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(Mainichi Japan) June 14, 2009
New wave of 'history girls' wooed by warlords' masculinity
戦国史跡：「歴女」急増中 武将の男らしさに…
Young women are flocking to significant landmarks from the Warring States period, and college girls are buying up samurai-themed products. Sales of historical books are up, and there have been efforts to revive the publication of paperbacks on warlords. Behind this craze is the surge in "reki-jo" or "history girls." But why now?
歴史をテーマにした書店「時代屋」には「歴女」と呼ばれる女性たちが足を運ぶ＝東京都千代田区で２００９年５月２６日午後、佐々木順一撮影 戦国時代の史跡が若い女性たちでにぎわい、武将をテーマにしたグッズも女子大生らに人気だ。背景にあるのは、歴史好きの女性「レキジョ」（歴女）の増加。歴史を扱う本の売れ行きも好調で、武将を取り上げた文庫本を復刊する動きも出ている。なぜ、いまレキジョなのか。【田村彰子、遠藤拓】
On weekends, Jidai Shobo, a bookstore specializing in historical books in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, is packed with groups of young women. Most of the shop's customers were men when it first opened in February 2006, but by last year, half were women, of which around 90 percent are in their 20s and 30s.
０６年２月に開店した書店「歴史時代書房・時代屋」（東京都千代田区）は、週末になると若い女性のグループであふれかえる。開店当初は男性客が中心だったが、昨年は男女ほぼ同数に。女性客の９割は２０～３０代という。
Stationery and mobile phone accessories with family crests of feudal lords line the shelves, with figurines of Sanada Yukimura, the most popular of the warlords, and others also for sale. "I like Kato Kiyomasa," says customer Izumi Sekine, 34, of a warlord who served the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. "There's an almost picture-perfect masculinity about him."
店内には、大名家の家紋をあしらった文具やストラップなどがズラリ。武将の中で一番人気という真田幸村などのフィギュアも人気を集める。江東区の会社員、関根いずみさん（３４）は「加藤清正が好き。絵に描いたような男らしさにひかれます」と笑顔を見せた。
In August 2008, the Kojuro Plaza opened in the city of Shiroishi in Miyagi Prefecture, home of Katakura Kojuro, a senior retainer of the 17th century warlord Date Masamune. Sales of Kojuro-related goods subsequently exceeded 100,000 yen on some days. Visitors to Shiroishi Castle during the week-long holiday in May jumped to 135 percent compared to the previous year, and most recent visitors have been young women, according to city officials. The tourist center in Ueda, Sanada Yukimura's hometown in Nagano Prefecture, has also enjoyed a jump in sales.
一方、伊達政宗の側近、片倉小十郎の地元・宮城県白石市。昨年８月、ＪＲ白石駅前に小十郎プラザを開設したところ、グッズの売り上げが１０万円以上に達した日もある。白石城の大型連休の入場者数は前年比１３５％。市によると、若い女性ばかりが訪れているという。幸村の地元・長野県上田市の市観光会館でも、関連グッズの売れ行きが好調だ。
The publishing business has felt the effects of this boom as well. Monthly magazine "Rekishi kaido" ("History way") had a circulation of less than 70,000 copies five years ago; now it sees sales of 120,000 copies.
出版界でも影響が広がる。月刊誌「歴史街道」は５年前には７万部未満だったが、１２万部に伸びた。
"The proportion of female readers has gone up from 15 percent of total readers to 40 percent," says editor-in-chief Kiyotaka Tatsumoto. The magazine's publisher, PHP Institute, revived publication of the biographies of warlords Date Masamune (1567-1636) and Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578) in late March this year, and plans to revive publication of the biographies of Hosokawa Tadaoki (1563-1646) and Gamo Ujisato (1556-1595) due to popular demand.
辰本清隆編集長は「読者の女性比率が１５％から４０％に上がった」。ＰＨＰ研究所は絶版となっていた「伊達政宗」や「上杉謙信」などの伝記を今年３月末に復刊。好評のため「細川忠興（ただおき）」「蒲生氏郷（がもううじさと）」なども近く復刊する。
More unorthodox products have seen a boost in sales as well. There is a constant shortage in stock of Sido brand underwear or men's "armor" underwear, which cost a considerable 9,240 a pair. According to Tokyo-based manufacturer Rogin, about 80 percent of buyers are women.
"As a result of the history boom, our underwear seems to have gained popularity as gifts," says Rogin president Shiro Nogi. "We're planning to come out with a women's line, too."
変わったものも売れる。男性用の「甲冑（かっちゅう）パンツ」。９２４０円もするが常に品薄状態で、客の８割は女性だという。制作・販売会社「ログイン」（東京都）の野木志郎社長は「ブームの影響もあり、贈答用で人気が出たらしい。今後は女性用も手がける予定です」。
◇生き様のかっこよさ求める女性たち
So how do "reki-jo" differ from the original history buffs, who were mostly middle-aged men?
"In general, men relate battles and the management styles of warlords back to their own corporate environments, and try to use whatever they lessons they can to improve their own work lives," says Tetsuo Owada, a professor emeritus at Shizuoka University who has written over 100 books on the Warring States period.
"But for women, it's more about the admiration they feel towards the warlords' approach to their lives." Owada adds that this may be a backlash against what they see as the selfishness of political and financial leaders today.
歴女は元祖・歴史ファンの中高年男性とはどう違うのか。ＮＨＫ大河ドラマ「天地人」で時代考証を担当、戦国時代を巡る著書が１００冊を超える静岡大名誉教授、小和田哲男さんは言う。
「一般的に、男性は合戦や人の使い方を企業社会に結びつけて理解し、実際に役立てようとする。女性は武将の生き様のかっこよさに焦点を当てていく」
歴女が歴史上の人物に首ったけになる理由について、小和田さんはこうみる。
「政界でも財界でも、現代の指導者といわれる人々は、自分さえよければとの考えを持った人々が多い。女性たちはそこを嫌っているのかもしれない」
Meanwhile, researcher Tetsuaki Higashida from the Dentsu Communication Institute suggests that women are attracted to the masculinity of these warlords, compared to the more passive modern men that they know. "Gender role reversals have been taking place, with men cooking and women playing golf," he says. "It's not unacceptable nowadays for women to take an interest in warlords, which used to be an area of interest reserved for men."
一方、電通総研の東田哲明リサーチャーは「男性が『草食化』していると言われ、反動で女性たちは『力強さ』などを持つ戦国武将にひかれるのでは」と分析。「男性が料理をする、女性がゴルフをするなど『男女の逆転現象』も起きている。昔は男性の領域だった戦国武将を女性が趣味にしても、世間に受け入れられやすいことも背景にあるのでは」と話している。
毎日新聞 2009年6月9日 11時46分（最終更新 6月9日 13時03分）
New wave of 'history girls' wooed by warlords' masculinity
戦国史跡：「歴女」急増中 武将の男らしさに…
Young women are flocking to significant landmarks from the Warring States period, and college girls are buying up samurai-themed products. Sales of historical books are up, and there have been efforts to revive the publication of paperbacks on warlords. Behind this craze is the surge in "reki-jo" or "history girls." But why now?
歴史をテーマにした書店「時代屋」には「歴女」と呼ばれる女性たちが足を運ぶ＝東京都千代田区で２００９年５月２６日午後、佐々木順一撮影 戦国時代の史跡が若い女性たちでにぎわい、武将をテーマにしたグッズも女子大生らに人気だ。背景にあるのは、歴史好きの女性「レキジョ」（歴女）の増加。歴史を扱う本の売れ行きも好調で、武将を取り上げた文庫本を復刊する動きも出ている。なぜ、いまレキジョなのか。【田村彰子、遠藤拓】
On weekends, Jidai Shobo, a bookstore specializing in historical books in Tokyo's Chiyoda Ward, is packed with groups of young women. Most of the shop's customers were men when it first opened in February 2006, but by last year, half were women, of which around 90 percent are in their 20s and 30s.
０６年２月に開店した書店「歴史時代書房・時代屋」（東京都千代田区）は、週末になると若い女性のグループであふれかえる。開店当初は男性客が中心だったが、昨年は男女ほぼ同数に。女性客の９割は２０～３０代という。
Stationery and mobile phone accessories with family crests of feudal lords line the shelves, with figurines of Sanada Yukimura, the most popular of the warlords, and others also for sale. "I like Kato Kiyomasa," says customer Izumi Sekine, 34, of a warlord who served the shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. "There's an almost picture-perfect masculinity about him."
店内には、大名家の家紋をあしらった文具やストラップなどがズラリ。武将の中で一番人気という真田幸村などのフィギュアも人気を集める。江東区の会社員、関根いずみさん（３４）は「加藤清正が好き。絵に描いたような男らしさにひかれます」と笑顔を見せた。
In August 2008, the Kojuro Plaza opened in the city of Shiroishi in Miyagi Prefecture, home of Katakura Kojuro, a senior retainer of the 17th century warlord Date Masamune. Sales of Kojuro-related goods subsequently exceeded 100,000 yen on some days. Visitors to Shiroishi Castle during the week-long holiday in May jumped to 135 percent compared to the previous year, and most recent visitors have been young women, according to city officials. The tourist center in Ueda, Sanada Yukimura's hometown in Nagano Prefecture, has also enjoyed a jump in sales.
一方、伊達政宗の側近、片倉小十郎の地元・宮城県白石市。昨年８月、ＪＲ白石駅前に小十郎プラザを開設したところ、グッズの売り上げが１０万円以上に達した日もある。白石城の大型連休の入場者数は前年比１３５％。市によると、若い女性ばかりが訪れているという。幸村の地元・長野県上田市の市観光会館でも、関連グッズの売れ行きが好調だ。
The publishing business has felt the effects of this boom as well. Monthly magazine "Rekishi kaido" ("History way") had a circulation of less than 70,000 copies five years ago; now it sees sales of 120,000 copies.
出版界でも影響が広がる。月刊誌「歴史街道」は５年前には７万部未満だったが、１２万部に伸びた。
"The proportion of female readers has gone up from 15 percent of total readers to 40 percent," says editor-in-chief Kiyotaka Tatsumoto. The magazine's publisher, PHP Institute, revived publication of the biographies of warlords Date Masamune (1567-1636) and Uesugi Kenshin (1530-1578) in late March this year, and plans to revive publication of the biographies of Hosokawa Tadaoki (1563-1646) and Gamo Ujisato (1556-1595) due to popular demand.
辰本清隆編集長は「読者の女性比率が１５％から４０％に上がった」。ＰＨＰ研究所は絶版となっていた「伊達政宗」や「上杉謙信」などの伝記を今年３月末に復刊。好評のため「細川忠興（ただおき）」「蒲生氏郷（がもううじさと）」なども近く復刊する。
More unorthodox products have seen a boost in sales as well. There is a constant shortage in stock of Sido brand underwear or men's "armor" underwear, which cost a considerable 9,240 a pair. According to Tokyo-based manufacturer Rogin, about 80 percent of buyers are women.
"As a result of the history boom, our underwear seems to have gained popularity as gifts," says Rogin president Shiro Nogi. "We're planning to come out with a women's line, too."
変わったものも売れる。男性用の「甲冑（かっちゅう）パンツ」。９２４０円もするが常に品薄状態で、客の８割は女性だという。制作・販売会社「ログイン」（東京都）の野木志郎社長は「ブームの影響もあり、贈答用で人気が出たらしい。今後は女性用も手がける予定です」。
◇生き様のかっこよさ求める女性たち
So how do "reki-jo" differ from the original history buffs, who were mostly middle-aged men?
"In general, men relate battles and the management styles of warlords back to their own corporate environments, and try to use whatever they lessons they can to improve their own work lives," says Tetsuo Owada, a professor emeritus at Shizuoka University who has written over 100 books on the Warring States period.
"But for women, it's more about the admiration they feel towards the warlords' approach to their lives." Owada adds that this may be a backlash against what they see as the selfishness of political and financial leaders today.
歴女は元祖・歴史ファンの中高年男性とはどう違うのか。ＮＨＫ大河ドラマ「天地人」で時代考証を担当、戦国時代を巡る著書が１００冊を超える静岡大名誉教授、小和田哲男さんは言う。
「一般的に、男性は合戦や人の使い方を企業社会に結びつけて理解し、実際に役立てようとする。女性は武将の生き様のかっこよさに焦点を当てていく」
歴女が歴史上の人物に首ったけになる理由について、小和田さんはこうみる。
「政界でも財界でも、現代の指導者といわれる人々は、自分さえよければとの考えを持った人々が多い。女性たちはそこを嫌っているのかもしれない」
Meanwhile, researcher Tetsuaki Higashida from the Dentsu Communication Institute suggests that women are attracted to the masculinity of these warlords, compared to the more passive modern men that they know. "Gender role reversals have been taking place, with men cooking and women playing golf," he says. "It's not unacceptable nowadays for women to take an interest in warlords, which used to be an area of interest reserved for men."
一方、電通総研の東田哲明リサーチャーは「男性が『草食化』していると言われ、反動で女性たちは『力強さ』などを持つ戦国武将にひかれるのでは」と分析。「男性が料理をする、女性がゴルフをするなど『男女の逆転現象』も起きている。昔は男性の領域だった戦国武将を女性が趣味にしても、世間に受け入れられやすいことも背景にあるのでは」と話している。
毎日新聞 2009年6月9日 11時46分（最終更新 6月9日 13時03分）
PR
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 14, 2009)
Consumption tax hike is elephant in the room
財政再建新目標 消費税引き上げから逃げるな（6月14日付・読売社説）
Japan's serious fiscal deficits are in the spotlight again.
日本が抱える財政赤字の深刻さが、改めて浮き彫りになった形だ。
A new target for fiscal reconstruction was included in a draft of basic policies for economic and fiscal reform in 2009.
