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2012年12月04日
社会保障会議 制度の安定に負担を求めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 3, 2012)
Heavier burdens inevitable for sustainable social security
社会保障会議 制度の安定に負担を求めよ（12月2日付・読売社説）
A newly launched expert council on the future of the nation's social security system will need to hold exhaustive discussions on ways to ensure people can live with peace of mind.
国民生活の安心を確保するために、議論を尽くさねばならない。
The national council for reform of the social security system has been inaugurated to deliberate the future shape of social security.
今後の社会保障のあり方を検討する社会保障制度改革国民会議がスタートした。
The head of the council, Keio University President Atsushi Seike, said at its first meeting Friday he hopes the council will develop "logical discussions as a group of experts."
会長の清家篤・慶応義塾長は「専門家として論理的な議論をしたい」と強調した。
It is crucial that the 15-member council, whose deadline for presenting its conclusions is set by law for August next year, hammer out measures for transforming the existing social security system--which has been fraying because of Japan's rapidly aging population coupled with a low birthrate--into a solid, sustainable framework.
来年８月の設置期限までに、少子高齢化でほころびが目立つ制度を持続可能な仕組みにする方策を打ち出すことが重要である。
While benefit payments have snowballed, premiums and tax revenues for funding these expenses have been floundering. The disruption in the balance between benefit payments and the burden on the public to finance the system is leading it to the precipice.
膨らみ続ける社会保障給付費に対し、財源の社会保険料や税収は低迷している。給付と負担のバランスが崩れていることが、制度の危機につながっている。
Government debts to make up for the revenue shortfall have ballooned.
不足分を補う国の借金は増える一方だ。
===
Do away with inequities
The new council plans to ensure necessary social security services can be provided while "curbing the increasing financial burden on the people."
国民会議は「国民負担の増大を抑制しつつ」必要なサービスを確保する方針だ。
However, it would be all but impossible to maintain the system without asking the public to fairly shoulder a burden commensurate with their income level.
だが、国民に公平で相応の負担を求めなくては、制度は維持できまい。
People aged 70 to 74 pay 10 percent of their medical fees from their own pocket, although the rate set by law is 20 percent. The medical bill burden for people in this age bracket is substantially lower than that of people younger or older than them. This has generated a sense of inequality. We think the supposedly provisional measure should be quickly removed so people aged 70 to 74 pay 20 percent of their medical bills.
例えば７０〜７４歳の医療費の窓口負担率は、法定では２割なのに、１割に抑えられている。前後の年代に比べて自己負担が軽く、不公平が生じている。すみやかに２割負担に引き上げるべきである。
Social security benefits will inevitably be curbed. In addition, pension benefits must be lowered in accordance with the falling wage levels of working generations currently paying pension premiums.
給付の抑制も避けられない。年金保険料を納める現役世代の賃金水準の低下に合わせ、年金給付を引き下げる必要がある。
Steps to boost the low birthrate also are urgently needed.
少子化対策も急務だ。
As a percentage of gross domestic product, Japanese government spending on child care support is less than one-third that of the expenditures of nations such as France and Sweden, which have turned around their low birthrates. Effective social security measures, including expanding day care services for children, and ways to secure revenue, must be worked out.
フランス、スウェーデンなど少子化を改善させた国々に比べ、日本の子育て支援支出は国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）比で３分の１に満たない。保育サービスの拡充など効果的な政策や、財源を確保する方策を追求すべきだ。
The council will discuss four main issues: medical services, nursing care services, pensions and ways of reversing the low birthrate. Yet another issue--employment--must not be left unaddressed.
国民会議の検討項目は医療、介護、年金、少子化の４分野だが、雇用対策も忘れてはならない。
===
3-party cooperation vital
The council is expected to include in its agenda how to improve the working conditions of nonregular employees who are not covered by social security insurance plans despite earning low wages.
低賃金のうえ、社会保険が適用されない非正規雇用の待遇改善などが検討課題になろう。
To translate the council's conclusions into concrete policies, cooperation between the Democratic party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito will be vital.
国民会議の結論を得て、具体的な政策に結び付けるためには、民主、自民、公明３党の協力体制が欠かせない。
The DPJ has been arguing for the creation of a guaranteed minimum pension system and abolition of the special medical care service arrangements for people 75 or older. Both DPJ goals are unrealistic and opposed by the LDP and Komeito.
民主党は、最低保障年金の創設や後期高齢者医療制度の廃止を主張しているが、現実味に乏しく、自公両党は反対している。
After the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election, the three parties, in parallel with discussions by the national council, must hold consultations and find solutions to these issues.
衆院選後、国民会議と並行して政党間協議を行い、決着するべきだ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), for its part, wants to change the pay-as-you-go pension system, under which benefits for current pensioners are funded by premiums paid by workers, into a funded pension system under which premiums paid by workers fund the pension they receive after retirement.
日本維新の会は現在の賦課方式の年金制度を積み立て方式に改めると主張し、
Another new party, Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), has trumpeted the creation of a minimum pension guarantee system.
日本未来の党は最低保障年金の創設を訴えている。
The feasibility of these arguments is questionable. Nevertheless, these arguments could affect deliberations by the council, depending on the results of the lower house election.
実現性は疑問だが、衆院選の結果次第では、国民会議に影響を与える可能性もある。
Every party must be well aware of the importance of stably maintaining the nation's social security system.
どの政党も、社会保障制度を安定させながら維持していくことの重要性を認識すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 2, 2012)
（2012年12月2日01時04分 読売新聞）
Heavier burdens inevitable for sustainable social security
社会保障会議 制度の安定に負担を求めよ（12月2日付・読売社説）
A newly launched expert council on the future of the nation's social security system will need to hold exhaustive discussions on ways to ensure people can live with peace of mind.
