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2014年01月04日
コミッショナー ＮＰＢの体制強化を最優先に
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 2, 2014
New commissioner must place top priority on strengthening NPB
コミッショナー ＮＰＢの体制強化を最優先に（12月31日付・読売社説）
We hope the new commissioner of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization will throw his energy into making Japan’s professional baseball even more loved.
プロ野球が一層、国民に愛されるよう、力を注いでほしい。
Lawyer Katsuhiko Kumazaki, former chief of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office’s special investigation squad, will become NPB’s new commissioner as of Wednesday.
東京地検特捜部長などを務めた弁護士の熊崎勝彦氏が、１月１日付でプロ野球の新コミッショナーに就任することが決まった。
“I want to make the most of my abilities to make Japanese pro baseball more vigorous so it can contribute to society,” Kumazaki said at a press conference.
熊崎氏は記者会見で、「プロ野球界を活力あるものにし、社会に貢献できるように持ち味を発揮したい」と抱負を語った。
Kumazaki has been in charge of compliance issues as an adviser to NPB’s commissioner since 2005. Expectations are high that he will exercise leadership to work out the problems that Japan’s professional baseball is currently saddled with by utilizing that experience.
２００５年からコミッショナー顧問として、コンプライアンス（法令順守）問題などを担当してきた。その経験を生かし、プロ野球界が抱える問題点を改善するリーダーシップが期待される。
What Kumazaki must work on first is to carry out reform in NPB after it lost the trust of baseball fans due to a problem concerning the introduction of unified ball.
まず、手がけねばならないのは、足元の日本野球機構（ＮＰＢ）の改革である。統一球問題で、ＮＰＢはファンの信頼を失った。
Ryozo Kato, former NPB commissioner, said he did not know the unified ball’s coefficient of restitution had been increased. Reforming NPB, in which such important information does not reach the head of the organization, is an urgent task.
加藤良三・前コミッショナーは、統一球の反発力が高まった事実を把握していなかったという。重要情報がトップに伝わらないＮＰＢの組織改革が急務だ。
Kumazaki said he needs a full-time assistant who will meticulously keep watch on things in NPB. It is necessary to establish governance functions that enable the commissioner to make appropriate decisions.
熊崎氏は、細かく目配りできる常勤の補佐役が必要だとの考えを示した。コミッショナーが的確な判断を下せるガバナンス（統治機能）を確立する必要がある。
A decisive moment
The status of professional baseball remains severe. Although the number of spectators increased this season both in the Central League and the Pacific League compared to last season, four teams saw their spectators decrease. The number of professional baseball games aired on terrestrial broadcasting also fell.
プロ野球を取り巻く環境は依然、厳しい。今季はセ・パ両リーグとも昨季より観客数が増えたものの、４球団では減少した。テレビの地上波中継も減っている。
We urge the new commissioner to cooperate with the 12 teams and do his utmost to improve various services for baseball fans.
ファンサービス向上のため、新コミッショナーは１２球団と連携し、知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
In particular, Kumazaki must devise a strategy to enhance the appeal of Japan’s national team—called Samurai Japan, which has been formed on a permanent basis—to help increase NPB’s earnings. His ability will be tested, for example, in setting up international games that will please baseball fans.
特に、常設化した日本代表（侍ジャパン）の魅力を高め、収益につなげる戦略が求められる。ファンが喜ぶ国際試合の設定などで、手腕が問われよう。
Meanwhile, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles have recently allowed ace Masahiro Tanaka to move to the major leagues.
楽天は、エースの田中将大投手の米大リーグ移籍を容認した。
A professional baseball player’s dream to take on the challenge of playing in the major leagues and make a leap forward deserves respect.
大リーグに挑戦し、飛躍したいという選手の夢は、可能な限り尊重すべきだろう。
However, the fact is that Japan’s professional baseball will inevitably decline if star players continue to flow out to the major leagues.
一方で、スター選手の流出が続けば、プロ野球の地盤沈下が避けられないのも事実である。
The posting system used when a Japanese player moves to the major leagues has significantly changed. Under the revised system, a Japanese team that allows a player to go to the major leagues sets a posting fee of up to $20 million, or \2 billion.
今回、日本選手が大リーグに移籍するためのポスティングシステムが、大きく変更された。移籍を容認した日本の球団が、２０００万ドル（約２０億円）を上限に譲渡金を設定する仕組みになった。
The revision apparently reflects the major leagues’ wish to hold down the money the clubs pay to acquire Japanese players, which previously had no limit.
上限がなかった日本選手の獲得金額を抑えたい大リーグ側の意向を反映した制度変更と言える。
For baseball to further develop around the world, it is indispensable for the Japanese and U.S. professional baseball worlds, the two axes of the sport, to ensure coexistence and mutual prosperity.
野球が世界的にさらに発展するには、軸となる日米の球界が共存共栄していくことが欠かせない。
Formulating fair rules between Japan and the United States on the acquisition of Japanese players is also an important task that the new commissioner must work on.
選手獲得における日米の公平なルール作りも、新コミッショナーの重要な課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 31, 2013)
（2013年12月31日02時07分 読売新聞）
New commissioner must place top priority on strengthening NPB
コミッショナー ＮＰＢの体制強化を最優先に（12月31日付・読売社説）
We hope the new commissioner of the Nippon Professional Baseball Organization will throw his energy into making Japan’s professional baseball even more loved.
プロ野球が一層、国民に愛されるよう、力を注いでほしい。
Lawyer Katsuhiko Kumazaki, former chief of the Tokyo District Public Prosecutors Office’s special investigation squad, will become NPB’s new commissioner as of Wednesday.
東京地検特捜部長などを務めた弁護士の熊崎勝彦氏が、１月１日付でプロ野球の新コミッショナーに就任することが決まった。
“I want to make the most of my abilities to make Japanese pro baseball more vigorous so it can contribute to society,” Kumazaki said at a press conference.
熊崎氏は記者会見で、「プロ野球界を活力あるものにし、社会に貢献できるように持ち味を発揮したい」と抱負を語った。
Kumazaki has been in charge of compliance issues as an adviser to NPB’s commissioner since 2005. Expectations are high that he will exercise leadership to work out the problems that Japan’s professional baseball is currently saddled with by utilizing that experience.
２００５年からコミッショナー顧問として、コンプライアンス（法令順守）問題などを担当してきた。その経験を生かし、プロ野球界が抱える問題点を改善するリーダーシップが期待される。
What Kumazaki must work on first is to carry out reform in NPB after it lost the trust of baseball fans due to a problem concerning the introduction of unified ball.
まず、手がけねばならないのは、足元の日本野球機構（ＮＰＢ）の改革である。統一球問題で、ＮＰＢはファンの信頼を失った。
Ryozo Kato, former NPB commissioner, said he did not know the unified ball’s coefficient of restitution had been increased. Reforming NPB, in which such important information does not reach the head of the organization, is an urgent task.
加藤良三・前コミッショナーは、統一球の反発力が高まった事実を把握していなかったという。重要情報がトップに伝わらないＮＰＢの組織改革が急務だ。
Kumazaki said he needs a full-time assistant who will meticulously keep watch on things in NPB. It is necessary to establish governance functions that enable the commissioner to make appropriate decisions.
熊崎氏は、細かく目配りできる常勤の補佐役が必要だとの考えを示した。コミッショナーが的確な判断を下せるガバナンス（統治機能）を確立する必要がある。
A decisive moment
The status of professional baseball remains severe. Although the number of spectators increased this season both in the Central League and the Pacific League compared to last season, four teams saw their spectators decrease. The number of professional baseball games aired on terrestrial broadcasting also fell.
プロ野球を取り巻く環境は依然、厳しい。今季はセ・パ両リーグとも昨季より観客数が増えたものの、４球団では減少した。テレビの地上波中継も減っている。
We urge the new commissioner to cooperate with the 12 teams and do his utmost to improve various services for baseball fans.
ファンサービス向上のため、新コミッショナーは１２球団と連携し、知恵を絞ってもらいたい。
In particular, Kumazaki must devise a strategy to enhance the appeal of Japan’s national team—called Samurai Japan, which has been formed on a permanent basis—to help increase NPB’s earnings. His ability will be tested, for example, in setting up international games that will please baseball fans.
特に、常設化した日本代表（侍ジャパン）の魅力を高め、収益につなげる戦略が求められる。ファンが喜ぶ国際試合の設定などで、手腕が問われよう。
Meanwhile, the Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles have recently allowed ace Masahiro Tanaka to move to the major leagues.
楽天は、エースの田中将大投手の米大リーグ移籍を容認した。
A professional baseball player’s dream to take on the challenge of playing in the major leagues and make a leap forward deserves respect.
大リーグに挑戦し、飛躍したいという選手の夢は、可能な限り尊重すべきだろう。
However, the fact is that Japan’s professional baseball will inevitably decline if star players continue to flow out to the major leagues.
一方で、スター選手の流出が続けば、プロ野球の地盤沈下が避けられないのも事実である。
The posting system used when a Japanese player moves to the major leagues has significantly changed. Under the revised system, a Japanese team that allows a player to go to the major leagues sets a posting fee of up to $20 million, or \2 billion.
今回、日本選手が大リーグに移籍するためのポスティングシステムが、大きく変更された。移籍を容認した日本の球団が、２０００万ドル（約２０億円）を上限に譲渡金を設定する仕組みになった。
The revision apparently reflects the major leagues’ wish to hold down the money the clubs pay to acquire Japanese players, which previously had no limit.
上限がなかった日本選手の獲得金額を抑えたい大リーグ側の意向を反映した制度変更と言える。
For baseball to further develop around the world, it is indispensable for the Japanese and U.S. professional baseball worlds, the two axes of the sport, to ensure coexistence and mutual prosperity.
野球が世界的にさらに発展するには、軸となる日米の球界が共存共栄していくことが欠かせない。
Formulating fair rules between Japan and the United States on the acquisition of Japanese players is also an important task that the new commissioner must work on.
選手獲得における日米の公平なルール作りも、新コミッショナーの重要な課題である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 31, 2013)
（2013年12月31日02時07分 読売新聞）
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2014年01月03日
独大連立政権 欧州経済の再生に責任は重い
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 2, 2014
Germany should bolster efforts to lift eurozone out of crisis
独大連立政権 欧州経済の再生に責任は重い（12月31日付・読売社説）
We expect German Chancellor Angela Merkel to exercise leadership to overcome the European fiscal and financial crisis now that she has secured a stable political foundation.
安定的な政権基盤を得たメルケル・ドイツ首相が欧州財政・金融危機の克服に指導力を発揮することを期待したい。
The third Merkel Cabinet was launched in Europe’s biggest economic power through the formation of a grand coalition between Germany’s two major political parties—her center-right Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD)—for the first time in four years.
欧州一の経済大国、ドイツで、中道左右の２大政党が４年ぶりに大連立を組み、第３次メルケル政権が発足した。
As the German Bundestag, or lower house, has members elected basically by proportional representation, it is difficult for even a major party to secure a majority on its own. Negotiations to form a coalition government are thus inevitable.
ドイツ連邦議会（下院）の選挙制度は基本的に比例代表制であるため、大政党でも単独過半数を占めることは難しく、政権作りには連立交渉が避けられない。
The CDU/CSU secured a stunning victory in the September general election, after which it negotiated with the SPD, the largest opposition party, to form the grand coalition.
９月の総選挙で大勝したのは、首相率いる中道右派、キリスト教民主・社会同盟（ＣＤＵ・ＣＳＵ）で、最大野党の中道左派、社会民主党（ＳＰＤ）と交渉した。
However, it took more than 80 days to launch the new coalition because the SPD adamantly demanded that the coalition government realize SPD’s campaign pledges, including the introduction of a nationwide minimum wage system, when formulating an accord to form the coalition. It cannot be denied that this created a political vacuum in Germany and stalled debates in the European Union to address the financial crisis.
だが、社民党が連立合意作りで、全国一律の最低賃金制度導入などの公約実現を強く主張し、政権発足に８０日以上も要した。国内の政治空白が生じ、欧州連合（ＥＵ）における危機対策をめぐる論議の停滞を招いたのは否めない。
The coalition agreement signed by the two parties called for fiscal rehabilitation and structural reform by eurozone countries. Their accord opposed initiatives that could increase the burden on Germany, saying that the measures, including a proposal to issue common euro-area bonds to procure funds based on the credibility of the eurozone, could foster laxity among indebted nations.
両党がまとめた連立合意書は、ユーロ加盟国に対して財政健全化と構造改革を求めた。ユーロ圏の信用で資金調達する「ユーロ共通債」など、ドイツの負担増につながる構想には、債務国の甘えを助長するとして、反対している。
That is what the Merkel administration has been asserting, but it nonetheless demonstrated again its basic stance in overcoming the European crisis.
メルケル政権の従来路線の踏襲だ。危機克服に取り組む基本姿勢を改めて示したと言えよう。
Danger of deflation
Greece and other south European nations are plagued with aggravated unemployment, prompting some observers to point out the risk of the eurozone plunging into deflation.
ギリシャなど南欧諸国は失業増に苦しみ、ユーロ圏がデフレに陥る危険も指摘される。
Germany, which achieved the world’s largest current account surplus in 2012, is essentially the only economically sound nation in Europe. Germany should consider policies to facilitate economic recovery in Europe, including increasing imports from other eurozone nations by boosting its domestic consumption.
経済が堅調で、昨年経常黒字が世界最大だったドイツは、「独り勝ち」の状況だ。欧州の景気回復に向け、内需拡大で域内諸国から輸入増を図るなど、成長に資する政策を検討する必要がある。
The coalition agreement reconfirmed the existing “nuclear phaseout” stance to reduce the number of nuclear power plants to zero by the end of 2022.
連立合意書は、エネルギー分野では、２０２２年までに原子力発電所を全廃するというこれまでの「脱原発」政策も再確認した。
But it said the coalition government will overhaul the nation’s feed-in tariff system, which requires utility companies to buy renewable energy—expected by many to be an alternative energy source for nuclear energy—at a high rate for certain number of years.
ただ、代替電力として期待される再生可能エネルギーについては、電力会社が電力を一定年数、高値で買い取る「固定価格買い取り制度」を抜本的に見直す。
The grand coalition plans to make it a fundamental principle to trade renewable energy generated at newly established facilities in the market and introduce other measures to ensure a competitive environment in this field.
新設の再生エネ施設で発電された電力は市場での取引を原則とするなど、競争原理が働きやすい仕組みを取り入れるという。
The feed-in tariff system was introduced in 2000 as a pillar of a program to promote the proliferation of renewable energy use. Since then, the electricity rate for households has continuously increased to its present figure, which is double the 2000 level. We believe the move to overhaul the system is appropriate, considering the widespread public criticism of it.
