The Yomiuri Shimbun July 30, 2013 Israeli-Palestinian talks resumption 1st step in U.S. Mideast peace effort パレスチナ和平 米国の仲介努力は奏功するか（7月29日付・読売社説）
It is imperative to ensure that emerging positive signs in the Middle East result in a resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians after a hiatus of about three years. イスラエルとパレスチナの約３年ぶりの直接交渉の実現へ、つなげることが肝要だ。
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who has pressured Israel and the Palestinian Authority since March, announced on July 19 that both sides “have reached an agreement that establishes a basis for resuming direct final status negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis.” Ministerial-level officials from both parties are to meet in the near future to work out the terms and preconditions for the negotiations, according to U.S. government officials. イスラエルとパレスチナ自治政府に和平交渉再開を働きかけてきたケリー米国務長官が、「交渉再開のための基本的な部分で合意に達した」と発表した。 近く、双方の閣僚級の担当者が詰めの協議を行うという。
The Palestinian Authority has set the goal of establishing a Palestinian state, and Japan, the United States and European nations as well as Arab states have thrown their support behind this goal. 自治政府側は、パレスチナ国家樹立を目標に掲げており、日米欧やアラブ諸国は支持している。
Kerry’s endeavors pay off
The long-envisaged establishment of a Palestinian state, however, will not be possible without Israel’s agreement. We strongly hope the Israelis and Palestinians hold direct talks to begin the process of having the two sides live side by side in peace and security. ただ、イスラエルの同意が不可欠だ。イスラエルと自治政府の直接交渉が再開され、平和共存への歩みが始まることを、期待したい。
The broad agreement is the fruit of mediation efforts by Kerry, who, after assuming the post of secretary of state in February, traveled many times to the Middle East. 今回の基本合意は、２月に就任したケリー国務長官が何度も中東に足を運び、仲介した成果だ。
With upheavals continuing in the wake of the Arab Spring, U.S. policies have been put to the test. While the civil war in Syria has bogged down with no clear end in sight, Egypt, a major power in the Middle East, has been unable to resolve its political problems. 「アラブの春」の激動が続く中東で、米国の存在感が問われている。シリア内戦は泥沼化し、地域の大国エジプトは政情不安定から抜け出せないでいる。
It appears the United States hopes to play a role conducive to stabilizing the Middle East situation by using its diplomatic leverage to bring about peace between Israel and Palestinians. 米国は、イスラエルとパレスチナの和平仲介を中東外交立て直しの契機とし、中東の安定に役割を果たしたいのだろう。
The basic accord to hold preliminary talks appears partly due to Israel’s adopting more moderate policies after realizing its inflexible hard-line stance in dealing with the Palestinians left it internationally isolated. 基本合意の成立は、強硬一辺倒のパレスチナ政策で国際的に孤立したイスラエルが、軌道修正を図ったことにもよる。
In a U.N. General Assembly session last year, a resolution in favor of giving the Palestinian Authority the status of a “nonmember observer state” was adopted by an overwhelming majority vote despite intense opposition from the United States and Israel. 昨年の国連総会では、米国、イスラエルの反対にもかかわらず、パレスチナに「オブザーバー国家」の地位を与える決議案が、圧倒的多数で可決された。
Israel’s sense of crisis increased when the international community, particularly Israel’s biggest trade partner, Europe, intensified criticism of Israel’s continuing construction of settlements in the West Bank. ヨルダン川西岸への入植活動強行に対し、国際社会、とりわけ最大の貿易相手の欧州が批判を強めていることに、イスラエルは危機感を強めている。
A freeze in settlement construction would help pave the way for realizing a resumption of dialogue with the Palestinian Authority. イスラエルが入植活動を中止することで、自治政府との対話再開への道も開くのではないか。
The Palestinian Authority, on the other hand, must resolve the current situation in which its authority is limited only to the West Bank, with the Gaza Strip remaining under the control of the Islamist organization Hamas. This is essential for the Palestinian Authority if it wants to show that it is the proper party to negotiate with the Israelis. 自治政府の側も、交渉当事者の能力を示すには、統治が及ぶのはヨルダン川西岸だけでガザ地区はイスラム主義組織ハマスの支配下のまま、という現状を解消する必要がある。
Japan must help out
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida toured the Middle East region last week. In separate meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, he pressed them to resume peace talks. 岸田外相は先週、中東を歴訪し、イスラエルのネタニヤフ首相、パレスチナ自治政府のアッバス議長とそれぞれ会談し、和平交渉の再開を促した。
In addition, Kishida conferred with ministers from Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan over ways to utilize an agricultural park to process farm produce. The park is under construction in the West Bank city of Jericho with the support of Japan. また、日本の支援でヨルダン川西岸エリコに建設中の農産加工団地の活用を巡って、イスラエル、自治政府、ヨルダンの関係閣僚と４者協議を行った。
The agreement among Kishida and the others on the project should be rated highly. 岸田外相らが協力緊密化で合意したのは、評価できる。
Japan must continue to make such diplomatic efforts by extending a helping hand to encourage peace moves by the Israelis and Palestinians. 和平を側面支援するこうした外交努力を、今後も継続したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 29, 2013) （2013年7月29日01時19分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 29, 2013 Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions continue to be impediment to peace 朝鮮休戦６０年 平和妨げる北朝鮮の核武装化（7月28日付・読売社説）
The 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice in the Korean War comes as North Korea continues to push ahead with its nuclear programs. 北朝鮮が核武装化を進める中で、朝鮮戦争の休戦協定調印から６０年の節目を迎えた。
The Korean War began with the North’s invasion of the South in 1950, and claimed the lives of more than 3 million people before the armistice was signed three years later. １９５０年、北朝鮮の韓国侵攻で始まった朝鮮戦争は、死者３００万人以上の惨禍をもたらし、３年後、休戦協定の調印でひとまず収まった。
Fierce fighting between U.S.-led U.N. Command forces backing South Korea and China, which deployed Chinese People’s Volunteer Army troops because it feared North Korea would collapse, ended with a divided Korean Peninsula in the absence of a peace treaty. 米軍主導の国連軍が韓国を支援し、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れる中国が人民志願軍を送り込んだ激戦の後始末は、南北分断を固定化しただけで、平和を保障していない。
China’s change of mind
The North and South are continuing their military confrontation across the Demilitarized Zone, and there is a danger the situation could explode into an armed conflict. 南北朝鮮が対峙(たいじ)する状況は、依然、爆発しやすい危険性をはらむ。
North Korea, which falsely claims the armistice was a “victory,” celebrated the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice on Saturday with a massive military parade in Pyongyang. 休戦を「勝利」とごまかす北朝鮮は調印６０年の２７日、平壌で大規模な軍事パレードを行った。
The scale of the parade was aimed apparently at flaunting the power of Pyongyang’s young leader, Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, while diverting the people’s increasing discontent over the country’s wrecked economy. 若い金正恩第１書記の権威を誇示し、経済の破綻で高まる国民の不満をかわす狙いがあろう。
The biggest concern for Japan and other countries is the beefing up of North Korea’s nuclear programs, which Kim has been promoting. Massive throngs of armed soldiers marched in the Pyongyang parade as if trying to impress the rest of the world with the strength of the North’s ability to wage war with missiles and nuclear weapons. 日本など国際社会の最大の懸念材料は、第１書記が進める核戦力強化だ。パレードにも、核・ミサイル戦力の向上を印象づけたいかのような兵器部隊が登場した。
As a matter of course, North Korea has been forced to pay the piper. The U.N. Security Council has imposed economic sanctions on Pyongyang for repeatedly carrying out nuclear tests and test-launching long-range ballistic missiles. 無論、その代償は大きい。国連安全保障理事会は、長距離弾道ミサイル発射と核実験を繰り返す北朝鮮に経済制裁を科した。
China’s recent change from its conventional stance of fully defending North Korea appears to have made the international coalition against the North more solid. 中国が、北朝鮮擁護の姿勢を転換したことも、北朝鮮包囲網を狭める効果を生んだ。
During the military parade, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao stood alongside Kim on the podium overlooking Pyongyang’s main Kim Il Sung Square. Li reportedly told Kim that Beijing was determined to maintain its policy of pursuing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, working to ensure peace and security on the peninsula and resolving tensions through dialogue and consultations. 軍事パレードの観閲席で金第１書記の横に立った中国の李源潮国家副主席は、「朝鮮半島の非核化実現、平和と安全の維持、対話と協議による解決を堅持する」と第１書記に伝えたという。
This can be taken as a message to Pyongyang to return to the six-nation talks, as Beijing is resolved not to allow North Korea to possess nuclear weapons or engage in military provocations. 北朝鮮の核保有や武力挑発を許さず、６か国協議への復帰を求めるメッセージだ。
China, as the largest donor country and trade partner of North Korea, has a life-or-death influence over the North. Beijing’s stance on seeking North Korea’s denuclearization will now be put to the test. 中国は、最大の支援国、貿易相手国として北朝鮮の生殺与奪の権を握る。今後、非核化への本気度が問われよう。
In regard to North Korea’s call for a direct dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington, the United States has made such a dialogue contingent on the North abandoning its nuclear ambitions. This condition is quite reasonable. 米国は、北朝鮮が求める対話には、まず北朝鮮が非核化への具体的な行動を取るよう条件を付けている。北朝鮮の核廃棄が対話目的であるべきで、当然の前提だ。
North must heed others
Pyongyang, for its part, must heed the voices of Japan, the United States and South Korea, which are calling on the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions. 北朝鮮は、核放棄を促す日米韓の声を真摯(しんし)に聞く必要がある。
The environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula has changed dramatically since the signing of the armistice. 朝鮮半島を取り巻く環境は、休戦当時とは大きく変わった。
For one thing, South Korea has established diplomatic relations with China, and the value of its trade with Beijing has expanded to such an extent that it has surpassed its combined trade with Japan and the United States. 韓国は、中国と国交を樹立し、対中貿易額は、対米、対日の貿易総額を凌駕(りょうが)するまでに至った。
North Korea has made the choice of becoming a nuclear power, with the result that it cannot normalize diplomatic relations with Japan or the United States. As it has been driven into a corner, Pyongyang has even declared it is ready to “pull out of the deal” concerning the armistice agreement. 一方の北朝鮮は、核武装化への道を選択し、米国や日本との国交正常化の展望を開けずにいる。行き詰まった末に、朝鮮休戦協定の「白紙化」まで宣言した。
Japan, the United States, China and South Korea must remain vigilant to prevent North Korea from conducting new nuclear tests, missile launches or military provocations by firmly maintaining stringent sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programs. 日米中韓など関係国は、さらなる核実験や弾道ミサイル発射、武力挑発への警戒を怠らず、強力な制裁を堅持して、北朝鮮に核放棄を迫っていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 28, 2013) （2013年7月28日01時09分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 28, 2013 Abe’s increased focus on ASEAN partnership a strategic move 首相アジア演説 ＡＳＥＡＮ重視戦略の表明だ（7月27日付・読売社説）
A speech made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday served as a strong message to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a key economic and security partner of Japan. 経済・安全保障の重要なパートナーである東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）に対する強いメッセージだ。
During his visit to Southeast Asia, Abe delivered the speech on the Japan-ASEAN relationship in Singapore. 東南アジア歴訪中の安倍首相が、シンガポールで日本とＡＳＥＡＮの関係をテーマに政策演説を行った。
Using an airplane to describe relations between Japan and the rapidly growing region, Abe said, “Japan and ASEAN are like twin engines on the right and left wings.” 急成長している東南アジア地域の経済圏を飛行機に例え、「日本とＡＳＥＡＮは、左右両翼のツイン・エンジンだ」と述べた。
The prime minister also said his Abenomics economic measures would benefit ASEAN countries as both Japan’s imports from and exports to ASEAN members have doubled over the past decade. Abe is apparently determined to further bolster Japan-ASEAN ties. 首相は、日本とＡＳＥＡＮの輸出入額がこの１０年間でそれぞれ倍増したとし、経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果はＡＳＥＡＮにも及ぶと語った。さらに関係を強化する決意と言える。
Both Malaysia and Singapore, which Abe visited this week, are participants in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. Japan will likely seek ways to partner with them when the TPP talks enter the final stage. 今回訪れたマレーシア、シンガポール両国は、日本が参加した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉のメンバーでもある。今後の大詰め交渉で、連携を模索することも課題となろう。
Beyond economic alliance
Abe stressed that the nation’s relationship with ASEAN encompasses more than economic matters, saying the ties are “meaningful in ensuring regional security, particularly freedom of navigation at sea.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation. 一方、首相は、今年で「友好協力４０周年」を迎えたＡＳＥＡＮとの関係は今や、経済にとどまらず、「地域の安全保障、とりわけ航海の自由に責任を持つ間柄」であることも強調した。
He made such remarks apparently with China in mind, as Beijing has attempted to assume control of the East and South China seas. Especially now, when Japan’s ties with China and South Korea have become strained, it is strategically significant for the government to deepen its partnership with ASEAN. 東・南シナ海への強引な海洋進出を図る中国を念頭に置いたものだ。中国、韓国との関係が不安定だけにＡＳＥＡＮとの連携を深めるのは戦略的に有意義である。
On Friday, Abe also met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who has been touring Asia. This meeting was seemingly effective in highlighting the Japan-U.S. alliance, which could be conducive to ensuring peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia. 首相がアジア歴訪中のバイデン米副大統領と会談したことも、この地域の平和と繁栄に寄与する日米同盟の存在をアピールするうえで効果的だったといえよう。
Abe was to meet with Philippine President Benigno Aquino in Manila on Saturday. During the meeting, Abe was expected to express his intention to provide the Philippines with patrol ships through the Official Development Assistance program. 首相は、２７日にはマニラで、フィリピンのアキノ大統領と会談する。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用し、巡視船を供与する考えを表明する見通しだ。
The Philippines has been at loggerheads with China over the sovereignty of the Scarborough Shoal and other territories in the South China Sea. In light of this, helping the Philippines boost its maritime capability could serve as a symbolic aid gesture to benefit the whole ASEAN community. フィリピンは、南シナ海のスカボロー礁などの領有権をめぐって中国と対立している。その海上保安能力の向上を日本が後押しすることは、ＡＳＥＡＮ全体に対する日本の意思表示にもなる。
Look to China allies
This is already Abe’s third visit to Southeast Asia since returning to power. Of the 10 ASEAN member countries, he has visited seven. 首相の東南アジア訪問は、就任以来早くも３回目だ。訪ねた国は加盟１０か国のうち七つに上る。
Cambodia and Laos, both nations that have close ties to China, are among the ASEAN members. With due consideration for local circumstances in both countries, the prime minister should also visit these nations in a bid to increase their understanding of Japan. ＡＳＥＡＮの中には、カンボジアやラオスのように中国寄りとされる国もある。首相はこうした国も訪問し、各国の事情に配慮して、きめ細かに日本への理解を拡大していくべきだ。
China has apparently attempted to undermine Japan-ASEAN relations due to its alarm over Abe’s aggressive diplomacy in the region. 中国側にも、安倍外交を意識して、ＡＳＥＡＮ各国を分断しようとする動きが見える。
To prevent military tensions with China from escalating, it is vital for Japan to seek regional stability in line with international regulations and the spirit of the rule of law by working together with the United States and other countries. 日本は、軍事的緊張を高めないよう、米国などと連携し、国際法と法の支配にのっとった地域の安定を目指すことが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2013) （2013年7月27日01時26分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 27, 2013 Hammer out effective strategy to redeem lost time in TPP talks ＴＰＰ交渉参加 攻守両にらみ戦略で挽回せよ（7月26日付・読売社説）
At last Japan has entered talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade agreement, which have so far been conducted by 11 countries, including the United States. 日本がようやく、米国など１１か国が進める環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉に参加した。
Regarding Japan’s participation in the TPP negotiations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stressed, “We will make full use of our negotiating power to protect what needs protecting and push for what we want, to seek the best way to serve national interests.” 安倍首相は、「交渉力を駆使し、守るべきものは守り、攻めるべきものは攻め、国益にかなう最善の道を追求する」と強調している。
To ensure that this country can make up for the time lost due to its late entry into the TPP talks, the government must beef up its defensive and offensive strategies. 政府は、出遅れ挽回へ、攻守両にらみの戦略を強化すべきだ。
The latest round of TPP negotiations took place in Malaysia from July 15, and Japan joined the talks as the 12th member for only two and a half days in the final phase of the round that ended Thursday. ＴＰＰ交渉会合がマレーシアで開かれ、日本は１２番目のメンバーとして２日半だけ合流した。
By taking part in the talks, Japan received for the first time a pile of texts on the TPP negotiations comprising 29 chapters on such subjects as abolition of tariffs, intellectual property rights and investment. 関税撤廃、知的財産権、投資など２９章に及ぶＴＰＰ交渉をまとめた文書が、初めて日本に開示された。
Talks may be prolonged
It is of great significance that Japan can now grasp the entire picture of issues that have been discussed among TPP members. 全体像を把握できるようになった意味は大きい。
The next TPP gathering is scheduled for late August in Brunei, while consultations on the TPP between Japan and the United States will be conducted in parallel with the Brunei round from August on. 次回会合は８月末にブルネイで開かれ、日米協議も８月以降、並行して行われる。
The government must waste no time working out how to deal with the increasingly accelerating pace of the TPP talks by making a detailed analysis of the assertions of each participant country. 政府は各国の主張を分析し、加速する交渉への対応を急がねばならない。
The United States and some other TPP participants have set a goal of finalizing a basic agreement in the negotiations by October and concluding the talks by the end of the year. The TPP representative of Malaysia said in a news conference on Thursday that his country will energetically engage in discussions to complete them as scheduled. 米国などは、１０月の基本合意と年内妥結を目標に掲げている。マレーシアの代表も２５日の記者会見で、「妥結期限に間に合うよう精力的に議論する」と強調した。
However, the TPP countries are still at loggerheads regarding the abolition of tariffs, the main point of contention, which has apparently caused the negotiations to stall. ただし、最大の焦点の関税撤廃を巡っては各国が対立し、交渉が停滞している模様だ。
Given the current pace of the talks, it is unlikely they will be concluded by the end of the year. Indications are that the negotiations may continue into next year. 今のペースでは年内決着は難しく、交渉が越年する可能性がある。
Although Japan, as a late starter, remains in a difficult position in the negotiations, prolonged talks may give Japan more room to make up for lost time. 日本の立場は依然厳しいが、出遅れを取り戻す余地は広がろう。
In its platform for the recent House of Councillors election, the Liberal Democratic Party pledged to “give top priority to securing exemption of five agricultural products,” including rice and wheat, from tariff abolition. 自民党は参院選で、コメ、麦など「農産物５品目の聖域を最優先する」と主張した。
In the upper chamber election, Toshio Yamada of the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zenchu) secured his reelection as one of the highest-ranking winners in the proportional representation contest. Yamada has pledged to press the government to protect national interests without fail in the TPP talks. 全国農業協同組合中央会（ＪＡ全中）出身の山田俊男参院議員が比例選の上位で再選され、国益を守り抜くよう求めている。
Another upper house member, Hidehisa Otsuji, who ran in the Kagoshima prefectural constituency on a platform of opposing the TPP, won an upper house seat for the fifth time. ＴＰＰ反対を掲げた鹿児島選挙区の尾辻秀久参院議員も５選された。
‘Going on the offensive’
While some LDP legislators remain firmly opposed to the TPP, the government and the LDP must buckle down to swiftly push ahead with concrete measures for improving the competitiveness of the nation’s agriculture, in preparation for further opening of the domestic farm market to foreign competition. 党内にはなおＴＰＰ反対論がくすぶるものの、政府・自民党が急ぐべきは、一層の市場開放に備えて、農業の競争力を強化する具体策を推進することである。
Given that the TPP is aimed at a high degree of trade liberalization, protecting rice and other farm products as exemptions from tariff abolition will not necessarily secure Japan’s national interests. ＴＰＰは高水準の自由化が目標で、コメなど全てを関税撤廃の例外扱いとして守ることが日本の国益に資するとは限らない。
A well-balanced strategy must be hammered out in this respect. バランスの取れた戦略が必要だ。
Of higher importance for Japan is to “go on the offensive” by increasing exports of motor vehicles and electronics through tariff abolition, as well as establishing an environment conducive to business activity through such steps as lifting restrictions on capital investment from abroad. 自動車、電機などの関税撤廃による輸出拡大や、外資規制撤廃といったビジネス環境整備での「攻め」がむしろ重要と言える。
The envisaged TPP pact will constitute a huge free trade zone accounting for about 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product. ＴＰＰは世界の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の約４割を占める巨大な自由貿易圏である。
Japan must utilize the TPP to tap the vigor of other economies in Asia, to spur the nation’s economic growth. 日本はＴＰＰでアジアの活力を取り込み、成長に弾みを付けねばならない。
How can Japan play a leading role in crafting trade and investment rules in Asia? How to address this challenge is of crucial significance, and could determine the fate of the growth strategy on which the Abe administration has placed such importance. 日本がアジアの貿易・投資ルール作りをどう主導するのか。安倍政権が重視する成長戦略の行方をも左右する正念場になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 26, 2013) （2013年7月26日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 26, 2013 Prepare carefully for long, winding road of amending the Constitution 憲法改正 実現への布石を周到に打て（7月25日付・読売社説）
Debate on amending the Constitution has taken concrete form since the recent House of Councillors election. It is imperative that discussions on the issue be developed further. 参院選を機に具体化した憲法論議をさらに発展させたい。
We urge Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his administration to carefully and throughly take steps to gather momentum to realize the goal of amending the Constitution. 安倍政権は、周到に布石を打ち、改正への機運を高めていくべきだ。
A point of contention during the upper house campaign was whether to change Article 96, which stipulates procedures for constitutional revision. Parties have argued over whether to relax the requirements for amending the Constitution. 参院選では、憲法改正の手続きを定めた９６条の改正発議要件の緩和が大きな焦点になった。
