年金給付水準 非正規や将来世代の改善図れ

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Pension benefit reform must consider non-regular workers, future generations
年金給付水準　非正規や将来世代の改善図れ

Reform must be expedited to minimize declines in pension benefit levels expected in the future, with the aim of enhancing the sustainability of the nation’s social security system.
　制度の持続可能性を高め、将来の年金水準の低下を緩和するため、改革を急がねばならない。

An advisory council of the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has worked out a report explaining specifics concerning the government-envisaged pension system reform.
　厚生労働省の審議会が年金制度改革の具体的内容を示した報告書をまとめた。

The report centers on steps to adjust benefit levels, the future effects of which were confirmed in pension finance studies the government announced in June last year, including measures to beef up arrangements to rein in pension benefit payments.
　給付抑制を図る仕組みの強化など、昨年６月に公表された年金財政検証で将来の給付水準改善の効果が確認されたものが中心だ。

To ensure the stability of the finances of the government-run pension system, what is referred to as “automatic adjustment of benefits based on macroeconomic indexation” has been introduced to the current social security system for the purpose of lowering benefit levels automatically in accordance with the rates of declines in the birthrate and increases in the number of the elderly. This is aimed at curbing benefit payments by making increases in pension benefits fall below rises in such yardsticks as per-capita wage growth and price rises.
　現行制度は、年金財政の安定化のため、少子高齢化の進み具合に応じて自動的に給付水準を引き下げる「マクロ経済スライド」を導入している。賃金や物価の上昇分より年金の増額を小幅にとどめ、給付を抑制する仕組みだ。

The problem is that the implementation of this mechanism has been limited at a time of deflation, in which prices and wages decline, and when their growth rates are significantly low. The limitations were aimed at protecting the living conditions of the elderly, but they have resulted in delays in curbing benefit payments.
　問題は、物価や賃金が下がるデフレや上昇率が低い際の実施が制限されている点だ。高齢者の生活に配慮したものだが、結果として、給付抑制の遅れを招いた。

If the current high average pension benefits for the elderly are left unchanged, funds for financing pension payments for the future generations are bound to shrink, a situation that would make it inevitable to slash benefit levels. The current benefit payment system should be reviewed for thorough implementation of the indexation formula.
　今の高齢者への給付が高止まりしたままでは、将来世代の年金財源が減り、給付水準が低下する。経済動向にかかわらず、完全実施するよう見直すべきである。

The latest report rightly pointed out the need for “best possible efforts to prevent the indexation formula from being postponed” in order to curb benefit payments. This will likely bring adverse reactions from the elderly, while some in the ruling camp are wary of cutting back on the benefits, but the task of reviewing the benefit payment system cannot be left unaddressed if pension funds for future generations are to be secured.
　報告書が、給付抑制について「極力先送りされない工夫」を求めたのは、もっともだ。高齢者の反発が予想され、与党内に慎重論もあるが、将来世代の年金を守るためには、避けて通れない。

Bigger burden, fatter benefits

The report has also noted the need to encourage non-regular employees to seek coverage by the kosei nenkin company workers’ pension plan.
　報告書は非正規労働者の厚生年金加入を進める方針も示した。

The current kosei nenkin plan has been focusing on regular employees. Part-timers and other non-regular employees have mostly been excluded from corporate pension plan coverage. Non-regular employees qualify to receive only a basic pension in their old age, which is around a maximum of ¥60,000 per month. With non-regular workers continuing to increase, there are fears the number of low-benefit people will swell in the future.
　現行の厚生年金は、正社員が中心だ。パートなどの多くが除外され、老後は満額でも月６万円程度の基礎年金しかもらえない。非正規労働者の増加に伴い、将来、低年金者が続出する恐れがある。

Effective from October 2016, coverage by kosei nenkin is to be expanded to include “employees working 20 hours or more a week” from the current “30 hours or more.” Because of opposition from the distribution industry sector, in which many non-regular workers are employed, the number of people to be covered under the new requirements is estimated at no more than 250,000, as a number of conditions such as non-regular workers’ monthly income and the scale of the company they work for have been included in eligibility.
　２０１６年１０月から、対象拡大のため、加入基準が「労働時間が週３０時間以上」から「週２０時間以上」に緩和される。だが、パートの多い流通業界などの反対で、月収や企業規模に条件がつき、新たな加入者は２５万人に過ぎない。

Boosting pension benefits for non-regular workers is urgently needed, and expansion of coverage for the kosei nenkin plan is indispensable. This task must be carried forward steadily while paying due attention to business conditions of small and medium-size businesses.
　非正規労働者の年金の充実は急務である。さらなる対象拡大が欠かせない。中小企業の経営に配慮しつつ、着実に進めるべきだ。

Regarding the duration of basic pension premium payments, the report said the idea of extending the current payment period of 40 years to 45 years for full pension qualification should be considered “a matter of course” in light of rises in life expectancy. The higher the burden of premium payments, the larger the pension benefits.
　基礎年金の保険料納付期間については、寿命の延びに対応し、今の４０年間から４５年間に延長することが「自然の流れ」とした。負担が増える分、年金額も増える。

In a hyper-aging society, it is imperative that an increasing number of people work as long as possible to prop up society, the national economy and the social security system. Doing so, they will be able to help improve pension benefits for future generations.
　超高齢社会では、より多くの人が、できるだけ長く働き、社会・経済や社会保障制度の支え手となることが重要だ。将来世代の給付水準の改善にも役立つ。

The problem, however, is how to secure funding sources: Half of basic pension benefits are funded by tax revenues. Discussions should therefore be conducted about not only the need to implement the hike in the consumption tax rate to 10 percent without fail, but also the need to increase the burden further even after the consumption tax hike.
　問題は財源である。基礎年金の半分は税金で賄われる。消費税率１０％への引き上げの確実な実施にとどまらず、その先の負担増も見据えた議論が求められる。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 25, 2015)

インフル猛威 こまめな手洗いで感染予防を

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Prevent flu by washing hands frequently, avoiding crowded places
インフル猛威　こまめな手洗いで感染予防を

Influenza is raging through the nation.
　インフルエンザが猛威を振るっている。

The average number of flu patients at regularly surveyed medical institutions rose to 33.28 in the reporting week from Jan. 5 to Jan. 11, topping the alert level of 30 per institute. The average number exceeded the alert level three weeks earlier than last winter.
　今月５～１１日の患者数は、１医療機関当たりの平均で３３・２８人に上り、警報レベルの３０人を超えた。昨季より３週間早い。

The epidemic may spread further and the number of flu patients may exceed that of a regular year. We should take thorough preventive measures.
　流行はさらに拡大し、患者数が例年より多くなる可能性がある。予防を徹底したい。

A flu virus is transmitted from person to person by droplets from coughing or sneezing. It multiplies in the throat and the lungs, and flu symptoms appear following a latency period of about two days. Unlike a common cold, a flu patient may abruptly run a high fever of over 38 C and suffer such symptoms as a headache and overall muscle pain.
　インフルエンザは、咳せきやくしゃみなどの飛沫ひまつを介して感染する。喉や肺でウイルスが増え、２日程度の潜伏期間の後に発症する。一般の風邪と異なり、急に３８度以上の高熱を発し、頭痛、全身の筋肉痛といった症状が表れる。

Day-to-day precautions are most important in warding off infection.
　感染予防には、日頃の心がけが何より重要だ。

These steps include avoiding crowded places and frequent hand-washing. We can also build up our resistance by getting enough sleep and paying attention to what we eat. A humidifier will also help us keep the mucus in our respiratory tract moist, which helps maintain our defenses.
　人混みを避け、こまめに手を洗う。睡眠や食事に気を付けて、抵抗力を高める。加湿器も、気道の粘膜の湿気を保ち、防御機能を維持するのに役立つ。

Immunization will prevent the flu from becoming severe, the effect lasting about half a year. However, it cannot completely prevent a person from becoming infected and developing flu symptoms. We must not be overconfident.
　予防接種は重症化を防ぎ、効果が半年程度続くが、感染や発症を完全に抑えることはできない。過信は禁物である。

Of the viruses detected in the patients this season, most were the type-A Hong Kong strain (H3N2). So far no virus has been found in this strain that would be resistant to an anti-influenza drug.
　今季検出されたウイルスのほとんどが、Ａ香港型（Ｈ３Ｎ２型）だ。この型では、抗インフルエンザ薬が効かない耐性ウイルスは、今のところ見つかっていない。

It is best to see a doctor immediately after experiencing such symptoms as chills. By taking prescribed drugs and getting a lot of rest, flu patients usually get well within a few days.
　悪寒などの症状が出たら、早めの受診が望ましい。薬を服用し、休養に努めれば、多くの場合、数日で回復する。

Elderly people and those with chronic diseases particularly need to take precautions against the flu.
　特に用心せねばならないのは、高齢者や持病のある人だ。

Kids need special attention

The type-A Hong Kong strain has a relatively high probability of causing patients to also develop pneumonia through a bacterial infection. Special attention is also needed so that children do not develop brain disorders from this type of flu.
Ｈ３Ｎ２型は、細菌感染による肺炎を併発するリスクが比較的高い。子どもの脳症にも要注意である。

If a child shows signs of gasping or convulsions, it is vital to take them to the hospital immediately.
　呼吸が苦しそうになったり、痙攣けいれんが起きたりしたら、すぐに病院に連れて行くことが大切だ。

Pneumococcal vaccine is said to be effective in preventing pneumonia. Since last year, the government has been subsidizing part of the vaccination expenses for those aged 65 or older.
　肺炎予防には、肺炎球菌ワクチンが有効とされる。政府は、６５歳以上を対象に、昨年から接種費用の一部を助成している。

As many of the people who died as a result of the flu were found to have also developed pneumonia, elderly people should be encouraged to get vaccinated.
インフルエンザが引き金となった死亡例の多くは、肺炎を併発しているだけに、高齢者の接種を促したい。

Group infections at such places as nursing care facilities have occurred this season, too, resulting in the deaths of some elderly people. They are believed to have been infected with the flu by visitors or employees at the facilities. These facilities may need to take such measures as limiting the number of visitors during an epidemic period.
　今季も介護施設などで集団感染が発生し、高齢者が死亡している。来訪者や職員からの感染が考えられる。施設側には、流行期に見舞客を制限するといった対応が求められるだろう。

