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2014年03月04日
ビットコイン 仮想通貨の危うさが見えた
The Yomiuri Shimbun March 02, 2014
Bitcoin exchange collapse highlights virtual currency’s lack of protection
ビットコイン 仮想通貨の危うさが見えた（3月2日付・読売社説）
Risks involving the bitcoin virtual currency, which is traded on the Internet but lacks state-backed credibility, has been thrown into the spotlight.
国の信用という裏付けを持たない「仮想通貨」の危うさをさらけ出したと言えよう。
Mt. Gox, the operator of a major bitcoin exchange based in Tokyo, has gone bankrupt.
インターネット上の仮想通貨「ビットコイン（ＢＴＣ）」の大手取引サイトを運営するマウントゴックス社（東京）が、経営破綻した。
Almost all bitcoins belonging to Mt. Gox’s customers are presumed to have been fraudulently withdrawn by some unknown person or persons, resulting in an excess of liabilities over assets, the exchange said. The damage is said to total about 850,000 bitcoins (equivalent to about \11.4 billion), including Mt. Gox’s own store of the virtual currency.
利用者から預かっていたビットコインが、何者かによって不正に引き出され、債務超過に陥ったためとしている。被害は同社の保有分も含め８５万ＢＴＣ（約１１４億円）にのぼるという。
We are astounded that such a huge sum of bitcoins has vanished like a puff of smoke.
巨額のコインが煙のように消えてしまったのが事実とすれば、驚きを禁じ得ない。
The exchange operator said a hacker or hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the firm’s software system. It said there is a great possibility the bitcoins were stolen.
同社はシステム上の弱点をハッカーに突かれ、コインを奪われた可能性が高いと説明している。
Mt. Gox’s explanations are highly suspicious, such as its argument that as much as \2.8 billion in cash deposited by its customers has also disappeared. Thorough investigations must be carried out to clarify what happened.
だが、顧客から預かった現金２８億円も消えるなど不可解な点は残る。徹底した実態解明が必要だ。
Bitcoins are useful as they can be transacted freely around the world via the Internet, and are not subject to control by any country. However, unlike ordinary currency, bitcoins are unprotected because they are not regulated by any monetary authority. It seems that no measures can be taken that would help the firm’s customers recover their money.
ビットコインは国家の統制を受けず、世界で自由に取引できる利点がある。一方、通常のお金と違い、どの国の金融当局からも規制を受けず、保護の枠外にある。被害の救済は困難だろう。
Even in the United States, where the use of bitcoins has been rapidly spreading, Federal Reserve Board Chairwoman Janet Yellen said in testimony before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday, “This is a payment innovation that’s taking place entirely outside the banking industry.”
普及の進む米国でさえ、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）のイエレン議長がビットコインを巡る混乱について「銀行決済の枠外で起きている。
She said the Fed lacks the ability to supervise and regulate exchanges between bitcoins and banks as “there is no intersection at all, in any way.”
ＦＲＢに監督や規制の権限がない」と述べている。
Act responsibly amid risk
The value of bitcoins soared sharply last year, with the outstanding balance at one time exceeding an equivalent of \1 trillion in the global virtual currency community.
ビットコインは昨年、価格が急騰して、一時は全世界で１兆円超の残高に膨らんだ。
With increasing fears over possible erratic fluctuations of bitcoins, along with warnings from analysts pointing to potential money-laundering and other criminal uses of virtual currency, the Bank of Japan has been researching and investigating bitcoin exchange services.
乱高下への警戒感が強まり、資金洗浄など犯罪への悪用といった弊害も指摘されたことから、日銀は調査・研究を進めていた。
Most victims of the bitcoin scandal are believed to be non-Japanese, but as the website of the Tokyo-based bitcoin exchange operator is at the center of the trouble, both the government and the central bank will probably have to deal with the issue in earnest.
被害を受けた利用者のほとんどは外国人と見られるが、東京に拠点のある業者の取引サイトが問題を起こした以上、政府と日銀も対応に本腰を入れざるを得まい。
Finance Minister Taro Aso, who is also in charge of financial services, said Friday, “I was thinking it [Mt. Gox] would collapse eventually...but it came earlier than I thought, and we will take prompt [countermeasures].” The government should waste no time in preventing a recurrence of bitcoin irregularities, and regulate the virtual currency in close cooperation with other countries concerned.
麻生財務・金融相は「どこかで破綻すると思っていたが、意外に早かった。早急に（対策を）詰める」との考えを示した。関係国と緊密に連携し、再発防止策や規制に関する検討を急ぐべきだ。
Despite the collapse of the major bitcoin exchange, transactions using the digital currency are continuing on the Internet. This is largely because bitcoins allow users to make remittances globally for small fees.
大手取引サイトが破綻したというのに、ネット上ではビットコインの取引が続いている。安い手数料で全世界に送金できるといったメリットがあるからだろう。
There are fears, however, that other malicious hackers are waiting in the wings to find the next bitcoin target. Bitcoin exchange services operators are strongly urged to take stringent steps to guard against unauthorized access to their computer systems.
ただし、悪質なハッカーが、次の標的を狙っている恐れがある。ビットコインのサービスを提供する業者は、不正アクセスの防護などを徹底する責務がある。
Bitcoin users, for their part, should be aware that the virtual currency has no guarantee and protection based on public credibility, so they should act responsibly.
利用者も、公的な信用の裏付けや保護のない現状をきちんと理解し、自己責任を肝に銘じてもらわなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 2, 2014)
（2014年3月2日01時33分 読売新聞）
Bitcoin exchange collapse highlights virtual currency’s lack of protection
ビットコイン 仮想通貨の危うさが見えた（3月2日付・読売社説）
Risks involving the bitcoin virtual currency, which is traded on the Internet but lacks state-backed credibility, has been thrown into the spotlight.
国の信用という裏付けを持たない「仮想通貨」の危うさをさらけ出したと言えよう。
Mt. Gox, the operator of a major bitcoin exchange based in Tokyo, has gone bankrupt.
インターネット上の仮想通貨「ビットコイン（ＢＴＣ）」の大手取引サイトを運営するマウントゴックス社（東京）が、経営破綻した。
Almost all bitcoins belonging to Mt. Gox’s customers are presumed to have been fraudulently withdrawn by some unknown person or persons, resulting in an excess of liabilities over assets, the exchange said. The damage is said to total about 850,000 bitcoins (equivalent to about \11.4 billion), including Mt. Gox’s own store of the virtual currency.
利用者から預かっていたビットコインが、何者かによって不正に引き出され、債務超過に陥ったためとしている。被害は同社の保有分も含め８５万ＢＴＣ（約１１４億円）にのぼるという。
We are astounded that such a huge sum of bitcoins has vanished like a puff of smoke.
巨額のコインが煙のように消えてしまったのが事実とすれば、驚きを禁じ得ない。
The exchange operator said a hacker or hackers exploited vulnerabilities in the firm’s software system. It said there is a great possibility the bitcoins were stolen.
同社はシステム上の弱点をハッカーに突かれ、コインを奪われた可能性が高いと説明している。
Mt. Gox’s explanations are highly suspicious, such as its argument that as much as \2.8 billion in cash deposited by its customers has also disappeared. Thorough investigations must be carried out to clarify what happened.
だが、顧客から預かった現金２８億円も消えるなど不可解な点は残る。徹底した実態解明が必要だ。
Bitcoins are useful as they can be transacted freely around the world via the Internet, and are not subject to control by any country. However, unlike ordinary currency, bitcoins are unprotected because they are not regulated by any monetary authority. It seems that no measures can be taken that would help the firm’s customers recover their money.
ビットコインは国家の統制を受けず、世界で自由に取引できる利点がある。一方、通常のお金と違い、どの国の金融当局からも規制を受けず、保護の枠外にある。被害の救済は困難だろう。
Even in the United States, where the use of bitcoins has been rapidly spreading, Federal Reserve Board Chairwoman Janet Yellen said in testimony before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday, “This is a payment innovation that’s taking place entirely outside the banking industry.”
普及の進む米国でさえ、米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）のイエレン議長がビットコインを巡る混乱について「銀行決済の枠外で起きている。
She said the Fed lacks the ability to supervise and regulate exchanges between bitcoins and banks as “there is no intersection at all, in any way.”
ＦＲＢに監督や規制の権限がない」と述べている。
Act responsibly amid risk
The value of bitcoins soared sharply last year, with the outstanding balance at one time exceeding an equivalent of \1 trillion in the global virtual currency community.
ビットコインは昨年、価格が急騰して、一時は全世界で１兆円超の残高に膨らんだ。
With increasing fears over possible erratic fluctuations of bitcoins, along with warnings from analysts pointing to potential money-laundering and other criminal uses of virtual currency, the Bank of Japan has been researching and investigating bitcoin exchange services.
乱高下への警戒感が強まり、資金洗浄など犯罪への悪用といった弊害も指摘されたことから、日銀は調査・研究を進めていた。
Most victims of the bitcoin scandal are believed to be non-Japanese, but as the website of the Tokyo-based bitcoin exchange operator is at the center of the trouble, both the government and the central bank will probably have to deal with the issue in earnest.
被害を受けた利用者のほとんどは外国人と見られるが、東京に拠点のある業者の取引サイトが問題を起こした以上、政府と日銀も対応に本腰を入れざるを得まい。
Finance Minister Taro Aso, who is also in charge of financial services, said Friday, “I was thinking it [Mt. Gox] would collapse eventually...but it came earlier than I thought, and we will take prompt [countermeasures].” The government should waste no time in preventing a recurrence of bitcoin irregularities, and regulate the virtual currency in close cooperation with other countries concerned.
麻生財務・金融相は「どこかで破綻すると思っていたが、意外に早かった。早急に（対策を）詰める」との考えを示した。関係国と緊密に連携し、再発防止策や規制に関する検討を急ぐべきだ。
Despite the collapse of the major bitcoin exchange, transactions using the digital currency are continuing on the Internet. This is largely because bitcoins allow users to make remittances globally for small fees.
大手取引サイトが破綻したというのに、ネット上ではビットコインの取引が続いている。安い手数料で全世界に送金できるといったメリットがあるからだろう。
There are fears, however, that other malicious hackers are waiting in the wings to find the next bitcoin target. Bitcoin exchange services operators are strongly urged to take stringent steps to guard against unauthorized access to their computer systems.
ただし、悪質なハッカーが、次の標的を狙っている恐れがある。ビットコインのサービスを提供する業者は、不正アクセスの防護などを徹底する責務がある。
Bitcoin users, for their part, should be aware that the virtual currency has no guarantee and protection based on public credibility, so they should act responsibly.
利用者も、公的な信用の裏付けや保護のない現状をきちんと理解し、自己責任を肝に銘じてもらわなければならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 2, 2014)
（2014年3月2日01時33分 読売新聞）
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2014年03月03日
被災地の医療 避難者の健康守る体制拡充を
The Yomiuri Shimbun March 01, 2014
Greater efforts needed to ensure health of 2011 disaster victims
被災地の医療 避難者の健康守る体制拡充を（3月1日付・読売社説）
Though three years will soon have passed since the March 2011 natural disasters and nuclear crisis, 267,000 people are still forced to live as evacuees.
東日本大震災から３年を迎える今も、２６万７０００人が避難生活を強いられている。
The system to protect the health of disaster victims must be expanded and further improved.
被災者の健康を守るための体制をさらに充実させるべきである。
About 100,000 of the victims live in small, prefab temporary housing. Forced to live away from their hometowns in isolated environments with no familiar faces, many evacuees tend to stay in their rooms all day long. There have been many cases in which they develop such lifestyle-related diseases as hypertension and diabetes and fall into a state of depression.
被災者のうち、プレハブの手狭な仮設住宅に暮らす人は約１０万人に上る。住み慣れた土地を離れて孤立し、部屋に閉じこもる人は少なくない。高血圧、糖尿病といった生活習慣病や、うつ状態に陥るケースも目立つ。
With the loss of homes and jobs, some evacuees cannot see any hope of reconstructing their livelihood. This casts dark clouds over them both physically and mentally.
自宅や職場を失い、生活再建を見通せないことが、被災者の心身に暗い影を落としている。
The situation is especially serious for residents who formerly lived along the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, as they cannot be sure of any prospect of returning home due to the continued effects of the disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故で、帰還のめどすら立たない福島県沿岸部の住民の場合は、特に深刻である。
Alleviating the psychological stress of victims is a major challenge.
被災者の心理的ストレスを軽減することが大きな課題だ。
It is also important to deal with the continued increase in deaths caused by health deterioration due to such chronic illnesses as heart disease in the aftermath of the disaster.
心臓病など、持病の悪化による震災関連死が増え続けている問題への対処も重要である。
Many medical institutions have yet to be rebuilt after being damaged by tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake. In some areas, railways have been left cut off. As a result, it is not easy for disaster victims to go to hospitals. Local governments are urged to make such arrangements as home-based medical services after obtaining assistance from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the prefectural governments concerned.
津波で被災し、再建されていない医療機関は多い。鉄道が寸断されたままの地域もある。被災者にとって通院は容易ではない。地元自治体は、厚生労働省や県の支援を受け、訪問診療などの体制を整備してもらいたい。
In the case of temporary housing in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, where about 4,000 evacuees live, doctors and nurses are sent from a temporary clinic built on the housing site to take care of the residents. There are also support staff for disaster survivors, who have work experience as health aides and make the rounds of housing units.