再生エネ普及促進策の核として、この制度が２０００年に導入されて以来、家庭の電力料金は右肩上がりで上昇し、現在約２倍にまでなっている。国民の反発は強く、見直しは当然と言える。
Japan’s feed-in tariff system was modeled after the German system. Japan should also review this system by closely paying attention to Germany’s moves in this regard.
日本の固定価格買い取り制度は、ドイツを参考にして作られた。日本は、ドイツの現状を注視し、制度見直しを進めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 31, 2013)
（2013年12月31日02時07分 読売新聞）
Germany should bolster efforts to lift eurozone out of crisis
独大連立政権 欧州経済の再生に責任は重い（12月31日付・読売社説）
We expect German Chancellor Angela Merkel to exercise leadership to overcome the European fiscal and financial crisis now that she has secured a stable political foundation.
安定的な政権基盤を得たメルケル・ドイツ首相が欧州財政・金融危機の克服に指導力を発揮することを期待したい。
The third Merkel Cabinet was launched in Europe’s biggest economic power through the formation of a grand coalition between Germany’s two major political parties—her center-right Christian Democratic Union and Christian Social Union (CDU/CSU) and the center-left Social Democratic Party (SPD)—for the first time in four years.
欧州一の経済大国、ドイツで、中道左右の２大政党が４年ぶりに大連立を組み、第３次メルケル政権が発足した。
As the German Bundestag, or lower house, has members elected basically by proportional representation, it is difficult for even a major party to secure a majority on its own. Negotiations to form a coalition government are thus inevitable.
ドイツ連邦議会（下院）の選挙制度は基本的に比例代表制であるため、大政党でも単独過半数を占めることは難しく、政権作りには連立交渉が避けられない。
The CDU/CSU secured a stunning victory in the September general election, after which it negotiated with the SPD, the largest opposition party, to form the grand coalition.
９月の総選挙で大勝したのは、首相率いる中道右派、キリスト教民主・社会同盟（ＣＤＵ・ＣＳＵ）で、最大野党の中道左派、社会民主党（ＳＰＤ）と交渉した。
However, it took more than 80 days to launch the new coalition because the SPD adamantly demanded that the coalition government realize SPD’s campaign pledges, including the introduction of a nationwide minimum wage system, when formulating an accord to form the coalition. It cannot be denied that this created a political vacuum in Germany and stalled debates in the European Union to address the financial crisis.
だが、社民党が連立合意作りで、全国一律の最低賃金制度導入などの公約実現を強く主張し、政権発足に８０日以上も要した。国内の政治空白が生じ、欧州連合（ＥＵ）における危機対策をめぐる論議の停滞を招いたのは否めない。
The coalition agreement signed by the two parties called for fiscal rehabilitation and structural reform by eurozone countries. Their accord opposed initiatives that could increase the burden on Germany, saying that the measures, including a proposal to issue common euro-area bonds to procure funds based on the credibility of the eurozone, could foster laxity among indebted nations.
両党がまとめた連立合意書は、ユーロ加盟国に対して財政健全化と構造改革を求めた。ユーロ圏の信用で資金調達する「ユーロ共通債」など、ドイツの負担増につながる構想には、債務国の甘えを助長するとして、反対している。
That is what the Merkel administration has been asserting, but it nonetheless demonstrated again its basic stance in overcoming the European crisis.
メルケル政権の従来路線の踏襲だ。危機克服に取り組む基本姿勢を改めて示したと言えよう。
Danger of deflation
Greece and other south European nations are plagued with aggravated unemployment, prompting some observers to point out the risk of the eurozone plunging into deflation.
ギリシャなど南欧諸国は失業増に苦しみ、ユーロ圏がデフレに陥る危険も指摘される。
Germany, which achieved the world’s largest current account surplus in 2012, is essentially the only economically sound nation in Europe. Germany should consider policies to facilitate economic recovery in Europe, including increasing imports from other eurozone nations by boosting its domestic consumption.
経済が堅調で、昨年経常黒字が世界最大だったドイツは、「独り勝ち」の状況だ。欧州の景気回復に向け、内需拡大で域内諸国から輸入増を図るなど、成長に資する政策を検討する必要がある。
The coalition agreement reconfirmed the existing “nuclear phaseout” stance to reduce the number of nuclear power plants to zero by the end of 2022.
連立合意書は、エネルギー分野では、２０２２年までに原子力発電所を全廃するというこれまでの「脱原発」政策も再確認した。
But it said the coalition government will overhaul the nation’s feed-in tariff system, which requires utility companies to buy renewable energy—expected by many to be an alternative energy source for nuclear energy—at a high rate for certain number of years.
ただ、代替電力として期待される再生可能エネルギーについては、電力会社が電力を一定年数、高値で買い取る「固定価格買い取り制度」を抜本的に見直す。
The grand coalition plans to make it a fundamental principle to trade renewable energy generated at newly established facilities in the market and introduce other measures to ensure a competitive environment in this field.
新設の再生エネ施設で発電された電力は市場での取引を原則とするなど、競争原理が働きやすい仕組みを取り入れるという。
The feed-in tariff system was introduced in 2000 as a pillar of a program to promote the proliferation of renewable energy use. Since then, the electricity rate for households has continuously increased to its present figure, which is double the 2000 level. We believe the move to overhaul the system is appropriate, considering the widespread public criticism of it.
再生エネ普及促進策の核として、この制度が２０００年に導入されて以来、家庭の電力料金は右肩上がりで上昇し、現在約２倍にまでなっている。国民の反発は強く、見直しは当然と言える。
Japan’s feed-in tariff system was modeled after the German system. Japan should also review this system by closely paying attention to Germany’s moves in this regard.
日本の固定価格買い取り制度は、ドイツを参考にして作られた。日本は、ドイツの現状を注視し、制度見直しを進めるべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 31, 2013)
（2013年12月31日02時07分 読売新聞）
2014年01月02日
日本浮上へ総力を結集せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun January 1, 2014
Deal with economy, China to ensure Japan can rise again
日本浮上へ総力を結集せよ（1月1日付・読売社説）
◆「経済」と「中国」に万全の備えを
This nation must be saved from drowning in the sea of deflation, a challenge essential for putting its economy onto an upward trend.
デフレの海で溺れている日本を救い出し、上昇気流に乗せなければならない。
Doing so will definitely require success in achieving the targets set in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policy line, known as Abenomics, through efforts to ensure his administration is kept running even more stably.
それには、安倍政権が政治の安定を維持し、首相の経済政策「アベノミクス」が成功を収めることが不可欠である。
With this in mind, the government should place priority on economic growth over fiscal reconstruction for the time being, a task necessary to revitalize the economy and increase tax revenue.
当面は、財政再建より経済成長を優先して日本経済を再生させ、税収を増やす道を選ぶべきだ。
This must be accompanied by efforts to disburse financial resources in such fields as pensions, medical and other forms of social security, along with national security, crisis management and energy. Success in that endeavor is indispensable for boosting Japan’s national strength from the mid- and long-term standpoints.
そのうえで、年金・医療などの社会保障、安全保障・危機管理、エネルギーなどの政策分野に投資し、中長期的に国力を上昇させていくことが肝要である。
In promoting good external relations, the government needs to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
対外的には、アジア太平洋地域の安定が望ましい。
China has been escalating its high-handed behavior in the East China Sea and in the sky above the area in recent months. Few eyebrows would be raised if an accidental conflict erupted between Japan and China at any time. This situation will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
中国が東シナ海とその上空で、強圧的な行動をエスカレートさせている。日本との間に偶発的衝突がいつあってもおかしくない、厳しい情勢が続く。
Perceived military tensions in this region must be relaxed through repeated dialogue between Japanese and Chinese diplomatic and defense authorities, coupled with efforts to improve the functions of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
日中両国の外交・防衛当局者による対話を重ねつつ、日米同盟の機能を高めることで、軍事的緊張を和らげねばならない。
The economy and China will likely be the two major focuses of government policy this year. Failure to squarely confront the two tasks—one domestic, the other external—will render useless any attempt by Japan to start rising to prominence, economically or otherwise.
今年も「経済」と「中国」が焦点となろう。この内外のテーマに正面から立ち向かわずに、日本が浮上することはない。
Crunch time for Abenomics
◆アベノミクスに試練
One year has passed since Abe inaugurated his second Cabinet. The prime minister was at the forefront of his ruling coalition’s victory in the House of Councillors election last summer, a triumph that sealed an end to the divided Diet. This has enabled the Liberal Democratic Party to emerge as the sole dominant power in the political arena, reducing all other parties to lesser forces.
第２次安倍内閣が発足して１年が経過した。首相は昨年夏の参院選で衆参両院のねじれを解消し、自民党が突出する「１強多弱」体制を作り上げた。
His Cabinet has consistently enjoyed a high popular support rating. Despite a drop in the rating due to turmoil arising from the enactment of the state secrets protection law during an extraordinary Diet session last year, the figure still stands in the 50 percent range.
内閣支持率は一貫して高い。昨年の臨時国会での特定秘密保護法成立の混乱によって低下したが、なお５０％台を維持している。
This should be solely attributed to Abe’s focused efforts on economic recovery, a task that comes first in the list of his policy priorities.
安倍首相が、政策課題に優先順位をつけ、専ら「経済」に力を注いできたからにほかならない。
The prime minister’s pursuit of his Abenomics policy is accomplishing a certain degree of success. This is evident in the fact, for example, that two of the three pillars stipulated in his policy—bold monetary relaxation and flexible fiscal stimulus—have apparently caused the economy to pick up. This has been accompanied by realizing higher stock prices and a decline in the value of the yen. There is no doubt that the current situation has helped make Japan’s presence felt more strongly in the international community.
アベノミクスは、３本の矢のうち、大胆な金融緩和と機動的な財政出動の２本の矢によって、日本の景気を持ち直し、株高・円安も実現するなど、一定の成果を上げている。日本の国際社会での存在感が増したことも確かだ。
However, it is still uncertain whether—and how, for that matter—the Bank of Japan will be able to bring the annual price increase rate to 2 percent, a target set by the central bank to overcome protracted deflation. Furthermore, there is a limit to how long the benefits of the fiscal measures taken by the government to underpin the economy will endure. The Abe Cabinet’s high support rating is primarily because the public expect he will be able to recharge the economy. His high popularity does not mean people actually feel their living conditions are improving under the current administration.
だが、日銀がデフレ克服の目標に掲げる「２％の物価上昇率」の実現への道筋は、なお不透明だ。景気を下支えする財政出動は持続力に限りがある。世論の支持も、景気回復への期待が先行し、必ずしも生活向上を実感できたからではない。
Given this, the Abenomics policy will be tested over whether it can truly achieve its purpose this year.
今年は、アベノミクスの真価が問われる。
The prime minister’s decision in October to implement a consumption tax rate hike, as initially planned, means the rate will rise from 5 percent to 8 percent in April.
首相の決断によって、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。
The economy will likely remain more or less upbeat until the end of March, partly due to last-minute rise in demand for such commodities as consumer durables. In April and beyond, however, the economy could take a downturn due to dampened consumer appetite in reaction to the tax rate increase.
３月までは、耐久消費財などの「駆け込み需要」もあって、景気は回復基調で推移するだろう。だが、消費が冷え込む「反動減」が予想される４月以降は、景気が腰折れしかねない。
To minimize the effect of the tax hike on consumption, the government put together an economic stimulus package worth about \5.5 trillion at government expense, the main pillars of which include financial and other support for business corporations and public works projects. With a similar purpose in mind, the government has devised a bloated budget for fiscal 2014.
政府は消費増税の影響を最小限に抑えるため、企業支援や公共事業を柱に国費で５・５兆円規模の経済対策を打ち出した。２０１４年度予算案も大きく膨らんだ。
However, we think the package is less than satisfactory when it comes to supporting ordinary household finances. It includes a one-shot financial support for low-income households, or what the government calls “simple benefit payment.” Meanwhile, the government decided not to introduce a lower tax rate for such essential goods as foodstuffs and newspapers. We hope the government and the ruling parties will prepare to introduce a mitigated tax rate system covering such necessities when a planned rate hike from 8 percent to 10 percent is implemented.
一方、家計への支援は物足りない。低所得者へ１回限りの「簡素な給付措置」が盛り込まれたが、食料品や新聞への軽減税率は導入が見送られた。政府・与党は１０％への消費増税と同時導入を期して準備を進めてもらいたい。
Deal with economy, China to ensure Japan can rise again
日本浮上へ総力を結集せよ（1月1日付・読売社説）
◆「経済」と「中国」に万全の備えを
This nation must be saved from drowning in the sea of deflation, a challenge essential for putting its economy onto an upward trend.
デフレの海で溺れている日本を救い出し、上昇気流に乗せなければならない。
Doing so will definitely require success in achieving the targets set in Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s economic policy line, known as Abenomics, through efforts to ensure his administration is kept running even more stably.
それには、安倍政権が政治の安定を維持し、首相の経済政策「アベノミクス」が成功を収めることが不可欠である。
With this in mind, the government should place priority on economic growth over fiscal reconstruction for the time being, a task necessary to revitalize the economy and increase tax revenue.
当面は、財政再建より経済成長を優先して日本経済を再生させ、税収を増やす道を選ぶべきだ。
This must be accompanied by efforts to disburse financial resources in such fields as pensions, medical and other forms of social security, along with national security, crisis management and energy. Success in that endeavor is indispensable for boosting Japan’s national strength from the mid- and long-term standpoints.
そのうえで、年金・医療などの社会保障、安全保障・危機管理、エネルギーなどの政策分野に投資し、中長期的に国力を上昇させていくことが肝要である。
In promoting good external relations, the government needs to ensure stability in the Asia-Pacific region.
対外的には、アジア太平洋地域の安定が望ましい。
China has been escalating its high-handed behavior in the East China Sea and in the sky above the area in recent months. Few eyebrows would be raised if an accidental conflict erupted between Japan and China at any time. This situation will likely continue for the foreseeable future.
中国が東シナ海とその上空で、強圧的な行動をエスカレートさせている。日本との間に偶発的衝突がいつあってもおかしくない、厳しい情勢が続く。
Perceived military tensions in this region must be relaxed through repeated dialogue between Japanese and Chinese diplomatic and defense authorities, coupled with efforts to improve the functions of the Japan-U.S. alliance.
