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2012年10月12日
復興予算「転用」 被災地支援が後回しでは困る
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 11, 2012)
Aid to disaster-stricken areas must be given priority
復興予算「転用」 被災地支援が後回しでは困る（10月10日付・読売社説）
Fiscal allocations for the reconstruction of areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake have been used for projects not directly related to disaster-stricken areas.
東日本大震災の復興予算が、被災地の再建とはかけ離れた事業に使われている。
This diversion of funds cannot be ignored.
これでは、予算の「転用」であり、看過できない。
Under pressure from the Liberal Democratic Party at the House of Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration, the Finance Ministry and other ministries listed projects under way. Many of the projects are suspected of not being essential to reconstruction.
自民党の追及を受け、財務省などが衆院決算行政監視委員会の関係議員に示した。その中には、「果たして復興関連なのか」と首をかしげたくなる事業が少なからず盛り込まれていた。
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry earmarked the cost for dealing with Sea Shepherd, an antiwhaling organization, as part of its reconstruction budget. Its reasoning is that unless antiwhaling protests can be halted, it will affect the reconstruction of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, which has whale processing facilities.
農林水産省は、反捕鯨団体シー・シェパードへの対策費を計上した。抗議活動を阻止しなければ、鯨肉加工施設がある宮城県石巻市の再建に影響するとの理屈だ。
The Justice Ministry allocated funds for vocational training programs at prisons in Saitama Prefecture and elsewhere on the grounds that inmates may work in disaster-stricken areas after being released. This argument is hardly persuasive.
埼玉県などの刑務所での職業訓練費について、法務省は「出所者が被災地で働くかもしれない」としているが、説得力を欠く。
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has provided a subsidy to a contact lens manufacturing plant in Gifu Prefecture because the plant procures materials from the disaster-stricken region.
被災地から材料を調達しているから、として岐阜県のコンタクトレンズ工場などへの経済産業省の補助金もあった。
===
Okada's lame excuse
Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada explained at a news conference that "because we had to compile a huge budget within a short period, we didn't have time to go into details."
岡田副総理は記者会見で、「短期間に大きな予算を組まなければならず、細部まで目が届かなかった」と釈明した。
Based on its basic reconstruction policy, the government originally estimated 19 trillion yen would be required for reconstruction in the first five years. A total of 18 trillion yen was allocated in the first to third supplementary budgets for fiscal 2011 and in the initial budget for fiscal 2012.
復興予算は、復興基本方針で、必要な費用を当初５年間で１９兆円と見積もり、２０１１年度１〜３次補正予算と１２年度当初予算で計１８兆円を計上した。
The budgets are aimed at decontaminating areas affected by the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the earthquake-triggered tsunami and disposing of debris.
原発事故に伴う除染作業や津波被害で生じた社会資本の復旧、がれき処理などに充てられる。
Under the pretext of using tax hikes as a major resource to carry out reconstruction, the residential tax and income tax will be increased over 10- and 25-year periods, respectively.
主な財源は、１０〜２５年間に及ぶ住民税や所得税などの復興増税だ。
The government offices insisted on the validity of their budget allocations, arguing that the basic reconstruction policy includes such wording as "antidisaster measures will be carried out across the nation" and "reconstruction of the disaster-devastated areas will be impossible without revival of the national economy."
各府省は復興基本方針に「全国的に防災施策を行う」、「日本経済の再生なくして被災地の復興はない」といった文言があることから、予算の正当性を主張する。
It is true that measures also must be taken in other areas to prepare for disasters and prevent the hollowing out of industry.
確かに、被災地以外でも防災や産業空洞化対策は必要だ。
===
Significant delays
However, an anything-goes budget cannot be tolerated given the significant delays in the key reconstruction projects.
しかし、肝心の復興が大幅に遅れている中で、「何でもあり」のような予算は許されまい。
If government offices earmark spending even for projects that should be dealt with normally by the state budget because the reconstruction budget does not have a strict ceiling, it will invite a strong backlash from people who cooperated in the government's tax increase plans.
厳しい上限が設定されていない復興予算に目を付け、本来なら通常予算で対応すべき事業まで計上したのでは、増税に協力する国民から反発が強まるだろう。
On this matter, the LDP is calling for screening the projects although the Diet is not in session. The Diet must scrutinize whether the reconstruction budget is being used appropriately.
自民党はこの問題について、閉会中審査を求めている。復興予算が適切に使われているかどうか、国会は十分に精査すべきだ。
Implementation of the budget has been delayed in disaster-stricken areas. Only 60 percent of the 15 trillion yen earmarked for fiscal 2011 was used before the fiscal year ended on March 31, 2012. Concerns have been voiced about the differences between what is in the budget and what is needed.
被災地では予算執行が遅れている。１１年度分に計上した１５兆円のうち、年度内の消化は６割にとどまった。予算メニューとニーズの食い違いも指摘されている。
Tatsuo Hirano, state minister for disaster reconstruction, said, "We want to compile a budget for next fiscal year that will give priority to disaster-stricken areas." The government must make arrangements quickly so that the necessary funds can be allocated to these areas.
平野復興相は「来年度はできるだけ被災地に特化した予算を作りたい」との意向を表明した。政府は、被災地に必要な資金が行き渡るよう迅速に手当てすべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 10, 2012)
（2012年10月10日01時09分 読売新聞）
Aid to disaster-stricken areas must be given priority
復興予算「転用」 被災地支援が後回しでは困る（10月10日付・読売社説）
Fiscal allocations for the reconstruction of areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake have been used for projects not directly related to disaster-stricken areas.
東日本大震災の復興予算が、被災地の再建とはかけ離れた事業に使われている。
This diversion of funds cannot be ignored.
これでは、予算の「転用」であり、看過できない。
Under pressure from the Liberal Democratic Party at the House of Representatives Committee on Audit and Oversight of Administration, the Finance Ministry and other ministries listed projects under way. Many of the projects are suspected of not being essential to reconstruction.
自民党の追及を受け、財務省などが衆院決算行政監視委員会の関係議員に示した。その中には、「果たして復興関連なのか」と首をかしげたくなる事業が少なからず盛り込まれていた。
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry earmarked the cost for dealing with Sea Shepherd, an antiwhaling organization, as part of its reconstruction budget. Its reasoning is that unless antiwhaling protests can be halted, it will affect the reconstruction of Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, which has whale processing facilities.
農林水産省は、反捕鯨団体シー・シェパードへの対策費を計上した。抗議活動を阻止しなければ、鯨肉加工施設がある宮城県石巻市の再建に影響するとの理屈だ。
The Justice Ministry allocated funds for vocational training programs at prisons in Saitama Prefecture and elsewhere on the grounds that inmates may work in disaster-stricken areas after being released. This argument is hardly persuasive.
埼玉県などの刑務所での職業訓練費について、法務省は「出所者が被災地で働くかもしれない」としているが、説得力を欠く。
The Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry has provided a subsidy to a contact lens manufacturing plant in Gifu Prefecture because the plant procures materials from the disaster-stricken region.
被災地から材料を調達しているから、として岐阜県のコンタクトレンズ工場などへの経済産業省の補助金もあった。
===
Okada's lame excuse
Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada explained at a news conference that "because we had to compile a huge budget within a short period, we didn't have time to go into details."
岡田副総理は記者会見で、「短期間に大きな予算を組まなければならず、細部まで目が届かなかった」と釈明した。
Based on its basic reconstruction policy, the government originally estimated 19 trillion yen would be required for reconstruction in the first five years. A total of 18 trillion yen was allocated in the first to third supplementary budgets for fiscal 2011 and in the initial budget for fiscal 2012.
復興予算は、復興基本方針で、必要な費用を当初５年間で１９兆円と見積もり、２０１１年度１〜３次補正予算と１２年度当初予算で計１８兆円を計上した。
The budgets are aimed at decontaminating areas affected by the crippled Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, rebuilding infrastructure damaged by the earthquake-triggered tsunami and disposing of debris.
原発事故に伴う除染作業や津波被害で生じた社会資本の復旧、がれき処理などに充てられる。
Under the pretext of using tax hikes as a major resource to carry out reconstruction, the residential tax and income tax will be increased over 10- and 25-year periods, respectively.
主な財源は、１０〜２５年間に及ぶ住民税や所得税などの復興増税だ。
The government offices insisted on the validity of their budget allocations, arguing that the basic reconstruction policy includes such wording as "antidisaster measures will be carried out across the nation" and "reconstruction of the disaster-devastated areas will be impossible without revival of the national economy."
各府省は復興基本方針に「全国的に防災施策を行う」、「日本経済の再生なくして被災地の復興はない」といった文言があることから、予算の正当性を主張する。
It is true that measures also must be taken in other areas to prepare for disasters and prevent the hollowing out of industry.
確かに、被災地以外でも防災や産業空洞化対策は必要だ。
===
Significant delays
However, an anything-goes budget cannot be tolerated given the significant delays in the key reconstruction projects.
しかし、肝心の復興が大幅に遅れている中で、「何でもあり」のような予算は許されまい。
If government offices earmark spending even for projects that should be dealt with normally by the state budget because the reconstruction budget does not have a strict ceiling, it will invite a strong backlash from people who cooperated in the government's tax increase plans.
厳しい上限が設定されていない復興予算に目を付け、本来なら通常予算で対応すべき事業まで計上したのでは、増税に協力する国民から反発が強まるだろう。
On this matter, the LDP is calling for screening the projects although the Diet is not in session. The Diet must scrutinize whether the reconstruction budget is being used appropriately.
自民党はこの問題について、閉会中審査を求めている。復興予算が適切に使われているかどうか、国会は十分に精査すべきだ。
Implementation of the budget has been delayed in disaster-stricken areas. Only 60 percent of the 15 trillion yen earmarked for fiscal 2011 was used before the fiscal year ended on March 31, 2012. Concerns have been voiced about the differences between what is in the budget and what is needed.
被災地では予算執行が遅れている。１１年度分に計上した１５兆円のうち、年度内の消化は６割にとどまった。予算メニューとニーズの食い違いも指摘されている。
Tatsuo Hirano, state minister for disaster reconstruction, said, "We want to compile a budget for next fiscal year that will give priority to disaster-stricken areas." The government must make arrangements quickly so that the necessary funds can be allocated to these areas.
平野復興相は「来年度はできるだけ被災地に特化した予算を作りたい」との意向を表明した。政府は、被災地に必要な資金が行き渡るよう迅速に手当てすべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 10, 2012)
（2012年10月10日01時09分 読売新聞）
2012年10月11日
ノーベル賞 山中氏への支援体制を手厚く
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 10, 2012)
Beef up support for research of Nobel laureate Yamanaka
ノーベル賞 山中氏への支援体制を手厚く（10月9日付・読売社説）
Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
山中伸弥・京都大教授に、今年のノーベル生理学・医学賞が贈られることになった。
We offer our heartiest congratulations to him for winning this prestigious prize.
その栄誉を称(たた)え、心から喜びたい。
It is the first time in 25 years that a Japanese won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The only other Japanese laureate in this field was Susumu Tonegawa, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 1987.
日本人が生理学・医学賞を受賞するのは、１９８７年の利根川進博士以来、２５年ぶりである。
Yamanaka won the prize for developing a technology to reprogram somatic cells--a technology to return somatic cells such as skin cells to a state immediately after fertilization--the beginning of life. He was awarded the prize jointly with British scientist John Gurdon.
山中教授の授賞理由は、皮膚などの体細胞を、生命の始まりである受精直後の真っさらな状態に戻す「体細胞初期化」技術を開発したことだ。同じ分野の先達である英国のジョン・ガードン博士との共同受賞となる。
After fertilization, cells develop into specific cells of various tissues and organs as they grow and gradually age. Yamanaka's research reversed this process, which previously went in only one direction.
受精した細胞は、成長するにつれ、様々な組織や臓器の細胞に分化し、次第に老いてゆく。一方向にしか進まないこの過程を逆戻りさせたのが山中教授の研究だ。
It was an epoch-making achievement. Since Yamanaka announced results of his studies in 2006, his name has been at the top of the list of front-running Nobel candidates every year.
画期的な業績である。山中教授は、２００６年に成果を発表した後、毎年、ノーベル賞受賞者予想で筆頭に挙げられてきた。
===
Reprogramming cells
Yamanaka won the prize only six years after the announcement of his findings, probably due to the high expectations for the application of the technology in the medical field.
６年でのスピード受賞となったのは、医療への応用に高い期待があるからだろう。
Cells reprogrammed using Yamanaka's technology are called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. Organs and tissues damaged by diseases and injuries could theoretically be replaced with cells made from iPS cells. Such "regenerative medicine" is not just a dream anymore.