国民生活の安心を確保するために、議論を尽くさねばならない。
The national council for reform of the social security system has been inaugurated to deliberate the future shape of social security.
今後の社会保障のあり方を検討する社会保障制度改革国民会議がスタートした。
The head of the council, Keio University President Atsushi Seike, said at its first meeting Friday he hopes the council will develop "logical discussions as a group of experts."
会長の清家篤・慶応義塾長は「専門家として論理的な議論をしたい」と強調した。
It is crucial that the 15-member council, whose deadline for presenting its conclusions is set by law for August next year, hammer out measures for transforming the existing social security system--which has been fraying because of Japan's rapidly aging population coupled with a low birthrate--into a solid, sustainable framework.
来年８月の設置期限までに、少子高齢化でほころびが目立つ制度を持続可能な仕組みにする方策を打ち出すことが重要である。
While benefit payments have snowballed, premiums and tax revenues for funding these expenses have been floundering. The disruption in the balance between benefit payments and the burden on the public to finance the system is leading it to the precipice.
膨らみ続ける社会保障給付費に対し、財源の社会保険料や税収は低迷している。給付と負担のバランスが崩れていることが、制度の危機につながっている。
Government debts to make up for the revenue shortfall have ballooned.
不足分を補う国の借金は増える一方だ。
===
Do away with inequities
The new council plans to ensure necessary social security services can be provided while "curbing the increasing financial burden on the people."
国民会議は「国民負担の増大を抑制しつつ」必要なサービスを確保する方針だ。
However, it would be all but impossible to maintain the system without asking the public to fairly shoulder a burden commensurate with their income level.
だが、国民に公平で相応の負担を求めなくては、制度は維持できまい。
People aged 70 to 74 pay 10 percent of their medical fees from their own pocket, although the rate set by law is 20 percent. The medical bill burden for people in this age bracket is substantially lower than that of people younger or older than them. This has generated a sense of inequality. We think the supposedly provisional measure should be quickly removed so people aged 70 to 74 pay 20 percent of their medical bills.
例えば７０〜７４歳の医療費の窓口負担率は、法定では２割なのに、１割に抑えられている。前後の年代に比べて自己負担が軽く、不公平が生じている。すみやかに２割負担に引き上げるべきである。
Social security benefits will inevitably be curbed. In addition, pension benefits must be lowered in accordance with the falling wage levels of working generations currently paying pension premiums.
給付の抑制も避けられない。年金保険料を納める現役世代の賃金水準の低下に合わせ、年金給付を引き下げる必要がある。
Steps to boost the low birthrate also are urgently needed.
少子化対策も急務だ。
As a percentage of gross domestic product, Japanese government spending on child care support is less than one-third that of the expenditures of nations such as France and Sweden, which have turned around their low birthrates. Effective social security measures, including expanding day care services for children, and ways to secure revenue, must be worked out.
フランス、スウェーデンなど少子化を改善させた国々に比べ、日本の子育て支援支出は国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）比で３分の１に満たない。保育サービスの拡充など効果的な政策や、財源を確保する方策を追求すべきだ。
The council will discuss four main issues: medical services, nursing care services, pensions and ways of reversing the low birthrate. Yet another issue--employment--must not be left unaddressed.
国民会議の検討項目は医療、介護、年金、少子化の４分野だが、雇用対策も忘れてはならない。
===
3-party cooperation vital
The council is expected to include in its agenda how to improve the working conditions of nonregular employees who are not covered by social security insurance plans despite earning low wages.
低賃金のうえ、社会保険が適用されない非正規雇用の待遇改善などが検討課題になろう。
To translate the council's conclusions into concrete policies, cooperation between the Democratic party of Japan, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito will be vital.
国民会議の結論を得て、具体的な政策に結び付けるためには、民主、自民、公明３党の協力体制が欠かせない。
The DPJ has been arguing for the creation of a guaranteed minimum pension system and abolition of the special medical care service arrangements for people 75 or older. Both DPJ goals are unrealistic and opposed by the LDP and Komeito.
民主党は、最低保障年金の創設や後期高齢者医療制度の廃止を主張しているが、現実味に乏しく、自公両党は反対している。
After the Dec. 16 House of Representatives election, the three parties, in parallel with discussions by the national council, must hold consultations and find solutions to these issues.
衆院選後、国民会議と並行して政党間協議を行い、決着するべきだ。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), for its part, wants to change the pay-as-you-go pension system, under which benefits for current pensioners are funded by premiums paid by workers, into a funded pension system under which premiums paid by workers fund the pension they receive after retirement.
日本維新の会は現在の賦課方式の年金制度を積み立て方式に改めると主張し、
Another new party, Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), has trumpeted the creation of a minimum pension guarantee system.
日本未来の党は最低保障年金の創設を訴えている。
The feasibility of these arguments is questionable. Nevertheless, these arguments could affect deliberations by the council, depending on the results of the lower house election.
実現性は疑問だが、衆院選の結果次第では、国民会議に影響を与える可能性もある。
Every party must be well aware of the importance of stably maintaining the nation's social security system.
