23分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 7, 2012) Eliminate disparity between public, private retirement packages 公務員退職給付 官民格差の解消を前提とせよ（7月6日付・読売社説）
How should the government eliminate the disparity in retirement packages between the public and private sectors? 官民の格差をいかに解消するか――。
A government expert panel has compiled a draft plan for reforms of the retirement and pension system for civil servants. 政府の有識者会議が公務員の退職金や年金のあり方について改革案をまとめた。
A bill that would unify the pension system for corporate employees and the mutual pension plan for civil servants in October 2015 is expected to be passed by the Diet during the current session as part of the integrated reform of the social welfare and tax systems. 社会保障と税の一体改革の一環として、会社員の厚生年金と公務員の共済年金を２０１５年１０月に統合する被用者年金一元化法案が衆院を通過し、今国会で成立する見通しだ。
Assuming the two pension schemes are unified, the government panel stated that retirement payments and pension benefits should be regarded as a comprehensive retirement package, and demanded that such packages be more closely aligned with retirement programs offered by the private sector. 有識者会議は、この年金統合を前提に、公務員の退職金と年金を合わせて「退職給付」ととらえ、これを総合的に民間に合わせる方針を示した。
We see this proposal as reasonable. 妥当と言えよう。
According to a survey by the National Personnel Authority last year, the average retirement pay package for national civil servants--retirement pay and an additional benefit paid under the mutual pension program--was 29.5 million yen, exceeding by 4.03 million yen the average retirement pay and corporate pension benefits of workers at companies with more than 50 employees. 人事院の昨年の調査によると、国家公務員の退職金と「職域加算」と呼ばれる共済年金の上乗せ支給の合計は２９５０万円で、従業員５０人以上の民間企業の平均的退職給付（退職金と企業年金の合計）を４０３万円上回っている。
The panel's first proposal was to remove this gap. Retirement benefits for corporate employees have shrunk since the so-called Lehman shock in 2008. In light of this, a significant reduction in retirement packages for public servants is inevitable. We believe the government should make bold cuts instead of acting piecemeal. 提言はまず、この分を引き下げるよう求めた。リーマン・ショック以降、民間の退職給付は落ち込んでいる。公務員の退職給付もこれに合わせて、大幅にカットすることはやむを得まい。あまり段階を踏まずに実施すべきだろう。
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End preferential treatment
In integrating the private and public pension systems, the bill calls for abolishing the additional pension payment of about 20,000 yen a month for civil servants, which is seen as a symbol of preferential treatment for public workers. The panel has also focused on discussing how public servants should receive retirement benefits. 厚生・共済年金の統合で、公務員優遇の象徴とされた月額約２万円の職域加算は廃止される。公務員の老後資金をどう形成するかが議論の焦点となった。
The panel has proposed a two-tier scheme in which retirement packages would be provided in a lump sum as well as pension payments, where the total amount is to be on par with private-sector levels. 有識者会議は、公務員の退職給付を「一時払い」と「年金払い」の２本立てとし、その合計を民間水準に合わせるよう提言した。
In the private sector, a combined provision of lump-sum retirement pay and corporate pension benefits is common. 民間では一時金と企業年金を組み合わせた退職給付が主流だ。
The introduction of a payment scheme similar to that used by the private sector would make it easier for the government to adjust the public-private disparity. 形態も民間に合わせた方が、今後、官民格差を調整しやすい。
In other words, the panel has proposed the creation of something similar to a corporate pension system for civil servants. このため、「年金払い」部分を元に“公務員版企業年金”を新設する。
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New pension scheme sought
Providing retirement packages to civil servants in two stages would not require any extra public funds compared with paying benefits in a lump sum. No extra taxpayer money would need to be injected into a corporate-style pension system for public employees. 退職給付をすべて一時金で支給する場合と公費負担は変わらず、公務員版企業年金に特別の税金が投入されるわけではない。
However, we urge the government to carefully formulate the new pension system and be fully accountable for it to prevent people from viewing it as a different form of preferential treatment for public employees. ただし、国民から、「形を変えた公務員優遇」といった見方をされないよう、政府には、新年金についての十分な説明と設計上の配慮が求められる。
Making the pension benefits smaller than the current additional payment of about 20,000 yen is one way this could be accomplished. 現行の職域加算よりも受取額を小さく設計することは、一策であろう。
