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2014年04月07日
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:京のカエル、大阪のカエル ／東京
面白い論説ですね。
思わず引き込まれました。
マスコミ、テレビも毛嫌いせずに、その中から真実を探す努力だって必要なんです。
（スラチャイ）
February 23, 2014(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: More than meets the eye in media selection
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:京のカエル、大阪のカエル ／東京
When I get together with members of my generation, namely those around the age of 50, I sometimes feel that the people who often use the Internet and those who don't are seeing completely different worlds.
自分と同じ世代、つまり５０代前後の人たちで集まると、インターネットをよく使う人とそうでない人とで「触れている世界がまったく違う」と感じることがある。
In particular, those who regularly use the interactive tools we refer to as social media will often say things like, "Now everyone is focusing on that incident, aren't they?" Perhaps this is because they are always exchanging information with others who share their fields of interest.
特にソーシャルメディアと呼ばれる対話型のツールをよく使う人は、自分と同じ分野に関心を持つ人たちと絶えず情報交換をしているせいか、「今みんなの関心があの事件に集中しているね」などと言う。
At the same time, quite a few people in their 50s say they hardly ever use a computer.
ところが、５０代ともなると「パソコンもほとんど使わない」という人も少なくない。
For these people, social media is obviously pretty much out of the picture; rather, television and newspapers serve as their main sources for gathering information.
そうなると当然、ネットやソーシャルメディアともあまり関わらない生活なので、テレビや新聞が情報収集の中心になる。
Now, a person belonging to this group might remark, "I'd have to say at the moment that the Olympics is what draws my interest."
今であれば、「やっぱり気になるのはオリンピック」ということになろうか。
Among younger generations, far more people may say that they get their information from the Net, but it seems that for people aged around their 50s, there is roughly an equal distribution of people in the TV-newspaper and Internet camps.
もっと下の世代になると、「情報はネットで」という人たちがぐっと増えるのかもしれないが、５０代くらいではちょうど「新聞・テレビ派」と「ネット派」が半々という感じなので、
As a result, it's often the case that people from this age bracket end up on different planes when they talk to each other.
集まっても話題がかみ合わないということもしばしばある。
Sometimes things even get ugly. People who use the Internet to gather information tend to think that newspapers and TV programs don't report the truth, so when someone remarks, "I saw it on TV," they will reply, "No, you can't rely on TV!"
しかもネットを多用する人たちは、一般的に「新聞やテレビは真実を報道していない」と思いがちで、誰かが「テレビで見たんだけど」と言うと「ダメよ、テレビなんかに頼っちゃ！」と否定し、場の空気が険悪になることさえある。
I like the Internet, but I like TV too, and when I come across such situations, I am always reminded of "Kyo no Kaeru to Osaka no Kaeru," a folk tale about two frogs from Kyoto and Osaka, who decide they want to see each other's towns.
ネットも好き、でもテレビも好きな私は、こういう場面に出くわすといつも昔話の「京（京都）のカエルと大阪のカエル」を思い出す。
Both frogs set out and cross paths on a mountain pass, where they decide to stand up to get a view of each other's town. After doing so, they conclude each town is just that same as their own one, so they abandon their journeys and return home.
これは、京のカエルが「大阪の町を見たい」と、大阪のカエルが「京の町を見たい」と思い、互いに見物に出かけ、旅路の途中の山の峠に出会ったので立ち上がって向こうを眺め、互いに「京も大阪も何も変わらんな」と言って戻ることにした、という話だ。
But there is more to the story: The frogs' eyes, being on the tops of their heads, were actually gazing back at their own towns -- the Kyoto frog was looking at Kyoto and the Osaka frog was looking at Osaka.
これにはウラがあり、カエルの目は頭のてっぺんについているので、立ち上がったときには背後が見え、京のカエルは今来た京を、大阪のカエルは大阪を見ていただけだったのだ。
The moral of the story is that when seeking to confirm something, you first have to know yourself.
この物語の教訓は、「物事を確かめるにはまず自分自身をよく知らなければいけない」ということだが、
The same probably applies in divisions between the newspaper-TV and Internet groups.
「新聞・テレビか、ネットか」も同じだろう。
When a person declares that a particular form of media is false, it may turn out that what they were looking at and criticizing is actually the media they had been looking at to begin with.
「そっちのメディアは正しくない」と批判の対象にしているのは、実は自分が見ていたメディアのほうでした、ということもあるかもしれない。
Of course, the most desirable thing is to peruse a balanced selection of news sources, including the Internet, newspapers, magazines and television. I shouldn't have to point out that this really isn't a difficult thing to do.
もちろん、一番望ましいのは「ネット、新聞、雑誌、テレビ……と、いろいろな情報源をバランスよく見ること」なのだが、それほど難しいことではないのは、あえて言うまでもないだろう。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2014年02月18日 地方版
思わず引き込まれました。
マスコミ、テレビも毛嫌いせずに、その中から真実を探す努力だって必要なんです。
（スラチャイ）
February 23, 2014(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: More than meets the eye in media selection
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:京のカエル、大阪のカエル ／東京
When I get together with members of my generation, namely those around the age of 50, I sometimes feel that the people who often use the Internet and those who don't are seeing completely different worlds.
自分と同じ世代、つまり５０代前後の人たちで集まると、インターネットをよく使う人とそうでない人とで「触れている世界がまったく違う」と感じることがある。
In particular, those who regularly use the interactive tools we refer to as social media will often say things like, "Now everyone is focusing on that incident, aren't they?" Perhaps this is because they are always exchanging information with others who share their fields of interest.
特にソーシャルメディアと呼ばれる対話型のツールをよく使う人は、自分と同じ分野に関心を持つ人たちと絶えず情報交換をしているせいか、「今みんなの関心があの事件に集中しているね」などと言う。
At the same time, quite a few people in their 50s say they hardly ever use a computer.
ところが、５０代ともなると「パソコンもほとんど使わない」という人も少なくない。
For these people, social media is obviously pretty much out of the picture; rather, television and newspapers serve as their main sources for gathering information.
そうなると当然、ネットやソーシャルメディアともあまり関わらない生活なので、テレビや新聞が情報収集の中心になる。
Now, a person belonging to this group might remark, "I'd have to say at the moment that the Olympics is what draws my interest."
今であれば、「やっぱり気になるのはオリンピック」ということになろうか。
Among younger generations, far more people may say that they get their information from the Net, but it seems that for people aged around their 50s, there is roughly an equal distribution of people in the TV-newspaper and Internet camps.
もっと下の世代になると、「情報はネットで」という人たちがぐっと増えるのかもしれないが、５０代くらいではちょうど「新聞・テレビ派」と「ネット派」が半々という感じなので、
As a result, it's often the case that people from this age bracket end up on different planes when they talk to each other.
集まっても話題がかみ合わないということもしばしばある。
Sometimes things even get ugly. People who use the Internet to gather information tend to think that newspapers and TV programs don't report the truth, so when someone remarks, "I saw it on TV," they will reply, "No, you can't rely on TV!"
しかもネットを多用する人たちは、一般的に「新聞やテレビは真実を報道していない」と思いがちで、誰かが「テレビで見たんだけど」と言うと「ダメよ、テレビなんかに頼っちゃ！」と否定し、場の空気が険悪になることさえある。
I like the Internet, but I like TV too, and when I come across such situations, I am always reminded of "Kyo no Kaeru to Osaka no Kaeru," a folk tale about two frogs from Kyoto and Osaka, who decide they want to see each other's towns.
ネットも好き、でもテレビも好きな私は、こういう場面に出くわすといつも昔話の「京（京都）のカエルと大阪のカエル」を思い出す。
Both frogs set out and cross paths on a mountain pass, where they decide to stand up to get a view of each other's town. After doing so, they conclude each town is just that same as their own one, so they abandon their journeys and return home.
これは、京のカエルが「大阪の町を見たい」と、大阪のカエルが「京の町を見たい」と思い、互いに見物に出かけ、旅路の途中の山の峠に出会ったので立ち上がって向こうを眺め、互いに「京も大阪も何も変わらんな」と言って戻ることにした、という話だ。
But there is more to the story: The frogs' eyes, being on the tops of their heads, were actually gazing back at their own towns -- the Kyoto frog was looking at Kyoto and the Osaka frog was looking at Osaka.
これにはウラがあり、カエルの目は頭のてっぺんについているので、立ち上がったときには背後が見え、京のカエルは今来た京を、大阪のカエルは大阪を見ていただけだったのだ。
The moral of the story is that when seeking to confirm something, you first have to know yourself.
この物語の教訓は、「物事を確かめるにはまず自分自身をよく知らなければいけない」ということだが、
The same probably applies in divisions between the newspaper-TV and Internet groups.
「新聞・テレビか、ネットか」も同じだろう。
When a person declares that a particular form of media is false, it may turn out that what they were looking at and criticizing is actually the media they had been looking at to begin with.
「そっちのメディアは正しくない」と批判の対象にしているのは、実は自分が見ていたメディアのほうでした、ということもあるかもしれない。
Of course, the most desirable thing is to peruse a balanced selection of news sources, including the Internet, newspapers, magazines and television. I shouldn't have to point out that this really isn't a difficult thing to do.
もちろん、一番望ましいのは「ネット、新聞、雑誌、テレビ……と、いろいろな情報源をバランスよく見ること」なのだが、それほど難しいことではないのは、あえて言うまでもないだろう。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2014年02月18日 地方版
2014年04月06日
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:失敗したいわけではない ／東京
心を打たれました。
（スラチャイ）
March 09, 2014(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Nobody wants to fail
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:失敗したいわけではない ／東京
Japanese figure skater Mao Asada appeared at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan last month after she returned from the Sochi Olympics.
ソチ・オリンピックから帰国したフィギュアスケートの浅田真央選手が、外国特派員協会で記者会見した。
After she reflected on her performances at the Games, a reporter asked her how she felt about former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori's comment where he said, "She (Asada) always falls at the most critical time" in a competition.