約４０００人が暮らす宮城県石巻市の仮設住宅では、敷地内の仮設診療所から医師、看護師が訪問診療、看護に出向いている。「被災者支援員」と呼ばれるヘルパー経験者らも各戸を巡回する。
There are said to be cases in which such staffers have discovered residents’ health problems as they often talked to them, and ailing evacuees were able to receive medical treatment through their referrals.
支援員が話し相手になり、入居者の体調の異変に気づいて治療に結びつけることもあるという。
Aid must be multilateral
Junichi Cho, director of the temporary clinic, said: “It is difficult to take care of the disaster victims with doctors and nurses alone. It is essential for various kinds of people in society to provide cooperation.”
長純一所長は「医師や看護師だけで被災者をケアするのは難しい。様々な立場の人が協力することが大切だ」と強調する。
The population has been aging further in the disaster-stricken areas due to an outflow of young people.
被災地では、若い世代の流出で高齢化が一段と進んだ。
Those involved in medical treatment and nursing care, as well as nonprofit organizations and volunteers, sustain home-based medical services for the elderly. Such a support system must be established nationwide amid the rapid aging of the population and is most urgently needed in disaster-affected areas.
医療・介護関係者をはじめ、ＮＰＯ（非営利組織）やボランティアが連携し、在宅の高齢者を支える。その仕組み作りは、高齢化が進む日本全国で必要だが、とりわけ被災地では急務である。
Such areas were suffering a shortage of doctors even before the disaster occurred.
被災地は元々、医師不足が深刻だった地域だ。
To help secure a sufficient number of doctors, the government has decided to permit the establishment of new medical departments at universities, which have not been allowed for a long time, only in the Tohoku region. This is expected to have some effect from a mid- to long-term perspective.
政府は、医師の確保策として、長年認めていなかった医学部の新設を、東北地方に限って容認する方針を決めた。中長期的には、一定の効果は見込めるだろう。
In addition, assistance measures must be taken to promote the assignment of doctors and nurses to disaster-stricken and underpopulated areas plagued by a shortage of such personnel.
これに加え、医師や看護師が、人材不足の被災地や過疎地に赴くための支援策も必要になる。
The most crucial task for the moment is to secure enough doctors. Medical societies and hospitals across the country must join hands to ensure the continued dispatch of doctors to the disaster-affected areas.
最優先の課題は、当面の医師の確保である。医学会や全国の病院が協力し、被災地への医師の派遣を継続していくべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 1, 2014)
（2014年3月1日01時31分 読売新聞）
Greater efforts needed to ensure health of 2011 disaster victims
被災地の医療 避難者の健康守る体制拡充を（3月1日付・読売社説）
Though three years will soon have passed since the March 2011 natural disasters and nuclear crisis, 267,000 people are still forced to live as evacuees.
東日本大震災から３年を迎える今も、２６万７０００人が避難生活を強いられている。
The system to protect the health of disaster victims must be expanded and further improved.
被災者の健康を守るための体制をさらに充実させるべきである。
About 100,000 of the victims live in small, prefab temporary housing. Forced to live away from their hometowns in isolated environments with no familiar faces, many evacuees tend to stay in their rooms all day long. There have been many cases in which they develop such lifestyle-related diseases as hypertension and diabetes and fall into a state of depression.
被災者のうち、プレハブの手狭な仮設住宅に暮らす人は約１０万人に上る。住み慣れた土地を離れて孤立し、部屋に閉じこもる人は少なくない。高血圧、糖尿病といった生活習慣病や、うつ状態に陥るケースも目立つ。
With the loss of homes and jobs, some evacuees cannot see any hope of reconstructing their livelihood. This casts dark clouds over them both physically and mentally.
自宅や職場を失い、生活再建を見通せないことが、被災者の心身に暗い影を落としている。
The situation is especially serious for residents who formerly lived along the coast of Fukushima Prefecture, as they cannot be sure of any prospect of returning home due to the continued effects of the disaster at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故で、帰還のめどすら立たない福島県沿岸部の住民の場合は、特に深刻である。
Alleviating the psychological stress of victims is a major challenge.
被災者の心理的ストレスを軽減することが大きな課題だ。
It is also important to deal with the continued increase in deaths caused by health deterioration due to such chronic illnesses as heart disease in the aftermath of the disaster.
心臓病など、持病の悪化による震災関連死が増え続けている問題への対処も重要である。
Many medical institutions have yet to be rebuilt after being damaged by tsunami that followed the Great East Japan Earthquake. In some areas, railways have been left cut off. As a result, it is not easy for disaster victims to go to hospitals. Local governments are urged to make such arrangements as home-based medical services after obtaining assistance from the Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry and the prefectural governments concerned.
津波で被災し、再建されていない医療機関は多い。鉄道が寸断されたままの地域もある。被災者にとって通院は容易ではない。地元自治体は、厚生労働省や県の支援を受け、訪問診療などの体制を整備してもらいたい。
In the case of temporary housing in Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, where about 4,000 evacuees live, doctors and nurses are sent from a temporary clinic built on the housing site to take care of the residents. There are also support staff for disaster survivors, who have work experience as health aides and make the rounds of housing units.
約４０００人が暮らす宮城県石巻市の仮設住宅では、敷地内の仮設診療所から医師、看護師が訪問診療、看護に出向いている。「被災者支援員」と呼ばれるヘルパー経験者らも各戸を巡回する。
There are said to be cases in which such staffers have discovered residents’ health problems as they often talked to them, and ailing evacuees were able to receive medical treatment through their referrals.
支援員が話し相手になり、入居者の体調の異変に気づいて治療に結びつけることもあるという。
Aid must be multilateral
Junichi Cho, director of the temporary clinic, said: “It is difficult to take care of the disaster victims with doctors and nurses alone. It is essential for various kinds of people in society to provide cooperation.”
長純一所長は「医師や看護師だけで被災者をケアするのは難しい。様々な立場の人が協力することが大切だ」と強調する。
The population has been aging further in the disaster-stricken areas due to an outflow of young people.
被災地では、若い世代の流出で高齢化が一段と進んだ。
Those involved in medical treatment and nursing care, as well as nonprofit organizations and volunteers, sustain home-based medical services for the elderly. Such a support system must be established nationwide amid the rapid aging of the population and is most urgently needed in disaster-affected areas.
医療・介護関係者をはじめ、ＮＰＯ（非営利組織）やボランティアが連携し、在宅の高齢者を支える。その仕組み作りは、高齢化が進む日本全国で必要だが、とりわけ被災地では急務である。
Such areas were suffering a shortage of doctors even before the disaster occurred.
被災地は元々、医師不足が深刻だった地域だ。
To help secure a sufficient number of doctors, the government has decided to permit the establishment of new medical departments at universities, which have not been allowed for a long time, only in the Tohoku region. This is expected to have some effect from a mid- to long-term perspective.
政府は、医師の確保策として、長年認めていなかった医学部の新設を、東北地方に限って容認する方針を決めた。中長期的には、一定の効果は見込めるだろう。
In addition, assistance measures must be taken to promote the assignment of doctors and nurses to disaster-stricken and underpopulated areas plagued by a shortage of such personnel.
これに加え、医師や看護師が、人材不足の被災地や過疎地に赴くための支援策も必要になる。
The most crucial task for the moment is to secure enough doctors. Medical societies and hospitals across the country must join hands to ensure the continued dispatch of doctors to the disaster-affected areas.
最優先の課題は、当面の医師の確保である。医学会や全国の病院が協力し、被災地への医師の派遣を継続していくべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, March 1, 2014)
（2014年3月1日01時31分 読売新聞）
2014年03月02日
個人賠償請求 訴え受理なら日中関係損なう
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 28, 2014
Chinese damages suit against Japan firms threatening to harm bilateral ties
個人賠償請求 訴え受理なら日中関係損なう（2月28日付・読売社説）
A damages suit filed with a Beijing court may shake the very foundation of Japan-China relations, depending on how it is handled. The Chinese administration of President Xi Jinping should deal with the issue with an eye on future bilateral relations.
日中関係の大原則をゆるがせにしかねない。習近平政権は将来を見据えた判断をすべきだ。
The suit was filed against two Japanese businesses by former Chinese workers and others who called for an apology and compensation, claiming they were forcibly brought to Japan in wartime and made to work under severe labor conditions.
戦時中に中国から強制連行され、過酷な労働を強いられたとする中国人の元労働者らが、日本企業２社を相手取り、謝罪と損害賠償を求める訴状を北京の裁判所に提出した。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga emphasized the Japanese government’s position on the matter, saying, “There is no reparation issue left pending between Japan and China, including those concerning individual demands for reparation.”
これに対し、菅官房長官は「日中間の請求権問題は、個人の請求権問題を含め、存在していない」と日本政府の立場を強調した。
In the Japan-China joint statement signed in 1972 to mark the normalization of bilateral relations, the Chinese government declared its relinquishment of reparation demands for damage related to the war.
中国政府は、１９７２年の国交正常化時の日中共同声明で、日本に対する戦争被害の賠償請求を放棄する、と宣言している。
In a case filed in Japan by Chinese people and others for individual reparations, the Supreme Court turned down the plaintiffs’ claim in 2007, saying, “Due to the Japan-China joint statement, individual Chinese are unable to file reparation claims for war damage.” This can be judged as an appropriate decision.
日本では、中国人による個人賠償請求訴訟があったが、最高裁は２００７年、「日中共同声明により、中国人個人は戦争被害について、裁判上の賠償請求はできなくなった」として訴えを棄却した。適切な判断だったと言える。
The key point is whether the lawsuit will be accepted by the Chinese court, which is under the control of the Chinese Communist Party-led government. If accepted, it will become the first Chinese reparation case against a Japanese company over alleged forced relocation and labor.
問題は、今回の訴えを、共産党政権の指導下にある裁判所が受理するかどうかだ。受理されれば、中国では、日本企業に対する初めての強制連行訴訟となる。
Detrimental factors
The Chinese government holds the position that individual rights to claim damages are not included in the joint statement. But, in fact, no such a claim has been accepted by a Chinese court.
中国政府は、日中共同声明には個人の賠償請求権は含まれないという立場を取っている。しかし、実際には、裁判所は今までそのような訴えを受理しなかった。
Behind this could be the fact that China attached importance to relations with Japan, which sustained its economic development with various kinds of assistance, including the provision of a huge amount of yen credit.
巨額の円借款などで経済発展を支えた日本との関係維持を重視したからだろう。
There must have been wariness on the part of China’s leadership that if one court battle over a historical incident was accepted, it could ignite large anti-Japan rallies and invite public criticism that the government was weak regarding Japan.
ひとたび歴史を巡る国内での法廷闘争を容認すれば、大規模な反日デモや、政権の対応を「弱腰」とする批判を誘発しかねないとの警戒感もあったに違いない。
But the situation today is different from what it was before. The bilateral relationship has worsened to such an extent that top leaders of the two countries cannot hold a summit meeting. The Xi administration has been intensifying its anti-Japan propaganda campaign over the issue of history since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine in late December.
ただ、現在の状況はこれまでと異なる。日中間では首脳同士が会談さえできない。習政権は、安倍首相による昨年末の靖国神社参拝を機に、歴史問題で日本を攻撃する反日宣伝を一層強めている。
If the Xi administration changes tack and the court accepts the damages suit, the bilateral relationship will deteriorate more seriously.
習政権が従来の方針を転換し、裁判所が訴えを受理すれば、関係の悪化はより深刻となろう。
If that happens, it is impossible to anticipate how many more individual claims will be filed against Japanese firms. Beijing claims that about 40,000 Chinese were forced to work in Japan in wartime.
そうなれば、どれだけの個人が被害を訴え出るのか、予測もつかない。中国は、強制連行された人は約４万人に上るとしている。
Due to concern about Chinese downside risks, bilateral trade, investments and tourism could cool off.
中国リスクの高まりが懸念され、日中間の貿易や投資、観光などが冷え込む可能性もある。
Court battles over damages claim filed by former South Korean forced workers and the Chinese suit over forced labor can be taken by Japan as basically in the same paradigm.
日本にとって、韓国で元徴用工が日本企業に損害賠償を求めている裁判と、中国の強制連行訴訟は、基本的に似た構図と言えよう。
The Japanese government should support the firms against which damages claim was filed. To China, South Korea and the international community, Tokyo must strongly argue the invalidity of rekindling issues that have already been settled legally.
日本政府は、訴えられた企業を支援すべきだ。中韓及び国際社会に対しては、法的に解決済みの問題を蒸し返すことの不当性を強く訴えていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 28, 2014)
（2014年2月28日01時21分 読売新聞）
Chinese damages suit against Japan firms threatening to harm bilateral ties
個人賠償請求 訴え受理なら日中関係損なう（2月28日付・読売社説）
A damages suit filed with a Beijing court may shake the very foundation of Japan-China relations, depending on how it is handled. The Chinese administration of President Xi Jinping should deal with the issue with an eye on future bilateral relations.
日中関係の大原則をゆるがせにしかねない。習近平政権は将来を見据えた判断をすべきだ。
The suit was filed against two Japanese businesses by former Chinese workers and others who called for an apology and compensation, claiming they were forcibly brought to Japan in wartime and made to work under severe labor conditions.
戦時中に中国から強制連行され、過酷な労働を強いられたとする中国人の元労働者らが、日本企業２社を相手取り、謝罪と損害賠償を求める訴状を北京の裁判所に提出した。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga emphasized the Japanese government’s position on the matter, saying, “There is no reparation issue left pending between Japan and China, including those concerning individual demands for reparation.”
これに対し、菅官房長官は「日中間の請求権問題は、個人の請求権問題を含め、存在していない」と日本政府の立場を強調した。
In the Japan-China joint statement signed in 1972 to mark the normalization of bilateral relations, the Chinese government declared its relinquishment of reparation demands for damage related to the war.
