読売、毎日、朝日各社英字新聞の社説を学習研究
×
[PR]上記の広告は3ヶ月以上新規記事投稿のないブログに表示されています。新しい記事を書く事で広告が消えます。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 26, 2012)
Public, private sectors must team up to lower LNG prices
液化天然ガス 官民連携で高値買い是正せよ（9月25日付・読売社説）
Imports of liquefied natural gas to be used as fuel for thermal power plants have skyrocketed, and the price of LNG has been surging. The public and private sectors must cooperate more to ensure LNG can be procured at a lower price.
火力発電所の燃料となる液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）の輸入が急増し、価格も急騰している。官民連携を強め、安価での調達を目指さねばならない。
LNG-consuming nations, including Japan and South Korea, and producing countries, including Qatar, took part in the first LNG Producer-Consumer Conference in Tokyo last week.
日本、韓国などの消費国と、カタールなど生産国による初めてのＬＮＧ会議が東京で開かれた。
Japan is the world's biggest LNG importer and sucks up 30 percent of the total production volume. Since the crisis began at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Japan has increased its reliance on thermal power generation as an alternative to nuclear power.
日本のＬＮＧ輸入量は世界１位で、全生産量の３割を輸入する。東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故後、原発の代替電源として火力発電の依存度が一層高まった。
Before the crisis, Japan's LNG import bill came to about 3 trillion yen a year. This is expected to double to about 6 trillion yen this year.
事故前のＬＮＧ輸入額は年３兆円程度だったのに、今年は約６兆円に倍増する見通しだ。
If generation costs at electric power companies increase and these costs are passed on through higher electricity bills, it will deal a blow to industries and people's daily lives.
電力会社の発電コストが上昇し、料金に転嫁されると、産業や国民生活に打撃を与えよう。
===
Paying a 'Japan premium'
We are concerned that LNG import prices have surged to about six times the price of natural gas in North America.
懸念されるのは、その輸入価格が北米での天然ガス価格の約６倍にも急騰していることだ。
LNG prices in Asia are linked to crude oil prices; the recent spike in LNG is partly due to higher oil prices. During last week's conference, Japan called for a review of the current crude oil-linked pricing system, but discussions on the matter ended up being carried over to the next conference.
アジアのＬＮＧ価格は、原油価格に連動する仕組みで、原油高につられているのが一因だ。日本は今回の会議で現行方式の見直しを訴えたが、持ち越された。
The top LNG importers following Japan are South Korea, Taiwan, China and India. Asian countries and regions import more than 60 percent of total global LNG output.
日本に次ぐＬＮＧの輸入国・地域は、韓国、台湾、中国、インドで、アジア勢の総輸入量は世界生産量の６割を超える。
It is essential for Japan, together with South Korea and other nations, to introduce a new pricing system and lower LNG prices by pressing producing countries.
韓国などと結束して生産国に迫り、新価格決定方式と価格引き下げを実現することが重要だ。
As for price negotiations with LNG-producers, we hope a method in which not just a single company but many firms, including electricity and gas utilities, can jointly participate will be considered.
生産国側との価格交渉も、１社単位ではなく、電力会社やガス会社など多数の企業が連携して行う方法を併せて検討してほしい。
With Japan unable to restart idled nuclear reactors and the government laying out a zero nuclear power policy, LNG producers are cashing in by charging a "Japan premium"--forcing Japan to pay a higher price for LNG.
日本が原発を再稼働できず、政府が原発ゼロ方針を打ち出したことで、生産国から足元を見られ、「ジャパンプレミアム」という高値買いを強いられている。
To alleviate this situation, the government should quickly reactivate nuclear reactors once they have been confirmed safe to operate. The government must give consideration to maintaining a balance among power sources, or it could find itself at even more of a disadvantage when negotiating LNG prices.
この状況を改めるためにも、政府は安全性が確認できた原発の再稼働を急ぐ必要がある。電源バランスを考慮しないと、ＬＮＧの価格交渉でさらに不利になろう。
===
Shale gas could be savior
In the United States and other countries, new technologies are being used to extract shale gas contained in rocks deep underground. Shale gas reserves are huge, and extracting them will likely relax the supply-demand balance in the market in the future. Some observers have called this the "shale gas revolution."
米国などでは、地中深い岩盤に含まれる天然ガスのシェールガスが新技術で採取されている。埋蔵量は膨大で、将来、市場の需給緩和につながる可能性が高い。シェールガス革命と言われる。
It is encouraging that Japanese trading and other companies have started moves to obtain concessions to develop shale gas fields in the United States. The government should provide massive development funds and build a framework that will ensure the stable procurement of shale gas.
日本の大手商社などが米国でのシェールガスの開発権益獲得に動き出したのは期待できる。巨額な開発資金を政府も支援し、安定調達できる体制を整えるべきだ。
However, the United States has decided that its LNG can be exported only to nations that are signatories of free trade agreements with Washington.
ただし、米国政府はＬＮＧ輸出先について自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）の締結国を条件としている。
The U.S. policy on LNG exports under the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement--an expanded version of an FTA--remains unclear. Nevertheless, Japan, to prepare for the future, needs to quickly announce it will participate in the TPP to ensure negotiations on the trade framework are to its advantage.
ＦＴＡの拡大版である環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）での米国の方針は不明だが、日本は将来に備え、ＴＰＰ参加を早期に表明して有利に交渉する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 25, 2012)
（2012年9月25日02時13分 読売新聞）
Public, private sectors must team up to lower LNG prices
液化天然ガス 官民連携で高値買い是正せよ（9月25日付・読売社説）
Imports of liquefied natural gas to be used as fuel for thermal power plants have skyrocketed, and the price of LNG has been surging. The public and private sectors must cooperate more to ensure LNG can be procured at a lower price.
火力発電所の燃料となる液化天然ガス（ＬＮＧ）の輸入が急増し、価格も急騰している。官民連携を強め、安価での調達を目指さねばならない。
LNG-consuming nations, including Japan and South Korea, and producing countries, including Qatar, took part in the first LNG Producer-Consumer Conference in Tokyo last week.
日本、韓国などの消費国と、カタールなど生産国による初めてのＬＮＧ会議が東京で開かれた。
Japan is the world's biggest LNG importer and sucks up 30 percent of the total production volume. Since the crisis began at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, Japan has increased its reliance on thermal power generation as an alternative to nuclear power.
日本のＬＮＧ輸入量は世界１位で、全生産量の３割を輸入する。東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故後、原発の代替電源として火力発電の依存度が一層高まった。
Before the crisis, Japan's LNG import bill came to about 3 trillion yen a year. This is expected to double to about 6 trillion yen this year.
事故前のＬＮＧ輸入額は年３兆円程度だったのに、今年は約６兆円に倍増する見通しだ。
If generation costs at electric power companies increase and these costs are passed on through higher electricity bills, it will deal a blow to industries and people's daily lives.
電力会社の発電コストが上昇し、料金に転嫁されると、産業や国民生活に打撃を与えよう。
===
Paying a 'Japan premium'
We are concerned that LNG import prices have surged to about six times the price of natural gas in North America.
懸念されるのは、その輸入価格が北米での天然ガス価格の約６倍にも急騰していることだ。
LNG prices in Asia are linked to crude oil prices; the recent spike in LNG is partly due to higher oil prices. During last week's conference, Japan called for a review of the current crude oil-linked pricing system, but discussions on the matter ended up being carried over to the next conference.
アジアのＬＮＧ価格は、原油価格に連動する仕組みで、原油高につられているのが一因だ。日本は今回の会議で現行方式の見直しを訴えたが、持ち越された。
The top LNG importers following Japan are South Korea, Taiwan, China and India. Asian countries and regions import more than 60 percent of total global LNG output.
日本に次ぐＬＮＧの輸入国・地域は、韓国、台湾、中国、インドで、アジア勢の総輸入量は世界生産量の６割を超える。
It is essential for Japan, together with South Korea and other nations, to introduce a new pricing system and lower LNG prices by pressing producing countries.
韓国などと結束して生産国に迫り、新価格決定方式と価格引き下げを実現することが重要だ。
As for price negotiations with LNG-producers, we hope a method in which not just a single company but many firms, including electricity and gas utilities, can jointly participate will be considered.
生産国側との価格交渉も、１社単位ではなく、電力会社やガス会社など多数の企業が連携して行う方法を併せて検討してほしい。
With Japan unable to restart idled nuclear reactors and the government laying out a zero nuclear power policy, LNG producers are cashing in by charging a "Japan premium"--forcing Japan to pay a higher price for LNG.
日本が原発を再稼働できず、政府が原発ゼロ方針を打ち出したことで、生産国から足元を見られ、「ジャパンプレミアム」という高値買いを強いられている。
To alleviate this situation, the government should quickly reactivate nuclear reactors once they have been confirmed safe to operate. The government must give consideration to maintaining a balance among power sources, or it could find itself at even more of a disadvantage when negotiating LNG prices.
この状況を改めるためにも、政府は安全性が確認できた原発の再稼働を急ぐ必要がある。電源バランスを考慮しないと、ＬＮＧの価格交渉でさらに不利になろう。
===
Shale gas could be savior
In the United States and other countries, new technologies are being used to extract shale gas contained in rocks deep underground. Shale gas reserves are huge, and extracting them will likely relax the supply-demand balance in the market in the future. Some observers have called this the "shale gas revolution."
米国などでは、地中深い岩盤に含まれる天然ガスのシェールガスが新技術で採取されている。埋蔵量は膨大で、将来、市場の需給緩和につながる可能性が高い。シェールガス革命と言われる。
It is encouraging that Japanese trading and other companies have started moves to obtain concessions to develop shale gas fields in the United States. The government should provide massive development funds and build a framework that will ensure the stable procurement of shale gas.
日本の大手商社などが米国でのシェールガスの開発権益獲得に動き出したのは期待できる。巨額な開発資金を政府も支援し、安定調達できる体制を整えるべきだ。
However, the United States has decided that its LNG can be exported only to nations that are signatories of free trade agreements with Washington.
ただし、米国政府はＬＮＧ輸出先について自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）の締結国を条件としている。
The U.S. policy on LNG exports under the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement--an expanded version of an FTA--remains unclear. Nevertheless, Japan, to prepare for the future, needs to quickly announce it will participate in the TPP to ensure negotiations on the trade framework are to its advantage.
ＦＴＡの拡大版である環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）での米国の方針は不明だが、日本は将来に備え、ＴＰＰ参加を早期に表明して有利に交渉する必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 25, 2012)
（2012年9月25日02時13分 読売新聞）
PR
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 24, 2012)
Anti-Japan stance may curb investment in China
中国威圧外交 リスク増大で日本の投資減も（9月23日付・読売社説）
Anti-Japan demonstrations in cities around China to protest the Japanese government's purchase of the Senkaku Islands have mostly calmed down.
日本の尖閣諸島国有化に反発する中国各地の反日デモは、ほぼ沈静化した。
However, it is a problem that the Chinese government is escalating its overbearing approach in diplomacy.
だが、中国の威圧外交が強まっていることは問題である。
Chinese authorities banned demonstrations in Beijing after Tuesday, which marked the 81st anniversary of the Liutiaohu bombing incident that prefaced the Manchurian Incident.
中国当局は、満州事変の発端となった柳条湖事件から８１年となる１８日を最後に、北京でのデモを禁止した。
The authorities apparently became wary that continuing to allow the demonstrations could threaten social stability because some of them developed into riots.
一部が暴徒化したデモを容認し続けると、社会の安定が揺らぐと警戒したようだ。
But we are concerned that Chinese President Hu Jintao and other national leaders have made a series of hard-line statements against Japan. Premier Wen Jiabao said in Brussels, where the China-European Union summit meeting was held, that China "must take strong measures," referring to the Japanese government's purchase of the Senkaku Islands.
懸念すべきは、胡錦濤国家主席ら首脳の強硬発言が相次いでいることだ。温家宝首相は、欧州連合（ＥＵ）との首脳会談が開かれたブリュッセルで、尖閣諸島国有化に言及し、「有力な措置を講じなければならない」と述べた。
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who will succeed Hu at the upcoming National Congress of the Communist Party of China, also said some groups in Japan repeated mistakes and "staged the farce" of purchasing the islands.
近く開かれる共産党大会で胡氏のポストを引き継ぐ習近平国家副主席も、「日本の一部勢力は過ちを繰り返し、島購入という茶番を演じた」と発言した。
They apparently were expressing their determination to make no concessions at all to Japan.
日本には絶対に譲歩しない、という決意を示したのだろう。
===
Doing business in China risky
However, we believe it was to the Chinese side's disadvantage that the demonstrations have made Japanese companies keenly realize the risks of doing business in China.
しかし、中国での事業リスクを日本企業に痛感させたことは、中国側にもマイナスではないか。
Resumption of operations is being delayed at some of the Japanese factories in China attacked by demonstrators. The Chinese side has not shown any willingness to pay compensation for damage caused during the protests. The Japanese nonlife insurance sector estimated that insurance payouts to the damaged companies would reach 10 billion yen in total. That eventually might raise insurance fees of the companies.
反日デモで襲撃された企業の一部の工場再開は遅れている。中国側が損害賠償する姿勢は見えず、日本の損保業界は被害企業への保険金が約１００億円にも上ると試算した。いずれ各社の保険料も値上がりしかねない。
It is also a matter of concern that strikes for pay raises are occurring frequently at Japanese-affiliated plants in Guangdong and other provinces in China.
広東省などの日系工場で、賃上げを要求するストライキが頻発していることも憂慮される。
We understand why one Japanese business leader after another is expressing wariness about investment in China, saying they must be cautious.
経済界で「対中投資は慎重にならざるを得ない」と警戒する声が続出しているのは当然である。
Japanese firms have placed much value on China as the factory of the world and increased their investment in that country. Such investment reached a total of 6.3 billion dollars last year, up 50 percent from the previous year. This contrasts with U.S. investment in China, which fell 26 percent last year to a mere 3 billion dollars.
日本企業は中国を「世界の工場」と重視し、投資を増やしてきた。昨年の投資額は前年比５０％増の６３億ドルに達し、２６％減の３０億ドルにとどまった米国と対照的だ。
===
Millions work at Japan firms
Such aggressive investment by Japanese companies is sustaining China's employment and economy. It is estimated that several million Chinese work at Japanese-affiliated companies in China.
こうした積極的な投資が、中国の雇用と景気を支えている。日系企業による中国での雇用者は数百万人に達するとも推計される。
The violent anti-Japan demonstrations have trampled on cooperative relations between China and Japan that have been nurtured over many years.
過激な反日デモは、長年培ってきた日本との協調関係も踏みにじったことになる。
It is highly likely that Japanese companies will sharply curb their investment in China and instead increase investment in other Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.
日本企業の対中投資には急ブレーキがかかり、代わって、ベトナムやタイなどアジア他国への投資が増える可能性が大きい。
Because the Chinese economy is continuing to slow down due to a decrease in exports and other factors, China's real economic growth rate this year is expected to drop below 8 percent. It is certain that--depending on the investment strategy of Japanese companies--downward pressure could further increase on the Chinese economy, negatively affecting employment there.
中国経済は輸出減などで景気減速が止まらず、今年の実質経済成長率は８％を割りそうだ。日本企業の投資戦略によっては、一段の景気の下押し圧力となり、雇用にも悪影響を与えるに違いない。
China should realize that continuing its hard line against Japan could boomerang to its own disadvantage.
中国政府は、対日強硬姿勢を改めないと、自国にも不利になって跳ね返る恐れがあることを自覚すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2012)
（2012年9月23日01時13分 読売新聞）
Anti-Japan stance may curb investment in China
中国威圧外交 リスク増大で日本の投資減も（9月23日付・読売社説）
Anti-Japan demonstrations in cities around China to protest the Japanese government's purchase of the Senkaku Islands have mostly calmed down.
日本の尖閣諸島国有化に反発する中国各地の反日デモは、ほぼ沈静化した。
However, it is a problem that the Chinese government is escalating its overbearing approach in diplomacy.
だが、中国の威圧外交が強まっていることは問題である。
Chinese authorities banned demonstrations in Beijing after Tuesday, which marked the 81st anniversary of the Liutiaohu bombing incident that prefaced the Manchurian Incident.
中国当局は、満州事変の発端となった柳条湖事件から８１年となる１８日を最後に、北京でのデモを禁止した。
The authorities apparently became wary that continuing to allow the demonstrations could threaten social stability because some of them developed into riots.
