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The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 6, 2012)
Voters--pick the party that offers solid course for Japan
衆院選公示 確かな日本の針路見据えたい（12月5日付・読売社説）
◆無責任な主張に惑わされぬよう◆
Can Japan maintain its national strength, or will it stray down a course of decline? In the upcoming House of Representatives election, voters will make an extremely important choice that will decide the future course of Japan.
国力を維持していけるのか、それとも衰退の道をたどるのか。日本の針路を決める上で、極めて重要な選択である。
Official campaigning has started for the 46th lower house election. It is an unusual election in that it is being contested by 12 political parties, including the two major ones--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party.
第４６回衆院選が公示された。民主、自民の２大政党をはじめ１２の政党が乱立して争う異例の選挙戦となった。
In his first stump speech, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the question in this election is "whether we move forward or return to old politics." He stressed that his party aims to become the largest party in the lower house. LDP President Shinzo Abe, meanwhile, said, "Together with New Komeito, the LDP will definitely win a majority and take back power." All eyes are on whether the DPJ or the LDP will end up holding the tiller of government.
第一声で野田首相は「前に進むか、昔に戻るか」と訴え、第１党を目指すとしている。自民党の安倍総裁は「断固として自民党、公明党で過半数を獲得し、政権奪還を目指す」と語った。どちらが政権を担うかが、最大の焦点だ。
===
3rd force may affect new govt
◆第３極も新政権に影響◆
If Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and Your Party, which aim to become a third major force to rival the DPJ and the LDP, grow stronger, they could affect the framework of the new administration.
民主、自民両党に対抗して「第３極」を目指す日本維新の会、日本未来の党、みんなの党の勢力伸長は、新政権の枠組みに影響する。
While Abe scotched suggestions his party might form a coalition government with the DPJ, he said cooperation with Ishin no Kai remains an option.
安倍氏は、民主党との連立政権を否定する一方、維新の会との連携は選択肢の一つだと述べた。
Even if the LDP becomes the largest party in the lower chamber, it still does not have a majority in the House of Councillors--even with the help of Komeito and Ishin no Kai. Consequently, the Diet likely will remain divided until the upper house election in summer next year.
衆院で自民党が第１党になった場合でも、参院の議席は公明党や維新の会と合わせても過半数には届かない。
With elections being what they are, it is natural for political parties to compete with each other. However, they will also need to maneuver with one eye on the possibility of forming a coalition or partial alliance after the election. Parties are being tested on how they will break away from "politics characterized by indecision."
来夏の参院選まで、衆参のねじれが続く公算が大きい。
選挙である以上、各党が競い合うのは当然だが、選挙後の連立や部分連合も考慮に入れた対応も必要だ。「決められない政治」からどう脱却するかが問われている。
Cooperation between the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito is indispensable for steadily carrying out integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, the main pillar of which is to raise the consumption tax rate.
民自公３党の協力は、消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を今後、着実に実行していくうえで欠かせない。
The consumption tax increase is necessary for rebuilding state finances, which are teetering on the brink, and maintaining the social security system. It was only recently that the national council for revamping the social security system was launched under the initiative of the three parties. The council's discussions must be accelerated further.
消費増税は、危機に瀕(ひん)する財政を再建し、社会保障制度を維持するために必要だ。３党の主導により社会保障制度改革国民会議が発足したばかりである。議論をさらに加速させなければならない。
Fearing for their political survival, many former lower house members who bolted from the DPJ joined new parties and oppose the tax increase. If they insist on taking this stance, they should present realistic steps for securing the resources needed to fund social security and reconstructing public finances.
民主党を離党した前衆院議員たちの多くは、生き残りを図るために新党に移り、「反増税」を唱えている。それなら、社会保障財源の確保と、財政再建への現実的な具体策を示すべきだ。
Simply insisting they will "cut waste in administration" is too simplistic.
「行政のムダを削減する」と唱えるだけでは粗雑に過ぎる。
===
Zero nuclear option irresponsible
Parties are also at odds over policies on nuclear power and energy.
原発・エネルギー政策でも各党の主張の対立が目立つ。
Although the DPJ and the LDP will both allow nuclear reactors to be reactivated after confirmation they are safe to operate, the LDP said it will not form a conclusion on the future of nuclear power plants right away.
民主、自民両党は安全性が確認された原発の再稼働を認める点では一致するものの、自民党は原発の将来像に早急には結論を出さないとしている。
◆「脱原発」の安売りでは◆
The DPJ, on the other hand, aims to end the nation's reliance on nuclear power generation in the 2030s. Mirai no To calls for abolishing nuclear generation in 10 years, while Your Party says it will end nuclear reliance in the 2020s. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party champion ending nuclear generation immediately.
一方で、民主党は２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロを目指す。未来の党は１０年以内に全原発廃炉、みんなの党は２０年代の原発ゼロを掲げている。共産、社民両党は即時ゼロという立場だ。
It is irresponsible to call for ending the use of nuclear power. Parties that trumpet this stance must explain in detail how they would ensure a stable power supply and deal with the inevitable negative impacts on the economy, employment and household spending, and the drain of Japan's nuclear engineers. Without doing so, their arguments will not be compelling to voters.
「原発ゼロ」は無責任である。電力の安定供給、経済・雇用や家計への打撃、原子力関連技術者の流出など様々な懸念について、具体的な解決策を示さないようでは、説得力を持たない。
Taking the "zero nuclear" option will erode Japan's strength, and clearly make it more difficult to provide full social security programs and guarantee national security.
国力をそぐ原発ゼロでは、社会保障の充実も、安全保障の確保も難しくなるのは明らかだ。
The most important task right now is economic revitalization. Conquering deflation and the ultra-strong yen will be essential for achieving an economic recovery.
何より重要なのは、経済再生である。デフレ・超円高を克服し、景気を回復することが急務だ。
The LDP has laid out an inflation target of 2 percent, and plans to implement bold monetary easing to achieve this goal. We applaud this policy.
自民党が、「明確な物価目標２％」を設定し、その達成に向けて大胆な金融緩和を行う考えを打ち出したのは評価できる。
Many parties, including the DPJ and the LDP, list economic growth as one of their campaign pledges. But they have failed to present a clear vision for achieving it.
民主、自民など多くの党が高い経済成長の達成を公約しているが、道筋は不透明だ。
It is important that voters scrutinize the parties' campaign platforms to find out which party offers effective economic stimulus and monetary policies.
どの党が有効な景気対策、金融政策を掲げているか、中身を見極めることが大切である。
The diplomatic and security environments surrounding Japan have been going through dramatic changes.
日本を取り巻く外交・安全保障の環境は変貌を遂げつつある。
The DPJ-led administration's ham-fisted handling of the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station badly strained the Japan-U.S. alliance. Chinese marine surveillance ships have regularly intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and North Korea announced it is preparing to test-launch a ballistic missile.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を巡る民主党政権の失政で、日米同盟が大きく揺らいだ。沖縄・尖閣諸島周辺海域では中国公船の領海侵入が相次ぎ、北朝鮮は弾道ミサイルの発射を予告している。
The DPJ, the LDP and Ishin no Kai have quite rightly called for bolstering and deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance. Improving relations with Washington will be necessary also as a check against China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence. Allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense could be an effective tool for that purpose.
民主、自民、維新の会などが日米同盟の強化・深化を掲げているのは当然である。軍事、経済両面で膨張する中国をけん制するためにも、米国との関係改善が必要だ。集団的自衛権の行使を認めることは有力な手段となろう。
===
Discuss constitutional revision
◆あるべき国家像を語れ◆
Political parties also have a responsibility to deepen discussions about revising the Constitution to present a new vision for Japan.
目指すべき国家像を示す憲法改正について議論を深めることも、政党の重要な責務である。
Voters, for their part, must be careful not to be swayed by populist slogans and sentiments. The parties' pledges include hardly any calls for increasing public burdens, except for the consumption tax increase. Why? The nation cannot just keep kicking the fiscal deficit can down the road for the next generation to deal with.
有権者の側も大衆迎合のスローガンやムードに惑わされないよう注意したい。消費増税を除いて、各党の公約に負担増を求める政策がほとんどないのはなぜか。次世代にツケを回すのは限界だ。
In the previous 2009 lower house election, many voters got swept up by the climate of "letting the DPJ lead the nation for once." Will similar expectations be held this time for parties striving to become a third political force?
前回衆院選では「一度は民主党に政権を任せてみよう」という空気に国民が流された。今回も同様に第３極に期待が集まるのか。
We hope voters will listen closely to what candidates say during the campaign to determine which party offers prescriptions that can address the tough challenges the country faces.
日本が直面する難問に、責任ある処方箋を掲げているのはどの政党か。真摯(しんし)に耳を傾けたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 5, 2012)
（2012年12月5日01時28分 読売新聞）
Voters--pick the party that offers solid course for Japan
衆院選公示 確かな日本の針路見据えたい（12月5日付・読売社説）
◆無責任な主張に惑わされぬよう◆
Can Japan maintain its national strength, or will it stray down a course of decline? In the upcoming House of Representatives election, voters will make an extremely important choice that will decide the future course of Japan.
国力を維持していけるのか、それとも衰退の道をたどるのか。日本の針路を決める上で、極めて重要な選択である。
Official campaigning has started for the 46th lower house election. It is an unusual election in that it is being contested by 12 political parties, including the two major ones--the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party.
第４６回衆院選が公示された。民主、自民の２大政党をはじめ１２の政党が乱立して争う異例の選挙戦となった。
In his first stump speech, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said the question in this election is "whether we move forward or return to old politics." He stressed that his party aims to become the largest party in the lower house. LDP President Shinzo Abe, meanwhile, said, "Together with New Komeito, the LDP will definitely win a majority and take back power." All eyes are on whether the DPJ or the LDP will end up holding the tiller of government.
第一声で野田首相は「前に進むか、昔に戻るか」と訴え、第１党を目指すとしている。自民党の安倍総裁は「断固として自民党、公明党で過半数を獲得し、政権奪還を目指す」と語った。どちらが政権を担うかが、最大の焦点だ。
===
3rd force may affect new govt
◆第３極も新政権に影響◆
If Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and Your Party, which aim to become a third major force to rival the DPJ and the LDP, grow stronger, they could affect the framework of the new administration.
民主、自民両党に対抗して「第３極」を目指す日本維新の会、日本未来の党、みんなの党の勢力伸長は、新政権の枠組みに影響する。
While Abe scotched suggestions his party might form a coalition government with the DPJ, he said cooperation with Ishin no Kai remains an option.
安倍氏は、民主党との連立政権を否定する一方、維新の会との連携は選択肢の一つだと述べた。
Even if the LDP becomes the largest party in the lower chamber, it still does not have a majority in the House of Councillors--even with the help of Komeito and Ishin no Kai. Consequently, the Diet likely will remain divided until the upper house election in summer next year.
衆院で自民党が第１党になった場合でも、参院の議席は公明党や維新の会と合わせても過半数には届かない。
With elections being what they are, it is natural for political parties to compete with each other. However, they will also need to maneuver with one eye on the possibility of forming a coalition or partial alliance after the election. Parties are being tested on how they will break away from "politics characterized by indecision."
来夏の参院選まで、衆参のねじれが続く公算が大きい。
選挙である以上、各党が競い合うのは当然だが、選挙後の連立や部分連合も考慮に入れた対応も必要だ。「決められない政治」からどう脱却するかが問われている。
Cooperation between the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito is indispensable for steadily carrying out integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, the main pillar of which is to raise the consumption tax rate.
民自公３党の協力は、消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を今後、着実に実行していくうえで欠かせない。
The consumption tax increase is necessary for rebuilding state finances, which are teetering on the brink, and maintaining the social security system. It was only recently that the national council for revamping the social security system was launched under the initiative of the three parties. The council's discussions must be accelerated further.
消費増税は、危機に瀕(ひん)する財政を再建し、社会保障制度を維持するために必要だ。３党の主導により社会保障制度改革国民会議が発足したばかりである。議論をさらに加速させなければならない。
Fearing for their political survival, many former lower house members who bolted from the DPJ joined new parties and oppose the tax increase. If they insist on taking this stance, they should present realistic steps for securing the resources needed to fund social security and reconstructing public finances.
民主党を離党した前衆院議員たちの多くは、生き残りを図るために新党に移り、「反増税」を唱えている。それなら、社会保障財源の確保と、財政再建への現実的な具体策を示すべきだ。
Simply insisting they will "cut waste in administration" is too simplistic.
「行政のムダを削減する」と唱えるだけでは粗雑に過ぎる。
===
Zero nuclear option irresponsible
Parties are also at odds over policies on nuclear power and energy.
原発・エネルギー政策でも各党の主張の対立が目立つ。
Although the DPJ and the LDP will both allow nuclear reactors to be reactivated after confirmation they are safe to operate, the LDP said it will not form a conclusion on the future of nuclear power plants right away.
民主、自民両党は安全性が確認された原発の再稼働を認める点では一致するものの、自民党は原発の将来像に早急には結論を出さないとしている。
◆「脱原発」の安売りでは◆
The DPJ, on the other hand, aims to end the nation's reliance on nuclear power generation in the 2030s. Mirai no To calls for abolishing nuclear generation in 10 years, while Your Party says it will end nuclear reliance in the 2020s. The Japanese Communist Party and the Social Democratic Party champion ending nuclear generation immediately.
一方で、民主党は２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロを目指す。未来の党は１０年以内に全原発廃炉、みんなの党は２０年代の原発ゼロを掲げている。共産、社民両党は即時ゼロという立場だ。
It is irresponsible to call for ending the use of nuclear power. Parties that trumpet this stance must explain in detail how they would ensure a stable power supply and deal with the inevitable negative impacts on the economy, employment and household spending, and the drain of Japan's nuclear engineers. Without doing so, their arguments will not be compelling to voters.
「原発ゼロ」は無責任である。電力の安定供給、経済・雇用や家計への打撃、原子力関連技術者の流出など様々な懸念について、具体的な解決策を示さないようでは、説得力を持たない。
Taking the "zero nuclear" option will erode Japan's strength, and clearly make it more difficult to provide full social security programs and guarantee national security.
国力をそぐ原発ゼロでは、社会保障の充実も、安全保障の確保も難しくなるのは明らかだ。
The most important task right now is economic revitalization. Conquering deflation and the ultra-strong yen will be essential for achieving an economic recovery.
何より重要なのは、経済再生である。デフレ・超円高を克服し、景気を回復することが急務だ。
The LDP has laid out an inflation target of 2 percent, and plans to implement bold monetary easing to achieve this goal. We applaud this policy.
自民党が、「明確な物価目標２％」を設定し、その達成に向けて大胆な金融緩和を行う考えを打ち出したのは評価できる。
Many parties, including the DPJ and the LDP, list economic growth as one of their campaign pledges. But they have failed to present a clear vision for achieving it.
民主、自民など多くの党が高い経済成長の達成を公約しているが、道筋は不透明だ。
It is important that voters scrutinize the parties' campaign platforms to find out which party offers effective economic stimulus and monetary policies.
どの党が有効な景気対策、金融政策を掲げているか、中身を見極めることが大切である。
The diplomatic and security environments surrounding Japan have been going through dramatic changes.
日本を取り巻く外交・安全保障の環境は変貌を遂げつつある。
The DPJ-led administration's ham-fisted handling of the planned relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station badly strained the Japan-U.S. alliance. Chinese marine surveillance ships have regularly intruded into Japanese territorial waters around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and North Korea announced it is preparing to test-launch a ballistic missile.
