The Yomiuri Shimbun June 29, 2013 Firms, shareholders must pursue dialogue to raise corporate value 物言う株主 企業価値向上へ対話の道探れ（6月28日付・読売社説）
Activist shareholders, including foreign funds that apply pressure on corporate management, have made their presence felt at recent shareholders meetings for the first time in a long time. 企業経営に圧力をかける海外ファンドら「物言う株主」が、久しぶりに存在感を示した。
Through their resurgence, Japanese firms face a heavy challenge regarding how to improve corporate value through management reform. 経営改革によって、企業価値をいかに向上させるか。経営陣は重い課題を突きつけられたと指摘できる。
The annual wave of general shareholders meetings of companies with business terms that ended in March has passed its peak. Activist shareholders were at center stage. 今年３月期決算企業の株主総会がピークを越えた。焦点は「物言う株主」の動向だった。
At a meeting of Seibu Holdings Inc., its largest shareholder, Cerberus Capital Management LP, argued against management policy and proposed eight director candidates of its own. But the U.S. fund failed to gain majority approval for its proposal as all the candidates recommended by Seibu were elected to the board of directors. 西武ホールディングスでは、筆頭株主である米ファンドのサーベラスが経営方針に異を唱え、独自の取締役候補を提案した。しかし、多数の賛成を得られず、会社提案の取締役が選任された。
Before the shareholders meeting, Cerberus had pressed for reform of Seibu’s management through such moves as a takeover bid. Seibu argued against the Cerberus reform plan, leading to deepened confrontation with the U.S. fund. But Seibu appears to have managed to block the Cerberus offensive for the moment. サーベラスは、株主総会前に株式公開買い付け（ＴＯＢ）も仕掛けるなど経営改革を迫った。西武は反論し、対立が深まったが、攻勢をひとまず退けたといえる。
Nevertheless, Seibu’s reform is still pending as it seeks to be relisted. The company must tackle that difficult challenge while relations with its largest shareholder go unrepaired. ただし、再上場を目指す西武の改革は途上である。筆頭株主との関係が修復できないまま、難題に取り組まざるをえない。
Questions to answer
Sony Corp. had been asked by a U.S. fund, one of its major shareholders, to spin off its movie and music business and list the new entity on the stock market. But Sony took a wary stance toward dividing up its businesses, arguing that synergistic effects can be expected with the manufacturing of TV sets and other businesses. ソニーは、大株主の米ファンドから映画・音楽事業の分離と上場を求められたものの、テレビ事業などとの相乗効果が見込めるとして分離に慎重だった。
At its shareholders meeting, however, Sony was pressed on the separation issue by other shareholders. As a result, Sony announced a plan to study the demand. Improving earning capacity through reconstruction of its main line of business, including production of TV sets, has now become an important task for the Sony management. 株主総会では、他の株主からも分離問題を追及され、この要求を検討していく方針を表明した。テレビなどの主力事業を立て直し、収益力を向上させることが重要な経営課題となった。
Stable shareholders, including banks and business customers, account for a majority of shareholders in Japanese firms, so management often lacks a perspective of paying attention to shareholders. Japanese companies tend to put a low priority on earnings power and returning profits to shareholders. 日本の企業では、銀行や取引先など安定株主が多数を占め、株主の声に耳を傾ける意識に乏しい経営陣が多い。収益力や株主への利益還元が物足りない面もある。
More parties heard from
Abenomics, the economic policy pursued by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has drawn fresh global attention to the Japanese economy. As a result, the ratio of foreign holders of Japanese equities reached a record high of about 30 percent as of the end of March. 安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」によって日本経済が注目された効果で、外国人株主の日本株保有比率が３月末に過去最高の約３割に達した。
In addition to foreigners, the number of Japanese shareholders who strongly press demands, such as expansion of profits to improve corporate value, is certain to increase. Management must be prepared to listen sincerely to shareholders’ voices. 今後、外国人だけでなく、利益拡大など企業価値の向上に一段と厳しく注文を付ける株主は増えるに違いない。経営陣は株主の声を真摯(しんし)に聞く姿勢が必要である。
It is laudable that Toyota Motor Corp. and many other Japanese firms decided at this year’s shareholders meetings to adopt outside board directors, thereby meeting the requests of shareholders. 今年の総会で、トヨタ自動車など多くの企業が社外取締役の起用を決め、株主の要望に応えた点は評価できよう。
Nonetheless, shareholders’ demands for short-term stock price increases and higher dividends are not always right. Investment in personnel training and research and development is also vital from the viewpoint of enhancing corporate competitiveness in the medium and long term. 無論、短期的な株価上昇や配当増額を求める株主の主張が、必ずしも正しいとは言えない。人材育成や研究開発など、中長期的に競争力を高める投資も重要だ。
Management has a responsibility to present reasonable policy and continue dialogue with shareholders even if it turns down their specific demands. 経営陣が株主の主張を退けるにしても、対話を重ね、合理的な方針を示す「説明責任」が要る。
Improving corporate value is a common goal for firms and shareholders. They will be required to accelerate management reform amid their tense relationship. 企業価値の向上は、企業と株主の共通目標である。互いに緊張関係を保ちながら、経営改革を加速することが求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 28, 2013) （2013年6月28日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 28, 2013 Opposition parties lost more than they gained through censure 通常国会閉幕 首相問責で野党は何を得たか（6月27日付・読売社説）
The ordinary Diet session has closed in a terribly disorganized manner. あまりにお粗末な通常国会の幕切れである。
On Wednesday, the last day of the Diet session, the House of Councillors adopted a censure motion against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Democratic Party of Japan, Your Party, and other opposition parties voted for the motion in the opposition-dominated chamber. 参院が安倍首相の問責決議を民主党、みんなの党など野党の賛成多数で可決した。
Then the opposition parties refused deliberations of bills in the upper house, behaving as if such refusal was reasonable. Key bills, such as those to revise the Electric Utility Law and the Daily Life Protection Law, were scrapped as a result. A bill to formulate a basic law on the water cycle, which was submitted as lawmaker-initiated legislation to protect water sources, was discarded as well. 参院で野党は、当然のように法案審議を拒み、電気事業法改正案、生活保護法改正案や、水源地を守るための水循環基本法案など議員提出法案が廃案になった。
The censure motion was submitted by the People’s Life Party, Green Wind and the Social Democratic Party. They condemned Abe for his recent skipping of deliberations at the upper house Budget Committee, claiming the act “violates the Constitution.” 問責決議は、生活の党、みどりの風、社民党の３党が提出したもので、参院予算委員会の審議に首相が出席しなかったことを「憲法違反」だと主張していた。
Clear political motive
It is clear the motive of the three parties was to use Abe’s absence from certain Diet deliberations as a tool to launch an offensive against the Liberal Democratic Party ahead of the upcoming upper house election. Do they really think such actions will be welcomed by the public? If so, we have to warn them that they have made a glaring mistake. 参院選を前に、自民党批判の材料にしたいのが見え見えだ。こうした姿勢が国民に評価されると考えるのなら勘違いも甚だしい。
In the first place, were Abe’s actions really worthy of censure? Abe absented himself in response to the unilateral decision by Budget Committee Chairman Hajime Ishii, a DPJ member, to hold intensive deliberations at the committee meetings, using the chairman’s authority to hold such meetings. The ruling parties said a no-confidence motion against upper house President Kenji Hirata, which had been submitted earlier, should be dealt with first, and boycotted the deliberations. そもそも首相を問責するほどの事態だったのか。参院予算委は民主党の石井一委員長が職権で開会を決め、与党は参院議長不信任案の処理が先だとして欠席した。
That was the reason why Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga defended Abe’s actions, saying that the prime minister had “sound justification” for skipping the deliberations. We believe Suga’s explanation has some validity. 菅官房長官が、首相が出席しないことに「正当な理由がある」と抗弁したのも一理ある。
On the other hand, it is extremely difficult to understand why the DPJ’s upper house caucus decided to vote for the censure motion. 理解できないのは、問責決議に賛成した参院民主党である。
On Tuesday, the DPJ assured the ruling parties that it would prioritize the passage of important bills and thus will not agree with the censure motion. 民主党は２５日、重要法案の処理を優先し、問責決議案は採決しない方針を与党と確認していた。
However, the next morning, the DPJ abruptly changed its attitude, having been persuaded by Your Party and other opposition parties. If the DPJ had kept its initial stance, the key bills would have been able to pass the Diet smoothly. ところが、２６日午前になると、みんなの党など他党に同調し、対応が一変した。民主党が採決反対を貫いていれば何の問題もなく、重要法案は成立しただろう。
We believe the DPJ itself still has a vivid memory of being distressed by censure motions, which lack legally binding power, when the party held the reins of government. DPJ Secretary General Goshi Hosono defended the party’s action by saying, “The LDP has no enthusiasm for completing the bills.” This remark is a transparent attempt to dodge the DPJ’s responsibility and shift blame to the LDP. 民主党は与党を経験し、法的な効力のない問責決議の理不尽さを十分痛感したはずだ。細野幹事長は「自民党に法案を仕上げる熱意が全くない」と自民党を非難したが、責任転嫁にほかならない。
This Diet session’s top political issue was electoral system reform for the House of Representatives. Regarding that issue, the ruling parties exchanged documents with opposition parties confirming that “once the upper house election finishes, parties will immediately resume negotiations and reach a conclusion” on drastic reform, including a reduction in the number of lower house seats. 今国会での最大の政治課題だった衆院選挙制度改革に関しては、与野党が、定数削減を含む抜本的な見直しについて「参院選後、速やかに各党間の協議を再開し、結論を得る」と文書で確認した。
However, if the parties continue insisting upon only their own ideas for reducing lower house seats and do not compromise, and if they continue their attitude of putting party interest above national interest, making such agreements will be absolutely meaningless. だが、各党が定数削減にこだわり、党利党略の主張を繰り返すだけであれば、こんな約束を何度交わしても意味がない。
Creating a third-party body
To break the impasse on the issue, Abe revealed a proposal at a press conference held after the end of the Diet session. “I would like to suggest establishing a third-party organization [on electoral system reform], which comprises experts from the private sector, within the Diet,” Abe said. We believe this is a sound proposal. 膠着(こうちゃく)状態を打破するために、首相は国会閉会後の記者会見で、「民間の有識者による第三者機関を国会に設けることを提案する」と言明した。妥当な判断だ。
The organization should have binding power so the parties would comply with the conclusion of experts. 各党が有識者の出した結論を尊重するよう、拘束力をもつ機関とすべきである。
Meanwhile, during the Diet session, the Commission on the Constitution in both the lower and the upper house has vigorously discussed the issue of amending the Constitution, even debating on the specific contents of each amendment. Constitutional amendments are likely to become a major point of contention in the upper house election. We urge parties to make concrete proposals during the election campaign, so that the voters can make informed decisions on the issue. 今国会では、衆参の憲法審査会が、具体的な憲法改正内容にも踏み込んで論議を重ねた。参院選では憲法改正が大きな争点となる。有権者が判断しやすいよう、具体的な論戦を望みたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 27, 2013) （2013年6月27日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 26, 2013 SDF must be equipped with functions like those of U.S. marines 離島防衛訓練 自衛隊に海兵隊機能が必要だ（6月25日付・読売社説）
To bolster the defense of Senkakus and other remote islands, the Self-Defense Forces urgently require upgraded capabilities similar to those of the U.S. Marine Corps, such as the ability to carry out amphibious landings and rapid deployment. 尖閣諸島を含めた離島防衛を強化するには、海からの着上陸や緊急展開の能力などの「海兵隊的機能」を自衛隊に持たせることが急務だ。
The SDF and the U.S. military have been conducting joint exercises in California for the defense of remote islands. This is the first time the Ground, Maritime and Air Self-Defense Forces have all conducted overseas exercises with the U.S. military. 自衛隊と米軍が１０～２６日に米カリフォルニア州で、離島防衛の共同訓練を実施している。陸海空３自衛隊と米軍による海外での統合訓練は初めてである。
During the training, the U.S. military’s new MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft landed on the deck of an MSDF destroyer. The GSDF’s Western Army Infantry Regiment, which is primarily responsible for the defense of remote islands, was engaged in joint training with U.S. marines to regain remote islands captured by an enemy. 訓練では、米軍の新型輸送機ＭＶ２２オスプレイが海上自衛隊の護衛艦に着艦した。離島防衛を主任務とする陸上自衛隊の西方普通科連隊は、海兵隊とともに、敵に占領された離島の奪還も行った。
These are practical exercises to meet the needs of the times, as the defense of remote islands is of increased importance. 離島防衛の重要性が増す中、時宜にかなう実戦的な訓練だ。
Chinese expansionism
Training has been conducted with the Chinese military as the supposed enemy. China called for the training to be canceled as its timing overlapped with a U.S.-China summit meeting. It is natural that Tokyo and Washington refused the Chinese request. 訓練は中国軍を対象に想定している。米中首脳会談の時期と重なったため、中国は中止を求めた。日米が拒否したのは当然だ。
Under the banner of making China a maritime power, that country’s navy, air force and State Oceanic Administration have been bolstering their equipment, openly aiming to expand their territorial and national interests in the East and South China seas. 中国は「海洋強国化」の名の下、海空軍や国家海洋局の装備を増強し、公然と東・南シナ海での領土・権益拡大を目指している。
Intrusions by China’s maritime surveillance ships into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands can be dealt with by the Japan Coast Guard. But to deter Chinese special forces from occupying the islands, it will be indispensable to improve the quick reaction capabilities that can be acquired through the joint exercises of the SDF and U.S. military. 海洋監視船による尖閣諸島周辺の領海侵入には海上保安庁が対応するにせよ、中国の特殊部隊による島の占拠などを抑止するには、共同訓練を通じた自衛隊と米軍の即応力の向上が欠かせない。
Military threats to Japan have changed dramatically since the end of the Cold War. Invasions of remote islands can be considered “new threats” along with missile strikes, terrorist attacks and cyber-attacks. SDF personnel allocations, equipment and training must be reexamined in accordance with the changed threats. 冷戦終結後、日本の軍事的脅威は大きく変化した。離島侵攻は、ミサイル、テロ、サイバー攻撃とともに、「新たな脅威」と位置づけられる。脅威の変化に応じて、自衛隊の部隊編成や装備、訓練を見直さなければならない。
Defense of remote islands will be a core of the new National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled by late December. 今年末に策定する新防衛大綱では離島防衛が一つの柱となる。
It will be essential to augment the GSDF’s Western Army Infantry Regiment, which plays a central role in defense of the Nansei Islands stretching from Kagoshima Prefecture through Okinawa Prefecture, as well as to obtain equipment such as amphibious landing vehicles. To secure naval and air supremacy, it will be necessary to increase the number of MSDF destroyers and ASDF fighter jets and early warning aircraft so as to strengthen warning and surveillance activities. 南西諸島防衛の中核を担う陸自西方普通科連隊を拡充し、水陸両用車など装備を増強すべきだ。制海・制空権の確保へ、海自の護衛艦や航空自衛隊の戦闘機、早期警戒管制機なども増やし、警戒監視活動を強化する必要がある。
New hardware needed
Procurement of the Global Hawk, an unmanned surveillance aircraft, must be accelerated while introduction of Osprey tilt-rotor aircraft must be studied earnestly. 無人偵察機グローバルホークの取得を急ぐとともに、オスプレイの導入も真剣に検討したい。
Amphibious vehicles and Osprey aircraft will be useful for rescue operations and relief activities in damaged areas in times of major disasters such as earthquakes. 水陸両用車やオスプレイは、地震など大規模災害時の人命救助や被災地支援にも効果があろう。
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has boosted the defense budget for the current fiscal year, the first increase in 11 years, reversing the trend of year-on-year erosion in defense spending. Given the worsening of the security environment around Japan, defense spending must be increased next fiscal year and onward. But a huge hike cannot be expected in light of stringent fiscal conditions. 安倍政権は今年度、削減が続いていた防衛予算を１１年ぶりに増加させた。日本の安全保障環境が悪化する中、来年度以降も増加すべきだが、厳しい財政事情を踏まえれば、大幅な伸びは望めない。
It is essential to allocate defense budgets on a priority basis, such as by expanding allocations for bolstering “dynamic defense capabilities” that emphasize troop mobility, particularly for defense of remote islands, while curtailing spending through cuts in the number of GSDF personnel, consolidation and abolition of bases and efficient procurement of equipment. 離島防衛を含む、部隊の機動力を重視する「動的防衛力」の強化など重点分野は大胆に増やす。一方で、陸自の定員削減や基地の統廃合、装備調達の効率化などで一部の歳出は減らす。防衛予算にメリハリをつけることが大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 25, 2013) （2013年6月25日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 25, 2013 Govt needs to make unified efforts to reduce burden on Okinawa 首相沖縄訪問 政府一丸で基地負担を減らせ（6月24日付・読売社説）
To reduce the excessive burden on Okinawa Prefecture of hosting U.S. military bases, the government must make unified efforts. 沖縄の過重な米軍基地負担を軽減するため、政府は一丸となって努力する必要がある。
On Sunday, the 68th anniversary of the end of the Battle of Okinawa during World War II, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited the prefecture and attended a memorial ceremony held to console the souls of those who died in the battle. 太平洋戦争の沖縄戦で組織的戦闘が終結したとされる「慰霊の日」の２３日、安倍首相が沖縄県を訪問し、沖縄全戦没者追悼式に出席した。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera and Ichita Yamamoto, state minister for Okinawa affairs, also attended the ceremony. It marked the first participation by foreign and defense ministers since such ceremonies were first held in 1962. 式典には、岸田外相、小野寺防衛相、山本沖縄相も同席した。外相、防衛相の出席は初めてだ。
To tackle the Okinawa issues, it is essential that the ministries concerned closely cooperate with each other and coordinate views with local governments in a multitiered manner. 沖縄問題に取り組むには、関係府省の緊密な連携と、地元との重層的な調整が欠かせない。
‘Visible’ reduction
Following the ceremony, Abe said his government would implement measures to reduce the burden of Okinawa “visibly.” With regard to the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station, Abe said the Futenma base should not be permanently used. “We’d like to make efforts to realize the relocation of the base as soon as possible,” he said. 首相は式典後、基地負担軽減について「目に見える形で実施したい」と語った。米軍普天間飛行場に関しては、「固定化はあってはならない。一日も早い移設に努力を重ねたい」と強調した。
The governments of Japan and the United States announced in early April that the tracts of land, more than 1,000 hectares when combined, that are now used for the six U.S. military facilities in the southern part of the prefecture will be returned to Japan over the next 10 to 16 years. 日米両政府は４月上旬、県南部の米軍６施設について１０～１６年間程度で計１０００ヘクタール以上の広大な土地を返還する計画を発表した。
The quickest way to reduce Okinawa’s burden of hosting the U.S. bases is to steadily implement this plan. It is particularly important to realize the relocation of Futenma Air Station in Ginowan to the Henoko area of Nago. この計画の着実な実行こそが沖縄の負担を減らす最大の近道だ。 特に普天間飛行場の辺野古移設を実現することが重要である。
Both governments agreed on June 13 that the return of the residential area of western Futenma used by Camp Zukeran in Ginowan, originally scheduled for next fiscal year, would be carried out within this year. 日米両政府は今月１３日、来年度に予定していたキャンプ瑞慶覧の西普天間住宅地区の返還を年内にも前倒しすることで合意した。
This can be highly evaluated as part of the government’s efforts to improve the environment for Okinawa Gov. Yoshikazu Nakaima to approve the reclamation of land from public waters, planned in line with the relocation of the air station to the Henoko coastal area. 普天間飛行場の辺野古移設に伴う公有水面埋め立てを、仲井真弘多知事が承認しやすくするための環境整備の一環と評価できる。
It is important for the central and local governments to hold talks over those areas that are to be vacated with the return of the U.S. military facilities and discuss ways to use them more efficiently. Such efforts should be made in tandem with the implementation of various measures designed to promote the local economies of Okinawa. They would certainly enhance the significance of the return of the U.S. bases to Japan. 大切なのは、基地返還後の跡地について、政府と地元自治体などが協議し、より効率的な利用策を検討することだ。様々な沖縄振興策とも連動させたい。それが基地返還の価値を高めよう。
Promotion of economy
After the ceremony, Abe and Nakaima exchanged views over how to promote the Okinawa economy. While fostering their relationship of trust, Abe should win a broader understanding of Nakaima over the Futenma relocation to the Henoko district. 首相は式典後、沖縄振興策について知事と意見交換した。信頼関係を醸成しつつ、辺野古移設への知事の理解を広げるべきだ。
On the other hand, the reduction of Okinawa’s burden of hosting U.S. bases should be made, in principle, while maintaining the deterrence of the U.S. forces stationed in Okinawa Prefecture. 一方で、基地負担の軽減はあくまで、在沖縄米軍の抑止力の維持と両立させなければならない。
This is essential because the ability to respond rapidly and maintain mobility of the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. forces stationed in Japan has become more important in the light of the nuclear and missile development by North Korea and the rapid military buildup and aggressive actions of China. 北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や、中国の急速な軍備増強と示威活動の拡大を踏まえれば、自衛隊と米軍の即応・機動力の重要性が今、一段と増しているからだ。
The town assembly of Yonaguni, Okinawa Prefecture, approved on Thursday the lease of land to the central government needed for the deployment of a Ground Self-Defense Force unit on the Yonaguni Island to monitor coastal areas. 沖縄県与那国町議会は２０日、与那国島への陸上自衛隊沿岸監視部隊の配備に伴う町有地の国への賃貸を承認した。
