読売、毎日、朝日各社英字新聞の社説を学習研究
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The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 17, 2011)
Kan must meet goals to build public trust
支持率持ち直し 菅内閣は政策実現に全力を（1月16日付・読売社説）
The approval rating for Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Cabinet has risen to 34 percent, according to a survey The Yomiuri Shimbun conducted in rapid response to Friday's reshuffle. The reshuffle, Kan's second, appeared to give a slight boost to the approval rating, which had dropped as low as 25 percent last month.
内閣再改造直後に実施した読売新聞の緊急世論調査で菅内閣の支持率が３４％になった。先月、内閣支持率は２５％にまで落ち込んだが、再改造でやや持ち直した。
The improved figure apparently reflects the public's desire for the new administration to carry out significant policy measures.
政策実現のための新たな布陣にひとまず期待するということだろう。
The rise in the approval rating may be attributed to public hopes for the new lineup of ministers, whom the prime minister has dubbed "the strongest team," though the reshuffle was relatively minor.
小幅ながらも、閣僚の顔ぶれが変わり、首相の言う「最強の態勢」に期するところが、内閣支持率を押し上げたと言える。
Support for tax hike, TPP
The survey also found that about 60 percent of respondents gave positive answers when asked about their opinion of a possible hike in the consumption tax rate to sustain the social security system. The same number supported the idea of the nation's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade agreement among Asia-Pacific countries.
世論調査では、社会保障制度維持のための消費税率引き上げ、アジア太平洋諸国と貿易を自由化する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加について前向きに答えた人がいずれも約６割を占めた。
Taking into consideration what many of the public hope, the prime minister should take an assertive approach to resolving outstanding issues.
多くの国民が望んでいることを踏まえ、首相は、懸案解決に断固とした姿勢で臨むべきだ。
The same thing can be said regarding former Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa's alleged involvement in a money-and-politics scandal. Eighty-one percent of respondents said Ozawa should explain about it at the Diet.
小沢一郎・元民主党代表の「政治とカネ」の問題についても同様である。８１％が、小沢氏は国会で説明すべきだと考えている。
Kan has already expressed his intention to urge Ozawa to resign as a lawmaker and leave the DPJ when a mandatory indictment is made against him. The survey found that Kan's position is supported by 72 percent of the public. If the prime minister can solve issues related to Ozawa, the public evaluation of the Kan Cabinet is bound to improve.
小沢氏が強制起訴された場合、菅首相は議員辞職や離党を促す意向を示したが、こうした首相の方針を７２％の人が支持した。小沢氏の問題の解決が、菅内閣の評価を高めることにつながろう。
Meanwhile, nearly half of respondents did not back the move that attracted the most attention in the reshuffle, namely the appointment of former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano as state minster in charge of economic and fiscal policy.
一方、今回の改造で最も注目された、与謝野馨・元官房長官の経済財政相起用については「評価しない」が、ほぼ半数を占めた。
When he belonged to the Liberal Democratic Party and then to the Sunrise Party of Japan, Yosano was highly critical of the DPJ-led government. This fact has made the public unable to understand his appointment as a Cabinet member, and opposition to it is getting stronger not only within the DPJ but also in the LDP and the other opposition parties.
与謝野氏は自民党、たちあがれ日本で、激しく民主党政権を批判してきた。それだけに国民の間には、「入閣は理解できない」という思いが広がっているのだろう。民主党だけでなく、自民党など野党側にも反発が強まっている。
Yosano must deal with such doubts and criticism by showing good results. Whether he does so will surely have an impact on the fate of the Kan Cabinet.
こうした疑問や批判に対して、与謝野氏は、実績を示すことで応えなければならない。それが、菅内閣の行方を左右することになるに違いない。
The second reshuffle seems to have temporarily lifted the Kan Cabinet out of the public-opinion danger zone. However, the people's feelings toward it remain cold, especially when compared to how the Cabinet's approval rating jumped to 66 percent in a poll conducted immediately after the first reshuffle in September.
菅内閣は、再改造によってとりあえず“危険水域”を脱した格好だ。ただ、昨年９月の内閣改造直後の世論調査では支持率が６６％に跳ね上がったことと比べると、国民の見方は依然冷ややかだ。
Will Kan be able to do it?
It is symbolic that 70 percent of respondents replied "no" to a question on whether the Cabinet will be able to achieve satisfactory results with its policy measures.
象徴的なのが、政策面で実績を上げられると思うかという問いに対し、７０％が「そうは思わない」と答えていることである。
Kan has used flashy slogans, such as "walk the talk" and "employment first, employment second and employment third." But he lacked the ability to make his slogans come true. The prime minister got cold feet after more and more members of the DPJ expressed opposition to a consumption tax rate hike and participation in the TPP trade pact.
菅首相は「有言実行」、「一に雇用、二に雇用、三に雇用」などスローガンは掲げるが、実行力が伴わなかった。消費税率引き上げやＴＰＰについても、党内で反対論が強まると及び腰になった。
If he shows signs of backpedaling again, the public will lose all confidence in Kan for good. With this in mind, the prime minister should proactively tackle state affairs.
首相が再び逃げを打つような態度に出れば国民に見放される。そのことを胸に刻み、国政のかじ取りに当たってもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 16, 2011)
（2011年1月16日01時12分 読売新聞）
Kan must meet goals to build public trust
支持率持ち直し 菅内閣は政策実現に全力を（1月16日付・読売社説）
The approval rating for Prime Minister Naoto Kan's Cabinet has risen to 34 percent, according to a survey The Yomiuri Shimbun conducted in rapid response to Friday's reshuffle. The reshuffle, Kan's second, appeared to give a slight boost to the approval rating, which had dropped as low as 25 percent last month.
内閣再改造直後に実施した読売新聞の緊急世論調査で菅内閣の支持率が３４％になった。先月、内閣支持率は２５％にまで落ち込んだが、再改造でやや持ち直した。
The improved figure apparently reflects the public's desire for the new administration to carry out significant policy measures.
政策実現のための新たな布陣にひとまず期待するということだろう。
The rise in the approval rating may be attributed to public hopes for the new lineup of ministers, whom the prime minister has dubbed "the strongest team," though the reshuffle was relatively minor.
小幅ながらも、閣僚の顔ぶれが変わり、首相の言う「最強の態勢」に期するところが、内閣支持率を押し上げたと言える。
Support for tax hike, TPP
The survey also found that about 60 percent of respondents gave positive answers when asked about their opinion of a possible hike in the consumption tax rate to sustain the social security system. The same number supported the idea of the nation's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership, a free trade agreement among Asia-Pacific countries.
世論調査では、社会保障制度維持のための消費税率引き上げ、アジア太平洋諸国と貿易を自由化する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加について前向きに答えた人がいずれも約６割を占めた。
Taking into consideration what many of the public hope, the prime minister should take an assertive approach to resolving outstanding issues.
多くの国民が望んでいることを踏まえ、首相は、懸案解決に断固とした姿勢で臨むべきだ。
The same thing can be said regarding former Democratic Party of Japan President Ichiro Ozawa's alleged involvement in a money-and-politics scandal. Eighty-one percent of respondents said Ozawa should explain about it at the Diet.
小沢一郎・元民主党代表の「政治とカネ」の問題についても同様である。８１％が、小沢氏は国会で説明すべきだと考えている。
Kan has already expressed his intention to urge Ozawa to resign as a lawmaker and leave the DPJ when a mandatory indictment is made against him. The survey found that Kan's position is supported by 72 percent of the public. If the prime minister can solve issues related to Ozawa, the public evaluation of the Kan Cabinet is bound to improve.
小沢氏が強制起訴された場合、菅首相は議員辞職や離党を促す意向を示したが、こうした首相の方針を７２％の人が支持した。小沢氏の問題の解決が、菅内閣の評価を高めることにつながろう。
Meanwhile, nearly half of respondents did not back the move that attracted the most attention in the reshuffle, namely the appointment of former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano as state minster in charge of economic and fiscal policy.
一方、今回の改造で最も注目された、与謝野馨・元官房長官の経済財政相起用については「評価しない」が、ほぼ半数を占めた。
When he belonged to the Liberal Democratic Party and then to the Sunrise Party of Japan, Yosano was highly critical of the DPJ-led government. This fact has made the public unable to understand his appointment as a Cabinet member, and opposition to it is getting stronger not only within the DPJ but also in the LDP and the other opposition parties.
与謝野氏は自民党、たちあがれ日本で、激しく民主党政権を批判してきた。それだけに国民の間には、「入閣は理解できない」という思いが広がっているのだろう。民主党だけでなく、自民党など野党側にも反発が強まっている。
Yosano must deal with such doubts and criticism by showing good results. Whether he does so will surely have an impact on the fate of the Kan Cabinet.
こうした疑問や批判に対して、与謝野氏は、実績を示すことで応えなければならない。それが、菅内閣の行方を左右することになるに違いない。
The second reshuffle seems to have temporarily lifted the Kan Cabinet out of the public-opinion danger zone. However, the people's feelings toward it remain cold, especially when compared to how the Cabinet's approval rating jumped to 66 percent in a poll conducted immediately after the first reshuffle in September.
菅内閣は、再改造によってとりあえず“危険水域”を脱した格好だ。ただ、昨年９月の内閣改造直後の世論調査では支持率が６６％に跳ね上がったことと比べると、国民の見方は依然冷ややかだ。
Will Kan be able to do it?
It is symbolic that 70 percent of respondents replied "no" to a question on whether the Cabinet will be able to achieve satisfactory results with its policy measures.
象徴的なのが、政策面で実績を上げられると思うかという問いに対し、７０％が「そうは思わない」と答えていることである。
Kan has used flashy slogans, such as "walk the talk" and "employment first, employment second and employment third." But he lacked the ability to make his slogans come true. The prime minister got cold feet after more and more members of the DPJ expressed opposition to a consumption tax rate hike and participation in the TPP trade pact.
菅首相は「有言実行」、「一に雇用、二に雇用、三に雇用」などスローガンは掲げるが、実行力が伴わなかった。消費税率引き上げやＴＰＰについても、党内で反対論が強まると及び腰になった。
If he shows signs of backpedaling again, the public will lose all confidence in Kan for good. With this in mind, the prime minister should proactively tackle state affairs.
首相が再び逃げを打つような態度に出れば国民に見放される。そのことを胸に刻み、国政のかじ取りに当たってもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 16, 2011)
（2011年1月16日01時12分 読売新聞）
PR
2011/01/15
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 14
EDITORIAL: DPJ's manifesto review
政権公約見直し―予算案修正と一体で臨め
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan decided in a party convention Thursday to revise by summer its manifesto for the 2009 Lower House election.
民主党がきのうの党大会で、夏までに２００９年衆院選のマニフェスト（政権公約）を見直す方針を決めた。
As for the draft budget for next fiscal year, which is based on the manifesto, DPJ Secretary-General Katsuya Okada recently indicated the spending plan should also be subject to change.
この政権公約を土台に編成している新年度予算案についても、同党の岡田克也幹事長が先日、「修正に否定的ではない。
"We are not opposed to a revision (to the draft budget)," Okada said. "The plan drawn up by the government is not final. There should be the possibility for the plan to be changed through debate."
政府が出したものが最終ではなく、議論で変えることはあっていい」と述べている。
We welcome the fact that the government and the DPJ have shown a willingness to change problematic elements in the party's campaign platform and the government's spending blueprint.
問題のある政権公約や予算案について、政府・与党が修正に柔軟な姿勢を示したことを評価したい。
But summer may be too late for the proposed revision to the manifesto.
ただし公約の見直しが夏というのは遅すぎないか。
It is, of course, necessary for the party to hold sufficient debate on the matter. But it doesn't make sense that the draft budget for the new fiscal year, to be deliberated by the Diet during the upcoming regular session, will not reflect any of the changes in the party's manifesto that might be made through the review.
十分な党内論議を積み重ねることはもちろん必要だ。とはいえ、これから開く国会で審議する新年度予算案に、見直しの成果がまったく反映されないのではつじつまが合わなくなる。
If the outlooks of specific programs and projects remain murky, the opposition parties could create problems for the ruling party in enacting the budget.
政策の行方が今後どうなるかわからないという状況のなかで、予算案を通してくれと言われても、野党が理解を示すとは思えない。
A major change to a budget bill during a Diet session is extremely rare. There have been a few cases of minor revisions in the past, but no large-scale amendment to a budget bill, such as changing the budget framework, has ever happened.
国会開会中の本格的な予算案修正は極めて異例である。過去には小規模な修正例が数件あるだけで、枠組みを変えるような大がかりな修正例はない。
However, the ruling camp now needs to demonstrate its commitment to adjusting its policy agenda to the realities by showing a willingness to make such a radical change to its spending plan.
だが今こそ、それも辞さない覚悟を、政府・与党に求めたい。
Amending the budget bill is necessary, but not as a gambit to ensure its passage in the Diet. It is necessary because it is clear that the DPJ's election manifesto, which has served as a basis for budget formulation since the previous administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, needs to be reformed considerably.
予算案修正が必要なのは、単に成立を図るための国会対策の方便としてではない。鳩山政権以来、予算の土台となってきた政権公約は、財源の確保や制度づくりの難しさに照らして、かなり修正が必要なことがはっきりしているからである。
For example, the abolition of expressway tolls, one of the key DPJ election promises, is no longer a reasonable policy goal given the troubles raised by the initiative, such as the negative effects on public transportation services, traffic congestion on expressways and the financing problem.
例えば政権公約の目玉の一つである高速料金の原則無料化は、他の公共交通機関への影響、渋滞や財源の問題があって、もはや最終ゴールにはなりえない。
There is no convincing case for providing funding for a continuation of the "experimental" scrapping of tolls for some expressways under the budget for the fiscal year starting in April.
にもかかわらず新年度予算案に社会実験の継続が盛り込まれるのは、説得力を欠く。
The newly introduced program to prop up the income of farmers with direct cash payments has hampered consolidation of fragmented farmland because all farmers, including small-scale ones, selling rice and other staples are eligible. It has become clear that the program represents an impediment to efforts to improve efficiency in Japanese agriculture. Does the ruling camp intend to keep the program alive without tackling this problem?
