The Yomiuri Shimbun January 29, 2014 Manuals should help educate students about Senkakus, Takeshima 学習指導解説書 「尖閣」「竹島」の明記を起点に（1月29日付・読売社説）
It is essential for children in this country to be encouraged to acquire an accurate knowledge about Japanese territory, given that they will become a pillar of our future. 日本の将来を担う子供たちに、領土に関する正しい知識を習得させることが大切である。
The education ministry has revised instruction manuals for its course of study for middle and high schools to state that the Senkaku Islands and Takeshima islets constitute “inherent parts of our nation’s territory.” The reference is the first of its kind to be included in the teaching manuals devised by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry. 文部科学省が、中学校と高校の学習指導要領の解説書に、尖閣諸島と竹島を初めて「我が国固有の領土」と明記する改定を行った。
The new manuals also reiterate our nation’s stance on the Senkaku Islands, which this country has placed, in effect, under state control. Students “need to understand there exists no territorial issue to be resolved,” the manuals say. 日本が実効支配する尖閣諸島については、「解決すべき領有権の問題は存在しないことを理解させる必要がある」とも言及した。
Despite an increasing number of school textbooks that refer to the Senkakus and Takeshima, some textbooks still do not mention these islands. 尖閣諸島や竹島について言及した教科書が増えてきたとはいえ、いまだに記述がない教科書も一部に残っている。
Though the ministry’s instruction manuals are not legally binding unlike its course of study, the former serves as a guide for publishing houses as they edit textbooks, as well as for teachers when they give lessons. We hope the latest revision of the manuals will ensure all textbooks include appropriate references to the Senkakus and Takeshima. 解説書は、指導要領のように法的拘束力はないが、出版社の教科書編集や教師が授業を行う際の指針となる。今回の改定により、どの教科書にも適切な記述が盛り込まれることが期待される。
The education ministry has every reason to improve the quality of teaching programs on the nation’s territorial integrity, based on the government’s official views on relevant issues. Doing so is also significant for producing people capable of presenting our nation’s position in the international community. 政府見解に基づいて、領土教育の充実を図るのは、文科省として当然のことだ。国際社会で日本の立場を主張できる人材を育成する上でも意味があろう。
The previous instruction manuals stated that the group of Takeshima islets should be included as part of geographic learning in middle school social studies classes. In doing so, however, the manuals avoided using such a direct phrase as “inherent [part of our] territory.” Such an evasive approach was also evident in the manuals for high school geography. 従来の解説書では、竹島について、中学社会科の地理的分野で触れるよう求めていたが、「固有の領土」という直接的な表現は避けていた。
The latter manuals only stated that the study of Takeshima should “be based on middle school studies.” 高校の地理では「中学校における学習を踏まえる」としか記述されていなかった。
Neither the previous manuals for middle school studies nor those for high schools included any reference to the Senkakus. 尖閣諸島に関しては、中高いずれも言及されていなかった。
Misleading notion
There is no denying that the manuals gave schoolteachers and administrators a misleading notion about territorial issues facing this country, prompting them to think that such problems should not necessarily be given importance. こうした解説書の内容が、領土問題を必ずしも重視しなくても構わないといった誤解を教育現場に与えた面は否定できない。
Our nation established its claim over Takeshima no later than the mid-17th century—during the early Edo period (1603-1867). In 1905, Takeshima was annexed to Shimane Prefecture, based on a decision made to that effect by the Cabinet. 竹島は、遅くとも江戸時代初期の１７世紀半ばに日本が領有権を確立し、１９０５年に閣議決定を経て、島根県に編入した。
However, a turnaround came in 1952, when South Korea unilaterally drew the so-called Syngman Rhee Line, which contained the Takeshima islets. That country has since unlawfully occupied the islets. ところが、韓国が５２年、竹島を取り込む形で一方的に「李承晩ライン」を設定し、不法占拠を続けている。
In January 1895, Japan incorporated the Senkaku Islands into its territory after establishing that areas under China’s control did not include them. The event preceded the signing of the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the Sino-Japanese War of 1894-95. 尖閣諸島は、１８９５年１月、中国の支配が及んでいないことを確認した上で領土に編入した。これは、日清戦争を終結させた下関条約の調印前のことである。
In the 1970s and later, China laid claim to the Senkakus. The Chinese assertion came after it had been found that there were oil deposits in waters around the islands. 中国側が領有権を主張し始めたのは、周辺海域で石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７０年代以降だ。
Japanese students need to be properly taught that their government’s views on the Senkakus and Takeshima have legitimate grounds reflecting these historical developments, seen from the standpoint of international law. こうした歴史的経緯を踏まえ、日本政府の見解が国際法上、正当な根拠に基づくことを生徒にきちんと教える必要がある。
The South Korean government has issued a statement demanding the Japanese government to “immediately retract” the latest revisions to the instruction manuals. The Chinese government has also become more strongly antagonistic by the Japanese action. 今回の改定に対し、韓国政府は「直ちに撤回することを求める」との声明を発表した。中国政府も反発を強めている。
What kind of education should a nation give its children with regard to its territory, which is part and parcel of its sovereignty? That is an internal matter of that country. No other nation should interfere over such an issue. 国の主権にかかわる領土について、どのような教育を行うか。それは内政上の問題である。他国が口を挟むべきものではない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 29, 2014) （2014年1月29日01時50分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 28, 2014 High school students should receive better education in Japanese history 日本史必修化 自国の軌跡を深く学びたい（1月28日付・読売社説）
To cultivate their identity as Japanese, students should receive an adequate education in Japanese history. 日本人としてのアイデンティティーを育んでいくためには、日本史の教育が欠かせない。
Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Minister Hakubun Shimomura announced that his ministry will study the possibility of making Japanese history a compulsory subject at high schools. By referring the idea to the Central Council for Education for deliberation, the minister hopes to realize the idea in five or six years’ time. 下村文部科学相が、高校の日本史の必修化を検討する考えを表明した。中央教育審議会に諮問し、早ければ５～６年後の実施を目指すという。
For mapping out the future of Japan, it is essential for young people to study Japanese history. It is also important for them to be able to exhibit pride in the history of their own country. Making Japanese history compulsory at high schools is reasonable. 日本の将来を考える上で、日本の歴史を学ぶことが必要だ。若者が自国の歴史に誇りを持てるようにすることも大切だ。日本史必修化の方向性は妥当だろう。
As globalization advances, there will be more opportunities for Japanese to talk about their country’s culture and other things abroad. 国際化が進み、日本人が海外で自国の文化などを語る機会が増えてくる。
The idea of making the subject compulsory at high schools indicates a sense of crisis over the lack of education required to produce internationally minded people. 必修化の検討は、国際人の基盤となる教養が足りないことへの危機感の表れとも言える。
When school teaching guidelines were revised in 1989, social studies at high schools were divided into “geography and history” and “civics.” When studying “geography and history,” world history is compulsory. In addition, a student has to choose either Japanese history or geography as an elective subject. 高校の「社会科」は、１９８９年の学習指導要領改定で、現行の「地理歴史」と「公民」に分かれた。地理歴史の中では、世界史が必修で、併せて、日本史か地理のいずれかを選択履修するという取り扱いになっている。
As a result, 30 percent to 40 percent of high school students in Japan are believed to graduate from high school without a sufficient grounding in Japanese history. その結果、高校生の３～４割は日本史を学ばないまま高校を卒業していると推定される。
Although students are supposed to have studied the basics of Japanese history in primary and middle schools, it is problematic that many students have no opportunity to deepen their knowledge of Japanese history in high school. 義務教育段階で一通り、日本の歴史を履修しているとはいえ、高校で理解を深める機会を持たない生徒が少なくないのは問題だ。
Many problems remain
Making Japanese history a compulsory high school subject has been urged by local governments and other entities. The Tokyo metropolitan government and Kanagawa prefectural government have prepared textbooks, so that students have to learn Japanese history at the high schools they operate. 日本史の必修化を求める声は自治体などから出ていた。東京都や神奈川県は、独自教材を作成し、都立校や県立校の生徒に日本史を必ず学ばせている。
However, many issues need to be discussed. ただ、必修化にあたっては、検討すべき課題も多い。
By making Japanese history a compulsory subject in place of world history, students may have few opportunities to learn about the history of foreign countries at primary, middle and high schools. 世界史に代わって日本史だけを必修にすれば、小中高校を通じて外国の歴史に触れる機会がほとんどない生徒が出かねない。
It may be necessary to review the curriculum, including compulsory education subjects, by adopting elements of world history at middle schools, for instance. 例えば、中学校で世界史の要素を取り入れるなど、義務教育も含めたカリキュラムの見直しを考える必要があるのではないか。
If both world history and Japanese history became required subjects, more high school students would not study geography. Some people have suggested the establishment of a general course of geography and history that would be made compulsory. 世界史と日本史がともに必修となれば、今度は地理を学ばない高校生が増えるかもしれない。地理歴史の総合科目を新設して、必修とすべきだという意見もある。
There is also room to review the conventional way history is taught, which gives too much weight to memorization. It is natural for high school students to dislike studying history if they are forced to memorize a vast amount of terms. 知識の詰め込みに偏りがちな従来の歴史教育の在り方にも、再考の余地がある。膨大な用語の暗記を強いるのでは、高校生が「歴史嫌い」になるのも無理はない。
It is desirable for educators and schools to tax their ingenuity to come up with educational content that stimulates the intellectual curiosity of students, for instance, by having them delve more deeply into historical events. 歴史的事件の背景を掘り下げて考えさせるなど、生徒の知的好奇心を喚起するような教育内容を工夫すべきだろう。
It is also necessary to improve education in regard to modern and contemporary history. Such efforts will certainly cultivate students’ understanding of the current complex international situation, by correctly understanding the history between Japan and other Asian countries. 近現代史に関する教育を充実させることも求められる。日本とアジア諸国の間に横たわる歴史を正しく理解する学習を通じて、現在の複雑な国際情勢を見る眼(め)が養われていくはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 28, 2014) （2014年1月28日01時11分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 27, 2014 Sense of food safety badly shaken by in-company poisoning of food 農薬混入事件 「食の安全」揺るがす内部犯行（1月27日付・読売社説）
The latest food poisoning case has shaken Japan’s sense of food safety and increased people’s distrust of food makers. Investigators must expedite their efforts to elucidate the facts in this case. 日本の「食の安全」を揺るがし、食品メーカーへの不信を増大させた。捜査当局は真相解明を急ぐべきである。
A 49-year-old contract worker at the plant where frozen food was laced with the agricultural chemical malathion has been arrested by the Gunma prefectural police on suspicion of obstructing business. The suspect worked at the Gunma plant of Aqli Foods Corp., a subsidiary of leading food maker Maruha Nichiro Holdings Inc. 食品大手「マルハニチロホールディングス」の子会社「アクリフーズ」群馬工場で製造された冷凍食品に農薬マラチオンが混入された事件で、群馬県警が工場の契約社員の男（４９）を偽計業務妨害容疑で逮捕した。
The man is suspected of lacing frozen food produced at the plant with malathion on four occasions in October. 男は昨年１０月、工場で製造する冷凍食品に４回にわたり、マラチオンを混入した疑いがある。
About 2,800 people across the country have complained of feeling ill after eating pizza and other frozen food produced at the plant. 工場で製造されたピザなどを食べ、体調不良を訴えた人は全国で約２８００人に上る。
During questioning, the man reportedly told police, “I don’t remember,” and his motive remains unclear. 男は調べに対し、「覚えていない」と話しているという。まだ動機も判然としない。
We hope the Gunma prefectural police will probe the matter thoroughly to find out how the food was laced with the chemical and clarify the context of the inside job. 群馬県警は、農薬の混入方法、事件の背景などを徹底的に究明してもらいたい。
The presidents of Maruha Nichiro Holdings and Aqli Foods have announced they will resign at the end of March to take responsibility for the latest incident. マルハニチロの久代敏男社長とアクリフーズ社長は、３月末で引責辞任することを表明した。
The companies failed to respond promptly, taking 1½ months to launch a self-imposed recall of products after receiving a complaint in November of an odd odor from pizza manufactured at the plant. As both companies have lost their credibility with consumers, their resignation is natural. 昨年１１月、工場で製造されたピザを食べた消費者から異臭の苦情があってから自主回収まで１か月半も要し、対応が遅れた。信頼を失墜した以上、辞任は当然だ。
85% of frozen food recalled
The recall rate of frozen food produced since October at the Gunma plant remains at about 85 percent. Maruha Nichiro must continue calling on consumers to return the products in question. １０月以降に群馬工場で製造した冷凍食品の回収率は約８５％にとどまる。マルハは引き続き、返品を呼びかける必要がある。
A mindset of “food defense” to prevent food from being contaminated intentionally with foreign substances has prevailed in the food industry since pesticide-laced gyoza produced at a Chinese plant was imported into Japan in 2008. 食品業界では２００８年に発覚した中国製冷凍ギョーザ中毒事件後、意図的な異物混入を防ぐ「フードディフェンス（食品防御）」の考え方が広がっている。
At the Gunma plant, workers are required to wear uniforms without pockets, while monitors to keep an eye on other workers have been placed on production lines. この群馬工場でも、従業員にポケットのない作業着の着用を義務づけ、製造ラインに監視役の従業員も配置していた。
Yet there is no inspection of workers’ belongings when they enter the plant. Some workers said chemicals could be brought into the plant if they were hidden inside the lower sleeve of the uniform. しかし、工場に入る際の持ち物検査などはなく、「袖口に忍び込ませれば、農薬を持ち込むことはできる」と話す従業員もいる。
The present state of quality control, including the system for food safety control, of the entire Maruha group needs to be examined for possible defects, as does the system for educating employees. グループ全体の食品安全管理体制を含めた品質管理のあり方や、従業員教育などに問題がなかったか。検証が必要だろう。
The latest incident has also sounded an alarm bell for the entire food industry. 今回の事件は、業界全体にも警鐘を鳴らしている。
Although it can be difficult for companies to take the view that human nature is inherently bad, it is essential to prevent workers with ill intentions from doing bad things. Companies must improve their in-house systems, including boosting monitoring of employees to make such illicit acts difficult. 性悪説に立つことは難しいかもしれないが、悪意を持つ従業員の不正を防ぐことが何よりも重要だ。そうした行為を難しくするための監視強化など、社内体制の整備が各社に求められる。
Maruha Nichiro has revised downward its earnings forecast for the business term ending this March, primarily due to suspended production at the Gunma plant and its sluggish sales. マルハニチロは２０１４年３月期決算の業績予想を下方修正した。群馬工場の製造を中止し、販売不振に陥ったのが主因だ。
Companies in the food industry must understand it is difficult for a company that has lost consumers’ trust to recover it. いったん失った消費者の信頼回復の道が険しいことを、業界各社は肝に銘じなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 27, 2014) （2014年1月27日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 26, 2014 Japanese NIH expected to enhance nation’s medical competitiveness 日本版ＮＩＨ 医療の競争力強化の司令塔に（1月26日付・読売社説）
Excellent results in medical research must lead to the development of new drugs and remedies. A “headquarters for medicine” to be established soon is expected to play a significant role in enhancing Japan’s competitiveness in this field. 優れた医学研究を医薬品開発や治療法に結実させる必要がある。日本の競争力強化へ、“医療の司令塔”が果たすべき役割は大きい。
The government has decided to create an independent administrative entity tentatively called the Japan medical research and development agency to promote research and development in the medical field. With creation of the agency, the government aims to unify various systems at different ministries and agencies to support the research and development of medicine. 政府は、医療分野の研究開発を支援するため、独立行政法人「日本医療研究開発機構」を創設することを決めた。各省庁でばらばらだった研究支援体制を一元化する狙いがある。
The agency is called the Japanese version of the U.S. National Institutes of Health because it is being modeled on the U.S. organization, which leads the world in medical research and the creation of new drugs. The government plans to submit related bills to the current ordinary Diet session and to launch the new agency in April 2015. 世界の医学研究や創薬をリードする米国の国立衛生研究所（ＮＩＨ）をモデルに、「日本版ＮＩＨ」と呼ばれる。政府は関連法案を通常国会に提出し、新法人を２０１５年４月に発足させる方針だ。
The medical field is expected to be a pillar of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s growth strategy. The government must not let the agency become an empty letter but make it a viable organization with power to drive the nation’s growth. 医療分野は成長戦略の柱として期待される。成長の牽引(けんいん)力となるよう、看板倒れに終わらせず、実効性のある組織とすることが肝要である。
The new agency is tasked with managing research and development funds from various ministries and agencies in an integrated fashion, and with distributing them to universities and other research institutes. The agency will give priority to promising fields and provide constant support to them, from basic research to commercialization of products. 新法人は、各省庁の研究開発予算を一括管理し、大学などの研究機関に配分する役割を担う。有望な分野を優先し、基礎研究から製品化までを継続的に支援する。
As the development of induced pluripotent stem cells by Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka shows, the level of basic research in the medical field is very high in Japan. 山中伸弥・京都大教授が作製したｉＰＳ細胞（人工多能性幹細胞）に代表されるように、日本の医学の基礎研究レベルは高い。
End sectionalism
Nonetheless, Japan lags behind the United States and European countries in the practical application of medical technology. For instance, imports of medicine and medical equipment exceed exports by about ¥3 trillion. It is problematic that a gap between basic research and clinical application has prevented companies from converting research results at universities and elsewhere into commercial realities. ところが、医薬品・医療機器の貿易で約３兆円の輸入超過となるなど、医療技術の実用化では米欧に後れをとっている。
Government support for research and development is sometimes not well coordinated. 基礎研究と臨床応用の間に溝があり、大学などの研究成果が、企業による製品化に結びついていなかったのは問題と言える。
For example, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry is in charge of supporting basic research; the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry is in charge of clinical application; and the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry is in charge of industrialization. The ministries often compete with each other to win budget appropriations for similar research. 研究開発に対する政府の支援は、基礎分野を文部科学省、臨床研究は厚生労働省、産業化は経済産業省がそれぞれ担当し、時にちぐはぐだ。類似研究に各省が予算を奪い合うケースも多い。
To help the new agency function appropriately, it is essential to end sectionalism among ministries and agencies, and to make their support for research and development more efficient. 新法人を十分機能させるためには、まず省庁の縦割りをなくし、効率化を図ることが不可欠だ。
The new agency will be staffed by medical and pharmaceutical experts from the private sector, but it will not be easy to secure such people. 新法人の職員は、医療や薬学の民間の専門家などで構成される予定だ。人材確保が難題である。
They will have to exercise good judgment in selecting research subjects with potential, and in connecting research institutes and companies to realize their product development. 将来性の高い研究領域を見極め、製品開発に向けて研究機関と企業をどう結びつけるか。「目利き力」が求められよう。
There is a mountain of issues to be tackled jointly by the industrial, government and academic sectors. The creation of the Japanese version of the NIH is just a start. 産官学で取り組むべき課題は山積している。日本版ＮＩＨの創設はスタートに過ぎない。
While seeking to change the mindset of university researchers, who tend to overemphasize basic research, the government also should help accelerate the nurturing of start-ups that tackle the development of innovative technology with a high risk of failure. 基礎研究を偏重しがちな大学の研究者の意識改革を進めるとともに、失敗のリスクが大きい革新的な技術開発を手がけるベンチャー企業の育成も急ぐべきだ。
We expect the government to build a system together with all the related sectors in Japan to increase the nation’s international competitiveness in the medical field by developing the Japanese version of NIH into a major, solid organization. 政府は、日本版ＮＩＨを大きく育てて、オールジャパンで医療分野の国際競争力を高める体制を築いてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 26, 2014) （2014年1月26日01時11分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 26, 2014 Efforts of entire nation necessary to prepare for successful 2020 Games 東京五輪組織委 オールジャパンで祭典準備を（1月25日付・読売社説）
The organizing committee for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics, which was launched Friday, will promote preparations in coordination with the International Olympic Committee. ２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの運営母体となる大会組織委員会が発足した。 今後、国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）と調整を図りながら、開催準備を進めていくことになる。
The efforts of the entire nation will be needed to make the Games successful, involving the government, the Tokyo metropolitan government, the Japanese Olympic Committee and business circles. 政府、東京都、日本オリンピック委員会（ＪＯＣ）、経済界が一体となったオールジャパンの準備体制を築き、大会を成功に導かねばならない。
Former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori was named head of the organizing committee. Mori, who also serves as head of the Japan Sports Association and Japan Rugby Football Union, has a wide range of personal connections in the sports world. He must take full advantage of these connections to facilitate communication within the organizing committee. 組織委の会長には、森元首相が就任した。森氏は、日本体育協会、日本ラグビー協会の会長を務めるなど、スポーツ界全般にも幅広い人脈を持つ。それをフルに生かし、組織委内の意思疎通を図ってもらいたい。
The committee will be tasked with working out basic organizing plans by February next year and will take the lead in implementing those plans. It will also undertake public relations activities. 組織委は来年２月までに開催基本計画をまとめ、計画遂行の指揮を執る。ＰＲ活動も展開する。
To secure the ¥300 billion in management funds needed to pay for the Olympics and Paralympics up through their conclusion six years from now, it is necessary to seek sponsorship fees and donations from as many companies as possible. Toyota Motor Corp. President Akio Toyoda, who has been informally appointed as vice head of the organizing committee, will have to display his ability in this regard. ６年後の大会終了までに必要な運営費３０００億円を確保するため、多くの企業からスポンサー料や寄付金を募る必要がある。副会長に内定した豊田章男トヨタ自動車社長の手腕に期待がかかる。
Toshiro Muto, a former administrative vice finance minister, has assumed the post of secretary general in charge of supervising the practical business aspects of the Games. It will be vital for him to keep in mind the need to use the limited fiscal resources effectively. 実務を取り仕切る事務総長には、元財務次官の武藤敏郎氏が就いた。限られた財源の有効活用に留意することが肝要だ。
Effective use of funds vital
The construction costs for the new National Stadium, which will be built with an injection of funds from state coffers, were initially estimated at ¥130 billion. But it was later found that the cost would balloon to ¥300 billion if the stadium was constructed based on the chosen design. Faced with criticism that this was excessive, the amount was reduced to ¥170 billion by adopting such measures as downsizing the total floor space. 国費を投入する新国立競技場の建設費は当初、１３００億円とされたが、デザイン通りに建設すると３０００億円にまで膨らむことが分かった。巨大過ぎるとの批判も高まり、延べ床面積の縮小などで１７００億円に圧縮した。
If such over-optimistic estimations occur again, people may come to distrust the entire organizing plan. こうした甘い見積もりを繰り返せば、開催計画全体への不信感が広がるだろう。
In line with a contract signed with the IOC, it was decided to launch the organizing committee by early February. 大会組織委については、２月初めまでに発足させることが、ＩＯＣとの契約で決まっていた。
The committee’s inauguration came just days before the deadline. It was delayed until Friday due to the scandal involving former Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose. The governor was supposed to participate in discussions on selecting the organizing committee’s chief, but the choice was made without him as a result of his unexpected resignation. ぎりぎりのスタートとなったのは、猪瀬直樹・前都知事の不祥事が影響したためだ。都知事は組織委会長の人選を協議する役割を担っていたが、不在のまま会長が決まる想定外の事態となった。
A Tokyo governor bears a heavy responsibility in the organizing committee. The new governor to be elected in voting on Feb. 9 will serve as a member of the coordination conference along with Mori, Olympic minister Hakubun Shimomura and JOC President Tsunekazu Takeda, among others, to coordinate important matters. 組織委においても、都知事の責任は重い。２月９日投票の都知事選で選ばれる新知事は、森会長、下村五輪相、竹田恒和・ＪＯＣ会長らとともに、「調整会議」のメンバーとして、大会運営に関わる重要事項の調整にあたる。
