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2016年05月05日
野生トキのひな 人との共生と日中協力が大切
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Cooperation from residents, China key to returning crested ibises to wild
野生トキのひな 人との共生と日中協力が大切
A chick has been born to a pair of wild toki Japanese crested ibises − a species designated as a special natural monument − on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture. It is the first such delightful news in 40 years. We hope the chick will grow safely.
新潟県の佐渡島で、特別天然記念物トキの野生のつがいから、ひなが誕生した。４０年ぶりの朗報である。ぜひとも無事に育ってほしい。
On Sado Island, artificially raised crested ibises have been released into the wild since 2008. The number of crested ibises that have bred in nature has also increased. The chick hatched this time was born to parents who were born and grew up in nature. It is in the grandchild generation of crested ibises released into the wild.
佐渡島では、人工飼育したトキの放鳥が２００８年から続く。自然の中での繁殖も増えた。今回のひなは、自然界で生まれ育った親鳥の間の子供だ。放鳥されたトキの孫の世代にあたる。
The birth is a major milestone in the return of crested ibises to the wild.
トキの野生復帰に向けた大きな節目と言えよう。
It has been confirmed that there are currently five pairs of wild crested ibises. We probably can expect more crested ibis chicks to be born in the future as well.
現在、５組の野生トキのペアが確認されている。これからも、ひなの誕生が期待できそうだ。
The scientific name for the Japanese crested ibis is Nipponia nippon. One of its characteristics is its rose-pink − called toki color − feathers. The species used to live in a wide area of East Asia and was a familiar wild bird in Japan, too.
トキは「ニッポニア・ニッポン」の学名を持つ。朱鷺とき色と呼ばれる淡紅色の羽が特徴だ。かつては東アジアに広く分布し、国内でも身近な野鳥だった。
However, the number of crested ibises sharply dropped due to overhunting for their feathers in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and afterward as well as the deterioration of their habitat. Japanese-born crested ibises that remained on Sado Island went extinct when the last bird died in 2003.
しかし、羽毛を目的とした明治以降の乱獲や、生息環境の悪化で激減した。佐渡島に残った日本生まれのトキは、０３年に最後の１羽が死んで絶滅した。
Since 1999, the Environment Ministry has been artificially breeding the species with crested ibises donated or loaned from China. The ministry also trained them on how to catch prey. About \150 million is spent annually for a project to return crested ibises to the wild.
環境省は１９９９年以降、中国からトキの寄贈や貸与を受けて、人工繁殖に取り組んできた。餌の採り方などの訓練も施した。トキの野生復帰事業には、年約１億５０００万円が投じられている。
Extinct species’ revival hard
This tells how difficult it is to revive a species that once disappeared.
姿を消した生物の復活が、いかに難しいかを物語る。
Cooperation from local residents is essential for returning crested ibises to the wild. The amount of agricultural chemicals used in rice paddies was reduced so that loaches and earthworms − crested ibises’ prey − can grow there, and the paddies are filled with water even in winter.
野生復帰には、住民の協力が欠かせない。トキのえさとなるドジョウやミミズが育つよう、水田での農薬の使用量を減らした。冬にも田に水を張っている。
Thanks to the efforts to have crested ibises coexist with humans, about 150 crested ibises now inhabit the island.
島内に約１５０羽のトキが生息するようになったのは、人と共生するための取り組みの成果だ。
The ministry plans to release more than 30 crested ibises into the wild every year, with the aim of having 220 birds settled in nature in 2020.
環境省は、今後も年３０羽以上を放鳥し、２０年には２２０羽が自然界に定着することを目指す。
There are many challenges in breeding crested ibises in nature. The first “completely wild” crested ibis chick whose birth was confirmed this time was believed to have died soon after birth. The cause of the death is unknown, but the birds have natural enemies such as crows.
自然界での繁殖には試練が多い。今回、誕生が確認された「純野生」の１羽目のひなは、間もなく死んだとみられる。原因は不明だ。カラスなどの天敵もいる。
The ideal structure is for crested ibises born in the wild to increase their numbers on their own in the future by overcoming these difficulties.
こうした困難を乗り越え、将来的には、野生で生まれたトキが自力で個体数を増やしていくのが、理想の姿だろう。
To this end, it is also important to secure genetic diversity among crested ibises.
その実現には、トキの遺伝的多様性を確保することも大切だ。
Crested ibises currently living in Japan have five crested ibises from China as ancestors, and there are many pairs that are cousins. Their ability to resist diseases and their reproductive power could diminish if those in the same consanguineous group repeatedly mate with each other. It is important to have crested ibises continually provided by China.
現在のトキは、いずれも中国からの５羽が先祖で、いとこ同士のペアが多い。血縁同士で交配が進むと、病気への抵抗力や繁殖力が低下する恐れがある。中国から継続的にトキの提供を受けることが重要になる。
China is also making efforts to return crested ibises to the wild. We hope for continued mutual cooperation through crested ibises such as providing China with techniques that Japan has developed to raise the birds.
中国でもトキの野生復活に取り組んでいる。日本が培ってきた飼育技術を提供するなど、トキを通じた相互協力を続けたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 4, 2016)
Cooperation from residents, China key to returning crested ibises to wild
野生トキのひな 人との共生と日中協力が大切
A chick has been born to a pair of wild toki Japanese crested ibises − a species designated as a special natural monument − on Sado Island, Niigata Prefecture. It is the first such delightful news in 40 years. We hope the chick will grow safely.
新潟県の佐渡島で、特別天然記念物トキの野生のつがいから、ひなが誕生した。４０年ぶりの朗報である。ぜひとも無事に育ってほしい。
On Sado Island, artificially raised crested ibises have been released into the wild since 2008. The number of crested ibises that have bred in nature has also increased. The chick hatched this time was born to parents who were born and grew up in nature. It is in the grandchild generation of crested ibises released into the wild.
佐渡島では、人工飼育したトキの放鳥が２００８年から続く。自然の中での繁殖も増えた。今回のひなは、自然界で生まれ育った親鳥の間の子供だ。放鳥されたトキの孫の世代にあたる。
The birth is a major milestone in the return of crested ibises to the wild.
トキの野生復帰に向けた大きな節目と言えよう。
It has been confirmed that there are currently five pairs of wild crested ibises. We probably can expect more crested ibis chicks to be born in the future as well.
現在、５組の野生トキのペアが確認されている。これからも、ひなの誕生が期待できそうだ。
The scientific name for the Japanese crested ibis is Nipponia nippon. One of its characteristics is its rose-pink − called toki color − feathers. The species used to live in a wide area of East Asia and was a familiar wild bird in Japan, too.
トキは「ニッポニア・ニッポン」の学名を持つ。朱鷺とき色と呼ばれる淡紅色の羽が特徴だ。かつては東アジアに広く分布し、国内でも身近な野鳥だった。
However, the number of crested ibises sharply dropped due to overhunting for their feathers in the Meiji era (1868-1912) and afterward as well as the deterioration of their habitat. Japanese-born crested ibises that remained on Sado Island went extinct when the last bird died in 2003.
しかし、羽毛を目的とした明治以降の乱獲や、生息環境の悪化で激減した。佐渡島に残った日本生まれのトキは、０３年に最後の１羽が死んで絶滅した。
Since 1999, the Environment Ministry has been artificially breeding the species with crested ibises donated or loaned from China. The ministry also trained them on how to catch prey. About \150 million is spent annually for a project to return crested ibises to the wild.
環境省は１９９９年以降、中国からトキの寄贈や貸与を受けて、人工繁殖に取り組んできた。餌の採り方などの訓練も施した。トキの野生復帰事業には、年約１億５０００万円が投じられている。
Extinct species’ revival hard
This tells how difficult it is to revive a species that once disappeared.
姿を消した生物の復活が、いかに難しいかを物語る。
Cooperation from local residents is essential for returning crested ibises to the wild. The amount of agricultural chemicals used in rice paddies was reduced so that loaches and earthworms − crested ibises’ prey − can grow there, and the paddies are filled with water even in winter.
野生復帰には、住民の協力が欠かせない。トキのえさとなるドジョウやミミズが育つよう、水田での農薬の使用量を減らした。冬にも田に水を張っている。
Thanks to the efforts to have crested ibises coexist with humans, about 150 crested ibises now inhabit the island.
島内に約１５０羽のトキが生息するようになったのは、人と共生するための取り組みの成果だ。
The ministry plans to release more than 30 crested ibises into the wild every year, with the aim of having 220 birds settled in nature in 2020.
環境省は、今後も年３０羽以上を放鳥し、２０年には２２０羽が自然界に定着することを目指す。
There are many challenges in breeding crested ibises in nature. The first “completely wild” crested ibis chick whose birth was confirmed this time was believed to have died soon after birth. The cause of the death is unknown, but the birds have natural enemies such as crows.
自然界での繁殖には試練が多い。今回、誕生が確認された「純野生」の１羽目のひなは、間もなく死んだとみられる。原因は不明だ。カラスなどの天敵もいる。
The ideal structure is for crested ibises born in the wild to increase their numbers on their own in the future by overcoming these difficulties.
こうした困難を乗り越え、将来的には、野生で生まれたトキが自力で個体数を増やしていくのが、理想の姿だろう。
To this end, it is also important to secure genetic diversity among crested ibises.
その実現には、トキの遺伝的多様性を確保することも大切だ。
Crested ibises currently living in Japan have five crested ibises from China as ancestors, and there are many pairs that are cousins. Their ability to resist diseases and their reproductive power could diminish if those in the same consanguineous group repeatedly mate with each other. It is important to have crested ibises continually provided by China.
現在のトキは、いずれも中国からの５羽が先祖で、いとこ同士のペアが多い。血縁同士で交配が進むと、病気への抵抗力や繁殖力が低下する恐れがある。中国から継続的にトキの提供を受けることが重要になる。
China is also making efforts to return crested ibises to the wild. We hope for continued mutual cooperation through crested ibises such as providing China with techniques that Japan has developed to raise the birds.
中国でもトキの野生復活に取り組んでいる。日本が培ってきた飼育技術を提供するなど、トキを通じた相互協力を続けたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 4, 2016)
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2016年05月04日
個人と国家と憲法と 歴史の後戻りはさせない
--The Asahi Shimbun, May 3
EDITORIAL: Values embodied in Constitution made Japan what it is today
（社説）個人と国家と憲法と 歴史の後戻りはさせない
A booklet published on May 3, 1947, provided a commentary on the “freedom” guaranteed by the Constitution.
One passage read: “What is freedom? In a nutshell, it means to live according to one’s conscience.”
Another passage went on to say: “We are allowed to have any thought. We have the freedom to hold any kind of meeting and create any kind of organization.”
The booklet, titled “Atarashii Kenpo Akarui Seikatsu” (new constitution, sunny life), was published on the day Japan’s postwar Constitution came into effect by “Kenpo Fukyukai” (society for the popularization of the Constitution), a parliamentary body headed by Hitoshi Ashida, a lawmaker who became prime minister in 1948. Some 20 million of the booklets were distributed to households across the nation.
「自由とはいったい何であろうか。一口にいえば自分の良心に従って生きることである」
「私たちはどんな考えを持ってもよい」「どんな会合をやっても、どんな団体をつくっても自由である」
これは、いまの憲法が施行された６９年前のきょう、憲法普及会（芦田均会長）が全国の家庭向けに２千万部発行した小冊子「新しい憲法 明るい生活」が説明する「自由」だ。
“For a long time, even our basic freedoms have been restricted. We had been desperately wishing for greater freedom. Now, our wish has been realized,” said the booklet, which was awash with phrases and expressions that reflected the joy of being freed from the oppression of the wartime militarist government.
「長い間私たちには、その自由さえも制限されていた。私たちは何とかしてもっと自由がほしいと願っていた。いまその願いが果（はた）されたのである」。冊子には、戦時下の息苦しさからの解放感に満ちた言葉が並ぶ。
The preamble to the Constitution declares that the authority of government is derived from the people and its powers are exercised by the representatives of the people, while its benefits are enjoyed by the people. These principles of popular sovereignty and representative democracy are “universal principles” that have been established through popular uprisings in modern times, such as the French Revolution.
国政の権威は国民に由来し、権力は国民の代表者が行使し、その福利は国民が受け取る――。憲法前文が明記するこの主権在民と代表民主制の原理は、フランス革命など近代の市民革命によって獲得された「人類普遍の原理」だ。
Japan's postwar social system has been defined by the Constitution that took effect nearly seven decades ago.
７０年近くがたち、新たな社会のしくみは戦後日本に定着した。
Unfortunately, the government has shown signs of wanting to put certain limits on the freedom of individuals and impose specific values on the citizens of this country.
ただ一方で、国家が個人の自由に枠をはめたり、特定の価値観を押しつけたりしようとする動きがちらつき始めた。
AMENDMENT OF EDUCATION LAW
■改憲のさきがけか
That trend emerged 10 years ago.
１０年前にさかのぼる。
The Fundamental Law of Education, which also took effect in 1947 and was touted as the “constitution of education,” was revised for the first time from start to finish.
憲法と同じ年に施行され、「教育の憲法」と言われた教育基本法が、初めて、そして全文が改正された。
When he came to power in 2006 with a pledge to “unshackle Japan from the postwar regime,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made revision of the education law a policy priority for his first tenure.
「戦後レジームからの脱却」を掲げて政権についたばかりの安倍首相が、最重要課題としていた。
The revised Fundamental Law of Education stipulates, along with respect for individuals and other countries, a set of moral standards as “goals of education.” These standards are aimed at helping students develop a commitment to “love their nation and native land” and “contribute to the development of society with public-mindedness.”
「我が国と郷土を愛する」「公共の精神に基づき、社会の発展に寄与する」。改正法には、個人や他国の尊重に加え、こうした態度を養うという道徳規範が「教育の目標」として列挙された。
The provisions of the law with regard to the relationship between the government’s education policy and schools and teachers were also rewritten to place greater emphasis on “public” than on “individuals.” Critics said the principal objective of the law changed from defining the role of the government in education to instructing the people about education.
教育行政と学校現場との関係にかかわる条文も改められ、「個」よりも「公」重視、行政を律する法から国民に指図する法へとその性格が変わった、といわれた。
Back then, Abe told the Diet that revising the law would not lead to tighter state control on education.
