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2013年04月21日
ボストン・テロ 市街地イベント警備の点検を
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 19, 2013
Thorough checks needed for major events in urban areas
ボストン・テロ 市街地イベント警備の点検を（4月18日付・読売社説）
The recent bombing at the Boston Marathon in the United States was an act of indiscriminate terrorism that targeted a traditional event familiar even to Japanese people. We can never forgive this despicable, atrocious crime that killed and injured many people.
日本人にもなじみの深い伝統ある米国のボストンマラソンを狙った無差別テロだ。多数の人々を死傷させた卑劣な凶悪犯罪は断じて許せない。
Two bombs exploded successively on a road along the route near the finish line as runners streamed past about four hours after the start of the race. At least three people, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed, while more than 170 others were injured in the horrible incident, some of them seriously.
スタートから約４時間後、ランナーが続々到着するゴール近くの沿道で２発の爆弾が連続して炸裂(さくれつ)した。８歳の少年ら少なくとも３人が死亡、１７０人以上が重軽傷を負う惨事となった。
About 23,000 people, including more than 200 Japanese runners, participated in the race, with relatives, friends, Boston residents and many others cheering the participants on.
レースには、２００人を超す日本人ランナーら約２万３０００人が参加し、家族や友人、市民ら大勢の人々が応援していた。
U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the attack, saying, "Anytime bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terrorism." Obama expressed his determination to make every effort to arrest those responsible and determine the details of the crime.
オバマ米大統領は、「罪のない市民を標的にしたテロ行為だ」と非難し、犯人の逮捕と全容解明に全力を挙げる決意を表明した。
It was the first terrorist bombing in the United States since the simultaneous terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
米国では、２００１年９月１１日の同時テロ事件後、初めての爆破テロの発生だ。
After the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States placed top priority on reinforcing antiterrorism measures and prevented many incidents from actually taking place. It discovered the hideout of the mastermind of 9/11 and killed him.
米国は同時テロ後、テロ対策の強化を最優先し、多くの事件を未然に防いできた。同時テロの首謀者も潜伏先を突き止め、殺害した。それだけに衝撃は大きい。
These achievements make the impact of the latest twin bombing particularly strong in the United States. The incident has made the U.S. government and its people keenly aware that terrorism still exists as a real threat in everyday life.
テロがなお、現実の脅威として身近に存在していることを痛感させられたからだ。
It is still unknown whether the bombing was committed by a terrorist organization or a single culprit. We hope U.S. authorities will conduct a thorough investigation based on material evidence and information.
テロ組織による犯行なのか、単独犯なのか、犯人像は明らかになっていない。米当局は、物証や情報を手がかりに徹底的な捜査を行ってもらいたい。
Bombs simple yet deadly
The Federal Bureau of Investigation suspects the bombs were made from pressure cookers packed with explosives and other materials. The FBI now strongly believes they were placed in a black nylon bag or backpack.
連邦捜査局（ＦＢＩ）は、圧力鍋の中に爆薬を詰めた仕掛け爆弾が使用され、黒いナイロン製バックパックに入れられていたとの見方を強めている。
Similar bombs are often used in terror attacks in countries such as Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. They are easily made but highly lethal as nails and other metal objects are mixed with explosives.
同種の爆弾は、アフガニスタンやインド、パキスタンなどでテロ攻撃によく使われている。製造方法は簡単でも、クギなどの金属を混入するため殺傷力は高い。
It has been reported that the security arrangements for the Boston Marathon were thorough. However, it is difficult to employ baggage inspections and metal detectors over a wide scale to achieve complete security control in outdoor events in urban areas. The culprit focused on this vulnerability in the security arrangements.
ボストンマラソンでは警備に万全を期していたとされる。だが、屋外の市街地イベントでは、手荷物検査や金属探知機での取り締まりを徹底するのは難しい。その警備態勢の脆弱(ぜいじゃく)さが突かれた。
Japan must be prepared
This terrorist attack is not an event of the other side of the ocean for Japan, as large marathons for ordinary people have already become common here. The Tokyo Marathon in February was a huge sporting event that drew about 37,000 runners. About 1.7 million people watched and cheered them along the route.
今回のテロは、大規模市民マラソンが定着した日本にとっても人ごとではない。２月の東京マラソンは、３万７０００人が走る巨大イベントだった。沿道には１７０万人が詰めかけた。
Japan also needs to implement measures against terrorist attacks to guard marathons and other major events.
日本でも、マラソンに限らず大型イベントの警備でテロに特化した対策を講じる必要があろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the government will do its best to ensure safety. "Police are now doing everything they can to ensure security and safety at important facilities and places where many people gather," Abe said.
安倍首相は、「警察が重要施設の警戒警備や、人が多数集まる場所の警備対策の徹底にあたっている」と、安全の確保に最善を尽くす方針を示した。
Even if security checks become stricter, citizens' cooperation with antiterrorism efforts is indispensable.
保安検査が厳しくなっても、テロ防止への協力は欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2013)
（2013年4月18日02時04分 読売新聞）
Thorough checks needed for major events in urban areas
ボストン・テロ 市街地イベント警備の点検を（4月18日付・読売社説）
The recent bombing at the Boston Marathon in the United States was an act of indiscriminate terrorism that targeted a traditional event familiar even to Japanese people. We can never forgive this despicable, atrocious crime that killed and injured many people.
日本人にもなじみの深い伝統ある米国のボストンマラソンを狙った無差別テロだ。多数の人々を死傷させた卑劣な凶悪犯罪は断じて許せない。
Two bombs exploded successively on a road along the route near the finish line as runners streamed past about four hours after the start of the race. At least three people, including an 8-year-old boy, were killed, while more than 170 others were injured in the horrible incident, some of them seriously.
スタートから約４時間後、ランナーが続々到着するゴール近くの沿道で２発の爆弾が連続して炸裂(さくれつ)した。８歳の少年ら少なくとも３人が死亡、１７０人以上が重軽傷を負う惨事となった。
About 23,000 people, including more than 200 Japanese runners, participated in the race, with relatives, friends, Boston residents and many others cheering the participants on.
レースには、２００人を超す日本人ランナーら約２万３０００人が参加し、家族や友人、市民ら大勢の人々が応援していた。
U.S. President Barack Obama condemned the attack, saying, "Anytime bombs are used to target innocent civilians, it is an act of terrorism." Obama expressed his determination to make every effort to arrest those responsible and determine the details of the crime.
オバマ米大統領は、「罪のない市民を標的にしたテロ行為だ」と非難し、犯人の逮捕と全容解明に全力を挙げる決意を表明した。
It was the first terrorist bombing in the United States since the simultaneous terror attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.
米国では、２００１年９月１１日の同時テロ事件後、初めての爆破テロの発生だ。
After the Sept. 11 attacks, the United States placed top priority on reinforcing antiterrorism measures and prevented many incidents from actually taking place. It discovered the hideout of the mastermind of 9/11 and killed him.
米国は同時テロ後、テロ対策の強化を最優先し、多くの事件を未然に防いできた。同時テロの首謀者も潜伏先を突き止め、殺害した。それだけに衝撃は大きい。
These achievements make the impact of the latest twin bombing particularly strong in the United States. The incident has made the U.S. government and its people keenly aware that terrorism still exists as a real threat in everyday life.
テロがなお、現実の脅威として身近に存在していることを痛感させられたからだ。
It is still unknown whether the bombing was committed by a terrorist organization or a single culprit. We hope U.S. authorities will conduct a thorough investigation based on material evidence and information.
テロ組織による犯行なのか、単独犯なのか、犯人像は明らかになっていない。米当局は、物証や情報を手がかりに徹底的な捜査を行ってもらいたい。
Bombs simple yet deadly
The Federal Bureau of Investigation suspects the bombs were made from pressure cookers packed with explosives and other materials. The FBI now strongly believes they were placed in a black nylon bag or backpack.
連邦捜査局（ＦＢＩ）は、圧力鍋の中に爆薬を詰めた仕掛け爆弾が使用され、黒いナイロン製バックパックに入れられていたとの見方を強めている。
Similar bombs are often used in terror attacks in countries such as Afghanistan, India and Pakistan. They are easily made but highly lethal as nails and other metal objects are mixed with explosives.
同種の爆弾は、アフガニスタンやインド、パキスタンなどでテロ攻撃によく使われている。製造方法は簡単でも、クギなどの金属を混入するため殺傷力は高い。
It has been reported that the security arrangements for the Boston Marathon were thorough. However, it is difficult to employ baggage inspections and metal detectors over a wide scale to achieve complete security control in outdoor events in urban areas. The culprit focused on this vulnerability in the security arrangements.
ボストンマラソンでは警備に万全を期していたとされる。だが、屋外の市街地イベントでは、手荷物検査や金属探知機での取り締まりを徹底するのは難しい。その警備態勢の脆弱(ぜいじゃく)さが突かれた。
Japan must be prepared
This terrorist attack is not an event of the other side of the ocean for Japan, as large marathons for ordinary people have already become common here. The Tokyo Marathon in February was a huge sporting event that drew about 37,000 runners. About 1.7 million people watched and cheered them along the route.
今回のテロは、大規模市民マラソンが定着した日本にとっても人ごとではない。２月の東京マラソンは、３万７０００人が走る巨大イベントだった。沿道には１７０万人が詰めかけた。
Japan also needs to implement measures against terrorist attacks to guard marathons and other major events.
日本でも、マラソンに限らず大型イベントの警備でテロに特化した対策を講じる必要があろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has said the government will do its best to ensure safety. "Police are now doing everything they can to ensure security and safety at important facilities and places where many people gather," Abe said.
安倍首相は、「警察が重要施設の警戒警備や、人が多数集まる場所の警備対策の徹底にあたっている」と、安全の確保に最善を尽くす方針を示した。
Even if security checks become stricter, citizens' cooperation with antiterrorism efforts is indispensable.
保安検査が厳しくなっても、テロ防止への協力は欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2013)
（2013年4月18日02時04分 読売新聞）
2013年04月20日
憲法９６条改正 首相は参院選へ議論主導せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 18, 2013
Abe should lead debate on top law revision ahead of upper house poll
憲法９６条改正 首相は参院選へ議論主導せよ（4月17日付・読売社説）
Japan's current Constitution has not been revised even once since its establishment.
現憲法は制定以来一度も改正されていない。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is laying the groundwork to ask voters whether the hurdles to constitutional amendment should be lowered. We applaud Abe's willingness to amend the Constitution to respond to changes in Japan and the international community.
安倍首相は憲法改正のハードルを下げることを有権者に問おうとしている。日本と国際社会の変化に対応できる憲法にするための積極的な姿勢は評価できる。
During an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe said he wants to make the issue of revising Article 96 of the Constitution, which stipulates conditions for proposing amendments, a central plank of the Liberal Democratic Party's pledges for this summer's House of Councillors election.
首相は読売新聞のインタビューで、改正の発議要件を定めた９６条について「参院選の中心的な公約として訴えたい」と語った。
Article 96 stipulates that a revision must be initiated by the Diet through an affirmative vote by two-thirds or more of all members of each chamber, followed by a national referendum in which a majority of the public must support the change.
９６条は、衆参各院の「３分の２以上」の賛成で国会が発議し、国民投票で過半数の賛成を得なければならないと規定している。
To make it easier to propose constitutional revisions, the LDP plans to lower the threshold of "two-thirds or more" to "a simple majority."
自民党は改正を発議しやすくする目的で、「３分の２以上」を「過半数」とする方針だ。
Komeito still cautious
Abe has met with Toru Hashimoto, coleader of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), and they have already agreed on this point. Abe is trying to pave the way for constitutional revision by first reviewing Article 96, a process that some other parties support. We think his idea is realistic.
首相は既に日本維新の会の橋下共同代表と会談し、この点で一致した。他党も賛同する９６条の見直しから憲法改正への道を開こうという考え方は現実的だ。
For Abe, coordination with the LDP's coalition partner New Komeito will be crucial if constitutional revision is to become a reality. Komeito remains cautious about amending Article 96, saying the time is not ripe to do so.
首相にとって憲法改正の実現を図るうえでの懸案は、公明党との調整だ。公明党は９６条改正について、「熟度が足りない」と依然慎重な構えを見せている。
However, leaders of the LDP and Komeito will reportedly hold regular meetings to discuss this matter. We hope Komeito will deepen its deliberations on revising the nation's supreme law.
ただ、自公両党は党首会談を定期化し、協議を重ねるという。公明党内で、憲法改正への議論が深まることを期待したい。
The Democratic Party of Japan insists that discussions on concrete details of the revisions, rather than tweaking Article 96 itself, are necessary. But it is the DPJ that should be discussing the content of possible revisions. The LDP has already compiled a draft of constitutional revisions in which the existence of the Self-Defense Forces would be spelled out in Article 9.
