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2011年01月11日
日本経済再生 閉塞感の打破へ政策を転換せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 5, 2011)
Policy changes needed to break economic deadlock
日本経済再生 閉塞感の打破へ政策を転換せよ（1月4日付・読売社説）
The Japanese economy's recovery has slowed to a stall.
日本経済は景気回復の歩みが鈍り、「踊り場」でもたついている。
Amid ongoing deflation, the working population has started to decline, and the impact on production and consumption is very worrying.
デフレが続く中で、働く世代の人口減少が始まり、生産や消費への悪影響が懸念される。
Will Japan, which was once an economic giant second only to the United States, follow a path of decline without doing anything?
米国に次ぐ経済大国だった日本は、このまま衰退の道をたどるのか。
Many people must now feel they will be unable to lead a stable postretirement life in light of the possible collapse of social security and the nation's finances.
社会保障や財政が破綻して、老後の暮らしが立ちゆかなくなるのではないか。そんな不安を抱く人も少なくないはずだ。
To break through the growing sense of stagnation, the government needs to drastically change its economic policies.
強まる閉塞感を打破するため、今こそ経済政策の抜本的な見直しが必要である。
The Japanese economy has overcome the global recession and somehow turned around since spring 2009. 世界同時不況を切り抜け、日本の景気は２００９年春から好転した。
However, this was made possible by the temporary tailwinds of major economic stimulus measures and short-lived expansion of foreign demand pushed by the growth of other Asian countries.
The unreliable nature of the economy in terms of maintaining sustainable growth is quite clear if one looks back at the economic standstill since autumn of last year.
だが、大規模な景気対策やアジアの成長による外需拡大などが一時的な追い風になっただけで、自律的な成長力の頼りなさは、昨秋からの景気の足踏みを見れば明らかである。
Automobile sales sharply declined due to the termination of eco-car subsidies in September. The scaling down of the eco-point system for household appliances in December put a brake on sales of flat-screen TVs and other appliances.
９月のエコカー補助金打ち切りで自動車の販売は急減し、１２月の家電エコポイント縮小を機に、薄型テレビなどの売れ行きにもブレーキがかかった。
Furthermore, growth in exports is almost flat because of the yen's appreciation and the slowdown of overseas economies.
円高に加え海外経済の減速の影響で、頼みの輸出も伸びが鈍っている。
===
Govt policy no help
◆政策も外需も息切れ◆
The employment situation is also severe. The unemployment rate remains at a high level in the 5 percent range. Many young people, freezing in the midst of the so-called job-hunting ice age, have been struggling in their "shukatsu" job-hunting activity.
雇用も厳しい。失業率は５％台に高止まりしたままで、「就職氷河期」の寒風に吹かれた大勢の若者が“就活”で苦戦している。
Yet the government and the Bank of Japan maintain their forecast that overseas economies such as those in other parts of Asia will steadily pick up and the Japanese economy will also recover on a possible increase in exports.
それでも、政府や日銀は、アジアなど海外経済が順調に盛り返し、輸出増加をテコに景気が回復していくと見込んでいる。
Many people will neither feel satisfied with nor see any relief in such an optimistic scenario that depends on other countries. Repeated policy mistakes by the Democratic Party of Japan-led government since the party took the helm of government in September 2009 could prevent the Japanese economy from recovering.
そんな海外頼みの回復シナリオを描かれても、とても安心はできない。一昨年の政権交代からの度重なる政策ミスが、日本経済の復調を妨げかねないためだ。
One such recent policy mistake by the DPJ-led government is its decision not to officially participate in talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership strategic economic partnership agreement.
最近の失政のひとつは、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への正式参加を見送ったことである。
The TPP is designed for participating countries from the Asia-Pacific area to mutually abolish tariffs and liberalize trade and investment. Nine countries including Australia, Singapore and the United States are now negotiating a final agreement.
ＴＰＰは、アジア・太平洋の各国が互いに関税を撤廃し、貿易や投資を自由化するもので、アメリカやオーストラリア、シンガポールなど９か国が交渉している。
Japan has fallen behind its Asian rivals, including South Korea, in economic partnership agreements. If Japan does not participate in the TPP, it will be excluded from the framework of free trade and investment.
日本は個別の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）で出遅れ、さらにＴＰＰも不参加となれば、自由な貿易や投資の枠組みから締め出される。
This would be a fatal blow to the nation, which is a trade-oriented country. Even so, Prime Minister Naoto Kan easily put off a decision to join the framework for some later occasion.
通商国家の日本にとって致命的な痛手となるのに、菅首相はあっさり決断を先送りした。
Policy changes needed to break economic deadlock
日本経済再生 閉塞感の打破へ政策を転換せよ（1月4日付・読売社説）
The Japanese economy's recovery has slowed to a stall.
日本経済は景気回復の歩みが鈍り、「踊り場」でもたついている。
Amid ongoing deflation, the working population has started to decline, and the impact on production and consumption is very worrying.
デフレが続く中で、働く世代の人口減少が始まり、生産や消費への悪影響が懸念される。
Will Japan, which was once an economic giant second only to the United States, follow a path of decline without doing anything?
米国に次ぐ経済大国だった日本は、このまま衰退の道をたどるのか。
Many people must now feel they will be unable to lead a stable postretirement life in light of the possible collapse of social security and the nation's finances.
社会保障や財政が破綻して、老後の暮らしが立ちゆかなくなるのではないか。そんな不安を抱く人も少なくないはずだ。
To break through the growing sense of stagnation, the government needs to drastically change its economic policies.
強まる閉塞感を打破するため、今こそ経済政策の抜本的な見直しが必要である。
The Japanese economy has overcome the global recession and somehow turned around since spring 2009. 世界同時不況を切り抜け、日本の景気は２００９年春から好転した。
However, this was made possible by the temporary tailwinds of major economic stimulus measures and short-lived expansion of foreign demand pushed by the growth of other Asian countries.
The unreliable nature of the economy in terms of maintaining sustainable growth is quite clear if one looks back at the economic standstill since autumn of last year.
だが、大規模な景気対策やアジアの成長による外需拡大などが一時的な追い風になっただけで、自律的な成長力の頼りなさは、昨秋からの景気の足踏みを見れば明らかである。
Automobile sales sharply declined due to the termination of eco-car subsidies in September. The scaling down of the eco-point system for household appliances in December put a brake on sales of flat-screen TVs and other appliances.
９月のエコカー補助金打ち切りで自動車の販売は急減し、１２月の家電エコポイント縮小を機に、薄型テレビなどの売れ行きにもブレーキがかかった。
Furthermore, growth in exports is almost flat because of the yen's appreciation and the slowdown of overseas economies.
円高に加え海外経済の減速の影響で、頼みの輸出も伸びが鈍っている。
===
Govt policy no help
◆政策も外需も息切れ◆
The employment situation is also severe. The unemployment rate remains at a high level in the 5 percent range. Many young people, freezing in the midst of the so-called job-hunting ice age, have been struggling in their "shukatsu" job-hunting activity.
雇用も厳しい。失業率は５％台に高止まりしたままで、「就職氷河期」の寒風に吹かれた大勢の若者が“就活”で苦戦している。
Yet the government and the Bank of Japan maintain their forecast that overseas economies such as those in other parts of Asia will steadily pick up and the Japanese economy will also recover on a possible increase in exports.
それでも、政府や日銀は、アジアなど海外経済が順調に盛り返し、輸出増加をテコに景気が回復していくと見込んでいる。
Many people will neither feel satisfied with nor see any relief in such an optimistic scenario that depends on other countries. Repeated policy mistakes by the Democratic Party of Japan-led government since the party took the helm of government in September 2009 could prevent the Japanese economy from recovering.
そんな海外頼みの回復シナリオを描かれても、とても安心はできない。一昨年の政権交代からの度重なる政策ミスが、日本経済の復調を妨げかねないためだ。
One such recent policy mistake by the DPJ-led government is its decision not to officially participate in talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership strategic economic partnership agreement.
最近の失政のひとつは、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）への正式参加を見送ったことである。
The TPP is designed for participating countries from the Asia-Pacific area to mutually abolish tariffs and liberalize trade and investment. Nine countries including Australia, Singapore and the United States are now negotiating a final agreement.
ＴＰＰは、アジア・太平洋の各国が互いに関税を撤廃し、貿易や投資を自由化するもので、アメリカやオーストラリア、シンガポールなど９か国が交渉している。
Japan has fallen behind its Asian rivals, including South Korea, in economic partnership agreements. If Japan does not participate in the TPP, it will be excluded from the framework of free trade and investment.
日本は個別の自由貿易協定（ＦＴＡ）で出遅れ、さらにＴＰＰも不参加となれば、自由な貿易や投資の枠組みから締め出される。
This would be a fatal blow to the nation, which is a trade-oriented country. Even so, Prime Minister Naoto Kan easily put off a decision to join the framework for some later occasion.
通商国家の日本にとって致命的な痛手となるのに、菅首相はあっさり決断を先送りした。
2011年01月10日
日米外相会談 同盟立て直しの一歩に
(Mainichi Japan) January 8, 2011
Japan-U.S. foreign ministerial meeting a chance to rebuild bilateral alliance
社説：日米外相会談 同盟立て直しの一歩に
Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed in their recent talks in Washington to set new common strategic goals, which will serve as guidelines for bilateral security cooperation. 前原誠司外相とクリントン米国務長官が、安全保障分野での日米協力の指針となる新たな「共通戦略目標」を策定することで合意した。
They also agreed on the need to step up bilateral consultations aimed at strengthening ties in case of any emergency situation such as an armed conflict in and around Japan.
また、日本有事や周辺事態が発生した際の協力強化に向けた協議を加速することでも一致した。
Their agreement is appropriate in that it is based on recent changes in the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, such as rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula and China's increased activities at sea.