農業の戸別所得補償は、零細農家を含めすべての販売農家を対象としたことで農地集約の障害となり、効率化が進まないという欠陥が露呈した。それを放置したまま制度を続けるのか。
Regarding the child allowance program, the government has decided to keep providing 13,000 yen ($157) a month per child--half of the amount the DPJ promised--to households with young children. Does the administration plan to eventually increase the allowance to the promised amount?
子ども手当は、政権公約にうたった額の半分、月１万３千円の給付を続けるが、いずれ満額まで上積みする前提なのか。
Other issues related to the child-allowance initiative need to be addressed, such as whether support should be provided in the form of goods and whether an income cap on eligibility should be introduced.
現物給付に重点を移す道や所得制限導入の是非も論点として残る。
If the futures of these policy measures remain uncertain, the people cannot develop their life plans.
もろもろの政策の行き着く先が見えぬままでは、国民は制度継続を前提に生活設計はできない。
The government should steer its policy agenda in an appropriate direction as soon as possible to prevent any disruption in the people's lives and economic activities.
適切な方向に早くかじを切り直し、国民生活や経済活動が停滞しないようにすべきだ。
That requires the ruling bloc to reconsider its main policy promises ahead of schedule and amend the draft budget flexibly through Diet debate.
それには主要施策の政権公約だけでも前倒しで見直し、国会論戦を通じて予算案を柔軟に修正すべきである。
Prime Minister Naoto Kan should give the public a detailed explanation about the reasons for the changes and the new directions of the policies.
もちろんその際、菅直人首相は修正理由と新たな政策の方向について、国民に丁寧に説明しなければならない。
The opposition parties, for their part, should not refuse debate on such changes without good reason and make their judgments from the viewpoint of public interest.
野党もいたずらに審議を拒むことなく、国民本位で判断してもらいたい。
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 14
EDITORIAL: DPJ's manifesto review
政権公約見直し―予算案修正と一体で臨め
The ruling Democratic Party of Japan decided in a party convention Thursday to revise by summer its manifesto for the 2009 Lower House election.
民主党がきのうの党大会で、夏までに２００９年衆院選のマニフェスト（政権公約）を見直す方針を決めた。
As for the draft budget for next fiscal year, which is based on the manifesto, DPJ Secretary-General Katsuya Okada recently indicated the spending plan should also be subject to change.
この政権公約を土台に編成している新年度予算案についても、同党の岡田克也幹事長が先日、「修正に否定的ではない。
"We are not opposed to a revision (to the draft budget)," Okada said. "The plan drawn up by the government is not final. There should be the possibility for the plan to be changed through debate."
政府が出したものが最終ではなく、議論で変えることはあっていい」と述べている。
We welcome the fact that the government and the DPJ have shown a willingness to change problematic elements in the party's campaign platform and the government's spending blueprint.
問題のある政権公約や予算案について、政府・与党が修正に柔軟な姿勢を示したことを評価したい。
But summer may be too late for the proposed revision to the manifesto.
ただし公約の見直しが夏というのは遅すぎないか。
It is, of course, necessary for the party to hold sufficient debate on the matter. But it doesn't make sense that the draft budget for the new fiscal year, to be deliberated by the Diet during the upcoming regular session, will not reflect any of the changes in the party's manifesto that might be made through the review.
十分な党内論議を積み重ねることはもちろん必要だ。とはいえ、これから開く国会で審議する新年度予算案に、見直しの成果がまったく反映されないのではつじつまが合わなくなる。
If the outlooks of specific programs and projects remain murky, the opposition parties could create problems for the ruling party in enacting the budget.
政策の行方が今後どうなるかわからないという状況のなかで、予算案を通してくれと言われても、野党が理解を示すとは思えない。
A major change to a budget bill during a Diet session is extremely rare. There have been a few cases of minor revisions in the past, but no large-scale amendment to a budget bill, such as changing the budget framework, has ever happened.
国会開会中の本格的な予算案修正は極めて異例である。過去には小規模な修正例が数件あるだけで、枠組みを変えるような大がかりな修正例はない。
However, the ruling camp now needs to demonstrate its commitment to adjusting its policy agenda to the realities by showing a willingness to make such a radical change to its spending plan.
だが今こそ、それも辞さない覚悟を、政府・与党に求めたい。
Amending the budget bill is necessary, but not as a gambit to ensure its passage in the Diet. It is necessary because it is clear that the DPJ's election manifesto, which has served as a basis for budget formulation since the previous administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, needs to be reformed considerably.
予算案修正が必要なのは、単に成立を図るための国会対策の方便としてではない。鳩山政権以来、予算の土台となってきた政権公約は、財源の確保や制度づくりの難しさに照らして、かなり修正が必要なことがはっきりしているからである。
For example, the abolition of expressway tolls, one of the key DPJ election promises, is no longer a reasonable policy goal given the troubles raised by the initiative, such as the negative effects on public transportation services, traffic congestion on expressways and the financing problem.
例えば政権公約の目玉の一つである高速料金の原則無料化は、他の公共交通機関への影響、渋滞や財源の問題があって、もはや最終ゴールにはなりえない。
There is no convincing case for providing funding for a continuation of the "experimental" scrapping of tolls for some expressways under the budget for the fiscal year starting in April.
にもかかわらず新年度予算案に社会実験の継続が盛り込まれるのは、説得力を欠く。
The newly introduced program to prop up the income of farmers with direct cash payments has hampered consolidation of fragmented farmland because all farmers, including small-scale ones, selling rice and other staples are eligible. It has become clear that the program represents an impediment to efforts to improve efficiency in Japanese agriculture. Does the ruling camp intend to keep the program alive without tackling this problem?
農業の戸別所得補償は、零細農家を含めすべての販売農家を対象としたことで農地集約の障害となり、効率化が進まないという欠陥が露呈した。それを放置したまま制度を続けるのか。
Regarding the child allowance program, the government has decided to keep providing 13,000 yen ($157) a month per child--half of the amount the DPJ promised--to households with young children. Does the administration plan to eventually increase the allowance to the promised amount?
子ども手当は、政権公約にうたった額の半分、月１万３千円の給付を続けるが、いずれ満額まで上積みする前提なのか。
Other issues related to the child-allowance initiative need to be addressed, such as whether support should be provided in the form of goods and whether an income cap on eligibility should be introduced.
現物給付に重点を移す道や所得制限導入の是非も論点として残る。
If the futures of these policy measures remain uncertain, the people cannot develop their life plans.
もろもろの政策の行き着く先が見えぬままでは、国民は制度継続を前提に生活設計はできない。
The government should steer its policy agenda in an appropriate direction as soon as possible to prevent any disruption in the people's lives and economic activities.
適切な方向に早くかじを切り直し、国民生活や経済活動が停滞しないようにすべきだ。
That requires the ruling bloc to reconsider its main policy promises ahead of schedule and amend the draft budget flexibly through Diet debate.
それには主要施策の政権公約だけでも前倒しで見直し、国会論戦を通じて予算案を柔軟に修正すべきである。
Prime Minister Naoto Kan should give the public a detailed explanation about the reasons for the changes and the new directions of the policies.
もちろんその際、菅直人首相は修正理由と新たな政策の方向について、国民に丁寧に説明しなければならない。
The opposition parties, for their part, should not refuse debate on such changes without good reason and make their judgments from the viewpoint of public interest.
野党もいたずらに審議を拒むことなく、国民本位で判断してもらいたい。
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 16, 2011)
New Cabinet must rise above party lines
菅再改造内閣 懸案に党派を超えて取り組め（1月15日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Naoto Kan conducted a Cabinet reshuffle on Friday, through which he demonstrated his strong desire to overcome the crises Japan is now facing.
菅再改造内閣が発足した。
日本が直面している危機を乗り越えねばならないという菅首相の意欲はうかがえる。
To realize his policy measures, however, it will be essential to have cooperation not only from the ruling coalition parties but also from the opposition parties. This will test the depth of the prime minister's resolve and his ability to get things done.
だが、政策の実現には与党だけでなく、野党の協力が不可欠だ。菅首相の不退転の決意と実行力が問われよう。
◆政策実現へ政治生命を◆
The goals of the Cabinet reshuffle were clear.
改造の狙いは、明確である。
First, it was meant to remove obstacles to deliberations in the ordinary Diet session to be convened Jan. 24, by essentially firing Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku and Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Sumio Mabuchi. The opposition-controlled House of Councillors passed censure motions against them last year.
一つは、参院で問責決議が可決された仙谷官房長官と馬淵国土交通相を事実上更迭し、国会審議への障害をなくすことだ。
A censure motion is not legally binding, of course. However, the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and other opposition parties strongly demanded their dismissal. Even Takeo Nishioka, president of the upper house, demanded Sengoku's resignation, saying he was not qualified to hold an important role in national politics.
無論、問責決議に法的拘束力はない。しかし、自民、公明など野党が両氏の更迭を強く要求し、西岡参院議長まで「国を担う資格なし」と仙谷氏の辞任を求めた。
Kan apparently had no choice in such circumstances, and dismissed Sengoku and Mabuchi to avoid a stalemate from the very beginning of the upcoming Diet session.
２４日召集の通常国会が冒頭から動かない事態を避けるには、更迭はやむを得ないだろう。
===
Yosano appointment key
Another purpose of the Cabinet reshuffle was to facilitate work on joint reforms of the tax and social security systems, including a hike in the consumption tax rate, on which Kan has said he would stake his political life. It was also aimed at participating in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement and enhancing the Japan-U.S. alliance.
もう一つは、首相が「政治生命」をかけると言明した消費税を含む税制と社会保障制度の一体改革や、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、日米同盟強化に取り組む体制を整えることだ。
One particularly noticeable element to achieve these goals was the appointment of former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano, who just left the minor Sunrise Party of Japan, to state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy.
そのための目玉人事が、たちあがれ日本を離党した与謝野馨・元官房長官の経済財政相への起用である。
Many members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan expressed strong opposition to appointing a lawmaker from outside the ruling coalition parties to a ministerial post, questioning how Yosano would ensure consistency between his new role as a Cabinet member and what he said and did against the DPJ-led government when he was in the opposition.
“外様”の入閣に、民主党内では、従来の言動と整合性がとれるのかと反発が強い。
However, Kan thinks highly of Yosano's abilities and experience, and expects him to act as an intermediary between the ruling and opposition parties. Kan said at a press conference that Yosano was a key member of a panel, dubbed the panel to create a secure society, established under former Prime Minister Taro Aso to discuss the basics of social security policy. Kan also said he and Yosano share a common understanding on social security policy.
だが、首相は与謝野氏の能力と経験を買い、野党側とのパイプ役を期待している。記者会見では、与謝野氏が麻生内閣で社会保障の基本政策を検討した「安心社会実現会議」の中心だったとして、政策で共通認識があると語った。
We hope Yosano will produce tangible results, such as talks on social security issues between the ruling and opposition parties.
与謝野氏には、社会保障問題での与野党協議実現など、具体的な成果を上げてもらいたい。
Also, Kan appears to have expressed his intention to promote participation in the TPP by transferring Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akihiro Ohata, who was cautious toward the trade pact, to the post of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister. Banri Kaieda, previously state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy, takes over as economy minister.
ＴＰＰ参加に消極姿勢を示していた経済産業相の大畠章宏氏を国土交通相に横滑りさせ、後任に経済財政相の海江田万里氏を据えたのも、首相のＴＰＰ推進の意思の表れと見てよい。
The prime minister made a reasonable decision to keep Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa in the same posts. The government needs continuity in its efforts to solve problems related to the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture and rebuild the flagging Japan-U.S. alliance.
前原外相と北沢防衛相を留任させたことは妥当な判断だ。米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を解決する糸口を見いだし、日米同盟を立て直すためには、継続的な取り組みが欠かせない。
◆野党も連帯責任果たせ◆
The prime minister has made strategic moves to solve significant political issues through the Cabinet reshuffle. His challenge is, how can he win cooperation from the opposition and adjust opinions within the DPJ to achieve that cooperation?
首相は、重要課題解決に向けて布石を打った。問題は、野党からいかにして協力を得るか、そのために民主党内をどうまとめていくかである。
Acting DPJ Secretary General Yukio Edano, who is critical of former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, has assumed the post of chief cabinet secretary, a linchpin of the Cabinet. Together with the appointment of Senior Vice Defense Minister Jun Azumi as the party's Diet affairs chief, this underscores that Kan is continuing his efforts to marginalize Ozawa.
内閣の要、官房長官には、小沢一郎元党代表に批判的な枝野幸男幹事長代理が就いた。安住淳国会対策委員長の起用とともに「脱小沢」路線継続を鮮明にした。
===
Ozawa issue leaves chasm
The prime minister has shown his willingness to take serious action to settle problems related to the alleged money-and-politics scandal involving Ozawa, which has been an obstacle to obtaining cooperation from the opposition parties.
首相は、野党から協力を得るうえで足かせになっている小沢氏の「政治とカネ」の問題決着に本腰を入れる姿勢を示した。
However, the problems related to Ozawa have left a deep chasm within the DPJ. Lawmakers who support him have said coldly that the reshuffled Cabinet far from represents a united party.
だが、小沢氏の問題を契機に、民主党内に生じた亀裂は深刻だ。新内閣についても小沢氏を支持する議員たちは「挙党一致にはほど遠い」と冷ややかだ。
It will not be easy for Kan, whose administration has a weak political base, to bring the DPJ together on difficult issues such as the consumption tax rate hike and participation in TPP.
政権基盤の弱い菅首相が、ただでさえ困難な消費税率上げ、ＴＰＰ参加といった課題で党内をまとめるのは容易ではなかろう。
The prime minister himself has some problems. Kan insisted stubbornly at a DPJ convention that introduction of child-rearing allowances and income compensation for individual farming households was not wrong from a historical perspective. This has made it impossible to obtain cooperation from the LDP and other opposition parties demanding that the DPJ review its election pledges.
