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The Yomiuri Shimbun(Oct. 4, 2009)
Olympic torch dream extinguished
五輪東京落選 「南米で初」には勝てなかった（10月4日付・読売社説）
Our wish--to see the Olympic torch in Tokyo once again--did not come true.
「東京にもう一度、聖火を」という願いは、かなわなかった。
On Friday, the International Olympic Committee selected Rio de Janeiro as host of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）は、２０１６年の夏季五輪の開催地に、ブラジルのリオデジャネイロを選出した。
Tokyo had sought to host its second Games--the first was held in 1964--but ultimately fell short.
１９６４年以来、２度目の開催を目指していた東京は落選した。
The result was disappointing, all the more so because many people had high hopes, wanting to feel excitement sweep across the country once again and see the Olympics revitalize the economy.
「日本中が沸いたあの感動を再び」「五輪を経済活性化の起爆剤に」といった期待が大きかっただけに、残念な結果である。
Rio, Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago were locked in a closely fought race to host the 2016 Games.
リオデジャネイロ、マドリード（スペイン）、東京、シカゴ（米国）による招致レースは、大接戦だった。
The tightness of the contest was evidenced by the fact that Chicago, for which U.S. President Barack Obama gave a speech, was eliminated in the first round of voting.
オバマ大統領が招致演説を行ったシカゴが、１回目の投票で脱落したことが、混戦ぶりを物語っている。
Tokyo was eliminated in the second round.
東京は、２回目の投票で最下位に沈み、落選となった。
Apparently, a direct cause of the defeat was that IOC members who backed Chicago in the first round of voting did not switch their votes to Tokyo in the second round.
シカゴの支持票が東京に回らなかったことが、直接の敗因といえよう。
===
Rio more persuasive
Tokyo's biggest selling point was its concept of a "compact Olympics," which would have seen all of the Games' athletic fields and stadiums concentrated within an 8-kilometer radius.
半径８キロ圏内に競技会場を集中させる「コンパクトな五輪」が、東京の最大のセールスポイントだった。
The city also stressed its good public security, well-developed infrastructure and stable financial foundation.
良好な治安や充実した都市機能、安定した財政基盤などもアピールしてきた。
However, it is undeniable that Tokyo appeared to lack persuasiveness compared with Rio, which was campaigning to host the first Olympics in South America.
だが、「南米で初の五輪開催」というリオの訴えに比べ、説得力を欠いた感は否めない。
A low public support rate for Tokyo's bid to host the Olympics also negatively impacted its showing in the race. According to a survey conducted by the IOC, only 55.5 percent of Tokyoites backed the city's Olympic bid. The figure was the lowest among the four cities, well below Madrid's 84.9 percent and 84.5 percent in Rio.
五輪開催に対する世論の支持率の低さも、マイナスポイントだった。ＩＯＣの調査では、東京での支持率は、４都市の中で最低の５５・５％にとどまり、マドリードの８４・９％、リオの８４・５％に比べ、大きく見劣りしていた。
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama gave a speech during Tokyo's final presentation in Copenhagen on Friday, underlining that the whole of Japan was working together toward hosting the 2016 Olympics.
The effort was not, however, enough to cover the bid's weak points.
鳩山首相が招致演説を行い、国を挙げて取り組んでいる姿勢を示したが、カバーしきれなかったということだろう。
===
Green plans must proceed
Tokyo also stressed it would use natural energy sources such as solar power to supply energy for the Games' stadiums and other facilities, and implement a large-scale greening project. These environmental measures must be included in future city planning.
東京は、競技施設への太陽光発電の導入など自然エネルギーの活用や、大規模な緑化計画も打ち出していた。こうした環境対策は、今後の都市計画に生かしていかなければならない。
Under the current severe global economic situation, sport in this nation is finding the going tough. There were high expectations that a 2016 Tokyo Olympics would greatly assist the nation's athletes by, for example, securing new sponsors.
厳しい経済状況の中、スポーツ界にも逆風が吹いている。それだけに、五輪の地元開催は、スポンサー確保などの呼び水になるという期待もあった。
The big goal--the Tokyo Olympics--is now lost, but it is important that the nation's sporting bodies ensure their athletes continue to perform at a high level.
「東京五輪」という大きな目標はなくなったが、スポーツ界は引き続き、競技レベルの維持、向上を図っていくことが大切だ。
Regarding a Tokyo bid for the 2020 Olympics, Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara said, "I would actively consider it only after carefully listening to the opinions of Tokyo residents and the public across the nation."
石原都知事は、２０年大会への再立候補について、「都民や国民の意見をよく聞き、積極的に考えていきたい」と語った。
If Tokyo is to try for the Olympics again, it will need to win greater public backing than it did for the 2016 bid and draw up a plan that can secure support from nations around the world.
再び招致を目指すのなら、今回以上に世論を盛り上げ、世界にアピールできるようなプランの練り直しも必要となるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 4, 2009)
（2009年10月4日01時03分 読売新聞）
Olympic torch dream extinguished
五輪東京落選 「南米で初」には勝てなかった（10月4日付・読売社説）
Our wish--to see the Olympic torch in Tokyo once again--did not come true.
「東京にもう一度、聖火を」という願いは、かなわなかった。
On Friday, the International Olympic Committee selected Rio de Janeiro as host of the 2016 Summer Olympics.
国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）は、２０１６年の夏季五輪の開催地に、ブラジルのリオデジャネイロを選出した。
Tokyo had sought to host its second Games--the first was held in 1964--but ultimately fell short.
１９６４年以来、２度目の開催を目指していた東京は落選した。
The result was disappointing, all the more so because many people had high hopes, wanting to feel excitement sweep across the country once again and see the Olympics revitalize the economy.
「日本中が沸いたあの感動を再び」「五輪を経済活性化の起爆剤に」といった期待が大きかっただけに、残念な結果である。
Rio, Madrid, Tokyo and Chicago were locked in a closely fought race to host the 2016 Games.
リオデジャネイロ、マドリード（スペイン）、東京、シカゴ（米国）による招致レースは、大接戦だった。
The tightness of the contest was evidenced by the fact that Chicago, for which U.S. President Barack Obama gave a speech, was eliminated in the first round of voting.
オバマ大統領が招致演説を行ったシカゴが、１回目の投票で脱落したことが、混戦ぶりを物語っている。
Tokyo was eliminated in the second round.
東京は、２回目の投票で最下位に沈み、落選となった。
Apparently, a direct cause of the defeat was that IOC members who backed Chicago in the first round of voting did not switch their votes to Tokyo in the second round.
シカゴの支持票が東京に回らなかったことが、直接の敗因といえよう。
===
Rio more persuasive
Tokyo's biggest selling point was its concept of a "compact Olympics," which would have seen all of the Games' athletic fields and stadiums concentrated within an 8-kilometer radius.
半径８キロ圏内に競技会場を集中させる「コンパクトな五輪」が、東京の最大のセールスポイントだった。
The city also stressed its good public security, well-developed infrastructure and stable financial foundation.
良好な治安や充実した都市機能、安定した財政基盤などもアピールしてきた。
However, it is undeniable that Tokyo appeared to lack persuasiveness compared with Rio, which was campaigning to host the first Olympics in South America.
だが、「南米で初の五輪開催」というリオの訴えに比べ、説得力を欠いた感は否めない。
A low public support rate for Tokyo's bid to host the Olympics also negatively impacted its showing in the race. According to a survey conducted by the IOC, only 55.5 percent of Tokyoites backed the city's Olympic bid. The figure was the lowest among the four cities, well below Madrid's 84.9 percent and 84.5 percent in Rio.
五輪開催に対する世論の支持率の低さも、マイナスポイントだった。ＩＯＣの調査では、東京での支持率は、４都市の中で最低の５５・５％にとどまり、マドリードの８４・９％、リオの８４・５％に比べ、大きく見劣りしていた。
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama gave a speech during Tokyo's final presentation in Copenhagen on Friday, underlining that the whole of Japan was working together toward hosting the 2016 Olympics.
The effort was not, however, enough to cover the bid's weak points.
鳩山首相が招致演説を行い、国を挙げて取り組んでいる姿勢を示したが、カバーしきれなかったということだろう。
===
Green plans must proceed
Tokyo also stressed it would use natural energy sources such as solar power to supply energy for the Games' stadiums and other facilities, and implement a large-scale greening project. These environmental measures must be included in future city planning.
東京は、競技施設への太陽光発電の導入など自然エネルギーの活用や、大規模な緑化計画も打ち出していた。こうした環境対策は、今後の都市計画に生かしていかなければならない。
Under the current severe global economic situation, sport in this nation is finding the going tough. There were high expectations that a 2016 Tokyo Olympics would greatly assist the nation's athletes by, for example, securing new sponsors.
厳しい経済状況の中、スポーツ界にも逆風が吹いている。それだけに、五輪の地元開催は、スポンサー確保などの呼び水になるという期待もあった。
The big goal--the Tokyo Olympics--is now lost, but it is important that the nation's sporting bodies ensure their athletes continue to perform at a high level.
「東京五輪」という大きな目標はなくなったが、スポーツ界は引き続き、競技レベルの維持、向上を図っていくことが大切だ。
Regarding a Tokyo bid for the 2020 Olympics, Tokyo Gov. Shintaro Ishihara said, "I would actively consider it only after carefully listening to the opinions of Tokyo residents and the public across the nation."
石原都知事は、２０年大会への再立候補について、「都民や国民の意見をよく聞き、積極的に考えていきたい」と語った。
If Tokyo is to try for the Olympics again, it will need to win greater public backing than it did for the 2016 bid and draw up a plan that can secure support from nations around the world.
再び招致を目指すのなら、今回以上に世論を盛り上げ、世界にアピールできるようなプランの練り直しも必要となるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 4, 2009)
（2009年10月4日01時03分 読売新聞）
PR
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Oct. 3, 2009)
Save Tomonoura beauty, boost local economy
「鞆の浦」判決 景観保護と地域振興の両立を（10月3日付・読売社説）
The Hiroshima District Court on Thursday handed down a ruling that acknowledged local residents' right to benefit from the beauty of a precious landscape.
貴重な景観の美しさを享受する「景観利益」の保護を前面に打ち出した司法判断である。
The court ordered Hiroshima Gov. Yuzan Fujita not to issue a license for a prefectural and municipal project to reclaim a scenic shore in the Tomonoura area of Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture.
広島県福山市の「鞆(とも)の浦」で、県と市が計画している埋め立て・架橋事業について、広島地裁が、埋め立て免許の交付差し止めを認める判決を言い渡した。
The magnificent landscape of Tomonoura inspired ancient poems featured in the Manyoshu, an anthology of classical poetry. It also was a key junction in the Seto Inland Sea that prospered as a port for ships waiting for the right tide to sail. Several buildings from the Edo period (1603-1867) have been preserved in the area.
万葉集にも詠まれた景勝地の鞆の浦は、「潮待ちの港」として栄えた瀬戸内の要衝だ。町並みには江戸時代の面影が残る。
The picturesque bay also is known as the place where renowned director Hayao Miyazaki stayed for two months to develop ideas for his 2008 animated film "Gake no Ue no Ponyo" (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea).
宮崎駿監督が映画「崖(がけ)の上のポニョ」の構想を練ったことでも知られる。
The court acknowledged that the Tomonoura area is an asset belonging to the Japanese people and has historical and cultural value. The court also pointed out that the daily benefits local residents receive from the scenery might be seriously damaged if the area is reclaimed.
判決は、鞆の浦について、「歴史的、文化的価値を有する国民の財産」との認識を示した。さらに埋め立てが行われれば、「住民が日常的に恩恵を受けている景観利益について、重大な損害が生じる恐れがある」と指摘した。
===
Local community split
We think it was appropriate that the court carefully weighed the importance of preserving the landscape against the need to reclaim land and build a bridge in the area before deciding in favor of the former. This is the first time that a court has ordered the suspension of a public works project before it had begun on the grounds that a landscape should be preserved.
景観利益の重要性と、埋め立てや架橋の必要性を天秤(てんびん)にかけ、景観利益の保護に軍配を上げた適切な判断といえよう。景観利益を理由に、公共事業が事前に差し止められるのは、初めてである。
The ruling likely will influence the development of tourist spots in the future.
観光地の開発のあり方に、一石を投じることになろう。
In 2006, the Supreme Court rejected a demand by residents living near a condominium in Kunitachi, Tokyo, that a real estate developer remove the upper floors of the building because they spoiled the local scenery. However, it also stated that local residents have the right to benefit from an attractive neighborhood and that this right should be protected. The top court's view apparently influenced the latest ruling.
景観利益については、東京都国立市の住民らが高層マンションの上層階撤去を求めた訴訟で、最高裁が２００６年、「法的保護に値する」との判断を示した。この考え方が、今回の判決に影響を及ぼしたのだろう。
Nevertheless, the fact remains that many streets in the Tomonoura area are too narrow for cars to pass and are often jammed with tourist vehicles. The community's population is decreasing and graying.