政府の経済財政運営の指針となる「骨太の方針２００９」原案に、財政再建に関する新しい目標が盛り込まれた。
The pillar of the new target is achieving a surplus in the primary balance at both central and local government levels by the end of fiscal 2019, according to the draft of the government's annual fiscal policy guidelines.
財政の健全度を示す国と地方の基礎的財政収支を、１９年度に黒字化するのが新目標の柱である。
The government earlier said it would try to attain the goal during fiscal 2011. But as the deficit in the primary balance likely will have swollen to about 40 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2009, mainly due to repeated implementation of fiscal stimulus measures, the government has been forced to put off the target year for realizing the goal to fiscal 2019.
これまでは１１年度での実現を目指していた。だが、度重なる財政出動などで、基礎的財政収支の赤字が０９年度末で４０兆円近くに膨らむ見通しとなり、一気に８年後へ先送りせざるを得なくなった。
An official estimate showed that it would be impossible to achieve a surplus in the primary balance on the back of a yearly economic growth rate of 1 to 2 percent or by resorting to conventional methods of reining in government spending. This means, according to the estimate, that the government needs to hike the consumption tax to 12 percent from the current 5 percent by raising the rate by a total of seven percentage points--one percentage point every year from fiscal 2011--to accomplish its goal.
しかも黒字化は、年１～２％の経済成長や従来の歳出削減努力だけでは不可能で、消費税率を１１年度から毎年１％ずつ合計７％引き上げて、１２％にする必要があるとの試算が公表された。
Another estimate showed that if the rate is raised by only five percentage points, to 10 percent, the government will have to wait until fiscal 2021 to see its goal achieved.
税率を５％引き上げて１０％にするだけでは、黒字化は２１年度にずれ込んでしまうという。
Although these are estimates, in the face of such a stern reality, neither the ruling nor the opposition parties can afford to put off any longer discussing the issue of raising the consumption tax rate.
試算とはいえ、これだけ厳しい現実が明らかになった以上、消費税率の引き上げから、与野党とも逃げるわけにはいくまい。
===
Public debt skyrocketing
Under such critical national fiscal conditions, the government has no choice but to require the public to shoulder heavier burdens in the future.
将来的に重い負担を国民に求めざるを得ない背景には、危機的なわが国の財政事情がある。
In the fiscal 2009 main and supplementary budgets, the government set bond issuances totaling 44 trillion yen. This almost matches the amount of yearly tax revenues. The outstanding balance of national bonds will approach 600 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2009.
０９年度の国の予算は、補正を合わせ４４兆円もの国債を発行する計画だ。年間税収に匹敵する規模である。０９年度末の国債残高は６００兆円に近づく。
Outstanding public debt at both national and local levels is about 170 percent of gross domestic product, far higher than the level in other advanced nations, such as United States and European countries, where it lies between 60 and 80 percent.
国と地方を合わせた債務残高の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）比は約１７０％に及ぶ。欧米の主要国が６０～８０％にとどまっているのに比べ、際だって高い。
If this situation is left unresolved, it could cause a plunge in government bond prices and rising interest rates, shaking the foundations of the economy. It is a matter of course for the government to propose a new target for fiscal rehabilitation and work toward realizing it.
この状況を放置すれば、国債の暴落と金利上昇を招き、経済的な大混乱を引き起こしかねない。新しい目標を立て、財政再建に向けて努力するのは当然のことだ。
===
DPJ should face reality
The government and ruling parties should begin paving the way for raising the consumption tax rate soon if the economy recovers, while carefully watching the economic trends.
政府・与党は、景気の動向を注視しながら、景気が回復すればすぐ消費税率の引き上げに取りかかれるよう、今から準備を進める必要がある。
Meanwhile, if the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan touts itself as ready to take over the administration of the nation, it should realize anew the nation's harsh fiscal conditions and face head-on the issue of raising the consumption tax.
民主党も、政権奪取を標榜(ひょうぼう)する以上、財政の厳しさを再認識し、消費税率引き上げに、正面から向き合うべきではないか。
The consumption tax is increasingly seen not only as a means for fiscal reconstruction, but also as an indispensable financial resource to cover ballooning social security costs resulting from the declining birthrate and the growing population of elderly people.
消費税に焦点が当たるのは、財政再建のためばかりではない。少子高齢化の進展で膨らみ続ける社会保障費を賄う財源として欠かせないからだ。
The key to simultaneously undertaking fiscal reconstruction and reinforcing the social security framework lies in the consumption tax. The public should keep in mind the fact that a hike in the consumption tax will stabilize their livelihood.
財政再建と社会保障充実という二つの問題を同時に解くカギは、消費税が握っている。税率の引き上げが、むしろ生活の安定につながることを、国民は頭に入れておく必要があろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 14, 2009)
（2009年6月14日01時41分 読売新聞）
Consumption tax hike is elephant in the room
財政再建新目標 消費税引き上げから逃げるな（6月14日付・読売社説）
Japan's serious fiscal deficits are in the spotlight again.
日本が抱える財政赤字の深刻さが、改めて浮き彫りになった形だ。
A new target for fiscal reconstruction was included in a draft of basic policies for economic and fiscal reform in 2009.
政府の経済財政運営の指針となる「骨太の方針２００９」原案に、財政再建に関する新しい目標が盛り込まれた。
The pillar of the new target is achieving a surplus in the primary balance at both central and local government levels by the end of fiscal 2019, according to the draft of the government's annual fiscal policy guidelines.
財政の健全度を示す国と地方の基礎的財政収支を、１９年度に黒字化するのが新目標の柱である。
The government earlier said it would try to attain the goal during fiscal 2011. But as the deficit in the primary balance likely will have swollen to about 40 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2009, mainly due to repeated implementation of fiscal stimulus measures, the government has been forced to put off the target year for realizing the goal to fiscal 2019.
これまでは１１年度での実現を目指していた。だが、度重なる財政出動などで、基礎的財政収支の赤字が０９年度末で４０兆円近くに膨らむ見通しとなり、一気に８年後へ先送りせざるを得なくなった。
An official estimate showed that it would be impossible to achieve a surplus in the primary balance on the back of a yearly economic growth rate of 1 to 2 percent or by resorting to conventional methods of reining in government spending. This means, according to the estimate, that the government needs to hike the consumption tax to 12 percent from the current 5 percent by raising the rate by a total of seven percentage points--one percentage point every year from fiscal 2011--to accomplish its goal.
しかも黒字化は、年１～２％の経済成長や従来の歳出削減努力だけでは不可能で、消費税率を１１年度から毎年１％ずつ合計７％引き上げて、１２％にする必要があるとの試算が公表された。
Another estimate showed that if the rate is raised by only five percentage points, to 10 percent, the government will have to wait until fiscal 2021 to see its goal achieved.
税率を５％引き上げて１０％にするだけでは、黒字化は２１年度にずれ込んでしまうという。
Although these are estimates, in the face of such a stern reality, neither the ruling nor the opposition parties can afford to put off any longer discussing the issue of raising the consumption tax rate.
試算とはいえ、これだけ厳しい現実が明らかになった以上、消費税率の引き上げから、与野党とも逃げるわけにはいくまい。
===
Public debt skyrocketing
Under such critical national fiscal conditions, the government has no choice but to require the public to shoulder heavier burdens in the future.
将来的に重い負担を国民に求めざるを得ない背景には、危機的なわが国の財政事情がある。
In the fiscal 2009 main and supplementary budgets, the government set bond issuances totaling 44 trillion yen. This almost matches the amount of yearly tax revenues. The outstanding balance of national bonds will approach 600 trillion yen by the end of fiscal 2009.
０９年度の国の予算は、補正を合わせ４４兆円もの国債を発行する計画だ。年間税収に匹敵する規模である。０９年度末の国債残高は６００兆円に近づく。
Outstanding public debt at both national and local levels is about 170 percent of gross domestic product, far higher than the level in other advanced nations, such as United States and European countries, where it lies between 60 and 80 percent.
国と地方を合わせた債務残高の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）比は約１７０％に及ぶ。欧米の主要国が６０～８０％にとどまっているのに比べ、際だって高い。
If this situation is left unresolved, it could cause a plunge in government bond prices and rising interest rates, shaking the foundations of the economy. It is a matter of course for the government to propose a new target for fiscal rehabilitation and work toward realizing it.
この状況を放置すれば、国債の暴落と金利上昇を招き、経済的な大混乱を引き起こしかねない。新しい目標を立て、財政再建に向けて努力するのは当然のことだ。
===
DPJ should face reality
The government and ruling parties should begin paving the way for raising the consumption tax rate soon if the economy recovers, while carefully watching the economic trends.
政府・与党は、景気の動向を注視しながら、景気が回復すればすぐ消費税率の引き上げに取りかかれるよう、今から準備を進める必要がある。
Meanwhile, if the main opposition Democratic Party of Japan touts itself as ready to take over the administration of the nation, it should realize anew the nation's harsh fiscal conditions and face head-on the issue of raising the consumption tax.
民主党も、政権奪取を標榜(ひょうぼう)する以上、財政の厳しさを再認識し、消費税率引き上げに、正面から向き合うべきではないか。
The consumption tax is increasingly seen not only as a means for fiscal reconstruction, but also as an indispensable financial resource to cover ballooning social security costs resulting from the declining birthrate and the growing population of elderly people.
消費税に焦点が当たるのは、財政再建のためばかりではない。少子高齢化の進展で膨らみ続ける社会保障費を賄う財源として欠かせないからだ。
The key to simultaneously undertaking fiscal reconstruction and reinforcing the social security framework lies in the consumption tax. The public should keep in mind the fact that a hike in the consumption tax will stabilize their livelihood.
財政再建と社会保障充実という二つの問題を同時に解くカギは、消費税が握っている。税率の引き上げが、むしろ生活の安定につながることを、国民は頭に入れておく必要があろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 14, 2009)
（2009年6月14日01時41分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 9, 2009)
Fix laws to implement U.N. resolution
対「北」船舶検査 決議実施へ法の不備を正せ（6月9日付・読売社説）
While calling on all U.N. member nations to inspect the cargo of vessels plying to and from North Korea, Japan itself faces a legal barrier to doing so. This is not logical.
北朝鮮に出入りする船舶などの貨物検査を全国連加盟国に求めながら、日本自身は法の不備で対応できない――。これでは筋が通らない。
A revised draft resolution expected to be adopted soon by the U.N. Security Council in response to North Korea's second nuclear test likely will incorporate such cargo inspections.
Under the new resolution, U.N. member nations would stop vessels plying to and from North Korea and conduct inspections to check whether they are carrying arms and other embargoed goods at sea.
北朝鮮の核実験を受け国連安全保障理事会が近く採択する制裁決議案に、貨物検査の実施が盛り込まれる見通しとなった。海上では、北朝鮮に出入りする船舶が武器など禁輸品を積んでいないか、船舶を止めて検査する。
The United States is calling for such cargo inspections and Japan supports the measure. On the high seas, however, the new resolution likely will require U.N. member nations to obtain approval from the flag state of the vessels being searched out of consideration for China, which is cautious toward compulsory inspections.
米国が実施を求め、日本も支持している。ただ、中国の慎重姿勢に配慮し、公海では、船舶の所属する「旗国」の同意が実施の条件となりそうだ。
Japan's Ship Inspection Operations Law is related to the law to deal with contingencies in areas surrounding the country and can only be applied in instances that could develop into a situation under which Japan comes under attack.
日本の船舶検査活動法は、周辺事態法の関連法であり、武力攻撃に発展する恐れがある「周辺事態」の認定時しか適用できない。
A law on restrictions of maritime transportation of foreign military supplies is limited to being applied in situations where Japan is under military attack, while the Japan Coast Guard Law limits areas in which the JCG can operate to Japan's territorial waters only.
外国軍用品等海上輸送規制法は武力攻撃事態に限られ、海上保安庁法は活動範囲が領海に限定される。
===
Difficult to meet legal threshold
Among those laws, the Ship Inspection Operations Law is relatively easy to apply for cargo inspections on the high seas, but it is a little far-fetched to conclude that the current situation regarding North Korea is a contingency in areas surrounding Japan. The law needs to be revised to enable Japan to conduct the inspections in situations other than contingencies.
公海で検査活動するなら船舶検査活動法が適用しやすいが、現在の北朝鮮情勢を周辺事態と言い切るのはやや無理があろう。法改正し、周辺事態以外でも活動できるようにする必要がある。
There are other problems.
ほかにも問題点がある。
The law to deal with contingencies in areas surrounding Japan is designed to provide logistic support to the U.S. military and therefore Japan is currently unable to conduct inspections in cooperation with countries other than the United States. The use of weapons by Self-Defense Force personnel during such inspections is strictly limited to self-defense and even firing a warning shot is not permitted.
周辺事態法は米軍の後方支援を目的とした法律であるため、米国以外の国と共同して検査活動を行うことができない。武器の使用も自己防衛目的に限られ、警告射撃さえ認められていない。
These restrictions obviously make it difficult for Japan to act in cooperation with other countries. Establishing a new law is an option that could fix all these problems.
これでは、各国と協調して行動するのは困難だ。これらの問題点をすべて是正するには、新法制定も一つの方法だ。
===
Problem put off
The Japanese government discussed cargo inspections based on the U.N. Security Council sanctions resolution on North Korea after Pyongyang conducted its first nuclear test in 2006.
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looked into a plan to participate in inspection activities by acknowledging the situation at the time as a contingency in areas surrounding Japan. Former Democratic Party of Japan leader Seiji Maehara and other DPJ members insisted that establishment of a new law be discussed.
北朝鮮制裁決議に基づく船舶検査は、２００６年の核実験の際にも議論された。当時の安倍内閣は、周辺事態と認定して活動に参加することを模索した。民主党でも、前原誠司・元代表らが新法制定を検討すべきだと主張した。
However, those initiatives later faded away after North Korea returned to the six-party talks on its nuclear program.