どの政党も、社会保障制度を安定させながら維持していくことの重要性を認識すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 2, 2012)
（2012年12月2日01時04分 読売新聞）
2012年12月03日
デビットカードでお買い物 今年最後の運試し＾＾
今朝は、Debitキャンペーンサイト のお知らせです。
今年いっぱい12月31日までに、デビットカードでお買い物をされる方々に、カード会社から特別キャンペーンが開催されます。デビットカードでのお買い物ですが、5000円のお買い物を一口として応募できます。
コースが二つに分かれており、
１） 現金コース (5000円〜10万円）
２） 商品コース （豪華賞品）
の、いずれかを選択いたします。
惜しくも抽選に外れた方々には、敗者復活戦が残っています＾＾。
オリジナルQUOカード（1,000円分）が、1,000名様にプレゼントされるらしいですよ。
今年は大変な年ではありましたが、せめて最後くらいは、プレゼントを当てて優雅な気分に浸りたいものですね。
以上、「J-Debit使ってトクトクキャンペーン！’12冬」 よりのお知らせでした。
レビューブログから J-Debitキャンペーンサイト についてのお知らせをいただきました。
１１党の討論会 政策実現性で競うべき党首力
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 2, 2012)
Party leaders should compete on strength of feasible policies
１１党の討論会 政策実現性で競うべき党首力（12月1日付・読売社説）
Sitting in a row, 11 leaders of political parties made various assertions on issues. The scene reflected the disarray in the nation's politics.
１１人もの党首がずらりと並び、それぞれ主張し合う姿は、混迷する政治状況を映し出しているかのようだ。
Organized by the Japan National Press Club, a debate was held Friday among the party leaders. It could hardly be said that they always responded directly to each others' arguments, but at least each party's basic stance on key issues became clear.
日本記者クラブの主催で党首討論会が開かれた。議論が十分かみあったとは言えないが、重要な課題に対する各党の基本姿勢は明確になった。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed that his Democratic Party of Japan will make all-out efforts to abandon nuclear energy in the 2030s. As if competing over the speed at which they would achieve zero nuclear reliance, other party leaders presented different goals, with one calling for the immediate abandonment of nuclear power and another referring to an exit from nuclear power in 10 years or so.
エネルギー・原発問題については、野田首相が２０３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指して政策を総動員する方針を強調した。他の党首から「即時」「１０年後をめど」など、脱原発までのスピードを競うような主張も相次いだ。
However, we think such assertions by political parties, which deal with state affairs, are irresponsible as long as they are unable to show clear road maps for achieving zero reliance, by clearly anticipating such factors as economic variables and advances in alternative energy technology.
しかし、代替エネルギー技術の進歩や経済状況の変化まで見越して、「ゼロ」への道筋を明確に出来ない以上、国政を担う政党として無責任に過ぎよう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe raised the concern that seeking denuclearization could have a negative impact on the nation's economy and employment and discourage engineers from pursuing careers in the field of nuclear energy. Therefore, he said, "Zero reliance shouldn't be called for lightly." This view is reasonable.
自民党の安倍総裁は、原発ゼロを唱えることで経済・雇用へ悪影響が及び、原子力関係の技術者も育たなくなる、と懸念を示した。「軽々にゼロと言うべきではない」との指摘はもっともである。
Meanwhile, Shintaro Ishihara, the leader of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), played down calls for nuclear zero dependence as "a sort of desire" and expressed his intention to review his party's election pledge calling for nuclear power to be phased out by the 2030s. We think this praiseworthy.
日本維新の会の石原代表が脱原発を「一種の願望」と一蹴し、公約の「３０年代までにフェードアウト」という記述を見直す考えを表明したことも評価できる。
===
Significance of sales tax hikes
As for increases in the consumption tax rate, Noda said, "Without securing a stable revenue source, we can't provide firm reassurances to people regarding receiving pension benefits and medical and nursing care."
消費税率引き上げに関し、野田首相は「安定財源を確保せずに年金、医療、介護で揺るぎのない安心を作ることはできない」と語った。
Three major parties--the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito--should explain to the people once again the significance of the integrated reform of social security and tax systems to win public understanding.
民主、自民、公明３党は社会保障・税一体改革の意義を改めて説明し、理解を求めるべきだ。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), which opposes consumption tax hikes, pledges to thoroughly eliminate wasteful spending before raising the sales tax. But it is obvious that such a policy would only lead the nation's already teetering finances to collapse.
消費増税に反対する日本未来の党は「消費増税の前に、徹底してムダを削除する」と訴えているが、それでは危機的な財政を破綻に追いやるのは明らかだろう。
Opposing tax increases without offering any specific alternatives to raise funds is nothing but posturing to please the public.
増税に反対するだけで、何ら現実的な財源策を示さないのは大衆迎合というしかない。
===
Parties at odds over TPP
As for the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and economic pact, Yoshimi Watanabe, leader of Your Party, which supports Japan's participation in the TPP talks, said, "The TPP multilateral framework, which excludes China, has strategic meaning to create a balance of power."
米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について、交渉参加を掲げるみんなの党の渡辺代表は「中国を除外したＴＰＰの枠組みには、多角的な勢力均衡体系を作って行こうという、戦略的意味合いがある」と指摘した。
This was apparent criticism of the LDP's taking a cautious stance on TPP participation out of consideration for relations with China.
対中戦略を強調して、参加に慎重な自民党を批判したものだ。
During the debate, Abe only said, "We'd like to handle [this issue] with improved negotiating power while scrutinizing whether we can overcome the hurdle of eliminating tariffs without exception." His remarks on the TPP issue left something to be desired.
安倍氏が、「聖域なき関税撤廃を突破できるか吟味しながら、交渉力を磨いて対応したい」と言うにとどめたのは物足りない。
The official campaign for the House of Representatives election kicks off Tuesday. The party heads should exercise their leadership by addressing voters' concerns seriously and presenting convincing policy measures rather than merely striving to raise the profile of their parties.
衆院選は４日、公示される。党首力は、パフォーマンスではなく、有権者の疑問に正面から向き合い、説得力のある政策を提示することにこそ発揮すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 1, 2012)
（2012年12月1日01時21分 読売新聞）
Party leaders should compete on strength of feasible policies
１１党の討論会 政策実現性で競うべき党首力（12月1日付・読売社説）
Sitting in a row, 11 leaders of political parties made various assertions on issues. The scene reflected the disarray in the nation's politics.