鞆の浦の街路は、車がすれ違えないほど狭い所が多く、観光客の車などで混雑が深刻だ。人口は減り、高齢化も進んでいる。
The reclamation project aimed to revitalize the local community by building a bypass bridge spanning Tomoko port to resolve the traffic problem and by reclaiming the local shore to build a ferry pier and a parking lot for tourists' vehicles.
県と市の開発計画は、港を横切る海上のバイパス橋で交通難を解消し、湾岸の埋め立て地に観光客用の駐車場やフェリーふ頭を整備し、地域の活性化を図ろうというものだ。
A group of residents filed this suit, but many other residents supported the project, which they felt would make their daily lives more convenient. A rift has reportedly emerged in the community between proponents and opponents of the project.
訴訟は、開発に反対する住民らが起こしたが、一方で、利便性の向上を望み、事業に賛成する住民も多い。住民の間には亀裂が生まれているという。
===
Time for Plan B
The Hiroshima governor applied to the central government in June last year for approval to issue a reclamation license. But then Construction and Transport Minster Kazuyoshi Kaneko demurred on the matter, saying the prefectural government should first secure the public's consent. The license had yet to be approved when there was a change in government in late August.
藤田雄山知事は昨年６月、国に埋め立て免許の認可を申請した。だが、金子前国土交通相は、「国民の合意が必要」と慎重姿勢を取り続け、認可されないまま政権が交代した。
New Transport and Construction Minister Seiji Maehara said he will decide what action to take after seeing how higher courts rule on the case.
前原国交相は、上級審の判断を見定めた上で対応する考えを示している。
There reportedly is an alternative plan to build a tunnel through the mountains in the area instead of building a bridge across the bay. Preserving a beautiful landscape while revitalizing a community at the same time is no easy task, but the prefectural and municipal governments may need to reconsider their development plan to achieve this goal.
山側にトンネルを通す代替案もあるという。景観を保全しながら、地域を振興させていく。難しい課題だが、これを実現するために、自治体は計画を再検討することも必要ではないだろうか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2009)
（2009年10月3日01時27分 読売新聞）
Save Tomonoura beauty, boost local economy
「鞆の浦」判決 景観保護と地域振興の両立を（10月3日付・読売社説）
The Hiroshima District Court on Thursday handed down a ruling that acknowledged local residents' right to benefit from the beauty of a precious landscape.
貴重な景観の美しさを享受する「景観利益」の保護を前面に打ち出した司法判断である。
The court ordered Hiroshima Gov. Yuzan Fujita not to issue a license for a prefectural and municipal project to reclaim a scenic shore in the Tomonoura area of Fukuyama, Hiroshima Prefecture.
広島県福山市の「鞆(とも)の浦」で、県と市が計画している埋め立て・架橋事業について、広島地裁が、埋め立て免許の交付差し止めを認める判決を言い渡した。
The magnificent landscape of Tomonoura inspired ancient poems featured in the Manyoshu, an anthology of classical poetry. It also was a key junction in the Seto Inland Sea that prospered as a port for ships waiting for the right tide to sail. Several buildings from the Edo period (1603-1867) have been preserved in the area.
万葉集にも詠まれた景勝地の鞆の浦は、「潮待ちの港」として栄えた瀬戸内の要衝だ。町並みには江戸時代の面影が残る。
The picturesque bay also is known as the place where renowned director Hayao Miyazaki stayed for two months to develop ideas for his 2008 animated film "Gake no Ue no Ponyo" (Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea).
宮崎駿監督が映画「崖(がけ)の上のポニョ」の構想を練ったことでも知られる。
The court acknowledged that the Tomonoura area is an asset belonging to the Japanese people and has historical and cultural value. The court also pointed out that the daily benefits local residents receive from the scenery might be seriously damaged if the area is reclaimed.
判決は、鞆の浦について、「歴史的、文化的価値を有する国民の財産」との認識を示した。さらに埋め立てが行われれば、「住民が日常的に恩恵を受けている景観利益について、重大な損害が生じる恐れがある」と指摘した。
===
Local community split
We think it was appropriate that the court carefully weighed the importance of preserving the landscape against the need to reclaim land and build a bridge in the area before deciding in favor of the former. This is the first time that a court has ordered the suspension of a public works project before it had begun on the grounds that a landscape should be preserved.
景観利益の重要性と、埋め立てや架橋の必要性を天秤(てんびん)にかけ、景観利益の保護に軍配を上げた適切な判断といえよう。景観利益を理由に、公共事業が事前に差し止められるのは、初めてである。
The ruling likely will influence the development of tourist spots in the future.
観光地の開発のあり方に、一石を投じることになろう。
In 2006, the Supreme Court rejected a demand by residents living near a condominium in Kunitachi, Tokyo, that a real estate developer remove the upper floors of the building because they spoiled the local scenery. However, it also stated that local residents have the right to benefit from an attractive neighborhood and that this right should be protected. The top court's view apparently influenced the latest ruling.
景観利益については、東京都国立市の住民らが高層マンションの上層階撤去を求めた訴訟で、最高裁が２００６年、「法的保護に値する」との判断を示した。この考え方が、今回の判決に影響を及ぼしたのだろう。
Nevertheless, the fact remains that many streets in the Tomonoura area are too narrow for cars to pass and are often jammed with tourist vehicles. The community's population is decreasing and graying.
鞆の浦の街路は、車がすれ違えないほど狭い所が多く、観光客の車などで混雑が深刻だ。人口は減り、高齢化も進んでいる。
The reclamation project aimed to revitalize the local community by building a bypass bridge spanning Tomoko port to resolve the traffic problem and by reclaiming the local shore to build a ferry pier and a parking lot for tourists' vehicles.
県と市の開発計画は、港を横切る海上のバイパス橋で交通難を解消し、湾岸の埋め立て地に観光客用の駐車場やフェリーふ頭を整備し、地域の活性化を図ろうというものだ。
A group of residents filed this suit, but many other residents supported the project, which they felt would make their daily lives more convenient. A rift has reportedly emerged in the community between proponents and opponents of the project.
訴訟は、開発に反対する住民らが起こしたが、一方で、利便性の向上を望み、事業に賛成する住民も多い。住民の間には亀裂が生まれているという。
===
Time for Plan B
The Hiroshima governor applied to the central government in June last year for approval to issue a reclamation license. But then Construction and Transport Minster Kazuyoshi Kaneko demurred on the matter, saying the prefectural government should first secure the public's consent. The license had yet to be approved when there was a change in government in late August.
藤田雄山知事は昨年６月、国に埋め立て免許の認可を申請した。だが、金子前国土交通相は、「国民の合意が必要」と慎重姿勢を取り続け、認可されないまま政権が交代した。
New Transport and Construction Minister Seiji Maehara said he will decide what action to take after seeing how higher courts rule on the case.
前原国交相は、上級審の判断を見定めた上で対応する考えを示している。
There reportedly is an alternative plan to build a tunnel through the mountains in the area instead of building a bridge across the bay. Preserving a beautiful landscape while revitalizing a community at the same time is no easy task, but the prefectural and municipal governments may need to reconsider their development plan to achieve this goal.
山側にトンネルを通す代替案もあるという。景観を保全しながら、地域を振興させていく。難しい課題だが、これを実現するために、自治体は計画を再検討することも必要ではないだろうか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2009)
（2009年10月3日01時27分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Oct. 2, 2009)
Electoral reform needed to end vote disparity
参院１票の格差 選挙制度の抜本的見直しを（10月2日付・読売社説）
The Supreme Court has sent a strong message to the Diet that vote value disparity cannot be fixed only through cosmetic measures.
小手先の是正だけでは「１票の格差」は解消できない――。最高裁の国会に対する強いメッセージといえよう。
The court's Grand Bench on Wednesday said the disparity in the weight of votes or the number of eligible voters per House of Councillors seat could not be significantly narrowed only by changing the number of seats for certain constituencies.
参院議員１人当たりの有権者数に大きな格差がある。最高裁大法廷はその１票の格差について、「各選挙区の定数を振り替えるだけでは、大幅な縮小は困難」との見解を示した。
The court then went one step further and called for drastic steps to be taken to correct this gap, saying, "The current electoral system itself needs to be reformed."
その上で、格差是正を図るには、「現行の選挙制度の仕組み自体の見直しが必要になる」と、制度の抜本改革を求めた。
The top court has previously urged the Diet to fix the disparity in the value of votes cast in upper house elections. But the court appears to have run out of patience as little progress has been made in remedying this disparity, and moved to put strong pressure on the Diet to act.
参院の１票の格差を巡り、最高裁はこれまでも国会に是正を求めてきた。だが、遅々として進まぬ現状にしびれを切らし、厳しく注文したということだろう。
We hope lawmakers will take the court's advice to heart and hold further discussions on this matter.
国会はこれを真摯(しんし)に受け止め、抜本改革に向けた議論を進めていかなければならない。
===
Weight problems
The latest court case was fought over the constitutionality of the allocation of seats in the 2007 upper house election. The largest disparity in the election was between the Kanagawa and Tottori prefectural constituencies, with the former having 4.86 times more voters than the latter.
今回の訴訟では、２００７年の参院選の定数配分が憲法に違反するかどうかが争われた。この時、１票の格差が最大だったのは、神奈川県と鳥取県選挙区の間の４・８６倍だった。
The top court ruled this imbalance was not serious enough to violate the Constitution, which guarantees equality among the people. Indeed, four upper house seats were taken from less-populous constituencies and given to constituencies with more voters in 2006 in a bid to alleviate the imbalance. However, the court said "significant inequality" still existed between the weight of votes cast in some constituencies.
最高裁は判決の中で、０６年に参院で「４増４減」の是正措置がとられたことなどを考慮し、憲法に違反するほどではないとしたものの、「大きな不平等が存する」と判断した。
The upper house election process currently consists of a prefecturewide constituency segment and a nationwide proportional representation segment. Half of the upper house seats are contested every three years. At least two seats are allocated to each constituency, with the prefecturewide segment electing representatives of each prefecture.
現行の参院の選挙制度は、都道府県単位の選挙区選と全国単位の比例選からなっており、３年ごとに半数が改選される仕組みだ。選挙区選は、都道府県代表の色合いが強く、各選挙区の定数は、最低でも２が配分されている。
This system, in fact, has been a barrier to reducing the vote value disparity. But if this framework were changed, new problems would emerge instead.
これが格差是正の障害になっている。だが、この枠組みを崩すと、新たな問題が生じる。
===
System hampers progress
For example, when the "plus-four, minus-four formula" was being discussed, the Democratic Party of Japan argued for integrating the Tottori prefectural constituency, which had the fewest number of voters, and the neighboring Shimane prefectural constituency into a single constituency. This would have reduced the largest vote disparity to less than 4:1.
例えば、民主党は「４増４減」が議論された当時、格差を４倍以内にするため、有権者数が最も少ない鳥取県と、隣の島根県の「合区」案を主張した。
If this measure had actually been implemented, however, voters in these two prefectures would be quite justified in feeling aggrieved since each prefecture would be stripped of its own elected representative.
仮に実施していれば、両県民から「県の代表がいなくなるのは不公平」との反発が出ただろう。
As the ruling showed, as long as the current framework is maintained, there are limits to how much the vote value disparity can be rectified.
判決が示したように、現行制度の枠組みを維持する限り、１票の格差是正には、おのずと限界があるのは明らかだ。
The DPJ has pledged to overhaul the electoral system of the upper house by around 2013.
民主党は、１３年をめどに参院の選挙制度の「抜本的改革」を行うと公約している。
The electoral systems of the House of Representatives and the upper house both are comprised of constituency and proportional representation segments. The similarity in their setups has been the target of strong criticism. Some observers argue that upper house elections should be held only under the proportional representation system.
衆参両院の選挙制度は、選挙区選と比例選の２本立てで、ともに似通ったものになっている。これには根強い批判があり、参院は比例選に一本化すべきといった意見もある。
We want to see thorough discussions for drastic reform of the electoral system--including on the bicameral system itself.
二院制のあり方を含めて、選挙制度の抜本改革論議が必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 2, 2009)
（2009年10月2日00時56分 読売新聞）
Electoral reform needed to end vote disparity
参院１票の格差 選挙制度の抜本的見直しを（10月2日付・読売社説）
The Supreme Court has sent a strong message to the Diet that vote value disparity cannot be fixed only through cosmetic measures.
小手先の是正だけでは「１票の格差」は解消できない――。最高裁の国会に対する強いメッセージといえよう。
The court's Grand Bench on Wednesday said the disparity in the weight of votes or the number of eligible voters per House of Councillors seat could not be significantly narrowed only by changing the number of seats for certain constituencies.