首相自身にも問題がある。党大会では、子ども手当導入や農家の戸別所得補償について、歴史的にみて間違っていないと強弁した。これでは民主党の政権公約見直しを求める自民党など野党の協力を得られるはずがない。
The prime minister must humbly reflect on this and start by drastically revising the election pledges.
首相は、謙虚に反省し、政権公約を抜本的に改めることからスタートすべきだ。
We also would like to make some demands of the LDP and New Komeito. All the political issues the DPJ-led government is facing were passed down to it from the LDP-New Komeito government.
自民、公明両党にも注文したい。民主党政権が今直面している課題は、いずれも自公政権から引き継がれて来たものだ。
Even though they are now in the opposition, it would be irresponsible for the two parties to just adopt a confrontational approach ahead of local elections to be held nationwide in April and try to force the prime minister to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election.
野党だからといって統一地方選に向けて対決色を強め、衆院解散・総選挙に追い込むことを目指すだけでは、無責任だ。
Such actions will not raise their public approval ratings, either.
政党支持率も上がるまい。
They should sit at the negotiation table with the ruling coalition parties and help solve difficult political issues.
与党とともに協議のテーブルにつき、難題解決の一翼を担うべきである。
===
Coalition framework remains
Ultimately, the prime minister failed to revise the framework of the ruling coalition in the latest reshuffle.
今回の改造では結局、連立政権の枠組みを変更できなかった。
Kan apparently has found it difficult to take the next step after he was unable to form a coalition with the Sunrise Party of Japan.
菅首相は、たちあがれ日本との連立工作に頓挫し、次の手を打ちあぐねているのだろう。
◆政界再編の芽を生かせ◆
The prime minister cannot yet outline a basic strategy on partnership with the opposition parties in the so-called divided Diet where the opposition controls the upper house. He cannot yet decide whether he should try to secure more than two-thirds of the seats in the lower house--to enact important bills automatically with a second vote even if they are rejected by the upper house--or try to secure a majority in the upper house.
衆参ねじれ国会で、重要法案を成立させるために、衆院で再可決可能な３分の２以上の議席確保を図るのか、あるいは参院で過半数獲得を目指すのか――首相は野党との連携に関する根本的な戦略をまだ描けていない。
However, Yosano's appointment to the Cabinet post might hint at the budding possibility for reorganization of the nation's political world. As Yosano said, when tackling significant issues affecting the nation's fate, political parties should put their struggles for power aside and work together.
しかし、今回の与謝野氏の入閣で政界再編の芽が出てきたとも言える。与謝野氏が言うように、国の命運を左右するような課題には各党が「政争の場を離れて」取り組むべきだ。
To promote coalition among and reorganization of political parties, it might be necessary to drastically review the controversial election systems of the upper and lower houses, including revision of the current bicameral system.
政党間の連立や再編を促すためには、やはり、二院制の在り方を含めて、問題の多い衆院と参院の選挙制度を大胆に見直す必要があるのではないか。
Such a major overhaul would lead to the recovery of the Diet, which has ceased to function properly.
それが、国会の機能不全を打開することにもつながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 15, 2011)
（2011年1月15日01時20分 読売新聞）
New Cabinet must rise above party lines
菅再改造内閣 懸案に党派を超えて取り組め（1月15日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Naoto Kan conducted a Cabinet reshuffle on Friday, through which he demonstrated his strong desire to overcome the crises Japan is now facing.
菅再改造内閣が発足した。
日本が直面している危機を乗り越えねばならないという菅首相の意欲はうかがえる。
To realize his policy measures, however, it will be essential to have cooperation not only from the ruling coalition parties but also from the opposition parties. This will test the depth of the prime minister's resolve and his ability to get things done.
だが、政策の実現には与党だけでなく、野党の協力が不可欠だ。菅首相の不退転の決意と実行力が問われよう。
◆政策実現へ政治生命を◆
The goals of the Cabinet reshuffle were clear.
改造の狙いは、明確である。
First, it was meant to remove obstacles to deliberations in the ordinary Diet session to be convened Jan. 24, by essentially firing Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku and Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Sumio Mabuchi. The opposition-controlled House of Councillors passed censure motions against them last year.
一つは、参院で問責決議が可決された仙谷官房長官と馬淵国土交通相を事実上更迭し、国会審議への障害をなくすことだ。
A censure motion is not legally binding, of course. However, the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and other opposition parties strongly demanded their dismissal. Even Takeo Nishioka, president of the upper house, demanded Sengoku's resignation, saying he was not qualified to hold an important role in national politics.
無論、問責決議に法的拘束力はない。しかし、自民、公明など野党が両氏の更迭を強く要求し、西岡参院議長まで「国を担う資格なし」と仙谷氏の辞任を求めた。
Kan apparently had no choice in such circumstances, and dismissed Sengoku and Mabuchi to avoid a stalemate from the very beginning of the upcoming Diet session.
２４日召集の通常国会が冒頭から動かない事態を避けるには、更迭はやむを得ないだろう。
===
Yosano appointment key
Another purpose of the Cabinet reshuffle was to facilitate work on joint reforms of the tax and social security systems, including a hike in the consumption tax rate, on which Kan has said he would stake his political life. It was also aimed at participating in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement and enhancing the Japan-U.S. alliance.
もう一つは、首相が「政治生命」をかけると言明した消費税を含む税制と社会保障制度の一体改革や、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加、日米同盟強化に取り組む体制を整えることだ。
One particularly noticeable element to achieve these goals was the appointment of former Chief Cabinet Secretary Kaoru Yosano, who just left the minor Sunrise Party of Japan, to state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy.
そのための目玉人事が、たちあがれ日本を離党した与謝野馨・元官房長官の経済財政相への起用である。
Many members of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan expressed strong opposition to appointing a lawmaker from outside the ruling coalition parties to a ministerial post, questioning how Yosano would ensure consistency between his new role as a Cabinet member and what he said and did against the DPJ-led government when he was in the opposition.
“外様”の入閣に、民主党内では、従来の言動と整合性がとれるのかと反発が強い。
However, Kan thinks highly of Yosano's abilities and experience, and expects him to act as an intermediary between the ruling and opposition parties. Kan said at a press conference that Yosano was a key member of a panel, dubbed the panel to create a secure society, established under former Prime Minister Taro Aso to discuss the basics of social security policy. Kan also said he and Yosano share a common understanding on social security policy.
だが、首相は与謝野氏の能力と経験を買い、野党側とのパイプ役を期待している。記者会見では、与謝野氏が麻生内閣で社会保障の基本政策を検討した「安心社会実現会議」の中心だったとして、政策で共通認識があると語った。
We hope Yosano will produce tangible results, such as talks on social security issues between the ruling and opposition parties.
与謝野氏には、社会保障問題での与野党協議実現など、具体的な成果を上げてもらいたい。
Also, Kan appears to have expressed his intention to promote participation in the TPP by transferring Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Akihiro Ohata, who was cautious toward the trade pact, to the post of land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister. Banri Kaieda, previously state minister in charge of economic and fiscal policy, takes over as economy minister.
ＴＰＰ参加に消極姿勢を示していた経済産業相の大畠章宏氏を国土交通相に横滑りさせ、後任に経済財政相の海江田万里氏を据えたのも、首相のＴＰＰ推進の意思の表れと見てよい。
The prime minister made a reasonable decision to keep Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa in the same posts. The government needs continuity in its efforts to solve problems related to the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture and rebuild the flagging Japan-U.S. alliance.
前原外相と北沢防衛相を留任させたことは妥当な判断だ。米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を解決する糸口を見いだし、日米同盟を立て直すためには、継続的な取り組みが欠かせない。
◆野党も連帯責任果たせ◆
The prime minister has made strategic moves to solve significant political issues through the Cabinet reshuffle. His challenge is, how can he win cooperation from the opposition and adjust opinions within the DPJ to achieve that cooperation?
首相は、重要課題解決に向けて布石を打った。問題は、野党からいかにして協力を得るか、そのために民主党内をどうまとめていくかである。
Acting DPJ Secretary General Yukio Edano, who is critical of former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, has assumed the post of chief cabinet secretary, a linchpin of the Cabinet. Together with the appointment of Senior Vice Defense Minister Jun Azumi as the party's Diet affairs chief, this underscores that Kan is continuing his efforts to marginalize Ozawa.
内閣の要、官房長官には、小沢一郎元党代表に批判的な枝野幸男幹事長代理が就いた。安住淳国会対策委員長の起用とともに「脱小沢」路線継続を鮮明にした。
===
Ozawa issue leaves chasm
The prime minister has shown his willingness to take serious action to settle problems related to the alleged money-and-politics scandal involving Ozawa, which has been an obstacle to obtaining cooperation from the opposition parties.
首相は、野党から協力を得るうえで足かせになっている小沢氏の「政治とカネ」の問題決着に本腰を入れる姿勢を示した。
However, the problems related to Ozawa have left a deep chasm within the DPJ. Lawmakers who support him have said coldly that the reshuffled Cabinet far from represents a united party.
だが、小沢氏の問題を契機に、民主党内に生じた亀裂は深刻だ。新内閣についても小沢氏を支持する議員たちは「挙党一致にはほど遠い」と冷ややかだ。
It will not be easy for Kan, whose administration has a weak political base, to bring the DPJ together on difficult issues such as the consumption tax rate hike and participation in TPP.
政権基盤の弱い菅首相が、ただでさえ困難な消費税率上げ、ＴＰＰ参加といった課題で党内をまとめるのは容易ではなかろう。
The prime minister himself has some problems. Kan insisted stubbornly at a DPJ convention that introduction of child-rearing allowances and income compensation for individual farming households was not wrong from a historical perspective. This has made it impossible to obtain cooperation from the LDP and other opposition parties demanding that the DPJ review its election pledges.
首相自身にも問題がある。党大会では、子ども手当導入や農家の戸別所得補償について、歴史的にみて間違っていないと強弁した。これでは民主党の政権公約見直しを求める自民党など野党の協力を得られるはずがない。
The prime minister must humbly reflect on this and start by drastically revising the election pledges.
首相は、謙虚に反省し、政権公約を抜本的に改めることからスタートすべきだ。
We also would like to make some demands of the LDP and New Komeito. All the political issues the DPJ-led government is facing were passed down to it from the LDP-New Komeito government.
自民、公明両党にも注文したい。民主党政権が今直面している課題は、いずれも自公政権から引き継がれて来たものだ。
Even though they are now in the opposition, it would be irresponsible for the two parties to just adopt a confrontational approach ahead of local elections to be held nationwide in April and try to force the prime minister to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election.
野党だからといって統一地方選に向けて対決色を強め、衆院解散・総選挙に追い込むことを目指すだけでは、無責任だ。
Such actions will not raise their public approval ratings, either.
政党支持率も上がるまい。
They should sit at the negotiation table with the ruling coalition parties and help solve difficult political issues.
与党とともに協議のテーブルにつき、難題解決の一翼を担うべきである。
===
Coalition framework remains
Ultimately, the prime minister failed to revise the framework of the ruling coalition in the latest reshuffle.
今回の改造では結局、連立政権の枠組みを変更できなかった。
Kan apparently has found it difficult to take the next step after he was unable to form a coalition with the Sunrise Party of Japan.
菅首相は、たちあがれ日本との連立工作に頓挫し、次の手を打ちあぐねているのだろう。
◆政界再編の芽を生かせ◆
The prime minister cannot yet outline a basic strategy on partnership with the opposition parties in the so-called divided Diet where the opposition controls the upper house. He cannot yet decide whether he should try to secure more than two-thirds of the seats in the lower house--to enact important bills automatically with a second vote even if they are rejected by the upper house--or try to secure a majority in the upper house.
衆参ねじれ国会で、重要法案を成立させるために、衆院で再可決可能な３分の２以上の議席確保を図るのか、あるいは参院で過半数獲得を目指すのか――首相は野党との連携に関する根本的な戦略をまだ描けていない。
However, Yosano's appointment to the Cabinet post might hint at the budding possibility for reorganization of the nation's political world. As Yosano said, when tackling significant issues affecting the nation's fate, political parties should put their struggles for power aside and work together.
しかし、今回の与謝野氏の入閣で政界再編の芽が出てきたとも言える。与謝野氏が言うように、国の命運を左右するような課題には各党が「政争の場を離れて」取り組むべきだ。
To promote coalition among and reorganization of political parties, it might be necessary to drastically review the controversial election systems of the upper and lower houses, including revision of the current bicameral system.
政党間の連立や再編を促すためには、やはり、二院制の在り方を含めて、問題の多い衆院と参院の選挙制度を大胆に見直す必要があるのではないか。
Such a major overhaul would lead to the recovery of the Diet, which has ceased to function properly.
それが、国会の機能不全を打開することにもつながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 15, 2011)
（2011年1月15日01時20分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 15, 2011)
Make Japan's voice heard over Senkakus
尖閣諸島の日 中国に負けない対外発信力を（1月14日付・読売社説）
The city government of Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, has designated Jan. 14 to commemorate the integration of the Senkaku Islands into Japanese territory.
きょう１４日は沖縄県石垣市が定めた「尖閣諸島開拓の日」である。
The date was chosen because the government decided on Jan. 14, 1895, to formally incorporate the islands into Okinawa Prefecture.
The Ishigaki government made the designation in an ordinance enacted late last year.
１８９５年（明治２８年）のこの日、政府が尖閣諸島を沖縄県に編入したことにちなみ、昨年末、市が条例で制定した。
The government in the late 19th century spent more than 10 years confirming through surveys that the Senkaku Islands were not under the jurisdiction of any particular country.
政府は当時、尖閣諸島がどの国にも帰属しないことを１０年に及ぶ調査で確認した。
The Qing Dynasty of China (1644-1912) did not object to this finding.
中国の清朝も何ら異議を唱えなかった。
When the islands were placed under the administration of the United States in accordance with the San Francisco Peace Treaty that came into effect in 1952, China and Taiwan raised no questions.