１１人もの党首がずらりと並び、それぞれ主張し合う姿は、混迷する政治状況を映し出しているかのようだ。
Organized by the Japan National Press Club, a debate was held Friday among the party leaders. It could hardly be said that they always responded directly to each others' arguments, but at least each party's basic stance on key issues became clear.
日本記者クラブの主催で党首討論会が開かれた。議論が十分かみあったとは言えないが、重要な課題に対する各党の基本姿勢は明確になった。
Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda stressed that his Democratic Party of Japan will make all-out efforts to abandon nuclear energy in the 2030s. As if competing over the speed at which they would achieve zero nuclear reliance, other party leaders presented different goals, with one calling for the immediate abandonment of nuclear power and another referring to an exit from nuclear power in 10 years or so.
エネルギー・原発問題については、野田首相が２０３０年代に「原発稼働ゼロ」を目指して政策を総動員する方針を強調した。他の党首から「即時」「１０年後をめど」など、脱原発までのスピードを競うような主張も相次いだ。
However, we think such assertions by political parties, which deal with state affairs, are irresponsible as long as they are unable to show clear road maps for achieving zero reliance, by clearly anticipating such factors as economic variables and advances in alternative energy technology.
しかし、代替エネルギー技術の進歩や経済状況の変化まで見越して、「ゼロ」への道筋を明確に出来ない以上、国政を担う政党として無責任に過ぎよう。
Liberal Democratic Party President Shinzo Abe raised the concern that seeking denuclearization could have a negative impact on the nation's economy and employment and discourage engineers from pursuing careers in the field of nuclear energy. Therefore, he said, "Zero reliance shouldn't be called for lightly." This view is reasonable.
自民党の安倍総裁は、原発ゼロを唱えることで経済・雇用へ悪影響が及び、原子力関係の技術者も育たなくなる、と懸念を示した。「軽々にゼロと言うべきではない」との指摘はもっともである。
Meanwhile, Shintaro Ishihara, the leader of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), played down calls for nuclear zero dependence as "a sort of desire" and expressed his intention to review his party's election pledge calling for nuclear power to be phased out by the 2030s. We think this praiseworthy.
日本維新の会の石原代表が脱原発を「一種の願望」と一蹴し、公約の「３０年代までにフェードアウト」という記述を見直す考えを表明したことも評価できる。
===
Significance of sales tax hikes
As for increases in the consumption tax rate, Noda said, "Without securing a stable revenue source, we can't provide firm reassurances to people regarding receiving pension benefits and medical and nursing care."
消費税率引き上げに関し、野田首相は「安定財源を確保せずに年金、医療、介護で揺るぎのない安心を作ることはできない」と語った。
Three major parties--the DPJ, the LDP and New Komeito--should explain to the people once again the significance of the integrated reform of social security and tax systems to win public understanding.
民主、自民、公明３党は社会保障・税一体改革の意義を改めて説明し、理解を求めるべきだ。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party), which opposes consumption tax hikes, pledges to thoroughly eliminate wasteful spending before raising the sales tax. But it is obvious that such a policy would only lead the nation's already teetering finances to collapse.
消費増税に反対する日本未来の党は「消費増税の前に、徹底してムダを削除する」と訴えているが、それでは危機的な財政を破綻に追いやるのは明らかだろう。
Opposing tax increases without offering any specific alternatives to raise funds is nothing but posturing to please the public.
増税に反対するだけで、何ら現実的な財源策を示さないのは大衆迎合というしかない。
===
Parties at odds over TPP
As for the U.S.-led Trans-Pacific Partnership trade and economic pact, Yoshimi Watanabe, leader of Your Party, which supports Japan's participation in the TPP talks, said, "The TPP multilateral framework, which excludes China, has strategic meaning to create a balance of power."
米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について、交渉参加を掲げるみんなの党の渡辺代表は「中国を除外したＴＰＰの枠組みには、多角的な勢力均衡体系を作って行こうという、戦略的意味合いがある」と指摘した。
This was apparent criticism of the LDP's taking a cautious stance on TPP participation out of consideration for relations with China.
対中戦略を強調して、参加に慎重な自民党を批判したものだ。
During the debate, Abe only said, "We'd like to handle [this issue] with improved negotiating power while scrutinizing whether we can overcome the hurdle of eliminating tariffs without exception." His remarks on the TPP issue left something to be desired.
安倍氏が、「聖域なき関税撤廃を突破できるか吟味しながら、交渉力を磨いて対応したい」と言うにとどめたのは物足りない。
The official campaign for the House of Representatives election kicks off Tuesday. The party heads should exercise their leadership by addressing voters' concerns seriously and presenting convincing policy measures rather than merely striving to raise the profile of their parties.
衆院選は４日、公示される。党首力は、パフォーマンスではなく、有権者の疑問に正面から向き合い、説得力のある政策を提示することにこそ発揮すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 1, 2012)
（2012年12月1日01時21分 読売新聞）
2012年12月02日
維新の会公約 二枚看板だけの戦いにするな
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Dec. 1, 2012)
Ishin no Kai must offer more than Ishihara, Hashimoto names
維新の会公約 二枚看板だけの戦いにするな（11月30日付・読売社説）
There can be no denying that the campaign pledges announced Thursday by Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) for the upcoming general election are half-baked and seemingly hastily prepared.
政策が生煮えで、急ごしらえであることは否めない。
We fear the newly formed party is not ready to achieve its professed goal of taking the reins of government.
これで国政を担えるのだろうか。
In a news conference the same day, party leader Shintaro Ishihara stated his party "will dismantle the rigid administrative control of the central government bureaucrats," declaring the party will drastically review the nation's state of being.