中国政府は、１９７２年の国交正常化時の日中共同声明で、日本に対する戦争被害の賠償請求を放棄する、と宣言している。
In a case filed in Japan by Chinese people and others for individual reparations, the Supreme Court turned down the plaintiffs’ claim in 2007, saying, “Due to the Japan-China joint statement, individual Chinese are unable to file reparation claims for war damage.” This can be judged as an appropriate decision.
日本では、中国人による個人賠償請求訴訟があったが、最高裁は２００７年、「日中共同声明により、中国人個人は戦争被害について、裁判上の賠償請求はできなくなった」として訴えを棄却した。適切な判断だったと言える。
The key point is whether the lawsuit will be accepted by the Chinese court, which is under the control of the Chinese Communist Party-led government. If accepted, it will become the first Chinese reparation case against a Japanese company over alleged forced relocation and labor.
問題は、今回の訴えを、共産党政権の指導下にある裁判所が受理するかどうかだ。受理されれば、中国では、日本企業に対する初めての強制連行訴訟となる。
Detrimental factors
The Chinese government holds the position that individual rights to claim damages are not included in the joint statement. But, in fact, no such a claim has been accepted by a Chinese court.
中国政府は、日中共同声明には個人の賠償請求権は含まれないという立場を取っている。しかし、実際には、裁判所は今までそのような訴えを受理しなかった。
Behind this could be the fact that China attached importance to relations with Japan, which sustained its economic development with various kinds of assistance, including the provision of a huge amount of yen credit.
巨額の円借款などで経済発展を支えた日本との関係維持を重視したからだろう。
There must have been wariness on the part of China’s leadership that if one court battle over a historical incident was accepted, it could ignite large anti-Japan rallies and invite public criticism that the government was weak regarding Japan.
ひとたび歴史を巡る国内での法廷闘争を容認すれば、大規模な反日デモや、政権の対応を「弱腰」とする批判を誘発しかねないとの警戒感もあったに違いない。
But the situation today is different from what it was before. The bilateral relationship has worsened to such an extent that top leaders of the two countries cannot hold a summit meeting. The Xi administration has been intensifying its anti-Japan propaganda campaign over the issue of history since Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine in late December.
ただ、現在の状況はこれまでと異なる。日中間では首脳同士が会談さえできない。習政権は、安倍首相による昨年末の靖国神社参拝を機に、歴史問題で日本を攻撃する反日宣伝を一層強めている。
If the Xi administration changes tack and the court accepts the damages suit, the bilateral relationship will deteriorate more seriously.
習政権が従来の方針を転換し、裁判所が訴えを受理すれば、関係の悪化はより深刻となろう。
If that happens, it is impossible to anticipate how many more individual claims will be filed against Japanese firms. Beijing claims that about 40,000 Chinese were forced to work in Japan in wartime.
そうなれば、どれだけの個人が被害を訴え出るのか、予測もつかない。中国は、強制連行された人は約４万人に上るとしている。
Due to concern about Chinese downside risks, bilateral trade, investments and tourism could cool off.
中国リスクの高まりが懸念され、日中間の貿易や投資、観光などが冷え込む可能性もある。
Court battles over damages claim filed by former South Korean forced workers and the Chinese suit over forced labor can be taken by Japan as basically in the same paradigm.
日本にとって、韓国で元徴用工が日本企業に損害賠償を求めている裁判と、中国の強制連行訴訟は、基本的に似た構図と言えよう。
The Japanese government should support the firms against which damages claim was filed. To China, South Korea and the international community, Tokyo must strongly argue the invalidity of rekindling issues that have already been settled legally.
日本政府は、訴えられた企業を支援すべきだ。中韓及び国際社会に対しては、法的に解決済みの問題を蒸し返すことの不当性を強く訴えていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 28, 2014)
（2014年2月28日01時21分 読売新聞）
2014年03月01日
ＴＰＰ交渉不調 日米が協力して漂流させるな
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 27, 2014
Japan, U.S. should cooperate to stop TPP talks from drifting
ＴＰＰ交渉不調 日米が協力して漂流させるな（2月27日付・読売社説）
Ministerial talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral economic partnership agreement once again failed to reach a basic agreement, mainly due to a confrontation between Japan and the United States.
日本と米国の対立が障害となり、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の閣僚会合は再び、大筋合意を見送った。
The TPP negotiations should not be left drifting. Japan and the United States, the countries responsible for leading the negotiations, must swiftly put the talks onto a desirable track.
このまま交渉を漂流させてはならない。主導すべき日米両国が交渉を早急に立て直すべきである。
It was a fresh start from the previous talks in December, but the negotiations have broken down for the second time. No schedule has been officially set for the next meeting. This result is utterly disappointing.
昨年１２月の仕切り直しだったのに、２度目の物別れだ。妥結目標を示さず、次回日程も決まっていない。期待外れの結果である。
The latest TPP ministerial talks held in Singapore, in which 12 countries including Japan, the United States and Australia participated, have ended.
日米を始め、豪州など１２か国が参加したシンガポールでのＴＰＰ閣僚会合が終了した。
The aim of the TPP is to create new free trade rules in the Asia-Pacific region to lead the world with an economic partnership framework for the 21st century. However, if the negotiations were to lose momentum, it would be difficult to break the state of deadlock.
ＴＰＰは、アジア太平洋地域で新たな自由貿易ルールを作り、２１世紀型の経済連携で世界をリードすることが狙いだ。しかし、交渉の勢いが弱まれば、膠着(こうちゃく)状態を打開するのは難しくなるだろう。
The main reason that the participating ministers have given up on reaching a basic agreement was a confrontation between Japan and the United States over the elimination of tariffs.
大筋合意を断念した主因は、関税撤廃を巡る日米の対立だ。
Regarding the Liberal Democratic Party’s insistence that five sensitive agricultural categories, including rice, wheat and barley, be exempted as sanctuary items, the United States has maintained its hard-line stance, persistently seeking tariff cuts on them. Japan sought a point of compromise on the five categories by suggesting the possibility of lowering tariffs on beef and pork to sound out the U.S. reaction. However, the abyss between the two countries on the issue was so deep that they could not find any point of compromise.
自民党がコメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の聖域として主張している問題で、米国はあくまで関税撤廃を求めて強硬だった。日本は５項目のうち、牛肉や豚肉の関税引き下げを打診し、妥協点を探ったが、溝は深かった。
On the issue of tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, which Japan demanded that the United States remove, the two countries could not solve their confrontation.
日本が米国に要求した自動車や自動車部品の関税撤廃問題でも、対立は解けなかった。
It will be difficult to find a way out of the deadlock in the TPP talks if Japan and the United States, two economic giants, only stick to their negotiation principles and do not show flexibility. The two countries should reflect on their attitudes, which have lacked broader perspective.
経済大国の日米がＴＰＰ交渉で互いに原則論に終始し、柔軟性を示さなければ活路は開けない。ともに大局的見地を欠いていた点は反省すべきだ。
Reshaping the talks
Australia and emerging countries such as Malaysia, which have closely watched the Japan-U.S. negotiations, have also become passive in the TPP talks. Broad differences were also seen between the claims of the United States and emerging nations as well. Japan and the United States should feel a serious sense of responsibility for holding up the overall TPP talks.
日米協議を注視していた豪州やマレーシアなど新興国も消極的になった。米国と新興国の主張にも開きがあった。交渉全体の足を引っ張った日米の責任は大きい。
The focus from now on is how to put the talks onto a desirable course.
今後の焦点は、ＴＰＰ交渉をどう立て直すかである。
The 12 countries are expected to have the next meeting when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum holds a meeting of trade ministers in Qingdao, China, in May.
１２か国は中国・青島で５月に開くアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）貿易相会合の際に次回会合を開く考えとみられる。
Another important factor for breaking the deadlock of the TPP talks is a Japan-U.S. summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. President Barack Obama, who will visit Japan in late April. It is inevitable that the TPP should become a main discussion agenda for their talks.
ＴＰＰ交渉打開に向けて重要になるのが、４月下旬に来日するオバマ米大統領と安倍首相との日米首脳会談である。ＴＰＰが主要議題にならざるを得ない。
In the United States, the protectionist pressure has been increasing with midterm elections of the U.S. Congress scheduled for November. For this reason, we are concerned about how the U.S. side’s difficulty with compromising in the talks will play out.
米国では、１１月の議会中間選挙を控え、保護貿易主義圧力が高まっている。このため、米国が譲歩しにくい展開も懸念される。
Obama has maintained that concluding the TPP agreement is the top priority issue for employment and export expansion. We hope he exercises his leadership in domestic coordination and efforts to make progress in the TPP negotiations.
大統領は雇用や輸出拡大のためＴＰＰ妥結を最優先課題に掲げてきた。国内調整と交渉進展で指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
The attitude of Abe, who made the TPP a pillar of his growth strategy, will be put to a test. Abe must stand at the helm in finding a point of agreement with the United States, while reinforcing the competitiveness of Japan’s agricultural sector ahead of market liberalization.
ＴＰＰを成長戦略の柱に据える安倍首相の姿勢も問われる。市場開放に備え、農業分野の競争力を強化しながら、米国との接点を見いだす先頭に立つ必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 27, 2014)
（2014年2月27日01時34分 読売新聞）
Japan, U.S. should cooperate to stop TPP talks from drifting
ＴＰＰ交渉不調 日米が協力して漂流させるな（2月27日付・読売社説）
Ministerial talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral economic partnership agreement once again failed to reach a basic agreement, mainly due to a confrontation between Japan and the United States.
日本と米国の対立が障害となり、環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉の閣僚会合は再び、大筋合意を見送った。
The TPP negotiations should not be left drifting. Japan and the United States, the countries responsible for leading the negotiations, must swiftly put the talks onto a desirable track.
このまま交渉を漂流させてはならない。主導すべき日米両国が交渉を早急に立て直すべきである。
It was a fresh start from the previous talks in December, but the negotiations have broken down for the second time. No schedule has been officially set for the next meeting. This result is utterly disappointing.
昨年１２月の仕切り直しだったのに、２度目の物別れだ。妥結目標を示さず、次回日程も決まっていない。期待外れの結果である。
The latest TPP ministerial talks held in Singapore, in which 12 countries including Japan, the United States and Australia participated, have ended.
日米を始め、豪州など１２か国が参加したシンガポールでのＴＰＰ閣僚会合が終了した。
The aim of the TPP is to create new free trade rules in the Asia-Pacific region to lead the world with an economic partnership framework for the 21st century. However, if the negotiations were to lose momentum, it would be difficult to break the state of deadlock.
ＴＰＰは、アジア太平洋地域で新たな自由貿易ルールを作り、２１世紀型の経済連携で世界をリードすることが狙いだ。しかし、交渉の勢いが弱まれば、膠着(こうちゃく)状態を打開するのは難しくなるだろう。
The main reason that the participating ministers have given up on reaching a basic agreement was a confrontation between Japan and the United States over the elimination of tariffs.
大筋合意を断念した主因は、関税撤廃を巡る日米の対立だ。
Regarding the Liberal Democratic Party’s insistence that five sensitive agricultural categories, including rice, wheat and barley, be exempted as sanctuary items, the United States has maintained its hard-line stance, persistently seeking tariff cuts on them. Japan sought a point of compromise on the five categories by suggesting the possibility of lowering tariffs on beef and pork to sound out the U.S. reaction. However, the abyss between the two countries on the issue was so deep that they could not find any point of compromise.
自民党がコメ、麦など農産品５項目を関税撤廃の聖域として主張している問題で、米国はあくまで関税撤廃を求めて強硬だった。日本は５項目のうち、牛肉や豚肉の関税引き下げを打診し、妥協点を探ったが、溝は深かった。
On the issue of tariffs on automobiles and auto parts, which Japan demanded that the United States remove, the two countries could not solve their confrontation.
日本が米国に要求した自動車や自動車部品の関税撤廃問題でも、対立は解けなかった。
It will be difficult to find a way out of the deadlock in the TPP talks if Japan and the United States, two economic giants, only stick to their negotiation principles and do not show flexibility. The two countries should reflect on their attitudes, which have lacked broader perspective.
経済大国の日米がＴＰＰ交渉で互いに原則論に終始し、柔軟性を示さなければ活路は開けない。ともに大局的見地を欠いていた点は反省すべきだ。
Reshaping the talks
Australia and emerging countries such as Malaysia, which have closely watched the Japan-U.S. negotiations, have also become passive in the TPP talks. Broad differences were also seen between the claims of the United States and emerging nations as well. Japan and the United States should feel a serious sense of responsibility for holding up the overall TPP talks.
日米協議を注視していた豪州やマレーシアなど新興国も消極的になった。米国と新興国の主張にも開きがあった。交渉全体の足を引っ張った日米の責任は大きい。
The focus from now on is how to put the talks onto a desirable course.
今後の焦点は、ＴＰＰ交渉をどう立て直すかである。
The 12 countries are expected to have the next meeting when the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation forum holds a meeting of trade ministers in Qingdao, China, in May.
１２か国は中国・青島で５月に開くアジア太平洋経済協力会議（ＡＰＥＣ）貿易相会合の際に次回会合を開く考えとみられる。
Another important factor for breaking the deadlock of the TPP talks is a Japan-U.S. summit meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and U.S. President Barack Obama, who will visit Japan in late April. It is inevitable that the TPP should become a main discussion agenda for their talks.
