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2012年12月18日
衆院選きょう投票 日本再生へ誤りなき１票を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 17, 2012)
National revitalization, end to political stagnation crucial
衆院選きょう投票 日本再生へ誤りなき１票を（12月16日付・読売社説）
◆政治の停滞から脱却しよう◆
Voting today in the 46th House of Representatives election provides people with an important opportunity to choose a new political alignment that will bear the responsibility of charting the nation's future course.
第４６回衆院選は、きょう投票日を迎える。
It is hoped voters will cast their precious vote after examining the policies, capabilities and disposition of each party and candidate.
日本の将来を担う、新しい政治のかたちを決める重要な選択の機会だ。各政党と候補者の政策や能力・資質をしっかりと見極め、貴重な１票を行使したい。
The world is going through drastic changes. This year, new regimes were inaugurated in China, North Korea, Russia, France and a number of other countries. U.S. President Barack Obama was reelected for a second term, and South Korea will elect a new president on Wednesday.
世界は激動している。今年、中国、北朝鮮、ロシア、フランスなど多くの国で新体制が発足した。オバマ米大統領は再選され、韓国も１９日に新大統領を選出する。
◆政権選択が最大の焦点◆
We should not allow only Japan to lag under our nation's climate of political indecisiveness.
日本だけが、いつまでも「決められない政治」を続けるわけにはいかない。
Reviving the vigor of the nation's political system is the first and most urgent task if Japan wants to overcome deflation and the strong yen, attain both economic resuscitation and fiscal reconstruction, strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and rebuild its diplomacy vis-a-vis other Asian countries.
デフレ・円高を克服し、経済再生と財政再建を両立させる。日米同盟を強化し、アジア外交を再構築する。それには、何よりも政治の立て直しが急務だ。
The lower house election is for voters to choose an administration to lead the country. The biggest focal point in this poll is whether the Democratic Party of Japan-led alliance will continue to hold the reins of government or a coalition government of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito will retake the helm.
衆院選は政権を選択する選挙である。民主党中心の政権の継続か、自民、公明両党の連立政権への回帰か。これが最大の焦点だ。
The DPJ is facing a strong headwind. It made a historical achievement when it enabled a package of bills related to the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems to pass through the Diet. But the party's campaign pledges for 2009 lower house election were in tatters, and its pledge of "taking key roles in the decision-making process away from bureaucrats and putting them into the hands of politicians" was only an empty slogan that caused much political confusion. We believe these factors are playing against the DPJ.
民主党は、厳しい逆風を受けている。社会保障・税一体改革関連法の成立は歴史的成果だが、２００９年衆院選政権公約（マニフェスト）は破綻し、「脱官僚」も掛け声倒れで政治を混乱させたことが響いているのだろう。
===
12 parties field candidates
We highly commend the LDP with regard to the support it gave to allow the passage of the bills on the integrated reform of social security and tax systems even though it was an opposition party.
自民党は、野党ながら一体改革に協力した点は評価できる。
But the LDP failed to act like a responsible party in some cases when it resisted entering deliberations on bills and jolted the DPJ-led government by presenting censure motions--all tactics engineered by exploiting the divided Diet, in which the ruling bloc lacks a majority of seats in the House of Councillors.
しかし、衆参ねじれを利用し、法案審議に抵抗したり、問責決議で民主党政権を揺さぶったりし、責任政党らしからぬ対応もあった。
This election saw candidates fielded by 12 parties--the biggest number since the current election system that combines single-seat constituencies and a proportional representation system was introduced in 1996. This resulted from splits within the DPJ and the inroads into national politics made by regional parties.
今回は、小選挙区比例代表並立制の導入以来、最多の１２党が候補者を擁立した。民主党の分裂と地域政党の国政進出が要因だ。
Before this election campaign officially kicked off on Dec. 4, new parties vying to form a "third political force" were formed or merged one after another. They undeniably put priority on these moves as an election strategy, with coordination of their policies and political philosophy taking a back seat.
公示直前、「第３極」を目指す新党の離合集散が相次いだ。理念や政策のすり合わせを二の次にして、勢力結集による選挙対策を最優先したことは否めない。
To which party and candidate should we entrust our votes to reflect our will? The credibility of campaign pledges was severely hurt with the DPJ's botched efforts, but we should pay attention most to parties' policies.
どの政党・候補者に思いを託せば良いのか。民主党の失敗でマニフェストの信頼は失墜したが、やはり重視すべきは政策だ。
With the ever-graying society, declining birthrate and worsening fiscal conditions, the role of the government is shifting from distributing benefits to distributing burdens. We should closely examine if parties' policies are backed up by concrete plans for revenue sources and if they have presented ways to realize their policies.
少子高齢化の進展や財政悪化に伴い、政治の役割は、「利益」の分配から「負担」の分配へと移りつつある。政策に財源の裏付けはあるのか。実現への手順が示されているのか。きちんと精査することが大切である。
In regard to economic policy, an area of particular interest to the public, the DPJ in its election platform set the goal of a nominal 3 percent year-on-year growth rate, or around 2 percent after inflation. The party says it will place priority on helping nurture such emerging sectors as renewable energy and medical and nursing care services.
国民の関心が高い経済政策で、民主党は名目３％、実質２％程度の目標成長率を掲げた。再生可能エネルギー、医療・介護など新産業の育成に重点を置くという。
The LDP, for its part, has attached high importance to reinvigorating the national economy and strengthening Japan's industrial competitiveness. Setting an inflation target of 2 percent, the party has committed itself to a bold monetary-easing policy, saying it will consider the advisability of revising the Bank of Japan Law to allow more collaboration between the government and the central bank.
自民党は経済再生や産業競争力強化を重視する。２％の物価目標を設定し、日銀法改正も視野に政府・日銀の連携を強化して大胆な金融緩和を行うと踏み込んだ。
===
Diplomatic skills vital
◆外交目標の実現力は◆
The issue of Japan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade negotiations had earlier been expected to be a key campaign issue from the viewpoint of the nation's growth strategy. It is disappointing, however, that both the DPJ and the LDP refrained from going into specifics because both have a number of members who either oppose the free trade pact outright or are skeptical about it.
成長戦略の観点で、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題が重要な争点となるはずだったが、民主、自民両党とも、党内に反対・慎重論を抱えるため、各論に入るのを避けたのは残念である。
Meanwhile, parties remain sharply split regarding energy policy.
エネルギー政策では、各党の意見が鋭く対立した。
The DPJ has pledged to "reduce the number of operating nuclear power plants to zero by the end of the 2030s." Such parties as Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and the Japanese Communist Party have taken the position of "doing away with nuclear power generation" within an even shorter time frame. The LDP, for that matter, has avoided producing a definite conclusion, saying the party will "determine the optimum makeup of power generation sources over a 10-year time frame."
民主党は「２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す。日本未来の党、共産党などはより早い「脱原発」を唱える。自民党は「１０年以内に電源構成のベストミックスを確立」と早急な結論を避けた。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) has officially vowed to "break with" nuclear power, but its stance on the matter is incomprehensible because its leader, Shintaro Ishihara, has publicly denied the party made the antinuclear election pledge.
日本維新の会は「脱原発依存」を掲げながら、石原代表が否定するなど、分かりにくい。
A party calling for terminating the nation's nuclear power generation should, as a matter of course, propose ways to cope with the adverse impacts of the "no-nuclear" option on the economy and employment, as well as measures to maintain Japan's nuclear energy-related technological levels. There have been no such proposals made in the lower house campaign and no in-depth debates on the matter.
「脱原発」を主張する党は本来、経済・雇用への悪影響の克服や、原子力技術の維持の具体策を示す責任があるが、その動きはなく、議論は深まらなかった。
On diplomacy and national security issues, many parties have called for deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance, each pledging to do its best to defend Japan's territorial integrity, including that over the Senkaku Islands.
外交・安全保障では、多くの党が日米同盟の深化を唱え、尖閣諸島など領土を守ると主張した。
The environment surrounding the nation's security has been increasingly severe as shown by the latest launch by North Korea of a long-range ballistic missile and China's military buildup and increasingly assertive maritime activities.
北朝鮮の弾道ミサイル発射や中国の軍備増強と海洋進出など、日本の安保環境は厳しさを増している。どの党が、外交目標を実現する具体策や交渉力を持つのかを見極めることが重要だ。
We urge voters to determine correctly which party has specific measures and ability to negotiate effectively to realize the nation's diplomatic goals.
National revitalization, end to political stagnation crucial
衆院選きょう投票 日本再生へ誤りなき１票を（12月16日付・読売社説）
◆政治の停滞から脱却しよう◆
Voting today in the 46th House of Representatives election provides people with an important opportunity to choose a new political alignment that will bear the responsibility of charting the nation's future course.
第４６回衆院選は、きょう投票日を迎える。
It is hoped voters will cast their precious vote after examining the policies, capabilities and disposition of each party and candidate.
