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2013年06月03日
李克強首相発言 歴史を無視した言いがかりだ
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 2, 2013
Chinese premier's outrageous claim to Senkakus has no historical grounds
李克強首相発言 歴史を無視した言いがかりだ（6月1日付・読売社説）
Japan needs to strengthen its guard against China’s propaganda, especially in light of that country’s selfish claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
日本は、沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡って身勝手な主張を展開する中国の宣伝戦に対する警戒を一段と強める必要がある。
In a speech in the German city of Potsdam on May 26, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the No. 2 figure under the government of President Xi Jinping, made an apparent reference to the islands, saying, “Territories Japan stole from China must be returned.”
習近平政権ナンバー２の李克強首相が５月２６日、ドイツのポツダムで演説し、尖閣諸島を念頭に、「日本が盗み取った中国の領土は返還されねばならない」との見解を示した。
Japan absolutely cannot accept the claim that the Senkaku Islands are part of China’s territory. It stands to reason that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga rebutted Li’s remarks, saying, “They were comments that completely ignored history.”
尖閣が中国の領土だとする主張は日本として到底受け入れられない。菅官房長官が「あまりにも歴史を無視した発言」と中国を非難したのは当然である。
Referring to the Potsdam Declaration that Japan accepted at the end of World War II, Li said the declaration called on Japan to abide by the Cairo Declaration, which stipulated that Chinese territories “stolen” by Japan--such as the northeastern region, Taiwan and other islands--must be restored to China.
李首相は、第２次大戦終結時に日本が受諾したポツダム宣言について、「日本が盗み取った中国東北地方や台湾などの島嶼(とうしょ)を中国に返還すると規定したカイロ宣言の条項を必ず履行すると指摘している」と語った。
China’s reasoning is that the Senkakus were taken over by Japan during the Sino-Japanese War, and that as long as Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China along with Taiwan. Beijing claims the Senkakus belong to Taiwan.
尖閣は日清戦争中に日本に奪われたもので、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、尖閣も台湾の付属島嶼として返還されるべきだというのが中国の論法だ。
Beijing’s intention
While there is nothing new in Li’s remarks, why did he make them at the location where the Potsdam Declaration was issued?
李首相の発言に目新しさはないが、なぜポツダム宣言の地で語ったのか。
By asserting that the defeated country Japan has been disrupting the international order since World War II, the Xi administration is apparently trying to convince Europe that there is a territorial dispute to be resolved between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands.
習政権には、敗戦国の日本が第２次大戦後の国際秩序を乱していると主張することで、尖閣を巡って領有権問題があることを欧州にも訴える狙いがあろう。
After confirming that there is no evidence that the Senkakus were under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China, Japan formally incorporated the islands into Okinawa Prefecture after Cabinet approval. This action was taken before Taiwan was ceded to Japan after the Sino-Japanese War.
尖閣諸島は、清国に帰属する根拠がないことを踏まえ、日清戦争後の台湾割譲以前に日本が閣議決定で沖縄県に編入した。台湾に付属する島嶼とする中国側の主張には、歴史的な根拠がない。
China’s claim that the Senkakus are part of Taiwan thus has no historical grounds.
Furthermore, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which legally demarcated Japan’s territory after World War II, does not include the Senkakus in a list of territories Japan should renounce.
第２次大戦後の日本の領土を法的に確定したサンフランシスコ講和条約に尖閣への言及はない。
Furthermore, the Republic of China (Taiwan), which was recognized as a country by Japan at that time, did not raise the issue of the Senkakus during negotiations that resulted in their peace treaty.
日本が当時承認していた「中華民国」（台湾）は日華平和条約の交渉過程で尖閣を持ち出さなかった。
On top of that, neither the Cairo nor Potsdam declarations mention the Senkaku Islands. These declarations also bear no legally binding power in defining Japan’s postwar territory.
そもそもカイロ、ポツダム両宣言は、尖閣に言及していない。戦後の領土確定に最終的な法的効果があるわけでもない。
For about 75 years since Japan incorporated the Senkakus into its territory, Taiwan and China had never objected to Japan’s control of the islands. This fact also points to a clear contradiction in Li’s reasoning for China’s sovereignty of the islands.
日本が編入してから約７５年間、台湾も中国も日本の領有に異議を唱えなかった。このことからも李首相の論理矛盾は明白である。
Japan needs own appeal
Remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are also problematic. Wang rebuffed Suga’s criticism of Beijing’s claim, saying the top Japanese government spokesman should not make comments that betray common sense. We strongly believe it is China that has behaved deviantly.
中国の王毅外相が「常識外れの話をしてはならない」と菅長官に反撃したのも問題だ。常軌を逸しているのは中国の方である。
Li’s remarks in Potsdam came after the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, published an article suggesting the country has sovereignty even over Okinawa Prefecture. These moves are apparently intended to place added pressure on the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
李首相の発言は、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が中国には沖縄県の領有権すらあると示唆する論文を掲載したのに続く安倍政権への新たな揺さぶりといえよう。
The Japanese government should not only call for efforts by all of its diplomatic missions abroad but also use every possible opportunity, such as international conferences, to make Japan’s stance on the islands better known to the world.
日本政府は在外公館を総動員するのは無論、国際会議などあらゆる機会を利用して、日本の立場を積極的に発信すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 1, 2013)
（2013年6月1日01時19分 読売新聞）
Chinese premier's outrageous claim to Senkakus has no historical grounds
李克強首相発言 歴史を無視した言いがかりだ（6月1日付・読売社説）
Japan needs to strengthen its guard against China’s propaganda, especially in light of that country’s selfish claim of sovereignty over the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture.
日本は、沖縄県・尖閣諸島を巡って身勝手な主張を展開する中国の宣伝戦に対する警戒を一段と強める必要がある。
In a speech in the German city of Potsdam on May 26, Chinese Premier Li Keqiang, the No. 2 figure under the government of President Xi Jinping, made an apparent reference to the islands, saying, “Territories Japan stole from China must be returned.”
習近平政権ナンバー２の李克強首相が５月２６日、ドイツのポツダムで演説し、尖閣諸島を念頭に、「日本が盗み取った中国の領土は返還されねばならない」との見解を示した。
Japan absolutely cannot accept the claim that the Senkaku Islands are part of China’s territory. It stands to reason that Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga rebutted Li’s remarks, saying, “They were comments that completely ignored history.”
尖閣が中国の領土だとする主張は日本として到底受け入れられない。菅官房長官が「あまりにも歴史を無視した発言」と中国を非難したのは当然である。
Referring to the Potsdam Declaration that Japan accepted at the end of World War II, Li said the declaration called on Japan to abide by the Cairo Declaration, which stipulated that Chinese territories “stolen” by Japan--such as the northeastern region, Taiwan and other islands--must be restored to China.
李首相は、第２次大戦終結時に日本が受諾したポツダム宣言について、「日本が盗み取った中国東北地方や台湾などの島嶼(とうしょ)を中国に返還すると規定したカイロ宣言の条項を必ず履行すると指摘している」と語った。
China’s reasoning is that the Senkakus were taken over by Japan during the Sino-Japanese War, and that as long as Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration, the islands should be returned to China along with Taiwan. Beijing claims the Senkakus belong to Taiwan.
尖閣は日清戦争中に日本に奪われたもので、日本がポツダム宣言を受諾した以上、尖閣も台湾の付属島嶼として返還されるべきだというのが中国の論法だ。
Beijing’s intention
While there is nothing new in Li’s remarks, why did he make them at the location where the Potsdam Declaration was issued?
李首相の発言に目新しさはないが、なぜポツダム宣言の地で語ったのか。
By asserting that the defeated country Japan has been disrupting the international order since World War II, the Xi administration is apparently trying to convince Europe that there is a territorial dispute to be resolved between Japan and China over the Senkaku Islands.
習政権には、敗戦国の日本が第２次大戦後の国際秩序を乱していると主張することで、尖閣を巡って領有権問題があることを欧州にも訴える狙いがあろう。
After confirming that there is no evidence that the Senkakus were under the control of the Qing Dynasty of China, Japan formally incorporated the islands into Okinawa Prefecture after Cabinet approval. This action was taken before Taiwan was ceded to Japan after the Sino-Japanese War.
尖閣諸島は、清国に帰属する根拠がないことを踏まえ、日清戦争後の台湾割譲以前に日本が閣議決定で沖縄県に編入した。台湾に付属する島嶼とする中国側の主張には、歴史的な根拠がない。
China’s claim that the Senkakus are part of Taiwan thus has no historical grounds.
Furthermore, the San Francisco Peace Treaty, which legally demarcated Japan’s territory after World War II, does not include the Senkakus in a list of territories Japan should renounce.
第２次大戦後の日本の領土を法的に確定したサンフランシスコ講和条約に尖閣への言及はない。
Furthermore, the Republic of China (Taiwan), which was recognized as a country by Japan at that time, did not raise the issue of the Senkakus during negotiations that resulted in their peace treaty.
日本が当時承認していた「中華民国」（台湾）は日華平和条約の交渉過程で尖閣を持ち出さなかった。
On top of that, neither the Cairo nor Potsdam declarations mention the Senkaku Islands. These declarations also bear no legally binding power in defining Japan’s postwar territory.
そもそもカイロ、ポツダム両宣言は、尖閣に言及していない。戦後の領土確定に最終的な法的効果があるわけでもない。
For about 75 years since Japan incorporated the Senkakus into its territory, Taiwan and China had never objected to Japan’s control of the islands. This fact also points to a clear contradiction in Li’s reasoning for China’s sovereignty of the islands.
日本が編入してから約７５年間、台湾も中国も日本の領有に異議を唱えなかった。このことからも李首相の論理矛盾は明白である。
Japan needs own appeal
Remarks by Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi are also problematic. Wang rebuffed Suga’s criticism of Beijing’s claim, saying the top Japanese government spokesman should not make comments that betray common sense. We strongly believe it is China that has behaved deviantly.
中国の王毅外相が「常識外れの話をしてはならない」と菅長官に反撃したのも問題だ。常軌を逸しているのは中国の方である。
Li’s remarks in Potsdam came after the People’s Daily, the official newspaper of the Communist Party of China, published an article suggesting the country has sovereignty even over Okinawa Prefecture. These moves are apparently intended to place added pressure on the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
李首相の発言は、共産党機関紙「人民日報」が中国には沖縄県の領有権すらあると示唆する論文を掲載したのに続く安倍政権への新たな揺さぶりといえよう。
The Japanese government should not only call for efforts by all of its diplomatic missions abroad but also use every possible opportunity, such as international conferences, to make Japan’s stance on the islands better known to the world.
日本政府は在外公館を総動員するのは無論、国際会議などあらゆる機会を利用して、日本の立場を積極的に発信すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, June 1, 2013)
（2013年6月1日01時19分 読売新聞）
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2013年06月02日
選挙制度論議 政治の安定へ衆参同時改革を
The Yomiuri Shimbun June 1, 2013
Lower and upper houses must be reformed at the same time
選挙制度論議 政治の安定へ衆参同時改革を（5月31日付・読売社説）
◆定数削減競争は大衆迎合だ
Although the current Diet session will end in less than one month, discussions on the comprehensive reform of the electoral system of the House of Representatives remain bogged down.
今国会会期末まで１か月を切ったのに、衆院選挙制度の抜本改革論議は行き詰まったままだ。
There seems to be no desire in either the ruling or opposition camps to reach an agreement on the matter. This indicates that reform of the lower house election system is unlikely to happen before the end of the current Diet session on June 26.
与野党に合意形成の機運がなく、実現はもはや困難な状況にある。
A bill jointly submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito for rezoning lower house electoral districts by slashing five seats in the single-seat constituencies is to become law even if the House of Councillors does not discuss on it, through a second vote in the lower house before the end of the Diet session.
自民、公明両党が国会に提出した、衆院小選挙区定数の「０増５減」を実現する区割り法案は、参院で審議されなくても、衆院で再可決され、成立する見通しだ。
The legislation, however, is nothing but a stopgap measure.
だが、０増５減は、あくまでも緊急避難的な措置に過ぎない。
Now is the time for both blocs to start fresh and renew discussions for realizing comprehensive reform of the lower house election system.
選挙制度の抜本改革を実現するために、与野党は、議論を仕切り直す時期に来ている。
Fears of Diet functions’ decline
◆立法機能低下に懸念
Among factors hampering formulating an accord between the ruling and opposition forces, the biggest is the disagreement over the number of lower house seats to be reduced.
与野党の合意形成を妨げている最大の要因は、衆院議員の定数削減を巡る足並みの乱れだ。
The Democratic Party of Japan has insisted the number of seats, currently 480, be slashed by 80. They argue the parties “must accept some pain” through the seat reduction at a time when they are asking the public to bear the burden of a higher consumption tax.
民主党は、消費増税に国民の理解を得るには国会議員自ら「身を切る」必要があるとして、定数８０の削減を主張している。
The issue of cutting the number of lower house seats, however, has nothing to do with rectifying the current disparity in the value of individual votes between the least and most represented constituencies--the issue behind electoral reform discussions.
しかし、定数削減は、選挙制度改革のきっかけとなった衆院小選挙区の「１票の格差」是正とは無関係である。
If the DPJ feels the need to “accept some pain,” it should focus on such steps as curtailing the annual salaries of Diet members and reducing government subsidies for political parties. These measures would certainly be more effective than reducing the number of lower house legislators.
身を切ると言うなら、歳費や政党交付金を削るべきだろう。その方が効果も大きい。
The LDP is in favor of cutting 30 lower house seats in the proportional representation. This would leave 150 seats, 60 of which would be preferentially allotted to parties other than the top vote-getter. The LDP-envisioned reform plan is apparently in consideration of the wishes of its junior coalition partner Komeito. Can it be considered a fair and adequate electoral system to create preferential seat allocations for medium- and small-sized parties?
自民党は比例定数を３０削減して１５０とし、その中に６０の中小政党優遇枠を設ける考えだ。公明党への配慮だが、中小政党に特別な枠を与えることが公正な制度と言えるのか。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, for their part, have proposed that the number of seats be reduced by 144 and 180, respectively.
日本維新の会は１４４減、みんなの党は１８０減を唱えている。
It is almost as if the parties are vying for public attention simply over the extent of seat reduction.
削減幅を競うかのようである。
The fact that the parties seem to have found it effective to curry public favor merely by advocating a larger reduction in the number of lower house seats is deplorable, as these tactics smack of populism. The issue of reducing lower house seats must be discussed separately from the task of reforming the electoral system.
