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2010年08月23日
海保ヘリ墜落 原因究明を阻む悪質な隠蔽だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 23, 2010)
JCG's cover-up obstructs investigation
海保ヘリ墜落 原因究明を阻む悪質な隠蔽だ（8月22日付・読売社説）
The outrageous cover-up by the Japan Coast Guard over a recent fatal helicopter accident is nothing but an attempt to obstruct the investigation.
海上保安庁の言語道断の隠蔽(いんぺい)行為が明るみに出た。原因調査の妨害行為にほかならない。
The 6th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters' helicopter Akizuru hit power lines and crashed in the Seto Inland Sea off Kagawa Prefecture on Wednesday afternoon, killing all five aboard.
第６管区海上保安本部のヘリコプターが瀬戸内海上空で送電線に触れて墜落、乗員５人が死亡する事故が起きたのは、１８日午後のことだった。
For more than a day after the accident, the coast guard concealed the fact that one of the purposes of the helicopter's flight was a demonstration for a group of legal trainees who were aboard a JCG patrol boat to experience coast guard missions at sea.
それからまる１日以上も、飛行目的の一つが、海保の巡視艇に体験乗船している司法修習生向けのデモンストレーション飛行だったことを隠していたのだ。
The JCG initially said the helicopter was on a patrol flight and only changed its story when the media brought up the demonstration flights.
それまではパトロールのためとだけ説明し、報道機関からの指摘を受けてデモ飛行を公表した。
It is not surprising that Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Seiji Maehara strongly criticized the JCG, saying, "The coast guard's concealment is serious, and it should reflect deeply on its conduct."
前原国土交通相が「隠していたことは問題だ。厳しく反省してもらわないといけない」と強く批判したのも当然である。
There is nothing wrong with carrying out demonstration flights. It is meaningful to give legal trainees an opportunity to observe the JCG's activities to help them understand the coast guard's mission.
デモ飛行そのものが悪いのではない。海保の業務を理解してもらうために、司法修習生などに見学してもらうことは意味がある。
However, the coast guard even concealed the demonstration flights from an official of the ministry's Japan Transport Safety Board who visited the crash site. In a broad sense, the JCG's conduct appears to be an attempt to destroy evidence related to the crash.
しかし、デモ飛行は事故の原因調査のため現地に出向いた国交省運輸安全委員会の調査官にも伏せられていた。広い意味で証拠の隠滅のようなものだろう。
Systematic deception
What makes the latest case heinous is that senior JCG officials, including the chief of the 6th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, systematically decided not to disclose the demonstration flights.
さらに今回のケースが悪質なのは、６管の本部長ら幹部が集まって、デモ飛行は公表しないと組織ぐるみで決めていたことだ。
In addition, when the JCG first acknowledged conducting the demonstration flights, the chief of the headquarters' general affairs division said, "I intentionally decided it was better not to disclose [the demonstration flights]," indicating that it was his decision. The coast guard covered up another fact by saying the head of the headquarters and other senior JCG officials were not involved in the decision.
しかも、最初にデモ飛行を認めた際には、総務課長が「自分が意図的に判断して発表しない方がいいと考えた」と、個人の判断であることを強調していた。これでは本部長らは無関係だったとする二重の隠蔽である。
The coast guard would never have acted in this manner if it had considered those who lost their lives in the line of duty and their bereaved families. The ministry should closely question the headquarters' chief and other senior JCG officials to lay the blame at the right door.
任務遂行中に殉職した職員や遺族のことを考えれば、決してできない行為である。国交省としても６管の本部長以下の責任を厳しく問うべきだろう。
Commenting on the cover-up, the headquarters explained it did not mention the demonstration flights "because the site of the accident and the [area of the] demonstration flights were 17 kilometers apart and, therefore, they were unrelated."
隠蔽について６管は「デモ飛行の場所と事故現場は１７キロ離れており、事故と関係なかったため」と釈明している。
Problem with flight plan?
However, the accident occurred between two demonstration flights when the helicopter was investigating an abandoned ship. Was there some problem with the helicopter's flight plan? A thorough investigation must be carried out before deciding on the relationship between the demonstration flights and the accident.
しかし、事故はデモ飛行の合間の廃船調査中に起きた。飛行計画に無理はなかったのか。デモ飛行と事故との関係も、調査を尽くしたうえで結論づけることだ。
The transport safety board needs to look into the case thoroughly to determine the real reason behind the cover-up and the cause of the accident.
運輸安全委は、隠蔽の理由や事故の真相を徹底的に解明する必要がある。
In investigating the 2005 JR Fukuchiyama Line derailment accident, a member of the then Aircraft and Railway Accidents Investigation Commission, a predecessor of the board, leaked information related to its investigation to West Japan Railway Co. before the commission compiled a report on the accident--a monstrous mistake that investigative authorities should have prevented.
ＪＲ西日本の脱線事故の調査では、調査情報をＪＲ西に事前に漏らすという、調査機関にあるまじき失態があった。
The transport safety board will lose public trust if it treats the coast guard with kid gloves during its investigation simply because the board and the JCG are organizations under the same ministry.
海保と同じ国交省内の組織だからといって、少しでも手加減するようでは信頼は地に落ちる。
Merely keeping an eye on the piloting of aircraft is not enough to prevent such an accident from recurring. The board must investigate the JCG and the headquarters from all possible angles, including flight safety.
再発防止のためには乗務員の操縦にだけ目を向けず、飛行の安全体制など、海保や６管に対する調査も厳正に行うべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2010)
（2010年8月22日01時20分 読売新聞）
JCG's cover-up obstructs investigation
海保ヘリ墜落 原因究明を阻む悪質な隠蔽だ（8月22日付・読売社説）
The outrageous cover-up by the Japan Coast Guard over a recent fatal helicopter accident is nothing but an attempt to obstruct the investigation.
海上保安庁の言語道断の隠蔽(いんぺい)行為が明るみに出た。原因調査の妨害行為にほかならない。
The 6th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters' helicopter Akizuru hit power lines and crashed in the Seto Inland Sea off Kagawa Prefecture on Wednesday afternoon, killing all five aboard.
第６管区海上保安本部のヘリコプターが瀬戸内海上空で送電線に触れて墜落、乗員５人が死亡する事故が起きたのは、１８日午後のことだった。
For more than a day after the accident, the coast guard concealed the fact that one of the purposes of the helicopter's flight was a demonstration for a group of legal trainees who were aboard a JCG patrol boat to experience coast guard missions at sea.
それからまる１日以上も、飛行目的の一つが、海保の巡視艇に体験乗船している司法修習生向けのデモンストレーション飛行だったことを隠していたのだ。
The JCG initially said the helicopter was on a patrol flight and only changed its story when the media brought up the demonstration flights.
それまではパトロールのためとだけ説明し、報道機関からの指摘を受けてデモ飛行を公表した。
It is not surprising that Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Minister Seiji Maehara strongly criticized the JCG, saying, "The coast guard's concealment is serious, and it should reflect deeply on its conduct."
前原国土交通相が「隠していたことは問題だ。厳しく反省してもらわないといけない」と強く批判したのも当然である。
There is nothing wrong with carrying out demonstration flights. It is meaningful to give legal trainees an opportunity to observe the JCG's activities to help them understand the coast guard's mission.
デモ飛行そのものが悪いのではない。海保の業務を理解してもらうために、司法修習生などに見学してもらうことは意味がある。
However, the coast guard even concealed the demonstration flights from an official of the ministry's Japan Transport Safety Board who visited the crash site. In a broad sense, the JCG's conduct appears to be an attempt to destroy evidence related to the crash.
しかし、デモ飛行は事故の原因調査のため現地に出向いた国交省運輸安全委員会の調査官にも伏せられていた。広い意味で証拠の隠滅のようなものだろう。
Systematic deception
What makes the latest case heinous is that senior JCG officials, including the chief of the 6th Regional Coast Guard Headquarters, systematically decided not to disclose the demonstration flights.
さらに今回のケースが悪質なのは、６管の本部長ら幹部が集まって、デモ飛行は公表しないと組織ぐるみで決めていたことだ。
In addition, when the JCG first acknowledged conducting the demonstration flights, the chief of the headquarters' general affairs division said, "I intentionally decided it was better not to disclose [the demonstration flights]," indicating that it was his decision. The coast guard covered up another fact by saying the head of the headquarters and other senior JCG officials were not involved in the decision.
しかも、最初にデモ飛行を認めた際には、総務課長が「自分が意図的に判断して発表しない方がいいと考えた」と、個人の判断であることを強調していた。これでは本部長らは無関係だったとする二重の隠蔽である。
The coast guard would never have acted in this manner if it had considered those who lost their lives in the line of duty and their bereaved families. The ministry should closely question the headquarters' chief and other senior JCG officials to lay the blame at the right door.
任務遂行中に殉職した職員や遺族のことを考えれば、決してできない行為である。国交省としても６管の本部長以下の責任を厳しく問うべきだろう。
Commenting on the cover-up, the headquarters explained it did not mention the demonstration flights "because the site of the accident and the [area of the] demonstration flights were 17 kilometers apart and, therefore, they were unrelated."
隠蔽について６管は「デモ飛行の場所と事故現場は１７キロ離れており、事故と関係なかったため」と釈明している。
Problem with flight plan?
However, the accident occurred between two demonstration flights when the helicopter was investigating an abandoned ship. Was there some problem with the helicopter's flight plan? A thorough investigation must be carried out before deciding on the relationship between the demonstration flights and the accident.
しかし、事故はデモ飛行の合間の廃船調査中に起きた。飛行計画に無理はなかったのか。デモ飛行と事故との関係も、調査を尽くしたうえで結論づけることだ。
The transport safety board needs to look into the case thoroughly to determine the real reason behind the cover-up and the cause of the accident.
運輸安全委は、隠蔽の理由や事故の真相を徹底的に解明する必要がある。
In investigating the 2005 JR Fukuchiyama Line derailment accident, a member of the then Aircraft and Railway Accidents Investigation Commission, a predecessor of the board, leaked information related to its investigation to West Japan Railway Co. before the commission compiled a report on the accident--a monstrous mistake that investigative authorities should have prevented.
ＪＲ西日本の脱線事故の調査では、調査情報をＪＲ西に事前に漏らすという、調査機関にあるまじき失態があった。
The transport safety board will lose public trust if it treats the coast guard with kid gloves during its investigation simply because the board and the JCG are organizations under the same ministry.
海保と同じ国交省内の組織だからといって、少しでも手加減するようでは信頼は地に落ちる。
Merely keeping an eye on the piloting of aircraft is not enough to prevent such an accident from recurring. The board must investigate the JCG and the headquarters from all possible angles, including flight safety.
再発防止のためには乗務員の操縦にだけ目を向けず、飛行の安全体制など、海保や６管に対する調査も厳正に行うべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 22, 2010)
（2010年8月22日01時20分 読売新聞）
2010年08月22日
パキスタン洪水 対テロ前線国に支援を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 22, 2010)
Japan must lose no time in getting aid to Pakistan
パキスタン洪水 対テロ前線国に支援を急げ（8月21日付・読売社説）
Pakistan has been hit by devastating floods said to be the worst in 80 years.
パキスタンが８０年ぶりという甚大な洪水被害に見舞われている。
It is feared flood damage will continue to spread as monsoon rains are expected to continue through the end of this month.
雨を降らせるモンスーン（季節風）は今月末まで続き、今後も被害の拡大が懸念される。
In a special meeting Thursday, the U.N. General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging member nations to extend emergency relief to the flood-ravaged nation. The meeting was called as international assistance had been insufficient despite the wide extent of the disaster-stricken areas and the seriousness of damage there.
国連総会が特別会合を開催し、加盟国にパキスタン支援を促す決議を満場一致で採択した。被災地域が広範囲に及び、深刻な被害になっているにもかかわらず、国際的な支援が集まらないためだ。
The United States, which pressed for the U.N. meeting and had already extended 100 million dollars (about 8.5 billion yen) in relief funds for Pakistan, announced that it would contribute an additional 60 million dollars.
国連会合の開催を主導した米国は、拠出済みの１億ドル（約８５億円）に加え、６０００万ドル（約５１億円）の追加支援をすると表明した。
Pakistan has been at the forefront of the war on terrorism. Islamist militant terrorist groups operating there are trying to seize the opportunity to increase their influence under the guise of disaster relief efforts. The international community must offer immediate relief to prevent this natural disaster from helping the terrorists flourish.
パキスタンは対テロ戦争の最前線国だ。国内のイスラム系武装テロ組織は、災害支援を口実に影響力を拡大しようと動いている。自然災害がテロを助長することのないよう、国際社会の早急な支援が求められる。
Millions affected
The flood damage was caused by torrential rain that hit the Indus River basin in northwestern Pakistan in late July. Mud slides and flash floods washed away houses and bridges, and roads were submerged across the affected area.
水害は、パキスタン北西部のインダス川流域を７月下旬に襲った集中豪雨が原因だった。土砂崩れや鉄砲水で、家屋や橋などが流され、道路は各地で水没した。
Damage spread to the middle and lower reaches of the river, killing more than 1,500 people and affecting 20 million people. This means that more than 10 percent of Pakistan's population has been hit by the floods.
影響は中流や下流域にも及び、死者は１５００人余り、被災者は全体で２０００万人に上る。国民の１割超が被災した勘定だ。
Three weeks after the initial damage, more than 8 million people still need emergency relief as they have lost their homes and possessions.