米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を巡る民主党政権の失政で、日米同盟が大きく揺らいだ。沖縄・尖閣諸島周辺海域では中国公船の領海侵入が相次ぎ、北朝鮮は弾道ミサイルの発射を予告している。
The DPJ, the LDP and Ishin no Kai have quite rightly called for bolstering and deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance. Improving relations with Washington will be necessary also as a check against China, which has been expanding its military and economic presence. Allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense could be an effective tool for that purpose.
民主、自民、維新の会などが日米同盟の強化・深化を掲げているのは当然である。軍事、経済両面で膨張する中国をけん制するためにも、米国との関係改善が必要だ。集団的自衛権の行使を認めることは有力な手段となろう。
===
Discuss constitutional revision
◆あるべき国家像を語れ◆
Political parties also have a responsibility to deepen discussions about revising the Constitution to present a new vision for Japan.
目指すべき国家像を示す憲法改正について議論を深めることも、政党の重要な責務である。
Voters, for their part, must be careful not to be swayed by populist slogans and sentiments. The parties' pledges include hardly any calls for increasing public burdens, except for the consumption tax increase. Why? The nation cannot just keep kicking the fiscal deficit can down the road for the next generation to deal with.
有権者の側も大衆迎合のスローガンやムードに惑わされないよう注意したい。消費増税を除いて、各党の公約に負担増を求める政策がほとんどないのはなぜか。次世代にツケを回すのは限界だ。
In the previous 2009 lower house election, many voters got swept up by the climate of "letting the DPJ lead the nation for once." Will similar expectations be held this time for parties striving to become a third political force?
前回衆院選では「一度は民主党に政権を任せてみよう」という空気に国民が流された。今回も同様に第３極に期待が集まるのか。
We hope voters will listen closely to what candidates say during the campaign to determine which party offers prescriptions that can address the tough challenges the country faces.
日本が直面する難問に、責任ある処方箋を掲げているのはどの政党か。真摯(しんし)に耳を傾けたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 5, 2012)
（2012年12月5日01時28分 読売新聞）
PR
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 5, 2012)
Multilateral cooperation needed to stop missile launch
北ミサイル予告 発射阻止へ国際連携の強化を（12月4日付・読売社説）
North Korea recently announced it would launch a long-range ballistic missile between Monday and Dec. 22 under the guise of sending a "satellite" into orbit.
北朝鮮が「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称して、長距離弾道ミサイルを１０日から２２日の間に発射すると予告した。
However hard Pyongyang insists that its plan is to launch a satellite for peaceful purposes, the mechanism used to launch a missile is the same as that used to launch a satellite. It is a clear violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution prohibiting North Korea from conducting nuclear tests and "any launch using ballistic missile technology."
いくら平和目的の衛星打ち上げと強弁しようとも、原理は弾道ミサイル発射と変わらない。「核実験や、弾道ミサイルの技術を使ったいかなる発射も」禁じた国連安全保障理事会の決議への違反は明らかである。
This is a serious provocation to the international community.
国際社会への重大な挑戦だ。
After North Korea launched its last missile in April, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement expressing the council's "determination to take action accordingly" if the country launched another missile or conducted a nuclear test.
前回４月の発射後、安保理は議長声明を採択し、北朝鮮が新たな発射や核実験を行えば、「相応の行動をとる決意」を表明した。
We urge the Security Council to take decisive action over North Korea's reckless plan, which openly ignores the warnings of the international community.
警告を公然と無視する暴挙に安保理は敢然と対処すべきだ。
Pyongyang said the new missile launch is being conducted on the instructions of Kim Jong Il, who died in December 2011.
北朝鮮は今回の発射を、昨年１２月に死去した金正日総書記の「遺訓」としている。
===
North Korea's intentions
The missile launch is believed to be part of North Korea's program to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrence capability--initiated by Kim--through the development of nuclear programs, extending the range of ballistic missiles and improving their accuracy. We assume the administration of Kim Jong Un, Kim Jong Il's successor, also is trying to cement its authority.
核兵器開発と弾道ミサイルの射程延伸や精度向上によって、金総書記が推進した核抑止力の強化を図るのが目的だ。後継の金正恩体制が自らの求心力を高めたいとの計算もあろう。
Japan's House of Representatives election and South Korea's presidential election will be held during the period the missile is scheduled to be launched. In recent months, U.S. President Barack Obama has been reelected and China's Xi Jinping took over the reins of the Communist Party.
北朝鮮が設定した発射予告期間は、日本の衆院選や韓国の大統領選と重なる。オバマ米大統領が再選を果たし、中国の習近平体制が発足した直後でもある。
The fact that Pyongyang has timed the launch to coincide with a period when these nations face difficulty in coordinating policies against its actions indicates North Korea aims to learn how each country will react.
各国政府間の対北朝鮮政策を巡る調整が難しい時期を選んだところに、各国の出方を探ろうとする北朝鮮の意図がうかがえる。
Although North Korea apparently is trying to undermine the international alliance against the country, the international community should not allow North Korea the slightest chance of success. Countries concerned, such as Japan, the United States, South Korea, China and Russia, should join hands to pressure North Korea to cancel the missile launch.
国際包囲網の無力化を狙う北朝鮮に隙を見せてはならない。日米韓や中露など関係国は連携し、発射阻止を強く迫るべきだ。
North Korea says it has studied the reasons why the launch in April failed and has succeeded in improving the reliability of the missile it plans to launch this month. There is speculation that Iran and other countries have provided technological assistance.
今回の発射に際し北朝鮮は、４月の失敗の原因を分析し、「信頼性を高めた」としている。イランなどとの技術協力の可能性も取り沙汰されている。
This suggests U.N. sanctions have not been implemented thoroughly and lack substance. The Security Council's sanctions on North Korea included an embargo on exports by other countries of materials related to nuclear weapons and missiles, as well as luxury goods. It also ordered suspicious cargo to be inspected.
核・ミサイル関連物資や贅沢(ぜいたく)品の禁輸と、疑わしい貨物の検査を実施するという安保理の制裁が徹底されず、実効性を欠いていることを示唆するものだろう。
===
Learn lessons from April launch
China especially has a heavy responsibility for North Korea's actions, as a permanent member of the Security Council, a neighbor and its largest trading partner.
特に北朝鮮の最大の貿易相手国で国境を接する中国は安保理常任理事国として重い責任がある。
It was appropriate for the Japanese government to have taken concrete measures against the missile launch immediately after North Korea's announcement.
北朝鮮の発射予告に、日本政府が直ちに具体的な対応策をまとめたのは当然である。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has decided to postpone intergovernment talks with North Korea, which were scheduled to begin Wednesday. Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto has ordered Self-Defense Forces to prepare its missile defense system to shoot down the North Korean missile. The government plans to host a meeting of the nation's Security Council this week and issue an order to destroy the missile if it strays over Japanese territory.
野田首相は５日からの北朝鮮との政府間協議の延期を決め、森本防衛相は、ミサイル防衛システムによる迎撃態勢の準備へ「破壊措置準備命令」を自衛隊に発令した。週内には安全保障会議を開き、破壊措置命令を出す予定だ。
When Pyongyang launched its missile in April, the government displayed remarkable confusion in confirming information on the launch. We urge the government to learn from this bitter lesson and make a wholehearted effort to pass along information collected by the early warning system.
４月の発射の際は、情報確認を巡る政府の混乱が目立った。その教訓を生かし、早期警戒情報の周知に万全を期してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 4, 2012)
（2012年12月4日01時43分 読売新聞）
Multilateral cooperation needed to stop missile launch
北ミサイル予告 発射阻止へ国際連携の強化を（12月4日付・読売社説）
North Korea recently announced it would launch a long-range ballistic missile between Monday and Dec. 22 under the guise of sending a "satellite" into orbit.
北朝鮮が「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称して、長距離弾道ミサイルを１０日から２２日の間に発射すると予告した。
However hard Pyongyang insists that its plan is to launch a satellite for peaceful purposes, the mechanism used to launch a missile is the same as that used to launch a satellite. It is a clear violation of a U.N. Security Council resolution prohibiting North Korea from conducting nuclear tests and "any launch using ballistic missile technology."
いくら平和目的の衛星打ち上げと強弁しようとも、原理は弾道ミサイル発射と変わらない。「核実験や、弾道ミサイルの技術を使ったいかなる発射も」禁じた国連安全保障理事会の決議への違反は明らかである。
This is a serious provocation to the international community.
国際社会への重大な挑戦だ。
After North Korea launched its last missile in April, the Security Council adopted a presidential statement expressing the council's "determination to take action accordingly" if the country launched another missile or conducted a nuclear test.
前回４月の発射後、安保理は議長声明を採択し、北朝鮮が新たな発射や核実験を行えば、「相応の行動をとる決意」を表明した。
We urge the Security Council to take decisive action over North Korea's reckless plan, which openly ignores the warnings of the international community.
警告を公然と無視する暴挙に安保理は敢然と対処すべきだ。
Pyongyang said the new missile launch is being conducted on the instructions of Kim Jong Il, who died in December 2011.
北朝鮮は今回の発射を、昨年１２月に死去した金正日総書記の「遺訓」としている。
===
North Korea's intentions
The missile launch is believed to be part of North Korea's program to strengthen the country's nuclear deterrence capability--initiated by Kim--through the development of nuclear programs, extending the range of ballistic missiles and improving their accuracy. We assume the administration of Kim Jong Un, Kim Jong Il's successor, also is trying to cement its authority.
核兵器開発と弾道ミサイルの射程延伸や精度向上によって、金総書記が推進した核抑止力の強化を図るのが目的だ。後継の金正恩体制が自らの求心力を高めたいとの計算もあろう。
Japan's House of Representatives election and South Korea's presidential election will be held during the period the missile is scheduled to be launched. In recent months, U.S. President Barack Obama has been reelected and China's Xi Jinping took over the reins of the Communist Party.
北朝鮮が設定した発射予告期間は、日本の衆院選や韓国の大統領選と重なる。オバマ米大統領が再選を果たし、中国の習近平体制が発足した直後でもある。
The fact that Pyongyang has timed the launch to coincide with a period when these nations face difficulty in coordinating policies against its actions indicates North Korea aims to learn how each country will react.
各国政府間の対北朝鮮政策を巡る調整が難しい時期を選んだところに、各国の出方を探ろうとする北朝鮮の意図がうかがえる。
Although North Korea apparently is trying to undermine the international alliance against the country, the international community should not allow North Korea the slightest chance of success. Countries concerned, such as Japan, the United States, South Korea, China and Russia, should join hands to pressure North Korea to cancel the missile launch.
国際包囲網の無力化を狙う北朝鮮に隙を見せてはならない。日米韓や中露など関係国は連携し、発射阻止を強く迫るべきだ。
North Korea says it has studied the reasons why the launch in April failed and has succeeded in improving the reliability of the missile it plans to launch this month. There is speculation that Iran and other countries have provided technological assistance.
今回の発射に際し北朝鮮は、４月の失敗の原因を分析し、「信頼性を高めた」としている。イランなどとの技術協力の可能性も取り沙汰されている。
This suggests U.N. sanctions have not been implemented thoroughly and lack substance. The Security Council's sanctions on North Korea included an embargo on exports by other countries of materials related to nuclear weapons and missiles, as well as luxury goods. It also ordered suspicious cargo to be inspected.
核・ミサイル関連物資や贅沢(ぜいたく)品の禁輸と、疑わしい貨物の検査を実施するという安保理の制裁が徹底されず、実効性を欠いていることを示唆するものだろう。
===
Learn lessons from April launch
China especially has a heavy responsibility for North Korea's actions, as a permanent member of the Security Council, a neighbor and its largest trading partner.
特に北朝鮮の最大の貿易相手国で国境を接する中国は安保理常任理事国として重い責任がある。
It was appropriate for the Japanese government to have taken concrete measures against the missile launch immediately after North Korea's announcement.
北朝鮮の発射予告に、日本政府が直ちに具体的な対応策をまとめたのは当然である。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has decided to postpone intergovernment talks with North Korea, which were scheduled to begin Wednesday. Defense Minister Satoshi Morimoto has ordered Self-Defense Forces to prepare its missile defense system to shoot down the North Korean missile. The government plans to host a meeting of the nation's Security Council this week and issue an order to destroy the missile if it strays over Japanese territory.
野田首相は５日からの北朝鮮との政府間協議の延期を決め、森本防衛相は、ミサイル防衛システムによる迎撃態勢の準備へ「破壊措置準備命令」を自衛隊に発令した。週内には安全保障会議を開き、破壊措置命令を出す予定だ。
When Pyongyang launched its missile in April, the government displayed remarkable confusion in confirming information on the launch. We urge the government to learn from this bitter lesson and make a wholehearted effort to pass along information collected by the early warning system.
４月の発射の際は、情報確認を巡る政府の混乱が目立った。その教訓を生かし、早期警戒情報の周知に万全を期してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 4, 2012)
（2012年12月4日01時43分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 4, 2012)
Aging tunnels, expressways need to be checked
トンネル崩落 老朽建造物の総点検が急務だ（12月3日付・読売社説）
A terrible accident occurred on a major expressway Sunday.
日曜の高速道路で大惨事が起きた。
A large section of the ceiling collapsed inside the Sasago Tunnel of the Chuo Expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture, burying several vehicles and causing some of them to catch fire.
中央自動車道の笹子トンネル（山梨県）で大規模な崩落が発生し、車が次々と下敷きになった。車両火災も引き起こした。
Eight-centimeter-thick concrete panels reportedly fell suddenly from the ceiling over a length of 110 meters. Several bodies were found in the buried vehicles. Some people escaped from the tunnel by themselves but suffered burns and other injuries.
厚さ８センチほどのコンクリート製の天井板が突然、１１０メートルにわたって崩れ落ちたという。下敷きになった車内からは、複数の遺体が見つかった。自力で逃げ出した人たちも、やけどなどを負った。
"The ceiling collapsed like an avalanche," one witness said. The terrifying tunnel accident is simply chilling.
「雪崩のように崩れてきた」と語る人もいた。トンネル事故の恐ろしさに慄然とする。
Some people possibly remain trapped under the rubble. We hope the police and firefighters will do everything they can to rescue any survivors, while taking care not to disturb any unstable slabs that could also come down.
何人かがトンネル内に取り残されている可能性もある。警察と消防は二次災害に留意しつつ、救出に全力を挙げてもらいたい。
The Chuo Expressway, like the Tomei Expressway, is a major artery linking the Tokyo metropolitan area with the Kansai region. The 4.7-kilometer Sasago Tunnel opened to traffic in 1977.
中央道は、東名高速と並び、首都圏と関西圏を結ぶ大動脈だ。全長４・７キロの笹子トンネルは１９７７年に開通した。
===
Tunnel passed checks
Central Nippon Expressway Co., the operator of the Chuo Expressway, said it conducted visual and other inspections inside the tunnel in September, but found nothing wrong with the panels that hang from the upper part of the tunnel to permit ventilation.
管理する中日本高速道路が９月に目視などの点検を行ったが、換気装置として、トンネル上部からつり下げられている天井板に異常は見つからなかったという。
Had the structure deteriorated due to age? The police and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry must thoroughly pinpoint the cause of the collapse. How maintenance and checkups should be conducted also needs to be examined.
