破壊措置命令 北のミサイルに冷静に備えよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 28, 2009)
SDF must protect against a wayward DPRK missile
破壊措置命令　北のミサイルに冷静に備えよ（3月28日付・読売社説）

It is essential for national security that measures be taken to prepare for emergencies. We hope the Self-Defense Forces will take all necessary measures to protect this nation if North Korea launches a missile and it malfunctions.
　万一の事態を想定し、様々な対応策をとるのは安全保障の要諦(ようてい)だ。自衛隊は、万全の準備を進めてもらいたい。

Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada ordered the SDF for the first time Friday to destroy the North Korean missile if it fails after launch and falls toward Japanese territory.
　浜田防衛相が、北朝鮮の弾道ミサイルが日本に落下した場合は迎撃するよう、自衛隊に初の「破壊措置命令」を下した。

The SDF will take a two-step approach, involving both ground- and sea-based defenses. Two Maritime Self-Defense Force destroyers will soon be dispatched to the Sea of Japan, while Air Self-Defense Force guided-missile units will be deployed in the Tohoku region and surrounding areas that are located under the expected flight path of the ballistic missile.
　海上自衛隊のイージス艦２隻が近く、日本海に派遣される。航空自衛隊の地対空誘導弾部隊も、弾道ミサイルの飛行ルートの下に位置する東北地方などに展開する。海上と地上からの２段構えの迎撃態勢をとる。

It is important to act calmly as North Korea's missile launch approaches.
　北朝鮮のミサイルには、冷静に対応することが重要だ。

North Korea has said it will "put a satellite into orbit" and that Japan is not a target of its rocket launch.
　北朝鮮は「人工衛星の打ち上げ」を主張しており、日本が標的になっている訳ではない。

If the missile travels without any mishap, it will not fall on the Japanese mainland or waters.
ミサイルが正常に飛行すれば、日本の領土・領海内に落下することはない。

A problem could occur, however, if a rare mishap occurs involving certain malfunctions, such as one in which the missile's first-stage booster functions properly, but the second-stage booster then malfunctions, causing the missile to stall and fall on Japan.
　問題になるのは、ミサイルの１段目は正常に飛行した後、２段目が故障し、失速して日本に落下するなど、偶然が重なる、極めて限られたケースだ。

If that were to occur, people's lives and property would be at risk. It is natural that the SDF should then try to intercept a missile to minimize possible damage.
　その場合は、国民の生命や財産に被害が生じかねない。自衛隊が迎撃し、被害の最小化を図るのは当然のことだ。

===

United States within range

The North Korean weapon that poses the most direct threat to Japan is the Rodong intermediate-range ballistic missile, which is capable of hitting any point on the Japanese archipelago.
　そもそも日本にとっての脅威は、日本列島を射程に収める中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンだ。

North Korea's long-range ballistic missile widens the threat to include the United States, which now finds itself exposed to danger because Alaska, Hawaii and Guam come within range.
北朝鮮の長距離ミサイルが脅威となるのは、グアムやハワイ、アラスカなどが射程に入る米国である。

U.S. spy satellites have been used to confirm missile launch preparations at an early stage.
　今回、発射の兆候が早期に確認されたのは、米国の偵察衛星情報によるものだ。

If the SDF tries to intercept the missile, U.S. early-warning satellites also would detect the missile launch and Japanese and U.S. radars would then track it.
迎撃時にも、米国の早期警戒衛星が発射を探知し、日米のレーダーで追尾する。

It is important that Japan and the United States closely share information and strengthen operational cooperation for that purpose.
　自衛隊と米軍が緊密に情報を共有し、運用面での連携を強化することが大切だ。

===

Keep worried citizens informed

When North Korea launched seven ballistic missiles that fell into the Sea of Japan in July 2006, information on the missile launch sent by the central government to local governments and related organizations nationwide was delayed. Taking this into account, the central government will this time brief residents who live under the missile flight path on the deployment of guided missile units and how a wayward missile would be intercepted.
　２００６年７月に７発の弾道ミサイルが発射された時には、政府から自治体や関係機関への連絡が遅れた。その教訓を踏まえ、政府は今回、事前に地元説明会などを開いている。

Before North Korea actually launches a missile, the Japanese government should put in place a system that allows it to swiftly convey all necessary information to people concerned to minimize public anxiety.
　実際のミサイル発射時にも、国民の不安を軽減するよう、必要な情報を迅速に関係者に伝える体制を整えておくべきだろう。