だが、その後、北朝鮮が６か国協議に復帰したこともあって、立ち消えになった。
Pointing out that it is still uncertain whether cargo inspections will be conducted under the new resolution, some people say there is no rush for Japan to deal with the matter.
今回の決議について、実際に公海で船舶検査を実施するかどうかは流動的で、対応を急ぐ必要はない、という声がある。
However, North Korea is once again poised to launch a ballistic missile. There is a possibility that the U.N. Security Council may adopt a resolution that stipulates even stricter enforcement of the embargo against North Korea, depending on Pyongyang's next move. Fixing the legal pitfall should not be delayed.
しかし、北朝鮮は弾道ミサイルを再発射する構えをみせている。北朝鮮の出方次第で、より厳格な禁輸執行決議が採択される可能性もある。法的不備の手当てを先延ばしすべきではない。
Implementing effective sanctions against North Korea is the objective. In light of this, the ruling parties and the DPJ should cooperate in formulating a new law. Given that the Diet session has been extended by a significant amount, there should be ample time to take on this task.
北朝鮮に効果的な制裁を実施することが目的だ。この際、与党と民主党は協力して法案づくりに入るべきだ。国会も長期間延長された。法案を成立させるための時間は十分あるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 9, 2009)
（2009年6月9日01時37分 読売新聞）
Fix laws to implement U.N. resolution
対「北」船舶検査 決議実施へ法の不備を正せ（6月9日付・読売社説）
While calling on all U.N. member nations to inspect the cargo of vessels plying to and from North Korea, Japan itself faces a legal barrier to doing so. This is not logical.
北朝鮮に出入りする船舶などの貨物検査を全国連加盟国に求めながら、日本自身は法の不備で対応できない――。これでは筋が通らない。
A revised draft resolution expected to be adopted soon by the U.N. Security Council in response to North Korea's second nuclear test likely will incorporate such cargo inspections.
Under the new resolution, U.N. member nations would stop vessels plying to and from North Korea and conduct inspections to check whether they are carrying arms and other embargoed goods at sea.
北朝鮮の核実験を受け国連安全保障理事会が近く採択する制裁決議案に、貨物検査の実施が盛り込まれる見通しとなった。海上では、北朝鮮に出入りする船舶が武器など禁輸品を積んでいないか、船舶を止めて検査する。
The United States is calling for such cargo inspections and Japan supports the measure. On the high seas, however, the new resolution likely will require U.N. member nations to obtain approval from the flag state of the vessels being searched out of consideration for China, which is cautious toward compulsory inspections.
米国が実施を求め、日本も支持している。ただ、中国の慎重姿勢に配慮し、公海では、船舶の所属する「旗国」の同意が実施の条件となりそうだ。
Japan's Ship Inspection Operations Law is related to the law to deal with contingencies in areas surrounding the country and can only be applied in instances that could develop into a situation under which Japan comes under attack.
日本の船舶検査活動法は、周辺事態法の関連法であり、武力攻撃に発展する恐れがある「周辺事態」の認定時しか適用できない。
A law on restrictions of maritime transportation of foreign military supplies is limited to being applied in situations where Japan is under military attack, while the Japan Coast Guard Law limits areas in which the JCG can operate to Japan's territorial waters only.
外国軍用品等海上輸送規制法は武力攻撃事態に限られ、海上保安庁法は活動範囲が領海に限定される。
===
Difficult to meet legal threshold
Among those laws, the Ship Inspection Operations Law is relatively easy to apply for cargo inspections on the high seas, but it is a little far-fetched to conclude that the current situation regarding North Korea is a contingency in areas surrounding Japan. The law needs to be revised to enable Japan to conduct the inspections in situations other than contingencies.
公海で検査活動するなら船舶検査活動法が適用しやすいが、現在の北朝鮮情勢を周辺事態と言い切るのはやや無理があろう。法改正し、周辺事態以外でも活動できるようにする必要がある。
There are other problems.
ほかにも問題点がある。
The law to deal with contingencies in areas surrounding Japan is designed to provide logistic support to the U.S. military and therefore Japan is currently unable to conduct inspections in cooperation with countries other than the United States. The use of weapons by Self-Defense Force personnel during such inspections is strictly limited to self-defense and even firing a warning shot is not permitted.
周辺事態法は米軍の後方支援を目的とした法律であるため、米国以外の国と共同して検査活動を行うことができない。武器の使用も自己防衛目的に限られ、警告射撃さえ認められていない。
These restrictions obviously make it difficult for Japan to act in cooperation with other countries. Establishing a new law is an option that could fix all these problems.
これでは、各国と協調して行動するのは困難だ。これらの問題点をすべて是正するには、新法制定も一つの方法だ。
===
Problem put off
The Japanese government discussed cargo inspections based on the U.N. Security Council sanctions resolution on North Korea after Pyongyang conducted its first nuclear test in 2006.
The Cabinet of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe looked into a plan to participate in inspection activities by acknowledging the situation at the time as a contingency in areas surrounding Japan. Former Democratic Party of Japan leader Seiji Maehara and other DPJ members insisted that establishment of a new law be discussed.
北朝鮮制裁決議に基づく船舶検査は、２００６年の核実験の際にも議論された。当時の安倍内閣は、周辺事態と認定して活動に参加することを模索した。民主党でも、前原誠司・元代表らが新法制定を検討すべきだと主張した。
However, those initiatives later faded away after North Korea returned to the six-party talks on its nuclear program.
だが、その後、北朝鮮が６か国協議に復帰したこともあって、立ち消えになった。
Pointing out that it is still uncertain whether cargo inspections will be conducted under the new resolution, some people say there is no rush for Japan to deal with the matter.
今回の決議について、実際に公海で船舶検査を実施するかどうかは流動的で、対応を急ぐ必要はない、という声がある。
However, North Korea is once again poised to launch a ballistic missile. There is a possibility that the U.N. Security Council may adopt a resolution that stipulates even stricter enforcement of the embargo against North Korea, depending on Pyongyang's next move. Fixing the legal pitfall should not be delayed.
しかし、北朝鮮は弾道ミサイルを再発射する構えをみせている。北朝鮮の出方次第で、より厳格な禁輸執行決議が採択される可能性もある。法的不備の手当てを先延ばしすべきではない。
Implementing effective sanctions against North Korea is the objective. In light of this, the ruling parties and the DPJ should cooperate in formulating a new law. Given that the Diet session has been extended by a significant amount, there should be ample time to take on this task.
北朝鮮に効果的な制裁を実施することが目的だ。この際、与党と民主党は協力して法案づくりに入るべきだ。国会も長期間延長された。法案を成立させるための時間は十分あるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 9, 2009)
（2009年6月9日01時37分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 6, 2009)
The buck stops with Japan Post management
日本郵政人事 核心は不祥事の経営責任だ（6月6日付・読売社説）
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kunio Hatoyama has been making waves with his increasingly vocal opposition to Japan Post Holdings Co.'s
plan to reappoint Yoshifumi Nishikawa as its president.
日本郵政の西川善文社長の再任に鳩山総務相が反対姿勢を強め、波紋を広げている。
Some are supportive of Hatoyama, saying he has every right to state his position on the issue because as internal affairs and communications minister he has approval authority over personnel affairs. Hatoyama has been upping the ante on the issue, saying he will stick to his position even at the cost of his job.
人事の認可権を持つ総務相が判断するのは当然とする擁護論がある一方、批判も多い。総務相の発言も「閣僚を罷免されても反対を貫く」とエスカレートしている。
But the fuss serves only to derail discussion over the reappointment. If political considerations color the debate, the essential point of the discussion will be lost.
これでは議論が拡散するばかりだ。議論に政局的な思惑が重なると事の本質を見失いかねない。
The thrust of the criticism against Hatoyama is that politicians should not interfere in decisions made by private corporations.
総務相への批判で多いのが「民間の決定に政治が介入すべきではない」というものだ。
But Japan Post Holdings is a special case, in that all its shares are held by the government. In this regard, it would be problematic if the government were
to remain silent at a time when questions have emerged over the operation of Japan Post Holdings.
だが、日本郵政は政府が全株式を保有する特殊会社だ。業務内容に疑義があるのに何も口を挟まないようでは、かえって問題だろう。
There is also an argument that the process of postal privatization will be set back if Nishikawa, who led preparations for the establishment of the company, is ousted as its president.
But this argument is illogical. The fact is that Hatoyama has repeatedly said he wants to see Nishikawa replaced precisely because he wishes to speed up the privatization.
「郵政民営化を後退させる」という指摘も、論理に飛躍がある。総務相は「社長交代は民営化推進のため」と繰り返している。
===
Sale of inns was opaque
The main bone of contention in the wrangling over Nishikawa's reappointment is the lack of transparency in the process of Japan Post Holdings deciding to sell Kanpo no Yado inns to an Orix Group company.
この問題の核心は、「かんぽの宿」をオリックスに売却しようとした手続きに不明朗な部分があったことだ。
An investigation by the communications ministry found a large number of irregular practices in the process of selecting the Orix real estate company, including verbal reporting of important matters. A third-party panel set up at the request of Japan Post Holdings also identified a long list of problems in connection with the sale of the Kanpo no Yado inns, including inadequate safekeeping of documents related to the bidding for the inns. The panel criticized these failings as "extremely inappropriate."
総務省の調査で、重要事項が口頭で伝達されていたなど数多くの不備が明るみに出ている。日本郵政が設置した第三者検討委員会も文書管理の杜撰(ずさん)さなどを列挙し、「著しく不適切」と断じた。
Those who call for Nishikawa's reappointment point out that the investigations did not uncover any illegalities.
But putting to one side the question of whether there was any illegality in the process of selling the Kanpo no Yado inns, the buck stops with Nishikawa, the top manager of Japan Post.
西川社長の再任を支持する人たちは、これらの調査で違法行為がはっきりしなかったことを理由に挙げるが、違法行為の有無とは別に、経営者としての責任は厳然として残る。
The Democratic Party of Japan and two other opposition parties have filed a criminal complaint against Nishikawa, claiming he was complicit in the sale of the Kanpo no Yado inns at knockdown prices. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office has accepted the complaint. Debates over whether there is evidence of illegality in the process of deciding on the sale of the inns can wait until the prosecutors conclude their investigation.
民主党など野党３党が「売却額が不当に廉価だった」として西川社長を刑事告発し、東京地検が受理している。違法性の有無は今後の捜査を見守ればよい。
===
Firm must put house in order
In addition to the controversy over the sale of the inns, the Japan Post group has become engulfed in other scandals, including the abuse of the postal discount system for disabled people and Japan Post's delayed investigation into the nonpayment of postal life insurance when it was a public corporation.
If such scandals surfaced in an ordinary company, the top manager would be forced to resign.
ほかにも障害者向け割引制度を悪用した不正ダイレクトメール事件や、簡易生命保険金の不払い調査を放置した問題など、不祥事が次々と発覚している。普通の企業なら、経営者は引責辞任に追い込まれているところだ。
Japan Post Holdings has not yet responded to a business improvement order issued by the communications ministry. Deciding on the reappointment of Nishikawa at such a time is mixing up business priorities. At its own initiative, Japan Post Holdings should take the logical step of putting the presidential
appointment issue on the back burner and respond quickly to the business improvement order.
総務省の業務改善命令にも、日本郵政は回答していない。そんな段階で西川社長再任の人事案を決めたのは、手順としておかしいのではないか。人事案は自発的に白紙に戻すのが筋だろう。
業務改善命令に対する回答を急ぐのも当然のことである。
In its response to the order, will the company answer all the questions the ministry posed? Will the response present effective ways to prevent a recurrence of similar problems? Most importantly, will the response earn the understanding and acceptance of the public, who are effectively shareholders of Japan Post Holdings?
回答は、総務省から指摘された様々な疑問点にきちんと答えているか。実効性の上がる再発防止策が含まれているか。何より、実質株主である国民の納得を得られる内容となっているか――。
The debate over who should assume the presidency of Japan Post Holdings can start afresh after we see how Japan Post Holdings responds to the business improvement order.
回答を見て、議論を整理し直すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 6, 2009)
（2009年6月6日01時38分 読売新聞）
The buck stops with Japan Post management
日本郵政人事 核心は不祥事の経営責任だ（6月6日付・読売社説）
Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kunio Hatoyama has been making waves with his increasingly vocal opposition to Japan Post Holdings Co.'s
plan to reappoint Yoshifumi Nishikawa as its president.
日本郵政の西川善文社長の再任に鳩山総務相が反対姿勢を強め、波紋を広げている。
Some are supportive of Hatoyama, saying he has every right to state his position on the issue because as internal affairs and communications minister he has approval authority over personnel affairs. Hatoyama has been upping the ante on the issue, saying he will stick to his position even at the cost of his job.
人事の認可権を持つ総務相が判断するのは当然とする擁護論がある一方、批判も多い。総務相の発言も「閣僚を罷免されても反対を貫く」とエスカレートしている。
But the fuss serves only to derail discussion over the reappointment. If political considerations color the debate, the essential point of the discussion will be lost.
これでは議論が拡散するばかりだ。議論に政局的な思惑が重なると事の本質を見失いかねない。
The thrust of the criticism against Hatoyama is that politicians should not interfere in decisions made by private corporations.
総務相への批判で多いのが「民間の決定に政治が介入すべきではない」というものだ。
But Japan Post Holdings is a special case, in that all its shares are held by the government. In this regard, it would be problematic if the government were
to remain silent at a time when questions have emerged over the operation of Japan Post Holdings.
だが、日本郵政は政府が全株式を保有する特殊会社だ。業務内容に疑義があるのに何も口を挟まないようでは、かえって問題だろう。
There is also an argument that the process of postal privatization will be set back if Nishikawa, who led preparations for the establishment of the company, is ousted as its president.
But this argument is illogical. The fact is that Hatoyama has repeatedly said he wants to see Nishikawa replaced precisely because he wishes to speed up the privatization.
