The Yomiuri Shimbun August 29, 2013 Uncover the full truth about alleged use of chemical weapons in Syria シリア内戦 化学兵器疑惑の徹底解明を（8月28日付・読売社説）
The death toll in the Syrian civil war has already exceeded 100,000. With last week’s alleged use of chemical weapons by Syrian government forces in mind, it is all the more imperative that the country’s bloodshed be stopped without further delay. シリア内戦では、犠牲者がすでに１０万人を超えた。まして化学兵器が使用されたとすれば、一刻の猶予もなく流血を止めなければならない。
President Bashar Assad’s regime forces fired rockets loaded with chemical gas on the suburbs of Damascus last Wednesday, killing and injuring a large number of civilians, according to the opposition Syrian National Coalition. Video footage of children injured in the attack has also been released on the Internet. シリアの反体制派組織「国民連合」によると、アサド政権軍は２１日、ダマスカス郊外に化学兵器を搭載したロケット弾を撃ち込み、多数の市民が犠牲になったという。負傷した子供たちの動画もインターネットで公開された。
The Assad government adamantly denies using chemical weapons, and insists the attack in question was perpetrated by rebel forces. 政権側は、これを全面否定し、化学兵器攻撃を行ったのは反体制派だと主張している。
Using chemical weapons is a clear violation of international law. If it is established that regime forces used chemical weapons, the Assad government must be sternly brought to task. 化学兵器の使用は、明白な国際規範違反である。事実が確認されれば、責任が厳しく問われなければならない。
A U.N. investigation team in Syria has started trying to confirm whether chemical weapons were used. However, the U.N. team is experiencing difficulties in probing the incident. One of the mission’s vehicles was fired on by unidentified snipers. シリアに入っていた国連調査団は、現地で化学兵器が使われたかどうかを確認する作業に入ったが、何者かに車両を銃撃される妨害に遭い、難航している。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, during a visit to Kuwait, had every reason to say, “I hope the U.N. investigating commission’s on-site probe will be conducted without disruption, and that all the facts will be established at an early date.” 安倍首相が、外遊先のクウェートで「国連調査団の現地調査が妨害なく遂行され、事実関係が早期に明らかにされることを望む」と語ったのはもっともである。
Results of the investigation will likely be referred to a session of the U.N. Security Council. The council should implement necessary measures toward Syria after establishing the facts about the alleged use of chemical weapons, based on the U.N. team’s findings. 調査結果は、安全保障理事会での討議に付される見通しだ。安保理は、調査結果を踏まえて、化学兵器疑惑を解明し、シリアへの対応措置を講じる必要がある。
Military response looming
The United States has started discussions with members of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization, including Britain and France, regarding whether to launch a military strike on Syrian government targets. Washington has concluded that Assad regime forces used chemical weapons during last week’s attack. Its talks with NATO allies over possible military action came before the U.N. team produces its report. 米国は、アサド政権側が化学兵器を使用したとみなし、国連の調査結果を待たず、英国やフランスなど北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）諸国との間で、政権側に対する軍事攻撃の検討に入った。
U.S. President Barack Obama had initially been cautious about becoming directly involved in the Syrian civil war. However, he is shifting to a hard-line approach. オバマ大統領はこれまで、シリア内戦への米国の直接関与について、慎重な態度を取ってきたが、強硬姿勢に転じつつある。
This is presumably because the alleged chemical weapons attack took place despite his repeated warnings to the Assad government that the use of deadly gases would cross “a red line.” Overlooking the latest incident would tarnish the national prestige of the United States. It could also encourage the use of chemical weapons in other parts of the world. 化学兵器の使用は「越えてはならない一線」とアサド政権に強く警告してきたからでもあろう。化学兵器使用を黙認すると、米国の威信に傷が付く。世界の他の地域にも使用が広まりかねない。
However, it should be noted that the U.S. State Department has emphasized the importance of seeking “a political solution” to the Syrian problem. Needless to say, further diplomatic efforts must be made to resolve the armed conflict before the United States and NATO nations possibly decide to launch a military operation. ただ、米国務省は、「政治的解決」の重要性も強調している。軍事行動を決定する前に、一層の外交努力の積み重ねが求められるのは言うまでもない。
Another important task that must complement efforts to uncover the truth about the alleged chemical weapons use is to renew efforts to end the Syrian civil war, a challenge that will require shoring up international pressure on the Assad regime, which has relentlessly attacked the people of its own country. 疑惑の解明と並行して、自国民への攻撃をやめようとしないアサド政権への国際的圧力をより強化し、内戦の収拾を改めて目指すことも重要だ。
This year’s Group of Eight summit meeting in June agreed that the Syrian government, rebel forces and nations with a stake in the problem would hold an international conference aimed at ending the civil war. Such a meeting would ideally be convened as early as possible. ６月の主要８か国首脳会議は、シリアの和平に向け、政権と反体制派、関係各国による国際会議の開催で合意している。早期の会議実現が望まれる。
We will be closely watching how the United Nations and the international community handle the Syrian situation. シリアをめぐる国連と国際社会の動向を注目したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2013) （2013年8月28日02時13分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 29, 2013 Ban’s bias on history issues incompatible with U.N. post 潘国連事務総長 資質問われる偏向「介入」発言（8月28日付・読売社説）
U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki Moon’s recent remarks are unbelievable. 耳を疑うような国連事務総長の発言である。
“I think Japanese political leaders need to profoundly reflect on how to perceive history to maintain good-neighborly relations in a future-oriented way, and a vision to look ahead into the global future,” Ban said at a press conference at the South Korean Foreign Ministry on Monday. 潘基文事務総長が、韓国外交省で記者会見し、「歴史をどう認識すれば未来志向的に善隣友好関係を維持できるのか、日本の政府、政治指導者には、深い省察と国際的な未来を見通すビジョンが必要だ」と述べた。
He made the remarks in response to a question from a South Korean reporter who asked about the United Nations’ view and his own view as U.N. secretary general with regard to the confrontation between Japan and China and South Korea on the perception of history and territorial issues as well as Japan’s moves to revise the Constitution. 韓国人記者から、歴史認識や領土問題を巡る日中韓の対立と日本の憲法改正の動きについて、国連および事務総長としての見解を質問されて、答えた内容だ。
Ban is a veteran diplomat who served as foreign minister under the administration of former South Korean President Roh Moo Hyun. However, as U.N. secretary general, he is obliged to remain neutral and fair, refraining from siding with any particular country. 潘氏は、韓国の盧武鉉政権時代に外相を務めたベテラン外交官だ。だが、今は国連事務総長として、特定の国にくみしない中立性、公平性が求められている。
He did not refer to South Korean and Chinese politicians. By restricting his remarks to Japanese politicians, people around the world may believe Japan is the cause of frictions in Northeast Asia. It is obvious his remarks were one-sided and problematic. 潘氏は韓国や中国の政治家には触れなかった。日本の政治指導者だけへの言及は、あたかも北東アジア地域のあつれきの原因が日本にあるかのように、世界中で受け取られかねない。一方的で、問題ある発言と言わざるを得ない。
Customarily, a U.N. secretary general speaks at a press conference in English or French, two of the United Nations’ official languages, but Ban spoke in Korean throughout most of the press conference. This is extremely unusual. 事務総長の会見は、国連公用語の英語かフランス語で行われるのが通例だが、今回は異例にも大半が韓国語で行われた。
Ban implicitly demanded that Japan correct its view of history, saying a country only can earn respect and trust from other nations through a correct recognition of history. 潘氏は、「歴史に正しい認識を持ってこそ、他の国々から尊敬と信頼を受けるのではないか」と、暗に日本に注文も付けた。
Parroting Seoul’s stance
His remarks echo what South Korea has been saying. Seoul has relentlessly demanded that Japan face up to its prewar history by saying it should “have a correct recognition of history.” Ban’s comment therefore supports South Korea. The secretary general, who is supposed to mediate international disputes and conflicts, should not openly fan confrontation. 「正しい歴史認識を持て」と、日本に戦前の歴史に向き合うよう執拗(しつよう)に求める韓国と同じ言い方である。韓国の肩を持つ発言だ。本来、様々な紛争や対立を調停する立場の事務総長が、対立をあからさまにあおってどうするのか。
History cannot be neatly packaged under the term “correct recognition.” 歴史は、「正しい認識」でひとくくりにできないものだ。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshi-hide Suga said, “I strongly wonder whether Secretary General Ban made the remarks while considering Japan’s position.” He cited Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s remark, “It’s necessary for leaders to exchange opinions to maintain regional peace and stability.” It was natural for him to raise objections. 菅官房長官は、「地域の平和と安定のためには首脳同士が意見交換することが必要だ」との安倍首相の発言を引いて、「こうした日本の立場を認識した上での発言なのか、非常に疑問を感じている」と述べた。当然の反発である。
The Japanese government needs to confirm Ban’s real intentions and to actively convey Japan’s position at such places as the United Nations so that its stance will not be misunderstood around the world. 政府は、潘氏に発言の真意をただし、日本の立場が世界で誤解されぬよう、国連などの場で、積極的な発信に努める必要がある。
For nearly 70 years since the end of World War II, Japan has consistently made efforts to promote world peace and prosperity. How does Ban evaluate Japan’s postwar history? 戦後７０年近く、日本は一貫して平和と繁栄のために努力してきた。これまでの日本の戦後の歴史を、潘氏はどう評価するのか。
The Japan-South Korea Basic Relations Treaty of 1965 is an established international agreement that defines the bilateral relationship between the two countries after World War II. Even though the issue of compensation rights has been resolved, South Korea keeps raking over the issue of reparations for former forced laborers and on the issue of so-called comfort women. １９６５年の日韓基本条約は、戦後の日本と韓国の関係を規定する国際協定として確立している。請求権問題は解決ずみなのに、韓国は、元徴用工への賠償や元慰安婦問題を蒸し返してやまない。
Ban, as an official of the international organization, should inform Seoul that South Korea’s common sense is irrational in other parts of the world. 国際機関に籍を置くなら、潘氏は、韓国の常識は世界の非常識であると韓国に伝えるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 28, 2013) （2013年8月28日02時13分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 28, 2013 Use NISA system as pump-priming step water to reinvigorate investment ＮＩＳＡ 投資活性化の呼び水にしたい（8月27日付・読売社説）
We hope the Nippon Individual Savings Account system, or NISA, will help move individual financial assets held in the form of cash and deposits into investment and revitalize the nation’s economy. 現金や預金として滞留する個人金融資産を投資に誘導し、経済を活性化させる契機としたい。
NISA, a new tax system that offers tax exemptions on capital gains and dividend income from stocks and other investments of up to ¥1 million a year, will be introduced in January next year. 年間１００万円までの株式投資などについて、売却益や配当を非課税とする新税制「ＮＩＳＡ（ニーサ）」が、２０１４年１月にスタートする。
Financial institutions, including securities companies and banks, have already put their efforts to win new customers into full gear. 証券会社や銀行などの金融機関は、すでに新たな顧客獲得を目指す動きを本格化させている。
We applaud that stock markets will be reinvigorated due to competition over services among financial institutions, but they should refrain from forceful solicitation. サービス競争で株式市場が活気づくのは歓迎だが、強引な勧誘などは控えるべきである。
It is essential to carefully foster NISA by listening to investors so that the new system will become a pump-priming measure to help individual investment take root in this country. ＮＩＳＡが個人投資を根付かせる呼び水となるよう、利用者の声にもしっかり耳を傾け、大事に育てることが大切だ。
People aged 20 or older and living in Japan can open a NISA account at a financial institutions. The tax exemption period is five years and if ¥1 million is invested every year, the capital gains and dividends on ¥5 million worth of investments will be tax exempt. 金融機関にＮＩＳＡの専用口座を開設できるのは、日本に住む２０歳以上の人だ。非課税期間は５年間で、毎年１００万円ずつ口座を開けば、非課税枠は５００万円まで拡大できる。
The total amount of individual financial assets in Japan is estimated at a massive ¥1.6 quadrillion. However, more than half of those are in cash and deposits. The ratio of stocks and other investments used to fund corporate activity is only about 8 percent, which is far lower than the 34 percent in the United States and 15 percent in Europe. 日本の個人金融資産は約１６００兆円と巨額だ。ただし、その半分以上は現金と預金で占められている。企業の活動資金となる「株式・出資金」の比率は約８％にとどまり、米国の３４％や欧州の１５％よりはるかに低い。
If individual assets, encouraged by NISA, flow into stock markets, it would be beneficial to corporate growth. The spread of long-term investment by individuals for the purpose of asset building will help stabilize stock prices. ＮＩＳＡに後押しされる形で、個人資金が株式市場に流入していけば、企業の成長促進にとって有益だ。資産形成のため、個人の長期投資が広がることは、株価の安定にも役立つだろう。
Under Britain’s Individual Savings Account system, which NISA is modeled after, 40 percent of the population opened an ISA account. ＮＩＳＡのお手本となった英国の「ＩＳＡ」の場合、口座開設者が人口の４割に達するという。
Careful explanation essential
To promote wide use of NISA in Japan, it is indispensable for financial institutions to give detailed explanations about the new system to their customers. 日本でも普及させるには、金融機関が顧客に、丁寧に説明することが不可欠といえる。
Rather than placing priority on sales quota or simply stressing NISA’s merits, they must explain risks associated with investments as well as the system’s flaws. 営業ノルマを優先し、メリットばかり強調するのではなく、投資に伴うリスクや短所も、きちんと伝える姿勢が求められる。
For example, if losses are incurred due to a drop in the value of stocks and investment trusts, investors are not eligible for tax exemptions. Another problem is that if investors open a NISA account at a financial institution that only handles investment trusts, they cannot invest in particular stocks. 例えば、株式や投資信託が値下がりして損失を出すと、非課税の恩恵は受けられない。投資信託しか扱わない会社で口座を開くと、株式の個別銘柄などには投資できないという問題もある。
We urge people considering a NISA account to think carefully about selecting the financial institution where they will open their NISA account. ＮＩＳＡを始める人は、口座をどの金融機関に開くか、よく考えて選択してもらいたい。
One person can only open one NISA account in principle and in the first four years, the individual must keep investing at the same financial institution. This is inconvenient for investors and is believed to be one reason financial institutions are desperately trying to attract and keep customers. ＮＩＳＡは原則１人１口座で、当初４年は毎年、同じ金融機関でしか口座を開けない仕組みだ。利用者には不便なうえに、金融機関が顧客の囲い込みに必死になる要因とも指摘される。
It is said that the Financial Services Agency plans to change this regulation so people can switch their NISA accounts to a different financial institution every year. The government should discuss changes to NISA to encourage its use by more people. 金融庁は、口座を開設する金融機関を毎年変えられるよう改める方針という。ＮＩＳＡの利用拡大を図るためにも、政府は制度の手直しを検討すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 27, 2013) （2013年8月27日02時03分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 27, 2013 Deepen strategic ties with nations of GCC to ensure energy security 首相中東訪問 資源確保へ戦略的協力深めよ（8月26日付・読売社説）
To ensure stable supplies of energy resources to this country, it is crucial to deepen strategic cooperation with the member countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council. エネルギー資源の安定的な確保に向け、日本が湾岸協力会議（ＧＣＣ）各国と戦略的な協力を深める意義は大きい。
On Saturday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Bahrain, the chair of the GCC, and had talks with Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa. 安倍首相がＧＣＣ議長国のバーレーンを訪問し、ハリファ首相と会談した。
The two leaders agreed to hold strategic ministerial dialogues between Japan and the GCC, while setting up a framework for working-level security talks. Signs are that the strategic dialogues may begin as early as September. 日本とＧＣＣの閣僚級戦略対話の開始や、事務レベルの安全保障対話の新設で一致した。戦略対話は９月にも開かれる見通しだ。
The GCC, a regional organization comprising six Middle East nations facing the Persian Gulf, groups Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Kuwait and Oman. ＧＣＣは、同国と、サウジアラビア、アラブ首長国連邦（ＵＡＥ）、カタール、クウェート、オマーンの計６か国で構成される。
Abe, who visited Saudi Arabia and the UAE in spring this year, will also visit Qatar and Kuwait on the current trip. 安倍首相は、今春にサウジとＵＡＥを訪れており、今回はカタール、クウェートも歴訪する。
Japan depends on GCC members for more than 70 percent of its annual crude oil imports amid the country’s stringent energy supply-demand situation caused by delays in the resumption of nuclear power plant operations after the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake. 原子力発電所の再稼働が進まずにエネルギー需給が逼迫(ひっぱく)する中、日本が原油の年間輸入量の７割超をＧＣＣ各国に依存していることを踏まえたものだ。
The Persian Gulf’s maritime shipping lanes for transporting crude oil and other resources are vitally important to the Japanese economy. Continual consultations must be held on such issues as securing the sea lanes and preparing antipiracy countermeasures as part of the strategic Japan-GCC dialogues. 原油などを運ぶペルシャ湾の海上交通路（シーレーン）は、日本にとって死活的な重要性を持つ。戦略対話では、シーレーンの安全確保策や海賊対策などを継続的に協議することが大切である。
In January, Japanese nationals were taken hostage in Algeria. As part of the Japan-GCC dialogues, information about terrorist activities by extremists in the Middle East and Africa must be shared. １月にはアルジェリアで邦人人質事件が発生した。中東・アフリカの過激派によるテロ情報の共有・交換も着実に進めるべきだ。
Conducive to ME peace
As chances of having summit talks with China and South Korea in the near future appear slim, Abe has focused his diplomatic efforts on the Middle East and Southeast Asia. 安倍首相は、中国、韓国との首脳会談ができない中、対中東・東南アジア外交を重視している。
Expediting efforts to strengthen ties with these regions’ mid-level countries will most likely earn Japan a precious diplomatic asset from the mid- and long-term points of view. こうした中堅国との関係を強化することは、中長期的に日本外交の貴重な“財産”となるはずだ。
In the Mideast, the situations in Egypt and Syria have been deteriorating alarmingly amid discussions on the problems of Iran’s nuclear development programs and Middle East peace negotiations. Building up strategic relations between Japan and the GCC nations may indirectly help stabilize the Middle East as a whole. 中東では今、エジプト、シリア情勢が悪化する一方、イランの核開発問題の協議や中東和平交渉が続く。日本のＧＣＣとの戦略的関係の構築は、中東全体の安定に向けた側面支援にもつながろう。
In Saturday’s talks, Japan and Bahrain agreed to resume talks on a Japan-GCC free trade agreement and expand cooperation in such fields as agriculture, railways and medical services. 首脳会談では経済分野で、日本とＧＣＣの自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）交渉の再開や、農業・鉄道・医療分野の協力拡大で合意した。
In the current tour of Middle East countries, Abe is accompanied by an economic mission comprising about 50 people, who represent mostly private-sector businesses. This is because a number of large-scale infrastructure development projects have been planned in the GCC countries, including some in Qatar, which will host the 2022 World Cup soccer tournament. 安倍首相の歴訪には、５０人規模の民間企業関係者らが同行している。２０２２年にサッカー・ワールドカップを開催するカタールをはじめ各国で、大型の社会資本整備が予定されているためだ。
Economic cooperation between the two sides should be encouraged in a way reciprocally beneficial to Japan and the GCC. 日本、ＧＣＣ双方の利益となるよう経済面の連携を進めたい。
The prime minister will visit Djibouti on Tuesday to encourage Maritime Self-Defense Force members engaged in antipiracy activities in the Gulf of Aden off Somalia. The MSDF has been enhancing its presence in the region by dispatching destroyers and P-3C surveillance aircraft. 首相は２７日にジブチを訪れ、アデン湾で海賊対処行動に従事する海上自衛隊員を激励する。海自は護衛艦とＰ３Ｃ哨戒機を派遣し、日本の存在感を高めている。
Abe’s words of encouragement will be sure to help improve the morale of the MSDF personnel. The prime minister has often expressed his appreciation of the roles of the Self-Defense Forces, frequently visiting SDF troops in various places. We hope the prime minister will continue this practice. 首相の激励は隊員の士気を高めよう。首相は従来、自衛隊の役割を高く評価し、各地で部隊訪問を重ねている。今後も、こうした姿勢を維持してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 26, 2013) （2013年8月26日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 26, 2013 Should ‘Barefoot Gen’ be stricted from educational point of view? 「はだしのゲン」 教育上の配慮をどう考えるか（8月25日付・読売社説）