日本の将来を担う、新しい政治のかたちを決める重要な選択の機会だ。各政党と候補者の政策や能力・資質をしっかりと見極め、貴重な１票を行使したい。
The world is going through drastic changes. This year, new regimes were inaugurated in China, North Korea, Russia, France and a number of other countries. U.S. President Barack Obama was reelected for a second term, and South Korea will elect a new president on Wednesday.
世界は激動している。今年、中国、北朝鮮、ロシア、フランスなど多くの国で新体制が発足した。オバマ米大統領は再選され、韓国も１９日に新大統領を選出する。
◆政権選択が最大の焦点◆
We should not allow only Japan to lag under our nation's climate of political indecisiveness.
日本だけが、いつまでも「決められない政治」を続けるわけにはいかない。
Reviving the vigor of the nation's political system is the first and most urgent task if Japan wants to overcome deflation and the strong yen, attain both economic resuscitation and fiscal reconstruction, strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance and rebuild its diplomacy vis-a-vis other Asian countries.
デフレ・円高を克服し、経済再生と財政再建を両立させる。日米同盟を強化し、アジア外交を再構築する。それには、何よりも政治の立て直しが急務だ。
The lower house election is for voters to choose an administration to lead the country. The biggest focal point in this poll is whether the Democratic Party of Japan-led alliance will continue to hold the reins of government or a coalition government of the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito will retake the helm.
衆院選は政権を選択する選挙である。民主党中心の政権の継続か、自民、公明両党の連立政権への回帰か。これが最大の焦点だ。
The DPJ is facing a strong headwind. It made a historical achievement when it enabled a package of bills related to the integrated reform of the social security and tax systems to pass through the Diet. But the party's campaign pledges for 2009 lower house election were in tatters, and its pledge of "taking key roles in the decision-making process away from bureaucrats and putting them into the hands of politicians" was only an empty slogan that caused much political confusion. We believe these factors are playing against the DPJ.
民主党は、厳しい逆風を受けている。社会保障・税一体改革関連法の成立は歴史的成果だが、２００９年衆院選政権公約（マニフェスト）は破綻し、「脱官僚」も掛け声倒れで政治を混乱させたことが響いているのだろう。
===
12 parties field candidates
We highly commend the LDP with regard to the support it gave to allow the passage of the bills on the integrated reform of social security and tax systems even though it was an opposition party.
自民党は、野党ながら一体改革に協力した点は評価できる。
But the LDP failed to act like a responsible party in some cases when it resisted entering deliberations on bills and jolted the DPJ-led government by presenting censure motions--all tactics engineered by exploiting the divided Diet, in which the ruling bloc lacks a majority of seats in the House of Councillors.
しかし、衆参ねじれを利用し、法案審議に抵抗したり、問責決議で民主党政権を揺さぶったりし、責任政党らしからぬ対応もあった。
This election saw candidates fielded by 12 parties--the biggest number since the current election system that combines single-seat constituencies and a proportional representation system was introduced in 1996. This resulted from splits within the DPJ and the inroads into national politics made by regional parties.
今回は、小選挙区比例代表並立制の導入以来、最多の１２党が候補者を擁立した。民主党の分裂と地域政党の国政進出が要因だ。
Before this election campaign officially kicked off on Dec. 4, new parties vying to form a "third political force" were formed or merged one after another. They undeniably put priority on these moves as an election strategy, with coordination of their policies and political philosophy taking a back seat.
公示直前、「第３極」を目指す新党の離合集散が相次いだ。理念や政策のすり合わせを二の次にして、勢力結集による選挙対策を最優先したことは否めない。
To which party and candidate should we entrust our votes to reflect our will? The credibility of campaign pledges was severely hurt with the DPJ's botched efforts, but we should pay attention most to parties' policies.
どの政党・候補者に思いを託せば良いのか。民主党の失敗でマニフェストの信頼は失墜したが、やはり重視すべきは政策だ。
With the ever-graying society, declining birthrate and worsening fiscal conditions, the role of the government is shifting from distributing benefits to distributing burdens. We should closely examine if parties' policies are backed up by concrete plans for revenue sources and if they have presented ways to realize their policies.
少子高齢化の進展や財政悪化に伴い、政治の役割は、「利益」の分配から「負担」の分配へと移りつつある。政策に財源の裏付けはあるのか。実現への手順が示されているのか。きちんと精査することが大切である。
In regard to economic policy, an area of particular interest to the public, the DPJ in its election platform set the goal of a nominal 3 percent year-on-year growth rate, or around 2 percent after inflation. The party says it will place priority on helping nurture such emerging sectors as renewable energy and medical and nursing care services.
国民の関心が高い経済政策で、民主党は名目３％、実質２％程度の目標成長率を掲げた。再生可能エネルギー、医療・介護など新産業の育成に重点を置くという。
The LDP, for its part, has attached high importance to reinvigorating the national economy and strengthening Japan's industrial competitiveness. Setting an inflation target of 2 percent, the party has committed itself to a bold monetary-easing policy, saying it will consider the advisability of revising the Bank of Japan Law to allow more collaboration between the government and the central bank.
自民党は経済再生や産業競争力強化を重視する。２％の物価目標を設定し、日銀法改正も視野に政府・日銀の連携を強化して大胆な金融緩和を行うと踏み込んだ。
===
Diplomatic skills vital
◆外交目標の実現力は◆
The issue of Japan's participation in the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade negotiations had earlier been expected to be a key campaign issue from the viewpoint of the nation's growth strategy. It is disappointing, however, that both the DPJ and the LDP refrained from going into specifics because both have a number of members who either oppose the free trade pact outright or are skeptical about it.
成長戦略の観点で、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）参加問題が重要な争点となるはずだったが、民主、自民両党とも、党内に反対・慎重論を抱えるため、各論に入るのを避けたのは残念である。
Meanwhile, parties remain sharply split regarding energy policy.
エネルギー政策では、各党の意見が鋭く対立した。
The DPJ has pledged to "reduce the number of operating nuclear power plants to zero by the end of the 2030s." Such parties as Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and the Japanese Communist Party have taken the position of "doing away with nuclear power generation" within an even shorter time frame. The LDP, for that matter, has avoided producing a definite conclusion, saying the party will "determine the optimum makeup of power generation sources over a 10-year time frame."
民主党は「２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロ」を目指す。日本未来の党、共産党などはより早い「脱原発」を唱える。自民党は「１０年以内に電源構成のベストミックスを確立」と早急な結論を避けた。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) has officially vowed to "break with" nuclear power, but its stance on the matter is incomprehensible because its leader, Shintaro Ishihara, has publicly denied the party made the antinuclear election pledge.
日本維新の会は「脱原発依存」を掲げながら、石原代表が否定するなど、分かりにくい。
A party calling for terminating the nation's nuclear power generation should, as a matter of course, propose ways to cope with the adverse impacts of the "no-nuclear" option on the economy and employment, as well as measures to maintain Japan's nuclear energy-related technological levels. There have been no such proposals made in the lower house campaign and no in-depth debates on the matter.
「脱原発」を主張する党は本来、経済・雇用への悪影響の克服や、原子力技術の維持の具体策を示す責任があるが、その動きはなく、議論は深まらなかった。
On diplomacy and national security issues, many parties have called for deepening the Japan-U.S. alliance, each pledging to do its best to defend Japan's territorial integrity, including that over the Senkaku Islands.
外交・安全保障では、多くの党が日米同盟の深化を唱え、尖閣諸島など領土を守ると主張した。
The environment surrounding the nation's security has been increasingly severe as shown by the latest launch by North Korea of a long-range ballistic missile and China's military buildup and increasingly assertive maritime activities.
北朝鮮の弾道ミサイル発射や中国の軍備増強と海洋進出など、日本の安保環境は厳しさを増している。どの党が、外交目標を実現する具体策や交渉力を持つのかを見極めることが重要だ。
We urge voters to determine correctly which party has specific measures and ability to negotiate effectively to realize the nation's diplomatic goals.
2012年12月17日
ネットカジノ界のサラブレッド、３２レッドカジノ
３２レッドカジノは、２００２年にオンラインカジノゲームサイトとして創業を開始いたしました。２００５年には、あのお堅いイギリスのロンドン証券取引所に上場されています。
２００３年から２０１２年に至るまで、オンラインカジノゲームの名だたる賞を独占状態なのです。まさにオンラインカジノゲーム界のサラブレッドと呼ばれるにふさわしい、サイト運営内容です。ペイアウトが高いのはもちろんですが、その運営は専門機関から厳しく管理されており、フェアなビジネスで、世界中のオンラインカジノファンを魅了いたしております。
今回、日本のアフィリエイト仲介業者を介さず、英語で交渉して、直接、３２レッドカジノとのアフィリエイト契約にこぎ着けました。日本語化が随分と進んでいます。
ホームページでサイトの研究をされたら、練習プレー（プラクティス）で遊んでみるのが早道です。慣れてきたら、３０ドル程度送金して、即、実戦が楽しめます。
パチンコ屋で使うお金の十分の一の金額で、１０倍遊べます。
但し、ルーレットとブラックジャックに限ります。
小額をベットして、出来るだけ長い間遊ぶ。これがコツです＾＾。
３２レッドカジノホームページ
３２レッドカジノ練習プレー（プラクティス）
衆院選あす投票 ネット利用が課題として残る
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 16, 2012)
Voters should study policies and vote to change politics
衆院選あす投票 ネット利用が課題として残る（12月15日付・読売社説）
Sunday's House of Representatives election is important in setting the nation's course. We want to prepare for the vote by scrutinizing each political party's platform.