The Defense Ministry and the town were once at odds over the payment of cooperation expenses to the town concerning the deployment of the GSDF unit. But they are expected to conclude the lease contract later this week. 防衛省と町は一時、陸自配備に関する町への協力費支払いをめぐって対立したが、週内にも賃貸契約を結ぶ運びだ。
For both the SDF and the U.S. forces in Japan to operate effectively, it is essential for both to build stable and amicable relations with local officials concerned. The Defense Ministry needs to continuously deepen its ties with Okinawa by making use of various opportunities in the days ahead. 自衛隊や米軍が効果的な活動を行うには、地元関係者と安定的で良好な関係を築くことが前提となる。防衛省は引き続き、様々な機会をとらえ、沖縄との関係を深めることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 24, 2013) （2013年6月24日01時40分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 25, 2013 Abenomics helped LDP, Komeito score huge victory in Tokyo poll 都議選自公完勝 アベノミクスへの期待票だ（6月24日付・読売社説）
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been given a significant boost. It remains to be seen whether the voters’ verdict this time will affect the outcome of next month’s House of Councillors election. 安倍政権にとっては大きな追い風だ。 有権者の政権に対する支持が本物かどうかは、来月の参院選で試されることになろう。
In the Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election on Sunday, all of the Liberal Democratic Party’s candidates were elected, and the LDP regained its status as the largest party in the assembly. The LDP’s coalition partner, New Komeito, also succeeded in having all of its candidates elected, and it took over as the second-largest force. 東京都議選で自民党は候補者全員が当選し、都議会第１党を奪還した。公明党も手堅く全勝し、第２党の座を占めた。
The LDP and Komeito, which form the ruling coalition, threw their support behind Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose and together far exceeded a majority of seats in the 127-seat assembly. The metropolitan government will certainly gain stability. 猪瀬直樹知事の与党である自公両党の議席が過半数を大幅に超え、都政が安定するのは間違いない。
DPJ trounced
As there were few contentious issues on how to steer the administration of the metropolitan government, the assembly election, the first major electoral contest since the second Abe Cabinet was launched in December, focused mainly on the public’s evaluation of Abenomics, the Abe administration’s handling of economic policies. 第２次安倍内閣の発足後、初の大型選挙となった都議選では、都政に関する大きな争点が不在だったこともあって、もっぱら安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」に対する評価が焦点となった。
Given the landslide victory of both the LDP and Komeito, it can safely be said the Abe administration’s key policies and its government management received a favorable rating from Tokyo voters. 自公両党の完勝によって、安倍政権の政策と政権運営は、前向きの評価を得たと言える。
However, there have been a number of recent cases in which candidates backed by the LDP have lost to incumbents in local contests, including the June 16 gubernatorial election in Shizuoka Prefecture. ただ、静岡県知事選など最近の地方選では、自民党系の候補が現職に敗れるケースが目立つ。
Commenting on the results of the Tokyo assembly election, Abe told reporters, “What we need now is to brace ourselves by deepening our sense of humility.” 安倍首相は選挙後、「今求められているのは、一層謙虚に身を引き締めていくことだ」と語った。
The DPJ, which became the largest party after the previous Tokyo assembly election in 2009, suffered a shattering defeat, plunging to fourth position in the assembly. This appears to reflect the deep-rooted distrust of voters after the party committed a number of serious blunders over the handling of national politics. It is evident that the party has failed to stop its decline in strength. 前回都議選で第１党に進出した民主党は、地滑り的な大敗を喫し、第４党に転落した。国政で失政を重ねたことに対する有権者の不信感が、いまだに根強いことの証左である。退潮傾向に歯止めはかからなかったと言えよう。
In its latest electoral campaign, the DPJ stressed the negative aspects of Abenomics by taking note of the current erratic fluctuations of stock prices and exchange rates. The party’s unyielding reproach against the government without offering counterproposals apparently failed to satisfy the electorate. 民主党は、株価や為替相場が乱高下していることなどから、アベノミクスのマイナス面を訴えた。だが、批判一辺倒で説得力に欠けたのではないか。
In the upcoming upper house race, the DPJ should have in-depth policy discussions with the LDP by presenting specific policy measures that offer an alternative to government policies. 参院選では、具体的な対案を示し、自民党との政策論争を深めてもらいたい。
Despite fielding a large number of candidates in the Tokyo assembly race, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) fared extremely poorly. This was probably due to remarks by the party’s coleader Toru Hashimoto regarding the issue of so-called comfort women. 日本維新の会は大量の候補を擁立したにもかかわらず、全く振るわなかった。橋下共同代表のいわゆる従軍慰安婦問題をめぐる発言が響いたのだろう。
During the campaign, former Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara, the other party coleader, complained about Hashimoto. In response, Hashimoto hinted he might step down from the party’s top post depending on the outcome of the Tokyo contest. 石原共同代表が選挙期間中に橋下氏に苦言を呈し、橋下氏も都議選の結果次第では辞任もあり得ると発言する事態にまで至った。
It should be noted that Tokyo is Ishihara’s hometown. The disastrous defeat of Ishin no Kai should be attributed partly to the dwindling influence of Ishihara over Tokyo voters. ただ、東京は石原氏の地元だ。今回の惨敗は石原氏の影響力低下に負う面も小さくない。
Link with upper house race
Your Party, which withdrew from an electoral cooperation accord with Ishin no Kai because of the Hashimoto remarks on the comfort women issue, did remarkably well considering it fought the election single-handedly. The party seems to have obtained some degree of support from floating voters who are averse to the LDP and the DPJ. みんなの党は、橋下発言を機に維新との選挙協力を解消して選挙に臨んだが、躍進した。自民、民主両党に批判的な無党派層の一定の受け皿になったと見られる。
The Japanese Communist Party doubled its seats in the Tokyo assembly to become the third-largest party in the assembly. This may be due to the low turnout compared with the previous Tokyo assembly election as well as its solid support base on the strength of its organizational skills. 共産党も議席を倍増し、民主党を抜いて第３党に進出した。投票率が前回を大きく下回ったことなどが、組織力のある政党を押し上げたと言えよう。
Attention is now focused on how the respective parties’ vote-garnering capabilities that have been demonstrated in the Tokyo race may affect the electoral landscape for the July upper house election. 今回の都議選で表れた各党の得票動向が、参院選にどう連動するか注目される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 24, 2013) （2013年6月24日01時40分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 24, 2013 How far is China going to heighten tensions in the region? 中国海洋強国化 地域の緊張どこまで高めるか（6月23日付・読売社説）
As long as China has committed itself to taking a path of “peaceful development,” it must take the initiative and relax tensions in its international relations. 「平和発展」を標榜(ひょうぼう)するなら、中国は率先して緊張緩和をすべきだ。
The administration of President Xi Jinping, which has declared this year the “first year for making China a maritime power,” has been accelerating moves aimed at forcibly enclosing the East China Sea and South China Sea. 今年を「海洋強国化」の元年と位置づけた習近平政権が、東シナ海と南シナ海を力で囲い込む動きを着実に加速させている。
In late April, Beijing started cruise tours to the Paracel Islands in the South China Sea, triggering a fierce reaction from Vietnam, which has been locked in a territorial dispute with China over the islets. ベトナムと領有権を争う南シナ海の西沙諸島では、４月末にクルーズ船ツアーを開始し、ベトナムの強い反発を招いた。
Each cruise tour comprises about 200 passengers who can swim and go sightseeing on the islets, in what appears to be an attempt to make the visitors tangibly feel that China wields effective control over the chain. The scale of the tours is likely to be expanded. ツアーは２００人規模で、観光や海水浴を通じて乗客に実効支配を体感させる内容だ。今後、規模を拡大するとみられる。
‘Patriotic education’
Beijing launched the cruise tour program after the city of Sansha was placed in charge of administering three island groups--the Paracel Islands, the Spratly Islands and the Macclesfield Bank--in June last year. 昨年６月に、西沙、南沙、中沙の３諸島を管轄する「三沙市」を設置したのに続く措置だ。
The cruise tours of the Paracels are considered part of China’s “maritime version of the patriotic education program,” along with the planned construction of a national maritime museum in the suburbs of Tianjin, northern China, with a view to broadening public support for Beijing’s bid to secure its maritime interests. 海洋博物館建設と並ぶ、海洋権益確保への支持を広げる「海洋版・愛国教育」の一環である。
On Wednesday, Xi met with his Vietnamese counterpart on his trip to China. A joint statement released after their talks stated the two countries will “remain calm and avoid action that could complicate or escalate a dispute.” 習国家主席は１９日、訪中したベトナム国家主席と会談した。その後の共同声明では、「争いを複雑化、拡大させる行動はとらない」としている。
That these two countries at loggerheads have agreed to prevent any further deterioration of ties over the dispute should be welcomed. It is crucial, however, that China and Vietnam abide by the accord, rather than just letting it end up as words on paper. 対立する両国が紛争悪化に歯止めをかける点で一致したことは歓迎できる。言葉だけに終わらせず、順守することが肝要だ。
In May, Chinese surveillance ships started patrols in waters surrounding the Spratly Islands that have been under the effective control of the Philippines. This is similar to China’s regular patrols by surveillance vessels since last year in waters around the Scarborough Shoal near the Macclesfield Bank. 中国はフィリピンが実効支配している南沙の一部海域で、５月に監視船の巡回を実施した。昨年来、中沙のスカボロー礁で監視船の巡回を常態化させている措置を想起させる動きである。
In February, Beijing’s first aircraft carrier, the Liaoning, docked for the first time at its homeport in Qingdao, Shangdong Provice. China is believed poised to have the Liaoning set out for a long-distance voyage before the end of the year. Flaunting its bolstered naval capabilities may be designed to put pressure on Japan, the United States and other countries. ２月には、山東省青島を中国初の空母「遼寧」の母港とした。年内にも遠洋航海させる構えだ。海軍力増強の誇示は、日本や米国に圧力をかける狙いがあろう。
Chinese surveillance ships have continued to make regular intrusions in waters near the Senkaku Islands, Okinawa Prefecture. 沖縄県・尖閣諸島周辺では、監視船の領海侵入が続いている。
In the latest U.S.-China summit meeting, President Barack Obama was quoted as telling Xi that the U.S. government would not accept China intimidating Japan, a U.S. ally. This remark can be interpreted as a warning to China over repeated provocations by its ships in the waters. Obama’s remark is important in that it will solidify the Japan-U.S. alliance. オバマ米大統領は先の米中首脳会談で、「同盟国である日本が中国に脅迫されるのを見過ごすことはできない」と述べたという。監視船による挑発を念頭に中国を牽制(けんせい)したものだろう。日米同盟強化につながる重要な発言である。
‘Shelving’ logic irrational
We cannot overlook the fact that high-ranking officials of the Xi administration are trying to change the status quo over the Senkakus by reiterating that the issue “must be shelved.” 看過できないのは、尖閣について、習政権の要人が度々「棚上げ」論を持ち出し、現状変更を図ろうとしていることだ。
Fundamentally, no territorial problem between Japan and China exists, so there is nothing to be shelved. そもそも「棚上げ」すべき領土問題は存在しない。
Back in 1992, China itself did away with the logic of “shelving” the dispute by stipulating explicitly for the first time what it claims to be China’s “sovereignty” over the Senkaku Islands in its Territorial Waters Law. １９９２年に初めて領海法で尖閣の「領有」を明記し、「棚上げ」を破棄したのは他ならぬ中国ではないか。
In a series of meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be held from late this month to early July, discussions will be made on various issues, including the principle of the “rule of law” in the South China Sea. 今月末から来月初めにかけて開かれる東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の一連の会議では、南シナ海での「法の支配」などを巡る議論が行われる。
At these meetings, the Japanese government must actively explain the historial facts involving the Senkakus and the urgent need to strictly abide by internationally acceptable rules so as to persuasively convey Japan’s position. 政府は歴史的経緯とルール厳守の緊要性を積極発信し、日本の立場を訴えていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 23, 2013) （2013年6月23日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 23, 2013 Obama's call for U.S., Russian N-cuts should help boost stability in Asia 米核軍縮提案 中国の核増強にも目を向けよ（6月22日付・読売社説）
U.S. President Barack Obama’s proposal for Russia to start new negotiations to reduce both sides’ nuclear weapons should lead to enhancement of security in Asia amid a growing mood for nuclear disarmament. 核軍縮の機運の高まりを生かし、アジアの安全保障環境の改善へつなげることが重要である。
In Berlin, Obama recently made a speech seeking such negotiated cuts with Russia. オバマ米大統領がドイツの首都ベルリンで演説し、ロシアに新たな核軍縮交渉を提案した。
Obama said he wants to reduce the maximum number of U.S. and Russian deployed strategic nuclear warheads by one-third from 1,550--set under the New START, which stands for Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty--to about 1,000 each. 戦略核弾頭の配備数の上限を、現在の米露の新戦略兵器削減条約（新ＳＴＡＲＴ）が規定する１５５０個から３分の１減らして、１０００個程度にしたいという。
He also intends to target smaller, tactical nuclear weapons, which are less powerful, for the proposed cuts. 比較的威力が小さい戦術核兵器も、削減対象に加える方針だ。
The U.S. president appears to have used the speech to express his willingness to continue to pursue nuclear disarmament during his second term in office after achieving the conclusion of the New START in his first term. オバマ氏は、任期１期目で達成した新ＳＴＡＲＴに続く核軍縮の成果を、２期目でも引き続き追求する意欲を表明したと言える。
Prospects of N-talks unclear
However, Russia has given the cold shoulder to Obama’s call, with Russian Deputy Prime Minister Dmitry Rogozin saying Moscow “can’t take such a proposal seriously.” ロシア側は、ロゴジン副首相が「真剣に受け止めることはできない」と述べるなど、提案の受け入れには否定的だ。
Russia is strongly concerned that U.S. plans for a missile defense system in Europe could weaken its nuclear deterrent capability. 米国が欧州で進めるミサイル防衛（ＭＤ）計画によって自らの核抑止力が弱まることを強く警戒しているためだ。
Therefore, prospects of the proposed nuclear disarmament negotiations are dim. But the United States and Russia, both nuclear superpowers, in particular bear responsibility for ensuring world stability. 軍縮交渉の行方は不透明だ。それでも核大国の米露両国には、世界の安定に特別の責任がある。
At present, there are reportedly more than 10,000 nuclear weapons in the world, of which 95 percent are owned by these two countries. It is not convincing if they urge other countries to refrain from having nuclear weapons or to reduce their nuclear arsenals without making any reductions themselves. We hope the both countries will keep that point in mind and sincerely work on nuclear reductions. 世界には１万を超す核兵器がある。その９５％を保有する両国が、自らの核を削減せずに、いくら他国に核を持つな、核を減らせ、と言っても、説得力は持つまい。その点を自覚して、核軍縮に真摯(しんし)に取り組んでもらいたい。
In making the proposal, Obama also said his country would work together with its North Atlantic Treaty Organization allies to seek cuts in U.S. and Russian strategic nuclear weapons. 今回の核軍縮提案に際し、オバマ氏は、戦術核の削減へ向け、北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）の同盟国とも協力すると述べた。
N-weapons spreading in Asia
Meanwhile, the ability of Obama, who won the Nobel Peace Prize for his vision and work to seek “a world without nuclear weapons,” likely will be tested over his future efforts in Asia, where nuclear weapons have spread. 「核兵器のない世界」の理念を掲げてノーベル平和賞を受賞したオバマ氏の真価が問われているのは、核を巡る環境が悪化しているアジアでの取り組みだ。
Currently, China has about 250 nuclear warheads. China, India and Pakistan have been building up their nuclear arsenals while North Korea has conducted three nuclear tests, pressing ahead with its efforts to develop nuclear missiles. 中国の核弾頭は２５０個に達している。その中国やインド、パキスタンは核兵器を増強し、北朝鮮は核実験を３度強行して核ミサイル武装化にひた走っている。
In Japan, which depends on the U.S. “nuclear umbrella” amid such circumstances, some people may worry that Washington’s push for nuclear reductions could have adverse effects on regional stability in Asia. 米国の“核の傘”に抑止力を頼っている日本としては、こうした状況で米国が核軍縮を進めれば、かえって地域の安定が損われはしまいか、とも懸念される。
However, Obama said in the Berlin speech, “I’ve determined that we can ensure the security of America and our allies, and maintain a strong and credible strategic deterrent,” even if the United States and Russia reduce their nuclear weapons in line with Obama’s proposal. Such remarks are reassuring. オバマ氏が、今回提案の核削減を実行しても、「米国と同盟国の安全は確保でき、抑止力を維持できる」と述べたことは心強い。
Meanwhile, we urge China to promote nuclear reductions in tandem with the United States and Russia. Chinese President Xi Jinping and Obama have agreed to push for North Korea’s denuclearization. To urge Pyongyang to abandon nuclear weapons, however, Beijing should scale down its own nuclear capability. 中国には、米露に協調して核削減を進めるよう、強く求めたい。中国の習近平国家主席はオバマ氏と、北朝鮮の非核化で一致した。北朝鮮に核放棄を迫るためにも自らの核軍縮が求められよう。
Also, to allow the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty to come into force as early as possible, Washington and Beijing should work together to build support in their countries to ratify it. 核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期発効へ、条約批准を急ぐ点でも米中は協調すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 22, 2013) （2013年6月22日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 22, 2013 Fed needed to steer policy for preventing market turmoil ＦＲＢ出口戦略 市場の混乱防ぐ舵取りが要る（6月21日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board is poised to begin scaling back by the end of the year its third round of quantitative monetary easing, a huge stimulus program known as QE3 that has helped shore up the U.S. economy. 米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、米国景気を下支えしてきた異例の規模の量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）を、年内に縮小し始める見通しだ。
Fed Chairman Ben Bernanke, in a press conference Wednesday following a two-day meeting of the bank's monetary policy panel, the Federal Open Market Committee, revealed for the first time the central bank's “exit strategy” for normalizing its ultra-easy monetary policy. バーナンキＦＲＢ議長は１９日、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）後に記者会見し、金融政策を正常に戻す「出口戦略」を初めて明らかにした。
Regarding QE3, under which the the Fed purchases Treasury and mortgage-backed bonds at a monthly pace of $85 billion (about 8.2 trillion yen), Bernanke said it would be “appropriate to moderate the monthly pace of purchases later this year...and we will continue to reduce the pace of purchases in measured steps through the first half of next year, ending purchases around mid-year,” as long as the country sustains its economic recovery. 景気回復が順調に進めば、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・２兆円）買い入れているＱＥ３について、「年後半にペースを縮小し、来年半ばに購入を終了するのが適切」と述べた。
Sign of confidence
The Fed's announcement of a policy shift toward reducing QE3 and clearly stating a goal for ending it, while predicated on the condition that the U.S. economy continues to grow as expected, received attention worldwide and is certain to have wide-ranging effects. 条件付きながら、焦点だったＱＥ３の縮小と終了時期を表明した影響は大きい。
Ever since the financial crisis that erupted following the collapse of Lehman Brothers in September 2008, the U.S. central bank has carried out quantitative easing three times to end the crisis and prop up business activity. ２００８年のリーマン・ショック後、ＦＲＢは、金融危機を収束させるとともに、景気テコ入れのため、量的緩和策を３回にわたって実施してきた。
The long-awaited launch of an exit strategy signals the central bank is ready to make a major change to policies that were aimed at coping with an emergency situation. いよいよ出口戦略に動き出すことは、非常時に対応した政策の転換を意味する。
Bernanke’s bold remarks appear to be backed by confidence in the fundamentals of the U.S. economy, which have indicated recovery recently. He may also have thought it necessary to dispel a sense of uncertainty in the market over the future of U.S. monetary policy. 議長の踏み込んだ発言には、最近の米国の景気回復基調に自信を深めていることがうかがえる。金融政策の先行き不透明感を払拭したい狙いもあるのだろう。
Stock prices in New York, however, tumbled on Wednesday with the Dow Jones industrial average closing more than 200 points lower than the previous day, while prices on the Tokyo Stock Exchange also dropped sharply on Thursday. しかし、１９日のニューヨーク株式市場の株価は、前日比２００ドル以上も値下がりし、２０日の東京市場の株価も大幅に下落した。
These declines were largely due to a surge in investors selling shares out of fears that cash flowing into the market may dwindle. 株式市場への資金流入が減少するとの懸念から、日米とも売りが膨らんだのが主因だ。
In the wake of Bernanke’s statement, concerns will likely persist over erratic fluctuations in stock prices and foreign exchange rates in the world's markets, which will present the Fed with the knotty task of preventing market confusion. 今後も、世界の株価や為替相場の乱高下を招く恐れがある。市場の混乱防止へ、ＦＲＢは難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られる。
Toward the end of last year, the Fed said it would not lift short-term interest rates from zero until the unemployment rate shrinks to 6.5 percent, while also keeping an eye on inflation. The easy-money measure has been in place since December 2008. ＦＲＢは昨年末、異例策の一環として０８年１２月から続けるゼロ金利政策の解除については、インフレ率を見ながら、「失業率が６・５％に下がるまで続ける」という方針を示している。
It is widely believed, however, that the U.S. jobless rate will not move from the current 7.6 percent to the Fed's target until 2014 at the earliest. Improvement in the U.S. employment situation has remained slow, making a full-fledged economic recovery uncertain. ただし、現在７・６％の失業率が６・５％に低下するのは早くても１４年とみられる。雇用情勢の改善は緩慢で、本格的な景気回復は不透明だ。
Learn from U.S. challenges