Currently, the approval of at least two-thirds of the legislators in both chambers of the Diet is necessary to initiate amendments to the top law. After the upper house election, the parties that actively support amending the Constitution--the Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party--still did not have a two-thirds majority in the chamber. Hurdles remain high for amending the top law. 憲法改正に積極的な自民党、日本維新の会、みんなの党の議席は合計しても、参院では改正の発議に必要な「３分の２以上」とならなかった。ハードルは高い。
However, if the seats held by New Komeito--which favors adding new philosophies and provisions to the Constitution without changing the existing ones--are factored in, that would achieve the two-thirds requirement. Komeito’s actions hold the key to constitutional revision. ただ、憲法の内容を変えずに新たな理念・条文を加える「加憲」の立場の公明党の議席を合わせると３分の２に届く。公明党の対応が極めて重要である。
Komeito should present ideas
According to the party’s pledges for the upper house election, it seeks to discuss a number of issues regarding “adding new elements” to the Constitution: environmental rights, expanding the scope of local autonomy, stipulating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces in the top law and how the nation should contribute to the international community. 公明党は、参院選公約に「加憲」論議の対象として環境権や地方自治拡充、自衛隊の存在の明記、国際貢献の在り方を挙げている。
We urge New Komeito to hold thorough discussions on the issues and specify its ideas in a draft proposal. That would help clarify the similarities and differences between New Komeito and other parties, such as its coalition partner, the LDP, on the issues. It would also help expand discussions on amending the Constitution. 党内で検討を重ね、具体的な条文を作成してはどうか。自民党などとの共通点、相違点が明確になり、議論が深まろう。
Meanwhile, Your Party has said there are other things to be accomplished before amending the Constitution, including civil service reform. The party has proposed radical ideas for civil service reform, such as eliminating the jobs of 100,000 national government officials and allowing government officials to be laid off as easily as employees at private companies, in exchange for giving them the right to strike. みんなの党は「憲法改正の前にやるべきことがある」として公務員制度改革を掲げた。具体的には「国家公務員の１０万人削減」「スト権を付与する代わりに民間並みのリストラを可能にする」といった急進的な案を唱えている。
We can never agree to making such reforms a precondition for amending the Constitution, as the two issues can be dealt with simultaneously. これを憲法改正の前提条件にすることは、甚だ疑問である。同時並行で検討すればよい。
Start from pending issues
Abe has said he will deal with constitutional revision “without haste, and move forward on the issue with persistence.” The prime minister stressed he will first deal with unresolved issues involving the National Referendum Law, which was enacted during the first Abe administration. We believe Abe’s decision is appropriate, as those issues will lay the basic groundwork for amending the Constitution. 安倍首相は、「腰を落ち着けてじっくり進めていく」と述べ、第１次安倍内閣で成立した国民投票法の“宿題”から始める考えを強調している。改正への環境を整えるうえで、妥当な判断である。
The National Referendum Law stipulates procedures for a national referendum for constitutional amendments. It allows those aged 18 and older to participate in such referendums. 憲法改正のための国民投票法は投票権を１８歳以上に与えた。
To be consistent, the law’s supplementary provisions require lawmakers to discuss lowering the minimum voting age for elections, which is stipulated in the Public Offices Election Law, and the age of adulthood stipulated in the Civil Code, from the current 20 to 18. The provisions also call for the review of the National Civil Service Law, which limits the political activities of government officials. その付則で公職選挙法の選挙権年齢「２０歳以上」や民法の成年年齢を、同じく１８歳に引き下げることの検討を求めている。公務員の政治的行為を制限した国家公務員法などの見直しも盛り込んだ。
All the issues are long overdue. Lawmakers were expected to reach conclusions on the issues before the National Referendum Law was put into force in May 2010. いずれも、２０１０年５月の国民投票法施行までに結論を出しておかねばならない課題だった。
We urge both the ruling and opposition parties to start discussions on the unresolved issues as soon as possible. 与野党は、早急に協議を始めてもらいたい。
Even if the Diet succeeds in initiating constitutional amendments, it is the public that makes the final decision on revising the Constitution via referendums. A majority of all votes cast in a referendum is needed to amend the Constitution--it would never be an easy task. たとえ国会が憲法改正を発議できたとしても、最終的に決めるのは国民投票だ。過半数の賛成を得るのは、容易ではなかろう。
LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba has revealed the idea of hosting meetings across the nation aimed at explaining to the public the necessity of amending the Constitution. The meetings would be carried out as easy-to-understand dialogues, according to Ishiba. 自民党の石破幹事長は、憲法改正についての「対話集会」を各地で開き、国民にその必要性を丁寧に説明する考えを示している。
To amend the Constitution, efforts to nurture public awareness of the necessity of constitutional amendments are essential. There are three years left, at most, before the next national election. The time should be used strategically for the goal of amending the Constitution. 憲法改正が必要だという国民意識を高める努力は欠かせない。次期国政選まで最大３年という時間を戦略的に使うべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 25, 2013) （2013年7月25日02時15分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 25, 2013 Children deserve to have a safe and crime-free summer vacation 夏休みの安全 子どもを犯罪から守りたい（7月24日付・読売社説）
School is out for summer, and children are free to play outdoors. Yet even at this happy time, measures must be taken to ensure no children fall victim to crimes during their summer vacation. 学校が夏休みに入り、子どもたちが外出する機会が多くなる。犯罪に巻き込まれることのないよう、改めて安全対策を徹底したい。
In late June, a man with a knife injured three first-grade primary school students in front of the gate to a ward primary school in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. The incident took place while the boys were on their way home from school. In mid-July, a fifth-grade primary school student suffered serious injuries when she was beaten by a man on the street in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture. 東京都練馬区の区立小学校の校門前で６月末、下校する小学１年生の男児３人が男にナイフで切り付けられ、けがを負った。今月中旬には、茨城県龍ヶ崎市の路上で、小学５年生の女児が男に殴られ、重体となった。
National Police Agency statistics remind us of the disturbing reality that not even children under 13 are safe from criminals. Crimes against them include a significant number of serious offenses, such as sexual assaults and attacks resulting in grave injuries. 警察庁の統計では、１３歳未満の子どもが被害者となる事例では、強制わいせつや暴行、傷害など、悪質な犯罪が目立っている。
Parents should immediately call the police if their children have been spoken to or followed by suspicious persons. 子どもが不審者に声をかけられたり、つきまとわれたりしたら、保護者はすぐに警察へ通報してもらいたい。
Adults must stay on guard
It is essential for the police to thoroughly investigate such cases, while also providing information about suspicious individuals to local organizations likely to be affected by such incidents, including school authorities and neighborhood associations. 警察は捜査に手を尽くすとともに、不審者情報を学校や地域の町内会などに周知し、警戒を呼びかけることが大切だ。
School administrators have taken measures to better protect the safety of their students in recent years. The move was prompted by a stabbing incident that took place in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, in 2001 at a primary school affiliated with Osaka Kyoiku University. Eight students at Ikeda Primary School were killed by a knife-wielding man, and many others were injured. 学校の安全対策は、２００１年に大阪教育大付属池田小学校で起きた児童殺傷事件を契機に、強化が図られてきた。
Ikeda Primary School has set up a class called “anzen-ka” (safety course) in which students are encouraged to discuss what they should do if they face such situations as total strangers talking to them on the street. An increasing number of schools are adopting similar safety education programs. 池田小では「安全科」の授業を設け、道で見知らぬ人から声をかけられた場面などを想定し、自分がとるべき行動を児童に議論させている。こうした安全教育を取り入れる学校は増えつつある。
A large number of primary and middle schools have installed security cameras and other protective devices around their buildings and grounds, hoping to detect any suspicious person attempting to intrude. 不審者の侵入を察知するため、多くの小中学校で防犯カメラなどが設置された。
In other cases, parents accompany their children to and from school, while crime-prevention volunteers from neighborhood associations patrol school-commuting roads. Local communities are making progress in implementing various steps to prevent children from becoming crime victims. 登下校時に、保護者が子どもに付き添う。町内会の防犯ボランティアが通学路を巡回する。地域の様々な取り組みが進んでいる。
However, defense of children tends to become lax during the summer vacation. Particular attention should be given to the safety of children during certain hours of the day--for instance, when they are playing outdoors, and while they are on their way to and from cram schools and or swimming courses. At such times, it is difficult for grown-ups to keep an eye on children. Given this, it is advisable to make sure children carry crime prevention buzzers with them when they go out, so they can sound an alarm if necessary. ただ、夏休み中はどうしても、子どもたちを守る活動は手薄になりがちだ。外遊びのほか、塾や水泳教室の行き帰りといった、大人の目が届きにくい時間帯は特に注意が必要となる。外出の際には必ず防犯ブザーを持たせたい。
Teach kids to be alert
Most importantly, children should be taught how to escape from crimes targeting them. They need to develop such awareness on a routine basis, when it comes to averting potential danger. 危険を回避する上で何より重要なのは、日頃から子どもたちの防犯意識を高めておくことだ。
For instance, it is a good idea for both parents and children to confirm whether any hazards exist in their neighborhood, such as a vacant house into which children could be taken or an unlit street. Parents would be well advised to tell their children to stay away from such high-risk places. 例えば、自宅周辺に、子どもが連れ込まれかねない空き家や、街灯のない通りなどがないか、親子で確認し、近づかないようにさせてはどうだろう。
In many areas around the nation, shops, private homes and other buildings have been designated as emergency shelters for children. Those in charge of such shelters agree to provide temporary protection for children who encountered danger, and report it to the police. If they have been taught where such facilities are located, children will be able to run to the shelter when they recognize danger. 各地域には、「子ども１１０番の家」がある。危険な目に遭った子を一時的に保護し、警察に通報する役目を担っている。子どもに所在地を教えておけば、いざという時の駆け込み場所になる。
Other facilities that can play a role in crime prevention include convenience stores that stay open round the clock or till late at night. 夜間でも営業しているコンビニエンスストアは、防犯拠点として活用できる。
It is essential for families and local communities to join hands in making sure children can spend the summer vacation in safety. 子どもたちが夏休みを安全に過ごすには、家庭や地域が連携して支えていくことが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 24, 2013) （2013年7月24日01時22分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 24, 2013 Abe administration must focus on economy to enhance nation’s power 安倍政権の課題 国力の向上へ経済に集中せよ（7月23日付・読売社説）
◆真価が問われるのはこれからだ
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must make all-out efforts to revitalize the national economy and concentrate on enhancing national power. 日本経済の再生に全力を挙げ、国力を高めることに集中して取り組まねばならない。
The administration has made a new start after the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner New Komeito scored an overwhelming victory in Sunday’s House of Councillors election. 参院選での自民、公明両党の圧勝を受け、安倍政権が再始動した。
Abe met with Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi Monday to confirm their policy of strengthening cooperation. It will be necessary for the two parties, which failed to put forth common campaign platforms for the upper house poll, to steadily promote coordination on various policies. 安倍首相は、連立を組む公明党の山口代表と会談し、連携を強化する方針を確認した。両党は参院選では共通公約を掲げられなかったが、今後は様々な政策調整を着実に進める必要がある。
◆消費増税の判断が焦点
In a news conference on Monday, Abe stressed he would put utmost priority on economic policy, saying, “Ending 15 years of deflation will be a historic undertaking.” 首相は２２日の記者会見で、「１５年間にわたるデフレからの脱却は歴史的事業だ」と述べ、経済政策を最優先する意向を表明した。
The foundation for social security, diplomacy and security cannot be bolstered unless the country can regain a strong economy and national power. Revitalizing the national economy is a way of meeting the expectations the people expressed in the upper house election. 「強い経済」を回復し、国力を取り戻さなければ、社会保障や外交・安全保障の基盤を強化できない。日本経済を再生することが、参院選で示された多くの国民の支持に応える道でもある。
Sales tax hike key issue
The biggest focal point for the moment is whether the government will decide to raise the consumption tax from 5 percent to 8 percent in April as scheduled. 当面の最大の焦点は、来年４月に予定通り消費税率を５％から８％に引き上げるかどうかだ。
Abe said he would make a prudent decision by autumn after analyzing such economic data as the real-term gross domestic product for the April-June quarter, which will be released on Aug. 12. 首相は、８月１２日に発表される４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）成長率などを踏まえて、秋までに慎重に判断するとしている。
The economy has been picking up steadily due to the effect of Abenomics. But raising the consumption tax before a full-scale business recovery may affect the economy adversely. Some of the prime minister’s economic advisers have come out in favor of postponing a tax increase. 安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果で、経済は着実に上向いてきた。だが、本格的な回復前に消費増税を行うと、景気を腰折れさせかねない。首相の経済ブレーンの間には、消費増税の先送り論も出ている。
On the other hand, the nation’s fiscal condition is the worst among industrialized countries. Japan has made an international pledge to implement midterm fiscal reconstruction. The adverse effect of postponing a consumption tax increase on the government bond market is also a matter of concern. 一方、日本の財政状況は、先進国で最悪であり、中期的な財政再建は国際公約になっている。消費増税を先送りした場合に国債市場に及ぼす悪影響も心配だ。
In a recent Moscow meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 economies, Finance Miniser Taro Aso said the tax increase would be carried out as scheduled. Abe faces a hard policy decision on how to reach a balance between economic growth and fiscal reconstruction. 麻生財務相は、モスクワでの主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議で、予定通り増税する方針を示した。経済成長と財政再建の両立をどう図るか。首相は厳しい決断を迫られる。
Discussions on the consumption tax hike will be also unavoidable from the standpoint of promoting reforms of the social security system. Based on conclusions of the national conference on social security reform to be announced in August, the government needs to set forth policies to curb medical bills and pension benefits, which have been burgeoning due to the graying of society, as well as concrete measures to deal with the declining birthrate. 社会保障制度改革を進める上でも、消費増税の議論は避けられない。政府は、国民会議が８月にまとめる結論を踏まえ、高齢化で増え続ける医療費と年金給付の抑制策や、少子化対応の具体策を打ち出す必要がある。
The government is being put to the test over how to implement a growth strategy, the “third arrow” of Abenomics after bold monetary easing and fiscal stimulation. アベノミクスでは、大胆な金融緩和、財政出動に続く「第３の矢」となる成長戦略をどう具体化するかが問われている。
Abe regards the autumn extraordinary Diet session as an opportunity to realize his administration’s growth strategy and is aiming for early passage of a bill to boost the competitiveness of the Japanese industry, including an investment tax cut to encourage businesses to make capital investment. 首相は、秋の臨時国会を「成長戦略実現国会」と位置づけ、企業に設備投資を促す投資減税などを盛り込んだ産業競争力強化法案の早期成立を目指している。
Boosting the vitality of Japanese companies could help realize a virtuous circle of wage hikes and an expansion of job opportunities. 企業活力をさらに引き出し、賃金上昇や雇用拡大などの好循環を実現したい。
In promoting the growth strategy, however, it is essential to secure a stable supply of electricity. 成長戦略を推進する上で不可欠なのは、電力の安定供給だ。
TPP talks in full swing ◆ＴＰＰ交渉も本番に
The Nuclear Regulation Authority has launched safety checks of nuclear power plants seeking to restart their idled reactors in line with new safety standards. To efficiently implement various kinds of safety checks, the safety examination system of the NRA should be reinforced. 原子力規制委員会は、原発の再稼働に向けて、新規制基準に基づく原発の安全審査を始めた。多岐にわたる審査を効率的に進めるには、規制委の審査体制を強化・改善すべきではないか。
Abe’s leadership is also needed to win the understanding of local governments and communities to resume the operations of nuclear plants. 原発再稼働に地元の理解を得るため、首相の指導力も必要だ。
The government should promote a realistic energy policy, while considering its impact on the economy, employment and the global environment. 経済や雇用、地球環境への影響なども考慮し、政府は現実的なエネルギー政策を推進すべきだ。
Also important are the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, which Japan will join for the first time on Tuesday. Japan should seize the opportunity to promote free trade and bring out the vitality of Asia. ２３日から日本が初参加する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉も重要である。自由貿易推進によりアジアの活力を取り込む好機としたい。
Efforts must also be made to boost the international competitiveness of our agricultural sector in preparation for market liberalization. 自由化に備えた農業の競争力強化も急がねばならない。
On the diplomatic front, the biggest issue is how to improve bilateral relations with China. 外交では、対中関係の改善が最大の課題だ。
Abe said, “The important thing is to have heart-to-heart talks with each other,” emphasizing the importance of dialogue. Also needed are persistent diplomatic efforts by both Japan and China to solve their differences. 首相は「お互いが胸襟を開いて話すことが大切」と、対話の必要性を強調している。 日中双方の粘り強い外交努力が求められる。
China is still behaving provocatively by having its marine surveillance vessels sail around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. It was also recently learned that China is developing a new gas field near the median line between Japan and China in the East China Sea, which is escalating bilateral friction. 中国は依然として沖縄・尖閣諸島周辺に海洋監視船を送り込み、挑発的な行動をとっている。中国による東シナ海でのガス田開発問題も新たに発覚しており、日中間の摩擦は高まる一方だ。
With China’s recent aggressive and intimidating actions and its military buildup, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile development threats, Japan’s security environment has been deteriorating. 一連の中国の示威活動や軍備増強、さらに北朝鮮の核・ミサイルの脅威など、日本の安全保障環境は悪化している。
Review collective self-defense ◆集団的自衛権を見直せ
It is only reasonable for the government to review its interpretation of the Constitution with regard to the use of the right to the collective self-defense, a pending issue for many years. Such a review would strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance. 政府が、長年の懸案である集団的自衛権行使に関する憲法解釈の変更に取り組むのは当然だ。日米同盟の強化にもつながろう。
An expert panel of the government will compile a new report on the issue by mid-October and is expected to propose that Japan should exercise its right to collective self-defense. Based on the proposal, the government should proceed to change its interpretation of the supreme law. 政府の有識者会議は、１０月前半にも新たな報告書をまとめ、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするよう提言する。政府はこれを受け、解釈変更を進めるべきだ。
The nation’s security system needs to be strengthened by establishing the Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, promoting the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station to the Henoko district in Nago and compiling new National Defense Program Outlines. 国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）創設や、米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設の推進、新たな防衛大綱の策定と合わせ、安全保障体制を強化しなければならない。
The next national election is not scheduled for three years. It is crucial for Abe to proceed with diplomatic and security issues step by step, together with his economic policy. 次の国政選までは、最大３年ある。首相は、経済政策とともに外交・安保の課題も段階を踏んで進めていくことが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 23, 2013) （2013年7月23日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 23, 2013 Coalition must not be arrogant but should firmly pursue policy goals 参院選自公圧勝 数に傲らず着実に政策実現を（7月22日付・読売社説）
◆日本経済再生への期待に応えよ
The ruling coalition parties have scored a resounding electoral victory following their landslide in the December 2012 House of Representatives election. 昨年の衆院選に続く圧勝である。
In Sunday’s House of Councillors election, the Liberal Democratic Party and its junior coalition partner, New Komeito, garnered a majority in the 242-seat upper chamber, including seats that were uncontested this time. 参院選で自民、公明両党が、非改選と合わせて過半数の議席を制した。
It is of great significance that the divided Diet, in which the upper house was controlled by opposition parties, has been brought to an end. 国会の衆参ねじれが解消された意義は大きい。
There is no national election scheduled for up to three years. 次の国政選まで最大３年ある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration has now acquired an environment that will allow it to buckle down to various policy tasks. Among them are making the nation’s economic recovery compatible with fiscal reconstruction, strengthening the country’s security arrangements and considering the wisdom of revising the Constitution. 安倍政権は、経済再生と財政再建の両立、安全保障体制強化、憲法改正など様々な懸案に腰を据えて取り組める環境を獲得した。
However, neither the LDP nor Komeito should be complacent or arrogant about their newly won political power but instead should engage in managing the Diet considerately and respectfully. 自公両党は、「巨大与党」の数に傲(おご)ることなく、丁寧な国会運営を心がけてもらいたい。
Voters favor stability ◆国民は安定を望んだ
The divided state of the legislature developed six years ago as a result of the first Abe Cabinet’s suffering a crushing defeat in the 2007 upper house contest. Abe’s triumph this time has avenged that defeat. 衆参ねじれは６年前、第１次安倍政権が参院選で敗北して生じさせたものであり、首相は今回、雪辱を果たしたことになる。
When the outcome of the latest upper house race began emerging late Sunday night, Abe said on a TV program his administration was given a “great voice of encouragement from the public, which wants a political process capable of making decisions, achieving a stable government and moving ahead with our economic policies.” 安倍首相は、大勢判明後、「決める政治、安定的な政治で、経済政策を前に進めていけという大きな声をいただいた」と語った。
The stagnation and political turmoil caused by the divided Diet were major factors behind the anomaly of a new prime minister every year. Many voters this time favored political stability as pointed out by the prime minister. ねじれは、政治の停滞と混乱を引き起こし、首相が毎年交代する異常事態の要因だった。首相の言うように、多くの有権者が政治の安定を望んだと言えよう。
The prime minister’s package of economic policies, dubbed Abenomics, was the focus of contention in the upper house election and can be said to have won the public’s confidence, at least for now. 最大の争点となった安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」はひとまず国民のお墨付きを得た。