経年劣化はなかったのか。警察と国土交通省は崩落原因を徹底的に解明する必要がある。保守・点検のあり方の検証も不可欠だ。
More than 10 tunnels with similar structures to the Sasago Tunnel have been built across the country. These tunnels must be urgently inspected.
同じ構造のトンネルは全国の高速道路に１０か所以上ある。点検を急がねばならない。
After 20 people were killed in the 1996 collapse of the Toyohama Tunnel in Hokkaido, all tunnels across Japan were checked. Couldn't lessons from this tragedy have been used more effectively?
２０人が犠牲になった９６年の北海道・豊浜トンネル崩落事故を契機に、全国のトンネルの一斉点検が行われた。その教訓は生かされなかったのだろうか。
During the period of high economic growth that began in the 1970s, government spending on public works projects for expanding social infrastructure increased sharply.
高度経済成長期の７０年代以降、社会資本整備のための公共事業費が急増した。
===
Structures crumbling
Expressways and other structures built during this period have aged considerably, and, experts say, some are becoming dangerous to use. One prime concern is that concrete in these structures is reaching the end of its fatigue life.
この時代に造られた高速道路などの建造物は現在、老朽化が目立ち、危険性が指摘されている。耐用年数を迎えているコンクリートの劣化は深刻だ。
According to the infrastructure ministry, tunnels and elevated sections of the nation's expressways alone required repairs at about 555,000 locations in 2011. This is more than 10 times the 47,000 spots that needed repairs in 2005.
国交省によると、高速道路だけでも、補修を要するトンネルや高架橋などの損傷が、２０１１年に約５５万５０００か所で確認された。０５年の約４万７０００か所に比べ１０倍以上にも増えている。
From the viewpoint of preparing for a major earthquake as part of disaster-prevention measures, aged structures must be quickly given comprehensive inspections.
大地震に備える防災上の観点からも、まずは老朽建造物の総点検が急務である。
With the government in dire fiscal straits, there are strong, persistent calls for cutting back on public works spending. Indeed, wasteful expenditures must be reined in.
厳しい財政事情の中、公共事業費の削減を求める声は根強い。確かに、野放図な投資は抑制する必要があるだろう。
But dangerous structures, if left as they are, threaten the safety of the public. Budgets should be allocated preferentially for repairing crumbling facilities.
だが、危険な建造物を放置すれば、国民生活の安全が脅かされる。老朽施設の改修には、優先的に予算を投じるべきだ。
This will be a major issue for the new government that comes to power following the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election.
衆院選後の新政権が取り組むべき重要な課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 3, 2012)
（2012年12月3日01時30分 読売新聞）
Aging tunnels, expressways need to be checked
トンネル崩落 老朽建造物の総点検が急務だ（12月3日付・読売社説）
A terrible accident occurred on a major expressway Sunday.
日曜の高速道路で大惨事が起きた。
A large section of the ceiling collapsed inside the Sasago Tunnel of the Chuo Expressway in Yamanashi Prefecture, burying several vehicles and causing some of them to catch fire.
中央自動車道の笹子トンネル（山梨県）で大規模な崩落が発生し、車が次々と下敷きになった。車両火災も引き起こした。
Eight-centimeter-thick concrete panels reportedly fell suddenly from the ceiling over a length of 110 meters. Several bodies were found in the buried vehicles. Some people escaped from the tunnel by themselves but suffered burns and other injuries.
厚さ８センチほどのコンクリート製の天井板が突然、１１０メートルにわたって崩れ落ちたという。下敷きになった車内からは、複数の遺体が見つかった。自力で逃げ出した人たちも、やけどなどを負った。
"The ceiling collapsed like an avalanche," one witness said. The terrifying tunnel accident is simply chilling.
「雪崩のように崩れてきた」と語る人もいた。トンネル事故の恐ろしさに慄然とする。
Some people possibly remain trapped under the rubble. We hope the police and firefighters will do everything they can to rescue any survivors, while taking care not to disturb any unstable slabs that could also come down.
何人かがトンネル内に取り残されている可能性もある。警察と消防は二次災害に留意しつつ、救出に全力を挙げてもらいたい。
The Chuo Expressway, like the Tomei Expressway, is a major artery linking the Tokyo metropolitan area with the Kansai region. The 4.7-kilometer Sasago Tunnel opened to traffic in 1977.
中央道は、東名高速と並び、首都圏と関西圏を結ぶ大動脈だ。全長４・７キロの笹子トンネルは１９７７年に開通した。
===
Tunnel passed checks
Central Nippon Expressway Co., the operator of the Chuo Expressway, said it conducted visual and other inspections inside the tunnel in September, but found nothing wrong with the panels that hang from the upper part of the tunnel to permit ventilation.
管理する中日本高速道路が９月に目視などの点検を行ったが、換気装置として、トンネル上部からつり下げられている天井板に異常は見つからなかったという。
Had the structure deteriorated due to age? The police and the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry must thoroughly pinpoint the cause of the collapse. How maintenance and checkups should be conducted also needs to be examined.
経年劣化はなかったのか。警察と国土交通省は崩落原因を徹底的に解明する必要がある。保守・点検のあり方の検証も不可欠だ。
More than 10 tunnels with similar structures to the Sasago Tunnel have been built across the country. These tunnels must be urgently inspected.
同じ構造のトンネルは全国の高速道路に１０か所以上ある。点検を急がねばならない。
After 20 people were killed in the 1996 collapse of the Toyohama Tunnel in Hokkaido, all tunnels across Japan were checked. Couldn't lessons from this tragedy have been used more effectively?
２０人が犠牲になった９６年の北海道・豊浜トンネル崩落事故を契機に、全国のトンネルの一斉点検が行われた。その教訓は生かされなかったのだろうか。
During the period of high economic growth that began in the 1970s, government spending on public works projects for expanding social infrastructure increased sharply.
高度経済成長期の７０年代以降、社会資本整備のための公共事業費が急増した。
===
Structures crumbling
Expressways and other structures built during this period have aged considerably, and, experts say, some are becoming dangerous to use. One prime concern is that concrete in these structures is reaching the end of its fatigue life.
この時代に造られた高速道路などの建造物は現在、老朽化が目立ち、危険性が指摘されている。耐用年数を迎えているコンクリートの劣化は深刻だ。
According to the infrastructure ministry, tunnels and elevated sections of the nation's expressways alone required repairs at about 555,000 locations in 2011. This is more than 10 times the 47,000 spots that needed repairs in 2005.
国交省によると、高速道路だけでも、補修を要するトンネルや高架橋などの損傷が、２０１１年に約５５万５０００か所で確認された。０５年の約４万７０００か所に比べ１０倍以上にも増えている。
From the viewpoint of preparing for a major earthquake as part of disaster-prevention measures, aged structures must be quickly given comprehensive inspections.
大地震に備える防災上の観点からも、まずは老朽建造物の総点検が急務である。
With the government in dire fiscal straits, there are strong, persistent calls for cutting back on public works spending. Indeed, wasteful expenditures must be reined in.
厳しい財政事情の中、公共事業費の削減を求める声は根強い。確かに、野放図な投資は抑制する必要があるだろう。
But dangerous structures, if left as they are, threaten the safety of the public. Budgets should be allocated preferentially for repairing crumbling facilities.
だが、危険な建造物を放置すれば、国民生活の安全が脅かされる。老朽施設の改修には、優先的に予算を投じるべきだ。
This will be a major issue for the new government that comes to power following the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election.
衆院選後の新政権が取り組むべき重要な課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 3, 2012)
（2012年12月3日01時30分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 3, 2012)
Heavier burdens inevitable for sustainable social security
社会保障会議 制度の安定に負担を求めよ（12月2日付・読売社説）
A newly launched expert council on the future of the nation's social security system will need to hold exhaustive discussions on ways to ensure people can live with peace of mind.
国民生活の安心を確保するために、議論を尽くさねばならない。
The national council for reform of the social security system has been inaugurated to deliberate the future shape of social security.
今後の社会保障のあり方を検討する社会保障制度改革国民会議がスタートした。
The head of the council, Keio University President Atsushi Seike, said at its first meeting Friday he hopes the council will develop "logical discussions as a group of experts."
会長の清家篤・慶応義塾長は「専門家として論理的な議論をしたい」と強調した。
It is crucial that the 15-member council, whose deadline for presenting its conclusions is set by law for August next year, hammer out measures for transforming the existing social security system--which has been fraying because of Japan's rapidly aging population coupled with a low birthrate--into a solid, sustainable framework.
来年８月の設置期限までに、少子高齢化でほころびが目立つ制度を持続可能な仕組みにする方策を打ち出すことが重要である。
While benefit payments have snowballed, premiums and tax revenues for funding these expenses have been floundering. The disruption in the balance between benefit payments and the burden on the public to finance the system is leading it to the precipice.
膨らみ続ける社会保障給付費に対し、財源の社会保険料や税収は低迷している。給付と負担のバランスが崩れていることが、制度の危機につながっている。
Government debts to make up for the revenue shortfall have ballooned.
不足分を補う国の借金は増える一方だ。
===
Do away with inequities
The new council plans to ensure necessary social security services can be provided while "curbing the increasing financial burden on the people."
国民会議は「国民負担の増大を抑制しつつ」必要なサービスを確保する方針だ。
However, it would be all but impossible to maintain the system without asking the public to fairly shoulder a burden commensurate with their income level.
だが、国民に公平で相応の負担を求めなくては、制度は維持できまい。
People aged 70 to 74 pay 10 percent of their medical fees from their own pocket, although the rate set by law is 20 percent. The medical bill burden for people in this age bracket is substantially lower than that of people younger or older than them. This has generated a sense of inequality. We think the supposedly provisional measure should be quickly removed so people aged 70 to 74 pay 20 percent of their medical bills.
例えば７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担率は、法定では２割なのに、１割に抑えられている。前後の年代に比べて自己負担が軽く、不公平が生じている。すみやかに２割負担に引き上げるべきである。
Social security benefits will inevitably be curbed. In addition, pension benefits must be lowered in accordance with the falling wage levels of working generations currently paying pension premiums.
給付の抑制も避けられない。年金保険料を納める現役世代の賃金水準の低下に合わせ、年金給付を引き下げる必要がある。
Steps to boost the low birthrate also are urgently needed.
少子化対策も急務だ。
As a percentage of gross domestic product, Japanese government spending on child care support is less than one-third that of the expenditures of nations such as France and Sweden, which have turned around their low birthrates. Effective social security measures, including expanding day care services for children, and ways to secure revenue, must be worked out.
フランス、スウェーデンなど少子化を改善させた国々に比べ、日本の子育て支援支出は国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）比で３分の１に満たない。保育サービスの拡充など効果的な政策や、財源を確保する方策を追求すべきだ。
The council will discuss four main issues: medical services, nursing care services, pensions and ways of reversing the low birthrate. Yet another issue--employment--must not be left unaddressed.
国民会議の検討項目は医療、介護、年金、少子化の４分野だが、雇用対策も忘れてはならない。
===
3-party cooperation vital
The council is expected to include in its agenda how to improve the working conditions of nonregular employees who are not covered by social security insurance plans despite earning low wages.
低賃金のうえ、社会保険が適用されない非正規雇用の待遇改善などが検討課題になろう。
To translate the council's conclusions into concrete policies, cooperation between the Democratic party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito will be vital.
国民会議の結論を得て、具体的な政策に結び付けるためには、民主、自民、公明３党の協力体制が欠かせない。
The DPJ has been arguing for the creation of a guaranteed minimum pension system and abolition of the special medical care service arrangements for people 75 or older. Both DPJ goals are unrealistic and opposed by the LDP and Komeito.
民主党は、最低保障年金の創設や後期高齢者医療制度の廃止を主張しているが、現実味に乏しく、自公両党は反対している。
After the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election, the three parties, in parallel with discussions by the national council, must hold consultations and find solutions to these issues.
衆院選後、国民会議と並行して政党間協議を行い、決着するべきだ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), for its part, wants to change the pay-as-you-go pension system, under which benefits for current pensioners are funded by premiums paid by workers, into a funded pension system under which premiums paid by workers fund the pension they receive after retirement.
日本維新の会は現在の賦課方式の年金制度を積み立て方式に改めると主張し、
Another new party, Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), has trumpeted the creation of a minimum pension guarantee system.
日本未来の党は最低保障年金の創設を訴えている。
The feasibility of these arguments is questionable. Nevertheless, these arguments could affect deliberations by the council, depending on the results of the lower house election.
実現性は疑問だが、衆院選の結果次第では、国民会議に影響を与える可能性もある。
Every party must be well aware of the importance of stably maintaining the nation's social security system.
どの政党も、社会保障制度を安定させながら維持していくことの重要性を認識すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 2, 2012)
（2012年12月2日01時04分 読売新聞）
Heavier burdens inevitable for sustainable social security
社会保障会議 制度の安定に負担を求めよ（12月2日付・読売社説）
A newly launched expert council on the future of the nation's social security system will need to hold exhaustive discussions on ways to ensure people can live with peace of mind.
国民生活の安心を確保するために、議論を尽くさねばならない。
The national council for reform of the social security system has been inaugurated to deliberate the future shape of social security.
今後の社会保障のあり方を検討する社会保障制度改革国民会議がスタートした。
The head of the council, Keio University President Atsushi Seike, said at its first meeting Friday he hopes the council will develop "logical discussions as a group of experts."
会長の清家篤・慶応義塾長は「専門家として論理的な議論をしたい」と強調した。
It is crucial that the 15-member council, whose deadline for presenting its conclusions is set by law for August next year, hammer out measures for transforming the existing social security system--which has been fraying because of Japan's rapidly aging population coupled with a low birthrate--into a solid, sustainable framework.
来年８月の設置期限までに、少子高齢化でほころびが目立つ制度を持続可能な仕組みにする方策を打ち出すことが重要である。
While benefit payments have snowballed, premiums and tax revenues for funding these expenses have been floundering. The disruption in the balance between benefit payments and the burden on the public to finance the system is leading it to the precipice.
膨らみ続ける社会保障給付費に対し、財源の社会保険料や税収は低迷している。給付と負担のバランスが崩れていることが、制度の危機につながっている。
Government debts to make up for the revenue shortfall have ballooned.
不足分を補う国の借金は増える一方だ。
===
Do away with inequities
The new council plans to ensure necessary social security services can be provided while "curbing the increasing financial burden on the people."
国民会議は「国民負担の増大を抑制しつつ」必要なサービスを確保する方針だ。
However, it would be all but impossible to maintain the system without asking the public to fairly shoulder a burden commensurate with their income level.
だが、国民に公平で相応の負担を求めなくては、制度は維持できまい。
People aged 70 to 74 pay 10 percent of their medical fees from their own pocket, although the rate set by law is 20 percent. The medical bill burden for people in this age bracket is substantially lower than that of people younger or older than them. This has generated a sense of inequality. We think the supposedly provisional measure should be quickly removed so people aged 70 to 74 pay 20 percent of their medical bills.
例えば７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担率は、法定では２割なのに、１割に抑えられている。前後の年代に比べて自己負担が軽く、不公平が生じている。すみやかに２割負担に引き上げるべきである。
Social security benefits will inevitably be curbed. In addition, pension benefits must be lowered in accordance with the falling wage levels of working generations currently paying pension premiums.
給付の抑制も避けられない。年金保険料を納める現役世代の賃金水準の低下に合わせ、年金給付を引き下げる必要がある。
Steps to boost the low birthrate also are urgently needed.
