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2013年02月19日
自賠責保険 合理化努力を値上げの前提に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 18, 2013)
Streamline car insurance program before price hikes
自賠責保険 合理化努力を値上げの前提に（2月17日付・読売社説）
If drivers are going to be required to shoulder a greater financial burden, the government must shed light on every problem in the compulsory automobile liability insurance program and reform it into a more transparent, rational system.
ドライバーに負担増を求めるのなら、問題点を洗い出し、透明で合理的な制度に見直す取り組みが欠かせない。
Premiums for the compulsory auto insurance that every car owner must take out will be increased by an average of 13.5 percent from April. This is the second significant increase following the 11.7 percent hike in fiscal 2011.
自動車保有者に加入が義務付けられている自動車損害賠償責任（自賠責）保険の保険料が４月から平均１３・５％引き上げられる。２０１１年度の１１・７％アップに続く大幅値上げである。
The planned increase is attributed to the deteriorating financial condition of the insurance program. Its accumulated deficits will exceed 500 billion yen at the end of fiscal 2012.
収支悪化が引き上げの理由だ。１２年度末の累積赤字は５０００億円超に達する。
Revenues decreased after premiums for the insurance were drastically lowered in fiscal 2008, while insurance payouts for deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents have increased.
０８年度に保険料を大幅に値下げして保険料収入が減る一方、交通事故の死傷者への保険金支払いが増加した。
The purpose of the compulsory auto insurance program is to help victims of traffic accidents. Since the program cannot be sustained unless its financial conditions are improved, we think premium hikes cannot be avoided.
自賠責の目的は、事故被害者の救済にある。収支を改善しなければ制度を維持できず、保険料の値上げはやむを得まい。
However, we are concerned that insurance payouts have remained high even though the number of traffic accidents and the number of people killed or injured in them have been declining.
ただ、交通事故の発生件数と死傷者数が減少し続けているのに、保険金支払いが高止まりしていることが懸念される。
Behind it may be an increase in claims made for mild injuries, which are not included in traffic accident statistics, and assessments of damage by nonlife insurance companies, which tend to be more lenient than those for voluntary auto liability insurance.
事故統計に含まれない軽傷者の請求の増加や、損保会社の査定が任意保険に比べて甘くなりがちな事情が背景にあるのだろう。
===
Check payments
Private nonlife insurance companies manage the compulsory insurance program. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, the Financial Services Agency and other government offices should work together to develop a system to check whether insurance money is paid appropriately.
自賠責の運営は民間の損保会社が担っている。国土交通省や金融庁などが連携し、保険金支払いが適正に行われているかどうかを検証する体制を整えるべきだ。
Returns from the insurance premiums are accumulated in reserve funds to use for various projects, including one to help people who suffered permanent damage in traffic accidents. But how the reserve funds are used is problematic, too.
重度後遺障害者の救済事業などに充てるため、保険料の運用益をためた積立金の扱いも問題だ。
The ministry manages the funds in its special account. To alleviate fiscal difficulties, however, about 1 trillion yen from the reserve funds was transferred to the general accounts in fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995.
積立金は、国交省が特別会計で管理している。財政難の穴埋めを狙って、積立金のうち約１兆円が１９９４〜９５年度に一般会計に繰り入れられた。
The repayment deadline has been extended repeatedly, so about 600 billion yen has not been returned yet.
返済期限は度々延期され、現在も約６０００億円が戻されていない。
With the account balance down to 200 billion yen, the principal of the reserve funds has been used and shrunk because returns from the funds alone no longer cover the costs of running the projects.
積立金の残高は２０００億円程度まで減少し、最近は運用益だけでは費用をまかなえず、積立金を取り崩している。
Diverting the reserve funds to help traffic accident victims is not the purpose of the compulsory auto insurance. We expect the Finance Ministry and the transport ministry to swiftly carry out their pledge to restore the full amount by fiscal 2018.
被害者支援の原資となる積立金の流用は、自賠責の趣旨に合わない。財務省と国交省は、１８年度までに全額返済するという約束を確実に実行してもらいたい。
===
In line with the times
Projects to help traffic accident victims and prevent accidents, which are run by the government, nonlife insurance companies and JA Kyosai (Zenkyoren or National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives) with returns from the funds, should also be checked.
国、損保会社、ＪＡ共済が積立金の運用益で実施している被害者支援や事故防止対策の事業もチェックする必要がある。
Projects to help victims of traffic accidents are important, but it is worth noting that the three organizations' activities often overlap, as with a project to distribute helicopters carrying doctors. Many should be financed by the government's general account or be conducted by nonlife insurance firms as their contribution to society. It is important to scrutinize the necessity and efficiency of the projects.
被害者支援は重要だが、ドクターヘリ普及策など３者の重複が目立つ。国が一般会計で手当てすべき事業や損保が社会貢献として行うべき事業も多い。必要性と効率性を精査することが肝要だ。
The government will need to plan a new insurance program in line with the times, such as one with discount premiums for highly safe vehicles equipped with automatic braking systems to prevent accidents.
事故を回避する自動ブレーキを装備した安全性能の高い車両には保険料を優遇するなど、今後は時代に合わせて全体の制度設計を検討することも求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2013)
（2013年2月17日01時26分 読売新聞）
Streamline car insurance program before price hikes
自賠責保険 合理化努力を値上げの前提に（2月17日付・読売社説）
If drivers are going to be required to shoulder a greater financial burden, the government must shed light on every problem in the compulsory automobile liability insurance program and reform it into a more transparent, rational system.
ドライバーに負担増を求めるのなら、問題点を洗い出し、透明で合理的な制度に見直す取り組みが欠かせない。
Premiums for the compulsory auto insurance that every car owner must take out will be increased by an average of 13.5 percent from April. This is the second significant increase following the 11.7 percent hike in fiscal 2011.
自動車保有者に加入が義務付けられている自動車損害賠償責任（自賠責）保険の保険料が４月から平均１３・５％引き上げられる。２０１１年度の１１・７％アップに続く大幅値上げである。
The planned increase is attributed to the deteriorating financial condition of the insurance program. Its accumulated deficits will exceed 500 billion yen at the end of fiscal 2012.
収支悪化が引き上げの理由だ。１２年度末の累積赤字は５０００億円超に達する。
Revenues decreased after premiums for the insurance were drastically lowered in fiscal 2008, while insurance payouts for deaths and injuries caused by traffic accidents have increased.
０８年度に保険料を大幅に値下げして保険料収入が減る一方、交通事故の死傷者への保険金支払いが増加した。
The purpose of the compulsory auto insurance program is to help victims of traffic accidents. Since the program cannot be sustained unless its financial conditions are improved, we think premium hikes cannot be avoided.
自賠責の目的は、事故被害者の救済にある。収支を改善しなければ制度を維持できず、保険料の値上げはやむを得まい。
However, we are concerned that insurance payouts have remained high even though the number of traffic accidents and the number of people killed or injured in them have been declining.
ただ、交通事故の発生件数と死傷者数が減少し続けているのに、保険金支払いが高止まりしていることが懸念される。
Behind it may be an increase in claims made for mild injuries, which are not included in traffic accident statistics, and assessments of damage by nonlife insurance companies, which tend to be more lenient than those for voluntary auto liability insurance.
事故統計に含まれない軽傷者の請求の増加や、損保会社の査定が任意保険に比べて甘くなりがちな事情が背景にあるのだろう。
===
Check payments
Private nonlife insurance companies manage the compulsory insurance program. The Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, the Financial Services Agency and other government offices should work together to develop a system to check whether insurance money is paid appropriately.
自賠責の運営は民間の損保会社が担っている。国土交通省や金融庁などが連携し、保険金支払いが適正に行われているかどうかを検証する体制を整えるべきだ。
Returns from the insurance premiums are accumulated in reserve funds to use for various projects, including one to help people who suffered permanent damage in traffic accidents. But how the reserve funds are used is problematic, too.
重度後遺障害者の救済事業などに充てるため、保険料の運用益をためた積立金の扱いも問題だ。
The ministry manages the funds in its special account. To alleviate fiscal difficulties, however, about 1 trillion yen from the reserve funds was transferred to the general accounts in fiscal 1994 and fiscal 1995.
積立金は、国交省が特別会計で管理している。財政難の穴埋めを狙って、積立金のうち約１兆円が１９９４〜９５年度に一般会計に繰り入れられた。
The repayment deadline has been extended repeatedly, so about 600 billion yen has not been returned yet.
返済期限は度々延期され、現在も約６０００億円が戻されていない。
With the account balance down to 200 billion yen, the principal of the reserve funds has been used and shrunk because returns from the funds alone no longer cover the costs of running the projects.
積立金の残高は２０００億円程度まで減少し、最近は運用益だけでは費用をまかなえず、積立金を取り崩している。
Diverting the reserve funds to help traffic accident victims is not the purpose of the compulsory auto insurance. We expect the Finance Ministry and the transport ministry to swiftly carry out their pledge to restore the full amount by fiscal 2018.
被害者支援の原資となる積立金の流用は、自賠責の趣旨に合わない。財務省と国交省は、１８年度までに全額返済するという約束を確実に実行してもらいたい。
===
In line with the times
Projects to help traffic accident victims and prevent accidents, which are run by the government, nonlife insurance companies and JA Kyosai (Zenkyoren or National Mutual Insurance Federation of Agricultural Cooperatives) with returns from the funds, should also be checked.
国、損保会社、ＪＡ共済が積立金の運用益で実施している被害者支援や事故防止対策の事業もチェックする必要がある。
Projects to help victims of traffic accidents are important, but it is worth noting that the three organizations' activities often overlap, as with a project to distribute helicopters carrying doctors. Many should be financed by the government's general account or be conducted by nonlife insurance firms as their contribution to society. It is important to scrutinize the necessity and efficiency of the projects.
被害者支援は重要だが、ドクターヘリ普及策など３者の重複が目立つ。国が一般会計で手当てすべき事業や損保が社会貢献として行うべき事業も多い。必要性と効率性を精査することが肝要だ。
The government will need to plan a new insurance program in line with the times, such as one with discount premiums for highly safe vehicles equipped with automatic braking systems to prevent accidents.
事故を回避する自動ブレーキを装備した安全性能の高い車両には保険料を優遇するなど、今後は時代に合わせて全体の制度設計を検討することも求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 17, 2013)
（2013年2月17日01時26分 読売新聞）
2013年02月18日
日本版ＮＳＣ 「外交安保」強化へ縦割り排せ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 17, 2013)
Abe's envisioned security council must be strong, well organized
日本版ＮＳＣ 「外交安保」強化へ縦割り排せ（2月16日付・読売社説）
Setting up a government command and control body is significant for dealing with various national security issues.
日本の安全保障にかかわる様々な危機に対処するため、政府の司令塔を作る意義は大きい。
A government panel of experts considering the creation of a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council held its first meeting Friday. With the panel planning to compile a report this spring, the government aims to submit related legislation during the current ordinary Diet session.
国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の創設を検討する政府の有識者会議が初会合を開いた。春にも報告書をまとめる。政府は、通常国会への関連法案の提出を目指す方針だ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has long sought the establishment of a Japanese NSC. This is a second chance for him to take up the challenge.
日本版ＮＳＣの創設は、安倍首相の念願であり、再挑戦だ。
In April 2007, the first Abe Cabinet submitted a bill to set up such a body to the Diet, but it was scrapped after deliberations on the issue saw little progress due to reasons such as the Liberal Democratic Party's loss in the House of Councillors election in July that year.