The ripples are spreading after the Matsue Municipal Board of Education requested that the city’s public primary and middle schools restrict student access to “Hadashi no Gen” (Barefoot Gen), the signature work by late manga author Keiji Nakazawa that depicts the horror of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. 原爆の悲惨さを描いた漫画家・中沢啓治さんの代表作「はだしのゲン」について、松江市教育委員会が市立小中学校に閲覧の制限を要請したことが波紋を広げている。
Students in the capital of Shimane Prefecture are now unable to read freely this 10-volume manga series at most school libraries unless they get special permission from their teachers. 現在、松江市内の大半の学校図書館では、教師の許可がないと子供が自由にこの作品を読むことができない状態が続いている。
The education board judged that the manga’s graphic depictions of the Hiroshima bombing and its aftermath were not a problem. However, it decided that some descriptions of actions involving Imperial Japanese Army soldiers in other Asian nations were extreme and inappropriate. 市教委は生々しい原爆被害の場面ではなく、旧日本軍にかかわる描写の一部を、過激で不適切と判断した。
The problematic scenes in “Barefoot Gen” included beheadings of non-Japanese Asians just for fun, slicing open the abdomen of a pregnant woman to pull out her baby, and the brutal killing of other women. アジアの人の首を面白半分に切り落とす。妊婦の腹を切り裂いて、中の赤ん坊を引っ張り出す。女性を惨殺する、といった描写についてだ。
The municipal board of education apparently limited access to the manga in consideration of the nature of libraries at primary and middle schools, where children become familiar with books as they grow up. 成長過程の子供が本に親しむ小中学校図書館の性格を考えて、市教委がとった措置と言えよう。
The Constitution guarantees the freedom of expression, and states, “No censorship shall be maintained.” 憲法は、表現の自由を保障し、検閲を禁じている。市民が広く利用する一般の公立図書館で蔵書の閲覧を制限することは、こうした観点から許されない。
Restricting access to books available at an ordinary public library open to citizens can never be permissible in light of the spirit of the Constitution. ただ、小中学校図書館を一般図書館と同列に論じることは適切ではあるまい。
However, it may not be fair to treat libraries at primary and middle schools in the same way as ordinary libraries. The possible impact books can have on children must be taken into account. There may be cases in which meticulous care must be taken in accordance with the stages of children’s physical and mental development. 作品が子供に与える影響を考える必要がある。心身の発達段階に応じた細かな対応が求められるケースもあるだろう。
Doubtful claims
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Hakubun Shimomura said the board’s decision “should be considered as representing one way of thinking.” He added that “due consideration should be paid from an educational point of view” on the matter. We think his view is reasonable. 下村文部科学相が「市教委の判断は一つの考え方。教育上の配慮はするべきだと思う」と述べたことはもっともである。
“Barefoot Gen” is based on Nakazawa’s own experience of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. The story’s protagonist, Gen, is a boy who bravely overcomes a number of hardships in spite of losing relatives in the bombing. 「はだしのゲン」は、広島での中沢さん自身の被爆体験が基になっている。肉親を失った主人公の少年が困難に直面しながらも、たくましく生き抜く物語だ。
The manga series started in 1973 in the Shukan Shonen Jump comic weekly and was carried in several magazines during a run that lasted more than 10 years. When published as an independent book, “Barefoot Gen” became a best seller. The story has been translated into about 20 languages and published in many countries. １９７３年に週刊少年ジャンプで連載がスタート、掲載誌を替えながら、１０年以上続いた。単行本はベストセラーとなった。約２０か国語に翻訳・出版されている。
Initially, some of the scenes depicting Hiroshima just after the atomic bombing were criticized as being excessively graphic, but there can be no doubt such descriptions conveyed the appalling reality of the bombing. 連載当初は、広島の被爆シーンがリアルすぎるとの批判もあったが、そうした描写こそが原爆の惨禍の実相を伝えてきた。
Given that survivors of the nuclear bombing are aging and passing on memories of the war has become a pressing task, “Barefoot Gen” is definitely a valuable work of literature. 被爆者の高齢化が進み、戦争体験の継承が大きな課題になっている中、「はだしのゲン」が貴重な作品であるのは間違いない。
On the other hand, the closing stages also make assertions apparently designed to favor a particular political standpoint, making flimsy claims including that the former Imperial Japanese Army “brutally killed more than 30 million people in other Asian countries such as China and Korea in the name of the Emperor.” その一方で、作品の終盤では、「天皇陛下のためだという名目で日本軍は中国、朝鮮、アジアの各国で約３０００万人以上の人を残酷に殺してきた」といった根拠に乏しい、特定の政治的立場にも通じる主張が出てくる。
While it is, of course, essential to respect freedom of expression, due attention should be paid at the same time to the manga’s impact on children’s education. 表現の自由を尊重しつつ、同時に教育上の影響にも目配りする。
The decision by the Matsue board of education has brought to the fore the question of where schools should draw the line in exposing children to items of literature as part of their education. 学びの場で児童生徒が様々な作品に接する際、学校側がどこまで配慮すべきかという問題を、松江市のケースは投げかけている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 25, 2013) （2013年8月25日01時25分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 25, 2013 China’s hegemonic ambition heightening regional tension 中国海洋強国化 地域の緊張高める覇権主義（8月24日付・読売社説）
The administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping, which has been stepping up efforts to make the country a great maritime power, seems to have more fully revealed its hard-line stance through a recent statement by the Chinese defense chief in the United States. 「海洋強国化」を加速する中国の習近平政権が強硬姿勢を一段と鮮明にしたと言えよう。
In a joint news conference with U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel held after their meeting, Chinese Defense Minister Chang Wanquan warned that nobody should have the idea that China would ever relinquish its core interests. 米国を訪れた中国の常万全国防相は、ヘーゲル米国防長官との会談後の共同記者会見で、「中国が核心的利益を手放すと夢想すべきではない」と強調した。
This was a peremptory statement, as he clearly had in mind the confrontation with Japan over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and friction with Vietnam and the Philippines over sovereignty in the South China Sea. Chang went on to say that China’s determination to defend its territory, sovereignty and maritime interests should not be underestimated. 沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡る日本との対立や、南シナ海の領有権問題でのベトナム、フィリピンとの摩擦を念頭に置いた威圧的発言である。常氏は「我々の領土、主権、海洋権益を守る決意を過小評価すべきではない」とも語った。
His statement echoes Xi’s remarks at a key conference in late July that “core interests cannot be sacrificed” and his resolve to build a “strong maritime state.” 習国家主席が７月末の重要会議で、「核心的利益は犠牲にできない」と、「海洋強国」建設へ決意表明したことを受けたものだ。
Chang’s warning could be intended as a check on the Asia-focused military strategy of the administration of U.S. President Barack Obama. It was also likely meant to put pressure on Japan prior to the first anniversary of the Japanese government’s nationalization of the Senkakus in September. オバマ米政権の「アジア重視」の軍事戦略に対する牽制(けんせい)だろう。日本政府の尖閣諸島国有化から９月で１年になるのを前に、日本に圧力をかける狙いもある。
On Aug. 15, the 68th anniversary of the end of World War II, the Chinese military conducted live-fire drills and other training with the aircraft carrier Liaoning. These might be intended as threats to Japan. 終戦の日の８月１５日、中国軍が東シナ海での実弾演習と、空母「遼寧」の訓練を実施したのも、日本への威嚇のつもりなのだろう。
Xi has said that China will never seek to reign supreme. But backed by its strong military power, China has been trying to forcibly impound the sea, a common resource, thereby achieving hegemony in the Asia-Pacific region. 習氏は「中国は決して覇権を唱えない」と言うが、強大な軍事力を背景に公共財である海洋を力ずくで囲い込み、アジア太平洋地域で覇権を握ろうとしている。
Accidental clashes feared
In light of the January incident in which Chinese Navy ships locked weapons-targeting radar onto a Maritime Self-Defense Force vessel near the Senkakus, the Xi administration’s hard-line stance may provoke Chinese troops to engage in radical and provocative actions in the field. 尖閣諸島周辺で１月、中国海軍艦艇によるレーダー照射事件が起きたように、習政権の強硬姿勢は、現場部隊の過激な挑発行動を煽(あお)る可能性がある。
Japan must tighten its guard around the Senkakus. 日本は尖閣諸島周辺の警戒を強めねばならない。
To prevent accidental military clashes involving ships and aircraft, it is necessary to accelerate the building of a “maritime communications mechanism” between Japanese and Chinese military authorties. The Xi administration must proceed with talks on the matter as long as it claims to seek “peaceful development.” 艦艇や航空機の偶発的な軍事衝突を回避するために、日中防衛当局間の緊急連絡体制である「海上連絡メカニズム」の構築を急ぐ必要がある。習政権は「平和発展」を掲げている以上、協議を進めるべきではないか。
The situation is no less serious in the South China Sea. China last year took control of the Scarborough Shoal, over which the Philippines also claims sovereignty, and has its government ships patrol around the shoal. 南シナ海でも同様に事態は深刻だ。中国とフィリピンが領有権を巡って対立するスカボロー礁では昨年、中国が支配権を確立し、公船の巡回を常態化させている。
The United States and the Philippines entered into negotiations in the middle of this month to conclude a new agreement that would increase the frequency and expand the scale of U.S. military patrols. This is a concrete step to push the new Asia-centered U.S. strategy and a laudable strengthening of deterrence against China. 米国はフィリピンとの間で、米軍の巡回頻度と展開規模を拡大する新協定締結に向けた協議を今月中旬から始めた。「アジア重視」戦略の具体化であり、対中抑止力を強める動きと評価できよう。
Japan will provide 10 patrol boats to the Philippines. These ships will help improve the country’s maritime security capabilities. Cooperation must also be deepened in terms of personnel development. 日本は巡視船１０隻を供与する。フィリピンの海上保安能力の向上に寄与するだろう。人材養成面でも協力を深めたい。
It is crucial for Japan to emphasize the unjustness of China’s provocations in international forums, including the expanded defense ministerial conference of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations to be held later this month. 今月末の東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）拡大国防相会議などで、日本は中国の挑発の不当さを訴えていくことが重要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 24, 2013) （2013年8月24日01時11分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 24, 2013 Japan must proceed with TPP talks without being chafed by U.S. intent ＴＰＰ交渉 米国のペースに惑わされるな（8月23日付・読売社説）
The current round of Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations is the first in which Japan has taken full part. How will Japan demonstrate its presence to proceed with talks to its advantage? An aggressive stance is called for. 日本にとっては初めての本格交渉だ。いかに存在感を発揮し、交渉を有利に進めるか。攻めの姿勢が問われよう。
Japan and the 11 other countries that are participating in negotiations on the TPP free trade agreement, including the United States, Australia and Canada, kicked off two days of ministerial talks in Brunei on Thursday. A ministerial statement was scheduled to be announced Friday to confirm that the talks will be accelerated to conclude an agreement before the end of this year. 日米、豪州、カナダなど１２か国による環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の閣僚会合が、ブルネイで始まった。２３日に閣僚声明を出し、年内妥結を目標に交渉の加速を確認する予定だ。
In line with this commitmment, working-level officials will hold negotiations by the end of the month. これをもとに、月末まで事務レベルで交渉が行われる。
U.S. Trade Representative Michael Froman, who chairs the ministerial talks, has said that reaching an agreement this year is a top priority for President Barack Obama. With a TPP accord as a leverage, Obama seeks to expand U.S. exports and boost job opportunities. 閣僚会合の議長を務めるフロマン米通商代表は、「年内妥結はオバマ大統領の最優先事項だ」と強調する。大統領はＴＰＰをテコに輸出を拡大し、雇用を増やすことを目標に掲げている。
The United States probably wants to reconfirm with other countries the policy of concluding the talks this year during the current round of negotiations in Brunei and use it as momentum to reach a broad accord in October. 米国は、ブルネイで年内妥結の方針を他国と再確認し、１０月の大筋合意へ交渉に弾みをつけたい考えだろう。
But if the talks proceed in line with the U.S. scenario, there are fears Japan will not be able to secure sufficient time for negotiations because the country was only able to take part in the TPP talks from the latter half of the previous round of talks. それでは、７月の前回交渉の後半部分からようやく協議に参加した日本は、十分な交渉時間を確保できなくなる恐れもある。
Secure chances for assertions
It is necessary to avoid a situation in which Japan will be deprived of opportunities to present its case if the negotiations are cut off early in line with the schedule as planned by the United States. We urge Japan’s negotiators to hold talks separately with other TPP nations in an effort to increase the number of member nations that support Japan’s stance. 米国ペースで早期に交渉が打ち切られ、日本が主張する機会を奪われる事態は避けねばならない。各国と個別に折衝し、「味方」を増やす努力も求められよう。
Prior to the Brunei round of talks, Japan worked out proposals on tariff abolition and presented them to other participating nations to sound out their responses. 日本は、今回の交渉に先立ち、関税撤廃に関する提案をまとめ、参加各国に打診している。
The proposals called for abolishing tariffs on about 80 percent of trade items and left pending five categories of farming products, including rice, wheat and dairy products, that the Liberal Democratic Party wants handled as exceptions. 関税を撤廃する品目の割合（自由化率）を８０％前後とする一方、自民党が聖域扱いを求めたコメ、麦、乳製品などの農産品５項目の扱いは「未定」とした。
This was based on the fact that Japan’s degree of trade liberalization has been held to 84 percent to 88 percent in the economic partnership agreements it has concluded with 13 countries and territories. Rice and other items were exempted from free trade. 日本がこれまで１３か国・地域と結んだ経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）の自由化率が８４～８８％にとどまり、コメなどは対象外だったことを踏まえたものである。
In the case of TPP talks, the government opted to set lower liberalization targets in the first place, possibly in preparation for bargaining that is expected to become tougher. ＴＰＰ交渉では、まず低めの目標を示し、今後激しくなる駆け引きに備える作戦だろう。
Froman has said that Washington is aiming for a more ambitious agreement, so the United States is likely to call on Japan to carry out greater liberalization and further market opening. フロマン代表が「もっと野心的な合意を目指している」と述べたように、米国はより高水準の自由化率と市場開放を日本に求めてくるに違いない。
Each participating country has crucial fields that they want to protect with high tariffs, including sugar for the United States and dairy products for Canada. 米国の砂糖、カナダの乳製品など、各国とも高関税で保護したい重要分野を抱えている。
For Japan, protecting all of the five farming product categories would not necessarily serve its national interests. 日本にとっては、農産品５項目すべてを死守することだけが国益に資するわけではない。
The government needs to expedite coordination of domestic opinions by focusing discussions on which fields Japan should concede and on which it should win concessions. Concerning the formation of rules on intellectual property rights and investment, Japan should actively present its assertions. 何で譲って、何を勝ち取るのか。政府は絞り込みの国内調整を加速する必要がある。知的財産権や投資などのルール作りでも、積極的に主張を展開すべきだ。
In conjunction with such efforts, the government must earnestly study measures to boost the competitiveness of the agricultural field, as well as to assist sectors that are expected to suffer as a result of opening their markets. 併せて農業の競争力強化策や、市場開放で打撃を受けることが予想される分野の支援策の検討を本格化しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 23, 2013) （2013年8月23日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 23, 2013 Social security reform bill must show path for sustainable system 社会保障工程案 持続可能な制度へ必要な道筋（8月22日付・読売社説）
Reforms to make the nation’s social security system sustainable must cover a wide variety of areas. It is important for the government to prioritize each area to steadily carry out reform measures. 社会保障を持続可能な制度にするための改革は多岐にわたる。優先順位をつけて、着実に実行することが重要だ。
The government has approved in a Cabinet meeting the gist of a bill on social security system reform measures, which outlines a schedule for reforms. The government will submit the bill to an extraordinary Diet session in autumn. 政府は、社会保障制度改革のプログラム法案の骨子を閣議決定した。秋の臨時国会に法案を提出する。
Based on a report compiled by the National Council on Social Security System Reform, the bill indicates plans and timetables for the reform of medical care, nursing care, the pension system and measures to deal with the low birthrate. この法案は、政府の社会保障制度改革国民会議がまとめた報告書を踏まえ、医療、介護、年金、少子化対策の各制度改革についての内容と工程を示すものだ。
The main focus of the reforms is to change the current social security system, in which the younger, working generation bears most of the burden of supporting the elderly, to one in which all generations proportionately share the burden. 今回の改革の主眼は、主に現役世代の負担で高齢者を支えている現行の仕組みを、全世代が負担する形に変える点にある。
Given that the burden of the working generation will become heavier and heavier along with the low birthrate, it is unavoidable to ask elderly and high-income earners to bear more of the burden than they do now in order to maintain the social security system. In this sense we praise the stance of the current administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to tackle reform measures the previous administrations avoided. 少子化で現役世代の負担が過重になる中、制度を維持していくには、高齢者や高所得者に、より多く負担を求めることはやむを得ない。歴代政権が避けてきた改革に取り組む姿勢は評価できる。
One such measure is to raise the share of medical expenses paid by people aged 70 to 74. Law revisions made in 2008 stipulate that people in this age group pay 20 percent of medical costs, but the then administration of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito kept it at 10 percent as a special measure. The share has remained at 10 percent since then. その一つが、７０～７４歳の医療費窓口負担の引き上げだ。２００８年の法改正で２割と定めたが、当時の自公政権が特例として１割に据え置き、現在も続いている。
However, the gist of the bill gives a great deal of latitude over the timing of raising the percentage to the legally stipulated level: sometime between fiscal 2014 and fiscal 2017. The measure should be reviewed as early as possible, taking into consideration that ¥200 billion of tax money is spent annually on the special measure. ただ、法定通りの水準に引き上げる時期については１４～１７年度と大きな幅を持たせている。特例措置のために投入される税金が年２０００億円に上ることを考えると、早急に見直すべきだ。
Regarding the nursing care insurance program, the current across-the-board self-pay rate of paying 10 percent for nursing care services will be raised for high-income earners from fiscal 2015. On the other hand, the premiums for low-income elderly will be reduced. 介護保険では、現在は一律１割となっている利用者の自己負担率を、高所得者の場合、１５年度から引き上げる。一方で、低所得高齢者の介護保険料は軽減する。
Fairness among the elderly
There is a large disparity in incomes among the elderly. It is appropriate to increase the burden on high-income earners and reduce that of low-income earners as a way to seek fairness among the elderly. 高齢者の間でも、所得の格差は大きい。高所得者の負担を増やし、低所得者の負担を減らすことは、高齢世代内の公平を図るうえで妥当と言える。
Concerning pension reform, the bill lists some reform measures requiring further study, but only says, “Necessary measures will be carried out after studying these measures.” The government did not make clear when it will carry out pension reform, probably because it will take time to design concrete reform measures. 年金改革については「検討を加え、必要な措置を講じる」とするにとどまった。実施時期を明示しなかったのは、具体的な制度設計に時間がかかるからだろう。
The report of the national council made clear the direction of social security reform, such as increasing tax on pensioners with high incomes and introducing a mechanism to hold down pension benefits in response to changes in wage levels even in a deflationary period. 国民会議の報告書では、高所得者の年金に対する課税の強化や、デフレ下でも賃金水準の変化に応じて年金支給額を抑制できる仕組みの導入といった改革の方向性は明記されている。