However, Abenomics has not yet produced any conspicuous improvements in the income of ordinary citizens or employment. It remains unclear whether the national economy can really break away from deflation. だが、まだ所得や雇用にまで顕著な効果は及んでいない。デフレ脱却も不透明だ。
To meet the public’s expectations for economic revival, the prime minister must do his utmost to produce tangible results by mobilizing all available resources of the government and the ruling coalition parties. 国民の経済再生への期待に応えるためにも、首相は、政府・与党の総力を結集して成果を上げていかねばなるまい。
The resounding win of the LDP, the only party in the latest upper house election that did not call for “reducing nuclear power generation to zero,” can be considered proof that voters favorably evaluated the party’s down-to-earth approach to energy problems. エネルギー政策を巡り、唯一「原発ゼロ」を掲げなかった自民党の圧勝は、現実的な姿勢を有権者が評価したからではないか。
Moves for realignment ◆野党再編への機運も
The LDP was strong enough in the upper house race to score 29 wins versus two losses in single-seat prefectural constituencies, while also garnering seats in all multiple-seat constituencies. Komeito also performed well in securing upper house seats. 自民党は、１人区で２９勝２敗、複数区では全候補が当選するという強さを見せつけた。公明党も、手堅く議席を確保した。
The LDP’s victory in prefectural constituency contests owed partly to the poor performance of opposition parties, just as in last year’s lower house election, and to the circumstances under which they found themselves scrambling among themselves for upper house seats. 自民党の選挙区選での勝因は、衆院選と同様、野党が振るわなかったうえ、野党同士が議席を奪い合う構図になったことにある。
Voter turnout, meanwhile, fell well below the level in the previous upper house election. It seems some voters averse to the LDP might have chosen to abstain from voting. 投票率は、前回を大幅に下回った。反自民票の一部が棄権に回ったという側面もあるだろう。
The DPJ suffered a crushing defeat, the worst since its inauguration, in the upper house election. In many cases, the party was defeated by other opposition parties even in multiple-seat prefectural electoral districts. 民主党は、結党以来の大惨敗を喫した。複数区でも、他の野党に競り負けるケースが目立った。
There can be no denying that the desire to “punish” the DPJ for a pile of policy blunders while in power remains deeply ingrained among the public. 失政を重ねた民主党政権への「懲罰」感情は根強く残っている。
The election result shows the DPJ, as in the past, lacked solidarity as a party. One such example is that former Prime Minister Naoto Kan openly backed a candidate in the Tokyo constituency who had to run as an independent after the party dropped her from its ticket. 相変わらず、党としての一体感が乏しいことも印象づけた。菅元首相が東京選挙区で民主党公認を取り消された無所属候補を公然と応援したのは、その一例だ。
Taking into consideration the DPJ’s dogmatic “out-and-out opposition” in the Diet and its ambiguous stance on such key issues as the Constitution, the DPJ failed to attract the votes of those critical of the Abe administration. 国会での抵抗野党ぶりや憲法など重要政策のあいまいさを見れば民主党は、安倍政権への批判票の受け皿として物足りなかった。
DPJ leader Banri Kaieda expressed his intention to stay on as head of the party. The party leadership has no option but to clarify responsibility and start afresh after reflecting on its crushing defeat in the latest election. If it fails to do so, it may cease to be one of the two major parties in the next lower house election. 海江田代表は、続投する意向を表明した。執行部は、惨敗を徹底的に総括したうえで責任を明確にし、出直すしかない。そうしなければ、次期衆院選では２大政党の一角から転落しかねない。
Those who bolted from the DPJ also failed miserably in the latest election. People’s Life Party failed to win a seat even in the Iwate constituency, the home base of its leader, Ichiro Ozawa, symbolizing his declining political clout. Green Wind lost its seat in the upper house. 民主党からの離党組も全く振るわなかった。生活の党は、小沢代表の地元・岩手選挙区でも議席を得られなかった。小沢氏の政治力の衰えを象徴している。みどりの風も、参院で議席を失った。
While Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party saw gains in their upper house seats, the parties cannot be considered to have solidified their foothold as the “third major force” in the upper house. 日本維新の会とみんなの党は、議席を伸ばしたものの、いずれも参院で「第３極」としての地歩を確かにしたとは言い難い。
During the election campaign, Ishin no Kai coleader Toru Hashimoto criticized the DPJ for being supported by labor unions of public servants and asserted the need of forming a “new opposition party” that has no affiliation with business organizations and “can rival the LDP.” 選挙中、維新の会の橋下共同代表は、公務員の労働組合の支援を受ける民主党を批判したうえで、業界団体とは無関係の「自民党に対抗する新しい野党」を結成する必要性を主張した。
The opposition camp is certain to reorganize in a bid to explore a way to create a force that can fight the ruling coalition. 野党間では、自公両党に対抗する勢力の形成を模索する野党再編の動きが出て来るだろう。
The JCP, which advocated “confrontation with the LDP,” made major gains in the election, as it did in the recent Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election. The low voter turnout must have served as a spur to the highly organized party. 「自共対決」を唱えた共産党は東京都議選に続き、議席を大きく伸ばした。低投票率が組織政党への追い風になったに違いない。
Focus on growth strategy
For the time being, the Abe administration will deal with the tasks of implementing its growth strategy plans, deciding whether to raise the consumption tax rate as planned and reviewing the government’s interpretation of the Constitution with regard to the right to collective self-defense. It also intends to proceed with the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations and the establishment of the Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council. 安倍政権は当面、成長戦略の具体化をはじめ、消費税率引き上げの判断、集団的自衛権を巡る政府の憲法解釈の見直しに取り組む。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置も進める意向だ。
◆政策に優先順位が必要
All of these are important issues that affect the nation’s future. いずれも日本の将来を左右する重要課題だ。
We hope the administration will realize them by strategically setting priorities. 優先順位をつけ、戦略的に実現してほしい。
Abe said, “Now that the divided Diet has come to an end, we can no longer lay the onus on the opposition parties” if the ruling camp fails to handle these tasks adequately. How well the government and the ruling parties can deal with these issues will be tested in the days ahead. 首相は、「ねじれが解消した以上、野党のせいにできない」と語った。政府・与党の対応が問われよう。
Another focus will be on Komeito’s future actions. During the campaign, the party said it would act as a brake on some of the LDP’s policies. 注目すべきは、連立を組む公明党の動向である。公明党は、自民党のブレーキ役になると訴えた。
Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi has even said the party would “adamantly oppose” a review of the government’s interpretation of the Constitution to allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, as Abe advocates. 山口代表は、集団的自衛権の解釈見直しに関しては、「断固反対する」とさえ言明している。
Abe needs to consult with Yamaguchi afresh over the tasks facing the ruling coalition. It is vital for both to cooperate by communicating with each other well so they can properly manage the powerful ruling parties. 首相は、山口氏と連立政権の課題を改めて協議する必要がある。巨大与党をきちんと運営するためにも、十分な意思疎通を図って連携することが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 22, 2013) （2013年7月22日03時38分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 20, 2013 Crime victims’ names should be kept anonymous in some cases 性犯罪の起訴状 被害者匿名が必要な時もある（7月19日付・読売社説）
Should the real names of victims of crimes be mentioned in an indictment? In a rare development, the court and prosecutors involved in a case are locking horns on the matter. 起訴状に被害者の実名を記載すべきかどうか。裁判所と検察が対立する異例の事態である。
In a bill of indictment for an indecent assault charge, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office left out the name of the victim, who was a minor. The Tokyo District Court disputed the omission and called for the name to be given. 東京地検が強制わいせつ事件の起訴状に、被害児童の氏名を匿名で記載したことに対し、東京地裁は実名を記すよう求めた。
If prosecutors refuse to comply with the court’s request, it is feared that hearings for the case will be canceled following the dismissal of the prosecution. 検察側が応じない場合、公訴が棄却されて裁判が行われない恐れもある。
The minor in the case was assaulted in an indecent manner in a park restroom. In response to a complaint filed by the child’s parents, the prosecutors indicted a man in his 20s. The parents told the prosecutors up front they would “withdraw the complaint if the child’s name were revealed.” 児童が公園のトイレで、わいせつ行為をされた事件だ。地検は児童の両親の告訴を受け、２０歳代の男を起訴した。両親は当初、「氏名を出すなら告訴を取り下げる」と地検に伝えた。
This is probably because they feared the accused might harbor a potentially dangerous grudge against their child, among other concerns. 逆恨みなどを恐れてのことだろう。
Law murky on issue
Indecent assault is an offense that can only be prosecuted after a complaint is filed. Therefore, indictment is not possible without a complaint. The prosecutors, it may be said, had no choice but to withhold the victim’s name in the indictment to prevent the family from having to bear the burden of the offense on their own. 強制わいせつ罪は親告罪で、告訴がなければ、起訴できない。被害者側の泣き寝入りを防ぐためにも、地検が起訴状の記載を匿名にしたのは、やむを得ない措置だったと言える。
The child was presumably selected at random by the accused. Even before the assault, the alleged offender was not aware of the name of his victim. Disclosing the name in the prosecution process could become problematic from the standpoint of protecting victims of crimes. 被告は行きずりで児童を対象にした。元々、児童の氏名を知らない。訴追手続きでわざわざ教えることになるのは、被害者保護の観点からも問題があろう。
The district court took issue with the prosecution’s omission out of concern that withholding the victim’s name would undermine the criminal trial system, which is based on the use of real names. Though there is no such specific requirement in the Criminal Procedure Code, in principle the victim’s name is usually mentioned in addition to other information such as the time and date of the crime committed against that person. 一方、地裁が疑義を呈したのは、刑事裁判の実名主義が揺らぐことへの懸念からだ。刑事訴訟法に明文規定はないものの、犯行日時などのほか、被害者の実名を起訴状に記すのが原則とされてきた。
Behind this practice is the idea that if the victim’s name, which is an indispensable element in establishing a crime, is not identified, it could disadvantage the accused when the defense is making a rebuttal. 被害者の氏名は犯罪事実の確定に欠かせない要素であり、それが特定されていなければ、被告側が反論する際に支障をきたすという考え方が背景にある。
In fact, in trials over molestation and other crimes, lawyers have proved the accused’s innocence by constructing an effective defense based on information gathered through acquaintances of people claiming to be victims. 実際、痴漢事件などでは、被告の弁護人が“被害者”の周辺調査などで反証を集め、被告の無罪を立証した例が複数ある。
Still, it should not be assumed that the names of sex crime victims should always be withheld in indictments. 性犯罪を理由に、むやみに匿名記載を一般化すべきではない。
Overly strict stance
In the case in question, the accused has not disputed the facts presented. If the child’s name remains hidden, it should not negatively affect the court hearings. The district court’s request for disclosure of the name seems to be an excessively rigid stance. 今回の事件では、被告側も事実関係について争う姿勢を見せていない。児童の氏名が明記されていなくても、公判に問題は生じないのではないか。実名記載を求めた東京地裁の対応は、杓子(しゃくし)定規に過ぎると言えよう。
The need to protect victims in judicial procedures was highlighted in connection with a stalking and murder case that occurred last autumn in Zushi, Kanagawa Prefecture. 司法手続きで被害者保護の必要性が指摘されたのは昨秋、神奈川県逗子市で起きたストーカー殺人事件だ。
When police read the victim’s address aloud as written on the arrest warrant, the offender was made aware of the victim’s whereabouts and found the new address after being released from jail. This provoked the final tragedy in which the victim was murdered. 警察が逮捕状に記された被害者の住所を読み上げたため、加害者に転居先を知られ、釈放後の惨劇につながったとされる。
In a trial at the Kobe District Court’s Himeji branch, a victim’s name was written in katakana on an indictment. This is one example showing that trial and error continue on this issue on the judicial front. 神戸地裁姫路支部の裁判では、起訴状の被害者名をカタカナで表記したケースがある。司法の現場で試行錯誤が続いている。
The Supreme Court’s Training and Research Institute for Court Officials will soon investigate the issue of anonymity by reviewing cases that have set precedents on the matter. It is essential for the results of such research to be utilized to help judges facing these kinds of decisions. 最高裁の司法研修所は近く、匿名問題に関する事例を集め、検証を行う。その結果を各裁判官の判断に役立てることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 19, 2013) （2013年7月19日01時49分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 21, 2013 After military coup d'etat, Egypt faces bumpy road to civilian rule エジプト情勢 民政復帰への道のりは険しい（7月20日付・読売社説）
Egypt’s provisional government has been inaugurated, led by interim President Adly Mansour. Mansour replaced former President Mohammed Morsi, who was dismissed in a de facto military coup d’etat. 軍による事実上のクーデターによってモルシ前大統領が解任されたエジプトで、マンスール暫定大統領をトップとする暫定政府が発足した。
In fact, it is a military-led government. Defense Minister Abidel Fattah el-Sissi retains his post and doubles as the first vice premier. Many economic experts have been appointed as Cabinet ministers in light of the people’s discontent over the worsening economic situation and to make a show of the government’s emphasis on economic policy. 実体は軍主導の政府だ。シシ国防相は留任し、第１副首相を兼任する。閣僚には、経済専門家が多数起用された。経済悪化への国民の不満に配慮し、経済重視をアピールする布陣である。
Mohamed ElBaradei, a former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, and other leaders of secular groups have been given key government posts. エルバラダイ前国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）事務局長ら世俗派の代表も政府の中枢に入った。
But the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi’s support base, refused to join the interim government. だが、モルシ氏の支持基盤のイスラム主義組織・ムスリム同胞団は暫定政府への参加を拒んだ。
Stability cannot be expected
Given that the Islamist elements are not taking part in the government, it is hardly possible to expect the political situation to stabilize. イスラム主義勢力が政府に参加していない以上、政情が安定することはとても望めない。
Since the military took the extralegal step of detaining Morsi, who was elected by popular vote, Brotherhood supporters have continued protests in the streets, demanding Morsi’s reinstatement. Increasingly bloody consequences are feared in the wake of clashes between Brotherhood supporters and government security forces and other incidents. 軍は、選挙で選ばれたモルシ氏を拘束した。超法規的措置だ。ムスリム同胞団はモルシ氏復職を求め、街頭で抗議行動を続けている。治安部隊との衝突などで流血の惨事が今後も起きる恐れがある。
Mansour has announced a political road map for return to a civilian government, probably with the aim of stabilizing national sentiment. 暫定大統領が民政復帰への政治日程を発表したのも、民心の安定を図る狙いがあるのだろう。
The road map calls for a committee of experts from legal and other fields to draft a proposal on constitutional revision by October. The proposal will be put to a national referendum by November. A parliamentary election is scheduled to be held by January, and a procedure to elect a president will start after a new parliament is convened. １０月までに、法律専門家や各界代表から成る委員会が憲法改正案をまとめ、１１月までに国民投票にかける。来年１月までに議会選を実施し、議会招集後に大統領選の手続きを開始する。
But will things turn out as planned? A bumpy road lies ahead. 想定通り進むか、どうか。前途は相当に険しい。
If Islamist forces are eliminated, the process will lack legitimacy. The interim government and the Brotherhood should sit down at a negotiating table as early as possible. Naturally, Morsi’s release is a prerequisite for this. イスラム主義勢力を排除すれば、こうしたプロセスも正当性を欠く。早期に暫定政府とムスリム同胞団は話し合いのテーブルにつくべきだ。モルシ氏の解放が、その前提であるのは当然だ。
In addition to restoring public safety and achieving a return to civilian rule, the interim government must strive to overcome an economic crisis. In particular, it is essential to bring back foreign tourists and investments. 暫定政府は、治安回復や民政復帰だけでなく、経済危機の克服にも取り組まねばならない。とくに、観光客や外国からの投資を呼び戻すことが肝要だ。
Gulf monarchies vow aid
Saudi Arabia and other Persian Gulf monarchies, which are wary of the growing influence of Brotherhood elements in their own countries, have pledged to provide a huge amount of economic assistance for the Egyptian provisional government. ムスリム同胞団の勢力が自国内で伸長することを警戒するサウジアラビアなど、ペルシャ湾岸の君主国は、暫定政府に巨額の経済支援を約束した。
Using such aid as leverage, the interim government must work toward resolving a shortage of foreign exchange reserves and achieving a full-scale economic recovery. こうした支援をテコに、暫定政府は外貨準備不足の解消や経済の本格回復に努めねばならない。
Protracted chaos in Egypt would inevitably destabilize the Middle East as a whole, and spikes in crude oil prices and other destabilizing factors would adversely affect the world economy. エジプトの混乱が長引けば、中東全体が不安定となるのは避けられない。原油価格の高騰などで世界経済にも悪影響が及ぼう。
Japan, the United States and European countries have not suspended economic assistance to Egypt despite the coup. This is because they put priority on the stabilization of Egypt. They should cooperate in urging the military and interim government to realize national reconciliation and a return to civilian rule as early as possible. 日本や米欧が、軍事クーデターが起きたにもかかわらず、経済援助を停止していないのも、エジプトの安定を優先するためだ。日米欧は連携して、国民和解と民政復帰の早期実現を、軍や暫定政府に働きかける必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 20, 2013) （2013年7月20日01時02分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 20, 2013 Let facts tell more in diplomacy toward China １３参院選 対中国外交 歴史的事実を浸透させたい（7月19日付・読売社説）
How to face up to our neighbor China, which persists with its aggressive behavior over the Senkaku Islands, is the biggest diplomatic challenge facing Japan. 尖閣諸島を巡って威圧的行動を繰り返す隣国・中国に、どう向き合うかは、日本外交が直面する最大の難題だ。
In their pledges for the House of Councillors election, most major parties, bearing the Senkakus issue in mind, have made commitments to “act in defense of the nation’s territory.” All of them, however, have fallen short of providing specific steps that should be taken--and how--to ensure the nation’s territorial sovereignty. ほとんどの主要政党が参院選公約で、尖閣諸島を念頭に「領土主権を守る」と掲げた。ただ、各党とも、主権をどう守るか、という具体策には乏しい。
The Chinese government has been lashing out at Japan, asserting that the latter’s decision in September to place the Senkakus under state ownership altered the status quo of the Senkaku situation, which Beijing argues had been “shelved” for many years. 中国政府は、日本が昨年９月に尖閣諸島を国有化したことが、長年「棚上げ」してきた問題の現状を変更したと非難している。
China’s claim contradictory
There can be no room, however, to doubt that the Senkaku Islands are part of Japan’s intrinsic territory, both historically and in the eyes of international law. It is never a territorial problem to be “shelved.” だが、尖閣諸島は歴史的にも国際法上も日本固有の領土だ。「棚上げ」すべき領土問題ではない。
In fact, while arguing for “shelving” the issue, it is China that attempted to change the status quo, by enacting the Law on the Territorial Sea and the Contiguous Zone of the Republic of China in 1992, which explicitly stipulates China’s sovereignty over the islands. そもそも、「棚上げ」と言いながら現状変更を図ったのは、１９９２年制定の領海法に尖閣諸島の領有を明記した中国の方だ。
In addition, it was recently brought to light that China has plans to develop many new gas fields in waters in the vicinity of the Japan-China median line in the East China Sea. These moves are in blatant violation of the Japan-China agreement in 2008 that the two countries will refrain from unilaterally engaging in any developmental projects in the East China Sea. 最近も、中国が東シナ海の日中中間線付近で、新たなガス田開発を多数進めようとしていることが判明した。東シナ海での一方的な独自開発を見合わせる、とした２００８年の日中合意に明らかに反する動きである。
It is only natural that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has criticized China for continuing to act with only itself in mind. 安倍首相が身勝手な行為を続ける中国を批判するのは当然だ。
That said, if the current state of relations between Japan and China goes unchanged, it would certainly be detrimental to both countries. Strenuous diplomatic efforts aimed at improving bilateral relations must be made. とは言え、日中関係がこのままでは、双方にとってマイナスが大きい。関係改善へ向けた粘り強い外交努力も欠かせない。
The Democratic Party of Japan, which nationalized the Senkaku Islands in its then capacity as the ruling party, has said little in its election platform on the issue except to call for “making the East China Sea an area of peace, friendship and cooperation,” a reference that makes the Senkakus issue sound like someone else’s problem. 政権党として尖閣諸島を国有化した民主党は公約で「東シナ海を平和、友好、協力の海に」とひとごとのようにうたうだけだ。
New Komeito and Your Party, in connection with the Senkaku row, have called for the creation of a Japan-China “maritime liaison mechanism” for emergencies that would comprise working-level officials from the two countries. This idea should be realized swiftly to prevent an accidental clash that could lead to a conflict. 公明党やみんなの党は、実務者による緊急時の「海上連絡メカニズム」の創設を唱えている。偶発的な衝突事故や紛争を回避するため、実現を急がねばならない。
The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party, meanwhile, have been insisting that the Senkakus should be dealt with as a territorial problem for both Japan and China. Does their insistence not run contrary to this country’s national interest? If Japan were to acknowledge the existence of a territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, China would certainly ratchet up its demands, such as pushing for a scheme for placing the islets under joint management by the two countries. 共産党や社民党は、尖閣諸島を日中双方の領土問題として扱うよう主張している。国益に反するのではないか。仮に日本が認めれば、中国は日中共同管理など、要求を一層強めてくるに違いない。
Intertwining histories
We should never ignore the fact that China has mixed the Senkakus problem up with differing perceptions of history and the countries’ wartime past. 尖閣諸島の問題で見過ごせないのは、中国が歴史認識を絡めてきていることだ。
The Chinese administration of President Xi Jinping has criticized Japan for “posing a grave challenge to the international order after World War II.” 習近平政権は「戦後秩序に対する重大な挑戦だ」などと日本を批判している。
Which one of the two countries should be blamed for trying to disrupt the international order? Japan must deal with this matter on the basis of international law. 秩序を乱すのはどちらか。国際法に基づく対処が必要だ。
The Liberal Democratic Party has been stressing the need to establish a new study institute regarding territory and problems of perceptions of history to compile an effective rebuttal and disproof against unsound arguments regarding historical facts. Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) also advocates the nation’s dignity must be secured through such a method. 自民党は、領土や歴史問題に関する研究機関を新設し、歴史的事実に反する不当な主張に反論、反証すると強調している。日本維新の会も、こうした方法で日本の尊厳を守るべきだと訴えている。
What approach should be considered the best for conveying historical facts throughout the international community in an appropriate manner? 歴史的事実を国際社会に正しく浸透させるには、どんな方法が効果的なのか。