発生から３週間を経た今も、全国で８００万人余りが住まいを失うなど支援を必要としている。
Evacuees reportedly are having difficulty obtaining enough food, water and tents. Besides having to endure hot and humid weather, many--especially children and the elderly--are suffering from cholera caused by worsening sanitary conditions. Many are also suffering from malaria.
避難民は食料や水、テントなどが十分に届かないと訴えている。高温多湿に加え、悪化した衛生状態のため、子供や老人らにコレラやマラリアが発生している。
Given the scale of damage, the United Nations is calling on member nations and relief organizations to extend 460 million dollars in aid. But a number of nations, with their ailing economies, are slow to respond. Aid money offered by the United States, Europe, Australia and some others totals only half the targeted amount.
国連は今回の被災規模から、４億６０００万ドル（約３９１億円）の支援を各国・機関に呼びかけている。しかし、経済不況のもと、各国とも反応は鈍い。米国、欧州、豪州などを合わせても半分にしかならない。
GSDF to help
Japan's state secretary for foreign affairs, Osamu Fujimura, announced at the meeting that Japan would not only extend 14.4 million dollars but also dispatch a helicopter unit of the Ground Self-Defense Force.
日本は、国連会合で藤村修外務副大臣が１４４０万ドル（約１２億３０００万円）の支援に加え、陸上自衛隊のヘリコプター部隊を派遣することを表明した。
The helicopter mission is expected to transport relief materials and rescue people isolated in areas where transport systems have been cut off. This aid measure probably will be the best match for the needs in the disaster-hit areas.
救援物資の輸送や、交通網の寸断で孤立した被災者の救助が期待できる。被災地のニーズに最も合致した支援策といえよう。
The problem is that SDF personnel cannot carry arms with them as the mission is based on the law governing the dispatch of the disaster relief teams. Given the security situation in Pakistan, it cannot be said there is no risk at all for SDF personnel to carry out their mission there.
課題は国際緊急援助隊派遣法に基づく派遣のため、自衛隊員が武器を携行できないことだ。パキスタンの治安状況を考えれば、全く危険がないとは言い切れない。
We consider it problematic that the law is based on the idea that weapons are unnecessary for natural disaster relief activities. In cooperation with the Liberal Democratic Party, which had been calling for revision of the law in this regard, and others, the government should revise the law so SDF personnel could carry weapons with them during any mission in which security concerns exist.
「自然災害での支援だから武器は不要のはず」という発想の援助隊法に問題がある。以前から法改正を主張している自民党などと協力し、治安の悪い場所には武器を携行できるよう改めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun,Aug. 21, 2010)
（2010年8月21日01時33分 読売新聞）
Japan must lose no time in getting aid to Pakistan
パキスタン洪水 対テロ前線国に支援を急げ（8月21日付・読売社説）
Pakistan has been hit by devastating floods said to be the worst in 80 years.
パキスタンが８０年ぶりという甚大な洪水被害に見舞われている。
It is feared flood damage will continue to spread as monsoon rains are expected to continue through the end of this month.
雨を降らせるモンスーン（季節風）は今月末まで続き、今後も被害の拡大が懸念される。
In a special meeting Thursday, the U.N. General Assembly unanimously adopted a resolution urging member nations to extend emergency relief to the flood-ravaged nation. The meeting was called as international assistance had been insufficient despite the wide extent of the disaster-stricken areas and the seriousness of damage there.
国連総会が特別会合を開催し、加盟国にパキスタン支援を促す決議を満場一致で採択した。被災地域が広範囲に及び、深刻な被害になっているにもかかわらず、国際的な支援が集まらないためだ。
The United States, which pressed for the U.N. meeting and had already extended 100 million dollars (about 8.5 billion yen) in relief funds for Pakistan, announced that it would contribute an additional 60 million dollars.
国連会合の開催を主導した米国は、拠出済みの１億ドル（約８５億円）に加え、６０００万ドル（約５１億円）の追加支援をすると表明した。
Pakistan has been at the forefront of the war on terrorism. Islamist militant terrorist groups operating there are trying to seize the opportunity to increase their influence under the guise of disaster relief efforts. The international community must offer immediate relief to prevent this natural disaster from helping the terrorists flourish.
パキスタンは対テロ戦争の最前線国だ。国内のイスラム系武装テロ組織は、災害支援を口実に影響力を拡大しようと動いている。自然災害がテロを助長することのないよう、国際社会の早急な支援が求められる。
Millions affected
The flood damage was caused by torrential rain that hit the Indus River basin in northwestern Pakistan in late July. Mud slides and flash floods washed away houses and bridges, and roads were submerged across the affected area.
水害は、パキスタン北西部のインダス川流域を７月下旬に襲った集中豪雨が原因だった。土砂崩れや鉄砲水で、家屋や橋などが流され、道路は各地で水没した。
Damage spread to the middle and lower reaches of the river, killing more than 1,500 people and affecting 20 million people. This means that more than 10 percent of Pakistan's population has been hit by the floods.
影響は中流や下流域にも及び、死者は１５００人余り、被災者は全体で２０００万人に上る。国民の１割超が被災した勘定だ。
Three weeks after the initial damage, more than 8 million people still need emergency relief as they have lost their homes and possessions.
発生から３週間を経た今も、全国で８００万人余りが住まいを失うなど支援を必要としている。
Evacuees reportedly are having difficulty obtaining enough food, water and tents. Besides having to endure hot and humid weather, many--especially children and the elderly--are suffering from cholera caused by worsening sanitary conditions. Many are also suffering from malaria.
避難民は食料や水、テントなどが十分に届かないと訴えている。高温多湿に加え、悪化した衛生状態のため、子供や老人らにコレラやマラリアが発生している。
Given the scale of damage, the United Nations is calling on member nations and relief organizations to extend 460 million dollars in aid. But a number of nations, with their ailing economies, are slow to respond. Aid money offered by the United States, Europe, Australia and some others totals only half the targeted amount.
国連は今回の被災規模から、４億６０００万ドル（約３９１億円）の支援を各国・機関に呼びかけている。しかし、経済不況のもと、各国とも反応は鈍い。米国、欧州、豪州などを合わせても半分にしかならない。
GSDF to help
Japan's state secretary for foreign affairs, Osamu Fujimura, announced at the meeting that Japan would not only extend 14.4 million dollars but also dispatch a helicopter unit of the Ground Self-Defense Force.
日本は、国連会合で藤村修外務副大臣が１４４０万ドル（約１２億３０００万円）の支援に加え、陸上自衛隊のヘリコプター部隊を派遣することを表明した。
The helicopter mission is expected to transport relief materials and rescue people isolated in areas where transport systems have been cut off. This aid measure probably will be the best match for the needs in the disaster-hit areas.
救援物資の輸送や、交通網の寸断で孤立した被災者の救助が期待できる。被災地のニーズに最も合致した支援策といえよう。
The problem is that SDF personnel cannot carry arms with them as the mission is based on the law governing the dispatch of the disaster relief teams. Given the security situation in Pakistan, it cannot be said there is no risk at all for SDF personnel to carry out their mission there.
課題は国際緊急援助隊派遣法に基づく派遣のため、自衛隊員が武器を携行できないことだ。パキスタンの治安状況を考えれば、全く危険がないとは言い切れない。
We consider it problematic that the law is based on the idea that weapons are unnecessary for natural disaster relief activities. In cooperation with the Liberal Democratic Party, which had been calling for revision of the law in this regard, and others, the government should revise the law so SDF personnel could carry weapons with them during any mission in which security concerns exist.
「自然災害での支援だから武器は不要のはず」という発想の援助隊法に問題がある。以前から法改正を主張している自民党などと協力し、治安の悪い場所には武器を携行できるよう改めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun,Aug. 21, 2010)
（2010年8月21日01時33分 読売新聞）
2010年08月21日
民主党代表選 「小鳩」の総括と政策論が先だ
(Aug. 21, 2010)
DPJ should debate policy, shun politicking
民主党代表選 「小鳩」の総括と政策論が先だ（8月20日付・読売社説）
With less than two weeks until campaigning for the Democratic Party of Japan's presidential election gets underway on Sept. 1, each DPJ group has been engaged in an increasing amount of intraparty wheeling and dealing.
来月１日の民主党代表選の告示まで２週間を切り、各グループの駆け引きが活発化している。
On Thursday, former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama held a seminar for members of his group. The meeting was attended by former DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa, who heads the ruling party's largest segment.
１９日には鳩山前首相がグループ研修会を開き、党内最大勢力を率いる小沢一郎・前幹事長も出席した。
Ozawa is reportedly considering running in the presidential race, provided he can receive support from a wide range of DPJ members, including those of the Hatoyama group. This has given rise to speculation that Ozawa's attendance at the Thursday meeting may have been part of his preparations for the election.
小沢氏は、鳩山グループなど党内の幅広い支持が得られることを条件に、出馬を検討しているという。研修会への出席も、そのための布石とみられている。
The seminar, which attracted about 150 DPJ lawmakers, served to display Hatoyama's continuing influence within the party. After stepping down as prime minister in early June, Hatoyama at one time expressed his intention to retire from politics.
一時は政界引退を表明していた鳩山氏も、約１５０人の国会議員を研修会に集め、党内への影響力を誇示した。
Hatoyama's move could be seen as an attempt to regain his lost political privileges, by taking advantage of the obvious advances being made toward him by both Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Ozawa. Kan is apparently trying to woo Hatoyama to his side, in the hope of ensuring his reelection as DPJ chief and consequently prime minister. Ozawa is behaving in a similar fashion as he explores the possibility of running in the Sept. 14 election.
再選をめざす菅首相、出馬の可能性を探る小沢氏の双方から秋波を送られる状況を利用し、政治的復権を果たすつもりなのだろう。
DPJ chiefs must fulfill duties
During Thursday's seminar, Hatoyama reiterated his assertion that the DPJ must be firmly united in running the country as the ruling party. He has said he will support Kan's bid to win reelection as DPJ leader if all the party's groups close ranks with each other.
挙党一致を条件に首相続投を支持している鳩山氏は、研修会でも、挙党態勢の構築を求めた。
However, we believe both Ozawa and Hatoyama must look squarely at their respective must-do lists, instead of engaging in calculated activities tied to their party's election.
しかし、小沢氏も鳩山氏も、代表選をにらんで動く前に、なすべきことがあるのではないか。
Hatoyama bears a heavy responsibility for the rift created in the Japan-U.S. relationship as a result of the turmoil that arose from his inconsistent approach to the dispute over the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture. Both Hatoyama and Ozawa have yet to fulfill their duty to fully explain about their connections with politics-and-money scandals.
鳩山氏には、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題の迷走で、日米関係に亀裂を生じさせた重い責任がある。「政治とカネ」をめぐる問題では、両氏とも十分な説明責任を果たしていない。
How do Hatoyama and Ozawa appear to the public in these circumstances? These DPJ heavyweights are obviously resorting to an alliance as a political expedient, instead of reflecting on the scandals that erupted when the former was head of the DPJ and the latter was the party's secretary general.
「小鳩」政権時代への反省と厳しい総括をしないまま、合従連衡に走る姿が、国民の目にどう映るだろうか。
Ozawa deserves particular reproach as a Tokyo inquest of prosecution panel continues to reconsider the pros and cons of prosecutors' earlier decision not to indict him over the politics-and-money scandal. If Ozawa enters the DPJ election, he should explain what he will do to settle the dispute over the scandal politically, morally and otherwise.
特に小沢氏の場合、「政治とカネ」の問題で検察審査会の審議が継続中だ。代表選に出馬するなら、どうけじめをつけるのか、具体的に語る必要があろう。
Use election opportunity
Meanwhile, Kan's attitude is no less problematic.
一方、菅首相の対応も、問題なしとは言えない。
During a press conference in late July, he said the list of pledges he would prepare for the DPJ race would not include a rise in the consumption tax rate. Is it acceptable for Kan to use his party's setback in the last House of Councillors election as a reason for retracting his promise to restore fiscal health?
先月末の記者会見で、消費税率引き上げを代表選の公約に掲げないとの考えを示したが、参院選で敗北したからといって、財政健全化の旗まで降ろしてよいのか。
We believe the prime minister should more actively use the DPJ race as an opportunity to deepen intraparty discussions about the controversy over the consumption tax rate.
むしろ代表選を機に、消費税問題の党内論議を深めるぐらいの攻めの姿勢が求められよう。
Another important issue to be taken up in campaigning for the race is how to treat the DPJ manifesto for last year's House of Representatives election.
昨年の衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）をどう扱うかも重要な論点である。
It is easy to see the DPJ-led government will be unable to continue such lavish handouts as child-rearing allowances and toll-free services on expressways, when one considers the need to raise a massive amount of funds for such measures.
子ども手当の支給や高速道路無料化といったバラマキ政策を続けることが財政的に不可能であることは明らかだ。
The DPJ government cannot avoid fundamentally reconsidering the electoral manifesto, given its year-end budget compilation.
年末の予算編成を考えれば、政権公約の大胆な見直しは避けて通れない。
Last year's change in administration means the DPJ race is comparable to the Liberal Democratic Party's earlier presidential elections in that the winner will, in effect, gain a passport to the premiership.
昨年の政権交代で民主党代表選は、かつての自民党総裁選のように首相選びに直結する。
The DPJ should take this to heart. The upcoming presidential race must provide its candidates with an opportunity to compete to discuss what shape our country should take and present policies that would affect people's lives.