ＴＰＰ交渉打開に向けて重要になるのが、４月下旬に来日するオバマ米大統領と安倍首相との日米首脳会談である。ＴＰＰが主要議題にならざるを得ない。
In the United States, the protectionist pressure has been increasing with midterm elections of the U.S. Congress scheduled for November. For this reason, we are concerned about how the U.S. side’s difficulty with compromising in the talks will play out.
米国では、１１月の議会中間選挙を控え、保護貿易主義圧力が高まっている。このため、米国が譲歩しにくい展開も懸念される。
Obama has maintained that concluding the TPP agreement is the top priority issue for employment and export expansion. We hope he exercises his leadership in domestic coordination and efforts to make progress in the TPP negotiations.
大統領は雇用や輸出拡大のためＴＰＰ妥結を最優先課題に掲げてきた。国内調整と交渉進展で指導力を発揮してもらいたい。
The attitude of Abe, who made the TPP a pillar of his growth strategy, will be put to a test. Abe must stand at the helm in finding a point of agreement with the United States, while reinforcing the competitiveness of Japan’s agricultural sector ahead of market liberalization.
ＴＰＰを成長戦略の柱に据える安倍首相の姿勢も問われる。市場開放に備え、農業分野の競争力を強化しながら、米国との接点を見いだす先頭に立つ必要がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 27, 2014)
（2014年2月27日01時34分 読売新聞）
2014年02月28日
徳田議員辞職 政界去っても説明責任は残る
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 26, 2014
Resignation is a start, but Tokuda is still accountable for an explanation
徳田議員辞職 政界去っても説明責任は残る（2月26日付・読売社説）
It is only reasonable that lawmaker Takeshi Tokuda has chosen to resign from the Diet, given the seriousness of the recent scandal concerning his relatives’ alleged involvement in massive election irregularities. We feel that his decision comes too late.
大がかりな選挙違反に親族が関わった以上、辞職は当然である。むしろ、遅すぎた決断だったと言えよう。
On Monday, House of Representatives member Tokuda submitted a letter of resignation in connection with the scandal over violations of the Public Offices Election Law by people tied to the Tokushukai hospital group. His move comes after he left the Liberal Democratic Party in November.
医療グループ「徳洲会」の公職選挙法違反事件で、自民党を離党した徳田毅衆院議員が、議員辞職願を提出した。
Since the scandal came to light last autumn, Tokuda has been frequently absent from plenary sessions of the lower house and committee meetings of the chamber. In this respect, he should be criticized as an extremely irresponsible Diet member.
事件が発覚した昨秋以降、徳田氏は衆院の本会議や委員会を繰り返し欠席している。国会議員として無責任に過ぎる。
Shortly after tendering his resignation as a lawmaker, Tokuda gave a press conference in which he issued an apology for the first time in the ongoing scandal. However, he should have sought accountability when investigators first delved into suspicions surrounding individuals involved in his election campaign.
今回、初めて記者会見で謝罪したが、自らの陣営に司直のメスが入った時点で、説明責任を果たすべきだった。
The Tokushukai group is believed to have put more than \200 million to use bribing election campaigners and in efforts aimed at securing Tokuda’s win in the December 2012 lower house election.
徳洲会は一昨年１２月の衆院選で、総額２億円超の資金を運動員らの買収に充てたとみられている。
Prosecutors arrested and indicted his mother, two of his sisters and some other figures in connection with the case, though his father, Tokushukai founder Torao Tokuda, has not yet been charged due to his suffering from an intractable illness. The elder Tokuda formerly served as a lower house member as well.
グループ創業者で、徳田氏の父の虎雄元衆院議員は、難病のため立件されていないが、母親と２人の姉らが逮捕、起訴された。
The sentencing session in the trial of one of Takeshi Tokuda’s sisters is scheduled for Wednesday. During the prosecution’s probe into the case, the sister, the family’s second daughter, acknowledged her involvement in the alleged electoral irregularities.
捜査段階で事件への関与を認めた次姉の判決公判が、３月５日に迫っている。
Tokuda’s resignation comes just as he was set to be stripped of his seat on the basis of the election law’s guilt-by-association provisions. It is believed that the legislator timed his resignation announcement in consideration of the hearing of his sister’s trial.
公選法の連座制の規定により、徳田氏の失職は避けられない状況になっていた。
辞職表明は、親族の公判日程をにらんでのことだろう。
Tokuda’s selfish hopes
During Monday’s press conference, Tokuda said, “I’d appreciate it if [the judicial authorities] acted with leniency [in passing judgment on the case].” The remark apparently reflected a desire on Tokuda’s part that his voluntary resignation from the Diet would encourage authorities to consider extenuating circumstances surrounding his relatives and other indicted figures in their sentencing decisions. We find this an extremely self-serving attitude.
記者会見で、徳田氏は「寛大な措置をお願いしたい」と述べ、自発的に議員辞職することで親族らの情状酌量を求めた。虫が良すぎると言うほかはない。
The special investigation squad of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office is investigating the case of the questionable transfer of \50 million in cash from Tokuda to former Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose. The focus of the probe, led by the prosecution’s special investigation squad, is whether the cash was intended to help finance Inose’s campaign for the Tokyo governorship in late 2012.
東京地検特捜部は、現金５０００万円が徳田氏から猪瀬直樹・前東京都知事に渡った問題について捜査を進めている。現金の趣旨が都知事選の選挙資金だったかどうかが、捜査の焦点だ。
If the money was offered to Inose to fund his election campaign, he and his election staff could be accused of neglecting to write the fund into a report on income and expenditures incurred through his electoral bid.
仮に選挙資金であったのなら、選挙運動費用収支報告書に記載していなかった猪瀬氏側の刑事責任が問われる可能性もある。
At the press conference, Tokuda declined to comment on the purpose for which the cash was intended, despite having admitted that he and Inose discussed the gubernatorial election when they dined together. “I cannot talk [about the nature of the money],” he said.
徳田氏は「猪瀬氏との会食で都知事選の話が出た」と述べたが、使途に関しては「私からはお話しできない」と明言を避けた。
Tokuda also declined to speak about the details of his conversation with Inose. He defended his refusal to comment, saying the scandal is under investigation. However, Inose’s acceptance of \50 million in cash from Tokuda is already known to the public. Given this, Tokuda, as a key figure in the case, should provide an appropriate explanation of the nature of the money transfer.
捜査中であることなどを理由に、猪瀬氏とのやり取りも具体的には語らなかった。だが、５０００万円の授受は公知の事実だ。徳田氏は一方の当事者として、きちんと説明すべきである。
The press conference also brought to light discrepancies in the explanations given by Tokuda and Inose about the funds. When asked whether Inose had asked him for the loan, Tokuda said, “I think so.”
猪瀬氏の説明との食い違いも明らかになった。「猪瀬氏から貸してほしいとの依頼があったのか」との質問に、徳田氏は「そのように認識している」と答えた。
However, Inose has asserted that Tokuda himself made the offer to loan the money.
猪瀬氏は、逆に徳田氏からの申し出だったと主張している。
Once again, we want Tokuda to explain his position on issues relevant to the scandal, including the Tokushukai group’s failed attempt to buy a hospital owned by the struggling Tokyo Electric Power Co.
徳洲会が取得に動いた東京電力病院の売却問題も含め、徳田氏の詳細な説明を改めて聞きたい。
Tokuda’s resignation will mandate a by-election for his lower house seat in Kagoshima Constituency No. 2 in April. We hope the lessons learned from this scandal will be put into practice in how the election is conducted.
徳田氏辞職に伴う衆院鹿児島２区の補選は４月に行われる。事件の反省に立った選挙にしたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2014)
（2014年2月26日01時31分 読売新聞）
Resignation is a start, but Tokuda is still accountable for an explanation
徳田議員辞職 政界去っても説明責任は残る（2月26日付・読売社説）
It is only reasonable that lawmaker Takeshi Tokuda has chosen to resign from the Diet, given the seriousness of the recent scandal concerning his relatives’ alleged involvement in massive election irregularities. We feel that his decision comes too late.
大がかりな選挙違反に親族が関わった以上、辞職は当然である。むしろ、遅すぎた決断だったと言えよう。
On Monday, House of Representatives member Tokuda submitted a letter of resignation in connection with the scandal over violations of the Public Offices Election Law by people tied to the Tokushukai hospital group. His move comes after he left the Liberal Democratic Party in November.
医療グループ「徳洲会」の公職選挙法違反事件で、自民党を離党した徳田毅衆院議員が、議員辞職願を提出した。
Since the scandal came to light last autumn, Tokuda has been frequently absent from plenary sessions of the lower house and committee meetings of the chamber. In this respect, he should be criticized as an extremely irresponsible Diet member.
事件が発覚した昨秋以降、徳田氏は衆院の本会議や委員会を繰り返し欠席している。国会議員として無責任に過ぎる。
Shortly after tendering his resignation as a lawmaker, Tokuda gave a press conference in which he issued an apology for the first time in the ongoing scandal. However, he should have sought accountability when investigators first delved into suspicions surrounding individuals involved in his election campaign.
今回、初めて記者会見で謝罪したが、自らの陣営に司直のメスが入った時点で、説明責任を果たすべきだった。
The Tokushukai group is believed to have put more than \200 million to use bribing election campaigners and in efforts aimed at securing Tokuda’s win in the December 2012 lower house election.
徳洲会は一昨年１２月の衆院選で、総額２億円超の資金を運動員らの買収に充てたとみられている。
Prosecutors arrested and indicted his mother, two of his sisters and some other figures in connection with the case, though his father, Tokushukai founder Torao Tokuda, has not yet been charged due to his suffering from an intractable illness. The elder Tokuda formerly served as a lower house member as well.
グループ創業者で、徳田氏の父の虎雄元衆院議員は、難病のため立件されていないが、母親と２人の姉らが逮捕、起訴された。
The sentencing session in the trial of one of Takeshi Tokuda’s sisters is scheduled for Wednesday. During the prosecution’s probe into the case, the sister, the family’s second daughter, acknowledged her involvement in the alleged electoral irregularities.
捜査段階で事件への関与を認めた次姉の判決公判が、３月５日に迫っている。
Tokuda’s resignation comes just as he was set to be stripped of his seat on the basis of the election law’s guilt-by-association provisions. It is believed that the legislator timed his resignation announcement in consideration of the hearing of his sister’s trial.
公選法の連座制の規定により、徳田氏の失職は避けられない状況になっていた。
辞職表明は、親族の公判日程をにらんでのことだろう。
Tokuda’s selfish hopes
During Monday’s press conference, Tokuda said, “I’d appreciate it if [the judicial authorities] acted with leniency [in passing judgment on the case].” The remark apparently reflected a desire on Tokuda’s part that his voluntary resignation from the Diet would encourage authorities to consider extenuating circumstances surrounding his relatives and other indicted figures in their sentencing decisions. We find this an extremely self-serving attitude.
記者会見で、徳田氏は「寛大な措置をお願いしたい」と述べ、自発的に議員辞職することで親族らの情状酌量を求めた。虫が良すぎると言うほかはない。
The special investigation squad of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office is investigating the case of the questionable transfer of \50 million in cash from Tokuda to former Tokyo Gov. Naoki Inose. The focus of the probe, led by the prosecution’s special investigation squad, is whether the cash was intended to help finance Inose’s campaign for the Tokyo governorship in late 2012.
東京地検特捜部は、現金５０００万円が徳田氏から猪瀬直樹・前東京都知事に渡った問題について捜査を進めている。現金の趣旨が都知事選の選挙資金だったかどうかが、捜査の焦点だ。
If the money was offered to Inose to fund his election campaign, he and his election staff could be accused of neglecting to write the fund into a report on income and expenditures incurred through his electoral bid.
仮に選挙資金であったのなら、選挙運動費用収支報告書に記載していなかった猪瀬氏側の刑事責任が問われる可能性もある。
At the press conference, Tokuda declined to comment on the purpose for which the cash was intended, despite having admitted that he and Inose discussed the gubernatorial election when they dined together. “I cannot talk [about the nature of the money],” he said.
徳田氏は「猪瀬氏との会食で都知事選の話が出た」と述べたが、使途に関しては「私からはお話しできない」と明言を避けた。
Tokuda also declined to speak about the details of his conversation with Inose. He defended his refusal to comment, saying the scandal is under investigation. However, Inose’s acceptance of \50 million in cash from Tokuda is already known to the public. Given this, Tokuda, as a key figure in the case, should provide an appropriate explanation of the nature of the money transfer.
捜査中であることなどを理由に、猪瀬氏とのやり取りも具体的には語らなかった。だが、５０００万円の授受は公知の事実だ。徳田氏は一方の当事者として、きちんと説明すべきである。
The press conference also brought to light discrepancies in the explanations given by Tokuda and Inose about the funds. When asked whether Inose had asked him for the loan, Tokuda said, “I think so.”
猪瀬氏の説明との食い違いも明らかになった。「猪瀬氏から貸してほしいとの依頼があったのか」との質問に、徳田氏は「そのように認識している」と答えた。
However, Inose has asserted that Tokuda himself made the offer to loan the money.
猪瀬氏は、逆に徳田氏からの申し出だったと主張している。
Once again, we want Tokuda to explain his position on issues relevant to the scandal, including the Tokushukai group’s failed attempt to buy a hospital owned by the struggling Tokyo Electric Power Co.
徳洲会が取得に動いた東京電力病院の売却問題も含め、徳田氏の詳細な説明を改めて聞きたい。
Tokuda’s resignation will mandate a by-election for his lower house seat in Kagoshima Constituency No. 2 in April. We hope the lessons learned from this scandal will be put into practice in how the election is conducted.
