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2013年03月24日
イスラエル政権 イラン核問題で米と連携を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 23, 2013)
Israel must closely cooperate with U.S. over Iranian N-issue
イスラエル政権 イラン核問題で米と連携を（3月22日付・読売社説）
At their latest summit meeting, top U.S. and Israeli leaders stressed cooperation--demonstrating a recovery in bilateral relations, which have recently been stressed by differences over issues such as Iran's nuclear development and the Palestinian peace process.
米国とイスラエルが首脳会談で協調態勢をアピールした。イラン核問題や対パレスチナ和平を巡ってぎくしゃくしていた関係の修復を、印象づけたと言える。
It is important that the two countries utilize their renewed relations to stabilize the Middle East.
これを中東地域の安定につなげていくことが重要だ。
After Israel's general election in January, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally launched a coalition administration. U.S. President Barack Obama was the first foreign leader to be welcomed by the administration.
１月の総選挙を受け、ようやく連立政権発足にこぎつけたネタニヤフ首相は、オバマ米大統領を最初の外国首脳として迎えた。
Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, a major focus of the summit talks, Netanyahu acknowledged during a joint press conference with Obama that it would take one year for Iran to produce a nuclear weapon, even if it decided to go nuclear. Meanwhile, Obama emphasized, "We prefer to resolve this diplomatically, and there's still time to do so."
焦点のイラン核問題では、首脳会談後の共同記者会見で、首相は、イランが核兵器製造を決断しても完成まで約１年かかるという認識を示し、大統領も「外交的解決の時間はまだある」と強調した。
===
Diplomatic solution first
We can conclude that both countries have agreed to fully engage diplomatically to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons.
両国は、イランの核保有阻止を目指し、外交的手段を尽くすことで一致したと言える。
Last September, Netanyahu warned global leaders that it was within the realm of possibility that Iran had enough highly enriched uranium to produce its first nuclear weapon by as early as this spring. He has also indicated that Israel may unilaterally attack Iran if the international community cannot stop the nation from possessing a nuclear weapon.
首相は昨年９月、イランが今年春にも、核兵器を作るのに十分な量の高濃縮ウランを保有する恐れがあると警告した。国際社会が阻止できねば、単独でのイラン攻撃も辞さない構えを見せていた。
But as Netanyahu has reached a compromise with Obama at the latest summit talks, a situation in which Israel takes military action against Iran is unlikely for the time being.
今回、米国に歩み寄ったことで、イスラエルが軍事行動に出る事態は当面、遠のいた。
Should Israel attack Iran, the effects of the war would undoubtedly spill over into other areas. For instance, crude oil prices would skyrocket, adversely affecting the global economy. It is for this and other reasons that Israel must refrain from using force.
イスラエルがイランを攻撃すれば、戦火は拡大し、原油価格の高騰で世界経済も揺らぎかねない。武力行使は自制すべきだ。
Obama pledged that the United States would support Israel in matters of security. In a show of his country's intent to keep its promise, Obama inspected Israel's "Iron Dome," a mobile all-weather air defense system that the United States helped to develop.
大統領は、米国が安全保障面でイスラエルを支えると確約した。米国が支援した対空防衛システム「アイアン・ドーム」を視察したのも、示威効果が狙いだろう。
The security situation around Israel has been increasing in severity. Its neighbor Syria has descended into civil war, and in Egypt, where Islamists have taken the reins of government, the economy and politics have been thrown into chaos. The circumstances surrounding the region are increasingly unclear. In such an environment, Israel needed to restore a cooperative relationship with the United States.
イスラエルの安保環境は厳しさを増している。隣国シリア内戦の泥沼化や、イスラム主義勢力が権力を握ったエジプトの政治・経済の混迷など、地域情勢は不透明感を強めている。イスラエルには、対米関係修復が必要だった。
During the joint press conference, Netanyahu also confirmed Israel remains fully committed to the "two states for two peoples" solution to the Palestinian issue, an initiative promoting the coexistence of two states.
首相は、共同記者会見でイスラエルとパレスチナの「２国家共存」構想への支持も確認した。
===
Weak administrative foundation
However, the growing number of Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a split in the Palestinian leadership have made reopening peace negotiations difficult. As a result, the process for establishing a Palestinian state is still nowhere in sight.
しかし、イスラエルの占領地ヨルダン川西岸での入植拡大や、パレスチナ指導部の分裂によって、パレスチナとの和平交渉が再開するめどは立たず、パレスチナ国家樹立への道筋は見えない。
Netanyahu's administrative foundation is now weaker than it was before the election. His attempts to garner support with a hard-line stance against Iran have ended in failure.
ネタニヤフ首相の政権基盤は、総選挙前より弱まった。対イラン強硬姿勢で支持を広げようという試みは失敗に終わった。
After the election, the prime minister tried to establish a broad coalition administration. However, a religious party that once had been a former coalition partner decided to become part of the opposition, and Netanyahu's Likud party only succeeded in winning over middle-of-the-road and rightist parties. The stability of the new administration remains questionable.
選挙後、首相は幅広い連立を試みたが、従来の連立相手だった宗教政党は離反し、中道勢力と強硬右派を取り込むにとどまり、政権の安定度には不安が残る。
Close cooperation with the United States is indispensable to maintain the Netanyahu government, and preserving its cooperation with the United States over the Iranian nuclear issue is an important pillar of that policy.
米国との緊密な協力は、政権維持に不可欠だ。イラン核問題での連携維持は、重要な柱である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 22, 2013)
（2013年3月22日01時11分 読売新聞）
Israel must closely cooperate with U.S. over Iranian N-issue
イスラエル政権 イラン核問題で米と連携を（3月22日付・読売社説）
At their latest summit meeting, top U.S. and Israeli leaders stressed cooperation--demonstrating a recovery in bilateral relations, which have recently been stressed by differences over issues such as Iran's nuclear development and the Palestinian peace process.
米国とイスラエルが首脳会談で協調態勢をアピールした。イラン核問題や対パレスチナ和平を巡ってぎくしゃくしていた関係の修復を、印象づけたと言える。
It is important that the two countries utilize their renewed relations to stabilize the Middle East.
これを中東地域の安定につなげていくことが重要だ。
After Israel's general election in January, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu finally launched a coalition administration. U.S. President Barack Obama was the first foreign leader to be welcomed by the administration.
１月の総選挙を受け、ようやく連立政権発足にこぎつけたネタニヤフ首相は、オバマ米大統領を最初の外国首脳として迎えた。
Regarding the Iranian nuclear issue, a major focus of the summit talks, Netanyahu acknowledged during a joint press conference with Obama that it would take one year for Iran to produce a nuclear weapon, even if it decided to go nuclear. Meanwhile, Obama emphasized, "We prefer to resolve this diplomatically, and there's still time to do so."
焦点のイラン核問題では、首脳会談後の共同記者会見で、首相は、イランが核兵器製造を決断しても完成まで約１年かかるという認識を示し、大統領も「外交的解決の時間はまだある」と強調した。
===
Diplomatic solution first
We can conclude that both countries have agreed to fully engage diplomatically to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons.
両国は、イランの核保有阻止を目指し、外交的手段を尽くすことで一致したと言える。
Last September, Netanyahu warned global leaders that it was within the realm of possibility that Iran had enough highly enriched uranium to produce its first nuclear weapon by as early as this spring. He has also indicated that Israel may unilaterally attack Iran if the international community cannot stop the nation from possessing a nuclear weapon.
首相は昨年９月、イランが今年春にも、核兵器を作るのに十分な量の高濃縮ウランを保有する恐れがあると警告した。国際社会が阻止できねば、単独でのイラン攻撃も辞さない構えを見せていた。
But as Netanyahu has reached a compromise with Obama at the latest summit talks, a situation in which Israel takes military action against Iran is unlikely for the time being.
今回、米国に歩み寄ったことで、イスラエルが軍事行動に出る事態は当面、遠のいた。
Should Israel attack Iran, the effects of the war would undoubtedly spill over into other areas. For instance, crude oil prices would skyrocket, adversely affecting the global economy. It is for this and other reasons that Israel must refrain from using force.
イスラエルがイランを攻撃すれば、戦火は拡大し、原油価格の高騰で世界経済も揺らぎかねない。武力行使は自制すべきだ。
Obama pledged that the United States would support Israel in matters of security. In a show of his country's intent to keep its promise, Obama inspected Israel's "Iron Dome," a mobile all-weather air defense system that the United States helped to develop.
大統領は、米国が安全保障面でイスラエルを支えると確約した。米国が支援した対空防衛システム「アイアン・ドーム」を視察したのも、示威効果が狙いだろう。
The security situation around Israel has been increasing in severity. Its neighbor Syria has descended into civil war, and in Egypt, where Islamists have taken the reins of government, the economy and politics have been thrown into chaos. The circumstances surrounding the region are increasingly unclear. In such an environment, Israel needed to restore a cooperative relationship with the United States.
イスラエルの安保環境は厳しさを増している。隣国シリア内戦の泥沼化や、イスラム主義勢力が権力を握ったエジプトの政治・経済の混迷など、地域情勢は不透明感を強めている。イスラエルには、対米関係修復が必要だった。
During the joint press conference, Netanyahu also confirmed Israel remains fully committed to the "two states for two peoples" solution to the Palestinian issue, an initiative promoting the coexistence of two states.
首相は、共同記者会見でイスラエルとパレスチナの「２国家共存」構想への支持も確認した。
===
Weak administrative foundation
However, the growing number of Jewish settlements in the Israeli-occupied West Bank and a split in the Palestinian leadership have made reopening peace negotiations difficult. As a result, the process for establishing a Palestinian state is still nowhere in sight.
しかし、イスラエルの占領地ヨルダン川西岸での入植拡大や、パレスチナ指導部の分裂によって、パレスチナとの和平交渉が再開するめどは立たず、パレスチナ国家樹立への道筋は見えない。
Netanyahu's administrative foundation is now weaker than it was before the election. His attempts to garner support with a hard-line stance against Iran have ended in failure.
ネタニヤフ首相の政権基盤は、総選挙前より弱まった。対イラン強硬姿勢で支持を広げようという試みは失敗に終わった。
After the election, the prime minister tried to establish a broad coalition administration. However, a religious party that once had been a former coalition partner decided to become part of the opposition, and Netanyahu's Likud party only succeeded in winning over middle-of-the-road and rightist parties. The stability of the new administration remains questionable.
選挙後、首相は幅広い連立を試みたが、従来の連立相手だった宗教政党は離反し、中道勢力と強硬右派を取り込むにとどまり、政権の安定度には不安が残る。
Close cooperation with the United States is indispensable to maintain the Netanyahu government, and preserving its cooperation with the United States over the Iranian nuclear issue is an important pillar of that policy.
米国との緊密な協力は、政権維持に不可欠だ。イラン核問題での連携維持は、重要な柱である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 22, 2013)
（2013年3月22日01時11分 読売新聞）
2013年03月23日
クール・ジャパン 官民が連携して魅力の発信を
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 22, 2013)
Abe aims to boost the power of 'Cool Japan' cultural exports
クール・ジャパン 官民が連携して魅力の発信を（3月21日付・読売社説）
Japanese music, anime, fashion and food are in the global spotlight, a trend called the "Cool Japan" boom.
クール・ジャパン（かっこいい日本）として、日本の音楽、アニメ、ファッション、食文化などは海外で人気が高い。
We believe this trend should be boosted to stimulate the nation's economic growth.
日本経済の成長に弾みをつけるため、さらにテコ入れすべきだ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has ordered Tomomi Inada, state minister for administrative reforms, to also serve as the nation's first Cool Japan strategy minister. Abe has also launched an expert panel aimed at promoting the government's Cool Japan campaign. These moves reflect the prime minister's intention to make the Cool Japan initiative part of the government's growth strategy.
