The Yomiuri Shimbun November 29, 2013 Passage of NSC bill vital development in safeguarding nation’s peace, security ＮＳＣ法成立 意義深い与野党の幅広い合意（11月28日付・読売社説）
We welcome the passage of a bill designed to establish an organ to play a key role in issuing directives related to our country’s diplomatic relations and national security. This legislation will soon launch a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, with the aim of ensuring the nation’s peace and security and defending its national interests. 日本の平和と安全を確保し、国益を守るため、政府の外交・安全保障政策の司令塔が誕生することを歓迎したい。
On Wednesday, the Diet enacted the NSC establishment law. Our country’s NSC will be inaugurated in early December. The first task of the soon-to-be-launched command center will be drafting a comprehensive national security strategy, the first of its kind for Japan, while also writing a new version of the National Defense Program Guidelines. This will likely be followed by the launch in January of a national security secretariat that will serve as the NSC’s executive office. 国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法が成立した。１２月初めに日本版ＮＳＣが創設され、まず初の国家安保戦略と、新しい防衛大綱を策定する。年明けには、事務局の国家安全保障局が発足する見通しだ。
The NSC establishment law was endorsed by the governing coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party. National security policies should be formulated based on suprapartisan consensus. Given this, it is highly significant that more than 90 percent of lawmakers in both Diet chambers united to pass the NSC bill into law. 設置法には、自民、公明の与党のほか、民主、日本維新の会、みんなの党も賛成した。安保政策は超党派の合意を基に進めるのが望ましい。衆参両院議員の９割超が足並みをそろえた意味は重い。
The envisaged NSC’s central pillar will be a meeting of the prime minister and three key cabinet members—the chief cabinet secretary, the foreign minister and the defense minister. As a general rule, the meeting is to be held once every two weeks, also attended by the deputy prime minister. ＮＳＣの中核は、首相、官房長官、外相、防衛相による「４大臣会合」で、副総理も交えて、原則、２週間に１回開かれる。
It is most significant that a new system will be set up, by which the prime minister and relevant cabinet members will meet periodically to discuss important issues related to our country’s security and develop a common view on such matters. Themes will include situations related to China and North Korea, the ongoing realignment of U.S. armed forces in this country and issues related to our territory. 中国・北朝鮮情勢や在日米軍再編、領土に関する問題などの重要案件について、首相と関係閣僚が定期的に議論し、共通認識を持つ体制を構築する意義は大きい。
The NSC scheme will make it possible for top officials at the Prime Minister’s Office to afford a certain amount of time and energy to address diplomatic and security matters even at a time when the government is confronted by a number of tasks to be tackled at home. This task will be supported by the NSC executive office, which will comprise personnel with professional expertise, including senior Self-Defense Forces members. 多くの内政課題を抱えている時も、首相官邸が外交・安保案件に一定の時間と精力を充てる。自衛隊の制服組を含め、専門的知見を持つ事務局がこれを支える。
We hope all these arrangements will do much to ensure that diplomatic and security policies are given higher priority and are better formulated. 外交・安保政策の優先度を高め、充実させることにつなげたい。
Ensuring PM takes the lead
It will be necessary to ensure the Prime Minister’s Office takes the lead in determining the direction of security policy, a task that requires eliminating a lack of coordination among pertinent ministries and agencies. 重要なのは、関係省庁の縦割り行政を排し、首相官邸が政策の方向性を主導することだ。
This can be exemplified by such immediate tasks as responding to China’s recent move to set up an expanded air defense identification zone and the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture. Seeking solutions to both problems requires cooperative relations among several government ministries and agencies. The NSC will be tested over its ability to coordinate and adjust cooperation among these government offices. 例えば、当面の課題である中国の防空識別圏や、米軍普天間飛行場の移設の問題などは、複数の省庁の連携が欠かせない。ＮＳＣの総合調整力が試される。
Making appropriate decisions about security issues requires improving the ability of all government organs to gather and analyze information. 安全保障問題で的確な判断をするには、政府全体の情報収集・分析力の向上が前提となる。
The NSC establishment law states that relevant ministries and agencies are required to supply the new organ with information related to its function. Information to be managed by the NSC will include government secrets whose confidentiality would be tightly guarded under an envisaged law seeking to stiffen penalties on public servants who leak such information. 設置法は、関係省庁のＮＳＣへの情報提供義務を明記した。ＮＳＣは特定秘密も扱う。
With this in mind, relevant cabinet members must give their ministry personnel instructions necessary for facilitating a smooth information supply. 円滑な情報提供が実現するよう、関係閣僚は官僚に指示せねばならない。
It is also essential that the Diet does not fail to pass the bill designed to prevent the leakage of specified government secrets. The government should also make progress in reforming the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, although it has not done so in connection with the NSC scheme. 関係国との情報交換を進めるため、情報漏洩(ろうえい)を防ぐ特定秘密保護法案も成立させる必要がある。 今回は見送られた内閣情報調査室（内調）の改革も進めるべきだ。
Some duties of the NSC and the intelligence and research office may overlap, including analyzing the overseas state of affairs and intelligence regarding acts of international terrorism. The two organizations should promote effective cooperation between them. ＮＳＣと内調は、海外情勢や国際テロ情報の分析などの業務が重複する可能性がある。効果的な連携体制が求められる。
The Diet has also adopted a resolution supplementary to the NSC establishment law that will require the government to consider producing the minutes of NSC ministerial meetings. This resulted from negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties. 国会では、与野党協議の結果、ＮＳＣの議事録の作成を検討するとの付帯決議が採択された。
Admittedly, it is necessary to create a system for compiling records regarding how decisions are made about important policy issues, so that each decision-making process could be verified in the future. Nonetheless, whether to produce the minutes of NSC meetings and disclose related information must be considered by putting all relevant government meetings into perspective, including cabinet meetings and conferences attended by cabinet ministers related to the NSC scheme. 重要政策の決定過程の記録を残し、後世の検証を受ける仕組みは大切である。ただ、議事録や情報公開は、閣議や関係閣僚会議なども含めた政府の会議全体について総合的に検討するのが筋だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 28, 2013) （2013年11月28日01時34分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 28, 2013 Scope of secrecy must be narrowed; more Diet discussions needed 秘密保護法案 指定対象絞り「原則公開」確実に（11月27日付・読売社説）
◆参院で文書管理の論議を深めよ
The House of Representatives’ passage of a bill to tighten the confidentiality of specified government information can be regarded as a clear indication that many legislators believe this country needs such legislation comparable to what has already been enacted in other advanced nations. 日本にも他の先進国と同様の機密保全法制が必要だとの意思が、明確に示されたと言えよう。
The bill is designed to tighten penalties on public servants and others who leak classified information related to national security. On Tuesday, the legislation was laid before a plenary session of the lower house, which approved it with the endorsement of a significant 70 percent of lawmakers in that chamber—those from the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as Your Party and some other legislators. The bill was then forwarded to the House of Councillors for further discussions. 安全保障に関する機密情報を漏えいした公務員らへの罰則を強化する特定秘密保護法案が、衆院本会議に緊急上程され、自民、公明の与党とみんなの党など議席の７割もの賛成多数で可決、参院に送付された。
Members of the opposition Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) left the chamber before the bill was put to a vote, despite its earlier agreement to support the legislation if some modifications were incorporated into it. Ishin no Kai was antagonized by the governing coalition’s decision to vote on the bill Tuesday instead of going along with its calls for more discussions. 法案修正で合意していた日本維新の会は採決に反発し、退席した。
Although Ishin no Kai regrettably refused to vote in favor of the bill, we find it commendable that the legislation passed the lower house with the backing of many lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties. 維新の会が賛成票を投じなかったのは残念だが、与野党の枠を超えた多くの支持によって、衆院を通過したことは評価できる。
Japan NSC comes into play ◆日本版ＮＳＣと両輪だ
Still, debates on revisions to the initial bill—an amendment drafted by the ruling parties, Your Party and Ishin no Kai—were far from sufficient. It is also a stretch to say that public anxiety about the nature of the bill has been laid to rest, as shown by the widespread fear that the legislation could restrict the people’s right to know. ただ、与党とみんな、維新がまとめた修正案に対する審議は十分ではない。「知る権利」が制限されることなどへの国民の懸念が払拭されたとも言い難い。
The government and the ruling parties should carefully explain how the envisaged law would be applied in actuality during upper house debates on it, with the aim of gaining broad support for it. 政府・与党は参院審議で、幅広い支持を目指し、制度の運用のあり方も丁寧に説明すべきだ。
Japan’s security environment has become even more difficult in recent years due to such factors as North Korea’s nuclear and missile programs and China’s growing military build-up. 北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備拡大など日本の安全保障環境は厳しさを増している。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe had every reason to tell a session of the lower house Special Committee on National Security that “information gathering is critical for defending the safety of the people.” 衆院国家安全保障特別委員会で、安倍首相が「国民の安全を守るため情報収集が極めて重要だ」と述べたのはもっともだ。
The Abe administration intends to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council that would play a central role in issuing directives related to Japan’s diplomatic relations and national security. Every nation needs to refine its legal framework to ensure none of its secrets are leaked. This is essential for promoting efforts to exchange and share critical information among allies and friendly powers. 安倍政権は、外交・安全保障政策の司令塔となる国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を創設する方針だ。同盟国や友好国と重要情報の交換・共有を進めるには、機密が漏えいしない法制を整えることが必要である。
Given this, the envisaged NSC and legislation for preserving the secrecy of crucial information are inseparable when it comes to the government’s strategic decision-making function. 日本版ＮＳＣと機密保全法制は、政府の戦略的な意思決定に欠かせない車の両輪と言える。
The most contentious issue debated in connection with the bill was how the government would actually apply the envisaged law. During debates in the lower house, legislators said it would be impossible to dispel the anxiety that the government could arbitrarily expand the scope of information to be designated under the legislation, thus making it possible to keep concealing such secrets. 法案を巡る最大の論点は、政府が恣意(しい)的に秘密指定を拡大し、都合の悪い情報を秘匿し続けるという懸念が拭えないことだった。
The prime minister brushed off that assertion as a mistaken notion about the bill. He insisted that the legislation would be used as a multilayered system by which the government would be prevented from making arbitrary decisions about designating information as secret. Steps to be taken for that purpose include limiting the scope of designation to items stated in a table attached to the bill, and setting standards for secrecy designation based on the opinions of experts. 首相は、それを誤解だとし、指定範囲が法案の別表に限定され、かつ指定基準も有識者の意見に基づくなど恣意性を排除する「重層的な仕組み」だと主張した。
Information to be classified under the legislation would be removed—as a general rule—from the list of secrets 30 years after its designation. The modified bill stipulates the term of designation for each secret could be renewed by consent of the cabinet, but that the ultimate period would not exceed 60 years, except for areas of critical importance, including secret codes used by the government and sources of confidential information. 特定秘密は原則３０年で解除される。内閣の承認を得て指定が継続されたとしても、暗号や情報源など７項目の例外を除いて「６０年は超えられない」と修正された。
The prime minister told the lower house that information whose designation period could be extended beyond 30 years would be limited, as a general rule, to these seven areas. 首相は、３０年を超えて指定を継続する情報は「７項目に限ることを基本とする」とも表明した。
Debates on the bill in the lower house certainly did much to clarify the government’s thinking about how to apply the law, and also imposed tighter limits on the duration of secrecy designation. 審議を通じて、政府の考え方が明確になり、指定期間もより限定的になったのは確かだろう。
Fend off arbitrary judgment ◆恣意的判断の排除を
Nonetheless, bureaucratic organizations, with their ingrained principle of not rocking the boat, are expected to broaden the range of documents subject to protection as specifically designated secrets and become more cautious about declassifying them. それでも官僚機構は、「事なかれ主義」の発想で秘密指定の対象を拡大し、解除にも慎重になることが予想される。
Presently, the government possesses about 420,000 documents containing specially managed secrets. Ninety percent of these documents are said to be related to Japan’s information-gathering satellites. The government should narrow down the range of classified information to be protected when it transfers documents into the category of specifically designated secrets. 現在、政府が保有する特別管理秘密文書は４２万件に上っている。その９割は日本の情報収集衛星に関する情報だというが、特定秘密に移行する際は、さらに対象範囲を絞る努力をすべきである。
If the number of specifically designated secrets grows too large, it would be physically difficult to check every piece of classified information and to declassify them should “the heads of administrative organizations” be replaced through a change of government or a cabinet reshuffle. It is important to work out a structure that prevents bureaucrats from hanging on to specifically designated secrets for too long. 特定秘密が大量になれば、政権交代や内閣改造によって「行政機関の長」が代わっても、秘密指定をいちいちチェックし、解除することは、物理的に難しい。官僚が特定秘密を抱え込まない仕組みを工夫することも肝要だ。
During a Diet session, Abe went so far as to say the government should establish a “third-party body” that would examine the appropriateness of the designation of documents branded as secret. He referred to such organizations as the Information Security Oversight Office within the U.S. National Archives and Records Administration. 秘密指定の妥当性を検証する「第三者機関」設置について、首相は、米国の国立公文書館にある情報保全監督局などを参考に、「設置すべきだと考えている」と踏み込んだ答弁をした。
It would be unreasonable for specifically designated secrets to be examined by people outside the organization. It would also give rise to the danger of information leaks. If a third-party organization is to be set up, it would be proper to have an internal unit within an administrative organization do the job, modeled on the setup in the United States. 部外者が特定秘密をチェックするのは無理がある。情報漏れのリスクも生じる。第三者機関を設けるならば、米国にならって、行政の内部組織の方が適切だ。
According to the modified bill, all secret documents that have been declassified “are to be made public, in principle” after a certain period. This modification is an improvement that will enable future generations to examine these documents. 修正案で、秘密が解除された情報は一定期間後に「原則公開」とされ、後世の検証が可能になるように改善されたと見ていい。
How such documents should be made public, stored or destroyed are major issues to be resolved. The Democratic Party of Japan asserted that certain rules should be established on information disclosure so that courts will be able to look at specific documents when handling a lawsuit that involves classified information. We think this proposal has some merit. 文書の公開や保存、廃棄のあり方は大きな課題となる。民主党が主張するように情報公開のルールを整備し、機密を巡る訴訟で裁判所が対象文書を見ることを可能にするのも一案ではないか。
As to the Diet’s involvement in specifically designated secrets, the ruling and opposition parties should stipulate such matters as the management of closed meetings through lawmaker-initiated legislation. 国会の特定秘密への関与については、与野党が秘密会の運営など議員立法で規定すべきだ。
Protecting ‘right to know’ ◆「知る権利」どう担保
The bill also clearly gave some consideration to the freedom of news gathering and reporting. We welcome the fact that news gathering activity by people in the media will not be considered a crime unless it is conducted illegally or extremely improperly. 法案には、取材・報道の自由への配慮が明記された。報道関係者の取材行為は違法または著しく不当でない限り、罪に問われないとした点は前向きに評価できる。
Some opposition parties have been up in arms and claimed this bill “will cover the people’s eyes and ears and muzzle their mouths” and “control the state’s information and silence any criticism of the Japan-U.S. alliance.” But such fears are off the mark. 一部の野党がこの法案を「国民の目と耳、口をふさぐ」「国家の情報を統制し、日米同盟への批判を封じ込める」と声高に非難しているが、これは的外れである。
That being said, there is a danger that public servants will become so afraid of leaks that they will reject requests for interviews, making it harder for the media to share necessary information with the public. だが、公務員が萎縮して取材に応じず、報道機関が必要な情報を伝えられなくなる恐れは残る。
How should the protection of classified information for national security be balanced with the people’s “right to know”? This topic also needs in-depth discussion in the upper house. 安全保障のための機密保全と、「知る権利」のバランスをどうとっていくか。この問題も参院で掘り下げるべきテーマだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2013) （2013年11月27日02時13分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 27, 2013 Tax changes should boost companies’ competitiveness to promote growth 法人税減税 競争力強化へ具体策を詰めよ（11月26日付・読売社説）
Reducing the corporate tax rate is an effective way to enhance the competitiveness of Japanese companies and reinforce the foundations for national economic growth. 企業の競争力を高め、日本経済の成長基盤を強化するには、法人税率の引き下げが有効だ。
At the instruction of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, tax system talks on further reducing corporate tax have gotten into full swing between the government and the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito. 安倍首相の指示を受けて、一層の税率引き下げを巡る政府と自民、公明両党の税制協議が本格化している。
Their commitment to a growth strategy will be tested by how far they go in presenting a specific course of action. どこまで具体的な方向性を示せるか。成長戦略への姿勢が問われよう。
In Tokyo, the effective corporate tax rate, when national and local taxes are combined, stands at about 38 percent. Even if the special reconstruction corporate tax—temporarily imposed on companies to finance post-disaster reconstruction projects—is excluded, companies still face corporate tax up to about 36 percent, which is much higher than the rates in European and other Asian countries, where it is mostly in the 20 percent range. 法人税の実効税率は、東京都の場合、国税と地方税合わせて約３８％だ。一時的に上乗せされている復興特別法人税を除いても約３６％となり、２０％台が多い欧州やアジアの国々と比べて高い。
As long as the corporate tax remains high, not only will much of the vitality of Japanese companies be lost, but the hollowing out of industry—companies moving production overseas to avoid the high cost of operating in Japan— may accelerate. The high tax will also have an adverse impact on employment and wages. Furthermore, to attract investment from abroad, a further reduction in the corporate tax rate is urgently needed. 高税率のままでは企業の活力を奪うばかりか、海外移転などで国内空洞化を加速させかねない。雇用や賃金にも悪影響が及ぶ。海外から投資を呼び込むためにも、一層の引き下げが急がれる。
Abe’s intention of improving the competitive environment for companies and adding impetus to the growth of the national economy is quite appropriate. 企業の競争環境を改善し、日本の成長に弾みをつけようとする首相の狙いは適切だ。
