ゆうパック遅配 顧客第一の視点を忘れるな

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 9, 2010)
Japan Post Service must put customers first
ゆうパック遅配　顧客第一の視点を忘れるな（7月8日付・読売社説）

If a door-to-door delivery company cannot deliver parcels to customers on the promised delivery day, it has little prospect of survival amid the fierce competition in the industry.
　荷物を約束の期日に届けられないようでは、宅配業界の厳しい競争を勝ち残るのは難しい。

Major delivery delays have occurred in the operations of Yu-Pack, a nationwide home delivery service offered by Japan Post Group.
　日本郵政グループが全国展開する宅配便「ゆうパック」で、大規模な配達の遅れが発生した。

Japan Post Service Co. integrated its Yu-Pack program with the Pelican parcel delivery service of Nippon Express Co. on July 1. But mishaps involving the operation of newly introduced information processing terminals occurred frequently, due to employees' inexperience in using the devices, among other reasons. Since it is the summer gift-giving season, parcel deliveries were peaking, further complicating the problem.
　７月１日に日本通運のペリカン便と統合したが、新たに導入した情報処理端末などに不慣れなため操作ミスが多発した。お中元のシーズンで、荷物が多かったことも混乱に拍車をかけた。

Consequently, more than 300,000 parcels were delayed by periods ranging from 12 hours to more than two days. It took a full week for Japan Post Service to bring the situation almost under control.
　結局、３０万個を超える荷物が予定より半日から２日以上も遅れ、混乱がほぼ収拾するまでに１週間もかかった。

===

Unforgivable blunder

This is a major blunder by a professional distributor that cannot be easily overlooked. Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi summoned Japan Post Service President Shinichi Nabekura to the ministry to express disappointment over the delays. Haraguchi demanded Nabekura submit a report outlining the hows and whys of the problem and specifying actions the company will take to improve the situation.
　物流のプロとして、あまりの失態である。原口総務相も郵便事業会社の鍋倉真一社長を呼んで遺憾の意を伝え、経緯や今後の対応などを報告するよう求めた。

Japan Post Service must thoroughly investigate why these problems happened and take all necessary steps to prevent their recurrence.
　郵便事業会社は、原因を徹底解明し、再発防止に万全を期さねばならない。

Japan Post Service planned to catch and surpass Yamato Transport Co. and Sagawa Express Co., the two giants in the industry, by integrating Yu-Pack and Pelican services to boost earning capacity. Yet Japan Post Service's plan fell apart from the beginning.
　ゆうパックはペリカン便との統合で収益力を高め、ヤマト運輸と佐川急便という業界の２強を追撃する構えだったが、出足からつまずいた形となった。

Japan Post Service had stated that its preparations were more than sufficient. However, there is no question the company failed to properly train its employees in the new work process.
　会社側は、準備は万全だったと釈明しているが、研修による作業手順の徹底など、備えが足りなかった面は否めない。

It has been reported that Japan Post Service proceeded with the July 1 integration, fully aware it was in a busy season, to speed streamlining of the deficit-plagued Pelican service. Thus, the company deserves criticism for lacking a "customer-first" perspective.
　赤字続きのペリカン便の合理化を急ぐため、繁忙期を承知で７月の事業統合を強行したとされる。「顧客第一」の視点が欠けていたと言われても仕方あるまい。

Japan Post Service management took lightly the problems that began on July 1 and did not even acknowledge them until Sunday. This attitude has resulted in the loss of consumer trust. It is important the company strictly examine where the blame lies as it assesses the problems. That will be the first step to enable the company to make a fresh start.
　１日に始まったトラブルを軽視し、４日まで発表しなかった経営陣の姿勢も信頼を損なった。こうした判断のどこに問題があったのか、厳しく検証することが、出直しの第一歩となる。

===

Establish stable system

Due to the delays, some catalog retailers were forced to change from using Yu-Pack to other home delivery services to send their goods to customers. The high degree of accuracy--delivering parcels to the minute--is the hallmark of the home delivery business.
　遅配をきっかけに、商品の配送をゆうパックから別の宅配便に切り替えた通販業者もある。時間通りに配達する精度の高さが、宅配便の命である。

To prevent customers from taking their business elsewhere, Japan Post Service must establish a stable collection and delivery system as soon as possible. It is also important the company take sincere steps to compensate customers for damages brought about by the delays, such as for the costs of parcel reshipment.
　顧客離れを防ぐため、安定した集配体制の確立を急がねばならない。商品の再発送など、遅配によって生じた被害への誠実な対応も重要である。

With the wide use of e-mail, the use of postcards and letters has decreased, causing dwindling revenue for the postal business. Amid this backdrop, we see no end to postal service-related scandals such as a large quantity of undelivered mail.
　電子メールの普及で、はがきや手紙の利用が減って、郵便事業はじり貧になりつつある。にもかかわらず、郵便物の放置など不祥事が後を絶たない。

The Yu-Pack delays took place under these circumstances. Some analysts point out the problems might greatly damage the operations of Japan Post Service.
　その中で起きた今回の遅配問題だ。経営に大きなダメージを与える恐れも指摘されている。

Not only Japan Post Service management, but all its employees, should be fully aware of their responsibility to unerringly operate the important distribution network and redouble efforts to tighten up their corporate discipline.
　経営陣はもとより、全社員が大事なネットワークを担う責任を改めて自覚し、緩んだタガを締め直してほしい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 8, 2010)
（2010年7月8日01時58分 読売新聞）

大相撲中継中止 ファンの落胆に再生で応えよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 8, 2010)
Sumo's fight to regain fans' trust starts now
大相撲中継中止　ファンの落胆に再生で応えよ（7月7日付・読売社説）

Public broadcaster NHK has decided it will not broadcast live coverage of the upcoming Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament after revelations of widespread illegal gambling on professional baseball games by sumo wrestlers and officials, a scandal that has rocked this country's traditional sport.
　野球賭博問題で揺れる大相撲名古屋場所について、ＮＨＫは中継放送をしないことを決めた。

This will be the first time NHK has dropped live broadcasts of sumo tournaments since it began the service on TV in 1953 and on radio in 1928, except for a period during World War II. The decision will certainly disappoint many sumo fans.
　テレビは１９５３年から、ラジオは２８年から続く中継が戦時中を除き、初めて中止になる。がっかりした相撲ファンは多いことだろう。

NHK will air daily wrapups after each day's action has finished. However, this will offer viewers little of the excitement that comes with watching a live broadcast.
　取組終了後にダイジェスト番組を放送するというが、生放送の醍醐(だいご)味とはほど遠い。