参院議員１人当たりの有権者数に大きな格差がある。最高裁大法廷はその１票の格差について、「各選挙区の定数を振り替えるだけでは、大幅な縮小は困難」との見解を示した。
The court then went one step further and called for drastic steps to be taken to correct this gap, saying, "The current electoral system itself needs to be reformed."
その上で、格差是正を図るには、「現行の選挙制度の仕組み自体の見直しが必要になる」と、制度の抜本改革を求めた。
The top court has previously urged the Diet to fix the disparity in the value of votes cast in upper house elections. But the court appears to have run out of patience as little progress has been made in remedying this disparity, and moved to put strong pressure on the Diet to act.
参院の１票の格差を巡り、最高裁はこれまでも国会に是正を求めてきた。だが、遅々として進まぬ現状にしびれを切らし、厳しく注文したということだろう。
We hope lawmakers will take the court's advice to heart and hold further discussions on this matter.
国会はこれを真摯(しんし)に受け止め、抜本改革に向けた議論を進めていかなければならない。
===
Weight problems
The latest court case was fought over the constitutionality of the allocation of seats in the 2007 upper house election. The largest disparity in the election was between the Kanagawa and Tottori prefectural constituencies, with the former having 4.86 times more voters than the latter.
今回の訴訟では、２００７年の参院選の定数配分が憲法に違反するかどうかが争われた。この時、１票の格差が最大だったのは、神奈川県と鳥取県選挙区の間の４・８６倍だった。
The top court ruled this imbalance was not serious enough to violate the Constitution, which guarantees equality among the people. Indeed, four upper house seats were taken from less-populous constituencies and given to constituencies with more voters in 2006 in a bid to alleviate the imbalance. However, the court said "significant inequality" still existed between the weight of votes cast in some constituencies.
最高裁は判決の中で、０６年に参院で「４増４減」の是正措置がとられたことなどを考慮し、憲法に違反するほどではないとしたものの、「大きな不平等が存する」と判断した。
The upper house election process currently consists of a prefecturewide constituency segment and a nationwide proportional representation segment. Half of the upper house seats are contested every three years. At least two seats are allocated to each constituency, with the prefecturewide segment electing representatives of each prefecture.
現行の参院の選挙制度は、都道府県単位の選挙区選と全国単位の比例選からなっており、３年ごとに半数が改選される仕組みだ。選挙区選は、都道府県代表の色合いが強く、各選挙区の定数は、最低でも２が配分されている。
This system, in fact, has been a barrier to reducing the vote value disparity. But if this framework were changed, new problems would emerge instead.
これが格差是正の障害になっている。だが、この枠組みを崩すと、新たな問題が生じる。
===
System hampers progress
For example, when the "plus-four, minus-four formula" was being discussed, the Democratic Party of Japan argued for integrating the Tottori prefectural constituency, which had the fewest number of voters, and the neighboring Shimane prefectural constituency into a single constituency. This would have reduced the largest vote disparity to less than 4:1.
例えば、民主党は「４増４減」が議論された当時、格差を４倍以内にするため、有権者数が最も少ない鳥取県と、隣の島根県の「合区」案を主張した。
If this measure had actually been implemented, however, voters in these two prefectures would be quite justified in feeling aggrieved since each prefecture would be stripped of its own elected representative.
仮に実施していれば、両県民から「県の代表がいなくなるのは不公平」との反発が出ただろう。
As the ruling showed, as long as the current framework is maintained, there are limits to how much the vote value disparity can be rectified.
判決が示したように、現行制度の枠組みを維持する限り、１票の格差是正には、おのずと限界があるのは明らかだ。
The DPJ has pledged to overhaul the electoral system of the upper house by around 2013.
民主党は、１３年をめどに参院の選挙制度の「抜本的改革」を行うと公約している。
The electoral systems of the House of Representatives and the upper house both are comprised of constituency and proportional representation segments. The similarity in their setups has been the target of strong criticism. Some observers argue that upper house elections should be held only under the proportional representation system.
衆参両院の選挙制度は、選挙区選と比例選の２本立てで、ともに似通ったものになっている。これには根強い批判があり、参院は比例選に一本化すべきといった意見もある。
We want to see thorough discussions for drastic reform of the electoral system--including on the bicameral system itself.
二院制のあり方を含めて、選挙制度の抜本改革論議が必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 2, 2009)
（2009年10月2日00時56分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Oct. 1, 2009)
Give more thought to mixed treatment issue
混合診療 適用拡大の流れを変えるな（10月1日付・読売社説）
The nation's courts have adopted different stances on the government's ban on mixing medical treatments that are covered by health insurance with treatments that are not.
In 2006, a male cancer patient filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court, claiming the government was in the wrong to deny him the right to receive two types of treatment--one covered by his health insurance and the other paid for out of his own pocket.
Though the district court ruled in favor of the patient, the Tokyo High Court on Tuesday reversed the lower court's decision, saying the ban on mixed treatment was valid.
保険医療の在り方をめぐって司法判断が揺れている。
がん患者の男性が国を相手取り、「混合診療」を禁じている現状は不当だと訴えた裁判で、東京高裁は、男性の主張を認めた１審・東京地裁判決を取り消し、混合診療禁止は妥当との判断を示した。
混合診療とは、公的保険で認められた投薬や治療とともに、まだ保険が適用されていない治療法を併用することだ。
Under the current health insurance system, patients are only supposed to pay 30 percent of medical fees when their treatment is covered by health insurance. However, in the case of mixed treatments, people are expected to stump up the full amount for all the medicines and therapies they receive.
現行制度では、保険診療の範囲内なら患者の負担は原則３割で済むが、混合診療を行うと医療費全額が自己負担になってしまう。
===
Ability to pay
The man who filed the lawsuit wants to receive interferon treatment, which is covered by health insurance, and another form of treatment, which is not. However, if he decides to go ahead with both courses of treatment, he must pay 100 percent of all costs, including the full fees associated with the interferon treatment. The man's lawsuit was based on the premise that the government line is unfair, as it reduces his medical options.
提訴した男性は保険がきくインターフェロン療法に加え、保険外の新療法を希望した。併用するとインターフェロンまで全額自己負担になり、結果的に医療の選択肢が狭められるため、現行制度は不当だと訴えた。
Many people likely sympathize with the man's predicament.
共感する人は多いだろう。
However, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has certain reasons for prohibiting mixed treatments.
ただ、厚生労働省が禁止措置をとってきたことには、それなりの理由がある。
If such a practice was allowed, medication and therapies that have not been proven safe or effective might become widespread. Furthermore, it is possible that patients could be saddled with heavier financial burdens if unscrupulous doctors were to casually conduct expensive medical tests or administer costly medicines that are not covered by the health insurance scheme.
混合診療を認めると、効果や安全性が疑わしい医療が横行しかねない。不心得者の医師が、保険外の高価な検査や投薬を安易に行えば、患者の負担増を招く。
If self-funded treatments become mainstream and treatment covered by health insurance becomes marginalized, the quality of medical care that patients can receive might hinge on the amount of money they are able to pay.
自由診療が主で保険診療が従になってしまうと、患者の経済力によって受ける医療の質に差が生じかねないとの議論もある。
Many people oppose the full deregulation of mixed treatments.
混合診療を全面的に自由化することには反対論も多い。
However, we believe that exceptions should be made in cases involving certain serious diseases, such as cancer. More than a few patients pin their hopes on new drugs or therapies after treatments covered by health insurance have proved ineffective.
だが、がんのように深刻な病気は、保険が認められた医療を尽くしても効果がなく、適用外の新しい薬や治療法に望みを託す場合が少なくない。
===
More exceptions
Responding to calls for deregulation, the health ministry has been working on a system to allow for more exceptions.
解禁を望む声に対して、厚労省も混合診療を例外的に認める制度を拡大してきた。
For example, under the current system, a patient could combine health insurance treatments and new therapies if the patient's medical institution successfully applies to the health ministry to use the new therapy as an advanced treatment.
例えば、今でも新たな治療法を医療機関が届け出て「先進療法」に認められれば保険診療と併用できる。
The ministry has already developed a system that speeds up decisions on whether to approve the use of unapproved drugs in certain cases of mixed treatment.
未承認薬も以前より早く、混合診療の適用を検討する仕組みができてはいる。
However, we are still not fully satisfied with all facets of the system, including the speed of the approval process. The system should be further improved to allow new drugs to be approved for mixed treatments more quickly in necessary cases, and pave the way for adoption under the insurance scheme.
それでも審査のスピードが遅いなどの不満は残る。混合診療を、必要な場合には迅速に認める仕組みをさらに整備し、保険適用につなげていくべきだ。
The lawsuit will now go to the Supreme Court. Regardless of the top court's ruling, however, the ministry should improve the system so it can better meet the needs of patients.
今回の訴訟は最高裁に持ち込まれる見通しだ。だが裁判の行方にかかわらず、患者の要望に十分応え切れていない所は改善を進めていく必要があろう。
In the face of demand for full deregulation, the ministry has been approving mixed treatment in an increasing number of cases. The high court ruling should not be used as an excuse to stop this trend.
混合診療の適用拡大は、全面解禁論に背を押される形で進んできた。その流れを、高裁判決を口実に止めてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2009)
（2009年10月1日01時04分 読売新聞）
Give more thought to mixed treatment issue
混合診療 適用拡大の流れを変えるな（10月1日付・読売社説）
The nation's courts have adopted different stances on the government's ban on mixing medical treatments that are covered by health insurance with treatments that are not.
In 2006, a male cancer patient filed a lawsuit with the Tokyo District Court, claiming the government was in the wrong to deny him the right to receive two types of treatment--one covered by his health insurance and the other paid for out of his own pocket.
Though the district court ruled in favor of the patient, the Tokyo High Court on Tuesday reversed the lower court's decision, saying the ban on mixed treatment was valid.
保険医療の在り方をめぐって司法判断が揺れている。
がん患者の男性が国を相手取り、「混合診療」を禁じている現状は不当だと訴えた裁判で、東京高裁は、男性の主張を認めた１審・東京地裁判決を取り消し、混合診療禁止は妥当との判断を示した。
混合診療とは、公的保険で認められた投薬や治療とともに、まだ保険が適用されていない治療法を併用することだ。
Under the current health insurance system, patients are only supposed to pay 30 percent of medical fees when their treatment is covered by health insurance. However, in the case of mixed treatments, people are expected to stump up the full amount for all the medicines and therapies they receive.
現行制度では、保険診療の範囲内なら患者の負担は原則３割で済むが、混合診療を行うと医療費全額が自己負担になってしまう。
===
Ability to pay
The man who filed the lawsuit wants to receive interferon treatment, which is covered by health insurance, and another form of treatment, which is not. However, if he decides to go ahead with both courses of treatment, he must pay 100 percent of all costs, including the full fees associated with the interferon treatment. The man's lawsuit was based on the premise that the government line is unfair, as it reduces his medical options.
提訴した男性は保険がきくインターフェロン療法に加え、保険外の新療法を希望した。併用するとインターフェロンまで全額自己負担になり、結果的に医療の選択肢が狭められるため、現行制度は不当だと訴えた。
Many people likely sympathize with the man's predicament.
共感する人は多いだろう。
However, the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has certain reasons for prohibiting mixed treatments.
ただ、厚生労働省が禁止措置をとってきたことには、それなりの理由がある。
If such a practice was allowed, medication and therapies that have not been proven safe or effective might become widespread. Furthermore, it is possible that patients could be saddled with heavier financial burdens if unscrupulous doctors were to casually conduct expensive medical tests or administer costly medicines that are not covered by the health insurance scheme.
混合診療を認めると、効果や安全性が疑わしい医療が横行しかねない。不心得者の医師が、保険外の高価な検査や投薬を安易に行えば、患者の負担増を招く。
If self-funded treatments become mainstream and treatment covered by health insurance becomes marginalized, the quality of medical care that patients can receive might hinge on the amount of money they are able to pay.
自由診療が主で保険診療が従になってしまうと、患者の経済力によって受ける医療の質に差が生じかねないとの議論もある。
Many people oppose the full deregulation of mixed treatments.
混合診療を全面的に自由化することには反対論も多い。
However, we believe that exceptions should be made in cases involving certain serious diseases, such as cancer. More than a few patients pin their hopes on new drugs or therapies after treatments covered by health insurance have proved ineffective.
だが、がんのように深刻な病気は、保険が認められた医療を尽くしても効果がなく、適用外の新しい薬や治療法に望みを託す場合が少なくない。
===
More exceptions
Responding to calls for deregulation, the health ministry has been working on a system to allow for more exceptions.
解禁を望む声に対して、厚労省も混合診療を例外的に認める制度を拡大してきた。
For example, under the current system, a patient could combine health insurance treatments and new therapies if the patient's medical institution successfully applies to the health ministry to use the new therapy as an advanced treatment.