試合や今回の結果を振り返った後で、外国人記者が森喜朗元首相の「あの子は大事なところで必ず転ぶ」という発言についてどう思うか、と聞いた。
It was a rather straightforward question for a news conference, Asada, nonetheless, put a smile on her face and said, "I'm only human and humans fail. Of course, nobody wants to fail."
踏み込んだ質問にも、浅田選手が笑顔で「人間なので失敗する。したくてするわけではない」と切り返した言葉にハッとした。
I was taken aback, and then realized that her comment is true in different situations.
これは、いろいろな場面で共通しているのではないか。
Patients I see at my clinic, for example, sometimes need to apply for handicapped certificates or a pension for handicapped people after suffering from prolonged illness.
例えば診察室にやって来る人たち。病が長引き、障害者として手帳や年金を申請しなければならなくなる人もいる。
Documents necessary for these procedures extend over pages and they require complex medical certificates from doctors.
申請書類は何通にも及び、医師の診断書もけっこう複雑だ。
When patients come to me and ask me to complete the documents by the end of the day, I sometimes unintentionally treat them impolitely, saying something like, "I won't be able to finish them until later after I'm done with my other patients." The patients who asked for the forms would apologize repeatedly for causing me trouble.
「何とか今日中に診断書を書いてもらえませんか」と言われると、つい「診察が終わってから夜、遅くになりますけど」とぶっきらぼうに答えてしまい、患者さんは「本当にすみません」と何度も頭を下げる。
That's when I am reminded that these patients never asked to be sick in the first place and I become embarrassed at how I reacted. I then would say, "I am sorry. I will finish those forms as soon as possible."
その姿に「そうだった。この人も病気になりたくてなったわけではないんだ」と今更ながら気づいて「こちらこそごめんなさい。なるべく急いで書きますね」と、不機嫌な態度を取った自分が恥ずかしくなることがある。
It's almost the end of university entrance exam season in the country. Some students will get accepted and some will not. If you are a parent and your child didn't get accepted into a university of their choice, please do remember that they didn't want to fail, before yelling, "You didn't study enough!"
今はちょうど受験のシーズンだ。合格する人がいれば不合格者もいる。我が子が失敗すると、親はつい「どうして不合格なわけ？ 勉強しないからこうなるのよ！」と叱ってしまうこともあるが、本人だって落ちたくて落ちたわけではない、ということは忘れないようにしたい。
Of course, not everything will be forgiven even if the person says, "What I have done is not something I wanted to do."
もちろん、「したくてしたわけじゃない」と言って全てが許されるわけではない。
We have to face punishment or pay an appropriate penalty for our wrong doing, even when the action was unintentional or simply a mistake.
たとえうっかりミスや過失であっても、相応の罰を受けなければならないこともある。
In our everyday lives, however, we should not blame those who try hard, just because they failed to bring expected results.
ただ、日常の場面では、特に一生懸命努力した人が期待された成果を上げられなかったからといって、「どうして？」「あなたが悪いから」と一方的に責めるのは控えたい。
We need to remember in particular that people such as disaster victims or those who have handicaps, didn't ask for such conditions.
特に病や障害を抱えている人、事故や災害に巻き込まれた人は、「それだけは避けたい」と思っていたのに、そうなってしまったかもしれないということをしっかり胸にとめておくべきだろう。
We should be considerate toward those who experienced difficult times because of illness or disasters and be willing to help them by realizing they didn't ask for those things to happen.
そうすれば、なりたくもない病、経験したくもなかった災難に関わることになってしまった人に対して、もう少しやさしくなり力を貸そうとしたくなるはずだ。
People do not choose to fail or be unhappy.
失敗したくてする人や、不幸になりたくてなる人はいない。
Olympian Asada reminded us at her press conference about such a simple, but important, thing we tend to forget.
シンプルで、でもつい忘れてしまいそうになる大切なことをオリンピックから帰ってきた浅田選手は教えてくれた。
(Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2014年03月04日 地方版
（スラチャイ）
March 09, 2014(Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Nobody wants to fail
香山リカのココロの万華鏡:失敗したいわけではない ／東京
Japanese figure skater Mao Asada appeared at the Foreign Correspondents' Club of Japan last month after she returned from the Sochi Olympics.
ソチ・オリンピックから帰国したフィギュアスケートの浅田真央選手が、外国特派員協会で記者会見した。
After she reflected on her performances at the Games, a reporter asked her how she felt about former Prime Minister Yoshiro Mori's comment where he said, "She (Asada) always falls at the most critical time" in a competition.
試合や今回の結果を振り返った後で、外国人記者が森喜朗元首相の「あの子は大事なところで必ず転ぶ」という発言についてどう思うか、と聞いた。
It was a rather straightforward question for a news conference, Asada, nonetheless, put a smile on her face and said, "I'm only human and humans fail. Of course, nobody wants to fail."
踏み込んだ質問にも、浅田選手が笑顔で「人間なので失敗する。したくてするわけではない」と切り返した言葉にハッとした。
I was taken aback, and then realized that her comment is true in different situations.
これは、いろいろな場面で共通しているのではないか。
Patients I see at my clinic, for example, sometimes need to apply for handicapped certificates or a pension for handicapped people after suffering from prolonged illness.
例えば診察室にやって来る人たち。病が長引き、障害者として手帳や年金を申請しなければならなくなる人もいる。
Documents necessary for these procedures extend over pages and they require complex medical certificates from doctors.
申請書類は何通にも及び、医師の診断書もけっこう複雑だ。
When patients come to me and ask me to complete the documents by the end of the day, I sometimes unintentionally treat them impolitely, saying something like, "I won't be able to finish them until later after I'm done with my other patients." The patients who asked for the forms would apologize repeatedly for causing me trouble.
「何とか今日中に診断書を書いてもらえませんか」と言われると、つい「診察が終わってから夜、遅くになりますけど」とぶっきらぼうに答えてしまい、患者さんは「本当にすみません」と何度も頭を下げる。
That's when I am reminded that these patients never asked to be sick in the first place and I become embarrassed at how I reacted. I then would say, "I am sorry. I will finish those forms as soon as possible."
その姿に「そうだった。この人も病気になりたくてなったわけではないんだ」と今更ながら気づいて「こちらこそごめんなさい。なるべく急いで書きますね」と、不機嫌な態度を取った自分が恥ずかしくなることがある。
It's almost the end of university entrance exam season in the country. Some students will get accepted and some will not. If you are a parent and your child didn't get accepted into a university of their choice, please do remember that they didn't want to fail, before yelling, "You didn't study enough!"
今はちょうど受験のシーズンだ。合格する人がいれば不合格者もいる。我が子が失敗すると、親はつい「どうして不合格なわけ？ 勉強しないからこうなるのよ！」と叱ってしまうこともあるが、本人だって落ちたくて落ちたわけではない、ということは忘れないようにしたい。
Of course, not everything will be forgiven even if the person says, "What I have done is not something I wanted to do."
もちろん、「したくてしたわけじゃない」と言って全てが許されるわけではない。
We have to face punishment or pay an appropriate penalty for our wrong doing, even when the action was unintentional or simply a mistake.
たとえうっかりミスや過失であっても、相応の罰を受けなければならないこともある。
In our everyday lives, however, we should not blame those who try hard, just because they failed to bring expected results.
ただ、日常の場面では、特に一生懸命努力した人が期待された成果を上げられなかったからといって、「どうして？」「あなたが悪いから」と一方的に責めるのは控えたい。
We need to remember in particular that people such as disaster victims or those who have handicaps, didn't ask for such conditions.
特に病や障害を抱えている人、事故や災害に巻き込まれた人は、「それだけは避けたい」と思っていたのに、そうなってしまったかもしれないということをしっかり胸にとめておくべきだろう。
We should be considerate toward those who experienced difficult times because of illness or disasters and be willing to help them by realizing they didn't ask for those things to happen.
そうすれば、なりたくもない病、経験したくもなかった災難に関わることになってしまった人に対して、もう少しやさしくなり力を貸そうとしたくなるはずだ。
People do not choose to fail or be unhappy.
失敗したくてする人や、不幸になりたくてなる人はいない。
Olympian Asada reminded us at her press conference about such a simple, but important, thing we tend to forget.
シンプルで、でもつい忘れてしまいそうになる大切なことをオリンピックから帰ってきた浅田選手は教えてくれた。
(Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2014年03月04日 地方版
2014年04月05日
最高裁新長官 違憲審査権の適切な行使を
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 03, 2014
Top court under new chief must use power of judicial review appropriately
最高裁新長官 違憲審査権の適切な行使を
In realizing a judiciary that can be trusted by the people, the new chief justice has his work cut out for him.
国民に信頼される司法の実現に向けて、新長官の手腕が問われよう。
Itsuro Terada has become the 18th chief justice of the Supreme Court. His father, Jiro Terada, was the 10th chief justice. It marks the first time for a father and son to have both assumed the post.
最高裁の第１８代長官に寺田逸郎・最高裁判事が就任した。父親の治郎氏も第１０代長官を務めた。初の親子２代の長官就任である。
Terada, a former judge, worked for many years at the Justice Ministry and on tasks such as the development of legal systems related to the Civil Code. He has likely been appointed as the chief justice due to his knowledge of not only the judiciary, but also the legislative process and public administration.
寺田氏は裁判官出身だが、法務省勤務が長く、民事関係の法整備などに携わった経歴を持つ。司法だけでなく、立法や行政の分野にも精通している点が評価されての起用と言えるだろう。
What is expected from the new chief justice, among other things, is firmly establishing reforms in the justice system within society, an ongoing process that Terada was involved in when he was at the Justice Ministry.
新長官にまず期待されるのは、寺田氏自身が法務省時代に関与した司法制度改革の定着だ。
The reforms, which aimed to create a justice system that the public would feel close to and find useful, have achieved tangible results.
身近で使い勝手の良い司法を目指す改革は、一定の成果を上げている。
The lay judge system, one of the reforms’ key features, will have been in force for five years in May. Although the system was implemented without major confusion, it is a cause of concern that among those who have served as lay judges, the number of people who say that the trial process is “easily comprehensible” has been declining.