山中教授の技術で初期化された細胞は「ｉＰＳ細胞（新型万能細胞）」と呼ばれる。病気やケガで傷んだ臓器や組織を、ｉＰＳ細胞で作った細胞で置き換える「再生医療」も、もはや夢ではない。
For instance, the technology could be used to treat a patient paralyzed from the waist down due to a damaged spinal cord. Injecting nerve cells developed from iPS cells made from the patient's skin cells might regenerate his nerves and enable him to walk.
例えば、脊髄が損傷し下半身マヒとなった患者の治療だ。本人の皮膚細胞から作製したｉＰＳ細胞由来の神経細胞を注入すれば、拒絶反応なしに神経を再生でき、歩行が可能になるかもしれない。
Although Yamanaka's studies are still at the basic research stage, the technology has the potential to completely innovate medical technologies in the future.
まだ基礎研究ながら、将来的には医療を一新する可能性を秘めていると言えよう。
Kyoto University, where Yamanaka works, has obtained international patents on iPS cells as part of its efforts to stay at the top of research and development in this field.
山中教授の所属する京大は、ｉＰＳ細胞の作製法で国際特許も取得し、研究開発でトップを維持しようと努めている。
===
Japan lags other nations
However, the United States and some European countries, for instance, have jumped ahead in research aimed at actually putting the technology to practical use. Yamanaka has repeatedly sounded the alarm about this development, saying, "The United States and Europe are way ahead in terms of research funds and human resources."
しかし、実用化を目指す研究は欧米の方が先行している。山中教授は、「欧米は研究資金も人材もはるかに潤沢」と、繰り返し警鐘を鳴らしている。
In these nations, major pharmaceutical companies have been spending huge funds to advance iPS research. A shortage of researchers is not a problem for them.
欧米では、大手製薬企業が巨費を投じて研究を進めている。研究者の層も厚い。
Japan lags behind, not only in the field of iPS cells, but also in research systems for new drugs and treatment techniques.
これに対し日本では、ｉＰＳ細胞に限らず、新薬、新治療法の研究体制で後れを取っている。
Yamanaka's Nobel Prize success is a prime opportunity for the whole nation to reinforce efforts to energize research labs.
今回の受賞決定を契機に、国を挙げて、研究現場を活性化する取り組みを強化せねばならない。
Yamanaka's technology has also generated a new problem. Some observers have raised concerns that in research that fertilizes eggs with sperm, both created using iPS cell technology, a new life would be born through an abnormal reproduction process.
山中教授の技術は、新たな問題も生んでいる。精子や卵子を作って受精させる研究では、通常の生殖を経ない生命誕生になる、との懸念が指摘されている。
Consideration of this issue from a bioethics viewpoint should not be neglected.
生命倫理面での検討も、なおざりにはできない問題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 9, 2012)
（2012年10月9日01時27分 読売新聞）
Beef up support for research of Nobel laureate Yamanaka
ノーベル賞 山中氏への支援体制を手厚く（10月9日付・読売社説）
Kyoto University Prof. Shinya Yamanaka has been awarded the 2012 Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine.
山中伸弥・京都大教授に、今年のノーベル生理学・医学賞が贈られることになった。
We offer our heartiest congratulations to him for winning this prestigious prize.
その栄誉を称(たた)え、心から喜びたい。
It is the first time in 25 years that a Japanese won the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. The only other Japanese laureate in this field was Susumu Tonegawa, a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, in 1987.
日本人が生理学・医学賞を受賞するのは、１９８７年の利根川進博士以来、２５年ぶりである。
Yamanaka won the prize for developing a technology to reprogram somatic cells--a technology to return somatic cells such as skin cells to a state immediately after fertilization--the beginning of life. He was awarded the prize jointly with British scientist John Gurdon.
山中教授の授賞理由は、皮膚などの体細胞を、生命の始まりである受精直後の真っさらな状態に戻す「体細胞初期化」技術を開発したことだ。同じ分野の先達である英国のジョン・ガードン博士との共同受賞となる。
After fertilization, cells develop into specific cells of various tissues and organs as they grow and gradually age. Yamanaka's research reversed this process, which previously went in only one direction.
受精した細胞は、成長するにつれ、様々な組織や臓器の細胞に分化し、次第に老いてゆく。一方向にしか進まないこの過程を逆戻りさせたのが山中教授の研究だ。
It was an epoch-making achievement. Since Yamanaka announced results of his studies in 2006, his name has been at the top of the list of front-running Nobel candidates every year.
画期的な業績である。山中教授は、２００６年に成果を発表した後、毎年、ノーベル賞受賞者予想で筆頭に挙げられてきた。
===
Reprogramming cells
Yamanaka won the prize only six years after the announcement of his findings, probably due to the high expectations for the application of the technology in the medical field.
６年でのスピード受賞となったのは、医療への応用に高い期待があるからだろう。
Cells reprogrammed using Yamanaka's technology are called induced pluripotent stem cells, or iPS cells. Organs and tissues damaged by diseases and injuries could theoretically be replaced with cells made from iPS cells. Such "regenerative medicine" is not just a dream anymore.
山中教授の技術で初期化された細胞は「ｉＰＳ細胞（新型万能細胞）」と呼ばれる。病気やケガで傷んだ臓器や組織を、ｉＰＳ細胞で作った細胞で置き換える「再生医療」も、もはや夢ではない。
For instance, the technology could be used to treat a patient paralyzed from the waist down due to a damaged spinal cord. Injecting nerve cells developed from iPS cells made from the patient's skin cells might regenerate his nerves and enable him to walk.
例えば、脊髄が損傷し下半身マヒとなった患者の治療だ。本人の皮膚細胞から作製したｉＰＳ細胞由来の神経細胞を注入すれば、拒絶反応なしに神経を再生でき、歩行が可能になるかもしれない。
Although Yamanaka's studies are still at the basic research stage, the technology has the potential to completely innovate medical technologies in the future.
まだ基礎研究ながら、将来的には医療を一新する可能性を秘めていると言えよう。
Kyoto University, where Yamanaka works, has obtained international patents on iPS cells as part of its efforts to stay at the top of research and development in this field.
山中教授の所属する京大は、ｉＰＳ細胞の作製法で国際特許も取得し、研究開発でトップを維持しようと努めている。
===
Japan lags other nations
However, the United States and some European countries, for instance, have jumped ahead in research aimed at actually putting the technology to practical use. Yamanaka has repeatedly sounded the alarm about this development, saying, "The United States and Europe are way ahead in terms of research funds and human resources."
しかし、実用化を目指す研究は欧米の方が先行している。山中教授は、「欧米は研究資金も人材もはるかに潤沢」と、繰り返し警鐘を鳴らしている。
In these nations, major pharmaceutical companies have been spending huge funds to advance iPS research. A shortage of researchers is not a problem for them.
欧米では、大手製薬企業が巨費を投じて研究を進めている。研究者の層も厚い。
Japan lags behind, not only in the field of iPS cells, but also in research systems for new drugs and treatment techniques.
これに対し日本では、ｉＰＳ細胞に限らず、新薬、新治療法の研究体制で後れを取っている。
Yamanaka's Nobel Prize success is a prime opportunity for the whole nation to reinforce efforts to energize research labs.
今回の受賞決定を契機に、国を挙げて、研究現場を活性化する取り組みを強化せねばならない。
Yamanaka's technology has also generated a new problem. Some observers have raised concerns that in research that fertilizes eggs with sperm, both created using iPS cell technology, a new life would be born through an abnormal reproduction process.
山中教授の技術は、新たな問題も生んでいる。精子や卵子を作って受精させる研究では、通常の生殖を経ない生命誕生になる、との懸念が指摘されている。
Consideration of this issue from a bioethics viewpoint should not be neglected.
生命倫理面での検討も、なおざりにはできない問題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 9, 2012)
（2012年10月9日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012年10月10日
シニア消費 日本経済を牽引する団塊世代
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 9, 2012)
Baby boomers' consumption could be driving force for economy
シニア消費 日本経済を牽引する団塊世代（10月8日付・読売社説）
Consumption by elderly people has been picking up recently.
高齢者層の消費が活発だ。
We hope their purchasing power will give the nation's economy a shot in the arm.
この勢いを経済の活性化につなげたい。
Annual consumption by elderly people--mainly those aged 60 and older, including postwar baby boomers--topped 100 trillion yen for the first time in 2011. It accounted for 40 percent of domestic consumption.
団塊世代など６０歳以上を中心としたシニア層の消費は、２０１１年に初めて１００兆円を超え、国内消費の４割を占めた。
Monthly consumption expenditure per household whose head is aged 65 to 69 has been on an upward trend. The growth rate of expenditure for this age group is above the average for all demographics.
６５〜６９歳の１世帯当たりの月間消費支出も増加基調で、伸び率は全世代平均を上回っている。
After retiring, elderly people tend to withdraw savings they squirreled away while they were working to spend on products they need or want. In economics, this is known as the "life-cycle hypothesis" (LCH).
シニア層は、現役時代の貯蓄を引退後に取り崩して消費に回す傾向がある。経済学では「ライフサイクル仮説」として知られる。
In addition to this special characteristic, many baby boomers, who are happy to spend their money and have led their generation, started turning 65 this year. The baby boomers have apparently been adding momentum to unconventional patterns of consumption.
そうした特性だけでなく、消費意欲が旺盛で時代をリードしてきた団塊世代が６５歳を迎え、従来のパターンとは違う消費行動に弾みがついているのだろう。
===
Elderly population growing
The proportion of people 65 and older has reached 24 percent of the population. This figure is expected to top 30 percent in 2030. It is important to maintain the consumption trend of senior citizens as an engine supporting the economy.
人口に占める６５歳以上の割合は２４％に達し、３０年には３０％を超える見込みだ。景気を支えるエンジン役として、シニア消費を持続させることが重要と言える。
Already business activities targeting seniors with time and money on their hands, such as supermarkets that open early in the morning and around-the-world cruises, have become popular.
すでに、時間と経済にゆとりを持つ高齢者を狙ったスーパーの早朝開店や世界一周クルーズなどが人気を集めている。
However, many companies seem unable to shake off their traditional mindsets. Today's senior citizens are not all modest old folks. They are very active and quite a few are willing to splash out for things they feel are significant, even if they usually closely watch their pennies in everyday life.
しかし、多くの企業は従来の発想から抜け出せていないのではないか。今のシニア層は、控えめな高齢者に限らない。活動的で、日常の支出は抑えても、自分が有意義と感じるこだわりの消費には出費を惜しまぬ人が少なくない。
It is not only consumption of tangible objects that is thriving, but also courses at culture schools and music schools, such as piano lessons. This suggests elderly people value spending time or having experiences that provide psychological satisfaction.
モノの消費だけでなく、カルチャースクールや、ピアノなど音楽教室の盛況が示すように、心の満足を得る時間や体験を大切にする傾向がうかがえる。
They are enthusiastic about staying healthy and favor items that help slow the aging process, which has been a boon for sports clubs and cosmetics that keep them looking younger.
健康の維持やアンチエイジングへの関心が高く、スポーツクラブや若々しさを保つ化粧品などの人気も高まっている。
===
Think outside the box
Potential money-spinners can be found in areas that many businesspeople assume would appeal more to young people. For instance, many elderly men are interested in sports cars. Many are accustomed to using personal computers and smartphones. The Internet is a familiar part of their daily life. They could contribute to the expansion of e-commerce.
若者向けと考えがちな分野にも商機は広がる。スポーツカーに関心を持つシニア男性は多い。パソコンやスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）の扱いに慣れ、インターネットは身近な存在だ。電子商取引の拡大にも貢献しよう。
We hope every corporation will sniff out the needs of elderly people and use their wisdom to develop or provide innovative products and services as well as cultivate new markets.
各企業は、こうしたシニア層のニーズを掘り起こし、斬新な商品やサービスの提供、新市場の開拓に知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
When baby boomers turned 60 in 2007 through 2009, consumption did not pick up as much as expected. Factors behind this included growing concern over whether these baby boomers could keep working until they reached 65, and sluggish stock prices after the so-called Lehman shock.
団塊世代が６０歳に達した０７〜０９年は、期待されたほどには消費が盛り上がらなかった。リーマン・ショック後の株価低迷に加え、６５歳までの雇用確保への懸念が広がったことが要因とみられる。
The government must help erase elderly people's worries for the future by, for instance, implementing policies that will ensure social security systems can be stably maintained.
社会保障制度を安定的に維持するなど、将来の不安を解消する政策の後押しも必要だ。
If the willingness to spend among the elderly encourages greater consumption among working generations, the Japanese economy would undoubtedly have a bonanza.
シニア消費が牽引(けんいん)し、現役世代の消費も活発になれば、日本経済に好影響を及ぼすに違いない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 8, 2012)
（2012年10月8日01時27分 読売新聞）
Baby boomers' consumption could be driving force for economy
シニア消費 日本経済を牽引する団塊世代（10月8日付・読売社説）
Consumption by elderly people has been picking up recently.
