The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 30, 2012) Kono's 'comfort women' statement must be reviewed 河野談話 「負の遺産」の見直しは当然だ（8月29日付・読売社説）
South Korean President Lee Myung Bak's recent visit to the Takeshima islands has reignited the so-called comfort women issue. 韓国の李明博大統領の竹島訪問に関連し、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題が再燃している。
It is undeniable that a 1993 statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono is the root cause of the controversy. The government should review this statement, prepare a new concept concerning the issue and convey it to the public and the international community. その根底には、慰安婦問題に関する１９９３年の河野官房長官談話があることは否定できない。政府は、これを見直し、新たな見解を内外に表明すべきである。
At a House of Councillors Budget Committee meeting, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said his administration would adhere to the Kono statement. However, Noda added that the government "was not able to confirm the forcible recruitment [of comfort women] from documents, so the [Kono] statement was based on interviews with comfort women." 野田首相は参院予算委員会で、河野談話を踏襲するとしながらも「強制連行の事実を文書で確認できず、慰安婦への聞き取りから談話ができた」と説明した。
Jin Matsubara, chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, proposed that ministers should debate the comfort women issue from the standpoint of reviewing the Kono statement. 松原国家公安委員長は談話を見直す観点から閣僚間の議論を提起した。
The 1993 statement said: "The recruitment of the comfort women was conducted mainly by private recruiters who acted in response to a request from the military. 河野談話は、慰安婦の募集について「軍の要請を受けた業者が主として当たった」とした上で、
"In many cases they were recruited against their own will, through coaxing, coercion, and so on, and that, at times, administrative and military personnel directly took part in the recruitments." 「本人たちの意思に反して集められた事例が数多くあり、更に、官憲等が直接これに加担したこともあった」と記した。
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No verification
However, the government could find no documents proving the military or other government authorities forcibly recruited comfort women. The Kono statement was based solely on the statements of former comfort women and there were no investigations to verify their remarks. しかし、軍や官憲が慰安婦を強制的に連行したことを示す資料は発見できなかった。元慰安婦の証言のみが根拠とされ、これを裏付ける調査も行われていない。
At the time, several South Korean women identified themselves as former comfort women and demanded an apology from the Japanese government. We assume the government took into account Japan's diplomatic relations with South Korea when it issued the Kono statement. 当時、韓国の元慰安婦らが名乗り出て日本政府に謝罪などを求めていた。談話の背景には、外交的配慮もあったのだろう。
However, as a result of the statement, the international community came to believe things that were not true, such as the Imperial Japanese Army systematically and forcibly recruiting women to make them "sex slaves." 結果として、旧日本軍が女性を組織的に強制連行して「性奴隷」にしたといった誤解が、世界に定着した。
The U.S. House of Representatives and the European Parliament adopted resolutions condemning Japan on the comfort women issue, and called on the Japanese government to apologize. 米下院や欧州議会などは慰安婦問題で日本政府の謝罪を求める対日批判決議を採択した。
Up to now, however, no evidence proving the forcible recruitment of comfort women has been found. だが、その後も、旧日本軍による慰安婦の強制連行を証明する資料は見つかっていない。
When the U.S. House of Representatives was discussing the comfort women issue in March 2007, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Shinzo Abe approved a written reply to a question posed by a Diet member on the issue. The reply said "descriptions directly indicating forcible recruitments by the military and other government authorities had not been found in documents" unearthed by the government. 米下院で慰安婦問題が取り上げられていた２００７年３月、安倍内閣は「資料には軍や官憲によるいわゆる強制連行を直接示すような記述も見当たらなかった」とする政府答弁書を閣議決定した。
The response clarified the government's stance that documents supporting the Kono statement did not exist, although at the same time it adhered to the statement. 河野談話を継承しつつ、その根拠となる資料は存在しないという立場を明確にしたものだ。
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'Negative legacy' of LDP
However, if the situation is left unchanged, it will be difficult to dispel the international community's misunderstandings on the comfort women issue. だが、このままでは国際社会の誤解を払拭することは難しい。
It was reasonable for Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto to call on the government to review the contents of the Kono statement after saying the statement--which was not authorized by the Cabinet--and the 2007 written reply contradict each other. He also said the statement was the "main cause" of Japan-South Korea friction. 大阪市の橋下徹市長が、閣議決定もされていない河野談話と０７年の閣議決定は矛盾しており、河野談話の内容を見直すべきだと述べたのは、もっともである。橋下氏は河野談話を日韓の紛争の「最大の元凶」とも批判している。
The government must take measures to prevent misunderstandings on the comfort women issue from spreading further. 政府は、誤解の拡散を招かぬよう手立てを講じる必要がある。
As there is no conclusive evidence that the Imperial Japanese Army forcibly recruited comfort women, the Noda Cabinet should review the Kono statement--a "negative legacy" of Liberal Democratic Party administrations--and explain the government's stance on the issue to the public and the world in a manner easy to understand. 野田内閣は、旧日本軍による慰安婦強制連行の確証がないことを踏まえ、河野談話という自民党政権時代の「負の遺産」を見直し、日本政府の立場を内外に分かりやすく説明しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 29, 2012) （2012年8月29日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 29, 2012) Failure to address election system reform deplorable 与野党の対立 衆院選改革の放置にあきれる（8月28日付・読売社説）
The current ordinary Diet session closes in less than two weeks and many legislative issues are still pending. Both the ruling and opposition camps must work tirelessly to reach accords on them until the last minute. 通常国会は会期末まで２週間足らずとなった。なお、数多くの懸案が残っている。与野党は、最後まで合意への努力を続けるべきだ。
The biggest concern is that the Diet has yet to realize the House of Representatives' electoral system reform, although the Supreme Court has ruled the current disparity in the weight of votes between the most- and least- represented constituencies is "in a state of unconstitutionality." 最大の懸念は、「違憲状態」と司法が判断した衆院選挙制度の改革が実現しないことである。
The Democratic Party of Japan voted on a DPJ-sponsored election system reform bill in a special lower house committee on Monday in the absence of opposition parties. The DPJ is poised to pass the bill in a plenary session of the lower house on Tuesday. 民主党は、衆院特別委員会で自らが提出した法案を全野党欠席のまま単独で採決し、可決した。２８日に衆院を通過させる構えだ。
The opposition bloc, as a matter of course, has opposed the DPJ's actions. 無論、野党は反発している。
Given that the DPJ will be unable to obtain approval from the opposition that controls the House of Councillors, it is certain the bill will be scrapped when it fails in the upper house. This will leave the state of unconstitutionality unresolved. 参院で多数を占める野党の協力を見込めず、法案の廃案は確実だ。違憲状態を放置するに等しい。
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DPJ out to put off election
Having the bill hastily approved by the committee is presumably motivated by a desire to shift the blame for failing to achieve electoral reform to the opposition. それでも民主党が突っ走ったのは、改革が実現しない責任を野党に押しつけたいからだろう。
DPJ Acting Secretary General Shinji Tarutoko has lambasted the opposition parties for "taking a stand even against rectifying the gap in the weight of votes." 実際、樽床伸二幹事長代行は、審議を拒否した野党を「『１票の格差』是正さえやりたくない態度だ」と批判している。
The DPJ, however, has persistently spurned the idea of cutting five single-seat electoral districts before other election system issues. This is the only option the DPJ and the major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, agreed to on the election reform issue. The DPJ should be held responsible for stalling this reform. だが、民主党は、民自公３党が唯一折り合える格差是正の小選挙区「０増５減」の先行実施を拒み、制度改革を停滞させてきた。
In light of the irresponsibility of the DPJ, the party is not qualified to criticize the opposition. The DPJ has employed the tactic of delaying the legislation in a bid to postpone the lower house dissolution and a general election. 無責任な民主党に野党を批判する資格はない。結局、衆院解散・総選挙の先送り戦術ではないのか。
The DPJ-sponsored bill entails not only a five single-seat constituency cut, but also the reduction of 40 proportional representation seats. It also includes the partial adoption of a seat allocation formula in proportional representation contests favorable to small and midsize parties, which Komeito has demanded. そもそも民主党の法案は、「０増５減」や比例選定数の４０削減、公明党が主張した比例代表連用制の部分導入を盛り込んでいる。
Electoral system reform based on such a hodgepodge of arguments backed by different parties is unintelligible to the public. Introduction of a seat allocation formula designed to give disproportionately preferential treatment to small and midsize parties may be a constitutional violation, according to some analysts. 各党の言い分をつなぎ合わせた制度は、極めて分かりにくい。中小政党を過剰に優遇する連用制には憲法上の疑義も指摘される。
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Opposition equally at fault
The LDP is set to submit a censure motion in the upper house against Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda as early as Wednesday. 一方、自民党は２９日にも、野田首相問責決議案を参院に提出する方針だ。
The censure motion will likely pass the upper house by an opposition majority. If the opposition boycotts all Diet deliberations after that, the current session could end with many issues unaddressed. 決議案は野党の賛成多数で可決される見通しで、野党がその後、審議を一切拒否すれば、国会は多くの案件を積み残したまま事実上閉幕することになる。
Citing reasons to censure the prime minister, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki claims Noda's ability to tackle the problems facing the country "has reached its limit." 自民党の谷垣総裁は首相問責の理由として「日本の課題に対応する能力が限界に来ている」と言う。
However, the opposition is just as responsible for the turmoil in the nation's politics. ただ、国政の混迷を招いた責任については野党も同罪だろう。
A case in point is a government plan for a bill to issue deficit-covering government bonds. 例えば、赤字国債発行を可能とする特例公債法案だ。
Should the bill fail to pass, it would become impossible, at some point, to implement the state budget. The opposition parties have continued to assert they will not cooperate unless the DPJ commits to an exact date for the dissolution of the lower house. 成立しないと、いずれ予算執行は不可能となる。野党は衆院解散と引き換えでなければ協力しないという。
Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada has said, "There is a possibility of a power change [in the next general election] and the opposition should stop these maneuvers." 岡田副総理は、「与野党が代わることもある。こんなやり方はいいかげんにやめた方がいい」と指摘した。
While Okada is right, the DPJ should remember that, when it sat in opposition, it also used budget-related bills, including one to issue deficit-covering bonds, as bargaining chips. その通りだが、民主党こそ野党時代に特例公債法案など予算関連法案を駆け引きの材料としたことを忘れてはならない。
If the censure motion is passed by the LDP, Komeito and other opposition parties, the relationship of trust between the DPJ and the two major opposition parties would almost certainly collapse. 自公両党などによって問責決議案が可決されれば、これまで構築してきた民自公路線は崩壊する。
A censure motion, which has no binding power, must never be exploited in a power struggle. 法的効力のない問責決議を政争に使うべきではない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2012) （2012年8月28日01時45分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 28, 2012) Japan needs to gain voice in Arctic Ocean development 北極海開発 日本の発言権をどう確保する（8月27日付・読売社説）
Countries such as Russia and Canada are maneuvering more actively to stake out advantageous positions in using the Arctic Ocean for shipping routes and in developing natural resources there. Japan also should become actively engaged in drafting rules on developing the Arctic Ocean. 北極海の航路利用や資源開発を巡って、ロシアやカナダなどの駆け引きが活発化している。日本も、北極海のルール作りに積極的に関与していくことが必要だ。
Though long covered with thick ice, the Arctic Ocean recently has attracted attention as its ice is rapidly melting due to global warming. 厚い氷に閉ざされていた北極海は、地球温暖化に伴う海氷の融解で注目を集めるようになった。
The ocean's shipping routes, possible only in summer, have elicited interest as they are the shortest way to link Asian countries--the world's growth center--and Europe. Not only oil and natural gas but also gold, copper, nickel and other minerals are believed to be in abundance below the Arctic seabed. 夏場に利用が可能となる北極海航路は、世界の成長センターのアジアと欧州をつなぐ最短輸送路として期待される。さらに北極海の海底には、石油・天然ガスのほか、金や銅、ニッケルなどの鉱物も豊富に眠っているとされる。
The Antarctic Treaty has frozen territorial claims in the Antarctic continent and surrounding seas and prohibits military use of the area, but there is no such treaty for the Arctic Ocean. 北極海には各国の領有権主張の凍結と軍事利用禁止を定めた南極条約のような取り決めがない。
Due to the lack of an international treaty, eight countries--the United States, Russia and other coastal nations--and indigenous minorities make up the Arctic Council, a forum to discuss rules on use of the Arctic Ocean. このため、米露など沿岸諸国を中心とする８か国と少数先住民団体で構成する協議機関「北極評議会」が、北極海の利用に関するルールを話し合う場になる。
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Blatant moves by China
Meanwhile, China's moves are a cause of concern. Like Japan, China does not border the Arctic Ocean. Nonetheless, China considers shipping routes and natural resources there among its maritime interests and is trying to increase its influence over the ocean as a national strategy. 目が離せないのは、中国の動きだ。日本と同様に非沿岸国でありながら、北極海の航路や資源などの利用を自国の「海洋権益」と位置づけ、国家戦略として影響力拡大を図っているからだ。
China's large icebreaker Xuelong has been on a research voyage in the ocean since early July. It took a shipping route north of Russia and in mid-August became the first Chinese ship to traverse the Arctic Ocean. 今年は７月初めから、大型の砕氷船「雪竜号」で調査航海に出航し、８月中旬には、中国として初めて、ロシア北側の北極海航路の横断に成功した。
Beijing is also actively undertaking summit diplomacy with member nations of the council. Chinese Premier Wen Jiabao visited Sweden, which currently chairs the council, and Iceland in April, while President Hu Jintao visited Denmark in June. They were able to reach agreements with leaders of those countries to enhance bilateral relations. 評議会加盟国に対する首脳外交も活発だ。温家宝首相が４月に、現議長国スウェーデンとアイスランドを歴訪した。胡錦濤国家主席も６月にデンマークを訪れ、それぞれ関係強化で一致した。
However, the efforts by China, which has a massive military force, to promote its maritime interests in the ocean are so blatant that other countries have become vigilant. 強大な軍事力をもつ中国の露骨な権益獲得の動きは、関係国に警戒感を抱かせるのに十分だ。
Utilization of the Arctic Ocean also is essential for the growth of the Japanese economy. Nonetheless, it is apparent Japan has started out late in the game. 北極海の利用は日本経済の発展にとっても欠かせない。にもかかわらず、日本の出遅れが目立っているのはどういうことか。
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Join Arctic Council
Three years ago, the Japanese government applied to the Arctic Council to obtain observer status. China and South Korea completed such applications ahead of this country. 日本政府は３年前、北極評議会にオブザーバー参加することを申請した。中国や韓国は日本に先駆けて申請済みだ。
How much a country contributes to the council's activities is said to determine approval as an observer. We think the government first should join the council as an observer and then enhance its information gathering activities to secure a voice there. The nation must accelerate its preparations to deal with issues concerning the Arctic Ocean. 評議会の活動への貢献度がオブザーバー承認のカギを握っているとされる。政府はまず、オブザーバー加盟を果たして情報収集を強化し、発言権の確保に力を入れるべきだ。北極海に取り組む態勢整備を急がねばならない。
The government also must promote summit diplomacy to strengthen Japan's relations with Russia and northern European countries. Japan also needs to undertake full-fledged research activities in the ocean. 首脳外交の推進によるロシアや北欧諸国との関係強化も重要だ。北極海の調査活動に本格的に乗り出す必要がある。
It is unavoidable that the Chinese and Russian navies will become more active in seas north of Japan. The government will need to discuss with the United States how to build up Japan's defenses against them. 日本の北方で中露海軍の活動が活発化するのは必至だ。防衛態勢をどう構築するか、米国との調整も今後の検討課題となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 27, 2012) （2012年8月27日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 27, 2012) Don't take results of nuclear power surveys too seriously エネルギー選択 「意識調査」はあくまで参考に（8月26日付・読売社説）
It is problematic to decide the nation's energy strategy, which affects the fate of Japan, through an approach that resembles a popularity contest. 国の命運を左右するエネルギー戦略を、人気投票のような手法で決めるのは問題である。
Since the outbreak of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, a considerable number of people are demanding the nation break away from its dependence on nuclear energy. 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、「脱原発」を求める声は少なくない。
Securing the safety of nuclear power plants is of course important. However, factors such as economic efficiency and a stable energy supply are also important in deciding the nation's energy policy. As a country poor in natural resources, Japan needs to have various sources of electricity, including nuclear power plants, to ensure a stable power supply. だが、エネルギー政策では、原発の安全性に加えて、経済性や安定供給なども重要だ。資源小国の日本が電力を安定確保するには、原発を含む多様な電源が要る。
Thus the government should promote a realistic energy policy of utilizing nuclear power plants from a mid- and long-term standpoint. 政府は、原発を中長期的に活用するという現実的なエネルギー政策を推進すべきである。
The government recently released the results of multiple surveys that asked the public to choose from three scenarios on the percentage of nuclear power generation in 2030: zero percent of all power generation, 15 percent, and 20 percent to 25 percent. ２０３０年の電源に占める原子力発電の比率を「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」とする三つの選択肢について、政府が行った複数の意識調査の結果がまとまった。
The government conducted 11 public hearings, solicited public comments and held a deliberative opinion poll. In all three methods, those who chose the zero percent scenario outnumbered those who selected the other two. １１回の「意見聴取会」と「パブリックコメント（意見公募）」、新たな手法の「討論型世論調査」は、いずれの調査も「原発０％」の支持が最多だった。
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Avoid slipping into populism
However, it is too early to conclude that the results truly reflect public opinion on the nation's nuclear energy policy. ただし、この結果をもって原発政策に関する“世論”が示されたと考えるのは早計だろう。
Many people who participate in public hearings and submit comments are eager to express their opinions on the nuclear power plant issue. They tend to prefer a nuclear-free future. 意見聴取会やパブリックコメントの参加者は、原発問題で積極的に意見を言いたい人が多いため、脱原発に偏る傾向がある。
A random telephone survey was conducted in the first stage of the deliberative opinion poll, and respondents were asked if they wished to participate in the following discussion stage. Only about 300 people participated in the second stage. 討論型世論調査も、最初の電話調査は無作為抽出だが、その後の討論会は希望者参加で、人数も約３００人と少なかった。
It is important for politicians to listen to the voices of the people. However, there is a risk that politicians may slip into populism, depending on how much they rely on public opinion. 政治が国民の意見を聴くのは大切だが、受け止め方によっては、場当たり的な大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）に陥る恐れがある。
A member of an expert panel tasked with analyzing the results of the surveys said, "We don't need politics if opinion polls decide everything." 調査結果を分析する政府の有識者会議では、「世論調査だけで物事が決まるなら、政治は不要だ」といった意見も出た。
The results of the surveys should be used as one element in discussing the nation's nuclear policy. The government should avoid having the results directly influence its energy policy. これらの調査結果はあくまで参考にとどめ、政策へのダイレクトな反映は避けるべきだろう。
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Risks of zero percent scenario
Meanwhile, the surveys also highlighted a problem the government has to tackle. In the deliberative opinion poll, 41 percent of respondents supported the zero percent scenario before the discussion, but the figure increased to 47 percent after the discussion. 一方、政府にとっての課題も判明した。討論型世論調査で「原発０％」の支持は、討論前の４１％から討論後は４７％に上昇した。
At the same time, the percentage of people who gave top priority to "securing safety" in the nation's energy policy increased after the discussion to about 80 percent. This change seems to be the reason why the number of people who chose the zero percent scenario increased. エネルギー政策で、「安全の確保」を最重視する人が、討論前より増え、最終的に８割に達したことが影響したようだ。
However, everyone is highly concerned about the safety of the energy supply. We assume that was the reason only a low percentage of respondents chose "stable energy supply" and "prevention of global warming." ただ、誰しも「安全」への関心が高いため、「安定供給」や「地球温暖化防止」を選ぶ比率が低くなったのではないか。
If all nuclear power plants were abolished in the nation, it would slow down the economy, resulting in higher unemployment and poverty. Ordinary citizens would be hit hardest, but strangely, understanding of this fact has yet to spread among the public. 原発ゼロでは、日本経済が失速し、失業増や貧困拡大を招く。最大の被害者は国民だが、なぜかこうした認識は浸透していない。