例えば、今でも新たな治療法を医療機関が届け出て「先進療法」に認められれば保険診療と併用できる。
The ministry has already developed a system that speeds up decisions on whether to approve the use of unapproved drugs in certain cases of mixed treatment.
未承認薬も以前より早く、混合診療の適用を検討する仕組みができてはいる。
However, we are still not fully satisfied with all facets of the system, including the speed of the approval process. The system should be further improved to allow new drugs to be approved for mixed treatments more quickly in necessary cases, and pave the way for adoption under the insurance scheme.
それでも審査のスピードが遅いなどの不満は残る。混合診療を、必要な場合には迅速に認める仕組みをさらに整備し、保険適用につなげていくべきだ。
The lawsuit will now go to the Supreme Court. Regardless of the top court's ruling, however, the ministry should improve the system so it can better meet the needs of patients.
今回の訴訟は最高裁に持ち込まれる見通しだ。だが裁判の行方にかかわらず、患者の要望に十分応え切れていない所は改善を進めていく必要があろう。
In the face of demand for full deregulation, the ministry has been approving mixed treatment in an increasing number of cases. The high court ruling should not be used as an excuse to stop this trend.
混合診療の適用拡大は、全面解禁論に背を押される形で進んできた。その流れを、高裁判決を口実に止めてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 1, 2009)
（2009年10月1日01時04分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 30, 2009)
Economic cooperation path to community
東アジア共同体 経済連携の強化で環境整備を（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even talk of an "East Asian community" may be getting too far ahead of the reality of the situation.
「東アジア共同体」という言葉だけが先走ってはいないか。
It is important first to improve the environment for its creation and proceed with the substantiation of the concept through steady efforts to strengthen economic partnerships in the region.
地道な経済連携の強化を通じて、その環境を整え、具体化を進めていくことが重要だろう。
The foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea, at their meeting in Shanghai on Monday, agreed to strengthen their cooperation to create an East Asian community.
上海で行われた日中韓外相会談は、東アジア共同体の実現に向けて、３か国が協力を強化することで一致した。
Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada stressed the necessity of promoting regional economic partnerships and building cooperation in individual sectors, such as energy and environmental efforts, under the principle of "open regionalism." Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who puts an East Asian community at the center of his diplomatic strategies based on the spirit of yu-ai or "fraternity," expressed the same view in a speech at the United Nations during his visit to the United States last week.
岡田外相は、「開かれた地域主義」の原則の下、域内の経済連携やエネルギー、環境など個別の協力を積み重ねる考えを強調した。共同体構想を「友愛外交」の柱に据える鳩山首相も、訪米時の国連演説で同様の見解を表明した。
"Open regionalism" is based on a concept of regional cooperation that does not exclude specific countries, including the United States. It has been a policy of the Japanese government since former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi touted the creation of an East Asian community in 2002. The Hatoyama administration seems to be following in Koizumi's footsteps.
「開かれた地域主義」は、米国など特定の国を排除した地域協力にはしない、というものだ。小泉政権が２００２年に共同体構想の推進を掲げて以来の日本政府の方針であり、鳩山政権も、これを踏襲するということだろう。
===
Motives questioned
Nevertheless, there still are some in the United States who wonder about Hatoyama's real intention. There is little doubt that such questions are linked to Hatoyama's recent op-ed piece in a U.S. newspaper that criticized U.S.-led globalization and touched on the issue of creating a common Asian currency.
にもかかわらず、米国には依然、首相の真意を測りかね、疑問を呈する声がある。米紙に掲載された首相の論文で、米国主導のグローバリズムへの批判やアジア共通通貨の発行に踏み込んだことが、その背景にあるのは間違いない。
It would be self-defeating for Japan to take on an active leadership role in promoting the concept of an East Asian community if it negatively influences the Japan-U.S. alliance. Hatoyama and Okada should assuage U.S. worries by sufficiently explaining the intent of the effort.
日本が積極的に共同体構想の旗振り役を務める結果、日米同盟関係に悪影響を及ぼしては、本末転倒だ。首相と外相は、今後も米側の不安を払拭(ふっしょく)するための説明努力を尽くすべきである。
Discussing the idea of an East Asian community at a summit meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in New York last week, Hatoyama cited the example of energy cooperation between Germany and France leading to a wave of integration in Europe.
首相は先の日中首脳会談で、東アジア共同体について、ドイツとフランスのエネルギー協力が欧州統合の流れにつながったことを引き合いに出した。
However, it is unreasonable to model an East Asian community after the European Union. East Asia is composed of various types of countries whose political frameworks differ from each other. Due to the threat of North Korean nuclear missile attacks and China's mounting military build-up, the security environment in East Asia is not as stable as that of Europe in the post-Cold War era.
だが、欧州連合（ＥＵ）をモデルにするのは無理がある。東アジアは、政治体制の異なる多様な国からなる。北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威や中国の軍事的台頭などがあり、冷戦終結後の欧州のような安全保障環境は整っていない。
===
First step
To eventually create an East Asian community, it is appropriate to begin by strengthening regional economic cooperation.
やはり、域内の経済連携を強化するアプローチが妥当だろう。
But among Japan, China and South Korea, discussion of free trade agreements and investment treaties have not made progress. South Korea has maintained a cautious stance on an FTA out of concern it might increase its trade deficit with Japan, while China also is hesitant about signing an investment treaty for fear of being forced to liberalize its investment regulations.
ただ、日中韓をみても、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）や、その前提となる投資協定の話し合いは進んでいない。前者は対日貿易赤字の増大を懸念する韓国が、後者は投資自由化に消極的な中国が、慎重姿勢を崩していないためだ。
Japan's FTA negotiations with India and Australia also have stagnated. South Korea and India, which, along with China, has shown significant economic growth, signed an FTA in August. Japan's delayed start cannot be denied.
インドや豪州とのＦＴＡ交渉も停滞している。特に、中国と並んで発展著しいインドとは、韓国が先月、協定署名にこぎつけ、日本の出遅れは否めない。
In October, a summit meeting among the leaders of Japan, China and South Korea and an East Asia Summit meeting are planned. Hatoyama and Okada should deepen discussions on strengthening economic cooperation in the region in a concrete manner.
来月には日中韓首脳会談や東アジア首脳会議が予定されている。首相と外相は、具体的な経済連携の協議を深めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2009)
（2009年9月30日01時08分 読売新聞）
Economic cooperation path to community
東アジア共同体 経済連携の強化で環境整備を（9月30日付・読売社説）
Even talk of an "East Asian community" may be getting too far ahead of the reality of the situation.
「東アジア共同体」という言葉だけが先走ってはいないか。
It is important first to improve the environment for its creation and proceed with the substantiation of the concept through steady efforts to strengthen economic partnerships in the region.
地道な経済連携の強化を通じて、その環境を整え、具体化を進めていくことが重要だろう。
The foreign ministers of Japan, China and South Korea, at their meeting in Shanghai on Monday, agreed to strengthen their cooperation to create an East Asian community.
上海で行われた日中韓外相会談は、東アジア共同体の実現に向けて、３か国が協力を強化することで一致した。
Japanese Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada stressed the necessity of promoting regional economic partnerships and building cooperation in individual sectors, such as energy and environmental efforts, under the principle of "open regionalism." Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama, who puts an East Asian community at the center of his diplomatic strategies based on the spirit of yu-ai or "fraternity," expressed the same view in a speech at the United Nations during his visit to the United States last week.
岡田外相は、「開かれた地域主義」の原則の下、域内の経済連携やエネルギー、環境など個別の協力を積み重ねる考えを強調した。共同体構想を「友愛外交」の柱に据える鳩山首相も、訪米時の国連演説で同様の見解を表明した。
"Open regionalism" is based on a concept of regional cooperation that does not exclude specific countries, including the United States. It has been a policy of the Japanese government since former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi touted the creation of an East Asian community in 2002. The Hatoyama administration seems to be following in Koizumi's footsteps.
「開かれた地域主義」は、米国など特定の国を排除した地域協力にはしない、というものだ。小泉政権が２００２年に共同体構想の推進を掲げて以来の日本政府の方針であり、鳩山政権も、これを踏襲するということだろう。
===
Motives questioned
Nevertheless, there still are some in the United States who wonder about Hatoyama's real intention. There is little doubt that such questions are linked to Hatoyama's recent op-ed piece in a U.S. newspaper that criticized U.S.-led globalization and touched on the issue of creating a common Asian currency.
にもかかわらず、米国には依然、首相の真意を測りかね、疑問を呈する声がある。米紙に掲載された首相の論文で、米国主導のグローバリズムへの批判やアジア共通通貨の発行に踏み込んだことが、その背景にあるのは間違いない。
It would be self-defeating for Japan to take on an active leadership role in promoting the concept of an East Asian community if it negatively influences the Japan-U.S. alliance. Hatoyama and Okada should assuage U.S. worries by sufficiently explaining the intent of the effort.
日本が積極的に共同体構想の旗振り役を務める結果、日米同盟関係に悪影響を及ぼしては、本末転倒だ。首相と外相は、今後も米側の不安を払拭(ふっしょく)するための説明努力を尽くすべきである。
Discussing the idea of an East Asian community at a summit meeting with Chinese President Hu Jintao in New York last week, Hatoyama cited the example of energy cooperation between Germany and France leading to a wave of integration in Europe.
首相は先の日中首脳会談で、東アジア共同体について、ドイツとフランスのエネルギー協力が欧州統合の流れにつながったことを引き合いに出した。
However, it is unreasonable to model an East Asian community after the European Union. East Asia is composed of various types of countries whose political frameworks differ from each other. Due to the threat of North Korean nuclear missile attacks and China's mounting military build-up, the security environment in East Asia is not as stable as that of Europe in the post-Cold War era.
だが、欧州連合（ＥＵ）をモデルにするのは無理がある。東アジアは、政治体制の異なる多様な国からなる。北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威や中国の軍事的台頭などがあり、冷戦終結後の欧州のような安全保障環境は整っていない。
===
First step
To eventually create an East Asian community, it is appropriate to begin by strengthening regional economic cooperation.
やはり、域内の経済連携を強化するアプローチが妥当だろう。
But among Japan, China and South Korea, discussion of free trade agreements and investment treaties have not made progress. South Korea has maintained a cautious stance on an FTA out of concern it might increase its trade deficit with Japan, while China also is hesitant about signing an investment treaty for fear of being forced to liberalize its investment regulations.
ただ、日中韓をみても、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）や、その前提となる投資協定の話し合いは進んでいない。前者は対日貿易赤字の増大を懸念する韓国が、後者は投資自由化に消極的な中国が、慎重姿勢を崩していないためだ。
Japan's FTA negotiations with India and Australia also have stagnated. South Korea and India, which, along with China, has shown significant economic growth, signed an FTA in August. Japan's delayed start cannot be denied.
インドや豪州とのＦＴＡ交渉も停滞している。特に、中国と並んで発展著しいインドとは、韓国が先月、協定署名にこぎつけ、日本の出遅れは否めない。
In October, a summit meeting among the leaders of Japan, China and South Korea and an East Asia Summit meeting are planned. Hatoyama and Okada should deepen discussions on strengthening economic cooperation in the region in a concrete manner.
来月には日中韓首脳会談や東アジア首脳会議が予定されている。首相と外相は、具体的な経済連携の協議を深めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 30, 2009)
（2009年9月30日01時08分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 29, 2009)
Tanigaki must initiate LDP's transformation
谷垣自民党総裁 解党的出直しの先頭に立て（9月29日付・読売社説）
Former Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki has been picked as the new president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party.
野党・自民党の新総裁に、谷垣禎一・元財務相が就任した。
The new LDP leader's eventual goal is to regain control of the government. To do so, the LDP must first carry out root-and-branch reform of the party so it can start from the beginning again.
新総裁の最終的な目標は、政権奪還にある。
そのためには、まず、党の解党的な出直しが避けられない。
At the same time, the LDP should adopt a cooperative stance by working with the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on important policies concerning matters of national interest and make efforts to realize them, not merely criticize the DPJ-led administration from the standpoint of an opposition party.
同時に、野党として政権を批判するだけでなく、国益に絡む重要政策については、民主党と協議した上で実現するという柔軟な姿勢が求められよう。
Voting and vote-counting for the LDP presidential election were held Monday. Veteran lawmaker Tanigaki beat his two younger contenders--former Senior Vice Justice Minister Taro Kono and former Parliamentary Vice Foreign Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura.
自民党総裁選が投開票され、ベテランの谷垣氏が、河野太郎・元法務副大臣と西村康稔・前外務政務官の中堅若手候補を下した。
Tanigaki faces a heavy responsibility in bringing about the rebirth of the LDP after its crushing defeat in the recent House of Representatives election.
