一体改革法案 与野党協議へ「建設的対案」を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 10, 2012)
Realistic counterproposals needed from LDP
一体改革法案　与野党協議へ「建設的対案」を（5月9日付・読売社説）

Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has declared it is "no exaggeration to say" he is staking his political life on passage of a package of bills for comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems, on which Diet deliberations started Tuesday.
　「政治生命を懸けるといった言葉に掛け値はない」――。野田首相がこう明言する社会保障と税の一体改革関連法案の審議が始まった。

The ruling and opposition parties should make serious concessions with the aim of passing the bills as soon as possible.
　与野党は大胆に歩み寄り、早期の成立を目指すべきだ。

During a question-and-answer session in the House of Representatives, Tadamori Oshima, vice president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party, referred to the current gridlock in politics under the divided Diet. "It is desirable to establish rules regarding negotiations among parties so as to form a new policymaking process," he said.
　衆院本会議の質疑で自民党の大島理森副総裁は「衆参ねじれ」による政治の停滞に関連し、「政党間協議のルールを確立し、新たな政策決定プロセスを構築することこそが求められる」と述べた。

Oshima also expressed his party's willingness to join negotiations between the ruling and opposition camps, depending on the Democratic Party of Japan's handling of discussions on the bills.
　大島氏は、民主党の対応によっては与野党協議に応じても良い、との意向も明らかにした。

It is noteworthy that momentum has been finally generated to move toward debate on the integrated reform.
　一体改革に向けて、話し合いの機運がようやく出てきたことは評価できよう。

===

Cooperation crucial

To pass bills under the divided Diet, it is crucial for the government to gain cooperation from the LDP and other opposition parties. Noda must exercise his leadership to create an environment to elicit it.
　ねじれ国会で、政府が法案を成立させるには自民党など野党の協力が不可欠だ。野田首相は指導力を発揮し、野党の協力を得るための環境を整える必要がある。

The LDP has demanded the DPJ drop its plans to create a new pension system that would include a guaranteed minimum pension, as well as abolish a special health insurance system for people aged 75 and older. The two measures were among the major policies the party pledged in its manifesto for the 2009 lower house election.
　自民党は、最低保障年金を柱とする新年金制度案と、後期高齢者医療制度の廃止方針の撤回を求めた。ともに民主党の政権公約（マニフェスト）の看板政策だ。

Noda has only indicated he would leave a decision up to the DPJ. We believe, however, the party has no choice but to drop those policies to pave the way for the ruling and opposition parties to hold talks on the bills.
　首相は党内の検討に委ねる考えを示したが、与野党協議の実現に向けて撤回するしかあるまい。

The prime minister instead urged the LDP to make "constructive counterproposals" on the comprehensive reform.
　首相は逆に、自民党に「建設的な対案」の提示を求めた。

When it comes to the social security system, the opposition party's counterproposal is unlikely to significantly differ from the government's legislation on integrating corporate employees' and mutual-aid pensions because the current government's plan is almost the same as the one submitted in 2007 by the coalition government between the LDP and New Komeito.
　自民党の社会保障の対案は、政府案と大きく違うことはないだろう。政府が提出している厚生、共済両年金の一元化法案は、自公政権が２００７年に提出した法案とほとんど同じ内容である。

We believe that it would not take much time for the ruling and opposition camps to reach a consensus as long as the LDP makes a counterproposal on this issue.
　自民党が対案を出せば、与野党の合意形成にそう時間はかからないのではないか。

The LDP also should compile a counterproposal on raising the consumption tax rate, in which support measures for low-income earners would be a major focal point.
　自民党は、消費税率引き上げでも対案をまとめるべきだ。低所得者対策が一つの焦点となる。

===

Examine reduced tax system

The government's bill to raise the consumption tax rate includes granting cash benefits to those with lower incomes, which might result in bloating the amounts of the planned cash allowances. The government would undermine the efficacy of the tax hike if it implements yet another handout policy at the same time.
　低所得者への現金給付を軸とする政府案は、給付額が膨らむ恐れがある。新たなバラマキとなれば増税の効果は損なわれよう。

In Europe, which has a tradition of value-added taxes, reduced tax rate systems have been adopted with the aim of lowering the taxes on food and other daily necessities, as well as newspapers and books.
　付加価値税の歴史が長い欧州では、食料品など生活必需品や、新聞・書籍などに対する軽減税率が定着している。

The LDP has been examining the introduction of a reduced tax rate system apparently because it regards the mechanism as realistic in light of the European example. We propose the government positively study the system.
　自民党が軽減税率を検討しているのは、欧州を参考に現実的な案と判断しているからだろう。政府も前向きに考えてはどうか。

There is a concern, however, over Diet deliberations on the package of bills for the integrated reform. The LDP has set a precondition for holding discussions in a special committee: the replacement of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Takeshi Maeda and Defense Minister Naoki Tanaka, who were recently censured by the opposition-controlled House of Councillors.
　今後、一体改革法案の審議を進める上で懸念材料もある。自民党は、参院で問責された前田国土交通相と田中防衛相を辞めさせることを特別委員会での審議に応じる条件としている。

However, neither of the two ministers have anything to do with the social security or tax systems. The LDP should decouple debate on the bill from calling for the ministers to be replaced.
　だが、両氏とも社会保障・税とは無関係だ。辞任要求と、法案の審議は切り離すべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 9, 2012)
（2012年5月9日02時17分 読売新聞）

社説:超高齢社会 「肩車型」の常識を疑え

May 05, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: Aging society does not necessarily spell doom
社説:超高齢社会　「肩車型」の常識を疑え

Longevity is something to be celebrated, but when it comes to the aging of Japanese society, it is often discussed in a pessimistic tone.
　長寿はおめでたいことなのに、高齢化となると悲観論をもって語られることが多い。

One reason for this is the continuing decline in people of working age. Learning that our society is shifting from one in which four working people financially support one senior citizen, to another in which each working person must support one senior citizen -- a so-called "piggyback" setup -- would make anyone anxious. And indeed, that is exactly what is happening.
現役世代の人口が減り続けているせいでもある。現役４人が高齢者１人を背負う「騎馬戦型」から、現役１人が高齢者１人を背負う「肩車型」になると言われたら誰しも不安になるだろう。たしかに人口比率はそのようになる。

This unfolding state of affairs has prompted calls to raise Japan's tax and insurance rates, which are some of the lowest among all industrialized nations around the world. But perhaps because Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda and other officials lack the rhetoric to persuade the public of the validity of their policy, the push to establish a full-fledged piggyback arrangement appears to be undermining confidence in the country's social security system.
　だからこそ先進国最低レベルの国民負担率（税と保険の負担）をもう少し引き上げるべきだという文脈で「肩車型」説は登場したはずだったが、野田佳彦首相らの言い方がまずいのだろうか、逆に社会保障制度の信頼性を揺るがせているようにも思える。

It would be ironic if the number of people signing up with the national pension or health insurance plans were to shrink as a result.
そのせいで年金や保険の未加入者が増えているのだとしたらあまりに皮肉だ。

So let us take a closer look at why piggyback systems spur pessimism.
現役の負担は増えない　ここは世の「肩車型＝悲観論」の常識を疑ってみようではないか。

Accepting the premise that the ratio of working-age citizens (people aged 15 to 64) to senior citizens (those aged 65 and over) will eventually become one to one, the important thing when evaluating the stability of the social security system is the ratio between those in the work force earning money, and those who are being supported.
現役（１５～６４歳）と高齢者（６５歳以上）の人口比がいずれ１対１になるのは間違いないとして、社会保障の安定性を考える上で大事なのは働いて所得を得ている層と「支えられる側」の比率であることを忘れてはならない。

It's not just senior citizens that the working population supports.
「支えられる側」にいるのは高齢者だけではない。

It was common for families to have and therefore provide for many children in the era immediately after World War II, but the number of children per household has been in decline more recently.
戦後間もないころの親は大勢の子供たちを育てていたが、今は子供の数が減り続けている。

Those who required financial support in the past also included housewives, the disabled, and those who were ill, but today, there are more two-income households than single-income households, and the employment of the disabled is on the rise.
　また、以前の「支えられる側」には専業主婦、障害者、病気の人も含まれていたが、今は専業主婦世帯よりも共働き世帯の方が増え、障害者の雇用率も上がっている。

Moreover, there are far more people working past the age of 65 today than there were before.
また、６５歳を過ぎても働いている高齢者は以前と比べものにならないほど多くなった。