１９５２年のサンフランシスコ平和条約発効により、尖閣諸島が米国の施政下に入った際も、中国と台湾は全く反応しなかった。
A map and an article carried on a bulletin of the Chinese Communist Party even indicated that China recognized the islands were Japanese territory.
尖閣諸島を日本領と認識していたことを示す地図や中国共産党機関紙の記事まで残っている。
===
Restraint drowned out
It was in 1970--75 years after Japan formally incorporated the Senkaku Islands into its territory--that China began claiming ownership of the islets.
Beijing only started seeking their possession after learning there could be oil reserves under the seabed in nearby waters.
中国が領有権を主張し始めたのは、日本の領土編入から７５年も後の１９７０年で、周辺の海底に石油埋蔵の可能性が指摘されてからに過ぎない。
It is evident that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory, both historically and under international law.
尖閣諸島が、歴史的にも国際法的にも日本固有の領土であることは明白である。
For this reason, the government's position has been that there is no "territorial dispute" between Tokyo and Beijing over the islands.
このため、どの国に帰属するかを争う「領土問題」は日中間に存在しない、というのが政府の立場だ。
The government has consistently been restrained when refuting China's assertions over the islands. This response is aimed at defusing China's attempts to whip up the issue of the islands' sovereignty.
政府は、「領土問題」化を狙う中国の土俵に乗るわけにいかないとして、中国への反論も抑制的な対応に終始してきた。
However, China recently has been very vocal in claiming sovereignty over the Senkakus on the Internet and in overseas TV broadcasts. It even dragged up ancient maps dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) to try to back up its claims.
しかし、中国は明朝時代の古地図まで持ち出し、インターネットや海外テレビ放送で盛んに「中国領だ」と喧伝(けんでん)している。
A private anti-Japan organization in Hong Kong has even established a network of ethnic Chinese groups around the world to trumpet Beijing's position.
香港の民間反日団体も、世界各地の華人系団体の連携組織を発足させた。
After a Chinese fishing boat rammed two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands in September, some news media in the United States and Europe issued reports that seemed to side with China.
尖閣諸島沖で起きた漁船衝突事件でも、欧米には中国の主張に理解を示す報道があった。
We wonder if the government's constant trotting out of the "There is no territorial dispute" line could be playing into China's hands, as that country seems to be winning the contest in making its voice heard around the world.
「領土問題は存在しない」と繰り返すだけでは、対外アピールの面で中国に大きく差をつけられるばかりではないか。
===
Spread the word
The Foreign Ministry Web site details the background of the islands and Japan's basic view on their sovereignty. These explanations are provided in English and Chinese.
外務省のホームページは、尖閣問題の経緯や日本の立場について英語と中国語の説明文を設けている。
The Web site also carries descriptions of Japan's position on Takeshima--islets in the Sea of Japan over whose sovereignty Japan disputes with South Korea--in nine languages.
だが、韓国と領有権を争う竹島問題の方は９か国語と充実している。
We think the ministry should present information about the Senkaku Islands in more languages.
尖閣問題の紹介も、多言語で対応すべきだ。
The Shimane prefectural government launched "Takeshima Day" in 2005. However, we think the central government should take the lead in enlightening the public--both at home and abroad--over territorial issues, rather than just leaving this in the hands of local governments.
「竹島の日」を２００５年に制定したのも、島根県だ。領土にかかわる問題は自治体任せにせず、政府が先頭に立って内外の世論啓発に努めてもらいたい。
Meanwhile, the government needs to make greater effort in working out international rules for easing tensions in disputed waters.
これとは別に、係争海域での緊張緩和に向けたルールづくりにも取り組む必要がある。
It will be a problem if there is a spate of such dangerous incidents as a foreign fishing boat ramming Japan's patrol vessels as it attempts to flee after being discovered fishing illegally.
外国漁船が違法操業の取り締まりを逃れるため、巡視船艇に体当たりするような危険行為が横行しては困る。
This is not limited to bilateral cases between Japan and China.
これは日中２国間に限った話ではない。
Japan should seek to put such rules in place by proactively using multilateral frameworks, such as the East Asia Summit meeting.
東アジア首脳会議など多国間の枠組みを積極的に活用して実現を図るべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 14, 2011)
（2011年1月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
Make Japan's voice heard over Senkakus
尖閣諸島の日 中国に負けない対外発信力を（1月14日付・読売社説）
The city government of Ishigaki, Okinawa Prefecture, has designated Jan. 14 to commemorate the integration of the Senkaku Islands into Japanese territory.
きょう１４日は沖縄県石垣市が定めた「尖閣諸島開拓の日」である。
The date was chosen because the government decided on Jan. 14, 1895, to formally incorporate the islands into Okinawa Prefecture.
The Ishigaki government made the designation in an ordinance enacted late last year.
１８９５年（明治２８年）のこの日、政府が尖閣諸島を沖縄県に編入したことにちなみ、昨年末、市が条例で制定した。
The government in the late 19th century spent more than 10 years confirming through surveys that the Senkaku Islands were not under the jurisdiction of any particular country.
政府は当時、尖閣諸島がどの国にも帰属しないことを１０年に及ぶ調査で確認した。
The Qing Dynasty of China (1644-1912) did not object to this finding.
中国の清朝も何ら異議を唱えなかった。
When the islands were placed under the administration of the United States in accordance with the San Francisco Peace Treaty that came into effect in 1952, China and Taiwan raised no questions.
１９５２年のサンフランシスコ平和条約発効により、尖閣諸島が米国の施政下に入った際も、中国と台湾は全く反応しなかった。
A map and an article carried on a bulletin of the Chinese Communist Party even indicated that China recognized the islands were Japanese territory.
尖閣諸島を日本領と認識していたことを示す地図や中国共産党機関紙の記事まで残っている。
===
Restraint drowned out
It was in 1970--75 years after Japan formally incorporated the Senkaku Islands into its territory--that China began claiming ownership of the islets.
Beijing only started seeking their possession after learning there could be oil reserves under the seabed in nearby waters.
中国が領有権を主張し始めたのは、日本の領土編入から７５年も後の１９７０年で、周辺の海底に石油埋蔵の可能性が指摘されてからに過ぎない。
It is evident that the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of Japan's territory, both historically and under international law.
尖閣諸島が、歴史的にも国際法的にも日本固有の領土であることは明白である。
For this reason, the government's position has been that there is no "territorial dispute" between Tokyo and Beijing over the islands.
このため、どの国に帰属するかを争う「領土問題」は日中間に存在しない、というのが政府の立場だ。
The government has consistently been restrained when refuting China's assertions over the islands. This response is aimed at defusing China's attempts to whip up the issue of the islands' sovereignty.
政府は、「領土問題」化を狙う中国の土俵に乗るわけにいかないとして、中国への反論も抑制的な対応に終始してきた。
However, China recently has been very vocal in claiming sovereignty over the Senkakus on the Internet and in overseas TV broadcasts. It even dragged up ancient maps dating back to the Ming dynasty (1368-1644) to try to back up its claims.
しかし、中国は明朝時代の古地図まで持ち出し、インターネットや海外テレビ放送で盛んに「中国領だ」と喧伝(けんでん)している。
A private anti-Japan organization in Hong Kong has even established a network of ethnic Chinese groups around the world to trumpet Beijing's position.
香港の民間反日団体も、世界各地の華人系団体の連携組織を発足させた。
After a Chinese fishing boat rammed two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels near the Senkaku Islands in September, some news media in the United States and Europe issued reports that seemed to side with China.
尖閣諸島沖で起きた漁船衝突事件でも、欧米には中国の主張に理解を示す報道があった。
We wonder if the government's constant trotting out of the "There is no territorial dispute" line could be playing into China's hands, as that country seems to be winning the contest in making its voice heard around the world.
「領土問題は存在しない」と繰り返すだけでは、対外アピールの面で中国に大きく差をつけられるばかりではないか。
===
Spread the word
The Foreign Ministry Web site details the background of the islands and Japan's basic view on their sovereignty. These explanations are provided in English and Chinese.
外務省のホームページは、尖閣問題の経緯や日本の立場について英語と中国語の説明文を設けている。
The Web site also carries descriptions of Japan's position on Takeshima--islets in the Sea of Japan over whose sovereignty Japan disputes with South Korea--in nine languages.
だが、韓国と領有権を争う竹島問題の方は９か国語と充実している。
We think the ministry should present information about the Senkaku Islands in more languages.
尖閣問題の紹介も、多言語で対応すべきだ。
The Shimane prefectural government launched "Takeshima Day" in 2005. However, we think the central government should take the lead in enlightening the public--both at home and abroad--over territorial issues, rather than just leaving this in the hands of local governments.
「竹島の日」を２００５年に制定したのも、島根県だ。領土にかかわる問題は自治体任せにせず、政府が先頭に立って内外の世論啓発に努めてもらいたい。
Meanwhile, the government needs to make greater effort in working out international rules for easing tensions in disputed waters.
これとは別に、係争海域での緊張緩和に向けたルールづくりにも取り組む必要がある。
It will be a problem if there is a spate of such dangerous incidents as a foreign fishing boat ramming Japan's patrol vessels as it attempts to flee after being discovered fishing illegally.
外国漁船が違法操業の取り締まりを逃れるため、巡視船艇に体当たりするような危険行為が横行しては困る。
This is not limited to bilateral cases between Japan and China.
これは日中２国間に限った話ではない。
Japan should seek to put such rules in place by proactively using multilateral frameworks, such as the East Asia Summit meeting.
東アジア首脳会議など多国間の枠組みを積極的に活用して実現を図るべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 14, 2011)
（2011年1月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 14, 2011)
Quick hepatitis B settlement best for all
Ｂ型肝炎訴訟 国と原告は早期和解を目指せ（1月13日付・読売社説）
The Sapporo District Court has presented a proposal for a settlement between the state and people believed to have been infected with the hepatitis B virus through shared use of syringes in group vaccinations.
集団予防接種の注射器使い回しによりＢ型肝炎ウイルスに感染したとして、患者らが全国１０地裁で国を相手取り、損害賠償を求めている訴訟で、札幌地裁が和解案を示した。
We think the proposal for the damages suit, filed with 10 district courts, gave fair consideration to the claims of both the state and the plaintiffs.
国と原告双方の主張を汲(く)んだ内容と言えよう。
The government confirmed at a meeting of relevant ministers that it would work toward accepting the court proposal. The plaintiffs have mostly applauded the proposal. We urge both sides to reach an early settlement.
政府は関係閣僚が協議し、和解案を受け入れる方向で検討していくことを確認した。原告側もおおむね評価している。早期の和解を目指すべきだ。
The biggest point of contention has been how the state should compensate hepatitis B carriers who do not show symptoms.
最大の争点は、症状の出ていない持続感染者（キャリアー）への補償をどうするかにあった。
The plaintiffs have demanded the state pay compensation of 12 million yen to each asymptomatic carrier--equivalent to what a carrier of drug-induced hepatitis C received.
原告は、薬害Ｃ型肝炎のキャリアーに対する救済策と同等の１２００万円の補償を求めていた。
The numbers game
However, the state has resisted making asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers eligible for compensation. An estimated 440,000 such carriers are believed to have been infected through group vaccinations during childhood, and the incidence rate of hepatitis among hepatitis B carriers is as low as 10 percent to 20 percent.
だが、予防接種が原因のキャリアーは約４４万人もいると推計されることや、Ｂ型ではキャリアーの肝炎発症率は１～２割と低いことから、国は補償の対象としないよう主張してきた。
The reconciliation proposal would make a wide range of people eligible for compensation, including these carriers. However, the proposal set the amount of the lump-sum compensation at 500,000 yen. We think this is realistic.
和解案は、キャリアーも含め、幅広く補償対象とした。一方で金額は５０万円にとどめた。現実的な提案だろう。
It is important that the state expand aid provided to these carriers so they can receive regular medical examinations in the future. The court's proposal also included such assistance.
キャリアーには、定期的な検査費用などの助成を充実させることが重要だ。和解案にはこの点も盛り込まれている。
The proposal suggested compensation ranging from 12.5 million yen to 36 million yen to people who developed hepatitis or even liver cancer. The amount would vary depending on their condition.
肝炎を発症したり、肝がんに進行したりした場合には、症状に応じて１２５０万～３６００万円の補償額が提示された。
This proposed compensation, which is less than the amount given to hepatitis C patients, is considerably higher than the government had offered to pay.
これも、薬害Ｃ型の補償金額よりは低いが、国の主張する額に相当上乗せしたものだ。
The state estimates the total payout could cost up to 3.2 trillion yen over the next 30 years if all symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers are compensated.
国は、和解が成立し、推計されているキャリアーと発症者の全員が補償請求した場合には、今後３０年間で最大計３・２兆円が必要と試算している。
Raise public awareness
Given the nation's dire fiscal straits, it will not be easy for the state to find this money. If the state accepts the court proposal, it will need to disclose more detailed estimates of these costs, and convincingly explain why it should pay this money.
財政難の中、補償の財源を捻出するのは容易ではない。国は和解に応じるのであれば、国民に生じる新たな負担について、より詳細な金額の見通しと、納得できる理由を示す必要があろう。
The hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with infected blood. It was only in the late 1980s when needles and the barrels of syringes used in vaccinations began to be disposed of after use. Anyone born before then could have been infected with the virus.
Ｂ型肝炎ウイルスは血液を介してうつる。注射器の針と筒が完全に使い捨てになったのは１９８０年代の末ごろだ。それ以前に生まれた世代はだれもが感染した可能性がある。
Many carriers remain unaware they have the virus. The government urgently needs to have more people undergo checks to learn if they have the virus, and to improve treatments so the virus does not progress to liver cancer or other serious ailments.
キャリアーであっても気づいていない人は多い。感染の有無を検査する態勢を強化し、肝がんなどに進行しないよう治療支援を充実させることが急務だ。
In another lawsuit involving hepatitis B patients, which was finalized by the Supreme Court, the court recognized that the state failed to take appropriate prevention measures up until 1988, even though it was aware of the risk of repeated use of syringes as long ago as 1948.
