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The Yomiuri Shimbun February 11, 2014
Abe-Putin confidence-building must lead to resolving territorial dispute
日露首脳会談　信頼醸成を「領土」につなげよ（2月11日付・読売社説）

The confidence-building relationship between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Russian President Vladimir Putin has deepened, but now it is being put to the test.
　首脳間の信頼関係の深まりを、どう成果につなげるかが問われよう。

Abe met with Putin Saturday after attending the opening ceremony of the Sochi Winter Olympics for the fifth bilateral summit with the Russian leader since the prime minister returned to the post in December 2012.
　ソチ五輪の開会式に出席した安倍首相が、ロシアのプーチン大統領と会談した。第２次安倍内閣の発足後、首脳会談は５回目だ。

Even though leaders of the United States and major European countries did not attend the opening ceremony citing Russia’s human rights record, Abe decided to visit Sochi on a tight three-day schedule.
　ロシアの人権状況を問題視する欧米の主要国の首脳が開会式を欠席する中、安倍首相はあえて１泊３日の強行日程で訪露した。

Putin gave Abe a warm reception, saying, “I’m very grateful for your attendance at the opening ceremony,” and he hosted a luncheon for the prime minister. The meeting is believed to have been effective in building confidence between the two leaders, as seen by the fact that they called each other by their first names.
　プーチン大統領は、首相に「五輪への配慮に心からお礼したい」と述べ、昼食会を催して厚遇した。互いにファーストネームで呼び合うなど、首脳間の信頼醸成に効果があったと言える。

Putin’s visit to Japan this autumn was decided during the meeting. Hailing the recent expansion of bilateral trade, the Russian leader said he would dispatch his Cabinet ministers in charge of agriculture, railways and energy to Japan, plus top company executives.
　会談では、大統領の今秋の来日が決まった。大統領は、最近の日露間の貿易拡大を歓迎し、農業や鉄道、エネルギーを担当する閣僚と関連企業のトップを日本に派遣する意向を示した。

Development of the Russian Far East and East Siberia is regarded by Putin as “a national project to be undertaken by the country on a priority basis in the 21st century.” Offering cooperation in the development of natural gas and other resources is expected to prove beneficial also for Japan, because of this country’s scarcity of fossil fuels.
　大統領は、極東・東シベリア開発を「２１世紀のロシアの国家的な優先課題」としている。天然ガス開発などの協力は、資源の乏しい日本にとってもプラスだろう。

The thing is that negotiations on the return of four Russian-occupied islands off Hokkaido, a major concern for Japan, have made little headway.
　問題は、肝心の北方領土交渉が実質的に進まないことだ。

Resolution remains remote

Abe reportedly said he “wants to carry out talks in concrete terms.” In response, Putin was quoted as saying, “Efforts will be made toward a solution.” However, a political decision on the matter is a long way off.
　首相が「交渉を具体的に進めたい」と切り出したのに対し、大統領は「解決に向けてしっかりと努力したい」と応じ、双方の意欲は確認された。だが、政治決断への環境は整っていない。

In vice foreign ministerial talks in Tokyo late last month, the two countries failed to iron out their differences. Russia has repeated its conventional stance that the four northern islands became part of its territory as a result of World War II.
　先月末、東京で行われた日露の外務次官級協議では、双方の主張が平行線のままだった。ロシアは第２次大戦の結果、北方４島は自国の領土になったとする従来通りの主張を繰り返している。

Japan should insist that Russia’s claim is not based on historical facts.
　日本は、それが歴史的事実に基づかないと強く訴えるべきだ。

The former Soviet Union reneged on the Soviet-Japanese Neutrality Pact and declared war on Japan in the closing days of World War II. It invaded the Kuril Islands after Japan accepted the Potsdam Declaration and it occupied the four islands, which it then unilaterally integrated into its territory. The four islands are not included in the Kuril Islands that Japan relinquished when it signed the 1951 San Francisco Peace Treaty.
　旧ソ連は大戦末期に日ソ中立条約を無視して宣戦布告し、日本のポツダム宣言受諾後、千島列島に侵攻して４島を占領、一方的に自国に編入した。サンフランシスコ講和条約で日本が放棄した千島列島に、北方４島は含まれない。

Russia’s internal politics are also a matter of concern. To ward off public discontent, Putin has come up with populist policies. The situation does not seem ripe yet for Russia to make a concession on the northern territories.
　ロシアの内政も懸念材料だ。大統領は、国民の不満をかわすため、大衆迎合的な政策を打ち出している。領土問題で譲歩できる政治状況ではないのではないか。

Prior to his summit with Abe, Putin met with Chinese President Xi Jinping and confirmed that the two countries would jointly sponsor events in 2015 to mark the 70th anniversary of their victory in World War II. Japan must realize that Beijing and Moscow are acting in concert in dealing with an issue involving Japan’s history.
　日露首脳会談に先立ち、大統領は、中国の習近平国家主席と会談し、第２次大戦終結７０年の２０１５年に戦勝祝賀記念行事を共催することを確認した。中露が日本を巡る歴史問題で歩調を合わせている点は警戒すべきだ。

To make progress in resolving the territorial issue, it is imperative to closely examine the true intentions of Putin administration’s domestic and foreign policies, while reinforcing Japan-Russia relations from a wide perspective.
　領土問題を進展させるには、日露関係を幅広く強化する一方、プーチン政権の内政・外交の内実も見極めていかねばなるまい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 11, 2014)
（2014年2月11日01時35分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 10, 2014
Voters in Tokyo gubernatorial election spurn irresponsible antinuclear drive
東京都知事選　無責任な「原発ゼロ」信任されず（2月10日付・読売社説）

　◆舛添氏は謙虚に政策を推進せよ

The outcome of Sunday’s Tokyo gubernatorial election can be said to attest to the strongly negative reaction by the majority of Tokyo residents to unrealistic arguments for an immediate end to nuclear power generation.
　非現実的な「原発即時ゼロ」の主張に、多くの都民が拒否反応を示したと言えるだろう。

Former Health, Labor and Welfare Minister Yoichi Masuzoe won an overwhelming victory in the race for the top post of the nation’s capital.
　東京都知事選で、元厚生労働相の舛添要一氏が圧勝した。

Masuzoe pledged in the campaign to make Tokyo the world’s No. 1 metropolis, stressing his resolve to do his utmost regarding Tokyo’s social welfare services, antidisaster measures and the 2020 Tokyo Olympic Games and Paralympics.
「東京を世界一の街にする」と述べ、福祉や防災、五輪に全力を尽くすと強調した。

Former Prime Minister Morihiro Hosokawa and former head of the Japan Federation of Bar Associations Kenji Utsunomiya were the two other major candidates in the Tokyo contest, and campaigned against reactivation of nuclear plants by calling for nuclear power generation to be immediately reduced to zero. Utsunomiya finished a distant second to Masuzoe and Hosokawa a distant third.
　原発の再稼働を認めず、即時ゼロを掲げた元首相の細川護熙氏や、前日本弁護士連合会長の宇都宮健児氏は及ばなかった。

Their electoral tactics focused on nuclear and energy issues, which should be dealt with primarily in the arena of national politics. Wasn’t this off the mark in the gubernatorial race, which is a local election?
　国政に関わる原発・エネルギー問題を首長選で争うのは、無理があったのではないか。

