The Yomiuri Shimbun May 30, 2013 Create enjoyable environment for primary schoolers to learn English 小学校の英語 楽しく学べる環境を整えたい（5月29日付・読売社説）
If Japan wants to hone its competitive edge overseas, it is essential to foster broad-minded human resources with superb foreign language skills. To do so, the government should improve the nation’s educational environment. 日本の国際競争力を高める上で、豊かな語学力と幅広い視野を備えた人材が求められている。政府は教育環境の整備を進めるべきだ。
The Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, an expert panel under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has compiled a set of proposals that emphasize the necessity of expanding and improving the nation’s English education at all levels, from primary school to university, to foster individuals who can compete globally. 安倍首相直属の教育再生実行会議が、海外で活躍できる人材の育成に向け、小学校から大学に至るまで、英語教育の拡充が必要だとする提言をまとめた。
One noteworthy proposal suggests that the government consider making English a regular subject at primary schools. 注目したいのは、小学校で教える英語を正式な教科とするよう検討を促した点だ。
Since the 2011 academic year, “foreign language activity” has become a required course at primary schools. Now, fifth- and sixth-graders take English classes once a week. 小学校では２０１１年度から「外国語活動」が必修となり、５、６年生が週１回、英語を学んでいる。
The course is aimed at familiarizing students with the language and places emphasis on nurturing basic conversation and listening skills. Unlike middle school English classes, students do not study grammar. 英語に親しみ、慣れるのが目的で、中学校のような文法の指導はしない。初歩的な会話やヒアリングに重点を置いている。
Hurdles remain
As it is not a regular subject, no textbooks are used. While homeroom teachers are charged with leading foreign language activities, most did not receive sufficient instruction on how to teach English during college-level teacher training courses. As a result, many are concerned about their ability to instruct pupils. 正式な教科ではないため、教科書は用いない。教員養成課程で英語の指導法を十分学んでいない学級担任が教えることから、指導力に不安を抱える教師も多い。
We duly understand the aims of upgrading the course into a regular subject, making an English textbook available at primary schools and improving the quality of classes. 教科へ格上げすることで、教科書を作り、授業の質向上につなげようという狙いは理解できる。
However, many hurdles remain. ただ、課題は多い。
If English is made into a regular subject, student performance must be graded. But is it fitting to give exams in a class that is aimed at familiarizing students with English? If grammar lessons are required, it may cause some students to dislike the subject from the primary school level. 正式な教科にすると、成績評価を行うことになる。その際、英語に親しむための授業で、テストによる評価はなじむだろうか。文法学習まで加わるようになれば、小学校の段階から英語嫌いになる子が出てくるかもしれない。
Enhancing the English skills of primary school teachers cannot be accomplished overnight. In addition to improved teacher training, it is necessary to establish a system in which classes are taught by teachers who specialize in English, or native English-speaking assistant language teachers work together with Japanese teachers. 小学校教師の語学力を高めるのも一朝一夕にはいくまい。研修の充実はもちろん、英語を専門とする専任教師が教えたり、外国人指導助手とチームで指導したりする体制を整えることが大切だ。
In other parts of Asia, such as China, South Korea and Taiwan, students begin learning English when they become third-grade primary school students. Some experts assert that early English education is key to helping students master the language. 他のアジアの国・地域を見ると、中国や韓国、台湾では、小学３年から英語を教えている。早い時期から学習を始めた方が身に着くと主張する専門家もいる。
On the other hand, many people insist that Japanese, the nation’s mother tongue, should be prioritized over learning English. Whether the government should promote an earlier start to English lessons is likely to become a point of contention in the future. 一方、母国語である日本語の習得を優先すべきだとの意見も根強い。実施学年を引き下げるかどうかは今後の争点となろう。
Universities lagging
The panel’s proposals also refer to university education, saying “their lagging globalization has reached a critical state.” 提言は、大学教育にも言及し、「グローバル化の遅れは危機的状況にある」との認識を示した。
The number of Japanese studying overseas is on the decline. There are also fewer foreign students studying in Japan than in the United States and European nations. It is crucial, among other things, to increase the number of courses taught in English to train Japanese students and attract foreigners. 日本人の海外留学生は減少傾向にあり、日本で学ぶ外国人留学生も欧米諸国に比べて少ない。英語を使った講義を増やすなど、日本人学生を鍛え、外国人留学生を呼び込む取り組みが欠かせない。
The panel also suggested TOEFL, a test that gauges the English proficiency of nonnative speakers, and other outside tests be used for university admission and graduation. We believe this idea merits consideration on the basis of prodding students to acquire practical language skills. 提言は、英語を母国語としない人の英語力を測る「ＴＯＥＦＬ」などの外部検定試験を、大学入試や卒業認定の判断材料に活用することも打ち出した。実践的な語学力の習得を促す観点から、検討に値するのではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 29, 2013) （2013年5月29日02時07分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 29, 2013 Govt should stick with Abenomics despite volatility in stock market 波乱含みの株価 ひるまずアベノミクスを前に（5月28日付・読売社説）
Stock prices have suddenly turned volatile after steadily soaring on the high regard market players have for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policies, which have been dubbed “Abenomics.” 安倍首相の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を好感し、急上昇してきた株価が、一転して波乱含みになってきた。
People should not overreact to daily market fluctuations. The government and the Bank of Japan should steadily proceed with Abenomics and expedite measures to realize a full recovery of the nation’s economy, whose prospects have become increasingly rosy. マーケットの日々の変動に、一喜一憂すべきではない。政府と日銀は、アベノミクスを着実に推進し、明るさを増してきた景気の本格的な回復を急ぐべきである。
The key stock average index on the Tokyo market has been stormy since late last week. On Thursday, the index rose to just below 16,000, but then suddenly plunged by more than 1,000 points, triggered by a worsening Chinese economic indicator. On Friday, Tokyo stocks swung wildly. 東京市場の平均株価は先週後半から荒れ模様となった。２３日に１万６０００円の目前まで上昇した後、中国の景気指標悪化をきっかけに１０００円以上も急落した。２４日には激しく乱高下した。
On Monday, the index again sharply dropped 469 points to close at 14,142. 週明けの２７日も、大幅に値を下げ、４６９円安の１万４１４２円で取引を終えた。
Locking in profits
In the current state of the market, wary investors are inclined to sell their stocks to lock in profits after experiencing the rapid rise in stock prices that started last autumn. 昨秋からの急ピッチな株価上昇の息切れを警戒し、市場は利益確保の売りが出やすい状況だ。
It is believed that another factor behind the recent accelerating drops in stock prices is a selling offensive launched by speculators overseas in such things as futures to exploit the bearish mindset of investors. 弱気な投資家心理に乗じて、海外の投機筋が先物などで売り攻勢を仕掛けたことも、下げを加速させているのだろう。
It will be problematic if this unstable market situation continues for a prolonged period and drags down the real economy. The government and the Bank of Japan need to beef up their oversight of market movements. 市場の不安定な状況が長引き、実体経済の足を引っ張るようでは困る。政府と日銀は、市場動向の監視を強める必要がある。
Rises in long-term interest rates also are a cause of concern. It had previously been expected that the rates would decline as the amount of government bonds purchased by the central bank increased under its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing policy. Instead, they have been rising to levels higher than those before the monetary easing. 長期金利の上昇も気がかりだ。日銀の「量的・質的金融緩和」で国債の買い入れ額が上積みされ、長期金利の低下が見込まれたが、逆に緩和前より上昇している。
A continuation of this trend could dilute the effects of monetary easing, putting a damper on firms’ capital investments as well as housing sales, which would result in a cooling down of the economy. The central bank must make all-out efforts to arrest rises in the interest rates. このままでは、金融緩和の効果が減殺されて設備投資や住宅販売に水を差し、景気を冷やす恐れがある。日銀は金利上昇の阻止に、全力を挙げねばならない。
Rising stock prices and a correction in the appreciation of the yen since autumn can be attributed to the early expectations for Abenomics. We hope the government will give a boost to the economic recovery with concrete measures to solidify market confidence in economic policies. 昨秋からの株高や円高是正は、アベノミクスへの期待が先行してきたといえる。具体的な施策で景気回復を後押しすることで、経済政策に対する市場の信認を確かなものにしたい。
Abe’s strategy for economic growth, or the “third arrow” of Abenomics, is particularly important. To enhance the vigor of the private sector and achieve sustainable growth, it is essential to implement reforms to take on vested interests and change regulations that have prevented the entry of newcomers. Policy measures must also be taken to provide support in such areas as research and development. 特に「３本目の矢」である成長戦略が重要だ。民間活力を高め、持続的成長を実現するには、新規参入を阻む既得権益や規制を改革し、研究開発などを後押しする政策が不可欠である。
We consider it important for the government to hammer out a bold policy and swiftly promote it. 大胆な方針を打ち出し、迅速に推進することが大切だ。
Road map needed
Given the poor track record of the growth strategies of previous administrations, the government should draw up a road map to realize its growth strategy by establishing systems that are powerful enough to neutralize the negative effects that have resulted from the vertically segmented administrative structure of ministries and other government bodies. 歴代政権の成長戦略が成果に乏しかった教訓を踏まえ、府省縦割りの弊害を打破する強力な実施体制を構築し、実現への道筋を示すことが求められる。
Meanwhile, private companies--the main drivers of growth--should positively regard the fact that stock prices soared on prospects for recovery in their performance, backed by the yen’s ongoing depreciation. 主役の民間企業も、円安の進行が追い風となり、業績回復を見込んで株価が急上昇した事実を前向きに受け止めてほしい。
How can they strengthen their profit-earning capacities by opening up new markets with creative and innovative efforts as well as a can-do spirit? They will be tested for their true abilities concerning aggressive business strategies. 創意工夫とチャレンジ精神で新たな市場を開拓し、いかに収益力を強化するか。攻めの経営戦略の真価が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 28, 2013) （2013年5月28日01時19分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 27, 2013 New rocket must be developed to win competition in intl launch market 新型ロケット 国際価格競争に勝てる開発を（5月26日付・読売社説）
This country must not fall behind other nations in the development of new rockets, which has been progressing worldwide. 世界で活気づく新型ロケット開発に日本も後れを取ってはならない。
An expert panel of the Cabinet Office’s Office of National Space Policy, the body tasked with setting the nation’s space development policies, has worked out a plan that calls for the development of a large next-generation rocket to get into full swing in fiscal 2014. 国の宇宙政策を決める内閣府宇宙政策委員会の専門部会が、次世代の大型ロケット開発を来年度から本格化させる方針をまとめた。
The goal is to develop an easy-to-use domestically produced rocket that can be launched at a low cost. 目標は、低コストで使いやすいロケットを開発することだ。
The current domestically made large rocket, the H-2A, costs about 10 billion yen to launch. This is 20 to 30 percent higher than launch costs for large rockets overseas. 現在の国産大型ロケットＨ２Ａは、１回の打ち上げに約１００億円かかる。海外の大型ロケットよりも、２～３割高い。
Lagging behind rivals
The result is that Japan has been performing poorly in the international competition for commercial contracts to launch private-sector satellites for such purposes as telecommunications and broadcasting. その結果、通信、放送など民間の人工衛星打ち上げ事業の受注で国際的に苦戦している。
Costs to launch satellites, including intelligence-gathering satellites that only Japan can launch because of national security concerns, are inevitably higher than in other countries with rocket-launching capabilities. 安全保障上、他国には依頼できない情報収集衛星などの打ち上げも、割高にならざるを得ない。
Development of a low-cost rocket should be considered an urgent task to help reinvigorate the nation’s space development industries and mitigate the government’s fiscal burden for space programs. 宇宙産業の活性化、財政の負担軽減のため、低コストのロケット開発は急務と言えよう。
The United States, Europe, Russia and China have already begun developing next-generation rockets. This comes at a time when demand for launching satellites has been expanding in recent years in emerging economies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere. 米国や欧州、ロシア、中国はすでに新型ロケット開発に乗り出している。アジアやアフリカの新興国で、人工衛星の打ち上げ需要が拡大したことが背景にある。
The H-2A rocket is among the world’s best in terms of performance and boasts a 95.5 percent launch success rate. Ｈ２Ａは世界最高水準の性能を誇り、打ち上げ成功率も９５・５％と高い。
The challenge facing Japan’s rocket development program is to cut launch costs while keeping the H-2A’s high performance. 高性能のままで、低コストをいかに実現するかが、大きな課題である。
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. have jointly produced a blueprint for the development of a new rocket. The plan reportedly aims to cut current launch costs by half, to about 5 billion yen per launch. 宇宙航空研究開発機構（ＪＡＸＡ）と三菱重工業は、開発計画のたたき台をまとめている。打ち上げ費用の目標は、現在の半分に当たる約５０億円だという。
JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working to develop a completely new engine, the most fundamental element of rocket design. To lower launch costs, the plan reportedly calls for studying the advisability of joint manufacture of engines with U.S. companies and others. ロケットの根幹部であるエンジンから新規開発に挑む。米企業との共同開発などで量産を図り、単価を下げることも視野にある。
Under the space policy council’s plan, the first launch of the envisioned new rocket will take place in 2020, the year the other rocket-manufacturing countries have set to start launching their new rockets. Specifics of the nation’s rocket development program should be crystallized as promptly as possible. 新型ロケットの打ち上げは、各国が設定した目標年に合わせて２０２０年に始める。計画の具体化を急いでもらいたい。
The space policy expert panel has said the new rocket development project should be undertaken mainly by the private sector, and the involvement of JAXA should be minimized. This could considerably reduce the project’s costs in the aggregate, currently an estimated 190 billion yen, according to the panel. 宇宙政策委の専門部会は、ロケットの開発は民間主導で進め、ＪＡＸＡの関与は最小限にとどめるとしている。これにより、総額１９００億円とされる開発費を圧縮するという。
Make best use of JAXA
Given the stringency of government finances, curbing rocket development expenses is vital. 厳しい財政事情を考えれば、開発予算の抑制は欠かせない。
However, rocket development always faces potential unforeseeable obstacles: If the private sector takes the lead in rocket development, it may be unable to solve such problems as unexpectedly high development expenses and harder-than-expected technical challenges. 一方で、ロケット開発では思わぬトラブルも起きる。予想外に費用を要したり、技術的な難題に直面したりして、民間主導では対処できない事態もあり得る。
JAXA has so far played the leading role in the nation’s space development programs, including its first satellite launch in 1970. ＪＡＸＡは、１９７０年の初の人工衛星打ち上げなど日本の宇宙開発を先導してきた。
In the wake of the November 1999 failure to launch an H-2 rocket, the predecessor of the H-2A, JAXA effectively identified the causes of the failure and improved the rocket’s design, successfully upgrading its performance. Ｈ２Ａの前身であるＨ２ロケットの打ち上げ失敗時には、原因究明と改良に取り組み、性能向上を実現した。
In light of this, a system should be created to address the development of the new rocket by suitably combining private- and public-sector strengths to exploit JAXA’s accumulated technology. ＪＡＸＡの技術の積み上げも生かし、オールジャパンで開発する体制の構築が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 26, 2013) （2013年5月26日01時38分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 28, 2013 Boost Japan's presence in Myanmar using leverage of economic aid ミャンマー訪問 経済支援で日本の存在感を（5月27日付・読売社説）
Japan has come out with a massive assistance package for Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country pushing forward with democratization and economic reforms. This is part of Japan’s strategic arrangements for carving out a new market in Asia. 民主化と経済改革を進めるミャンマーに対し、日本が大型支援を表明した。アジアの新市場を開拓する布石でもある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Myanmar and held talks Sunday with President Thein Sein in the capital, Naypyidaw. 安倍首相がミャンマーを訪問し、テイン・セイン大統領と会談した。
Abe’s official visit is historic because it is the first to Myanmar by a Japanese prime minister in 36 years. The last prime minister to set foot there was Takeo Fukuda in 1977. 日本の首相としては、１９７７年の福田首相以来３６年ぶりの歴史的訪問だ。
Abe praised the Myanmar president’s reform efforts, and said Japan is willing to “support Myanmar’s nation-building endeavors by extending all possible assistance from both the public and private sectors.” 首相は大統領の改革を前向きに評価し、「官民の力を総動員し、国造りを応援する」と語った。
Specifically, Abe pledged to forgive 300 billion yen of the debts Myanmar owes Japan, and offered 91 billion yen in official development assistance for such purposes as developing an industrial park that will become a hub for Japanese companies in the swiftly emerging country. 具体的には、ミャンマーへの債権のうち３０００億円を帳消しとし、日本企業の拠点となる工業団地開発などに９１０億円の政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を拠出する。
Abe as ‘top salesman’
Abe expressed the government’s readiness to work in tandem with the private sector to develop Myanmar’s infrastructure, such as a large electricity generation plant, an electricity supply grid and a high-speed communication network. 大型発電所や電力供給網、高速通信網などの整備でも、民間と連携して支援する方針を示した。
Following its transition to a democratic government in March 2011, Myanmar has been drawing attention from all over the world as an attractive investment destination. Competition has been intensifying between many nations, including the United States, seeking to make inroads into Myanmar’s market. 民政移管後のミャンマーは、有力な投資先として世界中から注目され、米国をはじめ各国の進出競争が勢いを増している。
Abe has played the role of “top salesman” to help Japanese firms expand their business to Myanmar. 首相は、日本企業の進出促進に向けてトップセールスを図ったといえる。
The Myanmar president was quoted as expressing gratitude for Japan’s generosity, and stressed the importance of investment in Myanmar by Japanese companies. 大統領は謝意を示すと共に、日本の投資の重要性を強調した。
Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including natural gas, and a high-quality labor force as well as high market growth potential, Myanmar has often been dubbed Asia’s “last frontier.” ミャンマーは、天然ガスなどの資源に恵まれ、労働力の質と市場の潜在力の高さから、「アジア最後のフロンティア」といわれる。
Japan’s cooperation for improving Myanmar’s straggling infrastructure will likely give a major boost to the development of its economy. 立ち遅れている社会基盤（インフラ）整備への日本の協力は、経済発展を大きく後押ししよう。
Abe told reporters the government hopes “Japan’s infrastructure-related exports to Myanmar, like those to Russia and the Middle East, will lead to growth in Japan’s economy.” Myanmar will certainly figure prominently in the Abe administration’s growth strategy. 首相は「ロシア、中東に続き、ミャンマーへのインフラ輸出も日本の成長につなげたい」と記者団に述べた。安倍政権の成長戦略の中で、ミャンマーは重要な位置を占めることになる。
Abe also told the president that Japan intends to help Myanmar improve its legal system and enhance its human resources. 首相は大統領に、法整備や人材育成を支援する意向を伝えた。
To ensure this wide-ranging economic assistance to Myanmar proves truly effective, improving that country’s legal system will be essential for creating an environment that attracts investment and for acquiring know-how about running businesses. 多様な経済支援を実効あるものにするには、ミャンマーの投資環境や企業運営などに関する法整備が必要だ。
Abe’s commitment to a program under which about 1,000 young people from Myanmar are to be invited to Japan will be effective in this respect. ミャンマーから１０００人規模の青年を日本に招待する取り組みは効果的だ。
Both leaders reached an accord on bilateral cooperation for measures to eliminate poverty among Myanmar’s ethnic minorities. We hope the agreement paves the way for resolving human rights problems in Myanmar. 両首脳は、少数民族の貧困撲滅対策への協力でも一致した。人権問題の解決につなげたい。
Bolstering security ties
In addition, the two leaders agreed to bolster bilateral security cooperation. The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s “training squadron” is expected to make a port call in Myanmar for the first time, a move that will activate security interchanges between the two countries. This is extremely significant. 安全保障協力の強化でも合意した。海上自衛隊の「練習艦隊」がミャンマーに初めて寄港するなど、防衛交流が活発化する見通しだ。その意義は小さくない。
Tucked between China and India, Myanmar sits in a geopolitically important area. In 2014, Myanmar will chair meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 中国とインドの間に位置するミャンマーは、地政学的に要衝の地である。来年は東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の議長国だ。
Strengthening ties with Myanmar, which has changed course from leaning toward China, is in line with Abe’s diplomatic stance that advocates democracy and freedom. 中国寄りの外交から転換したミャンマーとの関係強化は、安倍首相が掲げる民主主義や自由を重視する外交路線とも重なる。