民主党は、９６条よりも改正の具体的な中身の議論が必要との見解を示しているが、中身の議論が求められるのは、むしろ民主党の方ではないか。自民党は既に、９条に自衛隊の存在を書き込むなど憲法改正の草案をまとめている。
There might be resistance to changing Article 96. This is because the United States and Germany still require an affirmative vote of "two-thirds or more" in their legislatures as a condition for revisions, although they do not hold national referendums on proposed changes to their constitutions. These countries have altered their top laws many times. Why has Japan been unable to do the same?
９６条の改正には反論もあろう。国民投票はないものの、米国やドイツは議会の「３分の２以上」の賛成などを改正の条件としているからだ。そうした国々が何度も憲法を改正してきたのに、日本はなぜそれができなかったのか。
Systemic obstacles
After World War II, the Japan Socialist Party, which championed the principle of unarmed neutrality, and other political parties held a degree of power in the Diet. They trumpeted that militarism would be revived if the Constitution was revised. The LDP, for its part, promoted policies that put the economy first and shied away from making an active commitment to revise the Constitution.
戦後、非武装・中立を掲げる社会党などが一定の勢力を占め、憲法を改正すれば軍国主義が復活すると喧伝(けんでん)した。自民党も経済優先路線を推し進めて、憲法改正に積極的に取り組まなくなった。
The electoral system also has hindered constitutional revision. Since the multiple-seat constituency system was introduced, no ruling party has held two-thirds or more of the seats in both Diet chambers. Under the current system, in which proportional representation elections that give consideration to small parties were introduced in parts of both houses, it became difficult for ruling parties to secure at least two-thirds of the seats in either chamber--until the House of Representatives election in December.
選挙制度も足かせだった。中選挙区制時代から衆参そろって政権与党が「３分の２以上」を確保できた例はない。現行制度も、衆参いずれも小政党に配慮した比例代表選を一部導入しており、昨年末の衆院選までは難しかった。
July's upper house election could, depending on the results, create conditions in which constitutional revision will become realistically possible for the first time. The upcoming election is extremely important because it will also affect Japan's future course.
７月の参院選は、結果次第で初めて憲法改正が可能な状況が生まれよう。日本の針路にもかかわる、極めて重要な選挙となる。
There are a wide array of points to be discussed regarding the Constitution, including Article 96, the preamble, national security, the bicameral system, local autonomy and environmental rights. Each party should actively debate these matters.
憲法の論点は９６条をはじめ、前文、安全保障、二院制、地方自治、環境権など幅広い。各党は積極的に論戦を展開すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 17, 2013)
（2013年4月17日01時21分 読売新聞）
Abe should lead debate on top law revision ahead of upper house poll
憲法９６条改正 首相は参院選へ議論主導せよ（4月17日付・読売社説）
Japan's current Constitution has not been revised even once since its establishment.
現憲法は制定以来一度も改正されていない。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is laying the groundwork to ask voters whether the hurdles to constitutional amendment should be lowered. We applaud Abe's willingness to amend the Constitution to respond to changes in Japan and the international community.
安倍首相は憲法改正のハードルを下げることを有権者に問おうとしている。日本と国際社会の変化に対応できる憲法にするための積極的な姿勢は評価できる。
During an interview with The Yomiuri Shimbun, Abe said he wants to make the issue of revising Article 96 of the Constitution, which stipulates conditions for proposing amendments, a central plank of the Liberal Democratic Party's pledges for this summer's House of Councillors election.
首相は読売新聞のインタビューで、改正の発議要件を定めた９６条について「参院選の中心的な公約として訴えたい」と語った。
Article 96 stipulates that a revision must be initiated by the Diet through an affirmative vote by two-thirds or more of all members of each chamber, followed by a national referendum in which a majority of the public must support the change.
９６条は、衆参各院の「３分の２以上」の賛成で国会が発議し、国民投票で過半数の賛成を得なければならないと規定している。
To make it easier to propose constitutional revisions, the LDP plans to lower the threshold of "two-thirds or more" to "a simple majority."
自民党は改正を発議しやすくする目的で、「３分の２以上」を「過半数」とする方針だ。
Komeito still cautious
Abe has met with Toru Hashimoto, coleader of Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party), and they have already agreed on this point. Abe is trying to pave the way for constitutional revision by first reviewing Article 96, a process that some other parties support. We think his idea is realistic.
首相は既に日本維新の会の橋下共同代表と会談し、この点で一致した。他党も賛同する９６条の見直しから憲法改正への道を開こうという考え方は現実的だ。
For Abe, coordination with the LDP's coalition partner New Komeito will be crucial if constitutional revision is to become a reality. Komeito remains cautious about amending Article 96, saying the time is not ripe to do so.
首相にとって憲法改正の実現を図るうえでの懸案は、公明党との調整だ。公明党は９６条改正について、「熟度が足りない」と依然慎重な構えを見せている。
However, leaders of the LDP and Komeito will reportedly hold regular meetings to discuss this matter. We hope Komeito will deepen its deliberations on revising the nation's supreme law.
ただ、自公両党は党首会談を定期化し、協議を重ねるという。公明党内で、憲法改正への議論が深まることを期待したい。
The Democratic Party of Japan insists that discussions on concrete details of the revisions, rather than tweaking Article 96 itself, are necessary. But it is the DPJ that should be discussing the content of possible revisions. The LDP has already compiled a draft of constitutional revisions in which the existence of the Self-Defense Forces would be spelled out in Article 9.
民主党は、９６条よりも改正の具体的な中身の議論が必要との見解を示しているが、中身の議論が求められるのは、むしろ民主党の方ではないか。自民党は既に、９条に自衛隊の存在を書き込むなど憲法改正の草案をまとめている。
There might be resistance to changing Article 96. This is because the United States and Germany still require an affirmative vote of "two-thirds or more" in their legislatures as a condition for revisions, although they do not hold national referendums on proposed changes to their constitutions. These countries have altered their top laws many times. Why has Japan been unable to do the same?
９６条の改正には反論もあろう。国民投票はないものの、米国やドイツは議会の「３分の２以上」の賛成などを改正の条件としているからだ。そうした国々が何度も憲法を改正してきたのに、日本はなぜそれができなかったのか。
Systemic obstacles
After World War II, the Japan Socialist Party, which championed the principle of unarmed neutrality, and other political parties held a degree of power in the Diet. They trumpeted that militarism would be revived if the Constitution was revised. The LDP, for its part, promoted policies that put the economy first and shied away from making an active commitment to revise the Constitution.
戦後、非武装・中立を掲げる社会党などが一定の勢力を占め、憲法を改正すれば軍国主義が復活すると喧伝(けんでん)した。自民党も経済優先路線を推し進めて、憲法改正に積極的に取り組まなくなった。
The electoral system also has hindered constitutional revision. Since the multiple-seat constituency system was introduced, no ruling party has held two-thirds or more of the seats in both Diet chambers. Under the current system, in which proportional representation elections that give consideration to small parties were introduced in parts of both houses, it became difficult for ruling parties to secure at least two-thirds of the seats in either chamber--until the House of Representatives election in December.
選挙制度も足かせだった。中選挙区制時代から衆参そろって政権与党が「３分の２以上」を確保できた例はない。現行制度も、衆参いずれも小政党に配慮した比例代表選を一部導入しており、昨年末の衆院選までは難しかった。
July's upper house election could, depending on the results, create conditions in which constitutional revision will become realistically possible for the first time. The upcoming election is extremely important because it will also affect Japan's future course.
７月の参院選は、結果次第で初めて憲法改正が可能な状況が生まれよう。日本の針路にもかかわる、極めて重要な選挙となる。
There are a wide array of points to be discussed regarding the Constitution, including Article 96, the preamble, national security, the bicameral system, local autonomy and environmental rights. Each party should actively debate these matters.
憲法の論点は９６条をはじめ、前文、安全保障、二院制、地方自治、環境権など幅広い。各党は積極的に論戦を展開すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 17, 2013)
（2013年4月17日01時21分 読売新聞）
2013年04月19日
教育委員会改革 機能の立て直しをどう図るか
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 17, 2013
Functions of boards of education must be rebuilt in stable manner
教育委員会改革 機能の立て直しをどう図るか（4月16日付・読売社説）
The Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, which works directly under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has submitted to Abe its second set of proposals calling for drastic reform of the education board system.
安倍首相直属の教育再生実行会議が、教育委員会制度の抜本的な改革を求める第２次提言をまとめ、首相に提出した。
In the proposals, the council clearly states that the superintendent of a board of education, who is appointed by the head of a local government with the consent of a local assembly, is responsible for educational administration. The head of the local government also has the right to dismiss the superintendent under the proposals.
提言は、自治体の首長が議会の同意を得て任命する教育長を、教育行政の責任者として明確に位置づけた。首長には教育長の罷免権も付与した。
The proposals are aimed at transforming the education board system. Currently, board members and other experts make decisions without any input from the head of a local government.
首長から独立し、有識者など複数の教育委員の合議で意思決定を行ってきた現行の教委制度の転換を図る内容と言える。
It has come to light that local boards of education around the country have failed to function properly in dealing with such incidents as one involving an Otsu middle school boy who committed suicide in 2011, apparently due to bullying at school.
大津市のいじめ自殺事件などの対応を巡り、各地で教委の機能不全が露呈している。
Prompt action essential
The government's Central Council for Education plans to study the proposals further.
政府は提言内容について、中央教育審議会でさらに検討を重ねる方針だ。
We hope the panel's assessment of the proposals will lead to rebuilding the educational administration at the local level.
地方の教育行政の立て直しにつなげてもらいたい。
Under the current system, local boards of education have a chairperson representing the board and a superintendent in charge of administrative work. This has raised questions about who is responsible for educational administration.
現行制度では、教育委員会の中に、代表者である教育委員長と、実務を統括する教育長が併存しており、責任の所在があいまいだとの批判がある。
Except for the superintendent, board members are appointed on a nonregular basis, and they hold meetings only a few times a month. The board's deliberations, therefore, tend to be a mere formality.
教育長以外の委員は非常勤で、会議も月に数回程度しか開かれない。このため、審議が形骸化し、いじめや体罰など重大事案が起きた際、迅速な対応がとれないという弊害も顕在化していた。
It has recently become apparent that they often fail to take prompt action when serious incidents occur, such as bullying and corporal punishment.
教育長に責任と権限を一元化することで、こうした問題点を是正し、教育行政の機動性を高めようとする狙いは理解できる。
The proposals are aimed at correcting these shortcomings and enhancing the board's maneuverability in implementing educational administration with the responsibility and power centering on the superintendent.
However, under the proposals, the authority for the personnel management of teachers and school officials and the selection of textbooks will be the responsibility of the superintendent.
Certain checks and balances are needed to prevent the superintendent from adopting biased policies.
新たな教育長には、教職員人事や教科書採択などの権限が集中することが想定される。教育長が偏った方針の下で暴走しないよう、その業務をチェックする仕組みが不可欠だ。
In light of this, the proposals are calling for the maintenance of the education board system, rather than abolishing it. When the superintendent decides on basic policies and other key issues, the proposals call for these issues to be discussed by the entire board.
提言が、教育委員会を廃止せずに存続させたのは、まさにそのためである。教育長が基本方針などを決める際には、教委で審議することを求めている。
The method of appointing board members also holds the key for the new boards of education to monitor educational administration.
新たな教育委員会が教育行政に対する監視機能を果たすには、委員の任命方法も重要となる。
Political neutrality
The political neutrality of educational administration is essential, as the head of a local government would be empowered with the right to dismiss the superintendent. It is obvious the intentions of the head of a local government will be reflected, more than ever, in educational administration.
首長が教育長の任免権を持つことにより、教育行政の政治的中立性が十分に確保できるかという問題もある。従来に比べ、首長の意向がより強く反映されるようになるのは間違いない。
Will the head of a local government appoint someone who exercises little discretion in educational administration merely because he or she shares the same political beliefs?
首長が自らの政治的信条に合致しているというだけの理由で、教育行政の見識に欠ける人物を教育長に据えるといった事態は生じないだろうか。
Should the educational targets and policies change significantly every time a new head of a local government is elected, it would cause great confusion among teachers at local schools.
首長が選挙で代わるごとに、教育の目標や方針が大きく変更されるようになれば、学校現場の混乱は避けられまい。
Even if the makeup of an education board changes, it is important to maintain the stability and continuity of educational administration.
教育委員会の在り方は変わっても、教育行政の安定性や継続性を保つことが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2013)
（2013年4月16日01時05分 読売新聞）
Functions of boards of education must be rebuilt in stable manner
教育委員会改革 機能の立て直しをどう図るか（4月16日付・読売社説）
The Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, which works directly under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has submitted to Abe its second set of proposals calling for drastic reform of the education board system.
安倍首相直属の教育再生実行会議が、教育委員会制度の抜本的な改革を求める第２次提言をまとめ、首相に提出した。
In the proposals, the council clearly states that the superintendent of a board of education, who is appointed by the head of a local government with the consent of a local assembly, is responsible for educational administration. The head of the local government also has the right to dismiss the superintendent under the proposals.