日中両国の外交・防衛当局者による対話を重ねつつ、日米同盟の機能を高めることで、軍事的緊張を和らげねばならない。
The economy and China will likely be the two major focuses of government policy this year. Failure to squarely confront the two tasks—one domestic, the other external—will render useless any attempt by Japan to start rising to prominence, economically or otherwise.
今年も「経済」と「中国」が焦点となろう。この内外のテーマに正面から立ち向かわずに、日本が浮上することはない。
Crunch time for Abenomics
◆アベノミクスに試練
One year has passed since Abe inaugurated his second Cabinet. The prime minister was at the forefront of his ruling coalition’s victory in the House of Councillors election last summer, a triumph that sealed an end to the divided Diet. This has enabled the Liberal Democratic Party to emerge as the sole dominant power in the political arena, reducing all other parties to lesser forces.
第２次安倍内閣が発足して１年が経過した。首相は昨年夏の参院選で衆参両院のねじれを解消し、自民党が突出する「１強多弱」体制を作り上げた。
His Cabinet has consistently enjoyed a high popular support rating. Despite a drop in the rating due to turmoil arising from the enactment of the state secrets protection law during an extraordinary Diet session last year, the figure still stands in the 50 percent range.
内閣支持率は一貫して高い。昨年の臨時国会での特定秘密保護法成立の混乱によって低下したが、なお５０％台を維持している。
This should be solely attributed to Abe’s focused efforts on economic recovery, a task that comes first in the list of his policy priorities.
安倍首相が、政策課題に優先順位をつけ、専ら「経済」に力を注いできたからにほかならない。
The prime minister’s pursuit of his Abenomics policy is accomplishing a certain degree of success. This is evident in the fact, for example, that two of the three pillars stipulated in his policy—bold monetary relaxation and flexible fiscal stimulus—have apparently caused the economy to pick up. This has been accompanied by realizing higher stock prices and a decline in the value of the yen. There is no doubt that the current situation has helped make Japan’s presence felt more strongly in the international community.
アベノミクスは、３本の矢のうち、大胆な金融緩和と機動的な財政出動の２本の矢によって、日本の景気を持ち直し、株高・円安も実現するなど、一定の成果を上げている。日本の国際社会での存在感が増したことも確かだ。
However, it is still uncertain whether—and how, for that matter—the Bank of Japan will be able to bring the annual price increase rate to 2 percent, a target set by the central bank to overcome protracted deflation. Furthermore, there is a limit to how long the benefits of the fiscal measures taken by the government to underpin the economy will endure. The Abe Cabinet’s high support rating is primarily because the public expect he will be able to recharge the economy. His high popularity does not mean people actually feel their living conditions are improving under the current administration.
だが、日銀がデフレ克服の目標に掲げる「２％の物価上昇率」の実現への道筋は、なお不透明だ。景気を下支えする財政出動は持続力に限りがある。世論の支持も、景気回復への期待が先行し、必ずしも生活向上を実感できたからではない。
Given this, the Abenomics policy will be tested over whether it can truly achieve its purpose this year.
今年は、アベノミクスの真価が問われる。
The prime minister’s decision in October to implement a consumption tax rate hike, as initially planned, means the rate will rise from 5 percent to 8 percent in April.
首相の決断によって、４月に消費税率が５％から８％に引き上げられる。
The economy will likely remain more or less upbeat until the end of March, partly due to last-minute rise in demand for such commodities as consumer durables. In April and beyond, however, the economy could take a downturn due to dampened consumer appetite in reaction to the tax rate increase.
３月までは、耐久消費財などの「駆け込み需要」もあって、景気は回復基調で推移するだろう。だが、消費が冷え込む「反動減」が予想される４月以降は、景気が腰折れしかねない。
To minimize the effect of the tax hike on consumption, the government put together an economic stimulus package worth about \5.5 trillion at government expense, the main pillars of which include financial and other support for business corporations and public works projects. With a similar purpose in mind, the government has devised a bloated budget for fiscal 2014.
政府は消費増税の影響を最小限に抑えるため、企業支援や公共事業を柱に国費で５・５兆円規模の経済対策を打ち出した。２０１４年度予算案も大きく膨らんだ。
However, we think the package is less than satisfactory when it comes to supporting ordinary household finances. It includes a one-shot financial support for low-income households, or what the government calls “simple benefit payment.” Meanwhile, the government decided not to introduce a lower tax rate for such essential goods as foodstuffs and newspapers. We hope the government and the ruling parties will prepare to introduce a mitigated tax rate system covering such necessities when a planned rate hike from 8 percent to 10 percent is implemented.
一方、家計への支援は物足りない。低所得者へ１回限りの「簡素な給付措置」が盛り込まれたが、食料品や新聞への軽減税率は導入が見送られた。政府・与党は１０％への消費増税と同時導入を期して準備を進めてもらいたい。
2014年01月01日
２０１３回顧・世界 災害への同情と中国への不安
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 30, 2014
Natural disasters, China’s behavior catch public’s attention in 2013
２０１３回顧・世界 災害への同情と中国への不安（12月30日付・読売社説）
The top 10 international news items selected by Yomiuri Shimbun readers for 2013 indicate that many people are deeply concerned about natural disasters that occurred overseas this year and feel sympathy for their victims. This stands to reason, as this nation is still struggling to rehabilitate areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.
東日本大震災からの復興途上にあるだけに、国民は、海外で起きた災害にも強い関心と同情を寄せているのだろう。
A powerful typhoon that struck parts of the Philippines in November took first place on the list of this year’s 10 major world news reports. Typhoon Haiyan wrecked Leyte Island and other areas, leaving about 8,000 people dead or missing.
本紙読者が選んだ「海外１０大ニュース」の１位は、「猛烈な台風がフィリピン直撃」だった。レイテ島などで、死者・行方不明者合計約８０００人という甚大な被害を出した。
Ranked third was the meteorite that streaked across the sky above Russia’s Ural Mountains in February before fragments of the meteor fell to the ground. Video footage of the meteor’s speeding through the atmosphere was broadcast on TV, and many Yomiuri readers apparently were impressed with the ferocity of this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
ロシアの「隕石(いんせき)落下」が３位だ。隕石の軌跡をとらえた映像がテレビで流れ、天変地異の凄(すさ)まじさが強い印象を残したようだ。
China’s rise to international prominence has been evident in the number of important news items related to that country in 2013. The past year has generated even more news reports about China than in the past.
今年は以前にも増して中国を巡る重要ニュースが多く、その台頭ぶりを裏付けた。
Xi Jinping’s elevation to the Chinese presidency in March was awarded fourth place. Backed by its own military muscle, the Chinese leadership has been high-handed in dealing with Japan. All this contributes to the even greater distrust felt by many Japanese toward that nation.
習近平氏の国家主席就任は、４位に入った。習政権は、日本に対して、軍事力を背景にした強圧的な姿勢を示している。日本の対中不信感は強まるばかりだ。
Today, China is confronted with a host of distortions that have accompanied its rapid economic growth, including widening disparities between the rich and the poor and deteriorating environmental conditions.
中国は、貧富の格差や環境悪化など、急激な成長に伴うひずみに直面している。
China’s worsening air pollution due to a high density of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) came in fifth place, indicating that many readers are deeply worried that China’s atmospheric pollution could affect this country.
微小粒子状物質（ＰＭ２・５）による大気汚染の深刻化が５位になったのは、日本にも汚染の影響が及ぶのではないか、という強い不安の反映でもあろう。
December brought a stunning report that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s uncle, Jang Song Thaek, had been purged as vice chairman of the country’s top military body, the National Defense Commission. This was followed by the astounding news that Jang, long considered the No. 2 power in Kim’s regime, had been executed. The incident was added as an extra to the top 10 list.
北朝鮮・金正恩政権のナンバー２と言われた張成沢・国防委員会副委員長が失脚して処刑されたという衝撃的な出来事は、１２月に報じられ、１０大ニュースの「番外」として追加された。
A purge and a prince
North Korea will remain an element of regional instability, given that the reclusive state seeks to set up an even stronger dictatorship through a reign of terror and continues to develop nuclear weapons and missiles.
恐怖政治によって独裁体制を固め、核・ミサイルの開発を続ける北朝鮮は、来年も、地域の不安定要因であることに変わりない。
The start of U.S. President Barack Obama’s second term in January took ninth place. However, Obama has not made much administrative progress this year, as shown by the numerous difficulties he experienced in dealing with external and domestic affairs.
米国では、オバマ大統領が２期目をスタートさせた（９位）。だが、外交、内政ともつまずきが多く順調とは言えなかった。
The disclosures by Edward Snowden, a former employee of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, ranked eighth. Snowden, now a suspect in intelligence leakage and other cases, exposed a wide range of wiretapping activities by U.S. intelligence services both at home and overseas. Cited by him as the target of U.S. eavesdropping, some European countries have expressed strong anger at the U.S. administration.
米中央情報局（ＣＩＡ）の元職員エドワード・スノーデン容疑者が、国内外における米情報機関の広範囲な通信傍受を暴露した（８位）。傍受対象だとされた欧州諸国からは強い反発が起きた。
The affair has also drawn condemnation from Americans, and Obama is under pressure to reexamine the methods used by his country’s intelligence services to gather information.
米国民からも批判の声が上がっており、大統領は、情報収集の方法の見直しを迫られている。
In early October, the U.S. government staggered into a partial shutdown due to a deadlock between the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Democratic-controlled Senate over the federal budget, an incident that came in 13th.
連邦予算を巡る与野党対立で、１０月初めに政府機能の一部が停止する事態も発生した（１３位）。
One of the top 10 news items warmed people’s hearts: In July, Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, welcomed a son they named George. The birth of the royal couple’s first son was awarded second place.
読者の心を和ませた出来事もあった。英国のウィリアム王子の妻キャサリン妃が、長男ジョージ王子を出産した（２位）。
In seventh place was the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in April at the age of 87. Thatcher deserves credit for her successful efforts to revitalize her country’s battered economy during her 11 years in office. In December came news of the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, an antiapartheid icon who dedicated himself to achieving unity among all races in his country. The achievements of these two political leaders continue to inspire and influence people around the world today.
一方、英経済を再生させた「鉄の女」サッチャー元首相の死去（７位）に続き、１２月は、南アフリカで多人種融和に尽くしたマンデラ元大統領の訃報が伝えられた。２人の指導者の業績は、今日も世界に影響を与え続けている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 30, 2013)
（2013年12月30日01時25分 読売新聞）
Natural disasters, China’s behavior catch public’s attention in 2013
２０１３回顧・世界 災害への同情と中国への不安（12月30日付・読売社説）
The top 10 international news items selected by Yomiuri Shimbun readers for 2013 indicate that many people are deeply concerned about natural disasters that occurred overseas this year and feel sympathy for their victims. This stands to reason, as this nation is still struggling to rehabilitate areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in March 2011.
東日本大震災からの復興途上にあるだけに、国民は、海外で起きた災害にも強い関心と同情を寄せているのだろう。
A powerful typhoon that struck parts of the Philippines in November took first place on the list of this year’s 10 major world news reports. Typhoon Haiyan wrecked Leyte Island and other areas, leaving about 8,000 people dead or missing.
本紙読者が選んだ「海外１０大ニュース」の１位は、「猛烈な台風がフィリピン直撃」だった。レイテ島などで、死者・行方不明者合計約８０００人という甚大な被害を出した。
Ranked third was the meteorite that streaked across the sky above Russia’s Ural Mountains in February before fragments of the meteor fell to the ground. Video footage of the meteor’s speeding through the atmosphere was broadcast on TV, and many Yomiuri readers apparently were impressed with the ferocity of this extraordinary natural phenomenon.
ロシアの「隕石(いんせき)落下」が３位だ。隕石の軌跡をとらえた映像がテレビで流れ、天変地異の凄(すさ)まじさが強い印象を残したようだ。
China’s rise to international prominence has been evident in the number of important news items related to that country in 2013. The past year has generated even more news reports about China than in the past.
今年は以前にも増して中国を巡る重要ニュースが多く、その台頭ぶりを裏付けた。
Xi Jinping’s elevation to the Chinese presidency in March was awarded fourth place. Backed by its own military muscle, the Chinese leadership has been high-handed in dealing with Japan. All this contributes to the even greater distrust felt by many Japanese toward that nation.
習近平氏の国家主席就任は、４位に入った。習政権は、日本に対して、軍事力を背景にした強圧的な姿勢を示している。日本の対中不信感は強まるばかりだ。
Today, China is confronted with a host of distortions that have accompanied its rapid economic growth, including widening disparities between the rich and the poor and deteriorating environmental conditions.
中国は、貧富の格差や環境悪化など、急激な成長に伴うひずみに直面している。
China’s worsening air pollution due to a high density of particulate matter 2.5 (PM2.5) came in fifth place, indicating that many readers are deeply worried that China’s atmospheric pollution could affect this country.
微小粒子状物質（ＰＭ２・５）による大気汚染の深刻化が５位になったのは、日本にも汚染の影響が及ぶのではないか、という強い不安の反映でもあろう。
December brought a stunning report that North Korean leader Kim Jong Un’s uncle, Jang Song Thaek, had been purged as vice chairman of the country’s top military body, the National Defense Commission. This was followed by the astounding news that Jang, long considered the No. 2 power in Kim’s regime, had been executed. The incident was added as an extra to the top 10 list.
北朝鮮・金正恩政権のナンバー２と言われた張成沢・国防委員会副委員長が失脚して処刑されたという衝撃的な出来事は、１２月に報じられ、１０大ニュースの「番外」として追加された。
A purge and a prince
North Korea will remain an element of regional instability, given that the reclusive state seeks to set up an even stronger dictatorship through a reign of terror and continues to develop nuclear weapons and missiles.
恐怖政治によって独裁体制を固め、核・ミサイルの開発を続ける北朝鮮は、来年も、地域の不安定要因であることに変わりない。
The start of U.S. President Barack Obama’s second term in January took ninth place. However, Obama has not made much administrative progress this year, as shown by the numerous difficulties he experienced in dealing with external and domestic affairs.
米国では、オバマ大統領が２期目をスタートさせた（９位）。だが、外交、内政ともつまずきが多く順調とは言えなかった。
The disclosures by Edward Snowden, a former employee of the U.S. Central Intelligence Agency, ranked eighth. Snowden, now a suspect in intelligence leakage and other cases, exposed a wide range of wiretapping activities by U.S. intelligence services both at home and overseas. Cited by him as the target of U.S. eavesdropping, some European countries have expressed strong anger at the U.S. administration.