The ruling and opposition parties must cooperate, using their combined ingenuity, to resolve the problem. 与野党は知恵を出し合うべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 19, 2013) （2013年7月19日01時49分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 19, 2013 We should clearly comprehend parties’ deregulatory proposals １３参院選 規制改革 成長促す緩和策を見極めよう（7月18日付・読売社説）
To foster new industries and put the economy on a growth track, it is necessary to remove excessive regulations. We should form a clear view of which political parties advocate realistic and effective regulatory reforms. 新しい産業を育て、経済を成長軌道に乗せるには、過剰な規制を取り払う必要がある。 現実的で実効性ある規制改革を掲げる政党を、しっかりと見極めたい。
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been leading his Liberal Democratic Party’s campaign for the House of Councillors election by making regulatory reforms the top priority in the administration’s growth strategy. 安倍政権は、規制改革を成長戦略の「一丁目一番地」に位置付けて参院選に臨んだ。
One of the most important points of contention is a review of employment regulations. 重要な論点の一つは、雇用に関する規制の見直しである。
Many experts have pointed out that many businesses have redundant staff in loss-making divisions. Such surplus workforce strains companies’ business performance, causing the overall economy to stagnate. 多くの企業が不採算部門に余剰人員を抱えている。それが企業業績を圧迫し、経済の停滞を招いている一因との指摘は多い。
As a way to deal with such problems, the government is studying the idea of institutionalizing “limited regular workers,” whose job descriptions, job locations and working hours are limited as stipulated in their job contracts, while easing regulations on the ability of employers to dismiss such workers. Abe has also shown an interest in introducing this system. その対策として、政府は、職務や勤務地、労働時間を限定する代わりに、解雇の規制を緩める「限定正社員」を制度化することを検討中だ。首相もこの制度導入に意欲を示している。
For companies, it would become easier to close down unnecessary operations and eliminate obsolete job categories. For the limited regular workers themselves, there would be the merit of greater job stability, compared with the status of nonregular workers, although job insecurity would not be fully eliminated. 企業にとっては、役割を終えた事業所の閉鎖や職種廃止がしやすくなる。労働者側は、雇用不安はぬぐえないものの、非正規社員に比べると雇用は安定するというメリットもある。
Workforce redeployment
Regarding employment issues, the LDP, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party advocate in their respective election platforms that workers should be shifted from declining industries to sectors with higher productivity. New Komeito advocates the expansion of the system concerning “regular workers with shorter work hours,” showing common ground with these three parties when it comes to increasing the diversity of employment patterns. 雇用については、自民党はじめ日本維新の会、みんなの党が、衰退産業から生産性の高い分野に労働力を移動させることを公約に掲げている。公明党は短時間正社員の拡充を打ち出した。雇用形態の多様化では共通する立場だ。
The Democratic Party of Japan, meanwhile, opposes the idea of easing employment regulations, such as institutionalizing limited regular workers. People’s Life Party, the Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party take similar stances. 民主党は、限定正社員など労働規制緩和に反対している。生活、共産、社民の各党も同様だ。
If low-paid nonregular workers are the only category in which numbers increase, the average income of workers will decline, which will not lead to sustainable economic growth. 賃金の低い非正規雇用が増えるばかりでは、所得は下がり、持続的な成長にもつながらない。
How can the smooth transition of workers from one sector to another be realized while protecting employment security? We should listen carefully to what these parties are saying about related issues, including assistance such as vocational training for those who want to change jobs or rejoin the workforce. 雇用を守りつつ、いかにして円滑な労働力移動を実現するか。職業訓練などの再就職・転職支援のあり方についても、各党の主張を聞きたい。
Mixed treatment
Regarding the relaxation of regulations in the medical field, the main issue is so-called mixed treatment, meaning the combination of medical treatments that are covered by public health insurance with those that are not. Such combinations are currently allowed only in exceptional cases. 医療分野の規制緩和を巡っては、公的医療保険で認められた検査や投薬と、保険適用外の治療とを併用する「混合診療」が主要な論点となっている。現在は例外的にしか認められていない。
The LDP advocates the expanded application of mixed treatment so that the most advanced drugs and medical equipment can be used promptly. If renegerative medicine or other cutting-edge techniques that are not covered by public health insurance were approved as part of mixed treatment, it would help patients in terms of their other medical expenses that would remain covered by the insurance. 自民党は、最先端の医薬品や医療機器が迅速に使えるよう、混合診療の適用範囲の拡大を掲げた。再生医療など保険適用外の先進的医療が混合診療に認められれば、患者の利益にかなうだろう。
Your Party and Ishin no Kai call for complete approval of mixed treatment, while PLP and the SDP oppose expanding it. 一方、みんな、維新は混合診療の全面解禁を主張し、生活や社民は適用拡大に反対している。
Implementing regulatory reforms would mean addressing a thorny tangle of interests among organizations concerned. Although the political parties make differing assertions on reform, and tend to focus on different aspects, important issues having to do with the future of this nation have been presented. 規制改革には関係団体の利害が絡み合う。各党の主張の隔たりは大きく、論議は拡散気味だが、日本の将来にかかわる重要な問題が提示されている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 18, 2013) （2013年7月18日01時18分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 18, 2013 Developing budget fuel cell cars is a key task for automakers 燃料電池車競争 低価格実現が普及のカギ握る（7月17日付・読売社説）
The race among carmakers to develop vehicles powered by fuel cells is heating up. With no direct carbon dioxide emissions, electric automobiles with fuel cells are envisioned as the preeminent next-generation eco-car. 二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）を排出せず、次世代エコカーの本命とも言われる「燃料電池車」の開発競争が白熱してきた。
When will the world’s major automakers be able to reduce the price of such a vehicle through mass production? Drivers around the world are keenly watching to see which carmaker will be the first to achieve an affordable fuel cell car. 日米欧の主要メーカーが、いつ量産化による低価格を実現できるか。世界のユーザーが注目する先陣争いだ。
Honda Motor Co. and General Motors Co. have agreed to jointly develop a fuel cell-powered vehicle. The Japanese and U.S. carmakers hope technical cooperation in such fields as developing the basic system for a fuel cell car will result in a jointly devised system fit for practical use as early as 2020. ホンダと米ゼネラル・モーターズ（ＧＭ）が燃料電池車を共同開発することで合意した。基幹システム開発などで技術協力し、２０２０年ごろの実用化をめざす。
Sharing the burden
The Honda-GM tie-up marks a change in their respective strategies for developing fuel cell electric vehicles. The two corporations have been separately working to develop such automobiles in recent years. Their alliance can be seen as an attempt to reduce the otherwise massive financial burden of developing fuel cell cars, while also completing the development project in a shorter period. 燃料電池車を独自開発してきた両社にとっては方針転換である。巨額の開発費負担を抑え、開発期間を短縮させる狙いと言える。
The motive behind their decision is a desire not to fall behind alliances formed by their rivals in developing fuel cell vehicles. 両社に決断を促したのは、燃料電池車の開発を巡るライバル企業の合従連衡の動きだ。
Toyota Motor Corp. and BMW AG have signed an accord on joint development. Nissan Motor Co. has also said it will carry out a similar project with Renault SA, Daimler AG and Ford Motor Co. The Toyota-BMW tie-up aims at mass production in 2020, while the latter group hopes to reach a similar goal in 2017. トヨタ自動車と独ＢＭＷが共同開発で合意した。日産自動車も仏ルノー、独ダイムラー、米フォード・モーターとの共同開発を決めた。トヨタ・ＢＭＷは２０年、日産勢も１７年の量産化が目標だ。
All this means the development race will be bitterly fought by carmakers around the world, including South Korean and Chinese competitors and other corporations unrelated to the Japanese, U.S. and European manufacturers. 日米欧３陣営以外の企業や、韓国、中国メーカーなども含めて、しのぎを削ることになる。
The fuel cell vehicle is powered by a motor run by electricity generated through a hydrogen-oxygen reaction. It is comparable to an electric vehicle (EV) in that neither automobile emits carbon dioxide. 燃料電池車は、水素と酸素を反応させて電気を起こし、モーターを回して走行する仕組みだ。電気自動車（ＥＶ）と同じく、走行中にＣＯ２を出さない。
Another advantage the fuel cell car offers is mileage. A hydrogen refill for a fuel cell vehicle enables a 500-kilometer drive, nearly twice the range of an EV car. Moreover, refueling takes only three minutes. しかも、１回の水素の充填(じゅうてん)で走れる距離が約５００キロ・メートルとＥＶのほぼ２倍で、充填時間もわずか３分で済むという利点がある。
About 10 years ago, fuel cell cars were priced at a hefty 100 million yen per unit. Although prices have fallen sharply, a fuel cell vehicle still carries a price tag of about 10 million yen today. 約１０年前に１台１億円だった価格は大幅に値下がりしたが、まだ約１０００万円と高い。
Toyota and Honda are seeking to lower the price to 5 million yen or so. An important challenge facing each car manufacturer is reducing the price through technical innovation. This task also must be complemented by efforts to ensure the safety of such vehicles. トヨタ、ホンダの目標は５００万円程度だ。各社の技術革新による価格引き下げが課題になる。安全性の確保も求められよう。
Another key task is to expedite efforts to build more hydrogen stations. Companies in the oil and other industries are planning to set up 100 stations nationwide by the end of 2015. However, that would be too few to encourage the spread of fuel cell car use. 水素ステーションの整備も急がねばならない。石油など関係業界は、１５年までに全国で１００か所を整備する計画だが、普及に弾みをつけるには、これでは不十分ではないか。
Infrastructure needed
The government’s growth strategy includes a plan to reconsider regulations with regard to the installation of hydrogen stations. It is essential for the government to further support the efforts of related businesses to spread such facilities. 政府は、水素ステーション整備に関する規制の見直しを成長戦略に盛り込んだ。政府のさらなる後押しが必要である。
As circumstances stand today, hybrid vehicles (HVs) have become a common choice for ecologically friendly vehicles. The race to develop hybrid cars, which combine an internal combustion engine and an electric motor, has been led by Toyota and Honda. The situation contrasts with the slow progress in the spread of EVs, partly due to the short distance covered by such automobiles for each recharge. エコカーを巡っては、トヨタとホンダが先行した、電気モーターとガソリンエンジンで走るハイブリッド車（ＨＶ）が普及している。一方、ＥＶは走行距離の短さなどから伸び悩んでいる。
We hope Japanese automakers will strive to improve the performance of HVs and EVs while at the same time stepping up efforts to develop fuel cell vehicles, a move that will provide consumers with more choices for an eco-car purchase. If they can lead the development race, it would do much to shore up Japan’s industrial competitiveness in the global market. 日本各社は、ＨＶとＥＶの性能向上を目指すとともに、燃料電池車の開発を急ぎ、エコカーの選択肢を増やしてもらいたい。開発を主導できれば、日本の産業競争力の強化にもつながるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 17, 2013) （2013年7月17日01時19分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 17, 2013 China must act responsibly for sake of global stability 米中戦略対話 世界の安定に責任を果たせ（7月16日付・読売社説）
The fifth round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue was held recently in Washington, D.C. For the stability of not only the Asia-Pacific region but also the entire world, it is vital that cabinet members of the world’s two largest economic powers hold talks to confirm the need for bilateral cooperation in a wide range of areas, including diplomatic relations, national security and economic matters. 米国の首都ワシントンで第５回米中戦略・経済対話が開かれた。 世界第１位と２位の経済大国の閣僚が外交や安全保障、経済など幅広い分野で協調を確認することは、アジア太平洋地域のみならず世界の安定にとって極めて重要だ。
This was the first strategic and economic dialogue for the Chinese government under President Xi Jinping since it was launched earlier this year. Building on summit talks held last month, Washington and Beijing hope to deepen bilateral ties. 中国の習近平政権にとっては、発足後初めて臨む戦略・経済対話となった。先の首脳会談を踏まえて、関係を一層深めたいとの思惑では、米中とも一致している。
Their agreements on drawing up an action plan to fight global warming and starting working-level talks for concluding a bilateral investment accord are positive results of the dialogue. 地球温暖化防止の行動計画策定や、投資協定締結に向けた実質協議入りで合意したのは成果だ。
In step on North Korea
The two countries also shared the recognition that it is important for North Korea to take concrete steps to end its nuclear development program. 北朝鮮の核問題でも、非核化へ北朝鮮が具体的措置を取ることの重要性で認識を共有した。
We hope China will not only urge Pyongyang to resume six-nation talks on its nuclear program, but also warn North Korea that sanctions against that country will not be eased unless it takes tangible steps to eliminate its existing nuclear weapons. 中国は、北朝鮮に対し、６か国協議の再開を促すだけでなく、非核化へ動くまで制裁は緩めないとクギを刺してもらいたい。
However, the United States and China found little else on which their positions matched. 米中の主張は、その他の分野ではかみ合わない点が目立った。
They have been at loggerheads over cybertheft. The United States condemned China’s actions of illicitly obtaining information of U.S. companies through cyber-attacks. Although both sides agreed to continue discussing the issue at working-level talks, they remain far apart. 特に激しく対立したサイバー問題では、米国は、サイバー攻撃で米企業の情報を不正入手する中国の行為を強く非難した。作業部会で協議を継続することにはなったが、隔たりは依然大きい。
The Chinese side reiterated its previous assertions that it is also has been a victim of hacking. Yet as long as China only tries to avoid dealing with this problem, it does not deserve to be called a “responsible major power.” 中国側は「我々も被害者だ」と従来の主張を繰り返した。問題を先送りにするだけなら、「責任ある大国」とは言えまい。
Territorial tussles
Territorial and maritime issues have also been a bugbear in U.S.-China relations. 領土・海洋問題も対立事項だ。
During the dialogue, U.S. Vice President Joe Biden expressed concern and said the future of “the freedom of navigation” will depend on how China deals with territorial disputes with its neighboring countries. バイデン米副大統領は、「航行の自由」の将来は、「中国が隣国との領土紛争にどう対応するかで決まる」と、懸念を表明した。
U.S. President Barack Obama, during his meeting at the White House with Chinese officials who attended the dialogue, also urged China to peacefully handle maritime territorial issues with its neighbors, rather than use threats or coercion. オバマ大統領も、戦略対話の出席者とホワイトハウスで面会した際、海洋を巡る近隣諸国との争いには威嚇や強制ではなく、平和的に対処するよう注文を付けた。
Chinese surveillance vessels have repeatedly entered Japanese waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. In January, a Chinese Navy vessel locked its fire-control radar onto a Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyer. China’s intimidation of the Philippines and Vietnam over islets in the South China Sea has been escalating. 沖縄県・尖閣諸島周辺では、中国監視船の領海侵入が相次ぎ、１月には中国海軍のレーダー照射事件が起きた。南シナ海ではフィリピンやベトナムへの中国の威圧行動がエスカレートしている。
The Obama administration has attempted to strongly restrain China, which has threatened U.S. allies and their sea lanes, with intolerable acts of provocation. そうした目に余る挑発行為で、米国の同盟国や海上交通路（シーレーン）を脅かす中国を、オバマ政権が強く牽制(けんせい)したものだ。
Not to be outdone, China called on the United States not to meddle in territorial issues in the East China and South China seas. Beijing maintained its stance that it would resolutely defend its territory and that the disputes would be resolved properly through talks with the nations concerned. 中国は逆に、東シナ海や南シナ海で介入しないよう米国に求めた。「断固として主権を守る。当事国が協議を通じて適切に解決する」との姿勢を崩さなかった。
As long as the Xi administration continues intimidating neighboring countries with shows of force and unilaterally pursues its “pivotal interests,” there will not be stability in the region. 習政権が近隣諸国を力で威圧し、自国の「核心的利益」を一方的に追求する限り、地域の安定は望めない。
If China genuinely aims to build “a new type of relationship as major powers,” a relationship of coexistance on an equal footing with the United States, it needs to fulfill the responsibilities commensurate to such a power. 中国が米国と対等の共存関係である「新しいタイプの大国関係」を目指すのであれば、相応の責任を果たす必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 16, 2013) （2013年7月16日01時37分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 16, 2013 New rule should be used to make society aware of immense food loss 食品ロス削減 消費者の意識改める第一歩に（7月15日付・読売社説）
The amount of food loss, or food that is still edible but is discarded, is increasing. Business corporations, consumers and the government must cooperate with each other to reduce this waste. まだ食べられるのに廃棄される「食品ロス」が増えている。企業と消費者、政府が連携し、削減に取り組みたい。
Seventeen million tons of food is discarded annually in this country. It is estimated that between 5 million and 8 million tons of the total is food loss. This almost equals the annual domestic rice crop and represents an immense waste. 日本では年間１７００万トンの食品廃棄物が発生し、このうち食品ロスは推計で５００万～８００万トンに上る。国内のコメの収穫量とほぼ同規模で、あまりにも巨大な損失である。
lst step forward
Under the leadership of the government, which had discussed ways to deal with food loss, about 40 food producers, wholesalers, and retailers such as operators of convenience stores and supermarket chains decided to start reviewing their trade practices concerning the best-before date of processed food. This can be a first step forward in the efforts to reduce food waste. 対策を検討してきた政府が主導し、食品メーカーや卸業者、コンビニ、スーパーなど約４０社が加工食品の賞味期限に関する商慣行の見直しに着手することを決めた。削減に向けた第一歩と言える。
In the food production and retail industries, there is a trade practice called the “one-third rule.” Under this rule, foodstuff is to be delivered to retailers in the first one-third of the period from the food production date to the best-before date, while in the remaining two-thirds of the period, the food is to be sold by retailers. 食品・流通業界には「３分の１ルール」と呼ぶ商慣行がある。製造日から賞味期限までの３分の１にあたる時期を小売店への納品期限とし、残り３分の２の期間を店頭での販売期間とする。
Food whose time limit for delivery passes is returned from wholesalers to producers, and most of it is discarded, a leading factor behind the increase in food loss. 納品期限を過ぎた食品は、卸売業者からメーカーに返品され、ほとんどが廃棄されるため、食品ロスが増える要因となってきた。
Starting next month, the 40 companies will change the one-third rule and extend the time limit for delivery to retailers to one-half of the period from the food production date to the best-before date, if only for a certain type of processed food, such as confectionery and beverages. 約４０社は８月から３分の１ルールを改め、菓子や飲料など加工食品の一部の納品期限を賞味期限の２分の１まで延ばす方針だ。
This will reduce food inventories, but it may also reduce the amount of food that is discarded. これによって、在庫を削減できれば、廃棄される商品を減らす効果が期待できよう。
Trimming the costs needed for returning and discarding products, and for managing inventories can lower the products’ prices, which would also benefit consumers. 返品や廃棄、在庫管理にかかる費用を抑えることで、商品の値下げにつながり、消費者にも恩恵が及ぶのではないか。
Unless the review of the one-third rule spreads through the entire industry, however, the effect of reducing food waste will be limited. Therefore, it is important for the government and related businesses to increase the number of those businesses adopting the new rule. ただ、ルールの見直しが業界全体に広がらないと、削減効果は限られる。政府と業界は、参加企業の拡大を図ることが大事だ。
Business firms also need to make efforts to develop new technologies to improve such things as containers and packaging to extend the best-before date. 企業は、容器や包装の改良で賞味期限自体を延ばすなど技術開発にも力を注ぐ必要がある。
It is also necessary to raise consumers’ awareness about food waste, primarily because households account for one-half of food loss. The government must also proactively work to raise consumers’ awareness. 併せて問われているのは、消費者の意識改革だろう。食品ロスの半分は家庭で発生するからだ。政府は消費者の啓発活動にも積極的に取り組むべきである。
One-third rule deep rooted
The one-third rule has taken root in our society primarily because consumers prefer to buy fresher goods. ３分の１ルールが定着した背景には、少しでも新しい食品を好む消費者の「鮮度志向」がある。
The best-before date for processed food is considered to mark the end of the period during which the food tastes its best. Therefore, even if the food passes its best-before date, there is no need for it to be discarded right away. 加工食品の賞味期限はおいしく食べられる期限であり、期限を過ぎても直ちに捨てる必要はない。
The best-before date is different from the expiration date for perishable food, which means one should not consume it for safety reasons beyond that date. 期限を過ぎたら食べてはいけない生鮮食品の消費期限とは違う。
If consumers seek freshness of foodstuffs excessively, food prices are likely to rise, which would be against the interests of the consumer. Although it is important for consumers to take food safety seriously, they should refrain from seeking food freshness too much. 鮮度を過度に求めると、価格が割高になって、かえって消費者の利益を損ねる場合もある。消費者が食品の安全性に厳しい目を向けることは大切だが、過剰な鮮度志向は改めてもらいたい。
With the global supply-demand situation of foodstuffs tightening, Japan depends on imports for as much as 60 percent of its food. All of society should continue making efforts to reduce food loss. 世界の食料需給が逼迫(ひっぱく)する中で日本は食料の６割を輸入に頼る。社会全体で食品ロスを減らす努力を続けていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 15, 2013) （2013年7月15日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 15, 2013 Deepen debate on Constitution to build consensus on revision １３参院選 憲法改正 新たな国家像の議論を深めよ（7月14日付・読売社説）
◆与野党の合意形成を図りたい
The supreme law provides the framework of this country, but what form should it take? 国家の枠組みを定めた最高法規はどうあるべきだろうか――。
Revision of the Constitution is a major issue in the campaign for the July 21 House of Councillors election. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party support revising the Constitution, and New Komeito is considering it. 参院選で憲法改正が主要な争点になっている。自民党と日本維新の会、みんなの党は改正に積極的で、公明党も改正を検討する。
Depending on results of the upper house election, political conditions allowing the Diet to propose constitutional revisions could be created for the first time since the end of World War II. 参院選の結果次第では、国会が憲法改正を発議できる政治状況が戦後初めて生まれよう。
Dealing with Article 96 ◆ハードル高い発議要件
One bone of contention in the election campaign centers on Article 96 of the Constitution, which stipulates procedures to revise the supreme law. 参院選の論点の一つが、憲法改正手続きを定めた９６条である。
The article says a constitutional revision will be put to a national referendum after the Diet proposes it with a concurring vote of two-thirds or more of all members in each chamber. This requirement is said to be much stricter than that of other countries. 憲法改正は、衆参各院で「３分の２以上」の賛成により国会が発議し、その上で国民投票にかけられる。改正のハードルは海外と比べても極めて高いと言える。
The LDP advocates that the requirement for the initiative should be lowered to a simple majority so the public can more easily have “an opportunity to participate in a constitutional judgment” through a national referendum. 自民党は発議要件を「過半数」に緩和し、国民が国民投票を通じて「憲法判断に参加する機会」を得やすくすると主張している。