日本維新の会が衆院選政権公約を発表した。
石原慎太郎代表は、記者会見で「硬直した中央官僚の支配を壊す」と述べ、国のあり方を抜本的に見直すことを唱えた。
The Democratic Party of Japan too once tooted the horn of "rooting out the vested interests of Kasumigaseki," Tokyo's government district, but the DPJ has failed to realize many of its policy pledges. We cannot help but feel Ishin no Kai is making the same flimsy but treacherous move, which gained the DPJ much publicity but amounted to little.
かつて民主党も「霞が関の既得権益を一掃する」と大言壮語したものの、多くの公約を実現できなかった。維新の会にも、似たような危うさを感じざるを得ない。
Voters should not be expected to evaluate Ishin no Kai simply through the personal characteristics of Ishihara and the party's acting leader Toru Hashimoto.
石原、橋下徹両氏の個性だけでは有権者は判断できない。
We urge the party to develop its current platform into a well-thought-out package of persuasive, feasible policies.
やはり、説得力のある実行可能な政策に練り上げていく必要がある。
===
Short on specifics
The party's platform called the pitiful state of government finances "unsustainable," though when it came to how to achieve fiscal rehabilitation, the party equivocated.
公約は、借金依存の財政について「維持不可能」と断定した。
With social security expenses swelling by 1 trillion yen per year, new revenue sources are urgently needed, but Ishin no Kai failed to mention anything more concrete than creating a special inheritance tax to fund pension payments. Furthermore, the party said the consumption tax--the bulwark that shores up the social security system--should be turned over to full local control.
しかし、財政再建を実現する道筋は不透明である。年に１兆円ずつ増える社会保障費についても新たな財源は、年金目的の特別相続税の新設などとあるだけだ。しかも、社会保障を支えてきた消費税は地方税化するという。
Ishin no Kai's campaign pledges do not present effective remedies for the nation's challenges, such as the fiscal crisis and constructing a sustainable pension and health-care systems.
公約を読む限りでは、財政危機への対応や、持続可能な年金、医療制度の構築について、有効な処方箋を示したとは言えない。
Meanwhile, the party seems to be vacillating on its nuclear energy policy.
原発政策は揺れているように見える。
Its platform sets a goal of "breaking the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation," and says existing nuclear plants would "fade out by the 2030s as a result," but the party failed here as well to get specific.
「脱原発依存」を掲げ、既存の原発は「結果として、２０３０年代までにフェードアウトする」と言及したが、曖昧だ。
It is also problematic that Ishin no Kai's platform does not explain how to handle the issue of reactivating the nation's mostly idle nuclear reactors. If the party supports continuing to use nuclear power for at least the time being, it should say so in its platform.
原発の再稼働問題への対応を明記していないことも問題である。当面、原発を活用するのなら、公約にそう書き込むべきだ。
Although the party deserves praise for supporting revisions to the Constitution, we question the advisability of the changes it called for, such as electing the prime minister by popular vote, something we believe would likely devolve into a mere popularity contest, and abolishing the House of Councillors, a goal that would be extremely difficult to achieve.
憲法改正を打ち出したのは結構だが、人気投票に陥りがちな「首相公選制」や、極めて難しい「参院廃止」などを具体例として挙げたのは理解に苦しむ。
===
Clarify priorities
The unintelligibility of Ishin no Kai's election pledges when seen as a whole is mainly because it juxtaposes policies that need to be addressed immediately with medium- and long-term tasks. The party needs to clarify which of its plans will get the highest priority.
全体として、公約が分かりにくいのは、すぐに着手する政策と、中長期の課題を一律に並べているからだ。実現の優先順位を明確にしてもらいたい。
Nevertheless, the party is correctly pledging to support Japan's participation in talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, as this would allow the growth potential of the economies of Asia to be tapped. Along with this, it is reasonable that the party wants to reform the agricultural sector to enhance the international competitiveness of Japan's farm produce.
一方、アジアの発展を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について「交渉参加」を掲げたのは評価できる。これに備えて農業にメスを入れ、競争力を高めようとする姿勢も妥当である。
The party's platform, for instance, rightly points out the need to limit the number of beneficiaries of the income guarantee system for individual farmers, which was created by the DPJ administration, so that it supports only full-time farm households. We also agree with its call to carry out a drastic review of the nation's agricultural cooperatives.
例えば、民主党政権が創設した戸別所得補償を専業農家に限定することや、農協組織の大幅見直しを目指すという。
On diplomatic and security policy, the party has incorporated into its platform the goal of freeing the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
外交・安保政策では、集団的自衛権の行使を盛り込んだ。
Enabling our country to exercise this right would help deepen the alliance with the United States, the core of Japan's foreign policy.
これは外交の基軸である日米同盟の深化に欠かせない。
We strongly hope Ishin no Kai will do its best to help realize this.
ぜひ実現を図ってもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 30, 2012)
（2012年11月30日01時28分 読売新聞）
Ishin no Kai must offer more than Ishihara, Hashimoto names
維新の会公約 二枚看板だけの戦いにするな（11月30日付・読売社説）
There can be no denying that the campaign pledges announced Thursday by Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) for the upcoming general election are half-baked and seemingly hastily prepared.
政策が生煮えで、急ごしらえであることは否めない。
We fear the newly formed party is not ready to achieve its professed goal of taking the reins of government.
これで国政を担えるのだろうか。
In a news conference the same day, party leader Shintaro Ishihara stated his party "will dismantle the rigid administrative control of the central government bureaucrats," declaring the party will drastically review the nation's state of being.