‘Single-issue’ campaign
　◆「単一争点」は奏功せず

Hosokawa’s decision to run immediately before the official announcement of the election dramatically changed the nature of the election drives for a new Tokyo governor. In tandem with fellow former Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi, whose popularity is still markedly high, Hosokawa focused his campaign efforts on the choice between whether to eliminate nuclear power plants or not.
　都知事選の性格を一変させたのは、告示直前になって細川氏が出馬表明し、人気の高い小泉元首相と二人三脚で、原発ゼロか否かと訴えたことである。

There is precedent of an election campaign focused on a single issue: While in office, former Prime Minister Koizumi led the Liberal Democratic Party to a sweeping triumph in a House of Representatives election by focusing on the pros and cons of postal privatization. However, similar tactics failed to work this time.
　単一の争点を掲げる選挙では、小泉氏が首相時代、衆院選で郵政民営化を訴え、自民党を大勝させた例がある。だが、今回、そうした戦術は奏功しなかった。

According to voting day exit polls by The Yomiuri Shimbun, voters gave considerably less weight to issues related to nuclear plants and energy policy than they did to medical services and social welfare, and business growth and employment.
　読売新聞の出口調査では、有権者の重視した政策として「原発などエネルギー問題」は「医療や福祉」や「景気や雇用」を下回った。

Hosokawa asserted, “There will be little difference in policies regarding anything but the nuclear power problem no matter who is elected to the governorship,” but failed to refer to any specific measures to secure renewable energy sources that would serve as the pillar to replace nuclear power generation. There is no choice but to call that way of campaigning extremely irresponsible.
　細川氏は「原発以外の政策は、誰が知事でもそんなに変わらない」として原発を主要争点に位置づけながら、代替電源の柱とする再生可能エネルギーの確保策について具体的に語らなかった。無責任に過ぎる。

Fuel costs for the thermal power generation currently taking the place of idled nuclear plants have kept ballooning, causing electricity charges to rise repeatedly. Anxiety is also on the rise over the environmental impact of the increasing carbon dioxide emissions resulting from thermal power generation.
　原発を代替している火力発電の燃料費がかさみ、電気料金の上昇が続く。二酸化炭素の排出増による環境への影響も心配だ。

Arguing in abstract terms in favor of reducing nuclear power to zero, without taking these problems into account, can never be convincing.
こうした点を考慮せず、観念的に原発ゼロを唱えても説得力はない。

Masuzoe, in contrast, expressed his belief that energy policy should be handled primarily by the central government, pledging that he would make efforts to enhance the percentage of renewable energy in Tokyo’s total power consumption. In addition, his campaign placed high importance on issues close to Tokyo residents’ daily lives, such as improving the metropolitan government’s support for child rearing.
　これに対し、舛添氏は、エネルギーは国の政策との認識を示しつつ、都の再生可能エネルギーの割合を高めると主張した。同時に、子育て支援など身近な課題に力点を置いた選挙戦を展開した。

Many Tokyo residents may have high hopes regarding Masuzoe’s stance, which was well geared to the realities of their day-to-day lives.
　現実的な姿勢に、都民は期待を寄せたのではないか。

War between Koizumi, Abe
　◆小泉ＶＳ安倍の代理戦争

Earlier on there were some within the LDP who were wary of throwing the party’s support behind Masuzoe, who was expelled from the party for criticizing it. In response to the moves by Hosokawa and Koizumi, however, the LDP eventually embarked on full-scale support of Masuzoe.
　自民党には当初、党を批判して除名された舛添氏を支援することへの慎重論もあった。だが、細川、小泉両氏の動向を受け、全面支援に乗り出した。

Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba and other party leaders made campaign speeches for Masuzoe. They probably concluded that if Hosokawa gained more votes than expected, it could adversely affect the envisaged restart of nuclear power plants or even the growth strategy championed by the Abe administration.
　安倍首相や石破幹事長らも応援演説に立った。細川氏の得票が伸びれば、原発の再稼働、ひいては成長戦略に影響しかねないとの判断も働いたのだろう。

Koizumi, who can be referred to in a sense as the protagonist on the stage of Tokyo election, has been a political mentor to Abe, and has urged the prime minister since last year to make a political decision to halt nuclear power generation immediately.
　影の主役ともいえる小泉氏は、安倍首相の「政治の師」であり、昨年来、首相に原発ゼロへの政治決断を促してきた。

But Abe did not comply with Koizumi’s call, causing a rift between the two. It cannot be denied that the Tokyo gubernatorial election also became a proxy war between Abe and Koizumi.
だが、首相は受け入れず、両氏の間に溝ができていた。都知事選が、両氏の代理戦争となったことも否めない。

At the Diet, Abe said there was no way for his administration to say, “We will end nuclear power generation now,” citing the possible adverse effects on people’s lives and economic activity.
　安倍首相は、国会で「『原発はもうやめる』というわけにはいかない」と述べ、国民生活や経済活動への悪影響を指摘した。

His administration should consider nuclear power as an important source of electricity in the government’s basic energy plan, which is to be decided on shortly, and squarely tackle the issue of restarting nuclear power plants.
近く決定するエネルギー基本計画で原発を重要電源と位置づけ、再稼働に正面から取り組むべきである。

The stance of the Democratic Party of Japan is questionable. The party initially indicated it would support Masuzoe but later shifted its stance to back Hosokawa.
　疑問なのは民主党の姿勢だ。舛添氏を推す構えを見せていたが、細川氏に乗り換えた。

The DPJ has advocated halting nuclear power generation sometime in the 2030s, so its stance is actually different from Hosokawa’s desire to halt nuclear power generation immediately. This is nothing less than an ad-hoc response.
民主党は、２０３０年代の原発稼働ゼロを主張しており、細川氏の「即時ゼロ」とは、本来は相いれない。場当たり的な対応と言うほかない。

With the crushing defeat of Hosokawa in the election, the scheme of reorganizing opposition parties, which some within the DPJ have been advocating and centers on the idea of breaking away from nuclear power generation, will stall.
　細川氏の大敗で、民主党の一部にあった脱原発を軸とする野党再編構想も失速しよう。

There is a mountain of issues that the metropolitan government has to tackle, including how to deal with the aging society and low birthrate, which Masuzoe mentioned in his campaign speeches.
　都政の課題は山積している。舛添氏が演説で時間を割いた少子高齢化対策はその一つだ。

One in every four people in Tokyo will be elderly six years from now. Due to difficulty in securing plots of land, the shortage of facilities for the aged, including homes for elderly people requiring special care, will become ever more serious.
　６年後には東京の人口の４人に１人を高齢者が占めるようになる。用地確保の難しさから、特別養護老人ホームなど高齢者施設の不足は一層深刻化するだろう。

During the campaign, Masuzoe promised to utilize plots of idle land owned by the metropolitan government. He must present concrete steps to that end. We also hope he will fulfill his pledge to reduce the number of children on waiting lists for certified day care centers to zero in four years.
　舛添氏は都の所有する遊休地の活用を約束した。具体策を示す必要がある。４年で待機児童を解消する公約も実現してほしい。

The new governor will also assume a heavy responsibility for making preparations for the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games. Masuzoe has repeatedly promised that he would aim at realizing the “best Olympics in history.”
　２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの準備にも都知事は重い責任を負う。舛添氏は「史上最高の五輪」を目指すと繰り返してきた。

The metropolitan government has a \400 billion fund set aside for preparations for the 2020 Games. Needless to say, the Tokyo government has to move ahead without delay with construction work on athletic arenas and other facilities, while at the same time avoiding waste and securing transparency in the spending of the money.
　都は、五輪準備のために４０００億円の基金を保有している。競技場建設などを遅滞なく進めることはもちろん、無駄を排し、使途の透明性を確保すべきである。