The new governor also needs to take responsibility over the use of ¥400 billion in funds held by the metropolitan government for construction of athletic facilities. In preparation for the Paralympics, it will also be necessary to build more barrier-free facilities in central Tokyo. 競技場建設のために都が保有している４０００億円の基金の使途にも、責任を持つ必要がある。パラリンピックに備え、都心のバリアフリー化の推進も課題だ。
To ensure the smooth management of events, seeking to secure a stable supply of cheap electric power is also a major task for the governor as head of the host city. 大会の円滑な運営のためには、開催都市のトップとして、安価な電力の安定的な確保に努めることも、重要な責務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 25, 2014) （2014年1月25日01時45分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 24, 2014 Will international efforts bring hope of achieving peace in war-torn Syria? シリア国際会議 和平への道筋は見えてくるか（1月24日付・読売社説）
Will prospects emerge of stopping the bloodshed in Syria? 流血を止める道筋は見えてくるのだろうか。
An international, ministerial-level conference on ending the civil war in Syria was held Wednesday and Thursday in Montreux, Switzerland. シリア内戦の終結を目指す国際和平会議の閣僚級協議が、スイス・モントルーで行われた。
After nearly three years of bloodshed, the conference brought representatives of Syrian President Bashar Assad’s administration and antiregime forces to the negotiating table for the first time. This must be used as a chance to work toward realizing peace. ３年近い内戦を通じてアサド政権と反体制派が話し合いのテーブルにつくのは初めてだ。和平に向けた節目としたい。
The conference was held under the auspices of the United Nations, with representatives attending from more than 40 countries, including Japan and the United States, and international organizations. Based on the agreement hammered out by the countries involved in the 2012 Geneva talks, the participants discussed the establishment of a transitional government that would include antiregime forces. 国連主催の協議には、日米など４０余りの国や国際機関の代表が参加した。２０１２年にジュネーブで開かれた関係国会合の合意に基づき、反体制派を含む移行政府の樹立を話し合った。
But the ministerial conference saw the differing views of representatives from the Assad administration and the National Coalition for Syrian Revolutionary and Opposition Forces, as they criticized each other while dragging in other participants. This may underscore the grim prospects ahead. だが、閣僚級協議は、政権と反体制派代表の「国民連合」の主張がかみ合わず、他の出席者も巻き込んだ非難の応酬に終始した。前途の険しさを示したと言える。
Branding the civil war as a “battle against terrorism,” Syrian Foreign Minister Walid Moallem aggressively criticized the opposition forces. One factor behind his hard-line stance could be the strengthening of the country’s diplomatic position due to its cooperation in relinquishing chemical weapons and the fact that government forces have been maintaining superiority on the battlefield. Russia supported the position of the Assad government. シリア外相は、内戦を「テロとの戦い」と位置づけ、強気の姿勢で反体制派を非難した。化学兵器廃棄に協力していることで外交的立場が強まり、戦場でも優勢を保っているからだろう。ロシアも政権の擁護に回った。
Split over Assad exit
The president of the National Coalition, on the other hand, called for the exit of Assad and the establishment of a transitional government afterward. However, the coalition has not been able to bring together the antiregime forces, with groups under its umbrella leaving one after another. The international community’s confidence in the coalition is limited. これに対し、国民連合議長は、アサド大統領退陣を訴え、その上で移行政府を樹立すべきだと主張した。ただ、国民連合は、傘下組織の離反が相次いで、反体制派をまとめ切れていない。国際社会の信頼も限定的だ。
The United States sided with the Syrian National Coalition. This came against a backdrop of many countries, including Britain and Japan, endorsing a plan to establish a transitional government including the coalition, but not explicitly calling for the ouster of Assad. 今回の協議で、米国は国民連合に同調した。英国や日本のように国民連合を含む移行政府樹立を支持しつつも、アサド退陣を明示的には求めない国も多かった。
The death toll from the Syrian civil war has topped 120,000, and about 9 million people have been forced to flee outside the country or become internally displaced. The relevant countries must do more to end the hostilities as early as possible. 内戦の死者は１２万人を超え、約９００万人が、難民や国内避難民となっている。この危機を一刻も早く終わらせるため、関係各国はさらに努力せねばならない。
Taking advantage of the turmoil, radical Islam groups related to the Al-Qaida international terrorist organization have been ramping up their influence, complicating the situation further. 混乱に乗じ、国際テロ組織アル・カーイダ系のイスラム過激派武装勢力が影響力を増していることも情勢を一層複雑化している。
The Assad administration and the National Coalition are scheduled to hold direct negotiations in Geneva, following the just-ended ministerial conference in Switzerland. アサド政権と国民連合は、閣僚級協議に続き、ジュネーブで直接交渉を行う予定だ。
Of note is the fact that the foreign ministers of the United States and Russia have proposed a ceasefire limited to Syria’s northern province of Aleppo. The United Nations will work on the two warring groups to accept the proposal in their direct talks. 注目されるのは、米露外相が、北部アレッポに限定した停戦を提案していることである。国連は直接交渉で、政権と国民連合双方に、提案受け入れを働きかける。
The negotiations are certain to face rough going. But if at least a partial ceasefire can be realized, it will become possible for humanitarian assistance to be delivered to inhabitants in the regions where the conflict is taking place. Full efforts must be made to build a consensus on the matter. 交渉は難航確実だが、部分停戦でも実現できれば、紛争地の住民に人道支援を届けられる。合意形成に全力を挙げてもらいたい。
In the ministerial conference, Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida talked about Japan’s efforts to bolster assistance to refugees, and Japan announced humanitarian aid of $400 million (about ¥42 billion). Japan’s contribution toward the stabilization of Syria will continue to be called for. 閣僚級協議には岸田外相が出席し、難民支援などへの取り組みを強化していると述べた。日本の表明した人道支援額は、合計４億ドル（約４２０億円）に上る。今後もシリアの安定に向け、日本のできる貢献が問われ続けよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 24, 2014) （2014年1月24日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 23, 2014 U.S. surveillance system questioned as a result of widespread wiretapping 米情報機関改革 「盗聴」で問われた監視体制（1月23日付・読売社説）
How should national security and privacy protection be made compatible with each other? The effectiveness of the U.S. intelligence and surveillance system is being questioned. 安全保障とプライバシー保護をどう両立させるか。米情報監視体制の実効性が問われている。
U.S. President Barack Obama has recently announced a reform plan for his country’s intelligence gathering activities by the National Security Agency. 米国のオバマ大統領が国家安全保障局（ＮＳＡ）による情報収集活動の改革案を発表した。
The plan includes policies of reinforcing oversight of intelligence collection, enhancing the transparency of such activities, and of not wiretapping, in principle, the phones of leaders of nations that are U.S. allies and friends. 改革案は、情報収集活動に対する監視を強化し、活動の透明性を高めることや、同盟国や友好国の首脳への通信監視を原則として行わない方針などを盛り込んだ。
The NSA’s primary duties are to monitor telecommunication data. As a result of classified U.S. documents being taken by a former Central Intelligence Agency employee, however, the NSA was revealed to be involved in widespread bugging and the collection of a vast amount of phone and Internet data. This has drawn strong criticism both at home and abroad. ＮＳＡは通信傍受を主任務とするが、元中央情報局（ＣＩＡ）職員が持ち出した機密文書により、大がかりな盗聴や通信記録の収集の実態が暴露され、国内外から激しい批判を浴びた。
The revelations of the collection of phone and e-mail data from leaders of foreign countries, including U.S. allies such as German Chancellor Angela Merkel, have developed into a diplomatic issue. 同盟関係を結ぶドイツのメルケル首相ら外国首脳の携帯電話や電子メールを傍受していたとされたことは、外交問題に発展した。
The latest reforms spelled out by Obama are reasonable for Washington to recover the trust of the international community. 国際社会で米国への信頼を取り戻すために、オバマ氏の打ち出した改革は妥当だろう。
Needless to say, the discontinuation of U.S. intelligence collection from foreign leaders does not mean they will no longer be monitored by foreign intelligence. Allied nations are required to establish their own counterespionage system. もとより、ドイツなどの首脳にとって、米国が通信監視をやめても、他国からの監視がなくなるわけではない。同盟国にも独自の防諜(ぼうちょう)体制の確立が求められる。
The vast amount of phone data collected within the United States and kept by the NSA included records of telephone numbers and the dates of phone conversations. Lawsuits have already been filed by people who claim the U.S. intelligence program collecting phone data from U.S. citizens was excessive. ＮＳＡが米国内で収集し、保管している膨大な電話通話記録は、電話番号や通話日時を記したものだ。米国では、政府の市民に対する情報収集は行き過ぎだとして、すでに訴訟も起きている。
Wiretapping to continue
It was reasonable of Obama to unveil a policy of not having phone conversation data kept within the government and instead commissioning it to an outside organization to prevent the collected data from being abused. 政府が記録を乱用するのを防止するために、オバマ氏が通話記録を政府内で保管せずに、外部の機関に保管を委託する方針を示したのはもっともである。
On the other hand, Obama has made clear that wiretapping activities will continue as part of the NSA’s intelligence activities. 一方、オバマ氏は、ＮＳＡの情報収集活動として通信傍受は今後も継続する、と明言した。
It cannot be denied that wiretapping has become more important in preventing terrorism and cyberattacks since the terror attacks on the United States on Sept. 11, 2001. Obama should be praised for making clear his determination to continue U.S. intelligence activities, if only with certain rules established for privacy protection. ２００１年の米同時テロ以降、テロやサイバー攻撃阻止のために通信傍受の役割が重要性を増しているのは間違いない。プライバシー保護のために一定のルールを設けて、情報機関の活動を続ける決意を示したのは、評価できる。
The massive data collected by the U.S. intelligence organizations also contributes to the national security of foreign countries. 米国の収集した情報は、他国の安全保障にも役立っている。
The future task for U.S. intelligence organizations, such as the NSA, could be the prevention of such incidents as the leakage of classified documents by the former CIA employee, which prompted the Obama administration to reform the intelligence program in the first place. ＮＳＡなど米情報機関にとっての今後の課題は、改革の契機ともなった、元ＣＩＡ職員による機密文書流出のような事件の再発を防ぐことだろう。
Some people in the United States say the former CIA employee should be treated as a whistle-blower, rather than a criminal. It should be reviewed whether there are weaknesses in the U.S. intelligence and security system itself. 米国内には、元職員を犯罪者というより、内部告発者として扱うべきだとの声もある。情報保全体制に不備な点があるかどうか、検証すべきである。
Japan, which exchanges information with U.S. intelligence organizations, also needs to protect top secret data. The development of a relevant framework under the special state secret protection law should be the first step forward to that end. 米情報機関と情報交換を行う日本にも、機密保護が求められる。特定秘密保護法による体制作りをその第一歩としたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 23, 2014) （2014年1月23日01時52分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 22, 2014 After poisoning sentence, confidence in China's food exports must be ensured 「ギョーザ」判決 中国産食品の信頼確保が課題（1月22日付・読売社説）
How can the safety of the inexpensive Chinese food products that are eaten in Japan be ensured? This remains an important task facing both nations. 安価な中国産食品の安全性をいかに確保するかは、今なお日中双方にとって重要な課題だ。
A Chinese defendant in the case involving the poisoning of frozen gyoza dumplings, which came to light in 2008, has been sentenced to life imprisonment. ２００８年に発覚した中国製冷凍ギョーザ中毒事件で、中国人被告に無期懲役が言い渡された。
The defendant, then a temporary worker at a manufacturer of frozen gyoza, snuck into a freezing room at a factory in Shijiazhuang, Hebei Province, and injected organic phosphate insecticide into packages of gyoza, according to the ruling handed down by a court in the city Monday. The man wanted to cause a stir through the act, the sentence said, and through it push for better working conditions. 中国河北省石家荘市の裁判所の判決によると、冷凍ギョーザの製造企業の臨時従業員だった被告は、工場内の冷凍庫に侵入し、注射器で有機リン系殺虫剤をギョーザに注入した。騒ぎを起こし、待遇改善を訴えたかったという。
Ten people in three families in Chiba and Hyogo prefectures developed symptoms of poisoning after eating imported gyoza that had been poisoned. One became temporarily unconscious. Several victims in China suffered similar symptoms as well. ギョーザを食べた千葉と兵庫の３家族１０人が中毒症状を起こし、１人が一時意識不明となった。中国国内でも被害者が出た。
The Shijiazhuang court had every reason to conclude the defendant’s behavior constituted a serious premeditated crime that damaged the health of a number of people. 判決が「計画的で不特定多数の健康に被害を与えた悪質な犯行」と断じたのは当然だ。
In the initial stages of the incident, the Chinese government attempted to blame the whole matter on the Japanese side, insisting it was “extremely unlikely pesticide was put [into the gyoza] in our country.” この事件で、中国政府は当初、「国内で殺虫剤が混入された可能性は極めて小さい」と主張し、日本に責任転嫁しようとした。
Japan refuted this, basing its conclusions on evidence that included the results of scientific tests on the pesticide injected into the gyoza. The matter developed into a diplomatic row between the two nations. 混入された殺虫剤の科学鑑定結果などをもとに、日本側は反論し、外交問題に発展した。
However, an extensive investigation by China found the poisoning had in fact resulted from the deliberate injection of a toxic substance into the gyoza at the Chinese factory. 長期にわたる中国側捜査の結果、中国の工場内における人為的な毒物混入だったと判明した。
Tainted image
The case greatly tarnished China’s image in Japan, contributing to a worsening of the bilateral relationship. Though the case can be described as an extraordinary crime committed by a single employee, the incident catalyzed distrust among Japanese over the safety of Chinese food products in general. 事件によって、日本での中国のイメージは大きく傷つき、日中関係の悪化に拍車がかかった。ひとりの従業員による特異な犯罪だったにもかかわらず、中国産食品全般への信頼が揺らぐきっかけになったとも言える。
The poisoned gyoza incident was followed by a number of similar cases in China. Incidents that have come to light include the distribution of powdered milk mixed with a toxic chemical and cadmium-contaminated rice. All of this has contributed to rising concerns over the safety of Chinese food products. 中国国内では、事件後も、粉ミルクへの有害化学物質混入やカドミウム汚染米流通などが相次いで表面化し、中国産食品の安全性への懸念は強まっている。
The poisoned gyoza case spurred Japanese companies to tighten quality controls on Chinese food products. Measures taken by the many manufacturers that operate in China and trading houses that market Chinese food for Japanese consumption include more stringent tests on the amounts of agricultural chemicals used at Chinese farms and on the quality of processing materials used at Chinese factories. 事件を機に、日本向けの中国産食品を扱う日系のメーカーや商社の多くは、農場での農薬使用量や加工原料のチェックを強化するなど、より徹底した品質管理を行うようになった。
Some Japanese companies have adopted measures to prevent toxic and other dangerous substances from contaminating their products by, for example, setting up security cameras at their factories in China and requiring workers to wear pocketless uniforms. 工場内に防犯カメラを設置したり、ポケットのない作業服を導入したりして、異物混入を防ぐ対策を講じている日系企業もある。
In fiscal 2012, the percentage of safety violations involving food imports from China fell below the overall average for all imported foods, according to Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry statistics released last year. 厚生労働省が昨年発表した１２年度の輸入食品監視統計によると、中国からの輸入食品のうち、安全面での違反件数の割合は、輸入食品全体の平均を下回った。
This has accompanied a recent rise in the volume of food imports from China. Though imports declined sharply after the poisoned gyoza case, the figure has almost returned to levels recorded prior to the incident. ギョーザ事件の影響により、いったん大きく落ち込んだ中国からの食品の輸入量は、現在ではほぼ回復している。
It is difficult to imagine eliminating Chinese food products from our household menus, as they can be produced at lower costs. Further efforts must be made to thoroughly ensure the safety of Chinese food, by manufacturers and all other entities involved in both nations. 日本の食卓は、生産コストを低く抑えられる中国産食材を抜きにしては成り立たない。食の安全確保に万全を期す一層の努力が、双方の関係者に求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 22, 2014) （2014年1月22日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 21, 2014 Urgent need to establish legal framework for minor self-defense rights マイナー自衛権 円滑な危機対処法制を整えよ（1月21日付・読売社説）
With the deteriorating security environment around Japan, establishing a legal framework that would enable the nation to deal with a variety of crises promptly and effectively is an urgent need. 日本の安全保障環境が悪化する中、様々な危機に迅速かつ効果的に対処できる法制度を整えておくことが急務である。
The government is studying plans for legal arrangements and responses that fall under what have been called minor self-defense rights, which cover contingencies that stop short of full-scale military attacks. 政府が、本格的な武力攻撃には至らないような緊急事態に対する自衛権（マイナー自衛権）に関する法整備や対応策の検討を進めている。
Possible scenarios in which such defense rights would be exercised include the occupation of a remote island by armed special forces of an unknown nationality or disguised as fishermen, and intrusions into Japanese territorial waters by foreign submarines that continue underwater operations in defiance of requests to exit the area. 武装した国籍不明の特殊部隊や偽装漁民が離島を占拠する。他国の潜水艦が領海侵入し、退去要請に応じずに潜没航行を続ける。そんな事態を想定したものだ。
Last year, Chinese military vessels directed fire-control radar at Japanese vessels and the country unilaterally established an air defense identification zone. China’s intrusions into waters around the Senkaku Islands have become constant. 中国は昨年、海軍艦船のレーダー照射や一方的な防空識別圏の設定を強行した。尖閣諸島周辺での領海侵入も恒常化させている。
Rather than being an unrealistic scenario, the occupation of a remote island is a “clear and present danger.” 離島占拠などは、決して非現実的なシナリオではなく、「今そこにある危機」である。
There have been very few cases in contemporary warfare in which one country has launched an armed attack along with a large-scale invasion following a declaration of war. It is more likely that a small crisis would accidentally develop into a serious situation. 現代戦では、国家が宣戦布告し、大規模な侵攻を伴う武力攻撃を仕掛ける例は少ない。むしろ小さな危機が重大な事態に発展する蓋然性の方が高い。
We are pleased that the new National Defense Program Guidelines highlight the importance of coping with events that fall into “gray areas” between peace and overt hostilities. Countermeasures must be implemented flexibly and seamlessly based on the situation from the first signs of an emergency. 新防衛大綱が、平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」への対応の重要性を指摘しているのは、適切だ。事態の兆候段階から、その進展に応じて、機動的でシームレスな（継ぎ目のない）対処が求められよう。
Weapon usage
The focal point is how to expand the Self-Defense Forces’ right to use weapons. 焦点は、自衛隊の武器使用権限の拡大である。
Currently, the SDF has only slightly more discretion to use force than the police do, even when patrolling the seas. There is a large difference between what is currently permitted and allowing the defense forces to be mobilized based on the right of self-defense, with the discretion to use all weaponry at their disposal. Thus, the current rules cannot be considered sufficient to deal with a heavily armed group that has occupied a remote island. 現在は、海上警備行動の発令時でも、武器使用の裁量は警察権より若干広いだけだ。自衛権に基づき、あらゆる武器使用が可能な防衛出動との落差は大きい。離島を占拠した重武装の集団などを制圧するのに十分とは言えない。
Ordering an SDF mobilization must meet three requirements: “an imminent and illegal incursion against this country,” “the lack of appropriate alternative measures” and “using the minimum amount of military force.” These are high hurdles to clear, and going through necessary procedures takes time. 一方で、防衛出動の発令には、「我が国に対する急迫不正の侵害」「他に適当な代替手段がない」「必要最小限の武力行使」という自衛権発動の３要件を満たす必要がある。そのハードルは高く、手続きにも時間がかかる。
Filling the legal gaps in the Self-Defense Forces Law, which sets these three conditions, could enable smooth crisis management and help strengthen Japan’s deterrent force. この法の隙間を埋めることが円滑な危機対処を可能にする。抑止力の強化にもつながるはずだ。
One option could be, for example, revising the SDF law to establish new fields of duty, including territorial security, and giving the SDF discretion to use force accordingly. 例えば、自衛隊法を改正し、自衛隊に領域警備任務などを新設して、それに応じた武器使用権限を与えることが、一つの有力な選択肢となるだろう。
However, there is concern that if the requirements are set too strictly, the SDF could not effectively perform their new duties. It is essential to adopt a system that would enable the flexible mobilization of defense forces. ただ、新たな任務の要件を厳しくしすぎると、実効性が失われる。自衛隊の柔軟な部隊運用が可能な仕組みにすることが肝心だ。
Minor self-defense rights fall within the range of individual self-defense rights. Discussions on the matter must be promoted along with the government’s revision of constitutional interpretation of the right of collective self-defense, which is indispensable for strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and furthering international cooperation. マイナー自衛権は、個別的自衛権の範囲内である。日米同盟と国際連携の強化に不可欠な集団的自衛権に関する政府の憲法解釈の見直しと同時並行で、検討作業を着実に進めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 21, 2014) （2014年1月21日01時14分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 20, 2014 Futenma relocation must go ahead despite outcome of Nago mayoral race 名護市長再選 普天間移設は着実に進めたい（1月20日付・読売社説）
Despite the outcome of Sunday’s mayoral election in Nago, the government should push ahead steadily with the plan to relocate the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture to the city’s Henoko coastal district. 選挙結果にとらわれずに、政府は、米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設を着実に進めるべきだ。
Incumbent Mayor Susumu Inamine, an adamant opponent of the relocation, secured a second term by defeating first-time candidate Bunshin Suematsu, a former Okinawa Prefectural Assembly member who supported the move. 沖縄県名護市長選で、辺野古移設に反対する現職の稲嶺進市長が、移設の推進を訴えた新人の末松文信・前県議を破って、再選された。
In Nago’s five mayoral contests since 1998, candidates in favor of the relocation plan were victorious in the first three. Inamine won the other two. １９９８年以降の５回の市長選で、最初の３回は容認派が勝利し、前回以降は反対派が当選した。
The outcomes of the last two elections presumably were the result of the Democratic Party of Japan irresponsibly calling for the Futenma facility to be moved outside Okinawa Prefecture when it was in power, whipping up the expectations of residents of the prefecture. This helped lend ammunition to their arguments against the relocation of Futenma’s functions to Henoko, even among those voters who held conservative views. 民主党政権が無責任に「県外移設」を掲げ、地元の期待をあおった結果、保守層にも辺野古移設の反対論が増えたことが要因だろう。
Although New Komeito’s headquarters threw its support behind the relocation plan, the party allowed its members to freely cast their ballots in the mayoral race, while the party’s Okinawa prefectural chapter remained committed to having the facility relocated outside Okinawa Prefecture. 公明党は、党本部が移設を支持しているのに、県本部は「県外移設」を崩さず、市長選を自主投票にした。
It was problematic for the party’s headquarters to give tacit approval to the prefectural chapter’s anti-relocation stance while supporting the relocation plan as a ruling party. 党本部がこの方針を“黙認”したのは、移設を推進する与党として問題だった。
In his campaign, Suematsu promised to promote the local economy of Nago by strengthening cooperation with the central and Okinawa prefectural governments. 末松氏は、政府や沖縄県との連携を強化し、名護市の地域振興に力を入れる方針を前面に掲げた。
Suematsu was hampered in his efforts to make headway against Inamine by the delay in getting a former Nago mayor who supported the relocation to give up his plan to run, thereby unifying the pro-relocation camp. だが、同じ容認派の前市長との候補一本化に時間を要するなど、出遅れが響き、及ばなかった。
As Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima gave the green light toward the end of 2013 for the central government’s application to carry out a land reclamation project at Henoko, the basic direction of advancing the Henoko relocation plan has effectively been irreversibly settled. 昨年末に仲井真弘多知事が公有水面埋め立てを承認したことにより、辺野古移設を進める方向性は既に、定まっている。
Delays must be avoided
The task of keeping intact the important functions of Futenma Air Station, which is responsible for transporting U.S. marines stationed in the prefecture, is of key significance to the Japan-U.S. alliance and Japan’s national security. This must not be affected by the outcome of a single local election. そもそも、在沖縄海兵隊の輸送任務を担う普天間飛行場の重要な機能を維持することは、日米同盟や日本全体の安全保障にかかわる問題だ。一地方選の結果で左右されるべきものではない。
Nakaima’s decision to approve the land reclamation prior to the mayoral election was appropriate from the standpoint of averting untoward developments. 仲井真知事が市長選前に承認を決断したことは、そうした事態を避けるうえで、適切だった。