Since early this year, there has been a marked increase in the number of those flu patients in their 20s to 40s, people in the prime of their working life. In the case of adult patients, they are believed to emit the virus for about five days after their symptoms appear, making it highly advisable for them to refrain from going out during this period.
　年明けから、働き盛りの２０～４０歳代の患者の増加が目立つ。大人の場合、発症から５日間程度はウイルスを排出しているため、外出を控える必要がある。

Even if people may have to go out to work, they must not force themselves to do so. Such actions are likely to spread the infection.
　仕事があるからといって、無理に出勤してはいけない。感染を広げてしまう恐れがある。

For flu patients to get a good rest at home, it is vital for workplaces to show their understanding of employees’ physical conditions.
　患者が十分に休むためには、職場の理解が欠かせない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 19, 2015)

社説:表現すること 他者を尊重する心も

January 16, 2015(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Respect for others is important in freedom of expression
社説:表現すること　他者を尊重する心も

A deadly terrorist attack on the French weekly Charlie Hebdo has sparked controversy over whether its publication of caricatures of the Muslim Prophet Muhammad falls within the bounds of freedom of expression or constitutes profanation. One cannot help but wonder whether these two matters are irreconcilable. It is necessary to pursue a society in which people with different values, such as religions, can coexist while respecting freedom of expression.
　フランスの週刊紙「シャルリーエブド」への襲撃事件をきっかけに、表現の自由か宗教への冒とくか、という議論が起きている。だが、この二つは果たして、相いれぬものだろうか。表現の自由を守りつつ、宗教の違いなど価値観を異にする者が共存できる社会のありようを模索することこそ、必要なはずだ。

Charlie Hebdo has continued to publish caricatures of the prophet despite criticism that such satires are provocative. The magazine carried a caricature of the prophet in its latest issue published after the attack. Some Western media ran a photo of the caricature to express their support for Charlie Hebdo while others chose not to publish it in view of religious sensibilities. Japanese newspapers were split over their response, with some of them including the Mainichi Shimbun choosing not to publish a photo of the caricature and others running such an image.
　シャルリー紙はこれまで、挑発的と批判されながらも、イスラム教の預言者ムハンマドの風刺画の掲載を続けてきた。事件後の最新号にも、ムハンマドの風刺画を掲載した。欧米では連帯の表明としてこれを転載したメディアもあれば、宗教感情を害するとして不掲載のメディアもあった。日本の全国紙も、毎日新聞を含む掲載見送りの新聞と、掲載した新聞とに対応が分かれた。

One caricaturist within Charlie Hebdo said journalism should not give in to violence saying, "There are no restrictions on or conditions for freedom of expression." The idea is based on a value of respecting freedom of expression that French people have maintained since the French Revolution, and is likely to be supported by many.
　それぞれに、表現の自由をめぐる思いがある。シャルリー紙の風刺画家の一人は「表現の自由は条件や制限がついたものではない」として、暴力には屈しない姿勢を強調した。それは、フランス革命以来、表現の自由を何より大切にするフランスの文化や価値観に基づくものであり、理解する人もいるだろう。

We are of the view that freedom of speech is a principle that forms the basis of democracy and must be respected to the maximum extent. Nobody should be allowed to resort to violence to criticize or protest against free speech. What should be criticized in the latest incident is extremism in which terrorists attempted to suppress freedom of expression by violence.
　私たちも、言論や表現の自由は民主主義の根幹をなす大事な理念であって、最大限尊重されなければならないと考える。言論への反発や抗議は、暴力という手段で行うべきではない。ましてや、他者を殺す権利は誰にもない。今回の事件で非難されるのは、暴力で表現を圧殺しようとした過激思想の方である。

However, denouncing violence in the press and how to exercise freedom of expression should be considered separately. There were many participants in an anti-terror demonstration march in Paris who apparently thought that repeatedly making fun of a certain religion is excessive while admitting that freedom of expression must be respected. It is worrisome that Charlie Hebdo continues to publish caricatures, which could be taken as provocation, while attention is focused on how to ensure Europe and Islamic society can peacefully coexist. This could trigger further clashes.
　ただ、言論への暴力に反対することと、表現の自由のあり方は、分けて考えるべきではないか。反テロ行進に参加した人の中には、表現の自由は大切だが宗教への度重なるからかいは行きすぎだ、と受け止める人も少なくなかっただろう。欧州とイスラム社会の共存が問われる中、あえて挑発ととられかねない風刺画の掲載を続けることが、新たな衝突につながることを危惧する。

Freedom of expression should be protected to achieve a society in which diverse values are respected. To that end, it is important for members of society to respect not only their own values but also other people's values. If expressions that offend and discriminate against others were to be permitted without limits, society could lose diversity and tolerance, and even allow those in power to intervene in the press.
　表現の自由は、多様な価値観を尊重しあう社会のためにこそ、守られるべきものであるはずだ。それには自分の価値観と同様に、他者の価値観も尊重することが大切である。他者の心情を傷つけ、差別する表現が無制限に許されるようになっては、社会はむしろ、多様さと寛容さを失い、場合によっては表現への権力の介入を招くことにもなりかねない。

In Japan, hate speech that fuels discrimination against and rejects certain ethnic groups has emerged as a serious social problem. Repeating speech that insults and defames other people is not worthy of being called freedom of speech. It is important to keep in mind that expression requires moderation and conscience and that those who exercise their freedom of speech must take responsibility for what they say.
　日本でも、特定の民族差別をあおり、排斥するヘイトスピーチ（憎悪表現）の問題がある。他者への配慮を欠き、侮辱・中傷にあたる言動を繰り返すことは、表現の自由の名に値しない。表現には、節度や良識の裏付け、行使する側の責任も伴うことを、改めて自覚したい。

毎日新聞　2015年01月16日　02時40分

介護報酬削減 職員の待遇改善と両立させよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Balance nursing care fee changes with better conditions for workers
介護報酬削減　職員の待遇改善と両立させよ

To maintain the nation’s social security system in a rapidly aging society, it is vital to curb ever-soaring nursing care expenses.
　超高齢社会で社会保障制度を維持するには、膨張する介護費の伸びの抑制が欠かせない。

The government has decided to cut nursing care service fees under public nursing care insurance by 2.27 percent overall, starting in fiscal 2015. The move is the first downward revision in fees in nine years and the second largest cut on record following reductions of 2.3 percent in fiscal 2003.
　政府は、介護保険サービスの公定価格である介護報酬を２０１５年度から全体で２・２７％引き下げることを決めた。９年ぶりのマイナス改定だ。過去最大だった０３年度の２・３％に次ぐ下げ幅になる。

Nursing care fees are paid to nursing care providers in compensation for the services provided under the public insurance system.
　介護報酬は、提供したサービスの対価として、介護保険から事業者に支払われる。

The total expenses of the nursing care insurance program, which stood at ¥3.6 trillion in fiscal 2000, when the system started, reached ¥10 trillion in fiscal 2014. The expenses are expected to double within the next 10 years.
　スタート時の００年度に３・６兆円だった介護保険の総費用は、１４年度には１０兆円に達した。今後１０年で倍増する見込みだ。

With a 1 percent cut in nursing care fees, total expenses are calculated to be trimmed by ¥100 billion a year. As the planned hike in the consumption tax rate to 10 percent has been postponed by a year and a half and the task of securing revenue sources for social security programs has consequently been delayed, the government will inevitably cut nursing care fees to curb overall expenditures.
　介護報酬を１％下げれば、総費用が年１０００億円減るとされる。消費税率１０％への引き上げが先送りされ、社会保障の財源確保が遅れる中、歳出抑制のために報酬引き下げはやむを得まい。

Meanwhile, the planned cutback will not only ease the government’s fiscal burdens, but also reduce insurance premiums paid by insured and service users.
　引き下げにより、財政負担だけでなく、加入者には支払う保険料が軽減されるメリットもある。

The Finance Ministry had originally demanded that nursing care fees be cut by about 4 percent. But should the business conditions of nursing care providers markedly deteriorate, they may have to lower the quality of their services.
　財務省は４％程度の引き下げを求めていた。ただ、事業者の経営が極端に悪化すればサービスの低下を招きかねない。

Serious manpower shortage

The latest revision can be construed as one resulting from the government taking into account both its fiscal condition and the business operations of service providers.
今回の改定率は、財政状況と事業経営の双方に配慮した結果と言えよう。

With regards to better working conditions for nursing care workers, the government will allot extra fees to nursing care benefits for providers that deal with the issue systematically.
　一方、介護職員の待遇改善に関しては、計画的に取り組む事業者への加算を拡充する。

Manpower shortages have reached serious levels at workplaces of nursing care services, primarily stemming from low salaries. The average monthly wage for nursing care workers is ¥220,000, which is ¥100,000 less than the average across all industries. How appropriate, then, that the government has set aside extra outlays to raise the monthly average wage for nursing care workers by about ¥12,000.
　介護現場では人手不足が深刻化している。最大の原因は待遇の低さだ。平均賃金は月２２万円で、全産業平均より１０万円も少ない。賃金を月１万２０００円程度アップできるよう、別枠で費用を確保したのは適切な措置である。

To ensure the extra outlays will be reflected in wage hikes, public administrators must be adamant in making regular inspections.
　加算分が確実に賃金アップに反映されるよう、行政の厳格なチェックが必要だ。

In fiscal 2025, when members of the baby-boomer generation will be 75 or older, projections indicate the need to increase the number of nursing care workers by 1 million. Nursing care providers need to make great strides to improve the working conditions for nursing care workers.
　団塊の世代が７５歳以上になる２５年度には、介護職員を今より１００万人増やす必要があるとの推計もある。事業者には、さらなる処遇改善の努力が求められる。

The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry will decide on fees by type for nursing care services in the days ahead. The ministry is planning to increase rewards for at-home services supporting those requiring high or moderate levels of nursing care, as well as at-home services that assist elderly citizens with dementia.
　厚生労働省は今後、個別サービスごとの価格を決める。介護の必要性が高い中重度者や認知症高齢者向けの在宅サービスなどを手厚くする方向だ。