Knowing their bouts were being aired live greatly encouraged sumo wrestlers as they put themselves through grueling practice to prepare for each tournament. Wrestlers who had nothing to do with the gambling scandal will undoubtedly be extremely frustrated by NHK's decision.
　日々稽古(けいこ)に汗を流す力士たちにとっても中継は大きな励みだったろう。賭博問題とかかわりのない力士たちは、さぞ悔しい思いをしているに違いない。

NHK President Shigeo Fukuchi said two factors led to the station's decision: The Japan Sumo Association has yet to present concrete steps to reform itself; and more than 60 percent of 12,000 viewers who contacted NHK about the gambling scandal wanted the plug pulled on live broadcasts.
　中止の理由についてＮＨＫの福地茂雄会長は、日本相撲協会の改革の取り組みに「具体的な道筋が見えていない」こと、１万２０００件に上る視聴者からの意見の６割以上が「中継をやめるべきだ」と言っていることを挙げた。

===

Viewers split

But many other people felt strongly that the tournament should be broadcast live, and the majority of wrestlers were not involved in the gambling. Given these factors, NHK certainly had the option of broadcasting the tournament live.
　一方で、中継を強く望む声があり、賭博と無縁の力士も多いことを考えれば、中継に踏み切る選択肢もあったはずだ。

NHK nevertheless has made a decision that reflects its position as a public broadcaster, as it cannot ignore viewers' strict opinions and given the fact that the JSA's efforts to reform itself remain tenuous at best.
　それでも中止を決めたのは、相撲協会の改革の姿勢になお疑念が残り、視聴者の厳しい声を無視できない、公共放送としてのやむを得ない判断だったのだろう。

The JSA must be held responsible for allowing such a disturbing situation to happen.
　この事態を招いた責任は、言うまでもなく相撲協会にある。

The association has dismissed ozeki Kotomitsuki and stablemaster Otake (former sekiwake Takatoriki). The Nagoya tournament will start under extraordinary circumstances--six other wrestlers in the top makuuchi division as well as JSA Chairman Musashigawa and several other stablemasters have been suspended.
　相撲協会は、大関琴光喜と大嶽親方（元関脇貴闘力）を解雇処分にした。幕内だけでも、琴光喜以外に６人の力士が出場停止、武蔵川理事長ら多数の親方も謹慎という異常な事態の中で名古屋場所を迎えることになった。

With these punitive measures, the JSA appeared to have made efforts to resolve the problem. When appointing an acting chairman, however, some stablemasters reportedly were opposed to naming Hiroyoshi Murayama, a former Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office chief, to the post. They insisted the acting chairman should have a sumo background.
　相撲協会として一定のけじめをつけた格好だが、理事長代行の人選では、村山弘義・元東京高検検事長の就任に難色を示し、あくまで角界内部からの選出を求める声が一部の親方から上がった。

We are disappointed with the association's inability to shed its self-centered nature in a situation like this.
　この期に及んでも、内向きの論理を捨てきれない体質には、あきれるばかりだ。

===

Not the 1st time

The JSA has been battered by a string of scandals in recent years, including the fatal assault of a junior sumo wrestler by fellow wrestlers, illegal drug use, and, most recently, gangsters being broadcast on TV while sitting in prime ringside seats after allegedly receiving tickets from a stablemaster. Each time, the association promised to clean up its act. Unfortunately, it has failed to do so.
　力士暴行死や大麻事件、土俵近くの特別席に座る暴力団関係者が中継に映った問題など、不祥事の度に相撲協会は再発防止を誓ってきたものの、自浄能力は発揮できなかった。

The JSA will set up a reform committee tasked with reviewing the organization. The committee reportedly will consider ways to sever sumo's ties with organized crime syndicates and improve the association's crisis management. We hope the committee will be formed from third-party members and exert strong leadership in overhauling sumo's governing body.
　相撲協会は、組織の見直しを進める改革委員会の設置を決めた。暴力団との決別や危機管理のあり方などを検討するという。改革委は外部メンバーで構成し、強力なリーダーシップを発揮して抜本改革に取り組んでほしい。

The sumo world must quickly start trying to revive itself. Sumo wrestlers will only be able to satisfy sumo fans by competing hard in the ring.
　大相撲再生の第一歩を踏み出すために、改革の推進は待ったなしだ。土俵でもファンが納得する熱戦を繰り広げるしかない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 7, 2010)
（2010年7月7日01時51分 読売新聞）

著作権の制限 知的財産は厳格に守るべきだ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 7, 2010)
Copyrights must be strictly protected
著作権の制限　知的財産は厳格に守るべきだ（7月6日付・読売社説）

We are concerned that a proposal by a government panel may destroy the basic premise of the Copyright Law that intellectual property rights must be strictly protected.
　知的財産権は厳格に守る、という著作権法の大前提が崩れていくのではないか。そんな懸念を抱かせる提言だ。

A subcommittee of the Cultural Affairs Council of the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry has proposed in an interim report the introduction of general provisions that would limit the exclusive rights of copyright holders--a Japanese version of the so-called fair use doctrine.
　文化審議会の小委員会は、著作者の権利を制約する「権利制限の一般規定」（日本版フェアユース規定）の導入を求める「中間まとめ」を発表した。

Japan's Copyright Law stipulates cases in which copyrighted materials may be used without the permission of the rights holders, such as the copying of materials by an individual for private use or citing them for reporting or research purposes.
　著作権法は、許諾を得ずに著作物を利用できる事例として、個人が私的目的で行う複製や、報道・研究目的での引用などを具体的に列挙している。

===

For the greater good?

Under U.S. law, however, copyrighted materials can be used freely as long as it is considered fair use. This system is based on the idea that it will be of greater benefit to society if the abridgment and other utilization of copyrighted materials are allowed as fair use.
　これに対し米国では、「公正な利用」ならば、著作物を自由に利用することができる。いわゆるフェアユースの制度だ。著作物の要約などを公正な利用として許容することが、社会のより大きな利益になるとの考えが根底にある。

Whether a certain type of use is fair is decided by courts based on a comprehensive analysis of four factors, including the purpose of the utilization and its effect upon the potential market for the copyrighted work. There are more than 100 years of judicial precedents on fair use in the United States.
　公正か否かは、裁判所が著作物の使用目的や市場への影響などから総合的に判断する。１００年以上に及ぶ判例の蓄積もある。

For instance, Google Inc. has begun digitizing publications based on the fair use doctrine without acquiring permission from their copyright holders. The Authors Guilds and the Association of American Publishers in the United States have filed a lawsuit against this digital database project.
　例えばグーグル社は、フェアユースを根拠に、無断で書籍のデジタル複製を進めた。全米作家組合などが裁判に訴え、一時は日本の著作者への影響も懸念された。

There were fears initially that the project might infringe on the rights of Japanese authors and publishers, but Google later excluded Japan publications from its database.

