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2016年04月25日
原発４０年規制 早くも骨抜きなのか
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 21
EDITORIAL: 40-year rule for nuclear reactors on verge of being a dead letter
（社説）原発４０年規制 早くも骨抜きなのか
The 40-year lifespan for nuclear reactors, established after the catastrophic accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011, is now in danger of being watered down to irrelevance.
The rule requires the decommissioning of aging reactors, starting with the oldest, for a gradual, carefully controlled process of phasing out nuclear power generation in this country.
古い原発は廃炉とし、計画的に原発の数を減らしていく――東京電力福島第一原発事故への反省から決めたルールが、早くも骨抜きになろうとしている。
The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) on April 20 formally decided that the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.’s Takahama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture, which have been in service for over 40 years, meet new nuclear safety standards introduced after the devastating 2011 accident.
原子力規制委員会は、運転開始から４０年を超えた関西電力高浜原発１、２号機（福井県）について、新規制基準を満たしていると正式に決めた。
This is the first license renewal for a reactor that has been in operation for more than four decades under the new standards.
新基準のもとで４０年超の老朽原発の運転延長が認められるのは初めてだ。
If they pass the remaining regulatory inspections concerning technical details by the July deadline, the reactors will likely continue to generate electricity for two more decades.
残る細かい審査を７月の期限までに終えれば、あと２０年、運転が続く公算が大きい。
The 40-year lifespan provision was introduced through a revision to the law after the Fukushima disaster.
「４０年ルール」は福島での事故後、法律を改正して導入された。
Just one service life extension of up to 20 years is allowed, but only as an “extremely exceptional” measure.
「１回だけ、最長２０年間」と定められた運転延長は「極めて例外的」と位置づけられた。
This exception was made to avoid a shortage of electricity. But concerns about any serious power crunch have virtually dissipated thanks to a marked rise in levels of power and energy conservation in society.
あえて例外を設けたのは電力不足に備えるためだったが、節電や省エネの定着で懸念は解消していると言っていい。
The NRA’s formal decision to extend the life of the two aging reactors came amid a series of earthquakes rocking central Kyushu around Kumamoto Prefecture which have been described by the Japan Meteorological Agency as “a deviation from the rules extracted from past experiences.”
おりしも熊本県を中心に「今までの経験則からはずれている」（気象庁）という地震が続く。
Many Japanese are concerned that the quakes could affect Kyushu Electric Power’s Sendai nuclear plant in neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture. The NRA’s decision to grant an exception to the rule so quickly could have the effect of relaxing the safety standards and deepening public distrust of the government’s nuclear regulation.
隣の鹿児島県で運転中の九州電力川内原発に影響が及ばないか、不安を感じている国民は少なくない。いきなり例外を認め、規制のたがを緩めるような対応は、原発行政への不信を高めるだけではないか。
The Abe administration is leaving all licensing decisions on individual reactors entirely to the NRA. But it has mapped out a long-term energy supply plan based on the assumption that the service life of reactors will be extended.
安倍政権は個別原発の可否の判断を規制委に丸投げしつつ、運転延長を前提にしたエネルギー計画を立てた。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who repeatedly pledged to lower Japan’s dependence on nuclear power as much as possible, has been changing his stance little by little without announcing any clear policy shift.
「原発依存度を可能な限り低減する」と繰り返していた首相は、なしくずしに方針を転換してきた。
The NRA’s mission is to enhance the safety of nuclear plants from a scientific viewpoint.
But the way the nuclear watchdog assessed the safety of the reactors at the Takahama plant has raised questions about its appropriateness. The NRA has, for instance, allowed Kansai Electric Power to delay required quake resistance tests.
規制委は、あくまで科学的見地から原発の安全性を高めることが役割だが、今回の審査では耐震性の試験を後回しにすることを関電に認めるなど、手順に疑問が残る。
If it has scheduled its assessment work in a way to ensure that the July deadline will be met, the agency has got its priorities completely wrong.
７月の審査期限をにらんだスケジュールありきだったとすれば、まさに本末転倒である。
A troubling situation is now emerging where decisions on whether to decommission specific reactors are effectively left to the utilities that operate them. As a result, these decisions are being based primarily on whether extending the life of the reactors will pay.
結局、廃炉にするかどうかの実質的な判断は電力会社に委ねられ、運転延長が採算に合うかどうかという観点から決まるという状況になりつつある。
Operating many nuclear reactors in Japan, a small country with a large population that is highly prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters, inevitably entails a large risk.
狭い国土に多くの人が住み、地震など自然災害も多い日本で、多くの原発を抱えていくリスクは大きい。
This grim reality was the starting point for the reform of the nuclear power policy prompted by the Fukushima accident.
福島での事故を経て、そこが原子力行政見直しの出発点だったはずだ。
If the government sticks to the policy of maintaining nuclear power generation, the burden on society, including the costs of disposing of nuclear waste, could increase over the long term.
原発を維持する政策をとり続ければ、廃棄物の処理などで長期的には国民負担も増えかねない。
There is a clear global trend toward raising energy self-sufficiency through efforts to develop renewable energy sources.
エネルギー自給率は再生エネルギーの育成で高めようというのが世界の大勢だ。
A transition period may be necessary. But the only policy that makes sense is to shut down reactors steadily over a period of years.
移行期間は必要だとしても、着実に原発を閉じていく政策にこそ合理性があろう。
The 40-year rule is one of the key principles of this policy. The government should remember this fact.
４０年規制はそのための柱の一つである。そのことを思い起こすべきだ。
EDITORIAL: 40-year rule for nuclear reactors on verge of being a dead letter
（社説）原発４０年規制 早くも骨抜きなのか
The 40-year lifespan for nuclear reactors, established after the catastrophic accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant in 2011, is now in danger of being watered down to irrelevance.
The rule requires the decommissioning of aging reactors, starting with the oldest, for a gradual, carefully controlled process of phasing out nuclear power generation in this country.
古い原発は廃炉とし、計画的に原発の数を減らしていく――東京電力福島第一原発事故への反省から決めたルールが、早くも骨抜きになろうとしている。
The Nuclear Regulation Authority (NRA) on April 20 formally decided that the No. 1 and No. 2 reactors at Kansai Electric Power Co.’s Takahama nuclear power plant in Fukui Prefecture, which have been in service for over 40 years, meet new nuclear safety standards introduced after the devastating 2011 accident.
原子力規制委員会は、運転開始から４０年を超えた関西電力高浜原発１、２号機（福井県）について、新規制基準を満たしていると正式に決めた。
This is the first license renewal for a reactor that has been in operation for more than four decades under the new standards.
新基準のもとで４０年超の老朽原発の運転延長が認められるのは初めてだ。
If they pass the remaining regulatory inspections concerning technical details by the July deadline, the reactors will likely continue to generate electricity for two more decades.
残る細かい審査を７月の期限までに終えれば、あと２０年、運転が続く公算が大きい。
The 40-year lifespan provision was introduced through a revision to the law after the Fukushima disaster.
「４０年ルール」は福島での事故後、法律を改正して導入された。
Just one service life extension of up to 20 years is allowed, but only as an “extremely exceptional” measure.
「１回だけ、最長２０年間」と定められた運転延長は「極めて例外的」と位置づけられた。
This exception was made to avoid a shortage of electricity. But concerns about any serious power crunch have virtually dissipated thanks to a marked rise in levels of power and energy conservation in society.
あえて例外を設けたのは電力不足に備えるためだったが、節電や省エネの定着で懸念は解消していると言っていい。
The NRA’s formal decision to extend the life of the two aging reactors came amid a series of earthquakes rocking central Kyushu around Kumamoto Prefecture which have been described by the Japan Meteorological Agency as “a deviation from the rules extracted from past experiences.”
おりしも熊本県を中心に「今までの経験則からはずれている」（気象庁）という地震が続く。
Many Japanese are concerned that the quakes could affect Kyushu Electric Power’s Sendai nuclear plant in neighboring Kagoshima Prefecture. The NRA’s decision to grant an exception to the rule so quickly could have the effect of relaxing the safety standards and deepening public distrust of the government’s nuclear regulation.
隣の鹿児島県で運転中の九州電力川内原発に影響が及ばないか、不安を感じている国民は少なくない。いきなり例外を認め、規制のたがを緩めるような対応は、原発行政への不信を高めるだけではないか。
The Abe administration is leaving all licensing decisions on individual reactors entirely to the NRA. But it has mapped out a long-term energy supply plan based on the assumption that the service life of reactors will be extended.
安倍政権は個別原発の可否の判断を規制委に丸投げしつつ、運転延長を前提にしたエネルギー計画を立てた。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, who repeatedly pledged to lower Japan’s dependence on nuclear power as much as possible, has been changing his stance little by little without announcing any clear policy shift.
「原発依存度を可能な限り低減する」と繰り返していた首相は、なしくずしに方針を転換してきた。
The NRA’s mission is to enhance the safety of nuclear plants from a scientific viewpoint.
But the way the nuclear watchdog assessed the safety of the reactors at the Takahama plant has raised questions about its appropriateness. The NRA has, for instance, allowed Kansai Electric Power to delay required quake resistance tests.
規制委は、あくまで科学的見地から原発の安全性を高めることが役割だが、今回の審査では耐震性の試験を後回しにすることを関電に認めるなど、手順に疑問が残る。
If it has scheduled its assessment work in a way to ensure that the July deadline will be met, the agency has got its priorities completely wrong.
７月の審査期限をにらんだスケジュールありきだったとすれば、まさに本末転倒である。
A troubling situation is now emerging where decisions on whether to decommission specific reactors are effectively left to the utilities that operate them. As a result, these decisions are being based primarily on whether extending the life of the reactors will pay.
結局、廃炉にするかどうかの実質的な判断は電力会社に委ねられ、運転延長が採算に合うかどうかという観点から決まるという状況になりつつある。
Operating many nuclear reactors in Japan, a small country with a large population that is highly prone to earthquakes and other natural disasters, inevitably entails a large risk.
狭い国土に多くの人が住み、地震など自然災害も多い日本で、多くの原発を抱えていくリスクは大きい。
This grim reality was the starting point for the reform of the nuclear power policy prompted by the Fukushima accident.
福島での事故を経て、そこが原子力行政見直しの出発点だったはずだ。
If the government sticks to the policy of maintaining nuclear power generation, the burden on society, including the costs of disposing of nuclear waste, could increase over the long term.
原発を維持する政策をとり続ければ、廃棄物の処理などで長期的には国民負担も増えかねない。
There is a clear global trend toward raising energy self-sufficiency through efforts to develop renewable energy sources.
エネルギー自給率は再生エネルギーの育成で高めようというのが世界の大勢だ。
A transition period may be necessary. But the only policy that makes sense is to shut down reactors steadily over a period of years.
移行期間は必要だとしても、着実に原発を閉じていく政策にこそ合理性があろう。
The 40-year rule is one of the key principles of this policy. The government should remember this fact.
４０年規制はそのための柱の一つである。そのことを思い起こすべきだ。
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2016年04月24日
自衛隊熊本支援 オスプレイの活用は効果的だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Osprey aircraft prove valuable in earthquake relief operations
自衛隊熊本支援 オスプレイの活用は効果的だ
The Self-Defense Forces have mobilized more than 20,000 personnel to carry out rescue and relief operations for victims of the Kumamoto Earthquake.
熊本地震で、自衛隊が２万人以上を動員し、被災者の救助・支援活動を展開している。
The operations are difficult, and rescuers face dangers from secondary disasters such as aftershocks and landslides caused by heavy rains. But we know they will make their utmost efforts as they engage in the operations.
余震や大雨による土砂崩れなど二次災害の危険が伴う困難な任務だが、全力で取り組んでもらいたい。
The Defense Ministry has set up a joint task force of the Air, Ground and Maritime Self-Defense Forces. The task force is based at the GSDF’s Western Army Headquarters in Kumamoto. About 120 aircraft, mainly helicopters, and 10 transport and other vessels have been dispatched to the task force.
防衛省は、陸海空３自衛隊の統合部隊を編成した。熊本市の陸自西部方面総監部に司令部を置き、ヘリコプターなど約１２０機、輸送艦など約１０隻も派遣した。
The SDF personnel engage in such activities as searching for missing people, transporting the sick and injured and providing meals and water. SDF personnel are transporting food and daily necessities directly to evacuation centers and other locations to cover the lack of manpower at local governments.
不明者の捜索や、患者の輸送、給食・給水などに従事している。食料や生活物資の輸送では、被災自治体の要員不足を補うため、避難所などへの直接搬送も担う。
The SDF is a self-sustaining organization, providing its own food, clothing and shelter. Due to lessons learned from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the SDF has enhanced telecommunication and other equipment and strengthened cooperation with local governments through disaster-response drills.
自衛隊は、衣食住を自力で賄える自己完結型組織だ。東日本大震災の教訓を踏まえ、通信機器などを充実させ、防災訓練を通じて自治体との連携も強化してきた。
In the wake of the latest disaster, the SDF dispatched liaison personnel to relevant local governments, including the Kumamoto and Oita prefectural governments, and this action has facilitated the relief operation. To prevent duplication of efforts with local governments and police, proper sharing of tasks is crucial.