Shut-ins and NEETs (people "not in education, employment, or training") undoubtedly do exist, but even taking such populations into account, the ratio between those who do the supporting and those who receive support has barely changed over the past few decades.
ひきこもりやニートなど現役世代で働いていない人もいるが、これらのデータを含めて総合的に見ると、「支える側」と「支えられる側」の比率はこの数十年ほとんど変化がない。

If senior citizens and housewives continue to work outside the home, thereby expanding the population providing for those who need support, the burden on the working population should not increase.
今後も高齢者や主婦が働いて「支える側」が厚くなれば、高齢化率の伸びほどには現役世代の負担は増えないだろう。

The theory that social security costs will surge at a rate of 1 trillion yen per year as Japanese society continues to age, widening intergenerational economic gaps, also calls for closer analysis.
　もう一つ、悲観論の根拠である「高齢化に伴って社会保障費が毎年１兆円ずつ増え、世代間格差が広がる」という説も考えてみよう。

During a time when it was common for three generations of families to live together, caring for elderly parents and children was considered the work of the wife, while the husband was expected to earn money for all household expenses.
　３世代同居が当たり前だった時代は、老いた両親の介護や子供の保育はもっぱら妻の役割とされ、その妻を含めた大家族全員の生活費を現役世代の夫が一人で支えていた。

As nuclear families and single-person households become the norm and the number of children drops, the burden of caring for elderly family members and bringing up children becomes relatively light.
ところが、核家族やひとり暮らしが当たり前になり、子供の数も減ってくると、親の介護や保育の負担は相対的に軽くなる。

If elderly parents are able to live on social security and personal savings, the financial burden on the working generation is alleviated.
老いた親も年金や預金で生活できるようになれば、現役世代の経済的負担は少なくなる。

Of course, there are many senior citizens who receive a low level of social security benefits or none at all, and there is no end to the number of people who leave their jobs to focus on caring for their aging parents.
　もちろん、無年金や低年金の高齢者は多く、親の介護のために離職する人も後を絶たないが、

However, compared to a time when neither social security nor nursing care insurance was available, the burden on working citizens has not become categorically worse.
年金も介護保険もなかったころに比べれば、今の現役世代の負担は一概に重くなったとは言えない。

Rather, inheritance per capita has risen, and people generally have more opportunities and funds to receive an education.
むしろ１人当たりの相続財産は以前より多く、教育を受ける機会や費用も増えている。

In other words, the impression people commonly have of the piggyback arrangement, and the actual generational gap in burdens are very different.
「肩車型」のイメージと世代間格差の実相はかなり違うと考えるべきだ。

Rising social security costs may pose great pressure on government finances, but if the increased costs are translated into better nursing care and childcare services, it could lighten the load on families in the working generation.
　国家財政レベルでは社会保障費の増加は圧迫要因かもしれないが、増加分が介護や保育サービスの充実に回れば、現役世代の家族内の負担は軽減されていく。

One of the intended functions of the social security system is to collect a larger proportion of taxes and insurance premiums from high-income workers, and redistribute it to those with lower incomes.
もともと社会保障は所得の多い人から税や保険料を多く集め、所得の少ない人に回す再分配の機能を持つ。

What's important is not just whether the costs are expanding, but whether the funds are being redistributed effectively.
費用の膨張だけでなく、再分配が有効に機能しているかどうかが問題なのである。

There is a group, sometimes called the "platinum generation," whose age makes them "senior citizens" but are actually a part of the population that give the piggyback rides.
プラチナ世代に注目　「支える側」で特に注目すべきなのは元気な高齢層だ。
年齢区分では「高齢者」とされるが、実は肩車の下側で支えている。

Among those who turned 65 this year are pro-baseball team Rakuten Eagles' manager Senichi Hoshino and the comedian and film director Takeshi Kitano.
たとえば、今年６５歳になった人を見ると、プロ野球の星野仙一楽天監督、タレントで映画監督の北野武氏をはじめそうそうたる人物が各界で名を連ねる。

They're full of life and are highly unlikely to go into retirement anytime soon.
そう簡単に隠居などしそうにない、ピカピカの現役である。

Readers must also know many people who are 65 or older who one wouldn't think to describe as "elderly."
「お年寄り」と呼ぶのもはばかられる６５歳以上はあなたの身近にも多いはずだ。

In a story on post-war Japanese medicine and insurance last year, the British medical journal The Lancet wrote about the "platinum generation" -- called so because while its members technically fit into the "silver generation," they are shiny and bright instead of dull like oxidized silver.
Japan must recognize not only that our people are living long lives, but also that our country has produced a large population of energetic seniors.
　年齢的にはシルバーだが、いぶし銀のような地味さはなく色あせずに輝き続けるという意味で「プラチナ世代」と呼ばれたりする。
戦後の日本の医療や保険の成果について昨年、英医学誌「ランセット」が特集したが、単に長寿だというだけでなく元気な高齢世代を大量に出現させた功績も見逃してはならない。

It is not rare to see former businessmen and researchers in the sciences finding success in areas such as social welfare and farming after retiring from their original jobs. 　ビジネスマンや理系研究者が定年後、福祉や農業などの分野に転身し成功している例は今や珍しくない。

We would like senior citizens to break bravely into uncharted fields, making use of the abundant knowledge and experience they've accumulated over the years.
未知の分野に果敢に飛び込み、長年培ってきた豊富な知識や経験を生かしてほしい。

It is at the intersection of various values that we can hope to find clues that will pave the way to a new era.
多様な価値観がぶつかり合うところに新しい時代を切り開くヒントが生まれるはずだ。

To fully harness the skills and talents of the platinum generation, medical and welfare systems must change.
　プラチナ世代が輝き続けるためには医療や福祉も変わらねばならない。

With old age, most people develop illnesses and disabilities.
高齢になれば誰だって病気や障害は持つものだ。

We must make a quick shift from our current acute medical model concentrating on curing patients, to a medical and nursing care model that allows people to continue working and living with purpose while living with chronic ailments.
「治す」ことを目的にした急性期医療モデルから、治らなくても生きがいを持って働き続けられるような慢性期の医療・介護モデルへの転換を急ぐべきだ。

Once the platinum generation comes to account for a much larger proportion of those who provide support to those who need it, our nation will look very different.
　大量のプラチナ世代が「支える側」に回ったとき、この国のかたちはずいぶん違って見えてくる。

Excessive pessimism is uncalled for.
過度の悲観は禁物だ。

Let us think about how we ourselves can continue to give piggybacks as long as possible.
どうやって「支える側」に居続けられるかを考えよう。

毎日新聞　2012年05月05日　02時30分

米中戦略対話 人権で摩擦の火種を残した

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 8, 2012)
Human rights issue causes friction between U.S., China
米中戦略対話　人権で摩擦の火種を残した（5月6日付・読売社説）

The fourth round of the U.S.-China Strategic and Economic Dialogue, held in Beijing, recently ended.
　北京で開かれていた第４回米中戦略・経済対話が閉幕した。

Ministers of the two countries discussed a range of issues such as diplomacy, security and the economy. In a joint statement, the countries vowed "to build a new model of bilateral relations in the 21st century."
　両国の閣僚が、外交や安全保障、経済など幅広い課題について話し合い、共同文書で、「２１世紀の新たな国家関係のモデルを構築する」との方針を確認した。

The United States and China, whose economic interdependence has deepened, reiterated they would aim to play an important role not only in addressing global economic issues but also in achieving peace and stability in the international community.
　経済的な相互依存関係を深める両国が、世界経済だけでなく、国際社会の平和と安定に重要な役割を果たしていくという決意を、改めて表明したものだ。

Shortly before the talks, however, a diplomatic standoff arose when blind Chinese rights activist Chen Guangcheng sought protection at the U.S. Embassy.
　だが、対話直前、中国の盲目の人権活動家、陳光誠氏の米国大使館駆け込み事件が起きた。

The United States and China gave the impression that they even attempted to resolve the issue during the talks to prevent it from harming their bilateral relationship.
　対話中も、米中は、事件が両国関係に影響を及ぼさぬよう、もっぱら事件の火消しに終始した感が強い。

But this case has highlighted the fact that the two countries have flashpoints over human rights issues in addition to diplomatic and military matters.
外交・軍事面は無論、人権問題でも火種を抱えていることを浮き彫りにしたと言える。