米中央情報局（ＣＩＡ）の元職員エドワード・スノーデン容疑者が、国内外における米情報機関の広範囲な通信傍受を暴露した（８位）。傍受対象だとされた欧州諸国からは強い反発が起きた。
The affair has also drawn condemnation from Americans, and Obama is under pressure to reexamine the methods used by his country’s intelligence services to gather information.
米国民からも批判の声が上がっており、大統領は、情報収集の方法の見直しを迫られている。
In early October, the U.S. government staggered into a partial shutdown due to a deadlock between the Republican-controlled House of Representatives and Democratic-controlled Senate over the federal budget, an incident that came in 13th.
連邦予算を巡る与野党対立で、１０月初めに政府機能の一部が停止する事態も発生した（１３位）。
One of the top 10 news items warmed people’s hearts: In July, Britain’s Prince William and his wife, Kate, welcomed a son they named George. The birth of the royal couple’s first son was awarded second place.
読者の心を和ませた出来事もあった。英国のウィリアム王子の妻キャサリン妃が、長男ジョージ王子を出産した（２位）。
In seventh place was the death of former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher in April at the age of 87. Thatcher deserves credit for her successful efforts to revitalize her country’s battered economy during her 11 years in office. In December came news of the death of former South African President Nelson Mandela, an antiapartheid icon who dedicated himself to achieving unity among all races in his country. The achievements of these two political leaders continue to inspire and influence people around the world today.
一方、英経済を再生させた「鉄の女」サッチャー元首相の死去（７位）に続き、１２月は、南アフリカで多人種融和に尽くしたマンデラ元大統領の訃報が伝えられた。２人の指導者の業績は、今日も世界に影響を与え続けている。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 30, 2013)
（2013年12月30日01時25分 読売新聞）
2013年12月31日
２０１３回顧・日本 「五輪」「富士山」に希望がわいた
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 29, 2013
Successful Olympics bid, Mt. Fuji designation bright spots in 2013
２０１３回顧・日本 「五輪」「富士山」に希望がわいた（12月29日付・読売社説）
Apparently indicating the high hopes many people have for Olympic Games seven years ahead, readers of The Yomiuri Shimbun awarded first place on the list of “Japan’s top 10 news stories” this year to Tokyo winning the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
７年後の五輪開催に希望を見いだした人が多かったのだろう。
読売新聞の読者が選ぶ今年の「日本１０大ニュース」の１位に、「２０２０年夏季五輪・パラリンピックの開催地が東京に決定」が選ばれた。
This means 56 years will have elapsed since Tokyo hosted the Olympics in 1964.
東京で五輪が開催されるのは１９６４年以来５６年ぶりである。
The 1964 Olympiad served as a key factor behind the nation’s high economic growth. The coming Games are expected to act as a catalyst for this country’s reinvigoration. Every possible effort should be made to ensure that the Summer Games and Paralympics are successful.
前回五輪は、日本の高度成長を加速させる契機となった。今度の五輪は、日本再生の起爆剤となり得る。ぜひとも成功させたい。
With Naoki Inose being forced to resign as governor of Tokyo over his receipt of a dubious \50 million loan—16th on the domestic news list—personnel affairs concerning the organizing committee of the Games and progress on relevant matters have been left up in the air. It is extremely important for all quarters concerned to carry out concerted efforts to make the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics successful.
東京都の猪瀬直樹前知事が５０００万円受領問題（１６位）で辞職に追い込まれ、大会組織委員会の人事などに停滞がみられる。オールジャパン体制で着実に開催準備を進めることが肝要だ。
The initial design for the new National Athletic Stadium, the main venue of the Games’ competitions, is scheduled to be scaled down after the original plan came under criticism for being extravagant. It is essential to construct new facilities and refurbish existing ones for the Games without wasteful spending.
メーン会場の新国立競技場は「巨大すぎる」との指摘で、規模が縮小される見通しだ。無駄のない施設整備も欠かせない。
Second on the list of top 10 news items was UNESCO recognition of Mt. Fuji as a cultural World Heritage site. All components of cultural heritage relating to Mt. Fuji, including the Miho no Matsubara coastline in Shizuoka Prefecture, have been certified as “treasures of the world.”
僅差の２位は「富士山が世界文化遺産に決定」だった。当初除外される見込みだった「三保松原」を含むすべての構成資産が「世界の宝」と認定された。
The beauty of Mt. Fuji and its environs must be left intact for posterity. Regulations were tightened in summer this year on car traffic in the Mt. Fuji area and a fee was experimentally levied on people who wanted to climb the sacred peak. Further endeavors should be made for the environmental conservation of the country’s loftiest mountain and its vicinity.
美しい姿を後世に残さねばならない。この夏は、マイカー規制が拡充され、入山料徴収が試験導入された。今後は一層、環境保全に知恵を絞る必要があろう。
Many challenges ahead
In pro baseball, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles’ victory in the Japan Series for the first time placed fourth in the list, while the unbroken winning streak by Rakuten pitcher Masahiro Tanaka ranked eighth.
プロ野球では、楽天の「初の日本一」が４位、「田中投手が連勝の新記録」が８位に入った。
The triumph of Rakuten gave a great deal of encouragement to victims in the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, as its home ground is in Sendai. Tanaka, who was the major driving force of Rakuten capturing the highest accolade in Japan’s pro baseball world, is just entering negotiations on moving to a U.S. Major League Baseball team. We hope to see Tanaka performing brilliantly in the United States.
仙台が本拠地の楽天の優勝は、東日本大震災の被災者を大いに元気付けた。日本一の原動力となった田中将大投手は、米大リーグ球団との移籍交渉に入る。さらなる活躍を期待したい。
The news that baseball legends Shigeo Nagashima and Hideki Matsui received the People’s Honor Award from the government ranked fifth on the list.
「長嶋茂雄氏と松井秀喜氏に国民栄誉賞」は５位に入った。
Nagashima has made great contributions to developing professional baseball into Japan’s national sport. Matsui, a former slugger for the Yomiuri Giants and the New York Yankees, thrilled baseball fans with his huge home runs.
長嶋氏はプロ野球を国民的スポーツに発展させた最大の功労者だ。松井氏の豪快なホームランには、多くのファンが熱狂した。
The scene of Nagashima and his disciple Matsui in Giants’ uniforms performing in an opening pitch ceremony in celebration of their winning of the People’s Honor Award must have engraved itself deeply in people’s memories.
巨人のユニホームを着て始球式を行った師弟の姿は、人々の記憶に深く刻まれたに違いない。
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s success in ending the divided Diet after the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito garnered a majority of seats in the House of Councillors election in July placed third on the top 10 list. This achievement was conducive to increasing the Abe Cabinet’s stability.
安倍政権は「参院選で自民、公明両党が過半数獲得、ねじれ解消」（３位）で安定度を増した。
On the other hand, Japan faces many challenges.
一方で、課題も多い。
The decision to raise the consumption tax to 8 percent, which will be put into force in April, placed seventh. Negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade liberalization, ranked ninth, are destined to continue next year after failing to be concluded this year.
来年４月に消費税率８％への引き上げ（７位）が実施される。越年した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉（９位）も大詰めを迎える。
It is imperative for the government to ensure that the signs of business pickup thanks to the Abe administration’s Abenomics package of economic policies will lead to full-fledged recovery of the nation’s business activities. We strongly hope 2014 will prove to be a year when we can really feel the economy rejuvenating.
経済政策「アベノミクス」で上向いた景気を本格回復につなげる必要がある。来年は、経済再生を実感できる年としたい。
A number of natural calamities occurred this year, such as mudslides on Izu-Oshima Island, sixth on the list.
今年は、伊豆大島の土石流（６位）など、自然災害が相次いだ。
We must keep up our guard against disasters.
防災対策を怠ってはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 29, 2013)
（2013年12月29日01時22分 読売新聞）
Successful Olympics bid, Mt. Fuji designation bright spots in 2013
２０１３回顧・日本 「五輪」「富士山」に希望がわいた（12月29日付・読売社説）
Apparently indicating the high hopes many people have for Olympic Games seven years ahead, readers of The Yomiuri Shimbun awarded first place on the list of “Japan’s top 10 news stories” this year to Tokyo winning the bid to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics.
７年後の五輪開催に希望を見いだした人が多かったのだろう。
読売新聞の読者が選ぶ今年の「日本１０大ニュース」の１位に、「２０２０年夏季五輪・パラリンピックの開催地が東京に決定」が選ばれた。
This means 56 years will have elapsed since Tokyo hosted the Olympics in 1964.
東京で五輪が開催されるのは１９６４年以来５６年ぶりである。
The 1964 Olympiad served as a key factor behind the nation’s high economic growth. The coming Games are expected to act as a catalyst for this country’s reinvigoration. Every possible effort should be made to ensure that the Summer Games and Paralympics are successful.
前回五輪は、日本の高度成長を加速させる契機となった。今度の五輪は、日本再生の起爆剤となり得る。ぜひとも成功させたい。
With Naoki Inose being forced to resign as governor of Tokyo over his receipt of a dubious \50 million loan—16th on the domestic news list—personnel affairs concerning the organizing committee of the Games and progress on relevant matters have been left up in the air. It is extremely important for all quarters concerned to carry out concerted efforts to make the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics successful.
東京都の猪瀬直樹前知事が５０００万円受領問題（１６位）で辞職に追い込まれ、大会組織委員会の人事などに停滞がみられる。オールジャパン体制で着実に開催準備を進めることが肝要だ。
The initial design for the new National Athletic Stadium, the main venue of the Games’ competitions, is scheduled to be scaled down after the original plan came under criticism for being extravagant. It is essential to construct new facilities and refurbish existing ones for the Games without wasteful spending.
メーン会場の新国立競技場は「巨大すぎる」との指摘で、規模が縮小される見通しだ。無駄のない施設整備も欠かせない。
Second on the list of top 10 news items was UNESCO recognition of Mt. Fuji as a cultural World Heritage site. All components of cultural heritage relating to Mt. Fuji, including the Miho no Matsubara coastline in Shizuoka Prefecture, have been certified as “treasures of the world.”
僅差の２位は「富士山が世界文化遺産に決定」だった。当初除外される見込みだった「三保松原」を含むすべての構成資産が「世界の宝」と認定された。
The beauty of Mt. Fuji and its environs must be left intact for posterity. Regulations were tightened in summer this year on car traffic in the Mt. Fuji area and a fee was experimentally levied on people who wanted to climb the sacred peak. Further endeavors should be made for the environmental conservation of the country’s loftiest mountain and its vicinity.
美しい姿を後世に残さねばならない。この夏は、マイカー規制が拡充され、入山料徴収が試験導入された。今後は一層、環境保全に知恵を絞る必要があろう。
Many challenges ahead
In pro baseball, Tohoku Rakuten Golden Eagles’ victory in the Japan Series for the first time placed fourth in the list, while the unbroken winning streak by Rakuten pitcher Masahiro Tanaka ranked eighth.
プロ野球では、楽天の「初の日本一」が４位、「田中投手が連勝の新記録」が８位に入った。
The triumph of Rakuten gave a great deal of encouragement to victims in the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, as its home ground is in Sendai. Tanaka, who was the major driving force of Rakuten capturing the highest accolade in Japan’s pro baseball world, is just entering negotiations on moving to a U.S. Major League Baseball team. We hope to see Tanaka performing brilliantly in the United States.
仙台が本拠地の楽天の優勝は、東日本大震災の被災者を大いに元気付けた。日本一の原動力となった田中将大投手は、米大リーグ球団との移籍交渉に入る。さらなる活躍を期待したい。
The news that baseball legends Shigeo Nagashima and Hideki Matsui received the People’s Honor Award from the government ranked fifth on the list.
「長嶋茂雄氏と松井秀喜氏に国民栄誉賞」は５位に入った。
Nagashima has made great contributions to developing professional baseball into Japan’s national sport. Matsui, a former slugger for the Yomiuri Giants and the New York Yankees, thrilled baseball fans with his huge home runs.
長嶋氏はプロ野球を国民的スポーツに発展させた最大の功労者だ。松井氏の豪快なホームランには、多くのファンが熱狂した。
The scene of Nagashima and his disciple Matsui in Giants’ uniforms performing in an opening pitch ceremony in celebration of their winning of the People’s Honor Award must have engraved itself deeply in people’s memories.
巨人のユニホームを着て始球式を行った師弟の姿は、人々の記憶に深く刻まれたに違いない。
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s success in ending the divided Diet after the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito garnered a majority of seats in the House of Councillors election in July placed third on the top 10 list. This achievement was conducive to increasing the Abe Cabinet’s stability.
安倍政権は「参院選で自民、公明両党が過半数獲得、ねじれ解消」（３位）で安定度を増した。
On the other hand, Japan faces many challenges.
一方で、課題も多い。
The decision to raise the consumption tax to 8 percent, which will be put into force in April, placed seventh. Negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership trade liberalization, ranked ninth, are destined to continue next year after failing to be concluded this year.
来年４月に消費税率８％への引き上げ（７位）が実施される。越年した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）の交渉（９位）も大詰めを迎える。
It is imperative for the government to ensure that the signs of business pickup thanks to the Abe administration’s Abenomics package of economic policies will lead to full-fledged recovery of the nation’s business activities. We strongly hope 2014 will prove to be a year when we can really feel the economy rejuvenating.
経済政策「アベノミクス」で上向いた景気を本格回復につなげる必要がある。来年は、経済再生を実感できる年としたい。
A number of natural calamities occurred this year, such as mudslides on Izu-Oshima Island, sixth on the list.
今年は、伊豆大島の土石流（６位）など、自然災害が相次いだ。
We must keep up our guard against disasters.
防災対策を怠ってはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 29, 2013)
（2013年12月29日01時22分 読売新聞）
2013年12月30日
辺野古移設承認 日米同盟強化へ重要な前進だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 28, 2013
Nakaima’s approval on Henoko to reinforce Japan-U.S. alliance
辺野古移設承認 日米同盟強化へ重要な前進だ（12月28日付・読売社説）
◆沖縄の負担軽減を加速させたい
It was an important advance toward solving the issue of relocating the functions of Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, which has faced various twists and turns since Japan and the United States agreed in 1996 on the return of the air station’s site to Japan.
１９９６年の日米合意以来、様々な曲折を経てきた米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題の解決に向けて重要な前進である。
Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima has approved the central government’s request to carry out a land reclamation project in publicly owned waters off the Henoko district in Nago in the prefecture, a necessary step for ultimately relocating the air station to the district.