一部が暴徒化したデモを容認し続けると、社会の安定が揺らぐと警戒したようだ。
But we are concerned that Chinese President Hu Jintao and other national leaders have made a series of hard-line statements against Japan. Premier Wen Jiabao said in Brussels, where the China-European Union summit meeting was held, that China "must take strong measures," referring to the Japanese government's purchase of the Senkaku Islands.
懸念すべきは、胡錦濤国家主席ら首脳の強硬発言が相次いでいることだ。温家宝首相は、欧州連合（ＥＵ）との首脳会談が開かれたブリュッセルで、尖閣諸島国有化に言及し、「有力な措置を講じなければならない」と述べた。
Chinese Vice President Xi Jinping, who will succeed Hu at the upcoming National Congress of the Communist Party of China, also said some groups in Japan repeated mistakes and "staged the farce" of purchasing the islands.
近く開かれる共産党大会で胡氏のポストを引き継ぐ習近平国家副主席も、「日本の一部勢力は過ちを繰り返し、島購入という茶番を演じた」と発言した。
They apparently were expressing their determination to make no concessions at all to Japan.
日本には絶対に譲歩しない、という決意を示したのだろう。
===
Doing business in China risky
However, we believe it was to the Chinese side's disadvantage that the demonstrations have made Japanese companies keenly realize the risks of doing business in China.
しかし、中国での事業リスクを日本企業に痛感させたことは、中国側にもマイナスではないか。
Resumption of operations is being delayed at some of the Japanese factories in China attacked by demonstrators. The Chinese side has not shown any willingness to pay compensation for damage caused during the protests. The Japanese nonlife insurance sector estimated that insurance payouts to the damaged companies would reach 10 billion yen in total. That eventually might raise insurance fees of the companies.
反日デモで襲撃された企業の一部の工場再開は遅れている。中国側が損害賠償する姿勢は見えず、日本の損保業界は被害企業への保険金が約１００億円にも上ると試算した。いずれ各社の保険料も値上がりしかねない。
It is also a matter of concern that strikes for pay raises are occurring frequently at Japanese-affiliated plants in Guangdong and other provinces in China.
広東省などの日系工場で、賃上げを要求するストライキが頻発していることも憂慮される。
We understand why one Japanese business leader after another is expressing wariness about investment in China, saying they must be cautious.
経済界で「対中投資は慎重にならざるを得ない」と警戒する声が続出しているのは当然である。
Japanese firms have placed much value on China as the factory of the world and increased their investment in that country. Such investment reached a total of 6.3 billion dollars last year, up 50 percent from the previous year. This contrasts with U.S. investment in China, which fell 26 percent last year to a mere 3 billion dollars.
日本企業は中国を「世界の工場」と重視し、投資を増やしてきた。昨年の投資額は前年比５０％増の６３億ドルに達し、２６％減の３０億ドルにとどまった米国と対照的だ。
===
Millions work at Japan firms
Such aggressive investment by Japanese companies is sustaining China's employment and economy. It is estimated that several million Chinese work at Japanese-affiliated companies in China.
こうした積極的な投資が、中国の雇用と景気を支えている。日系企業による中国での雇用者は数百万人に達するとも推計される。
The violent anti-Japan demonstrations have trampled on cooperative relations between China and Japan that have been nurtured over many years.
過激な反日デモは、長年培ってきた日本との協調関係も踏みにじったことになる。
It is highly likely that Japanese companies will sharply curb their investment in China and instead increase investment in other Asian countries such as Vietnam and Thailand.
日本企業の対中投資には急ブレーキがかかり、代わって、ベトナムやタイなどアジア他国への投資が増える可能性が大きい。
Because the Chinese economy is continuing to slow down due to a decrease in exports and other factors, China's real economic growth rate this year is expected to drop below 8 percent. It is certain that--depending on the investment strategy of Japanese companies--downward pressure could further increase on the Chinese economy, negatively affecting employment there.
中国経済は輸出減などで景気減速が止まらず、今年の実質経済成長率は８％を割りそうだ。日本企業の投資戦略によっては、一段の景気の下押し圧力となり、雇用にも悪影響を与えるに違いない。
China should realize that continuing its hard line against Japan could boomerang to its own disadvantage.
中国政府は、対日強硬姿勢を改めないと、自国にも不利になって跳ね返る恐れがあることを自覚すべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2012)
（2012年9月23日01時13分 読売新聞）
９月２３日の１９時過ぎに夜行バスでコンケンからバンコクへ向かいました。
バスの中で日付は２４日となりましたが、まだ夜の明けきらぬ深夜の午前２時前にバンコク北バスターミナルに到着、フェイスブックお友達の越川さんにホテルで面会いたしました。
午前２時から世の白々と明け初（そ）める５時半まで、ホテルのロビーで話に花が咲きました。私が長い間気に掛けていた真実も、ほぼ完璧なかたちで確認できました。
真相は私の予想通りだったのです。やはりショックですね。
それにもめげず前向きな人生を歩まれる越川さんの強さに打たれ、不覚にも涙を流しました。越川さんを尊敬いたします。
遅くなりました。昨日掲載予定の原稿です。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 23, 2012)
With Noda reelected, DPJ must reconfirm 3-party pact
野田代表再選 民自公党首会談で連携確認を（9月22日付・読売社説）
◆「離党」恐れて政策は定まらず◆
By the numbers, it was a landslide victory, but considering the difficulty of the tasks ahead, the win can only be seen as bittersweet.
数字上は大差だが、多難な前途を考えれば、ほろ苦い勝利でもある。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was reelected as Democratic Party of Japan president on Friday. Former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi and the two other challengers only managed to garner about one-third of the votes between them.
民主党代表選で、野田佳彦首相が再選を果たした。原口一博元総務相ら他の３候補の獲得票は合計で全体の３分の１程度にとどまった。
At the cost of splitting the ruling party, the prime minister pushed legislation through the Diet to comprehensively revamp the social security and tax systems, reforms that are essential for Japan's revitalization. Noda's reelection is a clear sign that DPJ members endorse the agreement to work together toward reform made between the three major political parties--the DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
首相は、党分裂という犠牲も辞さずに、日本再生に不可欠な社会保障・税一体改革関連法を成立させた。今回の再選は、その民主、自民、公明の３党の協調路線が信任されたことを意味する。
===
Noda's stance endorsed
◆信任された首相の路線◆
In a speech after winning the election, Noda called for party unity, telling DPJ members, "I'd like to work with all of you to make a country where smiling faces are everywhere."
野田首相は再選後、「笑顔が広がる国を、皆さんと一緒に造りたい」と、党の結束を呼びかけた。
We think the party should now unite behind its newly reelected leader.
代表選の結果が出た以上、民主党は首相の下で団結すべきだ。
However, it was disappointing that the DPJ presidential candidates did not conduct a meaningful policy debate.
残念なのは、肝心の政策論争が低調だったことだ。
Noda has been supportive of Japan participating in talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, but he hedged his remarks on the issue during the campaign, only acknowledging that the discussions with other countries are ongoing. He did not address the issue directly around his rivals, who were either against the TPP or had adopted cautious positions.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加問題で、野田首相は本来、「推進」の立場なのに、「関係国との協議が継続中」などと慎重な発言に終始した。「反対・慎重」の原口氏ら３人に、正面から論争を挑む場面はなかった。
The prime minister was probably concerned that pushing for TPP participation would cause more DPJ members to bolt. However, the decision should not be put off any longer, and we urge the government to join the TPP negotiations as soon as possible.
ＴＰＰ参加に踏み込めば、さらなる離党者が出かねないと、首相は懸念したのだろう。しかし、政府としては参加の判断を先送りせず、早期にＴＰＰ交渉に加わるべきである。
Meanwhile, Noda supported the goal of eliminating nuclear power in the nation in the 2030s. "I want to unswervingly promote various measures in line with this basic policy," he said, while Haraguchi and the other candidates proposed an even earlier target date.
原子力政策では、首相は「２０３０年代の原発ゼロ」を掲げて、「ぶれない姿勢で、この基本方針の下、様々な政策を推進したい」と語った。原口氏らは「原発ゼロ」達成時期の前倒しを唱えた。
However, it is worrying that the four candidates hardly touched on the formidable challenges that could arise from reducing the nation's reliance on nuclear power to zero, such as negative impacts on the economy and foreign affairs, as well as how to maintain consistency with already existing policies such as a nuclear fuel-cycle policy.
４氏とも、「原発ゼロ」が経済や外交関係に与える悪影響や、核燃料サイクルとの整合性など、深刻な課題への対策をほとんど論じなかったのは問題だ。
They appeared enamored with the belief that touting the zero nuclear policy would work to their advantage in an election. As prospective leaders of the ruling party, we see such actions as irresponsible.
「脱原発」の旗を掲げれば、選挙に有利だろうという思惑ばかりが先行している。政権党として、極めて無責任な対応である。
The debate over how to buffer low-income earners from the impact of a consumption tax hike also was mostly left alone, although two contenders--Hirotaka Akamatsu and Michihiko Kano, both former agriculture, forestry and fisheries ministers--proposed implementing reduced tax rates on certain items.
消費税率引き上げの低所得者対策でも、赤松広隆元農相と鹿野道彦前農相が軽減税率導入に言及したが、議論は深まらなかった。
We lament that the DPJ missed an opportunity to set the direction for several key issues through its leadership election.
代表選を通じて重要政策を方向づける機会を逸したと言える。
===
Thornier path ahead
◆政権運営は一層厳しく◆
Although he emerged victorious, Noda faces even more difficulties than before the election in steering the ship of state.
野田首相の今後の政権運営は、一段と困難になろう。
A total of 114 ballots were cast against Noda in the party leadership race.
「反野田」の国会議員票は計１１４票に達した。
In the debates prior to the election, Kano criticized Noda by calling for a "stronger culture of responsibility in the DPJ," while Haraguchi called for Noda "to take responsibility for causing the party to split more than once."
論戦では、鹿野氏に「民主党に責任を取る文化を」と提起され、原口氏にも「分裂を重ねた責任」を問われた。
Seeking any possible advantage in the next House of Representatives election, DPJ members have continued to move away from the party to join the new Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other emerging political forces.
次期衆院選を少しでも有利に戦おうと、新党「日本維新の会」などへの合流を目指し、離党する動きが続く。
If around 10 more DPJ lower house lawmakers were to leave, the party would lose its majority in the powerful chamber, even counting the seats held by its coalition partner, the People's New Party. This would leave the ruling camp vulnerable to a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet proposed by the opposition.
衆院でも、１０人程度が離党すれば、国民新党と合わせても過半数を割り、内閣不信任決議案を否決できない恐れがある。
In such circumstances, the prime minister walks a tightrope in navigating political issues, and must maintain a precarious balance between preserving party unity and addressing difficult policy tasks.
首相は、党内融和に配慮しながら困難な政策課題に取り組む、という綱渡りの対応を迫られる。
At this stage, it is vitally important that the tripartite framework between the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito be kept intact.
重要なのは、民自公３党の協調路線を堅持することだ。
In the divided Diet, where the opposition controls the House of Councillors, no bill stands a chance without cooperation between the three parties.
衆参ねじれ国会である以上、３党の協力なしでは、法案は成立せず、政治は前に進まない。
The prime minister has said he will make a preliminary decision on a reshuffle of the DPJ leadership by Monday, when he leaves for the United States to attend the U.N. General Assembly.
首相は、国連総会出席のため訪米する２４日までに党役員人事の骨格を固める意向を表明した。
The focal point in the reshuffle is whether Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi will retain his post. Noda appointed Koshiishi to the No. 2 post last year to help ensure party unity.
最も注目されるのは、輿石幹事長が留任するかどうかだ。
昨秋、輿石氏を幹事長に起用したのは、党内融和を重視する狙いだった。
Koshiishi, however, has clashed often with the opposition over Diet affairs, including during the deliberations over the social security and tax system reform. Koshiishi's behavior highlighted the differences between his views and Noda's.
だが、輿石氏は一体改革法案審議など国会運営で再三、野党と衝突し、首相との路線の違いも表面化した。
We urge Noda in reshuffling his party's executive lineup to place more importance on promoting cooperation between the ruling and opposition camps, instead of sticking only to crafting a strategy relating to dissolving the lower house for a general election.
今回は、衆院解散戦略だけでなく、与野党協調をより重視した布陣が求められる。
The prime minister has also expressed an intention to meet with the new leader of the LDP, who will be elected in the largest opposition party's presidential contest Wednesday, to reconfirm the three-party reform accord.
野田首相は、２６日の自民党総裁選後、新総裁と党首会談を行い、一体改革をめぐる３党合意を再確認したい考えを示している。
We see a meeting in which the heads of the three main parties can exchange views on key political challenges as highly significant.
３党首間で、当面の重要課題について腹合わせをすることは大切だ。
We hope the three party chiefs will have a candid discussion over such issues as how to rectify vote disparities in lower house elections, legislation for issuing deficit-covering bonds, and the compilation of a supplementary budget for fiscal 2012.
衆院選の「１票の格差」是正や赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案、補正予算の扱いについて率直に話し合ってほしい。
===
Start by cutting 5 seats
◆「０増５減」を先行せよ◆
Concerning reform of the lower house's electoral system, the DPJ caused considerable consternations in the Diet by proposing, over strong objection from the opposition, legislation that included partial adoption of a seat-allocation formula for proportional representation elections that would favor small and midsize parties. The ruling party should not repeat such a sloppy, irresponsible act.
衆院選挙制度改革で、民主党は野党の反対を押し切って、連用制の一部導入を含む法案を提出し、混乱を招いた。こんないいかげんな対応は、もう許されない。
Noda in a news conference showed he is willing to tackle the task of slashing the number of seats in the lower house.
野田首相は記者会見で、衆院定数の削減に意欲を示した。
Before anything else, it would be practical to cut five single-seat districts to end the "state of unconstitutionality" in vote disparities. This would pave the way for dissolution of the lower house.
だが、衆院を解散するには、「違憲状態」を解消する小選挙区の「０増５減」の先行実施が現実的だ。
There is a high possibility that any talks between the three party heads would include on the agenda the prime minister's pledge to dissolve the lower house for a general election "sometime soon."
３党首会談では、首相が約束した「近いうち」の衆院解散・総選挙も議題となる可能性が高い。
Noda has hinted that a general election should be postponed because "the political situation has changed" after the passage of an opposition-backed censure motion against him in the upper house. However, neither the LDP nor Komeito has backed off their demands for an early lower house dissolution.
首相は「問責（決議）という状況の変化がある」と解散先送りの可能性も示唆しているが、自公両党は早期解散を求める立場を変えていない。
Given this, we suspect the prime minister will have a difficult time unilaterally scrapping his pledge to dissolve the lower house.
首相が一方的に約束を反故(ほご)にするのは難しいだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2012)
（2012年9月22日01時14分 読売新聞）
バスの中で日付は２４日となりましたが、まだ夜の明けきらぬ深夜の午前２時前にバンコク北バスターミナルに到着、フェイスブックお友達の越川さんにホテルで面会いたしました。
午前２時から世の白々と明け初（そ）める５時半まで、ホテルのロビーで話に花が咲きました。私が長い間気に掛けていた真実も、ほぼ完璧なかたちで確認できました。
真相は私の予想通りだったのです。やはりショックですね。
それにもめげず前向きな人生を歩まれる越川さんの強さに打たれ、不覚にも涙を流しました。越川さんを尊敬いたします。
遅くなりました。昨日掲載予定の原稿です。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 23, 2012)
With Noda reelected, DPJ must reconfirm 3-party pact
野田代表再選 民自公党首会談で連携確認を（9月22日付・読売社説）
◆「離党」恐れて政策は定まらず◆
By the numbers, it was a landslide victory, but considering the difficulty of the tasks ahead, the win can only be seen as bittersweet.
数字上は大差だが、多難な前途を考えれば、ほろ苦い勝利でもある。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda was reelected as Democratic Party of Japan president on Friday. Former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi and the two other challengers only managed to garner about one-third of the votes between them.
民主党代表選で、野田佳彦首相が再選を果たした。原口一博元総務相ら他の３候補の獲得票は合計で全体の３分の１程度にとどまった。
At the cost of splitting the ruling party, the prime minister pushed legislation through the Diet to comprehensively revamp the social security and tax systems, reforms that are essential for Japan's revitalization. Noda's reelection is a clear sign that DPJ members endorse the agreement to work together toward reform made between the three major political parties--the DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
首相は、党分裂という犠牲も辞さずに、日本再生に不可欠な社会保障・税一体改革関連法を成立させた。今回の再選は、その民主、自民、公明の３党の協調路線が信任されたことを意味する。
===
Noda's stance endorsed
◆信任された首相の路線◆
In a speech after winning the election, Noda called for party unity, telling DPJ members, "I'd like to work with all of you to make a country where smiling faces are everywhere."