改革の目玉だった裁判員制度は５月で施行５年を迎える。大きな混乱もなく実施されているが、「審理が理解しやすかった」という裁判員経験者の声が減少傾向にあるのは気がかりだ。
In implementing the lay judge system, the court intended to improve the level of interaction within the judiciary during the trial, such as during witness examination. But there has been much criticism that trials have often been conducted on the basis of written documentation, mainly with records of pretrial interrogation being read out.
制度施行にあたっては、証人尋問など公判でのやりとりを充実させるはずだった。ところが、調書を読み上げる書面中心の審理が目立つとの批判が多い。
We hope the new chief justice will exercise his leadership so that trials are conducted in an easy-to- understand manner.
わかりやすい審理を徹底するよう、寺田氏は指導力を発揮してほしい。
Respect other branches
The court has the power of judicial review to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and administrative procedures, with the final judgment to be made by the Supreme Court.
裁判所は、法律や行政手続きが憲法に適合するかどうかを監視する違憲審査権を持つ。
最終判断を担うのが最高裁だ。
Trials involving constitutional judgments are examined by all 15 justices on the grand bench, with Terada serving as chief judge.
憲法判断が絡む裁判は、１５人の裁判官全員による大法廷で審理され、寺田氏が裁判長を務める。
The power of judicial review is an important source of authority in a nation ruled by law. But from the viewpoint of the separation of administrative, legislative and judiciary powers, it is essential to heed the discretion of the legislative and executive branches when exercising the power.
違憲審査権は法治国家における重要な権限だが、行使には、三権分立の立場から、国会や行政の裁量権への目配りが欠かせない。
The top court’s stance has been deemed questionable in this respect, as indicated by its ruling on vote-value disparity.
その観点で疑問なのは、「１票の格差」を巡る判決の中で示された最高裁の姿勢である。
In a ruling that described the 2009 House of Representatives election to have been in “a state of unconstitutionality,” the grand bench said that the vote-value disparity primarily stems from the current seat-distribution system. The system allots one seat to each prefecture as a quota before deciding the number of seats that should be allocated to its single-seat section of the election in proportion to its population. The court called for an immediate abolition of the distribution formula.
２００９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」とした判決で、大法廷は、まず各都道府県に小選挙区の１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因だと指摘し、速やかな廃止を求めた。
In a ruling that also stated the 2012 lower house election to have been in “a state of unconstitutionality,” the top court said structural problems in the distribution of the quota of seats for single-seat constituencies had not been resolved.
１２年衆院選を違憲状態とした判決でも、別枠方式の構造問題は解決されていないと言及した。
It can be said that the top court has gone so far as to step into the legislative branch’s sphere of discretion, going beyond making a judgment on the constitutionality of a vote-value disparity.
格差が合憲か違憲かの判断にとどまらず、立法府の裁量の範囲にまで踏み込んだと言える。
The issue of whether a framework concerning Diet seat distribution should be abolished is one that must be judged by the Diet. The top court must exercise its power of judicial review appropriately.
議席配分に関する仕組みの存廃は、国会が判断すべき事柄だろう。最高裁には、違憲審査権の適切な行使が求められる。
The Supreme Court is the “last bastion” in the three-tiered system of justice.
最高裁は、３審制における「最後の砦とりで」でもある。
It is vital that, under the new chief justice, each justice on the top court properly evaluates the conclusions reached by lower courts, so that there are no more victims of false accusation.
万が一にも冤罪えんざいの被害者を出さぬよう、寺田新長官の下、最高裁の各裁判官は、下級審の結論をしっかりチェックすることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 3, 2014)
Top court under new chief must use power of judicial review appropriately
最高裁新長官 違憲審査権の適切な行使を
In realizing a judiciary that can be trusted by the people, the new chief justice has his work cut out for him.
国民に信頼される司法の実現に向けて、新長官の手腕が問われよう。
Itsuro Terada has become the 18th chief justice of the Supreme Court. His father, Jiro Terada, was the 10th chief justice. It marks the first time for a father and son to have both assumed the post.
最高裁の第１８代長官に寺田逸郎・最高裁判事が就任した。父親の治郎氏も第１０代長官を務めた。初の親子２代の長官就任である。
Terada, a former judge, worked for many years at the Justice Ministry and on tasks such as the development of legal systems related to the Civil Code. He has likely been appointed as the chief justice due to his knowledge of not only the judiciary, but also the legislative process and public administration.
寺田氏は裁判官出身だが、法務省勤務が長く、民事関係の法整備などに携わった経歴を持つ。司法だけでなく、立法や行政の分野にも精通している点が評価されての起用と言えるだろう。
What is expected from the new chief justice, among other things, is firmly establishing reforms in the justice system within society, an ongoing process that Terada was involved in when he was at the Justice Ministry.
新長官にまず期待されるのは、寺田氏自身が法務省時代に関与した司法制度改革の定着だ。
The reforms, which aimed to create a justice system that the public would feel close to and find useful, have achieved tangible results.
身近で使い勝手の良い司法を目指す改革は、一定の成果を上げている。
The lay judge system, one of the reforms’ key features, will have been in force for five years in May. Although the system was implemented without major confusion, it is a cause of concern that among those who have served as lay judges, the number of people who say that the trial process is “easily comprehensible” has been declining.
改革の目玉だった裁判員制度は５月で施行５年を迎える。大きな混乱もなく実施されているが、「審理が理解しやすかった」という裁判員経験者の声が減少傾向にあるのは気がかりだ。
In implementing the lay judge system, the court intended to improve the level of interaction within the judiciary during the trial, such as during witness examination. But there has been much criticism that trials have often been conducted on the basis of written documentation, mainly with records of pretrial interrogation being read out.
制度施行にあたっては、証人尋問など公判でのやりとりを充実させるはずだった。ところが、調書を読み上げる書面中心の審理が目立つとの批判が多い。
We hope the new chief justice will exercise his leadership so that trials are conducted in an easy-to- understand manner.
わかりやすい審理を徹底するよう、寺田氏は指導力を発揮してほしい。
Respect other branches
The court has the power of judicial review to evaluate the constitutionality of laws and administrative procedures, with the final judgment to be made by the Supreme Court.
裁判所は、法律や行政手続きが憲法に適合するかどうかを監視する違憲審査権を持つ。
最終判断を担うのが最高裁だ。
Trials involving constitutional judgments are examined by all 15 justices on the grand bench, with Terada serving as chief judge.
憲法判断が絡む裁判は、１５人の裁判官全員による大法廷で審理され、寺田氏が裁判長を務める。
The power of judicial review is an important source of authority in a nation ruled by law. But from the viewpoint of the separation of administrative, legislative and judiciary powers, it is essential to heed the discretion of the legislative and executive branches when exercising the power.
違憲審査権は法治国家における重要な権限だが、行使には、三権分立の立場から、国会や行政の裁量権への目配りが欠かせない。
The top court’s stance has been deemed questionable in this respect, as indicated by its ruling on vote-value disparity.
その観点で疑問なのは、「１票の格差」を巡る判決の中で示された最高裁の姿勢である。
In a ruling that described the 2009 House of Representatives election to have been in “a state of unconstitutionality,” the grand bench said that the vote-value disparity primarily stems from the current seat-distribution system. The system allots one seat to each prefecture as a quota before deciding the number of seats that should be allocated to its single-seat section of the election in proportion to its population. The court called for an immediate abolition of the distribution formula.
２００９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」とした判決で、大法廷は、まず各都道府県に小選挙区の１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因だと指摘し、速やかな廃止を求めた。
In a ruling that also stated the 2012 lower house election to have been in “a state of unconstitutionality,” the top court said structural problems in the distribution of the quota of seats for single-seat constituencies had not been resolved.
１２年衆院選を違憲状態とした判決でも、別枠方式の構造問題は解決されていないと言及した。
It can be said that the top court has gone so far as to step into the legislative branch’s sphere of discretion, going beyond making a judgment on the constitutionality of a vote-value disparity.
格差が合憲か違憲かの判断にとどまらず、立法府の裁量の範囲にまで踏み込んだと言える。
The issue of whether a framework concerning Diet seat distribution should be abolished is one that must be judged by the Diet. The top court must exercise its power of judicial review appropriately.
議席配分に関する仕組みの存廃は、国会が判断すべき事柄だろう。最高裁には、違憲審査権の適切な行使が求められる。
The Supreme Court is the “last bastion” in the three-tiered system of justice.
最高裁は、３審制における「最後の砦とりで」でもある。
It is vital that, under the new chief justice, each justice on the top court properly evaluates the conclusions reached by lower courts, so that there are no more victims of false accusation.
万が一にも冤罪えんざいの被害者を出さぬよう、寺田新長官の下、最高裁の各裁判官は、下級審の結論をしっかりチェックすることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 3, 2014)
2014年04月04日
ＳＴＡＰ問題 再発防止へ全体像を解明せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 02, 2014
Truth about STAP fabrication case must be uncovered
ＳＴＡＰ問題 再発防止へ全体像を解明せよ
The controversy over two articles written by an international team led by a RIKEN researcher, about what it calls stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency (STAP), must be regarded as a situation that seriously affects this nation’s scientific research. Japan’s scientific efforts are at risk of losing international confidence.
日本の科学研究に対する国際的な信用を損なうゆゆしき事態である。
On Tuesday, RIKEN’s investigative committee published a final report that concluded the papers in question contained “deliberate alterations and fabrication.”
ＳＴＡＰ細胞の論文について、理化学研究所の調査委員会が「意図的な改ざんと捏造ねつぞうがあった」とする最終報告書を発表した。
RIKEN has said it will urge the team led by Haruko Obokata, the lead author of the theses, to retract them.
理研は、論文の筆頭著者である小保方晴子ユニットリーダーらに論文撤回を勧告するという。
RIKEN’s authority has been dealt a serious blow, only two months after the team drew international attention to papers claiming success in creating the STAP cell as “a third kind of pluripotent cell.” What were the factors behind this? We hope RIKEN will keep trying to uncover the whole truth, including whether the STAP cell truly exists.