More than a few ruling party members take a cautious view about having ordinary households bear a heavier burden due to the consumption tax increase set for next spring, while reducing the corporate tax at the same time. 与党内には、来春の消費税率の引き上げで家計に負担を強いる一方、企業課税を軽くすることに慎重な意見も少なくない。
But it would be more beneficial to create a virtuous circle in which the invigoration of companies would have a ripple effect that would benefit households through wage hikes and other improvements. だが、企業活性化が賃上げなどを通じて、家計にも波及する好循環を目指すことが有益だろう。
Seek new revenue sources
A cut of even one percentage point in the corporate tax rate is projected to reduce government revenue by about ¥400 billion. Therefore, one significant remaining hurdle is finding a tax revenue source to make up for the shortfall. ハードルとなるのが、１％の引き下げで約４０００億円とされる法人税減税の財源確保策だ。
As the fiscal situation is harsh, the tax base must be broadened so as to collect taxes from a wider range of companies. 財政事情が厳しいだけに、より幅広い企業から税収を得る課税ベースの拡大が避けられまい。
Special policy measures to reduce corporate taxes on specific sectors of industry have a worth totaling about ¥7 trillion. As these measures vest interests in certain companies and industries, many criticize them as unfair. It is also argued that the policy effects of these steps are uncertain. 政策目的のために特定業種の法人税などを軽減する租税特別措置（租特）は約７兆円に上る。一部企業や業界の既得権益となり、不公平だとの批判が多い。政策効果が不透明だという指摘もある。
The government and the ruling parties should consider abolishing the special tax-cut measures deemed to have outlived their intended purpose, and cutting the scale of measures whose effect has been lessened. 租特のうち、役割を終えた制度の廃止や、効果が薄れた制度の縮減などを検討すべきだろう。
The fact that more than 70 percent of domestic companies do not pay corporate taxes is also problematic. 国内企業の７割超が法人税を払っていない点も問題である。
One possible idea is to review the system of carrying forward net operating losses, under which companies can reduce their tax expense by applying net operating losses from the past several years to the current year’s profit. With this option it would be possible to have more companies pay their fair share of taxes. 長期間にわたって、過去の損失を利益から差し引ける繰越欠損金制度を見直し、多くの企業に相応の税負担を求めるのは一案だ。
The abolition of the special corporate tax for post-disaster reconstruction one year earlier than initially planned, as worked out by the government, is also an important topic for talks by the ruling parties. 政府が打ち出した復興特別法人税の１年前倒し廃止案も、与党の重要な協議テーマである。
The one-year difference will cut tax revenues by ¥900 billion, lessening the burden on companies. 前倒し廃止により、９０００億円規模の税負担軽減が見込まれる。
However, a shortage of funds needed for reconstruction projects because of this measure must be avoided. The government and ruling parties have to clearly state an alternative revenue source and win the understanding of the people so as not to hinder the rebuilding effort. ただ、そのために、復興財源が不足する事態は避けるべきだ。復興に支障をきたさぬよう、政府・与党は代替財源を明示し、国民の理解を得なければならない。
Also needed is for companies to use their accumulated internal reserves to make their own efforts. We hope to see the reinforcement of a strategy in which surplus funds at companies are used effectively and help rejuvenate the national economy. 内部留保を手元に積み上げてきた企業の自助努力も求められる。余剰資金を投資に有効活用し、日本経済再生に寄与する戦略を強化してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 26, 2013) （2013年11月26日01時45分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 26, 2013 Push ahead measures to tackle climate change with international cooperation ＣＯＰ１９閉幕 国際協調で温暖化対策を前へ（11月25日付・読売社説）
Due to the conflicting interests of developed and developing countries, including emerging economies, the just-concluded discussions on climate change made hardly any progress. The latest U.N. talks on the issue vividly demonstrated the difficulties facing the international effort to tackle global warming. 先進国と、新興国を含む途上国の利害がぶつかり、議論が進まない。地球温暖化対策の現状が如実に示された。
The 19th Conference on Climate Change (COP19) has ended in Warsaw. The participants extended the meeting by one day, managing to prevent it from breaking down. ワルシャワで開かれていた国連気候変動枠組み条約の第１９回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ１９）が閉幕した。会期を１日延長し、決裂だけは回避した。
A new greenhouse gas reduction framework to replace the Kyoto Protocol is to be implemented in 2020. By when should the participating countries submit their voluntary greenhouse gas emission targets for the years beyond 2020? As to this major point of contention, the participants agreed on a final draft of their joint communique that encourages their governments to present their targets in 2015. 京都議定書に代わる新たな枠組みは、２０２０年に発効予定だ。各国は温室効果ガスの２０年以降の自主的な削減目標をいつまでに提出するか。最大の焦点について、「１５年に提出することを奨励する」との最終案が合意に達した。
While advanced countries had tried to put a specific process in motion to build a new framework, developing countries opposed specifying the timing. It can be said that both sides went as far as they could in reaching the agreement. The negotiations on a new framework have a tough road ahead. 新たな枠組みへの具体的な道筋を着けようとする先進国に対し、途上国は時期の明示に反発した。ぎりぎりの線での合意だったと言えよう。新たな枠組みを巡る交渉の前途は多難である。
Recent spates of climate catastrophes such as the occurrence of super typhoons are said to be caused by global warming. When the delegation from the Philippines, which was hit hard by Typhoon No. 30, appealed for an immediate increase in efforts to tackle global warming, the appeal won the sympathy of other countries. 巨大台風の頻発など、このところの気候異変は、地球温暖化に起因しているとも言われる。台風３０号による甚大な被害を受けたフィリピンの交渉団が「すぐに行動を」と温暖化対策の前進を訴えると、各国の共感を呼んだ。
Developing nations want help
While sharing a sense of crisis over global warming, developing countries repeatedly asserted that advanced countries should proactively support them because of their weak financial position. They did so because they believe the advanced countries are responsible for global warming, as they have emitted a massive amount of greenhouse gas with their industrial production. 温暖化の危機感は共有しつつ、途上国側は、先進国が資金力に乏しい途上国を積極的に支援すべきだと主張し続けた。温暖化を招いた責任は、生産活動で温室効果ガスを大量に排出してきた先進国にあるとの理由からだ。
Indeed, it will be necessary to extend a certain amount of support to developing countries that cannot afford to take measures to deal with environmental issues on their own. 環境対策に手が回らない途上国に、一定の支援は必要だろう。
On the other hand, we should not forget the reality that the total amount of emissions from developing countries as a whole has topped the total amount for advanced countries now. It was quite reasonable for advanced countries, including Japan, to call on developing countries to adopt the stance of reducing emissions on their own initiative. 一方で、途上国全体の排出量が今や、先進国を上回っていることを忘れてはならない。途上国にも主体的に排出量を減らす姿勢が求められる、とする日本など先進国側の主張はもっともだ。
In particular, such emerging economies as China—the world’s biggest emitter of greenhouse gas—need to assume their fair share of responsibility for reducing the emissions. 特に、世界一の排出国である中国など新興国は、排出削減に応分の責任を負う必要がある。
Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara emphasized at the COP19 conference that the new framework should be fair and effective and be applied to all countries. It is vital to firmly maintain this course of action. 石原環境相はＣＯＰ１９で、新たな枠組みについて、「公平で実効性があり、すべての国に適用される内容でなければならない」と強調した。この方向性を堅持していくことが肝要である。
At the conference, the Japanese government expressed its new goal of “reducing its domestic greenhouse gas emissions by 3.8 percent from the fiscal 2005 level by the end of fiscal 2020,” a target that drew criticism from other countries as being too low. 日本政府は「２０年度までに０５年度比３・８％削減」という目標を表明したが、各国から「削減率が低すぎる」との批判を浴びた。
Yet the 3.8 percent cut is a numerical value set at a time when none of the nation’s nuclear power stations, which do not emit any carbon dioxide when generating electricity, are operating. しかし、「３・８％減」は、発電時に二酸化炭素を排出しない原子力発電所が一つも稼働していない現状での数値だ。
The government should expedite its efforts to work out a basic energy plan that specifies a future ratio of nuclear power generation. It is important for the government to raise the emissions reduction target by the end of 2020 based on such a basic plan and to make steady progress in setting a realistic target for the years beyond 2020. 政府は、原発の将来的な比率を明示したエネルギー基本計画の策定を急ぐべきだ。その上で、２０年までの削減目標の上積みと、２０年以降の現実的な目標の設定を着実に進めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 25, 2013) （2013年11月25日01時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 25, 2013 Inose's explanation of why he took Tokushukai funds defies common sense 猪瀬氏に５０００万 「個人の借り入れ」は通らない（11月24日付・読売社説）
In a development that left many scratching their heads, Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose was found to have received ¥50 million from the Tokushukai medical group—under investigation by prosecutors for suspected election law violations—just before the December Tokyo gubernatorial race, in which he was elected to the post for the first time. 極めて不自然な現金の授受である。 昨年１２月の東京都知事選で初当選した猪瀬直樹知事が、強制捜査を受けた医療グループ「徳洲会」側から選挙前に５０００万円を受け取っていた。
According to his accounts, Inose visited Torao Tokuda, a former House of Representatives member and the founder of Tokushukai, in November last year to solicit support for his election bid, shortly after which the hospital group offered to provide funds to Inose. He received the ¥50 million directly from Takeshi Tokuda, the second son of Torao and a lower house member, at the Diet members’ building. 猪瀬知事は昨年１１月、グループ創業者の徳田虎雄・元衆院議員を訪ね、知事選への支援を要請した。その後、徳洲会側から資金提供に応じるとの申し出があり、次男の徳田毅衆院議員から議員会館で５０００万円を渡されたという。
What was the purpose of the funds? 現金の趣旨は何だったのか。
If they were meant for election campaigning, Inose was required to declare the ¥50 million in a campaign funds report, in accordance with the Public Offices Election Law. But there was no mention of the funds from Tokushukai in Inose’s report. 選挙運動のためであれば、公職選挙法に基づき、選挙運動費用収支報告書に記載しなければならない。知事の収支報告書に５０００万円の記載はない。
At a press conference, the governor said, “I personally borrowed the funds because I worried my savings would be wiped out due to election campaigning.” He is apparently claiming that because the funds from Tokushukai were not for his election campaign, his conduct did not violate the election law. 知事は記者会見で「選挙活動で預金が底をつくかも分からず、個人として借りた」と述べた。選挙資金ではないから、公選法に抵触しないとの主張だろう。
It is, however, only natural to assume he received the cash with the view of possibly using it for election campaigning as it was just before the start of official campaigning for the Tokyo race when he asked Tokuda to support his candidacy. だが、選挙運動に充てる可能性もあったと解釈するのが自然ではないか。支援を要請したのは告示が間近に迫った時期だった。
Inose said he gave an IOU to Tokuda, but what exactly he scribbled down on the note is unknown, although he claimed the money was a no-interest, no-collateral loan. It was nonetheless a monetary transaction that is far from the social norm. 借用書を渡したと語ったものの、記載内容は明確でない。５０００万円は無利子、無担保だったという。常識からかけ離れた現金のやり取りだったと言えよう。
Disclosure came late
Even if it was a personal loan, as Inose claims, there is a problem. Although a metropolitan government ordinance requires the governor to report any loans, if any, in an asset disclosure statement, Inose did not do so. He revised the statement only after the scandal came to light Friday. 猪瀬知事が主張するように、個人の借り入れだったとしても問題はある。都条例は、借入金などを資産報告書に記載するよう義務付けているが、知事は記載していなかった。問題が発覚した２２日になって、資産報告書を訂正した。
The timing of his returning the money also stokes suspicion. The governor returned the money in full in late September right after the special investigation squad of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office searched Tokushukai’s Tokyo headquarters and other locations, suspecting violations of the election law. 返済時期も不自然である。知事は、東京地検特捜部が公選法違反容疑で徳洲会東京本部などの強制捜査に乗り出した直後の今年９月下旬、全額を返していた。
“I told them I would return the money in January or February, but I never got around to it,” Inose explained. But it is hard not to suspect he returned the money hastily as the investigation unfolded. 知事は「今年１～２月に返すと伝えたが、チャンスがなかった」と説明している。捜査の進展を受け、慌てて返済したのではないかとの疑念はぬぐえない。
The metropolitan and prefectural governors have the authority to grant permission to open hospitals and supervise them after they open. 都道府県知事は病院などの開設を許可する権限を持つ。開設後も指導監督する立場にある。
There are a number of hospitals and nursing homes for the elderly run by Tokushukai in Tokyo, but Inose denied providing any quid pro quos to the medical group for receiving the money—an act, in the first place, showing his lack of consciousness about social norms. 都内には徳洲会グループの病院と介護老人保健施設が存在する。猪瀬知事は、徳洲会側への便宜供与を否定したが、そもそも資金の受領自体、規範意識に欠ける。
The governor is playing a central role in preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics. We regret that this scandal has poured cold water on the festive mood of hosting the sports extravaganza. 都知事は、２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの開催準備で、中心的役割を担う。今回の問題が、せっかくの五輪ムードに水を差したのは残念である。
If the scandal is prolonged, it could have negative ramifications on his management of the Tokyo metropolitan government. He must urgently give every possible explanation to convince doubters. 問題が長引けば、都政にも支障を来しかねない。知事は早急に説明を尽くすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 24, 2013) （2013年11月24日01時49分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 24, 2013 Modified bill to protect specially designated secrets deserves credit 秘密保護法案 与野党の修正案は評価できる（11月23日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party and its ruling coalition partner New Komeito have agreed separately with the major opposition parties Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party on modifications of a bill aimed at strengthening the protection of specially designated state secrets. The bill is intended to stiffen penalties for public servants who leak such information. 自民、公明両党が、安全保障の機密情報を漏らした国家公務員らの罰則を強化する特定秘密保護法案について、日本維新の会、みんなの党とそれぞれ法案の修正で一致した。
This legal arrangement is essential for the envisioned Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council, which will serve as the headquarters for Japan’s security strategy, to function well. The ruling coalition was right to discuss the matter over and over with the opposition parties without forcing its way with its dominant number of lawmakers. 安全保障戦略の司令塔となる国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）が機能するために欠かせない法制である。与党が数で押し切るのではなく、野党と協議を重ね、合意したことは評価したい。
If Ishin no Kai and Your Party take office, they will also have to designate such secrets and rescind the designations. Thus, it is important that both ruling and opposition parties work together to create the system. 維新の会やみんなの党も、政権を担えば、秘密の指定や解除に携わる。安全保障に関する分野で、与野党が協力し合って制度を構築することの意義は大きい。
The modifications are designed to enhance information management by the Cabinet through such measures as allowing the prime minister to supervise the secrecy designations and report them to a panel of experts to seek their opinions. The revisions also call for ministries and agencies to lose the authorization to make such designations if they do not exercise it within five years after the secrecy protection law takes effect. 修正内容は、首相が特定秘密の指定を監督し、有識者会議に報告して意見を聴くなど、内閣による情報管理を強めた。法施行から５年経(た)っても特定秘密がない府省は、指定の権限を失う。
The bill initially stipulated that the period of confidentiality would be up to five years and would be renewable, and that the period could be extended to 30 years or longer with Cabinet approval. However, a stipulation that the period cannot exceed 60 years has been added to the revised bill. Exceptions for this are limited to highly sensitive information in seven categories, such as secret codes, defense equipment and information sources. 上限５年で更新可能という特定秘密の「有効期間」は、３０年を超えても内閣が承認すれば延長できるとなっていたが、「６０年は超えられない」と書き加えた。例外は、暗号や防衛装備、人的情報源など７項目に限られる。
The revised bill also stipulates that all the documents not designated as secrets beyond 30 years should be transferred to the National Archives of Japan. ３０年超の延長が認められなかった文書は、すべて国立公文書館に移管することも条文化された。
Revisions ease some concerns
It is questionable whether the prime minister’s intended greater role will prove workable. However, it appears to be appropriate that the revised bill stipulates specially classified secrets will eventually be made public “in principle” while referring to exceptions and a system to archive key government documents. 首相の関与強化が実効性を伴うものになるかどうか、疑問もある。だが、「原則公開」とその例外項目、重要文書の保存を明確にしたのは適切な判断だ。
To some extent, the modifications likely will dispel concerns that the government may arbitrarily increase the subjects for designation as secrets and permanently conceal information inconvenient to it from the public. 政府が、特定秘密の対象を恣意(しい)的に拡大したり、都合の悪い情報を永久に秘匿したりしかねないといった懸念は、一定程度払拭されるのではないか。
The ruling parties have also included a supplemental provision in the bill that calls on the government to consider setting up a third-party body to check the appropriateness of the designations. 秘密指定の妥当性をチェックする「第三者機関」については、検討することを付則に明記した。
We understand that this provision is meant to keep the government in check by a third party. But questions have been raised over whether outsiders would be able to make appropriate decisions considering the massive amount of highly sensitive information that affects national security. If more people gain access to such secrets, the risk of leaks is expected to rise. 第三者によって、政府を牽制(けんせい)しようという趣旨はわかる。だが、安全保障の機微に触れる、専門性の高い大量の情報を部外者が的確に判断できるのか。特定秘密に関与する人が多くなれば、情報漏えいのリスクは増すだろう。
Unless the composition of the panel and how it will work are determined carefully, such a body could become a mere facade. 起用する人材や仕組みをよほど慎重に考えないと、形骸化した組織になる恐れがある。
The Democratic Party of Japan, the largest opposition party, has decided to oppose the secret protection bill unless the ruling parties accept its proposals. 民主党は、独自の対案が受け入れられなければ、特定秘密保護法案に反対する方針を決めた。
The DPJ proposes a narrower scope of specially classified secrets and sets the period of confidentiality at 30 years in principle. It also seeks a penalty of imprisonment of less than five years for violators of the law. As for the provision of such state secrets to the Diet, the DPJ says it would address the issue by amending the Diet Law. Such proposals are worth considering. 民主党の対案は、秘密の範囲をより限定し、指定期間は原則３０年、罰則を懲役５年以下などと規定している。国会への秘密提供については、国会法の改正で対応するとした。検討に値しよう。
Both ruling and opposition parties are urged to make efforts to deepen discussions on the matter. 与野党間で、さらに議論を深める努力をすべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 23, 2013) （2013年11月23日01時56分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 23, 2013 Govt must act responsibly to find site for final N-waste repository 放射性廃棄物 政府は最終処分に責任を持て（11月22日付・読売社説）
No time must be wasted in strengthening government efforts to secure a site for a final disposal facility for high-level radioactive waste generated from reprocessing spent nuclear fuel from nuclear power plants. 原子力発電所から出る高レベル放射性廃棄物の最終処分場の用地確保へ向け、政府の取り組みを強化する必要がある。
An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has hammered out a set of new steps regarding how to secure candidate sites for a final repository, focusing on a recommendation that the government should be at the forefront of efforts to make progress on the issue. 経済産業省の有識者会議が、候補地の確保に関し、政府が前面に出て進展を目指すという新たな方針を打ち出した。