North Korea has announced it will put a "satellite" into orbit sometime between April 4 and 8, notifying aviation and maritime organizations of its plan in accordance with international norms. Japan, together with South Korea and the United States, must make diplomatic efforts until the last minute to call for a halt to the missile launch, while trying to gain the cooperation of countries such as China and Russia.
　北朝鮮は４月４～８日のミサイル発射を予告している。日本は、同じ立場の米韓両国とともに、中国やロシアなどの協力も得つつ、発射の中止を求める外交努力をぎりぎりまで尽くす必要がある。

If North Korea goes ahead and launches a missile despite such efforts, Japan should put the issue before the U.N. Security Council where a strict response can be discussed. We must avoid a situation in which Pyongyang escapes criticism or additional sanctions for choosing to launch a missile.
　それでも発射した場合は、国連安全保障理事会に提起し、厳しい対応を協議すべきだ。北朝鮮が、追加制裁も非難も受けず、何の代償も求められないような事態は許してはなるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 28, 2009)
（2009年3月28日01時34分 読売新聞）

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小沢代表進退 「世論」の逆風にたえられるか

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 27, 2009)
Can Ozawa survive public's chagrin?
小沢代表進退　「世論」の逆風にたえられるか（3月27日付・読売社説）

What should Democratic Party of Japan leader Ichiro Ozawa make of the latest opinion poll results?
　民主党の小沢代表は、世論調査結果をどう受け止めるのか。

Two out of three voters in an ad hoc survey by The Yomiuri Shimbun said they were not supportive of Ozawa's decision to stay on as party leader following the indictment of his state-funded first secretary over alleged violations of the Political Funds Control Law.
　読売新聞が実施した緊急世論調査で、小沢氏の公設第１秘書が、政治資金規正法違反で起訴されながら、小沢氏が続投を決めたことについて、有権者の３人に２人が「納得できない」と答えた。

Ozawa has said that the issue of whether his staying on would affect the party is wholly in the hands of the public--for better or for worse. The negative public reaction reflected in the survey likely will put fresh pressure on Ozawa to decide on whether to resign.
　小沢氏は、「続投が（民主党に）プラスかマイナスかは、国民の受け取り方次第だ」と表明してきた。調査に表れた国民の厳しい反応は、小沢氏に改めて進退について決断を迫るものとなろう。

However, this is not the only bad news for Ozawa and the DPJ.
　小沢氏や民主党にとってマイナス材料はこれにとどまらない。

===

Voter support fading fast

Asked in the survey whether Ozawa was accountable over suspected illegal donations made by a construction firm to his political fund-management organization, most of the respondents said "no."
　ゼネコンからの資金管理団体への違法献金について、小沢氏が「国民に説明責任を果たしていると思うか」との問いに、大多数がノーと答えている。

Ozawa has held a number of press conferences since the scandal broke, during which he has claimed the allegations are minor and concern only formalities over donations made. He has thus failed to frankly answer questions that are at the heart of this political scandal, and the views expressed by voters in the survey are therefore only natural.
　小沢氏は、これまで記者会見を重ねてきたが、事件を軽微な形式犯のように主張し、献金疑惑の核心に正面から答えてこなかった。有権者のこうした見方は、当然のことだろう。

At the press conference following the indictment, Ozawa said, "My primary mission is to have parliamentary democracy take root in Japan through a change in power," a reiteration of his push for a DPJ victory in the next general election.
　記者会見で小沢氏は、「政権交代によって日本に議会制民主主義を定着させることが私の大使命」と、次期総選挙で民主党の勝利をめざす考えを力説している。

But the survey results do not match Ozawa's ambitions.
　しかし、調査結果は、このような小沢氏の言い分を打ち砕くような数字が多い。

Regarding who is better suited to serve as prime minister, fewer respondents chose Ozawa than Prime Minister Taro Aso. In previous surveys conducted since December--even following the arrest of the secretary in early March--Ozawa had maintained his lead against Aso. But now the situation has suddenly been reversed.
　小沢代表と麻生首相では、どちらが首相にふさわしいかという質問では、麻生氏を下回った。昨年１２月以降は、今月初めの公設秘書逮捕直後の調査も含めて、小沢氏が優位を保っていた。それが一気に逆転した。