安倍首相は、稲田行政改革相に初のクール・ジャパン戦略相を兼務させ、有識者による推進会議も発足させた。成長戦略の一つに位置付けようとしている。
We believe the government's policy of promoting businesses related to Cool Japan culture to a level Japan can be proud of is worth pursuing.
政府の「クール・ジャパンを世界に誇るビジネスに」という方針は妥当と言える。
The cornerstone of the Cool Japan initiative is the content industry, which produces movies, anime and video games. The size of the industry's domestic market is about 12 trillion yen.
核となる映画やアニメ、ゲームなどコンテンツ産業の国内市場規模は１２兆円に上る。
===
Future depends on global market
However, as the nation's population has begun to shrink, the future of Japan's content industry will taper off if it depends only on the domestic market. If the industry seeks further growth, it needs to aggressively advance overseas, and find new business opportunities there.
だが、人口減社会の到来で、国内だけでは先細りとなるだろう。さらなる成長を図るなら、海外へ積極的に展開し、ビジネスチャンスを獲得していく必要がある。
The size of the content industry's global market is about 130 trillion yen. It is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 6 percent.
コンテンツ産業の世界全体の市場規模は約１３０兆円だ。今後も年平均６％程度の成長を続けていくという。
One idea is to increase exports of domestic movies. Last year's export sales of domestic movies came to about 5 billion yen, less than 5 percent of domestic box-office revenues that year.
例えば、日本映画をもっと輸出できないか。昨年の邦画の輸出実績は約５０億円で、国内興行収入の５％にも満たなかった。
Export sales of domestic TV programs were 6.3 billion yen in 2010, lagging far behind the figure for South Korea, where the government strongly backs TV program exports.
テレビ番組の輸出額も６３億円（２０１０年）で、政府が後押しする韓国よりも大幅に少ない。
Japan's manga and anime are highly appreciated in the world. The government needs to draw up a strategy to exploit their full potential.
日本の漫画やアニメは世界的にも高い評価を受けている。その潜在力を生かす戦略が必要だ。
A noteworthy effort that began in India last year is a TV remake of the popular Japanese anime "Kyojin no Hoshi" (Star of the Giants).
その点で、インドで昨年末に始まったアニメ「巨人の星」のリメーク版のテレビ放送は、新たな試みとして注目に値する。
The anime TV series was jointly produced by Japanese and Indian firms. Instead of playing baseball, the hero of the TV series devotes himself to cricket, India's national sport.
日印共同制作で、ヒーローが打ち込むスポーツを野球からインドの国民的球技クリケットに置き換えて描いている。
Japanese companies sponsoring the series have enjoyed product placement for goods such as cars and stationery in the show. We believe the remade anime will also help viewers deepen their understanding of Japan's high-growth period.
作品の随所で、自動車や文房具など協賛の日本企業の製品もアピールしている。原作の背景となった高度成長期の日本への理解も深まることだろう。
===
Successful examples important
Yasushi Akimoto, general producer of girl group AKB48, has made thought-provoking remarks on the subject. "To prevent the Cool Japan campaign from ending up as a hollow image, it is important to produce successful examples," he said.
Akimoto serves as a member of the government's expert panel on promoting the Cool Japan Initiative.
政府の推進会議のメンバーの一人、ＡＫＢ４８のプロデューサーの秋元康氏が「クール・ジャパンを“絵に描いた餅”としないためにも、成功例を作ることが大切だ」と語るのはもっともだ。
The government should utilize various ideas generated by the private sector and proactively disseminate parts of Japanese culture that could win the hearts of the world.
民間の様々なアイデアを生かし、魅力ある日本文化を積極的に発信していくべきだ。
The government has earmarked 50 billion yen in the fiscal 2013 budget to establish a fund aimed at promoting the Cool Japan campaign. We urge the government to do its utmost to provide effective financial support and publicity.
政府は来年度予算案に、クール・ジャパン推進のための基金創設として５００億円を計上した。効率的な資金支援、情報発信に知恵を絞る必要がある。
It is important for the government and the private sector to join hands to devise a strategy on promoting the Cool Japan campaign. We hope such a strategy will be smoothly put on track.
クール・ジャパンの振興に、官民連携して取り組む戦略をうまく軌道に乗せたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 21, 2013)
（2013年3月21日01時28分 読売新聞）
Abe aims to boost the power of 'Cool Japan' cultural exports
クール・ジャパン 官民が連携して魅力の発信を（3月21日付・読売社説）
Japanese music, anime, fashion and food are in the global spotlight, a trend called the "Cool Japan" boom.
クール・ジャパン（かっこいい日本）として、日本の音楽、アニメ、ファッション、食文化などは海外で人気が高い。
We believe this trend should be boosted to stimulate the nation's economic growth.
日本経済の成長に弾みをつけるため、さらにテコ入れすべきだ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has ordered Tomomi Inada, state minister for administrative reforms, to also serve as the nation's first Cool Japan strategy minister. Abe has also launched an expert panel aimed at promoting the government's Cool Japan campaign. These moves reflect the prime minister's intention to make the Cool Japan initiative part of the government's growth strategy.
安倍首相は、稲田行政改革相に初のクール・ジャパン戦略相を兼務させ、有識者による推進会議も発足させた。成長戦略の一つに位置付けようとしている。
We believe the government's policy of promoting businesses related to Cool Japan culture to a level Japan can be proud of is worth pursuing.
政府の「クール・ジャパンを世界に誇るビジネスに」という方針は妥当と言える。
The cornerstone of the Cool Japan initiative is the content industry, which produces movies, anime and video games. The size of the industry's domestic market is about 12 trillion yen.
核となる映画やアニメ、ゲームなどコンテンツ産業の国内市場規模は１２兆円に上る。
===
Future depends on global market
However, as the nation's population has begun to shrink, the future of Japan's content industry will taper off if it depends only on the domestic market. If the industry seeks further growth, it needs to aggressively advance overseas, and find new business opportunities there.
だが、人口減社会の到来で、国内だけでは先細りとなるだろう。さらなる成長を図るなら、海外へ積極的に展開し、ビジネスチャンスを獲得していく必要がある。
The size of the content industry's global market is about 130 trillion yen. It is expected to grow at an annual average rate of 6 percent.
コンテンツ産業の世界全体の市場規模は約１３０兆円だ。今後も年平均６％程度の成長を続けていくという。
One idea is to increase exports of domestic movies. Last year's export sales of domestic movies came to about 5 billion yen, less than 5 percent of domestic box-office revenues that year.
例えば、日本映画をもっと輸出できないか。昨年の邦画の輸出実績は約５０億円で、国内興行収入の５％にも満たなかった。
Export sales of domestic TV programs were 6.3 billion yen in 2010, lagging far behind the figure for South Korea, where the government strongly backs TV program exports.
テレビ番組の輸出額も６３億円（２０１０年）で、政府が後押しする韓国よりも大幅に少ない。
Japan's manga and anime are highly appreciated in the world. The government needs to draw up a strategy to exploit their full potential.
日本の漫画やアニメは世界的にも高い評価を受けている。その潜在力を生かす戦略が必要だ。
A noteworthy effort that began in India last year is a TV remake of the popular Japanese anime "Kyojin no Hoshi" (Star of the Giants).
その点で、インドで昨年末に始まったアニメ「巨人の星」のリメーク版のテレビ放送は、新たな試みとして注目に値する。
The anime TV series was jointly produced by Japanese and Indian firms. Instead of playing baseball, the hero of the TV series devotes himself to cricket, India's national sport.
日印共同制作で、ヒーローが打ち込むスポーツを野球からインドの国民的球技クリケットに置き換えて描いている。
Japanese companies sponsoring the series have enjoyed product placement for goods such as cars and stationery in the show. We believe the remade anime will also help viewers deepen their understanding of Japan's high-growth period.
作品の随所で、自動車や文房具など協賛の日本企業の製品もアピールしている。原作の背景となった高度成長期の日本への理解も深まることだろう。
===
Successful examples important
Yasushi Akimoto, general producer of girl group AKB48, has made thought-provoking remarks on the subject. "To prevent the Cool Japan campaign from ending up as a hollow image, it is important to produce successful examples," he said.
Akimoto serves as a member of the government's expert panel on promoting the Cool Japan Initiative.
政府の推進会議のメンバーの一人、ＡＫＢ４８のプロデューサーの秋元康氏が「クール・ジャパンを“絵に描いた餅”としないためにも、成功例を作ることが大切だ」と語るのはもっともだ。
The government should utilize various ideas generated by the private sector and proactively disseminate parts of Japanese culture that could win the hearts of the world.
民間の様々なアイデアを生かし、魅力ある日本文化を積極的に発信していくべきだ。
The government has earmarked 50 billion yen in the fiscal 2013 budget to establish a fund aimed at promoting the Cool Japan campaign. We urge the government to do its utmost to provide effective financial support and publicity.
政府は来年度予算案に、クール・ジャパン推進のための基金創設として５００億円を計上した。効率的な資金支援、情報発信に知恵を絞る必要がある。
It is important for the government and the private sector to join hands to devise a strategy on promoting the Cool Japan campaign. We hope such a strategy will be smoothly put on track.
クール・ジャパンの振興に、官民連携して取り組む戦略をうまく軌道に乗せたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 21, 2013)
（2013年3月21日01時28分 読売新聞）
2013年03月22日
若い人たちは青年海外協力隊 私の年代でもシニア海外ボランティアがあります
若い内に海外で活躍出来るような人たちは、日本のビジネス界でも生きて行けるのですね。
最近の調査結果ですが、海外ボランティアで苦労して得られる能力と、若い会社員がキャリア形成に必要だと考える能力とは同じようなものであることが判明したそうです。
青年海外協力隊、海外ボランティアの春の応募受付が、4/1〜5/13まで実施されます。
その前に、説明会＆体験談が3/24〜5/11まで全国各地で実施されているらしいですね。
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青年海外協力隊・シニア海外ボランティアの応募受付4/1から開始 されるというニュースに胸をときめかせた人たちが多いのではないでしょうか。私もその一人なのです。
私は既に退職していますが現役時代の最盛期はもっぱら東南アジアやアメリカなど、海外のプロジェクトで働いていました。海外活動に思い入れはボランティアも含めて強いものがあります。
もう一度海外で昔のように活躍したい！
そんな考えをお持ちの退職者熟年パワーだって、たくさんいると思いますよ。
私がそうなのですからね。
私の特技は英語です。
といっても英語は奥が深い。
この年になって英語道の長い階段のふもとにたどり着いたといったところなのです。
若い人たちには是非海外で活躍してもらいたい。
青年海外協力隊 が狙い目です。審査はもちろん厳しいらしいですが。
日本を離れて、現地に乗り込み、様々な困難を経てから味わう達成感は何物にも代えがたいものがあります。
私のような現役退職者にはシニア海外ボランティア で活躍する道があります。
さっそく条件等を問い合わせてみようかと考えております。
足かせは二人のまだ幼い娘たちといったところですが＾＾。
タイ在住です。
レビューブログからの情報です
南海トラフ地震 最大級の危機にどう備えるか
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 20, 2013)
Preparing for disasters of the largest scale
南海トラフ地震 最大級の危機にどう備えるか（3月19日付・読売社説）
A working group of the government's Central Disaster Management Council has compiled a report on the expected damage that would be caused by a magnitude-9 Nankai Trough triple earthquake, in which the so-called Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai quakes happen simultaneously.
東海、東南海、南海地震などが同時に起きるマグニチュード（Ｍ）９級の南海トラフ巨大地震について、政府の中央防災会議作業部会が被害予測の全体像をまとめた。
The huge quake is forecast to cause about 220 trillion yen in economic damage, in the worst-case scenario.