Build relations of trust
　◆都議会と信頼関係築け

It is also important to prepare for a major quake whose focus is directly below Tokyo, a quake that has a 70 percent possibility of occurring within 30 years. It is urgent to boost fire resistance in areas packed with wooden houses and to improve dilapidated infrastructure, measures that are lagging behind.
　３０年以内の発生確率が７０％と予測される首都直下地震への備えも重要だ。立ち遅れている木造住宅密集地域の不燃化や老朽化したインフラの再整備が急務である。

Former Gov. Naoki Inose often acted too arbitrarily on his own authority. We hope Masuzoe will manage the administration of the Tokyo government in a modest manner, without becoming puffed up from his overwhelming victory.
　猪瀬直樹前知事には独断専行が目立った。舛添氏は、得票結果に傲(おご)らず、謙虚な都政運営を心がけてもらいたい。

For Masuzoe to steadily achieve his campaign promises, it is important to build a solid relationship of trust with the Tokyo metropolitan assembly, in addition to displaying leadership to lead the colossal organization of the Tokyo metropolitan government.
　着実に公約を具体化していくには、都庁という巨大組織を率いるリーダーシップに加え、都議会との信頼関係をしっかり構築することが肝要である。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 10, 2014)
（2014年2月10日00時15分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 10, 2014
Japan, U.S. should show strength of their alliance to rest of Asia
日米外相会談　強固な同盟をアジアに示そう（2月9日付・読売社説）

Strained relations between Japan and the United States will only benefit China and North Korea. Tokyo and Washington must show the strength of their alliance to the whole Asian region.
　日米関係がぎくしゃくすることは、中国や北朝鮮を利するだけだ。強固な同盟関係をアジア全体に示すことが肝要だ。

Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida visited the United States and held separate talks with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel. They agreed that Japan and the United States will deal jointly with China without accepting the Chinese-claimed air defense identification zone over the East China Sea.
　岸田外相が訪米し、ケリー国務長官、ヘーゲル国防長官らと個別に会談した。中国による東シナ海上空の防空識別圏の設定は受け入れず、日米が連携して対応することで合意した。

“We will deal calmly but resolutely with China’s attempts to change the status quo with force,” said Kishida. Kerry reiterated the U.S. position that the East China Sea, including the Senkaku Islands, is covered by the Japan-U.S. Security Treaty that stipulates the U.S. obligation to defend Japan.
　岸田外相は、「中国の力による現状変更の試みには、冷静かつ毅然(きぜん)として対応する」と語った。ケリー長官は、尖閣諸島を含む東シナ海が、日米安保条約に基づく米国の対日防衛義務の対象になるとの見解を改めて強調した。

Washington expressed its disappointment over Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine late last year, revealing its position to be different from Tokyo’s. At the first foreign ministerial meeting since then, however, it is significant that Kishida and Kerry clearly confirmed enhancement of the Japan-U.S. alliance and coordination of their policies vis-a-vis China.
　昨年末の安倍首相の靖国神社参拝に米政府が「失望」を表明し、双方の立場の違いを露呈して以来初の日米外相会談で、同盟関係の強化や、対中外交での連携をきちんと確認した意義は大きい。

Building strong and stable relations between Japan and U.S. President Barack Obama’s administration with its emphasis on Asia will greatly contribute to peace and prosperity in the whole Asian region. Japan should make Obama’s visit to Japan, scheduled for April, an opportunity to demonstrate the strength of the Japan-U.S. alliance to the rest of the international community.
　「アジア重視」戦略を掲げるオバマ政権と日本が強固で安定した関係を構築することは、アジア全体の平和と繁栄に寄与する。４月に予定されるオバマ大統領の来日を、日米同盟の力強さを国際社会にアピールする機会としたい。

Kishida and Kerry agreed that the cooperation among Japan, the United States and South Korea is important to deal with North Korea’s nuclear ambition and other issues. Kishida indicated his intention to improve Japan-South Korea ties by accumulating successes in working-level, tangible cooperation between the two countries.
　両外相は、北朝鮮の核問題などに対応するため、日米韓３か国の連携が重要との認識で一致した。岸田外相は、「実務に基づく具体的な協力」を積み重ね、日韓関係の改善に努める考えを示した。

Fix Japan-S. Korea ties

It is not clear what North Korea will do next. Pyongyang has shown its emphasis on a willingness to participate in dialogue by agreeing with South Korea to allow reunions of families separated by the Korean War, while strongly opposing the U.S.-South Korea military exercises scheduled late this month.
　北朝鮮の今後の出方は、不透明だ。韓国と朝鮮戦争の離散家族の再会で合意し、対話重視の姿勢を示す一方で、今月下旬の米韓軍事演習には強く反発している。

To urge Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear ambitions, Japan, the United States and South Korea should not march to different drummers. Mutual efforts by both Japan and South Korea are indispensable to repair their bilateral relations, which have become ice-cold due to disputes over the Takeshima islands and the issue of the so-called comfort women.
　北朝鮮に核放棄を迫るには日米韓の足並みを乱さないことが重要だ。竹島やいわゆる従軍慰安婦の問題で冷え切った日韓関係の修復へ、双方の努力が欠かせない。

The Japanese and U.S. foreign ministers also agreed to proceed steadily with the transfer of functions of the U.S. Marine Corps’ Futenma Air Station to the Henoko district in Okinawa Prefecture, and to start negotiations on a new bilateral treaty to allow environmental field studies at U.S. bases in Japan that are scheduled to be returned to the Japanese government.
　外相会談では、米軍普天間飛行場の辺野古移設の着実な進展や、返還予定の在日米軍基地内の環境調査などを可能にする新しい日米協定の交渉の開始で一致した。

The envisaged new treaty is expected to smooth the way for the planned return of U.S. bases in Japan. We hope both governments will reach a conclusion as soon as possible to make stationing of U.S. forces in Japan, a foundation of their deterrence in the Asia-Pacific region, sustainable.
　新協定は、基地返還をより円滑に進める効果が期待される。米軍の抑止力の根幹である日本駐留を持続可能なものにするため、早期の合意を目指したい。

Kishida and Kerry also agreed to accelerate bilateral talks in an effort to conclude the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact as soon as possible. The negotiations on the trade agreement are now deadlocked.
　膠着(こうちゃく)状態にある環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）について両外相は、早期妥結に向けて日米協議を加速させることを確認した。

Tokyo and Washington have differing opinions over whether to abolish tariffs on five Japanese farm products. It may be time for the United States to review its commitment to a hard-line policy and demonstrate some flexibility from a common strategic viewpoint shared by Japan and the United States to create a new free trade system in the Asia-Pacific region.
　日本の農産品５項目の関税撤廃をめぐる日米対立が続いている。アジア太平洋地域に新たな自由貿易体制を作るという日米共通の戦略的観点から、米国もそろそろ強硬一辺倒の姿勢を見直し、一定の柔軟性を示してもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 9, 2014)
（2014年2月9日00時23分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 08, 2014
Govt must do more to make stance known amid anti-Japan movements
「東海」併記問題　座視できぬ米国での反日活動（2月8日付・読売社説）

With anti-Japan activities by Americans of South Korean ancestry expanding, the Japanese government must be tenacious in making strong counterarguments and taking appropriate responses.
　韓国系米国人による反日的な動きがさらに拡大した。日本政府は、粘り強く反論し、適切な対応を取らねばならない。