===

LDP regains edge

In previous surveys when voters were asked which party would receive their support in proportional representation votes, the DPJ had a sizable lead over the Liberal Democratic Party. But the latest survey finds the two parties neck and neck. In a survey from early March, overall approval ratings for the two parties were almost level, but the latest survey now shows the LDP has pulled ahead of the DPJ.
　次の総選挙の比例代表選で、どの政党に投票するかでも、民主党が自民党を大きくリードしていたが、今回、肩を並べた。今月初めの調査でほぼ横並びだった政党支持率についても、今回は自民党のリードを許した。

The Aso Cabinet had seen its approval rating plunge since late last year, and the Cabinet's stability has looked in doubt. But adverse winds blowing against the Aso Cabinet have changed direction and are now buffeting the DPJ under Ozawa's leadership.
　昨年末から内閣支持率が急落して政権の維持すらおぼつかなかった麻生内閣への逆風は、一転、小沢民主党に向かった形だ。

Criticism also has been voiced over the DPJ's decision to allow Ozawa to remain in his post. The public's disapproval is likely the result of party members failing to hold any constructive talks on the scandal involving the party leader.
　民主党が、小沢氏の続投を了承したことにも、批判の目が注がれている。“党首のスキャンダル”になんら建設的な論議がみられなかったためだろう。

However, with Ozawa expressing his intention to stay on, open calls within the party for him to step down have begun. Public sentiment expressed in the latest survey certainly will accelerate talks on the question of whether Ozawa should resign.
　ただ、小沢氏が続投を表明してから、党内でも「小沢降ろし」が公然化してきた。今回の「世論」が、小沢代表の進退問題の論議を加速させるのは確実だ。

How will DPJ executives act given the current situation? This is a test of their collective ability to handle a crisis.
　党執行部は、ここでどんな対応をみせるのか。民主党の危機管理能力が問われている。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 27, 2009)
（2009年3月27日01時32分 読売新聞）

政労使合意 雇用対策の有効性を見極めよ

The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 26, 2009)
Job-protection measures must be carefully gauged
政労使合意　雇用対策の有効性を見極めよ（3月26日付・読売社説）

In view of the serious economic situation, the government, workers and employers have agreed to cooperate to tackle employment instability.
　深刻な経済状況を踏まえ、政労使の３者が、雇用不安の解消に向けて一致協力して取り組むことで合意した。

The three parties agreed that they would make the utmost efforts for that purpose, including striving to preserve jobs. We hope that workers and employers of each company will be kept fully informed about the general intent of the agreement.
　雇用維持などに「最大限の努力を行う」としている。この趣旨を各企業の労使にも周知徹底してもらいたい。

The government will shoulder most of the concrete measures to realize the agreement, which includes steps to support regular and nonregular workers, such as the expansion of subsidies and job training.
　ただ、具体策となると大半は政府が担う対策である。助成金や職業訓練の拡充など、非正規労働者を含む支援策が盛り込まれた。

The content of the support measures resembles that of the additional emergency measures for employment that the ruling parties recently compiled. It seems that ideas for immediate measures are limited.
　与党が先にまとめた追加の緊急雇用対策と、中身はほとんど変わらない。当面の策としてアイデアは限られているとも言える。

One of the main measures agreed among the three parties is to promote work-sharing to maintain jobs. 　主な対策の一つに、雇用を維持するために仕事を分け合うワークシェアリングの推進がある。

Work-sharing represents an effort not to dismiss workers even if companies are forced to reduce production, and instead to maintain employment through employee furloughs and other steps. The rate for government subsidies for employment adjustment will be raised.
　生産量の削減を余儀なくされても従業員を解雇せず、休業措置などで対応する方法をワークシェアリングと位置づけ、雇用調整助成金の助成率を引き上げる。

In addition, if a company maintains employment for nonregular workers, such as through overtime reduction, the government will provide a certain amount of money to the company to help it support affected nonregular workers for up to six months.
　さらに、残業の削減などによって非正規労働者の雇用を維持した企業には、１人につき半年間、一定金額を支給する。

===

Securing reemployment key

Under the current economic downturn, many companies have cut production, and existing government subsidies for employment adjustment are, in most cases, used to maintain employment for regular workers. The agreed measure widens the scope of government subsidies for employment adjustment to include employment of nonregular workers.
　この不況下で、生産を削減している企業は多く、雇用調整助成金も、もっぱら正社員の雇用維持に使われている。その仕組みを非正規雇用にも広げた。