安倍首相は当時、教育基本法を改正しても「国家管理を強めることにはならない」と国会で答弁していた。
But since he returned to power in 2012 after spending the intervening period as an opposition lawmaker, Abe has rolled out a series of education policy measures based on the “spirit of the revised Fundamental Law of Education,” which he has eagerly promoted.
ところが、下野をへて政権に復帰した安倍氏は、「改正教育基本法の精神」を前面に掲げ、新たな教育政策を次々と繰り出している。
The most symbolic initiative of his new education policy concerns the rules for school textbook screenings and authorization by the government.
その最たるものが、教科書検定の新しいルールだ。
The new rules allow the government to disqualify textbooks that have “serious flaws” from the viewpoint of the “goals of education” set out by the revised law.
改正法で新たに盛り込まれた「教育の目標」に照らし「重大な欠陥」があれば不合格にできる。
They also give the government the authority to demand that descriptions in textbooks match the official position on issues raised.
政府見解がある事柄には、それに基づいた記述を求める。
This year, the rules have been applied to the screening of high school textbooks for the first time. As a result, descriptions about topics such as postwar reparations and the government’s decision to allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, on which the nation has been divided, reflect the Abe administration’s claims and arguments concerning these issues.
高校の教科書に初めて適用された今年の検定では、戦後補償や世論が割れる集団的自衛権の行使容認などで、政権の主張が反映された記述になった。
The education minister has called on national universities to ensure that the national flag is hoisted and the national anthem is sung at ceremonies. This request, which raise questions about academic freedom and university autonomy, was prompted by Abe’s remarks at the Diet that these matters should be dealt with appropriately in line with the principles of the Fundamental Law of Education.
また、文科相による国立大への「国旗・国歌」の要請は、学問の自由や大学の自治にかかわる問題だが、そのきっかけは「教育基本法の方針にのっとって正しく実施されるべきだ」との首相の国会答弁だった。
STATE PLAYING A MORE ASSERTIVE ROLE
■前面にせり出す国家
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party announced a new draft Constitution in 2012 that echoes the goals of the revised Fundamental Law of Education.
自民党が１２年にまとめた憲法改正草案は、改正教育基本法のめざす方向と一致する。
The draft is designed to allow the government to play an excessively assertive role. In contrast, the freedoms and rights of individuals are de-emphasized.
草案では国家が過剰なまでに前面にせり出す。後退するのは個人の自由や権利だ。
The draft’s preamble says the purpose of establishing a new Constitution is to “hand down good traditions and our nation to all posterity.”
草案前文の憲法制定の目的は「良き伝統と我々の国家を末永く子孫に継承するため」だ。
This stands in sharp contrast to the preamble to the current Constitution, which refers to the people’s determination to secure liberty and renounce war.
現憲法の「自由の確保」や「不戦」とは様変わりだ。
The LDP’s draft Constitution also says “the Japanese people shall defend their nation and native land with pride and resolve and, while respecting basic human rights, shall also respect harmony and help form a nation through mutual help between family members and all members of society.”
また、「日本国民は、国と郷土を誇りと気概を持って自ら守り、基本的人権を尊重するとともに、和を尊び、家族や社会全体が互いに助け合って国家を形成する」と規定する。
At the same time, Article 12 of the document says the people’s freedoms and rights shall be exercised “always in ways that don’t go against the interests of the public or undermine public order.”
一方で、国民の自由や権利の行使には「常に公益及び公の秩序に反してはならない」（１２条）との枠をはめている。
The ruling party wants to ensure that the Constitution not only reflects the principles of constitutionalism but also Japan’s “national character,” Yosuke Isozaki, a former special adviser to Abe, once said.
「憲法は立憲主義だけでなく、国柄をきちんと反映したものにもしたい」（礒崎陽輔前首相補佐官）というのが党の考えだ。
But specific values and ideals should not be imposed on citizens by the Constitution, no matter how many people think they have the moral high ground.
だが、たとえどんなに多くの人が「道徳的に正しい」と考える内容であっても、憲法によってすべての国民に強いるべきものではない。
Teruyuki Hirota, a professor of educational sociology at Nihon University who is well versed in education issues in Japan, warns that such political intervention is inherently dangerous.
教育現場に詳しい広田照幸・日大教授は、政治の動きを踏まえて警鐘を鳴らす。
“A political desire to guide children toward a certain way of life through education could be directed at the entire nation through a constitutional amendment,” he says.
「『こういう生き方をさせたい』という教育の場での政治的欲望が、こんどは憲法改正を通じて国民全体にふってくるかもしれない」
UNACCEPTABLE POLICY OBJECTIVES
■押しつけは筋違い
The question is whether individuals exist for the nation or the nation exists for individuals.
In his book “Atarashii Kuni-e” (toward a new nation), Abe addresses this issue.
個人あっての国家か、国家あっての個人か。安倍首相は、自著でこう述べている。
“It is the nation that guarantees the freedom of individuals. If this function (of the nation) is stopped by another nation’s rule, it is obvious that the people’s fundamental rights will be restricted.”
「個人の自由を担保しているのは国家なのである。それらの機能が他国の支配によって停止させられれば、天賦の権利が制限されてしまうのは自明であろう」（『新しい国へ』）
It is the role of the state to protect its people from attacks by another state. But that doesn’t give the government the right to impose its ideals and vision for the nation and the way of life on the people with whom sovereign power resides as elements of Japan’s “national character.”
他国の攻撃から国民を守るのは国家の役割だ。かといって権力が理想とする国家像や生き方を、「国柄だから」と主権者に押しつけるのは筋が違う。
Allowing the government to do so would be tantamount to reversing the wheel of history in postwar Japan where the “universal principles” have been so firmly entrenched in its society.
それを許してしまえば、「普遍の原理」を社会に根付かせてきた歴史の歩みを、後戻りさせることになる。
EDITORIAL: Values embodied in Constitution made Japan what it is today
（社説）個人と国家と憲法と 歴史の後戻りはさせない
A booklet published on May 3, 1947, provided a commentary on the “freedom” guaranteed by the Constitution.
One passage read: “What is freedom? In a nutshell, it means to live according to one’s conscience.”
Another passage went on to say: “We are allowed to have any thought. We have the freedom to hold any kind of meeting and create any kind of organization.”
The booklet, titled “Atarashii Kenpo Akarui Seikatsu” (new constitution, sunny life), was published on the day Japan’s postwar Constitution came into effect by “Kenpo Fukyukai” (society for the popularization of the Constitution), a parliamentary body headed by Hitoshi Ashida, a lawmaker who became prime minister in 1948. Some 20 million of the booklets were distributed to households across the nation.
「自由とはいったい何であろうか。一口にいえば自分の良心に従って生きることである」
「私たちはどんな考えを持ってもよい」「どんな会合をやっても、どんな団体をつくっても自由である」
これは、いまの憲法が施行された６９年前のきょう、憲法普及会（芦田均会長）が全国の家庭向けに２千万部発行した小冊子「新しい憲法 明るい生活」が説明する「自由」だ。
“For a long time, even our basic freedoms have been restricted. We had been desperately wishing for greater freedom. Now, our wish has been realized,” said the booklet, which was awash with phrases and expressions that reflected the joy of being freed from the oppression of the wartime militarist government.
「長い間私たちには、その自由さえも制限されていた。私たちは何とかしてもっと自由がほしいと願っていた。いまその願いが果（はた）されたのである」。冊子には、戦時下の息苦しさからの解放感に満ちた言葉が並ぶ。
The preamble to the Constitution declares that the authority of government is derived from the people and its powers are exercised by the representatives of the people, while its benefits are enjoyed by the people. These principles of popular sovereignty and representative democracy are “universal principles” that have been established through popular uprisings in modern times, such as the French Revolution.
国政の権威は国民に由来し、権力は国民の代表者が行使し、その福利は国民が受け取る――。憲法前文が明記するこの主権在民と代表民主制の原理は、フランス革命など近代の市民革命によって獲得された「人類普遍の原理」だ。
Japan's postwar social system has been defined by the Constitution that took effect nearly seven decades ago.
７０年近くがたち、新たな社会のしくみは戦後日本に定着した。
Unfortunately, the government has shown signs of wanting to put certain limits on the freedom of individuals and impose specific values on the citizens of this country.
ただ一方で、国家が個人の自由に枠をはめたり、特定の価値観を押しつけたりしようとする動きがちらつき始めた。
AMENDMENT OF EDUCATION LAW
■改憲のさきがけか
That trend emerged 10 years ago.
１０年前にさかのぼる。
The Fundamental Law of Education, which also took effect in 1947 and was touted as the “constitution of education,” was revised for the first time from start to finish.
憲法と同じ年に施行され、「教育の憲法」と言われた教育基本法が、初めて、そして全文が改正された。
When he came to power in 2006 with a pledge to “unshackle Japan from the postwar regime,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made revision of the education law a policy priority for his first tenure.
「戦後レジームからの脱却」を掲げて政権についたばかりの安倍首相が、最重要課題としていた。
The revised Fundamental Law of Education stipulates, along with respect for individuals and other countries, a set of moral standards as “goals of education.” These standards are aimed at helping students develop a commitment to “love their nation and native land” and “contribute to the development of society with public-mindedness.”
「我が国と郷土を愛する」「公共の精神に基づき、社会の発展に寄与する」。改正法には、個人や他国の尊重に加え、こうした態度を養うという道徳規範が「教育の目標」として列挙された。
The provisions of the law with regard to the relationship between the government’s education policy and schools and teachers were also rewritten to place greater emphasis on “public” than on “individuals.” Critics said the principal objective of the law changed from defining the role of the government in education to instructing the people about education.
教育行政と学校現場との関係にかかわる条文も改められ、「個」よりも「公」重視、行政を律する法から国民に指図する法へとその性格が変わった、といわれた。
Back then, Abe told the Diet that revising the law would not lead to tighter state control on education.
安倍首相は当時、教育基本法を改正しても「国家管理を強めることにはならない」と国会で答弁していた。
But since he returned to power in 2012 after spending the intervening period as an opposition lawmaker, Abe has rolled out a series of education policy measures based on the “spirit of the revised Fundamental Law of Education,” which he has eagerly promoted.
ところが、下野をへて政権に復帰した安倍氏は、「改正教育基本法の精神」を前面に掲げ、新たな教育政策を次々と繰り出している。
The most symbolic initiative of his new education policy concerns the rules for school textbook screenings and authorization by the government.
その最たるものが、教科書検定の新しいルールだ。
The new rules allow the government to disqualify textbooks that have “serious flaws” from the viewpoint of the “goals of education” set out by the revised law.
改正法で新たに盛り込まれた「教育の目標」に照らし「重大な欠陥」があれば不合格にできる。
They also give the government the authority to demand that descriptions in textbooks match the official position on issues raised.
政府見解がある事柄には、それに基づいた記述を求める。
This year, the rules have been applied to the screening of high school textbooks for the first time. As a result, descriptions about topics such as postwar reparations and the government’s decision to allow Japan to exercise the right to collective self-defense, on which the nation has been divided, reflect the Abe administration’s claims and arguments concerning these issues.
高校の教科書に初めて適用された今年の検定では、戦後補償や世論が割れる集団的自衛権の行使容認などで、政権の主張が反映された記述になった。
The education minister has called on national universities to ensure that the national flag is hoisted and the national anthem is sung at ceremonies. This request, which raise questions about academic freedom and university autonomy, was prompted by Abe’s remarks at the Diet that these matters should be dealt with appropriately in line with the principles of the Fundamental Law of Education.
また、文科相による国立大への「国旗・国歌」の要請は、学問の自由や大学の自治にかかわる問題だが、そのきっかけは「教育基本法の方針にのっとって正しく実施されるべきだ」との首相の国会答弁だった。
STATE PLAYING A MORE ASSERTIVE ROLE
■前面にせり出す国家
The ruling Liberal Democratic Party announced a new draft Constitution in 2012 that echoes the goals of the revised Fundamental Law of Education.
自民党が１２年にまとめた憲法改正草案は、改正教育基本法のめざす方向と一致する。
The draft is designed to allow the government to play an excessively assertive role. In contrast, the freedoms and rights of individuals are de-emphasized.
草案では国家が過剰なまでに前面にせり出す。後退するのは個人の自由や権利だ。
The draft’s preamble says the purpose of establishing a new Constitution is to “hand down good traditions and our nation to all posterity.”
草案前文の憲法制定の目的は「良き伝統と我々の国家を末永く子孫に継承するため」だ。
This stands in sharp contrast to the preamble to the current Constitution, which refers to the people’s determination to secure liberty and renounce war.
現憲法の「自由の確保」や「不戦」とは様変わりだ。
The LDP’s draft Constitution also says “the Japanese people shall defend their nation and native land with pride and resolve and, while respecting basic human rights, shall also respect harmony and help form a nation through mutual help between family members and all members of society.”
また、「日本国民は、国と郷土を誇りと気概を持って自ら守り、基本的人権を尊重するとともに、和を尊び、家族や社会全体が互いに助け合って国家を形成する」と規定する。
At the same time, Article 12 of the document says the people’s freedoms and rights shall be exercised “always in ways that don’t go against the interests of the public or undermine public order.”
一方で、国民の自由や権利の行使には「常に公益及び公の秩序に反してはならない」（１２条）との枠をはめている。
The ruling party wants to ensure that the Constitution not only reflects the principles of constitutionalism but also Japan’s “national character,” Yosuke Isozaki, a former special adviser to Abe, once said.
「憲法は立憲主義だけでなく、国柄をきちんと反映したものにもしたい」（礒崎陽輔前首相補佐官）というのが党の考えだ。
But specific values and ideals should not be imposed on citizens by the Constitution, no matter how many people think they have the moral high ground.
だが、たとえどんなに多くの人が「道徳的に正しい」と考える内容であっても、憲法によってすべての国民に強いるべきものではない。
Teruyuki Hirota, a professor of educational sociology at Nihon University who is well versed in education issues in Japan, warns that such political intervention is inherently dangerous.
教育現場に詳しい広田照幸・日大教授は、政治の動きを踏まえて警鐘を鳴らす。
“A political desire to guide children toward a certain way of life through education could be directed at the entire nation through a constitutional amendment,” he says.