The Virginia state assembly has approved a bill requiring public school textbooks in the state to refer to the Sea of Japan also as the East Sea, the name the South Korean government insists be used. The bill, which will be enacted after it is signed by the governor, is scheduled to take effect on July 1.
　米南部バージニア州の議会が、公立学校の教科書の中で「日本海」と表記する場合には、韓国政府が主張する「東海」を併記するよう求める法案を可決した。州知事の署名で成立し７月１日に発効する見通しだ。

The Sea of Japan is an internationally established name that has also been approved by the U.S. government. In a show of displeasure, Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga naturally called the developments in Virginia “extremely regrettable.”
　日本海の名称は、国際的に確立され、米政府も認めている。菅官房長官が、「極めて残念」と不快感を表明したのは当然である。

The population of Americans of South Korean ancestry residing in Virginia is the fifth largest among the 50 U.S. states. The state assembly’s move was probably the result of strong lobbying of lawmakers by South Korean-related private organizations.
　バージニア州に居住する韓国系米国人の数は、全米５０州の中で５番目に多い。韓国系民間団体が州議会議員らに法案成立への強い圧力をかけた結果なのだろう。

In the 1990s, the South Korean government started to urge the international community to call the body of water the “East Sea,” saying the name “Sea of Japan” became widely used during Japan’s colonial rule of the Korean Peninsula. At present, Seoul asserts that both names should be used.
　韓国政府は１９９０年代から、国際社会に対して、日本海は日本の植民地支配の過程で広がった名称だとし、東海への改称を求め始めた。現在では、両方の名称を併記すべきだと主張している。

However, “Sea of Japan” did not become an international standard because of Japan’s colonial rule. According to the Foreign Ministry, a large majority of maps in European nations and the United States were using the Sea of Japan in the first half of the 19th century, before the Meiji Restoration. It is, therefore, impossible to accept South Korea’s unreasonable assertion, which is clearly an attempt to make the rest of the world dance to its tune.
　だが、日本海の名称が国際的に定着したのは、植民地支配によるものではない。日本外務省によると、明治維新以前の１９世紀前半の時点で、欧米の地図の大多数が日本海と記している。韓国の言い分は牽強(けんきょう)付会(ふかい)で容認できない。

‘Sea of Japan’ commonly used

Only the “Sea of Japan” is used in a collection of nautical charts by the International Hydrographic Organization, and the U.S. Board on Geographic Names has it as the sole name for the sea.
　日本海は、国際水路機関（ＩＨＯ）の海図集では唯一の名称として使われており、米地名委員会も単独名称と定めている。

Of course, some in the Virginia General Assembly opposed the bill, saying state governments should not be involved in debates over the historical geographical names of other nations.
　州議会の中にも、州政治が他国の歴史的地名を巡る議論に関わるべきではないと反対する意見があったのはもっともだ。

The Japanese government was by no means standing idle in the face of the movement at the state assembly.
　州法案を巡る動きを、日本政府も座視していたわけではない。

Kenichiro Sasae, Japanese ambassador to the United States, has sent a letter to the Virginia governor, expressing concern that the move could hinder economic relations with Japan, and met with him in person to urge him not to enact the bill. Japan also used lobbyists to try to sway the assembly to its side, but to no avail.
　佐々江賢一郎駐米大使は、州知事に、日本との経済関係を損ねる恐れがあると懸念する書簡を送ったり、直接面談したりして、法案の成立阻止を図った。ロビイストを使って、州議会にも工作したものの、結果が伴わなかった。

Across the United States, campaigns targeting Japan by South Korean-related private organizations pose a serious concern.
　憂慮されるのは、韓国系民間団体が、日本を狙い撃ちする活動を全米で展開していることだ。

There is also a movement in the state of Maryland urging the use of both the Sea of Japan and the East Sea. In California, which has a large population of residents with South Korean origins, a statue dedicated to the so-called comfort women was erected last year. The chairman of the Foreign Affairs Committee in the U.S. House of Representatives, who is from California, has since visited the statue to offer flowers.
　「東海」併記を求める動きは、メリーランド州にもある。韓国系の多いカリフォルニア州では、いわゆる従軍慰安婦の少女像が昨年設置され、州内選出の連邦下院外交委員長が献花に訪れた。

As the history of South Korean immigration to the United States is relatively short, such groups still have some allegiance to their origins. If they gain greater political say in the United States, they will be able to back the South Korean government, which is criticizing Japan over historical issues.
　韓国系米国人は移民の歴史が浅く、韓国への帰属意識が強い。米国内で政治的発言力を強めれば、歴史問題で日本を非難する韓国政府を後押しすることになる。

The Japanese government, for its part, must make further efforts to make its stance known to the U.S. Congress and public.
　日本政府は、米国の議会や世論に対し、自らの立場を主張していく一層の努力が必要だ。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 8, 2014)
（2014年2月8日01時55分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 07, 2014
Russia should do its utmost to ensure safe Olympic Games
ソチ五輪開幕　平和の祭典でテロを許すな（2月7日付・読売社説）

The Sochi Winter Olympics has kicked off under the threat of potential terrorism. We hope the Games will be held without incident.
　テロの脅威にさらされる中での開幕である。大会が無事に行われることを願いたい。

The opening ceremony was set to take place Friday, with athletes from more than 80 countries and territories competing for 98 gold medals in seven sports through Feb. 23.
　ソチ冬季五輪は７日、開会式を迎える。２３日までの期間中、８０以上の国・地域から集うアスリートが、７競技９８種目で熱戦を繰り広げる。

In contrast to the glowing touches put into place for the opening of the sports event, the Sochi Olympics has been overshadowed by an Islamist radical group announcing its intention to disrupt the Games through terrorist attacks. It is extraordinary that an Olympics has been made the target of such attacks.
　華やかなスポーツの祭典のスタートとは裏腹に、今回の五輪は、重苦しい雰囲気に覆われている。イスラム過激派がテロを予告しているからだ。五輪が標的にされる異例の事態である。

This is the second Olympics that Russia has hosted, following the 1980 Moscow Summer Games during the former Soviet Union days.
　ロシアでの五輪開催は、旧ソ連時代のモスクワ夏季五輪（１９８０年）以来、２度目となる。

The Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan the previous year, and Japan, the United States and many other countries boycotted the Games in protest.
　モスクワ五輪の前年、ソ連はアフガニスタンに侵攻した。これに抗議した日米など多くの国が、五輪をボイコットした。

For Russia, which was humiliated by the boycotts at that time, the Sochi Olympics also serve as a major political event. By making the event successful, Russian President Vladimir Putin apparently aims to show that Russia has overcome the confusion following the collapse of the Soviet Union and has revived itself as a major power.
　屈辱を味わったロシアにとって、ソチ五輪は威信回復をかけた一大政治イベントと言える。プーチン大統領は、五輪を成功させることで、ロシアがソ連崩壊後の混乱を克服し、大国として復活したとアピールしたいのだろう。

Russia spent about \5 trillion for the Winter Games−the most ever in the history of the Olympics−in building event venues and related facilities in Sochi, a resort in the south of the country on the Black Sea coast.
　黒海に面した南部の保養地ソチでの競技会場建設などに、五輪史上最大の約５兆円を投じた。