「郵政民営化を後退させる」という指摘も、論理に飛躍がある。総務相は「社長交代は民営化推進のため」と繰り返している。
===
Sale of inns was opaque
The main bone of contention in the wrangling over Nishikawa's reappointment is the lack of transparency in the process of Japan Post Holdings deciding to sell Kanpo no Yado inns to an Orix Group company.
この問題の核心は、「かんぽの宿」をオリックスに売却しようとした手続きに不明朗な部分があったことだ。
An investigation by the communications ministry found a large number of irregular practices in the process of selecting the Orix real estate company, including verbal reporting of important matters. A third-party panel set up at the request of Japan Post Holdings also identified a long list of problems in connection with the sale of the Kanpo no Yado inns, including inadequate safekeeping of documents related to the bidding for the inns. The panel criticized these failings as "extremely inappropriate."
総務省の調査で、重要事項が口頭で伝達されていたなど数多くの不備が明るみに出ている。日本郵政が設置した第三者検討委員会も文書管理の杜撰(ずさん)さなどを列挙し、「著しく不適切」と断じた。
Those who call for Nishikawa's reappointment point out that the investigations did not uncover any illegalities.
But putting to one side the question of whether there was any illegality in the process of selling the Kanpo no Yado inns, the buck stops with Nishikawa, the top manager of Japan Post.
西川社長の再任を支持する人たちは、これらの調査で違法行為がはっきりしなかったことを理由に挙げるが、違法行為の有無とは別に、経営者としての責任は厳然として残る。
The Democratic Party of Japan and two other opposition parties have filed a criminal complaint against Nishikawa, claiming he was complicit in the sale of the Kanpo no Yado inns at knockdown prices. The Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office has accepted the complaint. Debates over whether there is evidence of illegality in the process of deciding on the sale of the inns can wait until the prosecutors conclude their investigation.
民主党など野党３党が「売却額が不当に廉価だった」として西川社長を刑事告発し、東京地検が受理している。違法性の有無は今後の捜査を見守ればよい。
===
Firm must put house in order
In addition to the controversy over the sale of the inns, the Japan Post group has become engulfed in other scandals, including the abuse of the postal discount system for disabled people and Japan Post's delayed investigation into the nonpayment of postal life insurance when it was a public corporation.
If such scandals surfaced in an ordinary company, the top manager would be forced to resign.
ほかにも障害者向け割引制度を悪用した不正ダイレクトメール事件や、簡易生命保険金の不払い調査を放置した問題など、不祥事が次々と発覚している。普通の企業なら、経営者は引責辞任に追い込まれているところだ。
Japan Post Holdings has not yet responded to a business improvement order issued by the communications ministry. Deciding on the reappointment of Nishikawa at such a time is mixing up business priorities. At its own initiative, Japan Post Holdings should take the logical step of putting the presidential
appointment issue on the back burner and respond quickly to the business improvement order.
総務省の業務改善命令にも、日本郵政は回答していない。そんな段階で西川社長再任の人事案を決めたのは、手順としておかしいのではないか。人事案は自発的に白紙に戻すのが筋だろう。
業務改善命令に対する回答を急ぐのも当然のことである。
In its response to the order, will the company answer all the questions the ministry posed? Will the response present effective ways to prevent a recurrence of similar problems? Most importantly, will the response earn the understanding and acceptance of the public, who are effectively shareholders of Japan Post Holdings?
回答は、総務省から指摘された様々な疑問点にきちんと答えているか。実効性の上がる再発防止策が含まれているか。何より、実質株主である国民の納得を得られる内容となっているか――。
The debate over who should assume the presidency of Japan Post Holdings can start afresh after we see how Japan Post Holdings responds to the business improvement order.
回答を見て、議論を整理し直すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 6, 2009)
（2009年6月6日01時38分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 5, 2009)
Fresh DNA test results open can of legal worms
足利事件 決め手となったＤＮＡ再鑑定（6月5日付・読売社説）
Prosecutors have agreed to a retrial for a man serving a life sentence for the 1990 murder of a 4-year-old girl, and who was freed from prison Thursday
afternoon. As the evidence that had led to his conviction had crumbled, this was certainly the right thing to do.
検察が再審の開始を認め、受刑者を釈放した。無期懲役となった根拠が崩れた以上、当然の対応である。
The Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office submitted to the Tokyo High Court a written opinion in which prosecutors unprecedentedly approved a retrial
of the case.
東京高検が、「足利事件」の再審開始を容認する異例の意見書を東京高裁に提出した。
After the high court conducted fresh DNA tests, it was found that Toshikazu Sugaya's DNA did not match that of dried body fluid found on the murdered
girl's shirt. It is becoming increasingly likely that Sugaya, whose life sentence was finalized long ago, is not the culprit.
高裁がＤＮＡの再鑑定を行ったところ、無期懲役が確定した男性の型と、殺害された女児のシャツから検出された型が一致しなかったためだ。男性は犯人では
ない可能性が極めて高くなった。
The prosecutors agreed to halt Sugaya's sentence and released him. This is an unprecedented situation and it indicates that Sugaya will be acquitted.
検察は、男性の刑の執行を停止し、釈放した。前例のない事態である。検察が事実上、無罪を認めたものといえよう。
The court should swiftly decide on the start of a retrial.
裁判所は速やかに男性の再審開始を決定すべきである。
===
Old tests too unreliable
The murder occurred in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, in 1990. The following year, police conducted DNA tests on Sugaya, who had been a presence on
the police's investigative radar. The police concluded the DNA found on the victim's shirt matched that of Sugaya's. When told of the DNA match, Sugaya
confessed to the killing.
事件は１９９０年に栃木県足利市で起きた。警察は翌年、捜査線上に浮かんだ男性のＤＮＡ鑑定を実施した。結論は、女児のシャツから検出されたＤＮＡ型と一
致するというものだった。結果を聞き、男性は犯行を自供していた。
In 2000, the Supreme Court dismissed Sugaya's appeal--the first case in which the Supreme Court acknowledged a DNA test as admissible evidence.
最高裁は２０００年、男性の上告を棄却した。ＤＮＡ鑑定に証拠能力があると認めた初めてのケースだった。
There is no doubt that investigative authorities and courts overestimated the accuracy of the DNA test. There also are doubts regarding the police
interrogations. A thorough probe should be conducted.
捜査当局や裁判所に、ＤＮＡ鑑定への過信があったことは間違いあるまい。取り調べにも疑問が残る。徹底した検証が必要だ。
The murder occurred shortly after DNA testing had been introduced and accuracy was considerably less reliable than it is now. Accuracy was dramatically
improved with the introduction of a new DNA analyzer in 2003. It is thought that more than 4,000 DNA tests were carried out before this new device went
into use.
事件当時は、ＤＮＡ鑑定が導入されて間もないころだった。精度は今より格段に低かった。精度が飛躍的に向上したのは、新たな分析装置が導入された０３年
以降だ。それ以前に実施されたＤＮＡ鑑定は４０００件を超えるという。
===
New precedent set
This case may influence other criminal cases as doubts over the credibility of past DNA tests could surface. Courts and prosecutors should be flexible in
conducting fresh DNA tests and other necessary measures.
今回の問題により、他の事件でも、鑑定の信ぴょう性に疑念が生じることもあるだろう。裁判所や検察は、再鑑定の実施などについて柔軟に対応していくべきだ
。
It remains a fact that DNA tests, with their improved accuracy, serve as an important instrument in criminal investigations. As well as helping to find
suspects, it should not be forgotten that DNA tests also serve as a fail-safe against false convictions.
精度が向上したＤＮＡ鑑定が、捜査の有力な武器であることに変わりはない。犯人の割り出しとともに、冤罪(えんざい)を防ぐ防波堤の役割を持つことも忘れては
ならない。
It is crucial that police incorporate increasingly advanced scientific technology into their investigations with the aim of obtaining definitive evidence.
警察が、決定的な証拠を得るために、進歩する科学技術を捜査に取り入れるのは欠かせない。
However, it is risky to rely excessively on forensic results. In particular, the credibility of a fledgling technology needs to be carefully assessed. Sugaya's
case has taught us this much.
だが、科学捜査の結果に過度に依存するのは危うい。特に、導入間もない技術については、信用性を慎重に判断する必要がある。今回の問題の教訓といえよ
う。
Forensic results have the potential to become points of contention in trials. With the beginning of the lay judge system late last month, lay judges might
be pressed to decide on the credibility of forensic results. Lay judges need to comprehensively weigh all the facts before them without being constrained by
just one form of evidence.
科学捜査による鑑定結果が、公判の争点となることもある。裁判員制度が始まり、裁判員も鑑定結果が信用できるかどうか、判断を迫られる局面があるだろう。
一つの証拠にとらわれず、すべての証拠を総合判断する。裁判員にはそれが求められている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 5, 2009)
（2009年6月5日02時09分 読売新聞）
Fresh DNA test results open can of legal worms
足利事件 決め手となったＤＮＡ再鑑定（6月5日付・読売社説）
Prosecutors have agreed to a retrial for a man serving a life sentence for the 1990 murder of a 4-year-old girl, and who was freed from prison Thursday
afternoon. As the evidence that had led to his conviction had crumbled, this was certainly the right thing to do.
検察が再審の開始を認め、受刑者を釈放した。無期懲役となった根拠が崩れた以上、当然の対応である。
The Tokyo High Public Prosecutors Office submitted to the Tokyo High Court a written opinion in which prosecutors unprecedentedly approved a retrial
of the case.
東京高検が、「足利事件」の再審開始を容認する異例の意見書を東京高裁に提出した。
After the high court conducted fresh DNA tests, it was found that Toshikazu Sugaya's DNA did not match that of dried body fluid found on the murdered
girl's shirt. It is becoming increasingly likely that Sugaya, whose life sentence was finalized long ago, is not the culprit.
高裁がＤＮＡの再鑑定を行ったところ、無期懲役が確定した男性の型と、殺害された女児のシャツから検出された型が一致しなかったためだ。男性は犯人では
ない可能性が極めて高くなった。
The prosecutors agreed to halt Sugaya's sentence and released him. This is an unprecedented situation and it indicates that Sugaya will be acquitted.
検察は、男性の刑の執行を停止し、釈放した。前例のない事態である。検察が事実上、無罪を認めたものといえよう。
The court should swiftly decide on the start of a retrial.
裁判所は速やかに男性の再審開始を決定すべきである。
===
Old tests too unreliable
The murder occurred in Ashikaga, Tochigi Prefecture, in 1990. The following year, police conducted DNA tests on Sugaya, who had been a presence on
the police's investigative radar. The police concluded the DNA found on the victim's shirt matched that of Sugaya's. When told of the DNA match, Sugaya
confessed to the killing.
事件は１９９０年に栃木県足利市で起きた。警察は翌年、捜査線上に浮かんだ男性のＤＮＡ鑑定を実施した。結論は、女児のシャツから検出されたＤＮＡ型と一
致するというものだった。結果を聞き、男性は犯行を自供していた。
In 2000, the Supreme Court dismissed Sugaya's appeal--the first case in which the Supreme Court acknowledged a DNA test as admissible evidence.
最高裁は２０００年、男性の上告を棄却した。ＤＮＡ鑑定に証拠能力があると認めた初めてのケースだった。
There is no doubt that investigative authorities and courts overestimated the accuracy of the DNA test. There also are doubts regarding the police
interrogations. A thorough probe should be conducted.
捜査当局や裁判所に、ＤＮＡ鑑定への過信があったことは間違いあるまい。取り調べにも疑問が残る。徹底した検証が必要だ。
The murder occurred shortly after DNA testing had been introduced and accuracy was considerably less reliable than it is now. Accuracy was dramatically
improved with the introduction of a new DNA analyzer in 2003. It is thought that more than 4,000 DNA tests were carried out before this new device went
into use.
事件当時は、ＤＮＡ鑑定が導入されて間もないころだった。精度は今より格段に低かった。精度が飛躍的に向上したのは、新たな分析装置が導入された０３年
以降だ。それ以前に実施されたＤＮＡ鑑定は４０００件を超えるという。
===
New precedent set
This case may influence other criminal cases as doubts over the credibility of past DNA tests could surface. Courts and prosecutors should be flexible in
conducting fresh DNA tests and other necessary measures.
今回の問題により、他の事件でも、鑑定の信ぴょう性に疑念が生じることもあるだろう。裁判所や検察は、再鑑定の実施などについて柔軟に対応していくべきだ
。
It remains a fact that DNA tests, with their improved accuracy, serve as an important instrument in criminal investigations. As well as helping to find
suspects, it should not be forgotten that DNA tests also serve as a fail-safe against false convictions.
精度が向上したＤＮＡ鑑定が、捜査の有力な武器であることに変わりはない。犯人の割り出しとともに、冤罪(えんざい)を防ぐ防波堤の役割を持つことも忘れては
ならない。
It is crucial that police incorporate increasingly advanced scientific technology into their investigations with the aim of obtaining definitive evidence.
警察が、決定的な証拠を得るために、進歩する科学技術を捜査に取り入れるのは欠かせない。
However, it is risky to rely excessively on forensic results. In particular, the credibility of a fledgling technology needs to be carefully assessed. Sugaya's
case has taught us this much.
だが、科学捜査の結果に過度に依存するのは危うい。特に、導入間もない技術については、信用性を慎重に判断する必要がある。今回の問題の教訓といえよ
う。
Forensic results have the potential to become points of contention in trials. With the beginning of the lay judge system late last month, lay judges might
be pressed to decide on the credibility of forensic results. Lay judges need to comprehensively weigh all the facts before them without being constrained by
just one form of evidence.
科学捜査による鑑定結果が、公判の争点となることもある。裁判員制度が始まり、裁判員も鑑定結果が信用できるかどうか、判断を迫られる局面があるだろう。
一つの証拠にとらわれず、すべての証拠を総合判断する。裁判員にはそれが求められている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 5, 2009)
（2009年6月5日02時09分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 4, 2009)
More support needed to increase fertility rate
出生率１・３７ 確かな回復軌道に乗せるには（6月4日付・読売社説）
The nation's fertility rate has edged up, continuing a trend.