日米外相の合意は、緊張を高める朝鮮半島情勢や活発な海洋活動を展開する中国の動向など、アジア太平洋地域の安全保障環境の変化を踏まえたものだ。妥当な判断といえるだろう。
Setting new common goals on Japan-U.S. security cooperation, which the two countries have not sufficiently discussed so far, is of great significance as it will help improve bilateral relations which were strained under the administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
これまでは必ずしも十分な検討が行われてこなかった安全保障分野での日米協力の仕組みについて協議を深め新たな共通の目標を定めることは、鳩山前政権下でぎくしゃくした両国関係を立て直すためにも意味がある。
The current common strategic goals were worked out in the so-called two-plus-two talks by foreign and defense ministers of the two countries in February 2005 when the Liberal Democratic Party was in power.
The goals declare that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to play an essentially vital role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and the entire world, and call on both countries to continue to consider the roles, missions and capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and U.S. forces.
自民党政権時代の０５年２月、外務・防衛担当閣僚による日米安全保障協議委員会（２プラス２）でまとめられた現在の共通戦略目標は、日米同盟が地域、世界の平和、安定を高めるうえで「死活的に重要な役割を果たし続ける」とうたい、自衛隊と米軍の役割、任務、能力について検討を継続するとしている。
However, Japan was unable to hold in-depth discussions on the roles of U.S. forces and the SDF under the Hatoyama administration because bilateral ties were strained over the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture.
しかし、鳩山前政権下では沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題がこじれ、米軍の役割や自衛隊のあり方に関する論議を深めることができなかった。
A joint declaration on the deepening of the bilateral alliance, which Maehara and Clinton confirmed that the two countries will announce when Prime Minister Naoto Kan visits the United States this coming spring, will likely be based on the new common strategic goals.
両外相は春に予定されている菅直人首相の訪米の際、日米同盟深化に関する共同声明を発表する方針を確認したが、新共通戦略目標が共同声明の基礎になる見通しだ。
The new National Defense Program Outline, which Japan adopted in December last year, describes China as a concern for the region and the whole world, and declares that Japan will strengthen its defense capabilities on the Nansei Islands in southwestern Japan that include Okinawa.
昨年１２月に政府が決定した防衛計画の大綱は、中国について「地域・国際社会の懸念事項」とし南西諸島方面の防衛態勢強化を打ち出した。
China, which has been continuing its military buildup without ensuring transparency and increasing its activities aimed at expanding its interests in surrounding seas, is undoubtedly a major destabilizing factor for Japan and other neighboring countries.
不透明な軍事費増強を続け、海洋権益拡大に向け活発な活動を続ける中国の動きは日本をはじめ周辺の国々にとって大きな不安要因なのは間違いない。
However, Japan needs to work out a comprehensive strategy in not only the field of politics but also other fields including economy and culture in order to ensure that China will be a responsible member of the international community.
だが、中国を国際社会の責任ある一員に導くためには軍事面の対応だけでなく政治、経済、文化などを含めた総合的な戦略が必要だ。
Foreign Minister Maehara told Clinton that Japan-China relations are getting on track to improvement. Japan should step up its efforts to ensure that move.
前原外相はクリントン長官に「日中関係は改善の軌道に乗りつつある」と説明したが、日本もそのために積極的に動くべきだ。
In their discussions, Maehara and Clinton shared the view that the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program should be resumed if North Korea takes concrete action to abandon the agenda.
北朝鮮の核開発をめぐる６カ国協議について両外相は、北朝鮮が核廃棄に向け具体的な行動を起こせば再開を認めるとの認識で一致した。
The two countries should exercise prudence in deciding whether to resume such talks in order not to repeat past mistakes.
過去の失敗を繰り返さないよう慎重に判断してほしい。
Regarding the Futenma relocation, Maehara and Clinton also agreed to discuss specific measures to lessen Okinawa's burden of hosting U.S. bases in Japan.
普天間問題については沖縄の負担軽減策の具体化を進めることを確認した。
There is no prospect for a breakthrough in the deadlocked relocation. However, Tokyo and Washington should exercise prudence in responding to the issue to prevent the matter from hampering consultations on the strengthening of the bilateral alliance.
解決の見通しは全く立っていないが、この問題が同盟深化協議の妨げにならないよう双方の賢明な対応を求めておきたい。
毎日新聞 2011年1月8日 2時30分
Japan-U.S. foreign ministerial meeting a chance to rebuild bilateral alliance
社説：日米外相会談 同盟立て直しの一歩に
Foreign Minister Seiji Maehara and U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton agreed in their recent talks in Washington to set new common strategic goals, which will serve as guidelines for bilateral security cooperation. 前原誠司外相とクリントン米国務長官が、安全保障分野での日米協力の指針となる新たな「共通戦略目標」を策定することで合意した。
They also agreed on the need to step up bilateral consultations aimed at strengthening ties in case of any emergency situation such as an armed conflict in and around Japan.
また、日本有事や周辺事態が発生した際の協力強化に向けた協議を加速することでも一致した。
Their agreement is appropriate in that it is based on recent changes in the security environment in the Asia-Pacific region, such as rising tensions in the Korean Peninsula and China's increased activities at sea.
日米外相の合意は、緊張を高める朝鮮半島情勢や活発な海洋活動を展開する中国の動向など、アジア太平洋地域の安全保障環境の変化を踏まえたものだ。妥当な判断といえるだろう。
Setting new common goals on Japan-U.S. security cooperation, which the two countries have not sufficiently discussed so far, is of great significance as it will help improve bilateral relations which were strained under the administration of former Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama.
これまでは必ずしも十分な検討が行われてこなかった安全保障分野での日米協力の仕組みについて協議を深め新たな共通の目標を定めることは、鳩山前政権下でぎくしゃくした両国関係を立て直すためにも意味がある。
The current common strategic goals were worked out in the so-called two-plus-two talks by foreign and defense ministers of the two countries in February 2005 when the Liberal Democratic Party was in power.
The goals declare that the Japan-U.S. alliance will continue to play an essentially vital role in ensuring peace and stability in the region and the entire world, and call on both countries to continue to consider the roles, missions and capabilities of the Self-Defense Forces (SDF) and U.S. forces.
自民党政権時代の０５年２月、外務・防衛担当閣僚による日米安全保障協議委員会（２プラス２）でまとめられた現在の共通戦略目標は、日米同盟が地域、世界の平和、安定を高めるうえで「死活的に重要な役割を果たし続ける」とうたい、自衛隊と米軍の役割、任務、能力について検討を継続するとしている。
However, Japan was unable to hold in-depth discussions on the roles of U.S. forces and the SDF under the Hatoyama administration because bilateral ties were strained over the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa Prefecture.
しかし、鳩山前政権下では沖縄県の米軍普天間飛行場移設問題がこじれ、米軍の役割や自衛隊のあり方に関する論議を深めることができなかった。
A joint declaration on the deepening of the bilateral alliance, which Maehara and Clinton confirmed that the two countries will announce when Prime Minister Naoto Kan visits the United States this coming spring, will likely be based on the new common strategic goals.
両外相は春に予定されている菅直人首相の訪米の際、日米同盟深化に関する共同声明を発表する方針を確認したが、新共通戦略目標が共同声明の基礎になる見通しだ。
The new National Defense Program Outline, which Japan adopted in December last year, describes China as a concern for the region and the whole world, and declares that Japan will strengthen its defense capabilities on the Nansei Islands in southwestern Japan that include Okinawa.
昨年１２月に政府が決定した防衛計画の大綱は、中国について「地域・国際社会の懸念事項」とし南西諸島方面の防衛態勢強化を打ち出した。
China, which has been continuing its military buildup without ensuring transparency and increasing its activities aimed at expanding its interests in surrounding seas, is undoubtedly a major destabilizing factor for Japan and other neighboring countries.
不透明な軍事費増強を続け、海洋権益拡大に向け活発な活動を続ける中国の動きは日本をはじめ周辺の国々にとって大きな不安要因なのは間違いない。
However, Japan needs to work out a comprehensive strategy in not only the field of politics but also other fields including economy and culture in order to ensure that China will be a responsible member of the international community.
だが、中国を国際社会の責任ある一員に導くためには軍事面の対応だけでなく政治、経済、文化などを含めた総合的な戦略が必要だ。
Foreign Minister Maehara told Clinton that Japan-China relations are getting on track to improvement. Japan should step up its efforts to ensure that move.
前原外相はクリントン長官に「日中関係は改善の軌道に乗りつつある」と説明したが、日本もそのために積極的に動くべきだ。
In their discussions, Maehara and Clinton shared the view that the six-party talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program should be resumed if North Korea takes concrete action to abandon the agenda.
北朝鮮の核開発をめぐる６カ国協議について両外相は、北朝鮮が核廃棄に向け具体的な行動を起こせば再開を認めるとの認識で一致した。
The two countries should exercise prudence in deciding whether to resume such talks in order not to repeat past mistakes.
過去の失敗を繰り返さないよう慎重に判断してほしい。
Regarding the Futenma relocation, Maehara and Clinton also agreed to discuss specific measures to lessen Okinawa's burden of hosting U.S. bases in Japan.
普天間問題については沖縄の負担軽減策の具体化を進めることを確認した。
There is no prospect for a breakthrough in the deadlocked relocation. However, Tokyo and Washington should exercise prudence in responding to the issue to prevent the matter from hampering consultations on the strengthening of the bilateral alliance.