谷垣氏は、先の衆院選惨敗後の自民党の再生に向けて、重い責任を負ったといえる。
Tanigaki's victory likely came as a result of the fact that both LDP Diet lawmakers and rank-and-file party members highly evaluate his experience in important cabinet and party posts, the sense of stability he projects and his mild-mannered personality.
谷垣氏の勝利は、内閣や党の要職を歴任した経験と安定感、温厚な人柄が、議員、党員の双方から評価された結果とみられる。
Tanigaki asserted that the LDP should take a whole-party approach that he described as "a baseball team determined to win by employing all the players' strengths in a unified manner." Kono dismissed Tanigaki's analogy, severely criticizing the party's factional politics, but his harsh approach--demanding the expulsion of faction leaders--won little understanding.
河野氏は、谷垣氏が主張した挙党一致の「全員野球」を否定し、派閥政治を手厳しく批判した。だが、派閥領袖の退場を求めるなど性急な「排除」の論理は、多くの理解を得られなかった。
===
LDP should take fight to DPJ
The Diet is the main battlefield of an opposition party.
野党の主戦場は国会にある。
Tanigaki has stressed that the LDP must ensure the ruling parties fulfill their responsibilities, and that it must come up with well-conceived policies and not lose heart. At the same time, he said the LDP will have no future if it merely finds fault with the ruling parties.
谷垣氏は、「錬磨した政策で与党を厳しく追及する。気迫を失ってはいけない」と強調してきた。同時に「あら探しで終わるようではだめだ」とも言っている。
Tanigaki is right. The LDP should trade verbal blows toe-to-toe with the ruling parties on tax and financial issues, including on the issues of a hike in the consumption tax and national security. The party should also highlight contradictions in the DPJ's policies and present responsible counterproposals.
その通りだろう。消費税率引き上げなど税財政や安全保障で正面から論戦を挑む。民主党の政策の矛盾点をあぶり出す一方、責任ある対案をあわせて提示する。
If LDP lawmakers, young and old alike, question ruling party members in Diet deliberations from such a point of view, the party will recover its vitality. Tanigaki himself should take the lead in setting a good example in Diet deliberations, including party leader debates with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
そんな観点から「老壮青」の自民党議員が質問に立つことは、党の活力を引き出すことにつながるのではないか。谷垣総裁も、鳩山首相との党首討論をはじめ国会論戦で、範を示すべきだ。
Reconstructing the party will be no easy task. Personnel management and national elections, including the House of Councillors election to be held next summer, will be the first hurdles for Tanigaki.
党の再建は容易ではない。党人事や来夏の参院選をはじめとした国政選挙が最初の関門になる。
===
Winning urban vote key
The fact that Kono and Nishimura, who both asserted the necessity for a generational change in the presidential election, gained a measure of support may signify a desire within the party for a drastic change in the system of allocating party executive posts. To give the party's top echelon a makeover, young and middle-aged lawmakers should be appointed to senior posts.
総裁選で、世代交代を訴えた河野、西村両氏が一定の支持を得たことは、党役員の大幅刷新を求める党内世論の表れともいえよう。若手・中堅の積極的登用など清新な布陣が必要だ。
In the next upper house election, the LDP must entrust the party leadership with decision-making power and rethink its strategies, including on candidate selection.
参院選では、党執行部に権限を集中させ、候補者も含め戦略を練り直すことが迫られそうだ。
As for the LDP's election strategy, if the party focuses on the rural vote, its prospects will remain dim. The important thing is for it to come up with policies that strike a chord with urban residents in the prime of life. It is indispensable for the LDP to present a clear vision to counter the DPJ's, such as its own growth strategy and a new model for the ideal shape of the nation.
選挙対策も、地方を重視するだけでは、展望は開けない。大事なのは、都市部の働き盛りの世代などから共感を得られる政策を打ち出すことだろう。成長戦略や新たな国家像の提示など、民主党との明確な対抗軸も欠かせない。
Convincing voters that the LDP has changed would be a step toward a return to power.
自民党は変わった、と有権者に受け止めてもらう。それが政権復帰に向けての第一歩になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2009)
（2009年9月29日01時04分 読売新聞）
Tanigaki must initiate LDP's transformation
谷垣自民党総裁 解党的出直しの先頭に立て（9月29日付・読売社説）
Former Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki has been picked as the new president of the main opposition Liberal Democratic Party.
野党・自民党の新総裁に、谷垣禎一・元財務相が就任した。
The new LDP leader's eventual goal is to regain control of the government. To do so, the LDP must first carry out root-and-branch reform of the party so it can start from the beginning again.
新総裁の最終的な目標は、政権奪還にある。
そのためには、まず、党の解党的な出直しが避けられない。
At the same time, the LDP should adopt a cooperative stance by working with the ruling Democratic Party of Japan on important policies concerning matters of national interest and make efforts to realize them, not merely criticize the DPJ-led administration from the standpoint of an opposition party.
同時に、野党として政権を批判するだけでなく、国益に絡む重要政策については、民主党と協議した上で実現するという柔軟な姿勢が求められよう。
Voting and vote-counting for the LDP presidential election were held Monday. Veteran lawmaker Tanigaki beat his two younger contenders--former Senior Vice Justice Minister Taro Kono and former Parliamentary Vice Foreign Minister Yasutoshi Nishimura.
自民党総裁選が投開票され、ベテランの谷垣氏が、河野太郎・元法務副大臣と西村康稔・前外務政務官の中堅若手候補を下した。
Tanigaki faces a heavy responsibility in bringing about the rebirth of the LDP after its crushing defeat in the recent House of Representatives election.
谷垣氏は、先の衆院選惨敗後の自民党の再生に向けて、重い責任を負ったといえる。
Tanigaki's victory likely came as a result of the fact that both LDP Diet lawmakers and rank-and-file party members highly evaluate his experience in important cabinet and party posts, the sense of stability he projects and his mild-mannered personality.
谷垣氏の勝利は、内閣や党の要職を歴任した経験と安定感、温厚な人柄が、議員、党員の双方から評価された結果とみられる。
Tanigaki asserted that the LDP should take a whole-party approach that he described as "a baseball team determined to win by employing all the players' strengths in a unified manner." Kono dismissed Tanigaki's analogy, severely criticizing the party's factional politics, but his harsh approach--demanding the expulsion of faction leaders--won little understanding.
河野氏は、谷垣氏が主張した挙党一致の「全員野球」を否定し、派閥政治を手厳しく批判した。だが、派閥領袖の退場を求めるなど性急な「排除」の論理は、多くの理解を得られなかった。
===
LDP should take fight to DPJ
The Diet is the main battlefield of an opposition party.
野党の主戦場は国会にある。
Tanigaki has stressed that the LDP must ensure the ruling parties fulfill their responsibilities, and that it must come up with well-conceived policies and not lose heart. At the same time, he said the LDP will have no future if it merely finds fault with the ruling parties.
谷垣氏は、「錬磨した政策で与党を厳しく追及する。気迫を失ってはいけない」と強調してきた。同時に「あら探しで終わるようではだめだ」とも言っている。
Tanigaki is right. The LDP should trade verbal blows toe-to-toe with the ruling parties on tax and financial issues, including on the issues of a hike in the consumption tax and national security. The party should also highlight contradictions in the DPJ's policies and present responsible counterproposals.
その通りだろう。消費税率引き上げなど税財政や安全保障で正面から論戦を挑む。民主党の政策の矛盾点をあぶり出す一方、責任ある対案をあわせて提示する。
If LDP lawmakers, young and old alike, question ruling party members in Diet deliberations from such a point of view, the party will recover its vitality. Tanigaki himself should take the lead in setting a good example in Diet deliberations, including party leader debates with Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
そんな観点から「老壮青」の自民党議員が質問に立つことは、党の活力を引き出すことにつながるのではないか。谷垣総裁も、鳩山首相との党首討論をはじめ国会論戦で、範を示すべきだ。
Reconstructing the party will be no easy task. Personnel management and national elections, including the House of Councillors election to be held next summer, will be the first hurdles for Tanigaki.
党の再建は容易ではない。党人事や来夏の参院選をはじめとした国政選挙が最初の関門になる。
===
Winning urban vote key
The fact that Kono and Nishimura, who both asserted the necessity for a generational change in the presidential election, gained a measure of support may signify a desire within the party for a drastic change in the system of allocating party executive posts. To give the party's top echelon a makeover, young and middle-aged lawmakers should be appointed to senior posts.
総裁選で、世代交代を訴えた河野、西村両氏が一定の支持を得たことは、党役員の大幅刷新を求める党内世論の表れともいえよう。若手・中堅の積極的登用など清新な布陣が必要だ。
In the next upper house election, the LDP must entrust the party leadership with decision-making power and rethink its strategies, including on candidate selection.
参院選では、党執行部に権限を集中させ、候補者も含め戦略を練り直すことが迫られそうだ。
As for the LDP's election strategy, if the party focuses on the rural vote, its prospects will remain dim. The important thing is for it to come up with policies that strike a chord with urban residents in the prime of life. It is indispensable for the LDP to present a clear vision to counter the DPJ's, such as its own growth strategy and a new model for the ideal shape of the nation.
選挙対策も、地方を重視するだけでは、展望は開けない。大事なのは、都市部の働き盛りの世代などから共感を得られる政策を打ち出すことだろう。成長戦略や新たな国家像の提示など、民主党との明確な対抗軸も欠かせない。
Convincing voters that the LDP has changed would be a step toward a return to power.
自民党は変わった、と有権者に受け止めてもらう。それが政権復帰に向けての第一歩になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2009)
（2009年9月29日01時04分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 21, 2009)
Assuage people's fears over hyper-aging society
敬老の日 安心できる超高齢社会に（9月21日付・読売社説）
Respect-for-the-Aged Day falls Monday, a few days after the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama took office.
鳩山政権が発足して間もないきょう、敬老の日を迎えた。
This nation is aging faster than any other in the world.
日本の高齢化は、世界に類を見ないスピードで進行している。
In 1966, when Respect-for-the-Aged Day became a national holiday, the average life span of Japanese males was 68 and that of females 73. Currently, men live an average of 79 years and women 86 years, and life spans are bound to continue to lengthen. We live in an era in which about 1.3 million, or one in 100, of the nation's population are aged 90 or older.
敬老の日が祝日となった１９６６年、日本人の平均寿命は男が６８歳、女は７３歳だった。それが今では男７９歳、女８６歳となり、年々延び続けている。１００人に１人、約１３０万人が９０歳以上という時代である。
Of course, graying itself is not something to feel anxious about. It is gratifying that many people live long.
無論、高齢化それ自体は憂うべきものではない。多くの人が長寿であるのは喜ばしいことだ。
Nevertheless, our hyper-aging society tends to be described in gloomy terms, no doubt due to concern that the social security system is unsustainable.
にもかかわらず、超高齢社会が暗いイメージで語られがちなのはなぜか。社会保障制度が十分に対応できていないからだろう。
To dispel such anxieties, the new administration faces a mountain of tasks related to reconstructing and maintaining the pension system and medical and nursing care services, all of which are vital to support elderly people's lives.
新政権はこの不安を払拭(ふっしょく)するために、老後の生活を支える年金、医療、介護をどう再構築し、維持していくのか。山積する課題に取り組まねばならない。
===
DPJ must make right decision
The first daunting challenge facing the new administration is overhauling the medical insurance system for elderly people.
まず、直面する難題は高齢者医療である。
At a press conference he gave after assuming his post, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Akira Nagatsuma reiterated that the medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older would be abolished. He did not say when the current system would be scrapped. As for a system that would replace the existing one, Nagatsuma said it would be designed to reflect realities. This was a pragmatic choice.
長妻厚生労働相は就任会見で、改めて「後期高齢者医療制度は廃止する」と表明した。ただし廃止時期には触れず、その後については「現状を把握した上で制度設計する」とした。これは現実的な選択と言えよう。
The medical insurance system for those aged 75 and over was crafted to resolve the severe strain that the health insurance system for elderly people had come under. It clarified the burden that working generations must shoulder to pay the medical expenses of those aged 75 and older. It also removed the disparities in premiums that existed within individual prefectures by setting up prefectural-run insurers.
後期高齢者医療制度は、老人保健制度の行き詰まりを打開する目的で作られた。７５歳以上の人の医療費を現役世代がどれだけ負担するかを明確にし、県単位の保険者を作って保険料格差を縮めた。
Although it is true that the current system is flawed and was never explained properly, the emotional backlash over its name--its reference to elderly people aged 75 and older as koki koreisha (late-stage elderly people)--and other elements predominated during discussions over the new system, with the result that it was never discussed in a calm manner.
新制度には様々な欠陥や説明不足もあったが、呼称などに対する感情的反発が先行し、冷静な議論が行われたとは言い難い。
When the DPJ was an opposition party, it was all right to press the government on the system's defects and parrot the slogan "Abolish the new system immediately and reinstate the old medical insurance system for the elderly."