沖縄県の仲井真弘多知事が、普天間飛行場の名護市辺野古への移設に伴う公有水面埋め立てを承認した。
The Futenma issue has been the biggest pending issue between the two countries for the last 17 years. A huge amount of time and energy has been devoted to it. The problem can be likened to a difficult simultaneous equation, in which many parties such as the Japanese and U.S. governments, Okinawa Prefecture, the city of Nago and the U.S. military have complicated circumstances.
普天間問題はこの１７年間、日米間の最大の懸案で、膨大な時間と精力が注がれてきた。日米両政府、沖縄県、名護市、米軍など多くの関係者が複雑な事情を抱える、困難な連立方程式だからだ。
Resolving this difficult issue without nullifying the past laborious efforts will have the highly significant effect of making the bilateral alliance stronger and more sustainable at a time when Japan’s security environment has been worsening.
これまでの苦労を無駄にせず、難題を克服することは、日本の安全保障環境が悪化する中、同盟関係をより強靱(きょうじん)で持続可能なものにするという大きな意義を持つ。
Okinawa Gov.’s determination
◆知事の決断を評価する
It seems Nakaima finally decided to bite the bullet.
仲井真知事にとっては、まさに苦渋の決断だったろう。
At first he conditionally supported the Henoko relocation, but he had to raise “relocation outside the prefecture” as an election campaign pledge when running for a second term since Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of the Democratic Party of Japan inflamed prefectural citizens’ expectations in an irresponsible manner during his 2009-10 administration, calling for “relocation at least outside the prefecture.”
当初は、辺野古移設を条件付きで支持していたが、民主党の鳩山首相が「最低でも県外移設」と県民の期待を無責任に煽(あお)ったため、２期目の知事選公約に「県外移設」を掲げざるを得なくなった。
However, it is crystal clear that the dangerous situation of Futenma Air Station, located in a densely populated area, would persist for a long time if the reclamation request was not approved.
しかし、埋め立てを承認しなければ、普天間飛行場の危険な現状が長期間にわたって固定化されてしまうのは確実だ。
During a press conference Friday, Nakaima said he judged that the government’s measures, including those to preserve the environment, “meet the standards [under the law]” for reasons of his approval. But he also emphasized, “My view that relocation of the air station outside the prefecture would be faster has not changed.”
知事は記者会見で、埋め立てを承認した理由について、「県外移設の方が早いとの考えは変わらない」と強調しつつ、政府の環境保全措置などが「基準に適合していると判断した」と語った。
The issue of bases in Okinawa Prefecture always involves conflicting approaches—whether to aim at drastic removal of bases or to promote a gradual reduction of base-hosting burdens. We praise Nakaima’s decision as a practical choice, giving top priority to steady reduction of the burden.
沖縄の米軍基地問題では常に、基地の抜本的な撤去を目指すか、段階的な負担軽減を進めるか、という方法論の対立がある。知事が着実な負担軽減を優先し、現実的選択をしたことを評価したい。
The Henoko relocation plan itself is significant, as it will remove a huge airfield from the densely populated area to a sparsely populated district. In addition, it will have the secondary effect of promoting the transfer of U.S. marines stationed in the prefecture to Guam. The relocation will consequently result in a major reduction in the base-hosting burden for the entire prefecture, leading to economic development of the prefecture as well.
辺野古移設は、広大な普天間飛行場を人口密集地から過疎地に移すうえ、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転を促進する副次的効果を持つ。県全体で大幅な負担軽減となり、沖縄の発展にも役立とう。
The prefectural governor’s brave decision has been criticized by those opposing the Henoko relocation plan, but we are sure even such people will highly evaluate his decision in the future.
知事の決断は、辺野古移設反対派から批判されているが、将来は高く評価されるはずだ。
Abe takes a risk
◆リスク取った安倍政権
We also praise the efforts of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which created conditions to facilitate Nakaima’s decision.
知事の判断を後押しした安倍政権の努力も支持したい。
It listed a number of measures to ease Okinawa Prefecture’s burden in hosting many U.S. bases. These included advancing the deadline for returning land used by Futenma Air Station and the Makiminato Service Area to the prefecture, the transfer of military training activities to various locations outside the prefecture and the start of negotiations on a new Japan-U.S. agreement concerning on-site environmental surveys by Japanese authorities on the U.S. bases.
基地負担の軽減策として、普天間飛行場や牧港補給地区の返還期間の短縮や訓練移転、米軍基地内の環境調査に関する新たな日米協定の協議開始などを示した。
The planned return of Futenma Air Station, targeted for fiscal 2022 at the earliest, was the result of arduous negotiations between Japan and the United States. It will not be easy to advance this timetable as requested by the governor, but Tokyo and Washington should make utmost efforts to do so.
９〜１２年後の返還目標は、激しい日米交渉の結果で、知事の求める前倒しは簡単ではないが、日米両政府は最大限努力すべきだ。
Concerning the issue of moving the training areas for MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft outside Okinawa Prefecture, the local governments concerned are urged to offer cooperation proactively to share the burdens now heavily shouldered by the prefecture.
米軍輸送機オスプレイの訓練の県外移転も、沖縄の負担を日本全体で分かち合うため、関係自治体は積極的に協力してほしい。
Washington had been wary about revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, but agreed to enter negotiations on a new agreement that would supplement the SOFA. Environmental surveys of U.S. bases ahead of their return are expected to aid the eventual utilization of their sites. Efforts must be made to work out an agreement under which surveys can be started as early as possible.
米政府は従来、日米地位協定の改定に慎重だったが、地位協定を補足する新協定の協議には応じることになった。返還予定の米軍基地内での事前の環境調査は跡地利用を促進する。より早い段階から調査できる合意を目指したい。
As measures to promote the development of Okinawa Prefecture, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to secure a budget of the \300 billion level annually up until fiscal 2021, in addition to making an additional allocation in the fiscal 2014 budget, thus showing maximum consideration to the prefecture. For promotion of the prefecture’s northern areas, \5 billion will be earmarked every year.
沖縄振興策でも、安倍首相は、来年度予算の積み増しに加え、２０２１年度まで毎年３０００億円台の予算確保を約束するなど、最大限の配慮を示した。県北部振興策にも毎年５０億円を計上する。
With state finances in dire straits, these funds represent exceptionally preferential treatment for the prefecture. But it is an unavoidable step to break the stalemate on the Futenma relocation issue. If the DPJ-led government had not put the issue on such a serpentine path, the people of the nation would not have to bear such a huge expenditure of taxpayers’ money.
厳しい財政事情の中、異例の優遇措置だが、難局を打開するためにはやむを得まい。ただ、民主党政権が普天間問題を迷走させなければ、これほど巨額の国民負担は生じなかったろう。
The Abe administration was able to obtain the prefecture’s approval on the Futenma relocation plan largely because it consistently worked toward building a relationship of trust with Nakaima even at the political risk of the prefecture’s disapproval. That is why the governor became willing to face criticism from the local people.
安倍政権が沖縄県の承認を得られたのは、不承認時の政権への打撃というリスクも覚悟し、一貫してぶれずに、仲井真知事との信頼関係を築いたことが大きい。だからこそ、知事も県民からの批判というリスクを取ったのだろう。
Abe must make all-out efforts to secure the continuing deterrent effect of the U.S. military presence in Japan while also reducing burdens on Okinawa and continuing to nurture the relationship of trust with the governor.
首相は、知事との信頼を大切にしながら、米軍の抑止力の維持と沖縄の負担軽減の両立に全力を挙げなければなるまい。
Nakaima’s approval on Henoko to reinforce Japan-U.S. alliance
辺野古移設承認 日米同盟強化へ重要な前進だ（12月28日付・読売社説）
◆沖縄の負担軽減を加速させたい
It was an important advance toward solving the issue of relocating the functions of Futenma Air Station in Ginowan, Okinawa Prefecture, which has faced various twists and turns since Japan and the United States agreed in 1996 on the return of the air station’s site to Japan.
１９９６年の日米合意以来、様々な曲折を経てきた米軍普天間飛行場の移設問題の解決に向けて重要な前進である。
Okinawa Gov. Hirokazu Nakaima has approved the central government’s request to carry out a land reclamation project in publicly owned waters off the Henoko district in Nago in the prefecture, a necessary step for ultimately relocating the air station to the district.
沖縄県の仲井真弘多知事が、普天間飛行場の名護市辺野古への移設に伴う公有水面埋め立てを承認した。
The Futenma issue has been the biggest pending issue between the two countries for the last 17 years. A huge amount of time and energy has been devoted to it. The problem can be likened to a difficult simultaneous equation, in which many parties such as the Japanese and U.S. governments, Okinawa Prefecture, the city of Nago and the U.S. military have complicated circumstances.
普天間問題はこの１７年間、日米間の最大の懸案で、膨大な時間と精力が注がれてきた。日米両政府、沖縄県、名護市、米軍など多くの関係者が複雑な事情を抱える、困難な連立方程式だからだ。
Resolving this difficult issue without nullifying the past laborious efforts will have the highly significant effect of making the bilateral alliance stronger and more sustainable at a time when Japan’s security environment has been worsening.
これまでの苦労を無駄にせず、難題を克服することは、日本の安全保障環境が悪化する中、同盟関係をより強靱(きょうじん)で持続可能なものにするという大きな意義を持つ。
Okinawa Gov.’s determination
◆知事の決断を評価する
It seems Nakaima finally decided to bite the bullet.
仲井真知事にとっては、まさに苦渋の決断だったろう。
At first he conditionally supported the Henoko relocation, but he had to raise “relocation outside the prefecture” as an election campaign pledge when running for a second term since Prime Minister Yukio Hatoyama of the Democratic Party of Japan inflamed prefectural citizens’ expectations in an irresponsible manner during his 2009-10 administration, calling for “relocation at least outside the prefecture.”
当初は、辺野古移設を条件付きで支持していたが、民主党の鳩山首相が「最低でも県外移設」と県民の期待を無責任に煽(あお)ったため、２期目の知事選公約に「県外移設」を掲げざるを得なくなった。
However, it is crystal clear that the dangerous situation of Futenma Air Station, located in a densely populated area, would persist for a long time if the reclamation request was not approved.
しかし、埋め立てを承認しなければ、普天間飛行場の危険な現状が長期間にわたって固定化されてしまうのは確実だ。
During a press conference Friday, Nakaima said he judged that the government’s measures, including those to preserve the environment, “meet the standards [under the law]” for reasons of his approval. But he also emphasized, “My view that relocation of the air station outside the prefecture would be faster has not changed.”
知事は記者会見で、埋め立てを承認した理由について、「県外移設の方が早いとの考えは変わらない」と強調しつつ、政府の環境保全措置などが「基準に適合していると判断した」と語った。
The issue of bases in Okinawa Prefecture always involves conflicting approaches—whether to aim at drastic removal of bases or to promote a gradual reduction of base-hosting burdens. We praise Nakaima’s decision as a practical choice, giving top priority to steady reduction of the burden.
沖縄の米軍基地問題では常に、基地の抜本的な撤去を目指すか、段階的な負担軽減を進めるか、という方法論の対立がある。知事が着実な負担軽減を優先し、現実的選択をしたことを評価したい。
The Henoko relocation plan itself is significant, as it will remove a huge airfield from the densely populated area to a sparsely populated district. In addition, it will have the secondary effect of promoting the transfer of U.S. marines stationed in the prefecture to Guam. The relocation will consequently result in a major reduction in the base-hosting burden for the entire prefecture, leading to economic development of the prefecture as well.
辺野古移設は、広大な普天間飛行場を人口密集地から過疎地に移すうえ、在沖縄海兵隊のグアム移転を促進する副次的効果を持つ。県全体で大幅な負担軽減となり、沖縄の発展にも役立とう。
The prefectural governor’s brave decision has been criticized by those opposing the Henoko relocation plan, but we are sure even such people will highly evaluate his decision in the future.
知事の決断は、辺野古移設反対派から批判されているが、将来は高く評価されるはずだ。
Abe takes a risk
◆リスク取った安倍政権
We also praise the efforts of the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, which created conditions to facilitate Nakaima’s decision.
知事の判断を後押しした安倍政権の努力も支持したい。
It listed a number of measures to ease Okinawa Prefecture’s burden in hosting many U.S. bases. These included advancing the deadline for returning land used by Futenma Air Station and the Makiminato Service Area to the prefecture, the transfer of military training activities to various locations outside the prefecture and the start of negotiations on a new Japan-U.S. agreement concerning on-site environmental surveys by Japanese authorities on the U.S. bases.
基地負担の軽減策として、普天間飛行場や牧港補給地区の返還期間の短縮や訓練移転、米軍基地内の環境調査に関する新たな日米協定の協議開始などを示した。
The planned return of Futenma Air Station, targeted for fiscal 2022 at the earliest, was the result of arduous negotiations between Japan and the United States. It will not be easy to advance this timetable as requested by the governor, but Tokyo and Washington should make utmost efforts to do so.
９〜１２年後の返還目標は、激しい日米交渉の結果で、知事の求める前倒しは簡単ではないが、日米両政府は最大限努力すべきだ。
Concerning the issue of moving the training areas for MV-22 Osprey transport aircraft outside Okinawa Prefecture, the local governments concerned are urged to offer cooperation proactively to share the burdens now heavily shouldered by the prefecture.
米軍輸送機オスプレイの訓練の県外移転も、沖縄の負担を日本全体で分かち合うため、関係自治体は積極的に協力してほしい。
Washington had been wary about revising the Japan-U.S. Status of Forces Agreement, but agreed to enter negotiations on a new agreement that would supplement the SOFA. Environmental surveys of U.S. bases ahead of their return are expected to aid the eventual utilization of their sites. Efforts must be made to work out an agreement under which surveys can be started as early as possible.
米政府は従来、日米地位協定の改定に慎重だったが、地位協定を補足する新協定の協議には応じることになった。返還予定の米軍基地内での事前の環境調査は跡地利用を促進する。より早い段階から調査できる合意を目指したい。
As measures to promote the development of Okinawa Prefecture, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has pledged to secure a budget of the \300 billion level annually up until fiscal 2021, in addition to making an additional allocation in the fiscal 2014 budget, thus showing maximum consideration to the prefecture. For promotion of the prefecture’s northern areas, \5 billion will be earmarked every year.
沖縄振興策でも、安倍首相は、来年度予算の積み増しに加え、２０２１年度まで毎年３０００億円台の予算確保を約束するなど、最大限の配慮を示した。県北部振興策にも毎年５０億円を計上する。
With state finances in dire straits, these funds represent exceptionally preferential treatment for the prefecture. But it is an unavoidable step to break the stalemate on the Futenma relocation issue. If the DPJ-led government had not put the issue on such a serpentine path, the people of the nation would not have to bear such a huge expenditure of taxpayers’ money.