解決の見通しは全く立っていないが、この問題が同盟深化協議の妨げにならないよう双方の賢明な対応を求めておきたい。
毎日新聞 2011年1月8日 2時30分
2011年01月09日
一歩前進＾＾
今日、タイは子供の日（ワンデクヘンチャート）、カイちゃんはコンケン市内のセントラルプラザ５ｆでバイオリンの腕前を披露しました。
真中の一番小さい子がカイちゃんです。
感動しました＾＾。
カイちゃんの演奏を聴くお父さん（こんな真剣な顔初めて見ました＾＾）。
2011年01月08日
China to be No. 1 in the world
英作文の学習教材としてこの記事を掲載します。
福本容子さんの書かれる英文は平易ですが外国でも十分通用するレベルだと思います。
英語独特の言い回しが学習できます。
（スラチャイ記）
(Mainichi Japan) January 7, 2011
China's rise may provide new model of growth, success for Japan
発信箱：新新成長戦略＝福本容子（論説室）
China has surpassed Japan as the world's second largest economy, but that in itself is old news. These days, people are watching and waiting to see if China will overtake the United States in the number one spot.
中国が日本を抜き第２位の経済大国−−。これはもう古いらしい。世界の関心は、中国がアメリカを抜き１位、に移っている。
And speaking of the gravitational pull China exerts on global trends, what about language? Some private observers predict that Chinese will become the most used language on the Internet within five years -- a prognostication that has become the focus of a lot of discussion of late.
例えば世界のナンバーワン言語。少なくとも５年以内に、インターネット上の使用言語で中国語が世界一になる、という民間予測が最近話題を呼んだ。
There are about 450 million Internet users in China today -- and the number continues to rise by the tens of millions every year. With so many Chinese speakers colonizing cyberspace, some say that the day Chinese surpasses English as the global language is close at hand.
ネット利用者が約４億５０００万人。１年で数千万人も増えている国だから、これまで世界言語だった英語を超える日も近いというわけだ。
As might be expected, people in the U.S. are already gearing up to succeed in a Chinese-speaking world.
さすがのアメリカ人も焦りだす？
Instead of "violin," "Chinese" is now the watchword among American parents with kids in gifted programs. 今アメリカで、英才教育に熱心な親の合言葉は「バイオリンではなく中国語を」だそうだ。
Moreover, the number of both public and private schools offering Chinese courses is rising, according to New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.
公立、私立に関係なく、中国語の授業を新設する学校も増えているらしい。ニューヨーク・タイムズ紙のコラムニスト、ニコラス・クリストフさんが書いていた。
This is beginning to show up statistically as well.
統計にも表れ始めたみたい。
The number of high school and university students taking classes in a foreign language rose 6.6 percent from 2006 to 2009, while the number of those studying Chinese saw an 18.2 percent rise.
高校や大学での外国語授業の受講者数を２００６年と０９年で比べたら、全体の伸び率６．６％に対して中国語は１８．２％の高さだった。
You might suspect that the study of Japanese doesn't even enter the picture, but you'd be wrong. The number of students taking Japanese classes rose 10.3 percent over the same period, and in fact more people are studying Japanese than Chinese.
日本語なんて問題外だろうね、と思ったら……。なんと１０．３％も増えている。しかも総数は中国語より多い。
The number of students taking Japanese classes did decline for a time, but a rising China appears to have translated in many people's minds into a rising Asia, and study of Japanese is along for the ride.
一時は減少傾向にあったのが、元気な中国＝元気なアジアのお陰で日本も“連れ高”なのだ。
There might be a hint for Japan's survival in all this.
ここに日本が生きるヒントがあるかも。
Instead of looking askance at China's growing success, Japan could strategically seek out a share of the benefits. 卑屈な心じゃなく戦略として、中国の勢いのおこぼれをしっかりゲットすること。
In areas where China looks likely to see big strides, such as language education, tourism and business, Japan could appeal to the world to give this country a look as well.
外国語教室でも観光でもビジネスでも、おこぼれのありそうなところにどんどん出て行き「日本もどう？」と可愛くアピールする。
The world's affection will not always be so passionately focused on China.
中国にしたっていつもいつも熱いまなざしを集めるわけではないだろう。
At times when other countries grow weary at China's pretentions to superpower status, they may turn their attention to its island neighbor, and Japan will benefit from the comparison. Japan's stock will rise.
超大国ぶりが鼻についてきたなという時、隣をふと見たら、結構いい国があるじゃないですか、とますます株を上げる存在。
As a particularly relevant example, consider the U.S.'s northern neighbor, Canada. It's not in such a bad position, is it?
強いて例えたら、アメリカのお隣のカナダ。そんなに悪くなさそうでしょ？
毎日新聞 2011年1月7日 0時18分
福本容子さんの書かれる英文は平易ですが外国でも十分通用するレベルだと思います。
英語独特の言い回しが学習できます。
（スラチャイ記）
(Mainichi Japan) January 7, 2011
China's rise may provide new model of growth, success for Japan
発信箱：新新成長戦略＝福本容子（論説室）
China has surpassed Japan as the world's second largest economy, but that in itself is old news. These days, people are watching and waiting to see if China will overtake the United States in the number one spot.
中国が日本を抜き第２位の経済大国−−。これはもう古いらしい。世界の関心は、中国がアメリカを抜き１位、に移っている。
And speaking of the gravitational pull China exerts on global trends, what about language? Some private observers predict that Chinese will become the most used language on the Internet within five years -- a prognostication that has become the focus of a lot of discussion of late.
例えば世界のナンバーワン言語。少なくとも５年以内に、インターネット上の使用言語で中国語が世界一になる、という民間予測が最近話題を呼んだ。
There are about 450 million Internet users in China today -- and the number continues to rise by the tens of millions every year. With so many Chinese speakers colonizing cyberspace, some say that the day Chinese surpasses English as the global language is close at hand.
ネット利用者が約４億５０００万人。１年で数千万人も増えている国だから、これまで世界言語だった英語を超える日も近いというわけだ。
As might be expected, people in the U.S. are already gearing up to succeed in a Chinese-speaking world.
さすがのアメリカ人も焦りだす？
Instead of "violin," "Chinese" is now the watchword among American parents with kids in gifted programs. 今アメリカで、英才教育に熱心な親の合言葉は「バイオリンではなく中国語を」だそうだ。
Moreover, the number of both public and private schools offering Chinese courses is rising, according to New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof.
公立、私立に関係なく、中国語の授業を新設する学校も増えているらしい。ニューヨーク・タイムズ紙のコラムニスト、ニコラス・クリストフさんが書いていた。
This is beginning to show up statistically as well.
統計にも表れ始めたみたい。
The number of high school and university students taking classes in a foreign language rose 6.6 percent from 2006 to 2009, while the number of those studying Chinese saw an 18.2 percent rise.
高校や大学での外国語授業の受講者数を２００６年と０９年で比べたら、全体の伸び率６．６％に対して中国語は１８．２％の高さだった。
You might suspect that the study of Japanese doesn't even enter the picture, but you'd be wrong. The number of students taking Japanese classes rose 10.3 percent over the same period, and in fact more people are studying Japanese than Chinese.
日本語なんて問題外だろうね、と思ったら……。なんと１０．３％も増えている。しかも総数は中国語より多い。
The number of students taking Japanese classes did decline for a time, but a rising China appears to have translated in many people's minds into a rising Asia, and study of Japanese is along for the ride.
一時は減少傾向にあったのが、元気な中国＝元気なアジアのお陰で日本も“連れ高”なのだ。
There might be a hint for Japan's survival in all this.
ここに日本が生きるヒントがあるかも。
Instead of looking askance at China's growing success, Japan could strategically seek out a share of the benefits. 卑屈な心じゃなく戦略として、中国の勢いのおこぼれをしっかりゲットすること。
In areas where China looks likely to see big strides, such as language education, tourism and business, Japan could appeal to the world to give this country a look as well.
外国語教室でも観光でもビジネスでも、おこぼれのありそうなところにどんどん出て行き「日本もどう？」と可愛くアピールする。
The world's affection will not always be so passionately focused on China.
中国にしたっていつもいつも熱いまなざしを集めるわけではないだろう。
At times when other countries grow weary at China's pretentions to superpower status, they may turn their attention to its island neighbor, and Japan will benefit from the comparison. Japan's stock will rise.
超大国ぶりが鼻についてきたなという時、隣をふと見たら、結構いい国があるじゃないですか、とますます株を上げる存在。
As a particularly relevant example, consider the U.S.'s northern neighbor, Canada. It's not in such a bad position, is it?
強いて例えたら、アメリカのお隣のカナダ。そんなに悪くなさそうでしょ？
毎日新聞 2011年1月7日 0時18分
2011年01月07日
世界の荒波にひるまぬニッポンを 大胆な開国で農業改革を急ごう
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 1, 2011)
Plotting a course through rough seas
世界の荒波にひるまぬニッポンを 大胆な開国で農業改革を急ごう（1月1日付・読売社説）
At a time when the world is struggling in rough waters, with a storm threatening to hit at any minute, the helmsman of our Nippon Maru (ship of Japan) is quite undependable. If things are left as they are, we risk not just drifting away but sinking. Where on earth is our nation headed?
四海の波は高く、今にも嵐が襲来する恐れがあるというのに、ニッポン丸の舵(かじ)取りは甚だ心もとない。このままでは漂流どころか、沈没の危険すらある。いったい、我々はどこへ行くのか。
Such is the uneasiness that hangs over the nation's politics under the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan.
菅首相率いる民主党主導の日本の政治には、こんな不安がつきまとう。
How can we build a nation in which we can be confident and proud of being Japanese, buoyant with anticipation of a new year? What we need now is strong political leadership that can answer this question.
新しい年に希望をふくらませ、日本人であることに自信と誇りを持てるニッポンをどう築くのか。この問いに答える、強靱(きょうじん)な政治指導力が求められている。
Boosting Japan-U.S. ties vital
◆日米同盟の強化が必須◆
Almost 15 months have passed since the historic shift of power in September 2009. Since then, the face of the DPJ-led administration has changed--the collapse of the three-party coalition government, the resignation of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and the advent of the Kan administration. Despite such changes, however, the nation continues to malfunction politically.