The diplomatic standoff is likely to end, as China has indicated it will allow Chen to leave the country to study in the United States.
　事件は、中国側が陳氏の留学目的での出国を認める方針を示し、米国留学で決着する見通しだ。

China is apparently aiming to fend off a growing domestic democracy movement by permitting Chen, who has become a symbol in the human rights movement, to leave China soon.
　中国には、人権問題の象徴となった陳氏を早期に出国させることで、国内の民主化運動の高まりを防ぐ狙いがあろう。

===

Washington needs patience

The United States and China agreed to hold talks on human rights issues this summer. But Beijing, which has called foreign countries' references to human rights in China interference in its domestic affairs, is unlikely to change its attitude. The United States therefore needs to patiently urge China to improve its human rights situation without compromising easily.
　米中は、人権対話の今夏開催で合意した。国内人権状況への言及を「内政干渉」とはねつける中国の姿勢は変わるまい。米国は安易に妥協することなく、状況改善を地道に働きかける必要がある。

Issues concerning moves on the Korean Peninsula, such as prevention of an anticipated nuclear test by North Korea, and Iran's nuclear program--which were supposed to be the main focus of the talks--ended up being overshadowed by human rights. Such topics as North Korea and Iran were on the agenda, but the specifics of discussions on the matters are unknown.
　今回の対話の焦点だった北朝鮮の核実験阻止など朝鮮半島情勢や、イラン核問題への対応は、人権問題の陰に隠れる形となった。議題に取り上げられたものの、具体的な議論の内容は不明だ。

China and the United States, both permanent members of U.N. Security Council, should take the initiative in blocking North Korea from carrying out another nuclear test.
　国連安全保障理事会の常任理事国である両国は、率先して北朝鮮の核実験阻止に努めるべきだ。

During the dialogue, the United States and China also decided to inaugurate maritime safety talks this autumn as well as consultations on Asia-Pacific affairs in the second half of the year.
　今回の対話では、海洋安全対話を今秋初めて開催することや、アジア太平洋地域に関する協議を今年後半に開くことも決まった。

Disagreements between the two countries over the South China Sea are significant. The United States has called on China to maintain free navigation in the sea while Beijing has urged Washington to respect its "core national interests." Dispelling mutual distrust through a series of talks is vital for the two countries.
　南シナ海を巡っては、「航行の自由」を訴える米国と、自らの「核心的利益」として尊重を迫る中国の立場の隔たりが大きい。両国が一連の対話を通じて、不信感を緩和することが重要である。

===

Dialogue has positive effect

Regarding the economy, the countries decided to resume negotiations on concluding an investment accord. China pressed the United States to ease regulations on high-tech exports to China. Washington agreed to look into Beijing's request, including the easing of such export control.
　経済問題では投資協定の交渉再開が決まった。中国がハイテク製品の対中輸出規制緩和を求めたのに対し、米国が検討に応じるなど合意点も少なくなかった。

This platform of economic dialogue appears to have had some positive effect in reducing economic frictions between the two countries.
経済摩擦の解消へ、対話は一定の効果を上げていると見てよい。

Meanwhile, ministerial-level economic talks between Japan and China have not been held since 2010, primarily due to Japan's political stalemate and China's objections over the Senkaku Islands issue. The Japanese government must restart and expand the talks as soon as possible.
　日中間では、日本の政局や尖閣諸島を巡る中国の反発などが原因で、閣僚級のハイレベル経済対話が２０１０年を最後に、開かれていない。対話を早期に再開し、拡大を図っていかねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 6, 2012)
（2012年5月6日01時15分 読売新聞）

香山リカのココロの万華鏡:甘え？若年ホームレス ／東京

May 06, 2012(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Problem of young homeless not just a lack of drive
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:甘え？若年ホームレス　／東京

The Big Issue, a project which supports homeless people by having them sell its magazines, is now known by many people. Recently The Big Issue foundation put together its second report on young homeless. In the introduction it is written that since the 2008 financial crisis, the number of homeless in Japan under 40 has sharply risen.
　路上生活者に雑誌を販売してもらい、仕事を提供して自立を応援する事業「ビッグイシュー」は、いまでは多くの人に知られる存在となった。そのビッグイシュー基金が、このたび「若者ホームレス白書２」をまとめた。その冒頭には、２００８年のリーマン・ショック以降、４０歳未満の若いホームレスが急増している、という衝撃的な事実が記されている。

There are surely people who, hearing that there are those who are young and yet have no job or home, think, "They probably just don't have drive." From the report, however, the complicated circumstances of these young people can be seen, which cannot be set aside only by saying these people "don't have drive."
　「若いのに仕事も家もない人」と聞くと、「やる気がないだけなんでしょう？」と思う人もいるだろう。しかし、白書からは単に「やる気がない」だけではすまされない、彼らの複雑な事情が浮かび上がってくる。

It may seem strange, but many homeless in their 20s and 30s have not only work experience, but experience as full-time employees. One young person mentioned in the report feared work after traumatic bullying at a previous job. "Of course it is unpleasant being homeless. But I have an equal amount of fear toward working," the person is quoted as saying.
　意外に感じるかもしれないが、２０代、３０代のホームレスの多くは、就業経験どころか正社員の経験も持つ。白書に取り上げられているある若者は、過去に仕事で受けたトラウマがもとになり、働くことが怖くなり、身動きが取れなくなっている。「職場いじめ」を受けたという２０代の若者の言葉が痛々しい。「ホームレス状態でいることはもちろんイヤ。でもそれと同じくらいの恐怖が働くことがある」

Of course, I understand there are opinions that such people are not trying hard enough. However, I don't think that when they come across difficulties, things will somehow work out if they withstand the stress and seek help from those around them, because they no longer trust themselves or others.
　もちろん、「そんなの、甘えだよ」という声があるのもわかる。しかし、甘えているわけではない。彼らは「困難にぶち当たっても、耐えたりまわりに相談したりすればなんとかなるはずだ」と思えない。自分のことも他人のことも、まったく信頼できないからだ。

Reading the report, one understands that for these people to get out of homelessness, they need more than just work, a home or money. They need to once more trust the world, other people and themselves, or nothing will start.
　白書を読んでいると、彼らがホームレス状態から脱出するためには、仕事や住まい、準備資金などを与えるだけでは不十分だ、ということがわかってくる。彼らにもう一度、世間や他人、そして自分のことを信じる気持ちを持ってもらわなければ、何ごとも始まらないのだ。

To restore this trust, first they need to think, "The world and life are not bad."
　では、どうすれば「他人や自分を信頼する気持ち」を回復させられるのか。まず必要なのは、「世の中や人生って悪くないな」と思ってもらうことだ。

The Big Issue's foundation has created homeless soccer teams and had them participate in various competitions. Through this there have been young people who, feeling gratitude that there is a place they can relax, have taken the first steps toward recovery.
ビッグイシュー基金でもホームレスの人たちのサッカーチームを作り、いろいろな大会に積極的に参加しているが、そこで「ホッとできる場所があるっていいな」と感じて立ち直りの一歩を歩み出した若者もいる。

(英文は翻訳抜けでしょう＾＾）
　もちろん、「そんなの、甘えだよ」という声があるのもわかる。しかし、甘えているわけではない。彼らは「困難にぶち当たっても、耐えたりまわりに相談したりすればなんとかなるはずだ」と思えない。自分のことも他人のことも、まったく信頼できないからだ。

The report reads, "Young homelessness is not a unique phenomenon." In these hard times, everyone constantly lives with the possibility that their workplace or community will tell them, "You are no longer needed." I hope people will think of the young homeless who have lost their jobs, homes and social connections without saying, "They are just not trying hard enough."
　白書は言う。「若年ホームレスは特殊な現象ではない」。厳しいこの時代、誰もがいまの職場や地域から「もういらないよ」と言われる危険性と隣り合わせだ。「ああ、ただの甘えでしょ」と思わずに、仕事も住まいも人とのつながりも失った、若年ホームレスの問題や彼らの胸のうちについて考えてみてほしい。

(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
〔都内版〕
毎日新聞　2012年05月01日　地方版

「原発ゼロ」社会：下 市民の熟議で信頼構築を

--The Asahi Shimbun, May 6
EDITORIAL: New system needed to ensure public input on nuclear power
「原発ゼロ」社会：下　市民の熟議で信頼構築を

The devastating accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant last year has evoked serious public distrust of politicians, bureaucrats and scientists.
　福島第一原発の事故をきっかけに、政治や行政、科学者などへの不信と疑念が広がった。