The fair use system is disadvantageous to copyright holders.
権利者には不利な制度である。

The development of Internet technology is quickly changing how copyrighted materials are utilized. Some experts have said the introduction of U.S.-type general provisions would facilitate the use of copyrighted materials more than revising relevant provisions as needed would.
　ネット技術の発展により、著作物の利用形態は急速に変化している。必要に応じて個別規定を改正するよりも、米国型の一般規定を設けた方が、著作物の利用が円滑に進むとの意見もある。

===

Abstract language risky

In the latest interim report, the subcommittee rejected the introduction of U.S.-style provisions on fair use. At the same time, it urged the introduction of general provisions to ease copyrights, so as to allow such practices as the inclusion of artwork in the background of portrait photos or the copying of musical works as needed to develop better technology for music reproduction.
　今回の「中間まとめ」は、米国型フェアユース規定の導入は退けた。一方で、人物写真の背景に美術作品が写り込む場合や、音楽再生技術の開発の際に必要な複製などに限って認める「権利制限の一般規定」を設けることとした。

The subcommittee is apparently envisioning provisions stated in abstract terms, such as allowing "incidental" use of copyrighted works, and probably aims to first introduce general provisions in fields where it is possible. 　例えば、著作物の「付随的」利用を認めるといった、抽象的表現の規定を想定しているようだ。可能な分野から一般規定を導入するということなのだろう。

However, provisions that can be interpreted in various ways risk leading to infringement of intellectual property rights.
　しかし、様々に解釈されかねない規定は、知的財産権の侵害につながる恐れがある。

We believe that the use of copyrighted materials without acquiring the permission of the copyright holders should be limited in principle only to highly public fields such as education or journalism. It is reasonable to first acquire permission from copyright holders if something is to be used for business purposes.
　やはり、著作物の利用は学校教育や報道など公共性の高い分野に原則として限られるべきだ。ビジネスのための利用なら、まず権利者の了解を得るのが筋だろう。

If the contents of the Copyright Law do not correspond to reality, each provision should be revised as necessary. Laws can be revised quickly these days.
　著作権法の内容が現実に合わなければ、必要に応じ個別規定を改めればよい。近年は、法改正も迅速に行われるようになった。

Among European countries, Germany and France have not introduced general provisions on limitations of copyrights.
　欧州の独仏なども「権利制限の一般規定」は導入していない。

Intellectual property rights are a boon for the creative activities of human beings. Legal revisions that could facilitate infringement of that will lead to serious problems in the future.
　知的財産は人間の創造活動の賜物(たまもの)でもある。その侵害を助長するような法改正は、将来に大きな禍根を残しかねない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 6, 2010)
（2010年7月6日01時43分 読売新聞）

雇用対策 意欲ある若者や女性に仕事を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 6, 2010)
Job security essential for growth strategy
雇用対策　意欲ある若者や女性に仕事を（7月5日付・読売社説）

The growth of the elderly population and contraction of the working-age population of people aged 15 to 64 are progressing at an alarming pace.
　高齢者の増加と１５歳から６４歳までの生産年齢人口の減少が、猛烈な勢いで進んでいる。

To boost domestic consumption and ensure sustainable economic growth, society must enable young people and women who are keen to work to do so--and under fair conditions, including regarding payment.
　消費を盛り上げ、経済の持続的な成長を可能とするためには、若者や女性が意欲的に働き、賃金面などでも適切に処遇されるような社会にしていくことが重要だ。

The employment situation is still grim, with the jobless rate staying stubbornly around the 5 percent level.
　ところが、失業率が５％台で高止まりするなど、足元の雇用情勢は依然として厳しい。

Faced with ferocious competition and intense price wars, many companies have opted not to increase their number of regular workers, but instead to hire nonregular workers and pile more overtime work on regular workers. This trend has become prevalent in various industries.
　過当競争、値下げ競争の激化から、正社員は増やさず、従業員の残業や非正規雇用で対応する傾向も様々な業界で広がっている。

Given the seriousness of the situation, it is natural that political parties--in their campaign platforms for the forthcoming House of Councillors election--have devised growth strategies aimed at creating jobs.
　こうした問題の深刻さを踏まえれば、参院選公約で各政党が成長戦略による雇用創出策を打ち出したのは、当然のことだ。

The Democratic Party of Japan aims to pursue a "third way" that does not center on public works projects nor lean too far toward overly free market principles. In concrete terms, the ruling party plans to create about 5 million new jobs in the coming decade by resolving pressing issues, thereby generating economic growth.
　民主党は、「公共事業中心」でも「偏った市場原理主義」に基づく政策でもない「第三の道」に取り組むという。具体的には、喫緊の課題の解決策を通じて１０年間に約５００万人の雇用を創出し、成長につなげるとしている。

===

Fresh perspective lacking

The DPJ plans to increase employment in the environment/energy and medical/nursing care fields. However, this policy is nothing new. It echoes many measures churned out by Liberal Democratic Party-led administrations whenever an employment crisis loomed.
　要は、環境・エネルギーや、医療・介護サービスの分野で新たな雇用を増やそうというのだが、雇用危機のたびに打ち出されてきた自民党政権時代の対策と大同小異で、新味に乏しい。

The DPJ has failed to spell out a clear path to growth. The party has worked out measures to be implemented in the current and next fiscal years, but this will not be enough. The DPJ should explain more precisely the job creation effect each measure will bring for each fiscal year, as well as how the measures will be funded.
　成長への道筋も曖昧(あいまい)だ。一応、今年度や来年度に実施すべき施策を定めてはいるが、それぞれの施策が生み出す単年度ごとの雇用創出効果や財源の裏づけなどを、もっと具体的に示すべきだ。

The government's growth strategy includes a goal of raising the nation's lowest minimum hourly wage to 800 yen as quickly as possible, thereby boosting the national average minimum hourly wage to 1,000 yen. These are lofty targets when considering that the lowest hourly wage is currently 629 yen and the national average 713 yen.
　政府の成長戦略には、最低賃金について、時間給で「できる限り早期に全国最低８００円を確保し全国平均１０００円を目指す」ことも盛り込まれた。現在の最低６２９円、全国平均７１３円からみれば、極めて高い目標だ。

In some regions, people on the minimum wage earn less than people receiving welfare benefits. With the number of nonregular workers increasing, the minimum wage needs to be raised. But if a minimum wage increase is introduced without due consideration of the conditions in different regions and industries, the additional costs could hurt employers to the extent that the workers lose their jobs.
　最低賃金の方が生活保護より低い地域がある。非正規労働者も増加する中で、賃金の底上げは必要だが、地域や業界の実態を顧みずに強行すれば、かえって雇用の場が失われてしまう。

===

Drop dispatch law revision

Only through harnessing growth industries and overhauling its industrial structure can this nation come close to attaining the goals laid out by the government.
　成長産業を育て、産業構造の転換を進めてこそ、目標に近づくこともできるのではないか。