Currently, candidate sites are being sought through open solicitation, inviting volunteer candidates among municipal governments to host a final disposal site for radioactive waste. As a result, the opinions of local communities are being given great weight in the matter. So far, the government has just waited for municipalities to volunteer, but no candidates sites have been found since open solicitation began in 2002. 現在は市町村からの応募を前提としている。地域の意思を重視するという理由からだ。政府も「待ち」の姿勢に終始してきたが、２００２年の公募開始から、これまで候補地は見つかっていない。
To break the impasse, it is reasonable for the expert panel to propose that the government take on the responsibility of designating areas where high-level radioactive waste can safely be disposed of. This is the same policy followed by Sweden, which has selected a final disposal site. We hope to see the planned approach result in progress in locating candidate sites. 現状を打開するため、有識者会議が「安全に処分できる地域を国の責任で示す」とする方針を示したのは適切な判断と言えよう。 新たな方針は、最終処分場の選定に成功したスウェーデンと同じ手法だ。日本でも、候補地探しの前進を期待したい。
Authorities envision burying high-level radioactive waste deep underground, at least 300 meters below the surface, by constructing a disposal facility in stable rock formations in an area where there are no volcanoes or other threats. 高レベル放射性廃棄物は、火山などのない安定した地盤の地域を選び、地下３００メートルより深い地層に埋設する計画だ。
Similar methods have been employed overseas, since they make it possible to dispose of nuclear waste in a stable manner for more than 100,000 years. 海外も同様の方法を採用している。適した場所を選べば、１０万年以上、安定して廃棄物を処分できるためだ。
Radioactivity lessens with time, more than 99 percent of it ceasing to exist in about 1,000 years. 放射能は時間とともに減少し、約１０００年後には９９％以上が消滅する。
Excessive political risks
It should be noted that there is little public understanding of the current technological level and safety of geological disposal, hindering efforts to find a candidate site. Government efforts to widely disseminate correct, scientific knowledge about the matter are indispensable. 最終処分場の技術や安全性に対する理解が、ほとんど広まっていないことが、候補地探しの障害になってきたと言えよう。政府が、正しい知識を積極的に周知していくことが欠かせない。
Open solicitation of volunteer candidates is problematic in that municipal leaders put themselves at great political risk if they support hosting a disposal facility. When the mayor of Toyo, Kochi Prefecture, applied to be a candidate site, residents fiercely opposed the idea and the mayor was in danger of having to resign. The town’s application was withdrawn. 公募方式では、手を挙げた市町村長が過大な政治的リスクを抱えることも問題だ。０７年に高知県東洋町が応募した際は、反対運動が激化し、町長は辞任に追い込まれた。応募も取り下げられた。
The selection process of candidate sites can hardly make progress without wide-ranging support from the central government. 候補地には、政府の幅広い支援が欠かせない。
On Wednesday, urging the government to redouble its efforts to find candidate sites, the ministry’s expert panel cited the need to boost government efforts to promote the local economies of the municipalities concerned. The panel also proposed a forum in which the government and local residents closely exchange views on the matter. Both suggestions are very important. 有識者会議は、地域振興策の強化を挙げた。政府が地域住民と密接に意見交換する場を設けることも提案している。いずれも重要な指摘である。
The task of establishing a final disposal repository has been undertaken by the Nuclear Waste Management Organization of Japan, which was established by power utilities and other organizations under the Specified Nuclear Waste Final Disposal Law enacted in 2000. Reform of the waste management organization, which has failed to produce any tangible results, is also urgently needed. 処分場探しは、２０００年制定の最終処分法に基づき、電力会社などが設立した「原子力発電環境整備機構（ＮＵＭＯ）」が担当してきた。成果を上げられないＮＵＭＯの改革も急務だ。
Former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi has continued making unrealistic calls to completely stop the nation’s nuclear power generation, saying it is “too optimistic and irresponsible” to assume that a site can be found for a final disposal facility. 小泉元首相は、最終処分場の確保について、「めどを付けられると思う方が楽観的で無責任だ」とし、非現実的な「原発ゼロ」をなお主張している。
Even if the nation’s nuclear power generation should be eliminated, the problem of how to dispose of nuclear waste remains. It is impermissible to pass the burden of inaction on the matter to the next generation. だが、仮に「ゼロ」でも廃棄物は残る。次世代にツケを回すわけにはいかない。
The Liberal Democratic Party is also studying ways to secure a final disposal facility, and there are moves in the Diet to create a suprapartisan group of legislators to address the problem of a final repository. They should engage in discussions with a strong sense of responsibility. 自民党も、最終処分場の確保策の検討に乗り出した。国会には超党派議連を設ける動きもある。責任ある議論が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 22, 2013) （2013年11月22日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 22, 2013 Top court respects Diet’s discretionary power over vote-value disparity 衆院選違憲状態 国会の裁量に配慮した最高裁（11月21日付・読売社説）
◆与野党は選挙制度改革を急げ◆ It was a judgment by the nation’s top court that respected the Diet’s discretionary power over the election system to the maximum extent possible. 選挙制度を巡る国会の裁量権を最大限に尊重した司法判断である。
The Supreme Court on Wednesday ruled that the House of Representatives election in December last year, in which the maximum disparity between the value of votes was 2.43-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.” The Diet must take the ruling seriously and swiftly tackle election system reform. 「１票の格差」が最大２・４３倍だった昨年１２月の衆院選について、最高裁は「違憲状態」にあったとの判決を言い渡した。国会は判決を重く受け止め、選挙制度改革に取り組まねばならない。
“Equality in the value of voting rights is not the absolute standard to determine the framework of an election system,” the top court said. 最高裁は「投票価値の平等は選挙制度の仕組みを決定する絶対の基準ではない」と指摘した。
When deciding the zoning of single-seat constituencies, such factors as local demographics, transportation conditions and geographical circumstances must be taken into account and balanced with equality in the value of voting rights, it said. 小選挙区の区割りを決める際には、「住民構成、交通事情、地理的状況なども考慮し、投票価値の平等との調和を図ることが求められる」との見解も示した。
‘Plus 0, minus 5’ praised ◆「０増５減」評価される◆
It was a practical and quite reasonable judgment in which the Supreme Court did not think improvement in the disparity of vote values in single-seat constituencies was an absolute necessity, but it recognized the need to take regional circumstances into consideration. 「１票の格差」の是正を絶対視せず、地域事情に配慮する必要性を認めたのは、現実的かつ極めて妥当な判断である。
The Supreme Court previously judged that the 2009 lower house election was in “an unconstitutional state” when the maximum disparity in the value of votes between the least populous constituency and the most heavily populated district was 2.30-to-1. As the disparity was further expanded in the lower house poll in December last year, some experts predicted the top court would judge it was “unconstitutional.” 最高裁は、最大２・３０倍だった２００９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断していた。昨年の衆院選は格差が拡大していたことから、さらに踏み込み、「違憲」判断を示すとの見方もあった。
But was the disparity left untouched for an excessive period of time that could not be overlooked? 見過ごせないほど長期にわたり格差が放置されていると見るのかどうか。
That was the deciding factor in its decision whether the 2012 poll was unconstitutional or in a state of unconstitutionality. それが、「違憲」か「違憲状態」かの司法判断を分けるポイントだった。
In addition to how long the disparity was left untouched, the Supreme Court said that factors such as the content of measures to remedy the disparity and the necessary procedures for such measures should also be taken into consideration from a comprehensive viewpoint. This judgment will be an important index for making court decisions on similar cases in the future. 最高裁は今回、期間の長短だけでなく、是正措置の内容や、必要な手続きなどの事情を総合的に考慮すべきだとの判断も示した。今後の重要な指標となろう。
The latest top court decision praised the remedy of “increasing no seats, but decreasing five seats” in single-seat constituencies under the revised Public Offices Election Law that was passed by the Diet in June as “a step forward.” The disparity shrank to less than 2-to-1 through the measure. 判決は、国会が今年６月に成立させた改正公職選挙法による「０増５減」の是正策について、「一定の前進」と評価した。これにより、格差が２倍未満に縮小されたからである。
To change the zoning of constituencies, it was necessary to go through such procedures as having the lower house electoral district council recommend a reform plan to the prime minister and revise the Public Offices Election Law based on that plan. 区割りを変更するには、衆院選挙区画定審議会（区割り審）による改定案の首相への勧告と、それに基づく公選法改正などの手順を踏む必要があった。
It is therefore understandable that the top court realized that remedying the situation requires a certain amount of time. 最高裁が、格差是正に一定の時間を要すると理解を示したのもうなずける。
Need to reflect regional voices ◆地方の声反映が必要◆
However, there are also questionable elements to the decision. In the distribution of the quota of seats for single-seat constituencies in each prefecture, the method of distributing one seat first to each prefecture is still effectively in practice. Touching upon this point, the Supreme Court said, “It is hard to say that the structural problems were definitively resolved.” 判決には、疑問点もある。小選挙区の定数配分で、まず各都道府県に１議席を割り振るとした「１人別枠方式」が事実上残っていることについて、「構造的な問題が最終的に解決されているとはいえない」と言及した。
However, we feel that an attempt to transform the electoral system into one that does not reflect the rationale behind this formula could mean the opinions of voters in areas with a declining population are not properly represented in the results of lower house elections. しかし、この方式の考え方を完全に排除すると、人口減が進む地方の有権者の声は反映されにくくなるのではないだろうか。
Legislators must step up their electoral reform drive in response to the top court’s ruling. 最高裁判決を踏まえ、問われるのは国会の一層の取り組みだ。
Instead of finding the vote-value disparities to be unconstitutional, the latest ruling found the gaps to be in a state of unconstitutionality, meaning these differences border on a violation of the vote-value equality guaranteed in the Constitution. However, lawmakers should not be allowed to become blase about debating how to reform the election system, citing the ruling as a reason for their neglect. The need to fundamentally reform the system remains unchanged, though the vote-value disparities fall only within a state of unconstitutionality. 違憲ではなく、違憲状態と判断されたことを理由に、選挙制度改革論議を鈍らせてはならない。違憲状態でも抜本的改革が必要な状況に変わりはない。
The ruling and opposition parties should actively promote discussions on electoral reform. In debating reform plans, they must take to heart their responsibility to ensure that any changes in the system will help create a stable political environment in a manner that represents the will of the people. 与野党は、精力的に議論を進めるべきである。その際、民意を集約し、安定した政治を実現する視点が欠かせない。
In early November, the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito and the leading opposition party the Democratic Party of Japan held talks over lower house electoral reform. The parties agreed to reduce the number of lower house members while maintaining the current electoral system—known as the heiritsu formula, which combines single-seat constituencies with the proportional representation system—for the time being. 自民、公明の与党と民主党は今月上旬、衆院選挙制度改革について、現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制を当面維持しつつ、定数を削減することで合意した。
◆定数削減を絡めるな◆ The ruling parties have said they will seek a 30-member reduction in lower house members to be chosen under the proportional representation system, while maintaining the current number of lawmakers in that chamber who are to be elected from single-seat constituencies. This is in contrast to the proposal advanced by the DPJ, which has insisted on cuts in the number of lower house members in both categories. The ruling parties and the DPJ are no closer to reaching a compromise on the issue. だが、与党が、小選挙区の定数は維持して比例定数を３０削減する方針を掲げているのに対して、民主党は小選挙区、比例定数の両方の削減を主張している。折り合いはついていない。
The LDP, Komeito and the DPJ have said they intend to start discussions with other parties soon. However, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) insists on reducing the number of lower house members by a sizable 144. 自公民３党は近く他の政党と協議を開始する方針だというが、日本維新の会は全体で１４４もの大幅な定数減を唱えている。
If Ishin no Kai sticks to its guns, it will be difficult to see an agreement emerge from among these parties. However, the total number of legislators in this country cannot be deemed too large if compared with those in other nations. Given this, there is no need to be too obsessed with reducing the number of Diet members. これでは合意は困難だ。そもそも日本の国会の定数は他国と比べても多すぎることはない。定数削減にこだわる必要はない。
Political parties should separate a proposed cut in lower house members from the overall issue. Instead, they should reconsider how the system should be operated and reformed. 定数削減は切り離して、制度のあり方を考え直すべきだ。
Consensus difficult
It is difficult for political parties to reach a consensus about how to reform the election system, an issue bound to provoke conflicts of interest among them. We believe the ruling and opposition parties should first hurry to determine what kind of broad course should be adopted in the pursuit of fundamental electoral reform, a task that should be followed by a plan to commission an independent panel of experts to draw up specific reform proposals, as suggested by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 各党の利害がぶつかる選挙制度について、政党間で合意することは難しい。与野党は抜本改革の大きな方向性を早急にまとめた上で、安倍首相が提案するような、有識者による第三者機関に具体案づくりを委ねるべきだろう。
Incumbent members of the lower chamber have a bit more than three years to serve in their positions if they complete their terms. They do not have enough time to take on electoral reform, considering the amount of time necessary for amending the legislation and making any changes in the system known to the public. 衆院議員の残り任期が３年余りとなる中、法改正作業や新制度の周知期間を考慮すると、残された時間は十分と言えない。
We believe it will be a viable idea to basically maintain the current system, but work to correct the vote-value disparities, as proposed by the LDP, Komeito and the DPJ. 自公民３党が主張しているように、現行制度を基本的に維持しながら、１票の格差の是正を図るのも一案だろう。
Electoral reform is not limited to the lower house. The House of Councillors is seeking to adopt a new election system, beginning with an election in 2016. In fact, lawsuits have been filed in several locations in the country over disparities in the value of votes cast in July’s upper house race. Two high courts and a branch of another high court are set to rule on these suits starting late this month. Their rulings are expected to affect the dispute over electoral reform related to vote-value disparities. 参院も２０１６年の次期参院選から新制度に移行することを目指している。今年７月の参院選でも１票の格差を巡る訴訟が全国で提起され、各高裁・支部が今月末から順次判断を示す。それが改革論議にも影響を与えよう。
The ruling and opposition parties should think about what kind of role the lower and upper houses should play, while at the same time striving to make progress in promoting electoral reform. 与野党は、衆参の役割分担を考慮し、同時に選挙制度改革を図るのが望ましい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 21, 2013) （2013年11月21日01時36分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 21, 2013 Govt must take lead in Fukushima nuclear reactor decommissioning 核燃料取り出し 政府が前面に出て廃炉目指せ（11月20日付・読売社説）
Decommissioning work at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, which is expected to take 30 to 40 years, is finally under way. 今後、３０～４０年間にわたって続く廃炉作業の入り口に、ようやく立ったということだろう。
Work has begun to remove nuclear fuel from the plant’s No. 4 reactor, bringing the decommissioning work into a new stage of the timetable drawn up by the government and TEPCO. 東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の４号機で、核燃料の取り出しが始まった。政府、東電が策定した廃炉工程表の新たな段階である。
There are many unknown aspects to deal with, and work to remove nuclear fuel is difficult, as it will continue to take place in an environment with high radiation levels. TEPCO must give top priority to ensuring safety and tackle this task with utmost seriousness. 未知の領域が多く、強い放射線の中での困難な作業が続く。東電は安全確保を最優先に、緊張感を持って取り組まねばならない。
The No. 4 reactor was offline for a regular inspection at the time of the outbreak of the nuclear crisis in March 2011. Unlike the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors, a core meltdown did not occur at the No. 4 reactor, as nuclear fuel was kept with unused fuel in a storage pool inside the reactor building. ４号機は事故当時、定期検査中だった。核燃料は建屋内のプールに未使用の核燃料とともに保管されていたため、１～３号機のような炉心溶融は起きなかった。
However, hydrogen believed to have come from the neighboring No. 3 reactor via an exhaust system exploded, blowing off the upper portion of the No. 4 reactor building. だが、隣の３号機から排気系統を伝って流れ込んだとみられる水素が爆発し、建屋が壊れた。
Inside the storage pool, there are 1,331 spent nuclear fuel assemblies and 202 unused fuel assemblies. TEPCO plans to remove all of them by the end of next year. プール内に残った使用済み核燃料は１３３１体、未使用燃料は２０２体に上る。東電は来年末までに、それらをすべて取り出す。
Although reinforcement work has been carried out at the No. 4 reactor, leaving nuclear fuel in the seriously damaged building brings risks of radiation leaks. Removing nuclear fuel is thus an indispensable part of reactor decommissioning. Nuclear fuel assemblies are to be pulled out of the storage pool one by one with a crane, placed in a shipping container and moved to a shared pool. ４号機には補強工事を施したとはいえ、損傷が大きい建屋に核燃料を置いておけば、放射能漏れのリスクを伴う。燃料取り出しは廃炉に向けた不可欠な作業だ。核燃料を１体ずつつり上げて輸送容器に入れ、共用プールに移す。
During the nuclear fuel removal process, meticulous attention must be given to debris remaining inside the No. 4 reactor’s storage pool. It is necessary to prevent such debris from damaging nuclear fuel assemblies when the assemblies are pulled out of the storage pool. 取り出し作業で細心の注意が求められるのは、４号機のプール内に残るがれきだ。核燃料をつり上げる際に接触するなどして、傷つけないようにする必要がある。
Thorough NRA checks needed
The Nuclear Regulation Authority will oversee the nuclear fuel removal work under a special system. It is important that the NRA thoroughly check whether its schedule is realistic and ensure that potential sources of trouble have not been overlooked. 原子力規制委員会は特別体制で作業を監督する。スケジュールに無理はないか。トラブルの種が見過ごされていないか。しっかりとチェックすることが大切だ。
As for the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors, damaged areas have yet to be identified and the melted fuel situation is unknown. The amount of water contaminated with radioactive substances apparently leaking from damaged areas has continued to increase. １～３号機については損傷部が特定されておらず、溶けた燃料の状況も分からない。損傷部から漏れる汚染水は増え続けている。
We urge TEPCO to apply the expertise it gains during the nuclear fuel removal work at the No. 4 reactor to recovering melted fuel and other materials at the Nos. 1 to 3 reactors. ４号機の核燃料取り出し作業で得られるノウハウを、１～３号機での溶融した燃料などの取り出しにも役立ててもらいたい。
The development of advanced robots that can be used for monitoring the situation inside reactors, as well as technology to repair damaged sections, must be taken full advantage of. 炉内の状況把握に役立つ高度なロボットや、損傷部分の補修技術の開発も進めねばならない。
One major challenge is to secure a sustainable workforce for decommissioning the reactors. 大きな課題は、廃炉作業を担う要員の持続的な確保である。
The decommissioning work is arduous, since it requires workers to wear a full face mask and protective suit. It remains difficult even now to organize the 2,000 to 3,000 workers believed to be needed for this work. 全面マスクと防護服を着けて進める作業は過酷だ。２０００～３０００人が必要とされる要員の手配は、現在でも容易でない。