徳田氏辞職に伴う衆院鹿児島２区の補選は４月に行われる。事件の反省に立った選挙にしたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 26, 2014)
（2014年2月26日01時31分 読売新聞）
2014年02月27日
ウクライナ政変 安定回復へ欧露の責任は重い
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 25, 2014
EU, Russia have grave responsibility to help Ukraine regain stability
ウクライナ政変 安定回復へ欧露の責任は重い（2月25日付・読売社説）
International cooperation is needed to help Ukraine regain its stability, a country beset by the rival influences of the European Union and Russia.
欧州とロシアのはざまで揺れるウクライナの安定を回復させるため、国際的な協力が必要だ。
The administration of President Viktor Yanukovych has effectively collapsed, and Yanukovych was forced to leave Kiev in the face of fierce antigovernment protests.
ウクライナのヤヌコビッチ政権が事実上崩壊した。大統領は、激しい反政府デモの中で、首都キエフからの退去を余儀なくされた。
The parliament has approved opposition leader Oleksandr Turchinov as acting head of state and decided to hold a presidential election in May. Yet, how the current chaotic situation will unfold remains uncertain.
議会は、野党のトゥルチノフ氏を大統領代行として承認し、５月に大統領選を実施すると決議したが、混乱の行方は不透明だ。
Yanukovych’s downfall was triggered when he reneged on plans to sign an agreement with the EU in November, centering on a free-trade pact.
ヤヌコビッチ氏失脚のきっかけは、欧州連合（ＥＵ）と、自由貿易を柱とする協定で合意したにもかかわらず、昨年１１月、署名の段階で見送りを決めたことだ。
Wary of seeing Ukraine move closer to the EU, Russia is believed to have made blatant approaches to the country by promising large-scale economic assistance in return for postponing conclusion of the EU accord.
ウクライナとＥＵの接近を警戒するロシアが、協定締結延期の見返りに大規模な経済支援を約束するなど、露骨な働きかけを行ったためと見られている。
The opposition and its supporters strongly protested and launched antigovernment demonstrations. Fighting between the opposition and security forces, which left more than 80 people dead this month, doomed the administration.
野党とその支持者は強く反発し、反政府デモを始めた。今月に入り、治安部隊との衝突で、８０人以上が死亡したことが、政権の命取りとなったと言えよう。
Historically, Ukraine’s western region has been strongly influenced by the West, while the eastern region looks toward Moscow. Ever since its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, pro-Russian groups have attached great importance to the country’s ties with Russia, while pro-EU factions have been trying to bring the country closer to the EU. The rivalry between the two groups resulted in repeated changes in administration.
ウクライナは、歴史的に、西部は欧州、東部はロシアの強い影響を受けてきた。１９９１年の旧ソ連からの独立以降も、ロシアとの関係を重視する親露派と、ＥＵとの接近を図る親欧州派が拮抗(きっこう)し、政権交代を繰り返した。
Shift to West likely
Yanukovych, seen as pro-Russian, was forced from power by pro-EU groups, and these groups, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who had been imprisoned, seized power. Ukraine is likely to shift further toward the EU.
親露派と見なされたヤヌコビッチ氏が権力の座から追われ、服役中だったチモシェンコ元首相ら親欧州派が実権を握ったことで、ウクライナは今後、ＥＵへの傾斜を強めることになるだろう。
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who hopes to use the success of the Sochi Olympics to move forward with the economic reintegration of the former Soviet bloc, probably feels as if he has been doused with cold water.
ソチ冬季五輪の成功で、旧ソ連圏の経済的再統合に弾みを付けたいプーチン大統領は、冷水を浴びせられた思いではないか。
If Putin, in an attempt to influence Ukraine, takes such hard-line measures as restricting supplies of natural gas to Ukraine, as Russia has in the past, the current turmoil will only worsen. We hope Russia will be prudent.
プーチン氏が、ウクライナに影響力を行使しようとして、過去に行った天然ガス供給制限のような強硬措置をとるようなことがあれば、混乱は深刻化するだけだ。自重を求めたい。
The EU should coordinate its views with Russia to prevent the situation in Ukraine from deteriorating. We highly appreciate German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s telephone conversation with Putin in which they agreed that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be upheld. They also concurred that splitting Ukraine into eastern and western regions should be avoided.
ＥＵは、事態悪化を防ぐため、ロシアとも調整しつつ関与すべきである。メルケル独首相が、プーチン氏と電話会談し、ウクライナの「領土の一体性維持」の必要性で一致し、東西分裂の回避で足並みをそろえたのは評価できる。
With its massive external debt, Ukraine is said to be in danger of default. Assistance from the international community, including the EU, is the key to the country regaining stability.
ウクライナは、巨額の対外債務を抱え、債務不履行の危険さえ指摘されている。ＥＵを始めとする国際社会の支援が、安定回復の鍵を握っている。
Ukraine, which experienced the devastating Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, has inked an accord with Japan on nuclear issues, exchanging information and experts. We should keep a keen eye on how developments will turn out in the days ahead.
チェルノブイリの原子力発電所事故を経験したウクライナは、日本と協定を結んで情報交換や専門家交流を行っている。政権崩壊の行方を注視したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 25, 2014)
（2014年2月25日01時24分 読売新聞）
EU, Russia have grave responsibility to help Ukraine regain stability
ウクライナ政変 安定回復へ欧露の責任は重い（2月25日付・読売社説）
International cooperation is needed to help Ukraine regain its stability, a country beset by the rival influences of the European Union and Russia.
欧州とロシアのはざまで揺れるウクライナの安定を回復させるため、国際的な協力が必要だ。
The administration of President Viktor Yanukovych has effectively collapsed, and Yanukovych was forced to leave Kiev in the face of fierce antigovernment protests.
ウクライナのヤヌコビッチ政権が事実上崩壊した。大統領は、激しい反政府デモの中で、首都キエフからの退去を余儀なくされた。
The parliament has approved opposition leader Oleksandr Turchinov as acting head of state and decided to hold a presidential election in May. Yet, how the current chaotic situation will unfold remains uncertain.
議会は、野党のトゥルチノフ氏を大統領代行として承認し、５月に大統領選を実施すると決議したが、混乱の行方は不透明だ。
Yanukovych’s downfall was triggered when he reneged on plans to sign an agreement with the EU in November, centering on a free-trade pact.
ヤヌコビッチ氏失脚のきっかけは、欧州連合（ＥＵ）と、自由貿易を柱とする協定で合意したにもかかわらず、昨年１１月、署名の段階で見送りを決めたことだ。
Wary of seeing Ukraine move closer to the EU, Russia is believed to have made blatant approaches to the country by promising large-scale economic assistance in return for postponing conclusion of the EU accord.
ウクライナとＥＵの接近を警戒するロシアが、協定締結延期の見返りに大規模な経済支援を約束するなど、露骨な働きかけを行ったためと見られている。
The opposition and its supporters strongly protested and launched antigovernment demonstrations. Fighting between the opposition and security forces, which left more than 80 people dead this month, doomed the administration.
野党とその支持者は強く反発し、反政府デモを始めた。今月に入り、治安部隊との衝突で、８０人以上が死亡したことが、政権の命取りとなったと言えよう。
Historically, Ukraine’s western region has been strongly influenced by the West, while the eastern region looks toward Moscow. Ever since its independence from the former Soviet Union in 1991, pro-Russian groups have attached great importance to the country’s ties with Russia, while pro-EU factions have been trying to bring the country closer to the EU. The rivalry between the two groups resulted in repeated changes in administration.
ウクライナは、歴史的に、西部は欧州、東部はロシアの強い影響を受けてきた。１９９１年の旧ソ連からの独立以降も、ロシアとの関係を重視する親露派と、ＥＵとの接近を図る親欧州派が拮抗(きっこう)し、政権交代を繰り返した。
Shift to West likely
Yanukovych, seen as pro-Russian, was forced from power by pro-EU groups, and these groups, including former Prime Minister Yulia Tymoshenko, who had been imprisoned, seized power. Ukraine is likely to shift further toward the EU.
親露派と見なされたヤヌコビッチ氏が権力の座から追われ、服役中だったチモシェンコ元首相ら親欧州派が実権を握ったことで、ウクライナは今後、ＥＵへの傾斜を強めることになるだろう。
Russian President Vladimir Putin, who hopes to use the success of the Sochi Olympics to move forward with the economic reintegration of the former Soviet bloc, probably feels as if he has been doused with cold water.
ソチ冬季五輪の成功で、旧ソ連圏の経済的再統合に弾みを付けたいプーチン大統領は、冷水を浴びせられた思いではないか。
If Putin, in an attempt to influence Ukraine, takes such hard-line measures as restricting supplies of natural gas to Ukraine, as Russia has in the past, the current turmoil will only worsen. We hope Russia will be prudent.
プーチン氏が、ウクライナに影響力を行使しようとして、過去に行った天然ガス供給制限のような強硬措置をとるようなことがあれば、混乱は深刻化するだけだ。自重を求めたい。
The EU should coordinate its views with Russia to prevent the situation in Ukraine from deteriorating. We highly appreciate German Chancellor Angela Merkel’s telephone conversation with Putin in which they agreed that Ukraine’s territorial integrity must be upheld. They also concurred that splitting Ukraine into eastern and western regions should be avoided.
ＥＵは、事態悪化を防ぐため、ロシアとも調整しつつ関与すべきである。メルケル独首相が、プーチン氏と電話会談し、ウクライナの「領土の一体性維持」の必要性で一致し、東西分裂の回避で足並みをそろえたのは評価できる。
With its massive external debt, Ukraine is said to be in danger of default. Assistance from the international community, including the EU, is the key to the country regaining stability.
ウクライナは、巨額の対外債務を抱え、債務不履行の危険さえ指摘されている。ＥＵを始めとする国際社会の支援が、安定回復の鍵を握っている。
Ukraine, which experienced the devastating Chernobyl nuclear power plant accident, has inked an accord with Japan on nuclear issues, exchanging information and experts. We should keep a keen eye on how developments will turn out in the days ahead.
チェルノブイリの原子力発電所事故を経験したウクライナは、日本と協定を結んで情報交換や専門家交流を行っている。政権崩壊の行方を注視したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 25, 2014)
（2014年2月25日01時24分 読売新聞）
2014年02月26日
Ｇ２０共同声明 世界成長２％底上げへ結束を
２０１３年に無謀とも思われる異次元金融緩和を実施した結果、円はあっという間にその価値を３０％も下げてしまいました。
輸入品価格の高騰を考慮すれば、実質的な生活は苦しくなっているか、良くても横ばいだと思います。
自国の通貨の価値が下がって喜んでいるのは世界で日本だけじゃないでしょうか。
安部首相、三本目の矢はからぶりになる可能性が大です。
一番大切なのが三本目の矢なんですが、ない矢は放てないといったところではないでしょうか。
こちらは、ない袖は振れない状態ですが。
お互い、がんばりましょう＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 24, 2014
G-20 economies must stand together to attain 2% global growth target
Ｇ２０共同声明 世界成長２％底上げへ結束を（2月24日付・読売社説）
Amid such concerns as the declining values of currencies of emerging economies, Japan, the United States and Europe should strengthen their cooperation with such emerging economies as China and Brazil to help accelerate the growth of the global economy.
新興国通貨安などへの懸念がくすぶる中、世界の成長加速に向けて、日米欧と、中国、ブラジルなど新興国の連携強化が問われよう。
With both industrially advanced nations and emerging market economies taking part, the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors adopted a joint communique at the close of a two-day meeting in Sydney on Sunday.
先進国と新興国が参加し、シドニーで開かれた主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議は共同声明を採択した。
The communique said, “Despite these recent improvements [in such countries as the United States, Britain and Japan], the global economy remains far from achieving strong, sustainable and balanced growth.”
共同声明は「世界経済は改善しているが、力強く持続的で均衡の取れた成長にはほど遠い」と分析した。
It went on to declare a new target for raising global growth “with the aim to lift our collective GDP by more than 2 percent...over the coming five years,” a potent message for the future of the world economy.
その上で、「今後５年間で世界全体の成長率を２％以上引き上げる」という新目標を明記したことは強いメッセージである。
The G-20 meeting confirmed that each of its member economies will work out an action plan in time for a G-20 summit scheduled to be held in Brisbane, Australia, in November.
Ｇ２０は、１１月に豪ブリスベーンで開く首脳会議までに「行動計画」をまとめる方針を示した。
This is the first time the G-20 has set a numerical target for global growth.
Ｇ２０が成長率引き上げの数値目標を設定するのは初めてだ。
The establishment of this target comes as not all is well with the global economy, although there are some bright signs. It seems the participants in the meeting agreed on the need to demonstrate their resolve to work together for sustainable growth by laying down a numerical goal.
その背景には、明るさが出てきたとは言え、世界経済への警戒感を拭えないことが指摘できる。２％という数値目標を設け、持続的成長を目指す決意を示す必要があると一致したのだろう。
The International Monetary Fund has released its global economic outlook, forecasting a year-on-year global growth of 3.7 percent in real terms for 2014 and 3.9 percent for 2015.
国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）の世界経済見通しによると、２０１４〜１５年の世界成長率は実質３・７〜３・９％が見込まれる。
Fears over ‘Fragile Five’
The U.S. economy is clearly on its way to recovery, while business activities in the eurozone have become positive at last. Japan’s economy, too, is continuing to gradually recover.
米国の景気回復が鮮明になり、欧州経済もようやくマイナスからプラス成長に転じた。日本の景気も回復基調が続いている。
What is worrying is that the slowdown of emerging economies, which replaced the industrial economies in propping up the global economy after the 2008 world financial crisis, has become increasingly conspicuous.