日本の針路を決める重要な選挙だ。各党の政策をきちんと吟味し、あすの投票日に臨みたい。
In this election, 12 parties are fighting a close, heated battle. In contrast, voters appear to be less enthusiastic.
今回の衆院選では、１２もの政党が競う混戦となった反面、有権者側の熱気は今ひとつのように見える。
According to a nationwide survey conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun after the official election campaign kicked off, 82 percent of respondents said they were interested in the forthcoming lower house election, down 10 percentage points from a similar poll conducted ahead of the previous 2009 election.
読売新聞社が公示後に実施した全国世論調査によると、衆院選に「関心がある」と回答した人は８２％で、前回の２００９年衆院選に比べて１０ポイント低い。
The number of early votes cast so far for Sunday's election was also reportedly lower than that for the previous election.
期日前投票も、前回よりは総じて低調という。
This is attributable to growing public distrust of politics due to the current political disarray.
その理由として、政治の混迷が続き、政治不信が深まっていることが挙げられるだろう。
New parties, formed to challenge established parties, largely serve as mutual-aid entities designed only to help defectors from the Democratic Party of Japan and lower-profile candidates win seats in the election. Apparently drawn up hastily, their proposed measures hardly address issues that people are dissatisfied about.
既成政党を批判する新党も、民主党離党組らが生き残るための選挙互助会の色彩が濃く、政策はいかにも急ごしらえだ。不満の受け皿として十分とは言い難い。
In a basic step to change politics, voters must look closely into each party's policies and then exercise their voting right.
政治のあり方を変えるには各党の政策に耳を傾けて、投票権を行使するのが基本である。
===
Low turnout of young voters
Meanwhile, it is a matter of concern that the voting rate for people in their 20s is always significantly lower compared with other age brackets.
懸念されるのは、２０代の投票率が、常に他の年代を大きく下回っていることだ。
However, we want young people, in particular, to become more interested in politics as they will be forced to shoulder various burdens as a result of the nation's financial difficulties and expanding economic disparity among people.
危機的な財政や経済格差の拡大によって、将来様々なツケを背負わされる若者たちこそ、政治にもっと関心を持ってほしい。
Parties tend to put measures to support child care on the back burner as they focus on the pension system and health care for the elderly in their social security policies. Some observers say such a tendency reflects the parties' focus on middle-aged and elderly people with higher voting rates.
社会保障政策では、高齢者の年金・医療が優先され、子育て支援策は後回しになりがちだ。政党がこれまで、選挙で投票率の高い中高年齢層を重視してきたことの表れだとの指摘もある。
The nation's economy has worsened. If the parties make wrong policy choices now, job scarcity for university students and other young people could become serious again.
景気は悪化している。ここで政策を誤ると、大学生らの就職難が再び深刻になりかねない。
Concerned over the higher youth jobless rate, the parties have proposed employment measures such as making part-time workers known as freeters regular employees and providing young people with assistance to develop job skills. Some parties have pushed for steps friendly to young people and families with small children in their campaign pledges.
各党は若年失業率の高さを踏まえ、フリーターの正規雇用化や若者の就労支援などの雇用対策を掲げている。若者や子育て世帯向けの重点政策を出した党もある。
===
Use of Net remains an issue
Voters are being urged to assess what party has proposed realistic measures that are unlikely to pass excessive burdens onto future generations.
どの党の政策が現実的か、次世代に過大な負担を回さないか、きちんと見極めてもらいたい。
To boost the turnout of young voters, the expanded use of the Internet for elections would be effective.
若年層の投票率を高めるには、選挙でのインターネット利用を一層拡大することが、有力な手段になるだろう。
However, even updating the website of a party after the start of an official campaign could violate the Public Offices Election Law if the act is deemed part of election campaign activities.
ところが、公示後の政党のホームページ更新は選挙運動と見なされれば公職選挙法違反となる。
With the number of Net users nearing 100 million and Japanese expatriates casting their ballots from overseas, such a regulation is unreasonable. It is no wonder that many parties have criticized the outdated law during the latest election campaign.
ネット利用者が１億人に迫り、海外の日本人も投票する中で、こうした規制には合理性が乏しい。今回の衆院選を通じて、各党から公選法は時代遅れだといった指摘が上がったのはもっともだ。
We hope the parties will work on establishing rules on the use of the Internet for elections before next summer's House of Councillors election.
来夏の参院選に間に合うよう、各党はネット利用のルールづくりに取り組んでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 15, 2012)
（2012年12月15日01時41分 読売新聞）
Voters should study policies and vote to change politics
衆院選あす投票 ネット利用が課題として残る（12月15日付・読売社説）
Sunday's House of Representatives election is important in setting the nation's course. We want to prepare for the vote by scrutinizing each political party's platform.
日本の針路を決める重要な選挙だ。各党の政策をきちんと吟味し、あすの投票日に臨みたい。
In this election, 12 parties are fighting a close, heated battle. In contrast, voters appear to be less enthusiastic.
今回の衆院選では、１２もの政党が競う混戦となった反面、有権者側の熱気は今ひとつのように見える。
According to a nationwide survey conducted by The Yomiuri Shimbun after the official election campaign kicked off, 82 percent of respondents said they were interested in the forthcoming lower house election, down 10 percentage points from a similar poll conducted ahead of the previous 2009 election.
読売新聞社が公示後に実施した全国世論調査によると、衆院選に「関心がある」と回答した人は８２％で、前回の２００９年衆院選に比べて１０ポイント低い。
The number of early votes cast so far for Sunday's election was also reportedly lower than that for the previous election.
期日前投票も、前回よりは総じて低調という。
This is attributable to growing public distrust of politics due to the current political disarray.
その理由として、政治の混迷が続き、政治不信が深まっていることが挙げられるだろう。
New parties, formed to challenge established parties, largely serve as mutual-aid entities designed only to help defectors from the Democratic Party of Japan and lower-profile candidates win seats in the election. Apparently drawn up hastily, their proposed measures hardly address issues that people are dissatisfied about.
既成政党を批判する新党も、民主党離党組らが生き残るための選挙互助会の色彩が濃く、政策はいかにも急ごしらえだ。不満の受け皿として十分とは言い難い。
In a basic step to change politics, voters must look closely into each party's policies and then exercise their voting right.
政治のあり方を変えるには各党の政策に耳を傾けて、投票権を行使するのが基本である。
===
Low turnout of young voters
Meanwhile, it is a matter of concern that the voting rate for people in their 20s is always significantly lower compared with other age brackets.
懸念されるのは、２０代の投票率が、常に他の年代を大きく下回っていることだ。
However, we want young people, in particular, to become more interested in politics as they will be forced to shoulder various burdens as a result of the nation's financial difficulties and expanding economic disparity among people.
危機的な財政や経済格差の拡大によって、将来様々なツケを背負わされる若者たちこそ、政治にもっと関心を持ってほしい。
Parties tend to put measures to support child care on the back burner as they focus on the pension system and health care for the elderly in their social security policies. Some observers say such a tendency reflects the parties' focus on middle-aged and elderly people with higher voting rates.
社会保障政策では、高齢者の年金・医療が優先され、子育て支援策は後回しになりがちだ。政党がこれまで、選挙で投票率の高い中高年齢層を重視してきたことの表れだとの指摘もある。
The nation's economy has worsened. If the parties make wrong policy choices now, job scarcity for university students and other young people could become serious again.
景気は悪化している。ここで政策を誤ると、大学生らの就職難が再び深刻になりかねない。
Concerned over the higher youth jobless rate, the parties have proposed employment measures such as making part-time workers known as freeters regular employees and providing young people with assistance to develop job skills. Some parties have pushed for steps friendly to young people and families with small children in their campaign pledges.
各党は若年失業率の高さを踏まえ、フリーターの正規雇用化や若者の就労支援などの雇用対策を掲げている。若者や子育て世帯向けの重点政策を出した党もある。
===
Use of Net remains an issue
Voters are being urged to assess what party has proposed realistic measures that are unlikely to pass excessive burdens onto future generations.
どの党の政策が現実的か、次世代に過大な負担を回さないか、きちんと見極めてもらいたい。
To boost the turnout of young voters, the expanded use of the Internet for elections would be effective.