日本維新の会が衆院選政権公約を発表した。
石原慎太郎代表は、記者会見で「硬直した中央官僚の支配を壊す」と述べ、国のあり方を抜本的に見直すことを唱えた。
The Democratic Party of Japan too once tooted the horn of "rooting out the vested interests of Kasumigaseki," Tokyo's government district, but the DPJ has failed to realize many of its policy pledges. We cannot help but feel Ishin no Kai is making the same flimsy but treacherous move, which gained the DPJ much publicity but amounted to little.
かつて民主党も「霞が関の既得権益を一掃する」と大言壮語したものの、多くの公約を実現できなかった。維新の会にも、似たような危うさを感じざるを得ない。
Voters should not be expected to evaluate Ishin no Kai simply through the personal characteristics of Ishihara and the party's acting leader Toru Hashimoto.
石原、橋下徹両氏の個性だけでは有権者は判断できない。
We urge the party to develop its current platform into a well-thought-out package of persuasive, feasible policies.
やはり、説得力のある実行可能な政策に練り上げていく必要がある。
===
Short on specifics
The party's platform called the pitiful state of government finances "unsustainable," though when it came to how to achieve fiscal rehabilitation, the party equivocated.
公約は、借金依存の財政について「維持不可能」と断定した。
With social security expenses swelling by 1 trillion yen per year, new revenue sources are urgently needed, but Ishin no Kai failed to mention anything more concrete than creating a special inheritance tax to fund pension payments. Furthermore, the party said the consumption tax--the bulwark that shores up the social security system--should be turned over to full local control.
しかし、財政再建を実現する道筋は不透明である。年に１兆円ずつ増える社会保障費についても新たな財源は、年金目的の特別相続税の新設などとあるだけだ。しかも、社会保障を支えてきた消費税は地方税化するという。
Ishin no Kai's campaign pledges do not present effective remedies for the nation's challenges, such as the fiscal crisis and constructing a sustainable pension and health-care systems.
公約を読む限りでは、財政危機への対応や、持続可能な年金、医療制度の構築について、有効な処方箋を示したとは言えない。
Meanwhile, the party seems to be vacillating on its nuclear energy policy.
原発政策は揺れているように見える。
Its platform sets a goal of "breaking the nation's dependence on nuclear power generation," and says existing nuclear plants would "fade out by the 2030s as a result," but the party failed here as well to get specific.
「脱原発依存」を掲げ、既存の原発は「結果として、２０３０年代までにフェードアウトする」と言及したが、曖昧だ。
It is also problematic that Ishin no Kai's platform does not explain how to handle the issue of reactivating the nation's mostly idle nuclear reactors. If the party supports continuing to use nuclear power for at least the time being, it should say so in its platform.
原発の再稼働問題への対応を明記していないことも問題である。当面、原発を活用するのなら、公約にそう書き込むべきだ。
Although the party deserves praise for supporting revisions to the Constitution, we question the advisability of the changes it called for, such as electing the prime minister by popular vote, something we believe would likely devolve into a mere popularity contest, and abolishing the House of Councillors, a goal that would be extremely difficult to achieve.
憲法改正を打ち出したのは結構だが、人気投票に陥りがちな「首相公選制」や、極めて難しい「参院廃止」などを具体例として挙げたのは理解に苦しむ。
===
Clarify priorities
The unintelligibility of Ishin no Kai's election pledges when seen as a whole is mainly because it juxtaposes policies that need to be addressed immediately with medium- and long-term tasks. The party needs to clarify which of its plans will get the highest priority.
全体として、公約が分かりにくいのは、すぐに着手する政策と、中長期の課題を一律に並べているからだ。実現の優先順位を明確にしてもらいたい。
Nevertheless, the party is correctly pledging to support Japan's participation in talks over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, as this would allow the growth potential of the economies of Asia to be tapped. Along with this, it is reasonable that the party wants to reform the agricultural sector to enhance the international competitiveness of Japan's farm produce.
一方、アジアの発展を取り込むための環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について「交渉参加」を掲げたのは評価できる。これに備えて農業にメスを入れ、競争力を高めようとする姿勢も妥当である。
The party's platform, for instance, rightly points out the need to limit the number of beneficiaries of the income guarantee system for individual farmers, which was created by the DPJ administration, so that it supports only full-time farm households. We also agree with its call to carry out a drastic review of the nation's agricultural cooperatives.
例えば、民主党政権が創設した戸別所得補償を専業農家に限定することや、農協組織の大幅見直しを目指すという。
On diplomatic and security policy, the party has incorporated into its platform the goal of freeing the nation to exercise its right to collective self-defense.
外交・安保政策では、集団的自衛権の行使を盛り込んだ。
Enabling our country to exercise this right would help deepen the alliance with the United States, the core of Japan's foreign policy.
これは外交の基軸である日米同盟の深化に欠かせない。
We strongly hope Ishin no Kai will do its best to help realize this.
ぜひ実現を図ってもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 30, 2012)
（2012年11月30日01時28分 読売新聞）
2012年12月01日
日本未来の党 「卒原発」には国政を託せない
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Nov. 30, 2012)
Voters must warily scrutinize new parties' vague slogans
日本未来の党 「卒原発」には国政を託せない（11月29日付・読売社説）
How could we entrust Japan's future to a political party that touts a slogan of "ending the use of nuclear power plants," which would likely weaken the nation if adopted?
国力を衰退させる「脱原発」を政治目標に掲げる政党に、日本の未来を託せるだろうか。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party) celebrated its inauguration Wednesday, with Shiga Gov. Yukiko Kada being chosen as the party leader. Kada said her party will draw up a "program to achieve a nuclear-free society," seeking to gradually abolish all nuclear power plants. Kada added that she wants to achieve the goal within 10 years.