経済的被害は最悪の場合、約２２０兆円に上る。
The quake and subsequent tsunami is forecast to cause about 170 trillion yen of damage to homes and office buildings, about 10 times the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
このうち、地震や津波で建物などが壊れる直接の被害だけで、最大約１７０兆円に達する。東日本大震災の約１０倍に相当する額だ。
The public and private sectors will need to cooperate and boost the nation's preparedness for such a massive disaster.
官民が連携し、備えを強化せねばならない。
The prediction was made on the assumption that densely populated areas and key industrial bases from the Tokyo metropolitan area along to the Chubu, Kansai, Shikoku and Kyushu regions would be rocked violently by the quake, followed by tsunami higher than 30 meters in some areas.
首都圏から中部、関西圏と四国、九州までの人口密集地や産業拠点を激しい揺れと最大３０メートル超の津波が襲う、との想定である。
===
Once in 1,000 years
Last summer, the working group released a prediction that up to about 320,000 people would die in Tokyo, Osaka and 28 other prefectures following the Nankai Trough triple earthquake. The latest report focused on likely economic damage.
作業部会は昨年夏、３０都府県で最大約３２万人が死亡するとの予測を公表した。それに今回は経済被害などを加えた。
The group forecast the total value of corporate production of goods and services--the core of Japan's economic activity--would decline by as much as about 45 trillion yen, nearly 10 percent of gross domestic product, in the year following the disaster, due to suspended production at destroyed factories and other factors.
経済活動の核である生産・サービスの総額は、工場倒壊による生産休止などにより、被災後１年間で約４５兆円も落ち込む。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の１割近い。
The group said such a quake occurs "at a frequency of less than once every 1,000 years," emphasizing that such a disaster would be extremely rare.
作業部会は「１０００年に１度以下の頻度でしか起きない」と説明し、極めてまれな災害であることを強調している。
Although there is no need to worry excessively about such a megaquake, the devastating quake that struck off the Tohoku coast on March 11, 2011, also was an event expected to occur once every 1,000 years. Complacency is not an option.
過度に不安を抱く必要はないが、東日本大震災も１０００年に１度の地震だった。油断は禁物である。
The important thing is to put in place as many "disaster mitigation" preparations as possible. The central government and local municipalities likely to be affected by the disaster should review their disaster-management processes based on the latest estimate.
大切なのは、「減災」へ向け可能な限り対策を講じることだ。今回の被害予測を踏まえ、政府や関係自治体は、防災対策を総点検する必要がある。
According to the group's calculation, making buildings more quake-resistant could halve the economic damage wrought by the disaster. The group also said quick evacuations could reduce tsunami deaths by 90 percent.
作業部会の試算によると、建物の耐震化などで経済被害は半減できるという。津波による犠牲者も、早期避難で９割減る。
The central and local governments have already been making such efforts.
いずれも、政府、自治体が、すでに取り組んできた対策だ。
===
Take basic steps first
The important thing is to, first of all, take basic steps such as accelerating the repair of buildings that lack quake-resistance and securing evacuation facilities and tsunami escape routes.
耐震性を欠く建物の改修を加速させる。津波に備えた避難ルートや避難ビルを整備する。まずは、こうした基本的対策が重要だ。
It is also essential to reinforce networks of trunk roads, harbors and airports to enable immediate rescue and relief operations and reduce damage to the economy.
迅速な救助・救援を可能にし、経済への影響を軽減するためには、幹線道路や港湾、空港など交通網の強化も欠かせない。
When the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito were in the opposition camp last year, they submitted to the Diet a bill concerning special measures to deal with the potential Nankai Trough triple quake. The bill would provide more government subsidies for making disaster management facilities more quake-resistant. However, the bill was abandoned with the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
自民、公明両党は野党時代の昨年、補助金で防災施設の耐震化を促進する南海トラフ巨大地震対策特別措置法案を国会に提出したが、衆院解散で廃案となった。
The bill would reinforce the present special measures law that promotes steps to deal with the Tonankai and Nankai quakes. The LDP and Komeito are considering resubmitting the bill. We hope the bill will be thoroughly discussed in the Diet.
現行の東南海・南海地震対策推進特措法を強化する内容で、両党は再提出を検討している。国会でしっかり議論してもらいたい。
Aside from the Nankai Trough quake, the government has predicted a separate Tokai quake has an 88 percent chance of occurring in the next 30 years, while a Tonankai quake has a 70 percent chance and the Nankai quake a 60 percent chance.
南海トラフ巨大地震とは別に、政府は、東海、東南海、南海の各地震が今後３０年以内にそれぞれ、８８％、７０％、６０％の高い確率で起きると予測している。
There is no time to waste in getting prepared to handle these disasters.
対策は待ったなしである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 19, 2013)
（2013年3月19日01時19分 読売新聞）
Preparing for disasters of the largest scale
南海トラフ地震 最大級の危機にどう備えるか（3月19日付・読売社説）
A working group of the government's Central Disaster Management Council has compiled a report on the expected damage that would be caused by a magnitude-9 Nankai Trough triple earthquake, in which the so-called Tokai, Tonankai and Nankai quakes happen simultaneously.
東海、東南海、南海地震などが同時に起きるマグニチュード（Ｍ）９級の南海トラフ巨大地震について、政府の中央防災会議作業部会が被害予測の全体像をまとめた。
The huge quake is forecast to cause about 220 trillion yen in economic damage, in the worst-case scenario.
経済的被害は最悪の場合、約２２０兆円に上る。
The quake and subsequent tsunami is forecast to cause about 170 trillion yen of damage to homes and office buildings, about 10 times the damage caused by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
このうち、地震や津波で建物などが壊れる直接の被害だけで、最大約１７０兆円に達する。東日本大震災の約１０倍に相当する額だ。
The public and private sectors will need to cooperate and boost the nation's preparedness for such a massive disaster.
官民が連携し、備えを強化せねばならない。
The prediction was made on the assumption that densely populated areas and key industrial bases from the Tokyo metropolitan area along to the Chubu, Kansai, Shikoku and Kyushu regions would be rocked violently by the quake, followed by tsunami higher than 30 meters in some areas.
首都圏から中部、関西圏と四国、九州までの人口密集地や産業拠点を激しい揺れと最大３０メートル超の津波が襲う、との想定である。
===
Once in 1,000 years
Last summer, the working group released a prediction that up to about 320,000 people would die in Tokyo, Osaka and 28 other prefectures following the Nankai Trough triple earthquake. The latest report focused on likely economic damage.
作業部会は昨年夏、３０都府県で最大約３２万人が死亡するとの予測を公表した。それに今回は経済被害などを加えた。
The group forecast the total value of corporate production of goods and services--the core of Japan's economic activity--would decline by as much as about 45 trillion yen, nearly 10 percent of gross domestic product, in the year following the disaster, due to suspended production at destroyed factories and other factors.
経済活動の核である生産・サービスの総額は、工場倒壊による生産休止などにより、被災後１年間で約４５兆円も落ち込む。国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の１割近い。
The group said such a quake occurs "at a frequency of less than once every 1,000 years," emphasizing that such a disaster would be extremely rare.
作業部会は「１０００年に１度以下の頻度でしか起きない」と説明し、極めてまれな災害であることを強調している。
Although there is no need to worry excessively about such a megaquake, the devastating quake that struck off the Tohoku coast on March 11, 2011, also was an event expected to occur once every 1,000 years. Complacency is not an option.
過度に不安を抱く必要はないが、東日本大震災も１０００年に１度の地震だった。油断は禁物である。
The important thing is to put in place as many "disaster mitigation" preparations as possible. The central government and local municipalities likely to be affected by the disaster should review their disaster-management processes based on the latest estimate.
大切なのは、「減災」へ向け可能な限り対策を講じることだ。今回の被害予測を踏まえ、政府や関係自治体は、防災対策を総点検する必要がある。
According to the group's calculation, making buildings more quake-resistant could halve the economic damage wrought by the disaster. The group also said quick evacuations could reduce tsunami deaths by 90 percent.
作業部会の試算によると、建物の耐震化などで経済被害は半減できるという。津波による犠牲者も、早期避難で９割減る。
The central and local governments have already been making such efforts.
いずれも、政府、自治体が、すでに取り組んできた対策だ。
===
Take basic steps first
The important thing is to, first of all, take basic steps such as accelerating the repair of buildings that lack quake-resistance and securing evacuation facilities and tsunami escape routes.
耐震性を欠く建物の改修を加速させる。津波に備えた避難ルートや避難ビルを整備する。まずは、こうした基本的対策が重要だ。
It is also essential to reinforce networks of trunk roads, harbors and airports to enable immediate rescue and relief operations and reduce damage to the economy.
迅速な救助・救援を可能にし、経済への影響を軽減するためには、幹線道路や港湾、空港など交通網の強化も欠かせない。
When the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito were in the opposition camp last year, they submitted to the Diet a bill concerning special measures to deal with the potential Nankai Trough triple quake. The bill would provide more government subsidies for making disaster management facilities more quake-resistant. However, the bill was abandoned with the dissolution of the House of Representatives.
自民、公明両党は野党時代の昨年、補助金で防災施設の耐震化を促進する南海トラフ巨大地震対策特別措置法案を国会に提出したが、衆院解散で廃案となった。
The bill would reinforce the present special measures law that promotes steps to deal with the Tonankai and Nankai quakes. The LDP and Komeito are considering resubmitting the bill. We hope the bill will be thoroughly discussed in the Diet.
現行の東南海・南海地震対策推進特措法を強化する内容で、両党は再提出を検討している。国会でしっかり議論してもらいたい。
Aside from the Nankai Trough quake, the government has predicted a separate Tokai quake has an 88 percent chance of occurring in the next 30 years, while a Tonankai quake has a 70 percent chance and the Nankai quake a 60 percent chance.
南海トラフ巨大地震とは別に、政府は、東海、東南海、南海の各地震が今後３０年以内にそれぞれ、８８％、７０％、６０％の高い確率で起きると予測している。
There is no time to waste in getting prepared to handle these disasters.
対策は待ったなしである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 19, 2013)
（2013年3月19日01時19分 読売新聞）
2013年03月21日
イラク戦争１０年 「北」の脅威対処に教訓生かせ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 20, 2013)
Iraq War anniversary a chance to reflect on North Korea's threat
イラク戦争１０年 「北」の脅威対処に教訓生かせ（3月19日付・読売社説）
Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of the start of the controversial Iraq War. There are problems still left unsolved, and Japan today has a particular reason to calmly reassess the lessons of the war.
論議を呼んだイラク戦争の開戦から、２０日で１０年を迎える。今、改めてこの戦争が残した課題を冷静に分析することが、日本にとってはとりわけ重要である。
The Iraq War began under the administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush, and it ended in December 2011 with the full withdrawal of U.S. troops.
米国のブッシュ前政権が始めたイラク戦争は、２０１１年１２月、米軍の全面撤収で終結した。
The war taught the United States a bitter lesson. U.S. rule of the occupied land was blundering, the lives of nearly 4,500 U.S. soldiers were lost, and huge expenditures on the war ballooned the nation's fiscal deficit. The United States launched the war based on a claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, but such weapons were never found, undermining the U.S. authority.
戦争は、苦い教訓を米国に残した。占領統治は混乱し、４５００人近い米兵の命が失われ、巨額の戦費で財政赤字は膨れあがった。開戦の理由とした大量破壊兵器が見つからず、威信は揺らいだ。
There is ceaseless criticism that the costs of the war were out of all proportion to its gains.