People who live on pensions are subject to large tax deductions and can receive greater net incomes than salaried workers receiving the same gross income. To lessen young generations’ sense of being imposed on, it is necessary to impose a heavier tax on high-income earners. 年金生活者は税の控除が大きく、同じ収入の給与所得者に比べ手取り額が多い。若い世代の負担感を軽減するためにも、高所得層への年金課税の強化は必要だ。
It is indispensable to hold down the payments pensioners receive to stabilize the pension system. 年金支給額の抑制は年金財政を安定させるうえで欠かせない。
If the government cannot even say when to carry out such important reform, we doubt the sustainability of the pension system. こうした重要な改革の実施に見通しを立てられないようでは、年金制度の持続可能性に疑問符がつく。
To formulate concrete pension reform measures, the government must quickly study when to carry out pension reform. 改革案を具体化させるため、実施時期の検討を急ぐべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2013) （2013年8月22日01時22分 読売新聞）
August 16, 2013(Mainichi Japan) Editorial: PM must steer clear of Yasukuni Shrine 社説:靖国参拝 首相は見送り継続を
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe refrained from visiting Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals are enshrined along with Japan's war dead, on the Aug. 15 war-end anniversary. Instead, in his role as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Abe contributed money to the shrine through the purchase of a branch of the sacred sakaki tree. 安倍晋三首相は終戦記念日の１５日、靖国神社参拝を見送り、自民党総裁名で同神社に玉串料を納めた。
Visits to the shrine by the prime minister and Cabinet members can become major diplomatic stumbling blocks in Japan's relation with its Asian neighbors. As such, we commend Abe's decision to take the broad view and abandon visiting the controversial shrine on Aug. 15 this year. 靖国が近隣外交を進める上での大きなネックになっている今、大局的な判断と評価したい。
The money for the sakaki branch was sent by an LDP legislator and special assistant to the party president on behalf of "Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party." Since Abe used his own money to purchase the branch from the shrine, the donation will not stir controversy over whether it constitutes a violation of the constitutional separation of church and state. 玉串料は私費で、自民党総裁特別補佐の国会議員が代理で納め、「自民党総裁 安倍晋三」と記帳したという。私費であれば政教分離上の問題は生じない。
Abe made the donation out of apparent consideration for his conservative backers. These supporters are holding out hope the prime minister will visit Yasukuni Shrine in his official capacity, as Abe has stated that failing to visit during his previous one-year term in office in 2006-07 was "a matter of the greatest regret." We share their sense of gratitude and respect toward the war dead. 第１次内閣当時に参拝しなかったことを「痛恨の極み」と繰り返し明言していただけに、参拝期待の支持者向けの配慮として理解する。「戦没者への感謝と尊崇の念」は私たちも共有するからだ。
Many years have passed since visits by the prime minister and Cabinet members to Yasukuni became major diplomatic issues. Such visits have drawn fire from not only China and South Korea, victims of Japanese aggression and colonial rule, but United States officials have also expressed grave concerns over the potential for aggravating Tokyo's already strained ties with Beijing and Seoul. 靖国が外交問題になって久しい。中国、韓国からの反発だけではない。安倍政権になってからは、同盟国の米国からも、中韓との行き過ぎた関係悪化を懸念する声が届いている。
Japan's postwar history began when the San Francisco Peace Treaty -- under which Japan accepted the results of the Tokyo War Crimes Trials in which Class A war criminals were sentenced to death -- came into force in 1952. In the eyes of China, visits by the prime minister to Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals are enshrined, would represent Japan's justification of its wartime actions. The U.S. could view such visits as a challenge to the San Francisco peace framework that was created on the initiative of Washington. 日本の戦後は、Ａ級戦犯を処刑した東京裁判を受諾した１９５２年のサンフランシスコ講和条約の発効でスタートした。そのＡ級戦犯を合祀（ごうし）した靖国に首相が参拝することは、中国から見ればあの戦争の肯定につながり、米国からは、米主導で作られたサンフランシスコ体制に対する挑戦と受け取られる可能性がある。
Yasukuni has become a highly complicated diplomatic problem as successive Japanese administrations failed to do anything to deal with the matter. As such, the government should exercise prudence in addressing the issue. In particular, Japan-China diplomatic relations are already deadlocked because of an intensifying dispute over sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and there is no prospect that a bilateral summit meeting will be held in the foreseeable future. Japan's relations with South Korea have also deteriorated to new lows over the interpretation of history, although the two countries share many of the same social and political values. In this sense, it is only natural that Prime Minister Abe abandoned visiting the shrine this summer. 靖国問題は、歴代日本政府が手をこまねいているうちにかくも複雑で難しい外交問題になってしまった。軽々に扱うべきではない。まして、日中関係は尖閣問題で暗礁に乗り上げ、首脳会談の糸口もつかめていない。同じ価値観を共有しているはずの日韓関係も歴史認識問題でかつてない関係悪化を来している。その意味で参拝見送りは当然とも言える。
The question is whether the prime minister will continue to forgo visiting the shrine. He will need to decide whether to pay a visit to the shrine during its autumn and spring festivals, as well as on the war-end anniversary on Aug. 15, 2014. He should make a clear decision if he hopes to stay in power for a long period. 問題は、今後どうするか、にある。秋には同神社の例大祭への出席問題、来春には春の例大祭、そして、毎年８・１５への対応を求められる。長期政権を望むのであれば抜本策を講じるべきではないのか。
Various measures to address the issue have been proposed. One such plan calls for separating the Class A war criminals from the war dead enshrined at Yasukuni, an idea that has been discussed since the government of Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone in the 1980s. There are testimonials stating that Emperor Hirohito, posthumously named Emperor Showa, eventually refrained from visiting Yasukuni because Class A war criminals were enshrined there. Some conservatives support the idea of separating such war criminals. During the tenure of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a plan to build a non-religious cenotaph for the war dead was considered. 過去にもいくつかの策が提起され検討された。わかりやすいのが、いわゆるＡ級戦犯の分祀論である。中曽根康弘政権時から議論されてきた。昭和天皇が参拝を控えた背景にこのＡ級合祀があったとの証言もあり、保守陣営にも一定の支持者がいる。小泉純一郎政権時には無宗教の国立追悼施設の建設案もあった。
What is the Yasukuni issue about in the first place? How did the enshrinement of Class A war criminals emerge as a point of contention between Japan and its Asian neighbors? Is there any solution to the problem? It is a good idea to set up a panel of experts to consider these matters, and the prime minister should refrain from visiting the shrine until after that panel proposes solutions. そもそも靖国問題とは何なのか。Ａ級合祀争点化の経緯はどうか。解決の出口は他にないのか。こういった問題について調査、検証、提言する有識者会議を作るのも一案だ。最低限その結論が出るまで首相は参拝を見送ることだ。悪循環を断つ政治的知恵の出しどころである。
China and South Korea should also watch over the Abe government's response to the issue from a long-term perspective. Japan and these neighbors should avoid intensifying their conflicts with narrow-minded nationalism. 中韓両国にも注文がある。安倍政権の対応を長い目で見てもらいたい。浅薄なナショナリズムの応酬だけは避けようではないか。
The Asahi Shimbun, August 20, 2013 EDITORIAL: All children should have free access to ‘Hadashi no Gen’ はだしのゲン―閲覧制限はすぐ撤回を
The Matsue municipal board of education has instructed public elementary and junior high schools in the city not to make a famous manga about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima freely available to children in school libraries. The board’s move to restrict children’s access to “Hadashi no Gen” (Barefoot Gen) has drawn criticism from all over the nation. 広島での被爆を主題にした漫画「はだしのゲン」を、松江市教委が小・中学校の図書館で自由に読めなくするよう指示していたことがわかり、全国から批判が相次いでいる。
In the final parts of the book, some atrocities committed by the former Japanese army, such as beheading Asian people, are depicted. In December last year, the municipal education board decided that these descriptions are “extreme expressions” and asked principals to make sure that students cannot read the manga in the libraries without obtaining permission from the schools. It has also been withdrawn from circulation. 作品の終盤には、旧日本軍がアジアの人々の首を切断するなどの描写がある。市教委は昨年１２月、「過激な表現だ」として、学校の許可なしで見られなくするよう校長会に求めた。貸し出しも認めないという。
“Hadashi no Gen” was created by manga artist Keiji Nakazawa, who died in December last year. In addition to the devastation of Hiroshima and people’s sufferings after the war, both of which he experienced himself, Nakazawa described, in shocking detail, various battlefield scenes he learned from historical records and materials. Due to its vivid descriptions of the frightful spectacles of war, the manga drew an immense response. 「ゲン」は昨年１２月に死去した漫画家の中沢啓治（なかざわけいじ）さんの作品だ。実体験した原爆の惨状と戦後の苦難に加え、資料などで知った戦場の様子を強烈なタッチで描いて反響を呼んだ。
Many children became interested in the nuclear attacks against Japan in the closing days of World War II for the first time when they read “Hadashi no Gen,” one of the few manga books among the school library collection. 学校図書館で読める数少ない漫画として「ゲン」を手に取り、初めて原爆に関心を持った子どもも少なくない。
The education board’s decision could deprive children of a good opportunity to learn about the tragedy. Moreover, the board didn’t follow the rule that it must make any important decision in an open meeting of board members. The decision was made in an opaque manner by the secretariat of the board. The education board should immediately withdraw its directive concerning “Hadashi no Gen.” 市教委の指示は、子どもたちのそうした出会いを奪いかねないものだ。しかも重要な決定の場合、公開の教育委員会議にかけるべきだが、今回は事務局の判断で決まっており、不透明というしかない。市教委はただちに指示を撤回すべきだ。
The board’s move was made after a man submitted a written petition to the Matsue municipal assembly in August last year. The petition called for the removal of “Hadashi no Gen” from schools, claiming it described fictitious acts of barbarity by Japanese soldiers and had a harmful effect on the minds of children. きっかけは、ある男性から昨年８月に市議会に出された陳情書だった。「ありもしない日本軍の蛮行が掲載され、子どもたちに悪影響を及ぼす」とし、学校からの撤去を求めていた。
Although the man’s demands were not accepted, some assembly members argued that the manga should be designated as a “bad book” and asked the education board to take appropriate action. The request led to the board’s move to restrict access to the manga in school libraries. 陳情は不採択となったが、一部市議から「不良図書」ととらえ、市教委が適切な処置をすべきだとの意見があり、閲覧制限の指示につながった。
Soon after Nakazawa started the manga series in the Weekly Shonen Jump comic magazine in 1973, his descriptions of the war were criticized as “brutal.” Nakazawa once said he had agonized over how to depict the war. Because it bitterly denounces the acts of the army and holds Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, responsible for the war, conservatives criticize the manga as “biased” and “anti-Japanese.” 「ゲン」には連載当時から「残酷」という声が寄せられ、中沢さんも描き方に悩んだと述懐している。旧軍の行為や昭和天皇の戦争責任を厳しく糾弾している点から、「偏向している」「反日漫画だ」といった批判も保守層の間で根強い。
Still, “Hadashi no Gen” has been widely accepted because Nakazawa’s anti-war message has obtained a favorable response from children. By using all of his skills as an artist to describe the cruelty of war he witnessed, Nakazawa tried to tell children that war must never be allowed to happen again. それでも、「ゲン」が高い評価を得たのは、自身が目の当たりにした戦争の残酷さを力いっぱい描くことで、「二度と戦争を起こしてはならない」と伝えようとした中沢さんの思いに子どもたちが共感したからだ。
Teachers, who generally had a negative stance toward manga, also embraced “Hadashi no Gen” and allocated part of the limited school library budget to add the manga to the library’s collection because of its power to send its anti-war message. 漫画を否定しがちだった先生たちが、限られた図書館予算の中から「ゲン」を積極的に受け入れたのも、作品のメッセージ力が強かったからこそだ。
There are still various views and opinions about the wartime acts of the former Japanese army and Emperor Hirohito’s responsibility for the war. Nakazawa’s historical views about the war as expressed in the work are also open to criticism. 旧日本軍の行為や天皇の戦争責任をめぐっては今もさまざまな見方があり、「ゲン」に投影された中沢さんの歴史観にも議論はありえるだろう。
“Hadashi no Gen” is exactly the type of material that can be used for discussions among adults and children on these and other issues concerning the war. There is no need to keep children from accessing this material. それこそ、「ゲン」を題材に、子どもと大人が意見を交わし、一緒に考えていけばいい。最初から目をそらす必要はどこにもない。
The Asahi Shimbun, August 16, 2013 EDITORIAL: Abe should not look away from Japan's history of aggression 加害責任―歴史から目をそらすな
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe eschewed visiting Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15, the 68th anniversary of the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II. ６８回目の終戦の日だったきのう、安倍首相は靖国神社への参拝を見送った。
Japan’s relations with China and South Korea remain chilly over problems concerning the Senkaku Islands, the Takeshima islets and perceptions of history. A visit to the war-related shrine at this juncture would put off the improvement of relations even further. 尖閣、竹島や歴史認識の問題で、中国や韓国との関係が冷え切っている折である。ここで参拝すれば、両国との関係改善はさらに遠のく。
Thus, the decision not to visit the shrine was a realistic one. 見送りは現実的な判断と言えるだろう。
How is the prime minister trying to face up to the past? Not only China and South Korea but also the United States and European countries are keeping a close watch. Visits to Yasukuni Shrine are not the only problem. Behind their misgivings is Abe’s comment earlier this year: “The definition of aggression has yet to be established,” which can be construed as denial of Japan’s war responsibility. 首相が、過去とどう向きあおうとしているか。中韓のみならず、欧米諸国も目を凝らしている。靖国問題だけではない。先に首相が「侵略の定義は定まっていない」と、日本の戦争責任を否定するかのような発言をしたことなどが背景にある。
A wrong move could cause Japan to become isolated in the international community. The prime minister is urged to take this point to heart. 対応を誤れば、国際社会で日本の孤立を招く。そのことを首相は肝に銘じるべきだ。
In that sense, there is something we find disturbing. その意味で、気がかりなことがある。
While Abe delivered a speech at the government-sponsored memorial service for the war dead on Aug. 15, the address made no reference to reflection on Japan’s responsibility for inflicting damage on Asian nations or any expression of condolences. きのうの政府主催の全国戦没者追悼式で、首相の式辞からアジア諸国への加害責任への反省や哀悼の意を示す言葉が、すっぽりと抜け落ちたのだ。
Starting with Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa in 1993, successive Japanese leaders have mentioned the wartime devastation inflicted on Asian countries by Japan in their speeches for the annual ceremony. 加害責任への言及は、９３年の細川護熙首相（当時）から歴代首相が踏襲してきた。
In 2007, during Abe’s first tenure as prime minister, he also stated: “(Japan) caused considerable damage and suffering to the people of Asian countries. … I offer deep remorse and express my heartfelt condolences to those who were killed.” 第１次安倍内閣の０７年には首相自身も「アジア諸国の人々に対して多大の損害と苦痛を与えた」「深い反省とともに、犠牲となった方々に謹んで哀悼の意を表す」と述べていた。
This time, “a pledge not to make war” that had been expressed in the past was not mentioned, either. 今回は、これまで表明されてきた「不戦の誓い」という表現も使わなかった。
Aides to the prime minister say the memorial address reflects his intention that the ceremony is for the war dead, and that he mentioned consideration toward Asian nations in his responses to questions in the Diet. 首相周辺は「式典は戦没者のため、という首相の意向を反映した」「アジアへの配慮は国会答弁でしている」という。
But such an expedient response is unacceptable. The ceremony also serves as an occasion to show Japan’s stance toward the war to the world. With the absence of wording about Japan’s responsibility for causing damage, Abe's speech could give the impression that Japan lacks consideration for the people of Asia. だが、そんな方便は通用しないのではないか。式典は、先の戦争への日本の姿勢を世界に発信する場でもある。加害責任への言及が消えたことで、アジアの人々への配慮を欠いていると受け取られかねない。
Even though the prime minister declined to visit Yasukuni, wasn’t he sending a message to the opposite effect? せっかく靖国参拝を見送りながら、逆のメッセージを発することにならないか。
What we find disturbing is the fact that the words that were not mentioned in Abe’s speech overlap with Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama's 1995 statement that Japan “through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations.” 気になるのは、式辞からなくなった言葉が、植民地支配と侵略によって「アジア諸国の人々に対して多大の損害と苦痛を与えた」という９５年の村山首相談話の表現と重なることだ。
For a long time, Abe has shown an inclination toward re-examining the Murayama statement. If his memorial address reflects such intentions, there is no way we can accept it. 首相はかねて村山談話の見直しに意欲を示している。そうした意図が今回の式辞に表れたとするなら、とうてい容認できるものではない。
Although the prime minister refrained from visiting Yasukuni Shrine, some members of his Cabinet, as well as a group of many lawmakers, visited the shrine. 首相は見送ったが、きのうは一部の閣僚や国会議員が大挙して靖国神社に参拝した。
Without looking away from history, Japan needs to use its imagination to understand the pain of other countries. Such an attitude is what Japanese politicians need now more than ever. 歴史から目をそらさず、他国の痛みに想像力を働かせる。こんな態度が、いまの日本政治には求められる。
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 18, 2013 Suspended ceilings should be removed to boost quake resistance at schools 学校の耐震化 つり天井の撤去を急ぎたい（8月17日付・読売社説）
Schools must be safe places that protect children at a time of disaster. They can also serve as shelters for local residents. 学校は災害時に子供の命を守る安全な場所でなくてはならない。地域住民の避難先にもなる。
We call for the disaster prevention capability of schools to be strengthened. 防災機能を強化することが求められる。
A survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry showed that 89 percent of 120,460 school buildings and gymnasiums at public primary and middle schools across the nation met national earthquake-resistance standards as of April. The survey also found that 86 percent of structures at public high schools were quake-resistant. 文部科学省の調査によると、４月現在、全国の公立小中学校にある校舎や体育館計１２万４６０棟のうち、耐震性が確保された建物の割合は全体の８９％だった。公立高校でも耐震性を満たした建物は８６％に上っている。
These high percentages, which resulted from a push for reinforcement work and other antiseismic efforts in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, are laudable. But progress differs among regions. In some municipalities, the percentage of quake-resistant schools remains below 50 percent. Such municipalities should accelerate their efforts. 東日本大震災を教訓に、補強工事などが進んだ結果と評価できるが、地域差も目立つ。学校の耐震化率が５割に満たない自治体もある。取り組みを加速すべきだ。
One major concern in this connnection is the delay in dealing with suspended ceilings, which experts have pointed out are at risk of collapsing in earthquakes. 気がかりなのは、地震の際に崩落の危険が指摘される「つり天井」の対策が遅れていることだ。
Suspended ceilings made of gypsum wallboard are effective for noise and heat insulation, but their hanging frames make them vulnerable to movement. Even though the buildings themselves are resistant to quakes, their suspended ceilings could collapse. This requries attention. つり天井は、防音や断熱に一定の効果があるとされる一方で、屋根から骨組みや石こうボードをぶら下げた構造になっているため、振動に弱い。建物自体の耐震性は確保されていても落下する可能性があるので、注意が必要だ。
In the March 2011 earthquake, many such ceilings fell in large facilities such as event halls. In school gymnasiums, falling ceilings injured students. 東日本大震災では、ホールなどの大規模施設で落下事故が相次ぎ、体育館で生徒が負傷したケースも見られた。