「『こういう生き方をさせたい』という教育の場での政治的欲望が、こんどは憲法改正を通じて国民全体にふってくるかもしれない」
UNACCEPTABLE POLICY OBJECTIVES
■押しつけは筋違い
The question is whether individuals exist for the nation or the nation exists for individuals.
In his book “Atarashii Kuni-e” (toward a new nation), Abe addresses this issue.
個人あっての国家か、国家あっての個人か。安倍首相は、自著でこう述べている。
“It is the nation that guarantees the freedom of individuals. If this function (of the nation) is stopped by another nation’s rule, it is obvious that the people’s fundamental rights will be restricted.”
「個人の自由を担保しているのは国家なのである。それらの機能が他国の支配によって停止させられれば、天賦の権利が制限されてしまうのは自明であろう」（『新しい国へ』）
It is the role of the state to protect its people from attacks by another state. But that doesn’t give the government the right to impose its ideals and vision for the nation and the way of life on the people with whom sovereign power resides as elements of Japan’s “national character.”
他国の攻撃から国民を守るのは国家の役割だ。かといって権力が理想とする国家像や生き方を、「国柄だから」と主権者に押しつけるのは筋が違う。
Allowing the government to do so would be tantamount to reversing the wheel of history in postwar Japan where the “universal principles” have been so firmly entrenched in its society.
それを許してしまえば、「普遍の原理」を社会に根付かせてきた歴史の歩みを、後戻りさせることになる。
2016年05月03日
シリア情勢 停戦維持へ外交努力を強めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Diplomatic efforts must be expedited to maintain truce in war-torn Syria
シリア情勢 停戦維持へ外交努力を強めよ
The ceasefire between Syrian President Bashar Assad’s administration and rebel groups, generally observed by both sides for more than two months, is on the brink of collapse.
シリアのアサド政権と反体制派が２か月余りにわたって、概おおむね順守してきた停戦合意が、崩壊の瀬戸際にある。
Fighting has resumed in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo and elsewhere. Rebel groups are increasingly angered by the government, saying that a number of civilians had been killed by Syrian airstrikes, which they say is a violation of the truce. It is reported that food and medical supplies are not reaching the needed because of obstructive activities.
シリア北部アレッポなどで戦闘が再燃した。反体制派は「シリア軍の空爆で多くの民間人が死亡した。停戦違反だ」と反発を強めている。食料や医療物資の供給も妨害されているという。
The Assad administration has refuted these arguments, saying the bombings were justifiable attacks on terrorist groups such as the Nusra Front not covered by the ceasefire.
政権は、停戦が適用されないテロ組織「ヌスラ戦線」などに対する正当な攻撃だと反論する。
Under the circumstances, the possibility of seeing an end to the five-year civil war could become even more remote. Relevant countries must expedite their diplomatic efforts to mediate between the two parties.
５年に及ぶ内戦の終結がさらに遠のきかねない事態だ。関係国は仲介外交を急がねばならない。
Supported by Russian airstrikes, the Assad administration has a military advantage over the opposition groups. Spurred on by this, the government forcibly held parliamentary elections in Damascus and elsewhere. Assad may have sought to emphasize the ruling party’s overwhelming victory, thereby keeping his administration in place. Given that votes were cast only in government-held parts of the country, however, he cannot gain legitimacy.
アサド政権は、ロシアの空爆支援を受けて軍事的優位に立った。その勢いで首都ダマスカスなどで国会選を強行した。与党圧勝をアピールし、政権を存続させる狙いだろうが、限られた支配地域での投票では正統性は得られまい。
The Assad administration and the rebel groups are to promote peace talks and establish a caretaker government. This is to be followed by a presidential election and other steps to launch a new administration. This is a road map for ending the civil war. The U.N. Security Council also has adopted a resolution calling for the implementation of this process.
アサド政権と反体制派が和平協議を進め、移行政権を樹立する。そのうえで、大統領選などを実施し、新政権を発足させる。これが内戦終結の道筋である。国連安全保障理事会も、この行程表の履行を決議で要求している。
Ceasefire key to weaken ISIL
It is extremely disturbing that the negotiators from both sides have been unable to come up with any compromise regarding calls for Assad’s immediate resignation. In the wake of the renewed fighting, the rebel groups have announced to suspend their participation in the peace talks. We feel they lack the will to end the civil war.
深刻なのは、交渉当事者間でアサド大統領の即時退陣を巡って、妥協点を見いだせないことだ。反体制派は戦闘再燃に伴って、和平協議への参加を停止すると表明した。内戦を終わらせる意志が欠けているのではないか。
The U.N. special envoy for Syria, who presides over the talks, had good reason to urge the United States, Russia and other related nations to hold an urgent ministerial-level meeting.
協議を主宰する国連特使が、米露など関係国に閣僚級緊急会合の開催を呼びかけたのは当然だ。
It is also worrying to note that, after withdrawing some of its airborne units from Syria, Russia has continued its intervention in the country, including the deployment of artillery.
ロシアがシリアから空軍部隊を一部撤収した後、火砲配備などの軍事介入を継続していることも懸念される。
A Russian warplane recently flew dangerously close to a U.S. military aircraft over the Baltic Sea and another Russian plane came extremely close to a U.S. destroyer in the same sea − both incidents only heightening tensions in the area. This will only add to U.S. mistrust of Russia.
露軍機がバルト海で米軍機や米駆逐艦に異常接近し、緊張を高めているのは、米国の不信感を強めるだけである。
It is essential for Russia to exert influence on the Assad administration while the United States does so on the opposition groups, thereby urging the two sides to maintain the ceasefire and make progress in the peace talks.
ロシアはアサド政権に、米国は反体制派に、それぞれ影響力を行使し、停戦維持と和平協議の進展を促すことが肝要だ。
It should not be forgotten that achieving peace in Syria would mark a step toward weakening the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group and overcoming the refugee problem.
シリア和平が過激派組織「イスラム国」の弱体化や難民問題の打開への一歩となることを忘れてはならない。
U.S. President Barack Obama recently decided to send an additional 250 commandos and other U.S. service members to Syria. He also met Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to try to mend soured ties between their countries. These moves should be used to shore up the Syrian rebels in their fight against ISIL, while also facilitating cooperative relations among pertinent nations.
オバマ米大統領は、特殊部隊など米兵２５０人のシリア増派を決めた。サウジアラビアのサルマン国王とも会談し、冷え込んでいた関係の修復に努めた。「イスラム国」と戦う反体制派の強化や関係国の協調につなげたい。
In top-level talks, five nations − the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy − have confirmed their coordination in response to acts of terrorism and dealing with the refugee issue. These problems will also be addressed as important themes at the Ise-Shima Group of Seven summit meeting later this month. Japan will be required to demonstrate leadership in this respect.
米英仏独伊の５か国は首脳会談で、テロ対策や難民対応での連携を確認した。今月下旬の主要国首脳会議（伊勢志摩サミット）で引き続き重要な議題となる。日本の指導力の発揮が求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 2, 2016)
Diplomatic efforts must be expedited to maintain truce in war-torn Syria
シリア情勢 停戦維持へ外交努力を強めよ
The ceasefire between Syrian President Bashar Assad’s administration and rebel groups, generally observed by both sides for more than two months, is on the brink of collapse.
シリアのアサド政権と反体制派が２か月余りにわたって、概おおむね順守してきた停戦合意が、崩壊の瀬戸際にある。
Fighting has resumed in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo and elsewhere. Rebel groups are increasingly angered by the government, saying that a number of civilians had been killed by Syrian airstrikes, which they say is a violation of the truce. It is reported that food and medical supplies are not reaching the needed because of obstructive activities.
シリア北部アレッポなどで戦闘が再燃した。反体制派は「シリア軍の空爆で多くの民間人が死亡した。停戦違反だ」と反発を強めている。食料や医療物資の供給も妨害されているという。
The Assad administration has refuted these arguments, saying the bombings were justifiable attacks on terrorist groups such as the Nusra Front not covered by the ceasefire.
政権は、停戦が適用されないテロ組織「ヌスラ戦線」などに対する正当な攻撃だと反論する。
Under the circumstances, the possibility of seeing an end to the five-year civil war could become even more remote. Relevant countries must expedite their diplomatic efforts to mediate between the two parties.
５年に及ぶ内戦の終結がさらに遠のきかねない事態だ。関係国は仲介外交を急がねばならない。
Supported by Russian airstrikes, the Assad administration has a military advantage over the opposition groups. Spurred on by this, the government forcibly held parliamentary elections in Damascus and elsewhere. Assad may have sought to emphasize the ruling party’s overwhelming victory, thereby keeping his administration in place. Given that votes were cast only in government-held parts of the country, however, he cannot gain legitimacy.
アサド政権は、ロシアの空爆支援を受けて軍事的優位に立った。その勢いで首都ダマスカスなどで国会選を強行した。与党圧勝をアピールし、政権を存続させる狙いだろうが、限られた支配地域での投票では正統性は得られまい。
The Assad administration and the rebel groups are to promote peace talks and establish a caretaker government. This is to be followed by a presidential election and other steps to launch a new administration. This is a road map for ending the civil war. The U.N. Security Council also has adopted a resolution calling for the implementation of this process.
アサド政権と反体制派が和平協議を進め、移行政権を樹立する。そのうえで、大統領選などを実施し、新政権を発足させる。これが内戦終結の道筋である。国連安全保障理事会も、この行程表の履行を決議で要求している。
Ceasefire key to weaken ISIL
It is extremely disturbing that the negotiators from both sides have been unable to come up with any compromise regarding calls for Assad’s immediate resignation. In the wake of the renewed fighting, the rebel groups have announced to suspend their participation in the peace talks. We feel they lack the will to end the civil war.
深刻なのは、交渉当事者間でアサド大統領の即時退陣を巡って、妥協点を見いだせないことだ。反体制派は戦闘再燃に伴って、和平協議への参加を停止すると表明した。内戦を終わらせる意志が欠けているのではないか。
The U.N. special envoy for Syria, who presides over the talks, had good reason to urge the United States, Russia and other related nations to hold an urgent ministerial-level meeting.
協議を主宰する国連特使が、米露など関係国に閣僚級緊急会合の開催を呼びかけたのは当然だ。
It is also worrying to note that, after withdrawing some of its airborne units from Syria, Russia has continued its intervention in the country, including the deployment of artillery.
ロシアがシリアから空軍部隊を一部撤収した後、火砲配備などの軍事介入を継続していることも懸念される。
A Russian warplane recently flew dangerously close to a U.S. military aircraft over the Baltic Sea and another Russian plane came extremely close to a U.S. destroyer in the same sea − both incidents only heightening tensions in the area. This will only add to U.S. mistrust of Russia.
露軍機がバルト海で米軍機や米駆逐艦に異常接近し、緊張を高めているのは、米国の不信感を強めるだけである。
It is essential for Russia to exert influence on the Assad administration while the United States does so on the opposition groups, thereby urging the two sides to maintain the ceasefire and make progress in the peace talks.
ロシアはアサド政権に、米国は反体制派に、それぞれ影響力を行使し、停戦維持と和平協議の進展を促すことが肝要だ。
It should not be forgotten that achieving peace in Syria would mark a step toward weakening the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL) militant group and overcoming the refugee problem.
シリア和平が過激派組織「イスラム国」の弱体化や難民問題の打開への一歩となることを忘れてはならない。
U.S. President Barack Obama recently decided to send an additional 250 commandos and other U.S. service members to Syria. He also met Saudi Arabia’s King Salman to try to mend soured ties between their countries. These moves should be used to shore up the Syrian rebels in their fight against ISIL, while also facilitating cooperative relations among pertinent nations.
オバマ米大統領は、特殊部隊など米兵２５０人のシリア増派を決めた。サウジアラビアのサルマン国王とも会談し、冷え込んでいた関係の修復に努めた。「イスラム国」と戦う反体制派の強化や関係国の協調につなげたい。
In top-level talks, five nations − the United States, Britain, France, Germany and Italy − have confirmed their coordination in response to acts of terrorism and dealing with the refugee issue. These problems will also be addressed as important themes at the Ise-Shima Group of Seven summit meeting later this month. Japan will be required to demonstrate leadership in this respect.
米英仏独伊の５か国は首脳会談で、テロ対策や難民対応での連携を確認した。今月下旬の主要国首脳会議（伊勢志摩サミット）で引き続き重要な議題となる。日本の指導力の発揮が求められよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 2, 2016)
2016年05月02日
日中外相会談 関係停滞の主因は習政権では
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Is Xi’s administration not responsible for strains in Japan-China relations?
日中外相会談 関係停滞の主因は習政権では
Can the latest talks between the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers serve as the first step in improving bilateral relations?
日中関係を改善する一歩となるのだろうか。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Saturday during a visit to China. The top diplomats confirmed that the two countries are “partners for cooperation,” while also agreeing that they will make efforts to move bilateral ties forward.
岸田外相が中国を訪問し、王毅外相と会談した。両国が「協力のパートナー」であることを確認し、両国関係の前進に向けて双方が努力することで一致した。
Kishida’s visit to China is the first by a Japanese foreign minister in 4½ years for an event other than an international conference. Saturday’s talks lasted for about four hours and 20 minutes, including a luncheon.
国際会議出席以外で、日本の外相が訪中したのは４年半ぶりだ。会談は、昼食会も含め、計約４時間２０分にも及んだ。
We welcome the resumption of top-level talks − which had not been held for an extended period − between the two countries and the exchange of candid views on various issues.
長く途絶えていた本格的な政治対話を再開し、様々な議題について率直に意見交換したこと自体は評価できる。
Kishida also met with Premier Li Keqiang, who referred to Japan-China relations by saying, “I hope that we will work together to get them back on the right track once again.”
岸田氏は李克強首相とも会談した。李氏は、日中関係について「もう一度、正常な軌道に戻れるように、共に取り組むことを望んでいる」と語った。
Japan aims to host trilateral summit meetings of the leaders and foreign ministers from Japan, China and South Korea in the latter half of this year. Tokyo has improved its relations with Seoul by reaching a deal on the issue of so-called comfort women, but Chinese President Xi Jinping’s administration is reportedly reluctant to hold the summit.