「コストに見合わない戦争だった」との批判は絶えない。
In addition, the international community was unable to reach an agreement on the issue, as countries such as France, Germany and Russia opposed the use of force by the United States and Britain. The final verdict on the Iraq War will not be rendered anytime soon.
国際社会の足並みも乱れた。米英の武力行使に、仏独露などが反対した。イラク戦争への評価は、今なお定まらない。
===
A question remains unanswered
However, we must keep in mind that one fundamental problem that drove the United States to launch the war remains unsolved.
留意すべきは、米国が開戦に至った本質的な問題が今も未解決だということである。
The problem is this: What actions should the international community take, if a country that develops weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, ignores U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding that it scrap such weapons?
核兵器など大量破壊兵器を開発する国が、国連安全保障理事会から廃棄を求める決議を突きつけられても無視する。そんな事態にどう対処すべきかという問題だ。
A case in point now is North Korea, a nation hell-bent on building a nuclear arsenal. The nation has conducted three nuclear tests, ignoring the Security Council's resolutions.
安保理決議に従わず、核実験を３回も強行し、核武装化にひた走る北朝鮮がまさに実例だ。
In addition to the direct threat posed by North Korea, Japan also has to cope with the unabated military and economic expansion of China.
日本は、北朝鮮の増大する脅威に直面するだけでなく、軍事・経済の両面で膨張著しい中国とも向き合わなければならない。
Japan was divided over the U.S. decision to launch the Iraq War. Then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi supported the use of force from the standpoint of prioritizing the Japan-U.S. alliance, but the Democratic Party of Japan and other opposition parties opposed the war, saying it had no justification.
対イラク開戦を巡り、小泉首相が日米同盟重視の観点から、米国の武力行使を支持する一方で、民主党など野党は「大義なき戦争だ」と反対に回り、国論は割れた。
However, the necessity for Japan to firmly maintain its alliance with the United States remains unchanged over the past 10 years, or has even become stronger.
だが、日本が、米国との同盟を堅持する必要性は１０年前から少しも変わっていない。むしろ強まったと言える。
===
What Japan needs to do
The United States and Britain overestimated the danger of Iraq's programs on weapons of mass destruction. But it will be dangerous if the aftereffects of that overestimate led the international community to underestimate the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea. If the United States becomes overly reluctant to use force against North Korea, there will be fewer options for responding to Pyongyang's threat.
イラクの大量破壊兵器計画を米英が過大に評価した反動で、国際社会が北朝鮮やイランの核開発能力を過小に見積もるようでは危険だ。米国が武力行使に慎重になり過ぎれば、北朝鮮の脅威に対処する選択肢を狭める恐れがある。
Our nation must not be complacent regarding its current relationship with the United States. Japan must take concrete measures to reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance, such as enabling itself to exercise the right to collective self-defense.
日本に必要なのは、米国との関係に安住せず、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするなど同盟強化へ具体的な手立てを講じることだ。
Iraq's democratization is making progress, as can be seen from events such as its conducting elections. Oil production is recovering, bringing prosperity to the nation's oil-producing northern and southern areas. Such results would have been difficult to achieve under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.
イラクでは、選挙実施など民主化が進み、原油生産も回復して産油地の北部や南部は繁栄に沸いている。フセイン独裁政権の崩壊なしには難しかったろう。
However, Iraq's political situation remains unstable. Sectarian strife and terrorist attacks show no signs of abating in Baghdad and other key cities. Despite myriad problems, the administration of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is slowly heading toward reconstruction of the country. We hope Iraq will succeed in restoring security, which will help it set a steady course toward reconstruction.
ただし、政情は不安で、首都バグダッドなどでは宗派間の抗争や過激派のテロがやまない。マリキ政権は曲がりなりに再建への歩みを続けているが、治安回復で復興への道筋を確かにしてほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 19, 2013)
（2013年3月19日01時19分 読売新聞）
Iraq War anniversary a chance to reflect on North Korea's threat
イラク戦争１０年 「北」の脅威対処に教訓生かせ（3月19日付・読売社説）
Wednesday marks the 10th anniversary of the start of the controversial Iraq War. There are problems still left unsolved, and Japan today has a particular reason to calmly reassess the lessons of the war.
論議を呼んだイラク戦争の開戦から、２０日で１０年を迎える。今、改めてこの戦争が残した課題を冷静に分析することが、日本にとってはとりわけ重要である。
The Iraq War began under the administration of former U.S. President George W. Bush, and it ended in December 2011 with the full withdrawal of U.S. troops.
米国のブッシュ前政権が始めたイラク戦争は、２０１１年１２月、米軍の全面撤収で終結した。
The war taught the United States a bitter lesson. U.S. rule of the occupied land was blundering, the lives of nearly 4,500 U.S. soldiers were lost, and huge expenditures on the war ballooned the nation's fiscal deficit. The United States launched the war based on a claim that Iraq possessed weapons of mass destruction, but such weapons were never found, undermining the U.S. authority.
戦争は、苦い教訓を米国に残した。占領統治は混乱し、４５００人近い米兵の命が失われ、巨額の戦費で財政赤字は膨れあがった。開戦の理由とした大量破壊兵器が見つからず、威信は揺らいだ。
There is ceaseless criticism that the costs of the war were out of all proportion to its gains.
「コストに見合わない戦争だった」との批判は絶えない。
In addition, the international community was unable to reach an agreement on the issue, as countries such as France, Germany and Russia opposed the use of force by the United States and Britain. The final verdict on the Iraq War will not be rendered anytime soon.
国際社会の足並みも乱れた。米英の武力行使に、仏独露などが反対した。イラク戦争への評価は、今なお定まらない。
===
A question remains unanswered
However, we must keep in mind that one fundamental problem that drove the United States to launch the war remains unsolved.
留意すべきは、米国が開戦に至った本質的な問題が今も未解決だということである。
The problem is this: What actions should the international community take, if a country that develops weapons of mass destruction, such as nuclear weapons, ignores U.N. Security Council resolutions demanding that it scrap such weapons?
核兵器など大量破壊兵器を開発する国が、国連安全保障理事会から廃棄を求める決議を突きつけられても無視する。そんな事態にどう対処すべきかという問題だ。
A case in point now is North Korea, a nation hell-bent on building a nuclear arsenal. The nation has conducted three nuclear tests, ignoring the Security Council's resolutions.
安保理決議に従わず、核実験を３回も強行し、核武装化にひた走る北朝鮮がまさに実例だ。
In addition to the direct threat posed by North Korea, Japan also has to cope with the unabated military and economic expansion of China.
日本は、北朝鮮の増大する脅威に直面するだけでなく、軍事・経済の両面で膨張著しい中国とも向き合わなければならない。
Japan was divided over the U.S. decision to launch the Iraq War. Then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi supported the use of force from the standpoint of prioritizing the Japan-U.S. alliance, but the Democratic Party of Japan and other opposition parties opposed the war, saying it had no justification.
対イラク開戦を巡り、小泉首相が日米同盟重視の観点から、米国の武力行使を支持する一方で、民主党など野党は「大義なき戦争だ」と反対に回り、国論は割れた。
However, the necessity for Japan to firmly maintain its alliance with the United States remains unchanged over the past 10 years, or has even become stronger.
だが、日本が、米国との同盟を堅持する必要性は１０年前から少しも変わっていない。むしろ強まったと言える。
===
What Japan needs to do
The United States and Britain overestimated the danger of Iraq's programs on weapons of mass destruction. But it will be dangerous if the aftereffects of that overestimate led the international community to underestimate the nuclear programs of Iran and North Korea. If the United States becomes overly reluctant to use force against North Korea, there will be fewer options for responding to Pyongyang's threat.
イラクの大量破壊兵器計画を米英が過大に評価した反動で、国際社会が北朝鮮やイランの核開発能力を過小に見積もるようでは危険だ。米国が武力行使に慎重になり過ぎれば、北朝鮮の脅威に対処する選択肢を狭める恐れがある。
Our nation must not be complacent regarding its current relationship with the United States. Japan must take concrete measures to reinforce the Japan-U.S. alliance, such as enabling itself to exercise the right to collective self-defense.
日本に必要なのは、米国との関係に安住せず、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするなど同盟強化へ具体的な手立てを講じることだ。
Iraq's democratization is making progress, as can be seen from events such as its conducting elections. Oil production is recovering, bringing prosperity to the nation's oil-producing northern and southern areas. Such results would have been difficult to achieve under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein.
イラクでは、選挙実施など民主化が進み、原油生産も回復して産油地の北部や南部は繁栄に沸いている。フセイン独裁政権の崩壊なしには難しかったろう。
However, Iraq's political situation remains unstable. Sectarian strife and terrorist attacks show no signs of abating in Baghdad and other key cities. Despite myriad problems, the administration of Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki is slowly heading toward reconstruction of the country. We hope Iraq will succeed in restoring security, which will help it set a steady course toward reconstruction.
ただし、政情は不安で、首都バグダッドなどでは宗派間の抗争や過激派のテロがやまない。マリキ政権は曲がりなりに再建への歩みを続けているが、治安回復で復興への道筋を確かにしてほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 19, 2013)
（2013年3月19日01時19分 読売新聞）
2013年03月20日
国家公務員給与 ５５歳超の昇給抑制が必要だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 19, 2013)
Pay hikes for govt employees 55 or older must be curbed
国家公務員給与 ５５歳超の昇給抑制が必要だ（3月18日付・読売社説）
Another step forward has been made in resolving issues put off by the previous Democratic Party of Japan-led administration.
民主党政権が先送りしてきた課題の解決へ、また一歩進んだ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet has submitted a bill to the Diet to revise a law to drastically curb the pay hikes of central government employees aged 55 or older.
安倍内閣が５５歳を超える国家公務員の昇給を大幅に抑制する給与法改正案を国会に提出した。
If the revised law is enacted, the new salary system will be put into force next January. About 33,000 people will be affected and the government's personnel expenses trimmed by an estimated 600 million yen a year.
成立すれば、来年１月から施行され、３万３０００人が対象となる。年間約６億円の人件費を削減する効果があるという。
The bill takes into account recommendations made by the National Personnel Authority in August.
給与法改正案は昨年８月の人事院勧告を尊重したものである。
Under the current system, salaries of central government employees rise every year until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 60.
国家公務員は、定年の６０歳まで毎年昇給が続く仕組みだ。
The recommendation calls for annual pay hikes to be discontinued for those aged 55 or older and whose job performances are deemed average, while pay hikes would be permitted for those in the same age group with excellent job performances, although the margin of increase would be held down.
この勧告は、５５歳を超える職員に対し、標準の勤務成績であれば昇給を停止し、成績良好であっても昇給幅の抑制を求めた。
The salaries of many workers in the private sector decline when they reach the mid-50s.
民間のサラリーマンは、５０歳代後半になると、賃金が減るケースさえ少なくない。
This is because companies transfer workers in that age group to affiliated companies or have a mandatory age for managers to step down from their posts. It is therefore appropriate to have the salaries of government employees fall more in line with those at private companies.
関連会社への転籍や役職定年などを実施しているからだ。公務員給与を民間の動向に近づけるのは、妥当である。
===
Rehiring workers
Continued employment of workers who reach the manadatory retirement age of 60 should also be considered as they will not receive benefits from the state-run pension plan until they reach the age of 65.
６５歳の年金支給開始年齢までの雇用継続も考える必要がある。
The government plans to make it obligatory to rehire employees who reach the mandatory retirement age and are willing to continue working. However, the fiscal situation remains dismal.
政府は、希望する定年退職者の「再任用」を義務化する方針だが、財政は厳しい。
To reduce personnel expenses as much as possible, it is essential to hold down the salaries for those in their 50s.
総人件費を極力抑えるためにも、５０歳代の給与水準を下げておかねばならない。
Both the ruling and opposition parties must pass the revised bill as quickly as possible.