日本の出生率が少し上昇した。
According to Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry statistics for 2008, the estimated number of children a woman will bear in her lifetime stood at an average 1.37, up 0.03 points from the previous year.
２００８年の人口動態統計によると、女性が生涯に産む子どもの数の推計値である「合計特殊出生率」は前年を０・０３ポイント上回り、１・３７になった。
The figure has now risen for three straight years.
３年連続の上昇だ。
Last year, 1.09 million babies were born and about 730,000 couples got married, both figures showing a small increase from the previous year.
昨年は約７３万組が結婚し、１０９万人の赤ちゃんが生まれた。いずれも前年より、わずかながら増えている。
However, the fertility rate still remains at an extremely low level of below 1.4. In addition, the increased number of babies born in 2008 is mainly attributable to the extra day gained due to it being a leap year.
ただし、１・３台という出生率の水準が極めて低いことに変わりはない。出生数の増加も、昨年がうるう年で１日多かったことが要因である。
===
Recession may see births fall
The drastic economic deterioration that began in the second half of last year may prove a major obstacle to improving the fertility rate in the future.
また、昨年後半からの急激な経済情勢の悪化は、今後の出生率の回復に、大きな足かせとなるかもしれない。
The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research has projected that the fertility rate will remain around the 1.2 level over the next 50 years or so, and the nation's population will continue to decline.
国立社会保障・人口問題研究所は、これから半世紀の間、出生率はほとんど１・２台で推移し、総人口は減り続けるとの見通しを示している。
Is it possible to reverse this projected fall?
この予測を覆せるかどうか。
Now that the fertility rate has somehow recovered to nearly 1.4 after hitting a record low of 1.26 in 2005, we are at a crossroads.
０５年に１・２６まで落ち込んでいた出生率を、ともかく１・４近くまで戻した今が正念場だろう。
Breakdowns of the 2008 data on births showed that the number of couples having a third child rose. We believe this is a positive sign--an increasing number of parents who already had two children decided to have one more to realize their dreams.
０８年の出生を細かく見ると、第３子として生まれた赤ちゃんが増加した。すでに２人の子を育てつつ、「もう１人」との望みをかなえる親が増えているのは、明るい兆しである。
On the other hand, the number of the first and second children declined from the previous year. This drop can mainly be attributed to population shrinkage in the age demographic in which a woman might be expected to have a baby.
We suspect, however, that the current social and economic situations are making many young people reluctant to marry, and even if they do so, they find they are barely able to raise one child due to social and economic reasons.
一方で第１子、第２子は前年より減った。その時期の若い親にあたる世代の減少が要因だが、結婚をためらったり、結婚しても子どもは１人が精いっぱいだったりする社会的、経済的状況が、依然としてあるからではないか。
It will be necessary to extend more support in the fields where policy measures have proven to be effective, while taking bold new steps in areas where effects are yet to be seen.
施策の効果が表れ始めたところは一段と後押しし、効果の見えないところは新たな手を大胆に講じていくことが必要だ。
Nevertheless, the budgets allocated to measures to address the declining birthrate have been far from sufficient.
にもかかわらず、少子化対策の予算は乏しい。
While member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development earmark, on average, 2 percent of their gross domestic product for child- and family-related assistance, the figure is a mere 0.8 percent in Japan.
経済協力開発機構の加盟国は平均してＧＤＰ（国内総生産）の２％を子育て支援や家族関連に支出しているのに、日本は０・８％にとどまる。
The government has determined that more than 2 trillion yen in fiscal resources will be needed to pay for much-needed support measures for child-rearing.
政府は、子育て支援を充実するには２兆円強の財源が必要だとしている。
This amount could be secured with the revenue raised by a one percentage-point consumption tax rate rise. In this respect, the consumption tax should be renamed the social security tax as soon as possible, with a view to tackling the declining birthrate.
これは１％の消費税で確保できる。少子化対策からも社会保障税の実現が急務である。
===
Give minister increased powers
The current administrative system in place to address the declining birthrate does not function well, either.
行政の体制も現状は機能的ではない。
Although the state minister in charge of declining birthrate answers to the Cabinet Office, the current minister has both a limited budget and number of officials at her disposal. The minister, in effect, plays the role of coordinator of opinions among the concerned ministries and agencies, including the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.
内閣府に少子化相が置かれてはいるが、独自の予算やスタッフは少なく、厚生労働省はじめ多くの関連官庁の調整役にとどまっているのが実態だ。
If the government intends to regard taking measures to stem the declining birthrate as a key agenda for the nation, it will be necessary to create a strong organization that has the power and means to tackle all of the various issues involved.
少子化対策を国の最重要課題と位置づけるならば、関連施策に一体となって取り組む、強力な組織が必要だろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 4, 2009)
（2009年6月4日01時30分 読売新聞）
More support needed to increase fertility rate
出生率１・３７ 確かな回復軌道に乗せるには（6月4日付・読売社説）
The nation's fertility rate has edged up, continuing a trend.
日本の出生率が少し上昇した。
According to Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry statistics for 2008, the estimated number of children a woman will bear in her lifetime stood at an average 1.37, up 0.03 points from the previous year.
２００８年の人口動態統計によると、女性が生涯に産む子どもの数の推計値である「合計特殊出生率」は前年を０・０３ポイント上回り、１・３７になった。
The figure has now risen for three straight years.
３年連続の上昇だ。
Last year, 1.09 million babies were born and about 730,000 couples got married, both figures showing a small increase from the previous year.
昨年は約７３万組が結婚し、１０９万人の赤ちゃんが生まれた。いずれも前年より、わずかながら増えている。
However, the fertility rate still remains at an extremely low level of below 1.4. In addition, the increased number of babies born in 2008 is mainly attributable to the extra day gained due to it being a leap year.
ただし、１・３台という出生率の水準が極めて低いことに変わりはない。出生数の増加も、昨年がうるう年で１日多かったことが要因である。
===
Recession may see births fall
The drastic economic deterioration that began in the second half of last year may prove a major obstacle to improving the fertility rate in the future.
また、昨年後半からの急激な経済情勢の悪化は、今後の出生率の回復に、大きな足かせとなるかもしれない。
The National Institute of Population and Social Security Research has projected that the fertility rate will remain around the 1.2 level over the next 50 years or so, and the nation's population will continue to decline.
国立社会保障・人口問題研究所は、これから半世紀の間、出生率はほとんど１・２台で推移し、総人口は減り続けるとの見通しを示している。
Is it possible to reverse this projected fall?
この予測を覆せるかどうか。
Now that the fertility rate has somehow recovered to nearly 1.4 after hitting a record low of 1.26 in 2005, we are at a crossroads.
０５年に１・２６まで落ち込んでいた出生率を、ともかく１・４近くまで戻した今が正念場だろう。
Breakdowns of the 2008 data on births showed that the number of couples having a third child rose. We believe this is a positive sign--an increasing number of parents who already had two children decided to have one more to realize their dreams.
０８年の出生を細かく見ると、第３子として生まれた赤ちゃんが増加した。すでに２人の子を育てつつ、「もう１人」との望みをかなえる親が増えているのは、明るい兆しである。
On the other hand, the number of the first and second children declined from the previous year. This drop can mainly be attributed to population shrinkage in the age demographic in which a woman might be expected to have a baby.
We suspect, however, that the current social and economic situations are making many young people reluctant to marry, and even if they do so, they find they are barely able to raise one child due to social and economic reasons.
一方で第１子、第２子は前年より減った。その時期の若い親にあたる世代の減少が要因だが、結婚をためらったり、結婚しても子どもは１人が精いっぱいだったりする社会的、経済的状況が、依然としてあるからではないか。
It will be necessary to extend more support in the fields where policy measures have proven to be effective, while taking bold new steps in areas where effects are yet to be seen.
施策の効果が表れ始めたところは一段と後押しし、効果の見えないところは新たな手を大胆に講じていくことが必要だ。
Nevertheless, the budgets allocated to measures to address the declining birthrate have been far from sufficient.
にもかかわらず、少子化対策の予算は乏しい。
While member states of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development earmark, on average, 2 percent of their gross domestic product for child- and family-related assistance, the figure is a mere 0.8 percent in Japan.
経済協力開発機構の加盟国は平均してＧＤＰ（国内総生産）の２％を子育て支援や家族関連に支出しているのに、日本は０・８％にとどまる。
The government has determined that more than 2 trillion yen in fiscal resources will be needed to pay for much-needed support measures for child-rearing.
政府は、子育て支援を充実するには２兆円強の財源が必要だとしている。
This amount could be secured with the revenue raised by a one percentage-point consumption tax rate rise. In this respect, the consumption tax should be renamed the social security tax as soon as possible, with a view to tackling the declining birthrate.
これは１％の消費税で確保できる。少子化対策からも社会保障税の実現が急務である。
===
Give minister increased powers
The current administrative system in place to address the declining birthrate does not function well, either.
行政の体制も現状は機能的ではない。
Although the state minister in charge of declining birthrate answers to the Cabinet Office, the current minister has both a limited budget and number of officials at her disposal. The minister, in effect, plays the role of coordinator of opinions among the concerned ministries and agencies, including the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry.
内閣府に少子化相が置かれてはいるが、独自の予算やスタッフは少なく、厚生労働省はじめ多くの関連官庁の調整役にとどまっているのが実態だ。
If the government intends to regard taking measures to stem the declining birthrate as a key agenda for the nation, it will be necessary to create a strong organization that has the power and means to tackle all of the various issues involved.
少子化対策を国の最重要課題と位置づけるならば、関連施策に一体となって取り組む、強力な組織が必要だろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 4, 2009)
（2009年6月4日01時30分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 3, 2009)
Earnest debate vital in extended Diet session
延長国会 衆院選へ実のある政策論戦を（6月3日付・読売社説）
The current Diet session has been extended by 55 days through July 28, and it looks highly likely that Prime Minister Taro Aso will dissolve the House of Representatives before the extended session ends.
国会会期が７月２８日まで５５日間延長された。
この期間中に麻生首相が衆院解散に踏み切る公算が大きいとみられている。
We hope the ruling and opposition parties will earnestly engage in policy debates during the extended session, including holding discussions on securing stable funding for the social security system and national security. Such debates would provide voters with a basis for considered judgment of each party's platform ahead of the coming general election.
次の総選挙に向け有権者に正しい判断材料を示すためにも、延長国会で、与野党は、財源論や安全保障など政策論戦に努めてほしい。
The Diet will discuss important bills, including those related to the fiscal 2009 supplementary budget, an antipiracy bill and a bill to revise the National Pension Law. The ruling parties must ensure these bills are passed during the current Diet session.
国会では２００９年度補正予算関連法案、海賊対処法案、国民年金法改正案などが積み残されている。いずれも重要法案ばかりだ。与党は、今国会で確実に成立させなければならない。
Aso sought the extension of the current Diet session in an apparent attempt to expand his options regarding the timing of the dissolution of the lower house for the general election and to keep the political initiative.
首相が長期の会期延長を図ったのは、それだけ衆院解散・総選挙の時期の選択肢を広げ、政局の主導権をとる狙いからだろう。
The Democratic Party of Japan, on the other hand, is seeking the dissolution of the lower house at an early date.
民主党は、早期の解散を求めている。
We hope the main opposition party, which has said it will not resort to employing tactics to unnecessarily prolong Diet 審議引き延ばし戦術は取らないとしている以上、粛々と法案の審議を進めてもらいたい。
deliberations, will commit itself to holding straightforward deliberations on the bills.
===
Paying for pensions
With the lower house election now in sight, each political party likely will move to shape their respective campaign platforms.
衆院選が射程に入る中で、各党の公約づくりも本格化しよう。
In the lower house election, the parties should debate basic policy differences and their vision for the future of this nation.
衆院選で争われるべきは、各党の基本政策や、国の将来ビジョンである。
To pull this country out of the worst postwar economic crisis, it is right and proper to actively carry out fiscal stimulus measures in the short term and make all-out efforts to prop up the economy.
戦後最悪の経済危機を脱するには、当面、積極的な財政出動で景気の回復に全力を挙げるのは当然だ。
In the medium- to long-term, however, the question of how to secure stable resources to fund the social security system and other spending must be addressed.
ただ、中長期的に社会保障費などの安定財源をどう確保するかは極めて重要な課題である。
The Liberal Democratic Party, which has said it expects it will take three years for the country's economy to fully recover, has said it will raise the consumption tax rate to fund the social security system while trimming government expenditure at the same time after this three-year period ends.
自民党は、景気回復に「全治３年」を見込み、その後は歳出削減と同時に消費税率の引き上げで対応する方針を示している。
The DPJ, for its part, maintains it will secure 20 trillion yen by eliminating wasteful spending--a policy that lacks precision and detail.
民主党は、「税金の無駄遣いの一掃」で２０兆円を確保するというが、具体性に欠ける。
Concerning the consumption tax, DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama said there is no need to debate a consumption tax hike for the next four years. This stance can only serve to heighten concerns over the prospects for the nation's social security system.
消費税の問題も、鳩山代表のように「４年は議論する必要はない」というのでは、社会保障制度の先行きへの懸念を高めるだけだ。
===
Security a key issue
Discussion focusing on the specifics of national security policy also is necessary.
安全保障政策も、もっと具体論に踏み込んだ議論が必要だ。
DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada has, for example, proposed an international treaty that would make Japan and the Korean Peninsula a nuclear weapon-free zone. Okada has urged the United States to abandon the preemptive use of nuclear weapons and said Japan will step out from under the U.S. nuclear umbrella if such a treaty comes about.
例えば、民主党の岡田幹事長は朝鮮半島と日本を「非核兵器地帯」とする条約を提唱している。米国に核の先制不使用を求め、条約が実現すれば「日本は米国の核の傘から出ることになる」という。
Okada also said North Korea's abandonment of nuclear weapons is a precondition. However, Pyongyang has thrown the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty into the garbage bin. Simply proposing a treaty can never remove this nuclear threat.