The mayor of Nago has the licensing authority on such matters as approval of building construction material depots necessary to construct the new Futenma facility, so he would be able to delay construction to a certain degree. The mayor’s power, however, is not strong enough to bring the Henoko relocation plan to a halt. 名護市長には、代替施設の建設工事に伴う資材置き場の設置などの許可権限があり、工事をある程度遅らせることは可能だろう。ただ、権限は限定的で、辺野古移設の中止にまでは及ばない。
Taking into account the weight of the votes garnered by Suematsu, Inamine should not use his authority to block the landfill work. 稲嶺市長は、末松氏が集めた票の重みも踏まえて、市長の権限を乱用し、工事を妨害する行為は自制してもらいたい。
The government, for its part, should make further efforts to enhance close cooperation with Okinawa Prefecture by speeding up the landfill project with the aim of making the deterrence of the U.S. forces in Japan compatible with the goal of alleviating the burden on Okinawa Prefecture residents in hosting U.S. military installations. 政府は今後、在日米軍の抑止力の維持と沖縄の基地負担の軽減を両立させるため、沖縄県と緊密に協力し、建設工事を加速させることが肝要である。
The slower the pace of construction, the longer the perilous situation of Futenma Air Station will remain, as it is located in a densely populated area of a city. 工事が遅れれば、市街地の中央に位置する普天間飛行場の危険な状況が、より長く続く。
Under the circumstances, schedules to implement other measures to alleviate the prefecture’s burdens, such as transferring U.S. marines to Guam and the return of U.S. military bases in the southern part of the prefecture to Japan, would also be delayed. 在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転や県南部の米軍基地の返還といった基地負担の軽減策も遅れるだろう。
The cooperation of local communities is indispensable to ensure smooth progress and shorten the time needed to carry out such tasks as land reclamation work, which has been sought by Nakaima and other prefectural leaders. 仲井真知事らが求める工事の期間短縮や、円滑な実施には、地元関係者の協力が欠かせない。
The government must continue its endeavors to obtain the understanding of the people about the importance of the Henoko relocation plan by providing thorough explanations. 政府は、辺野古移設の意義を粘り強く関係者に説明し、理解を広げる努力を続ける必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 20, 2014) （2014年1月20日01時29分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 18, 2014 Merits, demerits of natl center test must be examined to promote reform センター試験 改革に功罪の検証は不可欠だ（1月18日付・読売社説）
The two-day test organized by the National Center for University Entrance Examinations, which begins Saturday, involves 560,000 students applying to enter 843 universities and junior colleges nationwide. 大学入試センター試験がきょうから２日間、実施される。 参加する大学・短大は８４３校で、志願者は５６万人にのぼる。
Many students no doubt studied hard day and night in preparation for the tests. We hope they can fully display their abilities. 多くの受験生が日夜、勉強に励んできたことだろう。試験では実力を存分に発揮してほしい。
The center and officials concerned at each university need to focus their minds to prevent a recurrence of such trouble as the erroneous distribution of test question papers that happened two years ago. 試験を実施する大学入試センターと各大学の担当者は、一昨年に起きた問題冊子の配布ミスなどのトラブルを繰り返さぬよう、気を引き締めて臨む必要がある。
The National Center Test for University Admissions was introduced in 1990 as a replacement for the standard preliminary test, opening the door for participation by private universities. Currently, about 90 percent of private universities and colleges participate. センター試験は１９９０年に導入された。共通一次試験から衣替えし、私立大にも参加の道が開かれた。現在、私立大の約９割が利用している。
Some universities use the center test together with the system to hold exams for candidates recommended by high schools and conduct interviews through their admissions offices. 推薦入試や、面接などによるＡＯ（アドミッション・オフィス）入試と併用する大学もある。
It may be said that the center test has become established as the uniform test to determine whether examinees have acquired basic scholastic abilities needed for advancing to universities. 大学進学に必要な基礎的学力を身に着けているかどうかを判定するための共通試験として、定着してきたと言えるだろう。
Test questions, which take about two years to compile, are created by university teaching faculty members and others. 試験の問題は、大学教員らが２年近くの時間をかけて作成している。
The questions are regarded as reasonable because they do not include unfairly difficult or tricky problems. 難問奇問を排した良質な問題が多いと評価が高い。
The number of test items, on the other hand, has increased to 29 areas in six subjects, as high school curricula became subdivided. Each university and college can freely choose sub-subjects, and the number of them, in an a la carte approach. From the standpoint of examinees, however, the system may be too complicated. 一方、出題科目数は、高校の授業内容の細分化で６教科・２９科目にまで増えた。各大学はアラカルト方式によって、利用科目や科目数を自由に決められる。受験生から見ると、科目選択が複雑になり過ぎているのではないか。
Pressure on examinees
Furthermore, examinees are undeniably forced to face excessive mental stress given that results of the national center test, held only once a year, largely determine whether they succeed or fail to gain entrance into their desired universities. 加えて年１回の試験結果が受験の成否を大きく左右することが、受験生に過度の心理的負担を強いている面は否定できない。
Some observers have pointed out that it has become difficult to maintain the nationwide test under the current formula, in which more than 500,000 examinees sit for exams all at once at test venues across the country. 全国の会場で５０万人以上が一斉に受験する現行方式では、スムーズな運営が困難になっているとの指摘もある。
Discussions on reform of the national center test have been held at the Central Council for Education, in response to recommendations by the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, a governmental advisory body, that propose the establishment of a new test method to assess achievement levels as the pillar of reform. センター試験を巡っては、中央教育審議会で見直し論議が進んでいる。「達成度テスト」の創設を柱とする政府の教育再生実行会議の提言を受けたものだ。
The recommendations call for holding a basic test to measure basic achievement levels for high school students and establishing a development-level test to be utilized for general university exams. The panel also proposes allowing students to take each test more than once. The realization of these measures will significantly change the university entrance exam system. 提言は、高校生の基礎学力の到達度を測る「基礎」レベルと、大学の一般入試で活用する「発展」レベルのテストを新設し、それぞれ複数回の受験を認めるよう求めている。これが実現すれば、大学入試は大きく様変わりする。
We believe students should be given more opportunities to take tests. 挑戦する機会が増えるのは、受験生にとって望ましいことだ。
The question is how to deal with the selection of sub-subjects for the achievement level test. The many other issues to be studied include which organization will organize the test. 一方で、達成度テストには、出題科目はどうするのか、試験の運営はどこが担うのかといった検討すべき課題が多い。
Reform of the university entrance exam system will have a great impact on examinees and educational institutions. 入試改革は、受験生や教育現場に与える影響が極めて大きい。
Foremost, close examination is needed of the merits and demerits of the national center test before in-depth discussions are held. まずは、センター試験の功罪をしっかりと検証し、議論を尽くすことが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 18, 2014) （2014年1月18日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 18, 2014 Is Hosokawa serious about his call for Tokyo to decline hosting Olympics? 東京都知事選 五輪返上論はどこまで本気か（1月18日付・読売社説）
It is meaningful to discuss the issue of nuclear energy in Tokyo, which consumes a massive amount of electricity, but it is unreasonable to exploit an election for the denuclearization movement. 電力の大消費地である東京で原発問題を議論するのは有意義だが、「脱原発」運動に選挙を利用するのは筋違いだ。
Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa, who has expressed his intention to run in the upcoming Tokyo gubernatorial election, is drawing public attention. 東京都知事選に出馬する意向を表明した細川護熙・元首相の動向が耳目を集めている。
Hosokawa has made an antinuclear agenda his main campaign pledge, saying, “I’m concerned that the issue of nuclear power determines the nation’s fate.” He is backed by former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, who advocates immediately breaking with nuclear power. 細川氏は、「原発の問題は国の存亡に関わるという危機感を持っている」と強調し、脱原発を前面に掲げた。原発即時ゼロを唱える小泉元首相が支援する。
Both Hosokawa and Koizumi enjoyed high cabinet approval ratings as prime minister. They are adopting election tactics that seek to make the most of the wide public popularity they once enjoyed. 細川、小泉両氏は、いずれも首相時代、内閣支持率が高かった。かつての国民的人気をあてにした選挙戦術である。
The Tokyo metropolitan government is certainly a major shareholder of Tokyo Electric Power Co. Yet, 50.1 percent of TEPCO shares are owned by the government’s Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund, which aims to resume operation of the nation’s unclear power stations. It would be irresponsible of Hosokawa to argue that he would be able to stop the restart of nuclear reactors. ただ、都は東京電力の主要株主ではあるが、東電株の５０・１％は原発再稼働を目指す政府の原子力損害賠償支援機構が保有する。細川氏が再稼働を阻止できるかのように主張するなら無責任だ。
What must not be overlooked is how Koizumi has positioned the gubernatorial election. He said the election will be a “war between the group that says Japan can grow with zero nuclear power plants and the group that says it cannot.” 看過できないのは、小泉氏が都知事選を、「原発ゼロでも日本は発展できるというグループと、原発なくして日本は発展できないというグループでの争いだ」と位置付けたことである。
He should not simplify the issue of nuclear energy into a choice between two options—zero nuclear power and nuclear promotion—making light of such complicated factors as the possible effect on industries and household finances, measures to cope with global warming and energy security. 産業や家計への影響、地球温暖化対策、エネルギーの安全保障といった複雑な要因を軽視し、原発ゼロか、推進か、と二者択一で問題を単純化すべきではない。
Simplistic ideas not enough
Hosokawa has postponed his official press conference on his candidacy twice already, apparently because he has been unable to prepare his election pledges. This illustrates the fact that simplistic ideas do not prepare a person to cope with the variety of problems the Tokyo metropolitan government is facing. 細川氏の正式な記者会見は、２度も延期されている。公約の準備が整わないからだ。付け焼き刃的な発想だけでは、都政の抱える様々な課題に対処できないことの表れとも言えるだろう。
When Tokyo won its bid for the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics last year, Hosokawa called for Tokyo to renounce its selection as host, saying, “Tokyo should have declined to accept the decision because we still have the nuclear problem.” We wonder how serious he is. 細川氏は昨年、２０２０年の東京五輪・パラリンピック開催が決まったことについて、「原発問題があるから辞退すべきだった」との返上論を述べていた。どこまで本気なのだろうか。
The upcoming gubernatorial election will be held because former Gov. Naoki Inose resigned over his suspicious borrowing of ¥50 million in cash from hospital operator Tokushukai. Therefore, we believe Hosokawa should explain his borrowing of ¥100 million from the Tokyo Sagawa Kyubin parcel company, which led to his resignation as prime minister. 今回は、猪瀬直樹前知事が５０００万円借入金問題で辞職しての出直し選挙だ。それだけに、細川氏には、首相辞任の要因となった東京佐川急便からの１億円借り入れについて説明が求められる。
Meanwhile, former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, another leading candidate, expressed his determination to pursue the “best Olympics in history,” antidisaster measures, improved medical and nursing care services, and employment measures. We would like Masuzoe to clearly state during the election campaign what concrete measures he plans. 一方、舛添要一・元厚生労働相は記者会見で、「史上最高の五輪」を目指すことや、防災対策、医療・介護の充実、雇用対策などに意欲を示した。具体的な方策を選挙戦で明らかにしてもらいたい。
As for nuclear energy, Masuzoe said he will aim to create a society that does not depend on nuclear power generation, instead of immediately reducing nuclear energy use to zero. He also said he would promote energy-saving measures in Tokyo, making efforts to expand the use of renewable energy. 原発に関しては、即時ゼロではなく「原発に依存しない社会」を作ると述べる一方、東京で省エネを進め、再生可能エネルギー拡大へ努力すると語っている。
The main question in the race to choose the face of the metropolis is which candidate has a clear vision of Tokyo’s future. Candidates must deepen their discussions through debate and other opportunities. 首都の顔を選ぶ都知事選で問われるのは、東京をどういう都市に変えていくのかという明確なビジョンだ。候補者同士の討論会などで、議論を深めるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 18, 2014) （2014年1月18日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 17, 2014 Govt must promote healthy lifestyle from young age to ward off dementia 認知症対策 生活習慣の改善も予防になる（1月17日付・読売社説）
The number of elderly Japanese people suffering from dementia is increasing much faster than predicted. The government must devise measures to prevent and treat the condition as quickly as possible. 認知症の高齢者が、従来の予測を大幅に上回るペースで増えている。予防や診療の体制整備を急がねばならない。
According to an estimate by a research team of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry, the number of elderly people diagnosed with dementia has reached 4.62 million. Research results by Kyushu University indicate the number is six times the level 20 years ago. 厚生労働省研究班の推計によると、認知症の高齢者は４６２万人に達する。過去２０年間で６倍に増えたという九州大の研究結果もある。
It must be noted that an increase in people suffering from diabetes, along with the quickly aging population, has boosted the number of dementia patients. 急速な高齢化に加え、糖尿病の増加が認知症の患者数を押し上げている事実は見逃せない。
Domestic and overseas research has found that diabetics are about twice as likely as those without diabetes to develop Alzheimer’s-type dementia. 国内外の調査で、糖尿病を患う人は、アルツハイマー型認知症の発症リスクが２倍前後に高まることが分かってきた。
Alzheimer’s-type dementia develops as a result of the accumulation of abnormal protein in the brain. People are more likely to develop this type of dementia if they become diabetic and a large amount of insulin is produced in their bodies, because insulin, which lowers blood sugar levels, also interrupts the dissolution of the protein and thus promotes its accumulation. アルツハイマー型認知症は、脳内に異常なたんぱく質がたまって発症する。糖尿病になり、血糖値を下げるインスリンが多量に分泌されると、このたんぱく質が分解されにくくなって蓄積し、認知症が起きやすくなるという。
Major causes for diabetes are overeating and obesity resulting from insufficient exercise. According to some data, people who pay attention to their lifestyles by exercising regularly and eating Japanese and other healthy foods are less likely to develop diabetes or dementia. 糖尿病は、食べ過ぎや運動不足による肥満が主な原因だ。運動や和食を中心とした食事で生活習慣に気を配っている人は、糖尿病ばかりでなく、認知症の発症リスクが低いとのデータがある。
The health ministry should publicize such information, which could help people prevent these health problems by paying attention to their lifestyles from a young age. 厚労省は、こうした情報を周知すべきだ。若い頃から生活習慣に注意して予防につなげたい。
As many as 4 million people are said to suffer from “mild cognitive impairment,” believed to be a stage before dementia. Symptoms include impaired memory and judgment. If treated at an early stage, however, it can likely be prevented from progressing to dementia, doctors say. We hope measures to prevent the condition will be established as soon as possible. 認知症の前段階とされる「軽度認知障害」も４００万人に上る。記憶力や判断力の低下といった症状が表れる。早く対処すれば、認知症への進行を抑えられる可能性があるという。予防法の早期確立が期待される。
Dementia could be controlled
It is still important to diagnose dementia as early as possible, even if a patient has already developed symptoms. If treated properly, dementia patients could recover in cases where the formation of a hematoma in the brain due to a blow to the head caused it, for instance. 認知症になった場合でも、早期発見は重要である。頭部を強打したことで血腫が脳内にできた場合など、治療により回復可能なケースがあるからだ。
However, the conditions of many patients deteriorate if left undiagnosed. It is necessary to develop a system that can render an accurate diagnosis by increasing expert-staffed outpatient “forgetful” clinics around the country. だが、診断がつかないまま、症状が悪化する患者は少なくない。専門医による「物忘れ外来」を普及させるなど、正確に診断できる態勢作りが必要だ。
If diagnosed early, it might be possible for people with dementia to continue their family life and jobs longer with the understanding and cooperation of their families and people around them. 早期に診断がつけば、医師の指導のもと、家族や周囲の理解と協力で、より長く家庭生活や仕事を続けることも可能だろう。
Developing measures to deal with dementia is a common concern among advanced countries, whose populations are aging quickly. 認知症対策は、高齢化が進む先進国共通の課題となっている。
Japan, the United States and six other advanced countries held the first G-8 Dementia Summit last month in London. They agreed to drastically increase research funds for dementia and share research data with the aim of establishing treatment methods by 2025. 日米など主要８か国は先月、ロンドンで初の「Ｇ８認知症サミット」を開いた。２０２５年までの治療法確立を目指し、研究費の大幅な増額や研究データの共有を図ることで合意した。
International cooperation is essential to study dementia, which still has many unexplained elements. We think Japan, whose population is aging the fastest in the world, should lead the research. The government should play a leading role and mobilize all Japanese researchers in this field to tackle the issue. 未解明な部分が多い認知症の研究に、国際協力は欠かせない。世界で最も速く高齢化する日本が主導すべきだ。政府が先頭に立ち、研究陣の総力を結集して臨んでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 17, 2014) （2014年1月17日01時24分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 16, 2014 Urgent steps must be taken to unsnarl chaos disrupting Thailand election タイ反政府デモ 選挙実現へ混乱収拾が急務だ（1月16日付・読売社説）
Disorder in Thailand has become protracted as the factional conflict intensifies. It is desirable to explore a way to unsnarl the chaos so the general election can be held. 党派対立の激化によりタイの混乱が長期化している。総選挙の実現に向け、混乱収拾の道を模索することが望まれる。
Protests against the government led by Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra—a sister of former Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra—have been occurring frequently over the past two months in Bangkok, with demonstrators calling for Yingluck’s resignation. 首都バンコクでは２か月以上にわたり、タクシン元首相の妹、インラック首相の辞任を求める反タクシン派のデモが頻発している。
Since Monday, antigovernment protesters have occupied the key intersections of Bangkok and roads in front of government offices, partially paralyzing the functions of the capital city. The Yingluck administration has refrained from removing them by force, apparently for fear of a clash between the police and the protesters. デモ隊は１３日から、主要交差点や官庁前道路などを占拠し、都市機能の一部が麻痺(まひ)する事態となった。インラック政権は、強制排除を控えている。警官隊とデモ隊の衝突を恐れているのだろう。
The latest wave of protests was triggered as the ruling Pheu Thai Party, in support of Thaksin, made a failed bid to push an amnesty bill through parliament that would have allowed Thaksin, who is in self-imposed exile to avoid jail time for a corruption conviction, to return to Thailand. デモの発端は、タクシン派与党のタイ貢献党が、汚職罪で実刑判決を受けて国外に逃れているタクシン氏の帰国に道を開く恩赦法を成立させようとしたことだ。
This high-handed approach of the ruling party has brought about angry responses from anti-Thaksin forces, including the main opposition Democrat Party. 強引な姿勢が、最大野党・民主党など反タクシン派の反発を招いた。
In a bid to calm the political crisis, Yingluck dissolved the lower house and called for a general election slated for Feb. 2. Then the anti-Thaksin forces vowed to boycott the vote, while calling for Yingluck to step down and for a transition to an interim government comprised of nonelected representatives from various sectors to oversee political and electoral reforms before any new polls. 首相は混乱を収拾しようと、下院を解散し、２月２日投票の総選挙実施に打って出た。これに対し、反タクシン派は、選挙受け入れを拒否し、首相の辞任と、選挙を経ない各界代表による暫定統治への移行を要求した。
Undermining democracy
The pro-Thaksin party has paid particular attention to the poor, who make up a large part of the population, and enjoys overwhelming support among the poor and in rural areas. In recent general elections, the party has continuously been the victor. The anti-Thaksin forces have apparently concluded that there is no way for them to win in an election. 弱者対策に力を入れてきたタクシン派政党は、人口が多い貧困層や農村で圧倒的に支持されており、近年の総選挙で連勝中だ。反タクシン派は、選挙では勝ち目がないと判断したとみられる。
Boycotting the vote and disturbing public order to make others accept their claim, primarily on the pretext of the opposition having little chance of winning an election, is just a self-serving stance in total disregard of democratic procedures. The right thing to do is for them to approve the holding of the election. 勝算が乏しいことを理由に、選挙を拒否し、秩序を乱す行動で主張を通そうとするのは、民主的手続きを無視した利己的な態度と言わざるを得ない。選挙を受け入れるのが筋である。
Yet it now appears to be difficult to hold the election as planned. ただ、予定通りに選挙を実施するのは、もはや困難に見える。
Due to the obstruction by anti-Thaksin forces, there are many electoral districts that are devoid of candidates. Even if the election was forcibly carried out, there wouldn’t be enough members to fulfill the constitutional provisions for convening the lower house. 反タクシン派の妨害によって、多くの選挙区で候補者が不在となったため、選挙を強行しても、憲法規定上、下院の招集に必要な議員数がそろわない。
Accordingly, the Election Committee has called for Yingluck to delay the election schedule. 選挙管理委員会は、インラック首相に対して、選挙の日程を延期するよう求めている。
There are some within the anti-Thaksin forces who want military intervention. Even if the government was toppled with such means, it would only invite retaliation from pro-Thaksin forces. 反タクシン派内には、軍の介入を望む声もあるという。たとえ、そうした手段で政権を倒しても、タクシン派からの報復を招くだけではないか。
The current turmoil is set to affect the economy. 混乱は、経済にも影響を及ぼしつつある。
Some Japanese companies have taken measures such as shutting down the buildings of their local affiliates. It has also been reported that the government’s procedures for approving large-scale investment projects have been suspended. 一部日本企業は、現地法人ビルの閉鎖などの措置をとった。大規模投資計画に対する政府の承認手続きも停止しているという。
Thailand, which has achieved its economic growth through foreign capital investments from countries such as Japan, has been called “an honor student among the member countries of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.” Such global confidence accredited to the country has begun to be undermined. タイは、日本など海外からの投資で成長し、「東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の優等生」と呼ばれてきた。その国際的な信用が揺らぎ始めている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 16, 2014) （2014年1月16日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 15, 2014 Japanese drive to help Africa offers benefits for both sides アフリカ外交 「日本らしさ」を互恵に生かせ（1月15日付・読売社説）
The world has its eyes on Africa, a growing market blessed with rich natural resources. Japan, for its part, should strengthen relations with African countries, a move that will surely help revitalize the Japanese economy. 豊かな天然資源を有する成長市場、アフリカに世界が注目している。日本も関係を一層強化しなければならない。それが日本経済の活性化にも好影響を与えるだろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has just wrapped up a visit to three African countries: Cote d’Ivoire, Mozambique and Ethiopia. The trip marked the first visit to sub-Saharan Africa by a Japanese prime minister since Junichiro Koizumi toured the region in 2006. 安倍首相がアフリカのコートジボワール、モザンビーク、エチオピア３か国を訪問した。首相のサハラ砂漠以南のアフリカ歴訪は、２００６年の小泉首相以来だ。
Cote d’Ivoire is a key logistical hub for West Africa, and Mozambique boasts a wealth of natural gas and other resources. Ethiopia, home to the headquarters of the African Union, is regarded as a political center of the continent. Abe’s choice to visit these three countries shows Japan’s consideration extends to the whole of Africa. コートジボワールは西アフリカの物流拠点で、モザンビークは天然ガスなどに恵まれている。エチオピアにはアフリカ連合（ＡＵ）本部があり、政治の中心と位置づけられている。訪問先にアフリカ全体への目配りがうかがえる。
In June last year, the Abe administration invited African leaders from 51 nations or their deputies to the fifth Tokyo International Conference on African Development (TICAD 5). Abe’s recent visit to the three nations was partly aimed at reinforcing a relationship of trust with African leaders. 安倍政権は昨年６月、アフリカ各国の首脳を招いて第５回アフリカ開発会議（ＴＩＣＡＤ５）を開いた。今回の歴訪は首脳との信頼関係を強める目的もあった。
Abe delivered a policy address in Ethiopia stressing the need to build mutually beneficial ties between Japan and African countries. 首相がエチオピアで行った政策スピーチは、日本とアフリカの互恵関係構築に重点を置いた。
The speech drew attention to Japanese companies operating in Africa and their efforts to train local workers while valuing the ingenuity of each individual. Strengthening the relationship between companies like these and the peoples of Africa will foster a win-win relationship, benefiting both Japan and African nations, he underscored. 進出した日本企業が地元の従業員教育に努め、一人一人の創意工夫を大切にしていることを紹介した。日本企業との関係が強まれば、日本とアフリカは共に利益を得る「ウイン・ウインの関係」になれるとも強調した。
Creating mutual benefits
Abe announced Japanese government policies focusing on youth and women, aimed at developing human resources by promoting vocational training and welcoming African students to Japan, as well as providing support for childbirth and child rearing. 政府としては、アフリカの若者と女性に焦点を当て、職業訓練や留学生受け入れなどの人材育成に加え、出産や子育てへの支援を進める方針も表明した。
