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2013年08月23日
社説:靖国参拝 首相は見送り継続を
August 16, 2013(Mainichi Japan)
Editorial: PM must steer clear of Yasukuni Shrine
社説:靖国参拝 首相は見送り継続を
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe refrained from visiting Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals are enshrined along with Japan's war dead, on the Aug. 15 war-end anniversary. Instead, in his role as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Abe contributed money to the shrine through the purchase of a branch of the sacred sakaki tree.
安倍晋三首相は終戦記念日の１５日、靖国神社参拝を見送り、自民党総裁名で同神社に玉串料を納めた。
Visits to the shrine by the prime minister and Cabinet members can become major diplomatic stumbling blocks in Japan's relation with its Asian neighbors. As such, we commend Abe's decision to take the broad view and abandon visiting the controversial shrine on Aug. 15 this year.
靖国が近隣外交を進める上での大きなネックになっている今、大局的な判断と評価したい。
The money for the sakaki branch was sent by an LDP legislator and special assistant to the party president on behalf of "Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party." Since Abe used his own money to purchase the branch from the shrine, the donation will not stir controversy over whether it constitutes a violation of the constitutional separation of church and state.
玉串料は私費で、自民党総裁特別補佐の国会議員が代理で納め、「自民党総裁 安倍晋三」と記帳したという。私費であれば政教分離上の問題は生じない。
Abe made the donation out of apparent consideration for his conservative backers. These supporters are holding out hope the prime minister will visit Yasukuni Shrine in his official capacity, as Abe has stated that failing to visit during his previous one-year term in office in 2006-07 was "a matter of the greatest regret." We share their sense of gratitude and respect toward the war dead.
第１次内閣当時に参拝しなかったことを「痛恨の極み」と繰り返し明言していただけに、参拝期待の支持者向けの配慮として理解する。「戦没者への感謝と尊崇の念」は私たちも共有するからだ。
Many years have passed since visits by the prime minister and Cabinet members to Yasukuni became major diplomatic issues. Such visits have drawn fire from not only China and South Korea, victims of Japanese aggression and colonial rule, but United States officials have also expressed grave concerns over the potential for aggravating Tokyo's already strained ties with Beijing and Seoul.
靖国が外交問題になって久しい。中国、韓国からの反発だけではない。安倍政権になってからは、同盟国の米国からも、中韓との行き過ぎた関係悪化を懸念する声が届いている。
Japan's postwar history began when the San Francisco Peace Treaty -- under which Japan accepted the results of the Tokyo War Crimes Trials in which Class A war criminals were sentenced to death -- came into force in 1952. In the eyes of China, visits by the prime minister to Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals are enshrined, would represent Japan's justification of its wartime actions. The U.S. could view such visits as a challenge to the San Francisco peace framework that was created on the initiative of Washington.
日本の戦後は、Ａ級戦犯を処刑した東京裁判を受諾した１９５２年のサンフランシスコ講和条約の発効でスタートした。そのＡ級戦犯を合祀（ごうし）した靖国に首相が参拝することは、中国から見ればあの戦争の肯定につながり、米国からは、米主導で作られたサンフランシスコ体制に対する挑戦と受け取られる可能性がある。
Yasukuni has become a highly complicated diplomatic problem as successive Japanese administrations failed to do anything to deal with the matter. As such, the government should exercise prudence in addressing the issue. In particular, Japan-China diplomatic relations are already deadlocked because of an intensifying dispute over sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and there is no prospect that a bilateral summit meeting will be held in the foreseeable future. Japan's relations with South Korea have also deteriorated to new lows over the interpretation of history, although the two countries share many of the same social and political values. In this sense, it is only natural that Prime Minister Abe abandoned visiting the shrine this summer.
靖国問題は、歴代日本政府が手をこまねいているうちにかくも複雑で難しい外交問題になってしまった。軽々に扱うべきではない。まして、日中関係は尖閣問題で暗礁に乗り上げ、首脳会談の糸口もつかめていない。同じ価値観を共有しているはずの日韓関係も歴史認識問題でかつてない関係悪化を来している。その意味で参拝見送りは当然とも言える。
The question is whether the prime minister will continue to forgo visiting the shrine. He will need to decide whether to pay a visit to the shrine during its autumn and spring festivals, as well as on the war-end anniversary on Aug. 15, 2014. He should make a clear decision if he hopes to stay in power for a long period.
問題は、今後どうするか、にある。秋には同神社の例大祭への出席問題、来春には春の例大祭、そして、毎年８・１５への対応を求められる。長期政権を望むのであれば抜本策を講じるべきではないのか。
Various measures to address the issue have been proposed. One such plan calls for separating the Class A war criminals from the war dead enshrined at Yasukuni, an idea that has been discussed since the government of Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone in the 1980s. There are testimonials stating that Emperor Hirohito, posthumously named Emperor Showa, eventually refrained from visiting Yasukuni because Class A war criminals were enshrined there. Some conservatives support the idea of separating such war criminals. During the tenure of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a plan to build a non-religious cenotaph for the war dead was considered.
過去にもいくつかの策が提起され検討された。わかりやすいのが、いわゆるＡ級戦犯の分祀論である。中曽根康弘政権時から議論されてきた。昭和天皇が参拝を控えた背景にこのＡ級合祀があったとの証言もあり、保守陣営にも一定の支持者がいる。小泉純一郎政権時には無宗教の国立追悼施設の建設案もあった。
What is the Yasukuni issue about in the first place? How did the enshrinement of Class A war criminals emerge as a point of contention between Japan and its Asian neighbors? Is there any solution to the problem? It is a good idea to set up a panel of experts to consider these matters, and the prime minister should refrain from visiting the shrine until after that panel proposes solutions.
そもそも靖国問題とは何なのか。Ａ級合祀争点化の経緯はどうか。解決の出口は他にないのか。こういった問題について調査、検証、提言する有識者会議を作るのも一案だ。最低限その結論が出るまで首相は参拝を見送ることだ。悪循環を断つ政治的知恵の出しどころである。
China and South Korea should also watch over the Abe government's response to the issue from a long-term perspective. Japan and these neighbors should avoid intensifying their conflicts with narrow-minded nationalism.
中韓両国にも注文がある。安倍政権の対応を長い目で見てもらいたい。浅薄なナショナリズムの応酬だけは避けようではないか。
毎日新聞 2013年08月16日 02時31分
Editorial: PM must steer clear of Yasukuni Shrine
社説:靖国参拝 首相は見送り継続を
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe refrained from visiting Tokyo's Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals are enshrined along with Japan's war dead, on the Aug. 15 war-end anniversary. Instead, in his role as president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party (LDP), Abe contributed money to the shrine through the purchase of a branch of the sacred sakaki tree.
安倍晋三首相は終戦記念日の１５日、靖国神社参拝を見送り、自民党総裁名で同神社に玉串料を納めた。
Visits to the shrine by the prime minister and Cabinet members can become major diplomatic stumbling blocks in Japan's relation with its Asian neighbors. As such, we commend Abe's decision to take the broad view and abandon visiting the controversial shrine on Aug. 15 this year.
靖国が近隣外交を進める上での大きなネックになっている今、大局的な判断と評価したい。
The money for the sakaki branch was sent by an LDP legislator and special assistant to the party president on behalf of "Shinzo Abe, president of the Liberal Democratic Party." Since Abe used his own money to purchase the branch from the shrine, the donation will not stir controversy over whether it constitutes a violation of the constitutional separation of church and state.
玉串料は私費で、自民党総裁特別補佐の国会議員が代理で納め、「自民党総裁 安倍晋三」と記帳したという。私費であれば政教分離上の問題は生じない。
Abe made the donation out of apparent consideration for his conservative backers. These supporters are holding out hope the prime minister will visit Yasukuni Shrine in his official capacity, as Abe has stated that failing to visit during his previous one-year term in office in 2006-07 was "a matter of the greatest regret." We share their sense of gratitude and respect toward the war dead.
第１次内閣当時に参拝しなかったことを「痛恨の極み」と繰り返し明言していただけに、参拝期待の支持者向けの配慮として理解する。「戦没者への感謝と尊崇の念」は私たちも共有するからだ。
Many years have passed since visits by the prime minister and Cabinet members to Yasukuni became major diplomatic issues. Such visits have drawn fire from not only China and South Korea, victims of Japanese aggression and colonial rule, but United States officials have also expressed grave concerns over the potential for aggravating Tokyo's already strained ties with Beijing and Seoul.
靖国が外交問題になって久しい。中国、韓国からの反発だけではない。安倍政権になってからは、同盟国の米国からも、中韓との行き過ぎた関係悪化を懸念する声が届いている。
Japan's postwar history began when the San Francisco Peace Treaty -- under which Japan accepted the results of the Tokyo War Crimes Trials in which Class A war criminals were sentenced to death -- came into force in 1952. In the eyes of China, visits by the prime minister to Yasukuni Shrine, where Class A war criminals are enshrined, would represent Japan's justification of its wartime actions. The U.S. could view such visits as a challenge to the San Francisco peace framework that was created on the initiative of Washington.
日本の戦後は、Ａ級戦犯を処刑した東京裁判を受諾した１９５２年のサンフランシスコ講和条約の発効でスタートした。そのＡ級戦犯を合祀（ごうし）した靖国に首相が参拝することは、中国から見ればあの戦争の肯定につながり、米国からは、米主導で作られたサンフランシスコ体制に対する挑戦と受け取られる可能性がある。
Yasukuni has become a highly complicated diplomatic problem as successive Japanese administrations failed to do anything to deal with the matter. As such, the government should exercise prudence in addressing the issue. In particular, Japan-China diplomatic relations are already deadlocked because of an intensifying dispute over sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture, and there is no prospect that a bilateral summit meeting will be held in the foreseeable future. Japan's relations with South Korea have also deteriorated to new lows over the interpretation of history, although the two countries share many of the same social and political values. In this sense, it is only natural that Prime Minister Abe abandoned visiting the shrine this summer.
靖国問題は、歴代日本政府が手をこまねいているうちにかくも複雑で難しい外交問題になってしまった。軽々に扱うべきではない。まして、日中関係は尖閣問題で暗礁に乗り上げ、首脳会談の糸口もつかめていない。同じ価値観を共有しているはずの日韓関係も歴史認識問題でかつてない関係悪化を来している。その意味で参拝見送りは当然とも言える。
The question is whether the prime minister will continue to forgo visiting the shrine. He will need to decide whether to pay a visit to the shrine during its autumn and spring festivals, as well as on the war-end anniversary on Aug. 15, 2014. He should make a clear decision if he hopes to stay in power for a long period.
問題は、今後どうするか、にある。秋には同神社の例大祭への出席問題、来春には春の例大祭、そして、毎年８・１５への対応を求められる。長期政権を望むのであれば抜本策を講じるべきではないのか。
Various measures to address the issue have been proposed. One such plan calls for separating the Class A war criminals from the war dead enshrined at Yasukuni, an idea that has been discussed since the government of Prime Minister Yasuhiro Nakasone in the 1980s. There are testimonials stating that Emperor Hirohito, posthumously named Emperor Showa, eventually refrained from visiting Yasukuni because Class A war criminals were enshrined there. Some conservatives support the idea of separating such war criminals. During the tenure of Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, a plan to build a non-religious cenotaph for the war dead was considered.
過去にもいくつかの策が提起され検討された。わかりやすいのが、いわゆるＡ級戦犯の分祀論である。中曽根康弘政権時から議論されてきた。昭和天皇が参拝を控えた背景にこのＡ級合祀があったとの証言もあり、保守陣営にも一定の支持者がいる。小泉純一郎政権時には無宗教の国立追悼施設の建設案もあった。
What is the Yasukuni issue about in the first place? How did the enshrinement of Class A war criminals emerge as a point of contention between Japan and its Asian neighbors? Is there any solution to the problem? It is a good idea to set up a panel of experts to consider these matters, and the prime minister should refrain from visiting the shrine until after that panel proposes solutions.
そもそも靖国問題とは何なのか。Ａ級合祀争点化の経緯はどうか。解決の出口は他にないのか。こういった問題について調査、検証、提言する有識者会議を作るのも一案だ。最低限その結論が出るまで首相は参拝を見送ることだ。悪循環を断つ政治的知恵の出しどころである。
China and South Korea should also watch over the Abe government's response to the issue from a long-term perspective. Japan and these neighbors should avoid intensifying their conflicts with narrow-minded nationalism.