野田首相は再選後、「笑顔が広がる国を、皆さんと一緒に造りたい」と、党の結束を呼びかけた。
We think the party should now unite behind its newly reelected leader.
代表選の結果が出た以上、民主党は首相の下で団結すべきだ。
However, it was disappointing that the DPJ presidential candidates did not conduct a meaningful policy debate.
残念なのは、肝心の政策論争が低調だったことだ。
Noda has been supportive of Japan participating in talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade agreement, but he hedged his remarks on the issue during the campaign, only acknowledging that the discussions with other countries are ongoing. He did not address the issue directly around his rivals, who were either against the TPP or had adopted cautious positions.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加問題で、野田首相は本来、「推進」の立場なのに、「関係国との協議が継続中」などと慎重な発言に終始した。「反対・慎重」の原口氏ら３人に、正面から論争を挑む場面はなかった。
The prime minister was probably concerned that pushing for TPP participation would cause more DPJ members to bolt. However, the decision should not be put off any longer, and we urge the government to join the TPP negotiations as soon as possible.
ＴＰＰ参加に踏み込めば、さらなる離党者が出かねないと、首相は懸念したのだろう。しかし、政府としては参加の判断を先送りせず、早期にＴＰＰ交渉に加わるべきである。
Meanwhile, Noda supported the goal of eliminating nuclear power in the nation in the 2030s. "I want to unswervingly promote various measures in line with this basic policy," he said, while Haraguchi and the other candidates proposed an even earlier target date.
原子力政策では、首相は「２０３０年代の原発ゼロ」を掲げて、「ぶれない姿勢で、この基本方針の下、様々な政策を推進したい」と語った。原口氏らは「原発ゼロ」達成時期の前倒しを唱えた。
However, it is worrying that the four candidates hardly touched on the formidable challenges that could arise from reducing the nation's reliance on nuclear power to zero, such as negative impacts on the economy and foreign affairs, as well as how to maintain consistency with already existing policies such as a nuclear fuel-cycle policy.
４氏とも、「原発ゼロ」が経済や外交関係に与える悪影響や、核燃料サイクルとの整合性など、深刻な課題への対策をほとんど論じなかったのは問題だ。
They appeared enamored with the belief that touting the zero nuclear policy would work to their advantage in an election. As prospective leaders of the ruling party, we see such actions as irresponsible.
「脱原発」の旗を掲げれば、選挙に有利だろうという思惑ばかりが先行している。政権党として、極めて無責任な対応である。
The debate over how to buffer low-income earners from the impact of a consumption tax hike also was mostly left alone, although two contenders--Hirotaka Akamatsu and Michihiko Kano, both former agriculture, forestry and fisheries ministers--proposed implementing reduced tax rates on certain items.
消費税率引き上げの低所得者対策でも、赤松広隆元農相と鹿野道彦前農相が軽減税率導入に言及したが、議論は深まらなかった。
We lament that the DPJ missed an opportunity to set the direction for several key issues through its leadership election.
代表選を通じて重要政策を方向づける機会を逸したと言える。
===
Thornier path ahead
◆政権運営は一層厳しく◆
Although he emerged victorious, Noda faces even more difficulties than before the election in steering the ship of state.
野田首相の今後の政権運営は、一段と困難になろう。
A total of 114 ballots were cast against Noda in the party leadership race.
「反野田」の国会議員票は計１１４票に達した。
In the debates prior to the election, Kano criticized Noda by calling for a "stronger culture of responsibility in the DPJ," while Haraguchi called for Noda "to take responsibility for causing the party to split more than once."
論戦では、鹿野氏に「民主党に責任を取る文化を」と提起され、原口氏にも「分裂を重ねた責任」を問われた。
Seeking any possible advantage in the next House of Representatives election, DPJ members have continued to move away from the party to join the new Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and other emerging political forces.
次期衆院選を少しでも有利に戦おうと、新党「日本維新の会」などへの合流を目指し、離党する動きが続く。
If around 10 more DPJ lower house lawmakers were to leave, the party would lose its majority in the powerful chamber, even counting the seats held by its coalition partner, the People's New Party. This would leave the ruling camp vulnerable to a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet proposed by the opposition.
衆院でも、１０人程度が離党すれば、国民新党と合わせても過半数を割り、内閣不信任決議案を否決できない恐れがある。
In such circumstances, the prime minister walks a tightrope in navigating political issues, and must maintain a precarious balance between preserving party unity and addressing difficult policy tasks.
首相は、党内融和に配慮しながら困難な政策課題に取り組む、という綱渡りの対応を迫られる。
At this stage, it is vitally important that the tripartite framework between the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito be kept intact.
重要なのは、民自公３党の協調路線を堅持することだ。
In the divided Diet, where the opposition controls the House of Councillors, no bill stands a chance without cooperation between the three parties.
衆参ねじれ国会である以上、３党の協力なしでは、法案は成立せず、政治は前に進まない。
The prime minister has said he will make a preliminary decision on a reshuffle of the DPJ leadership by Monday, when he leaves for the United States to attend the U.N. General Assembly.
首相は、国連総会出席のため訪米する２４日までに党役員人事の骨格を固める意向を表明した。
The focal point in the reshuffle is whether Secretary General Azuma Koshiishi will retain his post. Noda appointed Koshiishi to the No. 2 post last year to help ensure party unity.
最も注目されるのは、輿石幹事長が留任するかどうかだ。
昨秋、輿石氏を幹事長に起用したのは、党内融和を重視する狙いだった。
Koshiishi, however, has clashed often with the opposition over Diet affairs, including during the deliberations over the social security and tax system reform. Koshiishi's behavior highlighted the differences between his views and Noda's.
だが、輿石氏は一体改革法案審議など国会運営で再三、野党と衝突し、首相との路線の違いも表面化した。
We urge Noda in reshuffling his party's executive lineup to place more importance on promoting cooperation between the ruling and opposition camps, instead of sticking only to crafting a strategy relating to dissolving the lower house for a general election.
今回は、衆院解散戦略だけでなく、与野党協調をより重視した布陣が求められる。
The prime minister has also expressed an intention to meet with the new leader of the LDP, who will be elected in the largest opposition party's presidential contest Wednesday, to reconfirm the three-party reform accord.
野田首相は、２６日の自民党総裁選後、新総裁と党首会談を行い、一体改革をめぐる３党合意を再確認したい考えを示している。
We see a meeting in which the heads of the three main parties can exchange views on key political challenges as highly significant.
３党首間で、当面の重要課題について腹合わせをすることは大切だ。
We hope the three party chiefs will have a candid discussion over such issues as how to rectify vote disparities in lower house elections, legislation for issuing deficit-covering bonds, and the compilation of a supplementary budget for fiscal 2012.
衆院選の「１票の格差」是正や赤字国債の発行を可能にする特例公債法案、補正予算の扱いについて率直に話し合ってほしい。
===
Start by cutting 5 seats
◆「０増５減」を先行せよ◆
Concerning reform of the lower house's electoral system, the DPJ caused considerable consternations in the Diet by proposing, over strong objection from the opposition, legislation that included partial adoption of a seat-allocation formula for proportional representation elections that would favor small and midsize parties. The ruling party should not repeat such a sloppy, irresponsible act.
衆院選挙制度改革で、民主党は野党の反対を押し切って、連用制の一部導入を含む法案を提出し、混乱を招いた。こんないいかげんな対応は、もう許されない。
Noda in a news conference showed he is willing to tackle the task of slashing the number of seats in the lower house.
野田首相は記者会見で、衆院定数の削減に意欲を示した。
Before anything else, it would be practical to cut five single-seat districts to end the "state of unconstitutionality" in vote disparities. This would pave the way for dissolution of the lower house.
だが、衆院を解散するには、「違憲状態」を解消する小選挙区の「０増５減」の先行実施が現実的だ。
There is a high possibility that any talks between the three party heads would include on the agenda the prime minister's pledge to dissolve the lower house for a general election "sometime soon."
３党首会談では、首相が約束した「近いうち」の衆院解散・総選挙も議題となる可能性が高い。
Noda has hinted that a general election should be postponed because "the political situation has changed" after the passage of an opposition-backed censure motion against him in the upper house. However, neither the LDP nor Komeito has backed off their demands for an early lower house dissolution.
首相は「問責（決議）という状況の変化がある」と解散先送りの可能性も示唆しているが、自公両党は早期解散を求める立場を変えていない。
Given this, we suspect the prime minister will have a difficult time unilaterally scrapping his pledge to dissolve the lower house.
首相が一方的に約束を反故(ほご)にするのは難しいだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2012)
（2012年9月22日01時14分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 22, 2012)
New N-body must quickly create safety guidelines
原子力規制委 安全確認の基準作りを急げ（9月21日付・読売社説）
It is urgently necessary for the new regulatory body to restore public trust in the administration of nuclear safety, which has been damaged by the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故で失われた原子力安全行政への信頼回復が急務だ。
The Nuclear Regulation Authority, which was launched Wednesday, and its secretariat organ, the nuclear regulatory agency, bear heavy responsibilities in this regard.
１９日に発足した原子力規制委員会と、事務局の原子力規制庁の責務は重い。
In launching the new authority, regulatory divisions that had been overseen by several ministry and agency bodies have been absorbed into the new entity. The new authority has also been separated from the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and other government bodies that promoted nuclear power generation.
複数省庁に分散していた規制部門を統合し、原発を推進する経済産業省などから分離させた。
The new authority is an organ set up in line with Article 3 of the National Government Organization Law, and it has a high degree of autonomy from politics.
国家行政組織法第３条に基づく組織で、政治からの独立性も高い。
What is required for the new entity is, first and foremost, to make objective and rigorous judgments on whether the safety of each nuclear power plant can be ensured, based on its technical knowledge and expertise.
まず求められるのは、個々の原発が十分に安全かどうか、技術的な知見に基づき、客観的かつ厳正に判断することである。
The new authority, comprised of chairman Shunichi Tanaka and four commissioners, must hammer out safety guidelines and establish effective inspection protocols as soon as possible.
田中俊一委員長と４人の委員で構成する規制委は、安全確認の判断基準作りや、検査体制の整備を早急に進めねばならない。
===
Idle plants need to be restarted
Except for the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors of Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant, where operations were restarted in July, the other 48 nuclear reactors in the nation remain idle.
国内の原発は、７月に再稼働した関西電力大飯原発３、４号機を除く４８基が停止している。
This situation was caused by the provisional guidelines the government set for restarting suspended operations of nuclear reactors. Taking lessons from the Fukushima crisis, the government imposed emergency safety requirements, such as improved measures to secure power in emergencies, on the nuclear plants.
政府が設けた再稼働の暫定基準が原因だ。原発事故の教訓に基づき、政府は非常電源の強化など緊急安全対策を各原発に求めた。
In addition, the government ordered utility companies to conduct stress tests at nuclear plants. The tests were introduced by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan, an advocate of abandoning nuclear power, and have no legal grounds.
それに加え、「脱原発」派の菅前首相が持ち込んだ法的根拠のないストレステスト（耐性検査）まで実施させていた。
Although test results on 30 nuclear reactors have been submitted, most of the results have yet to be examined. These results have been passed on to the new regulatory authority.
３０基の原発からテスト結果が提出されたものの、大半の審査は手付かずで、妥当性が判断されないまま規制委に引き継がれた。
It is necessary to correct this half-hearted situation.
こうした中途半端な状況を解消する必要がある。
Tanaka said at a press conference: "Stress tests are politically motivated. I won't stick to them."
田中委員長は記者会見で、「ストレステストは政治的なもの。それにとらわれない」と述べた。
We consider this remark reasonable, given that stress tests are not a condition for restarting nuclear reactors in the United States or Europe.
欧米でもストレステストは再稼働の条件になっていないことを考えれば、妥当な見解だろう。
It is also understandable that he showed an intention to improve disaster prevention systems and look into whether existing safety measures are flawed.
再稼働に向けて、防災体制を整え、これまでの安全対策に漏れがないか検証する姿勢を示したことも理解できる。
===
Timing is important
The problem is how much time the new authority will spend in compiling safety guidelines and making safety assessments.
問題は、基準作りと安全判断にいつまで時間をかけるかだ。
Hokkaido Electric Power Co. has expressed serious concerns over whether winter electricity supplies will meet demand without the restart of nuclear reactors. But Tanaka said, "It will probably be difficult [to restart] by year-end." He also said, "I'm not going to take electricity supply and demand into account."
北海道電力は、原発再稼働なしには冬の需給が厳しいと危機感を示すが、田中委員長は「年内は難しいのではないか」「電力需給は考慮しない」と述べている。
Surely, it is not acceptable to make snap decisions on matters concerning safety measures. But if the new authority postpones making judgments by giving too much weight to thoughtless calls to abandon nuclear power, which likely will have a negative impact on industry and the people's daily lives with blackouts, the role of the authority itself will be put into question.
無論、安全対策で見切り発車は許されない。だが、浅はかな「脱原発」の声に過度に配慮して判断を先送りし、停電により産業や市民生活に悪影響を与えれば、規制委の存在意義が問われよう。
The new authority is facing a number of tasks, such as establishing measures to ensure safety at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant while its reactors are decommissioned and studying the feasibility of decommissioning reactors after 40 years of operation.
規制委は、福島第一原発の廃炉までの安全確保策や、原発の「原則４０年廃炉」の検討など多くの課題を抱えている。
There has been criticism over the fact that Diet approval has yet to be given to the government's appointments of members of the new authority. But nothing is more important for them than steadily fulfilling their duties and producing tangible results.
規制委人事が国会同意を得ていないことに批判はあるが、着実に職責を果たし、実績を上げることが何より大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2012)
（2012年9月21日01時40分 読売新聞）
New N-body must quickly create safety guidelines
原子力規制委 安全確認の基準作りを急げ（9月21日付・読売社説）
It is urgently necessary for the new regulatory body to restore public trust in the administration of nuclear safety, which has been damaged by the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故で失われた原子力安全行政への信頼回復が急務だ。
The Nuclear Regulation Authority, which was launched Wednesday, and its secretariat organ, the nuclear regulatory agency, bear heavy responsibilities in this regard.
１９日に発足した原子力規制委員会と、事務局の原子力規制庁の責務は重い。
In launching the new authority, regulatory divisions that had been overseen by several ministry and agency bodies have been absorbed into the new entity. The new authority has also been separated from the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry and other government bodies that promoted nuclear power generation.
複数省庁に分散していた規制部門を統合し、原発を推進する経済産業省などから分離させた。
The new authority is an organ set up in line with Article 3 of the National Government Organization Law, and it has a high degree of autonomy from politics.
国家行政組織法第３条に基づく組織で、政治からの独立性も高い。
What is required for the new entity is, first and foremost, to make objective and rigorous judgments on whether the safety of each nuclear power plant can be ensured, based on its technical knowledge and expertise.
まず求められるのは、個々の原発が十分に安全かどうか、技術的な知見に基づき、客観的かつ厳正に判断することである。
The new authority, comprised of chairman Shunichi Tanaka and four commissioners, must hammer out safety guidelines and establish effective inspection protocols as soon as possible.
田中俊一委員長と４人の委員で構成する規制委は、安全確認の判断基準作りや、検査体制の整備を早急に進めねばならない。
===
Idle plants need to be restarted
Except for the Nos. 3 and 4 reactors of Kansai Electric Power Co.'s Oi nuclear power plant, where operations were restarted in July, the other 48 nuclear reactors in the nation remain idle.
国内の原発は、７月に再稼働した関西電力大飯原発３、４号機を除く４８基が停止している。
This situation was caused by the provisional guidelines the government set for restarting suspended operations of nuclear reactors. Taking lessons from the Fukushima crisis, the government imposed emergency safety requirements, such as improved measures to secure power in emergencies, on the nuclear plants.
政府が設けた再稼働の暫定基準が原因だ。原発事故の教訓に基づき、政府は非常電源の強化など緊急安全対策を各原発に求めた。
In addition, the government ordered utility companies to conduct stress tests at nuclear plants. The tests were introduced by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan, an advocate of abandoning nuclear power, and have no legal grounds.
それに加え、「脱原発」派の菅前首相が持ち込んだ法的根拠のないストレステスト（耐性検査）まで実施させていた。
Although test results on 30 nuclear reactors have been submitted, most of the results have yet to be examined. These results have been passed on to the new regulatory authority.