The survey, in which the ministry asked about suspended ceilings for the first time, showed that such ceilings were installed in about 8,500 structures, including gymnasiums and auditoriums, at public primary, middle and high schools. The survey found that 90 percent of the structures lacked measures to prevent ceilings from falling. This is a problem. 文科省が今回初めて、つり天井の実態を調べたところ、公立の小中高校の体育館や講堂など約８５００棟に設置されていた。このうち９割で落下防止措置が講じられていなかったのは問題だ。
The collapse of a ceiling at a gymnasium where many students gather could be catastrophic. Even if a collapse happened when no one was there, it could prevent the gymnasium from being used as a shelter. 多数の児童生徒が集まっている時につり天井が崩落した場合、大惨事につながる。無人の時でも崩落すれば、体育館は避難所としての機能を果たせなくなる。
Safety checks urged
The ministry has drawn up a guide, which includes a list of safety check points, and urged municipal governments to carry out safety checks thoroughly. We believe suspended ceilings should be removed as soon as possible in light of public safety. 文科省は安全点検の要点をまとめた手引を作成し、各自治体にチェックの徹底を求めた。安全性を考慮すれば、可能な限り早期に撤去すべきだろう。
Meanwhile, many schools are not prepared to serve as local disaster-management centers. Among public schools designated by municipalities as emergency shelters, only 28 percent have in-house power generators, while 34 percent are equipped with water reservoirs and other useful devices. 学校の防災拠点としての備えも心もとない。自治体から避難所に指定された公立学校のうち、自家発電装置がある学校は２８％、貯水槽などを設置している学校は３４％にとどまっている。
In the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people were forced to take refuge amid prolonged power outages and cuts in water supply. We urge municipalities’ disaster-management sections and boards of education to work together to make necessary preprations. 東日本大震災では停電や断水が続き、多くの住民が過酷な避難生活を強いられた。自治体の防災部門と教育委員会が連携して、必要な設備を整えてもらいたい。
It is also crucial to raise public awareness through education. Last year, public high schools in Tokyo began a project in which students stay at their schools overnight, prepare meals outdoors and receive training in conducting rescue activities. 防災教育などソフト面の対策も重要だ。都立高校では昨年から、生徒が学校に宿泊し、炊き出しや救護の体験訓練を行っている。
If high school students gain experience such as taking care of the elderly through the training, they could play a key role in operating shelters in disasters. Regularly cultivating the spirit of volunteerism could prove to be useful in an emergency. 高校生がお年寄りの世話などを経験すれば、避難所運営の貴重な担い手になろう。日頃からボランティア精神を育んでおくことが、いざという時に役立つはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2013) （2013年8月17日01時40分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 17, 2013 Is Japan an important neighbor for S. Korea amid unresolved issues? 韓国大統領演説 日本を重要な隣国と言うなら（8月16日付・読売社説）
First, political leaders should make their own efforts to have a direct personal dialogue to restore a relationship of trust between their two nations. 国家間の信頼関係を回復するには、政治指導者がまず、対話に取り組む努力をすべきである。
For the first time since taking office, South Korean President Park Geun Hye made a speech marking the country’s day of independence from Japan’s colonial rule. 韓国の朴槿恵大統領が日本の植民地支配からの解放記念日にあたる「光復節」式典で初めて演説した。
Park said in the speech that Japan is an important neighbor South Korea can work with to establish peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, but she added that recent situation over historical issues is darkening the future of the two countries. 朴大統領は、「日本は北東アジアの平和と繁栄をともに築いていく重要な隣国」と前置きした上で、「しかし、歴史問題を巡る最近の状況が韓日両国の未来を暗くしている」と述べた。
Her remark is apparently an expression of distrust toward Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration, whose “rightward tilt” South Korea is wary of. 韓国が「右傾化」と警戒する安倍政権への不信の表明だろう。
However, Park generally kept her criticism of Japan restrained in her independence day speech. ただ、光復節演説で、朴大統領の日本への批判は、全体的には、抑制的だったと言える。
She moderated her expressions of emotion and avoided direct references to so-called comfort women and the territorial issue over the Takeshima islands. The president might have wanted to avoid further deterioration of South Korea’s relations with Japan. 感情的な表現は抑え、慰安婦や竹島問題への直接的な言及も避けた。対日関係のこれ以上の悪化は避けたかったのかもしれない。
Even so, Park demanded that Tokyo take tangible action. The Japanese government should take “responsible and sincere measures to alleviate the pain of those who live with suffering and wounds arisen from past history,” she said in the speech. とは言え、朴大統領は、慰安婦問題を念頭に、「過去の歴史による苦痛と傷を今も抱えて暮らす人に対し、痛みを癒やせるよう責任と誠意ある措置を期待する」と、日本に具体的行動を求めた。
The comfort women issue is a thorn in the side of Japan-South Korea relations. It is unreasonable that South Korea has ignored the background of the issue and demanded that Japan alone resolve it. 慰安婦問題は、日韓関係の喉元に突き刺さる棘(とげ)だ。過去の経緯を無視して、日本に解決策を求められても無理がある。
Japan believes that Tokyo and Seoul agreed to resolve the comfort women compensation issue by signing a bilateral agreement on property claims and economic cooperation in 1965. Moreover, the Japanese government has made an effort to fulfill its moral responsibility on the matter. 元慰安婦への補償は、１９６５年の日韓請求権協定で法的に解決済み、というのが日本の立場だ。それでも日本政府は、道義的な責任を果たす努力は示した。
The government collected donations totaling ¥600 million from the public and set up the Asian Women’s Fund, based on which a relief project for former comfort women was begun, including payments of atonement money. 国民から約６億円の募金を集め、アジア女性基金で始めた元慰安婦に対する「償い金」支給などの救済事業のことである。
However, the South Korean side criticized Japan’s effort as avoidance of responsibility. As a result, many of the former comfort women in South Korea did not accept the atonement money, and the fund was disbanded. それを韓国側は、日本政府の責任回避と批判した。韓国では結局、多くの元慰安婦が受け取らないまま、基金も解散してしまった。
Abe, Park should have talks
South Korea has only demanded that Japan make concessions and has refused to have a dialogue or other exchanges. We hope Seoul will change such attitudes. 歴史認識問題で日本に一方的な譲歩だけを求めて、対話や交流を拒むようなやり方を、韓国は改めてもらいたい。
Meanwhile, Abe opted not to visit Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday but gave a donation from his own pocket to make an offering of a branch of a sacred tree. The prime minister showed a certain consideration for China and South Korea, which are trying to make visits to Yasukuni Shrine a diplomatic issue because Class-A war criminals are enshrined there together with many other war dead. Only three of the Abe Cabinet members visited the shrine. 一方、この日、安倍首相は靖国神社参拝を見送り、私費で玉串料を奉納した。「Ａ級戦犯」の合祀(ごうし)を理由に、中国や韓国が、靖国参拝を外交問題化させていることを受け、一定の配慮を見せたものだ。参拝した閣僚は３人だった。
As Park admitted, Japan and South Korea are important neighbors. However, abnormal situations have continued between them because no meeting of their top leaders has been held since the governments changed in both countries. 日韓は、朴大統領も認めた通り、重要な隣国関係にある。しかし、両国の政権交代後も、首脳会談が開かれないという異常な状況が続いている。
The two countries have many significant issues on which they share interests, including joint efforts to deal with North Korea, which persists in developing nuclear weapons, and enhancement of their economic partnership. It would be a problem if their leaders do not talk because Japan and South Korea cannot reach agreements over history and territorial issues. Their attitudes toward improving bilateral relations would be called into question. 核開発を進める北朝鮮への対応や経済連携の強化など、重要な課題は多い。歴史や領土問題で一致しないからと言って、首脳が協議もしないのは問題だ。関係改善へ、双方の姿勢が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2013) （2013年8月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 17, 2013 International pressure needed to stop bloodshed in Egypt エジプト騒乱 流血の拡大をまず食い止めよ（8月16日付・読売社説）
Egypt has seen its bloodiest incident since the autocratic rule of Hosni Mubarak ended in 2011. ２０１１年のムバラク独裁政権崩壊以降、最悪の流血の事態となった。
An early end to the violence is to be hoped for, but a bumpy road lies ahead. 一日も早い収束が望まれるが、前途は多難だ。
Egypt’s military-led interim government crushed sit-in protests by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Wednesday. His supporters clashed with government security forces across the country, resulting in a death toll that the Egyptian Health Ministry reported as more than 500. エジプト軍主導の暫定政府が、カイロで、モルシ前大統領支持派による座り込みを強制排除した。モルシ派は全土で治安部隊と衝突し、保健省の発表で死者数は５００人を超えた。
The interim government declared a one-month state of emergency, but there is no prospect of the chaos subsiding. Eyewitnesses say security forces fired live bullets at rally participants. The government cannot escape condemnation for using excessive force. 暫定政府は１か月間の非常事態を宣言したものの、沈静化へのメドは立っていない。治安部隊がデモ参加者を実弾で撃ったとの目撃証言もある。過度の実力行使をしたとの非難は、免れまい。
Diplomatic efforts by the United States and the European Union to avoid clashes between the military-led government and Morsi’s supporters have come to nothing. 軍・暫定政府と、モルシ派の衝突を回避しようとした米国と欧州連合（ＥＵ）による外交努力は、水泡に帰した。
It was natural that the United States and the EU strongly condemned the interim government over its brutal crushing of the demonstrations. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed “strong concern and anxiety” about the bloody incident. 米国やＥＵが、強制排除で多数の死者が出たことを強く非難したのは当然だ。岸田外相も「強い懸念と憂慮の念」を表明した。
Secularist Mohamed ElBaradei, a former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, resigned as Egypt’s vice president in protest, saying “there must have been a more peaceful choice.” 世俗派代表の副大統領だったエルバラダイ前国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）事務局長は、「より平和的な選択肢があったはずだ」と述べ、辞表を提出した。
The military ousted and detained Morsi in a de facto coup in July. Even after the establishment of the interim government, the military increased pressure on the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi’s main support base, in such ways as seeking criminal charges against its leaders on suspicion of instigating riots. 軍は、７月の事実上のクーデターで、モルシ氏を解任し、拘束した。暫定政府の樹立後も、モルシ派の中心であるイスラム主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」に対し、暴力扇動などの疑いで幹部の刑事責任を問うなど圧力を強めていた。
Brotherhood also to blame
The Muslim Brotherhood is also to blame for the situation. こうした事態を招いた責任は、同胞団側にもある。
Despite the Morsi administration having made policy blunders that worsened the economy and reduced public safety, the Brotherhood clung to its demand for Morsi’s reinstatement after he was deposed. The Islamist organization rejected dialogue with the military-led provisional government, thereby intensifying confrontation. 同胞団は、モルシ政権が経済や治安の悪化など失政を重ねたにもかかわらず、モルシ氏復職の要求に固執してきた。軍・暫定政府との対話にも応じず、対立を激化させている。
The interim government has announced a road map for democratization that calls for revising the Constitution within this year, holding a parliamentary election early next year and then calling a new presidential election. 暫定政府は、年内に憲法を改正し、来年初めには議会選を実施して、大統領選を行うという民主化への行程表を発表している。
But without participation of the Brotherhood, the biggest political force in Egypt, in the process of reinstating a civilian government, it will hardly be possible to realize social and political stability. To help achieve a return to civilian rule, the interim government should take conciliatory steps such as releasing Morsi in preparation for resuming dialogue with its political adversaries. しかし、最大の政治勢力である同胞団の民政復帰プロセスへの参加を得られなければ、社会や政治の安定は到底望めない。暫定政府は民政復帰を実現するために、モルシ氏の解放など、対話再開の環境を整えるべきではないか。
The Brotherhood, for its part, should take a more flexible stance toward dialogue. 同胞団も、より柔軟な姿勢で対話を模索すべきだ。
Arab Spring reforms still have a long way to go. If the chaos is protracted in Egypt, a great regional power, there is concern that the stabilization of the Middle East as a whole will be further delayed. 「アラブの春」の変革は、なお途上にある。地域大国エジプトの混乱が長引くと、中東全体の安定化が遠のく懸念がある。
As long as the military-led interim government continues to use force against its opponents, the situation will only go from bad to worse. International pressure must be brought to bear in such ways as suspending military assistance by the United States, Egypt’s biggest aid donor, thereby forcing the interim government to refrain from bloodily quashing its political foes. 軍・暫定政府が強権行使をやめない限り、事態は深刻化するだけである。最大の支援国である米国が軍事援助を一時停止するなど、国際的圧力を強化して、弾圧をやめさせなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2013) （2013年8月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 16, 2013 Increasing anti-Japan sentiment in China, S. Korea cause for concern 終戦の日 中韓の「反日」傾斜を憂える（8月15日付・読売社説）
◆歴史認識問題を政治に絡めるな
Today marks the 68th anniversary of the end of World War II for Japan. ６８回目の「終戦の日」を迎えた。
It is the day on which the nation commemorates its war dead and renews its pledge for peace so that the tremendous suffering caused by war will never be repeated. 先の大戦で亡くなった人々を追悼し、戦争の惨禍が二度と繰り返されぬよう平和への誓いを新たにする日である。
This summer, an animated movie titled “Kaze Tachinu” (The wind has risen) has been attracting attention. Its protagonist is modeled after Jiro Horikoshi, a brilliant designer for the Imperial Japanese Navy who helped create Zero fighters. 今夏、旧日本海軍の戦闘機「零戦」の天才的な設計者、堀越二郎をモデルにしたアニメ映画「風立ちぬ」が話題を呼んでいる。
Postwar steps applauded ◆評価された戦後の歩み
The movie’s protagonist is drawn to the beauty of airplanes as a boy, but after the war breaks out, the Zero fighter planes he was involved in designing are used by suicide attack units. The movie’s last scene is impressive, as the saddened protagonist stands blankly in front of many badly damaged Zero fighters. 主人公は、少年時代から飛行機の美しさに憧れていた。だが、戦争が勃発し、自ら設計した零戦が特攻隊にも投入されていく。無残に破壊された無数の零戦を前に呆然(ぼうぜん)と立ち、悲しみに包まれる。そんなラストシーンが印象的だ。
For many younger viewers, the movie will probably be a chance to think again about war. The experiences of World War II should never fade from memory. この映画を通じ、戦争について改めて考えさせられた若者たちも少なくないだろう。戦争体験を決して風化させてはなるまい。
Based on its reflections on the war in the Showa period, Japan made a fresh start after World War II and peacefully achieved high economic growth. It has also made extensive contributions to the international community, mainly through official development assistance and peacekeeping operations by the Self-Defense Forces. 戦後、日本は昭和の戦争の反省に立って再出発し、平和裏に高度経済成長を達成した。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）や自衛隊の国際平和協力活動などを通じて、幅広く国際社会に貢献もしてきた。
These steps by Japan have been applauded by the United States and Southeast Asian nations. こうした日本の歩みは、米国や東南アジア諸国の評価を得てきている。
In contrast, China and South Korea have been heightening their criticism of Japan regarding perceptions of history. We believe this is an extremely deplorable situation. だが、中国と韓国だけは、歴史認識問題に絡めて対日批判をエスカレートさせている。極めて遺憾な事態と言わざるを得ない。
In the United States and elsewhere, South Korean President Park Geun Hye has said Japan should have a correct recognition of history. She has made the remark in connection with sovereignty over the Takeshima islands and the issue of so-called comfort women. 韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、「日本は正しい歴史認識を持つべきだ」と米国などで喧伝(けんでん)した。竹島の領有権や、いわゆる従軍慰安婦の問題を念頭に置いたものだ。
South Korean courts ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation for damages to South Koreans for being forced to work for the firms during wartime. 韓国では戦時中に韓国人労働者を徴用した日本企業に対して賠償を命じる判決が相次いでいる。
These rulings are unreasonable because they obviously violate the agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached in 1965, which stated that the issue of property claims was “resolved completely and finally.” これもおかしい。日韓間の請求権問題が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記した、１９６５年の日韓請求権・経済協力協定に明らかに反している。
The South Korean judicial authorities also have been taking advantage of the rising anti-Japan sentiment in their country and disregarding the agreement reached between the two countries. This is a mystifying attitude for a country ruled by law. 韓国の司法までが、反日世論の高まりに迎合し、国家間の約束をないがしろにしている。法治国家として理解し難い行為である。
When it comes to the Senkaku Islands, China claims that Japan seized the islets from Taiwan during the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). Beijing also insists that because Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China. 中国は尖閣諸島について、日清戦争で台湾の付属諸島として奪われたとし、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、中国に返還されるべきだと主張している。
Yet Japan incorporated the islands under the administration of Okinawa Prefecture shortly before the end of the Sino-Japanese War, after confirming that they did not belong to the Qing empire. Is China twisting this historical fact? だが、日本は尖閣諸島が清国に帰属していないことを確認したうえで、日清戦争の終結直前に沖縄県に編入した。中国は歴史をねじ曲げているのではないか。
In some respect, the Chinese government is utilizing the anti-Japan sentiments of its people to maintain national unity, while the administration of South Korea is doing so to turn the domestic political situation to its advantage. 中国は国内の統一を維持するために、韓国は国内の政治状況を有利にするために、「反日」を利用している面がある。
China and South Korea also oppose the prime minister and other state ministers visiting Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals have been enshrined together with war dead, saying the shrine symbolizes Japan’s militarism. 中韓は、「Ａ級戦犯」を合祀(ごうし)した靖国神社を軍国主義の象徴として、首相や閣僚が靖国神社に参拝することにも反対している。
War dead domestic issue ◆戦没者追悼は国内問題
How we should pay tribute to the memory of our war dead is, in principle, a domestic affair of Japan, an issue in which other countries have no right to meddle. どのような形で戦没者を追悼するかは本来、日本の国内問題である。他国から干渉される筋合いのものではない。
Nor has Japan forgotten the responsibilities of the Japanese leaders who erred in handling the international situation, started a reckless war and caused suffering to people in neighboring countries. 国際情勢への対応を誤り、無謀な戦争を始めて近隣国に惨禍をもたらした指導者たちの責任を、日本が忘れているわけでもない。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once said that it was “extremely regrettable” that he did not pay a visit to the shrine during his first term as prime minister. Yet he said he would refrain from visiting the shrine on Thursday, the anniversary of the war’s end. 安倍首相は、第１次安倍内閣時に参拝しなかったことを「痛恨の極み」と語っているが、終戦の日の参拝は見送る意向だという。
China and South Korea are intensifying their criticism that Japan is failing to reflect on its past militarism, and is instead leaning to the right and returning to the past. 中韓は、日本が軍国主義を反省せず、「右傾化」して再び過去に戻ろうとしているとの批判を強めている。
They will probably not change their stance even if Abe refrains from visiting Yasukuni Shrine. こうした態度は、首相が靖国参拝を見送っても変わることはあるまい。
It is difficult to handle the issue of historical understanding, which cannot be dealt with separately from the international politics of today. 現代の国際政治と切り離せない歴史認識問題の扱いは難しい。
Abe made a controversial remark during a Diet meeting in April, saying that an academic and international definition of “invasion” had not been fixed. 首相は、今春の国会で「侵略という定義は、学界的にも国際的にも定まっていない」と発言し、物議を醸したことがある。
It is true, as Abe said, that the definition of invasion has not been fixed. There is no war completely of aggression and no war completely of self-defense. 確かに、首相が言うように侵略の定義は定まっていない。戦争には、１００％侵略戦争も、１００％自衛戦争もない。
Yet Abe’s remark was interpreted, both at home and abroad, as rethinking a 1995 statement in which then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama expressed deep remorse for Japan having caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations, through its “colonial rule and wartime aggression.” それでも、「植民地支配と侵略」によって多くの国々に多大の損害と苦痛を与えたとした１９９５年の村山首相談話を見直すものと内外に受け止められた。