２００７年４月に第１次安倍内閣が関連法案を提出したが、同年７月の参院選敗北などで審議は進まず、廃案になった経緯がある。
Recently, Japan saw a series of incidents that threatened its security, such as North Korea's nuclear test and a Chinese warship directing weapons-targeting radar at a Japanese vessel.
最近、北朝鮮の核実験、中国軍艦船のレーダー照射など、日本の安全を脅かす事態が相次いだ。
The government's existing security council has lost substance, merely serving as a forum in which the prime minister and other ministers confirm reports from bureaucrats. It is an urgent task to create a real decision-making body in which the prime minister and Cabinet members, including the chief cabinet secretary and foreign and defense ministers, will have substantial discussions on important diplomatic and security matters.
だが、政府の安全保障会議は形骸化し、事実上、首相と関係閣僚が各省の官僚の報告を追認する場に過ぎない。首相、官房長官、外相、防衛相らが外交・安保の重要課題を実質的に協議し、決定する場を設けることが急務である。
===
2 key tasks for Japanese NSC
A Japanese NSC would face two crucial tasks.
日本版ＮＳＣには、二つの重要な役割が期待される。
One is that it will make appropriate political decisions swiftly and give specific orders to better respond to ongoing emergencies. Another is that it will draw up medium- and long-term security strategies and set the direction of the nation's policy and actions to prepare for a crisis.
一つは、現在進行中の緊急事態について、迅速かつ適切な政治判断を行い、具体的な対処を指揮することだ。もう一つは、中長期的な安全保障戦略を策定し、危機に備える政策の立案と訓練の方向性を示すことである。
To that end, it is vital to eliminate the divided administrative functions of the status quo, under which government bodies such as the Foreign and Defense ministries and the police handle security issues separately, and create a new system that will enable all government entities to work together to support the Prime Minister's Office.
そのためには、外務、防衛、警察など関係省庁の縦割り対応を排し、政府全体で首相官邸を支える制度を構築することが肝要だ。
The government already has a body, part of the Cabinet Secretariat, that comprehensively coordinates government policies. It is led by assistant chief cabinet secretaries who deal with security, crisis management and diplomatic issues.
現在も、政策を総合調整する内閣官房の事務局として、安全保障・危機管理担当や外交担当の官房副長官補が率いる組織がある。
It is unrealistic to think the envisaged Japanese NSC will handle every security issue, and if its functions overlap with the existing entity's, the NSC could create inefficiency in government functions. The secretariat of the Japanese NSC basically should be small and staffed with capable personnel while being designed to take full control of relevant ministries and agencies.
日本版ＮＳＣがあらゆる案件を担うのは現実的ではないし、既存組織の「屋上屋」になってはかえって非効率化する。日本版ＮＳＣの事務局は、基本的に少数精鋭とし、関係省庁を掌握できる仕組みにするべきだろう。
===
Enhance intelligence capability
It is important to enhance the ability of the whole government in gathering and analyzing information, a precondition for making policies.
政策決定の前提となる政府全体の情報収集・分析能力を高めることも重要である。
The recent hostage crisis in Algeria highlighted the difficulty in obtaining information on terrorism and military affairs in developing countries. It is essential for the government to increase the number of intelligence experts and train such personnel in the medium- and long-term.
アルジェリアの人質事件では、途上国におけるテロ・軍事情報を入手する困難さが浮き彫りになった。インテリジェンスの専門家を増員するとともに、中長期的に育成していくことが大切だ。
We also call for reforms of the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, which supervises information handled by the whole government. Regarded as an "outpost of the National Policy Agency," the office's current role is far from its original task of allowing government bodies to share and best utilize key information.
政府全体の情報を統括する内閣情報調査室も改革が求められる。今は「警察庁の出先機関」と見られており、関係省庁が重要情報をきちんと共有し、有効活用する本来の体制には、ほど遠い。
The government also needs to develop a legal basis for counterintelligence to prevent sensitive information provided by the United States and other countries from being leaked.
米国など関係国から提供された情報などの漏えいを防ぐための情報保全法制の整備も必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 16, 2013)
（2013年2月16日01時50分 読売新聞）
Abe's envisioned security council must be strong, well organized
日本版ＮＳＣ 「外交安保」強化へ縦割り排せ（2月16日付・読売社説）
Setting up a government command and control body is significant for dealing with various national security issues.
日本の安全保障にかかわる様々な危機に対処するため、政府の司令塔を作る意義は大きい。
A government panel of experts considering the creation of a Japanese version of the U.S. National Security Council held its first meeting Friday. With the panel planning to compile a report this spring, the government aims to submit related legislation during the current ordinary Diet session.
国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の創設を検討する政府の有識者会議が初会合を開いた。春にも報告書をまとめる。政府は、通常国会への関連法案の提出を目指す方針だ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has long sought the establishment of a Japanese NSC. This is a second chance for him to take up the challenge.
日本版ＮＳＣの創設は、安倍首相の念願であり、再挑戦だ。
In April 2007, the first Abe Cabinet submitted a bill to set up such a body to the Diet, but it was scrapped after deliberations on the issue saw little progress due to reasons such as the Liberal Democratic Party's loss in the House of Councillors election in July that year.
２００７年４月に第１次安倍内閣が関連法案を提出したが、同年７月の参院選敗北などで審議は進まず、廃案になった経緯がある。
Recently, Japan saw a series of incidents that threatened its security, such as North Korea's nuclear test and a Chinese warship directing weapons-targeting radar at a Japanese vessel.
最近、北朝鮮の核実験、中国軍艦船のレーダー照射など、日本の安全を脅かす事態が相次いだ。
The government's existing security council has lost substance, merely serving as a forum in which the prime minister and other ministers confirm reports from bureaucrats. It is an urgent task to create a real decision-making body in which the prime minister and Cabinet members, including the chief cabinet secretary and foreign and defense ministers, will have substantial discussions on important diplomatic and security matters.
だが、政府の安全保障会議は形骸化し、事実上、首相と関係閣僚が各省の官僚の報告を追認する場に過ぎない。首相、官房長官、外相、防衛相らが外交・安保の重要課題を実質的に協議し、決定する場を設けることが急務である。
===
2 key tasks for Japanese NSC
A Japanese NSC would face two crucial tasks.
日本版ＮＳＣには、二つの重要な役割が期待される。
One is that it will make appropriate political decisions swiftly and give specific orders to better respond to ongoing emergencies. Another is that it will draw up medium- and long-term security strategies and set the direction of the nation's policy and actions to prepare for a crisis.
一つは、現在進行中の緊急事態について、迅速かつ適切な政治判断を行い、具体的な対処を指揮することだ。もう一つは、中長期的な安全保障戦略を策定し、危機に備える政策の立案と訓練の方向性を示すことである。
To that end, it is vital to eliminate the divided administrative functions of the status quo, under which government bodies such as the Foreign and Defense ministries and the police handle security issues separately, and create a new system that will enable all government entities to work together to support the Prime Minister's Office.
そのためには、外務、防衛、警察など関係省庁の縦割り対応を排し、政府全体で首相官邸を支える制度を構築することが肝要だ。
The government already has a body, part of the Cabinet Secretariat, that comprehensively coordinates government policies. It is led by assistant chief cabinet secretaries who deal with security, crisis management and diplomatic issues.
現在も、政策を総合調整する内閣官房の事務局として、安全保障・危機管理担当や外交担当の官房副長官補が率いる組織がある。
It is unrealistic to think the envisaged Japanese NSC will handle every security issue, and if its functions overlap with the existing entity's, the NSC could create inefficiency in government functions. The secretariat of the Japanese NSC basically should be small and staffed with capable personnel while being designed to take full control of relevant ministries and agencies.
日本版ＮＳＣがあらゆる案件を担うのは現実的ではないし、既存組織の「屋上屋」になってはかえって非効率化する。日本版ＮＳＣの事務局は、基本的に少数精鋭とし、関係省庁を掌握できる仕組みにするべきだろう。
===
Enhance intelligence capability
It is important to enhance the ability of the whole government in gathering and analyzing information, a precondition for making policies.
政策決定の前提となる政府全体の情報収集・分析能力を高めることも重要である。
The recent hostage crisis in Algeria highlighted the difficulty in obtaining information on terrorism and military affairs in developing countries. It is essential for the government to increase the number of intelligence experts and train such personnel in the medium- and long-term.
アルジェリアの人質事件では、途上国におけるテロ・軍事情報を入手する困難さが浮き彫りになった。インテリジェンスの専門家を増員するとともに、中長期的に育成していくことが大切だ。
We also call for reforms of the Cabinet Intelligence and Research Office, which supervises information handled by the whole government. Regarded as an "outpost of the National Policy Agency," the office's current role is far from its original task of allowing government bodies to share and best utilize key information.
政府全体の情報を統括する内閣情報調査室も改革が求められる。今は「警察庁の出先機関」と見られており、関係省庁が重要情報をきちんと共有し、有効活用する本来の体制には、ほど遠い。
The government also needs to develop a legal basis for counterintelligence to prevent sensitive information provided by the United States and other countries from being leaked.
米国など関係国から提供された情報などの漏えいを防ぐための情報保全法制の整備も必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 16, 2013)
（2013年2月16日01時50分 読売新聞）
2013年02月17日
ｉＰＳ研究 実用化を進める法制度が要る
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 16, 2013)
Legal system needed to spur treatment with iPS cells
ｉＰＳ研究 実用化を進める法制度が要る（2月15日付・読売社説）
What could be a significant first step has been made toward practical medical treatment using induced pluripotent stem cells.
ｉＰＳ細胞（人工多能性幹細胞）を使った治療の実用化へ、意義ある第一歩となるだろう。
Clinical research by the Riken Kobe Institute on the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an intractable eye disease, has been approved by the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation Hospital, where the research will be conducted.
目の難病「加齢黄斑変性」をｉＰＳ細胞で治療する理化学研究所（神戸市）の臨床研究が、実施先の先端医療センター病院で承認された。
A Riken team will file an application with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry for the implementation of its clinical research. If approved, clinical research will start in fiscal 2013 at the earliest to confirm the efficacy and safety by conducting iPS cell treatment on patients.
理研チームは厚生労働省に審査を申請する。承認されれば、患者で効果や安全性を確かめる臨床研究が２０１３年度にも始まる。
AMD is a disease that advances with age and leads to reduced vision or blindness due to a disorder in some retinal cells. No fundamental clinical treatment has been established. There are reportedly about 700,000 patients in Japan.
この病気は加齢に伴い、網膜細胞の一部に障害が出て視力が低下するものだ。失明の恐れもある。根本的な治療法はない。国内の患者は約７０万人とされる。
The planned treatment calls for applying a cell sheet generated from a patient's stem cells to the damaged retina, thereby restoring the patient's vision.
今回は、傷んだ網膜に患者のｉＰＳ細胞から作った細胞シートを貼り付けて視力の回復を図る。
As for iPS cells, the risk of them becoming cancerous has been pointed out. But eye tissue, including the retina, has little possibility of doing so. It also shows almost no cellular rejection. For these reasons, the treatment of AMD was chosen for the first clinical application of iPS cell treatment.
ｉＰＳ細胞は、がん化の危険性が指摘されるが、網膜を含む目の組織はがんになりにくい。拒絶反応もほとんどない。それだけに、この病気の治療が臨床研究の先陣を切ったのだろう。
===
Approval system defective
A matter of concern is that even if sufficient results are obtained through clinical research, it may take some time before approval is obtained from the health ministry for practical application.
問題は、この研究で十分な成果が得られても、実用化の段階では厚労省の承認までに時間がかかりかねないことである。
First of all, there is no legal system in place for that type of procedure.