If the Diet passes legislation to integrate the two pension schemes, the amount of taxpayer money injected into the mutual pension plan under "additional expenses" would also be cut. The mutual pension program replaced the "onkyu" allowance system that was financed by tax revenue instead of premium payments. Even under the current pension system, however, injections of taxpayer money have been necessary to cover pension payments for retired civil servants who worked when the onkyu system was in place. 被用者年金一元化法案が成立すれば、共済年金ができる前の恩給制度との関係で続いてきた「追加費用」という税金投入も削減される。
If the additional payments are cut, about 860,000 retired public employees will have their pension benefits reduced by up to 10 percent. この結果、退職した元公務員のうち約８６万人の受給者は、年金額が最大で１０％減る。
Measures to remove the public-private retirement benefit gap will be difficult to bear for public servants, but they are inevitable in light of the nation's serious financial difficulties and the tough situation faced by private companies. Swiftly eliminating the private-public disparity is essential. 一連の措置は公務員には厳しい内容だが、深刻な財政や民間の苦しい状況を考えれば、やむを得ないだろう。官民格差は、迅速に解消することが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 6, 2012) （2012年7月6日01時19分 読売新聞）
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 4 EDITORIAL: Feed-in tariff system offers opportunities 自然エネルギー―普及急ぎ新しい社会へ
A feed-in tariff system that requires utilities to purchase electricity generated with renewable energy sources like solar and wind power at fixed rates took effect July 1. 太陽光や風力など自然エネルギーによる電力を、電力会社が買い取る制度が始まった。
Renewable energy sources other than hydropower account for only 1 percent of Japan's overall power generation. 日本の自然エネルギー発電量は、水力を除くと、全体の１％でしかない。
Increased use of these clean energy sources will not only reduce the nation's greenhouse gas emissions but help lessen the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation. As an added benefit, there will be no need to import raw materials for electricity production. 資源を輸入に頼らず、温暖化防止にもなる電源は、脱原発依存を進めるうえでも重要だ。
The tariff system should be used wisely to expand the use of renewable energy. 新制度をテコに普及を急ぎたい。
The rates at which utilities buy power from renewable energy will be reviewed annually. But rates, once determined for specific sellers, are guaranteed for 10 to 20 years. 買い取り価格は電源ごとに毎年見直されるが、一度決まれば１０～２０年保証される。
For the first year of the system, the rates have been set at a relatively high level: around 42 yen per kilowatt-hour of solar power. 初年度は１キロワット時４２円の太陽光など全体的に高めの設定だ。
There are some who say the rates are too high. 高すぎるとの声はある。
The policy was deliberate. The only way to encourage businesses to enter the market is to ensure that they will be able to make a decent profit. ただ参入企業を増やすには、一定の利益が確保できるようにしなければならない。
Given that Japan trailed other industrialized nations in introducing feed-in tariffs, setting attractive rates makes certain sense. 日本の取り組みの遅れを考えれば、やむをえない面がある。
In recent months, companies have been clamoring to enter the business. During the current fiscal year, Japan's total renewable power capacity is expected to increase by 2.5 gigawatts. 実際、ここにきて事業者の参入が相次いでいる。今年度中に２５０万キロワット分の発電設備が増える見通しだ。
Clearly, the rates at which utilities buy power under the system should be determined with great care since costs will be passed on to consumers. もちろん、細心の注意を払う必要がある。買い取りコストは消費者が負担するからだ。
Electricity rates charged to households nationwide will be raised by a flat monthly amount of 0.22 yen per kilowatt-hour. A family with an average monthly power bill of 7,000 yen ($87.67) will have to pay about 100 yen more each month. 料金への上乗せは、全国一律で１キロワット時あたり月０・２２円。月７千円の電気代を払っている家庭では、家庭用太陽光の買い取り分も含めて１００円前後の負担になる。
The figure incorporates an increase resulting from the purchase of surplus electricity from household solar power generation systems. Increases will be commensurate with the amount of power generated with renewable energy increases. 発電量が増えるほど上乗せ額も増える。
We don't doubt that many households are willing to put up with a certain level of increase in their electricity bills for expanding the use of renewable energy sources if it means reducing the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation. 原発を利用せずにすむなら、多少高くても自然エネルギーを選ぶという消費者も少なくないだろう。
But if rates remain at levels that pose an unreasonable burden on consumers, the system will eventually become unsustainable. だが、買い取り価格が必要以上に高止まりし、消費者の負担感がつのれば、制度自体が行き詰まる。
Even in Europe, which has been leading the world in feed-in tariffs, the system is still very much a trial-and-error process. 先行する欧州も、この点では試行錯誤だ。
The government should heed the experiences of countries that introduced the system earlier. 政府は先行例から学びつつ、