提言は、自治体の首長が議会の同意を得て任命する教育長を、教育行政の責任者として明確に位置づけた。首長には教育長の罷免権も付与した。
The proposals are aimed at transforming the education board system. Currently, board members and other experts make decisions without any input from the head of a local government.
首長から独立し、有識者など複数の教育委員の合議で意思決定を行ってきた現行の教委制度の転換を図る内容と言える。
It has come to light that local boards of education around the country have failed to function properly in dealing with such incidents as one involving an Otsu middle school boy who committed suicide in 2011, apparently due to bullying at school.
大津市のいじめ自殺事件などの対応を巡り、各地で教委の機能不全が露呈している。
Prompt action essential
The government's Central Council for Education plans to study the proposals further.
政府は提言内容について、中央教育審議会でさらに検討を重ねる方針だ。
We hope the panel's assessment of the proposals will lead to rebuilding the educational administration at the local level.
地方の教育行政の立て直しにつなげてもらいたい。
Under the current system, local boards of education have a chairperson representing the board and a superintendent in charge of administrative work. This has raised questions about who is responsible for educational administration.
現行制度では、教育委員会の中に、代表者である教育委員長と、実務を統括する教育長が併存しており、責任の所在があいまいだとの批判がある。
Except for the superintendent, board members are appointed on a nonregular basis, and they hold meetings only a few times a month. The board's deliberations, therefore, tend to be a mere formality.
教育長以外の委員は非常勤で、会議も月に数回程度しか開かれない。このため、審議が形骸化し、いじめや体罰など重大事案が起きた際、迅速な対応がとれないという弊害も顕在化していた。
It has recently become apparent that they often fail to take prompt action when serious incidents occur, such as bullying and corporal punishment.
教育長に責任と権限を一元化することで、こうした問題点を是正し、教育行政の機動性を高めようとする狙いは理解できる。
The proposals are aimed at correcting these shortcomings and enhancing the board's maneuverability in implementing educational administration with the responsibility and power centering on the superintendent.
However, under the proposals, the authority for the personnel management of teachers and school officials and the selection of textbooks will be the responsibility of the superintendent.
Certain checks and balances are needed to prevent the superintendent from adopting biased policies.
新たな教育長には、教職員人事や教科書採択などの権限が集中することが想定される。教育長が偏った方針の下で暴走しないよう、その業務をチェックする仕組みが不可欠だ。
In light of this, the proposals are calling for the maintenance of the education board system, rather than abolishing it. When the superintendent decides on basic policies and other key issues, the proposals call for these issues to be discussed by the entire board.
提言が、教育委員会を廃止せずに存続させたのは、まさにそのためである。教育長が基本方針などを決める際には、教委で審議することを求めている。
The method of appointing board members also holds the key for the new boards of education to monitor educational administration.
新たな教育委員会が教育行政に対する監視機能を果たすには、委員の任命方法も重要となる。
Political neutrality
The political neutrality of educational administration is essential, as the head of a local government would be empowered with the right to dismiss the superintendent. It is obvious the intentions of the head of a local government will be reflected, more than ever, in educational administration.
首長が教育長の任免権を持つことにより、教育行政の政治的中立性が十分に確保できるかという問題もある。従来に比べ、首長の意向がより強く反映されるようになるのは間違いない。
Will the head of a local government appoint someone who exercises little discretion in educational administration merely because he or she shares the same political beliefs?
首長が自らの政治的信条に合致しているというだけの理由で、教育行政の見識に欠ける人物を教育長に据えるといった事態は生じないだろうか。
Should the educational targets and policies change significantly every time a new head of a local government is elected, it would cause great confusion among teachers at local schools.
首長が選挙で代わるごとに、教育の目標や方針が大きく変更されるようになれば、学校現場の混乱は避けられまい。
Even if the makeup of an education board changes, it is important to maintain the stability and continuity of educational administration.
教育委員会の在り方は変わっても、教育行政の安定性や継続性を保つことが肝要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2013)
（2013年4月16日01時05分 読売新聞）
2013年04月18日
ケリー長官来日 対中朝で日米連携を強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 17, 2013
Japan, U.S. should cooperate closely to address China, North Korea issues
ケリー長官来日 対中朝で日米連携を強化せよ（4月16日付・読売社説）
To effectively address North Korea's brinkmanship tactics and China's overbearing diplomacy, it is essential for Japan and the United States to step up cooperation further.
北朝鮮の瀬戸際戦術や中国の威圧的な外交に効果的に対応するには、日米両国が連携を一段と強化することが重要だ。
Visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry held separate talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. They agreed to press North Korea to exercise self-restraint on ballistic missile launches. They also agreed not to allow the country to possess nuclear arms and to urge the country to undertake concrete steps toward denuclearization.
ケリー米国務長官が来日し、安倍首相、岸田外相と個別に会談した。北朝鮮に弾道ミサイルの発射の自制を求めるとともに、北朝鮮の核保有を容認せず、非核化に向けた具体的な行動を促す方針で一致した。
It is a typical tactic of North Korea to intentionally heighten a crisis to try to gain economic assistance through later negotiations. We think Abe rightly pointed out, "It's necessary to make North Korea understand its repeated provocations will not bring about any benefits."
意図的に危機を高めたうえ、交渉を通じて経済支援を得ようとするのは北朝鮮の常套(じょうとう)手段だ。「北朝鮮が挑発行為を繰り返しても、何ら利益にならないことを理解させることが必要だ」との安倍首相の指摘は適切である。
Japan and the United States must not neglect missile defense and other military preparations. At the same time, the two nations must continue dealing with the issue in a coolheaded and resolute manner, through such means as steady implementation of sanctions against North Korea, without excessively responding to its intimidating actions.
日米両国は、ミサイル防衛など軍事的な備えを怠らない一方、恫喝(どうかつ)には過剰に反応せず、対北朝鮮制裁措置を着実に実施するなど、冷静かつ断固たる対応を継続しなければなるまい。
Multilateral cooperation
It also is important that Japan and the United States urge China, which wields a certain amount of influence over North Korea, to fulfill its responsibilities in a proactive manner.
北朝鮮に一定の影響力を持つ中国が前向きな責任を果たすよう、働きかけることも大切だ。
Kerry emphatically said in a speech, "The United States remains open to authentic and credible negotiations on denuclearization."
ケリー長官は講演で、「米国は実現性のある真剣な非核化交渉の用意がある」と強調した。
It is not an easy task to make Pyongyang abandon its nuclear development. But the international community should continue pursuing this goal. North Korea may eventually return to a dialogue-based approach, such as the six-party talks.
北朝鮮に核開発を断念させるのは簡単でないが、国際社会は追求し続けるべきだ。北朝鮮がいずれ６か国協議の再開などの対話路線に戻ることもあるだろう。
In such a scenario, economic assistance must not be provided to North Korea unless that country takes concrete actions. It is necessary for Japan, the United States, China and South Korea to carefully hammer out a workable plan so North Korea will not benefit from its diplomacy of threats.
その際、北朝鮮の具体的行動がないままでの経済支援は禁物だ。北朝鮮の威嚇外交を奏功させないよう、日米中韓４か国が慎重に政策をすり合わせる必要がある。
Territorial, troop issues
In talks with the Japanese foreign minister, Kerry touched on the Senkaku Islands, saying, "We oppose any unilateral or coercive action that would somehow aim at changing the status quo."
ケリー長官は日米外相会談で、尖閣諸島について「一方的、強制的に現状を変えるような行動に反対する」と明言した。
Similar to remarks made by his predecessor, Hillary Clinton, in January, it is significant that Kerry flatly rejected China's apparent attempts to alter Japan's effective control of the islands by force. We consider this the fruit of prior arrangements made by the Japanese side.
１月のクリントン前長官の発言と同様、日本の実効支配を中国が実力で変更することを明確に否定した意義は大きい。日本側の事前調整の成果と言える。
China should not be allowed to employ such tactics as blatantly dispatching government ships and others with an eye toward expanding its territorial rights and maritime interests. It is vitally important for Japan to persistently stress that having China abide by international law and rules is a challenge faced by the entire international community.
強引な公船の派遣などで領有権や海洋権益の拡大を図る中国の手法を通用させてはならない。中国に国際法とルールを順守させることが国際社会にとって共通の課題であると、日本は粘り強く訴えていくことが重要である。
In the foreign ministerial talks, the third of their kind since Kerry assumed the post in February, Kishida and Kerry also confirmed the two nations would steadily move ahead in the process for the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan. This includes the planned relocation of Futenma Air Station to the Henoko district in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, and the transfer of some U.S. marines from the prefecture to Guam. They also confirmed they would steadily work toward Japan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks.
ケリー長官の２月の就任以来３回目となった日米外相会談では、普天間飛行場の辺野古移設、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転など在日米軍再編や、日本の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加を着実に進めることも確認した。
On enhancing Japan-U.S. cooperation in policies toward North Korea and China, Tokyo and Washington are expected to make progress on underlying bilateral issues through frequent dialogues.
北朝鮮、中国政策での日米協調を高めるためにも、頻繁な対話を通じて、日米間の課題を前進させることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2013)
（2013年4月16日01時05分 読売新聞）
Japan, U.S. should cooperate closely to address China, North Korea issues
ケリー長官来日 対中朝で日米連携を強化せよ（4月16日付・読売社説）
To effectively address North Korea's brinkmanship tactics and China's overbearing diplomacy, it is essential for Japan and the United States to step up cooperation further.
北朝鮮の瀬戸際戦術や中国の威圧的な外交に効果的に対応するには、日米両国が連携を一段と強化することが重要だ。
Visiting U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry held separate talks with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida. They agreed to press North Korea to exercise self-restraint on ballistic missile launches. They also agreed not to allow the country to possess nuclear arms and to urge the country to undertake concrete steps toward denuclearization.
ケリー米国務長官が来日し、安倍首相、岸田外相と個別に会談した。北朝鮮に弾道ミサイルの発射の自制を求めるとともに、北朝鮮の核保有を容認せず、非核化に向けた具体的な行動を促す方針で一致した。
It is a typical tactic of North Korea to intentionally heighten a crisis to try to gain economic assistance through later negotiations. We think Abe rightly pointed out, "It's necessary to make North Korea understand its repeated provocations will not bring about any benefits."
意図的に危機を高めたうえ、交渉を通じて経済支援を得ようとするのは北朝鮮の常套(じょうとう)手段だ。「北朝鮮が挑発行為を繰り返しても、何ら利益にならないことを理解させることが必要だ」との安倍首相の指摘は適切である。
Japan and the United States must not neglect missile defense and other military preparations. At the same time, the two nations must continue dealing with the issue in a coolheaded and resolute manner, through such means as steady implementation of sanctions against North Korea, without excessively responding to its intimidating actions.
日米両国は、ミサイル防衛など軍事的な備えを怠らない一方、恫喝(どうかつ)には過剰に反応せず、対北朝鮮制裁措置を着実に実施するなど、冷静かつ断固たる対応を継続しなければなるまい。
Multilateral cooperation
It also is important that Japan and the United States urge China, which wields a certain amount of influence over North Korea, to fulfill its responsibilities in a proactive manner.
北朝鮮に一定の影響力を持つ中国が前向きな責任を果たすよう、働きかけることも大切だ。
Kerry emphatically said in a speech, "The United States remains open to authentic and credible negotiations on denuclearization."
ケリー長官は講演で、「米国は実現性のある真剣な非核化交渉の用意がある」と強調した。
It is not an easy task to make Pyongyang abandon its nuclear development. But the international community should continue pursuing this goal. North Korea may eventually return to a dialogue-based approach, such as the six-party talks.
北朝鮮に核開発を断念させるのは簡単でないが、国際社会は追求し続けるべきだ。北朝鮮がいずれ６か国協議の再開などの対話路線に戻ることもあるだろう。
In such a scenario, economic assistance must not be provided to North Korea unless that country takes concrete actions. It is necessary for Japan, the United States, China and South Korea to carefully hammer out a workable plan so North Korea will not benefit from its diplomacy of threats.
その際、北朝鮮の具体的行動がないままでの経済支援は禁物だ。北朝鮮の威嚇外交を奏功させないよう、日米中韓４か国が慎重に政策をすり合わせる必要がある。
Territorial, troop issues
In talks with the Japanese foreign minister, Kerry touched on the Senkaku Islands, saying, "We oppose any unilateral or coercive action that would somehow aim at changing the status quo."
ケリー長官は日米外相会談で、尖閣諸島について「一方的、強制的に現状を変えるような行動に反対する」と明言した。
Similar to remarks made by his predecessor, Hillary Clinton, in January, it is significant that Kerry flatly rejected China's apparent attempts to alter Japan's effective control of the islands by force. We consider this the fruit of prior arrangements made by the Japanese side.
１月のクリントン前長官の発言と同様、日本の実効支配を中国が実力で変更することを明確に否定した意義は大きい。日本側の事前調整の成果と言える。
China should not be allowed to employ such tactics as blatantly dispatching government ships and others with an eye toward expanding its territorial rights and maritime interests. It is vitally important for Japan to persistently stress that having China abide by international law and rules is a challenge faced by the entire international community.