与野党は、改正案を速やかに成立させるべきだ。
The DPJ is to blame for wasting so much time before the bill could be submitted.
法案提出まで時間を浪費した責任は民主党にある。
The Cabinet under then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda failed to act on the authority's recommendation for three months, deciding only to postpone the recommended restrictions on the annual pay hike on Nov. 16, the day he dissolved the House of Representatives.
野田内閣は人事院勧告を３か月も放置し、１１月１６日の衆院解散当日になって昇給抑制の先送りを閣議決定した。
In announcing the decision, Noda said the government had already taken "a harsh pay-cutting measure" by lowering government employees' salaries by 7.8 percent on average, so it could use the saved funds for post-disaster reconstruction.
その際、復興財源を捻出する目的で給与を平均７・８％引き下げる「厳しい減額措置」を講じているため、と説明していた。
However, the real reason is that the government submitted to the Diet a bill related to reforming the national public employees system, which we think stopped the administration from dealing with the recommended curbs.
だが、実際は国家公務員制度改革関連法案を国会に提出していたことが、足かせとなったのではないか。
===
Working with unions
The main feature of the new bill gives central government employees the right to conclude an agreement with the government, a basic legal labor right.
この法案は、労働基本権の一部である「協約締結権」を国家公務員に付与することが柱だった。
The bill includes the idea that issues such as pay levels can be decided through labor-management talks, and the National Personnel Authority can be abolished. Because of this, the Noda administration probably decided to ignore the authority's recommendations.
人事院を廃止し、労使交渉で賃金などを決定できるようにする内容であるだけに、勧告には従えないと考えたのだろう。
How will the DPJ deal with the bill to revise the salaries of central government employees in the days ahead?
今後、民主党は給与法改正案にどう対応するのか。
The bill is in line with the DPJ's manifesto when it comes to cutting the central government's personnel expenses. As it will also affect the wages of local government employees, however, it will be difficult for DPJ legislators supported by the All Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers' Union and other labor groups to support the bill.
国家公務員の総人件費削減という点では民主党の政権公約とも一致するが、地方公務員にも波及するため、自治労など労働組合の支援を受ける議員は容易に受け入れまい。
The Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), a key support organization for the DPJ, has opposed the Abe Cabinet's request for the salaries of local government employees to be lowered, in line with those of central government employees, in fiscal 2013.
民主党の支持団体である連合は、安倍内閣が２０１３年度の地方公務員給与を国家公務員と同様に引き下げるよう地方自治体に要請したことにも反発している。
The DPJ's dependency on labor unions will be tested once again over how the party responds to the bill to revise the salaries of central government employees.
給与法改正案への賛否によって、民主党の“労組依存度”が改めて試されることになろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 18, 2013)
（2013年3月18日01時29分 読売新聞）
Pay hikes for govt employees 55 or older must be curbed
国家公務員給与 ５５歳超の昇給抑制が必要だ（3月18日付・読売社説）
Another step forward has been made in resolving issues put off by the previous Democratic Party of Japan-led administration.
民主党政権が先送りしてきた課題の解決へ、また一歩進んだ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe's Cabinet has submitted a bill to the Diet to revise a law to drastically curb the pay hikes of central government employees aged 55 or older.
安倍内閣が５５歳を超える国家公務員の昇給を大幅に抑制する給与法改正案を国会に提出した。
If the revised law is enacted, the new salary system will be put into force next January. About 33,000 people will be affected and the government's personnel expenses trimmed by an estimated 600 million yen a year.
成立すれば、来年１月から施行され、３万３０００人が対象となる。年間約６億円の人件費を削減する効果があるという。
The bill takes into account recommendations made by the National Personnel Authority in August.
給与法改正案は昨年８月の人事院勧告を尊重したものである。
Under the current system, salaries of central government employees rise every year until they reach the mandatory retirement age of 60.
国家公務員は、定年の６０歳まで毎年昇給が続く仕組みだ。
The recommendation calls for annual pay hikes to be discontinued for those aged 55 or older and whose job performances are deemed average, while pay hikes would be permitted for those in the same age group with excellent job performances, although the margin of increase would be held down.
この勧告は、５５歳を超える職員に対し、標準の勤務成績であれば昇給を停止し、成績良好であっても昇給幅の抑制を求めた。
The salaries of many workers in the private sector decline when they reach the mid-50s.
民間のサラリーマンは、５０歳代後半になると、賃金が減るケースさえ少なくない。
This is because companies transfer workers in that age group to affiliated companies or have a mandatory age for managers to step down from their posts. It is therefore appropriate to have the salaries of government employees fall more in line with those at private companies.
関連会社への転籍や役職定年などを実施しているからだ。公務員給与を民間の動向に近づけるのは、妥当である。
===
Rehiring workers
Continued employment of workers who reach the manadatory retirement age of 60 should also be considered as they will not receive benefits from the state-run pension plan until they reach the age of 65.
６５歳の年金支給開始年齢までの雇用継続も考える必要がある。
The government plans to make it obligatory to rehire employees who reach the mandatory retirement age and are willing to continue working. However, the fiscal situation remains dismal.
政府は、希望する定年退職者の「再任用」を義務化する方針だが、財政は厳しい。
To reduce personnel expenses as much as possible, it is essential to hold down the salaries for those in their 50s.
総人件費を極力抑えるためにも、５０歳代の給与水準を下げておかねばならない。
Both the ruling and opposition parties must pass the revised bill as quickly as possible.
与野党は、改正案を速やかに成立させるべきだ。
The DPJ is to blame for wasting so much time before the bill could be submitted.
法案提出まで時間を浪費した責任は民主党にある。
The Cabinet under then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda failed to act on the authority's recommendation for three months, deciding only to postpone the recommended restrictions on the annual pay hike on Nov. 16, the day he dissolved the House of Representatives.
野田内閣は人事院勧告を３か月も放置し、１１月１６日の衆院解散当日になって昇給抑制の先送りを閣議決定した。
In announcing the decision, Noda said the government had already taken "a harsh pay-cutting measure" by lowering government employees' salaries by 7.8 percent on average, so it could use the saved funds for post-disaster reconstruction.
その際、復興財源を捻出する目的で給与を平均７・８％引き下げる「厳しい減額措置」を講じているため、と説明していた。
However, the real reason is that the government submitted to the Diet a bill related to reforming the national public employees system, which we think stopped the administration from dealing with the recommended curbs.
だが、実際は国家公務員制度改革関連法案を国会に提出していたことが、足かせとなったのではないか。
===
Working with unions
The main feature of the new bill gives central government employees the right to conclude an agreement with the government, a basic legal labor right.
この法案は、労働基本権の一部である「協約締結権」を国家公務員に付与することが柱だった。
The bill includes the idea that issues such as pay levels can be decided through labor-management talks, and the National Personnel Authority can be abolished. Because of this, the Noda administration probably decided to ignore the authority's recommendations.
人事院を廃止し、労使交渉で賃金などを決定できるようにする内容であるだけに、勧告には従えないと考えたのだろう。
How will the DPJ deal with the bill to revise the salaries of central government employees in the days ahead?
今後、民主党は給与法改正案にどう対応するのか。
The bill is in line with the DPJ's manifesto when it comes to cutting the central government's personnel expenses. As it will also affect the wages of local government employees, however, it will be difficult for DPJ legislators supported by the All Japan Prefectural and Municipal Workers' Union and other labor groups to support the bill.
国家公務員の総人件費削減という点では民主党の政権公約とも一致するが、地方公務員にも波及するため、自治労など労働組合の支援を受ける議員は容易に受け入れまい。
The Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo), a key support organization for the DPJ, has opposed the Abe Cabinet's request for the salaries of local government employees to be lowered, in line with those of central government employees, in fiscal 2013.
民主党の支持団体である連合は、安倍内閣が２０１３年度の地方公務員給与を国家公務員と同様に引き下げるよう地方自治体に要請したことにも反発している。
The DPJ's dependency on labor unions will be tested once again over how the party responds to the bill to revise the salaries of central government employees.
給与法改正案への賛否によって、民主党の“労組依存度”が改めて試されることになろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 18, 2013)
（2013年3月18日01時29分 読売新聞）
2013年03月19日
後見と選挙権 違憲判決が制度の甘さ突いた
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 18, 2013)
Guardian system must not interfere with right to vote
後見と選挙権 違憲判決が制度の甘さ突いた（3月17日付・読売社説）
The Tokyo District Court has ruled unconstitutional a provision in the Public Offices Election Law that denies the right to vote to adults who live under the statutory adult guardianship system.
成年後見人が付いた人から選挙権を奪う公職選挙法の規定について、東京地裁が「違憲」とする判決を言い渡した。
The court ruling highly evaluates the rights of people with mental disorders or intellectual disabilities.
障害者の権利を尊重した司法判断である。
The plaintiff in the suit was an intellectually challenged woman.
原告は知的障害のある女性だ。
Immediately after a family court chose the father of the adult woman as her guardian in 2007, she was deprived of the right to vote.
２００７年、家庭裁判所が女性の成年後見人として父親を選任した途端、選挙権を失った。
The adult guardianship system is designed to allow those who are considered incapable of making judgments to have someone act on their behalf to manage property, make contracts and carry out other procedures.
判断能力が欠如した人の財産管理や契約などを代行するのが、成年後見制度だ。
The Public Offices Election Law does not allow people to whom this system applies the right to vote in national and local elections.
公選法は、この制度が適用された人については、選挙権を認めていない。
===
Unjustifiable denial
The court decision on Thursday acknowledged that the woman had the right to vote on the grounds that depriving her of this right as guaranteed by the Constitution "must be limited to extremely exceptional circumstances."
判決は、憲法が保障する選挙権を奪うのは「極めて例外的な場合に限られる」として、女性に選挙権があることを認めた。
The ruling also noted: "What the family court decided concerned her ability to administer her property by herself, and not her competency in exercising her right to vote.
さらに、「家裁が判断したのは財産を管理する能力であって、選挙権を行使する能力ではない。
"A large number of people probably are capable of exercising their right to vote even if they are unable to manage their assets."
財産管理はできなくとも、選挙権を行使できる人は少なからずいるはずだ」とも指摘した。
It is not surprising that the court ruled the law's provision null and void, as it uniformly restricts voting rights by using two systems intended to serve different purposes.
判決が、趣旨の異なる制度を使って、一律に選挙権を制限している公選法の規定を無効としたことは妥当である。
Denying disabled people the right to vote merely because they have been placed under the adult guardianship system should also be deemed problematic from the viewpoint of ensuring public equity.
同じ障害者でも、後見人が付いた人だけが選挙権を失うのは、公平性の観点からも問題があるだろう。
Before being deprived of her right to vote, the plaintiff voted in almost all elections. In addition, she is able to read and write simple kanji characters. The district court probably gave a great deal of thought to these facts in handing down the ruling.
選挙権を失うまで、女性はほぼ毎回、投票所に足を運んでいた。簡単な漢字の読み書きもできる。東京地裁は、そうした事情も重視したのではないか。
The court ruling, however, should not be taken as a blanket denial of restrictions on voting rights in all circumstances.
判決は選挙権制限の必要性を全面的に否定したわけではない。
The ruling said the restrictions on voting rights for people who lack the competence to exercise the right to vote is not unreasonable.
権利を行使する能力がない人への制限について、「合理性を欠くとは言えない」との見解も示した。
While this country uniformly deprives the vote to right to people under the adult guardianship system, the United States and Europe are heading in the opposite direction.
だが、後見人が付くと一律に選挙権を失う日本のような制度は、欧米ではなくなりつつある。
Japan's adult guardianship system, which was introduced in 2000, is aimed at protecting the rights of the disabled and the elderly with insufficient capacities to make judgments.