Wisdom needed ◆関係構築へ知恵が要る
Abe recently said that discussing perceptions of history in the political arena would develop into a diplomatic issue. He then said such issues should be left up to historians and other experts to discuss. Discussion of such issues should be deepened at venues of experts. 安倍首相はこのところ、歴史認識問題を政治の場で議論することが、結果として外交問題に発展していくとしたうえで、「歴史家、専門家に任せるべきだ」と語っている。そうした場で論議を一層深めていくべきだろう。
On the other hand, it is imporant for Abe, as a politician, to tenaciously promote his views on national territory and sovereignty to the international community, including his understanding of history. 一方で政治家として、歴史認識を含めた領土・主権に関する見解を国際社会に対して粘り強く訴え続けていくことも肝要だ。
We should further ensure the peace and prosperity that we have strived to build since the end of the war. To do so, we must also explore ways to reconcile with our neighbors. Never has it been so necessary for us to be wise and work to build constructive relations with our neighbors. 戦後営々として築いてきた平和と繁栄を、より確かなものとしたい。それには、周辺国と和解の道を探る必要もある。建設的な関係を構築する知恵と努力が、今ほど求められている時はない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 15, 2013) （2013年8月15日01時41分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 15, 2013 Electric utilities monopolies show no sign of weakening 中電の越境販売 「地域独占」の壁はなお厚い（8月14日付・読売社説）
Chubu Electric Power Co.’s planned purchase of electricity retailer Diamond Power Corp. marks a step toward changing the status quo of the solid regional monopoly enjoyed by electric power companies, though thick barriers to overcome remain. 電力会社の強固な地域独占に風穴を開ける一歩だが、壁はなお厚い。
By purchasing Diamond Power, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp., Chubu Electric will start selling electricity in Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s service area. 中部電力が三菱商事の電力小売子会社「ダイヤモンドパワー」を買収して、東京電力管内で電力販売に乗り出す。
Chubu Electric also plans to jointly build a new coal-fired power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture with Mitsubishi and others and start supplying electricity in TEPCO’s service area in 2016. さらに中部電は、三菱商事などと静岡県に石炭火力発電所も新設し、２０１６年から東電管内に電力供給を開始する計画だ。
The sale of electricity to large-lot customers, including factories and offices, was liberalized in stages from 2000. However, Kyushu Electric Power Co. is the only major utility engaged in the “cross-border” sale of electricity. Kyushu Electric sells electricity in Chugoku Electric Power Co.’s service area. 工場やオフィスなど大口向けの電力販売は、００年から段階的に自由化された。それでも、大手電力による「越境販売」の実績は、九州電力が中国電力管内で行っている１件にとどまる。
This is probably because power companies place priority on providing electricity in their own service area, where they are responsible for power supply. However, it is undoubtedly the case that major power companies have avoided competing with each other as much as possible. 各社が、供給責任のある自社管内への電力供給を優先してきたからだろう。しかし、大手電力同士が、できるだけ競争を避けてきたことも否めまい。
The government plans to resubmit to the Diet during its extraordinary session in autumn a bill for electricity system reform. The sale of electricity, including small contracts with households, as well as small and midsize stores, is expected to be fully liberalized as early as 2016. 政府は今秋の臨時国会に、電力制度改革の関連法案を再提出する方針だ。家庭や中小商店など小口契約を含む電力販売の全面自由化も、１６年をメドに実施される方向となっている。
Chubu Electric apparently aims to expand its revenue base by advancing into the Tokyo metropolitan area as it makes strategic preparations for the upcoming full liberalization of the electricity market. 中部電は首都圏に進出することで収益基盤を広げ、全面自由化に布石を打つ狙いとみられる。
If more power companies—encouraged by Chubu Electric’s move—enter each other’s turf in the electricity market, it will pave the way for consumers to have a choice among more than one power company. Greater convenience can also be expected amid increased competition over rates and services. 中部電の動きを呼び水に、各社による電力販売の相互参入が増えれば、利用者には複数の会社から電気を選ぶ道が開ける。料金やサービスの競争が活発化し、利便性が高まる効果も期待できよう。
Ensure competition
So far, however, other power companies are reluctant to engage in cross-border sales of electricity. ただ、今のところ、他電力は越境販売に前向きでない。
Chubu Electric’s case is unique. As TEPCO has been mired in financial difficulties due to the crisis at its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, it has become difficult for TEPCO to build a power plant on its own. Chubu Electric’s idea of selling electricity beyond its territory was thus able to progress because TEPCO was willing to go along with it. 中部電のケースでは、進出先の東電が福島第一原子力発電所事故で資金難に陥り、自力での発電所建設は困難という事情がある。東電の意向もあり、中部電の越境販売構想が前進したといえる。
A worrisome factor is that the electricity market will be liberalized, and power generation and transmission will be separated through electricity system reform while major power firms’ regional monopolies are effectively maintained. It is feared this will have various negative effects. 気がかりなのは、大手電力の「地域独占」が実質的に維持されたまま、電力制度改革によって自由化や発電と送電部門の分離などが実施されることである。その場合、様々な弊害が懸念される。
If the current approval system for electricity rates is hastily abolished, there will be no means to restrain a rate hike under an “unregulated monopoly,” which would seriously undermine consumers’ interests. The government must carefully monitor progress in competition among power companies. 料金の認可制を性急に廃止すれば、「規制なき独占」のもとで値上げを抑える手段を失い、利用者の利益を著しく損なう。政府が、競争の進展状況を慎重に見極めることが肝心だ。
In the United States and other countries, intensified competition due to market liberalization resulted in cuts to budgets for repairing power lines and other equipment. In one case, defects at power facilities caused a massive blackout. 米国などでは、自由化による競争激化で送電線などを補修する経費も削られ、設備の欠陥が大停電を招いた例がある。
It is important to ensure a stable electricity supply to promote fair competition in the electricity market. To do so, nuclear reactors must be reactivated steadily once they have been confirmed safe to operate and efforts must be swiftly taken to resolve serious power shortages. 電力分野の公正な競争を進めるためにも、電力の安定供給を確保することが重要だ。それには、安全性を確認できた原発を着実に再稼働し、深刻な電力不足の解消を急がなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2013) （2013年8月14日01時56分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 14, 2013 Has the economy recovered enough to withstand consumption tax hike? ２．６％成長 消費増税に耐えられる体力か（8月13日付・読売社説）
Although Japan’s economy continued to grow in the April-June quarter, it is worrying that the improvement has begun to lose steam. プラス成長を維持したものの、勢いに陰りが見えるのは気がかりだ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make a final decision in autumn on whether to raise the consumption tax rate next April as scheduled. The tax increase would be in vain if it harms the economy and spoils an opportunity to escape deflation. 安倍首相は、来年４月の消費税率引き上げの当否を、今秋に最終判断する。消費増税によって景気が腰折れし、デフレ脱却のチャンスを逃しては元も子もない。
Abe will have to make a difficult judgment on whether the national economy has recovered enough to withstand a consumption tax hike. 日本経済が消費増税に耐えられる体力を回復しているかどうか、難しい見極めが求められよう。
The nation’s real-term gross domestic product for the April-June period, released by the Cabinet Office on Monday, improved 0.6 percent over the previous quarter, recording a third straight quarter of growth. The growth rate stood at 2.6 percent on an annualized basis, down from 3.8 percent registered in the January-March quarter. 内閣府が発表した今年４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・６％増と、３四半期連続でプラスになった。年率換算の成長率は２・６％で、１～３月期の３・８％から減速した。
Personal consumption and exports soared in the April-June quarter due to the effects of Abenomics, the economic policy put forth by the Abe administration. But plant and equipment investment, which had been expected to be a growth engine, declined for the sixth consecutive quarter and housing investment dropped unexpectedly. 安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果などで、個人消費や輸出は堅調だった。一方、成長のエンジン役と期待された設備投資は６四半期連続で減少し、住宅投資も予想外のマイナスだった。
The growth rate for the April-June period is an important indicator to judge whether the consumption tax rate should be increased from 5 percent to 8 percent as scheduled. ４～６月期の成長率は、消費税率を５％から８％に上げるかどうか判断する重要な指標だ。
Private-led growth vital
Akira Amari, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, acknowledged the continued growth during a news conference Monday, noting that “favorable figures have continued to be recorded.” But the growth rate figure was far lower than the mid-3 percent level anticipated by economists. 甘利経済財政相は記者会見で、「引き続きいい数字が出ている」と述べたが、３％台半ばの成長率を見込んでいたエコノミストらの事前予想を大きく下回った。
Abe told reporters the government “will continue to take all possible economic measures.” The goal of ending deflation must be achieved by putting top priority on business revitalization. 首相は記者団に「今後も経済政策に万全を期したい」と述べた。景気を最優先し、今度こそデフレ脱却を果たさねばならない。
It is important to achieve self-sustaining economic growth led by the private sector. The government must promptly carry out measures such as those to help boost capital investment by private firms. An extraordinary Diet session to be convened in autumn is expected to be a crucial stage for the promotion of the government’s growth strategy. 重要なのは、民間が主導する自律的な経済成長の達成である。設備投資のテコ入れなどを急ぐべきだ。秋の臨時国会は成長戦略推進の正念場となる。
A tax rate increase of three percentage points is estimated to raise consumer prices by about 2 percent. If prices rise but household income does not, consumption will suffer a blow. The key here is whether corporate profits will be smoothly reflected in wages. 消費税率を予定通り３％上げた場合、消費者物価は約２％押し上げられる計算だ。家計の収入が増えないまま物価が上がると、消費も打撃を受けよう。企業の利益を円滑に賃金に波及させられるかどうかがカギを握る。
When the sales tax was increased from 3 percent to 5 percent in April 1997, households suffered additional burdens caused by, among other factors, the discontinuation of special tax reductions. This was accompanied by the Asian monetary crisis and serious financial uncertainties, thereby causing the national economy to slow down sharply. It must be remembered that these developments led to long years of deflation. １９９７年４月に消費税率を３％から５％に上げた際は、特別減税の打ち切りなど家計の負担増が重なった。アジア通貨危機と深刻な金融不安も加わり、景気が急減速した。長期デフレの発端となったことを忘れてはならない。
Consumption tax revenue climbed, but revenue from income and corporate taxes dropped, making it more difficult to achieve the key goal of fiscal rehabilitation. 消費税の税収は増えたが、景気低迷で所得税や法人税が減り、肝心の財政再建も遠のいた。
To prevent a repetition of the past policy blunder, it is of utmost importance to analyze the economic situation from multiple perspectives. 過去の失政を繰り返さないためには、経済情勢を多角的に分析することが何より大切だ。
It was reasonable that Abe has called for listening to the opinions of experts and corporate managers about the advisability of raising the consumption tax and the likely effects of a tax increase and using that input when making a policy judgment. 首相が政策判断の材料として、消費税率引き上げの是非や増税した場合の影響について、有識者や企業経営者の意見を聞くよう指示したのは妥当である。
The government must lend an unprejudiced ear to voices from various sectors. 予断を持たず、各方面の声に耳を傾けてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug.13, 2013) （2013年8月13日01時29分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 13, 2013 Appointment of new ambassador chance to build new Japan-U.S. ties ケネディ大使 新たな日米関係を構築したい（8月11日付・読売社説）
We welcome the nomination of the incoming U.S. ambassador as indicating the great importance that President Barack Obama’s administration places on its relations with Japan. This should be used as a step forward to build more mature Japan-U.S. relations. オバマ米政権が日本を重視する姿勢の表れとして、歓迎したい。より成熟した日米関係を構築する一歩とすべきだ。
Obama has named Caroline Kennedy, a lawyer and the eldest daughter of the late President John F. Kennedy, as ambassador to Japan. Kennedy, 55, will be the first female U.S. ambassador to this nation. She will assume the post as early as this autumn, upon her Senate confirmation. オバマ大統領が、駐日大使にケネディ元大統領の長女の弁護士、キャロライン・ケネディ氏（５５）を指名した。女性の駐日大使は初めてで、上院の承認を得て、今秋にも着任する。
Kennedy comes from one of the most distinguished families in the United States. Early in 2008, before the presidential election later that year, she gave her support to Obama, helping create the momentum that led to Obama’s selection as the Democratic nominee for president. She also contributed to Obama’s reelection in 2012. Hers is a political nomination, a reward for her outstanding contributions to the Obama administration. ケネディ氏は米国屈指の名門の出身だ。２００８年大統領選では早々とオバマ氏を支持し、オバマ氏が民主党候補に選出される流れを作った。１２年の大統領再選にも貢献した。オバマ政権に目立つ論功行賞による政治任命である。
People with various careers and backgrounds have been apppointed as U.S. ambassadors in the past. These include heavyweight politicians such as Mike Mansfield, scholars like Edwin Reischauer and diplomats such as Michael Armacost. 米国の歴代の駐日大使には、マンスフィールド氏ら大物政治家、ライシャワー氏のような学者、アマコスト氏ら外交官など、様々な経歴の人物が起用されてきた。
In recent years, the appointments have been based on strong personal relations with presidents, as in the cases of John Scheiffer and John Roos. Kennedy’s nomination can be said to be in this line. 最近は、シーファー、ルース両氏のように、大統領との強い個人的関係に基づく人選が続いた。ケネディ氏もこの系統と言える。
Kennedy has no experience with diplomacy or politics, leaving her abilities as an ambassador unknown. On the other hand, she has strong connections with Obama and a close relationship with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry. ケネディ氏は外交や政治の経験がなく、大使としての手腕は未知数だ。一方で、オバマ大統領と太いパイプを持ち、ケリー国務長官とも親しいことが強みである。
Kennedy brings big guns
A big-name ambassador is expected to be able to get the president on the phone and explore ways to solve problems when bilateral Japan-U.S. relations reach a critical point. In this sense, Kennedy is equipped with an important “weapon.” 大物の駐日大使に期待されるのは、日米関係が重大な局面を迎えた際、電話一本で大統領と直接連絡を取り、問題解決の道を探ることだ。その意味で、ケネディ氏は重要な“武器”を備えている。
Yet another of Kennedy’s strong points is her oustanding name recognition and popularity. As an iconic figure for stable Japan-U.S. relations, she will be asked to boost both Japanese and Americans’ interest in each other. ケネディ氏のもう一つの長所は抜群の知名度と人気だ。安定した日米関係の象徴的存在として、相手国に対する両国民の関心を高める役割が求められよう。
Both Japan and the United States are facing various important challenges. 日米両国は現在、様々な重要課題に直面している。
How should they face China, which is becoming an economic and military power, and how should they confront North Korea, which is pursuing nuclear and missile development programs? How should Japan and the United States proceed with the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, and with bilateral defense cooperation? How should they promote free trade in Asia through such frameworks as the Trans-Pacific Partnership accord negotiations? 経済、軍事両面で台頭する中国や、核開発を進める北朝鮮に、どう向き合うか。米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題や日米防衛協力をいかに進めるか。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉などでアジアの自由貿易をどう推進するか。
To solve these thorny issues, it is vital to reinforce intergovernmental relations, including those on the summit level. We hope Kennedy will make a contribution in this area. こうした難題の解決には、首脳級を含む、政府間の関係強化が欠かせない。ケネディ氏には、その一翼を担ってもらいたい。
Recently, the number of Japanese students studying in the United States has been on the decline, falling to No. 7 among all the nations that send students to the states and raising concerns that bilateral exchange between the two countries will dwindle. 近年は、米国への日本人留学生が減少し、出身国別で７位に低下するなど、日米交流の先細りが懸念されている。
If Japan weakens its presence in the United States, while China and South Korea are making ever-greater efforts to transmit information and expand exchanges there, it would harm Japan’s national interests. 中国や韓国が米国での情報発信や交流拡大に努める中、日本の存在感が薄れることは、国益にも悪影響を与えよう。
Expansion in grass-roots exchanges, including exchanges among the next generation of young people, will serve as the foundation for promoting mutual understanding and confidence-building efforts. We hope Kennedy, with her strong ability to communicate, will contribute in this field as well. 次代を担う青少年などの草の根交流の拡充は、日米の相互理解と信頼醸成を進める基盤となる。この分野でも、発信力の高いケネディ氏の貢献に期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 11, 2013) （2013年8月11日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 9, 2013 Will higher minimum wage help increase consumption? 最低賃金アップ 消費拡大の呼び水になるか（8月8日付・読売社説）
The minimum hourly wage will be increased at the strong urging of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration. Could this be a trigger to bail the country out of deflation? 安倍政権の強い意向を受け、最低賃金が引き上げられる。デフレからの脱却につなげることができるだろうか。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry’s Central Minimum Wages Council has decided to set this fiscal year’s target for raising the minimum hourly wage at 14 yen on a national average--nearly 2 percent higher than the current minimum of 749 yen and the first increase of 10 yen or more in three years. 厚生労働省の中央最低賃金審議会は、今年度の最低賃金の引き上げ幅を全国平均で時給１４円を目安とすることを決めた。引き上げ率は約２％で、１０円以上のアップは３年ぶりだ。
The minimum wage is the lowest possible rate that companies can pay their employees. After the revision, the average minimum hourly wage nationwide will be 763 yen. This means that a minimum-wage, full-time worker would take home about 120,000 to 130,000 yen per month, an increase of about 2,000 yen. 最低賃金は、企業が従業員に支払う賃金の下限をいう。改定後の最低賃金は、全国平均で時給７６３円となり、フルタイムで働いた場合の月収は２０００円程度増えて１２万～１３万円が見込まれる。
While this is still insufficient for maintaining family finances, it is the first step toward implementing increases in the basic wage table. 家計を維持するうえで、まだ十分ではないものの、賃金底上げの一歩とは言えよう。
The issue of raising the minimum wage received a lot of attention this year in particular because it was associated with Abenomics, a set of economic policies set forth by the Abe administration that aims to lift this nation out of deflation. 今年、最低賃金引き上げが注目されたのは、デフレ脱却を目指す安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」と関連付けられたからだ。
In its Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform compiled in June, the government set a goal of hiking wages by more than 2 percent. The minimum wage increase corresponds almost exactly to the government’s wage hike target. 政府は６月にまとめた「経済財政運営と改革の基本方針」（骨太方針）で、２％を上回る賃上げを目標に掲げた。今回の引き上げ率はほぼこれに相当する。
Business performance has been improving, mainly at major corporations, making the tone of recovery clearer. However, the general public is still complaining about Abenomics, saying it has yet to result in income increases. 大手企業を中心に業績が上向き、景気回復基調が鮮明になりつつある。だが、アベノミクスに対しては、所得増につながっていないとの国民の不満がくすぶる。
At a press conference, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, “The council held serious discussions in considering the Basic Policies for Economic and Fiscal Management and Reform.” He welcomed the minimum wage hike, while emphasizing the necessity of creating a virtuous cycle that can build momentum and result in pay raises at each company. 菅官房長官は記者会見で、「骨太方針に配慮する真摯(しんし)な議論が行われた」と述べた。最低賃金引き上げを歓迎し、企業各社の賃上げに弾みがつく好循環を期待しているのだろう。
Expand consumption
It is generally believed that a high percentage of low-income earners tend to use wage hikes for consumption. The government must utilize the minimum wage hike as a way to prime the pump of consumption and push up economic growth. 所得の低い人ほど、収入が増えた分を消費に回す割合が高いと言われる。最低賃金の引き上げが、消費拡大の呼び水になり、成長を後押しすることが課題だ。