今回、熊本、大分両県など関係自治体に連絡調整要員を派遣したことで、支援活動を円滑にしている。自治体や警察などとの業務の重複を避けるためには、適切な役割分担が欠かせない。
U.S. cooperation appreciated
We would like to acknowledge the unreserved cooperation of U.S. forces, which follows Operation Tomodachi in the wake of the 2011 Tohoku disaster.
東日本大震災時の「トモダチ作戦」に続き、米軍が全面的に協力していることに感謝したい。
Based on the Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines − which were renewed in April last year − the SDF and the U.S. forces have set up a joint coordination center at the SDF’s task headquarters. The coordination center is now serving as the control tower of rescue operations.
昨年４月策定の新たな日米防衛協力指針（ガイドライン）に基づき、統合部隊司令部に設置された自衛隊と在日米軍の共同調整所が司令塔となっている。
The U.S. forces dispatched four Osprey transport aircraft belonging to Futenma Air Station. The Ospreys shuttled back and forth to carry drinking water, food, blankets, portable toilets and other supplies to Kumamoto Prefecture’s Minami-Aso, a village isolated due to the collapse of a national highway, playing a very important role in sustaining the daily lives of many evacuees.
米軍は、普天間飛行場所属の輸送機オスプレイ４機を投入した。国道の崩落で孤立した熊本県南阿蘇村に飲料水・食料、毛布、簡易トイレなどをピストン輸送し、多くの被災者の生活を維持するうえで、重要な役割を果たした。
Compared to conventional transport helicopters, the Osprey has great superiority in its maximum speed, payload and range. Also, it has been pointed out that the Osprey’s ability to operate in mountainous areas because of its ability to take off and land vertically makes it useful for disaster response.
オスプレイは、従来の輸送ヘリより最大速度、搭載量、航続距離のいずれも大幅に優れている。垂直離着陸の機能を有し、山間部でも対応可能なため、かねて災害派遣に有効と指摘されていた。
The opposition parties have criticized the use of Ospreys in relief operations − an act totally incomprehensible. Saying there are concerns over the safety of the aircraft, former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi of the Democratic Party (Minshinto) said: “People who are taking refuge are worried. We thank the U.S. Forces for their cooperation, but we want them to stop.”
理解できないのは、野党内に、オスプレイ活用に批判があることだ。民進党の原口一博・元総務相は安全性に懸念があるとして「避難している皆さんも不安に思っている。米軍の協力はありがたいが、やめてほしい」と発言した。
However, the risk of serious accidents involving the Osprey is lower than that of other U.S. military aircraft. It has a successful track record in relief operations after a typhoon in the Philippines and the recent earthquake in Nepal. If Ospreys had not been used for the latest earthquake, provision of supplies could have been stalled, creating greater anxiety for the disaster victims.
だが、他の米軍機に比べても重大事故率は低く、フィリピンの大型台風やネパール地震で支援実績もある。活用しなければ、物資供給が滞り、被災者のより大きな不安を招いたのではないか。
The Ground Self-Defense Force plans to introduce 17 Ospreys by fiscal 2018 to be based in Saga Airport. The conjecture that the use of Ospreys in the Kumamoto relief operation may have been an effort to smooth the way for the Saga deployment should be rejected.
陸自も２０１８年度までに、オスプレイ１７機を導入する予定で、佐賀空港への配備を目指す。その受け入れの地ならしではないかとの臆測も否定しておきたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 23, 2016)
Osprey aircraft prove valuable in earthquake relief operations
自衛隊熊本支援 オスプレイの活用は効果的だ
The Self-Defense Forces have mobilized more than 20,000 personnel to carry out rescue and relief operations for victims of the Kumamoto Earthquake.
熊本地震で、自衛隊が２万人以上を動員し、被災者の救助・支援活動を展開している。
The operations are difficult, and rescuers face dangers from secondary disasters such as aftershocks and landslides caused by heavy rains. But we know they will make their utmost efforts as they engage in the operations.
余震や大雨による土砂崩れなど二次災害の危険が伴う困難な任務だが、全力で取り組んでもらいたい。
The Defense Ministry has set up a joint task force of the Air, Ground and Maritime Self-Defense Forces. The task force is based at the GSDF’s Western Army Headquarters in Kumamoto. About 120 aircraft, mainly helicopters, and 10 transport and other vessels have been dispatched to the task force.
防衛省は、陸海空３自衛隊の統合部隊を編成した。熊本市の陸自西部方面総監部に司令部を置き、ヘリコプターなど約１２０機、輸送艦など約１０隻も派遣した。
The SDF personnel engage in such activities as searching for missing people, transporting the sick and injured and providing meals and water. SDF personnel are transporting food and daily necessities directly to evacuation centers and other locations to cover the lack of manpower at local governments.
不明者の捜索や、患者の輸送、給食・給水などに従事している。食料や生活物資の輸送では、被災自治体の要員不足を補うため、避難所などへの直接搬送も担う。
The SDF is a self-sustaining organization, providing its own food, clothing and shelter. Due to lessons learned from the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the SDF has enhanced telecommunication and other equipment and strengthened cooperation with local governments through disaster-response drills.
自衛隊は、衣食住を自力で賄える自己完結型組織だ。東日本大震災の教訓を踏まえ、通信機器などを充実させ、防災訓練を通じて自治体との連携も強化してきた。
In the wake of the latest disaster, the SDF dispatched liaison personnel to relevant local governments, including the Kumamoto and Oita prefectural governments, and this action has facilitated the relief operation. To prevent duplication of efforts with local governments and police, proper sharing of tasks is crucial.
今回、熊本、大分両県など関係自治体に連絡調整要員を派遣したことで、支援活動を円滑にしている。自治体や警察などとの業務の重複を避けるためには、適切な役割分担が欠かせない。
U.S. cooperation appreciated
We would like to acknowledge the unreserved cooperation of U.S. forces, which follows Operation Tomodachi in the wake of the 2011 Tohoku disaster.
東日本大震災時の「トモダチ作戦」に続き、米軍が全面的に協力していることに感謝したい。
Based on the Japan-U.S. Defense Cooperation Guidelines − which were renewed in April last year − the SDF and the U.S. forces have set up a joint coordination center at the SDF’s task headquarters. The coordination center is now serving as the control tower of rescue operations.
昨年４月策定の新たな日米防衛協力指針（ガイドライン）に基づき、統合部隊司令部に設置された自衛隊と在日米軍の共同調整所が司令塔となっている。
The U.S. forces dispatched four Osprey transport aircraft belonging to Futenma Air Station. The Ospreys shuttled back and forth to carry drinking water, food, blankets, portable toilets and other supplies to Kumamoto Prefecture’s Minami-Aso, a village isolated due to the collapse of a national highway, playing a very important role in sustaining the daily lives of many evacuees.
米軍は、普天間飛行場所属の輸送機オスプレイ４機を投入した。国道の崩落で孤立した熊本県南阿蘇村に飲料水・食料、毛布、簡易トイレなどをピストン輸送し、多くの被災者の生活を維持するうえで、重要な役割を果たした。
Compared to conventional transport helicopters, the Osprey has great superiority in its maximum speed, payload and range. Also, it has been pointed out that the Osprey’s ability to operate in mountainous areas because of its ability to take off and land vertically makes it useful for disaster response.
オスプレイは、従来の輸送ヘリより最大速度、搭載量、航続距離のいずれも大幅に優れている。垂直離着陸の機能を有し、山間部でも対応可能なため、かねて災害派遣に有効と指摘されていた。
The opposition parties have criticized the use of Ospreys in relief operations − an act totally incomprehensible. Saying there are concerns over the safety of the aircraft, former Internal Affairs and Communications Minister Kazuhiro Haraguchi of the Democratic Party (Minshinto) said: “People who are taking refuge are worried. We thank the U.S. Forces for their cooperation, but we want them to stop.”
理解できないのは、野党内に、オスプレイ活用に批判があることだ。民進党の原口一博・元総務相は安全性に懸念があるとして「避難している皆さんも不安に思っている。米軍の協力はありがたいが、やめてほしい」と発言した。
However, the risk of serious accidents involving the Osprey is lower than that of other U.S. military aircraft. It has a successful track record in relief operations after a typhoon in the Philippines and the recent earthquake in Nepal. If Ospreys had not been used for the latest earthquake, provision of supplies could have been stalled, creating greater anxiety for the disaster victims.
だが、他の米軍機に比べても重大事故率は低く、フィリピンの大型台風やネパール地震で支援実績もある。活用しなければ、物資供給が滞り、被災者のより大きな不安を招いたのではないか。
The Ground Self-Defense Force plans to introduce 17 Ospreys by fiscal 2018 to be based in Saga Airport. The conjecture that the use of Ospreys in the Kumamoto relief operation may have been an effort to smooth the way for the Saga deployment should be rejected.
陸自も２０１８年度までに、オスプレイ１７機を導入する予定で、佐賀空港への配備を目指す。その受け入れの地ならしではないかとの臆測も否定しておきたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 23, 2016)
2016年04月23日
戦没者遺骨収集 遺族の思いを汲んで速やかに
The Yomiuri Shimbun
As families wait, expedite efforts to retrieve remains of war dead
戦没者遺骨収集 遺族の思いを汲んで速やかに
Seventy years have passed since World War II ended, and the families of Japan’s war dead are growing older. Efforts to find and retrieve remains of those who died in countries far from home must be accelerated.
終戦から７０年を経て、戦没者の遺族の高齢化が進む。異郷の地で死亡した戦没者の遺骨収集を急ぎたい。
This month, a law to promote collection of the remains of the war dead came into force. The law’s main points are that it clearly positions retrieval of these remains as “the responsibility of the state,” and sets a nine-year period starting from this fiscal year as an intensive implemen-tation period for government efforts to find and repatriate remains.
戦没者遺骨収集推進法が今月、施行された。遺骨収集を「国の責務」と明確に位置づけ、今年度からの９年間を集中実施期間としたのが主眼だ。
The law requires the government to collect remains systematically and effectively. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry set aside \2.1 billion from this fiscal year’s budget to cover costs associated with this undertaking.
推進法は、計画的かつ効果的な収集を政府に求めている。厚生労働省は、収集事業費として今年度予算に２１億円を計上した。
Returning remains to Japan has not progressed as well as hoped. Of 2.4 million Japanese who died on foreign battlefields or in Siberian internment camps after the war, the remains of 1.13 million still rest at sites overseas. In the past 10 years, the government has collected only 28,000 sets of remains.
遺骨の帰還は、思うように進んでいない。海外の戦地やシベリア抑留で死亡した２４０万人のうち、１１３万人の遺骨は、いまだに現地に残されたままだ。政府がこの１０年間で収集した遺骨は、２万８０００柱にとどまる。
Many people are dissatisfied with the ministry’s efforts, saying they are “not well planned.”
厚労省の取り組みに対しては、「計画性を欠いている」といった不満も少なくない。
The law was passed as legislation was proposed by lawmakers cooperating across party lines. We applaud the fact that the law promotes attempts to make up for the inadequacy revealed in efforts to date. We hope putting the law into effect will add momentum to the collection of remains.
推進法は超党派の議員立法で成立した。これまでの不十分だった点を補うよう促していることは評価できる。施行を収集に弾みをつける契機にしたい。
Bumps in the road
An especially important element of the law is the stipulation that greater efforts will be made to study documents stored at public records offices and other facilities overseas to collect information regarding where Japanese war dead are buried. It is clear that the conventional method of relying on the memories and other information provided by fellow soldiers has its limits.
推進法で特に重要なのは、埋葬地の情報を収集するため、海外の公文書館などで文献調査を進めるよう定めたことだ。戦友の記憶などに頼る従来の手法では、限界があるのは明らかだ。
Spelling out that the health, labor and welfare minister will work closely with the foreign minister and other ministers to ensure smooth progress in negotiations with governments of nations where remains lie is also an appropriate measure.
現地政府との折衝を円滑に進めるため、厚労相が外相らと連携するよう規定したのも、妥当な措置だと言えよう。
In 2011, it was revealed that remains collected in the Philippines by a nonprofit organization commissioned by the welfare ministry had been mixed with remains of people other than Japanese soldiers.
厚労省から委託を受けたＮＰＯ法人がフィリピンで収集した多数の遺骨の中に、旧日本兵以外のものが混じっていたことが、２０１１年に判明した。
Reflecting on this, the new law says the government will designate a public corporation as a task force to handle collection of the remains. The new corporation is scheduled to be set up by people involved in groups for families of the war dead. The welfare ministry will establish an expert panel to check progress in these activities.
この反省から、推進法には、収集にあたる公的法人を政府が指定し、実動部隊とすることも盛り込まれた。新法人は遺族団体の関係者らによって設立される予定だ。厚労省は、活動状況をチェックする有識者会議を設置する。
The government will soon settle on a basic plan encompassing these specific policies, and will launch it this fiscal year. The new structure must function effectively.