Meanwhile, the government will drastically cut service fees for special elderly homes providing round-the-clock nursing care because operators of such facilities are said to have amassed profits averaging ¥300 million. There are said to be not a few of those operators that have neglected to improve their facilities and working conditions for their employees.
　特別養護老人ホームは、大幅減額になる。平均３億円もの利益を蓄えていることが背景にある。設備や職員の待遇の改善を怠っている施設も少なくない。

Financial conditions differ among service operators. The government would cause more harm than good with these across-the-board cuts in fees if operators that had been striving to improve their services end up in financial hardship.
　経営状況は施設ごとに異なる。報酬の一律カットで、サービス向上に努めてきた施設が経営難に陥っては本末転倒だ。

The ministry needs to work out a framework that accordingly rewards providers offering good services by, for instance, finding ways to enhance the fees paid to them.
　報酬の加算方法を工夫するなど、良質な事業者が報われる仕組みにすることが重要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 14, 2015)

安倍外交と安保 抑止力強化へ万全の法整備を

The Yomiuri Shimbun
Govt must develop security legislation to enhance Japan’s deterrence effort
安倍外交と安保　抑止力強化へ万全の法整備を

　◆戦略的連携で国益を追求したい◆

The security environment of Japan has been made increasingly difficult in recent years because of such factors as China’s military buildup and maritime expansion and North Korea’s development of nuclear weapons and missiles.
　中国の軍備増強や海洋進出、北朝鮮の核・ミサイル開発などで、日本の安全保障環境は近年、厳しさを増している。

China has put emphasis on enhancement of its maritime military power.
　中国が重視するのが海上戦力の強化だ。

According to the International Institute for Strategic Studies in Britain, and other entities, the Chinese military has 70 major surface warships while the U.S. 7th Fleet, deployed in waters around Guam and Japan, has only about 10. With warships of the Maritime Self-Defense Force and the South Korean Navy, the U.S. side can manage to keep its numerical advantage over the Chinese.
　英国際戦略研究所などによると、主要な水上戦闘艦は中国軍７０隻に対し、日本とグアムに展開する米軍第７艦隊は１０隻程度にとどまる。自衛隊と韓国軍を加え、ようやく数的優位を保っている。

Meanwhile, North Korea reportedly has been successful in extending the range of its ballistic missiles, improving their accuracy and miniaturizing nuclear weapons. If Pyongyang succeeds in making nuclear weapons small enough to be mounted on missiles, their threat will become even more serious.
　北朝鮮は、弾道ミサイルの長射程化や精度向上を図り、核の小型化も進展させたとされる。核のミサイル搭載が可能になれば、その脅威は一段と深刻になる。

Collective self-defense right
　◆集団的自衛権を有効に◆

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government in July last year endorsed a new constitutional interpretation, which allows the nation to exercise its right of collective self-defense in a limited way, with the aim of strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and its deterrent power.
　安倍政権が昨年７月、集団的自衛権の行使を限定容認する新見解を決めたのは、日米同盟を強化し、抑止力を高めるのが目的だ。

During the ordinary Diet session to be convened later this month, bills to revise the Self-Defense Forces Law and the law on the nation’s response to a foreign armed attack must be approved to ensure the viability of the government’s new constitutional interpretation.
　今月下旬召集の通常国会で、自衛隊法や武力攻撃事態法の改正案などを成立させ、新見解の実効性を確保しなければならない。

Under the new constitutional interpretation, the SDF is assumed to protect U.S. military vessels carrying Japanese nationals or engaging in missile defense.
　邦人輸送やミサイル防衛に従事する米軍艦船を自衛隊が防護することなどが想定される。

It is also vital for Japan, which has limited natural resources, to secure the safety of sea-lanes leading to its crude oil supply sources in the Middle East. Geographical restrictions should not be made in exercising the nation’s right of collective self-defense to enable MSDF ships to sweep for mines in the Hormuz Strait and other waters.
　資源の乏しい日本にとって、原油の供給源である中東に至る海上交通路の安全確保は死活的に重要だ。ホルムズ海峡などで機雷掃海を行えるよう、集団的自衛権の行使には、地理的な制約を設けるべきではあるまい。

The government is planning to revise legal procedures to speed up the issuance of an order for the MSDF to take seaborne policing action, so that situations in a security gray area — such as occupation of a remote island by an armed group — could be dealt with more quickly.
　政府は、武装集団による離島占拠などのグレーゾーン事態に対処するため、自衛隊の海上警備行動の手続きを迅速化する方針だ。

We hope the government and the ruling coalition parties will have thorough discussions on what legislation would be most effective to enable the nation to deal with situations ranging from peacetime to an emergency situation in a seamless manner.
　平時から有事まで切れ目ない対処を可能にするには、どんな法制度が最も効果的か。政府・与党は議論を尽くしてもらいたい。

Revise defense guidelines
　◆防衛指針の改定を急げ◆

The proliferation of weapons of mass-destruction and terrorism, done with the progress of military technology, have made it impossible for any one nation to protect its peace single-handedly.
　大量破壊兵器やテロの拡散、軍事技術の進展で、どの国も一国だけでは平和を維持できない。

The government’s new constitutional interpretation enables the SDF to provide logistic support, such as supply and transportation missions for troops of other nations if they are not in combat zones. To make more flexible responses possible, the government should seriously consider making a permanent and comprehensive law on the dispatch of SDF units to other countries.
　新見解により、戦闘現場以外では、自衛隊による他国部隊への補給、輸送など後方支援が可能になる。より機動的な対応のため、自衛隊の海外派遣に関する包括的な恒久法を真剣に検討すべきだ。

Along with the development of the security legislation, the Guidelines for Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation that defines roles of Japanese and U.S. forces should be revised quickly.
　安保法制の整備に合わせて、自衛隊と米軍の役割分担などを定めた日米防衛協力の指針（ガイドライン）の改定も急ぎたい。

The relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station to Henoko in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, could be the only realistic option to reduce the burden on residents around the base while maintaining the deterrent power of the U.S. military. Despite opposition by Okinawa Gov. Takeshi Onaga, it is essential for the government and ruling parties to work together toward carrying out the relocation plan steadily.
　米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設は、米軍の抑止力を維持しつつ、基地周辺住民の負担を軽減する唯一の現実的な選択肢だ。沖縄県の翁長雄志知事は反対するが、政府・与党が一体となって辺野古移設を着実に進めることが大切だ。

Abe is considering a plan to visit the United States during a period of consecutive holidays in May. During a meeting with U.S. President Barack Obama, it will be important for Abe to discuss the Japan-U.S. alliance’s new roles in Asia and strategy vis-a-vis China.
　安倍首相は、５月の連休中の訪米を検討している。オバマ大統領との会談では、アジアにおける日米同盟の新たな役割や対中国戦略を語り合うことが重要である。

During their summit meeting in November, Abe and Chinese President Xi Jinping agreed to reconstruct a mutually beneficial relationship based on common strategic interests.
　首相は昨年１１月の中国の習近平国家主席との会談で、戦略的互恵関係の再構築で一致した。

To avoid unexpected accidents and clashes in the East China Sea, the two countries should, in the first place, reach agreement on the establishment and operation of a maritime liaison mechanism between their defense authorities. Practical cooperation must also be expanded in various fields, including the economy, energy and the environment.
　まずは、東シナ海での不測の事故や衝突を避けるため、防衛当局間の「海上連絡メカニズム」の合意、運用を急ぐべきだ。経済、エネルギー、環境など、様々な実務的な協力も拡大したい。

Undoubtedly, the Senkaku Islands are a territory inherent to Japan so there is no room for Japan to make concessions. It is imperative to refute adequately and promptly China’s anti-Japan propaganda, linking it with the historical perception issue.
　無論、尖閣諸島は日本固有の領土であり、日本側に譲歩の余地はない。歴史認識に絡めた中国の「反日宣伝」活動には、的確かつ早期に反論する必要がある。

There is concern that anti-Japan sentiment will also heighten in South Korea this year, which marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. It is not an easy task to break a stalemate in resolving the comfort women issue, on which South Korean President Park Geun-hye has stood firm.
　戦後７０年の今年は、韓国でも反日世論が高まる懸念がある。朴槿恵大統領が固執する慰安婦問題の打開は簡単ではない。

We suggest that Japan and South Korea, for the time being, try to find a path toward making the 50th anniversary of normalization of diplomatic relations fruitful by holding meetings of their foreign ministers and top leaders and bilateral talks on a regular basis.
　当面、日中韓の外相・首脳会談を早期に開催し、対話を重ねる中で、国交正常化５０年を実りあるものにする道を探ってはどうか。

Early abductee solution urged
　◆どうなる拉致再調査◆

Moves toward resolving the issue of Japanese nationals abducted to North Korea are entering a crucial stage. In July last year, North Korea launched a reinvestigation of Japanese abductees with completion targeted within a year. The government must press Pyongyang to provide information about the abductees promptly without allowing them to buy time.
　北朝鮮による日本人拉致問題の解決に向けた取り組みは、正念場を迎える。北朝鮮は昨年７月、１年をメドに拉致被害者らの再調査を始めた。政府は、北朝鮮に時間稼ぎを許さず、安否情報の速やかな通報を迫らねばならない。

Abe’s diplomacy is also being put to the test in connection with Japan-Russia relations. Russian President Vladimir Putin is scheduled to visit Japan this year. Russia’s serious confrontation with the United States and Europe has continued since its annexation of the Crimea Peninsula. Japan is urged to try to develop relations with Moscow while maintaining a cooperative relationship with the United States and Europe.
　日露関係でも安倍外交の真価が問われる。プーチン大統領は今年、来日する予定だ。クリミア半島編入では、ロシアと欧米との深刻な対立が続く。日本は、欧米との協調を維持しつつ、対露関係の進展を図ることが求められる。

Abe has toured 50 countries, a record number by an incumbent Japanese prime minister, in the past two years under the slogan of “developing diplomacy from global perspective.” It is laudable that Abe even visited countries of Africa and Central and South America to build personal relationships with their top leaders.
　安倍首相は「地球儀俯瞰ふかん外交」を掲げ、２年間で歴代最多の５０か国を訪問した。アフリカ、中南米にも足を運び、首脳らと個人的関係を築いたことは評価できる。