Threat of terrorism

Islamist groups based in neighboring areas, however, oppose the Putin administration’s high-handed political stance toward ethnic minorities. The group that has announced its intention to carry out terrorist attacks has also claimed responsibility for a series of suicide attacks that hit Volgograd, northeast of Sochi, in December.
　これに対し、ソチの近隣地域を拠点とするイスラム過激派は、プーチン政権の強権的な少数民族政策に反発している。五輪テロを予告した一派は、昨年１２月にボルゴグラードで起きた連続自爆テロへの関与も認めた。

The tight security surrounding Sochi is proof of the tense situation facing these Olympics. About 40,000 officers have been dispatched from police and other security organizations, while the navy has been put on high alert. Surveillance from the air has also been reinforced.
　ソチに敷かれた厳戒態勢が、緊迫した状況を物語る。警察など治安機関から約４万人が動員され、沖合には海軍艦艇が展開する。空からの監視も強化した。

Visitors to the Olympic Village, in which about 6,000 athletes are staying, have to go through stringent ID checks.
　約６０００人が滞在する選手村では、徹底した身元チェックや所持品検査が行われている。

Asked about concerns over possible terrorist attacks against the Sochi Games, International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach has expressed full confidence in the Russian authorities.
　国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）のバッハ会長は、テロへの懸念について、「ロシアを全面的に信頼している」と語った。

For athletes, the Sochi Olympics will certainly test their mental strength to see how well they can focus on their performances while under such tight security.
　選手にとって、ソチ五輪は、ものものしい警備の中で、いかに競技に集中するかという精神力も問われる大会となるだろう。

Japan has sent a delegation of 113 athletes to Sochi, including 65 women. This is the first Winter Games for Japan to send more women athletes than men.
　今回、出場する日本選手は１１３人に上る。このうち６５人が女子選手で、冬季五輪では初めて女子選手数が男子を上回った。

In terms of medals, the Japanese team has set a target of surpassing its results at the 1998 Nagano Olympics, where Japan won five gold medals and five silver or bronze medals. The latest squad includes some gold medal hopefuls, such as figure skaters Mao Asada and Yuzuru Hanyu, in addition to Sara Takanashi, who will compete in the Olympics’ first women’s ski jumping event.
　目標は、金５個を含む計１０個のメダルを獲得した長野五輪（１９９８年）以上の成績だ。新種目のスキージャンプ女子の高梨沙羅選手、フィギュアスケートの浅田真央、羽生結弦両選手ら金メダルを狙えるメンバーを擁している。

We hope the Japanese athletes fully display their abilities in Sochi.
　選手団が実力を存分に発揮することを期待したい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 7, 2014)
（2014年2月7日01時34分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 06, 2014
4K TVs could power revival of Japanese manufacturing
４Ｋテレビ　日本メーカー復活の原動力に（2月6日付・読売社説）

Market competition over so-called 4K ultrahigh-resolution TVs has grown fierce.
　画像がより繊細な「４Ｋテレビ」を巡る競争が激しくなってきた。

We hope Japanese manufacturers, with their technological prowess, will lead this growth market and make it a driving force for the recovery of their TV businesses.
　日本メーカーは技術力を生かして成長市場を牽(けん)引(いん)し、テレビ事業の復活の起爆剤にしてもらいたい。

The main feature of 4K TVs is their greater number of pixels, which influence the brightness and clarity of images. 4K TVs have as many as about 8 million pixels, four times more than full high-vision TVs.
　４Ｋテレビは、画像の明暗や鮮明さを左右する画素数が、フルハイビジョンの４倍の約８００万もあり、高解像度が売り物だ。

The 4K models that Japanese makers began marketing two to three years ago were mainly large models measuring nearly 80 inches, costing as much as about \1 million. As a result, 4K TVs remained far from popular, with global shipments in 2012 below 10,000 units.
　メーカー各社が２〜３年前から売り出した機種は、８０型に近い大型が中心で、価格も約１００万円と割高だった。２０１２年の世界出荷台数は１万台弱にとどまり、普及にはほど遠かった。

However, the atmosphere has changed markedly as manufacturers dubbed 2014 the “first year of 4K TVs” and put out new models to fully promote 4K TVs. Their offensive stance has become ever more apparent.
　ムードが一変したのは、各社が本格普及に向け、今年を「４Ｋテレビ元年」と位置づけて、新製品を発表しているためだ。攻めの姿勢が目立ってきたと言える。

Sony Corp. will expand its 4K TV lineup from five models last year to nine this year, ranging from 49-inch to 85-inch TVs. Panasonic Corp., Sharp Corp. and Toshiba Corp. have also put their latest models on the market.
　ソニーは４Ｋテレビを４９〜８５型の９機種とし、昨年より倍増させる。パナソニック、シャープ、東芝も最新機種を発表した。

There are expectations within the TV industry that 4K models will account for more than 40 percent of 50-inch and larger models in fiscal 2015. The development of new models that are smaller and more reasonably priced will boost promotion of 4K TVs.
　業界には、１５年度は５０型以上での４Ｋテレビ比率が４割を超えると期待する声がある。より小型で手頃な価格の新商品の開発が、普及への後押しとなるだろう。

Futuristic technology

Sony will shortly put on the U.S. market a small, lightweight 4K video camera for home use. Panasonic has announced a small video camera capable of recording 4K ultrahigh-resolution images as a wearable terminal.
　ソニーは近く、米国で小型軽量の家庭用４Ｋビデオカメラを発売する。パナソニックも、身に着けて利用できる「ウエアラブル端末」として、４Ｋ画質で録画可能な小型ビデオカメラを発表した。

Wearable terminals are expected to record sharp growth among next-generation home appliances. If highly innovative mobile devices featuring 4K ultrahigh-resolution and wearable technology hit the market one after another, the home appliance market is certain to be invigorated further.
　次世代家電の中で、ウエアラブル端末は急成長が見込まれる。４Ｋ技術を生かしたユニークな派生商品が次々と誕生すれば、市場が一段と活気づくに違いない。

South Korean rival Samsung Electronics Co. and Chinese rivals have also announced new models, including 4K models. Even though Japanese makers currently lead the 4K market, they need to be on the alert for a war of attrition in which price-cutting competition will intensify.
　韓国サムスン電子や中国企業などライバルも、４Ｋテレビをはじめとした新製品を発表している。今は日本各社がリードしていても、値下げ競争が激しくなる消耗戦には要警戒である。

Japanese makers were overtaken by their South Korean rivals in the sales battle over flat-panel TVs, the primary factor that sent their TV businesses into the red. They should avoid allowing that to happen again.
　薄型液晶テレビ商戦では、日本各社は韓国勢に追い抜かれ、テレビ事業が赤字に陥る主因となった。その二の舞いは避けたい。

How can they retain their technological superiority and develop such products in anticipation of consumers’ needs, while at the same time enhancing their production efficiency? Japanese manufacturers must apply all their brainpower to win out in the international rivalry.
　技術優位を維持し、消費者ニーズを先取りした商品を開発するとともに、生産効率化をどう図るか。競争を勝ち抜く知恵が要る。

To promote 4K TVs in this country, it is essential to improve the related software, including TV programs that utilize ultrahigh-resolution images.
　もちろん、国内で４Ｋテレビを普及させるには、画質を生かす番組などソフトの充実が必須だ。

Test broadcasting compatible with 4K ultrahigh-resolution is expected to start within the year, but there is a shortage of visual content. TV makers and broadcasting stations need to cooperate to create programs and image software appealing to consumers.
　４Ｋ対応の試験放送が年内にも始まる予定だが、映像コンテンツは不足している。魅力ある番組やソフト作りで、メーカーと放送局などは連携する必要がある。