Flexibility in purchase prices will be key as renewable power generation grows and costs drop due to technological advances. 普及の度合いや技術革新による発電コストの低減などを見て、柔軟に価格を見直していく必要がある。
The capacity of transmission lines and power distribution facilities will also have to be expanded. 自然エネルギーの普及には、送電線と配電設備の増強や
At the same time, the government will need to implement an expanded power distribution system so that electricity can be delivered to areas serviced by other utilities. 広域運用も不可欠だ。
The Tohoku region and Hokkaido are especially suited to wind power generation. The volume of electricity generated with wind power that is to be purchased under the new system is rapidly approaching a ceiling. This is because transmission networks in those regions have only a limited capacity. 風力の適地である東北や北海道では、送電網の限界から風力発電の買い取り枠が埋まりつつある。
The situation effectively undermines efforts to make full use of the renewable energy sources available. これでは、せっかくの潜在資源を生かし切れない。
Enhancing electric power infrastructure requires huge investment. 設備の増強には多額の費用がかかる。
The public and private sectors must work together to stimulate the aggressive investment needed to construct a more powerful grid. This will become a huge public asset. 送電網の広域運用につながる電力改革を進めるとともに、積極的な投資を促す仕組みを官民で考え、公共財としての送電網整備を急がなければならない。
A renewable power generation business can be started with a relatively small amount of capital. 自然エネルギーは比較的少ない資本で取り組める。
This could lead to community-based enterprises in which investors fund wind-power facilities or citizen power plants operated by associations. The system will also spawn new businesses. Renting roofs for solar power generation comes to mind. 基金を設立して風車などを共有したり、組合組織による「市民発電所」を運営したりと、地域単位での工夫も可能だ。「屋根貸し」などのビジネスも生む。
The feed-in tariff system should be used in a way that helps build a new energy future for Japan. 制度をうまく活用し、新しいエネルギー社会を築こう。
July 04, 2012(Mainichi Japan) Japan's energy future must be decided by its people 社説:電力政策の未来 国民の主体的な選択で
The people of Japan must soon choose one option from among three mid- and long-term energy policy scenarios -- including levels of reliance on nuclear power ranging from zero to 25 percent -- announced recently by the government's Energy and Environment Council. The government is expected to adopt one of them by the end of August based on a national debate, and map out an "innovative energy and environment strategy" based on it. 政府のエネルギー・環境会議が、中長期のエネルギー政策に関する三つの選択肢を示した。政府は国民的議論を経て、８月末までに一つに絞り、「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」としてまとめる。
It will be a crucial choice that will determine the future of Japan. It is necessary to hold calm discussions on the issue and draw a conclusion that will convince every member of the public. To that end, it is indispensable for the government to provide accurate information such that the Japanese people can judge each option on its merits, and to hold discussions that will reflect the popular will. 日本の将来を左右する重大な選択だ。冷静な議論を重ね、納得いく結論を得る必要がある。それには、国民の判断の基準になる正確な情報提供や、民意を公正に反映する議論の場が不可欠だ。
Under scenarios 1, 2 and 3, the ratio of atomic power to total power consumption in Japan would be lowered to 0 percent, 15 percent and 20-25 percent, respectively, by 2030. Depending on the degree of Japan's dependence on nuclear power, the council estimated how far greenhouse gas emissions could be reduced, how much electricity charges would need to be raised and how much the country's GDP would be impacted. ３０年時点での電力の原子力発電依存度は０％、１５％、２０?２５％の３通り。原発依存度に応じ、温室効果ガスの削減度合いや電気料金の上げ幅、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）への影響なども試算している。
However, since each estimated figure has a wide range, the scenarios have not clearly shown how much effect a reduction in nuclear power would have on Japan's economy and the livelihoods of consumers, making it difficult for people to choose between the three options. We urge the council to provide more detailed and understandable information by explaining the basis for its calculations, the specific effects of a reduction in nuclear power on various fields, and other clarifications. もっとも、そうした試算値には大きな幅があり、影響の大きさは見えにくい。これでは国民が選択するのも難しい。算定の根拠を詳しく説明したり、さまざまな分野で生じる影響を実感しやすい形で示すなど、より丁寧な情報提供を求めたい。
The government views Scenario 2 as the most realistic option because it calls for a mid-level reduction in atomic power and meshes with government policy to shut down reactors after 40 years of service. However, as the government is supposed to work out its new energy and environment policy based on national debate, it must not lead public opinion into supporting the scenario it favors. 政府は、原発依存度を１５％にする案を有力視している。三つの選択肢の中間に位置し、政府が掲げる原発の「４０年廃炉規定」をベースにしているからだ。しかし、「国民的議論」を前提とするからには、「結論ありき」で、民意を誘導することがあってはならない。