政府は、これらの具体策を網羅した基本計画を近く策定し、今年度中に始動させる。新たな体制を有効に機能させねばならない。
Many problems remain unaddressed. Because DNA examinations are essential for identifying remains, the government is working on a database of samples that can be tested. We hope a system in which these samples can be smoothly compared with DNA provided by relatives will quickly be put in place.
課題もある。遺骨の身元特定には、ＤＮＡ鑑定が不可欠なため、政府は、鑑定可能な検体のデータベース化を進める。遺族のＤＮＡとスムーズに照合できる仕組みの構築を急ぎたい。
About 230,000 sets of remains still lie in China, where remains cannot be collected because anti-Japan sentiment has hampered this operation, and North Korea, a nation with which Japan does not have diplomatic relations. At present, there is no timeframe for when remains might be collected from these countries.
対日感情が障害となって収集ができない中国や、国交のない北朝鮮には、２３万柱が眠る。現時点で収集の見通しは立っていない。
Families are ardently waiting for remains to be returned home. With their feelings in mind, we request that every possible effort be made to realize their wishes.
遺骨が手元に戻ることを待ち望む遺族の思いを汲くみ、可能な限りの取り組みを求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 22, 2016)
As families wait, expedite efforts to retrieve remains of war dead
戦没者遺骨収集 遺族の思いを汲んで速やかに
Seventy years have passed since World War II ended, and the families of Japan’s war dead are growing older. Efforts to find and retrieve remains of those who died in countries far from home must be accelerated.
終戦から７０年を経て、戦没者の遺族の高齢化が進む。異郷の地で死亡した戦没者の遺骨収集を急ぎたい。
This month, a law to promote collection of the remains of the war dead came into force. The law’s main points are that it clearly positions retrieval of these remains as “the responsibility of the state,” and sets a nine-year period starting from this fiscal year as an intensive implemen-tation period for government efforts to find and repatriate remains.
戦没者遺骨収集推進法が今月、施行された。遺骨収集を「国の責務」と明確に位置づけ、今年度からの９年間を集中実施期間としたのが主眼だ。
The law requires the government to collect remains systematically and effectively. The Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry set aside \2.1 billion from this fiscal year’s budget to cover costs associated with this undertaking.
推進法は、計画的かつ効果的な収集を政府に求めている。厚生労働省は、収集事業費として今年度予算に２１億円を計上した。
Returning remains to Japan has not progressed as well as hoped. Of 2.4 million Japanese who died on foreign battlefields or in Siberian internment camps after the war, the remains of 1.13 million still rest at sites overseas. In the past 10 years, the government has collected only 28,000 sets of remains.
遺骨の帰還は、思うように進んでいない。海外の戦地やシベリア抑留で死亡した２４０万人のうち、１１３万人の遺骨は、いまだに現地に残されたままだ。政府がこの１０年間で収集した遺骨は、２万８０００柱にとどまる。
Many people are dissatisfied with the ministry’s efforts, saying they are “not well planned.”
厚労省の取り組みに対しては、「計画性を欠いている」といった不満も少なくない。
The law was passed as legislation was proposed by lawmakers cooperating across party lines. We applaud the fact that the law promotes attempts to make up for the inadequacy revealed in efforts to date. We hope putting the law into effect will add momentum to the collection of remains.
推進法は超党派の議員立法で成立した。これまでの不十分だった点を補うよう促していることは評価できる。施行を収集に弾みをつける契機にしたい。
Bumps in the road
An especially important element of the law is the stipulation that greater efforts will be made to study documents stored at public records offices and other facilities overseas to collect information regarding where Japanese war dead are buried. It is clear that the conventional method of relying on the memories and other information provided by fellow soldiers has its limits.
推進法で特に重要なのは、埋葬地の情報を収集するため、海外の公文書館などで文献調査を進めるよう定めたことだ。戦友の記憶などに頼る従来の手法では、限界があるのは明らかだ。
Spelling out that the health, labor and welfare minister will work closely with the foreign minister and other ministers to ensure smooth progress in negotiations with governments of nations where remains lie is also an appropriate measure.
現地政府との折衝を円滑に進めるため、厚労相が外相らと連携するよう規定したのも、妥当な措置だと言えよう。
In 2011, it was revealed that remains collected in the Philippines by a nonprofit organization commissioned by the welfare ministry had been mixed with remains of people other than Japanese soldiers.
厚労省から委託を受けたＮＰＯ法人がフィリピンで収集した多数の遺骨の中に、旧日本兵以外のものが混じっていたことが、２０１１年に判明した。
Reflecting on this, the new law says the government will designate a public corporation as a task force to handle collection of the remains. The new corporation is scheduled to be set up by people involved in groups for families of the war dead. The welfare ministry will establish an expert panel to check progress in these activities.
この反省から、推進法には、収集にあたる公的法人を政府が指定し、実動部隊とすることも盛り込まれた。新法人は遺族団体の関係者らによって設立される予定だ。厚労省は、活動状況をチェックする有識者会議を設置する。
The government will soon settle on a basic plan encompassing these specific policies, and will launch it this fiscal year. The new structure must function effectively.
政府は、これらの具体策を網羅した基本計画を近く策定し、今年度中に始動させる。新たな体制を有効に機能させねばならない。
Many problems remain unaddressed. Because DNA examinations are essential for identifying remains, the government is working on a database of samples that can be tested. We hope a system in which these samples can be smoothly compared with DNA provided by relatives will quickly be put in place.
課題もある。遺骨の身元特定には、ＤＮＡ鑑定が不可欠なため、政府は、鑑定可能な検体のデータベース化を進める。遺族のＤＮＡとスムーズに照合できる仕組みの構築を急ぎたい。
About 230,000 sets of remains still lie in China, where remains cannot be collected because anti-Japan sentiment has hampered this operation, and North Korea, a nation with which Japan does not have diplomatic relations. At present, there is no timeframe for when remains might be collected from these countries.
対日感情が障害となって収集ができない中国や、国交のない北朝鮮には、２３万柱が眠る。現時点で収集の見通しは立っていない。
Families are ardently waiting for remains to be returned home. With their feelings in mind, we request that every possible effort be made to realize their wishes.
遺骨が手元に戻ることを待ち望む遺族の思いを汲くみ、可能な限りの取り組みを求めたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 22, 2016)
2016年04月22日
新幹線脱線 地震対策の総点検を
--The Asahi Shimbun, April 21
EDITORIAL: Kyushu quake exposes potential safety problem for Shinkansen
（社説）新幹線脱線 地震対策の総点検を
The powerful earthquake in Kyushu has exposed a potential weakness of Japan’s reputed Shinkansen technology by disrupting operations of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line.
熊本地震は九州新幹線を直撃した。
An out-of-service bullet train carrying no passengers derailed about 1.3 kilometers south of JR Kumamoto Station following the earthquake that rocked southern Japan on April 14.
Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu) has also found damaged Shinkansen facilities at about 150 locations, including cracks in elevated bridges and fallen parts of noise-blocking walls.
熊本市内で回送列車が脱線したほか、高架橋の亀裂や防音壁の落下といった損傷が約１５０カ所にのぼった。
JR Kyushu on April 20 resumed operations on a section of the Shinkansen line between Shin-Minamata Station in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kagoshima-Chuo Station in Kagoshima Prefecture. But there is no telling when the company can restart operations on the remaining northern portion from Shin-Minamata Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka.
鹿児島中央―新水俣間はきのう運転を再開したが、博多までの全線が復旧するめどは立たない。
This is the third derailment caused by an earthquake in the Shinkansen’s history of over half a century, following one in 2004 caused by the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake and one in 2011 triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
半世紀を超す新幹線の歴史で、地震による脱線は０４年の新潟県中越地震と１１年の東日本大震災に続いて３回目になる。
The Kyushu Shinkansen train ran off the rails after the nighttime April 14 quake, which measured a maximum 7 on the Japanese intensity scale in Mashiki.
今回脱線したのは、最大震度７の地震が起きた１４日夜だ。
The violent shaking derailed all six cars of the train, which was running at a speed of around 80 kph. Fortunately, no passengers were on the train, and the driver was not injured.
時速８０キロ程度で走っていた列車が揺れに見舞われ、全６両が脱線した。幸い乗客はおらず、運転士にもけがはなかった。
If the train were carrying passengers at a higher speed, however, it could have been a major disaster.
もし高速で営業運転中だったら、大惨事になっていた恐れもある。
Safety should be the absolute top priority for Shinkansen operations, which carry large number of passengers at very high speeds.
多数の乗客を高速で運ぶ新幹線の安全確保は、とりわけ重要だ。
The derailment should prompt all JR companies offering Shinkansen services to make sweeping reviews of their bullet train systems and operations to secure greater safety.
ＪＲ各社はこれを機に過去の対策を総点検し、いっそうの安全向上をめざすべきだ。
Shinkansen lines are equipped with a system to detect preliminary tremors and stop the trains. However, as the Kumamoto accident shows, this system doesn’t work when earthquakes occur close to the lines.
新幹線には地震の初期微動を検知して列車を止めるシステムがある。しかし、今回のように震源が近い直下型地震では間に合わない。
Since this problem was exposed by the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake, JR companies have been taking steps to prevent quakes from causing derailments.
その限界があらわになった中越地震の後、各社は地震で揺れても脱線を防ぐ装置の整備に力を注いできた。
JR Kyushu has been working to install “derailment prevention guards” for 55 km of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line, or slightly over 10 percent of both the inbound and outbound bullet train lines.
ＪＲ九州は、九州新幹線の上下線の１割超にあたる５５キロに「脱線防止ガード」を敷く計画を進めてきた。
The guard is designed to prevent the wheels from veering off the track by sandwiching them with the rail. The company has already installed the guards on 48 km of the planned sections.
ガードとレールで車輪を挟んで脱線を防ぐ仕組みで、４８キロは設置済みだ。
The project covers sections in areas over active faults. But the accident site was not covered.
活断層があって激しい揺れが予想される区間を対象としているが、熊本の脱線現場は含まれていなかったという。
JR companies have made their own decisions on which sections of their Shinkansen lines should be protected by anti-derailment guards. Their decisions are based on estimates of the risks of severe quakes.
ガードをどの区間に整備するかは、地震の危険度を踏まえ、各社が独自に判断してきた。
Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) decided to install the guards for 596 km, or 60 percent, of the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. The company has already finished work for 360 km under the project.
ＪＲ東海は東海道新幹線の６割の５９６キロで整備を計画し、うち３６０キロは工事を終えた。
On the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, operated by West Japan Railway Co. (JR West), the protection guards had been installed on 110 km as of the end of last year. JR West plans to extend the protected sections by another 110 km.
山陽新幹線では昨年末までに１１０キロのガードが敷かれ、ＪＲ西日本はあと１１０キロ延長する予定だ。
East Japan Railway Co. and Hokkaido Railway Co. are installing different types of anti-derailment systems on their Shinkansen lines.
ＪＲ東日本と北海道も、形式が異なる脱線防止装置の設置を進めている。
The Kumamoto earthquake underscores the risk of a huge destructive force occurring at unexpected locations directly below urban areas.
熊本の地震は、思わぬ場所で起きる直下型地震の怖さを示した。
The JR companies should seek opinions of experts to reassess the effectiveness of their current plans to protect their Shinkansen lines from such quakes.
今の整備計画で大丈夫か。専門家の意見を聞くなど、いま一度確かめる必要がある。
Derailment prevention systems are costly, requiring hundreds of millions of yen per kilometer. In addition, work to install such systems can only be done around midnight when the service is off.
But the JR companies should try to figure out ways to implement their plans ahead of schedule.
脱線防止装置の設置には１キロあたり億単位の金がかかる。深夜しか工事ができない制約もあるが、できる限り整備を前倒しすることも検討してほしい。
The 2011 earthquake damaged poles supporting overhead electric lines beside the tracks.
東日本大震災では線路脇の架線柱が損壊した。
This time, a chimney of a plant located along the Shinkansen line fell and blocked the rails.
今回も沿線の工場の煙突が倒れ、新幹線の線路をふさいだ。
Giant quakes always create unexpected problems. All we can do is glean all possible lessons from each big quake and make steady efforts to enhance safety.
大地震は常に新たな「想定外」を突き付けてくる。教訓を引き出し、安全網を着実に強めていくしかない。
EDITORIAL: Kyushu quake exposes potential safety problem for Shinkansen
（社説）新幹線脱線 地震対策の総点検を
The powerful earthquake in Kyushu has exposed a potential weakness of Japan’s reputed Shinkansen technology by disrupting operations of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line.
熊本地震は九州新幹線を直撃した。
An out-of-service bullet train carrying no passengers derailed about 1.3 kilometers south of JR Kumamoto Station following the earthquake that rocked southern Japan on April 14.
Kyushu Railway Co. (JR Kyushu) has also found damaged Shinkansen facilities at about 150 locations, including cracks in elevated bridges and fallen parts of noise-blocking walls.
熊本市内で回送列車が脱線したほか、高架橋の亀裂や防音壁の落下といった損傷が約１５０カ所にのぼった。
JR Kyushu on April 20 resumed operations on a section of the Shinkansen line between Shin-Minamata Station in Kumamoto Prefecture and Kagoshima-Chuo Station in Kagoshima Prefecture. But there is no telling when the company can restart operations on the remaining northern portion from Shin-Minamata Station to Hakata Station in Fukuoka.