最高裁で確定した別のＢ型肝炎訴訟では、国は４８年時点で注射器使い回しの危険性を認識していたのに、８８年まで対策をとらなかった、と認定されている。
It is essential to verify why such appalling negligence in the nation's health care administration was left uncontested.
なぜ医療行政の不作為がまかり通ったのか、検証も不可欠だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 13, 2011)
（2011年1月13日01時22分 読売新聞）
Quick hepatitis B settlement best for all
Ｂ型肝炎訴訟 国と原告は早期和解を目指せ（1月13日付・読売社説）
The Sapporo District Court has presented a proposal for a settlement between the state and people believed to have been infected with the hepatitis B virus through shared use of syringes in group vaccinations.
集団予防接種の注射器使い回しによりＢ型肝炎ウイルスに感染したとして、患者らが全国１０地裁で国を相手取り、損害賠償を求めている訴訟で、札幌地裁が和解案を示した。
We think the proposal for the damages suit, filed with 10 district courts, gave fair consideration to the claims of both the state and the plaintiffs.
国と原告双方の主張を汲(く)んだ内容と言えよう。
The government confirmed at a meeting of relevant ministers that it would work toward accepting the court proposal. The plaintiffs have mostly applauded the proposal. We urge both sides to reach an early settlement.
政府は関係閣僚が協議し、和解案を受け入れる方向で検討していくことを確認した。原告側もおおむね評価している。早期の和解を目指すべきだ。
The biggest point of contention has been how the state should compensate hepatitis B carriers who do not show symptoms.
最大の争点は、症状の出ていない持続感染者（キャリアー）への補償をどうするかにあった。
The plaintiffs have demanded the state pay compensation of 12 million yen to each asymptomatic carrier--equivalent to what a carrier of drug-induced hepatitis C received.
原告は、薬害Ｃ型肝炎のキャリアーに対する救済策と同等の１２００万円の補償を求めていた。
The numbers game
However, the state has resisted making asymptomatic hepatitis B carriers eligible for compensation. An estimated 440,000 such carriers are believed to have been infected through group vaccinations during childhood, and the incidence rate of hepatitis among hepatitis B carriers is as low as 10 percent to 20 percent.
だが、予防接種が原因のキャリアーは約４４万人もいると推計されることや、Ｂ型ではキャリアーの肝炎発症率は１～２割と低いことから、国は補償の対象としないよう主張してきた。
The reconciliation proposal would make a wide range of people eligible for compensation, including these carriers. However, the proposal set the amount of the lump-sum compensation at 500,000 yen. We think this is realistic.
和解案は、キャリアーも含め、幅広く補償対象とした。一方で金額は５０万円にとどめた。現実的な提案だろう。
It is important that the state expand aid provided to these carriers so they can receive regular medical examinations in the future. The court's proposal also included such assistance.
キャリアーには、定期的な検査費用などの助成を充実させることが重要だ。和解案にはこの点も盛り込まれている。
The proposal suggested compensation ranging from 12.5 million yen to 36 million yen to people who developed hepatitis or even liver cancer. The amount would vary depending on their condition.
肝炎を発症したり、肝がんに進行したりした場合には、症状に応じて１２５０万～３６００万円の補償額が提示された。
This proposed compensation, which is less than the amount given to hepatitis C patients, is considerably higher than the government had offered to pay.
これも、薬害Ｃ型の補償金額よりは低いが、国の主張する額に相当上乗せしたものだ。
The state estimates the total payout could cost up to 3.2 trillion yen over the next 30 years if all symptomatic and asymptomatic carriers are compensated.
国は、和解が成立し、推計されているキャリアーと発症者の全員が補償請求した場合には、今後３０年間で最大計３・２兆円が必要と試算している。
Raise public awareness
Given the nation's dire fiscal straits, it will not be easy for the state to find this money. If the state accepts the court proposal, it will need to disclose more detailed estimates of these costs, and convincingly explain why it should pay this money.
財政難の中、補償の財源を捻出するのは容易ではない。国は和解に応じるのであれば、国民に生じる新たな負担について、より詳細な金額の見通しと、納得できる理由を示す必要があろう。
The hepatitis B virus is spread through contact with infected blood. It was only in the late 1980s when needles and the barrels of syringes used in vaccinations began to be disposed of after use. Anyone born before then could have been infected with the virus.
Ｂ型肝炎ウイルスは血液を介してうつる。注射器の針と筒が完全に使い捨てになったのは１９８０年代の末ごろだ。それ以前に生まれた世代はだれもが感染した可能性がある。
Many carriers remain unaware they have the virus. The government urgently needs to have more people undergo checks to learn if they have the virus, and to improve treatments so the virus does not progress to liver cancer or other serious ailments.
キャリアーであっても気づいていない人は多い。感染の有無を検査する態勢を強化し、肝がんなどに進行しないよう治療支援を充実させることが急務だ。
In another lawsuit involving hepatitis B patients, which was finalized by the Supreme Court, the court recognized that the state failed to take appropriate prevention measures up until 1988, even though it was aware of the risk of repeated use of syringes as long ago as 1948.
最高裁で確定した別のＢ型肝炎訴訟では、国は４８年時点で注射器使い回しの危険性を認識していたのに、８８年まで対策をとらなかった、と認定されている。
It is essential to verify why such appalling negligence in the nation's health care administration was left uncontested.
なぜ医療行政の不作為がまかり通ったのか、検証も不可欠だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 13, 2011)
（2011年1月13日01時22分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 13, 2011)
Moves by NHK execs project a poor image
ＮＨＫ会長人事 公共放送の使命果たす適材を（1月12日付・読売社説）
NHK's failure to select a new president despite the imminent expiration of the incumbent's term of office must be regarded as a disgrace.
The state of affairs is significant in that NHK has a grave responsibility to fulfill as a public broadcaster.
重責を担う公共放送の新トップを、現職の任期切れ直前まで決められないとは、あまりにお粗末ではないか。
NHK is experiencing confusion over whom it should name as the successor to Shigeo Fukuchi, whose term will expire on Jan. 24. NHK's efforts to choose its new president were brought back to square one when former Keio University President Yuichiro Anzai on Tuesday announced his decision not to assume the position even though he had informally agreed to accept it.
ＮＨＫの福地茂雄会長の後任選びが今月２４日の任期満了を控え、混迷している。就任要請を内諾した慶応義塾前塾長の安西祐一郎氏が就任を拒否し、会長人事は白紙に戻った。
It is feared that the current turmoil, if protracted, will adversely affect not only NHK's operations but this nation's broadcasting industry as a whole.
混乱が続けば、ＮＨＫの業務のみならず、放送界全体に与える影響も懸念される。
NHK's Board of Governors--the noncommercial broadcaster's top decision-making body, whose authority includes the power to appoint the president--should swiftly select a suitable person for the position.
任命権を持つＮＨＫ経営委員会は、早急に人選を進めねばならない。
===
A bungled nomination
In December, the board selected Anzai from among four candidates to be the new NHK president, and he accepted the offer.
経営委員会は昨年末、４人の候補者から安西氏を選び、安西氏もこれを受け入れた。
Several days later, however, circumstances took a turn when speculation arose that Anzai had told NHK his acceptance of the offer would require certain conditions--financial or otherwise--to be met. This caused the board to reverse its tentative decision to name Anzai president, and instead, it asked him to decline the offer.
ところが、その後、安西氏が処遇面で条件を付けたとされる臆測が広がり、経営委員会は一転、安西氏に辞退するよう求めた。
At a press conference Tuesday, Anzai said he had never demanded NHK fulfill any "conditions," brushing aside speculation to that effect. He emphasized he had only asked the broadcaster to explain what kind of "environment" would be accorded to him if he took on the role of NHK president.
安西氏は１１日の記者会見で「仕事の環境の説明を求めただけ」と説明し、指摘された「条件」の存在を否定した。
We feel the heart of the matter may be the issue of how board Chairman Shigehiro Komaru worked toward the selection of a new NHK chief--rather than whether Anzai had demanded that "conditions" be met.
There is reason to believe that Komaru proceeded on his own with the selection of a new president, but following a proposal--believed to have been put together at the initiative of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry--for Anzai's appointment as chief of the broadcaster.
問題は、その「条件」以前に、経営委員会の小丸成洋委員長が総務省主導とされる安西氏起用案に沿って、独自に人事を進めた点にあったのではないか。
From early on, Fukuchi had avowed he would quit the NHK presidency after serving his initial three-year term of office. However, it was not until November that the board really began looking for a successor.
福地氏は早くから１期３年での退任を公言していた。しかし、経営委員会が後任選びを本格化させたのは昨年１１月以降だ。
Komaru repeatedly asked Anzai to head NHK without forming a consensus among members of the board about who would best suit the position. It also came to light that Komaru had no previous acquaintance with Anzai before approaching him with the offer. All these factors combined to bitterly offend some members of the decision-making panel.
小丸委員長は、委員会の総意を得ないまま、安西氏に会長就任を繰り返し要請した。その要請以前には安西氏と面識がないことも発覚した。こうしたことが重なり、一部の委員が強く反発した。
This was apparently an important reason behind the panel's request for Anzai to decline the offer. Komaru will inevitably be brought to task for causing such confusion.
それが、辞退要請の一因でもある。小丸氏の責任が問われるのは避けられないだろう。
Now that circumstances have reached this point, the board has no choice but to select a new NHK president from a much wider pool of talented people--a move that could even result, for instance, in the promotion of someone from within the broadcaster to the position.
こうなった以上、会長候補として、内部昇格も含め幅広く人材を求めるしかあるまい。
However, it will be no easy task to invite a figure from outside NHK to become chief of the noncommercial broadcaster.
ただし、外部からの招聘(しょうへい)は容易ではない。
For any influential business leader, the NHK president's annual salary of about 32 million yen would hardly seem satisfactory.
The president often must bear the brunt of scathing criticism during Diet sessions or press conferences.
例えば、有力財界人にすれば約３２００万円の年収は十分とは言えず、国会答弁や記者会見で、鋭い批判の矢面に立たされることも少なくない。
The NHK president is also required to display the ability to steer a gigantic organization with about 10,000 personnel.
１万人もの職員を抱える大組織を、うまくかじ取りする経営的な手腕も求められる。
===
Not an easy job
Today, NHK faces a host of challenges, including a forthcoming complete transition from analog to digital broadcasting. They also include a proposed plan to implement a reduction in TV subscription fees--what the broadcaster has described as an attempt to "pass 10 percent of its revenue" from such fees on to viewers--as well as a plan to simultaneously distribute TV programs both over the airwaves and via the Internet.
地上デジタル放送への完全移行や受信料の視聴者への１０％還元、番組のインターネット同時配信など、ＮＨＫが現在直面するのは難事業ばかりだ。
Given this, the NHK presidency is a job that can only be entrusted to someone who has a steadfast determination to fulfill his or her duties and display leadership in trying to accomplish that goal.
会長職は相当な覚悟と指導力がなければ務まらない。
It is imperative that NHK pick a figure who fully understands what responsibilities the public broadcaster bears and what kind of organization it should become in the future, given that this nation's TV broadcasting services are provided by both NHK and commercial broadcasters.
民放との二元体制の中で、公共放送が果たすべき使命や将来像を深く理解した人物を起用することが、何より重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2011)
（2011年1月12日01時25分 読売新聞）
Moves by NHK execs project a poor image
ＮＨＫ会長人事 公共放送の使命果たす適材を（1月12日付・読売社説）
NHK's failure to select a new president despite the imminent expiration of the incumbent's term of office must be regarded as a disgrace.
The state of affairs is significant in that NHK has a grave responsibility to fulfill as a public broadcaster.
重責を担う公共放送の新トップを、現職の任期切れ直前まで決められないとは、あまりにお粗末ではないか。
NHK is experiencing confusion over whom it should name as the successor to Shigeo Fukuchi, whose term will expire on Jan. 24. NHK's efforts to choose its new president were brought back to square one when former Keio University President Yuichiro Anzai on Tuesday announced his decision not to assume the position even though he had informally agreed to accept it.
ＮＨＫの福地茂雄会長の後任選びが今月２４日の任期満了を控え、混迷している。就任要請を内諾した慶応義塾前塾長の安西祐一郎氏が就任を拒否し、会長人事は白紙に戻った。
It is feared that the current turmoil, if protracted, will adversely affect not only NHK's operations but this nation's broadcasting industry as a whole.
混乱が続けば、ＮＨＫの業務のみならず、放送界全体に与える影響も懸念される。
NHK's Board of Governors--the noncommercial broadcaster's top decision-making body, whose authority includes the power to appoint the president--should swiftly select a suitable person for the position.
任命権を持つＮＨＫ経営委員会は、早急に人選を進めねばならない。
===
A bungled nomination
In December, the board selected Anzai from among four candidates to be the new NHK president, and he accepted the offer.
経営委員会は昨年末、４人の候補者から安西氏を選び、安西氏もこれを受け入れた。
Several days later, however, circumstances took a turn when speculation arose that Anzai had told NHK his acceptance of the offer would require certain conditions--financial or otherwise--to be met. This caused the board to reverse its tentative decision to name Anzai president, and instead, it asked him to decline the offer.
ところが、その後、安西氏が処遇面で条件を付けたとされる臆測が広がり、経営委員会は一転、安西氏に辞退するよう求めた。
At a press conference Tuesday, Anzai said he had never demanded NHK fulfill any "conditions," brushing aside speculation to that effect. He emphasized he had only asked the broadcaster to explain what kind of "environment" would be accorded to him if he took on the role of NHK president.
安西氏は１１日の記者会見で「仕事の環境の説明を求めただけ」と説明し、指摘された「条件」の存在を否定した。
We feel the heart of the matter may be the issue of how board Chairman Shigehiro Komaru worked toward the selection of a new NHK chief--rather than whether Anzai had demanded that "conditions" be met.
There is reason to believe that Komaru proceeded on his own with the selection of a new president, but following a proposal--believed to have been put together at the initiative of the Internal Affairs and Communications Ministry--for Anzai's appointment as chief of the broadcaster.