厳しい財政事情の中、異例の優遇措置だが、難局を打開するためにはやむを得まい。ただ、民主党政権が普天間問題を迷走させなければ、これほど巨額の国民負担は生じなかったろう。
The Abe administration was able to obtain the prefecture’s approval on the Futenma relocation plan largely because it consistently worked toward building a relationship of trust with Nakaima even at the political risk of the prefecture’s disapproval. That is why the governor became willing to face criticism from the local people.
安倍政権が沖縄県の承認を得られたのは、不承認時の政権への打撃というリスクも覚悟し、一貫してぶれずに、仲井真知事との信頼関係を築いたことが大きい。だからこそ、知事も県民からの批判というリスクを取ったのだろう。
Abe must make all-out efforts to secure the continuing deterrent effect of the U.S. military presence in Japan while also reducing burdens on Okinawa and continuing to nurture the relationship of trust with the governor.
首相は、知事との信頼を大切にしながら、米軍の抑止力の維持と沖縄の負担軽減の両立に全力を挙げなければなるまい。
2013年12月29日
首相靖国参拝 外交立て直しに全力を挙げよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 27, 2013
Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine must be followed by diplomatic rebuilding
首相靖国参拝 外交立て直しに全力を挙げよ （12月27日付・読売社説）
◆国立追悼施設を検討すべきだ
In what could be called a “lightning shrine visit,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a surprise visit to Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday, raising the question of why he took such an action at this particular point in time. A number of other questions should also be asked, including what resolve and preparations were in his mind in making this visit to the shrine.
“電撃参拝”である。なぜ、今なのか。どんな覚悟と準備をして参拝に踏み切ったのか。多くの疑問が拭えない。
Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Thursday morning, on the first anniversary of the launch of the current Abe administration. It was his first visit since he assumed the top post of the government and the first visit to the war-related shrine by a sitting prime minister since then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi went there on Aug. 15, 2006.
安倍首相が政権発足１年を迎えた２６日午前、就任後初めて靖国神社に参拝した。現職首相の参拝は、２００６年８月１５日の小泉首相以来だ。
Regarding his inability to visit Yasukuni during the first Abe Cabinet in 2006-07, Abe is repeatedly on record as saying, “It was a matter of deepest regret.” Thursday’s visit can be said to be the fulfillment of a personal, long-cherished desire of the prime minister.
安倍首相は、第１次政権の任期中に靖国神社に参拝できなかったことについて「痛恨の極み」と述べていた。その個人的な念願を果たしたことになる。
U.S. ‘disappointed’
◆気がかりな米の「失望」
Abe refrained from visiting the shrine earlier this year on Aug. 15, the day marking the end of World War II, and during the shrine’s spring and autumn festivals. Instead, he only sent offerings of masakaki sacred tree stands and made monetary offerings called tamagushi-ryo.
首相は終戦記念日と靖国神社の春・秋季例大祭の際、真(ま)榊(さかき)や玉串料を奉納するにとどめてきた。
His decisions on those occasions may have been based on a broad perspective that a visit to Yasukuni would worsen Japan’s already strained relations with China and South Korea, which see Yasukuni as a symbol of Japan’s militarism, a step inadvisable from a diplomatic point of view.
参拝すれば、靖国神社を日本の軍国主義のシンボルと見る中国、韓国との関係が一層悪化し、外交上、得策ではないと大局的に判断したからだろう。
The United States was also concerned that a visit to the shrine by the prime minister could heighten Tokyo’s tensions with Beijing and Seoul.
米国も首相の参拝は中韓との緊張を高めると懸念していた。
On their trip to Japan in October, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel laid flowers at Tokyo’s Chidorigafuchi cemetery for the remains of unidentified Japanese who died overseas during World War II. This is believed to have been an attempt to dissuade Abe from making a Yasukuni visit.
ケリー国務長官とヘーゲル国防長官が１０月の来日の際、氏名不詳で遺族に渡せない戦没者の遺骨を納めた千鳥ヶ淵戦没者墓苑で献花したのは、そのメッセージだ。
We are especially concerned that the United States, in the wake of Abe’s visit to the shrine, has released an extraordinary statement saying that Washington “is disappointed that Japan’s leadership has taken an action that will exacerbate tensions with Japan’s neighbors.”
気がかりなのは、米国が「日本の指導者が近隣諸国との緊張を悪化させるような行動を取ったことに失望している」と、異例の声明を発表したことである。
Was this a miscalculation by Abe, who has placed top priority on the United States in his diplomatic policies?
日米関係を最重視する首相にとって誤算だったのではないか。
China has unilaterally declared an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea, heightening tension in the relations between Japan and China. China may beef up its offensive stance over the territorial sovereignty issue of the Senkaku Islands.
中国は東シナ海上空に防空識別圏を一方的に設定し、日中間の緊張を高めている。尖閣諸島をめぐって、さらに攻勢を強めてくる可能性もある。
Japan, in tandem with its ally the United States, must continue acting resolutely in defense of the integrity of the nation’s territorial land and sea.
日本は同盟国の米国と連携して領土・領海を守り抜かねばならない。
We cannot help but wonder whether Abe, at this highly sensitive time, has personally created a destabilizing factor for his administration by visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
この微妙な時機に靖国神社に参拝し、政権の不安定要因を自ら作ってしまったのではないか。
Some of the prime minister’s close aides reportedly prodded Abe to make a Yasukuni visit, saying China and South Korea have criticized Japan even though Abe had not gone there. The situation would remain unchanged even if the prime minister visited Yasukuni, they reportedly told him.
首相周辺には、「参拝しなくても中韓は日本批判を繰り返している。それなら参拝しても同じだ」と参拝を促す声があったという。
If Abe came to that conclusion as a result of his failure to find a way to improve relations with China and South Korea, we cannot help but feel that is regrettable.
首相が、中韓両国との関係改善の糸口を見いだせず、そうした判断に至ったのであれば残念だ。
New Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi opposed the visit when Abe phoned him immediately before his visit to the shrine, saying bluntly, “I cannot support that.” After Abe’s visit, Yamaguchi said, “As the prime minister presumably acted knowing there would be adverse reactions from both China and South Korea, the prime minister should personally make efforts to ameliorate the situation.”
公明党の山口代表は首相から参拝直前に電話があった際、「賛同できない」と反対した。「中韓両国の反発を予測しての行動だろうから、首相自身が改善の努力をする必要がある」と述べている。
Abe must do his utmost to rebuild the nation’s diplomacy, which has been marred because of his visit to Yasukuni.
首相は、外交立て直しに全力を挙げねばなるまい。
Abuse by China, ROK
◆中韓の悪のりを許すな
Regarding his Yasukuni visit, Abe said he chose that day “to report the progress of the first year of my administration and convey my resolve to build an era in which the people will never again suffer the ravages of war.” In regard to China and South Korea, Abe said, “I would like to explain this feeling of mine to them directly.”
首相は、参拝について「政権発足後、１年間の歩みを報告し、戦争の惨禍で再び人々が苦しむことのない時代を創る決意を込めて不戦の誓いをした」と説明した。中韓両国などに「この気持ちを直接説明したい」とも語った。
Rather than lending an ear to Abe’s statement, China and South Korea have begun to use his Yasukuni visit as material to back their claim that Japan is drifting to the right.
だが、中韓両国は、安倍首相に耳を傾けるどころか、靖国参拝を日本の「右傾化」を宣伝する材料に利用し始めている。
The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement that Abe’s visit “infringed on the national sentiment of war-victimized countries and defied the justice of history.” The South Korean government also criticized the visit, saying it was “an anachronistic act that would harm the stability and cooperation of Northeast Asia from its very foundation.”
中国外務省は、「戦争被害国の国民感情を踏みにじり、歴史の正義に挑戦した」との談話を表明した。韓国政府も「北東アジアの安定と協力を根本から損なう時代錯誤的な行為」と非難している。
Their misunderstanding and distortions are excessive.
誤解、曲解も甚だしい。
Japan has pursued the path of a pacifist nation in the postwar period while upholding the principles of freedom and democracy. It is missing the mark for these two countries to ignore this point and criticize Abe’s Yasukuni visit.
日本は戦後、自由と民主主義を守り、平和国家の道を歩んできた。中韓が、それを無視して靖国参拝を批判するのは的外れだ。
In the first place, China and South Korea should be blamed for worsening relations with Japan by linking the issue of perceptions of history with political and diplomatic affairs.
そもそも対日関係を悪化させたのは歴史認識問題を政治・外交に絡める中韓両国の方だ。
Aside from the propriety of Abe’s Yasukuni visit, how the prime minister of one nation mourns its war dead is not a matter for interference from other nations.
今回の参拝の是非は別として一国の首相が戦没者をどう追悼するかについて、本来他国からとやかく言われる筋合いもない。
Abe’s visit to Yasukuni Shrine must be followed by diplomatic rebuilding
首相靖国参拝 外交立て直しに全力を挙げよ （12月27日付・読売社説）
◆国立追悼施設を検討すべきだ
In what could be called a “lightning shrine visit,” Prime Minister Shinzo Abe made a surprise visit to Yasukuni Shrine on Thursday, raising the question of why he took such an action at this particular point in time. A number of other questions should also be asked, including what resolve and preparations were in his mind in making this visit to the shrine.
“電撃参拝”である。なぜ、今なのか。どんな覚悟と準備をして参拝に踏み切ったのか。多くの疑問が拭えない。
Abe visited Yasukuni Shrine in Tokyo on Thursday morning, on the first anniversary of the launch of the current Abe administration. It was his first visit since he assumed the top post of the government and the first visit to the war-related shrine by a sitting prime minister since then Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi went there on Aug. 15, 2006.
安倍首相が政権発足１年を迎えた２６日午前、就任後初めて靖国神社に参拝した。現職首相の参拝は、２００６年８月１５日の小泉首相以来だ。
Regarding his inability to visit Yasukuni during the first Abe Cabinet in 2006-07, Abe is repeatedly on record as saying, “It was a matter of deepest regret.” Thursday’s visit can be said to be the fulfillment of a personal, long-cherished desire of the prime minister.
安倍首相は、第１次政権の任期中に靖国神社に参拝できなかったことについて「痛恨の極み」と述べていた。その個人的な念願を果たしたことになる。
U.S. ‘disappointed’
◆気がかりな米の「失望」
Abe refrained from visiting the shrine earlier this year on Aug. 15, the day marking the end of World War II, and during the shrine’s spring and autumn festivals. Instead, he only sent offerings of masakaki sacred tree stands and made monetary offerings called tamagushi-ryo.
首相は終戦記念日と靖国神社の春・秋季例大祭の際、真(ま)榊(さかき)や玉串料を奉納するにとどめてきた。
His decisions on those occasions may have been based on a broad perspective that a visit to Yasukuni would worsen Japan’s already strained relations with China and South Korea, which see Yasukuni as a symbol of Japan’s militarism, a step inadvisable from a diplomatic point of view.
参拝すれば、靖国神社を日本の軍国主義のシンボルと見る中国、韓国との関係が一層悪化し、外交上、得策ではないと大局的に判断したからだろう。
The United States was also concerned that a visit to the shrine by the prime minister could heighten Tokyo’s tensions with Beijing and Seoul.
米国も首相の参拝は中韓との緊張を高めると懸念していた。
On their trip to Japan in October, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry and Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel laid flowers at Tokyo’s Chidorigafuchi cemetery for the remains of unidentified Japanese who died overseas during World War II. This is believed to have been an attempt to dissuade Abe from making a Yasukuni visit.
ケリー国務長官とヘーゲル国防長官が１０月の来日の際、氏名不詳で遺族に渡せない戦没者の遺骨を納めた千鳥ヶ淵戦没者墓苑で献花したのは、そのメッセージだ。
We are especially concerned that the United States, in the wake of Abe’s visit to the shrine, has released an extraordinary statement saying that Washington “is disappointed that Japan’s leadership has taken an action that will exacerbate tensions with Japan’s neighbors.”
気がかりなのは、米国が「日本の指導者が近隣諸国との緊張を悪化させるような行動を取ったことに失望している」と、異例の声明を発表したことである。
Was this a miscalculation by Abe, who has placed top priority on the United States in his diplomatic policies?
日米関係を最重視する首相にとって誤算だったのではないか。
China has unilaterally declared an air defense identification zone over the East China Sea, heightening tension in the relations between Japan and China. China may beef up its offensive stance over the territorial sovereignty issue of the Senkaku Islands.
中国は東シナ海上空に防空識別圏を一方的に設定し、日中間の緊張を高めている。尖閣諸島をめぐって、さらに攻勢を強めてくる可能性もある。
Japan, in tandem with its ally the United States, must continue acting resolutely in defense of the integrity of the nation’s territorial land and sea.
日本は同盟国の米国と連携して領土・領海を守り抜かねばならない。
We cannot help but wonder whether Abe, at this highly sensitive time, has personally created a destabilizing factor for his administration by visiting Yasukuni Shrine.
この微妙な時機に靖国神社に参拝し、政権の不安定要因を自ら作ってしまったのではないか。
Some of the prime minister’s close aides reportedly prodded Abe to make a Yasukuni visit, saying China and South Korea have criticized Japan even though Abe had not gone there. The situation would remain unchanged even if the prime minister visited Yasukuni, they reportedly told him.
首相周辺には、「参拝しなくても中韓は日本批判を繰り返している。それなら参拝しても同じだ」と参拝を促す声があったという。
If Abe came to that conclusion as a result of his failure to find a way to improve relations with China and South Korea, we cannot help but feel that is regrettable.
首相が、中韓両国との関係改善の糸口を見いだせず、そうした判断に至ったのであれば残念だ。
New Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi opposed the visit when Abe phoned him immediately before his visit to the shrine, saying bluntly, “I cannot support that.” After Abe’s visit, Yamaguchi said, “As the prime minister presumably acted knowing there would be adverse reactions from both China and South Korea, the prime minister should personally make efforts to ameliorate the situation.”
公明党の山口代表は首相から参拝直前に電話があった際、「賛同できない」と反対した。「中韓両国の反発を予測しての行動だろうから、首相自身が改善の努力をする必要がある」と述べている。
Abe must do his utmost to rebuild the nation’s diplomacy, which has been marred because of his visit to Yasukuni.