日本は今年後半、日中韓３か国の首脳・外相会談を主催したい考えだ。慰安婦問題の合意で日韓関係は改善したが、中国の習近平政権は開催に消極的とされる。
Japan and China should make steady efforts to coordinate the schedule for the summit, in addition to the schedule for high-level economic dialogue between ministers of the two countries after they agreed in November last year to hold such talks at the earliest possible date.
昨年１１月に早期開催で合意した閣僚級の日中ハイレベル経済対話とともに、両国で日程調整を着実に進める必要がある。
Off the mark
Wang’s comments on Japan-China relations, however, were questionable. “The China-Japan relationship has suffered various setbacks, falling to a low ebb,” he said. “The Japanese side knows clear[ly] the reason behind that.”
His remarks suggested that only Japan should be blamed for the stagnated ties.
疑問なのは、王氏が日中関係に関して「絶えずギクシャクし、たびたび谷間に陥ったが、原因は日本側が一番よく分かっているのではないか」と述べたことだ。関係停滞の責任が一方的に日本側にあるかのような主張である。
Wang made the remarks apparently with an eye on the statement issued at the recent meeting by the foreign ministers from the Group of Seven major powers, in which they implicitly called for China to refrain from building military bases in the South China Sea, even though they did not name the country.
日米など先進７か国（Ｇ７）が４月の外相会合で、名指しは避けつつ、中国の南シナ海での軍事拠点作りに反対する声明を発表したことも念頭にあるようだ。
However, it is China that has been forcibly building artificial islands by ignoring international law, thus causing tensions with countries concerned. We consider Wang’s remarks to be off the mark.
しかし、国際法を無視した人工島造成を強行し、関係国との緊張を作り出しているのは、中国の方だ。王氏の発言は筋が違う。
Wang also said, “Japan should stop spreading or echoing all kinds of ‘China threat’ or ‘China economic recession’ theories.” This remark should be described as nothing but unproductive defamation.
王氏は「『中国脅威論』と『中国経済衰退論』をまき散らすべきではない」とも語った。非生産的な中傷と言うほかない。
Kishida expressed concerns over Beijing’s activity in the East and South China seas. It is important for Japan to patiently continue calling for China to restrain its self-serving maritime advances and abide by international rules.
岸田氏は、東・南シナ海での中国の行動に懸念を伝えた。日本は今後も、中国に対し、独善的な海洋進出の自制や国際法の順守を粘り強く求めることが重要だ。
Japan and China have a leading role in promoting peace and prosperity in the world. Even though they have opposing opinions, the two countries should build constructive ties from a broad standpoint of a mutually beneficial relationship.
日中両国は、世界の平和と繁栄を牽引けんいんすべき立場にある。意見対立があっても、「戦略的互恵」の大局に立ち、建設的な関係を構築せねばならない。
Kishida and Wang expressed “serious concerns” over North Korea, as it has continued ballistic missile launches and other military provocations. The two ministers also confirmed that their countries would cooperate to strictly enforce the U.N. Security Council’s sanctions resolution against Pyongyang.
弾道ミサイル発射など軍事挑発を続ける北朝鮮について、両外相は「深刻な懸念」を表明した。国連安全保障理事会の制裁決議を厳格に履行する方針も確認した。
China holds the key to the amount of pressure that can be applied to North Korea. Japan should work closely with the United States and South Korea to call for Beijing to take productive action against Pyongyang.
北朝鮮への圧力を強めるには、中国の対応がカギを握る。日本は米韓両国と緊密に連携し、中国に前向きな対応を促すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2016)
Is Xi’s administration not responsible for strains in Japan-China relations?
日中外相会談 関係停滞の主因は習政権では
Can the latest talks between the Japanese and Chinese foreign ministers serve as the first step in improving bilateral relations?
日中関係を改善する一歩となるのだろうか。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met with his Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, on Saturday during a visit to China. The top diplomats confirmed that the two countries are “partners for cooperation,” while also agreeing that they will make efforts to move bilateral ties forward.
岸田外相が中国を訪問し、王毅外相と会談した。両国が「協力のパートナー」であることを確認し、両国関係の前進に向けて双方が努力することで一致した。
Kishida’s visit to China is the first by a Japanese foreign minister in 4½ years for an event other than an international conference. Saturday’s talks lasted for about four hours and 20 minutes, including a luncheon.
国際会議出席以外で、日本の外相が訪中したのは４年半ぶりだ。会談は、昼食会も含め、計約４時間２０分にも及んだ。
We welcome the resumption of top-level talks − which had not been held for an extended period − between the two countries and the exchange of candid views on various issues.
長く途絶えていた本格的な政治対話を再開し、様々な議題について率直に意見交換したこと自体は評価できる。
Kishida also met with Premier Li Keqiang, who referred to Japan-China relations by saying, “I hope that we will work together to get them back on the right track once again.”
岸田氏は李克強首相とも会談した。李氏は、日中関係について「もう一度、正常な軌道に戻れるように、共に取り組むことを望んでいる」と語った。
Japan aims to host trilateral summit meetings of the leaders and foreign ministers from Japan, China and South Korea in the latter half of this year. Tokyo has improved its relations with Seoul by reaching a deal on the issue of so-called comfort women, but Chinese President Xi Jinping’s administration is reportedly reluctant to hold the summit.
日本は今年後半、日中韓３か国の首脳・外相会談を主催したい考えだ。慰安婦問題の合意で日韓関係は改善したが、中国の習近平政権は開催に消極的とされる。
Japan and China should make steady efforts to coordinate the schedule for the summit, in addition to the schedule for high-level economic dialogue between ministers of the two countries after they agreed in November last year to hold such talks at the earliest possible date.
昨年１１月に早期開催で合意した閣僚級の日中ハイレベル経済対話とともに、両国で日程調整を着実に進める必要がある。
Off the mark
Wang’s comments on Japan-China relations, however, were questionable. “The China-Japan relationship has suffered various setbacks, falling to a low ebb,” he said. “The Japanese side knows clear[ly] the reason behind that.”
His remarks suggested that only Japan should be blamed for the stagnated ties.
疑問なのは、王氏が日中関係に関して「絶えずギクシャクし、たびたび谷間に陥ったが、原因は日本側が一番よく分かっているのではないか」と述べたことだ。関係停滞の責任が一方的に日本側にあるかのような主張である。
Wang made the remarks apparently with an eye on the statement issued at the recent meeting by the foreign ministers from the Group of Seven major powers, in which they implicitly called for China to refrain from building military bases in the South China Sea, even though they did not name the country.
日米など先進７か国（Ｇ７）が４月の外相会合で、名指しは避けつつ、中国の南シナ海での軍事拠点作りに反対する声明を発表したことも念頭にあるようだ。
However, it is China that has been forcibly building artificial islands by ignoring international law, thus causing tensions with countries concerned. We consider Wang’s remarks to be off the mark.
しかし、国際法を無視した人工島造成を強行し、関係国との緊張を作り出しているのは、中国の方だ。王氏の発言は筋が違う。
Wang also said, “Japan should stop spreading or echoing all kinds of ‘China threat’ or ‘China economic recession’ theories.” This remark should be described as nothing but unproductive defamation.
王氏は「『中国脅威論』と『中国経済衰退論』をまき散らすべきではない」とも語った。非生産的な中傷と言うほかない。
Kishida expressed concerns over Beijing’s activity in the East and South China seas. It is important for Japan to patiently continue calling for China to restrain its self-serving maritime advances and abide by international rules.
岸田氏は、東・南シナ海での中国の行動に懸念を伝えた。日本は今後も、中国に対し、独善的な海洋進出の自制や国際法の順守を粘り強く求めることが重要だ。
Japan and China have a leading role in promoting peace and prosperity in the world. Even though they have opposing opinions, the two countries should build constructive ties from a broad standpoint of a mutually beneficial relationship.
日中両国は、世界の平和と繁栄を牽引けんいんすべき立場にある。意見対立があっても、「戦略的互恵」の大局に立ち、建設的な関係を構築せねばならない。
Kishida and Wang expressed “serious concerns” over North Korea, as it has continued ballistic missile launches and other military provocations. The two ministers also confirmed that their countries would cooperate to strictly enforce the U.N. Security Council’s sanctions resolution against Pyongyang.
弾道ミサイル発射など軍事挑発を続ける北朝鮮について、両外相は「深刻な懸念」を表明した。国連安全保障理事会の制裁決議を厳格に履行する方針も確認した。
China holds the key to the amount of pressure that can be applied to North Korea. Japan should work closely with the United States and South Korea to call for Beijing to take productive action against Pyongyang.
北朝鮮への圧力を強めるには、中国の対応がカギを握る。日本は米韓両国と緊密に連携し、中国に前向きな対応を促すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, May 1, 2016)
2016年05月01日
香山リカのココロの万華鏡 : 今は自分を大切に ／東京
April 24, 2016 (Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope: Take care of yourself first, no need to rush as aftershocks continue
香山リカのココロの万華鏡 : 今は自分を大切に ／東京
In the massive earthquakes that have hit Kumamoto Prefecture and surrounding areas, many people have been killed or injured. Homes and other structures have collapsed, and roads have cracked or caved in.
熊本県で起きた大地震。大勢の方が亡くなったり、けがをしたりした。建物の倒壊や道路のひび割れなども相次いだ。
One of the most unique characteristics of the latest disaster is the incredible number of ongoing aftershocks. No one can escape the ground on which they stand, so when it shakes, it can cause deep fear. Such circumstances can lead to anticipatory anxiety, a phenomenon in which people cannot get the fear that a temblor will strike again out of their heads, causing yet more anxiety. Some people are impacted and overwhelmed more by such anticipatory anxiety than by the actual earthquakes.
また、今回の地震ではとくに余震が多いのが特徴だ。地震の揺れはどこに身を置いても避けることができないので、経験する人は強い恐怖を感じる。またいつ来るかもわからないことが「また起きるのでは」と常に心配が頭から離れない「予期不安」と呼ばれる特殊な状態を招くことがある。そうなると地震そのもの以上にこの「予期不安」ですっかり参ってしまう、ということにもなりかねない。
Among those who live outside the directly affected areas but have experienced major earthquakes themselves, seeing news reports and photos of the latest disaster can also trigger flashbacks, sometimes causing dizziness and headaches.
また、被災地に住んでいなくても、今回の大地震のニュースや写真などを見ているうちに自分が経験した過去の大きな地震の記憶がよみがえり、めまいや頭痛などを感じた人がいるのではないか。一種の「フラッシュバック」と考えられる。
The Kumamoto Earthquake, therefore, has wrought psychological pain not only on those who live near the epicenter, but also to those who live far away. How, then, can we mitigate psychological damage from the disaster?
このように今回の熊本地震は、被災地の方々にはもちろんだが、それ以外の人たちにもいろいろな形で心のダメージを与えたのではないかと思われる。
では、どうすればそのダメージを少なくすることができるのか。
Some say that people need professional help, but I think it's too soon for that. What's important is to first secure a place where one can be as safe and as comfortable as possible. For example, if you're in an evacuation center, try to put up a wall to create some privacy between you and your neighbors, and stretch out your legs. People living outside the disaster areas should try not to overwork, and take time for nutritious meals and comforting baths, at least for the time being.
「専門家の心のケアが必要」という意見もあるが、それはまだ早い。まず必要なのは自分の身の安全を確保して少しでもラクな状況に置くこと。たとえば避難所にいる人の場合は、なるべく早く隣の人との間に仕切りをもうけて、ゆっくり足を伸ばせるようにする。他の地域にいる人たちも、しばらくの間は仕事で無理をしない、食事や入浴に時間をかける、といったことを心がけたほうがよい。
And for now, put off thinking about why the earthquakes are happening, and try to regain a sense of normalcy by sticking to your routine when it comes to eating, sleeping and relaxing.
そして「なぜ地震が起きたのか」などと考えるのはちょっと後まわしにして、まずはなるべくいつも通りの「食べる、寝る、くつろぐ」といった日常を取り戻すようにすること。
To protect yourself emotionally from various fears and anxieties, and to prevent the psychological effects of the disaster from becoming long-lasting, make self-care and keeping up a routine your top priority. Taking care of your body in turn helps take care of your mind and emotions.
さまざまな恐怖や不安から心を守り、その影響を長引かせないためにも「自分と暮らしを大切にすること」、これを何より優先させる。そうやって自分のからだをいたわることこそが実は何よりの心のケアにもなるのだ。
It will take the areas that have been hard hit by the quakes a long time to rebuild. Recovery will require assistance from across the country. That's why, for now, you must all take care of yourselves first. And once the emotional and physical energy depleted by the disaster has been replenished, can you stand up again and move forward. Urging survivors still in the midst of aftershocks, "Don't give up," or "Cheer up," may be important. But I'd also like to send the message to first, rest up. There is no need to rush.
いったん被害を受けた地域は、復興までに長い時間がかかる。全国からの支援も必要になるだろう。だからこそ、いまはまず「自分を大切に」。そして、地震で傷ついたこころとからだにエネルギーが戻ったら、立ち上がって復興に向けて歩み出せばよい。とくに被災地に向けては「負けないで」「元気出して」とともに、「まずはゆっくり休んで」「急がなくていいのです」という声もかけたいと思う。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
（精神科医）
Kaleidoscope: Take care of yourself first, no need to rush as aftershocks continue
香山リカのココロの万華鏡 : 今は自分を大切に ／東京
In the massive earthquakes that have hit Kumamoto Prefecture and surrounding areas, many people have been killed or injured. Homes and other structures have collapsed, and roads have cracked or caved in.
熊本県で起きた大地震。大勢の方が亡くなったり、けがをしたりした。建物の倒壊や道路のひび割れなども相次いだ。
One of the most unique characteristics of the latest disaster is the incredible number of ongoing aftershocks. No one can escape the ground on which they stand, so when it shakes, it can cause deep fear. Such circumstances can lead to anticipatory anxiety, a phenomenon in which people cannot get the fear that a temblor will strike again out of their heads, causing yet more anxiety. Some people are impacted and overwhelmed more by such anticipatory anxiety than by the actual earthquakes.