In recent years, China has drastically expanded its presence in Africa with investments and loans. But the country has been criticized for unilaterally diverting resources and profits from Africa to itself. Many Chinese companies import workers from China to work in Africa—a practice that does not help in increasing local employment. アフリカには、中国が近年、投資や融資を急拡大している。だが、中国企業は、中国人労働者を流入させ、地元の雇用につながらず、資源や利益を一方的に自国に還元するだけだとの批判がある。
It is clear that Abe’s approach is to stress “Japaneseness” and to differentiate the country from China. Arriving in Africa accompanied by a delegation from the corporate sector was part of the effort to strengthen economic ties with Africa. Enhancing its presence in Africa is crucial for Japan. 首相が、中国と差別化を図り、「日本らしさ」をアピールした狙いは理解できる。今回、日本企業の代表を同行させたのも経済関係強化の一環と言えよう。アフリカでの日本の存在感をもっと高めていく必要がある。
Also of great importance is improving the environment for Japanese companies to help them make inroads into Africa. It will be necessary to make use of Japanese ODA in improving public infrastructure, such as roads and power plants. 肝要なのは、日本企業が進出しやすい環境を整えることだ。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用して、道路や発電所などのインフラ（社会基盤）をますます充実させていかねばならない。
Sadly, more than a few regions in Africa are still plagued by terrorist attacks and shaken by political instability. South Sudan, for example, is on the verge of slipping into civil war. Japan should help restore stability in these areas by making stronger contributions in the realm of public safety. アフリカにはなお、テロが横行し、政情が不安定な地域も少なくない。南スーダンは内戦に陥りかねない危機に直面している。日本は地域の安定のため、治安対策でもさらに貢献すべきだろう。
Abe has expressed a desire to make repeated visits to Africa. Japan must invest in joint endeavors through the public and private sectors to strengthen its ties with African countries from both mid- and long-term perspectives. 首相は「何度でもアフリカを訪れたい」と語った。官民が連携し、中長期的な視点で、アフリカと関係を深めていくべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 15, 2014) （2014年1月15日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 14, 2014 Govt must reshape growth strategy to bring about effective outcome 日本経済再生 効果的な成長戦略に練り直せ（1月14日付・読売社説）
◆ＴＰＰ交渉で国益の最大化を
Business has been steadily picking up on the tailwind of the economic policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. 安倍政権の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を追い風に、景気は明るさを増してきた。
The question now is how to maintain sustainable growth. It is essential to end the deflationary spiral that has continued for nearly 20 years. これから問われるのは成長の持続力である。２０年近く続いた悪性デフレの病を、完治させることが肝心だ。
The government must accelerate the implementation of an effective growth strategy with a view to achieving self-sustaining growth led by the private sector. 政府は、民間主導の自律的な成長を目指し、実効性のある成長戦略を加速させねばならない。
The Nikkei Stock Average currently is hovering around 16,000 at the Tokyo Stock Exchange after soaring by about 60 percent in the past year. The stronger yen that plagued the national economy has weakened significantly and remains low in relation to other currencies. 東京市場の平均株価は、ここ１年で約６０％上昇し、１万６０００円前後で推移している。日本経済を苦しめた円高も大幅に修正され、円安傾向が続く。
Bold monetary easing and fiscal stimulus measures pushed by the Abe administration plus the business recovery of the United States have helped the Japanese economy. It is to ensure that the move toward improvement does not end up as a “false dawn.” 安倍政権が打ち出した大胆な金融緩和と財政出動に加え、米国の景気回復も好材料となった。大切なのは、改善の動きを「偽りの夜明け」に終わらせないことだ。
Tax hike biggest hurdle ◆カンフル剤は効いたが
The biggest hurdle to this goal is the consumption tax hike set for April. 最大のハードルは、４月の消費税率の引き上げである。
The tax burden on the nation’s households will increase by ¥6 trillion a year after the rate is raised from the current 5 percent to 8 percent. It is feared that consumption—which accounts for 60 percent of the gross domestic product—will cool off, causing a business slowdown. 消費税率が５％から８％に上がると、家計全体の税負担は年６兆円も増える。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の６割を占める消費が冷え込み、景気が失速する懸念がある。
Relying only on fiscal stimulus to prop up the economy will lead to the worsening of state finances. To attain economic revitalization and fiscal reconstruction together, it is indispensable to invigorate the economy through implementation of a radical growth strategy. 景気テコ入れ策として財政出動に頼るだけでは、財政悪化に拍車がかかる。経済再生と財政再建を同時に達成するには、大胆な成長戦略で民間経済を活性化させることが欠かせない。
In connection with the law on enhancement of industrial competitiveness enacted in December and other growth strategy-related bills, the government will shortly work out implementation plans that include timetables and designation of Cabinet ministers in charge of implementation. The government should steadily carry out measures and assess their effectiveness. 政府は昨年末に成立した産業競争力強化法をはじめ成長戦略の関連施策について、近く実行計画を策定し、実施時期や担当閣僚を明示する。各施策の着実な遂行と、効果の検証が求められよう。
It is problematic, however, that the growth strategy is lackluster. だが問題は、成長戦略の中身が物足りないことだ。
Deregulation steps insufficient ◆規制緩和が物足りない
A deregulation plan to establish special national strategy zones under the slogan “to provide the world’s most favorable business environment” fails to do away with regulations that are as hard as bedrock in such fields as employment, medical treatment and agriculture. 「世界一ビジネスがしやすい環境を作る」とした国家戦略特区の規制緩和メニューは、雇用や医療、農業などの強固な「岩盤規制」を十分に突き崩せなかった。
Deregulation of working hours, which has been strongly requested by business circles, has been postponed. So has expansion of a mixed medical treatment system under which treatment covered and not covered by health insurance could be provided together. 経済界が強く求める労働時間の規制緩和や、自由診療と保険診療を併用する混合診療の大幅拡充なども見送られた。
In his New Year’s press conference, Abe revealed a plan to reexamine the growth strategy in the middle of this year. Half-baked revision would make no sense. To ensure the success of deregulation, the prime minister must lead the way in containing the resistance of government ministries and agencies as well as their related organizations trying to protect their vested interests. 首相は年頭の記者会見で、今年半ばに成長戦略を見直す方針を表明した。中途半端な改定では意味がない。既得権を守ろうとする各府省や関係団体の抵抗を、首相の指導力で封じ込め、規制緩和を前進させてもらいたい。
Another challenge for the growth strategy is lowering the effective corporate tax rate, which is higher than those in major countries in Europe and other parts of Asia. 欧州やアジアの主要国よりも高い法人税実効税率の引き下げも、成長戦略の課題である。
The government must aim at reinforcing the international competitiveness of Japanese companies by realizing the tax cut as soon as possible, while at the same time revitalizing the Japanese market by promoting the inflow of foreign capital. 早期に実現して、日本企業の競争力強化を図るとともに、外資の参入促進による日本市場の活性化を目指すべきだ。
The recovery of a cheap and stable power supply is the basis of economic growth. It is vital to steadily restart nuclear power reactors whose safety has been confirmed. 安価で安定した電力供給の回復は、経済成長の基盤といえる。安全性の確認できた原発を着実に再稼働することも不可欠である。
Yet we cannot expect much from the growth strategy as long as the companies, who are to play the leading role under the strategy, “have not danced though we have piped unto them.” せっかくの成長戦略も、主役の企業が「笛吹けど踊らず」では成果は乏しい。
It is worrisome that many companies have not shaken free of their defensive stance. This is partly because their business performances were sluggish for a protracted period due to the deflationary trend and the strong yen. デフレや円高で業績不振が長引いたこともあり、多くの企業が守りの姿勢から抜け出せていないことが気がかりである。
Japanese companies hold a total of at least ¥200 trillion in cash and money on deposit. This shows they have refrained from investing in plant and equipment and manpower in order to set aside cash reserves for emergencies. 日本企業は総額２００兆円を超える現金と預金を保有している。万一に備えて手元資金を残しておこうと、設備や人材への投資を控えてきた証しといえる。
Although they have bailed themselves out of the plight caused by the superstrong yen, Japanese manufacturers have been fiercely competing abroad with their rivals from emerging economies. This comes at a time when the domestic market is expected to shrink, due to the declining population. 超円高の苦境は脱したものの、製造業各社は海外市場で、新興国企業などと激しい競争を展開している。国内は、人口減少による市場の縮小が見込まれる。
‘Aggressive stance’ needed ◆「攻めの経営」が必要だ
Unless they rack their brains and boldly shift to a stance of conducting business aggressively, it will be difficult for companies to survive the harsh business environment. 知恵を絞り、勇気をもって「攻めの経営」に転じないと、厳しい経営環境の中で企業が生き残るのは難しいだろう。
Manufacturers will have to enhance their manufacturing power to win against their global rivals. 製造業は、グローバル競争を勝ち抜くため、モノ作りの力を鍛え直さねばならない。
Meanwhile, nonmanufacturers must urgently work to overcome their low productivity, which has long been considered their main challenge. 非製造業は、長年にわたり課題とされている低生産性の克服が急務である。
If companies increase their profits by aggressively implementing their corporate strategies and raise their workers’ pay in line with increased profits, consumption will rise and business will improve further. We hope companies will contribute to a “virtuous circle” of growth. 各企業が積極的な経営戦略で利益を伸ばし、それに見合う賃上げに踏み切れば、消費が増え、さらに企業業績は上向く。成長の「好循環」に貢献してほしい。
For Japan to sustain economic growth, it is necessary to further promote free trade and exploit demand in growing markets such as that in other parts of Asia. 日本が経済的な発展を続けるには、自由貿易を一層推進し、アジアなど成長市場の需要を取り込む必要がある。
The negotiations over the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade accord, with 12 countries, including Japan and the United States, taking part, are the key to this goal. 大きなカギを握るのが、日米はじめ１２か国による環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉だ。
As the conflicts between Japan and the United States deepened over demands for the elimination of tariffs on five sensitive agricultural products—including rice, wheat and barley—participating countries postponed a broad agreement on the creation of a new free trade zone, which they had hoped to realize by the end of last year. Concerning the delay, Japan and the United States, leaders of the negotiations, are much to blame. コメや麦など重要５項目の関税撤廃を巡る日米の対立が深まり、昨年末の大筋合意は見送られた。決着の遅れに関し、交渉を主導する日米両国の責任は重い。
An accord over the TPP trade talks would likely give a boost to talks on other economic partnerships between Japan and the European Union and the one among Japan, China and South Korea. ＴＰＰで合意できれば、日本と欧州連合（ＥＵ）、日中韓など他の経済連携にも弾みをつける効果が期待できよう。
What must Japan protect and how far should it compromise in maximizing its national interests? The government must negotiate tenaciously and try to break the deadlock. 日本の国益を最大化するため、何を守り、どこまで譲るか。政府はしたたかに交渉を進め、難局の打開を図るべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 14, 2014) （2014年1月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 14, 2014 New adults should combine realism with flexibility and entrepreneurship 成人の日 堅実さと柔軟な発想求めたい（1月13日付・読売社説）
Today is Coming-of-Age Day. We would like to celebrate the birth of 1.21 million new adults in Japan. きょうは成人の日。１２１万人の新成人の門出を祝いたい。
We hope they will step forward strongly with keen awareness as adults. 大人としての自覚を胸に刻み、力強い一歩を踏み出してほしい。
They were born in 1993, when the Liberal Democratic Party-led government, which had held power since the merger of conservative parties in 1955, was replaced with a coalition government of non-LDP parties. Crown Prince and Princess Masako also married that year. 新成人が生まれた１９９３年には、５５年の保守合同以来続いた自民党政権に代わって、非自民の連立政権が誕生した。皇太子さまと雅子さまのご成婚もあった。
The years in which these young people grew up almost overlap the “two lost decades” when the Japanese economy faltered after the collapse of the asset-inflated bubble economy. There are concerns about a decline in their academic abilities because they received “cram-free education” from primary school to high school. この若者たちが育った時期は、バブル経済が崩壊して、日本経済が低迷を続けた「失われた２０年」とほぼ重なる。小学校から高校までは、いわゆる「ゆとり教育」を受け、学力低下の懸念も指摘されてきた。
They are also a generation that mastered the skills needed in the age of information technology when they were still small, as the Internet and mobile phones have been available as long as they can remember. 物心がついた頃にはネットや携帯電話が既に登場しており、情報化時代のスキルを子供のうちから身に着けた世代でもある。
Seiko Holdings Corp., which has conducted questionnaire surveys among new adults every year, says this year’s new adults tend to pursue a down-to-earth lifestyle. セイコーホールディングス社は毎年、新成人に対してアンケート調査を行っているが、それによると、今年の新成人は「堅実志向型」なのだという。
Asked what they place importance on, the largest number replied money. The largest number also said they want to spend more time studying. Of course, it is important to be down-to-earth like them, but we also hope they will have flexible mindsets and embrace challenges. 大切にしたいものとして「お金」、増やしたい時間として「勉強」を挙げた人が最も多かった。そうした堅実さはもちろん大切だが、新成人には、柔軟な発想とチャレンジ精神も求めたい。
Young entrepreneurs needed
Aya Ozeki, now 21, used ¥300,000 that she saved to start a business to establish a fashion company in Tokyo when she was still in her second year of high school. 例えば、現在２１歳の大関綾さんは、高校２年生の時に、起業のために貯(た)めていた３０万円を資本金として、東京都内にファッションの会社を設立した。
“I wanted to start a business when I could still capitalize on my youthful sensitivities,” she said. 「若い時の感性を生かせるうちに、起業したいと考えた」と話す。
Ozeki had a huge hit with her invention of a women’s necktie for businesswomen working actively in society, which nobody had conceived. She also developed a unique leather tie for men that is very easy to put on. 社会で活躍するビジネスウーマンのために、誰もが思いつかなかった女性用のネクタイを考案し、大ヒットとなった。男性ネクタイでも、装着しやすいユニークな革製の商品を開発した。
The government is developing a system to help young people start companies through subsidies and other means. We hope many young entrepreneurs like Ozeki will emerge from among the new adults. 政府も、補助金などによって、若者の起業を支援する体制を整えつつある。大関さんのような若い起業家が、新成人の中からも次々と出てくることを期待したい。
Japanese companies are facing fiercer-than-ever competition with both domestic and foreign rivals. If they are company employees, the new adults should clearly express their own ideas with the strong spirit to lead their companies. 日本の企業は、国内だけでなく海外からも、これまで以上の激しい競争にさらされている。会社員なら、会社を引っ張る気概を持って、自分自身の考えをはっきりと主張していくことが重要だ。
Whether they are members of the working world or still students, we hope they will set a rock-steady goal and improve themselves toward achieving it. 社会人であれ、学生であれ、しっかりと目標を立て、それに向かって自らを磨いてほしい。
By the time the new adults are 50, Japan is predicted to have transformed into a “piggyback” type of society, which means one working person will support one elderly person in a country with more elderly people and fewer children. 新成人が５０歳になる頃には、少子高齢化が一層進んで、現役世代１人の負担で高齢者１人の暮らしをまかなう「肩車型」の社会が到来するという。
However, it is the power of young people that will overcome the raging waves of the times, build a wealthy Japan and sustain the country’s future. 時代の荒波を乗り越えて、豊かな日本を築き、未来を支えていくのは、若い力である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 13, 2014) （2014年1月13日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 12, 2014 Moral education classes could enhance social norms of kids 道徳の教科化 規範意識の涵養につながるか（1月12日付・読売社説）
It is important to cultivate from childhood the awareness to abide by the rules of society and show consideration to others. Therefore, it is crucial to improve moral education. 社会のルールを守る規範意識を涵養(かんよう)し、他人を思いやる気持ちを培うことは大切だ。子供たちに対する道徳教育の充実が欠かせない。
A report, compiled by an experts’ panel on moral education set up by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, calls for moral education, which is not a regular subject at primary and middle school levels, to be treated as a “special subject” to improve the teaching of such classes. 文部科学省の有識者会議が、正規の教科ではない小中学校の「道徳の時間」を「特別の教科」にして、授業のレベルアップを求める報告書をまとめた。
The experts’ panel examined the issue after the Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, which works directly under the prime minister, proposed in February that moral education should be made a regular subject as part of measures to prevent bullying at schools. 政府の教育再生実行会議が昨年２月にいじめ防止対策の一つとして教科化を提言し、それを踏まえて検討が重ねられてきた。
It is reasonable that the government aims to call on schools to realize how important moral education is by giving it the status of a regular subject, thus improving teaching methods. 教科としてきちんと位置付けることで、教育現場に道徳の重要性を再認識させ、指導の改善を図ろうとする方向性は妥当である。
Less value has been attached to moral education since the end of World War II in reaction to the moral education in prewar years that was propagated by nationalistic elements. 戦後の道徳教育は、国家主義的色合いが濃かったとされる戦前の「修身」へのアレルギーから、必要以上に軽視されがちだった。
Currently, one moral education class is offered per week. However, it is up to teachers to decide how to conduct such classes because there is no official textbook. There are differences among schools and teachers in regard to moral education classes. 現在、道徳の時間が週１コマ設けられているものの、教科書はなく、教え方は現場任せというのが実情だ。学校や教師によって、取り組み状況に差も見られる。
Some people have pointed out that moral education has lost substance, as some schools use slots designed for moral education to hold supplementary classes in other subjects. 他の教科の補習などに振り替えられているケースもあり、かねて形骸化が指摘されていた。
However, many problems must be worked out before moral education can be made a regular subject. ただ、教科化を実現するにあたっては、課題が多い。
For instance, what kind of teaching materials should be used for moral education classes? The panel’s report called for the introduction of textbooks approved by the official screening system to provide teaching materials for such classes. 例えば、どのような教材を用いるかだ。報告書は、教材を安定的に供給する観点から、検定教科書の導入を提案した。
Forcing values on children
Strong criticism has been voiced about making moral education a regular subject, with some people saying it could lead to the government forcing certain values on children. The panel apparently aimed to dispel these concerns by proposing that private-sector companies should compile textbooks for moral education. 道徳の教科化に対しては、国による特定の価値観の押しつけにつながるとの批判が根強くある。民間の教科書会社に製作を委ねることにより、こうした懸念を払拭する目的もあるのだろう。
Innovative efforts by publishers on creating textbooks for moral education should be respected. However, to what extent should their products be approved if they are based on biased values or peculiar ideas? だが、教科書会社の創意工夫を尊重するにしても、仮に、偏った価値観や特定の主義主張に基づく教科書が作られた場合、どこまで認めていくのか。
When working out standards for screening textbooks for moral education, education authorities should have in-depth discussions by coming up with various scenarios. 今後、具体的な検定基準を策定する際には、様々なケースを想定し、幅広い議論が求められる。
Moral education classes are supposed to be handled by homeroom teachers. This means that teacher-training programs at the university level and those for teachers offered by boards of education also should be reviewed. Teachers should be given access to appropriate methods for these classes. 道徳の授業は、学級担任の教師が担当することになる。それなら大学の教員養成課程や教育委員会の研修を見直す必要もあろう。教師が適切な指導方法を習得できるようにすべきだ。
Providing academic assessments for children’s achievements in moral education classes is difficult, as they focus on students’ psychological development. 道徳は子供の内面にかかわる分野だけに、成績評価が難しい。
It is understandable that the report proposed that children’s performances in moral education classes should be evaluated in written form, rather than numerical evaluations like Japanese, mathematics and other subjects. 報告書が、国語や算数・数学など通常の教科のような数値評価ではなく、学習の様子を記述式で評価する方法を検討するよう促したのはうなずける。
Education authorities are encouraged to come up with an evaluation method under which teachers can make detailed records on each student’s efforts and development during moral education classes, rather than deciding who performs better than others. 優劣をつけるのではなく、子供一人ひとりの努力や成長の足跡を丁寧に記録する。そんな評価の在り方を工夫したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2014) （2014年1月12日01時15分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 11, 2014 Nuclear fuel recycling must be used to help supply nation with electricity 核燃料サイクル 公正な審査で前に進めたい（1月11日付・読売社説）
A plant to reprocess spent nuclear fuel and three related facilities in Rokkasho, Aomori Prefecture, are of the utmost importance to Japan’s energy security. It is essential to advance works to check the safety of the facilities both scientifically and fairly. 日本のエネルギー安全保障上、極めて重要な施設である。科学的かつ公正に、安全確認の作業を進めねばならない。
Japan Nuclear Fuel Ltd. has filed for regulatory safety screenings of the Rokkasho facilities with the Nuclear Regulation Authority. 日本原燃が、使用済み核燃料の再処理工場（青森県六ヶ所村）と、関連する３施設について、安全審査を原子力規制委員会に申請した。
The spent nuclear fuel reprocessing plant is the core facility in nuclear fuel recycling. It is a massive chemical plant that discomposes spent nuclear fuel and extracts uranium and plutonium to use as fuel. 再処理工場は、核燃料サイクルの中核となる施設である。使用済み核燃料を分解し、燃料として使えるウランやプルトニウムを取り出す巨大な化学プラントだ。
There is little equipment at the facilities that is subject to high temperatures and pressures. Therefore, the risk of an accident, in which the situation suddenly deteriorates during operations and large volumes of radioactive substances are emitted, is believed to be lower than that of nuclear power plants. 高温高圧になる設備はほとんどなく、運転中に事態が急激に悪化して放射能が大量放出される事故のリスクは原子力発電所よりも低い、と考えられている。
The facilities, on the other hand, could trigger tremendous damage in the event of major fires and other accidents, impairing their ability to contain massive volumes of the radioactive substances they store. 一方で、大量の放射性物質を貯蔵しているため、大規模火災などで放射能の封じ込め機能が損なわれると、被害は甚大になる。
It is essential for the NRA to conduct safety screening based on the characteristics of the Rokkasho facilities. 規制委は、こうした再処理工場の特性に十分留意して、安全審査に臨むことが肝要である。
Based on what happened in the Great East Japan Earthquake, Japan Nuclear Fuel strengthened anti-quake measures and now has a far bigger earthquake in its disaster scenario. It also plans to improve ventilation equipment at the facilities. It is hoped that the NRA, as a regulatory body, will closely examine if these facilities are sufficiently prepared for natural disasters and terrorist attacks. 原燃は東日本大震災を踏まえて地震対策を強化し、想定地震の規模を引き上げた。換気設備なども補強する。自然災害やテロへの備えは十分か。規制委として、しっかりと見極めてもらいたい。
Nuclear power is necessary
Nuclear power plants have a major role to play in the resource-scarce Japan. The country must utilize a certain portion of nuclear power to secure a stable supply of electricity. エネルギー資源に乏しい日本にとって原発の役割は大きい。今後も一定程度を活用し、電力の安定供給を図らねばならない。
For this, recycling nuclear fuel is a meaningful policy. Rather than discarding spent nuclear fuel, recycling will lead to the effective use of uranium resources and reduce the volume of radioactive waste. そのためにも、核燃料サイクルは有意義な政策である。使用済み核燃料を直接廃棄するより、ウラン資源の有効利用につながる。放射性廃棄物の量も減らせる。
Having begun research on nuclear fuel recycling in the 1960s, Japan has a good pool of technology it has developed. It is the only nonnuclear power that has been internationally sanctioned to use plutonium. 日本は１９６０年代から核燃料サイクルの研究を始め、技術の蓄積がある。国際的にも、核兵器を持たない国として唯一、プルトニウム利用を認められている。
Making light of these achievements, the previous administrations of the Democratic Party of Japan considered abolishing the Rokkasho plant, only to decide to allow its continuation in the face of opposition from the Aomori prefectural government and other parties, which had cooperated with the government’s goal of introducing nuclear fuel recycling. こうした実績を軽んじ、民主党政権は、再処理工場の廃止を検討した。核燃料サイクル実現に協力してきた青森県などがこれに強く反発し、継続となった。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has made it clear the government will go ahead with nuclear fuel recycling. “Our nation has a high level of technology by international standards,” Abe said at a meeting of the House of Councillors’ Budget Committee in May last year. “We will tackle [nuclear fuel recycling] in cooperation with other nations.” 安倍首相は昨年５月に参院予算委員会で、「わが国は世界でも高い技術を有しており、世界各国と連携して取り組んでいく」と核燃料サイクルの活用を明言した。
The government should clearly define the nation’s nuclear power policies, including nuclear fuel recycling, in a basic energy program it plans to compile shortly and advance such policies accordingly. 政府は近くまとめるエネルギー基本計画に、核燃料サイクルを含む原子力政策を明確に位置づけ、着実に進める必要がある。