まず法制度が整っていない。
In order for drugs to be approved for use, procedures must be taken in line with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Clinical treatment using iPS cells--generated from patients' own cells--will require screening criteria different from that applied to manufactured drugs, which are foreign to humans.
医薬品が承認を得るには、薬事法で規定された手続きを取らねばならない。だが、自己の細胞を使うｉＰＳ細胞による治療には、人体にとって異物である薬とは異なる審査の基準が必要である。
So the approval system must be revised.
承認の仕組みも見直すべきだ。
Even in cases of regenerative medicine not using iPS cells, it takes time to obtain approval. Regenerative medicines, such as those using skin and cartilage, have been put into commercial use one after another in South Korea and the United States. In Japan, there are only two such products.
ｉＰＳ細胞を使用していない再生医療でも、承認までに手間取っている。皮膚、軟骨などが韓国、米国で次々に製品化されているのに、日本はわずか２製品だ。
In South Korea, provisional approval is given on regenerative medicines after their safety is confirmed to a certain degree, thereby encouraging the development of such products.
韓国では、一定の安全性が確認された再生医療製品に「仮承認」を与え、開発を促進している。
Japan must study a plan to establish a system under which regenerative medical products can be swiftly put into practical use by adopting a temporary approval system similar to South Korea's and giving full endorsement by accumulating safety data after sales begin.
日本でも仮承認し、販売後に安全性データを蓄積して本承認とするなど、迅速に実用化する仕組みを検討すべきだ。
===
Fiscal assistance vital
It is essential to provide funds to help expand this planned clinical research to the treatment of other diseases, such as heart disease and diseases of the blood. The government will provide 110 billion yen over 10 years to help finance regenerative medicine using iPS cells and the development of new drugs. Research centers must be continuously expanded.
今回のような臨床研究を、心臓や血液など他の病気に広げる支援も重要である。政府はｉＰＳ細胞による再生医療や薬の開発に１０年で１１００億円を支援する。継続的に研究拠点を整備すべきだ。
It must be noted, however, that hopes regarding regenerative medicine have led to the emergence of treatment methods whose safety is questionable. The health ministry plans to regulate such practices with a new law. Safety is important but legitimate research should not be constrained.
ただ、「再生医療」への期待に便乗し、安全性に疑問のある治療まで出現している。厚労省は、これを新法で規制する方針だ。安全は大切だが、正当な研究に支障が出ないようにしてもらいたい。
As symbolized by the fact that Prof. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University received a Nobel Prize for production of iPS cells, Japan's basic research on regenerative medicine is among the world's best. The country should not fall behind in practical applications, either.
ｉＰＳ細胞を作製した山中伸弥・京都大教授のノーベル賞受賞に象徴されるように、日本は基礎研究でトップレベルにある。実用化でも後れを取ってはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 15, 2013)
（2013年2月15日01時20分 読売新聞）
Legal system needed to spur treatment with iPS cells
ｉＰＳ研究 実用化を進める法制度が要る（2月15日付・読売社説）
What could be a significant first step has been made toward practical medical treatment using induced pluripotent stem cells.
ｉＰＳ細胞（人工多能性幹細胞）を使った治療の実用化へ、意義ある第一歩となるだろう。
Clinical research by the Riken Kobe Institute on the treatment of age-related macular degeneration (AMD), an intractable eye disease, has been approved by the Institute of Biomedical Research and Innovation Hospital, where the research will be conducted.
目の難病「加齢黄斑変性」をｉＰＳ細胞で治療する理化学研究所（神戸市）の臨床研究が、実施先の先端医療センター病院で承認された。
A Riken team will file an application with the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry for the implementation of its clinical research. If approved, clinical research will start in fiscal 2013 at the earliest to confirm the efficacy and safety by conducting iPS cell treatment on patients.
理研チームは厚生労働省に審査を申請する。承認されれば、患者で効果や安全性を確かめる臨床研究が２０１３年度にも始まる。
AMD is a disease that advances with age and leads to reduced vision or blindness due to a disorder in some retinal cells. No fundamental clinical treatment has been established. There are reportedly about 700,000 patients in Japan.
この病気は加齢に伴い、網膜細胞の一部に障害が出て視力が低下するものだ。失明の恐れもある。根本的な治療法はない。国内の患者は約７０万人とされる。
The planned treatment calls for applying a cell sheet generated from a patient's stem cells to the damaged retina, thereby restoring the patient's vision.
今回は、傷んだ網膜に患者のｉＰＳ細胞から作った細胞シートを貼り付けて視力の回復を図る。
As for iPS cells, the risk of them becoming cancerous has been pointed out. But eye tissue, including the retina, has little possibility of doing so. It also shows almost no cellular rejection. For these reasons, the treatment of AMD was chosen for the first clinical application of iPS cell treatment.
ｉＰＳ細胞は、がん化の危険性が指摘されるが、網膜を含む目の組織はがんになりにくい。拒絶反応もほとんどない。それだけに、この病気の治療が臨床研究の先陣を切ったのだろう。
===
Approval system defective
A matter of concern is that even if sufficient results are obtained through clinical research, it may take some time before approval is obtained from the health ministry for practical application.
問題は、この研究で十分な成果が得られても、実用化の段階では厚労省の承認までに時間がかかりかねないことである。
First of all, there is no legal system in place for that type of procedure.
まず法制度が整っていない。
In order for drugs to be approved for use, procedures must be taken in line with the Pharmaceutical Affairs Law. Clinical treatment using iPS cells--generated from patients' own cells--will require screening criteria different from that applied to manufactured drugs, which are foreign to humans.
医薬品が承認を得るには、薬事法で規定された手続きを取らねばならない。だが、自己の細胞を使うｉＰＳ細胞による治療には、人体にとって異物である薬とは異なる審査の基準が必要である。
So the approval system must be revised.
承認の仕組みも見直すべきだ。
Even in cases of regenerative medicine not using iPS cells, it takes time to obtain approval. Regenerative medicines, such as those using skin and cartilage, have been put into commercial use one after another in South Korea and the United States. In Japan, there are only two such products.
ｉＰＳ細胞を使用していない再生医療でも、承認までに手間取っている。皮膚、軟骨などが韓国、米国で次々に製品化されているのに、日本はわずか２製品だ。
In South Korea, provisional approval is given on regenerative medicines after their safety is confirmed to a certain degree, thereby encouraging the development of such products.
韓国では、一定の安全性が確認された再生医療製品に「仮承認」を与え、開発を促進している。
Japan must study a plan to establish a system under which regenerative medical products can be swiftly put into practical use by adopting a temporary approval system similar to South Korea's and giving full endorsement by accumulating safety data after sales begin.
日本でも仮承認し、販売後に安全性データを蓄積して本承認とするなど、迅速に実用化する仕組みを検討すべきだ。
===
Fiscal assistance vital
It is essential to provide funds to help expand this planned clinical research to the treatment of other diseases, such as heart disease and diseases of the blood. The government will provide 110 billion yen over 10 years to help finance regenerative medicine using iPS cells and the development of new drugs. Research centers must be continuously expanded.
今回のような臨床研究を、心臓や血液など他の病気に広げる支援も重要である。政府はｉＰＳ細胞による再生医療や薬の開発に１０年で１１００億円を支援する。継続的に研究拠点を整備すべきだ。
It must be noted, however, that hopes regarding regenerative medicine have led to the emergence of treatment methods whose safety is questionable. The health ministry plans to regulate such practices with a new law. Safety is important but legitimate research should not be constrained.
ただ、「再生医療」への期待に便乗し、安全性に疑問のある治療まで出現している。厚労省は、これを新法で規制する方針だ。安全は大切だが、正当な研究に支障が出ないようにしてもらいたい。
As symbolized by the fact that Prof. Shinya Yamanaka of Kyoto University received a Nobel Prize for production of iPS cells, Japan's basic research on regenerative medicine is among the world's best. The country should not fall behind in practical applications, either.
ｉＰＳ細胞を作製した山中伸弥・京都大教授のノーベル賞受賞に象徴されるように、日本は基礎研究でトップレベルにある。実用化でも後れを取ってはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 15, 2013)
（2013年2月15日01時20分 読売新聞）
2013年02月16日
青色申告は専用ソフトを使って楽々申告できます
もともと、この税の申告用紙が青色だったので青色申告 の名前がついています。
平成13年から、用紙が青色でなくなったそうですが、昔のまんま青色申告と呼ばれているのです。
焼き鳥屋や居酒屋を経営されている人は、青色申告の季節は憂鬱な季節だそうです。
ここは青色申告の専用ソフトを使ってみませんか。
たまたま飲み屋さんに友達が多いので、上記のような表現になっていますが、このソフト、私にも有効なのです。
実はアフィリエイト収入が急激に増加してきて、もうちょっとで非課税限度を超してしまいます。
このソフトをつかえばOCRにだって対応しているので、領収書の管理は楽になりますよね。
今年の年末あたりから青色申告 ソフト を使って見ようかと考えております。
レビューブログから情報をいただきました
オバマ演説 「北の核」対処へ行動が肝心だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 15, 2013)
Obama to face global challenges over the next 4 years
オバマ演説 「北の核」対処へ行動が肝心だ（2月14日付・読売社説）
U.S. President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize by declaring it was time to seek "a world without nuclear weapons."
However, the president has been hit by a harsh reality from North Korea that is contradictory to this ideal.
「核兵器のない世界」の実現を目標に掲げてノーベル平和賞を受賞したオバマ米大統領は、そうした理想とは逆の深刻な現実を、北朝鮮から突きつけられたと言えよう。
Obama laid out Tuesday his priorities for the year ahead in his first State of the Union address for his second term in office.
大統領は、２期目最初の一般教書演説を行い、今後１年間の施政方針を示した。
The president issued a warning to North Korea, which went ahead with a nuclear test before the speech, making it clear that the United States will take "firm action" against Pyongyang.
その中で、核実験を強行した北朝鮮に強く警告し、「断固とした行動」を取る姿勢を明確にした。
Obama said "provocations" like the test "will only isolate [North Korea] further." The United States will "lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats," he added.
核実験のような挑発行為をすれば、「北朝鮮は孤立するだけだ」と述べ、米国が「世界の先頭に立って」、厳しく対処していく決意を表明した。
Obama also pledged his country will work to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, while engaging Russia to seek further reductions in nuclear warheads.
イランの核開発を阻止し、ロシアとは核弾頭削減の取り組みを進めるとも述べた。
The United States should eliminate nuclear threats by putting pressure on North Korea through sanctions, while at the same time working closely with other countries concerned through various diplomatic channels. We hope that the president will take concrete action.
制裁で圧力をかけ、関係国と緊密に連携し、外交を駆使して、核の脅威をなくす必要がある。大統領の行動力に期待したい。
===
U.S. determined to take lead
In addition to nuclear issues, Obama emphasized that the United States will take steps against cyberterrorism, champion freedom and democracy, and provide support to Middle Eastern and African countries in their fight against extremists.
核問題以外でも、サイバーテロ防止、自由と民主主義の擁護、中東やアフリカの過激派対策支援に積極的に関与すると強調した。
The speech conveyed Obama's strong determination that the United States should play the leading role in maintaining global security as the world's sole superpower, by working closely with other countries at a time when the country plans to withdraw more troops from Afghanistan.
アフガニスタン駐留米軍の撤収を進めつつ、国際協調を軸に、唯一の超大国として、世界の安全維持に主導的な役割を果たそうとする強い意欲がうかがえる。
The question is how he will achieve results.