一昨年９月の歴史的な政権交代から１年３か月余り。その間、３党連立政権の崩壊から鳩山前首相退陣、菅後継内閣へと、民主党政権の表紙は替わったものの、政治の機能不全が続いている。
One worrisome political phenomenon is the deterioration in diplomatic power and national security, which affects the very existence of our nation.
懸念すべき政治現象の一つが、日本の存立にかかわる外交力の劣化と安全保障の弱体化である。
This has been clearly illustrated recently by the incident in which a Chinese trawler rammed two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to an island off Hokkaido, one of the islands in the northern territories.
それを如実に示したのが、尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件と、メドベージェフ露大統領の北方領土視察だ。
Both China and Russia have apparently taken advantage of the rift in the Japan-U.S. alliance. Throughout this blatant pressure on Japan, which has made light of our sovereignty, the Kan administration has not only failed to set China and Russia straight, it has made only weak-kneed responses for fear of causing trouble.
日米同盟の亀裂を見透かした中露両国の露骨な揺さぶりに、「主権」をないがしろにされた菅政権は、非をただすどころか、ただ波風を立てることを恐れ、軟弱な対応に終始した。
Under the guise of such superficial diplomatic slogans as "strategic and mutually beneficial relations" and "good neighbors," the Kan administration has merely patched things up for the time being.
「戦略的互恵」「善隣友好」という表層的な外交標語に隠れて、一時を糊塗(こと)したに過ぎない。
All this has resulted from the administration's disregarding the Japan-U.S. alliance, which is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and national security.
それもこれも外交・安全保障の基軸である、日米同盟をおろそかにしたからである。
Against the backdrop of its economic power, which is about to overtake Japan's, an expanding China is building up its military strength. Aiming to secure marine resources and interests, as well as sea routes, China is increasingly deploying its navy on the high seas.
日本を抜きつつある経済力を背景に、軍事力を増強する「膨張中国」。海洋資源・権益と海上交通路の確保を目指し、外洋への海軍展開を進めている。
Meanwhile, Russia--eyeing the rise of nationalism in that country--is making a show of its occupation of the northern territories it has illegally occupied.
国内のナショナリズム台頭をにらんで、不法に占拠した北方４島の領有を誇示するロシア。
Under the slogan "strong and thriving power," North Korea has repeatedly made dangerous provocations in an unstable transitional period in which power is being passed from one generation to the next.
「強盛大国」を掲げ、権力継承の不安定な過渡期に、危険な挑発を繰り返す北朝鮮。
To hold out against the pressure and threats from these disparate neighbors who ignore or make light of international standards on respecting human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles, it is vital for Japan to maintain a strong alliance with the United States.
人権尊重、法の支配、民主主義という国際的な規範を無視し、あるいは軽視する、これらの「異質」な周辺国からの圧力や脅威に対抗するには、強固な日米同盟が不可欠だ。
We should hold fast to the alliance and reinforce it, based on the determination to maintain our safety by ourselves and making independent efforts to improve our defense capabilities. The Kan administration must understand this fundamental point.
自国の安全は自らが守る決意と、それを裏付ける防衛力の整備という自助努力の上で、日米同盟関係を堅持し、強固にする。菅首相はこの基本をきちんと認識しなければならない。
To strengthen the alliance, the government needs to resolve as early as possible the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
同盟強化のためには、沖縄県にある米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を、できるだけ早く解決しなければなるまい。
To win the understanding and cooperation of reelected Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima, the government needs to present him with measures to lessen the excessive burden of hosting U.S. military facilities on Okinawa, together with concrete measures to utilize the site of the U.S. military facilities that are to be vacated and to reinvigorate the local economy.
再選された仲井真弘多(なかいまひろかず)知事の理解と協力を得るには、米軍施設の跡地利用、地域振興の具体策とともに、沖縄の過重な基地負担を軽減する方策を示す必要がある。
Kan has to display leadership to persuade Nakaima and the people of Okinawa on this issue.
菅首相自ら先頭に立って知事と県民を説得しなければならない。
Plotting a course through rough seas
世界の荒波にひるまぬニッポンを 大胆な開国で農業改革を急ごう（1月1日付・読売社説）
At a time when the world is struggling in rough waters, with a storm threatening to hit at any minute, the helmsman of our Nippon Maru (ship of Japan) is quite undependable. If things are left as they are, we risk not just drifting away but sinking. Where on earth is our nation headed?
四海の波は高く、今にも嵐が襲来する恐れがあるというのに、ニッポン丸の舵(かじ)取りは甚だ心もとない。このままでは漂流どころか、沈没の危険すらある。いったい、我々はどこへ行くのか。
Such is the uneasiness that hangs over the nation's politics under the Democratic Party of Japan-led administration of Prime Minister Naoto Kan.
菅首相率いる民主党主導の日本の政治には、こんな不安がつきまとう。
How can we build a nation in which we can be confident and proud of being Japanese, buoyant with anticipation of a new year? What we need now is strong political leadership that can answer this question.
新しい年に希望をふくらませ、日本人であることに自信と誇りを持てるニッポンをどう築くのか。この問いに答える、強靱(きょうじん)な政治指導力が求められている。
Boosting Japan-U.S. ties vital
◆日米同盟の強化が必須◆
Almost 15 months have passed since the historic shift of power in September 2009. Since then, the face of the DPJ-led administration has changed--the collapse of the three-party coalition government, the resignation of Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama and the advent of the Kan administration. Despite such changes, however, the nation continues to malfunction politically.
一昨年９月の歴史的な政権交代から１年３か月余り。その間、３党連立政権の崩壊から鳩山前首相退陣、菅後継内閣へと、民主党政権の表紙は替わったものの、政治の機能不全が続いている。
One worrisome political phenomenon is the deterioration in diplomatic power and national security, which affects the very existence of our nation.
懸念すべき政治現象の一つが、日本の存立にかかわる外交力の劣化と安全保障の弱体化である。
This has been clearly illustrated recently by the incident in which a Chinese trawler rammed two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels off the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev's visit to an island off Hokkaido, one of the islands in the northern territories.
それを如実に示したのが、尖閣諸島沖の中国漁船衝突事件と、メドベージェフ露大統領の北方領土視察だ。
Both China and Russia have apparently taken advantage of the rift in the Japan-U.S. alliance. Throughout this blatant pressure on Japan, which has made light of our sovereignty, the Kan administration has not only failed to set China and Russia straight, it has made only weak-kneed responses for fear of causing trouble.
日米同盟の亀裂を見透かした中露両国の露骨な揺さぶりに、「主権」をないがしろにされた菅政権は、非をただすどころか、ただ波風を立てることを恐れ、軟弱な対応に終始した。
Under the guise of such superficial diplomatic slogans as "strategic and mutually beneficial relations" and "good neighbors," the Kan administration has merely patched things up for the time being.
「戦略的互恵」「善隣友好」という表層的な外交標語に隠れて、一時を糊塗(こと)したに過ぎない。
All this has resulted from the administration's disregarding the Japan-U.S. alliance, which is the cornerstone of Japan's diplomacy and national security.
それもこれも外交・安全保障の基軸である、日米同盟をおろそかにしたからである。
Against the backdrop of its economic power, which is about to overtake Japan's, an expanding China is building up its military strength. Aiming to secure marine resources and interests, as well as sea routes, China is increasingly deploying its navy on the high seas.
日本を抜きつつある経済力を背景に、軍事力を増強する「膨張中国」。海洋資源・権益と海上交通路の確保を目指し、外洋への海軍展開を進めている。
Meanwhile, Russia--eyeing the rise of nationalism in that country--is making a show of its occupation of the northern territories it has illegally occupied.
国内のナショナリズム台頭をにらんで、不法に占拠した北方４島の領有を誇示するロシア。
Under the slogan "strong and thriving power," North Korea has repeatedly made dangerous provocations in an unstable transitional period in which power is being passed from one generation to the next.
「強盛大国」を掲げ、権力継承の不安定な過渡期に、危険な挑発を繰り返す北朝鮮。
To hold out against the pressure and threats from these disparate neighbors who ignore or make light of international standards on respecting human rights, the rule of law and democratic principles, it is vital for Japan to maintain a strong alliance with the United States.
人権尊重、法の支配、民主主義という国際的な規範を無視し、あるいは軽視する、これらの「異質」な周辺国からの圧力や脅威に対抗するには、強固な日米同盟が不可欠だ。
We should hold fast to the alliance and reinforce it, based on the determination to maintain our safety by ourselves and making independent efforts to improve our defense capabilities. The Kan administration must understand this fundamental point.
自国の安全は自らが守る決意と、それを裏付ける防衛力の整備という自助努力の上で、日米同盟関係を堅持し、強固にする。菅首相はこの基本をきちんと認識しなければならない。
To strengthen the alliance, the government needs to resolve as early as possible the issue of relocating the U.S. Marine Corps' Futenma Air Station in Okinawa Prefecture.
同盟強化のためには、沖縄県にある米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題を、できるだけ早く解決しなければなるまい。
To win the understanding and cooperation of reelected Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima, the government needs to present him with measures to lessen the excessive burden of hosting U.S. military facilities on Okinawa, together with concrete measures to utilize the site of the U.S. military facilities that are to be vacated and to reinvigorate the local economy.
再選された仲井真弘多(なかいまひろかず)知事の理解と協力を得るには、米軍施設の跡地利用、地域振興の具体策とともに、沖縄の過重な基地負担を軽減する方策を示す必要がある。
Kan has to display leadership to persuade Nakaima and the people of Okinawa on this issue.
菅首相自ら先頭に立って知事と県民を説得しなければならない。
首相年頭会見―本気ならば応援しよう
2011/01/06
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 5
EDITORIAL: Kan's news conference
首相年頭会見―本気ならば応援しよう
Prime Minister Naoto Kan deserves good marks for his spirit. This time, therefore, he must not swerve or shrink from the determination to achieve the goals he has set.