Ishin no Kai says that Article 96 should be revised first, and Your Party agrees with relaxation of the requirement. The main opposition Democratic Party of Japan and Komeito oppose amending this article first, but they do not disagree with the revision itself. 維新の会は９６条の「先行改正」を唱え、みんなの党も要件緩和に賛成だ。民主、公明両党は先行改正には反対だが、９６条の改正自体を否定はしていない。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken a flexible stance in consideration of the position of Komeito, the LDP’s coalition partner, suggesting that articles on basic human rights, pacifism and sovereignty of the people would not be subject to the relaxed requirement for revision. 安倍首相は、公明党の立場に配慮し、基本的人権や平和主義、国民主権に関わる条項を発議要件緩和の対象から除外する案に言及するなど、柔軟に対応する意向も示している。
The LDP needs to coordinate its opinions with the other parties to realize revision of the Constitution. The ruling party should take a pragmatic approach through consensus-building with other parties even if it has to revise its own draft. 憲法改正を実現するには、他党との調整が欠かせない。自民党案を修正してでも合意形成を目指すのは、現実的である。
The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party oppose amending the Constitution, including Article 96, based on “constitutionalism,” the idea that harnessing power of the state and protecting the people are the essence of a constitution. 共産、社民両党は、国家権力を縛り、国民を守るのが憲法の本質だとする「立憲主義」を掲げて９６条改正などに反対している。
Abe has hit back at this interpretation of constitutionalism and said it is to rein in an autocratic government. The prime minister pointed out that a constitution will not only harness state power but also show what form a state should be. 首相は、この立憲主義の解釈について「専制主義的な政府に対する考え方だ」と反論し、憲法は権力を縛るとともに国の姿を示すものだ、と指摘している。
Of course, a constitution can restrict state power but it also provides the philosophy and role of a state. 憲法には権力の制限規範という側面もあるが、基本的な価値観や国家の役割も明示されている。
Even if the Diet’s requirement for a constitutional revision is relaxed, there will be no change in the need for a national referendum to revise the Constititution. We can hardly understand why some parties consider it incompatible with constitutionalism. 国会の発議要件を緩和しても、国民投票で改正を決めることに変わりはない。それなのに、なぜ立憲主義と相いれないことになるのか。理解に苦しむ。
Some people claim that revision of Article 96 will allow a person in power to revise the Constitution as easily as ordinary laws. Isn’t this rather simplistic? ９６条改正が実現すると、時の権力者が憲法を一般の法律並みに改正できるかのような論法もある。短絡的に過ぎないか。
◆自衛隊の規定が必要だ
Article 9 also is a major point of contention. ９条も重要な論点だ。
The LDP’s draft, released last year, for revising the supreme law calls for keeping the war-renouncing principle of Article 9 intact, while deleting its second paragraph, which prohibits this country from possessing any war potential. Instead, it calls for newly including a provision in Article 9 for establishment of a “military force for defense” and the state’s obligations for securing the nation’s territorial integrity in cooperation with the public. 自民党の改正草案は、９条の平和主義は堅持しつつ、戦力不保持の２項を削り、「国防軍」設置や領土の保全義務を新たに規定するとした。
Define status of SDF
Abe has stated, “Although the SDF are regarded by other countries as a military force, in this country they are not,” adding, “It is unreasonable for a large-scale organization of forces to have no status in the eyes of the Constitution.” Abe’s argument is reasonable. 首相が、「自衛隊は外国では軍隊と認識され、日本では軍隊ではないと言っている。大きな実力組織が憲法にないのはおかしい」と主張するのは至極当然である。
Revision of Article 9 is vitally important to deepen the Japan-U.S. alliance as well as to increase Japan’s participation in such international cooperation activities as U.N.-mandated peacekeeping operations. ９条の改正は、日米同盟を深化し、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）など国際的な活動に積極的に参加するうえでも欠かせない。
In this connection, it is a major development that Komeito in its upper house election pledges has said the party’s stand of “reinforcing the postwar Constitution by adding new ideas and articles to the supreme law” does include studies about the wisdom of having the existence of the SDF explicitly stipulated by the Constitution. 公明党が、憲法の内容は変えずに新たな理念・条文を加える「加憲」を主張し、その中に自衛隊の存在の明記も検討すると公約したのは大きな前進だ。
Ishin no Kai, for its part, has been advocating the need for constitutional revisions “for the sake of solidly establishing the nation’s own security system on the basis of its right to self-defense.” 維新の会は、「自衛権に基づく自立した安全保障体制確立」に憲法改正が必要と唱えている。
Another opposition party, People’s Life Party, insists that the legal basis for the SDF’s participation in U.N. peacekeeping missions must be clearly laid down. 生活の党は自衛隊がＰＫＯに参加する根拠を定めるという。
In contrast, the JCP and the SDP have been dead set against any changes to Article 9, arguing that alteration of the article would be tantamount to “turning Japan into a country that could wage war.” 共産党や社民党は９条改正について「日本を戦争する国に作り替える」と反対している。
It is undoubtedly irresponsible to affix an extremely negative label to parties favoring constitutional revision without squarely facing up to reality. The aim is to unnecessarily stir voters’ anxieties. 現実を直視せず、極端なレッテル貼りで有権者の不安をあおるのは無責任である。
People’s Life Party leader Ichiro Ozawa, JCP Executive Committee Chairman Kazuo Shii and SDP head Mizuho Fukushima have criticized the LDP’s revision draft because it seeks to delete Article 97, which stipulates the inviolability of basic human rights. 憲法を巡っては、自民党の改正草案が、基本的人権の不可侵性をうたった９７条を削除していることを、生活の党の小沢代表や共産党の志位委員長、社民党の福島党首がやり玉に挙げた。
It seems they are keen to give the public the impression that the LDP is poised to crack down on basic human rights. 自民党案がいかにも基本的人権を軽視しているかのような印象を与えたかったのだろう。
In a rebuttal, Abe has stressed his party has no intention at all to change the fundamental principles of the Constitution, explaining that in the LDP draft Article 11 “absorbs” Article 97. Article 11 contains provisions that have the same effect as Article 97. Therefore, there seems to be no major problem. 安倍首相は、基本原則は変えていないと強調し、同趣旨の条文がある１１条に「吸収させた」と説明した。それならば、大きな問題ではないのではないか。
Readiness for emergencies ◆緊急事態への対処も
Ishin no Kai, Your Party and other parties that are seeking to drastically reform the government structure through revisions of the Constitution have referred to the advisability of creating a system that allows for election of the prime minister by popular vote. 憲法改正で統治機構の仕組みを抜本的に変えることを主張する維新の会やみんなの党は、いずれも首相公選制に言及している。
A plebiscite for choosing the prime minister, however, could end up as a mere popularity contest. Israel introduced a referendum system for electing the prime minister in 1996, but abolished it in 2001 because of the resulting political turmoil. だが、首相公選制は人気投票になりかねない。イスラエルでは導入後政治が混乱し、撤廃した。
The LDP, Your Party and People’s Life Party, meanwhile, have proposed that new provisions be incorporated into the Constitution concerning such contingencies as a massive natural disaster and terrorist attacks. 自民、みんな、生活の各党は、大規模な自然災害やテロといった緊急事態に関する条項を盛り込むことを提案している。
There must be no stinting in drawing up legal preparations to cope with such possible calamities as an epicentral earthquake focused just below the Tokyo metropolitan area and a mega-quake such as a Nankai Trough earthquake. 首都直下地震や、南海トラフ巨大地震などへの法的な備えは怠れない。
Revision of the Constitution should also take the possibility of these national crises into account. Constitutional discussions must be deepened from this point of view. 国家の危機的状況も想定した憲法でありたい。こうした観点からの議論も深めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 14, 2013) （2013年7月14日01時56分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 13, 2013 Seoul court ruling on damages defies 1965 Japan-ROK accord ソウル不当判決 日韓合意に反する賠償命令だ（7月12日付・読売社説）
A South Korean court has handed down a ruling that could worsen relations with Japan. It was an unjust decision. 日韓関係の一層の悪化につながりかねない。不当な判決である。
In an appellate case sent back from the Supreme Court, which involved four South Koreans seeking compensation for damages from Nippon Steel & Sumitomo Metal Corp., a descendant of the companies they had been forced to work for during wartime, the Seoul High Court ordered payment of 100 million won (about 8.8 million yen) to each of the plaintiffs. 戦時中、日本企業に徴用された韓国人４人が、当時の勤務先の流れをくむ新日鉄住金に損害賠償を求めた訴訟の差し戻し控訴審で、韓国のソウル高裁は、１人当たり１億ウォン（約８８０万円）の賠償を命じる判決を言い渡した。
This is the first time that a South Korean court has ordered a Japanese firm to pay damages to former forced laborers. 韓国司法が、日本企業に対し、元徴用工への賠償支払い命令を出したのは初めてのことだ。
The ruling is totally unacceptable because it obviously violates the agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached when the two countries concluded a treaty to normalize relations in 1965. The accord clearly stated that the issue of property claims was “resolved completely and finally.” 今回の判決が容認できないのは、１９６５年の国交正常化の際に日韓両国が締結した財産請求権・経済協力協定に明らかに反しているからだ。協定は、請求権問題が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と断じている。
In its 1976 white paper on funds deriving from property claims, South Korea’s Economic Planning Board listed construction of a steelmaking plant, dams and highways as concrete examples of how $500 million in grants and other funds the country received from Japan in the name of economic cooperation had been used. The white paper clearly stated that “its usefulness cannot be belittled.” 韓国経済企画院は１９７６年の「請求権資金白書」で、無償・有償あわせて５億ドルの日本からの経済協力について、製鉄所やダム、高速道路の建設を具体的な使途に挙げた。その上で、「効用を過小評価できない」と明記した。
Erroneous judgment
Nevertheless, South Korea’s Supreme Court said in a May 2012 ruling that “claims by individuals have not yet expired.” The current ruling is based on that erroneous judgment. それにもかかわらず、韓国最高裁は２０１２年５月、「個人の請求権は消滅していない」とする判断を示した。今回の判決はこの誤った判断を踏まえたものだ。
Some of the plaintiffs filed a similar suit in Japan but their loss was finalized by a Supreme Court decision. 原告の一部は日本でも提訴し、最高裁で敗訴が確定している。
The Seoul High Court’s decision this time demonstrates disregard for the final decision in this country. It is natural that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, “We cannot accept a decision that doesn’t comport with Japan’s position.” 結果として、日本の確定判決が無視されたことになる。菅官房長官が、「日本の立場に相いれない判決であれば、容認できない」と述べたのも当然である。
There are five other similar lawsuits filed against Japanese firms. The latest decision will inevitably have an influence on future court rulings. It is feared that more South Koreans who were once forced laborers will file class action suits, causing new problems between the two countries. 日本企業を相手取った同様の裁判が他に５件ある。今後の判決への影響は避けられまい。元徴用工らによる集団訴訟が相次ぐ恐れもある。日韓の新たな懸案だ。
In the first place, the South Korean government itself is obliged to pay compensation for damages suffered by South Koreans during Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. The $300 million Japan paid in grants to South Korea contained “the funds to resolve the compensation over forcible recruitment.” そもそも、植民地統治に起因する韓国人の補償請求については、支払い義務は韓国政府にある。日本が供与した無償資金３億ドルには「強制動員の被害の補償を解決する資金」が含まれている。
Because the South Korean government did not sufficiently pay out this compensation money, dissatisfaction has been smoldering among many South Koreans who were excluded from compensation for individuals. 韓国政府の支払いが不十分で、個人補償の対象から除外された人々が多かったために、不満はくすぶり続けていた。
Moreover, the South Korean government has failed to give sufficient explanations to its own people. 韓国政府が国民に十分な説明をしなかったのが一因だろう。
Fostering ill will
As Seoul has intensified antagonism against Tokyo in recent years, over topics such as sovereignty over the Takeshima islets and perceptions of history, unfounded demands against Japan have been flaring up again. 近年、竹島や歴史認識を巡る対立が深まるにつれ、根拠が薄弱な日本への要求も再燃している。
A sudden shift by the South Korean judiciary from its conventional stance is not completely unrelated to the rise of anti-Japan sentiment in the country. 韓国司法が最近、従来の判断から急転換したのも、そうした反日の高まりと無縁ではあるまい。
The normalization of bilateral relations opened the way to tremendous progress for South Korea. The financial resolution of damages from the past was determined diplomatically and is fundamentally a matter to be dealt with domestically in that country. It is unreasonable that South Korea persistently continues to point its accusing finger at Japan. 日韓国交正常化は韓国の飛躍につながった。過去の清算は外交的に決着し、本来は韓国の内政問題だ。その矛先を執拗(しつよう)に日本に向けるのは筋違いである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 12, 2013) （2013年7月12日01時26分 読売新聞）
July 07, 2013(Mainichi Japan) Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Is mourning the loss of a loved one an illness? 香山リカのココロの万華鏡:別れが悲しいのは病気？ ／東京
In May, the American Psychiatric Association's "Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders," used by psychiatrists around the world as a basis for making diagnoses, received a major revision that has become a large topic of discussion in psychiatric circles. 世界の精神科医の多くが使っている診断の基準が、米国精神医学会が作成した「診断と統計の手引き」。５月にそれが大改訂され、精神医療の分野で大きな話題となっている。
Among the revisions made, what bothers me is the deletion of "bereavement exclusion" in the section on depressive disorders. In the previous version of the manual, there was an exclusion saying that when people lost a loved one, they shouldn't be diagnosed with depression for the next two months even if they showed symptoms of it. In the new version that exclusion is gone, and the death of loved ones is generally treated the same as other stress or shock factors, with patients to be diagnosed with depression if they show depression symptoms for two weeks. 変更点の中で気になるのは、いわゆる「うつ病」の診断から「死別の場合は除く」という箇所が削除されたこと。前のバージョンでは、愛する人などとの「死別後の２カ月間はたとえ症状が出そろっていても『うつ病』と診断してはならない」との注意書きがつけられていた。今回の改訂ではそれがなくなり、「死別」を基本的には他のさまざまなストレスやショックと同じように扱って「２週間いくつかの症状が続いていれば『うつ病』と診断される」ということになったのだ。
To be frank, I am doubtful of the correctness of this change. I myself lost my father over two years ago, and I feel that since then my view of the world has greatly changed. I continue to go to work because I can't leave my job unattended, but sometimes I am struck by indescribable feelings of emptiness. はっきり言って、この改訂には疑問を感じる。私自身、２年以上前に父親を亡くしたが、あれから目に映る世界がすっかり変わってしまったような気がしている。仕事に穴を開けるわけにはいかないので出かけてはいるが、時々例えようもないむなしさに襲われる。
I often see people in my consultation room who complain of sadness and regret after the loss of a spouse or child. I sympathize with them greatly, because considering how much I am affected by the loss of my aged father, the loss of one's child seems like it must be unbearable. Except in extreme cases, I don't feel like labeling these people as "depressed." However, if I send them away with a diagnosis of "completely normal," patients having trouble sleeping can't get prescriptions for sleeping medicine, so with no other choice I diagnose them with "insomnia," or with "psychogenic reaction," a response to temporary but harsh psychological stimuli. 診察室には配偶者やわが子を亡くした後の悲しみや苦しさを訴える人が、しばしばやって来る。私は「年老いた父との死別でさえこれほどこたえるのだから、わが子との別れがつらすぎるのは当然のこと」と深く共感し、よほどのことでない限り「うつ病」などと病名をつける気にはなれない。ただ、「まったく正常」としてしまうと不眠を訴える人に睡眠のクスリを処方することもできないので、仕方なく「不眠症」とか、一過性のこころの激しい反応ということで「心因反応」といった病名をつける。
Perhaps before long, I will have to tell a person who comes complaining that, three weeks after a family death, they feel down and without energy, "That's depression. Let's take some antidepressants and get better." もしかすると、これからは「３週間前に家族が亡くなり、それから気持ちが落ち込んで何も手につかない」と語る人にも、「それはうつ病ですよ。ちゃんと抗うつ薬を飲んで治しましょう」と言わなければならなくなるのだろうか。
In our lives, we have many sad and hurtful experiences. That is something all people face, and one might even say the ability to mourn deeply and for a long time is a defining characteristic of humanity. A society that labels that without exception as "depression" is both shallow and dull. 悲しむこと、つらい気持ちを抱えることを、私たちは人生を生きる中で何度も経験する。それは人として当たり前のことであり、もっと言えば「深く長く嘆き、悲しむことができる」ということこそ、「人間らしさ」の条件なのではないだろうか。それが一律に「はい、それは病気です」と言われ、治療の対象になるような社会は薄っぺらく味気ない。
The Japanese Society of Mood Disorders has not yet announced how it will react to the revised manual, but I hope that they will say, "Being sad because of a family member's death is not an illness." 日本うつ病学会は、この度の改訂を日本でどう扱うか、まだ指針を発表していない。「家族との別れが悲しいのは病気じゃない」と言ってくれたら、と願っている。
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 12, 2013 Political parties lack seriousness over Japan’s late entry in TPP talks １３参院選 ＴＰＰ交渉 参加出遅れに危機感が乏しい（7月11日付・読売社説）
How should Japan deal with negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement? 日本は、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉にどのように対応すべきか。
Each political party is accountable for its stance on the TPP during the ongoing campaign for the House of Councillors election. 参院選で各党の姿勢が問われている。
The U.S. Congress likely will complete procedures soon over Japan’s entry into TPP negotiations, following Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s announcement of Japan’s intent to join the talks. Eleven countries, including the United States and Australia, are scheduled to hold a new round of TPP talks in Malaysia on July 15-25. For several days toward the end of the round, Japan is expected to finally be able to sit at the negotiating table. 安倍首相の参加表明を受けて、米国議会の承認手続きが近く終了する。米国、豪州など１１か国は１５～２５日にマレーシアで交渉を行う。その最後の数日間、日本はようやく、交渉のテーブルに着くことができる見通しだ。
With its population shrinking, Japan needs to tap into Asia’s vitality by promoting free trade in an effort to buoy its economic growth. 人口が減る日本は、自由貿易推進でアジアの活力を取り込み、成長に弾みを付ける必要がある。
Japan must catch up
Aiming to reach a broad agreement within the year, the 11 countries are likely to step up TPP negotiations. Japan has lagged behind in the TPP talks, but it must explore ways to catch up with its negotiating partners in creating trade rules. １１か国は年内の大筋合意を目指し、交渉を本格化させる。出遅れた日本は通商ルール作りで巻き返す道を探らねばならない。
Although Japan faces these difficult circumstances, the parties’ campaign pledges indicate they do not feel the urgency of the TPP issue. As a result, the TPP has not been a major contentious topic in the campaign. そうした厳しい状況にもかかわらず、各党の公約は危機感に乏しく、ＴＰＰへの対応は大きな争点になっていない。
Regarding the TPP issue, the Liberal Democratic Party has stressed it would seek the best possible path in line with national interests by protecting what needs protecting and pushing for what the nation wants. 自民党はＴＰＰについて、「交渉力を駆使し、守るべきものは守り、攻めるべきものは攻めることにより、国益にかなう最善の道を追求する」と強調している。
In its comprehensive policy package, however, the LDP has called on the government to place priority on ensuring that five key agricultural items, such as rice and wheat, will be exempt from tariff elimination in TPP negotiations. It also calls for the government not to hesitate to pull out from the trade talks if the items are not protected. The LDP’s Hokkaido chapter has taken an even tougher stance, saying it will stand firm and not accept tariff elimination without exceptions. しかし、総合政策集ではコメ、麦などを念頭に、「重要５品目の聖域を最優先し、それが確保できない場合は脱退も辞さない」と主張した。北海道連は「聖域なき関税撤廃は認めず、北海道の立場を主張する」とさらに強硬だ。
As the prime minister has vowed to enter TPP negotiations “with the determination to secure national interests,” Japan needs to flex its bargaining muscle. 首相が「国益を確保する決意で交渉していく」と述べたように、日本にはしたたかな交渉力の発揮が求められる。
Along with its coalition partner, New Komeito, the LDP should support the government and reflect national interests in TPP-related policies. 自民党は公明党とともに、政府を後押しし、ＴＰＰに国益を反映させる方針を示すべきだ。
It is also vital for political parties to propose feasible measures to make the nation’s agriculture competitive in preparation for further market liberalization. 一層の市場開放に備えた「強い農業」の実現へ、現実的な方策を訴えることも重要な課題だ。
Active debate urged
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, both pushing for Japan’s entry into the TPP talks, have called for a review of a measure to reduce rice production, an overhaul of agricultural cooperatives and other reforms. We urge the parties to have a vigorous debate on these issues. ＴＰＰ推進を主張する日本維新の会とみんなの党は、減反政策の見直しや農協改革などを掲げる。活発な論戦を期待したい。
Meanwhile, the largest opposition party, the Democratic Party of Japan, has pledged in its campaign platform to seek high-level economic partnerships and take the lead in drawing up global trade rules. But at the same time, it has also said, “We will take up the TPP issue without hesitating to withdraw [from the TPP talks].” The party’s proposed measures to beef up the agricultural sector appear vague. 民主党は公約で、「高いレベルの経済連携を推進し、世界のルール作りを主導する」としながら、「ＴＰＰは脱退も辞さない姿勢で臨む」と主張している。農業の強化策は抽象的である。
The Japanese Communist Party, the People’s Life Party, the Social Democratic Party and Green Wind all have opposed Japan’s participation in the TPP talks. However, Japan, which thrived as a trading country, is unlikely to be able to develop a vision for the future if it decides to stay away from such a free trade framework in Asia. 共産党、生活の党、社民党、みどりの風は、そろってＴＰＰ反対を主張している。だが、「貿易立国」として発展した日本が、アジアの自由貿易圏から外れる道を選べば、将来展望は開けまい。
The TPP negotiations address not only tariff elimination but also a wide range of other areas, such as rules for investment and intellectual property protection. How can Japan take advantage of the TPP to boost its competitiveness? We urge voters to closely look at each party’s proposal on the TPP. ＴＰＰ交渉は関税撤廃だけでなく、投資ルールや知的財産権保護など幅広い分野に及ぶ。競争力強化にどうつなげるのか。有権者は各党の訴えを見極めてほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 11, 2013) （2013年7月11日01時26分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 11, 2013 Don’t shirk discussions on raising the elderly’s social security burden １３参院選 社会保障 負担増の論議は避けられない（7月10日付・読売社説）
Amid a chronically low birthrate and rapidly aging population, Japan’s spending on social security, including pensions, medical care and nursing care, has been continuously increasing. 少子高齢化が急速に進む中、年金、医療、介護などの社会保障費は増え続けている。
How can a sustainable social security system be built? This is an important issue in the upcoming House of Councillors election. 持続可能な社会保障制度をどう築いていくか。参院選の重要な争点である。
The Liberal Democratic Party has unveiled policies to promote wider use of cheap generic drugs and prevent people from receiving treatment at more than one medical institution for the same disease or sickness. These policies show the LDP has a sense of urgency on this issue. 自民党が、価格の安い後発医薬品の使用拡大や、複数の医療機関での重複診療抑制を打ち出したのは、危機感の表れと言えよう。