What needs to be done to stop the continuing growth of public distrust and restore their credibility with the people?
　その連鎖を断ち切り、信頼を再構築するにはどうしたらいいのだろうか。

The government has promised to promote “national debate” as part of its efforts to map out a new nuclear power and energy policy. Specifically, it plans to sort out the possible policy options that have been discussed by related advisory councils and study groups and present them to the people.
　政府は新たな原発・エネルギー政策に向けた「国民的議論」を掲げる。関係する審議会や調査会で検討してきた選択肢を整理して、国民に提示する。

The government says it is aiming to build a national consensus on the future direction of the policy by summer.
夏までに今後の方向性について合意を目指す考えという。

But not all the assumptions for the debate are clear.
　ただ、議論の前提が整っているわけではない。

The government’s committee looking into the nuclear accident has yet to compile its report. The proposed new nuclear safety watchdog, tentatively named the “Nuclear Regulatory Agency,” has yet to be created. It will be even longer before new nuclear safety standards are established.
政府の事故調査委員会の報告はまだだ。原子力規制庁（仮称）もできていない。原発の新しい安全基準作りはさらに先になる。

The power supply and demand situation this summer and progress in the efforts to promote use of renewable energy sources will also influence the debate.
この夏の電力需給や自然エネルギーの普及度合いも議論を左右する。

A well-thought-out plan and its careful implementation are vital. A rough-and-ready approach could even deepen the people’s distrust.
　知恵を絞る必要がある。拙速にことを運べば、かえって不信を広げかねない。

ORDINARY PEOPLE LEARN
■普通の人々が学ぶ

Western industrial nations have responded to “crises of credibility” of experts involved in policymaking, such as scientists, by trying to restore public confidence in them through in-depth discussions among citizens.
　欧米では、科学者ら専門家への「信頼の危機」に見舞われた際、市民参加による熟議を通じて信頼の再生を図ってきた。

When the credibility of scientists who ruled out the transmission of mad cow disease to humans was shattered, for example, Britain began to make serious efforts to promote policy debate involving ordinary citizens. Some 20,000 citizens took part in the debate over genetically modified food, including people who did so through the Internet. Various forums were established also for discussions on the safety of nanotechnology.
　たとえば、英国は牛海綿状脳症（ＢＳＥ）のヒトへの感染を否定した専門家の信頼が地に落ち、市民参加型の議論に本腰を入れた。遺伝子組み換え作物をめぐる議論にはネット経由を含め２万人が参加した。ナノテクノロジーの安全性でも、様々な議論の場が設けられた。

Science and technology make our lives more comfortable and convenient but can also produce some unexpected side effects and risks.
　科学技術は暮らしを便利にするが、思わぬ副作用や危険性もある。

As the world has experienced many serious cases of public pollution and major accidents, there is now a growing global trend toward giving public opinion more influence over policy decisions on such issues as whether to permit the practical use of specific technologies.
公害や大事故などを経て、実用化の是非などに社会の意見を反映する流れが世界的に加速している。

At the same time, a broad array of schemes have been devised to allow citizens to participate in the policymaking process as a way to shore up eroding public confidence in democracy.
　一方、低下傾向にある民主政治への信認を補う目的でも、政策形成に市民が加わるさまざまな仕組みが考案されてきた。

The nuclear power and energy policy is one of the biggest themes that should reflect these two trends.
　原発・エネルギー政策は、この二つの流れが重なる最大級のテーマといえる。

In Japan, however, the atomic energy policy has been plagued by fake democracy. Spurious efforts to seek the opinions of local communities that are actually designed to justify the predetermined plans to build nuclear power facilities have been rampant.
　日本の原発政策では住民の意見を聞く形をとりながら、実際は既定の方針を正当化する「名ばかり民主主義」が横行してきた。

The bleak situation was highlighted anew by Kyushu Electric Power Co.’s attempt to manipulate public opinion on the resumption of operations at its Genkai nuclear power plant by using hundreds of its employees to send pro-nuclear e-mails to a TV program on the issue.
九州電力で発覚したやらせメールはその典型例だ。

In contrast, major Western countries generally have fairer and more transparent systems for citizen participation in policy debate. Typically, several dozens of “ordinary citizens” are chosen at random for debate on a specific policy issue to ensure that the participants represent a good cross section of society.
　これに対し、欧米での市民参加型では、無作為抽出などで数十人程度の「普通の人々」を選ぶのが一般的だ。いわば「社会の縮図」である。

After learning the basics of the issue, the participants think them over and discuss the issue at leisure. Usually, the participants are asked to express their opinions through proposals and questionnaires as summaries of the results of the debate. Their opinions are considered by the government and the legislature.
　参加者は基礎知識を学んだうえでじっくり考え、議論する。その結果を意見書やアンケートで集約し、行政や議会に尊重させるといった流れをとる。

To win the trust of society, such policy debate must be independent, neutral and transparent.
　議論が社会から信用されるための生命線は、独立、中立、そして透明性だ。

That means debate needs to be organized and sponsored by a neutral and independent body and moderated by experienced staff skilled in avoiding leading debate in a certain direction. It is also important to make clear the relationship of the experts chosen to support the debate with the industry and the government.
　中立で独立した主催者のもとで、議論を誘導しないよう習熟したスタッフが進行役をつとめる。議事に協力する専門家が業界や行政とどんな関係にあるのかも明らかにする。

'COMMON SENSE' AS SUPPLEMENT
■補完としての「常識」

This approach is no magic wand. It requires time and money. The citizens have no power to make the final policy decision. The system doesn’t replace the legislature composed of elected representatives.
　これらの方法は決して魔法の杖ではない。手間も金もかかるうえ、最終的な決定権はない。選挙で選ばれた議会に代わるわけではない。

All that such a system can do is to show the provisional common sense among citizens at that time, which can only play a supplementary role.
あくまで補完として、その時々の暫定的な市民社会の常識を示すにすぎない。

Still, it can make up for the shortcomings of the traditional policymaking process, at least to some extent. It can make visible citizens’ good sense as well as differences in the principles and tenets on which they cannot compromise.
　それでも、これまでのやり方の欠点を補う力はある。市民の良識や、譲れない信条の違いを「見える化」する。

These are functions that are needed for meaningful debate to overcome the sharp division among Japanese over the future of nuclear power generation in this nation.
賛否両極に大きく割れる原発議論を乗り越えるには必要な機能だ。

If the results of such careful and in-depth policy debate are handed down to the next generation, that would give an incentive for people living now to respect the right of “future generations” to make decisions. This is one realistic way to tackle policy challenges that will affect many generations to come, such as how to dispose of spent nuclear fuel.
　熟議の成果を次世代へリレーするなら、「将来世代」の意思決定権を尊重する動機もはたらく。使用済み核燃料の処分など末代まで関わる問題に、ひとつの方法を示唆してもいよう。

In addition, this approach is also useful for solving the dilemma posed by the fact that elections don’t necessarily guarantee the best choices for specific policy issues because they are fought over the campaign platforms of the parties that contain a wide range of proposals.
　さらに、各政党がさまざまな政策を掲げる選挙では個別政策で必ずしも最適の選択ができない、というジレンマを解きほぐすのにも有効だ。

In the city of Tokushima, citizens that didn’t belong to either camp in debate over the construction of a sluice-gate dam in the Yoshinogawa river held many meetings to study the issue. Their fruitful efforts prompted the city to hold a referendum on the issue.
　かつて徳島市では吉野川の可動堰（ぜき）問題をめぐり、賛否から距離を置く市民が勉強会を数多く開き、その実績を踏まえて市が住民投票を行ったことがある。

There can also be a system to hold popular referendums on national policy issues after several years of promoting such in-depth grassroots debate on the issues.
　国政でも、草の根の熟議を継続させ、数年間の実績を経てから国民投票にかける仕組みもありえよう。

In preparing for the envisioned national debate on the nation’s energy future, the government should entrust a neutral party to manage the actual operations and take steps to make sure there is an exhaustive and constructive debate that is beneficial for future generations as well.
　政府が考える国民的議論も、中立的な担い手に運営を任せたうえで、もっと時間をかけ、議論を将来につなげるよう、工夫してはどうだろう。