北朝鮮の核放棄が前提だともいうが、相手は核拡散防止条約まで反故(ほご)にした国だ。条約を唱えるだけでは核の脅威は解消しない。
Furthermore, China and Russia are nuclear-armed. China's missiles are locked on Japan as well. Japan's peace and security would not be guaranteed should the country unilaterally step out from beneath the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
しかも、中国とロシアは核を保有したままだ。中国のミサイルは日本にも照準を合わせている。米国の「核の傘」から日本が一方的に脱して、日本の平和と安全が本当に保てるだろうか。
If Aso and Hatoyama make clear their differences on these matters through head-to-head debates in the Diet, these differences likely would become key points of contention in the lower house election campaign.
首相と鳩山代表による党首討論などを通じ、これらの主張の違いが明確になれば、それが衆院選の争点にもなるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 3, 2009)
（2009年6月3日01時34分 読売新聞）
Earnest debate vital in extended Diet session
延長国会 衆院選へ実のある政策論戦を（6月3日付・読売社説）
The current Diet session has been extended by 55 days through July 28, and it looks highly likely that Prime Minister Taro Aso will dissolve the House of Representatives before the extended session ends.
国会会期が７月２８日まで５５日間延長された。
この期間中に麻生首相が衆院解散に踏み切る公算が大きいとみられている。
We hope the ruling and opposition parties will earnestly engage in policy debates during the extended session, including holding discussions on securing stable funding for the social security system and national security. Such debates would provide voters with a basis for considered judgment of each party's platform ahead of the coming general election.
次の総選挙に向け有権者に正しい判断材料を示すためにも、延長国会で、与野党は、財源論や安全保障など政策論戦に努めてほしい。
The Diet will discuss important bills, including those related to the fiscal 2009 supplementary budget, an antipiracy bill and a bill to revise the National Pension Law. The ruling parties must ensure these bills are passed during the current Diet session.
国会では２００９年度補正予算関連法案、海賊対処法案、国民年金法改正案などが積み残されている。いずれも重要法案ばかりだ。与党は、今国会で確実に成立させなければならない。
Aso sought the extension of the current Diet session in an apparent attempt to expand his options regarding the timing of the dissolution of the lower house for the general election and to keep the political initiative.
首相が長期の会期延長を図ったのは、それだけ衆院解散・総選挙の時期の選択肢を広げ、政局の主導権をとる狙いからだろう。
The Democratic Party of Japan, on the other hand, is seeking the dissolution of the lower house at an early date.
民主党は、早期の解散を求めている。
We hope the main opposition party, which has said it will not resort to employing tactics to unnecessarily prolong Diet 審議引き延ばし戦術は取らないとしている以上、粛々と法案の審議を進めてもらいたい。
deliberations, will commit itself to holding straightforward deliberations on the bills.
===
Paying for pensions
With the lower house election now in sight, each political party likely will move to shape their respective campaign platforms.
衆院選が射程に入る中で、各党の公約づくりも本格化しよう。
In the lower house election, the parties should debate basic policy differences and their vision for the future of this nation.
衆院選で争われるべきは、各党の基本政策や、国の将来ビジョンである。
To pull this country out of the worst postwar economic crisis, it is right and proper to actively carry out fiscal stimulus measures in the short term and make all-out efforts to prop up the economy.
戦後最悪の経済危機を脱するには、当面、積極的な財政出動で景気の回復に全力を挙げるのは当然だ。
In the medium- to long-term, however, the question of how to secure stable resources to fund the social security system and other spending must be addressed.
ただ、中長期的に社会保障費などの安定財源をどう確保するかは極めて重要な課題である。
The Liberal Democratic Party, which has said it expects it will take three years for the country's economy to fully recover, has said it will raise the consumption tax rate to fund the social security system while trimming government expenditure at the same time after this three-year period ends.
自民党は、景気回復に「全治３年」を見込み、その後は歳出削減と同時に消費税率の引き上げで対応する方針を示している。
The DPJ, for its part, maintains it will secure 20 trillion yen by eliminating wasteful spending--a policy that lacks precision and detail.
民主党は、「税金の無駄遣いの一掃」で２０兆円を確保するというが、具体性に欠ける。
Concerning the consumption tax, DPJ President Yukio Hatoyama said there is no need to debate a consumption tax hike for the next four years. This stance can only serve to heighten concerns over the prospects for the nation's social security system.
消費税の問題も、鳩山代表のように「４年は議論する必要はない」というのでは、社会保障制度の先行きへの懸念を高めるだけだ。
===
Security a key issue
Discussion focusing on the specifics of national security policy also is necessary.
安全保障政策も、もっと具体論に踏み込んだ議論が必要だ。
DPJ Secretary General Katsuya Okada has, for example, proposed an international treaty that would make Japan and the Korean Peninsula a nuclear weapon-free zone. Okada has urged the United States to abandon the preemptive use of nuclear weapons and said Japan will step out from under the U.S. nuclear umbrella if such a treaty comes about.
例えば、民主党の岡田幹事長は朝鮮半島と日本を「非核兵器地帯」とする条約を提唱している。米国に核の先制不使用を求め、条約が実現すれば「日本は米国の核の傘から出ることになる」という。
Okada also said North Korea's abandonment of nuclear weapons is a precondition. However, Pyongyang has thrown the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty into the garbage bin. Simply proposing a treaty can never remove this nuclear threat.
北朝鮮の核放棄が前提だともいうが、相手は核拡散防止条約まで反故(ほご)にした国だ。条約を唱えるだけでは核の脅威は解消しない。
Furthermore, China and Russia are nuclear-armed. China's missiles are locked on Japan as well. Japan's peace and security would not be guaranteed should the country unilaterally step out from beneath the U.S. nuclear umbrella.
しかも、中国とロシアは核を保有したままだ。中国のミサイルは日本にも照準を合わせている。米国の「核の傘」から日本が一方的に脱して、日本の平和と安全が本当に保てるだろうか。
If Aso and Hatoyama make clear their differences on these matters through head-to-head debates in the Diet, these differences likely would become key points of contention in the lower house election campaign.
首相と鳩山代表による党首討論などを通じ、これらの主張の違いが明確になれば、それが衆院選の争点にもなるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 3, 2009)
（2009年6月3日01時34分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 2, 2009)
Building new top seller key to GM recovery
ＧＭ破綻 “売れる車”が再建のカギだ（6月2日付・読売社説）
General Motors Corp., the giant automaker that has long been a symbol of the United States, finally collapsed. Though it will be effectively nationalized, the biggest of the Big Three auto companies still faces a rocky road ahead toward rehabilitation.
米国の象徴だった巨大自動車会社が、ついに経営破綻(はたん)に追い込まれた。国有化されて再建を目指す前途も多難だろう。
GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday. This marks the largest manufacturing corporate failure in history.
米ゼネラル・モーターズ（ＧＭ）が、連邦破産法１１章の適用を申請した。製造業として史上最大の倒産だ。
GM's bankruptcy filing followed a similar step taken by Chrysler LLC at the end of April. It is a historic situation that two of the Big Three automakers are in bankruptcy.
４月末のクライスラーを含め、米３大自動車（ビッグスリー）の２社が、相次いで法的整理される。歴史的な事態である。
GM has reigned over the world auto industry for nearly 80 years. However, the Detroit-based company has been in the red for several years since it got a slow start in the race to develop fuel-efficient small cars and lost competitiveness. The financial crisis and the global recession apparently finished off the ailing company.
ＧＭは８０年近くも世界の業界トップに君臨した。だが、燃費の良い小型車の開発に出遅れ、競争力を失って、赤字経営が続いていた。金融危機と世界不況にとどめを刺された形だ。
Although even U.S. President Barack Obama could not rescue GM, he did engineer a softer landing for the company with a set of measures to alleviate the bankruptcy shock as much as possible.
オバマ米大統領も救済できなかった。しかし、破綻ショックを少しでも回避しようと、軟着陸に向けた手を打った。
First, the federal government led the drafting of a restructuring plan and helped convince the United Auto Workers union to agree with GM's proposals to reduce labor costs. The government also helped the company obtain agreements from a majority of creditors in negotiations to greatly reduce its debts.
まず、政府が再建計画作りを主導し、全米自動車労組（ＵＡＷ）と労務費削減で合意させた。巨額債務の削減交渉でも、大半の債権者の合意を取り付けた。
===
Swift resurrection
Obama is said to have set up a scenario in which GM will go through the court process in 60 to 90 days and be rehabilitated quickly with the help of the arrangement his government has made.
大統領は、こうした事前調整をテコに、６０～９０日間で法的整理を終え、スピード再生させるシナリオを描いている。
The point of the restructuring plan is the establishment of a new GM that would inherit only the company's prime assets, including profitable brands, and jettison underperforming operations from the bankrupt company. The federal government will temporarily place GM under state ownership by acquiring 60 percent of new stocks in a recapitalized company.
再建計画のポイントは、不採算事業を切り離し、収益が見込めるブランドなど、優良資産だけを引き継ぐ新ＧＭを設立することだ。政府が新ＧＭ株の６割を保有し、一時的に国有化する。
At the same time, the federal government will invest an additional 30 billion dollars (2.8 trillion yen) into GM. The amount of government financial support will reach 5 trillion yen in total. This shows Washington's strong determination to rehabilitate the automaker as quickly as possible.
政府は同時に、約３００億ドル（２・８兆円）を追加融資して支援する。支援の総額は約５兆円に達する。早期再建に向けた米政権の強い意志の表れといえよう。
But, a leaner GM as a result of drastic restructuring warrants no optimism that the company would be quickly rehabilitated. U.S. taxpayers also are wary of injecting a huge amount of public money into the automaker.
しかし、大規模なリストラでＧＭをスリム化しても、速やかに再建できるかどうかは楽観できない。巨額の公的資金投入に対して、米国民の視線も厳しい。
===
Future cloudy
The biggest challenge is whether GM can regain competitiveness by developing popular sellers such as ecologically friendly cars. Automakers around the world are in fierce competition. Sales of automobiles in the United States are declining. The new GM will have to tread a thorny path.
最大の問題は、エコカーなどの「売れる車」を開発し、競争力を回復することができるかどうかだ。世界各社との競争は激しい。北米での販売台数も急減している。新ＧＭにはいばらの道だ。
There is concern the GM bankruptcy may cause a chain reaction of collapses among connected companies such as auto parts manufacturers since the auto industry has a wide variety of affiliated industries. Japanese auto parts manufacturers, too, will be unable to avoid adverse impacts.
自動車産業はすそ野が広く、部品メーカーなど取引先企業の連鎖破綻も懸念される。日系部品メーカーへの影響も避けられまい。
To avoid economic confusion, the U.S. government needs to strengthen official support for companies connected to GM. The Japanese government could be asked to assist Japanese parts makers.
混乱の回避へ、米国政府は、関連企業への公的支援を強化することが必要だ。日本政府も、日系部品メーカーへの救済策を求められる局面もあるのではないか。
If corporate failures and joblessness increase in the United States, it will be another blow to the U.S. economy, which is just getting out of the worst period of the economic crisis. It will be an ordeal for the world economy, too.
米国で企業倒産や失業が増大すれば、ようやく最悪期を脱しつつあるとされる米国経済に、再び打撃を与える。世界経済にとっても試練となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 2, 2009)
（2009年6月2日01時32分 読売新聞）
Building new top seller key to GM recovery
ＧＭ破綻 “売れる車”が再建のカギだ（6月2日付・読売社説）
General Motors Corp., the giant automaker that has long been a symbol of the United States, finally collapsed. Though it will be effectively nationalized, the biggest of the Big Three auto companies still faces a rocky road ahead toward rehabilitation.
米国の象徴だった巨大自動車会社が、ついに経営破綻(はたん)に追い込まれた。国有化されて再建を目指す前途も多難だろう。
GM filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection Monday. This marks the largest manufacturing corporate failure in history.
米ゼネラル・モーターズ（ＧＭ）が、連邦破産法１１章の適用を申請した。製造業として史上最大の倒産だ。
GM's bankruptcy filing followed a similar step taken by Chrysler LLC at the end of April. It is a historic situation that two of the Big Three automakers are in bankruptcy.
４月末のクライスラーを含め、米３大自動車（ビッグスリー）の２社が、相次いで法的整理される。歴史的な事態である。
GM has reigned over the world auto industry for nearly 80 years. However, the Detroit-based company has been in the red for several years since it got a slow start in the race to develop fuel-efficient small cars and lost competitiveness. The financial crisis and the global recession apparently finished off the ailing company.
ＧＭは８０年近くも世界の業界トップに君臨した。だが、燃費の良い小型車の開発に出遅れ、競争力を失って、赤字経営が続いていた。金融危機と世界不況にとどめを刺された形だ。
Although even U.S. President Barack Obama could not rescue GM, he did engineer a softer landing for the company with a set of measures to alleviate the bankruptcy shock as much as possible.
オバマ米大統領も救済できなかった。しかし、破綻ショックを少しでも回避しようと、軟着陸に向けた手を打った。
First, the federal government led the drafting of a restructuring plan and helped convince the United Auto Workers union to agree with GM's proposals to reduce labor costs. The government also helped the company obtain agreements from a majority of creditors in negotiations to greatly reduce its debts.
まず、政府が再建計画作りを主導し、全米自動車労組（ＵＡＷ）と労務費削減で合意させた。巨額債務の削減交渉でも、大半の債権者の合意を取り付けた。
===
Swift resurrection
Obama is said to have set up a scenario in which GM will go through the court process in 60 to 90 days and be rehabilitated quickly with the help of the arrangement his government has made.