一方、０８年の金融危機後に先進国に代わって世界経済を牽引(けんいん)してきた新興国経済の減速が最近目立っていることが懸念材料だ。
With the U.S. Federal Reserve Board having launched its “exit strategy” by tapering its quantitative monetary easing, the value of the currencies of the so-called Fragile Five emerging economies, including Turkey and India, are under increasing downward pressure.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が量的緩和策を縮小する「出口戦略」に踏み出したのを機に、トルコ、インドなど「フラジャイル５（脆弱(ぜいじゃく)な５か国）」と呼ばれる新興国で通貨安が加速した。
The depreciation of these currencies has been caused by the fact that the massive amounts of cash, which flowed into from abroad while the Fed’s extraordinary monetary easing policy was in place, are now flowing out of them. It is essential to stem the vicious cycle of the global market being pummeled by erratic situations in emerging economies and slides in their currencies.
新興国に流れ込んでいた緩和マネーが引き揚げているのが要因で、新興国経済の変調や通貨安によって世界の市場が動揺する悪循環を食い止める必要がある。
Apparently focusing on emerging economies affected by the weakening of their currencies, the G-20 communique this time has rightly noted the need to “further strengthen...macroeconomic, structural and financial policy frameworks.” We hope to see them step up efforts to address such challenges as swelling current account deficits and runaway inflation.
Ｇ２０声明が通貨安に見舞われた新興国を念頭に、「経済政策や構造改革を強化すべきだ」と指摘したのは妥当だろう。巨額の経常赤字や高インフレといった課題の克服を加速してもらいたい。
Also incorporated in the communique is a passage to the effect that the United States should consider the effects of the handling of its financial policy on the global economy.
声明は米金融政策に関連し「世界経済に与える影響に配慮する」との文言も盛り込んだ。
In tapering its monetary easing policy, the Fed should exercise ingenuity in its “dialogue with the market” by noting changes in emerging economies.
ＦＲＢは金融緩和策縮小に当たって、新興国経済への目配りなど「市場との対話」の工夫が求められる。
High expectations are placed on Japan’s role in accelerating the pace of global growth.
世界経済の成長を加速するため日本への期待も大きい。
No time should be wasted in beefing up the third pillar of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policy−growth strategy.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の３本目の矢である成長戦略の強化を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 24, 2014)
（2014年2月24日01時27分 読売新聞）
輸入品価格の高騰を考慮すれば、実質的な生活は苦しくなっているか、良くても横ばいだと思います。
自国の通貨の価値が下がって喜んでいるのは世界で日本だけじゃないでしょうか。
安部首相、三本目の矢はからぶりになる可能性が大です。
一番大切なのが三本目の矢なんですが、ない矢は放てないといったところではないでしょうか。
こちらは、ない袖は振れない状態ですが。
お互い、がんばりましょう＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 24, 2014
G-20 economies must stand together to attain 2% global growth target
Ｇ２０共同声明 世界成長２％底上げへ結束を（2月24日付・読売社説）
Amid such concerns as the declining values of currencies of emerging economies, Japan, the United States and Europe should strengthen their cooperation with such emerging economies as China and Brazil to help accelerate the growth of the global economy.
新興国通貨安などへの懸念がくすぶる中、世界の成長加速に向けて、日米欧と、中国、ブラジルなど新興国の連携強化が問われよう。
With both industrially advanced nations and emerging market economies taking part, the Group of 20 finance ministers and central bank governors adopted a joint communique at the close of a two-day meeting in Sydney on Sunday.
先進国と新興国が参加し、シドニーで開かれた主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議は共同声明を採択した。
The communique said, “Despite these recent improvements [in such countries as the United States, Britain and Japan], the global economy remains far from achieving strong, sustainable and balanced growth.”
共同声明は「世界経済は改善しているが、力強く持続的で均衡の取れた成長にはほど遠い」と分析した。
It went on to declare a new target for raising global growth “with the aim to lift our collective GDP by more than 2 percent...over the coming five years,” a potent message for the future of the world economy.
その上で、「今後５年間で世界全体の成長率を２％以上引き上げる」という新目標を明記したことは強いメッセージである。
The G-20 meeting confirmed that each of its member economies will work out an action plan in time for a G-20 summit scheduled to be held in Brisbane, Australia, in November.
Ｇ２０は、１１月に豪ブリスベーンで開く首脳会議までに「行動計画」をまとめる方針を示した。
This is the first time the G-20 has set a numerical target for global growth.
Ｇ２０が成長率引き上げの数値目標を設定するのは初めてだ。
The establishment of this target comes as not all is well with the global economy, although there are some bright signs. It seems the participants in the meeting agreed on the need to demonstrate their resolve to work together for sustainable growth by laying down a numerical goal.
その背景には、明るさが出てきたとは言え、世界経済への警戒感を拭えないことが指摘できる。２％という数値目標を設け、持続的成長を目指す決意を示す必要があると一致したのだろう。
The International Monetary Fund has released its global economic outlook, forecasting a year-on-year global growth of 3.7 percent in real terms for 2014 and 3.9 percent for 2015.
国際通貨基金（ＩＭＦ）の世界経済見通しによると、２０１４〜１５年の世界成長率は実質３・７〜３・９％が見込まれる。
Fears over ‘Fragile Five’
The U.S. economy is clearly on its way to recovery, while business activities in the eurozone have become positive at last. Japan’s economy, too, is continuing to gradually recover.
米国の景気回復が鮮明になり、欧州経済もようやくマイナスからプラス成長に転じた。日本の景気も回復基調が続いている。
What is worrying is that the slowdown of emerging economies, which replaced the industrial economies in propping up the global economy after the 2008 world financial crisis, has become increasingly conspicuous.
一方、０８年の金融危機後に先進国に代わって世界経済を牽引(けんいん)してきた新興国経済の減速が最近目立っていることが懸念材料だ。
With the U.S. Federal Reserve Board having launched its “exit strategy” by tapering its quantitative monetary easing, the value of the currencies of the so-called Fragile Five emerging economies, including Turkey and India, are under increasing downward pressure.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が量的緩和策を縮小する「出口戦略」に踏み出したのを機に、トルコ、インドなど「フラジャイル５（脆弱(ぜいじゃく)な５か国）」と呼ばれる新興国で通貨安が加速した。
The depreciation of these currencies has been caused by the fact that the massive amounts of cash, which flowed into from abroad while the Fed’s extraordinary monetary easing policy was in place, are now flowing out of them. It is essential to stem the vicious cycle of the global market being pummeled by erratic situations in emerging economies and slides in their currencies.
新興国に流れ込んでいた緩和マネーが引き揚げているのが要因で、新興国経済の変調や通貨安によって世界の市場が動揺する悪循環を食い止める必要がある。
Apparently focusing on emerging economies affected by the weakening of their currencies, the G-20 communique this time has rightly noted the need to “further strengthen...macroeconomic, structural and financial policy frameworks.” We hope to see them step up efforts to address such challenges as swelling current account deficits and runaway inflation.
Ｇ２０声明が通貨安に見舞われた新興国を念頭に、「経済政策や構造改革を強化すべきだ」と指摘したのは妥当だろう。巨額の経常赤字や高インフレといった課題の克服を加速してもらいたい。
Also incorporated in the communique is a passage to the effect that the United States should consider the effects of the handling of its financial policy on the global economy.
声明は米金融政策に関連し「世界経済に与える影響に配慮する」との文言も盛り込んだ。
In tapering its monetary easing policy, the Fed should exercise ingenuity in its “dialogue with the market” by noting changes in emerging economies.
ＦＲＢは金融緩和策縮小に当たって、新興国経済への目配りなど「市場との対話」の工夫が求められる。
High expectations are placed on Japan’s role in accelerating the pace of global growth.
世界経済の成長を加速するため日本への期待も大きい。
No time should be wasted in beefing up the third pillar of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policy−growth strategy.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の３本目の矢である成長戦略の強化を急がねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 24, 2014)
（2014年2月24日01時27分 読売新聞）
2014年02月25日
竹島の日 内外に訴えよ韓国の不法占拠
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 23, 2014
Japan should present case abroad, at home on Takeshima occupation
竹島の日 内外に訴えよ韓国の不法占拠（2月23日付・読売社説）
The Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture are an inherent part of Japanese territory, but South Korea has been illegally occupying them. It is important that many more Japanese people share this understanding.
竹島は日本固有の領土であるのに、現在は、韓国が不法占拠している。この認識を、より多くの国民が共有することが肝要である。
The Shimane prefectural government has held its ninth “Takeshima Day” ceremony. Yoshitami Kameoka, parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office, represented the government at the ceremony and said in a speech, “The government will do its best to solve the Takeshima issue rationally and peacefully.”
島根県が第９回「竹島の日」記念式典を開催した。政府代表の亀岡偉民内閣府政務官は、「竹島問題の冷静かつ平和的な解決に全力で取り組む」とあいさつした。
Feb. 22 is the day that Japan incorporated the Takeshima islands into Shimane Prefecture in 1905. The prefecture enacted the “Takeshima Day” ordinance in 2005 and has been organizing the ceremony on the day every year since 2006. It is highly praiseworthy that the prefecture has steadily continued its Takeshima awareness campaign.
２月２２日は、１９０５年に竹島が島根県に編入された日だ。島根県は「竹島の日」条例を制定し、２００６年以降、毎年、この日に式典を開いている。竹島に関する啓発活動を地道に実施してきたことを高く評価したい。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government last year sent the parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office to the ceremony for the first time. Of course, resolving the territorial dispute is not easy and will take a long time, but the persistence of such awareness activities is important.
昨年、安倍政権が初めて内閣府政務官を派遣した。無論、領土問題の解決は簡単でなく、時間を要するだろうが、こうした活動を着実に継続することが大切だ。
In the past, Japan used Takeshima as a transit point of maritime traffic and a fishing base, and established sovereignty over the islands in the mid-17th century. After the end of World War II, South Korea demanded the United States include Takeshima among territories Japan should give up, but Washington refused.
日本は、竹島を海上交通の中継地や漁業に利用し、１７世紀半ばには領有権を確立した。韓国は第２次大戦後、日本が放棄すべき領土に竹島を含めるよう米国に要請したが、拒否された。
However, Seoul unilaterally established the “Syngman Rhee Line” in 1952 to demarcate the limits of its waters, including the Takeshima islands within its extended territory. It then illegally occupied the islands. South Korea has refused Tokyo’s proposal to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice.
ところが、韓国は５２年に一方的に李承晩ラインを設定し、その内側の竹島の不法占拠を始めた。国際司法裁判所に付託するという日本の提案も拒否している。
Raise awareness on islands
Results of a Cabinet Office survey released in August showed that 63 percent of Japanese polled knew that South Korea has illegally occupied the islands, and 61 percent realized they were an inherent part of Japanese territory. It is regrettable to say that these figures are not necessarily high. The government must make a greater effort to spread the correct understanding of the issue among the public.
昨年８月発表の内閣府世論調査で、韓国の不法占拠を知っている人は６３％、竹島を我が国固有の領土と認識している人は６１％だった。残念ながら高い数字ではない。政府は、竹島に関する正しい理解を広げる努力が求められる。
In January, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry revised instruction manuals for its course of study for middle and high schools to stipulate for the first time that the Takeshima and Senkaku islands are inherent territories of Japan. This should help improve the public’s awareness of the government’s views on the Takeshima and Senkaku islands.
文部科学省は今年１月、中学と高校の学習指導要領の解説書に竹島や尖閣諸島を日本の領土と初めて明記する改定を行った。こうした領土教育は、政府見解の認知度を高める効果を持とう。
It is also important to disseminate Japan’s views on the territorial issues among other countries in the world. The Foreign Ministry last year uploaded to its website video footage explaining the government views on the territories in 12 languages, which attracted more than 1 million hits.
世界への情報発信も重要だ。外務省が昨年１０月、１２か国語で政府見解を説明する動画をホームページに掲載したところ、計１００万件超の視聴があったという。
South Korea objected to the observance of “Takeshima Day” and demanded Tokyo stop sending a parliamentary secretary to the ceremony. However, its claim lacks legitimacy and is nothing but intervention in internal affairs.
韓国は「竹島の日」に反発し、政務官派遣の中止を求めている。だが、その主張に正当性はなく、内政干渉にほかならない。
Tokyo decided not to organize a government ceremony to mark the day as the Liberal Democratic Party had stipulated in its policy pledges for the last House of Representatives elections. It also did not send the prime minister or other ministers to the ceremony, though Shimane Prefecture invited them. We think these are appropriate diplomatic considerations made with the South Korean government in mind.
政府は、自民党が衆院選政策集に掲げた政府式典の開催や、島根県の求める首相や閣僚の式典出席を見送っている。韓国に対する十分な外交上の配慮と言える。
There are many other issues Japan and South Korea should work on together, such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade accord. The foreign ministries of both countries should carefully handle the dispute over the Takeshima islands so it does not become a major factor to hinder improvement of their bilateral relations.
一方で、北朝鮮の核問題や環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）など、日韓が協力して対処すべき課題は多い。竹島をめぐる日韓対立が、両国関係改善の決定的な障害とならないよう、双方の外交当局は慎重に対応すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 23, 2014)
（2014年2月23日01時41分 読売新聞）
Japan should present case abroad, at home on Takeshima occupation
竹島の日 内外に訴えよ韓国の不法占拠（2月23日付・読売社説）
The Takeshima islands in Shimane Prefecture are an inherent part of Japanese territory, but South Korea has been illegally occupying them. It is important that many more Japanese people share this understanding.