Pursuing this line should help hold in check a China that has become increasingly assertive both militarily and economically. 軍事、経済面で自己主張を強める中国への牽制(けんせい)にもなるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 27, 2013) （2013年5月27日01時38分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 26, 2013 My Number step toward fair, effective way to manage social security system 共通番号法成立 公正な社会保障へ大きな一歩（5月25日付・読売社説）
◆情報漏えい対策に万全を期せ◆
The key foundation for the government to fairly and effectively impose taxes and provide social security benefits is finally set to be established. 公正で効率的な課税や社会保障給付を行う重要な基盤が、ようやく整うことになった。
It is vital to thoroughly inform people of the new system and make it conducive to improving convenience for the public. 国民に周知徹底し、利便性の向上に役立てることが肝要だ。
At a plenary session Friday, the House of Councillors passed bills for the so-called My Number system, under which people will be given identification numbers. The bills were supported by three major parties--the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan--and other parties. With the legislation passed into law, the system will start operating in 2016. 全国民に番号を割り振る共通番号制度関連法（マイナンバー法）が参院本会議で、自民、公明、民主３党などの賛成多数で可決、成立した。２０１６年からシステムの運用が始まる。
Most developed countries already have similar numbering systems. Japan lagged in taking such a step, but we welcome the fact that a numbering system will be launched in Japan, too. 既にほとんどの先進国が共通番号制度を取り入れている。後れを取ったとはいえ、日本でも導入されることを歓迎したい。
Public concerns eased ◆薄らいだ国民の不安感◆
The My Number system is intended to allow administrative bodies to better manage social security and taxation information by issuing a number card with a facial photo and an IC chip to Japanese citizens. 共通番号制度は、顔写真やＩＣ（集積回路）チップの入った「個人番号カード」を国民一人ひとりに交付し、行政機関が社会保障給付や納税を管理する仕組みだ。
Under the system, personal information about multiple subjects can be obtained simply with the individually assigned numbers. This is expected to improve the efficiency of administrative work. この制度を使えば、個人の複数の情報を共通番号で「名寄せ」することによって、行政事務の効率化を図ることができる。
The system can integrate records of people’s income and benefits they receive and premiums they pay for pension, health care and nursing care. 所得のほかに、年金、医療、介護の保険料負担、給付などの記録を結びつけることが可能になる。
It is likely to help prevent failure to pay pension benefits and other administrative errors. To provide substantial administrative services, this system is essential. 年金の支給漏れの防止などにも役立つだろう。きめ細かい行政サービスを実現するためには、欠かせない制度である。
The benefits are also significant for citizens, as they will not be required to submit documents such as residence and income certificates when applying for pension and other welfare benefits. The system will enable cardholders to check their own records of pension and tax payments on computers. 国民にとっても、年金給付の申請の際、住民票や所得証明書が不要になるなど、メリットは大きい。パソコンで自分の年金や納税の状況を調べることもできる。
Previously, the introduction of such a system had met with criticism, with opponents saying personal information might not be secure. They also complained that a national code-number system would allow the uniform management of personal data by the government. 以前は、「個人情報流出の恐れがある」「国が個人情報を一元管理する国民総背番号制だ」といった拒否反応が強かった。
The My Number system bills were enacted in light of the stable operation of the Basic Resident Registration Network, or Juki Net, which was launched in 2002. 今回の共通番号法が成立した背景としては、２００２年に稼働した住民基本台帳ネットワークシステムが、安定的に運用されていることが挙げられる。
Juki Net, which enables the sharing of personal records nationwide by numbering all Japanese citizens, has improved public services for people and the efficiency of administrative work. For the more than 10 years since its introduction, the system has seen no serious information leaks or other trouble. This apparently has eased public concerns over the new system. 全住民にコード番号を付け、全国ネットで結んだこのシステムは、住民サービスの向上と行政事務の効率化で実績を上げている。１０年以上、深刻な情報漏れ事故も起きていない。国民の不安感は薄らいだと言えよう。
The new common number system will be set up based on Juki Net. 共通番号制度は、住基ネットのシステムを土台に構築される。
The fact that the DPJ, which had opposed the introduction of Juki Net, came to power in 2009 could be a big factor behind the legislation of the common number system. The administration of Yoshihiko Noda compiled bills for the system based on its policy of promoting integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, highlighting a consumption tax hike. 住基ネットに反対していた民主党が、０９年に政権についたことも共通番号の法制化の大きな要因と言える。野田内閣は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を打ち出す中で、共通番号法案をまとめた。
The bills cleared the Diet on Friday after being revised by the LDP, New Komeito and the DPJ. The three parties are responsible for pushing social security reforms together. これを自公民３党で修正したのが今回の共通番号法である。社会保障の改革は、３党が協調して進めていく責任がある。
The application of the common number system will be limited to social security and tax procedures for the time being. Care must be taken in applying the system while attaching importance to protection of personal information. 共通番号制度の利用範囲は当面、個人情報の保護を重視し、社会保障や税の手続きに限定される。まずは運用に慎重を期すということだろう。
Medical care applications ◆利用範囲の拡大検討を◆
The convenience of the system can be further enhanced if its application is extended to medical care information. 診療情報などに利用範囲を広げれば、利便性はさらに高まる。
Resident cards and clinical records were lost after local government offices and hospitals were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, hampering work to rescue disaster victims. If the common number system is used in such an event, access from anywhere in the country would make it possible to confirm victims’ medical history and provide adequate treatment promptly. 東日本大震災の際、被災した役場や病院で住民票情報やカルテが失われ、被災者の救援に支障が生じた。共通番号を使えば、全国どこからでも被災者の病歴や服薬歴を確認でき、適切な治療を速やかに行えるのではないか。
In ordinary times, use of the system would make it possible for patients to avoid duplication of examinations and medication at two or more hospitals. It would also help prevent the risk of prescribing two or more incompatible medicines to the same patient, which could cause dangerous interactions. 災害時でなくても、患者が複数の病院で重複して検査や投薬を受ける無駄を省ける。副作用の恐れがある薬の「飲み合わせ」防止にも活用できよう。
The government is studying a plan to introduce a system to cap each household’s expenses for medical treatment, nursing care and child care, thereby curbing their copayments. The common number system is indispensable to achieve this goal. 政府は、医療や介護、保育などの費用総額に、世帯ごとに上限を設け、自己負担額を抑える制度の導入を検討している。その実現にも共通番号は欠かせない。
The new law stipulates that expansion of the range for application will be studied three years after the law is enforced. The government must strive to realize an effective application of the system. 新法は付則に、施行から３年をメドに利用範囲の拡大を検討すると明記している。政府は、制度の有効活用を図らねばならない。
In the United States, where the Social Security number system is in place, a number of scams have occurred in which numbers were stolen to take out loans in identity-theft crimes. ただ、社会保障番号を導入している米国では、番号が盗用され、勝手にローンを組まれる「なりすまし」被害が多発している。
And in South Korea, resident registration numbers were leaked via the Internet, resulting in a number of cases of fraud in which identity thieves bought things using others’ numbers. 韓国でも、住民登録番号がインターネット上に流出し、他人が番号を使って買い物をするなどの詐欺事件が相次いだ。
In both cases, insufficient effort was made to ensure proper identification to protect against identity theft. いずれも本人確認が不徹底なために起きた問題だ。
A credible system eyed ◆信頼性の高い制度に◆
Drawing a lesson from these cases, the government must work out countermeasures. こうした事例を他山の石として、対策を講じてもらいたい。
To help prevent identity theft and other crimes, the new law stipulates that individual number cards with ID photos should be presented for over-the-counter identification. The law also stipulates penalties for those who leak information outside. 新法は、被害防止のため、窓口などでの本人確認は、顔写真入りの個人番号カードで行うよう定めている。情報を外部に漏らした場合の罰則も規定した。
As a third-party organization with a high degree of independence, a specific personal information protection commission will be established. The planned body will have strong investigative authority and be empowered to issue recommendations and orders if irregularities are discovered. さらに、独立性の高い第三者機関として、「特定個人情報保護委員会」が新設される。強い調査権限を持ち、不正があった場合には勧告や命令ができる。
All possible measures must be taken to ensure adequate management of personal information so that the common numbering system will be trusted by the people. 個人情報の管理に万全を期し、国民から信頼される共通番号制度にする必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 25, 2013) （2013年5月25日01時15分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 25, 2013 Info-gathering, analysis capability must be bolstered in creating NSC 日本版ＮＳＣ 情報収集・分析力も強化せよ（5月24日付・読売社説）
It has been noted for many years that the existing Security Council of Japan exists as a mere formality. 政府の安全保障会議の形骸化が指摘されて久しい。
A control tower to discuss and lead the nation’s diplomatic and security policies must be created quickly. 外交・安保政策を実質的に議論し、主導する司令塔づくりを急がなければならない。
The government has disclosed a draft of a bill to establish a National Security Council, or a Japanese version of the U.S. NSC. 政府が国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法案の素案を明らかにした。
The pillar of the planned legislation is a regular meeting of the prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister. The Japanese National Security Council must be recognized as the decision-making body for Japan’s diplomatic and national security strategies, according to the draft. 首相と官房長官、外相、防衛相の３閣僚による会合を常設し、外交・安保戦略の実質的な決定機関とすることが柱だ。
Periodic talks essential
The framework of the current Security Council of Japan, comprising the prime minister and eight other Cabinet members, would remain intact and deliberate the fundamentals of security policies and related issues, the draft says. 首相と８閣僚で構成する安保会議の枠組みは残し、安保政策の基本方針などを審議する。
Depending on the matters concerned, a meeting of six or seven Cabinet members, or one made up of the four key ministers, plus such members as the land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister and the national public security commission chairman, would take place anytime it is needed, according to the draft. The government plans to submit the bill to the Diet in early June. テーマに応じて、中核の４人に国土交通相や国家公安委員長などを加えた６、７人の閣僚会合も随時、開く。来月上旬の法案の国会提出を目指している。
It is considerably difficult for the current council, which consists of as many as nine members, to have in-depth, substantive discussions and reach swift conclusions. ９人の会議で中身の濃い議論を行い、迅速に結論を出すのは難しい。
Although there have been unofficial meetings of the four key Cabinet members, the envisioned legislation for giving conferences statutory status as an official organ is significant. 従来も４人の非公式協議はあったが、法律上の正式機関と位置づけることの意義は大きい。
On the occasion of launching the government-envisaged NSC, it will be important to solidly establish such arrangements as having major Cabinet members consult periodically, about once every two weeks, to craft strategies and policies from a medium- and long-term perspective as well as comprehensive points of view. All government ministries and agencies concerned will need to fully coordinate to support the NSC. ＮＳＣ創設を機に、主要閣僚が２週間に１回程度、定期的に外交・安保問題を協議し、中長期的かつ総合的な視点で戦略・政策を立案する。関係省庁も連携し、ＮＳＣを全面的に支える。こうした体制を確立することが重要だ。
In addition, the posts of the chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister must always be filled by highly competent individuals. These important posts should also come with guaranteed term lengths to ensure the right people are in place should they be needed. 同時に、官房長官や外相、防衛相には、常に実力者を起用し、一定期間は交代させないなど、人事面の工夫も求められる。
The practical operations of crisis management, such as those for coping with emergencies, would be left not to the secretariat of the NSC, but continue to be the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretariat headed by the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management, according to the draft. 緊急事態への対処など危機管理の実務は、ＮＳＣ事務局でなく、従来通り、内閣危機管理監が率いる内閣官房が統括するという。
It makes sense that the draft says the NSC would not be in charge of dealing with such matters as a massive domestic disaster. ＮＳＣが国内の大規模災害などは扱わないのは当然だ。
However, as far as issues relating to the country’s diplomacy and security, such as the hostage crisis in Algeria in January and a North Korea missile launch, are concerned, the NSC secretariat should work closely with the the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management. ただ、アルジェリアの人質事件や北朝鮮のミサイル発射など、外交・安全保障に関係する事態については、ＮＳＣ事務局が内閣危機管理監と緊密に連携する必要がある。
National security and intelligence capabilities are inextricably linked together. To beef up the quality of security policies, the enhancement of information-gathering and analysis capabilities is crucial. The government must buckle down and foster experts in intelligence activities. 安全保障とインテリジェンス（情報）は、車の両輪の関係にある。安保政策の質を高めるには情報収集・分析能力の強化が欠かせない。インテリジェンスの専門家育成に本腰を入れるべきだ。
Learn lessons from Iraq War
The draft has called for the appointment of “information liaison officers” at government organizations concerned, including the foreign and defense ministries and police and public security agencies, making it obligatory that they provide information to the NSC. 素案では、外務、防衛、警察、公安調査など関係省庁に局長級の「情報連絡官」を置き、ＮＳＣへの情報提供を義務づけた。
Japan’s intelligence organizations have long been mocked as being “unable to pass information to superiors, share it with other bodies or keep it from leaking.” 日本の情報機関は長年、「上がらず、回らず、漏れる」と揶揄(やゆ)されてきた。
This points to the problems of failing to have important information conveyed to the Prime Minister’s Office, not sharing information with other government entities, and not preventing leaks. 重要情報が首相官邸に適切に伝わらず、関係機関に共有されずに、外部に漏洩(ろうえい)しがちだという問題点を指摘したものだ。
By drawing lessons from the failure of the United States in starting a war with Iraq, the government, while abiding by the principle of separation of policy formulation and information analysis, must firmly build a system to ensure prompt conveyance of information. イラク戦争開戦時の米国の失敗を教訓に、政策立案と情報分析の分離の原則は守りつつ、情報の迅速な伝達を可能にする仕組みを構築することが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2013) （2013年5月24日01時02分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 24, 2013 Reinforcing MSDF's antisub patrol capability urgent task 中国潜水艦潜航 海自の警戒能力向上が急務だ（5月23日付・読売社説）
We would like to ask China to refrain from taking any more actions that would unnecessarily heighten Japan-China military tensions, even if they do not violate international laws. 国際法違反ではないものの、いたずらに軍事的緊張を高める行動だ。中国に自制を求めたい。
A series of incidents have taken place this month in which submarines believed to belong to the Chinese Navy conducted submerged passages in the contiguous zone near the Nansei Islands. Japan confirmed a passage on May 2 off Amami-Oshima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, and another off Kumejima island, Okinawa Prefecture, on May 12-13. The Defense Ministry has announced the incidents without identifying the country to which the submarines belong. 中国海軍所属とみられる潜水艦が南西諸島の接続水域内を海中に潜ったまま航行していた事案が今月、相次いで発生した。 ２日に鹿児島県・奄美大島沖で、１２～１３日には沖縄県・久米島沖で潜航が確認され、防衛省は国名を伏せて事案を公表した。
It was an unusual response to such incidents, since revealing the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s submarine detection capability violates common sense from a military viewpoint. We believe the Japanese government was trying to send a warning to China. 海上自衛隊の潜水艦探知能力という手の内を明かすのは軍事的には「非常識」で、異例の対応だ。中国に対し、警告のメッセージを送ることを重視したのだろう。
However, it was revealed that a third submerged navigation incident took place off Minami-Daitojima island, Okinawa Prefecture, last Sunday. The warning proved to be ineffective. しかし、１９日にも沖縄県・南大東島沖で３件目の潜航が発覚し、警告の効果はなかった。
International law requires submarines to remain on the surface when operating in territorial waters of other countries. But they are allowed to submerge when operating in contiguous zones. If a submarine of another nation enters Japan’s territorial waters while submerged, the Japanese government will order the MSDF to conduct maritime policing activity, as such an action constitutes an emergency. 国際法上、潜水艦は他国領海では海上に浮上して航行する義務がある一方、接続水域では潜航が認められている。とはいえ、日本の領海に入れば、直ちに海上警備行動を発令する非常事態となる。
Since Japan’s nationalization of three of the Senkaku Islands in September last year, official Chinese vessels have repeatedly intruded into Japanese territorial waters. Chinese Navy vessels even locked weapons-guiding radar on an MSDF helicopter and a destroyer. 中国は昨年９月の日本の尖閣諸島国有化後、中国公船による再三の領海侵入や、海軍艦船のレーダー照射事件を起こしている。
Aiming at maritime power
China’s intermediate- and long-term objectives are to become a “great maritime power” and expand its territories and maritime interests. It intends to do this by expanding the Chinese Navy’s maritime activity area to the western Pacific, which lies outside its “first island chain” perimeter linking Okinawa Prefecture, Taiwan and other major archipelagoes. 中長期的には、海軍の活動海域を、沖縄、台湾などを結ぶ第１列島線の外側の西太平洋に広げて、領土・海洋権益の拡大を図る「海洋強国」戦略も掲げる。
The submerged passage incidents this month are believed to be part of its “anti-access/area denial (A2/AD)” strategy, under which China aims to prevent U.S. military deployment, including aircraft carriers, inside the first island chain. They are also considered to be related to China’s provocative actions around the Senkaku Islands. 今回の潜航は、有事の際に第１列島線の内側に米軍空母などを侵入させない「接近阻止・領域拒否」戦略の一環であり、一連の示威活動とも連動しているようだ。
China’s self-righteous expansionism has invited negative reactions from the international community. Consequently, the philosophy has not benefitted the country. China must seriously grasp the reality and coolheadedly review its strategy. 中国の独善的な膨張主義は、国際社会の反発を招き、結果的に自らの利益になっていない。中国はその現状を直視し、冷静に戦略を見直すべきではないか。
And Japan must urgently beef up further patrol and surveillance activities against Chinese submarines by the MSDF’s P-3C Orion patrol aircraft and submarines. 日本は、中国軍の潜水艦に対する海自のＰ３Ｃ哨戒機や潜水艦などの警戒監視活動を一段と強化することが急務である。
The MSDF plans to gradually replace the aging P-3Cs to new P-1 anti-sub patrol aircraft and increase its submarine fleet from the current 16 to 22 in the near future. 海自は、老朽化したＰ３Ｃを新型哨戒機Ｐ１に順次更新するとともに、潜水艦を１６隻から２２隻体制に増やす方針だ。
Beef up quality, quantity
Taking into consideration the Chinese Navy’s rapid equipment buildup and modernization, as well as its excessive provocations against Japan, the priority in the new National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled at the year’s end must be to reinforce MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force equipment and personnel in both quality and quantity. 中国海空軍の急速な装備増強や近代化、過度な示威活動を踏まえれば、今年末に策定する新防衛大綱では、海自と航空自衛隊の装備と人員を質・量ともに拡充することが優先課題となる。
Furthermore, the Defense Ministry must advance its schedule for introducing the Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drone. 防衛省が検討している高高度無人偵察機グローバルホークの導入も前倒しで実施すべきだ。
Joint Japan-U.S. patrol and surveillance activities using the drone will lessen burdens on the MSDF and ASDF, which are operating at full capacity around the Nansei Islands. Such activities will also improve the SDF capabilities for high-level duties, including the detection of submarines. 無人機による日米共同の警戒監視活動は、南西諸島周辺でフル稼働中の海空自の負担を軽減し、潜水艦の探索などの高度な任務に取り組む体制を充実させよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2013) （2013年5月23日01時14分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 23, 2013 Japan needs more companies that cherish their female workers 女性の幹部登用 「なでしこ銘柄」増やしたい（5月22日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has trumpeted women’s active involvement in the workforce as a pillar of the government’s growth strategy. He aims to better utilize women’s abilities to invigorate the nation’s economy. 安倍首相は、成長戦略の柱の一つに「女性の活躍」を掲げている。女性の能力をもっと生かし、経済の活性化を図るのが狙いだ。
Abe specifically asked for cooperation from the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren) and other organizations in urging all listed companies to appoint at least one female executive. Behind the request was Abe’s awareness that women’s participation in corporate management will also be conducive to companies’ growth. 首相は、その具体策として、全上場企業が女性の役員を最低１人は登用するよう経団連などに協力を求めた。女性の経営参画が、会社の成長にも資するという問題意識がある。