A bill to revise the Worker Dispatch Law, which would prohibit temporary workers in the manufacturing industry, has been carried over to the next Diet session from the ordinary session that ended in mid-June. However, we suggest the revision be called off altogether. Introducing such a ban could spell disaster for many workers. If the dispatch ban deals a blow to the management of small and midsize companies, the damage could be irreparable.
　製造業派遣などを禁じる労働者派遣法改正案は、先の通常国会で継続審議となったが、もう白紙に戻してはどうか。雇用への悪影響が懸念されている。中小企業の経営にも打撃を与える事態になっては取り返しがつかない。

The government must craft economic measures by looking more squarely at the circumstances of each industry. The government and industrial circles should work in concert to improve the quantity and quality of jobs available.
　政府は、各産業の置かれた状況をもっと直視して対策を考えるべきだ。量と質の両面で雇用を改善するには、政府と産業界の一致協力が不可欠だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 5, 2010)
（2010年7月5日01時35分 読売新聞）

安保・憲法 脅威を直視して議論を深めよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 5, 2010)
Deepen talks on security, constitutional revision
安保・憲法　脅威を直視して議論を深めよ（7月4日付・読売社説）

Japan is surrounded by security concerns including North Korea's nuclear missile development and its sinking of a South Korean naval patrol ship, China's military buildup, friction with neighboring countries and the threat of international terrorism.
　北朝鮮による核ミサイル開発や韓国哨戒艦の沈没事件、中国の軍備増強や周辺国との摩擦、国際テロの脅威――。

Each political party must squarely face these situations and use the opportunity of the House of Councillors election to deepen discussions about the future of our country's security.
　こうした日本を取り巻く状況を直視すれば、各政党は参院選を機に、我が国の安全保障のあり方について、もっと議論を深める必要がある。

In its manifesto for the upper house poll, the Democratic Party of Japan has touted its intention to continue Japan's antipiracy activities and draw up, within this year, National Defense Program Guidelines and a midterm defense buildup program based on the international situation.
　民主党は参院選公約に、海賊対処活動の継続や、国際情勢を踏まえた防衛計画の大綱と中期防衛力整備計画の年内策定を掲げた。

Each of these tasks must be performed as a matter of course. However, the manifesto of the DPJ is not entirely satisfactory, as it is the party in power and responsible for the country's security. The DPJ should at least present the general direction--specifically, what kind of National Defense Program Guidelines it will pursue.
　いずれも当然のことだが、日本の安全保障に責任を持つ政権党の公約としては物足りない。最低でもどんな防衛大綱を目指すのか、その方向性を示すべきだろう。

===

DPJ election vows too abstract

The DPJ has mentioned its intention to review the five principles governing Japan's participation in peacekeeping operations, saying it "will discuss future international contributions of the Self-Defense Forces and civilians." However, the expression is abstract, making it difficult to understand what the party specifically means.
　「自衛隊および文民の国際貢献活動のあり方について検討する」として、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）参加５原則の見直しを視野に入れているというが、抽象的な表現のため、分かりづらい。

The Liberal Democratic Party's campaign pledges on national security policy go substantially deeper, stipulating for example the resumption of the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean. They also promise the establishment of a basic law on national security that would include a review of the government's interpretation of the Constitution concerning the right of collective self-defense, and the establishment of a permanent law on the dispatch of the Self-Defense Forces overseas.
　自民党の公約は、インド洋での給油活動の再開、集団的自衛権の憲法解釈見直しを含む安全保障基本法や、自衛隊の海外派遣に関する恒久法の制定を明記するなど、相当踏み込んだ内容となった。

The direction in which the LDP is heading--strengthening the Japan-U.S. alliance and steadily fulfilling Japan's obligations as a member of international society--is correct.
　日米同盟を強化し、日本が国際社会の一員としての責務を着実に果たすという方向性は正しい。

However, it must be asked: Why did the LDP never actively work to develop the legislation when it was a ruling party? The LDP will not be able to gain the people's support if, as an opposition party, it so easily incorporates such items in its manifesto.
　だが、なぜ与党時代にこれらの法整備に積極的に取り組まなかったのか。野党の立場で気楽に公約に盛り込んだのだとしたら、国民の支持は得られまい。

New Komeito's platform meshes international pacifism with action, while the People's New Party is calling for strengthening the nation's autonomous defense capability.
　公明党は「行動する国際平和主義」を訴え、国民新党は自主防衛力の強化を主張している。

It is desirable that the ruling and opposition parties should have a common understanding of national security policy. We hope all the parties will engage in a more active debate on these matters.
　安全保障政策は本来、与野党の垣根を越えて、共通認識を形成することが望ましい。もっと活発な論議を期待したい。

===

Charter reform top LDP priority

Meanwhile, it is indispensible that national security policy be debated against the backdrop of constitutional revision.
　安全保障を論じる際に欠かせないのが、憲法改正の視点だ。

It is worth noting the LDP gave top priority in its manifesto to activating the Deliberative Council on the Constitution in each chamber of the Diet to work, as well as submitting draft constitutional revisions to the legislature.
　自民党が公約のトップに、衆参両院の憲法審査会の始動と、「憲法改正原案」の国会提出を据えたのは、注目すべきことだ。

The PNP, the Sunrise Party of Japan and the New Renaissance Party also are favorably disposed toward revising the Constitution. New Komeito's campaign platform called for adding new clauses to the Constitution while maintaining the charter's existing provisions. The Japanese Communist Party and Social Democratic Party oppose any constitutional amendment.
　国民新党やたちあがれ日本、新党改革も憲法改正に前向きだ。公明党は、現在の条項を維持したうえで新たな条項を追加する「加憲」を掲げている。共産、社民両党は憲法改正に反対の立場だ。

What we wonder is why the DPJ, which holds the reins of government, mentioned nothing about constitutional issues. In its manifesto for last year's House of Representatives election, the DPJ stipulated it would cautiously and positively discuss constitutional revisions, which is nonsensical. It can only be said the DPJ has backed away further from tackling the issue ahead of the impending upper house poll.
　疑問なのは、政権を担う民主党が公約で、憲法問題に何も言及していないことだ。昨年の政権公約も「慎重かつ積極的に検討」と意味不明だったが、さらに後退したと言わざるを得ない。

The DPJ's attitude, in which it avoids debate on the Constitution, is all the more irresponsible given that the National Referendum Law, which clarifies the procedures for implementing a special plebiscite to revise the Constitution, came into effect in May.
　憲法改正の手続きを定めた国民投票法が今年５月に施行されたのに、憲法論議を回避する姿勢はあまりに無責任だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 4, 2010)
（2010年7月4日01時19分 読売新聞）