鹿児島中央―新水俣間はきのう運転を再開したが、博多までの全線が復旧するめどは立たない。
This is the third derailment caused by an earthquake in the Shinkansen’s history of over half a century, following one in 2004 caused by the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake and one in 2011 triggered by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
半世紀を超す新幹線の歴史で、地震による脱線は０４年の新潟県中越地震と１１年の東日本大震災に続いて３回目になる。
The Kyushu Shinkansen train ran off the rails after the nighttime April 14 quake, which measured a maximum 7 on the Japanese intensity scale in Mashiki.
今回脱線したのは、最大震度７の地震が起きた１４日夜だ。
The violent shaking derailed all six cars of the train, which was running at a speed of around 80 kph. Fortunately, no passengers were on the train, and the driver was not injured.
時速８０キロ程度で走っていた列車が揺れに見舞われ、全６両が脱線した。幸い乗客はおらず、運転士にもけがはなかった。
If the train were carrying passengers at a higher speed, however, it could have been a major disaster.
もし高速で営業運転中だったら、大惨事になっていた恐れもある。
Safety should be the absolute top priority for Shinkansen operations, which carry large number of passengers at very high speeds.
多数の乗客を高速で運ぶ新幹線の安全確保は、とりわけ重要だ。
The derailment should prompt all JR companies offering Shinkansen services to make sweeping reviews of their bullet train systems and operations to secure greater safety.
ＪＲ各社はこれを機に過去の対策を総点検し、いっそうの安全向上をめざすべきだ。
Shinkansen lines are equipped with a system to detect preliminary tremors and stop the trains. However, as the Kumamoto accident shows, this system doesn’t work when earthquakes occur close to the lines.
新幹線には地震の初期微動を検知して列車を止めるシステムがある。しかし、今回のように震源が近い直下型地震では間に合わない。
Since this problem was exposed by the Niigata Chuetsu Earthquake, JR companies have been taking steps to prevent quakes from causing derailments.
その限界があらわになった中越地震の後、各社は地震で揺れても脱線を防ぐ装置の整備に力を注いできた。
JR Kyushu has been working to install “derailment prevention guards” for 55 km of the Kyushu Shinkansen Line, or slightly over 10 percent of both the inbound and outbound bullet train lines.
ＪＲ九州は、九州新幹線の上下線の１割超にあたる５５キロに「脱線防止ガード」を敷く計画を進めてきた。
The guard is designed to prevent the wheels from veering off the track by sandwiching them with the rail. The company has already installed the guards on 48 km of the planned sections.
ガードとレールで車輪を挟んで脱線を防ぐ仕組みで、４８キロは設置済みだ。
The project covers sections in areas over active faults. But the accident site was not covered.
活断層があって激しい揺れが予想される区間を対象としているが、熊本の脱線現場は含まれていなかったという。
JR companies have made their own decisions on which sections of their Shinkansen lines should be protected by anti-derailment guards. Their decisions are based on estimates of the risks of severe quakes.
ガードをどの区間に整備するかは、地震の危険度を踏まえ、各社が独自に判断してきた。
Central Japan Railway (JR Tokai) decided to install the guards for 596 km, or 60 percent, of the Tokaido Shinkansen Line. The company has already finished work for 360 km under the project.
ＪＲ東海は東海道新幹線の６割の５９６キロで整備を計画し、うち３６０キロは工事を終えた。
On the Sanyo Shinkansen Line, operated by West Japan Railway Co. (JR West), the protection guards had been installed on 110 km as of the end of last year. JR West plans to extend the protected sections by another 110 km.
山陽新幹線では昨年末までに１１０キロのガードが敷かれ、ＪＲ西日本はあと１１０キロ延長する予定だ。
East Japan Railway Co. and Hokkaido Railway Co. are installing different types of anti-derailment systems on their Shinkansen lines.
ＪＲ東日本と北海道も、形式が異なる脱線防止装置の設置を進めている。
The Kumamoto earthquake underscores the risk of a huge destructive force occurring at unexpected locations directly below urban areas.
熊本の地震は、思わぬ場所で起きる直下型地震の怖さを示した。
The JR companies should seek opinions of experts to reassess the effectiveness of their current plans to protect their Shinkansen lines from such quakes.
今の整備計画で大丈夫か。専門家の意見を聞くなど、いま一度確かめる必要がある。
Derailment prevention systems are costly, requiring hundreds of millions of yen per kilometer. In addition, work to install such systems can only be done around midnight when the service is off.
But the JR companies should try to figure out ways to implement their plans ahead of schedule.
脱線防止装置の設置には１キロあたり億単位の金がかかる。深夜しか工事ができない制約もあるが、できる限り整備を前倒しすることも検討してほしい。
The 2011 earthquake damaged poles supporting overhead electric lines beside the tracks.
東日本大震災では線路脇の架線柱が損壊した。
This time, a chimney of a plant located along the Shinkansen line fell and blocked the rails.
今回も沿線の工場の煙突が倒れ、新幹線の線路をふさいだ。
Giant quakes always create unexpected problems. All we can do is glean all possible lessons from each big quake and make steady efforts to enhance safety.
大地震は常に新たな「想定外」を突き付けてくる。教訓を引き出し、安全網を着実に強めていくしかない。
2016年04月21日
香山リカのココロの万華鏡 :差別は心を破壊する ／東京
April 17, 2016 (Mainichi Japan)
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Discrimination destroys the heart
香山リカのココロの万華鏡 :差別は心を破壊する ／東京
Rika Kayama (Mainichi)
Japan's ruling parties have submitted a bill to the current Diet session aiming to eliminate hate speech. On the Ministry of Justice's website, hate speech is defined as "discriminatory language and actions that reject the people of a particular ethnic group or nationality." Saying, "I don't like that person because they are mean," is simple badmouthing, but saying, "Get out of Japan, people of (such-and-such a country)" or, "The people of (such-and-such an ethnic group) are inferior" is hate speech.
ヘイトスピーチの解消に向けた与党の法案が、今国会に提出された。法務省のホームページでは、ヘイトスピーチについて「特定の民族や国籍の人々を排斥する差別的言動」とある。「あの人は意地悪だからきらい」はただの悪口だが「○○国の人はみな日本から出て行け」とか「○○民族は劣っている」などはヘイトスピーチにあたる。
Unfortunately, in recent years this kind of speech has been dispersed not only over the Internet, but on Japan's streets.
残念ながら近年、ネットだけでなく公道でこういったヘイトスピーチがばらまかれるようになった。
Hate speech is a problem around the world, but Japan has lagged in responding to the issue. The ruling parties are now rising up to legislate measures against hate speech, and I'm all for celebrating this.
ヘイトスピーチは世界の各国で問題になっているが、日本では対策が遅れていた。それがこのほど与党も法制化に立ち上がったのだ。それは素直に喜びたい。
However, I still have worries. Under the ruling parties' bill, hate speech is considered "improper, discriminatory language and behavior that encourage the removal of people born in countries or territories outside Japan who are living lawfully." Of course language and actions falling under this definition are unforgivable, but hate speech in Japan is not only directed at "people born in countries or territories outside Japan."
しかし、まだ心配が残っている。与党の法案ではこの法律の対象になるのは「日本以外の国または地域の出身者で適法に居住するものを、排除することを扇動する不当な差別的言動」ということになっている。これがヘイトスピーチの定義ということだ。もちろんこういった言動は許されない。ただ、国内のヘイトスピーチは「日本以外の国の出身者」にのみ向けられているわけではない。
For example, as someone from Hokkaido, I immediately think of the Ainu. The Ainu continue to be discriminated against in both employment and marriage, and it is not uncommon for them to be forced into an economically difficult lifestyle. Furthermore, lately there has been an increase in heartless comments directed at the Ainu, particularly online. There are even people who deny their existence, saying, "The Ainu people don't exist anymore."
たとえば、北海道出身の私にとっては、アイヌのことがすぐ思い浮かぶ。アイヌはいまだに就職や結婚で差別され、経済的に苦しい生活を強いられていることも少なくない。しかも最近はネットを中心に、アイヌに対してさらに心ない差別的な言葉が投げかけられるようになった。「アイヌ民族なんてもういない」とその存在を否定する人までいる。
Under the ruling parties' bill, the Ainu, who are Japan-born Japanese nationals, are not considered targets of hate speech. The bill is to be debated in the House of Councillors from here on, but I hope it can somehow be expanded to include "discrimination against any ethnic group or race."
それが今回の与党案の定義では、日本生まれの日本人であるアイヌ民族はヘイトスピーチ対策の対象になっていないのだ。法案は参議院でこれから審議されるようだが、なんとか「あらゆる民族や人種への差別」と対象が広がらないだろうか。
Regardless, how can people say things like "get out" or "get lost" to their fellow humans in the first place? Why are the completely natural ideas that "discrimination is bad" and "everyone has human rights" no longer being followed? It's a shame that we must make a law to stop this, but since hate speech is actually being used widely, legal restrictions are unavoidable.
それにしても、どうして自分と同じ人間に「出て行け」「消えろ」などと言うことができるのか。「差別はいけない」「誰にも人権がある」というごくあたりまえのことが、なぜ通用しない世の中になってしまったのか。それをやめさせるためにわざわざ法律を作らなければならない、というのも情けない話だが、実際にヘイトスピーチが蔓延（まんえん）しているからにはやむを得ないだろう。
I have also had a patient come to my consultation room who was emotionally hurt by seeing a rally involving hate speech. I want people to remember that discrimination destroys the heart.
診察室にも、ヘイトスピーチのデモを目撃して心に傷を負った人がやって来たことがある。差別は人の心を破壊する、ということを忘れないでほしい。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
（精神科医）
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: Discrimination destroys the heart
香山リカのココロの万華鏡 :差別は心を破壊する ／東京
Rika Kayama (Mainichi)
Japan's ruling parties have submitted a bill to the current Diet session aiming to eliminate hate speech. On the Ministry of Justice's website, hate speech is defined as "discriminatory language and actions that reject the people of a particular ethnic group or nationality." Saying, "I don't like that person because they are mean," is simple badmouthing, but saying, "Get out of Japan, people of (such-and-such a country)" or, "The people of (such-and-such an ethnic group) are inferior" is hate speech.
ヘイトスピーチの解消に向けた与党の法案が、今国会に提出された。法務省のホームページでは、ヘイトスピーチについて「特定の民族や国籍の人々を排斥する差別的言動」とある。「あの人は意地悪だからきらい」はただの悪口だが「○○国の人はみな日本から出て行け」とか「○○民族は劣っている」などはヘイトスピーチにあたる。
Unfortunately, in recent years this kind of speech has been dispersed not only over the Internet, but on Japan's streets.
残念ながら近年、ネットだけでなく公道でこういったヘイトスピーチがばらまかれるようになった。
Hate speech is a problem around the world, but Japan has lagged in responding to the issue. The ruling parties are now rising up to legislate measures against hate speech, and I'm all for celebrating this.
ヘイトスピーチは世界の各国で問題になっているが、日本では対策が遅れていた。それがこのほど与党も法制化に立ち上がったのだ。それは素直に喜びたい。
However, I still have worries. Under the ruling parties' bill, hate speech is considered "improper, discriminatory language and behavior that encourage the removal of people born in countries or territories outside Japan who are living lawfully." Of course language and actions falling under this definition are unforgivable, but hate speech in Japan is not only directed at "people born in countries or territories outside Japan."
しかし、まだ心配が残っている。与党の法案ではこの法律の対象になるのは「日本以外の国または地域の出身者で適法に居住するものを、排除することを扇動する不当な差別的言動」ということになっている。これがヘイトスピーチの定義ということだ。もちろんこういった言動は許されない。ただ、国内のヘイトスピーチは「日本以外の国の出身者」にのみ向けられているわけではない。
For example, as someone from Hokkaido, I immediately think of the Ainu. The Ainu continue to be discriminated against in both employment and marriage, and it is not uncommon for them to be forced into an economically difficult lifestyle. Furthermore, lately there has been an increase in heartless comments directed at the Ainu, particularly online. There are even people who deny their existence, saying, "The Ainu people don't exist anymore."
たとえば、北海道出身の私にとっては、アイヌのことがすぐ思い浮かぶ。アイヌはいまだに就職や結婚で差別され、経済的に苦しい生活を強いられていることも少なくない。しかも最近はネットを中心に、アイヌに対してさらに心ない差別的な言葉が投げかけられるようになった。「アイヌ民族なんてもういない」とその存在を否定する人までいる。
Under the ruling parties' bill, the Ainu, who are Japan-born Japanese nationals, are not considered targets of hate speech. The bill is to be debated in the House of Councillors from here on, but I hope it can somehow be expanded to include "discrimination against any ethnic group or race."
それが今回の与党案の定義では、日本生まれの日本人であるアイヌ民族はヘイトスピーチ対策の対象になっていないのだ。法案は参議院でこれから審議されるようだが、なんとか「あらゆる民族や人種への差別」と対象が広がらないだろうか。
Regardless, how can people say things like "get out" or "get lost" to their fellow humans in the first place? Why are the completely natural ideas that "discrimination is bad" and "everyone has human rights" no longer being followed? It's a shame that we must make a law to stop this, but since hate speech is actually being used widely, legal restrictions are unavoidable.