Along with beefing up its efforts to enhance the safety of nuclear power plants, the government must provide information to citizens that helps them choose appropriate scenarios for the nation's future energy policy. 政府は原発の安全性向上に一層努めるとともに、的確なエネルギー選択に資する情報を、国民に提供することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 26, 2012) （2012年8月26日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 26, 2012) Govt must stress sovereignty over isles to intl community 首相「領土」会見 国際社会へ反転攻勢の一歩に（8月25日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda held a press conference Friday on the dispute involving the Takeshima islands and other territorial issues. This occasion should pave the way for Japan to take the offensive in seeking understanding of the issues both at home and abroad. 竹島などの領土問題で日本が国内外の理解を求めて反転攻勢に出る一歩とすべきだ。
Noda said at the press conference, "We'll deal with the issues calmly but uncompromisingly with unwavering determination." 野田首相が領土に関し記者会見し、「毅然(きぜん)とした態度で、冷静沈着に不退転の覚悟で臨む」と述べた。
"They're Japanese territory both historically and under international law," he said, referring to the Takeshima islands. "In keeping with international law and justice, the proper path is to hold debates and settle the matter at the International Court of Justice." 竹島については、「歴史的にも国際法上も日本の領土だ」と明言した。さらに、「国際社会の法と正義に照らして、国際司法裁判所の法廷で議論を戦わせ、決着をつけるのが王道だ」と強調した。
We consider it highly significant that the prime minister stated explicitly that his government will protect the nation's sovereignty over the islets. 首相が、国の主権を守ると正面から訴えたのは画期的である。
South Korea has reinforced its illegal occupation of the Takeshima islands through such actions as building a structure there. Japan protested the actions, but it is hard to say that Tokyo has taken effective countermeasures. 韓国が竹島に建造物を勝手に建設するなど、不法占拠を着々と強化してきたのに対し、日本は抗議はするものの、有効な対抗策を講じてきたとは言えない。
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Take advantage of legal action
It is vital for Japan to make the legitimacy of its territorial claim and the reasoning behind it widely known to the international community by taking the dispute to the international court. The government also needs to make efforts to help as many people as possible properly understand the Takeshima issue by explaining it thoroughly. 今回の提訴を機に、日本の領有権の正当性や根拠を国際社会に幅広くアピールすることが大切だ。国内でも、竹島問題に関する過去の経緯を詳しく説明し、より多くの国民が正しい認識を共有するよう努める必要がある。
Noda also spoke about the recent illegal landing on the Senkaku Islands by Hong Kong activists. "The government will make every effort to strengthen the nation's information-gathering ability and take all possible measures to improve its policing and surveillance capabilities in the surrounding waters" to prevent such incidents in the future, he said. 首相は、香港活動家が不法上陸した尖閣諸島について、再発防止へ、「政府の総力を挙げて情報収集を強化し、周辺海域の監視・警戒に万全を期す」と語った。
To maintain and stably manage the Senkaku Islands, which are under Japan's effective control, the government faces the urgent task of nationalizing the islets. To that end, it is important to closely cooperate with the Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase the islands. 日本が実効支配する尖閣諸島に関しては、より安定した維持・管理ができるよう国有化の実現が急務だ。島を購入する予定の東京都との緊密な連携が重要である。
The government must not fail to strengthen the abilities of the Japan Coast Guard and the Maritime Self-Defense Force to swiftly respond to illegal landings on the islands and intrusions into Japan's territorial waters by foreign countries. 他国による不法上陸や領海侵犯などに迅速に対処するため、海上保安庁や海上自衛隊の体制を強化することも怠ってはならない。
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Noda letter not re-sent
Meanwhile, the Foreign Ministry has decided not to resend the personal letter from Noda to South Korean President Lee Myung Bak that South Korea rejected and returned to the ministry by mail. 外務省は、韓国側から返送された首相の李明博大統領宛て親書を受理し、再送はしなかった。
Returning a personal letter from a national leader is unusual and considered disrespectful. However, we can understand the decision by Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba and other government officials to accept the returned letter, considering "the dignity" of Japanese diplomacy. The decision was based on the logic that Noda's message, which calls Lee's visit to Takeshima regrettable, has been conveyed to Seoul. 首脳の親書の返送は異例かつ非礼だが、大統領の竹島訪問を遺憾とする首相のメッセージが伝わった以上、「外交の品位」を考えて受理するという玄葉外相らの大局的な判断は理解できる。
The House of Representatives on Friday adopted a resolution condemning Lee's visit to Takeshima and his remarks seeking the Emperor's apology to Koreans who died while fighting for Korea's independence. The resolution demands that South Korea halt its illegal occupation of the islands and Lee withdraw the remarks about the Emperor. The remarks have sparked criticism not only in Japan but also in South Korea. Seeking the withdrawal is reasonable. 衆院は、大統領の竹島訪問と天皇陛下「謝罪要求」発言に抗議する決議を採択した。韓国による竹島の不法占拠の停止や、発言の撤回を求めている。大統領発言には、日本だけでなく、韓国国内でも批判があり、撤回要求は当然だ。
We view the resolution as well-balanced because, among other things, it calls South Korea a vital neighboring country of Japan. However, it is disappointing that the resolution was not approved unanimously as the Japanese Communist Party, the Social Democratic Party and others opposed it. 決議は、韓国を「重要な隣国」と位置づけるなど、バランスのとれた内容だ。共産、社民両党などが賛成せず、全会一致とならなかったのは残念である。
Japan and South Korea share common security interests on such issues as North Korea's nuclear program. We urge Seoul to handle the territorial issue with a cool head without losing sight of the broader significance of the two countries' relations. 日韓両国は、北朝鮮の核問題など安全保障分野でも利害を共有している。韓国には、日韓関係の大局を見失わず、「大人の対応」をするよう求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 25, 2012) （2012年8月25日01時29分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 25, 2012) DPJ must reconsider overly conciliatory stance on Takeshima 竹島・尖閣審議 民主は「配慮外交」を反省せよ （8月24日付・読売社説）
When handling a territorial issue, it is essential for the government to assert the nation's stance resolutely while keeping a cool head in pursuit of a peaceful solution to the problem. 領土問題では、毅然(きぜん)として自国の立場を主張するとともに、平和的な解決を冷静に追求することが肝要である。
A session of the House of Representatives' Budget Committee was held on Thursday for intensive deliberations on diplomatic issues. 衆院予算委員会で外交に関する集中審議が行われた。
In response to an announcement by the South Korean government earlier on the day that it would return a letter Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda sent to South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, Noda expressed his displeasure, telling the session Seoul's action constituted "behavior utterly devoid of reason." 李明博韓国大統領宛ての野田首相の親書を韓国政府が返送すると発表したことについて、首相は「あまりにも冷静さを欠いた行動」と不快感を表明した。
The act of sending back the prime minister's letter, which expressed regret over Lee's surprise visit to the Takeshima islands on Aug. 10, is, without a doubt, particularly disrespectful in terms of diplomatic norms and cannot be overlooked. 親書は李大統領の竹島訪問に遺憾の意を表する内容だが、それを返送するのは外交慣例上、極めて非礼であり、看過できない。
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Diplomacy cast aside
No matter how different two nations' views on an issue may be, a bare minimum of etiquette in diplomatic relations must be upheld by each country. South Korea has now crossed the line with this recent development. どんなに主張が対立しても、外交には最低限守るべきマナーがある。韓国の対応は一線を越えている。
The government should file a firm protest with the South Korean government. 政府は強く抗議すべきだ。
In doing so, however, it is important Japan conduct itself in full conformity with diplomatic protocol. ただ、その際は、外交儀礼をきちんと守って対応することが大切だ。
In the Budget Committee session, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba stressed that South Korea is "illegally occupying" the Sea of Japan islets, known as Takeshima in Japan and Dokdo in South Korea. 玄葉外相は予算委で、竹島の現況について韓国が「不法占拠」していると強調した。
Out of diplomatic consideration for South Korea, the administration of the Democratic Party of Japan has used the expression "rule without legal grounds" in reference to the matter since Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada served as foreign minister. Gemba is the first Cabinet minister to have used the phrase "illegal occupation" to refer to the issue. 民主党政権は岡田外相以降、韓国側への配慮から「法的根拠のない支配」と表現しており、玄葉外相が初めて「不法占拠」との表現を用いた。
The change of wording is seriously overdue.
There can be no denying that disproportionate concern by the DPJ administration about inciting conflict with a partner country, even over an issue affecting the nation's sovereignty, has led South Korea to harbor the misconception that Japan is a country that backs down easily. あまりに遅きに失している。国家主権に関する問題でさえ、相手国を刺激しないという民主党政権の過剰な「配慮外交」が、日本は簡単に譲歩するという誤解を韓国側に与えたことは否めない。
Although the issue of compensation for the so-called comfort women in South Korea has been completely resolved, DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman Seiji Maehara recently unveiled a plan to study the feasibility of "humanitarian measures" related to the matter. This may have caused South Korea to have false expectations about further steps from the Japanese side. いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題でも、賠償請求権問題は完全に解決しているのに、前原政調会長が新たな「人道的措置」の検討を表明したことなどが、韓国側に誤った期待感を抱かせた可能性がある。
The government must do some serious soul-searching about the recent string of events in bilateral relations and carefully consider how to deal with the situation effectively. 政府は一連の経緯を反省し、今後の対応を検討すべきだ。
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Parties need to work together
In Thursday's Budget Committee meeting, Noda expressed his intention to seek an apology and a retraction of Lee's remarks demanding the Emperor apologize for the wartime past. 野田首相は予算委で、李大統領の天皇陛下への謝罪要求発言について、謝罪と撤回を求める意向を表明した。
In a similar event, a spokesman of South Korea's Foreign Affairs and Trade Ministry has demanded Gemba back down from his statement about South Korea's "illegal occupation" of the islets and pledge to avoid making similar remarks in the future. 韓国外交通商省報道官は、玄葉外相の「不法占拠」発言の撤回と再発防止を要求した。
Given the circumstances, Japan-South Korea relations have now begun a negative course. 日韓関係は今や、「負の連鎖」に入り始めている。
Even if the two countries confront each other on the Takeshima issue, overall bilateral relations should be prevented from further deteriorating. 竹島問題で対立しても、日韓関係全体が悪化するのは避けたい。
It is evidently important for both nations to continue working-level discussions, including negotiations for concluding a free trade agreement between Japan, China and South Korea. 日中韓の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉など実務的な協議は継続するよう、日韓双方が努めることが重要である。
During the Budget Committee session, the Liberal Democratic Party lashed out at the government for its failure to prevent a group of activists from Hong Kong from illegally landing on the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea. It also criticized the government's failure to charge the activists on suspicion of obstructing Japanese officers from performing their duties. 集中審議で自民党は、政府が香港活動家による尖閣諸島不法上陸を阻止できず、公務執行妨害罪を問わなかった点を追及した。
It is highly desirable, however, for both the ruling and opposition camps to cooperate in steering the nation's diplomacy, particularly in the case of territorial disputes. 領土問題では本来、オール日本の体制で外交を展開することが望ましい。
It would be regrettable for the LDP to make a point of finding fault with the government for its handling of territorial disputes. 自民党が政府の揚げ足取りに終始するようでは困る。
There are a host of issues that must be addressed on a suprapartisan basis, such as the proactive expression of Japan's stance on territorial disputes to the international community and the improvement of history lessons in school education. 日本の主張を国際社会に積極的に発信し、学校での歴史教育を充実させるなど、超党派で取り組むべきことは少なくない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 24, 2012) （2012年8月24日01時23分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 24, 2012) Syria's civil war could destabilize neighboring countries シリア混迷 周辺諸国の不安定化も心配だ（8月23日付・読売社説）
With Syria's civil war deepening, there appears to be little chance for a ceasefire in the conflict. There are concerns the civil war could even spill over into neighboring countries. 内戦の泥沼化で、停戦への機運は生まれそうにない。シリアの混乱が周辺諸国に拡大する事態すら懸念される。
Journalist Mika Yamamoto was shot dead earlier this week in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo while covering the conflict. 北部の主要都市アレッポでは、取材中の日本人ジャーナリスト山本美香さんが、銃撃を受けて死亡した。
Yamamoto's death highlighted the reality that urban districts, home to ordinary Syrians, have become battlefields between government forces and rebels. The United Nations estimates more than 18,000 people have been killed since the uprising began in March 2011. 一般市民が暮らす市街地が、政府軍側と反体制派の戦場と化している。山本さんの死は、そうした現実を浮き彫りにした。国連推計で、紛争発生以来の犠牲者数は１万８０００人を超えた。
Former U.N. Secretary General Kofi Annan, who served as the joint U.N.-Arab League special envoy, failed to broker a ceasefire and members of the U.N. Supervision Mission in Syria have left the country. 国連とアラブ連盟の共同特使を務めたアナン前国連事務総長の停戦調停は、失敗に終わった。国連停戦監視団も撤退した。
Former Algerian Foreign Minister Lakhdar Brahimi has been named as Annan's replacement. However, it is unlikely he will be able to fulfill his role, considering that the U.N. Security Council has been hamstrung as the United States and other Western countries are at odds with Russia and China over possible solutions. アナン氏の後任の調停役にはブラヒミ元アルジェリア外相が就くが、米欧と露中の対立で国連安全保障理事会が機能不全に陥っている以上、役目は果たせまい。
With no end in sight in the country's civil war, it is inevitable the bloodshed will continue to worsen. 内戦に歯止めがかからず、流血の拡大は不可避である。
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Sectarian conflicts emerging
Rebels have expanded their hold over more areas of Syria, while government forces have been trying to maintain control of major cities by mobilizing all of their overwhelming forces. シリアでは、反体制派が支配地域を広げる一方、政権側は、圧倒的な戦力を総動員して、主要都市の維持を図っている。
However, more and more officials in President Bashar Assad's inner circle have been defecting, including the prime minister who fled the country earlier this month. だが、政権中枢からの離反は相次いでいる。今月上旬には、首相が国外に逃亡した。
Despite these developments, Syrian forces still stand by Assad mainly because members of the Alawite community--an offshoot of Shiite Islam that serves as a power base for the president--hold key military positions. それでも軍がアサド大統領を見限らないのは、大統領の権力基盤であるイスラム教アラウィ派の人脈が、軍の要職に配置されていることが大きい。
The Alawites, which are a minority in Syria, have been ruling the Sunni majority population and the civil war has increasingly taken on shades of sectarian violence. シリアのアラウィ派は、人口では少数派ながら、多数派のスンニ派住民を支配してきた。 内戦は、両派の宗派紛争の様相を強めている。
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Refugees becoming a burden
Worrisome is the ever growing possibility that Syria's deepening turmoil could destabilize the entire Middle East. 懸念されるのは、シリアの混迷が深まることで、中東地域全体の不安定化が現実味を増してきていることだ。
Earlier this week, several people were killed in neighboring Lebanon as Alawite and Sunni militia exchanged gunfire. The fighting shadowed the pattern of Syria's civil war. 隣国レバノンで今週、アラウィ派とスンニ派の民兵の間で銃撃戦が発生し、死者が出た。シリア内戦の構図が波及したと言える。
Turkey, to the north of Syria, has been watchful to see how Kurds in the country react to the civil war, as it could reignite the Kurdish independent movement in Turkey. 北隣のトルコは、シリア内でのクルド人の動向に神経をとがらせる。トルコ内のクルド独立運動を刺激しかねないからだ。
The civil war has created more than 170,000 Syrian refugees, according to the United Nations. Accommodating them has placed a great burden on neighboring countries. 国連統計で１７万人を超えた大量の難民流出も、周辺諸国の重荷となっている。
Syria's neighbors face their own possible conflicts. The situation could further deteriorate if Syria distributes the chemical weapons it is believed to possess to terrorist groups and other organizations. シリアを取り巻く国がそれぞれに火種を抱える。シリアが、保有しているとされる化学兵器をテロ組織などに拡散させれば、事態はさらに深刻化するだろう。
Russia bears a heavy responsibility as it has long supported the Assad regime. It should work together with the United States and other Western countries to put strong pressure on Syria for an immediate ceasefire. これまで、アサド政権を一貫して支えてきたロシアの責任は重大だ。米欧と協力し、停戦の即時実施へ、シリア側に強い圧力をかけるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 23, 2012) （2012年8月23日01時45分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 23, 2012) Deeper discussions needed for realistic manifestos 衆院選政権公約 実現可能な政策へ論議深めよ（8月22日付・読売社説）
◆ポピュリズムは排除すべきだ◆
Unless policy pledges are feasible, politics will be unable to make any progress. This is the bitter lesson learned from the failed manifesto of the Democratic Party of Japan. 実現可能な公約でなければ、政治は前に進まない。破綻した民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）の苦い教訓である。
With the dissolution of the House of Representatives and a general election expected to take place "sometime soon," ruling and opposition parties are gearing up for the election. The major issue is how the DPJ will revise its manifesto, a document cynically called "a synonym for lies" that has disgraced the party. 「近いうち」に衆院解散・総選挙が行われると予想される中、与野党は選挙準備に力を入れ始めた。大きな課題は「ウソの代名詞」と揶揄(やゆ)されるほど民主党がその名を貶(おとし)めたマニフェストをどう作り直すかだ。
The main campaign issues in the next lower house election are shaping up to be the consumption tax rate increase, Japan's possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations, and the nation's nuclear and energy policies. 次期衆院選では、消費税率引き上げ、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題、原子力・エネルギー政策などが争点になろう。
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Specify fiscal resources ◆確たる財源を明示せよ◆
Policies quickly cobbled together just before an election tend to become "discount sales" that smack of populism and suck up to voters' interests. We hope each party holds down-to-earth discussions, even during the current Diet session, to come up with realistic policies. 選挙直前に急ごしらえした政策は有権者受けを狙って、大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）色の強い“バーゲンセール”となりがちである。各党とも今国会中から地に足のついた議論を重ね、現実的な政策を掲げてもらいたい。
The most glaring fault of the DPJ manifesto for the 2009 lower house election was the party's insistence that--without mentioning a consumption tax rate hike--it could find 16.8 trillion yen in fiscal resources to implement its policy pledges through such measures as overhauling budget allocations. There was never any prospect this could be achieved. 民主党の２００９年衆院選マニフェストが抱える最大の欠陥は、消費税率引き上げに言及せず、確たる見通しもないのに１６・８兆円もの財源を予算組み替えなどで捻出できると主張したことだ。
The DPJ must now be painfully aware just how poorly thought-out its manifesto was. いかにずさんな公約だったか、民主党は痛感しただろう。
Referring to the manifesto for the next lower house election, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said at a general meeting of DPJ lawmakers of both Diet chambers on Aug. 8, "It's necessary to thoroughly and carefully discuss these issues within the party and make innovative efforts to ensure these discussions are 'visible.'" 野田首相は８日の民主党両院議員総会で、次期衆院選マニフェストに言及し、「党内で大いに丁寧な議論をし、それを『見える化』する工夫が必要だ」と訴えた。
Noda's argument sounds reasonable, but it also sounds like words of reflection. It is essential that many lawmakers are involved in the manifesto-compiling process and fight the election with a shared awareness. もっともな主張だが、反省の弁でもある。多くの議員が公約作成に参画し、共通認識を持って選挙戦に臨むことは重要だ。
There are probably concerns that if party members openly discuss policy matters, they would reveal their cards to other parties. But this process would be a yardstick voters could use when deciding who deserves their ballot. 政策をオープンに議論すれば、他党に手の内を明かすことになるとの懸念はあるだろう。だが、そうした経緯も含めて、有権者の判断材料になる。
If the lower house is not dissolved during the current Diet session, both the DPJ and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party should make their presidential elections, both scheduled for September, an opportunity to set the course for their election manifestos. 今国会で衆院解散がなければ、民主、自民両党は９月の党代表選と総裁選を、それぞれ公約の方向性を打ち出す場とすべきだ。
We also think it necessary to again consider what the point of an election manifesto is. A party that is in opposition may not know well how the system works until it takes power. Unpredictable events may occur, such as major disasters and abrupt changes in economic and international situations. 政権公約とは何なのか、改めて考え直すことも必要ではないか。野党であれば、政権を担当するまで分からないこともあろう。経済、世界情勢の激変や大災害など予見できない事態も起こりうる。
A party in power should flexibly revise or withdraw its policy pledges if its manifesto obviously becomes unrealistic or difficult to achieve. 公約が現実にそぐわない、あるいは実現困難と判明した段階で、臨機応変に修正、撤回するのが、政権党の仕事である。
Rather, it is preferable to carry out policies that are necessary and serve national interests, even if they run counter to the manifesto. In this instance, reasons for the policy change must be explained to the people. たとえマニフェストに反していても、必要な政策、国益に資する政策を実現することは、むしろ望ましい。その際、有権者に対して、政策変更の理由をきちんと説明しなければならない。