民主党はそれを強く自覚し、今回の党首選びを、国家ビジョンや国民生活にかかわる政策を競う場としなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 20, 2010)
（2010年8月20日01時25分 読売新聞）
DPJ should debate policy, shun politicking
民主党代表選 「小鳩」の総括と政策論が先だ（8月20日付・読売社説）
With less than two weeks until campaigning for the Democratic Party of Japan's presidential election gets underway on Sept. 1, each DPJ group has been engaged in an increasing amount of intraparty wheeling and dealing.
来月１日の民主党代表選の告示まで２週間を切り、各グループの駆け引きが活発化している。
On Thursday, former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama held a seminar for members of his group. The meeting was attended by former DPJ Secretary General Ichiro Ozawa, who heads the ruling party's largest segment.
１９日には鳩山前首相がグループ研修会を開き、党内最大勢力を率いる小沢一郎・前幹事長も出席した。
Ozawa is reportedly considering running in the presidential race, provided he can receive support from a wide range of DPJ members, including those of the Hatoyama group. This has given rise to speculation that Ozawa's attendance at the Thursday meeting may have been part of his preparations for the election.
小沢氏は、鳩山グループなど党内の幅広い支持が得られることを条件に、出馬を検討しているという。研修会への出席も、そのための布石とみられている。
The seminar, which attracted about 150 DPJ lawmakers, served to display Hatoyama's continuing influence within the party. After stepping down as prime minister in early June, Hatoyama at one time expressed his intention to retire from politics.
一時は政界引退を表明していた鳩山氏も、約１５０人の国会議員を研修会に集め、党内への影響力を誇示した。
Hatoyama's move could be seen as an attempt to regain his lost political privileges, by taking advantage of the obvious advances being made toward him by both Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Ozawa. Kan is apparently trying to woo Hatoyama to his side, in the hope of ensuring his reelection as DPJ chief and consequently prime minister. Ozawa is behaving in a similar fashion as he explores the possibility of running in the Sept. 14 election.
再選をめざす菅首相、出馬の可能性を探る小沢氏の双方から秋波を送られる状況を利用し、政治的復権を果たすつもりなのだろう。
DPJ chiefs must fulfill duties
During Thursday's seminar, Hatoyama reiterated his assertion that the DPJ must be firmly united in running the country as the ruling party. He has said he will support Kan's bid to win reelection as DPJ leader if all the party's groups close ranks with each other.
挙党一致を条件に首相続投を支持している鳩山氏は、研修会でも、挙党態勢の構築を求めた。
However, we believe both Ozawa and Hatoyama must look squarely at their respective must-do lists, instead of engaging in calculated activities tied to their party's election.
しかし、小沢氏も鳩山氏も、代表選をにらんで動く前に、なすべきことがあるのではないか。
Hatoyama bears a heavy responsibility for the rift created in the Japan-U.S. relationship as a result of the turmoil that arose from his inconsistent approach to the dispute over the relocation of the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture. Both Hatoyama and Ozawa have yet to fulfill their duty to fully explain about their connections with politics-and-money scandals.
鳩山氏には、米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題の迷走で、日米関係に亀裂を生じさせた重い責任がある。「政治とカネ」をめぐる問題では、両氏とも十分な説明責任を果たしていない。
How do Hatoyama and Ozawa appear to the public in these circumstances? These DPJ heavyweights are obviously resorting to an alliance as a political expedient, instead of reflecting on the scandals that erupted when the former was head of the DPJ and the latter was the party's secretary general.
「小鳩」政権時代への反省と厳しい総括をしないまま、合従連衡に走る姿が、国民の目にどう映るだろうか。
Ozawa deserves particular reproach as a Tokyo inquest of prosecution panel continues to reconsider the pros and cons of prosecutors' earlier decision not to indict him over the politics-and-money scandal. If Ozawa enters the DPJ election, he should explain what he will do to settle the dispute over the scandal politically, morally and otherwise.
特に小沢氏の場合、「政治とカネ」の問題で検察審査会の審議が継続中だ。代表選に出馬するなら、どうけじめをつけるのか、具体的に語る必要があろう。
Use election opportunity
Meanwhile, Kan's attitude is no less problematic.
一方、菅首相の対応も、問題なしとは言えない。
During a press conference in late July, he said the list of pledges he would prepare for the DPJ race would not include a rise in the consumption tax rate. Is it acceptable for Kan to use his party's setback in the last House of Councillors election as a reason for retracting his promise to restore fiscal health?
先月末の記者会見で、消費税率引き上げを代表選の公約に掲げないとの考えを示したが、参院選で敗北したからといって、財政健全化の旗まで降ろしてよいのか。
We believe the prime minister should more actively use the DPJ race as an opportunity to deepen intraparty discussions about the controversy over the consumption tax rate.
むしろ代表選を機に、消費税問題の党内論議を深めるぐらいの攻めの姿勢が求められよう。
Another important issue to be taken up in campaigning for the race is how to treat the DPJ manifesto for last year's House of Representatives election.
昨年の衆院選の政権公約（マニフェスト）をどう扱うかも重要な論点である。
It is easy to see the DPJ-led government will be unable to continue such lavish handouts as child-rearing allowances and toll-free services on expressways, when one considers the need to raise a massive amount of funds for such measures.
子ども手当の支給や高速道路無料化といったバラマキ政策を続けることが財政的に不可能であることは明らかだ。
The DPJ government cannot avoid fundamentally reconsidering the electoral manifesto, given its year-end budget compilation.
年末の予算編成を考えれば、政権公約の大胆な見直しは避けて通れない。
Last year's change in administration means the DPJ race is comparable to the Liberal Democratic Party's earlier presidential elections in that the winner will, in effect, gain a passport to the premiership.
昨年の政権交代で民主党代表選は、かつての自民党総裁選のように首相選びに直結する。
The DPJ should take this to heart. The upcoming presidential race must provide its candidates with an opportunity to compete to discuss what shape our country should take and present policies that would affect people's lives.
民主党はそれを強く自覚し、今回の党首選びを、国家ビジョンや国民生活にかかわる政策を競う場としなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 20, 2010)
（2010年8月20日01時25分 読売新聞）
2010年08月20日
日韓ＦＴＡ 未来志向で早期妥結をめざせ
農家への個別所得補償制度には反対です。農産物の貿易自由化の足かせとなるからです。結局は国民の税金から負担される訳ですから。農産物の貿易自由化は世界の潮流です。日本だけ特別扱いは許されないでしょう。
所得補償制度を漁業や他の産業に拡大する動きに対しても同じ理由で反対します。
(srachai from khonkaen, thailand)
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 20, 2010)
Get wheels turning on S. Korea trade talks
日韓ＦＴＡ 未来志向で早期妥結をめざせ（8月19日付・読売社説）
Japanese and South Korean industrial circles both hope talks between their governments over a free trade agreement will be concluded soon, according to a recent survey conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun and a leading South Korean business daily.
日本と韓国の産業界は共に、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）に関する交渉の早期妥結を望んでいることがわかった。
Responding to the poll taken by the Yomiuri and The Korea Economic Daily, more than 80 percent of 200 major Japanese and South Korean corporations said they thought a free trade accord between the two countries was "necessary." However, bilateral negotiations on a trade deal have been suspended since 2004.
読売新聞社と韓国経済新聞社が実施したアンケート調査で、双方の主要企業２００社の８割超が、２００４年から交渉が中断している日韓ＦＴＡについて、「必要だ」と答えている。
We welcome the readiness expressed by these corporations to deepen relations in a future-oriented manner while competing yet coexisting in observing this year's centennial of Japan's annexation of the Korean Peninsula.
日韓併合１００年という節目を迎え、両国の企業が未来志向で関係を深め、競争と共存を図ろうとする姿勢を歓迎したい。
A free trade agreement is a treaty between two or more nations and territories seeking to reduce or abolish tariffs on industrial, agricultural and other products. Such an accord can do much to expand trade.
ＦＴＡは、特定の国や地域間で鉱工業品や農産物の関税を引き下げたり、撤廃したりすることだ。貿易を拡大する効果がある。
The current round of multilateral trade talks under the World Trade Organization has been stalled due to conflicting interests among WTO member nations. This has given rise to a sharp increase in the number of free trade pacts and economic partnership agreements aimed at expanding the scope of cooperation to include increased investment and other activities. In fact, about 200 FTA and EPA accords have come into effect around the world.
世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）の多国間の貿易自由化交渉は、利害の対立で暗礁に乗り上げた。そこで世界で急増しているのが、ＦＴＡや投資拡大などに協力分野を広げた経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）で、すでに約２００が発効した。
Japan lagging others
However, free trade agreement negotiations between Tokyo and Seoul have been left behind by the trend of the times. The gridlock in bilateral talks can be attributed to Japan's objection to market liberalization targeting farm and marine products, as well as South Korea's concern that its trade deficit with Japan could widen.
ところが、日韓交渉はそうした流れに取り残され、行き詰まっている。日本が農水産物の市場開放に抵抗し、韓国は対日赤字全体の拡大を警戒しているためだ。
A six-year hiatus in bilateral talks is too long. The Japanese and South Korean governments should live up to the expectations of their respective industrial circles when they meet for working-level talks aimed at resuming the negotiations, probably in September.
約６年にも及ぶ中断は余りにも長い。両国は９月にも、交渉再開に向けた実務協議を開くが、産業界の期待に応える必要がある。
Japan's slowness in forming economic partnerships with other countries is exemplified not only by its failure to break the impasse in trade talks with South Korea. This lack of progress is also evident in Tokyo's delay in forming similar ties with other nations and territories.
日本の経済連携の動きは、対韓国ばかりでなく、他国・地域との間でも出遅れが目立つ。
Japan has signed economic partnership agreements with 11 economies, including Singapore and Mexico, that have already taken effect. This nation is struggling to make headway in striking EPA deals with such agricultural powers as Australia and India. It is unknown whether or when the Japanese government will be able to sit at the negotiating table for trade pact talks with the United States and the European Union.
ＥＰＡ発効・署名国は、シンガポール、メキシコなど１１か国・地域にとどまり、農業大国の豪州やインドとの交渉も難航中だ。米国や欧州連合（ＥＵ）については、交渉のメドさえたたない。
DPJ policy won't help
Dogged resistance from the domestic agricultural sector has been a stumbling block to efforts to open this country's market for farm imports.
農業分野の市場開放について、日本国内の抵抗が強いことが、いつも足かせになっている。
The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has introduced an income compensation system for individual rice farming households. However, this lavish handout policy will do nothing to increase the nation's agricultural competitiveness in preparation for trade liberalization.
民主党政権は、コメ農家を対象にした戸別所得補償制度を導入した。しかし、バラマキ政策では、貿易自由化に備えた農業の競争力強化にはつながらない。
The government likely will expand the income compensation program to include fishermen and other workers. This kind of protective policy must be wisely used to help pry open the domestic market.
政府は所得補償制度を漁業などにも拡充する方針だが、こうした保護策を市場開放に向けて活用する道を探らねばなるまい。
Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa, an envoy chosen from the private sector, has expressed a desire to kick off free trade talks between Tokyo and Beijing. Progress in negotiations between Tokyo and Seoul could jump-start similar talks between Japan and China--and even free trade talks involving all three nations.
民間出身の丹羽中国大使は、日中ＦＴＡ交渉の開始に意欲を表明した。日韓ＦＴＡを前進できれば、日中や「日中韓」のＦＴＡ交渉の足がかりにもなる。
South Korea has reached free trade agreements with the United States and the EU. If Seoul gets a head start on Tokyo in starting talks with China, it would deal a blow to Japan.
韓国は米国やＥＵとＦＴＡで合意した。韓国が中国とのＦＴＡで先行すれば、日本には痛手だ。
The administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan has put together a new growth strategy that would utilize the vitality of emerging economies in Asia. If it truly seeks to accomplish that aim, the government should expedite free trade talks.
菅政権は、アジアの活力を取り込む新成長戦略をまとめた。それならば、自由貿易を加速する政治的な行動が求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 19, 2010)
（2010年8月19日01時59分 読売新聞）
所得補償制度を漁業や他の産業に拡大する動きに対しても同じ理由で反対します。
(srachai from khonkaen, thailand)
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 20, 2010)
Get wheels turning on S. Korea trade talks
日韓ＦＴＡ 未来志向で早期妥結をめざせ（8月19日付・読売社説）
Japanese and South Korean industrial circles both hope talks between their governments over a free trade agreement will be concluded soon, according to a recent survey conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun and a leading South Korean business daily.
日本と韓国の産業界は共に、自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）に関する交渉の早期妥結を望んでいることがわかった。
Responding to the poll taken by the Yomiuri and The Korea Economic Daily, more than 80 percent of 200 major Japanese and South Korean corporations said they thought a free trade accord between the two countries was "necessary." However, bilateral negotiations on a trade deal have been suspended since 2004.
読売新聞社と韓国経済新聞社が実施したアンケート調査で、双方の主要企業２００社の８割超が、２００４年から交渉が中断している日韓ＦＴＡについて、「必要だ」と答えている。
We welcome the readiness expressed by these corporations to deepen relations in a future-oriented manner while competing yet coexisting in observing this year's centennial of Japan's annexation of the Korean Peninsula.