３０基の原発からテスト結果が提出されたものの、大半の審査は手付かずで、妥当性が判断されないまま規制委に引き継がれた。
It is necessary to correct this half-hearted situation.
こうした中途半端な状況を解消する必要がある。
Tanaka said at a press conference: "Stress tests are politically motivated. I won't stick to them."
田中委員長は記者会見で、「ストレステストは政治的なもの。それにとらわれない」と述べた。
We consider this remark reasonable, given that stress tests are not a condition for restarting nuclear reactors in the United States or Europe.
欧米でもストレステストは再稼働の条件になっていないことを考えれば、妥当な見解だろう。
It is also understandable that he showed an intention to improve disaster prevention systems and look into whether existing safety measures are flawed.
再稼働に向けて、防災体制を整え、これまでの安全対策に漏れがないか検証する姿勢を示したことも理解できる。
===
Timing is important
The problem is how much time the new authority will spend in compiling safety guidelines and making safety assessments.
問題は、基準作りと安全判断にいつまで時間をかけるかだ。
Hokkaido Electric Power Co. has expressed serious concerns over whether winter electricity supplies will meet demand without the restart of nuclear reactors. But Tanaka said, "It will probably be difficult [to restart] by year-end." He also said, "I'm not going to take electricity supply and demand into account."
北海道電力は、原発再稼働なしには冬の需給が厳しいと危機感を示すが、田中委員長は「年内は難しいのではないか」「電力需給は考慮しない」と述べている。
Surely, it is not acceptable to make snap decisions on matters concerning safety measures. But if the new authority postpones making judgments by giving too much weight to thoughtless calls to abandon nuclear power, which likely will have a negative impact on industry and the people's daily lives with blackouts, the role of the authority itself will be put into question.
無論、安全対策で見切り発車は許されない。だが、浅はかな「脱原発」の声に過度に配慮して判断を先送りし、停電により産業や市民生活に悪影響を与えれば、規制委の存在意義が問われよう。
The new authority is facing a number of tasks, such as establishing measures to ensure safety at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant while its reactors are decommissioned and studying the feasibility of decommissioning reactors after 40 years of operation.
規制委は、福島第一原発の廃炉までの安全確保策や、原発の「原則４０年廃炉」の検討など多くの課題を抱えている。
There has been criticism over the fact that Diet approval has yet to be given to the government's appointments of members of the new authority. But nothing is more important for them than steadily fulfilling their duties and producing tangible results.
規制委人事が国会同意を得ていないことに批判はあるが、着実に職責を果たし、実績を上げることが何より大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2012)
（2012年9月21日01時40分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 21, 2012)
Govt must retract zero nuclear target for good of economy
原発ゼロ方針 「戦略」の練り直しが不可欠だ（9月20日付・読売社説）
What was the conclusion of the recent Cabinet meeting on the government's "zero nuclear" target? It is unclear whether the government has decided to review the policy or push it through.
こんな決着では、「原子力発電ゼロ」を見直すのか、それとも強行するのか、あいまいだ。
The government should clearly retract the zero nuclear target, which could deal a serious blow to the economy and employment if implemented, and instead come up with a feasible energy strategy.
政府は、日本経済や雇用に多大な打撃を与えかねない「原発ゼロ」を明確に撤回し、現実的なエネルギー戦略を練り直すべきである。
The Cabinet refrained from approving the government's "innovative energy and environmental strategy," which sets a target of "zero nuclear power plants operating" in the 2030s, at the meeting Wednesday.
政府が、２０３０年代の「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指すとした「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」の閣議決定を見送った。
Instead, the Cabinet merely approved the government's policy to "conduct responsible discussions with related local governments and the international community based on the strategy" and implement future energy and environmental policies "while making tireless efforts to examine and revise them."
代わりに「戦略を踏まえて、関係自治体や国際社会と責任ある議論を行い、不断の検証と見直しを行いながら遂行する」という対応方針のみを閣議決定した。
The new energy strategy has drawn angry reactions from the business community as well as local governments that host nuclear power plants. The United States, which concluded a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy with Japan, has also expressed strong concerns over the plan.
今回のエネルギー戦略には、経済界や原発立地自治体が反発し、原子力協定を結んでいる米国も強い懸念を示している。
===
Economic losses 'unavoidable'
Ahead of the Cabinet meeting, heads of the nation's top three business organizations--the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Japan Association of Corporate Executives--held a joint emergency press conference Tuesday to demand the government retract the zero nuclear target.
閣議前日の１８日には、経団連、日本商工会議所、経済同友会の財界トップ３人が共同で緊急記者会見を開き、「原発ゼロ」の撤回を政府に求めた。
It was unusual for the heads of the three top business organizations to jointly express their dissatisfaction with government policy. The demand reflected their fears that electricity charges may double if the government implements a zero nuclear policy, and unavoidably force companies to relocate production overseas, leading to massive employment losses.
経済３団体の長がそろって政府に注文をつける異例の対応をとったのは、「原発ゼロ」では電気料金が２倍に跳ね上がり、産業空洞化や大量の雇用喪失が避けられないという危機感からだ。
The government has so far failed to work out how to secure viable alternatives to nuclear energy, such as methods to further utilize renewable energy, mainly solar and wind power. The zero nuclear target may threaten the country's ability to secure a stable supply of electricity.
太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーの普及をはじめ、原発の代替電源を確保するメドは立っておらず、電力の安定供給が揺らぐ恐れもある。
Considering these concerns, it was entirely appropriate for the Cabinet to refrain from quickly approving the new energy strategy.
こうした懸念に配慮し、政府がエネルギー戦略をそのまま閣議決定しなかったのは当然である。
However, Motohisa Furukawa, state minister in charge of national policy, said at a press conference that the Cabinet meeting "did not change the decisions made regarding the strategy." It was problematic for him to make remarks that can be interpreted as the government maintaining the zero nuclear target.
ただ、古川国家戦略相は記者会見で「戦略の決定内容を変えたものではない」と説明した。「原発ゼロ」の方針を堅持しているともとれる発言は問題だ。
Without assuaging the deep resentment of the business community, it will be almost impossible for the government to implement its energy strategy smoothly. The government should sincerely listen to the opinions of businesses and improve soured relationships with them soon.
経済界が猛反発したままでは、エネルギー戦略を円滑に推進できるはずがない。政府は、経済界の意見に真摯(しんし)に耳を傾け、関係修復を急ぐべきである。
===
Energy policies not political tool
Energy policies should not be made to please voters in the upcoming general election--far-sighted initiatives concerning the nation's future are necessary.
エネルギー政策は、目先の選挙目当てではなく、日本の将来を見据えた対応が求められる。
All candidates of the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential race have carefully avoided expressing opinions in favor of the zero nuclear target. We believe they made appropriate decisions.
自民党総裁選の全候補が、「原発ゼロ」の方針を打ち出すことに慎重な見解を示しているのは、妥当と言えよう。
Meanwhile, during the election campaign for the Democratic Party of Japan's presidential race, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said: "The public has expressed its resolve [to abolish all nuclear power plants]. Based on the wishes of the people, the government has also made its decision."
一方、民主党代表選の論戦で野田首相は、「（原発ゼロは）国民の覚悟だ。それを踏まえて政府も覚悟を決めた」と述べた。
However, we doubt whether there is a sufficient number of people who understand the risks of a zero nuclear policy--such as unemployment and poverty--and would be willing to undergo the hardships involved.
だが、「原発ゼロ」に伴う失業や貧困のリスクを理解し、苦難を受け入れる覚悟を固めている国民がどれほどいるだろうか。
The government has a responsibility to choose the best national policy. It is a mistake for the government to pass the responsibility to the public and justify it as the "will of the people."
国策選択の責任を、国民の「覚悟」に丸投げするのは誤りだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2012)
（2012年9月20日01時21分 読売新聞）
Govt must retract zero nuclear target for good of economy
原発ゼロ方針 「戦略」の練り直しが不可欠だ（9月20日付・読売社説）
What was the conclusion of the recent Cabinet meeting on the government's "zero nuclear" target? It is unclear whether the government has decided to review the policy or push it through.
こんな決着では、「原子力発電ゼロ」を見直すのか、それとも強行するのか、あいまいだ。
The government should clearly retract the zero nuclear target, which could deal a serious blow to the economy and employment if implemented, and instead come up with a feasible energy strategy.
政府は、日本経済や雇用に多大な打撃を与えかねない「原発ゼロ」を明確に撤回し、現実的なエネルギー戦略を練り直すべきである。
The Cabinet refrained from approving the government's "innovative energy and environmental strategy," which sets a target of "zero nuclear power plants operating" in the 2030s, at the meeting Wednesday.
政府が、２０３０年代の「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指すとした「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」の閣議決定を見送った。
Instead, the Cabinet merely approved the government's policy to "conduct responsible discussions with related local governments and the international community based on the strategy" and implement future energy and environmental policies "while making tireless efforts to examine and revise them."
代わりに「戦略を踏まえて、関係自治体や国際社会と責任ある議論を行い、不断の検証と見直しを行いながら遂行する」という対応方針のみを閣議決定した。
The new energy strategy has drawn angry reactions from the business community as well as local governments that host nuclear power plants. The United States, which concluded a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy with Japan, has also expressed strong concerns over the plan.
今回のエネルギー戦略には、経済界や原発立地自治体が反発し、原子力協定を結んでいる米国も強い懸念を示している。
===
Economic losses 'unavoidable'
Ahead of the Cabinet meeting, heads of the nation's top three business organizations--the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Japan Association of Corporate Executives--held a joint emergency press conference Tuesday to demand the government retract the zero nuclear target.
閣議前日の１８日には、経団連、日本商工会議所、経済同友会の財界トップ３人が共同で緊急記者会見を開き、「原発ゼロ」の撤回を政府に求めた。
It was unusual for the heads of the three top business organizations to jointly express their dissatisfaction with government policy. The demand reflected their fears that electricity charges may double if the government implements a zero nuclear policy, and unavoidably force companies to relocate production overseas, leading to massive employment losses.
経済３団体の長がそろって政府に注文をつける異例の対応をとったのは、「原発ゼロ」では電気料金が２倍に跳ね上がり、産業空洞化や大量の雇用喪失が避けられないという危機感からだ。
The government has so far failed to work out how to secure viable alternatives to nuclear energy, such as methods to further utilize renewable energy, mainly solar and wind power. The zero nuclear target may threaten the country's ability to secure a stable supply of electricity.
太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーの普及をはじめ、原発の代替電源を確保するメドは立っておらず、電力の安定供給が揺らぐ恐れもある。
Considering these concerns, it was entirely appropriate for the Cabinet to refrain from quickly approving the new energy strategy.
こうした懸念に配慮し、政府がエネルギー戦略をそのまま閣議決定しなかったのは当然である。
However, Motohisa Furukawa, state minister in charge of national policy, said at a press conference that the Cabinet meeting "did not change the decisions made regarding the strategy." It was problematic for him to make remarks that can be interpreted as the government maintaining the zero nuclear target.
ただ、古川国家戦略相は記者会見で「戦略の決定内容を変えたものではない」と説明した。「原発ゼロ」の方針を堅持しているともとれる発言は問題だ。
Without assuaging the deep resentment of the business community, it will be almost impossible for the government to implement its energy strategy smoothly. The government should sincerely listen to the opinions of businesses and improve soured relationships with them soon.
経済界が猛反発したままでは、エネルギー戦略を円滑に推進できるはずがない。政府は、経済界の意見に真摯(しんし)に耳を傾け、関係修復を急ぐべきである。
===
Energy policies not political tool
Energy policies should not be made to please voters in the upcoming general election--far-sighted initiatives concerning the nation's future are necessary.
エネルギー政策は、目先の選挙目当てではなく、日本の将来を見据えた対応が求められる。
All candidates of the Liberal Democratic Party's presidential race have carefully avoided expressing opinions in favor of the zero nuclear target. We believe they made appropriate decisions.
自民党総裁選の全候補が、「原発ゼロ」の方針を打ち出すことに慎重な見解を示しているのは、妥当と言えよう。
Meanwhile, during the election campaign for the Democratic Party of Japan's presidential race, Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda said: "The public has expressed its resolve [to abolish all nuclear power plants]. Based on the wishes of the people, the government has also made its decision."
一方、民主党代表選の論戦で野田首相は、「（原発ゼロは）国民の覚悟だ。それを踏まえて政府も覚悟を決めた」と述べた。
However, we doubt whether there is a sufficient number of people who understand the risks of a zero nuclear policy--such as unemployment and poverty--and would be willing to undergo the hardships involved.
だが、「原発ゼロ」に伴う失業や貧困のリスクを理解し、苦難を受け入れる覚悟を固めている国民がどれほどいるだろうか。
The government has a responsibility to choose the best national policy. It is a mistake for the government to pass the responsibility to the public and justify it as the "will of the people."
国策選択の責任を、国民の「覚悟」に丸投げするのは誤りだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2012)
（2012年9月20日01時21分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 20, 2012)
Anti-Japan rallies can only worsen feelings toward China
反日デモ続く 対中感情の悪化を招くだけだ（9月19日付・読売社説）
In the face of days of fierce anti-Japan demonstrations in China, Japan's attitude toward China has continued to deteriorate. We wonder to what extent the Chinese government is aware of the serious effect the protests are having on bilateral relations.
連日の過激な反日デモで、日本の対中感情は悪化するばかりだ。日中関係に大きな禍根を残すことを、中国政府はどこまで認識しているのか。
On the 81st anniversary of the Liutiaohu Incident, which triggered the Manchurian Incident, on Tuesday, large-scale anti-Japan demonstrations were held in dozens of places across China. Demonstrations over the Japanese government's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands have been held for the eighth consecutive day.
満州事変の発端となった柳条湖事件から８１年となる１８日、中国各地で大規模な反日デモが行われた。日本政府の尖閣諸島の国有化に抗議するデモは、これで８日連続である。
In Shenyang, Liaoning Province, where the Liutiaohu Incident took place, the windows of the Japanese Consulate General were smashed by rocks thrown by demonstrators. This reckless violence followed vandalism against Japanese-affiliated companies in a number of places in China last weekend.
柳条湖事件のあった中国遼寧省瀋陽では、デモ隊の投石で日本総領事館のガラスが割られた。各地で日系企業への破壊行為が相次いだ週末に続く狼藉(ろうぜき)だ。
Although the Chinese government appears to be trying to stem the extreme violence, it still permits the demonstrations. Some Japanese-affiliated companies have been forced to suspend factory operations and close their outlets. Chinese working at Japanese-affiliated companies or Japanese restaurants are also victimized by the acts of destruction.
中国政府は、過激な行動は抑えようとはしても、デモ容認の姿勢を変えようとはしていない。日系企業は工場の操業停止や店舗の休業に追い込まれた。日系企業や日本料理店で働く中国人も破壊行為の被害者だ。
===
Income gap also protested
Demonstrators holding portraits of Mao Zedong aloft apparently were also showing their strong discontent over the growing income disparity under the current Chinese administration. This indicates the demonstrations were not simply aimed only at Japan.
毛沢東の肖像画を掲げたデモ隊には、現政権下での所得格差拡大への強い不満もあるのだろう。単純な反日とも言い切れない。
If China's pressure on Japan escalates, tensions between the two countries will increase further. To prepare for unpredictable events, the Japanese government should keep in close contact with Japanese citizens and Japanese-affiliated companies in China. It also should strongly press the Chinese government to ensure the safety of Japanese people and companies.
中国の対日圧力がさらにエスカレートすれば、日中間の緊張は一層高まろう。日本政府は不測の事態に備え、在留邦人や日系企業との連絡を密にするとともに、中国政府に対し、邦人と企業の安全確保を強く求めるべきだ。
It has been reported that more than 10,000 Chinese fishing vessels set sail in the East China Sea and that about 1,000 vessels are expected to arrive in areas around the Senkaku Islands. In an attempt to wrench the islands from Japan's control, those vessels, escorted by fishery surveillance ships of the Chinese Agriculture Ministry, may enter Japan's territorial waters.
東シナ海に中国の漁船１万隻以上が出航し、尖閣諸島海域に約１０００隻が到着すると報じられている。日本の実効支配を崩そうと、農業省の漁業監視船の護衛下で、日本領海内に入る恐れがある。
Ships sent by the Chinese authorities entered Japan's territorial waters Friday and Tuesday. The Japan Coast Guard must not relax its vigilance and surveillance activities in the immediate future.
中国の公船は、１４日に続き１８日も日本の領海に侵入した。海上保安庁の警戒監視は当分緩めるわけにはいかない。
===
Japan, U.S. should cooperate
In talks in Tokyo on Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba agreed the two nations would cooperate to prevent Japan-China relations from being irreparably damaged. Japan and the United States must continue to urge China to handle the matter in a levelheaded manner and resolve the situation as soon as possible.