首相は、外交立て直しに全力を挙げねばなるまい。
Abuse by China, ROK
◆中韓の悪のりを許すな
Regarding his Yasukuni visit, Abe said he chose that day “to report the progress of the first year of my administration and convey my resolve to build an era in which the people will never again suffer the ravages of war.” In regard to China and South Korea, Abe said, “I would like to explain this feeling of mine to them directly.”
首相は、参拝について「政権発足後、１年間の歩みを報告し、戦争の惨禍で再び人々が苦しむことのない時代を創る決意を込めて不戦の誓いをした」と説明した。中韓両国などに「この気持ちを直接説明したい」とも語った。
Rather than lending an ear to Abe’s statement, China and South Korea have begun to use his Yasukuni visit as material to back their claim that Japan is drifting to the right.
だが、中韓両国は、安倍首相に耳を傾けるどころか、靖国参拝を日本の「右傾化」を宣伝する材料に利用し始めている。
The Chinese Foreign Ministry issued a statement that Abe’s visit “infringed on the national sentiment of war-victimized countries and defied the justice of history.” The South Korean government also criticized the visit, saying it was “an anachronistic act that would harm the stability and cooperation of Northeast Asia from its very foundation.”
中国外務省は、「戦争被害国の国民感情を踏みにじり、歴史の正義に挑戦した」との談話を表明した。韓国政府も「北東アジアの安定と協力を根本から損なう時代錯誤的な行為」と非難している。
Their misunderstanding and distortions are excessive.
誤解、曲解も甚だしい。
Japan has pursued the path of a pacifist nation in the postwar period while upholding the principles of freedom and democracy. It is missing the mark for these two countries to ignore this point and criticize Abe’s Yasukuni visit.
日本は戦後、自由と民主主義を守り、平和国家の道を歩んできた。中韓が、それを無視して靖国参拝を批判するのは的外れだ。
In the first place, China and South Korea should be blamed for worsening relations with Japan by linking the issue of perceptions of history with political and diplomatic affairs.
そもそも対日関係を悪化させたのは歴史認識問題を政治・外交に絡める中韓両国の方だ。
Aside from the propriety of Abe’s Yasukuni visit, how the prime minister of one nation mourns its war dead is not a matter for interference from other nations.
今回の参拝の是非は別として一国の首相が戦没者をどう追悼するかについて、本来他国からとやかく言われる筋合いもない。
2013年12月28日
ＰＫＯ弾薬提供 武器輸出の新原則策定を急げ
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 26, 2013
In intl crisis, govt must lay down new weapons-export principles
ＰＫＯ弾薬提供 武器輸出の新原則策定を急げ（12月26日付・読売社説）
A country working to support nation-building efforts in Africa under rigorous conditions has every reason to help another country engaged in the same task, a duty that has been taken for granted internationally.
厳しい環境の下、アフリカの国造りに共に取り組む仲間を助けるのは、国際常識である。
The Ground Self-Defense Force, now participating in a U.N. mission in South Sudan—officially called the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)—has provided South Korean forces with 10,000 bullets for rifles without asking for payment in exchange. The bullets were given via the UNMISS authorities. The GSDF’s bullet offer was the first of its kind to occur overseas.
国連南スーダン派遣団（ＵＮＭＩＳＳ）に参加中の陸上自衛隊が、小銃弾１万発をＵＮＭＩＳＳ経由で韓国軍に無償提供した。海外での自衛隊の弾薬譲渡は初めてだ。
Amid a rapid decline in the African country’s security situation, South Korean forces were working to protect the safety of about 15,000 refugees in their assigned area, surrounded by armed rebel groups.
南スーダンの治安情勢が悪化する中、韓国軍は宿営地に１万５０００人の避難民を保護し、反政府勢力から包囲されていた。
It is clear the Japanese government had no option but to supply bullets to the South Korean forces. The action was needed from the standpoint of humanity and urgency, given that the lives of South Korean soldiers and local refugees were at risk.
Supplying the bullets was essential for supporting the global significance of U.N. peacekeeping operations. No participants in the UNMISS mission except the GSDF were carrying bullets that could be used for rifles carried by South Korean soldiers.
韓国兵や避難民の生命にかかわる人道性や緊急性、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）という公共性、ＵＮＭＩＳＳ参加部隊で日本以外に同種の弾薬を携行していないことなど、どの観点からも弾薬を提供しない選択肢はなかった。
South Korean forces telephoned the GSDF unit and expressed their gratitude for the bullets.
韓国軍から現地の陸自部隊に感謝の電話もあった。
There may be cases in which the GSDF asks other nations to support its forces or come to its rescue. Making steady efforts to extend assistance comparable to the recent case of supplying bullets and increasing cooperation with foreign forces will ensure the security of GSDF personnel operating overseas.
陸自が今後、他国に支援や救援を頼むケースもあろう。今回のような協力を重ね、国際的連帯を強めることが、陸自の安全確保にも役立つ。
Regarding the U.N. Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law, which was the subject of questions during Diet sessions, the government has long said it does not expect requests from other nations to provide weapons and ammunition, and that if such a request were to be filed, it would reject the request. This line of reasoning apparently reflects the fact that it is extremely unusual for Japan to be asked by any other country to supply weapons and ammunition, even if it is a request that could affect the survival of the requesting nation’s forces.
政府はＰＫＯ協力法に関する国会答弁で、武器・弾薬の提供は想定されず、要請されても断るとしてきた。部隊の生存にかかわる武器・弾薬の提供を他国に要請される事態は極めて異例だからだ。
Civilian control effective
In deciding on the bullet offer, the government held a meeting of four relevant Cabinet members under the National Security Council and a Cabinet conference. In these meetings, the government concluded the bullet supply would be treated as an exception to its three rules on arms exports and its official interpretation of the peace cooperation law.
政府は今回、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の４大臣会合や閣議を開き、ＵＮＭＩＳＳへの弾薬提供を、武器輸出３原則やＰＫＯ協力法の政府見解の例外扱いとすることを決めた。
Given the lack of procedural defects in the latest decision, it is safe to say our nation’s principle of civilian control has fulfilled its purpose.
手続き上の欠陥はなく、文民統制も機能したと言える。
In 2011, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda relaxed the principles regarding arms exports, thus making it possible to offer weapons for peace-building and international cooperation purposes. However, the offer of arms was limited to foreign governments, meaning such institutions as the UNMISS authorities were not included in the list of organs to which our country would supply arms.
一昨年に野田内閣が３原則を緩和し、平和構築・国際協力目的の武器提供は可能になった。ただ、提供先は国に限られ、ＵＮＭＩＳＳなど国際機関は対象外だ。
The government is currently considering fundamentally reexamining the three principles. Taking the recent bullet supply into consideration, the government should lay down a new set of flexible and realistic principles as quickly as possible.
政府は、武器輸出３原則の抜本的見直しを検討している。今回の事例も踏まえ、柔軟で現実的な新原則を早期に策定すべきだ。
With the deterioration of the South Sudanese situation in mind, the U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution to shore up the UNMISS mission to better protect the safety of local residents. About 6,000 staff will be sent to South Sudan, where they will be united with about 7,500 military and police personnel already deployed there.
国連安全保障理事会は、現地情勢の悪化を踏まえ、住民保護の強化のため、ＵＮＭＩＳＳを増強する決議を採択した。展開中の軍事・警察要員約７５００人に加え、約６０００人を増派する。
It is imperative the U.N. resolution be implemented as promptly as possible, to resolve the South Sudanese situation.
事態の沈静化に向けて、決議を迅速に実施することが肝要だ。
About 30 months after its independence, South Sudan is on the brink of a civil war, as a conflict between its president and former vice president has grown into a tribal conflict. International engagement is essential for preventing the conflict from degenerating into civil war.
独立から２年半たつ南スーダンは、大統領と前副大統領の対立が部族紛争に発展し、内戦の瀬戸際にある。これを阻止するには、国際社会の関与が欠かせない。
The United States has begun to intermediate between the warring parties with the aim of seeking a solution to the problem through dialogue.
米国は、当事者間の対話による解決に向けて仲介を始めた。
Japan should contribute to the international peace initiative in South Sudan, a task that should be carried out with close attention to the safety of GSDF personnel operating in that country.
日本も、陸自隊員の安全に細心の注意を払いながら、国際社会の和平努力に貢献したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 26, 2013)
（2013年12月26日01時32分 読売新聞）
In intl crisis, govt must lay down new weapons-export principles
ＰＫＯ弾薬提供 武器輸出の新原則策定を急げ（12月26日付・読売社説）
A country working to support nation-building efforts in Africa under rigorous conditions has every reason to help another country engaged in the same task, a duty that has been taken for granted internationally.
厳しい環境の下、アフリカの国造りに共に取り組む仲間を助けるのは、国際常識である。
The Ground Self-Defense Force, now participating in a U.N. mission in South Sudan—officially called the U.N. Mission in the Republic of South Sudan (UNMISS)—has provided South Korean forces with 10,000 bullets for rifles without asking for payment in exchange. The bullets were given via the UNMISS authorities. The GSDF’s bullet offer was the first of its kind to occur overseas.
国連南スーダン派遣団（ＵＮＭＩＳＳ）に参加中の陸上自衛隊が、小銃弾１万発をＵＮＭＩＳＳ経由で韓国軍に無償提供した。海外での自衛隊の弾薬譲渡は初めてだ。
Amid a rapid decline in the African country’s security situation, South Korean forces were working to protect the safety of about 15,000 refugees in their assigned area, surrounded by armed rebel groups.
南スーダンの治安情勢が悪化する中、韓国軍は宿営地に１万５０００人の避難民を保護し、反政府勢力から包囲されていた。
It is clear the Japanese government had no option but to supply bullets to the South Korean forces. The action was needed from the standpoint of humanity and urgency, given that the lives of South Korean soldiers and local refugees were at risk.
Supplying the bullets was essential for supporting the global significance of U.N. peacekeeping operations. No participants in the UNMISS mission except the GSDF were carrying bullets that could be used for rifles carried by South Korean soldiers.
韓国兵や避難民の生命にかかわる人道性や緊急性、国連平和維持活動（ＰＫＯ）という公共性、ＵＮＭＩＳＳ参加部隊で日本以外に同種の弾薬を携行していないことなど、どの観点からも弾薬を提供しない選択肢はなかった。
South Korean forces telephoned the GSDF unit and expressed their gratitude for the bullets.
韓国軍から現地の陸自部隊に感謝の電話もあった。
There may be cases in which the GSDF asks other nations to support its forces or come to its rescue. Making steady efforts to extend assistance comparable to the recent case of supplying bullets and increasing cooperation with foreign forces will ensure the security of GSDF personnel operating overseas.
陸自が今後、他国に支援や救援を頼むケースもあろう。今回のような協力を重ね、国際的連帯を強めることが、陸自の安全確保にも役立つ。
Regarding the U.N. Peacekeeping Activities Cooperation Law, which was the subject of questions during Diet sessions, the government has long said it does not expect requests from other nations to provide weapons and ammunition, and that if such a request were to be filed, it would reject the request. This line of reasoning apparently reflects the fact that it is extremely unusual for Japan to be asked by any other country to supply weapons and ammunition, even if it is a request that could affect the survival of the requesting nation’s forces.
政府はＰＫＯ協力法に関する国会答弁で、武器・弾薬の提供は想定されず、要請されても断るとしてきた。部隊の生存にかかわる武器・弾薬の提供を他国に要請される事態は極めて異例だからだ。
Civilian control effective
In deciding on the bullet offer, the government held a meeting of four relevant Cabinet members under the National Security Council and a Cabinet conference. In these meetings, the government concluded the bullet supply would be treated as an exception to its three rules on arms exports and its official interpretation of the peace cooperation law.
政府は今回、国家安全保障会議（日本版ＮＳＣ）の４大臣会合や閣議を開き、ＵＮＭＩＳＳへの弾薬提供を、武器輸出３原則やＰＫＯ協力法の政府見解の例外扱いとすることを決めた。
Given the lack of procedural defects in the latest decision, it is safe to say our nation’s principle of civilian control has fulfilled its purpose.
手続き上の欠陥はなく、文民統制も機能したと言える。
In 2011, the Cabinet of then Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda relaxed the principles regarding arms exports, thus making it possible to offer weapons for peace-building and international cooperation purposes. However, the offer of arms was limited to foreign governments, meaning such institutions as the UNMISS authorities were not included in the list of organs to which our country would supply arms.
一昨年に野田内閣が３原則を緩和し、平和構築・国際協力目的の武器提供は可能になった。ただ、提供先は国に限られ、ＵＮＭＩＳＳなど国際機関は対象外だ。
The government is currently considering fundamentally reexamining the three principles. Taking the recent bullet supply into consideration, the government should lay down a new set of flexible and realistic principles as quickly as possible.
政府は、武器輸出３原則の抜本的見直しを検討している。今回の事例も踏まえ、柔軟で現実的な新原則を早期に策定すべきだ。
With the deterioration of the South Sudanese situation in mind, the U.N. Security Council has adopted a resolution to shore up the UNMISS mission to better protect the safety of local residents. About 6,000 staff will be sent to South Sudan, where they will be united with about 7,500 military and police personnel already deployed there.
国連安全保障理事会は、現地情勢の悪化を踏まえ、住民保護の強化のため、ＵＮＭＩＳＳを増強する決議を採択した。展開中の軍事・警察要員約７５００人に加え、約６０００人を増派する。
It is imperative the U.N. resolution be implemented as promptly as possible, to resolve the South Sudanese situation.
事態の沈静化に向けて、決議を迅速に実施することが肝要だ。
About 30 months after its independence, South Sudan is on the brink of a civil war, as a conflict between its president and former vice president has grown into a tribal conflict. International engagement is essential for preventing the conflict from degenerating into civil war.
独立から２年半たつ南スーダンは、大統領と前副大統領の対立が部族紛争に発展し、内戦の瀬戸際にある。これを阻止するには、国際社会の関与が欠かせない。
The United States has begun to intermediate between the warring parties with the aim of seeking a solution to the problem through dialogue.
米国は、当事者間の対話による解決に向けて仲介を始めた。
Japan should contribute to the international peace initiative in South Sudan, a task that should be carried out with close attention to the safety of GSDF personnel operating in that country.
日本も、陸自隊員の安全に細心の注意を払いながら、国際社会の和平努力に貢献したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 26, 2013)
（2013年12月26日01時32分 読売新聞）
2013年12月27日
天皇陛下８０歳 公務の負担軽減を検討したい
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 23, 2013
As Emperor turns 80, it’s time to consider trimming his duties
天皇陛下８０歳 公務の負担軽減を検討したい（12月23日付・読売社説）
The Emperor has marked his 80th birthday.