それにしても、どうして自分と同じ人間に「出て行け」「消えろ」などと言うことができるのか。「差別はいけない」「誰にも人権がある」というごくあたりまえのことが、なぜ通用しない世の中になってしまったのか。それをやめさせるためにわざわざ法律を作らなければならない、というのも情けない話だが、実際にヘイトスピーチが蔓延（まんえん）しているからにはやむを得ないだろう。
I have also had a patient come to my consultation room who was emotionally hurt by seeing a rally involving hate speech. I want people to remember that discrimination destroys the heart.
診察室にも、ヘイトスピーチのデモを目撃して心に傷を負った人がやって来たことがある。差別は人の心を破壊する、ということを忘れないでほしい。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
（精神科医）
2016年04月20日
産油国会合不調 価格安定へ増産凍結を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Expedite freeze on oil production levels to stabilize crude prices
産油国会合不調 価格安定へ増産凍結を急げ
Oil ministers of major oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, at a meeting on Sunday put off reaching an agreement on freezing oil output levels.
サウジアラビアやロシアなど、主要産油国による石油相会合が、増産凍結の合意を見送った。
In a bid to stem the decline in crude oil prices, they had aimed to freeze oil output at January levels. As Saudi Arabia was angered by the absence of Iran, which has indicated it would increase production, the ministers put off reaching an accord.
原油価格の下落に歯止めをかけようと、生産量を今年１月の水準で据え置くことを目指していた。だが、増産方針を示しているイランの欠席にサウジが反発したため、結論が先送りされた。
They are said to continue negotiating intermittently until the next meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries scheduled in June.
６月に予定される石油輸出国機構（ＯＰＥＣ）総会まで、断続的に協議を続けるとしている。
Slumping crude oil prices not only have an adverse impact on the economies of oil-producing countries but also are risk factors for oil-consuming countries and the rest of the world.
原油価格の低迷は、産油国経済に悪影響を及ぼすだけでなく、消費国を含む世界全体のリスク要因となっている。
When combined, the crude oil output of the 18 countries that participated in the meeting accounts for half the world’s production. Major oil-producing countries must expedite their efforts in building a consensus on specific measures to stabilize oil prices, including freezing production levels.
会合に参加した１８か国の原油生産量は、世界の半分を占める。主要産油国は、増産凍結を含む価格安定の具体策について、合意形成を急がねばならない。
Following the failure by oil-rich countries to agree to freeze production levels, crude oil futures, which had been traded in the lower half of the $40 range per barrel on the U.S. market, fell further to the upper half of the $30 range.
増産凍結の見送りを受け、１バレル＝４０ドル台前半で推移していた米国の原油先物相場は、３０ドル台後半に下落した。
Fearing that further declines in crude prices may cause turmoil in financial markets, investors have taken a risk-avoidance stance, causing the yen to strengthen and stock prices to decline on the Tokyo market.
一段の原油安が金融市場の波乱要因になりかねないとして、投資家がリスク回避姿勢を強め、東京市場では円高・株安が進んだ。
For Japan, an oil-consuming country, a decline in crude oil prices would usually have a positive effect, but at the current time, the situation is different. We must not underestimate the possible negative impact on the Japanese economy when the pace of its economic recovery has been sluggish.
石油消費国の日本にとって、原油安は本来、プラスになるが、今の局面は状況が異なる。景気回復がもたつく中、日本経済に及ぼす負の影響は軽視できない。
Saudi-Iran rivalry
Oil-producing countries with tight fiscal situations may accelerate their moves to pull their oil money out of financial markets, causing stocks to plunge around the world. Such doubts and fears show signs of spreading. Strict observation of market trends in the days ahead is needed.
財政が逼迫ひっぱくした産油国が、オイルマネーを市場から引き揚げる動きを加速させ、世界的な株安を招くのではないか。そうした疑心暗鬼が広がりつつある。今後の市場動向に注意が必要だ。
Behind the failure of oil-producing countries to reach an accord is a tug-of-war for hegemony in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia, which refers to itself as the leader of Sunni Muslim nations, and Iran, a major Shiite-dominated country.
産油国が合意できなかった背景には、イスラム教スンニ派の盟主を自任するサウジと、シーア派大国のイランが繰り広げる中東の覇権争いがある。
Their confrontation has intensified as the two countries severed diplomatic ties in January following Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.
サウジがシーア派の宗教指導者を処刑したことを契機に、両国が今年１月に国交を断絶するなど、対立は激化している。
Saudi Arabia is strongly resistant to any agreement that would favor its rival Iran. Meanwhile, Iran can hardly go along with freezing output levels as the country has just begun increasing its production following the lifting in January of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries over Tehran’s nuclear development.
サウジには、敵対するイランを利する内容での決着への抵抗感が強い。イランは、核開発を巡る米欧の経済制裁を１月に解除されて増産に踏み出したばかりで、凍結には乗りにくい。
It will not be easy to untangle the complex factors that are blocking an accord on freezing oil output. The roles Russia and the United States play are important as they are major oil-producing countries outside the Middle East.
合意を阻む複雑な要因を解きほぐすのは容易ではない。中東以外の産油国であるロシアと米国の役割は重要である。
Due to falling crude prices, Russia is suffering from negative economic growth as the country has been hit by the ruble’s sharp decline and high inflation. Meanwhile, the United States has seen the profit margins of its shale oil wells fall. While taking heed of the impacts on their own economies, Russia and the United States should press Saudi Arabia and Iran to reach some kind of compromise.
原油安で、ロシアは通貨ルーブルの急落とインフレに見舞われ、マイナス成長に陥っている。米国も、シェールオイル油田の採算が悪化している。自国経済への影響にも留意して、サウジとイランに歩み寄りを促すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 19, 2016)
Expedite freeze on oil production levels to stabilize crude prices
産油国会合不調 価格安定へ増産凍結を急げ
Oil ministers of major oil-producing countries, including Saudi Arabia and Russia, at a meeting on Sunday put off reaching an agreement on freezing oil output levels.
サウジアラビアやロシアなど、主要産油国による石油相会合が、増産凍結の合意を見送った。
In a bid to stem the decline in crude oil prices, they had aimed to freeze oil output at January levels. As Saudi Arabia was angered by the absence of Iran, which has indicated it would increase production, the ministers put off reaching an accord.
原油価格の下落に歯止めをかけようと、生産量を今年１月の水準で据え置くことを目指していた。だが、増産方針を示しているイランの欠席にサウジが反発したため、結論が先送りされた。
They are said to continue negotiating intermittently until the next meeting of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries scheduled in June.
６月に予定される石油輸出国機構（ＯＰＥＣ）総会まで、断続的に協議を続けるとしている。
Slumping crude oil prices not only have an adverse impact on the economies of oil-producing countries but also are risk factors for oil-consuming countries and the rest of the world.
原油価格の低迷は、産油国経済に悪影響を及ぼすだけでなく、消費国を含む世界全体のリスク要因となっている。
When combined, the crude oil output of the 18 countries that participated in the meeting accounts for half the world’s production. Major oil-producing countries must expedite their efforts in building a consensus on specific measures to stabilize oil prices, including freezing production levels.
会合に参加した１８か国の原油生産量は、世界の半分を占める。主要産油国は、増産凍結を含む価格安定の具体策について、合意形成を急がねばならない。
Following the failure by oil-rich countries to agree to freeze production levels, crude oil futures, which had been traded in the lower half of the $40 range per barrel on the U.S. market, fell further to the upper half of the $30 range.
増産凍結の見送りを受け、１バレル＝４０ドル台前半で推移していた米国の原油先物相場は、３０ドル台後半に下落した。
Fearing that further declines in crude prices may cause turmoil in financial markets, investors have taken a risk-avoidance stance, causing the yen to strengthen and stock prices to decline on the Tokyo market.
一段の原油安が金融市場の波乱要因になりかねないとして、投資家がリスク回避姿勢を強め、東京市場では円高・株安が進んだ。
For Japan, an oil-consuming country, a decline in crude oil prices would usually have a positive effect, but at the current time, the situation is different. We must not underestimate the possible negative impact on the Japanese economy when the pace of its economic recovery has been sluggish.
石油消費国の日本にとって、原油安は本来、プラスになるが、今の局面は状況が異なる。景気回復がもたつく中、日本経済に及ぼす負の影響は軽視できない。
Saudi-Iran rivalry
Oil-producing countries with tight fiscal situations may accelerate their moves to pull their oil money out of financial markets, causing stocks to plunge around the world. Such doubts and fears show signs of spreading. Strict observation of market trends in the days ahead is needed.
財政が逼迫ひっぱくした産油国が、オイルマネーを市場から引き揚げる動きを加速させ、世界的な株安を招くのではないか。そうした疑心暗鬼が広がりつつある。今後の市場動向に注意が必要だ。
Behind the failure of oil-producing countries to reach an accord is a tug-of-war for hegemony in the Middle East between Saudi Arabia, which refers to itself as the leader of Sunni Muslim nations, and Iran, a major Shiite-dominated country.
産油国が合意できなかった背景には、イスラム教スンニ派の盟主を自任するサウジと、シーア派大国のイランが繰り広げる中東の覇権争いがある。
Their confrontation has intensified as the two countries severed diplomatic ties in January following Saudi Arabia’s execution of a prominent Shiite cleric.
サウジがシーア派の宗教指導者を処刑したことを契機に、両国が今年１月に国交を断絶するなど、対立は激化している。
Saudi Arabia is strongly resistant to any agreement that would favor its rival Iran. Meanwhile, Iran can hardly go along with freezing output levels as the country has just begun increasing its production following the lifting in January of economic sanctions imposed by the United States and European countries over Tehran’s nuclear development.
サウジには、敵対するイランを利する内容での決着への抵抗感が強い。イランは、核開発を巡る米欧の経済制裁を１月に解除されて増産に踏み出したばかりで、凍結には乗りにくい。
It will not be easy to untangle the complex factors that are blocking an accord on freezing oil output. The roles Russia and the United States play are important as they are major oil-producing countries outside the Middle East.
合意を阻む複雑な要因を解きほぐすのは容易ではない。中東以外の産油国であるロシアと米国の役割は重要である。
Due to falling crude prices, Russia is suffering from negative economic growth as the country has been hit by the ruble’s sharp decline and high inflation. Meanwhile, the United States has seen the profit margins of its shale oil wells fall. While taking heed of the impacts on their own economies, Russia and the United States should press Saudi Arabia and Iran to reach some kind of compromise.
原油安で、ロシアは通貨ルーブルの急落とインフレに見舞われ、マイナス成長に陥っている。米国も、シェールオイル油田の採算が悪化している。自国経済への影響にも留意して、サウジとイランに歩み寄りを促すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 19, 2016)
2016年04月19日
Ｇ２０と世界経済 政策協調の実効性が問われる
The Yomiuri Shimbun
To stabilize global economy, G-20 needs to strengthen coordination
Ｇ２０と世界経済 政策協調の実効性が問われる
Each country is being tested in its efforts to strengthen coordination in implementing the crucial policies needed to stabilize the global economy.
世界経済の安定へ各国に問われるのは、必要な政策の実行に向け、協調をより強める努力だ。
The Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors reiterated during a recent meeting their determination to employ all policy tools, such as fiscal and monetary policies, as well as structural reforms.
主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議が、財政・金融政策や構造改革などの政策手段を総動員する決意を改めて示した。
Expressing concern over the prospects of the world economy, a communique said, “However, growth remains modest and uneven, and downside risks and uncertainties to the global outlook persist ...”
共同声明は「成長は緩やかでばらつきがあり、下方リスクや不確実性が残っている」として、世界経済の行方に懸念を表明した。
While the financial market is becoming calmer, the G-20 reaffirmed the importance of coordination without relaxing its vigilance. We believe this is appropriate.
金融市場は落ち着きを取り戻しつつあるが、Ｇ２０が危機感を緩めず、協調の重要性を再確認したことは評価できる。
However, the G-20 is not a monolith, as the situations in each country differ.
ただ、各国それぞれの事情があり、Ｇ２０は一枚岩ではない。
While the United States pointed out the effectiveness of an agile fiscal policy, Germany remained cautious on this stance.
米国が機動的な財政政策の有効性を指摘したのに対し、ドイツは慎重な姿勢を崩さなかった。
Deflationary concerns are growing over the European economy. To prop it up, it may be effective for countries with fiscal leeway to start expanding their expenditures.
欧州経済は、デフレ懸念を強めている。景気テコ入れには、財政余力のある国が歳出拡大に踏み出すことも有力な手段となろう。
The communique also expressed the intention of avoiding competitive currency devaluation. “We reiterate that excess volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability,” it says. A similar phrase was used in the previous meeting.
声明は、通貨の切り下げ競争を回避する意向も盛り込んだ。その上で、「為替相場の過度な変動や無秩序な動きは経済・金融に悪影響を与えうる」という、前回会合と同様の表現を明記した。
Overcoming differences key
Japan deems that the legitimacy of a new dimension of monetary easing has been acknowledged, and its market intervention to deal with the rapid rise in the yen has won understanding.