来日したパネッタ米国防長官は１７日、玄葉外相と会談し、「日中関係が大きく損なわれないよう日米で協力する」との認識で一致した。日米両国がともに、中国側に冷静な対応と事態の早期収拾を粘り強く働きかける必要がある。
The Japanese and U.S. governments also have agreed that deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps' new Osprey transport aircraft in Okinawa Prefecture will proceed as planned.
日米両政府はまた、米海兵隊の新型輸送機オスプレイの沖縄県配備を進めることでも合意した。
Strengthening the functions of the U.S. forces stationed in Japan will help guide China to act in a restrained manner.
在日米軍の機能強化に取り組むことは、中国の抑制的な対応を引き出すことにつながるはずだ。
The Chinese government has submitted to the United Nations a nautical chart that identifies the areas around the Senkaku Islands as its "territorial waters." Beijing also has decided to submit an application to move the outer limit of its continental shelf beyond the 200 nautical miles from the baseline of its territorial waters in the East China Sea. These are steps apparently aimed at strengthening China's territorial claim over the Senkaku Islands.
中国政府は、国連に、尖閣諸島周辺海域を「領海」とする海図を提出した。さらに東シナ海で領海の基線から２００カイリを超える大陸棚の延伸を求める申請案の提出も決定した。尖閣の領有権主張を強化しようとする動きだ。
The Japanese government for its part must make its stance clear to the international community that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan's territory.
日本政府は、尖閣諸島が日本の領土であることを国際的にアピールしていかなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2012)
（2012年9月19日01時50分 読売新聞）
Anti-Japan rallies can only worsen feelings toward China
反日デモ続く 対中感情の悪化を招くだけだ（9月19日付・読売社説）
In the face of days of fierce anti-Japan demonstrations in China, Japan's attitude toward China has continued to deteriorate. We wonder to what extent the Chinese government is aware of the serious effect the protests are having on bilateral relations.
連日の過激な反日デモで、日本の対中感情は悪化するばかりだ。日中関係に大きな禍根を残すことを、中国政府はどこまで認識しているのか。
On the 81st anniversary of the Liutiaohu Incident, which triggered the Manchurian Incident, on Tuesday, large-scale anti-Japan demonstrations were held in dozens of places across China. Demonstrations over the Japanese government's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands have been held for the eighth consecutive day.
満州事変の発端となった柳条湖事件から８１年となる１８日、中国各地で大規模な反日デモが行われた。日本政府の尖閣諸島の国有化に抗議するデモは、これで８日連続である。
In Shenyang, Liaoning Province, where the Liutiaohu Incident took place, the windows of the Japanese Consulate General were smashed by rocks thrown by demonstrators. This reckless violence followed vandalism against Japanese-affiliated companies in a number of places in China last weekend.
柳条湖事件のあった中国遼寧省瀋陽では、デモ隊の投石で日本総領事館のガラスが割られた。各地で日系企業への破壊行為が相次いだ週末に続く狼藉(ろうぜき)だ。
Although the Chinese government appears to be trying to stem the extreme violence, it still permits the demonstrations. Some Japanese-affiliated companies have been forced to suspend factory operations and close their outlets. Chinese working at Japanese-affiliated companies or Japanese restaurants are also victimized by the acts of destruction.
中国政府は、過激な行動は抑えようとはしても、デモ容認の姿勢を変えようとはしていない。日系企業は工場の操業停止や店舗の休業に追い込まれた。日系企業や日本料理店で働く中国人も破壊行為の被害者だ。
===
Income gap also protested
Demonstrators holding portraits of Mao Zedong aloft apparently were also showing their strong discontent over the growing income disparity under the current Chinese administration. This indicates the demonstrations were not simply aimed only at Japan.
毛沢東の肖像画を掲げたデモ隊には、現政権下での所得格差拡大への強い不満もあるのだろう。単純な反日とも言い切れない。
If China's pressure on Japan escalates, tensions between the two countries will increase further. To prepare for unpredictable events, the Japanese government should keep in close contact with Japanese citizens and Japanese-affiliated companies in China. It also should strongly press the Chinese government to ensure the safety of Japanese people and companies.
中国の対日圧力がさらにエスカレートすれば、日中間の緊張は一層高まろう。日本政府は不測の事態に備え、在留邦人や日系企業との連絡を密にするとともに、中国政府に対し、邦人と企業の安全確保を強く求めるべきだ。
It has been reported that more than 10,000 Chinese fishing vessels set sail in the East China Sea and that about 1,000 vessels are expected to arrive in areas around the Senkaku Islands. In an attempt to wrench the islands from Japan's control, those vessels, escorted by fishery surveillance ships of the Chinese Agriculture Ministry, may enter Japan's territorial waters.
東シナ海に中国の漁船１万隻以上が出航し、尖閣諸島海域に約１０００隻が到着すると報じられている。日本の実効支配を崩そうと、農業省の漁業監視船の護衛下で、日本領海内に入る恐れがある。
Ships sent by the Chinese authorities entered Japan's territorial waters Friday and Tuesday. The Japan Coast Guard must not relax its vigilance and surveillance activities in the immediate future.
中国の公船は、１４日に続き１８日も日本の領海に侵入した。海上保安庁の警戒監視は当分緩めるわけにはいかない。
===
Japan, U.S. should cooperate
In talks in Tokyo on Monday, U.S. Defense Secretary Leon Panetta and Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba agreed the two nations would cooperate to prevent Japan-China relations from being irreparably damaged. Japan and the United States must continue to urge China to handle the matter in a levelheaded manner and resolve the situation as soon as possible.
来日したパネッタ米国防長官は１７日、玄葉外相と会談し、「日中関係が大きく損なわれないよう日米で協力する」との認識で一致した。日米両国がともに、中国側に冷静な対応と事態の早期収拾を粘り強く働きかける必要がある。
The Japanese and U.S. governments also have agreed that deployment of the U.S. Marine Corps' new Osprey transport aircraft in Okinawa Prefecture will proceed as planned.
日米両政府はまた、米海兵隊の新型輸送機オスプレイの沖縄県配備を進めることでも合意した。
Strengthening the functions of the U.S. forces stationed in Japan will help guide China to act in a restrained manner.
在日米軍の機能強化に取り組むことは、中国の抑制的な対応を引き出すことにつながるはずだ。
The Chinese government has submitted to the United Nations a nautical chart that identifies the areas around the Senkaku Islands as its "territorial waters." Beijing also has decided to submit an application to move the outer limit of its continental shelf beyond the 200 nautical miles from the baseline of its territorial waters in the East China Sea. These are steps apparently aimed at strengthening China's territorial claim over the Senkaku Islands.
中国政府は、国連に、尖閣諸島周辺海域を「領海」とする海図を提出した。さらに東シナ海で領海の基線から２００カイリを超える大陸棚の延伸を求める申請案の提出も決定した。尖閣の領有権主張を強化しようとする動きだ。
The Japanese government for its part must make its stance clear to the international community that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan's territory.
日本政府は、尖閣諸島が日本の領土であることを国際的にアピールしていかなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2012)
（2012年9月19日01時50分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 19, 2012)
Anti-U.S. feelings mustn't lead to destabilization of Middle East
反米デモ 中東の不安定化を憂慮する（9月18日付・読売社説）
Anti-U.S. demonstrations have spread in Middle Eastern and Asian countries over a video clip from a U.S. film regarded by Muslims as disparaging the Prophet Mohammed.
イスラム教の預言者ムハンマドを侮辱した映像に抗議する反米デモが、中東やアジアの国々に広がっている。
In the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, the U.S. ambassador and three staff members were killed in an attack on the U.S. Consulate. It is strongly believed that armed extremists carried out the terrorist attack by taking advantage of the chaos caused by the anti-U.S. protests.
リビア東部ベンガジでは、米国領事館が襲撃され、米大使ら４人が死亡した。
デモの混乱に乗じて、武装勢力がテロを実行したとの見方も強い。
In Cairo, some protesters stormed into the U.S. Embassy compound. U.S. embassies also were attacked in Sudan and Tunisia. In Yemen, people were killed in clashes between protesters and police.
エジプトの首都カイロでは、デモ隊の一部が米大使館敷地内に乱入し、スーダンとチュニジアでも米大使館が襲われた。イエメンでは警察との衝突で死者が出た。
The wave of protests has spread to Asian countries with Muslim majorities, including Indonesia and Malaysia.
反米デモの波は、インドネシア、マレーシアなどアジアのイスラム国にも及んでいる。
Images from the video clip of the film, which was produced in the United States, spread across the world after it was posted on the Internet. It is not known which individual or group produced the video clip or why it was posted on the Internet, but it has fueled religious hostility. No wonder Muslims are offended.
問題の映像は、米国で作られた映画の要約版で、インターネットを通じて流れた。制作者やその意図は不明だが、宗教的対立をあおる行為だ。イスラム教徒が感情を害したのも無理はない。
===
Violence should be avoided
Even so, acts of violence and sabotage should never be permitted regardless of the anger the film provoked.
だが、そうであろうと、怒りにまかせた暴力的な破壊行為は許されるものではない。
U.S. President Barack Obama strongly denounced the attacks on the U.S. ambassador and others, saying "we reject the denigration of any religion...Yet there never is any justification for violence."
オバマ米大統領は、「われわれは他者の信仰を侮辱する行為を拒絶する」と述べた上で、「非常識な暴力は正当化できない」と米大使らへの襲撃を強く非難した。
We hope the situation will calm down as early as possible.
事態が早期に沈静化することを望みたい。
A major concern is that anti-U.S. sentiment has spread widely among common people in the Middle East, not just Muslim radicals.
懸念されるのは、過激派に限らず、中東の一般国民の間に反米感情が広がっている問題だ。
This may be because of their distrust in and discontent with U.S. policies vis-a-vis the Middle East.
根底には、米国の中東政策への不信、不満があるのだろう。
After taking office in 2009, Obama made an effort to improve relations with the Islamic world, where anti-U.S. sentiment had increased because of the Iraq War. He supported the Arab Spring reform movement against autocratic leaders.
オバマ大統領は就任後、イラク戦争によって対米感情が悪化したイスラム世界との関係改善に乗り出した。強権政治に立ち向かう「アラブの春」の改革を支持する立場を明確にしている。
Nevertheless, the demonstrations triggered by a video that has no connection whatsoever with the U.S. administration have spread. This underscores the existence of deep-rooted anti-U.S. feelings in addition to religious issues. Obama's Middle East policies do not seem to be functioning effectively.
にもかかわらず、米政府とは無関係の映像を契機に反米デモが広がったことは、宗教上の問題に加えて反米感情の根深さを物語っている。オバマ政権の中東政策が機能していないとも言えよう。
===
Democratization half done
In Egypt and other countries where autocratic rulers were ousted during the Arab Spring movement, democratization is only half carried out. We are worried over how the anti-U.S. protests will affect the internal politics of Middle Eastern countries.
「アラブの春」で独裁体制が崩壊したエジプトなどの民主化は道半ばだ。それだけに、この反米デモが、中東の国々の内政にもたらす影響が気がかりだ。
If the Middle East is thrown into chaos, it will have a global impact.
中東が混乱すれば、その影響は世界に及ぶ。
As a "Pacific nation," the United States has attached more importance to Asia. But if Washington changes this policy and deploys a significant number of troops to the Middle East, it may affect Japan's national security.
米国が「太平洋国家」としていくら「アジア重視」を唱えても、相当数の兵力を中東に振り向ける事態になれば、日本の安全保障に制約が生じかねない。
As Japan relies on the Middle East for slightly more than 80 percent of its crude oil imports, it is essential for this country to support the region's economic development by providing official development assistance and contribute to stabilizing the political situation.
政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）などで中東諸国の経済発展を支え、政情の安定に寄与することは、原油輸入の８割強を中東に依存する日本にとっても重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 18, 2012)
（2012年9月18日01時24分 読売新聞）
Anti-U.S. feelings mustn't lead to destabilization of Middle East
反米デモ 中東の不安定化を憂慮する（9月18日付・読売社説）
Anti-U.S. demonstrations have spread in Middle Eastern and Asian countries over a video clip from a U.S. film regarded by Muslims as disparaging the Prophet Mohammed.
イスラム教の預言者ムハンマドを侮辱した映像に抗議する反米デモが、中東やアジアの国々に広がっている。
In the eastern Libyan city of Benghazi, the U.S. ambassador and three staff members were killed in an attack on the U.S. Consulate. It is strongly believed that armed extremists carried out the terrorist attack by taking advantage of the chaos caused by the anti-U.S. protests.
リビア東部ベンガジでは、米国領事館が襲撃され、米大使ら４人が死亡した。
デモの混乱に乗じて、武装勢力がテロを実行したとの見方も強い。
In Cairo, some protesters stormed into the U.S. Embassy compound. U.S. embassies also were attacked in Sudan and Tunisia. In Yemen, people were killed in clashes between protesters and police.
エジプトの首都カイロでは、デモ隊の一部が米大使館敷地内に乱入し、スーダンとチュニジアでも米大使館が襲われた。イエメンでは警察との衝突で死者が出た。
The wave of protests has spread to Asian countries with Muslim majorities, including Indonesia and Malaysia.
反米デモの波は、インドネシア、マレーシアなどアジアのイスラム国にも及んでいる。
Images from the video clip of the film, which was produced in the United States, spread across the world after it was posted on the Internet. It is not known which individual or group produced the video clip or why it was posted on the Internet, but it has fueled religious hostility. No wonder Muslims are offended.
問題の映像は、米国で作られた映画の要約版で、インターネットを通じて流れた。制作者やその意図は不明だが、宗教的対立をあおる行為だ。イスラム教徒が感情を害したのも無理はない。
===
Violence should be avoided
Even so, acts of violence and sabotage should never be permitted regardless of the anger the film provoked.
だが、そうであろうと、怒りにまかせた暴力的な破壊行為は許されるものではない。
U.S. President Barack Obama strongly denounced the attacks on the U.S. ambassador and others, saying "we reject the denigration of any religion...Yet there never is any justification for violence."
オバマ米大統領は、「われわれは他者の信仰を侮辱する行為を拒絶する」と述べた上で、「非常識な暴力は正当化できない」と米大使らへの襲撃を強く非難した。
We hope the situation will calm down as early as possible.
事態が早期に沈静化することを望みたい。
A major concern is that anti-U.S. sentiment has spread widely among common people in the Middle East, not just Muslim radicals.
懸念されるのは、過激派に限らず、中東の一般国民の間に反米感情が広がっている問題だ。
This may be because of their distrust in and discontent with U.S. policies vis-a-vis the Middle East.
根底には、米国の中東政策への不信、不満があるのだろう。
After taking office in 2009, Obama made an effort to improve relations with the Islamic world, where anti-U.S. sentiment had increased because of the Iraq War. He supported the Arab Spring reform movement against autocratic leaders.
オバマ大統領は就任後、イラク戦争によって対米感情が悪化したイスラム世界との関係改善に乗り出した。強権政治に立ち向かう「アラブの春」の改革を支持する立場を明確にしている。
Nevertheless, the demonstrations triggered by a video that has no connection whatsoever with the U.S. administration have spread. This underscores the existence of deep-rooted anti-U.S. feelings in addition to religious issues. Obama's Middle East policies do not seem to be functioning effectively.
にもかかわらず、米政府とは無関係の映像を契機に反米デモが広がったことは、宗教上の問題に加えて反米感情の根深さを物語っている。オバマ政権の中東政策が機能していないとも言えよう。
===
Democratization half done
In Egypt and other countries where autocratic rulers were ousted during the Arab Spring movement, democratization is only half carried out. We are worried over how the anti-U.S. protests will affect the internal politics of Middle Eastern countries.
「アラブの春」で独裁体制が崩壊したエジプトなどの民主化は道半ばだ。それだけに、この反米デモが、中東の国々の内政にもたらす影響が気がかりだ。
If the Middle East is thrown into chaos, it will have a global impact.
中東が混乱すれば、その影響は世界に及ぶ。
As a "Pacific nation," the United States has attached more importance to Asia. But if Washington changes this policy and deploys a significant number of troops to the Middle East, it may affect Japan's national security.
米国が「太平洋国家」としていくら「アジア重視」を唱えても、相当数の兵力を中東に振り向ける事態になれば、日本の安全保障に制約が生じかねない。
As Japan relies on the Middle East for slightly more than 80 percent of its crude oil imports, it is essential for this country to support the region's economic development by providing official development assistance and contribute to stabilizing the political situation.