中韓両国にも注文がある。安倍政権の対応を長い目で見てもらいたい。浅薄なナショナリズムの応酬だけは避けようではないか。
毎日新聞 2013年08月16日 02時31分
2013年08月22日
モイストゲルプラスのおかげで肌が乾燥することが少なくなりました（妻の体験です）
しばらく前ですが、スキンケア化粧品通販 のRe dermalab（リ・ダーマラボ）というサイトでオールインワンゲルを知りました。
オールインワンという意味なんですが、化粧水、乳液、美容液、クリームの機能が合体しているという意味なんです。さっそく通販で申し込んで使っています。
それ以来、乾燥肌で悩んでいた妻の悩みは解消しました。
現在使っているのはモイストゲルプラスです。
妻が気に入っている点なんですが、やはりお肌の水分を保つ力が抜群だということなのです。
オールインワン通販 ご利用で、潤いのあるお肌を長時間にわたり保つことが出来ます。
ありがたいことですね。
サイト下のほうなんですが、オールインワンゲル 口コミ がたくさん掲載されています。
そこは、多くの若い女性たちや熟女たちの喜びの声で溢れています。
前にもお知らせしましたが、この化粧品通販会社、ブランド名はリ・ダーマラボに変更されています。
それから、商品名がモイストゲルプラスにリニューアルされています。
レビューブログからの情報をいただきました
はだしのゲン―閲覧制限はすぐ撤回を
The Asahi Shimbun, August 20, 2013
EDITORIAL: All children should have free access to ‘Hadashi no Gen’
はだしのゲン―閲覧制限はすぐ撤回を
The Matsue municipal board of education has instructed public elementary and junior high schools in the city not to make a famous manga about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima freely available to children in school libraries. The board’s move to restrict children’s access to “Hadashi no Gen” (Barefoot Gen) has drawn criticism from all over the nation.
広島での被爆を主題にした漫画「はだしのゲン」を、松江市教委が小・中学校の図書館で自由に読めなくするよう指示していたことがわかり、全国から批判が相次いでいる。
In the final parts of the book, some atrocities committed by the former Japanese army, such as beheading Asian people, are depicted. In December last year, the municipal education board decided that these descriptions are “extreme expressions” and asked principals to make sure that students cannot read the manga in the libraries without obtaining permission from the schools. It has also been withdrawn from circulation.
作品の終盤には、旧日本軍がアジアの人々の首を切断するなどの描写がある。市教委は昨年１２月、「過激な表現だ」として、学校の許可なしで見られなくするよう校長会に求めた。貸し出しも認めないという。
“Hadashi no Gen” was created by manga artist Keiji Nakazawa, who died in December last year. In addition to the devastation of Hiroshima and people’s sufferings after the war, both of which he experienced himself, Nakazawa described, in shocking detail, various battlefield scenes he learned from historical records and materials. Due to its vivid descriptions of the frightful spectacles of war, the manga drew an immense response.
「ゲン」は昨年１２月に死去した漫画家の中沢啓治（なかざわけいじ）さんの作品だ。実体験した原爆の惨状と戦後の苦難に加え、資料などで知った戦場の様子を強烈なタッチで描いて反響を呼んだ。
Many children became interested in the nuclear attacks against Japan in the closing days of World War II for the first time when they read “Hadashi no Gen,” one of the few manga books among the school library collection.
学校図書館で読める数少ない漫画として「ゲン」を手に取り、初めて原爆に関心を持った子どもも少なくない。
The education board’s decision could deprive children of a good opportunity to learn about the tragedy. Moreover, the board didn’t follow the rule that it must make any important decision in an open meeting of board members. The decision was made in an opaque manner by the secretariat of the board. The education board should immediately withdraw its directive concerning “Hadashi no Gen.”
市教委の指示は、子どもたちのそうした出会いを奪いかねないものだ。しかも重要な決定の場合、公開の教育委員会議にかけるべきだが、今回は事務局の判断で決まっており、不透明というしかない。市教委はただちに指示を撤回すべきだ。
The board’s move was made after a man submitted a written petition to the Matsue municipal assembly in August last year. The petition called for the removal of “Hadashi no Gen” from schools, claiming it described fictitious acts of barbarity by Japanese soldiers and had a harmful effect on the minds of children.
きっかけは、ある男性から昨年８月に市議会に出された陳情書だった。「ありもしない日本軍の蛮行が掲載され、子どもたちに悪影響を及ぼす」とし、学校からの撤去を求めていた。
Although the man’s demands were not accepted, some assembly members argued that the manga should be designated as a “bad book” and asked the education board to take appropriate action. The request led to the board’s move to restrict access to the manga in school libraries.
陳情は不採択となったが、一部市議から「不良図書」ととらえ、市教委が適切な処置をすべきだとの意見があり、閲覧制限の指示につながった。
Soon after Nakazawa started the manga series in the Weekly Shonen Jump comic magazine in 1973, his descriptions of the war were criticized as “brutal.” Nakazawa once said he had agonized over how to depict the war. Because it bitterly denounces the acts of the army and holds Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, responsible for the war, conservatives criticize the manga as “biased” and “anti-Japanese.”
「ゲン」には連載当時から「残酷」という声が寄せられ、中沢さんも描き方に悩んだと述懐している。旧軍の行為や昭和天皇の戦争責任を厳しく糾弾している点から、「偏向している」「反日漫画だ」といった批判も保守層の間で根強い。
Still, “Hadashi no Gen” has been widely accepted because Nakazawa’s anti-war message has obtained a favorable response from children. By using all of his skills as an artist to describe the cruelty of war he witnessed, Nakazawa tried to tell children that war must never be allowed to happen again.
それでも、「ゲン」が高い評価を得たのは、自身が目の当たりにした戦争の残酷さを力いっぱい描くことで、「二度と戦争を起こしてはならない」と伝えようとした中沢さんの思いに子どもたちが共感したからだ。
Teachers, who generally had a negative stance toward manga, also embraced “Hadashi no Gen” and allocated part of the limited school library budget to add the manga to the library’s collection because of its power to send its anti-war message.
漫画を否定しがちだった先生たちが、限られた図書館予算の中から「ゲン」を積極的に受け入れたのも、作品のメッセージ力が強かったからこそだ。
There are still various views and opinions about the wartime acts of the former Japanese army and Emperor Hirohito’s responsibility for the war. Nakazawa’s historical views about the war as expressed in the work are also open to criticism.
旧日本軍の行為や天皇の戦争責任をめぐっては今もさまざまな見方があり、「ゲン」に投影された中沢さんの歴史観にも議論はありえるだろう。
“Hadashi no Gen” is exactly the type of material that can be used for discussions among adults and children on these and other issues concerning the war. There is no need to keep children from accessing this material.
それこそ、「ゲン」を題材に、子どもと大人が意見を交わし、一緒に考えていけばいい。最初から目をそらす必要はどこにもない。
EDITORIAL: All children should have free access to ‘Hadashi no Gen’
はだしのゲン―閲覧制限はすぐ撤回を
The Matsue municipal board of education has instructed public elementary and junior high schools in the city not to make a famous manga about the atomic bombing of Hiroshima freely available to children in school libraries. The board’s move to restrict children’s access to “Hadashi no Gen” (Barefoot Gen) has drawn criticism from all over the nation.
広島での被爆を主題にした漫画「はだしのゲン」を、松江市教委が小・中学校の図書館で自由に読めなくするよう指示していたことがわかり、全国から批判が相次いでいる。
In the final parts of the book, some atrocities committed by the former Japanese army, such as beheading Asian people, are depicted. In December last year, the municipal education board decided that these descriptions are “extreme expressions” and asked principals to make sure that students cannot read the manga in the libraries without obtaining permission from the schools. It has also been withdrawn from circulation.
作品の終盤には、旧日本軍がアジアの人々の首を切断するなどの描写がある。市教委は昨年１２月、「過激な表現だ」として、学校の許可なしで見られなくするよう校長会に求めた。貸し出しも認めないという。
“Hadashi no Gen” was created by manga artist Keiji Nakazawa, who died in December last year. In addition to the devastation of Hiroshima and people’s sufferings after the war, both of which he experienced himself, Nakazawa described, in shocking detail, various battlefield scenes he learned from historical records and materials. Due to its vivid descriptions of the frightful spectacles of war, the manga drew an immense response.
「ゲン」は昨年１２月に死去した漫画家の中沢啓治（なかざわけいじ）さんの作品だ。実体験した原爆の惨状と戦後の苦難に加え、資料などで知った戦場の様子を強烈なタッチで描いて反響を呼んだ。
Many children became interested in the nuclear attacks against Japan in the closing days of World War II for the first time when they read “Hadashi no Gen,” one of the few manga books among the school library collection.
学校図書館で読める数少ない漫画として「ゲン」を手に取り、初めて原爆に関心を持った子どもも少なくない。
The education board’s decision could deprive children of a good opportunity to learn about the tragedy. Moreover, the board didn’t follow the rule that it must make any important decision in an open meeting of board members. The decision was made in an opaque manner by the secretariat of the board. The education board should immediately withdraw its directive concerning “Hadashi no Gen.”
市教委の指示は、子どもたちのそうした出会いを奪いかねないものだ。しかも重要な決定の場合、公開の教育委員会議にかけるべきだが、今回は事務局の判断で決まっており、不透明というしかない。市教委はただちに指示を撤回すべきだ。
The board’s move was made after a man submitted a written petition to the Matsue municipal assembly in August last year. The petition called for the removal of “Hadashi no Gen” from schools, claiming it described fictitious acts of barbarity by Japanese soldiers and had a harmful effect on the minds of children.
きっかけは、ある男性から昨年８月に市議会に出された陳情書だった。「ありもしない日本軍の蛮行が掲載され、子どもたちに悪影響を及ぼす」とし、学校からの撤去を求めていた。
Although the man’s demands were not accepted, some assembly members argued that the manga should be designated as a “bad book” and asked the education board to take appropriate action. The request led to the board’s move to restrict access to the manga in school libraries.
陳情は不採択となったが、一部市議から「不良図書」ととらえ、市教委が適切な処置をすべきだとの意見があり、閲覧制限の指示につながった。
Soon after Nakazawa started the manga series in the Weekly Shonen Jump comic magazine in 1973, his descriptions of the war were criticized as “brutal.” Nakazawa once said he had agonized over how to depict the war. Because it bitterly denounces the acts of the army and holds Emperor Hirohito, posthumously known as Emperor Showa, responsible for the war, conservatives criticize the manga as “biased” and “anti-Japanese.”
「ゲン」には連載当時から「残酷」という声が寄せられ、中沢さんも描き方に悩んだと述懐している。旧軍の行為や昭和天皇の戦争責任を厳しく糾弾している点から、「偏向している」「反日漫画だ」といった批判も保守層の間で根強い。
Still, “Hadashi no Gen” has been widely accepted because Nakazawa’s anti-war message has obtained a favorable response from children. By using all of his skills as an artist to describe the cruelty of war he witnessed, Nakazawa tried to tell children that war must never be allowed to happen again.
それでも、「ゲン」が高い評価を得たのは、自身が目の当たりにした戦争の残酷さを力いっぱい描くことで、「二度と戦争を起こしてはならない」と伝えようとした中沢さんの思いに子どもたちが共感したからだ。
Teachers, who generally had a negative stance toward manga, also embraced “Hadashi no Gen” and allocated part of the limited school library budget to add the manga to the library’s collection because of its power to send its anti-war message.
漫画を否定しがちだった先生たちが、限られた図書館予算の中から「ゲン」を積極的に受け入れたのも、作品のメッセージ力が強かったからこそだ。
There are still various views and opinions about the wartime acts of the former Japanese army and Emperor Hirohito’s responsibility for the war. Nakazawa’s historical views about the war as expressed in the work are also open to criticism.
旧日本軍の行為や天皇の戦争責任をめぐっては今もさまざまな見方があり、「ゲン」に投影された中沢さんの歴史観にも議論はありえるだろう。
“Hadashi no Gen” is exactly the type of material that can be used for discussions among adults and children on these and other issues concerning the war. There is no need to keep children from accessing this material.
それこそ、「ゲン」を題材に、子どもと大人が意見を交わし、一緒に考えていけばいい。最初から目をそらす必要はどこにもない。
2013年08月21日
加害責任―歴史から目をそらすな
The Asahi Shimbun, August 16, 2013
EDITORIAL: Abe should not look away from Japan's history of aggression
加害責任―歴史から目をそらすな
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe eschewed visiting Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15, the 68th anniversary of the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.