日本未来の党が、正式に発足した。代表に就任した嘉田由紀子滋賀県知事は「卒原発プログラム」を作成し、徐々に原発を減らして１０年後をめどに原発ゼロにする意向を示した。
The party's slogans are merely vague concepts, listing phrases such as "stopping reliance on tax hikes," "taking the policy initiative away from bureaucrats" and "diplomacy with dignity." The party has yet to prepare concrete measures, even on important topics such as the economy, social security and national security.
「脱増税」「脱官僚」「品格ある外交」など抽象的な言葉ばかりを掲げている。経済や社会保障、安全保障といった重要なテーマでさえまだ政策がない政党だ。
People's Life First and another new party founded by former agriculture minister Masahiko Yamada are scheduled to join Nippon Mirai no To. At first glance, it would seem that Kada called the other two parties to join her. In reality, however, it was People's Life First head Ichiro Ozawa and Yamada who did the behind-the-scenes negotiations for the three parties to reach an agreement on unification.
嘉田氏が「この指止まれ」と呼びかけたように見えるが、実態は国民の生活が第一の小沢一郎代表や、民主党を離党して新党を結成した山田正彦元農相らが根回しをして、合流を決めたものだ。
Nippon Mirai no To's empty slogans and the disorderly shifting of allegiances among former House of Representatives members scrambling to be reelected in the coming general election are clear examples of how the quality of politicians has deteriorated.
空疎なスローガンと、生き残りのために右往左往する前衆院議員たちの姿には、政治家の劣化を痛感せざるを得ない。
===
Irresponsible energy policy
Kada's "sotsu gempatsu" slogan, which literally means "graduating from nuclear power plants," is basically no different from the "datsu-gempatsu" slogan adopted by several other parties, which literally means "breaking with nuclear power plants."
嘉田氏が掲げる「卒原発」は脱原発と大差はない。
Touting such a slogan without showing a clear path to achieve the goal is a mere display of a desire, which obviously is irresponsible.
それだけでは願望に過ぎず、無責任である。
Nippon Mirai no To should prepare a concrete plan on how to stably supply electricity and secure an alternative energy source to nuclear power as well as how to deal with the economic loss and unemployment that plant shutdowns would bring. The party also needs to explain how to deal with the continuing necessity of human resources development in the nuclear sector.
電力の安定供給や代替エネルギー確保、経済・雇用対策、原子力の人材育成などについて現実的な計画を明確に示すべきだ。
In launching itself, Nippon Mirai no To adopted the "Lake Biwa declaration," which includes a sentence that reads, "The prefecture with the greatest unrecognized risk of being damaged by possible accidents at nuclear power plants is Shiga, which is near Wakasa Bay, where a number of aging nuclear plants are located." This statement clearly lacks consideration for the feelings of municipalities where the power plants are actually located, neglecting the fact that Shiga Prefecture benefits from electricity produced by such aging nuclear plants.
結党に際して発表した「びわこ宣言」には「原発事故の潜在的リスクが最も高いのは老朽化した多数の原発が集中立地する若狭湾に近い滋賀県」とある。電力供給の恩恵を受けておきながら、原発立地自治体への配慮が不十分だ。
We urge Kada to reconsider her intention of entering national-level politics merely for the interests of Shiga Prefecture. It is said that what obsessed Kada's mind the most in launching the new party was whether she would be able to handle the jobs of governor and party leader simultaneously. We assume she will face various hardships in carrying out her dual duties, as this is the first time for Kada to run a political party.
滋賀県の利害のために国政に進出するとの発想も改める必要がある。嘉田氏は知事と党首との兼務が可能かどうか悩んだという。政党運営の経験がないだけに、両立には困難が伴うに違いない。
===
The man behind the curtain
It seems that Ozawa had no compunctions about putting an end to People's Life First, a party whose name was carefully chosen by Ozawa himself. However, this is no surprise, as it is apparent that Ozawa wished to avoid entering the election campaign as a party leader, considering his image. In exchange, Ozawa's opinions were reflected in the draft of Nippon Mirai no To's election platform.
小沢氏が名称にもこだわった政党をあっさり捨てても、驚くには当たるまい。党首として前面に出たくなかったのだろう。その分、未来の党の公約原案には小沢氏の従来の主張が反映されている。
The efforts of People's Life First to form an alliance with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) failed, and a new party comprising only former Democratic Party of Japan members would be unlikely to receive attention in the election campaign. We assume Ozawa's intention was to rally from behind by installing Kada, who has a clean image, as leader of the new party. Another display of Ozawa's tactical mastery.
日本維新の会と連携できず、民主党離党組の党だけでは選挙戦で埋没する。クリーンイメージの嘉田氏を「表の顔」に担ぎ出して巻き返そうと考えたようだ。相変わらずの小沢流である。
The public's discontent against conventional parties has soared after a prolonged period of political paralysis. As a result, various new parties have been emerging and merging in the political arena, in a rather haphazard way. However, we have to put a question mark on their abilities to take the helm of the nation. Their policies have a strong flavor of pandering to the masses.
「決められない政治」で既存政党に対する国民の不信感が高まる中、急ごしらえの新党の離合集散が目立っている。だが、新党は、国政を担う能力に疑問符が付き、政策も大衆迎合色が濃厚だ。
We ask voters to pay sufficient attention to such tendencies of the new parties and scrutinize their real value in the general election.
有権者はそのことを十分理解した上で、新党の真価を見極めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 29, 2012)
（2012年11月29日01時32分 読売新聞）
Voters must warily scrutinize new parties' vague slogans
日本未来の党 「卒原発」には国政を託せない（11月29日付・読売社説）
How could we entrust Japan's future to a political party that touts a slogan of "ending the use of nuclear power plants," which would likely weaken the nation if adopted?