But since it has become the ruling party and taken over the reins of government, it will not be forgiven if it makes a decision that could invite confusion.
野党なら政策の欠点だけを追及し、「ただちに廃止して老健制度に戻せ」と唱えればよかったが、政府・与党となったからには、いたずらに混乱を招くだけの選択は許されまい。
===
Have sales tax fund welfare
Weighing up the merits and demerits of the medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older and then reconstructing it would not mean breaking the DPJ's election campaign pledge to abolish the existing system.
後期高齢者医療制度の利点と欠点を適切に評価し、発展的に再構築することは、「現制度を廃止する」との公約に反しない。
We hope the DPJ formulates a blueprint for the medical insurance system for the elderly calmly and constructively.
冷静かつ建設的に、高齢者医療の将来像を練ってもらいたい。
In doing so, if increases in health insurance premiums and over-the-counter payments by patients are seen to have reached their limit, there is no option but to increase the injection of public money. That is true not only in the case of medical services, but also for pension and nursing care insurance systems.
その場合、保険料や窓口負担が限界と見るならば、公費の投入を増やすしかない。医療に限らず、年金も介護保険も同様だ。
But can the DPJ fund measures for elderly people without increasing taxes at a time when securing financial resources for other new policies, such as the monthly child-rearing allowance, is in question?
だが、子ども手当など他の新規施策だけでも財源確保に疑問符がつく中で、増税なしに高齢者施策の財源は見いだせるだろうか。
If the consumption tax is transformed into a social security tax so that financial resources can be properly secured, the government will have more choices in formulating policies for this hyper-aging society. The new administration should make a decision on the medical insurance system for elderly people without delay.
消費税を社会保障税とし、きちんと財源を確保すれば、超高齢時代の施策は選択肢が広がる。新政権は一日も早く決断すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2009)
（2009年9月21日01時12分 読売新聞）
Assuage people's fears over hyper-aging society
敬老の日 安心できる超高齢社会に（9月21日付・読売社説）
Respect-for-the-Aged Day falls Monday, a few days after the administration of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama took office.
鳩山政権が発足して間もないきょう、敬老の日を迎えた。
This nation is aging faster than any other in the world.
日本の高齢化は、世界に類を見ないスピードで進行している。
In 1966, when Respect-for-the-Aged Day became a national holiday, the average life span of Japanese males was 68 and that of females 73. Currently, men live an average of 79 years and women 86 years, and life spans are bound to continue to lengthen. We live in an era in which about 1.3 million, or one in 100, of the nation's population are aged 90 or older.
敬老の日が祝日となった１９６６年、日本人の平均寿命は男が６８歳、女は７３歳だった。それが今では男７９歳、女８６歳となり、年々延び続けている。１００人に１人、約１３０万人が９０歳以上という時代である。
Of course, graying itself is not something to feel anxious about. It is gratifying that many people live long.
無論、高齢化それ自体は憂うべきものではない。多くの人が長寿であるのは喜ばしいことだ。
Nevertheless, our hyper-aging society tends to be described in gloomy terms, no doubt due to concern that the social security system is unsustainable.
にもかかわらず、超高齢社会が暗いイメージで語られがちなのはなぜか。社会保障制度が十分に対応できていないからだろう。
To dispel such anxieties, the new administration faces a mountain of tasks related to reconstructing and maintaining the pension system and medical and nursing care services, all of which are vital to support elderly people's lives.
新政権はこの不安を払拭(ふっしょく)するために、老後の生活を支える年金、医療、介護をどう再構築し、維持していくのか。山積する課題に取り組まねばならない。
===
DPJ must make right decision
The first daunting challenge facing the new administration is overhauling the medical insurance system for elderly people.
まず、直面する難題は高齢者医療である。
At a press conference he gave after assuming his post, Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Akira Nagatsuma reiterated that the medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older would be abolished. He did not say when the current system would be scrapped. As for a system that would replace the existing one, Nagatsuma said it would be designed to reflect realities. This was a pragmatic choice.
長妻厚生労働相は就任会見で、改めて「後期高齢者医療制度は廃止する」と表明した。ただし廃止時期には触れず、その後については「現状を把握した上で制度設計する」とした。これは現実的な選択と言えよう。
The medical insurance system for those aged 75 and over was crafted to resolve the severe strain that the health insurance system for elderly people had come under. It clarified the burden that working generations must shoulder to pay the medical expenses of those aged 75 and older. It also removed the disparities in premiums that existed within individual prefectures by setting up prefectural-run insurers.
後期高齢者医療制度は、老人保健制度の行き詰まりを打開する目的で作られた。７５歳以上の人の医療費を現役世代がどれだけ負担するかを明確にし、県単位の保険者を作って保険料格差を縮めた。
Although it is true that the current system is flawed and was never explained properly, the emotional backlash over its name--its reference to elderly people aged 75 and older as koki koreisha (late-stage elderly people)--and other elements predominated during discussions over the new system, with the result that it was never discussed in a calm manner.
新制度には様々な欠陥や説明不足もあったが、呼称などに対する感情的反発が先行し、冷静な議論が行われたとは言い難い。
When the DPJ was an opposition party, it was all right to press the government on the system's defects and parrot the slogan "Abolish the new system immediately and reinstate the old medical insurance system for the elderly."
But since it has become the ruling party and taken over the reins of government, it will not be forgiven if it makes a decision that could invite confusion.
野党なら政策の欠点だけを追及し、「ただちに廃止して老健制度に戻せ」と唱えればよかったが、政府・与党となったからには、いたずらに混乱を招くだけの選択は許されまい。
===
Have sales tax fund welfare
Weighing up the merits and demerits of the medical insurance system for those aged 75 and older and then reconstructing it would not mean breaking the DPJ's election campaign pledge to abolish the existing system.
後期高齢者医療制度の利点と欠点を適切に評価し、発展的に再構築することは、「現制度を廃止する」との公約に反しない。
We hope the DPJ formulates a blueprint for the medical insurance system for the elderly calmly and constructively.
冷静かつ建設的に、高齢者医療の将来像を練ってもらいたい。
In doing so, if increases in health insurance premiums and over-the-counter payments by patients are seen to have reached their limit, there is no option but to increase the injection of public money. That is true not only in the case of medical services, but also for pension and nursing care insurance systems.
その場合、保険料や窓口負担が限界と見るならば、公費の投入を増やすしかない。医療に限らず、年金も介護保険も同様だ。
But can the DPJ fund measures for elderly people without increasing taxes at a time when securing financial resources for other new policies, such as the monthly child-rearing allowance, is in question?
だが、子ども手当など他の新規施策だけでも財源確保に疑問符がつく中で、増税なしに高齢者施策の財源は見いだせるだろうか。
If the consumption tax is transformed into a social security tax so that financial resources can be properly secured, the government will have more choices in formulating policies for this hyper-aging society. The new administration should make a decision on the medical insurance system for elderly people without delay.
消費税を社会保障税とし、きちんと財源を確保すれば、超高齢時代の施策は選択肢が広がる。新政権は一日も早く決断すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2009)
（2009年9月21日01時12分 読売新聞）
Words alone not enough for Japan-U.S. alliance
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 20, 2009)
鳩山外交始動 日米同盟基軸を行動で示せ（9月20日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will leave for the United States on Monday, where he plans to attend a series of international conferences that will discuss such important global issues as climate change, nuclear arms reduction, nuclear nonproliferation, the world economy and international finance.
鳩山首相があす、米国に向けて出発する。
今回の訪米では、気候変動、核軍縮・不拡散、国際経済・金融など世界規模の重要課題を討議する国際会議が目白押しだ。
Hatoyama also is scheduled to hold summit meetings with U.S. President Barack Obama as well the leaders of countries including Britain, China, France, India, Russia and South Korea.
オバマ米大統領をはじめ、中国、韓国、英国、フランス、ロシア、インドなど各国首脳との会談も予定されている。
These planned meetings indicate the keen interest that world leaders have in the diplomatic stance of Hatoyama, who has effected a change in government.
首脳会談が相次いで行われる背景には、政権交代を実現した鳩山首相の外交姿勢に強い関心が抱かれていることがあろう。
◆継続性重視アピールを◆
During the campaign for last month's House of Representatives election, Hatoyama stressed that "continuity is important for diplomacy." During his U.S. visit, we hope he will assert to the world that there will be no fundamental changes in this country's foreign policies following the recent change in power. This means maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance, respecting the principle of international cooperation and promoting the free trade system.
首相は選挙中、「外交は継続性が重要だ」と指摘している。日米同盟の堅持、国際協調主義、自由貿易体制の推進といった日本外交の骨格は、政権が交代しても何ら変わらないことを積極的に発信してもらいたい。
===
No room for misinterpretation
It is particularly important for Hatoyama to convey clearly to the United States that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to be the axis of this nation's foreign policy.
中でも重要なのは、日米同盟が引き続き外交の基軸であることを米側に明確に伝えることだ。
A Hatoyama op-ed article carried on the Web site of a U.S. newspaper late last month was seen to criticize U.S.-led globalism, and was thus construed as being "anti-U.S.," stirring controversy in Washington.
先月末に米紙に掲載された首相の論文は、米国主導のグローバリズムを批判するなど、「反米的」と受け止められ、米国内で波紋を呼んだ。
Hatoyama later said his true opinions were not conveyed accurately.
首相は、真意が伝わらなかったと釈明している。
It is important for the prime minister to dispel such concern during his U.S. visit by giving a full account of his stance in his own words.
今回の訪米を機会に、自らの口できちんと説明し、米側の懸念を払拭(ふっしょく)することが大事だ。
To this end, Hatoyama also must show that actions speak louder than words. He should, for example, clarify the kind of assistance Japan plans to provide to Afghanistan--a country at the forefront of the "war against terror."
そのためには、「言葉」だけではなく、具体的に裏付ける「行動」を示さなければなるまい。
例えば、「テロとの戦い」の最前線国家アフガニスタンに対して日本はどんな支援をするのか。
If Afghanistan once again becomes a haunt for international terrorist organizations, global peace and security could be quickly destabilized.
アフガンが再び、国際テロ組織の巣窟(そうくつ)と化せば、世界の平和と安全は一気に不安定化する。
During a phone conversation earlier this month, Obama's asked Hatoyama for Japan's help in sweeping militants out of Afghanistan--apparently prompted by the U.S. president's recognition of the dire situation in the war-torn country.
オバマ大統領が今月初めの電話会談で、首相に「アフガンの過激派の掃討」への協力を求めたのも、そんな厳しい認識からだろう。
◆問われるアフガン支援◆
If Japan suspends the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean--as the Democratic Party of Japan pledged to do during campaigning for the recent election--the United States would conclude that Japan was withdrawing from the fight against terrorism. This could cause a serious rift in the Japan-U.S. relationship.
民主党が選挙で公約した通り、日本がインド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動を中止すれば、「テロとの戦いから離脱した」と受け止められ、日米関係に亀裂が生じる恐れがある。
As an alternative measure, Hatoyama has said he would reinforce civilian activities in Afghanistan. However, Japan has been engaging in a range of activities in the country, including the provision of agricultural assistance and the construction of schools.
首相は、代わりにアフガン本土での文民活動を強化する考えだが、日本はすでに農業支援や学校建設など様々な活動に取り組んでいる。
Is Hatoyama's plan really a feasible alternative? We believe he should explore the possibility of continuing the refueling mission.
代替策になるのか。
首相はやはり、給油活動継続の可能性を探るべきだろう。
===
Clarify nuclear stance
The prime minister has stressed his intention to realize a unified Asian currency and build an East Asia community. This has given rise to concerns in the United States that the new Japanese government's diplomatic policy is based on "independence from the United States and better regional relations in Asia."
首相は、アジア共通通貨の実現や「東アジア共同体」の構築を目指すと強調している。このため、米国内には、「鳩山外交の基本は『脱米入亜』ではないか」と不安視する向きもある。
Up until now Japan's basic stance has been to offer cooperation in specific fields within a given region--such as liberalization of trade and investment and help with environmental measures--but has not engaged in regional cooperation that has excluded certain countries.
これまでの日本政府の基本姿勢は、域内の貿易投資自由化や環境など個別分野の協力から始め、特定の国を排除する形の地域協力はしない、というものだ。
The prime minister has indicated that he favors this tack. We believe Hatoyama does not want his policy stance to be taken to mean that he undervalues the Japan-U.S. alliance. He should thus make a point of carefully explaining that he has no intention of trying to distance Japan from the United States.
首相も同様の見解を示しており、日米同盟軽視と受け取られるのは本意ではあるまい。米国離れを志向しているのではないことを、丁寧に説明すべきだろう。
Regarding the issues of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, Obama has called for a world free of nuclear weapons.
核軍縮・不拡散に関し、オバマ大統領は、「核兵器のない世界」を提唱している。
How can the international community pressure North Korea into abandoning its nuclear development program? What steps can be taken to persuade China to reduce the number of its nuclear weapons and disclose information on its military might, such as how many nuclear warheads it presently holds?