Currently, minimum wages are less than the livelihood protection benefits in Tokyo, Hokkaido and nine other prefectures--hardly a tool to stoke people’s zeal for work. We would like to applaud the panel’s proposal as its minimum wage review will finally resolve the “reversal phenomenon” between minimum wages and livelihood protection benefits in 10 prefectures, excluding Hokkaido. 現在、１１都道府県で最低賃金が生活保護支給水準を下回り、労働意欲をそいでいるとされる。今回の見直しで、北海道を除く１０都府県でようやく「逆転現象」が解消されることは評価したい。
Of course, if the minimum wage is increased, struggling small and midsize firms will have to shoulder a heavier burden. We are concerned about the side effects of raising the minimum wage. For instance, it could deprive young people of job opportunities if such firms decide to cut back on employment to secure the financial resources for pay hikes. 無論、最低賃金を引き上げれば、経営難の中小企業などの負担は重くなる。そうした企業が賃上げ原資を確保するために人員削減に走れば、若者の雇用を奪うといった副作用も懸念される。
Most importantly, the government should prepare an environment for companies that will help them raise wages. The government must steadily promote its growth strategy, the pillars of which include revitalizing local economies and expanding business opportunities, to prompt small and midsize enterprises to improve productivity. 大切なのは、企業が賃金を上げやすい環境を作ることだ。政府は地域活性化やビジネス機会の拡大などを柱とした成長戦略を着実に進め、中小企業の生産性向上を促さねばならない。
The labor ministry has been providing assistance to small and midsize firms that actually raised wages through measures such as extending subsidies for introduction costs of accounting systems. We hope the ministry will consider more measures that will create an environment in which companies can comfortably increase wages. 厚労省は、賃金を引き上げた中小企業に会計システムの導入経費などを助成している。一層の支援策を検討し、賃上げの環境整備を進めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 8, 2013) （2013年8月8日01時40分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 8, 2013 All generations must bear costs to maintain social security system 社会保障会議 制度維持に全世代の負担必要（8月7日付・読売社説）
◆民主の３党協議離脱は無責任だ
How can a sustainable social security system be built? Part of a prescription has been presented to achieve this objective, but there is still much to be done. 持続可能な社会保障制度をどう築くのか。処方箋の一端は示されたが、課題は山積している。
The government’s National Council on Social Security System Reform compiled a final report and submitted it to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Tuesday. The government plans to submit a bill that sets forth a road map for the reform to the Diet during an extraordinary session this autumn. 政府の社会保障制度改革国民会議が報告書をまとめ、安倍首相に提出した。政府は、改革の工程を定めた法案を秋の臨時国会に提出する。
The council discussed the direction of reform to the nation’s pension, medical care and nursing care systems in time for the planned consumption tax increase. 国民会議は、消費増税に合わせた年金、医療、介護などの改革の道筋を検討した。
A notable feature of the report is that it calls on higher-earning elderly people to shoulder a greater burden of medical costs and taxes. The report called for a change of the current system in which costs are shouldered based on age to one in which costs will be borne based on financial ability. 報告書の最大の特徴は、所得の高い高齢者に医療費や税の負担増を求めた点にある。現行の「年齢別の負担」から「能力に応じた負担」へと方向性を転換した。
Support from elderly needed ◆高齢世代も支え手に
Due to the nation’s low birthrate and rapidly aging population, pension, medical care and nursing care benefits have increased, causing government debt to balloon. It is clear that the principle of the current social security system--according to which the working generation bears the financial burden of supporting the elderly--is no longer feasible. 急速な少子高齢化で、年金、医療、介護の給付費が増大し、政府の借金は膨らんでいる。現役世代の負担で高齢者を支える現行の社会保障の原則では、もはや制度を維持できないのは明らかだ。
The council naturally recommended that the nation’s social security system be changed to one in which such expenses are shouldered by all generations, including elderly people who can afford it. 国民会議が、負担を支払い能力のある高齢者を含めた「全世代型」に転換するよう提言したのはやむを得ない。
It is a point of concern, however, whether the government can steadily carry out the reform. 問題は、政府が着実に改革を実行できるかどうかである。
One problem the government must work on is medical expenses that people aged 70 to 74 pay at hospitals. Medical expenses to be paid by people in this age bracket were set at 20 percent of hospital treatment fees under the Health Insurance Law and other laws revised in 2008. However, the then coalition government of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito kept this figure at 10 percent as a special measure, which is still in effect. As much as 200 billion yen in taxpayer money is spent every year to cover these costs. 例えば、７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担だ。２００８年の健康保険法などの改正で２割と定められたが、当時の自公政権は特例で１割に据え置き、現在も続いている。穴埋めに年間約２０００億円もの税金が投入されている。
It is only natural that the council called for raising this figure to 20 percent as stipulated by law by abolishing the special measure--a prime example of unfairness among generations. 国民会議が、世代間の不公平の典型と言える特例措置を廃止し、法定の２割に引き上げるよう求めたのは当然である。
The council also called on higher-income earners to shoulder a greater portion of nursing care expenses, which is currently set at a uniform rate of 10 percent. We think the proposed measure is realistic. The government should quickly review this rate of self-contribution. 現在は一律１割である介護保険の利用者負担について、国民会議が高所得者の負担増を求めたことも現実的な方策と言える。政府は負担割合の検討を急ぐべきだ。
The council proposed transferring the management of the national health insurance program, which is mainly used by self-employed people, from municipal to prefectural governments. It also called for raising contributions by health insurance unions of large companies and mutual aid associations for public servants, so they can be used as a resource to rehabilitate the finances of the national health insurance program. 自営業者らが加入する国民健康保険の運営主体を、現在の市町村から都道府県に移管することも打ち出した。国保財政の健全化の財源とするため、大企業の健康保険組合や公務員の共済組合の拠出金を増やすことも求めた。
However, many corporate health insurance unions have already fallen into the red due to such contributions. It would defeat the purpose if a sharp increase in their burden resulted in the collapse of these unions. It is necessary to design a national health insurance system that will not cause confusion. だが、拠出金によって既に赤字に陥っている健保組合は多い。急激な負担増で破綻を招けば、本末転倒だ。混乱が生じない制度設計が必要である。
Benefits must be curbed
To put this nation’s limited resources to effective use, an increase in social security benefits must be curbed. 限られた財源を有効活用するには、社会保障給付費の伸びを抑えることも不可避だ。
◆給付の抑制が急務だ
The ballooning of medical expenses is partly attributable to bills incurred by people who suffer a variety of diseases due to their advanced age and visit more than one medical institution for examinations and treatment, according to observers. 高齢化で様々な病気を持った患者が、複数の医療機関を重複受診していることが医療費を押し上げている要因の一つとされる。
To prevent this, the council proposed increasing the number of doctors known as general physicians who can diagnose a wide range of illnesses. However, the panel fell short of addressing a key question begged by its proposal--namely, how to train such doctors. 国民会議はこれを防ぐため、幅広い診療能力を持つ「総合診療医」の普及を提唱した。だが、そうした医師をどう育成するかという肝心な点には言及していない。
Among the issues covered by the council’s report is the starting age for benefit payments under the state-run pension system. However, the report only described the issue as a medium- and long-term task that should be discussed together with what mode of employment could be adopted by elderly people. 年金の支給開始年齢については、「高齢者の働き方と合わせて議論すべき中長期的課題」とするにとどめた。
It is necessary to push back the starting age for receiving pension payments from the current age of 65, given the higher average life expectancy of Japanese and the deteriorating financial condition of the pension program. The United States and major European countries have already decided to push back their respective pensionable ages to 67 or 68. Japan is aging the fastest among advanced nations in the world. With this in mind, the government should begin considering implementing a similar reform as early as possible. 平均寿命の延びと年金財政の悪化から、６５歳からさらに引き上げる必要がある。欧米主要国は、既に６７～６８歳への引き上げを決めている。日本は先進国で最も早く高齢化が進んでいるだけに、早期に検討を始めるべきだろう。
The national council also emphasized the need to transform the current social security system into one under which people of all generations would be entitled to benefit. For example, the panel insisted on proactively financing child-rearing support plans and other projects to address various problems arising from the chronically low birthrate. 国民会議は、社会保障給付の面でも「全世代型」を目指し、子育て支援など少子化対策への積極的な投資が必要と強調した。
Specific measures proposed by the panel include increasing the number of day care centers and improving the quality of their services. The council also suggested setting up centers that offer consultations to pregnant and nursing women. 具体的には、保育所の拡充に加え、妊産婦に対する相談・支援拠点の設置を掲げている。
This proposal is aimed at extending continuous assistance to such women, not only during their pregnancy but also during child-raising. In promoting this idea, the panel noted the fact that such women begin to worry about how to raise their children and provide other forms of parental care even while pregnant. An important task in this regard is to work out how to ensure such child care support centers help them realize their purposes. 女性が妊娠時から育児などに不安を持っている点に着目し、子育てまで切れ目なく支援するのが狙いだ。拠点をいかに機能させるかが課題である。
Discussions at the national council coincided with a round of debates among three major parties--the LDP, Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan--over social security system reform. 国民会議と並行して、自民、公明、民主の３党は、社会保障改革に関する議論を重ねてきた。
However, the DPJ has decided to pull out of the talks. ところが、民主党は、３党協議からの離脱を決めた。
The leading opposition party took this step because of the LDP-Komeito ruling coalition’s refusal to discuss such matters as a DPJ proposal to adopt a minimum guaranteed pension plan. The DPJ also cited the fact that its pension proposal had not been incorporated into the panel’s report. 民主党が主張する最低保障年金制度の導入などについて、自公両党が議論に応じず、国民会議の報告書にも盛り込まれなかったことを理由に挙げている。
All parties should help out ◆改革は与野党の責任で
However, it would not be enough to raise the consumption tax rate to 10 percent if the DPJ-proposed minimum guaranteed pension program was translated into reality. The DPJ plan also requires a large tax increase besides the consumption tax hike. しかし、民主党が掲げる最低保障年金の実現には、消費税率の１０％への引き上げとは別に、大幅な追加増税が必要となる。
The main opposition party has also insisted on scrapping the health care program for persons aged 75 and over, known as people in the latter stage of advanced age. However, there is little need to abolish the system, given that it has already taken root. 後期高齢者医療制度の廃止を唱えているが、既に制度は定着している。廃止の必要性は乏しい。
The pension reform plan trumpeted by the DPJ is unrealistic. The party has defended its decision to quit talks with the LDP and Komeito, citing the ruling parties’ refusal to discuss its pension proposal. The DPJ’s stance must be criticized as too self-righteous. 現実離れした改革案を振りかざし、受け入れられないからといって協議から離脱する。それではあまりに独りよがりだ。
It should be noted that the national council was launched when DPJ senior leader Yoshihiko Noda held the reins of government as prime minister. The opposition party should not shirk its responsibilities. そもそも野田政権時代に始まった会議である。民主党は責任を放棄すべきではない。
The ruling and opposition parties should join hands in reforming the social security system--a linchpin of national welfare. Such reform is imperative to ensure that the system is not shaken from its foundations even in the event of a change in government. 国の根幹である社会保障制度については、政権交代があっても揺るがぬよう、与野党が共に改革に取り組むことが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 7, 2013) （2013年8月7日01時39分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 7, 2013 Japan must take realistic option in face of increasing nuclear threat 原爆忌 一段と高まる核兵器の脅威（8月6日付・読売社説）
On Tuesday, Hiroshima marks the 68th anniversary of the atomic bombing of the city. Nagasaki will do the same Friday. 広島は６日、長崎は９日に、それぞれ６８回目の原爆忌を迎える。
As the only nation ever to have been attacked with atomic weapons, how will Japan pass on the accounts of the terrible devastation wrought by the bombings and entreat the world to prevent nuclear weapons, which are inhumane by themselves, from being used again? The average age of atomic-bomb survivors has already passed 78. 唯一の被爆国として、いかに原爆の惨禍を語り継ぎ、非人道的な核兵器が二度と使用されないよう世界に訴えていくか。被爆者の平均年齢は既に７８歳を超えた。
In a declaration of peace to be announced Tuesday at a peace memorial ceremony, Hiroshima Mayor Kazumi Matsui will pledge his utmost efforts to work toward the elimination of nuclear arms by 2020. 広島市の松井一実市長は、きょうの平和記念式典で発表する平和宣言で、２０２０年までの核廃絶に全力を尽くすことを誓う。
But in light of the harsh realities of today’s world, high hurdles lie on the road to nuclear abolition. しかし、世界の現状は厳しく、廃絶へのハードルは高い。
The number of nuclear weapons, which totaled about 70,000 at the peak of the Cold War, has been cut significantly due to nuclear reduction talks between the United States and Russia. But more than 17,000 such weapons reportedly still remain. 冷戦時代のピーク時に世界で計約７万発もあった核兵器は、米露核軍縮交渉で大幅に削減されたものの、なお１万７０００発以上も残っているとされる。
In a speech he made in Berlin in June, U.S. President Barack Obama proposed cutting the respective number of strategic nuclear warheads deployed by the two nuclear superpowers by about one-third. We hope negotiations on this matter will proceed steadily. 今年６月、オバマ米大統領はベルリンで演説し、米露が配備している戦略核弾頭数を現在の３分の２程度にまで、それぞれ削減することを提案した。着実に推進してもらいたい。
Needless to say, nuclear disarmament is not an issue to be dealt with by Washington and Moscow alone. China and other nuclear powers should actively get involved in the issue. 無論、核軍縮は米露だけの問題ではない。中国など他の核保有国も積極的に取り組むべきだ。
The nuclear control system under the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty, which bans possession of nuclear arsenals by countries other than the United States, Russia, Britain, France and China, has been noticeably frayed for years. 米露英仏中の５か国以外の核保有を禁止した核拡散防止条約（ＮＰＴ）体制に、ほころびが目立つようになって久しい。
N. Korea’s moves worrying
Of particular concern is North Korea’s attempt to make its possession of nuclear weapons a fait accompli. Following its test-firing of a long-range ballistic missile in December, North Korea charged ahead with its third nuclear test in February. It is accelerating efforts to develop nuclear warheads small enough to be mounted on a missile capable of reaching the continental United States. 特に懸念されるのは、核保有の既成事実化を図る北朝鮮の動向だ。昨年１２月の長距離弾道ミサイル発射に続き、今年２月には３回目の核実験を強行した。米本土に届くミサイルと、搭載可能な小型核弾頭の開発を急いでいる。
All of Japan lies within range of Rodong intermediate-range ballistic missiles deployed by Pyongyang. If North Korea successfully develops nuclear warheads, it is highly likely Japan could become the target of its first nuclear strike. 北朝鮮が実戦配備中の中距離弾道ミサイル「ノドン」は、日本のほぼ全域を射程に収める。核弾頭が完成すれば日本が先制核攻撃の標的となる確率は小さくない。
This concern is behind the emergence of support in the Liberal Democratic Party and elsewhere for the view that Japan should possess the capabilty to attack missile bases and other enemy facilities in self-defense. 自民党などで、自衛のために相手国のミサイル基地などを攻撃する「敵基地攻撃能力」を保持すべきだという議論が起きているのはそのためである。
In cooperation with the United States and South Korea, as well as Beijing and Moscow, Japan must relentlessly urge Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear ambitions. 米韓や中露と連携し、北朝鮮に対しても核放棄をねばり強く求め続けねばならない。
The U.S. nuclear umbrella is the bedrock of Japan’s national security policy. We believe its importance is increasing all the more. 日本の安全保障政策の根幹にある米国の「核の傘」の重要性も高まっていると言えよう。
Since three years ago, Washington has been providing Tokyo with information on some nuclear facilities in the United States. 米政府は３年前から、米国内の核施設の一部を日本政府に開示するようになった。
Promoting Japan-U.S. consultative talks on nuclear deterrence is essential for the bilateral alliance to function. This also will reinforce the deterrence policy. 核抑止をめぐる日米協議の進展は、日米同盟を機能させる上で必須である。抑止力政策の強化にもつながる。
Telling the world about the awful devastation of Hiroshima and Nagasaki, and using the U.S. nuclear umbrella to protect national security from nearby nuclear threats: This is the realistic option Japan can take as an atomic-bombed nation and a country without nuclear weapons. 広島、長崎の惨状を訴える一方で、周囲の核脅威には米国の核で安全を担保する。それが、被爆国であり、非核保有国としての日本が取り得る現実的選択である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 6, 2013) （2013年8月6日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 6, 2013 Use FY14 public works budget to repair aging infrastructure 公共事業予算 防災や成長分野に重点配分を（8月5日付・読売社説）
The nation’s roads and bridges must be improved and comprehensive disaster countermeasures developed without fail by utilizing the government’s limited sources of revenue. 限られた財源を有効に活用し、道路や橋などの整備や防災対策を実現しなければならない。
To this end, efforts should be redoubled to enhance the efficiency of public works projects. 公共事業の一層の効率化が問われよう。
The government, in working out guidelines for estimated budget appropriation requests from ministries and agencies for fiscal 2014, is set to reduce their allocations for discretionary spending for policy implementation, including public works projects, by about 10 percent compared with the fiscal 2013 initial budget. 政府は２０１４年度予算案の概算要求基準で、公共事業などの裁量的経費を１３年度当初予算から１０％ほど減らす方針だ。
In the budget for this fiscal year, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has earmarked 5.3 trillion yen for public works spending, the first year-on-year increase in four years, with a view to realizing the Abenomics policy package for refloating the national economy. 安倍政権は、経済政策「アベノミクス」を推進するため、今年度予算で公共事業を５・３兆円と４年ぶりに増やしている。
Given that Japan’s government finances are in the worst shape of all industrially advanced economies, however, the government cannot simply continue to expand outlays for public works projects. だが、先進国で最悪の財政事情を抱える中、安易に公共事業の拡大を継続することは許されない。
It is reasonable that the government plans to impose curbs on public works spending based on the stringent guidelines for budget appropriation requests for the next fiscal year. 厳しい概算要求基準を課し、歯止めをかけるのは妥当と言える。
But at the same time, the government is poised to create special, expensive budgetary allocations that will not be subject to the envisioned across-the-board spending cuts. Sufficient cost-benefit considerations are a must in scrutinizing what policy measures should be included in allocations not subject to budgetary curbs. 政府は、一律の削減対象としない多額の特別枠も設ける方向だ。これについても費用対効果を吟味する必要がある。
Such anti-disaster measures as boosting earthquake resistance of buildings and strengthening the aging infrastructure are indispensable for ensuring the public’s safety. The pace of projects aimed at recovery from the Great East Japan Earthquake, which have been delayed because of such factors as shortages of manpower and construction materials, must be swiftly accelerated. 建物の耐震化などの防災対策や老朽化した社会資本（インフラ）の更新は、国民の安全を守るために不可欠だ。人手と資材の不足などで遅れている東日本大震災の復興も加速しなければならない。
‘Selection, concentration’