As the decommissioning work proceeds, workers will face increased levels of exposure to radiation, and some restrictions may be needed to limit access to the sites by experienced technicians. 廃炉工程が進めば、放射線の被曝(ひばく)量がさらに増え、現場への立ち入りを制限せざるを得ないベテラン技術者も出るだろう。
More than ¥2 trillion is said to be necessary for reactor decommissioning work and measures to deal with contaminated water. The government must move steadily forward with this long-term decommissioning work, by taking the lead in developing the needed technology, securing a sustainable workforce, and providing financial assistance. 廃炉・汚染水対策には２兆円以上が必要とされる。政府が前面に出て技術開発や要員確保、資金支援に取り組み、長丁場の廃炉作業を確実に進めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 20, 2013) （2013年11月20日02時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 20, 2013 Build strategic ties with ASEAN in security, economic fields ＡＳＥＡＮ外交 安保・経済で戦略的な連携に（11月19日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stepped up efforts to reinforce ties with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. 安倍首相が東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）との連携強化に力を入れている。
We applaud his efforts for serving as a check against China, which has been increasing its military and economic presence, and for their strategic importance in ensuring regional stability. 軍事、経済の両面で台頭する中国を牽制(けんせい)し、地域の安定を図る上で戦略的重要性を持つと評価できる。
Abe visited Cambodia and Laos on Saturday and Sunday, completing visits to all 10 ASEAN member nations in less than one year since he took office. 首相がカンボジアとラオスを訪問した。就任から１年足らずでＡＳＥＡＮ加盟の１０か国すべてを回り終えたことになる。
During his latest swing through the region, Abe explained his government’s diplomatic policies, saying Japan will contribute to world peace through proactive pacifism based on the principle of international cooperation. 首相は今回の訪問で、日本の外交方針について「国際協調主義に基づく積極的平和主義の立場で貢献していく」と説明した。
Leaders of Cambodia and Laos hailed Japan’s postwar progress as a pacifist nation and supported Abe’s diplomatic stance. They also agreed to promote security dialogue between Japan and their countries. Deepening mutual understanding through such endeavors has great significance. カンボジアとラオスの首脳は、平和国家・日本の戦後の歩みを評価し、首相を支持した。安保対話の促進でも合意しており、相互理解を深めていく意義は大きい。
It was also decided that Japan will help train Cambodian personnel who will participate in U.N. peacekeeping operations. Self-Defense Forces personnel were dispatched to Cambodia in 1992 in Japan’s first U.N. peacekeeping mission. Sharing the SDF’s expertise in road construction and maintenance could contribute to deepening bilateral security cooperation. 国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に参加するカンボジアの要員育成に日本が協力することも決まった。カンボジアでのＰＫＯに日本は初めて自衛隊を派遣した。自衛隊の道路整備技術などを伝えることは安保協力の深化につながろう。
In a series of meetings, discussions were held on the situation in the South China Sea, where China is locked in territorial disputes with the Philippines, Vietnam and other Asian nations. Abe and the Cambodian and Laotian leaders concurred on the need to finalize as soon as possible the code of conduct that ASEAN and China have been discussing. 一連の会談では、中国とフィリピン、ベトナムなどとの領有権争いが続く南シナ海情勢についても協議した。ＡＳＥＡＮと中国が交渉中の「行動規範」を早期に策定する必要性で一致した。
A code of conduct, which has legal binding power, would aim to use international rules to curb any Chinese use of force to expand its maritime interests. 法的拘束力を持つ行動規範は、国際ルールによって、中国の力による進出を抑え込む狙いがある。
Japan, U.S. back code
Japan and the United States support efforts to compile this code, but China has been lukewarm on the matter. Beijing has been trying to curry favor with Cambodia, Laos and other pro-China ASEAN countries, thereby inducing a split among the group’s members. 日米は規範策定を支持するが、中国は消極的だ。親中的なカンボジアやラオスなどを懐柔し、ＡＳＥＡＮ内の分断も図っている。
But now that Cambodia and Laos have shown a positive attitude toward this code of conduct, Tokyo expects it will have a favorable effect on ASEAN’s unity. カンボジアとラオスが行動規範に前向きな姿勢を示したことで、日本政府はＡＳＥＡＮの結束に好影響を及ぼすと期待している。
The is not a matter of someone else’s business for Japan, given that this nation has been the target of China’s saber-rattling over the Senkaku Islands. 尖閣諸島を巡る中国の示威行動に直面する日本にとっても、この問題は他人事(ひとごと)ではない。
Harnessing the vigor of Southeast Asia’s remarkable economic growth will be indispensable for promoting the Abe administration’s growth strategy. It was natural that Abe said at a news conference in Laos, “Japan’s growth cannot be achieved without ASEAN’s.” 経済発展著しい東南アジアの活力を取り込むことは、安倍政権の成長戦略に欠かせない。首相がラオスでの記者会見で「ＡＳＥＡＮの成長なくして、日本の成長もない」と語ったのはもっともだ。
In the health and medical treatment fields, a memorandum was signed on introducing Japanese-style medical care. This is expected to increase exports of Japanese drugs and medical equipment. 保健や医療分野の協力では、日本式医療の導入に向けた覚書を締結した。日本の医薬品や医療機器の輸出増も期待できる。
Japan plays a major role in ASEAN market integration. Intergovernmental negotiations should be accelerated to create an environment that can facilitate more investment by Japanese businesses. ＡＳＥＡＮの市場統合に日本が果たす役割は大きい。日本企業が投資しやすい環境作りへ、政府間協議を加速させるべきだ。
Japan and ASEAN have a profound relationship, and this year marks the 40 anniversary of bilateral friendship and cooperation. Japan will host a special summit meeting with ASEAN leaders in Tokyo in mid-December. We hope this will be an opportunity to further buttress Japan-ASEAN ties. 日本とＡＳＥＡＮの関係は深い。今年は、友好協力４０周年の節目に当たる。１２月中旬には、東京に各国の首脳を迎えて特別首脳会議を開く。協力をさらに強固にする機会としたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 19, 2013) （2013年11月19日02時17分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 19, 2013 Retraction of 25% greenhouse gas emissions reduction target reasonable 温室ガス目標 やっと「２５％減」が撤回された（11月18日付・読売社説）
As all the nation’s nuclear power plants, which emit no carbon dioxide in the process of generating electricity, have remained offline, there can be no doubt that it is extremely difficult to cut back on greenhouse gas emissions. 発電の際、二酸化炭素（ＣＯ２）を出さない原子力発電所が一つも稼働していない現状では、温室効果ガスの排出量を減らすのは困難である。
The new target announced by the government for curtailing greenhouse gas emissions can safely be called a down-to-earth decision, though some may deem it too modest. 政府が発表した温室効果ガスの新たな削減目標は、控えめながら現実的な数値と言えよう。
The new target seeks to trim emissions by 3.8 percent from fiscal 2005 levels by fiscal 2020. With no prospects for the resumption of nuclear power plant operations in sight, the new target was calculated on the assumption that nuclear power would provide none of the country’s power. ２０２０年度までに０５年度比で３・８％削減する――。それが新たな目標だ。原発の再稼働が見通せない中、発電量における原発の比率をゼロとして算出した。
Japan’s previous target was to slash emissions by 25 percent compared to fiscal 1990 levels, which was hammered out in 2009 by then Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama. The replacement of the unrealistically high goal that Hatoyama abruptly put out, without building domestic consensus, is a good thing. 日本のこれまでの目標は、鳩山元首相が０９年に打ち出した「１９９０年比２５％削減」だった。国内の合意を得ないまま、唐突に掲げた非現実的な目標が、ようやく改められたことを評価したい。
Environment Minister Nobuteru Ishihara is to announce the 3.8 percent cutback target as Japan’s international pledge at the 19th Conference of Parties (COP19) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change now under way in Warsaw. ワルシャワで開かれている国連の気候変動枠組み条約第１９回締約国会議（ＣＯＰ１９）で、石原環境相が「３・８％削減」を国際公約として表明する。
Criticism from abroad that the new target is insufficient is probably inevitable. Reducing emissions by 3.8 percent from fiscal 2005 equals an increase of about 3 percent from fiscal 1990 levels. The reduction figure may well appear inferior to the goal set by the United States of cutting green house gas emissions by 17 percent from 2005 levels. 不十分な目標という各国の批判は避けられないだろう。０５年度比３・８％減は、９０年度比にすると約３％増となる。米国の０５年比１７％減と比べても見劣りする。
Draw up N-power outlook
Referring to the new target, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has noted that the 3.8 percent reduction has been set “just as a provisional figure.” His statement indicates that this country is prepared to revise upward the reduction target, depending on the future reactivation of nuclear plants. 安倍首相は、３・８％減について、「あくまで現時点での目標」だと位置付けた。今後、原発の再稼働とともに、より高い削減率へと修正していく方針だ。
It is estimated that an increase by 5 points of the percentage of nuclear power output among the nation’s entire power generation would reduce Japan’s greenhouse gas emissions by around 3 percent. 原発比率が５％上がれば、温室効果ガスは３％ほど削減できる。
To obtain understanding from other countries about the new target, the government should scrupulously explain that the target is only provisional. 各国の理解を得るため、政府は暫定的な目標であることを丁寧に説明せねばならない。
The government has also worked out a diplomatic strategy for “going on the offensive” to fight global warming. 政府は今回、「攻めの地球温暖化外交戦略」もまとめた。
The centerpiece of the strategy is the government’s pledge to provide $16 billion (about ¥1.6 trillion) in combined financial assistance from the government and private sectors over a period of three years from 2013 to help developing countries tackle climate change. The contribution from Japan will account for one-third of all the financial assistance emerging nations have been asking for at COP19. １３年からの３年間で、途上国への支援として、官民合わせて１６０億ドル（約１兆６０００億円）を拠出するのが柱だ。ＣＯＰで途上国側が求めている支援額の３分の１に相当する。
The strategy also incorporates such projects as the launch of a satellite capable of monitoring greenhouse gas emissions from China and other Asian countries. 中国などアジア諸国の温室効果ガス排出量を観測できる人工衛星の打ち上げなども盛り込んだ。
It is highly important to stress Japan’s readiness to actively contribute to slashing global greenhouse gas emissions through its high technological capabilities, even though this country cannot currently afford to set a lofty reduction target. 現時点では、高い削減目標は掲げられないものの、得意の技術力で世界全体の温室効果ガス削減に貢献する。この姿勢を積極的にアピールすることも大切だ。
Even more significant in connection with the greenhouse gas reduction goal is what target should be set for beyond 2020. This is because a new framework for fighting global warming to take the place of the 1997 Kyoto Protocol is scheduled to go into effect in 2020. 削減目標で、より重要なのは、２０２０年以降の数値である。京都議定書に代わる新たな枠組みが２０年に発効する予定だからだ。
A focus of the COP19 discussions is when the participating countries should produce their respective reduction targets in line with the new framework. ＣＯＰ１９では、各国が新たな枠組みでの削減目標をいつまでに提出するかが焦点となっている。
To push ahead with measures against global warming that take into account the years from 2020 on, the government must clarify in a new version of the Basic Energy Plan its position on what percentage of the nation’s electricity supplies should be provided through nuclear power in the future. 日本政府が２０年以降を見据えた温暖化対策を推進するためには、エネルギー基本計画などで原発の将来的な比率を明確にすることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 18, 2013) （2013年11月18日01時44分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 18, 2013 Broad perspective needed to review fairness of taxes on motor vehicles 自動車課税 公平な負担へ議論を尽くせ（11月17日付・読売社説）
How to review the current tax levies on motor vehicles has emerged as a major point of contention in discussions about next fiscal year’s tax system changes, which will culminate toward year-end. 消費増税に伴う自動車課税の見直しが、年末の税制改正論議で大きな争点となってきた。
The government and the ruling coalition parties of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito must do their best to realistically resolve the issue by paying balanced attention to the necessity of securing tax revenues and the possible impact tax changes could have on the economy. 政府と自民、公明の与党は、財源の確保と景気への影響に目配りした現実的な解決策に知恵を絞るべきである。
The ruling camp is committed to abolishment of the “automobile acquisition tax,” imposed at the time of purchasing a new motor vehicle, if the consumption tax rate is raised to 10 percent in October 2015 as planned. 政府が２０１５年１０月に消費税率を１０％へ予定通り引き上げる場合、与党は車の購入時に課している「自動車取得税」を廃止する方針を掲げている。
Some fear the consumption tax hike could cause a drop in motor vehicle sales, slowing the pace of economic recovery. 自動車販売が消費増税で落ち込めば、景気の足を引っ張りかねない。
It should be noted in this connection that the automobile acquisition tax has been under fire from various quarters for being a form of double taxation when combined with the consumption tax. Abolishing the acquisition tax is the right thing to do. 取得税は、消費税との「二重課税」との批判も受けてきた。取得税の廃止は適切だろう。
Revenues in fiscal 2013 from the automobile acquisition tax, a local tax, are estimated at ¥190 billion and play an important role as revenue sources of local governments. 地方税である取得税は１３年度で１９００億円の税収が見込まれ、地方財政の一端を担っている。
The question in this connection is how to secure new sources of revenue to make up for revenue shortfalls caused by the planned abolition of the tax. 問題は取得税の撤廃で不足が生じる財源をどう確保するかだ。
The Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry has proposed covering the shrinkage in tax revenue by raising the yearly minivehicle tax paid by minivehicle owners, which is now ¥7,200. 総務省は、軽自動車の所有者が毎年納める「軽自動車税」の増税などで賄う案をまとめた。
The tax burden on minivehicle users is about one-fourth that of owners of small passenger cars for private use with engine displacement of 1,000cc or less, which is ¥29,500 a year. 現在の軽自動車税（自家用）は年７２００円で、排気量１０００ｃｃ以下の小型の自家用車にかかる「自動車税」の年２万９５００円と比べると、税負担は約４分の１に過ぎない。
Respect ‘beneficiaries pay’
The ministry argues that the gap in the tax burdens is “unreasonably out of balance.” 「バランスを欠いている」というのが総務省の主張だ。
Motor vehicles with engine displacement of 660cc or less are categorized as minivehicles. Recently, the differences between minivehicles and small passenger and other small vehicles have markedly narrowed in such terms as prices and fuel efficiency. Minivehicles have become increasingly popular, now accounting for about 40 percent of the sales of new vehicles. 排気量６６０ｃｃ以下が軽自動車の基準だが、最近、軽自動車と小型車の価格や燃費などの差が縮まっている。新車販売の約４割を占めるなど人気が高い。
The ministry-proposed review of the tax burden gaps between minivehicles and other motor vehicles is worthy of consideration. 税負担の違いの見直しを狙う総務省案は、検討に値する。
Auto businesses and the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry, however, have vehemently opposed the idea of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry. 自動車業界や経済産業省はこれに猛反発している。
Leaders of the motor vehicle industry argued in a recent news conference that the envisioned increase in the minivehicle tax would “make abolition of the automobile acquisition tax meaningless,” insisting that drops in tax revenues should be covered by tax levies on things other than motor vehicles. 業界首脳らは記者会見し、「財源を軽自動車税にするなら取得税廃止が無意味になる」と述べ、車以外への課税で賄うべきだと訴えた。
The auto business leaders also stressed that minivehicles serve as “means of transport tied to the daily lives” of people who live in rural areas, where other means of transportation are meager. 軽自動車が交通手段の乏しい地方を中心に「生活の足」として役立っている点も強調した。
It should be noted, however, that motor vehicles put a burden on roads, which require costly repairs and maintenance, and affect the environment. Coming up with revenue to fund repairs and renewal of older roads is a serious challenge for local governments. ただ、自動車の走行で道路や環境に負荷がかかり、維持や保全に費用が発生する。老朽化した道路の修繕や更新の財源の手当ては地方自治体の深刻な課題である。
It would be hard to make up for declines in revenue brought by the abolition of the automobile acquisition tax by additional taxes on non-vehicle products alone. It will be inevitable for minivehicle users to assume a heavier tax burden in accordance with the beneficiaries-pay principle. 取得税廃止による税収の穴を車以外の課税で全て埋めるのは難しい。受益者負担として一定の課税を迫られるのはやむを得まい。
With taxes related to motor vehicles amounting to nearly ¥8 trillion a year, a widely held opinion is that consumers’ motor vehicle taxes are unreasonably heavy. 自動車関係の税収は合計で８兆円近くに上り、消費者の負担が重すぎるとの批判も根強い。
There are also calls to expand tax breaks for highly efficient, environmentally friendly vehicles. 環境性能の高い車を優遇するエコカー減税の拡充を望む声もある。
Besides addressing the issues of the automobile acquisition tax and the minivehicle tax, the government and the ruling coalition parties should consider the motor vehicle-linked tax system in its entirety when discussing what should be done to realize impartiality in taxation. 政府・与党は、取得税と軽自動車税の問題にとどまらず、自動車課税全体を見渡し、公平な課税の在り方を議論すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 17, 2013) （2013年11月17日01時43分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 17, 2013 Review of school textbook screening must help understanding of history 教科書検定基準 領土と歴史の理解に役立つ（11月16日付・読売社説）
It is essential that textbooks children study accurately describe their country’s territories and history. 子供たちが学ぶ教科書には、自国の領土や歴史についての正しい記述が不可欠である。
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Hakubun Shimomura has announced that the government plans to review its standards on textbook screenings and aims to implement new criteria beginning next fiscal year. 下村文部科学相が、教科書検定基準を見直す方針を表明した。来年度の検定からの適用を目指す。
We regard it reasonable that the government has decided to require textbooks to mention its consensus views on historical and territorial issues, a key point of the review. 見直しの柱として、政府の統一見解があれば、必ず記述するよう求めた点はうなずける。
Japan’s confrontations with China and South Korea over territorial and historical issues have escalated. Teaching Japan’s stance accurately would help children correctly understand the nation’s relationship with other countries. Such efforts are also important for the nation to foster people capable of disseminating the message of the legitimacy of the government’s positions on such issues to the international community. 領土や歴史認識に関し、中国や韓国との対立が目立つ。日本の立場を教えることは、他国との関係を正しく理解する助けになる。国際社会で日本の正当性を発信する人材を育てる上でも重要だ。
South Korea has unlawfully occupied the Takeshima islands, an inherent part of Japanese territory, and Tokyo has taken the stance that there is no territorial dispute with Beijing over the Senkaku Islands administered by Japan. 日本固有の領土である竹島については、韓国が不法占拠している。日本が有効支配している尖閣諸島を巡っては、日中間に解決すべき領有権問題は存在しない。
Japan also has frictions with South Korea over the so-called comfort women issue and South Koreans’ rights to seek compensation from Japanese companies for what they claim was forced labor during wartime. 韓国との間には、いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題や、戦時中に徴用された韓国人労働者の賠償請求権に絡むあつれきも生じている。
The Japanese and South Korean governments reached an accord on damage claims in 1965 that stipulates the issue “was resolved completely and finally.” Thus, the issue of compensation for individual South Koreans has been settled already. １９６５年に日韓両国政府が締結した日韓請求権協定には、請求権問題は「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記されている。個人請求権の問題は解決済みだ。
It is vital that such Japanese government stance will be expressed in textbooks. こうした日本政府の立場を教科書で伝えることは大切だ。
Objectivity is key
In revamping textbook screening standards, the government intends to demand that textbook publishers avoid conclusive descriptions on issues for which it has yet to reach a consensus. We believe this is an appropriate call to secure objectivity of textbooks. 検定基準の見直しでは、通説が定まっていない事項について、断定的な記述をしないことも盛り込まれる。教科書の客観性を担保する上で適切な措置だろう。