日韓併合１００年という節目を迎え、両国の企業が未来志向で関係を深め、競争と共存を図ろうとする姿勢を歓迎したい。
A free trade agreement is a treaty between two or more nations and territories seeking to reduce or abolish tariffs on industrial, agricultural and other products. Such an accord can do much to expand trade.
ＦＴＡは、特定の国や地域間で鉱工業品や農産物の関税を引き下げたり、撤廃したりすることだ。貿易を拡大する効果がある。
The current round of multilateral trade talks under the World Trade Organization has been stalled due to conflicting interests among WTO member nations. This has given rise to a sharp increase in the number of free trade pacts and economic partnership agreements aimed at expanding the scope of cooperation to include increased investment and other activities. In fact, about 200 FTA and EPA accords have come into effect around the world.
世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）の多国間の貿易自由化交渉は、利害の対立で暗礁に乗り上げた。そこで世界で急増しているのが、ＦＴＡや投資拡大などに協力分野を広げた経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）で、すでに約２００が発効した。
Japan lagging others
However, free trade agreement negotiations between Tokyo and Seoul have been left behind by the trend of the times. The gridlock in bilateral talks can be attributed to Japan's objection to market liberalization targeting farm and marine products, as well as South Korea's concern that its trade deficit with Japan could widen.
ところが、日韓交渉はそうした流れに取り残され、行き詰まっている。日本が農水産物の市場開放に抵抗し、韓国は対日赤字全体の拡大を警戒しているためだ。
A six-year hiatus in bilateral talks is too long. The Japanese and South Korean governments should live up to the expectations of their respective industrial circles when they meet for working-level talks aimed at resuming the negotiations, probably in September.
約６年にも及ぶ中断は余りにも長い。両国は９月にも、交渉再開に向けた実務協議を開くが、産業界の期待に応える必要がある。
Japan's slowness in forming economic partnerships with other countries is exemplified not only by its failure to break the impasse in trade talks with South Korea. This lack of progress is also evident in Tokyo's delay in forming similar ties with other nations and territories.
日本の経済連携の動きは、対韓国ばかりでなく、他国・地域との間でも出遅れが目立つ。
Japan has signed economic partnership agreements with 11 economies, including Singapore and Mexico, that have already taken effect. This nation is struggling to make headway in striking EPA deals with such agricultural powers as Australia and India. It is unknown whether or when the Japanese government will be able to sit at the negotiating table for trade pact talks with the United States and the European Union.
ＥＰＡ発効・署名国は、シンガポール、メキシコなど１１か国・地域にとどまり、農業大国の豪州やインドとの交渉も難航中だ。米国や欧州連合（ＥＵ）については、交渉のメドさえたたない。
DPJ policy won't help
Dogged resistance from the domestic agricultural sector has been a stumbling block to efforts to open this country's market for farm imports.
農業分野の市場開放について、日本国内の抵抗が強いことが、いつも足かせになっている。
The Democratic Party of Japan-led government has introduced an income compensation system for individual rice farming households. However, this lavish handout policy will do nothing to increase the nation's agricultural competitiveness in preparation for trade liberalization.
民主党政権は、コメ農家を対象にした戸別所得補償制度を導入した。しかし、バラマキ政策では、貿易自由化に備えた農業の競争力強化にはつながらない。
The government likely will expand the income compensation program to include fishermen and other workers. This kind of protective policy must be wisely used to help pry open the domestic market.
政府は所得補償制度を漁業などにも拡充する方針だが、こうした保護策を市場開放に向けて活用する道を探らねばなるまい。
Japanese Ambassador to China Uichiro Niwa, an envoy chosen from the private sector, has expressed a desire to kick off free trade talks between Tokyo and Beijing. Progress in negotiations between Tokyo and Seoul could jump-start similar talks between Japan and China--and even free trade talks involving all three nations.
民間出身の丹羽中国大使は、日中ＦＴＡ交渉の開始に意欲を表明した。日韓ＦＴＡを前進できれば、日中や「日中韓」のＦＴＡ交渉の足がかりにもなる。
South Korea has reached free trade agreements with the United States and the EU. If Seoul gets a head start on Tokyo in starting talks with China, it would deal a blow to Japan.
韓国は米国やＥＵとＦＴＡで合意した。韓国が中国とのＦＴＡで先行すれば、日本には痛手だ。
The administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan has put together a new growth strategy that would utilize the vitality of emerging economies in Asia. If it truly seeks to accomplish that aim, the government should expedite free trade talks.
菅政権は、アジアの活力を取り込む新成長戦略をまとめた。それならば、自由貿易を加速する政治的な行動が求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 19, 2010)
（2010年8月19日01時59分 読売新聞）
2010年08月19日
南シナ海 中国進出の抑止は国際連携で
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 19, 2010)
Intl cooperation vital in South China Sea
南シナ海 中国進出の抑止は国際連携で（8月18日付・読売社説）
China is using its powerful navy to aggressively advance into the South China Sea, a key junction of international sea-lanes. The United States and countries in Asia are increasingly wary of China's moves.
国際的な海上輸送の要衝である南シナ海で、中国が海軍力を背景に高圧的な姿勢で進出しつつあり、米国やアジア諸国が警戒感を強めている。
The U.S. Defense Department said Monday in its annual report to Congress that "current trends in China's military capabilities are a major factor in changing East Asian military balances," referring to its moves in the South China Sea.
米国防総省は１６日に発表した年次報告書で、南シナ海などでの中国の軍事力拡大を「東アジアの軍事バランスを変える主要な要因」と位置づけた。
Japan also cannot overlook China's moves given the fact that it relies on marine transportation for imports of 90 percent of its energy and 60 percent of its food. The government must deepen cooperation with the United States, Vietnam, India and other countries concerned to resolve the problem.
エネルギーの９割、食糧の６割を海上輸送に依存する日本にとっても、看過できない動きだ。政府は、問題解決に向けて米国やベトナム、インドなど関係各国と連携を深めるべきだ。
Territorial disputes
The South China Sea, dotted with more than 200 islands and reefs, including the Spratly Islands, is the stage for several territorial disputes involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and other countries.
南シナ海は、スプラトリー（南沙）諸島を中心に、２００を超える島や岩礁が点在し、中国やベトナム、フィリピン、マレーシアなどが領有権を主張している。
In recent years, China has been causing friction with other countries by dispatching its warships in the area on the pretext of protecting its fishing boats.
ところが、中国が近年、自国の漁船保護を名目に海軍艦艇をこの海域に派遣するなど、各国と摩擦を繰り返している。
China is currently building a large submarine base on Hainan Island in the South China Sea. A recent series of such moves can be interpreted as the country's attempt to bring the entire South China Sea under its control, not only for the sake of protecting its interests in oil and maritime resources but also for military reasons, such as to deter any possible intervention by U.S. forces in the event of an emergency involving Taiwan.
海南島では、大規模な潜水艦基地を建設中だ。石油などの海洋権益の確保だけでなく、台湾有事の際に米軍の介入を阻止するなど、軍事的な理由からも、南シナ海全域を中国の勢力下に置こうとしているとみるべきだろう。
China has used the expression "core interests" in regard to its sovereignty and territorial integrity when it refers to Taiwan and Tibet. Recently, the country said it considered the South China Sea part of its "core interests" as well, a move that underlines concerns over China's possible intentions behind its latest moves.
中国が、台湾やチベット問題で使ってきた「核心的利益」という表現を、最近は南シナ海にも使い始めたことも、そうした懸念を裏付けるものだ。
The South China Sea is crossed by vital international sea-lanes that connect the Middle East with the Northeast Asia. No country can be allowed to make exclusive moves in the area. We strongly urge China to restrain itself.
南シナ海は、中東と北東アジアを結ぶ海上交通路（シーレーン）である。この海域で排他的な動きを取ることは認められない。中国には強く自制を求めたい。
Multilateralism a must
Vietnam and other Asian countries are calling on China to resolve territorial disputes through multinational negotiations. But China is unwilling to relax its position that countries claiming sovereignty should separately hold bilateral negotiations.
ベトナムなどアジア各国は、多国間協議で問題解決を図るよう求めている。これに対し中国は、領有権を主張する国同士が２国間協議で話し合うべきだ、という立場を崩していない。
However, if territorial disputes develop into military conflicts, they would significantly affect all countries that use the area's sea-lanes. Given that, it will be reasonable to hold multinational negotiations among countries with interests in the area to discuss ways to ease tensions and measures to build trust.
領有権争いが軍事的な衝突などに発展すれば、この海域をシーレーンとして利用する国々にも甚大な影響が及ぶ。懸念を共有する国も参加する多国間協議で、緊張緩和策や信頼醸成措置を検討するのが筋だろう。
It may also be a good idea to take up the issue at the East Asia Summit, which the United States also plans to join.
新たに米国も加わる予定の東アジア首脳会議（ＥＡＳ）で討議するのも一案ではないか。
In order to persuade China to sit down for multinational negotiations, it will be essential for countries sharing concerns to cooperate with each other.
多国間協議に中国を呼び込むためには、懸念を共有する国が相互に協力し合うことが肝要だ。
The Japanese government launched dialogues on a strategic partnership with India at the end of last year and with Vietnam last month, with the participation of both foreign and defense authorities. We urge the government to proactively take advantage of such dialogues and promote joint actions to alleviate tensions in the South China Sea.
政府は昨年末にはインド、先月にはベトナムとの間で、外務、防衛両省が参加する戦略対話を発足させた。こうした協議の場を積極的に活用し、緊張緩和に向けた共同行動を進めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2010)
（2010年8月18日01時43分 読売新聞）
Intl cooperation vital in South China Sea
南シナ海 中国進出の抑止は国際連携で（8月18日付・読売社説）
China is using its powerful navy to aggressively advance into the South China Sea, a key junction of international sea-lanes. The United States and countries in Asia are increasingly wary of China's moves.
国際的な海上輸送の要衝である南シナ海で、中国が海軍力を背景に高圧的な姿勢で進出しつつあり、米国やアジア諸国が警戒感を強めている。
The U.S. Defense Department said Monday in its annual report to Congress that "current trends in China's military capabilities are a major factor in changing East Asian military balances," referring to its moves in the South China Sea.
米国防総省は１６日に発表した年次報告書で、南シナ海などでの中国の軍事力拡大を「東アジアの軍事バランスを変える主要な要因」と位置づけた。
Japan also cannot overlook China's moves given the fact that it relies on marine transportation for imports of 90 percent of its energy and 60 percent of its food. The government must deepen cooperation with the United States, Vietnam, India and other countries concerned to resolve the problem.
エネルギーの９割、食糧の６割を海上輸送に依存する日本にとっても、看過できない動きだ。政府は、問題解決に向けて米国やベトナム、インドなど関係各国と連携を深めるべきだ。
Territorial disputes
The South China Sea, dotted with more than 200 islands and reefs, including the Spratly Islands, is the stage for several territorial disputes involving China, Vietnam, the Philippines, Malaysia and other countries.
南シナ海は、スプラトリー（南沙）諸島を中心に、２００を超える島や岩礁が点在し、中国やベトナム、フィリピン、マレーシアなどが領有権を主張している。
In recent years, China has been causing friction with other countries by dispatching its warships in the area on the pretext of protecting its fishing boats.
ところが、中国が近年、自国の漁船保護を名目に海軍艦艇をこの海域に派遣するなど、各国と摩擦を繰り返している。
China is currently building a large submarine base on Hainan Island in the South China Sea. A recent series of such moves can be interpreted as the country's attempt to bring the entire South China Sea under its control, not only for the sake of protecting its interests in oil and maritime resources but also for military reasons, such as to deter any possible intervention by U.S. forces in the event of an emergency involving Taiwan.
海南島では、大規模な潜水艦基地を建設中だ。石油などの海洋権益の確保だけでなく、台湾有事の際に米軍の介入を阻止するなど、軍事的な理由からも、南シナ海全域を中国の勢力下に置こうとしているとみるべきだろう。
China has used the expression "core interests" in regard to its sovereignty and territorial integrity when it refers to Taiwan and Tibet. Recently, the country said it considered the South China Sea part of its "core interests" as well, a move that underlines concerns over China's possible intentions behind its latest moves.
中国が、台湾やチベット問題で使ってきた「核心的利益」という表現を、最近は南シナ海にも使い始めたことも、そうした懸念を裏付けるものだ。
The South China Sea is crossed by vital international sea-lanes that connect the Middle East with the Northeast Asia. No country can be allowed to make exclusive moves in the area. We strongly urge China to restrain itself.
南シナ海は、中東と北東アジアを結ぶ海上交通路（シーレーン）である。この海域で排他的な動きを取ることは認められない。中国には強く自制を求めたい。
Multilateralism a must
Vietnam and other Asian countries are calling on China to resolve territorial disputes through multinational negotiations. But China is unwilling to relax its position that countries claiming sovereignty should separately hold bilateral negotiations.
ベトナムなどアジア各国は、多国間協議で問題解決を図るよう求めている。これに対し中国は、領有権を主張する国同士が２国間協議で話し合うべきだ、という立場を崩していない。
However, if territorial disputes develop into military conflicts, they would significantly affect all countries that use the area's sea-lanes. Given that, it will be reasonable to hold multinational negotiations among countries with interests in the area to discuss ways to ease tensions and measures to build trust.