そもそも、２０００年に導入された成年後見制度は、判断能力に欠ける障害者や高齢者の権利保護が目的だ。
The system of incompetency that was abolished in 2000 under the civil law also covered those with reckless spending habits, who were excluded from the list of people covered by the adult guardianship system.
従前の禁治産制度は浪費を繰り返す人も対象だったが、成年後見制度では除外した。
In light of this, the Public Offices Election Law's provision to remove the right to vote from people with guardians does not fit in with the spirit of the system.
選挙権を奪う公選法の規定は、制度の趣旨にそぐわない。
There are more than 130,000 adult wards with court-designated guardians across the country.
後見制度の利用者は全国で１３万人以上に上る。
===
Applications rising
Because of the rapid graying of society, applications to use the guardianship system number more than 20,000 annually. The court ruling is expected to have various repercussions on how the guardianship system is conducted from now on.
高齢化が進む中、申し立ては年間２万件以上に達している。判決は今後の制度運用に様々な影響を及ぼすだろう。
When the system was introduced, the then Home Affairs Ministry asserted that depriving people with guardians of their right to vote was intended to prevent voting irregularities.
制度導入の際、旧自治省は「不正投票の防止」を理由に、選挙権を奪う規定の存続を強く主張した経緯がある。
Didn't the ministry overestimate the possibility of voting irregularities concerning the exercise, under the guardianship system, of the right to vote, which is the essence of parliamentary democracy?
民主主義の根幹に位置付けられる選挙権の行使に関し、不正投票の可能性を過大に見積もってはいないか。
The court's ruling should be thought of as a warning from the judiciary regarding the slipshod design of the adult guardianship system.
判決は、制度設計の甘さに対する警告である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 17, 2013)
（2013年3月17日01時25分 読売新聞）
Guardian system must not interfere with right to vote
後見と選挙権 違憲判決が制度の甘さ突いた（3月17日付・読売社説）
The Tokyo District Court has ruled unconstitutional a provision in the Public Offices Election Law that denies the right to vote to adults who live under the statutory adult guardianship system.
成年後見人が付いた人から選挙権を奪う公職選挙法の規定について、東京地裁が「違憲」とする判決を言い渡した。
The court ruling highly evaluates the rights of people with mental disorders or intellectual disabilities.
障害者の権利を尊重した司法判断である。
The plaintiff in the suit was an intellectually challenged woman.
原告は知的障害のある女性だ。
Immediately after a family court chose the father of the adult woman as her guardian in 2007, she was deprived of the right to vote.
２００７年、家庭裁判所が女性の成年後見人として父親を選任した途端、選挙権を失った。
The adult guardianship system is designed to allow those who are considered incapable of making judgments to have someone act on their behalf to manage property, make contracts and carry out other procedures.
判断能力が欠如した人の財産管理や契約などを代行するのが、成年後見制度だ。
The Public Offices Election Law does not allow people to whom this system applies the right to vote in national and local elections.
公選法は、この制度が適用された人については、選挙権を認めていない。
===
Unjustifiable denial
The court decision on Thursday acknowledged that the woman had the right to vote on the grounds that depriving her of this right as guaranteed by the Constitution "must be limited to extremely exceptional circumstances."
判決は、憲法が保障する選挙権を奪うのは「極めて例外的な場合に限られる」として、女性に選挙権があることを認めた。
The ruling also noted: "What the family court decided concerned her ability to administer her property by herself, and not her competency in exercising her right to vote.
さらに、「家裁が判断したのは財産を管理する能力であって、選挙権を行使する能力ではない。
"A large number of people probably are capable of exercising their right to vote even if they are unable to manage their assets."
財産管理はできなくとも、選挙権を行使できる人は少なからずいるはずだ」とも指摘した。
It is not surprising that the court ruled the law's provision null and void, as it uniformly restricts voting rights by using two systems intended to serve different purposes.
判決が、趣旨の異なる制度を使って、一律に選挙権を制限している公選法の規定を無効としたことは妥当である。
Denying disabled people the right to vote merely because they have been placed under the adult guardianship system should also be deemed problematic from the viewpoint of ensuring public equity.
同じ障害者でも、後見人が付いた人だけが選挙権を失うのは、公平性の観点からも問題があるだろう。
Before being deprived of her right to vote, the plaintiff voted in almost all elections. In addition, she is able to read and write simple kanji characters. The district court probably gave a great deal of thought to these facts in handing down the ruling.
選挙権を失うまで、女性はほぼ毎回、投票所に足を運んでいた。簡単な漢字の読み書きもできる。東京地裁は、そうした事情も重視したのではないか。
The court ruling, however, should not be taken as a blanket denial of restrictions on voting rights in all circumstances.
判決は選挙権制限の必要性を全面的に否定したわけではない。
The ruling said the restrictions on voting rights for people who lack the competence to exercise the right to vote is not unreasonable.
権利を行使する能力がない人への制限について、「合理性を欠くとは言えない」との見解も示した。
While this country uniformly deprives the vote to right to people under the adult guardianship system, the United States and Europe are heading in the opposite direction.
だが、後見人が付くと一律に選挙権を失う日本のような制度は、欧米ではなくなりつつある。
Japan's adult guardianship system, which was introduced in 2000, is aimed at protecting the rights of the disabled and the elderly with insufficient capacities to make judgments.
そもそも、２０００年に導入された成年後見制度は、判断能力に欠ける障害者や高齢者の権利保護が目的だ。
The system of incompetency that was abolished in 2000 under the civil law also covered those with reckless spending habits, who were excluded from the list of people covered by the adult guardianship system.
従前の禁治産制度は浪費を繰り返す人も対象だったが、成年後見制度では除外した。
In light of this, the Public Offices Election Law's provision to remove the right to vote from people with guardians does not fit in with the spirit of the system.
選挙権を奪う公選法の規定は、制度の趣旨にそぐわない。
There are more than 130,000 adult wards with court-designated guardians across the country.
後見制度の利用者は全国で１３万人以上に上る。
===
Applications rising
Because of the rapid graying of society, applications to use the guardianship system number more than 20,000 annually. The court ruling is expected to have various repercussions on how the guardianship system is conducted from now on.
高齢化が進む中、申し立ては年間２万件以上に達している。判決は今後の制度運用に様々な影響を及ぼすだろう。
When the system was introduced, the then Home Affairs Ministry asserted that depriving people with guardians of their right to vote was intended to prevent voting irregularities.
制度導入の際、旧自治省は「不正投票の防止」を理由に、選挙権を奪う規定の存続を強く主張した経緯がある。
Didn't the ministry overestimate the possibility of voting irregularities concerning the exercise, under the guardianship system, of the right to vote, which is the essence of parliamentary democracy?
民主主義の根幹に位置付けられる選挙権の行使に関し、不正投票の可能性を過大に見積もってはいないか。
The court's ruling should be thought of as a warning from the judiciary regarding the slipshod design of the adult guardianship system.
判決は、制度設計の甘さに対する警告である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 17, 2013)
（2013年3月17日01時25分 読売新聞）
2013年03月18日
フローラコロナのエッセンスで気分は王子様（お姫様）＾＾
自民党の安倍首相が掲げるアベノミクスですが、残念ながら海外ヘッジファンドにうまく利用されてしまいました。
で、急激な円安と株高。それを歓迎出来る人たちはお金持ちのエリート層だけなのです。
低所得者、普通の国民は円安に伴う輸入物価の上昇で生活が苦しくなってきています。
例えばガソリン代。リッター当たり150円では、満タンにすると1万円くらいかかるのですね。（汗）
頭が痛くなる昨今の情勢ですが、我々にも心の安らぎが必要です。
心の平和を取り戻すことが出来るレスキューレメディという花のエッセンスが有名なのですが、今回は、フローラコロナという不思議な響きが私の心をとらえました。
フローラコロナ のエッセンスは、ハワイ、米国西海岸、はたまた、アメリカの森などの野生の花々から作られているそうですね。新しい香りは、人々の心を優しく包んでくれるでしょう。
フローラコロナというエキゾチックな響きに打たれました。
バッチフラワーレメディ を使うストレス治癒法のコンセプトが良いですね。
それは花の香りと自然界に存在する不思議な治癒力なのです。
フラワーエッセンス には、現代科学でまだ解明されていない不思議な力が存在するのです。
心の平和を取り戻すために、今回はフローラコロナのエッセンスをおすすめいたします。
レビューブログからの情報です
ＴＰＰ参加表明 自由貿易推進で成長に弾みを
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 17, 2013)
Govt should push for free trade to boost economy
ＴＰＰ参加表明 自由貿易推進で成長に弾みを（3月16日付・読売社説）
◆国家百年の計へ交渉力発揮せよ◆
It is essential for Japan's growth to tap into Asia's economic vigor by expanding the nation's free trade and investment. To that end, Japan's move to join talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact would be a major step forward.
自由貿易と投資を拡大し、アジアの活力を取り込むことが、日本の経済成長に欠かせない。そのための大きな一歩となるだろう。
On Friday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formally announced Japan's intention to participate in negotiations on the U.S.-led multilateral free trade framework.
安倍首相は、米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉への参加を正式表明した。
Reaching a national consensus on the matter has been difficult over the past three years, ever since the administration of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan began considering participation. We applaud Abe's political decision on the TPP issue.
菅政権で検討を開始して以来、約３年間、意見集約が難航した。首相の政治決断を評価したい。
"Joining the TPP talks is a farsighted national policy," the prime minister said at a press conference Friday. "If we miss this chance, we will be left behind in global rule-making efforts."
首相は記者会見で、「ＴＰＰ交渉参加は国家百年の計だ。今を逃すと日本は世界のルール作りから取り残される」と指摘した。
===
TPP could boost Japan-U.S. ties
◆日米同盟の強化に寄与◆
Currently, 11 countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada, are conducting TPP negotiations, and 29 areas, including tariffs, services and intellectual property, are under discussion.
ＴＰＰは米国、豪州、カナダなど１１か国が関税、サービス、知的財産など２９分野で交渉中だ。
Abe stressed: "We'll make full use of our negotiating power to protect what needs protecting and push for what we want. We'll seek the best way to serve national interests."
首相が「交渉力を駆使し、守るべきものは守り、攻められるものは攻める。国益にかなう最善の道を追求する」と強調したのはもっともである。
We approve this stance. Japan, if approved, will be a latecomer to the TPP negotiations and will be in a disadvantageous position, but we hope the government will exert its negotiating power.
遅れて参加する日本は不利な立場だが、「交渉力」を発揮してもらいたい。
Meanwhile, the government has released its estimate on the economic impact of the TPP if the country joins the trade pact. According to the estimate, annual production in the nation's agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors could fall by 3 trillion yen. However, with consumption and exports growing, Japan's real gross domestic product is expected to increase by 3.2 trillion yen overall.
政府は、ＴＰＰ参加による経済効果の試算を公表した。
農林水産業の生産額は３兆円減るものの、消費拡大や輸出増加により、全体で国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）を実質で３・２兆円押し上げるという。
The Abe administration faces a test over whether it can devise a mid- and long-term growth strategy in its "Abenomics" economic policy. It is reasonable to use the TPP to boost the strategy.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」では中長期の成長戦略が問われる。そのエンジンとしてＴＰＰを位置づけるのは妥当だ。
Abe also said TPP participation would contribute to ensuring security and stability in the Asia Pacific region. Expectations are high that the creation of a free trade zone centering on Japan and the United States could also strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.