There is a wide range of supporting industries for the home appliances sector. If Japanese home appliance makers can take the lead in this growth market by wielding their competitiveness, it will also help rejuvenate the Japanese economy.
　家電業界は産業の裾野が広い。日本の各社が競争力を発揮し、成長市場で主導権を握れば、経済再生にも好影響を与えよう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 6, 2014)
（2014年2月6日01時16分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 5, 2014
Possible collusion in Shinkansen bid-rigging case must be clarified
北陸新幹線談合　官民癒着の徹底解明が必要だ（2月5日付・読売社説）

Do the new allegations over bid-rigging on Shinkansen-related engineering work mean that competitive bidding on infrastructure improvement projects essential for the safety of bullet train services was derailed through a collusive relationship between entities in the public and private sectors? Investigating authorities must uncover the full truth.
　新幹線の安全運行に欠かせないインフラ工事の入札が、官民の癒着でゆがめられていたのか。捜査当局には徹底解明が求められる。

The allegations have arisen over projects to prevent snow damage along the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. On Tuesday, the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office and the Fair Trade Commission searched offices linked to the case on suspicion of a violation of the Antimonopoly Law. The locations searched by the prosecution’s special investigative squad and the FTC included equipment installation companies that participated in the bidding, as well as the Japan Railway Construction, Transport and Technology Agency (JRTT), a government-affiliated independent administrative institution that placed orders for the projects.
　北陸新幹線の雪害対策工事で談合の疑いが浮上した。東京地検特捜部と公正取引委員会は入札に参加した設備工事会社と、発注元の独立行政法人「鉄道建設・運輸施設整備支援機構」を独占禁止法違反容疑で捜索した。

The projects under investigation cover a route that is being constructed to connect Nagano and Kanazawa along the Hokuriku Shinkansen line. The Nagano-Kanazawa route is scheduled to open late in fiscal 2014.
　捜査の対象は、２０１４年度末に開業予定の長野―金沢間の工事だ。

The cost of the projects is to be covered by such resources as national government subsidies and contributions from local governments affected by these plans. If prices tendered for construction projects are exorbitant due to bid-rigging, the corporations involved in the scheme will reap unlawful profits, thus requiring excessive public expenditures.
工事費は、国の補助金や自治体の負担金などで賄う。談合で入札価格がつり上がれば、業者が不正な利益を獲得し、その分、余計な公費が支出される。

Given the seriousness of the latest bid-rigging case, the special investigation team and the FTC had every reason to embark on a probe aimed at establishing the criminal responsibility of the corporations involved and JRTT.
　談合の悪質性を考えれば、特捜部と公取委が刑事責任の追及に乗り出したのは当然と言える。

It will be particularly disconcerting if the case is found to involve collusive bidding at the initiative of such a government-affiliated institution as JRTT.
　特に問題なのは、官製談合だった可能性が高い点だ。

However, this seems likely as bidding on the projects included more than one case in which the price of a successful bid on a construction project was equivalent to 99 percent or more of the price anticipated by JRTT. It is apparent that the prices must have been leaked to potential contractors as the bids on the projects were accepted at prices nearly equal to those JRTT anticipated.
　工事の入札では、予定価格に対する落札額の割合を示す落札率が９９％を超える複数のケースがあった。予定価格にほぼ等しい落札が相次げば、価格が漏洩(ろうえい)されていたと見るのが自然だろう。

Tough penalties

Possible irregularities have been brought to light through the investigative squad’s questioning of some company employees responsible for the bidding procedures. They reportedly told investigators that JRTT officials, who held positions comparable to section chief, gave them hints as to anticipated prices ahead of the bidding sessions.
　これまでの特捜部の任意の事情聴取に対し、一部業者の担当者が、入札前に支援機構支社の課長クラスから予定価格を示唆されたと供述しているという。

Another probable factor behind the latest case is that JRTT wanted to smooth progress in the bidding process so it could complete the construction projects in time for the opening of the Nagano-Kanazawa route. If no bidder had won a contract for a project, it would have taken about two months for a new bidding session to take place. This would have led to delays in the JRTT projects.
　機構側には、北陸新幹線開業に間に合わせるため、入札を円滑に進めたいとの思惑があったとされる。入札が不調に終わると、再入札までに２か月程度かかり、工事の遅れにつながるからだ。

If JRTT put its own convenience ahead of everything else by becoming involved in bid-rigging and accommodating bidders’ interests, it would undermine the essential nature of competitive bidding. It would also impair people’s trust in public works projects.
　こうした自らの都合で、機構が談合に手を染め、業者側に便宜を図れば、入札は骨抜きになる。公共事業に対する信頼も損なう。

In December 2006, the Public Sector Bid-Rigging Prevention Law was revised to impose criminal penalties on public service employees and others. The law would apply to employees at JRTT, an institution wholly financed by the government. We hope the investigative team will carry out a thorough probe into all aspects of the case, including whether top-ranking JRTT officials were involved in the affair.
　官製談合防止法は２００６年１２月の改正で、公務員ら個人への刑事罰が導入された。政府が１００％出資する機構の職員にも適用される。特捜部は、機構上層部の関与の有無を含め、厳正に捜査を進めてもらいたい。

JRTT’s undertakings include construction work on new Shinkansen lines in Hokkaido and Kyushu in addition to the Hokuriku Shinkansen. Prompt measures should be taken to determine whether there were any suspicions about bidding for projects on these lines. It is also essential to confirm whether JRTT is properly managing information about its anticipated prices.
　支援機構は、北陸新幹線のほかにも、北海道や九州の整備新幹線の建設工事を手がけている。不自然な入札はなかったか、予定価格の情報管理は適正に行われているか。早急に再点検すべきだ。

The latest case has highlighted the depth of industry-wide collusion. The targets of Tuesday’s search included a large corporation that has expertise in installing snow-melting equipment.
　業界ぐるみの談合体質の根深さも浮き彫りになった。捜索を受けた会社には、融雪設備工事のノウハウを持つ大手が含まれる。

The latest bid-rigging case is not an isolated one in the engineering industry. In 2006, action was taken in a case involving an order placed by the now-defunct Defense Facilities Administration Agency for air-conditioning equipment installation work.
　この業界では、０６年にも当時の防衛施設庁発注の空調設備工事で、談合が摘発された。

All corporations in the engineering industry need to eliminate collusive relationships and comply with the law.
　業界全体で馴(な)れ合いを排し、法令順守を徹底する必要がある。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 5, 2014)
（2014年2月5日01時37分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 4, 2014
No end in sight to chaos in Thailand as situation continues to deteriorate
タイ総選挙　依然見えない混乱収拾への道（2月4日付・読売社説）

The political situation has been deteriorating in Thailand, and it is not easy to find even a clue as to how to end the current crisis.
　タイ政治の混迷は一層深まっている。局面打開の糸口を探るのは容易ではない。

Amid antigovernment protests, a general election was held on Sunday. There were no large-scale clashes between protesters and government supporters, as had been feared, but due to disruptions by protesters, the voting was canceled in about 20 percent of the electoral districts.
　反政府デモが続くタイで総選挙が行われた。懸念された大規模な衝突はなかったものの、デモ隊の妨害により、全体の約２割にあたる選挙区で、投票が中止された。