As part of national debate on Japan's future energy and environment policy, the government will hold its first so-called deliberative poll, ask members of the general public to submit their opinions and hold information sessions on the issue across Japan. In deliberative polls, randomly selected members of the public are surveyed on specific issues and invited to participate in debate sessions. Afterwards, they are queried again to see how their opinions have changed. This method, which makes it possible to tap a wide range of views from those who would not usually voice their opinions, is reportedly effective in getting a detailed view of public sentiment. 政府は、パブリックコメントの募集や全国での説明会に加え、今回初めて「討論型世論調査（ＤＰ）」を実施する。選択肢に関する世論調査を行い、回答者から討論会への参加者を募って、討論の前後で意見がどう変わったかを調査する手法だ。積極的に意見を表明しない層の意見をくみ上げられるなど、きめ細かく民意を探るのに適しているという。
In the past, many town meetings on specific policy issues and hearings on nuclear power policy have been criticized as unfair, as their organizers apparently attempted to lead public opinion with staged questions and stacked audiences. The management of the government's deliberative poll on energy and environment policy will be left to the discretion of a third-party panel to be set up shortly. The results of the survey will not win public trust unless the government ensures transparency through appointing appropriate experts to the panel and disclosing in full how the poll will operate. これまで、民意を政策に反映させるためのタウンミーティングや原子力政策を巡る公聴会では、やらせや不公正な運営が、しばしば問題になった。ＤＰの運営は、新たに発足させる第三者委員会に委ねられる。委員の人選に意を尽くし、途中経過も公表するなど公正で透明性の高い運営を確保しなければ、結果への信頼は得られないだろう。
Questions remain as to the three scenarios themselves. Even if Scenario 2, which calls for a reduction in Japan's reliance on atomic power to 15 percent, is adopted, the ratio could be further reduced if some nuclear plants must be decommissioned for safety reasons before they hit 40 years in operation. None of the scenarios posit an energy and environmental vision for beyond 2030. 今回の選択肢そのものにも問題は残る。軸になりそうな原発依存度「１５％」は、立地条件などで耐用年数前に停止すべき原発があれば、引き下げ可能なはずだ。３０年以降の将来像も見通せない。
Regarding how to deal with spent nuclear fuel, scenarios 2 and 3 leave all possible options open, including full recycling. また、使用済み核燃料の処理については、依存度０％の場合を除き、全量再処理を含むあらゆる可能性が残されたままだ。
This is a good opportunity for members of the general public to proactively choose their nation's policy. They should ask the government to clarify what they do not fully understand, and make a feasible choice that will guarantee Japan's energy security and protect the environment on a long-term basis. 国民にとっては、自ら主体になって選択する大切な機会だ。疑問は政府にしっかりとただし、将来に責任を持てる結論につなげたい。
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 3 EDITORIAL: Opportunity is ripe for DPJ to improve its public pledges 民主党分裂―公約を鍛え直す契機に
Veteran political fixer Ichiro Ozawa and 49 loyalists effectively resigned from the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on July 2. 民主党の小沢一郎元代表のグループが離党届を提出した。
They plan to create a new party in an effort to win over voters in the next Lower House election by campaigning on two key issues: opposition to an unpopular increase in the consumption tax rate and a pledge to phase out nuclear power generation. 近く新党を立ち上げ、「反消費増税」「脱原発」を旗印に、次の総選挙を戦うという。
Ozawa demanded that the DPJ withdraw the bills for raising the consumption tax rate. The bills recently passed the Lower House after 129 hours of Diet deliberations. A suprapartisan agreement was reached after days of talks between the DPJ and two opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. Ozawa’s demand was simply unrealistic and unreasonable. 小沢氏は、消費増税関連法案の撤回を要求していた。１２９時間に及ぶ国会審議と、自民、公明両党との修正協議の末、やっと衆院通過にこぎつけた法案である。無理難題というほかはない。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and the ruling party’s leadership should expel these rebels instead of accepting their letters of resignation, thereby making a decisive break with the group. 野田首相と党執行部は離党届を受理するかたちではなく、除名処分を科してきっぱり決別するのが筋である。
There is no doubt that the defections will weaken the Noda administration’s power base in terms of the ruling party’s numerical strength in the Diet. 「数」のうえで野田政権の基盤が弱まるのは間違いない。
But the development is not necessarily a total loss for the DPJ, of which Ozawa was once president. それでも、失うものばかりではない。