消費税引き上げ 首相発言には一貫性が必要だ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 4, 2010)
Kan's consumption tax remarks lack consistency
消費税引き上げ　首相発言には一貫性が必要だ（7月3日付・読売社説）

Prime Minister Naoto Kan's remarks on a possible hike in the consumption tax rate have been inconsistent, and some in the Democratic Party of Japan have openly criticized his wavering stance.
　消費税増税をめぐる菅首相の発言が、揺れ動いている。民主党内からは首相の方針を公然と批判する声もある。

This is bound to leave voters confused. The prime minister and the DPJ should clarify the party's views on the consumption tax and present them to the public.
　これでは有権者は戸惑ってしまう。首相と民主党は、消費税に関する党の見解をしっかりと整理し、国民に示すべきである。

The prime minister initially said that considering raising the consumption tax rate to 10 percent was a campaign pledge. Later, however, Kan changed his stance, saying the pledge only went as far as calling for suprapartisan discussions on the issue.
　首相は当初、「１０％」への消費税率引き上げ検討を「公約」と明言していた。その後、公約は「超党派協議を呼びかけるところまで」と軌道修正した。

Because a consumption tax is regressive by nature, the prime minister also proposed the introduction of a refund system for people with low incomes, as they bear a heavier burden than higher earners in terms of the tax-to-income ratio.
　消費税増税によって低所得者の負担が過重になるとされる逆進性の問題への対策として、還付制度の導入も表明した。

===

Who gets tax relief?

But regarding the income levels of households to be eligible for such a refund system, the prime minister has been inconsistent, referring to levels as low as 2 million yen and as high as 4 million yen.
だが、対象世帯の所得水準について、首相の発言は、年収２００万円から４００万円の幅でくるくる変わった。

Households with an annual income of less than 4 million yen account for nearly half of the national total. If refunds are given to such a wide range of taxpayers, the intended revenue boost from a tax hike would be lost. It also would undermine the fair distribution of tax burdens.
　年収４００万円未満の世帯は全世帯の半数近くに達する。そんな広い範囲で還付を実施すれば、税収増の効果が失われるうえ、税負担の公平性も損なわれる。

Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku said Kan was simply offering a basis for discussions on the issue. But we consider the prime minister's words to have grave importance. It is detrimental if the prime minister carelessly refers to figures that are not backed up by sufficient discussion.
　仙谷官房長官は「議論の材料」を提供しただけと説明するが、首相の発言は重い。十分な議論の裏付けもないまま、腰だめの数字を軽々に口にされても困る。

In the first place, Kan has yet to present a clear overall vision for tax system reform. He must clarify such basic matters as why the consumption tax rate should be raised from the current 5 percent to 10 percent and for what purpose the increased tax revenues would be used.
　そもそも首相は、税制改革全体のビジョンをいまだに明らかにしていない。なぜ、１０％なのか。増収分は何に使うのか。そんな基本的なこともはっきりしない。

Critics in opposition parties have said that the DPJ's handout programs, if continued, would eat up the new revenue. Kan needs to provide a clear response on this point, too.
　野党は、民主党のバラマキ政策が維持されれば、そちらに増収分が回ると批判している。これにもしっかり答える必要がある。

===

DPJ must put house in order

The discord seen within the DPJ is an even more serious problem that cannot be overlooked.
　さらに見過ごせないのが、民主党内の不協和音だ。

Former DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa has openly criticized the stance of current party executives, saying: "[The party] pledged not to raise the consumption tax rate for four years during the House of Representatives election last year. That pledge should be kept."
　小沢一郎・前幹事長は「昨年の衆院選で、４年間は消費税は上げないと言ってきた。約束はやり遂げるべきだ」などと、執行部の方針を真っ向から批判している。

As the party in power, the DPJ must not leave intraparty discord unresolved regarding tax and fiscal issues that concern the very foundation of the nation.
　政権党として、国の根幹にかかわる税財政問題での党内不一致を放置してはなるまい。

A hike in the consumption tax rate is an issue that successive administrations have avoided tackling. More than a few voters praised Kan when he put a tax increase on the table out of concern about social security revenues and worsening fiscal conditions, and asked the public to share the burden.
　消費税増税は、歴代政権が避けてきたテーマだ。社会保障財源の確保と財政悪化への危機感から、首相が増税に言及し、国民に負担の分かち合いを求めたことを評価する有権者は、少なくない。

But if such a prime minister begins to equivocate, questions could be raised about how resolute he is in seeking to raise the consumption tax rate.
　その肝心の首相が、発言をぐらつかせては、消費税率引き上げを目指す首相の決意に疑問符がつきかねない。

In the House of Councillors election in 1998, then Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto flip-flopped on the issue of permanent tax cuts. That triggered voters' distrust and led the Liberal Democratic Party to a humiliating defeat.
　１９９８年の参院選で、当時の橋本首相が、恒久減税に関する発言を二転三転させ、それが有権者の不信を招いて、自民党惨敗につながった例もある。

A prime minister must be consistent in his or her remarks.
　首相に求められるのは、発言の一貫性である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 3, 2010)
（2010年7月3日01時09分 読売新聞）

景況感プラス 円高・株安への警戒を怠るな

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 3, 2010)
Stay vigilant against yen's rise, stock falls
景況感プラス　円高・株安への警戒を怠るな（7月2日付・読売社説）

Although corporate sentiment about business conditions seems to be improving, evidence the economy has regained its vigor remains sketchy at best.
　企業の景気認識は改善しているようだが、日本経済が元気になったという手応えがない。

Stock prices have tumbled, the yen has appreciated again, and the nation is still unable to shake off deflation.
　デフレから脱出できないまま、再び株価下落や円高が進んでいるからだ。

The campaign for the July 11 House of Councillors election is well under way. Each party has pledged to attain high economic growth.
　参院選で各党は、高成長の実現を公約に掲げている。

However, rather than competing over who can set the highest target, the parties should focus more on how realistic their measures for achieving these goals are.
だが、競うべきなのは、目標の高さではなく達成への具体策だ。

The first task for the government after the election is to put the economy on track for a full recovery. We hope political parties will engage in reasoned debate on this issue.
それにはまず景気を本格回復させることが先決である。説得力のある経済論議を展開してほしい。

The Bank of Japan announced Thursday its Tankan short-term economic survey of enterprises for June. The diffusion index for business confidence among corporations greatly improved. The index now stands at plus 1 among major manufacturers, a vast improvement from minus 14 logged in March. The index has entered positive territory for the first time in two years. It is the fifth straight quarterly improvement, and the index is now almost at the same level as it was just before the so-called Lehman shock of 2008.
　日銀が１日に発表した６月の企業短期経済観測調査（短観）は、企業の景気認識を示す業況判断指数が大幅に改善し、大企業の製造業でプラス１となった。
　プラスへの浮上は２年ぶりである。５四半期連続の改善で、リーマン・ショックの直前とほぼ同じ水準に戻した。