However, a glance at the campaign pledges of the political parties, including the LDP, reveals that they are hesitant to ask the public to pay more for their social security system. だが、自民を含め、各党の公約を見ると、国民に負担増を求めることには及び腰だ。
Elderly should pay more
For example, increasing the proportion of medical expenses that elderly people must pay out of their own pocket is one issue that needs to be addressed. 例えば、高齢者医療の自己負担率を引き上げる問題である。
The Health Insurance Law and others stipulate that people aged 70 to 74 must pay 20 percent of their medical expenses when they are treated at a hospital. Despite this, government administrations since 2008 have capped this figure at 10 percent as a special measure, apparently for fear of sparking a backlash from the elderly if they increase it. 健康保険法などは７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担を２割と定めている。それにもかかわらず、２００８年以降、歴代政権は特例措置として１割に抑えてきた。高齢者の反発を恐れてのことだろう。
We think this figure should be raised to 20 percent, as set by law, to curtail public spending. 公費の支出削減のため、法定の２割への引き上げは必要だ。
However, the LDP, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan do not mention this issue in their election pledges. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party oppose raising this figure. しかし、この問題について、自民、公明、民主各党は公約で言及していない。共産、社民両党は引き上げに反対している。
Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Norihisa Tamura expressed his intention to review the special measure at a press conference Tuesday, but he did not set any time frame for abolishing it. 田村厚生労働相は９日の記者会見で、特例措置を見直す意向を示したものの、廃止する時期については言明しなかった。
How can snowballing medical spending be rolled back? How can financial resources to fund the medical care system be secured? We urge all parties to deepen discussions on these matters. 医療費の増加をどう抑えるのか。財源をどう確保するのか。各党は議論を深めてもらいたい。
It is utterly irresponsible of the DPJ, the JCP and the SDP to insist on raising medical fees, which will inflate government spending on medical care, without explaining where the money to cover the cost will come from. 民主、共産、社民各党が、財源を示さずに、医療費増大につながる診療報酬の引き上げを主張しているのは無責任に過ぎよう。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) has proposed benefits for the elderly be reduced to more reasonable levels. The proportion of medical bills people are required to pay at hospitals differs between age groups. Ishin no Kai has proposed that this proportion be set at a uniform rate, so people shoulder medical expenses commensurate with their income. 日本維新の会は「高齢者向け給付の適正化」を提起している。年齢によって異なる現行の医療費の自己負担割合を一律にし、「所得に応じた負担」にする内容だ。
Ishin no Kai also calls for raising the eligibility age for pension benefits. These issues deserve to be discussed in detail. 年金の支給開始年齢の引き上げもうたっている。いずれも検討すべき課題だろう。
Measures to deal with the low birthrate also are important. 少子化対策も重要だ。
Help people have kids
The number of births in Japan fell to a record low of 1.037 million last year. A relentless decline in the number of people in the working generation that supports the elderly will imperil the very foundation of the nation’s social security system. わが国の出生数は昨年、過去最少の１０３万７０００人にとどまった。高齢者を支える現役世代の減少が続けば、社会保障制度の根幹を危うくする。
It is essential to create an environment in which more people can raise their children while continuing their careers. Amid public calls for eliminating the waiting lists for licensed day care centers, political parties are in step when it comes to improving child care services. 働きながら子育てできる環境整備が欠かせない。待機児童の解消が求められる中、保育の充実では各党の足並みはそろっている。
The LDP touted that it will ensure child care facilities are capable of accepting 400,000 more children by the end of fiscal 2017. However, many problems need to be solved before this target can be achieved, including how to cooperate with local governments on this matter. The LDP must present specific steps for reaching this goal. 自民党は、１７年度までに４０万人の保育の受け皿確保を掲げた。ただ、自治体とどう連携するかなど、懸案は多い。実現への具体策を示すことが大切である。
The nation’s budget for measures to deal with the low birthrate is small compared with those of the United States and European countries. It is necessary to correct the current social security benefit setup, which is generous for the elderly, but relatively light for working and child-raising generations. 日本の少子化対策予算は、欧米に比べて少ない。高齢者に手厚く、現役・子育て世代に薄い社会保障給付を是正することが必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 10, 2013) （2013年7月10日01時52分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 10, 2013 China’s unilateral development of gas field cannot be tolerated 中国とガス田 一方的な開発は認められない（7月9日付・読売社説）
The latest development is serious and certain to raise tensions in relations between Japan and China, which are already at loggerheads over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. 沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡って対立している日本と中国の関係を一層緊張させる重大な事態だ。
It was recently learned that China is developing a new gas field near the median line between the two countries in the East China Sea, an area where a common borderline has yet to be defined. 日中の境界が画定していない東シナ海の中間線付近で、中国が新たなガス田開発に着手したことが発覚した。
It can be said that China’s hard-line stance under President Xi Jinping has become clear, with his administration trying to expand his country’s maritime interests by force or through a number of faits accomplis. 既成事実を積み重ね、力ずくで海洋権益を得ようとする中国の習近平政権の強硬姿勢が一段と鮮明になったと言えよう。
In June 2008, Japan and China agreed that both countries would jointly develop the Shirakaba gas field (called Chunxiao in China) located near a median line drawn at equal distances from the coastlines of the two nations. Both countries also agreed they would designate specific waters that straddle the median line to jointly develop, while agreeing to continue negotiations over possible joint development in other waters. 日中両国は２００８年６月、両国から等距離の中間線に隣接する白樺ガス田を共同開発し、中間線をまたぐ特定海域を共同開発区域にすること、さらに、その他の海域での共同開発に向けた協議を継続することで合意した。
China claims wider EEZ
The agreement was made as both countries were unable to close the rift in views concerning the delineation of their respective exclusive economic zones, in which nations have sovereign rights over seabed resources. Japan asserted that a median line should be drawn at equal distances from the coastlines to delineate respective EEZs while China claimed an EEZ that stretches farther east, saying its continental shelf extends to the Okinawa Trough. 海底資源に主権的権利が及ぶ排他的経済水域（ＥＥＺ）の境界線を巡って、中間線を主張する日本と、沖縄トラフまでとする中国の見解の溝が埋まらないためだ。
The area where China has recently been confirmed to have begun establishing a drilling facility is located about 26 kilometers west, toward China, of the median line favored by Japan. The unilateral act of China’s developing the area without a bilateral accord with Japan is intolerable. 今回、中国の掘削施設の新設作業が確認されたのは、中間線から中国寄り西側約２６キロの海上だ。日中間に合意がないまま一方的に開発する行為は容認できない。
It stands to reason that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has criticized China by saying, “We want China to abide firmly by the bilateral accord.” Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga also lodged a protest over China’s latest action. 安倍首相が「合意にはしっかり従ってもらいたい」と中国を批判したのは当然である。菅官房長官も中国に抗議の意を表明した。
But a spokesperson of China’s Foreign Ministry said there was nothing for China to be criticized for as the development activity is in Chinese waters. Does this mean China is saying there is nothing wrong with its developing an area closer to China from the median line? ところが、中国外務省報道官は、「中国が管轄する海域での開発活動で、非難される点はない」と開き直っている。中間線より中国側の海域のため、全く問題がないとでも言うのだろうか。
The latest gas field development attests to the Xi administration’s intention of accelerating China’s drive to become a “maritime power,” by promoting natural resource development in the East China Sea, as it is doing in the South China Sea. 新たなガス田開発は、「海洋強国」化を加速する習政権が、南シナ海同様、東シナ海でも資源開発を推進しようとする表れだ。
China has not only repeatedly had its surveillance ships enter Japan’s territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands but also had its marine research vessels intrude into Japanese waters recently. The country has also dispatched other survey vessels to an area within Japan’s EEZ, about 85 kilometers north of Okinotorishima island. These developments indicate that China is trying to expand its maritime interests even in the Western Pacific Ocean. 尖閣諸島周辺では、監視船による日本領海への侵入を繰り返すばかりか、最近は海洋調査船まで投入した。沖ノ鳥島から北へ約８５キロの日本のＥＥＺ内にも、別の調査船を派遣した。触手を西太平洋にまで伸ばそうという勢いだ。
Japan must press for talks
The recent spate of China’s maritime activities is probably the Xi administration’s attempt to raise pressure on the Abe administration. Japan, in the meantime, should press China to resume the bilateral talks on the joint development of the East China Sea in accordance with the 2008 bilateral accords, while remaining unruffled by China’s pressure. 海洋での一連の動きは、安倍政権に対する圧力を強める習政権の狙いもあるのだろう。日本としては中国の圧迫に動じることなく、０８年の合意に基づき、東シナ海の共同開発交渉を進めるべきだ。
To begin with, it is China that unilaterally discontinued the bilateral talks over an accord on the joint development of a natural gas field in the area in question, following a collision between a Chinese fishing vessel and Japan Coast Guard patrol boats near the Senkaku Islands in 2010. Even since, Beijing has refused to accept Japan’s requests to resume the talks. そもそも、ガス田合意を実現するための条約締結交渉を、１０年に尖閣諸島沖で発生した中国漁船衝突事件を機に一方的に中断したのは中国である。その後も、日本の交渉再開要請に応じていない。
As long as China continues to take such a stance, its image of being “a power of a different nature” that easily breaks its promises made in intergovernmental accords will remain fixed in the international arena. これでは、政府間合意さえ簡単に反故(ほご)にする「異質の大国」としてのイメージが、国際社会で定着するだけではないか。
The Xi administration must suspend the gas field development in question and agree to resume the bilateral talks. 習政権はガス田開発を中止し、交渉再開に応じねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 9, 2013) （2013年7月9日01時52分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 9, 2013 U.S. information leakage shows sloppiness in managing secrets 米機密漏洩事件 問われる情報管理のずさんさ（7月8日付・読売社説）
A single individual has shaken up the world. ひとりの男が世界中を揺るがしている。
The individual is Edward Snowden, a former systems analyst with the U.S. National Security Agency whom the NSA has accused of illegally gathering and spreading information. 米国家安全保障局（ＮＳＡ）が違法な通信情報収集をしていると告発したスノーデン容疑者のことだ。
Snowden has asked 26 countries in South America, Europe and other regions for political asylum, but he has been stuck in the transit zone of Moscow’s international airport for as long as two weeks. 南米や欧州などの２６か国に亡命申請し、２週間もモスクワの空港で待機している。
In Hong Kong a month ago, the 30-year-old former systems analyst leaked to major U.S. and British newspapers that the NSA, using a surveillance and monitoring system it built in strict secrecy, was gathering a large amount of information from e-mails, Internet phone conversations and online video sites. スノーデン氏は香港に滞在していた１か月前、ＮＳＡが、極秘に構築した監視・傍受システムを使って、電子メールやネット電話、動画サイトの情報を大量に収集していると英米紙に暴露した。
Veil of secrecy
Regarding his motivation for revealing NSA’s global monitoring activities, Snowden, who was not a regular NSA official but an employee with one of its contractors, told the media his conscience did not allow him to remain idle while the privacy of a huge number of individuals was being infringed upon. ＮＳＡ職員ではなく、契約請負企業で働いていた民間人だが、個人のプライバシーが侵害されるのを見て、「良心が許さなかった」と、告発の動機を語っている。
The NSA is an intelligence organization shrouded in secrecy. It has facilities around the world, including Japan. ＮＳＡは、秘密のベールに包まれた情報機関だ。日本を含む世界各地に施設を保有している。
Even so, we cannot help but feel astounded that the U.S. government’s confidential information can be divulged by an individual in the private sector so nonchalantly. それにしても、民間人が機密情報をかくも容易に漏洩(ろうえい)できたことには驚くしかない。
For the purpose of processing the immense amount of information they have collected, U.S. intelligence agencies have reportedly entrusted the task to an increasing number of private-sector IT companies. As a result, the number of people in the private sector who have access to top U.S. government secrets is said to be about 500,000. 米情報機関では、膨大な情報の処理のため民間企業への委託が増え、最高機密にアクセス可能な民間人は約５０万人に上るという。
Only three years ago, a U.S. Army private first class leaked a large amount of U.S. diplomatic information to the WikiLeaks whistle-blowing site. More than 250,000 pieces of information were leaked. 米国では３年前にも、陸軍上等兵が内部告発サイト、ウィキリークスに大量の米外交公電を流し、２５万点以上がそのまま公開される事件があったばかりだ。
The sloppiness of the U.S. government’s information management must be questioned. 米政府の情報管理のずさんさは問われなければならない。
The administration of President Barack Obama has charged Snowden on a number of counts, including violation of the anti-espionage law, calling for countries concerned to cooperate in handing him over to the United States. This action shows how grave the impact the Snowden case has had on the U.S. government. Washington is apparently doing its best to prevent further confidential information from being divulged. オバマ政権は、スノーデン氏をスパイ防止法違反容疑などで訴追し、関係国に身柄の引き渡しへの協力を要請した。米国が受けた衝撃の大きさを物語る。さらなる機密の流出を防ぎたいのだろう。
As this is the age of Internet, gigantic amounts of electronic information travel around the world. The Internet traffic has mostly been through the servers of major U.S. telecommunication firms. ネット時代の今日、大量の電子情報が世界を飛び交っている。その多くは、米大手通信会社のサーバーを経由している。
After the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the United States, U.S. efforts for beefing up Internet surveillance activities with cooperation from telecommunication firms with the aim of preventing terrorist activities has been an open secret. 米政府が２００１年９月の同時テロ後、テロ防止の目的で、通信会社の協力を得てネット監視を強化したのは公然の秘密だった。
Protect whistle-blowers
The question is whether the widespread monitoring operations are conducted legally. 問題は、それが合法的に行われているのか、ということだ。
Obama recently went on record as saying the surveillance activities, with the cooperation of telecommunications companies, are “completely legal” and are necessary to protect Americans from terrorist attacks. オバマ大統領は、「合法的で、テロから国民を保護する必要な措置」と述べ、正当性を強調した。
The NSA chief stressed the usefulness of the surveillance activities by saying in congressional testimony that the agency has successfully thwarted “more than 50 cases” of terrorist attacks in more than 20 countries. ＮＳＡ長官は議会で、「世界２０か国以上で５０件を超すテロ計画を阻止した」と有用性を述べた。
However justifiable the purpose for surveillance may be, information-gathering operations lacking appropriate constraints could lead to the abuse of power. いくら目的が正当でも、適切な歯止めを欠いた情報収集活動は権力乱用につながる恐れがある。
Snowden failed to abide by procedures stipulated for in-house whistle-blowing. He may or may not have feared that he could be ignored and arrested. スノーデン氏は、所定の内部告発手続きを踏まなかった。無視され、逮捕されることを恐れたのかどうか。
To stem the divulgence of information, it is also important to protect whistle-blowers. 情報流出の阻止には、内部告発者を保護する仕組みが機能することも重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 8, 2013) （2013年7月8日01時42分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 8, 2013 Stable supply of power essential for reinvigorating the economy １３参院選 エネルギー政策 電力安定で経済再生に弾みを（7月7日付・読売社説）
◆「原発ゼロ」の弊害を直視せよ
Electricity, the “blood” of the economy, must be cheaply and stably secured to revive the Japanese economy. 日本経済を再生させるには、「経済の血液」の電力を安く、安定的に確保する必要がある。
There are 50 nuclear reactors in Japan, but only two of them, at the Oi nuclear power station of Kansai Electric Power Co., are operating. The nation’s supply and demand of electricity are as shaky as a tightrope now. 全国の原子力発電所５０基のうち、運転中は関西電力大飯原発の２基だけで、電力需給は綱渡りだ。
Nuclear reactors whose safety is confirmed must be restarted one by one to eliminate the power shortage. 安全性が確認された原発を着実に再稼働し、電力不足を解消しなければならない。
◆再稼働は政治の責任
All the parties except the ruling Liberal Democratic Party state in their policy platform for the upcoming House of Councillors election that nuclear power generation should be terminated in the future. But none of them have presented an effective plan to secure power. They should face up to the harmful effects on business, employment and the global environment that denuclearization would cause and discuss more realistic energy policies. 参院選の公約では、自民党を除く各党が「原発ゼロ」を掲げた。しかし、電力確保について有効な処方箋を示していない。脱原発が景気・雇用や地球環境などに及ぼす弊害を直視し、現実的なエネルギー政策を論じるべきだ。
The LDP stipulates in its election pledges that the state should make utmost efforts to obtain the consent for reactivation from local governments hosting nuclear power plants. This is an appropriate pledge as a responsible government party. 自民党は、原発再稼働に地元自治体の理解が得られるよう最大限努力するとの方針を公約に明記した。責任ある政権与党として、妥当な対応といえる。
Check N-plants quickly
New safety standards for nuclear power plants become effective on Monday. Based on the new standards, electric power companies will ask the Nuclear Regulation Authority to check the safety of their nuclear reactors for reactivation. 原発の新規制基準が８日に施行される。これを受け、各電力は原子力規制委員会に、再稼働のための安全審査を申請する。
The authority should carry out safety inspections without delay. 規制委には遅滞なく審査してもらいたい。
A worrying factor is the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant of Tokyo Electric Power Co. in Niigata Prefecture. Niigata Gov. Hirohiko Izumida has presented difficult demands for restarting the reactors. If the reactors are not restarted, power supply in TEPCO’s service area will not become stable, and this could cause TEPCO to post an ordinary loss for the third straight year, resulting in a management crisis. 気がかりなのは、新潟県の東京電力柏崎刈羽原発だ。泉田裕彦新潟県知事が、再稼働に厳しい注文をつけている。再稼働できなければ、電力供給が安定しない。東電の経常利益は３年連続の赤字となり、経営危機に陥る恐れもある。
After the House of Councillors election, the LDP and the government must jointly do their best to obtain the consent of local governments hosting nuclear power plants. 参院選後、自民党は政府とともに、原発立地自治体の説得に全力を尽くさねばならない。
In its policy platform, the LDP has also presented a policy of increasing official assistance for exports of Japanese technologies related to infrastructure, including nuclear power generation. It is important to accelerate exports of infrastructure as a pillar of the government’s growth strategy. 自民党は、原発などインフラ輸出の支援体制を強化する方針も示した。成長戦略の柱として加速させることが重要である。
The LDP also needs to coordinate policies with its coalition partner, New Komeito. In its policy platform, Komeito has not rejected restarting nuclear reactors, but it stipulates that the party aims to stop the use of nuclear power generation as soon as possible. 連立を組む公明党との調整も必要だろう。公明党は公約で、原発再稼働の可能性は否定しなかったが、可能な限り速やかな「原発ゼロ」を目指すとしている。
We expect the LDP and Komeito to explain to voters in an easy-to-understand manner to what degree the two parties differ in their perceptions concerning nuclear power generation. 自民党と公明党の認識に大きな違いがあるのかどうか、有権者にわかりやすく説明してほしい。
DPJ policy unrealistic ◆「電気代２倍」どうする
Among the opposition parties, the Democratic Party of Japan, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party approve the restart of nuclear reactors at present, but they also stipulate they would aim to terminate the use of nuclear power in the future. 野党のうち、民主党、日本維新の会、みんなの党は、当面の再稼働を事実上容認しつつ、将来的な「原発ゼロ」を掲げた。
The DPJ’s electoral pledge of “reducing to zero the nuclear power generation in the 2030s” is in line with the energy policy adopted by the administration led by Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda, which ended in December. 民主党の「２０３０年代に原発稼働ゼロ」は、野田内閣のエネルギー戦略を踏襲した。
The content of the policy, worked out in the autumn of last year, was unrealistic, so the Cabinet did not adopt the policy because of adverse reactions from various quarters, including the business world and the Aomori prefectural government, which has taken the approach of expediting a nuclear power policy, and even the United States. 昨年秋にまとめられたが、経済界や原子力政策に協力する青森県、米国などの反発を受け、閣議決定できなかった非現実的な内容である。
The Japanese Communist Party and People’s Life Party, for their part, even oppose reactivation of nuclear power plants that have been idled. 共産党や生活の党などは、再稼働すら認めていない。
The facile argument seeking to break away from nuclear power generation seems to be pandering to the voters. It appears to be aimed at ramping up public support for the parties making the argument by exploiting people’s insecurities caused by the March 11, 2011, accident at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant. 安易な脱原発路線は、東電福島第一原発の事故で生じた不安に乗じて支持拡大を狙う、大衆迎合ではないか。
Although no major power blackout has taken place since the Fukushima accident, it is Pollyannaish to assume the nation’s electricity demand can be met without nuclear power. Due attention must be paid to the current stringent supply-demand situation of electricity in which thermal power stations, including superannuated ones, have been run at full blast. 大停電は起きていないが、「原発なしで電気は足りる」と考えるのは楽観的すぎる。老朽化した火力発電所まで酷使している厳しい現状を踏まえるべきだ。
Additional fuel costs of utilities to make up for power shortages because of the stoppage of their nuclear power stations stand at nearly 4 trillion yen a year. As a result, a colossal amount of the nation’s wealth has been flowing abroad to import fuel for thermal power generation, while electricity charges have continued to rise. 原発を代替する火力発電所の追加燃料費は４兆円近くにのぼる。巨額の国富流出と、電気料金の上昇が続いている。
TEPCO, KEPCO and Kyushu Electric Power Co. have already raised power rates, while three other utilities, including Hokkaido Electric Power Co., have applied to the government to boost charges. すでに東電、関電、九州電力の３社が値上げに踏み切り、北海道など３電力も申請中だ。
According to one estimate, electricity charges could double from the current level in the event of “zero nuclear power generation.” 「原発ゼロ」になると、電気代が２倍に跳ね上がるとの試算もある。
Various assertions are being made to defend the wisdom of abolishing nuclear power, such as the claims that hikes in electricity charges can be curbed by reforming the current power supply system and that the nation can attain economic growth without nuclear power generation through investment in renewable energy projects such as solar power. These arguments, however, are mostly cases of wishful thinking and lack convincing grounds. 電力制度改革で料金は抑制される。原発をやめても、太陽光など再生可能エネルギーへの投資で経済成長できる。こうした主張も聞かれるが、多くは期待先行で根拠に乏しい。