まずは「その意気や良し」としておこう。今度こそ、ぶれず、ひるまず、掲げた目標をやり遂げてほしい。
In his New Year's news conference Tuesday, Kan clarified three key issues for his administration this year: the so-called Heisei Era opening of Japan keyed to Japan's potential participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade liberalization framework; the integrated reform of the tax system, including the consumption tax and social security; and resolving problems linked to money politics.
菅直人首相が年頭の記者会見で、政権の今年の重点課題を明確にした。
環太平洋パートナーシップ協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加を念頭に置いた「平成の開国」、消費税引き上げを含む税制と社会保障の一体改革、政治とカネの問題へのけじめ――の３点である。
Kan needs to put his wandering administration back on course so it can restore public trust in government through sound party politics. To that end, we share his awareness of the issues in narrowing policy targets to the TPP and consumption tax.
迷走してきた政権運営を立て直し、政党政治への国民の信頼を取り戻す。その足がかりとして、ＴＰＰと消費税に政策目標を絞り込んだ首相の問題意識を私たちは共有する。
To a trading nation like Japan, bolstering free trade is a matter of huge importance in coping with the rapid rise in demand from newly emerging countries. We also hope this will open a window of opportunity for rebuilding the nation's steadily waning agriculture sector.
貿易立国の日本にとって自由貿易の強化は、勃興する新興国の需要を取り込むうえでも、死活的に重要だ。衰退の一途にある農業を再生させる好機にもつなげたい。
At the same time, the budgeting process at the end of last year underscored the unfeasibility of compiling any further budgets without action on the swelling fiscal deficit. To protect the future of social security, the bedrock of the people's peace of mind, continuing to sidestep the problem is not an option.
一方、膨れあがる財政赤字を放置したまま、これ以上予算を組めないことは、昨年末の予算編成で明らかだ。国民の安心の基盤である社会保障を将来にわたって守るためには、もはや負担増から逃げ続けるわけにはいかない。
On each issue, however, there is no shortage of calls for caution and outright opposition, not only within Kan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan, but among the general public, as well.
とはいえ、いずれの課題も、足元の民主党内だけでなく、国民の間にも慎重論、反対論が少なくない。
Kan faces an uphill battle certain to sap the strength of his administration. Having stumbled in reining in the divided Diet, we worry about Kan's determination to resolve these struggles.
政権の体力を消耗する大仕事になろう。ねじれ国会乗り切りもおぼつかない首相に、どこまでの覚悟があるのか心配だ。
During last year's Upper House election campaign, Kan broached the idea of doubling the consumption tax to 10 percent. He quickly withdrew that notion when the prospects for acceptance appeared slim. On the TPP, pressured by dissent from within the DPJ, Kan refrained from committing Japan to the framework at last November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. We hope to see no further vacillation on such major issues.
首相は昨年の参院選で「消費税１０％」を掲げたが、形勢不利とみるや発言を後退させた。ＴＰＰも党内の異論に押され、昨年１１月のアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）での交渉参加表明を見送った。腰の定まらなさを、これ以上見せられるのは御免である。
Next year, Japan's baby boomer generation will begin to collect public pension benefits. Clearly, no more time can be wasted in securing the fiscal resources to finance social security.
来年からは団塊の世代が年金を受け取る側に回り始める。社会保障の財源確保は待ったなしだ。
For the TPP, the negotiating nations envision an agreement by next November. If Japan lags in getting on board, it will lose leverage for reflecting its opinions in any accord.
ＴＰＰは、関係国が今年１１月の交渉妥結を目指している。日本の参加が遅れれば、主張を反映させる余地は小さくなるだろう。
On all fronts, 2011 promises to be a showdown year. For Kan, there is only one road to travel. He must display unwavering resolve in winning over the opposing faction in the DPJ as well as the opposition parties. He must meticulously explain the issues to the people and take the initiative in consensus-building.
いずれも今年こそが正念場なのである。首相は不退転の決意で、党内の反対派や野党を説得し、国民にも丁寧な説明を尽くして、合意形成の先頭に立たなければいけない。
On integrated reform of social security and taxation, Kan has appealed to the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and other opposition parties to join a nonpartisan dialogue.
社会保障と税制の一体改革について、首相は自民、公明など野党に超党派の議論への参加を呼びかけた。
Regardless of what party holds power, addressing this issue cannot be avoided. Earnest proposals from the administration demand earnest responses from the opposition camp. Prioritizing strategies designed to corner the ruling government by refusing to take part in talks from the outset is intolerable.
いずれの党が政権を担っても避けて通れない課題である。政権の真摯（しんし）な提案には、野党も真摯に応じるべきだ。政権を追い込むといった政略を優先するあまり、話し合い自体を拒むようなことがあってはならない。
The responsibility for furnishing such an environment certainly lies with the prime minister. It was only natural, therefore, for Kan to declare his resolve to deal with the two big policy issues of the TPP and the consumption tax, and the problem of money and politics.
もちろん、その環境を整える責任が首相にはある。首相が二つの政策課題とともに、政治とカネの問題へのけじめを掲げたのは当然だ。
As the first step in that direction, the prime minister must arrange for former DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa to attend the Lower House ethics panel regarding alleged irregularities in his political funding reports. This should occur before the ordinary Diet session opens.
その第一歩として、通常国会が始まる前に、小沢一郎氏の政治倫理審査会出席を実現する。
For Kan, the time to start getting his resolutions on track is now.
それがすべての出発点である。
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 5
EDITORIAL: Kan's news conference
首相年頭会見―本気ならば応援しよう
Prime Minister Naoto Kan deserves good marks for his spirit. This time, therefore, he must not swerve or shrink from the determination to achieve the goals he has set.
まずは「その意気や良し」としておこう。今度こそ、ぶれず、ひるまず、掲げた目標をやり遂げてほしい。
In his New Year's news conference Tuesday, Kan clarified three key issues for his administration this year: the so-called Heisei Era opening of Japan keyed to Japan's potential participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade liberalization framework; the integrated reform of the tax system, including the consumption tax and social security; and resolving problems linked to money politics.
菅直人首相が年頭の記者会見で、政権の今年の重点課題を明確にした。
環太平洋パートナーシップ協定（ＴＰＰ）への参加を念頭に置いた「平成の開国」、消費税引き上げを含む税制と社会保障の一体改革、政治とカネの問題へのけじめ――の３点である。
Kan needs to put his wandering administration back on course so it can restore public trust in government through sound party politics. To that end, we share his awareness of the issues in narrowing policy targets to the TPP and consumption tax.
迷走してきた政権運営を立て直し、政党政治への国民の信頼を取り戻す。その足がかりとして、ＴＰＰと消費税に政策目標を絞り込んだ首相の問題意識を私たちは共有する。
To a trading nation like Japan, bolstering free trade is a matter of huge importance in coping with the rapid rise in demand from newly emerging countries. We also hope this will open a window of opportunity for rebuilding the nation's steadily waning agriculture sector.
貿易立国の日本にとって自由貿易の強化は、勃興する新興国の需要を取り込むうえでも、死活的に重要だ。衰退の一途にある農業を再生させる好機にもつなげたい。
At the same time, the budgeting process at the end of last year underscored the unfeasibility of compiling any further budgets without action on the swelling fiscal deficit. To protect the future of social security, the bedrock of the people's peace of mind, continuing to sidestep the problem is not an option.
一方、膨れあがる財政赤字を放置したまま、これ以上予算を組めないことは、昨年末の予算編成で明らかだ。国民の安心の基盤である社会保障を将来にわたって守るためには、もはや負担増から逃げ続けるわけにはいかない。
On each issue, however, there is no shortage of calls for caution and outright opposition, not only within Kan's ruling Democratic Party of Japan, but among the general public, as well.
とはいえ、いずれの課題も、足元の民主党内だけでなく、国民の間にも慎重論、反対論が少なくない。
Kan faces an uphill battle certain to sap the strength of his administration. Having stumbled in reining in the divided Diet, we worry about Kan's determination to resolve these struggles.
政権の体力を消耗する大仕事になろう。ねじれ国会乗り切りもおぼつかない首相に、どこまでの覚悟があるのか心配だ。
During last year's Upper House election campaign, Kan broached the idea of doubling the consumption tax to 10 percent. He quickly withdrew that notion when the prospects for acceptance appeared slim. On the TPP, pressured by dissent from within the DPJ, Kan refrained from committing Japan to the framework at last November's Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum. We hope to see no further vacillation on such major issues.
首相は昨年の参院選で「消費税１０％」を掲げたが、形勢不利とみるや発言を後退させた。ＴＰＰも党内の異論に押され、昨年１１月のアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）での交渉参加表明を見送った。腰の定まらなさを、これ以上見せられるのは御免である。
Next year, Japan's baby boomer generation will begin to collect public pension benefits. Clearly, no more time can be wasted in securing the fiscal resources to finance social security.
来年からは団塊の世代が年金を受け取る側に回り始める。社会保障の財源確保は待ったなしだ。
For the TPP, the negotiating nations envision an agreement by next November. If Japan lags in getting on board, it will lose leverage for reflecting its opinions in any accord.
ＴＰＰは、関係国が今年１１月の交渉妥結を目指している。日本の参加が遅れれば、主張を反映させる余地は小さくなるだろう。
On all fronts, 2011 promises to be a showdown year. For Kan, there is only one road to travel. He must display unwavering resolve in winning over the opposing faction in the DPJ as well as the opposition parties. He must meticulously explain the issues to the people and take the initiative in consensus-building.
いずれも今年こそが正念場なのである。首相は不退転の決意で、党内の反対派や野党を説得し、国民にも丁寧な説明を尽くして、合意形成の先頭に立たなければいけない。
On integrated reform of social security and taxation, Kan has appealed to the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and other opposition parties to join a nonpartisan dialogue.
社会保障と税制の一体改革について、首相は自民、公明など野党に超党派の議論への参加を呼びかけた。
Regardless of what party holds power, addressing this issue cannot be avoided. Earnest proposals from the administration demand earnest responses from the opposition camp. Prioritizing strategies designed to corner the ruling government by refusing to take part in talks from the outset is intolerable.