For example, the number of people killed in the 1937 Nanjing Incident has yet to be determined. The figures vary widely, with some Japanese estimates citing several tens of thousands to 200,000 while China estimates more than 300,000 people were killed. 例えば、１９３７年の南京事件の犠牲者数は確定していない。日本では数万人から２０万人、中国では３０万人以上など諸説がある。
When dealing with such sensitive issues, descriptions unbiased by certain historical views are crucial. このような事例を扱う際には、特定の歴史観に偏らないバランスのとれた記述が欠かせない。
In responding to a question in the Diet in April, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe expressed his view that the current textbook screening system does not reflect the spirit of the revised Fundamental Law of Education, which emphasizes the cultivation of patriotism. The ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s special panel also has called for the screening standards to be improved, saying it has found “descriptions with a self-deprecating view” in history textbooks. 教科書検定に関し、安倍首相は４月の国会答弁で、愛国心などの涵養(かんよう)をうたった改正教育基本法の精神が生きていないとの認識を示した。自民党の特別部会も「自虐史観の記述がある」として、検定基準の改善を要望していた。
However, the government has stopped short of seeking a review of a provision that requires it to pay certain consideration to Japan’s past relations with its neighboring Asian countries when referring to modern and contemporary history. ただ、近隣アジア諸国への配慮を求める近隣諸国条項については今回、見直しが見送られた。
This so-called neighboring-countries provision was added to the textbook screening standards in 1982 to mitigate the fierce reactions from China and South Korea following false media reports that the education ministry had forced a change in the country’s textbooks of the description of an “invasion” of China by the defunct Imperial Japanese Army to an “advance.” １９８２年、教科書で旧日本軍の中国「侵略」が「進出」に書き換えられたとの誤報を機に、中国と韓国が反発し、それを沈静化させるために設けられた条項だ。
The creation of such a provision, however, has produced side effects such as self-restrictions by publishers and writers of textbooks. だが、その後、教科書会社や執筆者が自己規制するなどの副作用も出てきた。
In the increasingly globalized contemporary society, the nation should respect not only its neighbors but also other countries. グローバル化が進む現代社会では、近隣諸国に限らず、他国を尊重する姿勢が求められる。
The historic role played by the provision is apparently coming to an end. 近隣諸国条項は歴史的役割を終えつつあると言える。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 16, 2013) （2013年11月16日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 16, 2013 Bolster self-sustaining growth despite decelerated GDP pickup ＧＤＰ減速 経済成長の持続力を高めたい（11月15日付・読売社説）
Although the pace of the nation’s economic growth since the beginning of the year has slowed, economic expansion remains in positive territory. 年初から続いていた高成長にブレーキがかかったが、プラス成長は維持している。
The government, together with the Bank of Japan, should steadily push ahead with the Abenomics economic policy of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to accelerate fresh economic growth. 政府と日銀は、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」を着実に前進させ、成長の再加速を図ってもらいたい。
The nation’s preliminary real gross domestic product for the July-September period, announced by the Cabinet Office on Thursday, showed a 0.5 percent rise from the previous quarter, the fourth straight quarter of improvement. 内閣府が発表した今年７～９月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・５％増と、４四半期連続でプラスになった。
On an annualized basis, however, the growth figure is 1.9 percent, half the previous quarter’s 3.8 percent. だが、年率換算の成長率は１・９％で、前期の３・８％から半減した。
A major factor behind the decrease is the sluggish pace of personal spending, which has served as the engine for economic growth. 成長を牽引(けんいん)してきた個人消費が低迷したことが響いた。
Exports, which were expected to increase on the strength of the weakening yen, turned to negative growth in the July-September period on declining demand from emerging economies in Asia and elsewhere. 円安の追い風が期待された輸出も、アジアなど新興国の景気減速を受けて、マイナスに転じた。
What shored up the growth despite weak domestic and external demand in such major categories was expenditures on public works projects, which increased through a set of emergency economic stimulus measures. 内外需の柱が不振に陥る中で、成長を支えたのは、緊急経済対策で上積みした公共投資だった。
Commenting on the latest GDP figure, Akira Amari, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, expressed a bullish point of view, saying the government believes “domestic demand has remained firm, indicating the economy will continue picking up.” However, this is no time for the government to let its guard down. 甘利経済財政相は「内需は底堅く、景気が引き続き上向いていると考える」と、強気の見方を示したが、油断は禁物だろう。
Higher growth achieved through public spending cannot last for long. 財政出動による成長の押し上げは、持続力に限りがある。
Price markups looming
Any uptrend will level off sooner or later if public spending-led growth is not replaced with self-sustaining growth through increases in private demand such as consumer spending and capital investment. 消費や設備投資など民間需要が主導する自律的な成長に移行しないと、いずれ息切れは避けられまい。
What should be of particular concern is rising prices of imported goods such as food and fuel, in addition to increased electricity charges due to idle nuclear power stations. 懸念されるのは、食品や燃料など輸入品の価格が上昇し、原子力発電所の停止で電力料金も値上がりしていることだ。
According to a survey by the Cabinet Office, 90 percent of households believe prices will be “higher than they are now” in the coming year. There are fears that consumer sentiment will ebb due to anxieties over increased prices. 内閣府の調査で、９割の世帯が１年後の物価は「上がる」と答えた。物価高を警戒して、消費者の心理が冷え込みかねない。
Although consumption will likely become firmer from around the end of the year until the early months of next year due to a last-minute surge in demand ahead of a consumption tax increase on April 1, reactionary drops after the tax hike could be highly problematic. 来年４月の消費税率引き上げをにらんだ「駆け込み需要」で、消費は年末から来年にかけて堅調さを取り戻すにしても、問題なのは増税後の反動減だ。
Should consumer spending run out of steam, the economic recovery could plunge into an alarming state, falling into a serious “consumption slump,” just before realizing the “virtuous economic cycle” the Abe administration has been seeking. 消費が失速すれば、日本経済再生に黄信号がともる。安倍政権の目指す「経済の好循環」を実現するどころか、深刻な「消費不況」に沈む恐れがある。
The first-half aggregate profits of listed companies through September are likely to be double those of a year earlier. It is strongly hoped that firms enjoying good business performance will take the bold step of raising wages to help boost household purchasing power. 上場企業の今年９月中間決算は、利益総額が前年の２倍に増える勢いだ。好業績の企業が賃上げに踏み切り、家計の購買力を底上げすることが望まれる。
Boosting income for both regular and nonregular employees of not only large companies, but also second-tier, medium- and small-sized businesses is certain to become a key task. 大企業だけでなく、中堅・中小企業の従業員や非正規労働者を含めた、所得全体の向上も大きな課題となろう。
The current slow pace of capital investment by private businesses is also a matter of concern. 民間企業の設備投資の回復が鈍いのも気がかりである。
Private-sector companies of course play a predominant role in realizing economic growth. All companies are urged to find a way out of being on the defensive, relying solely on cost curtailment, and instead draw up forward-looking business strategies. 経済成長の主役は民間企業である。各社が前向きの経営戦略を描き、合理化頼みの「守りの経営」から脱することが求められる。
The government, for its part, must redouble efforts to support corporate strategies through such measures as bold deregulation and cuts in effective corporate tax rates, which are significantly higher than those in other advanced economies. 政府は、大胆な規制改革や主要国より高い法人税実効税率の引き下げなど、企業戦略を後押しする施策を加速させるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 15, 2013) （2013年11月15日01時36分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 15, 2013 Isahaya issue cannot be solved solely with judicial decisions 諫早開門問題 司法判断だけでは解決できぬ（11月14日付・読売社説）
Another layer of confusion has been added to the issue concerning the Isahaya Bay land reclamation project in Nagasaki Prefecture. We think it is impossible to solve the problem with only judicial judgments. 長崎県の諫早湾干拓事業を巡る問題は、混迷の度を増すばかりだ。もはや、司法判断による解決は困難ではないか。
The Nagasaki District Court has decided to issue a provisional injunction to the government to stop the planned opening of floodgates of a dike built in the bay. 長崎地裁が、湾内に設けられた堤防排水門の開門差し止めを国に命じる仮処分を決定した。
The court has judged it is highly probable agriculture and fisheries will suffer damage if the floodgates were to be opened. The court therefore ruled in favor of parties who filed a suit, including farmers, who oppose a government study that would involve opening the floodgates. 「開門すれば、農業や漁業が被害を受ける蓋然性が高い」と判断し、開門調査に反対する干拓地の営農者らの訴えを認めた。
It is a conclusion in direct opposition to the one made by the Fukuoka High Court in December 2010. The high court ordered the government to open the floodgates for five years to investigate what impact it could have on fisheries in the area. The high court decision has already been finalized. ２０１０年１２月の福岡高裁判決と正反対の結論である。高裁は、漁業に与える影響を調べるため、国に対して５年間の開門を命じ、判決は確定している。
It is natural for Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi to have commented on the matter, “It is an extremely difficult situation as we are charged with two [conflicting] obligations: ‘We must open the gates’ or ‘We must not open the gates.’” 林農相が「開門と、開門してはならないという二つの義務を負うことになり、大変難しい状況だ」と語ったのは当然だろう。
Because judges base their decisions on the advantages and disadvantages to parties in a lawsuit from evidence submitted, the interests of parties not directly involved in the lawsuit are not taken into consideration. 裁判官は、提出された証拠だけに基づき、訴訟当事者のみの利害を判断するため、訴訟に絡まない関係者の利害は考慮されない。
In cases in which the interests of farmers and fishermen are intricately intertwined with multiple lawsuits underway—as can be seen with the Isahaya issue—conflicting judicial conclusions are sometimes drawn according to evidence submitted to courts. この問題のように、営農者や漁業者の利害が複雑に交錯し、複数の訴訟が係争中のケースでは、示された証拠によって相反する結論が導かれることもある。
Political settlement desirable
As a result, judicial rulings will fall short of fully solving the issue. Therefore, we believe it is desirable to settle the Isahaya Bay issue politically rather than through judicial rulings. 結果として、司法判断によって解決が遠のく。諫早湾問題は、司法決着よりも、政治による解決が望ましいと言える。
However, thorough preparations and coordination are indispensable to politically solve the problem. After the Fukuoka High Court’s ruling in 2010, then Prime Minister Naoto Kan decided not to appeal the high court decision to the Supreme Court although he had not sufficiently examined the impact of opening the floodgates and other factors. ただし、政治解決を図るには周到な調整が欠かせない。菅首相（当時）は、福岡高裁判決後、開門の影響などを十分に検討しないまま、上告を断念した。
“I have my own knowledge on this issue,” Kan stressed, but he was ultimately unable to point the problem toward a final settlement. Instead, his actions have invited distrust against the politics of parties involved in the issue. 菅氏は「私なりの知見を持っている」と力説したが、最終解決への道筋は示し得なかった。それどころか、関係者の政治不信を招く結果になった。
If the government had appealed the high court ruling to the top court, there was a possibility the issue could have ended with a court-mediated settlement. Even if such a settlement was not made, there might have been a different development in the issue’s history if the Supreme Court had handed down its decision on the issue, because top court decisions strongly influence subsequent decisions in trials at lower courts regarding similar cases. 上告していれば、和解成立の可能性もあった。そうでなくても、下級審に強い影響力を持つ最高裁判決が示されれば、異なる展開になっていたかもしれない。
The Fukuoka High Court-ordered deadline to begin the floodgate-opening study, Dec. 20, is now approaching. With the Nagasaki court’s decision, it is unlikely for the government to start the investigation by the date. The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must do its best to reach out to parties involved in this issue, such as local governments, fishermen and farmers, to find a compromise. 福岡高裁判決が命じた開門調査の開始期限は１２月２０日に迫っている。今回の決定で、期限内の調査開始は見通せなくなったと言えよう。安倍政権は事態打開に向け、地元自治体や漁業者、営農者の歩み寄りに全力を挙げるべきだ。
The Isahaya Bay land reclamation project has been regarded as a prime example of a “public works project that cannot be stopped once it has started.” The initial purpose of the project was to create an increase in food production. However, even if the government shifted its policy to reducing rice fields, the project would continue under the pretext of disaster management or securing a water resource. 諫早湾の干拓事業は、「止まらない公共事業」の代名詞とされてきた。当初は、食料増産が目的だったが、国が減反政策に転換しても、防災や水資源確保などに名目を変えて継続された。
We suspect the government underestimated the impact of the project on fishermen and farmers as it placed too much priority on simply keeping the project moving. The major lesson from the issue of the Isahaya Bay land reclamation project is how important it is to obtain the understanding of the parties involved. 政府は事業継続を優先するあまり、漁業者や営農者への影響を過小評価していたのではないか。利害関係者の理解を得ることがいかに大切か。諫早湾干拓事業の大きな教訓である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 14, 2013) （2013年11月14日01時46分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 14, 2013 Japan, other countries should do more to deal with natural disasters フィリピン台風 被災者救援に日本も力尽くせ（11月13日付・読売社説）
Destruction from the killer typhoon that struck the Philippines produced a tragic scene reminiscent of areas devastated by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. 東日本大震災の被災地を想起させる悲惨な光景が広がっている。
Typhoon Haiyan smashed into the Philippines Friday, a catastrophe that is believed to have left as many as 10,000 dead and affected an estimated 11.3 million people. Japan should do its utmost to aid the typhoon-ravaged country. 猛烈な台風３０号が、フィリピンを直撃し、死者１万人とも言われる壊滅的な被害が出た。被災者は約１１３０万人に上る。日本は最大限の支援を急ぐべきだ。
The typhoon is believed to have registered a maximum wind velocity of 105 meters per second. Tacloban, the main city on Leyte Island, was severely damaged, with tsunami-like waves several meters high striking the area. Surging floodwaters destroyed a huge number of simple wooden houses in the city, and even wiped out some local communities. 台風の最大瞬間風速は秒速１０５メートルだったとされる。最も被害が大きかったレイテ島の中心都市タクロバンは数メートルの高潮に襲われた。簡素な木造の住宅は破壊され、消滅した集落もあるという。
No contact has yet been made with many of the 133 Japanese residents on Leyte and neighboring Samar Island. レイテ島と隣のサマル島に住む邦人１３３人の多くとも連絡が取れないままだ。
There is a pressing need to search for and rescue missing people, while also treating those injured in the disaster. This must be complemented by efforts to deliver water, food and medical supplies to survivors. 行方不明者の捜索や救助、負傷者の治療が急務である。同時に、被災者に水や食料、医薬品を届けなければならない。
It is also important to take hygiene measures to prevent people from falling victim to infectious diseases and other ill-effects caused by the typhoon. 感染症などで犠牲者をこれ以上増やさないようにするための衛生対策も重要だ。
Though he reportedly called on his people to evacuate before the typhoon hit, Philippine President Benigno Aquino was unable to prevent a catastrophe. Little progress has been made in determining the extent of the damage. His administration also has been slow to release information about casualties. There is a growing lack of confidence among Filipinos in their government over its failure to take appropriate post-disaster measures. アキノ大統領は台風上陸前に避難を呼びかけたというが、甚大な被害を食い止められなかった。被災状況の把握が進まず、死傷者に関する情報の公開も遅れている。政府の対応の不手際には国民の不信感も高まっている。
The international community needs to extend its full support to the Philippines. There is much that can be done to aid the disaster-stricken country—not just rescue work. International assistance may include securing means of communications and transportation, and assembling relief supplies. In fact, Japan, the United States, China, the European Union and other nations have already announced what assistance they will provide. 国際社会による全面的な支援が必要だ。被災者救出にとどまらず、通信手段や交通の確保、救援物資の集積など協力できることは多い。既に、日本をはじめ、米国、中国、欧州連合（ＥＵ）などが、次々に支援を表明している。
Set up typhoon info network
The Japanese government has sent a medical team from the Japan Disaster Relief Team to the Philippines, while also deciding to extend $10 million, or about ¥1 billion, in emergency grants-in-aid for that country. 日本政府は、国際緊急援助隊の医療チームを現地に送るとともに、１０００万ドル（約１０億円）の緊急無償資金協力を決めた。
The government was quick to decide it would dispatch Self-Defense Forces personnel in response to a request from the Philippine government. A 50-member advance SDF team is scheduled to arrive first, with the aim of extending medical and other assistance to stricken areas. 比政府の要請を受けて、政府が自衛隊の派遣を決めたのも妥当な判断だ。先遣隊５０人がまず現地入りし、医療支援などにあたる。
In the wake of the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami, Japan received a great deal of assistance from other countries, including the Philippines. Japan has an obligation to aid any disaster-hit nation. 東日本大震災の際、日本は、フィリピンを含む各国から多大な支援を受けた。 国際的な災害支援は日本の責務と言えよう。
After coastal areas along the Indian Ocean were hit by tsunami generated by a massive earthquake in 2004, the Japanese government took the initiative in establishing a multilateral tsunami warning system covering the region. ２００４年のインド洋津波の後、日本政府は、インド洋における多国間の津波警戒システムの構築に、主導的役割を果たした。
Japan’s initiative in this respect also covers typhoons. The Japan Meteorological Agency has provided other Asian nations with data from weather satellites and other weather-related information. A multilateral typhoon information network should be created to reduce damage caused by a disaster comparable to the typhoon. 台風に関しても、日本の気象庁が、気象衛星のデータや予報情報をアジア諸国に提供しているが、今回のような被害を少しでも減らすために、同様の情報ネットワーク作りが求められる。
Asia is one of the world’s most disaster-prone regions. About half of the victims of natural calamities in the past 30 years have been in this part of the world. アジアは世界有数の自然災害多発地帯だ。過去３０年間の犠牲者の約半数が集中するという。
Japan, the Philippines and other Asian nations that frequently suffer typhoon damage should further increase their cooperation to reduce and manage devastation caused by typhoons. 日本やフィリピンをはじめ、台風災害に苦しめられるアジア各国は、防災面での連携も一層強化すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 13, 2013) （2013年11月13日01時52分 読売新聞）
cite from msn sankei, english translation by srachai,
2013.10.26 18:10 ［安倍首相］ 2013.10.26 18:10 [Abe]
安倍首相、海外逃亡中のタイの元首相と会食 Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, dined with exiled former Thai Prime Minister,Thaksin Shinawatra
安倍晋三首相は２６日、タイのタクシン元首相と都内のホテルで、昼食をとりながら会談した。両国の経済問題などについて意見交換したとみられる。 On October 26, 2013, Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe met to take a lunch with former exiled Thai Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra at a hotel in Tokyo, discussing about bilateral economic issues between the two countries.
タクシン氏はインラック現首相の実兄にあたる。国有地の不正購入をめぐる汚職事件で実刑判決を受け海外逃亡中だ。 Exiled Thaksin is a brother of Yingluck Shinawatra, the current Prime Minister of Thailand. Being sentenced tow years' imprisonment at the Thai Court against some bribery scandals involving the illegal purchase of State-owned land, Thaksin exiled him as a fugitive abroad.
タイ政界に影響力を有しているタクシン氏だが、日本の首相が、海外逃亡中の外国要人と会談するのは異例だ。 Although Thaksin still has great influence in Thailand politics, it is quite an extraordinary case for Japan's Prime Minister to meet an exiled foreign dignitaries.