Needless to say, it is essential for politicians to deliver on their pledges. But it is insincere to insist on adhering to policies that are no longer useful. It benefits nobody to fall into a trap of "manifesto supremacism." 政治家にとって、公約順守が大事であることは言うまでもないことだ。だが、用をなさない公約を金科玉条のごとく守ると言い張るのは不誠実だ。「マニフェスト至上主義」に陥ってはならない。
◆参院選との関係明確に◆
A manifesto is supposed to be part of a cycle: parties try to achieve their stated aims, and voters evaluate the party's level of achievement in the next election. However, the DPJ manifesto has caused fundamental problems in state politics. マニフェストは、「政党が実現に努力し、有権者はその達成度を次の選挙で評価する」というサイクルが基本だ。ただし、国政の場合には根本的な問題がある。
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Problems in DPJ manifesto
The first problem involves a House of Councillors election. 第一に、参院選との関係だ。
After acknowledging its visions had been overly optimistic, the DPJ revised part of its 2009 election manifesto when it drew up the party's pledges for the 2010 upper house election. In connection with the consumption tax, the 2010 campaign manifesto stated, "Suprapartisan discussions will be started on drastic reform of the tax system, including the consumption tax." 民主党は、０９年衆院選マニフェストの見通しが甘かったことを認めて、１０年の参院選公約では、その一部を修正した。消費税については「消費税を含む税制抜本改革に関する協議を超党派で開始する」と明記している。
But afterward, the promises for the 2010 election were put to one side and debate focused on the advisability of sticking to the manifesto for the lower house election. だが、その後、参院選公約は議論にならず、消費税の記載のない衆院選マニフェストを守るかどうかに焦点が当たっている。
How can the manifesto for a lower house election be tied to campaign pledges for an upper house election? The DPJ must clarify its stance on this point as well as its handling of the pledges for the upper house election in which it suffered a major setback. マニフェストと参院選公約はどういう関係にあるのか。参院選で敗北した時の公約の扱いも合わせて位置づけを明確にすべきだ。
A consumption tax increase was a central point of contention in the DPJ presidential election last summer. Noda was elected after clarifying his position in favor of a consumption tax hike. This also marked a policy change by the party. 昨年夏の民主党代表選で、消費税率引き上げは焦点の一つだった。野田首相は、消費増税を明確にして勝利し、代表に就任した。これも党の大きな政策転換だ。
Voters cast ballots after not only measuring the extent to which a manifesto has been achieved, but also evaluating whether such a policy change is worthwhile. 国民が選挙で審判を下すのは、マニフェストの達成度だけではなく、こうした政策変更の是非も含む党の姿勢や実績だろう。
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Diet will stay divided ◆ねじれ国会が前提だ◆
Secondly, the next lower house election will inevitably be fought on the premise that the Diet will remain divided. 第二に、次期衆院選は、衆参ねじれ国会を前提とした戦いにならざるを得ないことである。
This is because neither the DPJ nor the LDP holds a majority by itself in the upper house. No matter which party wins the lower house poll, it will need to form a coalition with a party--or parties--with similar policies to form a stable government after the election. 参院では、民主、自民両党とも単独過半数を得ていない。どちらの党が勝っても、選挙後、政権を安定させるには政策の近い党と連立を組まねばなるまい。
Cooperation from opposition parties will be crucial for achieving policy goals. 政策を実現するには、野党の協力も欠かせない。
It is natural for parties to advocate their policies in lower house elections, but in view of the likelihood of a coalition government and a divided Diet, it is not realistic to give specific promises, such as setting deadlines for implementing policies. 衆院選で自党の政策を主張するのは当然だが、連立やねじれの状況を考えれば期限などを具体的に約束するのは現実的ではない。
We urge all parties to compile campaign pledges for the next general election without pursuing populist lines so they can take responsibility for Japan's future. 次期衆院選の公約は、各党が大衆迎合に走らず、日本の将来に責任を持てるよう作成すべきだ。
Voters, for their part, must understand fully that there are limits to the implementation of campaign pledges. 有権者も、公約には限界があることを十分理解する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2012) （2012年8月22日01時51分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 22, 2012) Beijing should ensure safety of Japanese in China 中国反日デモ 邦人の安全確保へ沈静化図れ（8月21日付・読売社説）
Following the illegal landing by Hong Kong activists on one of the Senkaku Islands last week, anti-Japanese demonstrations have spread in China. The Chinese government should quickly take action to calm the situation. 香港の活動家による尖閣諸島への不法上陸事件を契機に、中国各地で反日デモが拡大している。中国政府は事態の沈静化を急ぐべきである。
Anti-Japanese demonstrators, who support China's territorial claim to the Senkaku Islands, took to the streets in about 25 cities, including Beijing, Shanghai and Guangzhou, on Sunday. In Shenzhen, Guangdong Province, and other cities, demonstrators became violent and smashed the windows of Japanese restaurants. 尖閣諸島に対する中国の領有権を主張する反日デモは１９日、北京や上海、広州など約２５か所で発生した。広東省深センなどでは、デモ隊が暴徒化して、日本料理店のガラスが壊される事態となった。
The large-scale demonstrations imperil Japanese who live in China. The Chinese government has a weighty responsibility for causing turmoil by tacitly approving the demonstrations. We urge the Chinese authorities to do everything they can to secure the safety of Japanese individuals and companies in the country. 大規模なデモは、中国で暮らす大勢の邦人を脅かした。デモを事実上黙認し、結果的に混乱を招いた中国政府の責任は重大だ。中国当局は邦人や日系企業の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
The Chinese government obviously is trying to counter Japan's moves over the islands, but at the same time it apparently wants Chinese people to vent their frustrations over economic disparities and other domestic issues through the demonstrations. Some observers say the "anti-Japan card" was used as a tool in the power struggle ahead of the National Congress of the Communist Party of China in autumn in which the Chinese leadership will undergo a complete change. 中国政府には、対日牽制(けんせい)は無論として、経済格差など国民の不満のガス抜きを図る思惑もあったのだろう。指導部交代が予定される今秋の共産党大会を控え、「反日カード」が権力闘争に使われた、との見方も出ている。
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Attitude unlikely to change
It is highly likely China's anti-Japan attitude will remain unchanged. The Japanese government needs to respond to the situation while keeping in mind that problems stemming from China's domestic circumstances will continually occur. 中国の反日姿勢は、今後も変わらない公算が大きい。中国側の事情に基づくトラブルは絶えない、ということを日本政府は肝に銘じ対処していく必要があろう。
The Chinese government criticized the landing by 10 Japanese on Uotsurijima island, one of the Senkaku Islands. However, this criticism is way off the mark. Vice Foreign Minister Kenichiro Sasae is correct in rebutting the protest by Chinese Ambassador to Japan Cheng Yonghua by saying, "The latest move [by Japanese individuals] comes against a backdrop of the landing by Hong Kong activists." 中国政府は日本人１０人による尖閣諸島・魚釣島上陸を批判した。だが、これはお門違いだ。佐々江賢一郎外務次官が、中国の程永華駐日大使からの抗議に「香港の活動家による上陸が背景にある」と反論したのは当然だ。
What the Japanese government should do first is gradually strengthen the management of the Senkaku Islands. The Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase three of the islands, has applied to the central government for permission to land on the islands. 日本政府がまず取り組むべき課題は、尖閣諸島の管理を淡々と強化することである。購入を計画する東京都は、上陸許可を政府に申請している。
It is essential for the central government to steadily put the Senkaku Islands under state control in cooperation with the metropolitan government. 政府は、都と連携して、国有化を着実に進めることが肝要だ。
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Territorial protection essential
Aside from a bill to revise the Japan Coast Guard Law, which would allow JCG officers to apprehend criminals on uninhabited islands, it is also an urgent task to develop a system to protect Japanese territory and territorial waters. 無人島での海上保安官の犯罪検挙を認める海上保安庁法改正案とは別に、領土・領海を守る体制を整備することも急務である。
Akihisa Nagashima, a special adviser to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, said on a TV program that the government "will review territorial patrol operations, including relevant legislation." 長島昭久首相補佐官は、テレビ番組で「領域警備の体制を法制度も含めて見直す」と述べた。
Jin Matsubara, chairman of the National Public Safety Commission, said, "We should treat illegal entry into the country to violate Japan's sovereignty separately from ordinary illegal entry and heavily punish the former illegal entrants." 松原国家公安委員長は「領土主権を侵害する目的の不法入国は、通常の不法入国と区別し、重く罰すべきだ」とも指摘している。
Japan's preparedness for national crises such as unlawful intrusions into its territory is woefully inadequate. 外部からの不法侵入など国家的な危機への備えはなお脆弱(ぜいじゃく)だ。
Japan had to take this problem to heart on a number of occasions after the incursion of North Korean spy ships in 1999. At that time, The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed "territorial patrol operations" as a new duty for the Self-Defense Forces and that the SDF be commissioned to conduct "guard-and-watch" missions. １９９９年の北朝鮮工作船の領海侵犯事件以来、日本はこうした問題点は、幾度となく痛感してきたはずである。当時、読売新聞は「領域警備」を自衛隊の新たな任務とし、警戒監視に当たらせることを提言した。
Illegal landings by anti-Japan organizations, such as in the latest case, may be a frequent occurrence in the future. The government should also consider legislation to beef up territorial patrol operations. 今回のような反日団体による不法上陸事件は、今後も続発しかねない。領域警備を強化する法制度も検討すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 21, 2012) （2012年8月21日02時06分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 21, 2012) Denuclearization is not a viable option 原発ゼロ発言 無責任な楽観論を振りまくな（8月20日付・読売社説）
It is irresponsible for a Cabinet minister in charge of promoting exports of nuclear power plants as part of Japan's growth strategy to state that the nation's ratio of nuclear power generation to total electricity output should become zero as soon as possible. 成長戦略として原子力発電所の輸出を推進する担当閣僚が自ら、早期の「原発ゼロ」を主張するのは、あまりに無責任と言えよう。
Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano recently visited Vietnam, where Japanese firms have won tentative orders to construct nuclear reactors, and signed an agreement with the Vietnamese government under which Japan would cooperate to create a system necessary for the introduction of nuclear plants. 枝野経済産業相が、日本メーカーによる原発建設が内定しているベトナムを訪れ、原発の新規導入に必要な制度作りなどに協力することで合意した。
Edano told the media Japan has a responsibility to contribute to the international community by disseminating nuclear safety technology abroad. 枝野氏は記者団に、日本は原子力の安全技術で国際貢献する責任がある、などと強調した。
Before visiting Vietnam, however, Edano said he believed the ratio of nuclear power generation in Japan's total electricity output "should become zero as soon as possible." Does this mean he will sell nuclear reactors to other countries while abolishing them quickly in his own country? How can he win international trust that way? ところが、ベトナム訪問前には、日本の原発比率を「できるだけ早くゼロにした方がいいと思う」と発言していた。原発を他国には売るが、自国は早くゼロにするというのだろうか。これでは国際的な信用は得られまい。
If this nation decides to abolish nuclear power generation, it will not be able to foster nuclear power experts. This means it would not be able to maintain its contribution to Vietnam in terms of nuclear safety. Edano should withdraw his contradictory remarks on denuclearization. 日本が脱原発を決めれば原子力の技術者は育たず、ベトナムなどへの安全面の貢献も続かない。枝野氏は矛盾だらけの「原発ゼロ発言」を撤回すべきである。
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Zero option unrealistic
The government has presented to the public three scenarios on the ratio of nuclear power generation in 2030: zero percent, 15 percent, and 20 percent to 25 percent. Without doubt, the most unrealistic among the three is zero percent. 政府は２０３０年の原発比率について「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」という三つの選択肢を示している。このうち、「０％」が最も非現実的なのは明らかだ。
If the ratio were reduced to zero percent, the damage to the Japanese economy would be immense. According to the government's estimate, Japan's gross domestic product would drop by 50 trillion yen. 政府の試算によると、国内総生産が約５０兆円減少するなど、日本経済への打撃は甚大だ。
The private sector's outlook in this respect is also bleak. The Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) warned that the number of unemployed would increase by 2 million under this scenario. The steel industry, which consumes huge amounts of electricity, said this scenario suggests their businesses would have to close as electricity bills could increase up to two times. 民間の見通しも厳しい。経団連は、失業者が２００万人も増えると警告している。電力多消費産業の鉄鋼業界は、電気料金が最大で約２倍に上がることから、「廃業勧告に等しい」と訴えた。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has instructed ministers concerned to study what challenges the nation would face if the ratio became zero and to work out measures to overcome them. We cannot turn a blind eye to his instructions if they are aimed at arming the government with theories justifying denuclearization. 野田首相は「０％」とした場合の課題やその克服策の検討を関係閣僚に指示している。原発ゼロを正当化する“理論武装”が狙いとすれば、看過できない。
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Edano irresponsible
We are extremely worried when we hear casual opinions voiced by some members of the Noda government despite painful calls from the economic sector that Japan can do without nuclear plants. 懸念されるのは、経済界の悲痛な声をよそに、原発ゼロでも何とかなるとする安易な考えが、政権内に出ていることである。
It is particularly distressing when Edano, a minister responsible for both the stable supply of electricity and industrial development, is spreading such overoptimistic views. 特に、電力安定供給と産業振興に責任を負う枝野氏が、楽観論を振りまいているのは問題だ。
In saying that zero percent is a viable option, Edano said, "It will rather benefit the economy as long as we do it right." 枝野氏は「０％」を実現可能な選択肢としたうえで、「やり方を間違えなければ、むしろ経済にプラスだと思う」などと述べた。
He meant it would lead to expansion of domestic demand if renewable energy sources replaced nuclear reactors. 原発の代わりに再生可能エネルギーを導入すれば、内需拡大につながるはず、というのだ。
However, the reality is harsher. Germany has decided to promote renewable energy ahead of Japan, but it has come up against a number of negative factors, such as sharply increased financial burdens on households because of higher electricity bills, and the bankruptcy of German solar panel makers overwhelmed by an influx of lower-priced Chinese products. 現実はそれほど甘くはない。再生エネで先行したドイツでは電気料金の上昇で家計負担が急増し、太陽光パネルのメーカーが安い中国製に押されて倒産するなど、悪影響が顕在化している。
It is extremely dangerous to decide on an energy strategy that affects the fate of Japan on the basis of such uncertain hopes. 国の浮沈にかかわるエネルギー戦略を、不確実な期待を根拠に決めるのは、極めて危険である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 20, 2012) （2012年8月20日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 19, 2012) Govt must boost JCG power to control Senkaku Islands 不法入国者送還 「尖閣」管理へ海保の拡充を（8月18日付・読売社説）
The government should make further efforts to bolster the Japan Coast Guard's policing abilities to maintain and stably manage the Senkaku Islands. 尖閣諸島を安定的に維持・管理するため、政府は、海上保安庁の警備体制の拡充に一層努めるべきである。
The government on Friday authorized the deportation of 14 people, including anti-Japan activists from Hong Kong, who were arrested earlier this week on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law by landing on Uotsurijima island, one of the Senkakus. Judicial proceedings against them were not taken because it was concluded their action did not constitute a serious violation of law, such as the obstruction of public duties. 魚釣島への不法上陸事件で、政府は、出入国管理・難民認定法違反容疑で逮捕した香港の反日団体活動家ら１４人を強制送還処分とした。公務執行妨害などの重大な法令違反はない、として司法手続きは見送った。
Such a decision appears to be inevitable, but it is unlikely to bring down the curtain on this issue. やむを得ない対応だが、これで幕引きとはなるまい。
Anti-Japan groups such as the one based in Hong Kong have seen their funding boosted and are likely to step up their activities. There are signs that the latest Senkaku incident could develop into anti-Japan protests throughout China. 香港などの反日団体は、資金力を高め、活動を活発化させる公算が大きい。中国国内の反日デモも拡大しかねない雰囲気がある。
The government should press China again not to ignore such provocative acts by private groups. 政府は中国側に、こうした民間団体の挑発行為を放置しないよう改めて強く求めるべきである。
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Be cautious of China's tactics
Regarding measures to prevent further illegal intrusions onto the islands, Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said at a press conference, "Ministers concerned will swiftly deal with the matter." 藤村官房長官は記者会見で、再発防止策について「関係閣僚で迅速に対応していく」と述べた。
Members of the government must share the same recognition of what is at stake and establish a system to quickly eliminate illegal acts. 政府内で、何が問題なのか認識を共有し、不法行為を速やかに排除できる体制を整えねばならない。
There is concern that the Chinese government could try to take control of events if another incident like this one flares up in the future. 今回のような事件がエスカレートすれば、中国政府が前面に出てくることも懸念される。
China has expanded its effective control of the South China Sea, where it has territorial disputes with neighboring countries, by having fishing boats enter disputed waters and then deploying fisheries patrol vessels and warships for the ostensible purpose of protecting the fishing boats. 中国は、周辺国と領有権を争う南シナ海において、まず漁船を出漁させ、これを保護する名目などで漁業監視船や巡視船、軍艦を投入し、実効支配を広げてきた。
The situation of the East China Sea, where the Senkaku Islands are located, differs from that of the South China Sea, but the government needs to be cautious to prevent Beijing from using similar tactics. 尖閣諸島を含む東シナ海は事情が異なるが、中国に同様の手法を取らさぬよう警戒が必要だ。
China reportedly plans to increase its number of patrol vessels to 520 by 2020, including ones to be deployed in the East China Sea. 中国は、２０２０年までに巡視船を５２０隻へ倍増する方針だ。一部は東シナ海に配備される。
In contrast, the JCG has basically taken a scrap-and-build strategy for patrol vessels. A significant increase from the current fleet of about 360 patrol vessels would be difficult. The JCG is bound to be overtaken by its Chinese counterparts in terms of both quality and quantity. The time has come for Japan to consider plans to expand JCG power. これに対し、海保の巡視船艇はスクラップ・アンド・ビルドが原則で、計約３６０隻体制からの大幅増は困難だ。海保が、中国海洋当局に質、量ともに凌(りょう)駕(が)される事態も否定できない。計画的拡充を検討すべき時期に来ている。
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Buildup plans for JCG needed
We suggest the government create mid- and long-term buildup plans for the JCG, analogous to the National Defense Program Outline and the Mid-Term Defense Program for the Self-Defense Forces. その際、自衛隊の防衛大綱や中期防衛力整備計画のように、海保が中長期的な装備導入計画を策定することも考慮してはどうか。
During a plenary session of the House of Representatives in July, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said, "The government will respond firmly [to intrusions on Japanese territory including the Senkaku Islands] and use the SDF if necessary." 野田首相は７月の衆院本会議で尖閣諸島などへの不法行為があった場合、「必要に応じて自衛隊を用いることを含め、政府全体で毅然(きぜん)として対応する」と語った。
The SDF needs to speed up work to increase its surveillance of the Nansei Islands to counter China's naval buildup. 自衛隊は、中国海軍の増強を踏まえ、南西諸島の警戒体制の強化を急ぐ必要がある。
The presence of the U.S. military is also important. The Senkaku Islands fall within areas for Japan-U.S. joint defense. 尖閣諸島を共同防衛の対象とする米軍の存在も重要である。
The U.S. deployment of new MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft to Okinawa Prefecture would enhance the mobility of U.S. marines in times of emergency. It would also be conducive to protecting the Senkaku Islands. The latest Senkaku incident reaffirms the need for the deployment. 米海兵隊の新型輸送機ＭＶ２２オスプレイの沖縄配備は、緊急時の海兵隊の機動力を高め、尖閣諸島の防衛にも資する。今回の事件はその必要性を再認識させたのではないだろうか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2012) （2012年8月18日01時38分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 19, 2012) Use ICJ suit to emphasize Japan's Takeshima sovereignty 「竹島」提訴へ 日本領有の正当性を発信せよ（8月18日付・読売社説）
It is highly significant that our country is making a wide appeal to the international community to recognize the legitimacy of Japan's sovereignty over the Takeshima islands. 竹島に関する日本の領有権の正当性を広く国際社会に訴え、認知させる意義は大きい。
The government has announced plans to take the sovereignty row involving the islets in the Sea of Japan to the International Court of Justice. 政府が、竹島問題を国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針を発表した。
Japan will shortly propose that the two countries work together to bring the Takeshima issue before the U.N. tribunal in The Hague. If South Korea refuses the overture, Japan will file a suit on its own with the ICJ. 近日中に日韓両国による共同付託を韓国に提案し、韓国が応じない場合は、日本単独で提訴する方向だ。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura stressed in a news conference Friday that Japan wants to "resolve the issue calmly, fairly and peacefully based on international law." 藤村官房長官は「国際法に基づき、冷静公平かつ平和的な紛争解決を目指す。
He went on to say, "If South Korea believes its claim to the ownership of Takeshima is justifiable, it should accept our government's proposal." 韓国が自国の領有権主張が正当と考えるなら、提案に応じるべきだ」と強調した。
South Korea has rejected going to the ICJ for a ruling on the disputed islets two times so far, and it plans to dismiss the Japanese move this time, too.