若年層の投票率を高めるには、選挙でのインターネット利用を一層拡大することが、有力な手段になるだろう。
However, even updating the website of a party after the start of an official campaign could violate the Public Offices Election Law if the act is deemed part of election campaign activities.
ところが、公示後の政党のホームページ更新は選挙運動と見なされれば公職選挙法違反となる。
With the number of Net users nearing 100 million and Japanese expatriates casting their ballots from overseas, such a regulation is unreasonable. It is no wonder that many parties have criticized the outdated law during the latest election campaign.
ネット利用者が１億人に迫り、海外の日本人も投票する中で、こうした規制には合理性が乏しい。今回の衆院選を通じて、各党から公選法は時代遅れだといった指摘が上がったのはもっともだ。
We hope the parties will work on establishing rules on the use of the Internet for elections before next summer's House of Councillors election.
来夏の参院選に間に合うよう、各党はネット利用のルールづくりに取り組んでもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 15, 2012)
（2012年12月15日01時41分 読売新聞）
2012年12月16日
原発政策 「稼働ゼロ」の副作用も語れ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 15, 2012)
Parties must be honest about risks of 'zero-nuclear' future
原発政策 「稼働ゼロ」の副作用も語れ（12月14日付・読売社説）
Formulating a nuclear energy policy is a vitally important task, one that would not only help ensure a stable power supply, but also protect the environment, and affect the nation's economy, diplomacy and national security--the whole spectrum of matters related to steering the ship of state.
原子力政策は、電力の安定供給はもとより、経済や環境保全、外交・安全保障など、国家運営の全般にかかわる重要な課題である。
Many parties in the current House of Representatives campaign, held in the aftermath of the nuclear disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, have adopted "zero nuclear" pledges. These parties, however, have neglected to explain the wide-ranging risks of eliminating nuclear power.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、多くの政党が衆院選の公約に「原発ゼロ」を掲げている。だが、さまざまな副作用についての説明が足りない。
We urge voters not to be swayed by slogans only aimed at winning the election, but to determine calmly which parties and candidates would pursue a realistic nuclear power policy.
有権者は選挙目当てのスローガンに惑わされず、現実的な原発政策を掲げる政党や候補者を、冷静に見極めてもらいたい。
Parties including Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and the Japanese Communist Party have taken the position of never allowing any of the nation's nuclear reactors to resume operating.
日本未来の党や共産党などは原発の再稼働を一切認めないとしている。
===
Fuel cost up 3 tril. yen a year
Their assertion that this country could "do without nuclear power" on the grounds that there were no blackouts this summer is far off the mark.
今年の夏に停電が起きなかったことから、「原発なしでも電気は足りている」などと主張するが、的外れな指摘である。
The truth is that the nation walked a shaky tightrope in terms of the power supply this summer. With all reactors but two idle, power outages were only narrowly averted by mobilizing all thermal power stations available, including some outdated ones. The result was an increase of 3 trillion yen for the year's fuel costs for power generation, causing one power utility after another to announce rate hikes.
原発が２基しか稼働していないため、古い火力発電所を総動員して停電を回避する綱渡りの状態だった。燃料費は年３兆円も増え、電気料金値上げの動きも相次いでいる。
Anyone who ignores the adverse impacts of power shortages deserves to be called irresponsible.
電力不足の悪影響から目をそらすのは無責任だ。
Parties including the Liberal Democratic Party, the Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), on the other hand, have acknowledged the need to restart the nation's nuclear power plants to ensure a stable supply of electricity, as long as the reactors can be confirmed safe. We see these positions as valid and reasonable.
自民党や民主党、日本維新の会などは、電力安定供給のために安全を確認できた原発の再稼働を容認した。妥当な判断である。
However, it is problematic that many party platforms promise to walk away from nuclear power inside a certain time frame, such as the DPJ's pledge to "reduce the number of operating nuclear power plants to zero by the end of the 2030s."
問題は民主党の「２０３０年代に原発稼働ゼロ」など、期限付きの脱原発公約が多いことだ。
Replacing nuclear power with solar and other renewable sources of energy while boosting energy efficiency would cost the nation more than 100 trillion yen, according to one government projection. This would have to be funded either by higher electricity rates or more taxes. How can the hollowing-out of the nation's industrial sector be stopped in the face of increased production costs, and bankruptcies of small and midsized businesses caused by this policy?
原発に代わり、太陽光など再生可能エネルギーや省エネを拡大するコストは、政府の試算で１００兆円を超える。電気料金引き上げや税金で賄うしかあるまい。生産費上昇による産業空洞化や中小企業倒産をどう防ぐというのか。
The simplistic argument that introducing renewable energy sources would stimulate the economy is hardly convincing.
再生エネを導入すれば経済成長にもつながるという、安易な主張は説得力に欠ける。
===
Reveal 'inconvenient truths'
We commend the LDP for not setting a zero-nuclear goal, as the party is apparently aware of its position as a responsible party aiming to win back the reins of government. However, the LDP's 10-year time frame for "determining the optimum makeup of power generation sources" is much too slow.
自民党が「原発ゼロ」を掲げていないのは、政権奪還を目指す責任政党として評価できる。ただ、「最適な電源構成を１０年以内に決める」という方針は遅すぎる。
The municipalities that host nuclear power facilities of course deserve consideration. Aomori Prefecture, the site of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, is particularly anxious about the possibility of being forced into becoming a final resting place for nuclear waste.
原発の立地自治体への配慮も不可欠だ。特に使用済み核燃料の再処理工場がある青森県は、核廃棄物の最終処分を押しつけられるのではないかと心配している。
The political parties contesting the election must revise their positions to support the continued, but safe, use of nuclear power. They should also quickly devise a plan to keep the nuclear fuel recycling program going, and determine how radioactive waste should be finally disposed of.
原発の安全を確保したうえで活用を続ける方針を、明確にする必要がある。核燃料サイクルや放射性廃棄物の最終処分の方策を、早く示すことも求められよう。
If Japan recklessly adopted a zero-nuclear goal, it would soon cease to be a partner of the United States in its nuclear nonproliferation strategy. This would cause a fissure in the Japan-U.S. alliance, possibly to the detriment of our national interests.
日本が「原発ゼロ」に走れば、米国の核不拡散戦略のパートナーではなくなる。日米同盟にヒビが入り、国益を損ないかねない。
Every political party needs to have the honesty and candor to tell voters "inconvenient truths" about a possible zero-nuclear Japan.
各党は「原発ゼロ」の“不都合な真実”も率直に語るべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 14, 2012)
（2012年12月14日01時31分 読売新聞）
Parties must be honest about risks of 'zero-nuclear' future
原発政策 「稼働ゼロ」の副作用も語れ（12月14日付・読売社説）
Formulating a nuclear energy policy is a vitally important task, one that would not only help ensure a stable power supply, but also protect the environment, and affect the nation's economy, diplomacy and national security--the whole spectrum of matters related to steering the ship of state.
原子力政策は、電力の安定供給はもとより、経済や環境保全、外交・安全保障など、国家運営の全般にかかわる重要な課題である。
Many parties in the current House of Representatives campaign, held in the aftermath of the nuclear disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.'s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, have adopted "zero nuclear" pledges. These parties, however, have neglected to explain the wide-ranging risks of eliminating nuclear power.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故を受け、多くの政党が衆院選の公約に「原発ゼロ」を掲げている。だが、さまざまな副作用についての説明が足りない。
We urge voters not to be swayed by slogans only aimed at winning the election, but to determine calmly which parties and candidates would pursue a realistic nuclear power policy.
有権者は選挙目当てのスローガンに惑わされず、現実的な原発政策を掲げる政党や候補者を、冷静に見極めてもらいたい。
Parties including Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) and the Japanese Communist Party have taken the position of never allowing any of the nation's nuclear reactors to resume operating.
日本未来の党や共産党などは原発の再稼働を一切認めないとしている。
===
Fuel cost up 3 tril. yen a year
Their assertion that this country could "do without nuclear power" on the grounds that there were no blackouts this summer is far off the mark.
今年の夏に停電が起きなかったことから、「原発なしでも電気は足りている」などと主張するが、的外れな指摘である。
The truth is that the nation walked a shaky tightrope in terms of the power supply this summer. With all reactors but two idle, power outages were only narrowly averted by mobilizing all thermal power stations available, including some outdated ones. The result was an increase of 3 trillion yen for the year's fuel costs for power generation, causing one power utility after another to announce rate hikes.
原発が２基しか稼働していないため、古い火力発電所を総動員して停電を回避する綱渡りの状態だった。燃料費は年３兆円も増え、電気料金値上げの動きも相次いでいる。
Anyone who ignores the adverse impacts of power shortages deserves to be called irresponsible.
電力不足の悪影響から目をそらすのは無責任だ。
Parties including the Liberal Democratic Party, the Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), on the other hand, have acknowledged the need to restart the nation's nuclear power plants to ensure a stable supply of electricity, as long as the reactors can be confirmed safe. We see these positions as valid and reasonable.