日本は、異次元の金融緩和の正当性が認められ、急激な円高に市場介入などで対応することにも理解が得られたと解釈している。
Because of a possible slowdown in the pace of additional interest rate increases in the United States, there is concern that the yen may rise further in the future. At a press conference after the G-20 financial leaders meeting, Finance Minister Taro Aso stressed, “Taking necessary action against exchange rate movements is in line with the G-20 agreement.”
米国の追加利上げペースの鈍化をにらみ、今後、円高がさらに進む心配がある。Ｇ２０後の記者会見で、麻生財務相は「為替の動きに必要な対応をとることは、Ｇ２０の合意内容に沿う」と強調した。
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, however, attempted to curb Japan’s moves to guide the yen’s value lower, saying, “Despite recent yen appreciation, foreign exchange markets remain orderly.” This is because Lew is wary that the yen’s slide against the dollar could lead to a drop in U.S. exports and worsening employment.
だが、ルー米財務長官は、「最近は円高が進んでいるが、市場の秩序は保たれている」と、日本が円安誘導に動くことを牽制けんせいした。円安・ドル高が国内製造業の輸出不振や雇用悪化などを招くことを警戒しているためだ。
Unless developed countries strengthen their coordination by overcoming differences in their intentions, market stabilization will be far from certain.
先進各国が、思惑の違いを乗り越えて協調を強めなければ、市場の安定はおぼつかない。
The G-20 also hammered out a policy of strengthening measures to stop excessive tax saving. This is based on the fact that the Panama Papers, which exposed a situation in which money is being salted away in tax havens, has become a global issue.
Ｇ２０は、行き過ぎた節税への歯止め策を強化する方針も打ち出した。タックスヘイブン（租税回避地）を使った節税の実態を暴露した「パナマ文書」の流出が、国際問題化したことを踏まえた。
One cannot ignore that companies and wealthy people possessing huge assets pay too little tax, although this is not a clearly illegal act. The G-20’s direction of building an international cooperation framework to close tax loopholes is appropriate.
明確な違法行為でなくとも、巨額の資産を持つ企業や富裕層が、過少な税金しか納めない事態は放置できない。課税の抜け道を塞ぐ国際協力体制を構築しようとするＧ２０の方向性は適切である。
It is hoped the G-20 will closely exchange information and strive to craft more effective rules to also deal swiftly with new methods of avoiding taxes.
新手の税逃れ方法に迅速に対処するためにも、緊密な情報交換と、より効果的なルール作りに努めていくことが期待されよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2016)
To stabilize global economy, G-20 needs to strengthen coordination
Ｇ２０と世界経済 政策協調の実効性が問われる
Each country is being tested in its efforts to strengthen coordination in implementing the crucial policies needed to stabilize the global economy.
世界経済の安定へ各国に問われるのは、必要な政策の実行に向け、協調をより強める努力だ。
The Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors reiterated during a recent meeting their determination to employ all policy tools, such as fiscal and monetary policies, as well as structural reforms.
主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議が、財政・金融政策や構造改革などの政策手段を総動員する決意を改めて示した。
Expressing concern over the prospects of the world economy, a communique said, “However, growth remains modest and uneven, and downside risks and uncertainties to the global outlook persist ...”
共同声明は「成長は緩やかでばらつきがあり、下方リスクや不確実性が残っている」として、世界経済の行方に懸念を表明した。
While the financial market is becoming calmer, the G-20 reaffirmed the importance of coordination without relaxing its vigilance. We believe this is appropriate.
金融市場は落ち着きを取り戻しつつあるが、Ｇ２０が危機感を緩めず、協調の重要性を再確認したことは評価できる。
However, the G-20 is not a monolith, as the situations in each country differ.
ただ、各国それぞれの事情があり、Ｇ２０は一枚岩ではない。
While the United States pointed out the effectiveness of an agile fiscal policy, Germany remained cautious on this stance.
米国が機動的な財政政策の有効性を指摘したのに対し、ドイツは慎重な姿勢を崩さなかった。
Deflationary concerns are growing over the European economy. To prop it up, it may be effective for countries with fiscal leeway to start expanding their expenditures.
欧州経済は、デフレ懸念を強めている。景気テコ入れには、財政余力のある国が歳出拡大に踏み出すことも有力な手段となろう。
The communique also expressed the intention of avoiding competitive currency devaluation. “We reiterate that excess volatility and disorderly movements in exchange rates can have adverse implications for economic and financial stability,” it says. A similar phrase was used in the previous meeting.
声明は、通貨の切り下げ競争を回避する意向も盛り込んだ。その上で、「為替相場の過度な変動や無秩序な動きは経済・金融に悪影響を与えうる」という、前回会合と同様の表現を明記した。
Overcoming differences key
Japan deems that the legitimacy of a new dimension of monetary easing has been acknowledged, and its market intervention to deal with the rapid rise in the yen has won understanding.
日本は、異次元の金融緩和の正当性が認められ、急激な円高に市場介入などで対応することにも理解が得られたと解釈している。
Because of a possible slowdown in the pace of additional interest rate increases in the United States, there is concern that the yen may rise further in the future. At a press conference after the G-20 financial leaders meeting, Finance Minister Taro Aso stressed, “Taking necessary action against exchange rate movements is in line with the G-20 agreement.”
米国の追加利上げペースの鈍化をにらみ、今後、円高がさらに進む心配がある。Ｇ２０後の記者会見で、麻生財務相は「為替の動きに必要な対応をとることは、Ｇ２０の合意内容に沿う」と強調した。
U.S. Treasury Secretary Jacob Lew, however, attempted to curb Japan’s moves to guide the yen’s value lower, saying, “Despite recent yen appreciation, foreign exchange markets remain orderly.” This is because Lew is wary that the yen’s slide against the dollar could lead to a drop in U.S. exports and worsening employment.
だが、ルー米財務長官は、「最近は円高が進んでいるが、市場の秩序は保たれている」と、日本が円安誘導に動くことを牽制けんせいした。円安・ドル高が国内製造業の輸出不振や雇用悪化などを招くことを警戒しているためだ。
Unless developed countries strengthen their coordination by overcoming differences in their intentions, market stabilization will be far from certain.
先進各国が、思惑の違いを乗り越えて協調を強めなければ、市場の安定はおぼつかない。
The G-20 also hammered out a policy of strengthening measures to stop excessive tax saving. This is based on the fact that the Panama Papers, which exposed a situation in which money is being salted away in tax havens, has become a global issue.
Ｇ２０は、行き過ぎた節税への歯止め策を強化する方針も打ち出した。タックスヘイブン（租税回避地）を使った節税の実態を暴露した「パナマ文書」の流出が、国際問題化したことを踏まえた。
One cannot ignore that companies and wealthy people possessing huge assets pay too little tax, although this is not a clearly illegal act. The G-20’s direction of building an international cooperation framework to close tax loopholes is appropriate.
明確な違法行為でなくとも、巨額の資産を持つ企業や富裕層が、過少な税金しか納めない事態は放置できない。課税の抜け道を塞ぐ国際協力体制を構築しようとするＧ２０の方向性は適切である。
It is hoped the G-20 will closely exchange information and strive to craft more effective rules to also deal swiftly with new methods of avoiding taxes.
新手の税逃れ方法に迅速に対処するためにも、緊密な情報交換と、より効果的なルール作りに努めていくことが期待されよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 18, 2016)
2016年04月18日
日露外相会談 首脳往来の環境を整備したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Prepare environment to promote mutual visits between Abe, Putin
日露外相会談 首脳往来の環境を整備したい
Continuing high-level talks with Russia is essential in order to make progress on the issue of the northern territories. Persistent effort is the key.
北方領土問題の進展には、ロシアと高いレベルの対話を粘り強く続けることが欠かせない。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Tokyo on Friday. The two agreed to prepare for a summit meeting in Russia’s southern city of Sochi in early May.
岸田外相が、来日したロシアのラブロフ外相と会談し、５月上旬にロシア南部ソチで日露首脳会談を行う方向で準備を進めることで一致した。
At a joint press conference, Kishida referred to the issue of the northern territories, saying: “We had a positive discussion aimed at formulating a solution acceptable to both sides, which I believe will bring momentum to the negotiations.”
岸田氏は共同記者会見で、北方領土問題について「双方に受け入れ可能な解決策を作成すべく、交渉に弾みを与える前向きな議論が行えた」と強調した。
Lavrov responded by saying that Moscow is ready to continue dialogue with Tokyo. Compared with the stubborn attitude he showed after his September meeting with Kishida − Lavrov at that time unilaterally denied that they had even discussed the northern territories at the meeting − we can say that the Russian minister was more flexible this time.
ラブロフ氏は「対話を継続する用意がある」と応じた。昨年９月の外相会談後、領土問題を議題としたことさえ一方的に否定した硬直的な態度と比べれば、柔軟姿勢を示したと言えよう。
The atmosphere surrounding the diplomacy between Tokyo and Moscow is not bad. Since autumn, the two countries have held repeated exchanges between lawmakers as well as talks between senior government officials.
昨年秋以降は、議員交流や高官協議が続いており、日露外交の雰囲気自体は悪くない。
Russian President Vladimir Putin embraced Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s envisaged visit to Sochi. He told reporters that Japan is making efforts to maintain its relationship with Russia “despite U.S.-centered pressure.” Putin added that the two countries will be able to find middle ground on the territorial issue someday.
プーチン大統領も、「米国を中心とする圧力にもかかわらず、日本は（対露）関係を維持しようとしている」と記者団に述べ、安倍首相のソチ訪問を歓迎した。領土問題についても、「いつか妥協できる」と語っている。
Strong willpower needed
Of course, it is too early to say that Moscow has shifted to a softer approach on territorial issues.
無論、ロシアが領土問題で軟化していると見るのは早計だ。
In an interview with certain media ahead of his visit to Japan, Lavrov said the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration does not say that the territorial dispute will be discussed during negotiations on the envisioned peace treaty.
ラブロフ氏は来日前、一部メディアに対し、１９５６年の日ソ共同宣言について「平和条約交渉で領土問題を検討するとは書かれていない」などと主張した。
The remarks contradict past agreements between Japan and Russia, such as the 2001 Irkutsk Statement, which states that settling the territorial jurisdiction of the four islands off Hokkaido is a precondition to concluding a peace treaty. Lavrov’s remarks cannot be accepted. Moscow should remember that Putin himself signed the Irkutsk Statement.
４島の帰属問題の解決が条約締結の前提とした２００１年のイルクーツク声明など、過去の合意に反しており、容認できない発言だ。声明はプーチン氏自身が署名したことも踏まえるべきである。
Abe and Putin will have to have strong willpower and be decisive in resolving the territorial dispute.
領土問題の解決には、両首脳の強い意志と決断が求められる。
The tenure of both leaders ends in 2018. We urge both governments to materialize the Russian president’s visit to Japan after Abe’s trip to Russia. It is important to seek a path toward reaching an agreement on the issue by exchanging mutual visits. We urge the government to steadily and strategically prepare the way for fostering the needed environment.
２人の任期はいずれも１８年までだ。安倍首相の訪露後、プーチン氏の来日を実現し、相互往来を重ねる中で、合意の糸口を探ることが重要である。その環境整備を着実かつ戦略的に進めたい。
At the same time, it is important not to disrupt the unity of the Group of Seven developed nations.
留意すべきは先進７か国（Ｇ７）の足並みを乱さないことだ。
U.S. President Barack Obama has confronted Putin over the Ukranian conflict. Obama expressed concern over Abe’s envisaged Sochi visit during a telephone discussion in February, asking him to postpone it. Abe countered: “A peace treaty issue with Russia is also important. We must continue dialogue with Russia.”
ウクライナ情勢を巡ってロシアと対立するオバマ米大統領は、２月の首相との電話会談で、首相の訪露に懸念を伝え、延期を求めた。首相は「ロシアとの平和条約も大事だ。ロシアとの対話を続けねばならない」と反論した。
Earlier this month, Abe held a meeting with Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko, pledging to continue financial support to the country.
首相は今月上旬、ウクライナのポロシェンコ大統領と会談し、経済支援の継続を約束した。
It is essential for the government to explain Japan’s standpoint of simultaneously working on the two issues − easing the Ukranian conflict and making progress in Japan-Russia relations − to the United States and European countries to obtain their understanding before Japan hosts the G-7 Ise-Shima Summit meeting in May.
５月に主要国首脳会議（伊勢志摩サミット）を控え、ウクライナ情勢の改善と日露関係の進展の両立を目指す日本の立場を説明し、米欧の理解を得る必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 17, 2016)
Prepare environment to promote mutual visits between Abe, Putin
日露外相会談 首脳往来の環境を整備したい
Continuing high-level talks with Russia is essential in order to make progress on the issue of the northern territories. Persistent effort is the key.
北方領土問題の進展には、ロシアと高いレベルの対話を粘り強く続けることが欠かせない。
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida met with his Russian counterpart, Sergey Lavrov, in Tokyo on Friday. The two agreed to prepare for a summit meeting in Russia’s southern city of Sochi in early May.