How has Japan progressed as a pacifist nation in the past 70 years? What role will Japan play on the basis of the Abe administration’s “tenet of proactive contribution to peace”? It will not be insignificant if Abe tells the international community his ideas about these matters in his own words.
　戦後７０年間、日本が平和国家としてどう歩んできたか。安倍政権の「積極的平和主義」に基づき、今後、どんな役割を果たしていくのか。こうした点について、首相が自らの言葉で国際社会に発信する意義は小さくない。

It is vital for Abe, with a long-term tenure in mind, to develop strategic diplomacy that sets a high value on the national interest.
　首相は、長期政権も視野に入れ、国益重視の戦略的な外交を展開することが肝要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 10, 2015)Speech

社説:安倍政治を問う アベノミクス

その昔、定期預金の金利が7％に届くような時代がありました。
10年間預けているだけで資金（原資、元手）が2倍くらいになりました。
こうして集められたお金には、労働の対価としての価値があります。
この価値ある資金を、やる気のある人たちに貸付け、それで事業を展開してもらう。
お金を借りるほうだって真剣なんです。
一生懸命働き、創意工夫をし、努力して、出来るだけ早く借金の返済をすませる。
銀行などの金融機関は数パーセントのマージンで営業できるし、景気がよくなればそれで利益までだせる。
好循環の典型なんです。

いまはどうでしょうか。
ゼロ金利が定着しています。マイナス金利だって発生しているありさまなんです。
日銀は黒田総裁になってから、中央銀行としての節操がなくなってしまいました。
いくらでも輪転機で紙幣を印刷してそれらを市場に流すのです。（限度はあります）
こちらのお金には残念ながら労働の対価としての価値がありません。
悪貨は良貨を駆逐する。今それが現実になされています。
借り手がいない（少ない）ので、いまでは、自分たちで国債を事実上無制限で引き受けたり、株式投資にうつつを抜かします。
将来の老齢年金支払い準備金270兆円にも手をつけるありさまです。

お金（貨幣、紙幣）は労働の対価として価値があるものでないと経済はなりたちません。
こんなやり方を続けていけばアメリカと同じ二の舞です。
大企業や、株式投資とかFX投資の勝ち組みが富裕層。
そして大半の庶民、高齢者は負け組みとなる構図なんです。
アベノミクスはこの2年間で事実上崩壊しています。
海外投資家と日銀介入による円安株高傾向なんですが、それで景気回復しているとうそぶいています。
円安は多くの国民にとって、ためにはなりません。
逆に円高は多くの国民にとって、とてもありがたいことなんです。

（スラチャイ）

November 22, 2014(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: 'Abenomics' will lose support if it relies on people's high expectations
社説:安倍政治を問う　アベノミクス

　◇期待頼みでは続かない

The high approval rating for the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is attributable largely to high expectations that the public has placed on Abenonics, the economic policy mix promoted by his administration. However, expectations are beginning to wane and doubts have been raised over the policy's effectiveness.

　安倍政権の高支持率を支えてきたものは、その経済政策「アベノミクス」への期待だったといえよう。だがその期待はしぼみ始め、効果に疑念が向けられつつある。

The Bank of Japan (BOJ) surveys members of the public once every three months over whether they are well off and also about their business confidence. The figure, which is calculated by subtracting the ratio of those who feel that economic conditions would be worse a year later from that of those who believe that economic conditions would be better, drastically improved, and turned positive in March 2013 after the Abe government was inaugurated. It was the first time in seven years that the figure was above zero.
　日銀が一般の国民に３カ月に１度、暮らし向きや景況感を尋ねるアンケートがある。１年後の景気が今より「良くなる」と答えた人の比率から「悪くなる」と答えた人の比率を引いた値が、安倍政権発足後の２０１３年３月調査で大きく改善し、７年ぶりにプラスとなった。

The figure slightly improved in the following survey before turning downwards. In September this year, the number plunged to levels almost equal to those when the now largest opposition Democratic Party of Japan (DPJ) was in power from September 2009 to December 2012. One cannot help but wonder why people are pessimistic about the economy.
　しかし３カ月後の調査でもう一段小幅改善した後は悪化を続け、今年９月には政権発足以来最低、民主党政権時代と変わらない水準まで落ち込んだ。背景に何があるのか。

　◇広がらない恩恵

The Abe government, which was launched in late 2012, has placed top priority on overcoming prolonged deflation. His administration attempted to drastically reverse the pessimism prevailing in society as well as people's negative business sentiment by setting a goal of a 2 percent annual inflation rate, pressuring the BOJ to carry out an unprecedented quantitative monetary easing policy and dramatically improving Japan's financial markets.
　１２年末、安倍政権は「デフレからの脱却」を最優先課題にスタートした。物価上昇目標を「２％」と明示し、過去にないスケールの金融緩和を日銀に実施させ、市場を大きく動かすことで、世の中の空気、人々の心理を一気に変えようと試みた。

The foreign exchange market reacted sensitively to the move. The dollar, which stood at the 79-yen level two years ago, is now about 118 yen. Led by the weaker yen, share prices at the Tokyo Stock Exchange steadily rose, giving the public the impression that the economic situation has changed.
　顕著に反応したのは為替相場だ。２年前に１ドル＝７９円台だった円相場は最近では１１８円台である。円安に導かれ、東京市場の株価もぐんぐん上昇を続けた。「これまでとは違う」という空気が広がった。

In fact, numerous people increased their wealth. According to reports released last month by Capgemini, one of the world's largest consulting companies, and the Royal Bank of Canada, the country's largest bank, the combined total value of assets held by wealthy individuals with disposable assets of over 1 million dollars increased most steeply in Japan of all Asian countries last year. The amount rose 24 percent from a year earlier to reach 5.5 trillion dollars, or approximately 640 trillion yen. This is mainly attributable to a sharp rise in share prices.
　実際に富を増やした人も少なくない。世界的大手コンサルティング会社、キャップジェミニとカナダの最大手銀行、カナダロイヤル銀行が先月公表したリポートによると、売却可能な資産が１００万ドルを超える個人富裕層の総資産がアジアで昨年最も増加した国は日本だった。前年より２４％増え、５兆５０００億ドル（約６４０兆円）に達したという。株高の貢献が大きい。

However, Abenomics has had a negative impact on most ordinary citizens, particularly low-income earners, because the declining value of the yen caused commodity prices to rise. Increases in wages for workers are not enough to make up for rises in consumer prices in addition to the consumption tax hike.
　しかし多くの国民、特に低所得者層にとってアベノミクスは、円安が招く物価高といった負の影響が大きい。消費増税による価格上昇に終わらず、値上げが波状的に押し寄せ、賃金の上昇はそれに追いつかない。

Some large companies have benefited from the devaluation of the yen while smaller businesses have been hit hard by the weaker currency. Toyota Motor Corp., which benefits by 40 billion yen a year if the value of the dollar rises by 1 yen, projects that its net profit will surpass 2 trillion yen this business year for the first time in its history. However, the devaluation of the yen deals a serious blow to small and medium-sized manufacturers because it pushes up the costs of procuring raw materials and parts.
　企業の間でも明暗は分かれる。１ドルあたり１円の円安で年間４００億円の利益が上乗せされるというトヨタ自動車は今年度の最終利益が初めて２兆円を突破する見通しだ。だが、製造業でも多くの中小零細企業にとって円安は原材料や部品のコストを押し上げ、むしろマイナスに働く。

According to a survey conducted recently by the Osaka Chamber of Commerce and Industry, 54.5 percent of member manufacturers responded that they will be adversely affected if the dollar remains at about 110-yen levels, while only 7.4 percent replied that they will benefit from such a low value of the currency.
　大阪商工会議所が製造業の会員企業に円安について聞いたところ、１ドル＝１１０円程度の水準が続いた場合、「プラス面の影響が大きい」とした企業が７．４％だったのに対し、「マイナス面の影響が大きい」と答えた企業は５４．５％を占めた。

The Abe government worked out a scenario in which everybody would be wealthier due to the effects of Abenomics. Actually, however, only a handful of large companies and individuals have become far wealthier thanks to Abenonics while others have not benefited from the economic policy. This is apparently because the government relies heavily on the central bank's ultra-easy money policy, which is the first arrow of Abenomics, and the use of taxpayers' money to finance economic stimulus measures, which is the second arrow, as well as purchases by the Government Pension Investment Fund, the world's largest pension fund, of a massive amount of shares. What happened to the strategy of structural reforms to support growth, which is the third arrow?
　一部の「勝ち組」に、大多数の「恩恵感じず組」。アベノミクスのシナリオでは、次第に恩恵が波及し、みんなが豊かになるはずだが、そうなっていない。第一の矢である異例の金融緩和、第二の矢の財政支援、それに世界最大の年金基金、年金積立金管理運用独立行政法人（ＧＰＩＦ）による株式購入など、大量の公的資金にモノを言わせる手段に頼りきっているからではないか。

　◇「３本目の矢」はどこに

There are more fundamental problems.
　より根源的な問題もある。

The basic physical strength of the economy, which is indispensable for economic growth, has declined significantly because of a decrease in the working population as well as other factors.
働く世代の人口減などを背景に成長の基礎体力が極端に低下してしまったことだ。

The government will find no solutions if it is to take makeshift steps such as countermeasures against the yen's devaluation, without addressing such structural problems.
そうした構造的変化に着目せず、円安対策など場当たり的に対応しても解決にはなるまい。

Unless drastic reforms with long-lasting effects, such as technological innovation and fundamental changes in the way people work, are carried out, the government must implement additional stimulus measures whenever the effects of previous measures have weakened.
　技術革新や働き方の改革など、効果が長続きする変化が起きなければ、刺激薬の効力が弱まるたびに、追加投与せざるを得なくなる。

Even though it has become clear that Abenomics has its limits, Prime Minister Abe claims that "the three arrows of the economic policy are steadily producing results," and that he will ask the public if the government should continue the policy mix through the Dec. 14 general election.
　限界が見えてきたが、安倍晋三首相は「三本の矢の経済政策は確実に成果を上げつつある」と主張し、継続すべきか否かを選挙で国民に問うと言う。

However, it is problematic for the prime minister to seek a public response to Abenomics in this way.
だが「アベノミクス」をひとくくりに評価を仰ぐのは問題だ。