国会議員を減らせば国民に歓迎されると政党が考えていること自体、大衆迎合主義的な発想で嘆かわしい。定数削減は選挙制度と切り離して議論する必要がある。
It is worth noting that the number of Japan’s legislators is relatively low compared with other industrially advanced democracies.
そもそも、日本の国会議員数は先進国の中では少ない方だ。
The parties in power under the nation’s existing parliamentary system send their lawmakers into the government as Cabinet members, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
与党は閣僚ら政務三役を政府に送り込んでいる。
If the number of Diet seats is reduced, those who have to oversee multiple committees will increase. Additionally, small- and medium-sized parties will face the danger of losing the opportunity to voice their views. The result would be that the legislative powers of the Diet and its function of overseeing the administration could decline.
定数を削れば、国会では委員会を掛け持ちする議員が増える。中小政党も発言の機会を奪われる。立法能力や行政監視機能が低下しかねない。
In March 2011, the Supreme Court ruled the disparity rate in the value of votes in single-seat districts in the 2009 general election, which stood at a maximum 2.3-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.”
最高裁は２０１１年３月、小選挙区の「１票の格差」が最大２・３０倍となった０９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断した。
In handing down the decision, the top court pointed out that the current formula of uniformly allotting one single-seat electoral district seat to each of the 47 prefectures is a major cause of the vote-value disparity. It called for the formula to be abolished.
各都道府県にまず１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因と指摘し、廃止を求めた。
The Supreme Court’s ruling can be seen as the judiciary stepping into the sphere of the discretionary powers of the legislature.
立法府の裁量権に司法が大きく踏み込んだと言えよう。
Gap correction not absolute
◆格差是正絶対視するな
In 14 lawsuits over the vote-value disparity in connection with the lower house election in December, high courts and their branches across the nation found the gap to be “unconstitutional” in their rulings.
昨年１２月の衆院選を巡る「１票の格差」訴訟では全国の高裁・支部で「違憲」判決が相次いだ。
Even the election itself was ruled to be “invalid” in two of these court decisions. However those rulings could be said to be irresponsible in light of the fact that no rules have yet been devised governing the holding of further elections to address such a problem.
一部には選挙無効という判決もあったが、再選挙のルールも確定しておらず、無責任ではないか。
The equality of vote values is not the only measure of the electoral system. Constituency elections are held based on administrative zones. Populations in rural areas have been dropping phenomenally in recent times. There are also problems peculiar to specific areas as well as extenuating economic and cultural circumstances that cannot be resolved simply by having constituency seats be a proportional reflection of the population.
投票価値の平等は選挙制度の絶対的な基準ではない。選挙区選は行政区画を基に成り立っている。地方では人口減が著しい。人口比例だけで片づかない地域特有の問題や経済・文化的事情もある。
The establishment of an election system that can harmonize judicial rulings with real politics on the ground is what is needed.
司法の判断と現実の政治を調和させる選挙制度が求められる。
If the proportional representation system is adopted fully for the lower house election, as advocated by the Japanese Communist Party, the will of the public can be more accurately reflected in the number of seats, thus eliminating the gap in vote value.
共産党などが主張するような完全な比例代表制とすれば、確かに民意がそのまま獲得議席に反映されて、１票の格差はなくなる。
But it could make it easier for small and midsize parties to gain more seats, resulting in the creation of many small parties. Coalition governments would become the norm, destabilizing politics and creating a situation in which small and midsize parties hold the key to making policy decisions.
しかし、中小政党も議席を得やすいだけに、多党化が避けられない。連立政権が常態化し、中小政党が政策決定のカギを握るなど、政治の不安定化を招く。
The most crucial question is how to translate the will of the people into a stable government.
民意をいかに集約し、安定した政権を作るかという観点が最も重要だ。
To achieve this goal, the only realistic option is the revision of the current single-seat constituency plus proportional representation system, as advocated by the LDP and the DPJ, among others, and the reinstatement of the multiple-seat constituency system as demanded by some small parties.
それには、自民、民主両党などが主張する現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制の手直しか、一部の小政党が求める中選挙区制の復活以外に、現実的な選択肢はないだろう。
The electoral system for the upper house must also be reviewed. We face an extraordinary situation in which the election systems of both chambers of the Diet have been judged to be in a “state of unconstitutionality.”
参院の選挙制度も、併せて考えなければならない。今は、衆参両院いずれもが「違憲状態」にあると司法が断じる異例の事態だ。
Viewed optimistically, now is an excellent opportunity to reexamine the electoral systems of both Diet houses simultaneously.
裏を返せば、衆参両院の制度を同時に見直す好機と言える。
Both systems are similar in that they comprise of elections in constituencies and elections held under proportional representation systems.
衆院も参院も選挙区選と比例代表選を組み合わせる点で、似通った制度になっている。
Lower and upper houses must be reformed at the same time
選挙制度論議 政治の安定へ衆参同時改革を（5月31日付・読売社説）
◆定数削減競争は大衆迎合だ
Although the current Diet session will end in less than one month, discussions on the comprehensive reform of the electoral system of the House of Representatives remain bogged down.
今国会会期末まで１か月を切ったのに、衆院選挙制度の抜本改革論議は行き詰まったままだ。
There seems to be no desire in either the ruling or opposition camps to reach an agreement on the matter. This indicates that reform of the lower house election system is unlikely to happen before the end of the current Diet session on June 26.
与野党に合意形成の機運がなく、実現はもはや困難な状況にある。
A bill jointly submitted by the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito for rezoning lower house electoral districts by slashing five seats in the single-seat constituencies is to become law even if the House of Councillors does not discuss on it, through a second vote in the lower house before the end of the Diet session.
自民、公明両党が国会に提出した、衆院小選挙区定数の「０増５減」を実現する区割り法案は、参院で審議されなくても、衆院で再可決され、成立する見通しだ。
The legislation, however, is nothing but a stopgap measure.
だが、０増５減は、あくまでも緊急避難的な措置に過ぎない。
Now is the time for both blocs to start fresh and renew discussions for realizing comprehensive reform of the lower house election system.
選挙制度の抜本改革を実現するために、与野党は、議論を仕切り直す時期に来ている。
Fears of Diet functions’ decline
◆立法機能低下に懸念
Among factors hampering formulating an accord between the ruling and opposition forces, the biggest is the disagreement over the number of lower house seats to be reduced.
与野党の合意形成を妨げている最大の要因は、衆院議員の定数削減を巡る足並みの乱れだ。
The Democratic Party of Japan has insisted the number of seats, currently 480, be slashed by 80. They argue the parties “must accept some pain” through the seat reduction at a time when they are asking the public to bear the burden of a higher consumption tax.
民主党は、消費増税に国民の理解を得るには国会議員自ら「身を切る」必要があるとして、定数８０の削減を主張している。
The issue of cutting the number of lower house seats, however, has nothing to do with rectifying the current disparity in the value of individual votes between the least and most represented constituencies--the issue behind electoral reform discussions.
しかし、定数削減は、選挙制度改革のきっかけとなった衆院小選挙区の「１票の格差」是正とは無関係である。
If the DPJ feels the need to “accept some pain,” it should focus on such steps as curtailing the annual salaries of Diet members and reducing government subsidies for political parties. These measures would certainly be more effective than reducing the number of lower house legislators.
身を切ると言うなら、歳費や政党交付金を削るべきだろう。その方が効果も大きい。
The LDP is in favor of cutting 30 lower house seats in the proportional representation. This would leave 150 seats, 60 of which would be preferentially allotted to parties other than the top vote-getter. The LDP-envisioned reform plan is apparently in consideration of the wishes of its junior coalition partner Komeito. Can it be considered a fair and adequate electoral system to create preferential seat allocations for medium- and small-sized parties?
自民党は比例定数を３０削減して１５０とし、その中に６０の中小政党優遇枠を設ける考えだ。公明党への配慮だが、中小政党に特別な枠を与えることが公正な制度と言えるのか。
Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party, for their part, have proposed that the number of seats be reduced by 144 and 180, respectively.
日本維新の会は１４４減、みんなの党は１８０減を唱えている。
It is almost as if the parties are vying for public attention simply over the extent of seat reduction.
削減幅を競うかのようである。
The fact that the parties seem to have found it effective to curry public favor merely by advocating a larger reduction in the number of lower house seats is deplorable, as these tactics smack of populism. The issue of reducing lower house seats must be discussed separately from the task of reforming the electoral system.
国会議員を減らせば国民に歓迎されると政党が考えていること自体、大衆迎合主義的な発想で嘆かわしい。定数削減は選挙制度と切り離して議論する必要がある。
It is worth noting that the number of Japan’s legislators is relatively low compared with other industrially advanced democracies.
そもそも、日本の国会議員数は先進国の中では少ない方だ。
The parties in power under the nation’s existing parliamentary system send their lawmakers into the government as Cabinet members, senior vice ministers and parliamentary secretaries.
与党は閣僚ら政務三役を政府に送り込んでいる。
If the number of Diet seats is reduced, those who have to oversee multiple committees will increase. Additionally, small- and medium-sized parties will face the danger of losing the opportunity to voice their views. The result would be that the legislative powers of the Diet and its function of overseeing the administration could decline.
定数を削れば、国会では委員会を掛け持ちする議員が増える。中小政党も発言の機会を奪われる。立法能力や行政監視機能が低下しかねない。
In March 2011, the Supreme Court ruled the disparity rate in the value of votes in single-seat districts in the 2009 general election, which stood at a maximum 2.3-to-1, was in “a state of unconstitutionality.”
最高裁は２０１１年３月、小選挙区の「１票の格差」が最大２・３０倍となった０９年の衆院選を「違憲状態」と判断した。
In handing down the decision, the top court pointed out that the current formula of uniformly allotting one single-seat electoral district seat to each of the 47 prefectures is a major cause of the vote-value disparity. It called for the formula to be abolished.
各都道府県にまず１議席を割り振る「１人別枠方式」が格差の主因と指摘し、廃止を求めた。
The Supreme Court’s ruling can be seen as the judiciary stepping into the sphere of the discretionary powers of the legislature.
立法府の裁量権に司法が大きく踏み込んだと言えよう。
Gap correction not absolute
◆格差是正絶対視するな
In 14 lawsuits over the vote-value disparity in connection with the lower house election in December, high courts and their branches across the nation found the gap to be “unconstitutional” in their rulings.
昨年１２月の衆院選を巡る「１票の格差」訴訟では全国の高裁・支部で「違憲」判決が相次いだ。
Even the election itself was ruled to be “invalid” in two of these court decisions. However those rulings could be said to be irresponsible in light of the fact that no rules have yet been devised governing the holding of further elections to address such a problem.
一部には選挙無効という判決もあったが、再選挙のルールも確定しておらず、無責任ではないか。
The equality of vote values is not the only measure of the electoral system. Constituency elections are held based on administrative zones. Populations in rural areas have been dropping phenomenally in recent times. There are also problems peculiar to specific areas as well as extenuating economic and cultural circumstances that cannot be resolved simply by having constituency seats be a proportional reflection of the population.
投票価値の平等は選挙制度の絶対的な基準ではない。選挙区選は行政区画を基に成り立っている。地方では人口減が著しい。人口比例だけで片づかない地域特有の問題や経済・文化的事情もある。
The establishment of an election system that can harmonize judicial rulings with real politics on the ground is what is needed.
司法の判断と現実の政治を調和させる選挙制度が求められる。
If the proportional representation system is adopted fully for the lower house election, as advocated by the Japanese Communist Party, the will of the public can be more accurately reflected in the number of seats, thus eliminating the gap in vote value.
共産党などが主張するような完全な比例代表制とすれば、確かに民意がそのまま獲得議席に反映されて、１票の格差はなくなる。
But it could make it easier for small and midsize parties to gain more seats, resulting in the creation of many small parties. Coalition governments would become the norm, destabilizing politics and creating a situation in which small and midsize parties hold the key to making policy decisions.
しかし、中小政党も議席を得やすいだけに、多党化が避けられない。連立政権が常態化し、中小政党が政策決定のカギを握るなど、政治の不安定化を招く。
The most crucial question is how to translate the will of the people into a stable government.
民意をいかに集約し、安定した政権を作るかという観点が最も重要だ。
To achieve this goal, the only realistic option is the revision of the current single-seat constituency plus proportional representation system, as advocated by the LDP and the DPJ, among others, and the reinstatement of the multiple-seat constituency system as demanded by some small parties.
それには、自民、民主両党などが主張する現行の小選挙区比例代表並立制の手直しか、一部の小政党が求める中選挙区制の復活以外に、現実的な選択肢はないだろう。
The electoral system for the upper house must also be reviewed. We face an extraordinary situation in which the election systems of both chambers of the Diet have been judged to be in a “state of unconstitutionality.”
参院の選挙制度も、併せて考えなければならない。今は、衆参両院いずれもが「違憲状態」にあると司法が断じる異例の事態だ。
Viewed optimistically, now is an excellent opportunity to reexamine the electoral systems of both Diet houses simultaneously.
裏を返せば、衆参両院の制度を同時に見直す好機と言える。
Both systems are similar in that they comprise of elections in constituencies and elections held under proportional representation systems.
衆院も参院も選挙区選と比例代表選を組み合わせる点で、似通った制度になっている。
2013年06月01日
日印首脳会談 関係発展の柱となる原発協力
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 31, 2013
Striking N-cooperation pact is key to boosting bilateral ties with India
日印首脳会談 関係発展の柱となる原発協力（5月30日付・読売社説）
Japan and India have reached an agreement that could become the key to deepening their bilateral relationship.
日印両国が一層関係を深めていくための重要な柱となろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh agreed to resume negotiations on a nuclear cooperation pact during their summit talks in Tokyo on Wednesday.
安倍首相が、来日中のインドのシン首相と会談し、日印原子力協定の締結交渉再開で合意した。
The two countries aim to conclude the negotiations within the year. If they reach a deal, Japan will be able to export its nuclear-related technology to India.
年内妥結を目指す方針で、締結すれば、日本から原子力関連技術が輸出できるようになる。
The negotiations initially began in June 2010, when the Democratic Party of Japan held the reins of government. However, the talks were effectively suspended in the wake of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
交渉は、民主党政権時代の２０１０年６月に始まったが、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故の後、事実上中断していた。
With a population of 1.2 billion people, India has been plagued by power shortages following its rapid economic growth. The country thus intends to build more nuclear power plants.
人口１２億人のインドは、経済の急成長に伴って電力不足が深刻化し、原発の増設を計画している。
If more nuclear power facilities, which do not emit greenhouse gases, are built in countries that rely on coal-fired plants for electricity supply, such as India, that could also help counter global warming.