高齢者層の消費が活発だ。
We hope their purchasing power will give the nation's economy a shot in the arm.
この勢いを経済の活性化につなげたい。
Annual consumption by elderly people--mainly those aged 60 and older, including postwar baby boomers--topped 100 trillion yen for the first time in 2011. It accounted for 40 percent of domestic consumption.
団塊世代など６０歳以上を中心としたシニア層の消費は、２０１１年に初めて１００兆円を超え、国内消費の４割を占めた。
Monthly consumption expenditure per household whose head is aged 65 to 69 has been on an upward trend. The growth rate of expenditure for this age group is above the average for all demographics.
６５〜６９歳の１世帯当たりの月間消費支出も増加基調で、伸び率は全世代平均を上回っている。
After retiring, elderly people tend to withdraw savings they squirreled away while they were working to spend on products they need or want. In economics, this is known as the "life-cycle hypothesis" (LCH).
シニア層は、現役時代の貯蓄を引退後に取り崩して消費に回す傾向がある。経済学では「ライフサイクル仮説」として知られる。
In addition to this special characteristic, many baby boomers, who are happy to spend their money and have led their generation, started turning 65 this year. The baby boomers have apparently been adding momentum to unconventional patterns of consumption.
そうした特性だけでなく、消費意欲が旺盛で時代をリードしてきた団塊世代が６５歳を迎え、従来のパターンとは違う消費行動に弾みがついているのだろう。
===
Elderly population growing
The proportion of people 65 and older has reached 24 percent of the population. This figure is expected to top 30 percent in 2030. It is important to maintain the consumption trend of senior citizens as an engine supporting the economy.
人口に占める６５歳以上の割合は２４％に達し、３０年には３０％を超える見込みだ。景気を支えるエンジン役として、シニア消費を持続させることが重要と言える。
Already business activities targeting seniors with time and money on their hands, such as supermarkets that open early in the morning and around-the-world cruises, have become popular.
すでに、時間と経済にゆとりを持つ高齢者を狙ったスーパーの早朝開店や世界一周クルーズなどが人気を集めている。
However, many companies seem unable to shake off their traditional mindsets. Today's senior citizens are not all modest old folks. They are very active and quite a few are willing to splash out for things they feel are significant, even if they usually closely watch their pennies in everyday life.
しかし、多くの企業は従来の発想から抜け出せていないのではないか。今のシニア層は、控えめな高齢者に限らない。活動的で、日常の支出は抑えても、自分が有意義と感じるこだわりの消費には出費を惜しまぬ人が少なくない。
It is not only consumption of tangible objects that is thriving, but also courses at culture schools and music schools, such as piano lessons. This suggests elderly people value spending time or having experiences that provide psychological satisfaction.
モノの消費だけでなく、カルチャースクールや、ピアノなど音楽教室の盛況が示すように、心の満足を得る時間や体験を大切にする傾向がうかがえる。
They are enthusiastic about staying healthy and favor items that help slow the aging process, which has been a boon for sports clubs and cosmetics that keep them looking younger.
健康の維持やアンチエイジングへの関心が高く、スポーツクラブや若々しさを保つ化粧品などの人気も高まっている。
===
Think outside the box
Potential money-spinners can be found in areas that many businesspeople assume would appeal more to young people. For instance, many elderly men are interested in sports cars. Many are accustomed to using personal computers and smartphones. The Internet is a familiar part of their daily life. They could contribute to the expansion of e-commerce.
若者向けと考えがちな分野にも商機は広がる。スポーツカーに関心を持つシニア男性は多い。パソコンやスマートフォン（高機能携帯電話）の扱いに慣れ、インターネットは身近な存在だ。電子商取引の拡大にも貢献しよう。
We hope every corporation will sniff out the needs of elderly people and use their wisdom to develop or provide innovative products and services as well as cultivate new markets.
各企業は、こうしたシニア層のニーズを掘り起こし、斬新な商品やサービスの提供、新市場の開拓に知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
When baby boomers turned 60 in 2007 through 2009, consumption did not pick up as much as expected. Factors behind this included growing concern over whether these baby boomers could keep working until they reached 65, and sluggish stock prices after the so-called Lehman shock.
団塊世代が６０歳に達した０７〜０９年は、期待されたほどには消費が盛り上がらなかった。リーマン・ショック後の株価低迷に加え、６５歳までの雇用確保への懸念が広がったことが要因とみられる。
The government must help erase elderly people's worries for the future by, for instance, implementing policies that will ensure social security systems can be stably maintained.
社会保障制度を安定的に維持するなど、将来の不安を解消する政策の後押しも必要だ。
If the willingness to spend among the elderly encourages greater consumption among working generations, the Japanese economy would undoubtedly have a bonanza.
シニア消費が牽引(けんいん)し、現役世代の消費も活発になれば、日本経済に好影響を及ぼすに違いない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 8, 2012)
（2012年10月8日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012年10月09日
首都高速道路 東京再生につながる改修を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 8, 2012)
Revamping Tokyo's expressways could give capital a boost
首都高速道路 東京再生につながる改修を（10月7日付・読売社説）
How should a large-scale renovation be undertaken on Tokyo's aging expressway system?
老朽化が進む首都高速道路の大規模改修をどう進めるか。
This is a crucial task that will affect disaster prevention preparations, redevelopment projects and distribution networks in the metropolitan area.
首都圏の防災や再開発、流通網にも影響する重要な課題だ。
An expert panel of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has compiled a package of recommendations that call for the elevated Inner Circular Route to be shifted underground and for other routes of the weblike network to be revamped. We can understand why the recommendations go further than simply proposing an upgrade of the expressways and instead urge that Tokyo's shutoko tollways be radically overhauled.
国土交通省の有識者会議が、都心環状線の地下移設やルート変更などを柱とする提言をまとめた。単なる設備更新にとどまらず、首都高の抜本再生を求めた点は理解できる。
We hope the ministry will launch studies with the Tokyo metropolitan government and Metropolitan Express Co., the operator of the network, about specifics of the envisioned changes.
国交省は東京都や首都高会社と具体策の検討に入ってほしい。
Tokyo's expressways extend across the capital and three neighboring prefectures, making the network a major transport artery for the entire national economy.
１都３県にまたがる首都高は、日本経済を支える大動脈だ。
===
Dangerous curves, junctions
This year marks the 50th year since the first section of the expressway system opened. About 30 percent of the network's 300 kilometers was built at least 40 years ago.
しかし、最初の区間が開通してから今年で５０年を迎え、総延長３００キロのうち３割は完成後４０年以上が経過した。
The expressways need repairs at nearly 100,000 locations, a threefold increase from seven years ago. Temporary fixes are approaching the limit of their usefulness.
補修が必要な損傷箇所は１０万近く、７年間で３倍に増えた。応急処置も限界だ。
To build as many expressways as possible in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, most were constructed above existing roads and waterways to avoid land procurement problems. The result is that 95 percent of expressways are elevated or in tunnels, making it an unusual network by global standards.
東京五輪に間に合わせるため、用地買収が不要な道路や水路の上の空間を利用した結果、全体の９５％が高架橋やトンネルという世界でも特異な道路となっている。
The ministry panel focused its discussions on the Inner Circular Route because it has many tight curves and hazardous junctions on roads threading their way through densely built-up areas. Traffic accidents and congestion occur frequently. In addition, making expressways more earthquake-resistant is urgently needed in preparation for an expected powerful epicentral quake with its focus below Tokyo.
有識者会議が都心環状線を問題視したのは、建物の間を縫う急カーブや無理な合流地点が多く、事故や渋滞が多発しているからだ。首都直下型地震に備えるため、耐震強化は急務だろう。
One of the panel's recommendations was to dismantle elevated sections that spoil Tokyo's landscape and hang ominously over areas and people below. This could be a good option for a new expressway system.
東京の景観を損ね、周囲に圧迫感を与えている高架橋を撤去し、地下化を進める案は選択肢になりうるのではないか。
The biggest problem, of course, will be coming up with the more than 4 trillion yen that would be needed for this massive project.
だが、最大の問題は、４兆円を超えるともされる巨額の建設費をどう確保するかである。
Considering the increasingly stringent government finances, the panel quite rightly pointed out that restructuring the expressways "should be funded not by counting on government money as much as possible, but instead mainly by toll revenues."
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、有識者会議が「税金に極力頼らず、料金収入を中心に対応すべきだ」と指摘したのは当然と言える。
===
Draw lessons from overseas
However, a large jump in tolls could earn the ire of expressway users. Harnessing private-sector funds as much as possible by such means as selling land that will become vacant in prime locations after elevated sections are dismantled should be scrutinized.
ただし、通行料金の大幅な値上げは、利用者の反発を招きかねない。高架の撤去後に空いた一等地の売却などで、できるだけ民間資金を活用する工夫が要る。
About 60 percent of vehicles that use the Inner Circular Route simply drive through the heart of Tokyo. This is a major cause of the chronic traffic jams, a situation that must be taken into account in remodeling the expressways.
都心環状線に流入する車の６割は通過するだけで、それが慢性的な渋滞の原因となっている現状も併せて改善したい。
Some observers argue that the Inner Circular Route could be done away with by improving routes that form a concentric pattern in outer areas of the Inner Circular Route, such as the Central Circular Route and Tokyo Outer Ring Road, or Gaikando.
首都圏の迂回(うかい)ルートとして、都心環状線の外側に同心円状に位置する中央環状線や、東京外郭環状道路の整備が進めば、都心環状線は不要だとする意見もある。
The reconstruction of expressways has rejuvenated the central part of many major cities, such as Seoul, Seattle, Duesseldorf and Paris. We hope these cities provide useful references for Tokyo's case.
世界では近年、ソウル、シアトル、デュッセルドルフ、パリなど都心部の高速道路改修を都市再生につなげた事例が多い。大いに参考にしてもらいたい。
The Tokyo metropolitan expressway system is not alone in nearing the end of its expected service life. Many roads, bridges and water and sewerage systems built by the central and local governments across the country during Japan's high-growth days also are becoming decrepit.
首都高に限らず、全国各地で高度成長期に国や自治体が整備した道路や橋、上下水道などが軒並み耐用年数を迎えている。
Renovating Tokyo's expressway network, if done successfully, could be a good model for upgrading aging infrastructure throughout the country.
首都高改修への取り組みは、老朽インフラ再生のモデルになるはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 7, 2012)
（2012年10月7日01時27分 読売新聞）
Revamping Tokyo's expressways could give capital a boost
首都高速道路 東京再生につながる改修を（10月7日付・読売社説）
How should a large-scale renovation be undertaken on Tokyo's aging expressway system?
老朽化が進む首都高速道路の大規模改修をどう進めるか。
This is a crucial task that will affect disaster prevention preparations, redevelopment projects and distribution networks in the metropolitan area.
首都圏の防災や再開発、流通網にも影響する重要な課題だ。
An expert panel of the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry has compiled a package of recommendations that call for the elevated Inner Circular Route to be shifted underground and for other routes of the weblike network to be revamped. We can understand why the recommendations go further than simply proposing an upgrade of the expressways and instead urge that Tokyo's shutoko tollways be radically overhauled.
国土交通省の有識者会議が、都心環状線の地下移設やルート変更などを柱とする提言をまとめた。単なる設備更新にとどまらず、首都高の抜本再生を求めた点は理解できる。
We hope the ministry will launch studies with the Tokyo metropolitan government and Metropolitan Express Co., the operator of the network, about specifics of the envisioned changes.
国交省は東京都や首都高会社と具体策の検討に入ってほしい。
Tokyo's expressways extend across the capital and three neighboring prefectures, making the network a major transport artery for the entire national economy.
１都３県にまたがる首都高は、日本経済を支える大動脈だ。
===
Dangerous curves, junctions
This year marks the 50th year since the first section of the expressway system opened. About 30 percent of the network's 300 kilometers was built at least 40 years ago.
しかし、最初の区間が開通してから今年で５０年を迎え、総延長３００キロのうち３割は完成後４０年以上が経過した。
The expressways need repairs at nearly 100,000 locations, a threefold increase from seven years ago. Temporary fixes are approaching the limit of their usefulness.
補修が必要な損傷箇所は１０万近く、７年間で３倍に増えた。応急処置も限界だ。
To build as many expressways as possible in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympic Games, most were constructed above existing roads and waterways to avoid land procurement problems. The result is that 95 percent of expressways are elevated or in tunnels, making it an unusual network by global standards.