いずれの党が政権を担っても避けて通れない課題である。政権の真摯（しんし）な提案には、野党も真摯に応じるべきだ。政権を追い込むといった政略を優先するあまり、話し合い自体を拒むようなことがあってはならない。
The responsibility for furnishing such an environment certainly lies with the prime minister. It was only natural, therefore, for Kan to declare his resolve to deal with the two big policy issues of the TPP and the consumption tax, and the problem of money and politics.
もちろん、その環境を整える責任が首相にはある。首相が二つの政策課題とともに、政治とカネの問題へのけじめを掲げたのは当然だ。
As the first step in that direction, the prime minister must arrange for former DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa to attend the Lower House ethics panel regarding alleged irregularities in his political funding reports. This should occur before the ordinary Diet session opens.
その第一歩として、通常国会が始まる前に、小沢一郎氏の政治倫理審査会出席を実現する。
For Kan, the time to start getting his resolutions on track is now.
それがすべての出発点である。
2011年01月06日
Coping with China
2011/01/05
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 4
EDITORIAL: Coping with China
中国と向き合う―異質論を超えて道を開け
The South Korean island of Daeyeonpyeongdo remained desolate on New Year's Day, with most islanders having relocated temporarily to the mainland city of Incheon and elsewhere following North Korea's artillery assault in November.
北朝鮮による砲撃を受けた韓国の大延坪島（テヨンピョンド）。島民の多くが本土の仁川市などに一時転居して、火が消えたような正月になった。
That was the first time since the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement in 1953 that South Korean civilians were killed in a direct attack from North Korea.
約６０年前に朝鮮戦争が休戦となった後、北朝鮮からの直接の軍事攻撃で韓国内の民間人が犠牲になったのは初めてだ。
Naturally, the shock and outrage of the islanders were immense, especially as their island had remained unscathed during the war.
戦争中もこの島では被害がなかったという。島民が受けた衝撃は計りしれないし、怒りは収まらない。
The people of South Korea are also deeply offended by China's stance of continuing to support aberrant North Korea.
韓国では、常軌を逸した北朝鮮を支え続ける中国への不満も大きい。
Beijing did not condemn Pyongyang for the artillery assault, just as it hadn't over the sinking of a South Korean Navy ship last spring. Moreover, China effectively blocked the United Nations Security Council from issuing a declaration to condemn North Korea. The South Korean people's frustration with China is all too understandable.
昨春の哨戒艦沈没事件と同様に、砲撃事件でも、中国政府は北朝鮮を批判しなかった。それどころか、中国が同意せず、国連安全保障理事会は北朝鮮への非難声明を出せなかった。韓国民の中国へのいらだちは当然だ。
On the other hand, South Korea's political community and mass media are now urging the public to get reacquainted with China.
その一方で、「中国を本格的に学び直そう」という提言が、韓国のメディアや政界をにぎわす。
South Korea and China established diplomatic relations in 1992. At the time, China had yet to emerge completely from its isolation after being blasted by the international community over the Tiananmen Square crackdown of 1989.
韓国が、中国と国交を結んだのは１９９２年。このころ、中国は８９年の天安門事件による国際的な孤立から完全には抜け出せていなかった。
Reacquainting with a neighbor
■隣国を改めて学ぶ
Today, nearly 60 percent of foreign students in South Korea are Chinese nationals, while one in three foreign students in China are South Korean. Bilateral exchanges have expanded faster than expected.
今、韓国にいる留学生の６割近くが中国人で、中国で学ぶ外国人学生の３分の１が韓国人というように、交流は予想を超えて幅広くなった。
China has come a long way since 1992, having now become a major power and closing in on the United States. Its military capabilities have grown rapidly, especially at sea. China, in fact, is even transforming East Asia's security environment.
中国も国交樹立時とは様変わりし、米国に迫る大国になった。軍事力は急速に強大になり、なかでも海軍力の増強が目覚ましい。中国は東アジアの安全保障環境さえ変えつつある。
China's relationship with the United States is becoming the most important bilateral relationship for the stability of the world. Yet, it is hard to read Chinese politics and diplomacy.
そして、米中関係は世界の安定に最も重要な二国間関係になりつつある。それなのに、中国の政治や外交は読み切れない。
This is why South Korea feels it must "study" China closely while maintaining its alliance with the United States. The same applies to Japan, as well.
米国との関係を基軸としつつ、中国を深く研究しなければならない理由である。それは日本も同じだ。
China being a communist state, the process of policy-making there reminds us of a black box. But we cannot simply dismiss China as "different" and keep our distance, especially in light of our turbulent relations.
中国は共産党体制で、政策の決定過程はブラックボックスのようだ。しかし、「異質」と決めつけるだけで、手をこまねいているわけにはいかない。
波乱続きの日中関係を振り返ると、なおさらそうだ。
It's a shame, really, because a good relationship between Japan and China should help stabilize China's relationship with the United States and contribute to peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
日中関係の発展は米中関係の安定や、アジア太平洋地域の平和に寄与できるだけに残念だった。
Deng Xiaoping, who led China's open-door reformist policy, once noted to the effect: "The more developed a country becomes, the more humble it must become and learn not to criticize others thoughtlessly. The country must not say or do anything which cannot be handled by its means."
「発展すればするほど謙虚であるべきで、無思慮に他人を批判してはならない。分を越えたことは言わず、分を越えたことはしてはならない」
中国を改革開放に導いたトウ（トウ＝登におおざと）小平氏の言葉だ。
China appears to have abandoned Deng's "taoguangyanghui" (hide one's talents and bide one's time) policy. But Deng also said, "China will never let anyone interfere in its domestic policy, and China will never compromise on that score."
才能を覆い隠し目立たせないというこの「韜光養晦（とうこうようかい）」路線は放棄したとしか見えぬ中国だが、トウ氏は次のようにも述べている。
「内政にはいかなる者の干渉も決して許すことができないし、中国は一切譲歩できない」
One thing is clear: China has faithfully adhered to Deng's guiding principle that "the only truth is development," and it focused on economic development as the ultimate national interest.
とはいえ、中国はこれまで「発展こそ確かな道理」といったトウ氏の教えに忠実に、経済発展に力を入れてきた。経済が最大の国益だったのだ。
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 4
EDITORIAL: Coping with China
中国と向き合う―異質論を超えて道を開け
The South Korean island of Daeyeonpyeongdo remained desolate on New Year's Day, with most islanders having relocated temporarily to the mainland city of Incheon and elsewhere following North Korea's artillery assault in November.
北朝鮮による砲撃を受けた韓国の大延坪島（テヨンピョンド）。島民の多くが本土の仁川市などに一時転居して、火が消えたような正月になった。
That was the first time since the signing of the Korean War Armistice Agreement in 1953 that South Korean civilians were killed in a direct attack from North Korea.
約６０年前に朝鮮戦争が休戦となった後、北朝鮮からの直接の軍事攻撃で韓国内の民間人が犠牲になったのは初めてだ。
Naturally, the shock and outrage of the islanders were immense, especially as their island had remained unscathed during the war.
戦争中もこの島では被害がなかったという。島民が受けた衝撃は計りしれないし、怒りは収まらない。
The people of South Korea are also deeply offended by China's stance of continuing to support aberrant North Korea.
韓国では、常軌を逸した北朝鮮を支え続ける中国への不満も大きい。
Beijing did not condemn Pyongyang for the artillery assault, just as it hadn't over the sinking of a South Korean Navy ship last spring. Moreover, China effectively blocked the United Nations Security Council from issuing a declaration to condemn North Korea. The South Korean people's frustration with China is all too understandable.
昨春の哨戒艦沈没事件と同様に、砲撃事件でも、中国政府は北朝鮮を批判しなかった。それどころか、中国が同意せず、国連安全保障理事会は北朝鮮への非難声明を出せなかった。韓国民の中国へのいらだちは当然だ。
On the other hand, South Korea's political community and mass media are now urging the public to get reacquainted with China.
その一方で、「中国を本格的に学び直そう」という提言が、韓国のメディアや政界をにぎわす。
South Korea and China established diplomatic relations in 1992. At the time, China had yet to emerge completely from its isolation after being blasted by the international community over the Tiananmen Square crackdown of 1989.
韓国が、中国と国交を結んだのは１９９２年。このころ、中国は８９年の天安門事件による国際的な孤立から完全には抜け出せていなかった。
Reacquainting with a neighbor
■隣国を改めて学ぶ
Today, nearly 60 percent of foreign students in South Korea are Chinese nationals, while one in three foreign students in China are South Korean. Bilateral exchanges have expanded faster than expected.
今、韓国にいる留学生の６割近くが中国人で、中国で学ぶ外国人学生の３分の１が韓国人というように、交流は予想を超えて幅広くなった。
China has come a long way since 1992, having now become a major power and closing in on the United States. Its military capabilities have grown rapidly, especially at sea. China, in fact, is even transforming East Asia's security environment.
中国も国交樹立時とは様変わりし、米国に迫る大国になった。軍事力は急速に強大になり、なかでも海軍力の増強が目覚ましい。中国は東アジアの安全保障環境さえ変えつつある。
China's relationship with the United States is becoming the most important bilateral relationship for the stability of the world. Yet, it is hard to read Chinese politics and diplomacy.
そして、米中関係は世界の安定に最も重要な二国間関係になりつつある。それなのに、中国の政治や外交は読み切れない。
This is why South Korea feels it must "study" China closely while maintaining its alliance with the United States. The same applies to Japan, as well.
米国との関係を基軸としつつ、中国を深く研究しなければならない理由である。それは日本も同じだ。
China being a communist state, the process of policy-making there reminds us of a black box. But we cannot simply dismiss China as "different" and keep our distance, especially in light of our turbulent relations.