As things stand now, there will not be enough elected parliamentarians to convene parliament. And in those electoral districts where the voting was canceled, there is no clear prospect for holding another vote.
　このままでは、国会を開会するのに必要な議員数を選出できない。投票中止になった選挙区では、再投票の見通しも不透明だ。

Still calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, protesters continue occupying major intersections in Bangkok. It is imperative to be on the lookout for worsening discord.
　デモ隊は依然インラック首相の辞任を求め、バンコク市内で座り込みを続けている。混乱拡大を引き続き警戒する必要がある。

In the latest election, the Yingluck administration took its case to the voters by dissolving parliament, a move that took place amid overwhelming support from farmers and poor people−a group of supporters Yingluck inherited from Thaksin Shinawatra, her brother and former premier, who now is in self-imposed exile.
　今回の選挙は、首相が、兄のタクシン元首相から受け継いだ農民や貧困層における圧倒的支持を背景に、議会を解散し、国民に信を問うたものだ。

Meanwhile, Thaksin’s opponents, comprising the wealthy and urban-based middle-class, have called for an unelected council to govern as an interim government, as they are overwhelmed by Thaksin’s supporters in terms of number.
　これに対して、富裕層や都市中間層などからなる反タクシン派は、支持者数ではタクシン派に遠く及ばないこともあり、選挙を経ない暫定統治を要求してきた。

The major opposition Democratic Party, which supports Thaksin’s opponents, has boycotted the vote, in step with the voting disruption by protesters.
　反タクシン派の最大野党・民主党は、デモ隊の選挙妨害に合わせて、選挙をボイコットした。

As voting was canceled in a number of electoral districts, the party has shown its readiness to appeal to the Constitutional Court to invalidate the vote on the grounds it counters the constitutional stipulation requiring elections to be held on one day.
　多くの選挙区が投票中止になったことを巡り、今回の選挙は、「全国で同じ日に行う」とする憲法の規定に違反したとして、憲法裁判所に無効を申し立てる構えも見せている。

Legal overthrow?

Thaksin’s opponents may be aiming to lawfully overthrow the government outside the election.
　反タクシン派が目指しているのは、このような選挙以外の合法的手段による政権打倒だろう。

Under the Constitution, enacted in 2007, the Constitutional Court and the National Anticorruption Commission have strong authority over parliament and public administrative organizations.
　というのも、２００７年制定の憲法では、憲法裁や国家汚職防止委員会などが、国会や行政に対し強い権限を有しているからだ。

Thaksin’s opponents have a majority in all such organizations. Some years ago, the Constitutional Court caused the pro-Thaksin administration to collapse by ruling that electoral fraud rendered an election unconstitutional.
　いずれの組織も反タクシン派が多数を占め、なかでも憲法裁は、違憲判決などでタクシン派政権を崩壊に追い込んだ例もある。

The dynamics of the political conflict are expected to remain for the time being, with Thaksin supporters calling for the principle of majority rule in running the country, while Thaksin’s opponents who attach importance to the “rule of law” by such entities as the Constitutional Court.
　統治方法を巡り、多数決で決着を図るべきだとするタクシン派と憲法裁などによる「法の支配」を重視する反タクシン派が対立する状況が当面続くとみられる。

Meanwhile, the 86-year-old King Bhumibol Adulyadej, who has often served as a mediator in times of political instability in the past, has been receiving medical treatment. There is a limit to his influence over the current turmoil.
　過去の政情不安で調停役を果たしてきたプミポン国王も８６歳となり、療養生活を送っている。影響力行使には限界があろう。

It is also worrisome that adverse effects on the economy have become apparent. The tourism industry, the country’s major industry, has been hit hard by the political unrest, with Thailand’s central bank revising downward this year’s projected national growth rate from 4.8 percent to 3 percent.
　経済への悪影響が目立ち始めたことも懸念される。主要産業の観光業は大打撃を受け、タイ中央銀行は今年の成長率見通しを４・８％から３％に引き下げた。

Under the current caretaker government of Prime Minister Yingluck, the government cannot compile a fiscal budget or approve any large-scale investment.
　選挙管理内閣のインラック現政権下では、予算編成や、新規の大型投資認可は行えない。

As Japanese-affiliate companies are expected to shy away from investing in the country, Thai authorities will continue to face a severe ordeal.
　日系企業などが投資を控える動きも予想され、タイ当局にとっては、厳しい試練が続くだろう。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 4, 2014)
（2014年2月4日01時00分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 3, 2014
Sumo association must work hard as new entity to win support of public
相撲協会改革　公益法人に恥じぬ組織運営を（2月3日付・読売社説）

Now that it has become a public interest incorporated foundation, the Japan Sumo Association must make the most of this opportunity to transform itself into an organization with a self-purifying power.
　公益財団法人への移行を機に、自浄能力を持つ組織に生まれ変わることが求められる。

The Cabinet Office has certified the association as a public interest incorporated foundation, and the association has officially registered itself as the new type of legal entity.
　内閣府は、日本相撲協会を公益財団法人に認定した。協会は登記手続きを行い、新法人に移行した。

The sumo world was rocked by a series of scandals, including the fatal assault of a sumo wrestler by stablemates, gambling on baseball, and bout-fixing. The association has been told by such entities as the sports ministry, which has jurisdiction over the JSA, to implement organizational reform, greatly delaying the procedures for the transformation into the new incorporated foundation.
　相撲界は、力士の暴行死事件や野球賭博、八百長問題など、相次ぐ不祥事に揺れた。相撲協会は所管の文部科学省などから組織改革を求められ、移行への手続きが大幅に遅れていた。

With its new status, the JSA will continue to be entitled to preferential tax treatment, and revenue from the grand tournaments and tournaments in provinces will remain tax-exempt.
　従来、公益法人だった相撲協会は、新制度に基づく公益財団法人に認定されたことで、今後も税の優遇措置を受けられる。本場所や巡業の収入は非課税扱いだ。

While taking to heart its responsibility of carrying on the tradition of sumo wrestling, the JSA had to make an effort to enhance the transparency of its businesses.
　大相撲の伝統を継承していく責務を肝に銘じ、事業の透明性向上に努めねばならない。

The most typical example of its opaqueness is the issue of how to deal with the JSA’s “elder shares.”
　不透明な実態の最たる例が、年寄名跡の扱いだ。

At present, there are 107 elder shares. Unless a sumo wrestler obtains an elder share upon retirement, he cannot become a stablemaster.
現在、１０７の年寄名跡がある。これを保有しなければ、力士引退後、親方になることはできない。

Trade of elder shares

Elder shares have been traded for huge amounts of money. There are said to have been such deals involving several hundred millions of yen. Generally speaking, the trading of rights to gain income from the association as a stablemaster is a custom hard to understand.
　年寄名跡は高額で売買されてきた。億単位の金銭のやり取りもあったとされる。親方として協会から収入を得る権利の売買は、一般的には理解し難い慣習だ。

In its switch to a public interest incorporated foundation, the JSA has stipulated, in its articles of association, that the elder shares are to be placed under its centralized control. Elders who are to retire are able to recommend their replacement, but the transfer of money is prohibited at the time of succession. Those who violate the rule will be severely punished.
　公益財団法人への移行にあたり、相撲協会は年寄名跡を協会で一括管理することを定款に明記した。退任する年寄は、後継者を推薦できる一方で、継承に際し、金銭の授受は禁止される。違反者は厳重処分を受ける。