主力の電力供給源である石炭火力発電所に、温室効果ガスを排出しない原発が加われば、地球温暖化対策にも役立とう。
The Abe administration’s economic policy, dubbed “Abenomics,” focuses on exporting Japanese infrastructure systems under its growth strategy. An increase in exports of nuclear technology and related equipment will significantly benefit Japan as well.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」は、成長戦略としてインフラ輸出を重視する。原発や関連機器の輸出が増えれば、日本にとってもメリットは大きい。
Concerns over India’s N-stance
During their meeting, Abe praised Singh’s commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. However, he also called for India’s early ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, in line with Japan’s global advocacy of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).
安倍首相は、シン首相に対し、核不拡散の努力を評価するとともに、核拡散防止条約（ＮＰＴ）体制を推進する立場から、インドの核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期批准を促した。
Abe apparently made the remarks in consideration of persistent domestic concerns over striking a nuclear cooperation pact with India, which has yet to sign the NPT despite owning nuclear arms.
ＮＰＴに加盟していない核保有国インドとの協定に日本国内で慎重論が強かったことを念頭に置いた発言だろう。
India has halted nuclear testing and allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its civilian nuclear facilities. Ahead of restarting bilateral nuclear talks, Japan should confirm that India will maintain such a stance.
インドは核実験を凍結し、民生用施設は、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）の査察も受け入れている。交渉再開にあたって日本は、こうした姿勢の堅持を確認したい。
Meanwhile, the two leaders also made progress in strengthening bilateral ties by agreeing to conduct a joint feasibility study on a plan to build an about 500-kilometer high-speed railway system between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India. Hopes are high that the agreement will boost joint efforts by the domestic public and private sectors to expand exports of the nation’s Shinkansen bullet train system.
両首脳がインド西部のムンバイ―アーメダバード間約５００キロ・メートルの高速鉄道計画について、共同調査の着手で合意したことも前進である。日本が官民を挙げて目指してきた新幹線システムの受注につながると期待される。
Japan also decided to extend yen loans for projects such as construction of a subway system in Mumbai. It is highly significant that the two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in regard to large infrastructure development, which would help India achieve economic growth.
日本は、ムンバイの地下鉄建設などに対する円借款の供与も決めた。インドの経済発展につながる大型インフラ整備で連携強化を確認した意義は大きい。
Japanese companies have increasingly made inroads into India. Although Japan’s trade with India remains small when compared to that with China, there is potential for further expansion.
日本企業のインド進出は増加し続けている。貿易額は日中間などに比べればまだ少ないが、一層拡大する潜在力がある。
Security cooperation eyes China
On security cooperation, the two countries agreed to consider exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s amphibious rescue boats to India. If realized, this could become a specific case of bilateral security cooperation in which Japan’s defense equipment is exported for civilian use.
安全保障面では、海上自衛隊の救難飛行艇の輸出について、両国が検討を始めることで一致した。実現すれば、防衛装備品の民間転用による輸出となり、日印安保協力の具体的な成果となる。
Meanwhile, the MSDF and the Indian Navy will conduct joint exercises on a regular basis. Their first joint drill was conducted in June last year. Such regular military exercises could be effective as a deterrent to China. Security cooperation between Japan and India must be conducive to stability in Asia, particularly in the Indian Ocean.
昨年６月に初実施した海自とインド海軍の共同訓練も定期化される。中国を牽制(けんせい)する効果もあるだろう。アジアとインド洋の安定に結びつけなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 30, 2013)
（2013年5月30日02時08分 読売新聞）
Striking N-cooperation pact is key to boosting bilateral ties with India
日印首脳会談 関係発展の柱となる原発協力（5月30日付・読売社説）
Japan and India have reached an agreement that could become the key to deepening their bilateral relationship.
日印両国が一層関係を深めていくための重要な柱となろう。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his Indian counterpart Manmohan Singh agreed to resume negotiations on a nuclear cooperation pact during their summit talks in Tokyo on Wednesday.
安倍首相が、来日中のインドのシン首相と会談し、日印原子力協定の締結交渉再開で合意した。
The two countries aim to conclude the negotiations within the year. If they reach a deal, Japan will be able to export its nuclear-related technology to India.
年内妥結を目指す方針で、締結すれば、日本から原子力関連技術が輸出できるようになる。
The negotiations initially began in June 2010, when the Democratic Party of Japan held the reins of government. However, the talks were effectively suspended in the wake of the crisis at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant operated by Tokyo Electric Power Co.
交渉は、民主党政権時代の２０１０年６月に始まったが、東京電力福島第一原子力発電所事故の後、事実上中断していた。
With a population of 1.2 billion people, India has been plagued by power shortages following its rapid economic growth. The country thus intends to build more nuclear power plants.
人口１２億人のインドは、経済の急成長に伴って電力不足が深刻化し、原発の増設を計画している。
If more nuclear power facilities, which do not emit greenhouse gases, are built in countries that rely on coal-fired plants for electricity supply, such as India, that could also help counter global warming.
主力の電力供給源である石炭火力発電所に、温室効果ガスを排出しない原発が加われば、地球温暖化対策にも役立とう。
The Abe administration’s economic policy, dubbed “Abenomics,” focuses on exporting Japanese infrastructure systems under its growth strategy. An increase in exports of nuclear technology and related equipment will significantly benefit Japan as well.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」は、成長戦略としてインフラ輸出を重視する。原発や関連機器の輸出が増えれば、日本にとってもメリットは大きい。
Concerns over India’s N-stance
During their meeting, Abe praised Singh’s commitment to nuclear nonproliferation. However, he also called for India’s early ratification of the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, in line with Japan’s global advocacy of the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty (NPT).
安倍首相は、シン首相に対し、核不拡散の努力を評価するとともに、核拡散防止条約（ＮＰＴ）体制を推進する立場から、インドの核実験全面禁止条約（ＣＴＢＴ）の早期批准を促した。
Abe apparently made the remarks in consideration of persistent domestic concerns over striking a nuclear cooperation pact with India, which has yet to sign the NPT despite owning nuclear arms.
ＮＰＴに加盟していない核保有国インドとの協定に日本国内で慎重論が強かったことを念頭に置いた発言だろう。
India has halted nuclear testing and allowed the International Atomic Energy Agency to inspect its civilian nuclear facilities. Ahead of restarting bilateral nuclear talks, Japan should confirm that India will maintain such a stance.
インドは核実験を凍結し、民生用施設は、国際原子力機関（ＩＡＥＡ）の査察も受け入れている。交渉再開にあたって日本は、こうした姿勢の堅持を確認したい。
Meanwhile, the two leaders also made progress in strengthening bilateral ties by agreeing to conduct a joint feasibility study on a plan to build an about 500-kilometer high-speed railway system between Mumbai and Ahmedabad in western India. Hopes are high that the agreement will boost joint efforts by the domestic public and private sectors to expand exports of the nation’s Shinkansen bullet train system.
両首脳がインド西部のムンバイ―アーメダバード間約５００キロ・メートルの高速鉄道計画について、共同調査の着手で合意したことも前進である。日本が官民を挙げて目指してきた新幹線システムの受注につながると期待される。
Japan also decided to extend yen loans for projects such as construction of a subway system in Mumbai. It is highly significant that the two countries agreed to strengthen bilateral ties, particularly in regard to large infrastructure development, which would help India achieve economic growth.
日本は、ムンバイの地下鉄建設などに対する円借款の供与も決めた。インドの経済発展につながる大型インフラ整備で連携強化を確認した意義は大きい。
Japanese companies have increasingly made inroads into India. Although Japan’s trade with India remains small when compared to that with China, there is potential for further expansion.
日本企業のインド進出は増加し続けている。貿易額は日中間などに比べればまだ少ないが、一層拡大する潜在力がある。
Security cooperation eyes China
On security cooperation, the two countries agreed to consider exporting the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s amphibious rescue boats to India. If realized, this could become a specific case of bilateral security cooperation in which Japan’s defense equipment is exported for civilian use.
安全保障面では、海上自衛隊の救難飛行艇の輸出について、両国が検討を始めることで一致した。実現すれば、防衛装備品の民間転用による輸出となり、日印安保協力の具体的な成果となる。
Meanwhile, the MSDF and the Indian Navy will conduct joint exercises on a regular basis. Their first joint drill was conducted in June last year. Such regular military exercises could be effective as a deterrent to China. Security cooperation between Japan and India must be conducive to stability in Asia, particularly in the Indian Ocean.
昨年６月に初実施した海自とインド海軍の共同訓練も定期化される。中国を牽制(けんせい)する効果もあるだろう。アジアとインド洋の安定に結びつけなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 30, 2013)
（2013年5月30日02時08分 読売新聞）
2013年05月31日
小学校の英語 楽しく学べる環境を整えたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 30, 2013
Create enjoyable environment for primary schoolers to learn English
小学校の英語 楽しく学べる環境を整えたい（5月29日付・読売社説）
If Japan wants to hone its competitive edge overseas, it is essential to foster broad-minded human resources with superb foreign language skills. To do so, the government should improve the nation’s educational environment.
日本の国際競争力を高める上で、豊かな語学力と幅広い視野を備えた人材が求められている。政府は教育環境の整備を進めるべきだ。
The Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, an expert panel under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has compiled a set of proposals that emphasize the necessity of expanding and improving the nation’s English education at all levels, from primary school to university, to foster individuals who can compete globally.
安倍首相直属の教育再生実行会議が、海外で活躍できる人材の育成に向け、小学校から大学に至るまで、英語教育の拡充が必要だとする提言をまとめた。
One noteworthy proposal suggests that the government consider making English a regular subject at primary schools.
注目したいのは、小学校で教える英語を正式な教科とするよう検討を促した点だ。
Since the 2011 academic year, “foreign language activity” has become a required course at primary schools. Now, fifth- and sixth-graders take English classes once a week.
小学校では２０１１年度から「外国語活動」が必修となり、５、６年生が週１回、英語を学んでいる。
The course is aimed at familiarizing students with the language and places emphasis on nurturing basic conversation and listening skills. Unlike middle school English classes, students do not study grammar.
英語に親しみ、慣れるのが目的で、中学校のような文法の指導はしない。初歩的な会話やヒアリングに重点を置いている。
Hurdles remain
As it is not a regular subject, no textbooks are used. While homeroom teachers are charged with leading foreign language activities, most did not receive sufficient instruction on how to teach English during college-level teacher training courses. As a result, many are concerned about their ability to instruct pupils.
正式な教科ではないため、教科書は用いない。教員養成課程で英語の指導法を十分学んでいない学級担任が教えることから、指導力に不安を抱える教師も多い。
We duly understand the aims of upgrading the course into a regular subject, making an English textbook available at primary schools and improving the quality of classes.
教科へ格上げすることで、教科書を作り、授業の質向上につなげようという狙いは理解できる。
However, many hurdles remain.
ただ、課題は多い。
If English is made into a regular subject, student performance must be graded. But is it fitting to give exams in a class that is aimed at familiarizing students with English? If grammar lessons are required, it may cause some students to dislike the subject from the primary school level.
正式な教科にすると、成績評価を行うことになる。その際、英語に親しむための授業で、テストによる評価はなじむだろうか。文法学習まで加わるようになれば、小学校の段階から英語嫌いになる子が出てくるかもしれない。
Enhancing the English skills of primary school teachers cannot be accomplished overnight. In addition to improved teacher training, it is necessary to establish a system in which classes are taught by teachers who specialize in English, or native English-speaking assistant language teachers work together with Japanese teachers.
小学校教師の語学力を高めるのも一朝一夕にはいくまい。研修の充実はもちろん、英語を専門とする専任教師が教えたり、外国人指導助手とチームで指導したりする体制を整えることが大切だ。
In other parts of Asia, such as China, South Korea and Taiwan, students begin learning English when they become third-grade primary school students. Some experts assert that early English education is key to helping students master the language.
他のアジアの国・地域を見ると、中国や韓国、台湾では、小学３年から英語を教えている。早い時期から学習を始めた方が身に着くと主張する専門家もいる。
On the other hand, many people insist that Japanese, the nation’s mother tongue, should be prioritized over learning English. Whether the government should promote an earlier start to English lessons is likely to become a point of contention in the future.
一方、母国語である日本語の習得を優先すべきだとの意見も根強い。実施学年を引き下げるかどうかは今後の争点となろう。
Universities lagging
The panel’s proposals also refer to university education, saying “their lagging globalization has reached a critical state.”
提言は、大学教育にも言及し、「グローバル化の遅れは危機的状況にある」との認識を示した。
The number of Japanese studying overseas is on the decline. There are also fewer foreign students studying in Japan than in the United States and European nations. It is crucial, among other things, to increase the number of courses taught in English to train Japanese students and attract foreigners.
日本人の海外留学生は減少傾向にあり、日本で学ぶ外国人留学生も欧米諸国に比べて少ない。英語を使った講義を増やすなど、日本人学生を鍛え、外国人留学生を呼び込む取り組みが欠かせない。
The panel also suggested TOEFL, a test that gauges the English proficiency of nonnative speakers, and other outside tests be used for university admission and graduation. We believe this idea merits consideration on the basis of prodding students to acquire practical language skills.
提言は、英語を母国語としない人の英語力を測る「ＴＯＥＦＬ」などの外部検定試験を、大学入試や卒業認定の判断材料に活用することも打ち出した。実践的な語学力の習得を促す観点から、検討に値するのではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 29, 2013)
（2013年5月29日02時07分 読売新聞）
Create enjoyable environment for primary schoolers to learn English
小学校の英語 楽しく学べる環境を整えたい（5月29日付・読売社説）
If Japan wants to hone its competitive edge overseas, it is essential to foster broad-minded human resources with superb foreign language skills. To do so, the government should improve the nation’s educational environment.
日本の国際競争力を高める上で、豊かな語学力と幅広い視野を備えた人材が求められている。政府は教育環境の整備を進めるべきだ。
The Education Rebuilding Implementation Council, an expert panel under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, has compiled a set of proposals that emphasize the necessity of expanding and improving the nation’s English education at all levels, from primary school to university, to foster individuals who can compete globally.
安倍首相直属の教育再生実行会議が、海外で活躍できる人材の育成に向け、小学校から大学に至るまで、英語教育の拡充が必要だとする提言をまとめた。
One noteworthy proposal suggests that the government consider making English a regular subject at primary schools.