The support measures also include a system to provide about 100,000 yen a month to those who are ineligible for employment insurance or those who have received all due welfare benefits during their job-training period. The measures will allow them to concentrate on job training by ensuring their livelihood for up to two years.
　雇用保険の受給資格のない人や受給が終了した人に対して、職業訓練期間中、月額１０万円程度を支給する制度も盛り込まれた。最大で２年間、生活を保障されながら訓練に励むことができる。

If the government does not prepare effective programs that lead to workers' reemployment, the job-training and livelihood security measures will have been for nothing. It also is important to foster sufficient human resources for nursing care services, environment-related jobs and other types of employment that are expected to expand in the future.
　確実に再就職につながる効果的なメニューをそろえなければ、訓練も生活保障も無駄になる。介護や環境などの成長分野に円滑に労働移動させる方策も重要だ。

The government compiled one employment measure after another in the fiscal 2008 supplementary budget and the fiscal 2009 budget. A bill to revise the Employment Insurance Law to ease requirements for nonregular workers to sign up for employment insurance is expected to pass into law soon.
　政府は２００８年度補正予算や０９年度予算で次々と雇用対策を打ち出してきた。加入要件を緩和して非正規労働者を救済する雇用保険法改正案も、近く成立する。

Concerning the additional measures, the government intends to include about 1.6 trillion yen for them in a fiscal 2009 supplementary budget. But some may get the impression that the government is putting priority on preparing the budget for the measures without hammering out each policy in detail.
　追加策については、０９年度補正予算で約１兆６０００億円を手当てする、といった数字まで出ている。個々の対策を詳細に詰めないまま、まず数字ありき、といった印象もある。

===

Fixing economy top priority

In the past, sloppy employment administration, such as lavish spending of government subsidies, occurred without being questioned seriously. Therefore, the effects of the series of employment measures should be carefully assessed.
　過去にも、助成金のばらまきなど、ずさんな雇用行政がまかり通ってきた経緯がある。一連の対策の効果を、慎重に見極めていかなければならない。

The three parties also agreed that the subsidies for employment adjustment and measures for the jobless are not a fundamental solution, and that the key employment measure is boosting the economy.
　雇用調整助成金や失業者対策では根本的な解決にならず、「最大の雇用対策は景気対策」という点でも政労使は一致している。

As mentioned in the agreement, utilizing every possible step for an economic recovery is the most important thing.
合意にもあるように、景気回復のため「あらゆる施策を総動員する」ことほど重要なことはない。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 26, 2009)
（2009年3月26日01時36分 読売新聞）

著作権法改正 違法コピーにご用心

The Yomiuri Shimbun　(Mar. 23, 2009)
Diet should act fast to boost copyright laws
著作権法改正　違法コピーにご用心（3月23日付・読売社説）

Something should be done to address the widespread illegal copying of video and music files.
　違法品がまかり通る現状を、ただ放置しておく訳にはいかない。

The government submitted to the current Diet session a bill to revise the Copyright Law that would make it illegal to download and copy video and music files illegally distributed through the Internet without the approval of copyright holders.
　著作権者の許諾を得ずに、インターネットに違法配信された映像、音楽ファイルのダウンロードや複製は違法とする著作権法の改正案を、政府が今国会に提出した。

Distribution of illegally copied files through the Internet already is prohibited under current laws. However, it is not automatically illegal to download illegally copied files for personal use, if they are not being redistributed. This means it is effectively possible for video and music files to be downloaded from the Internet openly.
　違法ファイルの配信は今も禁じられている。しかし、もとは違法なファイルでも、再配布せずに私的に使う場合、自分のパソコンなどにダウンロードしても直ちに違法とはならない。つまりネットから映像、音楽ファイルを堂々と入手して利用することができる。

Meanwhile, it also is difficult to track down even people who illegally distribute such files on the Internet. Only a few are ever caught, despite the huge number of illegally copied image and music files available on, and downloaded from, the Internet.
　その一方で、違法配信の犯人まで辿(たど)ることは容易でない。取り締まりは一部にとどまり、違法複製された映像や音楽がネットに大量に出回り、使われている。

The Recording Industry Association of Japan estimates there are between 10 percent and 20 percent more illegally copied music files exchanged on the Internet than legitimate ones. This is partly responsible for the contraction of the music industry market.
　音楽の場合、日本レコード協会の推計では、ネットで違法にやりとりされるものの方が正規品より１、２割多い。音楽業界の市場縮小にもつながっている。

But if the reproduction of illegally copied files is made a crime, people will think twice before downloading such files.
　違法ファイルの複製も違法となれば、もう気軽にダウンロードできないはずだ。