大統領は、こうした事前調整をテコに、６０～９０日間で法的整理を終え、スピード再生させるシナリオを描いている。
The point of the restructuring plan is the establishment of a new GM that would inherit only the company's prime assets, including profitable brands, and jettison underperforming operations from the bankrupt company. The federal government will temporarily place GM under state ownership by acquiring 60 percent of new stocks in a recapitalized company.
再建計画のポイントは、不採算事業を切り離し、収益が見込めるブランドなど、優良資産だけを引き継ぐ新ＧＭを設立することだ。政府が新ＧＭ株の６割を保有し、一時的に国有化する。
At the same time, the federal government will invest an additional 30 billion dollars (2.8 trillion yen) into GM. The amount of government financial support will reach 5 trillion yen in total. This shows Washington's strong determination to rehabilitate the automaker as quickly as possible.
政府は同時に、約３００億ドル（２・８兆円）を追加融資して支援する。支援の総額は約５兆円に達する。早期再建に向けた米政権の強い意志の表れといえよう。
But, a leaner GM as a result of drastic restructuring warrants no optimism that the company would be quickly rehabilitated. U.S. taxpayers also are wary of injecting a huge amount of public money into the automaker.
しかし、大規模なリストラでＧＭをスリム化しても、速やかに再建できるかどうかは楽観できない。巨額の公的資金投入に対して、米国民の視線も厳しい。
===
Future cloudy
The biggest challenge is whether GM can regain competitiveness by developing popular sellers such as ecologically friendly cars. Automakers around the world are in fierce competition. Sales of automobiles in the United States are declining. The new GM will have to tread a thorny path.
最大の問題は、エコカーなどの「売れる車」を開発し、競争力を回復することができるかどうかだ。世界各社との競争は激しい。北米での販売台数も急減している。新ＧＭにはいばらの道だ。
There is concern the GM bankruptcy may cause a chain reaction of collapses among connected companies such as auto parts manufacturers since the auto industry has a wide variety of affiliated industries. Japanese auto parts manufacturers, too, will be unable to avoid adverse impacts.
自動車産業はすそ野が広く、部品メーカーなど取引先企業の連鎖破綻も懸念される。日系部品メーカーへの影響も避けられまい。
To avoid economic confusion, the U.S. government needs to strengthen official support for companies connected to GM. The Japanese government could be asked to assist Japanese parts makers.
混乱の回避へ、米国政府は、関連企業への公的支援を強化することが必要だ。日本政府も、日系部品メーカーへの救済策を求められる局面もあるのではないか。
If corporate failures and joblessness increase in the United States, it will be another blow to the U.S. economy, which is just getting out of the worst period of the economic crisis. It will be an ordeal for the world economy, too.
米国で企業倒産や失業が増大すれば、ようやく最悪期を脱しつつあるとされる米国経済に、再び打撃を与える。世界経済にとっても試練となろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 2, 2009)
（2009年6月2日01時32分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(Jun. 1, 2009)
P-3C aircraft vital boost for antipiracy mission
海自Ｐ３Ｃ派遣 海賊対策で他国を助ける番だ（6月1日付・読売社説）
Japan's antipiracy efforts off Somalia are set to enter a new stage.
ソマリア沖の海賊対策が新たな段階に入る。
Two Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol aircraft were dispatched to Djibouti. The two planes are expected to start warning and surveillance flights as soon as early this month in conjunction with the protective activities of the two MSDF destroyers convoying Japan-linked commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden.
海上自衛隊のＰ３Ｃ哨戒機２機がジブチに派遣された。６月上旬にも、アデン湾での護衛艦２隻による日本関係船舶の警護活動と連動して、上空からの警戒監視飛行を開始する予定だ。
The destroyers have been active in the area since late March. But the two vessels can only actually properly protect three vessels at a time on average and so have been able to convoy fewer than a quarter of all the Japan-related ships sailing in the area.
護衛艦の活動は３月末に始まった。ただ、実際に警護した船舶は１回平均３隻強で、現地を航行する日本関係船舶全体の４分の１以下にとどまっている。
If cargo ships arrive at their destinations behind schedule, expenses can mount up for the operator. Many ships likely are forced to sail through the area without escort despite the risk posed by pirates, when their schedule cannot be matched to that of the MSDF destroyers.
民間船舶は、目的地への到着が遅れれば費用がかさむ。護衛艦の航行日程と合わない場合、多少の危険を承知のうえで警護なしで航行する例が多いようだ。
With their higher mobility, the P-3C planes can surveil a wider swath of ocean in support of the destroyers' activities.
Ｐ３Ｃは、その機動力でより広い海域をカバーし、護衛艦の活動を補完する意義を持つ。
More importantly, the P-3C activities can contribute to ensuring the safety of foreign ships by tracking pirate ships and providing the information via radio to both cargo ships and the appropriate naval vessels in the area.
さらに重要なのは、海賊船の動向を監視し、関係国の艦船や民間船舶に無線で情報提供することで、他国の船舶の安全確保にも貢献できるということだ。
===
Dispatch slowed
Due to problems in coordinating the mission domestically, the departure of the destroyers was delayed. Until their dispatch, Japan had been totally dependent on other countries to protect Japan-linked ships
日本は、国内調整の遅れから、護衛艦の派遣までに時間を要し、その間は、日本関係船舶の警護は他国任せという状態が続いた。
Currently, four other countries--France, Germany, Spain and the United States--have three to five P-3C flying patrols off the coast of Somalia. The participation of the two MSDF planes in their activities would strengthen the antipiracy forces.
現在、日本以外では、米仏独スペインの４か国が現場海域で３～５機のＰ３Ｃを飛行させている。海自の２機が加わることは、大きな“戦力”強化となる。
The MSDF has about 100 P-3Cs and the planes have an established reputation as capable patrol aircraft. The government intends to dispatch two P-3C planes in four-month shifts. The international community will welcome Japan's activities.
海自はＰ３Ｃを１００機近く保有し、その哨戒能力の高さは定評がある。今後も４か月交代で２機を派遣し続ける方針で、国際社会からも歓迎されよう。
Ｐ３Ｃの警戒監視区域を他国と分担するとか、より効果的な活動に向けての選択肢も広がろう。
At the same time, the number of pirate incidents off Somalia this year was 125, already exceeding the 111 recorded for all of 2008. The damage done by pirates has been rapidly increasing, especially off the eastern coast of Somalia where the security is relatively poor.
一方で、今年のソマリア沖での海賊被害は１２５件で、すでに昨年１年間の１１１件を上回った。警護の手薄なソマリア東方沖での被害が急増している。
More than 20 countries have dispatched navy ships to the area, but their effectiveness has been limited. Relevant countries need to be ready for a long battle with pirates and get serious about antipiracy measures.
２０か国以上が艦船を派遣しているが、その効果が出ているとは言えない状況だ。関係国は長期戦の覚悟で、海賊対策に本腰を入れる必要がある。
===
New laws vital
For the MSDF to operate more effectively, it is important to pass into law earlier an antipiracy bill under deliberation at the House of Councillors.
海自がより効率的な活動を行うためには、参院で審議中の海賊対処法案の早期成立が重要だ。
As Japan has sent the destroyers to the Gulf of Aden on an antipiracy mission under the authority of the maritime police action provision of the Self-Defense Forces Law, their duties are basically limited to the protection of Japan-linked ships. The passage of the bill would expand the mission's scope by enabling the Self-Defense Forces to protect foreign vessels and broaden the rules on the use of weapons by the SDF.
現在は、自衛隊法の海上警備行動に基づく派遣のため、任務は日本関係船舶の警護に基本的に限定される。法案が成立すれば、日本だけでなく、他国の船舶も守れるし、武器使用権限も拡大する。
With the enactment of the bill, when the destroyers are asked for help by other countries' ships, they would be allowed to respond more appropriately by firing warning shots or even by opening fire on suspicious vessels in addition to simply warning them off with loudspeakers.
護衛艦が他国の船から救援要請を受けた際も、大音響発生装置で不審船を追い払うという対応にとどまらず、警告・船体射撃を含め、より的確な対応ができる。
Under the new law, there would be a wider range of alternatives for more effective activities, such as coordinating the warning and surveillance work of the P-3Cs with other countries.
Ｐ３Ｃの警戒監視区域を他国と分担するとか、より効果的な活動に向けての選択肢も広がろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 1, 2009)
（2009年6月1日01時41分 読売新聞）
P-3C aircraft vital boost for antipiracy mission
海自Ｐ３Ｃ派遣 海賊対策で他国を助ける番だ（6月1日付・読売社説）
Japan's antipiracy efforts off Somalia are set to enter a new stage.
ソマリア沖の海賊対策が新たな段階に入る。
Two Maritime Self-Defense Force P-3C patrol aircraft were dispatched to Djibouti. The two planes are expected to start warning and surveillance flights as soon as early this month in conjunction with the protective activities of the two MSDF destroyers convoying Japan-linked commercial ships in the Gulf of Aden.
海上自衛隊のＰ３Ｃ哨戒機２機がジブチに派遣された。６月上旬にも、アデン湾での護衛艦２隻による日本関係船舶の警護活動と連動して、上空からの警戒監視飛行を開始する予定だ。
The destroyers have been active in the area since late March. But the two vessels can only actually properly protect three vessels at a time on average and so have been able to convoy fewer than a quarter of all the Japan-related ships sailing in the area.
護衛艦の活動は３月末に始まった。ただ、実際に警護した船舶は１回平均３隻強で、現地を航行する日本関係船舶全体の４分の１以下にとどまっている。
If cargo ships arrive at their destinations behind schedule, expenses can mount up for the operator. Many ships likely are forced to sail through the area without escort despite the risk posed by pirates, when their schedule cannot be matched to that of the MSDF destroyers.
民間船舶は、目的地への到着が遅れれば費用がかさむ。護衛艦の航行日程と合わない場合、多少の危険を承知のうえで警護なしで航行する例が多いようだ。
With their higher mobility, the P-3C planes can surveil a wider swath of ocean in support of the destroyers' activities.
Ｐ３Ｃは、その機動力でより広い海域をカバーし、護衛艦の活動を補完する意義を持つ。
More importantly, the P-3C activities can contribute to ensuring the safety of foreign ships by tracking pirate ships and providing the information via radio to both cargo ships and the appropriate naval vessels in the area.
さらに重要なのは、海賊船の動向を監視し、関係国の艦船や民間船舶に無線で情報提供することで、他国の船舶の安全確保にも貢献できるということだ。
===
Dispatch slowed
Due to problems in coordinating the mission domestically, the departure of the destroyers was delayed. Until their dispatch, Japan had been totally dependent on other countries to protect Japan-linked ships
日本は、国内調整の遅れから、護衛艦の派遣までに時間を要し、その間は、日本関係船舶の警護は他国任せという状態が続いた。
Currently, four other countries--France, Germany, Spain and the United States--have three to five P-3C flying patrols off the coast of Somalia. The participation of the two MSDF planes in their activities would strengthen the antipiracy forces.
現在、日本以外では、米仏独スペインの４か国が現場海域で３～５機のＰ３Ｃを飛行させている。海自の２機が加わることは、大きな“戦力”強化となる。
The MSDF has about 100 P-3Cs and the planes have an established reputation as capable patrol aircraft. The government intends to dispatch two P-3C planes in four-month shifts. The international community will welcome Japan's activities.
海自はＰ３Ｃを１００機近く保有し、その哨戒能力の高さは定評がある。今後も４か月交代で２機を派遣し続ける方針で、国際社会からも歓迎されよう。
Ｐ３Ｃの警戒監視区域を他国と分担するとか、より効果的な活動に向けての選択肢も広がろう。
At the same time, the number of pirate incidents off Somalia this year was 125, already exceeding the 111 recorded for all of 2008. The damage done by pirates has been rapidly increasing, especially off the eastern coast of Somalia where the security is relatively poor.
一方で、今年のソマリア沖での海賊被害は１２５件で、すでに昨年１年間の１１１件を上回った。警護の手薄なソマリア東方沖での被害が急増している。
More than 20 countries have dispatched navy ships to the area, but their effectiveness has been limited. Relevant countries need to be ready for a long battle with pirates and get serious about antipiracy measures.
２０か国以上が艦船を派遣しているが、その効果が出ているとは言えない状況だ。関係国は長期戦の覚悟で、海賊対策に本腰を入れる必要がある。
===
New laws vital
For the MSDF to operate more effectively, it is important to pass into law earlier an antipiracy bill under deliberation at the House of Councillors.
海自がより効率的な活動を行うためには、参院で審議中の海賊対処法案の早期成立が重要だ。
As Japan has sent the destroyers to the Gulf of Aden on an antipiracy mission under the authority of the maritime police action provision of the Self-Defense Forces Law, their duties are basically limited to the protection of Japan-linked ships. The passage of the bill would expand the mission's scope by enabling the Self-Defense Forces to protect foreign vessels and broaden the rules on the use of weapons by the SDF.
現在は、自衛隊法の海上警備行動に基づく派遣のため、任務は日本関係船舶の警護に基本的に限定される。法案が成立すれば、日本だけでなく、他国の船舶も守れるし、武器使用権限も拡大する。
With the enactment of the bill, when the destroyers are asked for help by other countries' ships, they would be allowed to respond more appropriately by firing warning shots or even by opening fire on suspicious vessels in addition to simply warning them off with loudspeakers.
護衛艦が他国の船から救援要請を受けた際も、大音響発生装置で不審船を追い払うという対応にとどまらず、警告・船体射撃を含め、より的確な対応ができる。
Under the new law, there would be a wider range of alternatives for more effective activities, such as coordinating the warning and surveillance work of the P-3Cs with other countries.
Ｐ３Ｃの警戒監視区域を他国と分担するとか、より効果的な活動に向けての選択肢も広がろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 1, 2009)
（2009年6月1日01時41分 読売新聞）
The Yomiuri Shimbun(May. 31, 2009)
Consistency key to safe, deregulated drug sales
改正薬事法施行 ネット販売の秩序ある拡大を（5月31日付・読売社説）
The revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, which takes effect Monday, is contradictory in many ways as it includes both a relaxation and tightening of regulations.