===

Recovery seems steady

The improved performance of exporting companies led the uptick. In addition, major nonmanufacturers, as well as small and midsize manufacturers and nonmanufacturers, also stayed on their recovery path.
　輸出関連企業の業績回復が先導したが、大企業の非製造業や、中小企業の製造業、非製造業も改善を維持している。

Capital investment--which holds the key to a full-scale recovery--for this fiscal year also finally turned positive for major companies. We can safely say the improvement is spreading to the wider economy.
　本格成長のカギをにぎる今年度の設備投資計画も、ようやくプラスに転じた。景気回復のすそ野は広がってきたと見ていい。

Despite the favorable Tankan figures, the Nikkei Stock Average fell for the second straight day to close at a fresh low for the year. Uncertainty over the strength of the global economy remains and market players seem to be on tenterhooks over the yen's appreciation.
　だが、短観の好調さをよそに、東京市場の平均株価はこの日、今年の最安値を更新した。海外経済の変調と、円高に対する警戒感が強まってきたためだ。

In the United States and Europe, worries linger over aggravated fiscal deterioration and the economic downturn caused by the Greek debt crisis. The Dow Jones industrial average at the New York Stock Exchange has been on a downward spiral and dipped below 10,000 this week.
　欧米では、ギリシャ危機に始まった財政悪化や景気減速の懸念がくすぶっている。ニューヨーク市場の平均株価は下げが続き、今週は１万ドルの大台を割り込んだ。

A downturn in overseas markets increases pressure on the yen to appreciate, which in turn causes stocks in Japan to plunge. This vicious circle has apparently taken root.
　海外市況の悪化で円高圧力が高まり、円高が日本の株安を招く悪循環もはっきりしてきた。

Many companies forecast the exchange rate this fiscal year will hover around 90 yen to the dollar. However, the yen this week appreciated to the 88 yen level against the greenback. If the yen rises further, it will knock the stuffing out of export-related businesses that are showing signs of slowing growth.
　企業の多くは、今年度の為替相場を１ドル＝９０円程度と想定している。８８円台に進んだ円高がさらに加速すれば、伸び悩みの兆候もある輸出に打撃となるだろう。

===

What's the reality?

The Tankan also showed the bearish sentiment of companies that are not confident the recovery will be sustainable. The diffusion index for automobile companies in the major business category improved greatly, but they forecast a major decline three months down the road. Their sentiment stems partially from the fading effects of government measures to support domestic vehicle sales, such as tax breaks for purchases of eco-cars.
　短観には、回復の持続に自信を持てない企業の弱気も見える。大企業の自動車は今回、業況が大きく改善したが、３か月後は大幅な低下を予想している。エコカー減税など国内販売の支援策の効果が薄れてきた影響もありそうだ。

As about 70 percent to 80 percent of companies surveyed for the Tankan submitted their responses to the Bank of Japan by or in early June, the report does not fully incorporate recent worrying developments such as the yen's appreciation and fall in stock prices. All observers will be carefully watching to see if actual business sentiment is more pessimistic than the Tankan indicated.
　短観は６月上旬までに７～８割の企業が回答を済ませており、最近の円高・株安を十分に織り込んでいない問題もある。実際の企業心理は短観より冷えていないか、注意深く見ねばならない。

Including the Democratic Party of Japan, which advocates building a "strong economy" as a central campaign pledge, each political party has promised annual economic growth ranging from 3 percent to 5 percent. We welcome the trend of putting priority on economic growth. However, before anything else, the parties must present prescriptions that will unfailingly bring about an economic recovery and departure from deflation.
　「強い経済」を掲げる民主党をはじめ、各党の選挙公約は３～５％の高成長を約束している。成長重視は歓迎だが、最優先で示すべきなのは、景気回復とデフレ脱却を着実に果たす処方箋(せん)である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 2, 2010)
（2010年7月2日00時56分 読売新聞）

Ｗ杯日本敗退 選手の奮闘に元気をもらった

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 2, 2010)
Samurai Blue lost, but they gave so much
Ｗ杯日本敗退　選手の奮闘に元気をもらった（7月1日付・読売社説）

Japan has missed out on making the quarterfinals at the soccer World Cup in South Africa. Takeshi Okada's side fell one hurdle short of the last eight--a stage Japan has never reached at a World Cup. Despite this, the Samurai Blue displayed their skill and never-say-die attitude on soccer's grandest stage. We applaud the players' brave efforts.
　日本のサッカー史上、初めてとなるベスト８には、またしても手が届かなかった。しかし、日本代表の選手たちは、最高峰の舞台で、力を存分に発揮した。健闘をたたえたい。

In the first round of the knockout stage, Paraguay defeated Japan in a penalty shootout. Japan's campaign ended at the same stage as it did in the 2002 World Cup, when Japan and South Korea cohosted the event.
　サッカーのワールドカップ（Ｗ杯）南アフリカ大会の決勝トーナメント１回戦で、日本はＰＫ戦の末、パラグアイに敗れた。２００２年の日韓大会と同じ成績で、日本のＷ杯挑戦は終わった。

The Japanese players played with a steely determination. Japan did not give an inch to Paraguay, a team known for strong defense and rapid counterattacks. Defenders such as Yuji Nakazawa and Yuichi Komano were outstanding at keeping the Paraguayans at bay.
　堅守速攻が身上のパラグアイに対し、日本は、中沢佑二選手、駒野友一選手ら守備陣の体を張った守りでわたりあった。

It was a down-to-the-wire defeat in a game that ended in a goalless draw after 120 minutes, including 30 minutes of extra time. Komano, who missed his penalty kick in the shootout, must feel extremely disappointed, but we hope he comes back to Japan with his head held high.
　延長戦を含め１２０分を戦った末の紙一重の敗戦だ。ＰＫを外した駒野選手は悔しいだろうが、胸を張って帰国してほしい。

===

Confidence after each game

The Samurai Blue seemed to grow in confidence with each of the four matches they played in South Africa. Their teamwork and willingness to work for one another helped them knock over some of soccer's leading nations, and gave off an aura of reliability.
　Ｗ杯の計４戦、日本代表は１戦ごとに自信を得て、強くなった。チーム一丸となって強豪国に挑む姿には、頼もしさを感じた。

Okada's tactics successfully squeezed every drop of ability from his players.
選手の持ち味を引き出した岡田武史監督の采配(さいはい)も奏功した。

We think the team made Japan's presence felt in the soccer world.
　日本の存在感を、世界に向かって十分に示したといえる。

However, Japan's valiant efforts were still not quite enough. Okada said after the loss to Paraguay, "I think this tells you it's still not easy to advance further [at the World Cup]."
　だが、世界の壁は、やはり高かった。岡田監督は、「まだまだ、そんな簡単じゃないよと言われているんだと思う」と語った。