また、今回の地震ではとくに余震が多いのが特徴だ。地震の揺れはどこに身を置いても避けることができないので、経験する人は強い恐怖を感じる。またいつ来るかもわからないことが「また起きるのでは」と常に心配が頭から離れない「予期不安」と呼ばれる特殊な状態を招くことがある。そうなると地震そのもの以上にこの「予期不安」ですっかり参ってしまう、ということにもなりかねない。
Among those who live outside the directly affected areas but have experienced major earthquakes themselves, seeing news reports and photos of the latest disaster can also trigger flashbacks, sometimes causing dizziness and headaches.
また、被災地に住んでいなくても、今回の大地震のニュースや写真などを見ているうちに自分が経験した過去の大きな地震の記憶がよみがえり、めまいや頭痛などを感じた人がいるのではないか。一種の「フラッシュバック」と考えられる。
The Kumamoto Earthquake, therefore, has wrought psychological pain not only on those who live near the epicenter, but also to those who live far away. How, then, can we mitigate psychological damage from the disaster?
このように今回の熊本地震は、被災地の方々にはもちろんだが、それ以外の人たちにもいろいろな形で心のダメージを与えたのではないかと思われる。
では、どうすればそのダメージを少なくすることができるのか。
Some say that people need professional help, but I think it's too soon for that. What's important is to first secure a place where one can be as safe and as comfortable as possible. For example, if you're in an evacuation center, try to put up a wall to create some privacy between you and your neighbors, and stretch out your legs. People living outside the disaster areas should try not to overwork, and take time for nutritious meals and comforting baths, at least for the time being.
「専門家の心のケアが必要」という意見もあるが、それはまだ早い。まず必要なのは自分の身の安全を確保して少しでもラクな状況に置くこと。たとえば避難所にいる人の場合は、なるべく早く隣の人との間に仕切りをもうけて、ゆっくり足を伸ばせるようにする。他の地域にいる人たちも、しばらくの間は仕事で無理をしない、食事や入浴に時間をかける、といったことを心がけたほうがよい。
And for now, put off thinking about why the earthquakes are happening, and try to regain a sense of normalcy by sticking to your routine when it comes to eating, sleeping and relaxing.
そして「なぜ地震が起きたのか」などと考えるのはちょっと後まわしにして、まずはなるべくいつも通りの「食べる、寝る、くつろぐ」といった日常を取り戻すようにすること。
To protect yourself emotionally from various fears and anxieties, and to prevent the psychological effects of the disaster from becoming long-lasting, make self-care and keeping up a routine your top priority. Taking care of your body in turn helps take care of your mind and emotions.
さまざまな恐怖や不安から心を守り、その影響を長引かせないためにも「自分と暮らしを大切にすること」、これを何より優先させる。そうやって自分のからだをいたわることこそが実は何よりの心のケアにもなるのだ。
It will take the areas that have been hard hit by the quakes a long time to rebuild. Recovery will require assistance from across the country. That's why, for now, you must all take care of yourselves first. And once the emotional and physical energy depleted by the disaster has been replenished, can you stand up again and move forward. Urging survivors still in the midst of aftershocks, "Don't give up," or "Cheer up," may be important. But I'd also like to send the message to first, rest up. There is no need to rush.
いったん被害を受けた地域は、復興までに長い時間がかかる。全国からの支援も必要になるだろう。だからこそ、いまはまず「自分を大切に」。そして、地震で傷ついたこころとからだにエネルギーが戻ったら、立ち上がって復興に向けて歩み出せばよい。とくに被災地に向けては「負けないで」「元気出して」とともに、「まずはゆっくり休んで」「急がなくていいのです」という声もかけたいと思う。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
（精神科医）
2016年04月30日
安保違憲訴訟 司法の真価が問われる
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 29
EDITORIAL: Judiciary can’t afford to duck concerns about security laws
（社説）安保違憲訴訟 司法の真価が問われる
About 500 citizens have sued the government over national security legislation enacted last year, claiming the legislation is unconstitutional because it allows Japan to engage in collective self-defense.
集団的自衛権の行使を認めた安保関連法は憲法に反するとして、市民ら約５００人が東京地裁に訴えをおこした。今後も各地で提訴が予定されている。
The lawsuit, filed with the Tokyo District Court on April 26, demands a court order to block any Self-Defense Forces deployment under the security laws, which passed the Diet last September and came into force on March 29. Similar legal actions are expected in various parts of the nation.
The judiciary should respond head-on to the vital constitutional questions raised by these suits. The courts should fulfill their judicial responsibility by making their own constitutional judgments on the matter. The Supreme Court, the guardian of the Constitution, should then make the final decision.
裁判所は、正面からこの問いに答えてもらいたい。各地での判決を積み重ねたうえで、憲法の番人である最高裁が最終判断を示す。その司法の責務をまっとうしてほしい。
We should remember the Diet debate on the security bills submitted last year by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
昨年の安保法制の国会審議を思い起こしたい。
Many legal experts, including constitutional scholars and former Supreme Court justices, denounced the legislation as “a violation of the Constitution” and “a denial of constitutionalism.” Many Japanese were disturbed by the government’s explanations about its interpretation of related constitutional provisions that were clearly at odds with past government statements.
多くの憲法学者や元最高裁判事らが、「違憲である」「立憲主義の否定だ」と声をあげた。過去の政府答弁と明らかに食い違う憲法解釈の説明に、疑問を感じる国民も多かった。
But the government and ruling camp dismissed all these criticisms, saying it is the Supreme Court that has the mandate to make the final judgment on the constitutionality of laws. The government also argued that one top court ruling is more important than 100 theories. Eventually, the ruling coalition rammed the bills through the Diet by using its dominant parliamentary majority.
しかし政府与党は「違憲かどうか最後に判断するのは最高裁だ」「１００の学説より一つの最高裁判決だ」と反論し、数の力で法を成立させた。
The administration’s policy of heeding only what the Supreme Court says in dealing with constitutional issues related to the legislation should not be taken as a sign of respect for the judiciary.
耳を貸す相手は最高裁でしかないという政権の姿勢を、そのまま司法への敬意の表れと受け取るわけにはいかない。
Through personnel changes, the Abe administration effectively stripped the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, the watchdog of legislative actions, of its ability to check bills from the legal point of view.
そもそも安倍政権は政府内の「法の番人」だった内閣法制局への人事措置により、チェック機能をそいだ。
The Diet, the nation’s legislature, proved to be ruled by the dictates of the majority.
立法府である国会も数の論理が支配した。
The role of the judiciary as one of the three branches of government under the checks and balances system has never been as important as it is now.
三権分立の一翼を担う司法の役割が、いまほど重く問われているときはない。
The plaintiffs of the latest lawsuit are demanding compensation for what they say is a violation of their constitutional right to live in peace. They also claim the people’s right to amend and determine the Constitution has been violated by the effective change to war-renouncing Article 9 made by the administration without following the formal procedure for constitutional amendments.
原告側は、平和に生きる権利を侵されたとして、賠償などを求めている。憲法改正手続きを経ずに９条を実質的に変えられてしまい、国民の「憲法改正・決定権」が侵害されたと訴えている。
Past court rulings on lawsuits over such constitutional issues indicate that the plaintiffs face high hurdles.
これまでの判例を振り返れば原告側のハードルは高い。
Conventional wisdom in the Japanese judicial community says courts should not judge the constitutionality of specific laws unless there are concrete legal disputes that require such judgment.
日本の裁判では、具体的な争いがなければ、法律が合憲か違憲かを判断できないとされる。
A court refused to hear another lawsuit seeking the annulment of the new security laws, saying such a demand is inappropriate for judicial determination.
抽象的に安保法の廃止などを求めた別の訴訟は「審査の対象にならない」と門前払いされた。
The consensus view among judicial experts is that even if a court decides to hear such a lawsuit, a constitutional judgment should not be made unless it is necessary for settling a dispute involving concrete interests.
審査に入ったとしても、憲法判断は訴えの解決に必要な場合以外は行わないという考えが、司法関係者の間では一般的だ。
Given the history of court rulings in this type of case, courts may opt to avoid making any constitutional judgment while rejecting the plaintiffs’ demand for compensation.
今回も裁判所がその考え方に立てば、賠償の求めを退けるだけで、憲法判断は避ける方向に傾くこともありえる。
But the plaintiffs of the latest lawsuit include relatives of SDF personnel and residents living near military bases.
原告には自衛隊員の親族や、基地周辺の住民らも名を連ねている。
They need to make concrete arguments regarding their specific interests to persuade the court to hear the case.
裁判というテーブルに議論を載せるためにも、具体的な主張をめざしてほしい。
At the heart of their lawsuit is serious anxiety about the government’s lack of respect for the basic principles of constitutionalism.
訴えの根本にあるのは、立憲主義を軽んじる政治のあり方に対する深刻な危機感である。
The judiciary should make sincere responses to the constitutional questions raised by these lawsuits without trivializing them.
憲法をめぐる真剣な問いを、裁判所は矮小（わいしょう）化することなく、真摯（しんし）に受け止めるべきだ。
The courts should not act in a way that will only further undermine public confidence in the governing system.
国の統治機構への信頼をこれ以上損なってはならない。
EDITORIAL: Judiciary can’t afford to duck concerns about security laws
（社説）安保違憲訴訟 司法の真価が問われる
About 500 citizens have sued the government over national security legislation enacted last year, claiming the legislation is unconstitutional because it allows Japan to engage in collective self-defense.
集団的自衛権の行使を認めた安保関連法は憲法に反するとして、市民ら約５００人が東京地裁に訴えをおこした。今後も各地で提訴が予定されている。
The lawsuit, filed with the Tokyo District Court on April 26, demands a court order to block any Self-Defense Forces deployment under the security laws, which passed the Diet last September and came into force on March 29. Similar legal actions are expected in various parts of the nation.
The judiciary should respond head-on to the vital constitutional questions raised by these suits. The courts should fulfill their judicial responsibility by making their own constitutional judgments on the matter. The Supreme Court, the guardian of the Constitution, should then make the final decision.
裁判所は、正面からこの問いに答えてもらいたい。各地での判決を積み重ねたうえで、憲法の番人である最高裁が最終判断を示す。その司法の責務をまっとうしてほしい。
We should remember the Diet debate on the security bills submitted last year by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
昨年の安保法制の国会審議を思い起こしたい。
Many legal experts, including constitutional scholars and former Supreme Court justices, denounced the legislation as “a violation of the Constitution” and “a denial of constitutionalism.” Many Japanese were disturbed by the government’s explanations about its interpretation of related constitutional provisions that were clearly at odds with past government statements.
多くの憲法学者や元最高裁判事らが、「違憲である」「立憲主義の否定だ」と声をあげた。過去の政府答弁と明らかに食い違う憲法解釈の説明に、疑問を感じる国民も多かった。
But the government and ruling camp dismissed all these criticisms, saying it is the Supreme Court that has the mandate to make the final judgment on the constitutionality of laws. The government also argued that one top court ruling is more important than 100 theories. Eventually, the ruling coalition rammed the bills through the Diet by using its dominant parliamentary majority.
しかし政府与党は「違憲かどうか最後に判断するのは最高裁だ」「１００の学説より一つの最高裁判決だ」と反論し、数の力で法を成立させた。
The administration’s policy of heeding only what the Supreme Court says in dealing with constitutional issues related to the legislation should not be taken as a sign of respect for the judiciary.
耳を貸す相手は最高裁でしかないという政権の姿勢を、そのまま司法への敬意の表れと受け取るわけにはいかない。
Through personnel changes, the Abe administration effectively stripped the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, the watchdog of legislative actions, of its ability to check bills from the legal point of view.
そもそも安倍政権は政府内の「法の番人」だった内閣法制局への人事措置により、チェック機能をそいだ。
The Diet, the nation’s legislature, proved to be ruled by the dictates of the majority.
立法府である国会も数の論理が支配した。
The role of the judiciary as one of the three branches of government under the checks and balances system has never been as important as it is now.
三権分立の一翼を担う司法の役割が、いまほど重く問われているときはない。
The plaintiffs of the latest lawsuit are demanding compensation for what they say is a violation of their constitutional right to live in peace. They also claim the people’s right to amend and determine the Constitution has been violated by the effective change to war-renouncing Article 9 made by the administration without following the formal procedure for constitutional amendments.
原告側は、平和に生きる権利を侵されたとして、賠償などを求めている。憲法改正手続きを経ずに９条を実質的に変えられてしまい、国民の「憲法改正・決定権」が侵害されたと訴えている。
Past court rulings on lawsuits over such constitutional issues indicate that the plaintiffs face high hurdles.
これまでの判例を振り返れば原告側のハードルは高い。
Conventional wisdom in the Japanese judicial community says courts should not judge the constitutionality of specific laws unless there are concrete legal disputes that require such judgment.
日本の裁判では、具体的な争いがなければ、法律が合憲か違憲かを判断できないとされる。
A court refused to hear another lawsuit seeking the annulment of the new security laws, saying such a demand is inappropriate for judicial determination.
抽象的に安保法の廃止などを求めた別の訴訟は「審査の対象にならない」と門前払いされた。
The consensus view among judicial experts is that even if a court decides to hear such a lawsuit, a constitutional judgment should not be made unless it is necessary for settling a dispute involving concrete interests.
審査に入ったとしても、憲法判断は訴えの解決に必要な場合以外は行わないという考えが、司法関係者の間では一般的だ。
Given the history of court rulings in this type of case, courts may opt to avoid making any constitutional judgment while rejecting the plaintiffs’ demand for compensation.
今回も裁判所がその考え方に立てば、賠償の求めを退けるだけで、憲法判断は避ける方向に傾くこともありえる。
But the plaintiffs of the latest lawsuit include relatives of SDF personnel and residents living near military bases.
原告には自衛隊員の親族や、基地周辺の住民らも名を連ねている。
They need to make concrete arguments regarding their specific interests to persuade the court to hear the case.
裁判というテーブルに議論を載せるためにも、具体的な主張をめざしてほしい。
At the heart of their lawsuit is serious anxiety about the government’s lack of respect for the basic principles of constitutionalism.
訴えの根本にあるのは、立憲主義を軽んじる政治のあり方に対する深刻な危機感である。
The judiciary should make sincere responses to the constitutional questions raised by these lawsuits without trivializing them.
憲法をめぐる真剣な問いを、裁判所は矮小（わいしょう）化することなく、真摯（しんし）に受け止めるべきだ。
The courts should not act in a way that will only further undermine public confidence in the governing system.