Moreover, possible adverse impacts on business activities of fiscal belt-tightening by the administration of President Barack Obama cannot be underestimated. オバマ政権の財政引き締めの悪影響も軽視できない。
Will the Fed be able to lift its zero interest rate policy after bringing QE3 to an end without causing market tumult? In this respect, we urge the central bank to use all the tools at its disposal to maintain a “dialogue with the market.” 混乱なくＱＥ３を終了させ、それに続いて、ゼロ金利政策解除にいつ踏み切るか。ＦＲＢは、「市場との対話」をさらに工夫することが求められよう。
The Bank of Japan, which has also implemented an extraordinary monetary easing policy, should learn from challenges the Fed is now addressing. 異次元の量的緩和策を続ける日本銀行にとっても、ＦＲＢの課題は「他山の石」と言える。
The BOJ needs to maintain its focus on ending deflation and resuscitating the national economy to maximize the effects of its monetary policy. But sooner or later, the central bank will need to seriously examine how it will dial back these policies. 当面は、デフレ脱却や日本経済再生を最優先し、緩和効果の最大化を図るべきだが、将来の出口戦略に向け、いずれ本格的に検討を進める必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 21, 2013) （2013年6月21日01時20分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 21, 2013 Japan, Abenomics grabbed spotlight at G-8 summit meeting Ｇ８首脳宣言 日本経済が久々に示す存在感（6月20日付・読売社説）
For the first time in many years, a Japanese prime minister has grabbed the spotlight in the international arena. Now all eyes are on whether Shinzo Abe can steadily implement his policies to rejuvenate Japan’s economy, a pledge the prime minister presented to world leaders at the recent Group of Eight summit meeting. 久しぶりに日本の首相が存在感を示した。公約となった日本経済の再生に向け、政策の着実な実行が求められよう。
The summit meeting, held at Lough Erne, Northern Ireland, concluded Tuesday after the adoption of a joint statement. Leaders of Japan, the United States, Germany, and other G-8 nations took part in the meeting. 英国の北アイルランドで行われた日米独など主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）は、首脳宣言を採択し、閉幕した。
“Global economic prospects remain weak,” the statement said, stressing the necessity for countries “to press ahead with the necessary reforms to restore sustainable growth and jobs.” 宣言は「世界経済の成長見通しは弱い」との認識を示した上で、「持続可能な回復へ断固たる行動が必要」と強調した。
The eurozone economy is still trapped in negative growth, and the growth of China and other emerging nations, which have been serving as the locomotive of the world economy, has lost steam. It was absolutely necessary for the G-8 nations to reconfirm their unity at the summit. ユーロ圏はマイナス成長が続き、牽引(けんいん)役だった中国など新興国の景気減速も目立つ。Ｇ８が結束を再確認したのは適切である。
Expectations for Abenomics
One of the agenda items discussed at the meeting was Abenomics, the economic policy of the Abe administration. During the meeting, Abe told world leaders that “Japan’s economic development will give a boost to the economic progress of the world.” 今回、焦点の一つになったのが安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」だ。安倍首相は会議で、「日本経済の発展が世界経済の発展に貢献する」と説明した。
It is noteworthy that the statement referred to the so-called “three arrows” of Abenomics--bold monetary easing, fiscal stimulus and growth strategy. The statement gave a positive assessment to Abenomics, saying that the three arrows would underpin the nation’s growth. 宣言が大胆な金融緩和、財政刺激策、成長戦略という「３本の矢」に言及し、「日本の成長を支える」と評価した意味は重い。
Japan must work hard to meet this global expectation and speed up its efforts to conquer deflation and rejuvenate its economy. 日本は期待に応え、世界の成長に寄与できるよう、デフレ脱却と経済再生を急がねばならない。
However, the statement did not forget to make requests of Japan, whose fiscal condition is the worst among advanced nations. Japan needs to “address the challenge of defining a credible medium-term fiscal plan,” the statement said. 先進国最悪の財政状況にある日本には、厳しい注文も付いた。宣言が「信頼できる中期的な財政計画」を求めたことだ。
The Abe administration plans to draw up a medium-term fiscal plan this summer. It is crucial for the government to show in the fiscal plan a concrete path toward simultaneously achieving the goals of economic growth and fiscal rehabilitation. After announcing the plan, the government must make wholehearted efforts to realize it. 政府は、今夏策定する中期財政計画で、成長と財政再建の両立への具体的な道筋を示し、その実現を図ることが肝要である。
The statement said open trade is a key engine of global economic growth. It listed ongoing free trade talks, such as the Trans-Pacific Partnership framework talks in which Japan is involved, and added that the G-8 nations “aim to finalize all these deals as soon as possible.” In this regard, we urge the Abe administration to speed up its preparations for agricultural liberalization. 世界が成長するための原動力は自由貿易推進だとして、宣言は、日本が参加する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉などについて「可能な限り速やかな完結を目指す」と明記した。日本は、農業自由化への対応を急ぐべきだ。
Regarding the problem of tax avoidance, or global companies trying to reduce their tax payments by exploiting low tax rates of certain countries, the G-8 leaders agreed to speed up their efforts to create an international legal framework to prevent such moves. This is an important step forward--we urge Japan to play a leading role in establishing a framework that enables countries to fairly collect taxes from companies. グローバル企業が税率の低い国の制度を利用して節税している問題に関し、Ｇ８首脳が、課税逃れ防止の国際ルール作りを急ぐことで合意したのは前進だろう。日本などが主導し、適正に徴税できる仕組みを整えてもらいたい。
Pile pressure on N. Korea
The G-8 leaders also agreed to take concerted action on measures against terrorism in North Africa, in light of January’s hostage crisis at an Algerian natural gas complex. This is also a laudable development. 一方、１月のアルジェリア人質事件を受け、北アフリカ諸国でのテロ対策にＧ８が協調することで一致したのは評価できる。
The joint statement demanded North Korea to abandon its nuclear and ballistic missile programs and refrain from taking provocative actions. It also urged Pyongyang to address the concerns of the international community over its human rights violations, including the abduction issue. 宣言は、北朝鮮に核・弾道ミサイル計画の放棄を要求し、挑発行為の自制を促した。懸案の拉致問題を巡っても、人権侵害に関する懸念の解消に取り組むことを北朝鮮に強く求めた。
We believe it suggests that Abe’s message on North Korean problems was appreciated by the G-8 leaders. Abe has been keen to express Japan’s stance on the issue. 首相が日本の立場を主張し、理解を得た成果と言える。
The G-8 leaders should also seek to join hands with China to urge North Korea to comply with U.N. Security Council resolutions as well as obligations stipulated in a joint statement issued in six-party talks on Pyongyang’s nuclear program. Ｇ８は中国とも連携し、北朝鮮に対し、国連安全保障理事会の決議や、核問題に関する６か国協議の共同声明にある義務を履行するよう、強く働きかけるべきだ。
(From the Yomiuri Shimbun, June 20, 2013) （2013年6月20日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 20, 2013 No end in sight for Syrian civil war, as arms support grows on both sides Ｇ８とシリア 依然見つからない内戦の出口（6月19日付・読売社説）
How can the Syrian civil war be brought to an end? Leaders of the Group of Eight major powers should do their utmost to put an agreement on this issue reached in their latest meeting into practice. シリアの内戦をいかに終結させるか。各国首脳は、今回の合意実現へ、最大限努力すべきだ。
Regarding the Syrian situation, a focus of attention at the two-day G-8 summit meeting in Northern Ireland, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other leaders agreed to seek an international conference as early as possible to end the bloodshed in the Middle East country. 英国・北アイルランドで開かれた主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）で、安倍首相ら参加国首脳は、焦点のシリア情勢について、流血の惨事を終わらせるため国際会議の早期開催を目指すことで合意した。
The agreement came after U.S. President Barack Obama and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed in a separate meeting to hold such a conference. オバマ米大統領とプーチン露大統領が個別に会談し、一致したことを踏まえたものだ。
Although Obama and Putin reiterated their shared recognition that an international conference is important for dealing with the Syria situation, their views on the matter still differ widely. 国際会議が重要だという認識を改めて共有したとは言え、米露首脳の見解の差は依然、大きい。
A quagmire of violence
During the summit meeting, Obama and Putin were unable to resolve their differences. While Obama considers the creation of a transitional government in Syria without Syrian President Bashar Assad as a goal of the envisaged international conference, Putin opposes any move to remove Assad from power. 米露首脳会談では、「アサド大統領抜き」の「シリア移行政府」作りを会議の目的とするオバマ氏と、アサド氏排除に反対するプーチン氏の対立は解けなかった。
The Syrian civil war has turned into a quagmire, with the violence becoming increasingly severe. The death toll has topped 90,000 in the about two years since demonstrations calling for Assad's resignation started. The situation is serious. 内戦は泥沼化し、厳しさを増している。アサド退陣を求めるデモの発生から２年余りで死者数は９万人を超した。深刻な事態だ。
The international community is divided into pro-Assad and anti-Assad groups. 国際社会はアサド政権の擁護派と反対派に割れている。
The European Union, which has criticized the suppression of human rights by the Assad administration, lifted a ban on arms exports to Syria, paving the way for supplying weapons to Syrian rebels. アサド政権の人権弾圧を批判する欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、シリアへの武器禁輸を解除し、反体制派への武器供与に道を開いた。
The United States, meanwhile, has decided to provide military assistance to the Syrian rebels, after saying it had evidence that the Assad administration had used chemical weapons. It is widely believed that Washington will soon provide Syrian rebels with ammunition and other military supplies. 米国も、「アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したことを確認した」として、反体制派への軍事支援を決めた。近く弾薬などの供与に踏み切るのでは、と見られる。
In contrast, Russia, which backs the Syrian government, argued that the United States’ assertion is groundless and plans to support the Assad administration by offering surface-to-air missiles. これに対して、シリア政府の後ろ盾となってきたロシアは、米側の主張には根拠がないと反発し、地対空ミサイルの供与でアサド政権を支える方針だ。
Lebanon’s Hizbollah militia, which is supported by Iran, has recently joined the Syrian government forces. There is no sign of the war subsiding. 政府軍には最近、レバノンに拠点を置きイランの支援を受ける武装組織ヒズボラも加勢した。戦火が収まる気配は見えない。
It is necessary to get facts about the alleged use of chemical weapons by the Assad government, which is one reason for the mutual distrust between Washington and Moscow. 米露の相互不信の一因になっている化学兵器問題では、事実関係を検証する必要がある。
Peace talks needed
Unless peace talks get on track, the Syrian civil war may drag on and there also is concern that it could destabilize surrounding countries. 和平協議が軌道に乗らねば、内戦は長期化して、周辺諸国まで不安定化する事態が懸念される。
Taking advantage of the ongoing civil war, Islamic militants linked to Al-Qaida, an international terrorist network, have expanded their influence. Is there not a risk that some of the large amount of arms to be distributed could land in the hands of terrorist groups? 国際テロ組織アル・カーイダとつながるイスラム過激派も、内戦に乗じて勢力を拡大している。大量に出回る武器が、テロ組織に拡散する恐れはないのか。
Meanwhile, the number of Syrian refugees who fled to Jordan and other neighboring countries has exceeded 1.5 million. Taking in these refugees is a heavy burden for those countries. 一方、ヨルダンなど周辺諸国に逃れた難民は、１５０万人を超えた。受け入れ国の負担は重い。
During the G-8 summit meeting, Abe announced the government will offer $10 million in emergency grant aid to assist evacuees in Syria and refugees, as well as provide yen loans worth $120 million to Jordan. 安倍首相はＧ８サミットで、国内避難民や難民を支援する１０００万ドルの緊急無償資金協力や、ヨルダンに対する１億２０００万ドル相当の円借款供与を表明した。
It is necessary to seek a political solution for ending the Syrian civil war, and G-8 countries must provide as much humanitarian assistance as possible. 政治的な解決を図るとともに、各国が可能な限りの人道支援を進めることも必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 19, 2013) （2013年6月19日02時11分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 19, 2013 Will Iran’s hard-line stance change under new president? イラン大統領選 対外強硬路線は修正されるか（6月18日付・読売社説）
How can Iran’s newly elected president live up to the people’s will expressed in the presidential election? We hope the new leader will first tackle the task of mending relations with foreign countries. 選挙に表れた民意にどう応えるのか。政権交代を機に、まずは対外関係の修復を期待したい。
Hasan Rowhani, a conservative and moderate candidate, emerged victorious in the election held Saturday at a time when Iran has become increasingly isolated internationally due to its nuclear development. Rowhani, a cleric, won overwhelmingly after calling for improved relations with the United States and Europe. 核開発で国際的孤立を深めているイランで大統領選挙が行われ、米欧との関係改善を掲げた保守穏健派のロハニ師が当選した。
Rowhani garnered more than half of the votes cast to score a stunning victory over a conservative hard-liner who had been billed as the leading candidate. ５０％を超える得票率で、有力と目された保守強硬派の候補に大差をつけての勝利である。
In acknowledging his win, Rowhani said it was “a victory of wisdom over radicalism.” He appears to be willing to follow a line that maintains a distance from that of the current administration. ロハニ師は「過激主義に対する知恵の勝利だ」と宣言した。現政権とは一線を画す立場だ。
It will be desirable for the international community if Rowhani shifts from the hard-line diplomatic policy pursued by outgoing President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, who caused alarm by making provocative statements such as calling for Israel “to be wiped off the map.” イスラエルを「地図から消し去るべきだ」など挑発的言動が目立ったアフマディネジャド大統領の強硬な外交路線を転換するなら、国際社会にとっても望ましい。
Behind Rowhani’s resounding victory is a sense of stagnation that is enveloping Iranian society. ロハニ師大勝の背景には、イラン社会に広がる閉塞感がある。
During Ahmadinejad’s two terms over eight years, tight controls were placed on reformist politicians and freedom of speech. The United States and Europe have imposed economic sanctions in response to Iran’s continued nuclear development. This led to decreased crude oil exports and skyrocketing domestic prices of goods, which has stung people’s livelihoods. 現大統領の２期８年の在任中、改革派の政治家や言論は封じ込められた。核開発継続を理由に米欧から科せられた制裁で、原油輸出が落ち込み、物価も高騰して、国民生活は困窮している。
A mandate to end impasse
Iranian voters, it may be said, have given Rowhani a mandate to break the stalemate. 有権者は、事態打開をロハニ師に託したと言える。
A focal point is how he will deal with the nuclear issue. 焦点は、核問題での対応だ。
Iran has been pressing ahead with uranium enrichment in defiance of U.N. Security Council resolutions. Tehran has enriched some uranium to 20 percent, far exceeding the 3.5 percent of nuclear fuel used at nuclear power plants. This unavoidably has stirred suspicions that Iran aims to develop nuclear weapons. イランは、国連安全保障理事会の決議を無視してウラン濃縮活動を続けている。濃縮度も原子力発電所の核燃料に使われる３・５％を上回る２０％にまで高めた。核兵器開発を狙っているのでは、と疑われても仕方あるまい。
The five permanent members of the U.N. Security Council and Germany have placed highest priority of having Iran stop production of uranium enriched to 20 percent. 安保理常任理事国とドイツの６か国は、濃縮度２０％ウランの生産停止を最優先で求めている。
It is natural that the United States and European countries have urged Iran anew after the election to quickly resolve the nuclear issue diplomatically. 選挙後、米欧諸国が核問題の迅速な外交的解決を改めてイランに呼びかけたのは、当然だ。
During the Iranian administration led by reformist President Mohammad Khatami from 1997 to 2005, Rowhani showed flexibility as he conducted nuclear negotiations with Britain, France and Germany. Nevertheless, little optimism can be warranted at this time. ロハニ師は、改革派のハタミ前政権下で英仏独との核交渉の責任者を務め、柔軟姿勢を示した経歴があるが、楽観はできない。
Khamenei holds real power
In Iran, supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei holds the reins of power, including diplomatic decisions. Under the union of religion and politics in Iran, there can be no change in nuclear policy unless it is approved by Khamenei. Can such a key person change Iran’s policy stance? イランでは、外交決定権を含め実権は最高指導者ハメネイ師にある。政教一致体制の下、ハメネイ師の同意抜きに核政策の変更はあり得ない。カギを握るハメネイ師が政策転換できるのかどうか。
Israel has not ruled out the option of a military strike to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons. Military tension in the region will heighten if Iran continues its nuclear development. イスラエルは、イランの核兵器保有を阻止するために、攻撃も辞さない構えだ。イランの核開発が続けば、軍事的緊張は高まる。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed hope that Iran’s change of president will bring about concrete progress toward resolving the nuclear issue. Japan will lean on the new adminisration to achieve that goal by utilizing their “traditional relationship of friendship” as leverage. 菅官房長官は、イランの大統領交代が、核問題の解決に向けて「具体的な進展」をもたらすことに期待感を表明した。日本としても、「伝統的な友好関係」をテコに働きかける考えだ。
Japan relies on the Middle East for most of its crude oil imports, so ensuring stability in the region is a matter of life and death. The Iranian situation demands constant vigilance. 原油の輸入を中東地域に依存する日本にとって、地域の安定は死活的に重要だ。イラン情勢から目を離すわけにはいかない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 18, 2013) （2013年6月18日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 18, 2013 Safeguarding intellectual property rights key to competing globally 知財ビジョン 国際競争に勝つための体制に（6月17日付・読売社説）
Intellectual property rights such as patents and trademarks relevant to cutting-edge technologies are undoubtedly the source of the international competitiveness of the nation’s industries. 最先端技術の特許や商標などの知的財産権は、日本の産業競争力の源泉だ。
The need has been increasing for further strengthening joint private-public arrangements to effectively utilize the nation’s intellectual properties. 知財を有効活用する官民の体制を一層強化する必要がある。
The government has drawn up a “vision of intellectual property policy” with a view to laying out Japan’s approach toward handling intellectual property rights for the next 10 years, while deciding on a set of “basic principles” on the matter. 政府は、今後１０年間を見据えた「知的財産政策ビジョン」と、その「基本方針」を決めた。
It’s been 11 years since the country laid down an outline of intellectual property strategy. ２００２年に日本が知的財産戦略大綱を策定してから、１１年が過ぎた。
In recent years, manufacturing businesses in such countries as South Korea and China have grown stronger, intensifying global competition among companies, including those in the United States and Europe, which place high importance on the protection of intellectual property rights. 最近では、韓国や中国などの製造業が台頭し、知財を重視する欧米企業を含めて、グローバル競争が激化している。
In-house inventions a focus
It is reasonable that the government, having a heightened sense of crisis over the circumstances, has embarked on overhauling the nation’s intellectual property policy in a way well-suited to the times. The envisioned policy shift can be expected to provide impetus to the growth strategy being undertaken by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 政府が危機感を高め、時代の変化に合わせて知財政策を練り直したのは適切だ。成長戦略に弾みをつける効果も期待できよう。
Worthy of note in the envisioned policy is a new idea concerning “in-house inventions,” or inventions created by employees while performing research and development activities for their firms. 今回、注目されるのは、企業の研究者らが仕事上で発明した「職務発明」の特許権に関する新たな方針である。
In the basic principles, the government has proposed two options for discussion: reviewing the current patent system, which stipulates patent ownership belongs to employees, so as to have the ownership belong to companies; or requiring patent ownership to be covered in a contract between the employee and the employer. 従業員に権利が帰属すると規定した現在の制度を見直し、会社に帰属させるか、あるいは、帰属先を企業と従業員の間の契約で決めるという２案を示した。
There have been many instances in which employees dissatisfied with the compensation paid by their companies in return for their in-house inventions have sued the companies, causing the firms to be ordered to pay huge sums of settlement money. The government-proposed changes of patent ownership is in response to demands from businesses to rectify the situation. 職務発明の対価に不満を持つ従業員に訴えられ、企業が巨額の和解金を支払う例が多い。是正を求める産業界に配慮したものだ。
If the changes take effect, businesses will find the risks of being subject to patent ownership-related lawsuits mitigated, making it easier for them to craft management strategies by flexibly utilizing patents. 企業にとっては、訴訟リスクが軽減され、特許権を活用した経営戦略を描きやすくなる。
On the other hand, there are concerns the policy shift would affect adversely the willingness of researchers to engage in R&D and end up in a brain drain overseas. 一方で、研究者の開発意欲を殺(そ)ぐことや、人材の海外流出も懸念される。
The government is set to clarify the pros and cons of the two envisaged steps. Further studies and in-depth discussions should be carried out from the standpoint of beefing up Japan’s industrial competitiveness. 政府は今後、２案を絞り込む。産業競争力を強化する観点から、さらに検討してもらいたい。
The proposals are worthy of high marks because they seek the enhancement of support for small and midsize businesses, which are delaying charting out intellectual property strategies on their own. These proposals should make it easier for them to develop human resources relevant to patent matters with the support of experts, such as chartered patent agents. 知財戦略作りが遅れている中小企業向けに、弁理士など専門家による人材育成といった支援策の充実を求めた点も評価できる。
The basic principles have also incorporated steps for sending from Japan patent examiners to emerging economies in such areas as Asia to help them build infrastructure with an eye toward protecting intellectual property rights. 基本方針は、日本から特許審査官をアジアなど新興国に派遣し、知財保護の基盤作りを支援することも盛り込んだ。