===

Expanding legal options

Some observers have questioned the likely effectiveness of such a revision as it lacks the teeth of punitive measures for violators. Yet it would still drastically expand the range of legal options available to copyright holders.
罰則はないため、効果を疑問視する声もあるが、著作権者側が取り得る法的な手段も大幅に広がることになる。

For example, there are many books sold these days explaining how best to download illegally copied files from the Internet, among other dubious techniques.
The envisaged revision likely would make it possible to suspend publication and sales of such books as they would otherwise be seen as supporting illegal activities.
　例えば、ネットから違法ファイルを効率的に集める方法などを紹介した書籍が多数あるが、違法行為の助長として出版や販売を差し止めできる可能性が出てくる。

The revision also would open the way for copyright holders to claim damages from anyone knowingly copying and using large numbers of illegally copied video and music files.
　違法ファイルと知りつつ大量にコピーして利用している人には賠償を求める道も開ける。

It is time for a change in the public's attitude on the issue--people should shun the use of illegally copied, copyrighted works.
　利用者も意識を変えて、著作物の適法利用を心がけたい。

===

Easing restrictions

The bill also includes measures to ease some copyright restrictions so that copyrighted works can be used more easily.
　法改正案には、著作物を利用しやすくするための緩和措置も複数盛り込まれている。

One measure would make it easier for Japanese companies to provide Internet search services such as Google.
　まず、グーグルのようなネット検索サービスを日本企業が容易にできるようにする。

For example, a search provider first needs to copy and store data in its computers from a huge number of Web sites to allow it to offer Internet search services.
　検索するには、ネット内の多数のホームページのデータを複製してコンピューターに蓄積しなくてはいけない。

This has previously been considered a potential infringement of copyright, but the bill would make such moves legal.
従来は、これが著作権侵害になるかもしれない、とされていたが、可能と明記した。

The bill also would make it easier to rerun previously broadcast TV programs on the Internet, especially as some programs have not been distributed on the Web because the copyright holders and performers involved could not be located to grant their approval.
The envisaged revision would make it possible for such programs to be broadcast on the Web immediately after a certain amount of money based on distribution fees has been deposited with the Cultural Affairs Agency.
　過去に放送済みのテレビ番組のネット配信もしやすくする。
　これまでは著作者、出演者が見つからず許諾が得られないために配信できない場合があった。そこで、番組の配信料に見合う金額を文化庁に供託すれば、すぐに配信できるようにした。

These revisions are meant to help the law adapt to businesses in the Internet age, and such changes already have been implemented in some other countries. The Diet should therefore pass the bill as soon as possible to make up for lost time.
　これらはネット時代のビジネスにも対応した内容だ。海外ではすでに実現している。遅れを取り戻すためにも、改正案を早期に成立させることが大切だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 23, 2009)
（2009年3月23日02時16分 読売新聞）

日中防衛相会談 安全保障認識の差を狭めたい

The Yomiuri Shimbun　(Mar. 22, 2009)
Japan, China must get in tune on security issues
日中防衛相会談　安全保障認識の差を狭めたい（3月22日付・読売社説）

Differing perceptions between Japan and China on key East Asia security issues were again all too obvious during talks between the defense ministers of the two nations in Beijing.
　東アジアの安全保障をめぐる日中両国の認識の違いが改めて浮き彫りになった。

It is essential that both sides make efforts to narrow these gaps through more frequent dialogues.
より頻繁な対話を通じて、隔たりを狭める努力が肝要だ。

At their meeting Friday, Defense Minister Yasukazu Hamada and his Chinese counterpart, Liang Guanglie, discussed North Korea's planned rocket launch, which many observers suspect to be a long-range missile. Liang reportedly said to Hamada, "It would be best if North Korea does not fire" a rocket, but added, "Japan and other parties should keep cool heads."
　中国の梁光烈国防相が北京での浜田防衛相との会談で、北朝鮮の長距離ミサイル発射について「撃たないのが一番いい」としつつ、「日本などが冷静な態度を取った方がいい」と語った。

Liang's comments can be interpreted as tacitly tolerating North Korea's planned missile launch. His comments also might have been intended as a warning because Japan and the United States are considering intercepting the missile.
　北朝鮮のミサイル発射を容認するかのような発言だ。日米両国がミサイルの迎撃を検討していることをけん制したとも見られる。