韓国は従来、付託を拒否しており、今回も応じない方針だ。
Given the ICJ is unable to begin proceedings over an international dispute without the consent of all parties concerned, there are no prospects for the main judicial body of the United Nations to start hearings over the Tokyo-Seoul territorial row. 国際司法裁の紛争解決は当事国双方の同意が前提のため、裁判が開廷する見通しは立っていない。
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Syngman Rhee Line outrageous
Through Japan's planned lodging of a suit, however, South Korea's illegal occupation of the islets and the unconscionability of its claim to Takeshima will become widely known to the international community. It is very important for Japan to calmly proceed with the court proceedings. だが、提訴を通じて、竹島が韓国に不法占拠されている現状や、韓国の主張の不当性が国際社会に認識されよう。日本は粛々と手続きを進めることが大切だ。
A look at Takeshima's history makes it indisputably clear that Japan established its sovereignty over the islets in the middle of the 17th century. A Cabinet decision was made in 1905 to incorporate the islets under the jurisdiction of Shimane Prefecture. 竹島をめぐる過去の経緯を振り返れば、日本は、１７世紀半ばに領有権を確立し、１９０５年には島根県への編入を閣議決定した。
In the San Francisco Peace Treaty signed after World War II, Takeshima was excluded from the list of areas for which Japan was obliged to renounce its territorial claims. 大戦後のサンフランシスコ講和条約でも、日本が放棄すべき地域から竹島は除外されていた。
In 1952, just before the treaty went into effect, however, then South Korean President Syngman Rhee unilaterally took control of the Takeshima islets by creating the so-called Syngman Rhee Line--in violation of international law--and South Korea has been illegally occupying Takeshima since then. ところが、韓国は条約発効直前の５２年、当時の李承晩大統領が公海に国際法違反の「李承晩ライン」を設定して竹島を取り込み、それ以降、不法占拠を続けている。
The Japanese government, for its part, must assert from time to time that Takeshima is clearly Japanese territory both historically and under international law. 竹島は歴史的にも国際法上も日本の領土であると、政府は折に触れて主張していく必要がある。
The responsibility for causing the turmoil this time lies entirely with South Korean President Lee Myung Bak, who brashly visited Takeshima on Aug. 10. 現在の混乱を招いた責任は、ひとえに、竹島訪問を一方的に強行した李明博韓国大統領にある。
It has been the practice of successive administrations of South Korean political leaders, when beleaguered by domestic politics, to wheel out historical and territorial problems vis-a-vis Japan in the form of political claptrap to exploit nationalistic sentiments of the South Korean people. 内政面で苦境にある首脳が、日本との歴史認識や領土の問題を持ち出し、国内のナショナリズムに訴えて人気取りを図るのは、韓国歴代政権の常套(じょうとう)手段だった。
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Avoid irreparable animosity
President Lee's deeds this time, combined with his subsequent demand for an "apology from the Emperor" for the wartime past, is particularly unforgivable. South Korea should be cognizant of this. だが、今回の李大統領の行動は、その後の「天皇謝罪」要求発言と合わせて、格段に罪深い。韓国側はそれを自覚すべきだ。
The Japanese side, in a bid to work out further countermeasures against Lee's words and deeds, is considering such steps as postponing a Japan-South Korea summit meeting and intergovernmental consultations scheduled for the near future. 日本側は、さらなる対抗措置として、日韓の首脳会談や政府間協議の延期を検討している。
Finance Minister Jun Azumi, for that matter, does not rule out the possibility of scaling down a credit line Japan was prepared to set for a bilateral currency swap deal designed for the transfer of foreign currencies to one of the two countries in time of a monetary crisis. 安住財務相は、金融危機時に外貨を融通し合うための日韓通貨交換（スワップ）協定の融資枠を縮小する可能性を否定していない。
Indications are that Japan-South Korea ties will remain stalemated at least for the time being. 当面、日韓関係の停滞が続くのは避けられまい。
The price for the worsening of bilateral relations will eventually have to be paid by both Japan and South Korea. 関係悪化のツケは結局、日韓両国に回ってくる。
A prolonged feud between the countries is bound to benefit only North Korea in connection with security affairs in the northeastern Asian region. 北東アジアの安全保障問題でも、日韓の足並みの乱れは北朝鮮を利するだけだ。
Both Japan and South Korea must act with cool heads and keep talking to prevent bilateral relations from irreparably plunging into animosity. 日韓関係が決定的に悪化しないように、政府間で冷静に対話を重ねることも重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2012) （2012年8月18日01時38分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 18, 2012) Beef up measures to prevent future Senkaku intrusions 尖閣不法上陸 再発防止へ態勢を強化せよ（8月17日付・読売社説）
It was an act of blatant defiance against Japan's sovereignty. To prevent the recurrence of such actions in the future, the government should enhance its preparedness to handle such cases. 日本の主権に公然と挑戦する行為である。再発防止へ、政府は態勢の強化に努めるべきだ。
A boat belonging to an anti-Japan group based in Hong Kong recently traveled to Uotsurijima, one of the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and some of the group members landed on the island. 沖縄県の尖閣諸島・魚釣島に香港の反日団体の船が接岸し、活動家が上陸した。
The Okinawa prefectural police and the Japan Coast Guard arrested all 14 members who were aboard--five who illegally landed on the island and nine others who were on the boat--on suspicion of violating the Immigration Control and Refugee Recognition Law. 県警と海上保安庁は、不法上陸した５人、船に乗っていた９人の計１４人全員を出入国管理・難民認定法違反容疑で逮捕した。
This group let Hong Kong television reporters accompanying them broadcast the activists' landing live on the Internet. They obviously intended to provoke Japan and whip up Chinese nationalism. They probably attempted to take advantage of a Japan-South Korea standoff over the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture as well. この団体は、香港のテレビ局の記者を同行させ、上陸の様子をネット中継した。日本を挑発し、中国のナショナリズムを煽(あお)る意図は明らかだ。竹島を巡る日韓両国の対立につけ込む狙いもあろう。
The JCG and police should be hailed for cooperating on such steps as the deployment of their respective members in advance and promptly making the arrests. 海保と警察が魚釣島への事前の要員配備などで連携し、速やかに検挙したことは評価できる。
The 14 arrested people likely will soon be deported by immigration authorities after being investigated. The same steps were taken after Chinese activists landed illegally on Uotsurijima in March 2004. 逮捕された１４人は取り調べを受けた上で、入国管理局を通じて強制送還される見通しだ。２００４年３月の中国人による魚釣島不法上陸時と同様の措置となる。
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Smooth actions will bolster control
It is significant that Japan smoothly acted in accordance with the law to maintain order on the Senkaku Islands. It will help Japan bolster its effective control over the islands. 尖閣諸島の秩序を守るため、日本が法令を円滑に執行するという実績を残した意義は小さくない。尖閣諸島に対する日本の実効支配を補強することになろう。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the government would strictly deal with the matter in accordance with the law. We hope the government duly moves ahead with procedures. 野田首相は「法令にのっとり厳正に対処する」と明言した。手続きを粛々と進めてもらいたい。
After a Chinese trawler collided with JCG patrol ships near the Senkaku Islands about two years ago, the trawler's skipper was sent to prosecutors on suspicion of obstructing official duties, which is a serious crime. 約２年前の漁船衝突事件では、公務執行妨害という重大な犯罪行為があったため、身柄送検した。
If the activists arrested this time are probed over alleged violations of the immigration law only, it is appropriate, at least for now, to settle the case quickly with their deportation. 今回、入管難民法違反にとどまるのなら、強制送還による早期の事態収拾はひとまず適切だろう。
What is important is not to allow the recurrence of such illegal entries into Japan's territory. 大事なのは、同様の不法入国を繰り返させないことだ。
Hong Kong authorities could have prevented the departure of the anti-Japan organization's boat, but instead gave it tacit approval. We sense the Chinese government's intention to pressure Japan over the Senkaku issue. 香港当局は、反日団体の船の出港を制止できたにもかかわらず、事実上容認した。尖閣問題で日本を牽制(けんせい)しようという中国政府の思惑も見え隠れする。
But it is obvious that if turmoil arises, Japan-China relations would be harmed, which would bring disadvantages for China as well. だが、混乱が生じれば、日中関係は悪化し、結果的に中国にも不利益となるのは自明の理だ。
The government should make Chinese and Hong Kong authorities understand this point and urge them to take measures to prevent similar acts in the future through such means as strengthened surveillance of anti-Japan organizations. 政府は、中国や香港当局に対しそのことを理解させ、反日団体の監視強化などの再発防止策を取るよう働きかけるべきだ。
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Did JCG do enough?
The opposition Liberal Democratic Party and others are stepping up their criticism of the fact that the JCG failed to block the activists' landing. The JCG needs to thoroughly examine whether it was sufficiently vigilant and further beef up its equipment and personnel. 海保が活動家の上陸を阻止できなかったことについて、自民党などが批判を強めている。海保は、警戒態勢に不備がなかったか、十分に検証し、装備や人員の一層の拡充を図る必要がある。
A bill to revise the law governing the coast guard to strengthen the JCG's power has finally passed the House of Representatives six months after it was submitted to the Diet. We attribute the long delay in passing the bill, which was unanimously approved, to the negligence of ruling and opposition parties. 海保の権限を強化する海上保安庁法改正案は、国会提出から半年たってようやく衆院を通過した。全会一致の法案をこれまで放置してきたのは与野党の怠慢だ。
It is essential to put the Senkaku Islands under state control to achieve stable administration of the islands. We hope the government expedites procedures for their nationalization by coordinating with the Tokyo metropolitan government, which plans to purchase the islands. 尖閣諸島の安定的管理を図るには国有化が欠かせない。政府は購入を計画している東京都と調整して手続きを急いでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2012) （2012年8月17日01時36分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 17, 2012) Lee's remarks could paralyze Japan-South Korea relations 韓国大統領発言 日韓関係の停滞化を懸念する（8月16日付・読売社説）
No matter how much South Korea stresses it wants a "future-oriented" relationship with Japan, Seoul's diplomacy toward Tokyo always hits a snag due to historical perceptions and territorial issues. どんなに「未来志向」を強調しようとも、結局、歴史認識問題や領土問題で、対日外交が暗礁に乗り上げる。
It seems that South Korean President Lee Myung Bak was unable to escape from this pattern, which has been repeated by his country's previous administrations. 韓国の歴代政権が繰り返したパターンから、李明博大統領も逃れることはできなかったということだろう。
Following his visit to the Takeshima islands last week, Lee indicated Tuesday that an apology from the bottom of the Emperor's heart to independence activists is a condition for the Emperor to visit South Korea. 先週の竹島訪問に次いで、今度は、「独立運動家への心からの謝罪」が天皇陛下の訪韓の条件だとする李大統領の発言である。
We have to say Lee's remark is unbecoming to the head of a Japanese ally. 友邦の国家元首らしからぬ言動と言わざるを得ない。
We are concerned that the Japan-South Korea relationship, which cooled due to Lee's Takeshima visit, will deteriorate further and the estrangement will be prolonged. 大統領の竹島上陸で冷え込んだ日韓関係が一段と悪化し、それが長期化することも懸念される。
It is very irresponsible for Lee, who has only six months left in his term, to commit himself with words and actions that could create problems for the future bilateral relationship. あと半年しか任期が残っていない大統領が、日韓関係の将来に禍根を残すような言動をとるのは、無責任に過ぎよう。
After Japan and South Korea normalized diplomatic relations in 1965, former South Korean presidents, starting with Chun Doo Hwan in 1984, visited Japan and met with the Emperor. In 1990, Seoul formally invited the Emperor to visit South Korea. １９６５年の日韓国交正常化以降、韓国の大統領は、８４年の全斗煥氏を最初に、歴代、日本を訪れ、天皇陛下と会っている。９０年には天皇訪韓を公式に招請した。
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President changes tune
Lee himself invited the Emperor to visit his country while he was on an official visit to Japan in 2008. He also showed eagerness to realize the Emperor's visit to South Korea in 2010, the centennial year of Japan's annexation of Korea. 李大統領自身、２００８年の来日時に訪韓を招請した。日韓併合から１００年にあたる１０年の訪韓実現へ意欲を見せてもいた。
It has been reported that Lee went so far as to say during a meeting with a group of schoolteachers, "The Emperor doesn't need [to visit South Korea] if he is coming just to express his 'deepest regret.'" Lee was apparently referring to a term used by the Emperor at a banquet at the Imperial Palace for then South Korean President Roh Tae Woo during his visit to Japan 22 years ago. 李大統領は、教員らとの会合で、「『痛惜の念』という言葉だけなら（天皇訪韓の）必要はない」とまで述べたという。２２年前、当時の盧泰愚大統領が来日した時の、宮中晩さん会における陛下のお言葉を指したものだ。
The side that invited the Emperor set a condition afterward and said he does not need to come if the condition is not met. Such an attitude is extremely impolite. 招いた方が、後になって条件をつけ、それが満たされないなら来る必要はない、というのはあまりにも礼を失している。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said Lee's remark was "hard to understand and regrettable." Chief Cabinet Secretary Osamu Fujimura said, "Making unconstructive remarks goes against South Korea's own interests." 野田首相は「理解に苦しむ発言で、遺憾だ」と述べ、藤村官房長官も「韓国側が非建設的な発言をすることは韓国自身のためにもならない」と指摘した。
It is only natural that the Japanese government lodged a protest with the South Korean government. 日本政府が韓国に抗議したのは当然だ。
It is desirable for the Emperor's visit to South Korea to be realized in a way that it can be accepted naturally by the people of the two countries. As a result, there is no option but to shelve a possible visit by the Emperor to South Korea for the time being. 天皇訪韓は、両国民によって自然に受け止められるような形で実現することが望ましい。 それなら、天皇訪韓問題は、当面、棚上げにするしかない。
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'Comfort women' issue settled
In a speech Wednesday during a ceremony to commemorate Korea's liberation from Japanese colonial rule, Lee reiterated his demand that the Japanese government take "responsible measures" on the issue of so-called comfort women. 李大統領は１５日には、日本の植民地支配からの解放を記念する式典で演説し、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題で「責任ある措置」をとるよう、改めて日本に求めた。
Against the backdrop of South Korean public opinion, Lee has urged Noda to apologize to victims and pay compensation. But as far as the right to claim compensation is concerned, it was fully and finally settled when the two countries normalized diplomatic ties. 韓国の世論を背景に、大統領が被害者への謝罪や補償などを野田首相に促してきた経緯があるが、請求権問題についていえば、国交正常化の際に、すでに完全かつ最終的に解決ずみだ。
When it comes to territorial and comfort women issues, Japan and South Korea must calmly discuss history based on accurate facts. 領土問題にせよ、慰安婦問題にせよ、日韓両国は、正確な事実関係を踏まえた冷静な歴史論議をしなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2012) （2012年8月16日02時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 16, 2012) Govt must explain historical facts to the rest of the world ８月１５日 「史実」の国際理解を広げたい（8月15日付・読売社説）
◆日本の発信・説得力が問われる◆
Sixty-seven years have passed since then. Today marks the anniversary of the end of World War II for Japan. This is a day to remember the war dead who laid the foundation for Japan's postwar prosperity. あれから６７年。終戦の日を迎えた。繁栄する日本の礎となった戦没者を追悼する一日である。
But almost as if to coincide with this day, South Korean President Lee Myung Bak brazenly visited the Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture without any hesitation. We consider his visit extremely regrettable. ところが、この日に照準を合わせたかのように韓国の李明博大統領が島根県・竹島への訪問を強行して、はばかるところがない。極めて残念だ。
Why did South Korea make such an outrageous move at this particular time? なぜ今、韓国がこうした暴挙に出たのだろうか。
Lee flaunted Seoul's effective control of the islets over which Japan and South Korea remain locked in a standoff over territorial rights. He also referred to the issue of the so-called wartime comfort women. He asserted that Japan has failed to show sincerity on the issue, although it has been raised during a summit meeting with the Japanese prime minister. 李大統領は、領有権をめぐる日韓対立が続く竹島の支配を誇示するとともに、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題に言及した。首脳会談で提起したのに日本政府が「誠意を示していない」とも語っている。
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Anti-Japan feeling whipped up ◆あおられた反日感情◆
It is generally believed that Lee, who has seen his influence wane as his term as president draws to a close, was attempting to show his "achievement" as the first South Korean head of state to visit the Takeshima islands. 政権末期で求心力を失った李大統領は、「初めて竹島を訪問した国家元首」という“業績”を残そうとしたとの見方が一般的だ。
Deep-rooted anti-Japan sentiment remains in South Korea, which was once under Japan's colonial rule. Lee's actions also can be perceived as populism designed to tap that national sentiment. 日本の植民地支配を受けた韓国には根強い「反日感情」がある。そこに訴えた大衆迎合主義（ポピュリズム）とも言えよう。
During the London Olympics, a South Korean soccer player held up a paper sign reading "Dokdo is our land" while celebrating his team's win over Japan in the third-place playoff. The Takeshima islands are called Dokdo in South Korea. The player's act was blatantly a political activity at a games venue, which is prohibited by the Olympic Charter. ロンドン五輪で男子サッカーの３位を決める日韓戦の後、勝利した韓国の一選手が「独島（竹島の韓国側呼称）はわが領土」と書いた紙を掲げる一幕があった。五輪憲章が禁止する、競技会場での政治的活動であるのは明らかだ。
There is no doubt that Lee's recent actions have recklessly whipped up nationalism among the South Korean people. 李大統領の行動が、韓国国民のナショナリズムをいたずらにかきたてたのは間違いない。
Japan-South Korea relations, which appear to be sound, are actually fragile and could suddenly collapse when issues of historical perceptions become politicized. Both sides must make efforts to overcome differences in their perceptions of history and build a constructive relationship. 良好に見える日韓関係も、政治に歴史認識問題が絡むと、一気に崩れる脆弱(ぜいじゃく)さをはらんでいる。歴史認識の違いを乗り越え、建設的な関係を築いていく努力が日韓双方に必要である。
Meanwhile, South Korea has hosted a summit meeting of the Group of 20 major economies as well as the Nuclear Security Summit. The post of U.N. secretary general is held by a South Korean. That nation has produced many world-class companies, such as Samsung and Hyundai Motor Co., that rival Japanese companies. 一方、韓国は主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議や核安全サミットの主催国ともなった。国連事務総長には韓国人が就任している。サムスンや現代自動車など日本企業に匹敵する世界的な企業も数多く誕生した。
Lee himself said Japan no longer wields the international influence it once did. It should be noted that Seoul apparently is attaching less importance to some aspects of its relations with Japan as a result of confidence bred by South Korea's rapid economic growth. 大統領自身、「日本はかつてのような国際的な影響力はない」と述べている。韓国が急速な経済成長を遂げた結果、以前ほど日本との関係を重視しなくなった面にも留意しなければなるまい。
Japan intends to file a suit on the Takeshima issue with the International Court of Justice. At the same time, we believe the government should strongly urge Seoul to refrain from making further efforts to impose its illegal occupation of the islands. 日本は竹島問題を国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針だ。同時に、韓国に対して、不法占拠をこれ以上強化しないよう強く自制を求めるべきである。
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Territorial dispute with Russia ◆領土問題に積極姿勢を◆
A territorial dispute is also causing friction in Japan's relations with Russia. ロシアとの関係でも、同様の問題が浮上している。
In November 2010, then Russian President Dmitry Medvedev visited Kunashiri--one of the four islands off Hokkaido claimed by Japan but which have been held by Russia since the end of World War II. In July this year, Medvedev, this time as prime minister, conducted an inspection tour of the same island. 一昨年１１月、当時のメドベージェフ露大統領は北方領土の国後島を訪れた。今年７月にも再び首相として国後島を視察している。
Moscow probably wants to demonstrate to people at home and overseas that Russia acquired the islands--the northern territories of Japan--as a result of the war and has been promoting development projects there on its own. ロシア側は先の大戦の結果として北方領土を領有し、しかも独自に開発を進めていることを内外にアピールしたいのだろう。
Moreover, in view of the fact that Russia's oil and natural gas development projects in Sakhalin in the Russian Far East have been proceeding steadily, Moscow apparently is telling Tokyo it will no longer need Japan's assistance in developing the four islands. さらに、極東サハリン州で石油・天然ガス開発は着実に進んでおり、もはや北方領土への日本の支援は必要ない、と日本を牽制(けんせい)する狙いもうかがえる。
In fact, South Korean firms have taken part in development projects on Etorofu and Shikotan islands. If the situation continues like this, the "Russianization" of the northern territories will only advance further. 実際、択捉島や色丹島では、韓国の企業が開発に参画している。このままでは北方領土の「ロシア化」が進むのは避けられない。
On the other hand, bolstering Japan-Russia relations will be indispensable in countering China, which has been increasing its presence through its growing economic and military might. 一方で、経済・軍事力で膨張を続ける中国に向き合うためにも、日露関係の強化は欠かせない。
The government must rework its strategy for resolving the territorial dispute with Moscow from many angles. 政府は、複眼的な視点に立って北方領土問題解決への戦略を練り直さなければならない。
Historical claims made by South Korea and Russia are being heard over the world. The Japanese government should handle these territorial issues with a stronger sense of urgency. 韓国やロシアの主張する「歴史」が世界に拡散しつつある。日本政府は、もっと危機感を持って対処すべきである。
A cenotaph for the comfort women was installed at a public library in a small town near New York City in 2010. An inscription on the plaque reads: "In memory of the more than 200,000 women and girls who were abducted by the armed forces of the government of Imperial Japan." 一昨年、米国ニューヨーク近郊の小さな町の公立図書館に「日本軍に拉致された２０万人以上の女性と少女のために」などと記された慰安婦の碑が設置された。
Korean-Americans have been promoting the movement to build such cenotaphs in various parts of the United States. The movement is apparently aimed at generating pressure on Japan from the United States. 韓国系米国人によって、こうした碑を米国各地に建設する運動が進められている。米国発の対日圧力を強めるのが狙いだろう。
The comfort women issue became more prominent following a statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono in 1993. 慰安婦問題がここまで広がっている根底には、１９９３年の河野官房長官談話の存在がある。
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Kono's remarks problematic ◆誤解広める河野談話◆
His statement included a portion indicating as if the women were systematically and forcibly made comfort women by Japanese authorities at the time. This opened the door to greater misunderstanding on the issue. In the end, no documents that could prove there was any truth to what Kono had suggested have been found. 日本の官憲が組織的、強制的に女性を慰安婦にしたかのような記述があり、誤解を広めることになった。しかし、結局、こうした事実を裏付ける資料的な根拠は見つからなかった。
It has been widely publicized in the United States that Korean girls and women were abducted by the Japanese military and used as comfort women. Due to the existence of Kono's statement, the Japanese government cannot refute this effectively. This is extremely problematic. 「日本軍によって拉致され、慰安婦にされた」と米国で喧伝(けんでん)されているが、この談話の存在のため、日本政府が有効な反論ができないことは極めて問題である。
Tokyo should thoroughly explain both at home and abroad the historical facts and background surrounding the Takeshima, northern territories and comfort women issues. 日本政府は、竹島、北方領土、そして慰安婦などの歴史の事実関係を、国内はもとより、広く海外にも説明すべきだ。