While an increasing number of Japanese companies are branching out abroad, intellectual property right protection is insufficient in emerging countries, which is a major impediment to Japanese firms’ efforts to expand there. Having a “Japan model” spread overseas in this respect will greatly benefit Japanese businesses. 日本企業の海外展開が目立つが、新興国では知財保護が不十分で、日本企業の事業拡大の足かせになっている。日本モデルを浸透させるメリットは大きい。
Increase patent examiners
A key issue is how to prevent important technological information from illegally flowing out to emerging countries and others. 課題は、日本の重要な技術情報が新興国などに不正流出することをどう防ぐかだ。
The basic principles have rightly pointed out the need for strengthening the nation’s intellectual property right protection arrangements. Information leakage abroad is a serious problem that could shake the very foundation of Japan’s industries. 基本方針は保護策の強化を指摘した。情報漏えいは日本の産業基盤を揺るがしかねない深刻な問題である。
Steps should be taken to prevent retirees and others from taking technological information out of the country. Such measures as encouraging companies and their employees to conclude an agreement on maintaining confidentiality of corporate secrets should be promptly put into force. 退職者などが日本の技術情報を持ち出さないよう手立てを講じたい。企業が従業員と秘密保持契約を結ぶことを促す指針を策定するなどの対策を急ぐべきだ。
Compared to the United States and European countries, Japan has few government officials in charge of screening patent applications and related matters. It is critical to increase the number of patent examiners to ensure prompt acquisition of patent ownership and its effective use. 欧米に比べて、特許などを審査する特許庁の要員は少ない。特許を速やかに権利化し、活用するには審査官増員も欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 17, 2013) （2013年6月17日01時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 17, 2013 Kawasaki Heavy power struggle keeping market on tenterhooks 川重社長解任 合併で混乱招いた社内抗争劇（6月16日付・読売社説）
It is unusual in Japan to see the head of a major company suddenly dismissed. The market is now watching with a sharp eye the confusion caused by a power struggle within a major company. 企業トップが突然、解任される異例の展開である。社内抗争による混乱に市場の目は厳しい。
Kawasaki Heavy Industries Ltd. dismissed President Satoshi Hasegawa and two other directors during an ad hoc board meeting on Thursday. The three had been pushing merger talks with Mitsui Engineering & Shipbuilding Co. The company also said it decided to scrap the integration talks. 川崎重工業が１３日の臨時取締役会で、三井造船との合併交渉を推進していた長谷川聡社長ら３人の取締役を解任した。交渉の打ち切りも決めた。
Shigeru Murayama, who was promoted to president from senior vice president, said “a strong sense of distrust had developed” regarding their assertive way of pursuing the merger talks because the three had acted as if “the integration was a foregone conclusion.” It was an agonizing decision to dismiss them, he added. 常務から昇格した村山滋新社長は記者会見で、「合併ありきの姿勢に強い不信感を覚えた。苦渋の決断だ」と述べた。
What happened is in effect a palace coup staged jointly by Murayama and others to stop the merger plan with Mitsui Engineering. 合併構想を阻止するために、村山氏らが結束した事実上の社内クーデターと言えよう。
In the shipbuilding and heavy machinery industry, Kawasaki Heavy is the nation's second largest company and Mitsui Engineering is the fifth. News reports revealed their integration talks at the end of April. If realized, the integration would have created a giant company with combined consolidated sales approaching 2 trillion yen. 造船・重機業界２位の川崎重工と５位の三井造船の合併交渉は、４月末の報道で明るみに出た。実現すれば、連結売上高２兆円弱の大型再編になるはずだった。
Japanese shipbuilding companies once dominated the global market. Today, however, Chinese and South Korean rivals have overtaken Japanese companies. 日本の造船業界はかつて世界を席巻したが、今では、中国や韓国メーカーに追い抜かれている。
It happened mainly because Japanese firms have suffered from a becalmed global shipbuilding market after the so-called Lehman shock and the negative effects of the super strong yen. They are also at a disadvantage to other Asian rivals in cost competitiveness. リーマン・ショック後の世界的な造船市況の低迷と、超円高の打撃を受けたうえ、コスト競争力で劣っているのが主因だ。
Surviving fierce contest
Mizuho Corporate Bank, the main bank financing Kawasaki Heavy and Mitsui Engineering, acted as a middleman in their merger planning. The plan can be seen as one tactic aimed at survival in a fierce global contest. 川崎重工と三井造船の合併構想は、主力取引銀行のみずほコーポレート銀行が仲介役となった。激しい国際競争を生き残るための一つの選択肢だったのだろう。
In January, shipbuilding companies related to JFE Holdings, Inc. and IHI Corp. were integrated. Moves by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and Imabari Shipbuilding Co., Ltd. to enhance their partnership apparently pushed Kawasaki Heavy and Mitsui Engineering toward the possible merger. １月にはＪＦＥ系とＩＨＩ系の造船子会社が統合した。提携関係を深めている三菱重工業と今治造船の動きも、川崎重工と三井造船の背中を押したとみられる。
Within Kawasaki Heavy, however, opinions about the integration were greatly divided. Supporters and opponents to the merger plan apparently had different views on the actual businesses of the company. しかし、川崎重工社内は合併の賛否で割れていた。経営実態への感度の差もあったのでないか。
Shipbuilding accounts for only 10 percent of Kawasaki Heavy’s sales. Manufacturing of trains, aerospace equipment and motorcycles is considered the company's major business. 売上高のうち、造船部門はわずか１割に過ぎない。むしろ主力事業は、鉄道車両、航空宇宙、オートバイなどである。
Many strongly opposed the merger plan, arguing that it was expected to create synergies for the shipbuilding section but would not benefit the other unrelated sections much. 三井造船との合併で造船部門では相乗効果が期待できても、非造船部門はメリットが薄いとして、合併反対論も強かった。
Industrial reorganization
Against this background, we urge Kawasaki Heavy to reflect on its past conduct of not disclosing important management information to the market at appropriate times. The company initially denied the preliminary merger talks but suddenly admitted them on Thursday. 川崎重工が重要な経営情報を市場に適時開示していなかった点には反省を促したい。当初、合併交渉を否定しておきながら、１３日に一転して認めたからだ。
Attention will now focus on what management strategies the two companies will develop in the wake of the merger talks being scrapped. 今後の焦点は、合併交渉の白紙を受け、両社がそれぞれ、どんな経営戦略を打ち出すかだ。
The new Kawasaki Heavy president said the company will continue to study the possibilities of integration, merger and acquisition, and partnership, but the specific proposals Murayama will make remain to be seen. It is also important for the company to readjust its relations with the main financing banks. 「合併・買収（Ｍ＆Ａ）や連携は引き続き検討する」と述べた村山新社長の具体策が問われる。取引銀行との再調整も課題だ。
Meanwhile, Mitsui Engineering, whose business performance is sluggish, has a rocky road ahead. 一方、業績が低迷している三井造船の前途は多難である。
The government revealed its policy to support industrial reorganization as a measure to enhance competitiveness of Japanese companies. However, the failed merger negotiations between Kawasaki Heavy and Mitsui Engineering proves that industrial organization is never an easy job. 政府は、競争力強化策として産業再編を支援する方針を示した。だが、川崎重工と三井造船の交渉破談は、再編が決して容易ではないことを浮き彫りにしている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 16, 2013) （2013年6月16日付 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 15, 2013 Tokyo assembly poll foreshadows result of upper house elections 東京都議選告示 参院選を占う先行指標となる（6月14日付・読売社説）
The results of the June 23 Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election, with about 10 million voters, will be a harbinger of results in the House of Councillors election scheduled for next month. 有権者約１０００万人の首都決戦は来月の参院選の先行指標となる。
A major issue in the metropolitan assembly election will be what judgment parties make on Abenomics, the economic policy of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government. 安倍政権の経済政策である「アベノミクス」をどう評価するかが大きな争点となろう。
The official campaign period for the election starts Friday. However, the de facto election campaign is already overheating, with presidents and senior officials of political parties running to and fro in Tokyo. 東京都議選が、きょう告示される。各党の党首、幹部クラスがすでに都内を走り回るなど、事実上の選挙戦が過熱している。
The metropolitan assembly election attracts a lot of attention because in the past it has often foreshadowed the results of national elections held soon afterward. 都議選が注目されるのは、直後の国政選と連動することが多いからだ。
Will history repeat?
In the previous metropolitan assembly election of 2009, for instance, the Liberal Democratic Party suffered a crushing defeat while the Democratic Party of Japan made a remarkable breakthrough to become the assembly’s largest group. It was as if the poll projected the results of the House of Representatives election the following month, which brought about a change of government. 前回２００９年は、自民党が大敗し、民主党が躍進を遂げて都議会最大会派となった。翌月の衆院選での政権交代を告げるような結果だった。
In the upcoming metropolitan assembly election, the LDP is trying to become the largest party in the assembly again and to secure a stable majority with its partner New Komeito. 今回、自民党は都議会第１党の座を奪還し、公明党とともに、安定した与党勢力の確保を目指している。
Their success or failure will likely predict whether the two parties will win a majority of seats in the upper house election, thus ending the divided Diet in which opposition parties control the upper house. 参院選で過半数の議席を自公で獲得し、衆参「ねじれ国会」を解消できるかどうかを占うことにつながろう。
“[Abenomics] has drastically changed the dark, thick cloud and [negative] atmosphere that had covered Japan,” Abe said during a street speech in Tokyo. “If we keep this course, the economy will grow without doubt.” 安倍首相は都内の遊説で、アベノミクスについて、「日本を覆っていた暗く厚い雲、空気が大きく変わった。この道を進めば、間違いなく経済成長させていくことができる」と訴えた。
The so-called third arrow of his economic policy, following bold monetary easing and flexible fiscal policy, is growth strategy. Since its outline has only just been announced, it should be allowed time to bear fruit. ただ、大胆な金融緩和、機動的な財政政策に続く「第３の矢」の成長戦略は発表した直後で、成果が出るのはこれからだ。
However, what kind of road map to economic recovery is the LDP going to draw? The party needs to provide more detailed explanations. 自民党は、経済再生への道筋をどう描くのか、丁寧な説明が必要だ。
Meanwhile, DPJ President Banri Kaieda stressed risks of Abenomics during his street speech. Abenomics “will raise prices, increase people’s burdens and destroy their livelihoods,” he said. 民主党の海江田代表は街頭演説で、アベノミクスについて、「物価が上昇し、国民の負担が増え、生活を破壊する」と、そのリスクを強調した。
However, if he only stresses the disadvantages of Abenomics, it will not constitute convincing criticism. We hope Kaieda will engage in a substantial debate with the LDP by presenting a specific counterproposal to Abenomics. だが、マイナス面を強調するだけでは説得力のある批判とはいえまい。具体的な対案を示して深みのある論戦を展開してほしい。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) is losing steam due to remarks by its coleader Toru Hashimoto on so-called comfort women. Your Party, which had been building a coalition with Ishin no Kai, decided to cancel their cooperation in the metropolitan assembly election after Hashimoto made the remarks. The same situation is seen in the upper house election. Attention should be focused on what judgment voters will make on the so-called third force political parties. 日本維新の会は、橋下共同代表によるいわゆる従軍慰安婦問題の発言を巡り、失速気味だ。共闘体制を構築してきたみんなの党は、選挙協力を解消した。参院選も同じ構図だ。「第３極」に対する有権者の判断が注目される。
In the metropolitan assembly, the LDP and Komeito are ruling parties supporting Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose’s government. The DPJ, the largest group in the assembly, is also strengthening its position as a quasi-ruling party. 都議会で、自公両党は猪瀬直樹知事の都政を支える与党だ。最大会派の民主党も与党的な立場を強めている。
There thus appears to be no major issue of local Tokyo politics on which the election is likely to turn. How will voters without any party affiliation, who abound in urban areas, respond to the situation? Low voter turnout is one troubling possibility. それだけに、都政に関しては大きな争点がない。都市部に多い無党派層がどう動くか。投票率の低下も懸念される。
Tokyo facing challenges
In fact, however, the metropolitan government faces more than a few challenges. One of them is to make Tokyo more resistant to natural disasters as soon as possible. For instance, the metropolitan government must make a plan to deal with the huge number of people who would be unable to go home due to paralysis of public transportation after a major earthquake. It also must take fire prevention measures in residential areas crowded with wooden buildings. Another urgent task for the metropolitan government is to reduce the number of children waiting to enter public day care centers and develop facilities for the elderly. しかし、都の抱える課題は少なくない。帰宅困難者対策や木造住宅密集地の解消などの防災面をはじめ、待機児童対策、高齢者施設の整備などは急務だ。
The metropolitan assembly election should be considered as an opportunity to think not only about Tokyo’s relationship with national politics but also about those specific challenges the nation’s capital is facing. 都議選を、国政の関連だけではなく、そうした首都の現状を考える機会ともすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 14, 2013) （2013年6月14日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 15, 2013 Govt, BOJ must stay calm in face of fast-changing market trends 株価急落 相場の変動に振り回されるな（6月14日付・読売社説）
Reflecting the turbulent moves of speculative money on world markets, erratic fluctuations in this country of both stock prices and exchange rates have continued. 世界的な投資マネーの激しい動きを受け、株価と円相場の乱高下が止まらない。
Confronted with this situation, the government and the Bank of Japan must remain calm and steadily push ahead with down-to-earth economic policies. 政府と日銀は浮足立たず、地に足の着いた経済政策を推進すべきである。
The 225-issue Nikkei index on the Tokyo Stock Exchange fell sharply Thursday, ending the day at 12,445, down 843 points from Wednesday’s close. The yen’s appreciation, on the other hand, advanced, briefly hitting the 93 yen level against the dollar. 東京市場は１３日、平均株価が前日比８４３円安の１万２４４５円に急落した。円相場も一時、１ドル＝９３円台まで円高が進んだ。
The Nikkei average, however, is still more than 2,000 points higher than it was when Prime Minister Shinzo Abe launched his second administration in late December. とはいえ、平均株価は第２次安倍内閣が発足した昨年１２月下旬より２０００円以上も高い。
3rd arrow fired
The recent strengthening of the yen is not so painful as to deal a heavy blow to export-oriented industries. It should be noted that a stronger yen has the favorable effect of stemming rises in import prices. 円高は輸出企業に打撃を与える水準ではなく、輸入物価の高騰を抑えるプラス面もある。
The government has mapped out the nation’s growth strategy, meaning that all three arrows of the Abe Cabinet’s Abenomics business stimulus package have been fired. 政府が成長戦略を策定し、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」は３本の矢がそろったばかりだ。
Overreacting to market trends could cause declines in confidence in the government and the central bank, and threaten market turmoil. ここで市場の動きに過剰反応すれば、政府と日銀の政策に対する信認が揺らぎ、かえって混乱に拍車をかけかねない。
Abe and Bank of Japan Gov. Haruhiko Kuroda met Thursday to discuss the economic situation prior to the Group of Eight summit scheduled to open in Britain on Monday. この日は、安倍首相と黒田東彦日銀総裁が会談し、１７日から英国で開かれる主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）を前に、経済情勢について意見交換した。
Kuroda was quoted as explaining to the prime minister that the current pace of Japan’s economic recovery “has gradually becoming more buoyant than before.” In response, Abe was quoted as saying the government would take its “share of responsibility by steadfastly implementing growth strategies and relevant policy measures.” 黒田総裁が「日本経済は、回復の足取りが次第に力強くなっている」と説明したのに対し、首相は「成長戦略など政府の役割をしっかり果たす」と決意を示した。
Their views can be said to represent a correct assessment of the current state of the economy. 妥当な現状認識と言える。
The stock market plunge was attributed to the perception by the market that U.S. Federal Reserve Board Chairman Ben Bernanke may have hinted the Fed would wind down its ultra-easy monetary policy sooner than expected. そもそも最近の株安は、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）のバーナンキ議長の発言が、超金融緩和策の縮小を示唆したと受け止められたことがきっかけだ。
This led market players to move funds away from risky assets such as stocks. 世界の投資資金が株式などのリスク資産から流出し始めた。
Foreign investors who purchased Japanese stocks in large quantities have started to sell their shareholdings. In addition, speculative moves intended to drive down stock prices and high-speed, automated transactions are two other factors considered responsible for the market plunge. 日本株を大量に買った海外投資家が売りに転じ、売り崩しを狙う投機筋の動きや、コンピューターで瞬時に売買が成立する高速取引の普及などの要因も重なった。
Trying to control the global flow of money simply through Japan’s domestic policy measures is extremely difficult. 世界的な資金の流れを、日本国内の政策でコントロールしようとしても難しい。
It is incorrect to call the decline in stock prices the result of “insufficiencies in growth strategies” needed to revitalize the economy. 株安の原因を「成長戦略が踏み込み不足だから」などと決めつけるのは的外れだろう。
However, the government should be partly blamed for misleading the public. When stock prices were on the rise until late May, the prime minister and ministers in charge of economic affairs repeatedly stressed that this was due to the “fruit of Abenomics.” They must engage in serious soul-searching over the new development, as the declines in stock prices could be deemed as representing a failure of the government’s economic policies. ただ、誤解を生んだ責任は政権側にもある。５月までの株高を、首相や経済閣僚が「アベノミクスの成果」と強調する場面が目立った。その裏返しに、株安の原因が政策の失敗と見なされやすくなることを、肝に銘じるべきだ。
Vigilance rather than action
Earlier this week, rumors spread that the Bank of Japan might hammer out measures to stabilize long-term interest rates. As soon as it was learned that the central bank has no such intention, the yen began to appreciate and stock prices dived. 今週は日銀が長期金利の安定化策を打ち出すとの観測が強まり、その実施が見送られるや、円高・株安に振れた。
The stock and financial markets appear to be “wooing” the central bank to come up with additional financial measures to stabilize the markets. 追加策を“催促”するような相場展開である。
It is inadvisable for the bank to adopt any measures that kowtow to market pressures. 催促されるまま追加策を講じるのは得策ではない。
However, vigilance over market trends must be the order of the day. 今は市場動向を油断なく注視すべき局面だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 14, 2013) （2013年6月14日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 14, 2013 Regulation of online drug sales should promote safety, convenience 薬のネット販売 安全性と利便性両立が必要だ（6月13日付・読売社説）
We believe the government’s decision regarding the online sales of nonprescription drugs must please people who have limited means of transportation, such as the disabled and the elderly, and those who live on remote islands or in mountainous areas that lack pharmacies. 移動手段が限られる障害者や高齢者、薬局のない離島・山間部の住民にとって朗報だろう。
The government will mandate in its growth strategy, which is scheduled to be approved by the Cabinet on Friday, the lifting of a ban on online sales of nonprescription drugs, with certain exceptions. 政府は１４日に閣議決定する成長戦略に、市販薬のインターネット販売の原則解禁を明記する方針だ。
Under the plan, regulations on online sales of nonprescription drugs will be significantly relaxed. Currently, only a limited number of drugs are allowed to be sold online, but consumers will soon be able to purchase most of the 11,400 existing nonprescription drugs through the Internet. 一部の薬だけだったネット販売の規制が大幅に緩和される。市販薬約１万１４００品目のほとんどがネットで買えるようになる。
Although the economic impact of the move remains uncertain, the government expects the plan will be a symbol of its regulatory reform efforts. ネット解禁による経済波及効果は未知数だが、規制改革の象徴的な意味合いがある。
The lifting of the ban was prompted by a Supreme Court ruling in January. The top court concluded that the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry’s ordinance banning online sales of drugs--except for a few drugs said to have a low risk of side effects--was “illegal and invalid.” 今回の規制緩和の契機になったのが、今年１月の最高裁判決だ。副作用の恐れが低いとされる一部の薬を除き、ネット販売を禁止してきた厚生労働省の省令について「違法で無効」と判断した。
The top court said the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law contained no clear indication that nonprescription drugs must be sold face-to-face. Currently, nonprescription drugs are required to be sold at drugstores through pharmacists or registered vendors. 薬事法からは、薬剤師らによる対面販売を義務付けることは読み取れないとの理由だった。
The growth strategy said the safety of drugs should be discussed rationally and objectively, regardless of whether drugs are sold online or face-to-face, an apparent reflection of the judicial decision. We believe it is absolutely necessary to get rid of excessive regulations. 成長戦略が、薬の安全性は「ネット販売か対面販売かを問わず合理的、客観的に検討すべきだ」と指摘するのは、こうした司法判断を踏まえた見解だろう。過剰な規制を取り払うのは当然だ。
There has been research suggesting that the quality of communication conducted via the Internet is not necessarily inferior to that of face-to-face communication. インターネットによる情報伝達が対面より劣るとは言えない、との研究報告もある。
Some regulations necessary
However, we should not overlook a problem that emerged after the January ruling. Many companies have entered the online drug sales market since then. As a result, the ban on online sales has in effect dissolved along with the restrictions. 問題は、最高裁判決の後、市販薬のネット販売に多数の業者が参入し、実質的に全面解禁状態になっていることである。
The possibility of nonprescription drugs causing serious side effects is extremely low. However, 24 cases of death resulting from nonprescription medication have been reported in the five years since fiscal 2007. 市販薬による重い副作用が起きる確率は極めて低いものの、２００７年度から５年間で計２４件の死亡例が報告されている。