強引な公船の派遣などで領有権や海洋権益の拡大を図る中国の手法を通用させてはならない。中国に国際法とルールを順守させることが国際社会にとって共通の課題であると、日本は粘り強く訴えていくことが重要である。
In the foreign ministerial talks, the third of their kind since Kerry assumed the post in February, Kishida and Kerry also confirmed the two nations would steadily move ahead in the process for the realignment of U.S. forces in Japan. This includes the planned relocation of Futenma Air Station to the Henoko district in Nago, Okinawa Prefecture, and the transfer of some U.S. marines from the prefecture to Guam. They also confirmed they would steadily work toward Japan joining the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade talks.
ケリー長官の２月の就任以来３回目となった日米外相会談では、普天間飛行場の辺野古移設、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転など在日米軍再編や、日本の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加を着実に進めることも確認した。
On enhancing Japan-U.S. cooperation in policies toward North Korea and China, Tokyo and Washington are expected to make progress on underlying bilateral issues through frequent dialogues.
北朝鮮、中国政策での日米協調を高めるためにも、頻繁な対話を通じて、日米間の課題を前進させることが求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2013)
（2013年4月16日01時05分 読売新聞）
2013年04月17日
衆院選挙制度 「格差」と定数削減は別問題だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 16, 2013
Don't lump 'vote value disparity' issue with planned cuts in lawmakers
衆院選挙制度 「格差」と定数削減は別問題だ（4月14日付・読売社説）
Both the ruling and opposition camps must place top priority on resolving what the judiciary has described as a "state of unconstitutionality" in the House of Representatives electoral system, and do everything possible to enact a bill that will alleviate the problem.
与野党は、「違憲」状態の解消を最優先し、法案の速やかな成立を図るべきである。
The government has presented to the lower house a bill that would change the demarcation of the chamber's single-seat constituencies by revising the Public Offices Election Law, with the aim of trimming the number of first-past-the-post districts by five to 295 from the current 300.
政府が、衆院小選挙区定数の「０増５減」を実現する区割り法案（公職選挙法改正案）を衆院に提出した。
The bill would revamp 42 single-seat districts of 17 prefectures, including Tokyo, based on recommendations submitted in March to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by an expert panel tasked with rezoning lower house constituencies.
法案は、衆院選挙区画定審議会が３月に安倍首相に勧告した区割り改定案に基づき、１７都県４２選挙区を見直すものだ。
If the bill becomes law, disparities in the weight of each vote on the basis of the 2010 national census will fall below 2:1 between the most and least populated districts, the ratio the Supreme Court has ruled as "being within the bounds of reasonableness."
２０１０年国勢調査に基づく「１票の格差」は、最高裁が「合理的」と判断する２倍未満に縮小される。
No consensus on reform
In 17 administrative lawsuits filed over vote value disparity in the previous lower house election in December, high courts have handed down rulings of "unconstitutionality" in 15 of them. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the issue as early as this autumn.
先の衆院選での「１票の格差」を巡る行政訴訟１７件のうち、各高裁は１５件の「違憲」判断を示した。一連の訴訟について、最高裁は今秋にも判決を出すとみられる。
Given that this will have a bearing on its makeup, it is only natural that the the Diet should rectify state of unconstitutionality.
国会の姿勢としても、違憲状態の是正を図るのが筋だろう。
However, most opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Japan, are poised to oppose the bill.
ところが、民主党など大半の野党は、法案に反対する構えだ。
They say the bill would not abolish the system under which each of the 47 prefectures is automatically allocated one single-seat constituency, and the remainder of seats is apportioned among them, according to their populations. A 2011 Supreme Court ruling said this system should be scrapped because it was a major cause of vote value disparities.
最高裁は、各都道府県にまず１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因だとし、廃止を求めたが、今回の法案には別枠方式が残っているからだという。
DPJ Secretary General Goshi Hosono insists the government-submitted bill for eliminating five single-seat districts "doesn't go far enough to eliminate the state of unconstitutionality." He has called for consultations between the ruling and opposition blocs on drastically reforming the lower house electoral system, including slashing the large number of seats in the chamber.
民主党の細野幹事長は、「０増５減では、違憲状態の解消には不十分だ」と述べ、大幅な定数削減を含む抜本改革に向けた与野党協議を求めている。
It should be remembered, however, the DPJ agreed in November to a bill that would establish a framework for pruning five single-seat constituencies from the chamber. The party's latest tactic smacks of opportunism.
だが、民主党は昨年１１月、０増５減の大枠を決めた選挙制度改革法には賛成したはずだ。ご都合主義ではないか。
The parties remain far apart in their thinking on how the electoral system should be reformed. Given the slim chances of forming a consensus on this issue, it is the minimum responsibility of the legislature to pass into law as quickly as possible the bill to erase five seats.
抜本改革に関する各党の主張の隔たりは大きい。合意形成が困難である以上、０増５減の区割り法案を早期に成立させることが立法府の最低限の責務だ。
Fundamentally, the arguments by many parties for advocating reforms by linking them with the issue of reducing lower house seats are not reasonable.
そもそも、多くの政党が定数削減と絡めた改革案を唱えていること自体がおかしい。
In an apparent bid to justify its position, the DPJ insists Diet members should be willing to put themselves on the line to obtain public support for higher burdens the people will face due to looming increases in the consumption tax rate. The DPJ assertion, however, is completely unrelated to the issue of rectifying vote value gaps.
民主党は消費増税で国民に負担を求めるため、国会議員の身を切る必要があると言うが、「１票の格差」是正とは次元の異なる問題である。
Revote may be inevitable
We have doubts about the debates among the parties that are seemingly vying over the number of seats to be cut. This seems little more than a populist tactic to garner support as the House of Councillors election draws near.
定数の削減数を競うような議論は疑問だ。参院選を前に国民受けを狙ったポピュリズム（大衆迎合主義）そのものではないか。
Japan has relatively few legislators per head of population compared with other developed nations. The legislature must ensure it functions to properly oversee the actions of the administration by representing the opinions of a wide spectrum of the public.
日本の国会議員の定数は、他の先進国と比較すると、人口比ではかなり少ない。様々な民意を幅広くすくい上げ、適切な行政監視機能を確保する必要もある。
The ruling parties have floated an idea to make the bill, if it is voted down or is not put to a vote in the upper house due to a failure to agree on terms with the opposition, passed into law through a revote in the lower house in accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution.
与党内では、野党との合意がまとまらずに参院で法案が否決、あるいは採決されない場合、憲法５９条に基づいて衆院で再可決し、成立させる案が浮上している。
Time is running out, as the current Diet session will be adjourned in June. The Diet must not let the "unconstitutionality" issue go unaddressed any longer. Under the circumstances, the government may have no option but to take a revote to legislate the bill as an emergency step.
６月の会期末まで、時間は限られている。これ以上、「違憲」は放置できない。緊急措置としての再可決もやむを得ないだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 14, 2013)
（2013年4月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
Don't lump 'vote value disparity' issue with planned cuts in lawmakers
衆院選挙制度 「格差」と定数削減は別問題だ（4月14日付・読売社説）
Both the ruling and opposition camps must place top priority on resolving what the judiciary has described as a "state of unconstitutionality" in the House of Representatives electoral system, and do everything possible to enact a bill that will alleviate the problem.
与野党は、「違憲」状態の解消を最優先し、法案の速やかな成立を図るべきである。
The government has presented to the lower house a bill that would change the demarcation of the chamber's single-seat constituencies by revising the Public Offices Election Law, with the aim of trimming the number of first-past-the-post districts by five to 295 from the current 300.
政府が、衆院小選挙区定数の「０増５減」を実現する区割り法案（公職選挙法改正案）を衆院に提出した。
The bill would revamp 42 single-seat districts of 17 prefectures, including Tokyo, based on recommendations submitted in March to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe by an expert panel tasked with rezoning lower house constituencies.
法案は、衆院選挙区画定審議会が３月に安倍首相に勧告した区割り改定案に基づき、１７都県４２選挙区を見直すものだ。
If the bill becomes law, disparities in the weight of each vote on the basis of the 2010 national census will fall below 2:1 between the most and least populated districts, the ratio the Supreme Court has ruled as "being within the bounds of reasonableness."
２０１０年国勢調査に基づく「１票の格差」は、最高裁が「合理的」と判断する２倍未満に縮小される。
No consensus on reform
In 17 administrative lawsuits filed over vote value disparity in the previous lower house election in December, high courts have handed down rulings of "unconstitutionality" in 15 of them. The Supreme Court is expected to rule on the issue as early as this autumn.
先の衆院選での「１票の格差」を巡る行政訴訟１７件のうち、各高裁は１５件の「違憲」判断を示した。一連の訴訟について、最高裁は今秋にも判決を出すとみられる。
Given that this will have a bearing on its makeup, it is only natural that the the Diet should rectify state of unconstitutionality.
国会の姿勢としても、違憲状態の是正を図るのが筋だろう。
However, most opposition parties, including the Democratic Party of Japan, are poised to oppose the bill.
ところが、民主党など大半の野党は、法案に反対する構えだ。
They say the bill would not abolish the system under which each of the 47 prefectures is automatically allocated one single-seat constituency, and the remainder of seats is apportioned among them, according to their populations. A 2011 Supreme Court ruling said this system should be scrapped because it was a major cause of vote value disparities.
最高裁は、各都道府県にまず１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因だとし、廃止を求めたが、今回の法案には別枠方式が残っているからだという。
DPJ Secretary General Goshi Hosono insists the government-submitted bill for eliminating five single-seat districts "doesn't go far enough to eliminate the state of unconstitutionality." He has called for consultations between the ruling and opposition blocs on drastically reforming the lower house electoral system, including slashing the large number of seats in the chamber.
民主党の細野幹事長は、「０増５減では、違憲状態の解消には不十分だ」と述べ、大幅な定数削減を含む抜本改革に向けた与野党協議を求めている。
It should be remembered, however, the DPJ agreed in November to a bill that would establish a framework for pruning five single-seat constituencies from the chamber. The party's latest tactic smacks of opportunism.
だが、民主党は昨年１１月、０増５減の大枠を決めた選挙制度改革法には賛成したはずだ。ご都合主義ではないか。
The parties remain far apart in their thinking on how the electoral system should be reformed. Given the slim chances of forming a consensus on this issue, it is the minimum responsibility of the legislature to pass into law as quickly as possible the bill to erase five seats.
抜本改革に関する各党の主張の隔たりは大きい。合意形成が困難である以上、０増５減の区割り法案を早期に成立させることが立法府の最低限の責務だ。
Fundamentally, the arguments by many parties for advocating reforms by linking them with the issue of reducing lower house seats are not reasonable.
そもそも、多くの政党が定数削減と絡めた改革案を唱えていること自体がおかしい。
In an apparent bid to justify its position, the DPJ insists Diet members should be willing to put themselves on the line to obtain public support for higher burdens the people will face due to looming increases in the consumption tax rate. The DPJ assertion, however, is completely unrelated to the issue of rectifying vote value gaps.
民主党は消費増税で国民に負担を求めるため、国会議員の身を切る必要があると言うが、「１票の格差」是正とは次元の異なる問題である。
Revote may be inevitable
We have doubts about the debates among the parties that are seemingly vying over the number of seats to be cut. This seems little more than a populist tactic to garner support as the House of Councillors election draws near.
定数の削減数を競うような議論は疑問だ。参院選を前に国民受けを狙ったポピュリズム（大衆迎合主義）そのものではないか。
Japan has relatively few legislators per head of population compared with other developed nations. The legislature must ensure it functions to properly oversee the actions of the administration by representing the opinions of a wide spectrum of the public.
日本の国会議員の定数は、他の先進国と比較すると、人口比ではかなり少ない。様々な民意を幅広くすくい上げ、適切な行政監視機能を確保する必要もある。
The ruling parties have floated an idea to make the bill, if it is voted down or is not put to a vote in the upper house due to a failure to agree on terms with the opposition, passed into law through a revote in the lower house in accordance with Article 59 of the Constitution.
与党内では、野党との合意がまとまらずに参院で法案が否決、あるいは採決されない場合、憲法５９条に基づいて衆院で再可決し、成立させる案が浮上している。
Time is running out, as the current Diet session will be adjourned in June. The Diet must not let the "unconstitutionality" issue go unaddressed any longer. Under the circumstances, the government may have no option but to take a revote to legislate the bill as an emergency step.
６月の会期末まで、時間は限られている。これ以上、「違憲」は放置できない。緊急措置としての再可決もやむを得ないだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 14, 2013)
（2013年4月14日01時37分 読売新聞）
2013年04月16日
日米協議決着 ＴＰＰ交渉の勝負はこれから
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 14, 2013
With entry to TPP talks imminent, negotiating challenges await Japan
日米協議決着 ＴＰＰ交渉の勝負はこれから（4月13日付・読売社説）
How can Japan make up for its late entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations? The government must make all-out efforts in the talks.