In August, when we remember the end of the war, it is essential to disseminate Japan's position on these issues to the international community in an effort to seek its understanding and support. 終戦を思い起こす８月の機会に、国際社会に日本の立場を積極的に発信し、理解と支持を獲得していくことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 15, 2012) （2012年8月15日01時37分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 15, 2012) Govt, BOJ must act quickly to shore up economy ＧＤＰ減速 景気優先の政策対応を急げ（8月14日付・読売社説）
The nation's economic growth, which had been buoyed by demand for reconstruction from last year's earthquake and tsunami disasters, has slowed down. 東日本大震災の復興需要などに下支えされた経済成長が、減速した。
Concerning the economic outlook, the government said, "Mild growth is expected to continue." But no optimism is warranted. 今後の景気について政府は「緩やかな成長が続く」としているが、油断は禁物だろう。
The government and the Bank of Japan should strengthen economy-boosting policies and realize stable growth led by private demand. 政府・日銀は、景気優先の政策運営を強化し、民需が主導する安定成長の実現を図るべきだ。
The real gross domestic product for the April-June period increased 0.3 percent over the previous quarter, marking the fourth straight quarter of growth. But the pace slackened from the 1.3 percent growth recorded in the previous quarter. The nominal growth rate, which reflects economic conditions more vividly than the real economic growth rate, dropped into negative territory for the first time in two quarters. 今年４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は前期比０・３％増と、４四半期連続でプラス成長を維持したものの、成長率は前期の１・３％から鈍化した。景気の実感に近い名目成長率は２期ぶりにマイナスに落ち込んだ。
The standstill in growth is attributed to the stagnation of consumer spending, which accounts for a major portion of domestic demand. New car sales were brisk thanks to government subsidies for purchases of fuel-efficient eco-friendly vehicles. But overall consumer spending did not fare well due to the bad weather and the drop in workers' income, among other factors. 成長が足踏みした要因は、内需の柱である消費の低迷にある。低燃費車の購入を支援するエコカー補助金の効果で新車の販売は好調だったが、天候不順や労働者の所得減少などが響いて、消費全体は振るわなかった。
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Grim outlook ahead
The eco-car subsidies, which have been a lifeline for domestic consumption, are likely to be cut off in September as the budget set aside for that purpose runs out. This makes it impossible to dispel concern that the economy will slow down further in autumn. 頼みのエコカー補助金も、９月には予算が底をつき、打ち切られる見通しという。秋から消費がさらに冷え込む懸念は拭えない。
The growth rate for public investment, which had been robust in disaster-stricken areas, shrank. The signs of decline emerging in domestic demand, which is said to be sustained by government spending for purposes such as reconstruction, are a cause for concern. 被災地などを中心に堅調だった公共投資も伸び率が縮小した。復興予算など財政に支えられているはずの内需に、陰りが出てきたのは気がかりだ。
Prospects are also growing uncertain over foreign demand. Japan's exports slackened due to the slowdown of the world economy, particularly that of Europe, and domestic industrial production declined for the third straight month in June. 一方の外需も不透明感が増してきた。欧州をはじめ世界経済の減速の影響で輸出が低迷し、国内の工業生産は、６月まで３か月連続で減少した。
To prevent the economy from losing steam, the government should adopt policies that back up private-sector economic activity. 景気を失速させないようにするには、民間の経済活動を後押しする政策対応が求められる。
It will also be necessary to rectify the strength of the yen, which has risen to historic highs, to save the export industry from the predicament it now faces. We hope the government and the central bank will look into the possibility of market intervention and further easing of monetary policy. We suggest that they positively study measures, such as the central bank's purchase of foreign government bonds, that will lead to selling of the yen and buying of the U.S. dollar. 歴史的な円高を是正し、輸出産業を窮地から救う必要がある。政府・日銀は市場介入や追加的な金融緩和策を検討してもらいたい。円売り・ドル買いにつながる日銀の外債購入など、新たな方策について前向きに考えてはどうか。
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Aggressive policies vital
It will be essential to strengthen aggressive policies such as promoting overseas investment by taking advantage of the yen's strength. 円高のメリットを生かした海外投資の促進など、攻めの政策も一段と強化したい。
Nearly all of the nation's nuclear reactors currently stand idle, leaving the power supply still in limbo. It is feared that the possibility of power shortages will restrain domestic production and investment, further accelerating the hollowing out of industry. Reactors must be put back into operation in rapid succession as soon as their safety is confirmed. ほとんどの原子力発電所が運転を再開できず、電力不足は依然として深刻だ。国内の生産や投資が抑制され、産業空洞化が一層加速しよう。安全を確認できた原発を順次、再稼働すべきである。
It will also be important to push ahead with a growth strategy by working to expand free trade through participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade framework talks, lowering the corporate tax rate and promoting deregulation for fostering of new industries. 環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉参加による自由貿易の拡大や法人税率の引き下げ、新産業の育成に向けた規制緩和など、成長戦略の推進も重要となる。
The delay in implementing policies due to the confrontation between ruling and opposition parties over a dissolution of the House of Representatives for a snap election is another factor in the uncertain economic outlook. 衆院解散をにらんで与野党が対立し、政策実現が遅れることも、景気の不安材料だ。
The government and ruling parties must work hard to achieve early legislation of important bills, including a special bill for issuance of deficit-covering bonds that is indispensable to the implementation of the budget for the current fiscal year. 政府・与党は今年度予算の執行に欠かせない特例公債法案など、重要法案の成立を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2012) （2012年8月14日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 14, 2012) Parties must tackle remaining issues before end of Diet session 終盤国会 民自公で残る懸案に取り組め（8月13日付・読売社説）
The passage rate of bills submitted by the government during the current ordinary Diet session is only 48 percent. Many observers doubt whether it will even reach the record-low 54 percent seen in the 2010 ordinary Diet session. 政府が今通常国会に提出した法案の成立率が現在、４８％にとどまっている。過去最低となった２０１０年通常国会の５４％に届くかどうかも危ぶまれている状況だ。
Poor management of Diet affairs by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and resistance of the opposition parties, triggered by censure against two cabinet ministers, have stagnated deliberations on bills. 民主党の稚拙な国会運営や、２閣僚問責を契機とした野党の抵抗が法案審議停滞の原因である。
A large number of issues need to be dealt with in the final phase of the current Diet session. We expect the DPJ, the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito to maintain their current partnership and achieve tangible results. 終盤国会で処理すべき懸案は、数多い。民主、自民、公明３党は現在の連携を堅持し、具体的な成果を上げてもらいたい。
Only three weeks--if the Bon holiday period is excluded--remain to discuss bills before the end of the current session on Sept. 8. お盆休みを除けば、９月８日の会期末まで実質的に審議できるのは３週間程度しかない。
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Prioritize important bills
Diet members have to identify important bills and deliberate them efficiently. These include a bill to allow the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and bills on the revision of the Public Offices Election Law to alleviate disparity in the value of votes by reducing the number of seats at the House of Representatives by five. 赤字国債発行を認める特例公債法案や、衆院選の「１票の格差」を是正する「０増５減」の公職選挙法改正案など重要法案を絞り、効率良く審議する必要がある。
For instance, the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito have agreed on the early passage of bills to create a common personal identification number for social security and taxation systems, which is necessary for comprehensive reform of those systems, and to realize an Osaka metropolis. 例えば、一体改革に欠かせない社会保障と税の共通番号（マイナンバー）を創設する法案や、「大阪都構想」のための法案について、少なくとも民自公３党は早期実現の方向で一致している。
The three parties must also recognize the urgency of Diet agreement on personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission. 原子力規制委員会人事の国会同意についても、３党は緊急性の認識を共有しているはずだ。
Why has Diet agreement on the personnel appointments proposed by the government in late July been put off? にもかかわらず、政府が７月下旬に提案した同意人事案を放置しているのはどうしたことか。
If the launch of the commission scheduled for September is postponed, it might delay the safety inspections necessary for reactivation of idle nuclear reactors. ９月予定の規制委発足がずれ込めば、原子力発電所再稼働の前提となる安全性審査が遅れかねない。
It is also intolerable the Diet failed to approve international treaties. 条約承認の停滞も目に余る。
The government has submitted 11 bills in the current session on international treaties for Diet approval, including the Hague Convention on treatment of children when international marriages fail. 国際結婚が破綻した場合の子の扱いを定めるハーグ条約など、今国会には１１本の条約承認案が提出されている。
However, none have been approved so far, due to confrontation between the ruling and opposition parties in the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. The Diet cannot escape criticism for being negligent in its duty. しかし、衆院外務委員会での与野党対立のあおりを受け、いまだに１本も成立していない。国会として怠慢のそしりは免れまい。
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TPP, energy also on agenda
There is also a mountain of political issues other than bills, which require consensus building between the ruling and opposition parties. 法案以外にも、与野党の調整を必要とする重要な政策課題は山積している。
They include possible participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade agreement, the realization of a new energy policy, including the role of nuclear power, and mid- and long-term reform of the public pension system. アジアの成長を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、原子力の活用を含む新エネルギー政策の実現、中長期的な年金制度の改革などである。
None of the issues can move forward without a stable political foundation where the national leader can look resolutely forward. いずれも、将来を見据えられる、安定的な政治基盤がなければ、前に動かすことはできない。
It is a grave fact that neither the DPJ nor the LDP and Komeito have a majority in the House of Councillors. 参院では、民主党も自公両党も過半数を握っていないという事実は重い。
Whatever election pledges or policy issues the three parties make in the next lower house election, they cannot be realized and will become empty promises without a tripartite partnership among the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito in the so-called divided Diet where the opposition maintains control of the upper house. 次期衆院選でどのような政権公約や政策課題を掲げても、衆参ねじれ国会が続く状況では、３党が手を組まなければ実現できず、空証文となってしまう。
We believe it is significant for the three parties to maintain a relationship of trust as they must seek a tripartite partnership not only before, but also after the lower house election. 衆院選をはさんでも３党連携を模索せざるを得ない以上、３党間の信頼関係を維持していくことが肝要ではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 13, 2012) （2012年8月13日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 13, 2012) Lee's visit to Takeshima threatens Japan-S. Korea ties 大統領竹島入り 日韓関係を悪化させる暴挙だ（8月12日付・読売社説）
South Korean President Lee Myung Bak went ahead with a visit to the Takeshima islands in the Sea of Japan on Friday. The islets are part of Japan's sovereign territory but illegally occupied by South Korea. 日本固有の領土で、韓国が不法占拠している竹島に、韓国の李明博大統領が上陸を強行した。
If a head of state visits an area of land whose sovereignty is also claimed by another country, the act can be considered provocative, as it blatantly disregards the other nation. It is inevitable that Lee's visit will erode the trust Japan and South Korea have built until now and cool bilateral relations. 係争中の領土を一方の国家元首が踏めば、相手国を度外視した暴挙と言える。日韓関係も、これまで築いてきた信頼は損なわれ、冷却化は避けられない。
Soon after assuming the presidency, Lee focused on cultivating mature relations with Japan. He maintained a pragmatic, forward-looking stance and was dedicated to strengthening ties with his neighbor. 李大統領は就任当初から「成熟した日韓関係」を重視してきた。実務的で未来志向が強く、日本との連携強化に熱心だった。
However, Lee spoiled his progressive reputation when he brought up the so-called comfort women issue again during talks with Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda in December last year. We cannot help but feel more disappointment over the South Korean president's latest indiscretion. だが、昨年１２月の日韓首脳会談で従軍慰安婦問題を蒸し返し、高かった評価を帳消しにした。今回の大統領の短慮には、一層の失望を禁じ得ない。
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Japan should take firm stance
As territorial issues pertain to state sovereignty, the government should not treat Lee's visit lightly. 領土問題は国の主権に関わる。ゆるがせにしてはならない。
Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba summoned the South Korean ambassador to Japan to file a complaint on the matter and temporarily recalled Japanese Ambassador to Seoul Masatoshi Muto. He also made clear the government's intention to refer the Takeshima issue to the International Court of Justice at The Hague. These were natural diplomatic countermoves. 玄葉外相が、韓国の駐日大使を呼んで強く抗議し、武藤駐韓大使を一時帰国させた上で、国際司法裁判所に提訴する方針を表明したのは、当然の外交的措置だ。
Noda expressed his strong disapproval of Lee's visit, describing it as "totally unacceptable" and saying the government would "resolutely respond" to the incident. 野田首相も「到底受け入れることはできない」と不快感を示し、「毅然(きぜん)とした対応」をとる方針を表明した。
The question remains as to how effective the government's response can really be. 問題は、どこまで実効性のある対応をとれるかだ。
The Takeshima islets, known as Dokdo in South Korea, are a symbol of independence and patriotism for South Koreans. However, the country's past presidents--even Lee's predecessor Roh Moo Hyun, who was known for having made many anti-Japan remarks--did not visit the disputed islands out of consideration for Japan and to prevent bilateral relations from deteriorating. 韓国が「独島」と呼ぶ竹島は、韓国人にとっては独立・愛国の象徴的な存在だ。だが、歴代大統領は、反日的な発言が目立った盧武鉉前大統領ですら、訪問は控えてきた。日本との関係悪化を避けるための配慮があったからだ。
Lee has now crossed the line. The president, in an apparent bid to regain popularity in his last days of presidency, pulled out the anti-Japan card. Lee's leadership has come into question recently as his brother and various close aides have been arrested or resigned from their posts over corruption and other scandals. その一線を李大統領は越えた。政権末期で、金銭疑惑などによる実兄や側近らの相次ぐ逮捕、辞任によって求心力が著しく低下する中、人気回復を図ろうと「反日カード」を切った側面があろう。
South Korea's ruling camp might have felt pressured to show hostility toward Japan because opposition parties have been displaying a more confrontational stance against the nation as South Korea's presidential election approaches in December. １２月には大統領選が行われる。野党側が反日色を強める中、与党陣営で何らかの対応を迫られていた事情もあるのかもしれない。
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Govt's leniency also to blame
Japan is also indirectly responsible for the incident. The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has been lenient in its diplomatic approach toward Russia over the disputed northern territories. だが、今回の事態を招いた遠因は、日本側にもある。民主党政権の対ロシア外交にみられる北方領土問題への対応の甘さだ。
The government was unable to prevent former Russian President Dmitry Medvedev from visiting Kunashiri Island, one of the four islets claimed by Japan, two years ago. It also failed to prevent his subsequent visit to the island in July after he became prime minister. ２年前、当時の大統領だったメドベージェフ氏の国後島訪問を許した。今年７月には、首相となったメドベージェフ氏の再訪を防ぐことができなかった。
The government said it would take "appropriate steps" when Medvedev first visited the island. However, its later stance toward the issue failed to encourage Russia to exercise restraint. 日本政府は「適切な対応をとる」と口にこそしたが、その後の展開はロシアの自制につながっていない。
It is only natural South Korea has exploited the fact that Japan's diplomatic relations with the United States and China have been faltering. 対米関係も対中関係も弱体化した日本が、韓国から足元を見られても不思議ではない。
It is also concerning that South Korea has been conducting military exercises near Takeshima in recent years. The government should monitor such developments to ensure they do not lead to the acceleration of the islands' position as a strategic military base, while also calling on Seoul to refrain from further provocations. 懸念されるのは、韓国が竹島の周辺で近年、軍事訓練を行っていることだ。島の軍事化につながる動きなのか、注視するとともに、韓国には自制を強く求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 12, 2012) （2012年8月12日01時36分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 12, 2012) Tax bill passage historic step toward fiscal soundness 一体改革法成立 財政健全化へ歴史的な一歩だ（8月11日付・読売社説）
◆首相の「国益優先」を支持する◆
The nation has taken a historic step toward solving the long-standing task of rehabilitating its heavily indebted public finances. 借金体質の国家財政を健全化するという長年の懸案の解決に向けて、歴史的な一歩である。
The Diet has enacted legislation to comprehensively reform the social security and tax systems, including a consumption tax hike. The bills were passed by the House of Councillors with support mainly from three parties--the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. 消費税率引き上げを柱とする社会保障・税一体改革関連法が参院本会議で、民主、自民、公明３党などの賛成多数で可決、成立した。
After more than 200 hours were spent on deliberations in both chambers of the Diet, the legislation was passed by an overwhelming majority of lawmakers. We regard the move highly and hope it will prove to be a turning point in the nation's stagnated politics. 審議に２００時間以上をかけ、圧倒的多数の賛成で成立させた。高く評価したい。先送りを続けてきた政治に転機をもたらすことを期待する。
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3 parties share responsibility ◆消費増税に共同の責任◆
At a press conference following the enactment of the bills Friday, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda first referred to the DPJ's election manifesto, saying, "I'd like to deeply apologize that the [manifesto] did not mention consumption tax increases." 野田首相は法成立後の記者会見の冒頭、民主党政権公約（マニフェスト）に言及し、「消費税引き上げを記載していなかったことを深くおわびしたい」と述べた。
The work to implement the reform, which imposes a burden on the public, has just started. The government needs to work sincerely to broaden public understanding of the need for the changes. 国民に負担を求める改革は緒に就いたばかりだ。真摯(しんし)な姿勢で国民の理解を広げる必要がある。
With the legislation enacted, the consumption tax rate will be raised in two stages from the current 5 percent to 8 percent in April 2014 and then to 10 percent in October 2015. 消費税率引き上げ法の成立によって、現行５％の税率は２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％へと段階的に引き上げられる。
Before the tax rate is increased, elections will be held for both houses of the Diet. それまでに衆院選と参院選が確実に行われる。
The sales tax hike is expected to become a contentious issue in the elections. Even though the election results may lead to a change of government and tax-hike opponents may gain momentum, the three major parties should continue to share responsibility for doubling the consumption tax. 消費増税の是非が争点になるだろう。選挙の結果、政権が代わり、反増税の勢力が台頭しようとも、民自公３党は「消費税１０％」の実現まで責任を共有するべきである。
LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki has said the agreement reached by the three parties before the bills' enactment also covers economic measures intended to lay the groundwork for the tax increases. 自民党の谷垣総裁は、３党合意には、消費税引き上げの環境を整えるための経済対策も含まれるとの見解を示している。
Amid growing instability of the world economy, the nation must prevent the value of its government bonds from nosediving. It is vital to boost the credibility of the bonds by drawing up a solid road map for restructuring public finances. 世界経済が不安定さを増す中、日本の国債が暴落する事態は回避しなければならない。財政再建へ確かな道筋をつけ、国債の信認を高めていくことが肝要である。
The government is now expected to work out measures for low-income earners, which will be aimed at helping offset their burden from the tax increases, through year-end discussions on tax reform steps for fiscal 2013. 増税に伴う低所得者対策については、年末の１３年度税制改正に向けた議論で詰めることになる。
Reduced tax rates for certain items such as food should be introduced when the sales tax is raised to 8 percent. To protect the culture of printed matter and democracy, such measures should also be considered for newspapers and books. 食料品などの消費税を低くする軽減税率は８％への引き上げ時に導入すべきだ。活字文化と民主主義を守るため、新聞や書籍への適用も検討しなければならない。
Meanwhile, progress is likely to be made in reform of the social security system. A comprehensive child-rearing support plan would aim to reconstruct current social security measures and reallocate budgetary spending that now disproportionately focuses on the elderly. This reallocation would allow every generation to benefit from spending. The pension system is also expected to be revamped significantly by such steps as making part-time workers eligible for employee pension plans. 社会保障制度改革は、着実に前進する。総合的な子育て支援策は、高齢者向けに偏っている社会保障政策と財源を全世代型に再構築するものだ。年金制度も、パート労働者への厚生年金適用拡大など、懸案がかなり改善に向かう。
Opponents of the reform legislation who criticize "raising the tax before addressing social security system reform" are wide of the mark. 「増税先行」の批判は当たらない。
To counter such criticism, the three parties must swiftly launch the planned national council for revamping the social security system to start nationwide discussion of the feasibility of mid- and long-term systemic changes in social security arrangements. Discussion of the advisability of cutting back on social welfare benefits to boost efficiency of social welfare services, a subject that was not discussed in the three-party talks, is a must. ３党は社会保障制度改革国民会議を速やかに発足させ、中長期的な制度改革の議論を始めるべきだ。今回見送った給付減などによる効率化も欠かせない。
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Prize accord of party heads ◆党首会談合意を大事に◆
The resolve of Prime Minister Noda--who has said he will stake his political career on realizing the reform--made passage of the tax and social security legislation possible. 極めて困難と見られた一体改革関連法が成立したのは、まず、野田首相が「政治生命を懸ける」覚悟で取り組んだからだ。
He finally reached a de facto agreement with LDP head Tanigaki on a "dissolution by mutual consent of the House of Representatives," although the timing of the dissolution was left vague in the three-party accord, which used the phrase "sometime soon." 最後は、「近いうちに」という曖昧な表現ながら、谷垣氏と事実上の「話し合い解散」でも合意した。
During debates about the reform legislation, the fact that the DPJ's policy pledges in the 2009 general election were pies in the sky became all the more obvious, and the party was split when the lower house passed the reform bills. Intraparty moves are also growing to oust Noda from the DPJ's top post. この間、民主党マニフェストの破綻が露(あら)わになり、法案の衆院通過時に党は分裂した。「野田降ろし」も表面化している。
By making such a big sacrifice, the prime minister has remained unfaltering in his decision to place priority on the national interest. This is admirable. 首相は、大きな犠牲を払いながら、ぶれずに国益優先の判断を重ねた。その姿勢は評価できる。