どう結果を出すかが問題だ。
Tuesday's speech did not discuss what a strategy placing importance on Asia actually means or how the United States should regard China. These issues, however, are also among key issues in the diplomatic and security fields for Obama's second term.
演説で語られなかったアジア重視の中身や、中国をどう位置づけるのかも、２期目の外交・安全保障政策の焦点である。
The speech also focused on fiscal reconstruction and reviving the U.S. economy as priority challenges for domestic affairs.
一方、内政で優先課題に挙げたのが財政再建と経済再生だ。
Early last month, the United States avoided the fiscal cliff--the expiration of large-scale tax cuts and the automatic imposition of mandatory spending cuts--after the president and Congress reached a deal.
大型減税失効と歳出の強制削減が重なる「財政の崖」からの転落は、今年初め、大統領と議会の妥協の末、ひとまず回避された。
However, the U.S. fiscal administration remains on a tightrope as the two sides have been divided over implementation of drastic fiscal reconstruction measures. There are just weeks left until March 1, the date to which the automatic spending cuts were delayed under the deal.
しかし、抜本的な財政再建策を巡って対立し、財政運営の綱渡りは続く。先延ばしした歳出削減の発動が３月１日に迫る。
===
Looming clash with Republicans
In the speech, Obama said it is important to "reignite the true engine of America's economic growth--a rising, thriving middle class." He showed his focus on middle-income earners and called for Republicans to make major concessions to achieve fiscal reconstruction mainly through overhauling the medical insurance and social security systems, which face ballooning costs.
大統領は「成長のエンジンとなる中間所得層の再活性化」を訴えた。中間層を重視し、膨張する医療保険や社会保障の改革などを柱とした財政再建の実現へ、共和党に大幅譲歩を求めたものだ。
As Obama took a clearly confrontational approach to Republicans, the two sides are expected to go through a still fiercer tug-of-war.
一段と対決色を鮮明にしたことで、激しい攻防が予想される。
However, mandatory spending cuts would have a negative impact on the U.S. economy, which is just getting onto a recovery path. Major cuts in defense expenditures also might jeopardize U.S. security systems in Asia and other parts of the world.
ただ、強制的に歳出削減されると、回復基調にある米国経済に悪影響を及ぼす。国防費の大幅削減はアジアなどでの米国の安全保障体制にも支障を与えかねない。
Obama also expressed his determination to complete negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework as part of efforts to expand employment in his country. Japan should accelerate efforts to take part in it.
大統領は雇用拡大を図るため、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の妥結を目指す決意も表明した。日本は参加を急ぐべきだ。
With piles of issues at home and abroad, Obama's leadership will be called into question. He will surely face a series of challenges.
内外に課題が山積する中で、問われるのはオバマ氏の指導力だ。挑戦と試練が続くに違いない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 14, 2013)
（2013年2月14日01時05分 読売新聞）
Obama to face global challenges over the next 4 years
オバマ演説 「北の核」対処へ行動が肝心だ（2月14日付・読売社説）
U.S. President Barack Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize by declaring it was time to seek "a world without nuclear weapons."
However, the president has been hit by a harsh reality from North Korea that is contradictory to this ideal.
「核兵器のない世界」の実現を目標に掲げてノーベル平和賞を受賞したオバマ米大統領は、そうした理想とは逆の深刻な現実を、北朝鮮から突きつけられたと言えよう。
Obama laid out Tuesday his priorities for the year ahead in his first State of the Union address for his second term in office.
大統領は、２期目最初の一般教書演説を行い、今後１年間の施政方針を示した。
The president issued a warning to North Korea, which went ahead with a nuclear test before the speech, making it clear that the United States will take "firm action" against Pyongyang.
その中で、核実験を強行した北朝鮮に強く警告し、「断固とした行動」を取る姿勢を明確にした。
Obama said "provocations" like the test "will only isolate [North Korea] further." The United States will "lead the world in taking firm action in response to these threats," he added.
核実験のような挑発行為をすれば、「北朝鮮は孤立するだけだ」と述べ、米国が「世界の先頭に立って」、厳しく対処していく決意を表明した。
Obama also pledged his country will work to prevent Iran from developing a nuclear weapon, while engaging Russia to seek further reductions in nuclear warheads.
イランの核開発を阻止し、ロシアとは核弾頭削減の取り組みを進めるとも述べた。
The United States should eliminate nuclear threats by putting pressure on North Korea through sanctions, while at the same time working closely with other countries concerned through various diplomatic channels. We hope that the president will take concrete action.
制裁で圧力をかけ、関係国と緊密に連携し、外交を駆使して、核の脅威をなくす必要がある。大統領の行動力に期待したい。
===
U.S. determined to take lead
In addition to nuclear issues, Obama emphasized that the United States will take steps against cyberterrorism, champion freedom and democracy, and provide support to Middle Eastern and African countries in their fight against extremists.
核問題以外でも、サイバーテロ防止、自由と民主主義の擁護、中東やアフリカの過激派対策支援に積極的に関与すると強調した。
The speech conveyed Obama's strong determination that the United States should play the leading role in maintaining global security as the world's sole superpower, by working closely with other countries at a time when the country plans to withdraw more troops from Afghanistan.
アフガニスタン駐留米軍の撤収を進めつつ、国際協調を軸に、唯一の超大国として、世界の安全維持に主導的な役割を果たそうとする強い意欲がうかがえる。
The question is how he will achieve results.
どう結果を出すかが問題だ。
Tuesday's speech did not discuss what a strategy placing importance on Asia actually means or how the United States should regard China. These issues, however, are also among key issues in the diplomatic and security fields for Obama's second term.
演説で語られなかったアジア重視の中身や、中国をどう位置づけるのかも、２期目の外交・安全保障政策の焦点である。
The speech also focused on fiscal reconstruction and reviving the U.S. economy as priority challenges for domestic affairs.
一方、内政で優先課題に挙げたのが財政再建と経済再生だ。
Early last month, the United States avoided the fiscal cliff--the expiration of large-scale tax cuts and the automatic imposition of mandatory spending cuts--after the president and Congress reached a deal.
大型減税失効と歳出の強制削減が重なる「財政の崖」からの転落は、今年初め、大統領と議会の妥協の末、ひとまず回避された。
However, the U.S. fiscal administration remains on a tightrope as the two sides have been divided over implementation of drastic fiscal reconstruction measures. There are just weeks left until March 1, the date to which the automatic spending cuts were delayed under the deal.
しかし、抜本的な財政再建策を巡って対立し、財政運営の綱渡りは続く。先延ばしした歳出削減の発動が３月１日に迫る。
===
Looming clash with Republicans
In the speech, Obama said it is important to "reignite the true engine of America's economic growth--a rising, thriving middle class." He showed his focus on middle-income earners and called for Republicans to make major concessions to achieve fiscal reconstruction mainly through overhauling the medical insurance and social security systems, which face ballooning costs.
大統領は「成長のエンジンとなる中間所得層の再活性化」を訴えた。中間層を重視し、膨張する医療保険や社会保障の改革などを柱とした財政再建の実現へ、共和党に大幅譲歩を求めたものだ。
As Obama took a clearly confrontational approach to Republicans, the two sides are expected to go through a still fiercer tug-of-war.
一段と対決色を鮮明にしたことで、激しい攻防が予想される。
However, mandatory spending cuts would have a negative impact on the U.S. economy, which is just getting onto a recovery path. Major cuts in defense expenditures also might jeopardize U.S. security systems in Asia and other parts of the world.
ただ、強制的に歳出削減されると、回復基調にある米国経済に悪影響を及ぼす。国防費の大幅削減はアジアなどでの米国の安全保障体制にも支障を与えかねない。
Obama also expressed his determination to complete negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade framework as part of efforts to expand employment in his country. Japan should accelerate efforts to take part in it.
大統領は雇用拡大を図るため、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の妥結を目指す決意も表明した。日本は参加を急ぐべきだ。
With piles of issues at home and abroad, Obama's leadership will be called into question. He will surely face a series of challenges.
内外に課題が山積する中で、問われるのはオバマ氏の指導力だ。挑戦と試練が続くに違いない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 14, 2013)
（2013年2月14日01時05分 読売新聞）
2013年02月15日
北朝鮮核実験 国際連携で制裁を強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 14, 2013)
World must unite to halt Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions
北朝鮮核実験 国際連携で制裁を強化せよ（2月13日付・読売社説）
◆習近平政権の厳格対応が問われる
North Korea's nuclear weapons development has entered a more dangerous stage. In light of the deteriorating security environment, Japan should strengthen its deterrence against Pyongyang in cooperation with the United States and other countries.
北朝鮮の核兵器開発が一段と危険な段階に入った。安全保障環境の悪化を踏まえ、日本は米国などと連携し、対北朝鮮抑止力を強化すべきだ。
On Tuesday, North Korea went ahead with its third underground nuclear test. It was the first nuclear test under the regime of Kim Jong Un.
北朝鮮が１２日、３回目の地下核実験を強行した。金正恩政権にとっては初めての核実験だ。
Pyongyang boasted that it successfully conducted a "high-level" nuclear test using "a miniaturized and lighter" nuclear device with greater explosive force than those used in the previous tests in 2006 and 2009. North Korea apparently aims to develop a nuclear warhead.
２００６年、０９年の過去２回に比べ、強力で「小型化、軽量化」した核爆弾による「高水準」の実験に成功したと喧伝(けんでん)している。核弾頭の開発を図ったのだろう。
Given that North Korea also tested a long-range ballistic missile in the guise of a satellite launch in December, marking a dramatic extension of its missile range, there is no doubt that the country has moved a step closer to bringing nuclear missiles to the stage of practical use.
昨年１２月の「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射による射程の大幅延伸の成功と合わせて、北朝鮮が核ミサイルの実用化に近づいたのは間違いない。
===
Serious threat to Japan
◆日本への深刻な脅威だ
It was only natural for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to make a statement strongly condemning North Korea's nuclear test, saying it is "totally unacceptable" as it "constitutes a grave threat to Japan's security."
安倍首相が、「我が国の安全に対する重大な脅威」として、北朝鮮の核実験強行を「断じて容認できない」と強く非難する声明を発表したのは当然である。
Japan will come under the most serious threat due to deployment of nuclear missiles by North Korea. This is because Japan is within striking distance of North Korea's medium-range Rodong missiles, about 200 of which are believed to have already been deployed.
核ミサイルの配備で最も深刻な脅威にさらされるのは日本だ。約２００基が配備ずみとされる中距離弾道ミサイル「ノドン」の射程に入っているからだ。
It is essential to improve Japan's missile defense capability based on cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military as well as to guarantee the reliability of the U.S. "nuclear umbrella," which Japan, a nonnuclear nation, relies on as a deterrent.
自衛隊と米軍の協力を基礎にミサイル防衛能力を向上させるとともに、核を持たぬ日本が抑止力とする米国の「核の傘」の信頼性を担保することが重要だ。
We commend Abe for immediately tightening Japan's unilateral sanctions against North Korea by banning the reentry of vice chairmen and other senior officials of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) if they leave for North Korea. The prime minister should discuss additional measures.
首相が、在日本朝鮮人総連合会（朝鮮総連）副議長らが訪朝すれば再入国を認めない、との日本独自の制裁強化を直ちに実施したことは評価できる。追加の措置も検討してもらいたい。
Although it suspended production of plutonium for nuclear weapons, North Korea has resumed its enrichment of uranium. Therefore, it could begin mass production of nuclear weapons using enriched uranium. The international community must make all-out efforts to stop North Korea's further nuclear and missile development.