Japan, South Korea and the United States have indicated the missile launch--even if it is a satellite, as Pyongyang claims--would violate several U.N. resolutions. Japan, in particular, lies in the path of the missile and faces the very real danger of having part of the rocket fall on its territory or in its waters. We think the government is absolutely justified in considering shooting down the missile.
　日米韓３か国は、「人工衛星の打ち上げ」の名目でも、ミサイル発射は国連決議に違反するという立場だ。特に日本は、ミサイルの一部が自国の領土・領海内に落下する恐れも否定できない。迎撃検討は当然の対応だ。

===

Discord benefits North Korea

Disarray between China, which wields some influence over North Korea through its economic cooperation and other channels, and Japan, South Korea and the United States only benefits North Korea. The Japanese government needs to relentlessly seek China's understanding and cooperation on this issue so North Korea cannot drive a wedge between them.
　経済協力などを通じて北朝鮮に影響力を持つ中国と日米韓との足並みの乱れは、北朝鮮を利するだけだ。政府は、中国の理解と協力を粘り強く求める必要がある。

During the meeting, Hamada requested that Beijing explain its defense policy in more detail and more frequently to other nations and increase the transparency of its military capabilities. He also mentioned neighboring nations' concerns over China's military buildup.
　浜田防衛相は会談で、中国が国防政策の対外説明を増やし、軍事力の透明性を一層向上させるよう要請した。中国の軍備増強に対する周辺国の懸念にも言及した。

Liang, however, brushed off this request, saying that China has employed defensive policies and that such concerns are unfounded. He then spoke of China's intention to possess an aircraft carrier.
　梁国防相は、「中国は防御的な政策をとっており、必要のない懸念だ」と反論したうえ、空母保有への意欲を表明した。

The rapid modernization of the Chinese military and the expansion in its activities, particularly by its naval forces, could destabilize security in Asia. If China is sincere in wanting to defuse accusations that it poses a military threat, it must disclose more information on the breakdown of its military spending and details on the quantity and and procurement plans of its military equipment.
　中国軍の急速な近代化と、海軍を中心とする活動範囲の拡大は、アジア安保の不安定要因だ。中国が「中国脅威論」を払拭(ふっしょく)するためには、軍事費の内訳や装備の数量・調達計画に関する積極的な情報公開が欠かせない。

Japan, for its part, should continue pressing China to be more open about its military activities.
　日本も、引き続き透明性向上を促していかねばならない。

===

More substance needed

During their meeting, the ministers agreed on 10 points regarding defense exchanges, including Liang's visit to Japan by the end of this year. However, this visit should not end up merely being a chance to share warm fuzzies. Japan should clearly express its concerns over issues that need to be addressed and hold substantial and constructive discussions with China.
　会談では、梁国防相の年内来日など計１０項目の防衛交流に合意した。単なる友好行事に終わらせてはなるまい。日本側の問題意識をきちんと提起し、実質的で建設的な議論をすべきだ。

Given that China likely will become a military power in the mid- to long-term, it is important not only to strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance but also to establish strategic partnerships with the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
　中国の中長期的な軍事大国化を見据えれば、日米同盟の強化に加えて、東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）との戦略的な連携を構築することも重要となろう。

In this regard, it was meaningful that a vice ministerial-level meeting of defense officials of Japan and ASEAN member nations--the first of its kind--was held Tuesday in Tokyo, and that attendees decided to hold such meetings regularly. Japan and ASEAN members have deepened their diplomatic and economic relations over the years, but ties in the security area pale in comparison.
　その意味で、日本とＡＳＥＡＮの防衛次官級会議が１７日に東京で初めて開催され、定例化が決まった意義は小さくない。日本とＡＳＥＡＮの外交・経済関係は深いが、安保面は遅れていた。

The theme of the meeting was "common security challenges," such as responses to large-scale natural disasters and antipiracy and other maritime safety measures. We hope participating nations steadily expand and deepen their discussions at next year's meeting and beyond.
　会議の議題は、大規模災害への対応、海賊対策を含む海上安全保障など「共通の安全保障課題」だった。来年以降は、徐々に協議の内容を広げ、深めていきたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 22, 2009)
（2009年3月22日01時24分 読売新聞）

journey around the world by yacht

毎日新聞　(2009/03/12)

ヨットで世界一周（はざまかんぺい氏）

Japanese actor, comedian Kampei Hazama celebrates his yacht's arrival in Long Beach, California, on Tuesday, as part of his around-the-world trip. Kampei is crossing the ocean as part of his 37,000-kilometer round-the-world journey that began in December in Osaka. Kampei is crossing the globe as the bid ambassador for Tokyo's 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games.