自民党や民主党、日本維新の会などは、電力安定供給のために安全を確認できた原発の再稼働を容認した。妥当な判断である。
However, it is problematic that many party platforms promise to walk away from nuclear power inside a certain time frame, such as the DPJ's pledge to "reduce the number of operating nuclear power plants to zero by the end of the 2030s."
問題は民主党の「２０３０年代に原発稼働ゼロ」など、期限付きの脱原発公約が多いことだ。
Replacing nuclear power with solar and other renewable sources of energy while boosting energy efficiency would cost the nation more than 100 trillion yen, according to one government projection. This would have to be funded either by higher electricity rates or more taxes. How can the hollowing-out of the nation's industrial sector be stopped in the face of increased production costs, and bankruptcies of small and midsized businesses caused by this policy?
原発に代わり、太陽光など再生可能エネルギーや省エネを拡大するコストは、政府の試算で１００兆円を超える。電気料金引き上げや税金で賄うしかあるまい。生産費上昇による産業空洞化や中小企業倒産をどう防ぐというのか。
The simplistic argument that introducing renewable energy sources would stimulate the economy is hardly convincing.
再生エネを導入すれば経済成長にもつながるという、安易な主張は説得力に欠ける。
===
Reveal 'inconvenient truths'
We commend the LDP for not setting a zero-nuclear goal, as the party is apparently aware of its position as a responsible party aiming to win back the reins of government. However, the LDP's 10-year time frame for "determining the optimum makeup of power generation sources" is much too slow.
自民党が「原発ゼロ」を掲げていないのは、政権奪還を目指す責任政党として評価できる。ただ、「最適な電源構成を１０年以内に決める」という方針は遅すぎる。
The municipalities that host nuclear power facilities of course deserve consideration. Aomori Prefecture, the site of a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant, is particularly anxious about the possibility of being forced into becoming a final resting place for nuclear waste.
原発の立地自治体への配慮も不可欠だ。特に使用済み核燃料の再処理工場がある青森県は、核廃棄物の最終処分を押しつけられるのではないかと心配している。
The political parties contesting the election must revise their positions to support the continued, but safe, use of nuclear power. They should also quickly devise a plan to keep the nuclear fuel recycling program going, and determine how radioactive waste should be finally disposed of.
原発の安全を確保したうえで活用を続ける方針を、明確にする必要がある。核燃料サイクルや放射性廃棄物の最終処分の方策を、早く示すことも求められよう。
If Japan recklessly adopted a zero-nuclear goal, it would soon cease to be a partner of the United States in its nuclear nonproliferation strategy. This would cause a fissure in the Japan-U.S. alliance, possibly to the detriment of our national interests.
日本が「原発ゼロ」に走れば、米国の核不拡散戦略のパートナーではなくなる。日米同盟にヒビが入り、国益を損ないかねない。
Every political party needs to have the honesty and candor to tell voters "inconvenient truths" about a possible zero-nuclear Japan.
各党は「原発ゼロ」の“不都合な真実”も率直に語るべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 14, 2012)
（2012年12月14日01時31分 読売新聞）
2012年12月15日
北ミサイル発射 安保理は制裁強化を決議せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 14, 2012)
UNSC should tighten sanctions on Pyongyang
北ミサイル発射 安保理は制裁強化を決議せよ（12月13日付・読売社説）
Ignoring international warnings, North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile under the guise of launching what it claimed to be an observation satellite.
北朝鮮が、「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称して、長距離弾道ミサイルの発射を強行した。
Once again, Pyongyang flouted without compunction U.N. resolutions that prohibit the country from engaging in any launching activities involving ballistic missile technology.
発射を禁じた国連安全保障理事会の決議を再び愚弄する暴挙だ。
After North Korea's previous missile launch in April ended in failure, the U.N. Security Council issued a presidential statement warning it would "take action accordingly" in the event of another launch or a nuclear test.
４月に北朝鮮の発射が失敗に終わった後、安保理は議長声明で、新たな発射や核実験には「相応の行動をとる」と警告していた。
We strongly urge the Security Council to swiftly adopt a resolution to tighten sanctions on North Korea.
速やかに北朝鮮に対する制裁措置の強化を決議すべきである。
The United States has imposed powerful financial sanctions on Iran, which have had a certain level of effect. We believe it is time to consider similar actions on North Korea.
イランに対しては米国が強力な金融制裁を講じて一定の効果を上げている。北朝鮮にも同様の措置を検討する時ではないか。
China, a permanent Security Council member, must recognize the responsibility it bears in this matter. If China blocks a UNSC binding resolution, North Korea will do nothing to change its reckless behavior.
安保理常任理事国の中国は責任を自覚すべきだ。中国の反対で拘束力ある決議が採択できぬようでは、北朝鮮は態度を改めまい。
===
Pyongyang's true motive
North Korea hailed the missile launch as a success, saying it put a "satellite into orbit as planned."
北朝鮮は今回、「衛星を予定の軌道に乗せた」と成功を誇示している。
This time around, it appears North Korea succeeded in controlling the missile's flight, separating second- and third-stage rockets, the main tasks it faced toward developing the capability to fire long-range ballistic missiles. North Korea's missile range has extended considerably and its accuracy has improved, posing a grave threat to the international community.
課題だった飛行の制御や２段目と３段目の切り離しに成功した可能性がある。射程延伸や精度向上で脅威は増大している。
Why is North Korea so obsessed with launching "satellites" at enormous costs? It is unthinkable the true purpose was to put a shoddy satellite into orbit. The truth is that the hermetic country believes its survival depends on bolstering its nuclear deterrence capability by possessing atomic weapons and missiles to carry the payloads.
北朝鮮が巨費を投じて発射を繰り返すのは、貧弱な人工衛星打ち上げが真の目的ではあるまい。核兵器と、その運搬手段のミサイルの保有で核抑止力を強化してこそ生き残れるとの判断があろう。
According to South Korean TV reports, then former chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army delivered an address to military executives at the start of this year, saying: "Launching a satellite is equal to [launching] a weaponized rocket. It enables us to install nuclear weapons on rockets capable of reaching the U.S. mainland."
韓国のテレビによると、北朝鮮の人民軍元総参謀長が今年初め、幹部に対し「衛星打ち上げはロケット兵器と同じだ。核爆弾搭載で米本土まで飛ばすことができる」と講演したという。
The United States is concerned these remarks may come true.
米国が恐れるのは、まさにそういう事態だ。
Japan, which is already within the range of North Korea's Rodong intermediate-range ballistic missile, must strengthen its alliance with the United States and enhance its deterrence against North Korea. To achieve this it is crucial that Japan be able to exercise its right to collective self-defense regarding its missile defense system.
日本は既に北朝鮮の中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンの射程にある。日米同盟を強化し、北朝鮮への抑止力を高めるには、ミサイル防衛などを巡り集団的自衛権の行使を可能にすることが求められる。
===
J-Alert worked smoothly
Wednesday's missile launch was regarded as a surprise, as the international community was under the impression that North Korea had decided to delay the launch. This highlights the limits of intelligence analysis on North Korea's activities.
今回は、延期かと思われた中での奇襲的な発射だった。北朝鮮情報の分析の限界を示している。
Nevertheless, the Japanese government was able to disseminate information about the launch to local governments in Okinawa Prefecture through the J-Alert early warning system six minutes after the launch.
それでも日本政府はミサイル発射の６分後に全国瞬時警報システム（Ｊアラート）で沖縄県内の自治体などに第一報を速報した。
The government's success in conveying information this time around shows it has learned from lessons of the past and improved its system for confirming, conveying and announcing such important information.
In 2009, the government issued a false alarm before North Korea actually fired a missile, and in April this year, the government's announcement of the missile launch was significantly delayed.
まずまず円滑に情報発信できたのは、３年前の「発射」誤報と今年４月の大幅な発表遅延の反省を踏まえ、情報確認・伝達・発表の仕組みを改善した成果だ。
The Self-Defense Forces deployed three Aegis-equipped destroyers with interceptor missiles to the East China Sea as well as units equipped with PAC-3 missiles to Ishigakijima island in Okinawa Prefecture and other areas to prepare for the missile's fall.
自衛隊は、迎撃ミサイル搭載のイージス艦３隻を東シナ海に、地対空誘導弾部隊を沖縄・石垣島などに派遣し、ミサイル落下の事態に備えた。
The deployment was completed in a much shorter time than for the previous two launches.
部隊配置完了は前２回の発射時より大幅に早かった。
What is the key to success in national security and crisis management? It is to meticulously draw up contingency plans; conduct thorough training; and incorporate lessons learned to make the plans more rigorous.