少子化対策も急務だ。
As a percentage of gross domestic product, Japanese government spending on child care support is less than one-third that of the expenditures of nations such as France and Sweden, which have turned around their low birthrates. Effective social security measures, including expanding day care services for children, and ways to secure revenue, must be worked out.
フランス、スウェーデンなど少子化を改善させた国々に比べ、日本の子育て支援支出は国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）比で３分の１に満たない。保育サービスの拡充など効果的な政策や、財源を確保する方策を追求すべきだ。
The council will discuss four main issues: medical services, nursing care services, pensions and ways of reversing the low birthrate. Yet another issue--employment--must not be left unaddressed.
国民会議の検討項目は医療、介護、年金、少子化の４分野だが、雇用対策も忘れてはならない。
===
3-party cooperation vital
The council is expected to include in its agenda how to improve the working conditions of nonregular employees who are not covered by social security insurance plans despite earning low wages.
低賃金のうえ、社会保険が適用されない非正規雇用の待遇改善などが検討課題になろう。
To translate the council's conclusions into concrete policies, cooperation between the Democratic party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito will be vital.
国民会議の結論を得て、具体的な政策に結び付けるためには、民主、自民、公明３党の協力体制が欠かせない。
The DPJ has been arguing for the creation of a guaranteed minimum pension system and abolition of the special medical care service arrangements for people 75 or older. Both DPJ goals are unrealistic and opposed by the LDP and Komeito.
民主党は、最低保障年金の創設や後期高齢者医療制度の廃止を主張しているが、現実味に乏しく、自公両党は反対している。
After the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election, the three parties, in parallel with discussions by the national council, must hold consultations and find solutions to these issues.
衆院選後、国民会議と並行して政党間協議を行い、決着するべきだ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), for its part, wants to change the pay-as-you-go pension system, under which benefits for current pensioners are funded by premiums paid by workers, into a funded pension system under which premiums paid by workers fund the pension they receive after retirement.
日本維新の会は現在の賦課方式の年金制度を積み立て方式に改めると主張し、
Another new party, Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), has trumpeted the creation of a minimum pension guarantee system.
日本未来の党は最低保障年金の創設を訴えている。
The feasibility of these arguments is questionable. Nevertheless, these arguments could affect deliberations by the council, depending on the results of the lower house election.
実現性は疑問だが、衆院選の結果次第では、国民会議に影響を与える可能性もある。
Every party must be well aware of the importance of stably maintaining the nation's social security system.
どの政党も、社会保障制度を安定させながら維持していくことの重要性を認識すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 2, 2012)
（2012年12月2日01時04分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 2, 2012)
Party leaders should compete on strength of feasible policies
１１党の討論会 政策実現性で競うべき党首力（12月1日付・読売社説）
Sitting in a row, 11 leaders of political parties made various assertions on issues. The scene reflected the disarray in the nation's politics.
１１人もの党首がずらりと並び、それぞれ主張し合う姿は、混迷する政治状況を映し出しているかのようだ。
Organized by the Japan National Press Club, a debate was held Friday among the party leaders. It could hardly be said that they always responded directly to each others' arguments, but at least each party's basic stance on key issues became clear.
日本記者クラブの主催で党首討論会が開かれた。議論が十分かみあったとは言えないが、重要な課題に対する各党の基本姿勢は明確になった。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed that his Democratic Party of Japan will make all-out efforts to abandon nuclear energy in the 2030s. As if competing over the speed at which they would achieve zero nuclear reliance, other party leaders presented different goals, with one calling for the immediate abandonment of nuclear power and another referring to an exit from nuclear power in 10 years or so.
エネルギー・原発問題については、野田首相が２０３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指して政策を総動員する方針を強調した。他の党首から「即時」「１０年後をめど」など、脱原発までのスピードを競うような主張も相次いだ。
However, we think such assertions by political parties, which deal with state affairs, are irresponsible as long as they are unable to show clear road maps for achieving zero reliance, by clearly anticipating such factors as economic variables and advances in alternative energy technology.
しかし、代替エネルギー技術の進歩や経済状況の変化まで見越して、「ゼロ」への道筋を明確に出来ない以上、国政を担う政党として無責任に過ぎよう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe raised the concern that seeking denuclearization could have a negative impact on the nation's economy and employment and discourage engineers from pursuing careers in the field of nuclear energy. Therefore, he said, "Zero reliance shouldn't be called for lightly." This view is reasonable.
自民党の安倍総裁は、原発ゼロを唱えることで経済・雇用へ悪影響が及び、原子力関係の技術者も育たなくなる、と懸念を示した。「軽々にゼロと言うべきではない」との指摘はもっともである。
Meanwhile, Shintaro Ishihara, the leader of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), played down calls for nuclear zero dependence as "a sort of desire" and expressed his intention to review his party's election pledge calling for nuclear power to be phased out by the 2030s. We think this praiseworthy.
日本維新の会の石原代表が脱原発を「一種の願望」と一蹴し、公約の「３０年代までにフェードアウト」という記述を見直す考えを表明したことも評価できる。
===
Significance of sales tax hikes
As for increases in the consumption tax rate, Noda said, "Without securing a stable revenue source, we can't provide firm reassurances to people regarding receiving pension benefits and medical and nursing care."
消費税率引き上げに関し、野田首相は「安定財源を確保せずに年金、医療、介護で揺るぎのない安心を作ることはできない」と語った。
Three major parties--the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito--should explain to the people once again the significance of the integrated reform of social security and tax systems to win public understanding.
民主、自民、公明３党は社会保障・税一体改革の意義を改めて説明し、理解を求めるべきだ。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), which opposes consumption tax hikes, pledges to thoroughly eliminate wasteful spending before raising the sales tax. But it is obvious that such a policy would only lead the nation's already teetering finances to collapse.
消費増税に反対する日本未来の党は「消費増税の前に、徹底してムダを削除する」と訴えているが、それでは危機的な財政を破綻に追いやるのは明らかだろう。
Opposing tax increases without offering any specific alternatives to raise funds is nothing but posturing to please the public.
増税に反対するだけで、何ら現実的な財源策を示さないのは大衆迎合というしかない。
===
Parties at odds over TPP
As for the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and economic pact, Yoshimi Watanabe, leader of Your Party, which supports Japan's participation in the TPP talks, said, "The TPP multilateral framework, which excludes China, has strategic meaning to create a balance of power."
米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について、交渉参加を掲げるみんなの党の渡辺代表は「中国を除外したＴＰＰの枠組みには、多角的な勢力均衡体系を作って行こうという、戦略的意味合いがある」と指摘した。
This was apparent criticism of the LDP's taking a cautious stance on TPP participation out of consideration for relations with China.
対中戦略を強調して、参加に慎重な自民党を批判したものだ。
During the debate, Abe only said, "We'd like to handle [this issue] with improved negotiating power while scrutinizing whether we can overcome the hurdle of eliminating tariffs without exception." His remarks on the TPP issue left something to be desired.
安倍氏が、「聖域なき関税撤廃を突破できるか吟味しながら、交渉力を磨いて対応したい」と言うにとどめたのは物足りない。
The official campaign for the House of Representatives election kicks off Tuesday. The party heads should exercise their leadership by addressing voters' concerns seriously and presenting convincing policy measures rather than merely striving to raise the profile of their parties.
衆院選は４日、公示される。党首力は、パフォーマンスではなく、有権者の疑問に正面から向き合い、説得力のある政策を提示することにこそ発揮すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 1, 2012)
（2012年12月1日01時21分 読売新聞）
Party leaders should compete on strength of feasible policies
１１党の討論会 政策実現性で競うべき党首力（12月1日付・読売社説）
Sitting in a row, 11 leaders of political parties made various assertions on issues. The scene reflected the disarray in the nation's politics.
１１人もの党首がずらりと並び、それぞれ主張し合う姿は、混迷する政治状況を映し出しているかのようだ。
Organized by the Japan National Press Club, a debate was held Friday among the party leaders. It could hardly be said that they always responded directly to each others' arguments, but at least each party's basic stance on key issues became clear.
日本記者クラブの主催で党首討論会が開かれた。議論が十分かみあったとは言えないが、重要な課題に対する各党の基本姿勢は明確になった。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed that his Democratic Party of Japan will make all-out efforts to abandon nuclear energy in the 2030s. As if competing over the speed at which they would achieve zero nuclear reliance, other party leaders presented different goals, with one calling for the immediate abandonment of nuclear power and another referring to an exit from nuclear power in 10 years or so.
エネルギー・原発問題については、野田首相が２０３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指して政策を総動員する方針を強調した。他の党首から「即時」「１０年後をめど」など、脱原発までのスピードを競うような主張も相次いだ。
However, we think such assertions by political parties, which deal with state affairs, are irresponsible as long as they are unable to show clear road maps for achieving zero reliance, by clearly anticipating such factors as economic variables and advances in alternative energy technology.
しかし、代替エネルギー技術の進歩や経済状況の変化まで見越して、「ゼロ」への道筋を明確に出来ない以上、国政を担う政党として無責任に過ぎよう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe raised the concern that seeking denuclearization could have a negative impact on the nation's economy and employment and discourage engineers from pursuing careers in the field of nuclear energy. Therefore, he said, "Zero reliance shouldn't be called for lightly." This view is reasonable.
自民党の安倍総裁は、原発ゼロを唱えることで経済・雇用へ悪影響が及び、原子力関係の技術者も育たなくなる、と懸念を示した。「軽々にゼロと言うべきではない」との指摘はもっともである。
Meanwhile, Shintaro Ishihara, the leader of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), played down calls for nuclear zero dependence as "a sort of desire" and expressed his intention to review his party's election pledge calling for nuclear power to be phased out by the 2030s. We think this praiseworthy.
日本維新の会の石原代表が脱原発を「一種の願望」と一蹴し、公約の「３０年代までにフェードアウト」という記述を見直す考えを表明したことも評価できる。
===
Significance of sales tax hikes
As for increases in the consumption tax rate, Noda said, "Without securing a stable revenue source, we can't provide firm reassurances to people regarding receiving pension benefits and medical and nursing care."
消費税率引き上げに関し、野田首相は「安定財源を確保せずに年金、医療、介護で揺るぎのない安心を作ることはできない」と語った。
Three major parties--the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito--should explain to the people once again the significance of the integrated reform of social security and tax systems to win public understanding.
民主、自民、公明３党は社会保障・税一体改革の意義を改めて説明し、理解を求めるべきだ。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), which opposes consumption tax hikes, pledges to thoroughly eliminate wasteful spending before raising the sales tax. But it is obvious that such a policy would only lead the nation's already teetering finances to collapse.
消費増税に反対する日本未来の党は「消費増税の前に、徹底してムダを削除する」と訴えているが、それでは危機的な財政を破綻に追いやるのは明らかだろう。
Opposing tax increases without offering any specific alternatives to raise funds is nothing but posturing to please the public.
増税に反対するだけで、何ら現実的な財源策を示さないのは大衆迎合というしかない。
===
Parties at odds over TPP
As for the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and economic pact, Yoshimi Watanabe, leader of Your Party, which supports Japan's participation in the TPP talks, said, "The TPP multilateral framework, which excludes China, has strategic meaning to create a balance of power."
米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について、交渉参加を掲げるみんなの党の渡辺代表は「中国を除外したＴＰＰの枠組みには、多角的な勢力均衡体系を作って行こうという、戦略的意味合いがある」と指摘した。
This was apparent criticism of the LDP's taking a cautious stance on TPP participation out of consideration for relations with China.
対中戦略を強調して、参加に慎重な自民党を批判したものだ。
During the debate, Abe only said, "We'd like to handle [this issue] with improved negotiating power while scrutinizing whether we can overcome the hurdle of eliminating tariffs without exception." His remarks on the TPP issue left something to be desired.
安倍氏が、「聖域なき関税撤廃を突破できるか吟味しながら、交渉力を磨いて対応したい」と言うにとどめたのは物足りない。
The official campaign for the House of Representatives election kicks off Tuesday. The party heads should exercise their leadership by addressing voters' concerns seriously and presenting convincing policy measures rather than merely striving to raise the profile of their parties.
衆院選は４日、公示される。党首力は、パフォーマンスではなく、有権者の疑問に正面から向き合い、説得力のある政策を提示することにこそ発揮すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 1, 2012)
（2012年12月1日01時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 1, 2012)
Ishin no Kai must offer more than Ishihara, Hashimoto names
維新の会公約 二枚看板だけの戦いにするな（11月30日付・読売社説）
There can be no denying that the campaign pledges announced Thursday by Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) for the upcoming general election are half-baked and seemingly hastily prepared.
政策が生煮えで、急ごしらえであることは否めない。
We fear the newly formed party is not ready to achieve its professed goal of taking the reins of government.
これで国政を担えるのだろうか。
In a news conference the same day, party leader Shintaro Ishihara stated his party "will dismantle the rigid administrative control of the central government bureaucrats," declaring the party will drastically review the nation's state of being.
日本維新の会が衆院選政権公約を発表した。
石原慎太郎代表は、記者会見で「硬直した中央官僚の支配を壊す」と述べ、国のあり方を抜本的に見直すことを唱えた。
The Democratic Party of Japan too once tooted the horn of "rooting out the vested interests of Kasumigaseki," Tokyo's government district, but the DPJ has failed to realize many of its policy pledges. We cannot help but feel Ishin no Kai is making the same flimsy but treacherous move, which gained the DPJ much publicity but amounted to little.
かつて民主党も「霞が関の既得権益を一掃する」と大言壮語したものの、多くの公約を実現できなかった。維新の会にも、似たような危うさを感じざるを得ない。
Voters should not be expected to evaluate Ishin no Kai simply through the personal characteristics of Ishihara and the party's acting leader Toru Hashimoto.
石原、橋下徹両氏の個性だけでは有権者は判断できない。
We urge the party to develop its current platform into a well-thought-out package of persuasive, feasible policies.
やはり、説得力のある実行可能な政策に練り上げていく必要がある。
===
Short on specifics
The party's platform called the pitiful state of government finances "unsustainable," though when it came to how to achieve fiscal rehabilitation, the party equivocated.
公約は、借金依存の財政について「維持不可能」と断定した。
With social security expenses swelling by 1 trillion yen per year, new revenue sources are urgently needed, but Ishin no Kai failed to mention anything more concrete than creating a special inheritance tax to fund pension payments. Furthermore, the party said the consumption tax--the bulwark that shores up the social security system--should be turned over to full local control.
しかし、財政再建を実現する道筋は不透明である。年に１兆円ずつ増える社会保障費についても新たな財源は、年金目的の特別相続税の新設などとあるだけだ。しかも、社会保障を支えてきた消費税は地方税化するという。
Ishin no Kai's campaign pledges do not present effective remedies for the nation's challenges, such as the fiscal crisis and constructing a sustainable pension and health-care systems.
公約を読む限りでは、財政危機への対応や、持続可能な年金、医療制度の構築について、有効な処方箋を示したとは言えない。
Meanwhile, the party seems to be vacillating on its nuclear energy policy.
原発政策は揺れているように見える。
Its platform sets a goal of "breaking the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation," and says existing nuclear plants would "fade out by the 2030s as a result," but the party failed here as well to get specific.
「脱原発依存」を掲げ、既存の原発は「結果として、２０３０年代までにフェードアウトする」と言及したが、曖昧だ。
It is also problematic that Ishin no Kai's platform does not explain how to handle the issue of reactivating the nation's mostly idle nuclear reactors. If the party supports continuing to use nuclear power for at least the time being, it should say so in its platform.