（日本語翻訳 by srachai )
ヨットで世界一周を目指しているコメディアンのはざまかんぺい氏がカリフォルニアのロングビーチに到着した（火曜日）。
１２月に大阪を出発し、３７０００kmにおよぶ世界一周旅行に挑戦している。
２０１６年東京オリンピックとパラリンピックの使節として、世界各地を寄航する。

Matt Taylor

(Mainichi Japan) March 8, 2009
Director hopes to open gate of people's hearts with 'Atomic Flame' film
ひと：マット・テイラーさん＝原爆を描いた映画「ＧＡＴＥ」監督

　◇マット・テイラー（Ｍａｔｔ　Ｔａｙｌｏｒ）さん
The director of a film on the journey of a flame burning since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima said he wanted to put an end to the circle of nuclear destruction with a symbolic extinguishing of the flame at the U.S. site where the world's first atomic bomb test was performed.
In the journey, the atomic flame in Hoshino, Fukuoka Prefecture, kept alive since the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, was used to light a lantern and this flame was taken to the United States. It was carried on foot from San Francisco to Trinity Site in New Mexico, where the world's first atomic bomb test was performed.
Taylor said that he wanted to extinguish the flame in the place where the atomic bomb was born to put an end to the circle of nuclear destruction.
　福岡県星野村にある、広島原爆から採火した「原爆の火」。分けてもらった火を、１９４５年に初の核実験が行われたトリニティーサイトで消すまで、米国内２５日間の行脚を１時間４０分の作品にまとめた。「核による破滅の輪を閉じるため、原爆が生まれた地で火を消したいと考えたのです」

The American director, Matt Taylor, spent his youth in Japan, and was shocked by the reality of the destruction of the atomic bombs when he visited Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Going back to his roots, he planned a walking tour in 2005 to mark the 60th anniversary of the bombings.
　家庭の事情で幼少時を日本で過ごし、広島、長崎を訪れて被爆の実相に衝撃を受けた。それが原点となって、被爆６０年を迎えた０５年に行脚を企画した。

The 2,500-kilometer-long journey began on July 16, 2005, the test date anniversary, and ended on Aug. 9, the anniversary of the atomic bombing of Nagasaki. Upon arrival at Trinity Site, the borrowed flame was ceremoniously extinguished as 125 people, including Japanese monks, those from various religious groups as well as American citizens who were exposed to radiation near nuclear test sites, looked on. The 25-day trip was made into a one hour, 40 minute film titled "Atomic Flame" (titled "Gate" in Japanese).
　初の実験があった７月１６日にサンフランシスコを出発し、２５００キロの旅の終わりは長崎原爆の日の８月９日。事前交渉では無理だと思っていた軍事施設「サイト」の扉が開き、同行した日本人僧侶のほか各宗教の関係者、米国の核実験場の風下で被ばくした人たちなど１２５人が見守る中、法要後に火は消された。

The film sparked a reaction when it was shown in August 2007. At a special screening for war veterans -- said to be one of the most conservative groups in the United States -- one viewer was heard asking, "What have we done?" Taylor said that the people participating in the walking tour were not shouting out antiwar slogans, just walking. Their actions, he said, became a prayer for peace, and were likely to draw further empathy.
　０７年８月に上映されると反響を呼んだ。米国で最も保守的とされる退役軍人を対象にした試写会では「私たちは何ということをしたのか」との声が上がったという。「反戦を叫ぶわけではなく、ただ歩く。それが平和への祈りとなり、共感も広がるのでしょう」

The film continues to be shown at universities across Japan following a screening at Nagasaki University. Taylor said that the real beginning of the film was Nagasaki. He said the people of Nagasaki continue to pray that they would be the last city ever subjected to an atomic bomb attack, and that he wanted to open the gate of people's hearts through the film.
　日本では、２月の長崎大を皮切りに全国の大学で上映会を続ける。「映画の原点は、実は長崎。長崎の人たちは『ここを最後の被爆地に』と祈り続けている。私も映画を通じて多くの人の心の扉、ゲートを開けたい」＜文と写真・錦織祐一＞

＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝＝

　■人物略歴
Matt Taylor is a television producer, and is a representative of the Global Nuclear Disarmament Fund. His age has been withheld.
　米国のテレビプロデューサー。ＮＧＯ「世界核兵器解体基金」代表を務める。年齢非公表。