不測の事態に備えて計画を練り、訓練を重ね、反省点を計画の改善に生かしていく。それが安全保障・危機管理の要諦である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 13, 2012)
（2012年12月13日01時53分 読売新聞）
UNSC should tighten sanctions on Pyongyang
北ミサイル発射 安保理は制裁強化を決議せよ（12月13日付・読売社説）
Ignoring international warnings, North Korea fired a long-range ballistic missile under the guise of launching what it claimed to be an observation satellite.
北朝鮮が、「人工衛星打ち上げ」と称して、長距離弾道ミサイルの発射を強行した。
Once again, Pyongyang flouted without compunction U.N. resolutions that prohibit the country from engaging in any launching activities involving ballistic missile technology.
発射を禁じた国連安全保障理事会の決議を再び愚弄する暴挙だ。
After North Korea's previous missile launch in April ended in failure, the U.N. Security Council issued a presidential statement warning it would "take action accordingly" in the event of another launch or a nuclear test.
４月に北朝鮮の発射が失敗に終わった後、安保理は議長声明で、新たな発射や核実験には「相応の行動をとる」と警告していた。
We strongly urge the Security Council to swiftly adopt a resolution to tighten sanctions on North Korea.
速やかに北朝鮮に対する制裁措置の強化を決議すべきである。
The United States has imposed powerful financial sanctions on Iran, which have had a certain level of effect. We believe it is time to consider similar actions on North Korea.
イランに対しては米国が強力な金融制裁を講じて一定の効果を上げている。北朝鮮にも同様の措置を検討する時ではないか。
China, a permanent Security Council member, must recognize the responsibility it bears in this matter. If China blocks a UNSC binding resolution, North Korea will do nothing to change its reckless behavior.
安保理常任理事国の中国は責任を自覚すべきだ。中国の反対で拘束力ある決議が採択できぬようでは、北朝鮮は態度を改めまい。
===
Pyongyang's true motive
North Korea hailed the missile launch as a success, saying it put a "satellite into orbit as planned."
北朝鮮は今回、「衛星を予定の軌道に乗せた」と成功を誇示している。
This time around, it appears North Korea succeeded in controlling the missile's flight, separating second- and third-stage rockets, the main tasks it faced toward developing the capability to fire long-range ballistic missiles. North Korea's missile range has extended considerably and its accuracy has improved, posing a grave threat to the international community.
課題だった飛行の制御や２段目と３段目の切り離しに成功した可能性がある。射程延伸や精度向上で脅威は増大している。
Why is North Korea so obsessed with launching "satellites" at enormous costs? It is unthinkable the true purpose was to put a shoddy satellite into orbit. The truth is that the hermetic country believes its survival depends on bolstering its nuclear deterrence capability by possessing atomic weapons and missiles to carry the payloads.
北朝鮮が巨費を投じて発射を繰り返すのは、貧弱な人工衛星打ち上げが真の目的ではあるまい。核兵器と、その運搬手段のミサイルの保有で核抑止力を強化してこそ生き残れるとの判断があろう。
According to South Korean TV reports, then former chief of the General Staff of the Korean People's Army delivered an address to military executives at the start of this year, saying: "Launching a satellite is equal to [launching] a weaponized rocket. It enables us to install nuclear weapons on rockets capable of reaching the U.S. mainland."
韓国のテレビによると、北朝鮮の人民軍元総参謀長が今年初め、幹部に対し「衛星打ち上げはロケット兵器と同じだ。核爆弾搭載で米本土まで飛ばすことができる」と講演したという。
The United States is concerned these remarks may come true.
米国が恐れるのは、まさにそういう事態だ。
Japan, which is already within the range of North Korea's Rodong intermediate-range ballistic missile, must strengthen its alliance with the United States and enhance its deterrence against North Korea. To achieve this it is crucial that Japan be able to exercise its right to collective self-defense regarding its missile defense system.
日本は既に北朝鮮の中距離弾道ミサイル・ノドンの射程にある。日米同盟を強化し、北朝鮮への抑止力を高めるには、ミサイル防衛などを巡り集団的自衛権の行使を可能にすることが求められる。
===
J-Alert worked smoothly
Wednesday's missile launch was regarded as a surprise, as the international community was under the impression that North Korea had decided to delay the launch. This highlights the limits of intelligence analysis on North Korea's activities.
今回は、延期かと思われた中での奇襲的な発射だった。北朝鮮情報の分析の限界を示している。
Nevertheless, the Japanese government was able to disseminate information about the launch to local governments in Okinawa Prefecture through the J-Alert early warning system six minutes after the launch.
それでも日本政府はミサイル発射の６分後に全国瞬時警報システム（Ｊアラート）で沖縄県内の自治体などに第一報を速報した。
The government's success in conveying information this time around shows it has learned from lessons of the past and improved its system for confirming, conveying and announcing such important information.
In 2009, the government issued a false alarm before North Korea actually fired a missile, and in April this year, the government's announcement of the missile launch was significantly delayed.
まずまず円滑に情報発信できたのは、３年前の「発射」誤報と今年４月の大幅な発表遅延の反省を踏まえ、情報確認・伝達・発表の仕組みを改善した成果だ。
The Self-Defense Forces deployed three Aegis-equipped destroyers with interceptor missiles to the East China Sea as well as units equipped with PAC-3 missiles to Ishigakijima island in Okinawa Prefecture and other areas to prepare for the missile's fall.
自衛隊は、迎撃ミサイル搭載のイージス艦３隻を東シナ海に、地対空誘導弾部隊を沖縄・石垣島などに派遣し、ミサイル落下の事態に備えた。
The deployment was completed in a much shorter time than for the previous two launches.
部隊配置完了は前２回の発射時より大幅に早かった。
What is the key to success in national security and crisis management? It is to meticulously draw up contingency plans; conduct thorough training; and incorporate lessons learned to make the plans more rigorous.
不測の事態に備えて計画を練り、訓練を重ね、反省点を計画の改善に生かしていく。それが安全保障・危機管理の要諦である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 13, 2012)
（2012年12月13日01時53分 読売新聞）
2012年12月14日
年金制度 甘い公約では改革が進まない
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 13, 2012)
Campaign pledges weak on pension system reform
年金制度 甘い公約では改革が進まない（12月12日付・読売社説）
How will political parties maintain the nation's pension system, which is in a critical situation due to the declining birthrate and aging population? Their campaign pledges mainly call for expansion of pension benefits and lack specific measures.
少子高齢化で危機的状況に陥った年金制度をどう維持するのか。
各政党の政権公約は給付の拡充をうたったものが目につき、具体策に乏しい。
Pension benefits have continued to swell as the population ages. However, revenue for premiums to fund the pension system has not increased because of a decline in the working population and a drop in wages because of the sluggish economy.
高齢人口の増加に伴い、年金給付額の膨張が続いている。一方、労働力人口の減少や景気低迷による賃金下落で、財源の保険料収入は伸びない。
Despite this situation, the Liberal Democratic Party stresses the need to increase "benefits from welfare programs" for senior citizens receiving low pensions while maintaining the existing pension system.
こうした状況にもかかわらず、自民党は、現行の年金制度を基本に低年金者へ「福祉的給付」の上乗せの必要性を強調している。
In regard to the government's share of contributions to the basic pension fund, which was raised from one-third to half, the LDP pledges to make this ratio permanent by using revenue from the consumption tax.
３分の１から２分の１に引き上げられた基礎年金の国庫負担割合については、消費税を財源に確実に恒久化することも公約している。
If the LDP does this, the party should at the same time review the current situation in which taxpayers' money is used for high-income earners' basic pension at the same ratio as that for low-income earners.
それならば同時に、高所得者の基礎年金にも低所得者と同様の割合で税を使っている現状も見直すべきだろう。
===
Footing a large bill
The Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) advocate the creation of a "guaranteed minimum pension," which would require greater financial resources, while New Komeito insists on providing additional pension benefits to people receiving low benefits.
民主党や日本未来の党は、さらに財源を要する「最低保障年金」の創設を唱え、公明党も低年金者への年金加算を主張している。
If the benefits are expanded without asking people to shoulder a larger burden, taxpayers' money to be used to make up for the shortfall in resources will increase. Insisting on such an expansion is irresponsible.
新たな負担を求めずに給付を拡充するだけでは、年金財源の不足分を補う税金投入は増える一方であり、無責任だ。
If pension benefits are simply increased, future generations will end up footing the bill, widening the intergenerational disparity between the young and the elderly. Under the circumstances, we believe the nation's pension system will eventually collapse.
将来世代へのツケ回しとなり、高齢者と若者の世代間格差が拡大する。これでは早晩、制度が破綻するのではないか。
What is needed to ensure the stability of the pension system is to curb benefits.
年金制度の安定に欠かせないのは、給付の抑制である。
In this regard, it is commendable that Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) is calling for "raising the pension eligibility age through creation of employment for the elderly" and that Your Party said it would "consider cutting pension benefits for high-income earners."
その点で、日本維新の会が「高齢者雇用の創出を図って、年金支給開始年齢引き上げ」を掲げたことや、みんなの党が「高所得高齢者への年金支給減額の検討」を打ち出したのは評価できる。
It is problematic, however, that the two parties advocate a "shift to a funded pension system."