北朝鮮の核開発をどのようにして断念させるか。中国に核弾頭数などの情報を開示させ、核兵器を削減させるにはどうすべきか。
One of the DPJ's manifesto pledges was to realize a nuclear-free Northeast Asia. However, if concrete measures are not thrashed out to tackle this issue, the plan is mere pie in the sky.
首相が政権公約で示した「北東アジア非核化」構想も、こうした問題への具体的取り組みを欠いては、何の説得力もない。
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada is scheduled to accompany the prime minister to the United States. During a press conference held after he had taken up his new post, Okada reiterated his desire for the United States to renounce the preemptive use of nuclear arms.
首相と一緒に訪米する岡田外相は、就任の記者会見で、米国は核の先制不使用を明示すべきだとの持論を改めて示した。
The United States' nuclear umbrella is the only protection Japan has in the face of the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear missiles. In this regard, we believe the idea of renouncing preemptive nuclear attacks neglects the regional security environment, and could seriously harm this nation's peace and security.
日本にとって、北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威に対する唯一の対抗手段は、米国の「核の傘」だ。地域の安保環境を無視した先制不使用論は、日本の平和と安全を著しく害することになる。
Preaching one's own philosophy is fine if you are a member of the opposition bloc. However, as Okada is now this country's foreign minister, stating a view that differs from that of the prime minister creates an impression of confusion within the government and ruins Japan's credibility overseas.
野党時代なら持論を唱えても問題にはならない。だが、外相として首相と異なる見解を述べれば、政府が混乱している印象を与え、対外的な信用を損ねる。
We urge Hatoyama and Okada to bear in mind Japan's diplomatic policies and discuss carefully--prior to their departure for the United States--the positions they intend to take during the talks with world leaders.
首相と外相は、これまでの日本外交の基本をしっかりと踏まえ、一連の会談に臨む対処方針について、出発する前に十分練り合わせてほしい。
===
Climate pledge conditional
◆２５％削減の前提も説け◆
On the climate change issue, Hatoyama has announced that Japan will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.
気候変動問題では、首相は、２０２０年までに１９９０年比で２５％の温室効果ガス排出削減を目指す考えを表明している。
European countries hold this pledge in high esteem, but this likely is because they want to make Japan stick to its promises. As such, we should not take their enthusiasm purely at face value.
欧州各国は高く評価するが、日本の立場が後退しないよう布石を打っているのだろう。額面通り受け止めるわけにはいかない。
Hatoyama also has said that other major countries must agree to make "ambitious" reduction targets as a "precondition" for Japan's emissions-cut goal. The pledge to reduce emissions by 25 percent should not be allowed to take on a life of its own. The prime minister should stress the conditional elements of his pledge at the U.N. summit on climate change in New York.
首相は、「すべての主要国の参加」が前提とも述べている。「２５％削減」が独り歩きしては困る。会議では、あくまで前提条件付きであることを強調すべきだ。
International conferences and summit meetings are the arenas in which world leaders strike bargains while keeping a strong eye on their own national interests. Our new prime minister and foreign minister should stay focused during these occasions, and be careful about making promises or remarks before the international community that could harm this nation's interests.
国際会議や首脳会談は、各国首脳がそれぞれの国益を主張し、駆け引きを演じる場である。首相と外相は、国益を害するような国際約束や発言をしないよう、気を引き締めて臨むべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2009)
（2009年9月20日01時19分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 20, 2009)
鳩山外交始動 日米同盟基軸を行動で示せ（9月20日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama will leave for the United States on Monday, where he plans to attend a series of international conferences that will discuss such important global issues as climate change, nuclear arms reduction, nuclear nonproliferation, the world economy and international finance.
鳩山首相があす、米国に向けて出発する。
今回の訪米では、気候変動、核軍縮・不拡散、国際経済・金融など世界規模の重要課題を討議する国際会議が目白押しだ。
Hatoyama also is scheduled to hold summit meetings with U.S. President Barack Obama as well the leaders of countries including Britain, China, France, India, Russia and South Korea.
オバマ米大統領をはじめ、中国、韓国、英国、フランス、ロシア、インドなど各国首脳との会談も予定されている。
These planned meetings indicate the keen interest that world leaders have in the diplomatic stance of Hatoyama, who has effected a change in government.
首脳会談が相次いで行われる背景には、政権交代を実現した鳩山首相の外交姿勢に強い関心が抱かれていることがあろう。
◆継続性重視アピールを◆
During the campaign for last month's House of Representatives election, Hatoyama stressed that "continuity is important for diplomacy." During his U.S. visit, we hope he will assert to the world that there will be no fundamental changes in this country's foreign policies following the recent change in power. This means maintaining the Japan-U.S. alliance, respecting the principle of international cooperation and promoting the free trade system.
首相は選挙中、「外交は継続性が重要だ」と指摘している。日米同盟の堅持、国際協調主義、自由貿易体制の推進といった日本外交の骨格は、政権が交代しても何ら変わらないことを積極的に発信してもらいたい。
===
No room for misinterpretation
It is particularly important for Hatoyama to convey clearly to the United States that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to be the axis of this nation's foreign policy.
中でも重要なのは、日米同盟が引き続き外交の基軸であることを米側に明確に伝えることだ。
A Hatoyama op-ed article carried on the Web site of a U.S. newspaper late last month was seen to criticize U.S.-led globalism, and was thus construed as being "anti-U.S.," stirring controversy in Washington.
先月末に米紙に掲載された首相の論文は、米国主導のグローバリズムを批判するなど、「反米的」と受け止められ、米国内で波紋を呼んだ。
Hatoyama later said his true opinions were not conveyed accurately.
首相は、真意が伝わらなかったと釈明している。
It is important for the prime minister to dispel such concern during his U.S. visit by giving a full account of his stance in his own words.
今回の訪米を機会に、自らの口できちんと説明し、米側の懸念を払拭(ふっしょく)することが大事だ。
To this end, Hatoyama also must show that actions speak louder than words. He should, for example, clarify the kind of assistance Japan plans to provide to Afghanistan--a country at the forefront of the "war against terror."
そのためには、「言葉」だけではなく、具体的に裏付ける「行動」を示さなければなるまい。
例えば、「テロとの戦い」の最前線国家アフガニスタンに対して日本はどんな支援をするのか。
If Afghanistan once again becomes a haunt for international terrorist organizations, global peace and security could be quickly destabilized.
アフガンが再び、国際テロ組織の巣窟(そうくつ)と化せば、世界の平和と安全は一気に不安定化する。
During a phone conversation earlier this month, Obama's asked Hatoyama for Japan's help in sweeping militants out of Afghanistan--apparently prompted by the U.S. president's recognition of the dire situation in the war-torn country.
オバマ大統領が今月初めの電話会談で、首相に「アフガンの過激派の掃討」への協力を求めたのも、そんな厳しい認識からだろう。
◆問われるアフガン支援◆
If Japan suspends the Maritime Self-Defense Force's refueling mission in the Indian Ocean--as the Democratic Party of Japan pledged to do during campaigning for the recent election--the United States would conclude that Japan was withdrawing from the fight against terrorism. This could cause a serious rift in the Japan-U.S. relationship.
民主党が選挙で公約した通り、日本がインド洋での海上自衛隊の給油活動を中止すれば、「テロとの戦いから離脱した」と受け止められ、日米関係に亀裂が生じる恐れがある。
As an alternative measure, Hatoyama has said he would reinforce civilian activities in Afghanistan. However, Japan has been engaging in a range of activities in the country, including the provision of agricultural assistance and the construction of schools.
首相は、代わりにアフガン本土での文民活動を強化する考えだが、日本はすでに農業支援や学校建設など様々な活動に取り組んでいる。
Is Hatoyama's plan really a feasible alternative? We believe he should explore the possibility of continuing the refueling mission.
代替策になるのか。
首相はやはり、給油活動継続の可能性を探るべきだろう。
===
Clarify nuclear stance
The prime minister has stressed his intention to realize a unified Asian currency and build an East Asia community. This has given rise to concerns in the United States that the new Japanese government's diplomatic policy is based on "independence from the United States and better regional relations in Asia."
首相は、アジア共通通貨の実現や「東アジア共同体」の構築を目指すと強調している。このため、米国内には、「鳩山外交の基本は『脱米入亜』ではないか」と不安視する向きもある。
Up until now Japan's basic stance has been to offer cooperation in specific fields within a given region--such as liberalization of trade and investment and help with environmental measures--but has not engaged in regional cooperation that has excluded certain countries.
これまでの日本政府の基本姿勢は、域内の貿易投資自由化や環境など個別分野の協力から始め、特定の国を排除する形の地域協力はしない、というものだ。
The prime minister has indicated that he favors this tack. We believe Hatoyama does not want his policy stance to be taken to mean that he undervalues the Japan-U.S. alliance. He should thus make a point of carefully explaining that he has no intention of trying to distance Japan from the United States.
首相も同様の見解を示しており、日米同盟軽視と受け取られるのは本意ではあるまい。米国離れを志向しているのではないことを、丁寧に説明すべきだろう。
Regarding the issues of nuclear disarmament and nonproliferation, Obama has called for a world free of nuclear weapons.
核軍縮・不拡散に関し、オバマ大統領は、「核兵器のない世界」を提唱している。
How can the international community pressure North Korea into abandoning its nuclear development program? What steps can be taken to persuade China to reduce the number of its nuclear weapons and disclose information on its military might, such as how many nuclear warheads it presently holds?
北朝鮮の核開発をどのようにして断念させるか。中国に核弾頭数などの情報を開示させ、核兵器を削減させるにはどうすべきか。
One of the DPJ's manifesto pledges was to realize a nuclear-free Northeast Asia. However, if concrete measures are not thrashed out to tackle this issue, the plan is mere pie in the sky.
首相が政権公約で示した「北東アジア非核化」構想も、こうした問題への具体的取り組みを欠いては、何の説得力もない。
Foreign Minister Katsuya Okada is scheduled to accompany the prime minister to the United States. During a press conference held after he had taken up his new post, Okada reiterated his desire for the United States to renounce the preemptive use of nuclear arms.
首相と一緒に訪米する岡田外相は、就任の記者会見で、米国は核の先制不使用を明示すべきだとの持論を改めて示した。
The United States' nuclear umbrella is the only protection Japan has in the face of the threat posed by North Korea's nuclear missiles. In this regard, we believe the idea of renouncing preemptive nuclear attacks neglects the regional security environment, and could seriously harm this nation's peace and security.
日本にとって、北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威に対する唯一の対抗手段は、米国の「核の傘」だ。地域の安保環境を無視した先制不使用論は、日本の平和と安全を著しく害することになる。
Preaching one's own philosophy is fine if you are a member of the opposition bloc. However, as Okada is now this country's foreign minister, stating a view that differs from that of the prime minister creates an impression of confusion within the government and ruins Japan's credibility overseas.
野党時代なら持論を唱えても問題にはならない。だが、外相として首相と異なる見解を述べれば、政府が混乱している印象を与え、対外的な信用を損ねる。
We urge Hatoyama and Okada to bear in mind Japan's diplomatic policies and discuss carefully--prior to their departure for the United States--the positions they intend to take during the talks with world leaders.
首相と外相は、これまでの日本外交の基本をしっかりと踏まえ、一連の会談に臨む対処方針について、出発する前に十分練り合わせてほしい。
===
Climate pledge conditional
◆２５％削減の前提も説け◆
On the climate change issue, Hatoyama has announced that Japan will aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 25 percent from 1990 levels by 2020.
気候変動問題では、首相は、２０２０年までに１９９０年比で２５％の温室効果ガス排出削減を目指す考えを表明している。
European countries hold this pledge in high esteem, but this likely is because they want to make Japan stick to its promises. As such, we should not take their enthusiasm purely at face value.
欧州各国は高く評価するが、日本の立場が後退しないよう布石を打っているのだろう。額面通り受け止めるわけにはいかない。
Hatoyama also has said that other major countries must agree to make "ambitious" reduction targets as a "precondition" for Japan's emissions-cut goal. The pledge to reduce emissions by 25 percent should not be allowed to take on a life of its own. The prime minister should stress the conditional elements of his pledge at the U.N. summit on climate change in New York.
首相は、「すべての主要国の参加」が前提とも述べている。「２５％削減」が独り歩きしては困る。会議では、あくまで前提条件付きであることを強調すべきだ。
International conferences and summit meetings are the arenas in which world leaders strike bargains while keeping a strong eye on their own national interests. Our new prime minister and foreign minister should stay focused during these occasions, and be careful about making promises or remarks before the international community that could harm this nation's interests.