政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）などで中東諸国の経済発展を支え、政情の安定に寄与することは、原油輸入の８割強を中東に依存する日本にとっても重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 18, 2012)
（2012年9月18日01時24分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 18, 2012)
Why does Beijing permit anti-Japan protests?
反日過激デモ 中国政府はなぜ容認するのか（9月17日付・読売社説）
Anti-Japan protests have been expanding and escalating in China.
中国の反日デモが拡大し、過激化している。
This is a serious situation.
憂慮すべき事態だ。
Protesters railing against the recent nationalization of three islets of the Senkaku Islands in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, by the central government have taken to the streets of about 100 cities in China.
日本政府が沖縄県の尖閣諸島を国有化したことに抗議するデモは、中国の約１００都市に広がった。
In Beijing, protesters hurled rocks at the Japanese Embassy, while in other cities they attacked Japanese-affiliated business establishments. Some Japanese citizens have been assaulted in places where there have been no street demonstrations.
北京では日本大使館が投石され、地方都市では日系企業が襲撃された。デモの現場ではないが、日本人が暴行された例もあった。
It is quite reasonable for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to have lodged a protest with the Chinese government. The Japanese government must continuously press China to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens and businesses and the protection of their property.
野田首相が抗議したのは当然である。日本政府は引き続き、中国政府に対し、邦人と日系企業の安全、財産の保護を徹底するよう求めなければならない。
The Chinese government should strictly punish those involved in behavior that results in property destruction in accordance with the law.
中国政府は、破壊行為に関わった容疑者を法に基づいて厳正に処分すべきである。
In parallel with these protests, there have been aggressive acts by the Chinese government itself, which is apparently trying to undermine Japan's control of the Senkaku Islands.
デモと並行して、尖閣諸島の実効支配を崩そうとする中国政府の示威行動も目立つ。
===
Unprecedented intrusion
In an unprecedented action, six Chinese government maritime surveillance ships intruded into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on Friday at the same time.
尖閣諸島周辺の日本の領海内に１４日、中国の海洋監視船６隻が侵入した。中国公船が同時に６隻も侵入してきたのは過去に例がない。
This is the first time that China has raised tensions with Japan to such a stage since bilateral diplomatic relations were normalized in 1972.
１９７２年の日中国交正常化以来、これほど中国が日本との間で緊張を高めたのは初めてだ。
China has probably acted out of a heightened sense of crisis that it may lose face if the administration under the Chinese Communist Party is perceived by the people to have conceded to Japan over the Senkaku islets.
尖閣諸島を巡って日本に譲歩した、と国内で受け止められれば、共産党政権の威信が揺らぐと危機感を強めているのだろう。
In China, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Japan's "wrongful act" (nationalization of the three islets) has been provoking strong righteous indignation in China, showing Beijing's sympathy for the anti-Japan protests. A senior Commerce Ministry official has also implied a boycott of Japanese products would be a natural consequence.
中国は、外務省報道官が「日本の誤った行為が強い義憤を引き起こしている」と反日デモへの理解を示し、商務省幹部も日本製品の不買運動を容認するかのような発言をしている。
Such developments have fueled the anger of a younger generation that has been immersed in patriotic education, causing an escalation of their actions.
これが愛国教育世代の若者を煽(あお)り、行動の過激化を招いた。
The Chinese government has apparently decided to politically exploit the people's anger against the Japanese government's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands to exert diplomatic pressure on Japan.
中国政府には、尖閣諸島国有化に反発する国民の怒りを対日圧力に利用する政治的思惑がある。
===
Maintain the rule of law
But for the Chinese government to sanction illegal behavior under a slogan that a patriotic act should not be considered a crime would be to deny the rule of law. And boycotting products of a specific country violates the spirit of free trade, which also runs counter to China's interests.
だが、愛国的行為は罪に問われないとする「愛国無罪」のスローガンの下、破壊行為を正当化するのは法治の否定だ。特定国の製品の不買は自由貿易に反する。中国のためにもならない。
Appeals are being made for people to demonstrate against Japan again on Tuesday, which marks the 81st anniversary of the Liutiaohu Incident that triggered the Manchurian Incident. It is feared the daily activities of Japanese people and businesses in China may be badly affected again.
満州事変の発端となった柳条湖事件から８１年に当たる１８日、各地では再びデモが呼びかけられている。邦人の生活や日系企業の営業活動への影響が懸念される。
It is highly likely that a fleet of Chinese fishing boats, escorted by fishing monitoring vessels of the Chinese agriculture ministry, will soon leave ports for the Senkaku Islands shortly and try to intrude into Japanese territorial waters.
間もなく尖閣諸島沖に向け、中国漁船が大挙出港し、農業省の漁業監視船の護衛で、日本領海への侵入を図る可能性が高い。
The Japanese government, for its part, must make absolutely sure that the Japan Coast Guard protects the territorial waters.
日本政府は海上保安庁による領海警備に万全を期すべきだ。
The government must assert to the international community that the Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory and that the recent acquisition of the islands is intended to place them under stable government management.
政府は、尖閣諸島は日本の領土であり、安定的に管理するための国有化であることを、国際社会に主張していかねばならない。
The national leaders of Japan and China should bring the current situation under control so as not to aggravate the conflict of their people's sentiments.
国民感情の対立を深めぬよう、日中両国は首脳レベルで、事態の沈静化に努める必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 17, 2012)
（2012年9月17日01時20分 読売新聞）
Why does Beijing permit anti-Japan protests?
反日過激デモ 中国政府はなぜ容認するのか（9月17日付・読売社説）
Anti-Japan protests have been expanding and escalating in China.
中国の反日デモが拡大し、過激化している。
This is a serious situation.
憂慮すべき事態だ。
Protesters railing against the recent nationalization of three islets of the Senkaku Islands in Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, by the central government have taken to the streets of about 100 cities in China.
日本政府が沖縄県の尖閣諸島を国有化したことに抗議するデモは、中国の約１００都市に広がった。
In Beijing, protesters hurled rocks at the Japanese Embassy, while in other cities they attacked Japanese-affiliated business establishments. Some Japanese citizens have been assaulted in places where there have been no street demonstrations.
北京では日本大使館が投石され、地方都市では日系企業が襲撃された。デモの現場ではないが、日本人が暴行された例もあった。
It is quite reasonable for Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to have lodged a protest with the Chinese government. The Japanese government must continuously press China to ensure the safety of Japanese citizens and businesses and the protection of their property.
野田首相が抗議したのは当然である。日本政府は引き続き、中国政府に対し、邦人と日系企業の安全、財産の保護を徹底するよう求めなければならない。
The Chinese government should strictly punish those involved in behavior that results in property destruction in accordance with the law.
中国政府は、破壊行為に関わった容疑者を法に基づいて厳正に処分すべきである。
In parallel with these protests, there have been aggressive acts by the Chinese government itself, which is apparently trying to undermine Japan's control of the Senkaku Islands.
デモと並行して、尖閣諸島の実効支配を崩そうとする中国政府の示威行動も目立つ。
===
Unprecedented intrusion
In an unprecedented action, six Chinese government maritime surveillance ships intruded into Japanese territorial waters near the Senkaku Islands on Friday at the same time.
尖閣諸島周辺の日本の領海内に１４日、中国の海洋監視船６隻が侵入した。中国公船が同時に６隻も侵入してきたのは過去に例がない。
This is the first time that China has raised tensions with Japan to such a stage since bilateral diplomatic relations were normalized in 1972.
１９７２年の日中国交正常化以来、これほど中国が日本との間で緊張を高めたのは初めてだ。
China has probably acted out of a heightened sense of crisis that it may lose face if the administration under the Chinese Communist Party is perceived by the people to have conceded to Japan over the Senkaku islets.
尖閣諸島を巡って日本に譲歩した、と国内で受け止められれば、共産党政権の威信が揺らぐと危機感を強めているのだろう。
In China, a Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Japan's "wrongful act" (nationalization of the three islets) has been provoking strong righteous indignation in China, showing Beijing's sympathy for the anti-Japan protests. A senior Commerce Ministry official has also implied a boycott of Japanese products would be a natural consequence.
中国は、外務省報道官が「日本の誤った行為が強い義憤を引き起こしている」と反日デモへの理解を示し、商務省幹部も日本製品の不買運動を容認するかのような発言をしている。
Such developments have fueled the anger of a younger generation that has been immersed in patriotic education, causing an escalation of their actions.
これが愛国教育世代の若者を煽(あお)り、行動の過激化を招いた。
The Chinese government has apparently decided to politically exploit the people's anger against the Japanese government's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands to exert diplomatic pressure on Japan.
中国政府には、尖閣諸島国有化に反発する国民の怒りを対日圧力に利用する政治的思惑がある。
===
Maintain the rule of law
But for the Chinese government to sanction illegal behavior under a slogan that a patriotic act should not be considered a crime would be to deny the rule of law. And boycotting products of a specific country violates the spirit of free trade, which also runs counter to China's interests.
だが、愛国的行為は罪に問われないとする「愛国無罪」のスローガンの下、破壊行為を正当化するのは法治の否定だ。特定国の製品の不買は自由貿易に反する。中国のためにもならない。
Appeals are being made for people to demonstrate against Japan again on Tuesday, which marks the 81st anniversary of the Liutiaohu Incident that triggered the Manchurian Incident. It is feared the daily activities of Japanese people and businesses in China may be badly affected again.
満州事変の発端となった柳条湖事件から８１年に当たる１８日、各地では再びデモが呼びかけられている。邦人の生活や日系企業の営業活動への影響が懸念される。
It is highly likely that a fleet of Chinese fishing boats, escorted by fishing monitoring vessels of the Chinese agriculture ministry, will soon leave ports for the Senkaku Islands shortly and try to intrude into Japanese territorial waters.
間もなく尖閣諸島沖に向け、中国漁船が大挙出港し、農業省の漁業監視船の護衛で、日本領海への侵入を図る可能性が高い。
The Japanese government, for its part, must make absolutely sure that the Japan Coast Guard protects the territorial waters.
日本政府は海上保安庁による領海警備に万全を期すべきだ。
The government must assert to the international community that the Senkaku Islands are Japanese territory and that the recent acquisition of the islands is intended to place them under stable government management.
政府は、尖閣諸島は日本の領土であり、安定的に管理するための国有化であることを、国際社会に主張していかねばならない。
The national leaders of Japan and China should bring the current situation under control so as not to aggravate the conflict of their people's sentiments.
国民感情の対立を深めぬよう、日中両国は首脳レベルで、事態の沈静化に努める必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 17, 2012)
（2012年9月17日01時20分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 16, 2012)
Responsible govt should never adopt zero nuclear goal
エネルギー選択 「原発ゼロ」は戦略に値しない（9月15日付・読売社説）
◆経済・雇用への打撃軽視するな◆
It was extremely irresponsible of the government to set out a "zero nuclear power" policy without illustrating the details of how the nation is supposed to secure a stable supply of electricity.
電力を安定的に確保するための具体策も描かずに、「原子力発電ゼロ」を掲げたのは、極めて無責任である。
The government should retract the zero-nuclear policy and instead propose a feasible energy strategy.
政府は「原発ゼロ」の方針を撤回し、現実的なエネルギー政策を示すべきだ。
The government's Energy and Environment Council adopted an "innovative energy and environmental strategy" with a target of "zero nuclear power plants operating in the 2030s."
政府のエネルギー・環境会議が、「２０３０年代に原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」をまとめた。
Under the strategy, the government will not allow the establishment of any new nuclear power plants and will strictly enforce the rule of decommissioning nuclear reactors after 40 years of operation to achieve the goal, the council said.
原発の新増設を認めず、運転開始から４０年での廃炉を厳格に適用していくという。
◆肝心な部分は生煮え◆
At a press conference held Friday, Motohisa Furukawa, state minister for national policy, stressed the importance of the strategy. "We have shown our stance of earnestly tackling the problems associated with nuclear power without shelving them," Furukawa said.
古川国家戦略相は記者会見で、「原子力に関する問題点を先送りせず、真摯(しんし)に取り組む姿勢を示した」などと意義を強調した。
However, Furukawa failed to provide an overall picture of the future composition of the energy supply, which the government has pledged to drastically review in light of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
しかし、東京電力福島第一原発の事故を受けて抜本的に見直すとしていた将来の電源構成については、全体像を示せなかった。
Such a sloppy, immature scheme is totally unworthy of a national energy policy.
こんな生煮えの“粗案”では、国家のエネルギー戦略に値しないと言えよう。
===
Vital details lacking
The strategy stated a goal of increasing the proportion of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, from the current 10 percent to 30 percent by 2030. However, the council postponed revealing measures to achieve the plan until year-end.
太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーの比率を、現在の約１割から３割に増やすとしているが、肝心の実現策は年末に先送りした。
The government's decision to achieve zero reliance on nuclear energy in about 20 years without working out the details of how to secure viable alternatives looks slipshod.
原発の代替電源を確保する方策の中身も詰めずに、約２０年先の「原発ゼロ」だけを決めるのは乱暴だ。
Was this the result of a calculated decision that it would help the Democratic Party of Japan if the government clarified its antinuke stance ahead of the next House of Representatives election? It is natural to suspect the government had already reached a conclusion on this matter ahead of discussions.
次期衆院選を前に「脱原発」の旗印を鮮明にした方が民主党に有利になる、と計算したに過ぎないのではないのか。初めに結論ありきと言われても仕方あるまい。
Another problem of the new strategy is its lack of response to the results of an expert panel tasked with examining this issue, as well as indications from the business community.
有識者会議による検討結果や経済界からの指摘に対応していないのも問題である。
It is estimated that vast sums of money would be required to achieve zero reliance on nuclear energy--50 trillion yen to increase the amount of renewable energy and another 100 trillion yen for energy-saving measures.
各種の試算は、「原発ゼロ」にするには、再生エネ拡大に５０兆円、省エネに１００兆円を要するとしていた。
The nation's gross domestic product would likely fall by 50 trillion yen, and the number of jobless people is expected to increase by 2 million.
国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は５０兆円近く落ち込み、失業者も２００万人増加する見通しだ。
However, the new strategy only stated that the government would "devote all necessary resources possible" to deal with the problems, without stating specific measures.
だが「戦略」には、「あらゆる政策資源を投入する」とあるだけで、課題の解決策がない。
Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), strongly criticized the zero-nuclear policy. "Industrial circles, which have been doing everything possible to maintain the level of employment, can never approve such a policy. It's a total contradiction to the government's growth strategy," Yonekura said.
経団連の米倉弘昌会長は、「原発ゼロ」方針について、「雇用の維持に必死に頑張っている産業界としては、とても了承できない。まさに成長戦略に逆行している」などと、厳しく批判した。
Yonekura's remark reflects concerns that the zero-nuclear policy could threaten the people's livelihood by causing electricity shortfalls and driving up production costs, which would likely accelerate companies' moves to shift their production bases abroad.
電力不足と生産コストの上昇で産業空洞化が加速し、国民生活が脅かされかねないためだ。
===
Policy laden with contradictions
◆矛盾だらけの内容◆
Currently, 48 of the nation's 50 reactors remain unable to resume operations in spite of the end of their regular safety checkups.
現在、全原発５０基のうち４８基が定期検査の終了後も再稼働できない状況が続いている。
Fuel costs for thermal power generation have shot up by 3 trillion yen a year compared to their level before the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
火力発電の燃料費が年３兆円も余計にかかっている。
If things stay as they are, it will be inevitable for other electricity companies to raise their electricity charges, following TEPCO.
このままでは東電以外の電力会社も電力料金の値上げが避けられない。
If the ratio of thermal power generation rises in the nation's energy source mix, Japan's dependence on the politically volatile Middle East for much of its energy sources will continue.
火力発電の比率が高まれば、政治的に不安定な中東に多くのエネルギーを依存する状況も続く。
The new energy strategy is right in pointing out that the nation should make use of nuclear reactors as important sources of power generation if their safety is guaranteed.
「戦略」が、安全性を確認できた原発を重要電源として活用する方針を示したのは妥当である。
To ensure stable supplies of electricity, the government must redouble efforts to realize the restart of currently idled reactors.
電力安定供給のため、政府は再稼働の実現に努めねばならない。
However, the government's trumpeting of its "zero nuclear power" policy makes it all the more difficult to obtain local residents' consent to restart nuclear plants in their areas. The government is at cross-purposes with itself.