「第３の万能細胞」として世界的に注目を集めた発表から、わずか２か月で、理研の権威は大きく傷ついた。なぜこのようなことになったのか。理研は引き続き、ＳＴＡＰ細胞の存在の真偽も含め、全容解明に努めてもらいたい。
Through fact-finding interviews with people involved with the papers in question, the investigative panel has declared that Obokata was solely responsible for misconduct that included alterations to an image used in the articles.
調査委は、関係者からの聞き取り調査などを行い、画像の加工などについて、小保方氏単独の不正行為があったと断定した。
The RIKEN committee has concluded that several photos used in the articles were “fabricated.” This conclusion is particularly disconcerting in that the images in question were claimed by the team as evidence proving the pluripotency of STAP cells. The authenticity of the papers has been fundamentally shaken.
特に深刻なのは、ＳＴＡＰ細胞の万能性を示す証拠とされた画像を「捏造に当たる」と結論づけた点だ。論文の信ぴょう性が根底から揺らいだと言えよう。
The panel also mentioned inadequacies attributable to figures with ties to RIKEN, whose names were included in the list of the papers’ coauthors. Its report said these people had not done enough to fulfill their duties related to the articles, including the examination of the data presented by Obokata.
調査委は、論文の共著者の理研関係者について、小保方氏が示したデータのチェックなどに不十分な点があったとも指摘した。
When the papers about the STAP method were published in January, RIKEN officials spoke with a unified voice in praising the achievement claimed by Obokata’s team. They emphasized the discovery had been made possible as a result of veteran scientists supporting the innovative ideas generated by such a young researcher.
論文の発表時に理研は、若手の斬新なアイデアをベテランの共著者が支えたと強調し、研究所一丸となった成果を誇っていた。
Ignored rules
However, the results of the panel’s investigation brought to light the carelessness evident in the process of putting the papers together, as the scientists involved failed to properly communicate with each other.
だが、調査結果から浮き彫りになったのは、研究者間の意思疎通を欠いたまま進められたずさんな論文作成の実態だ。
RIKEN has kept in place a set of regulations aimed at preventing its staff from conducting dishonest research activities. The rules include an obligation to ensure procedures, facts and data related to experiments are appropriately written into laboratory notebooks, while also properly preserving these records. Also included in the rules is to thoroughly confirm what kind of responsibility is to be assumed by each coauthor of an article.
理研は、不正な研究を防ぐため、実験手順やデータを記録する実験ノートの適切な記載と保管、論文の著者間の責任分担確認などを徹底させる規定を設けている。
Obokata was found to have retained such records only in two notebooks over the past three years. It has also been discovered that the notebooks only contained fragmentary and undated facts and data.
それにもかかわらず、小保方氏の実験ノートは、３年間で２冊だけで、日付も記入されていない断片的な内容だったという。
In a statement issued about the results of the investigation, she has called the report totally unacceptable. Obokata also said she would file a complaint against Riken. However, if she wants to rebut the results of the investigation, Obokata must appear in public and explain the grounds on which her assertion is based.
小保方氏は調査結果について「とても承服できない」とのコメントを発表した。理研に不服申し立てを行うという。反論があるのなら、小保方氏は公の場できちんと根拠を説明せねばならない。
The dispute over the papers is believed to affect a government plan to name RIKEN as a specified national research and development corporation under a new designation system.
理研を「特定国立研究開発法人」に指定する政府の方針にも影響が出よう。
Large salaries would be paid to attract excellent researchers. RIKEN needs, first and foremost, to enhance its governance as a research institution while also implementing steps to prevent a similar incident from taking place again.
優秀な研究者を高給で集める新制度だが、理研がガバナンス（組織統治）を確立し、再発防止を図ることがまずは必要だ。
The STAP case has raised questions about reporting news on scientific discoveries.
今回の問題は、科学報道のあり方に課題を突きつけた。
Any science paper that has just been published is to be regarded as showing that theories and advancements documented therein are in the process of being verified.
Such theories often prove to be misconceived.
論文発表は、「仮説」の検証過程であり、後に誤認が判明することも多い。
Even an achievement that scientists claim can overturn long-held beliefs has the possibility of turning out to be false.
常識を覆すとされる成果でも、その可能性はある。
We must all be reminded of the importance of reporting scientific news objectively and calmly.
客観的で冷静な報道の重要性を改めて肝に銘じたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 2, 2014)
Truth about STAP fabrication case must be uncovered
ＳＴＡＰ問題 再発防止へ全体像を解明せよ
The controversy over two articles written by an international team led by a RIKEN researcher, about what it calls stimulus-triggered acquisition of pluripotency (STAP), must be regarded as a situation that seriously affects this nation’s scientific research. Japan’s scientific efforts are at risk of losing international confidence.
日本の科学研究に対する国際的な信用を損なうゆゆしき事態である。
On Tuesday, RIKEN’s investigative committee published a final report that concluded the papers in question contained “deliberate alterations and fabrication.”
ＳＴＡＰ細胞の論文について、理化学研究所の調査委員会が「意図的な改ざんと捏造ねつぞうがあった」とする最終報告書を発表した。
RIKEN has said it will urge the team led by Haruko Obokata, the lead author of the theses, to retract them.
理研は、論文の筆頭著者である小保方晴子ユニットリーダーらに論文撤回を勧告するという。
RIKEN’s authority has been dealt a serious blow, only two months after the team drew international attention to papers claiming success in creating the STAP cell as “a third kind of pluripotent cell.” What were the factors behind this? We hope RIKEN will keep trying to uncover the whole truth, including whether the STAP cell truly exists.
「第３の万能細胞」として世界的に注目を集めた発表から、わずか２か月で、理研の権威は大きく傷ついた。なぜこのようなことになったのか。理研は引き続き、ＳＴＡＰ細胞の存在の真偽も含め、全容解明に努めてもらいたい。
Through fact-finding interviews with people involved with the papers in question, the investigative panel has declared that Obokata was solely responsible for misconduct that included alterations to an image used in the articles.
調査委は、関係者からの聞き取り調査などを行い、画像の加工などについて、小保方氏単独の不正行為があったと断定した。
The RIKEN committee has concluded that several photos used in the articles were “fabricated.” This conclusion is particularly disconcerting in that the images in question were claimed by the team as evidence proving the pluripotency of STAP cells. The authenticity of the papers has been fundamentally shaken.
特に深刻なのは、ＳＴＡＰ細胞の万能性を示す証拠とされた画像を「捏造に当たる」と結論づけた点だ。論文の信ぴょう性が根底から揺らいだと言えよう。
The panel also mentioned inadequacies attributable to figures with ties to RIKEN, whose names were included in the list of the papers’ coauthors. Its report said these people had not done enough to fulfill their duties related to the articles, including the examination of the data presented by Obokata.
調査委は、論文の共著者の理研関係者について、小保方氏が示したデータのチェックなどに不十分な点があったとも指摘した。
When the papers about the STAP method were published in January, RIKEN officials spoke with a unified voice in praising the achievement claimed by Obokata’s team. They emphasized the discovery had been made possible as a result of veteran scientists supporting the innovative ideas generated by such a young researcher.
論文の発表時に理研は、若手の斬新なアイデアをベテランの共著者が支えたと強調し、研究所一丸となった成果を誇っていた。
Ignored rules
However, the results of the panel’s investigation brought to light the carelessness evident in the process of putting the papers together, as the scientists involved failed to properly communicate with each other.
だが、調査結果から浮き彫りになったのは、研究者間の意思疎通を欠いたまま進められたずさんな論文作成の実態だ。
RIKEN has kept in place a set of regulations aimed at preventing its staff from conducting dishonest research activities. The rules include an obligation to ensure procedures, facts and data related to experiments are appropriately written into laboratory notebooks, while also properly preserving these records. Also included in the rules is to thoroughly confirm what kind of responsibility is to be assumed by each coauthor of an article.
理研は、不正な研究を防ぐため、実験手順やデータを記録する実験ノートの適切な記載と保管、論文の著者間の責任分担確認などを徹底させる規定を設けている。
Obokata was found to have retained such records only in two notebooks over the past three years. It has also been discovered that the notebooks only contained fragmentary and undated facts and data.
それにもかかわらず、小保方氏の実験ノートは、３年間で２冊だけで、日付も記入されていない断片的な内容だったという。
In a statement issued about the results of the investigation, she has called the report totally unacceptable. Obokata also said she would file a complaint against Riken. However, if she wants to rebut the results of the investigation, Obokata must appear in public and explain the grounds on which her assertion is based.
小保方氏は調査結果について「とても承服できない」とのコメントを発表した。理研に不服申し立てを行うという。反論があるのなら、小保方氏は公の場できちんと根拠を説明せねばならない。
The dispute over the papers is believed to affect a government plan to name RIKEN as a specified national research and development corporation under a new designation system.
理研を「特定国立研究開発法人」に指定する政府の方針にも影響が出よう。
Large salaries would be paid to attract excellent researchers. RIKEN needs, first and foremost, to enhance its governance as a research institution while also implementing steps to prevent a similar incident from taking place again.
優秀な研究者を高給で集める新制度だが、理研がガバナンス（組織統治）を確立し、再発防止を図ることがまずは必要だ。
The STAP case has raised questions about reporting news on scientific discoveries.
今回の問題は、科学報道のあり方に課題を突きつけた。
Any science paper that has just been published is to be regarded as showing that theories and advancements documented therein are in the process of being verified.
Such theories often prove to be misconceived.
論文発表は、「仮説」の検証過程であり、後に誤認が判明することも多い。
Even an achievement that scientists claim can overturn long-held beliefs has the possibility of turning out to be false.
常識を覆すとされる成果でも、その可能性はある。
We must all be reminded of the importance of reporting scientific news objectively and calmly.