６８回目の終戦の日だったきのう、安倍首相は靖国神社への参拝を見送った。
Japan’s relations with China and South Korea remain chilly over problems concerning the Senkaku Islands, the Takeshima islets and perceptions of history. A visit to the war-related shrine at this juncture would put off the improvement of relations even further.
尖閣、竹島や歴史認識の問題で、中国や韓国との関係が冷え切っている折である。ここで参拝すれば、両国との関係改善はさらに遠のく。
Thus, the decision not to visit the shrine was a realistic one.
見送りは現実的な判断と言えるだろう。
How is the prime minister trying to face up to the past? Not only China and South Korea but also the United States and European countries are keeping a close watch. Visits to Yasukuni Shrine are not the only problem. Behind their misgivings is Abe’s comment earlier this year: “The definition of aggression has yet to be established,” which can be construed as denial of Japan’s war responsibility.
首相が、過去とどう向きあおうとしているか。中韓のみならず、欧米諸国も目を凝らしている。靖国問題だけではない。先に首相が「侵略の定義は定まっていない」と、日本の戦争責任を否定するかのような発言をしたことなどが背景にある。
A wrong move could cause Japan to become isolated in the international community. The prime minister is urged to take this point to heart.
対応を誤れば、国際社会で日本の孤立を招く。そのことを首相は肝に銘じるべきだ。
In that sense, there is something we find disturbing.
その意味で、気がかりなことがある。
While Abe delivered a speech at the government-sponsored memorial service for the war dead on Aug. 15, the address made no reference to reflection on Japan’s responsibility for inflicting damage on Asian nations or any expression of condolences.
きのうの政府主催の全国戦没者追悼式で、首相の式辞からアジア諸国への加害責任への反省や哀悼の意を示す言葉が、すっぽりと抜け落ちたのだ。
Starting with Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa in 1993, successive Japanese leaders have mentioned the wartime devastation inflicted on Asian countries by Japan in their speeches for the annual ceremony.
加害責任への言及は、９３年の細川護熙首相（当時）から歴代首相が踏襲してきた。
In 2007, during Abe’s first tenure as prime minister, he also stated: “(Japan) caused considerable damage and suffering to the people of Asian countries. … I offer deep remorse and express my heartfelt condolences to those who were killed.”
第１次安倍内閣の０７年には首相自身も「アジア諸国の人々に対して多大の損害と苦痛を与えた」「深い反省とともに、犠牲となった方々に謹んで哀悼の意を表す」と述べていた。
This time, “a pledge not to make war” that had been expressed in the past was not mentioned, either.
今回は、これまで表明されてきた「不戦の誓い」という表現も使わなかった。
Aides to the prime minister say the memorial address reflects his intention that the ceremony is for the war dead, and that he mentioned consideration toward Asian nations in his responses to questions in the Diet.
首相周辺は「式典は戦没者のため、という首相の意向を反映した」「アジアへの配慮は国会答弁でしている」という。
But such an expedient response is unacceptable. The ceremony also serves as an occasion to show Japan’s stance toward the war to the world. With the absence of wording about Japan’s responsibility for causing damage, Abe's speech could give the impression that Japan lacks consideration for the people of Asia.
だが、そんな方便は通用しないのではないか。式典は、先の戦争への日本の姿勢を世界に発信する場でもある。加害責任への言及が消えたことで、アジアの人々への配慮を欠いていると受け取られかねない。
Even though the prime minister declined to visit Yasukuni, wasn’t he sending a message to the opposite effect?
せっかく靖国参拝を見送りながら、逆のメッセージを発することにならないか。
What we find disturbing is the fact that the words that were not mentioned in Abe’s speech overlap with Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama's 1995 statement that Japan “through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations.”
気になるのは、式辞からなくなった言葉が、植民地支配と侵略によって「アジア諸国の人々に対して多大の損害と苦痛を与えた」という９５年の村山首相談話の表現と重なることだ。
For a long time, Abe has shown an inclination toward re-examining the Murayama statement. If his memorial address reflects such intentions, there is no way we can accept it.
首相はかねて村山談話の見直しに意欲を示している。そうした意図が今回の式辞に表れたとするなら、とうてい容認できるものではない。
Although the prime minister refrained from visiting Yasukuni Shrine, some members of his Cabinet, as well as a group of many lawmakers, visited the shrine.
首相は見送ったが、きのうは一部の閣僚や国会議員が大挙して靖国神社に参拝した。
Without looking away from history, Japan needs to use its imagination to understand the pain of other countries. Such an attitude is what Japanese politicians need now more than ever.
歴史から目をそらさず、他国の痛みに想像力を働かせる。こんな態度が、いまの日本政治には求められる。
EDITORIAL: Abe should not look away from Japan's history of aggression
加害責任―歴史から目をそらすな
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe eschewed visiting Yasukuni Shrine on Aug. 15, the 68th anniversary of the Japanese surrender at the end of World War II.
６８回目の終戦の日だったきのう、安倍首相は靖国神社への参拝を見送った。
Japan’s relations with China and South Korea remain chilly over problems concerning the Senkaku Islands, the Takeshima islets and perceptions of history. A visit to the war-related shrine at this juncture would put off the improvement of relations even further.
尖閣、竹島や歴史認識の問題で、中国や韓国との関係が冷え切っている折である。ここで参拝すれば、両国との関係改善はさらに遠のく。
Thus, the decision not to visit the shrine was a realistic one.
見送りは現実的な判断と言えるだろう。
How is the prime minister trying to face up to the past? Not only China and South Korea but also the United States and European countries are keeping a close watch. Visits to Yasukuni Shrine are not the only problem. Behind their misgivings is Abe’s comment earlier this year: “The definition of aggression has yet to be established,” which can be construed as denial of Japan’s war responsibility.
首相が、過去とどう向きあおうとしているか。中韓のみならず、欧米諸国も目を凝らしている。靖国問題だけではない。先に首相が「侵略の定義は定まっていない」と、日本の戦争責任を否定するかのような発言をしたことなどが背景にある。
A wrong move could cause Japan to become isolated in the international community. The prime minister is urged to take this point to heart.
対応を誤れば、国際社会で日本の孤立を招く。そのことを首相は肝に銘じるべきだ。
In that sense, there is something we find disturbing.
その意味で、気がかりなことがある。
While Abe delivered a speech at the government-sponsored memorial service for the war dead on Aug. 15, the address made no reference to reflection on Japan’s responsibility for inflicting damage on Asian nations or any expression of condolences.
きのうの政府主催の全国戦没者追悼式で、首相の式辞からアジア諸国への加害責任への反省や哀悼の意を示す言葉が、すっぽりと抜け落ちたのだ。
Starting with Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa in 1993, successive Japanese leaders have mentioned the wartime devastation inflicted on Asian countries by Japan in their speeches for the annual ceremony.
加害責任への言及は、９３年の細川護熙首相（当時）から歴代首相が踏襲してきた。
In 2007, during Abe’s first tenure as prime minister, he also stated: “(Japan) caused considerable damage and suffering to the people of Asian countries. … I offer deep remorse and express my heartfelt condolences to those who were killed.”
第１次安倍内閣の０７年には首相自身も「アジア諸国の人々に対して多大の損害と苦痛を与えた」「深い反省とともに、犠牲となった方々に謹んで哀悼の意を表す」と述べていた。
This time, “a pledge not to make war” that had been expressed in the past was not mentioned, either.
今回は、これまで表明されてきた「不戦の誓い」という表現も使わなかった。
Aides to the prime minister say the memorial address reflects his intention that the ceremony is for the war dead, and that he mentioned consideration toward Asian nations in his responses to questions in the Diet.
首相周辺は「式典は戦没者のため、という首相の意向を反映した」「アジアへの配慮は国会答弁でしている」という。
But such an expedient response is unacceptable. The ceremony also serves as an occasion to show Japan’s stance toward the war to the world. With the absence of wording about Japan’s responsibility for causing damage, Abe's speech could give the impression that Japan lacks consideration for the people of Asia.
だが、そんな方便は通用しないのではないか。式典は、先の戦争への日本の姿勢を世界に発信する場でもある。加害責任への言及が消えたことで、アジアの人々への配慮を欠いていると受け取られかねない。
Even though the prime minister declined to visit Yasukuni, wasn’t he sending a message to the opposite effect?
せっかく靖国参拝を見送りながら、逆のメッセージを発することにならないか。
What we find disturbing is the fact that the words that were not mentioned in Abe’s speech overlap with Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama's 1995 statement that Japan “through its colonial rule and aggression, caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations.”
気になるのは、式辞からなくなった言葉が、植民地支配と侵略によって「アジア諸国の人々に対して多大の損害と苦痛を与えた」という９５年の村山首相談話の表現と重なることだ。
For a long time, Abe has shown an inclination toward re-examining the Murayama statement. If his memorial address reflects such intentions, there is no way we can accept it.
首相はかねて村山談話の見直しに意欲を示している。そうした意図が今回の式辞に表れたとするなら、とうてい容認できるものではない。
Although the prime minister refrained from visiting Yasukuni Shrine, some members of his Cabinet, as well as a group of many lawmakers, visited the shrine.
首相は見送ったが、きのうは一部の閣僚や国会議員が大挙して靖国神社に参拝した。
Without looking away from history, Japan needs to use its imagination to understand the pain of other countries. Such an attitude is what Japanese politicians need now more than ever.
歴史から目をそらさず、他国の痛みに想像力を働かせる。こんな態度が、いまの日本政治には求められる。
2013年08月20日
学校の耐震化 つり天井の撤去を急ぎたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 18, 2013
Suspended ceilings should be removed to boost quake resistance at schools
学校の耐震化 つり天井の撤去を急ぎたい（8月17日付・読売社説）
Schools must be safe places that protect children at a time of disaster. They can also serve as shelters for local residents.
学校は災害時に子供の命を守る安全な場所でなくてはならない。地域住民の避難先にもなる。
We call for the disaster prevention capability of schools to be strengthened.
防災機能を強化することが求められる。
A survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry showed that 89 percent of 120,460 school buildings and gymnasiums at public primary and middle schools across the nation met national earthquake-resistance standards as of April. The survey also found that 86 percent of structures at public high schools were quake-resistant.
文部科学省の調査によると、４月現在、全国の公立小中学校にある校舎や体育館計１２万４６０棟のうち、耐震性が確保された建物の割合は全体の８９％だった。公立高校でも耐震性を満たした建物は８６％に上っている。
These high percentages, which resulted from a push for reinforcement work and other antiseismic efforts in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, are laudable. But progress differs among regions. In some municipalities, the percentage of quake-resistant schools remains below 50 percent. Such municipalities should accelerate their efforts.
東日本大震災を教訓に、補強工事などが進んだ結果と評価できるが、地域差も目立つ。学校の耐震化率が５割に満たない自治体もある。取り組みを加速すべきだ。
One major concern in this connnection is the delay in dealing with suspended ceilings, which experts have pointed out are at risk of collapsing in earthquakes.
気がかりなのは、地震の際に崩落の危険が指摘される「つり天井」の対策が遅れていることだ。
Suspended ceilings made of gypsum wallboard are effective for noise and heat insulation, but their hanging frames make them vulnerable to movement. Even though the buildings themselves are resistant to quakes, their suspended ceilings could collapse. This requries attention.
つり天井は、防音や断熱に一定の効果があるとされる一方で、屋根から骨組みや石こうボードをぶら下げた構造になっているため、振動に弱い。建物自体の耐震性は確保されていても落下する可能性があるので、注意が必要だ。
In the March 2011 earthquake, many such ceilings fell in large facilities such as event halls. In school gymnasiums, falling ceilings injured students.
東日本大震災では、ホールなどの大規模施設で落下事故が相次ぎ、体育館で生徒が負傷したケースも見られた。
The survey, in which the ministry asked about suspended ceilings for the first time, showed that such ceilings were installed in about 8,500 structures, including gymnasiums and auditoriums, at public primary, middle and high schools. The survey found that 90 percent of the structures lacked measures to prevent ceilings from falling. This is a problem.
文科省が今回初めて、つり天井の実態を調べたところ、公立の小中高校の体育館や講堂など約８５００棟に設置されていた。このうち９割で落下防止措置が講じられていなかったのは問題だ。
The collapse of a ceiling at a gymnasium where many students gather could be catastrophic. Even if a collapse happened when no one was there, it could prevent the gymnasium from being used as a shelter.