related story, http://sankei.jp.msn.com/politics/news/131026/plc13102618110010-n1.htm http://www.newsclip.be/article/2013/10/31/19574.html
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 12, 2013 Board of Audit warning must lead to better infrastructure management 会計検査院報告 杜撰なインフラ管理を見直せ（11月10日付・読売社説）
The improper and ineffective use of taxpayers’ money remains strikingly conspicuous. 税金が有効に使われていないケースが、相変わらず目立つ。
The Board of Audit, in its auditing report for the fiscal year that ended on March 31 this year, has pointed out 630 cases of improper, questionable use of ¥490.7 billion of government funds. 会計検査院は２０１２年度の決算検査報告書で６３０件、４９０７億円の問題点を指摘した。
Japan has long had the worst fiscal deficits among industrially advanced countries. No time should be wasted in buckling down to the challenge of fiscal reconstruction. 日本は先進国で最悪の財政赤字を抱えている。財政再建は待ったなしだ。
All ministries and agencies that have been asked by the board to rectify problematic use of public funds must squarely address the task of proper budgetary implementation. 検査院から改善を求められた各省庁は、予算の適正な執行に取り組まねばならない。
The public funds watchdog this time focused its inspections on how public infrastructure has been maintained and managed because infrastructure is closely linked to the public’s safety. 検査院は今回、公共インフラの維持・管理の調査に力を入れた。国民の安全にかかわるからだ。
The fact that the board’s inspections have uncovered a large number of cases of sloppy infrastructure management cannot be overlooked. その調査で、杜撰(ずさん)な実態が浮かび上がったことは看過できない。
A case in point is problems with the management of overpasses across expressways. 例えば、高速道路をまたぐ陸橋（跨(こ)道橋）の管理だ。
The board’s inspections of all the nation’s approximately 4,500 overpasses have revealed that 635 of them have been left unchecked. In addition, it remains unconfirmed whether another 548 overpasses have been checked. 全国の約４５００か所すべてを調べたところ、６３５橋で点検が実施されていなかった。５４８橋では点検をしたかどうかすら不明だった。
It is astonishing that no steps have been taken to prevent concrete pieces from becoming detached at 968 overpasses built 30 years or more ago. If pieces of concrete hit a passing motor vehicle, the result could be disastrous. In fact, such an accident happened on the Tomei (Tokyo-Nagoya) Expressway. ３０年以上経過した陸橋のうち９６８橋で、コンクリート片の剥落防止措置がとられていなかったことにも驚く。通行中の自動車を直撃すれば、惨事を招きかねない。過去には東名高速道路にコンクリ片が落下した事例もある。
The collapse of an overpass in a major earthquake could sever expressway networks, rendering them unable to function as arteries for transporting emergency supplies. 大地震の際、陸橋が崩落すると、高速道路が寸断され、緊急輸送路としての機能を果たせなくなる事態が懸念される。
Past lessons unheeded
Expressway companies built the overpasses to connect communities separated by the construction of thoroughfares, and their management is up to the relevant local municipalities. 陸橋は、高速道路による地域の分断対策として、高速道路会社側が建造し、所在地の自治体が管理している。
Given that the structures were not built at the expense of the municipalities, local governments apparently tend to lack awareness of their responsibility to maintain and repair the overpasses. 自治体が自らの予算で造った施設でないことが、当事者意識を欠いた対応につながっているのではないか。
Expressway operators and municipalities must heighten their collaboration to ensure the safety of the structures. 高速道路会社と自治体は連携し、安全対策を進めるべきだ。
There also are a pile of problems with tunnels on national highways. The board’s inspections have revealed that no regular checks have been conducted on at least 11 of them during the past 10 years or so. 国道トンネルにも問題が多い。少なくとも１１か所で約１０年間、定期点検が行われていなかった。
No lessons have been utilized from the collapse of the Toyohama Tunnel near Yoichi, western Hokkaido, in 1996, which killed 20 people. It is only natural that the Board of Audit has demanded that the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry thoroughly inspect national highway tunnels to ensure their safety. ２０人が犠牲になった１９９６年の北海道・豊浜トンネル崩落事故の教訓が生かされていない。検査院が国土交通省に対し、点検の徹底を求めたのは当然である。
Shikoku Railway Co. (JR Shikoku) has left 56 of its railway bridges unrepaired for more than three years despite knowing they needed repairs, according to the board. One railway bridge has been left without repairs for as long as 23 years, the board said. It naturally came under fire for having little safety awareness. ＪＲ四国の鉄道橋では、補修の必要性を把握しながら、３年以上修繕していない橋が５６か所に上った。中には２３年間、放置された橋もあった。安全への認識が希薄だと批判されても仕方あるまい。
We are also astonished by the sloppiness, as uncovered by the board, of the central and local governments in reinforcing infrastructure to improve earthquake resistance. 国や自治体のお粗末な耐震補強工事にもあきれるばかりだ。
In one instance, antiseismic ferroconcrete slabs were installed around pillars of bridges, but it was later learned that doing so weakened the quake-resistance of the bases of the pillars because of the additional load the pillars had to bear as a result of the reinforcement, the board noted. 橋脚の柱部分に鉄筋コンクリートを巻き付ける工事で、重量の増加を適切に考慮しなかったため、橋脚を支える基礎部分の耐震性がかえって低下したケースがあった。
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has hammered out a policy of boosting national land resilience. 安倍政権は、国土強靱(きょうじん)化の方針を打ち出している。
The sloppy rudimentary inspection and maintenance of existing infrastructure revealed by the Board of Audit could damage the trustworthiness of Abe’s policy. だが、既存の建造物の基本的な保守・点検がおろそかなようでは心もとない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 10, 2013) （2013年11月10日01時58分 読売新聞）
November 10, 2013(Mainichi Japan) Kaleidoscope of the Heart: The power of baseball 香山リカのココロの万華鏡:見る人の心奪う「野球」 ／東京
This year's professional baseball Nippon Series really generated a buzz. The Yomiuri Giants and Rakuten Golden Eagles came to the plate with very different histories. Some people were moved to give the Golden Eagles their fervent support simply because they were a team from the disaster-hit northeast. 今年のプロ野球日本シリーズは大変盛り上がった。読売ジャイアンツと東北楽天ゴールデンイーグルスは球団の歴史も、戦歴も対照的。さらにイーグルスは東北の球団だけに被災地へ心を寄せる人たちも熱心に応援した。
Baseball fans were excited elsewhere as well. In American Major League Baseball the Boston Red Sox won the World Series, with Japanese pitchers Koji Uehara and Junichi Tazawa greatly contributing to the victory and grabbing the attention of fans in Japan, as well as those in the United States. 海の向こうの米国メジャーリーグではボストン・レッドソックスがワールドシリーズ制覇を果たしたが、同球団所属の上原浩治、田沢純一両投手が大活躍し、こちらも日米のファンは大いに沸いた。
This talk about baseball reminds me of the 1976 Academy Award winner "One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest." 野球といえば１９７６年のアカデミー賞映画「カッコーの巣の上で」を思い出す。
Set in a 1960s American mental institution, a man pretending to be a psychiatric patient is admitted there and rebels against the administration. During a "discussion therapy" session that is anything but, he suddenly requests that the institution staff change the building's schedule so the patients can watch the World Series. ６０年代の米国の州立精神科病院が舞台のこの作品では病人を装って入院し、病棟の管理体制に反発する男が名ばかりの「ディスカッション療法」で突如、「ワールドシリーズ中継をテレビで見られるように病棟の日課を変更してほしい」と要求する。
Although the other patients at first say they want to watch baseball, when a vote is held only two others agree with the man. 口では「野球が見たい」と言いながらも、投票を行うと男に賛成したのは２人。
Afterwards, the man convinces the other patients that it's OK for them to express their opinions, and in a second vote on the baseball issue all the participating patients vote in favor of the man's proposal. その後、男は入院患者を「自分の意見を言っていいんだ」と説得し、２回目の投票では参加した患者全員が賛同票を投じる。
However, the medical staff turn down the idea on the grounds that not all the patients participated in the vote, and in the end they refuse to allow them to watch the games. しかし、医療スタッフ側は「投票に参加していない患者もいる」という理屈を持ち出して結局、野球中継の観戦は許可されなかった。
The movie was a heavy critique of mental institutions of the time that ignored patients' rights, and there are many things that can be learned from it. When I first watched it as a university student, I was moved by the power of baseball to motivate people to act, even when they were resigned to other things. 当時の人権を無視した精神医療への強烈な批判となっているこの作品から学ぶことはあまりに多いが、私は大学時代に本作を初めて見た時に「他のことでは我慢している人たちも、『野球が見たい』となると立ち上がるんだな」と、野球というスポーツが人をひき付ける力に感心した。
When I became a psychiatrist myself and began working in a hospital ward, I started experiencing that power again and again. その後、自分も精神科医になって病棟に勤務するようになると、ますますそれを実感することになった。
Back then, many baseball games, Giants games in particular, were broadcast on television. When the clock went past 6 p.m., patients would gather around the television to watch games. 当時はジャイアンツ戦を中心に多くの試合が中継されていたが、午後６時を過ぎると多くの患者さんたちがテレビの周囲に集まってくる。
There were many times when I was surprised by a patient who, though normally reticent, would give swift responses when asked about their favorite baseball team or baseball player. 他の話題には乗ってこないような人に「好きな球団は？ ひいきの選手は？」と問いかけると即座に答えが返ってきて、驚くこともしばしばだった。
Afterwards, soccer replaced baseball as the more popular sport, and baseball games became a less common sight on TV. その後、世間では野球よりもサッカー熱が高まり、地上波放送での野球中継も少なくなってしまった。
However, the roles of the different players in baseball are more clearly defined than in soccer, and the rule of changing batting and fielding roles every three outs, along with other aspects of the sport, give it ups and downs that continue to entertain audiences. ただ、サッカー以上にそれぞれの役割がはっきり分かれており、「３アウトで攻守がチェンジ」などメリハリがある野球は今でも見ている誰もが楽しめ、心を奪うスポーツであることは確かなのではないだろうか。
I no longer work in the hospital where I watched the baseball games with the patients, but I think nostalgically about whether those patients watched and enjoyed the Nippon Series this year. 患者さんたちと一緒に野球中継を見た病院から私は異動してしまったが、彼らも今年の日本シリーズに胸を熱くしただろうか、と懐かしく思い出すのだ。
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 10, 2013 Do Shanxi bombings reflect anger at Chinese Communist Party rule? 中国連続爆発 共産党統治への反発の表れか（11月9日付・読売社説）
Another violent incident has occurred in China, underscoring the seriousness of the social unrest in the country. Does this represent repugnance over the Communist Party’s rule? 中国の社会不安の深刻さを裏付ける事件が、また発生した。共産党の統治に対する強い反発の表れだろうか。
A series of explosions occurred at the Communist Party’s provincial committee headquarters in the inland city of Taiyuan, Shanxi Province, on Wednesday, killing one person and injuring eight others. 内陸部にある山西省太原の省党委員会庁舎前で６日、連続爆発が起こり、１人が死亡し、８人が重軽傷を負った。
The provincial authorities have detained a 41-year-old Taiyuan resident. Handmade explosive devices and other material evidence were reportedly found at his home, but the background and motives behind the bombings are not yet known. The Communist Party’s provincial committees have supreme power in their respective provinces, and the Taiyuan incident apparently stunned the party. 当局は、地元の４１歳の男を拘束した。自宅から手製の爆発装置などが見つかったという。背景や動機は不明だが、党委員会は地方で最高の権力を持つ組織だ。党にとって、衝撃的な事件と言える。
The latest incident came after a car crashed and exploded in flames in a deadly attack late last month in front of Tiananmen Gate in central Beijing, which features a huge portrait of Mao Zedong. 先月末には、毛沢東の巨大な肖像が掲げられた、北京の天安門前に車が突入して炎上する事件が発生したばかりだ。
Investigative authorities determined that the attack was committed at the direction of an international terrorist organization. But there are strong suspicions among some people that the attack was committed by Uygurs with personal grudges against the Communist Party. 当局は国際テロ組織の指示を受けた犯行と断定したが、党に個人的な恨みを持つウイグル族住民の仕業との見方も依然根強い。
Shanxi Province, where the latest incident took place, is known for its huge coal mining industry. Like other regions in China, the gap between rich and poor is wide. 今回事件が起きた山西省は、石炭の大産地だ。中国の他地域と同様、貧富の格差が顕著である。
Mine operators are known for using their financial muscle to buy up real estate in such urban areas as Beijing and Shanghai. Corruption has long been said to involve officials with the power to grant mining rights. 炭鉱経営者は、財力に物を言わせて、北京や上海などで不動産を買いあさることで有名だ。採掘許可権限を持つ当局者の腐敗も指摘されて久しい。
Many coal miners work in poor environments, and many of them are believed to have lost their jobs as coal prices have fallen due to the slowdown in economic growth in recent years. 炭鉱労働者の多くは、劣悪な環境で働いている。近年の成長減速に伴う石炭価格下落により、職を失った者も多いとみられる。
Coal miners are not the only Chinese who are discontent. The petition counter at the provincial committee’s headquarters building, the scene of the latest incident, is said to be overflowing with petitions from residents protesting unfair court decisions and forcible expropriation of land. 不満を抱いているのは、炭鉱労働者だけではない。事件のあった党委庁舎の陳情窓口には、不公正な司法や土地の強制収用に抗議する住民が殺到していたという。
In the eyes of workers and farmers, party leaders appear to be using their power to enrich themselves. 労働者や農民には、党幹部が権力をかさに、私腹を肥やしているように見えるのではないか。
Huge number of protests
Public discontent against the Communist Party and the government has triggered numerous incidents in various parts of the country. According to some sources, there are about 180,000 mass protests a year. 中国各地で、党や政府への民衆の不満が引き金となった事件が続発している。集団抗議行動は年間１８万件に上るとの情報もある。
In April, about 4,000 residents of Xiamen (Amoy) in Fujian Province stormed into the provincial government building to protest unfair land transactions by the authorities concerned. In August, about 10,000 residents of Guanxi Zhuang Autonomous Region clashed with police during a protest rally over deaths allegedly caused by the discharge of water at a dam. 今年４月、福建省アモイでは、当局の土地不正取引に反対する住民約４０００人が政府庁舎に押しかけた。８月には、広西チワン族自治区で、ダムの放水で死者が出たとして住民約１万人が抗議、警官隊と衝突した。
To deal with these incidents, the administration of President Xi Jinping has ordered thorough implementation of antiterrorist measures. In line with this harsh approach, the president has inspected poor farming communities in an effort to show his concern for local residents. But it is open to question whether these efforts have had the desired results. こうした事態に対し、習近平政権は、「テロ対策」徹底を命じる一方、習国家主席自身が貧しい農村を視察するなど、硬軟両様の姿勢で臨んでいる。だが、成果が上がっているとは言えない。
The Xi administration, which will shortly enter its second year, opens the third plenary meeting of the Chinese Communist Party’s 18th Central Committee on Saturday. Focal points of discussion at the meeting will be economic structure reforms aimed at correcting the gap between rich and poor, among other issues. まもなく２年目に入る習政権は９日から、党の第１８期中央委員会第３回総会（３中総会）を開く。格差是正も視野に入れた経済構造改革などが焦点になるだろう。
Can China achieve stable growth while reining in public anxiety? The Xi government faces a difficult job steering the country. 民衆の動揺を抑えつつ、安定成長を実現できるのか。習政権は、厳しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 9, 2013) （2013年11月9日01時30分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 9, 2013 Establish framework to guarantee posterity can verify validity of ‘secrets’ 秘密保護法案 後世の検証が可能な仕組みに（11月8日付・読売社説）
◆国民の懸念払拭へ審議を尽くせ◆
Classified information related to the nation’s security that could affect the survival of this country must certainly be protected. It is very important to establish a solid legal system to protect information while also paying due attention to the people’s right to know. 国の存亡にかかわる安全保障上の機密は、守らなければならない。国民の「知る権利」に配慮しつつ、情報保全法制を整備することが肝要だ。
Diet deliberations started Thursday on a bill to ensure protection of specially designated state secrets. 特定秘密保護法案の国会審議が７日から始まった。
Under the proposed legislation, the government will designate information that is believed to require especially high confidentiality as “special secrets” in the four fields of defense, diplomacy, counterintelligence and counterterrorism. The envisaged law allows for harsher punishment of public servants who leak such secrets. 防衛、外交、スパイ活動防止、テロ防止の４分野で特に秘匿性の高い情報を、「特定秘密」に指定し、漏えいした公務員らの罰則を強化する内容である。
Key to security strategy ◆安保戦略に欠かせない◆
The aim of the bill is to ensure the creation of a structure that will prevent important information related to the country’s security from being casually divulged. 法案の狙いは、国の安全保障に関する重要情報が簡単に漏えいしない仕組みを構築することだ。
The situation surrounding Japan is increasingly severe, including North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs and moves by China to augment its arsenal. 北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備増強など、日本を取り巻く情勢は厳しさを増している。
To ensure the nation’s peace and security, the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has been seeking to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council as a control tower for the government’s diplomatic and security policies. 日本の平和と安全を確保するため、安倍政権は、外交・安全保障政策の司令塔となる国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の創設を目指している。
A bill to launch the Japanese NSC passed a plenary session of the House of Representatives on Thursday. 設置法案は７日、衆院を通過した。
For the Japanese NSC to function properly, it is indispensable for it to share important information with Japan’s allies and other friendly countries. 日本版ＮＳＣを機能させるには同盟国や友好国と重要情報を共有することが欠かせない。
All countries will be understandably reluctant to provide information to another nation where there are fears that classified information will be leaked. In this regard, the special secrets protection law will be of great significance in improving the mutual trust between Japan and allies, such as the United States. 漏えいの恐れがある国に、機密は提供されにくい。「特定秘密保護法」は、米国などとの信頼関係を強める上で大きな意義がある。
According to the government-submitted bill, the designation and lifting of the special secrets classification will be conducted by “chiefs of relevant organs of government administration,” such as the defense minister and foreign minister. This can be safely called an adequate arrangement, as decisions involving secrets must be made from a comprehensive point of view based on national strategy and national interests. 法案によると、秘密の指定や解除は、防衛相や外相など「行政機関の長」が行う。国家戦略や国益を踏まえた総合判断が求められる以上、妥当な手続きと言える。
Situations must be avoided, however, in which ministries and agencies designate information as special secrets only to conceal information that is detrimental to their interests. ただ、省庁が自らに都合が悪いというだけで、情報を秘密指定する事態は避けねばならない。
The bill calls for the government to establish a set of operational standards for designating and lifting the special secrets classification, by holding hearings to listen to opinions from experts. The envisioned standards must be used as criteria for not expanding the scope of secrets more than necessary. 法案は、政府が有識者の意見を聞き、指定や解除の統一基準を定めるとしている。指定の範囲を必要以上に広げない基準とすべきだ。
Prevent arbitrary operation ◆恣意的運用の防止図れ◆
Some have expressed concern that designated secrets will be kept confidential permanently, and never be disclosed to the public. 秘密指定が永久に続き、公開されないのではとの危惧もある。
The bill sets the period for the designation of special secrets at a maximum of five years, stipulating designated secrets should be disclosed when confidentiality becomes unnecessary. However, the legislation also allows the government to extend the confidentiality period, and secrets could be kept undisclosed for 30 years or longer, depending on approval by the Cabinet. 法案は、秘密指定の期間を最長５年とし、必要性がなくなれば、解除すると規定している。延長も可能で、内閣が承認すれば、３０年を超えることもできる。
Secrets should be made public as a matter of principle after the passage of a certain period of time, to make it possible for posterity to verify the validity of the secrets’ designation. 重要なのは、一定期間を過ぎれば、原則公開し、後世の歴史的検証を受けるという視点である。
If secrets are publicly disclosed in the future, we believe concerns about administrative organs arbitrarily classifying information as special secrets can be eliminated for the most part. 将来公開されるとなれば、行政機関による恣意(しい)的な秘密指定を相当程度、排除できるのではないか。
There could of course be highly confidential state secrets that are difficult to disclose even in the future. The government is examining the requirements for extending the designation of such secrets beyond 30 years. Included in this category are secret codes and weapons used by the Self-Defense Forces. 無論、将来も開示が困難な秘密もあろう。政府は、３０年を超えて秘密指定を延長する場合の要件を検討している。自衛隊で使用する暗号や武器の性能などだ。
Extreme care must also be taken with information provided by other countries. 他国からの提供情報には、細心の注意を払う必要もある。
Another challenge is the preservation and administration of documents. 文書の保存・管理も課題だ。
The Public Records and Archives Management Law calls for setting a preservation period for all administrative documents. The law also makes it mandatory to transfer documents with historical value and significance to the National Archives of Japan and obtain the prime minister’s approval if such documents are to be destroyed. 公文書管理法は、すべての行政文書に保存期間を定めるよう求めている。その上で、歴史的価値のある文書は国立公文書館へ移管し、廃棄する場合には首相の同意を得ることも義務づけている。
Currently, however, defense secrets kept under the Self-Defense Forces Law are excluded from the Public Records and Archives Management Law. Over a five-year period up until 2011, about 30,000 items containing defense secrets that had exceeded their mandatory period of preservation were destroyed at the discretion of senior Defense Ministry officials. だが、現在、自衛隊法に基づく防衛秘密は公文書管理法の適用除外とされている。２０１１年までの５年間に、保存期間の過ぎた防衛秘密の文書約３万件が防衛省幹部の判断で廃棄された。
If the secret protection bill is enacted, defense secrets will be included among special secrets. So it was appropriate that Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera issued an order not to destroy defense secrets until the secret protection law is enforced. 特定秘密保護法案が成立すると、防衛秘密は特定秘密に統合される。小野寺防衛相が法施行まで、防衛秘密の文書を廃棄しないよう指示したのは適切である。
Special secrets also should be administered strictly under the Public Records and Archives Management Law. 特定秘密も、公文書管理法の下で厳格に管理すべきだ。