There are fundamental differences between the first two arrows and the strategy of structural reforms to support growth, which is the third arrow.
最初の２本（日銀の大規模緩和と従来型の財政支出）と３本目（成長戦略）には、根本的な違いがある。

The first two arrows are aimed at quickly reaping benefits while disregarding their costs, negative effects and risks involved. In contrast, the third arrow involves difficulties such as breaking down regulations and intensifying competition, but can produce sustainable effects.
　最初の２本は、そのコストや弊害、リスクにとりあえず目をつぶり最初に手っ取り早く果実を得ようという発想で、３本目は、初めに岩盤規制を崩す苦労や新たな競争による痛みを伴うが、後々、収穫が持続的に期待できるという性質のものだ。

The Abe government has implemented only the first two arrows. In particular, the first arrow, quantitative easing, has actually been done by the BOJ rather than the administration. It appears as if the government evoked a feeling of hope among the public as well as market players with the first arrow and implemented the second after hope began to wane.
　安倍政権が実行したのは最初の２本、とりわけ１本目の、政権自らというより日銀に任せた量的緩和である。そこで人々や市場の期待に訴えかけ、期待が陰り始めると同じ２本を再び射ようという戦略に見える。

The Abe administration does not appear truly serious about eliminating vested interests or encouraging enthusiastic people or businesses to enter sectors that had been regulated, although it has listed up specific programs in its policy.
　肝心の３本目はどうか。メニューは並べたものの、本気で既得権益にメスを入れ、やる気のある人や企業の参入を後押ししようとしているようには見えない。

This is the case with agricultural reforms and measures to encourage women to play more active roles in society.
農協改革しかり、女性の活躍推進しかり、だ。

Through the campaign for the lower house election that kicks off on Dec. 2, the ruling and opposition parties should clarify whether the government will continue to rely on the first and second arrows that are quick-fix solutions to evoke a feeling of hope among voters or get ready to face obstacles and implement the third arrow.
　この先も手っ取り早い第一、第二の矢頼みで期待をあおっていくのか、それとも困難を覚悟で第三の矢中心に転換するのか−−。選挙戦を通じ、明らかにしてほしい。

　　　　　　　◇

　衆院が解散され、選挙戦が事実上始まった。私たちが最大の争点と考える「安倍政治」についてシリーズで点検する。

毎日新聞　2014年11月22日　02時30分

（社説）衆院選 首相の増税先送り 「いきなり解散」の短絡

二年前民主党に見切りをつけて自民党に乗り換えたのは正解だったと思います。
ただ見込み違いがひとつだけありました。
自民党にもたくさん派閥があります。
リフレ派が自民党の主導権をにぎったのが悲劇の始まりなんです。

どこまでも円安思考の、大企業と富裕層向けのスキームで、庶民が輸入物価高でどんなに苦しくなろうと、それは日本経済のためになるとうそぶき知らん顔（売国奴黒田日銀総裁）。
これでは国民の大多数を占める庶民はたまったものではありません。

未曾有の少子高齢化社会に突入している日本です。
なぜ毎年毎年2%の物価高をめざすのでしょうか？
それよりも為替レートの安定、ひいては輸入物価の安定を願います。
多くの国民の願いではないでしょうか。

日本はアメリカ式の金融緩和政策を輸入しているわけですが、その規模はGDP比率でアメリカをしのぎます。
アメリカ株式市場はやっと景気回復を果たしていますが、100年に一度とも称される貧富の差を生んでしまいました。

お金がすべて。
そんなつまらない世の中、社会構造を造りだすアベノミクスに反対します。
アベノミクスは欧米ではバンザイノミクスという蔑称をもらっています。
おろかな政策なんです。
（スラチャイ）

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 19
EDITORIAL: Abe's patently self-serving, short-circuited election move
（社説）衆院選　首相の増税先送り　「いきなり解散」の短絡

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Nov. 18 announced he will postpone the additional consumption tax hike scheduled for October next year and dissolve the Lower House on Nov. 21.
　安倍首相が、来年１０月に予定されていた消費税率再引き上げの先送りと、２１日の衆院解散を表明した。

The latest economic figures, released on Nov. 17, showed Japan’s real gross domestic product had shrunk by 1.6 percent in annualized terms, which was a lot worse than what private-sector analysts had projected.
　おととい発表された直近の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の実質成長率は、年率換算で１・６％の減。事前の民間予測を大きく下回った。

“After 15 years of struggling with deflation, we cannot possibly let go of our chances of overcoming it,” Abe said. But, referring to the 18-month delay, he stated unequivocally that this will be the last time the consumption tax hike will be postponed, and that the public will be the judge of his policy change in the upcoming snap election.
　首相はこれを受け「１５年間苦しんできたデフレから脱却するチャンスを手放すわけにはいかない」と判断。ただ、１８カ月間の先送り後の再延期はないと断言し、その政策変更の是非を総選挙で問うという。

The GDP decline for the second consecutive quarter was certainly shocking. But if the consumption tax hike has to be delayed because of the economic downturn, all that needs to be done is to amend the consumption tax hike law, and this has the support of the leading opposition Democratic Party of Japan.
　確かに２期連続のマイナス成長はショッキングだ。ただ、もとより景気悪化による増税の先送りは消費増税法を改正すれば認められるし、民主党もその判断は受け入れている。

Right now, the Abe administration ought to be focused entirely on revising the law through Diet deliberations and finessing his Abenomics package of growth policies to correct its inherent flaws.
　国会審議をへて法改正し、アベノミクスの足らざる部分を補う。安倍政権がまず全力で取り組むべきことである。

But without doing any of that, the administration has abruptly decided to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election. We can only conclude that the administration has some hidden political motive of its own.
　その努力をする前のいきなりの衆院解散は、短絡に過ぎる。別の政治的打算が隠されていると考えざるを得ない。

JUSTIFICATION FOR SNAP ELECTION?
　●解散に理はあるか

Stressing the rationale for dissolving the Lower House, Abe noted at a news conference on Nov. 18: “Why was the DPJ routed (in the election) two years ago? That was because the party decided to raise the consumption tax without holding an election, despite having never mentioned (the tax hike) in its campaign statement.”
　首相はきのうの記者会見で、「なぜ２年前、民主党が大敗したのか。マニフェストに書いてない消費税引き上げを、国民の信を問うことなく行ったからだ」と解散の意義を強調した。

In the 2009 Lower House election campaign, the DPJ promised not to raise the consumption tax, and came into power. But failing to generate new revenue sources, the DPJ was forced to switch policies, which caused the party to implode and be trounced in the last Lower House election.
　民主党は０９年の衆院選で消費増税はしないと訴え、政権を奪った。ところが新たな財源を生み出せずに政策転換に追い込まれ、党の分裂と前回衆院選での大敗を招いた。

Abe was correct in his analysis of the DPJ’s blunder. But this is irrelevant to his decision to hold an election.
　民主党の失敗についての首相の見方はその通りだろう。だが、今回の首相の姿勢とは同列には論じられない。

In what situations is the prime minister justified to exercise his prerogative to dissolve the Lower House? The general understanding is that in one such case, an issue that was a nonissue during the election campaign suddenly emerges as a contentious topic.
　首相の解散権行使が理にかなうのはどういう場合か。前の選挙では意識されなかった争点が浮上した時、

Another is when a confrontation between the prime minister and the Diet is beyond remedy.
または首相と国会との対立が抜き差しならなくなった時というのが、一般的な考え方だ。

Does either of these cases apply now?
　今回はどうか。

The consumption tax hike law, which is based on an agreement in summer 2012 among the DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito on the so-called integrated social security and tax reforms, provides for tax hikes in two stages as well as for a postponement of an increase in the event of an economic downturn.
１２年夏の「社会保障と税の一体改革」の民主、自民、公明の３党合意に基づく消費増税法は、２段階の消費税率引き上げを定めつつ、景気が悪化した時の先送り条項も設けている。

After Abe became leader of the opposition LDP, he and then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda promised that the three parties would commit themselves to “painful reforms,” such as reducing the number of Diet seats, in exchange for making the public bear a heavier cost burden. This was a focal issue in the 2012 Lower House election, which returned the LDP and its junior coalition partner, Komeito, to power.
　３党がそろって国民に負担増を求める代わりに、定数削減などの「身を切る改革」を断行する――。安倍氏と当時の野田首相とのこの約束が問われた２年前の衆院選で、自公両党は政権に復帰した。

After the coalition gained control of both chambers of the Diet in the Upper House election last summer, the Abe administration has since enjoyed stable government, and Abe reshuffled his Cabinet only as recently as in September. And yet, he is “sacking” all the Lower House legislators, who still have more than half their term left, before reducing the seats.
　昨夏の参院選でねじれも解消し、首相の政権基盤は安定している。９月に内閣改造もしたばかりだ。それでも任期４年の折り返しにもいたらぬ衆院議員の身を切る前に「首を切る」。

The order is back-to-front.
あべこべではないか。

TAKING ADVANTAGE OF PEOPLE'S WILL
　●国民の思い逆手に

A tax hike is a painful option for the people as well as their elected representatives.
　増税は、政治家にも国民にもつらい選択である。

Revenues generated by the consumption tax hike will be used for social security spending on such things as child-care support and pension payments that are relevant to virtually all citizens. But even then, it is only natural for people not to want a tax hike.
　消費増税で得られる財源は、子育てや年金などほぼすべての国民に関係する社会保障関係費にあてられる。それがわかっていても、「増税はいや」というのは自然な感情だ。

In fact, an Asahi Shimbun opinion poll conducted earlier this month found 67 percent of the respondents against the tax hike scheduled for October 2015. At the same time, 66 percent of the respondents also said they were worried that not raising the tax would have negative consequences on the social security system. The numbers reveal the public’s conflicted feelings.
　実際、今月の朝日新聞の世論調査では、来年１０月の税率引き上げには６７％が反対と答えた。同時に、それで社会保障に悪影響が出ることを不安に感じると答えた人が６６％もいる。国民の複雑な思いを表した数字だ。

If the consumption tax is to be the sole focus of the snap election, voters will be less motivated to vote against the prime minister’s decision, and even less so if he promotes an economic improvement package at the same time.
　仮に消費税だけが問われる選挙なら、有権者が首相の判断を覆す一票を投じる動機は弱くなる。「景気対策」という名の付録がつけばなおさらだ。