東京五輪に間に合わせるため、用地買収が不要な道路や水路の上の空間を利用した結果、全体の９５％が高架橋やトンネルという世界でも特異な道路となっている。
The ministry panel focused its discussions on the Inner Circular Route because it has many tight curves and hazardous junctions on roads threading their way through densely built-up areas. Traffic accidents and congestion occur frequently. In addition, making expressways more earthquake-resistant is urgently needed in preparation for an expected powerful epicentral quake with its focus below Tokyo.
有識者会議が都心環状線を問題視したのは、建物の間を縫う急カーブや無理な合流地点が多く、事故や渋滞が多発しているからだ。首都直下型地震に備えるため、耐震強化は急務だろう。
One of the panel's recommendations was to dismantle elevated sections that spoil Tokyo's landscape and hang ominously over areas and people below. This could be a good option for a new expressway system.
東京の景観を損ね、周囲に圧迫感を与えている高架橋を撤去し、地下化を進める案は選択肢になりうるのではないか。
The biggest problem, of course, will be coming up with the more than 4 trillion yen that would be needed for this massive project.
だが、最大の問題は、４兆円を超えるともされる巨額の建設費をどう確保するかである。
Considering the increasingly stringent government finances, the panel quite rightly pointed out that restructuring the expressways "should be funded not by counting on government money as much as possible, but instead mainly by toll revenues."
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、有識者会議が「税金に極力頼らず、料金収入を中心に対応すべきだ」と指摘したのは当然と言える。
===
Draw lessons from overseas
However, a large jump in tolls could earn the ire of expressway users. Harnessing private-sector funds as much as possible by such means as selling land that will become vacant in prime locations after elevated sections are dismantled should be scrutinized.
ただし、通行料金の大幅な値上げは、利用者の反発を招きかねない。高架の撤去後に空いた一等地の売却などで、できるだけ民間資金を活用する工夫が要る。
About 60 percent of vehicles that use the Inner Circular Route simply drive through the heart of Tokyo. This is a major cause of the chronic traffic jams, a situation that must be taken into account in remodeling the expressways.
都心環状線に流入する車の６割は通過するだけで、それが慢性的な渋滞の原因となっている現状も併せて改善したい。
Some observers argue that the Inner Circular Route could be done away with by improving routes that form a concentric pattern in outer areas of the Inner Circular Route, such as the Central Circular Route and Tokyo Outer Ring Road, or Gaikando.
首都圏の迂回(うかい)ルートとして、都心環状線の外側に同心円状に位置する中央環状線や、東京外郭環状道路の整備が進めば、都心環状線は不要だとする意見もある。
The reconstruction of expressways has rejuvenated the central part of many major cities, such as Seoul, Seattle, Duesseldorf and Paris. We hope these cities provide useful references for Tokyo's case.
世界では近年、ソウル、シアトル、デュッセルドルフ、パリなど都心部の高速道路改修を都市再生につなげた事例が多い。大いに参考にしてもらいたい。
The Tokyo metropolitan expressway system is not alone in nearing the end of its expected service life. Many roads, bridges and water and sewerage systems built by the central and local governments across the country during Japan's high-growth days also are becoming decrepit.
首都高に限らず、全国各地で高度成長期に国や自治体が整備した道路や橋、上下水道などが軒並み耐用年数を迎えている。
Renovating Tokyo's expressway network, if done successfully, could be a good model for upgrading aging infrastructure throughout the country.
首都高改修への取り組みは、老朽インフラ再生のモデルになるはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 7, 2012)
（2012年10月7日01時27分 読売新聞）
2012年10月08日
不透明で不確実な時代を乗り切るために自然の力を利用いたしましょう バッチフラワーレメディ
日本はバブル崩壊後失われた20年を経験した後、少子高齢化も加わり、景気はますます低迷してきています。
私は団塊の世代に属する老人ですが、現役時代は、もっぱらアルコールの力を借りて困難を乗り切って来ました。
ですが、アルコールでのストレス解消は身体に負担が掛かり過ぎます。
退職後の私ですが、身体に負担がかからないようにストレス解消方式を転換致しました。
それは、バッチフラワーレメディ の常用なのです。
コンセプトは花の香りと自然界に存在する不思議な治癒力といったところです。
1日わずか数滴のレスキューレメディ が、心に平安をもたらしてくれますが、これは、お薬ではありませんので副作用もございません。
フラワーエッセンス には、まだ医学界でも解明されていない不思議な力が存在するのですね。
心の平和を見失っているあなたにお勧めいたします。
付録＾＾：
↓
バッチフラワー星占いのサイト
http://flower-remedy.jp/?mode=f13
私は双子座なのですが、占いの結果に気分を良くしております。
曰く、 今月のあなたはなぜか「モテモテ」といった運勢♪。
レビューブログからお知らせをいただきました。
秋の臨時国会 先送りは政権の責任放棄だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 7, 2012)
Govt must convene Diet swiftly and not abdicate responsibility
秋の臨時国会 先送りは政権の責任放棄だ（10月6日付・読売社説）
Moves are afoot that may lead to postponement of talks between the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the two major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as delay the convocation of an extraordinary Diet session that was scheduled for this autumn.
民主、自民、公明３党の党首会談と秋の臨時国会が先送りされるような動きが強まってきた。
This undoubtedly runs contrary to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's stated goal of realizing "politics capable of making resolute decisions."
野田首相が掲げる「決断する政治」に、明らかに逆行している。
The LDP's new president, Shinzo Abe, met Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi on Friday, and they agreed to pressure Noda to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election this year, based on the prime minister's pledge in August to do so "sometime soon."
自民党の安倍総裁と公明党の山口代表が会談し、「近いうち」の衆院解散・総選挙という首相の約束に基づき、「年内の解散」を要求する方針で一致した。
In the meeting, Yamaguchi said voting and vote counting for a general election should be completed no later than Dec. 9, a date he considered a "commonsense" time limit.
山口氏は１２月９日投開票が「常識的なリミット（期限）」と指摘した。
The heads of the two major opposition parties also confirmed they would press the prime minister in a meeting of the three parties' chiefs to clearly explain how he would pass a bill submitted by the government to enable the issuance of deficit-covering bonds.
両氏は、赤字国債発行を可能にする特例公債法案の成立への「解決策」を首相が３党首会談で示すよう求めることも確認した。
===
Govt, DPJ bear more blame
Noda's pledge to dissolve the lower house soon was part of the three-party agreement reached over comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems. We see the demand made by the LDP and Komeito for this pledge to be fulfilled as reasonable.
「近いうち」の解散は、社会保障と税の一体改革に関する民自公３党合意に含まれる。自公両党が履行を求めるのは理解できる。
A delay in passing the bond bill would force the government to cut back on spending called for in the state budget, which could adversely impact local government finances and people's lives. The opposition camp, therefore, should not make approval of the bond bill contingent on dissolving the lower house.
ただ、特例公債法案成立が遅れれば、政府予算の執行抑制により地方財政や国民生活に一層の悪影響を及ぼす。野党は、解散を法案成立の条件にすべきではない。
However, more problematic by far is how the government and the DPJ have dealt with these matters.
無論、より問題が大きいのは政府・民主党の対応である。
It should be noted that it was Noda's idea to hold a meeting of the leaders of the three parties, as he wanted to "reconfirm the three-party agreement" on social security and tax reform.
そもそも「一体改革の３党合意を再確認したい」と３党首会談を言い出したのは、野田首相だ。
However, the prime minister and his party have failed even to sound out the LDP and Komeito about the feasibility of a meeting of the heads of the three parties, despite a full week having passed since Abe became LDP president. We feel the DPJ sorely lacks the sense of responsibility required of a ruling party.
安倍氏の総裁選出後、既に１週間以上になるのに、会談の打診さえしていないのは、政権党の自覚を欠いているのではないか。
Moves by DPJ lawmakers to leave the party have continued even after the party's leadership election last month. If eight more DPJ Diet members were to bolt, the ruling bloc would lose its majority in the lower house.
民主党は代表選後も離党の動きが収まらない。あと８人が離党すれば与党全体でも衆院の過半数を割る。
The party also fears that if an extraordinary Diet session were convened without an agreement in place with the LDP and Komeito on key issues, the ruling camp would be unable to defeat a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet, thus forcing the prime minister to dissolve the lower house.
自公両党との合意もなしで臨時国会を開けば、内閣不信任決議案を否決できず、解散に追い込まれかねないとの懸念がある。
===
No excuse for procrastination
The revelation that a prefectural DPJ chapter headed by Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka received donations from a company run by a Taiwan national has dealt a fresh blow to the Noda administration.
田中法相が代表を務める党総支部が、在日台湾人の経営する会社から政治献金を受けていたことも政権への新たな打撃となった。
Earlier, the DPJ faced two similar scandals where political donations from foreign nationals, which are banned by the Political Funds Control Law, were accepted by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Seiji Maehara, the current state minister in charge of national policy.
民主党では、菅前首相や前原国家戦略相にも外国人献金が発覚している。
The fact that Tanaka was appointed to the Cabinet without sufficient investigation into whether he was free of such problems makes us question the DPJ's capacity to govern.
同様の問題がないか、事前に十分確認することなく、田中氏を入閣させたこと自体、党の統治能力に疑問符が付く。
The government choosing not to convene a Diet session for fear of being brought to task by the opposition over these issues would be a grave mistake in terms of priorities.
こうした問題などを追及されることを恐れて、国会を開かないというなら、本末転倒である。
No time must be wasted in passing the bill to allow deficit-covering bonds to be issued, as well as legislation to rectify vote-value disparities in lower house elections. These urgent political tasks must be accomplished through an extraordinary Diet session as early as possible.
特例公債法案や衆院選の「１票の格差」是正は、もはや先送りができない。早急に臨時国会を開き、優先的に処理すべきだ。
The Noda Cabinet should not be allowed to put off convening the Diet while trying to shift the blame for being unable to issue deficit-covering bonds to the opposition and asserting the lower house cannot be dissolved because of the "state of unconstitutionality" of the electoral system.
野田政権が国会召集を先延ばしする一方で、赤字国債が発行できない責任を野党に押しつけ、「違憲状態」では解散できないと主張するのは、許されない。
It is questionable whether any administration that fails to address policy matters and attempts to delay dissolution of the lower house is fit to survive.
政策に取り組まず、解散を遅らせることを目標とするような政権は、存在意義が問われる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 6, 2012)
（2012年10月6日01時06分 読売新聞）
Govt must convene Diet swiftly and not abdicate responsibility
秋の臨時国会 先送りは政権の責任放棄だ（10月6日付・読売社説）
Moves are afoot that may lead to postponement of talks between the leaders of the ruling Democratic Party of Japan and the two major opposition parties, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito, as well as delay the convocation of an extraordinary Diet session that was scheduled for this autumn.
民主、自民、公明３党の党首会談と秋の臨時国会が先送りされるような動きが強まってきた。
This undoubtedly runs contrary to Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's stated goal of realizing "politics capable of making resolute decisions."
野田首相が掲げる「決断する政治」に、明らかに逆行している。
The LDP's new president, Shinzo Abe, met Komeito chief Natsuo Yamaguchi on Friday, and they agreed to pressure Noda to dissolve the House of Representatives for a general election this year, based on the prime minister's pledge in August to do so "sometime soon."
自民党の安倍総裁と公明党の山口代表が会談し、「近いうち」の衆院解散・総選挙という首相の約束に基づき、「年内の解散」を要求する方針で一致した。
In the meeting, Yamaguchi said voting and vote counting for a general election should be completed no later than Dec. 9, a date he considered a "commonsense" time limit.
山口氏は１２月９日投開票が「常識的なリミット（期限）」と指摘した。
The heads of the two major opposition parties also confirmed they would press the prime minister in a meeting of the three parties' chiefs to clearly explain how he would pass a bill submitted by the government to enable the issuance of deficit-covering bonds.
両氏は、赤字国債発行を可能にする特例公債法案の成立への「解決策」を首相が３党首会談で示すよう求めることも確認した。
===
Govt, DPJ bear more blame
Noda's pledge to dissolve the lower house soon was part of the three-party agreement reached over comprehensive reform of the social security and tax systems. We see the demand made by the LDP and Komeito for this pledge to be fulfilled as reasonable.
「近いうち」の解散は、社会保障と税の一体改革に関する民自公３党合意に含まれる。自公両党が履行を求めるのは理解できる。
A delay in passing the bond bill would force the government to cut back on spending called for in the state budget, which could adversely impact local government finances and people's lives. The opposition camp, therefore, should not make approval of the bond bill contingent on dissolving the lower house.
ただ、特例公債法案成立が遅れれば、政府予算の執行抑制により地方財政や国民生活に一層の悪影響を及ぼす。野党は、解散を法案成立の条件にすべきではない。
However, more problematic by far is how the government and the DPJ have dealt with these matters.