The government should craft specific plans to implement its policy of phasing out nuclear power generation in Japan as soon as possible. But continuing in-depth debate on the nuclear power policy would help promote public understanding and periodical reviews of the policy.
　政府としては脱原発依存の方針を早く具体化すべきだが、熟議型の議論を続けることは政策の定着や見直しに役立つ。

ROLE OF THE DIET
■国会で制度作りを

The Diet should play a leading role in the efforts to promote such in-depth policy debate by citizens.
　市民参加型の熟議を支えるうえで、大きな役割を果たしているのが議会（国会）だ。

In Japan, the Diet has set up its own investigative committee to uncover the facts about the Fukushima nuclear disaster.
　日本でも福島事故では国会が調査委員会を設け、事実究明に力を注いでいる。

We urge the Diet to show a commitment to fostering broad consensus among the people on related issues.
ここは、民意の熟成にも目配りしてほしい。

There is actually a long list of formidable policy challenges that will go beyond the current generation, including integrated tax and social security reform as well as the reinvention of the nuclear power and energy policy.
原発・エネルギーに限らず、税と社会保障改革など世代を超えた難題は目白押しである。

Lawmakers should consider setting up a new executive office within the Diet to organize meetings for in-depth discussions among citizens on policy issues and help universities, nonprofit organizations and other neutral bodies hold such public hearings as well.
　国会に事務局を置き、自ら熟議集会を主催したり、大学やＮＰＯなど中立組織による開催を支援したりしてはどうか。

People tend to long for a strong leader when their distrust of politics and confusion about policy issues deepen.
　不信と混迷が深まると、強い指導者を求めがちだ。

But the only way to secure real progress in democracy is to get citizens more deeply involved in the policymaking process and in the efforts to solve policy issues as their own challenges.
しかし、政策への市民の関与を強め、わがこととして解決する道こそが民主主義を深化させる。

憲法記念日 改正論議で国家観が問われる

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 4, 2012)
Vision of the state questioned in top law revision debate
憲法記念日　改正論議で国家観が問われる（5月3日付・読売社説）

　◆高まる緊急事態法制の必要性

Japan is currently facing many pending issues at home and abroad, such as reconstruction from the Great East Japan Earthquake, resolving the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and dealing with China, which is expanding its economic and military power.
　日本は今、東日本大震災からの復興や原子力発電所事故の収束、経済・軍事で膨張する中国への対応など、内外に多くの懸案を抱えている。

Since what the state should be is being questioned, we should go back to basics. The ruling and opposition parties should pursue the ideal form this country should take by deepening their discussions on constitutional revisions.
　国家のあり方が問われているからこそ、基本に戻りたい。与野党は憲法改正の論議を深め、あるべき国家像を追求すべきだ。

　◆主権回復６０年の節目に

Ahead of last Saturday, April 28, the 60th anniversary of the San Francisco Peace Treaty coming into force, the Liberal Democratic Party released the second draft of its proposed revisions to the Constitution.
　サンフランシスコ講和条約の発効からちょうど６０年を迎えた４月２８日を前に、自民党は、第２次憲法改正草案を発表した。

LDP President Sadakazu Tanigaki stressed the necessity of constitutional revisions, a fundamental issue that led to the party's formation, saying it is something "we should've tackled when Japan regained sovereignty."
　谷垣総裁は「主権を回復した時に挑まねばならないことだった」と述べ、結党の原点である憲法改正の必要性を強調した。

It is a well-known fact that the Constitution was based on a draft drawn up by the General Headquarters of the Allied Powers. We commend the LDP for again proposing national debate on revisions to the top law by reviewing its first draft of revisions, written in 2005.
　憲法が、連合国軍総司令部（ＧＨＱ）の案を基に作成されたことは周知の事実である。自民党が２００５年の草案を見直し、改めて国民的な憲法改正論議を提起したことは評価したい。

===

Emergencies provision sought

The LDP's new draft also established a provision to deal with emergencies, based on lessons from the Great East Japan Earthquake. Under the latest draft, the prime minister would be able to declare a state of emergency in the event of armed attacks on the country, a civil war and large-scale disasters.
　新草案は、東日本大震災の反省も踏まえて、緊急事態に対処するための条項を設けた。武力攻撃や内乱、大規模災害の際、首相は「緊急事態」を宣言できる。

The revisions would enable the prime minister to issue orders to the heads of local governments based on the declaration.
　それに基づき、地方自治体の首長に指示することなどを可能にした。

To protect people's lives and property, fundamental human rights--including the freedom to choose and change one's residence, and property rights--could be temporarily restricted within the minimum scope necessary. For this reason, some people object to the provision concerning emergencies.
　国民の生命と財産を守るためには、居住及び移転の自由、財産権など基本的人権を必要最小限の範囲で一時的に制限することにもなろう。それだけに、緊急事態条項への反対論はある。

However, it is much more dangerous for the government to take supralegal measures that it claims are necessary in an emergency, with no provision for such steps stipulated in the Constitution. This is why almost all countries, including Germany and France, have a provision concerning emergencies in their constitutions.
　しかし、何の規定もないまま、政府が緊急事態を理由に超法規的措置をとることの方がよほど危険だ。独仏などほとんどの国が憲法に緊急事態条項を明文化しているのは、そのためでもある。

It is the government's responsibility to prepare for emergencies in times of calm.
　緊急事態への備えを平時に整えておくことは、政府の責務だ。

Previous damage estimates are being reviewed for earthquakes, including a possible inland earthquake that could directly hit Tokyo, in which the capital's functions could be paralyzed, and a massive earthquake along the Nankai Trough caused by simultaneous Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai earthquakes.
　首都機能が喪失しかねない「首都直下地震」や、東海、東南海、南海地震の連動する「南海トラフの巨大地震」など従来の被害想定が見直されている。

Also, the possibility that nuclear power plants in the nation may be targeted by terrorists cannot be denied.
原発を狙うテロの可能性も否定できない。

Existing laws, including the Disaster Countermeasures Basic Law, are inadequate to fully cope with situations in which the state's functions are hindered.
　国家の機能が損なわれる事態に災害対策基本法など現行の法律だけでは、十分対処できまい。

Another important point for debate will be dealing with a possible emergency at a time when the House of Representatives has been dissolved or when its lawmakers' terms are about to expire.
　衆院解散時、あるいは任期満了に近い時点での緊急事態対処も重要な論点になる。

Parallel to discussions on constitutional revisions, the government also should consider establishing new legislation such as a basic contingency law.
　憲法改正論議と同時に、政府は「緊急事態基本法」といった新たな立法も考慮すべきである。

===

Self-defense issues
　◆自衛隊位置付け明確に

On national security, the LDP's new draft maintained the current Constitution's policy of denouncing war, which is stipulated in Article 9, but added a clause saying this does not preclude the nation from "invoking the right to self-defense."
　安全保障に関して新草案は９条の戦争放棄を堅持し、「自衛権の発動を妨げるものではない」との一文を加えた。

The draft authorized the nation to possess the Self-Defense Forces under the name of "national defense forces." The draft also clarified that Japan is entitled to exercise the right to collective self-defense, which has been officially denied by past administrations.
自衛隊は「国防軍」として保持するとした。政府見解が禁じる集団的自衛権の行使を、可能にすることを明確にした。

The LDP's draft also added a clause stipulating that the government must cooperate with citizens to maintain the nation's territorial integrity and secure its resources.
　政府は、国民と協力して領土を保全し、資源を確保しなければならない、との条項も設けた。

We believe the LDP's judgments on the draft over national security are all appropriate.
　いずれも妥当な判断だ。

The security environment surrounding Japan has increasingly become severe, due to factors including China's advancement into adjacent seas and North Korea's nuclear development program. In this situation, it is necessary for Japan to be able to exercise the right to collective self-defense for the Japan-U.S. alliance to function smoothly.
　中国の海洋進出、北朝鮮の核開発など、日本の安全保障を巡る環境が厳しさを増す中、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にし、日米同盟を円滑に機能させる必要がある。

On the other hand, we have doubts about the LDP's decision to refrain in the new draft from reviewing the status of the House of Councillors, which holds a disproportionately strong power.
　一方、自民党は、参院の権限が強すぎる現状の見直しに踏み込まなかった。これは疑問である。

In the divided Diet--in which opposition parties hold a majority in the upper house--bills not supported by the opposition parties will not pass. In addition, the upper house's censure motions now virtually decide the fate of cabinet ministers. This destructive practice is causing turmoil in the Diet.
　衆参ねじれ国会では、野党が反対する法案は成立しない。参院の問責決議が閣僚の生殺与奪権を事実上握るという悪(あ)しき慣習も国会を混乱させている。