国際会議や首脳会談は、各国首脳がそれぞれの国益を主張し、駆け引きを演じる場である。首相と外相は、国益を害するような国際約束や発言をしないよう、気を引き締めて臨むべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2009)
（2009年9月20日01時19分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Sep. 19, 2009)
LDP needs leader who can rule roost
自民総裁選告示 政権奪還が目指せる党首を（9月19日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party officially announced Friday the date of its presidential election. This will be a golden opportunity for the former ruling party to restart from scratch after its historic defeat in the recent House of Representatives election.
総選挙惨敗を受けた自民党の出直し総裁選が告示された。
Former Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, former Senior Vice Justice Minister Taro Kono and Yasutoshi Nishimura, former parliamentary vice foreign minister, have filed their candidacies for the election.
谷垣禎一・元財務相、河野太郎・元法務副大臣、西村康稔(やすとし)・前外務政務官の３氏が立候補した。
The party has decided that votes will be cast and counted on Sept. 28. We hope the three candidates will use the time available to tell party members in plain language just how they plan to reform the party--and what kind of bitter medicine the LDP will have to swallow during the reform process. They must demonstrate they possess the leadership needed to help the party overcome the biggest crisis in its history.
２８日の投開票日まで、党の抜本改革の具体的な工程表と、改革に伴う“痛み”の大きさを率直に説明し、結党以来の危機を乗り越える指導力を持っていることを示してもらいたい。
Former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, who was considered a top contender to succeed former Prime Minister Taro Aso, and former Construction and Transport Minister Nobuteru Ishihara, who ran in last autumn's LDP presidential election, announced earlier they would not throw their hats in the ring.
麻生前首相の後継に本命視された舛添要一・前厚生労働相や、昨秋の総裁選に出馬した石原伸晃・元国土交通相らは、早々と不出馬を宣言した。
Some observers believe that Masuzoe and Ishihara decided not to run this time because, even if elected, the next LDP president could not become prime minister as there is no prospect of the party returning to power any time soon.
政権への早期復帰のめどが立たず、「首相になれない総裁」で終わる可能性が高いとみて、今回は見送ったとの見方もある。
===
Might not be a 'next time'
However, the party is not in a situation where it can optimistically assume there will be a "next time."
自民党は今、「次がある」などと楽観できる状況ではない。
The only other time the LDP found itself booted into the opposition was when the administration of Morihiro Hosokawa was launched in 1993. However, the LDP returned to the ruling bloc about 10 months later. At that time, the party was the largest force in both Diet chambers.
１９９３年の細川政権誕生で野党に転落した時は、約１０か月で政権復帰を果たしたが、当時は衆参両院とも第１党の座にあった。
The situation is completely different today: The Democratic Party of Japan is the strongest presence in both houses.
今回とは状況がまったく異なる。
Six prefectures including Niigata Prefecture have no LDP representative in the lower house. Iwate and two other prefectures have no LDP member in either Diet house. It is no stretch of the imagination to assume that pro-LDP industry organizations and local assembly members will gradually start leaning toward the DPJ and eventually become loyal supporters of the current ruling party.
新潟など６県は衆院議員が１人もいなくなり、岩手など３県は国会議員がゼロだ。業界団体や地方議員が徐々に民主党になびいて、自民党から離反していく事態も十分予想される。
The LDP increased the number of votes given to representatives of prefectural chapters for the upcoming presidential election to 300 from the previous election's 141. It also will hold open debate meetings across the country. These measures reflect the party's recognition that there will not be a "next time" if its Diet members, local assembly members and rank-and-filers are not on the same page when it comes to rebuilding the party.
地方票の割合を増やし、各地で公開討論会を催すのも、国会議員、地方議員、一般党員が一丸となって再建に取り組まなければ、「次」はないとの認識からだろう。
The three candidates said they will end the huge influence that factions hold over party management and personnel matters, and that incumbents will be given priority in the selection of election candidates. However, the necessity of such changes has been pointed out each time the party has been defeated in an election. It is natural that the party should carry out such reforms--this time could be the last chance to do so.
３氏は、派閥が影響力を持つ党運営や人事、現職優先の候補者選考などを見直すとしている。いずれも選挙で敗北するたびに、改革の必要性が指摘されてきた。今度こそ実行しなければなるまい。
===
Time to start rebuilding
More importantly, LDP members should start by bracing themselves for a lengthy stay on the opposition benches. Accepting this sobering likelihood will be the first step in strengthening the party to a point where it can carry out political activities, steadily and tenaciously, across the nation.
それ以上に大事なのは、野党時代が長引くことを覚悟することだ。その上で、地道で粘り強い政治活動を全国で展開できる力を養うことである。
Government subsidies to the party are expected to plunge from about 15.7 billion yen before the lower house election to about 10.4 billion yen. The LDP will have little option but to slash the number of party staffers and members' secretaries. If the party is serious about winning next summer's House of Councillors election, it should not hesitate to make sweeping changes to its list of would-be candidates if necessary.
政党交付金は、選挙前の約１５７億円から約１０４億円に激減する見込みだ。党職員や秘書の大幅なリストラは避けられない。来年夏の参院選に勝利するには、大胆な候補者差し替えもためらうべきではないだろう。
Such actions could invite a fierce backlash and even lead to a split in the party if they are not handled properly. Even so, the LDP needs a leader who can convince any skeptics within the party to get on board, and, if push comes to shove, overcome any defiance.
激しい反発を招き、対応を誤ると分裂する恐れも出てこよう。それでも、党内を説得し、抵抗を突破できる指導者が、今の自民党には必要だ。
Even if a successful candidate obtains the support of local assembly members and rank-and-file party members, the LDP will be viewed by many people as a "political party incapable of transforming itself" if the new LDP president ducks important national issues by focusing on such matters as dispensing with factions or ushering in a generational change in the party.
地方議員や一般党員の支持を得ようと、派閥解消や世代交代を唱えてお茶を濁すようなら、国民からは「自己変革できない政党」の烙印(らくいん)を押されるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2009)
（2009年9月19日01時03分 読売新聞）
LDP needs leader who can rule roost
自民総裁選告示 政権奪還が目指せる党首を（9月19日付・読売社説）
The Liberal Democratic Party officially announced Friday the date of its presidential election. This will be a golden opportunity for the former ruling party to restart from scratch after its historic defeat in the recent House of Representatives election.
総選挙惨敗を受けた自民党の出直し総裁選が告示された。
Former Finance Minister Sadakazu Tanigaki, former Senior Vice Justice Minister Taro Kono and Yasutoshi Nishimura, former parliamentary vice foreign minister, have filed their candidacies for the election.
谷垣禎一・元財務相、河野太郎・元法務副大臣、西村康稔(やすとし)・前外務政務官の３氏が立候補した。
The party has decided that votes will be cast and counted on Sept. 28. We hope the three candidates will use the time available to tell party members in plain language just how they plan to reform the party--and what kind of bitter medicine the LDP will have to swallow during the reform process. They must demonstrate they possess the leadership needed to help the party overcome the biggest crisis in its history.
２８日の投開票日まで、党の抜本改革の具体的な工程表と、改革に伴う“痛み”の大きさを率直に説明し、結党以来の危機を乗り越える指導力を持っていることを示してもらいたい。
Former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe, who was considered a top contender to succeed former Prime Minister Taro Aso, and former Construction and Transport Minister Nobuteru Ishihara, who ran in last autumn's LDP presidential election, announced earlier they would not throw their hats in the ring.
麻生前首相の後継に本命視された舛添要一・前厚生労働相や、昨秋の総裁選に出馬した石原伸晃・元国土交通相らは、早々と不出馬を宣言した。
Some observers believe that Masuzoe and Ishihara decided not to run this time because, even if elected, the next LDP president could not become prime minister as there is no prospect of the party returning to power any time soon.
政権への早期復帰のめどが立たず、「首相になれない総裁」で終わる可能性が高いとみて、今回は見送ったとの見方もある。
===
Might not be a 'next time'
However, the party is not in a situation where it can optimistically assume there will be a "next time."
自民党は今、「次がある」などと楽観できる状況ではない。
The only other time the LDP found itself booted into the opposition was when the administration of Morihiro Hosokawa was launched in 1993. However, the LDP returned to the ruling bloc about 10 months later. At that time, the party was the largest force in both Diet chambers.
１９９３年の細川政権誕生で野党に転落した時は、約１０か月で政権復帰を果たしたが、当時は衆参両院とも第１党の座にあった。
The situation is completely different today: The Democratic Party of Japan is the strongest presence in both houses.
今回とは状況がまったく異なる。
Six prefectures including Niigata Prefecture have no LDP representative in the lower house. Iwate and two other prefectures have no LDP member in either Diet house. It is no stretch of the imagination to assume that pro-LDP industry organizations and local assembly members will gradually start leaning toward the DPJ and eventually become loyal supporters of the current ruling party.
新潟など６県は衆院議員が１人もいなくなり、岩手など３県は国会議員がゼロだ。業界団体や地方議員が徐々に民主党になびいて、自民党から離反していく事態も十分予想される。
The LDP increased the number of votes given to representatives of prefectural chapters for the upcoming presidential election to 300 from the previous election's 141. It also will hold open debate meetings across the country. These measures reflect the party's recognition that there will not be a "next time" if its Diet members, local assembly members and rank-and-filers are not on the same page when it comes to rebuilding the party.
地方票の割合を増やし、各地で公開討論会を催すのも、国会議員、地方議員、一般党員が一丸となって再建に取り組まなければ、「次」はないとの認識からだろう。
The three candidates said they will end the huge influence that factions hold over party management and personnel matters, and that incumbents will be given priority in the selection of election candidates. However, the necessity of such changes has been pointed out each time the party has been defeated in an election. It is natural that the party should carry out such reforms--this time could be the last chance to do so.
３氏は、派閥が影響力を持つ党運営や人事、現職優先の候補者選考などを見直すとしている。いずれも選挙で敗北するたびに、改革の必要性が指摘されてきた。今度こそ実行しなければなるまい。
===
Time to start rebuilding
More importantly, LDP members should start by bracing themselves for a lengthy stay on the opposition benches. Accepting this sobering likelihood will be the first step in strengthening the party to a point where it can carry out political activities, steadily and tenaciously, across the nation.
それ以上に大事なのは、野党時代が長引くことを覚悟することだ。その上で、地道で粘り強い政治活動を全国で展開できる力を養うことである。
Government subsidies to the party are expected to plunge from about 15.7 billion yen before the lower house election to about 10.4 billion yen. The LDP will have little option but to slash the number of party staffers and members' secretaries. If the party is serious about winning next summer's House of Councillors election, it should not hesitate to make sweeping changes to its list of would-be candidates if necessary.
政党交付金は、選挙前の約１５７億円から約１０４億円に激減する見込みだ。党職員や秘書の大幅なリストラは避けられない。来年夏の参院選に勝利するには、大胆な候補者差し替えもためらうべきではないだろう。
Such actions could invite a fierce backlash and even lead to a split in the party if they are not handled properly. Even so, the LDP needs a leader who can convince any skeptics within the party to get on board, and, if push comes to shove, overcome any defiance.
激しい反発を招き、対応を誤ると分裂する恐れも出てこよう。それでも、党内を説得し、抵抗を突破できる指導者が、今の自民党には必要だ。
Even if a successful candidate obtains the support of local assembly members and rank-and-file party members, the LDP will be viewed by many people as a "political party incapable of transforming itself" if the new LDP president ducks important national issues by focusing on such matters as dispensing with factions or ushering in a generational change in the party.
地方議員や一般党員の支持を得ようと、派閥解消や世代交代を唱えてお茶を濁すようなら、国民からは「自己変革できない政党」の烙印(らくいん)を押されるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2009)
（2009年9月19日01時03分 読売新聞）
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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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私の家族
スラチャイの手作りリンク集
スラチャイタイ在住９年目
中国語会話基礎（北京語）
タイ日辞典（単語帳）
タイ語の子音
タイ語の母音
スラチャイ編曲のmidiのギター曲
スラチャイ編曲のJ.S.Bachです
スラチャイの多国言語学習
初歩のタイ語
初歩の中国語
初歩のラオス語
初歩のビルマ語
初歩のシンハリ語
初歩のタガログ語
タイ語の基礎
タイ文字
タイ日辞書
タイ語の副詞
タイ語の前置詞
タイ語の助動詞
タイ語の接続詞
基礎タイ語
基礎タイ語一覧（タイ文字、ローマ字）
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
基礎タイ語一覧(タイ文字、音声付き）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
タイの文化、１４の戒律
タイの文化一覧:
01 雨の日にも傘をささないタイ人
02 勉強熱心なタイ人女性たち
03 タイ人は敬謙な仏教徒
04 タイの市場
05 タイの食堂
06 タイ人は外食が大好き
07 果物王国タイランド
08 タイ人の誕生日
09 タイの電話代は高い
10 微笑みの国タイランド
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
１４の戒律解説
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律