領有権争いが軍事的な衝突などに発展すれば、この海域をシーレーンとして利用する国々にも甚大な影響が及ぶ。懸念を共有する国も参加する多国間協議で、緊張緩和策や信頼醸成措置を検討するのが筋だろう。
It may also be a good idea to take up the issue at the East Asia Summit, which the United States also plans to join.
新たに米国も加わる予定の東アジア首脳会議（ＥＡＳ）で討議するのも一案ではないか。
In order to persuade China to sit down for multinational negotiations, it will be essential for countries sharing concerns to cooperate with each other.
多国間協議に中国を呼び込むためには、懸念を共有する国が相互に協力し合うことが肝要だ。
The Japanese government launched dialogues on a strategic partnership with India at the end of last year and with Vietnam last month, with the participation of both foreign and defense authorities. We urge the government to proactively take advantage of such dialogues and promote joint actions to alleviate tensions in the South China Sea.
政府は昨年末にはインド、先月にはベトナムとの間で、外務、防衛両省が参加する戦略対話を発足させた。こうした協議の場を積極的に活用し、緊張緩和に向けた共同行動を進めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 18, 2010)
（2010年8月18日01時43分 読売新聞）
2010年08月18日
ＧＤＰ急減速 景気腰折れへ警戒を強めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 18, 2010)
Govt must prevent economic slowdown
ＧＤＰ急減速 景気腰折れへ警戒を強めよ（8月17日付・読売社説）
The Japanese economy, which has been recovering thanks to external demand and the effects of the government's economic stimulus measures, has suddenly slowed. The government must ensure that the adverse effects of this do not prevent economic growth.
外需と政策効果を支えに回復してきた景気が急減速した。成長を腰折れさせぬよう、警戒を怠ってはならない。
The nation's real gross domestic product increased in the April-June quarter by 0.1 percent from the previous period. This represents the third consecutive quarter of growth, but the annualized growth rate is extremely low--only 0.4 percent.
４〜６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・１％増と、３四半期連続でプラスだった。だが、成長率は年換算で０・４％と、極めて低い。
Although domestic demand has shrunk, growth in the GDP had finally been maintained through exports and other forms of external demand. But the future of external demand is uncertain because of the rising yen and fears of economic downturns in other countries. In their policy management, the government and the Bank of Japan should give priority to stimulating the economy.
内需はマイナスに転じ、輸出などの外需で、やっとプラス成長を維持した。円高や、海外経済の減速懸念で、外需の先行きも不透明である。政府・日銀は景気最優先で政策運営すべきだ。
Sharp drops feared
The sluggish domestic demand is the result of previously robust personal consumption that slumped in the April-June quarter to an almost flat level. Government measures such as eco points for purchases of energy-saving home electrical appliances and subsidies for buying environmentally friendly cars seem to be finally losing their impact.
内需低迷の主因は、これまで堅調だった個人消費が、４〜６月期はほぼ横ばいまで減速したことにある。省エネ家電のエコポイントやエコカー補助金もさすがに効果が薄れてきたようだ。
These are only a few economic stimulus measures, but the government is planning to terminate its subsidies for eco-friendly cars at the end of September. Car dealers and auto parts manufacturers are concerned about possible declines in sales and production as a result. Many predict that a sharp decrease in orders cannot be avoided from October.
とはいえ、数少ない下支え役である。政府は９月末でエコカー補助金を打ち切るという。自動車の販売店や部品工場などは、「１０月からは受注の大幅減が避けられない」などと、販売や生産の落ち込みを心配している。
This summer's heat wave is boosting sales of air conditioners and other summer-related products. However, more than a few electronics retail stores fear sales will drop sharply in reaction after the end of the seasonal demand caused by the blazing temperatures.
夏の猛暑でエアコンなどは売れている。だが、“猛暑特需”の後に厳しい反動減がこないか、恐れる家電量販店も少なくない。
The government has said that its child-rearing allowances, which began in June, and other measures will eventually stimulate the economy. However, past handout policies such as the flat-sum allowance show that a significant economic boost cannot be expected from such steps.
政府は、給付の始まった子ども手当などが、いずれ景気を刺激するというが、定額給付金など過去のばらまき政策の例から見て、大きな効果は期待できまい。
Instead, the government should use the reserve fund of this fiscal year's budget to implement measures to prevent the economy from slowing down, such as continuing part of the government subsidy program for purchases of eco-friendly cars.
今年度予算の予備費を使って、エコカー補助金の一部を継続するなど、景気の減速を避ける手を打つべきだ。
Block further yen rise
Lower budget allocations for public works projects are apparently affecting the economy. Public investments dropped by a drastic 3.4 percent in the April-June quarter from the previous period. This in particular will deal a heavy blow to regional economies that lack powerful local industries.
公共事業削減の影響も鮮明だ。４〜６月期の公共投資は、前期比３・４％減と大きく落ち込んだ。有力な地場産業のない地方などでは、特に打撃となろう。
Apart from the reserve fund, the budget contains 1 trillion yen as a special allocation for future economic measures. Couldn't this money be used efficiently now to improve the economy?
予備費とは別に、将来の景気対策に備えた、１兆円の予算枠もある。うまく活用できないか。
External demand maintained growth, but the growth rate has slowed. Domestic industries are affected significantly by the yen's appreciation--if it rises by just 1 yen against the dollar, Toyota Motor Corp. will lose 30 billion yen in annual profits and Honda Motor Co. will lose 17 billion yen. This may dampen recovering investment on plant and equipment.
一方、外需はプラスを維持したが、伸びが鈍った。足もとでは円高の影響が大きい。円高が１円進めば、トヨタ自動車で年３００億円、ホンダも１７０億円の利益が減るという。回復してきた設備投資にも、水をさしかねない。
The latest appreciation of the yen was triggered by additional steps taken by the U.S. government to ease the supply of money. To alleviate this influence, this nation's central bank must adopt a more proactive stance toward monetary relaxation.
今回の円高は、アメリカの追加金融緩和がきっかけだ。その影響を和らげるには、日銀も金融緩和の姿勢を強める必要があろう。
A strong yen lowers the prices of imported goods and fuels deflation. Sharp appreciation must be avoided.
円高は輸入物価を下げて、デフレにも拍車をかける。急激な進行は避けねばならない。
If the yen soars toward 80 yen to the dollar, the government should stress its willingness to intervene in foreign exchange, if necessary, to prevent further appreciation.
円相場が８０円に向けて急騰するようなら、政府は円高阻止に向けて、為替介入も辞さない強い姿勢を見せるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2010)
（2010年8月17日01時22分 読売新聞）
Govt must prevent economic slowdown
ＧＤＰ急減速 景気腰折れへ警戒を強めよ（8月17日付・読売社説）
The Japanese economy, which has been recovering thanks to external demand and the effects of the government's economic stimulus measures, has suddenly slowed. The government must ensure that the adverse effects of this do not prevent economic growth.
外需と政策効果を支えに回復してきた景気が急減速した。成長を腰折れさせぬよう、警戒を怠ってはならない。
The nation's real gross domestic product increased in the April-June quarter by 0.1 percent from the previous period. This represents the third consecutive quarter of growth, but the annualized growth rate is extremely low--only 0.4 percent.
４〜６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・１％増と、３四半期連続でプラスだった。だが、成長率は年換算で０・４％と、極めて低い。
Although domestic demand has shrunk, growth in the GDP had finally been maintained through exports and other forms of external demand. But the future of external demand is uncertain because of the rising yen and fears of economic downturns in other countries. In their policy management, the government and the Bank of Japan should give priority to stimulating the economy.
内需はマイナスに転じ、輸出などの外需で、やっとプラス成長を維持した。円高や、海外経済の減速懸念で、外需の先行きも不透明である。政府・日銀は景気最優先で政策運営すべきだ。
Sharp drops feared
The sluggish domestic demand is the result of previously robust personal consumption that slumped in the April-June quarter to an almost flat level. Government measures such as eco points for purchases of energy-saving home electrical appliances and subsidies for buying environmentally friendly cars seem to be finally losing their impact.
内需低迷の主因は、これまで堅調だった個人消費が、４〜６月期はほぼ横ばいまで減速したことにある。省エネ家電のエコポイントやエコカー補助金もさすがに効果が薄れてきたようだ。
These are only a few economic stimulus measures, but the government is planning to terminate its subsidies for eco-friendly cars at the end of September. Car dealers and auto parts manufacturers are concerned about possible declines in sales and production as a result. Many predict that a sharp decrease in orders cannot be avoided from October.
とはいえ、数少ない下支え役である。政府は９月末でエコカー補助金を打ち切るという。自動車の販売店や部品工場などは、「１０月からは受注の大幅減が避けられない」などと、販売や生産の落ち込みを心配している。
This summer's heat wave is boosting sales of air conditioners and other summer-related products. However, more than a few electronics retail stores fear sales will drop sharply in reaction after the end of the seasonal demand caused by the blazing temperatures.
夏の猛暑でエアコンなどは売れている。だが、“猛暑特需”の後に厳しい反動減がこないか、恐れる家電量販店も少なくない。
The government has said that its child-rearing allowances, which began in June, and other measures will eventually stimulate the economy. However, past handout policies such as the flat-sum allowance show that a significant economic boost cannot be expected from such steps.
政府は、給付の始まった子ども手当などが、いずれ景気を刺激するというが、定額給付金など過去のばらまき政策の例から見て、大きな効果は期待できまい。
Instead, the government should use the reserve fund of this fiscal year's budget to implement measures to prevent the economy from slowing down, such as continuing part of the government subsidy program for purchases of eco-friendly cars.
今年度予算の予備費を使って、エコカー補助金の一部を継続するなど、景気の減速を避ける手を打つべきだ。
Block further yen rise
Lower budget allocations for public works projects are apparently affecting the economy. Public investments dropped by a drastic 3.4 percent in the April-June quarter from the previous period. This in particular will deal a heavy blow to regional economies that lack powerful local industries.
公共事業削減の影響も鮮明だ。４〜６月期の公共投資は、前期比３・４％減と大きく落ち込んだ。有力な地場産業のない地方などでは、特に打撃となろう。
Apart from the reserve fund, the budget contains 1 trillion yen as a special allocation for future economic measures. Couldn't this money be used efficiently now to improve the economy?
予備費とは別に、将来の景気対策に備えた、１兆円の予算枠もある。うまく活用できないか。
External demand maintained growth, but the growth rate has slowed. Domestic industries are affected significantly by the yen's appreciation--if it rises by just 1 yen against the dollar, Toyota Motor Corp. will lose 30 billion yen in annual profits and Honda Motor Co. will lose 17 billion yen. This may dampen recovering investment on plant and equipment.
一方、外需はプラスを維持したが、伸びが鈍った。足もとでは円高の影響が大きい。円高が１円進めば、トヨタ自動車で年３００億円、ホンダも１７０億円の利益が減るという。回復してきた設備投資にも、水をさしかねない。
The latest appreciation of the yen was triggered by additional steps taken by the U.S. government to ease the supply of money. To alleviate this influence, this nation's central bank must adopt a more proactive stance toward monetary relaxation.
今回の円高は、アメリカの追加金融緩和がきっかけだ。その影響を和らげるには、日銀も金融緩和の姿勢を強める必要があろう。
A strong yen lowers the prices of imported goods and fuels deflation. Sharp appreciation must be avoided.
円高は輸入物価を下げて、デフレにも拍車をかける。急激な進行は避けねばならない。
If the yen soars toward 80 yen to the dollar, the government should stress its willingness to intervene in foreign exchange, if necessary, to prevent further appreciation.
円相場が８０円に向けて急騰するようなら、政府は円高阻止に向けて、為替介入も辞さない強い姿勢を見せるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2010)
（2010年8月17日01時22分 読売新聞）
2010年08月17日
港の国際競争 上海や釜山が遠くに見える
albeit 発音注意、アルバイトではなくてオールビートと発音される。=although, even though
albeit belatedly 遅ればせながら
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 17, 2010)
Give hub ports the tools they need
港の国際競争 上海や釜山が遠くに見える（8月16日付・読売社説）
The government plans to enhance the allure of Japanese ports, which have been increasingly bypassed by gigantic containerships in recent years, so they can recapture cargo currently heading straight for rival ports in neighboring countries, such as Shanghai and Busan, South Korea.
世界の巨大コンテナ船が素通りしている日本の港の魅力を高め、上海や釜山など周辺国のライバル港に奪われた荷物を取り戻す――。
The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry will promote a plan to build "international container strategic ports." The plan has designated the Keihin and Hanshin port areas as candidates to become major hubs that will receive priority investment to transform them into two of Asia's five major shipping centers by 2020. Keihin consists of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaski ports, and Hanshin covers Osaka and Kobe ports.
こんな目標を掲げ、国土交通省が、「国際コンテナ戦略港湾」に京浜港（東京、横浜、川崎）と阪神港（大阪、神戸）の２地域を指定した。重点投資で２０２０年にはアジアで五指に入る物流拠点に育てるという。
Boosting Japanese ports' competitiveness by lowering transport charges and offering around-the-clock service would cheer domestic manufacturers, whose profitability often hinges on shipment costs. It would not be a bad idea to flexibly divert the limited state budget for ports to priority projects.
低料金や２４時間サービスなどで港の競争力を高めることは、物流コストが収益を左右する日本の製造業にとって大きな恩恵となる。限られた港湾予算にメリハリを付けるのは悪くない。
However, we doubt that reinforcing port facilities alone will increase the freight volume passing through Japanese ports. Rather, the entire operation of Japanese ports, which have been shunned by the international shipping industry as "costly and slow," needs to be overhauled.