問題は、その「条件」以前に、経営委員会の小丸成洋委員長が総務省主導とされる安西氏起用案に沿って、独自に人事を進めた点にあったのではないか。
From early on, Fukuchi had avowed he would quit the NHK presidency after serving his initial three-year term of office. However, it was not until November that the board really began looking for a successor.
福地氏は早くから１期３年での退任を公言していた。しかし、経営委員会が後任選びを本格化させたのは昨年１１月以降だ。
Komaru repeatedly asked Anzai to head NHK without forming a consensus among members of the board about who would best suit the position. It also came to light that Komaru had no previous acquaintance with Anzai before approaching him with the offer. All these factors combined to bitterly offend some members of the decision-making panel.
小丸委員長は、委員会の総意を得ないまま、安西氏に会長就任を繰り返し要請した。その要請以前には安西氏と面識がないことも発覚した。こうしたことが重なり、一部の委員が強く反発した。
This was apparently an important reason behind the panel's request for Anzai to decline the offer. Komaru will inevitably be brought to task for causing such confusion.
それが、辞退要請の一因でもある。小丸氏の責任が問われるのは避けられないだろう。
Now that circumstances have reached this point, the board has no choice but to select a new NHK president from a much wider pool of talented people--a move that could even result, for instance, in the promotion of someone from within the broadcaster to the position.
こうなった以上、会長候補として、内部昇格も含め幅広く人材を求めるしかあるまい。
However, it will be no easy task to invite a figure from outside NHK to become chief of the noncommercial broadcaster.
ただし、外部からの招聘(しょうへい)は容易ではない。
For any influential business leader, the NHK president's annual salary of about 32 million yen would hardly seem satisfactory.
The president often must bear the brunt of scathing criticism during Diet sessions or press conferences.
例えば、有力財界人にすれば約３２００万円の年収は十分とは言えず、国会答弁や記者会見で、鋭い批判の矢面に立たされることも少なくない。
The NHK president is also required to display the ability to steer a gigantic organization with about 10,000 personnel.
１万人もの職員を抱える大組織を、うまくかじ取りする経営的な手腕も求められる。
===
Not an easy job
Today, NHK faces a host of challenges, including a forthcoming complete transition from analog to digital broadcasting. They also include a proposed plan to implement a reduction in TV subscription fees--what the broadcaster has described as an attempt to "pass 10 percent of its revenue" from such fees on to viewers--as well as a plan to simultaneously distribute TV programs both over the airwaves and via the Internet.
地上デジタル放送への完全移行や受信料の視聴者への１０％還元、番組のインターネット同時配信など、ＮＨＫが現在直面するのは難事業ばかりだ。
Given this, the NHK presidency is a job that can only be entrusted to someone who has a steadfast determination to fulfill his or her duties and display leadership in trying to accomplish that goal.
会長職は相当な覚悟と指導力がなければ務まらない。
It is imperative that NHK pick a figure who fully understands what responsibilities the public broadcaster bears and what kind of organization it should become in the future, given that this nation's TV broadcasting services are provided by both NHK and commercial broadcasters.
民放との二元体制の中で、公共放送が果たすべき使命や将来像を深く理解した人物を起用することが、何より重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 12, 2011)
（2011年1月12日01時25分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 12, 2011)
Japan, S. Korea must boost security cooperation
日韓防衛相会談 安保協力の質を着実に高めよ（1月11日付・読売社説）
The time is ripe for Japan and South Korea to enhance the quality of their security cooperation, without confining it to the field of defense exchanges.
日本と韓国の安全保障協力を、単なる防衛交流の域にとどめず、質的に強化する時である。
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan Jin agreed in their meeting Monday in Seoul that the two countries would work more closely, given a series of military provocations by North Korea and other destabilizing factors in the region. Kitazawa was the first Japanese defense minister in six years to visit South Korea.
北沢防衛相がソウルで韓国の金寛鎮国防相と会談し、北朝鮮による一連の軍事的挑発などを踏まえて、日韓両国がより緊密に連携することで一致した。日本の防衛相の訪韓は６年ぶりだ。
Japan and South Korea share the strategic goal of ensuring peace and stability in East Asia and have the United States as a common ally. It will be important for the defense ministers of the two countries to more frequently visit each other and exchange opinions on security situations in the region so that shared concerns will be reflected in the defense policies of both countries.
日韓両国は、東アジアの平和と安定という戦略的目標を共有し、米国を共通の同盟国としている。防衛相がもっと頻繁に相互訪問し、地域内の安保情勢について意見交換して、双方の防衛政策に反映させることが大切だ。
Practical mutual support
In the latest meeting, the ministers agreed to start discussions toward concluding an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between the two countries. They also acknowledged the need to sign a General Security of Military Information Agreement, a pact to prevent leaks of defense information.
今回の会談では、日韓の物品役務相互提供協定（ＡＣＳＡ）締結へ協議を始めることで合意した。軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の必要性でも一致した。
An ACSA will entitle units of the two countries to reciprocal provision of supplies and services in joint exercises and U.N. peacekeeping operations. Japan has already reached such accords with the United States and Australia.
ＡＣＳＡは、両国の部隊が共同訓練や国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）などで物資やサービスの相互提供を可能にする協定だ。日本は既に米国、豪州と締結している。
In peacekeeping operations in earthquake-stricken Haiti last year, the Ground Self-Defense Force set up residential containers for the South Korean Army while the South Korean forces dug a well at the GSDF quarters.
震災復興のハイチＰＫＯでは、昨年、陸上自衛隊が韓国軍の住居用コンテナを設置し、韓国軍は陸自の宿営地に井戸を掘った。
A conclusion of an ACSA will help strengthen cooperation between the two countries' defense forces, enabling them to provide food, water and fuel and transport goods for each other. The two countries should sign the accord as soon as possible.
ＡＣＳＡが締結されれば、こうした協力にとどまらず、食料や水、燃料を融通したり、物資を輸送したりすることができる。早期の締結を目指すべきだろう。
On the other hand, the military information sharing agreement is a comprehensive pact on information protection and procedures on providing data to a third country when sharing confidential defense information. If Japan signs the accord with South Korea, it will be the third such agreement following those with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
ＧＳＯＭＩＡは、防衛機密情報を共有する際の情報保全や第三国提供の手続きに関する包括的な取り決めだ。韓国と締結すれば、米国、北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）に次ぐものとなる。
Shared data and planning
Signing these pacts and increasing the sharing of information, such as intelligence on North Korea, would significantly benefit both Japan and South Korea.
協定を結び、北朝鮮などの情報共有を拡大することは、日韓双方にとって極めて有益である。
Since the 1990s, the two countries have undertaken such defense exchanges as mutual visits by senior defense officers and shared group activities at lower levels. However, they have yet to draw up plans to prepare for contingencies or conduct joint exercises. This is because of reservations on the side of the South Korean government due to its people's deep-rooted allergy to the SDF, resulting from Japan's past colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.
日韓の防衛交流は１９９０年代以降、防衛幹部の相互訪問、部隊交流などが続くが、有事の計画策定や共同訓練は行われていない。日本の植民地支配に起因する韓国国民の自衛隊アレルギーが根強く、韓国政府が慎重なためだ。
However, the bilateral relationship has been improving since the inauguration of South Korean President Lee Myung Bak's administration. Last year, the South Korean Army participated as observers in the Japan-U.S. joint exercise while the SDF did the same in the U.S.-South Korean exercise. Enhanced Japan-South Korean cooperation would solidify collaboration among the two countries plus the United States.
だが、李明博政権発足後、日韓関係は改善している。昨年は、日米共同訓練に韓国軍が、米韓共同訓練に自衛隊がオブザーバー参加した。日韓協力の拡充は日米韓３か国の連携も強固にしよう。
The Japanese and South Korean governments are considering issuing a joint declaration on politics and security during Lee's scheduled visit to Japan later this year. We urge both governments to realize the plan.
日韓両政府は、年内に李大統領が来日する際、政治、安全保障に関する共同宣言の発表を検討している。ぜひ実現すべきだ。
Another long-standing issue of contention is whether South Korea will allow the SDF to rescue Japanese nationals in the country in the event of contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. We urge the governments of the two countries to improve the environment for negotiations at an early date and begin substantial discussions.
朝鮮半島有事の際、自衛隊による在韓邦人の救出を韓国が受け入れるかどうかも、長年の懸案だ。早期に協議の環境を整え、具体的な議論を進めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2011)
（2011年1月11日01時26分 読売新聞）
Japan, S. Korea must boost security cooperation
日韓防衛相会談 安保協力の質を着実に高めよ（1月11日付・読売社説）
The time is ripe for Japan and South Korea to enhance the quality of their security cooperation, without confining it to the field of defense exchanges.
日本と韓国の安全保障協力を、単なる防衛交流の域にとどめず、質的に強化する時である。
Defense Minister Toshimi Kitazawa and his South Korean counterpart Kim Kwan Jin agreed in their meeting Monday in Seoul that the two countries would work more closely, given a series of military provocations by North Korea and other destabilizing factors in the region. Kitazawa was the first Japanese defense minister in six years to visit South Korea.
北沢防衛相がソウルで韓国の金寛鎮国防相と会談し、北朝鮮による一連の軍事的挑発などを踏まえて、日韓両国がより緊密に連携することで一致した。日本の防衛相の訪韓は６年ぶりだ。
Japan and South Korea share the strategic goal of ensuring peace and stability in East Asia and have the United States as a common ally. It will be important for the defense ministers of the two countries to more frequently visit each other and exchange opinions on security situations in the region so that shared concerns will be reflected in the defense policies of both countries.
日韓両国は、東アジアの平和と安定という戦略的目標を共有し、米国を共通の同盟国としている。防衛相がもっと頻繁に相互訪問し、地域内の安保情勢について意見交換して、双方の防衛政策に反映させることが大切だ。
Practical mutual support
In the latest meeting, the ministers agreed to start discussions toward concluding an Acquisition and Cross-Servicing Agreement (ACSA) between the two countries. They also acknowledged the need to sign a General Security of Military Information Agreement, a pact to prevent leaks of defense information.
今回の会談では、日韓の物品役務相互提供協定（ＡＣＳＡ）締結へ協議を始めることで合意した。軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の必要性でも一致した。
An ACSA will entitle units of the two countries to reciprocal provision of supplies and services in joint exercises and U.N. peacekeeping operations. Japan has already reached such accords with the United States and Australia.
ＡＣＳＡは、両国の部隊が共同訓練や国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）などで物資やサービスの相互提供を可能にする協定だ。日本は既に米国、豪州と締結している。
In peacekeeping operations in earthquake-stricken Haiti last year, the Ground Self-Defense Force set up residential containers for the South Korean Army while the South Korean forces dug a well at the GSDF quarters.
震災復興のハイチＰＫＯでは、昨年、陸上自衛隊が韓国軍の住居用コンテナを設置し、韓国軍は陸自の宿営地に井戸を掘った。
A conclusion of an ACSA will help strengthen cooperation between the two countries' defense forces, enabling them to provide food, water and fuel and transport goods for each other. The two countries should sign the accord as soon as possible.
ＡＣＳＡが締結されれば、こうした協力にとどまらず、食料や水、燃料を融通したり、物資を輸送したりすることができる。早期の締結を目指すべきだろう。
On the other hand, the military information sharing agreement is a comprehensive pact on information protection and procedures on providing data to a third country when sharing confidential defense information. If Japan signs the accord with South Korea, it will be the third such agreement following those with the United States and the North Atlantic Treaty Organization.
ＧＳＯＭＩＡは、防衛機密情報を共有する際の情報保全や第三国提供の手続きに関する包括的な取り決めだ。韓国と締結すれば、米国、北大西洋条約機構（ＮＡＴＯ）に次ぐものとなる。
Shared data and planning
Signing these pacts and increasing the sharing of information, such as intelligence on North Korea, would significantly benefit both Japan and South Korea.
協定を結び、北朝鮮などの情報共有を拡大することは、日韓双方にとって極めて有益である。
Since the 1990s, the two countries have undertaken such defense exchanges as mutual visits by senior defense officers and shared group activities at lower levels. However, they have yet to draw up plans to prepare for contingencies or conduct joint exercises. This is because of reservations on the side of the South Korean government due to its people's deep-rooted allergy to the SDF, resulting from Japan's past colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula.
日韓の防衛交流は１９９０年代以降、防衛幹部の相互訪問、部隊交流などが続くが、有事の計画策定や共同訓練は行われていない。日本の植民地支配に起因する韓国国民の自衛隊アレルギーが根強く、韓国政府が慎重なためだ。
However, the bilateral relationship has been improving since the inauguration of South Korean President Lee Myung Bak's administration. Last year, the South Korean Army participated as observers in the Japan-U.S. joint exercise while the SDF did the same in the U.S.-South Korean exercise. Enhanced Japan-South Korean cooperation would solidify collaboration among the two countries plus the United States.
だが、李明博政権発足後、日韓関係は改善している。昨年は、日米共同訓練に韓国軍が、米韓共同訓練に自衛隊がオブザーバー参加した。日韓協力の拡充は日米韓３か国の連携も強固にしよう。
The Japanese and South Korean governments are considering issuing a joint declaration on politics and security during Lee's scheduled visit to Japan later this year. We urge both governments to realize the plan.
日韓両政府は、年内に李大統領が来日する際、政治、安全保障に関する共同宣言の発表を検討している。ぜひ実現すべきだ。
Another long-standing issue of contention is whether South Korea will allow the SDF to rescue Japanese nationals in the country in the event of contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. We urge the governments of the two countries to improve the environment for negotiations at an early date and begin substantial discussions.
朝鮮半島有事の際、自衛隊による在韓邦人の救出を韓国が受け入れるかどうかも、長年の懸案だ。早期に協議の環境を整え、具体的な議論を進めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 11, 2011)
（2011年1月11日01時26分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 5, 2011)
Policy changes needed to break economic deadlock
日本経済再生 閉塞感の打破へ政策を転換せよ（1月4日付・読売社説）
The Japanese economy's recovery has slowed to a stall.