Japan's defensive organization proved effective at the World Cup, but the team's evident inability to score was their undoing. The players could not convert the few chances that came their way. A cure for this lack of killer instinct in front of goal will need to be found before the next World Cup rolls around in four years.
　日本の守備力は、Ｗ杯でも通用したが、明らかに足りないのは得点力だ。少ないチャンスをものにすることができなかった。４年後の次回大会までの宿題である。

The entire nation was swept up in a wave of excitement whenever Japan played. The viewer rating peaked at 64.9 percent during the Japan-Paraguay game.
　日本代表の試合の度に、列島は大いに盛り上がった。パラグアイ戦のテレビ中継の瞬間最高視聴率は６４・９％に達した。

Many people must have enjoyed the sense of unity that comes from cheering for the national team with others, and been energized by the players. We felt once again the great power that sports can provide.
　みんなで日本代表を応援する一体感を味わい、選手たちから元気をもらった人も多いのでないか。スポーツが持つ力の大きさを改めて実感する。

===

Hard work finally pays off

In the four years since being bundled out at the group stage in Germany in 2006, the Japan team failed to reach any great heights. Many people lost interest in a team they thought lacked "star" players. Vacant seats stood out at stadiums during international friendlies.
　前回のドイツ大会で惨敗して以降、日本代表の戦績は上がらず、スター不在の代表チームへの関心も薄れがちだった。海外チームとの親善試合でも、スタンドには空席が目立った。

But as the Samurai Blue started to play well, the public began to get behind the team. Some players such as Keisuke Honda will now be known in soccer circles around the world after their sparkling World Cup performances.
　しかし、代表チームが強ければ、注目度も高くなる。本田圭佑選手らの名は、Ｗ杯を通して一気に知れ渡ったはずだ。

Japan is bidding to host the World Cup in 2022. Japan's efforts in South Africa could boost sentiment in favor of this bid.
　日本は２２年のＷ杯招致に名乗りを上げているが、今回のＷ杯は、機運を高めるきっかけになるかもしれない。

We hope the players will use their experiences in the World Cup to further hone their skills in the J.League and overseas to raise the overall level of Japanese soccer.
　選手たちは、この経験を糧に、Ｊリーグや海外のチームでさらに技を磨き、日本サッカーのレベルアップにつなげてほしい。

Let us set aside the dream of making the last eight in the World Cup--or even the semifinals as Okada had targeted this time--for four years.
　Ｗ杯でのベスト８、さらに、今回の目標だったベスト４の夢は、４年後までとっておこう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 1, 2010)
（2010年7月1日02時09分 読売新聞）

成長と財政再建 Ｇ２０で首相が負った重い宿題

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jul. 1, 2010)
G-20 meet leaves Kan with a difficult task
成長と財政再建　Ｇ２０で首相が負った重い宿題（6月30日付・読売社説）

Industrialized countries and emerging economies alike have been shouldered with the two difficult tasks of maintaining economic growth while steadily promoting fiscal reconstruction.
　経済成長を維持しながら財政再建も着実に進める――。先進国と新興国がそれぞれ背負わされた難題である。

The key point of the joint declaration adopted by leaders of the Group of 20 major developed and emerging countries in their meeting in Toronto was their agreement on carrying out "growth-friendly fiscal consolidation."
　カナダ・トロントで開かれた世界２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）首脳会議（サミット）が採択した首脳宣言のポイントは、「成長に配慮した財政健全化」を打ち出したことだ。

At the meeting, Prime Minister Naoto Kan explained Japan's new economic growth and fiscal management strategies, which were worked out shortly before the summit meeting, effectively making the strategies international pledges.
　菅首相は、首脳会議の直前にまとめた新経済成長戦略と財政運営戦略を説明し、この二つの戦略が事実上の国際公約になった。

This means that Japan will have to simultaneously pursue two goals--playing a leading role in the world economy by achieving sustainable growth and realizing fiscal reconstruction that will be recognized by the market.
　日本も、持続的成長で世界経済の牽引(けんいん)役を果たしつつ、市場に評価される財政再建を実現するという、二兎(にと)を同時に追わざるを得なくなった。

Starting now, Kan's competence in economic management will be put to the test.
　菅首相の経済運営の手腕が、今後、問われることになろう。

The global economy at present is poised to leave behind the worldwide recession that began with the financial crisis sparked by the collapse of U.S. investment bank Lehman Brothers. However, the fiscal turmoil in Greece is slowing down a weakened Europe, leaving the global economy's future prospects uncertain.
　現在の世界経済は、リーマン・ショック後の金融危機と同時不況を脱しつつある。しかし、ギリシャ危機で欧州経済がもたつき、先行きはまだ不透明だ。

The G-20 statement was correct in pointing out the need to "follow through on fiscal stimulus plans," based on such assessments.
　こうした判断から、首脳宣言が「景気刺激策の継続が必要」と指摘したのは当然である。

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Calls for debt reduction

The statement, on the other hand, stressed the need for countries burdened with heavy public debts to accelerate efforts to shore up their fiscal condition.
　一方で、宣言は、「深刻な財政赤字国は、財政健全化を加速する必要がある」とも強調した。

It was particularly significant that the statement presented numerical targets, saying "advanced economies have committed to at least halve deficits by 2013." However, the leaders took the extraordinary step of agreeing to treat Japan, which has by far the largest outstanding debt among industrialized countries, as an exception.
　特に、「先進国は２０１３年までに財政赤字を少なくとも半減させる」などと、数値目標を明示した意義は大きい。ただ、財政悪化が最も深刻な日本は異例の「例外扱い」となった。

The G-20 meeting witnessed a sharp rift between European countries, which put priority on fiscal reconstruction, and the United States, which attaches importance to economic growth.
　Ｇ２０では、財政再建を優先する欧州と、景気重視の米国が対立した。

However, if countries adopt belt-tightening policies all at once, the risk of an economic slowdown will increase. For this reason, European nations and the United States are believed to have reached a compromise, saying "measures need to be put into action at the national level and tailored to individual countries' conditions" to restore their public finances.
だが、一斉に緊縮財政に走れば景気失速のリスクが高まる。このため欧米は妥協を図り、各国の状況に応じ財政立て直しを求めることで収拾したのだろう。

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A tight spot for Japan

But the decision has put Japan in a bind. Japan was left out of the fiscal reconstruction goals for Europe and the United States while at the same time it was subjected to calls to further expand its domestic demand as an economy with a current account surplus.
　これで難しい立場に追い込まれたのが日本だ。欧米の財政再建目標から置き去りにされたうえ、経常黒字国として、さらなる内需拡大も要求されたからだ。