首相は、ＴＰＰ参加が「安全保障やアジア太平洋地域の安定に寄与する」と語った。日米を軸にした自由貿易圏作りは、日米同盟を強化する効果も期待される。
Japan-U.S. security ties were shaken by poor diplomacy by the government led by the Democratic Party of Japan. Taking advantage of the situation, China, which is pursuing a policy of increasing wealth and military power, has opposed Japan's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands and has repeatedly sent Chinese patrol ships into Japanese waters. Such provocations by Beijing have increased instability in East Asia.
民主党政権の稚拙な外交により日米安保体制は揺らいだ。その間隙を突くように、富国強兵路線を鮮明にする中国が日本の尖閣諸島国有化に反発し、監視船による領海侵犯を繰り返すなど、東アジア情勢を不安定化させている。
To call for a growing China to abide by international rules, it is vital for Japan and the United States to work closely together.
台頭する中国に国際ルールの順守を求めるには、緊密な日米連携が不可欠である。
Abe was able to announce Japan's intention to join TPP talks mainly because he obtained confirmation from U.S. President Barack Obama at their February summit meeting that eliminating all tariffs would not be a precondition for joining the talks.
そもそも、首相がＴＰＰ交渉参加を決断できたのは、２月のオバマ米大統領との首脳会談で「聖域なき関税撤廃が前提ではない」と確認したことが大きかった。
In principle, the TPP is premised on tariff elimination, but the summit meeting has made it clear that exceptions could be made for certain items under negotiation.
ＴＰＰは関税撤廃が原則だが、交渉次第で例外品目を獲得できることが明確になったからだ。
===
What must be protected?
◆国益として何を守るか◆
Abe took an ingenious strategy in coordinating views within the Liberal Democratic Party to make the decision to participate in the TPP talks consistent with the party's campaign pledge in the House of Representatives election last year. The LDP had pledged to oppose joining the TPP talks as long as abolishing tariffs without exception was a precondition.
「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対」としていた自民党の昨年の衆院選政権公約と矛盾しないように調整を進めた首相の戦略は巧みだった。
While there were arguments for and against the matter, the LDP adopted a resolution accepting Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations, which created an environment for Abe to make a final decision.
賛否両論が出る中、自民党がＴＰＰ交渉参加を容認する決議をまとめたことで、首相が最終的に決断を下す環境が整った。
Among other conditions, the LDP resolution calls on the government to place priority on ensuring five agricultural items--rice, wheat, beef and pork, dairy products and plants for making sweeteners--will be exempt from tariff elimination. The resolution also seeks to maintain Japan's universal health insurance system.
自民党の決議は、コメ、麦、牛肉・豚肉、乳製品、甘味資源作物の農産品の５項目の例外扱いと、国民皆保険制度の維持を最優先で求めたのがポイントだ。
Abe is apparently thinking about joining the TPP talks after confirming the party's solidarity on the matter at the LDP's convention scheduled to be held on Sunday.
首相は、１７日の自民党大会で党内の結束を確認し、交渉に臨む考えだろう。
Obama has announced a goal of completing the TPP negotiations by the end of this year. That leaves very little time as Japan is expected to join the talks around July.
オバマ大統領は「交渉の年内妥結」を表明している。日本が実際に交渉に加わるのは７月ごろと見られ、残された時間は少ない。
Abe appointed Akira Amari, minister in charge of economic revitalization, as minister in charge of TPP issues. Serving as the government's point man, Amari must do his utmost to work on formulating trade and investment rules that reflect Japan's national interests.
首相は甘利経済再生相をＴＰＰ相に任命した。甘利氏が政府の司令塔となり、国益を反映した貿易・投資ルール作りに全力で取り組まなければならない。
A hard-fought battle is expected over the process of narrowing down items to be exempt from tariff elimination.
攻防が予想されるのが、関税撤廃の例外品目の絞り込みだ。
In past trade negotiations, Japan has refused to abolish tariffs for about 940 items, which account for about 10 percent of the total, mainly agricultural products such as rice and wheat.
日本はこれまでの通商交渉で、関税分類上、コメ、麦など農産品を中心に、全体の約１割に相当する約９４０品目の関税を一度も撤廃していない。
It remains unclear how many items Japan will be able to keep as exceptions. Each country has items they want treated as exempt, with Canada seeking exceptions for dairy products and Mexico for textiles and shoes.
日本がどれだけ関税撤廃の例外を獲得できるかは不透明だ。カナダは乳製品、メキシコは繊維や靴など、各国とも例外扱いを望む品目がある。
Japan has compromised in prior consultations with the United States and largely agreed, for the time being, to allow the United States to delay eliminating import tariffs it imposes on passenger vehicles and trucks. In return, Japan should win concessions from the United States on agricultural products.
日本は米国との事前協議で譲歩し、米国が乗用車とトラックにかけている輸入関税の撤廃を当面猶予する方向で大筋合意した。日本はその見返りに、米国から農産品で譲歩を引き出すべきだ。
Govt should push for free trade to boost economy
ＴＰＰ参加表明 自由貿易推進で成長に弾みを（3月16日付・読売社説）
◆国家百年の計へ交渉力発揮せよ◆
It is essential for Japan's growth to tap into Asia's economic vigor by expanding the nation's free trade and investment. To that end, Japan's move to join talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact would be a major step forward.
自由貿易と投資を拡大し、アジアの活力を取り込むことが、日本の経済成長に欠かせない。そのための大きな一歩となるだろう。
On Friday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe formally announced Japan's intention to participate in negotiations on the U.S.-led multilateral free trade framework.
安倍首相は、米国主導の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉への参加を正式表明した。
Reaching a national consensus on the matter has been difficult over the past three years, ever since the administration of former Prime Minister Naoto Kan began considering participation. We applaud Abe's political decision on the TPP issue.
菅政権で検討を開始して以来、約３年間、意見集約が難航した。首相の政治決断を評価したい。
"Joining the TPP talks is a farsighted national policy," the prime minister said at a press conference Friday. "If we miss this chance, we will be left behind in global rule-making efforts."
首相は記者会見で、「ＴＰＰ交渉参加は国家百年の計だ。今を逃すと日本は世界のルール作りから取り残される」と指摘した。
===
TPP could boost Japan-U.S. ties
◆日米同盟の強化に寄与◆
Currently, 11 countries, including the United States, Australia and Canada, are conducting TPP negotiations, and 29 areas, including tariffs, services and intellectual property, are under discussion.
ＴＰＰは米国、豪州、カナダなど１１か国が関税、サービス、知的財産など２９分野で交渉中だ。
Abe stressed: "We'll make full use of our negotiating power to protect what needs protecting and push for what we want. We'll seek the best way to serve national interests."
首相が「交渉力を駆使し、守るべきものは守り、攻められるものは攻める。国益にかなう最善の道を追求する」と強調したのはもっともである。
We approve this stance. Japan, if approved, will be a latecomer to the TPP negotiations and will be in a disadvantageous position, but we hope the government will exert its negotiating power.
遅れて参加する日本は不利な立場だが、「交渉力」を発揮してもらいたい。
Meanwhile, the government has released its estimate on the economic impact of the TPP if the country joins the trade pact. According to the estimate, annual production in the nation's agriculture, forestry and fisheries sectors could fall by 3 trillion yen. However, with consumption and exports growing, Japan's real gross domestic product is expected to increase by 3.2 trillion yen overall.
政府は、ＴＰＰ参加による経済効果の試算を公表した。
農林水産業の生産額は３兆円減るものの、消費拡大や輸出増加により、全体で国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）を実質で３・２兆円押し上げるという。
The Abe administration faces a test over whether it can devise a mid- and long-term growth strategy in its "Abenomics" economic policy. It is reasonable to use the TPP to boost the strategy.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」では中長期の成長戦略が問われる。そのエンジンとしてＴＰＰを位置づけるのは妥当だ。
Abe also said TPP participation would contribute to ensuring security and stability in the Asia Pacific region. Expectations are high that the creation of a free trade zone centering on Japan and the United States could also strengthen the Japan-U.S. alliance.
首相は、ＴＰＰ参加が「安全保障やアジア太平洋地域の安定に寄与する」と語った。日米を軸にした自由貿易圏作りは、日米同盟を強化する効果も期待される。
Japan-U.S. security ties were shaken by poor diplomacy by the government led by the Democratic Party of Japan. Taking advantage of the situation, China, which is pursuing a policy of increasing wealth and military power, has opposed Japan's nationalization of the Senkaku Islands and has repeatedly sent Chinese patrol ships into Japanese waters. Such provocations by Beijing have increased instability in East Asia.
民主党政権の稚拙な外交により日米安保体制は揺らいだ。その間隙を突くように、富国強兵路線を鮮明にする中国が日本の尖閣諸島国有化に反発し、監視船による領海侵犯を繰り返すなど、東アジア情勢を不安定化させている。
To call for a growing China to abide by international rules, it is vital for Japan and the United States to work closely together.
台頭する中国に国際ルールの順守を求めるには、緊密な日米連携が不可欠である。
Abe was able to announce Japan's intention to join TPP talks mainly because he obtained confirmation from U.S. President Barack Obama at their February summit meeting that eliminating all tariffs would not be a precondition for joining the talks.
そもそも、首相がＴＰＰ交渉参加を決断できたのは、２月のオバマ米大統領との首脳会談で「聖域なき関税撤廃が前提ではない」と確認したことが大きかった。
In principle, the TPP is premised on tariff elimination, but the summit meeting has made it clear that exceptions could be made for certain items under negotiation.
ＴＰＰは関税撤廃が原則だが、交渉次第で例外品目を獲得できることが明確になったからだ。
===
What must be protected?
◆国益として何を守るか◆
Abe took an ingenious strategy in coordinating views within the Liberal Democratic Party to make the decision to participate in the TPP talks consistent with the party's campaign pledge in the House of Representatives election last year. The LDP had pledged to oppose joining the TPP talks as long as abolishing tariffs without exception was a precondition.
「聖域なき関税撤廃を前提にする限り、交渉参加に反対」としていた自民党の昨年の衆院選政権公約と矛盾しないように調整を進めた首相の戦略は巧みだった。
While there were arguments for and against the matter, the LDP adopted a resolution accepting Japan's participation in the TPP negotiations, which created an environment for Abe to make a final decision.
賛否両論が出る中、自民党がＴＰＰ交渉参加を容認する決議をまとめたことで、首相が最終的に決断を下す環境が整った。
Among other conditions, the LDP resolution calls on the government to place priority on ensuring five agricultural items--rice, wheat, beef and pork, dairy products and plants for making sweeteners--will be exempt from tariff elimination. The resolution also seeks to maintain Japan's universal health insurance system.
自民党の決議は、コメ、麦、牛肉・豚肉、乳製品、甘味資源作物の農産品の５項目の例外扱いと、国民皆保険制度の維持を最優先で求めたのがポイントだ。
Abe is apparently thinking about joining the TPP talks after confirming the party's solidarity on the matter at the LDP's convention scheduled to be held on Sunday.
首相は、１７日の自民党大会で党内の結束を確認し、交渉に臨む考えだろう。
Obama has announced a goal of completing the TPP negotiations by the end of this year. That leaves very little time as Japan is expected to join the talks around July.
オバマ大統領は「交渉の年内妥結」を表明している。日本が実際に交渉に加わるのは７月ごろと見られ、残された時間は少ない。
Abe appointed Akira Amari, minister in charge of economic revitalization, as minister in charge of TPP issues. Serving as the government's point man, Amari must do his utmost to work on formulating trade and investment rules that reflect Japan's national interests.
首相は甘利経済再生相をＴＰＰ相に任命した。甘利氏が政府の司令塔となり、国益を反映した貿易・投資ルール作りに全力で取り組まなければならない。
A hard-fought battle is expected over the process of narrowing down items to be exempt from tariff elimination.