無論、より問題が大きいのは政府・民主党の対応である。
It should be noted that it was Noda's idea to hold a meeting of the leaders of the three parties, as he wanted to "reconfirm the three-party agreement" on social security and tax reform.
そもそも「一体改革の３党合意を再確認したい」と３党首会談を言い出したのは、野田首相だ。
However, the prime minister and his party have failed even to sound out the LDP and Komeito about the feasibility of a meeting of the heads of the three parties, despite a full week having passed since Abe became LDP president. We feel the DPJ sorely lacks the sense of responsibility required of a ruling party.
安倍氏の総裁選出後、既に１週間以上になるのに、会談の打診さえしていないのは、政権党の自覚を欠いているのではないか。
Moves by DPJ lawmakers to leave the party have continued even after the party's leadership election last month. If eight more DPJ Diet members were to bolt, the ruling bloc would lose its majority in the lower house.
民主党は代表選後も離党の動きが収まらない。あと８人が離党すれば与党全体でも衆院の過半数を割る。
The party also fears that if an extraordinary Diet session were convened without an agreement in place with the LDP and Komeito on key issues, the ruling camp would be unable to defeat a no-confidence motion against the Cabinet, thus forcing the prime minister to dissolve the lower house.
自公両党との合意もなしで臨時国会を開けば、内閣不信任決議案を否決できず、解散に追い込まれかねないとの懸念がある。
===
No excuse for procrastination
The revelation that a prefectural DPJ chapter headed by Justice Minister Keishu Tanaka received donations from a company run by a Taiwan national has dealt a fresh blow to the Noda administration.
田中法相が代表を務める党総支部が、在日台湾人の経営する会社から政治献金を受けていたことも政権への新たな打撃となった。
Earlier, the DPJ faced two similar scandals where political donations from foreign nationals, which are banned by the Political Funds Control Law, were accepted by former Prime Minister Naoto Kan and Seiji Maehara, the current state minister in charge of national policy.
民主党では、菅前首相や前原国家戦略相にも外国人献金が発覚している。
The fact that Tanaka was appointed to the Cabinet without sufficient investigation into whether he was free of such problems makes us question the DPJ's capacity to govern.
同様の問題がないか、事前に十分確認することなく、田中氏を入閣させたこと自体、党の統治能力に疑問符が付く。
The government choosing not to convene a Diet session for fear of being brought to task by the opposition over these issues would be a grave mistake in terms of priorities.
こうした問題などを追及されることを恐れて、国会を開かないというなら、本末転倒である。
No time must be wasted in passing the bill to allow deficit-covering bonds to be issued, as well as legislation to rectify vote-value disparities in lower house elections. These urgent political tasks must be accomplished through an extraordinary Diet session as early as possible.
特例公債法案や衆院選の「１票の格差」是正は、もはや先送りができない。早急に臨時国会を開き、優先的に処理すべきだ。
The Noda Cabinet should not be allowed to put off convening the Diet while trying to shift the blame for being unable to issue deficit-covering bonds to the opposition and asserting the lower house cannot be dissolved because of the "state of unconstitutionality" of the electoral system.
野田政権が国会召集を先延ばしする一方で、赤字国債が発行できない責任を野党に押しつけ、「違憲状態」では解散できないと主張するのは、許されない。
It is questionable whether any administration that fails to address policy matters and attempts to delay dissolution of the lower house is fit to survive.
政策に取り組まず、解散を遅らせることを目標とするような政権は、存在意義が問われる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 6, 2012)
（2012年10月6日01時06分 読売新聞）
2012年10月07日
米大統領選討論 ロムニー善戦でオバマ守勢に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 6, 2012)
Romney's good fight put Obama on the defensive
米大統領選討論 ロムニー善戦でオバマ守勢に（10月5日付・読売社説）
Democratic incumbent U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had a face-to-face confrontation Wednesday in Denver in their first televised debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election to be held on Nov. 6.
１１月６日の米大統領選投開票に向け、民主党候補のオバマ大統領と共和党候補のロムニー前マサチューセッツ州知事が直接対決する、第１回テレビ討論会が行われた。
Presidential debates, three of which will be held this year, are important events that give voters a chance to evaluate the candidates based on aspects of how they look on TV, such as their expressions and demeanor, as well as what they debate.
計３回行われる討論会は、討論の中身は無論、表情や態度などテレビ映りの良さが有権者の判断材料となる重要なイベントだ。
The debates are critical for Romney to turn the tables on his rival as he sees the voters' support for him remain sluggish partly due to his own verbal lapses. As his approval ratings have been plummeting in closely contested states, there will be no hope for Romney to win the race if he fails in the debates.
自らの失言で支持率がなかなか伸びないロムニー氏にとって、劣勢を挽回する重要な機会である。激戦州で支持率が急落していただけに失敗すれば勝ち目はない。
In polls taken right after the debate, Romney appeared to be viewed as the winner, probably because his going aggressively on the offensive proved effective. It can be said the ultimate outcome of the race has become uncertain again.
終了直後の世論調査でロムニー氏に軍配が上がったのは、積極的に攻めに出たのが功を奏した結果だろう。選挙戦の行方は再び混沌(こんとん)としてきたと言える。
===
Romney was in his element
Economic and domestic issues, the focus of the first debate, were where Romney, who has succeeded as a corporate executive, is at his strongest.
第１回討論のテーマ「経済・内政」は、経営者として成功したロムニー氏の得意分野だった。
The U.S. economy is in a critical state. It has been unable to pull itself out of its slowdown, and the jobless rate remains high. No president has ever been reelected since the end of World War II with the jobless rate hovering in the 8-percent range.
米経済の状況は厳しい。景気減速から抜け出せず、失業率は高止まりしている。第２次世界大戦後、失業率８％台で再選された米大統領はいない。
The first debate proved advantageous for Romney as he criticized Obama's misadministration in the past four years, while Obama, aiming to be reelected, was forced onto the defensive.
４年間の「失政」を攻撃するロムニー氏には有利で、再選を目指すオバマ氏は防戦に追われた。
Both candidates are being tested as to how they would realize a robust economic recovery and whether each can present any effective prescriptions to that end. In the debate, the differences in their policies have come to light once again.
両候補に問われているのは、力強い景気回復をどう実現していくのか、実効性ある処方箋を示すことである。討論では、政策の違いが改めて浮かび上がった。
Obama's stance attaches great importance to the role of the federal government in creating jobs. He put forward his cherished ideas, such as tax cuts for middle-income taxpayers; the rehiring of former teachers; investment in schools, roads and other public infrastructure; and expanded use of renewable energy.
オバマ氏は、雇用を創出するため、連邦政府の役割を重視する立場だ。中間所得層向け減税、教員の再雇用、学校や道路など公共投資、再生エネルギーの拡大などの持論を展開した。
Romney criticized Obama's budget policies as fiscal expansion, while emphasizing the need to enhance the private sector's vitality by making sizable tax cuts, including ones for upper-income households, and deregulation. He also renewed his public pledges to promote the nation's energy independence and create 12 million jobs.
ロムニー氏は財政膨張だと批判し、富裕層を含む大幅減税と規制撤廃で民間の活力を高める必要性を強調した。エネルギー自給の推進や１２００万人の雇用創出を改めて公約した。
===
Details needed on both sides
How can financial resources be secured? Or how can such a large-scale job creation be realized without economic stimulus measures through more government spending? In the economic stimulus measures put forward by the two candidates, there are more than a few that need to be worked out in detail.
財源をどう確保するのか。財政出動による景気刺激策なしに大規模な雇用を創出できるのか。両候補の景気浮揚策には、詰めるべき点が少なくない。
U.S. fiscal deficits have topped the 1 trillion dollars mark for four fiscal years in a row. The challenge of putting the fiscal house in order is an important task on which no time can be wasted.
財政赤字は、４年続けて１兆ドルを超えている。財政再建は待ったなしの重要な課題だ。
In his budget-cutting plan to trim the deficit, Obama does not treat national defense spending as an exception. But Romney opposes cuts in such spending. How will fiscal rehabilitation affect future U.S. military strategy, which attaches importance to Asia? This is also an issue that is related to the national security of Japan.
そのために必要な歳出削減で、オバマ氏は国防費も例外扱いにしないが、ロムニー氏は反対だ。財政再建が今後、アジアを重視する米国の軍事戦略にどう影響してくるのか。日本の安全保障にもかかわる問題である。
Diplomatic issues will be one of the topics covered in the second and third debates. U.S. policy toward China will probably become a major issue. We would like to pay close attention to how the debates turn out, as they may decide which side will win in the closely contested presidential race.
２回目、３回目の討論では外交もテーマとなる。対中政策が大きな争点となろう。接戦の帰趨(きすう)を決める論戦の行方を注視したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 5, 2012)
（2012年10月5日01時15分 読売新聞）
Romney's good fight put Obama on the defensive
米大統領選討論 ロムニー善戦でオバマ守勢に（10月5日付・読売社説）
Democratic incumbent U.S. President Barack Obama and Republican nominee and former Massachusetts Gov. Mitt Romney had a face-to-face confrontation Wednesday in Denver in their first televised debate ahead of the U.S. presidential election to be held on Nov. 6.
１１月６日の米大統領選投開票に向け、民主党候補のオバマ大統領と共和党候補のロムニー前マサチューセッツ州知事が直接対決する、第１回テレビ討論会が行われた。
Presidential debates, three of which will be held this year, are important events that give voters a chance to evaluate the candidates based on aspects of how they look on TV, such as their expressions and demeanor, as well as what they debate.
計３回行われる討論会は、討論の中身は無論、表情や態度などテレビ映りの良さが有権者の判断材料となる重要なイベントだ。
The debates are critical for Romney to turn the tables on his rival as he sees the voters' support for him remain sluggish partly due to his own verbal lapses. As his approval ratings have been plummeting in closely contested states, there will be no hope for Romney to win the race if he fails in the debates.
自らの失言で支持率がなかなか伸びないロムニー氏にとって、劣勢を挽回する重要な機会である。激戦州で支持率が急落していただけに失敗すれば勝ち目はない。
In polls taken right after the debate, Romney appeared to be viewed as the winner, probably because his going aggressively on the offensive proved effective. It can be said the ultimate outcome of the race has become uncertain again.
終了直後の世論調査でロムニー氏に軍配が上がったのは、積極的に攻めに出たのが功を奏した結果だろう。選挙戦の行方は再び混沌(こんとん)としてきたと言える。
===
Romney was in his element
Economic and domestic issues, the focus of the first debate, were where Romney, who has succeeded as a corporate executive, is at his strongest.
第１回討論のテーマ「経済・内政」は、経営者として成功したロムニー氏の得意分野だった。
The U.S. economy is in a critical state. It has been unable to pull itself out of its slowdown, and the jobless rate remains high. No president has ever been reelected since the end of World War II with the jobless rate hovering in the 8-percent range.
米経済の状況は厳しい。景気減速から抜け出せず、失業率は高止まりしている。第２次世界大戦後、失業率８％台で再選された米大統領はいない。
The first debate proved advantageous for Romney as he criticized Obama's misadministration in the past four years, while Obama, aiming to be reelected, was forced onto the defensive.
４年間の「失政」を攻撃するロムニー氏には有利で、再選を目指すオバマ氏は防戦に追われた。
Both candidates are being tested as to how they would realize a robust economic recovery and whether each can present any effective prescriptions to that end. In the debate, the differences in their policies have come to light once again.
両候補に問われているのは、力強い景気回復をどう実現していくのか、実効性ある処方箋を示すことである。討論では、政策の違いが改めて浮かび上がった。
Obama's stance attaches great importance to the role of the federal government in creating jobs. He put forward his cherished ideas, such as tax cuts for middle-income taxpayers; the rehiring of former teachers; investment in schools, roads and other public infrastructure; and expanded use of renewable energy.
オバマ氏は、雇用を創出するため、連邦政府の役割を重視する立場だ。中間所得層向け減税、教員の再雇用、学校や道路など公共投資、再生エネルギーの拡大などの持論を展開した。
Romney criticized Obama's budget policies as fiscal expansion, while emphasizing the need to enhance the private sector's vitality by making sizable tax cuts, including ones for upper-income households, and deregulation. He also renewed his public pledges to promote the nation's energy independence and create 12 million jobs.
ロムニー氏は財政膨張だと批判し、富裕層を含む大幅減税と規制撤廃で民間の活力を高める必要性を強調した。エネルギー自給の推進や１２００万人の雇用創出を改めて公約した。
===
Details needed on both sides
How can financial resources be secured? Or how can such a large-scale job creation be realized without economic stimulus measures through more government spending? In the economic stimulus measures put forward by the two candidates, there are more than a few that need to be worked out in detail.