If massive amounts of nonprescription drugs are sold carelessly over the Internet, the risk of accidents will rise. Of course, the same can be said of over-the-counter sales, but we believe a certain amount of regulation of online sales of such drugs is necessary. 安易に大量販売が行われれば、事故の危険性も高まる。対面販売でも事情は同じだが、一定のルールは必要ではないか。
It was thus appropriate for the government to keep some exceptions to the ban on online sales of nonprescription drugs in tact. Due to safety considerations, the government said experts will further discuss the handling of 25 drugs, such as Loxonin, a prescription antipyretic-analgesic drug that was recently recategorized as a nonprescription drug. 政府がネット販売解禁にあたって、例外を設けたのは理解できる。安全性を確保するため、医師の処方薬から市販薬に転用されて間もない解熱鎮痛剤「ロキソニン」など２５品目については、さらに専門家で扱いを検討するとした。
Learn from foreign examples
The government said it will draw a conclusion on such drugs by the end of autumn, and aims to build a framework for them that is similar to the system for general nonprescription drugs, but which also promotes their careful sale and use. We want to remind the government of the importance of establishing a system that does not confuse consumers. 「処方薬に準じた形での慎重な販売や使用を促すための仕組み」について、秋ごろまでに結論を出すという。消費者に混乱を招かないよう配慮してもらいたい。
It seems that counterfeit drugs are being sold through some websites that sell privately imported drugs. The government must work out measures to effectively monitor such malicious businesses and eradicate them. 薬を海外から個人輸入するネット販売では、偽造薬も出回っている。こうした悪質業者をいかに監視・排除するかである。
Britain is a good example to follow. The British government has already lifted its ban on online medicine sales. Business entities there are required to register with a pharmacist organization and obtain a mark of certification. 例えば、薬品のネット販売を解禁している英国は、業者が薬剤師の団体に登録し、認証マークを取得することを求めている。
The government must make wholehearted efforts so that the safety and convenience of consumers will be achieved simultaneously. 政府は消費者の安全性と利便性の両立を図るために、知恵を絞らねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 13, 2013) （2013年6月13日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 13, 2013 Erdogan's heavy-handed policies fan flames of unrest in Turkey トルコのデモ 首相の強権姿勢が反発招いた（6月12日付・読売社説）
In Turkey, which Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited a month ago, police have fired tear gas and water cannons at demonstrators to quell protests calling for the resignation of Turkish Prime Minister Recep Tayyip Erdogan that have continued for more than 10 days. １か月前に安倍首相が訪れたトルコで、エルドアン首相の退陣を求めるデモが１０日以上も続き、警察が催涙弾と放水で強制排除に乗り出した。
The protests have brought turmoil to the country, leaving several people dead. We hope the serious unrest will be brought under control as soon as possible. デモの混乱で死者も出ており、深刻な事態が続いている。一日も早い収拾が望まれる。
Turkey is a strategically important regional power that borders civil war-hit Syria and Iraq, which is in the middle of national rebuilding. If Turkey’s political uncertainty becomes prolonged, its burgeoning economy could suffer a setback. The unrest could also deal a blow to efforts to stabilize the Middle East. 地域大国のトルコは、内戦が続くシリアや再建途上のイラクと国境を接する要衝だ。政情不安が長引けば、好調だった自国経済への打撃になるばかりか、中東地域の安定化にも影響が出かねない。
The protests were triggered by a heavy-handed crackdown that involved the use of tear gas by police during a protest against a redevelopment plan for a park in the nation’s largest city of Istanbul. デモのきっかけは、最大都市イスタンブールの公園の再開発計画に反対する集会を、警察が催涙弾で鎮圧しようとしたことだ。
Angry demonstrators, mostly young people, have harnessed the Internet to call on people to rise up, causing the number of antigovernment protesters to swell into the tens of thousands. The protests have since spread to the capital of Ankara and other cities. 怒った若者らがインターネットで呼びかけ、数万人規模にふくれあがった。首都アンカラなど他の都市にも広がっている。
Results oriented leader
Despite the criticism, Erdogan has delivered results by rebuilding his country’s economy. In the decade since he took office, Turkey’s gross domestic product has more than doubled, and the nation has raised its international status and become one of the Group of 20 major economies. ただ、エルドアン首相は経済再建で実績を上げている。就任以来の１０年で、トルコの国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は２倍以上になり、主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）の一員として、国際的地位も向上した。
Turkish people apparently gave credit to Erdogan’s achievements, as his Justice and Development Party, a moderate Islamic party, overwhelmingly won in general elections in 2007 and 2011. It is understandable that the prime minister is confident in keeping his administration in power. 首相が率いる穏健イスラム政党の公正発展党が２００７年と１１年の総選挙で大勝したのも、高い評価の表れである。首相が政権維持に自信を持つのは理解できる。
However, it is evident that public frustration has grown especially among secular people over his Islamic policy and perceived autocratic political style. だが、イスラム色が強い政策と強権的な政治手法に、特に、世俗派の国民が不満を強めているのは明らかだ。
Since its foundation in the 1920s, Turkey has applied the principle of secularism, separating religion from politics. トルコは、１９２０年代の建国以来、政治と宗教を分離する世俗主義を国是としてきた。
But the recent enactment of a law banning alcohol sales from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. has increasingly alarmed secular opponents that the law was enacted to uphold Islamic values. 最近、酒類販売を午後１０時から午前６時まで禁じる法律が成立したことに、世俗派は、イスラム的な価値観に基づく立法だと、一層危機感を募らせている。
In the wake of incidents such as the arrests of journalists critical of the government, questions also have been raised over freedom of speech in the country. Some protesters have criticized Turkey’s media as reporting from a pro-government viewpoint. 政府に批判的なジャーナリストが逮捕されるなど、言論の自由にも疑問符がつく。デモ参加者は国内メディアを「政府のご用聞き」とも批判した。
Authority challenged
According to his party’s rules, Erdogan, who is serving a third term, is supposed to step down as prime minister after the current term. However, there has been speculation that he will seek the presidency after beefing up the presidential authority by amending the Constitution. 在任３期目の首相は、党規則によれば今期限りで退くことになるが、憲法改正で大統領権限を強化した上で、大統領に転身するのでは、との疑念がつきまとう。
Referring to protesters as “looters,” Erdogan remains defiant, urging loyalists of his party to take part in rallies in Ankara and Istanbul to counter antigovernment protests. 首相自身、デモ参加者を「ならず者」と非難し、反政府デモに対抗する集会をアンカラとイスタンブールで開くとして、与党支持者に参加を呼びかける強硬な姿勢を崩していない。
Such a firm stance has fueled concern that the confrontation between secularists and supporters of the ruling party will intensify. 世俗派と与党支持層の対決色が強まることが憂慮される。
Will Erdogan be able to avert further splits in society by listening to the voices of secular people, whose frustration has turned into protests? His ability to handle this incident will no doubt be tested. デモに表れた世俗派の不満に耳を傾け、社会の分裂を回避することはできるのか。首相の舵(かじ)取りが問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 12, 2013) （2013年6月12日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 12, 2013 China's reliance on force hampers its pursuit of coexistence with U.S. 米中首脳会談 力に依存しては共存できない（6月11日付・読売社説）
For stability in the Asia-Pacific region, it is essential that the United States and China--the world’s sole superpower and the second-largest military and economic power--take confidence-building measures. 超大国の米国と世界第２位の軍事・経済大国である中国が信頼醸成を図ることは、アジア太平洋の安定に欠かせない。
Chinese President Xi Jinping visited the United States and met with U.S. President Barack Obama at a retreat in California. It is unusual for a Chinese president to visit the United States only three months after his inauguration to meet with a U.S. president. 中国の習近平国家主席が米国を訪問し、オバマ大統領とカリフォルニア州の保養施設で会談した。中国の国家主席が就任後わずか３か月で訪米し、米大統領と会談したのは異例だ。
Through eight hours over two days, the two leaders discussed a new cooperative bilateral relationship. They agreed to step up pressure on North Korea over its nuclear programs and promote measures to address global warming. But their differences in intentions were conspicuous. ２日間計約８時間にわたる会談を通じ、両首脳は米中両国の新たな協力関係を巡って協議した。北朝鮮の核問題での圧力強化や地球温暖化対策推進で一致したが、思惑の違いも目立った。
The “new model for a relationship between major countries” that Xi is seeking is a relationship with the United States on an equal footing, in which both sides respect each other’s social systems and core interests. Close attention should be paid to Xi’s remarks during the talks that “the vast Pacific Ocean has enough space for the two large nations of China and the United States.” 習氏が目指す「新型の大国関係」とは、相互の社会制度や「核心的利益」を尊重する、米国と対等の関係である。会談で習氏が「広大な太平洋には両大国を受け入れる十分な空間がある」と語ったことには注意を払わねばならない。
Obama, for his part, called for a “peaceful rise” of China based on the premise that it abide by international rules. これに対し、オバマ氏は国際ルールの順守を前提にした「平和的な台頭」を中国に求めた。
Cybersecurity concerns
Xi also requested information regarding U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade talks. Beijing apparently is wary that the envisaged trade framework could effectively contain China. 習氏は、米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉に関する情報提供も要請した。対中包囲網への警戒感があるのだろう。
Obama expressed concerns regarding the focal issue of cyber-attacks seeking illegal access to data, saying resolving cybersecurity issues would be key to the future of U.S.-China economic relations. His remarks are based on suspicions voiced in the United States that the Chinese government is involved in such activities. 焦点のサイバー攻撃による情報不正入手問題で、オバマ氏は、中国政府が関与しているとの米側の疑念を背景に、「この問題の解決は米中経済関係の将来のカギを握る」と懸念を示した。
As long as Xi insists that China is also “a victim of cyber-attacks,” Beijing should take measures to block hacking in cooperation with the United States. 習氏が「中国は被害者だ」と強調する以上、不正入手阻止の対策を米国と進めてもらいたい。
As for the Japan-China confrontation over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, Obama called for dialogue through diplomatic channels rather than actions on the East China Sea. This was meant to persuade China--which continues its saber-rattling by allowing its marine surveillance ships and other vessels to enter Japan’s territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands--to exercise self-restraint. 沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡る日中対立について、オバマ氏は「東シナ海での行動ではなく、外交ルートを通じた対話」を求めた。海洋監視船などを尖閣周辺の日本領海に侵入させる示威行動をやめない中国に自制を迫ったものだ。
But Xi said he hopes those concerned, apparently referring to Japan among others, will stop taking provocative actions and promptly return to a track of settling problems appropriately through dialogue. This is an extremely self-serving stance. It is China that must restrain its excessive provocations. だが、習氏が逆に日本などを念頭に、「挑発を停止し、対話を通じ適切に問題を解決する軌道へ早期に戻るよう望む」と語ったのは身勝手に過ぎる。中国こそ、過激な挑発行動を控えるべきだ。
Must behave responsibly
China’s attempts to unilaterally expand its maritime interests in the East China Sea and the South China Sea appear to contradict the “peaceful development” policy it vocally advocates. 中国が「核心的利益」とみなして、東シナ海や南シナ海で一方的に海洋権益拡大を図っているのは、自らが標榜(ひょうぼう)する「平和発展」に矛盾する行動ではないか。
If China seeks an equal relationship of coexistence with the United States, it must behave responsibly to achieve that end. Complying with international rules is a minimum obligation for Beijing. 米国と対等の共存関係を主張するなら、それに見合った責任ある態度が求められる。国際ルールの順守は最低限の義務である。
The Japanese and U.S. governments are planning to set up a bilateral summit meeting to coincide with an upcoming Group of Eight summit meeting of major nations. Japan needs to reconfirm the importance of the Japan-U.S. alliance without lowering its guard against China, which is trying to reassure itself that it is indeed a major nation by relying on its mighty power. 日米両政府は、主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）に合わせて首脳会談を開く方向だ。日本は、力に依存した大国意識を高める中国への警戒を緩めず、日米同盟の重要性を再確認する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 11, 2013) （2013年6月11日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 11, 2013 Unfair trade practices, protectionism hurting growth of world economy 中国・欧州摩擦 世界経済を損なう不公正貿易（6月9日付・読売社説）
International trade disputes have been erupting frequently. It is important to correct unfair trade practices and revitalize the world economy. 貿易を巡る国際紛争が頻発している。不公正な貿易慣行は是正し、世界経済を活性化させることが重要である。
The European Union recently reached a provisional decision to impose antidumping levies on imports of Chinese solar panels in two stages, saying that Chinese firms are exporting them at improperly low prices. 欧州連合（ＥＵ）は、中国企業が太陽光パネルを不当に安値で輸出しているとして、中国製パネルに２段階で反ダンピング（不当廉売）関税をかける仮決定を下した。
The EU will impose a tariff of about 12 percent on imported Chinese solar panels until early August, and increase this to an average of 48 percent later if Beijing does not take corrective measures to resolve the issue. The EU will decide by the end of the year on whether to keep the levies in place. ８月初めまで約１２％を課税し、中国側が是正措置を取らない場合は約４８％に引き上げる。ＥＵは年末に最終決定する方針だ。
According to the EU, Chinese exporters sell their solar panels for as much as 90 percent below a fair market price. They have apparently been trying to increase sales in the EU market, the biggest export market for their products, with scant regard for making a profit. ＥＵによると、中国企業は市場価格より９割も安値で販売していた。採算を度外視しても、最大の輸出先であるＥＵ市場に販売を拡大する狙いだったようだ。
Battered by China’s low-priced sales drive, business conditions for their European counterparts have deteriorated. Some have gone bankrupt. 安値攻勢にさらされて経営が悪化し、倒産に追い込まれた欧州企業も出ている。
EU position understandable
We can understand the EU stance of trying to rectify an unfair trade practice, in line with international rules of the World Trade Organization. ＥＵが世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）の国際ルールに沿って、不公正貿易慣行の是正を目指す姿勢は理解できる。
The EU will impose a low tariff in the first stage, as it attempts to elicit concessions from China amicably. It also took into account the caution some member nations such as Germany feel about taking tough measures against Beijing. ＥＵが第１段階として低率関税をかけるのは、対中強硬策に慎重なドイツなどメンバー国に配慮する一方、中国から穏便に譲歩を引き出したいとの判断がある。
However, China reacted sharply and announced it would launch an investigation into the possible dumping of European wine on its market. This appears to be a tit-for-tat response. だが、中国は反発し、ＥＵ産ワインのダンピング調査を発表した。対抗措置とみられる。
As it remains uncertain whether European wine exports actually caused any actual loss to the Chinese market, Beijing’s forceful action can hardly be considered as adhering to international rules. 実害があるのか不透明なだけに、中国の強硬姿勢は、国際ルール逸脱と受け止められても仕方ない。
China and the EU also are at loggerheads over China-made mobile telecommunications equipment. The EU has launched an investigation into possible dumping by Chinese makers. The current situation could degenerate into the mutual imposition of sanctions. 中国とＥＵは、中国製の通信機器でも対立し、ＥＵがダンピング調査に入った。制裁の応酬に発展しかねない事態である。
EU countries and China have become key trading partners. Should their trade conflict escalate, it would adversely affect the global economy. We hope the EU and China try to settle their disputes as soon as possible through dialogue. 欧州と中国は互いに主要な貿易相手になっている。対立がエスカレートすれば、世界経済にも悪影響が及ぼう。対話を通じ、早期収拾を目指してもらいたい。
The growing trend toward protectionism in various parts of the world is a cause for concern. This is apparently designed to assist domestic industries while the world economy dawdles toward a full-fledged recovery and some newly emerging economies face a slowdown in growth. 懸念されるのは、世界経済の本格回復が遅れ、新興国の成長が減速する中、自国産業の支援を意図した保護貿易主義的な動きが各地で強まっていることだ。
Japan claim upheld
In May, the WTO upheld Japan’s claim against a controversial feed-in tariff program introduced by the Canadian province of Ontario. Only companies that meet certain local content levels for renewable energy-related equipment can take part in the program, in which electricity generated from renewable energy sources is sold to power companies at fixed prices. The WTO ordered the province to take corrective measures. カナダ・オンタリオ州が再生可能エネルギーの固定価格買い取り制度で地元企業を優遇した措置について、ＷＴＯは５月、不当だとする日本の主張を認め、カナダに是正を勧告した。
Japan, together with the United States and the EU, have filed claims against China’s export controls on rare earth minerals, as well as Argentina’s import permission system for certain goods, such as automobiles. They referred the issues to the WTO because they wanted action to correct these unfair trade practices. 日本は米国、ＥＵとともに、中国のレアアース（希土類）の輸出制限措置や、自動車などを対象にしたアルゼンチンの輸入許可制度についても、不公正措置と問題視し、ＷＴＯに是正を訴えた。
The rise of trade protectionism is detrimental to development of the world economy. Japan has to devise a strategy to cooperate with the United States and European countries, while holding on to the WTO rules as fundamental to promoting the global economy. 保護貿易主義の台頭は、世界経済の発展にマイナスだ。自由貿易推進へ、日本は今後もＷＴＯルールを基本とし、米欧と連携する戦略を練らねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 9, 2013) （2013年6月9日01時45分 読売新聞）
June 09, 2013(Mainichi Japan) Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Enjoy life in old age, but don't push too hard 香山リカのココロの万華鏡:「年相応」の生活楽しんで ／東京
Recently, 80-year-old Yuichiro Miura made the news for climbing to the top of Mt. Everest. At a news conference held right after his return to Japan, he revealed yet another goal, saying, "Next I will ski down an 8,000-meter mountain." ８０歳でエベレスト登頂を果たした三浦雄一郎さん。帰国早々の記者会見では「次は８０００メートル級の山でスキーを」と、新たな夢を語っていた。
The energy of people like Miura in their 80s and 90s nowadays is surprising. When I go to the bookstore, I see best sellers by authors in their 80s and autobiographies by pianists and photographers in their 90s. Meanwhile, I know a woman who in her 70s decided to study a foreign language abroad, and was a little taken aback by a friend's reaction who had heard it was popular among grandmothers who had finished caring for their grandchildren. It seems no one is surprised these days if someone in their 70s starts something new. 最近の８０代、９０代の「元気っぷり」はすごい。書店に行くと８０代の作家の本がベストセラーになっていたり、９０代のピアニスト、写真家の自叙伝が出ていたり。私の知人で７０代になってから語学留学を決意して友人に相談したら、「それ『グランママ留学』って言うんでしょ？ 孫の世話が一段落した祖母たちの間ではやっているんですって」と言われ、拍子抜けしてしまったという女性がいた。今や７０代で新しいことを始めても、誰も驚かない時代になったのだ。
However, not everyone enters into old age with good health and strong curiosity. For fiscal 2010, the average "healthful life expectancy" -- the age through which one lives a normal, unhindered lifestyle -- in Japan was 70 for men and 74 for women. We can see that the 82-year-old who starts learning ballet, or the 91-year-old who goes mountain hiking every week, are very much exceptions to the norm. とはいえ、誰もが健康に恵まれ好奇心も旺盛のまま、高齢になるわけではない。「日常生活に制限のない期間」を「健康寿命」と呼ぶことがあるが、２０１０年度の日本の調査では男性の平均がおよそ７０歳、女性は７４歳。「バレエを習い始めた８２歳」や「毎週、山歩きを続ける９１歳」というのは、例外中の例外ということがわかる。
Once, a woman in her 80s visited my consultation room. "I don't feel like doing anything. Do I have depression?" she asked. Her husband had died and she lived with her son's family. She also had a bad back and other chronic conditions. However, she was articulate, she didn't look like someone in their 80s, and she didn't seem to have any significant difficulties living her day-to-day life. かつて、私の診察室に「何もやる気になれなくて。うつ病じゃないでしょうか」と訴える８０代の女性が来たことがあった。その人は夫に先立たれ、今は息子一家と同居しているのだが、慢性の腰痛などの持病を抱えていた。しかし、話の内容はしっかりしているし、見た目も８０代とは思えない。今のところ、特に支障なく生活できているようだった。
"I don't think it's depression. Don't worry too much, listen to music, talk on the phone to friends, and do what you want," I advised, but she didn't look convinced. In her mind, people in their 80s were supposed to be energetic, contributing to society and pursuing new goals. 「うつ病とは思えませんよ。あまり心配なさらずに、音楽を聴いたり友だちと電話したり、好きなようにすごせばいいんじゃないですか」とアドバイスをしたのだが、それでも納得のいかない顔をしている。その人の頭の中にある８０代とは、「はつらつと社会貢献をしたり、新しい夢に向かって走り続ける」イメージのようなのだ。
Of course, it is wonderful if people can continue with their jobs or hobbies into their 80s and 90s. I want people to pursue their goals without holding back because of their age. But not everyone has to climb Mt. Everest or publish a best seller. It is precisely because those people are rare that they gain such public attention. In recent years the phrase "appropriate for one's age" has gained negative connotations, but there should be nothing wrong with living our elderly lives quietly in accordance with the illnesses and other effects of our age. もちろん、仕事にせよ趣味にせよ、現役のままで８０代、９０代を迎えるのは素晴らしい。やりたいことがあれば「年だから」と遠慮せずに挑戦してほしいもの。でも、誰もがエベレストに登ったりベストセラーを出版したりする必要はない。そういう人はとても珍しいからこそ、世間から注目されるのだ。「年相応」というのは近ごろはなんだか否定的な言葉にも聞こえるが、その年なりの病や老いとも向き合いつつ、静かにすごす高齢ライフがあってもいいはずだ。
To seniors I would like to say, enjoy yourselves without pushing too hard. 楽しむけれど、無理はしすぎない。そんな生活を楽しんで、と人生の先輩たちには伝えたい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 9, 2013 LDP, Okinawa chapter out of sync on Futenma air base relocation plan 自民地域版公約 普天間「県外移設」は二枚舌か（6月8日付・読売社説）
It is irresponsible for the Liberal Democratic Party’s Okinawa prefectural chapter to include policies in its campaign pledge that go against Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s weighty political decision and the policies of the party’s headquarters. 安倍首相の重い政治決断や党本部の方針と相いれない県連の政策を公約に掲げることは、政権党として無責任である。