However, this will be easier said than done. In Japan, many companies remain reluctant to appoint women to managerial positions. Women fill about 40 percent of managerial and higher positions at companies and the public sector in other advanced countries, including the United States, France and Britain. This is far higher than Japan’s figure of about 12 percent. 「言うは易(やす)く行うは難し」である。日本では、女性の管理職登用が進んでいない。民間企業と公務員の管理職以上の女性は、米仏英各国など先進諸国では４０％前後なのに対し、日本では約１２％と大きく差がついている。
If nothing is done, it will be difficult to achieve the government’s goal of raising the proportion of women in leading positions in every field of society to at least about 30 percent by 2020. このままでは、社会のあらゆる分野の指導的地位において女性が占める割合を「２０２０年までに少なくとも３０％程度」とする政府の目標を達成するのは難しい。
‘Nadeshiko issues’
The reaction by stock exchanges to the government’s request merits attention. They urged listed companies to disclose their number of female executives in the corporate governance reports they require the companies to submit. 注目されるのは、政府の要請に応じた各証券取引所の動きだ。上場企業に提出を義務づけている「コーポレート・ガバナンス（企業統治）報告書」に女性の役員数を開示するよう促している。
The Equal Employment Opportunity Law came into effect in 1986. Women hired for fast-track career positions at that time--part of what has often been called the “equal law generation”--have now climbed to senior positions in their companies. 男女雇用機会均等法の施行は１９８６年で、当時企業に採用された「均等法世代」と呼ばれる女性総合職も、幹部になっている。
We believe it is necessary to appoint capable career female workers to executive posts, rather than simply relying on bringing in human resources from outside. 女性役員には、外部の人材に頼るばかりではなく、生え抜きの女性社員を能力に応じて登用することが必要ではないか。
In February, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and the Tokyo Stock Exchange selected and announced the names of listed companies--including Kao Corp. and Toray Industries, Inc.--that excellently utilize their human resources by, for example, creating a better environment for women to continue working. These companies are called “Nadeshiko issues.” 経済産業省と東京証券取引所は今年２月、女性が働き続けるための環境整備など人材活用を積極的に進めている花王や東レなど上場企業を選定し、発表した。「なでしこ銘柄」と呼んでいる。
“Nadeshiko issues” can be a guide for investors to evaluate a company’s business administration ability to make maximum use of its human resources, as well as its ability to adapt to changes in the business environment. 投資家が、人材を生かす経営管理能力や環境変化への適応力を評価する目安になるという。
This new description gained traction after the Abe Cabinet took over proposals made by an expert panel during the administration of former Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and made a request to the stock exchange. Fully using women in the workforce is an issue that every administration must address. この取り組みは、安倍内閣が野田内閣時代の有識者会議の提言を引き継ぎ、証券取引所に働きかけて実現した。女性活用は、どの政権にも共通する課題と言える。
Longer child care leave
Last month, Abe asked leaders of business associations to let women take child care leave for up to three years. The current Child-rearing and Nursing Care Leave Law allows for one year of leave in principle and a maximum of 1-1/2 years. Abe called on companies to voluntarily extend this period. 首相は先月、育児休業を３年まで取得できるようにすることを経済界に要請した。現行の育児・介護休業法では原則１年、最長１年６か月となっているが、企業側に自主的な対応を求めたものだ。
Extended child care leave would give working women more options, and is one way to help them balance child-rearing and career. However, three years of child care leave will increase costs for companies, and some women fear it could negatively impact on their career and reduce their income. How can these problems be overcome? 働く女性の選択の幅は広がる。育児と仕事との両立を支える道を開く一つの方法だろう。だが、３年の育休で、企業負担は増し、女性にとってもキャリアでのマイナスや所得減への懸念がある。こうした課題をどう乗り越えるか。
The government also should steadily deal with the problem of long waiting lists for children to enroll in licensed day care centers. Setting up more such facilities for children aged 0 to 2, demand for which is especially high, would be one place to start. 需要の多い０～２歳児の保育施設の拡充など、待機児童対策もしっかり進めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 22, 2013) （2013年5月22日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 22, 2013 Shale gas imports from U.S. to help remedy expensive LNG purchases シェールガス 米国産輸入で高値買い是正を（5月21日付・読売社説）
The United States, which has seen a buoyant “shale gas revolution,” will open the way for the export of inexpensive natural gas to Japan. 「シェールガス革命」に沸いている米国が、割安な天然ガスの日本向け輸出に道を開く。
In the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, almost all of the nation’s nuclear reactors have remained idle. Given that Japan has to depend on thermal power generation, it is an important step to diversify the origins from which it imports the fuel for this. 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故後、ほとんどの原発が停止し、火力発電に依存する日本にとって、調達先を多様化する重要な一歩である。
The U.S. Energy Department has authorized the export of liquefied natural gas by a Texas company, in which Chubu Electric Power Co. and Osaka Gas Co. are participants. Under the project, natural gas, including shale gas extracted from subterranean bedrock, will be liquefied and exported. 米エネルギー省は、中部電力と大阪ガスが参画するテキサス州の企業の液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）輸出事業を認可した。地中深くの岩盤から採掘したシェールガスなどをＬＮＧに加工して輸出する。
Chubu Electric and Osaka Gas reportedly plan to export up to 4.4 million tons of LNG annually from 2017. The amount is equivalent to 5 percent of Japan’s overall LNG imports. 中部電力と大阪ガスは、このプロジェクトで２０１７年から両社合わせて最大年４４０万トンを輸出する計画という。日本のＬＮＧ輸入量の５％にも相当する。
The United States, in principle, had barred LNG exports to nations that it did not have a free trade agreement with, including Japan. 米国は原則、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）を結んでいない日本などへのＬＮＧ輸出を規制していた。
It is significant, however, that the United States authorized the exports to Japan for the first time as an exception. It was likely judged that increases in domestic prices in the United States could be avoided even if it exports the gas to Japan. This is because prospects on the supply and demand balance have eased due to sharp increases in production thanks to the shale gas revolution. しかし、例外的に対日輸出を初めて認めた意義は大きい。シェールガス革命で生産が飛躍的に増大して需給見通しが緩み、日本に輸出しても米国内の価格上昇は避けられると判断したのだろう。
TPP may have swayed decision
Also aided by Japan’s decision to participate in Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade negotiations, the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama likely attached weight to Japan-U.S. relations. 日本が、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加を決めたことも追い風になり、オバマ政権が日米関係を重視したといえる。
Enjoying the benefits of the shale gas revolution, Japan now will be able to obtain cheap gas. シェールガス革命の恩恵を享受する日本は、これで安価なガスを調達できるようになる。
The price of LNG Japan imports from Qatar and other nations is about 17 dollars per million BTU (British thermal unit), which is four times higher than the price in North America. 日本がカタールなどから輸入するＬＮＧ価格は、１００万ＢＴＵ（英国式熱量単位）約１７ドルと北米のガス価格より４倍も高い。
Japan, which has yet to reactivate idled nuclear reactors, has been forced to purchase LNG at high prices, referred to as a “Japan premium,” as producer nations are taking advantage of Japan’s situation. The trade deficit, which reached a record high of more than 8 trillion yen in fiscal 2012, is mainly attributed to LNG imports. 原発を再稼働できない日本は、生産国から足元を見られ、「ジャパンプレミアム」という高値買いを強いられている。１２年度の貿易赤字が過去最大の８兆円超に達したのも、ＬＮＧ輸入が主因だ。
Gas brings negotiating power
If the nation imports gas produced in the United States, the price will be cheaper at about 10 dollars, even with liquefaction and transport costs included. Japan also can expect to take an advantageous position in LNG price negotiations with nations in the Middle East and other areas, using cooperation with the United States as a bargaining chip. 米国産ガスを輸入した場合、ＬＮＧへの加工代や輸送コストを加えても約１０ドルと割安になる。米国との連携を切り札に使い、中東などとのＬＮＧ価格交渉を有利に進める効果も期待できる。
In the United States, the Mitsubishi Corp. and Mitsui & Co. consortium as well as Sumitomo Corp. have been participating in natural gas development projects. The public and private sectors should join together to lobby for early authorization of export projects involving these companies so that Japan could further correct the problem of expensive LNG purchases. 米国では、三菱商事と三井物産の連合や住友商事が天然ガスの開発に参加している。官民連携でこれらのプロジェクトによる輸出の早期認可を働きかけ、高値買いの構造をさらに是正すべきだ。
It will take about four years for imports of natural gas from the United States to begin. Unless nuclear reactors are reactivated, the situation will remain unchanged as the nation will continue to depend on thermal power generation for the time being, having no choice but to face high fuel costs. 米国から天然ガス輸入が始まるのは約４年先だ。原発を再稼働できなければ、当面は火力頼みで、燃料コスト高を余儀なくされる状況は変わらない。
To stem the outflow of national wealth, the government needs to steadily reactivate nuclear reactors whose safety has been confirmed. The nation must create a comprehensive strategy for a stable supply of energy. 国富の流出を食い止めるため、政府は安全性が確認できた原発を着実に再稼働する必要がある。エネルギーを安定供給する総合戦略を構築しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 21, 2013) （2013年5月21日01時25分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 21, 2013 Can Iijima's trip to North Korea be conducive to solving abduction issue? 飯島氏の訪朝 「拉致」解決へ糸口つかめるか（5月20日付・読売社説）
Is there any chance of finding a toehold to break the long-standing impasse on the problem of Japanese abducted by North Korean agents? The effectiveness of the diplomatic strategy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration is now being tested over the issue. 膠着(こうちゃく)状態に陥った日本人拉致問題を打開する糸口はつかめるのか。安倍政権の外交戦略の実効性が問われよう。
Isao Iijima, special adviser to the Cabinet Secretariat, who visited North Korea from Tuesday to Friday, briefed Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga after he returned on Saturday about his trip to Pyongyang. Iijima told the chief government spokesman he held “frank discussions” with senior North Korean officials. １４日から１７日まで北朝鮮を訪れた飯島勲内閣官房参与が帰国し、菅官房長官に、「本音の話をしてきた」と報告した。
Among them was Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People’s Assembly and the country’s No. 2 leader. During the meetings, Iijima was quoted as saying that Japan “will not move an inch until the abductions involving Japanese citizens are resolved.” 飯島氏は北朝鮮で、序列２位の金永南・最高人民会議常任委員長ら要人と会談し、「拉致問題が解決しなければ、日本政府は動かない」とはっきり伝えたという。
N. Korea moves unpredictable
His visit to North Korea was presumably on behalf of Abe, who has publicly said the abduction problem “must be absolutely resolved under my Cabinet.” 今回の訪朝は、安倍首相の「拉致問題は安倍政権で絶対に解決しなければならない」との意向を受けたものだろう。
Iijima served as policy secretary for Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi and accompanied him on his 2002 and 2004 visits to North Korea. Abe has confidence in Iijima, who has been involved for years in North Korean diplomacy. 小泉首相の政務秘書官だった飯島氏は、２００２年と０４年の小泉訪朝に随行している。北朝鮮外交に関与してきた飯島氏に対する安倍首相の信任は厚い。
In 2008, Pyongyang, in working-level talks between Japan and North Korea, committed to the timely launch of a committee for the reinvestigation of Japanese abductees. North Korea, however, failed to live up to its commitment. 北朝鮮は、０８年の日朝実務者協議で、拉致被害者再調査のための委員会を早期に設置することを約束した。だが、北朝鮮は結局、再調査を見送っている。
In November last year, bilateral discussions resumed for the first time in four years under the regime of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but subsequent sessions have been on hold following the North’s test firing of a long-range ballistic missile. 昨年１１月、金正恩体制下で実現した４年ぶりの日朝政府間協議も、北朝鮮の長距離弾道ミサイル発射で行き詰まったままだ。
The government has demanded all abductees be returned immediately, full information be disclosed about the abductions, and that all perpetrators be handed over to Japan. There is no telling how Pyongyang will react as it has reiterated that the abduction issue “has already been resolved.” 日本政府は北朝鮮に、拉致被害者の即時帰国、真相の究明、拉致実行犯の引き渡しを求めている。「拉致問題は解決ずみ」と繰り返してきた北朝鮮が、今後、どう応えてくるのか。
The government, for its part, must closely watch Pyongyang’s moves and independently develop diplomatic policies toward North Korea. 慎重に見極めつつ、主体的な外交を展開しなければならない。
One concern is the fact that Iijima’s surprise visit, which the Japanese government arranged in absolute secrecy, was leaked to the media by North Korea immediately after Iijima arrived in Pyongyang. 気がかりなのは、極秘裏に進めていたはずの今回の訪朝が、平壌到着のその時から北朝鮮に一方的に明らかにされたことである。
While the prime minister declined to comment on Iijima’s trip, North Korea treated him very well, as if flaunting his visit, publicizing in detail what he did every day. There can be no denying that the trip was exploited by North Korea. 首相がノーコメントを通す間、北朝鮮側は飯島氏を厚遇し、動静を連日詳報した。結果的に北朝鮮に利用された面は否めない。
Was Iijima accompanied by an interpreter from Japan? Have records of the content of talks he had with North Korean officials been made available to the Japanese government? Wasn’t his visit linked to the issue of auctioning the headquarters building in Tokyo of the General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon)? 日本人通訳は付いていたのか。会談記録は日本側にも残っているのか。朝鮮総連中央本部（東京）の競売問題との関係はなかったのか。
There are many questions like these regarding Iijima’s visit. 多くの疑問がある。
Bid to divide alliance
In giving the green-light to Iijima’s visit, North Korea may have aimed at probing the internal affairs of the Abe Cabinet. At the same time, Pyongyang may have been trying to drive a wedge between Japan, the United States and South Korea, which are set to increase pressure on North Korea. 北朝鮮には、安倍政権の内情を探るとともに、圧力を強めようとする日米韓の連携にくさびを打ち込む狙いがあっただろう。
Glyn Davies, the U.S. special representative for North Korea policy who was in Japan last week, said, “We knew that North Korea would eventually shift their strategy to that of seeking engagement in an effort to split us.” Japan must not give North Korea even the smallest chance of taking advantage of any development in foreign relations. 来日した米国のデービース北朝鮮担当政府特別代表は、「北朝鮮が我々を分断するため、挑発から対話に戦略転換することは予測していた」と述べた。北朝鮮に、付け入る隙を与えてはなるまい。
The government should redouble efforts to keep international cooperation over North Korea’s missile development ambitions intact, while steadily working to resolve the abduction issue. 核・ミサイル問題での国際連携を堅持しながら、拉致問題解決へ進展を図っていく。
The Abe administration is urged to produce positive results in addressing these difficult challenges. その難しい課題に結果を出すことが、安倍政権に求められている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 20, 2013) （2013年5月20日01時20分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 20, 2013 Japan should strategically engage in discussions on Arctic development 北極海の開発 資源や航路で戦略的関与を（5月19日付・読売社説）
As an increasing number of countries have clearly demonstrated their interest in the commercial and military potential of the Arctic Ocean, the government should unite relevant parties to draw up a national strategy on the region. 商業、軍事利用の潜在的な可能性が高い北極海を巡り、各国の利害が交錯し始めた。日本もオールジャパンで国家戦略を練るべきである。
In Sweden, the Arctic Council comprising the United States, Russia and Nordic countries held a ministerial meeting last week for the first time in two years. The council has admitted six countries, including Japan, China and South Korea, as observers. 米露両国や北欧諸国などによる「北極評議会」が２年ぶりの閣僚会議をスウェーデンで開き、日本や中国、韓国など６か国のオブザーバー資格を新たに承認した。
The Arctic Council is a forum for discussing and coordinating development of the Arctic and protecting its environment. Japan was granted observer status based on its internationally recognized contributions to environmental research and observation of the region. It is significant to be allowed to participate in the council’s meetings as an observer. This will serve Japan’s interests as a maritime nation. 評議会は、北極圏開発や環境保護を協議する場で、日本は環境研究や極地観測への貢献が評価された。オブザーバーとして協議に参加する意義は大きい。海洋国家としての国益にもつながろう。
Potential for new routes
Since the amount of sea ice has been decreasing every year due to global warming, many countries are focused on whether new regular routes connecting Asia and Europe can be opened in the Arctic Ocean. 北極海は、地球温暖化に伴って年々海氷が縮小している。アジアと欧州を結ぶ定期航路ができるかどうか、注目されている。
In December, a tanker of a company related to the Russian government transported liquefied natural gas produced in Norway to Kitakyushu in Fukuoka Prefecture. This was the world’s first instance of LNG transportation via an Arctic route. 昨年１２月には、ロシア政府系企業のタンカーが、ノルウェーの液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）を福岡県北九州市に運んだ。北極海航路を利用した世界初のＬＮＧ輸送だ。
If such routes become regularly available, Japan will benefit from a reduced navigation distance to and from Europe, as Arctic channels are about 40 percent shorter than those using the Suez Canal. こうした航路が定着すれば、日本にとっても、欧州との航行距離がスエズ運河経由より約４割縮まるという利点がある。
However, ships will face a higher risk of grounding in the Arctic Ocean because it is shallow. Vessels will also have to depend mainly on Russian ports for rescue activities in case of contingencies. ただ、北極海は海深が浅く、船舶の座礁事故の危険性が高い。救難などの拠点となる港湾は、主にロシアに頼らざるを得ない。
On the pretext of preventing accidents, Russia is gaining commercial control of Arctic routes by, for example, obliging ships traveling on them to pay to have icebreakers lead their vessels. 事故を防ぐためにロシアは、航行する船舶に砕氷船の随行を義務づけて料金を課すなど、商業的に支配権を握りつつある。
Japan should carefully assess whether stable navigation can be ensured on the routes and if so, if it is worthwhile to use them. 安定した航行が確保され、採算が取れるかどうか。日本は慎重に見極めるべきだ。
Abundant energy resources such as natural gas and crude oil at the bottom of the Arctic Ocean also make the region very attractive. 北極海の海底には、豊富な天然ガスや原油などのエネルギー資源が眠っていることも魅力だ。
Exploitation of such resources in the frigid sea will be an extremely large-scale state project. Countries have already begun bargaining for commercial use of the resources in the future. Japan, too, must enhance cooperation between the government and private sector to study the issue. 酷寒の海での資源開発は大規模な国家的プロジェクトとなる。商業利用に向け、各国の駆け引きが始まっている。日本も官民連携を強化し、検討する必要がある。
Role in national security
It is worrying, however, that Russia, which has been pursuing a policy of southward advancement for decades, may start utilizing the Arctic routes for national defense. 気がかりなのは、南下政策を長年進めてきたロシアが、北極海航路に安全保障上も目を転じることだ。
There is a possibility Moscow could reinforce its Pacific fleet, including nuclear submarines, and intensify its activities in Northeast Asia. 原子力潜水艦などでつくる太平洋艦隊を増強し、北東アジアでの活動を強める可能性がある。
The United States also declared it vital to expand national security interests in the Arctic, and has unveiled a strategy defining development of the region as beneficial to the country. Additionally, Beijing is escalating activities to secure its own maritime interests. 米国も「安全保障上の利益拡大が重要だ」として、北極圏開発を国益と位置づける国家戦略を発表した。中国も「海洋権益」の確保を目指し、活発に動いている。
Japan cannot afford to stand on the sidelines of this issue. If more countries begin frequently using Arctic routes, the Soya, Tsugaru and Tsushima straits will become important gateways to China, Russia and other countries. 日本も無関係ではいられない。北極海航路の使用が国際的に活発化すれば、宗谷、津軽、対馬海峡が中国、ロシアなどの重要な“出入り口”となるだろう。
Other nations’ actions regarding the Arctic Ocean should also be closely monitored in the interest of national security. 北極圏の動向は、日本の安全保障政策の観点からも注視していくことが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 19, 2013) （2013年5月19日01時11分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 19, 2013 Farmland integration needed to double income of farmers in light of TPP entry 農業の成長戦略 「所得倍増」へ農地集積を急げ（5月18日付・読売社説）
How should Japan revitalize its agriculture to prepare for further market liberalization? The government is likely to face a test on whether its efforts to turn the nation’s agricultural sector from one centering on small farms into one featuring more highly productive large-scale agricultural businesses will prove viable. 一層の市場開放に備えて、日本農業をどう再生するか。小規模農家から生産性の高い大規模営農へ、転換を促す施策の実効性が問われよう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday unveiled aggressive agricultural reform plans under the second part of his growth strategy. 安倍首相は、成長戦略第２弾の柱として「攻めの農業」の実現を打ち出した。