This is a step forward, but a concern remains. Those who succeed to an elder’s name can pay a “guidance fee” to a former elder for advice on how to manage a stable, on condition of notifying the JSA.
　一歩前進であるが、懸念は残る。名跡の襲名者は、部屋運営のノウハウなどを学ぶため、協会に申告するのを条件に、前親方に指導料を支払うことができる。

Will the trade of elder shares effectively continue under the guise of guidance fees? The JSA must develop a strict system to scrutinize this possibility.
　指導料が隠れみのとなって、名跡売買が実質的に続くことになりはしないか。協会の厳格なチェック体制の整備が必要である。

It is praiseworthy that the relationship between the JSA and each stable has been clarified. With regards to the training of sumo wrestlers, the association will conclude a commission contract with stablemasters.
　協会と各部屋の関係を明確にした点は評価できる。力士の養成に関し、協会は、部屋の親方と委託契約を結ぶ仕組みになる。

When irregularities occurred in the past, the association often tried to put an end to scandals by blaming the stables, saying, for instance, “The stablemaster’s way of nurturing the wrestler was wrong.” From now on, the association’s responsibility to consign training of wrestlers outside stables will be put to the test.
　不祥事の際、協会は「親方の教育が悪い」などと、各部屋の責任にして幕引きを図ることが多かった。今後は契約上の委託元として、協会の責任も問われよう。

The form of the JSA’s council of the board of trustees, the highest decision-making organization for the incorporated foundation, will also change. The majority of the five- to seven-member council will comprise outside experts. It is important to respect the opinions of those outside the sumo world to correct long-standing evils.
　最高意思決定機関である評議員会の形態も変わる。５〜７人のメンバーの過半数が外部有識者となる。角界外の意見を尊重し、旧弊を改善することが肝要だ。

For the JSA to win public support as an entity to operate the “national sport,” sumo wrestlers must give performances to meet the public expectations. Hopes are growing for the advent of a Japanese yokozuna. We hope both the JSA and sumo stables will make further efforts in fostering strong sumo wrestlers.
　「国技」の運営母体として、協会が国民から支持されるには、土俵の充実が欠かせない。日本人横綱を待望する声は高まっている。協会と各部屋は、強い力士の養成に一層、力を注いでほしい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 3, 2014)
（2014年2月3日01時48分 読売新聞）

The Yomiuri Shimbun February 2, 2014
Suntory shows remarkable ambition by making huge acquisition abroad
大型企業買収　国際化に布石打つサントリー（2月2日付・読売社説）

While waging a war of attrition in the shrinking domestic market, a company relying mainly on domestic demand has gone on the offensive abroad in an effort to boost growth.
　縮小する国内市場で消耗戦を展開している内需型企業が、海外での成長に活路を見いだす「攻めの戦略」を決断した。

Suntory Holdings Ltd. has announced it will purchase Beam Inc., the largest spirits company in the United States, for $16 billion (about \1.6 trillion). It is the biggest overseas acquisition undertaken in Japan’s food industry.
　サントリーホールディングスが米蒸留酒最大手のビーム社を１６０億ドル（約１・６兆円）で買収し、完全子会社化すると発表した。食品業界では、過去最大規模の海外企業買収である。

Beam is known for a broad lineup of products, including such famous bourbon whiskeys as Jim Beam, as well as vodka and tequila. The company’s sales outlets have spread extensively around the world, including Russia and Brazil.
　ビーム社は、「ジムビーム」などの有名ウイスキーのほか、ウオツカやテキーラなど品ぞろえが豊富だ。ロシアやブラジルなどにも販路を広げている。

The takeover will make Suntory the world’s third-largest maker of distilled drinks in terms of revenue, up from 10th place.
　買収によってサントリーは、蒸留酒の売り上げで世界１０位から３位の企業に浮上する。

It seems Suntory has taken the acquisition action to strengthen its business operations in the United States and emerging economies by making effective use of Beam’s high brand recognition and international marketing networks.
　ビーム社の高いブランド力と、国際的な販売網を活用し、米国や新興国への事業展開を一気に強化する狙いがあるのだろう。

The earnings potential of domestic beverage firms has been dwindling because of intensifying price competition in addition to a shrinking market due to the nation’s graying society and low birthrate.
　少子高齢化に伴う市場の縮小に加え、価格競争の激化で国内の収益環境は厳しい。

In contrast, the number of middle-income consumers has been on the rise in China and the emerging economies in Southeast Asia and elsewhere. Prospects for expanding sales in these areas are bright for whiskey and other relatively high-priced alcoholic drinks.
　対照的に海外市場では、中国や東南アジア諸国などの新興国で中間所得層が増加している。ウイスキーなど比較的高額なアルコール飲料の販売拡大が見込まれる。

Suntory’s strategy of pursuing the goal of morphing into a global company by swiftly building a foothold overseas by putting a powerful foreign firm under its control can be said to be in line with the needs of the times.
　有力企業を傘下に置いて海外進出の足場を迅速に築き、グローバル企業への脱皮を目指そうという戦略は時代の要請だろう。

The cash needed for the takeover, \1.6 trillion, is massive enough to be close to the Suntory group’s annual sales.
　ただ、１・６兆円は、サントリー・グループ全体の年間売上高に迫る金額である。

Promising option

A number of market analysts point out that the huge corporate acquisition may prove to be a bad bargain, saying Suntory’s management has taken a major gamble.
市場では、巨額買収は「割高な買い物だ」として、今回の経営判断を大きな賭けと見る向きも少なくない。

To prevent its investment from becoming a gigantic burden, Suntory must further enhance its operational efficiency and boost profitability.
　サントリーは、大規模投資が重荷とならぬよう、一層の経営効率化や増収を図る必要がある。

All member firms of the Suntory group must act together to craft a marketing strategy by taking the global market into account, while at the same time exercising ingenuity to develop new products and reduce distribution costs. These efforts are essential to take full advantage of the acquisition.
　グループ一体で世界市場をにらんだ販売戦略を練り、商品開発や物流コストの削減を進めるべきだ。それが買収メリットを最大限に引き出すことになる。

On the strength of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s business expansion policy, signs are emerging that the national economy is picking up. All businesses have been thinking hard about how to expand markets for their key merchandise.
　安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」によって日本経済は上向いてきた。戦略商品の販路拡大に各企業が知恵を絞っている。

In the eyes of companies seeking to grow, the purchase of overseas firms like that by Suntory is one of the most promising options.
　成長を目指す企業にとって、サントリーのような海外企業の買収は有力な選択肢となろう。

We hope to see companies in such sectors as the food industry and distribution services accelerating their moves to tap demand abroad, particularly in other Asian countries.
食品や流通業界は、アジアなどの外需取り込みを狙った動きをさらに加速することが求められる。

As the yen is likely to remain weak, there are concerns that the cost of corporate acquisitions may swell. Because of the effects of the Bank of Japan’s monetary easing policy, however, companies are favorably positioned to secure funding from financial institutions.
　円安定着で円建ての買収金額が膨らむことが懸念されるものの、日本銀行による大胆な金融緩和の効果により、企業が金融機関から資金を調達しやすい環境にあることも追い風である。

Companies should consider the current state of affairs a good opportunity to improve their operations by breaking away from their inward-looking mode of thinking and make a leap forward in the global arena.
　企業は事業拡大の好機ととらえ、内向き志向から脱し、グローバルに飛躍してもらいたい。

(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Feb. 2, 2014)
（2014年2月2日01時25分 読売新聞）