客観的で冷静な報道の重要性を改めて肝に銘じたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 2, 2014)
2014年04月03日
習氏「南京」発言 一方的な主張は看過できない
The Yomiuri Shimbun April 01, 2014
Xi’s unilateral claims on history issues must not go unanswered
習氏「南京」発言 一方的な主張は看過できない
While visiting another country, Chinese President Xi Jinping made assertions on history issues as if they were cut-and-dried facts, even though these issues are perceived differently by Japan. His remarks cannot be ignored.
中国の習近平国家主席が、日中で見解の異なる歴史問題を巡り、自らの一方的主張を客観的事実であるかのように第三国で訴えた。看過できない行為である。
In a recent lecture meeting in Germany, Xi stated that “more than 300,000 people were massacred” in the 1937 Nanjing Incident perpetrated by the former Imperial Japanese Army. He emphasized to the international community that China was a “victim” by mentioning only the figure claimed by his government.
習氏はドイツでの講演で、旧日本軍による１９３７年の南京事件について、「３０万人以上が虐殺された」と述べた。中国政府の主張する数字だけを示して、中国の「被害者」としての立場を国際社会に強調したものだ。
The Japanese government has admitted that the Nanjing Incident took place and the victims included noncombatants, but takes the stand that it is difficult to determine how many people died.
日本政府は、南京事件で非戦闘員の殺害などがあったことを認めている。だが、犠牲者数の確定は難しいとしている。
Xi’s statement in Germany disregarded Japan’s position, and it is reasonable to assume that his remarks were aimed at denigrating Japan’s image.
習氏の発言は、こうした日本の立場を無視しており、日本のイメージダウンを狙ったプロパガンダと言われても仕方あるまい。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga criticized Xi’s statement, saying, “Amid a situation in which opinion differs [between the two countries] over the number of victims [in the Nanjing Incident], it is extremely unproductive for a Chinese leader to make such a statement in another country.” Suga’s criticism is a natural response.
菅官房長官が「（南京事件の）犠牲者数などで意見が分かれている中、中国の指導者が第三国で、あのような発言をしたことは極めて非生産的だ」と批判したのは、当然である。
The dominant view in Japan is that “over 300,000 victims” claimed by China is far in excess of the actual figure when the demographic statistics of Nanjing and other factors at that time are taken into consideration.
日本では、中国政府の言う「３０万人以上」は、当時の南京の人口動態などから、実際の犠牲者数とはかけ離れているのではないかとの見方が支配的だ。
Even in a report published by the Japan-China joint research committee on history in 2010, which was established based on an agreement by the two governments, the Japanese side pointed out that “there are various estimates of victim numbers ranging from 20,000 or 40,000 to 200,000.”
日中両政府の合意で発足した日中歴史共同研究委員会が２０１０年に発表した報告書でも、日本側は「２０万人を上限として、４万人、２万人などの様々な推計がなされている」と指摘している。
Differing victim numbers
Even John Rabe, a German who has been praised by Xi for protecting refugees at the time of Nanjing Incident, put the number of victims at “50,000 to 60,000” in a report he submitted to Adolf Hitler.
南京事件当時、避難民を保護したとして、習氏から称賛されたドイツ人ジョン・ラーベ氏も、ヒトラーへの上申書に、犠牲者は「５万〜６万人」と記している。
Xi also said, “More than 35 million Chinese were killed and injured in the war of aggression committed under Japanese militarism,” but he failed to provide any evidence to support his claim.
習氏は「日本軍国主義による侵略戦争で中国人３５００万人以上が死傷した」とも述べたが、明確な拠より所は示されていない。
Xi’s hard-line stance is stronger than that of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who demonstrated his anti-Japan position repeatedly in words and actions, leading to a deterioration of bilateral relations.
習氏の強硬姿勢は、反日的言動を繰り返し、対日関係を悪化させた、かつての江沢民国家主席を上回るものと言えよう。
The German government reportedly declined Xi’s request to visit the Holocaust Memorial during his visit to the country. This apparently was because of Berlin’s wariness about becoming involved in a dispute between Tokyo and Beijing.
今回、ドイツ政府は、習氏のホロコースト（ユダヤ人大虐殺）記念碑への訪問を断ったと伝えられている。日中間の対立に巻き込まれることを警戒したのだろう。
Efforts must be made to prevent erroneous information about historical perceptions from spreading in the international community. The New York Times, in a recent online edition, carried an editorial saying that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe asserted the Nanjing Incident did not happen.
歴史認識に関する誤った情報が国際社会に流布するのは阻止せねばならない。米紙ニューヨーク・タイムズ電子版は最近、安倍首相が南京事件は起きなかったと主張しているとの社説を掲載した。
To prevent such misapprehensions from prevailing, it is crucial for Tokyo to sincerely present its stance on the issue of historical perceptions and continuously and resolutely rebuff China’s anti-Japan propaganda campaign.
こうした誤解を広めないためにも、日本政府は、歴史認識問題への真摯しんしな姿勢をアピールするとともに、中国の反日宣伝に毅然きぜんと反論し続けることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 1, 2014)
Xi’s unilateral claims on history issues must not go unanswered
習氏「南京」発言 一方的な主張は看過できない
While visiting another country, Chinese President Xi Jinping made assertions on history issues as if they were cut-and-dried facts, even though these issues are perceived differently by Japan. His remarks cannot be ignored.
中国の習近平国家主席が、日中で見解の異なる歴史問題を巡り、自らの一方的主張を客観的事実であるかのように第三国で訴えた。看過できない行為である。
In a recent lecture meeting in Germany, Xi stated that “more than 300,000 people were massacred” in the 1937 Nanjing Incident perpetrated by the former Imperial Japanese Army. He emphasized to the international community that China was a “victim” by mentioning only the figure claimed by his government.
習氏はドイツでの講演で、旧日本軍による１９３７年の南京事件について、「３０万人以上が虐殺された」と述べた。中国政府の主張する数字だけを示して、中国の「被害者」としての立場を国際社会に強調したものだ。
The Japanese government has admitted that the Nanjing Incident took place and the victims included noncombatants, but takes the stand that it is difficult to determine how many people died.
日本政府は、南京事件で非戦闘員の殺害などがあったことを認めている。だが、犠牲者数の確定は難しいとしている。
Xi’s statement in Germany disregarded Japan’s position, and it is reasonable to assume that his remarks were aimed at denigrating Japan’s image.
習氏の発言は、こうした日本の立場を無視しており、日本のイメージダウンを狙ったプロパガンダと言われても仕方あるまい。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga criticized Xi’s statement, saying, “Amid a situation in which opinion differs [between the two countries] over the number of victims [in the Nanjing Incident], it is extremely unproductive for a Chinese leader to make such a statement in another country.” Suga’s criticism is a natural response.
菅官房長官が「（南京事件の）犠牲者数などで意見が分かれている中、中国の指導者が第三国で、あのような発言をしたことは極めて非生産的だ」と批判したのは、当然である。
The dominant view in Japan is that “over 300,000 victims” claimed by China is far in excess of the actual figure when the demographic statistics of Nanjing and other factors at that time are taken into consideration.
日本では、中国政府の言う「３０万人以上」は、当時の南京の人口動態などから、実際の犠牲者数とはかけ離れているのではないかとの見方が支配的だ。
Even in a report published by the Japan-China joint research committee on history in 2010, which was established based on an agreement by the two governments, the Japanese side pointed out that “there are various estimates of victim numbers ranging from 20,000 or 40,000 to 200,000.”
日中両政府の合意で発足した日中歴史共同研究委員会が２０１０年に発表した報告書でも、日本側は「２０万人を上限として、４万人、２万人などの様々な推計がなされている」と指摘している。
Differing victim numbers
Even John Rabe, a German who has been praised by Xi for protecting refugees at the time of Nanjing Incident, put the number of victims at “50,000 to 60,000” in a report he submitted to Adolf Hitler.
南京事件当時、避難民を保護したとして、習氏から称賛されたドイツ人ジョン・ラーベ氏も、ヒトラーへの上申書に、犠牲者は「５万〜６万人」と記している。
Xi also said, “More than 35 million Chinese were killed and injured in the war of aggression committed under Japanese militarism,” but he failed to provide any evidence to support his claim.
習氏は「日本軍国主義による侵略戦争で中国人３５００万人以上が死傷した」とも述べたが、明確な拠より所は示されていない。
Xi’s hard-line stance is stronger than that of former Chinese President Jiang Zemin, who demonstrated his anti-Japan position repeatedly in words and actions, leading to a deterioration of bilateral relations.
習氏の強硬姿勢は、反日的言動を繰り返し、対日関係を悪化させた、かつての江沢民国家主席を上回るものと言えよう。
The German government reportedly declined Xi’s request to visit the Holocaust Memorial during his visit to the country. This apparently was because of Berlin’s wariness about becoming involved in a dispute between Tokyo and Beijing.
今回、ドイツ政府は、習氏のホロコースト（ユダヤ人大虐殺）記念碑への訪問を断ったと伝えられている。日中間の対立に巻き込まれることを警戒したのだろう。
Efforts must be made to prevent erroneous information about historical perceptions from spreading in the international community. The New York Times, in a recent online edition, carried an editorial saying that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe asserted the Nanjing Incident did not happen.
歴史認識に関する誤った情報が国際社会に流布するのは阻止せねばならない。米紙ニューヨーク・タイムズ電子版は最近、安倍首相が南京事件は起きなかったと主張しているとの社説を掲載した。
To prevent such misapprehensions from prevailing, it is crucial for Tokyo to sincerely present its stance on the issue of historical perceptions and continuously and resolutely rebuff China’s anti-Japan propaganda campaign.
こうした誤解を広めないためにも、日本政府は、歴史認識問題への真摯しんしな姿勢をアピールするとともに、中国の反日宣伝に毅然きぜんと反論し続けることが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 1, 2014)
2014年04月02日
あす消費税８％ 社会保障安定への大きな一歩
The Yomiuri Shimbun March 31, 2014
Raising consumption tax rate to 8% big step for social welfare stability
あす消費税８％ 社会保障安定への大きな一歩
◆景気失速の回避に全力尽くせ◆
On April 1, the consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The extra income the government accrues from this increase will be a source of revenue for the nation’s social welfare system.