“We’ll definitely carry out agricultural structural reform this time around,” Abe said. “Without farmland integration, we can’t improve productivity.” 「農業の構造改革を今度こそ確実にやり遂げる。農地の集積なくして、生産性向上はない」と述べた。
We believe his envisaged reform is on the right course. 改革の方向性は間違っていない。
The reform plans feature a new intermediate system for farmland, which Abe called a farmland integration bank. The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry is aiming to launch the system as soon as possible. 目玉となるのは、首相が「農地集積バンク」と呼んだ新たな農地仲介制度である。農林水産省が早期導入を目指している。
Govt eyes new farmland body
The plans call for prefectural agricultural public corporations, which currently handle trading of farmland, to be given greater authority and transformed into a new public body that will manage farmland. The body would lease farmland from small farmers and others and introduce it to potential tenants--farmers seeking to expand farming business and agricultural corporations. 現在、農地売買などを行っている都道府県の農業公社に強い権限を与え、農地を管理する機構に衣替えする。機構が小規模農家などから土地をいったん借り上げ、大規模化を目指す農家や農業法人に橋渡しする仕組みだ。
In the past 20 years, deserted farmland doubled to a total area almost equivalent to that of Shiga Prefecture. This is a serious matter. 耕作せずに放置されたままの放棄地は２０年で倍増し、滋賀県全体とほぼ同じ規模にまで拡大した。深刻な状況といえる。
The focal point of the reform is whether the new system will be able to foster large farmers. 焦点は、新制度が大規模農家の育成につながるかどうかだ。
The failure to find tenants would mean the new body would need to pay rent for the farmland. It would also have to cover the cost of maintenance and management of the land as well as the development of irrigation systems. 借り手が見つからないと機構が農地を丸抱えすることになり、その間も、機構は農地の貸し手に賃料を払い続ける必要がある。農地を維持管理し、用排水路を整備する費用もかかる。
In this case, it is estimated the body would have to shoulder hundreds of billions of yen a year in costs. If this intermediate program proves unsuccessful, it would end up injecting massive public funds without producing results. 財政負担は年数千億円と見込まれている。仲介がうまく進まなければ、巨額の国費を投入するだけで終わりかねない。
To secure farmland tenants, it is essential that the government draw up a measure to encourage companies and other entities to enter the agricultural sector. The body will also need to offer prime farmland, which can be integrated easily. 借り手を確保するには、企業などの新規参入を後押しする政策が不可欠だ。集約しやすい優良農地を仲介することも求められる。
Unless the government reviews the role of its agricultural panel tasked with leasing and trading of farmland, the panel could become an obstacle to farmland integration. 農地の賃貸や売買の許可権限を持つ農業委員会を見直さないと、農地集積の支障となろう。
As long as the prime minister regards agriculture as a key sector in his growth strategy, we urge the farm ministry to devise effective systems that may encroach on the vested interests of entities such as agricultural cooperatives. 農業を成長戦略と位置付ける以上、農水省はメリハリの利いた制度設計を行い、農協などの既得権に切り込んでもらいたい。
In announcing the next stage of his economic policy, Abe set a goal of doubling farming income during a 10-year period. This is an ambitious goal that will require efforts also by farmers and other players in the sector, propelled by effective measures. 首相は「１０年間で農業・農村の所得倍増目標」を掲げたが、効果的な施策をテコに農業従事者も努力しないと高いハードルだ。
Measures should be consistent
Meanwhile, questions have been raised about the Liberal Democratic Party’s move to consider expanding the current income-support program for certain farming households, such as rice producers, and launching a new program to provide all farmers who maintain farmland with subsidies. 自民党がコメ農家などを対象とする所得補償制度を拡充し、農地を維持している全農家に補助金を支給する制度を検討していることも問題である。
If even small farmers are eligible to receive subsidies, the government is unlikely to find farmers willing to lease their farmland. We believe measures that could hamper the government’s initiative in farmland integration should be reviewed. 零細農家でも補助金をもらえるなら、農地の出し手は増えまい。農地集約の方針に妨げとなる政策は再考すべきではないか。
For a long time, the government has failed to expand domestic farmland. Ahead of Japan’s entry into talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the government must speed up work on agricultural reform. 農地の規模拡大は長年実現できなかった。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加をにらみ、改革を加速しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 18, 2013) （2013年5月18日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 18, 2013 JAEA must drastically improve its safety awareness on Monju 「もんじゅ」 安全意識の抜本改革が必要だ（5月17日付・読売社説）
The de facto “operation ban” to be ordered for the prototype fast-breeder reactor is extremely serious. 事実上の「運転禁止」となる深刻な事態だ。
The Nuclear Regulation Authority has decided to order the Japan Atomic Energy Agency to suspend preparations for resuming operations at its trouble-plagued prototype fast-breeder reactor Monju in Fukui Prefecture. The decision was made because of slipshod inspections of the reactor. 福井県にある高速増殖炉「もんじゅ」に対し、原子力規制委員会が、運転再開に向けた作業の停止を命じることを決めた。あまりに点検がずさんだったためだ。
The JAEA, which operates Monju, reported to the Secretariat of the NRA in January this year that the agency had failed to check about 10,000 parts of the reactor during its inspections. Furthermore, the secretariat’s on-site inspection later found the agency had even failed to check important equipment such as an emergency power device. 今年１月、「もんじゅ」を運営する日本原子力研究開発機構が約１万件の点検漏れがあったことを原子力規制庁に報告した。さらに、その後の規制庁の立ち入り検査で、非常用電源機器など重要設備の点検漏れも判明した。
Inspections of equipment are fundamental to ensuring safety. The JAEA, which is the core organization for nuclear research in this country, seems to have adopted a laissez-faire attitude toward the basics. 設備の点検は、安全確保の根幹だ。原子力研究の中核組織である原子力機構で、その基本がないがしろにされていたことになる。
It is inevitable for the agency to come under severe criticism. 厳しい措置はやむを得まい。
Monju is a key reactor for development of a nuclear fuel cycle to effectively utilize uranium resources. もんじゅは、ウラン資源を有効活用する核燃料サイクル開発の要となる原子炉だ。
The reactor, however, was suspended for more than 10 years due to a sodium coolant leak in 1995 shortly after a test operation. Operations were resumed in 2010, but were suspended once more after a nuclear fuel in-vessel transfer machine fell. Many people are expressing doubts about the cost of the reactor as a budget of nearly 1 trillion yen has been spent on it so far. 試験運転から間もない１９９５年のナトリウム漏れ事故で１０年以上、止まった。２０１０年に運転を再開したが、核燃料交換装置の落下事故で停止が続いている。１兆円近い予算が投じられていることを問題視する声もある。
The agency must handle the reactor in a way that does not cause the public to further lose trust in it. だからこそ、信頼を損なうことのない運営が求められよう。
Unbelievable remark
Despite the situation, JAEA President Atsuyuki Suzuki reportedly said during the NRA Secretariat’s hearings, “It is inevitable for mistakes to be made while we carry out formalities.” それにもかかわらず、原子力機構の鈴木篤之理事長は、規制庁の聴取に対し、「形式的ミスはやむを得ない」と述べたという。
This is an unbelievable statement as it comes from an expert who once served as chairman of the now-defunct Nuclear and Industrial Safety Agency. He seems to have little sense of responsibility in ensuring the safety of nuclear power. 旧原子力安全委員会の委員長まで務めた専門家の発言とは思えない。原子力の安全確保に対する責任感が希薄なのではないか。
Were there no problems in the frequency and methods of the inspections? The activities of the agency should be thoroughly examined to clarify where the problems lie. It is also important to verify whether adequate funds were appropriately secured to ensure optimal allocation of staff, as well as for the inspections. 点検の頻度、方法に問題はなかったのか。課題を洗い出す必要がある。人員配置や点検に要する予算の確保が適切だったのか、検証することも重要である。
With the idling of Monju, criticism has been raised over the research and development of nuclear power and the nuclear fuel cycle. Under the circumstances, measures must be put in place to keep up the morale of the Monju and related staff. もんじゅが動かず、原子力や核燃料サイクルの研究開発に批判が出る中、職員の士気を低下させない対策も求められよう。
Nuclear fuel cycle
Asked about the nuclear fuel cycle at a meeting of the House of Councillors Budget Committee on Monday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said: “Japan possesses a high level of nuclear fuel cycle technology. Japan will cooperate with other countries to continue to promote the cycle.” 安倍首相は１３日の参院予算委員会で、核燃料サイクルについて問われ、「日本は高い技術を有しており、世界と連携し、継続して進めていく」と明言した。
This is a reasonable view if we consider it from the standpoint of the energy security of Japan, a resource-thirsty country. 資源に乏しい日本のエネルギー安全保障を考えれば、もっともな見解だ。
Abe also pointed out, “Each country has been struggling with how to handle spent nuclear fuel.” A fast-breeder reactor can efficiently burn radioactive substances in spent nuclear fuel. This specific reactor should be positioned as the main pillar of the nuclear fuel cycle. 首相は、「使用済み核燃料への対応に各国が悩んでいる」とも指摘した。高速増殖炉は使用済み核燃料中の放射性物質を効率的に燃やせる。今後も、核燃料サイクルの柱に位置付けるべきだ。
The NRA reportedly will not lift its suspension order until the JAEA confirms it has undergone organizational reforms. To avoid the operation ban being prolonged, the NRA must give the JAEA concrete instructions on what reforms it should carry out to ensure Monju’s operations resume in the near future. 規制委は、原子力機構の体質改善を確認するまで命令を解除しない方針という。いたずらに「運転禁止」が長引かないよう、規制委は再開を前提に、改革すべき項目を具体的に指示すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 17, 2013) （2013年5月17日01時16分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 17, 2013 Hashimoto's remarks affront to women, reveal ignorance 橋下氏発言 女性の尊厳踏みにじる不見識（5月16日付・読売社説）
It was a statement that made us doubt his common sense and dignity as a public figure. 公人としての見識と品位が問われる発言だ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) coleader Toru Hashimoto recently told reporters that so-called comfort women were “necessary to maintain discipline in the military forces at that time” by deterring rapes by soldiers. 日本維新の会の橋下共同代表が、いわゆる従軍慰安婦について、兵士によるレイプを抑え、「軍の規律を維持するには当時は必要だった」と記者団に語った。
Furthermore, Hashimoto revealed that he advised a senior officer of the U.S. forces in Japan to let soldiers “actively utilize” sex-related services. さらに、橋下氏が在日米軍幹部に、風俗業の「活用」を働きかけていたことも明らかになった。
On Wednesday, Hashimoto offered the clarification that he “never said the system is necessary now.” And it may be true, as Hashimoto said, that similar systems to provide sexual services were used during the war by armies other than the defunct Imperial Japanese Army. 橋下氏は１５日、慰安婦について「いま必要とは一切言っていない」と釈明した。戦時中、旧日本軍以外にも類似した存在があったという指摘は、その通りだろう。
Nevertheless, it is inevitable that loudly arguing that comfort women were necessary for the military would be seen as making light of women’s dignity. とは言え、軍に慰安婦が必要だったと声高に主張することが、女性の尊厳を軽んじるものと受け止められても仕方あるまい。
Strong opposition
It is natural that strong opposition was raised against Hashimoto’s remarks, including from Tomomi Inada, state minister in charge of administrative reform. “I believe the comfort women system violated the human rights of women,” Inada said. 橋下氏の発言に対し、稲田行政改革相が「慰安婦制度は女性の人権に対する侵害だと思っている」と述べたように、強い反発の声が上がったのも当然である。
Hashimoto made the statement to the press in connection with the stance of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s Cabinet concerning its recognition of history. 今回の発言は、歴史認識をめぐる安倍内閣の姿勢に関連して、記者団の質問に答えたものだ。
A 1993 statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono concerning the comfort women issue contains expressions indicating that Japanese administrative and military authorities forcibly recruited women as comfort women in an organized manner. His comments were not based on any official or historical materials. 慰安婦問題に関する１９９３年の河野官房長官談話には、資料的な根拠もないまま、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る。
Such expressions, which may invite misunderstandings, need a review based on facts. そうした誤解を招くような記述は、事実を踏まえた見直しが必要だ。
Irresponsible attitude
Hashimoto advocates a review of the Kono statement. However, to accept the existence of comfort women during wartime as “necessary” may conversely spread misunderstanding on the issue internationally. 橋下氏は河野談話の見直しが持論である。だが、戦時中の慰安婦の存在を「必要だった」と認めることは、逆に国際的にも誤解を広げることになるのではないか。
Hashimoto criticized the Japanese government over its handling of the comfort women issue, as the government maintains the problem was legally settled with the 1965 Treaty of Basic Relations between Japan and South Korea. He also said “due consideration must be given” to former comfort women. 橋下氏は、日本政府が１９６５年の日韓基本条約で慰安婦問題は法的に解決済みだとしていることを批判し、元慰安婦に「配慮すべきだ」とも語っている。
However, it is irresponsible for Hashimoto to advance such an argument without suggesting concrete measures. だが、何ら具体策もないのに、こうした主張をするのは無責任である。
Meanwhile, the statement about actively utilizing sex-related businesses was advice given to a senior officer of the U.S. forces stationed in Japan when Hashimoto recently visited Okinawa Prefecture. 一方、「風俗業活用」発言は橋下氏が最近沖縄を訪問した際、在日米軍幹部に進言したという。
Hashimoto told the senior officer that handling soldiers’ sexual desires is an important subject for the military in any era and suggested actively utilizing legal sex-related services in Japan. 兵士の性をどう制御するかは、いつの時代も軍の課題だとして、日本で合法的に行われている風俗業を活用してはどうかと語った。
The senior officer replied that such activity was prohibited by U.S. forces and closed the subject, according to Hashimoto. 幹部は、軍では禁じられていると答え、この話を打ち切った。
Hashimoto lacks understanding of the disciplinary rules of the U.S. military. Such a statement was probably taken as an insult to U.S. forces in Japan. 米軍の規律に対する無理解であり、侮辱とも受け止められたのではないか。
Women’s dignity is strongly respected in U.S. society. Among history-related issues in Japan, the U.S. public has turned an especially stern eye on the comfort women issue. 米国社会では、女性の尊厳が重んじられている。日本の歴史問題の中でも、とりわけ慰安婦問題に対する視線が厳しい。
It is only natural that people in Okinawa Prefecture and elsewhere have criticized his remarks as reckless statements that treat women like implements. 沖縄などからも、女性を道具として扱う暴言と批判の声が上がったのももっともだ。
We cannot help but question why Hashimoto had to make such a proposal and why he had to publicly announce it. なぜ、橋下氏がこうした提案をし、それを表明する必要があったのか。首を傾(かし)げざるを得ない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 16, 2013) （2013年5月16日01時46分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 16, 2013 Legal framework needed to protect children born from donated ova 卵子提供の仲介 子供を守る法整備に踏み出せ（5月15日付・読売社説）
The number of children born to women who have undergone reproductive treatment is on the rise. The government should begin creating a legal framework to protect such children. 生殖医療で子供を授かる女性が増えている。政府は子供の権利を守る法整備に着手すべきだ。
Three women, suffering from infertility due to congenital or other conditions, will receive ova from third-party donors. This will be the first time women will receive ova from third-party donors through an intermediate organization. 先天性疾患などで卵子ができない３人の女性が第三者から卵子の提供を受けることになった。仲介団体による第三者の卵子あっせんは初めてのケースだ。
When a nonprofit organization, mainly comprising infertile patients and their families and doctors, asked for ova donations, more than 40 people responded, according to the NPO. 不妊患者の家族、医師らで作るＮＰＯ法人が、無報酬で卵子の提供者を募ったところ、４０人以上が提供を申し込んだという。
At a press conference this week, the NPO read a message of gratitude from a prospective recipient, and quoted an egg donor as saying, "I'm happy to help someone who's suffering." ＮＰＯ法人は記者会見で、提供を受ける患者の感謝の言葉や、「悩んでいる人の力になれてうれしい」という卵子提供者の声を紹介した。
We can understand the feelings of people who want to help women wishing to have children. 子供が欲しいという女性の願いに、善意で応えてあげようという気持ちは理解できる。
Don't ignore problems
However, a number of potential problems arising from infertility treatment must not be overlooked. First, births from donated ova are expected to complicate family relationships. A child born via reproductive treatment will have two mothers--the mother who gives birth and the "genetic mother" who donates the ova. ただし、こうした不妊治療に伴う様々な問題を見過ごしてはならない。まず、家族関係が複雑になることだ。生まれてくる子供には、出産した「産みの母」と卵子提供者である「遺伝上の母」という２人の母親ができる。
Although the Supreme Court has previously ruled that a woman who gives birth is the child's mother, there is no relevant law. To prevent friction over inheritance and other family issues, legal arrangements must be made to clarify parental relationships for children born after reproductive treatment. 出産した女性を母親とする最高裁の判例はあるが、明文化した法令は存在しない。相続などのトラブルを防ぐには、生まれた子供の親子関係を法的に規定することが欠かせない。
Ensuring children's right to learn about their birth also is an important issue that must be addressed. 子供が出自を知る権利をどう担保するか、も重要な課題だ。
The NPO has drawn up a set of rules that call for donors' addresses, names and other personal data to be disclosed if the children of recipients request such information when they turn 15. We believe a system should be created to have a public body strictly manage such personal information over the long term. ＮＰＯ法人は、子供が１５歳になった時点で、当人が希望すれば、提供者の住所や氏名などを開示するという独自ルールを定めている。それなら、こうした個人情報を公的機関で長期間、厳重に管理する仕組みも必要ではないか。
From an ethical standpoint, regulations on the egg donation business are also needed. 倫理上、卵子の売買規制も求められよう。
Following the NPO's announcement of the ova donations, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Norihisa Tamura said: "We'll take our time to consider this issue. We haven't reached the point of setting up a study panel as there are so many opinions to consider." 今回のケースを受けて、田村厚生労働相は「時間をかけて検討したい。いろいろな意見があり、すぐに検討会を設立する状況ではない」と述べた。
Government slow to act
This position would allow reproductive treatment using donated ova to spread without a legal framework. これでは、法的なルールのないまま治療が広がるのを黙認することになる。
In 1998, a doctor in Nagano Prefecture conducted the nation's first in vitro fertilization using donated ova. In 2003, a health ministry council compiled a report that gave the green light to egg donations. そもそも、国内の卵子提供による体外受精は、長野県の医師が１９９８年、初めて実施し、厚労省の審議会は２００３年、卵子提供を容認する報告書をまとめた。
However, in the 10 years since then, a legal framework for ova donations has yet to be created. だが、１０年たっても肝心の制度構築は手つかずのままだ。
In the meantime, more than 80 children have been born through in vitro fertilization using ova donated from recipients' families and friends. A growing number of couples also received ova overseas. その間にも、家族や友人から卵子の提供を受けた体外受精で、８０人以上の子供が誕生している。海外に渡航し、卵子提供を受けて出産するカップルも増えている。
Without any regulations, children born with donated ova may face obstacles when they grow up. The government must act quickly to make the necessary legal arrangements. ルールがないままでは、子供が成長した時に不利益が生じる恐れがある。政府は対応を急がなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 15, 2013) （2013年5月15日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 15, 2013 Japan must deepen cooperation with U.S. to deter cyber-attacks サイバー対話 攻撃抑止へ日米協力を深めよ（5月14日付・読売社説）
A string of serious cyber-attacks and cyberterrorism incidents have occurred around the world. The government should promote extensive cooperation with the United States and reinforce its countermeasures against such attacks. 世界各地で深刻なサイバー攻撃・テロが相次いでいる。政府は、米国との幅広い協力を進め、対策を強化すべきだ。
The Japanese and U.S. governments recently held their first bilateral "cyber dialogue." They released a joint statement saying they would cooperate comprehensively to defend such critical infrastructure as telecommunication networks, financial systems and electricity supplies, and to establish international rules on cyber-issues. 日米両政府が「サイバー対話」を初めて開催し、通信、金融、電力など重要インフラの防御策や国際ルール作りで包括的な協力を行うとの共同声明を発表した。
Both sides agreed to hold a second meeting this autumn and to deepen their dialogue. 今秋に第２回会合を開き、対話を重ねることでも一致した。
Bilateral cooperation in the new field of cyberspace security will help both nations deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance as a whole, just as cooperation on space and maritime security has done. We hope cooperation in the new field will steadily take shape. サイバー空間の安全保障という新分野における協力は、宇宙や海上安全保障などの連携と同様、日米同盟全体の深化につながる。着実に具体化させたい。
The threat is real
In March this year, several financial institutions and TV stations in South Korea came under a cyber-attack that caused massive disruptions to users of automated teller machines and personal computers. The South Korean government later concluded the attack had been the work of a North Korean intelligence agency. 今年３月、韓国の金融機関やテレビ局がサイバー攻撃を受け、現金自動預け払い機（ＡＴＭ）やパソコンに大規模障害が発生した。韓国政府は、北朝鮮の対外工作機関の犯行と断定した。