竹島は日本固有の領土であるのに、現在は、韓国が不法占拠している。この認識を、より多くの国民が共有することが肝要である。
The Shimane prefectural government has held its ninth “Takeshima Day” ceremony. Yoshitami Kameoka, parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office, represented the government at the ceremony and said in a speech, “The government will do its best to solve the Takeshima issue rationally and peacefully.”
島根県が第９回「竹島の日」記念式典を開催した。政府代表の亀岡偉民内閣府政務官は、「竹島問題の冷静かつ平和的な解決に全力で取り組む」とあいさつした。
Feb. 22 is the day that Japan incorporated the Takeshima islands into Shimane Prefecture in 1905. The prefecture enacted the “Takeshima Day” ordinance in 2005 and has been organizing the ceremony on the day every year since 2006. It is highly praiseworthy that the prefecture has steadily continued its Takeshima awareness campaign.
２月２２日は、１９０５年に竹島が島根県に編入された日だ。島根県は「竹島の日」条例を制定し、２００６年以降、毎年、この日に式典を開いている。竹島に関する啓発活動を地道に実施してきたことを高く評価したい。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s government last year sent the parliamentary secretary of the Cabinet Office to the ceremony for the first time. Of course, resolving the territorial dispute is not easy and will take a long time, but the persistence of such awareness activities is important.
昨年、安倍政権が初めて内閣府政務官を派遣した。無論、領土問題の解決は簡単でなく、時間を要するだろうが、こうした活動を着実に継続することが大切だ。
In the past, Japan used Takeshima as a transit point of maritime traffic and a fishing base, and established sovereignty over the islands in the mid-17th century. After the end of World War II, South Korea demanded the United States include Takeshima among territories Japan should give up, but Washington refused.
日本は、竹島を海上交通の中継地や漁業に利用し、１７世紀半ばには領有権を確立した。韓国は第２次大戦後、日本が放棄すべき領土に竹島を含めるよう米国に要請したが、拒否された。
However, Seoul unilaterally established the “Syngman Rhee Line” in 1952 to demarcate the limits of its waters, including the Takeshima islands within its extended territory. It then illegally occupied the islands. South Korea has refused Tokyo’s proposal to settle the dispute at the International Court of Justice.
ところが、韓国は５２年に一方的に李承晩ラインを設定し、その内側の竹島の不法占拠を始めた。国際司法裁判所に付託するという日本の提案も拒否している。
Raise awareness on islands
Results of a Cabinet Office survey released in August showed that 63 percent of Japanese polled knew that South Korea has illegally occupied the islands, and 61 percent realized they were an inherent part of Japanese territory. It is regrettable to say that these figures are not necessarily high. The government must make a greater effort to spread the correct understanding of the issue among the public.
昨年８月発表の内閣府世論調査で、韓国の不法占拠を知っている人は６３％、竹島を我が国固有の領土と認識している人は６１％だった。残念ながら高い数字ではない。政府は、竹島に関する正しい理解を広げる努力が求められる。
In January, the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry revised instruction manuals for its course of study for middle and high schools to stipulate for the first time that the Takeshima and Senkaku islands are inherent territories of Japan. This should help improve the public’s awareness of the government’s views on the Takeshima and Senkaku islands.
文部科学省は今年１月、中学と高校の学習指導要領の解説書に竹島や尖閣諸島を日本の領土と初めて明記する改定を行った。こうした領土教育は、政府見解の認知度を高める効果を持とう。
It is also important to disseminate Japan’s views on the territorial issues among other countries in the world. The Foreign Ministry last year uploaded to its website video footage explaining the government views on the territories in 12 languages, which attracted more than 1 million hits.
世界への情報発信も重要だ。外務省が昨年１０月、１２か国語で政府見解を説明する動画をホームページに掲載したところ、計１００万件超の視聴があったという。
South Korea objected to the observance of “Takeshima Day” and demanded Tokyo stop sending a parliamentary secretary to the ceremony. However, its claim lacks legitimacy and is nothing but intervention in internal affairs.
韓国は「竹島の日」に反発し、政務官派遣の中止を求めている。だが、その主張に正当性はなく、内政干渉にほかならない。
Tokyo decided not to organize a government ceremony to mark the day as the Liberal Democratic Party had stipulated in its policy pledges for the last House of Representatives elections. It also did not send the prime minister or other ministers to the ceremony, though Shimane Prefecture invited them. We think these are appropriate diplomatic considerations made with the South Korean government in mind.
政府は、自民党が衆院選政策集に掲げた政府式典の開催や、島根県の求める首相や閣僚の式典出席を見送っている。韓国に対する十分な外交上の配慮と言える。
There are many other issues Japan and South Korea should work on together, such as North Korea’s nuclear ambitions and the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade accord. The foreign ministries of both countries should carefully handle the dispute over the Takeshima islands so it does not become a major factor to hinder improvement of their bilateral relations.
一方で、北朝鮮の核問題や環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）など、日韓が協力して対処すべき課題は多い。竹島をめぐる日韓対立が、両国関係改善の決定的な障害とならないよう、双方の外交当局は慎重に対応すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 23, 2014)
（2014年2月23日01時41分 読売新聞）
2014年02月24日
河野談話 慰安婦証言を検証・公開せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 22, 2014
Govt should publicize comfort women testimony cited in Kono statement
河野談話 慰安婦証言を検証・公開せよ（2月22日付・読売社説）
The government should thoroughly get to the bottom of the manner in which a 1993 statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on so-called comfort women came to be.
いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題をめぐる河野官房長官談話がどのように作成されたのか。政府はしっかり解明すべきだ。
At a Thursday meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, current Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said he would study whether a government team should be established to examine the process of preparing the Kono statement.
菅官房長官が、衆院予算委員会で、河野談話の作成過程を検証する政府チームの設置を検討する考えを示した。
The Kono statement expressed “apologies and remorse” to former comfort women. However, it has become clear that testimony by 16 former comfort women from South Korea−on which the statement was based−was not backed up by documents or other evidence.
河野談話は、元慰安婦に対する「おわびと反省の気持ち」を表明したもので、１９９３年に発表された。だが、河野談話の根拠となる元韓国人慰安婦１６人の証言に、なんら資料的裏付けがないことは、既に明らかになっている。
Suga also said it was desirable to study the issue from academic points of view. It would thus be necessary to make public the transcripts of the former comfort women’s testimony−which are now classified−so historians and other experts can examine their contents.
菅長官は学術的観点からの検討が望ましいとも述べた。歴史学者らが内容をチェックできるよう、機密扱いになっている元慰安婦の証言録は公開すべきだろう。
Thursday’s meeting was also attended by Nobuo Ishihara, deputy chief cabinet secretary when the statement was issued in 1993.
委員会には、９３年当時に官房副長官だった石原信雄氏も参考人として出席した。
Ishihara, serving as an unsworn witness, said the government conducted interviews with the former comfort women at the urging of South Korea. “The atmosphere would not allow us to demand investigations to back up their testimony,” Ishihara told the committee.
石原氏は、韓国側の強い要請を受け、元慰安婦から聞き取りを行ったと述べたうえ、「証言の裏付け調査を要求できる雰囲気はなかった」と明かした。
As the statement was issued without solid evidence, the Imperial Japanese Army has been viewed by the world as having forced young women to serve as comfort women.
だが、確たる証拠もなく談話を発表したため、日本軍が強制的に若い女性を慰安婦にしたという形で世界に受け止められている。
Statement spawns problems
It is undeniable that the Kono statement has spawned many problems.
河野談話が禍根を残したことは間違いない。
For example, a group of Americans with South Korean roots spearheaded a campaign to erect a statute of a girl symbolizing comfort women last year in Glendale, Calif.
An inscription beside the statue says, “In memory of more than 200,000 Asian and Dutch women who were removed from their homes...to be coerced into sexual slavery...” Such a campaign has started spreading across the United States.
例えば、韓国系米国人が中心となって米国のグレンデール市に慰安婦像が設置され、碑文には「２０万人以上の女性が性奴隷にされた」と記された。米国各地にそうした運動が広がりつつある。
Japan has been unable to wage effective counterarguments against South Korean campaigns, as the Kono statement included expressions that can be construed as acknowledgment by Japan of the forcible recruitment of women.
河野談話の中に強制連行を認めたかのような表現があるために、日本側は韓国側の主張に有効な反論を展開できない。
As a questioner at the committee meeting, Hiroshi Yamada, a lawmaker from Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restration Party), asked Ishihara to clarify whether the government at that time coordinated the wording of the statement with South Korea while preparing it.
委員会で質問に立った日本維新の会の山田宏氏は、談話作成の段階で韓国側と文章をすり合わせたのではないかとただした。
“It can naturally be assumed that the wording was coordinated,” Ishihara said, though he said he did not personally confirm it. It is extremely problematic if the core part of the statement−saying that “at times, administrative/military personnel directly took part in the recruitments”−reflected the wishes of the South Korean side.
石原氏は、直接確認していないが、「すり合わせは当然行ったと推定される」と応じた。談話の核心部分である「官憲等が直接これに加担したこともあった」との表現に、韓国側の意向が働いたとすれば極めて問題だ。
The South Korean government, which had not raised comfort women issues for a while after the Kono statement was released, has brought them up again and again in recent years. South Korean President Park Geun-hye is seeking new solutions from the Japanese government.
韓国政府は、河野談話が発表された後、しばらくは慰安婦問題を提起することはなかったが、近年、蒸し返している。朴槿恵(パククネ)大統領も、日本政府に対し新たな解決策を求めている。
The government issued the Kono statement to show “good will” toward South Korea in the interest of building a forward-looking relationship between Japan and South Korea. However, it became clear that its intention was never understood. The government must expedite work to examine the Kono statement and correct errors as soon as possible.
政府は、未来志向の日韓関係を築くために、韓国側に「善意」を示して、河野談話を発表したが、結局は通用しなかったということだ。河野談話の検証作業を急ぎ、誤りを正さねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 22, 2014)
（2014年2月22日01時22分 読売新聞）
Govt should publicize comfort women testimony cited in Kono statement
河野談話 慰安婦証言を検証・公開せよ（2月22日付・読売社説）
The government should thoroughly get to the bottom of the manner in which a 1993 statement by then Chief Cabinet Secretary Yohei Kono on so-called comfort women came to be.
いわゆる従軍慰安婦問題をめぐる河野官房長官談話がどのように作成されたのか。政府はしっかり解明すべきだ。
At a Thursday meeting of the House of Representatives Budget Committee, current Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said he would study whether a government team should be established to examine the process of preparing the Kono statement.
菅官房長官が、衆院予算委員会で、河野談話の作成過程を検証する政府チームの設置を検討する考えを示した。
The Kono statement expressed “apologies and remorse” to former comfort women. However, it has become clear that testimony by 16 former comfort women from South Korea−on which the statement was based−was not backed up by documents or other evidence.
河野談話は、元慰安婦に対する「おわびと反省の気持ち」を表明したもので、１９９３年に発表された。だが、河野談話の根拠となる元韓国人慰安婦１６人の証言に、なんら資料的裏付けがないことは、既に明らかになっている。
Suga also said it was desirable to study the issue from academic points of view. It would thus be necessary to make public the transcripts of the former comfort women’s testimony−which are now classified−so historians and other experts can examine their contents.
菅長官は学術的観点からの検討が望ましいとも述べた。歴史学者らが内容をチェックできるよう、機密扱いになっている元慰安婦の証言録は公開すべきだろう。
Thursday’s meeting was also attended by Nobuo Ishihara, deputy chief cabinet secretary when the statement was issued in 1993.
委員会には、９３年当時に官房副長官だった石原信雄氏も参考人として出席した。
Ishihara, serving as an unsworn witness, said the government conducted interviews with the former comfort women at the urging of South Korea. “The atmosphere would not allow us to demand investigations to back up their testimony,” Ishihara told the committee.
石原氏は、韓国側の強い要請を受け、元慰安婦から聞き取りを行ったと述べたうえ、「証言の裏付け調査を要求できる雰囲気はなかった」と明かした。
As the statement was issued without solid evidence, the Imperial Japanese Army has been viewed by the world as having forced young women to serve as comfort women.
だが、確たる証拠もなく談話を発表したため、日本軍が強制的に若い女性を慰安婦にしたという形で世界に受け止められている。
Statement spawns problems
It is undeniable that the Kono statement has spawned many problems.
河野談話が禍根を残したことは間違いない。
For example, a group of Americans with South Korean roots spearheaded a campaign to erect a statute of a girl symbolizing comfort women last year in Glendale, Calif.
An inscription beside the statue says, “In memory of more than 200,000 Asian and Dutch women who were removed from their homes...to be coerced into sexual slavery...” Such a campaign has started spreading across the United States.
例えば、韓国系米国人が中心となって米国のグレンデール市に慰安婦像が設置され、碑文には「２０万人以上の女性が性奴隷にされた」と記された。米国各地にそうした運動が広がりつつある。
Japan has been unable to wage effective counterarguments against South Korean campaigns, as the Kono statement included expressions that can be construed as acknowledgment by Japan of the forcible recruitment of women.
河野談話の中に強制連行を認めたかのような表現があるために、日本側は韓国側の主張に有効な反論を展開できない。
As a questioner at the committee meeting, Hiroshi Yamada, a lawmaker from Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restration Party), asked Ishihara to clarify whether the government at that time coordinated the wording of the statement with South Korea while preparing it.