The parties advocating abolition of nuclear power must produce credible measures regarding how to avoid the negative impact on the national economy and people’s livelihood that would result from denuclearization. 脱原発を掲げる政党は、経済や生活への打撃をどう回避するか、説得力ある方策を示すべきだ。
Instead of the futile dichotomous debate over the use of nuclear power versus zero nuclear power, a cool-headed discussion should be conducted in a way that suits the reality of Japan’s energy circumstances. 「原発ゼロ」か否か、という不毛な二項対立ではなく、日本のエネルギー事情に即した、冷静な議論が求められる。
Renewable energy sources have a number of shortcomings, including the fact that the amount of electricity they produce can erratically fluctuate due to climate conditions. Renewables cannot replace nuclear power generation, at least in the near future. 再生エネは、天候によって発電量が大きく変動するなど様々な欠点もある。当面は原発に代わる主力電源となり得ない。
Thermal overload ◆人材の枯渇が心配だ
Currently, about 90 percent of the nation’s power generation depends on thermal power generation, an extremely precarious situation from the viewpoint of energy security. Under the circumstances, greenhouse gas emissions have been sharply rising. 発電量の約９割が火力で占められ、エネルギー安全保障の観点で極めて危うい状況だ。温室効果ガスの排出量も急増している。
With a view to concurrently addressing many challenges such as enhancing the safety of nuclear power generation, realizing economic growth and conserving the environment, such options as replacing old thermal power stations with ones of the latest design should be considered. 安全性の向上、経済成長、環境保全など、複数の課題を解決するため、古い原発を最新型に更新する選択肢も考えるべきだ。
After the Fukushima nuclear plant accident, enrollments of students in faculties and courses related to nuclear energy have fallen below quotas at undergraduate and postgraduate schools. 原発事故後、大学・大学院では原子力関係の学科や専攻の定員割れが相次いでいる。
If nuclear power generation technologies are not handed down to younger generations, Japan may become unable to solve on its own such problems as settling the Fukushima nuclear accident and decommissioning the plant’s reactors and realizing the final disposal of nuclear waste, still less maintaining and managing existing nuclear facilities. 原発の技術が継承されないと、維持・管理はもとより、福島の事故収束と廃炉、核廃棄物の最終処分などを、日本は自力で解決できなくなる。
Yet another problem is the possibility of this country losing its special status as a nuclear strategy partner of the United States. 米国の核戦略パートナーという特別な地位を失う問題もある。
In the upcoming upper house election, the electorate should determine which parties have been seriously pondering how to effectively cope with the mountain of problems confronting this country. どの政党が、山積する課題の解決を真剣に考えているか、有権者はしっかり見極めてほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 7, 2013) （2013年7月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 7, 2013 Egypt’s leaders must quickly come to terms to guard regional stability エジプト政変 大統領の失政が招いた軍介入（7月6日付・読売社説）
Mohammed Morsi, who became Egypt’s first democratically elected president one year ago, has been outsted in a de facto coup by the military. エジプトで１年前に史上初めて民主的に選ばれたモルシ大統領が、軍による事実上のクーデターで、失脚した。
The country’s transition to democratic rule, which was championed in the wake of a dictatorship, is now facing a critical test. Tensions between the military and Morsi supporters have been rising, inciting concern that a wave of clashes between the two forces could aggravate the turmoil. 独裁体制の崩壊後、曲がりなりにも前進してきた民主化路線が、重大な危機に直面している。軍とモルシ支持勢力との緊張は高まっており、両者の衝突で混迷が深まることが懸念される。
The military deposed Morsi as president and placed him under arrest, claiming the country was on the verge of a security crisis. Adly Mansour, the supreme justice of the Supreme Constitutional Court, has been sworn in as interim president until a new leader is elected. 軍は、「国の安全保障が危機に瀕(ひん)している」としてモルシ大統領を解任し、拘束した。マンスール最高憲法裁判所長官を暫定大統領とし、暫定政府を構成する。
The military has suspended the Islamist-drafted Constitution and announced a plan to call a presidential election in the near future, but there has been no indication the chaos will subside. 憲法を停止し、大統領選を早期に実施すると発表したが、事態収拾の道筋は見えていない。
The coup was triggered by a string of massive demonstrations calling for Morsi’s resignation on the anniversary of his first year in office. Since then, the square in central Cairo has been swamped with protesters every day. The scale of demonstrations is reminiscent of those that led to the toppling of the long-standing regime led by President Hosni Mubarak. 今回のクーデターのきっかけは、大統領就任１周年にあたって、辞任を求める大規模デモが発生したことだ。カイロ中心部の広場は連日デモ隊で埋まり、２０１１年２月にムバラク政権を打倒したデモをほうふつとさせた。
Repeated clashes beween pro- and anti-Morsi elements have claimed lives in various parts of the country. 全国各地で反大統領派と大統領支持派が衝突し、死者も出た。
Policy gaffes sparked crisis
The leading factor behind the rebellion was a series of policy blunders by Morsi. 混乱を招いた最大の要因は、モルシ氏が失政を重ねたことだ。
Morsi was elected with a campaign pledge to improve Egyptians’ livelihoods, but food prices have been skyrocketing and fuel shortages have reached a dire level. 「生活の改善」を公約して当選したが、食料品の価格は高騰し、燃料不足が深刻化している。
Additionally, public safety has deteriorated due to an increase in heinous crimes. The number of international tourists and the amount of foreign investment have dropped with no sign of recovery. 凶悪犯罪の増加で治安が悪化し、外国からの観光客や投資も落ち込んだままだ。
Morsi unilaterally issued a decree to bolster the power and authority of the president. He pushed through the enactment of a heavily Islamic Constitution in line with the policy of the Muslim Brotherhood, from which Morsi hails. His political stance has drawn a backlash from secular and liberal forces. モルシ氏は、大統領権限の強化を一方的に宣言した。出身母体のイスラム主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」の方針通りイスラム色の濃い憲法の制定を強引に進めた。こうした政治姿勢が世俗・リベラル派から反発をかった。
Widespread political unrest and a rapid expansion of anti- government movements, it may be said, gave the military a pretense for political intervention. こうした政情不安と反政府運動の急激な拡大が、軍に政治介入の口実を与えたと言える。
The military-led interim government will be challenged over its ability to restore stability and resume a democratically oriented process for reconstuction of the country. 軍主導の暫定統治の課題は安定を回復し、民主化を柱とする国家再建を再開できるかどうかだ。
Calm reconciliation needed
The military has been trying to quell protests by force, including detaining many leaders of the Muslim Brotherhood. The Brotherhood, for its part, has called for supporters to hold rallies across the nation. It is feared such a defiant stance could further aggravate the situation. 軍は、同胞団幹部を多数拘束するなど、力で抑え込もうとしている。同胞団は支持者に全土でデモを呼びかけ、抵抗する構えだ。これでは事態は一層悪化しよう。
Europe, the United States and Japan, which have backed the democratization of Egypt, expressed concern about the military’s dismissal of Morsi while avoiding direct criticism of the armed forces and calling for a prompt return to civilian control. エジプトの民主化を支援してきた欧米や日本は、軍による大統領解任に懸念を表明しつつも、軍を強く非難することは避け、民政への早期復帰を求めている。
To move forward, the military and the Brotherhood must come to the negotiating table and realize national reconciliation as soon as possible. 軍と同胞団が、対話のテーブルにつき、一刻も早く、国民的な和解を実現することが必要だ。
In Tunisia and Libya, which are both Egypt’s neighbors, the road to democracy was rocky following the collapse of despotic rule. Syria is still suffering from a civil war. 周辺国のチュニジア、リビアでは、独裁崩壊後の民主化が難航し、シリアでも内戦が続く。
To ensure regional stability, it is indispensable for Egypt, a major power in the area, to swiftly resolve the internal chaos and continue on the path toward democracy. 地域大国エジプトが、動揺を早期に収拾し民主化の道を歩むことは、地域の安定のために欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 6, 2013) （2013年7月6日01時29分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 6, 2013 Deepen debate on issues to revitalize political system 参院選公示 政治の「復権」へ論争を深めよ（7月5日付・読売社説）
◆経済再生の具体策を吟味したい◆
Can Japan restore its national strength? We have come to a critical time, when we have an opportunity to make a choice with the future course of this country at stake. Voters must listen seriously to what political parties and candidates advocate, to get the measure of their policies and competence. 国力を取り戻すことができるのか。日本の針路を左右する重要な選択の機会である。各政党と候補者の訴えに真摯(しんし)に耳を傾け、その政策と能力をしっかりと見極めたい。
Official campaigning for the 23rd election of the House of Councillors began Thursday. 第２３回参院選が公示された。
Japan is now confronted with many grave, difficult-to-solve problems: 日本は今、多くの深刻かつ困難な課題に直面している。
How does it break away from decades of a deflation-plagued economy to make compatible its two goals of economic growth and rebuilding its deficit-ridden government? What steps must be taken to create a solidly sustainable social welfare system in the face of the rapidly aging society with a low birthrate? What should this country do to reconstruct its diplomacy amid the increasingly volatile global and Asian situations to ensure Japan’s national interest? 長年のデフレ経済から脱却し、経済成長と財政健全化を両立させる。少子高齢社会でも持続可能な社会保障制度を構築する。世界・アジア情勢が不安定化する中、日本外交を再建し、国益を守る。
None of these tasks can be accomplished easily. いずれも簡単には実現できない。
End sense of stagnation ◆閉塞感を打破できるか◆
Furthermore, an abnormal state of affairs has continued in which the prime minister changed every year since 2006. さらに２００６年以降、首相が毎年交代する異常事態にある。
Because the prime minister and cabinet members changed so frequently up until the House of Representatives election last year, the central govenment’s bureaucratic machinery tended to go on the defensive, leaving the nation unable to build relationships of trust with foreign leaders and conduct full-fledged diplomatic activities. 昨年の衆院選まで、首相や閣僚が短期間で交代し続けたため、官僚は「守り」に陥りがちだった。他国の首脳と信頼関係を築けず、本格的な外交が展開できない。
Because of the divided Diet, in which the opposition controls the upper house, bills of key importance have frequently failed to pass the legislature. As stagnant politics has become commonplace, the public has been enveloped in a sense of stagnation as well. 衆参ねじれ国会で、重要法案が成立しない。政治の停滞が常態化し、国民に閉塞感が漂う。
Whether it is possible to end this situation is the biggest focus of attention in the upper house election. この状況を打破できるかどうかが参院選の最大の焦点だ。
In his first campaign speech for the upper house contest Thursday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe declared, “We keenly hope to eliminate the divided Diet, and we ask you, the electorate, to throw your strong support behind us,” stressing his goal of garnering a majority in the upper chamber through the combined strength of the Liberal Democratic Party and its ruling coalition partner, New Komeito. 安倍首相は第一声で、「ねじれを解消したい。大きな力を与えてほしい」と訴え、自民、公明両党で参院の過半数の議席を獲得したい考えを強調した。
To be sure, his government will find it difficult to fully address big policy tasks without stabilizing its power base. 確かに、政権基盤が安定しなければ、大きな政策課題に取り組むのは難しい。
Banri Kaieda, leader of the No. 1 opposition Democratic Party of Japan, emphasized the same day, “We must confront the administration of Prime Minister Abe, which is going to disrupt the livelihood of the people.” 民主党の海江田代表は、「国民の生活を破壊する安倍政権に対峙(たいじ)しなければならない」と力説した。
The opposition camp is determined to stop the ruling coaliton from gaining a majority in the upper house, arguing the importance of the opposition’s role of holding the ruling coalition in check to prevent it from going astray. 野党は、「与党の過半数阻止」を目指し、政権の暴走をチェックする役割の重要性を主張する。
Rating the Abe Cabinet ◆安倍政権をどう評価◆
While a House of Representatives election is a contest in which voters decide which party or parties should take power, an upper house election is an interim evaluation of the ruling parties by voters. 衆院選が政権選択選挙なのに対し、参院選は与党の中間評価の意味を持つ。
In the upper house races in 2007 and 2010, the electorate handed down harsh verdicts against the government in what seemed like a backlash in reaction to the ruling coalition’s unexpectedly hefty victories in the previous lower house elections. This created the divided Diet. ０７年、１０年参院選では、衆院選で勝ちすぎた与党に対し、有権者が「揺り戻し」で厳しい審判を下し、ねじれを招いた。
If the Abe administration can reverse these precedents and put an end to the divided Diet, the administration will be able to establish a decision-making framework to decide on key policy matters swiftly and boldly by the next Diet election. It is likely this will lead to the revitalization of the nation’s political system. 安倍政権が今回、この前例を覆し、衆参ねじれを解消できれば、次の国政選までの間、迅速かつ大胆な政策決定ができる体制を築くことができる。政治の復権につながる可能性があろう。
What voters should bear in mind in making their choice is how to evaluate the achievements of the Abe administration and weigh them against the policies being touted by each political party and candidate in the upper house race. 有権者が投票の判断材料とすべきは、安倍政権の実績の評価と、各政党・候補者の政策である。
Concerning the current administration’s Abenomics economic policies, the LDP has included in its campaign platform an economic growth target of about 3 percent in nominal terms and a policy of tax incentives for investment and drastic corporation tax cuts. 安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」に関して、自民党は公約に名目３％程度の経済成長目標を掲げ、投資減税と法人税の大胆な引き下げを打ち出した。
It is laudable that the Abe government has brought about such results as the correction of the yen’s strength and higher stock prices, and achieved Japan’s participation in Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations. 安倍政権が円高是正や株価上昇などの成果を上げ、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加を実現したことは評価できる。
On the other hand, some have said the benefits of Abenomics have only been enjoyed by some of the public. 反面、その恩恵は国民の一部にとどまっていると指摘される。
Criticizing Abenomics as having caused such side effects as price hikes and radical fluctuations in interest rates, the DPJ asserts that it will seek to expand the income of ordinary citizens and middle-class people. 民主党は、物価上昇や金利の乱高下などアベノミクスの「副作用」を批判し、生活者や中間層の所得を増やすと主張する。
However, the party’s growth strategy lacks concrete measures. It leaves something to be desired for a party that has been teetering on the brink after its crushing setback in the recent Tokyo Metropolitan Assembly election. だが、その成長戦略は具体性を欠く。東京都議選で惨敗し、参院選は２大政党にとどまれるかどうかの瀬戸際なのに物足りない。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) calls for bolstering competitiveness and cuts in income and corporation taxes. Your Party aims to attain a nominal growth rate of 4 percent or more by pushing drastic regulatory reforms. 日本維新の会は競争力強化や所得・法人税の減税を訴える。みんなの党は大胆な規制改革で名目４％以上の成長を目指すという。
No matter how attractive policies are, they will have no persuasive power unless accompanied by fiscal resources and a roadmap for their achievement. We ask the parties to deepen their debate on economic policies. どんなに魅力的な政策も、財源や実現への道筋が伴わないと、説得力を持たない。各党は経済論戦を深めてもらいたい。
In regard to nuclear policy, the LDP takes a positive view of restarting nuclear reactors after they are judged safe and promoting exports of nuclear power plants. This is consistent with the party’s emphasis on economic growth. 原子力政策について、自民党は、安全と判断された原発の再稼働や原発輸出に前向きだ。成長重視の姿勢と一貫する。
The opposition parties are all in favor of immediately or eventually eliminating all nuclear reactors, including the DPJ’s call for “ending nuclear power generation in the 2030s.” But their stances are vague concerning measures to secure substitute energy sources and in harmonizing their antinuclear positions with measures for economic growth. 野党は、民主党の「２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロ」など、「原発ゼロ」で足並みをそろえた。ただ、代替エネルギーの確保策や経済成長との整合性はあいまいだ。
Probably because of the DPJ’s failure to carry out the policies it presented in its unrealistic campaign platform for the 2009 lower house election, all the parties’ campaign pledges are more like slogans and their abstractness is obvious. They must discuss more concrete measures regarding social security reform and diplomatic and security issues. 民主党が非現実的な０９年衆院選政権公約（マニフェスト）で失敗したためか、各党の公約はスローガン的で抽象的内容が目立つ。社会保障改革や外交・安全保障ではもっと具体策を論じるべきだ。
Constitution at issue ◆憲法改正の積極論議を◆
The Constitution is also an important bone of contention. 憲法も重要な論点である。
The LDP, Ishin no Kai and Your Party call for easing the Diet requirements stipulated in Article 96 of the national charter for initiating constitutional revisions. New Komeito asserts it will discuss the requirement issue along with specific revisions, while the DPJ opposes revising the article ahead of other articles. But their positions leave room to approve easing the requirements. ９６条が定める改正の発議要件について自民、維新の会、みんなは緩和を主張する。公明は「改正内容とともに議論する」とし、民主も「先行改正」に反対だが、ともに緩和への余地も残している。
Whether constitutional revision will become realistic depends on the results of the upper house poll. 参院選の結果次第で憲法改正が現実味を帯びる展開もあろう。
The parties and their candidates are urged to hold an active debate on how to define the Self-Defense Forces in the Constitution, as well as on such issues as the bicameral system and decentralization of power to find a new desirable governance system for the nation. 自衛隊の位置づけや二院制、地方分権など、新しい「国のかたち」のあり方をめぐり、各党・候補には積極的な論争が求められる。
Elections, which are the bedrock of democracy, are a joint endeavor by parties, their candidates and voters. It is voters’ vital responsibility to closely examine the assertions of parties and their candidates before casting their valuable votes, without being affected by the mood of the moment. 民主主義の根幹である選挙は、政党・候補者と有権者の共同作業だ。ムードに惑わされず、各党・候補者の主張をじっくり吟味し、貴重な１票を行使することが、有権者の重要な責任である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 5, 2013) （2013年7月5日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 5, 2013 North Korea must adjust stance in face of heightened isolation ＡＲＦ閣僚会議 国際的に孤立が極まる北朝鮮（7月4日付・読売社説）
North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the country’s Workers’ Party of Korea, must soberly accept the reality that his country’s isolation under the sanctions of the international community has intensified and shift to a policy of abandoning Pyongyang’s nuclear weapons program. 国際社会の制裁下で孤立を極める現実を、北朝鮮の金正恩第１書記は厳粛に受け止めて、核放棄へ転換を図るべきだ。
A ministerial meeting of the ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) Regional Forum, attended by foreign ministers from 26 countries including Japan, the United States and China, as well as the European Union, was held in Brunei and adopted a chairman’s statement. 日本、米国、中国など２７か国・機構をメンバーとする東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）地域フォーラム（ＡＲＦ）閣僚会議がブルネイで開かれ、議長声明を採択した。
The statement stipulates that most ministers urge North Korea to comply with its obligations under U.N. Security Council resolutions and that most ministers call on North Korea to abide by its commitments under the September 2005 six-party joint statement. The chairman’s statement thus urges North Korea to take action toward abandonment of its nuclear program. 声明は、北朝鮮に対し、国連安全保障理事会の決議や２００５年９月の６か国協議共同声明の「義務を順守するよう大多数の閣僚が求めた」と明記し、核放棄に向けて行動するよう促した。
North Korean Foreign Minister Pak Ui Chun made a rebuttal to the ARF statement, saying among other things that the deterioration of the situation on the Korean Peninsula stems from the United States’ deep-rooted policy of hostility toward North Korea. 北朝鮮の朴宜春外相は、「朝鮮半島情勢の悪化は、米国の敵視政策による」などと反論した。
No supporters
However, none of North Korea’s comments were included in the statement. This has significant meaning, as it symbolizes the fact that not a single country stands with North Korea. しかし、そうした北朝鮮の主張が声明に盛り込まれなかった意味は重い。擁護してくれる国もない北朝鮮の現状を象徴している。
The statement is part of a series of international measures to pressure the reclusive country following the U.S.-China summit talks and the Group of Eight summit meeting, both held in June. 今回の声明は、６月の米中首脳会談や主要８か国首脳会議（Ｇ８サミット）に続く、北朝鮮への国際的な圧力の一環だ。
Since last year, North Korea has launched a long-range ballistic missile and conducted a third nuclear test despite international warnings. Each time, the U.N. Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution to strengthen sanctions against the country. 北朝鮮は昨年来、長距離弾道ミサイル発射と３回目の核実験を強行し、その都度、安保理は制裁強化決議を全会一致で採択した。
The ARF statement also stipulates that most ministers reconfirmed their nations would “fully implement” UNSC sanction resolutions on North Korea. This can be regarded as a declaration of the participating nations’ determination not to loosen restrictions on Pyongyang. 議長声明は、制裁決議の「全面的な履行」を大多数の閣僚が再確認したことも併記した。北朝鮮への締め付けを緩めはしない、という決意の表明と言える。
North Korea’s recent shift to a policy of dialogue, away from its brinkmanship strategy of creating crises through provocative remarks and actions, must be proof of its struggle to find a way to escape from its current situation, in which it can barely prop up the economy due to the pressure of sanctions. 北朝鮮が最近、挑発的な言動で危機を作り出す瀬戸際戦術から対話路線に転換したのも、制裁圧力で経済立て直しが進まない窮状からの出口を、何とか見いだそうと模索している証しだろう。
Take concrete action
North Korea has been asking the United States to accept its proposal for dialogue without preconditions. 北朝鮮は米国に、前提条件なく対話に応じるよう求めている。
If the United States accepted that by willingly overlooking North Korea’s selfish actions of repeating nuclear tests and missile launches, it would simply be repeating the past. In that sense, it is quite appropriate for Japan, the United States and South Korea to demand North Korea take concrete action toward denuclearization of the country. 核実験やミサイル発射を繰り返した北朝鮮の身勝手な振る舞いを不問に付して対話に応じれば、同じことの繰り返しだ。まず非核化への「具体的な行動」を北朝鮮に求める日米韓の対応は妥当だ。
North Korea’s Pak resorted to deception over the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by North Korean agents, saying that the issue “has been completely resolved.” Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida flatly rejected Pak’s statement as “in contradiction of the facts,” based on the past sequence of events, including North Korea’s promise to reinvestigate the matter. Kishida further called for concerted action by the international community, claiming other countries than Japan have had people abducted. His actions were quite appropriate. 拉致問題を巡り、朴外相は「完全に解決ずみ」と詭弁(きべん)を弄した。岸田外相が、再調査を北朝鮮が約束した過去の経緯などを踏まえて「事実に反する」と一蹴し、日本以外にも被害者がいると国際連帯を呼びかけたのは適切だった。