規制緩和と規制強化が入り交じり、矛盾が非常に多い。
With the revised law's enforcement, the sales channels of nonprescription drugs are set to change significantly.
６月１日から施行される改正薬事法だ。医師の処方箋(せん)を必要としない大衆薬の販売ルールが大きく変わることになった。
Under the new system, nonprescription drugs are organized into one of three categories depending on the necessary degree of caution that should be exercised over their side effects.
新制度では、副作用に注意が必要な度合いに応じ、大衆薬を３段階に分類する。
Category 1 drugs, which require a high degree of caution, cannot be sold unless pharmacists provide buyers with an explanation of the side effects and other information. However, Category 2 and Category 3 drugs, which are considered relatively safe, can be sold by registered sellers under a new qualification system.
特別に注意が必要な薬は第１類として、薬剤師が副作用などの説明をした上でないと販売を認めない。だが、比較的安全な第２類と第３類については、新たに設ける「登録販売者」という資格を取れば販売を認める。
Most cold and gastrointestinal medicines are Category 2 drugs, while vitamins and some other drugs fall under Category 3. Most nonprescription drugs can therefore be sold at convenience stores and other retail outlets.
風邪薬や胃腸薬のほとんどが第２類に、ビタミン剤などが第３類に位置付けられる。これにより、大衆薬の大半がコンビニなどでも買えるようになる。
This all makes the revised legislation sound like a positive step on the road to deregulation.
ここまでは、妥当な規制緩和と言えるだろう。
===
Unnecessary tightening
The problem is that the new regulations were devised on the assumption that nonprescription drugs would be sold over the counter. As a result, an ordinance issued by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry states that only Category 3 drugs can be ordered by telephone or through the Internet for mail delivery, even if other categories are being sold by pharmacists.
問題は、新たなルールが「対面販売」を大前提として作られたことだ。厚生労働省の省令で、電話やインターネットなどを使った通信販売は、薬剤師であっても第３類しか取り扱えなくなる。
This regulation affects makers of traditional medicines, which ship Chinese herbal medicines to customers in distant locations, as well as operators of online drug stores and customers of both types of businesses.
その結果、昔からの漢方薬を遠方の客に送ってきた伝統薬メーカーや、いわゆるネット薬局、そしてこれらを利用してきた人が影響を受けることになった。
Such a tightening of the regulations is hard to accept.
これは納得し難い規制強化である。
The ministry argues that the potential risks of drugs can only be explained properly face to face.
厚労省は、対面販売でないと薬のリスクを十分に説明できない、としている。
Of course safety should be the top priority with drug sales.
無論、薬を販売するにあたっては、まず安全性を最重視するのは当然だろう。
But it seems inconsistent that Category 2 drugs can still be purchased at convenience stores, where pharmacists are not present, when the risk posed by drugs being sold on the Internet, if sold by pharmacists in a responsible manner, likely would be very limited.
しかし第１類はともかく、第２類は今後、薬剤師のいないコンビニでも買える薬だ。インターネットであっても、薬剤師が責任を持って販売するのなら、リスクはむしろ少ないのではないか。
===
Hasty stopgap measure
Bearing in mind the impact of the regulations on users of traditional medicines and online drug stores, the ministry has hastily decided to implement a stopgap measure that will be in place for two years.
厚労省は伝統薬やネット薬局の利用者に配慮し、急きょ２年間の暫定措置を設けることにした。
Under this move, people who have purchased drugs through mail order services will be able to continue using such services if they are buying the same type of drug and it falls into Category 2.
Those living on remote islands without access to a drug store, meanwhile, also will be allowed to obtain Category 2 drugs through mail order services.
これまで通販を利用していた人が同じ薬を購入する場合と、薬局のない離島に住む人には、通販による売買を第２類まで認めるという。
But these moves pose problems.
これにも首をかしげる。
The ministry says it will confirm whether such services are only being used by categories of users mentioned above, to ensure there is no chipping away at the new regulations. But if it can check whether these users are legitimate, surely it would be possible to monitor all online sales.
規制がなし崩しとならないように、ネット販売などが継続購入者と離島在住者に限定されることをチェックする、という。それができるのなら、ネット販売全体を監視することも可能だろう。
Nonprescription drugs could be sold safely and conveniently through the Internet and other channels if a system could be found that bars illegitimate sellers and malicious businesses.
無資格者や悪質な業者を排除する仕組みを作れば、インターネットなどの利便性を生かしつつ、安全に大衆薬を販売できるのではないか。
Orderly deregulation should therefore be encouraged.
秩序ある規制緩和を進めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 31, 2009)
（2009年5月31日01時28分 読売新聞）
Consistency key to safe, deregulated drug sales
改正薬事法施行 ネット販売の秩序ある拡大を（5月31日付・読売社説）
The revised Pharmaceutical Affairs Law, which takes effect Monday, is contradictory in many ways as it includes both a relaxation and tightening of regulations.
規制緩和と規制強化が入り交じり、矛盾が非常に多い。
With the revised law's enforcement, the sales channels of nonprescription drugs are set to change significantly.
６月１日から施行される改正薬事法だ。医師の処方箋(せん)を必要としない大衆薬の販売ルールが大きく変わることになった。
Under the new system, nonprescription drugs are organized into one of three categories depending on the necessary degree of caution that should be exercised over their side effects.
新制度では、副作用に注意が必要な度合いに応じ、大衆薬を３段階に分類する。
Category 1 drugs, which require a high degree of caution, cannot be sold unless pharmacists provide buyers with an explanation of the side effects and other information. However, Category 2 and Category 3 drugs, which are considered relatively safe, can be sold by registered sellers under a new qualification system.
特別に注意が必要な薬は第１類として、薬剤師が副作用などの説明をした上でないと販売を認めない。だが、比較的安全な第２類と第３類については、新たに設ける「登録販売者」という資格を取れば販売を認める。
Most cold and gastrointestinal medicines are Category 2 drugs, while vitamins and some other drugs fall under Category 3. Most nonprescription drugs can therefore be sold at convenience stores and other retail outlets.
風邪薬や胃腸薬のほとんどが第２類に、ビタミン剤などが第３類に位置付けられる。これにより、大衆薬の大半がコンビニなどでも買えるようになる。
This all makes the revised legislation sound like a positive step on the road to deregulation.
ここまでは、妥当な規制緩和と言えるだろう。
===
Unnecessary tightening
The problem is that the new regulations were devised on the assumption that nonprescription drugs would be sold over the counter. As a result, an ordinance issued by the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry states that only Category 3 drugs can be ordered by telephone or through the Internet for mail delivery, even if other categories are being sold by pharmacists.
問題は、新たなルールが「対面販売」を大前提として作られたことだ。厚生労働省の省令で、電話やインターネットなどを使った通信販売は、薬剤師であっても第３類しか取り扱えなくなる。
This regulation affects makers of traditional medicines, which ship Chinese herbal medicines to customers in distant locations, as well as operators of online drug stores and customers of both types of businesses.
その結果、昔からの漢方薬を遠方の客に送ってきた伝統薬メーカーや、いわゆるネット薬局、そしてこれらを利用してきた人が影響を受けることになった。
Such a tightening of the regulations is hard to accept.
これは納得し難い規制強化である。
The ministry argues that the potential risks of drugs can only be explained properly face to face.
厚労省は、対面販売でないと薬のリスクを十分に説明できない、としている。
Of course safety should be the top priority with drug sales.
無論、薬を販売するにあたっては、まず安全性を最重視するのは当然だろう。
But it seems inconsistent that Category 2 drugs can still be purchased at convenience stores, where pharmacists are not present, when the risk posed by drugs being sold on the Internet, if sold by pharmacists in a responsible manner, likely would be very limited.
しかし第１類はともかく、第２類は今後、薬剤師のいないコンビニでも買える薬だ。インターネットであっても、薬剤師が責任を持って販売するのなら、リスクはむしろ少ないのではないか。
===
Hasty stopgap measure
Bearing in mind the impact of the regulations on users of traditional medicines and online drug stores, the ministry has hastily decided to implement a stopgap measure that will be in place for two years.
厚労省は伝統薬やネット薬局の利用者に配慮し、急きょ２年間の暫定措置を設けることにした。
Under this move, people who have purchased drugs through mail order services will be able to continue using such services if they are buying the same type of drug and it falls into Category 2.
Those living on remote islands without access to a drug store, meanwhile, also will be allowed to obtain Category 2 drugs through mail order services.
これまで通販を利用していた人が同じ薬を購入する場合と、薬局のない離島に住む人には、通販による売買を第２類まで認めるという。
But these moves pose problems.
これにも首をかしげる。
The ministry says it will confirm whether such services are only being used by categories of users mentioned above, to ensure there is no chipping away at the new regulations. But if it can check whether these users are legitimate, surely it would be possible to monitor all online sales.
規制がなし崩しとならないように、ネット販売などが継続購入者と離島在住者に限定されることをチェックする、という。それができるのなら、ネット販売全体を監視することも可能だろう。
Nonprescription drugs could be sold safely and conveniently through the Internet and other channels if a system could be found that bars illegitimate sellers and malicious businesses.
無資格者や悪質な業者を排除する仕組みを作れば、インターネットなどの利便性を生かしつつ、安全に大衆薬を販売できるのではないか。
Orderly deregulation should therefore be encouraged.
秩序ある規制緩和を進めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 31, 2009)
（2009年5月31日01時28分 読売新聞）
プロフィール
ＨＮ：
srachai
ＨＰ：
性別：
男性
職業：
civil engineer
趣味：
子育て
自己紹介：
妻はタイ人、娘ばかり３人も！
■近況
２００９年の９月１５日に脳梗塞を発症、右手が少し不自由になりました。
MRAで脳梗塞の部位を特定でき、素早い処置をとれたので大事に至りませんでした。
快復にむけてリハビリ中です。
(2011/01/01更新)
■自己紹介・リンク
[ はじめに ]
タイのスラチャイです。
英語学習に王道はありません。
毎日毎日の地道な努力の積み重ねが必要です。
スラチャイはＮＨＫのラジオ英語会話で現在の英語力を身につけました。
一日僅か１５分の学習でも数年間継続すれば相当な学習効果が期待できます。
[ 名前 ]
松井 清 （スラチャイ）
[ 略歴 ]
・福岡県出身
・国立高知大学卒業
・準大手建設会社に就職
・50歳で会社を早期退職
・99/10 タイ全土を旅行
・00/10 タイに移住
・03/07 カイちゃん誕生
・07/06 シーファーちゃん誕生
・現在タイ国コンケン在住
[ 座右の銘 ]
Slow and steady wins the race.
遅くとも着実な者が勝利する
（NHK基礎英語芹沢栄先生）
[ 学習の手引き ]
・音読して耳から英語を吸収
・Think in English.
・ネイティブ発音付辞書活用
・英英辞典を活用（英和も）
・翻訳和文で専門用語確認
[ English Newspapers ]
Yomiuri
Mainichi
Asahi
Japan Times
Washington Post
Newyork Times
Bangkok Post
The Nations
Phuket Gazette
[ 英字新聞の英和対訳学習 ]
英字新聞（読売）
英字新聞（毎日）
英字新聞（朝日）
英字新聞（朝日２）
[ スラチャイ編集の辞書 ]
タイ日辞書（改訂版）
日タイ辞書（改訂版）
ラオ日辞書
日ラオ辞書
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カテゴリー
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リンク
家族、リンク、多言語、タイ語
スラチャイの家族紹介
私の家族
スラチャイの手作りリンク集
スラチャイタイ在住９年目
中国語会話基礎（北京語）
タイ日辞典（単語帳）
タイ語の子音
タイ語の母音
スラチャイ編曲のmidiのギター曲
スラチャイ編曲のJ.S.Bachです
スラチャイの多国言語学習
初歩のタイ語
初歩の中国語
初歩のラオス語
初歩のビルマ語
初歩のシンハリ語
初歩のタガログ語
タイ語の基礎
タイ文字
タイ日辞書
タイ語の副詞
タイ語の前置詞
タイ語の助動詞
タイ語の接続詞
基礎タイ語
基礎タイ語一覧（タイ文字、ローマ字）
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
基礎タイ語一覧(タイ文字、音声付き）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
01 あいさつ
02 別れのあいさつ
03 声をかけるとき
04 感謝の言葉と答え方
05 謝罪の言葉と答え方
06 聞き直すとき
07 相手の言うことがわからないとき
08 うまく言えないとき
09 一般的なあいづち
10 よくわからないときの返事
11 強めのあいづち
12 自分について述べるとき
13 相手のことを尋ねるとき
14 頼みごとをするとき
15 申し出・依頼を断るとき
16 許可を求めるとき
17 説明してもらうとき
18 確認を求めるとき
19 状況を知りたいとき
20 値段の尋ね方と断り方
21 急いでもらいたいとき
22 待ってもらいたいとき
23 日時・場所・天候を尋ねるとき
24 その他
タイの文化、１４の戒律
タイの文化一覧:
01 雨の日にも傘をささないタイ人
02 勉強熱心なタイ人女性たち
03 タイ人は敬謙な仏教徒
04 タイの市場
05 タイの食堂
06 タイ人は外食が大好き
07 果物王国タイランド
08 タイ人の誕生日
09 タイの電話代は高い
10 微笑みの国タイランド
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
seesaaサイト内リンク一覧：
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律
1４の戒律（テラワーダ仏教戒律）
サイト外HPリンク一覧：
１４の戒律解説
第０１番目の戒律
第０２番目の戒律
第０３番目の戒律
第０４番目の戒律
第０５番目の戒律
第０６番目の戒律
第０７番目の戒律
第０８番目の戒律
第０９番目の戒律
第１０番目の戒律
第１１番目の戒律
第１２番目の戒律
第１３番目の戒律
第１４番目の戒律