北朝鮮は、核兵器用のプルトニウムの生産は中断したが、新たにウラン濃縮活動を始めており、高濃縮ウラン型の核兵器の量産に入る恐れがある。これ以上の核・ミサイル開発を阻止するため、全力を挙げねばならない。
The latest nuclear test by North Korea is a major test also for South Korean President-elect Park Geun Hye, who will officially take office on Feb. 25. The Japan-U.S. alliance must be strengthened as a matter of course and it is also crucial to establish a crisis management system between Japan, the United States and South Korea.
２５日に就任する韓国の朴槿恵次期大統領にとっても、この核実験は大きな試練だ。日米同盟の強化は無論、日米韓で危機管理体制を構築することが不可欠である。
===
Stronger U.N. sanctions needed
◆国連決議の強化を図れ
The U.N. Security Council must adopt a new resolution calling for stronger sanctions against North Korea.
国連安全保障理事会は、制裁強化を新たに決議すべきだ。
On Jan. 22, the Security Council adopted a resolution to expand sanctions against North Korea after it fired a missile in December and warned of "significant action" if North Korea went ahead with a nuclear test.
安保理は１月２２日、昨年１２月にミサイル発射を強行した北朝鮮に対する制裁強化決議を採択し、核実験を強行すれば「重大な行動を取る」と警告していた。
But North Korea has conducted missile and nuclear tests repeatedly in defiance of Security Council resolutions because the adopted sanctions lacked practical effect.
北朝鮮が安保理決議を無視してミサイル発射と核実験を繰り返したのは、従来の制裁措置が実効性を欠いていたためだ。
To break this vicious circle, the Security Council should adopt comprehensive and practical sanctions and implement them thoroughly.
この悪循環を断ち切るため、安保理は今度こそ包括的で実効性ある制裁を決定し、その実施を徹底すべきである。
In connection with nuclear and missile development, North Korea has deep relations with Iran and Pakistan. With Iran, North Korea concluded an agreement on science and technology cooperation last autumn. The international community must strictly restrict and monitor the movement of goods, money and personnel to prevent North Korea promoting nuclear and missile development.
核とミサイルの開発を巡り、北朝鮮はイラン、パキスタンと深い関係にある。イランとは昨秋、科学技術協力で合意した。国際社会は、モノやカネ、ヒトの移動を厳しく制限、監視して、開発に歯止めをかけねばならない。
It is necessary to study comprehensive financial sanctions while bringing into perspective a plan to include financial institutions that do business with North Korea on the sanctions list. It is also important to impose mandatory inspections of cargoes suspected to be banned trade items such as weapons of mass destruction and related materials.
北朝鮮と取引する金融機関を対象に含めることも視野に、包括的な金融制裁の実施を検討すべきだ。大量破壊兵器・関連物資など禁輸品の疑いがある貨物の検査の「義務化」も目指す必要がある。
North Korea said it will regard ship inspections as a blockade at sea and retaliate with a "military strike." Its moves must be constantly watched.
北朝鮮は船舶検査を海上封鎖とみなし、「軍事的打撃で対応する」と恫喝(どうかつ)した。警戒が怠れない。
The role of China, a permanent Security Council member, is crucial.
安保理常任理事国・中国の役割は重要だ。
China accounts for 70 percent of North Korea's trade. The country has transshipment ports for many vessels from North Korea. It holds the power of life or death over North Korea as the biggest supplier of energy and food aid.
中国は、北朝鮮の貿易量の７割を占める。北朝鮮からの多くの船舶が貨物積み替えを行う港湾を持つ。エネルギーや食料の最大の援助国として生殺与奪権をも握っている。
Ostensibly, Beijing expressed its "absolute objection" to North Korea's nuclear test. But it hesitated to impose sanctions for fear of the Korean Peninsula being destabilized, thereby tacitly encouraging North Korea's nuclear development.
中国は表向き、北朝鮮の核実験に「断固反対」を唱える。だが、朝鮮半島が不安定になることを恐れて制裁には及び腰だったことが北朝鮮の核開発を助長した。
The Global News, a Chinese newspaper affiliated with the People's Daily, the organ of the Chinese Communist Party, has insisted on not hesitating to cut assistance if North Korea conducted a nuclear test. The Chinese government led by Xi Jinping must deal with North Korea sternly and put strong pressure on it to give up its nuclear ambitions.
中国共産党機関紙「人民日報」系の環球時報は、北朝鮮が核実験をすれば援助削減を「ためらうな」と主張していた。習近平政権は、北朝鮮に厳しく対処し、核開発断念へ強い圧力をかけるべきだ。
===
Economic recovery unlikely
◆遠のく「北」の経済再建
Kim Jong Un's slogan of "improving the people's livelihoods" shows no sign of being achieved. It seems he has no means of winning over the military and public sentiment other than boasting of nuclear and missile tests.
金第１書記の掲げる「人民生活の向上」は一向に果たされないように見える。核とミサイルの成果を誇示する以外、軍と民心をひきつける術(すべ)がないのではないか。
Fear of being targeted by a North Korean missile attack is growing even in the United States. With this as leverage, the Kim regime intends to open the possibility of dialogue with Washington. It probably aims to have economic sanctions lifted and to gain U.S. assurances of the safety of the current regime, all while keeping its nuclear arms.
北朝鮮の核ミサイルの標的になりかねないという脅威認識は、米国でも広がりつつある。金政権には、それをテコに米国との対話の道を開き、核兵器を保有したまま、経済制裁解除と現体制の安全の保障を得る狙いがあろう。
But negotiations with Pyongyang should not be conducted easily. The international community should not lift sanctions on North Korea as long as it does not take concrete action to relinquish its nuclear ambitions.
だが、安易に交渉に臨むのは禁物だ。北朝鮮が核放棄へ具体的行動を取らない限り、国際社会は制裁を解除してはならない。
Pyongyang must be aware that its own behavior will ultimately undermine its regime.
北朝鮮は、自らの行動が結果的には体制の脆弱(ぜいじゃく)化を招くことを自覚すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 13, 2013)
（2013年2月13日01時17分 読売新聞）
World must unite to halt Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions
北朝鮮核実験 国際連携で制裁を強化せよ（2月13日付・読売社説）
◆習近平政権の厳格対応が問われる
North Korea's nuclear weapons development has entered a more dangerous stage. In light of the deteriorating security environment, Japan should strengthen its deterrence against Pyongyang in cooperation with the United States and other countries.
北朝鮮の核兵器開発が一段と危険な段階に入った。安全保障環境の悪化を踏まえ、日本は米国などと連携し、対北朝鮮抑止力を強化すべきだ。
On Tuesday, North Korea went ahead with its third underground nuclear test. It was the first nuclear test under the regime of Kim Jong Un.
北朝鮮が１２日、３回目の地下核実験を強行した。金正恩政権にとっては初めての核実験だ。
Pyongyang boasted that it successfully conducted a "high-level" nuclear test using "a miniaturized and lighter" nuclear device with greater explosive force than those used in the previous tests in 2006 and 2009. North Korea apparently aims to develop a nuclear warhead.
２００６年、０９年の過去２回に比べ、強力で「小型化、軽量化」した核爆弾による「高水準」の実験に成功したと喧伝(けんでん)している。核弾頭の開発を図ったのだろう。
Given that North Korea also tested a long-range ballistic missile in the guise of a satellite launch in December, marking a dramatic extension of its missile range, there is no doubt that the country has moved a step closer to bringing nuclear missiles to the stage of practical use.
昨年１２月の「人工衛星」と称する長距離弾道ミサイル発射による射程の大幅延伸の成功と合わせて、北朝鮮が核ミサイルの実用化に近づいたのは間違いない。
===
Serious threat to Japan
◆日本への深刻な脅威だ
It was only natural for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to make a statement strongly condemning North Korea's nuclear test, saying it is "totally unacceptable" as it "constitutes a grave threat to Japan's security."
安倍首相が、「我が国の安全に対する重大な脅威」として、北朝鮮の核実験強行を「断じて容認できない」と強く非難する声明を発表したのは当然である。
Japan will come under the most serious threat due to deployment of nuclear missiles by North Korea. This is because Japan is within striking distance of North Korea's medium-range Rodong missiles, about 200 of which are believed to have already been deployed.
核ミサイルの配備で最も深刻な脅威にさらされるのは日本だ。約２００基が配備ずみとされる中距離弾道ミサイル「ノドン」の射程に入っているからだ。
It is essential to improve Japan's missile defense capability based on cooperation between the Self-Defense Forces and the U.S. military as well as to guarantee the reliability of the U.S. "nuclear umbrella," which Japan, a nonnuclear nation, relies on as a deterrent.
自衛隊と米軍の協力を基礎にミサイル防衛能力を向上させるとともに、核を持たぬ日本が抑止力とする米国の「核の傘」の信頼性を担保することが重要だ。
We commend Abe for immediately tightening Japan's unilateral sanctions against North Korea by banning the reentry of vice chairmen and other senior officials of the pro-Pyongyang General Association of Korean Residents in Japan (Chongryon) if they leave for North Korea. The prime minister should discuss additional measures.
首相が、在日本朝鮮人総連合会（朝鮮総連）副議長らが訪朝すれば再入国を認めない、との日本独自の制裁強化を直ちに実施したことは評価できる。追加の措置も検討してもらいたい。
Although it suspended production of plutonium for nuclear weapons, North Korea has resumed its enrichment of uranium. Therefore, it could begin mass production of nuclear weapons using enriched uranium. The international community must make all-out efforts to stop North Korea's further nuclear and missile development.
北朝鮮は、核兵器用のプルトニウムの生産は中断したが、新たにウラン濃縮活動を始めており、高濃縮ウラン型の核兵器の量産に入る恐れがある。これ以上の核・ミサイル開発を阻止するため、全力を挙げねばならない。
The latest nuclear test by North Korea is a major test also for South Korean President-elect Park Geun Hye, who will officially take office on Feb. 25. The Japan-U.S. alliance must be strengthened as a matter of course and it is also crucial to establish a crisis management system between Japan, the United States and South Korea.
２５日に就任する韓国の朴槿恵次期大統領にとっても、この核実験は大きな試練だ。日米同盟の強化は無論、日米韓で危機管理体制を構築することが不可欠である。
===
Stronger U.N. sanctions needed
◆国連決議の強化を図れ
The U.N. Security Council must adopt a new resolution calling for stronger sanctions against North Korea.
国連安全保障理事会は、制裁強化を新たに決議すべきだ。
On Jan. 22, the Security Council adopted a resolution to expand sanctions against North Korea after it fired a missile in December and warned of "significant action" if North Korea went ahead with a nuclear test.
安保理は１月２２日、昨年１２月にミサイル発射を強行した北朝鮮に対する制裁強化決議を採択し、核実験を強行すれば「重大な行動を取る」と警告していた。
But North Korea has conducted missile and nuclear tests repeatedly in defiance of Security Council resolutions because the adopted sanctions lacked practical effect.
北朝鮮が安保理決議を無視してミサイル発射と核実験を繰り返したのは、従来の制裁措置が実効性を欠いていたためだ。
To break this vicious circle, the Security Council should adopt comprehensive and practical sanctions and implement them thoroughly.
この悪循環を断ち切るため、安保理は今度こそ包括的で実効性ある制裁を決定し、その実施を徹底すべきである。
In connection with nuclear and missile development, North Korea has deep relations with Iran and Pakistan. With Iran, North Korea concluded an agreement on science and technology cooperation last autumn. The international community must strictly restrict and monitor the movement of goods, money and personnel to prevent North Korea promoting nuclear and missile development.