中国は共産党体制で、政策の決定過程はブラックボックスのようだ。しかし、「異質」と決めつけるだけで、手をこまねいているわけにはいかない。
波乱続きの日中関係を振り返ると、なおさらそうだ。
It's a shame, really, because a good relationship between Japan and China should help stabilize China's relationship with the United States and contribute to peace in the Asia-Pacific region.
日中関係の発展は米中関係の安定や、アジア太平洋地域の平和に寄与できるだけに残念だった。
Deng Xiaoping, who led China's open-door reformist policy, once noted to the effect: "The more developed a country becomes, the more humble it must become and learn not to criticize others thoughtlessly. The country must not say or do anything which cannot be handled by its means."
「発展すればするほど謙虚であるべきで、無思慮に他人を批判してはならない。分を越えたことは言わず、分を越えたことはしてはならない」
中国を改革開放に導いたトウ（トウ＝登におおざと）小平氏の言葉だ。
China appears to have abandoned Deng's "taoguangyanghui" (hide one's talents and bide one's time) policy. But Deng also said, "China will never let anyone interfere in its domestic policy, and China will never compromise on that score."
才能を覆い隠し目立たせないというこの「韜光養晦（とうこうようかい）」路線は放棄したとしか見えぬ中国だが、トウ氏は次のようにも述べている。
「内政にはいかなる者の干渉も決して許すことができないし、中国は一切譲歩できない」
One thing is clear: China has faithfully adhered to Deng's guiding principle that "the only truth is development," and it focused on economic development as the ultimate national interest.
とはいえ、中国はこれまで「発展こそ確かな道理」といったトウ氏の教えに忠実に、経済発展に力を入れてきた。経済が最大の国益だったのだ。
日本沈没
一億の国民一人ひとりが一千万円持っているとすれば、それで１０００兆円になります。
団塊の世代が無駄使いせずにせっせと貯蓄していたので、今の日本はかろうじてもっているようですね。
スラチャイは昭和２４年生まれですが、老齢年金の支給開始を５年繰り下げられて６５才から支給開始にされてしまいました。現役時代に貯蓄をしていなかったので支給額３０％減で６０才からの繰り上げ支給にしてもらいました。
それでかろうじて首をくくらずにすんでいる訳です。
若い世代は全員６５才からの年金支給開始にされていますし、移行期間の特別支給も適用されません。
これでは、若い世代がまともに働かなくなるのは当然だと思います。
消費税切り上げ、すべての農産物の関税の自由化を早急に実施されるように要望します。
（スラチャイ記）
(Mainichi Japan) January 5, 2011
Japan can't avoid fiscal crisis without reform of social security programs
水説：「逃げ切り」はムリだ＝潮田道夫
＜ｓｕｉ−ｓｅｔｓｕ＞
In the eyes of young people, those aged above 60 may appear to be colluding to demand that the government avoid a fiscal crisis without implementing reforms.
若い人から見れば、６０歳以上の世代は結託して「逃げ切り」を図っているように見えるだろうな、と思う。
"I don't want the government to make major changes to the current policy over the next decade or two. Newspapers say Japan is in a state of deflation, but pensioners are worried about whether they can get by. I welcome deflation because it allows us to buy more goods using my pension," one senior citizen could say.
「あと１０年か２０年、あまり現状変更せずにいてほしい。新聞はデフレだと騒ぐが、年金生活は心細いものだ。デフレで年金の使い出が増えるのは結構なことではないか」
Others could comment: "It's been said the state finances and social security services will collapse without tax hikes, but obviously, the government still has some hidden reserve funds. I don't want the government to do any unnecessary things (like tax hikes)."
「増税しないと財政が立ち行かなくなり、社会保障もできなくなるというが、まだ、埋蔵金があるだろう。余計なことはしてほしくない」
"Japan has so far managed to overcome crises. I believe that the government can do the same this time, too. Judging from the average lifespan, I'll die in 10 to 20 years. Japan will certainly survive until then. So let me get over the current crisis (without tax hikes)," yet another might say.
「日本は危機のたびになんとかしてきた。今度もなんとかなるだろう。平均寿命から見て、あと１０年か２０年でお迎えが来る。それぐらいは日本ももつだろう。なんとか『逃げ切り』させてくれんか」
These may be common views among senior citizens even though these are somewhat generalized.
少々、戯画化が過ぎるかもしれないが、そういう見方をされているのではないか。
It's true that there are elderly people who are struggling to make a living, and quite a few of them are aware of the need for reforms.
高齢層だって実は暮らしが大変な人が多い。そして、このままではいけないと心を痛めている人も少なくないのである。
However, most elderly people are apparently pressuring politicians not to obstruct any policy change so that a potential crisis and any additional financial burden can be avoided.
だが、全体として政治に「逃げ切り戦略の邪魔をするな」と強烈な圧力をかけているのではないか。
However, is it possible to avoid a potential crisis without making policy changes in the first place? That appears quite difficult.
だが、そもそも、逃げ切りは可能なのだろうか。
どうもあやしい。
The government has issued massive numbers of state bonds to make up for a tax revenue shortfall, but almost all of these bonds have been purchased domestically. Therefore, Japan has avoided going under like Greece. However, baby-boomers are expected to begin sometime around next year to withdraw large amounts of money from their savings. Some experts have estimated that Japan's saving ratio will turn downward in 2014. In other words, the foundations for government bonds to be purchased in Japan will likely collapse.
日本は大量の国債を発行しても国内でほぼ全額が売れた。だから、ギリシャ化せずに済んだ。しかし、来年あたりから団塊世代が貯蓄の取り崩しを本格化させる。２０１４年からは貯蓄率がマイナスになるという試算もある。国債の安定消化の基盤が崩れる。
In a recently released book titled, "Japan's economy has three years to survive: Thorough discussion on how to overcome fiscal crisis," four economists -- Heizo Takenaka, Nobuo Ikeda, Takero Doi and Wataru Suzuki -- exchanged their views on the current economic and fiscal situation in Japan. They then concluded that Japan's economy has only three years before collapse. In other words, Japan cannot avoid fiscal crisis without major policy changes.
先ごろ、「日本経済『余命３年』徹底討論・財政危機をどう乗り越えるか」（ＰＨＰ研究所）という本が出た。竹中平蔵、池田信夫、土居丈朗、鈴木亘という論客がタイトル通りの意見交換をして、診断した結果が「余命３年」だ。つまりは「逃げ切りは無理」という結論である。
This view is largely shared by government officials, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku saying that the government can manage to compile a state budget by using superficial tricks for no more than two years.
仙谷由人官房長官もつじつま合わせの予算編成ができるのも「この２年ぐらい」とどこかで語っていた。
だれが見ても、似たような見立てになるのである。
I belong to the next generation after baby-boomers, and am in a more advantageous position than young people in terms of social security services. Still, I fear that if elderly generations take advantage of their numbers to prevent disparity in the levels of social security services between generations from being rectified, it would put the nation's future in jeopardy.
私も団塊世代のすぐあとに続く世代で、若者に比べ有利な位置にある。だが、数をたのんで世代間格差を放置しておくと、この国の将来は危ういと思う。
If younger generations are entitled to pension benefits tens of millions of yen less than those of older generations, it will discourage younger people from working hard. Pension reform is an urgent task.
年配者と若者で年金格差が数千万円もあっては若者もやる気をなくす。年金改革が急務だ。
Moreover, 1000 trillion yen out of 1400 trillion yen in individual financial assets in Japan are held by elderly people and remain deposited with banks without being consumed. It is necessary to make it easier for younger generations to make effective use of such financial assets through tax system reform and other measures.
また、１４００兆円の個人金融資産のうち１０００兆円を６０歳以上が保有し消費に回さず銀行に預けっぱなしというのも芸がない。税制改革などで若い世代が有効活用できるようにせずばなるまい。
As the proverb goes: "He who gives to the poor, lends to the Lord." We will lose everything if the country collapses. (By Michio Ushioda, Expert Senior Writer)
情けはひとのためならず。この国がつぶれては元も子もない。（専門編集委員）
毎日新聞 2011年1月5日 東京朝刊
団塊の世代が無駄使いせずにせっせと貯蓄していたので、今の日本はかろうじてもっているようですね。
スラチャイは昭和２４年生まれですが、老齢年金の支給開始を５年繰り下げられて６５才から支給開始にされてしまいました。現役時代に貯蓄をしていなかったので支給額３０％減で６０才からの繰り上げ支給にしてもらいました。
それでかろうじて首をくくらずにすんでいる訳です。
若い世代は全員６５才からの年金支給開始にされていますし、移行期間の特別支給も適用されません。
これでは、若い世代がまともに働かなくなるのは当然だと思います。
消費税切り上げ、すべての農産物の関税の自由化を早急に実施されるように要望します。
（スラチャイ記）
(Mainichi Japan) January 5, 2011
Japan can't avoid fiscal crisis without reform of social security programs
水説：「逃げ切り」はムリだ＝潮田道夫
＜ｓｕｉ−ｓｅｔｓｕ＞
In the eyes of young people, those aged above 60 may appear to be colluding to demand that the government avoid a fiscal crisis without implementing reforms.
若い人から見れば、６０歳以上の世代は結託して「逃げ切り」を図っているように見えるだろうな、と思う。
"I don't want the government to make major changes to the current policy over the next decade or two. Newspapers say Japan is in a state of deflation, but pensioners are worried about whether they can get by. I welcome deflation because it allows us to buy more goods using my pension," one senior citizen could say.
「あと１０年か２０年、あまり現状変更せずにいてほしい。新聞はデフレだと騒ぐが、年金生活は心細いものだ。デフレで年金の使い出が増えるのは結構なことではないか」
Others could comment: "It's been said the state finances and social security services will collapse without tax hikes, but obviously, the government still has some hidden reserve funds. I don't want the government to do any unnecessary things (like tax hikes)."