Unless a certain number of nuclear power reactors go into operation again, there will be no use for recycled fuel. And if the nation stores a considerable amount of plutonium that can be used for nuclear weapons, it could come under criticism from the international community. 一定数の原発が再稼働しないと、再処理で作った燃料の使い道はない。核兵器の材料にもなり得るプルトニウムをため込めば、国際的にも批判を浴びかねない。
The NRA, for its part, should accelerate its safety screening of nuclear power reactors, which are considerably lagging behind. 規制委は、大幅に遅れている原発の安全審査を加速すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2014) （2014年1月11日01時39分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 9, 2014 U.S. engagement essential for bringing peace, stability to global hot spots 米オバマ外交 問われる超大国の積極的関与（1月9日付・読売社説）
◆「アジア重視」具体化が課題だ
Stability in the international order is facing challenges in various regions, such as the Asia-Pacific region and the Middle East. To maintain peace and stability, a policy of forward engagement in these regions by the United States, the only superpower, is still essential. アジア太平洋地域や中東などで、国際秩序の流動化が進んでいる。平和と安定を維持するには、依然、唯一の超大国である米国による各地域への積極的な関与が欠かせない。
However, U.S. President Barack Obama’s plan to focus more on Asia—a strategic pivot of U.S. diplomacy and security policy more toward the Asia-Pacific region—has moved by fits and starts while the Obama administration is preoccupied with handling Middle East affairs. しかし、外交・安全保障政策の軸足をアジア太平洋に移すというオバマ米大統領の「アジア重視」路線は、中東政策に足を取られ、順調に進んでいない。
With his weak domestic political foundation, can Obama reshape his foreign policy? Various difficult issues await him ahead of his trip to several Asian countries scheduled for April. 国内の政治基盤が弱いオバマ氏が、外交を立て直せるか。４月に予定されるアジア歴訪に向け、難題が待ち構えている。
Stumbling in Syria policy ◆シリア政策でつまずく
The Obama administration’s diplomatic limbo is epitomized by his Syria policy. オバマ外交の迷走ぶりを露呈したのが、シリア政策だ。
The civil war in Syria has killed at least 100,000 people. Last summer, Obama announced a plan to launch a military strike against Syria, on the grounds that the administration of President Bashar Assad had used chemical weapons. At the same time, he took the extremely unusual step of asking Congress to approve the military strike. His decision to have Congress share the burden of launching an attack on Syria gave his presidential prestige a black eye. １０万人もの死者を出しているシリア内戦を巡り、オバマ氏は昨夏、アサド政権が化学兵器を使用したとして武力攻撃を表明した。同時に、攻撃の承認を議会に求めたのは極めて異例な措置だ。議会に攻撃の責任分担を促したことは大統領の威信低下にもつながった。
However, the U.S. pressure did produce a result. Before Congress was to vote on a resolution to approve the military attack, the Assad administration announced it would abandon its chemical weapons arsenal. The military strike was averted, and Assad was allowed to stay in power. 米国の圧力が奏功した面もあり、議会が決議を行う前に、アサド政権は化学兵器の放棄に同意した。攻撃には至らず、政権の存続は容認された。
Neighboring countries of Syria that oppose the Assad administration, and antigovernment forces in Syria upbraided Obama over this “change of heart,” feeding distrust of the Obama administration. Obama himself probably thinks he made a miscalculation on this issue. アサド政権に反発する周辺諸国や国内の反政府勢力は、オバマ氏の態度を「変心」と見なし、不信感を募らせた。オバマ氏にも誤算だったのではないか。
On the issue of Iran’s nuclear program, Obama took the bold step of holding direct dialogue with new Iranian President Hassan Rouhani. The United States has since started negotiations with Iran, together with several other countries concerned, on the Iran nuclear issue. However, the future direction of these negotiations remains unclear because strong opposition to them remains within the U.S. Congress. イランの核問題では、オバマ氏はイラン大統領との直接対話に踏み切り、米国は関係国と共にイランとの核交渉を開始した。だが、米議会内に反対論が強く、交渉の行方は不透明になっている。
Most of the U.S. troops dispatched to Afghanistan are scheduled to withdraw from that country by the end of this year. As U.S. forces have already pulled out of Iraq, the United States is expected to put a tentative end to its war on terrorism, which has lasted for more than a decade since the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on U.S. soil. アフガニスタンに派遣されている米軍は、今年末をめどに大部分が撤収する。イラクの米軍は撤収済みであり、２００１年の米同時テロ以来、十数年にわたる「テロとの戦い」には、一応の終止符が打たれる見通しだ。
War fatigue in U.S. society has generated a tendency among the public to dislike U.S. intervention and engagement in other countries’ affairs. This tendency to focus on domestic issues has also negatively affected Obama’s foreign policy. 米社会では「戦争疲れ」のため、他国への介入や関与を嫌う傾向が顕著になっている。この米国民の「内向き志向」もオバマ外交に影を落としている。
Democrats vs Republicans ◆党派対立が懸念される
Obama is being forced to pay careful consideration to Congress, since his administration cannot make policy decisions as it would like because the ruling Democratic Party maintains a majority in the Senate but the Republican Party controls the House of Representatives. オバマ氏が議会への目配りを強いられるのは、与党の民主党が上院では過半数を維持するものの、下院は共和党に支配され、思うように政策決定できないからだ。
The Republican Party has continuously been on the offensive against the administration. Last year, the party thoroughly blocked the implementation of the Affordable Care Act, dubbed Obamacare, which Obama put into effect during his first term in office, resisting it even to the point of causing a partial shutdown of government functions in October. 共和党は、政府に攻勢をかけ続けている。昨年は、大統領が１期目に成立させた医療保険改革（オバマケア）の実施を徹底的に妨害し、１０月には政府機関の一部停止まで引き起こした。
Obama’s public approval rating briefly fell below 40 percent, his lowest ever. オバマ氏の支持率は一時、４０％を切り、過去最低となった。
With a congressional midterm election set for November, it is certain that the Republicans will intensify their confrontational stance even further. Congressional management will be made more difficult for Obama. One cause for concern is that Obama’s diplomatic courses of action may be narrowed down. 今年１１月には、議会の中間選挙を控えており、共和党がより対決色を強めるのは確実だ。オバマ氏の議会運営は厳しいものとなろう。外交の選択肢が狭められることが懸念される。
Yet tension is only escalating in the Asia-Pacific region as China attempts to change the status quo by force. The situation in North Korea is also becoming ever more uncertain. We hope Obama will seriously tackle his diplomatic policy with emphasis placed on Asia. だが、アジア太平洋では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、地域の緊張は高まる一方だ。北朝鮮情勢も不透明感を増している。オバマ氏にはアジア重視路線に本腰を入れて取り組んでもらいたい。
Deterrence with allies ◆同盟国と共に抑止策を
The challenges the United States must tackle are obvious. 米国が取り組むべき課題は明白だ。
One, in cooperation with its friends and allies in the region, is to hold back China’s expansionism, which deviates from international norms, as seen in its unilateral announcement of an air defense identification zone in the East China Sea. 東シナ海における一方的な防空識別圏設定で見られたような国際常識を逸脱した中国の膨張主義を、地域の同盟国や友好国と共に抑止することである。
The Obama administration has already worked out plans for boosting its navy ships in the Asia-Pacific region from the current 50 percent of the total U.S. fleet to 60 percent by 2020. The administration also plans to newly dispatch an additional 800 army troops to South Korea to boost its forces stationed there. オバマ政権は既に、アジア太平洋で活動する米海軍艦船を、２０年までに全体の５割から６割に引き上げる構想を打ち出している。韓国には、８００人規模の陸軍部隊を新たに派遣し、在韓米軍を増強するという。
In the economic field, negotiations on the conclusion of the Trans-Pacific Partnership accord, which will create a new free trade zone in the Asia-Pacific region with the United States and Japan taking the central roles, have entered the final stage. 経済分野では、米国と日本が中心となって、アジア太平洋地域の新たな自由貿易圏となる環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉が大詰めを迎えている。
If the military plans or the trade accord, or both, become reality, they will have a strong restraining effect on China’s moves to seek hegemony in the region. いずれも実現すれば、中国の覇権を求める動きに対する強い牽制(けんせい)効果を持とう。
On the other hand, China’s President Xi Jinping told Obama, “The vast Pacific Ocean has enough space for two large countries like the United States and China,” calling for forging a new type of great-power relationship. 一方、中国の習近平国家主席は、オバマ氏に「広大な太平洋には両大国を受け入れる十分な空間がある」と述べ、「新しいタイプの大国関係」の構築を求めた。
Xi’s remarks, made during their summit talks in June, are thought to indicate a scheme for dividing the Asia-Pacific region in two, and having the United States effectively approve the expansion of China’s sphere of influence in the western Pacific. アジア太平洋を二つに分割し、西太平洋における中国の勢力圏の拡大を米国に認めさせる構想と見られている。
It is worrisome that certain voices within the U.S. government seem to call for the country to side with China’s scheme of forging a new type of relationship between the two. Such calls are probably made in consideration of the two countries’ mutual economic dependence. 気がかりなのは、米政府内に「新たな大国関係」に同調するかのような声があることだ。中国との経済面での相互依存に配慮しているからだろう。
Few countries—let alone U.S. allies such as Japan, South Korea, Australia and the Philippines—would be willing to accept a new international order led by China in place of the United States. 日本や韓国、オーストラリア、フィリピンなどの同盟国はもとより、アジアで、米国の代わりに中国が主導する秩序を受け入れたい国はほとんどあるまい。
We hope Washington makes a cautious response. 米国には慎重な対応を望みたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 9, 2014) （2014年1月9日01時57分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 8, 2014 Editorial / Consumption tax hike must support stable social security 社会保障改革 消費増税を制度安定の契機に（1月8日付・読売社説）
◆医療・介護費の抑制は不可避だ
In April, Japan’s consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The tax hike is placed as the main pillar of the nation’s integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, and the increase in tax revenues will be used exclusively for social security purposes. 社会保障と税の一体改革の柱として、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は全額、社会保障に充てられる。
We believe this is an opportunity to make 2014 the starting point to achieve the goal of building stable social security systems. 今年を安定した社会保障制度の実現に向けた出発点としたい。
The rapid graying of society and the decrease in the working population have made our social security systems fragile. 急速な高齢化と働く世代の減少により、日本の社会保障制度は揺らいでいる。
About a half century ago, about 10 working-age people supported each elderly person through our social security model. Now, just 2.4 working-age people shoulder the cost of supporting one elderly person. The scale of the human pyramid is expected to narrow even further by around 2050—when each elderly person will have to ride on the shoulders of one working-age person. 約５０年前には、１０人の現役世代が１人の高齢者を支えていた。だが、今は２・４人で１人の「騎馬戦型」だ。２０５０年頃には、現役世代１人が１人の高齢者を支える「肩車型」社会が到来する。
Don’t let our children pay ◆次代につけを回すな
The nation is highly dependent on debt, chiefly government bonds, to cover the ballooning cost of pensions, medical care and nursing care. This has become the main source of the government’s deteriorating fiscal condition. We should no longer neglect the problem by simply passing down the current burden to future generations. 増え続ける年金、医療、介護費用の財源は、国債など借金に大きく依存し、国の財政悪化を加速させる主因になっている。将来の世代への負担のつけ回しをこれ以上、放置できない。
The consumption tax hike will enable the government—at least for a while—to finance social security costs such as basic public pensions. It will increase the sustainability of our social security systems, a step toward the goal of achieving the systems’ long-term stability. 消費増税によって、基礎年金などの財源をひとまず確保できる。社会保障制度の持続可能性が高まることは一歩前進である。
The increase in consumption tax revenues will also be used in building a system in which medical care and nursing care services join hands in supporting the lives of elderly people who choose to continue living at home. The money will also be used to reduce national health insurance premiums. 増税分は、在宅の高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の構築や、国民健康保険の保険料軽減などにも充てられる。
The government’s social security reform measures will be implemented under the assumption that the consumption tax rate will be further be raised to 10 percent in October 2015. It will be an important task for the government to steadily realize the second hike to solidify our social security systems. To do so, the government needs to carefully scrutinize how the nation’s economy reacts after the April hike. 一連の改革は、２０１５年１０月に予定される消費税率１０％への引き上げが前提となっている。社会保障制度を強固にするには、景気の動向を見極め、税率８％からの再引き上げを着実に実施することが課題となる。
However, it is impossible to fully cover ballooning social security costs through consumption tax hikes, even after the second hike goes into effect. ただ、消費税率を１０％に引き上げても、増大する社会保障費のすべてを賄うことはできない。
To realize the goal of achieving stable social security systems and putting the nation’s finances on a healthy footing, we cannot afford to put off trimming spending in the three fields of medical care, elderly care and pensions. 安定した社会保障制度を実現し、財政健全化を図るには、医療、介護、年金の給付費抑制は待ったなしである。
The surge in medical care costs in particular is causing a headache. The government has decided to, in effect, decrease medical treatment fees paid from the national health insurance system to medical institutions for fiscal 2014, and we believe this judgment was appropriate. 特に問題なのは、医療費の急増だ。政府が来年度の診療報酬の改定で実質的な引き下げを決めたのは適切な措置と言える。
It is also essential to improve efficiency and cut waste in medical services. 医療を効率化し、無駄を省くことも欠かせない。
Currently, many elderly patients who have several diseases receive treatment at multiple medical institutions. As a result, the patients undergo unnecessary medical examinations and are administered drugs they do not need. 複数の病気を持つ多くの高齢者が、いくつもの医療機関にかかり、検査や投薬を重複して受けている。
Not only is this is a waste of medical resources paid for by the government, but a considerable number of patients end up suffering from side effects of drugs excessively prescribed to them. 医療費の無駄遣いであるばかりでなく、薬の副作用により、かえって体調を悪化させているケースも少なくない。
Health insurance societies and other organizations that provide health insurance services should encourage subscribers not to seek unnecessary medical consultations. The medical expense statements of patients should be thoroughly examined, a possibility since record-keeping has improved through the use of computers. 健康保険組合などの保険者は、電子化が進むレセプト（診療報酬明細書）の点検を徹底し、患者に重複受診の是正を促すべきだ。
In carrying out this plan, it will be advisable to take advantage of the “my number” system that will go into effect in 2016. The system will enable government offices in charge of three types of administrative duties and services—taxation, social security and disaster response—to manage the personal information of all individuals through 12-digit numbers. １６年に創設される共通番号制度（マイナンバー）も活用したい。
After it goes into force, the system will for some time be used to carry out procedures for tax and social security benefit payments. If the scope of its use is expanded to include records of medical services received by individuals, it would do much to prevent them from seeking needless treatment and medication. 当面は納税や社会保障給付の手続きに使われるが、診療情報に利用範囲を拡大すれば、重複受診・投薬の防止に役立とう。
To relax the financial burdens shouldered by corporate and other workers, it also will be inevitable to require well-off elderly people to share burdens commensurate with their financial means in receiving medical services. 現役世代の負担を軽減するため、経済力のある高齢者に相応の負担を求めることも不可避だ。
Excessive burden ◆過重な現役世代の負担
In April, there will be a rise in the percentage of medical fees paid by elderly people. The figure for those aged 70 to 74 will increase to 20 percent, as initially set in the revised Health Insurance Law of 2008. Despite this revision, the government has kept the ratio at 10 percent as an exceptional measure, fearing possible angry reactions from elderly people. ７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担が４月、法定の２割に引き上げられる。
This means the government has had to dip into the national coffers to make up for massive losses since 2008. Therefore, it is reasonable for the government to raise the ratio of medical fees to be paid by those in that age bracket. 高齢者の反発を恐れ、政府は０８年以降１割に据え置き、穴埋めに巨額の国費を投入してきた。引き上げは当然の措置である。
A similar measure will also be taken in regard to government-administered nursing care insurance services. The share of expenses covered by high-income recipients will be raised from 10 percent to 20 percent. This is essential if the state-run nursing care insurance system is to be maintained. 介護保険サービスでは、高所得者を対象に、自己負担率を現在の１割から２割に引き上げる。制度維持のためにはやむを得まい。
What should be done to halt the drop in the number of workers, which form the backbone of the social security systems? The entire matter must be explored from this point of view, when it comes to sustaining the systems in future. 担い手となる現役世代の減少をどう食い止めるか。社会保障制度を将来にわたって安定させるには、この視点も不可欠だ。
The nation’s total fertility rate (TFR)—the number of babies born to a woman during her lifetime—stands at only 1.41. The number of newborn babies was at an all-time low last year. The total population declined by a record 244,000 in 2013, an indication that the reduction will likely accelerate further in future. Efforts should be made to encourage young people to marry, while also assisting parents in raising their children. １人の女性が生涯に産む子供の数を示す合計特殊出生率は１・４１にとどまり、昨年の出生数は過去最少だった。人口減は最大の２４万４０００人に達し、今後一層、加速する。若者の結婚、育児支援に力を入れる必要がある。
We hope the government will take a broad range of steps to address problems arising from the low birthrate. Measures should be taken to ensure no children are on waiting lists for day care centers. This would enable parents to raise their children while continuing to work outside their homes. 働きながら子育てできる環境を整えるため、保育所の待機児童解消など、政府は幅広い少子化対策を講じてもらいたい。
The growth in the number of nonregular employees is another cause for worry. In most cases, they earn so little that they pay low taxes and social insurance premiums. Measures should be taken to improve their employment conditions. 非正規労働者の増大も懸念材料である。所得が低く、税や社会保険料の納付額が少ないからだ。非正規雇用の待遇改善を図ることも求められる。
There is a mountain of tasks to be carried out in resolving problems related to social security systems. However, political leaders have been slow to reform these systems. 社会保障制度を巡る問題は山積しているが、改革を進める政治の動きは鈍い。
Push 3-way discussions ◆自公民協議を推進せよ
This is evident in the fate of a three-party reform plan adopted in 2012, under an administration led by the then ruling Democratic Party of Japan. The DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito agreed to reform the social security and tax systems in an integrated manner, mainly featuring an increase in the consumption tax rate. 消費増税を柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革は、民主党政権時代に自民、公明、民主３党の合意で決定された。
However, the DPJ withdrew from three-party negotiations in August 2013 after the government’s National Council on Social Security System Reform put together a final report detailing its recommendations. The DPJ defended its move by saying its recommendations had not been reflected in the report. だが、昨年８月、社会保障制度改革国民会議の報告書がまとまった際、民主党は自らの主張が反映されていないことを理由に、３党協議から離脱した。
Though the DPJ said it would return to the three-party talks later, little progress has been made in facilitating discussions on the issue. It should cooperate in the talks, given its earlier initiative in forming the three-party accord. その後、協議に戻ることを表明したが、議論は停滞している。３党合意を主導した民主党は、協議の進展に協力すべきだ。
Social security reform is an important task that must be tackled by whatever political party is in power. どの党が政権を担っても、社会保障制度の改革は避けて通れない重い課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 8, 2014) （2014年1月8日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 7, 2014 Ensuring security for Sochi Games essential in light of recent bombings ロシア連続テロ ソチ五輪の安全確保が急務だ（1月7日付・読売社説）
The Russian government is urged to absolutely ensure the security of the Sochi Winter Olympic Games, which are set to open in one month. ロシア政府は、開幕が１か月後に迫ったソチ冬季五輪の安全確保に万全を期してもらいたい。
Late last month, suicide bombings that targeted a railway station and a trolleybus occurred two days in a row, killing more than 30 people, in Volgograd, a major city about 700 kilometers northeast of Sochi on the Black Sea coast. 黒海沿岸のソチから北東約７００キロに位置する大都市ボルゴグラードで先月末、鉄道駅やトロリーバスを狙った自爆テロが２日連続で発生し、計３０人以上が死亡した。
In the Dagestan Republic in the North Caucasus region, adjacent to Sochi, terrorist attacks have occurred one after another, killing several people. ソチに隣接する北カフカス地方にあるダゲスタン共和国でもテロが相次ぎ、数人の死者が出た。
The recent series of indiscriminate terrorist attacks are believed to be the acts of Islamic extremists and may have been committed by an armed group, which has announced its intention to obstruct the Sochi Games through terror attacks, while calling for the independence of the North Caucasus, which has a large population of Muslims, and the establishment of an Islamic state there. 一連の無差別テロは、イスラム過激派の犯行とみられている。中でも、イスラム教徒が多い北カフカスの独立とイスラム国家樹立を主張して、テロによるソチ五輪妨害を表明した武装組織が関与した可能性が指摘されている。
This is a worrisome situation. Whatever purposes these attacks may have, terrorism must not be tolerated. 憂慮すべき事態である。犯行目的が何であれ、テロは決して許されない。
Yet there is no denying that the high-handed political stance of Russian President Vladimir Putin has exacerbated the opposition among Muslims, as he has repressed minorities, media and political forces that do not agree with his administration. ただ、プーチン露大統領の強権的な政治姿勢が、イスラム教徒らの反発を増幅させている側面も否定できない。政権の意に沿わない少数派やメディア、政治勢力を力で抑圧してきたからだ。
It is deemed inevitable the leaders of such countries as the United States, Germany and France have decided not to attend the opening ceremony of the Sochi Olympics, on the grounds of human-rights issues in Russia. 米独仏などの首脳が、人権問題を理由に、ソチ五輪開会式への出席を見送ることにしたのは、やむを得ないのではないか。
At least for now, it is a matter of urgency to prevent terrorist attacks at the Winter Games, where athletes, senior officials of foreign governments and spectators will gather from around the world. 当面は、世界中のアスリートや政府要人、観客らが集う五輪をテロから守ることが急務である。
Areas in and around Sochi have already been put under tight security, with the police and military forces mobilized. But even tighter security is needed. ソチ周辺では既に、警察や軍による厳戒態勢が敷かれているが、一層の警戒が必要だ。
Other targets possible
Other cities and areas, such as Moscow, may also become a target of terrorism. We hope the Russian government will be on alert against terrorism nationwide. モスクワなど他の地域が狙われる可能性もある。ロシア全土でテロ対策を強化してほしい。
Following the deadly attacks in Volgograd, Putin said, “We'll fiercely and consistently continue the fight against terrorists until their complete annihilation.” He may also intend to show regional stability both at home and abroad by hosting a successful Winter Games, set to be held near the unstable region of the North Caucasus. プーチン氏はテロ発生後、「テロリストを完全に壊滅させるまで徹底した戦いを続ける」と述べた。不安定な北カフカス近くで五輪を成功させ、地域の安定を内外に誇示する意図もあるようだ。
The Russian authorities have said that last year they killed 260 members of extremist groups in the North Caucasus region and elsewhere. It is certain that they will continue to vigorously carry out cleanup operations. ロシア当局は昨年、北カフカスなどで過激派２６０人を殺害したと発表した。さらに激しいテロ掃討作戦が行われるのは確実だ。
Yet it is difficult for force alone to end terrorism and solve the fundamental problem. だが、武力だけでテロを終息させることは難しく、根本的な問題解決にはつながるまい。
The Putin administration has used force to bring an armed Islamic force under control in Chechnya in the same region. However, rebels who escaped the offensives by Russian forces have continued to operate in Dagestan and elsewhere. プーチン政権は、北カフカスにあるチェチェン共和国のイスラム武装勢力を軍事力で制圧した。その際、攻撃を逃れた残党がダゲスタンなどで活動を続けている。
To bring about lasting regional stability, it is essential to help enhance the poverty-stricken people’s livelihood in the region so as to keep the area from becoming a hotbed of terrorism. 地域の長期的安定には、貧しい北カフカスの住民生活を向上させ、テロの温床にならないようにすることが肝要である。
In Sochi, a Group of Eight summit meeting will also be held in June. It can be said the credibility of the Putin administration is at stake over its ability to maintain public peace. ソチでは今年６月、主要８か国（Ｇ８）首脳会議も開かれる。治安の維持に、プーチン政権の威信がかかっていると言えよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 7, 2014) （2014年1月7日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 6, 2014 Japan, U.S. must bolster strategy for coping effectively with China 安倍外交と安保 日米で対中国戦略を強化せよ（1月6日付・読売社説）