Japan should not treat this incident as "a fire on the other side of the river." Major players in the nation's defense industry, such as Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd., as well as courts and government organizations have already been targeted by cyber-attacks. 日本にとって対岸の火事ではない。既に三菱重工業など防衛産業や、裁判所、政府機関がサイバー攻撃の標的となっている。
It is imperative that Japan share an awareness of the threat posed by the latest cyber-attack and reinforce its defenses through exchanges of information and cooperation with the United States, a "leading nation in cyberspace." 「サイバー先進国」である米国との情報交換や協力を通じて、最新のサイバー攻撃に関する脅威認識を共有するとともに、防御策の実効性を高めることが急務だ。
Japan also needs to earnestly foster professional engineers in this field and strengthen the protection of infrastructure through joints efforts by the government and private sector. 専門技術者の育成や、官民一体によるインフラ防御体制の強化にも本腰を入れねばならない。
Working out international rules will be an important task in the days ahead. 今後、重要になるのは国際ルール作りだ。
Last year, the United Nations established an expert panel on cyberspace security, and 15 countries, including Japan, the United States and Britain, began talks on an international code of conduct. 国連は昨年、サイバー安全保障に関する専門家会合を設置し、日米英など１５か国が国際行動規範などの協議を始めた。
In the United States and European countries, the application of international laws of war and the right of collective self-defense against cyber-attacks have been discussed. 欧米では、サイバー攻撃に対し、戦時国際法や集団的自衛権を適用することも議論されている。
It is important for Japan to cooperate with the countries concerned, including the United States, and get involved in drawing up the international rules. 日本も、米国など関係国と連携し、国際ルール作りに積極的に関与することが肝要である。
Stand united against China
The Defense Ministry plans to establish what has tentatively been called the "cyberspace defense corps" in the Self-Defense Forces in spring next year. 防衛省は来春、自衛隊に「サイバー空間防衛隊」（仮称）を新設する予定だ。
Under what sort circumstances will the government be able to invoke the right of self-defense and switch the primary responsibility for repelling cyber-attacks to the SDF from police authorities? Study of such issues from a legal perspective will be needed. どんな事態になれば自衛権を発動し、対処主体を警察から自衛隊に切り替えるのか、法的な検討が求められよう。
In an annual report released last week on military and security developments involving China, the U.S. Defense Department singled Beijing out for criticism by stating that last year numerous computer systems were targeted for intrusions, "some of which appear to be attributable directly to the Chinese government and military." 先週発表された中国の軍事力に関する米国防総省の年次報告は、昨年発生したサイバー攻撃の一部に中国政府・軍が関与していたと名指しで批判している。
It is vital for the international community to stand united in guiding China into abiding by international rules, just as it must on security issues in the East China Sea and South China Sea. 東シナ海・南シナ海での安全保障問題と同じように、国際ルールを順守する方向に中国を導くには国際社会の結束が欠かせない。
It is also significant that the latest Japan-U.S. dialogue was attended by officials not only from the Foreign Ministry, but from other government bodies including the Cabinet Secretariat, the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry, the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, the Defense Ministry and the National Police Agency. 今回の日米対話は、外務省に加え、内閣官房、総務、経済産業、防衛、警察など関係省庁がそろって参加した点にも意義がある。
In working out and implementing measures against cyber-attacks, it is important for ministries and agencies concerned to act as a single team by sharing relevant information, rather than getting bogged down by bureaucratic sectionalism. サイバー対策は、関係省庁が縦割りに陥らず、情報を共有して一丸で取り組むことが大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 14, 2013) （2013年5月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
May 12, 2013(Mainichi Japan) Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Waiting on benefits from 'Abenomics' can bring stress 香山リカのココロの万華鏡:「待ち疲れ」ならぬように ／東京
Major tour companies announced before this past "Golden Week" holiday period that the number of Japanese expected to travel during the period was a record high. Experts said this is because the economic mood in Japan has been recovering thanks to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's policies, known as "Abenomics." I think the point here is that Japan's economy, or people's incomes, aren't actually improving, but rather their "mood" about the economy is gaining a lift. 旅行会社が大型連休前に発表したところでは、この休みの期間中の旅行者は過去最高なのだとか。理由は「安倍政権の経済政策『アベノミクス』で景況感が改善しているから」と分析されていた。ここでポイントになるのは、実際に景気が良くなり現実にお金がたくさんあるのではなく、あくまで景気の状態に対する印象の「景況感」が改善しているだけ、ということだろう。
Meanwhile, weekly magazines are saying only some people are becoming richer under the Abenomics scheme and the economic bubble will burst before most people can benefit from it. They warn that people's lives may become even more difficult. If that is true, we can't be too optimistic that our salaries will increase just because stock prices are on the rise. 一方、週刊誌のコラムなどには、「もうかるのは一部のお金持ちだけ。大半の人たちは恩恵を受ける前にバブルがはじけ、生活がより苦しくなる危険も」とも。もしそうなら、「株価が上がったから、そのうち私の給料も上がるはず」などと浮かれてもいられない。
So far I haven't heard any of my patients claiming they are making a fortune because of Abenomics. Instead, I am hearing the usual negative stories such as "I can't make ends meet with my pay from my part-time job," "I was laid off" and "I have to let go of my house because I can't pay the mortgage." 診察室で会う人からは、まだ「アベノミクスで大もうけです」といった言葉は聞こえてこない。相変わらず「このバイト代では生活できない」「パートの仕事を打ち切られた」「ローンが払えないので家を手放す」など“景気の悪い話”ばかりだ。
Although the media is reporting that large firms are making profits, I suspect most of us are just waiting, half excited and half worried, to see how Abenomics will affect our lives. 誰もが「大手企業の業績が好転」というニュースを横目に「その効果は私まで回ってくるのか」と期待半分、不安半分で待っているというところだろう。
Of course, it's better than not having any hope at all, but there is a limit to "just waiting." There was an old Japanese song that portrayed a mother waiting for her son to come home from a battle field for 10 years. However, that is a rare case. For how long in general do we have to wait? Just waiting alone can cause stress. It can cause even greater stress when there is a possibility of not receiving any benefits from Abenomics. もちろん、不安一色よりはいいのかもしれないが、それでも「ただ待つ」のには限界がある。歌謡曲「岸壁の母」の母親は、戦地から帰らぬ息子を待ち続け１０年間、港に通い続けるという設定だが、これは特殊なケースだろう。一般的にどれくらい待てばよいのか。期間も示されずにただ待つということ自体、私たちには大きなストレスになる。しかも、待ったあげく「あなたへの恩恵はありませんでした」と、外れる場合もあるとなれば、ストレスはさらに倍増。
Those who are waiting with hope of getting a raise in their pay at their part-time job, just like stock prices, will be disappointed when they realize that their lives are not getting any easier. Then they may gradually become psychologically unstable due to stress caused by waiting. By the time they give up on waiting, many in society may have fallen into a crisis. 「株価がどんどん上がっている。私は株を持っていないが、今にきっとバイト代も上がるはず」と、楽しみに待っている人も「あれ？ まだ生活が苦しいままだぞ」と疑問を抱くようになり、「いつまで待てばいいのか」と、次第に待つストレスから気持ちが不安定になっていく。そのうち、「待ってもダメみたい」とあきらめが生じる頃には社会全体がパニックになるかもしれない。
Because people's expectations of Abenomics have been growing, I think it is time for the government to indicate just how long people will have to wait until their salaries and lives will improve and tell them what they should work on until then. I don't want to see people lining up at my clinic because they got depressed waiting. アベノミクスへの期待が膨らむ一方の今だからこそ、政権には一般の人たちにも、「いつ頃まで待てば給料や生活にこういう改善があります。それまでにこんな努力をしてくださいね」というロードマップを示してほしいと思う。そのうち診察室に「待ち疲れうつ」の人があふれることだけは避けたいものだ。
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 13, 2013 Despite strong FY12 results, firms should seek new business strategy 企業決算 好調自動車と苦境電機の明暗（5月12日付・読売社説）
The weaker yen and other economic factors have helped many Japanese companies achieve solid financial results. Now, their ability to implement aggressive strategies that can enhance their core businesses and promote growth stands to be tested. 円安などを追い風に、好業績の企業が相次いでいる。経営体質をいかに強化し、成長に弾みを付けるか。各社の攻めの戦略が問われよう。
Many companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange recently announced their consolidated settlements of accounts for fiscal 2012, and their average earnings are projected to grow for the first time in two fiscal years. It is also notable that several firms project a large or record increase in profits in fiscal 2013, which ends next March. 東証１部上場企業の２０１３年３月期連結決算の発表がピークを迎えた。企業平均では、２期ぶりの増益となる見通しだ。１４年３月期に大幅な増益や最高益を予想する企業も目立つ。
Many of those companies have overcome challenges such as damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011 and massive floods in Thailand that inundated their factories the same year. Correction of the yen's excessive appreciation due to Abenomics, the economic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's government, and other measures have had tremendous effects on the improved earnings. Personal consumption has also embarked on a gradual path toward recovery. 多くの企業が、東日本大震災やタイ洪水といった試練を克服した。安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」などで、超円高が是正された効果は大きい。個人消費の回復傾向もでてきた。
We commend these improvements in the business environment that have led to increased profitability. 経営環境の好転で、収益改善が進んだことを歓迎したい。
Automakers leading recovery
A prime example of the economic upswing is the auto industry. その代表が自動車業界だ。
Toyota Motor Corp. reported its operating profit in fiscal 2012 reached 1.3 trillion yen, 3.7 times higher than the previous fiscal year and exceeding 1 trillion yen for the first time in five fiscal years. The automaker projects an increase to 1.8 trillion yen in operating profit this fiscal year, approaching the peak recorded before the so-called Lehman shock in 2008. トヨタ自動車は１３年３月期の営業利益が前期比３・７倍の１・３兆円となり、５期ぶりに１兆円を超えた。今期は１・８兆円に増える見込みで、２００８年のリーマン・ショック前に記録した最高益に迫る勢いである。
Toyota President Akio Toyoda has said his company is standing at the starting line to realize sustainable growth. His remarks suggest the firm believes recovery is nigh due to an increase in exports. 「持続的成長のスタートラインに立てた」という豊田章男社長の発言からは、輸出をテコにした復活への手応えがうかがえる。
Meanwhile, Nissan Motor Co. said its annual profit came in nearly flat due to floundering sales in the Chinese market resulting from the deterioration of Japan-China relations. However, other automakers such as Honda Motor Co. and Suzuki Motor Corp. reported rosier results. The companies' improved performance is expected to have a positive ripple effect on the broader Japanese economy because the auto industry relies on various supporting industries such as parts manufacturers. 日産自動車は、日中関係の悪化で中国市場が低迷して伸び悩んだが、ホンダ、スズキなども好業績だった。部品など自動車産業の裾野は広く、日本経済全体に及ぼす好影響が期待できる。
Increased domestic demand is reflected in the results of major department store operator Isetan Mitsukoshi Holdings Ltd. The firm marked a record operating profit due to brisk sales of luxury goods on the back of high stock prices, which stimulated consumption. Many housing construction firms have also achieved solid results, apparently benefitting from a rush of demand before the consumption tax increase takes effect next year. 内需関連では、株高による資産効果で高額品販売が好調だった三越伊勢丹が、営業利益の過去最高を更新した。住宅も好業績が多かった。消費税増税を控えた駆け込み需要に支えられたのだろう。
On the other hand, the electric appliance industry has fallen on hard times, failing to reap any benefits from the weaker yen. 対照的に、円安などの波に乗れず、依然として苦境に立たされているのが電機業界である。
For instance, Panasonic Corp. said its after-tax loss exceeded 700 billion yen for the second consecutive year. Sony Corp. is back in the black for the first time in five fiscal years. However, it was only able to return to profitability thanks to restructuring measures such as the sale of some of its buildings, and has failed to pull its TV and other divisions out of the doldrums. パナソニックは２期連続で税引き後利益が７０００億円台の赤字に陥った。ソニーは５期ぶりに黒字に転じたが、自社ビル売却などリストラ頼みで、テレビ事業などの不振から抜け出せない。
Toshiba Corp. reported a decline in operating profit because the weakened yen negatively impacted earnings on its liquid crystal display televisions imported to Japan from the firm's factories abroad. 東芝は、円安で逆に、海外工場から輸入する液晶テレビなどが打撃を受けて営業減益だった。
Firms project turnaround
These companies project their businesses will recover this fiscal year, but competition with foreign rivals such as South Korean firms remains intense. 各社とも今期の業績回復を見込むが、韓国企業などとの競争は激しい。
The Japanese players have to recoup lost ground by focusing on strategic, profitable products and rethinking their selection of and concentration on core businesses. They should aim to accelerate efforts to gain market share in emerging economies and other nations. 事業の「選択と集中」を練り直し、収益を稼ぐ戦略商品で巻き返す必要がある。新興国などの市場取り込みを加速すべきだ。
The Japanese economy has only halfway recovered thus far; the government's role in supporting private companies is still important. Effective growth-strategy measures are essential, such as a reduction of corporate tax rates and relaxation of regulations. Cooperation must also be enhanced between the government and the private sector to boost infrastructure exports. 経済再生は道半ばで、企業を後押しする政府の役割は重要である。法人税率引き下げや、規制緩和などの効果的な成長戦略が不可欠だ。インフラ輸出での官民連携を強化しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 12, 2013) （2013年5月12日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 12, 2013 Govt should revive economy quickly on back of yen's persistent weakness １ドル＝１００円台 円安テコに経済再生を急げ（5月11日付・読売社説）
The yen, which had been on the verge of passing the 100 yen mark to the U.S. dollar for a while, broke the key threshold for the first time in about four years this week. The Japanese currency has also weakened against the euro, drifting around 130 yen. １ドル＝１００円の直前で一進一退の攻防が続いていた円相場が、約４年ぶりに１００円台に下落した。対ユーロでも約１３０円の円安・ユーロ高水準で推移している。
Correcting an excessively strong yen will provide a boost to ending the nation's persistent deflation. The government and the Bank of Japan must speed up work to revive the economy by taking up this opportunity. 超円高の是正は、デフレからの脱却に追い風となる。好機を生かし、政府と日銀は経済再生を急がなければならない。
The yen's surpassing of the 100 yen line was triggered by dollar-purchasing and yen-selling mainly on upbeat U.S. jobs data and growing expectations of a U.S. economic recovery. 米国の雇用指標が改善し、米景気の回復期待で、ドル買い・円売りが強まったことが、１００円突破の直接の引き金となった。
On the back of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Abenomics economic measures and bold monetary easing steps taken under central bank Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda, the exchange rate, which was about 80 yen to the dollar six months ago, has weakened significantly. 安倍首相の経済政策「アベノミクス」と、黒田東彦日銀総裁の大胆な金融緩和が奏功し、半年前に８０円前後だった円相場は、大きく円安に振れていた。
In favorable response to the yen's weakness, the Nikkei Stock Average recovered to the 14,000 yen mark for the first time in about five years this week. Also, on the New York Stock Exchange, the Dow Jones industrial average soared above 15,000 for the first time. It is encouraging that rapidly rising stock prices in Japan and the United States have provided brisk news for the economy. 円安を好感し、東京市場の平均株価は約５年ぶりに１万４０００円台を回復した。ニューヨーク市場の株価も、初めて１万５０００ドル台に上昇した。日米の株価急騰で、経済に明るさが広がってきたのは心強い。
Recovery with a virtuous cycle
Propelled by the yen's depreciation, Japanese exporters, such as automakers, have seen a boost in their international competitiveness, as well as increased profits. 円安をテコに、自動車など日本の輸出企業は国際競争力が向上し、収益が拡大している。
If growing demand overseas leads them to increase production and capital investment, the benefits could spill over to the domestic economy, as employment and consumption are likely to improve. We have high hopes of a solid economic recovery with such a virtuous cycle. 外需主導で生産や設備投資が活発化すれば、雇用は改善し、消費など内需にも恩恵が波及しよう。こうした好循環による、本格的な景気回復に期待したい。
However, caution is called for regarding possible side effects of the yen's continuing weakness. One potential concern is criticism from other countries of the yen's independent slide. ただし、円安がさらに加速した場合は、副作用への注意も怠れない。まず、円の独歩安に対する海外の批判が懸念される。
In an April meeting of Group of 20 major economies' finance ministers and central bank governors, Japan gained a measure of understanding for its explanation that the Bank of Japan's aggressive monetary easing has not been aimed at manipulating its currency downward but tackling prolonged deflation. ４月の主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議で、日銀の大胆な金融緩和はデフレ脱却が目的で円安誘導ではないとの説明に、一定の理解は得られた。
Japan also needs to further clarify its policy to fight deflation at a meeting of the Group of Seven nations' finance chiefs and central bank governors, which started Friday in Britain. 英国で１０日に始まった先進７か国（Ｇ７）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議でも、デフレ克服に向けた日本の政策運営について、丁寧に説明する必要がある。
But it is also important that in the meeting, the G-7 countries will reconfirm the view that excessive exchange rate fluctuations are undesirable. Ｇ７各国が、過度な為替変動は望ましくないとの認識を再確認することも重要だ。
Side effects of yen's weakness
The yen's rapid descent is expected to result in price increases for imported materials and products, weighing on profits of companies that rely on imports. Such companies cannot help but raise prices of their products and services if they find it difficult to cover rising costs with cost-cutting efforts. 急激な円安は、輸入原料や製品の価格を上昇させ、輸入品に頼る企業の利益を圧迫する。企業努力で吸収できない分は、値上げせざるを得ない。
Prices of flour, cooking oil and other imported items have already been on the rise. With costs of imported fuel for thermal power production soaring, utilities have also announced a series of electricity rate hikes, hitting both businesses and households. 実際に小麦粉や食用油などの値上げが相次いでいる。火力発電向けの輸入燃料も高騰し、電力各社は電気料金を次々に値上げしている。企業にも家計にも痛手だ。
Price increases caused by rising costs are likely to have a negative impact on companies' performances. As a result, wages would not go up. Such side effects could create a drag on the government's envisaged growth strategy. By taking advantage of the yen's weakness, we urge the government to boost demand and eventually achieve sustainable growth. コスト高が原因の物価上昇だけでは企業業績は低迷し、賃金も増えない。かえって成長戦略の足かせとなろう。円安を生かして需要を拡大し、持続的な成長を実現することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2013) （2013年5月11日01時20分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 12, 2013 Japan should use TPP, RCEP talks to improve its global trade position アジアＦＴＡ ＴＰＰと両輪で交渉力発揮を（5月11日付・読売社説）
In addition to the ongoing U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership talks, negotiations for the formation of a huge new free trade framework in Asia have also got moving. 米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉に続き、アジアで別の巨大な自由貿易圏作りが動き出した。
To pursue national interests, Japan must bolster a strategy to promote the two sets of negotiations simultaneously. 日本は国益を追求するため、二つの交渉を同時に推進する戦略を強化すべきである。
The first meeting of the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), consisting of 16 countries, began Thursday in Brunei. The 16 members are Japan, China, South Korea, Australia, New Zealand and India, plus the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 日中韓と、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）、豪州、ニュージーランド、インドの１６か国による包括的経済連携（ＲＣＥＰ）の初交渉がブルネイで始まった。
The RCEP would be a free trade framework covering almost all of Asia. Its members' gross domestic products total 20 trillion dollars, accounting for 30 percent of the world's total. ＲＣＥＰは、アジアのほぼ全域をカバーする自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）である。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は計２０兆ドルに達し、世界全体の３割を占める経済圏だ。
The 16 nations will hold negotiations on a wide field of issues, including lowering tariffs and reducing investment barriers, as they try to reach agreement by the end of 2015. It is very significant to establish an Asian free trade agreement involving China and India. １６か国は、関税引き下げや投資障壁の削減など幅広い分野で交渉し、２０１５年末の妥結を目指している。中国とインドを含めたアジアＦＴＡの意義は大きい。
U.S.-China rivalry
China, which is not taking part in the TPP talks, has a strong sense of crisis over the idea that it will be left out in the cold in forming trade rules in Asia. China's active participation in the RCEP framework indicates its intention to compete with the United States. ＴＰＰに不参加の中国は、アジアの貿易ルール作りから取り残されることへの危機感が強い。ＲＣＥＰに積極的に関わり、米国に対抗する狙いがうかがえる。