国の統治機構への信頼をこれ以上損なってはならない。
2016年04月29日
豪潜水艦に落選 装備輸出の司令塔作りを急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Control tower urgently needed for export of defense equipment
豪潜水艦に落選 装備輸出の司令塔作りを急げ
It is important to scrupulously examine the reason Japan lost its bid for the contract and rebuild the government’s preparedness for exporting defense equipment.
失敗の原因をきちんと検証し、防衛装備品を輸出する政府の態勢を立て直すことが肝要だ。
With Japan, Germany and France competing to build next-generation submarines for Australia, Canberra selected a French company as its partner.
豪州が、日独仏３か国が参画を目指した次期潜水艦計画で、フランス企業との共同開発を選択した。
In accordance with the three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, the Japanese government, jointly with the private sector, had proposed building a fleet based on the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s most advanced Soryu-class submarine, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and other companies.
日本は、防衛装備移転３原則に基づき、三菱重工業などが建造する海上自衛隊の最新鋭潜水艦「そうりゅう型」を官民合同で提案したが、受注を逃した。
Soryu-class submarines are equipped with the world’s most advanced technology. They excel in cruising capability, silent running to evade detection when navigating underwater, sonar detection and other attributes.
そうりゅう型の技術は世界最高水準とされる。航続性能や、敵に気づかれずに潜行する静粛性、水中音波探知機能などに優れる。
The huge contract, worth about 50 billion Australian dollars (\4.3 trillion), was for the construction of 12 submarines. It would have become Japan’s first full-fledged export of defense equipment. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, “It was a disappointing result.”
１２隻で総事業費約５００億豪ドル（４兆３０００億円）の大型案件で、実現すれば、日本初の本格的な装備品輸出となった。安倍首相は「残念な結果だ」と語った。
It is reasonable for Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to have indicated his intention to seek an explanation from Australia as to why Japan was not awarded the contract and learn lessons for future bids.
中谷防衛相が、豪州に選定理由の説明を求め、今後の教訓とする考えを示したのは当然である。
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said, “The French offer represented the capabilities best able to meet Australia’s unique needs.”
ターンブル豪首相は、「フランスの提案が、豪州特有の要求に最も合致した」と述べた。
As Australia’s economy has slowed, uncertainty over the country’s employment situation is spreading. France had emphasized it would make a full-scale technology transfer, help foster Australian companies and create jobs in that country.
豪州で景気の減速により雇用不安が広がる中、フランスは全面的な技術移転や、豪州企業の育成、積極的な雇用を訴えていた。
As Turnbull intends to dissolve Parliament shortly, his selection may also reflect his decision to focus on the economy with the election in mind.
ターンブル氏は近く議会を解散する意向で、選挙をにらんだ経済重視の判断もあったのだろう。
But for building submarines, a military perspective is important under normal circumstances. We cannot agree with the choice if it was made by placing priority on the political situation.
だが、本来、潜水艦建造は軍事の観点が重要だ。政局を優先したのなら、うなずけない。
Experience lacking
Meanwhile, it is undeniable that Japan, while being overconfident in its high level of technology and paying little heed to its ratio of local production in Australia, failed to accurately comprehend either Australia’s needs or the moves taken by France and Germany in their bids, and did not exercise flexibility in taking the measures needed. This failure may have stemmed from the little experience MHI and other companies have in negotiating defense equipment deals with foreign countries.
日本も、自らの技術の高さを過信し、現地生産の割合を低く抑えたまま、豪州のニーズや仏独の動きを的確に把握せず、柔軟に対策を講じなかったのは否めない。三菱重工業などに装備品輸出交渉の経験が乏しかったためだろう。
It is crucial to build within such offices as the national security secretariat of the Cabinet Secretariat a framework to comprehensively analyze and assess business chances and domestic political circumstances of countries concerned, in addition to security issues, and establish a control tower to carry out such tasks.
内閣官房の国家安全保障局などに、安全保障に加え、ビジネスや各国の内政事情などを総合的に分析・判断する枠組みと、その司令塔を構築することが急務だ。
Sufficient manpower should be mustered from such economy-related ministries as the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry as well as from private companies. Also needed is to have a vision on implementing a growth strategy.
経済産業省などの経済官庁や、民間企業からも人材を集める必要がある。成長戦略の視点を持つことも欠かせない。
Needless to say, measures to prevent the leakage of technologies to third-party countries are essential. We can understand that cautious views were expressed within the MSDF and other entities over Japan’s provision of technology to Australia.
無論、第三国への技術流出防止策は徹底すべきだ。今回、海自などに豪州への技術供与に慎重論があったことは理解できる。
Also worrisome is that China is said to have urged Australia not to accept Japan’s proposal this time. If Canberra turned down Japan’s bid by giving too much consideration to Beijing, we cannot overlook it.
気がかりなのは、中国が今回、日本案の不採用を豪州に働きかけていたとされることだ。豪州が中国に過剰に配慮し、日本案を退けたのであれば、見過ごせない。
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had recognized the importance of security cooperation among Japan, the United States and Australia. The Turnbull administration should explain what sort of role it will assume for the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
アボット前首相は、日米豪の安保協力の重要性を認識していた。ターンブル政権は、アジア・太平洋地域の安定にどんな役割を果たすのか、説明せねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 28, 2016)
Control tower urgently needed for export of defense equipment
豪潜水艦に落選 装備輸出の司令塔作りを急げ
It is important to scrupulously examine the reason Japan lost its bid for the contract and rebuild the government’s preparedness for exporting defense equipment.
失敗の原因をきちんと検証し、防衛装備品を輸出する政府の態勢を立て直すことが肝要だ。
With Japan, Germany and France competing to build next-generation submarines for Australia, Canberra selected a French company as its partner.
豪州が、日独仏３か国が参画を目指した次期潜水艦計画で、フランス企業との共同開発を選択した。
In accordance with the three principles on the transfer of defense equipment and technology, the Japanese government, jointly with the private sector, had proposed building a fleet based on the Maritime Self-Defense Force’s most advanced Soryu-class submarine, manufactured by Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Ltd. and other companies.
日本は、防衛装備移転３原則に基づき、三菱重工業などが建造する海上自衛隊の最新鋭潜水艦「そうりゅう型」を官民合同で提案したが、受注を逃した。
Soryu-class submarines are equipped with the world’s most advanced technology. They excel in cruising capability, silent running to evade detection when navigating underwater, sonar detection and other attributes.
そうりゅう型の技術は世界最高水準とされる。航続性能や、敵に気づかれずに潜行する静粛性、水中音波探知機能などに優れる。
The huge contract, worth about 50 billion Australian dollars (\4.3 trillion), was for the construction of 12 submarines. It would have become Japan’s first full-fledged export of defense equipment. Prime Minister Shinzo Abe said, “It was a disappointing result.”
１２隻で総事業費約５００億豪ドル（４兆３０００億円）の大型案件で、実現すれば、日本初の本格的な装備品輸出となった。安倍首相は「残念な結果だ」と語った。
It is reasonable for Defense Minister Gen Nakatani to have indicated his intention to seek an explanation from Australia as to why Japan was not awarded the contract and learn lessons for future bids.
中谷防衛相が、豪州に選定理由の説明を求め、今後の教訓とする考えを示したのは当然である。
Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said, “The French offer represented the capabilities best able to meet Australia’s unique needs.”
ターンブル豪首相は、「フランスの提案が、豪州特有の要求に最も合致した」と述べた。
As Australia’s economy has slowed, uncertainty over the country’s employment situation is spreading. France had emphasized it would make a full-scale technology transfer, help foster Australian companies and create jobs in that country.
豪州で景気の減速により雇用不安が広がる中、フランスは全面的な技術移転や、豪州企業の育成、積極的な雇用を訴えていた。
As Turnbull intends to dissolve Parliament shortly, his selection may also reflect his decision to focus on the economy with the election in mind.
ターンブル氏は近く議会を解散する意向で、選挙をにらんだ経済重視の判断もあったのだろう。
But for building submarines, a military perspective is important under normal circumstances. We cannot agree with the choice if it was made by placing priority on the political situation.
だが、本来、潜水艦建造は軍事の観点が重要だ。政局を優先したのなら、うなずけない。
Experience lacking
Meanwhile, it is undeniable that Japan, while being overconfident in its high level of technology and paying little heed to its ratio of local production in Australia, failed to accurately comprehend either Australia’s needs or the moves taken by France and Germany in their bids, and did not exercise flexibility in taking the measures needed. This failure may have stemmed from the little experience MHI and other companies have in negotiating defense equipment deals with foreign countries.
日本も、自らの技術の高さを過信し、現地生産の割合を低く抑えたまま、豪州のニーズや仏独の動きを的確に把握せず、柔軟に対策を講じなかったのは否めない。三菱重工業などに装備品輸出交渉の経験が乏しかったためだろう。
It is crucial to build within such offices as the national security secretariat of the Cabinet Secretariat a framework to comprehensively analyze and assess business chances and domestic political circumstances of countries concerned, in addition to security issues, and establish a control tower to carry out such tasks.
内閣官房の国家安全保障局などに、安全保障に加え、ビジネスや各国の内政事情などを総合的に分析・判断する枠組みと、その司令塔を構築することが急務だ。
Sufficient manpower should be mustered from such economy-related ministries as the Economy, Trade and Industry Ministry as well as from private companies. Also needed is to have a vision on implementing a growth strategy.
経済産業省などの経済官庁や、民間企業からも人材を集める必要がある。成長戦略の視点を持つことも欠かせない。
Needless to say, measures to prevent the leakage of technologies to third-party countries are essential. We can understand that cautious views were expressed within the MSDF and other entities over Japan’s provision of technology to Australia.
無論、第三国への技術流出防止策は徹底すべきだ。今回、海自などに豪州への技術供与に慎重論があったことは理解できる。
Also worrisome is that China is said to have urged Australia not to accept Japan’s proposal this time. If Canberra turned down Japan’s bid by giving too much consideration to Beijing, we cannot overlook it.
気がかりなのは、中国が今回、日本案の不採用を豪州に働きかけていたとされることだ。豪州が中国に過剰に配慮し、日本案を退けたのであれば、見過ごせない。
Former Australian Prime Minister Tony Abbott had recognized the importance of security cooperation among Japan, the United States and Australia. The Turnbull administration should explain what sort of role it will assume for the stability of the Asia-Pacific region.
アボット前首相は、日米豪の安保協力の重要性を認識していた。ターンブル政権は、アジア・太平洋地域の安定にどんな役割を果たすのか、説明せねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 28, 2016)
2016年04月28日
ヘイト法案 反差別の姿勢を明確に
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 27
EDITORIAL: Thorough talks needed to block abuse of planned hate speech law
（社説）ヘイト法案 反差別の姿勢を明確に
A bill to outlaw hate speech, sponsored by the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, is currently under deliberation in the Upper House Legal Affairs Committee.
乱暴な言葉で特定の人種や民族への差別をあおるヘイトスピーチを、どうなくしていくか。
自民、公明の両与党が国会に出した対策法案の審議が、参院法務委員会で続いている。
With the opposition camp having already presented a similar bill to the Diet last year, all Japanese political parties are at least in agreement that legislative measures must be taken to eliminate hate speech, which fans vile discrimination against certain ethnic groups.
野党側はすでに昨年、独自案を出しており、少なくとも与野党は、法整備の必要性では一致したことになる。
But legal scholars are strongly concerned that such legislation could threaten freedom of expression depending on how it is enforced. Indeed, determining the conditions of enforcement will be a difficult and complex matter.
運用次第では「表現の自由」を脅かしかねないとして、法学者らの間には慎重論も根強い。確かに、何を対象にどう規制するか難しい問題をはらむ。
However, hate speech has shown no signs of abating in recent years. In a lawsuit against a citizens group that attacked the Tokushima prefectural union of teachers for donating money to a Korean school, the Takamatsu High Court on April 25 ruled that the group’s activities “represented an attitude of racial discrimination,” and it ordered the group to pay damages to the teachers’ union.
だが近年、ヘイトスピーチは収まる気配がない。高松高裁は一昨日、朝鮮学校に寄付をした徳島県教組を攻撃した団体の活動を「人種差別的思想の現れ」と認め、賠償を命じた。
Hate-filled invectives against minorities, such as “get out of Japan,” are uttered nationwide. These human rights violations cannot be allowed to continue. We definitely believe the time has come to take some sort of legislative action.
少数派を標的に「日本から出て行け」といった差別をあおる言説は各地でみられる。人権侵害をもはや放置するわけにはいかない。何らかの立法措置も必要な段階に至ったと考える。
Neither the ruling coalition-sponsored bill nor its opposition counterpart contains punitive provisions against offenders. While we would like both bills to clearly spell out that discrimination can never be condoned as a matter of basic human decency, we also believe that utmost care must be taken to ensure the legislation will not infringe upon freedom of expression.
与野党両案ともに罰則規定はなく、理念法にとどまる。社会の最低限のルールとして差別は許されないことを明記すべきだが、一方で「表現の自由」を侵さないよう最大限の配慮をする姿勢は崩してはなるまい。
The United Nations considers it a problem that Japan, which ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 21 years ago, still has no laws against racial discrimination. It has now become Japan’s obligation to the international community to declare a firm stance against discrimination of any sort against any race or nationality.
国連は、人種差別撤廃条約を２１年前に批准した日本で国内法が整っていないことを問題視している。人種や国籍を問わず、差別に反対する姿勢を明示するのは国際的な要請でもある。
We hope the ruling and opposition parties will set aside their petty political interests and forge a consensus after thoroughly debating the issue and with complete transparency, from the standpoint of defending universal human rights.
与野党は、狭い政治的利害を超え、普遍的な人権を守る見地から透明性のある議論を重ね、合意を築いてほしい。
Diet deliberations in the days ahead are expected to focus on the LDP-Komeito bill. But there are some problems with the legislation.
今後の審議は与党案が軸になるだろうが、問題点がある。
For instance, the bill defines victims of discrimination as “non-Japanese-born people and their descendants.” But the indigenous Ainu people of Japan have been subjected to discrimination. To make this right, we believe the ruling coalition should adopt the opposition-sponsored bill’s broader definition of victims as “non-Japanese races and ethnic groups.”