注目したいのは、小学校で教える英語を正式な教科とするよう検討を促した点だ。
Since the 2011 academic year, “foreign language activity” has become a required course at primary schools. Now, fifth- and sixth-graders take English classes once a week.
小学校では２０１１年度から「外国語活動」が必修となり、５、６年生が週１回、英語を学んでいる。
The course is aimed at familiarizing students with the language and places emphasis on nurturing basic conversation and listening skills. Unlike middle school English classes, students do not study grammar.
英語に親しみ、慣れるのが目的で、中学校のような文法の指導はしない。初歩的な会話やヒアリングに重点を置いている。
Hurdles remain
As it is not a regular subject, no textbooks are used. While homeroom teachers are charged with leading foreign language activities, most did not receive sufficient instruction on how to teach English during college-level teacher training courses. As a result, many are concerned about their ability to instruct pupils.
正式な教科ではないため、教科書は用いない。教員養成課程で英語の指導法を十分学んでいない学級担任が教えることから、指導力に不安を抱える教師も多い。
We duly understand the aims of upgrading the course into a regular subject, making an English textbook available at primary schools and improving the quality of classes.
教科へ格上げすることで、教科書を作り、授業の質向上につなげようという狙いは理解できる。
However, many hurdles remain.
ただ、課題は多い。
If English is made into a regular subject, student performance must be graded. But is it fitting to give exams in a class that is aimed at familiarizing students with English? If grammar lessons are required, it may cause some students to dislike the subject from the primary school level.
正式な教科にすると、成績評価を行うことになる。その際、英語に親しむための授業で、テストによる評価はなじむだろうか。文法学習まで加わるようになれば、小学校の段階から英語嫌いになる子が出てくるかもしれない。
Enhancing the English skills of primary school teachers cannot be accomplished overnight. In addition to improved teacher training, it is necessary to establish a system in which classes are taught by teachers who specialize in English, or native English-speaking assistant language teachers work together with Japanese teachers.
小学校教師の語学力を高めるのも一朝一夕にはいくまい。研修の充実はもちろん、英語を専門とする専任教師が教えたり、外国人指導助手とチームで指導したりする体制を整えることが大切だ。
In other parts of Asia, such as China, South Korea and Taiwan, students begin learning English when they become third-grade primary school students. Some experts assert that early English education is key to helping students master the language.
他のアジアの国・地域を見ると、中国や韓国、台湾では、小学３年から英語を教えている。早い時期から学習を始めた方が身に着くと主張する専門家もいる。
On the other hand, many people insist that Japanese, the nation’s mother tongue, should be prioritized over learning English. Whether the government should promote an earlier start to English lessons is likely to become a point of contention in the future.
一方、母国語である日本語の習得を優先すべきだとの意見も根強い。実施学年を引き下げるかどうかは今後の争点となろう。
Universities lagging
The panel’s proposals also refer to university education, saying “their lagging globalization has reached a critical state.”
提言は、大学教育にも言及し、「グローバル化の遅れは危機的状況にある」との認識を示した。
The number of Japanese studying overseas is on the decline. There are also fewer foreign students studying in Japan than in the United States and European nations. It is crucial, among other things, to increase the number of courses taught in English to train Japanese students and attract foreigners.
日本人の海外留学生は減少傾向にあり、日本で学ぶ外国人留学生も欧米諸国に比べて少ない。英語を使った講義を増やすなど、日本人学生を鍛え、外国人留学生を呼び込む取り組みが欠かせない。
The panel also suggested TOEFL, a test that gauges the English proficiency of nonnative speakers, and other outside tests be used for university admission and graduation. We believe this idea merits consideration on the basis of prodding students to acquire practical language skills.
提言は、英語を母国語としない人の英語力を測る「ＴＯＥＦＬ」などの外部検定試験を、大学入試や卒業認定の判断材料に活用することも打ち出した。実践的な語学力の習得を促す観点から、検討に値するのではないか。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 29, 2013)
（2013年5月29日02時07分 読売新聞）
2013年05月30日
波乱含みの株価 ひるまずアベノミクスを前に
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 29, 2013
Govt should stick with Abenomics despite volatility in stock market
波乱含みの株価 ひるまずアベノミクスを前に（5月28日付・読売社説）
Stock prices have suddenly turned volatile after steadily soaring on the high regard market players have for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policies, which have been dubbed “Abenomics.”
安倍首相の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を好感し、急上昇してきた株価が、一転して波乱含みになってきた。
People should not overreact to daily market fluctuations. The government and the Bank of Japan should steadily proceed with Abenomics and expedite measures to realize a full recovery of the nation’s economy, whose prospects have become increasingly rosy.
マーケットの日々の変動に、一喜一憂すべきではない。政府と日銀は、アベノミクスを着実に推進し、明るさを増してきた景気の本格的な回復を急ぐべきである。
The key stock average index on the Tokyo market has been stormy since late last week. On Thursday, the index rose to just below 16,000, but then suddenly plunged by more than 1,000 points, triggered by a worsening Chinese economic indicator. On Friday, Tokyo stocks swung wildly.
東京市場の平均株価は先週後半から荒れ模様となった。２３日に１万６０００円の目前まで上昇した後、中国の景気指標悪化をきっかけに１０００円以上も急落した。２４日には激しく乱高下した。
On Monday, the index again sharply dropped 469 points to close at 14,142.
週明けの２７日も、大幅に値を下げ、４６９円安の１万４１４２円で取引を終えた。
Locking in profits
In the current state of the market, wary investors are inclined to sell their stocks to lock in profits after experiencing the rapid rise in stock prices that started last autumn.
昨秋からの急ピッチな株価上昇の息切れを警戒し、市場は利益確保の売りが出やすい状況だ。
It is believed that another factor behind the recent accelerating drops in stock prices is a selling offensive launched by speculators overseas in such things as futures to exploit the bearish mindset of investors.
弱気な投資家心理に乗じて、海外の投機筋が先物などで売り攻勢を仕掛けたことも、下げを加速させているのだろう。
It will be problematic if this unstable market situation continues for a prolonged period and drags down the real economy. The government and the Bank of Japan need to beef up their oversight of market movements.
市場の不安定な状況が長引き、実体経済の足を引っ張るようでは困る。政府と日銀は、市場動向の監視を強める必要がある。
Rises in long-term interest rates also are a cause of concern. It had previously been expected that the rates would decline as the amount of government bonds purchased by the central bank increased under its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing policy. Instead, they have been rising to levels higher than those before the monetary easing.
長期金利の上昇も気がかりだ。日銀の「量的・質的金融緩和」で国債の買い入れ額が上積みされ、長期金利の低下が見込まれたが、逆に緩和前より上昇している。
A continuation of this trend could dilute the effects of monetary easing, putting a damper on firms’ capital investments as well as housing sales, which would result in a cooling down of the economy. The central bank must make all-out efforts to arrest rises in the interest rates.
このままでは、金融緩和の効果が減殺されて設備投資や住宅販売に水を差し、景気を冷やす恐れがある。日銀は金利上昇の阻止に、全力を挙げねばならない。
Rising stock prices and a correction in the appreciation of the yen since autumn can be attributed to the early expectations for Abenomics. We hope the government will give a boost to the economic recovery with concrete measures to solidify market confidence in economic policies.
昨秋からの株高や円高是正は、アベノミクスへの期待が先行してきたといえる。具体的な施策で景気回復を後押しすることで、経済政策に対する市場の信認を確かなものにしたい。
Abe’s strategy for economic growth, or the “third arrow” of Abenomics, is particularly important. To enhance the vigor of the private sector and achieve sustainable growth, it is essential to implement reforms to take on vested interests and change regulations that have prevented the entry of newcomers. Policy measures must also be taken to provide support in such areas as research and development.
特に「３本目の矢」である成長戦略が重要だ。民間活力を高め、持続的成長を実現するには、新規参入を阻む既得権益や規制を改革し、研究開発などを後押しする政策が不可欠である。
We consider it important for the government to hammer out a bold policy and swiftly promote it.
大胆な方針を打ち出し、迅速に推進することが大切だ。
Road map needed
Given the poor track record of the growth strategies of previous administrations, the government should draw up a road map to realize its growth strategy by establishing systems that are powerful enough to neutralize the negative effects that have resulted from the vertically segmented administrative structure of ministries and other government bodies.
歴代政権の成長戦略が成果に乏しかった教訓を踏まえ、府省縦割りの弊害を打破する強力な実施体制を構築し、実現への道筋を示すことが求められる。
Meanwhile, private companies--the main drivers of growth--should positively regard the fact that stock prices soared on prospects for recovery in their performance, backed by the yen’s ongoing depreciation.
主役の民間企業も、円安の進行が追い風となり、業績回復を見込んで株価が急上昇した事実を前向きに受け止めてほしい。
How can they strengthen their profit-earning capacities by opening up new markets with creative and innovative efforts as well as a can-do spirit? They will be tested for their true abilities concerning aggressive business strategies.
創意工夫とチャレンジ精神で新たな市場を開拓し、いかに収益力を強化するか。攻めの経営戦略の真価が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 28, 2013)
（2013年5月28日01時19分 読売新聞）
Govt should stick with Abenomics despite volatility in stock market
波乱含みの株価 ひるまずアベノミクスを前に（5月28日付・読売社説）
Stock prices have suddenly turned volatile after steadily soaring on the high regard market players have for Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policies, which have been dubbed “Abenomics.”
安倍首相の進める経済政策「アベノミクス」を好感し、急上昇してきた株価が、一転して波乱含みになってきた。
People should not overreact to daily market fluctuations. The government and the Bank of Japan should steadily proceed with Abenomics and expedite measures to realize a full recovery of the nation’s economy, whose prospects have become increasingly rosy.
マーケットの日々の変動に、一喜一憂すべきではない。政府と日銀は、アベノミクスを着実に推進し、明るさを増してきた景気の本格的な回復を急ぐべきである。
The key stock average index on the Tokyo market has been stormy since late last week. On Thursday, the index rose to just below 16,000, but then suddenly plunged by more than 1,000 points, triggered by a worsening Chinese economic indicator. On Friday, Tokyo stocks swung wildly.
東京市場の平均株価は先週後半から荒れ模様となった。２３日に１万６０００円の目前まで上昇した後、中国の景気指標悪化をきっかけに１０００円以上も急落した。２４日には激しく乱高下した。
On Monday, the index again sharply dropped 469 points to close at 14,142.
週明けの２７日も、大幅に値を下げ、４６９円安の１万４１４２円で取引を終えた。
Locking in profits
In the current state of the market, wary investors are inclined to sell their stocks to lock in profits after experiencing the rapid rise in stock prices that started last autumn.
昨秋からの急ピッチな株価上昇の息切れを警戒し、市場は利益確保の売りが出やすい状況だ。
It is believed that another factor behind the recent accelerating drops in stock prices is a selling offensive launched by speculators overseas in such things as futures to exploit the bearish mindset of investors.
弱気な投資家心理に乗じて、海外の投機筋が先物などで売り攻勢を仕掛けたことも、下げを加速させているのだろう。
It will be problematic if this unstable market situation continues for a prolonged period and drags down the real economy. The government and the Bank of Japan need to beef up their oversight of market movements.
市場の不安定な状況が長引き、実体経済の足を引っ張るようでは困る。政府と日銀は、市場動向の監視を強める必要がある。
Rises in long-term interest rates also are a cause of concern. It had previously been expected that the rates would decline as the amount of government bonds purchased by the central bank increased under its quantitative and qualitative monetary easing policy. Instead, they have been rising to levels higher than those before the monetary easing.
長期金利の上昇も気がかりだ。日銀の「量的・質的金融緩和」で国債の買い入れ額が上積みされ、長期金利の低下が見込まれたが、逆に緩和前より上昇している。
A continuation of this trend could dilute the effects of monetary easing, putting a damper on firms’ capital investments as well as housing sales, which would result in a cooling down of the economy. The central bank must make all-out efforts to arrest rises in the interest rates.
このままでは、金融緩和の効果が減殺されて設備投資や住宅販売に水を差し、景気を冷やす恐れがある。日銀は金利上昇の阻止に、全力を挙げねばならない。
Rising stock prices and a correction in the appreciation of the yen since autumn can be attributed to the early expectations for Abenomics. We hope the government will give a boost to the economic recovery with concrete measures to solidify market confidence in economic policies.
昨秋からの株高や円高是正は、アベノミクスへの期待が先行してきたといえる。具体的な施策で景気回復を後押しすることで、経済政策に対する市場の信認を確かなものにしたい。
Abe’s strategy for economic growth, or the “third arrow” of Abenomics, is particularly important. To enhance the vigor of the private sector and achieve sustainable growth, it is essential to implement reforms to take on vested interests and change regulations that have prevented the entry of newcomers. Policy measures must also be taken to provide support in such areas as research and development.
特に「３本目の矢」である成長戦略が重要だ。民間活力を高め、持続的成長を実現するには、新規参入を阻む既得権益や規制を改革し、研究開発などを後押しする政策が不可欠である。
We consider it important for the government to hammer out a bold policy and swiftly promote it.
大胆な方針を打ち出し、迅速に推進することが大切だ。
Road map needed
Given the poor track record of the growth strategies of previous administrations, the government should draw up a road map to realize its growth strategy by establishing systems that are powerful enough to neutralize the negative effects that have resulted from the vertically segmented administrative structure of ministries and other government bodies.
歴代政権の成長戦略が成果に乏しかった教訓を踏まえ、府省縦割りの弊害を打破する強力な実施体制を構築し、実現への道筋を示すことが求められる。
Meanwhile, private companies--the main drivers of growth--should positively regard the fact that stock prices soared on prospects for recovery in their performance, backed by the yen’s ongoing depreciation.
主役の民間企業も、円安の進行が追い風となり、業績回復を見込んで株価が急上昇した事実を前向きに受け止めてほしい。
How can they strengthen their profit-earning capacities by opening up new markets with creative and innovative efforts as well as a can-do spirit? They will be tested for their true abilities concerning aggressive business strategies.
創意工夫とチャレンジ精神で新たな市場を開拓し、いかに収益力を強化するか。攻めの経営戦略の真価が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 28, 2013)
（2013年5月28日01時19分 読売新聞）
2013年05月29日
新型ロケット 国際価格競争に勝てる開発を
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 27, 2013
New rocket must be developed to win competition in intl launch market
新型ロケット 国際価格競争に勝てる開発を（5月26日付・読売社説）
This country must not fall behind other nations in the development of new rockets, which has been progressing worldwide.