If Abe is aware of all this and still wants the public to vote on whether to postpone the tax hike or not, he cannot escape being criticized as a populist.
　それを知りつつ、あえて先送りの是非を問うなら、ポピュリズムとの批判はまぬがれない。

Dissolving the Lower House for a snap election can be justified only when the forces demanding financial reconstruction make it impossible to revise the consumption tax hike law to delay the tax hike.
　財政再建を重視する勢力の反対で、増税先送りの法改正はできそうにないという状況になって、初めて衆院解散の理屈が立つというものだ。

ABE'S REAL MOTIVE
　●「信を問う」の本音は

In the process of deliberating the state secrets protection bill last year, as well as when Japan’s participation in collective self-defense was under discussion this past summer, Abe did not even pretend to seek the judgment of the people on these issues, even though these had everything to do with freedom of expression, pacifism and other values entrenched in the Constitution. Moreover, many citizens were vehemently opposed to the Abe administration’s position on these issues.
　首相は昨年の特定秘密保護法案の審議や今夏の集団的自衛権の容認をめぐる議論の過程では、国民の審判を仰ぐそぶりすら見せなかった。
　表現の自由や平和主義という憲法価値の根幹にかかわり、多くの国民が反対した問題であるにもかかわらずだ。

Having refused to let the people weigh in on these highly divisive issues, Abe now invites them to weigh in on whether to postpone the unpopular consumption tax hike. Politics always contains an element of power struggle, but what Abe is doing is patently self-serving.
　国論を二分する争点は素通りし、有権者の耳にやさしい「負担増の先送り」で信を問う。政治には権力闘争の側面があるにせよ、あまりに都合のよい使い分けではないか。

When changing the government's interpretation of the Constitution was the subject of debate during the last ordinary session of the Diet, Abe stated: “The ultimate responsibility lies with me. Based on this fact, we will let the public judge in an election.” These words revealed his pathetic misunderstanding of democracy, as if he thinks he can do anything so long as he wins an election.
　首相は先の通常国会で、憲法解釈の変更について「最高の責任者は私だ。そのうえで私たちは選挙で国民の審判を受ける」と答弁した。「選挙で勝てば何でもできる」と言わんばかりの乱暴な民主主義観である。

From now until next year, the Abe administration will be tackling even more divisive issues, such as restarting nuclear reactors and preparing laws to enable Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
　来年にかけて安倍政権は、原発の再稼働や集団的自衛権の行使容認に伴う法整備など、賛否がより分かれる課題に取り組もうとしている。

Before starting debate on these highly sensitive issues, why not get an election over and done with to secure a new, four-year mandate that will give the administration free hand in governance.
　世論の抵抗がより強いこれらの議論に入る前に選挙をすませ、新たな４年の任期で「何でもできる」フリーハンドを確保しておきたい――。

This is what Abe has in mind--and voters must know it.
　そんな身勝手さに、有権者も気づいているにちがいない。

社説:景気とアベノミクス 首相戦略の誤算と限界

November 18, 2014(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: GDP preliminary figures show 'Abenomics' has reached its limit
社説:景気とアベノミクス　首相戦略の誤算と限界

Preliminary figures released on Nov. 17 show Japan's gross domestic product (GDP) for the July-September quarter declined at an annualized rate of 1.6 percent from the previous quarter, falling for two consecutive quarters. 　７〜９月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の速報値は、年率で前期比１・６％減で、２四半期連続の減少だった。

Consumer spending has not recovered sufficiently from a sharp drop following the consumption tax increase in April 2014 while capital investment remains sluggish.
個人消費が４月の消費増税の反動減から回復が遅れ、設備投資も低迷している。

Since it has become clear that Japan's domestic demand is slumping, the possibility cannot be ruled out that the economy has slowed down and even slipped into a recessionary phase.
国内需要の不振が鮮明となっており、景気は失速し、後退局面に入った可能性もある。

The latest GDP reflects problems involving "Abenomics," the economic policy mix promoted by the government of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. It is essential to thoroughly analyze the cause of the economic slump and its causes in an effort to ascertain problems with this policy.
　安倍晋三政権が進めてきた経済政策、アベノミクスにとって誤算が相次いでいる。それが今回のＧＤＰの数値になって表れた。政策の限界はどこに見えているのか。景気低迷の原因と背景を徹底分析することが必要になる。

　◇家計への配慮足りず

The contraction of GDP is attributable primarily to a long delay in the recovery of consumer spending. Consumer spending fell 5 percent in the April-June period from the previous quarter, showing a rebound from last-minute demand before the tax hike. The figure only rose 0.4 percent in the July-September period. Pricey goods, such as automobiles and electric appliances, were not selling well over the last quarter.
　ＧＤＰが落ち込んだ最大の原因は、消費の回復が大きく遅れていることだ。消費増税前の駆け込み需要の反動で、個人消費は４〜６月期に前期比５％減と大きく落ち込んだが、７〜９月期も０・４％増にとどまった。自動車や家電など価格が高めの商品の販売が振るわない。

The government and the Bank of Japan (BOJ) have set an inflation target of 2 percent a year in a bid to overcome prolonged deflation. The value of the yen has declined sharply as a result of the central bank's ultra-easy money policy, which is regarded as the "first arrow" of Abenomics, as a result of which the prices of imported goods, particularly foodstuffs, have increased. Although consumer prices have risen, they were caused merely by increases in the prices of raw materials. This problem underlies sluggish consumer spending.
　政府、日銀はデフレ脱却に向け２％の物価上昇を目標としてきた。アベノミクスの第一の矢である異次元の金融緩和で、円安が進み、食材を中心に輸入品の値上がりが続いた。物価は上がったが、原料価格上昇で実現した「悪い物価上昇」だ。これが消費不振の底流にある。

Corporate performances, mainly those of export-oriented businesses, have recovered, causing employees' salaries and bonuses to increase. However, since these wage increases are not enough to make up for rises in commodity prices and the consumption tax raise, workers' real earnings have rather decreased. Such being the case, consumers have held their purse strings tight.
　円安で輸出産業を中心に企業業績は回復し、給料やボーナスは上向いた。ただ、値上げと消費増税の分には追いつかず、給料は目減りしている。中小や零細企業は賃金もなかなか上がらない。こうした影響で消費者は財布のヒモを締めている。

The value of the yen has further fallen as a result of the BOJ additionally relaxing its monetary grip at the end of October. As a result, the prices of spaghetti, instant noodles and frozen foods as well as other foodstuffs will rise toward the end of this year, raising fears that the slump in consumer spending will be prolonged.
　１０月末の日銀の追加金融緩和で、円安は一段と進んでいる。来年にかけてスパゲティ、カップめん、冷凍食品などの値上げが目白押しだ。消費の低迷が長引く可能性もある。

When the consumption tax was raised from 5 percent to 8 percent this past April, the government stopped short of introducing lower tax rates for daily necessities such as foodstuffs and failed to implement effective policy measures to financially support consumers, particularly low-income earners, which is responsible for the recent slump in consumer spending.
　４月の消費増税時に、食料品など生活必需品への軽減税率の導入が見送られるなど、低所得者や家計に配慮する政策は後回しにされてきた。そのツケが回ってきたと言える。

The Abe administration did not predict that corporate investment in factories and equipment would fall for two consecutive quarters and still remains sluggish.
　設備投資が２四半期連続で減少し、低迷していることも安倍政権にとって大きな誤算だ。

Under Abenomics, the government places top priority on boosting corporate profits. The government explained to the public that recovery in companies' business performances would increase capital investment and wages, which would in turn put the economy on a track of full-scale recovery.
　アベノミクスは、企業の収益を引き上げることを優先課題としてきた。業績が回復すれば設備投資と賃金が増え、経済が本格的な回復軌道に進むと説明されてきた。

Japan's exports have not grown despite the declining value of the yen, which is supposed to be beneficial to exporters. This is attributable largely to a decline in the international competitiveness of Japanese manufactured goods and Japanese manufacturers' shift of their factories overseas in efforts to reduce expenses. As a result, manufacturers' output has failed to increase, preventing them from increasing their investment in factories and equipment.
　輸出企業に有利な円安が続いているにもかかわらず、輸出は伸び悩んでいる。日本の製造業の製品の国際競争力の低下や、コスト削減を狙った工場の海外移転が背景にある。この結果、企業の生産が伸びず、設備投資に結びついていない。

The government and the BOJ have drawn up a scenario in which a rise in commodity prices would encourage companies to increase their capital investment in anticipation of future inflation. However, this scenario has not come true because companies are hesitant to increase their capital investment in Japan whose population is decreasing.
　政府・日銀は、物価が上昇軌道に乗れば将来のインフレを見越して設備投資は加速するとの道筋を描いていた。だが、そうした動きは広がっていない。人口が減っている国内への投資拡大に企業は慎重なためだ。

Listed companies' performances are relatively brisk on the whole. Such companies' mid-term accounts that ended in September show that their sales figures rose about 5 percent from the corresponding period of last year and their pretax profits increased roughly 10 percent from a year earlier. Their sales figures and profits have returned to levels seen shortly before the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008.
　上場企業の業績は全体としては好調だ。９月中間決算の集計を見ると、売上高が前年同期比約５％増、経常利益も同１０％程度増えており、２００８年のリーマン・ショック直前の好景気の水準に回復している。

However, most of these companies enjoying good performances are in export-oriented industries, such as the automobile, electronics and machinery sectors. In contrast, paper manufacturers and oil wholesalers suffered sharp falls in their profits because of the declining value of the yen.
　ただ、好業績は、自動車、電機、機械など製造業の輸出産業に偏っている。一方で、製紙会社や石油元売りは円安が逆風となり大幅減益に陥っている。

Non-manufacturers including wholesalers and retailers have been adversely affected by a sharp fall in domestic demand.
小売り、卸売りを中心とする非製造業も、国内需要の落ち込みの影響を受け苦戦している。

It has long been pointed out that the gap between large companies and small and medium-sized businesses has widened, but the gap between major enterprises is also expanding.
これまで、大企業と中小企業の格差が広がったと言われてきたが、大企業間の格差も拡大している。