多数の児童生徒が集まっている時につり天井が崩落した場合、大惨事につながる。無人の時でも崩落すれば、体育館は避難所としての機能を果たせなくなる。
Safety checks urged
The ministry has drawn up a guide, which includes a list of safety check points, and urged municipal governments to carry out safety checks thoroughly. We believe suspended ceilings should be removed as soon as possible in light of public safety.
文科省は安全点検の要点をまとめた手引を作成し、各自治体にチェックの徹底を求めた。安全性を考慮すれば、可能な限り早期に撤去すべきだろう。
Meanwhile, many schools are not prepared to serve as local disaster-management centers. Among public schools designated by municipalities as emergency shelters, only 28 percent have in-house power generators, while 34 percent are equipped with water reservoirs and other useful devices.
学校の防災拠点としての備えも心もとない。自治体から避難所に指定された公立学校のうち、自家発電装置がある学校は２８％、貯水槽などを設置している学校は３４％にとどまっている。
In the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people were forced to take refuge amid prolonged power outages and cuts in water supply. We urge municipalities’ disaster-management sections and boards of education to work together to make necessary preprations.
東日本大震災では停電や断水が続き、多くの住民が過酷な避難生活を強いられた。自治体の防災部門と教育委員会が連携して、必要な設備を整えてもらいたい。
It is also crucial to raise public awareness through education. Last year, public high schools in Tokyo began a project in which students stay at their schools overnight, prepare meals outdoors and receive training in conducting rescue activities.
防災教育などソフト面の対策も重要だ。都立高校では昨年から、生徒が学校に宿泊し、炊き出しや救護の体験訓練を行っている。
If high school students gain experience such as taking care of the elderly through the training, they could play a key role in operating shelters in disasters. Regularly cultivating the spirit of volunteerism could prove to be useful in an emergency.
高校生がお年寄りの世話などを経験すれば、避難所運営の貴重な担い手になろう。日頃からボランティア精神を育んでおくことが、いざという時に役立つはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2013)
（2013年8月17日01時40分 読売新聞）
Suspended ceilings should be removed to boost quake resistance at schools
学校の耐震化 つり天井の撤去を急ぎたい（8月17日付・読売社説）
Schools must be safe places that protect children at a time of disaster. They can also serve as shelters for local residents.
学校は災害時に子供の命を守る安全な場所でなくてはならない。地域住民の避難先にもなる。
We call for the disaster prevention capability of schools to be strengthened.
防災機能を強化することが求められる。
A survey by the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry showed that 89 percent of 120,460 school buildings and gymnasiums at public primary and middle schools across the nation met national earthquake-resistance standards as of April. The survey also found that 86 percent of structures at public high schools were quake-resistant.
文部科学省の調査によると、４月現在、全国の公立小中学校にある校舎や体育館計１２万４６０棟のうち、耐震性が確保された建物の割合は全体の８９％だった。公立高校でも耐震性を満たした建物は８６％に上っている。
These high percentages, which resulted from a push for reinforcement work and other antiseismic efforts in the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, are laudable. But progress differs among regions. In some municipalities, the percentage of quake-resistant schools remains below 50 percent. Such municipalities should accelerate their efforts.
東日本大震災を教訓に、補強工事などが進んだ結果と評価できるが、地域差も目立つ。学校の耐震化率が５割に満たない自治体もある。取り組みを加速すべきだ。
One major concern in this connnection is the delay in dealing with suspended ceilings, which experts have pointed out are at risk of collapsing in earthquakes.
気がかりなのは、地震の際に崩落の危険が指摘される「つり天井」の対策が遅れていることだ。
Suspended ceilings made of gypsum wallboard are effective for noise and heat insulation, but their hanging frames make them vulnerable to movement. Even though the buildings themselves are resistant to quakes, their suspended ceilings could collapse. This requries attention.
つり天井は、防音や断熱に一定の効果があるとされる一方で、屋根から骨組みや石こうボードをぶら下げた構造になっているため、振動に弱い。建物自体の耐震性は確保されていても落下する可能性があるので、注意が必要だ。
In the March 2011 earthquake, many such ceilings fell in large facilities such as event halls. In school gymnasiums, falling ceilings injured students.
東日本大震災では、ホールなどの大規模施設で落下事故が相次ぎ、体育館で生徒が負傷したケースも見られた。
The survey, in which the ministry asked about suspended ceilings for the first time, showed that such ceilings were installed in about 8,500 structures, including gymnasiums and auditoriums, at public primary, middle and high schools. The survey found that 90 percent of the structures lacked measures to prevent ceilings from falling. This is a problem.
文科省が今回初めて、つり天井の実態を調べたところ、公立の小中高校の体育館や講堂など約８５００棟に設置されていた。このうち９割で落下防止措置が講じられていなかったのは問題だ。
The collapse of a ceiling at a gymnasium where many students gather could be catastrophic. Even if a collapse happened when no one was there, it could prevent the gymnasium from being used as a shelter.
多数の児童生徒が集まっている時につり天井が崩落した場合、大惨事につながる。無人の時でも崩落すれば、体育館は避難所としての機能を果たせなくなる。
Safety checks urged
The ministry has drawn up a guide, which includes a list of safety check points, and urged municipal governments to carry out safety checks thoroughly. We believe suspended ceilings should be removed as soon as possible in light of public safety.
文科省は安全点検の要点をまとめた手引を作成し、各自治体にチェックの徹底を求めた。安全性を考慮すれば、可能な限り早期に撤去すべきだろう。
Meanwhile, many schools are not prepared to serve as local disaster-management centers. Among public schools designated by municipalities as emergency shelters, only 28 percent have in-house power generators, while 34 percent are equipped with water reservoirs and other useful devices.
学校の防災拠点としての備えも心もとない。自治体から避難所に指定された公立学校のうち、自家発電装置がある学校は２８％、貯水槽などを設置している学校は３４％にとどまっている。
In the Great East Japan Earthquake, many people were forced to take refuge amid prolonged power outages and cuts in water supply. We urge municipalities’ disaster-management sections and boards of education to work together to make necessary preprations.
東日本大震災では停電や断水が続き、多くの住民が過酷な避難生活を強いられた。自治体の防災部門と教育委員会が連携して、必要な設備を整えてもらいたい。
It is also crucial to raise public awareness through education. Last year, public high schools in Tokyo began a project in which students stay at their schools overnight, prepare meals outdoors and receive training in conducting rescue activities.
防災教育などソフト面の対策も重要だ。都立高校では昨年から、生徒が学校に宿泊し、炊き出しや救護の体験訓練を行っている。
If high school students gain experience such as taking care of the elderly through the training, they could play a key role in operating shelters in disasters. Regularly cultivating the spirit of volunteerism could prove to be useful in an emergency.
高校生がお年寄りの世話などを経験すれば、避難所運営の貴重な担い手になろう。日頃からボランティア精神を育んでおくことが、いざという時に役立つはずだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 17, 2013)
（2013年8月17日01時40分 読売新聞）
2013年08月19日
韓国大統領演説 日本を重要な隣国と言うなら
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 17, 2013
Is Japan an important neighbor for S. Korea amid unresolved issues?
韓国大統領演説 日本を重要な隣国と言うなら（8月16日付・読売社説）
First, political leaders should make their own efforts to have a direct personal dialogue to restore a relationship of trust between their two nations.
国家間の信頼関係を回復するには、政治指導者がまず、対話に取り組む努力をすべきである。
For the first time since taking office, South Korean President Park Geun Hye made a speech marking the country’s day of independence from Japan’s colonial rule.
韓国の朴槿恵大統領が日本の植民地支配からの解放記念日にあたる「光復節」式典で初めて演説した。
Park said in the speech that Japan is an important neighbor South Korea can work with to establish peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, but she added that recent situation over historical issues is darkening the future of the two countries.
朴大統領は、「日本は北東アジアの平和と繁栄をともに築いていく重要な隣国」と前置きした上で、「しかし、歴史問題を巡る最近の状況が韓日両国の未来を暗くしている」と述べた。
Her remark is apparently an expression of distrust toward Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration, whose “rightward tilt” South Korea is wary of.
韓国が「右傾化」と警戒する安倍政権への不信の表明だろう。
However, Park generally kept her criticism of Japan restrained in her independence day speech.
ただ、光復節演説で、朴大統領の日本への批判は、全体的には、抑制的だったと言える。
She moderated her expressions of emotion and avoided direct references to so-called comfort women and the territorial issue over the Takeshima islands. The president might have wanted to avoid further deterioration of South Korea’s relations with Japan.
感情的な表現は抑え、慰安婦や竹島問題への直接的な言及も避けた。対日関係のこれ以上の悪化は避けたかったのかもしれない。
Even so, Park demanded that Tokyo take tangible action. The Japanese government should take “responsible and sincere measures to alleviate the pain of those who live with suffering and wounds arisen from past history,” she said in the speech.
とは言え、朴大統領は、慰安婦問題を念頭に、「過去の歴史による苦痛と傷を今も抱えて暮らす人に対し、痛みを癒やせるよう責任と誠意ある措置を期待する」と、日本に具体的行動を求めた。
The comfort women issue is a thorn in the side of Japan-South Korea relations. It is unreasonable that South Korea has ignored the background of the issue and demanded that Japan alone resolve it.
慰安婦問題は、日韓関係の喉元に突き刺さる棘(とげ)だ。過去の経緯を無視して、日本に解決策を求められても無理がある。
Japan believes that Tokyo and Seoul agreed to resolve the comfort women compensation issue by signing a bilateral agreement on property claims and economic cooperation in 1965. Moreover, the Japanese government has made an effort to fulfill its moral responsibility on the matter.
元慰安婦への補償は、１９６５年の日韓請求権協定で法的に解決済み、というのが日本の立場だ。それでも日本政府は、道義的な責任を果たす努力は示した。
The government collected donations totaling \600 million from the public and set up the Asian Women’s Fund, based on which a relief project for former comfort women was begun, including payments of atonement money.
国民から約６億円の募金を集め、アジア女性基金で始めた元慰安婦に対する「償い金」支給などの救済事業のことである。
However, the South Korean side criticized Japan’s effort as avoidance of responsibility. As a result, many of the former comfort women in South Korea did not accept the atonement money, and the fund was disbanded.
それを韓国側は、日本政府の責任回避と批判した。韓国では結局、多くの元慰安婦が受け取らないまま、基金も解散してしまった。
Abe, Park should have talks
South Korea has only demanded that Japan make concessions and has refused to have a dialogue or other exchanges. We hope Seoul will change such attitudes.
歴史認識問題で日本に一方的な譲歩だけを求めて、対話や交流を拒むようなやり方を、韓国は改めてもらいたい。
Meanwhile, Abe opted not to visit Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday but gave a donation from his own pocket to make an offering of a branch of a sacred tree. The prime minister showed a certain consideration for China and South Korea, which are trying to make visits to Yasukuni Shrine a diplomatic issue because Class-A war criminals are enshrined there together with many other war dead. Only three of the Abe Cabinet members visited the shrine.
一方、この日、安倍首相は靖国神社参拝を見送り、私費で玉串料を奉納した。「Ａ級戦犯」の合祀(ごうし)を理由に、中国や韓国が、靖国参拝を外交問題化させていることを受け、一定の配慮を見せたものだ。参拝した閣僚は３人だった。
As Park admitted, Japan and South Korea are important neighbors. However, abnormal situations have continued between them because no meeting of their top leaders has been held since the governments changed in both countries.
日韓は、朴大統領も認めた通り、重要な隣国関係にある。しかし、両国の政権交代後も、首脳会談が開かれないという異常な状況が続いている。
The two countries have many significant issues on which they share interests, including joint efforts to deal with North Korea, which persists in developing nuclear weapons, and enhancement of their economic partnership. It would be a problem if their leaders do not talk because Japan and South Korea cannot reach agreements over history and territorial issues. Their attitudes toward improving bilateral relations would be called into question.
核開発を進める北朝鮮への対応や経済連携の強化など、重要な課題は多い。歴史や領土問題で一致しないからと言って、首脳が協議もしないのは問題だ。関係改善へ、双方の姿勢が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2013)
（2013年8月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
Is Japan an important neighbor for S. Korea amid unresolved issues?
韓国大統領演説 日本を重要な隣国と言うなら（8月16日付・読売社説）
First, political leaders should make their own efforts to have a direct personal dialogue to restore a relationship of trust between their two nations.
国家間の信頼関係を回復するには、政治指導者がまず、対話に取り組む努力をすべきである。
For the first time since taking office, South Korean President Park Geun Hye made a speech marking the country’s day of independence from Japan’s colonial rule.