与党案は差別的言動を受けている対象者を「本邦外出身者とその子孫」としている。だが、これまでアイヌ民族なども標的となってきた。ここは「人種や民族」と対象を広げた野党案を採り入れるべきだ。
Another problem we see with the LDP-Komeito bill is that it will apply only to “legal aliens residing in Japan.” We find this hard to comprehend.
また、与党案が「適法に居住する（本邦外）出身者」と対象を限定しているのも理解に苦しむ。
Discrimination in itself has nothing to do with the victim’s residency status. If this is left uncorrected, this bill could hurt those who are in the process of applying for refugee status.
在留資格の有無は本来、差別と無関係であり、難民申請者らに被害がおよびかねない。
In the past, the LDP manifested its intent to manipulate the hate speech issue to its own convenience. LDP legislators made statements hinting at applying hate speech legislation against anti-U.S. base activists and protesters opposed to nuclear power generation.
自民党ではこれまで、ヘイトスピーチを本来の趣旨とは異なる形で利用しようとする言動があった。脱原発デモや米軍基地への反対運動への法の適用を示唆するような発言があった。
Such abuse of the law by politicians is exactly what we fear.
懸念されるのは、まさにそうした政治や行政による乱用である。
For the law to fully serve its intended purpose of eliminating all racial and ethnic discrimination, its non-arbitrary and appropriate enforcement must be guaranteed. And thorough discussion is also needed on how to monitor the enforcement of this law.
人種や民族に対する差別行為をなくす本来の目的のために、恣意（しい）的でない的確な運用をいかに担保するか。その監視のあり方も十分論議すべきだ。
EDITORIAL: Thorough talks needed to block abuse of planned hate speech law
（社説）ヘイト法案 反差別の姿勢を明確に
A bill to outlaw hate speech, sponsored by the ruling coalition of the Liberal Democratic Party and Komeito, is currently under deliberation in the Upper House Legal Affairs Committee.
乱暴な言葉で特定の人種や民族への差別をあおるヘイトスピーチを、どうなくしていくか。
自民、公明の両与党が国会に出した対策法案の審議が、参院法務委員会で続いている。
With the opposition camp having already presented a similar bill to the Diet last year, all Japanese political parties are at least in agreement that legislative measures must be taken to eliminate hate speech, which fans vile discrimination against certain ethnic groups.
野党側はすでに昨年、独自案を出しており、少なくとも与野党は、法整備の必要性では一致したことになる。
But legal scholars are strongly concerned that such legislation could threaten freedom of expression depending on how it is enforced. Indeed, determining the conditions of enforcement will be a difficult and complex matter.
運用次第では「表現の自由」を脅かしかねないとして、法学者らの間には慎重論も根強い。確かに、何を対象にどう規制するか難しい問題をはらむ。
However, hate speech has shown no signs of abating in recent years. In a lawsuit against a citizens group that attacked the Tokushima prefectural union of teachers for donating money to a Korean school, the Takamatsu High Court on April 25 ruled that the group’s activities “represented an attitude of racial discrimination,” and it ordered the group to pay damages to the teachers’ union.
だが近年、ヘイトスピーチは収まる気配がない。高松高裁は一昨日、朝鮮学校に寄付をした徳島県教組を攻撃した団体の活動を「人種差別的思想の現れ」と認め、賠償を命じた。
Hate-filled invectives against minorities, such as “get out of Japan,” are uttered nationwide. These human rights violations cannot be allowed to continue. We definitely believe the time has come to take some sort of legislative action.
少数派を標的に「日本から出て行け」といった差別をあおる言説は各地でみられる。人権侵害をもはや放置するわけにはいかない。何らかの立法措置も必要な段階に至ったと考える。
Neither the ruling coalition-sponsored bill nor its opposition counterpart contains punitive provisions against offenders. While we would like both bills to clearly spell out that discrimination can never be condoned as a matter of basic human decency, we also believe that utmost care must be taken to ensure the legislation will not infringe upon freedom of expression.
与野党両案ともに罰則規定はなく、理念法にとどまる。社会の最低限のルールとして差別は許されないことを明記すべきだが、一方で「表現の自由」を侵さないよう最大限の配慮をする姿勢は崩してはなるまい。
The United Nations considers it a problem that Japan, which ratified the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination 21 years ago, still has no laws against racial discrimination. It has now become Japan’s obligation to the international community to declare a firm stance against discrimination of any sort against any race or nationality.
国連は、人種差別撤廃条約を２１年前に批准した日本で国内法が整っていないことを問題視している。人種や国籍を問わず、差別に反対する姿勢を明示するのは国際的な要請でもある。
We hope the ruling and opposition parties will set aside their petty political interests and forge a consensus after thoroughly debating the issue and with complete transparency, from the standpoint of defending universal human rights.
与野党は、狭い政治的利害を超え、普遍的な人権を守る見地から透明性のある議論を重ね、合意を築いてほしい。
Diet deliberations in the days ahead are expected to focus on the LDP-Komeito bill. But there are some problems with the legislation.
今後の審議は与党案が軸になるだろうが、問題点がある。
For instance, the bill defines victims of discrimination as “non-Japanese-born people and their descendants.” But the indigenous Ainu people of Japan have been subjected to discrimination. To make this right, we believe the ruling coalition should adopt the opposition-sponsored bill’s broader definition of victims as “non-Japanese races and ethnic groups.”
与党案は差別的言動を受けている対象者を「本邦外出身者とその子孫」としている。だが、これまでアイヌ民族なども標的となってきた。ここは「人種や民族」と対象を広げた野党案を採り入れるべきだ。
Another problem we see with the LDP-Komeito bill is that it will apply only to “legal aliens residing in Japan.” We find this hard to comprehend.
また、与党案が「適法に居住する（本邦外）出身者」と対象を限定しているのも理解に苦しむ。
Discrimination in itself has nothing to do with the victim’s residency status. If this is left uncorrected, this bill could hurt those who are in the process of applying for refugee status.
在留資格の有無は本来、差別と無関係であり、難民申請者らに被害がおよびかねない。
In the past, the LDP manifested its intent to manipulate the hate speech issue to its own convenience. LDP legislators made statements hinting at applying hate speech legislation against anti-U.S. base activists and protesters opposed to nuclear power generation.
自民党ではこれまで、ヘイトスピーチを本来の趣旨とは異なる形で利用しようとする言動があった。脱原発デモや米軍基地への反対運動への法の適用を示唆するような発言があった。
Such abuse of the law by politicians is exactly what we fear.
懸念されるのは、まさにそうした政治や行政による乱用である。
For the law to fully serve its intended purpose of eliminating all racial and ethnic discrimination, its non-arbitrary and appropriate enforcement must be guaranteed. And thorough discussion is also needed on how to monitor the enforcement of this law.
人種や民族に対する差別行為をなくす本来の目的のために、恣意（しい）的でない的確な運用をいかに担保するか。その監視のあり方も十分論議すべきだ。
2016年04月27日
ハンセン病 司法の差別、決着せぬ
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 26
EDITORIAL: Doubts remain after top court apologizes for leprosy trials
（社説）ハンセン病 司法の差別、決着せぬ
The Supreme Court has officially admitted it made a serious mistake by allowing lower courts to hold criminal and other trials for leprosy patients outside regular courtrooms. But the mea culpa from the top court, which is regarded as the “bastion of human rights,” doesn’t answer key constitutional questions.
「人権の砦（とりで）」たる最高裁として、これで問題が決着したといえるのだろうか。
The Supreme Court on April 25 officially apologized to former leprosy patients and other people who suffered from this practice, saying it “deeply regrets having degraded the personalities and dignity of the patients and apologizes.”
ハンセン病患者の裁判がかつて、隔離された「特別法廷」で開かれていたことをめぐり、最高裁はきのう、元患者らに「患者の人格と尊厳を傷つけたことを深く反省し、お詫（わ）びする」と謝罪した。
The top court acknowledged that its approvals of the special separate trials for leprosy sufferers were discriminatory in nature and violated the court organization law.
裁判を隔離した判断のあり方は差別的だった疑いが強く、裁判所法に違反すると認めた。
It is extremely unusual for the nation’s highest court to admit having made a misjudgment concerning judicial procedures and offering such an apology. It took a step in the right direction by examining the issue.
最高裁が司法手続き上の判断の誤りを認めて謝罪するのは極めて異例であり、検証作業をしたこと自体は評価できるだろう。
However, the key question in this controversy was the constitutionality of the policy. The top court concluded that the “special trials” didn’t violate the constitutional principle of open trials.
だが、注目された違憲性の判断に関しては、憲法上の「裁判の公開」の原則には反しない、と結論づけた。
The Supreme Court should ask itself whether this conclusion is acceptable to former patients and their families who suffered from discrimination and prejudices against leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease.
果たしてハンセン病への差別や偏見に苦しめられてきた元患者や家族に受け入れられる判断だろうか。
The opinions of the court’s expert panel on the issue, released at the same time, raised two important constitutional questions.
同時に公表された最高裁の有識者委員会の意見は、憲法上の二つの点で疑問を突きつけている。
First, the panel said there is no denying that the special trials for leprosy patients violated the constitutional principle of equality under the law. Secondly, the panel argued that it is hard not to suspect that the policy also violated the constitutional principle of public trials.
まず、法の下の平等に照らして特別法廷は「違反していたといわざるを得ない」と断じている。さらに裁判の公開原則についても「違憲の疑いは、なおぬぐいきれない」とした。
In 2005, an independent inquiry panel set up by the health ministry had already pointed out similar constitutional questions concerning the practice.
すでに０５年、厚生労働省が設けた検証会議も、同様の憲法上の問題点を指摘していた。
It is difficult to claim that the Supreme Court’s conclusion, issued after many years of failing to respond to the criticism, offers convincing, straightforward answers to these questions.
それを長く放置してきた最高裁が出した今回の判断は、たび重なる指摘に正面から答えたとは言いがたい。
The health ministry’s panel referred to a controversial murder trial of a man from Kumamoto Prefecture who was said to have leprosy. In this case, known as the “Kikuchi Incident,” the defendant was eventually executed despite claiming his innocence.
検証会議はこの時、ハンセン病患者とされた熊本県の男性が殺人罪に問われ、無実を訴えながら死刑執行された「菊池事件」にも言及していた。
The ministry panel said the man had effectively been tried in a closed-door proceeding.
男性が裁かれた特別法廷について、「いわば『非公開』の状態で進行した」と指摘していた。
The Supreme Court started looking into this issue after it received a demand for an examination of the legitimacy of the special trials. The demand came from lawyers and former leprosy patients who were seeking a retrial for the Kumamoto man.
事件の再審を求める弁護団や元患者らが、特別法廷の正当性の検討を最高裁に求めて始まったのが今回の検証だった。
Unsurprisingly, an organization of former leprosy patients involved in this campaign has denounced the top court’s failure to acknowledge the unconstitutionality of the practice. The organization said it strongly demands that the court “sincerely admit its own mistake.”
それだけに元患者団体は「自らの誤りを真摯（しんし）に認めることを強く求める」と、違憲性を認めなかったことに反発している。
In its probe into the matter, the Supreme Court avoided making any judgment about individual cases on the grounds of the independence of judges.
今回の最高裁の検証では、「裁判官の独立」を理由に、個別の事件の判断は避けられた。
But flawed judicial procedures could cast doubts on the appropriateness of the trials themselves.
だが、手続きに問題があれば、裁判そのものに疑いが生じかねない。
The top court should have scrutinized individual cases for possible relief for victims and restoration of their honor.
本来なら個別事件も検証し、被害救済や名誉回復まで考慮すべきだろう。
The judiciary should seriously consider any request for a retrial from a victim of the system.
今後、再審請求があれば、裁判所は真剣に対応すべきだ。
The challenge facing the Japanese judiciary is how to use the results of the investigation to promote efforts to eliminate discrimination and prejudices from society.
差別や偏見のない社会に少しでも近づけるために、今回の検証をどう役立てるのか。
The Supreme Court should move beyond this apology and continue performing its responsibility to tackle this challenge.
謝罪を超え、最高裁はさらにその責任を負い続けなくてはならない。
EDITORIAL: Doubts remain after top court apologizes for leprosy trials
（社説）ハンセン病 司法の差別、決着せぬ
The Supreme Court has officially admitted it made a serious mistake by allowing lower courts to hold criminal and other trials for leprosy patients outside regular courtrooms. But the mea culpa from the top court, which is regarded as the “bastion of human rights,” doesn’t answer key constitutional questions.
「人権の砦（とりで）」たる最高裁として、これで問題が決着したといえるのだろうか。
The Supreme Court on April 25 officially apologized to former leprosy patients and other people who suffered from this practice, saying it “deeply regrets having degraded the personalities and dignity of the patients and apologizes.”
ハンセン病患者の裁判がかつて、隔離された「特別法廷」で開かれていたことをめぐり、最高裁はきのう、元患者らに「患者の人格と尊厳を傷つけたことを深く反省し、お詫（わ）びする」と謝罪した。
The top court acknowledged that its approvals of the special separate trials for leprosy sufferers were discriminatory in nature and violated the court organization law.
裁判を隔離した判断のあり方は差別的だった疑いが強く、裁判所法に違反すると認めた。
It is extremely unusual for the nation’s highest court to admit having made a misjudgment concerning judicial procedures and offering such an apology. It took a step in the right direction by examining the issue.
最高裁が司法手続き上の判断の誤りを認めて謝罪するのは極めて異例であり、検証作業をしたこと自体は評価できるだろう。
However, the key question in this controversy was the constitutionality of the policy. The top court concluded that the “special trials” didn’t violate the constitutional principle of open trials.
だが、注目された違憲性の判断に関しては、憲法上の「裁判の公開」の原則には反しない、と結論づけた。
The Supreme Court should ask itself whether this conclusion is acceptable to former patients and their families who suffered from discrimination and prejudices against leprosy, also known as Hansen’s disease.
果たしてハンセン病への差別や偏見に苦しめられてきた元患者や家族に受け入れられる判断だろうか。
The opinions of the court’s expert panel on the issue, released at the same time, raised two important constitutional questions.