When the reform bills were put to a vote in the upper house on Friday, six DPJ legislators voted against them. Noda should quickly take disciplinary steps against the six to strengthen his leadership as head of the ruling party. 参院での法案採決時には民主党の６議員が反対票を投じた。速やかに処分すべきだ。党首としての指導力を強めることになろう。
Given that the Diet is divided, with the ruling camp lacking a majority in the upper house, the role played this time by the two major opposition parties--the LDP and Komeito--was significant. 衆参ねじれ国会の下、自民、公明両党の役割は大きかった。
Tanigaki, as chief of the largest opposition party, made a weighty decision when he chose to cooperate with the government and the ruling coalition. 谷垣氏は野党第１党党首として政府・与党に協力するという重い決断を下した。
Only Noda and Tanigaki could have realized the accord between the ruling and opposition blocs. 野田、谷垣両氏のコンビでなければ今回の合意は実現しなかっただろう。
The DPJ, LDP and Komeito should maintain their cooperation to move the nation's politics forward so the pile of political tasks remaining can be resolved by transcending barriers between the ruling and opposition camps. 民自公３党は、日本の政治をさらに前に動かすために連携を維持し、与野党の垣根を超えて課題解決に取り組んでもらいたい。
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Narrowing vote gap essential ◆格差是正が解散の前提◆
One problem in this connection is that DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi, referring to Noda's pledge to the LDP and Komeito that he would "seek the public's mandate sometime soon" by dissolving the lower house over the tax and social security reforms, has publically stated that the prime minister "does not have to stick to" his commitment. 問題なのは、野田首相が自公両党に「近いうちに国民に信を問う」と、早期解散を約束したことに関し、輿石幹事長がこだわる必要はないと発言したことである。
Koshiishi has even said the three-party agreement would be nullified should the prime minister and Tanigaki fail to win reelection in their respective parties' presidential elections to be held in September. 輿石氏は、首相や谷垣氏が９月に迎える党首選で再選されない場合には、３党合意は無効になるとの見方も示した。
Tanigaki was understandably enraged by Koshiishi's remarks, saying Koshiishi was "utterly ignorant of the basics of party politics and should be severely criticized," thus ratcheting up the LDP's confrontational stance against the DPJ. 谷垣氏が、この発言に「政党政治が何たるかを心得ていない。厳しく糾弾しなければならない」と激怒し、民主党との対決姿勢を強めたのも無理はない。
Koshiishi's words and deeds, which are contrary to what the prime minister desires and also make light of the prime minister's promise with the LDP and Komeito, are outrageous. 首相の意に沿わず、自公両党との合意を軽んじるかのような輿石氏の言動は目に余る。
To ensure an environment conducive to dissolving the lower chamber for a general election, it is indispensable to reform the electoral system. 衆院解散・総選挙の環境を整えるには選挙制度改革が不可欠だ。
The Supreme Court has ruled that the current disparity in the weight of votes between the most and least represented electoral districts is "in a state of unconstitutionality." 最高裁は現在の「１票の格差」を「違憲状態」と判断している。
Should a lower house election be held without any measures to rectify the vote disparity because the legislature abdicates its duties, the judiciary could nullify the election results because they violate the Constitution. 国会の怠慢で、格差是正措置を講じずに衆院選に踏み切れば、憲法違反として選挙無効の判決が出る可能性も否めない。
Under the circumstances, the DPJ, LDP and Komeito must act urgently to narrow the electoral disparity by first realizing plans to reduce the number of lower house single-seat constituencies by five. 民自公３党は、小選挙区の「０増５減」を先行実施し、格差を是正することが急務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 11, 2012) （2012年8月11日01時22分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 11, 2012) Noda must waste no time in restoring his leadership 一体法案成立へ 首相の求心力回復が急務だ（8月10日付・読売社説）
The turmoil in the Diet over the government-envisioned raising of the consumption tax rate has brought to the fore the fragility of the power base of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's administration. It is urgent for the prime minister to restore his leadership. 消費税政局では、野田政権の基盤の脆(もろ)さが露呈した。首相にとっては求心力の回復が急務だ。
A set of bills for comprehensive reform of the tax and social security systems was set to pass the House of Councillors and become law, Friday. 社会保障・税一体改革関連法案はきょう、参院で可決、成立する運びとなった。
This is because of an agreement reached Wednesday night between the heads of the Democratic Party of Japan and two major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, on the need for early enactment of the reform bills. ８日の民主、自民、公明３党党首会談で、法案の早期成立で合意したことによるものだ。
We welcome this development, in which a worst-case scenario was averted in an 11th-hour compromise to avoid scrapping the bills as a result of bickering among the three parties over when to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election. 衆院解散の時期をめぐる３党の駆け引きで成立目前の法案が葬られる、という最悪の事態を避けられたことは歓迎したい。
If the bills had been scrapped, domestic and overseas opinion of Japan's political system would have been irrevocably damaged. That would have triggered various negative repercussions, such as declines in the creditworthiness of Japanese government bonds. 仮に法案が廃案になれば、日本の政治に対する内外の評価は決定的に悪化し、国債の信認の低下など様々な悪影響が出ただろう。
A major factor that enabled the last-ditch accord may be the fact that Noda and LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki, who have both served as finance minister, concurred on the urgent necessity of rehabilitating the government's debt-stricken finances. 野田首相と自民党の谷垣総裁がともに財務相経験者で、財政健全化の緊急性で一致していたことが土壇場での合意を可能にした。
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Both Noda, Tanigaki under fire
On the other hand, there is no denying that Noda and Tanigaki, each facing a party leadership election in September, are facing higher hurdles for reelection as their power bases within their respective parties have weakened because of the tripartite accord. 一方で、両氏とも、９月に党首選を控える中、今回の合意で党内基盤が弱まり、再選のハードルが上がったのは否定できない。
The commitment Noda was driven to make to seek a mandate from the public by dissolving the lower house "sometime soon" after the Diet passes the bills has drawn fire from such intraparty groups as one headed by former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. 首相は「近いうちに国民に信を問う」と約束させられたことで、鳩山グループなどの反発を招いた。谷垣氏も、今国会中の解散を首相に確約させられず、党内の主戦論者らに不満を残した。
Tanigaki, for his part, did not win assurance from the prime minister that the lower chamber would be dissolved during the current session of the legislature, which ends Sept. 8. As a result, hard-line LDP legislators who want an early dissolution of the lower house are dissatisfied with Tanigaki. 首相は、谷垣氏との間では一定の信頼関係を築いたが、両氏の党内統治能力に疑問符が付けられる事態に陥っている。
Although the prime minister seems to have built up mutual trust with Tanigaki, the two men's abilities to steer their intraparty affairs have been called into question. For example, the prime minister's lack of caution has been conspicuous, as exemplified by his careless remark regarding compilation of a state budget for next fiscal year, which provoked outrage from the LDP. 首相自身、来年度予算編成をめぐる不用意発言で自民党の怒りを買うなど、脇の甘さが目立った。
To secure cooperation in Diet affairs under the divided legislature, in which the opposition controls the upper house while the ruling camp has a majority in the lower house, the prime minister must watch his step extremely carefully. 衆参ねじれ国会で野党の協力を得るには細心の注意が必要だ。
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LDP holds bargaining chips
There are also other causes of conflict. ほかにも、火種はある。
When a no-confidence motion submitted to a plenary session of the lower house against the Noda Cabinet by six minor opposition parties such as People's Life First and the Japanese Communist Party was voted down Thursday, almost all LDP and Komeito lawmakers were absent or abstained from voting. 国民の生活が第一、共産など野党６党が衆院に提出した野田内閣不信任決議案が否決された際、自民、公明両党は欠席・棄権した。
This was because the two parties were against the no-confidence motion but did not want to endorse the Noda administration by explicitly opposing it. 不信任案に賛成はできないが、反対して野田内閣を信任することも避けたいという思惑からだ。
The LDP has held such bargaining chips as submission of a censure motion against the prime minister, which it opted not to present this time, and blocking Diet approval of a government plan to issue deficit-covering bonds. 自民党は、今回見送った問責決議案の提出や、特例公債法案の成立阻止という、政権を揺さぶるカードも手元に残している。
The DPJ and LDP also differ widely in their interpretation of the vague term "sometime soon" regarding dissolution of the lower house. 「近いうち」の解散という玉虫色の合意をめぐる解釈も、民主、自民両党は大きく隔たっている。
While the LDP has persistently sought dissolution before the end of this Diet sitting, a great majority of the lower house members belonging to the DPJ are for holding a general election later than sooner, as the party's popularity ratings have been low. 自民党があくまで今国会での解散を求め続けているのに対し、支持率の低迷する民主党は、総選挙の先送りを望む声が大勢だ。
The different interpretations of "sometime soon" are expected to rise to the surface sooner or later, in the form of a demand from the LDP for early dissolution of the lower house, thus certainly intensifying the tug-of-war with the DPJ. 解釈の違いはいずれ、自民党の早期解散要求という形で再び顕在化し、民主党との間で攻防が激しくなることが避けられまい。
Under these circumstances, Noda must swiftly redouble his efforts to consolidate the power base of his administration, to rack up specific achievements by addressing not only tax and social security reform but also other key pending political tasks. 野田首相は、早急に政権の態勢を立て直すとともに、一体改革以外の重要課題にも取り組み、実績を重ねなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 10, 2012) （2012年8月10日01時16分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 10, 2012) Parties should be commended for reaffirming integrated reform 民自公党首合意 一体改革の再確認を評価する（8月9日付・読売社説）
A crisis in the country's politics was narrowly averted. We commend the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito for acting sensibly in dealing with the recent political impasse. 日本政治の危機は瀬戸際で回避された。民主、自民、公明３党の党首が良識をもって対処したことを評価したい。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi agreed during a meeting Wednesday night to ensure the early passage of bills for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, the main pillar of which is to raise the consumption tax rate. It is highly significant that the three parties united to realize "politics that do not put things off." 野田首相と谷垣自民党総裁、山口公明党代表が８日夜会談し、消費税率引き上げを柱とする社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の早期成立を期すことで一致した。「先送りしない政治」の実現を目指して３党が結束したことは、大きな意義がある。
Regarding an assurance that the House of Representatives will be dissolved, which the LDP demanded Noda give, it was agreed during the meeting that the prime minister "will seek the people's mandate sometime soon" after the Diet passes the bills. Tanigaki said after the meeting, "'Sometime soon' is a heavy term." 党首会談では、自民党が首相に要求していた「衆院解散の確約」について、法案成立後、「近いうちに国民に信を問う」ことで落ち着いた。谷垣氏は「『近いうち』とは重い言葉だ」と語った。
It is an ambiguous expression and can be interpreted various ways, but the DPJ and LDP compromised at the last minute. 玉虫色の表現であり、様々な解釈が可能だろうが、民主、自民両党がぎりぎりで歩み寄った。
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Specific timing difficult
The agreement is reasonable. The right to dissolve the lower house is solely in the hands of the prime minister and it is difficult to present specific timing in advance. Many within the DPJ oppose dissolving the lower house at an early date, so Noda was unable to be more specific regarding timing. 妥当な合意である。衆院解散は首相の専権事項であり、事前に具体的に明示することは難しい。民主党内では早期解散反対論が大勢で、首相にはこれ以上踏み込めないという事情もあった。
Tanigaki, meanwhile, laid down his arms at the last minute in keeping with the wishes of veteran LDP lawmakers who feel it would be irresponsible politics not to maintain the three-party agreement on the bills. Also, heart-to-heart talks with Noda seem to have encouraged Tanigaki to make the decision. 谷垣氏は、土壇場で矛を収めた。「３党合意を守れなければ、責任ある政治ではない」とするベテラン議員らの意向があった。首相との腹を割った話し合いも決断を後押ししたようだ。
Both Noda and Tanigaki have, in their respective parties, groups opposing both integrated reform and their reelection as party leader. It is praiseworthy that Noda and Tanigaki affirmed they will carry out reform while their power bases are weakening. 野田首相、谷垣氏とも、党内に一体改革や党首再選に反対する勢力を抱えている。権力基盤が弱体化している中、改革実現を改めて確認したことは評価できる。
Yamaguchi has called on the LDP to exercise self-restraint, consistently maintaining that motions such as a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet should not be submitted until the bills are enacted. 山口氏は、「法案が成立するまでは内閣不信任決議案などを出すべきではない」と一貫して主張し、自民党に自制を促した。
Yamaguchi also said the agreement between the three parties on Wednesday "gave due consideration to the possible impact at home and abroad, and proved that [the nation's] politics is functioning." Komeito showed its dignity as a party that was in power for years. 「内外への影響を配慮し、政治が機能することを示した」と語ったが、長年政権を担った政党としての矜持(きょうじ)を示したと言えよう。
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Motions likely to be defeated
As the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito agreed on the early passage of the integrated reform bills, a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet and a censure motion against Noda submitted by small and midsize parties, including People's Life First and the Japanese Communist Party, are expected to be voted down. 民自公３党が法案の早期成立で一致したことで、国民の生活が第一や共産党など中小野党が提出した内閣不信任案、首相問責決議案は否決される見通しだ。
Noda expressed his appreciation to the LDP and Komeito, saying the decision by the two parties not to submit no-confidence and censure motions was weighty. The three parties should firmly maintain the unity they have reaffirmed. 野田首相は、内閣不信任決議案などを提出しないという自公両党の決断は重いと述べ、両党に謝意を表した。再確認した３党の結束を今後も堅持してもらいたい。
The DPJ leadership should engage in serious self-reflection for having caused the recent turmoil. Although Noda vowed to stake his political life on passing the bills during the current Diet session, DPJ Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi and other party executives have cast a chill over his efforts. 民主党執行部は、こうした事態を引き起こしたことを猛省すべきである。首相が今国会での法案成立に政治生命をかけると明言しているのに、輿石幹事長らは水を差してきた。
Noda, though suffering from a low approval rating, is trying to realize the consumption tax hike and seek a mandate from the people. He should be faithful to his beliefs and not be daunted by interference from inside and outside the party. 野田首相は、低支持率にあえぎながらも、消費増税を実現し、国民に信を問おうとしている。党内外の妨害にひるむことなく、その信念を貫くべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 9, 2012) （2012年8月9日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 9, 2012) Reform bills shouldn't be exploited as political tool 内閣不信任案 一体改革を党利党略で弄ぶな（8月8日付・読売社説）
The integrated reform of the social security and tax systems is a vital issue that will determine this nation's future. We cannot allow ruling or opposition parties to toy with these matters for the sake of their own interests or political maneuvering. 社会保障と税の一体改革は、日本の将来を左右する重要案件だ。与野党が党利党略で弄ぶことがあってはならない。
Several minor opposition parties, including the People's Life First, the Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party, have submitted a joint no-confidence motion against the Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to the House of Representatives and a censure motion against Noda to the House of Councillors. 国民の生活が第一、共産、社民などの中小野党が、衆院に野田内閣不信任決議案を、参院に野田首相問責決議案を、それぞれ共同提出した。
In opposing the proposed increase in the consumption tax rate, these parties argue that a tax hike would be a breach of the Democratic Party of Japan's election manifesto and that the Noda Cabinet can therefore not be trusted. 消費税率引き上げに反対する立場から、「消費増税は民主党の政権公約違反であり、野田内閣は信任できない」と主張している。
We urge the three parties that have reached an agreement on revised bills for the integrated reform--the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the opposition Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito--to duly vote down the no-confidence and censure motions. 一体改革関連法案に修正合意した民主、自民、公明の３党は、不信任案と問責決議案を粛々と否決すべきである。
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LDP position problematic
However, the wrench in the works is an LDP reaffirmation of its hard-line plan to submit its own no-confidence motion against the Noda Cabinet and a censure motion against the prime minister, unless Noda promises to dissolve the lower house soon for a snap election. The LDP following through on their pledge could push the three-party agreement to the brink of collapse. 問題なのは、自民党が、野田首相から衆院解散の確約が得られない限り、内閣不信任案や問責決議案を独自に提出する、という強硬姿勢を再確認したことだ。自民党が提出に踏み切れば、３党合意は崩壊の危機に直面する。
Any no-confidence motion is certain to be voted down in the lower house, but a censure motion could easily pass the upper house. A censure motion, although not legally binding, could lead to a boycott by opposition parties of upper house deliberations on the reform bills, making passage of the bills extremely difficult. 衆院で不信任案は否決される見通しだが、参院では問責決議案が可決される公算が大きい。法的拘束力はないが、野党が参院審議を拒否すれば、一体改革法案の成立が極めて困難になる。
We consider it to be the pinnacle of stupidity to push the reform plans back to the drawing board, just when they are on the brink of realization. The resulting logjam would also negatively impact other serious issues, such as leaving personnel appointments for a nuclear regulatory commission to be launched in September up in the air. 実現目前の一体改革を白紙に戻すのは、愚の骨頂である。さらに、９月に発足する予定の原子力規制委員会の人事も宙に浮くなど、多大な悪影響が出るだろう。
Considering the recent political stalemate with the Diet divided between the ruling camp-controlled lower house and an opposition-controlled upper house, the three-party agreement on the reform bills was seen as a major step toward returning to a political climate where decisions can be made. If the agreement collapses and the reform bills fail to pass, public opinion of existing political parties could nose-dive. 衆参ねじれ国会で政治が停滞する中、一体改革の３党合意は「決められる政治」に立ち返る一歩となるはずだった。合意が崩れ、法案が成立しなければ、既成政党への国民の評価は失墜しよう。
We see the LDP's willingness to seek an early dissolution of the lower house, even if it sacrifices the integrated reform, as incredibly selfish. 一体改革を犠牲にすることも辞さずに、早期解散を求める自民党の姿勢は、身勝手すぎる。
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Promises must be kept
Some political observers believe LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki is insisting on a lower house dissolution during the current Diet session because without one, he will face a difficult reelection fight in his party's leadership race in September. 谷垣総裁が今国会での解散に固執していることにも、それが実現できなければ、９月の総裁選で自らの再選が困難になるためではないか、との見方が出ている。
The LDP is completely unjustified in preparing to submit a censure motion against Noda without regard to the party's agreement to hold a vote on the reform bills at a Wednesday session of an upper house special committee, as was proposed by the DPJ. 自民党が参院特別委員会での８日採決の日程に同意しながら、問責決議案の提出の用意をしているのは、筋が通らない。
The three parties' agreement stipulates that they intend to pass reform legislation during the current Diet session. The DPJ's administration of the Diet has been somewhat problematic. Nevertheless, if the LDP unilaterally goes ahead with its plan, it could render any agreement between political parties invalid and wreck mutual trust between them. ３党合意は、一体改革法案について「今国会で成立を図る」と明記している。民主党の国会運営に問題があったにせよ、自民党が一方的に反故(ほご)にするなら、政党間の合意や信頼は成り立たない。
Even if the LDP returns to power through a snap election, how could it expect opposition parties to cooperate on raising the consumption tax? 仮に自民党が政権に復帰した場合、消費増税について野党の協力を一体どう得るつもりなのか。
We applaud Komeito's drawing a line in the sand with the LDP, insisting that passage of reform legislation should be prioritized and not used as a tool in political power struggles. We urge Komeito to stick to its position. 公明党が「一体改革を政局の道具にすべきでない」として自民党と一線を画し、法案成立を優先しているのは、妥当な姿勢だ。今の方針を堅持してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 8, 2012) （2012年8月8日01時41分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 8, 2012) DPJ-LDP talks needed to end Diet impasse 一体改革法案 党首会談で事態を打開せよ（8月7日付・読売社説）
The prospects for passage of bills for integrated reform of the social security and tax systems through the Diet are doubtful. 社会保障・税一体改革関連法案の成立が危ぶまれる状況である。
This is because of the high-handed attitude of the Liberal Democratic Party, which refuses to help enact the bills unless Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda gives assurance he will dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election immediately after the bills are passed. 自民党が、野田首相から衆院解散の確約を得られなければ法案の成立を認めない、という強硬路線へ強引に舵(かじ)を切ったからだ。
The lower house passed the bills after some modifications following a three-party agreement among the Democratic Party of Japan, the LDP and New Komeito that the bills were needed to rehabilitate the government's finances. 民主、自民、公明３党が財政再建の重要性を確認し、修正合意の末に衆院を通過させた法案だ。
It is intolerable for the LDP to treat the three-party accord so lightly at this late date. The bills must be enacted swiftly through a vote in the House of Councillors. 今になって蔑(ないがし)ろにすることは到底許されない。参院で速やかに採決し、成立させるのが筋である。
"To accomplish the task of carrying out the integrated reform, we should seek a public mandate to rebuild momentum," LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki said. 自民党の谷垣総裁は「一体改革を成し遂げるには国民に信を問い、態勢を立て直すことが必要だ」と述べた。
He indicated that if the LDP's demand for dissolution of the lower chamber was not met, the party would submit a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet or a censure motion against the prime minister as early as Tuesday. 解散要求が通らない場合、内閣不信任決議案や首相問責決議案を７日にも提出する。
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Public won't understand
The LDP is using a tactic in which it holds the reform bills--the national interest--hostage as it is making support for them contingent on the prime minister pledging to dissolve the lower house. 法案成立と引き換えに早期の衆院選に持ち込もうとするのは、一体改革という国益を“人質”に取るような手法ではないか。
Should a censure motion against Noda or a no-confidence motion against his administration be submitted, the Diet would almost certainly be thrown into turmoil and the bills would face the danger of being scrapped. 問責決議案や内閣不信任案が出されれば、国会は混乱し、法案は廃案になりかねない。
Besides the disintegration of the three-party agreement, confidence in Japan's political system would evaporate both at home and abroad. その場合、３党合意の瓦解どころか、日本の政治そのものが内外の信用を失うだろう。