Compared with the TPP, which will call for abolishing tariffs in 10 years in principle, the RCEP seeks a milder level of liberalization. 原則として１０年間で関税を撤廃するＴＰＰに比べ、ＲＣＥＰで求められる自由化の水準は低い。
Nevertheless, once the RCEP framework is formed, it will make it easier for Japan to arrange a supply chain to link production bases in Asia. It will also help expand Japan's exports, thereby giving momentum to the country's growth strategy of tapping into overseas demand. とは言え、構想が実現すれば、日本企業がアジアの生産拠点をつなぐサプライチェーン（供給網）を整えやすくなる。輸出拡大にもプラスで、海外需要を取り込む日本の成長戦略に弾みがつく。
On the issue of lowering tariffs, Japan aims to reach an accord next year, one year earlier than scheduled. We hope Japan will exercise leadership to establish a free trade zone that will have a deeper degree of cooperation. 日本は関税引き下げでは、来年の前倒し合意も目指す構えだ。日本が主導し、より連携を深める自由貿易圏の実現を望みたい。
The RCEP talks are expected to favorably affect the TPP negotiations, which are entering a final stage. 大詰めを迎えるＴＰＰ交渉に与える好影響も期待される。
The United States and 10 other countries are holding talks with the aim of reaching an agreement before the end of this year. Japan is likely to take its place at the negotiating table around July. Undeniably, Japan as a latecomer is in a disadvantageous position. 米国など１１か国はＴＰＰの年内合意を目指して交渉中で、日本も７月ごろに交渉のテーブルに着く見通しだ。ただし、遅れて参加する日本の不利は否めない。
Tough negotiations lie ahead for Japan, which wants to have five agricultural products, including rice and wheat, exempted from tariff abolition. コメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の例外扱いにしたい日本には厳しい交渉が予想される。
Advantages of entry in 2 talks
We want Japan to take advantage of its position as a participant in both the RCEP, from which the United States is absent, and the TPP, from which China is absent. 米国が加わらないＲＣＥＰと、中国抜きのＴＰＰに加わる日本の立場を生かしてもらいたい。
It is essential for Japan to promote TPP and RCEP negotiations for its own advantage by winning concession from the United States, which is cautious about Chinese moves, while also calling for China to open its market wider by using the TPP as leverage. 中国の動きを警戒する米国の譲歩を引き出したり、ＴＰＰをテコに中国の市場開放を求めたりするなど、交渉を日本ペースで進めることが重要である。
Japan must make all-out efforts to have its opinions reflected in the formulation of rules. 日本の主張を反映させたルール作りに全力を挙げるべきだ。
RCEP and the TPP will serve as the initial framework of the Free Trade Area of the Asia-Pacific which Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation members, including Japan, China and the United States, seek to establish. ＲＣＥＰとＴＰＰは、日中や米国などアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）が目指すアジア太平洋自由貿易地域（ＦＴＡＡＰ）の母体になるだろう。
Japan must display its bargaining power in both sets of trade negotiations to open up the vision for a future strategy. 日本が今、交渉力を発揮することが将来の戦略にもつながる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 11, 2013) （2013年5月11日01時20分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 11, 2013 Claim in Chinese newspaper over Okinawa sovereignty megalomaniac 沖縄の「領有権」 中国の主張は誇大妄想気味だ（5月10日付・読売社説）
The People's Daily recently carried a shocking article that makes us feel China's expansionism has gone too far. 中国の膨張主義もここまで来たかとあきれ返る言いがかりである。
The article, carried in the Wednesday edition, was based on a paper written by two researchers that suggests China has sovereignty over the prefecture, claiming the matter remains unsettled. ８日付「人民日報」が沖縄県の帰属について、「未解決」とし、中国に領有権があると示唆する研究者の論文を掲載した。
We question the motive for carrying such a megalomaniac argument in the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, which reflects the stance of the Chinese government led by Xi Jinping. こんな誇大妄想的な暴論を、習近平政権の意向を忠実に反映する中国共産党機関紙が掲載した意図を怪しまざるを得ない。
The paper contends that "Taiwan, its integrated islands [including the Senkakus], Penghu Island, and the Ryukyu Islands [Okinawa] were taken by Japan when the Shimonoseki Treaty was concluded in 1895 following the end of the Sino-Japanese War....the time has come to discuss the Ryukyu issue again, which remains unsettled." 論文は、日清戦争後の１８９５年の下関条約調印の際、「台湾と（尖閣諸島を含む）付属諸島、澎湖諸島、琉球（沖縄）が日本に奪われた」と指摘した上で、「歴史的に未解決の琉球問題を再び議論できる時が来た」と主張した。
Govt refutes dubious claim
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga countered the argument by saying: "Okinawa is irrefutably a Japanese territory from a historical and international perspective. Japan won't tolerate such a claim if it represents the Chinese government's position." It is understandable that he lodged such a strong protest with the Chinese side. 菅官房長官が、「沖縄は歴史的にも国際的にも我が国の領土であることは紛れもないことだ」と述べ、論文が「中国政府の立場であるならば、断固として受け入れられない」と、中国側に厳重に抗議したのは当然である。
Declarations of China's sovereignty over Okinawa have surfaced in past slogans at anti-Japan protests and in academic papers. But the Chinese government itself has never claimed sovereignty over the prefecture or taken concrete actions. This is probably because even Beijing recognizes the claim is groundless. 沖縄への「領有権」主張は中国で反日デモのスローガンや一部学者の論文には登場していた。だが中国政府が領有権を主張したり、具体的な行動を起こしたりしたことはない。さすがに根拠がないことを認識しているからだろう。
Referring to the paper during a news conference, a Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman did not directly state the government's stance on the sovereignty issue, only saying, "It's an issue that has attracted the attention of academia for a long time." 中国外務省の報道官は記者会見で論文に言及し、「学術界が長期間注目してきた問題だ」としただけで、領有権に触れなかった。
Provocation cannot be ignored
Beijing reportedly told Tokyo the article was "written by researchers in a private capacity." 中国政府は日本政府に対し、「研究者が個人の資格で執筆したもの」と説明したという。
Nevertheless, the article's contention cannot be taken lightly. だが、今回の人民日報の論文を軽視するわけにはいかない。
This is particularly true because it was also the People's Daily that first referred to the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture as one of China's "core interests" in January last year. This term is used to define issues of national interest such as state sovereignty and territorial integrity, over which China has vowed not to make any concessions. 沖縄県・尖閣諸島を、国家主権や領土保全など絶対に譲歩できない国益を指す「核心的利益」の対象に初めて位置づけたのが昨年１月の人民日報だったからだ。
The Chinese government had avoided using the phrase until the same Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman used it to officially refer to the Senkakus in April. その後、中国政府はこの言葉の使用を避けていたが、今年４月には、外務省報道官が公式に明言する事態となった。
The latest article comes less than two weeks after her remark. This could stem from Beijing's desire to pressure and upset the Abe administration, which has stood firm on Japan's claim to the Senkaku Islands. それから２週間足らずで今回の論文を掲載した背景には、尖閣諸島をめぐって対立する安倍政権に圧力をかけて揺さぶろうとする習政権の狙いがあろう。
In an attempt to shatter Japan's effective control of the islands, the Xi administration has been increasingly confrontational by repeatedly sending Chinese surveillance ships into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkakus. 習政権は最近、日本の尖閣諸島に対する実効支配を切り崩そうと、尖閣周辺の領海に監視船を侵入させる示威活動を一段とエスカレートさせている。
It is necessary to maintain heightened awareness should China attempt to implement a propaganda campaign claiming sovereignty over both the Senkakus and the rest of Okinawa Prefecture in addition to its defiant maritime actions. 中国が示威活動と並行して、尖閣と沖縄を組み合わせた独自の主張を展開する宣伝戦に出てくることを警戒する必要がある。
Tokyo must convey the extreme malfeasance of China's territorial claims to the international community. 日本政府は中国の主張がいかに不当であるかを、国際社会で積極的に訴えていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 10, 2013) （2013年5月10日01時39分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 10, 2013 Demanding dismissal of Kawaguchi over China trip is going too far 川口氏訪中 委員長の「解任」は行き過ぎだ（5月9日付・読売社説）
Is this a matter really worth demanding the dismissal of the chairwoman of a House of Councillors standing committee? We doubt the appropriateness of this abrupt demand. いきなり参院常任委員長の解任を求めるほどのことなのか。
On Wednesday, the Democratic Party of Japan and six other opposition parties jointly submitted to the upper house a resolution demanding the removal of Yoriko Kawaguchi as chairwoman of the chamber's Environment Committee. 民主党など参院の野党７党は、自民党の川口順子環境委員長の解任決議案を参院に共同提出した。
The opposition parties blamed Kawaguchi, a Liberal Democratic Party member, for extending her trip to China by one day without obtaining approval from opposition parties, resulting in the adjournment of an Environment Committee meeting. "It's impossible to overlook her act, as it's tantamount to abdicating her duty as chairwoman," the opposition parties said. 中国への出張を許可なく１日延長した結果、環境委員会が流会となったことを問題視し、「委員長としての職責を自ら放棄したも同然で、断じて容認できない」と指摘している。
The resolution will be put to a vote Thursday, and is likely to be adopted as opposition parties hold a majority in the chamber. If adopted, it will be the first case in Japan's constitutional history of such a resolution being passed against the leader of a standing Diet committee. ９日の参院本会議で採決され、野党の賛成多数で可決される公算だ。常任委員長に対する解任決議案の可決は憲政史上初となる。
Reason for extension
Initially, Kawaguchi was scheduled to stay in China on April 23 and 24, and the main purpose of the trip was to attend a meeting of former foreign ministers of Asian countries. However, after arriving in China, a meeting with Chinese State Councillor Yang Jiechi, a vice prime minister-level official, was set for April 25. Kawaguchi extended her trip to take the meeting. 川口氏は、４月２３日から２日間の予定で訪中した。アジア各国の元外相らの会合などに参加するのが目的だったが、渡航後、副首相級の楊潔チ国務委員との会談が２５日に設定された。このため、帰国を１日延ばして会談に臨んだ。
There is an agreement between ruling and opposition parties to ask leaders of Diet standing committees to refrain from going abroad when the Diet is in session. Kawaguchi had to obtain approval from the executive board of the upper house's Rules and Administration Committee for her two-day trip to China. 参院には、国会開会中、常任委員長などに海外渡航自粛を求める与野党合意がある。２日間の訪中についても、議院運営委員会理事会の事前了承が必要だった。
Despite failing to obtain approval from opposition parties to extend her trip, Kawaguchi decided to stay for the additional day. It is clear she broke a rule. Opposition parties have also questioned the effectiveness of the meeting, saying it was meaningless for her to meet with a key Chinese official, as Kawaguchi is not in charge of diplomatic policy. 川口氏は、１日延長については野党の了承を得られないまま、強行した。ルール違反であることは確かだ。野党側には、政府の外交責任者でもない川口氏が中国要人と会談して何の役に立つのか、といった批判もある。
However, due to confrontations between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands, exchanges and direct communications between the two nations' key government officials have almost completely stopped. We believe a meeting with Yang, who presides over China's diplomacy under the regime of President Xi Jinping, was meaningful to some degree. だが、尖閣諸島をめぐる日中対立により、両国間の要人往来や直接対話はほぼ途絶えている。習近平新体制で外交全般を統括する楊氏との会談には、一定の意義があっただろう。
After apologizing, Kawaguchi said, "I couldn't turn my back on an opportunity that could serve national interests, which include protecting our sovereignty and land." 川口氏は陳謝した上で、「主権と領土を守る国益に背中を向けられなかった」と釈明している。
We believe opposition parties should have accepted Kawaguchi's apology, instead of adopting the heavy-handed approach of demanding her dismissal. If Kawaguchi had committed a mistake over an important bill, for example, demanding her dismissal would be understandable. This is not the case and the opposition parties have apparently overstepped. 野党側は解任決議という“強権発動”ではなく、陳謝を受け入れるべきではなかったか。重要法案に関する不手際でもないのに解任とは行き過ぎだろう。
Opposition's motives
Under upper house rules, it is possible to appoint a standing committee member to act as a proxy. It was possible for the Environment Committee to host their meeting on April 25 under a proxy. 参議院規則では、委員長の代理を立てることが認められている。２５日の委員会は、代理による議事運営も可能だったはずだ。
We assume opposition parties intend to reinforce their confrontational approach against the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe ahead of this summer's upper house election. Some DPJ members said they expect this incident to become a foothold toward setting up a common front between opposition parties. However, voters are unlikely to be impressed with the opposition parties' tactics. 野党側は、夏の参院選に向けて、安倍政権との対決姿勢を強めたいのだろう。民主党には、野党共闘構築の足がかりになるという声もある。だが、こんな国会対応では有権者の共感は得られまい。
In protest of the opposition's resolution, the LDP and New Komeito boycotted an intense deliberation of an upper house Budget Committee meeting on Wednesday. It is unusual for ruling parties to skip budget deliberations--and quite irresponsible as well. 自民、公明両党は、野党の解任決議案提出に反発し、８日の参院予算委の集中審議を欠席した。予算審議での与党欠席は極めて異例であり、無責任だ。
Instead of focusing on attacking each other's missteps, both ruling and opposition parties should rather focus on competing fairly with their policies. 与野党は、相手の揚げ足取りばかりでなく、政策論争で正面から勝負すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 9, 2013) （2013年5月9日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 9, 2013 Enhance Japan's medical care competitiveness to boost growth 医療改革提言 競争力高めて成長の原動力に（5月8日付・読売社説）
◆最先端技術を早く役立てたい
Japan's medical care is in a precarious situation. It is winning in the technology field, but losing when it comes to business. 日本の医療は、技術で勝って、ビジネスで負ける深刻な状況だ。
Although the nation has superb technologies, it lags when it comes to the practical use of drugs and medical equipment. 優れた技術を持ちながら、医薬品や医療機器の実用化で後れをとっている。
These concerns were behind The Yomiuri Shimbun's decision to propose reform plans that would make Japan's medical care more competitive internationally and boost the country's economic growth. 読売新聞が、医療の国際競争力を高め、日本の成長に弾みをつけるための改革案を提言した背景には、こうした危機感がある。
Fostering the medical care industry is one pillar of a growth strategy that the government will compile in June. We urge the government to map out concrete and effective policies. 医療関連産業の育成は、政府が６月にまとめる成長戦略の柱の一つだ。具体的かつ実効性のある政策を打ち出してもらいたい。
The core of The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal is to strengthen medical care as an industry and harness it as an engine for economic growth. 提言の核心は、医療を産業として強化し、経済成長のエンジンとして活用するところにある。
Excess of imports hits 3 tril. yen ◆輸入超過は３兆円にも
Japan's rapidly graying population has increased demand for medical and nursing care, and imports of drugs and medical equipment are growing. On the other hand, exports of drugs and medical equipment remain anemic, with imports exceeding exports by about 3 trillion yen in 2011. A colossal amount of Japan's wealth is being sucked overseas. Sitting idly by is not an option. 急速な高齢化で医療・介護の需要が伸び、医薬品や医療機器の輸入額が増えている。一方で、輸出は振るわず、２０１１年は約３兆円の輸入超過だった。巨額の富が国外に流出している。手をこまねいていてはならない。
As exemplified by Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka, who won the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine for his research on induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells, Japan is a world leader in the field of basic research. However, the country straggles in the application of technology and relies heavily on foreign products. 山中伸弥・京大教授のｉＰＳ細胞（人工多能性幹細胞）研究がノーベル生理学・医学賞を受賞したように、日本は基礎研究の分野で世界をリードしている。だが、応用では立ち遅れ、外国製品に頼っているのが実情だ。
An episode involving a surgical robot named "da Vinci" epitomizes Japan's current situation. 「ダビンチ」と呼ばれる手術ロボットを巡るエピソードは、日本の現状を象徴している。
Manufactured in the United States, the computer-controlled da Vinci moves more delicately than a doctor's hands and fingers. By operating the robot instead of directly holding a scalpel, the surgeon can perform more accurate surgery. The da Vinci surgical system is being used in hospitals around the world. コンピューター制御のダビンチは米国製で、医師の手や指より繊細な動きをする。外科医はメスの代わりにロボットを操作し、より精密な手術が可能になった。今や世界中の病院で使われている。
But as a matter of fact, a Japanese researcher studying artificial organs made a drawing that looked identical to the da Vinci robot in the 1970s. Unfortunately, the researcher's idea never came into practical use and was forgotten. The drawing was discovered among the researcher's possessions in 2011. 実は、ダビンチとそっくりな図面を、日本の人工臓器の研究者が１９７０年代に描いていた。残念なことに、実用化されることなく、その構想は埋もれ、一昨年、研究者の遺品から見つかった。
The reason such a valuable and outstanding idea did not get off the drawing board is because various obstacles clog the system for commercializing such devices. These obstacles must be cleared so Japan's medical care industry can grow. せっかくの卓越したアイデアが実を結ばないのは、製品化へ制度上の様々な障害があるからだ。それを克服し、日本の医療関連産業を成長させる必要がある。
Cooperation necessary ◆必要な産学官の連携
The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed excellent research results be used through collaboration between the medical and engineering fields. The government plays an important role in encouraging companies with technological expertise to enter the medical care market and in strengthening cooperation between business and academic circles. 読売新聞は「医工連携」によって優れた研究成果を生かすよう提言した。技術力を持つ企業に参入を促し、産学連携を強めるため、政府が果たす役割は重要だ。
The time and cost required for clinical trials to ensure the safety of drugs and medical equipment in Japan are far longer and greater than in foreign countries. This saps corporate enthusiasm for developing medical products. 海外に比べ、日本では医薬品や医療機器の効果、安全性を調べる治験に時間と費用がかかりすぎ、企業の開発意欲をそいでいる。
For example, South Korea has huge hospitals with more than 2,000 beds, allowing each hospital to comfortably secure enough patients for its own clinical trials. Japan, on the other hand, has smaller hospitals, most of which are not equipped to carry out such trials. 例えば、韓国には２０００床を超える巨大病院があり、治験に参加する患者を１施設だけで容易に確保できる。これに対し、日本の病院は規模が小さく、治験の環境が整った施設はほとんどない。
A cluster of research institutions, hospitals and corporations have been set up in a special zone in Kobe designated by the government to develop advanced drugs and other medical products. However, current regulations restrict the number of beds at each hospital, so it is impossible to construct large hospitals there. It is imperative that the government quickly ease these regulations so a core hospital can be built to conduct clinical trials. 新薬開発などを目指し、政府が認定した神戸市の「先端医療産業特区」には研究所や病院、企業が集まるが、病床数は制限され、大規模病院を建設できない。政府は規制を緩和し、治験の中核病院を整備することが急務だ。
Safety screening of medical equipment does not require as much data as that of new drugs, which must be backed up by a huge volume of research figures. Despite this, the time required for a medical device to win government approval after being developed is about two years longer than in the United States. 医療機器の場合、安全性の審査に医薬品ほど膨大なデータを必要としない。それにもかかわらず、開発から承認までの期間が、日本は米国より約２年も長い。
We think it would be worthwhile to let a private institution, rather than regulatory authorities, screen and approve the use of new medical equipment, as is the case in Europe. 承認審査は、規制当局ではなく、欧州のように民間の認証機関に任せることも検討すべきだ。
The government should expand the scope of tax cuts for investments geared to research and development in this field, paving the way for venture companies to enter the business. ベンチャー企業などが参入しやすくなるように、研究開発の投資減税の拡充も求められる。
Also, there must be an institution that directs Japan's medical technology development. 医療技術開発の司令塔も欠かせない。
A good model for Japan is the U.S. National Institutes of Health (NIH), which orchestrates medical research and development in the United States. We welcome the government's move toward establishing a Japanese version of the NIH. 米国で医療研究開発を統括している国立衛生研究所（ＮＩＨ）の機能は、大いに参考になるのではないか。政府が「日本版ＮＩＨ」の設立へ動き出したことは評価できよう。
Above all else, Japanese medical researchers will need to change their perspectives for boosting the medical industry. 医学研究者に何よりも求められるのは、医療の産業化へ向けた発想の転換である。
Japanese universities tend to give more weight to basic medical research. We believe, however, they should give higher appraisal to clinical research results, which are useful to actual treatment. 日本の大学では、基礎研究を偏重する風潮が根強い。実際の治療に役立つ臨床研究の成果こそ高く評価されてしかるべきだ。
Expand mixed treatment ◆混合診療を拡充せよ
Under Japan's universal medical insurance system, anybody with a medical insurance card can receive treatment at any institution. The Yomiuri Shimbun's five-point proposal calls for maintaining this system so people can be assured that they can still get medical treatment. 日本の医療は、保険証があれば、どの医療機関にもかかれる国民皆保険制度だ。国民が安心して医療を受けられるよう、読売新聞の提言では制度の堅持を求めた。