それなのに政府は「原発ゼロ」をうたい、わざわざ再稼働に対する地元の理解取り付けを困難にした。ちぐはぐな対応だ。
Fukui Gov. Issei Nishikawa, who gave the go-ahead to the reactivation of the Oi nuclear power plant of Kansai Electric Power Co. in his prefecture, has understandably expressed a sense of distrust regarding the government's shifting energy policy.
関西電力大飯原発の再稼働を容認した福井県の西川一誠知事も、政府の方針転換に不信感を表明している。
To pursue the goal of reducing reliance on nuclear energy to zero while at the same time preserving Japan's nuclear fuel recycling program cannot be called anything but an obvious contradiction.
核燃料サイクル政策を継続しながら「原発ゼロ」を目指すというのは、明らかな矛盾である。
Given this situation, nuclear fuel to be produced through the fuel cycle will not serve any purpose.
これでは、再処理で作った核燃料の使い道がなくなる。
In Aomori Prefecture, which has long cooperated with the central government's nuclear fuel recycling program, some are calling for the prefecture to refuse to accept any new spent nuclear fuel. The anger there over the central government's treacherous handling of nuclear policy is quite understandable.
国策の核燃サイクルに協力してきた青森県からは、使用済み核燃料の受け入れ拒否を求める声も出ている。不誠実な政府方針に対する青森県の怒りはもっともだ。
If Aomori Prefecture refuses to take in any more used fuel from nuclear complexes around the nation, there would be no place for storage of spent nuclear fuel, meaning nuclear power plants across the country would sooner or later be forced to halt their operations.
青森県が協力を拒否すれば、使用済み核燃料の保管場所がなくなり、各地の原発は早晩、運転を続けることはできなくなろう。
Furthermore, the newly adopted policy would lead to drastic declines in the number of people pursuing careers as nuclear experts, jeopardizing enhancement of the nation's nuclear safety technologies and the future decommissioning of reactors.
さらに、原子力の技術者になる人材が激減し、原発の安全性向上や、今後の廃炉作業に支障をきたす恐れもある。
===
Japan-U.S. ties in jeopardy
◆日米同盟に悪影響も◆
Britain and France, to which Japan has entrusted the task of spent fuel reprocessing, and the United States, which has put high hopes on nuclear technologies held by Japanese companies, have shown strong anxieties over the government's policy switch.
日本が核燃料の再処理を委託している英仏両国も、日本企業が持つ原発技術に期待する米国も、強い懸念を示している。
The United States has acknowledged Japan's reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel as a special right on the basis of the Japan-U.S. Cooperation Agreement on Nuclear Energy.
米国は日米原子力協定に基づく特別な権利として、日本に使用済み核燃料の再処理を認めている。
Japan could lose the reprocessing right on the grounds of its new "zero nuclear power" policy.
「原発ゼロ」を理由に、日本は再処理の権利を失いかねない。
There also is concern that the international status of Japan, which the United States has so far deemed as its key partner in pursuing nuclear security policy in the Asian region, may decline.
米国が、アジアにおける核安全保障政策のパートナーと位置づける日本の地位低下も心配だ。
Should this country break completely away from nuclear power, the stature of China and South Korea, which have both been keen to boost construction of nuclear power plants, would be bolstered in East Asia. Such a development would inevitably damage the Japan-U.S. alliance.
日本が原発を完全に放棄すれば、引き続き原発増設を図る中国や韓国の存在感が東アジアで高まる。日米の同盟関係にも悪影響は避けられまい。
The government must be well aware of the fact that Japan's energy policy cannot be formulated without paying due attention to its implications in the international community.
国際社会との関係抜きに、日本のエネルギー政策は成り立たないことを、政府は自覚すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 15, 2012)
（2012年9月15日02時00分 読売新聞）
Responsible govt should never adopt zero nuclear goal
エネルギー選択 「原発ゼロ」は戦略に値しない（9月15日付・読売社説）
◆経済・雇用への打撃軽視するな◆
It was extremely irresponsible of the government to set out a "zero nuclear power" policy without illustrating the details of how the nation is supposed to secure a stable supply of electricity.
電力を安定的に確保するための具体策も描かずに、「原子力発電ゼロ」を掲げたのは、極めて無責任である。
The government should retract the zero-nuclear policy and instead propose a feasible energy strategy.
政府は「原発ゼロ」の方針を撤回し、現実的なエネルギー政策を示すべきだ。
The government's Energy and Environment Council adopted an "innovative energy and environmental strategy" with a target of "zero nuclear power plants operating in the 2030s."
政府のエネルギー・環境会議が、「２０３０年代に原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」をまとめた。
Under the strategy, the government will not allow the establishment of any new nuclear power plants and will strictly enforce the rule of decommissioning nuclear reactors after 40 years of operation to achieve the goal, the council said.
原発の新増設を認めず、運転開始から４０年での廃炉を厳格に適用していくという。
◆肝心な部分は生煮え◆
At a press conference held Friday, Motohisa Furukawa, state minister for national policy, stressed the importance of the strategy. "We have shown our stance of earnestly tackling the problems associated with nuclear power without shelving them," Furukawa said.
古川国家戦略相は記者会見で、「原子力に関する問題点を先送りせず、真摯(しんし)に取り組む姿勢を示した」などと意義を強調した。
However, Furukawa failed to provide an overall picture of the future composition of the energy supply, which the government has pledged to drastically review in light of the crisis at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant.
しかし、東京電力福島第一原発の事故を受けて抜本的に見直すとしていた将来の電源構成については、全体像を示せなかった。
Such a sloppy, immature scheme is totally unworthy of a national energy policy.
こんな生煮えの“粗案”では、国家のエネルギー戦略に値しないと言えよう。
===
Vital details lacking
The strategy stated a goal of increasing the proportion of renewable energy, such as solar and wind power, from the current 10 percent to 30 percent by 2030. However, the council postponed revealing measures to achieve the plan until year-end.
太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーの比率を、現在の約１割から３割に増やすとしているが、肝心の実現策は年末に先送りした。
The government's decision to achieve zero reliance on nuclear energy in about 20 years without working out the details of how to secure viable alternatives looks slipshod.
原発の代替電源を確保する方策の中身も詰めずに、約２０年先の「原発ゼロ」だけを決めるのは乱暴だ。
Was this the result of a calculated decision that it would help the Democratic Party of Japan if the government clarified its antinuke stance ahead of the next House of Representatives election? It is natural to suspect the government had already reached a conclusion on this matter ahead of discussions.
次期衆院選を前に「脱原発」の旗印を鮮明にした方が民主党に有利になる、と計算したに過ぎないのではないのか。初めに結論ありきと言われても仕方あるまい。
Another problem of the new strategy is its lack of response to the results of an expert panel tasked with examining this issue, as well as indications from the business community.
有識者会議による検討結果や経済界からの指摘に対応していないのも問題である。
It is estimated that vast sums of money would be required to achieve zero reliance on nuclear energy--50 trillion yen to increase the amount of renewable energy and another 100 trillion yen for energy-saving measures.
各種の試算は、「原発ゼロ」にするには、再生エネ拡大に５０兆円、省エネに１００兆円を要するとしていた。
The nation's gross domestic product would likely fall by 50 trillion yen, and the number of jobless people is expected to increase by 2 million.
国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は５０兆円近く落ち込み、失業者も２００万人増加する見通しだ。
However, the new strategy only stated that the government would "devote all necessary resources possible" to deal with the problems, without stating specific measures.
だが「戦略」には、「あらゆる政策資源を投入する」とあるだけで、課題の解決策がない。
Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), strongly criticized the zero-nuclear policy. "Industrial circles, which have been doing everything possible to maintain the level of employment, can never approve such a policy. It's a total contradiction to the government's growth strategy," Yonekura said.
経団連の米倉弘昌会長は、「原発ゼロ」方針について、「雇用の維持に必死に頑張っている産業界としては、とても了承できない。まさに成長戦略に逆行している」などと、厳しく批判した。
Yonekura's remark reflects concerns that the zero-nuclear policy could threaten the people's livelihood by causing electricity shortfalls and driving up production costs, which would likely accelerate companies' moves to shift their production bases abroad.
電力不足と生産コストの上昇で産業空洞化が加速し、国民生活が脅かされかねないためだ。
===
Policy laden with contradictions
◆矛盾だらけの内容◆
Currently, 48 of the nation's 50 reactors remain unable to resume operations in spite of the end of their regular safety checkups.
現在、全原発５０基のうち４８基が定期検査の終了後も再稼働できない状況が続いている。
Fuel costs for thermal power generation have shot up by 3 trillion yen a year compared to their level before the Fukushima nuclear crisis.
火力発電の燃料費が年３兆円も余計にかかっている。
If things stay as they are, it will be inevitable for other electricity companies to raise their electricity charges, following TEPCO.
このままでは東電以外の電力会社も電力料金の値上げが避けられない。
If the ratio of thermal power generation rises in the nation's energy source mix, Japan's dependence on the politically volatile Middle East for much of its energy sources will continue.
火力発電の比率が高まれば、政治的に不安定な中東に多くのエネルギーを依存する状況も続く。
The new energy strategy is right in pointing out that the nation should make use of nuclear reactors as important sources of power generation if their safety is guaranteed.
「戦略」が、安全性を確認できた原発を重要電源として活用する方針を示したのは妥当である。
To ensure stable supplies of electricity, the government must redouble efforts to realize the restart of currently idled reactors.
電力安定供給のため、政府は再稼働の実現に努めねばならない。
However, the government's trumpeting of its "zero nuclear power" policy makes it all the more difficult to obtain local residents' consent to restart nuclear plants in their areas. The government is at cross-purposes with itself.
それなのに政府は「原発ゼロ」をうたい、わざわざ再稼働に対する地元の理解取り付けを困難にした。ちぐはぐな対応だ。
Fukui Gov. Issei Nishikawa, who gave the go-ahead to the reactivation of the Oi nuclear power plant of Kansai Electric Power Co. in his prefecture, has understandably expressed a sense of distrust regarding the government's shifting energy policy.
関西電力大飯原発の再稼働を容認した福井県の西川一誠知事も、政府の方針転換に不信感を表明している。
To pursue the goal of reducing reliance on nuclear energy to zero while at the same time preserving Japan's nuclear fuel recycling program cannot be called anything but an obvious contradiction.
核燃料サイクル政策を継続しながら「原発ゼロ」を目指すというのは、明らかな矛盾である。
Given this situation, nuclear fuel to be produced through the fuel cycle will not serve any purpose.
これでは、再処理で作った核燃料の使い道がなくなる。
In Aomori Prefecture, which has long cooperated with the central government's nuclear fuel recycling program, some are calling for the prefecture to refuse to accept any new spent nuclear fuel. The anger there over the central government's treacherous handling of nuclear policy is quite understandable.
国策の核燃サイクルに協力してきた青森県からは、使用済み核燃料の受け入れ拒否を求める声も出ている。不誠実な政府方針に対する青森県の怒りはもっともだ。
If Aomori Prefecture refuses to take in any more used fuel from nuclear complexes around the nation, there would be no place for storage of spent nuclear fuel, meaning nuclear power plants across the country would sooner or later be forced to halt their operations.
青森県が協力を拒否すれば、使用済み核燃料の保管場所がなくなり、各地の原発は早晩、運転を続けることはできなくなろう。
Furthermore, the newly adopted policy would lead to drastic declines in the number of people pursuing careers as nuclear experts, jeopardizing enhancement of the nation's nuclear safety technologies and the future decommissioning of reactors.
さらに、原子力の技術者になる人材が激減し、原発の安全性向上や、今後の廃炉作業に支障をきたす恐れもある。
===
Japan-U.S. ties in jeopardy
◆日米同盟に悪影響も◆
Britain and France, to which Japan has entrusted the task of spent fuel reprocessing, and the United States, which has put high hopes on nuclear technologies held by Japanese companies, have shown strong anxieties over the government's policy switch.
日本が核燃料の再処理を委託している英仏両国も、日本企業が持つ原発技術に期待する米国も、強い懸念を示している。
The United States has acknowledged Japan's reprocessing of spent nuclear fuel as a special right on the basis of the Japan-U.S. Cooperation Agreement on Nuclear Energy.
米国は日米原子力協定に基づく特別な権利として、日本に使用済み核燃料の再処理を認めている。
Japan could lose the reprocessing right on the grounds of its new "zero nuclear power" policy.
「原発ゼロ」を理由に、日本は再処理の権利を失いかねない。
There also is concern that the international status of Japan, which the United States has so far deemed as its key partner in pursuing nuclear security policy in the Asian region, may decline.
米国が、アジアにおける核安全保障政策のパートナーと位置づける日本の地位低下も心配だ。
Should this country break completely away from nuclear power, the stature of China and South Korea, which have both been keen to boost construction of nuclear power plants, would be bolstered in East Asia. Such a development would inevitably damage the Japan-U.S. alliance.
日本が原発を完全に放棄すれば、引き続き原発増設を図る中国や韓国の存在感が東アジアで高まる。日米の同盟関係にも悪影響は避けられまい。
The government must be well aware of the fact that Japan's energy policy cannot be formulated without paying due attention to its implications in the international community.
国際社会との関係抜きに、日本のエネルギー政策は成り立たないことを、政府は自覚すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 15, 2012)
（2012年9月15日02時00分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 17, 2012)
LDP presidential candidates should thoroughly debate issues
自民総裁選告示 日本の針路に責任ある論戦を（9月16日付・読売社説）
◆原発・ＴＰＰから逃げるな◆
If the Liberal Democratic Party's goal is to regain power, the candidates seeking their party's leadership must reveal concrete measures on how to tackle the vital tasks facing the nation.
政権奪還を目指すという以上、日本が直面する重要課題への具体的な処方箋を明らかにしなければならない。
The LDP presidential race kicked off Friday, with five members running for the leadership: former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; former LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Shigeru Ishiba; former Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura; LDP Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara; and Yoshimasa Hayashi, acting chairman of the Policy Research Council. Verbal clashes among the five are heating up ahead of the voting on Sept. 26.
自民党総裁選が１４日、告示され、安倍晋三元首相、石破茂前政調会長、町村信孝元官房長官、石原伸晃幹事長、林芳正政調会長代理の５人が立候補した。２６日の投開票日に向け、論戦も本格化している。
If the LDP wins the next House of Representatives election, the new party president will likely become the prime minister. We are looking forward to scrutinizing the qualities of the candidates as well as their policies through the election race.
次の衆院選で自民党が勝てば、新総裁は首相に就任する公算が大きい。総裁選を通じて候補の資質と政策を十分に吟味したい。
◆「集団的自衛権」は評価◆
The public is watching the campaign to confirm whether the LDP is capable of holding the reins of government. To regain the public's trust of the party, all candidates must clarify how they would deal with issues that have split public opinion.
総裁選では自民党の政権担当能力の有無も問われる。信頼を取り戻すためには、国論を二分する政策について明確に方向性を示す必要があろう。
===
Show details on collective defense
All five candidates have pledged to amend the Constitution. Furthermore, they have stated in their election pledges that Japan should be allowed to exercise its right to collective self-defense. The five plan to establish a basic law on national security that will enable the nation to exercise this right. This is essential in order to restore the Japan-U.S. alliance after it was eroded during the administrations of Yukio Hatoyama and Naoto Kan.
５氏とも、憲法改正だけではなく、集団的自衛権の行使容認を公約に掲げている。これを可能とする「国家安全保障基本法」制定も目指す。鳩山、菅両政権で揺らいだ日米同盟の立て直しには欠かせない。
We commend them on this issue.
この点は評価したい。
However, when the LDP formed a coalition government with New Komeito, the party failed to get the ball rolling on allowing the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense. The candidates must show specific steps to achieve this goal.
ただ、集団的自衛権行使の容認は自公政権で手をつけられなかった課題である。実現に向けての具体的な手順を示す必要がある。
The present government recently set out a target of "zero nuclear power plants operating" in the 2030s. Machimura criticized this policy, saying it is "just an expression of hope without specific means to achieve it." The other four candidates have similar opinions on this issue.
政府が２０３０年代の「原発稼働ゼロ」を目標に掲げたことに対して、町村氏は「単なる願望であり、具体的な道筋がない」と批判した。この点でも、５氏の足並みはそろっている。
We can never approve the government's slipshod decision of announcing its "zero nuclear power" policy without sorting out ways to secure viable alternatives to nuclear power.
代替エネルギーのあてもないまま、原発ゼロを打ち出した政府・民主党の短慮は認められない。
What do the presidential candidates of the LDP--which had promoted nuclear power for so long during its administrations--think about the nation's future energy policy? If they say only that it is too early to draw a conclusion, they are evading the issue.