The chapter has decided to mention its demand for relocating the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station to a site outside the prefecture in the prefectural version of the party’s manifesto for the House of Councillors election scheduled for July. 自民党沖縄県連が、７月の参院選の地域版公約（ローカルマニフェスト）に米軍普天間飛行場の「県外移設を求める」と明記することを決めた。
LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba and Policy Research Council Chairwoman Sanae Takaichi repeatedly tried in vain to persuade the chapter not to include the “outside-the-prefecture relocation” pledge in the local manifesto. 自民党の石破幹事長や高市政調会長が再三、「県外移設」を盛り込まないよう県連幹部に説得を試みたが、不調に終わった。
Originally, the prefectural chapter supported a plan to relocate the Futenma Air Station in Ginowan to the Henoko district in Nago. But as calls grew louder among prefectural residents to relocate the base outside the prefecture, in a backlash against the Democratic Party of Japan-led government’s bungled handling of the relocation issue, the chapter changed tack to call for an outside-the-prefecture relocation plan, as Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima did. 県連は元々、普天間飛行場の名護市辺野古への移設を支持していた。だが、民主党政権の失政への反発から県外移設を求める県内世論が高まってしまったため、仲井真弘多県知事と同様、「県外移設」に方針転換した経緯がある。
The LDP plans to field a rookie candidate in the Okinawa prefectural constituency of the upper house election against an opposition-affiliated incumbent. Some in the chapter contend it will be impossible to win the election if its candidate insists on relocating the base to Henoko. 参院選沖縄選挙区では、自民党公認の新人が野党系の現職に挑戦する予定だ。県連には「辺野古移設を主張しては選挙に勝てない」との声が出ている。
However, it must be noted that the Futenma relocation is a crucial issue deeply tied to Japan’s diplomatic and security policies. The upcoming poll is a national election, so the chapter should not decide on a campaign pledge based only on regional factors, even if it is intended for the local version of the manifesto. しかし、普天間移設は日本の外交・安全保障政策に深く関わる重要問題だ。国政選である以上、地域版公約とはいえ、地域事情だけで判断すべきではあるまい。
2-tongued approach baffling
The party headquarters plans to promote the relocation of Futenma to Henoko in its campaign pledge. If the chapter puts forward a policy that is inconsistent with this party line, it will only lead to confusion among voters. 党本部が「辺野古移設」を公約に明記する方針なのに、県連が矛盾する政策を掲げ、使い分けるのは、有権者を惑わすだけだ。
The Futenma issue is in an extremely critical phase of determining whether the longstanding issue can be resolved. 普天間問題は今、長年の懸案が解決するかどうかの極めて重大な局面を迎えている。
In a summit meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama in February, Abe confirmed a policy to push forward the Futenma relocation. In March, the government filed an application with the Okinawa prefectural government for approval of reclamation of the Henoko coastal area for this purpose. 安倍首相は２月の日米首脳会談で辺野古移設を推進する方針を確認し、３月に辺野古沿岸部の埋め立てを沖縄県に申請した。
The Abe administration must stand fast on its plan to accelerate the relocation to Henoko. The Nago Fisheries Cooperative, which agreed with the reclamation plan, has said it “will withdraw the approval if the relocation to Henoko is not mentioned in the LDP’s campaign pledge.” 重要なのは、安倍政権が、辺野古移設を推進する今の立場から決してぶれないことだ。埋め立てに同意した名護漁協は「自民党公約に辺野古移設が明記されなければ同意を撤回する」としている。
If the reclamation is not permitted, this would be a serious blow to the Abe administration. 仮に埋め立てが不許可となれば政権への打撃は避けられない。
Not a smart choice
The LDP must take seriously that the prime minister made a political decision with high stakes. It is only natural that the party as a whole cooperate in his bid to promote the relocation to Henoko. 自民党は、首相がそのリスクを取る政治判断をしたことを重く受け止め、一丸となって辺野古移設に協力するのが筋である。
First of all, the plan to relocate the base outside the prefecture is unlikely to be realized because it contains no concrete measures. The plan will most certainly lead to extending the status quo for a long time, during which the Futenma base will continue to pose a risk to the surrounding areas. This cannot be a smart choice for the prefecture. そもそも県外移設は何の具体案もなく、実現性が乏しい。普天間飛行場の危険な現状を長期間、固定化させるのは確実だ。沖縄にとって賢明な選択ではない。
Some members of the LDP Okinawa prefectural chapter--including Kosaburo Nishime, a House of Representatives member, and upper house member Aiko Shimajiri, a parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office--have been indicating they will approve relocation to Henoko. The government and party headquarters must join hands with local entities who have yet to voice their approval of the relocation plan. 県連内には、西銘恒三郎衆院議員や島尻安伊子内閣府政務官など辺野古移設を容認する動きが出ている。政府・自民党は、まだ声を上げていない地元の容認派などと積極的に連携すべきだ。
The first thing to do is to reverse the chapter’s decision in favor of relocation outside the prefecture. This could be the first step to laying the foundation for Gov. Nakaima to approve reclamation of the Henoko coastal area. まず県連を翻意させることが、仲井真知事が埋め立て許可を決断する環境整備の一歩となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun June 8, 2013) （2013年6月8日01時49分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 8, 2013 Pakistan must improve relations with U.S. for regional stability パキスタン情勢 対米修復が地域の安定を導く（6月7日付・読売社説）
If political instability is to continue in Pakistan, on the frontline of the United States’ war against terrorism, regional stability is almost hopeless. 米国の対テロ戦争最前線のパキスタンで、政情不安が続くようでは、地域の安定は覚束(おぼつか)ない。
Nawaz Sharif, former prime minister of the country and the leader of the largest opposition party, Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz, which won the May general election, was elected as prime minister after his party won support from many independents to gain a majority in the National Assembly. ５月の総選挙で勝利した最大野党の党首のナワズ・シャリフ元首相が、無所属議員を取り込んで議会過半数を制し、首相に選出された。
In a country that has seen repeated coups, a military government did not come into power again and a peaceful administrative change was realized. This shows the country’s democratization movement has further taken root. クーデターが繰り返されてきたパキスタンで、軍政が復活せず平和的な政権交代が実現した。民主化がさらに定着したことを示すものである。
The winning factor for Sharif was that he criticized the administration of President Asif Ali Zardari as blindly following the United States and succeeded in currying favor with anti-U.S. voters. シャリフ氏の勝因は、米国と連携して対テロ作戦を進めたザルダリ政権を「対米追従」と批判し、反米票を吸収したことにある。
Two years ago the United States killed Osama bin Laden, the mastermind of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks in the United States, who was hiding in Pakistan, without informing the Zardari administration of the attack. In addition, the United States continues drone bombings against Taliban armed antigovernment rebels in areas bordering Afghanistan. 米国は一昨年、パキスタン国内に潜んでいた米同時テロの首謀者ウサマ・ビンラーディンを、ザルダリ政権への通告なしに殺害した。加えて米軍はアフガニスタンとの国境地帯で反政府武装勢力への無人機空爆を続けている。
In his inauguration address, Sharif emphasized, “The drone attacks must now stop.” However, he avoided naming the United States in the speech. We think he is trying to mend relations with the United States, which extends the most assistance to Pakistan, while considering the anti-U.S. sentiment strongly rooted in the nation. シャリフ氏は首相就任演説で、無人機空爆について「すぐにやめるべきだ」と強調したが、米国を名指しすることは避けた。国内に根強い反米感情に配慮しつつ、最大の援助国、米国との関係修復を図ろうとしているのだろう。
Sharif’s leadership test
The U.S. military’s withdrawal deadline from Afghanistan is the end of next year. Will it be possible for Pakistan to improve the security situation in the country, which is aggravated by the terrorism of the armed rebels, by the deadline and contribute to regional stability? 米軍のアフガンからの撤退期限が来年末に迫っている。それまでに、武装勢力のテロによって悪化した治安を立て直し、地域の安定に貢献できるようになるのか。
Sharif’s leadership ability is now under scrutiny. To demonstrate strong leadership, it is critical for him to establish a relationship of mutual trust with the military forces, which have been engaged in operations to clear out the rebels. シャリフ氏の指導力が問われよう。それにはまず、武装勢力の掃討作戦に当たっている軍と、信頼関係を築くことが不可欠だ。
Sharif emphasized during his campaign the importance of having dialogues with the Taliban rebels. However, the Taliban refused to enter into dialogue with the Sharif administration because one of its top commanders was killed in a recent U.S. drone attack. The future of the policy of holding dialogues faces a difficult challenge. シャリフ氏は選挙戦で武装勢力との対話を訴えたが、武装勢力は米軍の無人機攻撃で最高幹部が殺されたとして対話を拒否した。対話路線の前途は険しい。
Relations with India, a neighbor Pakistan has fought in three wars, have been rocky. We hope tensions between India and Pakistan, which both have nuclear weapons, will ease as soon as possible. ３度の戦争を経た隣国インドとの関係もぎくしゃくしている。核兵器を保有する印パ両国の緊張緩和が望まれる。
Balanced diplomacy key
Meanwhile, Sharif has also announced a plan to complete the construction of a road and a railway network connecting Gwadar Port, a strategically important facility, with China, with assistance from that country. シャリフ氏は、中国の支援で、戦略的要衝のグワダル港と中国を結ぶ道路や鉄道の建設を完成させる方針も表明している。
It is important for Pakistan to improve relations with the United States and India, while not overly strengthening relations with China further, to develop a well-balanced diplomacy. これ以上、中国への傾斜を強めることなく、米国やインドと関係を改善し、バランスある外交を展開することが重要だ。
It is also an urgent task for the country to boost the economy. With a low economic growth rate of less than 4 percent a year, the country’s foreign currency reserves have sharply declined. Power shortages are also a serious problem. Expectations are running high for Sharif, a former business owner with experience tackling the country’s economic reforms, to restart a suspended International Monetary Fund loan package. 経済へのテコ入れも、急務である。年率４％を下回る低成長で外貨準備が減少し、電力不足も深刻だ。中断した国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）の融資再開に向けて、実業家出身で経済改革の経験があるシャリフ氏への期待は大きい。
The Japanese government needs to extend indirect support for the country’s economic reconstruction, by deepening cooperation with the country in such ways as helping to provide a stable supply of electricity. 日本政府は電力の安定供給などの分野で協力を深め、経済再建を側面から支援する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 7, 2013) （2013年6月7日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 7, 2013 Utilizing power of private sector key for 'third arrow' to hit target 成長戦略 民間活力の爆発で日本再生を（6月6日付・読売社説）
◆「３本目の矢」を的中させよ
Will Abenomics really be able to boost the competitive power of domestic companies and rejuvenate Japan’s economy? Can Japan win in the global market? The true value of the Abe administration’s economic policies will be finally tested. 企業の競争力を高め、世界に勝てる日本経済へ再生できるか。安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」が、いよいよ真価を問われる。
On Wednesday, the government’s Industrial Competitiveness Council finished compiling a draft of the administration’s growth policy, which is touted as the “third arrow” of Abenomics. Now almost all the elements of Abenomics have been revealed to the public. 政府の産業競争力会議が５日、アベノミクスの「３本目の矢」である成長戦略の素案をまとめた。これで具体的な政策メニューは、ほぼ出そろった。
On the same day, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe delivered a speech on the growth strategy at a hotel in Tokyo, stipulating deregulation as the heart of his economic reforms. Abe expressed his resolve to rebuild the nation’s economy, citing the “eruption of the private sector’s vitality” as a key factor of his growth strategy. 安倍首相は成長戦略について講演し、規制緩和を改革の「一丁目一番地」と位置付けた。「民間活力の爆発」をキーワードに日本経済を立て直す決意を示した。
In his speech, Abe also revealed the mid- and long-term goals of his economic policies, such as increasing per-capita gross national income by 1.5 million yen over the next decade. １人当たりの国民総所得を１０年後に１５０万円増やすなど、中長期的な目標も掲げている。
Full picture of Abenomics ◆メニューは出そろった
The growth strategy has three pillars: to restore the nation’s industries, strategically create new markets and help Japan’s businesses expand abroad. After Abe’s speech, the Tokyo Stock Exchange plunged due to criticism including the notion that the growth strategy lacked originality, but we believe the growth strategy is pointed in the right direction. 政府の成長戦略は「産業再興」「戦略市場創造」「国際展開」が３本柱である。５日の東京株式市場では、内容に新味がないとの見方などから株価が急落したが、戦略の方向性は妥当だ。
Regarding the goal of restoring the nation’s industries, the government will designate the next five years as an emergency period for structural reforms, focusing on measures such as utilizing the untapped potential of the female labor force and promoting private investment. 産業再興は、今後５年間を緊急構造改革期間と定め、女性の人材活用や、民間投資促進などの施策を重点的に実施する。
The centerpiece of the measures is a plan to create “national strategic special deregulation zones,” which Abe revealed Wednesday. The plan aims to create cosmopolitan cities that attract companies and talented workers from all over the world by boldly relaxing regulations in the special zones. 首相が打ち出した「国家戦略特区」はその目玉といえる。大胆な規制緩和を断行し、世界から企業や人材が集まる国際都市をつくる構想だ。
We urge the government to swiftly prepare concrete measures to materialize the plan, so Japan will become a country that provides the best working environment for companies. 日本を「世界で一番企業が活躍しやすい国」とするため、具体化を急ぐ必要がある。
Regarding the goal of strategically creating new markets, the government plans to find and nurture new business opportunities from problems facing Japan, such as the stagnant birthrate, graying of society and aging social infrastructure. It also targets the nation’s medical industry, which is lagging behind foreign competitors, and its agricultural industry, which suffers from low productivity. The agricultural industry has long been urged to enhance its international competitiveness. 戦略市場創造は、少子高齢化やインフラの老朽化など日本が抱える課題を逆手に取り、新たなビジネス育成を目指す。海外に後れを取っている医療産業や、生産性が低く、国際競争力の強化が急務の農業などがターゲットだ。
On deregulation, the growth strategy includes a plan to lift a ban on the online sales of nonprescription drugs. The government also intends to expand the scope of so-called mixed treatments, a combination of medical practices covered in part by public health insurance and in part by patients, which is currently limited to exceptional cases. We believe these measures will lead to important progress. 規制改革では、市販薬のインターネット販売解禁や、保険診療と保険外診療を併用できる範囲の拡大が打ち出された。一定の前進として評価できる。
Japan now faces many difficulties. But let’s turn misfortune into blessings by riding the wind of such deregulation measures and combining the wisdom and innovation of the government and the private sector. 政策支援を追い風に、さらに官民の知恵や工夫を結集し、ピンチをチャンスに変えたい。
Joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework will be the first step in promoting the overseas advancement of Japanese businesses. The government needs to work hard to make up for the lack of progress in commerce policies. 国際展開では、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加が、その第一歩となる。出遅れた通商政策を挽回しなければならない。
Japan’s domestic market has begun to shrink due to the declining population. In such a situation, it is essential for the nation to attract foreign demand to sustain economic growth by boosting infrastructure-related exports, such as nuclear power plants and Shinkansen bullet trains. 人口減で国内市場が縮小している日本が成長を維持するには、原子力発電所や新幹線などインフラの輸出を加速し、海外の需要を取り込むことも不可欠だ。
Beef up control tower functions ◆司令塔の強化が必要だ
All the numerical targets Abe has revealed--including 70 trillion yen in private capital investment, 30 trillion yen in infrastructure exports and 35 trillion yen in direct investment to Japan by foreign companies--are ambitious and lofty goals. 「民間投資７０兆円」「インフラ輸出３０兆円」「対日直接投資３５兆円」――。首相が次々に挙げた政策別の数値目標は、どれも野心的な高い目標である。
His enthusiasm appears genuine, but such goals are meaningless if they end up as empty promises. The Abe administration must steadily carry out measures to achieve its goals and produce real results. 意気込みは頼もしいが、「空手形」では意味がない。着実に実行し、成果を出すことが大切だ。
Achievements were made in less than 10 percent of the policy measures stipulated in the New Growth Strategy two years after it was adopted by the administration of then Prime Minister Naoto Kan in June 2010. A well-detailed timetable that listed when each goal was to be achieved, for instance, was just window dressing. 菅内閣が２０１０年６月に決めた「新成長戦略」は、２年後に成果を出せた施策が１割に満たなかった。達成時期などを示した綿密な工程表も見かけ倒しだった。
The same mistake should not be made again. The management capabilities of the Prime Minister’s Office should be reinforced to block resistance from individual ministries and avoid jurisdictional disputes among ministries over deregulation measures. 同じ轍(てつ)を踏んではならない。官邸の司令塔機能を強化し、規制緩和に対する各府省の抵抗や縄張り争いを監視すべきだ。
Abe said his Cabinet will verify every year the level of achievement of each policy, based on new indicators. If a policy is found to be behind the timetable, the administration will not casually lower the target, but introduce additional measures to achieve the goal. We urge the administration to review the programs continually and improve its measures to achieve goals whenever necessary. 安倍内閣は毎年、政策の達成度を新たな指標で検証するという。進行が遅れた場合は目標を安易に下げず、達成への追加策を講じる仕組みとする。事業を不断に見直し、改善してもらいたい。
We are concerned, however, because many policy measures demanded by business circles were not included in the growth strategy. 気がかりなのは、経済界が要望したのに盛り込まれなかった政策が目立つことである。
For example, businesses sought a reduction in the corporate tax rate, which is higher than those of other major countries, and drastic agricultural reform, including lifting the ban on the possession of farmlands by corporations. However, these measures were shelved. 例えば、他の主要国より高い法人税率の引き下げや、企業による農地所有の解禁などの抜本的な農政改革は見送られた。
The House of Councillors election is just around the corner and a hike in the consumption tax rate is scheduled for April next year. In this situation, Abe and his Liberal Democratic Party probably wanted to avoid policies that could prove unpopular with voters. 参院選や来年４月の消費税率引き上げを控え、有権者の反発を招きかねない政策を避けたかったという事情もあろう。
However, to break the nation’s economic deadlock, the administration needs the determination to bravely challenge the barrier of vested interests. We hope the Abe administration will accelerate discussions on pending issues that it put off dealing with. だが、日本経済の閉塞状況を打破するには、既得権益の壁に果敢に挑む決意が要る。先送りした懸案の議論を加速してほしい。
To improve the efficacy of the growth strategy, it is important for the Abe administration to improve individual policy measures as well as remove barriers to hamper the economic activities of the private sector. 成長戦略の実効性を上げるには、個々の政策の充実はもとより、民間の経済活動を妨げる障害を除去することが重要となる。
Stable power supply essential ◆電力安定は経済の礎
After the launch of the current Abe Cabinet, the hyper-appreciation of the yen that had afflicted the Japanese economy was corrected. However, many issues still remain unsolved. 安倍内閣の発足後、日本経済を苦しめてきた超円高は是正されたが、課題は山積している。
The shortage of power is a particularly serious problem. As the fuel costs for thermal power stations snowball, national wealth continues to steadily flow out of the country and power rate hikes go on. 特に電力不足は深刻だ。停止している原発を代替する火力発電所の燃料費が膨らみ、国富流出と電気料金の値上げが止まらない。
Electricity is the lifeblood of the economy. Unless the days of stable supply of inexpensive electric power return, it will be difficult to achieve stable growth in the economy. 電気は経済の血液である。安価な電力の安定供給を回復しない限り、安定成長は難しい。
In that sense, it is natural for the administration to have clarified in the growth strategy that the “entire government will make maximum efforts” to reactive idle nuclear reactors after their safety is confirmed. 安全を確認できた原発の再稼働に「政府一丸となって最大限取り組む」との方針を、成長戦略に明記したのは当然である。
The government must take the initiative to explain the necessity of this policy to local governments hosting nuclear power plants and make its utmost effort to realize a stable supply of electricity. 政府は率先して立地自治体の説得にあたり、電力安定供給の実現に全力を挙げるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 6, 2013) （2013年6月6日01時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 6, 2013 Expectations high for men's soccer team after clinching World Cup berth Ｗ杯出場決定 いざブラジルへ高まる期待（6月5日付・読売社説）
It is great to see Japan’s national soccer team secure a World Cup berth for the fifth consecutive time. We are looking forward to seeing how the national team players will fare in the big event one year from now. ５大会連続でのワールドカップ（Ｗ杯）出場を喜びたい。 １年後の大舞台で選手たちは、どのようなプレーを見せてくれるのか。今から楽しみだ。
It was the first time ever for Japan to secure a World Cup berth in a home game. The elated team members shared their jubilance with more than 60,000 cheering spectators at a packed Saitama Stadium. It was a moving scene that could only be seen at a home game. Japan tied with Australia 1-1 on Tuesday in the final round of World Cup qualifiers, winning a ticket to the 2014 World Cup in Brazil. サッカーの２０１４年Ｗ杯ブラジル大会アジア最終予選で、日本はオーストラリアと引き分け、本大会出場の切符を手にした。 国内で行われた試合でＷ杯出場を決めたのは、今回が初めてだ。埼玉スタジアムを埋めた６万人以上のサポーターと選手は、喜びを分かち合った。ホームゲームならではの感動的な光景だった。
Japanese first qualified for the World Cup in 1998 held in France--a feat the team had been struggling to accomplish for many years. 日本代表がＷ杯初出場を果たしたのは、１９９８年のフランス大会だ。日本サッカー界の長年の悲願だった。