財源をどう確保するのか。財政出動による景気刺激策なしに大規模な雇用を創出できるのか。両候補の景気浮揚策には、詰めるべき点が少なくない。
U.S. fiscal deficits have topped the 1 trillion dollars mark for four fiscal years in a row. The challenge of putting the fiscal house in order is an important task on which no time can be wasted.
財政赤字は、４年続けて１兆ドルを超えている。財政再建は待ったなしの重要な課題だ。
In his budget-cutting plan to trim the deficit, Obama does not treat national defense spending as an exception. But Romney opposes cuts in such spending. How will fiscal rehabilitation affect future U.S. military strategy, which attaches importance to Asia? This is also an issue that is related to the national security of Japan.
そのために必要な歳出削減で、オバマ氏は国防費も例外扱いにしないが、ロムニー氏は反対だ。財政再建が今後、アジアを重視する米国の軍事戦略にどう影響してくるのか。日本の安全保障にもかかわる問題である。
Diplomatic issues will be one of the topics covered in the second and third debates. U.S. policy toward China will probably become a major issue. We would like to pay close attention to how the debates turn out, as they may decide which side will win in the closely contested presidential race.
２回目、３回目の討論では外交もテーマとなる。対中政策が大きな争点となろう。接戦の帰趨(きすう)を決める論戦の行方を注視したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 5, 2012)
（2012年10月5日01時15分 読売新聞）
2012年10月06日
生活保護改革 自立促す就労支援に本腰を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 5, 2012)
Govt must do more to help welfare recipients find jobs
生活保護改革 自立促す就労支援に本腰を（10月4日付・読売社説）
The number of people receiving welfare benefits in Japan has reached a new record of 2.11 million, and they are expected to receive a total of 3.7 trillion yen this fiscal year.
生活保護の受給者は、２１１万人と過去最多を更新し、今年度の給付額は３兆７０００億円にのぼると見込まれる。
The government must knuckle down to help people who need financial help become self-reliant.
政府は、生活困窮者の自立支援に本腰を入れるべきだ。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has drafted a set of measures to help people who need financial help. The measures--the first of their kind--focus on job assistance. The ministry plans to compile a livelihood support strategy by the end of this year and submit related bills during an ordinary Diet session next year.
厚生労働省は、就労支援に力点を置いた初の生活困窮者政策案をまとめた。年内に「生活支援戦略」として策定し、来年の通常国会で関連法案を提出する方針だ。
About 300,000 welfare recipients are working-age people who have no jobs despite being capable of working. The proportion of such recipients has more than doubled over the past decade.
生活保護受給者の中には、働けるにもかかわらず、職のない現役世代が約３０万人いる。受給者に占める割合は、過去１０年で２倍以上に増えた。
This is apparently the result of the nation's prolonged economic malaise. An increase in the number of nonregular employees who have no employment insurance has become a major contributing factor to this trend.
背景には、景気低迷の長期化がうかがえる。雇用保険に未加入の非正規雇用者が増えたことの影響が大きいと言えよう。
According to the draft, the ministry would provide welfare recipients with opportunities to try light work in collaboration with local governments, companies and other organizations. This aims to help them restore their life rhythm, thus encouraging them to secure stable jobs.
厚労省案では、自治体や企業などと連携して、軽作業の労働体験の場を提供する。生活リズムを取り戻させて、安定的な就労につなげる狙いがある。
===
Rent assistance needed
The draft also proposes a scheme under which a portion of income a welfare recipient earns from work would be accumulated and given in a lump sum when they get off welfare.
生活保護受給中に就労で得た収入の一部を積み立て、保護から脱した時にまとめて受け取る制度も提案した。
It calls for establishing such a framework because welfare recipients have their benefits reduced if they have an income.
現在は、収入があると保護費が削られるからだ。
We believe it is crucial to introduce measures like this one that motivate welfare recipients to join the workforce.
こうした勤労意欲を促進する仕組みの導入は欠かせない。
It also is important to help them find places to live. The draft calls for providing in-kind benefits by having local governments pay their rent to landlords.
住居の確保も重要な支援である。家賃は、自治体が直接払う現物給付とする方向だ。
This would encourage landlords to rent rooms to welfare recipients because they would no longer have to worry about nonpayment of rent.
家賃滞納の恐れがなくなり、大家が安心して貸すことが期待できよう。
While encouraging welfare recipients to help themselves, it is also important to prevent low-income earners from reaching the point where they require welfare benefits.
受給者の自立を促す一方で、低所得者が生活保護受給に至らないよう支援することが大切だ。
There have been reports that 25 percent of welfare recipients had parents who also received benefits. They must be helped to break the chain of poverty being passed from parents to children.
生活保護受給者の２５％は、その親も受給していたとの報告がある。親から子への「貧困の連鎖」を断ち切らねばならない。
Many of these recipients graduated only from middle school or dropped out of high school.
This clearly shows that people from families receiving welfare benefits often have fewer education opportunities than people from households not on welfare.
中卒、高校中退の人も多く、一般家庭との教育格差は否めない。
The nation's small public expenditure on education has been blamed as a major factor for this trend.
教育への公的支出が少ないことが一つの要因とも指摘される。
===
Families also have responsibility
The ministry draft calls for providing learning support to children from households receiving welfare benefits, such as collaborating with the private sector to offer remedial classes to meet the needs of their families and local communities.
厚労省案によると、民間との連携で、家庭や地域の事情に応じて補習塾を開くなど、子どもたちの学習を支援する。
It is natural that relatives should be asked to explain why they do not support a family member facing financial difficulties even though they have a duty to do so. Even the mother of a popular comedian was recently found to have received welfare benefits.
お笑いタレントの母親が生活保護を受けていた問題もあり、扶養義務のある親族が扶養を断った際には、その理由の説明を求めることにしたのは当然だ。
Of course, it is also necessary to ensure people do not illegally receive welfare benefits.
無論、生活保護費の不正受給対策も徹底する必要がある。
Nevertheless, the elderly are the fastest growing group among welfare recipients due to the rapid graying of society and an increasing number of senior citizens who receive low pensions.
ただ、受給者のうち、最も増えているのは高齢者だ。急速な高齢化と、低年金者の増加による。
People who receive only basic pension payments have to get by on just 49,000 yen per month on average.
基礎年金だけの受給者は、平均額が月４万９０００円に過ぎない。
Reforming the welfare system should be conducted comprehensively along with overhauls in other fields, including employment, education and pensions.
生活保護制度の改革は雇用、教育、年金などの分野も合わせて包括的に進めなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 4, 2012)
（2012年10月4日01時39分 読売新聞）
Govt must do more to help welfare recipients find jobs
生活保護改革 自立促す就労支援に本腰を（10月4日付・読売社説）
The number of people receiving welfare benefits in Japan has reached a new record of 2.11 million, and they are expected to receive a total of 3.7 trillion yen this fiscal year.
生活保護の受給者は、２１１万人と過去最多を更新し、今年度の給付額は３兆７０００億円にのぼると見込まれる。
The government must knuckle down to help people who need financial help become self-reliant.
政府は、生活困窮者の自立支援に本腰を入れるべきだ。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry has drafted a set of measures to help people who need financial help. The measures--the first of their kind--focus on job assistance. The ministry plans to compile a livelihood support strategy by the end of this year and submit related bills during an ordinary Diet session next year.
厚生労働省は、就労支援に力点を置いた初の生活困窮者政策案をまとめた。年内に「生活支援戦略」として策定し、来年の通常国会で関連法案を提出する方針だ。
About 300,000 welfare recipients are working-age people who have no jobs despite being capable of working. The proportion of such recipients has more than doubled over the past decade.
生活保護受給者の中には、働けるにもかかわらず、職のない現役世代が約３０万人いる。受給者に占める割合は、過去１０年で２倍以上に増えた。
This is apparently the result of the nation's prolonged economic malaise. An increase in the number of nonregular employees who have no employment insurance has become a major contributing factor to this trend.
背景には、景気低迷の長期化がうかがえる。雇用保険に未加入の非正規雇用者が増えたことの影響が大きいと言えよう。
According to the draft, the ministry would provide welfare recipients with opportunities to try light work in collaboration with local governments, companies and other organizations. This aims to help them restore their life rhythm, thus encouraging them to secure stable jobs.
厚労省案では、自治体や企業などと連携して、軽作業の労働体験の場を提供する。生活リズムを取り戻させて、安定的な就労につなげる狙いがある。
===
Rent assistance needed
The draft also proposes a scheme under which a portion of income a welfare recipient earns from work would be accumulated and given in a lump sum when they get off welfare.
生活保護受給中に就労で得た収入の一部を積み立て、保護から脱した時にまとめて受け取る制度も提案した。
It calls for establishing such a framework because welfare recipients have their benefits reduced if they have an income.
現在は、収入があると保護費が削られるからだ。
We believe it is crucial to introduce measures like this one that motivate welfare recipients to join the workforce.
こうした勤労意欲を促進する仕組みの導入は欠かせない。
It also is important to help them find places to live. The draft calls for providing in-kind benefits by having local governments pay their rent to landlords.
住居の確保も重要な支援である。家賃は、自治体が直接払う現物給付とする方向だ。
This would encourage landlords to rent rooms to welfare recipients because they would no longer have to worry about nonpayment of rent.
家賃滞納の恐れがなくなり、大家が安心して貸すことが期待できよう。
While encouraging welfare recipients to help themselves, it is also important to prevent low-income earners from reaching the point where they require welfare benefits.
受給者の自立を促す一方で、低所得者が生活保護受給に至らないよう支援することが大切だ。
There have been reports that 25 percent of welfare recipients had parents who also received benefits. They must be helped to break the chain of poverty being passed from parents to children.
生活保護受給者の２５％は、その親も受給していたとの報告がある。親から子への「貧困の連鎖」を断ち切らねばならない。
Many of these recipients graduated only from middle school or dropped out of high school.
This clearly shows that people from families receiving welfare benefits often have fewer education opportunities than people from households not on welfare.
中卒、高校中退の人も多く、一般家庭との教育格差は否めない。
The nation's small public expenditure on education has been blamed as a major factor for this trend.
教育への公的支出が少ないことが一つの要因とも指摘される。
===
Families also have responsibility
The ministry draft calls for providing learning support to children from households receiving welfare benefits, such as collaborating with the private sector to offer remedial classes to meet the needs of their families and local communities.
厚労省案によると、民間との連携で、家庭や地域の事情に応じて補習塾を開くなど、子どもたちの学習を支援する。
It is natural that relatives should be asked to explain why they do not support a family member facing financial difficulties even though they have a duty to do so. Even the mother of a popular comedian was recently found to have received welfare benefits.
お笑いタレントの母親が生活保護を受けていた問題もあり、扶養義務のある親族が扶養を断った際には、その理由の説明を求めることにしたのは当然だ。
Of course, it is also necessary to ensure people do not illegally receive welfare benefits.
無論、生活保護費の不正受給対策も徹底する必要がある。
Nevertheless, the elderly are the fastest growing group among welfare recipients due to the rapid graying of society and an increasing number of senior citizens who receive low pensions.
ただ、受給者のうち、最も増えているのは高齢者だ。急速な高齢化と、低年金者の増加による。
People who receive only basic pension payments have to get by on just 49,000 yen per month on average.
基礎年金だけの受給者は、平均額が月４万９０００円に過ぎない。
Reforming the welfare system should be conducted comprehensively along with overhauls in other fields, including employment, education and pensions.
生活保護制度の改革は雇用、教育、年金などの分野も合わせて包括的に進めなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 4, 2012)
（2012年10月4日01時39分 読売新聞）
2012年10月05日
「尖閣」外交 領有の正当性示す広報戦略を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 4, 2012)
Govt should counter China's propaganda on Senkakus
「尖閣」外交 領有の正当性示す広報戦略を（10月3日付・読売社説）
China's propaganda campaign over the Senkaku Islands has run rampant, conveying false and improper messages to the world.
尖閣諸島に関して不当な主張を展開する中国の攻勢が激しい。
The Japanese government should counter China's campaign by demonstrating the legitimacy of Japan's territorial claim on the islands to the international community.
政府は、日本の領有権の正当性を国際社会に訴えて対抗すべきだ。
The newly reshuffled Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has approved the government's basic policy over the Senkaku Islands, which stipulated that the government will "fulfill its duties of defending the nation's land and territorial waters, including isolated islands, in accordance with international law."
野田内閣は改造に合わせ、「離島を含む領土・領海を守る責務を国際法に則(のっと)って果たす」との基本方針を閣議決定した。
The government should redouble its efforts to tell the world that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan's territory.
尖閣諸島が日本固有の領土であることを一層アピールしなければならない。
This is necessary to cope with China's tactics over the islands--on top of flexing its muscles by sending surveillance ships to the waters around the islands, it has also been striving to control the direction of international public opinion. China has launched a propaganda campaign against Japan in the United States and Europe, such as by running ads in major U.S. newspapers claiming that the islands "belong to China."