But financial constraints will make it difficult to cover all new medical technology under the medical insurance system. It is necessary to expand the scope of so-called mixed treatment, in which medical tests and drugs are administered--and covered by public insurance--and advanced treatments, which are not covered by insurance, are provided. ただ、新しい医療技術をすべて保険で賄うのは、財源の制約から難しい。公的医療保険で認められた検査や投薬とともに、保険が適用されない治療を併用する混合診療を拡充する必要がある。
At present, this mix is allowed for about 100 kinds of treatment designated by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, such as a heavy ion radiotherapy, a form of high-precision radiation therapy. 現在、混合診療は、高度放射線療法の重粒子線治療など、厚生労働省が指定した約１００種類の治療法にしか認められていない。
The unregulated expansion of allowable mixed treatments must be avoided. But if the procedures involve such state-of-the-art treatment as regenerative medicines that have been confirmed safe, we think they should be approved. 混合診療の野放図な拡大は避けねばならないが、安全性が確認された再生医療などの先端的医療であれば認めるべきだ。
Building a robust medical industry and maintaining the medical insurance system will certainly serve the best interests of patients. 強い医療産業を育て、医療保険制度もしっかり守っていく。それが患者の利益につながる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 8, 2013) （2013年5月8日01時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 8, 2013 Accelerate nuclear, infrastructure exports with public-private efforts トルコ原発受注 官民でインフラ輸出の加速を（5月6日付・読売社説）
A consortium of Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. and major French nuclear firm Areva SA is set to receive an order from Turkey for the construction of a nuclear power plant. トルコが計画する原子力発電所の建設を、三菱重工業と仏原子力大手アレバの企業連合が受注することになった。
The agreement was made during a summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan. The two nations also signed a nuclear cooperation agreement, which serves as a prerequisite for nuclear plant exports. 安倍首相とトルコのエルドアン首相が首脳会談で合意し、両国は輸出の前提となる原子力協定にも調印した。
This economic diplomacy, in which the prime minister himself acted as the top sales promoter, is laudable. 首相が自らトップセールスした経済外交の成果を評価したい。
In the wake of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011, the then Democratic Party of Japan-led administration announced a policy of abandoning nuclear power. This caused concern that Japan's nuclear plant exports could be stalled, including an order already received from Vietnam. ２０１１年の東京電力福島第一原発事故後、民主党政権が「脱原発」を掲げたため、受注の決まっていたベトナムの案件も含め、原発輸出の停滞が懸念された。
1st deal since 2011 quake
The Turkish project marks the first time since the start of the Fukushima crisis that a deal has been struck over nuclear plant exports through public-private joint efforts. 官民の連携で輸出が決まるのは事故後で初めてだ。
This successful regaining of lost ground came after the Abe Cabinet clearly showed it would promote nuclear plant exports. 安倍内閣が、原発輸出を推進する姿勢を明確にしたことで、巻き返しに成功した。
The project in Turkey is a major one involving the construction of four nuclear reactors at a cost of 2 trillion yen. It is significant that Japan's technology, including that related to quake resistance, has been highly evaluated, beating out Chinese and South Korean rivals. It is hoped the success of receiving the order will boost Japan's nuclear plant exports. 今回の受注は、原発４基を新設する２兆円の大型案件だ。中国や韓国と競争の末、耐震性など日本の技術力が評価された意義は大きい。これを機に、原発輸出に弾みがつくことが期待される。
It is estimated that as many as 180 nuclear reactors could be built globally by 2035, mainly in Asia and the Middle East, where energy demand is certain to grow. ２０３５年までに世界で建設される原発は、エネルギー需要の増えるアジアや中東を中心に約１８０基にのぼるとの試算もある。
Exports of nuclear plant technology and other infrastructure, for which a huge amount of external demand can be expected, could serve as a key piece in the growth strategy of the nation, where the domestic market is shrinking due to a declining population. 巨額の外需獲得が見込める原発などのインフラ（社会基盤）輸出は、人口減少で国内市場が縮小する日本にとって、成長戦略の切り札といえる。
Regarding nuclear plant construction projects in emerging nations, negotiations in many cases have the strong commitment of the governments concerned and also involve aid and security issues. Japan may lag behind such rivals as Russia, whose leader is active in sales promotion in those countries. 新興国の原発建設には政府が強く関与し、援助や安全保障を絡めた交渉になる例が多い。首脳が売り込みをかけるロシアなど、ライバルに後れを取りかねない。
The government should remain at the forefront and extend comprehensive policy support by fully utilizing public financing and other means. 日本政府が今後も前面に出て、公的金融などを駆使した総合的な政策支援を行うべきだ。
Setting up a council on overseas economic cooperation and infrastructure export strategies comprising Cabinet members in March, the government has just begun discussions on prospects of nuclear projects and other businesses overseas. We hope the government closely cooperates with the private sector to hammer out effective measures. 政府は３月、関係閣僚による「経協インフラ戦略会議」を設け、原発ビジネスの展開などについて論議を始めたばかりだ。民間と緊密に連携し、実効性のある施策を打ち出してもらいたい。
Policy vagueness worrying
A cause of concern is the vagueness of the nation's mid- to long-term policy direction on nuclear power. 気がかりなのは、日本の中長期的な原発政策の方向性が、あいまいなことである。
If the nation enthusiastically promotes sales of Japan-made nuclear plants overseas while refraining from building new nuclear plants or expanding existing facilities at home, it will be difficult to win the confidence of partner nations. 日本製の原発を海外に熱心に売り込む一方、日本国内では新増設しないというのでは、相手国の信頼は得られまい。
Replacing old reactors at home with the most advanced, safer models one after another would also contribute to significant improvements in the nation's nuclear technology and the nurturing of high-caliber human resources. The government must clarify its energy strategy, which should realistically acknowledge that nuclear power will continue to be used as a major power source. 国内の古くなった原発を順次、安全性の高い最新型に更新することで原子力技術は一段と向上し、優秀な人材も育つ。原発を主要電源として活用し続ける現実的なエネルギー戦略を、政府は明確に打ち出さなければならない。
The nation should export nuclear plants whose safety has been enhanced with the use of knowledge obtained from dealing with the Fukushima crisis and cooperate with other nations in operating those plants. We consider this is a duty Japan is required to fulfill. 福島第一原発事故の知見で安全性を高めた原発を輸出し、運用にも協力する。これが日本に求められる責務のひとつである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 6, 2013) （2013年5月6日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 6, 2013 Getting more fathers involved in raising kids can change society こどもの日 「イクメン」が世間を変える（5月5日付・読売社説）
May 5 is Children's Day. Masaru Ibuka, the late founder of Sony Corp. known for putting his heart into educational activities, once said of parenthood, "Nothing is more noble and wonderful than the work of raising children." きょう５日は「こどもの日」。育児について、ソニー創業者で教育にも情熱を注いだ井深大氏は「これほど崇高で素晴らしい仕事はない」という言葉を残している。
We were reminded of this sentiment by a prizewinning essay titled "Oyaji no kyaraben" (Dad's bento inspired by popular characters) in this year's annual Children's Future Award essay contest, which is sponsored by The Yomiuri Shimbun and other organizations. それを実感させるのが、今年の「こども未来賞」（読売新聞社など主催）に選ばれた「親父(おやじ)のキャラ弁」という作文だ。
The essay was written by Ryutaro Nakamura, a 38-year-old company employee of Saitama Prefecture. He made bento for his daughter, who had just started kindergarten, while his pregnant wife was laid low by a bad case of morning sickness. 幼稚園に入った長女のために、つわりのひどい妻に代わって弁当作りをした埼玉県の会社員中村竜太郎さん（３８）が書いた。
Nakamura's daughter was very shy around strangers. He hoped she would be able to make new friends at kindergarten if he made bento in which the side dishes were decorated to resemble popular anime character Ampanman and animals. 人見知りする長女が友達を作るきっかけにと、おかずでアンパンマンや動物を描いた。
The daughter, presumably in a gesture to her father, always ate all her lunch, and told him it was "delicious." 父の気持ちを察してか、長女はいつも残さず食べ、「おいしい」と言った。
However, the father later learned the bento contained too much food for the small girl. Sometimes, with tears in her eyes, she would shovel her lunch into her mouth, even after the other kids had finished eating. 小さな体には量が多い弁当を、皆が食べ終わった後も涙目でほおばっていたのだと後に知る。
Nakamura's essay ends by saying, "Making bento was truly a precious time I shared with my daughter." 作文は、弁当を作った時間は「長女と私だけの宝物の時間である」と結ばれている。
When receiving the prize, Nakamura expressed his delight, saying, "I feel thankful to my children for teaching me many things, and I'll keep growing together with them." 中村さんは「いろいろなことを教えてくれた子供たちに感謝し、これからも一緒に成長していきたい」と受賞の喜びを語った。
By affectionately raising children, parents also can grow. Some data indicate the more time a husband spends caring for a child, the higher the probability the couple will have a second child. It is important for Japan to produce more fathers dubbed "ikumen" (men actively involved in child rearing) like Nakamura. 愛情を持って子供を育てることで、親も成長する。夫の育児時間が長い夫婦ほど、第２子を持つ割合が高いというデータもある。中村さんのような「イクメン」を増やすことが大切だ。
Abe for longer care leave
A growing number of local governments are arranging courses on daily household chores for fathers, such as cooking and ironing lessons. Nonprofit organizations have been hosting more gatherings at which fathers can talk with each other about the joys and difficulties of rearing children. 父親向けに、料理やアイロンのかけ方などの家事講座を開く自治体が増えてきた。父親同士で子育ての楽しみや苦労を語り合う会合などを開くＮＰＯ法人の活動も広がっている。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has called for the business world to voluntarily extend child care leave, which under current law can be taken for a maximum of 1-1/2 years, up until a child becomes 3 years old, both for male and female employees. 安倍首相は、現行法では最長１年６か月までの育児休業期間について、子供が３歳になるまで男女とも取得できるよう、経済界に自主的な取り組みを要請した。
Some companies allow male workers to take paid child care leave for about two weeks. We think every company should make further efforts to encourage male employees to get more involved in child rearing. 男性社員に２週間程度の有給での育児休業を認める企業もある。男性の育児参加をさらに促す企業努力を各社に求めたい。
Beef up community ties
The ties between parents of small children and communities that look warmly after child-rearing couples are also important. 育児中の家庭を温かく見守る地域とのつながりも重要だ。
There have been cases in which parents playing with their kids at a park have been told by neighbors they are "noisy." So what are they supposed to do? 親子が公園で遊んでいても「うるさい」と言われることがある。これでは居場所がない。
A Children's Future Foundation survey found 34 percent of mothers felt "alone and isolated from society" while raising children. こども未来財団の調査では、母親の３４％が育児中に「社会から隔絶され、自分が孤立しているように感じる」と回答している。
Japan should set up more places where parents and kids can casually get together. Parents can chat and let their kids play at local facilities that support child rearing, such as community centers and children's centers. We hope people whose children have left the nest will help run these facilities. 親子が気軽に集える場を増やすべきだ。公民館や児童館を利用した「地域子育て支援拠点」では、親同士が語り合い、子供を遊ばせている。運営に、子育てを終えた人たちの協力を期待したい。
Having communities lending a hand and providing more support to mothers with children will greatly help people going through parenthood. 地域で子供を見守り、母親を支えることが育児の力になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 5, 2013) （2013年5月5日01時00分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 6, 2013 Tokyo Olympic bid committee must do its best to overcome Inose's gaffe 猪瀬知事発言 東京五輪実現へ失点挽回せよ（5月5日付・読売社説）
How can Japan recover from the damage caused by the Tokyo governor's thoughtless remarks on the other bidders for the 2020 Summer Olympics? With less than five months before the International Olympic Committee chooses a host city, Japan's bidding campaign for the Games is entering a crucial stage. 東京都知事の非常識な発言による失点を、どう挽回するか。五輪の招致活動は、これからが正念場である。
"Islamic countries, the only thing they share in common is Allah and they are fighting with each other, and they have classes," Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose, who also chairs the Tokyo bid committee, was quoted as saying during an interview with a U.S. newspaper. 「イスラム諸国が唯一、共有するのはアラーだけだ。互いに争い事をしているし、階級もある」。２０２０年東京五輪の招致委員会会長である猪瀬直樹都知事が、米紙とのインタビューで語ったとされる発言だ。
He apparently was referring to Tokyo's rival bidder--Istanbul, Turkey's capital. We think his remark lacked respect for a different culture. 招致のライバルであるイスタンブール（トルコ）を念頭に置いたことは明らかで、異文化への敬意が感じられない。
We also believe Inose violated the IOC's Rules of Conduct forbidding bid committee members from directly criticizing rival cities or comparing their own cities with other bidders. 招致活動に関し、他の立候補都市の批判や比較を禁じた国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）の行動規範に違反していると言える。
Abe apologizes to Turkey
When he visited Turkey last week, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe apologized to his Turkish counterpart, Recep Tayyip Erdogan. Abe told Erdogan he was afraid Turkey was offended by Inose's remarks and that he hoped the two countries would do their best to win their bids in a spirit of fair play. トルコを訪問した安倍首相は、エルドアン首相との会談で「トルコ側として不快に感じたのでないか」と陳謝し、「フェアプレーの精神にのっとり、お互いベストを尽くしていきたい」と述べた。
The Turkish prime minister thanked Abe for his remarks. We praise Abe for calming the situation in a very friendly manner. エルドアン首相は「（安倍首相の）発言に感謝する」と応じた。安倍首相が友好的に問題を沈静化させたことを評価したい。
Turkey is a country friendly to Japan and is an important economic partner. Inose is deeply responsible for causing a situation that forced the prime minister to apologize to Turkey. トルコは親日国であり、経済的にも重要なパートナーだ。安倍首相が陳謝する事態を招いた猪瀬知事の責任は重い。
We notice Inose has done and said many things unfit for the head of the 7.5 billion yen bidding campaign. それにしても、猪瀬知事には、７５億円をかけた招致活動のトップとは思えない言動が多い。
In addition to Tokyo and Istanbul, Madrid is also bidding for the 2020 Games. ２０２０年五輪には東京、イスタンブールのほか、マドリード（スペイン）が立候補している。
Inose was also quoted as saying in the interview: "Compare the two countries where they have yet to build infrastructure, very sophisticated facilities." This remark apparently violated the rules of conduct, too. 知事はインタビューで「インフラが未整備で、非常に洗練された施設もない二つの国と比較してほしい」とも語ったという。これも行動規範に反しているだろう。
Inose initially claimed several of his remarks quoted in the interview "failed to express my true intentions." But he later changed his mind and said he wanted to "apologize for making some inappropriate remarks." 知事は一連の発言について、「真意が正しく伝わっていない」とのコメントを出し、一転して「不適切な発言があり、おわびしたい」と謝罪した。
Responses questionable
We think Inose's response was questionable in terms of settling the problem quickly. 事態の早期収拾には疑問が残る対応だった。
We also cannot understand why he wrote on Twitter after the apology that the latest incident taught him a good lesson about who his friends and enemies were. This might make one suspect Inose may not really regret what he said. 謝罪後、ツイッターに「今回の件で誰が味方か敵か、よくわかったのは収穫」と書き込んだのも不可解だ。反省しているのか、疑われかねない。
We wonder if winning a record 4.34 million votes in the Tokyo gubernatorial election at the end of last year has made Inose arrogant. 昨年末の都知事選で、史上最多の４３４万票を獲得したおごりはないのだろうか。
It is now important to figure out how Tokyo can recoup its lost ground before the committee decides on a host city for the 2020 Games on Sept. 7. We are very concerned how the Tokyo governor's remarks will affect the voting behavior of IOC members of other countries, particularly those from Islamic countries. 今後の課題は、９月７日の開催地決定に向け、東京がどう巻き返すかである。知事発言がイスラム諸国などのＩＯＣ委員の投票行動に影響を及ぼすことが心配だ。
The Tokyo bid committee must overcome the negative impact caused by Inose's gaffe and carefully explain Tokyo's plan for the Olympics to bolster support for the city. 招致委としては、今回の舌禍問題を乗り越え、東京の開催計画を丁寧に説明して、支持を拡大していくことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 5, 2013) （2013年5月5日01時00分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 5, 2013 Focus should move from rebuilding expressways to ensuring their safety 高速道路の改修 「造る」から「守る」への転換を（5月4日付・読売社説）
How should the nation's aging expressways be maintained and managed? It is crucial that the focus of expressway maintenance be shifted from building new roads to ensuring the safety of existing ones. 老朽化が進む高速道路をどう維持、管理していくか。「造る」から「守る」へ、整備の重点を転換することが重要だ。
Three major expressway operators--East Nippon Expressway Co., Central Nippon Expressway Co. and West Nippon Expressway Co.--have estimated renovation costs needed for the continued use of their expressways over the next 100 years. 東日本、中日本、西日本の高速道路３社が今後１００年間、道路を利用するために必要な改修費用を試算した。
They estimate a total of 5.4 trillion yen will be required: 2 trillion yen for the major rebuilding of aging expressway bridges and tunnels and 3.4 trillion yen for repair work on roads and other facilities. If the operators rebuild all the aging sections instead of repairing them, the total cost will exceed 10 trillion yen, equivalent to seven years of their highway toll revenues. 老朽化した橋やトンネルの大規模な建て替えに２兆円、道路設備などの修繕に３・４兆円の計５・４兆円が必要という。補修箇所をすべて造り替えると１０兆円超で、７年分の料金収入に相当する。
Construction of the expressways operated by the three companies picked up speed after the 1960s. The length of the roads now extend to about 9,000 kilometers in total. Forty percent of the expressways are 30 years old or older. ３社の高速道路は１９６０年代以降、建設が進み、全長約９０００キロに及ぶ。このうち３０年以上経過した路線が４割を占める。
The growing size of vehicles, corrosion from salt used for deicing and other factors have damaged the roads. 車両の大型化や、凍結防止剤に含まれる塩分による腐食などが道路の損傷を招いている。
Late last year, a ceiling collapsed in the Sasago Tunnel on the Chuo Expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture, shedding light on the serious deterioration of infrastructure that is endangering people's lives. It is evident the current maintenance and inspection system needs to be revamped drastically. 昨年末には、中央自動車道の笹子トンネルで天井板の崩落事故が起き、利用者の命にかかわる劣化の実態が浮き彫りになった。従来の保守・点検を抜本的に改める必要があるのは明らかだ。
First of all, the expressway operators should conduct inspections to determine the actual conditions of their aging roads. Based on clear-cut standards, they should determine whether the roads should be repaired or rebuilt and set priorities for the work. They also need to accelerate work to swiftly draw up long-term maintenance plans. まず、点検で老朽化の現状を把握すべきだ。修繕するか、造り直すか、明確な基準に基づいて判断し、優先順位を決める。長期計画の策定を急ぐ必要がある。
Funding is biggest challenge
Estimates also show that renovation work for the Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway and the Hanshin Expressway would cost up to 910 billion yen and 620 billion yen, respectively. These figures must be scrutinized to determine if they are reasonable. 首都高速道路が最大９１００億円、阪神高速道路も６２００億円が必要との試算をまとめている。こうした試算が妥当かどうかも精査しなければならない。
The biggest challenge the operators face is how to finance repairs and rebuilding. 最大の問題は、財源である。
Under a plan launched when the highway public corporations were privatized in 2005, their debt of about 40 trillion yen would be repaid by 2050. After the full repayment, the plan calls for the expressways to be tollfree. ２００５年の道路公団民営化時に決めた計画では、旧公団時代に抱えた約４０兆円の借金を５０年までに全額返済し、その後は道路を無料開放することになっている。
However, the plan does not include costs for major repair work on expressways. Due to the current dire fiscal straits, taxpayers' money cannot be used for the work, but drastic toll increases would spark a public backlash. ところが、これには大規模な改修を行う費用は盛り込まれていない。厳しい財政事情で税金投入は難しく、大幅に値上げすれば利用者の反発が強いだろう。
In light of this, we view a funding method in which the operators would set aside a certain amount of money from toll revenues for the renovation work as feasible. By reducing the annual amount of repayment, the operators could use the money to maintain the aging roads, but this would inevitably push back the repayment deadline. 料金収入から一定額を改修費用に積み立てる方式を導入するのが現実的ではないか。毎年の返済額を減らすことで、老朽化対策に資金を回せる。債務の返済期限を延長するのもやむを得まい。
Discuss future toll system
However, the companies should not increase the number of wasteful projects in the name of repair and rebuilding. The idea of tapping private funds in tandem with regional development projects and keeping the costs down appears to be viable. Future projects should be decided from the perspective of cost-effectiveness. とは言え、改修名目でムダな事業を増やしてはならない。地域開発と合わせて民間資金を活用し、費用を圧縮する案も有望だ。費用対効果の見極めが必要である。