韓国の朴槿恵大統領が日本の植民地支配からの解放記念日にあたる「光復節」式典で初めて演説した。
Park said in the speech that Japan is an important neighbor South Korea can work with to establish peace and prosperity in Northeast Asia, but she added that recent situation over historical issues is darkening the future of the two countries.
朴大統領は、「日本は北東アジアの平和と繁栄をともに築いていく重要な隣国」と前置きした上で、「しかし、歴史問題を巡る最近の状況が韓日両国の未来を暗くしている」と述べた。
Her remark is apparently an expression of distrust toward Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration, whose “rightward tilt” South Korea is wary of.
韓国が「右傾化」と警戒する安倍政権への不信の表明だろう。
However, Park generally kept her criticism of Japan restrained in her independence day speech.
ただ、光復節演説で、朴大統領の日本への批判は、全体的には、抑制的だったと言える。
She moderated her expressions of emotion and avoided direct references to so-called comfort women and the territorial issue over the Takeshima islands. The president might have wanted to avoid further deterioration of South Korea’s relations with Japan.
感情的な表現は抑え、慰安婦や竹島問題への直接的な言及も避けた。対日関係のこれ以上の悪化は避けたかったのかもしれない。
Even so, Park demanded that Tokyo take tangible action. The Japanese government should take “responsible and sincere measures to alleviate the pain of those who live with suffering and wounds arisen from past history,” she said in the speech.
とは言え、朴大統領は、慰安婦問題を念頭に、「過去の歴史による苦痛と傷を今も抱えて暮らす人に対し、痛みを癒やせるよう責任と誠意ある措置を期待する」と、日本に具体的行動を求めた。
The comfort women issue is a thorn in the side of Japan-South Korea relations. It is unreasonable that South Korea has ignored the background of the issue and demanded that Japan alone resolve it.
慰安婦問題は、日韓関係の喉元に突き刺さる棘(とげ)だ。過去の経緯を無視して、日本に解決策を求められても無理がある。
Japan believes that Tokyo and Seoul agreed to resolve the comfort women compensation issue by signing a bilateral agreement on property claims and economic cooperation in 1965. Moreover, the Japanese government has made an effort to fulfill its moral responsibility on the matter.
元慰安婦への補償は、１９６５年の日韓請求権協定で法的に解決済み、というのが日本の立場だ。それでも日本政府は、道義的な責任を果たす努力は示した。
The government collected donations totaling \600 million from the public and set up the Asian Women’s Fund, based on which a relief project for former comfort women was begun, including payments of atonement money.
国民から約６億円の募金を集め、アジア女性基金で始めた元慰安婦に対する「償い金」支給などの救済事業のことである。
However, the South Korean side criticized Japan’s effort as avoidance of responsibility. As a result, many of the former comfort women in South Korea did not accept the atonement money, and the fund was disbanded.
それを韓国側は、日本政府の責任回避と批判した。韓国では結局、多くの元慰安婦が受け取らないまま、基金も解散してしまった。
Abe, Park should have talks
South Korea has only demanded that Japan make concessions and has refused to have a dialogue or other exchanges. We hope Seoul will change such attitudes.
歴史認識問題で日本に一方的な譲歩だけを求めて、対話や交流を拒むようなやり方を、韓国は改めてもらいたい。
Meanwhile, Abe opted not to visit Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday but gave a donation from his own pocket to make an offering of a branch of a sacred tree. The prime minister showed a certain consideration for China and South Korea, which are trying to make visits to Yasukuni Shrine a diplomatic issue because Class-A war criminals are enshrined there together with many other war dead. Only three of the Abe Cabinet members visited the shrine.
一方、この日、安倍首相は靖国神社参拝を見送り、私費で玉串料を奉納した。「Ａ級戦犯」の合祀(ごうし)を理由に、中国や韓国が、靖国参拝を外交問題化させていることを受け、一定の配慮を見せたものだ。参拝した閣僚は３人だった。
As Park admitted, Japan and South Korea are important neighbors. However, abnormal situations have continued between them because no meeting of their top leaders has been held since the governments changed in both countries.
日韓は、朴大統領も認めた通り、重要な隣国関係にある。しかし、両国の政権交代後も、首脳会談が開かれないという異常な状況が続いている。
The two countries have many significant issues on which they share interests, including joint efforts to deal with North Korea, which persists in developing nuclear weapons, and enhancement of their economic partnership. It would be a problem if their leaders do not talk because Japan and South Korea cannot reach agreements over history and territorial issues. Their attitudes toward improving bilateral relations would be called into question.
核開発を進める北朝鮮への対応や経済連携の強化など、重要な課題は多い。歴史や領土問題で一致しないからと言って、首脳が協議もしないのは問題だ。関係改善へ、双方の姿勢が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2013)
（2013年8月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
2013年08月18日
エジプト騒乱 流血の拡大をまず食い止めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 17, 2013
International pressure needed to stop bloodshed in Egypt
エジプト騒乱 流血の拡大をまず食い止めよ（8月16日付・読売社説）
Egypt has seen its bloodiest incident since the autocratic rule of Hosni Mubarak ended in 2011.
２０１１年のムバラク独裁政権崩壊以降、最悪の流血の事態となった。
An early end to the violence is to be hoped for, but a bumpy road lies ahead.
一日も早い収束が望まれるが、前途は多難だ。
Egypt’s military-led interim government crushed sit-in protests by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Wednesday. His supporters clashed with government security forces across the country, resulting in a death toll that the Egyptian Health Ministry reported as more than 500.
エジプト軍主導の暫定政府が、カイロで、モルシ前大統領支持派による座り込みを強制排除した。モルシ派は全土で治安部隊と衝突し、保健省の発表で死者数は５００人を超えた。
The interim government declared a one-month state of emergency, but there is no prospect of the chaos subsiding. Eyewitnesses say security forces fired live bullets at rally participants. The government cannot escape condemnation for using excessive force.
暫定政府は１か月間の非常事態を宣言したものの、沈静化へのメドは立っていない。治安部隊がデモ参加者を実弾で撃ったとの目撃証言もある。過度の実力行使をしたとの非難は、免れまい。
Diplomatic efforts by the United States and the European Union to avoid clashes between the military-led government and Morsi’s supporters have come to nothing.
軍・暫定政府と、モルシ派の衝突を回避しようとした米国と欧州連合（ＥＵ）による外交努力は、水泡に帰した。
It was natural that the United States and the EU strongly condemned the interim government over its brutal crushing of the demonstrations. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed “strong concern and anxiety” about the bloody incident.
米国やＥＵが、強制排除で多数の死者が出たことを強く非難したのは当然だ。岸田外相も「強い懸念と憂慮の念」を表明した。
Secularist Mohamed ElBaradei, a former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, resigned as Egypt’s vice president in protest, saying “there must have been a more peaceful choice.”
世俗派代表の副大統領だったエルバラダイ前国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）事務局長は、「より平和的な選択肢があったはずだ」と述べ、辞表を提出した。
The military ousted and detained Morsi in a de facto coup in July. Even after the establishment of the interim government, the military increased pressure on the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi’s main support base, in such ways as seeking criminal charges against its leaders on suspicion of instigating riots.
軍は、７月の事実上のクーデターで、モルシ氏を解任し、拘束した。暫定政府の樹立後も、モルシ派の中心であるイスラム主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」に対し、暴力扇動などの疑いで幹部の刑事責任を問うなど圧力を強めていた。
Brotherhood also to blame
The Muslim Brotherhood is also to blame for the situation.
こうした事態を招いた責任は、同胞団側にもある。
Despite the Morsi administration having made policy blunders that worsened the economy and reduced public safety, the Brotherhood clung to its demand for Morsi’s reinstatement after he was deposed. The Islamist organization rejected dialogue with the military-led provisional government, thereby intensifying confrontation.
同胞団は、モルシ政権が経済や治安の悪化など失政を重ねたにもかかわらず、モルシ氏復職の要求に固執してきた。軍・暫定政府との対話にも応じず、対立を激化させている。
The interim government has announced a road map for democratization that calls for revising the Constitution within this year, holding a parliamentary election early next year and then calling a new presidential election.
暫定政府は、年内に憲法を改正し、来年初めには議会選を実施して、大統領選を行うという民主化への行程表を発表している。
But without participation of the Brotherhood, the biggest political force in Egypt, in the process of reinstating a civilian government, it will hardly be possible to realize social and political stability. To help achieve a return to civilian rule, the interim government should take conciliatory steps such as releasing Morsi in preparation for resuming dialogue with its political adversaries.
しかし、最大の政治勢力である同胞団の民政復帰プロセスへの参加を得られなければ、社会や政治の安定は到底望めない。暫定政府は民政復帰を実現するために、モルシ氏の解放など、対話再開の環境を整えるべきではないか。
The Brotherhood, for its part, should take a more flexible stance toward dialogue.
同胞団も、より柔軟な姿勢で対話を模索すべきだ。
Arab Spring reforms still have a long way to go. If the chaos is protracted in Egypt, a great regional power, there is concern that the stabilization of the Middle East as a whole will be further delayed.
「アラブの春」の変革は、なお途上にある。地域大国エジプトの混乱が長引くと、中東全体の安定化が遠のく懸念がある。
As long as the military-led interim government continues to use force against its opponents, the situation will only go from bad to worse. International pressure must be brought to bear in such ways as suspending military assistance by the United States, Egypt’s biggest aid donor, thereby forcing the interim government to refrain from bloodily quashing its political foes.
軍・暫定政府が強権行使をやめない限り、事態は深刻化するだけである。最大の支援国である米国が軍事援助を一時停止するなど、国際的圧力を強化して、弾圧をやめさせなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2013)
（2013年8月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
International pressure needed to stop bloodshed in Egypt
エジプト騒乱 流血の拡大をまず食い止めよ（8月16日付・読売社説）
Egypt has seen its bloodiest incident since the autocratic rule of Hosni Mubarak ended in 2011.
２０１１年のムバラク独裁政権崩壊以降、最悪の流血の事態となった。
An early end to the violence is to be hoped for, but a bumpy road lies ahead.
一日も早い収束が望まれるが、前途は多難だ。
Egypt’s military-led interim government crushed sit-in protests by supporters of ousted President Mohammed Morsi in Cairo on Wednesday. His supporters clashed with government security forces across the country, resulting in a death toll that the Egyptian Health Ministry reported as more than 500.
エジプト軍主導の暫定政府が、カイロで、モルシ前大統領支持派による座り込みを強制排除した。モルシ派は全土で治安部隊と衝突し、保健省の発表で死者数は５００人を超えた。
The interim government declared a one-month state of emergency, but there is no prospect of the chaos subsiding. Eyewitnesses say security forces fired live bullets at rally participants. The government cannot escape condemnation for using excessive force.
暫定政府は１か月間の非常事態を宣言したものの、沈静化へのメドは立っていない。治安部隊がデモ参加者を実弾で撃ったとの目撃証言もある。過度の実力行使をしたとの非難は、免れまい。
Diplomatic efforts by the United States and the European Union to avoid clashes between the military-led government and Morsi’s supporters have come to nothing.
軍・暫定政府と、モルシ派の衝突を回避しようとした米国と欧州連合（ＥＵ）による外交努力は、水泡に帰した。
It was natural that the United States and the EU strongly condemned the interim government over its brutal crushing of the demonstrations. Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida has expressed “strong concern and anxiety” about the bloody incident.
米国やＥＵが、強制排除で多数の死者が出たことを強く非難したのは当然だ。岸田外相も「強い懸念と憂慮の念」を表明した。
Secularist Mohamed ElBaradei, a former director general of the International Atomic Energy Agency, resigned as Egypt’s vice president in protest, saying “there must have been a more peaceful choice.”
世俗派代表の副大統領だったエルバラダイ前国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）事務局長は、「より平和的な選択肢があったはずだ」と述べ、辞表を提出した。
The military ousted and detained Morsi in a de facto coup in July. Even after the establishment of the interim government, the military increased pressure on the Muslim Brotherhood, Morsi’s main support base, in such ways as seeking criminal charges against its leaders on suspicion of instigating riots.
軍は、７月の事実上のクーデターで、モルシ氏を解任し、拘束した。暫定政府の樹立後も、モルシ派の中心であるイスラム主義組織「ムスリム同胞団」に対し、暴力扇動などの疑いで幹部の刑事責任を問うなど圧力を強めていた。
Brotherhood also to blame
The Muslim Brotherhood is also to blame for the situation.