Your Party has proposed a plan to introduce a single-chamber system by integrating the two houses, and a suprapartisan group of lawmakers has prepared a constitutional reform proposal aimed at introducing a single-chamber system. We believe the party and the group are both aware that one reason the Diet is not functioning sufficiently is the upper house's disproportionately strong power.
　みんなの党は衆参統合で一院制とする案を唱えている。超党派の議員連盟は一院制実現への憲法改正案をまとめた。国会の機能不全の要因に「強すぎる参院」があるとの認識からだろう。

However, it is difficult to achieve a single-chamber system by revising the Constitution. It would be more realistic to figure out the appropriate division of the roles of the two houses under the current bicameral system.
　だが、憲法改正で一院制を実現するのは、困難である。二院制は維持しつつ、衆参の役割分担を工夫することの方が現実的だ。

The LDP, Your Party and the Sunrise Party of Japan have all expressed their views on an ideal Constitution. However, the Democratic Party of Japan, which holds the reins of government, has been reluctant to join discussions over amending the Constitution. It is inexcusable for the ruling party to shun an issue concerning the foundation of the nation.
　自民党やみんなの党、たちあがれ日本が、憲法に対する考え方を表明しているのに、政権党である民主党は、改正論議に及び腰だ。国家の基本に関する問題で「逃げ」の姿勢は許されない。

===

Tackle vote disparity now
　◆違憲状態解消が急務だ

In autumn, the Deliberative Councils on the Constitution in both houses--which had been dormant for more than four years--finally began creaking into action.
　国会では昨年秋、４年以上休眠状態にあった衆参両院の憲法審査会が、ようやく動き始めた。

The lower house Research Commission on the Constitution has already clarified the main points regarding the amendment of the Constitution at meetings held from 2000 to 2005. The deliberative councils should begin concrete discussions on revising the Constitution soon. We hope the councils understand there is no time to waste.
　憲法改正への主要な論点は、２０００～０５年の衆院憲法調査会で既に整理されている。スピード感を持って、具体的な改正論議に着手してもらいたい。

One serious problem regarding the Constitution is the lawsuits over the disparity in the weight of votes. In recent years, an increasing number of court rulings concluded that the disparity in the weight of votes in both lower and upper house elections are "unconstitutional" or in an "unconstitutional state," which means it could be unconstitutional if the situation is not changed within a certain period. However, discussions on reforming the electoral system have made no substantial progress.
　深刻なのは、「１票の格差」を巡る訴訟で、衆参両院に「違憲」「違憲状態」の司法判断が相次いでいる問題だ。選挙制度改正論議が一向に進展していない。

Diet members should be ashamed of greeting the Constitution Day after leaving the matter for so long despite knowing the disparity problem has come so close to being unconstitutional. This irresponsible attitude is unforgivable in the nation's legislative body.
　国会は、違憲状態を放置して憲法記念日を迎えたことを猛省すべきだ。立法府として無責任に過ぎる。

It is especially urgent for the lower house, many members of which are whispering about the possibility of a snap general election, to review the electoral system.
特に解散・総選挙の可能性がとりざたされる衆院は、選挙制度の見直しが急務である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 3, 2012)
（2012年5月3日02時31分 読売新聞）

再生エネ発電 買い取り制には課題が多い

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 2, 2012)
Problems surround govt plan for renewable energy purchases
再生エネ発電　買い取り制には課題が多い（5月1日付・読売社説）

A feed-in tariff system for electricity from renewable energy sources such as solar and wind power will face many difficult problems.
　太陽光や風力など再生可能エネルギーの買い取り制度は、多くの難題を抱えている。

An expert panel of the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has made a proposal on prices at which electric power companies will purchase electricity generated by renewable energy under the system.
　経済産業省の有識者委員会が、再生可能エネルギーで発電した電気を電力会社が買い取る価格の案をまとめた。

The government will officially decide on recommended rates within May, and power companies will become obliged to buy the electricity from July.
　政府が５月中に正式決定し、７月から電力会社に買い取りが義務づけられる。

The proposed rates are 42 yen per kilowatt-hour for solar power, 23 yen for wind power and 27 yen for geothermal power.
　価格案は、１キロ・ワット時当たり、太陽光が４２円、風力２３円、地熱２７円などとなっている。

The rates were calculated by adding appropriate profits to the usual costs of each generation method, the panel said. However, they are almost the same as the rates that were requested in advance by renewable energy producers and were higher than widely expected.
　有識者委は、それぞれの発電方法で通常かかる費用に、適正な利益を上乗せしたと説明している。しかし、各発電業界が事前に示した要望額とほぼ同じで、大方の予想より割高と言える。

With the proposed prices, the panel apparently aims to promote the expansion of the renewable energy generation business by encouraging more companies to enter the field. However, the feed-in tariff system's design itself is precarious.
　自然エネルギー発電への参入を後押しし、普及に弾みをつける狙いだろう。だが、制度設計そのものに危ういところがある。

===

Higher electricity prices

The costs utility companies will shoulder to buy the renewable-energy electricity at high rates will be passed on through electricity rates in general.
　電力会社が高値で買い入れた負担分は電気料金に上乗せされる。

The economy ministry estimates the resulting electricity charge hike for an ordinary household to be 70 yen to 100 yen per month in the first fiscal year, but it apparently will further increase along with the spread of power generation from renewable sources.
経産省は一般家庭の負担増は、初年度で月７０～１００円にとどまると試算しているが、普及につれて負担額は増え続ける。

Special measures will exempt steel and other industries that consume huge amounts of electricity from more than 80 percent of the increased portion of electricity rates.
　鉄鋼など電力多消費産業には、料金上乗せ分の８割以上を減免する特例が適用される。

However, after a government subsidy to supplement the reduced portion of electricity revenues runs out, it will be passed on to other industries and ordinary households through their electricity rates.
料金の減収分を穴埋めする補助金が底をつくと、これも他業種や家庭の電気料金の上昇へと跳ね返る。

If the costs are not shared in a balanced manner, a sense of unfairness will spread among the public.
　コスト負担のバランスを欠けば不公平感が拡大するだろう。

Japan is now in an emergency situation because all but one of its nuclear power reactors have been suspended and thermal power generation requires an additional 3 trillion yen to 4 trillion yen a year for fuel costs. An increase in electricity costs must be avoided by all means.
　今は、原子力発電所が停止し、火力発電の燃料費が年３兆～４兆円も余計にかかる非常時である。電力コストの上昇は、極力避けなければならない。

If the feed-in tariff system causes electricity rates to rise, the government will have to flexibly reduce the recommended rates.
　再生可能エネルギー買い取りの影響で電力料金の上昇幅が拡大した場合、政府は買い取り価格を機動的に下げる必要があろう。

===

Denuclearization not easy

In fact, Germany, which is more advanced in its feed-in tariff system than Japan, last year saw the added portion of electricity rates for an ordinary household exceed 1,200 yen per month. Facing public protest, the German government this spring lowered the recommended rates by 20 percent to 30 percent. The Spanish government in January suspended applying its feed-in tariff system to new renewable energy generation projects.
　実際、買い取り制度で先行するドイツでは昨年、一般家庭の料金上乗せ分が月１２００円に膨らんだ。国民の反発を受け、今年春に買い取り価格を２～３割下げた。スペインでは今年１月、新規買い取りの凍結に追い込まれた。

The experience of other countries shows that it is difficult to maintain electricity generation from renewable sources as long as generation costs remain expensive, even if a government tries to support it with policy measures.
　海外の事例は、再生可能エネルギーを政策支援で普及させても、発電コストが高いままでは維持が難しいことを示している。

Many expectations are voiced for industrial promotion and job growth related to new energy businesses such as the manufacture of solar panels, but the reality is grim. In Germany, a major solar panel maker and other firms went under one after another in the face of pressure from Chinese products with smaller price tags.
　太陽光パネルなど新エネルギー関連の産業振興や雇用増を期待する声も多いが、現実は厳しい。ドイツでは、割安な中国製に押されて、大手パネルメーカーなどの破綻が相次いだ。

Solar and wind power generation have many difficulties regarding the procurement of land for sites and the durability of generation facilities. The road to independence from nuclear power generation is not an easy one.
　太陽光、風力発電は、用地確保や発電設備の耐久性などに課題が多い。「脱原発依存」への道は決して平坦(へいたん)ではない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2012)
（2012年5月1日01時10分 読売新聞）