核とミサイルの開発を巡り、北朝鮮はイラン、パキスタンと深い関係にある。イランとは昨秋、科学技術協力で合意した。国際社会は、モノやカネ、ヒトの移動を厳しく制限、監視して、開発に歯止めをかけねばならない。
It is necessary to study comprehensive financial sanctions while bringing into perspective a plan to include financial institutions that do business with North Korea on the sanctions list. It is also important to impose mandatory inspections of cargoes suspected to be banned trade items such as weapons of mass destruction and related materials.
北朝鮮と取引する金融機関を対象に含めることも視野に、包括的な金融制裁の実施を検討すべきだ。大量破壊兵器・関連物資など禁輸品の疑いがある貨物の検査の「義務化」も目指す必要がある。
North Korea said it will regard ship inspections as a blockade at sea and retaliate with a "military strike." Its moves must be constantly watched.
北朝鮮は船舶検査を海上封鎖とみなし、「軍事的打撃で対応する」と恫喝(どうかつ)した。警戒が怠れない。
The role of China, a permanent Security Council member, is crucial.
安保理常任理事国・中国の役割は重要だ。
China accounts for 70 percent of North Korea's trade. The country has transshipment ports for many vessels from North Korea. It holds the power of life or death over North Korea as the biggest supplier of energy and food aid.
中国は、北朝鮮の貿易量の７割を占める。北朝鮮からの多くの船舶が貨物積み替えを行う港湾を持つ。エネルギーや食料の最大の援助国として生殺与奪権をも握っている。
Ostensibly, Beijing expressed its "absolute objection" to North Korea's nuclear test. But it hesitated to impose sanctions for fear of the Korean Peninsula being destabilized, thereby tacitly encouraging North Korea's nuclear development.
中国は表向き、北朝鮮の核実験に「断固反対」を唱える。だが、朝鮮半島が不安定になることを恐れて制裁には及び腰だったことが北朝鮮の核開発を助長した。
The Global News, a Chinese newspaper affiliated with the People's Daily, the organ of the Chinese Communist Party, has insisted on not hesitating to cut assistance if North Korea conducted a nuclear test. The Chinese government led by Xi Jinping must deal with North Korea sternly and put strong pressure on it to give up its nuclear ambitions.
中国共産党機関紙「人民日報」系の環球時報は、北朝鮮が核実験をすれば援助削減を「ためらうな」と主張していた。習近平政権は、北朝鮮に厳しく対処し、核開発断念へ強い圧力をかけるべきだ。
===
Economic recovery unlikely
◆遠のく「北」の経済再建
Kim Jong Un's slogan of "improving the people's livelihoods" shows no sign of being achieved. It seems he has no means of winning over the military and public sentiment other than boasting of nuclear and missile tests.
金第１書記の掲げる「人民生活の向上」は一向に果たされないように見える。核とミサイルの成果を誇示する以外、軍と民心をひきつける術(すべ)がないのではないか。
Fear of being targeted by a North Korean missile attack is growing even in the United States. With this as leverage, the Kim regime intends to open the possibility of dialogue with Washington. It probably aims to have economic sanctions lifted and to gain U.S. assurances of the safety of the current regime, all while keeping its nuclear arms.
北朝鮮の核ミサイルの標的になりかねないという脅威認識は、米国でも広がりつつある。金政権には、それをテコに米国との対話の道を開き、核兵器を保有したまま、経済制裁解除と現体制の安全の保障を得る狙いがあろう。
But negotiations with Pyongyang should not be conducted easily. The international community should not lift sanctions on North Korea as long as it does not take concrete action to relinquish its nuclear ambitions.
だが、安易に交渉に臨むのは禁物だ。北朝鮮が核放棄へ具体的行動を取らない限り、国際社会は制裁を解除してはならない。
Pyongyang must be aware that its own behavior will ultimately undermine its regime.
北朝鮮は、自らの行動が結果的には体制の脆弱(ぜいじゃく)化を招くことを自覚すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 13, 2013)
（2013年2月13日01時17分 読売新聞）
2013年02月14日
電力制度改革 安定供給の実現を大前提に
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 13, 2013)
Power industry reform must ensure stable power supply
電力制度改革 安定供給の実現を大前提に（2月11日付・読売社説）
Reform of electric power systems must contribute to the achievement of a cheap and stable supply of electricity.
電力制度改革は、安価で安定した電力供給の実現に資するものでなければならない。
The government should carefully proceed with reform of the power industry by fully considering its effectiveness and side effects.
政府は効果と副作用にしっかり目配りし、慎重に改革を進めるべきだ。
An Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry panel of experts has compiled a draft plan for reform of power systems. It proposes full liberalization of retail sales of electric power by 2016 and the separation of power generation business and power transmission and distribution business in five to seven years by requiring power companies to set up separate group companies for those businesses.
経済産業省の有識者会議が、電力システムの改革案をまとめた。３年後の２０１６年に電力の小売りを全面自由化し、５〜７年後には、電力会社の発電部門と送配電部門を分社化する「発送電分離」を実現させるという。
In the wake of power shortages after the Great East Japan Earthquake and increases in electricity charges implemented by Tokyo Electric Power Co., users have become increasingly discontent with the current regional monopolies held by utilities, under which users cannot freely choose which power company to use.
東日本大震災後の電力不足や、東京電力による料金値上げをきっかけに、電力会社を自由に選べない「地域独占」に対する利用者の不満は高まっている。
We understand the aim of the reform plan to widen the range of options for users by facilitating new entries into the markets and increasing competition among power companies.
新規事業者の参入や電力会社間の競争を促進し、利用者の選択肢を広げる狙いは理解できる。
===
Many expecting lower rates
Many people probably expect lower electricity charges as a result of competition in liberalized markets. But there are many problems associated with hasty reform.
自由化による競争で電気料金が下がるのでないかと期待する人は多いだろう。しかし、性急な制度改革には問題が多い。
As for contracts with companies and other large-lot users, retail sales and electricity charges have already been liberalized. Despite this, the share of newcomers in sales stands at somewhere between a mere 3 percent and 4 percent. Indeed, major power companies enjoy powerful monopolies.
企業向けなどの大口契約は、電力の小売りや料金がすでに自由化されている。にもかかわらず、新規事業者の販売シェア（占有率）は３％台にとどまる。大手電力会社による独占のカベは厚い。
If the markets were fully liberalized under these circumstances, "unregulated monopolies" may undermine any benefits to users and instead increase electricity charges. We call for further innovative efforts to create an environment to allow newcomers to easily enter the markets.
こうした状況で全面自由化すると、「規制なき独占」が利用者の利益を損ないかねず、むしろ料金が上がる恐れがある。新規参入しやすい環境の整備について、さらなる工夫が求められる。
It also is necessary to consider the current electric power shortage, with only two of the nation's 50 nuclear reactors operating. The shortage should be quickly solved through such measures as restarting nuclear reactors whose safety is confirmed.
全国５０基の原子力発電所のうち稼働中は２基という電力不足の現状も踏まえる必要がある。安全を確認できた原発の再稼働などで、電力不足の解消を急ぎたい。
===
Adjusting power supply difficult
Meanwhile, separating power generation and transmission businesses would make it more difficult to fine-tune the amount of power generated in line with demand, compared to the current combined system for power generation and transmission. And if competition intensifies, business operators may hesitate to make necessary investments in facilities and equipment by placing priority on cutting costs.
一方、発送電を分離すると、現在の一貫供給体制に比べ、電力需要の変動に応じて発電量をきめ細かく調整することが難しくなる。競争が激化すればコスト削減が優先され、必要な設備投資が抑制される可能性も出てくる。
Large-scale blackouts have taken place in other countries due to a lack of cooperation between power generation and transmission businesses or curbed investment. Implementing reforms before ensuring a vitally important stable power supply would truly be putting the cart before the horse.
海外では、発電と送電の連携不足や投資抑制が原因で、大規模停電を起こした例がある。電力制度改革によって肝心の電力供給が不安定になったのでは、まさに本末転倒と言えよう。
It will be essential to update power infrastructure, including power plants and transmission grids, in a well-planned manner, and establish systems to maintain it. The government should carefully design systems in its reform to prevent adverse effects from occurring.
発電所や送電網などの電力インフラ（基盤）を計画的に整備し、維持・管理する体制作りが欠かせまい。政府は弊害の防止に向け、綿密に制度設計すべきである。
During the process of shaping the reform plan, unexpected issues not currently in the spotlight are likely to emerge.
改革を具体化する段階で、現時点では顕在化していない新たな課題も出てくるはずだ。
It is important to flexibly review the draft road map produced by the panel of experts depending on circumstances by considering the timing of implementation of the reform plan as merely rough targets at this time.
有識者会議が示した改革の実施時期はあくまで現時点の目安ととらえ、状況の変化に応じて工程を柔軟に見直すことが大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 11, 2013)
（2013年2月11日01時12分 読売新聞）
Power industry reform must ensure stable power supply
電力制度改革 安定供給の実現を大前提に（2月11日付・読売社説）
Reform of electric power systems must contribute to the achievement of a cheap and stable supply of electricity.
電力制度改革は、安価で安定した電力供給の実現に資するものでなければならない。
The government should carefully proceed with reform of the power industry by fully considering its effectiveness and side effects.
政府は効果と副作用にしっかり目配りし、慎重に改革を進めるべきだ。
An Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry panel of experts has compiled a draft plan for reform of power systems. It proposes full liberalization of retail sales of electric power by 2016 and the separation of power generation business and power transmission and distribution business in five to seven years by requiring power companies to set up separate group companies for those businesses.
経済産業省の有識者会議が、電力システムの改革案をまとめた。３年後の２０１６年に電力の小売りを全面自由化し、５〜７年後には、電力会社の発電部門と送配電部門を分社化する「発送電分離」を実現させるという。
In the wake of power shortages after the Great East Japan Earthquake and increases in electricity charges implemented by Tokyo Electric Power Co., users have become increasingly discontent with the current regional monopolies held by utilities, under which users cannot freely choose which power company to use.
東日本大震災後の電力不足や、東京電力による料金値上げをきっかけに、電力会社を自由に選べない「地域独占」に対する利用者の不満は高まっている。
We understand the aim of the reform plan to widen the range of options for users by facilitating new entries into the markets and increasing competition among power companies.
新規事業者の参入や電力会社間の競争を促進し、利用者の選択肢を広げる狙いは理解できる。
===
Many expecting lower rates
Many people probably expect lower electricity charges as a result of competition in liberalized markets. But there are many problems associated with hasty reform.
自由化による競争で電気料金が下がるのでないかと期待する人は多いだろう。しかし、性急な制度改革には問題が多い。
As for contracts with companies and other large-lot users, retail sales and electricity charges have already been liberalized. Despite this, the share of newcomers in sales stands at somewhere between a mere 3 percent and 4 percent. Indeed, major power companies enjoy powerful monopolies.
企業向けなどの大口契約は、電力の小売りや料金がすでに自由化されている。にもかかわらず、新規事業者の販売シェア（占有率）は３％台にとどまる。大手電力会社による独占のカベは厚い。
If the markets were fully liberalized under these circumstances, "unregulated monopolies" may undermine any benefits to users and instead increase electricity charges. We call for further innovative efforts to create an environment to allow newcomers to easily enter the markets.
こうした状況で全面自由化すると、「規制なき独占」が利用者の利益を損ないかねず、むしろ料金が上がる恐れがある。新規参入しやすい環境の整備について、さらなる工夫が求められる。
It also is necessary to consider the current electric power shortage, with only two of the nation's 50 nuclear reactors operating. The shortage should be quickly solved through such measures as restarting nuclear reactors whose safety is confirmed.