Public’s right to know
Fulfilling responsibilities to the people is a natural obligation of the government of a democratic country. 国民に対し、説明責任を果たすのは、民主主義国家における政府の当然の責務である。
Concerns about the bill possibly interfering with the people’s right to know were expressed even by ruling party members during a plenary session of the lower house Thursday. 法案が国民の知る権利を制約する懸念は、７日の衆院本会議で与党議員からも指摘された。
◆「知る権利」への配慮を◆
As a result of negotiations between the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner New Komeito, the bill was modified to add a statement that consideration should be given to freedom of news coverage and reporting. Concerning news gathering activities by the media, the bill stipulates that they are “regarded as legitimate practice, as long as they are not illegal or excessively unjust,” thus excluding any criminal charge against them in principle. 自民、公明両党の修正協議の結果、取材・報道の自由への配慮が法案に明記された。報道関係者の取材行為についても、「違法または著しく不当でない限り、正当な業務とする」と規定され、原則、罪に問われないとされた。
However, public servants would be subject to punishment if they leak special secrets. The bill calls for up to 10 years in prison for violators, which is far stricter than the maximum of one year under the National Civil Service Law and the maximum of five years under the SDF law. しかし、秘密を漏えいした公務員らは処罰対象となる。罰則も現行の国家公務員法の懲役１年以下、自衛隊法の懲役５年以下より格段に重い懲役１０年以下だ。
There is concern that public servants will not comply with interview requests due to fear of punishment, thereby making it impossible for the media to provide information that the public needs to know. We urge the ruling and opposition parties to deepen discussions about whether they can prevent such a situation. 公務員が萎縮して取材に応じず、報道機関が国民に必要な情報を伝えられない恐れがある。こうした事態を防げるのか、与野党は議論を深めてもらいたい。
Debate on how the Diet will be involved in dealing with special secrets also cannot be overlooked. 国会がどう特定秘密に関与するかという論点も放置できない。
The bill would allow for the communication of secrets to Diet committee members, among others, on condition that they hold closed-door sessions. Whether to provide secrets would be decided by the head of the administrative organization. 法案は、秘密会の開催を条件にして、国会の委員会などに秘密を提供できるとしている。ただ、提供するかどうかの判断は、行政機関の長に委ねられている。
Is it appropriate for lawmakers to decide on the future course of the nation without knowing important information on national security? The legislature might not be able to conduct proper oversight of the administration. The Diet must study a system under which it can share secrets. 国会議員が安全保障上の重要情報を知らずに、日本の針路を決めていいものか。行政に対する立法府の監視機能が働かない可能性もある。国会としても、秘密を共有する仕組みを検討すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 8, 2013) （2013年11月8日01時50分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 8, 2013 Positive corporate earnings must translate into higher wages 企業の好決算 賃上げの実現に弾みつけたい（11月7日付・読売社説）
Many companies are reporting good corporate earnings, backed by the tailwind created primarily by Abenomics, the economic policies of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which turned the hyper-appreciation of the yen into depreciation. 超円高を円安に反転させた安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」などを追い風に、企業の好決算が相次いでいる。
Companies must now take preparatory steps for future growth. 求められるのは、将来の成長へ布石を打つことだ。
If companies with healthy earnings take the brave step of raising wages and expanding job opportunities, and household budgets sufficiently increase, corporate performance will improve even further. Bringing about such a virtuous cycle would guarantee a self-sustaining business recovery led by private sector demand. 好調な企業が賃上げや雇用拡大に踏み切り、家計も潤えば、個人消費拡大などを通じて企業業績がさらに好転する――。そうした好循環につなげ、民需主導の自律的な景気回復を確実にしたい。
Announcements are in full swing now of the interim consolidated settlements of accounts for the first half for fiscal 2013 for companies listed on the First Section of the Tokyo Stock Exchange. 東証１部上場企業の２０１３年９月中間連結決算の発表がピークを迎えている。
About 60 percent of the companies reported increases in both revenue and profits, with many companies reporting record profits. About 30 percent of the firms revised upward their earnings outlooks for the entire business year ending March 2014. 約６割が増収増益となり、最高益を記録した企業が多い。１４年３月期の通期見通しを上方修正した企業も３割に上る。
The Japanese economy has faced such headwinds over the last several years as the collapse of the Lehman Brothers shock, the Great East Japan Earthquake and the hyper-appreciation of the yen. 日本経済はここ数年、リーマン・ショックや東日本大震災、超円高の逆風にさらされてきた。
However, a number of factors have since pushed up corporate income, including a round of corporate restructuring and other necessary structural reform measures, as well as the depreciation of the yen, higher stock prices and recovery in personal consumption brought about by Abenomics. The business recovery in the United States also helped increase corporate income. しかし、リストラなどの構造改革の一巡に加え、アベノミクスによる円安や株高、個人消費の回復、米国景気回復が好材料となった。
We can safely say now is the turning point for major corporations to escape their weak performances. 主要企業が業績低迷を脱する転換点を迎えたと言えよう。
The prime examples are export-oriented industries that fully utilized the advantages of the yen’s depreciation. 代表的なのが、円安メリットを最も生かした輸出産業である。
Riding the wave
Toyota Motor Corp. has massively increased its profit due to healthy sales of hybrid vehicles in North America and elsewhere. It forecasts an operating profit of ¥2.2 trillion for the current business year, recovering to the ¥2 trillion level for the first time in six years. トヨタ自動車は、北米などでのハイブリッド車販売が好調で大幅増益となり、今年度の営業利益は２・２兆円と６年ぶりの２兆円台回復を予想している。
Honda Motor Co., which is strong in the eco-cars currently popular among drivers, also made good earnings, while companies like leading minivehicle maker Suzuki Motor Corp. recorded their largest profits ever. 人気のエコカーに強みがあるホンダも好決算で、軽自動車のスズキなどが最高益を記録した。
In the electronics industry, Panasonic Corp., which suffered from huge deficits for two consecutive years, returned to the black in a V-shaped recovery. The company beefed up its competitive sectors, withdrew from the deficit-ridden plasma display TV business, and took a scrap-and-build approach to unprofitable businesses. The effects of such reform measures are apparently being seen. 電機業界では、２年連続で巨額赤字だったパナソニックがＶ字回復で黒字転換した。競争力のある事業を伸ばし、赤字のプラズマテレビ事業から撤退して不採算事業は統廃合する。そんな改革が功を奏し始めたのだろう。
However, some export-oriented companies continue to face hardships as they cannot ride the wave of recovery. 一方、輸出産業でも、波に乗れずに試練が続く企業がある。
Nissan Motor Co.’s business expansion strategy is spinning its wheels. Although it counted on rapid growth in emerging economies such as Russia and Brazil, it was unable to get the results it expected from such countries. Sony Corp. saw poor sales in liquid crystal display TVs and digital cameras, largely affected by the business slump in emerging countries. 日産自動車は拡大路線が空回りし、急成長を見込んだロシア、ブラジルなどの新興国市場が振るわなかった。ソニーも液晶テレビやデジタルカメラが不振で、新興国の景気低迷が響いた。
The companies need to accurately grasp growth markets and concentrate their management resources in such markets and decide how to sell strategic commodities. The “selection and concentration” strategy in businesses is now increasingly vital. 成長市場を見極めて経営資源を集中し、戦略商品をどう展開するか。事業の「選択と集中」の重要性が一段と増している。
Among companies fueled by domestic demand, East Japan Railway Co. and Oriental Land Co., the operator of Tokyo Disney Resort in Urayasu, Chiba Prefecture, achieved positive earnings, but retailing businesses in general were unable to increase their earnings to a satisfactory extent, revealing the gap in earning capability between them. 内需型産業では、ＪＲ東日本や東京ディズニーリゾートを運営するオリエンタルランドなどが好業績だった反面、小売業はやや伸び悩み、収益力に差が出た。
There is concern regarding the future of the economies in emerging countries, as well as anxiety over possible further increases in electricity rates due to the delay in reactivating idle nuclear reactors. No company should let its guard down in the days to come. It is indispensable for them to reinforce their business strategies from both offensive and defensive standpoints. 新興国経済には先行き不安があり、原発再稼働遅れに伴う電気料金値上げも懸念される。企業各社は今後も油断せず、攻守両にらみの戦略強化が欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 7, 2013) （2013年11月7日01時36分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 7, 2013 Civil servant system reform must serve national interests 公務員制度法案 「省益より国益」実現できるか（11月6日付・読売社説）
Reform of the civil servant system is intended to strengthen the leadership of the Prime Minister’s Office in the personnel affairs of bureaucrats. The ruling and opposition parties should discuss the matter thoroughly so the system will function properly. 官僚人事における首相官邸主導を強化するための改革である。十分に機能するよう与野党は、議論を尽くすべきだ。
The government has submitted to the Diet a set of bills on national civil servant system reform. Its centerpiece is the establishment of a new “cabinet personnel affairs bureau” aimed at integrating the personnel affairs of about 600 senior officials, including administrative vice ministers, bureau chiefs and deputy directors general of the Cabinet Office and ministries. 政府が、国家公務員制度改革関連法案を国会に提出した。各府省の次官、局長、審議官など幹部職員約６００人の人事を一元的に管理する「内閣人事局」の新設を柱としている。
The chief cabinet secretary will play the key role in examining the aptitude of senior civil servants and discuss appointments and dismissals with the prime minister and cabinet ministers. 官房長官が中心になって幹部公務員の適格性審査を行い、その任免について首相、各閣僚とともに協議するという仕組みだ。
Under the new system, the personnel affairs of bureaucrats will be cross-sectional in the Cabinet Office and among ministries rather than vertically segmented. If the system takes root it will help rectify the harmful effect of Kasumigaseki, the country’s bureaucratic nerve center, which is said to place ministries’ interests above national interests. The Prime Minister’s Office has a point in pursuing strategic personnel arrangements in light of the changing times and dealing with immediate administrative tasks. 縦割りではなく、府省横断的な人事を行う。この制度が定着すれば、「国益より省益重視」と言われる霞が関の弊害是正につながろう。官邸が、時代の変化や当面の行政課題を踏まえて、戦略的な人材配置を目指す狙いはわかる。
The question is whether it is possible to make fair and accurate judgments in personnel affairs based on the ability and accomplishments of bureaucrats. The number of civil servants subject to personnel affairs is enormous if the candidates for top official spots are included. Consideration must be given to concerns that personnel affairs carried out arbitrarily may become common. 問題は、能力と実績に基づいて、公正かつ的確に人事を判断できるかどうか、という点だ。対象は、幹部候補者まで含めれば膨大な数に上る。恣意(しい)的な人事が横行しないか、との懸念にも配慮しなければならない。
During the coordination of opinions on the bills, discussions on how to treat the so-called class-based quota, a system under which the number of officials, or quota, is set for each classification based on salary levels, faced serious rough going. The Liberal Democratic Party and the National Personnel Authority strongly opposed a plan to transfer administrative work related to the class-based quota from the personnel authority to the envisaged cabinet personnel affairs bureau. 法案の調整過程で、最も難航したのは、給与ランク別に定員を定める「級別定数」の扱いだった。この事務を人事院から内閣人事局に移す内容に、自民党や人事院は強く反発した。
No change in class-based quota
If the Cabinet, as an employer of civil servants, receives a demand from labor unions to determine the class-based quota, which is a major factor in deciding civil servants’ working conditions, it will be nothing less than de facto labor-management negotiations. The LDP and the personnel authority say this would please labor unions, as it would be a step toward granting basic labor rights to civil servants. 使用者側の内閣が、勤務条件の要素である級別定数を決める目的で労働組合側から要求を聞けば、事実上の労使交渉となり、基本権付与への一歩前進と労組が喜ぶだけだ、といった主張だ。
After the discussions, lawmakers compromised and agreed to stipulate in the bills, “The personnel authority’s opinions will be fully respected.” Therefore, there will be no major changes in the class-based quota, with the personnel authority giving its opinion on the quota and the cabinet personnel affairs bureau deciding on it. 議論の末、法案に「人事院の意見を十分に尊重する」と付記することで折り合った。人事院が級別定数について意見を言い、内閣人事局がそれを決定する。運用面では、大きな変化はあるまい。
It is unlikely the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will give civil servants basic labor rights, including the right to conclude labor agreements and the right to strike. Therefore, it is reasonable to create a new system giving consideration to the personnel authority, which has the function of compensating for restrictions on basic labor rights for civil servants. 安倍政権は、公務員に協約締結権やスト権など労働基本権を付与しない方向だ。そうである以上、労働基本権制約の代償機能と位置付けられている人事院に配慮した仕組みとするのは妥当だろう。
The bills also incorporate a provision for creating the post of “assistant to minister”—up to six officials in the Cabinet Office, and one at the Reconstruction Agency and each ministry—“when it is particularly necessary.” Lawmakers and people from the private sector can be assigned to this post. These assistants will serve as government officials to strengthen politicians’ leadership. 法案は、内閣府に６人以内、復興庁と各省に１人の「大臣補佐官」を「特に必要がある場合」に、置けることも盛り込んだ。国会議員や民間人を起用できる。政治主導を強める政務スタッフとなる。
However, the government must not appoint an excessive number of officials to this post. If it sets up the post, the government should explain why it needs it and determine what roles the ministerial assistants, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries should play. だが、むやみにポストを増やしてはならない。設置するなら、必要性を明らかにし、副大臣、政務官との役割分担も図るべきだ。
The administration led by the Democratic Party of Japan emphasized “lawmaker-led politics,” demoralizing bureaucrats and causing confusion and stagnation in public administration. We urge the government to reflect on this as it tries to realize lawmaker-led politics. 民主党政権は、「政治主導」を振りかざし、官僚の意欲をそいだ結果、行政の混乱と停滞を招いた。その反省も踏まえた政治主導を実現してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 6, 2013) （2013年11月6日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 6, 2013 Civilian casualties in drone attacks must be prevented from expanding 米軍無人機攻撃 民間人の犠牲拡大を阻止せよ（11月5日付・読売社説）
Drone strikes that kill civilians have been drawing a backlash against U.S.-led operations to eliminate terrorist groups. The goal of the U.S.-led counterterrorism campaign may be threatened unless the number of victims of wrongly targeted drone attacks is prevented from increasing. 無人機による民間人への誤爆が、米軍主導のテロ掃討作戦への反発を招いている。誤爆の犠牲者の拡大を食い止めなければ、作戦の遂行も危うくなりかねない。
A U.N. expert tasked with investigating drone attacks conducted by the United States and Britain as antiterrorist operations in Pakistan and Afghanistan has issued a report through the Third Committee of the United Nations General Assembly. 対テロ作戦として米国や英国がパキスタンやアフガニスタンで進める無人機攻撃の実態に関し、国連に調査を依頼された専門家が国連総会第３委員会で報告した。
Since 2004, civilian deaths in drone attacks have reportedly exceeded 450. 攻撃の巻き添えで死亡した民間人は、２００４年以降、合計で４５０人を上回るという。
The United States is said to have started strikes against terrorists with missile-firing drones around 2001. 米国は０１年頃から、対テロ作戦でミサイルなどを備えた無人機による攻撃を開始したとされる。
After the whereabouts of strike targets are determined in cooperation with informants, a drone remotely controlled from a base on the U.S. mainland is sent into the skies over the targeted spots. The strike is launched after the target is spotted by the built-in radar and an onboard camera. 情報提供者の協力で敵の所在を突き止め、米本土の基地から遠隔操作で無人機を現場上空に送り込む。搭載したレーダーやカメラで標的を見極めて攻撃する。
Drone attacks have the advantage of not causing U.S. casualties. In addition, drones offer airborne access to areas that are otherwise only accessible over land routes that pass through tribal areas in Pakistan and are very difficult to traverse. Capable of long flights and instant attacks, drones have proved effective in eliminating hiding terrorist suspects. 米国側に人的損害が出ない上、パキスタンの部族地域のように陸上からは接近が難しい場所でも、上空からならたやすい。長時間の滞空が可能で即時攻撃能力があるので、潜伏中のテロ容疑者の掃討に威力を発揮している。
One example is the recent strike that killed the supreme leader of Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan. 最近も「パキスタン・タリバン運動」の最高指導者を攻撃して、殺害したことが判明した。
As pointed out by the U.N. report, drones are designed to access and strike targets with precision-guided weapons, thereby minimizing collateral casualties. 国連報告が指摘しているように、無人機は本来、敵に接近して精密誘導兵器で攻撃を行う。誤爆はむしろ防ぎやすいはずだ。
But if there have been as many erroneous drone strikes as reported, it will be necessary to follow targets precisely via intelligence gathering activities on the ground. だが、実際に誤爆が多いとすれば、地上の情報収集で敵の動静を的確に把握することが必要だ。
Enhance transparency
The U.N. report recommended that the United States disclose information about drone strikes that result in civilian casualties. Although Washington has revealed almost no information about its drone strike program, it should disclose information about drone strikes suspected to have led to civilian casualties. 国連報告は、米国に対し、民間人誤爆に関する情報を公開するよう勧告した。米政府は、無人機攻撃の作戦情報をほとんど公開していない。誤爆と疑われる場合は、情報を開示すべきである。
Pakistani Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif called for an end to drone strikes during a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama last month. パキスタンのシャリフ首相は先月、オバマ米大統領と会談し、無人機攻撃の中止を求めた。
But Obama plans to continue the attacks as the withdrawal of U.S. troops from Afghanistan approaches. Before the withdrawal is completed next year, the United States presumably wants to eliminate as many leaders of terrorist groups escaping from Afghanistan into Pakistan as possible. だが、大統領は無人機攻撃は続行する方針だ。米軍のアフガン撤退が来年に迫っている。それまでに、アフガンからパキスタンに逃げ込んでいるテロ組織幹部をできるだけ排除したいのだろう。
Pakistan has joined in antiterrorist campaigns. The United States and Pakistan are urged to cooperate in mopping up terrorist groups for the benefit of regional stabilization. テロとの戦いには、パキスタンも加わっている。米パ両国は地域の安定のため、協力してテロ勢力掃討に取り組んでもらいたい。
U.S. drone strikes have been declining since peaking in 2010. Obama has already announced his intention to scale back on such attacks and enhance their transparency. 米国の無人機攻撃は１０年をピークに減少傾向にある。大統領は攻撃規模を縮小し、透明性を高める意向を既に明らかにしている。
It is worrying, however, that more and more countries have been introducing drones. Drones must not be left uncontrolled as lethal stealth weapons. International efforts must be accelerated to work out global rules on such matters as public disclosure. 一方で、無人機を導入する国が増えているのは気がかりだ。秘密の殺人兵器として、野放しにしてはなるまい。情報開示など国際規範作りへの検討を急ぎたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 5, 2013) （2013年11月5日02時10分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 5, 2013 Ease arms exports principles further to promote international cooperation 武器輸出３原則 国際協力推進へ一層の緩和を（11月4日付・読売社説）
In keeping with the times, it is essential for the government to deepen international cooperation with such countries as the United States in the area of defense equipment by further easing its three principles on arms exports. 時代の流れを踏まえて米国などとの装備面での国際協力を深めるには、武器輸出３原則の一層の緩和が欠かせない。
The government has included a policy of reviewing the three principles in its draft of a national security strategy to be drawn up next month, the first of its kind. 政府は、今年１２月に策定する初の国家安全保障戦略の原案に、武器輸出３原則を見直す方針を盛り込んだ。
It is reasonable for the government to review the defense equipment policy so that Japan’s defense technology and the domestic production base, which has been declining for many years, can be maintained at a certain level and support national security. 長年、右肩下がり傾向にある日本の防衛技術・生産基盤を維持し、安全保障に役立つ方向に防衛装備政策を見直すのは当然だ。
In December 2011, the administration of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda eased the three principles, making it possible for Japan to export arms or send them abroad for peace-building efforts, and to jointly develop and produce them with other countries. ２０１１年１２月に野田内閣は、３原則を緩和し、武器の平和構築目的の輸出・供与や、国際共同開発・生産を包括的に可能にした。
Relaxation of the principles was historically significant. But various problems emerged as the eased principles were applied. 歴史的な意義を持つものだったが、実際に運用する中で、様々な課題が浮かび上がっている。
The government gave heavy machinery to Haiti for peaceful purposes after Self-Defense Forces personnel sent to the country for U.N. peace-keeping operations completed their mission there. The government has also decided to provide the Philippines with patrol vessels. 平和目的としては、自衛隊が国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）に赴いたハイチに重機を提供し、フィリピンに巡視船供与を決定した。
Yet the provision of such equipment requires the signing of an intergovernmental agreement under which Japan calls on the recipient country to “strictly manage the equipment” so it cannot be used for other than intended purposes or transferred to a third country. ただ、こうした供与には、目的外使用や第三国移転がないよう、相手国に「厳格な管理」を求める政府間取り決めの締結が必要だ。
Furthermore, the equipment cannot be offered to international or nongovernmental organizations. 国際機関や民間活動団体（ＮＧＯ）への提供もできない。
More transfers expected
In the future, there are likely to be situations in which Japan’s international disaster relief teams will leave behind heavy equipment in a disaster-affected country, or Japan will offer chemical hazard suits to the Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons. It is important to review the principles so they can be applied more flexibly. 国際緊急援助隊が被災地に重機を残す。化学兵器禁止機関（ＯＰＣＷ）に化学防護服を供与する。こうした例も今後は想定される。より機動的で柔軟な制度に見直すことが重要である。