世界で活気づく新型ロケット開発に日本も後れを取ってはならない。
An expert panel of the Cabinet Office’s Office of National Space Policy, the body tasked with setting the nation’s space development policies, has worked out a plan that calls for the development of a large next-generation rocket to get into full swing in fiscal 2014.
国の宇宙政策を決める内閣府宇宙政策委員会の専門部会が、次世代の大型ロケット開発を来年度から本格化させる方針をまとめた。
The goal is to develop an easy-to-use domestically produced rocket that can be launched at a low cost.
目標は、低コストで使いやすいロケットを開発することだ。
The current domestically made large rocket, the H-2A, costs about 10 billion yen to launch. This is 20 to 30 percent higher than launch costs for large rockets overseas.
現在の国産大型ロケットＨ２Ａは、１回の打ち上げに約１００億円かかる。海外の大型ロケットよりも、２〜３割高い。
Lagging behind rivals
The result is that Japan has been performing poorly in the international competition for commercial contracts to launch private-sector satellites for such purposes as telecommunications and broadcasting.
その結果、通信、放送など民間の人工衛星打ち上げ事業の受注で国際的に苦戦している。
Costs to launch satellites, including intelligence-gathering satellites that only Japan can launch because of national security concerns, are inevitably higher than in other countries with rocket-launching capabilities.
安全保障上、他国には依頼できない情報収集衛星などの打ち上げも、割高にならざるを得ない。
Development of a low-cost rocket should be considered an urgent task to help reinvigorate the nation’s space development industries and mitigate the government’s fiscal burden for space programs.
宇宙産業の活性化、財政の負担軽減のため、低コストのロケット開発は急務と言えよう。
The United States, Europe, Russia and China have already begun developing next-generation rockets. This comes at a time when demand for launching satellites has been expanding in recent years in emerging economies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.
米国や欧州、ロシア、中国はすでに新型ロケット開発に乗り出している。アジアやアフリカの新興国で、人工衛星の打ち上げ需要が拡大したことが背景にある。
The H-2A rocket is among the world’s best in terms of performance and boasts a 95.5 percent launch success rate.
Ｈ２Ａは世界最高水準の性能を誇り、打ち上げ成功率も９５・５％と高い。
The challenge facing Japan’s rocket development program is to cut launch costs while keeping the H-2A’s high performance.
高性能のままで、低コストをいかに実現するかが、大きな課題である。
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. have jointly produced a blueprint for the development of a new rocket. The plan reportedly aims to cut current launch costs by half, to about 5 billion yen per launch.
宇宙航空研究開発機構（ＪＡＸＡ）と三菱重工業は、開発計画のたたき台をまとめている。打ち上げ費用の目標は、現在の半分に当たる約５０億円だという。
JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working to develop a completely new engine, the most fundamental element of rocket design. To lower launch costs, the plan reportedly calls for studying the advisability of joint manufacture of engines with U.S. companies and others.
ロケットの根幹部であるエンジンから新規開発に挑む。米企業との共同開発などで量産を図り、単価を下げることも視野にある。
Under the space policy council’s plan, the first launch of the envisioned new rocket will take place in 2020, the year the other rocket-manufacturing countries have set to start launching their new rockets. Specifics of the nation’s rocket development program should be crystallized as promptly as possible.
新型ロケットの打ち上げは、各国が設定した目標年に合わせて２０２０年に始める。計画の具体化を急いでもらいたい。
The space policy expert panel has said the new rocket development project should be undertaken mainly by the private sector, and the involvement of JAXA should be minimized. This could considerably reduce the project’s costs in the aggregate, currently an estimated 190 billion yen, according to the panel.
宇宙政策委の専門部会は、ロケットの開発は民間主導で進め、ＪＡＸＡの関与は最小限にとどめるとしている。これにより、総額１９００億円とされる開発費を圧縮するという。
Make best use of JAXA
Given the stringency of government finances, curbing rocket development expenses is vital.
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、開発予算の抑制は欠かせない。
However, rocket development always faces potential unforeseeable obstacles: If the private sector takes the lead in rocket development, it may be unable to solve such problems as unexpectedly high development expenses and harder-than-expected technical challenges.
一方で、ロケット開発では思わぬトラブルも起きる。予想外に費用を要したり、技術的な難題に直面したりして、民間主導では対処できない事態もあり得る。
JAXA has so far played the leading role in the nation’s space development programs, including its first satellite launch in 1970.
ＪＡＸＡは、１９７０年の初の人工衛星打ち上げなど日本の宇宙開発を先導してきた。
In the wake of the November 1999 failure to launch an H-2 rocket, the predecessor of the H-2A, JAXA effectively identified the causes of the failure and improved the rocket’s design, successfully upgrading its performance.
Ｈ２Ａの前身であるＨ２ロケットの打ち上げ失敗時には、原因究明と改良に取り組み、性能向上を実現した。
In light of this, a system should be created to address the development of the new rocket by suitably combining private- and public-sector strengths to exploit JAXA’s accumulated technology.
ＪＡＸＡの技術の積み上げも生かし、オールジャパンで開発する体制の構築が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 26, 2013)
（2013年5月26日01時38分 読売新聞）
New rocket must be developed to win competition in intl launch market
新型ロケット 国際価格競争に勝てる開発を（5月26日付・読売社説）
This country must not fall behind other nations in the development of new rockets, which has been progressing worldwide.
世界で活気づく新型ロケット開発に日本も後れを取ってはならない。
An expert panel of the Cabinet Office’s Office of National Space Policy, the body tasked with setting the nation’s space development policies, has worked out a plan that calls for the development of a large next-generation rocket to get into full swing in fiscal 2014.
国の宇宙政策を決める内閣府宇宙政策委員会の専門部会が、次世代の大型ロケット開発を来年度から本格化させる方針をまとめた。
The goal is to develop an easy-to-use domestically produced rocket that can be launched at a low cost.
目標は、低コストで使いやすいロケットを開発することだ。
The current domestically made large rocket, the H-2A, costs about 10 billion yen to launch. This is 20 to 30 percent higher than launch costs for large rockets overseas.
現在の国産大型ロケットＨ２Ａは、１回の打ち上げに約１００億円かかる。海外の大型ロケットよりも、２〜３割高い。
Lagging behind rivals
The result is that Japan has been performing poorly in the international competition for commercial contracts to launch private-sector satellites for such purposes as telecommunications and broadcasting.
その結果、通信、放送など民間の人工衛星打ち上げ事業の受注で国際的に苦戦している。
Costs to launch satellites, including intelligence-gathering satellites that only Japan can launch because of national security concerns, are inevitably higher than in other countries with rocket-launching capabilities.
安全保障上、他国には依頼できない情報収集衛星などの打ち上げも、割高にならざるを得ない。
Development of a low-cost rocket should be considered an urgent task to help reinvigorate the nation’s space development industries and mitigate the government’s fiscal burden for space programs.
宇宙産業の活性化、財政の負担軽減のため、低コストのロケット開発は急務と言えよう。
The United States, Europe, Russia and China have already begun developing next-generation rockets. This comes at a time when demand for launching satellites has been expanding in recent years in emerging economies in Asia, Africa and elsewhere.
米国や欧州、ロシア、中国はすでに新型ロケット開発に乗り出している。アジアやアフリカの新興国で、人工衛星の打ち上げ需要が拡大したことが背景にある。
The H-2A rocket is among the world’s best in terms of performance and boasts a 95.5 percent launch success rate.
Ｈ２Ａは世界最高水準の性能を誇り、打ち上げ成功率も９５・５％と高い。
The challenge facing Japan’s rocket development program is to cut launch costs while keeping the H-2A’s high performance.
高性能のままで、低コストをいかに実現するかが、大きな課題である。
The Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Ltd. have jointly produced a blueprint for the development of a new rocket. The plan reportedly aims to cut current launch costs by half, to about 5 billion yen per launch.
宇宙航空研究開発機構（ＪＡＸＡ）と三菱重工業は、開発計画のたたき台をまとめている。打ち上げ費用の目標は、現在の半分に当たる約５０億円だという。
JAXA and Mitsubishi Heavy Industries are working to develop a completely new engine, the most fundamental element of rocket design. To lower launch costs, the plan reportedly calls for studying the advisability of joint manufacture of engines with U.S. companies and others.
ロケットの根幹部であるエンジンから新規開発に挑む。米企業との共同開発などで量産を図り、単価を下げることも視野にある。
Under the space policy council’s plan, the first launch of the envisioned new rocket will take place in 2020, the year the other rocket-manufacturing countries have set to start launching their new rockets. Specifics of the nation’s rocket development program should be crystallized as promptly as possible.
新型ロケットの打ち上げは、各国が設定した目標年に合わせて２０２０年に始める。計画の具体化を急いでもらいたい。
The space policy expert panel has said the new rocket development project should be undertaken mainly by the private sector, and the involvement of JAXA should be minimized. This could considerably reduce the project’s costs in the aggregate, currently an estimated 190 billion yen, according to the panel.
宇宙政策委の専門部会は、ロケットの開発は民間主導で進め、ＪＡＸＡの関与は最小限にとどめるとしている。これにより、総額１９００億円とされる開発費を圧縮するという。
Make best use of JAXA
Given the stringency of government finances, curbing rocket development expenses is vital.
厳しい財政事情を考えれば、開発予算の抑制は欠かせない。
However, rocket development always faces potential unforeseeable obstacles: If the private sector takes the lead in rocket development, it may be unable to solve such problems as unexpectedly high development expenses and harder-than-expected technical challenges.
一方で、ロケット開発では思わぬトラブルも起きる。予想外に費用を要したり、技術的な難題に直面したりして、民間主導では対処できない事態もあり得る。
JAXA has so far played the leading role in the nation’s space development programs, including its first satellite launch in 1970.
ＪＡＸＡは、１９７０年の初の人工衛星打ち上げなど日本の宇宙開発を先導してきた。
In the wake of the November 1999 failure to launch an H-2 rocket, the predecessor of the H-2A, JAXA effectively identified the causes of the failure and improved the rocket’s design, successfully upgrading its performance.
Ｈ２Ａの前身であるＨ２ロケットの打ち上げ失敗時には、原因究明と改良に取り組み、性能向上を実現した。
In light of this, a system should be created to address the development of the new rocket by suitably combining private- and public-sector strengths to exploit JAXA’s accumulated technology.
ＪＡＸＡの技術の積み上げも生かし、オールジャパンで開発する体制の構築が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 26, 2013)
（2013年5月26日01時38分 読売新聞）
2013年05月28日
ミャンマー訪問 経済支援で日本の存在感を
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 28, 2013
Boost Japan's presence in Myanmar using leverage of economic aid
ミャンマー訪問 経済支援で日本の存在感を（5月27日付・読売社説）
Japan has come out with a massive assistance package for Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country pushing forward with democratization and economic reforms. This is part of Japan’s strategic arrangements for carving out a new market in Asia.
民主化と経済改革を進めるミャンマーに対し、日本が大型支援を表明した。アジアの新市場を開拓する布石でもある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Myanmar and held talks Sunday with President Thein Sein in the capital, Naypyidaw.
安倍首相がミャンマーを訪問し、テイン・セイン大統領と会談した。
Abe’s official visit is historic because it is the first to Myanmar by a Japanese prime minister in 36 years. The last prime minister to set foot there was Takeo Fukuda in 1977.
日本の首相としては、１９７７年の福田首相以来３６年ぶりの歴史的訪問だ。
Abe praised the Myanmar president’s reform efforts, and said Japan is willing to “support Myanmar’s nation-building endeavors by extending all possible assistance from both the public and private sectors.”
首相は大統領の改革を前向きに評価し、「官民の力を総動員し、国造りを応援する」と語った。
Specifically, Abe pledged to forgive 300 billion yen of the debts Myanmar owes Japan, and offered 91 billion yen in official development assistance for such purposes as developing an industrial park that will become a hub for Japanese companies in the swiftly emerging country.
具体的には、ミャンマーへの債権のうち３０００億円を帳消しとし、日本企業の拠点となる工業団地開発などに９１０億円の政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を拠出する。
Abe as ‘top salesman’
Abe expressed the government’s readiness to work in tandem with the private sector to develop Myanmar’s infrastructure, such as a large electricity generation plant, an electricity supply grid and a high-speed communication network.
大型発電所や電力供給網、高速通信網などの整備でも、民間と連携して支援する方針を示した。
Following its transition to a democratic government in March 2011, Myanmar has been drawing attention from all over the world as an attractive investment destination. Competition has been intensifying between many nations, including the United States, seeking to make inroads into Myanmar’s market.
民政移管後のミャンマーは、有力な投資先として世界中から注目され、米国をはじめ各国の進出競争が勢いを増している。
Abe has played the role of “top salesman” to help Japanese firms expand their business to Myanmar.
首相は、日本企業の進出促進に向けてトップセールスを図ったといえる。
The Myanmar president was quoted as expressing gratitude for Japan’s generosity, and stressed the importance of investment in Myanmar by Japanese companies.
大統領は謝意を示すと共に、日本の投資の重要性を強調した。
Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including natural gas, and a high-quality labor force as well as high market growth potential, Myanmar has often been dubbed Asia’s “last frontier.”
ミャンマーは、天然ガスなどの資源に恵まれ、労働力の質と市場の潜在力の高さから、「アジア最後のフロンティア」といわれる。
Japan’s cooperation for improving Myanmar’s straggling infrastructure will likely give a major boost to the development of its economy.
立ち遅れている社会基盤（インフラ）整備への日本の協力は、経済発展を大きく後押ししよう。
Abe told reporters the government hopes “Japan’s infrastructure-related exports to Myanmar, like those to Russia and the Middle East, will lead to growth in Japan’s economy.” Myanmar will certainly figure prominently in the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
首相は「ロシア、中東に続き、ミャンマーへのインフラ輸出も日本の成長につなげたい」と記者団に述べた。安倍政権の成長戦略の中で、ミャンマーは重要な位置を占めることになる。
Abe also told the president that Japan intends to help Myanmar improve its legal system and enhance its human resources.
首相は大統領に、法整備や人材育成を支援する意向を伝えた。
To ensure this wide-ranging economic assistance to Myanmar proves truly effective, improving that country’s legal system will be essential for creating an environment that attracts investment and for acquiring know-how about running businesses.
多様な経済支援を実効あるものにするには、ミャンマーの投資環境や企業運営などに関する法整備が必要だ。
Abe’s commitment to a program under which about 1,000 young people from Myanmar are to be invited to Japan will be effective in this respect.
ミャンマーから１０００人規模の青年を日本に招待する取り組みは効果的だ。
Both leaders reached an accord on bilateral cooperation for measures to eliminate poverty among Myanmar’s ethnic minorities. We hope the agreement paves the way for resolving human rights problems in Myanmar.