◆集団的自衛権の「行使」を可能に
The international situation surrounding Japan remains opaque. 日本を取り巻く国際情勢は「視界不良」の状態が続いている。
To maintain our nation’s peace and prosperity, it is imperative to map out and implement diplomatic and security policies more actively and strategically than ever before. 自国の平和と繁栄の維持には、より能動的で戦略的な外交・安全保障政策を展開することが欠かせない。
The most important task in addressing this challenge is to beef up Japan’s alliance with the United States. その中核的な役割を担うのは、やはり日米同盟の強化である。
In particular, North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missile development programs and China’s arms buildup and maritime advances have been destabilizing the whole Asia-Pacific region. 北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発や中国の軍備増強と海洋進出は、アジア太平洋地域全体を不安定化させている。
Under the circumstances, it is crucial to enhance the deterrent power of the Japan-U.S. alliance, which has been rated highly by many countries in the region as an “international public good.” 多くの域内国から「国際公共財」と評価される日米同盟の抑止力を高めることが急務だ。
Beef up defense guidelines ◆防衛指針の改定が重要
Toward the end of last year, the Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe created the Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council and mapped out the National Security Strategy. 安倍内閣は昨年末、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）を設置し、国家安保戦略を策定した。
The Abe administration has also won approval from the Okinawa prefectural government for land reclamation required to relocate the functions of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in the prefecture to the Henoko district on the prefecture’s northeastern coast. 米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設に伴う埋め立て承認も沖縄県から取り付けた。
Both the establishment of the NSC and the progress on the Futenma relocation are highly conducive to solidifying the alliance. いずれも強固な同盟関係の構築に向けて重要な意義を持つ。
As its top priority this year, the government should conduct a long-overdue review of the conventional interpretation of the Constitution regarding this country’s right to collective self-defense. 今年、優先して取り組むべきは、長年の懸案である集団的自衛権の憲法解釈の見直しである。
Under the current interpretation, the Self-Defense Forces are not allowed to retaliate even if a nearby U.S. military vessel is attacked, having no choice but to turn a blind eye to the situation. This could cause the Japan-U.S. alliance to crumble at its foundation. 近くで米軍艦船が攻撃されても自衛隊は反撃できず、看過するしかない。そんな事態に陥ったら同盟関係は成り立たない。
Changing the existing constitutional interpretation that this country “has the right to collective self-defense but cannot exercise it,” thereby making exercise of the right possible, would represent a major step toward rectifying the asymmetry in the bilateral alliance, in which the United States has “an obligation to defend Japan, but Japan has no obligation to defend the United States.” 「集団的自衛権を有するが、行使できない」との憲法解釈を変更し、行使を可能にすれば、「米国は日本を守るが、日本は米国を守らない」という非対称の同盟を是正する大きな一歩となる。
It is crucial for the government to iron out differences between its views and those of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and New Komeito, which either oppose altering the current constitutional interpretation or are wary of such a change. Abe should lead the way in calibrating these views. その実現には、反対・慎重論が強い内閣法制局や公明党との調整がカギだ。安倍首相は、指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
Also high on the agenda is yet another revision to the guidelines for defense cooperation between Japan and the United States scheduled for late this year. 年末に予定される日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）の再改定も、重要課題となる。
The current guidelines resulted from the revision in 1997 of earlier ones. The current guidelines primarily take into account a possible crisis on the Korean Peninsula, providing specifics about the SDF’s logistic support for U.S. forces. A law was passed in 1999 concerning SDF operations to assist U.S. military forces during an emergency in areas surrounding Japan, but as yet the government has had no occasion to recognize such an emergency as stipulated by the law. １９９７年に改定された現指針は、朝鮮半島有事を念頭に、自衛隊の米軍支援の具体的な内容を定めた。９９年には周辺事態法も制定されたが、その後、周辺事態の認定は一度もない。
To make it possible for the SDF to deal promptly with such crises as the seizure of a remote island in Japan’s territory by Chinese agents pretending to be fishermen, the forthcoming Japan-U.S. security guidelines should specify a new framework for close cooperation between the SDF and U.S. forces even in “gray areas” between peacetime and emergencies. 中国の偽装漁民による離島占拠といった事態に迅速に対処するため、平時と有事の中間にある「グレーゾーンの事態」の段階から自衛隊と米軍が緊密に連携する枠組みを新指針で示すべきだ。
Another essential task is to ramp up the SDF’s patrol and surveillance capabilities as well as rapid response preparedness based on the new National Defense Program Outline drawn up toward the end of 2013. 昨年末に策定した新防衛大綱に基づき、自衛隊の警戒監視・即応体制を増強することも大切だ。
Some argue that strengthening Japan’s defense capabilities would stir up adverse reactions from neighboring countries, thus worsening the nation’s security environment. 防衛力の強化は周辺国の反発を招き、むしろ安全保障環境が悪化する、との主張が一部にある。
It should be noted, however, that China continued its large-scale arms buildup even as Japan’s defense expenditures shrank for 10 consecutive years. だが、中国などは、日本の防衛予算が１０年連続で減少している間も大幅な軍備増強を続けてきた。
Diplomacy and military affairs are closely connected. Unless both are reinforced, Japan cannot defend its territory and our national interests. 外交と軍事は車の両輪だ。双方を強化しないと、領土を守り、国益を確保することはできない。
The issue of how to face China, which has gained power militarily and economically and does not mind changing the international order by force, is a concern not only for Japan but also for the international community. 軍事、経済面で台頭し、力による国際秩序の変更も辞さない中国とどう向き合うかは、日本だけでなく、国際社会共通の懸案だ。
Recover lost ground ◆靖国の失点を回復せよ
There is no denying that Abe’s recent visit to Yasukuni Shrine has given China an excuse to criticize Japan and has weakened Japan's partnership with other friendly countries. 安倍首相の靖国神社参拝が、中国に日本批判の口実を与え、国際連携を弱めたのは否めない。
Before Abe’s visit to the shrine, it was China’s self-righteous behavior, including its unilateral establishment of an air defense identification zone, that drew criticism from the international community. But Japan, too, may be held responsible for worsening the regional situation. The government should not make light of the fact that the United States, Japan’s ally, expressed “disappointment” with Abe’s visit to the shrine. 従来は、防空識別圏の一方的な設定など、中国の独善的な振る舞いが国際社会で問題視されていたが、今後、日本にも情勢悪化の責任があるとの見方が広がりかねない。同盟国の米国による「失望」表明を軽視すべきではない。
It is important that Abe, first of all, hold close talks with the U.S. side and explain the true intention of his visit, while at the same time working out Japan’s mid- and long-term strategies toward China. 安倍首相はまず、米国と緊密に協議し、靖国参拝の真意を説明するとともに、中長期的な対中国戦略を練ることが肝要だ。
In cooperation with South Korea, Australia and Southeast Asian countries, Japan must persistently urge China to comply with international standards and “act responsibly.” 韓国、豪州、東南アジアとも連携し、中国に、国際規範を順守し、「責任ある行動」を取るよう粘り強く促さねばならない。
Since the government nationalized some of the Senkaku Islands in September 2012, Japan-China relations have plunged to what is said to be their worst level in postwar history, and no summit talks have been held since the nationalization. Japan must assume this situation may last for a protracted period. 日中関係は一昨年９月の尖閣諸島の国有化以来、首脳会談が開けず、戦後最悪と言われる。この長期化も覚悟する必要がある。
Needless to say, Japan must not make any concessions whatsoever over territorial issues. 無論、日本は領土問題で一切の譲歩をすべきではない。
But closing the door on bilateral dialogue and cooperation in such fields as economic and environmental issues would be detrimental to both countries. ただ、経済、環境などの分野の対話や協力まで閉ざすことは、日中双方にマイナスだ。
To explore ways to cooperate on these practical issues may help both countries take a step forward toward returning to the “mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.” こうした実務的な連携を模索することが「戦略的互恵関係」に回帰する一歩となろう。
Foreign visits important ◆国益重視の外国訪問を
Advocating “proactive contributions to peace,” Abe went abroad on 13 occasions last year, visiting 25 countries, including all the 10 members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations. He will visit India, Ethiopia and four other countries this month. 「積極的平和主義」を主唱する安倍首相は昨年、１３回も外遊し、東南アジア全１０か国を含む２５か国を訪問した。今月も、インド、エチオピアなど６か国を訪れる。
Diplomacy is a hardheaded game in which a country has to do its utmost to gain more friends and expand its national interests to the maximum. Strategically building amicable relations with as many countries as possible will become an asset for Japan’s diplomacy. 外交は、いかに仲間を増やし、自国の利益を極大化するか、という冷徹なゲームだ。より多くの国と良好な関係を戦略的に構築することが日本外交の財産となる。
In recent years, prime ministers were replaced almost annually, making it difficult for Japan to pursue head-of-state diplomacy. Visits to foreign countries by Abe, who can expect a long-term administration, can be utilized as an important diplomatic card. 近年は、首相交代が年中行事化し、首脳外交もままならなかったが、長期政権を視野に入れた安倍首相の外国訪問は重要な外交カードとして活用できる。
It is essential for Japan to enhance its presence internationally by proactively becoming involved in crafting international security rules, such as those on maritime activities and nonproliferation of weapons of mass destruction, in addition to pursuing its economic diplomacy in such fields as exports of infra-structure-related technology, energy and free trade agreements. インフラ輸出やエネルギー、自由貿易協定など経済外交に加え、海洋活動、大量破壊兵器の拡散防止など安全保障分野の国際ルール作りにも積極的に関与し、日本の存在感を高めることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 6, 2014) （2014年1月6日01時31分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 5, 2014 Vigilance must be maintained over China-ROK ‘anti-Japan’ ties 朝鮮半島の変動 警戒すべき中韓の「反日」接近（1月5日付・読売社説）
◆米との連携で「北」の急変に備えよ
There has been a seismic change on the Korean Peninsula, where the Cold War structure remains, as South Korea, with Japan and the United States in the background, is in a military face-off with North Korea, which is supported by China. 日米両国を背にした韓国と、中国が支える北朝鮮とが軍事的に対峙(たいじ)する冷戦構造が今なお続く朝鮮半島で、大きな地殻変動が起きている。
China, the world’s second-largest economic power, and South Korea are becoming rapidly closer to each other, indicating they are set to strengthen ties through their mutually shared anti-Japan sentiment. How will this affect the course of Northeast Asia, coupled with uncertain prospects over North Korea? 経済強国に成長した中国と韓国の急速な接近である。反日を触媒に、その紐帯(ちゅうたい)を強める気配だ。不透明な北朝鮮情勢と合わせ、新たな動きは北東アジアの行方にどう影響するのか。
Japan should remain coolheaded in assessing this development so it can decide on appropriate countermeasures. 日本は冷静に見極め、適切な対策を練らねばならない。
Working on history issues ◆「歴史認識」で共闘も
South Korean President Park Geun Hye, whose administration will enter its second year next month, apparently regards China as an important partner, while at the same time stepping up criticism against Japan. ２月に就任２年目に入る韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、中国を重視する一方、対日批判を強めている。
Last year, China became the second country for Park to visit as South Korean president following the United States. This was not just because China is her country’s biggest trading partner. Apparently, she aimed to showcase close ties with her Chinese counterpart, Xi Jinping, to check North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, who has not visited China since the inauguration of his regime. 朴氏が昨年、米国に次ぐ訪問先に、日本でなく中国を選んだのは、最大の貿易相手国という理由だけではない。習近平国家主席との密接な関係を見せつけ、訪中していない北朝鮮の金正恩第１書記を牽制(けんせい)する狙いもあったのだろう。
Park’s visit also caused speculation that she plans to form a united front with China against Japan over the perception of history and territorial issues. 同時に、中国と歴史認識や領土問題で対日共闘を図ろうとしているのかと警戒せざるを得ない。
China and South Korea took advantage of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to the war-related Yasukuni Shrine at the end of last year to justify their anti-Japan stance, calling the visit proof of the revival of Japan’s militarism and its drift to the right. 中韓は、昨年末の安倍首相の靖国神社参拝を「右傾化、軍国主義復活の証しだ」と、反日主張の正当化に利用している。
If China and South Korea form a united front against Japan, it could lead to weakening cooperation among Tokyo, Washington and Seoul, which is centered on the Japan-U.S. and U.S.-South Korea alliances. 中韓の共闘が進むのは、憂慮すべき事態だ。日米と米韓の同盟関係を軸にした日米韓連携を弱める動きにつながるからだ。
Park even criticized Japan during her talks with U.S. Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel when he visited South Korea in September. The president countered Hagel when he referred to the importance of security cooperation among the three countries, saying, “Trust has not been established due to the [Japanese] leadership, which has repeatedly made regressive remarks on historical and territorial issues.” 朴氏は昨年９月、日米韓の安保協力の重要性を説くヘーゲル米国防長官に、「歴史や領土問題で時代逆行発言を繰り返す（日本）指導部のせいで信頼が築けない」と、対日批判を披瀝(ひれき)した。
It is highly questionable for a country’s leader to criticize Japan during a meeting with a senior official from a third country. In particular, it is hard to accept her self-centered opinions that blame Japan for the failure to maintain security cooperation between the two countries. 第三国の要人を相手に日本を批判してやまぬ朴氏の言動は、一国の指導者としていかがなものか。特に、日本と安保協力ができない責任は日本にある、という身勝手な主張は、到底容認できない。
South Korea postponed the signing of the General Security of Military Information Agreement in 2012 just before it was to be concluded between Tokyo and Seoul. The agreement is crucial for sharing confidential information on North Korea. 北朝鮮にかかわる機密の共有に不可欠な日韓軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の締結を、直前になってキャンセルしたのは韓国ではなかったか。
Last month, the Ground Self-Defense Force, now participating in a U.N. peacekeeping mission in South Sudan, provided South Korean forces with 10,000 rounds of ammunition for assault rifles without asking for payment. This development highlighted how important it is for the two countries to regularly build cooperation so that they can provide military materials and share duties with each other. 昨年１２月、南スーダン派遣の国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）で陸上自衛隊が韓国軍に小銃弾１万発を無償提供した事例は、日韓が普段から、軍需物資や役務を相互提供できる協力体制を作っておくことの重要性を示したと言えよう。
For China, which has been trying to change the status quo by force in the East and South China seas, closer ties with South Korea mean it can exercise more influence over the Yellow Sea and the Korean Peninsula. 東シナ海や南シナ海で力による現状変更を迫る中国にとって、韓国との緊密化は、黄海や朝鮮半島への影響力強化を意味する。
There are indications Xi could visit South Korea, possibly even this year. Could his trip add momentum to South Korea’s tilt toward China regarding security affairs, too? Given that closer Beijing-Seoul relations could weaken the alliance between the United States and South Korea, the outcome of the possible China-South Korea summit talks must be watched closely. 年内にも、習氏が韓国を訪れる可能性がある。韓国が、安全保障面でも対中傾斜を深める契機となるのかどうか。米韓同盟の弱体化につながり得るだけに中韓首脳会談の行方を注視したい。
Keep framework intact ◆正常化の枠組み崩すな
Chilled relations between Japan and South Korea have prevented Abe and Park from meeting for talks. The relationship could be irrevocably damaged depending on a ruling South Korea’s Supreme Court is expected to hand down, possibly in January, over damage compensation litigation filed against Japanese companies that forced Koreans to labor for them during World War II. 安倍首相と朴氏の会談が開けずにいる日韓関係を、決定的に悪化させかねないのが、月内にも見込まれる韓国人元徴用工の損害賠償請求訴訟の韓国最高裁判決だ。
Should a decision by the top court against the Japanese firms be finalized, and should the South Korean government acknowledge this ruling, the foundation of the framework formed by the 1965 basic bilateral treaty to normalize bilateral diplomatic ties could crumble. 日本企業の敗訴が確定し、それを韓国政府が追認するなら、１９６５年の日韓国交正常化の枠組みは根底から崩れる。
The South Korean government, which signed an agreement attached to the 1965 pact that states problems regarding property and claims between the two countries “have been settled completely and finally,” should declare that the Japanese companies have no obligation to pay any compensation. This would be the obvious duty in the international community of a nation governed by the rule of law. 「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記した請求権協定に署名した韓国政府は、日本側に支払い義務はないと明言すべきだ。それが、国際社会における法治国家としての当然の務めである。
The situation in North Korea remains worrisome. The power base of supreme leader Kim Jong Un, two years after taking over power from his father, can hardly be said to have solidified. Attesting to this is the dismissal and execution in December of Jang Sung Taek, vice chairman of Pyongyang’s National Defense Commission. 一方、北朝鮮では権力の父子継承から２年を経て、金正恩氏の権力基盤はなお盤石でない。張成沢・国防委員会副委員長の解任・処刑は、その証左だ。
Because of the instability of the power structure upholding this regime of terror, Kim will likely become more reliant on the military and push ahead with strengthening his country’s nuclear weapons capability. The political setup that places top priority on military affairs, however, is bound only to hamper alleviation of international economic sanctions against Pyongyang. Under the circumstances, the North’s policy of rebuilding its dwindling economy is doomed to fail. 恐怖政治が支配する不安定な権力構造の下、金氏は軍への依存を強め、核戦力増強に一層邁進(まいしん)するだろう。軍事最優先の政治は、国際社会による経済制裁の緩和を妨げるだけだ。じり貧状態の経済の再建路線は破綻するほかない。
Concerns are rising that the Kim regime, in a bid to divert swelling popular discontent in the country, may resort to yet another military provocation. Vigilance must be paid to the possibility of Pyongyang charging ahead with a new nuclear test or firing a long-range ballistic missile under the guise of “a satellite launch.” 金政権が国内の不満をかわすため、武力挑発する懸念は深まっている。核実験や「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称する長距離ミサイル発射の強行に、警戒が必要である。
Kim regime raises risks ◆リスク増す金正恩政権
It cannot be ruled out that North Korea might resort to an armed attack on South Korea, like its shelling of the island of Yeonpyeong in November 2010. If such an event were to happen again, South Korea has declared it is prepared to strike back ferociously. The risk of military conflict between the North and South should never be underestimated. 北朝鮮が、２０１０年１１月の延坪島砲撃のように韓国へ武力攻撃を加える可能性も排除できない。その場合、韓国は今度は強力に反撃する構えだ。南北の武力衝突リスクも軽視すべきではない。
Cooperation between Japan, the United States, China, South Korea and Russia has never been as necessary as it is now, given the urgent need to rein in North Korea’s wild behavior and prepare for a sudden crisis there such as a political coup. It is especially important to strengthen strategic cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea on the basis of the alliance ties Tokyo and Seoul have with Washington. 北朝鮮の“暴走”を抑止し、政変などの急変事態に備えるため、日本と米国、中国、韓国、ロシアの関係国の協調が、今ほど必要な時はない。とりわけ重要なのが、米国との同盟関係を軸とする日米韓の戦略的連携の強化である。
Japan is seeking comprehensive solutions to North Korea’s nuclear and missile issues as well as the abductions of Japanese nationals by Pyongyang. It will need the assistance of China and South Korea to find these solutions. But in light of the difficulty Japan faces in receiving such cooperation under the current circumstances, it should view the role of its alliance with the United States as having even greater significance in ensuring the security of the region. 核、ミサイルと拉致問題の包括的解決を目指す日本には、中韓との協力も必要だが、それが難しい現状を踏まえれば、地域の安全保障で、日米同盟の役割がその重みを一層増したと見るべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 5, 2014) （2014年1月5日01時33分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 4, 2014 Ruling coalition should build wide consensus with opposition parties 安倍政権２年目 数に傲らず幅広い合意形成を（1月4日付・読売社説）
◆野党再編はどこまで進むか
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe appears determined to make all-out efforts to revitalize the Japanese economy and resolve long-pending issues such as the right to collective self-defense. 安倍政権は、日本経済再生に向けて全力を挙げるとともに、集団的自衛権の問題など長年の懸案解決にも挑む構えだ。
To make effective use of limited time, it is imperative that the Abe administration devise a well-prepared strategy to implement measures and manage the government in a humble manner to avoid unnecessary criticism. 限られた時間をいかに効果的に使うか。それには、政策実現への周到な戦略とともに、無用な反発を招かぬ謙虚な政権運営が欠かせない。
The second Abe administration has made it this far without collapsing apparently because of a well-functioning “Team Abe,” comprising Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga, in whom Abe has deep trust, as well as Finance Minister Taro Aso, who doubles as deputy prime minister, and Akira Amari, minister in charge of economic revitalization, both Abe’s political allies. 第２次安倍政権が、破綻なく政権を運営してきたのは、安倍首相の信頼が厚い菅官房長官、盟友の麻生副総理・財務相、甘利経済再生相ら「チーム安倍」が、しっかり機能していたからだろう。
Coordination key ◆自公の調整を入念に
It is also worth mentioning that members of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, such as Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba, have provided significant support to the government. Close cooperation with the ruling coalition helped the government decide to join negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement and win the Okinawa prefectural government’s approval of the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station. 石破幹事長ら自民党側が政府を支えたことも見逃せない。環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加への決断や、沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題では、政府と与党の協力が奏功したと言える。
New Komeito, the LDP’s junior coalition partner, has also played a significant role. 自民党と連立を組む公明党の役割も小さくはなかった。
During the last extraordinary Diet session, a bill to protect specially designated state secrets was revised with consideration given to the public’s right to know and freedom of the press after Komeito called for such consideration. Without this revision, Diet deliberations on the bill could have been even more difficult. 先の臨時国会では、特定秘密保護法案の調整過程で、公明党の主張によって「知る権利」「報道・取材の自由」への配慮が法案に盛り込まれた。この修正がなければ、国会審議はもっと難航しただろう。
Komeito also strongly sought the introduction of a reduced tax rate system on daily necessities and other items to ease the impact of the upcoming consumption tax rate increase. The LDP and Komeito then reached an agreement to introduce such a system “when the consumption tax is 10 percent.” We applaud Komeito for this contribution. 生活必需品などの消費税を低く抑える軽減税率の導入に関しても、公明党が強く求め、「税率１０％時」に導入することで決着した。これについても高く評価したい。
However, the LDP and Komeito do not necessarily take the same stance on issues like amending the Constitution and nuclear policy. Abe and Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi have been deeply divided over issues related to politicians’ visits to Yasukuni Shrine and the interpretations of history, such as a 1993 statement on so-called comfort women during World War II issued by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono, as well as a review of the government’s constitutional interpretation aimed at allowing the nation to exercise the right to collective self-defense. ただし、自公両党は、憲法改正や原発政策などで必ずしも一致しているわけではない。安倍首相と公明党の山口代表は、靖国神社参拝や、河野談話など歴史認識問題、集団的自衛権の憲法解釈見直しについて隔たりが大きい。
The more Abe attempts to push his pet policies, the more strongly Komeito will oppose and resist them. How the two parties deal with such challenges will bear directly on the stability of national politics. 首相が「安倍カラー」の強い政策を進めようとすればするほど、公明党は反発、抵抗する。自公両党がそれをどう乗り越えるかが、政治の安定度にも直結しよう。
Regarding the Jan. 19 mayoral election in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, Komeito’s Okinawa chapter has yet to decide whether it will support a conservative candidate who would give the green light to the government’s plan on the Futenma relocation. The issue will serve as a test of whether the LDP and Komeito can coordinate their views. １月１９日投票の沖縄・名護市長選で、公明党の沖縄県本部は、米軍普天間飛行場移設容認の保守系候補を推すかどうかまだ態度を決めていない。ここでも自公協力の真価が試される。