消費税率があす１日、５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は社会保障費の財源になる。
In addition to providing a robust social welfare system, the government must mitigate any negative impact the tax hike may have on the economy to ensure that the recovery does not lose steam this spring and beyond.
政府は、社会保障制度を充実させるとともに、増税の打撃を緩和し、春以降の景気失速を回避しなければならない。
The effects of the Abenomics policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration have helped the economy get back on its feet. However, the work to shake off the shackles of deflation and generate genuine economic growth is not complete. Japan’s economy now faces a moment of truth.
安倍政権の経済政策、アベノミクスの効果で景気は回復してきたが、デフレ脱却や、本格的な経済成長は道半ばである。日本経済は正念場を迎えよう。
The Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan signed off on the higher consumption tax rate as part of a three-party agreement on unified reform of the social security and tax systems. After the rate is increased to 8 percent, it is scheduled to be jacked up to 10 percent in October 2015.
消費増税は、自民、公明、民主の３党が合意した社会保障と税の一体改革で決まった。８％に続き、２０１５年１０月には１０％へ引き上げる予定になっている。
Give future generations a break
◆次世代につけを回すな◆
Japan’s national debt exceeds \1 quadrillion. Its fiscal situation is the gloomiest among advanced nations. The chronically low birthrate and aging population, combined with a declining working population, have conspicuously resulted in snowballing social welfare expenses for medical, pension, nursing care and child-rearing costs.
国の借金は１０００兆円を超え、先進国最悪の財政状況だ。少子高齢化や、働く世代の減少などにより、特に膨張しているのが、医療、年金、介護、子育て支援などの社会保障費である。
Social welfare expenditures have already reached \30 trillion annually and are expected to go up by an additional \1 trillion each year.
年３０兆円に達している社会保障費はさらに毎年１兆円程度も増える見通しだ。
Meeting these costs through a massive issuance of debt-covering government bonds, which leaves future generations with the bill, must not continue any longer.
巨額の赤字国債発行で、将来世代へのつけ回しを続けるべきではない。
By increasing the consumption tax, which can be collected widely from all consumers, the government can ensure a steady tax revenue stream for maintaining and improving Japan’s social welfare system. The significance of this point should not be underestimated.
消費者全体で幅広く負担する消費税の増税によって、安定的な税収を確保し、社会保障制度を維持・充実する意義は大きい。
The government plans to spend the extra revenue generated by the tax increase mainly on strengthening medical and nursing care services that support the elderly, assistance for people raising children, and steps to combat the low birthrate.
政府は増税分の使途について、高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の強化、子育て支援、少子化対策などに充てる方針だ。
Given that each citizen will be required to shoulder an extra financial burden, the government in turn must implement effective policies to help them. It needs to quickly consider additional steps, including curbing medical, nursing care and pension benefits to help stabilize the social welfare system.
国民に一層の負担を求める以上、効果的な施策を実施しなければならない。社会保障制度を安定させるため、医療、年金、介護の給付費抑制も含めて、政府はさらなる検討を急ぐ必要がある。
In the months before the tax hike went into effect, many consumers splashed out on durable goods such as bicycles and home appliances, and stocked up on a wide range of foods and household goods. This boosted demand and expanded consumption.
消費増税に先立ち、消費者の間では、自動車、家電といった耐久消費財をはじめ、食品、家庭用品など幅広い商品で駆け込み需要が高まり、消費が拡大してきた。
As a result, Japan’s economic growth rate is predicted to be about 5 percent in January-March this year. The big question will be what happens to the economy after the consumption tax hike kicks in.
それにより、今年１〜３月期の成長率は５％前後の伸びが見込まれているが、問題は、増税後の日本経済の動向といえる。
Learn from previous hikes
◆成長戦略で基盤強化を◆
Japan’s economy tanked after the consumption tax rate was increased from 3 percent to 5 percent in April 1997. The situation was exacerbated by the Asian currency and financial crisis as well as financial insecurity.
１９９７年４月に消費税率が３％から５％に引き上げられた際、アジア通貨危機や金融不安も重なり、景気は急激に悪化した。
Most analysts expect that Japan’s economy will also experience negative growth in the April-June quarter, partly due to the likely drop in demand after last-minute shopping sprees before the tax increase. Growth is forecast to return to positive territory in the July-September quarter, but the outlook does not warrant unbridled optimism.
今回も、駆け込み需要の反動減による販売の落ち込みなどで、増税後の４〜６月期にマイナス成長に陥るとの予測が大勢を占める。７〜９月期以降、再びプラス成長に回復するとみられるが、先行きは楽観できない。
Abe said, “We will do everything we can to minimize any negative effects of the consumption tax rise, and quickly get the economy back on a growth path.” His comment is absolutely right.
安倍首相が、「増税の悪影響を最小限に抑え、速やかに景気が回復軌道に戻るよう万全を期す」と強調しているのはもっともだ。
The aces up the government’s sleeve for buoying the economy are the \5.5 trillion fiscal 2013 supplementary budget, which centered on public works projects, and the initial general account budget for fiscal 2014, which will total a record-high \95.9 trillion.
政府が景気下支えの「切り札」としているのが、公共投資を柱とした５・５兆円の１３年度補正予算と一般会計総額が過去最大の９５・９兆円の１４年度当初予算だ。
The government wants this earmarked money spent ahead of schedule. To achieve this, it has set the numerical target of implementing “at least 60 percent” of budget spending on public works projects and other outlays in the fiscal 2014 budget before the end of September.
予算が前倒しで使われるよう、政府は新年度予算の公共事業などの執行率を「９月末に６割以上」とする数値目標を設けた。
By quickly carrying out these projects, the government expects to avoid strangling the economic recovery. However, it is worrisome that a labor shortage at construction sites and rising building material costs have caused some projects to attract few bidders.
迅速な執行を通じ、景気の腰折れを防ぐ効果が期待される。ただ、建設現場の人手不足や建材価格の値上がりで、入札が不調となる例が目立つのは気がかりだ。
Corporate investment in equipment and exports are major drivers of economic growth, but these still lack oomph.
景気の牽引けんいん役である企業の設備投資と輸出は依然、力強さを欠いている。
Companies will need to brace for a dip in sales and other unfavorable conditions in April and beyond. It seems the ability of private-sector demand to orchestrate a robust economic recovery will be tested for some time to come.
企業各社は、４月以降の販売減などの逆風も覚悟しなければなるまい。民需が主導する力強い景気回復に向け、試練が続きそうだ。
All this makes the second round of the government’s economic growth strategy, which will be unveiled in June, even more important. We hope the new strategy will shore up the foundations of the economy by incorporating a significant cut in the corporate tax rate, and regulatory reforms that stimulate business activity and encourage the development of new industries.
それだけに重要なのが、政府が６月にまとめる成長戦略の第２弾である。企業活力を引き出したり、新産業の育成に弾みをつけたりする規制改革や、大胆な法人税率引き下げなどを打ち出し、経済の基盤を強化してもらいたい。
It also is important that the government and local authorities step up their monitoring to ensure that businesses can smoothly pass on the full tax rise to customers through higher retail prices.
消費増税分を円滑に販売価格に転嫁できるよう、政府や自治体が監視を強めることも大切だ。
Pass on hike through prices
◆価格への転嫁は着実に◆
Steps must be taken to prevent large companies from exploiting their advantageous position to force suppliers to absorb the tax increase while freezing their own purchase prices.
大企業が有利な立場を利用し、納入業者に価格据え置きを強いる買いたたきを防ぐ必要がある。
At the same time, it is problematic that government efforts to assist households whose budgets will be stretched by the higher consumption tax rate remain insufficient. The government has decided to provide low-income earners with a special cash benefit.
一方、消費増税で負担が増す家計への対策が不十分な点は問題だ。政府は低所得者に給付金を支給することにした。
However, this will be a one-off payment to selected recipients, so it will have only a limited effect on reducing their economic burden.
だが、対象者を絞った１回限りの給付では、負担軽減の効果は限定的だろう。
Abe plans to decide at the end of this year whether to go ahead and lift the consumption tax rate to 10 percent in October 2015. His decision will undoubtedly hinge on the economic growth rate logged in the July-September quarter.
首相は、今年末に１５年１０月に消費税率を１０％に引き上げるかどうか決定する方針だ。今年７〜９月期の経済成長率が決断のポイントになるに違いない。
If the consumption tax rate is indeed bumped up to 10 percent, we think the government should introduce a reduced tax rate for some daily necessities. The LDP and Komeito have restarted talks on such a reduced rate. The two parties should quickly decide to introduce a lower levy when the rate is increased to 10 percent, and select which items should qualify for it.
１０％とする場合は、生活必需品の税率を低く抑える軽減税率の導入が不可欠だ。軽減税率の協議を再開した自民、公明両党は、１０％と同時の導入を決断し、対象品目の選定を急ぐべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 31, 2014)
Raising consumption tax rate to 8% big step for social welfare stability
あす消費税８％ 社会保障安定への大きな一歩
◆景気失速の回避に全力尽くせ◆
On April 1, the consumption tax rate will be raised from 5 percent to 8 percent. The extra income the government accrues from this increase will be a source of revenue for the nation’s social welfare system.
消費税率があす１日、５％から８％に引き上げられる。増税分は社会保障費の財源になる。
In addition to providing a robust social welfare system, the government must mitigate any negative impact the tax hike may have on the economy to ensure that the recovery does not lose steam this spring and beyond.
政府は、社会保障制度を充実させるとともに、増税の打撃を緩和し、春以降の景気失速を回避しなければならない。
The effects of the Abenomics policies of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s administration have helped the economy get back on its feet. However, the work to shake off the shackles of deflation and generate genuine economic growth is not complete. Japan’s economy now faces a moment of truth.