日本経済は景気回復の歩みが鈍り、「踊り場」でもたついている。
Amid ongoing deflation, the working population has started to decline, and the impact on production and consumption is very worrying.
デフレが続く中で、働く世代の人口減少が始まり、生産や消費への悪影響が懸念される。
Will Japan, which was once an economic giant second only to the United States, follow a path of decline without doing anything?
米国に次ぐ経済大国だった日本は、このまま衰退の道をたどるのか。
Many people must now feel they will be unable to lead a stable postretirement life in light of the possible collapse of social security and the nation's finances.
社会保障や財政が破綻して、老後の暮らしが立ちゆかなくなるのではないか。そんな不安を抱く人も少なくないはずだ。
To break through the growing sense of stagnation, the government needs to drastically change its economic policies.
強まる閉塞感を打破するため、今こそ経済政策の抜本的な見直しが必要である。
The Japanese economy has overcome the global recession and somehow turned around since spring 2009. 世界同時不況を切り抜け、日本の景気は２００９年春から好転した。
However, this was made possible by the temporary tailwinds of major economic stimulus measures and short-lived expansion of foreign demand pushed by the growth of other Asian countries.
The unreliable nature of the economy in terms of maintaining sustainable growth is quite clear if one looks back at the economic standstill since autumn of last year.
だが、大規模な景気対策やアジアの成長による外需拡大などが一時的な追い風になっただけで、自律的な成長力の頼りなさは、昨秋からの景気の足踏みを見れば明らかである。
Automobile sales sharply declined due to the termination of eco-car subsidies in September. The scaling down of the eco-point system for household appliances in December put a brake on sales of flat-screen TVs and other appliances.
９月のエコカー補助金打ち切りで自動車の販売は急減し、１２月の家電エコポイント縮小を機に、薄型テレビなどの売れ行きにもブレーキがかかった。
Furthermore, growth in exports is almost flat because of the yen's appreciation and the slowdown of overseas economies.
円高に加え海外経済の減速の影響で、頼みの輸出も伸びが鈍っている。
===
Govt policy no help
◆政策も外需も息切れ◆
The employment situation is also severe. The unemployment rate remains at a high level in the 5 percent range. Many young people, freezing in the midst of the so-called job-hunting ice age, have been struggling in their "shukatsu" job-hunting activity.
雇用も厳しい。失業率は５％台に高止まりしたままで、「就職氷河期」の寒風に吹かれた大勢の若者が“就活”で苦戦している。
Yet the government and the Bank of Japan maintain their forecast that overseas economies such as those in other parts of Asia will steadily pick up and the Japanese economy will also recover on a possible increase in exports.
それでも、政府や日銀は、アジアなど海外経済が順調に盛り返し、輸出増加をテコに景気が回復していくと見込んでいる。
Many people will neither feel satisfied with nor see any relief in such an optimistic scenario that depends on other countries. Repeated policy mistakes by the Democratic Party of Japan-led government since the party took the helm of government in September 2009 could prevent the Japanese economy from recovering.
そんな海外頼みの回復シナリオを描かれても、とても安心はできない。一昨年の政権交代からの度重なる政策ミスが、日本経済の復調を妨げかねないためだ。
One such recent policy mistake by the DPJ-led government is its decision not to officially participate in talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership strategic economic partnership agreement.
最近の失政のひとつは、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への正式参加を見送ったことである。
The TPP is designed for participating countries from the Asia-Pacific area to mutually abolish tariffs and liberalize trade and investment. Nine countries including Australia, Singapore and the United States are now negotiating a final agreement.
ＴＰＰは、アジア・太平洋の各国が互いに関税を撤廃し、貿易や投資を自由化するもので、アメリカやオーストラリア、シンガポールなど９か国が交渉している。
Japan has fallen behind its Asian rivals, including South Korea, in economic partnership agreements. If Japan does not participate in the TPP, it will be excluded from the framework of free trade and investment.
日本は個別の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）で出遅れ、さらにＴＰＰも不参加となれば、自由な貿易や投資の枠組みから締め出される。
This would be a fatal blow to the nation, which is a trade-oriented country. Even so, Prime Minister Naoto Kan easily put off a decision to join the framework for some later occasion.
通商国家の日本にとって致命的な痛手となるのに、菅首相はあっさり決断を先送りした。
◆バラマキ農政を改めよ◆
He did this because he listened to the opinions of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry and Diet members backed by voters in farming areas. They argued that abolition of tariffs would invite massive imports of cheap foreign agricultural products and Japan's agriculture would collapse.
関税廃止で安い農産品が大量に輸入され、農業が壊滅する……。農水省や農業関係議員の、こうした主張に耳を貸したためだ。
But the value of farm products affected by abolishing the tariffs is relatively small. Even that of rice, the nation's staple food, does not reach 2 trillion yen. That for konnyaku potato, the tariff rate of which is 1,700 percent, is only 14 billion yen. That for butter, which carries a 360 percent tariff, is 78 billion yen.
高関税に守られた農産品の生産額は、主食のコメさえ２兆円に届かない。関税が１７００％のコンニャクイモは１４０億円、３６０％のバターも７８０億円だ。
===
Competitiveness crucial
◆成長戦略の着実な実施を◆
Indeed, it is important to maintain high rates of self-sufficiency for the nation's main agricultural products. However, Japan will not be able to compete internationally if it remains closed by continuing to protect farm products that account for only a small share of the entire Japanese economy.
主要農産品の自給は重要だが、経済全体から見て規模の小さい農産品の保護にこだわり、「平成の開国」を果たせぬようでは、日本は国際競争から脱落する。
China is believed to have outpaced Japan in terms of gross domestic product last year, according to various data. Can nothing be done to stop the economy from falling further?
日本は昨年、中国に国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）で抜かれたとみられる。経済の先細りを食い止める手立てはないのだろうか。
Actually, the government as well as private organizations have proposed various solutions.
実はこれまで、政府や民間で数多くの処方箋が示されている。
The government's New Growth Strategy is an initiative designed to create more than 120 trillion yen of demand in environmental, health care and nursing care fields in the next decade.
政府の新成長戦略は、環境や医療・介護などの分野で、今後１０年に１２０兆円を超える新たな需要を生み出す構想だ。
To prevent a slowdown in growth in consumption and production due to the decline in the labor force, the growth strategy suggests such measures as a program to assist in child-rearing to promote employment of women and deregulation to boost demand by improving medical care and nursing care services. It lists a variety of measures.
労働人口の減少による消費や生産の低迷を防ぐため、女性の就労を促す子育て支援や、医療・介護サービスを充実させて需要を喚起する規制緩和など、メニューは盛りだくさんだ。
However, many of the programs are facing deadlock as intragovernmental coordination is not going well. We must say politicians have failed to show the leadership needed to make the growth policies a reality.
ところが、いざ実施しようとすると、政府内で足並みが乱れて、なかなか前に進まなくなる政策も多い。成長政策で政治のリーダーシップが欠如していると言わざるを得ない。
It is not only weakened economic power that is making people feel anxious about their future. Shortcomings in the social security system and the nation's aggravated finances are already at a critical level. These are also major factors.
国民が将来に不安を感じる原因は、経済力の弱体化ばかりではない。社会保障制度のほころびと財政の悪化が、もはや危機的になっていることが大きい。
===
Social security costs rising
（増大する社会保障費）
The nation's social security costs have been increasing by 1 trillion yen a year. The government is funding its contribution to the pension payment by raiding reserved funds in special accounts, dubbed "buried treasure." Such an unreasonable, irresponsible measure cannot be used anymore.
国の社会保障費は毎年１兆円のペースで増え続けている。年金の国庫負担を、何とか工面した埋蔵金で穴埋めするような無理なやりくりは長続きしない。
To secure stable revenue sources, it is clear that the consumption tax rate must be raised in the near future.
安定した財源を確保するため、近い将来、消費税の増税が避けられないことは明らかだ。
Kan should honestly explain to the Japanese people about the seriousness of the current situation and start drastic tax and fiscal reforms.
菅首相は、事態の深刻さを率直に国民に説明し、税財政の抜本改革に取りかからねばならない。
As a matter of course, people would not say yes to Kan's plea for a tax increase if the government continues its unpopular handouts such as child-rearing allowances and eliminating expressway tolls.
当然ながら、子ども手当や高速道路無料化など、国民に不評なバラマキ政策を続けたままでは、増税への理解を得られまい。
Above all, the government should withdraw its manifesto for the 2009 House of Representatives election as soon as possible and show us steady policies to promote the growth of the Japanese economy.
まずは、政権公約（マニフェスト）を早急に撤回し、日本経済の成長を促す地に足のついた政策を提示すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 4, 2011)
（2011年1月4日01時06分 読売新聞）
Policy changes needed to break economic deadlock
日本経済再生 閉塞感の打破へ政策を転換せよ（1月4日付・読売社説）
The Japanese economy's recovery has slowed to a stall.
日本経済は景気回復の歩みが鈍り、「踊り場」でもたついている。
Amid ongoing deflation, the working population has started to decline, and the impact on production and consumption is very worrying.
デフレが続く中で、働く世代の人口減少が始まり、生産や消費への悪影響が懸念される。
Will Japan, which was once an economic giant second only to the United States, follow a path of decline without doing anything?
米国に次ぐ経済大国だった日本は、このまま衰退の道をたどるのか。
Many people must now feel they will be unable to lead a stable postretirement life in light of the possible collapse of social security and the nation's finances.
社会保障や財政が破綻して、老後の暮らしが立ちゆかなくなるのではないか。そんな不安を抱く人も少なくないはずだ。
To break through the growing sense of stagnation, the government needs to drastically change its economic policies.
強まる閉塞感を打破するため、今こそ経済政策の抜本的な見直しが必要である。
The Japanese economy has overcome the global recession and somehow turned around since spring 2009. 世界同時不況を切り抜け、日本の景気は２００９年春から好転した。
However, this was made possible by the temporary tailwinds of major economic stimulus measures and short-lived expansion of foreign demand pushed by the growth of other Asian countries.
The unreliable nature of the economy in terms of maintaining sustainable growth is quite clear if one looks back at the economic standstill since autumn of last year.
だが、大規模な景気対策やアジアの成長による外需拡大などが一時的な追い風になっただけで、自律的な成長力の頼りなさは、昨秋からの景気の足踏みを見れば明らかである。
Automobile sales sharply declined due to the termination of eco-car subsidies in September. The scaling down of the eco-point system for household appliances in December put a brake on sales of flat-screen TVs and other appliances.
９月のエコカー補助金打ち切りで自動車の販売は急減し、１２月の家電エコポイント縮小を機に、薄型テレビなどの売れ行きにもブレーキがかかった。
Furthermore, growth in exports is almost flat because of the yen's appreciation and the slowdown of overseas economies.
円高に加え海外経済の減速の影響で、頼みの輸出も伸びが鈍っている。
===
Govt policy no help
◆政策も外需も息切れ◆
The employment situation is also severe. The unemployment rate remains at a high level in the 5 percent range. Many young people, freezing in the midst of the so-called job-hunting ice age, have been struggling in their "shukatsu" job-hunting activity.
雇用も厳しい。失業率は５％台に高止まりしたままで、「就職氷河期」の寒風に吹かれた大勢の若者が“就活”で苦戦している。
Yet the government and the Bank of Japan maintain their forecast that overseas economies such as those in other parts of Asia will steadily pick up and the Japanese economy will also recover on a possible increase in exports.
それでも、政府や日銀は、アジアなど海外経済が順調に盛り返し、輸出増加をテコに景気が回復していくと見込んでいる。
Many people will neither feel satisfied with nor see any relief in such an optimistic scenario that depends on other countries. Repeated policy mistakes by the Democratic Party of Japan-led government since the party took the helm of government in September 2009 could prevent the Japanese economy from recovering.
そんな海外頼みの回復シナリオを描かれても、とても安心はできない。一昨年の政権交代からの度重なる政策ミスが、日本経済の復調を妨げかねないためだ。
One such recent policy mistake by the DPJ-led government is its decision not to officially participate in talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership strategic economic partnership agreement.
最近の失政のひとつは、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への正式参加を見送ったことである。
The TPP is designed for participating countries from the Asia-Pacific area to mutually abolish tariffs and liberalize trade and investment. Nine countries including Australia, Singapore and the United States are now negotiating a final agreement.
ＴＰＰは、アジア・太平洋の各国が互いに関税を撤廃し、貿易や投資を自由化するもので、アメリカやオーストラリア、シンガポールなど９か国が交渉している。
Japan has fallen behind its Asian rivals, including South Korea, in economic partnership agreements. If Japan does not participate in the TPP, it will be excluded from the framework of free trade and investment.
日本は個別の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）で出遅れ、さらにＴＰＰも不参加となれば、自由な貿易や投資の枠組みから締め出される。
This would be a fatal blow to the nation, which is a trade-oriented country. Even so, Prime Minister Naoto Kan easily put off a decision to join the framework for some later occasion.
通商国家の日本にとって致命的な痛手となるのに、菅首相はあっさり決断を先送りした。
◆バラマキ農政を改めよ◆
He did this because he listened to the opinions of the Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry and Diet members backed by voters in farming areas. They argued that abolition of tariffs would invite massive imports of cheap foreign agricultural products and Japan's agriculture would collapse.
関税廃止で安い農産品が大量に輸入され、農業が壊滅する……。農水省や農業関係議員の、こうした主張に耳を貸したためだ。
But the value of farm products affected by abolishing the tariffs is relatively small. Even that of rice, the nation's staple food, does not reach 2 trillion yen. That for konnyaku potato, the tariff rate of which is 1,700 percent, is only 14 billion yen. That for butter, which carries a 360 percent tariff, is 78 billion yen.