一方で、両党が「年金制度の積み立て方式への移行」を唱えているのは疑問だ。
===
Double burden
At present, we have a pay-as-you-go pension system, under which benefits for current pensioners are funded by premiums paid by the working population. If the system is shifted to a funded pension system, the nation's workforce would shoulder a double burden--paying premiums to provide benefits to the elderly as well as premiums to fund pensions they would receive after retirement.
現行の年金制度は、現役世代が納めた保険料を高齢者の年金に充てる賦課方式だ。積み立て方式に移行する場合、現役世代は高齢者のための保険料と、自分の老後に備えた積み立てという二重の負担を強いられ、現実的ではない。
Ishin no Kai advocates the creation of "a special inheritance tax to fund pension benefits," but the revenue raised by such a tax would be far short of what is needed. The party does not explain fully how adequate financial resources could be raised, as it does not want the social security system funded by the upcoming consumption tax hike.
維新の会は「年金目的特別相続税」の創設を提唱しているが、現在必要な年金財源には到底足りない。消費増税分を社会保障に充てることも否定しており、どう財源を賄うのか説明不足と言える。
To ensure stable financing of the pension system, many issues should be reviewed.
年金財政の安定のため、見直すべき課題は多い。
In 2004, a plan to lower pension levels was introduced in line with the decrease in the working population, but it has not been enforced. It is necessary to implement this plan at an early date.
２００４年に、現役世代の人口減少に合わせ、年金水準を引き下げる仕組みが導入されたが、一度も発動されていない。早期の実施が求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 12, 2012)
（2012年12月12日01時22分 読売新聞）
Campaign pledges weak on pension system reform
年金制度 甘い公約では改革が進まない（12月12日付・読売社説）
How will political parties maintain the nation's pension system, which is in a critical situation due to the declining birthrate and aging population? Their campaign pledges mainly call for expansion of pension benefits and lack specific measures.
少子高齢化で危機的状況に陥った年金制度をどう維持するのか。
各政党の政権公約は給付の拡充をうたったものが目につき、具体策に乏しい。
Pension benefits have continued to swell as the population ages. However, revenue for premiums to fund the pension system has not increased because of a decline in the working population and a drop in wages because of the sluggish economy.
高齢人口の増加に伴い、年金給付額の膨張が続いている。一方、労働力人口の減少や景気低迷による賃金下落で、財源の保険料収入は伸びない。
Despite this situation, the Liberal Democratic Party stresses the need to increase "benefits from welfare programs" for senior citizens receiving low pensions while maintaining the existing pension system.
こうした状況にもかかわらず、自民党は、現行の年金制度を基本に低年金者へ「福祉的給付」の上乗せの必要性を強調している。
In regard to the government's share of contributions to the basic pension fund, which was raised from one-third to half, the LDP pledges to make this ratio permanent by using revenue from the consumption tax.
３分の１から２分の１に引き上げられた基礎年金の国庫負担割合については、消費税を財源に確実に恒久化することも公約している。
If the LDP does this, the party should at the same time review the current situation in which taxpayers' money is used for high-income earners' basic pension at the same ratio as that for low-income earners.
それならば同時に、高所得者の基礎年金にも低所得者と同様の割合で税を使っている現状も見直すべきだろう。
===
Footing a large bill
The Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Mirai no To (Tomorrow Party of Japan) advocate the creation of a "guaranteed minimum pension," which would require greater financial resources, while New Komeito insists on providing additional pension benefits to people receiving low benefits.
民主党や日本未来の党は、さらに財源を要する「最低保障年金」の創設を唱え、公明党も低年金者への年金加算を主張している。
If the benefits are expanded without asking people to shoulder a larger burden, taxpayers' money to be used to make up for the shortfall in resources will increase. Insisting on such an expansion is irresponsible.
新たな負担を求めずに給付を拡充するだけでは、年金財源の不足分を補う税金投入は増える一方であり、無責任だ。
If pension benefits are simply increased, future generations will end up footing the bill, widening the intergenerational disparity between the young and the elderly. Under the circumstances, we believe the nation's pension system will eventually collapse.
将来世代へのツケ回しとなり、高齢者と若者の世代間格差が拡大する。これでは早晩、制度が破綻するのではないか。
What is needed to ensure the stability of the pension system is to curb benefits.
年金制度の安定に欠かせないのは、給付の抑制である。
In this regard, it is commendable that Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) is calling for "raising the pension eligibility age through creation of employment for the elderly" and that Your Party said it would "consider cutting pension benefits for high-income earners."
その点で、日本維新の会が「高齢者雇用の創出を図って、年金支給開始年齢引き上げ」を掲げたことや、みんなの党が「高所得高齢者への年金支給減額の検討」を打ち出したのは評価できる。
It is problematic, however, that the two parties advocate a "shift to a funded pension system."
一方で、両党が「年金制度の積み立て方式への移行」を唱えているのは疑問だ。
===
Double burden
At present, we have a pay-as-you-go pension system, under which benefits for current pensioners are funded by premiums paid by the working population. If the system is shifted to a funded pension system, the nation's workforce would shoulder a double burden--paying premiums to provide benefits to the elderly as well as premiums to fund pensions they would receive after retirement.
現行の年金制度は、現役世代が納めた保険料を高齢者の年金に充てる賦課方式だ。積み立て方式に移行する場合、現役世代は高齢者のための保険料と、自分の老後に備えた積み立てという二重の負担を強いられ、現実的ではない。
Ishin no Kai advocates the creation of "a special inheritance tax to fund pension benefits," but the revenue raised by such a tax would be far short of what is needed. The party does not explain fully how adequate financial resources could be raised, as it does not want the social security system funded by the upcoming consumption tax hike.
維新の会は「年金目的特別相続税」の創設を提唱しているが、現在必要な年金財源には到底足りない。消費増税分を社会保障に充てることも否定しており、どう財源を賄うのか説明不足と言える。
To ensure stable financing of the pension system, many issues should be reviewed.
年金財政の安定のため、見直すべき課題は多い。
In 2004, a plan to lower pension levels was introduced in line with the decrease in the working population, but it has not been enforced. It is necessary to implement this plan at an early date.
２００４年に、現役世代の人口減少に合わせ、年金水準を引き下げる仕組みが導入されたが、一度も発動されていない。早期の実施が求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 12, 2012)
（2012年12月12日01時22分 読売新聞）
2012年12月13日
共働きの主婦に朗報 セブン-イレブンの「セブンミール」
教育政策 子どもの将来見据えた論戦を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 12, 2012)
Election debates should take up education policy
教育政策 子どもの将来見据えた論戦を（12月11日付・読売社説）
Voters pay special attention to education policy. How should the children who will be responsible for Japan's future be nurtured? Each political party should present a clear future vision in this regard.
教育政策は有権者の関心が高い。次代を担う子どもたちをどう育成するのか。各党はその将来像を示すべきである。
The Liberal Democratic Party listed education as a priority in its policy pledges for the upcoming House of Representatives election. It is one of the party's four pillars for national revival, along with the economy, diplomacy and quality of life. The party's proposals include reinstating Saturday classes and reviewing the current system of six years of primary school, three years each of middle and high school and four years of university.
公約で教育を重点課題に掲げたのは自民党だ。経済、外交、暮らしと並ぶ再生の４本柱に位置づけ、「土曜授業の復活」や「６・３・３・４制の見直し」などを挙げている。
LDP President Shinzo Abe probably wants to try again on education reform, which he aimed at while he was prime minister but left only half-done.
安倍総裁には、首相時代に、道半ばに終わった教育改革に再挑戦する思いもあろう。
===
Undue influence of teachers union
In the election campaign, Abe has repeatedly said the Democratic Party of Japan, which is influenced by the Japan Teachers Union, cannot be entrusted with the task of truly reviving the nation's education.
安倍氏はこれまでの選挙戦で、日本教職員組合の影響を受けている民主党には、真の教育再生はできない、と繰り返し述べている。
For example, the national achievement test, which was introduced in 2007 to improve schoolchildren's academic abilities, was scaled down after the DPJ took power, so that instead of having all students in targeted years participate, the test was given only at a sample of about 30 percent of schools nationwide. The shift came out of consideration for criticism from the teachers union that such a test would invite competition.
学力向上策として２００７年に始まった全国学力テストは、民主党に政権移行後、全員参加方式から約３割を抽出する方式に縮小された。「競争をあおる」という日教組の批判に配慮したものだ。
Because the sampling method targets a smaller number of schools, detailed analysis of results cannot be conducted. It is understandable that the LDP argues for returning to the full participation format.
抽出方式で対象校が減り、きめ細かな分析ができなくなった。自民党が全員参加方式に戻すと主張しているのは理解できる。
Making public high school tuition-free was one of the DPJ-led administration's pet policy measures. The LDP has proposed this be limited to children whose parents earn under a certain amount.