安倍政権の経済政策、アベノミクスの効果で景気は回復してきたが、デフレ脱却や、本格的な経済成長は道半ばである。日本経済は正念場を迎えよう。
The Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan signed off on the higher consumption tax rate as part of a three-party agreement on unified reform of the social security and tax systems. After the rate is increased to 8 percent, it is scheduled to be jacked up to 10 percent in October 2015.
消費増税は、自民、公明、民主の３党が合意した社会保障と税の一体改革で決まった。８％に続き、２０１５年１０月には１０％へ引き上げる予定になっている。
Give future generations a break
◆次世代につけを回すな◆
Japan’s national debt exceeds \1 quadrillion. Its fiscal situation is the gloomiest among advanced nations. The chronically low birthrate and aging population, combined with a declining working population, have conspicuously resulted in snowballing social welfare expenses for medical, pension, nursing care and child-rearing costs.
国の借金は１０００兆円を超え、先進国最悪の財政状況だ。少子高齢化や、働く世代の減少などにより、特に膨張しているのが、医療、年金、介護、子育て支援などの社会保障費である。
Social welfare expenditures have already reached \30 trillion annually and are expected to go up by an additional \1 trillion each year.
年３０兆円に達している社会保障費はさらに毎年１兆円程度も増える見通しだ。
Meeting these costs through a massive issuance of debt-covering government bonds, which leaves future generations with the bill, must not continue any longer.
巨額の赤字国債発行で、将来世代へのつけ回しを続けるべきではない。
By increasing the consumption tax, which can be collected widely from all consumers, the government can ensure a steady tax revenue stream for maintaining and improving Japan’s social welfare system. The significance of this point should not be underestimated.
消費者全体で幅広く負担する消費税の増税によって、安定的な税収を確保し、社会保障制度を維持・充実する意義は大きい。
The government plans to spend the extra revenue generated by the tax increase mainly on strengthening medical and nursing care services that support the elderly, assistance for people raising children, and steps to combat the low birthrate.
政府は増税分の使途について、高齢者を支える医療と介護の連携体制の強化、子育て支援、少子化対策などに充てる方針だ。
Given that each citizen will be required to shoulder an extra financial burden, the government in turn must implement effective policies to help them. It needs to quickly consider additional steps, including curbing medical, nursing care and pension benefits to help stabilize the social welfare system.
国民に一層の負担を求める以上、効果的な施策を実施しなければならない。社会保障制度を安定させるため、医療、年金、介護の給付費抑制も含めて、政府はさらなる検討を急ぐ必要がある。
In the months before the tax hike went into effect, many consumers splashed out on durable goods such as bicycles and home appliances, and stocked up on a wide range of foods and household goods. This boosted demand and expanded consumption.
消費増税に先立ち、消費者の間では、自動車、家電といった耐久消費財をはじめ、食品、家庭用品など幅広い商品で駆け込み需要が高まり、消費が拡大してきた。
As a result, Japan’s economic growth rate is predicted to be about 5 percent in January-March this year. The big question will be what happens to the economy after the consumption tax hike kicks in.
それにより、今年１〜３月期の成長率は５％前後の伸びが見込まれているが、問題は、増税後の日本経済の動向といえる。
Learn from previous hikes
◆成長戦略で基盤強化を◆
Japan’s economy tanked after the consumption tax rate was increased from 3 percent to 5 percent in April 1997. The situation was exacerbated by the Asian currency and financial crisis as well as financial insecurity.
１９９７年４月に消費税率が３％から５％に引き上げられた際、アジア通貨危機や金融不安も重なり、景気は急激に悪化した。
Most analysts expect that Japan’s economy will also experience negative growth in the April-June quarter, partly due to the likely drop in demand after last-minute shopping sprees before the tax increase. Growth is forecast to return to positive territory in the July-September quarter, but the outlook does not warrant unbridled optimism.
今回も、駆け込み需要の反動減による販売の落ち込みなどで、増税後の４〜６月期にマイナス成長に陥るとの予測が大勢を占める。７〜９月期以降、再びプラス成長に回復するとみられるが、先行きは楽観できない。
Abe said, “We will do everything we can to minimize any negative effects of the consumption tax rise, and quickly get the economy back on a growth path.” His comment is absolutely right.
安倍首相が、「増税の悪影響を最小限に抑え、速やかに景気が回復軌道に戻るよう万全を期す」と強調しているのはもっともだ。
The aces up the government’s sleeve for buoying the economy are the \5.5 trillion fiscal 2013 supplementary budget, which centered on public works projects, and the initial general account budget for fiscal 2014, which will total a record-high \95.9 trillion.
政府が景気下支えの「切り札」としているのが、公共投資を柱とした５・５兆円の１３年度補正予算と一般会計総額が過去最大の９５・９兆円の１４年度当初予算だ。
The government wants this earmarked money spent ahead of schedule. To achieve this, it has set the numerical target of implementing “at least 60 percent” of budget spending on public works projects and other outlays in the fiscal 2014 budget before the end of September.
予算が前倒しで使われるよう、政府は新年度予算の公共事業などの執行率を「９月末に６割以上」とする数値目標を設けた。
By quickly carrying out these projects, the government expects to avoid strangling the economic recovery. However, it is worrisome that a labor shortage at construction sites and rising building material costs have caused some projects to attract few bidders.
迅速な執行を通じ、景気の腰折れを防ぐ効果が期待される。ただ、建設現場の人手不足や建材価格の値上がりで、入札が不調となる例が目立つのは気がかりだ。
Corporate investment in equipment and exports are major drivers of economic growth, but these still lack oomph.
景気の牽引けんいん役である企業の設備投資と輸出は依然、力強さを欠いている。
Companies will need to brace for a dip in sales and other unfavorable conditions in April and beyond. It seems the ability of private-sector demand to orchestrate a robust economic recovery will be tested for some time to come.
企業各社は、４月以降の販売減などの逆風も覚悟しなければなるまい。民需が主導する力強い景気回復に向け、試練が続きそうだ。
All this makes the second round of the government’s economic growth strategy, which will be unveiled in June, even more important. We hope the new strategy will shore up the foundations of the economy by incorporating a significant cut in the corporate tax rate, and regulatory reforms that stimulate business activity and encourage the development of new industries.
それだけに重要なのが、政府が６月にまとめる成長戦略の第２弾である。企業活力を引き出したり、新産業の育成に弾みをつけたりする規制改革や、大胆な法人税率引き下げなどを打ち出し、経済の基盤を強化してもらいたい。
It also is important that the government and local authorities step up their monitoring to ensure that businesses can smoothly pass on the full tax rise to customers through higher retail prices.
消費増税分を円滑に販売価格に転嫁できるよう、政府や自治体が監視を強めることも大切だ。
Pass on hike through prices
◆価格への転嫁は着実に◆
Steps must be taken to prevent large companies from exploiting their advantageous position to force suppliers to absorb the tax increase while freezing their own purchase prices.
大企業が有利な立場を利用し、納入業者に価格据え置きを強いる買いたたきを防ぐ必要がある。
At the same time, it is problematic that government efforts to assist households whose budgets will be stretched by the higher consumption tax rate remain insufficient. The government has decided to provide low-income earners with a special cash benefit.
一方、消費増税で負担が増す家計への対策が不十分な点は問題だ。政府は低所得者に給付金を支給することにした。
However, this will be a one-off payment to selected recipients, so it will have only a limited effect on reducing their economic burden.
だが、対象者を絞った１回限りの給付では、負担軽減の効果は限定的だろう。
Abe plans to decide at the end of this year whether to go ahead and lift the consumption tax rate to 10 percent in October 2015. His decision will undoubtedly hinge on the economic growth rate logged in the July-September quarter.
首相は、今年末に１５年１０月に消費税率を１０％に引き上げるかどうか決定する方針だ。今年７〜９月期の経済成長率が決断のポイントになるに違いない。
If the consumption tax rate is indeed bumped up to 10 percent, we think the government should introduce a reduced tax rate for some daily necessities. The LDP and Komeito have restarted talks on such a reduced rate. The two parties should quickly decide to introduce a lower levy when the rate is increased to 10 percent, and select which items should qualify for it.
１０％とする場合は、生活必需品の税率を低く抑える軽減税率の導入が不可欠だ。軽減税率の協議を再開した自民、公明両党は、１０％と同時の導入を決断し、対象品目の選定を急ぐべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 31, 2014)
2014年04月01日
高松塚壁画 現地復元より劣化防止優先だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun March 30, 2014
Takamatsuzuka ancient murals must be preserved at all costs
高松塚壁画 現地復元より劣化防止優先だ
A delicate issue has been brought to the fore again regarding how to ensure that a cultural property of immeasurable value is handed down to posterity while guaranteeing its integrity.
かけがえのない文化遺産を損なわずに後世へ継承する。その難しい課題を改めて問いかけたと言えるだろう。
After studying preservation methods for such brightly colored murals as “Asuka beauties”−which depicts a group of female figures−at the Takamatsuzuka ancient burial mound in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, an expert panel of the Cultural Affairs Agency has decided to take care of the wall paintings outside the mound for the time being, even after the current preservation work on them is complete.
「飛鳥美人」に代表される高松塚古墳（奈良県明日香村）の極彩色壁画の保存法を検討してきた文化庁の有識者会議は、壁画修復後も当分の間、古墳外で管理する方針を決めた。
In 2007, the murals were dismantled along with the stone chamber housing them, and their restoration has been under way outside the mounded tomb. As the mural paintings were initially scheduled to be returned to the Takamatsuzuka burial mound once the preservation work is completed, which will be as early as fiscal 2017, the panel’s decision effectively marks a change in its basic preservation policy.
壁画は、２００７年に石室ごと解体され、外部で修復が続いている。１７年度にも古墳に戻す予定だった。事実上の方針転換だ。
According to the panel, the reason for the policy change is that the murals, if returned to the stone chamber, “could not be prevented, without question, from being subject again to damage from microorganisms like mold due to a lack of established technology.” The panel has also said the strength of the Takamatsuzuka stonework and the condition of the wall plaster in the stone chamber would be unlikely to withstand a major earthquake in their current state.