The upcoming House of Councillors election will be followed by discussions for the compilation of the fiscal 2011 budget. The government must expedite efforts to flesh out the so-called Kan strategy, which aims at realizing growth and tax hikes at the same time.
　参院選後は来年度予算編成に向けた議論が始まる。増税しながら成長を実現するという「菅戦略」の肉付けを急がねばならない。

The revaluation of the Chinese yuan was another key item on the G-20 agenda. Though the declaration did not single out the yuan by name and simply called for greater exchange rate flexibility in some emerging markets, China is certain to be asked to approve the yuan's rise against other currencies.
　Ｇ２０では、中国通貨・人民元の切り上げも重要テーマだった。宣言は人民元を名指しせず、「為替レートの柔軟性」を指摘したが、中国が今後、人民元の上昇容認を迫られるのは確実だ。

The G-20 summit meeting once again exposed the difficulty of putting together opinions on themes about which participating countries have sharply conflicting interests.
　今回のＧ２０サミットでも、利害が鋭く対立するテーマでは、意見集約する難しさが改めて浮き彫りになった。

Japan should draw up clear strategies on how to make effective use of the Group of Eight and the G-20 meetings.
　主要８か国（Ｇ８）と、Ｇ２０をどう使い分けていくか。日本は明確な戦略を練らねばならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 30, 2010)
（2010年6月30日01時57分 読売新聞）

名古屋場所開催 勧告踏まえて抜本的改革を

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jun. 30, 2010)
Take tough steps to restore sumo's honor
名古屋場所開催　勧告踏まえて抜本的改革を（6月29日付・読売社説）

The Japan Sumo Association has decided to open the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament on July 11 as scheduled, despite an abnormal situation in which it will suspend many wrestlers, including seven in the top makuuchi division, from the tournament and put the JSA chairman on probation over the ongoing gambling scandal.
　幕内だけでも７人の力士を休場させ、理事長までもが謹慎という異常事態の中、日本相撲協会は７月１１日からの名古屋場所の開催を決めた。

The JSA has forfeited the public's trust through the scandal over illegal betting on professional baseball games, and there are many who question its decision to hold the Nagoya tournament. Since it is going ahead with the tournament under such adverse circumstances, the JSA must quickly present cleanup measures rigorous enough to satisfy fans of the national sport.
　野球賭博問題で相撲協会の信用は失墜した。場所開催を疑問視する声も少なくない。そうした中で場所を開くからには、協会は、ファンが納得する浄化策を早急に示さねばならない。

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Panel urged harsh penalties

The association's board of directors decided to accept recommendations made by a special investigation panel comprising 10 outside experts regarding conditions for holding the Nagoya tournament.
　相撲協会の理事会は、外部の１０人で構成する特別調査委員会から「名古屋場所開催の条件」として提示された勧告を受け入れることを決定した。

The panel recommended the JSA should dismiss or mete out heavier penalties against stablemaster Otake (former sekiwake Takatoriki), who is alleged to have habitually bet huge amounts of money, and ozeki Kotomitsuki, who was blackmailed by a former wrestler over his gambling.
　勧告は、常習的に多額の金を賭けていた大嶽親方（元関脇貴闘力）と、恐喝事件に巻き込まれた大関琴光喜について、「解雇以上」とするよう求めた。

In addition, the panel urged the JSA to put the other wrestlers involved in the illegal gambling and their stablemasters on probation. In line with the recommendations, the association decided to suspend a total of 14 wrestlers, including Kotomitsuki, from the Nagoya tournament. The stablemasters to be put on probation include JSA Chairman Musashigawa.
　さらに、野球賭博にかかわった力士と、所属する部屋の親方の謹慎も求め、これを受けて協会は、琴光喜ら１４人の力士の休場を決定した。謹慎する親方には、武蔵川理事長も含まれている。

Otake and Kotomitsuki's punishment will be officially decided at the association board meeting scheduled for Sunday, but they are likely to receive tough penalties as recommended by the panel. Many sumo fans must feel sorry to see the misconduct of Kotomitsuki, the highest-ranked Japanese wrestler, and Otake, who took over the stable established by legendary yokozuna Taiho.
　大嶽親方、琴光喜については、７月４日の理事会で改めて処分を決めるが、勧告通り、厳罰は避けられないだろう。大鵬部屋を継承した大嶽親方、日本人力士最高位の琴光喜の不祥事を残念に思うファンも多いはずだ。

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Lax management must end

The association initially intended to just give warnings to those who voluntarily confessed their involvement in illegal gambling. However, the general public would certainly regard such a penalty as too mild. The panel's recommendations apparently are a red card against the JSA's lenient attitude.
　協会は当初、賭博への関与を自己申告した者には、厳重注意でとどめようとした。しかし、一般社会では、とても通用しない甘い対応だ。勧告内容は、そうした協会の認識に対するレッドカードだったといえる。

Whenever scandals occurred in the past, the JSA was often criticized for its lax crisis management. The closed-off nature of the association, which is run totally by former wrestlers, is likely responsible for its inability to cleanse itself.
　不祥事の度に、相撲協会の危機管理の甘さが指摘されてきた。大相撲出身者が協会の運営を取り仕切る閉鎖体質が、自浄能力の欠如につながっているのだろう。

The latest gambling scandal, which involves even stablemasters, makes it clear that the discipline of the professional sumo society cannot be maintained if this continues.
　親方までも関与していた野球賭博問題を通し、今のままでは角界の規律の維持は困難であることが明白になったといえる。

Two of JSA's 12 current directors now come from outside sumo, a change that stemmed from the deadly assault that occurred in the Tokitsukaze stable. The association's leadership has to be reformed through such drastic measures as further increasing the number of board directors from outside the sumo world.
　時津風部屋の暴行死事件の教訓から、相撲協会の１２人の理事のうち、２人が外部のメンバーとなっている。この外部理事の数を大幅に増やすなど、執行体制の抜本改革が必要だ。

While Musashigawa is on probation, Hiroyoshi Murayama, a former head of the Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office who was invited to be a JSA board director, will likely be appointed acting chairman.
　理事長代行には、外部理事の村山弘義・元東京高検検事長が就く見通しだ。

Even if the Nagoya tournament is held as scheduled, some sumo fans may complain that they do not want to cheer for the wrestlers in the ring. Certain sponsors have decided not to provide prize money for the tournament.
　名古屋場所が開催されても、土俵に声援を送る気になれないというファンもいるだろう。懸賞金の提供中止を決めた企業もある。

Concrete measures to reform the association and reeducate wrestlers must be devised urgently to make the Nagoya tournament a chance to restore the honor of professional sumo.
　名古屋場所を大相撲再生のきっかけとするためには、協会の再建や力士教育の具体策作りを急がなければならない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 29, 2010)
（2010年6月29日01時40分 読売新聞）