原発の再稼働問題への対応を明記していないことも問題である。当面、原発を活用するのなら、公約にそう書き込むべきだ。
Although the party deserves praise for supporting revisions to the Constitution, we question the advisability of the changes it called for, such as electing the prime minister by popular vote, something we believe would likely devolve into a mere popularity contest, and abolishing the House of Councillors, a goal that would be extremely difficult to achieve.
憲法改正を打ち出したのは結構だが、人気投票に陥りがちな「首相公選制」や、極めて難しい「参院廃止」などを具体例として挙げたのは理解に苦しむ。
===
Clarify priorities
The unintelligibility of Ishin no Kai's election pledges when seen as a whole is mainly because it juxtaposes policies that need to be addressed immediately with medium- and long-term tasks. The party needs to clarify which of its plans will get the highest priority.
全体として、公約が分かりにくいのは、すぐに着手する政策と、中長期の課題を一律に並べているからだ。実現の優先順位を明確にしてもらいたい。
Nevertheless, the party is correctly pledging to support Japan's participation in talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, as this would allow the growth potential of the economies of Asia to be tapped. Along with this, it is reasonable that the party wants to reform the agricultural sector to enhance the international competitiveness of Japan's farm produce.
一方、アジアの発展を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について「交渉参加」を掲げたのは評価できる。これに備えて農業にメスを入れ、競争力を高めようとする姿勢も妥当である。
The party's platform, for instance, rightly points out the need to limit the number of beneficiaries of the income guarantee system for individual farmers, which was created by the DPJ administration, so that it supports only full-time farm households. We also agree with its call to carry out a drastic review of the nation's agricultural cooperatives.
例えば、民主党政権が創設した戸別所得補償を専業農家に限定することや、農協組織の大幅見直しを目指すという。
On diplomatic and security policy, the party has incorporated into its platform the goal of freeing the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
外交・安保政策では、集団的自衛権の行使を盛り込んだ。
Enabling our country to exercise this right would help deepen the alliance with the United States, the core of Japan's foreign policy.
これは外交の基軸である日米同盟の深化に欠かせない。
We strongly hope Ishin no Kai will do its best to help realize this.
ぜひ実現を図ってもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 30, 2012)
（2012年11月30日01時28分 読売新聞）
Ishin no Kai must offer more than Ishihara, Hashimoto names
維新の会公約 二枚看板だけの戦いにするな（11月30日付・読売社説）
There can be no denying that the campaign pledges announced Thursday by Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) for the upcoming general election are half-baked and seemingly hastily prepared.
政策が生煮えで、急ごしらえであることは否めない。
We fear the newly formed party is not ready to achieve its professed goal of taking the reins of government.
これで国政を担えるのだろうか。
In a news conference the same day, party leader Shintaro Ishihara stated his party "will dismantle the rigid administrative control of the central government bureaucrats," declaring the party will drastically review the nation's state of being.
日本維新の会が衆院選政権公約を発表した。
石原慎太郎代表は、記者会見で「硬直した中央官僚の支配を壊す」と述べ、国のあり方を抜本的に見直すことを唱えた。
The Democratic Party of Japan too once tooted the horn of "rooting out the vested interests of Kasumigaseki," Tokyo's government district, but the DPJ has failed to realize many of its policy pledges. We cannot help but feel Ishin no Kai is making the same flimsy but treacherous move, which gained the DPJ much publicity but amounted to little.
かつて民主党も「霞が関の既得権益を一掃する」と大言壮語したものの、多くの公約を実現できなかった。維新の会にも、似たような危うさを感じざるを得ない。
Voters should not be expected to evaluate Ishin no Kai simply through the personal characteristics of Ishihara and the party's acting leader Toru Hashimoto.
石原、橋下徹両氏の個性だけでは有権者は判断できない。
We urge the party to develop its current platform into a well-thought-out package of persuasive, feasible policies.
やはり、説得力のある実行可能な政策に練り上げていく必要がある。
===
Short on specifics
The party's platform called the pitiful state of government finances "unsustainable," though when it came to how to achieve fiscal rehabilitation, the party equivocated.
公約は、借金依存の財政について「維持不可能」と断定した。
With social security expenses swelling by 1 trillion yen per year, new revenue sources are urgently needed, but Ishin no Kai failed to mention anything more concrete than creating a special inheritance tax to fund pension payments. Furthermore, the party said the consumption tax--the bulwark that shores up the social security system--should be turned over to full local control.
しかし、財政再建を実現する道筋は不透明である。年に１兆円ずつ増える社会保障費についても新たな財源は、年金目的の特別相続税の新設などとあるだけだ。しかも、社会保障を支えてきた消費税は地方税化するという。
Ishin no Kai's campaign pledges do not present effective remedies for the nation's challenges, such as the fiscal crisis and constructing a sustainable pension and health-care systems.
公約を読む限りでは、財政危機への対応や、持続可能な年金、医療制度の構築について、有効な処方箋を示したとは言えない。
Meanwhile, the party seems to be vacillating on its nuclear energy policy.
原発政策は揺れているように見える。
Its platform sets a goal of "breaking the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation," and says existing nuclear plants would "fade out by the 2030s as a result," but the party failed here as well to get specific.
「脱原発依存」を掲げ、既存の原発は「結果として、２０３０年代までにフェードアウトする」と言及したが、曖昧だ。
It is also problematic that Ishin no Kai's platform does not explain how to handle the issue of reactivating the nation's mostly idle nuclear reactors. If the party supports continuing to use nuclear power for at least the time being, it should say so in its platform.
原発の再稼働問題への対応を明記していないことも問題である。当面、原発を活用するのなら、公約にそう書き込むべきだ。
Although the party deserves praise for supporting revisions to the Constitution, we question the advisability of the changes it called for, such as electing the prime minister by popular vote, something we believe would likely devolve into a mere popularity contest, and abolishing the House of Councillors, a goal that would be extremely difficult to achieve.
憲法改正を打ち出したのは結構だが、人気投票に陥りがちな「首相公選制」や、極めて難しい「参院廃止」などを具体例として挙げたのは理解に苦しむ。
===
Clarify priorities
The unintelligibility of Ishin no Kai's election pledges when seen as a whole is mainly because it juxtaposes policies that need to be addressed immediately with medium- and long-term tasks. The party needs to clarify which of its plans will get the highest priority.
全体として、公約が分かりにくいのは、すぐに着手する政策と、中長期の課題を一律に並べているからだ。実現の優先順位を明確にしてもらいたい。
Nevertheless, the party is correctly pledging to support Japan's participation in talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, as this would allow the growth potential of the economies of Asia to be tapped. Along with this, it is reasonable that the party wants to reform the agricultural sector to enhance the international competitiveness of Japan's farm produce.
一方、アジアの発展を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について「交渉参加」を掲げたのは評価できる。これに備えて農業にメスを入れ、競争力を高めようとする姿勢も妥当である。
The party's platform, for instance, rightly points out the need to limit the number of beneficiaries of the income guarantee system for individual farmers, which was created by the DPJ administration, so that it supports only full-time farm households. We also agree with its call to carry out a drastic review of the nation's agricultural cooperatives.
例えば、民主党政権が創設した戸別所得補償を専業農家に限定することや、農協組織の大幅見直しを目指すという。
On diplomatic and security policy, the party has incorporated into its platform the goal of freeing the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
外交・安保政策では、集団的自衛権の行使を盛り込んだ。
Enabling our country to exercise this right would help deepen the alliance with the United States, the core of Japan's foreign policy.
これは外交の基軸である日米同盟の深化に欠かせない。
We strongly hope Ishin no Kai will do its best to help realize this.
ぜひ実現を図ってもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 30, 2012)
（2012年11月30日01時28分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 30, 2012)
Voters must warily scrutinize new parties' vague slogans
日本未来の党 「卒原発」には国政を託せない（11月29日付・読売社説）
How could we entrust Japan's future to a political party that touts a slogan of "ending the use of nuclear power plants," which would likely weaken the nation if adopted?
国力を衰退させる「脱原発」を政治目標に掲げる政党に、日本の未来を託せるだろうか。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party) celebrated its inauguration Wednesday, with Shiga Gov. Yukiko Kada being chosen as the party leader. Kada said her party will draw up a "program to achieve a nuclear-free society," seeking to gradually abolish all nuclear power plants. Kada added that she wants to achieve the goal within 10 years.
日本未来の党が、正式に発足した。代表に就任した嘉田由紀子滋賀県知事は「卒原発プログラム」を作成し、徐々に原発を減らして１０年後をめどに原発ゼロにする意向を示した。
The party's slogans are merely vague concepts, listing phrases such as "stopping reliance on tax hikes," "taking the policy initiative away from bureaucrats" and "diplomacy with dignity." The party has yet to prepare concrete measures, even on important topics such as the economy, social security and national security.
「脱増税」「脱官僚」「品格ある外交」など抽象的な言葉ばかりを掲げている。経済や社会保障、安全保障といった重要なテーマでさえまだ政策がない政党だ。
People's Life First and another new party founded by former agriculture minister Masahiko Yamada are scheduled to join Nippon Mirai no To. At first glance, it would seem that Kada called the other two parties to join her. In reality, however, it was People's Life First head Ichiro Ozawa and Yamada who did the behind-the-scenes negotiations for the three parties to reach an agreement on unification.
嘉田氏が「この指止まれ」と呼びかけたように見えるが、実態は国民の生活が第一の小沢一郎代表や、民主党を離党して新党を結成した山田正彦元農相らが根回しをして、合流を決めたものだ。
Nippon Mirai no To's empty slogans and the disorderly shifting of allegiances among former House of Representatives members scrambling to be reelected in the coming general election are clear examples of how the quality of politicians has deteriorated.
空疎なスローガンと、生き残りのために右往左往する前衆院議員たちの姿には、政治家の劣化を痛感せざるを得ない。
===
Irresponsible energy policy
Kada's "sotsu gempatsu" slogan, which literally means "graduating from nuclear power plants," is basically no different from the "datsu-gempatsu" slogan adopted by several other parties, which literally means "breaking with nuclear power plants."
嘉田氏が掲げる「卒原発」は脱原発と大差はない。
Touting such a slogan without showing a clear path to achieve the goal is a mere display of a desire, which obviously is irresponsible.
それだけでは願望に過ぎず、無責任である。
Nippon Mirai no To should prepare a concrete plan on how to stably supply electricity and secure an alternative energy source to nuclear power as well as how to deal with the economic loss and unemployment that plant shutdowns would bring. The party also needs to explain how to deal with the continuing necessity of human resources development in the nuclear sector.
電力の安定供給や代替エネルギー確保、経済・雇用対策、原子力の人材育成などについて現実的な計画を明確に示すべきだ。
In launching itself, Nippon Mirai no To adopted the "Lake Biwa declaration," which includes a sentence that reads, "The prefecture with the greatest unrecognized risk of being damaged by possible accidents at nuclear power plants is Shiga, which is near Wakasa Bay, where a number of aging nuclear plants are located." This statement clearly lacks consideration for the feelings of municipalities where the power plants are actually located, neglecting the fact that Shiga Prefecture benefits from electricity produced by such aging nuclear plants.
結党に際して発表した「びわこ宣言」には「原発事故の潜在的リスクが最も高いのは老朽化した多数の原発が集中立地する若狭湾に近い滋賀県」とある。電力供給の恩恵を受けておきながら、原発立地自治体への配慮が不十分だ。
We urge Kada to reconsider her intention of entering national-level politics merely for the interests of Shiga Prefecture. It is said that what obsessed Kada's mind the most in launching the new party was whether she would be able to handle the jobs of governor and party leader simultaneously. We assume she will face various hardships in carrying out her dual duties, as this is the first time for Kada to run a political party.
滋賀県の利害のために国政に進出するとの発想も改める必要がある。嘉田氏は知事と党首との兼務が可能かどうか悩んだという。政党運営の経験がないだけに、両立には困難が伴うに違いない。
===
The man behind the curtain
It seems that Ozawa had no compunctions about putting an end to People's Life First, a party whose name was carefully chosen by Ozawa himself. However, this is no surprise, as it is apparent that Ozawa wished to avoid entering the election campaign as a party leader, considering his image. In exchange, Ozawa's opinions were reflected in the draft of Nippon Mirai no To's election platform.
小沢氏が名称にもこだわった政党をあっさり捨てても、驚くには当たるまい。党首として前面に出たくなかったのだろう。その分、未来の党の公約原案には小沢氏の従来の主張が反映されている。
The efforts of People's Life First to form an alliance with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) failed, and a new party comprising only former Democratic Party of Japan members would be unlikely to receive attention in the election campaign. We assume Ozawa's intention was to rally from behind by installing Kada, who has a clean image, as leader of the new party. Another display of Ozawa's tactical mastery.
日本維新の会と連携できず、民主党離党組の党だけでは選挙戦で埋没する。クリーンイメージの嘉田氏を「表の顔」に担ぎ出して巻き返そうと考えたようだ。相変わらずの小沢流である。
The public's discontent against conventional parties has soared after a prolonged period of political paralysis. As a result, various new parties have been emerging and merging in the political arena, in a rather haphazard way. However, we have to put a question mark on their abilities to take the helm of the nation. Their policies have a strong flavor of pandering to the masses.
「決められない政治」で既存政党に対する国民の不信感が高まる中、急ごしらえの新党の離合集散が目立っている。だが、新党は、国政を担う能力に疑問符が付き、政策も大衆迎合色が濃厚だ。
We ask voters to pay sufficient attention to such tendencies of the new parties and scrutinize their real value in the general election.
有権者はそのことを十分理解した上で、新党の真価を見極めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 29, 2012)
（2012年11月29日01時32分 読売新聞）
Voters must warily scrutinize new parties' vague slogans
日本未来の党 「卒原発」には国政を託せない（11月29日付・読売社説）
How could we entrust Japan's future to a political party that touts a slogan of "ending the use of nuclear power plants," which would likely weaken the nation if adopted?
国力を衰退させる「脱原発」を政治目標に掲げる政党に、日本の未来を託せるだろうか。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party) celebrated its inauguration Wednesday, with Shiga Gov. Yukiko Kada being chosen as the party leader. Kada said her party will draw up a "program to achieve a nuclear-free society," seeking to gradually abolish all nuclear power plants. Kada added that she wants to achieve the goal within 10 years.
日本未来の党が、正式に発足した。代表に就任した嘉田由紀子滋賀県知事は「卒原発プログラム」を作成し、徐々に原発を減らして１０年後をめどに原発ゼロにする意向を示した。
The party's slogans are merely vague concepts, listing phrases such as "stopping reliance on tax hikes," "taking the policy initiative away from bureaucrats" and "diplomacy with dignity." The party has yet to prepare concrete measures, even on important topics such as the economy, social security and national security.
「脱増税」「脱官僚」「品格ある外交」など抽象的な言葉ばかりを掲げている。経済や社会保障、安全保障といった重要なテーマでさえまだ政策がない政党だ。
People's Life First and another new party founded by former agriculture minister Masahiko Yamada are scheduled to join Nippon Mirai no To. At first glance, it would seem that Kada called the other two parties to join her. In reality, however, it was People's Life First head Ichiro Ozawa and Yamada who did the behind-the-scenes negotiations for the three parties to reach an agreement on unification.