The chairman’s statement also touches upon the importance of addressing international humanitarian concerns. This indirectly reflects Japan’s strong demand for resolution of the abduction issue. 議長声明は、「国際社会の人道上の懸念事項に対処する重要性」をうたった。拉致問題の解決を強く求める日本の主張が、間接的に反映されたものだ。
There must be no normalization of relations between Japan and North Korea without a comprehensive solution of the latter’s nuclear and missile development programs and the abduction issue. The government needs to firmly maintain this stance and persuade Kim Jong Un to move things forward on the abduction issue, while tightening the noose around North Korea. 核とミサイル、拉致の包括的解決なしに日朝正常化はない。政府はこの立場を堅持し、北朝鮮包囲網を狭めつつ、金第１書記に拉致問題の前進を迫る必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 4, 2013) （2013年7月4日01時36分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 4, 2013 Will shale gas revolution help combat global warming? 米温暖化対策 シェールガス革命が追い風に（7月3日付・読売社説）
U.S. President Barack Obama has announced an action plan to increase efforts to combat global warming. オバマ米大統領が、地球温暖化対策を強化する行動計画を発表した。
The sweeping plan is aimed at reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the United States, while also leading greater international efforts to combat climate change, particularly through cooperation with China and India, both major carbon dioxide emitters. 国内で二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）排出削減を進めるとともに、中国やインドなどとの協力を含めて国際的な温暖化対策を拡充する内容だ。
The world is witnessing a continuous increase in carbon dioxide and other greenhouse gases. Obama’s plan indicates the United States, the world’s second-worst greenhouse gas polluter after China, plans to seriously tackle global warming. This should significantly help international efforts to reduce carbon dioxide emissions. ＣＯ２などの温室効果ガスの排出量は、世界で増加の一途をたどっている。中国に次ぐ排出大国の米国が温暖化対策に本腰を入れることは、世界全体の排出量削減の観点からも、意義は大きい。
However, Obama will be tested whether he will be able to demonstrate leadership in fighting global warming and what he can actually do to achieve his goal. オバマ氏の指導力と実行力が問われよう。
U.S. plan affirms target
The latest action plan reconfirms an earlier U.S. target for curtailing domestic greenhouse gas emissions by about 17 percent by the end of 2020, compared with 2005 levels. Measures include a plan to impose new and more rigorous emission regulations on existing and envisaged power plants. 行動計画は、２０２０年までに温室効果ガス排出量を０５年比１７％程度削減する、という米国の中期目標を改めて確認している。
The action program also calls for switching to natural gases, an energy source that generates a smaller amount of carbon dioxide than coal and oil. 国内のＣＯ２排出削減対策として、新規及び既存の発電所に新たに厳しい規制を導入するほか、石炭や石油よりもクリーンな天然ガスへの切り替えを促した。
Obama’s plan incorporates the doubling of such renewable energy resources as hydroelectric and solar power. It also includes a plan to maintain and promote nuclear power generation through, for example, the development of small modular reactors with a generating capacity of less than 300,000 kilowatts per unit. 水力や太陽光発電などの再生可能エネルギー倍増計画や、出力３０万キロ・ワット以下の小型モジュラー炉の開発など原子力発電の維持・推進も盛り込んだ。
The outlook for Obama’s action plan is far from promising. In fact, U.S. electric power companies are already alarmed by the possible impact of his program. They fear that tightening the regulations may force them to close coal-fired power plants, which constitute the mainstay of their electricity business. The action plan is also opposed by Republicans and local governments that could be affected by the planned measures. They are concerned that the program would lead to a loss of many jobs. Many twists and turns are foreseen in a tug-of-war over how carbon dioxide emissions should be regulated at power plants. 前途は容易ではあるまい。早くも電力会社は、厳しい規制で主力の石炭火力発電所が閉鎖に追い込まれかねないと警戒し、関連自治体や共和党も、雇用が奪われると反発を強めている。規制基準作りを巡り紆余(うよ)曲折が予想される。
A factor behind Obama’s decision to announce new anti-global warming measures is his desire to address the strong concerns of Americans about the increase in natural disasters due to abnormal weather in recent years, including violent storms and massive tornadoes. The action plan lays out specific measures to be implemented to enable local communities to deal more effectively with the impact of such disasters. オバマ氏が大胆な温暖化対策の推進を打ち出した背景の一つに、暴風雨や巨大竜巻など異常気象で災害が増加していることへの国民の強い関心がある。行動計画は、災害に耐性の強い地域作りへ具体策を講じることも明記した。
Another significant reason behind the president’s latest move is the fact that the recent increase in natural gas production due to the ongoing shale gas revolution is aiding his battle to reduce greenhouse gases. The U.S. carbon dioxide reduction goal seems to be increasingly realistic due to that country’s drive to shift from coal to natural gas. This is certain to shore up the U.S. position in global negotiations over reducing carbon dioxide emissions. シェールガス革命による天然ガス生産の増大が追い風になった点も見過ごせない。石炭から天然ガスへの転換で、ＣＯ２削減目標の達成は現実味を帯びてきた。国際交渉で米国の立場も強まろう。
The post-Kyoto Protocol framework is scheduled to take effect in 2020. The primary task facing participants is to ensure that their battle against global warming functions in a manner in which all major carbon dioxide emitters fulfill their share of responsibility in achieving their goals. 京都議定書後の新たな国際枠組みは２０年発効予定だ。すべての主要排出国が応分の責任を負う仕組みにすることが何より重要だ。
Japan role important
The Obama administration will likely seek to lay down a set of loosely defined rules by which each country will set its own reduction target and strive to curtail its carbon dioxide emissions, according to observers. This approach can be regarded as a persuasive method to get newly emerging nations to join the new framework, as they are opposed to reduction obligations that would be imposed on them. オバマ政権は、各国が自主的に目標を設定し、削減に努める緩やかなルール作りを目指すと見られる。削減義務を負うことに反発する新興国を引き入れるには、有効な手法と言える。
Japan should play an active role in this respect. 日本も積極的に関与したい。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government has said it will scrap an unrealistic carbon dioxide reduction target abruptly announced by then Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama in 2009. Hatoyama’s plan required this country to achieve a 25 percent reduction from 1990 levels in carbon dioxide emissions by the end of 2020. 安倍政権は、鳩山元首相が０９年に唐突に打ち出した「２０年までに１９９０年比２５％削減」という非現実的な目標の撤回を表明している。
It is essential for the Abe administration to replace the 2009 reduction plan with a practical reduction target that would take the nation’s economic activities into consideration, a task that must be complemented by efforts to gain support from other nations for the prime minister’s initiative. まずは経済活動に目配りした現実的な目標に改め、国際社会の理解を得ていくことが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 3, 2013) （2013年7月3日01時53分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 3, 2013 Japan, S. Korea should compromise to reconstruct vital relationship 日韓外相会談 関係再構築へ双方が歩み寄れ（7月2日付・読売社説）
At a time when the situation in East Asia has become increasingly unstable, cooperation between Japan and South Korea is becoming even more important. Both sides should step closer to each other to put bilateral relations back on a more normal footing. 東アジア情勢が不安定化する中、日韓協力は一段と重要になっている。両国関係の正常化へ、双方が歩み寄るべきだ。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida and South Korean Foreign Minister Yun Byung Se recently held talks in Brunei and agreed to stably develop a “future-oriented” bilateral relationship. 岸田外相と韓国の尹炳世外交相がブルネイで会談し、「未来志向の日韓関係」を安定的に発展させる方針で一致した。
These were the first such talks between Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers in about nine months. It was extraordinary that the neighoring nations had not held any summit or foreign ministerial meetings since the administration of South Korean President Park Geun Hye was launched in February. 日韓外相会談の開催は約９か月ぶりだ。２月の朴政権発足後、隣国間で首脳・外相会談が一度もなかったのは異常な事態だった。
There are many issues that Japan and South Korea should jointly address, such as North Korea’s nuclear and missile development programs and China’s rise in the military and economic spheres. The stalemate over economic issues, as exemplified by the prolonged suspension of talks for a bilateral free trade agreement, also cannot be overlooked. 北朝鮮の核・ミサイル問題や中国の軍事、経済両面での台頭など、日韓が連携して対処すべき課題は多い。自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉中断の長期化など、経済分野の停滞も看過できない。
China playing hardball
Meanwhile, the United States has been indirectly trying to improve Japan-South Korea ties apparently because it believes the deterioration in the bilateral relationship would undermine peace and prosperity in East Asia. 米国が日韓関係の改善を側面支援するのも、両国の関係悪化は東アジアの平和と繁栄の障害だとの問題意識があるためだろう。
China has reportedly stated that it will only hold a Japan-China summit meeting on the condition that Tokyo acknowledges a territorial dispute exists over the Senkaku Islands. Once again, a meeting between the foreign ministers of Japan and China was not held this time. Given the possibility that high-ranking officials of Tokyo and Beijing cannot hold talks for an extended period, the necessity of rebuilding Japan-South Korea relations takes on even greater importance. 中国は、尖閣諸島の領土問題の存在を認めることを日中首脳会談の条件にしているとされる。今回も外相会談は見送られた。日中高官が会談できない状態が長く続く事態も想定すれば、日韓関係を再構築する必要性は一段と高い。
Japan and South Korea have been trading jabs over territorial and historical perception issues involving the Takeshima islands and so-called wartime comfort women. The South Korean foreign minister told his Japanese counterpart that if Japan “fails to carefully deal with the history issue, it will hurt the soul of the [Korean] people.” 日韓間には、竹島、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題など領土や歴史認識をめぐる対立がある。尹外相は、歴史認識の重要性を強調し、「歴史問題を細心に扱えない場合、民族の魂を傷つける」と述べた。
But we believe that an intrinsic role of diplomacy in this context is to ensure both nations have substantive cooperation over North Korea and other issues while keeping their differences to the absolute minimum. だが、両国が意見の相違を最小限に抑えつつ、北朝鮮問題などで実質的に協力することこそが、外交本来の役割のはずである。
Lee started the chill
The current chilly state of relations between Japan and South Korea was originally caused by a visit by former South Korean President Lee Myung Bak to the Takeshima islands and his demand for “an apology” from the Emperor last summer. そもそも現在の日韓関係の悪化は、昨年夏の李明博前大統領の竹島訪問と天皇陛下「謝罪」要求発言が発端となっている。
South Korea should resist the temptation to bring up issues regarding differences over historical perception with Japan at such occasions as summit talks with U.S. and Chinese leaders. Japan, for its part, should give some consideration to the impact of visits by Cabinet ministers to Yasukuni Shrine. It is essential that both sides tenaciously engage in dialogue and make efforts in areas in which they disagree and search for common ground. 韓国は、米中両国との首脳会談などで日本との歴史認識の問題を持ち出すのは自制する。日本も、閣僚の靖国神社参拝で一定の配慮を行う。双方が、対立する分野でも粘り強く対話と努力を重ね、接点を探ることが欠かせない。
We urge both nations to make the latest Japan-South Korea foreign ministerial meeting a stepping stone that can expedite coordinations to realize a bilateral summit meeting later this year. 今回の日韓外相会談を足がかりに、今年後半には、首脳会談が実現するよう調整を急ぎたい。
At a trilateral meeting between the foreign ministers of Japan, the United States and South Korea, which was held prior to the Kishida-Yun talks, the three top diplomats confirmed they would not accept the possession of nuclear weapons by North Korea and would urge it to take concrete actions toward denuclearization. 日韓外相会談に先立つ日米韓外相会談では、北朝鮮の核保有を容認せず、非核化への「具体的な行動」を求める方針を確認した。
North Korea recently has shown a greater willingness to hold dialogues with other nations that have a stake in the nuclear issue. However, more important than resuming six-nation talks and other channels of dialogue is having North Korea take tangible steps to abandon its nuclear weapons. 北朝鮮は最近、関係国との対話に前向きの姿勢を示している。しかし、肝心なのは、６か国協議などの対話の再開ではなく、核放棄を具体化することである。
Japan, the United States and South Korea must hold a series of consultations and maintain their current solidarity to keep pressuring North Korea through Chinese channels to make Pyongyang take substantive actions toward its denuclearization. 非核化に向けて実質的な行動を取るよう、中国を通じて北朝鮮に圧力をかけ続けるためにも、日米韓が協議を重ね、現在の結束を維持しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 2, 2013) （2013年7月2日01時26分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 2, 2013 Chinese authorities must control nation’s shadow banking sector 中国金融リスク 「影の銀行」を野放しにするな（7月1日付・読売社説）
The volume of transactions in China’s shadow banking sector, in which financial transactions are handled outside the traditional commercial banks, is growing fast. The potential ill effects of this explosive supply of opaque money in the market are immense. We must remain on the lookout for possible disarray in the Chinese economy. 中国で銀行を介さない金融取引の「シャドーバンキング」（影の銀行）が急拡大している。 不透明なマネー膨張の弊害は大きい。中国経済の混乱に要警戒だ。
The Shanghai Composite Index plunged last week, falling below the 2,000 benchmark for the first time in about half a year. On June 24, it recorded the steepest single-day drop in four years. 上海総合株価指数が先週、急落した。約半年ぶりに２０００の大台を割り込み、２４日は４年ぶりの大幅な下落率だった。
The decline was triggered when the short-term interbank offered rate suddenly spiked to an all-time high, causing concerns over the worsening cash flow of banks and prompting the sell-off of stocks. きっかけは、中国の銀行同士が資金を融通し合う際の短期金利が一時、過去最高水準に急騰したことだ。銀行の資金繰りの悪化が懸念され、株が売られた。
Despite the decline, the People’s Bank of China, the country’s equivalent of a central bank, did not expand its injection of cash into the market, an unusual case of not helping to lower the interbank offered rate. にもかかわらず、中央銀行に相当する中国人民銀行が、市場への資金供給を拡大せず、金利低下を促さなかったのは異例だ。
Bubbles forming
For the time being, the bank will apparently allow some increase in the rate, an attempt to apply de facto monetary tightening. 当面は、一定の金利上昇を容認し、事実上の金融引き締めを図ろうとしているのだろう。
Behind the bank’s reaction is the spread of various forms of shadow banking, causing economic bubbles in some sectors. 背景に、シャドーバンキングが蔓延(まんえん)し、一部でバブル現象が起きている事情がある。
For instance, investment firms affiliated with municipal governments have been expanding their real estate development and public works projects by using a massive amount of funds borrowed at high interest rates outside the traditional banking institutions. 例えば、地方政府系の投資会社は銀行を介さずに高金利で借りた巨額の資金を使って、不動産開発や公共事業を拡大している。
Many of those municipal governments are burdened with huge amounts of debt. Their inability to repay their debts could spark repercussions in the management of businesses that have extended loans to them. 多額の債務を抱える地方政府は多い。借入金の返済が滞れば、資金の貸し手である企業などの経営危機に飛び火しかねない。
It is also problematic that loans extended to such entities as local governments are refinanced by bundling them and repackaging them as “small-lot wealth management products,” by offering a much higher rate of return than bank deposits.These products have been massively sold to private business firms and individuals by nonbank institutions. In such cases, there is a risk of a loss of principle. 地方政府向けなどの貸出債権を小口化した「理財商品」と呼ばれる高利回りの財テク商品が、ノンバンクなどから企業や個人に大量販売されていることも問題だ。売り手が償還資金を手当てできず、元本割れするリスクがある。
The current situation resembles the so-called subprime loan crisis that occurred in the United States, sending the world economy into disarray. かつて世界経済を混乱させた米国のサブプライムローン問題を彷彿(ほうふつ)とさせる状況と言えよう。
The size of the shadow banking sector is estimated at 30 trillion yuan (about 480 trillion yen). But the real scale of off-balance sheet financial transactions of the sector is hardly known. Even the Chinese authorities may not be able to grasp the reality. シャドーバンキングの規模は総額３０兆元（約４８０兆円）に上るとの推計があるが、取引の実態は見えない。中国当局ですら、正確には把握できていないだろう。
A senior official at the People’s Bank of China said, “Imps must be punished,” suggesting the shadow banking sectors must be dealt with strictly. We can understand the authorities’ policy of curbing excessive growth of the money supply and accelerating moves to stamp out the economic bubble. 人民銀行幹部は、「悪い子供は罰するべきだ」と述べ、厳しく対処する姿勢を示した。マネーの膨張を食い止め、バブル退治を急ごうとする方針は理解できる。
Slowdown continues
If the shadow banking sectors are left uncontrolled, the bubble will eventually burst, raising fears of major havoc triggered by China spreading the world over. シャドーバンキングを野放しにすれば、膨れたバブルがいずれ崩壊し、世界に波及する「中国発の大混乱」が起きる恐れもある。
Meanwhile, the country’s real economic growth has fallen below 8 percent, and its economic slowdown continues. But it would be a mistake for the authorities to cause the country’s economy to further lose momentum by too rapidly curbing the shadow banking system. ただ、中国の実質経済成長率は８％を割り、景気減速が続く。当局の急激な締め付けで、景気を失速させては本末転倒だ。
It is indeed a difficult situation. The Chinese authorities must be very careful in steering the economy. 難しい局面だが、中国当局の細心の舵(かじ)取りが求められる。
It would also be serious if the Japanese economic recovery were stalled by such factors as a decline in its exports to China. This is not someone else’s problem. We need to be watchful for any abnormality in China’s economy. 日本も中国向け輸出減少などで景気回復がもたつく事態となれば大変だ。対岸の火事ではない。中国経済の変調に注意したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 1, 2013) （2013年7月1日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 1, 2013 Simply calling for end of nuclear power is irresponsible 幹事長討論会 安易な「原発ゼロ」は無責任だ（6月30日付・読売社説）
Full-fledged debates for the House of Councillors election have kicked off before its official campaign period starts on July 4. 参院選は、７月４日の公示を前に本格的な論戦がスタートした。
In Osaka, the Kansai Press Club hosted a meeting on politics with the secretaries general and their equivalents of nine ruling and opposition parties. 大阪では２９日、関西プレスクラブの主催で、９政党の幹事長クラスによる政治討論会が開かれた。
At the meeting, there were striking divergences in opinions on nuclear power plants. Asked if they aim to end the use of nuclear power generation, every attending party except the ruling Liberal Democratic Party replied yes. 目を引いたのは、原子力発電所政策の違いだ。「原発ゼロを目指すか」との質問に対し、自民党以外はすべて賛成した。
To reduce the nation's use of nuclear power to zero, the proportion of electricity generated by alternative sources such as thermal power generation and renewable energy sources such as solar power must be increased drastically. This will require increased imports of fuel for thermal power plants, which will inevitably hollow out domestic industries due to higher production costs. 原発をゼロにするには、代替の火力発電や太陽光など再生可能エネルギーの割合を大幅に増やす必要がある。火力発電の燃料輸入が増大し、生産コスト上昇による産業空洞化も避けられまい。
There also are concerns about the increased carbon dioxide emissions produced by thermal power plants. Japan will be tested on how to overcome global issues, including nuclear nonproliferation, if it chooses the zero nuclear power generation option. 火力発電による二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）排出量の増大も懸念される。核不拡散など、世界的な課題をどう克服するかも問われよう。
Balance of sources important
Referring to those issues, LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba said at the meeting, “A responsible political party must not consider reducing the nation’s dependence on nuclear power generation without thinking about the balance of its power sources.” We think his view is quite reasonable. 自民党の石破幹事長は、こうした課題に言及し、「バランスを考えたうえで、原発依存度を減らすことを考えなければ、責任ある政治とは言えない」と指摘した。妥当な見解である。
The LDP stipulated in its election pledges that the state should take responsibility for trying to obtain the consent of local governments hosting nuclear power plants, which have been checked and judged safe, so they can be reactivated. 自民党の公約は、「安全と判断された原発の再稼働については、国が責任を持って地元自治体の理解が得られるよう努力する」としている。
We applaud the LDP on this point, but the party also should clarify the prospects for its medium- to long-term nuclear policies. この点は評価できるが、中長期的な原発政策についても見通しを明らかにすべきだ。
Details on specific steps to deal with nuclear fuel recycling and nuclear waste disposal also need to be discussed. 核燃料サイクルや核廃棄物処理への取り組みに対して、具体的な方策を詰める必要がある。
At the meeting, no party supporting the abolition of nuclear power generation gave a detailed and convincing explanation on the denuclearization process. How can Japan, a nation with few natural resources, end its use of nuclear power generation? Parties supporting zero nuclear power generation must answer this question properly. 「原発ゼロ」を掲げるどの党からも、その道筋について具体的かつ説得力のある説明はなかった。資源の乏しい日本で「原発ゼロ」をどう実現するのか。疑問にきちんと答えてもらいたい。
Exports of nuclear plants
Goshi Hosono, secretary general of the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan, criticized efforts led by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to promote exports of Japanese nuclear reactors to other countries. “It makes me feel uncomfortable,” Hosono said. 民主党の細野幹事長は首相が率先して原発輸出を推進することに「違和感がある」と批判した。
However, exports of infrastructure, including nuclear reactors, are a pillar of the government’s growth strategy and require partnership between the government and private sectors. What does the DPJ think about the high expectations other nations have for Japanese technology? だが、原発などインフラ輸出は成長戦略の柱であり、官民の連携が重要だ。国際的にも日本の技術に対する期待が高いことを民主党はどう考えるのか。
In Tokyo, party leaders held a meeting Friday to discuss issues related to the upper house election. 参院選をテーマに２８日、東京では党首討論会が開かれた。
In their discussions, Abe’s remarks on relations between Japan and China, which have been at loggerheads over the Senkaku Islands, attracted considerable attention. “The Chinese side told us it would not agree to have a bilateral summit meeting unless Tokyo accepts a certain condition,” the prime minister revealed. 安倍首相が、尖閣諸島を巡って対立が続く中国との関係について、「中国側は、ある一定の条件をのまなければ首脳会談をしないと言ってきている」と明らかにしたことが、注目された。
Of course, there is no need to hold a summit meeting with Beijing if it comes at the expense of Japan’s national interest. However, it is also true that both Japan and China will lose out if they do not improve bilateral ties. 国益を損なってまでも首脳会談を実現する必要がないのは当然である。ただ、関係改善できないことは、日中ともにマイナスだ。
We expect all political parties to also have constructive discussions on diplomatic and national security strategies, and on measures to handle territorial issues. 外交・安全保障戦略や領土問題の対処についても、各党の建設的な議論を望みたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 30, 2013) （2013年6月30日01時29分 読売新聞）