As part of the government’s growth strategy, it is essential to improve infrastructure, especially such things as arterial road networks in urban areas and airports that can serve as international hub airports. 成長戦略を後押しするうえで都市部の基幹道路網や国際拠点となる空港など、インフラの整備も求められる。
To smoothly carry through these projects, the principle of “selection and concentration” should be thoroughly employed. こうした公共事業を着実に進めるため、「選択と集中」を徹底すべきだ。
We want to see urgent anti-disaster projects and measures to improve infrastructure given high priority in budget allocations for fiscal 2014. 緊急性が高い災害対策や老朽化対策へ重点的に予算配分してもらいたい。
Costs for improving antiquated infrastructure will reach an estimated 190 trillion yen during the next 50 years, according to the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry. Under the circumstances, it is unrealistic to entirely rebuild aging infrastructure. 国土交通省は、老朽化したインフラの更新費用が今後５０年間で約１９０兆円に上ると推計している。インフラをすべて造り直すことは現実的ではない。
The idea of excluding low-use public facilities and bridges from repair and improvement projects is worthy of consideration. 利用率が下がった公共施設や橋などは更新しないという考え方も検討に値しよう。
It is worrying that the old-fashioned style of implementing public works projects may return. In this connection, the Liberal Democratic Party vowed in its election platform in the House of Councillors election in July to “promote projects for enhancing national land resilience.” 懸念されるのは、自民党が７月の参院選で、防災対策などの「国土強靱(きょうじん)化」を推進する公約を掲げたことに乗じて、旧来型の公共事業が息を吹き返すことだ。
It should never be forgotten that previous construction of unneeded roads, airports and other projects touted under the banner of large-scale development programs ended up worsening government finances. かつて大規模な開発事業のもとで、必要性の乏しい道路や空港を造り、財政悪化を招いたことを忘れてはなるまい。
To cut back on costs, due constideration must be paid to ways public works projects are undertaken. 費用を抑制するには、公共事業の進め方にも工夫が要る。
For example, information technologies should be used to enhance the efficiency of inspection and repair of such facilties as roads and bridges. To this end, automatic collection and analysis of data obtained through high-performance sensors could lead to cost reduction as well as longer life spans of such facilities. センサーから得た情報を自動的に収集・分析するなど、ＩＴ（情報技術）を活用して道路や橋の点検や補修を効率化すれば、低コストで長寿命化が図れるだろう。
It could also be effective to integrate such public facilities as schools and libraries into single entities, while expediting diversification of their functions. 学校や図書館などの公共施設を１か所に集約し、施設の多機能化を進めることも有効だ。
In addition, sufficient attention should be given to the wisdom of making the best use of the private finance initiative formula of the central and local governments to entrust construction and management of public facilities to private businesses. 国や自治体が公共施設の建設や運営を民間に委ねる「ＰＦＩ」の活用にも知恵を絞るべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 5, 2013) （2013年8月5日01時43分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 5, 2013 National health insurance program should be managed by prefectures 国民健康保険 都道府県移管は必要な方策だ（8月4日付・読売社説）
The financial condition of the national health insurance program, which was originally started as medical insurance for the self-employed, has taken a serious turn for the worse. The program must be rehabilitated as soon as possible. 自営業者らの医療保険制度として発足した国民健康保険（国保）の財政悪化は深刻である。立て直しが急務だ。
The National Council on Social Security Reform will propose in an upcoming report that the national health insurance program, currently managed by cities, towns and villages, should be run by prefectures. 政府の社会保障制度改革国民会議は近くまとめる報告書で、国保の運営主体を市町村から都道府県に移すことを求める。
The biggest aim of the proposal is to enhance the financial foundation of the program. We think having prefectural governments, which are larger than city, town and village governments, manage the program is a necessary means to maintaining the program. 財政基盤の強化が最大の眼目だ。運営の広域化は国保を維持する上で必要な方策と言えよう。
There are about 35 million subscribers to the national health insurance program. With a decrease of farming families and private shops, about 70 percent of the subscribers are now nonregular workers and the unemployed. 国保加入者は約３５００万人に上る。農家や商店の減少に伴い、全体の約７割を非正規労働者や無職の人が占めている。
Because more and more low-income earners are joining the program, revenues from insurance premiums remain low. In fact, less than 30 percent of the more than 11 trillion yen in national health insurance payouts a year is covered by premiums. 低所得の加入者の増加で、保険料収入は低水準にとどまっている。１１兆円余の医療給付費のうち、保険料で賄えているのは３割に満たないのが現状だ。
To cover revenue shortages, the program must depend on financial assistance from employees’ insurance programs such as those operated by corporate health insurance unions and on public money from the national and prefectural governments. Nonetheless, this does not cover the deficits. To compensate for the deficits, 350 billion yen is allocated to the insurance program every year from the general accounts of municipal governments. The structure of the insurance program apparently ensures it will lose money. 財源不足を補うため、健康保険組合など被用者保険からの支援金や国、都道府県の公費に頼っているが、それでも赤字を解消できない。穴埋めに市町村の一般会計から年３５００億円も繰り入れている。構造的な赤字体質である。
Besides, small municipalities that operate the program easily find themselves in the red with high medical costs from advanced treatments. Depopulation worsens this situation. 高度医療で高額な医療費がかかれば、人口が少ない市町村の国保会計はすぐさま赤字に転落してしまうという事情もある。過疎化がこの傾向に拍車をかけている。
Adjust insurance premiums
Another problem is that premiums have become a heavy burden on subscribers. 加入者の保険料負担が重いことも問題である。
As a percentage of income, subscribers to national health insurance pay twice as much in premiums as do subscribers to health insurance programs run by corporate health insurance unions and mutual aid societies for public servants. And even among cities, towns and villages within the same prefecture, the difference between the most and least expensive national health insurance premiums is up to 2.8 times. １人当たりの所得に占める保険料の割合は、健保組合や公務員の共済組合の約２倍だ。同一都道府県内でも、市町村ごとの保険料には最大２・８倍の格差がある。
If management of the national health insurance program is transferred from cities, towns and villages to prefectures, its financial foundation would be improved by economy of scale. 国保の運営を市町村から都道府県に移せば、規模の拡大によって財政は強化される。
And the difference in premiums among subscribers would become smaller if prefectural governments recalculated premiums necessary to sustain the national health insurance within their jurisdictions. 都道府県単位で保険料を算出し直すことで、加入者の保険料格差は縮小するだろう。
Of course, a reduction in medical spending is important to rehabilitate the finances of the national health insurance program. 無論、国保財政を健全化するには、医療費の削減が重要だ。
If they run the programs, prefectural governments will be able to gather a great deal of information about medical treatment within their jurisdictions. Analysis of such information would enable them to monitor wasteful spending such as expenses for unnecessary medical tests and excessive administration of drugs. 都道府県が運営主体になれば、管内の多くの診療情報が集約される。その情報を分析することで、過剰な検査や投薬といった無駄を把握できるようになる。
This would eventually help prefectures exercise leadership in the operation of medical institutions after scrutinizing the contents of treatment. 都道府県が、医療機関の治療内容を点検した上で指導力を発揮することにもつながるだろう。
However, there are still many problems in transferring management of the national health insurance program to prefectures. 都道府県に移管するにしても、様々な課題がある。
For example, the National Governors’ Association demands the central government increase its financial assistance to them before they will agree to manage the program. But where is that money going to come from? 全国知事会は、都道府県への移管を受け入れる前提として、政府に財政支援の強化を求めている。財源をどう確保するか。
According to the proposal, cities, towns and villages will likely keep collecting premiums for the national health insurance program. However, it is doubtful that municipalities no longer running the national health insurance program will collect premiums in a responsible manner. 保険料徴収については引き続き市町村が担う見込みだ。国保を運営しなくなる市町村が、責任を持って徴収業務を行うだろうか。
It will be necessary to create a system to prevent the rate of national health insurance premium payments from declining further. 納付率を低下させない仕組み作りが必要となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 4, 2013) （2013年8月4日01時22分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 4, 2013 How can we learn from Nazis about constitutional revision? 麻生財務相発言 ナチスにどう改憲を学ぶのか（8月3日付・読売社説）
Was this something a person who has held the prime minister’s post should say? We cannot help but doubt his qualification to be an important minister in the current administration. これが首相経験者の言うことなのか。現在の重要閣僚としての資質も疑わざるを得ない。
Referring to the approach to constitutional revision taken by the former Nazi regime in Germany, Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Taro Aso made remarks to the effect that we should learn from its technique to amend the country’s Constitution. 麻生副総理・財務相が憲法改正を巡って、ドイツのナチス政権を引き合いに出し、その手法を学べという趣旨の発言をした問題である。
Many people took this statement as expressing a positive view of Nazi Germany. Widespread revulsion was rapidly expressed, not only in Japan but also by parties including a Jewish human rights organization in the United States. China and South Korea have also criticized the statement, linking it to their existing disagreements with the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe over recognition of history. ナチスを肯定的に語ったものと受け止められ、国内だけでなく、米国のユダヤ人人権団体などにも、反発が広がった。中国や韓国も、安倍政権の歴史認識の問題と重ねて批判している。
Aso retracted his statement, saying: “It was taken differently from my real intent. It is regrettable that I invited a misunderstanding.” However, the situation is so serious that it may even damage Japan’s national interests. 麻生氏は、「真意と異なり、誤解を招いたことは遺憾」として撤回したものの、日本の国益も損ないかねない事態だ。
The statement came out on Monday during a speech Aso made in Tokyo, in the context of his attempt to describe how cool-headed discussions are necessary for constitutional revision. 今回の発言は７月２９日、都内の講演会で、憲法改正は冷静な議論が必要という文脈で出てきた。
He referred to the circumstance in which Adolf Hitler emerged under the Weimar Constitution and said: “The Weimar Constitution was changed to the Nazi Constitution before people realized it. Why don’t we learn from that technique?” ヒトラーがワイマール憲法の下で台頭したことに言及し、「ワイマール憲法もいつの間にかナチス憲法に変わっていた。あの手口を学んだらどうかね」と述べた。
However, while the Weimar Constitution was rendered a dead letter, nothing called the “Nazi Constitution” ever existed. しかし、ワイマール憲法は形骸化されただけで、「ナチス憲法」なるものは存在しない。
Hitler seized the reins of government by legitimate means and built the foundation of his dictatorial regime through such things as the Enabling Act, by which the government was empowered to enact laws without parliamentary deliberation or approval. He sent Jewish people to concentration camps and caused the Holocaust. ヒトラーは、合法的手段によって政権を掌握し、政府が国会審議を経ずに立法できる全権委任法などで独裁体制の基礎を築いた。ユダヤ人らを強制収容所に送り込み、大虐殺を引き起こした。
Inappropriate expression
At his press conference Friday, Aso explained: “The Nazis emerged in the midst of an uproar before people realized it. I meant to say we have to learn from that as a bad example.” If it was his real intent, the expression “Learn from the technique” is totally inappropriate. 麻生氏は、２日の記者会見で、「狂騒の中で、いつの間にか、ナチスが出てきた。悪(あ)しき例で、我々は学ばないといけないと申し上げた」と釈明した。それが真意というなら、「手口に学べ」という表現は全く不適切だ。
It is also not understandable at all why he picked the Nazi Germany case in relation to revision of the Constititution. In Japan a national referendum is needed to amend the Constitution, and that is only after an amendment has been initiated by both houses of the Diet. Therefore, it cannot be amended “before people realize it.” 憲法改正に絡めて持ち出した意図も全く理解できない。憲法改正には国会の発議だけでなく、国民投票が必要であり、「いつの間にか」改正できるはずがない。
Democratic Party of Japan President Banri Kaieda criticized Aso, saying: “Revision of the Constitution is an issue that should be debated in the most vigorous way. His remarks ignore democracy, as he said it’s OK to do it secretly.” 民主党の海江田代表は、「憲法改正は侃々諤々(かんかんがくがく)の議論をすべき問題だ。こっそりやってしまえばいいなどという、民主主義を無視した発言だ」と批判している。
There is no doubt that Aso’s speech was a serious blow to the Abe administration, which aims at constitutional revision. 麻生氏の発言が、憲法改正を掲げる安倍政権にとって、打撃となったのは間違いない。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said: “Cabinet ministers must fully recognize their positions and should make statements carefully, so as not to be misunderstood.” 菅官房長官は、「閣僚は立場を十分承知し、慎重に誤解されないよう発言すべきだ」と述べた。
That is something which is too obvious. However, Aso repeatedly made gaffes and irresponsible remarks when he was foreign minister or prime minister such as, “Even people with Alzheimer’s can understand it,” or, “There are many doctors who lack common sense.” 言うまでもないことである。だが、麻生氏は、外相、首相時代にも「アルツハイマーの人でもわかる」、「医師は社会的常識が欠落している人が多い」といった失言や放言を繰り返している。
Due to the Liberal Democratic Party’s landslide victory in the recent House of Councillors election, we suspect the the administration has let its hair down. Aso’s remarks also reveal the arrogance of a party winning big. 参院選での大勝で政権のタガが緩んできたのではないか。麻生氏の発言には傲(おご)りも垣間見える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 3, 2013) （2013年8月3日01時49分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 3, 2013 Fed must cleverly pursue exit from quantitative easing policy 米金融緩和策 縮小へ問われる「市場との対話」（8月2日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has been assessing the appropriate timing for an exit strategy to scale back the current phase three of its quantitative monetary easing policy, known as QE3. 米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、異例の量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）を縮小する「出口戦略」の時期を巡り、模索を続けている。
What should the U.S. central bank do to begin tapering off the QE policies as soon as September without wreaking havoc on the market? The Fed is certain to tread a thorny path going forward in steering its monetary policy. 混乱を招くことなく、９月にも踏み出せるのかどうか。難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られよう。
A two-day meeting of the Fed’s policy-making Federal Open Market Committee was held Tuesday and Wednesday. During the meeting, a decision was made to continue QE3, which entails purchasing Treasury bonds and mortgage-backed securities at a pace of $85 billion (about 8.3 trillion yen) a month and a near-zero interbank interest rate policy. ＦＲＢは、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）を開き、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・３兆円）買い入れているＱＥ３と、ゼロ金利政策の維持を決めた。
Chairman Ben Bernanke announced in June the central bank’s plan for an exit strategy to start slowing down the pace of bond purchases “later this year,” contingent upon ongoing positive economic data. Specifically, he said bond buying could wrap up “by mid-2014.” バーナンキＦＲＢ議長は６月、景気回復が想定通りならば、「年後半に資産購入ペースを縮小し、来年半ばに終了する」という出口の道筋を明らかにしていた。
Market players were closely watching the latest policy meeting to see whether the Fed would solidify further steps for scaling back the bond-buying program. The FOMC statement that was released on Wednesday, however, did not mention anything of the sort, instead saying the committee “is prepared to increase or reduce the pace” of its purchases to maintain appropriate policy accommodation. As for the commercial sector, the Fed slightly downgraded its economic outlook for the United States. 今回注目されたのは、さらに踏み込んだ方針だったが、ＦＯＭＣ声明は言及せず、「購入ペースを増減する準備ができている」と指摘するにとどまった。米国の景気認識はやや下方修正した。
In response to heightened speculation that the central bank may start backing off of QE3 in September, Bernanke said “there is no preset course” for ending the Fed’s bond buying. He added, “Highly accommodative monetary policy for the foreseeable future is what’s needed” for the U.S. economy. 議長は最近、９月にＱＥ３を縮小するとの観測が台頭していることに対し、「あらかじめ決まった道筋はない」とか、「予見しうる将来まで、極めて緩和的な金融政策が必要だ」と述べていた。
Caution promotes stability
Based on the latest FMOC statement and a series of remarks by the Fed chairman, it seems the U.S. central bank wants to prevent volatile market reactions yet maintain the flexibility to gradually curtail its ultraeasy monetary policy. ＦＯＭＣ声明と、一連の議長発言から読み取れるのは、市場の先走りを牽制(けんせい)し、条件が整えば緩和縮小に動くフリーハンドを握りたいという思惑である。
Stock prices on the New York exchange have been stable, with market players likely reacting favorably to the Fed’s cautious stance on implementing its exit strategy, which they see as conducive to stimulating business activity. ニューヨーク株価は落ち着いている。出口戦略を急がない姿勢は景気にプラスだと好感されたのだろう。
Given the circumstances, theories have begun emerging about the winding down of QE3 being postponed beyond the middle of next year. ＱＥ３縮小の先送り説も市場に出始めた。
The Fed’s decision on when to scale back quantitative monetary easing will largely depend on the near-term outlook for the U.S. economy, which is still short of achieving a full-scale recovery. 本格回復が遅れている米国景気の動向が、縮小時期の判断を左右することになろう。
A preliminary report on the United States’ inflation-adjusted gross national product for the April to June period showed an annualized 1.7 percent rise from the previous quarter. The positive figure was due mainly to such factors as strengthening of the housing sector and corporate capital investment in addition to robust personal spending. ２０１３年４～６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の速報値は、年率で前期比１・７％増を記録した。住宅投資や企業の設備投資が牽引(けんいん)役となり、個人消費も堅調だったのが主因である。
While the U.S. economy’s modest pace of expansion is encouraging, the national growth estimate for the January-March quarter was sharply revised downward to a 1.1 percent annual rate from the previously estimated 1.8 percent. It seems the economic prospects of the United States in and after the last half of 2013 remain uncertain. 緩やかな回復基調にあることは好材料だが、一方で、１～３月期の成長率は１・８％から１・１％に下方修正された。下期以降の見通しは不透明と言えよう。
The fact that the U.S. labor market is still strained is worrying, as a rise in personal consumption is a prerequisite for comprehensive economic recovery. 依然厳しい雇用情勢が懸念される。本格回復には、個人消費の勢いが強まることも欠かせない。
The Fed also takes issue with the country’s persistent annual inflation rate of about 1 percent, a rate significantly below the FOMC’s long-run objective of 2 percent inflation. ＦＲＢは、インフレ率が１％程度と、長期目標の２％を大きく下回っている点を問題視する。
Foreign markets have become increasingly susceptible to developments in U.S. monetary policy. Some observers have expressed anxiety that the winding down of QE3 could cause an outflow of cash from emerging economies. 米金融政策を材料に、世界の市場が動揺しやすい展開が続いている。ＱＥ３縮小で新興国からのマネー流出を懸念する声もある。
Now is the time for the Fed to exercise its ingenuity to help stabilize the global economy by exploring means of further communication with the market. ＦＲＢが「市場との対話」をさらに工夫し、世界経済の安定を図ることが求められる局面だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 2, 2013) （2013年8月2日01時36分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 2, 2013 Refute recent moves in U.S. to distort comfort women issue 「慰安婦」像設置 憂うべき米国での「反日」拡大（8月1日付・読売社説）
◆強制連行巡る誤解を正したい