全国５０基の原子力発電所のうち稼働中は２基という電力不足の現状も踏まえる必要がある。安全を確認できた原発の再稼働などで、電力不足の解消を急ぎたい。
===
Adjusting power supply difficult
Meanwhile, separating power generation and transmission businesses would make it more difficult to fine-tune the amount of power generated in line with demand, compared to the current combined system for power generation and transmission. And if competition intensifies, business operators may hesitate to make necessary investments in facilities and equipment by placing priority on cutting costs.
一方、発送電を分離すると、現在の一貫供給体制に比べ、電力需要の変動に応じて発電量をきめ細かく調整することが難しくなる。競争が激化すればコスト削減が優先され、必要な設備投資が抑制される可能性も出てくる。
Large-scale blackouts have taken place in other countries due to a lack of cooperation between power generation and transmission businesses or curbed investment. Implementing reforms before ensuring a vitally important stable power supply would truly be putting the cart before the horse.
海外では、発電と送電の連携不足や投資抑制が原因で、大規模停電を起こした例がある。電力制度改革によって肝心の電力供給が不安定になったのでは、まさに本末転倒と言えよう。
It will be essential to update power infrastructure, including power plants and transmission grids, in a well-planned manner, and establish systems to maintain it. The government should carefully design systems in its reform to prevent adverse effects from occurring.
発電所や送電網などの電力インフラ（基盤）を計画的に整備し、維持・管理する体制作りが欠かせまい。政府は弊害の防止に向け、綿密に制度設計すべきである。
During the process of shaping the reform plan, unexpected issues not currently in the spotlight are likely to emerge.
改革を具体化する段階で、現時点では顕在化していない新たな課題も出てくるはずだ。
It is important to flexibly review the draft road map produced by the panel of experts depending on circumstances by considering the timing of implementation of the reform plan as merely rough targets at this time.
有識者会議が示した改革の実施時期はあくまで現時点の目安ととらえ、状況の変化に応じて工程を柔軟に見直すことが大切だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 11, 2013)
（2013年2月11日01時12分 読売新聞）
2013年02月13日
農業政策 攻めの戦略で自由化に備えよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Feb. 13, 2013)
Prepare for liberalization with aggressive agricultural strategy
農業政策 攻めの戦略で自由化に備えよ（2月11日付・読売社説）
Japanese agriculture obviously needs to enhance its competitiveness and reform itself to withstand further trade liberalization.
競争力を高め、一層の貿易自由化に耐えうる体質に変えていく。日本農業の課題は明らかだ。
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has established a headquarters for promoting aggressive agricultural, forestry and fishery industries. The headquarters will reportedly discuss steps to expand agricultural exports, and those steps will be reflected in a growth strategy the government plans to compile.
農林水産省が「攻めの農林水産業推進本部」を設置した。農産品の輸出拡大などを検討し、政府がまとめる成長戦略に反映させるという。
In the headquarters' first meeting, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "We want to help producers to increase their added value, well satisfying consumer demand, and to tap the full extent of the latent strengths of the agricultural, forestry and fishery industries."
林農相は初会合で「生産現場が需要を敏感につかんで付加価値を高め、農林水産業の潜在力を最大限に引き出したい」と語った。
We have no objection to this basic policy. The question is whether the government can introduce measures to back it up.
基本的な方針に異論はない。問題は、それを裏付ける政策を打ち出せるかどうかである。
So far, discussions of agriculture under the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe can hardly be considered aggressive.
安倍政権の農業論議は、とても「攻め」の姿勢とは言えない。
The fiscal 2013 budget symbolizes this. The agriculture-related budget increased for the first time in 13 years, but we wonder how much it will strengthen the competitiveness of the nation's agriculture.
２０１３年度予算案が象徴的だ。農業予算は１３年ぶりに増額されたが、どこまで農業の競争力強化に役立つだろうか。
===
Throwing money at farms
Expenditures for land improvement projects, significantly cut when the Democratic Party of Japan was in power, have been restored. Taking the fiscal 2012 supplementary budget into consideration, this expenditure amounts to about 600 billion yen.
民主党政権が大幅に削減した土地改良事業費を復活させた。１２年度補正予算案と合わせると約６０００億円に上る。
The income compensation system for individual farming households, under which subsidies are handed out uniformly, has been left untouched. Its budget remains basically the same as in the previous year, when funds were earmarked for it under a different name.
補助金を一律にばらまく農家の戸別所得補償制度も手つかずで、名称を変えて前年度並みの予算を計上した。
Government policy that attached too much importance to rice, which is produced mostly by part-time farmers, caused a decline in agriculture. Meanwhile, there is no sign that the graying of the farm population will stop.
兼業農家が主体のコメを偏重した政策が、農業の地盤沈下を招いた要因である。就業者の高齢化にも歯止めがかからない。
The government must thoroughly promote a policy of expanding the size of farms by increasing the number of vigorous young new entrants, including those from different industries, as well as by concentrating farmland and funds into core farms with excellent management sense.
異業種を含めて意欲ある若手の新規参入者を増やし、経営感覚に優れた中核的な農家に農地や資金を集中する規模拡大政策を徹底しなければならない。
The "multifunctionality direct payment system" that the Liberal Democratic Party has begun to discuss, with the aim of introducing it in fiscal 2014, is also problematic.
１４年度の導入を目指して自民党が検討に乗り出した「多面的機能直接支払い制度」も問題だ。
Considering that farmlands have multiple functions such as protecting national land and communities, the envisaged system will provide income compensation to all farmers maintaining farmlands.
農地には国土や集落を守る多面的な機能があるとして、農地を維持するすべての農家を所得補償の対象にする仕組みである。
Merely further expanding subsidy-laden agricultural policies will never brighten the prospects of the nation's agriculture.
補助金漬け農政をさらに拡大するだけでは、展望は開けない。
===
Focus on productivity, value
The proportion of full-time farmers is high among vegetable, fruit and dairy farmers. They increase the added value of their products on their own initiative and compete with products from overseas in the market.
野菜、果樹、酪農などは専業農家の比率が高く、自助努力で商品の付加価値を高め、海外産品と市場で競い合っている。
Rather than offering subsidies as an easy solution, it is necessary to create a system to increase productivity and expand sales channels at home and abroad.
安易な補助金より、生産性を向上させ、国内外に販路を拡大する体制づくりが求められよう。
Regulatory reform is essential to nurture agriculture as a growing industry. The government's reinstated Regulatory Reform Council should also take a scalpel to the Agricultural Land Law as well as such regulations as the agricultural cooperative system--both of which hinder companies from entering agricultural businesses.
農業を成長産業に育てるには、規制改革が欠かせない。復活した政府の規制改革会議では、農ビジネスへの企業進出を阻んでいる農地法や農協制度などの規制にも切り込んでほしい。
Opposition has been growing within the LDP against the country's entering into negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade framework.
自民党内では、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉参加への反対論が勢いを増している。
To prevent "aggressive agriculture" from ending up as an empty slogan, Abe should decide to enter the TPP negotiations at an early date. It is necessary to accelerate agricultural reforms and prepare for the TPP.
「攻めの農業」を掛け声倒れに終わらせないためにも、安倍首相は交渉参加を早期に決断すべきである。農業改革を加速し、ＴＰＰに備えることが必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 11, 2013)
（2013年2月11日01時12分 読売新聞）
Prepare for liberalization with aggressive agricultural strategy
農業政策 攻めの戦略で自由化に備えよ（2月11日付・読売社説）
Japanese agriculture obviously needs to enhance its competitiveness and reform itself to withstand further trade liberalization.
競争力を高め、一層の貿易自由化に耐えうる体質に変えていく。日本農業の課題は明らかだ。
The Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Ministry has established a headquarters for promoting aggressive agricultural, forestry and fishery industries. The headquarters will reportedly discuss steps to expand agricultural exports, and those steps will be reflected in a growth strategy the government plans to compile.
農林水産省が「攻めの農林水産業推進本部」を設置した。農産品の輸出拡大などを検討し、政府がまとめる成長戦略に反映させるという。
In the headquarters' first meeting, Agriculture, Forestry and Fisheries Minister Yoshimasa Hayashi said, "We want to help producers to increase their added value, well satisfying consumer demand, and to tap the full extent of the latent strengths of the agricultural, forestry and fishery industries."
林農相は初会合で「生産現場が需要を敏感につかんで付加価値を高め、農林水産業の潜在力を最大限に引き出したい」と語った。
We have no objection to this basic policy. The question is whether the government can introduce measures to back it up.
基本的な方針に異論はない。問題は、それを裏付ける政策を打ち出せるかどうかである。
So far, discussions of agriculture under the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe can hardly be considered aggressive.
安倍政権の農業論議は、とても「攻め」の姿勢とは言えない。
The fiscal 2013 budget symbolizes this. The agriculture-related budget increased for the first time in 13 years, but we wonder how much it will strengthen the competitiveness of the nation's agriculture.
２０１３年度予算案が象徴的だ。農業予算は１３年ぶりに増額されたが、どこまで農業の競争力強化に役立つだろうか。
===
Throwing money at farms
Expenditures for land improvement projects, significantly cut when the Democratic Party of Japan was in power, have been restored. Taking the fiscal 2012 supplementary budget into consideration, this expenditure amounts to about 600 billion yen.
民主党政権が大幅に削減した土地改良事業費を復活させた。１２年度補正予算案と合わせると約６０００億円に上る。
The income compensation system for individual farming households, under which subsidies are handed out uniformly, has been left untouched. Its budget remains basically the same as in the previous year, when funds were earmarked for it under a different name.
補助金を一律にばらまく農家の戸別所得補償制度も手つかずで、名称を変えて前年度並みの予算を計上した。
Government policy that attached too much importance to rice, which is produced mostly by part-time farmers, caused a decline in agriculture. Meanwhile, there is no sign that the graying of the farm population will stop.
兼業農家が主体のコメを偏重した政策が、農業の地盤沈下を招いた要因である。就業者の高齢化にも歯止めがかからない。
The government must thoroughly promote a policy of expanding the size of farms by increasing the number of vigorous young new entrants, including those from different industries, as well as by concentrating farmland and funds into core farms with excellent management sense.
異業種を含めて意欲ある若手の新規参入者を増やし、経営感覚に優れた中核的な農家に農地や資金を集中する規模拡大政策を徹底しなければならない。
The "multifunctionality direct payment system" that the Liberal Democratic Party has begun to discuss, with the aim of introducing it in fiscal 2014, is also problematic.
１４年度の導入を目指して自民党が検討に乗り出した「多面的機能直接支払い制度」も問題だ。
Considering that farmlands have multiple functions such as protecting national land and communities, the envisaged system will provide income compensation to all farmers maintaining farmlands.
農地には国土や集落を守る多面的な機能があるとして、農地を維持するすべての農家を所得補償の対象にする仕組みである。
Merely further expanding subsidy-laden agricultural policies will never brighten the prospects of the nation's agriculture.
補助金漬け農政をさらに拡大するだけでは、展望は開けない。
===
Focus on productivity, value
The proportion of full-time farmers is high among vegetable, fruit and dairy farmers. They increase the added value of their products on their own initiative and compete with products from overseas in the market.
野菜、果樹、酪農などは専業農家の比率が高く、自助努力で商品の付加価値を高め、海外産品と市場で競い合っている。
Rather than offering subsidies as an easy solution, it is necessary to create a system to increase productivity and expand sales channels at home and abroad.