　◇空回りした成長戦略

Under a growth strategy, which is regarded as the third arrow of Abenomics, the government is set to significantly slash corporate taxes and carry out dramatic deregulation in specially designated zones.
　アベノミクスの第三の矢「成長戦略」で、法人税の大幅引き下げや国家戦略特区での大胆な規制緩和が打ち出された。

Prime Minister Abe regards such specially designated zones for deregulation as "drills that break bedrock regulations," and is emphasizing that the government will concentrate funds, human resources and companies in these zones to play a leading role in revitalizing the economy.
安倍首相は特区を「岩盤規制を打破するドリル」と位置づけ、資金、人材、企業を集めて経済再生を主導すると力を込めた。

Despite his enthusiasm, the government has failed to map out specific measures that would encourage businesses to invest in such zones. As such, expectations the public has placed on such special zones have waned.
しかし、意気込みとは裏腹に、企業の投資を呼び込むような具体策は見えておらず、期待感はしぼんでいる。

The use of additional taxpayers' money to implement economic stimulus measures, which is the second arrow of Abenomics, has not produced the intended results.
　アベノミクスの第二の矢である「財政出動」の効果にも誤算が生じている。

The Abe government implemented a 5.5-trillion-yen supplementary budget for fiscal 2013 to offset the impact caused by the consumption tax increase in April this year. Some 1 trillion yen was allocated from the extra budget for public works projects, which the government claimed would be effective in boosting the economy.
安倍政権は、４月の消費増税の影響を下支えする経済対策として、歳出総額５・５兆円の１３年度補正予算を執行し、即効性があるとして公共事業に１兆円を注ぎ込んだ。

However, serious doubts remain as to whether these projects have helped prop up the economy amid a shortage of workers and sharp rises in the prices of construction materials.
しかし、人手不足と資材高騰の中で、景気浮揚効果に広がりがあったかというと疑問だ。

The Abe administration is set to dissolve the House of Representatives to call a snap general election by the end of this year to ask voters if they support the government.
　安倍政権は国民の信を問うため、衆院を解散し、総選挙を実施するという。

However, questions have been raised even from within the ruling coalition as to whether it is the right time to call a general election.
だが、「解散すべき時なのか」との疑問の声が与党内からも上がっている。

If the lower house is to be dissolved for a general election, it would delay the compilation of the fiscal 2015 state budget by nearly a month.
　解散・総選挙を行えば来年度当初予算案の編成は１カ月近く遅れる。

The government claims that it will put priority on implementing a supplementary budget for the current fiscal year. 政府は今年度補正予算を先行するというが、

However, rather than implementing an extra budget in a hasty bid to boost the economy, the government should scrutinize problems involving its economic policy.
補正予算で慌てて景気をテコ入れするよりも、政策の誤算と限界を精査、検証すべきだ。

The government should then gauge the impact of rises in commodity prices on consumers and shift its policy into one aimed at boosting consumer spending while paying close attention to low income earners and non-regular workers. そして、物価高で賃金が目減りしている影響の大きさをはかり、低所得層や非正規労働者に目配りして消費を喚起する政策に軸足を移すべきではないか。

The time is ripe for the government to compile a fiscal 2015 budget while working out effective measures to ensure economic recovery.
景気への処方箋をきちんと描きつつ、当初予算案を編成する時だ。

Prime Minister Abe is set to postpone another consumption tax increase from 8 percent to 10 percent scheduled for October 2015.
　安倍首相は、景気情勢を踏まえ来年１０月の消費税の再増税を先送りする方針だ。

However, it remains unchanged that a tax hike is inevitable to prevent Japan from passing on its debts to future generations and to establish a sustainable social security system.
ただ、将来世代へのツケ回しをやめ、持続的な社会保障制度を構築するには、増税が避けて通れない道であることに変わりはない。

毎日新聞　2014年11月18日　東京朝刊

社説:辺野古移設に審判 白紙に戻して再交渉を

November 17, 2014(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Return Futenma base relocation negotiations to square one
社説:辺野古移設に審判　白紙に戻して再交渉を

Public opposition within Okinawa Prefecture to the planned relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma to the city of Nago in the prefecture is never likely to wilt.
　米軍普天間飛行場（沖縄県宜野湾市）の名護市辺野古への移設に反対する地元の民意はもう後戻りしないだろう。

In the Okinawa gubernatorial election on Nov. 16, former Naha Mayor Takeshi Onaga defeated incumbent Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima, who had approved the government's application for a landfill project to build a replacement facility for the Futenma base in the Henoko district of Nago. His landslide victory denied Nakaima a third term in office.
沖縄県知事選で、翁長雄志（おながたけし）前那覇市長が３選を目指す仲井真弘多（ひろかず）知事らを破り初当選した。１月の名護市長選に引き続き、またも移設反対派が、安倍政権の全面支援を受けた推進派を退けたことになる。

Relocation of the base to Henoko stood as the primary issue in the election, and locals clearly voiced their opinion. Both politically and morally, it seems impossible for the central government to go ahead with the relocation as it stands. The government should return the relocation plans to the drawing board and resume negotiations with the U.S. government.
　辺野古移設を最大の争点にした選挙でこれだけ明確な民意が示された以上、政府が移設を推進することは、政治的にも道義的にも不可能だろう。政府は移設計画を白紙に戻し、米政府と再交渉すべきだ。

　◇本土と沖縄に深刻な溝

Onaga's latest victory carries more weight than in previous gubernatorial elections.
　翁長氏の勝利は、過去の知事選に比べてもとりわけ重い意味を持つ。

This is because rather than engaging in a battle between conservatives and reformists, Onaga defined it as one between Okinawa and mainland Japan.
　沖縄の知事選で初めて保革対決が崩れ、翁長氏が「沖縄対本土」という対立構図を強調する中で勝利したからだ。

Onaga is a mainstay in Okinawa's conservative political world.
翁長氏は沖縄保守政界の重鎮だ。

Yet in the Nov. 16 election, some conservative local politicians were able to join hands with the Japanese Communist Party, Social Democratic Party and other reformist parties to support Onaga, and he defeated Nakaima, who had been backed by the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and other groups.
保守系地方議員の一部や共産、社民両党など革新政党が支援して保革共闘ができ、自民党などの推薦を受けた仲井真氏に勝った。

Two slogans emerged as part of Onaga's public pledge to oppose construction of a new base: "All Okinawa" and "Identity rather than ideology." These phrases encompass the following about the situation and the people of Okinawa. The message they are saying is:
　翁長氏の公約「新基地建設反対」の合言葉は、「オール沖縄」「イデオロギーよりアイデンティティー」だった。そこには次のような意味が込められている。

"The system of the Japan-U.S. security pact is understandable, but we want all of Japan to bear the burden of Japan's security. It is unreasonable for Okinawa, which comprises just 0.6 percent of Japan's total land area, to house 74 percent of U.S. military facilities. Is this not a form of structural discrimination?
　＜日米安保体制は理解するが、日本の安全保障は日本全体で負担してほしい。国土面積の０・６％しかない沖縄に在日米軍専用施設の７４％が集中しているのは理不尽で、沖縄への構造的差別ではないか。

"It is mistaken to think that Okinawa could not survive economically without military bases. Base-related revenue has fallen to 5 percent of Okinawa's total. As it stands, the bases represent the single biggest obstacle to Okinawa's economic development.
　沖縄は基地経済がないと立ちゆかないという見方は誤りで、基地関連収入が県経済に占める割合は現在では５％に減った。基地は今や沖縄経済発展の最大の阻害要因だ。

"The process of splitting up into leftists and rightists and conservative and reformist camps over the military base issue, and pressuring parties to decide between bases or the economy represents an old-fashioned way of thinking. 　基地をはさんで左右や保革に分かれたり、基地か経済かの二者択一を迫ったりするのは、旧態依然の古い発想だ。

The base issue is no longer one of ideology.
基地問題はもうイデオロギーではない。

Okinawa's identity is the issue, and we will decide on Okinawa's future by ourselves."
沖縄のアイデンティティーの問題であり、沖縄の将来は自分たちの手で決める＞

Onaga's victory raises serious questions for the Japanese government and each person in mainland Japan.
　翁長氏の勝利は、日本政府と本土の一人一人に根本的な疑問を突きつける。

Why don't people understand or have any interest in Okinawa's current situation?
なぜ沖縄の現状に無理解で無関心なのか。

Why isn't the public will of the people in Okinawa being faced seriously?
なぜ沖縄の民意に真剣に向き合わないのか。

Doesn't this run counter to democracy?
それは民主主義にもとるのではないか、と。

If the central government ignores the results of the latest election and goes ahead with the relocation as planned, the gap between mainland Japan and Okinawa will only widen, and could produce a decisive rift.
　政府が今回の選挙結果を無視し、移設を強行すれば、本土と沖縄の溝はますます深まり、亀裂が決定的になりかねない。

Okinawa cannot accept an excessive burden of hosting military bases while feeling that it is being discriminated against.
沖縄が不当に差別されているという感情を抱えたまま、過重な基地負担を引き受けられるものではない。

Conflicting positions are certain to destabilize the Japan-U.S. security alliance.
この矛盾は日米安保体制を確実に不安定化させるだろう。

The central government has direct control over security, but this doesn't mean that it can disregard the will of the people.
　安全保障は国の専管事項だが、それは地元の意向を勘案しなくていいという意味ではない。

If security policies don't win understanding from locals or the public as a whole, then they will not stand.
地元をはじめ国民全体の理解がなければ安全保障政策など成り立たない。

In situations like this, in which central government policy and the will of the people clash, the government should make an effort to close the divide. However, it has not sufficiently fulfilled its responsibility in this regard.
今回のように国の方針と地元の民意が対立した場合、政府は両者の溝を埋める努力をすべきだが、責任を十分に果たしてこなかった。

On the contrary, Onaga's victory was fueled by intense anger from people in Okinawa over the way the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has proceeded in connection with the Futenma base issue.
　それどころか翁長氏の勝利を後押ししたのは、安倍政権の普天間問題の進め方に対する沖縄の人々の激しい怒りだった。

Nakaima was elected in the previous gubernatorial election after promising to relocate the Futenma base outside Okinawa Prefecture.
仲井真氏は前回知事選では県外移設を公約して再選された。