Since then, Japan has won a berth in the finals for Germany 2006, South Africa 2010 and Brazil 2014. It qualified automatically for the 2002 event because it was one of that year’s two cohosts, along with South Korea. 以来、開催国として予選が免除された２００２年の日韓大会を除き、０６年ドイツ大会、１０年南アフリカ大会、そして、今回もアジア予選を見事に勝ち上がった。
J.League serves as springboard
This means the squad has maintained its top-tier status in Asia, which can be attributed to the team’s expanded player depth and smooth introduction of younger, up-and-coming players. 日本代表は、アジアの中でトップクラスの実力を維持し続けているということだ。選手層に厚みが増し、世代交代が比較的、順調に進んだ結果でもあるだろう。
A springboard for Japan’s national team has been J.League, which marked the 20th anniversary of its inception this year. J.League players have intensely competed for their survival in the glamorous but highly competitive professional league. 日本のサッカーが躍進する土台となったのは、今年で発足２０年を迎えたＪリーグだ。華やかながらも、競争の激しいプロリーグで、選手たちは生き残りをかけ、しのぎを削ってきた。
An increasing number of successful J.League players have opted to play for teams overseas, which has helped them develop their agility, techniques and other qualities in demanding environments. Such a trend has surely raised Japan’s level of soccer. Ｊリーグで実績を残した選手は、海外のクラブに移籍するようになった。より高いレベルの技を要求される中で、選手はもまれ、さらに力を付ける。こうした流れが、日本サッカー全体の底上げにつながったと言える。
Players belonging to foreign clubs have become a majority on the national team. Among them, Keisuke Honda, Makoto Hasebe and Yuto Nagatomo--who spearheaded the team’s advance to the Round of 16 of the last World Cup--now lead the team. 現在の代表チームを見ても、海外組が多数を占める。中でも、本田圭佑、長谷部誠、長友佑都選手ら、前回Ｗ杯でベスト１６入りの原動力となったメンバーが、今回もチームを引っ張っている。
Honda, who slotted the penalty kick that leveled the score against Australia on Tuesday night, displayed outstanding mental strength. Shinji Kagawa, who was not selected for the national team in the last World Cup, has developed into a core member. 豪州戦で同点のＰＫを決めた本田選手の精神力は見事だった。 前回は代表メンバーから漏れた香川真司選手は今や、日本代表の中核にまで成長した。
Fancy footsteps to follow in
Nadeshiko Japan, the women’s national soccer team, became World Cup champions two years ago. The achievement, which stirred up the entire nation, must have served as an impetus for the men’s squad. 女子の日本代表（なでしこジャパン）は２年前にＷ杯を制した。国中が沸き立ったあの快挙は、男子選手にとっても大きな刺激となったはずだ。
Japan’s defense and organizational skills proved to be sufficient in the last World Cup. The challenge for now is scoring. We hope the Japanese side will be strong enough to miss no scoring opportunities. 日本代表の守備力、組織力は、前回Ｗ杯でも十分に通用した。課題はやはり、得点力だろう。本大会までに、チャンスを逃さずものにする力を蓄えてほしい。
If each player does what is required of him, it is not unthinkable that Japan could reach the quarterfinals for the first time in the World Cup next year. 選手一人一人が、自らの役割を確実に果たせば、Ｗ杯で初のベスト８入りが見えてくる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 5, 2013) （2013年6月5日01時26分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 5, 2013 Not so fast on introduction of 'limited regular employees' 限定正社員 制度導入への課題はなお多い（6月4日付・読売社説）
Will it be a step toward expanding employment and better allocating human resources to growth areas? 雇用を拡大し、成長分野に人材を振り向ける一助になるだろうか。
The government’s Regulatory Reform Council is set to propose that so-called “gentei sei-shain” (limited regular corporate employees) be systemized as part of the nation’s growth strategies. 政府の規制改革会議は成長戦略の一環として、「限定正社員」の制度化を答申する方針だ。
These employees would be limited in the types of duties they could perform, work locations and working hours. Just like full-fledged regular employees, workers holding this position would be covered by corporate welfare benefit programs and would not be subject to a set period of employment. These workers also are called “job-based” regular employees, which are common in the United States and Europe. 限定正社員は、職務や勤務地、労働時間が限定されている。正社員と同様、福利厚生が受けられ、雇用期間にも定めがない。「ジョブ型正社員」とも言われ、欧米では一般的である。
Although limited regular employees would be paid less than regular workers, their job status is considered more stable than that of nonregular employees. This category is expected to enable workers, who spend a considerable amount of time on child-rearing and nursing care, to choose a way to work that better fits their wishes. 正社員より賃金は低いが、非正規社員に比べると、身分は安定していると言える。子育てや介護を抱える人は、自分の希望にあった働き方を選択できる。
Firms would also benefit
Many companies have introduced similar systems. But employment rules for such workers have not necessarily been established yet. こうした雇用形態を採用している企業は多いが、必ずしも雇用ルールは確立されていない。
Institutionalizing limited regular workers is expected to bring nonregular employees, who now account for 35 percent of Japan’s workforce, a step closer to regular workers. The growing number of nonregular employees, whose salary is low and who can easily be shown the door during corporate restructuring, is considered a factor behind the nation’s sluggish consumption. 限定正社員を制度化することで期待されるのは、雇用者全体の３５％に膨らんだ非正規雇用が正規雇用に近づく一歩となることだ。給料が低く、リストラの対象にされやすい非正規雇用の増大は、消費低迷の要因とされている。
If work duties are limited to certain areas, employees’ specialized fields would be clarified. Some could utilize the system to build their careers, and it could be an advantage if they change jobs. 職務が限定されれば、従業員の仕事の専門性が明確になる。人によってはキャリアを積むことができ、転職の際に強みになろう。
Furthermore, if the system of limited regular employees takes root, it would benefit companies. When companies shut down some outlets or abolish certain job categories whose objectives have been completed, they could dismiss those employees more easily than regular workers, whose employment would be protected through such steps as transfers to different departments. 一方、限定正社員制度が定着した場合、企業側にもメリットがある。役割を終えた事業所の閉鎖や職種の廃止に踏み切る際に、配置転換などで雇用が保護される正社員とは違って解雇しやすい。
The envisaged system would remedy the current situation in which unprofitable divisions groan under an excess of workers. 不採算部門に余剰人員を抱え込む現状の改善につながる。
But many challenges remain before the new position can be institutionalized. The Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo) has taken umbrage with the fact that the limited regular employee system is being studied to ease rules covering worker dismissal. The labor organization has voiced opposition, saying that companies could fire employees just for their own convenience when factories or offices are shuttered. It denounced the system as “a liberalization of policies on firing workers.” だが、制度化への課題は多い。連合は、限定正社員が解雇規制の緩和という側面で検討されたことを問題視し、「工場や事業所の閉鎖に伴い、企業が勝手に社員を解雇できる」「首切りへの自由化策だ」と反発している。
Clear rules needed
Many companies are worried about the increasing risk of facing a lawsuit over staff dismissals. 企業にとっては、解雇を巡る訴訟リスクの増加も懸念材料だ。
The Regulatory Reform Council is calling on the government to establish clear rules on such matters as in what cases companies could dismiss limited regular employees. 規制改革会議は、どのような場合に解雇できるか、といったルール作りについて、政府に結論を出すことを求めている。
We think the envisaged system should not be allowed to facilitate easy restructuring, which would rather destabilize the employment situation. 安易なリストラを助長し、かえって雇用の不安定化を招くような事態は避けるべきである。
How can shifting labor from structurally depressed industries to growth industries be promoted without increasing unemployment? Crafting a highly fluid labor market is essential for the revival of the nation’s economy. 失業を増やさずに、構造不況業種から成長産業へ、いかに労働力の移動を図るか。流動性の高い労働市場を形成することが、日本経済の再生には欠かせない。
To help laid-off workers find new careers, the government and companies also need to strengthen job placement and training services. 従業員が解雇された際の再就職を支援するため、政府や企業は就職先のあっせんや職業訓練にも力を入れる必要があろう。
We hope discussions will deepen from broad viewpoints, not only regarding employment but also including economic growth and the international competitiveness of Japan’s industries. 雇用だけでなく、経済成長や産業の国際競争力など幅広い観点から議論を深めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 4, 2013) （2013年6月4日01時12分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 4, 2013 Work with locals to enhance effect of Japan's PKO in South Sudan 南スーダン支援 地元連携で効果的なＰＫＯに（6月3日付・読売社説）
It is important for Japan to adopt a strategy that enhances the effectiveness of its contribution to U.N. peacekeeping operations in South Sudan, by closely cooperating with local people. 地元の住民と緊密に連携し、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）の効果を高める戦略が重要である。
The government has decided to extend the area of engagement by the Ground Self-Defense Force engineering unit taking part in the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS). 政府が、国連南スーダン派遣団（ＵＮＭＩＳＳ）に参加している陸上自衛隊の施設部隊の活動地域を拡大することを決定した。
Since January last year, about 330 personnel of the unit have been improving major trunk roads and an airstrip in the capital Juba, which is in Central Equatoria State. After Bangladeshi units pull out of Eastern and Western Equatoria shortly, the GSDF unit will also operate in these two states. 陸自部隊の約３３０人は昨年１月以降、中央エクアトリア州にある首都ジュバで道路や空港を整備している。バングラデシュ軍が近く東・西エクアトリア州から撤退した後、両州でも活動する。
The GSDF engineers have withdrawn from the Golan Heights in the Middle East and Haiti, leaving South Sudan as the only country where the unit is engaged in peacekeeping operations. 陸自は中東・ゴラン高原とハイチから撤収し、現在は南スーダンが唯一のＰＫＯだ。
Unit stars in engineering
Extending the unit’s area of engagement is quite appropriate for enhancing Japan’s presence in and reinforcing ties with Africa, which is expected to grow markedly in the future. 今後の成長が期待されるアフリカでの日本の存在感を高め、関係を強化するうえで、活動地域の拡大は妥当だ。
China, South Korea and India also have dispatched engineering units to South Sudan. In northern South Sudan, where the units of these three Asian nations conduct their peacekeeping activities, rebel forces still operate actively. In April, rebels attacked a U.N. convoy and killed 12 people, including five Indian peacekeepers escorting the convoy. 南スーダンには中国、韓国、インドも施設部隊を派遣している。３か国が活動する北部の州は、反政府勢力の活動が活発だ。４月にＰＫＯの車両が襲撃され、インド兵５人を含む１２人が死亡した。
The public security situation is relatively stable in the three southern states where the GSDF unit will operate. Nonetheless, it is necessary to remain vigilant to ensure the safety of the unit by, for instance, constantly gathering information on the movements of rebel forces. 日本が活動する南部３州は、治安が比較的安定している。だが、反政府勢力の動向の情報収集に努めるなど、部隊の安全確保に引き続き注意する必要がある。
South Sudan became independent from Sudan in July 2011, but little progress has been made in its nation-building efforts. From May to October, heavy rainfall makes roads impassable in many areas. Therefore, it is hugely significant that the GSDF unit is helping to improve a road network that will serve as a foundation for that country’s economic development. 南スーダンは２０１１年７月に独立し、国造りはまだ進んでいない。５～１０月は激しい雨期で、道路が各地で寸断される。経済開発の基盤となる国内の交通網整備に陸自が貢献する意義は大きい。
The unit has achieved tangible results in repairing and improving roads--its specialty area--in such nations as Cambodia and East Timor. The unit has earned a reputation for its precise and diligent work. Its attention to detail includes adjusting the camber of a road and the width of side gutters in line with rainfall of a specific area. 陸自の施設部隊は、カンボジア、東ティモールなどのＰＫＯで実績を上げており、得意分野だ。道路に勾配をつけ、雨量に応じて側溝幅を調節するなど、きめ細かで堅実な仕事ぶりには定評がある。
The important thing is for the unit to have numerous dialogues with local people to accurately grasp their true needs. This will enhance the effect of Japan’s assistance. 大切なのは、現地住民と対話を重ね、ニーズを正確に把握し、支援の効果を高めることだ。
The GSDF unit began building a 1.7-kilometer community road in Juba in February. The unit proposed this project to the UNMISS after actively determining what locals need and want. The road is funded from about 84 million yen of grassroots grant aid of Japan’s official development assistance, which is used to procure necessary materials. 陸自は今年２月、ジュバ市内で１・７キロの生活道路の整備を始めた。住民の要望を積極的に聞き取り、国連に提案した事業で、政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）の草の根無償資金協力約８４００万円を活用し、資材を調達している。
Think outside the box
The GSDF’s reconstruction activities in postwar Iraq were made in cooperation with locals, and were highly praised. We hope such assistance will be expanded. イラク復興支援でも、地元と連携した活動は高く評価された。こうした支援を拡充したい。
The Foreign Ministry, for its part, must think hard about how to enhance the synergic effects of Japan’s official development assistance and peacekeeping operations. This might involve extending not only small-scale grant aid but also larger-scale assistance, such as the improvement of facilities, in tandem with the GSDF unit’s operations. 外務省も、小規模な無償支援に限らず、施設整備など、より大型の援助を陸自の活動と連動させ、ＯＤＡとＰＫＯの相乗効果を高めることに知恵を絞るべきだ。
The GSDF has dispatched three majors, including intelligence staff, to UNMISS headquarters. For Japan to have a bigger say in peacekeeping operations, it will be necessary to dispatch higher-ranking SDF officers and have them placed in posts higher up the chain of command. 陸自は、ＵＮＭＩＳＳ司令部に情報幕僚など３人の３佐を派遣している。日本がＰＫＯ分野で発言力を強めるには、より高位の自衛官を派遣し、幹部ポストを確保することが課題となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 3, 2013) （2013年6月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 3, 2013 TICAD 5: Opportunity to expand Africa aid that shows Japanese flag アフリカ会議 日本の顔見える支援拡大せよ（6月2日付・読売社説）
The fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 5), a summit meeting of Japanese and African leaders, began Saturday in Yokohama. It is a wonderful opportunity for Japan to strengthen its partnership with Africa, an emerging continent. 日本とアフリカの首脳級会合である「第５回アフリカ開発会議（ＴＩＣＡＤ５）」が１日、横浜市で開幕した。“成長大陸”アフリカと連携を強化する絶好の機会だ。
The conference is held every five years, and representatives from 51 of Africa’s 54 countries are attending TICAD 5. ５年に１度の会合で、今回はアフリカ５１か国が出席した。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at the meeting that Japan and Africa have become partners who are helping each other grow. He also pledged to provide Africa with up to 3.2 trillion yen in aid from the private and public sectors over the next five years. The amount will include 1.4 trillion yen in official development assistance, the prime minister said. 安倍首相は、「互いに成長し合う仲間になった」と述べ、官民連携により、今後５年間で最大３・２兆円をアフリカに支援すると表明した。１・４兆円は政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を充てる。
A wealth of resources
Africa is rich in natural resources, and its annual growth rate remains high at 5 percent or more. The continent has a population of about 1 billion and is a promising market in which the number of middle-income people is increasing. アフリカは天然資源が豊富で、５％台の高成長が続く。人口は１０億人と多く、中間所得層が増加する有望市場である。
However, electricity shortages remain a serious problem in Africa, and underdeveloped infrastructure such as roads, ports and railways is also a challenge. 一方、電力不足は深刻だ。道路、港湾、鉄道などインフラ整備の遅れも課題と言える。
Africa has high expectations of Japan. We agree with the government’s plan to expand aid and investment for Africa in cooperation with trading houses, manufacturers and other private companies. アフリカの日本への期待は大きい。商社、メーカーなど民間企業と足並みをそろえ、アフリカへの支援や投資を拡大しようとする政府の狙いは妥当だ。
The growth strategy of Abenomics will be boosted if Japan can promote development of natural resources in Africa such as natural gas, which are essential for the country, and speed up the export of infrastructure to African countries. 日本に不可欠な天然ガスなどの資源開発を促進したり、インフラ輸出を加速したりできれば、経済政策「アベノミクス」の成長戦略にも弾みをつけよう。
Be wary of China’s moves
However, Japan must be cautious about China’s moves on the African continent, where it is stepping up its presence. 警戒しなければならないのは、アフリカでの存在感を増大させている中国の動きである。
Beijing has been sending its leaders to African countries one after another and rapidly increasing loans and investment on the continent. 中国は、首脳らが相次いでアフリカを訪問し、アフリカ向けの融資や投資を急拡大している。
China last year announced it would extend a total of 20 billion dollars in loans to African nations over three years, but the reality on the ground is not clear. We cannot ignore China’s policy toward Africa, which is noticeably aimed at monopolizing natural resources there while focusing only on China’s own interests. 昨年、「３年間で２００億ドル融資」という新たな方針を表明したが、実態は不透明だ。資源囲い込みや自国の利益を最優先する姿勢が目立つ点も看過できない。
Abe pledged at the conference to visit Africa as soon as possible. We think it is appropriate for the prime minister to lead Japan’s policy for Africa to vie with Beijing. 安倍首相は、できるだけ早期にアフリカを訪問する意向も表明した。中国に対抗し、首相が先頭に立つことは適切だろう。
It is important for Japan to help Africa become more self-reliant and to build a mutually beneficial friendship with it through aid that shows the Japanese flag. 重要なのは、「日本の顔が見える支援」を通じてアフリカの自立を促し、互いに利益になる良好な関係を築くことである。
Africa is still suffering from poverty and diseases such as AIDS. Japan should help Africans boost their agricultural productivity to alleviate poverty by teaching them Japanese skills to grow more rice. アフリカは貧困や、エイズなど疾病の問題を抱える。コメ作り支援で農業の生産性を高め、貧困を減らす方策を強化すべきだ。
The government should take strategy measures to help Africa that only Japan can do, by making effective use of its ODA. Such measures include supporting human resource development programs by helping 30,000 people find jobs and promoting transfer of technology. ３万人の就業支援による人材育成や、技術移転を後押しするなど、ＯＤＡを有効に活用する日本ならではの戦略が求められる。
In Algeria, a hostage crisis involving Japanese nationals took place in January, and security continues to deteriorate in some parts of Africa. We think the governments of African countries should take the initiative in developing an environment in which Japanese companies will find it easy to invest. １月にアルジェリアで人質事件が起きた。一部では依然、治安が悪化している。政府の主導で、日本企業が投資しやすい環境を整備することが急務だ。
The government should not forget that it is significant for Japan, which aims to reform the U.N. Security Council, to expand the foundations of its diplomacy in a way that will redound to the country’s benefit as it enhances its ties with African nations. 国連安全保障理事会の改革を目指す日本にとって、アフリカとの関係強化で外交基盤を拡大する意義も忘れてはなるまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 2, 2013) （2013年6月2日02時23分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 2, 2013 Chinese premier's outrageous claim to Senkakus has no historical grounds 李克強首相発言 歴史を無視した言いがかりだ（6月1日付・読売社説）
Japan needs to strengthen its guard against China’s propaganda, especially in light of that country’s selfish claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. 日本は、沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡って身勝手な主張を展開する中国の宣伝戦に対する警戒を一段と強める必要がある。
In a speech in the German city of Potsdam on May 26, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the No. 2 figure under the government of President Xi Jinping, made an apparent reference to the islands, saying, “Territories Japan stole from China must be returned.” 習近平政権ナンバー２の李克強首相が５月２６日、ドイツのポツダムで演説し、尖閣諸島を念頭に、「日本が盗み取った中国の領土は返還されねばならない」との見解を示した。
Japan absolutely cannot accept the claim that the Senkaku Islands are part of China’s territory. It stands to reason that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga rebutted Li’s remarks, saying, “They were comments that completely ignored history.” 尖閣が中国の領土だとする主張は日本として到底受け入れられない。菅官房長官が「あまりにも歴史を無視した発言」と中国を非難したのは当然である。
Referring to the Potsdam Declaration that Japan accepted at the end of World War II, Li said the declaration called on Japan to abide by the Cairo Declaration, which stipulated that Chinese territories “stolen” by Japan--such as the northeastern region, Taiwan and other islands--must be restored to China. 李首相は、第２次大戦終結時に日本が受諾したポツダム宣言について、「日本が盗み取った中国東北地方や台湾などの島嶼(とうしょ)を中国に返還すると規定したカイロ宣言の条項を必ず履行すると指摘している」と語った。
China’s reasoning is that the Senkakus were taken over by Japan during the Sino-Japanese War, and that as long as Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China along with Taiwan. Beijing claims the Senkakus belong to Taiwan. 尖閣は日清戦争中に日本に奪われたもので、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、尖閣も台湾の付属島嶼として返還されるべきだというのが中国の論法だ。
Beijing’s intention
While there is nothing new in Li’s remarks, why did he make them at the location where the Potsdam Declaration was issued? 李首相の発言に目新しさはないが、なぜポツダム宣言の地で語ったのか。
By asserting that the defeated country Japan has been disrupting the international order since World War II, the Xi administration is apparently trying to convince Europe that there is a territorial dispute to be resolved between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands. 習政権には、敗戦国の日本が第２次大戦後の国際秩序を乱していると主張することで、尖閣を巡って領有権問題があることを欧州にも訴える狙いがあろう。
After confirming that there is no evidence that the Senkakus were under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China, Japan formally incorporated the islands into Okinawa Prefecture after Cabinet approval. This action was taken before Taiwan was ceded to Japan after the Sino-Japanese War. 尖閣諸島は、清国に帰属する根拠がないことを踏まえ、日清戦争後の台湾割譲以前に日本が閣議決定で沖縄県に編入した。台湾に付属する島嶼とする中国側の主張には、歴史的な根拠がない。
China’s claim that the Senkakus are part of Taiwan thus has no historical grounds.