両首脳は、少数民族の貧困撲滅対策への協力でも一致した。人権問題の解決につなげたい。
Bolstering security ties
In addition, the two leaders agreed to bolster bilateral security cooperation. The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s “training squadron” is expected to make a port call in Myanmar for the first time, a move that will activate security interchanges between the two countries. This is extremely significant.
安全保障協力の強化でも合意した。海上自衛隊の「練習艦隊」がミャンマーに初めて寄港するなど、防衛交流が活発化する見通しだ。その意義は小さくない。
Tucked between China and India, Myanmar sits in a geopolitically important area. In 2014, Myanmar will chair meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
中国とインドの間に位置するミャンマーは、地政学的に要衝の地である。来年は東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の議長国だ。
Strengthening ties with Myanmar, which has changed course from leaning toward China, is in line with Abe’s diplomatic stance that advocates democracy and freedom.
中国寄りの外交から転換したミャンマーとの関係強化は、安倍首相が掲げる民主主義や自由を重視する外交路線とも重なる。
Pursuing this line should help hold in check a China that has become increasingly assertive both militarily and economically.
軍事、経済面で自己主張を強める中国への牽制(けんせい)にもなるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 27, 2013)
（2013年5月27日01時38分 読売新聞）
Boost Japan's presence in Myanmar using leverage of economic aid
ミャンマー訪問 経済支援で日本の存在感を（5月27日付・読売社説）
Japan has come out with a massive assistance package for Myanmar, a Southeast Asian country pushing forward with democratization and economic reforms. This is part of Japan’s strategic arrangements for carving out a new market in Asia.
民主化と経済改革を進めるミャンマーに対し、日本が大型支援を表明した。アジアの新市場を開拓する布石でもある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe visited Myanmar and held talks Sunday with President Thein Sein in the capital, Naypyidaw.
安倍首相がミャンマーを訪問し、テイン・セイン大統領と会談した。
Abe’s official visit is historic because it is the first to Myanmar by a Japanese prime minister in 36 years. The last prime minister to set foot there was Takeo Fukuda in 1977.
日本の首相としては、１９７７年の福田首相以来３６年ぶりの歴史的訪問だ。
Abe praised the Myanmar president’s reform efforts, and said Japan is willing to “support Myanmar’s nation-building endeavors by extending all possible assistance from both the public and private sectors.”
首相は大統領の改革を前向きに評価し、「官民の力を総動員し、国造りを応援する」と語った。
Specifically, Abe pledged to forgive 300 billion yen of the debts Myanmar owes Japan, and offered 91 billion yen in official development assistance for such purposes as developing an industrial park that will become a hub for Japanese companies in the swiftly emerging country.
具体的には、ミャンマーへの債権のうち３０００億円を帳消しとし、日本企業の拠点となる工業団地開発などに９１０億円の政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を拠出する。
Abe as ‘top salesman’
Abe expressed the government’s readiness to work in tandem with the private sector to develop Myanmar’s infrastructure, such as a large electricity generation plant, an electricity supply grid and a high-speed communication network.
大型発電所や電力供給網、高速通信網などの整備でも、民間と連携して支援する方針を示した。
Following its transition to a democratic government in March 2011, Myanmar has been drawing attention from all over the world as an attractive investment destination. Competition has been intensifying between many nations, including the United States, seeking to make inroads into Myanmar’s market.
民政移管後のミャンマーは、有力な投資先として世界中から注目され、米国をはじめ各国の進出競争が勢いを増している。
Abe has played the role of “top salesman” to help Japanese firms expand their business to Myanmar.
首相は、日本企業の進出促進に向けてトップセールスを図ったといえる。
The Myanmar president was quoted as expressing gratitude for Japan’s generosity, and stressed the importance of investment in Myanmar by Japanese companies.
大統領は謝意を示すと共に、日本の投資の重要性を強調した。
Blessed with an abundance of natural resources, including natural gas, and a high-quality labor force as well as high market growth potential, Myanmar has often been dubbed Asia’s “last frontier.”
ミャンマーは、天然ガスなどの資源に恵まれ、労働力の質と市場の潜在力の高さから、「アジア最後のフロンティア」といわれる。
Japan’s cooperation for improving Myanmar’s straggling infrastructure will likely give a major boost to the development of its economy.
立ち遅れている社会基盤（インフラ）整備への日本の協力は、経済発展を大きく後押ししよう。
Abe told reporters the government hopes “Japan’s infrastructure-related exports to Myanmar, like those to Russia and the Middle East, will lead to growth in Japan’s economy.” Myanmar will certainly figure prominently in the Abe administration’s growth strategy.
首相は「ロシア、中東に続き、ミャンマーへのインフラ輸出も日本の成長につなげたい」と記者団に述べた。安倍政権の成長戦略の中で、ミャンマーは重要な位置を占めることになる。
Abe also told the president that Japan intends to help Myanmar improve its legal system and enhance its human resources.
首相は大統領に、法整備や人材育成を支援する意向を伝えた。
To ensure this wide-ranging economic assistance to Myanmar proves truly effective, improving that country’s legal system will be essential for creating an environment that attracts investment and for acquiring know-how about running businesses.
多様な経済支援を実効あるものにするには、ミャンマーの投資環境や企業運営などに関する法整備が必要だ。
Abe’s commitment to a program under which about 1,000 young people from Myanmar are to be invited to Japan will be effective in this respect.
ミャンマーから１０００人規模の青年を日本に招待する取り組みは効果的だ。
Both leaders reached an accord on bilateral cooperation for measures to eliminate poverty among Myanmar’s ethnic minorities. We hope the agreement paves the way for resolving human rights problems in Myanmar.
両首脳は、少数民族の貧困撲滅対策への協力でも一致した。人権問題の解決につなげたい。
Bolstering security ties
In addition, the two leaders agreed to bolster bilateral security cooperation. The Maritime Self-Defense Force’s “training squadron” is expected to make a port call in Myanmar for the first time, a move that will activate security interchanges between the two countries. This is extremely significant.
安全保障協力の強化でも合意した。海上自衛隊の「練習艦隊」がミャンマーに初めて寄港するなど、防衛交流が活発化する見通しだ。その意義は小さくない。
Tucked between China and India, Myanmar sits in a geopolitically important area. In 2014, Myanmar will chair meetings of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations.
中国とインドの間に位置するミャンマーは、地政学的に要衝の地である。来年は東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）の議長国だ。
Strengthening ties with Myanmar, which has changed course from leaning toward China, is in line with Abe’s diplomatic stance that advocates democracy and freedom.
中国寄りの外交から転換したミャンマーとの関係強化は、安倍首相が掲げる民主主義や自由を重視する外交路線とも重なる。
Pursuing this line should help hold in check a China that has become increasingly assertive both militarily and economically.
軍事、経済面で自己主張を強める中国への牽制(けんせい)にもなるだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 27, 2013)
（2013年5月27日01時38分 読売新聞）
2013年05月27日
共通番号法成立 公正な社会保障へ大きな一歩
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 26, 2013
My Number step toward fair, effective way to manage social security system
共通番号法成立 公正な社会保障へ大きな一歩（5月25日付・読売社説）
◆情報漏えい対策に万全を期せ◆
The key foundation for the government to fairly and effectively impose taxes and provide social security benefits is finally set to be established.
公正で効率的な課税や社会保障給付を行う重要な基盤が、ようやく整うことになった。
It is vital to thoroughly inform people of the new system and make it conducive to improving convenience for the public.
国民に周知徹底し、利便性の向上に役立てることが肝要だ。
At a plenary session Friday, the House of Councillors passed bills for the so-called My Number system, under which people will be given identification numbers. The bills were supported by three major parties--the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan--and other parties. With the legislation passed into law, the system will start operating in 2016.
全国民に番号を割り振る共通番号制度関連法（マイナンバー法）が参院本会議で、自民、公明、民主３党などの賛成多数で可決、成立した。２０１６年からシステムの運用が始まる。
Most developed countries already have similar numbering systems. Japan lagged in taking such a step, but we welcome the fact that a numbering system will be launched in Japan, too.
既にほとんどの先進国が共通番号制度を取り入れている。後れを取ったとはいえ、日本でも導入されることを歓迎したい。
Public concerns eased
◆薄らいだ国民の不安感◆
The My Number system is intended to allow administrative bodies to better manage social security and taxation information by issuing a number card with a facial photo and an IC chip to Japanese citizens.
共通番号制度は、顔写真やＩＣ（集積回路）チップの入った「個人番号カード」を国民一人ひとりに交付し、行政機関が社会保障給付や納税を管理する仕組みだ。
Under the system, personal information about multiple subjects can be obtained simply with the individually assigned numbers. This is expected to improve the efficiency of administrative work.
この制度を使えば、個人の複数の情報を共通番号で「名寄せ」することによって、行政事務の効率化を図ることができる。
The system can integrate records of people’s income and benefits they receive and premiums they pay for pension, health care and nursing care.
所得のほかに、年金、医療、介護の保険料負担、給付などの記録を結びつけることが可能になる。
It is likely to help prevent failure to pay pension benefits and other administrative errors. To provide substantial administrative services, this system is essential.
年金の支給漏れの防止などにも役立つだろう。きめ細かい行政サービスを実現するためには、欠かせない制度である。
The benefits are also significant for citizens, as they will not be required to submit documents such as residence and income certificates when applying for pension and other welfare benefits. The system will enable cardholders to check their own records of pension and tax payments on computers.
国民にとっても、年金給付の申請の際、住民票や所得証明書が不要になるなど、メリットは大きい。パソコンで自分の年金や納税の状況を調べることもできる。
Previously, the introduction of such a system had met with criticism, with opponents saying personal information might not be secure. They also complained that a national code-number system would allow the uniform management of personal data by the government.
以前は、「個人情報流出の恐れがある」「国が個人情報を一元管理する国民総背番号制だ」といった拒否反応が強かった。
The My Number system bills were enacted in light of the stable operation of the Basic Resident Registration Network, or Juki Net, which was launched in 2002.
今回の共通番号法が成立した背景としては、２００２年に稼働した住民基本台帳ネットワークシステムが、安定的に運用されていることが挙げられる。
Juki Net, which enables the sharing of personal records nationwide by numbering all Japanese citizens, has improved public services for people and the efficiency of administrative work. For the more than 10 years since its introduction, the system has seen no serious information leaks or other trouble. This apparently has eased public concerns over the new system.
全住民にコード番号を付け、全国ネットで結んだこのシステムは、住民サービスの向上と行政事務の効率化で実績を上げている。１０年以上、深刻な情報漏れ事故も起きていない。国民の不安感は薄らいだと言えよう。
The new common number system will be set up based on Juki Net.
共通番号制度は、住基ネットのシステムを土台に構築される。
The fact that the DPJ, which had opposed the introduction of Juki Net, came to power in 2009 could be a big factor behind the legislation of the common number system. The administration of Yoshihiko Noda compiled bills for the system based on its policy of promoting integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, highlighting a consumption tax hike.
住基ネットに反対していた民主党が、０９年に政権についたことも共通番号の法制化の大きな要因と言える。野田内閣は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を打ち出す中で、共通番号法案をまとめた。
The bills cleared the Diet on Friday after being revised by the LDP, New Komeito and the DPJ. The three parties are responsible for pushing social security reforms together.
これを自公民３党で修正したのが今回の共通番号法である。社会保障の改革は、３党が協調して進めていく責任がある。
The application of the common number system will be limited to social security and tax procedures for the time being. Care must be taken in applying the system while attaching importance to protection of personal information.
共通番号制度の利用範囲は当面、個人情報の保護を重視し、社会保障や税の手続きに限定される。まずは運用に慎重を期すということだろう。
Medical care applications
◆利用範囲の拡大検討を◆
The convenience of the system can be further enhanced if its application is extended to medical care information.
診療情報などに利用範囲を広げれば、利便性はさらに高まる。
Resident cards and clinical records were lost after local government offices and hospitals were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, hampering work to rescue disaster victims. If the common number system is used in such an event, access from anywhere in the country would make it possible to confirm victims’ medical history and provide adequate treatment promptly.
東日本大震災の際、被災した役場や病院で住民票情報やカルテが失われ、被災者の救援に支障が生じた。共通番号を使えば、全国どこからでも被災者の病歴や服薬歴を確認でき、適切な治療を速やかに行えるのではないか。
In ordinary times, use of the system would make it possible for patients to avoid duplication of examinations and medication at two or more hospitals. It would also help prevent the risk of prescribing two or more incompatible medicines to the same patient, which could cause dangerous interactions.
災害時でなくても、患者が複数の病院で重複して検査や投薬を受ける無駄を省ける。副作用の恐れがある薬の「飲み合わせ」防止にも活用できよう。
The government is studying a plan to introduce a system to cap each household’s expenses for medical treatment, nursing care and child care, thereby curbing their copayments. The common number system is indispensable to achieve this goal.
政府は、医療や介護、保育などの費用総額に、世帯ごとに上限を設け、自己負担額を抑える制度の導入を検討している。その実現にも共通番号は欠かせない。
The new law stipulates that expansion of the range for application will be studied three years after the law is enforced. The government must strive to realize an effective application of the system.
新法は付則に、施行から３年をメドに利用範囲の拡大を検討すると明記している。政府は、制度の有効活用を図らねばならない。
In the United States, where the Social Security number system is in place, a number of scams have occurred in which numbers were stolen to take out loans in identity-theft crimes.
ただ、社会保障番号を導入している米国では、番号が盗用され、勝手にローンを組まれる「なりすまし」被害が多発している。
And in South Korea, resident registration numbers were leaked via the Internet, resulting in a number of cases of fraud in which identity thieves bought things using others’ numbers.
韓国でも、住民登録番号がインターネット上に流出し、他人が番号を使って買い物をするなどの詐欺事件が相次いだ。
In both cases, insufficient effort was made to ensure proper identification to protect against identity theft.
いずれも本人確認が不徹底なために起きた問題だ。
My Number step toward fair, effective way to manage social security system
共通番号法成立 公正な社会保障へ大きな一歩（5月25日付・読売社説）
◆情報漏えい対策に万全を期せ◆
The key foundation for the government to fairly and effectively impose taxes and provide social security benefits is finally set to be established.
公正で効率的な課税や社会保障給付を行う重要な基盤が、ようやく整うことになった。
It is vital to thoroughly inform people of the new system and make it conducive to improving convenience for the public.