しかし、施設整備を優先するだけで荷物が増えるとは思えない。世界の海運界から「コストが高く、搬出入に時間もかかる」と敬遠されてきた港の運営全般を改革することが重要である。
Japan falling behind
Three decades ago, Kobe, Tokyo and Yokohama stood among the world's top 20 ports in terms of volume of freight containers handled. In 2009, Tokyo was the top Japanese port in this category, but ranked 26th in the world. The world's top five ports were all in Asia--Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Busan.
３０年前、世界のコンテナ取扱量の上位２０港には神戸、東京、横浜が名を連ねていたが、０９年は最上位の東京でも２６位だ。トップ５はシンガポール、上海、香港、深セン、釜山とアジア勢が独占した。（深センの「セン」は土ヘンに「川」）
Large containers transporting auto parts and machine products account for a large portion of international shipments.
自動車部品や機械製品などを運搬する大型のコンテナが、国際物流の主役を担うようになった。
Consequently, ports with piers capable of mooring ultralarge containerships and low entry and usage charges and convenient access to key land routes have become indispensable.
それに対応して、多数のコンテナを一度に運ぶ超大型船が横付けできる岸壁があり、入港料や施設使用料が安く、陸路との連絡もよい港が不可欠となっている。
Japan lags other Asian countries that have heavily invested in ports boasting such characteristics. Instead, Japan has continued pork-barrel investments in ports across the country to meet local needs, a strategy that has done little to improve the ports' convenience.
アジア各国がこうした要素を取り込んだ特定港湾に集中投資する間、日本は完全に出遅れた。地方の意向に配慮してばらまき型の港湾投資を続けた結果、使い勝手の悪さが改善されないまま放置されてしまった。
Even Japanese cargo owners are opting for shipping routes from domestic ports to U.S. and European destinations via hub ports in other Asian countries. Transshipment costs at Busan Port, for example, are 40 percent cheaper than those charged by some Japanese ports. It is little wonder that an increasing number of shipping companies sail past Japanese ports.
今では、日本の荷主でさえ地方港からアジアの巨大港に運び、欧米航路に乗せている。釜山を使えば、積み替えのコストは日本より４割も安くて済むという。これでは日本に寄港しない海運会社が増えるのも無理はない。
No easy task
The so-called strategic port plan calls, albeit belatedly, for integrating and privatizing port terminal corporations to streamline port operations.
戦略港湾は、遅ればせながら、埠頭(ふとう)公社の統合、民営化などで港の効率運営を目指す方針だ。
But as long as port operations are conducted separately by shipping and cargo handling companies through their vertical administrations, improving the ports' efficiency will be easier said than done.
だが、港湾作業が船会社や荷役会社ごとの縦割りとなっている現状では、効率化を図ろうとしても容易にはいかない。
In 2004, the infrastructure ministry designated six ports, including Yokohama and Kobe, as "super hub ports." But the plan was half-baked. This time, too, the ministry did not select just one hub port, possibly to avoid upsetting one of the two major urban areas.
国交省は０４年に「スーパー中枢港湾」として横浜や神戸など６港を指定したが、中途半端な整備に終わった。今回も２大都市圏に配慮し、１地域に絞り込めなかったのが実態だろう。
This latest port reform plan should go the extra step by learning from rival ports.
今度こそ、ライバル港に学んで大胆に改革すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2010)
（2010年8月16日01時34分 読売新聞）
albeit belatedly 遅ればせながら
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 17, 2010)
Give hub ports the tools they need
港の国際競争 上海や釜山が遠くに見える（8月16日付・読売社説）
The government plans to enhance the allure of Japanese ports, which have been increasingly bypassed by gigantic containerships in recent years, so they can recapture cargo currently heading straight for rival ports in neighboring countries, such as Shanghai and Busan, South Korea.
世界の巨大コンテナ船が素通りしている日本の港の魅力を高め、上海や釜山など周辺国のライバル港に奪われた荷物を取り戻す――。
The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry will promote a plan to build "international container strategic ports." The plan has designated the Keihin and Hanshin port areas as candidates to become major hubs that will receive priority investment to transform them into two of Asia's five major shipping centers by 2020. Keihin consists of Tokyo, Yokohama and Kawasaski ports, and Hanshin covers Osaka and Kobe ports.
こんな目標を掲げ、国土交通省が、「国際コンテナ戦略港湾」に京浜港（東京、横浜、川崎）と阪神港（大阪、神戸）の２地域を指定した。重点投資で２０２０年にはアジアで五指に入る物流拠点に育てるという。
Boosting Japanese ports' competitiveness by lowering transport charges and offering around-the-clock service would cheer domestic manufacturers, whose profitability often hinges on shipment costs. It would not be a bad idea to flexibly divert the limited state budget for ports to priority projects.
低料金や２４時間サービスなどで港の競争力を高めることは、物流コストが収益を左右する日本の製造業にとって大きな恩恵となる。限られた港湾予算にメリハリを付けるのは悪くない。
However, we doubt that reinforcing port facilities alone will increase the freight volume passing through Japanese ports. Rather, the entire operation of Japanese ports, which have been shunned by the international shipping industry as "costly and slow," needs to be overhauled.
しかし、施設整備を優先するだけで荷物が増えるとは思えない。世界の海運界から「コストが高く、搬出入に時間もかかる」と敬遠されてきた港の運営全般を改革することが重要である。
Japan falling behind
Three decades ago, Kobe, Tokyo and Yokohama stood among the world's top 20 ports in terms of volume of freight containers handled. In 2009, Tokyo was the top Japanese port in this category, but ranked 26th in the world. The world's top five ports were all in Asia--Singapore, Shanghai, Hong Kong, Shenzhen and Busan.
３０年前、世界のコンテナ取扱量の上位２０港には神戸、東京、横浜が名を連ねていたが、０９年は最上位の東京でも２６位だ。トップ５はシンガポール、上海、香港、深セン、釜山とアジア勢が独占した。（深センの「セン」は土ヘンに「川」）
Large containers transporting auto parts and machine products account for a large portion of international shipments.
自動車部品や機械製品などを運搬する大型のコンテナが、国際物流の主役を担うようになった。
Consequently, ports with piers capable of mooring ultralarge containerships and low entry and usage charges and convenient access to key land routes have become indispensable.
それに対応して、多数のコンテナを一度に運ぶ超大型船が横付けできる岸壁があり、入港料や施設使用料が安く、陸路との連絡もよい港が不可欠となっている。
Japan lags other Asian countries that have heavily invested in ports boasting such characteristics. Instead, Japan has continued pork-barrel investments in ports across the country to meet local needs, a strategy that has done little to improve the ports' convenience.
アジア各国がこうした要素を取り込んだ特定港湾に集中投資する間、日本は完全に出遅れた。地方の意向に配慮してばらまき型の港湾投資を続けた結果、使い勝手の悪さが改善されないまま放置されてしまった。
Even Japanese cargo owners are opting for shipping routes from domestic ports to U.S. and European destinations via hub ports in other Asian countries. Transshipment costs at Busan Port, for example, are 40 percent cheaper than those charged by some Japanese ports. It is little wonder that an increasing number of shipping companies sail past Japanese ports.
今では、日本の荷主でさえ地方港からアジアの巨大港に運び、欧米航路に乗せている。釜山を使えば、積み替えのコストは日本より４割も安くて済むという。これでは日本に寄港しない海運会社が増えるのも無理はない。
No easy task
The so-called strategic port plan calls, albeit belatedly, for integrating and privatizing port terminal corporations to streamline port operations.
戦略港湾は、遅ればせながら、埠頭(ふとう)公社の統合、民営化などで港の効率運営を目指す方針だ。
But as long as port operations are conducted separately by shipping and cargo handling companies through their vertical administrations, improving the ports' efficiency will be easier said than done.
だが、港湾作業が船会社や荷役会社ごとの縦割りとなっている現状では、効率化を図ろうとしても容易にはいかない。
In 2004, the infrastructure ministry designated six ports, including Yokohama and Kobe, as "super hub ports." But the plan was half-baked. This time, too, the ministry did not select just one hub port, possibly to avoid upsetting one of the two major urban areas.
国交省は０４年に「スーパー中枢港湾」として横浜や神戸など６港を指定したが、中途半端な整備に終わった。今回も２大都市圏に配慮し、１地域に絞り込めなかったのが実態だろう。
This latest port reform plan should go the extra step by learning from rival ports.
今度こそ、ライバル港に学んで大胆に改革すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2010)
（2010年8月16日01時34分 読売新聞）
2010年08月16日
終戦の日 平和な未来を築く思い新たに
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 16, 2010)
Renewing our pledge for peace in the future
終戦の日 平和な未来を築く思い新たに（8月15日付・読売社説）
Once again, Aug. 15 has arrived. It is the day on which the nation commemorates its war dead and renews its pledge for peace.
今年も８月１５日を迎えた。戦没者を追悼し平和への誓いを新たにする日である。
Sixty-five years have passed since the end of World War II. However, wars and regional conflicts continue around the world despite efforts by the United Nations and others for nuclear disarmament and peace negotiations. We have yet to see a clear path to global peace.
第２次世界大戦が終わってから６５年。国連を中心に核軍縮や紛争調停の努力が続けられているが、戦争や地域紛争は絶えることがなく、平和への道筋はなかなか見えてこない。
Looking back on the end of the war in the summer of 1945 means reflecting on the origins of postwar Japan, which pledged to follow the path of international cooperation.
１９４５年の終戦の夏を顧みることは、国際協調の道を歩むことを誓った戦後日本の原点を問い直してみることでもあろう。
Today, the idea that the end of the war on Aug. 15 brought immediate peace to people's lives seems to have taken root in society.
終戦と言えば、８月１５日を区切りに平和な日々が始まったというイメージが定着している。
Last-minute aggression
However, the Soviet troops that had invaded Japanese-held Manchuria in northeastern China just a week earlier on Aug. 9, in violation of a neutrality pact with Japan, continued their combat operations even after Aug. 15.
しかし、８月９日に日ソ中立条約を破って満州（現中国東北部）に侵攻を始めたソ連軍は、１５日以降も進撃を続けた。
On Aug. 18, Soviet troops landed on Shumushu Island, the northernmost island in the Chishima group of islets, turning the island into a fierce battlefield between a garrison of the Imperial Japanese Army and the Soviet forces. Author Jiro Asada recently published a novel based on the battle, titled "Owarazaru Natsu" (Never-ending summer). The work helped the incident become more widely known to the public.
１８日には千島列島最北の占守(しゅむしゅ)島にソ連軍が上陸、日本軍守備隊との間で激しい戦闘が行われた。最近、これを素材にした浅田次郎氏の小説「終わらざる夏」が刊行されて、一般にも広く知られるようになった。
In Maokacho, a town in Sakhalin under Japanese rule, nine female telephone operators, who stayed on until the bitter end to maintain communications, killed themselves. A film called "Hyosetsu no Mon" (Gate of ice and snow), which is based on the tragedy and takes its title from the name of a monument in Hokkaido, has just been rereleased for the first time in 36 years.
樺太（サハリン）の真岡町では、最後まで通信業務に携わっていた女性交換手９人が自決した。この悲劇を伝える映画「氷雪の門」も今夏、３６年ぶりに劇場公開されている。
Under international law, Japan formally surrendered to the Allied Powers on Sept. 2, 1945, with a signing ceremony aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. However, U.S. forces and most others stopped their attacks against Japan immediately after the Japanese government expressed its intention to accept the Potsdam Declaration on Aug. 14.
国際法上は、日本が降伏文書に調印した９月２日に降伏は成立した。しかし、日本政府が８月１４日にポツダム宣言の受諾を表明したのを受けて、アメリカ軍などはすみやかに攻撃を停止している。
However, the Soviet troops continued their invasion and occupied four islands off Hokkaido, including Kunashiri Island, that are historically an integral part of Japan.
ソ連軍は侵攻を続け、日本固有の領土である国後島など北方４島を占拠した。
About 600,000 Japanese officers, soldiers and others were captured and sent to concentration camps in Siberia and other parts of the Soviet Union as prisoners of war and forced to engage in harsh labor. About 60,000 of them are believed to have died in concentration camps due to hunger and cold.
日本軍将兵ら約６０万人が捕虜としてシベリアなどの収容所に送られ、過酷な強制労働を強いられた。約６万人が飢えや寒さにより死亡した。
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Boris Yeltsin in 1993 offered an apology for the detention in Siberia, calling it an "inhumane" act.
シベリア抑留については、旧ソ連崩壊後の９３年、ロシアのエリツィン大統領が「非人間的」な行為だったとして謝罪している。
Last month, however, Russia designated Sept. 2 as the anniversary of the end of World War II, effectively stipulating it as the day the former Soviet Union triumphed over Japan. The Russian move is seen as a response to Japan's demand that Russia return the four Russian-held islands off Hokkaido.
しかし、ロシアは先月、日本が降伏文書に調印した９月２日を第２次世界大戦終結の記念日に定めた。事実上の「対日戦勝記念日」で、日本の北方領土返還要求をけん制したものでもあろう。
In light of such a move, Japan must be persistent in demanding that Russia return the islands.