嘉田氏が「この指止まれ」と呼びかけたように見えるが、実態は国民の生活が第一の小沢一郎代表や、民主党を離党して新党を結成した山田正彦元農相らが根回しをして、合流を決めたものだ。
Nippon Mirai no To's empty slogans and the disorderly shifting of allegiances among former House of Representatives members scrambling to be reelected in the coming general election are clear examples of how the quality of politicians has deteriorated.
空疎なスローガンと、生き残りのために右往左往する前衆院議員たちの姿には、政治家の劣化を痛感せざるを得ない。
===
Irresponsible energy policy
Kada's "sotsu gempatsu" slogan, which literally means "graduating from nuclear power plants," is basically no different from the "datsu-gempatsu" slogan adopted by several other parties, which literally means "breaking with nuclear power plants."
嘉田氏が掲げる「卒原発」は脱原発と大差はない。
Touting such a slogan without showing a clear path to achieve the goal is a mere display of a desire, which obviously is irresponsible.
それだけでは願望に過ぎず、無責任である。
Nippon Mirai no To should prepare a concrete plan on how to stably supply electricity and secure an alternative energy source to nuclear power as well as how to deal with the economic loss and unemployment that plant shutdowns would bring. The party also needs to explain how to deal with the continuing necessity of human resources development in the nuclear sector.
電力の安定供給や代替エネルギー確保、経済・雇用対策、原子力の人材育成などについて現実的な計画を明確に示すべきだ。
In launching itself, Nippon Mirai no To adopted the "Lake Biwa declaration," which includes a sentence that reads, "The prefecture with the greatest unrecognized risk of being damaged by possible accidents at nuclear power plants is Shiga, which is near Wakasa Bay, where a number of aging nuclear plants are located." This statement clearly lacks consideration for the feelings of municipalities where the power plants are actually located, neglecting the fact that Shiga Prefecture benefits from electricity produced by such aging nuclear plants.
結党に際して発表した「びわこ宣言」には「原発事故の潜在的リスクが最も高いのは老朽化した多数の原発が集中立地する若狭湾に近い滋賀県」とある。電力供給の恩恵を受けておきながら、原発立地自治体への配慮が不十分だ。
We urge Kada to reconsider her intention of entering national-level politics merely for the interests of Shiga Prefecture. It is said that what obsessed Kada's mind the most in launching the new party was whether she would be able to handle the jobs of governor and party leader simultaneously. We assume she will face various hardships in carrying out her dual duties, as this is the first time for Kada to run a political party.
滋賀県の利害のために国政に進出するとの発想も改める必要がある。嘉田氏は知事と党首との兼務が可能かどうか悩んだという。政党運営の経験がないだけに、両立には困難が伴うに違いない。
===
The man behind the curtain
It seems that Ozawa had no compunctions about putting an end to People's Life First, a party whose name was carefully chosen by Ozawa himself. However, this is no surprise, as it is apparent that Ozawa wished to avoid entering the election campaign as a party leader, considering his image. In exchange, Ozawa's opinions were reflected in the draft of Nippon Mirai no To's election platform.
小沢氏が名称にもこだわった政党をあっさり捨てても、驚くには当たるまい。党首として前面に出たくなかったのだろう。その分、未来の党の公約原案には小沢氏の従来の主張が反映されている。
The efforts of People's Life First to form an alliance with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) failed, and a new party comprising only former Democratic Party of Japan members would be unlikely to receive attention in the election campaign. We assume Ozawa's intention was to rally from behind by installing Kada, who has a clean image, as leader of the new party. Another display of Ozawa's tactical mastery.
日本維新の会と連携できず、民主党離党組の党だけでは選挙戦で埋没する。クリーンイメージの嘉田氏を「表の顔」に担ぎ出して巻き返そうと考えたようだ。相変わらずの小沢流である。
The public's discontent against conventional parties has soared after a prolonged period of political paralysis. As a result, various new parties have been emerging and merging in the political arena, in a rather haphazard way. However, we have to put a question mark on their abilities to take the helm of the nation. Their policies have a strong flavor of pandering to the masses.
「決められない政治」で既存政党に対する国民の不信感が高まる中、急ごしらえの新党の離合集散が目立っている。だが、新党は、国政を担う能力に疑問符が付き、政策も大衆迎合色が濃厚だ。
We ask voters to pay sufficient attention to such tendencies of the new parties and scrutinize their real value in the general election.
有権者はそのことを十分理解した上で、新党の真価を見極めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 29, 2012)
（2012年11月29日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 29, 2012)
Step up constitutional debate on 'national defense force'
「国防軍」 本質的な憲法論議に踏み込め（11月28日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party has pledged in its manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives election that it will revise the Constitution to enable Japan to possess a national defense military force. This has emerged as a key issue in the coming election campaign.
自民党が政権公約で、「国防軍」を保持するとした憲法改正を掲げたことが衆院選の争点の一つに浮上してきた。
At this juncture, each political party should wade into more fundamental discussions on revising the Constitution.
各党は、これを機に、より本質的な憲法改正論議に踏み込むべきである。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was quick to take a swipe at the LDP pledge. "I don't understand the significance of revising the Constitution to position the Self-Defense Forces as a military force, by venturing to change the name to a defense military force," he said. Noda's comments ignited a debate on this issue.
自民党の公約に対し、野田首相は「あえて国防軍と名前を変え、憲法を改正して位置づける意義が分からない」と発言した。これが論戦に火を付けた。
LDP President Shinzo Abe countered Noda's criticism, saying the problem is that the SDF are regarded as a military force under international law, but they are not a military force according to the government's interpretation of the Constitution. Abe went as far as saying that if the SDF are not a military force, SDF personnel would not be handled as prisoners of war if they are captured.
自民党の安倍総裁は、自衛隊は国際法上、軍隊と見なされているのに、政府の憲法解釈では軍隊ではないとされていることこそが問題だと反論した。軍隊でなければ、万一の場合、自衛隊員は捕虜として扱われないとも言及した。
We think Abe's point is quite reasonable.
もっともな見解である。
===
Defining the SDF
The first paragraph of Article 9 of the Constitution stipulates the nation's renunciation of war. The second paragraph says, "In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained." Thus, it spells out that Japan will not possess military forces.
憲法９条は、第１項で戦争を放棄し、第２項で「陸海空軍その他の戦力は、これを保持しない」と戦力不保持を定めている。
The LDP pledge mirrors a draft for revising the Constitution it announced in April when Sadakazu Tanigaki was the party's president. According to the draft, the first paragraph of Article 9 will be maintained, but the second paragraph will be deleted. The draft then stipulates the nation's maintenance of a "military force for defense," saying the preceding paragraph "does not prevent the country from invoking its right to self-defense."
自民党の公約は、谷垣総裁当時の４月に発表した憲法改正草案に沿ったものだ。草案は９条１項を継承する一方で、２項は削除した。その上で「自衛権の発動」を妨げるものではない、として「国防軍」の保持を明記している。
It is only natural for the Constitution to clearly define the organization that will defend this country. We think it is time to end the ambiguity over the legal status of the Self-Defense Forces.
憲法に、自衛のための組織を明確に記すことは当然だ。自衛隊の法的な位置づけを巡る混乱に終止符を打つべきである。
In 2004, The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed several revisions to the Constitution. One change we suggested was the maintenance of a "military force for self-defense."
読売新聞も２００４年の憲法改正試案で、「自衛のための軍隊」保持を盛り込んでいる。
When Noda's Democratic Party of Japan was an opposition party, he himself said in his book that the SDF are "a military force to the eyes of foreign nations," and they "have to be clearly defined [as a combat force] in the Constitution."
首相自身、野党時代の自著で、自衛隊を「外国から見たら、日本軍だ」とし、「きっちり憲法の中で位置づけなければいけない」と主張しているではないか。
We cannot understand why Noda recently made a statement that flew in the face of his own argument.
自らの持論を否定するような発言をするのは理解に苦しむ。
===
Noda rejecting own theory
It is also problematic that the prime minister said such things as, "Does this mean Japan should transform the SDF into an organization that launches intercontinental ballistic missiles?" This is nothing but an electioneering tactic to affix a "hawk" label to the LDP under Abe and unnecessarily stir up voters' anxieties.
首相が自民党の公約について、「自衛隊を大陸間弾道弾を飛ばすような組織にするのか」などと発言しているのも問題である。安倍自民党に「タカ派」のレッテルを貼り、殊更に有権者の不安を煽(あお)ろうとする選挙戦術そのものだ。
On the other hand, the previous DPJ manifesto's reference to planned discussions on revisions to the Constitution has vanished from its policy pledges for the coming election. This gives the strong impression that the party has retreated from its position three years ago, when it called for "free and unrestricted constitutional debate."
一方、民主党の新たな政権公約（マニフェスト）からは憲法改正に関する記載が姿を消した。「自由闊達(かったつ)な憲法論議を」とした３年前よりも後退した感が強い。
Given that the DPJ initiated the latest debate over the "defense military force," it must present its policy for defining the SDF and the right to self-defense in the Constitution.
「国防軍」を巡る論戦を仕掛けた以上、民主党は憲法で自衛隊や自衛権をどう位置づけるのか、方針をまとめるべきだ。
We hope the election campaign will feature lively debate on whether the right to collective self-defense can be exercised, and how the SDF should conduct its international activities.
衆院選では、憲法とも関連する、集団的自衛権行使の是非や、自衛隊の国際活動のあり方についても活発な論戦を期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 28, 2012)
（2012年11月28日01時23分 読売新聞）
Step up constitutional debate on 'national defense force'
「国防軍」 本質的な憲法論議に踏み込め（11月28日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party has pledged in its manifesto for the upcoming House of Representatives election that it will revise the Constitution to enable Japan to possess a national defense military force. This has emerged as a key issue in the coming election campaign.
自民党が政権公約で、「国防軍」を保持するとした憲法改正を掲げたことが衆院選の争点の一つに浮上してきた。
At this juncture, each political party should wade into more fundamental discussions on revising the Constitution.
各党は、これを機に、より本質的な憲法改正論議に踏み込むべきである。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was quick to take a swipe at the LDP pledge. "I don't understand the significance of revising the Constitution to position the Self-Defense Forces as a military force, by venturing to change the name to a defense military force," he said. Noda's comments ignited a debate on this issue.
自民党の公約に対し、野田首相は「あえて国防軍と名前を変え、憲法を改正して位置づける意義が分からない」と発言した。これが論戦に火を付けた。
LDP President Shinzo Abe countered Noda's criticism, saying the problem is that the SDF are regarded as a military force under international law, but they are not a military force according to the government's interpretation of the Constitution. Abe went as far as saying that if the SDF are not a military force, SDF personnel would not be handled as prisoners of war if they are captured.
自民党の安倍総裁は、自衛隊は国際法上、軍隊と見なされているのに、政府の憲法解釈では軍隊ではないとされていることこそが問題だと反論した。軍隊でなければ、万一の場合、自衛隊員は捕虜として扱われないとも言及した。
We think Abe's point is quite reasonable.
もっともな見解である。
===
Defining the SDF
The first paragraph of Article 9 of the Constitution stipulates the nation's renunciation of war. The second paragraph says, "In order to accomplish the aim of the preceding paragraph, land, sea and air forces, as well as other war potential, will never be maintained." Thus, it spells out that Japan will not possess military forces.
憲法９条は、第１項で戦争を放棄し、第２項で「陸海空軍その他の戦力は、これを保持しない」と戦力不保持を定めている。
The LDP pledge mirrors a draft for revising the Constitution it announced in April when Sadakazu Tanigaki was the party's president. According to the draft, the first paragraph of Article 9 will be maintained, but the second paragraph will be deleted. The draft then stipulates the nation's maintenance of a "military force for defense," saying the preceding paragraph "does not prevent the country from invoking its right to self-defense."
自民党の公約は、谷垣総裁当時の４月に発表した憲法改正草案に沿ったものだ。草案は９条１項を継承する一方で、２項は削除した。その上で「自衛権の発動」を妨げるものではない、として「国防軍」の保持を明記している。
It is only natural for the Constitution to clearly define the organization that will defend this country. We think it is time to end the ambiguity over the legal status of the Self-Defense Forces.
憲法に、自衛のための組織を明確に記すことは当然だ。自衛隊の法的な位置づけを巡る混乱に終止符を打つべきである。
In 2004, The Yomiuri Shimbun proposed several revisions to the Constitution. One change we suggested was the maintenance of a "military force for self-defense."
読売新聞も２００４年の憲法改正試案で、「自衛のための軍隊」保持を盛り込んでいる。
When Noda's Democratic Party of Japan was an opposition party, he himself said in his book that the SDF are "a military force to the eyes of foreign nations," and they "have to be clearly defined [as a combat force] in the Constitution."
首相自身、野党時代の自著で、自衛隊を「外国から見たら、日本軍だ」とし、「きっちり憲法の中で位置づけなければいけない」と主張しているではないか。
We cannot understand why Noda recently made a statement that flew in the face of his own argument.
自らの持論を否定するような発言をするのは理解に苦しむ。
===
Noda rejecting own theory
It is also problematic that the prime minister said such things as, "Does this mean Japan should transform the SDF into an organization that launches intercontinental ballistic missiles?" This is nothing but an electioneering tactic to affix a "hawk" label to the LDP under Abe and unnecessarily stir up voters' anxieties.
首相が自民党の公約について、「自衛隊を大陸間弾道弾を飛ばすような組織にするのか」などと発言しているのも問題である。安倍自民党に「タカ派」のレッテルを貼り、殊更に有権者の不安を煽(あお)ろうとする選挙戦術そのものだ。
On the other hand, the previous DPJ manifesto's reference to planned discussions on revisions to the Constitution has vanished from its policy pledges for the coming election. This gives the strong impression that the party has retreated from its position three years ago, when it called for "free and unrestricted constitutional debate."
一方、民主党の新たな政権公約（マニフェスト）からは憲法改正に関する記載が姿を消した。「自由闊達(かったつ)な憲法論議を」とした３年前よりも後退した感が強い。
Given that the DPJ initiated the latest debate over the "defense military force," it must present its policy for defining the SDF and the right to self-defense in the Constitution.
「国防軍」を巡る論戦を仕掛けた以上、民主党は憲法で自衛隊や自衛権をどう位置づけるのか、方針をまとめるべきだ。
We hope the election campaign will feature lively debate on whether the right to collective self-defense can be exercised, and how the SDF should conduct its international activities.
衆院選では、憲法とも関連する、集団的自衛権行使の是非や、自衛隊の国際活動のあり方についても活発な論戦を期待したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 28, 2012)
（2012年11月28日01時23分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 28, 2012)
How will S. Korea's presidential election affect ties with Japan?
韓国大統領選 対日・「北」政策を注視したい（11月27日付・読売社説）
South Korea's presidential election campaign has officially kicked off. Voting is scheduled for Dec. 19.
韓国大統領選が告示され、１２月１９日投開票へ向け、選挙戦に入った。
Under the current Lee Myung Bak administration, the country's relations with North Korea and Japan have become severely strained. Will the new administration be able to rectify this situation? The outcome of the race will definitely affect Japan's future.
李明博政権で冷え込んだ北朝鮮や日本との関係は変わるのか。我が国にも影響を及ぼす重要な選挙だ。
The election, the first in five years, is expected to be a virtual head-to-head battle between Park Geun Hye of the ruling Saenuri Party and Moon Jae In of the main opposition Democratic United Party. It has become a straightforward conservative versus liberal choice after independent Ahn Cheol Soo, who was considered a powerful rival, dropped out of the race. The contest is expected to be a neck-and-neck race.