では、原子力行政を長年推し進めてきた自民党は、今後のエネルギー政策について、どう考えているのか。現段階で結論を出せないと言うだけなら、議論から逃げていることになる。
On the issue of joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, all candidates have stated they oppose joining TPP negotiations if the premise is to eliminate tariffs without any "sanctuaries." If so, the candidates should explain their conditions for joining the TPP and how they would go about joining it.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題については、各氏とも「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提とした交渉参加には反対だ」と主張する。それなら、参加するための条件や道筋を語るべきだろう。
Hasn't the LDP emphasized expanding free trade in its growth strategy? The party should not turn its back to the TPP, which is essential to take advantage of economic growth in neighboring Asian nations.
自民党はこれまで、自由貿易拡大による成長戦略を重視してきたはずだ。アジアの経済成長を取り込む上で欠かせないＴＰＰに背を向けてはならない。
We believe the candidates are considering the reactions of agricultural organizations such as agricultural cooperatives. However, under the existing circumstances, Japan's agriculture will only continue declining. The candidates must discuss measures to revive domestic agriculture so it can cope with further trade liberalization.
農協など農業団体への配慮もあるのだろう。だが、農業はこのままでは地盤沈下が進むだけだ。貿易自由化に対応できるよう農業の再生策こそ議論すべきである。
===
Diplomacy toward Beijing
◆対中外交をどうする◆
On the diplomatic front, we want to hear what the aspirants for the top LDP post think about issues affecting Japan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and how they would rebuild this country's diplomatic ties with China, South Korea and Russia.
外交では、対中・韓・露外交を再構築するためにも、主権・領土の問題への対応を聞きたい。
The candidates have all agreed on the need to beef up Japan's control of the Senkaku Islands. The tricky part is what measures they would take to achieve this.
尖閣諸島の実効支配を強化する方針では、各氏とも一致している。問題は具体策だ。
Ishihara said, "It's natural for this country to defend its sovereignty, but now is the time for us to keep a cool head."
石原氏は「主権を守るのは当然だが、クールダウンすべきだ」と指摘した。
Anti-Japanese demonstrations have become increasingly boisterous in China. To urge the Chinese government to calm the situation, the government and the ruling and opposition camps should levelheadedly work as one.
中国国内では反日デモが激しさを増している。中国に事態の沈静化を求めるために、政府や与野党が一丸となって冷静に対処すべきだろう。
Another matter of high significance is which party or parties the LDP should link up with after the next lower house election.
一方、衆院選後にどの党と連携するかも重要な問題である。
Whatever the outcome of the election, the LDP will still lack a majority in the House of Councillors, even when counting the seats held by New Komeito. This situation will continue until at least next summer's upper house election.
自民党は、衆院選の結果にかかわりなく、参院で公明党と合わせても過半数に及ばない。来夏の参院選までこの状態が続く。
The five candidates are all wary of the idea of forming a grand coalition with the Democratic Party of Japan. Instead, they favor cooperation with the DPJ on a policy-by-policy basis.
５氏とも民主党との大連立に否定的で、政策ごとの合意を訴えた。
Abe, for his part, has hinted at a possible partnership with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), which is led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto.
安倍氏は橋下徹大阪市長が率いる「日本維新の会」との連携に含みを持たせている。
Some of Ishin no Kai's policies neatly fit those of the LDP, such as seeking revisions to the Constitution. However, many policy commitments of the party starkly contrast with those of the LDP, including the former's demand that the number of lower house seats be halved.
維新の会の政策には、改憲など自民党と一致する点もあるが、衆院議員の定数半減など相いれない面も少なくない。
The LDP will need to consider these details carefully before forming any full-blooded political alliance.
政策本位で連携の是非を考えるべきだ。
Regarding comprehensive reform of social security and tax systems jointly undertaken by the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito, all the LDP candidates have committed to adhering with the three-party accord. This is a natural course of action.
５氏とも、民主、自民、公明の３党で進めた社会保障・税一体改革について、合意を順守することを言明した。当然だろう。
===
New Diet rules required
◆国会のルールを見直せ◆
The DPJ-LDP-Komeito tripartite agreement must be kept intact. The three parties should jointly address such key tasks as working out how to lower the financial burdens low-income earners will face when the consumption tax rate is increased, and enhance efficiency in budget appropriations for ballooning social security expenditures.
民自公路線は今後も堅持し、消費増税に伴う低所得者対策や膨張する社会保障費の効率化といった課題に取り組む必要がある。
Abe said the proposed consumption tax hike "could put a damper on the economy if it's implemented at the wrong time," indicating the possibility he would postpone the first stage of the tax raise in April 2014.
ただ、安倍氏は消費税率引き上げに関し、「時期を間違えると経済の腰を折ってしまう」と述べ、２０１４年４月段階の増税先送りの可能性を示唆した。
Although due consideration should be paid to national economic conditions before the tax increase, the importance of reconstructing the deficit-ridden government finances--a problem left alone for too long--should never be taken lightly.
増税前に経済状況を考慮することは必要だが、長年の懸案である財政再建を軽視することがあってはならない。
Ishiba said the government-sponsored bill for enabling the issuance of deficit-covering bonds "shouldn't be used as a tool in a power struggle" between the parties. We agree entirely.
赤字国債発行を可能とする特例公債法案について、石破氏は「政争の具に使うべきではない」と提案した。もっともである。
This bill must not be used as a bargaining chip by the LDP as it pushes for the early dissolution of the lower house for a general election.
衆院解散・総選挙を求める駆け引きに使うべきではない。
In the divided Diet, where the opposition holds a majority in the upper house while the ruling bloc controls the lower house, what can be done so this nation has "politics capable of making decisions"?
衆参ねじれ国会の下で、「決められる政治」をどう実現していくのか。
Deeper discussions should be held about how to formulate new rules for running Diet affairs.
新たな国会のルールづくりの論議も深めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 16, 2012)
（2012年9月16日01時15分 読売新聞）
LDP presidential candidates should thoroughly debate issues
自民総裁選告示 日本の針路に責任ある論戦を（9月16日付・読売社説）
◆原発・ＴＰＰから逃げるな◆
If the Liberal Democratic Party's goal is to regain power, the candidates seeking their party's leadership must reveal concrete measures on how to tackle the vital tasks facing the nation.
政権奪還を目指すという以上、日本が直面する重要課題への具体的な処方箋を明らかにしなければならない。
The LDP presidential race kicked off Friday, with five members running for the leadership: former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe; former LDP Policy Research Council Chairman Shigeru Ishiba; former Chief Cabinet Secretary Nobutaka Machimura; LDP Secretary General Nobuteru Ishihara; and Yoshimasa Hayashi, acting chairman of the Policy Research Council. Verbal clashes among the five are heating up ahead of the voting on Sept. 26.
自民党総裁選が１４日、告示され、安倍晋三元首相、石破茂前政調会長、町村信孝元官房長官、石原伸晃幹事長、林芳正政調会長代理の５人が立候補した。２６日の投開票日に向け、論戦も本格化している。
If the LDP wins the next House of Representatives election, the new party president will likely become the prime minister. We are looking forward to scrutinizing the qualities of the candidates as well as their policies through the election race.
次の衆院選で自民党が勝てば、新総裁は首相に就任する公算が大きい。総裁選を通じて候補の資質と政策を十分に吟味したい。
◆「集団的自衛権」は評価◆
The public is watching the campaign to confirm whether the LDP is capable of holding the reins of government. To regain the public's trust of the party, all candidates must clarify how they would deal with issues that have split public opinion.
総裁選では自民党の政権担当能力の有無も問われる。信頼を取り戻すためには、国論を二分する政策について明確に方向性を示す必要があろう。
===
Show details on collective defense
All five candidates have pledged to amend the Constitution. Furthermore, they have stated in their election pledges that Japan should be allowed to exercise its right to collective self-defense. The five plan to establish a basic law on national security that will enable the nation to exercise this right. This is essential in order to restore the Japan-U.S. alliance after it was eroded during the administrations of Yukio Hatoyama and Naoto Kan.
５氏とも、憲法改正だけではなく、集団的自衛権の行使容認を公約に掲げている。これを可能とする「国家安全保障基本法」制定も目指す。鳩山、菅両政権で揺らいだ日米同盟の立て直しには欠かせない。
We commend them on this issue.
この点は評価したい。
However, when the LDP formed a coalition government with New Komeito, the party failed to get the ball rolling on allowing the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense. The candidates must show specific steps to achieve this goal.
ただ、集団的自衛権行使の容認は自公政権で手をつけられなかった課題である。実現に向けての具体的な手順を示す必要がある。
The present government recently set out a target of "zero nuclear power plants operating" in the 2030s. Machimura criticized this policy, saying it is "just an expression of hope without specific means to achieve it." The other four candidates have similar opinions on this issue.
政府が２０３０年代の「原発稼働ゼロ」を目標に掲げたことに対して、町村氏は「単なる願望であり、具体的な道筋がない」と批判した。この点でも、５氏の足並みはそろっている。
We can never approve the government's slipshod decision of announcing its "zero nuclear power" policy without sorting out ways to secure viable alternatives to nuclear power.
代替エネルギーのあてもないまま、原発ゼロを打ち出した政府・民主党の短慮は認められない。
What do the presidential candidates of the LDP--which had promoted nuclear power for so long during its administrations--think about the nation's future energy policy? If they say only that it is too early to draw a conclusion, they are evading the issue.
では、原子力行政を長年推し進めてきた自民党は、今後のエネルギー政策について、どう考えているのか。現段階で結論を出せないと言うだけなら、議論から逃げていることになる。
On the issue of joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework, all candidates have stated they oppose joining TPP negotiations if the premise is to eliminate tariffs without any "sanctuaries." If so, the candidates should explain their conditions for joining the TPP and how they would go about joining it.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題については、各氏とも「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提とした交渉参加には反対だ」と主張する。それなら、参加するための条件や道筋を語るべきだろう。
Hasn't the LDP emphasized expanding free trade in its growth strategy? The party should not turn its back to the TPP, which is essential to take advantage of economic growth in neighboring Asian nations.
自民党はこれまで、自由貿易拡大による成長戦略を重視してきたはずだ。アジアの経済成長を取り込む上で欠かせないＴＰＰに背を向けてはならない。
We believe the candidates are considering the reactions of agricultural organizations such as agricultural cooperatives. However, under the existing circumstances, Japan's agriculture will only continue declining. The candidates must discuss measures to revive domestic agriculture so it can cope with further trade liberalization.
農協など農業団体への配慮もあるのだろう。だが、農業はこのままでは地盤沈下が進むだけだ。貿易自由化に対応できるよう農業の再生策こそ議論すべきである。
===
Diplomacy toward Beijing
◆対中外交をどうする◆
On the diplomatic front, we want to hear what the aspirants for the top LDP post think about issues affecting Japan's sovereignty and territorial integrity, and how they would rebuild this country's diplomatic ties with China, South Korea and Russia.
外交では、対中・韓・露外交を再構築するためにも、主権・領土の問題への対応を聞きたい。
The candidates have all agreed on the need to beef up Japan's control of the Senkaku Islands. The tricky part is what measures they would take to achieve this.
尖閣諸島の実効支配を強化する方針では、各氏とも一致している。問題は具体策だ。
Ishihara said, "It's natural for this country to defend its sovereignty, but now is the time for us to keep a cool head."
石原氏は「主権を守るのは当然だが、クールダウンすべきだ」と指摘した。
Anti-Japanese demonstrations have become increasingly boisterous in China. To urge the Chinese government to calm the situation, the government and the ruling and opposition camps should levelheadedly work as one.
中国国内では反日デモが激しさを増している。中国に事態の沈静化を求めるために、政府や与野党が一丸となって冷静に対処すべきだろう。
Another matter of high significance is which party or parties the LDP should link up with after the next lower house election.
一方、衆院選後にどの党と連携するかも重要な問題である。
Whatever the outcome of the election, the LDP will still lack a majority in the House of Councillors, even when counting the seats held by New Komeito. This situation will continue until at least next summer's upper house election.
自民党は、衆院選の結果にかかわりなく、参院で公明党と合わせても過半数に及ばない。来夏の参院選までこの状態が続く。
The five candidates are all wary of the idea of forming a grand coalition with the Democratic Party of Japan. Instead, they favor cooperation with the DPJ on a policy-by-policy basis.
５氏とも民主党との大連立に否定的で、政策ごとの合意を訴えた。
Abe, for his part, has hinted at a possible partnership with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), which is led by Osaka Mayor Toru Hashimoto.
安倍氏は橋下徹大阪市長が率いる「日本維新の会」との連携に含みを持たせている。
Some of Ishin no Kai's policies neatly fit those of the LDP, such as seeking revisions to the Constitution. However, many policy commitments of the party starkly contrast with those of the LDP, including the former's demand that the number of lower house seats be halved.
維新の会の政策には、改憲など自民党と一致する点もあるが、衆院議員の定数半減など相いれない面も少なくない。
The LDP will need to consider these details carefully before forming any full-blooded political alliance.
政策本位で連携の是非を考えるべきだ。
Regarding comprehensive reform of social security and tax systems jointly undertaken by the DPJ, the LDP and Komeito, all the LDP candidates have committed to adhering with the three-party accord. This is a natural course of action.
５氏とも、民主、自民、公明の３党で進めた社会保障・税一体改革について、合意を順守することを言明した。当然だろう。
===
New Diet rules required
◆国会のルールを見直せ◆
The DPJ-LDP-Komeito tripartite agreement must be kept intact. The three parties should jointly address such key tasks as working out how to lower the financial burdens low-income earners will face when the consumption tax rate is increased, and enhance efficiency in budget appropriations for ballooning social security expenditures.
民自公路線は今後も堅持し、消費増税に伴う低所得者対策や膨張する社会保障費の効率化といった課題に取り組む必要がある。
Abe said the proposed consumption tax hike "could put a damper on the economy if it's implemented at the wrong time," indicating the possibility he would postpone the first stage of the tax raise in April 2014.
ただ、安倍氏は消費税率引き上げに関し、「時期を間違えると経済の腰を折ってしまう」と述べ、２０１４年４月段階の増税先送りの可能性を示唆した。
Although due consideration should be paid to national economic conditions before the tax increase, the importance of reconstructing the deficit-ridden government finances--a problem left alone for too long--should never be taken lightly.
増税前に経済状況を考慮することは必要だが、長年の懸案である財政再建を軽視することがあってはならない。
Ishiba said the government-sponsored bill for enabling the issuance of deficit-covering bonds "shouldn't be used as a tool in a power struggle" between the parties. We agree entirely.
赤字国債発行を可能とする特例公債法案について、石破氏は「政争の具に使うべきではない」と提案した。もっともである。
This bill must not be used as a bargaining chip by the LDP as it pushes for the early dissolution of the lower house for a general election.
衆院解散・総選挙を求める駆け引きに使うべきではない。
In the divided Diet, where the opposition holds a majority in the upper house while the ruling bloc controls the lower house, what can be done so this nation has "politics capable of making decisions"?
衆参ねじれ国会の下で、「決められる政治」をどう実現していくのか。
Deeper discussions should be held about how to formulate new rules for running Diet affairs.
新たな国会のルールづくりの論議も深めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 16, 2012)
（2012年9月16日01時15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
Newyork Times
Bangkok Post
The Nations
Phuket Gazette
[ 英字新聞の英和対訳学習 ]
英字新聞（読売）
英字新聞（毎日）
英字新聞（朝日）
英字新聞（朝日２）
[ スラチャイ編集の辞書 ]
タイ日辞書（改訂版）
日タイ辞書（改訂版）
ラオ日辞書
日ラオ辞書
最新記事
(02/09)
(01/22)
(01/22)
(01/09)
(01/08)
(01/01)
(06/21)
(06/12)
(06/10)
(06/06)
カテゴリー
アーカイブ
リンク
家族、リンク、多言語、タイ語
スラチャイの家族紹介
私の家族
スラチャイの手作りリンク集
スラチャイタイ在住９年目
中国語会話基礎（北京語）
タイ日辞典（単語帳）
タイ語の子音
タイ語の母音
スラチャイ編曲のmidiのギター曲
スラチャイ編曲のJ.S.Bachです
スラチャイの多国言語学習
初歩のタイ語
初歩の中国語
初歩のラオス語
初歩のビルマ語
初歩のシンハリ語
初歩のタガログ語
タイ語の基礎
タイ文字
タイ日辞書
タイ語の副詞
タイ語の前置詞
タイ語の助動詞
タイ語の接続詞
基礎タイ語
基礎タイ語一覧（タイ文字、ローマ字）
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
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
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