出遅れによる不利な立場をいかに巻き返すか。政府は総力を挙げて交渉に臨まねばならない。
Japan announced Friday it has completed its bilateral preliminary consultations with the United States, which are viewed as the most crucial step for Japan to enter the TPP talks.
日本の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加に向け、最大のハードルだった米国との事前協議が決着した。
The U.S. administration is now set to notify Congress of its intent to accept Japan's entry into the TPP negotiations. It is expected to obtain formal approval this summer after a 90-day period for congressional procedures.
米国政府は議会に日本の参加を通知し、９０日間の手続きを経て今夏に承認が得られそうだ。
Japan's entry needs to be approved by all 11 countries currently taking part in the TPP talks.
１１か国が進めているＴＰＰ交渉に日本が参加するには、すべての国の同意が必要である。
Canada, Australia and New Zealand, which have yet to endorse Japan's participation, are likely to give the green light soon, finally opening the way for the nation to join the talks. We welcome the prospect that Japan likely will go to the negotiating table as early as July.
態度を保留していたカナダ、豪州、ニュージーランドも近く、同意するとみられ、日本が参加できる条件がようやく整う。７月にも日本が交渉のテーブルに着くめどがついたことを歓迎したい。
Japan makes concessions to U.S.
Among the highlights of the bilateral accord between Japan and the United States, the two countries agreed that U.S. tariffs on imports of Japanese passenger cars and trucks will be phased out over the longest period possible. This is an apparent effort to ease the U.S. auto industry's concerns over expected increases in Japanese auto imports.
日米合意は、米国が日本から輸入する乗用車とトラックにかけている関税率の引き下げと撤廃時期を「最大限に後ろ倒しする」ことがポイントだ。輸入増を警戒する米自動車業界に配慮した。
The two countries also agreed that Japan will refrain from approving new products of Japan Post Insurance Co., the life insurance unit of Japan Post Holdings Co. This agreement addressed a concern among the U.S. insurance sector that business expansion of Japan Post, which is partially funded by the government, would impede fair competition.
日本郵政グループ傘下のかんぽ生命保険による新規事業は凍結する。政府出資が残る日本郵政の業務拡大は「公正な競争を阻害する」という、米保険業界の主張に沿った決着と言える。
In the U.S. Congress, some lawmakers had begun coordinating with the U.S. auto and insurance sectors and other entities to put the brakes on Japan's entry into TPP talks. We think it inevitable for Tokyo to place top priority on early entry into the TPP talks even if that results in making concessions to Washington in the bilateral consultations.
米議会では、自動車や保険業界などと連携して日本参加を牽制(けんせい)する動きが出ていた。日本政府が早期参加の実現を最優先し、米側に譲歩したのはやむを得ない。
The 11 countries are aiming to conclude the TPP negotiations by the end of this year. There is not much time left for Japan. The nation will lose room to maneuver in making trade rules in the TPP framework if its participation is delayed further.
１１か国はＴＰＰ交渉の年内妥結を目指している。残された時間は少なく、日本の参加が遅れれば遅れるほど、通商ルール作りに関与できる余地が狭まるからだ。
Meanwhile, Japan and the United States also confirmed in their bilateral consultations that Japan has certain trade sensitivities regarding agricultural products.
一方、事前協議で「日本には一定の農産品といった慎重に扱うべき事柄がある」とも確認した。
The Liberal Democratic Party has called on the government to treat five agricultural items, including rice and wheat, as exceptions to the tariff elimination being sought under the TPP framework. However, calls for trade liberalization have been strong from participating countries. Japan will be tested on the extent to which it can take advantage of its bilateral agreement with the United States to push for its stance in the negotiations.
自民党はコメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の例外扱いとするよう政府に求めている。各国からの自由化圧力は強く、米国との合意をテコに日本の主張がどこまで認められるかが焦点となろう。
Tough strategy needed
Japan should be wary of Australia and other countries taking up the call to postpone lowering tariffs on Japanese auto imports. This could hamper growth of Japan's exports.
自動車の関税引き下げ先送りを日本に求める動きが豪州などに広がり、輸出拡大にマイナスとなることにも要注意である。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a meeting of key ministers Friday: "We'll face a real challenge to realize our national interests from now on. We'll participate in the negotiations as soon as possible and aim to take the lead in the talks."
安倍首相は１２日の関係閣僚会議で、「国益を実現する本当の勝負はこれからだ。一日も早く交渉に参加し、交渉を主導していきたい」との決意を明らかにした。
We hope the government will enter the negotiations with a tough strategy. Above all, Japan should boost its growth by expanding free trade and taking advantage of the vitality of Asia and other regions.
政府は、したたかな戦略で交渉に当たってもらいたい。なにより大事なのは、自由貿易の拡大でアジアなどの活力を取り込み、日本の成長に弾みを付けることだ。
In parallel with the TPP negotiations, Japan needs to accelerate efforts to beef up its agricultural sector to prepare for global competition that will come after opening markets further.
交渉と並行して、一段の市場開放による国際競争に備え、農業強化策を急ぐ必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 13, 2013)
（2013年4月13日01時14分 読売新聞）
With entry to TPP talks imminent, negotiating challenges await Japan
日米協議決着 ＴＰＰ交渉の勝負はこれから（4月13日付・読売社説）
How can Japan make up for its late entry into the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade negotiations? The government must make all-out efforts in the talks.
出遅れによる不利な立場をいかに巻き返すか。政府は総力を挙げて交渉に臨まねばならない。
Japan announced Friday it has completed its bilateral preliminary consultations with the United States, which are viewed as the most crucial step for Japan to enter the TPP talks.
日本の環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉参加に向け、最大のハードルだった米国との事前協議が決着した。
The U.S. administration is now set to notify Congress of its intent to accept Japan's entry into the TPP negotiations. It is expected to obtain formal approval this summer after a 90-day period for congressional procedures.
米国政府は議会に日本の参加を通知し、９０日間の手続きを経て今夏に承認が得られそうだ。
Japan's entry needs to be approved by all 11 countries currently taking part in the TPP talks.
１１か国が進めているＴＰＰ交渉に日本が参加するには、すべての国の同意が必要である。
Canada, Australia and New Zealand, which have yet to endorse Japan's participation, are likely to give the green light soon, finally opening the way for the nation to join the talks. We welcome the prospect that Japan likely will go to the negotiating table as early as July.
態度を保留していたカナダ、豪州、ニュージーランドも近く、同意するとみられ、日本が参加できる条件がようやく整う。７月にも日本が交渉のテーブルに着くめどがついたことを歓迎したい。
Japan makes concessions to U.S.
Among the highlights of the bilateral accord between Japan and the United States, the two countries agreed that U.S. tariffs on imports of Japanese passenger cars and trucks will be phased out over the longest period possible. This is an apparent effort to ease the U.S. auto industry's concerns over expected increases in Japanese auto imports.
日米合意は、米国が日本から輸入する乗用車とトラックにかけている関税率の引き下げと撤廃時期を「最大限に後ろ倒しする」ことがポイントだ。輸入増を警戒する米自動車業界に配慮した。
The two countries also agreed that Japan will refrain from approving new products of Japan Post Insurance Co., the life insurance unit of Japan Post Holdings Co. This agreement addressed a concern among the U.S. insurance sector that business expansion of Japan Post, which is partially funded by the government, would impede fair competition.
日本郵政グループ傘下のかんぽ生命保険による新規事業は凍結する。政府出資が残る日本郵政の業務拡大は「公正な競争を阻害する」という、米保険業界の主張に沿った決着と言える。
In the U.S. Congress, some lawmakers had begun coordinating with the U.S. auto and insurance sectors and other entities to put the brakes on Japan's entry into TPP talks. We think it inevitable for Tokyo to place top priority on early entry into the TPP talks even if that results in making concessions to Washington in the bilateral consultations.
米議会では、自動車や保険業界などと連携して日本参加を牽制(けんせい)する動きが出ていた。日本政府が早期参加の実現を最優先し、米側に譲歩したのはやむを得ない。
The 11 countries are aiming to conclude the TPP negotiations by the end of this year. There is not much time left for Japan. The nation will lose room to maneuver in making trade rules in the TPP framework if its participation is delayed further.
１１か国はＴＰＰ交渉の年内妥結を目指している。残された時間は少なく、日本の参加が遅れれば遅れるほど、通商ルール作りに関与できる余地が狭まるからだ。
Meanwhile, Japan and the United States also confirmed in their bilateral consultations that Japan has certain trade sensitivities regarding agricultural products.
一方、事前協議で「日本には一定の農産品といった慎重に扱うべき事柄がある」とも確認した。
The Liberal Democratic Party has called on the government to treat five agricultural items, including rice and wheat, as exceptions to the tariff elimination being sought under the TPP framework. However, calls for trade liberalization have been strong from participating countries. Japan will be tested on the extent to which it can take advantage of its bilateral agreement with the United States to push for its stance in the negotiations.
自民党はコメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の例外扱いとするよう政府に求めている。各国からの自由化圧力は強く、米国との合意をテコに日本の主張がどこまで認められるかが焦点となろう。
Tough strategy needed
Japan should be wary of Australia and other countries taking up the call to postpone lowering tariffs on Japanese auto imports. This could hamper growth of Japan's exports.
自動車の関税引き下げ先送りを日本に求める動きが豪州などに広がり、輸出拡大にマイナスとなることにも要注意である。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said at a meeting of key ministers Friday: "We'll face a real challenge to realize our national interests from now on. We'll participate in the negotiations as soon as possible and aim to take the lead in the talks."
安倍首相は１２日の関係閣僚会議で、「国益を実現する本当の勝負はこれからだ。一日も早く交渉に参加し、交渉を主導していきたい」との決意を明らかにした。
We hope the government will enter the negotiations with a tough strategy. Above all, Japan should boost its growth by expanding free trade and taking advantage of the vitality of Asia and other regions.
政府は、したたかな戦略で交渉に当たってもらいたい。なにより大事なのは、自由貿易の拡大でアジアなどの活力を取り込み、日本の成長に弾みを付けることだ。
In parallel with the TPP negotiations, Japan needs to accelerate efforts to beef up its agricultural sector to prepare for global competition that will come after opening markets further.
交渉と並行して、一段の市場開放による国際競争に備え、農業強化策を急ぐ必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 13, 2013)
（2013年4月13日01時14分 読売新聞）
2013年04月15日
「北」瀬戸際外交 予測不能な言動に警戒強めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 14, 2013
World must step up vigilance against North Korea's unpredictable actions
「北」瀬戸際外交 予測不能な言動に警戒強めよ（4月13日付・読売社説）
The international community, including Japan, must unite and deal strictly with North Korea, which is trying to strengthen its nuclear arsenal. We must tighten sanctions against Pyongyang if it launches a ballistic missile.
核戦力強化を図る北朝鮮に、日本を含めた国際社会は足並みをそろえて厳しく対処せねばならない。弾道ミサイルを実際に発射すれば、制裁強化で応じる必要がある。
Foreign ministers from the Group of Eight nations on Thursday adopted a communique urging North Korea to refrain from provocative actions and agreed to tighten sanctions if the country fires a missile. The move is a strong warning to North Korea.
主要８か国（Ｇ８）外相会議は北朝鮮に挑発行為の自制を求める声明を採択し、ミサイル発射なら制裁を強化することで一致した。北朝鮮を強く牽制(けんせい)したものだ。
The international community is now being tested over how it can effectively thwart North Korea's drive to go nuclear.
国際社会には、核武装化を阻止するため、実効性ある対策をどう講じるかが問われている。
North Korea has threatened Japan, the United States and South Korea by name, saying they are potential targets of its preemptive nuclear strike, and declared that it will reactivate its nuclear facilities. The country appears to be preparing to launch one or more ballistic missiles.
北朝鮮は、日本、米国、韓国を名指しして先制核攻撃の対象だと威嚇し、核施設の再稼働を宣言した。弾道ミサイルの発射準備と見られる動きも続いている。
Missile threat
There is a possibility that North Korea may fire missiles capable of reaching the U.S. Pacific island of Guam, Japan and South Korea from mobile launch pads.
米グアム島や、日本、韓国を狙える複数のミサイルを、移動式発射台から撃つ可能性がある。
To prepare for a case in which a missile falls on Japan, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera ordered the Self-Defense Forces to shoot down any missile from North Korea using the missile defense system. The government should take all possible measures to intercept North Korea's missiles.
日本への飛来、落下に備え、ミサイル防衛（ＭＤ）システムで迎撃するため、小野寺防衛相は自衛隊に破壊措置命令を出した。政府は、万全を期してもらいたい。
Repeating threatening words and actions, Pyongyang is seeking nuclear armaments that will menace global peace and security. This is intolerable.
北朝鮮は、威嚇的な言動を繰り返し、世界の平和と安全を脅かす核武装化を進めようとしている。到底看過できない。
North Korea has continued provocative words and actions, which Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said "have reached a level at which they are difficult to tolerate." It is only natural that U.S. President Barack Obama took a firm stance, saying the United States will "take all necessary steps" unless North Korea changes its belligerent attitude.