毎日新聞　2009年3月4日　東京朝刊

発信箱：今時の若者＝福本容子 求む！２０歳以上の学生－－。

(Mainichi Japan) March 8, 2009
Students jump at chance to see real world as volunteers in Mozambique
発信箱：今時の若者＝福本容子
　求む！２０歳以上の学生－－。

This January, Millennium Promise Japan (MPJ), a newly established non-profit organization in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo, appealed for student volunteers to work in Chibuto, in southeastern Mozambique, where there is no running water or electricity, and toilets comprised merely of a simple enclosure located outdoors.
While staying with a family in this village for a week, the volunteers will teach Japanese games and culture to local children. The application period was a mere two weeks, and applicants were required to submit an essay of 5,000 characters. Those who are ultimately selected to go will have to shoulder 100,000 yen of the expense.
　東京都文京区に拠点を置く新しいＮＰＯ法人が、今年１月、学生ボランティアを募った。
　活動の場はアフリカ南東部、モザンビークのシブトだ。水道も電気もない、トイレは戸外の簡単な囲いだけ、というこの村で１週間ほどホームステイし、現地の子供たちに日本の遊びや文化を紹介する。募集期間は２週間しかなく、５０００字の論文提出が必要。しかも台所事情により１人１０万円の自己負担である。

There's no way that today's youth would sign up for an opportunity under such terms, right?
今時の若者がそんなの応募するわけないよな……。

Wrong.
Thirty-four students applied for three available spots. In the end, a female student from Tokyo Medical and Dental University, a male Kyoto University graduate student, and a male student attending the University of Tokyo were chosen. Another student who wanted to go at any cost, will be footing the entire bill to join the other three.
　悲観論者の負け。３人の枠に３４人が申し込んできた。東京医科歯科大の女子、京大大学院の男子、東大の男子が選ばれ、どうしても行きたいというもう１人が全額自己負担で加わる。

These students, who are of a generation who thinks that toilet seats have always been electrically heated, jumped at the 100,000-yen chance as "inexpensive." Their excitement grew as they contemplate what Japanese meals they'll cook for their host family. Why not teach the children Sudoku? How about brush calligraphy? The possibilities are endless.
　便座は温かい、が常識の世代が「１０万は安い」と飛びついた。日本食は何を作ってあげよう、数独に習字も教えてみよう。どんどん盛り上がっている。

Mozambique suffers from a chronic shortage of classrooms and the deaths of over 1,000 teachers every year of AIDS. The purpose of the weeklong experience, according to MPJ, is "to expose Japanese youth, many of whom lack ambition regardless of their privileged environment, to see with their own eyes the lives of people who are living life to the fullest." MPJ chair Rieko Suzuki hopes the program will contribute not only to grassroots exchanges with Africa, but also to the nurturing of Japanese youth. And while the participants this time around all hail from Japan's top universities, hopefully, sometime in the future, young people who have lost their way will go and experience the joy of serving others.
　教室は足りず、毎年１０００人以上の先生がエイズで命を落とすモザンビーク。「恵まれているのに希望を持てずにいる日本の若者に、１２０％生きている人たちをしっかり見てほしい」。アフリカとの草の根交流に加え、日本の若者を育てたいというのが、主催するＮＰＯ法人「ミレニアム・プロミス・ジャパン」理事長、鈴木りえこさんの思いだ。今回は一流校の学生ばかりだけど、いつか、道に迷っている若者にも参加してほしい。人の役に立ち感謝される喜びを知ってもらいたい。

The "inaugural class" will depart on Tuesday. When they return, they will visit junior-high schools to report on their experiences. What will their eyes see, their spirits feel? What will they have learned? It's something we can look forward to. (By Yoko Fukumoto, Economic News Department)
　“１期生”はいよいよ１０日に出発だ。帰国したら中学校などに出かけて体験を報告することになっている。どんな表情で戻ってくるのか、すごく楽しみ。（経済部）

毎日新聞　2009年3月6日　東京朝刊

アキレスLMXシューズ

お母さんの本音としては子供に元気で安全に遊んでほしい。
でも、靴を長く使って欲しい、汚さないでほしい、これもお母さん
の本音だと思います。
「瞬足」でお馴染みのアキレスから、お母さんにもうれしいＬＭＸ
（エル・エム・エックス）が登場しました。