政府は、北方４島の返還を今後とも粘り強く要求していかなければならない。
Renewing our pledge for peace in the future
終戦の日 平和な未来を築く思い新たに（8月15日付・読売社説）
Once again, Aug. 15 has arrived. It is the day on which the nation commemorates its war dead and renews its pledge for peace.
今年も８月１５日を迎えた。戦没者を追悼し平和への誓いを新たにする日である。
Sixty-five years have passed since the end of World War II. However, wars and regional conflicts continue around the world despite efforts by the United Nations and others for nuclear disarmament and peace negotiations. We have yet to see a clear path to global peace.
第２次世界大戦が終わってから６５年。国連を中心に核軍縮や紛争調停の努力が続けられているが、戦争や地域紛争は絶えることがなく、平和への道筋はなかなか見えてこない。
Looking back on the end of the war in the summer of 1945 means reflecting on the origins of postwar Japan, which pledged to follow the path of international cooperation.
１９４５年の終戦の夏を顧みることは、国際協調の道を歩むことを誓った戦後日本の原点を問い直してみることでもあろう。
Today, the idea that the end of the war on Aug. 15 brought immediate peace to people's lives seems to have taken root in society.
終戦と言えば、８月１５日を区切りに平和な日々が始まったというイメージが定着している。
Last-minute aggression
However, the Soviet troops that had invaded Japanese-held Manchuria in northeastern China just a week earlier on Aug. 9, in violation of a neutrality pact with Japan, continued their combat operations even after Aug. 15.
しかし、８月９日に日ソ中立条約を破って満州（現中国東北部）に侵攻を始めたソ連軍は、１５日以降も進撃を続けた。
On Aug. 18, Soviet troops landed on Shumushu Island, the northernmost island in the Chishima group of islets, turning the island into a fierce battlefield between a garrison of the Imperial Japanese Army and the Soviet forces. Author Jiro Asada recently published a novel based on the battle, titled "Owarazaru Natsu" (Never-ending summer). The work helped the incident become more widely known to the public.
１８日には千島列島最北の占守(しゅむしゅ)島にソ連軍が上陸、日本軍守備隊との間で激しい戦闘が行われた。最近、これを素材にした浅田次郎氏の小説「終わらざる夏」が刊行されて、一般にも広く知られるようになった。
In Maokacho, a town in Sakhalin under Japanese rule, nine female telephone operators, who stayed on until the bitter end to maintain communications, killed themselves. A film called "Hyosetsu no Mon" (Gate of ice and snow), which is based on the tragedy and takes its title from the name of a monument in Hokkaido, has just been rereleased for the first time in 36 years.
樺太（サハリン）の真岡町では、最後まで通信業務に携わっていた女性交換手９人が自決した。この悲劇を伝える映画「氷雪の門」も今夏、３６年ぶりに劇場公開されている。
Under international law, Japan formally surrendered to the Allied Powers on Sept. 2, 1945, with a signing ceremony aboard the U.S. battleship Missouri in Tokyo Bay. However, U.S. forces and most others stopped their attacks against Japan immediately after the Japanese government expressed its intention to accept the Potsdam Declaration on Aug. 14.
国際法上は、日本が降伏文書に調印した９月２日に降伏は成立した。しかし、日本政府が８月１４日にポツダム宣言の受諾を表明したのを受けて、アメリカ軍などはすみやかに攻撃を停止している。
However, the Soviet troops continued their invasion and occupied four islands off Hokkaido, including Kunashiri Island, that are historically an integral part of Japan.
ソ連軍は侵攻を続け、日本固有の領土である国後島など北方４島を占拠した。
About 600,000 Japanese officers, soldiers and others were captured and sent to concentration camps in Siberia and other parts of the Soviet Union as prisoners of war and forced to engage in harsh labor. About 60,000 of them are believed to have died in concentration camps due to hunger and cold.
日本軍将兵ら約６０万人が捕虜としてシベリアなどの収容所に送られ、過酷な強制労働を強いられた。約６万人が飢えや寒さにより死亡した。
After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Russian President Boris Yeltsin in 1993 offered an apology for the detention in Siberia, calling it an "inhumane" act.
シベリア抑留については、旧ソ連崩壊後の９３年、ロシアのエリツィン大統領が「非人間的」な行為だったとして謝罪している。
Last month, however, Russia designated Sept. 2 as the anniversary of the end of World War II, effectively stipulating it as the day the former Soviet Union triumphed over Japan. The Russian move is seen as a response to Japan's demand that Russia return the four Russian-held islands off Hokkaido.
しかし、ロシアは先月、日本が降伏文書に調印した９月２日を第２次世界大戦終結の記念日に定めた。事実上の「対日戦勝記念日」で、日本の北方領土返還要求をけん制したものでもあろう。
In light of such a move, Japan must be persistent in demanding that Russia return the islands.
政府は、北方４島の返還を今後とも粘り強く要求していかなければならない。
2010年08月15日
放駒新理事長 改革断行し開かれた相撲界に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 15, 2010)
New sumo chief must clean house
放駒新理事長 改革断行し開かれた相撲界に（8月14日付・読売社説）
The installation of a new chairman of the Japan Sumo Association is a chance to renew the professional sumo world. It is a chance the JSA must seize.
理事長の交代を大相撲再生の契機としなければならない。
Musashigawa, formerly yokozuna Mienoumi, resigned the JSA chairmanship Thursday, and Hanaregoma, formerly ozeki Kaiketsu, was elected to become the 11th chairman of the sport's governing body.
日本相撲協会の武蔵川理事長（元横綱三重ノ海）が辞任し、その後任の第１１代理事長に放駒(はなれごま)親方（元大関魁傑）が選出された。
As public trust in the sumo world is eroding over the illegal baseball gambling scandal, the new chairman needs to exercise strong leadership to carry out drastic reform of the association.
野球賭博問題で角界への信頼が失墜する中、新理事長には相撲協会の抜本改革を断行する強いリーダーシップが求められる。
Scandals and resignations
Musashigawa took the chairman's post two years ago, succeeding Kitanoumi, who had resigned to take responsibility over a drug scandal. Although Musashigawa appeared to be resolved to reform the sumo world, he failed to actually do so.
武蔵川理事長は２年前、大麻問題の責任をとって退任した北の湖理事長（当時）の後を継いだ。改革に意欲をみせたものの、角界を立て直すには至らなかった。
Following the revelation that sumo wrestlers of his stable were involved in baseball gambling, Musashigawa was suspended from duty during the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament last month. He thus was unable to exercise his leadership in the operation of the event.
名古屋場所では、自らの部屋の力士が野球賭博にかかわっていたため謹慎処分を受け、場所運営で指導力を発揮できなかった。
He cited poor health as his reason for stepping down, but he apparently resigned to take responsibility over the scandal.
体調不良を辞任の理由に挙げているが、事実上の引責辞任といえるだろう。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, which oversees the JSA, had indicated it was desirable for the association to have someone from outside the sumo world, rather than a former sumo wrestler, take up the chairman's post.
新理事長について、相撲協会を監督する文部科学省は、力士出身者ではなく、外部の人材が望ましいとの意向を示していた。
This stance likely reflected the reality that stablemasters, deeply embedded in a closed organizational culture, failed to correct its flaws on their own despite a series of scandals involving the sumo world.
度重なる不祥事で、閉鎖体質に染まった親方たちが自浄能力を発揮できなかった実態を踏まえての判断だったのだろう。
But the JSA board again picked an insider for the chairman's post. This can be interpreted as a sign that board members believe only former wrestlers, who are familiar with the inner workings of the sumo world, can serve in the association's top post.
だが、理事会は“身内”の理事長を選んだ。協会トップの理事長は、角界の内情を知る力士出身者にしか務まらないという理事会の意思の表れといえる。
Hanaregoma won popularity as a wrestler for his sincere attitude in the ring. As a stablemaster, he has nurtured yokozuna Onokuni and others and is known to be scrupulous. The JSA thus pinned its hopes on his clean image as it looked for someone to steer the body toward revival.
放駒新理事長は現役時代、真摯(しんし)な土俵態度で人気があった。親方としては、横綱大乃国らを育て、実直な人柄でも知られる。相撲協会は、そのクリーンなイメージに再生の舵(かじ)取りを託したわけだ。
Hanaregoma said at an inauguration press conference, "I'll make my utmost effort now that I've accepted the post." He also has indicated that he will consider increasing the number of JSA executives from outside the sumo world to tackle the mountain of problems it faces.
放駒新理事長は、「引き受けた以上は最大の努力を払いたい」と語った。山積する課題に対処するために、外部役員の増員を検討する考えも示した。
We hope the JSA will be transformed into an open organization by discarding its inward-looking mentality--of which it is sarcastically said that common sense in the sumo world is not common sense for the general public--and that it will proactively incorporate the views of outside people.
「角界の常識は世間の非常識」と言われる内向きの論理を排除し、外部の意見を積極的に取り入れ、開かれた相撲協会へと変えていってもらいたい。
Toss gangs out of ring
The JSA must first sever ties with gang organizations, which were revealed in a series of scandals, including the illegal betting on professional baseball games. The first step to restore public trust must be to expeditiously and thoroughly implement antigang measures.
最優先で取り組まねばならないのは、野球賭博問題などで浮き彫りになった暴力団との関係を断ち切ることだ。暴力団排除対策を速やかに実施し、徹底することが、信頼回復の第一歩となる。
It is also essential to address medium- to long-term issues such as the JSA's organizational reform.
相撲協会の組織改革など、中長期的な課題も避けて通れまい。
The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament starts on Sept. 12. Within less than a month, the new JSA chairman must take the lead in presenting a road map for reform with which sumo fans would be satisfied.
秋場所の初日は９月１２日だ。新理事長が先頭に立ち、あと１か月足らずの間に、ファンが納得する改革の道筋を示す必要がある。
The sumo world will otherwise again find itself at the center of an imbroglio such as was seen in the Nagoya meet, which was rocked by such developments as NHK's decision not to broadcast the event live.
そうでなければ、ＮＨＫの中継中止などで揺れた名古屋場所の騒動を繰り返すことになる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2010)
（2010年8月14日01時11分 読売新聞）
New sumo chief must clean house
放駒新理事長 改革断行し開かれた相撲界に（8月14日付・読売社説）
The installation of a new chairman of the Japan Sumo Association is a chance to renew the professional sumo world. It is a chance the JSA must seize.
理事長の交代を大相撲再生の契機としなければならない。
Musashigawa, formerly yokozuna Mienoumi, resigned the JSA chairmanship Thursday, and Hanaregoma, formerly ozeki Kaiketsu, was elected to become the 11th chairman of the sport's governing body.
日本相撲協会の武蔵川理事長（元横綱三重ノ海）が辞任し、その後任の第１１代理事長に放駒(はなれごま)親方（元大関魁傑）が選出された。
As public trust in the sumo world is eroding over the illegal baseball gambling scandal, the new chairman needs to exercise strong leadership to carry out drastic reform of the association.
野球賭博問題で角界への信頼が失墜する中、新理事長には相撲協会の抜本改革を断行する強いリーダーシップが求められる。
Scandals and resignations
Musashigawa took the chairman's post two years ago, succeeding Kitanoumi, who had resigned to take responsibility over a drug scandal. Although Musashigawa appeared to be resolved to reform the sumo world, he failed to actually do so.
武蔵川理事長は２年前、大麻問題の責任をとって退任した北の湖理事長（当時）の後を継いだ。改革に意欲をみせたものの、角界を立て直すには至らなかった。
Following the revelation that sumo wrestlers of his stable were involved in baseball gambling, Musashigawa was suspended from duty during the Nagoya Grand Sumo Tournament last month. He thus was unable to exercise his leadership in the operation of the event.
名古屋場所では、自らの部屋の力士が野球賭博にかかわっていたため謹慎処分を受け、場所運営で指導力を発揮できなかった。
He cited poor health as his reason for stepping down, but he apparently resigned to take responsibility over the scandal.
体調不良を辞任の理由に挙げているが、事実上の引責辞任といえるだろう。
The Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry, which oversees the JSA, had indicated it was desirable for the association to have someone from outside the sumo world, rather than a former sumo wrestler, take up the chairman's post.
新理事長について、相撲協会を監督する文部科学省は、力士出身者ではなく、外部の人材が望ましいとの意向を示していた。
This stance likely reflected the reality that stablemasters, deeply embedded in a closed organizational culture, failed to correct its flaws on their own despite a series of scandals involving the sumo world.
度重なる不祥事で、閉鎖体質に染まった親方たちが自浄能力を発揮できなかった実態を踏まえての判断だったのだろう。
But the JSA board again picked an insider for the chairman's post. This can be interpreted as a sign that board members believe only former wrestlers, who are familiar with the inner workings of the sumo world, can serve in the association's top post.
だが、理事会は“身内”の理事長を選んだ。協会トップの理事長は、角界の内情を知る力士出身者にしか務まらないという理事会の意思の表れといえる。
Hanaregoma won popularity as a wrestler for his sincere attitude in the ring. As a stablemaster, he has nurtured yokozuna Onokuni and others and is known to be scrupulous. The JSA thus pinned its hopes on his clean image as it looked for someone to steer the body toward revival.
放駒新理事長は現役時代、真摯(しんし)な土俵態度で人気があった。親方としては、横綱大乃国らを育て、実直な人柄でも知られる。相撲協会は、そのクリーンなイメージに再生の舵(かじ)取りを託したわけだ。
Hanaregoma said at an inauguration press conference, "I'll make my utmost effort now that I've accepted the post." He also has indicated that he will consider increasing the number of JSA executives from outside the sumo world to tackle the mountain of problems it faces.