同時に公表された最高裁の有識者委員会の意見は、憲法上の二つの点で疑問を突きつけている。
First, the panel said there is no denying that the special trials for leprosy patients violated the constitutional principle of equality under the law. Secondly, the panel argued that it is hard not to suspect that the policy also violated the constitutional principle of public trials.
まず、法の下の平等に照らして特別法廷は「違反していたといわざるを得ない」と断じている。さらに裁判の公開原則についても「違憲の疑いは、なおぬぐいきれない」とした。
In 2005, an independent inquiry panel set up by the health ministry had already pointed out similar constitutional questions concerning the practice.
すでに０５年、厚生労働省が設けた検証会議も、同様の憲法上の問題点を指摘していた。
It is difficult to claim that the Supreme Court’s conclusion, issued after many years of failing to respond to the criticism, offers convincing, straightforward answers to these questions.
それを長く放置してきた最高裁が出した今回の判断は、たび重なる指摘に正面から答えたとは言いがたい。
The health ministry’s panel referred to a controversial murder trial of a man from Kumamoto Prefecture who was said to have leprosy. In this case, known as the “Kikuchi Incident,” the defendant was eventually executed despite claiming his innocence.
検証会議はこの時、ハンセン病患者とされた熊本県の男性が殺人罪に問われ、無実を訴えながら死刑執行された「菊池事件」にも言及していた。
The ministry panel said the man had effectively been tried in a closed-door proceeding.
男性が裁かれた特別法廷について、「いわば『非公開』の状態で進行した」と指摘していた。
The Supreme Court started looking into this issue after it received a demand for an examination of the legitimacy of the special trials. The demand came from lawyers and former leprosy patients who were seeking a retrial for the Kumamoto man.
事件の再審を求める弁護団や元患者らが、特別法廷の正当性の検討を最高裁に求めて始まったのが今回の検証だった。
Unsurprisingly, an organization of former leprosy patients involved in this campaign has denounced the top court’s failure to acknowledge the unconstitutionality of the practice. The organization said it strongly demands that the court “sincerely admit its own mistake.”
それだけに元患者団体は「自らの誤りを真摯（しんし）に認めることを強く求める」と、違憲性を認めなかったことに反発している。
In its probe into the matter, the Supreme Court avoided making any judgment about individual cases on the grounds of the independence of judges.
今回の最高裁の検証では、「裁判官の独立」を理由に、個別の事件の判断は避けられた。
But flawed judicial procedures could cast doubts on the appropriateness of the trials themselves.
だが、手続きに問題があれば、裁判そのものに疑いが生じかねない。
The top court should have scrutinized individual cases for possible relief for victims and restoration of their honor.
本来なら個別事件も検証し、被害救済や名誉回復まで考慮すべきだろう。
The judiciary should seriously consider any request for a retrial from a victim of the system.
今後、再審請求があれば、裁判所は真剣に対応すべきだ。
The challenge facing the Japanese judiciary is how to use the results of the investigation to promote efforts to eliminate discrimination and prejudices from society.
差別や偏見のない社会に少しでも近づけるために、今回の検証をどう役立てるのか。
The Supreme Court should move beyond this apology and continue performing its responsibility to tackle this challenge.
謝罪を超え、最高裁はさらにその責任を負い続けなくてはならない。
2016年04月26日
震災避難 障害者への支援確保を
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 24
EDITORIAL: Improved system needed to assist disabled people in disasters
（社説）震災避難 障害者への支援確保を
Many people with disabilities have been unable to enter crucially important evacuation shelters in areas hit hard by the recent succession of earthquakes in Kumamoto and other prefectures.
熊本県を中心に続く震災で、命をつなぐはずの避難所に入れない障害者が続出している。
“I was told that people on wheelchairs are not allowed because the hall has bumps on the floor,” one of them said.
「ホールに段差があり、車いすの人は入れないと断られた」
“I got no information from anywhere, so I spent nights in a car for a week,” said another.
「どこからも情報が来ず、１週間、車中泊を続けた」
“Welfare evacuation shelters” were supposed to be set up for people with disabilities and elderly people, who would find it difficult to live in evacuation shelters for the general public.
一般の避難所では生活が難しい障害者や高齢者には、「福祉避難所」が用意されるはずだった。
Welfare evacuation shelters refer to schools, welfare facilities and other institutions that have signed agreements with municipal governments in preparation for a possible disaster.
災害に備えて、あらかじめ市区町村と協定を結んだ学校や福祉施設などである。
But the system failed in the face of the real earthquake disaster.
だが、震災の現実の前には、うまく機能しなかった。
Some 35,000 people in Kumamoto, the capital of Kumamoto Prefecture, are registered as “persons requiring support,” who were expected to need help in evacuating from a disaster.
熊本市では、避難の際に手助けが要る「要支援者」の名簿に登録された人は約３万５千人いる。
While 176 institutions had signed agreements to serve as welfare evacuation shelters, the number of institutions that actually accepted people in need was slow to grow.
これに対し、福祉避難所の協定をもつ施設は１７６あったが、実際に受け入れる施設はなかなか増えなかった。
Some of the institutions were short-staffed because care providers became quake victims themselves. Some of the buildings were destroyed, and water supply was cut.
ケアする人が被災して人手不足だったり、建物が壊れて水道も止まったりと、施設の環境が整わなかった事情がある。
After volunteer workers were recruited, 33 welfare evacuation shelters were opened by April 22. But only 80-odd people have entered those shelters. Officials at one shelter have complained that all they can do is to provide space because they cannot afford to provide assistance.
ボランティアを募り、２２日までにやっと３３カ所が開設した。だが入所者は８０人超どまり。介助の余裕がなく場所の提供しかできない、と嘆く施設もある。
People with disabilities and others who remain out of welfare evacuation shelters may face serious difficulties from the prolonged consequences of the earthquake disaster. Checking for their safety has turned out to be more difficult than initially expected.
福祉避難所に入れない障害者らにとって、長引く震災は深刻な生活苦をもたらす。安否確認も思うように進まなかった。
Given the situation, Kumamoto Gakuen University has been drawing attention for its activities. The university in Kumamoto city has made its presence felt by accepting up to 60 or so people who are disabled or elderly.
こうした中、熊本市の熊本学園大の活動が注目されている。最大６０人ほどの障害者や高齢者を受け入れ、存在感を示す。
Initially, the university only had its athletic field designated as a wide-area evacuation ground. As local residents began to assemble on its campus amid the succession of powerful earthquakes, however, the university decided to let local inhabitants use four of its classrooms.
もともとはグラウンドが広域避難場所に指定されていただけだったが、相次ぐ強震で住民が集まり始めたため、４教室を住民に開放した。
It also designated a grand hall in one of its buildings for exclusive use by "persons requiring support." University officials have arranged a framework, whereby certified care workers with connections to the university and volunteering students are available 24 hours a day to watch those evacuees who require support.
さらに校舎内の大ホールを要支援者専用にし、大学関係の介護福祉士や学生ボランティアらが２４時間、避難者を見守る態勢をつくった。
The law on the elimination of disability discrimination, which took effect this month, says public institutions are obliged to “provide reasonable accommodation.” They are supposed to respond, to a reasonable extent, to the requests of disabled people to eliminate social barriers.
Kumamoto Gakuen University’s undertaking is a pioneering attempt at fleshing out the spirit of that law.
今月施行された障害者差別解消法は、「合理的配慮の提供」を公的機関の義務と定めている。障害者から社会的な障壁を取り除く要請があれば、無理ない範囲で対応する。その精神を実現する先駆的な試みだ。
Two professors at the university, who were involved in opening the evacuation shelter, have worked with groups of disabled people and their supporters to set up a “center for people with disabilities in disaster areas.”
避難所づくりに携わった同大の教授２人は障害者・支援者団体と協力して「被災地障害者センター」も設けた。
Instead of bringing disabled people together in a single evacuation shelter, the center will serve as a hub for providing appropriate information to people with disabilities in different areas, and will continue to give them necessary support until they can return to their previous lifestyles.
一つの避難所に集約するのではなく、各地の障害者に適切な情報を提供する拠点となり、元の生活に戻るまで必要な支援を続ける。
Close to 80,000 people continue to live in evacuation following the Kumamoto earthquakes. And it is never easy for people with disabilities to live the same way as people without disabilities.
避難者は今も８万人近い。その中で障害者らは、健常者と同じように暮らすのは難しい。
In normal times, we should prepare mechanisms, for example, to use the list of “persons requiring support” to determine their safety status in emergencies and to allow welfare institutions to dispatch staff members to each other on a broader regional scale.
要支援者名簿をもとに安否を確認する仕組みや、広域で福祉施設同士が職員を派遣し合う枠組みなどを平時から準備したい。
Doing so would be one way to prepare for the next disaster, which could hit any part of Japan.
日本中どこで起きるかわからない「次の災害」に備えて。
EDITORIAL: Improved system needed to assist disabled people in disasters
（社説）震災避難 障害者への支援確保を
Many people with disabilities have been unable to enter crucially important evacuation shelters in areas hit hard by the recent succession of earthquakes in Kumamoto and other prefectures.
熊本県を中心に続く震災で、命をつなぐはずの避難所に入れない障害者が続出している。
“I was told that people on wheelchairs are not allowed because the hall has bumps on the floor,” one of them said.
「ホールに段差があり、車いすの人は入れないと断られた」
“I got no information from anywhere, so I spent nights in a car for a week,” said another.
「どこからも情報が来ず、１週間、車中泊を続けた」
“Welfare evacuation shelters” were supposed to be set up for people with disabilities and elderly people, who would find it difficult to live in evacuation shelters for the general public.
一般の避難所では生活が難しい障害者や高齢者には、「福祉避難所」が用意されるはずだった。
Welfare evacuation shelters refer to schools, welfare facilities and other institutions that have signed agreements with municipal governments in preparation for a possible disaster.
災害に備えて、あらかじめ市区町村と協定を結んだ学校や福祉施設などである。
But the system failed in the face of the real earthquake disaster.
だが、震災の現実の前には、うまく機能しなかった。
Some 35,000 people in Kumamoto, the capital of Kumamoto Prefecture, are registered as “persons requiring support,” who were expected to need help in evacuating from a disaster.
熊本市では、避難の際に手助けが要る「要支援者」の名簿に登録された人は約３万５千人いる。
While 176 institutions had signed agreements to serve as welfare evacuation shelters, the number of institutions that actually accepted people in need was slow to grow.
これに対し、福祉避難所の協定をもつ施設は１７６あったが、実際に受け入れる施設はなかなか増えなかった。
Some of the institutions were short-staffed because care providers became quake victims themselves. Some of the buildings were destroyed, and water supply was cut.
ケアする人が被災して人手不足だったり、建物が壊れて水道も止まったりと、施設の環境が整わなかった事情がある。
After volunteer workers were recruited, 33 welfare evacuation shelters were opened by April 22. But only 80-odd people have entered those shelters. Officials at one shelter have complained that all they can do is to provide space because they cannot afford to provide assistance.
ボランティアを募り、２２日までにやっと３３カ所が開設した。だが入所者は８０人超どまり。介助の余裕がなく場所の提供しかできない、と嘆く施設もある。
People with disabilities and others who remain out of welfare evacuation shelters may face serious difficulties from the prolonged consequences of the earthquake disaster. Checking for their safety has turned out to be more difficult than initially expected.
福祉避難所に入れない障害者らにとって、長引く震災は深刻な生活苦をもたらす。安否確認も思うように進まなかった。
Given the situation, Kumamoto Gakuen University has been drawing attention for its activities. The university in Kumamoto city has made its presence felt by accepting up to 60 or so people who are disabled or elderly.
こうした中、熊本市の熊本学園大の活動が注目されている。最大６０人ほどの障害者や高齢者を受け入れ、存在感を示す。
Initially, the university only had its athletic field designated as a wide-area evacuation ground. As local residents began to assemble on its campus amid the succession of powerful earthquakes, however, the university decided to let local inhabitants use four of its classrooms.
もともとはグラウンドが広域避難場所に指定されていただけだったが、相次ぐ強震で住民が集まり始めたため、４教室を住民に開放した。
It also designated a grand hall in one of its buildings for exclusive use by "persons requiring support." University officials have arranged a framework, whereby certified care workers with connections to the university and volunteering students are available 24 hours a day to watch those evacuees who require support.
さらに校舎内の大ホールを要支援者専用にし、大学関係の介護福祉士や学生ボランティアらが２４時間、避難者を見守る態勢をつくった。
The law on the elimination of disability discrimination, which took effect this month, says public institutions are obliged to “provide reasonable accommodation.” They are supposed to respond, to a reasonable extent, to the requests of disabled people to eliminate social barriers.
Kumamoto Gakuen University’s undertaking is a pioneering attempt at fleshing out the spirit of that law.
今月施行された障害者差別解消法は、「合理的配慮の提供」を公的機関の義務と定めている。障害者から社会的な障壁を取り除く要請があれば、無理ない範囲で対応する。その精神を実現する先駆的な試みだ。
Two professors at the university, who were involved in opening the evacuation shelter, have worked with groups of disabled people and their supporters to set up a “center for people with disabilities in disaster areas.”
避難所づくりに携わった同大の教授２人は障害者・支援者団体と協力して「被災地障害者センター」も設けた。
Instead of bringing disabled people together in a single evacuation shelter, the center will serve as a hub for providing appropriate information to people with disabilities in different areas, and will continue to give them necessary support until they can return to their previous lifestyles.
一つの避難所に集約するのではなく、各地の障害者に適切な情報を提供する拠点となり、元の生活に戻るまで必要な支援を続ける。
Close to 80,000 people continue to live in evacuation following the Kumamoto earthquakes. And it is never easy for people with disabilities to live the same way as people without disabilities.
避難者は今も８万人近い。その中で障害者らは、健常者と同じように暮らすのは難しい。
In normal times, we should prepare mechanisms, for example, to use the list of “persons requiring support” to determine their safety status in emergencies and to allow welfare institutions to dispatch staff members to each other on a broader regional scale.
要支援者名簿をもとに安否を確認する仕組みや、広域で福祉施設同士が職員を派遣し合う枠組みなどを平時から準備したい。
Doing so would be one way to prepare for the next disaster, which could hit any part of Japan.
日本中どこで起きるかわからない「次の災害」に備えて。