追加金融緩和 政府と日銀は脱デフレを急げ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 1, 2012)
Govt, BOJ must expedite efforts to arrest deflation
追加金融緩和　政府と日銀は脱デフレを急げ（4月30日付・読売社説）

If the Bank of Japan simply continues taking monetary-easing measures in dribs and drabs, the country will remain without a clear prospect for defeating deflation.
　日銀が小出しの金融緩和を繰り返しているだけでは、デフレ脱却への展望は開けまい。

The government and the central bank must step up their collaboration and work hard to restore the growth of the domestic economy.
　政府と日銀は連携を強め、日本経済の成長回復に全力を挙げるべきだ。

The central bank decided to take additional monetary-easing policies, under which the total amount of its asset-purchase funds, used to purchase government bonds and other financial assets, will be raised to 70 trillion yen. This is a 5 trillion yen increase.
　日銀が、国債などを買い入れる基金を５兆円増やし、７０兆円とする追加金融緩和策を決めた。

The measure is aimed at increasing the amount of funds circulating in the market to boost the country's economic recovery.
　市場に出回る資金を増やし、景気回復を後押しする狙いだ。

This is the first time since Feb. 14 that the central bank has taken additional monetary-easing measures. On the previous occasion, the bank introduced as a guideline for price stabilization a 1 percent year-on-year rise in consumer prices, making it clear it was determined to continue following easy-money policies.
　日銀の追加緩和策は２月１４日以来となる。前回は「物価安定の目途(めど)」を導入し、消費者物価の「１％上昇」を目指して金融緩和を続ける方針を打ち出した。

The market responded favorably to the move: The average stock price of the Tokyo Stock Exchange recovered to above 10,000 for some time. The bank's decision also helped halt the yen's further appreciation against the dollar.
　これが好感され、東京市場の平均株価は１万円台を一時回復し、円高にも歯止めがかかった。

===

Bank was right to act

However, given that the measure's effects are gradually weakening, it was appropriate for the central bank to "shoot a second arrow."
しかし、効果は薄れており、「二の矢」を放ったのは適切だ。

This time, the Bank of Japan presented projections for the rate of year-on-year increase in consumer prices: 0.3 percent for fiscal 2012 and 0.7 percent for fiscal 2013.
　日銀は今回、今後の消費者物価上昇率の見通しを示し、２０１２年度がプラス０・３％、１３年度はプラス０・７％とした。

Although these figures were above its projections in January, they were still below 1 percent, which the central bank has set as a gauge to arrest deflation. The central bank thus acknowledged it would be difficult to defeat deflation anytime soon--a fact that is highly significant.
　今年１月時点の見通しを上回ったとはいえ、日銀がデフレ脱却の目安とする１％に届かなかった。早期のデフレ脱却は難しいと、日銀が自ら認めた意味は重い。

If things stand as they are now, people's expectations for the country's economic recovery may fade away, shrinking the country's economic activities.
　このままでは景気回復への期待がしぼんでしまい、経済活動は萎縮しかねない。

The Bank of Japan also projected that the rise in consumer prices is highly likely to reach 1 percent in the not-too-distant future, as early as in fiscal 2014. The central bank should take a step forward and express its strong determination to defeat deflation.
　日銀は１４年度以降「１％に遠からず達する可能性が高い」との見通しも示した。さらに踏み込み、デフレ克服を実現する強い決意を明らかにするべきだ。

Of course, the government bears a heavy responsibility in this respect. Past administrations failed to take effective measures to address various key issues, including the declining population and fiscal deficits, which resulted in declines in the country's growth power. It can be said that this is the major cause for the country's prolonged deflation.
　もちろん政府にも、重い責任がある。歴代政権は人口減少や財政赤字などの課題に有効な手を打たず、成長力低下を招いた。デフレ長期化の主因と言える。

The Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda set up a panel of Cabinet ministers to arrest deflation and started considering concrete measures for structural reforms of the country's economy. The move is highly commendable.
　野田内閣が脱デフレに向けた関係閣僚会議を設け、経済構造改革について具体策の検討を開始したことは評価できる。

===

Discussions must be broad

Bank of Japan Gov. Masaaki Shirakawa also is taking part in the panel as an observer. Panel members should discuss not only monetary policies but also fiscal policies and growth strategies.
　日銀の白川方明総裁もオブザーバーで参加している。金融政策だけでなく、財政政策と成長戦略をあわせて議論する必要がある。

Calls have been growing for the Bank of Japan to adopt bold monetary-easing policies, mainly among Diet members with reservations about the consumption tax hike. These lawmakers argue that deflation must be stopped before the consumption tax is raised. But using such an argument as an expedient to avoid raising the consumption tax would be, we regret to say, a dereliction of their duty as politicians.
　最近、消費税増税に慎重な議員を中心に、日銀に大胆な金融緩和を求める声が強まってきた。「増税よりデフレ退治が先」という主張も、消費税から逃げる方便だとすれば政治の責任放棄だ。

Some members of the Democratic Party of Japan and the Liberal Democratic Party are calling for revising the Bank of Japan Law. They argue the government should have the power to dismiss the central bank governor in order to pressure the bank to take anti-deflationary or other measures.
　民主党や自民党の一部には、日銀法改正を求める意見もある。政府が総裁解任権を持ち、デフレ対策を迫るなどの内容だ。

There have not yet been any substantial moves toward revising the central bank law. But excessive political interference in the operations of the central bank would bring its independence into question, reducing confidence in the bank.
　法改正の動きが具体化しつつあるわけではないが、政治が過剰介入すれば、中央銀行の独立性は揺らぎ、信認低下を招く恐れがある。

Any moves that would throw the country's market and economy into confusion must be avoided.
市場や経済を混乱させる事態は避けなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 30, 2012)
（2012年4月30日01時18分 読売新聞）

高速バス事故 再発防止に安全運行の徹底を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (May. 2, 2012)
Safety must be paramount when operating buses
高速バス事故　再発防止に安全運行の徹底を（5月1日付・読売社説）

Sunday's expressway bus accident seems to suggest that safety concerns have been put on the back burner due to intense price-cutting competition.
　格安競争が激化し、安全が置き去りにされていたのではないか。

Just before dawn Sunday, in the first weekend of the Golden Week holidays, a bus smashed into a noise-blocking wall on the left side of the Kanetsu Expressway in Gunma Prefecture, killing seven passengers and injuring 39 others, some of them seriously.
　大型連休まっただ中の４月２９日未明、群馬県の関越自動車道で、ツアーバスが道路左側の防音壁に衝突し、乗客７人が死亡、３９人が重軽傷を負う悲惨な事故が起きた。

The wall pierced the front of the bus and ripped through the vehicle, illustrating the sheer impact of the crash.
　防音壁が車体を裂くように突き刺さり、バスはほとんど原形をとどめていない。事故の衝撃の大きさを物語っている。

The bus driver told police that he fell asleep at the wheel. Police on Monday obtained a warrant to arrest him on suspicion of negligent driving resulting in death and injury, and searched the office of the bus operator in Chiba Prefecture where the driver worked. An exhaustive investigation must be conducted to pinpoint the cause of the accident.
　バスの運転手は居眠りをしていたと話している。警察は自動車運転過失致死傷容疑で逮捕状を取るとともに、運転手が勤務している千葉県のバス会社を捜索した。事故原因を徹底的に究明することが必要である。

The bus left Kanazawa on Saturday night and was scheduled to arrive at Tokyo Disneyland on Sunday morning. The trip was organized by a travel company in Osaka Prefecture that sought participants online and entrusted their transportation to the bus company.
　今回のツアーは２８日夜に金沢市を出発し、２９日朝に東京ディズニーランドに着く行程だった。大阪府の旅行会社がツアーを企画し、ネットを通じて乗客を募集、バス会社に運行を委託した。

Such bus trips have become increasingly popular, especially among young people, because they are cheaper than traveling by plane or train and can be easily joined by applying over the Internet. The number of people going on these trips has been rising.
　こうしたバスツアーは、航空機や鉄道に比べて格安な料金と、ネットで簡単に申し込める手軽さが若者を中心に人気を呼び、急速に利用者を伸ばしている。