安倍首相が言う通り、「許し難いレベルと言ってもよい挑発的な言動」の連続だ。オバマ米大統領が、好戦的な姿勢を改めなければ「必要なあらゆる措置をとる」と強い態度を示したのは当然だ。
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to South Korea, China and Japan, which started Friday, has a significant meaning. It is essential for Japan, the United States, South Korea and China to coordinate thoroughly in dealing with North Korea.
ケリー米国務長官が開始した韓国、中国、日本の歴訪は、大きな意味を持つ。日米韓中の４か国が、北朝鮮への対応を、よくすりあわせることが肝要である。
It is problematic that Kim Jong Un, North Korea's supreme leader, does not have strong connections with Chinese leaders and therefore it is unclear how well he understands the international situation.
問題は、北朝鮮の最高指導者、金正恩氏が中国首脳とのパイプも乏しく、国際情勢をどこまで理解しているのか不透明なことだ。
U.S. National Intelligence Director James Clapper said Kim seems "impetuous."
米国のクラッパー国家情報長官は、金正恩氏には「衝動的な面がある」との見方を示している。
Constant concern hangs over his unpredictable words and actions.
その予測不能な言動には、常に不安がつきまとう。
During a ceremony to celebrate the first anniversary of Kim's promotion to first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea on Thursday, a nuclear test and the firing of a long-range ballistic missile were praised as his great achievements.
金正恩氏の朝鮮労働党第１書記就任１周年の記念式典では、核実験と長距離弾道ミサイル発射が大きな業績とたたえられた。
Menacing weaponry
At a plenary meeting of the party's Central Committee held late last month, Kim gave the order to mass-produce "precision and miniaturized nuclear weapons and the means of their delivery" and actively develop "more powerful nuclear weapons."
金正恩氏は、３月末の党中央委員会総会で、「精密化・小型化した核兵器とその運搬手段」の量産化と「より威力ある核兵器」の積極的な開発を指示している。
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Defense, reportedly compiled an analysis that concludes that North Korea has developed a nuclear weapon that can be mounted on a missile.
北朝鮮がミサイルに搭載可能な核兵器を開発したとの分析を、米国防総省傘下の国防情報局（ＤＩＡ）がまとめたともされる。
The international community should make efforts to grasp the actual situation of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development and further strengthen vigilance and measures against the country.
国際社会は核・ミサイル開発の実態の把握に努め、警戒と対策を一層強化すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 13, 2013)
（2013年4月13日01時14分 読売新聞）
World must step up vigilance against North Korea's unpredictable actions
「北」瀬戸際外交 予測不能な言動に警戒強めよ（4月13日付・読売社説）
The international community, including Japan, must unite and deal strictly with North Korea, which is trying to strengthen its nuclear arsenal. We must tighten sanctions against Pyongyang if it launches a ballistic missile.
核戦力強化を図る北朝鮮に、日本を含めた国際社会は足並みをそろえて厳しく対処せねばならない。弾道ミサイルを実際に発射すれば、制裁強化で応じる必要がある。
Foreign ministers from the Group of Eight nations on Thursday adopted a communique urging North Korea to refrain from provocative actions and agreed to tighten sanctions if the country fires a missile. The move is a strong warning to North Korea.
主要８か国（Ｇ８）外相会議は北朝鮮に挑発行為の自制を求める声明を採択し、ミサイル発射なら制裁を強化することで一致した。北朝鮮を強く牽制(けんせい)したものだ。
The international community is now being tested over how it can effectively thwart North Korea's drive to go nuclear.
国際社会には、核武装化を阻止するため、実効性ある対策をどう講じるかが問われている。
North Korea has threatened Japan, the United States and South Korea by name, saying they are potential targets of its preemptive nuclear strike, and declared that it will reactivate its nuclear facilities. The country appears to be preparing to launch one or more ballistic missiles.
北朝鮮は、日本、米国、韓国を名指しして先制核攻撃の対象だと威嚇し、核施設の再稼働を宣言した。弾道ミサイルの発射準備と見られる動きも続いている。
Missile threat
There is a possibility that North Korea may fire missiles capable of reaching the U.S. Pacific island of Guam, Japan and South Korea from mobile launch pads.
米グアム島や、日本、韓国を狙える複数のミサイルを、移動式発射台から撃つ可能性がある。
To prepare for a case in which a missile falls on Japan, Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera ordered the Self-Defense Forces to shoot down any missile from North Korea using the missile defense system. The government should take all possible measures to intercept North Korea's missiles.
日本への飛来、落下に備え、ミサイル防衛（ＭＤ）システムで迎撃するため、小野寺防衛相は自衛隊に破壊措置命令を出した。政府は、万全を期してもらいたい。
Repeating threatening words and actions, Pyongyang is seeking nuclear armaments that will menace global peace and security. This is intolerable.
北朝鮮は、威嚇的な言動を繰り返し、世界の平和と安全を脅かす核武装化を進めようとしている。到底看過できない。
North Korea has continued provocative words and actions, which Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said "have reached a level at which they are difficult to tolerate." It is only natural that U.S. President Barack Obama took a firm stance, saying the United States will "take all necessary steps" unless North Korea changes its belligerent attitude.
安倍首相が言う通り、「許し難いレベルと言ってもよい挑発的な言動」の連続だ。オバマ米大統領が、好戦的な姿勢を改めなければ「必要なあらゆる措置をとる」と強い態度を示したのは当然だ。
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry's visit to South Korea, China and Japan, which started Friday, has a significant meaning. It is essential for Japan, the United States, South Korea and China to coordinate thoroughly in dealing with North Korea.
ケリー米国務長官が開始した韓国、中国、日本の歴訪は、大きな意味を持つ。日米韓中の４か国が、北朝鮮への対応を、よくすりあわせることが肝要である。
It is problematic that Kim Jong Un, North Korea's supreme leader, does not have strong connections with Chinese leaders and therefore it is unclear how well he understands the international situation.
問題は、北朝鮮の最高指導者、金正恩氏が中国首脳とのパイプも乏しく、国際情勢をどこまで理解しているのか不透明なことだ。
U.S. National Intelligence Director James Clapper said Kim seems "impetuous."
米国のクラッパー国家情報長官は、金正恩氏には「衝動的な面がある」との見方を示している。
Constant concern hangs over his unpredictable words and actions.
その予測不能な言動には、常に不安がつきまとう。
During a ceremony to celebrate the first anniversary of Kim's promotion to first secretary of the Workers' Party of Korea on Thursday, a nuclear test and the firing of a long-range ballistic missile were praised as his great achievements.
金正恩氏の朝鮮労働党第１書記就任１周年の記念式典では、核実験と長距離弾道ミサイル発射が大きな業績とたたえられた。
Menacing weaponry
At a plenary meeting of the party's Central Committee held late last month, Kim gave the order to mass-produce "precision and miniaturized nuclear weapons and the means of their delivery" and actively develop "more powerful nuclear weapons."
金正恩氏は、３月末の党中央委員会総会で、「精密化・小型化した核兵器とその運搬手段」の量産化と「より威力ある核兵器」の積極的な開発を指示している。
The U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency, under the umbrella of the U.S. Department of Defense, reportedly compiled an analysis that concludes that North Korea has developed a nuclear weapon that can be mounted on a missile.
北朝鮮がミサイルに搭載可能な核兵器を開発したとの分析を、米国防総省傘下の国防情報局（ＤＩＡ）がまとめたともされる。
The international community should make efforts to grasp the actual situation of Pyongyang's nuclear and missile development and further strengthen vigilance and measures against the country.
国際社会は核・ミサイル開発の実態の把握に努め、警戒と対策を一層強化すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 13, 2013)
（2013年4月13日01時14分 読売新聞）
2013年04月14日
老いる大都市圏 介護の担い手をどう確保する
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 13, 2013
EDITORIAL / Secure nursing care staffers as major urban areas go gray
老いる大都市圏 介護の担い手をどう確保する（4月12日付・読売社説）
How to respond to the need for medical and nursing care in major urban areas, which will sharply rise in coming years, is a grave theme in social security policy.
大都市圏で急増していく医療・介護のニーズにどう対応するか。
社会保障政策の重い課題だ。
In the 30 years from 2010, Tokyo and the prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba and Aichi, among others, will see huge jumps in the number of residents aged 65 or older. This was revealed in a recent survey by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research on population projections for specific regions.
東京、神奈川、埼玉、千葉、愛知――。２０１０年から３０年間で、６５歳以上の人口が増える比率の高い都県だ。国立社会保障・人口問題研究所がまとめた「地域別将来推計人口」で明らかになった。
In Saitama and Kanagawa prefectures, the number of residents who are 75 or older--a group with higher need for medical and nursing care services--will double during the period.
中でも埼玉、神奈川両県では、医療や介護の必要性が高まる７５歳以上の人口が倍増する。
Urban areas will gray as generations who moved there from regional areas during the period of rapid economic growth become senior citizens. Rural society is already graying as depopulation has steadily continued in farming village areas, and the trend will spread to major urban areas.
都市部の高齢化は、高度成長期に職を求めて地方から都会に出てきた世代が高齢期を迎えるためだ。過疎化の進む農村部で先行していた地域社会の高齢化の波が、大都市圏にも押し寄せる。
In such a situation, it is indispensable to improve facilities for the aged, including special nursing care homes for the elderly. Such facilities have the advantage of being able to take care of many elderly people with a limited number of nursing care staff.
特別養護老人ホームなど高齢者施設の拡充が欠かせない。限られた介護職員で多数の入所者をケアできるというメリットがある。
However, it is not easy to construct new facilities in urban areas, where land prices are high. The lack of facilities for the aged will worsen in the future.
ただ、地価が高い都市部で施設の新設は容易でない。施設不足は今後一段と深刻になるだろう。
We hope each local government will wisely prepare facilities for the aged by, for instance, utilizing the buildings of schools that are no longer in use.
各自治体は、廃校になった校舎を活用するなど、施設整備に知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
Home care needed
It is also important to create an environment in which people can receive sufficient medical and nursing care at their homes. Expectations are running high for the 24-hour home-visit nursing care service that the government launched last year. Nurses or nursing care staff visit the homes of aged people several times a day, and can also respond to emergency calls.
在宅で十分な医療・介護を受けられるようにすることも重要だ。政府が昨年始めた「２４時間型訪問介護サービス」への期待は大きい。介護職員や看護師が高齢者宅を１日数回訪問し、緊急の呼び出しにも応じる仕組みだ。
However, this service has not been used widely: Less than 10 percent of local governments in the nation have introduced it so far.
Nursing care service providers are hesitant to adopt the service due to such burdens as responding to midnight calls. Difficulty securing nurses, a condition for entering the market, is said to be another cause.
ところが、このサービスは普及していない。導入した自治体は全体の１割に満たない。夜間の呼び出しなどが負担で事業者が敬遠している。参入条件である看護師の確保が難しいのも一因という。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry must study measures to improve the situation, such as easing conditions for participating in the market.
厚生労働省は、参入条件の緩和などを検討すべきだ。
It is also important to secure nursing care staff. Even people who have experience in this area often stop working due to marriage and childbirth. An environment has to be created in which such people can continue to work in nursing care while rearing their children, by solving the problem of the long waiting list to enroll children in licensed day care centers, among other things.
介護職員の確保も重要である。介護のノウハウを持っていても、結婚や出産で辞める人は多い。保育所の待機児童の解消など、子育てをしながら働き続けられる環境を整えねばならない。
It is also necessary to improve salaries in this business sector, which are lower than in other industries.
他の産業に比べ低い賃金水準を改善する必要もある。
Single men face isolation
The number of elderly men living alone in urban areas will sharply increase in the future, much more than single elderly women. This is going to be a big problem.
A major reason is that the percentage of unmarried men currently in their 30s and 40s is rising due to such factors as the increase in non-regular employees, who are paid less than regular full-time workers.
都市部では今後、独り暮らしの高齢男性が女性以上に急増することが大きな問題となろう。収入が低い非正規雇用の増加などで、現在３０〜４０歳代の男性の未婚率が上昇していることが要因だ。
Single people cannot expect family members to provide nursing care when they become old. They tend to have tenuous connections to their neighbors and become alienated.
単身者は家族による介護が期待できない。近隣との結びつきが乏しく、孤立しがちだ。
The urban graying problem must be discussed, including such factors as employment, salaries and an appropriate way for the public to bear the burdens. We hope the government's National Council on Social Security System Reform will deepen its discussions on these issues.
都市部の高齢化問題については雇用や賃金制度、さらに国民の負担のあり方も含めて検討することが欠かせない。政府の社会保障制度改革国民会議は、こうした視点からも議論を深めてほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 12, 2013)
（2013年4月12日01時42分 読売新聞）
EDITORIAL / Secure nursing care staffers as major urban areas go gray
老いる大都市圏 介護の担い手をどう確保する（4月12日付・読売社説）
How to respond to the need for medical and nursing care in major urban areas, which will sharply rise in coming years, is a grave theme in social security policy.