To deal with aging expressways, a future toll system should also be addressed. The operators should consider many matters, including a review of toll discounts introduced in fiscal 2008 as part of stimulus measures and the consistency of tolls across the nation, with the tolls on Honshu-Shikoku bridge expressways significantly higher than in other regions. 老朽化対策は、高速料金のあり方も問い直す。０８年度に景気対策で始めた料金割引の見直し、料金が割高な本四架橋との整合性など検討すべき課題は多い。
The highway toll system has undergone flip-flops: A 1,000 yen ceiling was set for tolls for some time, and tolls were once temporally dropped. It is high time for the nation to thoroughly discuss an ideal expressway toll system. １０００円走り放題や無料化など、迷走を続けてきた高速料金政策を本格的に議論する時期だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 4, 2013) （2013年5月4日02時05分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 4, 2013 Growing debate in Diet on revision of basic law should be put to good use 憲法記念日 改正論議の高まり生かしたい（5月3日付・読売社説）
◆各党は参院選へ具体策を競え◆
In the current Diet session under the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, discussions about the wisdom of revising the Constitution are unusually animated. 安倍政権下の国会では憲法改正を巡る論議がいつになく活発だ。
Depending on the outcome of the House of Councillors election this summer, revision of the Constitution, which Abe has committed to including in the upper house election platform, may become more likely. 夏の参院選の結果次第で、安倍首相が公約に掲げる憲法改正がいよいよ現実味を帯びてくるだろう。
May 3 is Constitution Day, marking the 67th year since the enforcement of the current supreme law. きょうは、日本国憲法が施行されてから６７年目の憲法記念日。
Despite drastic changes in the domestic and international environments since it was put into force, the Constitution has never been changed. 日本の内外情勢は激変したにもかかわらず、憲法はまだ一度も改正されていない。
We should make this day an opportunity to think about what the Constitution should be. そんな憲法の在りようを考える機会としたい。
◆まずは発議要件緩和を◆
Ease revision requirements first
Lying at the root of the constitutional debates is the fact that the Japanese have had "no experience at all writing a constitution on their own," as the prime minister has pointed out. 憲法改正論議の根底にあるのは安倍首相が指摘するように、「日本人は自身の手で憲法を作ったことがない」という事実である。
The prewar constitution--the Constitution of the Empire of Japan of 1889--commonly called the Meiji Constitution, was granted by the Emperor. And the current Constitution was produced based on a draft worked out under the Occupation after the end of World War II by the General Headquarters of the Allied Powers. 戦前の大日本帝国憲法は天皇の定めた欽定(きんてい)憲法だ。現行憲法は占領下、連合国軍総司令部（ＧＨＱ）の草案を基に制定された。
The idea of the Japanese people themselves discussing fundamentals of the nation and revising the Constitution in a way suited to the changing times is natural and reasonable indeed. 国民自ら国の基本を論じ、時代に合うよう憲法を改正するという考え方は、至極もっともだ。
In nationwide opinion surveys conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun, respondents who favor changing the Constitution have consistently outnumbered opponents since the 1993 survey. 読売新聞の世論調査でも１９９３年以降、ほぼ一貫して憲法改正賛成派が反対派を上回っている。
The core of constitutional revision, as is widely known, lies in the advisability of changing Article 9. 憲法改正の核心は、やはり９条である。
The stipulation in the second paragraph of the article that "land, sea, and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained" has diverged greatly from reality. 第２項の「陸海空軍その他の戦力は保持しない」は、現実と乖離(かいり)している。
To end the fiction that "the self-defense forces are not military forces," the SDF must be given explicit constitutional status. 「自衛隊は軍隊ではない」という虚構を解消するため、自衛隊を憲法に明確に位置付けるべきだ。
Article 96 of the Constitution, which sets down requirements regarding amending the supreme law, has also emerged as a major point of contention in discussions about the Constitution. 憲法の改正要件を定めた９６条も主要な論点に浮上してきた。
Not only the Liberal Democratic Party but also such opposition parties as Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party have made public commitments to revising Article 96. The two opposition parties' commitments are noteworthy as they point toward possible cooperation with the LDP over constitutional revision after the coming upper house election. This opportunity must not be missed. 自民党だけでなく、日本維新の会やみんなの党も９６条の改正を公約している。参院選後の連携を図る動きとしても注目される。この機を逃してはなるまい。
Article 96 states the Diet can initiate amendments to the Constitution with approval of "two-thirds or more" of all members of both chambers of the legislature and the amendments must thereafter gain approval by a majority of all votes cast in a special referendum. ９６条は、憲法改正について衆参各院の総議員の「３分の２以上」の賛成で国会が発議し、国民投票で過半数の賛成を得なければならないと定めている。
Given these procedures, Japan's Constitution can be considered much more difficult to revise than the supreme laws of other countries. It seems the GHQ might have thought when drafting the Constitution that it would take a long time for democracy to take root in Japan. 世界でも改正難度の高い硬性憲法と言えるだろう。ＧＨＱは、日本で民主主義が確立するには時間がかかると考えたようだ。
The LDP's draft of constitutional revisions calls for easing the "two-thirds or more" requirement of Article 96 to a simple majority of both houses of the Diet. 自民党の憲法改正草案は、９６条の「３分の２以上」という要件を「過半数」と改めている。
The LDP-envisioned revision of the article would make it easier for the Diet to initiate constitutional revision, but there would be no change at all in the subsequent process, in which a final decision on the matter is up to a national referendum. 国会が改正案の発議をしやすくなるだけで、最終的にその是非を決めるのは国民投票であることに変わりはない。
The major opposition Democratic Party of Japan has been arguing that not procedural matters for amending the Constitution but discussions about which specific parts of the Constitution should be changed must come first. 民主党は改正手続きよりも、どの条項を改めるかという内容の議論が先だと言う。
The LDP and some others, however, have already publicly suggested concrete plans to revise the Constitution. だが、自民党などは既に具体的な改正方針を国民に示している。
The DPJ is urged to engage fully in intraparty discussions concerning the advisability of changing the Constitution and come up with a unified party view on the matter. 民主党こそ憲法改正について論議を尽くし、党としての見解を明らかにすべきだ。
Roles of Diet chambers ◆必要な衆参の役割分担◆
Another urgent task is to review the roles of both Diet houses. 衆院と参院の役割を見直すことも、喫緊の課題である。
Under the current situation of the "divided Diet," both the ruling and opposition parties must be keenly aware of how much the existence of "an excessively strong upper house" has stagnated national politics. 衆参ねじれ国会の下で、「強すぎる参院」の存在がどれほど国政を停滞させてきたか、与野党とも痛感しているはずだ。
One possible solution is to revise Paragraph 2 of Article 59. The current paragraph stipulates that a bill passed by the lower house but voted down by the upper house becomes law when passed a second time by the lower house with a majority of "two-thirds or more" of the members present. This should be changed to a simple majority. That would make passage of bills in the lower house on a second vote easier and better clarify the lower house's superiority over the upper house. 解決策の一つが、５９条２項の改正だ。参院が衆院と異なる議決をした法案は、再び衆院で「３分の２以上」の多数で可決すれば成立する、という現行の規定を「過半数」に改めればよい。再議決による法案成立が容易になり、衆院の優位性もより明確になる。
We question why the LDP's constitutional revision draft does not refer to this point. 自民党の憲法改正草案がこれに言及していないのは疑問だ。
In 2000, a private body of advisers to the upper house president compiled a Diet reform plan that includes relaxation of the conditions for a second vote in the lower house and abolition of the upper house's right to designate a prime ministerial candidate. The reform would require constitutional revision. ２０００年に参院議長の私的諮問機関が、衆院での再議決要件緩和のほか、参院の首相指名権の廃止など憲法改正も伴う改革案をまとめた。
The plan, which aims at shrinking the authority of the House of Councillors to reduce its participation in the administration of the national government, is still worth considering. 参院の権限を縮小し、政権から距離を置く。今でも十分、検討に値する。
Concerning electoral system reform to correct the disparity in the value of votes, both chambers' electoral systems should be reviewed simultaneously. 「１票の格差」是正のための選挙制度改革も、衆参の制度を同時に見直すべきだろう。
What functions should the upper house and lower house each have? In what way should people's wills be reflected in politics to form a desirable administration? Electoral systems must be reformed from such viewpoints. 衆院と参院がどういう機能を分担すればよいか。望ましい政権を形成するためには、どう民意を集約するか。そうした観点から選挙制度を検討する必要がある。
This year's Constitution Day comes shortly after a series of high court rulings in lawsuits challenging the disparity in the value of votes in December's House of Representatives election in which the courts ruled the election was "unconstitutional." The Supreme Court will rule on the matter as early as this autumn. 今年の憲法記念日は、先の衆院選での「１票の格差」を巡る訴訟で高裁による「違憲」判決が相次いだ直後に迎えることになった。秋にも最高裁が判断を示す。
At this critical stage, the Diet, the legislative branch of the nation, must at least pass a lower house rezoning bill designed to cut five seats from the lower house. ここに至った以上、立法府として最低限、０増５減の区割り法案を成立させるのが筋である。
Avoid a race to cut seats ◆定数削減競争は避けよ◆
The Democratic Party of Japan and other parties are currently competing with their plans to aggressively cut the number of Diet seats, saying "reforms in which the government as well as Diet members share the pain" are necessary. This is nothing but populism disguised as reform. 民主党など各党は国会議員も「身を切る改革」が必要だと主張し、定数削減を競っている。これは改革を装ったポピュリズム（大衆迎合）と言うほかない。
The number of members in Japan's Diet members is not excessive when compared with other nations based on population. Cuts in personnel costs for Diet members would have only a limited effect in reducing the government's fiscal expenditures. Such an action would rather deteriorate the Diet's legislative functions. If Diet members want to feel pain, it would be better to cut their annual salaries and subsidies to political parties. 日本は、人口当たりの国会議員数では国際比較でも決して多くはない。国会議員の人件費を減らしても財政削減効果は限定的だ。かえって立法機能が低下しよう。身を切るなら、歳費や政党助成金をカットすればよいではないか。
Some believe the Constitution should stipulate measures the nation can take in response to emergency situations and the right to a healthy environment for the people. We think these are very important viewpoints. 憲法に関しては、緊急事態対処や環境権などを規定すべきだとの主張もある。重要な視点だ。
With the upper house election just around the corner, we hope each party will positively engage in the debate. 参院選に向け、各党とも積極的に論戦を展開してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 3, 2013) （2013年5月3日01時05分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 3, 2013 Govt should change interpretation of right to collective self-defense 集団的自衛権 憲法改正前に解釈を変更せよ（5月2日付・読売社説）
In light of the deteriorating national security environment, changing the government's interpretation of the Constitution to allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense is becoming increasingly vital. 日本の安全保障環境が悪化している今、集団的自衛権を行使できるように改める必要性は一段と増している。
The government has reinstated the Advisory Panel on Reconstruction of the Legal Basis for Security, which was established under the first cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The panel is tasked with compiling a new proposal on legislation concerning national security. 政府は２月、第１次安倍内閣で設置した「安全保障の法的基盤の再構築に関する懇談会」を再始動させた。秋に安全保障法制の新提言をまとめる予定だ。
In June 2008, it proposed the government's interpretation of the Constitution be altered to enable Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense. The proposal assumed four categories of contingencies, including an attack on U.S. military vessels on the high seas and the launch of a ballistic missile aimed at the United States. 懇談会は既に２００８年６月、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするため政府の憲法解釈の変更を提言している。公海上で米軍艦船が攻撃されたり、米国へ弾道ミサイルが発射されたりした場合など、４類型の事態を想定したものだ。
If this country cannot stage a counterattack or intercept a missile in such circumstances, the Japan-U.S. alliance will be futile and it will be impossible to assure the safety of Japan. こうした事態に直面しても、日本が反撃・迎撃できないようでは日米同盟は成り立たないし、日本の安全を守ることはできない。
Last month Abe revealed his goal to make a decision on the right to collective self-defense before the government compiles the new National Defense Program Guidelines at year-end. It is the duty of politicians to allow the nation to exercise this right. 安倍首相は先月、年末の新防衛大綱策定までに集団的自衛権の問題に結論を出す考えを示した。政治の責任で、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にしなければならない。
A recent spell of events have threatened Japan's peace, including North Korea's nuclear test and launch of a ballistic missile, and China's strengthening of its navy and air force and escalating provocative actions around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. The Japan-U.S. alliance must be urgently reinforced to steel its deterrence capability. 北朝鮮の核実験や弾道ミサイル発射、中国海空軍の装備増強や尖閣諸島周辺での活動活発化――。最近、日本の平和を脅かす事態が相次いでいる。日米同盟を強化し、抑止力を高めることが急務だ。
Ripe political environment
The Liberal Democratic Party argues that Japan should be allowed to exercise the right to collective self-defense, and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party are also receptive to the idea. Even Democratic Party of Japan Secretary General Goshi Hosono made some comments Tuesday that indicate the party would back allowing Japan to exercise the right. 自民党は集団的自衛権の行使を容認すべきだと主張し、日本維新の会、みんなの党も前向きだ。民主党の細野幹事長も先月３０日、容認する考えを示した。
Thus the political environment is becoming ripe for reviewing the awkward official interpretation of the Constitution on the right to collective self-defense. The official view now is that Japan has the right but cannot exercise it. 集団的自衛権を「保有するが、行使できない」とする奇妙な政府の憲法解釈を見直すための政治的環境は整いつつある。
Abe has said he wants to make constitutional revision a major issue in the House of Councillors election in July. Specifically, he wants to relax the rules on amending the Constitution by revising Article 96 of the top law. 首相は、憲法改正を７月の参院選の争点とし、まず９６条の改正発議要件を緩和したい考えを示している。
If constitutional revision is promptly realized, it would make sense to recognize the nation's ability to exercise the right to collective self-defense at the same time. 憲法改正が早期に実現するなら、同時に集団的自衛権を容認するのが望ましいのは確かだ。
National security can't wait
Still, waiting to amend Article 9, which concerns the right, until after conditions are relaxed by amending Article 96 could take too long. Does Japan really have time to wait for two separate revisions of the Constitution? だが、９６条の改正発議要件を緩和した後、自衛権に関する９条を改正するまでには相当な時間を要しよう。２回の憲法改正を待つ余裕が今の日本にあるだろうか。
It would of course be more practical to review the interpretation of the Constitution on the right before revising the top law. やはり憲法改正に先立ち、憲法解釈を見直すことが現実的だ。
However, any revision to the current interpretation could be reversed if Abe is replaced as prime minister. To stabilize the legal basis for national security, legislation must be improved to secure the interpretational change, such as the establishment of a basic law on national security. ただ、解釈変更の場合、首相が交代すれば、再び解釈を元に戻す可能性もある。安全保障の法的基盤を安定させるには、安全保障基本法の制定など、解釈変更を担保する法整備が欠かせない。
Further study is also required on the occasions that would justify exercising the right to collective self-defense and the permissible forms of this type of defense. Opinions may be split over whether Japan would have to join in an assault on an enemy country if the U.S. mainland was attacked, as in the case of the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. どんな場合に、どんな形で集団的自衛権を行使するかについても検討が必要だ。米同時テロのように、米本土が攻撃され、相手国を攻撃する際に日本が参加するかどうかは賛否が分かれよう。
Both the ruling and opposition parties should move the debate on the right to collective self-defense into high gear. 与野党は、集団的自衛権の議論を本格化させる時である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 2, 2013) （2013年5月2日01時04分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 1, 2013 Nuclear fuel cycle must be used in way that ensures proper use of plutonium 核燃料サイクル プルトニウムの確実な利用を（4月30日付・読売社説）
Uranium-plutonium mixed oxide (MOX) fuel, which will be used for the No. 3 reactor at Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Takahama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture, is en route from France to Japan by sea. It is expected to arrive in June or later. 福井県の関西電力高浜原子力発電所３号機で使うウラン・プルトニウム混合酸化物（ＭＯＸ）燃料がフランスから海路、日本に向かっている。６月にも到着する。
This is the first transport of MOX to Japan since the accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 東京電力福島第一原発の事故後、初めての輸送だ。
Japan has promoted the nuclear fuel cycle program as part of the nation's energy policy. The system reuses uranium and plutonium extracted from spent nuclear fuel used at nuclear power plants. The core of the system is the use of MOX fuel. 日本は、エネルギー政策の一環として、核燃料サイクル計画を進めてきた。原発の使用済み核燃料から取り出したプルトニウムやウランを再利用するものだ。その柱がＭＯＸ燃料の利用である。
The nuclear fuel cycle allows effective use of uranium resources and reduces radioactive waste. But because plutonium can be used to make nuclear weapons, stockpiling unused amounts of the material could trigger unnecessary suspicions both at home and abroad. 核燃料サイクルは、ウラン資源の有効活用や放射性廃棄物量の軽減といった利点がある。 プルトニウムは核兵器の材料にもなる。利用されないままでは、国内外で無用な疑念を引き起こしかねない。
KEPCO needs to ensure it uses all the MOX fuel transported. 関電は、輸送されたＭＯＸ燃料を確実に利用する必要がある。
Japan has entrusted the reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel to France and Britain because there is no large-scale reprocessing facility at home. The amount of plutonium extracted so far has exceeded 20 tons. 日本には大規模な再処理施設がないため、使用済み核燃料の再処理をフランスや英国に委託してきた。すでに取り出されたプルトニウム量は２０トンを超える。
Using plutonium a duty
Neither France nor Britain can keep such spent fuel for a prolonged period. Japan must receive the reprocessed fuel to maintain its international credibility. We consider it the nation's duty to use the plutonium. 仏英とも預かったままにできない。引き取りは国際的な信義にかかわる問題だ。プルトニウム利用は、日本の責務と言えよう。
After the outbreak of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 plant, the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration halted most of the nation's nuclear reactors and declared a policy of abandoning nuclear power generation without presenting workable alternatives, causing total confusion. The administration also made the nuclear fuel cycle program a target for drastic review. 福島第一原発の事故後、民主党政権はほとんどの原発を停止させ、展望がないまま「脱原発」の方針を打ち出すなど混乱を拡大させた。核燃料サイクル計画も抜本的な見直しの対象とした。
Even under the current administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, there has not been any progress in discussions over the matter. If this situation remains unchanged, there will be no prospect for using plutonium. 安倍政権でも議論は進んでいない。このままではプルトニウム利用の見通しが立たない。
In Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd.'s reprocessing plant is nearly completed. But plans on its utilization have yet to be fully worked out. The government should consider the issue as soon as possible. 青森県六ヶ所村では日本原燃の再処理工場が完成間近だが、その利用計画も定まっていない。政府は早急に検討すべきだ。
No other country in the world has established high-level nuclear fuel reprocessing technology without developing nuclear weapons. Japan cannot easily abandon the technology it has accumulated. 核兵器を保有せずに、高度な再処理技術を確立する国は、日本以外にない。これまで積み上げてきた技術を簡単に捨てられまい。
Reactivating reactors crucial
First and foremost, it is necessary to figure out how many reactors could be reactivated after their safety is ensured. The Nuclear Regulation Authority must expedite the confirmation of the safety of idled reactors. まずは、何基の原発が安全に再稼働できるのか、割り出す必要がある。原子力規制委員会は、安全確認を急がねばならない。
The nuclear watchdog's stance on the reprocessing plant is also problematic. 再処理工場に対する規制委の姿勢にも問題がある。
At the Rokkasho plant, only the process used to vitrify highly radioactive liquid waste has yet to be checked to confirm its safety. この工場で安全確認が済んでいないのは、放射能が高い廃液をガラスに固める工程だけだ。
It would be much safer to solidify the liquid waste generated in test operations than to keep it in a tank as it is at present. But the authority has put off safety confirmation processes, saying there is no need for the time being to operate the reprocessing plant itself. 試験過程で発生し、タンクに保管中の廃液は固めた方が格段に安全だが、規制委は、工場そのものを当面動かす必要がないとして確認作業を後回しにしている。
We wonder if the authority is fully aware of its roles and responsibilities. Its duty is to steadily proceed with processes to improve nuclear safety. 規制委は自らの役割や責任を十分認識していないのではないか。安全性の向上を着実に進めることが規制委の職務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 30, 2013) （2013年4月30日01時17分 読売新聞）