The ruling party has been plagued by perennial bickering between the Ozawa group and the anti-Ozawa camp over policies and political approaches. The party has been unable to achieve unity on such key policy issues as upping the consumption tax rate. The DPJ should use its break with the Ozawa group as a first step toward overcoming this obvious weakness. 政策でも政治手法でも、なにかといえば「小沢ＶＳ．反小沢」の対立できしむ。消費増税のような重要政策で結束できない。そんな民主党の「弱さ」を克服する一歩とするのだ。
Then, the DPJ should seek to use the framework for cooperation with the LDP and New Komeito to enact other important legislation during the extended Diet session. The ruling party needs to seek suprapartisan cooperation wherever possible to push through important policies. そのうえで、民自公の３党協力の枠組みを延長国会の懸案処理に活用する。協力すべきは協力し、政治を前に進める。
That’s the only way left for Noda, who has to tackle many policy challenges in the face of a dominant opposition presence in the Upper House. 「ねじれ国会」のもと、首相に残された道はそれしかない。
At the same time, the DPJ should take this opportunity to stage an all-out effort to improve the political viability of its basic policy proposals. The party’s election manifesto for the 2009 Lower House election, developed under Ozawa’s leadership, was full of hollow promises that were not backed by a realistic financing plan. The party cannot afford to keep hewing to this bankrupt platform. 同時に、党をあげて基本政策を鍛え直す契機とすべきだ。小沢氏主導でまとめた０９年総選挙のマニフェストは財源の裏づけのない「果たせない公約」だった。これを、このまま掲げ続けるわけにはいかない。
On the other hand, Ozawa has pledged to return to the policy agenda that helped the DPJ come to power through the regime change in 2009. He would claim that his new party can deliver on the promise to raise 16.8 trillion yen (about $210 billion) to finance various policy proposals without raising the consumption tax. 一方、小沢氏は「政権交代の原点に立ち返る」ことを訴えている。消費増税なしに１６．８兆円の新規財源を生み出すという公約を、自分たちなら実行できる、と言いたいのだろう。
But Ozawa was responsible for implementing the DPJ’s policy pledges during nine months that the administration headed by Yukio Hatoyama was in office. At the time, Ozawa served as the ruling party’s secretary-general. だが、鳩山政権の９カ月、小沢氏は幹事長として公約を実行すべき立場にあった。
Yet, we have hardly ever heard Ozawa propound specific proposals for the type of spending cuts that would be needed to produce such a large amount of money. なのに、どこにどれだけの財源を生むムダがあるのか、小沢氏の口から具体的な提案をほとんど聞いたことがない。
In a recent Asahi Shimbun poll, only 15 percent of respondents voiced expectations for Ozawa’s new party, while 78 percent said they had no expectations. 朝日新聞の世論調査では、小沢氏らの新党について「期待する」という人は１５％にとどまった。それに対し「期待しない」という人は７８％に達した。
The poll findings apparently show that the nation’s voting public has become leery of the politician, who has again thrown politics into confusion by brandishing unrealistic policy proposals. 実行不能の公約を振りかざし、またぞろ政治をかき回す。そんな小沢氏に対する、民意の疑念が読み取れないか。
If the tax bills pass the Diet during the extended session, Noda will come under renewed pressure to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election to seek a fresh public mandate to govern the nation. 延長国会で関連法案が成立すれば、首相はいずれ衆院の解散・総選挙で国民に信を問うことが迫られよう。
The fragmented DPJ needs to focus on prompt suprapartisan cooperation to push through key policy challenges. 与野党を超えて懸案処理で協力しつつ、社会保障や原発をはじめ基本政策の方向性と、たしかな財源の裏付けがある現実的な公約づくりで競い合う。
On the other hand, the parties should vie for voter support by making clear their positions on such basic issues as social security and nuclear power generation and developing realistic platforms backed by solid financing plans. 民主党の分裂を機に、各党はそうした作業を急ぐべきだ。
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 1 EDITORIAL: More stringent labels on fish products needed 福島の漁再開―一歩ずつ、元の姿に
Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture recently went back to their livelihoods for the first time since the nuclear disaster last year. For the past 15 months, they had voluntary suspended their operations. Their catches were sold at retail stores within the prefecture on a trial basis. 原発事故で自粛が続いていた福島県沖の漁が１年３カ月ぶりに再開され、県内の小売店で試験的に売られ始めた。
We sincerely hope they get back on their feet soon. Putting their offerings through thorough radiation tests will be a sure way to win back customers still leery of sea produce following the reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima No.1 nuclear power plant. 検査を徹底し、消費者の理解を得つつ、事故前の生活を取り戻していってほしい。
Two kinds of octopus, as well as shellfish, were selected for the initial shipments. No detectable amounts of radioactive cesium were found in these species in regular testing done after the disaster. 販売されたのは、事故後の定期的な検査で放射性セシウムが不検出となっているタコと貝の３種類。