大都市圏で急増していく医療・介護のニーズにどう対応するか。
社会保障政策の重い課題だ。
In the 30 years from 2010, Tokyo and the prefectures of Kanagawa, Saitama, Chiba and Aichi, among others, will see huge jumps in the number of residents aged 65 or older. This was revealed in a recent survey by the National Institute of Population and Social Security Research on population projections for specific regions.
東京、神奈川、埼玉、千葉、愛知――。２０１０年から３０年間で、６５歳以上の人口が増える比率の高い都県だ。国立社会保障・人口問題研究所がまとめた「地域別将来推計人口」で明らかになった。
In Saitama and Kanagawa prefectures, the number of residents who are 75 or older--a group with higher need for medical and nursing care services--will double during the period.
中でも埼玉、神奈川両県では、医療や介護の必要性が高まる７５歳以上の人口が倍増する。
Urban areas will gray as generations who moved there from regional areas during the period of rapid economic growth become senior citizens. Rural society is already graying as depopulation has steadily continued in farming village areas, and the trend will spread to major urban areas.
都市部の高齢化は、高度成長期に職を求めて地方から都会に出てきた世代が高齢期を迎えるためだ。過疎化の進む農村部で先行していた地域社会の高齢化の波が、大都市圏にも押し寄せる。
In such a situation, it is indispensable to improve facilities for the aged, including special nursing care homes for the elderly. Such facilities have the advantage of being able to take care of many elderly people with a limited number of nursing care staff.
特別養護老人ホームなど高齢者施設の拡充が欠かせない。限られた介護職員で多数の入所者をケアできるというメリットがある。
However, it is not easy to construct new facilities in urban areas, where land prices are high. The lack of facilities for the aged will worsen in the future.
ただ、地価が高い都市部で施設の新設は容易でない。施設不足は今後一段と深刻になるだろう。
We hope each local government will wisely prepare facilities for the aged by, for instance, utilizing the buildings of schools that are no longer in use.
各自治体は、廃校になった校舎を活用するなど、施設整備に知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
Home care needed
It is also important to create an environment in which people can receive sufficient medical and nursing care at their homes. Expectations are running high for the 24-hour home-visit nursing care service that the government launched last year. Nurses or nursing care staff visit the homes of aged people several times a day, and can also respond to emergency calls.
在宅で十分な医療・介護を受けられるようにすることも重要だ。政府が昨年始めた「２４時間型訪問介護サービス」への期待は大きい。介護職員や看護師が高齢者宅を１日数回訪問し、緊急の呼び出しにも応じる仕組みだ。
However, this service has not been used widely: Less than 10 percent of local governments in the nation have introduced it so far.
Nursing care service providers are hesitant to adopt the service due to such burdens as responding to midnight calls. Difficulty securing nurses, a condition for entering the market, is said to be another cause.
ところが、このサービスは普及していない。導入した自治体は全体の１割に満たない。夜間の呼び出しなどが負担で事業者が敬遠している。参入条件である看護師の確保が難しいのも一因という。
The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry must study measures to improve the situation, such as easing conditions for participating in the market.
厚生労働省は、参入条件の緩和などを検討すべきだ。
It is also important to secure nursing care staff. Even people who have experience in this area often stop working due to marriage and childbirth. An environment has to be created in which such people can continue to work in nursing care while rearing their children, by solving the problem of the long waiting list to enroll children in licensed day care centers, among other things.
介護職員の確保も重要である。介護のノウハウを持っていても、結婚や出産で辞める人は多い。保育所の待機児童の解消など、子育てをしながら働き続けられる環境を整えねばならない。
It is also necessary to improve salaries in this business sector, which are lower than in other industries.
他の産業に比べ低い賃金水準を改善する必要もある。
Single men face isolation
The number of elderly men living alone in urban areas will sharply increase in the future, much more than single elderly women. This is going to be a big problem.
A major reason is that the percentage of unmarried men currently in their 30s and 40s is rising due to such factors as the increase in non-regular employees, who are paid less than regular full-time workers.
都市部では今後、独り暮らしの高齢男性が女性以上に急増することが大きな問題となろう。収入が低い非正規雇用の増加などで、現在３０〜４０歳代の男性の未婚率が上昇していることが要因だ。
Single people cannot expect family members to provide nursing care when they become old. They tend to have tenuous connections to their neighbors and become alienated.
単身者は家族による介護が期待できない。近隣との結びつきが乏しく、孤立しがちだ。
The urban graying problem must be discussed, including such factors as employment, salaries and an appropriate way for the public to bear the burdens. We hope the government's National Council on Social Security System Reform will deepen its discussions on these issues.
都市部の高齢化問題については雇用や賃金制度、さらに国民の負担のあり方も含めて検討することが欠かせない。政府の社会保障制度改革国民会議は、こうした視点からも議論を深めてほしい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 12, 2013)
（2013年4月12日01時42分 読売新聞）
2013年04月13日
日台漁業協定 戦略的外交で「尖閣」を守れ
[The Yomiuri Shimbun] April 12, 2013
Japan-Taiwan fisheries pact strategic diplomacy tool to protect Senkakus
日台漁業協定 戦略的外交で「尖閣」を守れ（4月11日付・読売社説）
The Japan-Taiwan fisheries agreement will have a significant impact on preserving Japan's sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
沖縄県の尖閣諸島における日本の主権を守る上で大きな意味を持つ。
It also demonstrates the direction of the diplomacy being pursued by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to reinforce strategic relations with China's neighbors to keep the country in check.
中国の周辺国・地域との戦略的関係を強化し、中国を牽制(けんせい)する安倍外交の方向性を示したと言える。
Japan and Taiwan reopened official negotiations for the first time in four years over fishing activities in waters near the Senkaku Islands and signed a bilateral agreement on private fishing activities.
日本と台湾が、４年ぶりに尖閣諸島周辺の漁業を巡って本交渉を再開して「日台民間漁業取り決め」で合意し、調印した。
The pillar of the agreement is the establishment of a zone exempt from the fishing-related laws of both Japan and Taiwan within Japan's exclusive economic zone, set outside Japan's territorial waters. This will allow Taiwan fishermen to operate in the zone, in addition to another special cooperative operational zone specified in the agreement.
日本の領海の外に設定された排他的経済水域（ＥＥＺ）の一部に「法令適用除外水域」などを設け、台湾漁船の操業を認めることが柱だ。
The agreement does not allow Taiwan fishing boats to operate in Japanese territorial waters.
日本領海への台湾漁船の立ち入りは、認めていない。
Concerning the Senkaku Islands, both China and Taiwan have claimed territorial rights on the islets. In September last year, many Taiwan fishing boats entered the Japanese territorial waters near the Senkakus. China had called on Taiwan's cooperation in confronting Japan.
尖閣諸島を巡っては、中国だけでなく台湾も領有権を主張している。昨年９月には、台湾の漁船が大挙して尖閣諸島周辺の日本領海に侵入した。中国は、台湾に共闘を呼びかけてもいた。
The latest agreement is aimed at blocking such cooperation between China and Taiwan. The Chinese side immediately expressed "grave concern" over the agreement as it must have felt displeasure over the Japan-Taiwan cooperation.
今回の合意は、こうした中台の連携にくさびを打ち込む狙いがある。中国側がさっそく「重大な懸念」を表明したのは、日台連携への不快感にほかならない。
Negotiations over fishing have been held intermittently between Japan and Taiwan since 1996, but a compromise could not be reached as the two sides butted heads over operational zones and rules, for example.
日台間では１９９６年から漁業交渉が断続的に行われたが、操業水域やルールなどで主張が対立し、折り合えなかった。
The Japanese government asked Taipei to reopen the negotiations in autumn last year, immediately after the Japanese government nationalized some of the Senkaku Islands.
日本政府が台湾に交渉再開を持ちかけたのは昨年秋、尖閣諸島を国有化した直後のことである。
Priority on islands' sovereignty
The call to reopen the talks was based on Japan's diplomatic strategy. Negotiations were led by the Prime Minister's Office. It was a major compromise for Japan on fishing rights as it prioritized protecting the Senkaku Islands. As Taiwan gains practical benefits in expanding its fishing area, the pact thus provides advantages for both sides.
日本の戦略が根底にある。首相官邸主導で、漁業権では譲歩し、尖閣諸島を守ることを優先した。台湾にとっても漁業水域が広がり、実利がとれる。双方にメリットのある内容だと言える。
Yet, the problem is whether the terms of the agreement will be smoothly carried out in the actual fishing areas. Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima was vocal in his protest against the Japanese government.
"It is extremely regrettable a major compromise was made. We'll face fierce competition and the shrinkage of quality fishing areas," Nakaima said.
問題は、合意の内容が、漁業の現場で円滑に運用されるかどうかである。沖縄県の仲井真弘多知事は、「大幅な譲歩は極めて遺憾だ。漁業競合の激化や好漁場の縮小が余儀なくされる」と日本政府に抗議の意を表明している。
In spring, fishing activities pick up and the waters around the Senkaku Islands are good for catching Pacific bluefin tuna and flame snapper, in addition to other fish. The number of fishing boats to work in the zones and the catches must be coordinated to prevent overfishing.
春は漁業が活発化する。尖閣諸島周辺は、クロマグロやハマダイがとれる豊かな漁場だ。出漁する漁船数や漁獲量を調整し、乱獲を防がねばならない。
Japan and Taiwan will establish a joint fisheries committee to put the finishing touches on the agreement.
日台双方は、漁業委員会を設けて詰めの交渉に入る。
To appropriately control fisheries resources, which are common assets for coastal nations, both sides need to proceed with the talks while keeping a broad perspective.
沿岸国の共通の財産である漁業資源を適切に管理することを前提に、双方ともに大局的見地に立って協議を進める必要がある。
Improvement in relations
Fundamentally, Taiwan has been taking a pro-Japanese stance. At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Taiwan provided huge donations. Abe has been taking into consideration the improvement in relations with Taiwan. For instance, at a ceremony to commemorate the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, a place for an official representing Taiwan was prepared alongside seats for the representatives of foreign countries.
台湾はもともと親日的だ。東日本大震災の際には、巨額の義援金を提供した。安倍首相は先月１１日の大震災２周年追悼式で、台湾代表の席を各国代表団と同じ場所にするなど、日台間の関係改善に配慮している。
The latest fisheries agreement will consequently result in reinforcement of the entire scope of Japan-Taiwan relations.
今回の漁業合意は、日台関係全体の強化にもつながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 11, 2013)
（2013年4月11日01時30分 読売新聞）
Japan-Taiwan fisheries pact strategic diplomacy tool to protect Senkakus
日台漁業協定 戦略的外交で「尖閣」を守れ（4月11日付・読売社説）
The Japan-Taiwan fisheries agreement will have a significant impact on preserving Japan's sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
沖縄県の尖閣諸島における日本の主権を守る上で大きな意味を持つ。
It also demonstrates the direction of the diplomacy being pursued by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to reinforce strategic relations with China's neighbors to keep the country in check.
中国の周辺国・地域との戦略的関係を強化し、中国を牽制(けんせい)する安倍外交の方向性を示したと言える。
Japan and Taiwan reopened official negotiations for the first time in four years over fishing activities in waters near the Senkaku Islands and signed a bilateral agreement on private fishing activities.
日本と台湾が、４年ぶりに尖閣諸島周辺の漁業を巡って本交渉を再開して「日台民間漁業取り決め」で合意し、調印した。
The pillar of the agreement is the establishment of a zone exempt from the fishing-related laws of both Japan and Taiwan within Japan's exclusive economic zone, set outside Japan's territorial waters. This will allow Taiwan fishermen to operate in the zone, in addition to another special cooperative operational zone specified in the agreement.
日本の領海の外に設定された排他的経済水域（ＥＥＺ）の一部に「法令適用除外水域」などを設け、台湾漁船の操業を認めることが柱だ。
The agreement does not allow Taiwan fishing boats to operate in Japanese territorial waters.
日本領海への台湾漁船の立ち入りは、認めていない。
Concerning the Senkaku Islands, both China and Taiwan have claimed territorial rights on the islets. In September last year, many Taiwan fishing boats entered the Japanese territorial waters near the Senkakus. China had called on Taiwan's cooperation in confronting Japan.
尖閣諸島を巡っては、中国だけでなく台湾も領有権を主張している。昨年９月には、台湾の漁船が大挙して尖閣諸島周辺の日本領海に侵入した。中国は、台湾に共闘を呼びかけてもいた。
The latest agreement is aimed at blocking such cooperation between China and Taiwan. The Chinese side immediately expressed "grave concern" over the agreement as it must have felt displeasure over the Japan-Taiwan cooperation.
今回の合意は、こうした中台の連携にくさびを打ち込む狙いがある。中国側がさっそく「重大な懸念」を表明したのは、日台連携への不快感にほかならない。
Negotiations over fishing have been held intermittently between Japan and Taiwan since 1996, but a compromise could not be reached as the two sides butted heads over operational zones and rules, for example.