攻防が予想されるのが、関税撤廃の例外品目の絞り込みだ。
In past trade negotiations, Japan has refused to abolish tariffs for about 940 items, which account for about 10 percent of the total, mainly agricultural products such as rice and wheat.
日本はこれまでの通商交渉で、関税分類上、コメ、麦など農産品を中心に、全体の約１割に相当する約９４０品目の関税を一度も撤廃していない。
It remains unclear how many items Japan will be able to keep as exceptions. Each country has items they want treated as exempt, with Canada seeking exceptions for dairy products and Mexico for textiles and shoes.
日本がどれだけ関税撤廃の例外を獲得できるかは不透明だ。カナダは乳製品、メキシコは繊維や靴など、各国とも例外扱いを望む品目がある。
Japan has compromised in prior consultations with the United States and largely agreed, for the time being, to allow the United States to delay eliminating import tariffs it imposes on passenger vehicles and trucks. In return, Japan should win concessions from the United States on agricultural products.
日本は米国との事前協議で譲歩し、米国が乗用車とトラックにかけている輸入関税の撤廃を当面猶予する方向で大筋合意した。日本はその見返りに、米国から農産品で譲歩を引き出すべきだ。
2013年03月17日
習・李体制へ 威圧外交で高まる中国異質論
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Mar. 16, 2013)
China's overbearing diplomacy only boosts its 'alien' image
習・李体制へ 威圧外交で高まる中国異質論（3月15日付・読売社説）
Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping has been named president at the National People's Congress, succeeding the retiring Hu Jintao. Xi now holds the country's top three titles, including the top party and military posts.
中国共産党の習近平総書記が全国人民代表大会（全人代＝国会）で、引退する胡錦濤氏の後任の国家主席に選出された。これで、党、軍のトップと合わせて３権を掌握した。
On Friday, Li Keqiang is set to succeed Wen Jiabao in the premiership. Then the transition of power that began in autumn last year will be complete and the Xi-Li regime can begin to move.
１５日には、党内序列２位の李克強氏が温家宝氏から首相を引き継ぎ、「習・李体制」が始動する。昨秋以来の権力移行の完成だ。
China, now the world's second-largest economy, is being urged to play a much larger role in the international community than it did when the Hu-Wen regime began 10 years ago. We hope China will respond to the demands of the global community and fulfill its responsibility in stabilizing the world situation.
世界第２位の経済大国となった中国には、１０年前の「胡・温体制」発足時より格段に大きな役割が国際社会で求められている。中国はそのことを自覚し、世界の安定に責任を果たしてもらいたい。
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Aiming to be a maritime giant
President Xi, who has said achieving the "great revival of the Chinese nation" is the goal of his administration, is expected to pursue wealth- and military-building policies over his two five-year terms, aiming to transform China into a superpower on par with the United States.
「中華民族の偉大な復興」を政権目標に掲げる習主席は、２期１０年間の任期中、米国と並ぶ超大国の座に迫ろうと、富国強兵路線を突き進む考えだ。
Backed by a strong military, China has been striving to become a "great maritime power." It is quite clear that the country will continue its hard-line stance against Japan, Vietnam, and other neighbors in the East and South China seas.
強大な軍事力を背景に「海洋強国化」を推し進めている。東シナ海や南シナ海で、日本やベトナムなど周辺国に対し、強硬姿勢をとり続けるのは間違いない。
China's lawmaking body, the National People's Congress, passed government organizational reforms to achieve this aim.
全人代では、そのための政府の機構改革も決めた。
The reforms consolidate maritime patrols under the State Oceanic Administration (SOA)--activities that had been previously administered independently by law enforcement bodies such as the SOA, Agriculture Ministry and Public Security Ministry. This therefore represents a massive increase of the SOA's authority. Above the SOA, a state oceanic commission will be created to direct the country's maritime strategy.
国家海洋局の下に、これまで海洋局や農業省、公安省などが個別に所管してきた海上取り締まり活動を一本化した。海洋局の権限を大幅に強化するものだ。その上位機関に、海洋戦略を主導する「国家海洋委員会」を新設する。
The Xi administration is expected to step up cooperation between the navy and the SOA to maintain and strengthen its demonstrative activities around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. The administration has reportedly been studying the possibility of sending a survey team to the islands to set survey markers and create an accurate map of the islands.
習政権は、尖閣諸島周辺の示威行動を継続・強化する目的で海軍と海洋局の協力を本格化させる見通しだ。尖閣諸島の正確な地図作製のため、測量隊の派遣や標識の設置も検討しているとされる。
This situation is very worrying for Japan. We cannot accept such a violation of Japan's sovereignty.
憂慮すべき事態である。日本の主権を侵害する行為を受け入れるわけにはいかない。
Japan needs to increase alertness over China in cooperation with the United States, and prepare for China's ever-escalating provocative actions.
日本は米国と連携して警戒を強め、エスカレートする挑発への備えを固めねばならない。
As part of the organizational reform, China has decided to dissolve the Railway Ministry. Dubbed an "independent kingdom" with its own police force and court system, the ministry has been criticized as a hotbed of corruption in the wake of seemingly endless bribery cases. The Xi administration's leadership will be tested over its ability to direct a new railway organization to put customers first and place top priority on safety.
機構改革では鉄道省の解体も決まった。独自の警察や裁判所も抱えた「独立王国」には、汚職が絶えない「腐敗の温床」との批判があった。利用者側に立ち、安全を最優先する組織に再生できるか。政権の指導力が問われよう。
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No visible achievements
During the last decade, the Hu-Wen administration sought sustainable economic growth that took the environment into consideration and worked to correct income disparities. However, it failed to produce visible results. Furthermore, the new administration must appropriately deal with the suppression of the human rights of minority groups, such as those in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
胡・温体制はこの１０年、環境に配慮した持続的な経済成長や格差是正などを訴えてきたが、目に見える成果を出せなかった。さらに、チベットなど少数民族の人権抑圧への対応も迫られている。
Xi will need to squarely face difficult problems that could shake the foundation of the country. If the government continues to inflame nationalist sentiments with its forcible, overbearing diplomacy only to distract people from their hardships, it will only give more credence to ideas in the international community such as that China is an alien nation or is a major threat to other countries.
習主席は、中国を足元から揺さぶる難題に正面から取り組むべきだ。国民の不満をそらそうと、力ずくの威圧外交によって国内の民族主義を煽(あお)り続けるのなら、中国への「異質論」や「脅威論」が国際社会で高まるだけである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 15, 2013)
（2013年3月15日01時38分 読売新聞）
China's overbearing diplomacy only boosts its 'alien' image
習・李体制へ 威圧外交で高まる中国異質論（3月15日付・読売社説）
Chinese Communist Party General Secretary Xi Jinping has been named president at the National People's Congress, succeeding the retiring Hu Jintao. Xi now holds the country's top three titles, including the top party and military posts.
中国共産党の習近平総書記が全国人民代表大会（全人代＝国会）で、引退する胡錦濤氏の後任の国家主席に選出された。これで、党、軍のトップと合わせて３権を掌握した。
On Friday, Li Keqiang is set to succeed Wen Jiabao in the premiership. Then the transition of power that began in autumn last year will be complete and the Xi-Li regime can begin to move.
１５日には、党内序列２位の李克強氏が温家宝氏から首相を引き継ぎ、「習・李体制」が始動する。昨秋以来の権力移行の完成だ。
China, now the world's second-largest economy, is being urged to play a much larger role in the international community than it did when the Hu-Wen regime began 10 years ago. We hope China will respond to the demands of the global community and fulfill its responsibility in stabilizing the world situation.
世界第２位の経済大国となった中国には、１０年前の「胡・温体制」発足時より格段に大きな役割が国際社会で求められている。中国はそのことを自覚し、世界の安定に責任を果たしてもらいたい。
===
Aiming to be a maritime giant
President Xi, who has said achieving the "great revival of the Chinese nation" is the goal of his administration, is expected to pursue wealth- and military-building policies over his two five-year terms, aiming to transform China into a superpower on par with the United States.
「中華民族の偉大な復興」を政権目標に掲げる習主席は、２期１０年間の任期中、米国と並ぶ超大国の座に迫ろうと、富国強兵路線を突き進む考えだ。
Backed by a strong military, China has been striving to become a "great maritime power." It is quite clear that the country will continue its hard-line stance against Japan, Vietnam, and other neighbors in the East and South China seas.
強大な軍事力を背景に「海洋強国化」を推し進めている。東シナ海や南シナ海で、日本やベトナムなど周辺国に対し、強硬姿勢をとり続けるのは間違いない。
China's lawmaking body, the National People's Congress, passed government organizational reforms to achieve this aim.
全人代では、そのための政府の機構改革も決めた。
The reforms consolidate maritime patrols under the State Oceanic Administration (SOA)--activities that had been previously administered independently by law enforcement bodies such as the SOA, Agriculture Ministry and Public Security Ministry. This therefore represents a massive increase of the SOA's authority. Above the SOA, a state oceanic commission will be created to direct the country's maritime strategy.
国家海洋局の下に、これまで海洋局や農業省、公安省などが個別に所管してきた海上取り締まり活動を一本化した。海洋局の権限を大幅に強化するものだ。その上位機関に、海洋戦略を主導する「国家海洋委員会」を新設する。
The Xi administration is expected to step up cooperation between the navy and the SOA to maintain and strengthen its demonstrative activities around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. The administration has reportedly been studying the possibility of sending a survey team to the islands to set survey markers and create an accurate map of the islands.
習政権は、尖閣諸島周辺の示威行動を継続・強化する目的で海軍と海洋局の協力を本格化させる見通しだ。尖閣諸島の正確な地図作製のため、測量隊の派遣や標識の設置も検討しているとされる。
This situation is very worrying for Japan. We cannot accept such a violation of Japan's sovereignty.
憂慮すべき事態である。日本の主権を侵害する行為を受け入れるわけにはいかない。
Japan needs to increase alertness over China in cooperation with the United States, and prepare for China's ever-escalating provocative actions.
日本は米国と連携して警戒を強め、エスカレートする挑発への備えを固めねばならない。
As part of the organizational reform, China has decided to dissolve the Railway Ministry. Dubbed an "independent kingdom" with its own police force and court system, the ministry has been criticized as a hotbed of corruption in the wake of seemingly endless bribery cases. The Xi administration's leadership will be tested over its ability to direct a new railway organization to put customers first and place top priority on safety.
機構改革では鉄道省の解体も決まった。独自の警察や裁判所も抱えた「独立王国」には、汚職が絶えない「腐敗の温床」との批判があった。利用者側に立ち、安全を最優先する組織に再生できるか。政権の指導力が問われよう。
===
No visible achievements
During the last decade, the Hu-Wen administration sought sustainable economic growth that took the environment into consideration and worked to correct income disparities. However, it failed to produce visible results. Furthermore, the new administration must appropriately deal with the suppression of the human rights of minority groups, such as those in the Tibet Autonomous Region.
胡・温体制はこの１０年、環境に配慮した持続的な経済成長や格差是正などを訴えてきたが、目に見える成果を出せなかった。さらに、チベットなど少数民族の人権抑圧への対応も迫られている。
Xi will need to squarely face difficult problems that could shake the foundation of the country. If the government continues to inflame nationalist sentiments with its forcible, overbearing diplomacy only to distract people from their hardships, it will only give more credence to ideas in the international community such as that China is an alien nation or is a major threat to other countries.
習主席は、中国を足元から揺さぶる難題に正面から取り組むべきだ。国民の不満をそらそうと、力ずくの威圧外交によって国内の民族主義を煽(あお)り続けるのなら、中国への「異質論」や「脅威論」が国際社会で高まるだけである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 15, 2013)
（2013年3月15日01時38分 読売新聞）