In a comment on the LDP's hard-line stance, Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi quite reasonably pointed out that the largest opposition party should be "more circumspect about what consequences would ensue." 自民党の強硬姿勢について、公明党の山口代表が「どういう結果を招くか、慎重に考えるべきだ」と指摘したのはもっともだ。
The LDP's stance is hardly likely to gain the understanding of most people. 多くの国民の理解は得られまい。
The party must think carefully about the wisdom of submitting a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet. And the idea of using a censure motion, which has no binding power under the Constitution, as a means of toppling an administration would set a bad precedent in the nation's politics. 自民党は内閣不信任案の提出を再考すべきだ。法的拘束力のない問責決議案を倒閣に使うのも悪(あ)しき前例を残すことになる。
"The three-party agreement is highly important, and I'm determined to do my utmost to enact the bills," Noda said. 野田首相は、「３党合意は大変重たい。法案を成立させることに全力を尽くす」と語った。
If he really wants to maintain his resolve, the prime minister will have no other recourse but to try to break the impasse through face-to-face talks with Tanigaki. それなら、谷垣氏との会談で事態の打開を図るしかないだろう。
One major factor behind the current imbroglio is the lack of sincerity on the part of the prime minister and other DPJ executives. そもそも、こうした状況を招いた一因は、首相と民主党執行部の不誠実さにある。
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DPJ move belated
In his talks with Nobuaki Koga, president of the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), Noda expressed his desire to stay in office for the compilation of next fiscal year's state budget. This struck a nerve in the LDP, which wants the lower house dissolved soon after the passage of the tax and security reform bills. 首相は、連合の古賀伸明会長との会談で来年度予算編成に意欲を示し、法案成立後の解散を求める自民党の神経を逆なでした。
The DPJ leadership has been cautious about agreeing on an early vote on the bills for fear that a number of legislators could bolt the party. 民主党執行部は、離党者がさらに出ることを恐れ、法案の早期採決には及び腰だった。
It earlier called for a vote on Aug. 20, arguing that the bills should be voted on at the same time as votes on bills to enable the government to issue deficit-covering bonds and for lower house electoral system reform to rectify the disparity in the weight of votes between the most and least represented constituencies. 当初、赤字国債発行を可能とする特例公債法案の成立や衆院選挙制度の「１票の格差」是正との同時決着を主張し、２０日の採決を唱えていた。
Although all this legislation is important, the DPJ's argument can only be seen as a pretext for putting off a vote on the social security and tax reform bills. これらが大事なのは言うまでもないが、一体改革関連法案の参院採決を先送りする口実ではないか、と疑われても仕方がない。
The DPJ has finally changed its stance, as it is now making overtures to the LDP to have the relevant committees vote on the tax and social security bills on Wednesday. There can be no denying the DPJ's move is belated. ようやく民主党は自民党に８日の委員会採決を提案したが、対応が後手に回ったのは確かだ。
One thing must not happen: The DPJ-LDP brawling and bickering must not lead to scrapping of the reform bills. 民主、自民両党の駆け引きの揚げ句に、法案を葬り去ることだけは回避しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 7, 2012) （2012年8月7日01時52分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 7, 2012) Ceaseless efforts must be made to prevent nuclear threat 原爆忌 核の脅威阻止へ不断の努力を（8月6日付・読売社説）
Hiroshima and Nagasaki will mark the anniversary of their atomic bombing on Monday and Thursday, respectively. The nation should convey to the world the calamity of the attacks and make a fresh pledge for peace. 広島は６日、長崎は９日に原爆忌を迎える。被爆の惨禍を世界に伝え、平和への誓いを新たにしなければならない。
It has been 67 years since two atomic bombs were dropped on these two cities. Those who experienced the attacks are now quite old, with their average age nearing 80. 原爆投下から６７年。被爆者の高齢化が進み、平均年齢は８０歳に近づいている。
The Hiroshima city government this year started a project to recruit and train next-generation "kataribe," people who will speak about the reality of the bombings to others. The trainees will listen to the experiences of atomic bomb victims and study the historical background of the bombings and the current situation of nuclear weapons, among other things. After finishing the training, they will be officially certified as successors to testify about the experience of the atomic bombing. 広島市は今年、被爆の実態を証言する「語り部」の後継者を募り、育成していく事業に着手した。被爆者から体験を聞き、原爆投下の歴史的背景や核兵器の現状を学ぶ。そんな研修を終えると、被爆体験伝承者として認定される。
It is extremely important to steadily tell future generations about the tragedy of the days the bombings occurred and the ensuing years. あの日の悲劇を次世代に着実に伝えていく意義は大きい。
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Still many nuclear weapons
U.S. President Barack Obama clearly stated three years ago that the United States has a moral responsibility to realize a "world without nuclear weapons." His speech gave hope to atomic bombing victims. オバマ米大統領は３年前、「核兵器のない世界」の実現へ米国は行動する責任があると明言し、被爆者にも希望をもたらした。
However, the circumstances surrounding nuclear weapons have by no means turned in a desirable direction. しかし、核兵器を巡る状況は決して好転したわけではない。
In February last year, the new Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty took effect between the United States and Russia, but there are still about 19,000 nuclear warheads around the world. Further reduction of nuclear arms is necessary. 昨年２月に米露間で新戦略兵器削減条約（新ＳＴＡＲＴ）が発効したが、世界には依然として約１万９０００発の核弾頭がある。一層の核軍縮が必要だ。
We are also worried about the suspicions that Iran is developing nuclear weapons. Ignoring U.N. Security Council resolutions, Iran has been moving forward with production of enriched uranium, which could lead to the development of nuclear weapons. It has not accepted inspections of suspicious facilities as demanded by the International Atomic Energy Agency. 一方で憂慮されるのは、イランの核開発疑惑である。イランは、国連安保理決議を無視し、核兵器開発につながる濃縮ウランの製造を進めている。国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）が求める疑惑施設への査察も受け入れていない。
If de facto nuclear weapons development advances in Iran, which is a member of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty, the NPT regime itself may be greatly weakened. 核拡散防止条約（ＮＰＴ）加盟国でもあるイランで、事実上の核開発が進むなら、ＮＰＴ体制そのものが大きく揺らぎかねない。
North Korea, which has carried out two nuclear tests in the past, this spring test-launched a long-range ballistic missile despite warnings from the international community. The threat of North Korea's nuclear and missile development is constantly increasing. 過去２回、核実験を行った北朝鮮は今春、国際社会の警告にもかかわらず長距離弾道ミサイルの発射実験を行った。北朝鮮の核とミサイルの脅威は増すばかりだ。
Given this stark reality, Japan has to depend on the nuclear umbrella of the United States despite being itself a nation that was attacked by nuclear bombs. 厳しい現実を踏まえれば、日本は、被爆国とはいえ、米国の核の傘に頼らざるを得ない。
But even amid this dilemma, the nation needs to convey to the world the reality of the Hiroshima and Nagasaki atomic bombings and continue its efforts toward arms reduction and nuclear nonproliferation. This is the mission given to Japan. そうしたジレンマを抱えながらも、広島、長崎の被爆の実態を伝え、軍縮と核不拡散に向けて努力を重ねていく必要がある。それが日本に課された使命と言える。
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WMD vs peaceful use of N-power
However, we question why some people have linked their calls for abandoning nuclear power plants to nuclear disarmament and moves for peace since the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant of Tokyo Electric Power Co. 疑問なのは、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故以来、一部で核軍縮や平和への希求に絡めて脱原発が主張されていることだ。
It is true that a nuclear power reactor invites the proliferation of radioactive substances when a major accident occurs. But fundamentally it is strange to argue that weapons of mass destruction and the peaceful use of nuclear power are on the same level. 原発も大事故に至れば放射性物質の拡散を招くが、大量殺りく兵器と原子力の平和利用とを同列に論じるのはおかしい。
Nuclear reactor accidents can be prevented if sufficient safety measures are properly taken. It must be rather Japan's responsibility to help improve the safety of nuclear reactors in the world, by taking advantage of lessons learned from the nuclear crisis. 原発事故は、安全対策をしっかり講じれば防ぎ得る。事故の教訓を生かし、世界の原発の安全性向上に貢献することが、むしろ日本の責務ではないのか。
Plenty of calm discussion needs to be held regarding nuclear power plants, from the standpoint of medium- and long-term energy policies. 原発については、中長期的なエネルギー政策の視点から、冷静に議論を重ねていく必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 6, 2012) （2012年8月6日01時22分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 6, 2012) Revise defense guidelines to boost security cooperation 日米防衛相会談 指針改定で安保協力の強化を（8月5日付・読売社説）
To maintain peace and stability in Northeast Asia, it is essential to steadily strengthen and expand defense cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and U.S. forces. 北東アジアの平和と安定を維持するためには、自衛隊と米軍の防衛協力を着実に強化・拡大することが欠かせない。
Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto and U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta agreed in a meeting at the Pentagon on Friday that the two countries would jointly "study and discuss" the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation, which stipulate methods of cooperation between the SDF and U.S. military during contingencies. 森本防衛相とパネッタ米国防長官が国防総省で会談し、有事における自衛隊と米軍の協力のあり方を定めた「日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）」について、今後、「研究・議論する」ことで一致した。
The guidelines were drastically revised in 1997 on the assumption of contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. Over the years, however, the security environment in Northeast Asia has dramatically changed, and defense cooperation between the two countries has developed in various ways. It is time for Japan and the United States to seriously consider revising the guidelines again to deepen their alliance. 朝鮮半島有事を想定した１９９７年の指針の抜本改定後、北東アジアの安全保障環境は大きく変化し、日米の防衛協力も様々な面で進展している。日米同盟の深化に向けて、そろそろ指針の再改定を本格的に検討する時期である。
In their meeting Friday, the defense ministers also agreed on concrete measures for "dynamic defense cooperation" between Japan and the United States. The two countries will consider conducting surveillance activities in waters around Japan by using the U.S. military's unmanned reconnaissance planes and boost the two countries' joint drills around Guam. 会談では、日米の「動的防衛協力」の具体策でも合意した。無人偵察機による日本周辺海域の警戒監視活動の実施を検討し、グアム周辺での共同訓練を拡大する。
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Enhancing deterrent to crises
Dynamic defense cooperation is meant to be a joint undertaking by SDF and U.S. military units. The program aims at enhancing the deterrent against emergencies through repeated joint information-gathering and reconnaissance activities, as well as drills and sharing of facilities. 動的防衛協力は、自衛隊と米軍の部隊運用を通じた協力だ。日米共同の情報収集・偵察活動や訓練、施設使用を重ね、緊急事態への抑止力を高める狙いがある。
The two countries are planning to base their surveillance activities in Guam and utilize the U.S. military's Global Hawk unmanned reconnaissance planes. These steps are expected to help the two countries share information before the outbreak of various incidents, and consider and discuss how to jointly deal with such events as situations develop. 警戒監視活動では、グアムを拠点とし、米軍の無人機「グローバルホーク」を活用する方向だ。様々な事態の発生前の段階から日米が情報を共有し、事態の進展に応じて共同対処する方策を検討・協議することにつながる。
Also being considered is the preparation of military facilities in Guam and Tinian, part of the Northern Mariana Islands, to be shared by the SDF and U.S. forces, and conducting landing drills and other exercises. We believe such activities will be useful in boosting the defense of remote islands in and around the Nansei Islands, an area of increasing importance. グアムや北マリアナ諸島のテニアンでは、自衛隊と米軍の共同施設を整備し、上陸訓練などを行う案がある。重要性を増す南西方面の離島防衛の強化に役立とう。
As for the scheduled deployment of MV-22 Osprey new transport aircraft in Japan, the two defense ministers agreed that the United States will refrain from test-flying the aircraft in Japan until the safety of its flight operations is confirmed. They also agreed that Japan and the United States would give utmost consideration to ensuring the safety of local residents when the aircraft conduct low-altitude flight exercises. 米軍の新型輸送機ＭＶ２２オスプレイの日本配備について、両閣僚は、安全性が確認されるまで国内を飛行させない方針で合意した。低空飛行訓練などで周辺住民に配慮することでも一致した。
It is quite significant for the defense ministers to have reconfirmed that they would ensure both the Osprey aircraft's safety and their deployment in Japan. 閣僚間でオスプレイの安全性と日本配備を両立させることを再確認した意義は小さくない。
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Make most of Osprey info
Based on the latest agreement, the U.S. government is urged to make utmost efforts to provide information on the aircraft's safety and past crashes, and thoroughly implement effective measures to prevent similar accidents from happening again. 今回の合意に基づき、米政府は、墜落事故や安全性に関する情報提供や、実効性ある再発防止策の徹底に最大限努力してほしい。
The Japanese government will dispatch a team of analysis and evaluation experts to the United States as early as by the end of this week to receive explanations on a report regarding an Osprey crash in Morocco in April. It will be important to closely analyze and verify the accident's causes from Japan's point of view. 日本政府は、４月のモロッコにおける事故の報告書について説明を受けるため、今週中にも分析評価チームを訪米させる。日本独自の視点で、しっかり原因を分析・検証することが重要である。
After the bilateral meeting, Morimoto took a flight on an Osprey aircraft. He is scheduled to visit Okinawa Prefecture this month to explain Japan's analysis of the U.S. report on the Osprey accident in Morocco. 森本防衛相は会談後、オスプレイに試乗した。月内に沖縄を訪問し、事故報告書に関する日本の評価結果を説明する予定だ。
It will not be easy to dispel local governments' concerns over the aircraft's safety, given their already heightened anxiety. But the government must tenaciously continue explaining in an effort to broaden their understanding. いったん高まった関係自治体の安全性への懸念を払拭するのは容易でないが、粘り強く説明を続け、理解を広げてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 5, 2012) （2012年8月5日01時15分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 5, 2012) The government must make energy scenarios more realistic エネルギー戦略 現実的な電源構成案に改めよ（8月4日付・読売社説）
The government's scenarios for a national energy strategy have been called into question over their feasibility. It is hard to deny the government has failed to sufficiently explain them to the public. These problems must be tackled. 政府のエネルギー戦略の選択肢は、実現性に疑問があるうえに、説明不足が否めない。問題点を改善すべきである。
In June, the government presented three scenarios on the ratio of nuclear power in the nation's energy sources in 2030, setting the ratio at zero percent, 15 percent or 20 to 25 percent. 政府は６月、２０３０年の原子力発電の比率を「０％」「１５％」「２０～２５％」とする三つの選択肢を示した。
Aimed at overhauling the current basic energy plan, all of the scenarios call for reducing the nation's dependence on nuclear power and making up the difference with thermal power and renewable energy, such as solar power. The government reportedly intends to reach a conclusion on the matter by the end of this month following public hearings and other types of national discussions. 現行のエネルギー基本計画を見直すたたき台で、いずれも原発を減らし、太陽光など再生可能エネルギーや火力発電で補う内容だ。政府は意見聴取会など「国民的議論」を経て、今月中に結論を出すとしている。
The scenarios appear to offer a wide range of options--from the zero percent plan aimed at denuclearization to the 20 percent to 25 percent plan calling for nuclear power to be used in the mid- and long term. However, all of the scenarios share a critical flaw: They are unrealistic. 脱原発を図る「０％」から、中長期的に原発を活用する「２０～２５％」まで、選択の幅は広いように見える。だが、すべての選択肢が現実味に乏しいという、致命的な欠点を抱えている。
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Optimistic estimates
The ratio of renewable energy appears to have been overestimated. In the scenario calling for no nuclear power, renewable energy sources account for 35 percent of the nation's total electricity generation, while the two plans that include the use of nuclear power call for such eco-friendly energy to supply 25 percent to 30 percent of the nation's electricity. Currently, renewable energy, including hydroelectric power, accounts for only about 10 percent. 再生エネの見積もりが明らかに過大である。水力を含め約１０％に過ぎない再生エネについて、原発ゼロ案は３５％に、原発を残す２案も２５～３０％に増やす想定だ。
The government reportedly plans to install solar panels at more than 10 million homes to make the nation's solar power capacity 20 times greater than it is at present. But it is unclear how this plan will be implemented. 太陽光を２０倍に拡大するため、１０００万戸以上の住宅に太陽光パネルを設置するという。この計画を実現する道筋は不透明だ。
Although a renewable energy purchase program was launched in July, there is concern that the program could cause a rise in electricity rates, a side effect that has been seen in Germany. The target ratio of renewable energy should be revised to more realistic figures. 再生エネの買い取り制度は７月にスタートしたが、ドイツのように電気料金が急騰する副作用も懸念される。再生エネの目標は現実的な水準に改めるべきだろう。
The government has also yet to explain sufficiently how these scenarios would affect daily life. Its estimates show that a regular household would see its monthly utility bill increase by as much as 10,000 yen as a result of the wider use of renewable energy. 国民生活への影響に関する説明も物足りない。政府は再生エネの拡大などに伴い、標準的な家庭の電気代が最大月１万円ほど増えるといった試算を示している。
However, we suspect the public would face even greater burdens as rising overall costs of power generation could result in price increases and weigh on companies' business operations. The firms could be forced to restructure. しかし、負担増はこれにとどまらないのではないか。生産など経済全体の電力コストが上がり、物価上昇や企業業績の悪化を招くと考えられるからだ。リストラの拡大も予想される。
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Lack of information
According to estimates by the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), which were based on data from a government panel, if the zero percent nuclear power plan is implemented, the number of people unemployed in Japan will rise by 2 million from about 3 million at present. The annual income of working households is estimated to decline nearly 600,000 yen, dealing a serious blow to people's lives. 経団連が政府の審議会のデータをもとに試算したところ、原発ゼロのケースでは、現在約３００万人の失業者が２００万人増え、勤労者世帯の所得は年６０万円近く減る。国民生活に大打撃となる。
It is vital that people decide on the ratio of nuclear power they want to support, after being properly informed of the negative impact of reducing dependence on nuclear power and extreme energy-saving efforts. The government should provide information that will help them make proper decisions. 国民が減原発や省エネのマイナス面を正確に把握し、望ましい電源構成を決めることが重要だ。政府は判断材料となる情報を、わかりやすく提供すべきである。
Meanwhile, questions have also been raised about the economic growth rate under the three scenarios, which are all based on the assumption that the nation's economy will grow at a rate of about 1 percent in real terms. This figure is lower than the government's goal of a 2 percent growth rate, set under the national revitalization strategy. 三つの選択肢が前提とする経済成長率が実質１％前後と、政府の日本再生戦略で目指す２％成長を下回っている点も不可解だ。
Motohisa Furukawa, state minister in charge of national strategy, said the scenarios' assumption is not directly linked to the existing growth strategy. However, his remarks are hardly convincing. 古川国家戦略相は「選択肢の想定と成長戦略は直接関係しない」と釈明するが、説得力に欠ける。
The government should view a national energy strategy as an important pillar of economic growth and reconsider the three scenarios. エネルギー戦略は、成長への重要な柱であることを踏まえ、三つの選択肢を再検討すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 4, 2012) （2012年8月4日01時57分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 4, 2012) Keep tax on printed matter low to protect culture, democracy 消費税と新聞 文化と民主主義を守るために（8月3日付・読売社説）
A number of European nations have adopted reduced tax rate systems to keep value-added taxes low on newspapers and books. 欧州諸国では、新聞や書籍に対する付加価値税を低く抑える軽減税率を採用している。
To preserve the culture of print and democracy, Japan should introduce a similar system in the course of its planned consumption tax rate increase. 活字文化と民主主義を守るため、日本でも今回の消費税率引き上げで、軽減税率を導入すべきである。
Value-added taxes in Europe, which are equivalent to the consumption tax in Japan, have higher rates--at about 20 percent--than Japan. But the tax rates applied to newspapers are just 7 percent in Germany and 2.1 percent in France, while there is no tax on such matter in Britain. 日本の消費税に当たる欧州の付加価値税は、税率が２０％前後と日本より高いが、新聞に適用される税率は、ドイツが７％、フランスが２・１％、イギリスが０％などに軽減されている。
This is because newspapers are recognized as public organs that support democracy by providing information on the policies of central and local governments and carrying various opinions on a number of issues. As a result, they offer material people use to form judgments. 新聞が、国や地方の政策や多様な言論を伝えて判断材料を提供するなど、民主主義を担う「公器」として認識されているからだ。
In this respect, newspapers have won the trust of many readers in Japan as well. The use of newspapers at schools also has been spreading with Newspapers in Education (NIE) programs, which are aimed at helping schoolchildren improve their reading comprehension abilities and cultivate their abilities to think and make judgments to solve problems. 日本でも新聞は、こうした観点から多くの読者の信頼を得てきた。子どもたちの読解力を伸ばし、問題解決のための判断力や思考力を養うことを目指して、学校で新聞を活用するＮＩＥ（教育に新聞を）活動も広がっている。
We consider it necessary to pay due attention to newspapers' inherent role in serving the public and its interests. 新聞の公共性、公益性に着目する必要がある。
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Diet group backs current rate
A Diet group to promote the culture of print, comprising lawmakers from various parties, has issued a statement calling for maintaining the current tax rate at 5 percent for newspapers, books and some other publications. 超党派の国会議員でつくる「活字文化議員連盟」は、新聞や書籍などに現行税率５％の維持を求める声明を出した。
The statement expressed a strong sense of crisis regarding these types of publications, saying: "Their public nature is extremely strong, in that they have played central roles in maintaining the culture of print in Japan. Consumption tax hikes would accelerate people's moves away from printed matter." 「日本の活字文化保持の中枢の役割を果たしてきた公共性は極めて高い。消費税率引き上げは国民の活字離れを加速させる」と強い危機感を示している。
In Diet deliberations on bills to raise the consumption tax rate, which are now in the final stage, there has been active discussion of reduced tax rate systems. 大詰めを迎えた消費税率引き上げ法案の国会審議でも、軽減税率を巡る議論が活発化している。