岸田外相が、来日したロシアのラブロフ外相と会談し、５月上旬にロシア南部ソチで日露首脳会談を行う方向で準備を進めることで一致した。
At a joint press conference, Kishida referred to the issue of the northern territories, saying: “We had a positive discussion aimed at formulating a solution acceptable to both sides, which I believe will bring momentum to the negotiations.”
岸田氏は共同記者会見で、北方領土問題について「双方に受け入れ可能な解決策を作成すべく、交渉に弾みを与える前向きな議論が行えた」と強調した。
Lavrov responded by saying that Moscow is ready to continue dialogue with Tokyo. Compared with the stubborn attitude he showed after his September meeting with Kishida − Lavrov at that time unilaterally denied that they had even discussed the northern territories at the meeting − we can say that the Russian minister was more flexible this time.
ラブロフ氏は「対話を継続する用意がある」と応じた。昨年９月の外相会談後、領土問題を議題としたことさえ一方的に否定した硬直的な態度と比べれば、柔軟姿勢を示したと言えよう。
The atmosphere surrounding the diplomacy between Tokyo and Moscow is not bad. Since autumn, the two countries have held repeated exchanges between lawmakers as well as talks between senior government officials.
昨年秋以降は、議員交流や高官協議が続いており、日露外交の雰囲気自体は悪くない。
Russian President Vladimir Putin embraced Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s envisaged visit to Sochi. He told reporters that Japan is making efforts to maintain its relationship with Russia “despite U.S.-centered pressure.” Putin added that the two countries will be able to find middle ground on the territorial issue someday.
プーチン大統領も、「米国を中心とする圧力にもかかわらず、日本は（対露）関係を維持しようとしている」と記者団に述べ、安倍首相のソチ訪問を歓迎した。領土問題についても、「いつか妥協できる」と語っている。
Strong willpower needed
Of course, it is too early to say that Moscow has shifted to a softer approach on territorial issues.
無論、ロシアが領土問題で軟化していると見るのは早計だ。
In an interview with certain media ahead of his visit to Japan, Lavrov said the 1956 Japan-Soviet Joint Declaration does not say that the territorial dispute will be discussed during negotiations on the envisioned peace treaty.
ラブロフ氏は来日前、一部メディアに対し、１９５６年の日ソ共同宣言について「平和条約交渉で領土問題を検討するとは書かれていない」などと主張した。
The remarks contradict past agreements between Japan and Russia, such as the 2001 Irkutsk Statement, which states that settling the territorial jurisdiction of the four islands off Hokkaido is a precondition to concluding a peace treaty. Lavrov’s remarks cannot be accepted. Moscow should remember that Putin himself signed the Irkutsk Statement.
４島の帰属問題の解決が条約締結の前提とした２００１年のイルクーツク声明など、過去の合意に反しており、容認できない発言だ。声明はプーチン氏自身が署名したことも踏まえるべきである。
Abe and Putin will have to have strong willpower and be decisive in resolving the territorial dispute.
領土問題の解決には、両首脳の強い意志と決断が求められる。
The tenure of both leaders ends in 2018. We urge both governments to materialize the Russian president’s visit to Japan after Abe’s trip to Russia. It is important to seek a path toward reaching an agreement on the issue by exchanging mutual visits. We urge the government to steadily and strategically prepare the way for fostering the needed environment.
２人の任期はいずれも１８年までだ。安倍首相の訪露後、プーチン氏の来日を実現し、相互往来を重ねる中で、合意の糸口を探ることが重要である。その環境整備を着実かつ戦略的に進めたい。
At the same time, it is important not to disrupt the unity of the Group of Seven developed nations.
留意すべきは先進７か国（Ｇ７）の足並みを乱さないことだ。
U.S. President Barack Obama has confronted Putin over the Ukranian conflict. Obama expressed concern over Abe’s envisaged Sochi visit during a telephone discussion in February, asking him to postpone it. Abe countered: “A peace treaty issue with Russia is also important. We must continue dialogue with Russia.”
ウクライナ情勢を巡ってロシアと対立するオバマ米大統領は、２月の首相との電話会談で、首相の訪露に懸念を伝え、延期を求めた。首相は「ロシアとの平和条約も大事だ。ロシアとの対話を続けねばならない」と反論した。
Earlier this month, Abe held a meeting with Ukranian President Petro Poroshenko, pledging to continue financial support to the country.
首相は今月上旬、ウクライナのポロシェンコ大統領と会談し、経済支援の継続を約束した。
It is essential for the government to explain Japan’s standpoint of simultaneously working on the two issues − easing the Ukranian conflict and making progress in Japan-Russia relations − to the United States and European countries to obtain their understanding before Japan hosts the G-7 Ise-Shima Summit meeting in May.
５月に主要国首脳会議（伊勢志摩サミット）を控え、ウクライナ情勢の改善と日露関係の進展の両立を目指す日本の立場を説明し、米欧の理解を得る必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 17, 2016)
2016年04月17日
北ミサイル失敗 核搭載の脅威に警戒を怠るな
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Stay alert to N. Korea’s attempts to miniaturize nuclear warheads
北ミサイル失敗 核搭載の脅威に警戒を怠るな
The self-serving stance of the North Korean regime led by Kim Jong Un, which has continued to make dangerous provocations in total defiance of international criticism, has become more pronounced.
国際社会の非難を一顧だにせず、危険な挑発を続ける北朝鮮の金正恩政権の独善ぶりが一段と鮮明になった。
North Korea launched a missile from an area on its coast facing the Sea of Japan, but it failed. It is highly possible that it was a test-firing of a new type of medium-range ballistic missile named Musudan. There is information that the missile exploded as it rose skyward.
北朝鮮は日本海側地域からミサイルを発射したが、失敗した。新型中距離弾道ミサイル「ムスダン」の初の発射実験だった可能性が大きい。上昇中に爆発したとの情報もある。
If the precision of North Korea’s launching technology improves through repeated test-firings, it would enhance its surprise attack capabilities because such missiles are fired from mobile launch pads that are difficult to detect. Countries concerned must not neglect the need to stay alert regarding the progress of North Korea’s military technology.
発射を重ねることで精度が高まれば、事前の兆候をつかみにくい移動式だけに、奇襲能力の向上につながりかねない。関係国は北朝鮮の軍事技術開発の進展に対する警戒を怠ってはなるまい。
Resolutions on sanctions that have been repeatedly adopted by the U.N. Security Council against North Korea ban any type of launch using ballistic missile technology. It cannot be overlooked that North Korea has repeatedly violated the resolutions since it conducted a nuclear test in January.
国連安全保障理事会の度重なる制裁決議は北朝鮮に対し、弾道ミサイル技術を用いた、いかなる発射も禁じている。北朝鮮が１月の核実験以降、決議違反を繰り返していることは、看過できない。
Kim claimed in early March that his country had succeeded in miniaturizing nuclear warheads. He is apparently trying to rattle the three countries of Japan, the United States and South Korea by flaunting technology for missiles on which nuclear warheads can be mounted.
金第１書記は３月上旬、核弾頭の小型化に成功したと主張した。運搬手段となるミサイル技術を誇示して、日米韓３か国を揺さぶろうとする思惑ではないか。
North Korea in mid-March defiantly launched a Nodong medium-range ballistic missile capable of reaching most parts of Japan.
北朝鮮は３月中旬には、日本の大半を射程に収める移動式の中距離弾道ミサイル「ノドン」の発射を強行していた。
With a longer range than the Nodong type, it is estimated that the Musudan missile has a range of up to 4,000 kilometers.
ムスダンは、ノドンより射程が長く、最大４０００キロに達すると推定される。
Realistic threats loom
If the missile test-fired this time was a Musudan type, North Korea’s purpose is to be able to target U.S. forces in Japan and Guam. B-52 strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons are deployed at the U.S. military base in Guam. The U.S. military dispatched a B-52 from the Guam base to fly over South Korea after North Korea conducted a nuclear test in January.
今回発射したミサイルがムスダンとすれば、在日米軍やグアムの米軍も標的として想定したものだ。グアムには核兵器を搭載できるＢ５２戦略爆撃機が配備されている。北朝鮮の核実験後、米軍はＢ５２を韓国上空まで飛行させた。
Should Pyongyang successfully test-fire a Musudan missile, the threat that it can launch nuclear attacks on U.S. bases in the Asia-Pacific region would become reality.
北朝鮮がムスダンの発射に成功した場合は、「アジア太平洋の米軍基地」を核攻撃できるという威嚇が現実味を帯びよう。
The latest missile launch by North Korea was conducted on Friday, the birthday of Kim Jong Un’s grandfather Kim Il Sung − an important, commemorative day for the country. North Korea’s expectations of enhancing national prestige could not be met due to the failed test-firing.
今回、ミサイルを発射した１５日は、金第１書記の祖父、金日成主席の誕生日に当たり、重要な祝日だ。失敗により、国威発揚の目論見は外れたのではないか。
The Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea is scheduled to convene in early May for the first time in 36 years. Preparations are in full swing, including holding meetings to select delegates to the congress. Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the WPK, praised Kim Jong Un, saying he has lifted North Korea to the first rank of nuclear powers.
５月上旬には３６年ぶりの朝鮮労働党大会が予定される。大会代表を選ぶ会議が開かれるなど、準備は本格化している。党機関紙「労働新聞」は、金第１書記について、「祖国を核強国の前列に引き上げた」などと称たたえている。
It is assumed Kim Jong Un will resort to further military provocations in an attempt to enhance his own prestige. It was natural for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga to say that Japan “will gather and analyze information and respond, while acting in concert firmly with the United States and South Korea.”
金第１書記は自らの威信を高めるため、さらなる軍事挑発に走ることが想定される。菅官房長官が「米韓ともしっかり連携をしながら、情報を収集、分析し、対応していく」と語ったのは当然だ。
To prepare for new North Korean provocations, such as a fifth nuclear test and an additional missile test-firing, it is essential that Japan strengthen surveillance in close cooperation with Washington and Seoul.
５回目の核実験や新たなミサイル発射などに備えて、日本は米韓と緊密に協調し、監視を強めることが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2016)
本
Stay alert to N. Korea’s attempts to miniaturize nuclear warheads
北ミサイル失敗 核搭載の脅威に警戒を怠るな
The self-serving stance of the North Korean regime led by Kim Jong Un, which has continued to make dangerous provocations in total defiance of international criticism, has become more pronounced.
国際社会の非難を一顧だにせず、危険な挑発を続ける北朝鮮の金正恩政権の独善ぶりが一段と鮮明になった。
North Korea launched a missile from an area on its coast facing the Sea of Japan, but it failed. It is highly possible that it was a test-firing of a new type of medium-range ballistic missile named Musudan. There is information that the missile exploded as it rose skyward.
北朝鮮は日本海側地域からミサイルを発射したが、失敗した。新型中距離弾道ミサイル「ムスダン」の初の発射実験だった可能性が大きい。上昇中に爆発したとの情報もある。
If the precision of North Korea’s launching technology improves through repeated test-firings, it would enhance its surprise attack capabilities because such missiles are fired from mobile launch pads that are difficult to detect. Countries concerned must not neglect the need to stay alert regarding the progress of North Korea’s military technology.
発射を重ねることで精度が高まれば、事前の兆候をつかみにくい移動式だけに、奇襲能力の向上につながりかねない。関係国は北朝鮮の軍事技術開発の進展に対する警戒を怠ってはなるまい。
Resolutions on sanctions that have been repeatedly adopted by the U.N. Security Council against North Korea ban any type of launch using ballistic missile technology. It cannot be overlooked that North Korea has repeatedly violated the resolutions since it conducted a nuclear test in January.
国連安全保障理事会の度重なる制裁決議は北朝鮮に対し、弾道ミサイル技術を用いた、いかなる発射も禁じている。北朝鮮が１月の核実験以降、決議違反を繰り返していることは、看過できない。
Kim claimed in early March that his country had succeeded in miniaturizing nuclear warheads. He is apparently trying to rattle the three countries of Japan, the United States and South Korea by flaunting technology for missiles on which nuclear warheads can be mounted.
金第１書記は３月上旬、核弾頭の小型化に成功したと主張した。運搬手段となるミサイル技術を誇示して、日米韓３か国を揺さぶろうとする思惑ではないか。
North Korea in mid-March defiantly launched a Nodong medium-range ballistic missile capable of reaching most parts of Japan.
北朝鮮は３月中旬には、日本の大半を射程に収める移動式の中距離弾道ミサイル「ノドン」の発射を強行していた。
With a longer range than the Nodong type, it is estimated that the Musudan missile has a range of up to 4,000 kilometers.
ムスダンは、ノドンより射程が長く、最大４０００キロに達すると推定される。
Realistic threats loom
If the missile test-fired this time was a Musudan type, North Korea’s purpose is to be able to target U.S. forces in Japan and Guam. B-52 strategic bombers capable of carrying nuclear weapons are deployed at the U.S. military base in Guam. The U.S. military dispatched a B-52 from the Guam base to fly over South Korea after North Korea conducted a nuclear test in January.