日台間では１９９６年から漁業交渉が断続的に行われたが、操業水域やルールなどで主張が対立し、折り合えなかった。
The Japanese government asked Taipei to reopen the negotiations in autumn last year, immediately after the Japanese government nationalized some of the Senkaku Islands.
日本政府が台湾に交渉再開を持ちかけたのは昨年秋、尖閣諸島を国有化した直後のことである。
Priority on islands' sovereignty
The call to reopen the talks was based on Japan's diplomatic strategy. Negotiations were led by the Prime Minister's Office. It was a major compromise for Japan on fishing rights as it prioritized protecting the Senkaku Islands. As Taiwan gains practical benefits in expanding its fishing area, the pact thus provides advantages for both sides.
日本の戦略が根底にある。首相官邸主導で、漁業権では譲歩し、尖閣諸島を守ることを優先した。台湾にとっても漁業水域が広がり、実利がとれる。双方にメリットのある内容だと言える。
Yet, the problem is whether the terms of the agreement will be smoothly carried out in the actual fishing areas. Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima was vocal in his protest against the Japanese government.
"It is extremely regrettable a major compromise was made. We'll face fierce competition and the shrinkage of quality fishing areas," Nakaima said.
問題は、合意の内容が、漁業の現場で円滑に運用されるかどうかである。沖縄県の仲井真弘多知事は、「大幅な譲歩は極めて遺憾だ。漁業競合の激化や好漁場の縮小が余儀なくされる」と日本政府に抗議の意を表明している。
In spring, fishing activities pick up and the waters around the Senkaku Islands are good for catching Pacific bluefin tuna and flame snapper, in addition to other fish. The number of fishing boats to work in the zones and the catches must be coordinated to prevent overfishing.
春は漁業が活発化する。尖閣諸島周辺は、クロマグロやハマダイがとれる豊かな漁場だ。出漁する漁船数や漁獲量を調整し、乱獲を防がねばならない。
Japan and Taiwan will establish a joint fisheries committee to put the finishing touches on the agreement.
日台双方は、漁業委員会を設けて詰めの交渉に入る。
To appropriately control fisheries resources, which are common assets for coastal nations, both sides need to proceed with the talks while keeping a broad perspective.
沿岸国の共通の財産である漁業資源を適切に管理することを前提に、双方ともに大局的見地に立って協議を進める必要がある。
Improvement in relations
Fundamentally, Taiwan has been taking a pro-Japanese stance. At the time of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Taiwan provided huge donations. Abe has been taking into consideration the improvement in relations with Taiwan. For instance, at a ceremony to commemorate the second anniversary of the Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, a place for an official representing Taiwan was prepared alongside seats for the representatives of foreign countries.
台湾はもともと親日的だ。東日本大震災の際には、巨額の義援金を提供した。安倍首相は先月１１日の大震災２周年追悼式で、台湾代表の席を各国代表団と同じ場所にするなど、日台間の関係改善に配慮している。
The latest fisheries agreement will consequently result in reinforcement of the entire scope of Japan-Taiwan relations.
今回の漁業合意は、日台関係全体の強化にもつながろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 11, 2013)
（2013年4月11日01時30分 読売新聞）
2013年04月12日
サッチャー死去 今なお生きる国家再生の教訓
[The Yomiuri Shimbun] April 11, 2013
EDITORIAL / Thatcher leaves indelible lesson on how to revitalize a nation
サッチャー死去 今なお生きる国家再生の教訓（4月10日付・読売社説）
Margaret Thatcher was a female politician who not only revitalized a sinking Britain but changed the world by playing a key role in ending the Cold War.
衰退しつつあった英国を蘇生させたばかりか、冷戦終結に重要な役割を演じ、世界を変えた女性政治家だった。
Thatcher, who served as British prime minister for 11 years from 1979, died Monday at the age of 87.
１９７９年から１１年間の長きにわたり、英首相を務めたマーガレット・サッチャー氏が８日、８７歳で死去した。
In expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said she was "a great leader who demonstrated a force of will and was a respected politician who devoted herself to her country and people."
安倍首相は「意志の力を身をもって示した偉大なリーダーであり、国家国民のためにすべてをささげた尊敬すべき政治家であった」と、弔意を表した。
Even today, Japan can learn many lessons from Thatcher. Her greatest achievement was carrying out drastic reforms known as Thatcherism.
今なお、日本がサッチャー氏から学ぶべきことは多い。最大の業績は、サッチャリズムと呼ばれる大胆な改革を推進したことだ。
She stood firm against the "British disease"--a reference to the country's recession and financial woes--by promoting a small government. She embraced privatization and took a series of deregulation steps, including the "Big Bang" that transformed financial markets. She also boldly pushed through unpopular measures such as reducing generous welfare services and streamlining the coal mine sector.
「小さな政府」によって、経済停滞と国家財政悪化という「英国病」の病根にメスをいれ、民営化や、金融市場の「ビッグバン」などの規制緩和を断行した。手厚すぎる福祉の抑制や炭鉱合理化など不人気な政策も果敢に進めた。
However, as her economic policy focused mainly on the financial sector, Britain's manufacturing industry waned, widening the rich-poor gap. Despite the negative impact, her reforms are regarded to have laid the groundwork for the country's economic growth from the 1990s.
金融に比重を置くあまり、製造業は弱体化し、貧富の格差が拡大したという負の側面もあったにせよ、改革は９０年代からの経済成長の基礎を作ったと言える。
Impact on Japan
In the wake of Thatcherism, the state-owned Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation and Japanese National Railways were privatized under the administration of then Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, and Japan's version of the "Big Bang" financial reforms were carried out under the administration of then Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.
中曽根政権の電電公社や国鉄の民営化、橋本政権の掲げた日本版ビッグバン（金融制度改革）もサッチャリズムの系譜に連なる。
Along with Reaganomics, the economic policies promoted by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Thatcher managed the remarkable achievement of resuscitating the global economy.
サッチャー氏が、レーガン米大統領のレーガノミクスとの連携で、世界経済の停滞を打開した功績は大きい。
Currently, Japan is trying to turn its economy around under Abenomics. Abe must exert his leadership to implement the necessary measures.
日本は今、アベノミクスで経済再生に取り組んでいる。安倍首相にも実行力が求められよう。
Thatcher's educational reforms have also influenced Abe. In a book, the Japanese prime minister praised her commitment to boosting Britain's educational levels by correcting a "self-deprecating" view of history in education.
サッチャー氏の教育改革は、安倍首相にも影響を与えた。首相は自著で、歴史教育の「自虐的」な偏向の是正と、教育水準の向上を図ったと評価している。
Thatcher's role in international politics is also unforgettable.
サッチャー氏が、国際政治で果たした役割も忘れられない。
When the United States and European countries were divided over U.S. plans to deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe and other issues, Thatcher stressed the need to counter the Soviet Union militarily. She played a pivotal role in unifying the West and ending the Cold War.
米国による中距離核の欧州配備などを巡って米欧の足並みが乱れかけた時、ソ連に軍事面で対抗する必要を説いた。サッチャー氏は、西側陣営の団結、そして冷戦終結の立役者であった。
Maintaining rule of law
The world's spotlight was directed on Thatcher in April 1982 when Argentine forces invaded the British territory of Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. She did not hesitate to send a naval fleet to retake them.
世界が注目したのは８２年４月、アルゼンチン軍が南大西洋の英領フォークランド諸島に侵攻した時のことだ。サッチャー氏は、直ちに英軍艦隊を派遣して諸島の奪還に成功した。
In his recent policy speech, Abe quoted Thatcher who, on reflecting on the Falklands War, said Britain was defending the principle that international law should take precedence over the use of force.
「何よりも国際法が力の行使に勝たなくてはならないという原則を守ろうとしていた」というサッチャー氏の言葉を、安倍首相は施政方針演説で、引用している。
She strongly advocated the protection of territories and sovereignty while abiding by international law. Japan should adopt this kind of firm attitude.
国際法を順守しつつ、領土、主権を断固守る。その強い信念が、今の日本にも問われている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 10, 2013)
（2013年4月10日02時00分 読売新聞）
EDITORIAL / Thatcher leaves indelible lesson on how to revitalize a nation
サッチャー死去 今なお生きる国家再生の教訓（4月10日付・読売社説）
Margaret Thatcher was a female politician who not only revitalized a sinking Britain but changed the world by playing a key role in ending the Cold War.
衰退しつつあった英国を蘇生させたばかりか、冷戦終結に重要な役割を演じ、世界を変えた女性政治家だった。
Thatcher, who served as British prime minister for 11 years from 1979, died Monday at the age of 87.
１９７９年から１１年間の長きにわたり、英首相を務めたマーガレット・サッチャー氏が８日、８７歳で死去した。
In expressing his condolences, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said she was "a great leader who demonstrated a force of will and was a respected politician who devoted herself to her country and people."
安倍首相は「意志の力を身をもって示した偉大なリーダーであり、国家国民のためにすべてをささげた尊敬すべき政治家であった」と、弔意を表した。
Even today, Japan can learn many lessons from Thatcher. Her greatest achievement was carrying out drastic reforms known as Thatcherism.
今なお、日本がサッチャー氏から学ぶべきことは多い。最大の業績は、サッチャリズムと呼ばれる大胆な改革を推進したことだ。
She stood firm against the "British disease"--a reference to the country's recession and financial woes--by promoting a small government. She embraced privatization and took a series of deregulation steps, including the "Big Bang" that transformed financial markets. She also boldly pushed through unpopular measures such as reducing generous welfare services and streamlining the coal mine sector.
「小さな政府」によって、経済停滞と国家財政悪化という「英国病」の病根にメスをいれ、民営化や、金融市場の「ビッグバン」などの規制緩和を断行した。手厚すぎる福祉の抑制や炭鉱合理化など不人気な政策も果敢に進めた。
However, as her economic policy focused mainly on the financial sector, Britain's manufacturing industry waned, widening the rich-poor gap. Despite the negative impact, her reforms are regarded to have laid the groundwork for the country's economic growth from the 1990s.
金融に比重を置くあまり、製造業は弱体化し、貧富の格差が拡大したという負の側面もあったにせよ、改革は９０年代からの経済成長の基礎を作ったと言える。
Impact on Japan
In the wake of Thatcherism, the state-owned Nippon Telegraph and Telephone Public Corporation and Japanese National Railways were privatized under the administration of then Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone, and Japan's version of the "Big Bang" financial reforms were carried out under the administration of then Prime Minister Ryutaro Hashimoto.
中曽根政権の電電公社や国鉄の民営化、橋本政権の掲げた日本版ビッグバン（金融制度改革）もサッチャリズムの系譜に連なる。
Along with Reaganomics, the economic policies promoted by former U.S. President Ronald Reagan, Thatcher managed the remarkable achievement of resuscitating the global economy.
サッチャー氏が、レーガン米大統領のレーガノミクスとの連携で、世界経済の停滞を打開した功績は大きい。
Currently, Japan is trying to turn its economy around under Abenomics. Abe must exert his leadership to implement the necessary measures.
日本は今、アベノミクスで経済再生に取り組んでいる。安倍首相にも実行力が求められよう。
Thatcher's educational reforms have also influenced Abe. In a book, the Japanese prime minister praised her commitment to boosting Britain's educational levels by correcting a "self-deprecating" view of history in education.
サッチャー氏の教育改革は、安倍首相にも影響を与えた。首相は自著で、歴史教育の「自虐的」な偏向の是正と、教育水準の向上を図ったと評価している。
Thatcher's role in international politics is also unforgettable.
サッチャー氏が、国際政治で果たした役割も忘れられない。
When the United States and European countries were divided over U.S. plans to deploy intermediate-range nuclear missiles in Europe and other issues, Thatcher stressed the need to counter the Soviet Union militarily. She played a pivotal role in unifying the West and ending the Cold War.
米国による中距離核の欧州配備などを巡って米欧の足並みが乱れかけた時、ソ連に軍事面で対抗する必要を説いた。サッチャー氏は、西側陣営の団結、そして冷戦終結の立役者であった。
Maintaining rule of law
The world's spotlight was directed on Thatcher in April 1982 when Argentine forces invaded the British territory of Falkland Islands in the South Atlantic. She did not hesitate to send a naval fleet to retake them.
世界が注目したのは８２年４月、アルゼンチン軍が南大西洋の英領フォークランド諸島に侵攻した時のことだ。サッチャー氏は、直ちに英軍艦隊を派遣して諸島の奪還に成功した。
In his recent policy speech, Abe quoted Thatcher who, on reflecting on the Falklands War, said Britain was defending the principle that international law should take precedence over the use of force.
「何よりも国際法が力の行使に勝たなくてはならないという原則を守ろうとしていた」というサッチャー氏の言葉を、安倍首相は施政方針演説で、引用している。
She strongly advocated the protection of territories and sovereignty while abiding by international law. Japan should adopt this kind of firm attitude.
国際法を順守しつつ、領土、主権を断固守る。その強い信念が、今の日本にも問われている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 10, 2013)
（2013年4月10日02時00分 読売新聞）