中国が、監視船を尖閣諸島周辺海域に送り込んで示威行動を続けるだけでなく、「情報戦」にも力を入れているからだ。例えば、尖閣諸島は「中国のものだ」との広告を米主要紙に掲載するなど、欧米での宣伝工作に乗り出した。
===
Don't let China get the upper hand
Japan has maintained a consistent stance over the issue that "there is no territorial dispute over the islands" based on the facts that the nation's territorial rights over the islands have already been established under international law and Japan has effective control over the islands.
政府は尖閣諸島について、国際法上、日本の領有権は確立し、実効支配もしていることから、「領土問題は一切存在しない」との立場を一貫して取っている。
Of course, there is no need for the government to change this policy, but if the nation continues ignoring China's claims, those claims may spread across the world. At a recent press conference, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said, "The nation's stance [over the islands] will remain unchanged, but we need to present our stance to the international community in an easy-to-understand manner."
We regard Gemba's remarks as appropriate.
無論、その立場は堅持すべきだが、超然と構えるだけでは中国の言い分が広がりかねない。玄葉外相は記者会見で「わが国の立場は変わらないが、国際社会に分かりやすく訴える必要がある」との認識を示した。もっともである。
The home page of the Foreign Ministry's website has a new banner labeled "Japan-China relations: Current situation of the Senkaku Islands," which links directly to a page explaining its view on the islands. For next fiscal year, the ministry has requested about 600 million yen for public relations, investigation and research over the nation's territorial integrity, including such work for the Senkaku Islands.
外務省はホームページに「日中関係（尖閣諸島をめぐる情勢）」と題したバナーを新設した。来年度概算要求にも尖閣諸島を含む領土保全のための情報発信や調査研究などに約６億円計上した。
It is essential for the nation to conduct public relations activities tenaciously and with a clear strategic vision.
粘り強く戦略的な対外広報活動を続けることが肝要である。
It is also important to swiftly respond to China's actions at diplomatic events.
外交の場で迅速かつ適切に対処することも欠かせない。
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi recently made remarks on the Senkaku Islands at the U.N. General Assembly. He claimed that Japan "stole" the islands in 1895 at the end of the Sino-Japanese War, and forced the Chinese government to sign an unequal treaty to cede the islands.
先の国連総会で、中国の楊潔チ(ヤンジエチー)外相は尖閣諸島について、「１８９５年、日本は日清戦争の末期に盗み取り、不平等条約で割譲させた」と訴えた。
Yang's remarks were a distortion of historical facts. It was totally appropriate for Kazuo Kodama, Japan's deputy U.N. ambassador, to exercise Japan's right to reply in General Assembly debate.
歴史的事実を歪曲(わいきょく)した発言であり、日本の児玉和夫国連次席大使が直ちに反論したのは当然だ。
===
China's claims distort history
Based on international law, the Japanese government incorporated the Senkaku Islands into Japan's territory in January 1895 after confirming that the islands were not under Chinese control. The islands were thus clearly Japanese territory when the two nations signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the Sino-Japanese War, in April that year. Kodama explained the facts to the assembly and concluded that China's claims were untenable.
日本は９５年１月、国際法に沿って、尖閣諸島に中国の支配が及んでいないことを確認し、領土に編入した。この手続きは、日清戦争を終結させた同年４月の下関条約の調印前であり、「中国の主張は成り立たない」と強調した。
It was only since the 1970s that the Chinese government began claiming territorial sovereignty over the islands, after the existence of an oil deposit was confirmed beneath the nearby seafloor. Before then, Beijing had never objected to Japan's possession of the Senkaku Islands. This fact clearly supports Japan's claims.
中国が尖閣諸島の領有権を唱え始めたのは周辺海域で石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７０年代だ。それ以前、中国は日本の尖閣領有に異議を一切唱えていない。日本の主張を補強する材料と言える。
The Chinese government has demanded that Japan admit the existence of a territorial dispute over the islands and settle it through dialogue.
中国は日本に対し、領土問題の存在を認め、「対話を通した問題解決」をするよう迫っている。
It is important for Japan to have discussions with China to improve the strained relations with the country. However, efforts to advance discussions must never undermine Japan's stance over sovereignty.
日中関係改善のための協議は大切だが、主権に関する日本の立場が揺らいではならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2012)
（2012年10月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
Govt should counter China's propaganda on Senkakus
「尖閣」外交 領有の正当性示す広報戦略を（10月3日付・読売社説）
China's propaganda campaign over the Senkaku Islands has run rampant, conveying false and improper messages to the world.
尖閣諸島に関して不当な主張を展開する中国の攻勢が激しい。
The Japanese government should counter China's campaign by demonstrating the legitimacy of Japan's territorial claim on the islands to the international community.
政府は、日本の領有権の正当性を国際社会に訴えて対抗すべきだ。
The newly reshuffled Cabinet of Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has approved the government's basic policy over the Senkaku Islands, which stipulated that the government will "fulfill its duties of defending the nation's land and territorial waters, including isolated islands, in accordance with international law."
野田内閣は改造に合わせ、「離島を含む領土・領海を守る責務を国際法に則(のっと)って果たす」との基本方針を閣議決定した。
The government should redouble its efforts to tell the world that the Senkaku Islands are an integral part of Japan's territory.
尖閣諸島が日本固有の領土であることを一層アピールしなければならない。
This is necessary to cope with China's tactics over the islands--on top of flexing its muscles by sending surveillance ships to the waters around the islands, it has also been striving to control the direction of international public opinion. China has launched a propaganda campaign against Japan in the United States and Europe, such as by running ads in major U.S. newspapers claiming that the islands "belong to China."
中国が、監視船を尖閣諸島周辺海域に送り込んで示威行動を続けるだけでなく、「情報戦」にも力を入れているからだ。例えば、尖閣諸島は「中国のものだ」との広告を米主要紙に掲載するなど、欧米での宣伝工作に乗り出した。
===
Don't let China get the upper hand
Japan has maintained a consistent stance over the issue that "there is no territorial dispute over the islands" based on the facts that the nation's territorial rights over the islands have already been established under international law and Japan has effective control over the islands.
政府は尖閣諸島について、国際法上、日本の領有権は確立し、実効支配もしていることから、「領土問題は一切存在しない」との立場を一貫して取っている。
Of course, there is no need for the government to change this policy, but if the nation continues ignoring China's claims, those claims may spread across the world. At a recent press conference, Foreign Minister Koichiro Gemba said, "The nation's stance [over the islands] will remain unchanged, but we need to present our stance to the international community in an easy-to-understand manner."
We regard Gemba's remarks as appropriate.
無論、その立場は堅持すべきだが、超然と構えるだけでは中国の言い分が広がりかねない。玄葉外相は記者会見で「わが国の立場は変わらないが、国際社会に分かりやすく訴える必要がある」との認識を示した。もっともである。
The home page of the Foreign Ministry's website has a new banner labeled "Japan-China relations: Current situation of the Senkaku Islands," which links directly to a page explaining its view on the islands. For next fiscal year, the ministry has requested about 600 million yen for public relations, investigation and research over the nation's territorial integrity, including such work for the Senkaku Islands.
外務省はホームページに「日中関係（尖閣諸島をめぐる情勢）」と題したバナーを新設した。来年度概算要求にも尖閣諸島を含む領土保全のための情報発信や調査研究などに約６億円計上した。
It is essential for the nation to conduct public relations activities tenaciously and with a clear strategic vision.
粘り強く戦略的な対外広報活動を続けることが肝要である。
It is also important to swiftly respond to China's actions at diplomatic events.
外交の場で迅速かつ適切に対処することも欠かせない。
Chinese Foreign Minister Yang Jiechi recently made remarks on the Senkaku Islands at the U.N. General Assembly. He claimed that Japan "stole" the islands in 1895 at the end of the Sino-Japanese War, and forced the Chinese government to sign an unequal treaty to cede the islands.
先の国連総会で、中国の楊潔チ(ヤンジエチー)外相は尖閣諸島について、「１８９５年、日本は日清戦争の末期に盗み取り、不平等条約で割譲させた」と訴えた。
Yang's remarks were a distortion of historical facts. It was totally appropriate for Kazuo Kodama, Japan's deputy U.N. ambassador, to exercise Japan's right to reply in General Assembly debate.
歴史的事実を歪曲(わいきょく)した発言であり、日本の児玉和夫国連次席大使が直ちに反論したのは当然だ。
===
China's claims distort history
Based on international law, the Japanese government incorporated the Senkaku Islands into Japan's territory in January 1895 after confirming that the islands were not under Chinese control. The islands were thus clearly Japanese territory when the two nations signed the Treaty of Shimonoseki, which ended the Sino-Japanese War, in April that year. Kodama explained the facts to the assembly and concluded that China's claims were untenable.
日本は９５年１月、国際法に沿って、尖閣諸島に中国の支配が及んでいないことを確認し、領土に編入した。この手続きは、日清戦争を終結させた同年４月の下関条約の調印前であり、「中国の主張は成り立たない」と強調した。
It was only since the 1970s that the Chinese government began claiming territorial sovereignty over the islands, after the existence of an oil deposit was confirmed beneath the nearby seafloor. Before then, Beijing had never objected to Japan's possession of the Senkaku Islands. This fact clearly supports Japan's claims.
中国が尖閣諸島の領有権を唱え始めたのは周辺海域で石油埋蔵が判明した後の１９７０年代だ。それ以前、中国は日本の尖閣領有に異議を一切唱えていない。日本の主張を補強する材料と言える。
The Chinese government has demanded that Japan admit the existence of a territorial dispute over the islands and settle it through dialogue.
中国は日本に対し、領土問題の存在を認め、「対話を通した問題解決」をするよう迫っている。
It is important for Japan to have discussions with China to improve the strained relations with the country. However, efforts to advance discussions must never undermine Japan's stance over sovereignty.
日中関係改善のための協議は大切だが、主権に関する日本の立場が揺らいではならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Oct. 3, 2012)
（2012年10月3日01時17分 読売新聞）
2012年10月04日
野田内閣改造 日本の再生を託し得る布陣か
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Oct. 3, 2012)
Can Noda's new Cabinet be entrusted to revive Japan?
野田内閣改造 日本の再生を託し得る布陣か（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆「発信力」で田中文科相起用の愚◆
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has given favorable treatment to lawmakers seeking cabinet posts and obviously wanted to prevent more members from leaving his party ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election. The new lineup is characterized by such an inward-looking approach.
衆院選を控え、入閣を待望していた議員の処遇を図るとともに、これ以上の離党者を防ぎたいという「内向き」な姿勢の目立つ布陣である。
Noda launched his third reshuffled Cabinet on Monday. The purpose of the reshuffle, he said, was "to further deepen cooperation between the government and the ruling parties and to strengthen the Cabinet's functions."
野田第３次改造内閣が、発足した。野田首相はその目的を「政府与党の連携を一層深め、内閣の機能を強化する」と述べた。
The prime minister used a certain amount of ingenuity in the reshuffle by retaining core ministers, such as Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada, and appointing lawmakers who held executive posts in the Democratic Party of Japan to key posts.
岡田副総理ら要の閣僚を留任させて、民主党の役職経験者を重要閣僚に配置するなど工夫は見られる。
However, concern cannot be dispelled over whether the reshuffle will serve its purpose.
だが、果たして狙い通りになるのか、懸念を拭えない。
===
Rework nuclear plant policy
◆原発政策の立て直しを◆
When considering future national strategy and revival of Japan's economy, we wonder, first of all, why Noda retained Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano, who was responsible for allowing the nation's nuclear power plant and energy policy to stray off course.
今後の国家戦略や日本経済の再生を考えると、まず、疑問なのは原発・エネルギー政策を迷走させてきた枝野経済産業相を留任させたことである。
Edano played a central role when the government drew up its innovative energy and environmental strategy, which set a target of zero nuclear power plants operating in the 2030s.
枝野氏は、政府が２０３０年代に原発の稼働ゼロを目指す「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」を策定した際、中心的役割を担った。
Concerning this target, Edano was optimistic, saying, "As long as it's not done the wrong way, it will have a positive impact on the economy."
枝野氏は、原発ゼロについて「やり方を間違わなければ、むしろ経済にプラスだ」と楽観的な見解も示している。
His remark seems to ignore the various issues that concern business circles, such as the impact mothballing nuclear power plants would have on the Japanese economy, job losses caused by the hollowing-out of industry and a decrease in the number of nuclear power engineers.
こうした言動は、脱原発がもたらす日本経済への打撃や、産業空洞化に伴う雇用喪失、原子力関連の技術者減少など、経済界が懸念を示す様々な課題について軽視しているように見える。
Under the circumstances, Edano can only be accused of irresponsibility as the economy, trade and industry minister has to ensure a stable supply of electricity as well as industrial development.