After being tested for radiation beforehand, the octopus and shellfish were boiled and put on sale. Sales were fairly brisk. 出荷時の検査を経て、ゆでた商品が並び、売れ行きはまずまずという。
Fishermen in Fukushima Prefecture plan to start test sales outside the prefecture to gauge overall consumer reaction. 消費者の反応を見ながら、県外でも販売を試みる計画だ。
Fishermen who are still idle are receiving compensation from Tokyo Electric Power Co., the operator of the crippled nuclear power plant. 漁を自粛している漁業者には東京電力から賠償金が支払われている。
Stable livelihoods are vital for rebuilding the ravaged local communities. とはいえ、地域社会を再興していくには、安定した生業が欠かせない。
The government’s new food safety standards on radioactive cesium levels, introduced in April, set the limit at 100 becquerels per kilogram for common food items. The new ceiling is five times stricter than the previous, provisional limit. 食品の放射能汚染では「１キロあたり１００ベクレル以下」という基準がある。今春から、以前の暫定基準より５倍厳しくなった。
However, the prefectural fishing cooperative has adopted its own limit of 50 becquerels. 県漁連は「５０ベクレル以下」の独自基準を設けている。
Naturally, people have different levels of anxiety about radioactive contamination. There are many who feel they may still be at risk if they eat food containing radioactive materials even if the levels of contamination are below the safety limit. ただ、放射能汚染への不安感には個人差があり、基準を満たしていても安心できないという人が少なくない。
Only small samples from large catches of seafood can be tested for radiation. Unlike agricultural or livestock products, marine produce generally cannot be strictly linked to specific areas since fish swim far and wide. 一度に大量に水揚げする魚介類はサンプリング検査にならざるをえない。農産物や畜産類と違って広い海を泳ぎ回る問題もある。
To reassure consumers about the safety of seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture, local fishermen need to adhere to some simple common-sense steps. They must make sure that careful radiation tests are carried out before shipment and fully disclose information about both the test methods and results. 出荷時の検査をきめ細かく行い、検査の方法と結果を合わせて公表する。
It is also crucial to sell seafood that has been found to contain no detectable levels of radioactivity or marine produce meeting the safety standards. 不検出の魚種をはじめ、基準を満たす魚だけを出荷する。この基本作業を続けていくしかない。
As for shipments out of the prefecture, wholesalers may be unwilling to buy seafood caught off Fukushima Prefecture because of concerns about sales. 県外への出荷では、卸業者が売れ行きを心配して買い付けを控えることも予想される。
Direct sales to consumers should also be considered as many people are keen to support disaster-hit areas by buying food products from the areas, so long as they know they are safe. 消費者に直売するルートも検討してはどうか。「安全なら、買って被災地を助けたい」と考える人は多いはずだ。
In Pacific waters off Fukushima Prefecture and in Tokyo Bay, TEPCO and the central and local governments are doing radiation tests on samples of seawater, mud from the seabed, fish and living things they eat. 福島県沖などの太平洋と東京湾では、東電や国、自治体が海水と海底の土、魚やそのえさとなる生物の検査を続けている。
Amounts of radioactive cesium have fallen significantly or to undetectable levels in many kinds of fish that swim near the surface or in the middle depths of the sea. This includes most migratory species of fish, along with squid and octopus, according to the Fisheries Agency. 水産庁の分析では、海面近くや海中の中層を泳ぐ魚の多くと回遊性の魚、イカやタコ類などではセシウムが減っていたり、不検出になったりしている。
In contrast, fish that live near the seabed are often found to contain levels of radiation above the safety threshold. This seems to be explained by the fact that cesium tends to be absorbed in mud on the sea floor. 一方、海底近くにいる底魚類では基準を超える例が目立つ。セシウムが海底の泥に吸着するためとみられる。
Radiation tests of samples of seawater and seabed mud should be carried out more frequently and at more locations for further analysis. 海水や海底土の検査も地点と回数を増やし、分析を深めてもらいたい。
Place-of-origin labels of fish usually show the prefectures where the landing ports are located. But this can be a disadvantage because it does not make clear where the fish was actually caught. 魚の産地表示では水揚げ港の都道府県を示すことが多いが、どこでとったのかわからないのが難点だ。
A growing number of labels on seafood products caught in Pacific waters off eastern Japan, including Fukushima Prefecture, show the name of the prefecture or one of the seven sea areas into which the region has been divided. This new labeling system is being promoted by the Fisheries Agency. 福島県沖を含む東日本太平洋の水産物では、水産庁の指導で、「○○県沖」や、七つに分けた海域での表示が広がりつつある。
Further efforts should be made to provide consumers with more accurate and detailed information about seafood products from the region. 消費者への丁寧な情報提供に、さらに工夫してほしい。