５年ぶりの今回選挙は、与党セヌリ党の朴槿恵候補と、最大野党・民主統合党の文在寅候補による事実上の保革一騎打ちだ。有力候補とみられた無所属の安哲秀氏が告示直前に出馬を辞退したためで、接戦が予想されている。
Park, representing the conservative camp, seeks to become the first female president of South Korea. Her father, Park Chung Hee, made the bold decision to normalize relations with Japan and paved the way for the nation's high economic growth during his presidency.
保守勢力を代表する朴氏は、初の女性大統領を狙う。父親は、日本との国交正常化に踏み切って韓国を高度経済成長路線に導いた故朴正煕大統領である。
Moon, who represents leftists whose origins can be traced back to those who served in the Kim Dae Jung administration, was imprisoned for opposing Park Chung Hee's long authoritarian rule, and has served as a human-rights lawyer and chief secretary of former President Roh Moo Hyun--Lee's predecessor.
一方、文氏は金大中政権以来の左派の流れをくむ。かつて朴大統領の長期独裁に反対し、投獄された経験を持つ。人権派弁護士として活動し、盧武鉉前大統領の秘書室長を務めた。
Although Park and Moon belong to the same generation, they have contrasting careers and their policies differ widely. We should pay close attention to their verbal battles.
同世代ながら対照的な経歴の２人は、政策の違いも鮮明だ。激しい論戦を注視したい。
===
Economic growth main issue
The campaign's main point of contention will be economic policy.
最大の争点は、経済政策だ。
Lee has succeeded in significantly boosting South Korea's exports through economic policies based on free trade agreements with the United States, the European Union and other countries. However, his policies have also resulted in a widening rich-poor gap. Unemployment among the younger generation also has become a persistent problem. The South Korean public has strongly criticized Lee for only focusing on big companies.
李大統領は、米欧などとの自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）推進を軸に輸出を大きく伸ばしたが、富裕層と低所得者層の格差が広がった。若者の雇用難が続き、大企業だけを優遇したとの批判が強い。
As a result, both candidates have pledged to narrow the rich-poor gap under the slogan of "economic democratization." Moon, for example, is focusing on reforming chaebols--South Korea's conglomerates--and placing more emphasis on helping ordinary workers. The two candidates will be tested on whether they can come up with concrete measures to ensure the nation's economic growth.
両候補が共に「経済民主化」で格差是正を掲げるのは、そのためだ。文氏は財閥改革や労働者重視に力点を置く。成長をどう確保するのか、具体策が問われよう。
The second issue will be North Korea.
第二の争点は、対北朝鮮だ。
Moon has said he will adopt the conciliatory "Sunshine Policy" that the Kim and Roh administrations used in dealing with North Korea, indicating that he was prepared to resume large-scale food and fertilizer aid to the reclusive country. Moon also has declared he wants to hold summit talks between Seoul and Pyongyang next year.
文氏は、金、盧両政権の対「北」融和政策の継承をうたい、食料や肥料の大規模支援を復活させる意向だ。来年に南北首脳会談を行うと宣言した。
We would like to know how Moon plans to approach North Korea to have that country abandon its nuclear development program.
核放棄をどう迫るのか、明らかにしてもらいたい。
Park said she would not hesitate to hold a summit meeting if it led to better ties between the two countries. However, she is taking a gradual approach on the issue, which is to deter North Korea from taking provocative actions on one hand while working on confidence building on the other. We believe her approach is more practical than Moon's.
朴氏も「関係発展のためなら」首脳会談を辞さぬ構えだが、北朝鮮の挑発を抑止しつつ、信頼醸成に基づき関係を築く“漸進”主義だ。まだしも現実的と言える。
===
Concern over bilateral relations
The two candidates' policies in regard to Japan are also important.
重要なのは対日政策である。
Japan-South Korea relations deteriorated rapidly after Lee's visit to the Takeshima islands and his call for an apology from the Emperor. The two candidates are in favor of rectifying strained relations with Japan, as they have talked about building "future-oriented" ties between the two countries. Park has also referred to the resumption of FTA negotiations between Japan and South Korea.
李大統領の竹島訪問と「天皇の謝罪」要求発言で、日韓関係は悪化した。両候補は「未来志向」を口にし、修復に前向きではある。朴氏は、日韓のＦＴＡ交渉の再開にも言及している。
However, Park and Moon both take uncompromising attitudes against Japan on certain issues, such as Takeshima. Moon's stance is especially worrying, as he says he will no longer allow Seoul to continue "quiet diplomacy" on the issue. He also suggested he will pursue Japan's legal responsibility on the issue of so-called comfort women if he becomes president.
だが、竹島など特定の問題では厳しい立場のままだ。とくに文氏は、竹島問題で「これ以上、静かな外交はしない」と述べる一方、慰安婦問題でも日本政府の法的責任を追及する態度を見せる。
We are concerned that if Moon takes office, he would emulate the diplomacy of the Roh administration, which took an unyielding hard-line stance against Japan and stalled relations between the two countries.
強硬一辺倒で日韓関係を停滞させた盧武鉉外交の再現になりかねない、との懸念は拭えない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2012)
（2012年11月27日01時12分 読売新聞）
How will S. Korea's presidential election affect ties with Japan?
韓国大統領選 対日・「北」政策を注視したい（11月27日付・読売社説）
South Korea's presidential election campaign has officially kicked off. Voting is scheduled for Dec. 19.
韓国大統領選が告示され、１２月１９日投開票へ向け、選挙戦に入った。
Under the current Lee Myung Bak administration, the country's relations with North Korea and Japan have become severely strained. Will the new administration be able to rectify this situation? The outcome of the race will definitely affect Japan's future.
李明博政権で冷え込んだ北朝鮮や日本との関係は変わるのか。我が国にも影響を及ぼす重要な選挙だ。
The election, the first in five years, is expected to be a virtual head-to-head battle between Park Geun Hye of the ruling Saenuri Party and Moon Jae In of the main opposition Democratic United Party. It has become a straightforward conservative versus liberal choice after independent Ahn Cheol Soo, who was considered a powerful rival, dropped out of the race. The contest is expected to be a neck-and-neck race.
５年ぶりの今回選挙は、与党セヌリ党の朴槿恵候補と、最大野党・民主統合党の文在寅候補による事実上の保革一騎打ちだ。有力候補とみられた無所属の安哲秀氏が告示直前に出馬を辞退したためで、接戦が予想されている。
Park, representing the conservative camp, seeks to become the first female president of South Korea. Her father, Park Chung Hee, made the bold decision to normalize relations with Japan and paved the way for the nation's high economic growth during his presidency.
保守勢力を代表する朴氏は、初の女性大統領を狙う。父親は、日本との国交正常化に踏み切って韓国を高度経済成長路線に導いた故朴正煕大統領である。
Moon, who represents leftists whose origins can be traced back to those who served in the Kim Dae Jung administration, was imprisoned for opposing Park Chung Hee's long authoritarian rule, and has served as a human-rights lawyer and chief secretary of former President Roh Moo Hyun--Lee's predecessor.
一方、文氏は金大中政権以来の左派の流れをくむ。かつて朴大統領の長期独裁に反対し、投獄された経験を持つ。人権派弁護士として活動し、盧武鉉前大統領の秘書室長を務めた。
Although Park and Moon belong to the same generation, they have contrasting careers and their policies differ widely. We should pay close attention to their verbal battles.
同世代ながら対照的な経歴の２人は、政策の違いも鮮明だ。激しい論戦を注視したい。
===
Economic growth main issue
The campaign's main point of contention will be economic policy.
最大の争点は、経済政策だ。
Lee has succeeded in significantly boosting South Korea's exports through economic policies based on free trade agreements with the United States, the European Union and other countries. However, his policies have also resulted in a widening rich-poor gap. Unemployment among the younger generation also has become a persistent problem. The South Korean public has strongly criticized Lee for only focusing on big companies.
李大統領は、米欧などとの自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）推進を軸に輸出を大きく伸ばしたが、富裕層と低所得者層の格差が広がった。若者の雇用難が続き、大企業だけを優遇したとの批判が強い。
As a result, both candidates have pledged to narrow the rich-poor gap under the slogan of "economic democratization." Moon, for example, is focusing on reforming chaebols--South Korea's conglomerates--and placing more emphasis on helping ordinary workers. The two candidates will be tested on whether they can come up with concrete measures to ensure the nation's economic growth.
両候補が共に「経済民主化」で格差是正を掲げるのは、そのためだ。文氏は財閥改革や労働者重視に力点を置く。成長をどう確保するのか、具体策が問われよう。
The second issue will be North Korea.
第二の争点は、対北朝鮮だ。
Moon has said he will adopt the conciliatory "Sunshine Policy" that the Kim and Roh administrations used in dealing with North Korea, indicating that he was prepared to resume large-scale food and fertilizer aid to the reclusive country. Moon also has declared he wants to hold summit talks between Seoul and Pyongyang next year.
文氏は、金、盧両政権の対「北」融和政策の継承をうたい、食料や肥料の大規模支援を復活させる意向だ。来年に南北首脳会談を行うと宣言した。
We would like to know how Moon plans to approach North Korea to have that country abandon its nuclear development program.
核放棄をどう迫るのか、明らかにしてもらいたい。
Park said she would not hesitate to hold a summit meeting if it led to better ties between the two countries. However, she is taking a gradual approach on the issue, which is to deter North Korea from taking provocative actions on one hand while working on confidence building on the other. We believe her approach is more practical than Moon's.
朴氏も「関係発展のためなら」首脳会談を辞さぬ構えだが、北朝鮮の挑発を抑止しつつ、信頼醸成に基づき関係を築く“漸進”主義だ。まだしも現実的と言える。
===
Concern over bilateral relations
The two candidates' policies in regard to Japan are also important.
重要なのは対日政策である。
Japan-South Korea relations deteriorated rapidly after Lee's visit to the Takeshima islands and his call for an apology from the Emperor. The two candidates are in favor of rectifying strained relations with Japan, as they have talked about building "future-oriented" ties between the two countries. Park has also referred to the resumption of FTA negotiations between Japan and South Korea.
李大統領の竹島訪問と「天皇の謝罪」要求発言で、日韓関係は悪化した。両候補は「未来志向」を口にし、修復に前向きではある。朴氏は、日韓のＦＴＡ交渉の再開にも言及している。
However, Park and Moon both take uncompromising attitudes against Japan on certain issues, such as Takeshima. Moon's stance is especially worrying, as he says he will no longer allow Seoul to continue "quiet diplomacy" on the issue. He also suggested he will pursue Japan's legal responsibility on the issue of so-called comfort women if he becomes president.
だが、竹島など特定の問題では厳しい立場のままだ。とくに文氏は、竹島問題で「これ以上、静かな外交はしない」と述べる一方、慰安婦問題でも日本政府の法的責任を追及する態度を見せる。
We are concerned that if Moon takes office, he would emulate the diplomacy of the Roh administration, which took an unyielding hard-line stance against Japan and stalled relations between the two countries.
強硬一辺倒で日韓関係を停滞させた盧武鉉外交の再現になりかねない、との懸念は拭えない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 27, 2012)
（2012年11月27日01時12分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 27, 2012)
Parties must deepen debate on sustainable welfare system
社会保障 持続可能な制度へ論戦深めよ（11月26日付・読売社説）
◇年金などの給付抑制が不可欠だ
Political parties must engage in policy discussions on how to build a sustainable social security system.
持続可能な社会保障制度をどう築くか、各党は現実的な政策を競い合うべきだ。
The nation's population is aging quickly amid a chronically low birthrate. The present "cavalry-type" society in which every senior citizen is sustained by 2.4 people of the working population will change into a "piggyback-type" one in 30 years in which there will be only 1.3 people for every retirement-age Japanese.
少子高齢化が急速に進む。１人の高齢者を２・４人の現役世代で支える今の「騎馬戦型」社会は、３０年後には１人を１・３人で支える「肩車型」社会になる。
If nothing is done to prevent this, the collapse of Japan's welfare system will only be a matter of time.
このままでは社会保障制度は早晩行き詰まるだろう。
◆一体改革の意義説明を◆
To help reconstruct state finances while covering rising social security costs, the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito joined hands to pass the bill on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. The centerpiece of this bill was a planned doubling of the consumption tax rate.
増え続ける社会保障支出を賄い、財政を再建するため、民主、自民、公明の３党は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革関連法を成立させた。
People's Life First and some other parties, however, want the planned tax increase rescinded. Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), on the other hand, says the social security system should not be sustained with the consumption tax." This is a questionable argument.
だが、国民の生活が第一などは消費増税の撤回を掲げている。日本維新の会は「消費税で社会保障を賄うのは不可」としているが、疑問だ。
The DPJ, the LDP and Komeito need to elaborate on the significance of the welfare and tax system reforms during campaigning for next month's House of Representatives election.
民自公３党は、衆院選で改革の意義を丁寧に訴える必要がある。
It is disconcerting that every party tends to trumpet only support for increasing welfare benefits and lessening the burdens on the public as they try to pander to voters during the election campaign.
懸念されるのは、各政党が選挙戦で有権者の歓心を買おうと、社会保障給付の拡充や負担軽減ばかりを唱えがちになることだ。
If welfare benefits are expanded without a clear objective, the inescapable result will be an endless rise in the consumption tax rate.
漫然と給付を拡大するなら、際限なく消費増税を続けなければならない。
===
Benefit outlays must be cut
Parties have a responsibility to explain how they will cap social security benefits.
社会保障給付の抑制策を提示することは、政治の責任である。
The revised National Pension Law enacted during the recent extraordinary Diet session was aimed at reining in pension payments. This should be applauded. The law revision will ensure pensions that had been overpaid by 2.5 percent will return to originally set levels.
年金給付を抑制するため、臨時国会で、改正国民年金法が成立したことは評価できる。２・５％の過払いとなっている給付が、ようやく本来の水準に戻される。
To ensure pensions can be stably provided, payment levels must be lowered further in accordance with the shifting demographics and changes in wages.
年金財政の安定には、人口や賃金の変動に合わせて、年金水準をさらに引き下げる必要がある。
Given the declining working population and erosion in wage levels caused by the sluggish economy, workers who pay pension premiums are shouldering heavier financial burdens. This will widen the generational gap in pension payments and make it inevitable that younger generations will receive smaller payments compared with their contribution of premiums and taxes. This will make it difficult to maintain the pension system.
労働力人口の減少や、不況に伴う賃金水準の低下で、年金保険料を納める現役世代の負担は重くなる一方だ。保険料や税の負担に比べ、給付が若い世代ほど少なくなる「世代間格差」が拡大し、制度の維持は難しくなる。
We urge the parties to also discuss how to expand the application of the corporate employees pension plan to nonregular workers, who have been increasing sharply, and what can be done for people who receive small pensions or none at all.
急増する非正規労働者に対する厚生年金の適用拡大や、低年金・無年金者対策についても論じてもらいたい。
In its effort to overhaul the pension system, the DPJ calls for establishing a guaranteed minimum pension payment. If this minimum monthly payment of 70,000 yen is to be covered by tax revenue, the consumption tax will have to be increased by up to another 6.2 percentage points. The likelihood that this proposal will be implemented is low.
民主党は年金制度を抜本的に見直そうと「最低保障年金」の創設を提唱している。だが、民主党が従来「月７万円」としてきた給付額を税財源で賄うと、消費税をさらに最大６・２％引き上げる必要があり、実現性に乏しい。
The draft of the DPJ campaign platform for the upcoming election does not mention any concrete figure for the minimum pension payment, apparently a reaction to the criticism it received on this issue.