国民に周知徹底し、利便性の向上に役立てることが肝要だ。
At a plenary session Friday, the House of Councillors passed bills for the so-called My Number system, under which people will be given identification numbers. The bills were supported by three major parties--the Liberal Democratic Party, New Komeito and the Democratic Party of Japan--and other parties. With the legislation passed into law, the system will start operating in 2016.
全国民に番号を割り振る共通番号制度関連法（マイナンバー法）が参院本会議で、自民、公明、民主３党などの賛成多数で可決、成立した。２０１６年からシステムの運用が始まる。
Most developed countries already have similar numbering systems. Japan lagged in taking such a step, but we welcome the fact that a numbering system will be launched in Japan, too.
既にほとんどの先進国が共通番号制度を取り入れている。後れを取ったとはいえ、日本でも導入されることを歓迎したい。
Public concerns eased
◆薄らいだ国民の不安感◆
The My Number system is intended to allow administrative bodies to better manage social security and taxation information by issuing a number card with a facial photo and an IC chip to Japanese citizens.
共通番号制度は、顔写真やＩＣ（集積回路）チップの入った「個人番号カード」を国民一人ひとりに交付し、行政機関が社会保障給付や納税を管理する仕組みだ。
Under the system, personal information about multiple subjects can be obtained simply with the individually assigned numbers. This is expected to improve the efficiency of administrative work.
この制度を使えば、個人の複数の情報を共通番号で「名寄せ」することによって、行政事務の効率化を図ることができる。
The system can integrate records of people’s income and benefits they receive and premiums they pay for pension, health care and nursing care.
所得のほかに、年金、医療、介護の保険料負担、給付などの記録を結びつけることが可能になる。
It is likely to help prevent failure to pay pension benefits and other administrative errors. To provide substantial administrative services, this system is essential.
年金の支給漏れの防止などにも役立つだろう。きめ細かい行政サービスを実現するためには、欠かせない制度である。
The benefits are also significant for citizens, as they will not be required to submit documents such as residence and income certificates when applying for pension and other welfare benefits. The system will enable cardholders to check their own records of pension and tax payments on computers.
国民にとっても、年金給付の申請の際、住民票や所得証明書が不要になるなど、メリットは大きい。パソコンで自分の年金や納税の状況を調べることもできる。
Previously, the introduction of such a system had met with criticism, with opponents saying personal information might not be secure. They also complained that a national code-number system would allow the uniform management of personal data by the government.
以前は、「個人情報流出の恐れがある」「国が個人情報を一元管理する国民総背番号制だ」といった拒否反応が強かった。
The My Number system bills were enacted in light of the stable operation of the Basic Resident Registration Network, or Juki Net, which was launched in 2002.
今回の共通番号法が成立した背景としては、２００２年に稼働した住民基本台帳ネットワークシステムが、安定的に運用されていることが挙げられる。
Juki Net, which enables the sharing of personal records nationwide by numbering all Japanese citizens, has improved public services for people and the efficiency of administrative work. For the more than 10 years since its introduction, the system has seen no serious information leaks or other trouble. This apparently has eased public concerns over the new system.
全住民にコード番号を付け、全国ネットで結んだこのシステムは、住民サービスの向上と行政事務の効率化で実績を上げている。１０年以上、深刻な情報漏れ事故も起きていない。国民の不安感は薄らいだと言えよう。
The new common number system will be set up based on Juki Net.
共通番号制度は、住基ネットのシステムを土台に構築される。
The fact that the DPJ, which had opposed the introduction of Juki Net, came to power in 2009 could be a big factor behind the legislation of the common number system. The administration of Yoshihiko Noda compiled bills for the system based on its policy of promoting integrated reform of the social security and tax systems, highlighting a consumption tax hike.
住基ネットに反対していた民主党が、０９年に政権についたことも共通番号の法制化の大きな要因と言える。野田内閣は消費税率の引き上げを柱とする社会保障と税の一体改革を打ち出す中で、共通番号法案をまとめた。
The bills cleared the Diet on Friday after being revised by the LDP, New Komeito and the DPJ. The three parties are responsible for pushing social security reforms together.
これを自公民３党で修正したのが今回の共通番号法である。社会保障の改革は、３党が協調して進めていく責任がある。
The application of the common number system will be limited to social security and tax procedures for the time being. Care must be taken in applying the system while attaching importance to protection of personal information.
共通番号制度の利用範囲は当面、個人情報の保護を重視し、社会保障や税の手続きに限定される。まずは運用に慎重を期すということだろう。
Medical care applications
◆利用範囲の拡大検討を◆
The convenience of the system can be further enhanced if its application is extended to medical care information.
診療情報などに利用範囲を広げれば、利便性はさらに高まる。
Resident cards and clinical records were lost after local government offices and hospitals were damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011, hampering work to rescue disaster victims. If the common number system is used in such an event, access from anywhere in the country would make it possible to confirm victims’ medical history and provide adequate treatment promptly.
東日本大震災の際、被災した役場や病院で住民票情報やカルテが失われ、被災者の救援に支障が生じた。共通番号を使えば、全国どこからでも被災者の病歴や服薬歴を確認でき、適切な治療を速やかに行えるのではないか。
In ordinary times, use of the system would make it possible for patients to avoid duplication of examinations and medication at two or more hospitals. It would also help prevent the risk of prescribing two or more incompatible medicines to the same patient, which could cause dangerous interactions.
災害時でなくても、患者が複数の病院で重複して検査や投薬を受ける無駄を省ける。副作用の恐れがある薬の「飲み合わせ」防止にも活用できよう。
The government is studying a plan to introduce a system to cap each household’s expenses for medical treatment, nursing care and child care, thereby curbing their copayments. The common number system is indispensable to achieve this goal.
政府は、医療や介護、保育などの費用総額に、世帯ごとに上限を設け、自己負担額を抑える制度の導入を検討している。その実現にも共通番号は欠かせない。
The new law stipulates that expansion of the range for application will be studied three years after the law is enforced. The government must strive to realize an effective application of the system.
新法は付則に、施行から３年をメドに利用範囲の拡大を検討すると明記している。政府は、制度の有効活用を図らねばならない。
In the United States, where the Social Security number system is in place, a number of scams have occurred in which numbers were stolen to take out loans in identity-theft crimes.
ただ、社会保障番号を導入している米国では、番号が盗用され、勝手にローンを組まれる「なりすまし」被害が多発している。
And in South Korea, resident registration numbers were leaked via the Internet, resulting in a number of cases of fraud in which identity thieves bought things using others’ numbers.
韓国でも、住民登録番号がインターネット上に流出し、他人が番号を使って買い物をするなどの詐欺事件が相次いだ。
In both cases, insufficient effort was made to ensure proper identification to protect against identity theft.
いずれも本人確認が不徹底なために起きた問題だ。
2013年05月26日
日本版ＮＳＣ 情報収集・分析力も強化せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 25, 2013
Info-gathering, analysis capability must be bolstered in creating NSC
日本版ＮＳＣ 情報収集・分析力も強化せよ（5月24日付・読売社説）
It has been noted for many years that the existing Security Council of Japan exists as a mere formality.
政府の安全保障会議の形骸化が指摘されて久しい。
A control tower to discuss and lead the nation’s diplomatic and security policies must be created quickly.
外交・安保政策を実質的に議論し、主導する司令塔づくりを急がなければならない。
The government has disclosed a draft of a bill to establish a National Security Council, or a Japanese version of the U.S. NSC.
政府が国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法案の素案を明らかにした。
The pillar of the planned legislation is a regular meeting of the prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister. The Japanese National Security Council must be recognized as the decision-making body for Japan’s diplomatic and national security strategies, according to the draft.
首相と官房長官、外相、防衛相の３閣僚による会合を常設し、外交・安保戦略の実質的な決定機関とすることが柱だ。
Periodic talks essential
The framework of the current Security Council of Japan, comprising the prime minister and eight other Cabinet members, would remain intact and deliberate the fundamentals of security policies and related issues, the draft says.
首相と８閣僚で構成する安保会議の枠組みは残し、安保政策の基本方針などを審議する。
Depending on the matters concerned, a meeting of six or seven Cabinet members, or one made up of the four key ministers, plus such members as the land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister and the national public security commission chairman, would take place anytime it is needed, according to the draft.
The government plans to submit the bill to the Diet in early June.
テーマに応じて、中核の４人に国土交通相や国家公安委員長などを加えた６、７人の閣僚会合も随時、開く。来月上旬の法案の国会提出を目指している。
It is considerably difficult for the current council, which consists of as many as nine members, to have in-depth, substantive discussions and reach swift conclusions.
９人の会議で中身の濃い議論を行い、迅速に結論を出すのは難しい。
Although there have been unofficial meetings of the four key Cabinet members, the envisioned legislation for giving conferences statutory status as an official organ is significant.
従来も４人の非公式協議はあったが、法律上の正式機関と位置づけることの意義は大きい。
On the occasion of launching the government-envisaged NSC, it will be important to solidly establish such arrangements as having major Cabinet members consult periodically, about once every two weeks, to craft strategies and policies from a medium- and long-term perspective as well as comprehensive points of view. All government ministries and agencies concerned will need to fully coordinate to support the NSC.
ＮＳＣ創設を機に、主要閣僚が２週間に１回程度、定期的に外交・安保問題を協議し、中長期的かつ総合的な視点で戦略・政策を立案する。関係省庁も連携し、ＮＳＣを全面的に支える。こうした体制を確立することが重要だ。
In addition, the posts of the chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister must always be filled by highly competent individuals. These important posts should also come with guaranteed term lengths to ensure the right people are in place should they be needed.
同時に、官房長官や外相、防衛相には、常に実力者を起用し、一定期間は交代させないなど、人事面の工夫も求められる。
The practical operations of crisis management, such as those for coping with emergencies, would be left not to the secretariat of the NSC, but continue to be the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretariat headed by the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management, according to the draft.
緊急事態への対処など危機管理の実務は、ＮＳＣ事務局でなく、従来通り、内閣危機管理監が率いる内閣官房が統括するという。
It makes sense that the draft says the NSC would not be in charge of dealing with such matters as a massive domestic disaster.
ＮＳＣが国内の大規模災害などは扱わないのは当然だ。
However, as far as issues relating to the country’s diplomacy and security, such as the hostage crisis in Algeria in January and a North Korea missile launch, are concerned, the NSC secretariat should work closely with the the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management.
ただ、アルジェリアの人質事件や北朝鮮のミサイル発射など、外交・安全保障に関係する事態については、ＮＳＣ事務局が内閣危機管理監と緊密に連携する必要がある。
National security and intelligence capabilities are inextricably linked together. To beef up the quality of security policies, the enhancement of information-gathering and analysis capabilities is crucial. The government must buckle down and foster experts in intelligence activities.
安全保障とインテリジェンス（情報）は、車の両輪の関係にある。安保政策の質を高めるには情報収集・分析能力の強化が欠かせない。インテリジェンスの専門家育成に本腰を入れるべきだ。
Learn lessons from Iraq War
The draft has called for the appointment of “information liaison officers” at government organizations concerned, including the foreign and defense ministries and police and public security agencies, making it obligatory that they provide information to the NSC.
素案では、外務、防衛、警察、公安調査など関係省庁に局長級の「情報連絡官」を置き、ＮＳＣへの情報提供を義務づけた。
Japan’s intelligence organizations have long been mocked as being “unable to pass information to superiors, share it with other bodies or keep it from leaking.”
日本の情報機関は長年、「上がらず、回らず、漏れる」と揶揄(やゆ)されてきた。
This points to the problems of failing to have important information conveyed to the Prime Minister’s Office, not sharing information with other government entities, and not preventing leaks.
重要情報が首相官邸に適切に伝わらず、関係機関に共有されずに、外部に漏洩(ろうえい)しがちだという問題点を指摘したものだ。
By drawing lessons from the failure of the United States in starting a war with Iraq, the government, while abiding by the principle of separation of policy formulation and information analysis, must firmly build a system to ensure prompt conveyance of information.
イラク戦争開戦時の米国の失敗を教訓に、政策立案と情報分析の分離の原則は守りつつ、情報の迅速な伝達を可能にする仕組みを構築することが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2013)
（2013年5月24日01時02分 読売新聞）
Info-gathering, analysis capability must be bolstered in creating NSC
日本版ＮＳＣ 情報収集・分析力も強化せよ（5月24日付・読売社説）
It has been noted for many years that the existing Security Council of Japan exists as a mere formality.
政府の安全保障会議の形骸化が指摘されて久しい。
A control tower to discuss and lead the nation’s diplomatic and security policies must be created quickly.
外交・安保政策を実質的に議論し、主導する司令塔づくりを急がなければならない。
The government has disclosed a draft of a bill to establish a National Security Council, or a Japanese version of the U.S. NSC.
政府が国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）設置法案の素案を明らかにした。
The pillar of the planned legislation is a regular meeting of the prime minister, chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister. The Japanese National Security Council must be recognized as the decision-making body for Japan’s diplomatic and national security strategies, according to the draft.
首相と官房長官、外相、防衛相の３閣僚による会合を常設し、外交・安保戦略の実質的な決定機関とすることが柱だ。
Periodic talks essential
The framework of the current Security Council of Japan, comprising the prime minister and eight other Cabinet members, would remain intact and deliberate the fundamentals of security policies and related issues, the draft says.
首相と８閣僚で構成する安保会議の枠組みは残し、安保政策の基本方針などを審議する。
Depending on the matters concerned, a meeting of six or seven Cabinet members, or one made up of the four key ministers, plus such members as the land, infrastructure, transport and tourism minister and the national public security commission chairman, would take place anytime it is needed, according to the draft.
The government plans to submit the bill to the Diet in early June.
テーマに応じて、中核の４人に国土交通相や国家公安委員長などを加えた６、７人の閣僚会合も随時、開く。来月上旬の法案の国会提出を目指している。
It is considerably difficult for the current council, which consists of as many as nine members, to have in-depth, substantive discussions and reach swift conclusions.
９人の会議で中身の濃い議論を行い、迅速に結論を出すのは難しい。
Although there have been unofficial meetings of the four key Cabinet members, the envisioned legislation for giving conferences statutory status as an official organ is significant.
従来も４人の非公式協議はあったが、法律上の正式機関と位置づけることの意義は大きい。
On the occasion of launching the government-envisaged NSC, it will be important to solidly establish such arrangements as having major Cabinet members consult periodically, about once every two weeks, to craft strategies and policies from a medium- and long-term perspective as well as comprehensive points of view. All government ministries and agencies concerned will need to fully coordinate to support the NSC.