こうした事態を招いた責任は、同胞団側にもある。
Despite the Morsi administration having made policy blunders that worsened the economy and reduced public safety, the Brotherhood clung to its demand for Morsi’s reinstatement after he was deposed. The Islamist organization rejected dialogue with the military-led provisional government, thereby intensifying confrontation.
同胞団は、モルシ政権が経済や治安の悪化など失政を重ねたにもかかわらず、モルシ氏復職の要求に固執してきた。軍・暫定政府との対話にも応じず、対立を激化させている。
The interim government has announced a road map for democratization that calls for revising the Constitution within this year, holding a parliamentary election early next year and then calling a new presidential election.
暫定政府は、年内に憲法を改正し、来年初めには議会選を実施して、大統領選を行うという民主化への行程表を発表している。
But without participation of the Brotherhood, the biggest political force in Egypt, in the process of reinstating a civilian government, it will hardly be possible to realize social and political stability. To help achieve a return to civilian rule, the interim government should take conciliatory steps such as releasing Morsi in preparation for resuming dialogue with its political adversaries.
しかし、最大の政治勢力である同胞団の民政復帰プロセスへの参加を得られなければ、社会や政治の安定は到底望めない。暫定政府は民政復帰を実現するために、モルシ氏の解放など、対話再開の環境を整えるべきではないか。
The Brotherhood, for its part, should take a more flexible stance toward dialogue.
同胞団も、より柔軟な姿勢で対話を模索すべきだ。
Arab Spring reforms still have a long way to go. If the chaos is protracted in Egypt, a great regional power, there is concern that the stabilization of the Middle East as a whole will be further delayed.
「アラブの春」の変革は、なお途上にある。地域大国エジプトの混乱が長引くと、中東全体の安定化が遠のく懸念がある。
As long as the military-led interim government continues to use force against its opponents, the situation will only go from bad to worse. International pressure must be brought to bear in such ways as suspending military assistance by the United States, Egypt’s biggest aid donor, thereby forcing the interim government to refrain from bloodily quashing its political foes.
軍・暫定政府が強権行使をやめない限り、事態は深刻化するだけである。最大の支援国である米国が軍事援助を一時停止するなど、国際的圧力を強化して、弾圧をやめさせなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 16, 2013)
（2013年8月16日01時27分 読売新聞）
2013年08月17日
終戦の日 中韓の「反日」傾斜を憂える
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 16, 2013
Increasing anti-Japan sentiment in China, S. Korea cause for concern
終戦の日 中韓の「反日」傾斜を憂える（8月15日付・読売社説）
◆歴史認識問題を政治に絡めるな
Today marks the 68th anniversary of the end of World War II for Japan.
６８回目の「終戦の日」を迎えた。
It is the day on which the nation commemorates its war dead and renews its pledge for peace so that the tremendous suffering caused by war will never be repeated.
先の大戦で亡くなった人々を追悼し、戦争の惨禍が二度と繰り返されぬよう平和への誓いを新たにする日である。
This summer, an animated movie titled “Kaze Tachinu” (The wind has risen) has been attracting attention. Its protagonist is modeled after Jiro Horikoshi, a brilliant designer for the Imperial Japanese Navy who helped create Zero fighters.
今夏、旧日本海軍の戦闘機「零戦」の天才的な設計者、堀越二郎をモデルにしたアニメ映画「風立ちぬ」が話題を呼んでいる。
Postwar steps applauded
◆評価された戦後の歩み
The movie’s protagonist is drawn to the beauty of airplanes as a boy, but after the war breaks out, the Zero fighter planes he was involved in designing are used by suicide attack units. The movie’s last scene is impressive, as the saddened protagonist stands blankly in front of many badly damaged Zero fighters.
主人公は、少年時代から飛行機の美しさに憧れていた。だが、戦争が勃発し、自ら設計した零戦が特攻隊にも投入されていく。無残に破壊された無数の零戦を前に呆然(ぼうぜん)と立ち、悲しみに包まれる。そんなラストシーンが印象的だ。
For many younger viewers, the movie will probably be a chance to think again about war. The experiences of World War II should never fade from memory.
この映画を通じ、戦争について改めて考えさせられた若者たちも少なくないだろう。戦争体験を決して風化させてはなるまい。
Based on its reflections on the war in the Showa period, Japan made a fresh start after World War II and peacefully achieved high economic growth. It has also made extensive contributions to the international community, mainly through official development assistance and peacekeeping operations by the Self-Defense Forces.
戦後、日本は昭和の戦争の反省に立って再出発し、平和裏に高度経済成長を達成した。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）や自衛隊の国際平和協力活動などを通じて、幅広く国際社会に貢献もしてきた。
These steps by Japan have been applauded by the United States and Southeast Asian nations.
こうした日本の歩みは、米国や東南アジア諸国の評価を得てきている。
In contrast, China and South Korea have been heightening their criticism of Japan regarding perceptions of history. We believe this is an extremely deplorable situation.
だが、中国と韓国だけは、歴史認識問題に絡めて対日批判をエスカレートさせている。極めて遺憾な事態と言わざるを得ない。
In the United States and elsewhere, South Korean President Park Geun Hye has said Japan should have a correct recognition of history. She has made the remark in connection with sovereignty over the Takeshima islands and the issue of so-called comfort women.
韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、「日本は正しい歴史認識を持つべきだ」と米国などで喧伝(けんでん)した。竹島の領有権や、いわゆる従軍慰安婦の問題を念頭に置いたものだ。
South Korean courts ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation for damages to South Koreans for being forced to work for the firms during wartime.
韓国では戦時中に韓国人労働者を徴用した日本企業に対して賠償を命じる判決が相次いでいる。
These rulings are unreasonable because they obviously violate the agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached in 1965, which stated that the issue of property claims was “resolved completely and finally.”
これもおかしい。日韓間の請求権問題が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記した、１９６５年の日韓請求権・経済協力協定に明らかに反している。
The South Korean judicial authorities also have been taking advantage of the rising anti-Japan sentiment in their country and disregarding the agreement reached between the two countries. This is a mystifying attitude for a country ruled by law.
韓国の司法までが、反日世論の高まりに迎合し、国家間の約束をないがしろにしている。法治国家として理解し難い行為である。
When it comes to the Senkaku Islands, China claims that Japan seized the islets from Taiwan during the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). Beijing also insists that because Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China.
中国は尖閣諸島について、日清戦争で台湾の付属諸島として奪われたとし、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、中国に返還されるべきだと主張している。
Yet Japan incorporated the islands under the administration of Okinawa Prefecture shortly before the end of the Sino-Japanese War, after confirming that they did not belong to the Qing empire. Is China twisting this historical fact?
だが、日本は尖閣諸島が清国に帰属していないことを確認したうえで、日清戦争の終結直前に沖縄県に編入した。中国は歴史をねじ曲げているのではないか。
In some respect, the Chinese government is utilizing the anti-Japan sentiments of its people to maintain national unity, while the administration of South Korea is doing so to turn the domestic political situation to its advantage.
中国は国内の統一を維持するために、韓国は国内の政治状況を有利にするために、「反日」を利用している面がある。
China and South Korea also oppose the prime minister and other state ministers visiting Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals have been enshrined together with war dead, saying the shrine symbolizes Japan’s militarism.
中韓は、「Ａ級戦犯」を合祀(ごうし)した靖国神社を軍国主義の象徴として、首相や閣僚が靖国神社に参拝することにも反対している。
War dead domestic issue
◆戦没者追悼は国内問題
How we should pay tribute to the memory of our war dead is, in principle, a domestic affair of Japan, an issue in which other countries have no right to meddle.
どのような形で戦没者を追悼するかは本来、日本の国内問題である。他国から干渉される筋合いのものではない。
Nor has Japan forgotten the responsibilities of the Japanese leaders who erred in handling the international situation, started a reckless war and caused suffering to people in neighboring countries.
国際情勢への対応を誤り、無謀な戦争を始めて近隣国に惨禍をもたらした指導者たちの責任を、日本が忘れているわけでもない。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once said that it was “extremely regrettable” that he did not pay a visit to the shrine during his first term as prime minister. Yet he said he would refrain from visiting the shrine on Thursday, the anniversary of the war’s end.
安倍首相は、第１次安倍内閣時に参拝しなかったことを「痛恨の極み」と語っているが、終戦の日の参拝は見送る意向だという。
China and South Korea are intensifying their criticism that Japan is failing to reflect on its past militarism, and is instead leaning to the right and returning to the past.
中韓は、日本が軍国主義を反省せず、「右傾化」して再び過去に戻ろうとしているとの批判を強めている。
They will probably not change their stance even if Abe refrains from visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
こうした態度は、首相が靖国参拝を見送っても変わることはあるまい。
It is difficult to handle the issue of historical understanding, which cannot be dealt with separately from the international politics of today.
現代の国際政治と切り離せない歴史認識問題の扱いは難しい。
Abe made a controversial remark during a Diet meeting in April, saying that an academic and international definition of “invasion” had not been fixed.
首相は、今春の国会で「侵略という定義は、学界的にも国際的にも定まっていない」と発言し、物議を醸したことがある。
It is true, as Abe said, that the definition of invasion has not been fixed. There is no war completely of aggression and no war completely of self-defense.
確かに、首相が言うように侵略の定義は定まっていない。戦争には、１００％侵略戦争も、１００％自衛戦争もない。
Yet Abe’s remark was interpreted, both at home and abroad, as rethinking a 1995 statement in which then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama expressed deep remorse for Japan having caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations, through its “colonial rule and wartime aggression.”
それでも、「植民地支配と侵略」によって多くの国々に多大の損害と苦痛を与えたとした１９９５年の村山首相談話を見直すものと内外に受け止められた。
Increasing anti-Japan sentiment in China, S. Korea cause for concern
終戦の日 中韓の「反日」傾斜を憂える（8月15日付・読売社説）
◆歴史認識問題を政治に絡めるな
Today marks the 68th anniversary of the end of World War II for Japan.
６８回目の「終戦の日」を迎えた。
It is the day on which the nation commemorates its war dead and renews its pledge for peace so that the tremendous suffering caused by war will never be repeated.
先の大戦で亡くなった人々を追悼し、戦争の惨禍が二度と繰り返されぬよう平和への誓いを新たにする日である。
This summer, an animated movie titled “Kaze Tachinu” (The wind has risen) has been attracting attention. Its protagonist is modeled after Jiro Horikoshi, a brilliant designer for the Imperial Japanese Navy who helped create Zero fighters.
今夏、旧日本海軍の戦闘機「零戦」の天才的な設計者、堀越二郎をモデルにしたアニメ映画「風立ちぬ」が話題を呼んでいる。
Postwar steps applauded
◆評価された戦後の歩み
The movie’s protagonist is drawn to the beauty of airplanes as a boy, but after the war breaks out, the Zero fighter planes he was involved in designing are used by suicide attack units. The movie’s last scene is impressive, as the saddened protagonist stands blankly in front of many badly damaged Zero fighters.
主人公は、少年時代から飛行機の美しさに憧れていた。だが、戦争が勃発し、自ら設計した零戦が特攻隊にも投入されていく。無残に破壊された無数の零戦を前に呆然(ぼうぜん)と立ち、悲しみに包まれる。そんなラストシーンが印象的だ。
For many younger viewers, the movie will probably be a chance to think again about war. The experiences of World War II should never fade from memory.
この映画を通じ、戦争について改めて考えさせられた若者たちも少なくないだろう。戦争体験を決して風化させてはなるまい。
Based on its reflections on the war in the Showa period, Japan made a fresh start after World War II and peacefully achieved high economic growth. It has also made extensive contributions to the international community, mainly through official development assistance and peacekeeping operations by the Self-Defense Forces.
戦後、日本は昭和の戦争の反省に立って再出発し、平和裏に高度経済成長を達成した。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）や自衛隊の国際平和協力活動などを通じて、幅広く国際社会に貢献もしてきた。
These steps by Japan have been applauded by the United States and Southeast Asian nations.
こうした日本の歩みは、米国や東南アジア諸国の評価を得てきている。
In contrast, China and South Korea have been heightening their criticism of Japan regarding perceptions of history. We believe this is an extremely deplorable situation.
だが、中国と韓国だけは、歴史認識問題に絡めて対日批判をエスカレートさせている。極めて遺憾な事態と言わざるを得ない。
In the United States and elsewhere, South Korean President Park Geun Hye has said Japan should have a correct recognition of history. She has made the remark in connection with sovereignty over the Takeshima islands and the issue of so-called comfort women.