委員会で質問に立った日本維新の会の山田宏氏は、談話作成の段階で韓国側と文章をすり合わせたのではないかとただした。
“It can naturally be assumed that the wording was coordinated,” Ishihara said, though he said he did not personally confirm it. It is extremely problematic if the core part of the statement−saying that “at times, administrative/military personnel directly took part in the recruitments”−reflected the wishes of the South Korean side.
石原氏は、直接確認していないが、「すり合わせは当然行ったと推定される」と応じた。談話の核心部分である「官憲等が直接これに加担したこともあった」との表現に、韓国側の意向が働いたとすれば極めて問題だ。
The South Korean government, which had not raised comfort women issues for a while after the Kono statement was released, has brought them up again and again in recent years. South Korean President Park Geun-hye is seeking new solutions from the Japanese government.
韓国政府は、河野談話が発表された後、しばらくは慰安婦問題を提起することはなかったが、近年、蒸し返している。朴槿恵(パククネ)大統領も、日本政府に対し新たな解決策を求めている。
The government issued the Kono statement to show “good will” toward South Korea in the interest of building a forward-looking relationship between Japan and South Korea. However, it became clear that its intention was never understood. The government must expedite work to examine the Kono statement and correct errors as soon as possible.
政府は、未来志向の日韓関係を築くために、韓国側に「善意」を示して、河野談話を発表したが、結局は通用しなかったということだ。河野談話の検証作業を急ぎ、誤りを正さねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 22, 2014)
（2014年2月22日01時22分 読売新聞）
2014年02月23日
集団的自衛権 憲法解釈の変更に問題はない
The Yomiuri Shimbun February 21, 2014
Constitutional reinterpretation of collective defense right not problematic
集団的自衛権 憲法解釈の変更に問題はない（2月21日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his willingness to review the government’s current constitutional interpretation to enable the country to exercise its right of collective self-defense.
安倍首相が、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするため政府の憲法解釈を見直すことに意欲を示している。
The envisaged reinterpretation is undoubtedly necessary to ensure peace and security for the nation, and we throw our support afresh behind the prime minister’s thinking.
日本の平和と安全の確保に必要であり、首相の考えを改めて支持したい。
In Thursday’s House of Representatives Budget Committee session, Abe indicated his intention to seek Cabinet approval of a new constitutional interpretation of the right of collective self-defense after holding discussions with the ruling camp. The discussions will follow a government feasibility study of the reinterpretation focusing on the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and releasing a report by a government-appointed expert panel in April, he said. Abe also told the committee that his administration will subsequently address such tasks as revising the Self-Defense Forces Law.
首相は２０日の衆院予算委員会で４月に予定される有識者会議の報告後、政府が内閣法制局を中心に解釈変更を検討し、与党との調整を経て、新たな解釈を閣議決定する意向を示した。その後、自衛隊法改正などに取り組むという。
Given such developments as advances in military technology and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the time has come when it is difficult for the country to fully ensure the integrity of its land and territorial waters single-handedly.
軍事技術の進歩や大量破壊兵器の拡散などにより、日本が単独で領土・領海を守り抜くのは難しい時代を迎えている。
In light of such realities as China’s military buildup and maritime expansionism as well as the threat of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles, it is urgent and essential that Japan beef up its alliance with the United States, as well as other aspects of international cooperation, through changes to the government’s interpretation of the Constitution.
中国の軍備増強や海洋進出、北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威などを踏まえれば、解釈変更による日米同盟と国際連携の強化が急務だ。
In response to an interpellation in a Budget Committee session last week, Abe said: “I am the one who is ultimately responsible [for a Cabinet decision on constitutional reinterpretation]. I, not the head of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, am also the one who will be evaluated by the people [regarding the reinterpretation issue] in an election.” His remarks, however, elicited objections even from some members of his own Liberal Democratic Party.
首相は先週、予算委で「（憲法解釈の）最高責任者は私だ。選挙で国民から審判を受けるのは法制局長官でなく、私だ」と答弁し、自民党内からも異論が出た。
Since the government’s interpretation of the supreme law is statutorily up to the judgment of the cabinet as a whole based on advice from the Legislation Bureau, the prime minister’s statement is not wrong. It is regrettable, however, that his remarks seem to have created the misunderstanding that the prime minister can change the constitutional interpretation on his own as long as he can win an electoral victory. The prime minister is urged to be more scrupulous about providing convincing explanations.
憲法解釈は、法制局の助言を受けて、内閣全体で判断するもので、首相発言は間違っていない。ただ、選挙に勝てば首相が自由に解釈を変えられるかのような誤解を招いたのは残念である。首相には、より丁寧な説明が求められよう。
Examining constitutionality
On the other hand, some parties including the Democratic Party of Japan are far off the mark in lambasting Abe’s acknowledgement of the exercise of Japan’s right of collective self-defense through a constitutional reinterpretation as being tantamount to violating “constitutionalism.”
一方で、民主党などが、解釈変更による集団的自衛権の行使の容認を「立憲主義」の否定だ、と批判しているのは、的外れだ。
Constitutionalism comprises two key elements: the guarantee of basic human rights and the separation of the three powers of state−executive, legislative and judicial. It places importance on governance in accordance with a constitution. Though a constitution places the government under constraints, it should not be considered the only thing that may be said about the top law.
立憲主義の基本的指標は、人権の保障と三権分立にある。憲法に従った統治に主眼がある。憲法の役割は権力者を縛るものだ、という考え方がすべてではない。
The process through which the cabinet comes up with a new interpretation of the Constitution, the Diet approves legislation endorsing the reinterpretation and the judiciary adjudicates the legislation’s constitutionality explicitly conforms to constitutionalism.
内閣が新たな解釈を示し、国会がそれを裏付ける法律を整備し、司法が違憲立法審査を行うのは、立憲主義にも沿っている。
What the government is now considering is a change of constitutional interpretation for the sake of maintaining the nation’s peace and prosperity in the face of a fast-changing security environment by ensuring a degree of logical consistency with the past government views on the matter.
政府が検討しているのは、過去の政府見解とも一定の論理的な整合性を保ちつつ、安全保障環境の変化に対応して日本の平和と繁栄を維持するための解釈変更だ。
Yusuke Yokobatake, deputy director general of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, who has been said to be wary of altering constitutional interpretation, has said, “If the conclusion is reached that a reinterpretation of the Constitution should be deemed just and proper, it can no longer be said that no changes of interpretation are ever permissible.”
解釈変更に慎重とされた横畠裕介内閣法制次長も、「解釈変更が至当だとの結論が得られた場合、変更がおよそ許されないものではない」と指摘している。
Changes of constitutional interpretation, as a matter of course, must not be allowed without limits. Should there be a danger of crossing such bounds, it would be more appropriate to revise the Constitution itself rather than its interpretation.
無論、解釈変更が無制限に許されるわけではない。限界を超える場合は、解釈変更でなく、憲法を改正するのが適切である。
New Komeito, which has so far been reluctant to acknowledge exercise of the right of collective self-defense, has recently begun to indicate readiness to engage in discussions on the reinterpretation of the top law. Komeito Secretary General Yoshihisa Inoue has said on the record that his party does not “entirely oppose” discussing the issue.
集団的自衛権の行使容認に慎重な公明党も最近、解釈変更の議論に応じる意向を示し始めた。井上幹事長は「真正面から否定するわけではない」と語った。
To increase public understanding on the matter, the prime minister should advocate the Constitution’s reinterpretation as important and necessary with his head held high.
首相は、解釈変更の意義と必要性を堂々と論じ、理解を広げるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2014)
（2014年2月21日01時33分 読売新聞）
Constitutional reinterpretation of collective defense right not problematic
集団的自衛権 憲法解釈の変更に問題はない（2月21日付・読売社説）
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has expressed his willingness to review the government’s current constitutional interpretation to enable the country to exercise its right of collective self-defense.
安倍首相が、集団的自衛権の行使を可能にするため政府の憲法解釈を見直すことに意欲を示している。
The envisaged reinterpretation is undoubtedly necessary to ensure peace and security for the nation, and we throw our support afresh behind the prime minister’s thinking.
日本の平和と安全の確保に必要であり、首相の考えを改めて支持したい。
In Thursday’s House of Representatives Budget Committee session, Abe indicated his intention to seek Cabinet approval of a new constitutional interpretation of the right of collective self-defense after holding discussions with the ruling camp. The discussions will follow a government feasibility study of the reinterpretation focusing on the Cabinet Legislation Bureau and releasing a report by a government-appointed expert panel in April, he said. Abe also told the committee that his administration will subsequently address such tasks as revising the Self-Defense Forces Law.
首相は２０日の衆院予算委員会で４月に予定される有識者会議の報告後、政府が内閣法制局を中心に解釈変更を検討し、与党との調整を経て、新たな解釈を閣議決定する意向を示した。その後、自衛隊法改正などに取り組むという。
Given such developments as advances in military technology and the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, the time has come when it is difficult for the country to fully ensure the integrity of its land and territorial waters single-handedly.
軍事技術の進歩や大量破壊兵器の拡散などにより、日本が単独で領土・領海を守り抜くのは難しい時代を迎えている。
In light of such realities as China’s military buildup and maritime expansionism as well as the threat of North Korea’s nuclear weapons and missiles, it is urgent and essential that Japan beef up its alliance with the United States, as well as other aspects of international cooperation, through changes to the government’s interpretation of the Constitution.
中国の軍備増強や海洋進出、北朝鮮の核ミサイルの脅威などを踏まえれば、解釈変更による日米同盟と国際連携の強化が急務だ。
In response to an interpellation in a Budget Committee session last week, Abe said: “I am the one who is ultimately responsible [for a Cabinet decision on constitutional reinterpretation]. I, not the head of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, am also the one who will be evaluated by the people [regarding the reinterpretation issue] in an election.” His remarks, however, elicited objections even from some members of his own Liberal Democratic Party.
首相は先週、予算委で「（憲法解釈の）最高責任者は私だ。選挙で国民から審判を受けるのは法制局長官でなく、私だ」と答弁し、自民党内からも異論が出た。
Since the government’s interpretation of the supreme law is statutorily up to the judgment of the cabinet as a whole based on advice from the Legislation Bureau, the prime minister’s statement is not wrong. It is regrettable, however, that his remarks seem to have created the misunderstanding that the prime minister can change the constitutional interpretation on his own as long as he can win an electoral victory. The prime minister is urged to be more scrupulous about providing convincing explanations.
憲法解釈は、法制局の助言を受けて、内閣全体で判断するもので、首相発言は間違っていない。ただ、選挙に勝てば首相が自由に解釈を変えられるかのような誤解を招いたのは残念である。首相には、より丁寧な説明が求められよう。
Examining constitutionality
On the other hand, some parties including the Democratic Party of Japan are far off the mark in lambasting Abe’s acknowledgement of the exercise of Japan’s right of collective self-defense through a constitutional reinterpretation as being tantamount to violating “constitutionalism.”
一方で、民主党などが、解釈変更による集団的自衛権の行使の容認を「立憲主義」の否定だ、と批判しているのは、的外れだ。
Constitutionalism comprises two key elements: the guarantee of basic human rights and the separation of the three powers of state−executive, legislative and judicial. It places importance on governance in accordance with a constitution. Though a constitution places the government under constraints, it should not be considered the only thing that may be said about the top law.
立憲主義の基本的指標は、人権の保障と三権分立にある。憲法に従った統治に主眼がある。憲法の役割は権力者を縛るものだ、という考え方がすべてではない。
The process through which the cabinet comes up with a new interpretation of the Constitution, the Diet approves legislation endorsing the reinterpretation and the judiciary adjudicates the legislation’s constitutionality explicitly conforms to constitutionalism.
内閣が新たな解釈を示し、国会がそれを裏付ける法律を整備し、司法が違憲立法審査を行うのは、立憲主義にも沿っている。
What the government is now considering is a change of constitutional interpretation for the sake of maintaining the nation’s peace and prosperity in the face of a fast-changing security environment by ensuring a degree of logical consistency with the past government views on the matter.
政府が検討しているのは、過去の政府見解とも一定の論理的な整合性を保ちつつ、安全保障環境の変化に対応して日本の平和と繁栄を維持するための解釈変更だ。
Yusuke Yokobatake, deputy director general of the Cabinet Legislation Bureau, who has been said to be wary of altering constitutional interpretation, has said, “If the conclusion is reached that a reinterpretation of the Constitution should be deemed just and proper, it can no longer be said that no changes of interpretation are ever permissible.”
解釈変更に慎重とされた横畠裕介内閣法制次長も、「解釈変更が至当だとの結論が得られた場合、変更がおよそ許されないものではない」と指摘している。
Changes of constitutional interpretation, as a matter of course, must not be allowed without limits. Should there be a danger of crossing such bounds, it would be more appropriate to revise the Constitution itself rather than its interpretation.
無論、解釈変更が無制限に許されるわけではない。限界を超える場合は、解釈変更でなく、憲法を改正するのが適切である。
New Komeito, which has so far been reluctant to acknowledge exercise of the right of collective self-defense, has recently begun to indicate readiness to engage in discussions on the reinterpretation of the top law. Komeito Secretary General Yoshihisa Inoue has said on the record that his party does not “entirely oppose” discussing the issue.
集団的自衛権の行使容認に慎重な公明党も最近、解釈変更の議論に応じる意向を示し始めた。井上幹事長は「真正面から否定するわけではない」と語った。
To increase public understanding on the matter, the prime minister should advocate the Constitution’s reinterpretation as important and necessary with his head held high.
首相は、解釈変更の意義と必要性を堂々と論じ、理解を広げるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 21, 2014)
（2014年2月21日01時33分 読売新聞）