「増税しないと財政が立ち行かなくなり、社会保障もできなくなるというが、まだ、埋蔵金があるだろう。余計なことはしてほしくない」
"Japan has so far managed to overcome crises. I believe that the government can do the same this time, too. Judging from the average lifespan, I'll die in 10 to 20 years. Japan will certainly survive until then. So let me get over the current crisis (without tax hikes)," yet another might say.
「日本は危機のたびになんとかしてきた。今度もなんとかなるだろう。平均寿命から見て、あと１０年か２０年でお迎えが来る。それぐらいは日本ももつだろう。なんとか『逃げ切り』させてくれんか」
These may be common views among senior citizens even though these are somewhat generalized.
少々、戯画化が過ぎるかもしれないが、そういう見方をされているのではないか。
It's true that there are elderly people who are struggling to make a living, and quite a few of them are aware of the need for reforms.
高齢層だって実は暮らしが大変な人が多い。そして、このままではいけないと心を痛めている人も少なくないのである。
However, most elderly people are apparently pressuring politicians not to obstruct any policy change so that a potential crisis and any additional financial burden can be avoided.
だが、全体として政治に「逃げ切り戦略の邪魔をするな」と強烈な圧力をかけているのではないか。
However, is it possible to avoid a potential crisis without making policy changes in the first place? That appears quite difficult.
だが、そもそも、逃げ切りは可能なのだろうか。
どうもあやしい。
The government has issued massive numbers of state bonds to make up for a tax revenue shortfall, but almost all of these bonds have been purchased domestically. Therefore, Japan has avoided going under like Greece. However, baby-boomers are expected to begin sometime around next year to withdraw large amounts of money from their savings. Some experts have estimated that Japan's saving ratio will turn downward in 2014. In other words, the foundations for government bonds to be purchased in Japan will likely collapse.
日本は大量の国債を発行しても国内でほぼ全額が売れた。だから、ギリシャ化せずに済んだ。しかし、来年あたりから団塊世代が貯蓄の取り崩しを本格化させる。２０１４年からは貯蓄率がマイナスになるという試算もある。国債の安定消化の基盤が崩れる。
In a recently released book titled, "Japan's economy has three years to survive: Thorough discussion on how to overcome fiscal crisis," four economists -- Heizo Takenaka, Nobuo Ikeda, Takero Doi and Wataru Suzuki -- exchanged their views on the current economic and fiscal situation in Japan. They then concluded that Japan's economy has only three years before collapse. In other words, Japan cannot avoid fiscal crisis without major policy changes.
先ごろ、「日本経済『余命３年』徹底討論・財政危機をどう乗り越えるか」（ＰＨＰ研究所）という本が出た。竹中平蔵、池田信夫、土居丈朗、鈴木亘という論客がタイトル通りの意見交換をして、診断した結果が「余命３年」だ。つまりは「逃げ切りは無理」という結論である。
This view is largely shared by government officials, with Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku saying that the government can manage to compile a state budget by using superficial tricks for no more than two years.
仙谷由人官房長官もつじつま合わせの予算編成ができるのも「この２年ぐらい」とどこかで語っていた。
だれが見ても、似たような見立てになるのである。
I belong to the next generation after baby-boomers, and am in a more advantageous position than young people in terms of social security services. Still, I fear that if elderly generations take advantage of their numbers to prevent disparity in the levels of social security services between generations from being rectified, it would put the nation's future in jeopardy.
私も団塊世代のすぐあとに続く世代で、若者に比べ有利な位置にある。だが、数をたのんで世代間格差を放置しておくと、この国の将来は危ういと思う。
If younger generations are entitled to pension benefits tens of millions of yen less than those of older generations, it will discourage younger people from working hard. Pension reform is an urgent task.
年配者と若者で年金格差が数千万円もあっては若者もやる気をなくす。年金改革が急務だ。
Moreover, 1000 trillion yen out of 1400 trillion yen in individual financial assets in Japan are held by elderly people and remain deposited with banks without being consumed. It is necessary to make it easier for younger generations to make effective use of such financial assets through tax system reform and other measures.
また、１４００兆円の個人金融資産のうち１０００兆円を６０歳以上が保有し消費に回さず銀行に預けっぱなしというのも芸がない。税制改革などで若い世代が有効活用できるようにせずばなるまい。
As the proverb goes: "He who gives to the poor, lends to the Lord." We will lose everything if the country collapses. (By Michio Ushioda, Expert Senior Writer)
情けはひとのためならず。この国がつぶれては元も子もない。（専門編集委員）
毎日新聞 2011年1月5日 東京朝刊
2011年01月05日
斜陽の年―興隆、衰退そして再生へ
2010/12/30
--The Asahi Shimbun, Dec. 29
EDITORIAL: The year of decline
斜陽の年―興隆、衰退そして再生へ
Kanagi, a district in the city of Goshogawara in Aomori Prefecture, is the birthplace of novelist Osamu Dazai (1909-1948). It can be reached in 90 minutes after switching from the Tohoku Shinkansen bullet train from Tokyo to local lines at the recently opened Shin-Aomori Station.
全通したばかりの東北新幹線で新青森駅へ。さらに在来線と津軽鉄道を乗り継ぐ。うまくいって１時間半ほどで五所川原市金木（かなぎ）町に着く。太宰治のふるさとである。
Dazai was born into a family of wealthy landowners. He grew up in a stately, semi-Western-style mansion surrounded by four-meter-high brick walls. The estate was sold off after World War II, but has been preserved as a museum-cum-monument to Dazai. It is called Shayo-kan after one of his most representative works, "Shayo" (The Setting Sun).
太宰の生家は津軽の大地主だった。高さ４メートルのれんが塀で囲まれた和洋折衷の重厚な建物は、戦後人手に渡り、斜陽館として保存されている。
Japan was "reset" and had to start over from scratch after its defeat in World War II. That was 65 years ago, but people today are feeling a pervasive sense of decline. It is as if we were all standing, paralyzed, in front of the snow-covered Shayo-kan.
敗戦は日本をいったんゼロにリセットした。それから６５年後の今年、日本を覆うのは、やり場のない斜陽の感覚である。雪に覆われた巨大な館の前でみな立ちすくんでいるかのようだ。
Dizzying rise and fall
■目まぐるしい盛衰
Let's say Japan was a newborn baby in 1945. When it was 11 years old, "the immediate postwar era" was declared over. Finishing elementary education that year, the youngster grew strong and healthy, and was only 19 years old when it debuted in the international community with the successful 1964 Tokyo Olympics. And as a vigorous young adult of 25, it went on to host the Expo '70 in Osaka.
１９４５年にゼロ歳の日本ちゃんが生まれたとしよう。１１歳で「もはや戦後ではない」と初等教育を終え、若々しく成長し、１９歳で早くも五輪を成功させ国際デビューする。伸び盛りの２５歳の時には万博も開いた。
Japan's growth slowed somewhat during the oil shock years, but by the time it was in its 30s, the entire population of 100 million felt comfortable enough with their lives to consider themselves middle-class. At age 40, Japan topped the world in net overseas assets. This aroused criticism that Japan was making too much money, which led to the Plaza Accord of 1985 that drastically raised the yen's exchange value against the U.S. dollar and induced the asset-inflated bubble economy.
石油ショックなどがあって成長の速度は落ちたが、３０代になると一億総中流を自任した。４０歳で対外純資産が世界１位になった。さすがにもうけすぎだと言われて、プラザ合意で為替レートが一変しバブルが始まる。
The Cold War ended when Japan was in its mid-40s, and the bubble burst soon after. At 50, Japan was hit by the Great Hanshin Earthquake and terrorist attacks by the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo. From around that time, Japan began to experience health problems, and even the potent but potentially lethal drug of "reforms" prescribed by then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi didn't help.
At 65 today, Japan is still too young to be wasting away. But it has certainly lived quite an eventful life in a relatively short time.
４０代半ばのころ東西冷戦が終わり、その後バブルが崩壊する。５０歳の時に阪神大震災とオウム事件に遭った。そのころから病気がちになり、小泉改革の劇薬も効かず６５歳の今にいたる。このまま老衰するわけでもあるまいが、人の一生に等しい短い時間で目まぐるしい盛衰を経験しつつある。
In terms of gross domestic product, Japan is believed to have fallen to third in the world after China this year. Japan Airlines Corp., whose corporate logo once symbolized hope for people dreaming of traveling abroad, went bankrupt. University students planning to join the work force upon graduation are stuck in a barren "ultra-ice age." This year also brought into light the existence of many "paper centenarians" who are either long dead or whose whereabouts are unknown.
And for the 13th consecutive year, Japan will very likely have more than 30,000 suicides during 2010.
今年おそらく国内総生産で世界２位の座を中国に譲った。鶴のマークが海外への希望の象徴だった日本航空は破綻（はたん）した。大学生の就職は超氷河期。所在不明の高齢者は続出し、自殺者は１３年連続で３万人を超えそうだ。
The Democratic Party of Japan, which came into power in a historic regime change that enthralled many voters, has since muddled and stumbled along so badly that it has become, most ironically, a telling reminder of where the nation stands today.
国民の期待を背負って政権に就いたはずの民主党の迷走は、日本の立ち位置を皮肉な形で示してくれた。
Across the Pacific, U.S. President Barack Obama, who won the 2008 presidential election on his campaign message of "change," is now struggling under the crippling weight of Big Business and conservatism. And China is not curbing its ambitions for military capabilities commensurate with its growing economy, nor has it succeeded in controlling domestic discontent resulting from widening social disparities.
変化を掲げたオバマ米大統領は、巨大資本の呪縛や保守派の攻勢で身動きがとれない。中国は拡大する経済に見合った軍事力への渇望や、広がる格差が生む動揺を抑え切れていない。
The dwindling population
Your click on your favorite item is highly appreciated.
気に入ったアイテムがございましたら、クリックをお願いいたします。（スラチャイ）
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