高関税に守られた農産品の生産額は、主食のコメさえ２兆円に届かない。関税が１７００％のコンニャクイモは１４０億円、３６０％のバターも７８０億円だ。
===
Competitiveness crucial
◆成長戦略の着実な実施を◆
Indeed, it is important to maintain high rates of self-sufficiency for the nation's main agricultural products. However, Japan will not be able to compete internationally if it remains closed by continuing to protect farm products that account for only a small share of the entire Japanese economy.
主要農産品の自給は重要だが、経済全体から見て規模の小さい農産品の保護にこだわり、「平成の開国」を果たせぬようでは、日本は国際競争から脱落する。
China is believed to have outpaced Japan in terms of gross domestic product last year, according to various data. Can nothing be done to stop the economy from falling further?
日本は昨年、中国に国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）で抜かれたとみられる。経済の先細りを食い止める手立てはないのだろうか。
Actually, the government as well as private organizations have proposed various solutions.
実はこれまで、政府や民間で数多くの処方箋が示されている。
The government's New Growth Strategy is an initiative designed to create more than 120 trillion yen of demand in environmental, health care and nursing care fields in the next decade.
政府の新成長戦略は、環境や医療・介護などの分野で、今後１０年に１２０兆円を超える新たな需要を生み出す構想だ。
To prevent a slowdown in growth in consumption and production due to the decline in the labor force, the growth strategy suggests such measures as a program to assist in child-rearing to promote employment of women and deregulation to boost demand by improving medical care and nursing care services. It lists a variety of measures.
労働人口の減少による消費や生産の低迷を防ぐため、女性の就労を促す子育て支援や、医療・介護サービスを充実させて需要を喚起する規制緩和など、メニューは盛りだくさんだ。
However, many of the programs are facing deadlock as intragovernmental coordination is not going well. We must say politicians have failed to show the leadership needed to make the growth policies a reality.
ところが、いざ実施しようとすると、政府内で足並みが乱れて、なかなか前に進まなくなる政策も多い。成長政策で政治のリーダーシップが欠如していると言わざるを得ない。
It is not only weakened economic power that is making people feel anxious about their future. Shortcomings in the social security system and the nation's aggravated finances are already at a critical level. These are also major factors.
国民が将来に不安を感じる原因は、経済力の弱体化ばかりではない。社会保障制度のほころびと財政の悪化が、もはや危機的になっていることが大きい。
===
Social security costs rising
（増大する社会保障費）
The nation's social security costs have been increasing by 1 trillion yen a year. The government is funding its contribution to the pension payment by raiding reserved funds in special accounts, dubbed "buried treasure." Such an unreasonable, irresponsible measure cannot be used anymore.
国の社会保障費は毎年１兆円のペースで増え続けている。年金の国庫負担を、何とか工面した埋蔵金で穴埋めするような無理なやりくりは長続きしない。
To secure stable revenue sources, it is clear that the consumption tax rate must be raised in the near future.
安定した財源を確保するため、近い将来、消費税の増税が避けられないことは明らかだ。
Kan should honestly explain to the Japanese people about the seriousness of the current situation and start drastic tax and fiscal reforms.
菅首相は、事態の深刻さを率直に国民に説明し、税財政の抜本改革に取りかからねばならない。
As a matter of course, people would not say yes to Kan's plea for a tax increase if the government continues its unpopular handouts such as child-rearing allowances and eliminating expressway tolls.
当然ながら、子ども手当や高速道路無料化など、国民に不評なバラマキ政策を続けたままでは、増税への理解を得られまい。
Above all, the government should withdraw its manifesto for the 2009 House of Representatives election as soon as possible and show us steady policies to promote the growth of the Japanese economy.
まずは、政権公約（マニフェスト）を早急に撤回し、日本経済の成長を促す地に足のついた政策を提示すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Jan. 4, 2011)
（2011年1月4日01時06分 読売新聞）
(Mainichi Japan) January 8, 2011
Japan-U.S. foreign ministerial meeting a chance to rebuild bilateral alliance
社説：日米外相会談 同盟立て直しの一歩に
Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed in their recent talks in Washington to set new common strategic goals, which will serve as guidelines for bilateral security cooperation. 前原誠司外相とクリントン米国務長官が、安全保障分野での日米協力の指針となる新たな「共通戦略目標」を策定することで合意した。
They also agreed on the need to step up bilateral consultations aimed at strengthening ties in case of any emergency situation such as an armed conflict in and around Japan.
また、日本有事や周辺事態が発生した際の協力強化に向けた協議を加速することでも一致した。
Their agreement is appropriate in that it is based on recent changes in the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, such as rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula and China's increased activities at sea.
日米外相の合意は、緊張を高める朝鮮半島情勢や活発な海洋活動を展開する中国の動向など、アジア太平洋地域の安全保障環境の変化を踏まえたものだ。妥当な判断といえるだろう。
Setting new common goals on Japan-U.S. security cooperation, which the two countries have not sufficiently discussed so far, is of great significance as it will help improve bilateral relations which were strained under the administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
これまでは必ずしも十分な検討が行われてこなかった安全保障分野での日米協力の仕組みについて協議を深め新たな共通の目標を定めることは、鳩山前政権下でぎくしゃくした両国関係を立て直すためにも意味がある。
The current common strategic goals were worked out in the so-called two-plus-two talks by foreign and defense ministers of the two countries in February 2005 when the Liberal Democratic Party was in power.
The goals declare that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to play an essentially vital role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and the entire world, and call on both countries to continue to consider the roles, missions and capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and U.S. forces.
自民党政権時代の０５年２月、外務・防衛担当閣僚による日米安全保障協議委員会（２プラス２）でまとめられた現在の共通戦略目標は、日米同盟が地域、世界の平和、安定を高めるうえで「死活的に重要な役割を果たし続ける」とうたい、自衛隊と米軍の役割、任務、能力について検討を継続するとしている。
However, Japan was unable to hold in-depth discussions on the roles of U.S. forces and the SDF under the Hatoyama administration because bilateral ties were strained over the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture.
しかし、鳩山前政権下では沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題がこじれ、米軍の役割や自衛隊のあり方に関する論議を深めることができなかった。
A joint declaration on the deepening of the bilateral alliance, which Maehara and Clinton confirmed that the two countries will announce when Prime Minister Naoto Kan visits the United States this coming spring, will likely be based on the new common strategic goals.
両外相は春に予定されている菅直人首相の訪米の際、日米同盟深化に関する共同声明を発表する方針を確認したが、新共通戦略目標が共同声明の基礎になる見通しだ。
The new National Defense Program Outline, which Japan adopted in December last year, describes China as a concern for the region and the whole world, and declares that Japan will strengthen its defense capabilities on the Nansei Islands in southwestern Japan that include Okinawa.
昨年１２月に政府が決定した防衛計画の大綱は、中国について「地域・国際社会の懸念事項」とし南西諸島方面の防衛態勢強化を打ち出した。
China, which has been continuing its military buildup without ensuring transparency and increasing its activities aimed at expanding its interests in surrounding seas, is undoubtedly a major destabilizing factor for Japan and other neighboring countries.
不透明な軍事費増強を続け、海洋権益拡大に向け活発な活動を続ける中国の動きは日本をはじめ周辺の国々にとって大きな不安要因なのは間違いない。
However, Japan needs to work out a comprehensive strategy in not only the field of politics but also other fields including economy and culture in order to ensure that China will be a responsible member of the international community.
だが、中国を国際社会の責任ある一員に導くためには軍事面の対応だけでなく政治、経済、文化などを含めた総合的な戦略が必要だ。
Foreign Minister Maehara told Clinton that Japan-China relations are getting on track to improvement. Japan should step up its efforts to ensure that move.
前原外相はクリントン長官に「日中関係は改善の軌道に乗りつつある」と説明したが、日本もそのために積極的に動くべきだ。
In their discussions, Maehara and Clinton shared the view that the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program should be resumed if North Korea takes concrete action to abandon the agenda.
北朝鮮の核開発をめぐる６カ国協議について両外相は、北朝鮮が核廃棄に向け具体的な行動を起こせば再開を認めるとの認識で一致した。
The two countries should exercise prudence in deciding whether to resume such talks in order not to repeat past mistakes.
過去の失敗を繰り返さないよう慎重に判断してほしい。
Regarding the Futenma relocation, Maehara and Clinton also agreed to discuss specific measures to lessen Okinawa's burden of hosting U.S. bases in Japan.
普天間問題については沖縄の負担軽減策の具体化を進めることを確認した。
There is no prospect for a breakthrough in the deadlocked relocation. However, Tokyo and Washington should exercise prudence in responding to the issue to prevent the matter from hampering consultations on the strengthening of the bilateral alliance.
解決の見通しは全く立っていないが、この問題が同盟深化協議の妨げにならないよう双方の賢明な対応を求めておきたい。
毎日新聞 2011年1月8日 2時30分
Japan-U.S. foreign ministerial meeting a chance to rebuild bilateral alliance
社説：日米外相会談 同盟立て直しの一歩に
Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed in their recent talks in Washington to set new common strategic goals, which will serve as guidelines for bilateral security cooperation. 前原誠司外相とクリントン米国務長官が、安全保障分野での日米協力の指針となる新たな「共通戦略目標」を策定することで合意した。
They also agreed on the need to step up bilateral consultations aimed at strengthening ties in case of any emergency situation such as an armed conflict in and around Japan.
また、日本有事や周辺事態が発生した際の協力強化に向けた協議を加速することでも一致した。
Their agreement is appropriate in that it is based on recent changes in the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, such as rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula and China's increased activities at sea.
日米外相の合意は、緊張を高める朝鮮半島情勢や活発な海洋活動を展開する中国の動向など、アジア太平洋地域の安全保障環境の変化を踏まえたものだ。妥当な判断といえるだろう。
Setting new common goals on Japan-U.S. security cooperation, which the two countries have not sufficiently discussed so far, is of great significance as it will help improve bilateral relations which were strained under the administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
これまでは必ずしも十分な検討が行われてこなかった安全保障分野での日米協力の仕組みについて協議を深め新たな共通の目標を定めることは、鳩山前政権下でぎくしゃくした両国関係を立て直すためにも意味がある。
The current common strategic goals were worked out in the so-called two-plus-two talks by foreign and defense ministers of the two countries in February 2005 when the Liberal Democratic Party was in power.
The goals declare that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to play an essentially vital role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and the entire world, and call on both countries to continue to consider the roles, missions and capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and U.S. forces.
自民党政権時代の０５年２月、外務・防衛担当閣僚による日米安全保障協議委員会（２プラス２）でまとめられた現在の共通戦略目標は、日米同盟が地域、世界の平和、安定を高めるうえで「死活的に重要な役割を果たし続ける」とうたい、自衛隊と米軍の役割、任務、能力について検討を継続するとしている。
However, Japan was unable to hold in-depth discussions on the roles of U.S. forces and the SDF under the Hatoyama administration because bilateral ties were strained over the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture.
しかし、鳩山前政権下では沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題がこじれ、米軍の役割や自衛隊のあり方に関する論議を深めることができなかった。
A joint declaration on the deepening of the bilateral alliance, which Maehara and Clinton confirmed that the two countries will announce when Prime Minister Naoto Kan visits the United States this coming spring, will likely be based on the new common strategic goals.
両外相は春に予定されている菅直人首相の訪米の際、日米同盟深化に関する共同声明を発表する方針を確認したが、新共通戦略目標が共同声明の基礎になる見通しだ。
The new National Defense Program Outline, which Japan adopted in December last year, describes China as a concern for the region and the whole world, and declares that Japan will strengthen its defense capabilities on the Nansei Islands in southwestern Japan that include Okinawa.
昨年１２月に政府が決定した防衛計画の大綱は、中国について「地域・国際社会の懸念事項」とし南西諸島方面の防衛態勢強化を打ち出した。
China, which has been continuing its military buildup without ensuring transparency and increasing its activities aimed at expanding its interests in surrounding seas, is undoubtedly a major destabilizing factor for Japan and other neighboring countries.
不透明な軍事費増強を続け、海洋権益拡大に向け活発な活動を続ける中国の動きは日本をはじめ周辺の国々にとって大きな不安要因なのは間違いない。
However, Japan needs to work out a comprehensive strategy in not only the field of politics but also other fields including economy and culture in order to ensure that China will be a responsible member of the international community.
だが、中国を国際社会の責任ある一員に導くためには軍事面の対応だけでなく政治、経済、文化などを含めた総合的な戦略が必要だ。
Foreign Minister Maehara told Clinton that Japan-China relations are getting on track to improvement. Japan should step up its efforts to ensure that move.
前原外相はクリントン長官に「日中関係は改善の軌道に乗りつつある」と説明したが、日本もそのために積極的に動くべきだ。
In their discussions, Maehara and Clinton shared the view that the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program should be resumed if North Korea takes concrete action to abandon the agenda.
北朝鮮の核開発をめぐる６カ国協議について両外相は、北朝鮮が核廃棄に向け具体的な行動を起こせば再開を認めるとの認識で一致した。
The two countries should exercise prudence in deciding whether to resume such talks in order not to repeat past mistakes.
過去の失敗を繰り返さないよう慎重に判断してほしい。
Regarding the Futenma relocation, Maehara and Clinton also agreed to discuss specific measures to lessen Okinawa's burden of hosting U.S. bases in Japan.
普天間問題については沖縄の負担軽減策の具体化を進めることを確認した。
There is no prospect for a breakthrough in the deadlocked relocation. However, Tokyo and Washington should exercise prudence in responding to the issue to prevent the matter from hampering consultations on the strengthening of the bilateral alliance.
解決の見通しは全く立っていないが、この問題が同盟深化協議の妨げにならないよう双方の賢明な対応を求めておきたい。
毎日新聞 2011年1月8日 2時30分
今日、タイは子供の日（ワンデクヘンチャート）、カイちゃんはコンケン市内のセントラルプラザ５ｆでバイオリンの腕前を披露しました。
真中の一番小さい子がカイちゃんです。
感動しました＾＾。
カイちゃんの演奏を聴くお父さん（こんな真剣な顔初めて見ました＾＾）。
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
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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
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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
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第０１番目の戒律
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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
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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