放駒新理事長は、「引き受けた以上は最大の努力を払いたい」と語った。山積する課題に対処するために、外部役員の増員を検討する考えも示した。
We hope the JSA will be transformed into an open organization by discarding its inward-looking mentality--of which it is sarcastically said that common sense in the sumo world is not common sense for the general public--and that it will proactively incorporate the views of outside people.
「角界の常識は世間の非常識」と言われる内向きの論理を排除し、外部の意見を積極的に取り入れ、開かれた相撲協会へと変えていってもらいたい。
Toss gangs out of ring
The JSA must first sever ties with gang organizations, which were revealed in a series of scandals, including the illegal betting on professional baseball games. The first step to restore public trust must be to expeditiously and thoroughly implement antigang measures.
最優先で取り組まねばならないのは、野球賭博問題などで浮き彫りになった暴力団との関係を断ち切ることだ。暴力団排除対策を速やかに実施し、徹底することが、信頼回復の第一歩となる。
It is also essential to address medium- to long-term issues such as the JSA's organizational reform.
相撲協会の組織改革など、中長期的な課題も避けて通れまい。
The Autumn Grand Sumo Tournament starts on Sept. 12. Within less than a month, the new JSA chairman must take the lead in presenting a road map for reform with which sumo fans would be satisfied.
秋場所の初日は９月１２日だ。新理事長が先頭に立ち、あと１か月足らずの間に、ファンが納得する改革の道筋を示す必要がある。
The sumo world will otherwise again find itself at the center of an imbroglio such as was seen in the Nagoya meet, which was rocked by such developments as NHK's decision not to broadcast the event live.
そうでなければ、ＮＨＫの中継中止などで揺れた名古屋場所の騒動を繰り返すことになる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2010)
（2010年8月14日01時11分 読売新聞）
2010年08月14日
円急騰 政府・日銀は為替安定へ動け
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Aug. 14, 2010)
Govt, BOJ must do more to stem yen's rise
円急騰 政府・日銀は為替安定へ動け（8月13日付・読売社説）
There has been no sign of an end to the strong yen and weak dollar, due to widespread concerns about a possible slowdown in the U.S. economy in recent days. The government and the Bank of Japan should increase their cooperation in taking flexible steps to stabilize the yen's value.
米国の景気減速懸念から、円高・ドル安に歯止めがかからない。為替安定へ、政府と日銀が連携を強化し、機動的に対応すべきだ。
In early Thursday trading, the U.S. dollar temporarily dropped to the 84 yen level in Tokyo, its lowest against the yen since 1995. The yen's value reached an all-time high in that year, with the U.S. currency traded in the 79 yen range.
The rapid surge in the yen's value, if it continues unabated, could bring it close to yet another record high. As things stand today, the yen is the sole major currency whose value has not stopped increasing, as illustrated by its continued rise against the euro.
円相場は１ドル＝８４円台に上昇した。１９９５年以来、１５年ぶりの水準だ。この年に７９円台の史上最高値を記録したが、このまま円高が進めば、最高値をうかがう展開もあり得る。対ユーロでも円が上昇し、円独歩高といえよう。
The yen's sharp advance could undermine the slight recovery in the economy, diminishing profits gained by carmakers, electronic manufacturers and other exporting companies whose business performance is beginning to improve at long last.
円急騰は、ようやく業績が好転し始めた自動車、電機などの輸出企業の収益を圧迫し、景気回復に悪影響を与えかねない。
There are concerns that the fall in import prices that inevitably accompanies a strong yen could further prolong this country's deflation.
円高に伴う輸入価格の下落により、日本のデフレがさらに長期化することも懸念される。
Fed move sends stocks down
On Thursday, Tokyo stocks sharply fell as investors were unnerved by the accelerated appreciation of the yen. The exchange rate fluctuations that may follow must be vigilantly watched.
円高加速が嫌気され、１２日の東京株式市場の株価は急落した。今後の為替相場の動きを警戒しなければならない。
The rapid rise in the yen's value can be attributed to the U.S. Federal Reserve Board's decision Tuesday to effectively conduct additional monetary easing after significantly lowering its forecast for the U.S. economy.
円高が進んだきっかけは、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が１０日、景気判断を大幅に下方修正し、事実上の追加金融緩和策に踏み切ったことである。
The Fed's decision seeks to underpin the economy through measures aimed at lowering long-term interest rates but not reducing the money supply to the market. The latest move also may signify an attempt by the Fed to preemptively contain growing deflationary concerns in the United States.
市場への資金供給量を減らさずに、長期金利の低下を促し、景気を下支えする狙いだ。米国でも台頭し始めたデフレ懸念に対し、先手を打つ思惑もあろう。
However, the market has become even more cautious about an anticipated business slowdown, as indicated by the worsening employment situation and slumping personal consumption. Combined with speculation that the drop in U.S. interest rates will reduce the gap between Japanese and U.S. interest rates, this has encouraged dollar selling.
しかし、市場ではむしろ、雇用悪化と個人消費の低迷など、景気減速への警戒感が一段と高まったといえる。米国の金利低下で、日米金利差が縮小するという見方も重なり、ドルが売られている。
Market players are apparently buying the yen after weighing the stability of each major currency and concluding the yen is relatively stable and therefore the best buy once potentially precarious currencies are eleminated from the list of viable choices.
比較的安定した通貨と受け止められた円が、“消去法”で買われている事情もある。
The Fed's new easy credit policy is not without concerns. Many market players feel there is a limit to what can be accomplished to shore up the U.S. economy through the additional monetary easing.
気がかりなのは、ＦＲＢの追加策による景気テコ入れ効果が限定的とみられる点だろう。
U.S. seems at impasse
President Barack Obama's administration has good reason to feel hesitant about implementing a new economy-boosting package if it stops to think about the nation's federal deficit. The U.S. government seems to find itself at an impasse, not knowing what kind of measures should be implemented to overcome the situation.
財政赤字を抱えたオバマ政権も、新たな景気刺激策を実施しにくい。政策に手詰まり感がみえる。
With these problems in mind, U.S. authorities are poised to allow the weak dollar--an obvious boost for the U.S. export drive--to continue for the foreseeable future. They hope U.S. exports will prop up the country's economy.
そこで米当局は、当面は輸出で景気を下支えしようと、輸出促進にプラスになるドル安の進行を容認する構えのようだ。
Such is also the case with European nations, some of which are experiencing fiscal crises. These countries seem to rely on drops in their currencies' values as a means of underpinning their respective economies.
財政危機問題を抱えた欧州も事情は同じで、通貨安頼みがうかがえる。
All this is in stark contrast to the failure of the Japanese government and the Bank of Japan to take appropriate measures.
そんな中、円急騰に無策ぶりが目立つのが日本政府と日銀だ。
On Tuesday, the central bank decided to maintain its current monetary policy. However, we believe there is a pressing need to consider additional measures to deal with the ongoing situation, including the expansion of its quantitative relaxation. The bank lacks a sense of urgency.
日銀は１０日、金融政策の現状維持を決めたばかりだが、量的緩和策の拡充を含め、追加策の検討が急務ではないか。あまりにも危機感が足りない。
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has said it will put together a report detailing how the strong yen has affected corporations it will survey by the end of the month. However, the ministry has been slow to make this decision.
経済産業省は円高が経営などに与える影響について、企業調査を月内にまとめるという。しかし、これも緩慢すぎる。
The government and the Bank of Japan should not hesitate to intervene in the exchange market and stem the sharp rise in the yen's value.
政府・日銀は、円高阻止の為替介入をためらうべきでない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 13, 2010)
（2010年8月13日01時32分 読売新聞）
Govt, BOJ must do more to stem yen's rise
円急騰 政府・日銀は為替安定へ動け（8月13日付・読売社説）
There has been no sign of an end to the strong yen and weak dollar, due to widespread concerns about a possible slowdown in the U.S. economy in recent days. The government and the Bank of Japan should increase their cooperation in taking flexible steps to stabilize the yen's value.
米国の景気減速懸念から、円高・ドル安に歯止めがかからない。為替安定へ、政府と日銀が連携を強化し、機動的に対応すべきだ。
In early Thursday trading, the U.S. dollar temporarily dropped to the 84 yen level in Tokyo, its lowest against the yen since 1995. The yen's value reached an all-time high in that year, with the U.S. currency traded in the 79 yen range.
The rapid surge in the yen's value, if it continues unabated, could bring it close to yet another record high. As things stand today, the yen is the sole major currency whose value has not stopped increasing, as illustrated by its continued rise against the euro.
円相場は１ドル＝８４円台に上昇した。１９９５年以来、１５年ぶりの水準だ。この年に７９円台の史上最高値を記録したが、このまま円高が進めば、最高値をうかがう展開もあり得る。対ユーロでも円が上昇し、円独歩高といえよう。
The yen's sharp advance could undermine the slight recovery in the economy, diminishing profits gained by carmakers, electronic manufacturers and other exporting companies whose business performance is beginning to improve at long last.
円急騰は、ようやく業績が好転し始めた自動車、電機などの輸出企業の収益を圧迫し、景気回復に悪影響を与えかねない。
There are concerns that the fall in import prices that inevitably accompanies a strong yen could further prolong this country's deflation.
円高に伴う輸入価格の下落により、日本のデフレがさらに長期化することも懸念される。
Fed move sends stocks down
On Thursday, Tokyo stocks sharply fell as investors were unnerved by the accelerated appreciation of the yen. The exchange rate fluctuations that may follow must be vigilantly watched.
円高加速が嫌気され、１２日の東京株式市場の株価は急落した。今後の為替相場の動きを警戒しなければならない。
The rapid rise in the yen's value can be attributed to the U.S. Federal Reserve Board's decision Tuesday to effectively conduct additional monetary easing after significantly lowering its forecast for the U.S. economy.
円高が進んだきっかけは、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が１０日、景気判断を大幅に下方修正し、事実上の追加金融緩和策に踏み切ったことである。
The Fed's decision seeks to underpin the economy through measures aimed at lowering long-term interest rates but not reducing the money supply to the market. The latest move also may signify an attempt by the Fed to preemptively contain growing deflationary concerns in the United States.
市場への資金供給量を減らさずに、長期金利の低下を促し、景気を下支えする狙いだ。米国でも台頭し始めたデフレ懸念に対し、先手を打つ思惑もあろう。
However, the market has become even more cautious about an anticipated business slowdown, as indicated by the worsening employment situation and slumping personal consumption. Combined with speculation that the drop in U.S. interest rates will reduce the gap between Japanese and U.S. interest rates, this has encouraged dollar selling.
しかし、市場ではむしろ、雇用悪化と個人消費の低迷など、景気減速への警戒感が一段と高まったといえる。米国の金利低下で、日米金利差が縮小するという見方も重なり、ドルが売られている。
Market players are apparently buying the yen after weighing the stability of each major currency and concluding the yen is relatively stable and therefore the best buy once potentially precarious currencies are eleminated from the list of viable choices.
比較的安定した通貨と受け止められた円が、“消去法”で買われている事情もある。
The Fed's new easy credit policy is not without concerns. Many market players feel there is a limit to what can be accomplished to shore up the U.S. economy through the additional monetary easing.
気がかりなのは、ＦＲＢの追加策による景気テコ入れ効果が限定的とみられる点だろう。
U.S. seems at impasse
President Barack Obama's administration has good reason to feel hesitant about implementing a new economy-boosting package if it stops to think about the nation's federal deficit. The U.S. government seems to find itself at an impasse, not knowing what kind of measures should be implemented to overcome the situation.
財政赤字を抱えたオバマ政権も、新たな景気刺激策を実施しにくい。政策に手詰まり感がみえる。
With these problems in mind, U.S. authorities are poised to allow the weak dollar--an obvious boost for the U.S. export drive--to continue for the foreseeable future. They hope U.S. exports will prop up the country's economy.
そこで米当局は、当面は輸出で景気を下支えしようと、輸出促進にプラスになるドル安の進行を容認する構えのようだ。
Such is also the case with European nations, some of which are experiencing fiscal crises. These countries seem to rely on drops in their currencies' values as a means of underpinning their respective economies.
財政危機問題を抱えた欧州も事情は同じで、通貨安頼みがうかがえる。
All this is in stark contrast to the failure of the Japanese government and the Bank of Japan to take appropriate measures.
そんな中、円急騰に無策ぶりが目立つのが日本政府と日銀だ。
On Tuesday, the central bank decided to maintain its current monetary policy. However, we believe there is a pressing need to consider additional measures to deal with the ongoing situation, including the expansion of its quantitative relaxation. The bank lacks a sense of urgency.
日銀は１０日、金融政策の現状維持を決めたばかりだが、量的緩和策の拡充を含め、追加策の検討が急務ではないか。あまりにも危機感が足りない。
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has said it will put together a report detailing how the strong yen has affected corporations it will survey by the end of the month. However, the ministry has been slow to make this decision.
経済産業省は円高が経営などに与える影響について、企業調査を月内にまとめるという。しかし、これも緩慢すぎる。
The government and the Bank of Japan should not hesitate to intervene in the exchange market and stem the sharp rise in the yen's value.
政府・日銀は、円高阻止の為替介入をためらうべきでない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 13, 2010)
（2010年8月13日01時32分 読売新聞）