The ruling coalition must build a consensus with the opposition camp without relying on its dominant number of Diet seats. 与党は、議席の数に傲(おご)らず、野党との合意形成を丁寧に進めていかねばならない。
Above all, social security and national security systems should not be too transformed no matter what party takes office. The next election is as much as 2.5 years away. The ruling and opposition parties should take this as an opportunity to tackle these issues in earnest. とくに社会保障や安全保障政策は、どの党が政権を担っても、そのたびに制度を大きく変更するわけにはいかない。次の国政選挙まで最大２年半あるこの好機に、与野党とも腰を据えて取り組むべき課題である。
Partial coalition must be sought ◆追求すべき「部分連合」
The LDP, Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan have established a working-level conference on social security policies. We urge them to use this forum to deepen their discussions. 社会保障政策は自民、公明、民主の３党が実務者会議を設けている。ここでの議論を深めたい。
In the security field, a step forward was marked when the bill to establish a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council cleared the extraordinary Diet session in late November with the approval of the DPJ, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, as well as the LDP and Komeito. 安全保障の分野では、先の臨時国会で、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法が民主党と日本維新の会、みんなの党も賛成して成立したことは前進だった。
Regarding the bill to protect specially designated states secrets, Ishin no Kai and Your Party accepted the modifications to the bill but boycotted voting in the plenary session of the House of Councillors, in a show of criticism of the ruling parties over their management of Diet business. 特定秘密保護法では、維新、みんな両党は法案修正に応じながら、与党の国会運営を批判して参院本会議の採決時に退席した。
The ruling coalition must rebuild its relationship with Ishin no Kai and Your Party. 与党は、維新、みんなとの関係を再構築しなければならない。
Ishin no Kai coleader Shintaro Ishihara has expressed his intention to cooperate with Abe in dealing with such issues as constitutional revision. 維新の石原共同代表はかねて、憲法改正などのテーマで首相に協力する意向を示している。
Meanwhile, Your Party leader Yoshimi Watanabe has proposed what he called a regular “strategic dialogue” with Abe on such key issues as deregulation and reviewing the constitutional interpretation of the nation’s collective self-defense right. みんなの党の渡辺代表も、首相に対し、規制改革や集団的自衛権の憲法解釈見直しなど、重要政策を定期的に協議する「戦略的対話」を呼び掛けている。
How will the government and ruling parties form a partial coalition with Ishin no Kai and Your Party? The answer could affect the future course of parliamentary and electoral system reforms. 政府・与党が維新、みんな両党とどう部分連合を形成していくか。それが、国会改革や選挙制度改革の行方にも影響しよう。
DPJ in need of reform ◆民主も党改革が必要だ
The DPJ’s handling of parliamentary matters gives us the impression the party has returned to its former role as a resistant opposition party, despite its experience of serving as a ruling party. It has yet to form a joint struggle with other opposition parties. 民主党は政権与党を経験したにもかかわらず、抵抗野党に立ち返ったような国会対応が目立つ。野党共闘も実現できていない。
In the aftermath of the upper house election in July, DPJ members, particularly those who lost elections, have defected from the party one after another for such reasons as discontent with the party leadership. This undeniably indicates that Banri Kaieda’s leadership as party president has been waning. 参院選後、党執行部への不満などから、落選議員を中心に離党が相次いでいる。海江田代表の求心力の低下は否めない。
To regain voters’ confidence, Kaieda needs to form an intraparty consensus on basic policies on the Constitution and national security and strengthen the party’s local organizations. He is urged to demonstrate his leadership in reconstructing his party. 有権者の信頼を取り戻すには憲法、安全保障など基本政策で党内をまとめ、地方組織を強化する必要がある。海江田代表は党再建に指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
The DPJ must hold discussions this year with other opposition parties on campaign strategies for unified local elections set for the spring of 2015. Such talks will lead to prompting moves for a realignment of opposition parties. ２０１５年春の統一地方選をどう戦うか。選挙協力についても、他の党と今年中に議論しなければなるまい。それが、野党再編の引き金を引く可能性もあろう。
It has also become a focus of attention whether the Yui no To party, led by Kenji Eda, a defector from Your Party, will be able to work closely with some members of the DPJ and Ishin no Kai. みんなの党とたもとを分かった江田憲司氏率いる結いの党が、民主党の一部や維新の会と勢力を結集できるかどうかも焦点だ。
Eda has formed a suprapartisan study group with Goshi Hosono, a former secretary general of the DPJ, and Yorihisa Matsuno, secretary general of Ishin no Kai’s group of Diet members. To what extent can the study group’s members firmly unite on policies and ideals? 江田氏や、民主党の細野豪志前幹事長、維新の松野頼久国会議員団幹事長は、超党派の勉強会を結成した。政策・理念でどこまで一致団結できるだろうか。
We would like to see a unified opposition party that is capable of presenting constructive policies without taking a stance of always criticizing the government. 政府への批判一辺倒ではなく、建設的な政策立案能力のある野党勢力の結集を望みたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 4, 2014) （2014年1月4日01時40分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 3, 2014 Steady leadership needed as world economy at crossroads 上向く世界経済 本格再生へ「分水嶺」の１年だ（1月3日付・読売社説）
◆先進国と新興国にくすぶる不安
Signs of a bright future for the global economy seem to have begun twinkling, with advanced economies picking up gradually after managing to break out of monetary and fiscal crises. 金融・財政危機を収束した先進国の景気が持ち直し、世界経済の前途に明るさが見えてきた。
Uncertainties remain, however, concerning the policy handling of the United States and European countries. Caution is also needed regarding a slowdown of emerging market economies such as China. ただし、米欧の政策運営には、まだ不透明感が残る。中国など新興国経済の減速にも注意が必要だ。
This year will most likely mark a watershed regarding whether the world economy can realize sufficiently robust growth to get onto a full-fledged recovery path. より力強い成長を実現し、本格的な景気回復軌道に乗れるかどうか、分水嶺(れい)の１年となろう。
In its report last autumn, the International Monetary Fund forecast the 2014 world economy would log 3.6 percent growth after inflation. It is noteworthy that the growth of the world economy this year is expected to expand a little on the strength of advanced economies’ pickup, compared to 2013’s growth, which the IMF estimates at 2.9 percent. 国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）は昨秋、２０１４年の世界経済を実質３・６％成長と予想した。２・９％成長が見込まれる１３年と比べると、先進国の伸びを背景に、やや増進するのがポイントである。
U.S. debt ceiling accord a key ◆米債務上限の合意急げ
The world financial woes triggered by the Lehman Brothers bankruptcy in the autumn of 2008 embroiled Greece, developing into a crisis for all European economies. 世界経済は、０８年秋のリーマン・ショックがギリシャに飛び火し、欧州危機へ発展した。
What made it possible for the global economy to begin finding a way out of a chain of negative occurrences at long last was, first of all, indications of a solid business recovery in the United States, the epicenter of the global financial hardships. The European economies, after experiencing a series of business downturns, have now returned to positive growth, signifying a breakaway from the worst phase of their economic conditions. 「負の連鎖」をようやく抜け出しつつあるのは、危機の震源地だった米国の景気が底堅く推移し始めたのが主因だ。景気後退が続いた欧州経済もプラス成長に転じ、最悪期を脱した。
Symbolic of the signs of uptrend is the decision late last year by the U.S. Federal Reserve Board to modify its extraordinary easy money policy in response to improvements in U.S. unemployment rates and other key economic indicators. 雇用改善などを受けて、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が決めた異例の金融政策の修正が象徴的である。
Starting this month, the Fed is scheduled to embark on an “exit strategy” designed to scale down bit by bit Phase Three of its quantitative monetary easing, or QE3, in which the U.S. central bank has been purchasing a huge amount of U.S. treasury bonds and other financial assets every month. 米国債などを毎月購入してきた量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）の規模を小刻みに縮小する「出口戦略」に今月から一歩踏み出す。
It seems the world’s market players have been reassured to see the Fed spearheading a move in favor of an exit strategy, amid large-scale monetary easing policies in place in Japan, the United States and Europe. Consequently, stock prices are on the rise in New York and other markets. 日米欧が大規模な緩和策を続ける中、ＦＲＢが先陣を切って慎重に動き出したことで、安心感を与えたのだろう。ニューヨーク市場などの株価が上昇している。
The Fed reportedly intends to continue tapering its QE3 asset purchases, with a view to terminating the easy money policy as early as the end of the year. Next year and afterward, the Fed is seen probing timing for an end to its zero-interest rate policy while looking for an opportune time to raise rates. ＦＲＢはＱＥ３縮小を継続し、年内にも終了させる方針という。来年以降、ゼロ金利政策の終了と利上げ時期も探るとみられる。
Due attention should be paid to the adverse impact of colossal money supplies worldwide that have so far been in place, as they could lead to rekindling of economic bubbles in the United States, emerging market countries and elsewhere. これまでの巨額マネーの供給で米国や新興国にバブルが再燃する副作用への警戒も必要だ。
Implementation of the exit strategy, however, will require a considerably long period of time. The ability of incoming Fed chair Janet Yellen, who is to take the place of Chairman Ben Bernanke toward the end of January, will certainly be tested through her efforts to ensure that no danger arises of the world economy and markets plunging into turmoil in the process of the implementation of the Fed’s exit strategy. とは言え、出口戦略は長い道のりになる。世界経済や市場に混乱を招かないよう、１月末にバーナンキ議長と交代するイエレン新議長の手腕が問われる。
How things evolve regarding U.S. congressional discussions on fiscal measures is also of key significance. 米国の財政協議も焦点だ。
It is a highly welcome development that Democrats and Republicans in Congress have reached common ground on a federal budget deal, successfully averting a recurrence of a partial shutdown of government functions. 議会の与野党が、予算確保で合意し、政府機関の一部閉鎖（シャットダウン）の再来を回避したことは評価したい。
Should the two parties fail to strike an agreement on raising the federal government’s debt ceiling in time for the Feb. 7 deadline, however, there would be a high risk of U.S. treasury bonds going into default. If U.S. treasury bonds actually went into default, there would be serious damage to not only the United States but also the rest of the world economy. だが、２月７日までに与野党が連邦債務上限引き上げで合意しないと、米国債がデフォルト（債務不履行）に陥る別のリスクが迫っている。現実に起きれば米国だけでなく、世界に打撃を与える。
Therefore, it was reasonable for U.S. President Barack Obama to ask Republican Party members in Congress to unconditionally approve raising the debt ceiling. The confrontation between the Democrats and Republicans is expected to continue ahead of midterm elections in November, but an early agreement on the matter is needed. オバマ大統領が野党共和党に無条件での上限引き上げを求めたのはもっともだ。１１月の中間選挙を控えて与野党の対立は続くが、早期合意を図ってもらいたい。
The European Central Bank carried out an additional interest rate cut in November despite having been able to stem the business slowdown because it was wary about prices hovering at low levels. 景気後退を食い止めたのに、欧州中央銀行（ＥＣＢ）が昨年１１月に追加利下げしたのは、物価低迷を警戒しているためだ。
Europe must avoid deflation ◆欧州はデフレ回避を
The growth rate in consumer prices has been held to less than 1 percent, lower than the 2 percent targeted by the ECB. There is concern that Europe will fall into deflation like Japan. ユーロ圏の消費者物価上昇率は０％台にとどまり、ＥＣＢが目標とする２％を下回る。日本のようなデフレ転落も懸念される。
If Europe’s favorable economic turn should prove to be a “false dawn,” it will hobble the world economy again. 欧州の経済好転が「偽りの夜明け」に終われば、再び世界経済の足かせになろう。
The ECB should not hesitate to take the next steps, including an additional interest rate cut. Deflation must be avoided while keeping a close watch on price and business trends at the same time. ＥＣＢは追加利下げなどの「次の一手」を躊躇(ちゅうちょ)してはならない。物価と景気を両にらみしつつ、デフレを食い止めるべきだ。
ECB stress tests on eurozone banks will start shortly ahead of its integrated supervision of the banks starting this autumn. 今秋、ＥＣＢに域内の銀行監督が一元化されるのに先立ち、銀行の資産査定（ストレステスト）がまもなく始まる。
It is indispensable to promote the strengthening of the financial underpinnings of banks with capital shortages to prevent financial uncertainty from flaring up again. 資本不足行の財務基盤強化を進め、金融不安の再燃を防ぐことも欠かせない。
The pace of growth has been slowing down across the board in emerging economies. Difficult economic management is expected to continue in China, and the country is likely to see a growth rate of about 7.5 percent this year, unlike the double-digit growth it once marked. 新興国では、成長が軒並み減速している。難しい経済運営が続く中国は、今年もかつての２ケタ成長を下回る７・５％程度の成長にとどまる見通しだ。
In China, nonbanks and other financial institutions have collected funds from individuals by selling high-interest financial products. These funds have been used to promote public works projects and real estate development in regional areas. It is problematic that the real situation of such shadow banking remains unknown. ノンバンクなどが高金利の金融商品で個人から集めた資金が、地方の公共事業や不動産開発を後押しする。そうした「影の銀行（シャドーバンキング）」の実態が依然不透明なことは問題である。
Shadow banking problematic ◆中国「影の銀行」問題
Investment firms under the umbrella of Chinese local governments have a huge amount of debts. It is vital to prevent a situation in which the Chinese financial system is shaken by deferred debt repayment. 地方政府傘下の投資会社は巨額債務を抱える。債務返済が滞り、中国の金融システムを揺るがす事態を防ぐことが肝要だ。
How can China break away from an investment-dependent economy and achieve a soft landing for stable growth? Correcting economic disparities is also a tough challenge. China should accelerate reform. 投資依存型経済から脱却し、安定成長にどう軟着陸させるか。経済格差是正も難題である。中国の改革加速が求められよう。
Due to the U.S. “exit strategy” of scaling down quantitative monetary easing, investment money has been withdrawn from Brazil and India among other countries, and there is now a real possibility of a vicious circle in which the weakening of their currencies leads to the stagnation of their real economies. ブラジル、インドなどでは、米国の量的緩和縮小に伴って、投資マネーが引き揚げられ、自国通貨安が実体経済の低迷をもたらす悪循環が現実味を帯びる。
As it has become an urgent task to rein in high prices, central banks of various countries have been tightening their money supply. 一方、物価高の抑制も急務になり、各国の中央銀行が金融引き締めを強化している。
To broaden the vision of the world economy, now lighted by a faint hope, advanced and emerging economies must overcome their own challenges and promote policy coordination. 薄明かりがともった世界経済の展望を広げるには、先進国と新興国がそれぞれの課題を克服し、政策協調を図らねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 3, 2014) （2014年1月3日01時38分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 2, 2014 New commissioner must place top priority on strengthening NPB コミッショナー ＮＰＢの体制強化を最優先に（12月31日付・読売社説）
We hope the new commissioner of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization will throw his energy into making Japan’s professional baseball even more loved. プロ野球が一層、国民に愛されるよう、力を注いでほしい。
Lawyer Katsuhiko Kumazaki, former chief of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office’s special investigation squad, will become NPB’s new commissioner as of Wednesday. 東京地検特捜部長などを務めた弁護士の熊崎勝彦氏が、１月１日付でプロ野球の新コミッショナーに就任することが決まった。
“I want to make the most of my abilities to make Japanese pro baseball more vigorous so it can contribute to society,” Kumazaki said at a press conference. 熊崎氏は記者会見で、「プロ野球界を活力あるものにし、社会に貢献できるように持ち味を発揮したい」と抱負を語った。
Kumazaki has been in charge of compliance issues as an adviser to NPB’s commissioner since 2005. Expectations are high that he will exercise leadership to work out the problems that Japan’s professional baseball is currently saddled with by utilizing that experience. ２００５年からコミッショナー顧問として、コンプライアンス（法令順守）問題などを担当してきた。その経験を生かし、プロ野球界が抱える問題点を改善するリーダーシップが期待される。
What Kumazaki must work on first is to carry out reform in NPB after it lost the trust of baseball fans due to a problem concerning the introduction of unified ball. まず、手がけねばならないのは、足元の日本野球機構（ＮＰＢ）の改革である。統一球問題で、ＮＰＢはファンの信頼を失った。
Ryozo Kato, former NPB commissioner, said he did not know the unified ball’s coefficient of restitution had been increased. Reforming NPB, in which such important information does not reach the head of the organization, is an urgent task. 加藤良三・前コミッショナーは、統一球の反発力が高まった事実を把握していなかったという。重要情報がトップに伝わらないＮＰＢの組織改革が急務だ。
Kumazaki said he needs a full-time assistant who will meticulously keep watch on things in NPB. It is necessary to establish governance functions that enable the commissioner to make appropriate decisions. 熊崎氏は、細かく目配りできる常勤の補佐役が必要だとの考えを示した。コミッショナーが的確な判断を下せるガバナンス（統治機能）を確立する必要がある。
A decisive moment
The status of professional baseball remains severe. Although the number of spectators increased this season both in the Central League and the Pacific League compared to last season, four teams saw their spectators decrease. The number of professional baseball games aired on terrestrial broadcasting also fell. プロ野球を取り巻く環境は依然、厳しい。今季はセ・パ両リーグとも昨季より観客数が増えたものの、４球団では減少した。テレビの地上波中継も減っている。
We urge the new commissioner to cooperate with the 12 teams and do his utmost to improve various services for baseball fans. ファンサービス向上のため、新コミッショナーは１２球団と連携し、知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
In particular, Kumazaki must devise a strategy to enhance the appeal of Japan’s national team—called Samurai Japan, which has been formed on a permanent basis—to help increase NPB’s earnings. His ability will be tested, for example, in setting up international games that will please baseball fans. 特に、常設化した日本代表（侍ジャパン）の魅力を高め、収益につなげる戦略が求められる。ファンが喜ぶ国際試合の設定などで、手腕が問われよう。
Meanwhile, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles have recently allowed ace Masahiro Tanaka to move to the major leagues. 楽天は、エースの田中将大投手の米大リーグ移籍を容認した。
A professional baseball player’s dream to take on the challenge of playing in the major leagues and make a leap forward deserves respect. 大リーグに挑戦し、飛躍したいという選手の夢は、可能な限り尊重すべきだろう。
However, the fact is that Japan’s professional baseball will inevitably decline if star players continue to flow out to the major leagues. 一方で、スター選手の流出が続けば、プロ野球の地盤沈下が避けられないのも事実である。
The posting system used when a Japanese player moves to the major leagues has significantly changed. Under the revised system, a Japanese team that allows a player to go to the major leagues sets a posting fee of up to $20 million, or ¥2 billion. 今回、日本選手が大リーグに移籍するためのポスティングシステムが、大きく変更された。移籍を容認した日本の球団が、２０００万ドル（約２０億円）を上限に譲渡金を設定する仕組みになった。
The revision apparently reflects the major leagues’ wish to hold down the money the clubs pay to acquire Japanese players, which previously had no limit. 上限がなかった日本選手の獲得金額を抑えたい大リーグ側の意向を反映した制度変更と言える。
For baseball to further develop around the world, it is indispensable for the Japanese and U.S. professional baseball worlds, the two axes of the sport, to ensure coexistence and mutual prosperity. 野球が世界的にさらに発展するには、軸となる日米の球界が共存共栄していくことが欠かせない。
Formulating fair rules between Japan and the United States on the acquisition of Japanese players is also an important task that the new commissioner must work on. 選手獲得における日米の公平なルール作りも、新コミッショナーの重要な課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 31, 2013) （2013年12月31日02時07分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 2, 2014 Germany should bolster efforts to lift eurozone out of crisis 独大連立政権 欧州経済の再生に責任は重い（12月31日付・読売社説）
We expect German Chancellor Angela Merkel to exercise leadership to overcome the European fiscal and financial crisis now that she has secured a stable political foundation. 安定的な政権基盤を得たメルケル・ドイツ首相が欧州財政・金融危機の克服に指導力を発揮することを期待したい。
The third Merkel Cabinet was launched in Europe’s biggest economic power through the formation of a grand coalition between Germany’s two major political parties—her center-right Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD)—for the first time in four years. 欧州一の経済大国、ドイツで、中道左右の２大政党が４年ぶりに大連立を組み、第３次メルケル政権が発足した。
As the German Bundestag, or lower house, has members elected basically by proportional representation, it is difficult for even a major party to secure a majority on its own. Negotiations to form a coalition government are thus inevitable. ドイツ連邦議会（下院）の選挙制度は基本的に比例代表制であるため、大政党でも単独過半数を占めることは難しく、政権作りには連立交渉が避けられない。
The CDU/CSU secured a stunning victory in the September general election, after which it negotiated with the SPD, the largest opposition party, to form the grand coalition. ９月の総選挙で大勝したのは、首相率いる中道右派、キリスト教民主・社会同盟（ＣＤＵ・ＣＳＵ）で、最大野党の中道左派、社会民主党（ＳＰＤ）と交渉した。
However, it took more than 80 days to launch the new coalition because the SPD adamantly demanded that the coalition government realize SPD’s campaign pledges, including the introduction of a nationwide minimum wage system, when formulating an accord to form the coalition. It cannot be denied that this created a political vacuum in Germany and stalled debates in the European Union to address the financial crisis. だが、社民党が連立合意作りで、全国一律の最低賃金制度導入などの公約実現を強く主張し、政権発足に８０日以上も要した。国内の政治空白が生じ、欧州連合（ＥＵ）における危機対策をめぐる論議の停滞を招いたのは否めない。
The coalition agreement signed by the two parties called for fiscal rehabilitation and structural reform by eurozone countries. Their accord opposed initiatives that could increase the burden on Germany, saying that the measures, including a proposal to issue common euro-area bonds to procure funds based on the credibility of the eurozone, could foster laxity among indebted nations. 両党がまとめた連立合意書は、ユーロ加盟国に対して財政健全化と構造改革を求めた。ユーロ圏の信用で資金調達する「ユーロ共通債」など、ドイツの負担増につながる構想には、債務国の甘えを助長するとして、反対している。
That is what the Merkel administration has been asserting, but it nonetheless demonstrated again its basic stance in overcoming the European crisis. メルケル政権の従来路線の踏襲だ。危機克服に取り組む基本姿勢を改めて示したと言えよう。
Danger of deflation
Greece and other south European nations are plagued with aggravated unemployment, prompting some observers to point out the risk of the eurozone plunging into deflation. ギリシャなど南欧諸国は失業増に苦しみ、ユーロ圏がデフレに陥る危険も指摘される。
Germany, which achieved the world’s largest current account surplus in 2012, is essentially the only economically sound nation in Europe. Germany should consider policies to facilitate economic recovery in Europe, including increasing imports from other eurozone nations by boosting its domestic consumption. 経済が堅調で、昨年経常黒字が世界最大だったドイツは、「独り勝ち」の状況だ。欧州の景気回復に向け、内需拡大で域内諸国から輸入増を図るなど、成長に資する政策を検討する必要がある。
The coalition agreement reconfirmed the existing “nuclear phaseout” stance to reduce the number of nuclear power plants to zero by the end of 2022. 連立合意書は、エネルギー分野では、２０２２年までに原子力発電所を全廃するというこれまでの「脱原発」政策も再確認した。
But it said the coalition government will overhaul the nation’s feed-in tariff system, which requires utility companies to buy renewable energy—expected by many to be an alternative energy source for nuclear energy—at a high rate for certain number of years. ただ、代替電力として期待される再生可能エネルギーについては、電力会社が電力を一定年数、高値で買い取る「固定価格買い取り制度」を抜本的に見直す。
The grand coalition plans to make it a fundamental principle to trade renewable energy generated at newly established facilities in the market and introduce other measures to ensure a competitive environment in this field. 新設の再生エネ施設で発電された電力は市場での取引を原則とするなど、競争原理が働きやすい仕組みを取り入れるという。
The feed-in tariff system was introduced in 2000 as a pillar of a program to promote the proliferation of renewable energy use. Since then, the electricity rate for households has continuously increased to its present figure, which is double the 2000 level. We believe the move to overhaul the system is appropriate, considering the widespread public criticism of it. 再生エネ普及促進策の核として、この制度が２０００年に導入されて以来、家庭の電力料金は右肩上がりで上昇し、現在約２倍にまでなっている。国民の反発は強く、見直しは当然と言える。
Japan’s feed-in tariff system was modeled after the German system. Japan should also review this system by closely paying attention to Germany’s moves in this regard. 日本の固定価格買い取り制度は、ドイツを参考にして作られた。日本は、ドイツの現状を注視し、制度見直しを進めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 31, 2013) （2013年12月31日02時07分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 1, 2014 Deal with economy, China to ensure Japan can rise again 日本浮上へ総力を結集せよ（1月1日付・読売社説）