Furthermore, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which legally demarcated Japan’s territory after World War II, does not include the Senkakus in a list of territories Japan should renounce. 第２次大戦後の日本の領土を法的に確定したサンフランシスコ講和条約に尖閣への言及はない。
Furthermore, the Republic of China (Taiwan), which was recognized as a country by Japan at that time, did not raise the issue of the Senkakus during negotiations that resulted in their peace treaty. 日本が当時承認していた「中華民国」（台湾）は日華平和条約の交渉過程で尖閣を持ち出さなかった。
On top of that, neither the Cairo nor Potsdam declarations mention the Senkaku Islands. These declarations also bear no legally binding power in defining Japan’s postwar territory. そもそもカイロ、ポツダム両宣言は、尖閣に言及していない。戦後の領土確定に最終的な法的効果があるわけでもない。
For about 75 years since Japan incorporated the Senkakus into its territory, Taiwan and China had never objected to Japan’s control of the islands. This fact also points to a clear contradiction in Li’s reasoning for China’s sovereignty of the islands. 日本が編入してから約７５年間、台湾も中国も日本の領有に異議を唱えなかった。このことからも李首相の論理矛盾は明白である。
Japan needs own appeal
Remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are also problematic. Wang rebuffed Suga’s criticism of Beijing’s claim, saying the top Japanese government spokesman should not make comments that betray common sense. We strongly believe it is China that has behaved deviantly. 中国の王毅外相が「常識外れの話をしてはならない」と菅長官に反撃したのも問題だ。常軌を逸しているのは中国の方である。
Li’s remarks in Potsdam came after the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, published an article suggesting the country has sovereignty even over Okinawa Prefecture. These moves are apparently intended to place added pressure on the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 李首相の発言は、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が中国には沖縄県の領有権すらあると示唆する論文を掲載したのに続く安倍政権への新たな揺さぶりといえよう。
The Japanese government should not only call for efforts by all of its diplomatic missions abroad but also use every possible opportunity, such as international conferences, to make Japan’s stance on the islands better known to the world. 日本政府は在外公館を総動員するのは無論、国際会議などあらゆる機会を利用して、日本の立場を積極的に発信すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 1, 2013) （2013年6月1日01時19分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 1, 2013 Lower and upper houses must be reformed at the same time 選挙制度論議 政治の安定へ衆参同時改革を（5月31日付・読売社説）
◆定数削減競争は大衆迎合だ
Although the current Diet session will end in less than one month, discussions on the comprehensive reform of the electoral system of the House of Representatives remain bogged down. 今国会会期末まで１か月を切ったのに、衆院選挙制度の抜本改革論議は行き詰まったままだ。
There seems to be no desire in either the ruling or opposition camps to reach an agreement on the matter. This indicates that reform of the lower house election system is unlikely to happen before the end of the current Diet session on June 26. 与野党に合意形成の機運がなく、実現はもはや困難な状況にある。
A bill jointly submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito for rezoning lower house electoral districts by slashing five seats in the single-seat constituencies is to become law even if the House of Councillors does not discuss on it, through a second vote in the lower house before the end of the Diet session. 自民、公明両党が国会に提出した、衆院小選挙区定数の「０増５減」を実現する区割り法案は、参院で審議されなくても、衆院で再可決され、成立する見通しだ。
The legislation, however, is nothing but a stopgap measure. だが、０増５減は、あくまでも緊急避難的な措置に過ぎない。
Now is the time for both blocs to start fresh and renew discussions for realizing comprehensive reform of the lower house election system. 選挙制度の抜本改革を実現するために、与野党は、議論を仕切り直す時期に来ている。
Fears of Diet functions’ decline ◆立法機能低下に懸念
Among factors hampering formulating an accord between the ruling and opposition forces, the biggest is the disagreement over the number of lower house seats to be reduced. 与野党の合意形成を妨げている最大の要因は、衆院議員の定数削減を巡る足並みの乱れだ。
The Democratic Party of Japan has insisted the number of seats, currently 480, be slashed by 80. They argue the parties “must accept some pain” through the seat reduction at a time when they are asking the public to bear the burden of a higher consumption tax. 民主党は、消費増税に国民の理解を得るには国会議員自ら「身を切る」必要があるとして、定数８０の削減を主張している。
The issue of cutting the number of lower house seats, however, has nothing to do with rectifying the current disparity in the value of individual votes between the least and most represented constituencies--the issue behind electoral reform discussions. しかし、定数削減は、選挙制度改革のきっかけとなった衆院小選挙区の「１票の格差」是正とは無関係である。
If the DPJ feels the need to “accept some pain,” it should focus on such steps as curtailing the annual salaries of Diet members and reducing government subsidies for political parties. These measures would certainly be more effective than reducing the number of lower house legislators. 身を切ると言うなら、歳費や政党交付金を削るべきだろう。その方が効果も大きい。
The LDP is in favor of cutting 30 lower house seats in the proportional representation. This would leave 150 seats, 60 of which would be preferentially allotted to parties other than the top vote-getter. The LDP-envisioned reform plan is apparently in consideration of the wishes of its junior coalition partner Komeito. Can it be considered a fair and adequate electoral system to create preferential seat allocations for medium- and small-sized parties? 自民党は比例定数を３０削減して１５０とし、その中に６０の中小政党優遇枠を設ける考えだ。公明党への配慮だが、中小政党に特別な枠を与えることが公正な制度と言えるのか。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, for their part, have proposed that the number of seats be reduced by 144 and 180, respectively. 日本維新の会は１４４減、みんなの党は１８０減を唱えている。
It is almost as if the parties are vying for public attention simply over the extent of seat reduction. 削減幅を競うかのようである。
The fact that the parties seem to have found it effective to curry public favor merely by advocating a larger reduction in the number of lower house seats is deplorable, as these tactics smack of populism. The issue of reducing lower house seats must be discussed separately from the task of reforming the electoral system. 国会議員を減らせば国民に歓迎されると政党が考えていること自体、大衆迎合主義的な発想で嘆かわしい。定数削減は選挙制度と切り離して議論する必要がある。
It is worth noting that the number of Japan’s legislators is relatively low compared with other industrially advanced democracies. そもそも、日本の国会議員数は先進国の中では少ない方だ。
The parties in power under the nation’s existing parliamentary system send their lawmakers into the government as Cabinet members, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries. 与党は閣僚ら政務三役を政府に送り込んでいる。
If the number of Diet seats is reduced, those who have to oversee multiple committees will increase. Additionally, small- and medium-sized parties will face the danger of losing the opportunity to voice their views. The result would be that the legislative powers of the Diet and its function of overseeing the administration could decline. 定数を削れば、国会では委員会を掛け持ちする議員が増える。中小政党も発言の機会を奪われる。立法能力や行政監視機能が低下しかねない。
In March 2011, the Supreme Court ruled the disparity rate in the value of votes in single-seat districts in the 2009 general election, which stood at a maximum 2.3-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.” 最高裁は２０１１年３月、小選挙区の「１票の格差」が最大２・３０倍となった０９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断した。
In handing down the decision, the top court pointed out that the current formula of uniformly allotting one single-seat electoral district seat to each of the 47 prefectures is a major cause of the vote-value disparity. It called for the formula to be abolished. 各都道府県にまず１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因と指摘し、廃止を求めた。
The Supreme Court’s ruling can be seen as the judiciary stepping into the sphere of the discretionary powers of the legislature. 立法府の裁量権に司法が大きく踏み込んだと言えよう。
Gap correction not absolute ◆格差是正絶対視するな
In 14 lawsuits over the vote-value disparity in connection with the lower house election in December, high courts and their branches across the nation found the gap to be “unconstitutional” in their rulings. 昨年１２月の衆院選を巡る「１票の格差」訴訟では全国の高裁・支部で「違憲」判決が相次いだ。
Even the election itself was ruled to be “invalid” in two of these court decisions. However those rulings could be said to be irresponsible in light of the fact that no rules have yet been devised governing the holding of further elections to address such a problem. 一部には選挙無効という判決もあったが、再選挙のルールも確定しておらず、無責任ではないか。
The equality of vote values is not the only measure of the electoral system. Constituency elections are held based on administrative zones. Populations in rural areas have been dropping phenomenally in recent times. There are also problems peculiar to specific areas as well as extenuating economic and cultural circumstances that cannot be resolved simply by having constituency seats be a proportional reflection of the population. 投票価値の平等は選挙制度の絶対的な基準ではない。選挙区選は行政区画を基に成り立っている。地方では人口減が著しい。人口比例だけで片づかない地域特有の問題や経済・文化的事情もある。
The establishment of an election system that can harmonize judicial rulings with real politics on the ground is what is needed. 司法の判断と現実の政治を調和させる選挙制度が求められる。
If the proportional representation system is adopted fully for the lower house election, as advocated by the Japanese Communist Party, the will of the public can be more accurately reflected in the number of seats, thus eliminating the gap in vote value. 共産党などが主張するような完全な比例代表制とすれば、確かに民意がそのまま獲得議席に反映されて、１票の格差はなくなる。
But it could make it easier for small and midsize parties to gain more seats, resulting in the creation of many small parties. Coalition governments would become the norm, destabilizing politics and creating a situation in which small and midsize parties hold the key to making policy decisions. しかし、中小政党も議席を得やすいだけに、多党化が避けられない。連立政権が常態化し、中小政党が政策決定のカギを握るなど、政治の不安定化を招く。
The most crucial question is how to translate the will of the people into a stable government. 民意をいかに集約し、安定した政権を作るかという観点が最も重要だ。
To achieve this goal, the only realistic option is the revision of the current single-seat constituency plus proportional representation system, as advocated by the LDP and the DPJ, among others, and the reinstatement of the multiple-seat constituency system as demanded by some small parties. それには、自民、民主両党などが主張する現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制の手直しか、一部の小政党が求める中選挙区制の復活以外に、現実的な選択肢はないだろう。
The electoral system for the upper house must also be reviewed. We face an extraordinary situation in which the election systems of both chambers of the Diet have been judged to be in a “state of unconstitutionality.” 参院の選挙制度も、併せて考えなければならない。今は、衆参両院いずれもが「違憲状態」にあると司法が断じる異例の事態だ。
Viewed optimistically, now is an excellent opportunity to reexamine the electoral systems of both Diet houses simultaneously. 裏を返せば、衆参両院の制度を同時に見直す好機と言える。
Both systems are similar in that they comprise of elections in constituencies and elections held under proportional representation systems. 衆院も参院も選挙区選と比例代表選を組み合わせる点で、似通った制度になっている。
Roles under bicameral system ◆二院制の役割議論せよ
An additional problem is that the upper house is said to have become “too strong.” 「強すぎる参院」の問題もある。
To put an end to “indecisive politics,” it is essential to engineer electoral systems for both houses that are less liable to cause a divided Diet in which the upper house is controlled by the opposition parties. 「決められない政治」を脱するため、衆参のねじれが生じにくい制度を設計すべきだ。
First and foremost, it is crucial that fundamental discussions on the division of roles and authority between the two Diet chambers are held. We suggest that debate on revision of constitutional provisions on the bicameral system is also deepened. まずは、衆参各院にどんな役割と権能を持たせるかという根本的な議論が欠かせない。憲法の二院制に関する条項の見直し論議も深めてもらいたい。
As long as both houses continue to insist on their own uniqueness and political parties stick to partisan interests, it will be difficult to reach consensus on this issue, regardless of how much time is spent. 衆参両院が従来のようにそれぞれ独自性を主張し、各党が党利党略にとらわれる限り、いくら時間をかけても合意は困難だ。
If the current situation continues unabated, there will be no alternative but to refer the matter to an independent third-party organization comprising experts with no partisan affiliations. 今の状態が続くなら、各党の利害から離れた有識者による第三者機関に諮問するしかない。
In that instance, it would be vital that both the ruling and opposition parties work out legislative arrangements decisively by respecting the recommendations of such a panel. その際、与野党は、答申を尊重して立法化することをしっかり取り決めておくことが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 31, 2013) （2013年5月31日01時15分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 31, 2013 Striking N-cooperation pact is key to boosting bilateral ties with India 日印首脳会談 関係発展の柱となる原発協力（5月30日付・読売社説）
Japan and India have reached an agreement that could become the key to deepening their bilateral relationship. 日印両国が一層関係を深めていくための重要な柱となろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh agreed to resume negotiations on a nuclear cooperation pact during their summit talks in Tokyo on Wednesday. 安倍首相が、来日中のインドのシン首相と会談し、日印原子力協定の締結交渉再開で合意した。
The two countries aim to conclude the negotiations within the year. If they reach a deal, Japan will be able to export its nuclear-related technology to India. 年内妥結を目指す方針で、締結すれば、日本から原子力関連技術が輸出できるようになる。
The negotiations initially began in June 2010, when the Democratic Party of Japan held the reins of government. However, the talks were effectively suspended in the wake of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co. 交渉は、民主党政権時代の２０１０年６月に始まったが、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故の後、事実上中断していた。
With a population of 1.2 billion people, India has been plagued by power shortages following its rapid economic growth. The country thus intends to build more nuclear power plants. 人口１２億人のインドは、経済の急成長に伴って電力不足が深刻化し、原発の増設を計画している。
If more nuclear power facilities, which do not emit greenhouse gases, are built in countries that rely on coal-fired plants for electricity supply, such as India, that could also help counter global warming. 主力の電力供給源である石炭火力発電所に、温室効果ガスを排出しない原発が加われば、地球温暖化対策にも役立とう。
The Abe administration’s economic policy, dubbed “Abenomics,” focuses on exporting Japanese infrastructure systems under its growth strategy. An increase in exports of nuclear technology and related equipment will significantly benefit Japan as well. 安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」は、成長戦略としてインフラ輸出を重視する。原発や関連機器の輸出が増えれば、日本にとってもメリットは大きい。
Concerns over India’s N-stance
During their meeting, Abe praised Singh’s commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. However, he also called for India’s early ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, in line with Japan’s global advocacy of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT). 安倍首相は、シン首相に対し、核不拡散の努力を評価するとともに、核拡散防止条約（ＮＰＴ）体制を推進する立場から、インドの核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期批准を促した。
Abe apparently made the remarks in consideration of persistent domestic concerns over striking a nuclear cooperation pact with India, which has yet to sign the NPT despite owning nuclear arms. ＮＰＴに加盟していない核保有国インドとの協定に日本国内で慎重論が強かったことを念頭に置いた発言だろう。
India has halted nuclear testing and allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its civilian nuclear facilities. Ahead of restarting bilateral nuclear talks, Japan should confirm that India will maintain such a stance. インドは核実験を凍結し、民生用施設は、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）の査察も受け入れている。交渉再開にあたって日本は、こうした姿勢の堅持を確認したい。
Meanwhile, the two leaders also made progress in strengthening bilateral ties by agreeing to conduct a joint feasibility study on a plan to build an about 500-kilometer high-speed railway system between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India. Hopes are high that the agreement will boost joint efforts by the domestic public and private sectors to expand exports of the nation’s Shinkansen bullet train system. 両首脳がインド西部のムンバイ―アーメダバード間約５００キロ・メートルの高速鉄道計画について、共同調査の着手で合意したことも前進である。日本が官民を挙げて目指してきた新幹線システムの受注につながると期待される。
Japan also decided to extend yen loans for projects such as construction of a subway system in Mumbai. It is highly significant that the two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in regard to large infrastructure development, which would help India achieve economic growth. 日本は、ムンバイの地下鉄建設などに対する円借款の供与も決めた。インドの経済発展につながる大型インフラ整備で連携強化を確認した意義は大きい。
Japanese companies have increasingly made inroads into India. Although Japan’s trade with India remains small when compared to that with China, there is potential for further expansion. 日本企業のインド進出は増加し続けている。貿易額は日中間などに比べればまだ少ないが、一層拡大する潜在力がある。
Security cooperation eyes China
On security cooperation, the two countries agreed to consider exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s amphibious rescue boats to India. If realized, this could become a specific case of bilateral security cooperation in which Japan’s defense equipment is exported for civilian use. 安全保障面では、海上自衛隊の救難飛行艇の輸出について、両国が検討を始めることで一致した。実現すれば、防衛装備品の民間転用による輸出となり、日印安保協力の具体的な成果となる。
Meanwhile, the MSDF and the Indian Navy will conduct joint exercises on a regular basis. Their first joint drill was conducted in June last year. Such regular military exercises could be effective as a deterrent to China. Security cooperation between Japan and India must be conducive to stability in Asia, particularly in the Indian Ocean. 昨年６月に初実施した海自とインド海軍の共同訓練も定期化される。中国を牽制(けんせい)する効果もあるだろう。アジアとインド洋の安定に結びつけなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 30, 2013) （2013年5月30日02時08分 読売新聞）