これでは電力の安定供給と産業振興に責任を負う経産相として、無責任のそしりを免れない。
A wide range of cooperation from the business world is essential in developing technological innovations for renewable energy.
再生可能エネルギーの技術革新を実現するには、経済界の幅広い協力が必要だ。
Former DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman Seiji Maehara, who assumed the position of state minister for national policy, and economic and fiscal policy, pushed the government to decide on the zero nuclear power policy as head of the party's Energy and Environment Research Committee.
国家戦略・経済財政相に就任した前原誠司前政調会長も、これまで民主党のエネルギー・環境調査会をリードし、「原発ゼロ」の方針決定を後押ししてきた。
At a press conference after assuming his new post, Maehara said, "I'll promote a strategy to increase the nation's power, and work out plans for it." However, how will he overcome deflation and ensure the nation's growth while pushing for a zero nuclear power policy?
前原氏は、就任後の記者会見で「いかに国力を上げるかという国家戦略を推進し、企画立案する」と述べたが、「原発ゼロ」を推進する一方で、デフレ克服と成長促進をどう実現するのか。
Mapping out a mid- and long-term basic energy plan will be a huge task.
中長期的なエネルギー基本計画の策定が大きな課題になる。
In addition to opposition from the business community, the United States, which concluded a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy with Japan, has also expressed strong concern over Japan's nuclear power plant policy. It is crucial for Japan to improve its relationship with the United States.
経済界が反発していることに加えて、日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国も日本の原発政策に強い懸念を示している。関係を改善することが欠かせない。
Maehara, who once served as foreign minister, will find his ability to coordinate policy tested again.
外相経験もある前原氏の政策調整力が、改めて問われる。
===
Tanaka's appointment strange
◆党内不協和音収まらず◆
The appointment of Makiko Tanaka as education, culture, sports, science and technology minister is mystifying.
田中真紀子元外相の文部科学相起用は、およそ理解し難い。
Tanaka assumed the post of foreign minister during the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, but it soon became apparent she lacked even a fundamental knowledge of diplomacy. Her frequent aberrant behavior in dealing with the ministry's bureaucrats led to diplomacy becoming totally dysfunctional.
田中氏は小泉内閣で外相に就いたが、外交の基本的認識さえ欠く始末だった。外務官僚との確執から常軌を逸した行動を繰り返し、外交を機能不全に陥らせた。
It is obvious she lacks what it takes to serve as a cabinet minister. Of great concern is that she will lose control again and cause national politics to become chaotic. Noda said he placed great expectations on her communication skills. But if Tanaka's appointment is intended to help the DPJ in its campaign for the next general election, it would be like treating the general public with derision.
閣僚としての資質に乏しいことは明らかである。またもや暴走して国政を混乱させないか、大いに懸念される。首相は「発信力」を期待しているというが、仮にも選挙対策を考えたのなら、国民を愚弄する話ではないか。
An analysis of the list of Cabinet members who were named for the first time indicates their appointments were made as rewards for supporting Noda's reelection as DPJ president and aimed at promoting intraparty unity.
新任閣僚の顔ぶれには代表選で首相再選を支持した議員への論功行賞、党内融和もうかがえる。
Keishu Tanaka, one of the party's vice presidents and a former member of the now defunct Democratic Socialist Party, was appointed justice minister, while Wakio Mitsui and Ikko Nakatsuka, who both had close connections with former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, were named health, labor and welfare minister and state minister for financial services, respectively.
旧民社党系グループの田中慶秋副代表を法相に起用し、小沢一郎元代表に近かった三井辨雄氏を厚生労働相、中塚一宏氏を金融相に充てている。
Noda's three rivals in the DPJ presidential election and their supporters received no cabinet posts. It seems likely that consideration will be given to their groups in appointing senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
代表選で争った陣営からの入閣はなかったが、副大臣、政務官人事で配慮するようだ。
===
Intraparty discord
However, intraparty discord shows no sign of dissipating, and Noda will continue to be pressured over his management of the party.
だが、党内の不協和音が収まる気配はない。引き続き難しい党運営を迫られよう。
The prime minister stressed the need for cooperation between the government and ruling parties. His naming of former DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Koriki Jojima as finance minister is symbolic in this respect.
首相の強調する政府と与党との連携という観点では、財務相に城島光力前国会対策委員長を起用したことが象徴的だ。
The appointment could serve as an indication that Jojima's connections with the opposition parties will be used to help pass through the Diet a special bill to enable the issuance of deficit-covering government bonds and steadily promote integrated reform of social security and tax systems.
野党とのパイプを生かして、赤字国債発行を可能にするための特例公債法案の成立や、社会保障と税の一体改革を着実に進めるというメッセージにはなる。
Jojima's capabilities as finance minister will be put to the test during a meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank scheduled in Tokyo next week.
東京で来週開かれる国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会で財務相としての能力が試される。
Can Noda's new Cabinet be entrusted to revive Japan?
野田内閣改造 日本の再生を託し得る布陣か（10月2日付・読売社説）
◆「発信力」で田中文科相起用の愚◆
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda has given favorable treatment to lawmakers seeking cabinet posts and obviously wanted to prevent more members from leaving his party ahead of the upcoming House of Representatives election. The new lineup is characterized by such an inward-looking approach.
衆院選を控え、入閣を待望していた議員の処遇を図るとともに、これ以上の離党者を防ぎたいという「内向き」な姿勢の目立つ布陣である。
Noda launched his third reshuffled Cabinet on Monday. The purpose of the reshuffle, he said, was "to further deepen cooperation between the government and the ruling parties and to strengthen the Cabinet's functions."
野田第３次改造内閣が、発足した。野田首相はその目的を「政府与党の連携を一層深め、内閣の機能を強化する」と述べた。
The prime minister used a certain amount of ingenuity in the reshuffle by retaining core ministers, such as Deputy Prime Minister Katsuya Okada, and appointing lawmakers who held executive posts in the Democratic Party of Japan to key posts.
岡田副総理ら要の閣僚を留任させて、民主党の役職経験者を重要閣僚に配置するなど工夫は見られる。
However, concern cannot be dispelled over whether the reshuffle will serve its purpose.
だが、果たして狙い通りになるのか、懸念を拭えない。
===
Rework nuclear plant policy
◆原発政策の立て直しを◆
When considering future national strategy and revival of Japan's economy, we wonder, first of all, why Noda retained Economy, Trade and Industry Minister Yukio Edano, who was responsible for allowing the nation's nuclear power plant and energy policy to stray off course.
今後の国家戦略や日本経済の再生を考えると、まず、疑問なのは原発・エネルギー政策を迷走させてきた枝野経済産業相を留任させたことである。
Edano played a central role when the government drew up its innovative energy and environmental strategy, which set a target of zero nuclear power plants operating in the 2030s.
枝野氏は、政府が２０３０年代に原発の稼働ゼロを目指す「革新的エネルギー・環境戦略」を策定した際、中心的役割を担った。
Concerning this target, Edano was optimistic, saying, "As long as it's not done the wrong way, it will have a positive impact on the economy."
枝野氏は、原発ゼロについて「やり方を間違わなければ、むしろ経済にプラスだ」と楽観的な見解も示している。
His remark seems to ignore the various issues that concern business circles, such as the impact mothballing nuclear power plants would have on the Japanese economy, job losses caused by the hollowing-out of industry and a decrease in the number of nuclear power engineers.
こうした言動は、脱原発がもたらす日本経済への打撃や、産業空洞化に伴う雇用喪失、原子力関連の技術者減少など、経済界が懸念を示す様々な課題について軽視しているように見える。
Under the circumstances, Edano can only be accused of irresponsibility as the economy, trade and industry minister has to ensure a stable supply of electricity as well as industrial development.
これでは電力の安定供給と産業振興に責任を負う経産相として、無責任のそしりを免れない。
A wide range of cooperation from the business world is essential in developing technological innovations for renewable energy.
再生可能エネルギーの技術革新を実現するには、経済界の幅広い協力が必要だ。
Former DPJ Policy Research Committee Chairman Seiji Maehara, who assumed the position of state minister for national policy, and economic and fiscal policy, pushed the government to decide on the zero nuclear power policy as head of the party's Energy and Environment Research Committee.
国家戦略・経済財政相に就任した前原誠司前政調会長も、これまで民主党のエネルギー・環境調査会をリードし、「原発ゼロ」の方針決定を後押ししてきた。
At a press conference after assuming his new post, Maehara said, "I'll promote a strategy to increase the nation's power, and work out plans for it." However, how will he overcome deflation and ensure the nation's growth while pushing for a zero nuclear power policy?
前原氏は、就任後の記者会見で「いかに国力を上げるかという国家戦略を推進し、企画立案する」と述べたが、「原発ゼロ」を推進する一方で、デフレ克服と成長促進をどう実現するのか。
Mapping out a mid- and long-term basic energy plan will be a huge task.
中長期的なエネルギー基本計画の策定が大きな課題になる。
In addition to opposition from the business community, the United States, which concluded a cooperation agreement on nuclear energy with Japan, has also expressed strong concern over Japan's nuclear power plant policy. It is crucial for Japan to improve its relationship with the United States.
経済界が反発していることに加えて、日本と原子力協定を結ぶ米国も日本の原発政策に強い懸念を示している。関係を改善することが欠かせない。
Maehara, who once served as foreign minister, will find his ability to coordinate policy tested again.
外相経験もある前原氏の政策調整力が、改めて問われる。
===
Tanaka's appointment strange
◆党内不協和音収まらず◆
The appointment of Makiko Tanaka as education, culture, sports, science and technology minister is mystifying.
田中真紀子元外相の文部科学相起用は、およそ理解し難い。
Tanaka assumed the post of foreign minister during the administration of former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, but it soon became apparent she lacked even a fundamental knowledge of diplomacy. Her frequent aberrant behavior in dealing with the ministry's bureaucrats led to diplomacy becoming totally dysfunctional.
田中氏は小泉内閣で外相に就いたが、外交の基本的認識さえ欠く始末だった。外務官僚との確執から常軌を逸した行動を繰り返し、外交を機能不全に陥らせた。
It is obvious she lacks what it takes to serve as a cabinet minister. Of great concern is that she will lose control again and cause national politics to become chaotic. Noda said he placed great expectations on her communication skills. But if Tanaka's appointment is intended to help the DPJ in its campaign for the next general election, it would be like treating the general public with derision.
閣僚としての資質に乏しいことは明らかである。またもや暴走して国政を混乱させないか、大いに懸念される。首相は「発信力」を期待しているというが、仮にも選挙対策を考えたのなら、国民を愚弄する話ではないか。
An analysis of the list of Cabinet members who were named for the first time indicates their appointments were made as rewards for supporting Noda's reelection as DPJ president and aimed at promoting intraparty unity.
新任閣僚の顔ぶれには代表選で首相再選を支持した議員への論功行賞、党内融和もうかがえる。
Keishu Tanaka, one of the party's vice presidents and a former member of the now defunct Democratic Socialist Party, was appointed justice minister, while Wakio Mitsui and Ikko Nakatsuka, who both had close connections with former DPJ President Ichiro Ozawa, were named health, labor and welfare minister and state minister for financial services, respectively.
旧民社党系グループの田中慶秋副代表を法相に起用し、小沢一郎元代表に近かった三井辨雄氏を厚生労働相、中塚一宏氏を金融相に充てている。
Noda's three rivals in the DPJ presidential election and their supporters received no cabinet posts. It seems likely that consideration will be given to their groups in appointing senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
代表選で争った陣営からの入閣はなかったが、副大臣、政務官人事で配慮するようだ。
===
Intraparty discord
However, intraparty discord shows no sign of dissipating, and Noda will continue to be pressured over his management of the party.
だが、党内の不協和音が収まる気配はない。引き続き難しい党運営を迫られよう。
The prime minister stressed the need for cooperation between the government and ruling parties. His naming of former DPJ Diet Affairs Committee Chairman Koriki Jojima as finance minister is symbolic in this respect.
首相の強調する政府と与党との連携という観点では、財務相に城島光力前国会対策委員長を起用したことが象徴的だ。
The appointment could serve as an indication that Jojima's connections with the opposition parties will be used to help pass through the Diet a special bill to enable the issuance of deficit-covering government bonds and steadily promote integrated reform of social security and tax systems.
野党とのパイプを生かして、赤字国債発行を可能にするための特例公債法案の成立や、社会保障と税の一体改革を着実に進めるというメッセージにはなる。
Jojima's capabilities as finance minister will be put to the test during a meeting of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank scheduled in Tokyo next week.
東京で来週開かれる国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）・世界銀行総会で財務相としての能力が試される。