安易な補助金より、生産性を向上させ、国内外に販路を拡大する体制づくりが求められよう。
Regulatory reform is essential to nurture agriculture as a growing industry. The government's reinstated Regulatory Reform Council should also take a scalpel to the Agricultural Land Law as well as such regulations as the agricultural cooperative system--both of which hinder companies from entering agricultural businesses.
農業を成長産業に育てるには、規制改革が欠かせない。復活した政府の規制改革会議では、農ビジネスへの企業進出を阻んでいる農地法や農協制度などの規制にも切り込んでほしい。
Opposition has been growing within the LDP against the country's entering into negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral free trade framework.
自民党内では、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉参加への反対論が勢いを増している。
To prevent "aggressive agriculture" from ending up as an empty slogan, Abe should decide to enter the TPP negotiations at an early date. It is necessary to accelerate agricultural reforms and prepare for the TPP.
「攻めの農業」を掛け声倒れに終わらせないためにも、安倍首相は交渉参加を早期に決断すべきである。農業改革を加速し、ＴＰＰに備えることが必要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 11, 2013)
（2013年2月11日01時12分 読売新聞）
2013年02月12日
集団的自衛権―首相は何をしたいのか
--The Asahi Shimbun, Feb. 9
EDITORIAL: What is Abe's real motive for collective self-defense?
集団的自衛権―首相は何をしたいのか
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken a first step toward allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense. At Abe's request, an advisory council of experts has begun to discuss the issue.
集団的自衛権の行使に道を開くため、安倍政権が、有識者による懇談会で検討を始めた。
Abe says the move is aimed at strengthening Japan's security alliance with the United States.
それによって日米同盟を強化するのだと安倍首相は言う。
In what way, then, does he want to change the bilateral alliance? Won't the change that he envisions set the stage for a gradual erosion of the pacifist principles of the postwar Constitution?
では、日米同盟をどう変えたいのか。平和憲法の原則をなし崩しにすることはないか。
Abe should offer clear answers to these and other key questions at the outset of the policy debate on this issue.
議論の出発にあたり、首相はまずそのことを明確にすべきだ。
If Japan were to exercise its right to collective self-defense, it would regard an attack on the United States, Japan’s ally, as an attack against itself and mobilize its Self-Defense Forces to fight against the attacker along with the United States.
同盟国である米国が攻撃されたら、それを日本に対する攻撃とみなし、米国を守るために自衛隊が戦う。集団的自衛権の行使を日本に当てはめれば、こういうことだ。
In the postwar period, Japan has consistently held the position that its use of armed force must be limited to the minimum necessary for self-defense under the restrictions imposed by the war-renouncing Constitution.
日本は戦後、憲法の制約のもと、自衛のための必要最小限の武力行使しか許されないとの立場をとってきた。
According to the traditional interpretation of the government, Japan would cross the line and violate the Constitution if it enters war to help defend the United States when Japan has not been attacked directly.
日本が直接攻撃されていないのに米国を守るのはこの一線を越え、憲法違反だというのがこれまでの政府の解釈である。
Abe, however, argues that Japan needs to change this interpretation so that it will be able to defend the United States in certain situations. Otherwise, he says, the trust between Japan and the United States will collapse.
この解釈を改め、いくつかのケースでは米国を守れるようにしよう。さもないと日米の信頼関係が壊れると首相は唱える。
Tension has been mounting between Japan and China due to a fresh flare-up of their territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, while North Korea has continued test-firing missiles and carrying out nuclear tests in defiance of international calls for an end to these weapons programs. Abe's push for collective self-defense is likely designed partly to put pressure on these neighbors.
尖閣諸島をめぐって日中間の緊張が続き、北朝鮮がミサイル発射や核実験を繰り返すなか、それへの牽制（けんせい）の意味もあるのだろう。
In making his case, Abe has often cited the following scenarios: an attack has been launched against a U.S. warship operating close to an SDF vessel; or, a missile that could be headed toward the United States is detected by Japanese radar.
首相がしばしば挙げるのが次のようなケースだ。
▽自衛艦の近くにいる米艦が攻撃を受けた▽米国に向かうかもしれないミサイルを日本のレーダーが捕捉した――。
According to the government's current view, however, in cases where a U.S. vessel sailing alongside a Japanese ship comes under attack, the SDF ship is permitted to strike back as a way to defend itself.
だが、政府の見解では、日米の艦船が並走しているようなときに攻撃を受ければ、自衛艦がみずからを守る名目で、これに反撃できる。
As for the second scenario, Japan's current missile defense system doesn't have the ability to shoot down a missile flying toward the United States.
さらに、現在のミサイル防衛には、米本土に向かうミサイルを撃ち落とす能力はない。
Moreover, the defense systems of Japan and the United States are already linked closely and strongly.
一方で、日米の防衛体制はすでに深く結びついている。
In modern warfare, certain kinds of information are crucial for securing a victory, such as the locations of submarines and signs of missile launches and their trajectories, and the two countries share a broad array of such vital information.
例えば、現代戦のゆくえを決するのは、潜水艦の位置や、ミサイル発射の兆候や軌道などの情報だが、日米は多くの情報を共有している。
What, then, does Abe want to realize beyond the current level of bilateral defense cooperation?
これ以上、いったい何をしたいというのか。
The security situation in East Asia is changing dramatically, and it is probably necessary to adjust the bilateral security cooperation flexibly in response to these changes. But why should that require Japan to commit itself to collective self-defense?
東アジア情勢は大きく動いている。日米協力のあり方も、状況にあわせて変える必要はあるだろう。だからといって、なぜ集団的自衛権なのか。
Abe's Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to enact a fundamental law for national security that would allow Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense in a wide range of situations.
自民党は、その行使を幅広く認める国家安全保障基本法の制定をめざしている。
Is Abe trying to use this legislation to brush aside the constitutional principle of limiting the use of armed force to the minimum necessary for self-defense and the safeguards Japan has built up over the years to protect that principle?
これによって、憲法が求める「必要最小限の自衛」という原則や、それを具体化するために積み上げてきた数々の歯止めを一気に取り払おうとしているのではないか。
If so, his initiative will only undermine Japan's national interests.
だとすれば、かえって国益を損なうだけである。
EDITORIAL: What is Abe's real motive for collective self-defense?
集団的自衛権―首相は何をしたいのか
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has taken a first step toward allowing Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense. At Abe's request, an advisory council of experts has begun to discuss the issue.
集団的自衛権の行使に道を開くため、安倍政権が、有識者による懇談会で検討を始めた。
Abe says the move is aimed at strengthening Japan's security alliance with the United States.
それによって日米同盟を強化するのだと安倍首相は言う。
In what way, then, does he want to change the bilateral alliance? Won't the change that he envisions set the stage for a gradual erosion of the pacifist principles of the postwar Constitution?
では、日米同盟をどう変えたいのか。平和憲法の原則をなし崩しにすることはないか。
Abe should offer clear answers to these and other key questions at the outset of the policy debate on this issue.
議論の出発にあたり、首相はまずそのことを明確にすべきだ。
If Japan were to exercise its right to collective self-defense, it would regard an attack on the United States, Japan’s ally, as an attack against itself and mobilize its Self-Defense Forces to fight against the attacker along with the United States.
同盟国である米国が攻撃されたら、それを日本に対する攻撃とみなし、米国を守るために自衛隊が戦う。集団的自衛権の行使を日本に当てはめれば、こういうことだ。
In the postwar period, Japan has consistently held the position that its use of armed force must be limited to the minimum necessary for self-defense under the restrictions imposed by the war-renouncing Constitution.
日本は戦後、憲法の制約のもと、自衛のための必要最小限の武力行使しか許されないとの立場をとってきた。
According to the traditional interpretation of the government, Japan would cross the line and violate the Constitution if it enters war to help defend the United States when Japan has not been attacked directly.
日本が直接攻撃されていないのに米国を守るのはこの一線を越え、憲法違反だというのがこれまでの政府の解釈である。
Abe, however, argues that Japan needs to change this interpretation so that it will be able to defend the United States in certain situations. Otherwise, he says, the trust between Japan and the United States will collapse.
この解釈を改め、いくつかのケースでは米国を守れるようにしよう。さもないと日米の信頼関係が壊れると首相は唱える。
Tension has been mounting between Japan and China due to a fresh flare-up of their territorial dispute over the Senkaku Islands, while North Korea has continued test-firing missiles and carrying out nuclear tests in defiance of international calls for an end to these weapons programs. Abe's push for collective self-defense is likely designed partly to put pressure on these neighbors.
尖閣諸島をめぐって日中間の緊張が続き、北朝鮮がミサイル発射や核実験を繰り返すなか、それへの牽制（けんせい）の意味もあるのだろう。
In making his case, Abe has often cited the following scenarios: an attack has been launched against a U.S. warship operating close to an SDF vessel; or, a missile that could be headed toward the United States is detected by Japanese radar.
首相がしばしば挙げるのが次のようなケースだ。
▽自衛艦の近くにいる米艦が攻撃を受けた▽米国に向かうかもしれないミサイルを日本のレーダーが捕捉した――。
According to the government's current view, however, in cases where a U.S. vessel sailing alongside a Japanese ship comes under attack, the SDF ship is permitted to strike back as a way to defend itself.
だが、政府の見解では、日米の艦船が並走しているようなときに攻撃を受ければ、自衛艦がみずからを守る名目で、これに反撃できる。
As for the second scenario, Japan's current missile defense system doesn't have the ability to shoot down a missile flying toward the United States.
さらに、現在のミサイル防衛には、米本土に向かうミサイルを撃ち落とす能力はない。
Moreover, the defense systems of Japan and the United States are already linked closely and strongly.
一方で、日米の防衛体制はすでに深く結びついている。
In modern warfare, certain kinds of information are crucial for securing a victory, such as the locations of submarines and signs of missile launches and their trajectories, and the two countries share a broad array of such vital information.
例えば、現代戦のゆくえを決するのは、潜水艦の位置や、ミサイル発射の兆候や軌道などの情報だが、日米は多くの情報を共有している。
What, then, does Abe want to realize beyond the current level of bilateral defense cooperation?
これ以上、いったい何をしたいというのか。
The security situation in East Asia is changing dramatically, and it is probably necessary to adjust the bilateral security cooperation flexibly in response to these changes. But why should that require Japan to commit itself to collective self-defense?
東アジア情勢は大きく動いている。日米協力のあり方も、状況にあわせて変える必要はあるだろう。だからといって、なぜ集団的自衛権なのか。
Abe's Liberal Democratic Party is seeking to enact a fundamental law for national security that would allow Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense in a wide range of situations.
自民党は、その行使を幅広く認める国家安全保障基本法の制定をめざしている。
Is Abe trying to use this legislation to brush aside the constitutional principle of limiting the use of armed force to the minimum necessary for self-defense and the safeguards Japan has built up over the years to protect that principle?
これによって、憲法が求める「必要最小限の自衛」という原則や、それを具体化するために積み上げてきた数々の歯止めを一気に取り払おうとしているのではないか。
If so, his initiative will only undermine Japan's national interests.
だとすれば、かえって国益を損なうだけである。
2013年02月11日
自宅でできるアフィリエイトライター業
アフィリエイト歴5年以上ですが、昨年の後半に初めて体験いたしました。
そうなると気になるのが税金対策ですね（汗）＾＾。
日本の主だったアフィリエイトは全部制覇いたしましたが、支払いの素早さではこの会社が一番です。
成功の秘訣は毎日更新するブログを複数でもつことです。
これがなかなか大変なのですが、慣れればなんてことはないのです。
自宅で子供たちに囲まれて楽しく仕事が出来てます＾＾。