国力を衰退させる「脱原発」を政治目標に掲げる政党に、日本の未来を託せるだろうか。
Nippon Mirai no To (Japan future party) celebrated its inauguration Wednesday, with Shiga Gov. Yukiko Kada being chosen as the party leader. Kada said her party will draw up a "program to achieve a nuclear-free society," seeking to gradually abolish all nuclear power plants. Kada added that she wants to achieve the goal within 10 years.
日本未来の党が、正式に発足した。代表に就任した嘉田由紀子滋賀県知事は「卒原発プログラム」を作成し、徐々に原発を減らして１０年後をめどに原発ゼロにする意向を示した。
The party's slogans are merely vague concepts, listing phrases such as "stopping reliance on tax hikes," "taking the policy initiative away from bureaucrats" and "diplomacy with dignity." The party has yet to prepare concrete measures, even on important topics such as the economy, social security and national security.
「脱増税」「脱官僚」「品格ある外交」など抽象的な言葉ばかりを掲げている。経済や社会保障、安全保障といった重要なテーマでさえまだ政策がない政党だ。
People's Life First and another new party founded by former agriculture minister Masahiko Yamada are scheduled to join Nippon Mirai no To. At first glance, it would seem that Kada called the other two parties to join her. In reality, however, it was People's Life First head Ichiro Ozawa and Yamada who did the behind-the-scenes negotiations for the three parties to reach an agreement on unification.
嘉田氏が「この指止まれ」と呼びかけたように見えるが、実態は国民の生活が第一の小沢一郎代表や、民主党を離党して新党を結成した山田正彦元農相らが根回しをして、合流を決めたものだ。
Nippon Mirai no To's empty slogans and the disorderly shifting of allegiances among former House of Representatives members scrambling to be reelected in the coming general election are clear examples of how the quality of politicians has deteriorated.
空疎なスローガンと、生き残りのために右往左往する前衆院議員たちの姿には、政治家の劣化を痛感せざるを得ない。
===
Irresponsible energy policy
Kada's "sotsu gempatsu" slogan, which literally means "graduating from nuclear power plants," is basically no different from the "datsu-gempatsu" slogan adopted by several other parties, which literally means "breaking with nuclear power plants."
嘉田氏が掲げる「卒原発」は脱原発と大差はない。
Touting such a slogan without showing a clear path to achieve the goal is a mere display of a desire, which obviously is irresponsible.
それだけでは願望に過ぎず、無責任である。
Nippon Mirai no To should prepare a concrete plan on how to stably supply electricity and secure an alternative energy source to nuclear power as well as how to deal with the economic loss and unemployment that plant shutdowns would bring. The party also needs to explain how to deal with the continuing necessity of human resources development in the nuclear sector.
電力の安定供給や代替エネルギー確保、経済・雇用対策、原子力の人材育成などについて現実的な計画を明確に示すべきだ。
In launching itself, Nippon Mirai no To adopted the "Lake Biwa declaration," which includes a sentence that reads, "The prefecture with the greatest unrecognized risk of being damaged by possible accidents at nuclear power plants is Shiga, which is near Wakasa Bay, where a number of aging nuclear plants are located." This statement clearly lacks consideration for the feelings of municipalities where the power plants are actually located, neglecting the fact that Shiga Prefecture benefits from electricity produced by such aging nuclear plants.
結党に際して発表した「びわこ宣言」には「原発事故の潜在的リスクが最も高いのは老朽化した多数の原発が集中立地する若狭湾に近い滋賀県」とある。電力供給の恩恵を受けておきながら、原発立地自治体への配慮が不十分だ。
We urge Kada to reconsider her intention of entering national-level politics merely for the interests of Shiga Prefecture. It is said that what obsessed Kada's mind the most in launching the new party was whether she would be able to handle the jobs of governor and party leader simultaneously. We assume she will face various hardships in carrying out her dual duties, as this is the first time for Kada to run a political party.
滋賀県の利害のために国政に進出するとの発想も改める必要がある。嘉田氏は知事と党首との兼務が可能かどうか悩んだという。政党運営の経験がないだけに、両立には困難が伴うに違いない。
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The man behind the curtain
It seems that Ozawa had no compunctions about putting an end to People's Life First, a party whose name was carefully chosen by Ozawa himself. However, this is no surprise, as it is apparent that Ozawa wished to avoid entering the election campaign as a party leader, considering his image. In exchange, Ozawa's opinions were reflected in the draft of Nippon Mirai no To's election platform.
小沢氏が名称にもこだわった政党をあっさり捨てても、驚くには当たるまい。党首として前面に出たくなかったのだろう。その分、未来の党の公約原案には小沢氏の従来の主張が反映されている。
The efforts of People's Life First to form an alliance with Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) failed, and a new party comprising only former Democratic Party of Japan members would be unlikely to receive attention in the election campaign. We assume Ozawa's intention was to rally from behind by installing Kada, who has a clean image, as leader of the new party. Another display of Ozawa's tactical mastery.
日本維新の会と連携できず、民主党離党組の党だけでは選挙戦で埋没する。クリーンイメージの嘉田氏を「表の顔」に担ぎ出して巻き返そうと考えたようだ。相変わらずの小沢流である。
The public's discontent against conventional parties has soared after a prolonged period of political paralysis. As a result, various new parties have been emerging and merging in the political arena, in a rather haphazard way. However, we have to put a question mark on their abilities to take the helm of the nation. Their policies have a strong flavor of pandering to the masses.
「決められない政治」で既存政党に対する国民の不信感が高まる中、急ごしらえの新党の離合集散が目立っている。だが、新党は、国政を担う能力に疑問符が付き、政策も大衆迎合色が濃厚だ。
We ask voters to pay sufficient attention to such tendencies of the new parties and scrutinize their real value in the general election.
有権者はそのことを十分理解した上で、新党の真価を見極めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Nov. 29, 2012)
（2012年11月29日01時32分 読売新聞）