有識者会議は、その理由として、石室内に戻した場合に、「現在の技術では再びカビ等の生物被害が間違いなく生じる」ことを挙げている。石材の強度や漆喰しっくいの状態についても、大地震が発生した際に耐えられないと指摘した。
If it is technically impossible to safely restore the murals within the stone chamber, the change in preservation policy is unavoidable.
石室内にきちんと復元できないというのであれば、方針を変えるのは、やむを得まい。
At the time of their discovery 42 years ago, the murals, which date back to the early eighth century, were deemed “one of the most important discoveries” in the history of the nation’s archaeological research, setting off an ancient history scholarship craze. They have been designated a national treasure.
４２年前、「考古学最大の発見」と言われ、古代史ブームを巻き起こした８世紀初めの壁画である。国宝にも指定されている。
To ensure the murals do not deteriorate further, finding a fail-safe preservation method must be made top priority.
再び劣化せぬよう、確実に残すことを最優先すべきだ。
But how did the murals fall into such a state in the first place?
そもそも、なぜこんな事態に至ったのか。
No mention of specifics
This is primarily because the way the Cultural Affairs Agency handled the task of the murals’ preservation was extremely sloppy.
壁画保存に関する文化庁の対応が、ずさんだったからにほかならない。
Following the murals’ discovery, the environment inside the stone chamber was drastically changed due to such factors as the use of chemical substances to repair the murals and a large volume of human traffic moving in and out of the stone chamber, which eventually led to the growth of a massive amount of fungi inside.
壁画発見後、修理に伴う薬剤や石室内への多数の人の出入りなどの影響で環境が変化し、大量のカビ発生を招いた。
Despite being aware of the growth of mold and fading of the wall paintings in an early stage, agency officials in charge of the conservation work continued to neglect the need to implement adequate countermeasures. It was even brought to light that they had covered up an accident in which the murals were damaged.
現場は、早くからカビや退色に気づきながら、十分対策を講じなかった。壁画損傷事故を隠していたことまで明るみに出た。
The government must take this series of lessons to heart in the future administration of cultural properties.
一連の教訓を、政府は文化財保護行政に生かさねばならない。
The report by the expert panel, however, does not make reference to specific steps that should be taken to preserve and maintain the wall paintings and stone chamber, as well as how and where they should be shown to the public.
壁画・石室の保存管理・公開の方法、場所について、有識者会議は具体的に言及していない。
During the course of discussions, an argument was reportedly made that called for the murals and stone chamber to be preserved in a facility in the vicinity of the Takamatsuzuka burial mound.
会議の中では、高松塚古墳の近くの施設に保存することが望ましいとの主張もあった。
Regarding archaeological finds in ruins, there is a notion that they should in principle be restored on site. It is easier to understand the historical background and significance of ruins by visiting the site where the discoveries were actually made. Opinions during the discussions of the expert panel may have stemmed from a perspective that gave this principle as much weight as possible.
遺跡には、現地保存の原則がある。訪れる人は現地だからこそ、その存在する歴史的な背景や意義に思いをはせることができる。こうした考え方を、できるだけ大事にしたいからだろう。
Colorful wall paintings from the ancient Kitora tomb, about one kilometer south of the Takamatsuzuka tomb, which are also being repaired outside the tomb, are scheduled to be shown to the public at an exhibition facility to be built near the ancient tomb, starting from fiscal 2016. The murals will not be returned to the tomb.
たとえば、高松塚古墳から約１キロ南のキトラ古墳の極彩色壁画も外部で補修されているが、当面、墳丘には戻さない代わりに、１６年度から古墳付近に展示施設を設けて公開する方針だ。
It may be a good idea for the Takamatsuzuka wall paintings to likewise be made accessible to the public in a way that expands opportunities for exposure to our cultural heritage of historical importance.
高松塚古墳の壁画についても、こうした形で、国民が歴史的な文化遺産に触れる機会を広げるのは一案である。
Due attention should also be paid to the custom of showing cultural properties to the public while specifying an end date, on the premise of taking solid measures to ensure their preservation.
しっかり保存することを前提に、期限を区切っての公開なども考えていい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 30, 2014)
2014年03月30日 01時32分 Copyright
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Takamatsuzuka ancient murals must be preserved at all costs
高松塚壁画 現地復元より劣化防止優先だ
A delicate issue has been brought to the fore again regarding how to ensure that a cultural property of immeasurable value is handed down to posterity while guaranteeing its integrity.
かけがえのない文化遺産を損なわずに後世へ継承する。その難しい課題を改めて問いかけたと言えるだろう。
After studying preservation methods for such brightly colored murals as “Asuka beauties”−which depicts a group of female figures−at the Takamatsuzuka ancient burial mound in the village of Asuka, Nara Prefecture, an expert panel of the Cultural Affairs Agency has decided to take care of the wall paintings outside the mound for the time being, even after the current preservation work on them is complete.
「飛鳥美人」に代表される高松塚古墳（奈良県明日香村）の極彩色壁画の保存法を検討してきた文化庁の有識者会議は、壁画修復後も当分の間、古墳外で管理する方針を決めた。
In 2007, the murals were dismantled along with the stone chamber housing them, and their restoration has been under way outside the mounded tomb. As the mural paintings were initially scheduled to be returned to the Takamatsuzuka burial mound once the preservation work is completed, which will be as early as fiscal 2017, the panel’s decision effectively marks a change in its basic preservation policy.
壁画は、２００７年に石室ごと解体され、外部で修復が続いている。１７年度にも古墳に戻す予定だった。事実上の方針転換だ。
According to the panel, the reason for the policy change is that the murals, if returned to the stone chamber, “could not be prevented, without question, from being subject again to damage from microorganisms like mold due to a lack of established technology.” The panel has also said the strength of the Takamatsuzuka stonework and the condition of the wall plaster in the stone chamber would be unlikely to withstand a major earthquake in their current state.
有識者会議は、その理由として、石室内に戻した場合に、「現在の技術では再びカビ等の生物被害が間違いなく生じる」ことを挙げている。石材の強度や漆喰しっくいの状態についても、大地震が発生した際に耐えられないと指摘した。
If it is technically impossible to safely restore the murals within the stone chamber, the change in preservation policy is unavoidable.
石室内にきちんと復元できないというのであれば、方針を変えるのは、やむを得まい。
At the time of their discovery 42 years ago, the murals, which date back to the early eighth century, were deemed “one of the most important discoveries” in the history of the nation’s archaeological research, setting off an ancient history scholarship craze. They have been designated a national treasure.
４２年前、「考古学最大の発見」と言われ、古代史ブームを巻き起こした８世紀初めの壁画である。国宝にも指定されている。
To ensure the murals do not deteriorate further, finding a fail-safe preservation method must be made top priority.
再び劣化せぬよう、確実に残すことを最優先すべきだ。
But how did the murals fall into such a state in the first place?
そもそも、なぜこんな事態に至ったのか。
No mention of specifics
This is primarily because the way the Cultural Affairs Agency handled the task of the murals’ preservation was extremely sloppy.
壁画保存に関する文化庁の対応が、ずさんだったからにほかならない。
Following the murals’ discovery, the environment inside the stone chamber was drastically changed due to such factors as the use of chemical substances to repair the murals and a large volume of human traffic moving in and out of the stone chamber, which eventually led to the growth of a massive amount of fungi inside.
壁画発見後、修理に伴う薬剤や石室内への多数の人の出入りなどの影響で環境が変化し、大量のカビ発生を招いた。
Despite being aware of the growth of mold and fading of the wall paintings in an early stage, agency officials in charge of the conservation work continued to neglect the need to implement adequate countermeasures. It was even brought to light that they had covered up an accident in which the murals were damaged.
現場は、早くからカビや退色に気づきながら、十分対策を講じなかった。壁画損傷事故を隠していたことまで明るみに出た。
The government must take this series of lessons to heart in the future administration of cultural properties.
一連の教訓を、政府は文化財保護行政に生かさねばならない。
The report by the expert panel, however, does not make reference to specific steps that should be taken to preserve and maintain the wall paintings and stone chamber, as well as how and where they should be shown to the public.
壁画・石室の保存管理・公開の方法、場所について、有識者会議は具体的に言及していない。
During the course of discussions, an argument was reportedly made that called for the murals and stone chamber to be preserved in a facility in the vicinity of the Takamatsuzuka burial mound.
会議の中では、高松塚古墳の近くの施設に保存することが望ましいとの主張もあった。
Regarding archaeological finds in ruins, there is a notion that they should in principle be restored on site. It is easier to understand the historical background and significance of ruins by visiting the site where the discoveries were actually made. Opinions during the discussions of the expert panel may have stemmed from a perspective that gave this principle as much weight as possible.
遺跡には、現地保存の原則がある。訪れる人は現地だからこそ、その存在する歴史的な背景や意義に思いをはせることができる。こうした考え方を、できるだけ大事にしたいからだろう。
Colorful wall paintings from the ancient Kitora tomb, about one kilometer south of the Takamatsuzuka tomb, which are also being repaired outside the tomb, are scheduled to be shown to the public at an exhibition facility to be built near the ancient tomb, starting from fiscal 2016. The murals will not be returned to the tomb.
たとえば、高松塚古墳から約１キロ南のキトラ古墳の極彩色壁画も外部で補修されているが、当面、墳丘には戻さない代わりに、１６年度から古墳付近に展示施設を設けて公開する方針だ。
It may be a good idea for the Takamatsuzuka wall paintings to likewise be made accessible to the public in a way that expands opportunities for exposure to our cultural heritage of historical importance.
高松塚古墳の壁画についても、こうした形で、国民が歴史的な文化遺産に触れる機会を広げるのは一案である。
Due attention should also be paid to the custom of showing cultural properties to the public while specifying an end date, on the premise of taking solid measures to ensure their preservation.
しっかり保存することを前提に、期限を区切っての公開なども考えていい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 30, 2014)
2014年03月30日 01時32分 Copyright
The Yomiuri Shimbun