With regards to the joint development and production of weapons with other countries, it is mandatory that the transfer of such arms to a third country be formally approved beforehand by Japan. 国際共同開発・生産では、第三国移転について日本の事前同意手続きが義務づけられている。
It is reasonable to require prior consent from Japan for the transfer of such things as the new U.S. F-35 stealth fighter jet, as 40 percent of its parts are Japanese-made. But it would be realistic to simplify the prior consent for products that have only a few Japanese-made components. 新型戦闘機Ｆ３５のように日本が最大４割の部品を生産するなら事前同意は当然だが、ごく一部しか製造しない場合、事前同意は簡略化するのが現実的だろう。
As a matter of fact, the United States has sounded out Japan over the export of surface-to-air missile parts, whose production has been discontinued in the United States. But because of the prior-consent requirements, this has not been realized. 実際、米国で製造中止となった地対空ミサイル部品の輸出を米側に打診されながら、事前同意が障害となって実現していない。
The export of these parts is the embodiment of international cooperation, and would reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance in the area of defense equipment. And widely expanding joint development with other countries such as Britain, France and Australia would enhance Japan’s defense technology. Excessive restraints should be removed. こうした部品輸出は、まさに国際協力であり、装備面で日米同盟を強化する。英仏豪などとも幅広い共同開発を進めることは、日本の防衛技術を向上させる。過剰な制約は取り払うべきだ。
The repair of aircraft of the U.S. forces by Japanese firms overseas or the export of finished arms products, for instance, could also be considered international cooperation. The government should review the three principles from a broader perspective. 日本企業が海外で米軍の航空機を修繕したり、武器の完成品を輸出したりすることも、国際協力となり得る。より多角的に、３原則の見直しを検討してはどうか。
On the other hand, the export of general-purpose parts, such as a warship’s engine parts, which can be used either militarily or commercially, comes under an approval system stipulated by the foreign trade control law but is not subject to the three principles. 一方、艦船のエンジン部品など武器にも民生用にも使える汎用品の輸出は原則、外為法で許可制ではあるが、３原則の対象外だ。
To prevent these general-purpose products from being transferred to China and North Korea via a third country, which could adversely affect Japan’s national security, it is necessary to reinforce screening more than ever. こうした汎用品が第三国経由で中国や北朝鮮に移転され、日本の安全保障に悪影響を与えることを防ぐには、従来以上に審査を強化することが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 4, 2013) （2013年11月4日01時49分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 4, 2013 Japan-Russia 2-plus-2 meeting likely to advance northern territories talks 日露２プラス２ 「領土」への信頼を醸成したい（11月3日付・読売社説）
Enhancement of security cooperation between Japan and Russia will greatly contribute to peace and stability in East Asia. We expect confidence building between the two countries to lead to solving the dispute over the Russian-held northern territories. 日露が安全保障協力を強化することは、東アジアの平和と安定に寄与する。互いの信頼を醸成することで北方領土問題の解決にもつなげたい。
Tokyo and Moscow held their first “two-plus-two” meeting of foreign and defense ministers in Tokyo on Saturday. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin agreed to hold the meeting during their summit talks in April. 日露両政府が東京で、初の外務・防衛閣僚協議（２プラス２）を開催した。４月に安倍首相とプーチン大統領が首脳会談で合意したものだ。
It is the third two-plus-two framework for Japan following those with the United States and Australia. The two-plus-two framework has propelled Japan-Russia relations to a new phase. 日本にとって、米、豪に続く３か国目の２プラス２である。日露関係は新たな段階に入った。
The two nations agreed at the meeting to develop search-and-rescue exercises in the Far East, and conduct joint antipiracy and counterterrorism exercises in seas off Somalia between the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the Russian Navy. 協議では、海上自衛隊とロシア海軍が、極東で捜索・救難訓練を拡充し、ソマリア沖ではテロや海賊対策のための共同訓練を実施することで一致した。
Meanwhile, China is ramping up its efforts to become a maritime power and taking a hard-line stance in waters around the Senkaku Islands and the South China Sea. The country has also taken an interest in the Arctic, irritating Russia. In that sense, a closer security partnership of Japan and Russia is also significant as a means to put pressure on China. 「海洋強国化」を加速する中国は、尖閣諸島周辺や南シナ海で強硬姿勢を示している。北極圏にも関心を抱き、ロシアは神経をとがらせている。日露が安全保障で緊密に連携するのは、中国への牽制(けんせい)という観点からも意義がある。
Besides, North Korea’s nuclear and missile ambitions are common problems for Russia and Japan. Improvement of mutual communications between them will serve their national interests. 北朝鮮のミサイル・核も共通の課題だ。意思疎通を良くすることは双方の国益に合致しよう。
Japan and Russia also agreed to launch bilateral cybersecurity talks to counter cyber-attacks, which are becoming increasingly sophisticated. Japan has already held cybersecurity talks with the United States. Deepening discussions with Russia is essential to establish international rules on cybersecurity. 日露は、高度化するサイバー攻撃に対応するため、安全保障協議を新設することでも合意した。 日本は既に米国と「サイバー対話」を実施している。国際ルールの確立に向けて、ロシアと議論を深めることも欠かせない。
The Russian side has also shown its understanding for specific Japanese security policies such as Abe’s idea of making Japan a proactive contributor to peace and a planned revision of the nation’s National Defense Program Guidelines. 安倍政権が掲げる「積極的平和主義」の理念や、防衛大綱の見直しなど具体的な安全保障政策にロシア側は理解を示したという。
Further dialogue needed
However, the Russian side expressed strong concern about a missile defense system being advanced jointly by Japan and the United States because, it said, the system “could disrupt the strategic balance in the Asia-Pacific region.” This concern is related to Moscow’s worries that its nuclear deterrence could be undermined with the missile defense program the United States is developing in Europe. 一方でロシアは、日米が進めるミサイル防衛には「アジア太平洋地域の戦略的バランスを崩す」と強い懸念を表明した。米国が欧州で進めるミサイル防衛計画で、ロシアの核抑止力が弱まることへの警戒感と連動するからだ。
It is necessary to deepen mutual understanding by having the two countries’ defense ministers exchange visits. Russian military planes intruded in Japanese airspace in February and August. Tokyo and Moscow should have more talks to avoid a dangerous confrontation. 防衛相の相互訪問によって、一層理解を深める必要がある。２月と８月にはロシア機による領空侵犯があった。危険な衝突を防ぐためにも対話を重ねるべきだ。
Prior to the two-plus-two talks, the Japanese and Russian foreign ministers held a meeting and agreed to hold vice-foreign-ministerial talks early next year to discuss issues related to the northern territories. Japanese Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida is scheduled to visit Russia next spring. ２プラス２に先立つ日露外相会談では、北方領土問題について話し合う外務次官級協議を来年早々に開くことで一致した。来春には岸田外相が訪露する。
His Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, said at a press conference that a dialogue should be held in an environment in which participants could be constructive and unemotional without making challenging remarks. It is true that talks on the northern territories will never advance if Japan-Russian relations deteriorate. ラブロフ外相は記者会見で、「対話は建設的で感情的にならず、挑発的発言を避ける環境で行われるべきだ」と語った。日露関係が険悪になれば、北方領土は動かないのは確かである。
As Abe said, negotiations on the northern territories have to be advanced in the process of expanding Japan-Russia cooperation to a wider variety of fields. The two-plus-two framework will be a basis for the territorial negotiations, which face a bumpy road ahead. 安倍首相が言うように、日露協力を多様な分野に広げる中で、領土交渉も進展させる必要がある。交渉の道のりは険しいが、２プラス２はその土台になるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 3, 2013) （2013年11月3日01時35分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 3, 2013 Attempt by Yamamoto to use Emperor for political purposes is outrageous 山本議員の直訴 天皇の政治利用に自覚がない（11月2日付・読売社説）
To what extent is Taro Yamamoto aware as a lawmaker? His outrageous behavior at an Imperial garden party makes us doubt his qualifications. 国会議員としての自覚が果たしてどこまであるのだろう。その資質を疑うしかない。あきれた行動である。
Yamamoto, a member of the House of Councillors, handed a letter directly to the Emperor at the autumn Imperial garden party held Thursday in the Akasaka Imperial Gardens in Motoakasaka, Tokyo. After his unprecedented action, the grand chamberlain received the letter from the Emperor. 山本太郎参院議員が先月３１日に東京・元赤坂の赤坂御苑で開かれた秋の園遊会で、天皇陛下に直接手紙を手渡した前代未聞の問題だ。手紙は侍従長が引き取った。
The letter referred to health problems of children and the labor environment surrounding workers in the aftermath of the radioactive emissions at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, according to Yamamoto. “I wrote the letter out of the desire to tell His Majesty about the real situation,” he said. 山本氏によると、手紙は東京電力福島第一原発事故に関する東日本の子どもたちの健康被害や現場の作業員の労働環境についてだった。「現実を陛下に知っていただきたいとしたためた」という。
But the reasonable way for him to behave as a lawmaker is to take up the issue in a question-and-answer session in the Diet. It is natural that his action has been criticized as intended to “use the Emperor for political purposes.” しかし、国会議員なら、原発を巡る問題は、国会の質疑の場で取り上げるのが筋だ。山本氏の行為自体、「天皇の政治利用」と非難されて当然である。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga expressed displeasure, saying, “Common sense informs us whether handing a letter directly [to the Emperor] in such a situation is appropriate.” It is no wonder that lawmakers from both the ruling and opposition parties uniformly criticized Yamamoto’s action as outrageous for a lawmaker. 菅官房長官が「手紙を渡すことがその場にふさわしいかどうか、常識的な線引きがある」と不快感を示し、与野党から一斉に「国会議員として常軌を逸する行為だ」といった批判が噴出したのも、無理はない。
Yamamoto, a former actor, ran as an independent in the upper house election in July from the Tokyo constituency, calling for “ending nuclear power generation,” and was elected to his first term. He is known as a staunch opponent of restarting the nation’s nuclear reactors. He presumably handed the letter to the Emperor to promote his political stance. 元俳優の山本氏は、今年７月の参院選で「脱原発」を訴えて東京選挙区から無所属で出馬し、初当選した。原発再稼働反対派の急先鋒(せんぽう)として知られる。自らの政治姿勢をアピールするために、手紙を手渡したのではないか。
Passing the buck
He said, “I wasn’t aware my action violated the rules.” He passed the buck to the media, saying: “[My action] has been denounced as one intended for political purposes because the matter was played up by the media. The mass media are the ones that are using [the Emperor] for political purposes.” 山本氏は、「ルールに反しているという意識はなかった」という。「マスコミが騒ぐから政治利用にされてしまう。政治利用しているのはマスコミのほうだ」と報道に責任を転嫁している。
However, only a limited number of people are allowed to attend the Imperial garden party. Yamamoto was able to attend because he was invited as an upper house member. His action was taken up by the media because he petitioned the Emperor in the presence of cameramen and photographers by taking advantage of his status as Diet member. だが、園遊会に参列できるのは、ごく限られた人だけである。山本氏も参院議員だから招待された。報道カメラの前で、国会議員としての地位を利用して天皇陛下に「請願」したからこそ、騒がれる事態になったのである。
In the first place, what did Yamamoto intend to do by taking up the nuclear issue in a letter to the Emperor? そもそも、山本氏は、手紙で原発の問題を伝えて、どうするつもりだったのだろう。
Under the Constitution, the Emperor does not have any political function. Even allowing for the principle of sovereignty residing with the people, Yamamoto’s behavior can only be considered outrageous. 憲法上、天皇は政治的な権能を持たない。主権在民の原則をもってしても、奇っ怪極まる行動と言わざるを得ない。
It is appalling that a man who does not know the meaning of his action and cannot imagine its consequences is occupying a Diet seat. 自分のとった行為の意味がわからず、どんな影響を及ぼすかも想像できない人物が、国会議員であることには驚くばかりだ。
After hearing explanations from Yamamoto about his behavior, the upper house Rules and Administration Committee unanimously agreed his action can be construed as unpardonable for a lawmaker and discussions are necessary to prevent a recurrence. 参院議院運営委員会は、山本氏からの事情聴取を踏まえて、国会議員としてのあるまじき行為であり、再発防止について議論が必要だとの認識で一致した。
The committee stopped short of deciding on punishment. But acts such as Yamamoto’s cannot go unpunished. 処分については結論は出なかったが、山本氏のような行為を黙認するわけにはいくまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 2, 2013) （2013年11月2日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 2, 2013 U.S. must establish new rules for intelligence gathering 米情報機関盗聴 不信持たれぬルールが必要だ（11月1日付・読売社説）
The reported eavesdropping by the United States on German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s telephone conversations underscores the cold reality that the country’s intelligence gathering activities have even reached as far as the top leader of a friendly country. 米国の情報収集力が、同盟国といえども権力深奥部にまで及ぶ冷徹な現実を示すものだ。
Germany and other European allies of the United States have strongly protested the apparent tracking of Merkel’s mobile phone and other communication tools by the National Security Agency, whose main job is to gather intelligence via wiretapping. 通信傍受による情報収集を主任務とする米国家安全保障局（ＮＳＡ）がメルケル・ドイツ首相の携帯電話などを盗聴していたとして、米国と同盟関係を結んでいるドイツなど欧州各国が猛反発している。
Merkel is believed to have been a target of NSA eavesdropping for more than a decade, since before she assumed the current post. It was no surprise that she expressed strong displeasure toward the United States. メルケル氏は、首相就任以前から１０年以上、通話を傍受されていたという。米国に強い不快感を表明したのはもっともだ。
Director James Clapper of National Intelligence, which supervises all U.S. intelligence agencies and organizations, testified before Congress that it is part of the intelligence agency’s basic operations to ascertain the intentions of a top leader. 米国の全情報機関を統括するクラッパー国家情報長官は議会で、「国家指導者の意図を探るのは、情報機関の基本」と証言した。
There are reports that the NSA has eavesdropped on as many as 35 world leaders. Actually, the United States effectively admitted to listening in on the communications of other countries’ leaders. ＮＳＡが世界の指導者３５人を盗聴したとの報道もある。各国首脳に対する通信傍受を事実上認めたといってよい。
If distrust toward the United States grows stronger among its allies, this could have an adverse effect on U.S. diplomacy. The administration of President Barack Obama should do its best to mend relations with Germany and other countries. 通信傍受を巡り、同盟国の間で対米不信が募れば、外交にも悪影響が及ぼう。オバマ政権は、ドイツなどとの関係修復に向けて、最善の努力を尽くすべきだ。
Still, it is unthinkable to expect the United States to scale back its eavesdropping activities. It would also be dangerous to believe this. もっとも、米国に通信傍受の抑制を期待するのは不可能だろう。また、危険である。
With the spread of Internet and mobile phone services, intelligence gathering via wiretapping has become more important for intelligence organizations. Especially since the Sept. 11, 2011, terrorist attacks on the United States, the NSA has continued to be at the forefront in wiretapping in terms of technology and scale. インターネットと携帯電話の普及に伴い、情報機関にとって、通信傍受による情報収集の重要性は格段に増した。とりわけ、米同時テロ以降は、傍受の技術力とその規模において、ＮＳＡは最先端であり続けてきた。
U.S. intelligence gathering activities have certainly benefited allies regarding antiterrorist measures, which is why they have offered their cooperation, including data sharing. 米国の情報収集活動が、テロ対策などで、同盟国に利益をもたらしてきたことは否定できまい。だからこそ、同盟国も米国に情報を提供するなど協力している。
Key to national security
Intelligence gathering is vital to ensuring national security. 国家の安全保障上、情報収集は極めて重要だ。
If the United States curbs its eavesdropping activities, this would end up benefiting China and Russia, which have been engaged in their own intelligence gathering. Terrorists fearful of U.S. monitoring would also benefit. 仮に米国が通信傍受を抑制した場合、利益を得るのは、独自の情報戦を展開する中国やロシアだろう。米国の監視の目を恐れるテロリストも利するに違いない。
We believe the United States should review the methods of its intelligence gathering activities both at home and abroad, as well as rules on keeping secrets. 今必要なのは、同盟国の不信を招かぬよう、米国が、国内外での情報収集のあり方や秘密保持のルールを見直すことである。
Washington has announced that it will reexamine the nation’s intelligence gathering activities as a whole by the end of this year. Congress will go along with this move. We will be closely watching whether the review will lead to the establishment of a new intelligence gathering system. 米政府は年末をめどに情報収集活動全般の見直しをすると表明した。議会も同調している。新たな情報収集体制の確立につながるのか、注視したい。
Countries believed to be targets of U.S. eavesdropping will always need to devise anti-espionage measures. There is always the possibility that any country will conduct eavesdropping on leaders of what they perceive as hostile countries. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is no exception, though the government has denied he was a target of such activities. 傍受を受けたとされる側も防諜(ぼうちょう)体制を整える必要があろう。敵対的な国に盗聴を仕掛けられる可能性は常に存在する。日本政府は、安倍首相への盗聴を否定しているが、例外ではない。
We live in a time when communication can be tracked at any time and place. It is essential that diplomacy be conducted based on this premise. いつでもどこでも通信が傍受される時代になってきた。外交もそれを前提に行うことが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 1, 2013) （2013年11月1日01時45分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun November 1, 2013 Instability of Chinese society made visible with the latest incident 天安門突入事件 中国社会の不安定さが見える（10月31日付・読売社説）
The recent fatal car crash in Tiananmen Square in central Beijing is believed to have been a suicide terrorist attack by an ethnic minority group. They may have been expressing opposition to the Chinese Communist Party’s rule. 少数民族による自爆テロと見られる。中国共産党支配に反抗する意思を示したのではないか。
Five people, including three in the vehicle, died, while about 40 others, including one Japanese, were injured. Local authorities said they found gasoline containers, which the car’s occupants set ablaze, inside the vehicle. 北京中心部の天安門前に車が突っ込んで炎上した。車に乗っていた３人を含む５人が死亡し、日本人ら約４０人が負傷した。車内からはガソリンなどが発見されたという。
The square, featuring a huge portrait of Mao Zedong, former chairman of the Communist Party of China, is located near the Zhongnanhai district, where the party headquarters is located, and is symbolic of one-party rule. A number of antigovernment activities, including the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident, took place in nearby areas. 巨大な毛沢東の肖像画が掲げられた天安門は、党指導部の所在地・中南海にも近く、一党独裁の象徴的存在だ。周辺では、１９８９年の天安門事件はじめ、数々の反政府行動が発生している。
Local authorities have announced they are treating the incident as a terrorist act and that they have arrested five suspects. The five arrested and the three who died in the car are believed to be Uighur. 当局は、事件をテロと見て、容疑者グループ５人を拘束したと発表した。この５人も車内の３人もいずれもウイグル族と見られる。
The Uighurs are a Turkish minority group of Muslims who mainly live in the Xinjiang Uighur Autonomous Region. ウイグル族は、新疆ウイグル自治区を主な居住地とするイスラム教徒のトルコ系少数民族だ。
In Uighur, local police have repeatedly attacked “armed mobs” of Uighurs in the name of antiterrorism campaigns. After President Xi Jinping’s administration was launched, there was an incident in which more than 10 people died. The latest incident may have something to do with rising tensions in Xinjiang. 新疆では、警察が反テロ作戦と称し、ウイグル族「武装集団」への攻撃を繰り返している。習近平政権になってからは、１０人以上の死者が出る場合もあったという。今回の事件も、新疆の緊張の高まりと関係があるのではないか。
Separatist sentiment rising
The Uighurs have been effectively placed under the control of the Chinese Communist Party politically, and under the control of the Han people, the majority group in China, economically. Autonomy and freedom of religion exist in name only for the Uighurs. The average income of Uighurs remains low, with people having limited means of support. ウイグル族は、事実上、政治的には共産党、経済的には多数派の漢族の支配下に置かれている。「自治」や「宗教の自由」は名ばかりの状態だ。平均的な所得水準は低く、生活は豊かでない。
Among the Uighur people, antagonism toward the party and the Han has been increasing, and a movement toward Xinjiang independence, which has long been smoldering, is now active. ウイグル族住民の間では、党と漢族への反感が広がっており、くすぶり続けてきた新疆独立を目指す動きも活発だ。
The recent developments appear to suggest that control over the Uighurs has become ever more difficult under the party’s ethnic minority policy, which comprise two pillars of control by force and through fiscal actions such as infrastructure development. 力による支配とインフラ整備などへの財政出動を二本柱とする党の少数民族政策では、統治が以前より困難になってきていることを示すものと言えよう。
Following the latest incident, the communist government has placed strict controls on news reports and deleted related information on the Internet. News aired by NHK satellite broadcasting has been blocked. This is probably because they are worried that such news coverage would trigger other antigovernment action. 今回の事件で、共産党政権は報道を厳しく規制し、インターネット上の書き込みも削除した。ＮＨＫ衛星放送のニュースは遮断された。新たな反政府行動の誘発を恐れているからだろう。
In the Tibet Autonomous Region, adjacent to Xinjiang, the ethnic minority opposes the control of the party and the Han people the same way as in Xinjiang. More than 100 Tibetan monks and others in the region have set themselves on fire in protest, or attempted to do so. 隣接するチベット自治区でも、少数民族が党と漢族に反発する構図は同じだ。既に１００人を超すチベット族の仏教僧らが焼身自殺を図っている。
Aside from ethnic minorities, people’s frustration and anger over Chinese society is spreading even among the Han people, who account for more than 90 percent of the population. Chinese society is becoming ever more unstable, with as many as 180,000 mass protests, including demonstrations and riots, believed to occur each year. 少数民族に限らず、人口の９割以上を占める漢族の間でも、格差社会への憤りが充満している。デモや暴動などの集団抗議行動が年間１８万件程度発生していると言われるほど、中国社会の不安定化は進行している。
The general assembly of the Chinese Communist Party’s Central Committee, which decides key party policies, will convene Nov. 9. We have to pay close attention to the meeting to see what policies to address social stability President Xi comes up with, on the basis of the latest incident. 党の重要政策を決める中央委員会総会が１１月９日から始まる。習総書記が事件を踏まえ、社会安定に向けたいかなる政策を打ち出すか、注視しなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 31, 2013) （2013年10月31日01時31分 読売新聞）