--The Asahi Shimbun, June 29 EDITORIAL: Freedom of expression must be protected 慰安婦写真展―表現できる社会を守る
On the question of Nikon Corp.’s decision to cancel a photo exhibition featuring “comfort women” who were forced to provide sex to Japanese soldiers before and during World War II, the Tokyo District Court issued an injunction requiring the company to provide the venue in line with the contract with a photographer. 元従軍慰安婦をテーマにした写真展を、ニコンが一方的に中止すると決めた問題で、東京地裁は「ニコンは契約に基づき、会場を貸さなければならない」という仮処分決定を出した。
Although Nikon filed an appeal, the photo exhibition opened on June 26 as scheduled. 同社は異議を申し立てたが、写真展は予定どおり始まった。
We find Nikon’s actions all the more regrettable because the company has a strong social impact. 社会的影響力のある企業だけに残念でならない。
Could it be that Nikon lost its cool in the face of loud protests against the event and missed something important? 大きな声にあわてて、大切なものを見失ってしまったのか。
During court proceedings, Nikon argued that it could not provide the venue, whose purpose is to advance photographic culture, for an event that has political implications. 裁判でニコン側は「写真文化の向上を目的とする会場を、政治性のある催しに貸せない」と主張した。
In response, the court stated that depending on themes, photographic culture may not be completely free from politics. The court concluded that the exhibition in question does not run counter to the “purpose” advocated by Nikon. これに対し地裁は、扱うテーマによっては一定の政治性を帯びるのが写真文化だと述べ、今回の企画はニコンが唱える「目的」に反するものとはいえないと結論づけた。
The ruling showed the court’s clear-cut stance to protect freedom of expression. 表現活動を理解し、その自由を守る姿勢をはっきり示した判断といえる。
Comments blasting the comfort women exhibition as “treason” swirled around the Internet after the announcement of the planned event. Nikon has received complaints, as well. The development apparently led to its decision to call off the show despite its earlier approval. 今回の写真展をめぐっては、ネット上に「売国行為」といった批判が飛びかい、ニコンにも抗議が寄せられたという。こうした動きが中止の判断につながったのは想像に難くない。
It is understandable that a business wants to avert trouble. もめごとを避けたい気持ちはわかる。
But abruptly depriving a photographer of a venue to exhibit his works is too rash. だが、いきなり公表の場を奪うのは乱暴にすぎる。
Nikon lenses have captured various controversies around the world, including war and pollution, and recorded many images of joy and grief. ニコンのレンズは戦争や公害など世界の矛盾を切り取り、多くの喜びと悲しみを記録してきた。
The company has also been highly commended for making social contributions, including its program to support photographers. 写真家への支援などの社会貢献でも高い評価を得ている。
It is a pity that its reputation has been damaged by an issue concerning none other than freedom of expression. そんなイメージを、ほかでもない表現の自由をめぐる問題で傷つけてしまうとは。
If threats are expected, the company should seek police cooperation to ensure safety. 混乱が心配されるのなら、警察に協力を求めて万全を期す。
Still, in light of objective facts, if a serious situation is likely, only then should the company consider cancelling the show. それでも、客観的な事実に照らして、重大な事態が具体的に予測されるときに初めて中止などを検討する――。
Nikon should have taken appropriate measures based on past court rulings over similar cases. 今回と似たようなケースをめぐって裁判所が重ねてきた判断を踏まえ、適切な対応をとるべきだった。
Thanks to the security of freedom of expression and speech, including the exhibition of photos, people can freely exchange ideas, gain support and have an opportunity to realize their own mistakes. 写真の発表をふくむ表現・言論の自由が保障されているからこそ、人々は考えを互いに交換し、賛同者を増やしたり、逆に自分の誤りに気づくきっかけを得たりする。
It is upon such ground that democracy is built. その土壌のうえに民主主義は成立する。
However, attacks against people with different ideas have become increasingly common, including those on the Internet. ところが最近は、ネット空間の言論をはじめとして、異なる考えを認めず、過激な批判を浴びせ、萎縮させる動きがさかんだ。
We also recognize the emerging trend among people to think it is safer not to put up resistance but to swim with the tide. 抗せず、なびいた方が無難という風潮も見え隠れする。
Which way is such an oppressive society headed? We need to remember the lessons of history. そうして息苦しくなった世の中はどこへゆくのか。歴史の教訓に思いをいたすべきだ。
An intolerant society is fragile and weak. ひと色に塗りこめられた社会は、もろく弱い。
What should each of us do to prevent Japan from becoming such a country? この国をそうさせないために、一人ひとりがそれぞれの現場で何をなすべきか。
We must always think and use our wisdom. 常に考え、知恵を働かさねばならない。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 1, 2012) DPJ should firmly refuse Ozawa's unreasonable demand 小沢・輿石会談 無茶な要求には付き合えない（6月30日付・読売社説）
Former Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa has made an unreasonable demand connected to his threats to bolt from the party. This tactic is fitting for the man dubbed the "destroyer," but we urge the DPJ leadership to flatly refuse his demand. 「離党カード」をちらつかせ、理不尽な要求を突きつける――。まさに「壊し屋」らしい手法だが、民主党執行部は断固拒否すべきだ。