New Komeito's vice representative, Akira Matsu, called for introducing a reduced tax rate system on printed matter when the consumption tax rate is raised to 8 percent in the first of the envisaged two-stage tax hike plan. "Reduced tax rate systems [on newspapers and books] are implemented in a number of European nations as they are considered intellectual infrastructure for democracy," Matsu said. 公明党の松あきら副代表は「欧州では新聞や書籍は民主主義の知的インフラとみなされ、軽減税率が目立つ」とし、日本でも消費税率を８％に引き上げる段階から導入するよう求めた。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said in response: "[The government] will consider [reduced tax rate systems] from various points of view. It's important that we study the situation in foreign countries." 野田首相は「様々な観点から検討する。外国の事例の検討も大事な要素だ」と応じた。
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Be careful of taxing education
Learning from European models, we consider it necessary to give prudent consideration to taxes imposed on knowledge and education. 欧州の事例に学び、「知識」や「教育」に対する課税は、慎重に考えるべきだろう。
To maintain social security systems in a stable manner, it is inevitable to consider a future additional increase in the consumption tax rate beyond 10 percent. 社会保障制度を安定的に維持するには、将来的に消費税率を１０％超に引き上げる追加増税を視野に入れざるを得ない。
To ease the financial burden on households and obtain the people's understanding, we think it would be effective to introduce reduced tax rate systems. 家計の負担感をやわらげ、国民の理解を得るためにも、軽減税率の導入が効果的だ。
Opponents of such systems, mainly in the Finance Ministry, argue it would be difficult to set clear lines for which items should be subject to lower tax rates and that the systems might result in lower tax revenues. 「対象品目の線引きが難しく、税収減につながる恐れがある」として、財務省を中心に軽減税率への反対論がくすぶる。
But if eligibility for lower tax rates is limited, it is unlikely there would be sharp drops in tax revenues. だが、軽減対象を限定すれば、大幅な税収減とはなるまい。
To determine what should be subject to lower tax rates, political leaders should be responsible for deciding after a third-party committee or other body studies the issue. 軽減税率の対象に何を選ぶかは、第三者委員会のような組織で検討したうえで、政治が責任を持って判断すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 3, 2012) （2012年8月3日01時55分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 3, 2012) Education boards must improve their responses to bullying いじめ対策 教育委員会の在り方問い直せ（8月2日付・読売社説）
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has set up a new office specializing in bullying issues in response to a case in which a second-year middle school student committed suicide in Otsu last October. 文部科学省がいじめ対策を専門に扱う新組織を発足させた。大津市で中学２年生が自殺した問題を受けた措置だ。
In addition, two other serious middle school bullying cases have recently been revealed--one in Soka, Saitama Prefecture, and the other in Neyagawa, Osaka Prefecture--both of which resulted in severe injuries to the bullied students. 埼玉県草加市や大阪府寝屋川市でも中学生がいじめで重傷を負っていた。
Bullying-related issues continue to appear. We urge the ministry to make effective use of the new office to deter bullying, which causes serious suffering to children. いじめを巡る問題は後を絶たない。新たな対策室を有効に機能させ、子供を苦しめるいじめの抑止に役立ててもらいたい。
The new office, established Wednesday, comprises about 20 officials, including some from the National Police Agency. When serious bullying cases are revealed or students commit suicide as a result of bullying, the office is supposed to provide schools and boards of education with instructions and advice regarding how to probe such cases and prevent their recurrence. 新組織は約２０人の体制だ。警察庁の職員も参加する。深刻ないじめや、いじめを苦にした自殺が起きた際、学校や教育委員会に対し、原因究明や防止策を指導、助言することを想定している。
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Ministry's commitment needed
The ministry used to leave how to respond to bullying cases up to schools and boards of education whenever they came to light. It can be said that the ministry has responded slowly to bullying issues so far even though it is aware of the overall trend of bullying nationwide. 文科省は従来、個別のいじめの対応については、学校や教委に委ねてきた。全国的な傾向の把握には取り組んできたが、対策は後手に回っていたと言えよう。
Setting up the new office suggests that the ministry has concluded it would be difficult to solve bullying cases as long as it leaves them up to schools and boards of education. 対策室の設置は、現場任せでは問題は解決しないと判断した結果だろう。
It is necessary for the ministry to gather information related to bullying and establish a framework that will allow it to swiftly respond to emergency cases. 文科省はいじめに関する情報を集約し、緊急を要する事案に対処できる体制を構築していく必要がある。
It is also important for the ministry to dispatch experts to schools and boards of education to give them appropriate advice on preventing children from killing themselves. 子供の自殺防止のため、専門家を派遣して、適切なアドバイスをすることも重要だ。
It would, however, be unreasonable to expect the ministry to directly respond to every single bullying case. Only schools and boards of education are responsible for dealing with the issue firsthand. ただ、文科省がすべてのいじめに直接対応するのは無理がある。最前線でいじめ対策を担うのは、やはり学校や教育委員会だ。
The Otsu case has revealed how dysfunctional the city's board of education was in responding to the problem. Reforming education boards is an urgent task. 大津市の問題では市教委の機能不全が浮き彫りになった。教委の立て直しは喫緊の課題である。
The Otsu Municipal Board of Education rushed to wrap up its investigation even though many students at the public school the boy attended told how he was bullied when the board surveyed them following his suicide. 大津市教委は生徒の自殺後に実施したアンケートで、多くの生徒からいじめに関する情報を得ながら、早々に調査を打ち切った。
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Board showed no understanding
Members of the board, moreover, reportedly did not raise any questions or express any opinions regarding the case during their regular meetings following the suicide. The board did not show that it understood the seriousness of the case or that it was committed to probing the cause of the suicide. 自殺後に開かれた市教委の定例会では、教育委員からいじめ問題への質問や意見は出なかったという。市教委には、問題の重大性の認識も、自殺の原因を究明しようという姿勢も感じられない。
This seriously calls into question whether boards of education are really necessary. 教育委員会の存在意義が厳しく問われている。
It has long been said that boards of education--most of whose members are appointed from among local communities--lack substance. Although the boards are independent from the heads of local governments, it is often the case that the majority of board members simply rubber-stamp decisions made by their secretariats, which handle practical affairs. 地域住民から任命された委員らで構成する教委については、かねて形骸化が指摘されている。首長から独立した機関であるにもかかわらず、実務を担う事務局の方針を追認するケースが目立つ。
Many boards of education have former teachers as their superintendents--the heads of the secretariats. A common criticism is that such superintendents fail to respond properly when problems arise because they feel camaraderie with the teachers involved. 事務局を統括する教育長の多くは教師出身者だ。学校で問題が生じた際に、「仲間意識」が働いて適切な対応がとれていないとの批判も絶えない。
Some observers strongly feel that boards of education are unnecessary. 教委不要論も根強い。
Some heads of local governments insist that it should be up to them to decide whether to even have such boards, in light of moves toward the decentralization of power. 地方分権の観点から、教委の設置を自治体の選択制にすべきだと主張する首長もいる。
Should boards of education be left as they are? 教育委員会は現状のままでいいのか。
It is necessary for the ministry to review the system. 文科省はその在り方を再検討する必要があろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 2, 2012) （2012年8月2日01時26分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 2, 2012) Defense paper rightly highlights need for caution over China 防衛白書 中国軍の活動に警戒を怠るな（8月1日付・読売社説）
In response to the Chinese military's rapid modernization and increased activities, it is imperative that the Self-Defense Forces steadily strengthen their surveillance and patrol activities. 中国軍の急速な近代化と活動の活発化に対し、自衛隊は警戒・監視活動を着実に強化することが肝要である。
The government's 2012 white paper on defense stated, as last year's report did, that China's military movements are "a matter of concern" for the Asia region and the international community, and "should require prudent analysis." It is natural for the government to point this out. ２０１２年版防衛白書は中国の軍事動向について、昨年に続き、アジア地域と国際社会の「懸念事項」と明記し、「慎重に分析していく必要がある」と指摘した。当然の認識である。
China's defense spending has jumped to more than double the level it was five years ago and 30 times that of 24 years ago. Its official defense budget is now more than 1.6 times that of Japan's. The gap will almost certainly continue to widen. Some observers have suggested China could match the United States as a military power by about 2050. 中国の国防費は過去５年間で２倍以上、２４年間で３０倍に急増した。日本の１・６倍超に達し、今後、この差は拡大することが確実だ。５０年頃には「米国の対等なライバルになる」との見方もある。
Besides China's sea trials of an aircraft carrier and development of next-generation fighter jets possessing stealth capabilities, Japan must not underestimate the implications of China's advance into the Pacific Ocean, where its naval vessels are operating increasingly frequently, and test-flights of reconnaissance drones. 空母の試験航行、ステルス性を持つ次世代戦闘機の開発に加え、海軍艦船による太平洋進出の常態化や偵察用無人機の飛行訓練なども軽視できない。
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Beef up SDF capabilities
Given such factors as senior Chinese military officials making remarks on security issues more often than before, the white paper said relations between the Chinese Communist Party leadership and the People's Liberation Army have "been getting complex." The paper said it is a "risk management issue," and expressed caution over the growing influence of China's military. 白書は、安全保障問題に関する軍幹部の発言の増加などを踏まえ「共産党指導部との関係が複雑化している」と分析し、「危機管理上の課題」として、中国軍の影響力増大に警戒感を示した。
The lack of transparency in China's military capabilities and decision-making process has long been a source of unease. It is crucial that close attention is paid to this issue. 中国の軍事力や意思決定プロセスについては、かねて透明性の欠如が指摘されている。引き続き注視することが欠かせない。
The Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces in recent years have been placing greater emphasis on the defense of the Nansei Islands. But due to growing activities by Chinese forces, the SDF are being stretched when dispatching patrol aircraft and other vessels as needed. 海上・航空自衛隊は近年、南西諸島防衛を重視しているが、中国軍の動きが激しいため、哨戒機などのやり繰りが厳しいという。
We believe it is urgent for the nation to strengthen the "dynamic defense cooperation" with the U.S. military, which is renewing its focus on the Asia region. Improving the deployment formation and equipment of the SDF's maritime and air wings is also a pressing matter. The government should end its paring of defense spending, which has continued for 10 consecutive years. 「アジア重視」を鮮明にした米軍との「動的防衛協力」を強化するとともに、海空自の部隊配置や装備を充実させることが急務だ。防衛費の１０年連続の減少にも、歯止めをかけるべきである。
On the other hand, it is important to step up confidence-building efforts between Japan and China through such measures as reactivating bilateral defense exchanges, which have stalled in the past few years, and establishing an emergency contact system between forces of both nations to deal with a maritime accident. 一方で、ここ数年停滞している日中防衛交流を再活性化し、海上事故発生時の部隊間の緊急連絡体制を構築するなど、双方の信頼醸成を図ることが重要だ。
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N. Korea text needs update
With regard to North Korea, the white paper said following the failed test of a ballistic missile in April, Pyongyang "is likely to attempt similar launches" in the future. 北朝鮮について、白書は、４月の弾道ミサイル発射の失敗を受けて「今後も同様の発射を行う可能性が高い」と指摘した。
Japan must enhance its deterrent capability by expanding the scope of military information sharing with the United States and South Korea and conducting joint exercises with them. The government should quickly conclude a general security of military information agreement with Seoul, the signing of which has been delayed due to domestic issues in South Korea. 日本は、米韓両国との軍事情報の共有を拡大し、共同演習を通じて抑止力を高めねばならない。韓国の国内事情で延期されている軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の締結を急ぐ必要がある。
We find it baffling that since 1994 the white paper has not changed the language it uses to assess North Korea's military movements, saying only that it "constitutes a serious destabilizing factor for security in the entire East Asia region." 疑問なのは、白書が１９９４年以来、北朝鮮の軍事動向に関する評価を「東アジア全域の安全保障にとって重大な不安定要因」とし、一切変更していないことだ。
Over this period, Pyongyang has conducted two nuclear tests and test-fired long-distance ballistic missiles and carried out other military provocations that have significantly endangered Japan's security environment. We think the white paper should use expressions that more accurately reflect the changes in North Korea's posture. この間、２回の核実験や長距離弾道ミサイル発射などが行われ、日本の安全保障環境は格段に厳しくなっている。北朝鮮情勢の変化を適切に反映した評価の表現を工夫しなければなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 1, 2012) （2012年8月1日01時13分 読売新聞）
--The Asahi Shimbun, July 30 EDITORIAL: Anti-nuke protests offer an opportunity to move democracy forward 国会を包囲する人々―民主主義を鍛え直そう
A myriad of lights cast a soft glow around the Diet building as dusk fell on July 29. 夕暮れの国会議事堂を、無数の灯（ともしび）が取り囲んだ。
Thousands of anti-nuclear protesters formed a human chain around most of the Tokyo landmark in the latest of a continuing series of demonstrations against the reopening of nuclear power plants following the Fukushima nuclear disaster. The "Encircle the Diet" rally was organized by a coalition of citizen groups. Participants demanding the phaseout of nuclear power generation in Japan chanted slogans against the restart of idled nuclear reactors, holding candles and flashlights. きのう、市民グループの呼びかけであった「国会大包囲」。脱原発を求める人々が、キャンドルやペンライトを手に「再稼働反対」を連呼した。
The massive demonstration came after several months of Friday night protests at the prime minister's office and the Diet building. Tens of thousands of people have joined the growing movement. ここ数カ月、毎週金曜の夕方には、首相官邸と国会の前でも何万という人々が抗議の声をあげている。
Never have so many Japanese participated in a movement against a government policy since a wave of protests against the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty swept the nation half a century ago in 1960. １９６０年の安保闘争から半世紀。これほどの大群衆が、政治に「ノー」を突きつけたことはなかった。
This loud chorus of objections to nuclear power generation that has risen among the silent majority is an amazing change triggered by the March 11, 2011, disaster and the subsequent reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 「もの言わぬ国民」による異議申し立て。３・１１と福島原発事故がもたらした驚くべき変化である。
MOVEMENT FUELED BY REACTOR RESTARTS ■原発再稼働で拡大
The weekly anti-nuclear protests in front of the prime minister's office began at the end of March with just 300 participants. The number of protesters swelled after the government decided in June to bring two idled reactors at the Oi nuclear power plant back online. 官邸前の抗議行動は、３月末に３００人ほどで始まった。それが、６月に政府が大飯原発の再稼働を決めた前後から、みるみる膨らんだ。
One participant in the July 29 rally, a 60-year-old, self-employed woman from the city of Shimanto, Kochi Prefecture, expressed her indignation at Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's remarks at the news conference to announce his decision to reactivate the two reactors. 「大包囲」に来た高知県四万十市の自営業の女性（６０）は、再稼働を表明した野田首相の記者会見に憤る。
"I can't forgive him for saying he had decided (to restart the reactors) for the people's sense of security," the woman said. "He should have been honest and said (his decision had been) for money." 「国民の安心のために決断したという言葉が許せない。正直に金もうけのためといえばいいのに」
Most of the protesters who were interviewed by The Asahi Shimbun shared the feeling that the government and electric utilities, which are in a rush to restart reactors, are hiding the truth. 再稼働を急ぐ政府や電力会社は「本当のこと」を語っていない――。話を聞いた参加者にほぼ共通する思いだ。
First of all, they find it hard to believe the claim that nuclear power plants in Japan are basically safe. まず、「安全だ」という説明が信じられない。
That's hardly surprising. The causes of the accident have yet to be fully identified, while it is suspected that the Oi plant in Fukui Prefecture, operated by Kansai Electric Power Co., could be sitting atop an active fault. 当然だろう。事故原因も判然とせず、大飯では活断層の存在も疑われている。
We wonder how many Japanese are willing to accept Noda's assertion that the nation is equipped with a reliable system to prevent a recurrence of nuclear accidents. 首相が「事故を防止できる体制は整っている」と力んでも、真に受ける人がどれほどいるのか。
The protesters are also suspicious of the claim that there will be a serious power shortage unless reactors are reactivated. 「電気が足りなくなる」という説明にも疑問の目を向ける。
They say that there was a sufficient power supply last winter and that no shortage is emerging this summer despite repeated warnings about a power crunch. 足りない、足りないと言いながら、昨冬もこの夏も余裕があるではないか。
They suspect that the real motive behind the hasty move to restart reactors is to protect the financial health of the electric utilities, which are suffering from higher fuel costs due to increased thermal power generation. 再稼働の本当の理由は、電力会社の経営を守るためではないのか。
Some of the protesters accept that nuclear power generation can only be phased out through a time-consuming process. 参加者の中には、原発ゼロを実現するにはある程度時間がかかると考える人もいる。
If Noda had clearly committed his administration to weaning Japan from dependence on atomic energy and mapped out a plan to decommission reactors over time, starting with the most dangerous ones, his efforts to reopen reactors might not have stirred such a huge wave of public outrage. もし首相が「脱原発」の立場を明確にし、危険度の高い原発から順次廃炉にする行程を示していたら、ここまで怒りが燃え広がることはなかったのではないか。
DEEP-ROOTED DISTRUST OF ESTABLISHMENT ■根強い体制不信
But the Noda administration's actions concerning nuclear power generation are not the only problem. ただ、問題は野田政権のふるまいだけにとどまらない。
At the root of the protest movement is strong distrust of the way indirect democracy is practiced in this country. 抗議の根っこにあるのは、間接民主主義のあり方に対する強い不信感である。
One of the protesters, a 77-year-old woman from the city of Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture, said: "Democracy is supposed to be politics based on people's opinions. Politics that ignores people's voices is nothing more than fascism." 兵庫県姫路市の女性（７７）は「民主主義は民の声を聴く政治のはず。声が届かないのはファッショだ」と語った。
This viewpoint has been expressed time and again at the protest rallies. こんな声は抗議の場のあちこちで聴かれる。
Indirect democracy should allow voters to realize the policies they favor through their elected representatives, or legislators. Many Japanese seem to feel that the nation's system of indirect democracy is not functioning properly in that their voices are rarely heeded by policymakers. 有権者が、選挙で選んだ自分たちの代表（議員）を通じて政策を実現する。その間接民主主義の回路が機能せず、自分たちの声が政治に届かない。
This sense of frustration appears to have been driving people into actions that seem closer to direct democracy. そんないらだちが、人々を直接民主主義的な行動に駆り立てているのではないか。
The Fukushima nuclear disaster was clearly the last straw. そして、これを決定づけたのが原発事故だった。
Many Japanese believe it was not a natural disaster but the result of human error due to failures by the government and Tokyo Electric Power Co., which operated the plant. これは天災ではなく、電力会社や政府による人災だ。
They criticize the government and TEPCO for not immediately disclosing the facts of core meltdowns nor information about the release of radioactive materials from the plant into the environment. メルトダウンの事実も、放射性物質の飛散情報もすぐに公表しなかった。
They don't trust news organizations either, which they believe base their reports mostly on information provided by the government. そんな政府の情報をもとに報道するメディアも信用できない――。
People are not just distrustful of politics. They are also critical of newspapers and TV networks, which they regard as part of the establishment. 政治不信にとどまらず、新聞やテレビまで「体制側」とみなして批判の目を向ける。それほど不信の根は深い。
COMPLEMENTARY ROLES OF POLICYMAKERS AND PEOPLE ■補完しあう関係築け
The trend toward direct democracy will only accelerate in coming years. 直接民主主義の流れは、今後も強まるだろう。
Large-scale political movements like the one against the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty have not been seen in Japan for decades. This was most likely because Japan was preoccupied with rapid economic growth. 安保闘争のような大規模な政治行動は、高度経済成長とともに７０年代以降、影を潜めた。
But Japan has entered an era of economic decline. We are now in danger of losing the wealth and even the safety we have long taken for granted. いまは右肩下がりの時代。手にしていたはずの豊かさも、安全までも、ポロポロとこぼれ落ちる。
Politicians have to be held accountable for policy problems in various areas. This is an essential part of the democratic process. さまざまなテーマで、政治の責任を追及する声がやむことはあるまい。
But no good would come from political confrontation between the establishment and the people, separated by the wall of the prime minister’s office and alienated from each other by mutual distrust. そんなとき、官邸の壁を隔て、「体制」と「民衆」が相互不信に凝り固まって対峙（たいじ）していては何も生まれない。
Direct democracy is an effective means to ensure that people's voices are reflected in policymaking during periods between elections. 直接民主主義は、選挙と選挙の間の民意を映す方法としては有効だ。
It is the job of political parties and politicians to incorporate their views into actual policies. しかし、その声を政策に落とし込むのはあくまでも政党や政治家の役割である。
There is a communication breakdown between policymakers and the people. This needs to be quickly addressed by establishing a mutually complementary relationship. 国民との間の詰まったパイプを修繕し、新しい回路をつくることで相互補完の関係を築く。
One of the leaders of the coalition organizing protest rallies says the movement has prodded some lawmakers into action as the scale of public opposition to nuclear power is plain for all to see. 一連の抗議行動を呼びかけた市民グループのリーダーの一人は「大規模な抗議行動で、数を可視化することで議員が動き出した」と語る。
As the wave of protests swelled, lawmakers of both the ruling and opposition camps started joining the rallies. 抗議の人波が膨れあがるのにあわせて、与野党の議員が行動に加わるようになった。
A group of local assembly members have formed a new environmentalist party, Midori no To (Greens Japan), under the banner of immediate abolition of all nuclear power plants. 地方議員らが「原発の即時全廃」を掲げて「緑の党」を立ち上げた。
Some of these moves among politicians are probably attempts to garner votes in the next national election by jumping on the anti-nuclear bandwagon. But there is no denying that people's voices are beginning to influence politics. 中には選挙目当ての便乗組もいるだろうが、人々の声が政治を動かしつつあるのは確かだ。
The organizers of the protest rallies are asking for meetings with top officials at the prime minister's office. 抗議行動の主催者らは、官邸側に面会を申し入れているという。
We think Noda should invite protesters in all age groups to his office for a discussion. この際、老壮青の参加者も招き入れて、首相みずから話し合ってはどうか。
That would be a good start for fresh efforts to change "negative democracy," driven by distrust, into "positive democracy" based on trust and dialogue. それを手始めに、不信に動かされる「負の民主主義」を、信頼と対話に基づく「正の民主主義」に鍛え直していくのだ。