===

Deregulation spurs business

Deregulation of the bus charter business since 2000 has made it easier for new entrants to join the industry. The number of bus operators had jumped to about 4,500 in fiscal 2010.
　２０００年以降の規制緩和で、新規参入が容易になったこともあり、バス事業者数は急増し、１０年度で約４５００に上る。

As competition has intensified, some observers have pointed out safety problems emerging in the industry, such as the excessive workload placed on bus drivers. Sunday's accident, it may be said, turned these concerns into a reality.
　一方で、競争激化による運転手の過重労働など、安全面の課題が問題視されていた。懸念が現実になったと言える。

The bus in Sunday's accident had only one driver, and no replacement driver had been assigned. Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry regulations set upper limits for the driving hours and distance allowed for a driver per day.
　今回のケースでは、運転手は１人で、交代要員はいなかった。国土交通省の規則などは、運転手の１日当たりの運転時間と走行距離の上限を定めている。

The bus operator in question said, "There was no problem with the operation of the bus." But was it appropriate that only one driver was assigned for an overnight trip over such a long distance?
　バス会社は「運行上の問題はなかった」と説明しているが、徹夜で長距離をたった１人で運転することが適切だったのだろうか。

It is essential to bring to light any problems with the company's operational management.
　運行管理の問題点を洗い出すことが重要だ。

===

Do more to prevent repeat

Some people have pointed out that violations by bus operators--such as excessive working hours for drivers--have become par for the course. The transport ministry has left itself open to criticism for belatedly taking measures to prevent this.
　運転手の勤務時間超過など、バス事業者の違反行為は常態化しているとの指摘もある。国交省の対策は後手に回っていたと批判されても仕方あるまい。

To prevent a repeat of Sunday's accident, the ministry must tighten its supervision of bus companies to ensure their vehicles are driven as safely as possible.
　事故の再発を防止するため、国交省は事業者に対する監査体制を強化し、安全運行の徹底を図らねばならない。

It is also problematic that under current law, travel agents are not responsible for ensuring the safety of passengers on trips they organize. Many bus operators have complained that "travel companies have presented tour schedules that turn a blind eye to the costs needed to ensure safety."
　現行法では、ツアーを企画した旅行会社が乗客に対する安全責任を負わないことも問題だ。「旅行会社に安全コストを無視した計画を提示された」といったバス業界側からの苦情も少なくない。

To make sure buses are driven safely, legislative steps must be taken to swiftly establish a system that makes it mandatory for travel agents to take legal responsibility for traffic accidents involving these buses.
　ツアーバスの安全運行のため、旅行会社も法的責任を負う仕組みを早急に整えるべきである。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2012)
（2012年5月1日01時10分 読売新聞）

東電事業計画 再稼働と値上げをどうする

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Apr. 29, 2012)
Govt takes on heavy burden in nationalizing TEPCO
東電事業計画　再稼働と値上げをどうする（4月28日付・読売社説）

The nationalization of Tokyo Electric Power Co. means that the government will be required to shoulder greater responsibilities for important energy polices such as resuming operations of suspended nuclear reactors.
　東京電力の国有化で、政府は原子力発電所の再稼働などに一段と重い責任を負うことになる。

On Friday, TEPCO and the government's Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund submitted the power company's comprehensive business rehabilitation plan to Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano. Edano is expected to approve the plan, which was prepared jointly by the two entities, in early May or later.
　東電と政府の原子力損害賠償支援機構が２７日、東電の再建を目指す「総合特別事業計画」をまとめ、枝野経済産業相に提出した。５月上旬にも経産相が認定する見通しという。

The plan was a prerequisite for TEPCO to receive 1 trillion yen in public funds. Now the power company needs to speed up reform of its management.
　東電が支援機構を通じて１兆円の公的資金注入を受けるための計画だ。東電は経営改革を加速する必要がある。

The main point of the business rehabilitation plan is the government's acquisition of a majority equity stake in the power company on a voting-rights basis, which effectively means the company will be nationalized. TEPCO's management team will also be changed drastically, with Kazuhiko Shimokobe, head of the Nuclear Damage Liability Facilitation Fund's steering committee, assuming TEPCO's chairmanship.
　計画のポイントは、東電株の議決権の過半数を政府が握り、実質国有化することだ。経営陣も大幅に刷新し、新会長に支援機構の下河辺和彦・運営委員長が就く。

===

Govt required to do more

As TEPCO's new top shareholder, the government will be required to take a more active role in resolving the nuclear crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and compensating victims of the crisis.
　政府は東電の筆頭株主として、福島第一原発の事故収束や損害賠償などに、主体的に取り組まなければならない。

We give credit to TEPCO's business rehabilitation plan for increasing the amount of cost reductions planned over the next 10 years from 2.6 trillion yen to more than 3 trillion yen. We ask the power company to continue its consistent efforts to trim costs.
　計画が、１０年間の経費削減額を従来の２・６兆円から３兆円超に上積みした点は評価できる。さらに不断の努力を続けてほしい。

The plan also sets a goal of moving into the black in fiscal 2013 through measures such as raising household electricity rates and resuming operations of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa nuclear power plant in Niigata Prefecture.
　家庭向けの電気料金値上げや、新潟県の柏崎刈羽原発の再稼働で収益を改善し、２０１３年度に黒字化する目標も掲げている。

However, this goal is unlikely to be easily achieved.
　だが、こちらは実現へのハードルが高い。

TEPCO's sloppy handling of recent price hikes for large-lot customers prompted strong public criticism. Under such circumstances, it will be difficult for the power company to obtain public consent for raising household electricity rates. The power company also needs to dispel public distrust regarding the safety of nuclear power plants to resume operations of the Kashiwazaki-Kariwa plant.
　大口料金値上げを巡る東電の不手際が、強い批判を浴びており、値上げに理解を得るのは容易でない。原発再稼働に向け、安全性への不信感払拭も求められる。

Of course, it is TEPCO's duty to earnestly ask the public to support the electricity price hike and the resumption of the nuclear power plant's operations, but the government must not leave those tasks up to the power company.
The government should take the lead in persuading the public, because owning the power company means the government will be directly responsible for approving TEPCO's price hike plan and deciding whether the reactivation of nuclear power plants is appropriate.
　東電が値上げや再稼働への理解を真摯(しんし)に求めるのは当然だが、政府も東電任せにせず、説得の先頭に立たねばならない。値上げの認可も、再稼働の妥当性の判断も、決めるのは東電を所有する政府自身になるからだ。

It is also worthy to note that an attempt to introduce the so-called "in-house company system" was incorporated in TEPCO's business rehabilitation plan. It is a good idea to increase employees' awareness of costs by dividing the power company into smaller units, such as a thermal power generation section and an electric transmission and distribution section, and give each of them a certain level of autonomy.
　事業計画に社内カンパニー制導入を盛り込んだ点も注目される。「火力発電」「送配電」などに分けて独立性をもたせ、コスト意識を高める狙いはいい。

However, it will be a problem if the power company uses management reform as a springboard to reforming the electricity system without the public noticing, such as separating power generation and transmission. Electricity system reform should be discussed carefully as a medium- and long-term issue.
　ただし、東電改革を突破口に、なし崩しで発送電分離などを進めるのは問題だろう。電力制度改革は、中長期的な課題として慎重に議論すべきだ。

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TEPCO's bleak outlook

There is concern that TEPCO's costs related to the nuclear crisis may increase by trillions of yen, due to factors such as the decommissioning of the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and the need to decontaminate areas affected by radiation. Under the current system of support for the power company, such costs are shouldered by the government only temporarily. The power company will be required to pay back the loans to the government over a long time.
　福島第一原発の廃炉や除染などで、今後さらに数兆円単位の費用が発生する懸念もある。現行の支援制度は、政府が支払いを立て替えるだけで、東電は長年にわたり債務返済を続けることになる。

If TEPCO is unable to show positive prospects for the future, it could prompt growing numbers of talented employees to leave, and the company itself could be restrained in its investments in plant and equipment. Under such circumstances, the company would have difficulty carrying out its vital missions of ending the nuclear crisis, paying compensation to victims and providing a stable energy supply.
　東電の将来展望が見えないと、人材の流出や設備投資の抑制で、肝心の事故収束、損害賠償、電力安定供給に支障が出かねない。

If the costs of the nuclear crisis exceed the level that a private company can handle by itself, the government should pay a reasonable share.
　民間企業の担える範囲を超えてコストが膨らむようなら、政府も応分の負担をするべきだ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 28, 2012)
（2012年4月28日01時02分 読売新聞）