◆「経済」と「中国」に万全の備えを
This nation must be saved from drowning in the sea of deflation, a challenge essential for putting its economy onto an upward trend. デフレの海で溺れている日本を救い出し、上昇気流に乗せなければならない。
Doing so will definitely require success in achieving the targets set in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policy line, known as Abenomics, through efforts to ensure his administration is kept running even more stably. それには、安倍政権が政治の安定を維持し、首相の経済政策「アベノミクス」が成功を収めることが不可欠である。
With this in mind, the government should place priority on economic growth over fiscal reconstruction for the time being, a task necessary to revitalize the economy and increase tax revenue. 当面は、財政再建より経済成長を優先して日本経済を再生させ、税収を増やす道を選ぶべきだ。
This must be accompanied by efforts to disburse financial resources in such fields as pensions, medical and other forms of social security, along with national security, crisis management and energy. Success in that endeavor is indispensable for boosting Japan’s national strength from the mid- and long-term standpoints. そのうえで、年金・医療などの社会保障、安全保障・危機管理、エネルギーなどの政策分野に投資し、中長期的に国力を上昇させていくことが肝要である。
In promoting good external relations, the government needs to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region. 対外的には、アジア太平洋地域の安定が望ましい。
China has been escalating its high-handed behavior in the East China Sea and in the sky above the area in recent months. Few eyebrows would be raised if an accidental conflict erupted between Japan and China at any time. This situation will likely continue for the foreseeable future. 中国が東シナ海とその上空で、強圧的な行動をエスカレートさせている。日本との間に偶発的衝突がいつあってもおかしくない、厳しい情勢が続く。
Perceived military tensions in this region must be relaxed through repeated dialogue between Japanese and Chinese diplomatic and defense authorities, coupled with efforts to improve the functions of the Japan-U.S. alliance. 日中両国の外交・防衛当局者による対話を重ねつつ、日米同盟の機能を高めることで、軍事的緊張を和らげねばならない。
The economy and China will likely be the two major focuses of government policy this year. Failure to squarely confront the two tasks—one domestic, the other external—will render useless any attempt by Japan to start rising to prominence, economically or otherwise. 今年も「経済」と「中国」が焦点となろう。この内外のテーマに正面から立ち向かわずに、日本が浮上することはない。
Crunch time for Abenomics ◆アベノミクスに試練
One year has passed since Abe inaugurated his second Cabinet. The prime minister was at the forefront of his ruling coalition’s victory in the House of Councillors election last summer, a triumph that sealed an end to the divided Diet. This has enabled the Liberal Democratic Party to emerge as the sole dominant power in the political arena, reducing all other parties to lesser forces. 第２次安倍内閣が発足して１年が経過した。首相は昨年夏の参院選で衆参両院のねじれを解消し、自民党が突出する「１強多弱」体制を作り上げた。
His Cabinet has consistently enjoyed a high popular support rating. Despite a drop in the rating due to turmoil arising from the enactment of the state secrets protection law during an extraordinary Diet session last year, the figure still stands in the 50 percent range. 内閣支持率は一貫して高い。昨年の臨時国会での特定秘密保護法成立の混乱によって低下したが、なお５０％台を維持している。
This should be solely attributed to Abe’s focused efforts on economic recovery, a task that comes first in the list of his policy priorities. 安倍首相が、政策課題に優先順位をつけ、専ら「経済」に力を注いできたからにほかならない。
The prime minister’s pursuit of his Abenomics policy is accomplishing a certain degree of success. This is evident in the fact, for example, that two of the three pillars stipulated in his policy—bold monetary relaxation and flexible fiscal stimulus—have apparently caused the economy to pick up. This has been accompanied by realizing higher stock prices and a decline in the value of the yen. There is no doubt that the current situation has helped make Japan’s presence felt more strongly in the international community. アベノミクスは、３本の矢のうち、大胆な金融緩和と機動的な財政出動の２本の矢によって、日本の景気を持ち直し、株高・円安も実現するなど、一定の成果を上げている。日本の国際社会での存在感が増したことも確かだ。
However, it is still uncertain whether—and how, for that matter—the Bank of Japan will be able to bring the annual price increase rate to 2 percent, a target set by the central bank to overcome protracted deflation. Furthermore, there is a limit to how long the benefits of the fiscal measures taken by the government to underpin the economy will endure. The Abe Cabinet’s high support rating is primarily because the public expect he will be able to recharge the economy. His high popularity does not mean people actually feel their living conditions are improving under the current administration. だが、日銀がデフレ克服の目標に掲げる「２％の物価上昇率」の実現への道筋は、なお不透明だ。景気を下支えする財政出動は持続力に限りがある。世論の支持も、景気回復への期待が先行し、必ずしも生活向上を実感できたからではない。
Given this, the Abenomics policy will be tested over whether it can truly achieve its purpose this year. 今年は、アベノミクスの真価が問われる。
The prime minister’s decision in October to implement a consumption tax rate hike, as initially planned, means the rate will rise from 5 percent to 8 percent in April. 首相の決断によって、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。
The economy will likely remain more or less upbeat until the end of March, partly due to last-minute rise in demand for such commodities as consumer durables. In April and beyond, however, the economy could take a downturn due to dampened consumer appetite in reaction to the tax rate increase. ３月までは、耐久消費財などの「駆け込み需要」もあって、景気は回復基調で推移するだろう。だが、消費が冷え込む「反動減」が予想される４月以降は、景気が腰折れしかねない。
To minimize the effect of the tax hike on consumption, the government put together an economic stimulus package worth about ¥5.5 trillion at government expense, the main pillars of which include financial and other support for business corporations and public works projects. With a similar purpose in mind, the government has devised a bloated budget for fiscal 2014. 政府は消費増税の影響を最小限に抑えるため、企業支援や公共事業を柱に国費で５・５兆円規模の経済対策を打ち出した。２０１４年度予算案も大きく膨らんだ。
However, we think the package is less than satisfactory when it comes to supporting ordinary household finances. It includes a one-shot financial support for low-income households, or what the government calls “simple benefit payment.” Meanwhile, the government decided not to introduce a lower tax rate for such essential goods as foodstuffs and newspapers. We hope the government and the ruling parties will prepare to introduce a mitigated tax rate system covering such necessities when a planned rate hike from 8 percent to 10 percent is implemented. 一方、家計への支援は物足りない。低所得者へ１回限りの「簡素な給付措置」が盛り込まれたが、食料品や新聞への軽減税率は導入が見送られた。政府・与党は１０％への消費増税と同時導入を期して準備を進めてもらいたい。
Abe must lead from front ◆成長戦略は首相主導で
The third pillar of Abenomics calls for translating a growth strategy into action. Success in ensuring the government’s growth strategy fulfills its aim is essential for accomplishing a sustainable economic growth led by the private sector, aided by job creation and higher wages that could be made possible through Abenomics. アベノミクスが雇用や賃上げに波及して、民間主導の持続的な経済成長を実現するには、成長戦略という３本目の矢が、的を射なければならない。
However, it is uncertain whether the growth strategy will accomplish its goal. This was underlined by the large cut in the number of deregulatory steps to be implemented in what are called national strategy special zones, due to objections from various government offices and organizations that would be affected by this deregulation. だが、国家戦略特区で行う規制緩和のメニューが各府省や関係団体の抵抗で大幅に後退するなど、戦略の実効性は心もとない。
The prime minister should play a leadership role in encouraging the private sector to inject its vitality, economic or otherwise, into growth markets, thus accelerating the effects of the third pillar of Abenomics. 首相が指導力を発揮し、民間活力を成長市場へ誘導することで、３本目の矢を加速させたい。
A recent rise in consumer prices cannot be considered a favorable trend triggered by increased demand, given that a surge in the prices of imported goods and higher electricity bills are major factors behind the situation. A favorable cycle—in which private corporations buoyed by improved business performance raise wages for their employees, which in turn improves family budgets and leads to increased consumption—must be created. 最近の消費者物価の上昇は、輸入物価や電気料金の値上げが背景にあり、需要増を契機とした「良い物価上昇」とは言えない。業績を上げた企業が賃金を引き上げ、家計の収入増が消費を拡大する好循環を実現せねばならない。
Success—or the lack thereof—of this policy depends on whether a stable supply of inexpensive electricity will be secured. その成否のカギを握るのが、安価な電力の安定供給である。
Operations at all 50 reactors at nuclear power plants in Japan remain suspended. As things stand, the nation must shoulder a hefty ¥10 billion in additional costs for imported fuel for power generation such as liquefied natural gas each day. The additional burden is to operate thermal power plants to their fullest, thus making up for an electric power shortage while nuclear power reactors remain idled. This is an extra drain of national wealth to energy resource exporting countries. 原子力発電所は全５０基が停止している。電力不足を火力発電所のフル稼働で補うため、液化天然ガスなど輸入発電燃料の追加負担は１日１００億円に上る。国富が資源国に余計に流出している。
Nuclear power stations must be steadily brought back online once they have been confirmed safe to operate. 安全が確認できた原発を着実に再稼働させなければならない。
One worrisome factor is the delay in the Nuclear Regulation Authority’s safety checks that must be conducted before nuclear reactors can be brought back online. Given the time needed to obtain consent from local governments concerned and other necessary procedures, the reactors now being screened will be able to resume operations in summer at the earliest. 気がかりなのは、原子力規制委員会による原発再稼働の審査が遅れていることだ。地元の了解などの手続きを考慮すれば、再稼働は早くて夏ごろになってしまう。
With its low energy self-sufficiency rate, how Japan ensures a stable supply of electricity will be directly linked with its national strategy. エネルギー自給率の低い日本が今後、どう電力を確保していくかは、国家戦略にも直結する。
The Abe administration plans to position nuclear energy as an “important basic energy source” in its basic plan on energy to be adopted by the Cabinet in January. We support the administration’s decision to drop the Democratic Party of Japan’s irresponsible “zero nuclear power” policy, leaving open the possibility of building new nuclear power plants or reactors. 安倍政権は１月中に閣議決定するエネルギー基本計画で、原発を「重要なベース電源」と位置づける。民主党政権の無責任な「原発ゼロ」路線と決別し、新増設に含みを残した点は支持したい。
Japan possesses some of the world’s most sophisticated nuclear technologies. Constructing safe, next-generation nuclear power stations is also necessary from the viewpoint of maintaining and nurturing human resources in this field. The nation also needs to expand exports of nuclear power infrastructure to boost economic growth. 日本は世界有数の原子力技術を保持している。安全な次世代型原発の新増設は、人材維持・育成の観点からも必要だ。原発のインフラ輸出を成長にも生かしたい。
In addition, the government must accelerate discussions on preparing an optimal combination of nuclear power, thermal power, solar power and other renewable energy sources. 政府は、電源として原子力、火力、太陽光発電など再生可能エネルギーをどう組み合わせるか、という議論を加速させるべきだ。
Accidental clashes ◆偶発的衝突の恐れも
China is attempting to change the status quo in the Asia-Pacific region by force, intensifying friction with its neighbors. アジア太平洋地域では、中国が力による現状変更を試み、周辺国との摩擦を強めている。
Touting a policy of increasing wealth and military power it has labeled the “Chinese dream,” the administration of Chinese President Xi Jinping is increasingly conducting naval and airspace drills with its fleet and aircraft in the West Pacific, and strengthening its effective control of the South China Sea. China’s anti-access area-denial strategy against the United States is poised to bear fruit. 中国の習近平政権は、「中国の夢」と称する富国強兵路線を掲げて、西太平洋での艦隊・航空機演習や南シナ海の実効支配強化の動きを活発化させている。米軍への接近阻止・領域拒否（Ａ２ＡＤ）戦略が実を結ぼうとしている。
As for Japan, Chinese state vessels are stationed almost around-the-clock around the Senkaku Islands and repeatedly intrude into Japanese waters. Its unmanned aircraft fly over Japanese waters. Furthermore, it unilaterally declared an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea that included the Senkaku Islands. 日本には、尖閣諸島周辺での公船常駐化と領海侵入、無人機の海上飛行を繰り返し、さらには尖閣を含む東シナ海上空に一方的に防空識別圏を設定した。
China has demanded that all aircraft flying within the ADIZ submit flight plans in advance, and threatened to adopt “emergency defensive measures” by the Chinese military against any plane that refuses to obey its instructions. We think it is extremely problematic that China treats the ADIZ like its territorial airspace. 中国は、識別圏内を飛行する全航空機に飛行計画の提出を求め、従わないなら「防御的緊急措置」の対象だと警告している。領空のごとく扱うのは極めて問題だ。
If this situation remains in place, Japan could become entangled in a military clash. The two countries urgently need to set up a liaison mechanism to help prevent an unexpected situation from erupting between the Self-Defense Forces and the Chinese military. このままでは日本が武力衝突の当事者になりかねない。自衛隊と中国軍との間に、不測の事態を回避する連絡メカニズムを構築することが急務となる。
China must not use Abe’s recent visit to Yasukuni Shrine as an excuse to refuse dialogue with Japan. 安倍首相の靖国神社参拝が、中国側に対話を拒む口実に使われることがあってはならない。
It will also be important to hold China in check by deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance. 日米同盟の深化によって、中国を牽制(けんせい)することも重要だ。
The United States maintains the position that the Senkaku Islands fall within the scope of Article 5 of the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty, which stipulates U.S. defense obligations to Japan. To ensure this article functions without fail, Japan will need to boost the roles it can play with the United States. 米国は尖閣諸島に対し、日米安保条約の対日防衛義務を定めた条項が適用される、という立場を変えていない。この条項が確実に機能するよう、米国との間で日本の役割も増強しなければならない。
It is timely that the Abe administration will review the Japan-U.S. defense cooperation guidelines at the end of this year. 安倍政権が今年末に、日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）を見直すのは時宜にかなっている。
The new guidelines should stipulate what additional assistance the SDF can provide to U.S. forces and the U.S. forces’ expanded involvement in the defense of Japan’s remote islands such as the Senkakus so Tokyo and Washington can jointly operate smoothly and handle any crisis as it escalates from a time of peace to a contingency. 平時から有事へ、危機の拡大に応じた継ぎ目のない日米共同対処ができるよう、自衛隊の米軍支援の拡充、尖閣など離島防衛での米軍の関与拡大を打ち出したい。
It will also be unavoidable for the government to change its interpretation of the Constitution to enable Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense. 集団的自衛権の行使を可能にする憲法解釈の変更に踏み切ることも、避けて通れない。
The government and the ruling Liberal Democratic Party are considering a new interpretation under which exercising the right to collective self-defense will be part of the “minimum necessary” exercise of force for self-defense. Given the worsening security environment surrounding the country, expanding the scope of what constitutes the “minimum necessary” exercise of force is quite understandable. 政府・自民党は、自衛のための「必要最小限の武力行使」に、集団的自衛権の行使も含める、とする新しい解釈を検討している。安全保障環境の悪化を受けて「必要最小限」の範囲を広げるのは、十分理解できる。
Along with the right to collective self-defense, it will also be necessary to deepen discussions on the right to individual self-defense. For instance, if intruders disguised as fishermen unlawfully occupy a remote island, a development that does not reach a military attack, how would the SDF respond? It will be necessary to spell out rules on the possible use of weapons in a scenario like this that could be described as the exercise of “the minor right to self-defense.” 集団的自衛権とともに、個別自衛権の議論も深めたい。例えば、偽装漁民による離島占拠という武力攻撃に至らない段階で、自衛隊は、どう対処するのか。こうした「マイナー自衛権」の武器使用の問題も詰めておく必要がある。
Contribute to regional stability ◆地域の安定に寄与せよ
The relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture recently saw a development. Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima has approved the central government’s request to carry out a land reclamation project in waters off the Henoko district in Nago in the prefecture, a necessary step for ultimately relocating the air station to the district. His decision has cleared the path for an issue that has remained unresolved between Japan and the United States since 1996. 沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題は、進展を見せている。仲井真弘多知事が名護市辺野古の公有水面埋め立てを承認したことで、１９９６年以来の日米間の懸案が解決に向かいつつある。
Relocating the air base to Henoko would significantly reduce the burden Okinawa Prefecture shoulders by hosting U.S. bases, and enhance the deterrent provided by U.S. forces. 辺野古への移設が実現すれば、沖縄の基地負担軽減と、抑止力の向上に大きく貢献するだろう。
In December, the government decided on its first National Security Strategy. It urges China to play responsible and constructive roles for peace, stability and prosperity in the region. It also stipulates that Japan will continue to respond firmly but calmly against China’s attempts to forcibly change the present situation. 昨年１２月に初めて決定された国家安全保障戦略は、中国に、地域の平和と安定、繁栄のために責任ある建設的役割を果たすよう促すとともに、力による現状変更の試みには、冷静かつ毅然(きぜん)として対応していく、と記している。
With its birthrate declining and population aging, China’s working and manufacturing populations have started to decline. Under these circumstances, will China’s economic growth slow? How long will the United States place priority on the Asian region? How will such changes affect Japan’s security and economy? 中国は、少子高齢化が進行し、労働生産人口が減少し始めた。経済成長はどう鈍化していくのか。米国のアジア重視はいつまで続くのか。日本の安全保障や経済にどう影響を与えるのか。
Unlocking the answers to such questions will require analyzing information and drawing up strategic policies toward China. 情報を分析し、戦略的な対中政策を練り上げねばならない。
In the mid- and long-term, it is crucial for Japan to continue to contribute to the region’s security. In cooperation with the United States and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, Japan must continuously persuade China to be aware of its responsibilities as a member of the international community, and to act accordingly. That is a key duty of Japan. 中長期的には、日本が地域の安全保障に寄与することが肝要だ。米国や東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）などと連携し、中国に対し、国際社会の一員としての責任を自覚して行動するよう説得し続けることが日本の責務である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 1, 2014) （2014年1月1日00時57分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 30, 2014 Natural disasters, China’s behavior catch public’s attention in 2013 ２０１３回顧・世界 災害への同情と中国への不安（12月30日付・読売社説）
The top 10 international news items selected by Yomiuri Shimbun readers for 2013 indicate that many people are deeply concerned about natural disasters that occurred overseas this year and feel sympathy for their victims. This stands to reason, as this nation is still struggling to rehabilitate areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011. 東日本大震災からの復興途上にあるだけに、国民は、海外で起きた災害にも強い関心と同情を寄せているのだろう。
A powerful typhoon that struck parts of the Philippines in November took first place on the list of this year’s 10 major world news reports. Typhoon Haiyan wrecked Leyte Island and other areas, leaving about 8,000 people dead or missing. 本紙読者が選んだ「海外１０大ニュース」の１位は、「猛烈な台風がフィリピン直撃」だった。レイテ島などで、死者・行方不明者合計約８０００人という甚大な被害を出した。
Ranked third was the meteorite that streaked across the sky above Russia’s Ural Mountains in February before fragments of the meteor fell to the ground. Video footage of the meteor’s speeding through the atmosphere was broadcast on TV, and many Yomiuri readers apparently were impressed with the ferocity of this extraordinary natural phenomenon. ロシアの「隕石(いんせき)落下」が３位だ。隕石の軌跡をとらえた映像がテレビで流れ、天変地異の凄(すさ)まじさが強い印象を残したようだ。
China’s rise to international prominence has been evident in the number of important news items related to that country in 2013. The past year has generated even more news reports about China than in the past. 今年は以前にも増して中国を巡る重要ニュースが多く、その台頭ぶりを裏付けた。
Xi Jinping’s elevation to the Chinese presidency in March was awarded fourth place. Backed by its own military muscle, the Chinese leadership has been high-handed in dealing with Japan. All this contributes to the even greater distrust felt by many Japanese toward that nation. 習近平氏の国家主席就任は、４位に入った。習政権は、日本に対して、軍事力を背景にした強圧的な姿勢を示している。日本の対中不信感は強まるばかりだ。
Today, China is confronted with a host of distortions that have accompanied its rapid economic growth, including widening disparities between the rich and the poor and deteriorating environmental conditions. 中国は、貧富の格差や環境悪化など、急激な成長に伴うひずみに直面している。
China’s worsening air pollution due to a high density of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) came in fifth place, indicating that many readers are deeply worried that China’s atmospheric pollution could affect this country. 微小粒子状物質（ＰＭ２・５）による大気汚染の深刻化が５位になったのは、日本にも汚染の影響が及ぶのではないか、という強い不安の反映でもあろう。
December brought a stunning report that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s uncle, Jang Song Thaek, had been purged as vice chairman of the country’s top military body, the National Defense Commission. This was followed by the astounding news that Jang, long considered the No. 2 power in Kim’s regime, had been executed. The incident was added as an extra to the top 10 list. 北朝鮮・金正恩政権のナンバー２と言われた張成沢・国防委員会副委員長が失脚して処刑されたという衝撃的な出来事は、１２月に報じられ、１０大ニュースの「番外」として追加された。
A purge and a prince
North Korea will remain an element of regional instability, given that the reclusive state seeks to set up an even stronger dictatorship through a reign of terror and continues to develop nuclear weapons and missiles. 恐怖政治によって独裁体制を固め、核・ミサイルの開発を続ける北朝鮮は、来年も、地域の不安定要因であることに変わりない。
The start of U.S. President Barack Obama’s second term in January took ninth place. However, Obama has not made much administrative progress this year, as shown by the numerous difficulties he experienced in dealing with external and domestic affairs. 米国では、オバマ大統領が２期目をスタートさせた（９位）。だが、外交、内政ともつまずきが多く順調とは言えなかった。
The disclosures by Edward Snowden, a former employee of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, ranked eighth. Snowden, now a suspect in intelligence leakage and other cases, exposed a wide range of wiretapping activities by U.S. intelligence services both at home and overseas. Cited by him as the target of U.S. eavesdropping, some European countries have expressed strong anger at the U.S. administration. 米中央情報局（ＣＩＡ）の元職員エドワード・スノーデン容疑者が、国内外における米情報機関の広範囲な通信傍受を暴露した（８位）。傍受対象だとされた欧州諸国からは強い反発が起きた。
The affair has also drawn condemnation from Americans, and Obama is under pressure to reexamine the methods used by his country’s intelligence services to gather information. 米国民からも批判の声が上がっており、大統領は、情報収集の方法の見直しを迫られている。
In early October, the U.S. government staggered into a partial shutdown due to a deadlock between the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Democratic-controlled Senate over the federal budget, an incident that came in 13th. 連邦予算を巡る与野党対立で、１０月初めに政府機能の一部が停止する事態も発生した（１３位）。
One of the top 10 news items warmed people’s hearts: In July, Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, welcomed a son they named George. The birth of the royal couple’s first son was awarded second place. 読者の心を和ませた出来事もあった。英国のウィリアム王子の妻キャサリン妃が、長男ジョージ王子を出産した（２位）。
In seventh place was the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in April at the age of 87. Thatcher deserves credit for her successful efforts to revitalize her country’s battered economy during her 11 years in office. In December came news of the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, an antiapartheid icon who dedicated himself to achieving unity among all races in his country. The achievements of these two political leaders continue to inspire and influence people around the world today. 一方、英経済を再生させた「鉄の女」サッチャー元首相の死去（７位）に続き、１２月は、南アフリカで多人種融和に尽くしたマンデラ元大統領の訃報が伝えられた。２人の指導者の業績は、今日も世界に影響を与え続けている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 30, 2013) （2013年12月30日01時25分 読売新聞）