今回発射したミサイルがムスダンとすれば、在日米軍やグアムの米軍も標的として想定したものだ。グアムには核兵器を搭載できるＢ５２戦略爆撃機が配備されている。北朝鮮の核実験後、米軍はＢ５２を韓国上空まで飛行させた。
Should Pyongyang successfully test-fire a Musudan missile, the threat that it can launch nuclear attacks on U.S. bases in the Asia-Pacific region would become reality.
北朝鮮がムスダンの発射に成功した場合は、「アジア太平洋の米軍基地」を核攻撃できるという威嚇が現実味を帯びよう。
The latest missile launch by North Korea was conducted on Friday, the birthday of Kim Jong Un’s grandfather Kim Il Sung − an important, commemorative day for the country. North Korea’s expectations of enhancing national prestige could not be met due to the failed test-firing.
今回、ミサイルを発射した１５日は、金第１書記の祖父、金日成主席の誕生日に当たり、重要な祝日だ。失敗により、国威発揚の目論見は外れたのではないか。
The Congress of the Workers’ Party of Korea is scheduled to convene in early May for the first time in 36 years. Preparations are in full swing, including holding meetings to select delegates to the congress. Rodong Sinmun, an organ of the WPK, praised Kim Jong Un, saying he has lifted North Korea to the first rank of nuclear powers.
５月上旬には３６年ぶりの朝鮮労働党大会が予定される。大会代表を選ぶ会議が開かれるなど、準備は本格化している。党機関紙「労働新聞」は、金第１書記について、「祖国を核強国の前列に引き上げた」などと称たたえている。
It is assumed Kim Jong Un will resort to further military provocations in an attempt to enhance his own prestige. It was natural for Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga to say that Japan “will gather and analyze information and respond, while acting in concert firmly with the United States and South Korea.”
金第１書記は自らの威信を高めるため、さらなる軍事挑発に走ることが想定される。菅官房長官が「米韓ともしっかり連携をしながら、情報を収集、分析し、対応していく」と語ったのは当然だ。
To prepare for new North Korean provocations, such as a fifth nuclear test and an additional missile test-firing, it is essential that Japan strengthen surveillance in close cooperation with Washington and Seoul.
５回目の核実験や新たなミサイル発射などに備えて、日本は米韓と緊密に協調し、監視を強めることが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 16, 2016)
本
2016年04月16日
韓国与党敗北 対「北」連携へ悪影響避けたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun
Defeat of South Korean ruling party musn’t derail cooperation over North
韓国与党敗北 対「北」連携へ悪影響避けたい
The political base of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who has one year and 10 months left in her term, has been shaken to its core.
残り任期が１年１０か月となった朴槿恵韓国大統領の政権基盤が、大きく揺らいだと言えよう。
This is a development that raises concerns about the possible negative impact on South Korea’s policies toward North Korea and Tokyo-Seoul ties.
北朝鮮政策や日韓関係に悪影響が及ばないか、懸念される事態だ。
In South Korea’s parliamentary election, the ruling conservative Saenuri Party suffered a devastating defeat and lost its majority in the National Assembly. The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, a left-leaning party that favors a conciliatory stance toward North Korea, made significant gains and is now the largest party in the assembly. The People’s Party, a new party, also picked up many seats.
韓国の総選挙で、政権与党である保守系のセヌリ党が過半数を割り込み、惨敗した。左派で北朝鮮に融和的な最大野党「共に民主党」が伸長して第１党となり、新政党「国民の党」も躍進した。
A South Korean president serves one five-year term and cannot be reelected. When an administration enters the latter half of its term, it normally becomes a lame duck. A further decline in its unifying force is unavoidable.
５年１期で再選がない韓国大統領の政権後期は通常、レームダック（死に体）化する。求心力の一層の低下は避けられまい。
The direct cause of the ruling party’s defeat was an internal conflict prior to the election that caused many people to lose trust in the party. Discord between lawmakers close to Park and lawmakers in an anti-Park group who want to keep their distance from her resulted in a split election, as some anti-Park lawmakers who were denied official nominations ran as independents.
与党の直接の敗因は、選挙直前に内紛を起こし、国民の信頼を失ったことだ。朴氏に近い「親朴派」と、距離を置く「非朴派」が対立した末、公認を拒まれた一部の「非朴派」議員が無所属で出馬する分裂選挙となった。
The Park administration’s failure to produce any notable results on the economic front also affected the election. Due to the economic slowdown in China and other factors, South Korea’s exports have fallen and growth has been tepid. The rising unemployment rate, especially among young people, has become a social problem.
朴政権が経済面でめぼしい成果を上げていないことも響いた。中国経済の減速などにより、輸出が落ち込み、成長が鈍化した。特に若年層の失業率上昇が大きな社会問題になっている。
Park will have to increasingly request opposition parties’ cooperation to pass bills seeking to reenergize the economy, and on other issues. Running her administration will become more difficult.
朴氏は経済活性化を目指す法案の成立などで、野党の協力を要請する場面が増え、困難な政権運営を迫られるだろう。
Stick to ‘comfort women’ deal
Park has an obligation to deal with North Korea’s repeated provocations, such as its nuclear tests and launches of long-range ballistic missiles.
核実験や長距離弾道ミサイル発射などの挑発を繰り返す北朝鮮への対処は、朴氏の責務である。
South Korea has quite appropriately adopted a hard-line approach to North Korea, such as by slapping its own sanctions on Pyongyang in addition to those imposed by the United Nations. Halting operations at the Kaesong industrial complex will be effective in severing a source of funds for the administration of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Criticism from opposition parties that these steps are excessive is unfair.
韓国が、国連の制裁に加え独自制裁を科すなど北朝鮮に厳しく臨んでいるのは妥当だ。開城工業団地の操業停止は金正恩政権の資金源を断つ効果がある。行き過ぎだとの野党の批判は当たらない。
To prevent North Korea from committing any reckless acts, it is essential for Seoul to strengthen its alliance with Washington and continue to discuss the deployment of a sophisticated U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.
北朝鮮の暴発を防ぐには、米最新鋭ミサイル防衛システムの韓国配備の協議を続け、米国との同盟を強化することが肝要だ。
Some observers have suggested the opposition party’s victory will make it harder to conclude a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) that is being discussed by Japan and South Korea. However, the importance of cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea must not be forgotten.
日韓間の懸案である軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の締結は、野党の勝利で難しくなったとの見方があるが、日米韓の協調の重要性を忘れてはならない。
What will happen to efforts aimed at implementing the Japan-South Korea deal on so-called comfort women, which was realized at the end of last year, is a cause for concern.
気がかりなのは、慰安婦問題を巡る昨年末の日韓合意の履行に向けた取り組みである。
South Korea is obliged to establish a foundation that will provide support to former comfort women. South Korea has also promised to make efforts to remove a statue of a girl symbolizing comfort women set up in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. Japan has demanded that this statue be removed.
韓国は今後、元慰安婦を支援する財団を設立せねばならない。日本が求める在ソウル日本大使館前の少女像の撤去についても、解決の努力を約束している。
Deep-rooted opposition to this deal remains in South Korea. Although the comfort women issue did not become a major point of contention in the election, the Minjoo Party of Korea called in its campaign promises for the withdrawal and renegotiation of the deal.
韓国内では、日韓合意に反対の声が根強い。慰安婦問題は総選挙の争点にならなかったが、「共に民主党」は選挙公約で、日韓合意の撤回と再交渉を求めていた。
We will watch carefully and hope Park will not be swayed by such pressure, and that she implements the deal to improve Japan-South Korea relations.
朴氏がこうした圧力に左右されず、日韓関係改善のために合意を履行することを見守りたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 15, 2016)
Defeat of South Korean ruling party musn’t derail cooperation over North
韓国与党敗北 対「北」連携へ悪影響避けたい
The political base of South Korean President Park Geun-hye, who has one year and 10 months left in her term, has been shaken to its core.
残り任期が１年１０か月となった朴槿恵韓国大統領の政権基盤が、大きく揺らいだと言えよう。
This is a development that raises concerns about the possible negative impact on South Korea’s policies toward North Korea and Tokyo-Seoul ties.
北朝鮮政策や日韓関係に悪影響が及ばないか、懸念される事態だ。
In South Korea’s parliamentary election, the ruling conservative Saenuri Party suffered a devastating defeat and lost its majority in the National Assembly. The main opposition Minjoo Party of Korea, a left-leaning party that favors a conciliatory stance toward North Korea, made significant gains and is now the largest party in the assembly. The People’s Party, a new party, also picked up many seats.
韓国の総選挙で、政権与党である保守系のセヌリ党が過半数を割り込み、惨敗した。左派で北朝鮮に融和的な最大野党「共に民主党」が伸長して第１党となり、新政党「国民の党」も躍進した。
A South Korean president serves one five-year term and cannot be reelected. When an administration enters the latter half of its term, it normally becomes a lame duck. A further decline in its unifying force is unavoidable.
５年１期で再選がない韓国大統領の政権後期は通常、レームダック（死に体）化する。求心力の一層の低下は避けられまい。
The direct cause of the ruling party’s defeat was an internal conflict prior to the election that caused many people to lose trust in the party. Discord between lawmakers close to Park and lawmakers in an anti-Park group who want to keep their distance from her resulted in a split election, as some anti-Park lawmakers who were denied official nominations ran as independents.
与党の直接の敗因は、選挙直前に内紛を起こし、国民の信頼を失ったことだ。朴氏に近い「親朴派」と、距離を置く「非朴派」が対立した末、公認を拒まれた一部の「非朴派」議員が無所属で出馬する分裂選挙となった。
The Park administration’s failure to produce any notable results on the economic front also affected the election. Due to the economic slowdown in China and other factors, South Korea’s exports have fallen and growth has been tepid. The rising unemployment rate, especially among young people, has become a social problem.
朴政権が経済面でめぼしい成果を上げていないことも響いた。中国経済の減速などにより、輸出が落ち込み、成長が鈍化した。特に若年層の失業率上昇が大きな社会問題になっている。
Park will have to increasingly request opposition parties’ cooperation to pass bills seeking to reenergize the economy, and on other issues. Running her administration will become more difficult.
朴氏は経済活性化を目指す法案の成立などで、野党の協力を要請する場面が増え、困難な政権運営を迫られるだろう。
Stick to ‘comfort women’ deal
Park has an obligation to deal with North Korea’s repeated provocations, such as its nuclear tests and launches of long-range ballistic missiles.
核実験や長距離弾道ミサイル発射などの挑発を繰り返す北朝鮮への対処は、朴氏の責務である。
South Korea has quite appropriately adopted a hard-line approach to North Korea, such as by slapping its own sanctions on Pyongyang in addition to those imposed by the United Nations. Halting operations at the Kaesong industrial complex will be effective in severing a source of funds for the administration of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Criticism from opposition parties that these steps are excessive is unfair.
韓国が、国連の制裁に加え独自制裁を科すなど北朝鮮に厳しく臨んでいるのは妥当だ。開城工業団地の操業停止は金正恩政権の資金源を断つ効果がある。行き過ぎだとの野党の批判は当たらない。
To prevent North Korea from committing any reckless acts, it is essential for Seoul to strengthen its alliance with Washington and continue to discuss the deployment of a sophisticated U.S. missile defense system in South Korea.
北朝鮮の暴発を防ぐには、米最新鋭ミサイル防衛システムの韓国配備の協議を続け、米国との同盟を強化することが肝要だ。
Some observers have suggested the opposition party’s victory will make it harder to conclude a General Security of Military Information Agreement (GSOMIA) that is being discussed by Japan and South Korea. However, the importance of cooperation between Japan, the United States and South Korea must not be forgotten.
日韓間の懸案である軍事情報包括保護協定（ＧＳＯＭＩＡ）の締結は、野党の勝利で難しくなったとの見方があるが、日米韓の協調の重要性を忘れてはならない。
What will happen to efforts aimed at implementing the Japan-South Korea deal on so-called comfort women, which was realized at the end of last year, is a cause for concern.
気がかりなのは、慰安婦問題を巡る昨年末の日韓合意の履行に向けた取り組みである。
South Korea is obliged to establish a foundation that will provide support to former comfort women. South Korea has also promised to make efforts to remove a statue of a girl symbolizing comfort women set up in front of the Japanese Embassy in Seoul. Japan has demanded that this statue be removed.
韓国は今後、元慰安婦を支援する財団を設立せねばならない。日本が求める在ソウル日本大使館前の少女像の撤去についても、解決の努力を約束している。
Deep-rooted opposition to this deal remains in South Korea. Although the comfort women issue did not become a major point of contention in the election, the Minjoo Party of Korea called in its campaign promises for the withdrawal and renegotiation of the deal.
韓国内では、日韓合意に反対の声が根強い。慰安婦問題は総選挙の争点にならなかったが、「共に民主党」は選挙公約で、日韓合意の撤回と再交渉を求めていた。
We will watch carefully and hope Park will not be swayed by such pressure, and that she implements the deal to improve Japan-South Korea relations.
朴氏がこうした圧力に左右されず、日韓関係改善のために合意を履行することを見守りたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, April 15, 2016)