Ozawa held talks with DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi three times and said that he intends to leave the party with a group of lawmakers who support him if bills related to comprehensive reform of the social security and taxation systems are voted on and passed at the House of Councillors. 民主党の小沢一郎元代表が輿石幹事長と３回にわたり会談し、社会保障・税一体改革関連法案を参院で採決、成立させるなら、自らのグループを率いて集団離党する考えを伝えた。
Koshiishi urged Ozawa to reconsider, and negotiations between them are continuing. Ozawa expressed his intention to make a final decision on whether to leave the DPJ as early as the beginning of next week. 輿石氏は、翻意を求め、調整が続いている。小沢氏は週明けには結論を出したい意向という。
Ozawa's demand is very unreasonable and impossible for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to accept, as he has staked his own political career on passage of the bills. 小沢氏の要求は、法案成立に政治生命を懸ける野田首相が到底容認できない、無茶なものだ。
However, it is a problem that Koshiishi is considering making some concessions to avoid a split in the DPJ. 問題なのは、輿石氏が、党分裂を回避しようと、何らかの妥協を検討していることである。
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Tail wagging the dog
The bills were revised based on an agreement reached among the ruling DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. The agreement has significant meaning since it was compiled based on mutual concessions among the three parties. 関連法案は、民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づき、修正された。３党合意は、各党が譲り合ってまとめたもので、極めて重い。
However, Ozawa and a few dozen DPJ lawmakers cast ballots against the bills in the House of Representatives. Since that meant a rebellion against the three-way agreement, the LDP and Komeito have responded strongly against their action. 小沢氏らが法案の衆院採決で反対したことは、３党合意への造反を意味し、自民、公明両党は強く反発している。
Nonetheless, if the DPJ leadership makes concessions to win Ozawa over, it will be the tail wagging the dog. それなのに、小沢氏を懐柔するために、民主党執行部が妥協するのは本末転倒だ。
The rebellion by Ozawa and others is the inevitable price the DPJ leadership must pay for closing its eyes and trying to cover up serious intraparty conflict over policy issues in the name of maintaining harmony within the DPJ. The chasm in the DPJ is already beyond repair. 小沢氏らの造反は、党執行部が「党内融和」の名の下、深刻な路線対立に目をつぶり、糊塗(こと)してきたツケにほかならない。党内の亀裂は、もはや修復不能である。
What Koshiishi should do is hand down a tough punishment for Ozawa. 輿石氏が今すべきは、小沢氏に厳しい処分を下すことだ。
First, Ozawa's claim lacks legitimacy, even though he sticks fast to the DPJ's election pledges and insists that the party must carry out its promises to voters. そもそも民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）に固執し、「国民との約束を実行する」との小沢氏の主張には、正当性がない。
Nearly two years and 10 months have passed since the DPJ took power. The party's manifesto said it would be possible to generate a total of 16.8 trillion yen annually by squeezing the state budget, but that has already fallen by the wayside. Ozawa was DPJ secretary general for more than eight months, but there is no evidence that he tried to make the election pledges a reality at that time. 政権交代後、２年１０か月近くになる。年間１６・８兆円の財源捻出が可能としたマニフェストは完全に破綻している。小沢氏自身、幹事長を８か月以上務めながら、公約実現に動いた形跡はない。
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Ozawa implausible
Ozawa is now arguing that other things should be done before raising the consumption tax rate or that the DPJ should return to the starting point at which the party took power from the LDP. But nobody can trust Ozawa unless he clearly shows concrete measures for administrative reform and economic revival. 今になって、「増税の前にやるべきことがある」「民主党は政権交代の原点に戻れ」などと唱えても、説得力のある行政改革や景気改善の具体策を明示しなければ、信用できるはずがない。
Ozawa joined the DPJ after forming and dissolving the Japan Renewal Party (Shinseito), the New Frontier Party (Shinshinto) and the Liberal Party since his exit from the LDP 19 years ago. 小沢氏は１９年前に自民党を離党して以来、新生、新進、自由の各党の結成・解散を繰り返した後、民主党に合流した。
He is attached to a high-handed and self-righteous political style, which prioritizes political gamesmanship over policy measures, and also to money politics. 政策より政局を重視する、強引で独善的な政治手法や、金権体質を今も引きずっている。
"First of all, I myself must change," Ozawa declared in April 2006 when he assumed the post of DPJ president. ２００６年４月、小沢氏は民主党代表に就任する際、「まず私自身が変わらなければならない」と大見えを切った。
However, his moves toward departure from the party show that Ozawa's political style has not changed at all. だが、今回の離党に向けた動きは、小沢流の政治が何ら変わっていないことを裏付けている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 30, 2012) （2012年6月30日01時16分 読売新聞）