民主党政権の目玉政策の一つである高校授業料の無償化についても、自民党は対象に所得制限を設ける方針を打ち出した。
On the other hand, it is a cause for concern that the LDP itself has made policy proposals that would require large-scale fiscal spending, such as one to make preschool education tuition-free.
一方で、幼児教育の無償化など大規模な財政支出を伴う政策を盛り込んだことは懸念される。
Under the current fiscal situation, which borders on crisis, it is essential to secure fiscal resources. If the LDP is serious about returning to power, it should not end up listing policy measures simply to please the public. Rather, we want it to present a realistic policy course.
危機的な財政状況の中では、財源の確保が重要だ。政権復帰を目指す以上、大衆受けする政策を並べるだけでなく、現実的な道筋を示してもらいたい。
Meanwhile, we consider the DPJ's policy pledges on education insufficient, as they offer little in concrete terms.
民主党の教育に関する公約が具体策に乏しいのは物足りない。
===
Unclear role of education boards
In this election, the role of boards of education is another important issue, especially after the functional inability of the Otsu Municipal Board of Education came to light following the suicide of a middle school student in the city who had been bullied.
今回の選挙では、教育委員会の在り方も重要な論点である。大津市の中学生がいじめを受けて自殺した事件で、市教委の機能不全が問題視されたためだ。
The LDP proposes that full-time school superintendents appointed by the heads of local governments with the consent of local assemblies should be in charge of education boards.
自民党は、議会の同意を得て首長が任命する常勤の教育長を責任者とするよう提案している。
Regarding this point, the DPJ's policy pledges say only that the education board system should be reviewed.
この点でも民主党は「制度の見直し」を公約しているだけだ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) suggests the system be abolished, while Your Party proposes that local governments be given discretion over issues concerning the system.
日本維新の会は「制度の廃止」に言及し、みんなの党は「自治体による選択制」を主張する。
Under the current education board system introduced shortly after the end of World War II, education board members, appointed from among local residents, have a council system to make decisions on such important issues as teacher personnel affairs and the adoption of textbooks, to keep education from being politically influenced by local government heads.
戦後導入された教委制度では、教育が首長による政治的な影響を受けないよう、地域住民の中から任命された教育委員が合議制で、教員の人事や教科書採択などの重要事項を決めてきた。
But it cannot be denied that where responsibilities lie has become unclear as the education board system has become a mere formality despite its intended independence. Who will be responsible for education? In-depth discussions should be held on this point.
だが、独立性を付与したはずの仕組みが形骸化し、責任の所在が不明確になっている面は否めない。教育に誰が責任を持つのか、踏み込んだ議論が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2012)
（2012年12月11日01時46分 読売新聞）
Election debates should take up education policy
教育政策 子どもの将来見据えた論戦を（12月11日付・読売社説）
Voters pay special attention to education policy. How should the children who will be responsible for Japan's future be nurtured? Each political party should present a clear future vision in this regard.
教育政策は有権者の関心が高い。次代を担う子どもたちをどう育成するのか。各党はその将来像を示すべきである。
The Liberal Democratic Party listed education as a priority in its policy pledges for the upcoming House of Representatives election. It is one of the party's four pillars for national revival, along with the economy, diplomacy and quality of life. The party's proposals include reinstating Saturday classes and reviewing the current system of six years of primary school, three years each of middle and high school and four years of university.
公約で教育を重点課題に掲げたのは自民党だ。経済、外交、暮らしと並ぶ再生の４本柱に位置づけ、「土曜授業の復活」や「６・３・３・４制の見直し」などを挙げている。
LDP President Shinzo Abe probably wants to try again on education reform, which he aimed at while he was prime minister but left only half-done.
安倍総裁には、首相時代に、道半ばに終わった教育改革に再挑戦する思いもあろう。
===
Undue influence of teachers union
In the election campaign, Abe has repeatedly said the Democratic Party of Japan, which is influenced by the Japan Teachers Union, cannot be entrusted with the task of truly reviving the nation's education.
安倍氏はこれまでの選挙戦で、日本教職員組合の影響を受けている民主党には、真の教育再生はできない、と繰り返し述べている。
For example, the national achievement test, which was introduced in 2007 to improve schoolchildren's academic abilities, was scaled down after the DPJ took power, so that instead of having all students in targeted years participate, the test was given only at a sample of about 30 percent of schools nationwide. The shift came out of consideration for criticism from the teachers union that such a test would invite competition.
学力向上策として２００７年に始まった全国学力テストは、民主党に政権移行後、全員参加方式から約３割を抽出する方式に縮小された。「競争をあおる」という日教組の批判に配慮したものだ。
Because the sampling method targets a smaller number of schools, detailed analysis of results cannot be conducted. It is understandable that the LDP argues for returning to the full participation format.
抽出方式で対象校が減り、きめ細かな分析ができなくなった。自民党が全員参加方式に戻すと主張しているのは理解できる。
Making public high school tuition-free was one of the DPJ-led administration's pet policy measures. The LDP has proposed this be limited to children whose parents earn under a certain amount.
民主党政権の目玉政策の一つである高校授業料の無償化についても、自民党は対象に所得制限を設ける方針を打ち出した。
On the other hand, it is a cause for concern that the LDP itself has made policy proposals that would require large-scale fiscal spending, such as one to make preschool education tuition-free.
一方で、幼児教育の無償化など大規模な財政支出を伴う政策を盛り込んだことは懸念される。
Under the current fiscal situation, which borders on crisis, it is essential to secure fiscal resources. If the LDP is serious about returning to power, it should not end up listing policy measures simply to please the public. Rather, we want it to present a realistic policy course.
危機的な財政状況の中では、財源の確保が重要だ。政権復帰を目指す以上、大衆受けする政策を並べるだけでなく、現実的な道筋を示してもらいたい。
Meanwhile, we consider the DPJ's policy pledges on education insufficient, as they offer little in concrete terms.
民主党の教育に関する公約が具体策に乏しいのは物足りない。
===
Unclear role of education boards
In this election, the role of boards of education is another important issue, especially after the functional inability of the Otsu Municipal Board of Education came to light following the suicide of a middle school student in the city who had been bullied.
今回の選挙では、教育委員会の在り方も重要な論点である。大津市の中学生がいじめを受けて自殺した事件で、市教委の機能不全が問題視されたためだ。
The LDP proposes that full-time school superintendents appointed by the heads of local governments with the consent of local assemblies should be in charge of education boards.
自民党は、議会の同意を得て首長が任命する常勤の教育長を責任者とするよう提案している。
Regarding this point, the DPJ's policy pledges say only that the education board system should be reviewed.
この点でも民主党は「制度の見直し」を公約しているだけだ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) suggests the system be abolished, while Your Party proposes that local governments be given discretion over issues concerning the system.
日本維新の会は「制度の廃止」に言及し、みんなの党は「自治体による選択制」を主張する。
Under the current education board system introduced shortly after the end of World War II, education board members, appointed from among local residents, have a council system to make decisions on such important issues as teacher personnel affairs and the adoption of textbooks, to keep education from being politically influenced by local government heads.
戦後導入された教委制度では、教育が首長による政治的な影響を受けないよう、地域住民の中から任命された教育委員が合議制で、教員の人事や教科書採択などの重要事項を決めてきた。
But it cannot be denied that where responsibilities lie has become unclear as the education board system has become a mere formality despite its intended independence. Who will be responsible for education? In-depth discussions should be held on this point.
だが、独立性を付与したはずの仕組みが形骸化し、責任の所在が不明確になっている面は否めない。教育に誰が責任を持つのか、踏み込んだ議論が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 11, 2012)
（2012年12月11日01時46分 読売新聞）
2012年12月12日
魅力的な腰のくびれは米国製ライポソニックスで
ハンバーガー、チップスなどのジャンクフードによりアメリカ人の肥満が問題となってから久しいですね。
今、アメリカではLean & Fit と呼ばれるダイエットが流行っていますが、これは、身体にしっかりと定着した皮下脂肪を食生活の工夫（改善）で取り除こうという試みなのです。
昔、私はダイエットするために水泳を利用いたしましたが、なにしろ苦しい。
ダイエットは、出来れば楽してやりたいものです。
それが女性なら、気になるのが腰のくびれです。
年を重ねても、女性は美しくあって欲しいですね。スーチーさんのように。
アメリカで話題沸騰の先進脂肪溶解マシーンがついに日本上陸です。
ライポソニックス は、手術ではなくって、先進の超音波により、脂肪を溶解するという痩身機器なのです。外科手術は怖いですからね。
サイトをブラウズしてみて、この超音波器具なら、楽して、痛みもなくウエストまわりの皮下脂肪を取り除けるのが良いと思いました。
ウエストのくびれがなくなっている女性（私の妻です＾＾）たちには福音となるでしょう。
レビューブログから、ライポソニックス（LIPOSONIX） について情報をいただいたので紹介します。