A distorted view of historical facts involving Japan is starting to be spread in the United States. We believe the situation is extremely serious. 歪曲(わいきょく)された歴史が、全米に喧伝(けんでん)されようとしている。極めて憂慮すべき事態である。
A statue of a girl symbolizing so-called comfort women was unveiled Tuesday in a ceremony in Glendale, Calif. 米カリフォルニア州のグレンデール市内の公園で３０日、「従軍慰安婦」の少女像の除幕式が行われた。
A private group of Korean-Americans led the move to erect the statue. It has the same design as a monument set up by an anti-Japan group in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul in 2011. 韓国系民間団体の主導による慰安婦像だ。反日団体が一昨年、ソウルの日本大使館前に設置した像と同じデザインである。
The city of Glendale has designated the day, July 30, as “Korean Comfort Women Day.” The day’s origin is July 30, 2007, when the U.S. House of Representatives adopted a resolution calling on Japan to apologize over the comfort women issue. この日をグレンデール市は「慰安婦の日」とした。６年前、米下院が慰安婦問題で日本に謝罪を求める決議を採択した日に因(ちな)む。
Overblown descriptions ◆性奴隷という誇張歪曲
A plaque beside the statue says, “In memory of more than 200,000 Asian and Dutch women who were removed from their homes...to be coerced into sexual slavery by the Imperial Armed Forces of Japan between 1932 and 1945.” 慰安婦像の傍らの碑には「１９３２年から４５年まで、日本軍に連行され、強制的に性奴隷にされた２０万人以上のアジア人、オランダ人の女性たちを記憶にとどめるために」と記されている。
The distorted and exaggerated phrases “sexual slavery” and “more than 200,000” are enough to significantly degrade the honor of Japan. 「性奴隷」「２０万人以上」という誇張歪曲した表現だけでも、日本の名誉を著しく傷つける。
The private group plans to set up similar statues elsewhere in the United States. 韓国系民間団体は、こうした慰安婦像をさらに米国内に設置していく方針だ。
It is clear that the group aims to disseminate false information that the former Imperial Japanese Army forcibly recruited young Korean women, even minors, as comfort women during World War II. 戦時中、旧日本軍が韓国の若い女性や少女さえも慰安婦として強制的に連行したという誤ったイメージを米国に広めようとしている。
The move calls to mind the way Chinese-American author Iris Chang depicted the Nanjing Incident in her book as an act of genocide equivalent to the Holocaust perpetrated by the German Nazi regime. かつて中国系アメリカ人のアイリス・チャン氏が著書で南京事件を、ナチス・ドイツのユダヤ人虐殺と同じような大虐殺として描いたことを想起させる。
The topic of comfort women became a diplomatic issue between Japan and South Korea in 1992. It was triggered by an Asahi Shimbun report that stated the Imperial Japanese Army controlled and supervised the establishment of so-called comfort stations as well as recruitment of comfort women. そもそもいわゆる従軍慰安婦問題が日韓間の外交問題に浮上したのは、９２年のことだ。朝日新聞が「日本軍が慰安所の設置や、従軍慰安婦の募集を監督、統制していた」と報じたのが発端だった。
No evidence confirmed ◆証言の裏付けはない
Another passage in the article suggested that “Joshi Teishin Tai,” a wartime labor mobilization system for women, served as a means of forcible recruitment of comfort women, arousing resentment in South Korea. 記事には、戦時勤労動員の「女子挺身(ていしん)隊」があたかも慰安婦の強制連行であったかのような表現もあり、韓国で反発が強まった。
The government has conducted an intensive investigation on the issue, but found no documents backing up the claim that the Japanese military forcibly recruited comfort women. 政府は徹底的に調査したが、日本軍による強制連行を裏付けるような文書は発見できなかった。
In 1993, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Kiichi Miyazawa approved a statement issued by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono to express “apologies and remorse” to former comfort women, apparently with the aim of politically settling the dispute between the two countries. 宮沢内閣は翌９３年、元慰安婦へのおわびと反省の意を表した河野官房長官談話を決定し、政治決着を図ろうとした。
The statement said that “at times, administrative/military personnel directly took part in the recruitments.” 談話には「官憲等が直接これに加担したこともあった」と記されている。
The statement included the sentence because when the government conducted interviews with 16 former comfort women, at the request of the South Korean government, there was testimony from one of them that police officers of the then Government-General of Korea took part in the recruitment of comfort women and intimidated them. Nobuo Ishihara, deputy chief cabinet secretary at the time, later revealed the finding. 韓国政府の要望を受け、１６人の元慰安婦から聞き取り調査を行った際、その中に、朝鮮総督府の巡査が慰安婦募集に立ち会って威嚇した旨の証言があったからだという。当時、官房副長官だった石原信雄氏が明らかにした。
However, no steps were taken to confirm the former comfort woman’s testimony. It cannot be denied that excessive diplomatic deference to South Korea was in the background. 証言の裏付け調査は行われなかった。韓国への過剰な外交配慮が背景にあったことは否めない。
The Kono statement became a source of misunderstanding. Countries like South Korea took it to mean the Japanese government had admitted the comfort women were recruited forcibly. この河野談話が誤解の火種となった。慰安婦は強制連行であったと日本政府が認めたかのように、韓国などは受け止めた。
Issues of property and claims were settled under international law when the two countries normalized their relations in 1965. The Japanese government’s position is that compensation to former comfort women was also settled at that time as a matter of course. 日韓間の財産・請求権問題については、１９６５年の国交正常化で国際法的には解決済みである。日本政府は元慰安婦への補償も当然含まれるとの立場だ。
The government later established the Asian Women’s Fund and provided 2 million yen in “atonement money” to 285 former comfort women in Taiwan, the Phillipines and South Korea. A letter of apology from then Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto was also distributed to them. 政府はその後、「アジア女性基金」を設け、台湾やフィリピンなど２８５人の元慰安婦に１人２００万円の「償い金」を支給し、首相のおわびの手紙も届けた。
However, the South Korean side reacted fiercely, saying this did not count as state compensation, and many former South Korean comfort women refused to receive the money. だが、韓国側は国家による補償ではないと反発し、多くの韓国人元慰安婦も受け取りを拒んだ。
It is also problematic that Japan’s atonement project was not accurately introduced to the public in South Korea and therefore went unappreciated. 日本の償い事業が韓国できちんと伝えられず、評価されなかったことにも問題がある。
On the problem of comfort women, which has grown ever more knotty, the government needs to reexamine the issue from its roots, including the Kono statement. こじれ続ける慰安婦問題への対応について、政府は、河野談話を手始めに、根本から再検証する必要があるだろう。
Review Kono statement ◆河野談話の見直しを
At the Glendale City Council on July 9, many Japanese-American residents and Japanese nationals in the United States participated in a public hearing on the installation of the statue. Some said the city must present evidence of forcible recruitment, if it has any. They thus opposed the installation of the statue as baseless. グレンデール市では７月９日、慰安婦像設置に関する公聴会に、多くの日系住民や在米日本人が参加して「強制連行の証拠があるのなら示してほしい」と意見を述べ、根拠なき像の設置に反対した。
The Korean-American residents of the city rebutted the opinions of the Japanese-American residents. The U.S. House of Representatives and the European Parliament adopted resolutions criticizing Japan on the comfort women issue, claiming the Japanese government itself had admitted forcible recruitment in the Kono statement. 韓国系住民は「米下院も欧州議会も慰安婦問題で対日批判決議をした」「日本政府も河野談話で強制連行を認めた」と反論した。
After the residents’ opinions were heard, a vote among four council members and Glendale’s mayor came out 4-to-1 in favor of the installation of the comfort woman statue, it has been reported. 意見陳述を聴いた市議ら５人の間で採決が行われ、４対１で慰安婦像の設置が決まったという。
No doubt the ethnic Korean residents regard the Kono statement as the basis for their claims on the forcible recruitments of comfort women. 河野談話を慰安婦強制連行の論拠にしているのは間違いない。
It is true there were actions by the Japanese government in wartime that injured the honor and dignity of many women. If the comfort women issue were to be judged under the standards of human rights awareness that exist today, there would be no chance for Japan to politically win the issue. 戦時中に多数の女性の名誉と尊厳を傷つける行為があったことは確かだ。現在の人権感覚で慰安婦問題が裁かれれば、日本は政治的に勝ち目はなかろう。
Even so, Japan must continue to transmit all accurate facts regarding whether there was forcible recruitment of comfort women or not. それでもなお強制連行の有無に関しては、正確な事実関係を示し続けていくべきである。
There is no course open to the Japanese government other than explaining its handling of the comfort women issue carefully and tenaciously at home and abroad. It is especially important to transmit information in English. 日本側は慰安婦問題での対応について、内外に丁寧に粘り強く説明していくしかない。英語による発信が特に重要だ。
To correct the distortion that the women were “sex slaves,” it is indispensable for the Japanese government to review the Kono statement of 20 years ago. 「性奴隷」との曲解を是正するためにも、２０年前の河野談話の見直しが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 1, 2013) （2013年8月1日01時29分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 1, 2013 Japan Post-Aflac deal a chance to revive postal sector profits 郵政保険提携 企業価値の向上占う試金石だ（7月31日付・読売社説）
The recent agreement by Japan Post Holdings Co. and Aflac Inc. to expand their business alliance should serve to improve the profitability of the nation’s postal services but not hamper fair competition in the domestic insurance market. 郵政事業の収益を向上させ、日本の保険市場の公正な競争を阻害しない提携が求められる。
On Friday, the Japan Post Group’s holding company and the major U.S. insurance firm announced their decision to strengthen their partnership in the insurance business. 日本郵政と米保険大手のアメリカンファミリー生命保険（アフラック）が、がん保険の提携強化で合意した。
Aflac’s market share in Japan’s cancer insurance sector is currently 70 percent. The U.S. firm was firmly opposed to Japan Post Holding’s entry into the market, considering the Japanese government’s equity investment in the holding company. アフラックは日本のがん保険市場の７割を占める最大手で、日本政府が出資する日本郵政のがん保険参入に強く反対していた。
In light of this, the recent deal seems unusual in that the two corporations will now fully cooperate in marketing their cancer insurance policies. それが一転して、がん保険を本格的に共同販売するという異例の提携劇である。
The agreement will result in an increase in the number of post offices selling Aflac cancer insurance to 20,000 from the current 1,000. This will be complemented by a similar marketing plan at shops directly managed by Japan Post Insurance Co., another arm of the holding company. 具体的には、アフラックのがん保険を販売する郵便局を、現在の１０００局から２万局へ拡大し、かんぽ生命保険の直営店でも取り扱うようにする。
The accord also requires Aflac to develop a new cancer insurance instrument that will be marketed by Japan Post Holdings. アフラックは、日本郵政が販売するがん保険の専用商品を開発するという。
At a press conference Friday, Japan Post Holdings President Taizo Nishimuro emphasized the significance of the two corporations’ expanded business partnership. “It will both benefit customers and increase the value of the Japan Post Group,” he said. Nishimuro was named president of the holding company in June. ６月に就任した西室泰三・日本郵政社長は記者会見で、「顧客の利便性を高め、グループの企業価値を高められる」と述べ、提携拡大の意義を強調した。
Going forward, it is important that Japan Post Holdings makes the most of the recent deal to further develop its insurance business. If it envisions the fortified partnership as a mere tool for boosting sales commissions, it will scarcely gain from the deal. To this end, Japan Post Holdings must continue fine-tuning the agreement. 重要なのは日本郵政の保険ビジネスの成長につなげることだ。販売手数料を得るだけではメリットは乏しい。アフラックと提携内容をさらに詰める必要がある。
In negotiations with Japan over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the United States disapproved of an attempt by the holding company to expand the scope of its insurance services. This recent deal should nullify Washington’s concerns and remove a potential hindrance to progress in sideline TPP talks between the two nations. The move will likely prove advantageous in TPP negotiations as they shift into high gear. 環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）を巡る日米交渉で、米国は日本郵政の保険事業拡大に難色を示していた。両社の提携で支障の一つがなくなる。これから本格化するＴＰＰ交渉には追い風となろう。
Ensure fair competition
Meanwhile, the domestic life insurance industry is still apprehensive about what it sees as “a domineering partnership” between Japan Post Holdings and Aflac. Because the government owns shares in the holding company, some critics have called the arrangement a tacit government guarantee. Domestic life insurance firms fear the latest accord could eventually strain the private-sector insurance industry, just as the state-run postal business did before its privatization. 一方、日本の生保業界には、国の後ろ盾がある日本郵政とアフラックの“巨大提携”が、新たな民業圧迫につながるのではないかとの懸念がくすぶっている。
To invigorate the insurance market, it is essential to ensure fair competition. To achieve this, the government must keep a close watch on movements in the market. 保険市場の活性化を図るには、公正な競争が確保されていることが不可欠だ。政府はしっかり監視してもらいたい。
The holding company hopes to list the government-held postal shares on the stock market in fiscal 2015. Profits from the sale of the listed shares will be used to help finance revitalization projects for areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Steady progress must be made in ensuring the shares are listed. 日本郵政は、政府が持つ日本郵政株を２０１５年度に上場することを目指している。上場に伴う政府保有株の売却益は、東日本大震災の復興財源に活用される。着実な上場の実現が望まれる。
However, the shrinking scale of Japan Post Holdings’ operations is alarming, as the situation could impede the government’s efforts to list its postal stock. 気がかりなのは、日本郵政の事業が縮小傾向にあることだ。上場の障害となりかねない。
Furthermore, Japan Post Insurance has seen an ongoing decline in its number of active contracts. There has also been a large drop in the quantity of mail, postcards and other related business handled by the Japan Post Group. To add insult to injury, the value of outstanding deposits at Japan Post Bank Co., another unit of the group, has steadily decreased in the wake of postal privatization. かんぽ生命の保有契約件数は減少が続き、郵便の取扱数や、ゆうちょ銀行の残高も民営化前より大きく目減りした。
Japan Post Holdings hopes to improve its profitability through such measures as an entry into the housing loan business. However, there are lingering concerns over its evaluation system for loan applications and supervision of internal operations. 日本郵政は、住宅ローンなどへの参入で収益向上を図りたい考えだが、融資審査や内部管理などの体制は依然として心もとない。
Can Japan Post Holdings turn its business around to achieve tangible financial results? Nishimuro’s management skills will soon be tested. 長引く低迷から脱却し、目に見える成果を出せるか。西室体制の経営手腕が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 31, 2013) （2013年7月31日02時10分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 31, 2013 Opposition parties should focus on policies before realignment talks 「多弱」の野党 再編は政策論議から始めよ（7月30日付・読売社説）
The current political climate is described as consisting of the powerful Liberal Democratic Party and many weak opposition parties. Although opposition parties rivaling the huge ruling party are needed, such a prospect appears remote. 「１強」の自民党と、「多弱」の野党と言われる。巨大与党に対抗し得る野党像を模索すべきなのに、展望は厳しい。
After the recent House of Councillors election, questions were raised over the responsibility of the party leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party). But it has been decided the top leaders of these parties will stay on. 参院選後、執行部の責任問題が取り沙汰された民主党、日本維新の会は、ともにトップが続投することになった。
There have been talks about realignment involving the two parties and Your Party. But with party leaders who could not form a united front in the upper house election, it will be no easy task for the parties to unite or realign themselves. みんなの党を加えた３党間で野党再編も浮上しているが、参院選で共闘できなかった党首の下、結束や再編は容易ではあるまい。
The DPJ decided that former party leader Naoto Kan, who openly supported an independent candidate in the upper house poll, be suspended from the party for three months. The punishment was lenient given the initial calls to expel him from the party. There is strong discontent over the continued party leadership of Banri Kaieda, and it remains unclear how the party can reconstruct itself. 民主党は、参院選で無所属候補を応援した菅元代表の処分を「党員資格３か月停止」とした。当初案の「除籍」に比べて後退した。海江田代表の続投に不満が根強く、党再建の道筋は不透明だ。
Since its foundation, there have been significant differences over basic policies among DPJ party members. This has caused a lack of party unity, which is seen as the DPJ’s weakest point. We strongly doubt Kaieda can exercise the leadership needed to overcome confrontations over policies among party members. 民主党では結党以来、基本政策を巡って隔たりが大きい。最大の弱点とされる党の一体感の欠如を招いている。海江田氏が、路線対立を乗り越える指導力を発揮できるのか、はなはだ疑問である。
Akihiro Ohata has been chosen for the post of DPJ secretary general. Ohata, who was previously acting party president, had belonged to the former Japan Socialist Party and enjoys the strong support of labor unions. Thus, the DPJ’s reliance on labor unions is likely to increase. 幹事長には、大畠章宏代表代行が就いた。大畠氏は旧社会党出身で労働組合色が濃く、民主党の労組依存体質は強まるだろう。
In the proportional representation segment of the upper house election, six of the party’s seven winners were those who ran with organizational support from the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo). 参院選の比例選でも、当選者７人のうち連合の組織内候補が６人を占めている。
Unified views lacking
Regarding realignment of opposition parties, Kaieda said, “The important thing is that the DPJ plays the leading role.” But we think he does not understand the party’s current position. 海江田氏は、野党再編に関し、「大切なのは民主党が中心になることだ」と述べたが、民主党の置かれた状況を理解していない。
Ishin no Kai coleader Toru Hashimoto and some others within the party indeed consider the DPJ’s reliance on labor unions problematic. Ishin no Kai has called for tie-ups with Your Party and conservative DPJ members who are not affiliated with labor unions. 維新の会の橋下共同代表らは、まさに民主党の労組依存を問題視しており、結束を呼びかける相手は、みんなの党と民主党の保守・非労組系議員だからだ。
Within Ishin no Kai, Hashimoto expressed his intention to resign as party coleader. But the other party coleader Shintaro Ishihara and others persuaded Hashimoto to stay on. Confrontations between party members in Osaka, where Ishin no Kai is based, and party Diet members in Tokyo likely will continue. その維新の会では、橋下氏が辞意を表明したものの、石原共同代表らに慰留された。本拠地の大阪と、東京の国会議員団との対立という問題は今後もくすぶろう。
In Your Party, there is discord between party leader Yoshimi Watanabe and Secretary General Kenji Eda. While Eda is eager for the party to take the leading role in opposition realignment, Watanabe is taking a cautious stance, saying, “Hasty realignment will fail, ending with a mere union of convenience.” みんなの党には、渡辺代表と江田幹事長の確執がある。江田氏はみんなの党が再編を主導すべきだと前のめりだが、渡辺氏は「拙速な再編は野合に終わり、失敗する」と慎重な構えだ。
The political clout of Ichiro Ozawa, who had long played a central role in political realignments and currently serves as the leader of the People’s Life Party, has significantly waned. Mizuho Fukushima, who led the Social Democratic Party for a decade, has stepped down as party leader. 長年、政界再編の中心だった生活の党の小沢代表は、政治力の低下が著しい。社民党を１０年間率いてきた福島党首も退く。
Political parties are meant to grasp issues both at home and abroad and carry out prescriptive policy measures to address them. Parties should not easily ally or split just for politicians’ convenience, and will not be able to survive without public support. 政党は本来、内外の課題を把握し、処方箋たる政策を実行していくためにある。政治家の都合で離合集散すべきものではないし、国民の支持なしに生き残れない。
For any new opposition party, it is essential for there to be a consensus among its members over such policy issues as the Constitution under a leader who can establish intraparty governance. 新しい野党には、ガバナンスを確立できるリーダーの下、憲法など政策での一致が欠かせない。
The next national election will held three years from now at the latest. Each opposition party should start from realistic and steady policy discussions rather than insubstantial talks on realignment. 次の国政選まで最大３年ある。野党各党は、浮ついた再編論議ではなく、現実的で地道な政策論から始めるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 30, 2013) （2013年7月30日01時39分 読売新聞）