韓国の朴槿恵大統領は、「日本は正しい歴史認識を持つべきだ」と米国などで喧伝(けんでん)した。竹島の領有権や、いわゆる従軍慰安婦の問題を念頭に置いたものだ。
South Korean courts ordered Japanese companies to pay compensation for damages to South Koreans for being forced to work for the firms during wartime.
韓国では戦時中に韓国人労働者を徴用した日本企業に対して賠償を命じる判決が相次いでいる。
These rulings are unreasonable because they obviously violate the agreement on property claims and economic cooperation that was reached in 1965, which stated that the issue of property claims was “resolved completely and finally.”
これもおかしい。日韓間の請求権問題が「完全かつ最終的に解決された」と明記した、１９６５年の日韓請求権・経済協力協定に明らかに反している。
The South Korean judicial authorities also have been taking advantage of the rising anti-Japan sentiment in their country and disregarding the agreement reached between the two countries. This is a mystifying attitude for a country ruled by law.
韓国の司法までが、反日世論の高まりに迎合し、国家間の約束をないがしろにしている。法治国家として理解し難い行為である。
When it comes to the Senkaku Islands, China claims that Japan seized the islets from Taiwan during the Sino-Japanese War (1894-1895). Beijing also insists that because Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China.
中国は尖閣諸島について、日清戦争で台湾の付属諸島として奪われたとし、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、中国に返還されるべきだと主張している。
Yet Japan incorporated the islands under the administration of Okinawa Prefecture shortly before the end of the Sino-Japanese War, after confirming that they did not belong to the Qing empire. Is China twisting this historical fact?
だが、日本は尖閣諸島が清国に帰属していないことを確認したうえで、日清戦争の終結直前に沖縄県に編入した。中国は歴史をねじ曲げているのではないか。
In some respect, the Chinese government is utilizing the anti-Japan sentiments of its people to maintain national unity, while the administration of South Korea is doing so to turn the domestic political situation to its advantage.
中国は国内の統一を維持するために、韓国は国内の政治状況を有利にするために、「反日」を利用している面がある。
China and South Korea also oppose the prime minister and other state ministers visiting Yasukuni Shrine, where Class-A war criminals have been enshrined together with war dead, saying the shrine symbolizes Japan’s militarism.
中韓は、「Ａ級戦犯」を合祀(ごうし)した靖国神社を軍国主義の象徴として、首相や閣僚が靖国神社に参拝することにも反対している。
War dead domestic issue
◆戦没者追悼は国内問題
How we should pay tribute to the memory of our war dead is, in principle, a domestic affair of Japan, an issue in which other countries have no right to meddle.
どのような形で戦没者を追悼するかは本来、日本の国内問題である。他国から干渉される筋合いのものではない。
Nor has Japan forgotten the responsibilities of the Japanese leaders who erred in handling the international situation, started a reckless war and caused suffering to people in neighboring countries.
国際情勢への対応を誤り、無謀な戦争を始めて近隣国に惨禍をもたらした指導者たちの責任を、日本が忘れているわけでもない。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe once said that it was “extremely regrettable” that he did not pay a visit to the shrine during his first term as prime minister. Yet he said he would refrain from visiting the shrine on Thursday, the anniversary of the war’s end.
安倍首相は、第１次安倍内閣時に参拝しなかったことを「痛恨の極み」と語っているが、終戦の日の参拝は見送る意向だという。
China and South Korea are intensifying their criticism that Japan is failing to reflect on its past militarism, and is instead leaning to the right and returning to the past.
中韓は、日本が軍国主義を反省せず、「右傾化」して再び過去に戻ろうとしているとの批判を強めている。
They will probably not change their stance even if Abe refrains from visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
こうした態度は、首相が靖国参拝を見送っても変わることはあるまい。
It is difficult to handle the issue of historical understanding, which cannot be dealt with separately from the international politics of today.
現代の国際政治と切り離せない歴史認識問題の扱いは難しい。
Abe made a controversial remark during a Diet meeting in April, saying that an academic and international definition of “invasion” had not been fixed.
首相は、今春の国会で「侵略という定義は、学界的にも国際的にも定まっていない」と発言し、物議を醸したことがある。
It is true, as Abe said, that the definition of invasion has not been fixed. There is no war completely of aggression and no war completely of self-defense.
確かに、首相が言うように侵略の定義は定まっていない。戦争には、１００％侵略戦争も、１００％自衛戦争もない。
Yet Abe’s remark was interpreted, both at home and abroad, as rethinking a 1995 statement in which then Prime Minister Tomiichi Murayama expressed deep remorse for Japan having caused tremendous damage and suffering to the people of many countries, particularly to those of Asian nations, through its “colonial rule and wartime aggression.”
それでも、「植民地支配と侵略」によって多くの国々に多大の損害と苦痛を与えたとした１９９５年の村山首相談話を見直すものと内外に受け止められた。
2013年08月16日
中電の越境販売 「地域独占」の壁はなお厚い
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 15, 2013
Electric utilities monopolies show no sign of weakening
中電の越境販売 「地域独占」の壁はなお厚い（8月14日付・読売社説）
Chubu Electric Power Co.’s planned purchase of electricity retailer Diamond Power Corp. marks a step toward changing the status quo of the solid regional monopoly enjoyed by electric power companies, though thick barriers to overcome remain.
電力会社の強固な地域独占に風穴を開ける一歩だが、壁はなお厚い。
By purchasing Diamond Power, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp., Chubu Electric will start selling electricity in Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s service area.
中部電力が三菱商事の電力小売子会社「ダイヤモンドパワー」を買収して、東京電力管内で電力販売に乗り出す。
Chubu Electric also plans to jointly build a new coal-fired power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture with Mitsubishi and others and start supplying electricity in TEPCO’s service area in 2016.
さらに中部電は、三菱商事などと静岡県に石炭火力発電所も新設し、２０１６年から東電管内に電力供給を開始する計画だ。
The sale of electricity to large-lot customers, including factories and offices, was liberalized in stages from 2000. However, Kyushu Electric Power Co. is the only major utility engaged in the “cross-border” sale of electricity. Kyushu Electric sells electricity in Chugoku Electric Power Co.’s service area.
工場やオフィスなど大口向けの電力販売は、００年から段階的に自由化された。それでも、大手電力による「越境販売」の実績は、九州電力が中国電力管内で行っている１件にとどまる。
This is probably because power companies place priority on providing electricity in their own service area, where they are responsible for power supply. However, it is undoubtedly the case that major power companies have avoided competing with each other as much as possible.
各社が、供給責任のある自社管内への電力供給を優先してきたからだろう。しかし、大手電力同士が、できるだけ競争を避けてきたことも否めまい。
The government plans to resubmit to the Diet during its extraordinary session in autumn a bill for electricity system reform. The sale of electricity, including small contracts with households, as well as small and midsize stores, is expected to be fully liberalized as early as 2016.
政府は今秋の臨時国会に、電力制度改革の関連法案を再提出する方針だ。家庭や中小商店など小口契約を含む電力販売の全面自由化も、１６年をメドに実施される方向となっている。
Chubu Electric apparently aims to expand its revenue base by advancing into the Tokyo metropolitan area as it makes strategic preparations for the upcoming full liberalization of the electricity market.
中部電は首都圏に進出することで収益基盤を広げ、全面自由化に布石を打つ狙いとみられる。
If more power companies―encouraged by Chubu Electric’s move―enter each other’s turf in the electricity market, it will pave the way for consumers to have a choice among more than one power company. Greater convenience can also be expected amid increased competition over rates and services.
中部電の動きを呼び水に、各社による電力販売の相互参入が増えれば、利用者には複数の会社から電気を選ぶ道が開ける。料金やサービスの競争が活発化し、利便性が高まる効果も期待できよう。
Ensure competition
So far, however, other power companies are reluctant to engage in cross-border sales of electricity.
ただ、今のところ、他電力は越境販売に前向きでない。
Chubu Electric’s case is unique. As TEPCO has been mired in financial difficulties due to the crisis at its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, it has become difficult for TEPCO to build a power plant on its own. Chubu Electric’s idea of selling electricity beyond its territory was thus able to progress because TEPCO was willing to go along with it.
中部電のケースでは、進出先の東電が福島第一原子力発電所事故で資金難に陥り、自力での発電所建設は困難という事情がある。東電の意向もあり、中部電の越境販売構想が前進したといえる。
A worrisome factor is that the electricity market will be liberalized, and power generation and transmission will be separated through electricity system reform while major power firms’ regional monopolies are effectively maintained. It is feared this will have various negative effects.
気がかりなのは、大手電力の「地域独占」が実質的に維持されたまま、電力制度改革によって自由化や発電と送電部門の分離などが実施されることである。その場合、様々な弊害が懸念される。
If the current approval system for electricity rates is hastily abolished, there will be no means to restrain a rate hike under an “unregulated monopoly,” which would seriously undermine consumers’ interests. The government must carefully monitor progress in competition among power companies.
料金の認可制を性急に廃止すれば、「規制なき独占」のもとで値上げを抑える手段を失い、利用者の利益を著しく損なう。政府が、競争の進展状況を慎重に見極めることが肝心だ。
In the United States and other countries, intensified competition due to market liberalization resulted in cuts to budgets for repairing power lines and other equipment. In one case, defects at power facilities caused a massive blackout.
米国などでは、自由化による競争激化で送電線などを補修する経費も削られ、設備の欠陥が大停電を招いた例がある。
It is important to ensure a stable electricity supply to promote fair competition in the electricity market. To do so, nuclear reactors must be reactivated steadily once they have been confirmed safe to operate and efforts must be swiftly taken to resolve serious power shortages.
電力分野の公正な競争を進めるためにも、電力の安定供給を確保することが重要だ。それには、安全性を確認できた原発を着実に再稼働し、深刻な電力不足の解消を急がなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2013)
（2013年8月14日01時56分 読売新聞）
Electric utilities monopolies show no sign of weakening
中電の越境販売 「地域独占」の壁はなお厚い（8月14日付・読売社説）
Chubu Electric Power Co.’s planned purchase of electricity retailer Diamond Power Corp. marks a step toward changing the status quo of the solid regional monopoly enjoyed by electric power companies, though thick barriers to overcome remain.
電力会社の強固な地域独占に風穴を開ける一歩だが、壁はなお厚い。
By purchasing Diamond Power, a subsidiary of Mitsubishi Corp., Chubu Electric will start selling electricity in Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s service area.
中部電力が三菱商事の電力小売子会社「ダイヤモンドパワー」を買収して、東京電力管内で電力販売に乗り出す。
Chubu Electric also plans to jointly build a new coal-fired power plant in Shizuoka Prefecture with Mitsubishi and others and start supplying electricity in TEPCO’s service area in 2016.
さらに中部電は、三菱商事などと静岡県に石炭火力発電所も新設し、２０１６年から東電管内に電力供給を開始する計画だ。
The sale of electricity to large-lot customers, including factories and offices, was liberalized in stages from 2000. However, Kyushu Electric Power Co. is the only major utility engaged in the “cross-border” sale of electricity. Kyushu Electric sells electricity in Chugoku Electric Power Co.’s service area.
工場やオフィスなど大口向けの電力販売は、００年から段階的に自由化された。それでも、大手電力による「越境販売」の実績は、九州電力が中国電力管内で行っている１件にとどまる。
This is probably because power companies place priority on providing electricity in their own service area, where they are responsible for power supply. However, it is undoubtedly the case that major power companies have avoided competing with each other as much as possible.
各社が、供給責任のある自社管内への電力供給を優先してきたからだろう。しかし、大手電力同士が、できるだけ競争を避けてきたことも否めまい。
The government plans to resubmit to the Diet during its extraordinary session in autumn a bill for electricity system reform. The sale of electricity, including small contracts with households, as well as small and midsize stores, is expected to be fully liberalized as early as 2016.
政府は今秋の臨時国会に、電力制度改革の関連法案を再提出する方針だ。家庭や中小商店など小口契約を含む電力販売の全面自由化も、１６年をメドに実施される方向となっている。
Chubu Electric apparently aims to expand its revenue base by advancing into the Tokyo metropolitan area as it makes strategic preparations for the upcoming full liberalization of the electricity market.
中部電は首都圏に進出することで収益基盤を広げ、全面自由化に布石を打つ狙いとみられる。
If more power companies―encouraged by Chubu Electric’s move―enter each other’s turf in the electricity market, it will pave the way for consumers to have a choice among more than one power company. Greater convenience can also be expected amid increased competition over rates and services.