ＮＳＣ創設を機に、主要閣僚が２週間に１回程度、定期的に外交・安保問題を協議し、中長期的かつ総合的な視点で戦略・政策を立案する。関係省庁も連携し、ＮＳＣを全面的に支える。こうした体制を確立することが重要だ。
In addition, the posts of the chief cabinet secretary, foreign minister and defense minister must always be filled by highly competent individuals. These important posts should also come with guaranteed term lengths to ensure the right people are in place should they be needed.
同時に、官房長官や外相、防衛相には、常に実力者を起用し、一定期間は交代させないなど、人事面の工夫も求められる。
The practical operations of crisis management, such as those for coping with emergencies, would be left not to the secretariat of the NSC, but continue to be the responsibility of the Cabinet Secretariat headed by the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management, according to the draft.
緊急事態への対処など危機管理の実務は、ＮＳＣ事務局でなく、従来通り、内閣危機管理監が率いる内閣官房が統括するという。
It makes sense that the draft says the NSC would not be in charge of dealing with such matters as a massive domestic disaster.
ＮＳＣが国内の大規模災害などは扱わないのは当然だ。
However, as far as issues relating to the country’s diplomacy and security, such as the hostage crisis in Algeria in January and a North Korea missile launch, are concerned, the NSC secretariat should work closely with the the deputy chief cabinet secretary for crisis management.
ただ、アルジェリアの人質事件や北朝鮮のミサイル発射など、外交・安全保障に関係する事態については、ＮＳＣ事務局が内閣危機管理監と緊密に連携する必要がある。
National security and intelligence capabilities are inextricably linked together. To beef up the quality of security policies, the enhancement of information-gathering and analysis capabilities is crucial. The government must buckle down and foster experts in intelligence activities.
安全保障とインテリジェンス（情報）は、車の両輪の関係にある。安保政策の質を高めるには情報収集・分析能力の強化が欠かせない。インテリジェンスの専門家育成に本腰を入れるべきだ。
Learn lessons from Iraq War
The draft has called for the appointment of “information liaison officers” at government organizations concerned, including the foreign and defense ministries and police and public security agencies, making it obligatory that they provide information to the NSC.
素案では、外務、防衛、警察、公安調査など関係省庁に局長級の「情報連絡官」を置き、ＮＳＣへの情報提供を義務づけた。
Japan’s intelligence organizations have long been mocked as being “unable to pass information to superiors, share it with other bodies or keep it from leaking.”
日本の情報機関は長年、「上がらず、回らず、漏れる」と揶揄(やゆ)されてきた。
This points to the problems of failing to have important information conveyed to the Prime Minister’s Office, not sharing information with other government entities, and not preventing leaks.
重要情報が首相官邸に適切に伝わらず、関係機関に共有されずに、外部に漏洩(ろうえい)しがちだという問題点を指摘したものだ。
By drawing lessons from the failure of the United States in starting a war with Iraq, the government, while abiding by the principle of separation of policy formulation and information analysis, must firmly build a system to ensure prompt conveyance of information.
イラク戦争開戦時の米国の失敗を教訓に、政策立案と情報分析の分離の原則は守りつつ、情報の迅速な伝達を可能にする仕組みを構築することが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 24, 2013)
（2013年5月24日01時02分 読売新聞）
2013年05月25日
中国潜水艦潜航 海自の警戒能力向上が急務だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun May 24, 2013
Reinforcing MSDF's antisub patrol capability urgent task
中国潜水艦潜航 海自の警戒能力向上が急務だ（5月23日付・読売社説）
We would like to ask China to refrain from taking any more actions that would unnecessarily heighten Japan-China military tensions, even if they do not violate international laws.
国際法違反ではないものの、いたずらに軍事的緊張を高める行動だ。中国に自制を求めたい。
A series of incidents have taken place this month in which submarines believed to belong to the Chinese Navy conducted submerged passages in the contiguous zone near the Nansei Islands. Japan confirmed a passage on May 2 off Amami-Oshima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, and another off Kumejima island, Okinawa Prefecture, on May 12-13. The Defense Ministry has announced the incidents without identifying the country to which the submarines belong.
中国海軍所属とみられる潜水艦が南西諸島の接続水域内を海中に潜ったまま航行していた事案が今月、相次いで発生した。
２日に鹿児島県・奄美大島沖で、１２〜１３日には沖縄県・久米島沖で潜航が確認され、防衛省は国名を伏せて事案を公表した。
It was an unusual response to such incidents, since revealing the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s submarine detection capability violates common sense from a military viewpoint. We believe the Japanese government was trying to send a warning to China.
海上自衛隊の潜水艦探知能力という手の内を明かすのは軍事的には「非常識」で、異例の対応だ。中国に対し、警告のメッセージを送ることを重視したのだろう。
However, it was revealed that a third submerged navigation incident took place off Minami-Daitojima island, Okinawa Prefecture, last Sunday. The warning proved to be ineffective.
しかし、１９日にも沖縄県・南大東島沖で３件目の潜航が発覚し、警告の効果はなかった。
International law requires submarines to remain on the surface when operating in territorial waters of other countries. But they are allowed to submerge when operating in contiguous zones. If a submarine of another nation enters Japan’s territorial waters while submerged, the Japanese government will order the MSDF to conduct maritime policing activity, as such an action constitutes an emergency.
国際法上、潜水艦は他国領海では海上に浮上して航行する義務がある一方、接続水域では潜航が認められている。とはいえ、日本の領海に入れば、直ちに海上警備行動を発令する非常事態となる。
Since Japan’s nationalization of three of the Senkaku Islands in September last year, official Chinese vessels have repeatedly intruded into Japanese territorial waters. Chinese Navy vessels even locked weapons-guiding radar on an MSDF helicopter and a destroyer.
中国は昨年９月の日本の尖閣諸島国有化後、中国公船による再三の領海侵入や、海軍艦船のレーダー照射事件を起こしている。
Aiming at maritime power
China’s intermediate- and long-term objectives are to become a “great maritime power” and expand its territories and maritime interests. It intends to do this by expanding the Chinese Navy’s maritime activity area to the western Pacific, which lies outside its “first island chain” perimeter linking Okinawa Prefecture, Taiwan and other major archipelagoes.
中長期的には、海軍の活動海域を、沖縄、台湾などを結ぶ第１列島線の外側の西太平洋に広げて、領土・海洋権益の拡大を図る「海洋強国」戦略も掲げる。
The submerged passage incidents this month are believed to be part of its “anti-access/area denial (A2/AD)” strategy, under which China aims to prevent U.S. military deployment, including aircraft carriers, inside the first island chain. They are also considered to be related to China’s provocative actions around the Senkaku Islands.
今回の潜航は、有事の際に第１列島線の内側に米軍空母などを侵入させない「接近阻止・領域拒否」戦略の一環であり、一連の示威活動とも連動しているようだ。
China’s self-righteous expansionism has invited negative reactions from the international community. Consequently, the philosophy has not benefitted the country. China must seriously grasp the reality and coolheadedly review its strategy.
中国の独善的な膨張主義は、国際社会の反発を招き、結果的に自らの利益になっていない。中国はその現状を直視し、冷静に戦略を見直すべきではないか。
And Japan must urgently beef up further patrol and surveillance activities against Chinese submarines by the MSDF’s P-3C Orion patrol aircraft and submarines.
日本は、中国軍の潜水艦に対する海自のＰ３Ｃ哨戒機や潜水艦などの警戒監視活動を一段と強化することが急務である。
The MSDF plans to gradually replace the aging P-3Cs to new P-1 anti-sub patrol aircraft and increase its submarine fleet from the current 16 to 22 in the near future.
海自は、老朽化したＰ３Ｃを新型哨戒機Ｐ１に順次更新するとともに、潜水艦を１６隻から２２隻体制に増やす方針だ。
Beef up quality, quantity
Taking into consideration the Chinese Navy’s rapid equipment buildup and modernization, as well as its excessive provocations against Japan, the priority in the new National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled at the year’s end must be to reinforce MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force equipment and personnel in both quality and quantity.
中国海空軍の急速な装備増強や近代化、過度な示威活動を踏まえれば、今年末に策定する新防衛大綱では、海自と航空自衛隊の装備と人員を質・量ともに拡充することが優先課題となる。
Furthermore, the Defense Ministry must advance its schedule for introducing the Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drone.
防衛省が検討している高高度無人偵察機グローバルホークの導入も前倒しで実施すべきだ。
Joint Japan-U.S. patrol and surveillance activities using the drone will lessen burdens on the MSDF and ASDF, which are operating at full capacity around the Nansei Islands. Such activities will also improve the SDF capabilities for high-level duties, including the detection of submarines.
無人機による日米共同の警戒監視活動は、南西諸島周辺でフル稼働中の海空自の負担を軽減し、潜水艦の探索などの高度な任務に取り組む体制を充実させよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2013)
（2013年5月23日01時14分 読売新聞）
Reinforcing MSDF's antisub patrol capability urgent task
中国潜水艦潜航 海自の警戒能力向上が急務だ（5月23日付・読売社説）
We would like to ask China to refrain from taking any more actions that would unnecessarily heighten Japan-China military tensions, even if they do not violate international laws.
国際法違反ではないものの、いたずらに軍事的緊張を高める行動だ。中国に自制を求めたい。
A series of incidents have taken place this month in which submarines believed to belong to the Chinese Navy conducted submerged passages in the contiguous zone near the Nansei Islands. Japan confirmed a passage on May 2 off Amami-Oshima island, Kagoshima Prefecture, and another off Kumejima island, Okinawa Prefecture, on May 12-13. The Defense Ministry has announced the incidents without identifying the country to which the submarines belong.
中国海軍所属とみられる潜水艦が南西諸島の接続水域内を海中に潜ったまま航行していた事案が今月、相次いで発生した。
２日に鹿児島県・奄美大島沖で、１２〜１３日には沖縄県・久米島沖で潜航が確認され、防衛省は国名を伏せて事案を公表した。
It was an unusual response to such incidents, since revealing the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s submarine detection capability violates common sense from a military viewpoint. We believe the Japanese government was trying to send a warning to China.
海上自衛隊の潜水艦探知能力という手の内を明かすのは軍事的には「非常識」で、異例の対応だ。中国に対し、警告のメッセージを送ることを重視したのだろう。
However, it was revealed that a third submerged navigation incident took place off Minami-Daitojima island, Okinawa Prefecture, last Sunday. The warning proved to be ineffective.
しかし、１９日にも沖縄県・南大東島沖で３件目の潜航が発覚し、警告の効果はなかった。
International law requires submarines to remain on the surface when operating in territorial waters of other countries. But they are allowed to submerge when operating in contiguous zones. If a submarine of another nation enters Japan’s territorial waters while submerged, the Japanese government will order the MSDF to conduct maritime policing activity, as such an action constitutes an emergency.
国際法上、潜水艦は他国領海では海上に浮上して航行する義務がある一方、接続水域では潜航が認められている。とはいえ、日本の領海に入れば、直ちに海上警備行動を発令する非常事態となる。
Since Japan’s nationalization of three of the Senkaku Islands in September last year, official Chinese vessels have repeatedly intruded into Japanese territorial waters. Chinese Navy vessels even locked weapons-guiding radar on an MSDF helicopter and a destroyer.
中国は昨年９月の日本の尖閣諸島国有化後、中国公船による再三の領海侵入や、海軍艦船のレーダー照射事件を起こしている。
Aiming at maritime power
China’s intermediate- and long-term objectives are to become a “great maritime power” and expand its territories and maritime interests. It intends to do this by expanding the Chinese Navy’s maritime activity area to the western Pacific, which lies outside its “first island chain” perimeter linking Okinawa Prefecture, Taiwan and other major archipelagoes.
中長期的には、海軍の活動海域を、沖縄、台湾などを結ぶ第１列島線の外側の西太平洋に広げて、領土・海洋権益の拡大を図る「海洋強国」戦略も掲げる。
The submerged passage incidents this month are believed to be part of its “anti-access/area denial (A2/AD)” strategy, under which China aims to prevent U.S. military deployment, including aircraft carriers, inside the first island chain. They are also considered to be related to China’s provocative actions around the Senkaku Islands.
今回の潜航は、有事の際に第１列島線の内側に米軍空母などを侵入させない「接近阻止・領域拒否」戦略の一環であり、一連の示威活動とも連動しているようだ。
China’s self-righteous expansionism has invited negative reactions from the international community. Consequently, the philosophy has not benefitted the country. China must seriously grasp the reality and coolheadedly review its strategy.
中国の独善的な膨張主義は、国際社会の反発を招き、結果的に自らの利益になっていない。中国はその現状を直視し、冷静に戦略を見直すべきではないか。
And Japan must urgently beef up further patrol and surveillance activities against Chinese submarines by the MSDF’s P-3C Orion patrol aircraft and submarines.
日本は、中国軍の潜水艦に対する海自のＰ３Ｃ哨戒機や潜水艦などの警戒監視活動を一段と強化することが急務である。
The MSDF plans to gradually replace the aging P-3Cs to new P-1 anti-sub patrol aircraft and increase its submarine fleet from the current 16 to 22 in the near future.
海自は、老朽化したＰ３Ｃを新型哨戒機Ｐ１に順次更新するとともに、潜水艦を１６隻から２２隻体制に増やす方針だ。
Beef up quality, quantity
Taking into consideration the Chinese Navy’s rapid equipment buildup and modernization, as well as its excessive provocations against Japan, the priority in the new National Defense Program Guidelines to be compiled at the year’s end must be to reinforce MSDF and Air Self-Defense Force equipment and personnel in both quality and quantity.
中国海空軍の急速な装備増強や近代化、過度な示威活動を踏まえれば、今年末に策定する新防衛大綱では、海自と航空自衛隊の装備と人員を質・量ともに拡充することが優先課題となる。
Furthermore, the Defense Ministry must advance its schedule for introducing the Global Hawk high-altitude unmanned reconnaissance drone.
防衛省が検討している高高度無人偵察機グローバルホークの導入も前倒しで実施すべきだ。
Joint Japan-U.S. patrol and surveillance activities using the drone will lessen burdens on the MSDF and ASDF, which are operating at full capacity around the Nansei Islands. Such activities will also improve the SDF capabilities for high-level duties, including the detection of submarines.
無人機による日米共同の警戒監視活動は、南西諸島周辺でフル稼働中の海空自の負担を軽減し、潜水艦の探索などの高度な任務に取り組む体制を充実させよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 23, 2013)
（2013年5月23日01時14分 読売新聞）