But at the end of last year, he approved the central government's application to proceed with landfill work off Henoko in recognition of the government's economic stimulus measures -- a violation of his public pledge.
だが昨年末、仲井真氏は政府の経済振興策などを評価し公約に反する形で辺野古埋め立てを承認した。

The pride of the people in Okinawa was hurt by the central government's tactics, under which the government appeared to think it could win Okinawa over if it provided money in the form of stimulus measures.
この過程で振興策というカネさえ積めば沖縄を懐柔できると考えているかのような政府のやり方に、沖縄の人々は誇りを傷つけられた。

　◇米国内にも計画に異論

With the problem having become so complicated, it is unrealistic to adhere to the current relocation plans.
　ここまで問題がこじれた以上、現行の移設計画に固執するのは現実的ではない。

This summer, the central government started a drilling survey on the seabed off the coast of the Henoko district in line with its land refill plans. It has indicated that it will go ahead with the relocation to Henoko regardless of the latest election results, but the survey should be called off.
政府は今夏、辺野古沿岸部の埋め立てに向けた海底ボーリング調査を開始し、選挙結果にかかわらず移設を推進する方針を示しているが、調査を中止すべきだ。

However, if the Henoko relocation plans are taken back to the drawing board, this must not result in the Futenma base being left where it is.
　ただし、辺野古の白紙化を普天間の固定化につなげてはならない。

The whole point of the Futenma relocation is to remove the danger posed by the base, which, with its close proximity to residential areas, has been described as the most dangerous in the world.
この問題の原点は、「世界一危険な基地」といわれる普天間の一日も早い危険性除去にある。

The Abe administration has promised to halt operations at Futenma within five years, and it must make an effort to lighten the burden posed by hosting U.S. military bases.
安倍政権は今後も沖縄と約束した「普天間の５年以内の運用停止」をはじめとする基地負担軽減策を進めるべきだ。

At the same time, it must not cut back the yearly budget of over 300 billion yen that it has promised to provide Okinawa in the form of stimulus measures.
沖縄振興策も毎年３０００億円台の予算を確保するという約束を違えて減額することがあってはならない。

Eighteen years have passed since an agreement was made on returning the Futenma base.
　普天間返還合意から１８年。

It is probably no easy task to renegotiate an issue over which Japan and the U.S. have made repeated agreements, but if the Japanese and U.S. indeed see eye to eye on the deep influence of public opinion in Okinawa, then discussions will naturally progress to a new stage.
日本と合意を重ねてきた米国との再交渉に持ち込むのは容易ではなかろう。それでも沖縄の民意がもたらす深刻な影響を日米両政府が共有すれば、おのずと協議は新たな段階に移っていくはずだ。

The Japanese and U.S. governments say that relocation of the Futenma base to Henoko is the "only solution." However, the view that this is unrealistic has emerged within U.S. Congress.
　日米両政府の合意は辺野古移設を「唯一の解決策」としているが、米議会には辺野古は非現実的だとして異なる意見があり、

Senator John McCain and others proposed that Futenma be consolidated with the U.S. military's Kadena air base. マケイン上院議員らが米軍嘉手納基地に統合する案を提案したこともある。

This summer, meanwhile, Joseph Nye, former U.S. deputy to the undersecretary of state for security assistance, pointed out the weaknesses of U.S. military bases on Okinawa, and sought revisions to the deployment of U.S. military forces in Japan.
　ジョセフ・ナイ元米国防次官補は今夏、沖縄の米軍基地の脆弱（ぜいじゃく）性を指摘し、在日米軍の配備見直しを求めた。

So even in the United States, objections have emerged.
米国でも異論が出ているのだ。

The role that the Japan-U.S. security alliance has in providing stability for Japan and other countries in Asia is large. 　日米安保体制が日本とアジア地域の安定に果たす役割は大きい。

Considering China's military expansion and maritime advances, and the situation in North Korea, it is necessary to maintain the deterrence provided by U.S. military forces in Japan.
中国の軍備拡張や海洋進出、北朝鮮情勢を考えれば、在日米軍の抑止力は維持する必要がある。

The Japanese government must address friction with Okinawa and seek new negotiations with the U.S. to devise a solution -- even if this is for the worthy purpose of smoothly operating the Japan-U.S. security alliance.
　日米安保体制を安定的に運用していくという大きな目的のためにも、日本政府は沖縄との摩擦を放置せず、米政府に再交渉を求めて問題解決を図るべきだ。

毎日新聞　2014年11月17日　東京朝刊

（社説）政治と増税 解散に大義はあるか

今回の騒動、安倍首相の指導力を根幹から問われるような事件であると思います。
もしも安倍首相が、内々で消費税再増税延期と衆院解散総選挙を内定していたとなれば、彼は相当は悪人ということになります。
金儲けをするためにはどんなこともやる自民党の手法にはうんざりしています。
庶民のささやかな幸せのことなど眼中にないようです。
その証拠に急激な円安に対する目配りだって、約束したのに、実態は野放しでなんです。
もしも解散総選挙がなされれば自民党には絶対入れません。
（スラチャイ）

--The Asahi Shimbun, Nov. 12
EDITORIAL: No good rationale for calling a snap election
（社説）政治と増税　解散に大義はあるか

First, there were just low whispers that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe was considering dissolving the Lower House for a snap election. But before we knew it, the powerful winds of dissolution started whipping up in Japanese political circles.
　「安倍首相が衆院解散を検討している」。こんなささやきが、あれよあれよという間に解散風という突風になって吹き荒れている。

Toshihiro Nikai, chairman of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party’s General Council, has pledged to “make all necessary preparations (for an election).” Natsuo Yamaguchi, chief representative of Komeito, the LDP’s junior coalition partner, has ordered senior party officials to start preparing for a poll.
　自民党の二階総務会長は「万全の態勢を整えていく」と語り、公明党の山口代表も選挙準備に入るよう党幹部に指示した。

Banri Kaieda, president of the opposition Democratic Party of Japan, has assumed a brave attitude, saying, “We are ready to take up the gauntlet.”
民主党の海江田代表も「受けて立つ」と勇ましい。

According to one rumored game plan, Abe will postpone the consumption tax rate hike to 10 percent that is slated for October next year following the Nov. 17 release of preliminary gross domestic product data for the July-September quarter. He will then announce his intention to dissolve the Lower House for a snap election to seek a popular mandate for his tax policy decision.
　語られているシナリオのひとつは、こうだ。１７日に発表される７～９月の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の速報値を受け、首相は来年１０月に予定されている消費税率の１０％への引き上げの先送りを決断、その是非を問うために衆院の解散を表明する。

Abe, who is currently on an overseas tour, has stressed he has made no decision on when he will dissolve the Lower House. He brushed aside news reports about his intention to call an election, saying they are simply based on speculation.
　外遊中の安倍首相は、「解散のタイミングは何ら決めていない。臆測に基づく報道だ」と強調する。

But now the stormy winds of election appear unlikely to die down.
それでも、いったん吹き始めた風はどうにも止まりそうにない。

It is unsettling to see how things are panning out in this nation’s political arena.
　こんな政治のありように、強い違和感を覚える。

The scheduled consumption tax increase, intended as a key component of integrated tax and social security reform, is based on an agreement among the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito that was reached in June 2012 when the DPJ was in power. The agreement has since been enshrined into law.
　消費税率の引き上げは、民主党政権下の１２年６月、社会保障と税の一体改革として民主、自民、公明の３党で合意され、法にも明記された。

But a supplementary provision in the law says the final decision on the tax hike should depend on economic conditions.
ただ、法の付則には、経済状況によって最終判断する趣旨の規定がある。

The three-party agreement calls for a measure that will inevitably cause pain to taxpayers. It represents a sort of transpartisan political effort to tackle head-on the grim reality of swelling social security spending amid a serious revenue shortage. It is a painful but important step.
　３党合意は、国民に痛みを強いる内容だ。社会保障費の増大と財源不足という現実に、与野党を超えて政治が正面から向き合うという、苦いけれど重たい意味があった。

At first glance, there seems to be good justification for calling an election to seek a public mandate for the decision to postpone the tax increase, which effectively breaches the three-party accord.
　その合意を破棄する形になる以上、総選挙で信を問うというのはひとつの理屈かも知れない。

But we find it hard to accept this argument at face value.
だが、額面通りにはとても受け取れない。

The Abe administration has said the GDP data for the July-September quarter will be a crucial factor for the tax decision. This has become a common understanding in both the ruling and opposition camps.
　政権は７～９月のＧＤＰを判断のよりどころにすると言い、それが与野党の共通認識となってきた。

But all this talk about an election is happening before the GDP figures come out.
その数字が明らかになる前のこの騒ぎである。

It is hard not to suspect that the ruling camp is moving toward an election based purely on political motives driven by the fear that raising the consumption tax again in the face of strong public opposition could prove a political disaster.
増税に反対の世論が強い中、これに逆らうことは難しいという政局的な判断が先に立ったのかと疑わざるを得ない。

This view is further supported by certain remarks made by senior ruling party officials.
　加えて、与党幹部から聞こえてくるのはこんな声だ。

A Lower House election next year will be an uphill battle for the ruling party because offline nuclear reactors will restart and Diet debate on bills to legalize Japan’s use of its right to collective self-defense will start, according to one such official.
　「原発再稼働や集団的自衛権の関連法整備が控える来年に衆院選を戦うのは厳しい」

“We are in a strong political position now (to face an election) because opposition parties are not prepared,” said another.
「野党の選挙準備がととのっていない今が有利だ」

This is a picture of purely partisan political theater.
　まさに党利党略。

The tax increase, which puts an additional monetary burden on the public, is designed to secure the long-term financial sustainability of social security.
国民に負担増を求めることになっても、社会保障を将来にわたって持続可能にする――。

The remarks made by senior ruling party officials indicate they think it is more important to ensure that they remain in power than to achieve this vital policy goal.
こうした政策目標よりも、政権の座を持続可能にすることの方が大切だと言わんばかりではないか。

It is not yet clear what Abe really thinks.
　安倍首相の本心はまだ不明である。

But democracy is not a game.
だが、民主主義はゲームではない。

There is no rationale for dissolving the Lower House now.
こんな解散に大義があるとは思えない。