中部電の動きを呼び水に、各社による電力販売の相互参入が増えれば、利用者には複数の会社から電気を選ぶ道が開ける。料金やサービスの競争が活発化し、利便性が高まる効果も期待できよう。
Ensure competition
So far, however, other power companies are reluctant to engage in cross-border sales of electricity.
ただ、今のところ、他電力は越境販売に前向きでない。
Chubu Electric’s case is unique. As TEPCO has been mired in financial difficulties due to the crisis at its Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant, it has become difficult for TEPCO to build a power plant on its own. Chubu Electric’s idea of selling electricity beyond its territory was thus able to progress because TEPCO was willing to go along with it.
中部電のケースでは、進出先の東電が福島第一原子力発電所事故で資金難に陥り、自力での発電所建設は困難という事情がある。東電の意向もあり、中部電の越境販売構想が前進したといえる。
A worrisome factor is that the electricity market will be liberalized, and power generation and transmission will be separated through electricity system reform while major power firms’ regional monopolies are effectively maintained. It is feared this will have various negative effects.
気がかりなのは、大手電力の「地域独占」が実質的に維持されたまま、電力制度改革によって自由化や発電と送電部門の分離などが実施されることである。その場合、様々な弊害が懸念される。
If the current approval system for electricity rates is hastily abolished, there will be no means to restrain a rate hike under an “unregulated monopoly,” which would seriously undermine consumers’ interests. The government must carefully monitor progress in competition among power companies.
料金の認可制を性急に廃止すれば、「規制なき独占」のもとで値上げを抑える手段を失い、利用者の利益を著しく損なう。政府が、競争の進展状況を慎重に見極めることが肝心だ。
In the United States and other countries, intensified competition due to market liberalization resulted in cuts to budgets for repairing power lines and other equipment. In one case, defects at power facilities caused a massive blackout.
米国などでは、自由化による競争激化で送電線などを補修する経費も削られ、設備の欠陥が大停電を招いた例がある。
It is important to ensure a stable electricity supply to promote fair competition in the electricity market. To do so, nuclear reactors must be reactivated steadily once they have been confirmed safe to operate and efforts must be swiftly taken to resolve serious power shortages.
電力分野の公正な競争を進めるためにも、電力の安定供給を確保することが重要だ。それには、安全性を確認できた原発を着実に再稼働し、深刻な電力不足の解消を急がなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug. 14, 2013)
（2013年8月14日01時56分 読売新聞）
2013年08月15日
２．６％成長 消費増税に耐えられる体力か
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 14, 2013
Has the economy recovered enough to withstand consumption tax hike?
２．６％成長 消費増税に耐えられる体力か（8月13日付・読売社説）
Although Japan’s economy continued to grow in the April-June quarter, it is worrying that the improvement has begun to lose steam.
プラス成長を維持したものの、勢いに陰りが見えるのは気がかりだ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make a final decision in autumn on whether to raise the consumption tax rate next April as scheduled. The tax increase would be in vain if it harms the economy and spoils an opportunity to escape deflation.
安倍首相は、来年４月の消費税率引き上げの当否を、今秋に最終判断する。消費増税によって景気が腰折れし、デフレ脱却のチャンスを逃しては元も子もない。
Abe will have to make a difficult judgment on whether the national economy has recovered enough to withstand a consumption tax hike.
日本経済が消費増税に耐えられる体力を回復しているかどうか、難しい見極めが求められよう。
The nation’s real-term gross domestic product for the April-June period, released by the Cabinet Office on Monday, improved 0.6 percent over the previous quarter, recording a third straight quarter of growth. The growth rate stood at 2.6 percent on an annualized basis, down from 3.8 percent registered in the January-March quarter.
内閣府が発表した今年４〜６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・６％増と、３四半期連続でプラスになった。年率換算の成長率は２・６％で、１〜３月期の３・８％から減速した。
Personal consumption and exports soared in the April-June quarter due to the effects of Abenomics, the economic policy put forth by the Abe administration. But plant and equipment investment, which had been expected to be a growth engine, declined for the sixth consecutive quarter and housing investment dropped unexpectedly.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果などで、個人消費や輸出は堅調だった。一方、成長のエンジン役と期待された設備投資は６四半期連続で減少し、住宅投資も予想外のマイナスだった。
The growth rate for the April-June period is an important indicator to judge whether the consumption tax rate should be increased from 5 percent to 8 percent as scheduled.
４〜６月期の成長率は、消費税率を５％から８％に上げるかどうか判断する重要な指標だ。
Private-led growth vital
Akira Amari, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, acknowledged the continued growth during a news conference Monday, noting that “favorable figures have continued to be recorded.” But the growth rate figure was far lower than the mid-3 percent level anticipated by economists.
甘利経済財政相は記者会見で、「引き続きいい数字が出ている」と述べたが、３％台半ばの成長率を見込んでいたエコノミストらの事前予想を大きく下回った。
Abe told reporters the government “will continue to take all possible economic measures.” The goal of ending deflation must be achieved by putting top priority on business revitalization.
首相は記者団に「今後も経済政策に万全を期したい」と述べた。景気を最優先し、今度こそデフレ脱却を果たさねばならない。
It is important to achieve self-sustaining economic growth led by the private sector. The government must promptly carry out measures such as those to help boost capital investment by private firms. An extraordinary Diet session to be convened in autumn is expected to be a crucial stage for the promotion of the government’s growth strategy.
重要なのは、民間が主導する自律的な経済成長の達成である。設備投資のテコ入れなどを急ぐべきだ。秋の臨時国会は成長戦略推進の正念場となる。
A tax rate increase of three percentage points is estimated to raise consumer prices by about 2 percent. If prices rise but household income does not, consumption will suffer a blow. The key here is whether corporate profits will be smoothly reflected in wages.
消費税率を予定通り３％上げた場合、消費者物価は約２％押し上げられる計算だ。家計の収入が増えないまま物価が上がると、消費も打撃を受けよう。企業の利益を円滑に賃金に波及させられるかどうかがカギを握る。
When the sales tax was increased from 3 percent to 5 percent in April 1997, households suffered additional burdens caused by, among other factors, the discontinuation of special tax reductions. This was accompanied by the Asian monetary crisis and serious financial uncertainties, thereby causing the national economy to slow down sharply. It must be remembered that these developments led to long years of deflation.
１９９７年４月に消費税率を３％から５％に上げた際は、特別減税の打ち切りなど家計の負担増が重なった。アジア通貨危機と深刻な金融不安も加わり、景気が急減速した。長期デフレの発端となったことを忘れてはならない。
Consumption tax revenue climbed, but revenue from income and corporate taxes dropped, making it more difficult to achieve the key goal of fiscal rehabilitation.
消費税の税収は増えたが、景気低迷で所得税や法人税が減り、肝心の財政再建も遠のいた。
To prevent a repetition of the past policy blunder, it is of utmost importance to analyze the economic situation from multiple perspectives.
過去の失政を繰り返さないためには、経済情勢を多角的に分析することが何より大切だ。
It was reasonable that Abe has called for listening to the opinions of experts and corporate managers about the advisability of raising the consumption tax and the likely effects of a tax increase and using that input when making a policy judgment.
首相が政策判断の材料として、消費税率引き上げの是非や増税した場合の影響について、有識者や企業経営者の意見を聞くよう指示したのは妥当である。
The government must lend an unprejudiced ear to voices from various sectors.
予断を持たず、各方面の声に耳を傾けてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug.13, 2013)
（2013年8月13日01時29分 読売新聞）
Has the economy recovered enough to withstand consumption tax hike?
２．６％成長 消費増税に耐えられる体力か（8月13日付・読売社説）
Although Japan’s economy continued to grow in the April-June quarter, it is worrying that the improvement has begun to lose steam.
プラス成長を維持したものの、勢いに陰りが見えるのは気がかりだ。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe will make a final decision in autumn on whether to raise the consumption tax rate next April as scheduled. The tax increase would be in vain if it harms the economy and spoils an opportunity to escape deflation.
安倍首相は、来年４月の消費税率引き上げの当否を、今秋に最終判断する。消費増税によって景気が腰折れし、デフレ脱却のチャンスを逃しては元も子もない。
Abe will have to make a difficult judgment on whether the national economy has recovered enough to withstand a consumption tax hike.
日本経済が消費増税に耐えられる体力を回復しているかどうか、難しい見極めが求められよう。
The nation’s real-term gross domestic product for the April-June period, released by the Cabinet Office on Monday, improved 0.6 percent over the previous quarter, recording a third straight quarter of growth. The growth rate stood at 2.6 percent on an annualized basis, down from 3.8 percent registered in the January-March quarter.
内閣府が発表した今年４〜６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）は、前期比０・６％増と、３四半期連続でプラスになった。年率換算の成長率は２・６％で、１〜３月期の３・８％から減速した。
Personal consumption and exports soared in the April-June quarter due to the effects of Abenomics, the economic policy put forth by the Abe administration. But plant and equipment investment, which had been expected to be a growth engine, declined for the sixth consecutive quarter and housing investment dropped unexpectedly.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果などで、個人消費や輸出は堅調だった。一方、成長のエンジン役と期待された設備投資は６四半期連続で減少し、住宅投資も予想外のマイナスだった。
The growth rate for the April-June period is an important indicator to judge whether the consumption tax rate should be increased from 5 percent to 8 percent as scheduled.
４〜６月期の成長率は、消費税率を５％から８％に上げるかどうか判断する重要な指標だ。
Private-led growth vital
Akira Amari, state minister for economic and fiscal policy, acknowledged the continued growth during a news conference Monday, noting that “favorable figures have continued to be recorded.” But the growth rate figure was far lower than the mid-3 percent level anticipated by economists.
甘利経済財政相は記者会見で、「引き続きいい数字が出ている」と述べたが、３％台半ばの成長率を見込んでいたエコノミストらの事前予想を大きく下回った。
Abe told reporters the government “will continue to take all possible economic measures.” The goal of ending deflation must be achieved by putting top priority on business revitalization.
首相は記者団に「今後も経済政策に万全を期したい」と述べた。景気を最優先し、今度こそデフレ脱却を果たさねばならない。
It is important to achieve self-sustaining economic growth led by the private sector. The government must promptly carry out measures such as those to help boost capital investment by private firms. An extraordinary Diet session to be convened in autumn is expected to be a crucial stage for the promotion of the government’s growth strategy.
重要なのは、民間が主導する自律的な経済成長の達成である。設備投資のテコ入れなどを急ぐべきだ。秋の臨時国会は成長戦略推進の正念場となる。
A tax rate increase of three percentage points is estimated to raise consumer prices by about 2 percent. If prices rise but household income does not, consumption will suffer a blow. The key here is whether corporate profits will be smoothly reflected in wages.
消費税率を予定通り３％上げた場合、消費者物価は約２％押し上げられる計算だ。家計の収入が増えないまま物価が上がると、消費も打撃を受けよう。企業の利益を円滑に賃金に波及させられるかどうかがカギを握る。
When the sales tax was increased from 3 percent to 5 percent in April 1997, households suffered additional burdens caused by, among other factors, the discontinuation of special tax reductions. This was accompanied by the Asian monetary crisis and serious financial uncertainties, thereby causing the national economy to slow down sharply. It must be remembered that these developments led to long years of deflation.
１９９７年４月に消費税率を３％から５％に上げた際は、特別減税の打ち切りなど家計の負担増が重なった。アジア通貨危機と深刻な金融不安も加わり、景気が急減速した。長期デフレの発端となったことを忘れてはならない。
Consumption tax revenue climbed, but revenue from income and corporate taxes dropped, making it more difficult to achieve the key goal of fiscal rehabilitation.
消費税の税収は増えたが、景気低迷で所得税や法人税が減り、肝心の財政再建も遠のいた。
To prevent a repetition of the past policy blunder, it is of utmost importance to analyze the economic situation from multiple perspectives.
過去の失政を繰り返さないためには、経済情勢を多角的に分析することが何より大切だ。
It was reasonable that Abe has called for listening to the opinions of experts and corporate managers about the advisability of raising the consumption tax and the likely effects of a tax increase and using that input when making a policy judgment.
首相が政策判断の材料として、消費税率引き上げの是非や増税した場合の影響について、有識者や企業経営者の意見を聞くよう指示したのは妥当である。
The government must lend an unprejudiced ear to voices from various sectors.
予断を持たず、各方面の声に耳を傾けてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Aug.13, 2013)
（2013年8月13日01時29分 読売新聞）