今回の衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）原案に給付額の記載がないのは、こうした批判を意識したためだろう。
On the other hand, the LDP and Komeito want the current system maintained, but neither has shown enough concrete steps to keep it intact.
一方、自民、公明両党は現行制度の維持を主張しているが、そのための具体策は十分ではない。
We urge each party to present its vision for the public pension system and ways to improve it.
各党は、年金の将来像と制度の改善策を示すべきだ。
===
Health insurance facing crisis
◆危機的な健康保険財政◆
As baby boomers will be 75 or older in 2025, demand for health and nursing care will rise. It can safely be said that the improvement of at-home medical and nursing care and the upgrading of nursing care facilities are needed urgently.
団塊世代が７５歳以上の後期高齢者となる２０２５年に向けて、医療や介護の需要は増大する。在宅医療・介護サービスの拡充や、介護施設の整備は急務と言える。
The DPJ asserts that the medical insurance system for elderly people 75 or older should be abolished, and people in this age group transferred to the national health insurance program.
民主党は、後期高齢者医療制度を廃止し、７５歳以上の高齢者は国民健康保険に移行することを主張している。
But this medical insurance system has taken root, and there is little need to ax it.
だが、この制度は既に定着しており、廃止の必要性は希薄だ。
The LDP claims "the current system will be the base" of its plans. But some points need to be corrected.
自民党は「現行制度が基本」としているが、改めるべき点はあろう。
Due to the sizable contributions paid to the medical insurance system for the elderly, the finances of health insurance programs have fallen into a critical state. One such case is the National Health Insurance Association, which chiefly covers workers at small and midsize companies and their families.
高齢者医療への巨額の拠出金で、協会けんぽなどの健康保険財政が危機に陥っている。
Each party needs to think harder about how the current system can be reviewed.
各党は制度の見直しに、もっと知恵を絞る必要がある。
Time is of the essence for abolishing a special measure limiting out-of-pocket payments for medical bills people aged 70 to 74 pay to 10 percent of the total, and raising the limit to 20 percent as prescribed by law.
７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担を１割に抑える特例措置をやめ、法律の規定通り２割負担に引き上げることも懸案だ。
Medical costs have been creeping up partly because elderly patients often have medical consultations and checks at more than one institution and receive duplicate medication, and due to soaring dispensing fees. These costs must be brought down to reasonable levels.
複数の医療機関の受診や検査、投薬の重複、急増する調剤費など医療費の適正化も求められる。
Nursing care services are also being provided to some people whose need for it is not so pressing. Issues that need to be discussed include whether the out-of-pocket burdens of nursing care service bills should be raised and making sure people who need these services most are given priority.
介護サービスは、現在は要介護状態ほど重くない要支援者も対象になっているが、今後は自己負担の引き上げや重度の要介護者への重点給付が検討課題になろう。
===
Roles of new council
Our society also needs to do more to rectify the low birthrate. The total fertility rate--the average number of children each woman has in her lifetime--was just 1.39 in 2011.
少子化対策にも力を入れなければならない。１人の女性が産む子供の数を示す合計特殊出生率は、１１年に１・３９と低水準だ。
Under the comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems, 700 billion yen of the revenue generated by the consumption tax increase will be allocated to child-rearing support. It is also important to consider how to find money for steps to boost the birthrate. The nation will still spend less on this than European countries do.
社会保障と税の一体改革で、消費増税分のうち７０００億円を子育て支援に充てることになっている。それでも欧州諸国に比べ依然少ない少子化対策費をどう確保するか、という観点も重要だ。
◆国民会議の役割は重い◆
The soon-to-be established national council on social security system reform will have crucial roles to play. It needs to discuss how to build a solid social security system and to prepare ways to hold down benefit payments.
近く設置される社会保障制度改革国民会議が果たす役割は小さくない。信頼できる社会保障体制の構築を議論し、給付の抑制策をまとめる必要がある。
Unless the social security system is stable, people will remain anxious about their future. Regardless of which party holds power, it should maintain the current system while making modifications to accommodate the changing state of society. With this in mind, we hope each party will take part in constructive debates on this matter.
社会保障制度は安定したものでなければ、国民の不安は解消しない。どの政党が政権についても、制度を維持しながら、状況の変化に応じて修正を加えていくべきである。それを念頭に、建設的な論戦を展開してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 26, 2012)
（2012年11月26日01時20分 読売新聞）
Parties must deepen debate on sustainable welfare system
社会保障 持続可能な制度へ論戦深めよ（11月26日付・読売社説）
◇年金などの給付抑制が不可欠だ
Political parties must engage in policy discussions on how to build a sustainable social security system.
持続可能な社会保障制度をどう築くか、各党は現実的な政策を競い合うべきだ。
The nation's population is aging quickly amid a chronically low birthrate. The present "cavalry-type" society in which every senior citizen is sustained by 2.4 people of the working population will change into a "piggyback-type" one in 30 years in which there will be only 1.3 people for every retirement-age Japanese.
少子高齢化が急速に進む。１人の高齢者を２・４人の現役世代で支える今の「騎馬戦型」社会は、３０年後には１人を１・３人で支える「肩車型」社会になる。
If nothing is done to prevent this, the collapse of Japan's welfare system will only be a matter of time.
このままでは社会保障制度は早晩行き詰まるだろう。
◆一体改革の意義説明を◆
To help reconstruct state finances while covering rising social security costs, the Democratic Party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito joined hands to pass the bill on integrated reform of the social security and tax systems. The centerpiece of this bill was a planned doubling of the consumption tax rate.
増え続ける社会保障支出を賄い、財政を再建するため、民主、自民、公明の３党は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革関連法を成立させた。
People's Life First and some other parties, however, want the planned tax increase rescinded. Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), on the other hand, says the social security system should not be sustained with the consumption tax." This is a questionable argument.
だが、国民の生活が第一などは消費増税の撤回を掲げている。日本維新の会は「消費税で社会保障を賄うのは不可」としているが、疑問だ。
The DPJ, the LDP and Komeito need to elaborate on the significance of the welfare and tax system reforms during campaigning for next month's House of Representatives election.
民自公３党は、衆院選で改革の意義を丁寧に訴える必要がある。
It is disconcerting that every party tends to trumpet only support for increasing welfare benefits and lessening the burdens on the public as they try to pander to voters during the election campaign.
懸念されるのは、各政党が選挙戦で有権者の歓心を買おうと、社会保障給付の拡充や負担軽減ばかりを唱えがちになることだ。
If welfare benefits are expanded without a clear objective, the inescapable result will be an endless rise in the consumption tax rate.
漫然と給付を拡大するなら、際限なく消費増税を続けなければならない。
===
Benefit outlays must be cut
Parties have a responsibility to explain how they will cap social security benefits.
社会保障給付の抑制策を提示することは、政治の責任である。
The revised National Pension Law enacted during the recent extraordinary Diet session was aimed at reining in pension payments. This should be applauded. The law revision will ensure pensions that had been overpaid by 2.5 percent will return to originally set levels.
年金給付を抑制するため、臨時国会で、改正国民年金法が成立したことは評価できる。２・５％の過払いとなっている給付が、ようやく本来の水準に戻される。
To ensure pensions can be stably provided, payment levels must be lowered further in accordance with the shifting demographics and changes in wages.
年金財政の安定には、人口や賃金の変動に合わせて、年金水準をさらに引き下げる必要がある。
Given the declining working population and erosion in wage levels caused by the sluggish economy, workers who pay pension premiums are shouldering heavier financial burdens. This will widen the generational gap in pension payments and make it inevitable that younger generations will receive smaller payments compared with their contribution of premiums and taxes. This will make it difficult to maintain the pension system.
労働力人口の減少や、不況に伴う賃金水準の低下で、年金保険料を納める現役世代の負担は重くなる一方だ。保険料や税の負担に比べ、給付が若い世代ほど少なくなる「世代間格差」が拡大し、制度の維持は難しくなる。
We urge the parties to also discuss how to expand the application of the corporate employees pension plan to nonregular workers, who have been increasing sharply, and what can be done for people who receive small pensions or none at all.
急増する非正規労働者に対する厚生年金の適用拡大や、低年金・無年金者対策についても論じてもらいたい。
In its effort to overhaul the pension system, the DPJ calls for establishing a guaranteed minimum pension payment. If this minimum monthly payment of 70,000 yen is to be covered by tax revenue, the consumption tax will have to be increased by up to another 6.2 percentage points. The likelihood that this proposal will be implemented is low.
民主党は年金制度を抜本的に見直そうと「最低保障年金」の創設を提唱している。だが、民主党が従来「月７万円」としてきた給付額を税財源で賄うと、消費税をさらに最大６・２％引き上げる必要があり、実現性に乏しい。
The draft of the DPJ campaign platform for the upcoming election does not mention any concrete figure for the minimum pension payment, apparently a reaction to the criticism it received on this issue.
今回の衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）原案に給付額の記載がないのは、こうした批判を意識したためだろう。
On the other hand, the LDP and Komeito want the current system maintained, but neither has shown enough concrete steps to keep it intact.
一方、自民、公明両党は現行制度の維持を主張しているが、そのための具体策は十分ではない。
We urge each party to present its vision for the public pension system and ways to improve it.
各党は、年金の将来像と制度の改善策を示すべきだ。
===
Health insurance facing crisis
◆危機的な健康保険財政◆
As baby boomers will be 75 or older in 2025, demand for health and nursing care will rise. It can safely be said that the improvement of at-home medical and nursing care and the upgrading of nursing care facilities are needed urgently.
団塊世代が７５歳以上の後期高齢者となる２０２５年に向けて、医療や介護の需要は増大する。在宅医療・介護サービスの拡充や、介護施設の整備は急務と言える。
The DPJ asserts that the medical insurance system for elderly people 75 or older should be abolished, and people in this age group transferred to the national health insurance program.
民主党は、後期高齢者医療制度を廃止し、７５歳以上の高齢者は国民健康保険に移行することを主張している。
But this medical insurance system has taken root, and there is little need to ax it.
だが、この制度は既に定着しており、廃止の必要性は希薄だ。
The LDP claims "the current system will be the base" of its plans. But some points need to be corrected.
自民党は「現行制度が基本」としているが、改めるべき点はあろう。
Due to the sizable contributions paid to the medical insurance system for the elderly, the finances of health insurance programs have fallen into a critical state. One such case is the National Health Insurance Association, which chiefly covers workers at small and midsize companies and their families.
高齢者医療への巨額の拠出金で、協会けんぽなどの健康保険財政が危機に陥っている。
Each party needs to think harder about how the current system can be reviewed.
各党は制度の見直しに、もっと知恵を絞る必要がある。
Time is of the essence for abolishing a special measure limiting out-of-pocket payments for medical bills people aged 70 to 74 pay to 10 percent of the total, and raising the limit to 20 percent as prescribed by law.
７０～７４歳の医療費の窓口負担を１割に抑える特例措置をやめ、法律の規定通り２割負担に引き上げることも懸案だ。
Medical costs have been creeping up partly because elderly patients often have medical consultations and checks at more than one institution and receive duplicate medication, and due to soaring dispensing fees. These costs must be brought down to reasonable levels.
複数の医療機関の受診や検査、投薬の重複、急増する調剤費など医療費の適正化も求められる。
Nursing care services are also being provided to some people whose need for it is not so pressing. Issues that need to be discussed include whether the out-of-pocket burdens of nursing care service bills should be raised and making sure people who need these services most are given priority.
介護サービスは、現在は要介護状態ほど重くない要支援者も対象になっているが、今後は自己負担の引き上げや重度の要介護者への重点給付が検討課題になろう。
===
Roles of new council
Our society also needs to do more to rectify the low birthrate. The total fertility rate--the average number of children each woman has in her lifetime--was just 1.39 in 2011.
少子化対策にも力を入れなければならない。１人の女性が産む子供の数を示す合計特殊出生率は、１１年に１・３９と低水準だ。
Under the comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems, 700 billion yen of the revenue generated by the consumption tax increase will be allocated to child-rearing support. It is also important to consider how to find money for steps to boost the birthrate. The nation will still spend less on this than European countries do.
社会保障と税の一体改革で、消費増税分のうち７０００億円を子育て支援に充てることになっている。それでも欧州諸国に比べ依然少ない少子化対策費をどう確保するか、という観点も重要だ。
◆国民会議の役割は重い◆
The soon-to-be established national council on social security system reform will have crucial roles to play. It needs to discuss how to build a solid social security system and to prepare ways to hold down benefit payments.
近く設置される社会保障制度改革国民会議が果たす役割は小さくない。信頼できる社会保障体制の構築を議論し、給付の抑制策をまとめる必要がある。
Unless the social security system is stable, people will remain anxious about their future. Regardless of which party holds power, it should maintain the current system while making modifications to accommodate the changing state of society. With this in mind, we hope each party will take part in constructive debates on this matter.
社会保障制度は安定したものでなければ、国民の不安は解消しない。どの政党が政権についても、制度を維持しながら、状況の変化に応じて修正を加えていくべきである。それを念頭に、建設的な論戦を展開してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 26, 2012)
（2012年11月26日01時20分 読売新聞）
プロフィール
ＨＮ：
srachai
ＨＰ：
性別：
男性
職業：
civil engineer
趣味：
子育て
自己紹介：
妻はタイ人、娘ばかり３人も！
■近況
２００９年の９月１５日に脳梗塞を発症、右手が少し不自由になりました。
MRAで脳梗塞の部位を特定でき、素早い処置をとれたので大事に至りませんでした。
快復にむけてリハビリ中です。
(2011/01/01更新)
■自己紹介・リンク
[ はじめに ]
タイのスラチャイです。
英語学習に王道はありません。
毎日毎日の地道な努力の積み重ねが必要です。
スラチャイはＮＨＫのラジオ英語会話で現在の英語力を身につけました。
一日僅か１５分の学習でも数年間継続すれば相当な学習効果が期待できます。
[ 名前 ]
松井 清 （スラチャイ）
[ 略歴 ]
・福岡県出身
・国立高知大学卒業
・準大手建設会社に就職
・50歳で会社を早期退職
・99/10 タイ全土を旅行
・00/10 タイに移住
・03/07 カイちゃん誕生
・07/06 シーファーちゃん誕生
・現在タイ国コンケン在住
[ 座右の銘 ]
Slow and steady wins the race.
遅くとも着実な者が勝利する
（NHK基礎英語芹沢栄先生）
[ 学習の手引き ]
・音読して耳から英語を吸収
・Think in English.
・ネイティブ発音付辞書活用
・英英辞典を活用（英和も）
・翻訳和文で専門用語確認
[ English Newspapers ]
Yomiuri
Mainichi
Asahi
Japan Times
Washington Post
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The Nations
Phuket Gazette
[ 英字新聞の英和対訳学習 ]
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英字新聞（朝日２）
[ スラチャイ編集の辞書 ]
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seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
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09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
基礎タイ語一覧(タイ文字、音声付き）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
タイの文化、１４の戒律
タイの文化一覧:
01 雨の日にも傘をささないタイ人
02 勉強熱心なタイ人女性たち
03 タイ人は敬謙な仏教徒
04 タイの市場
05 タイの食堂
06 タイ人は外食が大好き
07 果物王国タイランド
08 タイ人の誕生日
09 タイの電話代は高い
10 微笑みの国タイランド
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
１４の戒律解説
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律