天皇陛下が８０歳の誕生日を迎えられた。
On this occasion, we express our heartfelt congratulations to the Emperor for reaching this milestone while being hale and hearty.
お元気で過ごされていることを心から喜びたい。
In February last year, the Emperor underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. His recovery has gone as scheduled. The Emperor currently performs official duties at the same pace as he did before the operation.
陛下は昨年２月に心臓の冠動脈のバイパス手術を受け、順調に回復された。現在は手術前と同じペースで公務に取り組まれている。
The day before his 80th birthday on Monday, the Emperor said at a news conference in the Imperial Palace, “While coming to terms with certain constraints due to my advancing age, I would like to continue playing my role as much as possible.”
誕生日前の記者会見で、陛下は「年齢による制約を受け入れつつ、できる限り役割を果たしていきたい」と述べられている。
Referring to his official duties, he said, “I wish to maintain my current pace, at least for a while.” This suggests he is rather negative about any move to reduce his official duties on health grounds.
公務については「しばらくはこのままでいきたい」と語り、健康上の理由による公務の軽減には否定的な考えを示された。
This is presumably because the Emperor, with his best wishes for the happiness of the people, still feels a strong sense of responsibility to continue moving forward with the populace.
国民の幸せを祈り、国民と共に歩み続けることに強い使命感をお持ちだからだろう。
Accompanied by the Empress, the Emperor visited such places this year as areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, and Minamata, the city in Kumamoto Prefecture that has become known for the mercury-poisoning disease with the same name. The Imperial couple also followed a tight schedule on their recent official visit to India.
今年も、陛下は皇后さまと共に東日本大震災の被災地や熊本県水俣市などを訪ねられた。先日、インドを公式訪問された際も、過密な日程をこなされた。
Many people want the Emperor to be able to continue to engage in his official duties in good health. For this very reason, however, we believe the burden placed on the Emperor should not be excessive.
陛下にお元気で公務を続けられてほしいと願う国民も多いことだろう。そうであればこそ、ご負担が過重になってはなるまい。
The Imperial Household Agency should examine how to reduce the load shouldered by the Emperor, perhaps by handing some of his duties to Imperial family members including Crown Prince Naruhito and his younger brother, Prince Akishino.
宮内庁は、公務時間のより一層の短縮や、皇太子さまや秋篠宮さまへの一部公務の引き継ぎも、検討していくべきだろう。
Adhering to Constitution
The Emperor’s stance of always giving consideration to the people is also represented by his views on his funeral and mausoleum.
常に国民を思いやる陛下の姿勢は、自らの葬儀や御陵に関する考え方にも表れている。
In November, the Imperial Household Agency announced that the Emperor plans to be cremated, rather than be buried as has been tradition for emperors since the Edo period, and scale down his mausoleum compared to those of the Emperor’s predecessors.
宮内庁は１１月、江戸時代から続いてきた土葬を火葬に変更し、御陵は規模を縮小する方針を明らかにした。
These plans fit snugly with the wishes of the Emperor and Empress not to impose an onerous burden on the people in regard to the construction of their mausoleums and their funerals. These decisions can be said to reflect the desire of the Emperor, who has been committed to ensuring the Imperial family can meet the changes of the times while keeping the essence of royal tradition intact.
御陵の整備や葬儀にあたって、国民に負担をかけてはならないという天皇、皇后両陛下のお考えを踏まえたものだ。伝統を守りつつも、時代に即した皇室のあり方を模索し続ける陛下らしいご決断と言えよう。
During the news conference, a question was asked about the relationship between the Imperial family and politics.
今回の記者会見では、皇室と政治の関係について質問が出た。
Some media outlets were outraged that Princess Hisako of Takamado attended the general session of the International Olympic Committee in September that chose Tokyo as host city of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
高円宮妃久子さまが、２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの開催を決めた９月の国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）総会に出席されたことに関し、一部メディアなどが問題視していた。
In reply to the question, the Emperor said when he faces a thorny question, “I have made it a rule to seek the opinions of the Imperial Household Agency director general and the agency’s councillors.”
陛下は、判断の難しい場合、「宮内庁長官や参与の意見を聴くことにしています」と答えられた。
This statement was intended to emphasize afresh his position of adhering closely to Article 4 of the Constitution, which stipulates the Emperor “shall not have powers related to government.”
天皇は「国政に関する権能を有しない」とする憲法４条を順守し、自らを律するというお立場を改めて強調されたのだろう。
At the IOC session, Princess Hisako only expressed Japan’s gratitude for such things as support extended from many nations after the Great East Japan Earthquake. She refrained from making any direct reference to Tokyo’s Games bid. Some media said her speech amounted to “using the Imperial family for political purposes.” It was nothing of the sort.
久子さまは、ＩＯＣ総会で大震災への各国の支援などに謝辞を述べただけで、東京招致への直接的な言及は避けられた。「皇室の政治利用」に当たるはずがない。
This issue must not be allowed to bother the Emperor any further.
この問題でこれ以上、陛下の心を煩わせてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 23, 2013)
（2013年12月23日01時25分 読売新聞）
As Emperor turns 80, it’s time to consider trimming his duties
天皇陛下８０歳 公務の負担軽減を検討したい（12月23日付・読売社説）
The Emperor has marked his 80th birthday.
天皇陛下が８０歳の誕生日を迎えられた。
On this occasion, we express our heartfelt congratulations to the Emperor for reaching this milestone while being hale and hearty.
お元気で過ごされていることを心から喜びたい。
In February last year, the Emperor underwent coronary artery bypass surgery. His recovery has gone as scheduled. The Emperor currently performs official duties at the same pace as he did before the operation.
陛下は昨年２月に心臓の冠動脈のバイパス手術を受け、順調に回復された。現在は手術前と同じペースで公務に取り組まれている。
The day before his 80th birthday on Monday, the Emperor said at a news conference in the Imperial Palace, “While coming to terms with certain constraints due to my advancing age, I would like to continue playing my role as much as possible.”
誕生日前の記者会見で、陛下は「年齢による制約を受け入れつつ、できる限り役割を果たしていきたい」と述べられている。
Referring to his official duties, he said, “I wish to maintain my current pace, at least for a while.” This suggests he is rather negative about any move to reduce his official duties on health grounds.
公務については「しばらくはこのままでいきたい」と語り、健康上の理由による公務の軽減には否定的な考えを示された。
This is presumably because the Emperor, with his best wishes for the happiness of the people, still feels a strong sense of responsibility to continue moving forward with the populace.
国民の幸せを祈り、国民と共に歩み続けることに強い使命感をお持ちだからだろう。
Accompanied by the Empress, the Emperor visited such places this year as areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake of March 11, 2011, and Minamata, the city in Kumamoto Prefecture that has become known for the mercury-poisoning disease with the same name. The Imperial couple also followed a tight schedule on their recent official visit to India.
今年も、陛下は皇后さまと共に東日本大震災の被災地や熊本県水俣市などを訪ねられた。先日、インドを公式訪問された際も、過密な日程をこなされた。
Many people want the Emperor to be able to continue to engage in his official duties in good health. For this very reason, however, we believe the burden placed on the Emperor should not be excessive.
陛下にお元気で公務を続けられてほしいと願う国民も多いことだろう。そうであればこそ、ご負担が過重になってはなるまい。
The Imperial Household Agency should examine how to reduce the load shouldered by the Emperor, perhaps by handing some of his duties to Imperial family members including Crown Prince Naruhito and his younger brother, Prince Akishino.
宮内庁は、公務時間のより一層の短縮や、皇太子さまや秋篠宮さまへの一部公務の引き継ぎも、検討していくべきだろう。
Adhering to Constitution
The Emperor’s stance of always giving consideration to the people is also represented by his views on his funeral and mausoleum.
常に国民を思いやる陛下の姿勢は、自らの葬儀や御陵に関する考え方にも表れている。
In November, the Imperial Household Agency announced that the Emperor plans to be cremated, rather than be buried as has been tradition for emperors since the Edo period, and scale down his mausoleum compared to those of the Emperor’s predecessors.
宮内庁は１１月、江戸時代から続いてきた土葬を火葬に変更し、御陵は規模を縮小する方針を明らかにした。
These plans fit snugly with the wishes of the Emperor and Empress not to impose an onerous burden on the people in regard to the construction of their mausoleums and their funerals. These decisions can be said to reflect the desire of the Emperor, who has been committed to ensuring the Imperial family can meet the changes of the times while keeping the essence of royal tradition intact.
御陵の整備や葬儀にあたって、国民に負担をかけてはならないという天皇、皇后両陛下のお考えを踏まえたものだ。伝統を守りつつも、時代に即した皇室のあり方を模索し続ける陛下らしいご決断と言えよう。
During the news conference, a question was asked about the relationship between the Imperial family and politics.
今回の記者会見では、皇室と政治の関係について質問が出た。
Some media outlets were outraged that Princess Hisako of Takamado attended the general session of the International Olympic Committee in September that chose Tokyo as host city of the 2020 Olympics and Paralympic Games.
高円宮妃久子さまが、２０２０年東京五輪・パラリンピックの開催を決めた９月の国際オリンピック委員会（ＩＯＣ）総会に出席されたことに関し、一部メディアなどが問題視していた。
In reply to the question, the Emperor said when he faces a thorny question, “I have made it a rule to seek the opinions of the Imperial Household Agency director general and the agency’s councillors.”
陛下は、判断の難しい場合、「宮内庁長官や参与の意見を聴くことにしています」と答えられた。
This statement was intended to emphasize afresh his position of adhering closely to Article 4 of the Constitution, which stipulates the Emperor “shall not have powers related to government.”
天皇は「国政に関する権能を有しない」とする憲法４条を順守し、自らを律するというお立場を改めて強調されたのだろう。
At the IOC session, Princess Hisako only expressed Japan’s gratitude for such things as support extended from many nations after the Great East Japan Earthquake. She refrained from making any direct reference to Tokyo’s Games bid. Some media said her speech amounted to “using the Imperial family for political purposes.” It was nothing of the sort.
久子さまは、ＩＯＣ総会で大震災への各国の支援などに謝辞を述べただけで、東京招致への直接的な言及は避けられた。「皇室の政治利用」に当たるはずがない。
This issue must not be allowed to bother the Emperor any further.
この問題でこれ以上、陛下の心を煩わせてはならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 23, 2013)
（2013年12月23日01時25分 読売新聞）
2013年12月26日
国の権限移譲 地方の意志と能力も試される
The Yomiuri Shimbun December 24, 2013
Local governments’ will, capabilities tested in transfer of state authority
国の権限移譲 地方の意志と能力も試される（12月24日付・読売社説）
It is essential to revitalize regional areas by eliminating the waste caused by dual administration of central and local governments and work out innovative measures to utilize the individuality and characteristics of each region.
国と地方の二重行政によるムダの排除と、地域の個性や特色を生かした創意工夫を通じて、地方の活性化につなげることが肝要である。
The government has decided to transfer 48 types of clerical work and authority, including the expansion and management of national roads and first-class rivers under its direct control, to prefectures. It also plans to reexamine 18 clerical items, including provision of HelloWork’s job information.
政府が、国直轄の国道・１級河川の整備・管理など４８の事務・権限を政府から都道府県に移譲する方針を決定した。ハローワークの求人情報の自治体への提供など１８項目の事務見直しも決めた。
It will submit related bills to the ordinary Diet session convening early next year to realize these goals.
いずれも来年の通常国会に関連法案を提出し、実現を図る。
The transfer of authority on national roads and rivers has been left pending since the Council for Decentralization Reform, an advisory panel of the Cabinet Office, recommended this action in 2008. However, the Democratic Party of Japan-led government then came up with a wild scheme of “abolishing in principle” local agencies of the central government, thereby adding a serpentine dimension to discussions on decentralization. But the issue was eventually resolved with realistic measures worked out by the Liberal Democratic Party-led administration.
国道・河川の権限移譲は、２００８年の地方分権改革推進委員会の勧告以来の懸案だ。その後、民主党政権が国の出先機関の「原則廃止」といった乱暴な手法を掲げ、分権論議は迷走したが、ようやく現実的な内容で決着した。
Administration of some sections of national roads and first-class rivers has already been transferred to prefectures. It is unreasonable to assert that administration can only be carried out by the central government. Coherent town building may be possible by integrated expansion and administration of national roads and connected local roads.
国道や１級河川の一部区間の管理は既に、都道府県に委ねられている。政府しか管理できないとの理屈は成り立たない。国道に接続する地方道との一体的な整備・管理により、整合性の取れた町づくりも可能になるのではないか。
It was appropriate for the government to work out measures to secure fiscal resources, including one allocating local tax grants to finance maintenance and management costs incurred by prefectural governments. Decentralization will not make much headway without securing such fiscal resources.
権限移譲に伴い、都道府県が負担する維持管理費を地方交付税で賄うなどの財源確保策をまとめたのは適切だ。財源の手当てなしには地方分権は進まない。
2-way shift possible
It also will be possible depending on the situation to transfer authority over roads and rivers under the control of local governments to the central government.
一方で、地方が管理する道路や河川について、実情に応じて国直轄に移すことも可能にした。
Recent years have seen flood damage caused by heavy rain in various parts of the country. In some of these disasters, small municipalities found it difficult to take adequate crisis-management measures for rivers. The central government’s role in times of disaster was recognized anew following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accompanying huge task of reconstruction.
近年、各地で大雨による水害が発生し、小規模自治体では河川の管理や危機対応の難しい例が見受けられる。東日本大震災の復旧・復興では、災害時における政府の役割の重要性が再認識された。
Transferring authority in this manner is reasonable, rather than calling for the uniform transfer of authority to local governments.
地方移譲という画一的な施策にはせず、国への移譲も認める柔軟な制度にしたのは妥当だ。
Noteworthy is a system for handling registration and clerical work to audit nonprofit organizations that will provide paid-for transport services to replace taxis and buses in underpopulated areas.
注目されるのは、過疎地でタクシー・バスの代わりに有償旅客輸送を行う非営利組織（ＮＰＯ）などの登録・監査事務の扱いだ。
Clerical work will be transferred to municipalities that apply for the system. If they are reluctant to do this, such work will be transferred to prefectures willing to do so.
基本は、希望する市町村に国の事務を移すが、市町村が希望しない場合、希望する都道府県に移譲できる仕組みにした。
Thus, municipalities will be asked whether they want to undertake new clerical work or are capable of doing so and to make decisions on their own initiative. This formula can be applied to the transfer of other kinds of clerical work and authority to local governments.
新たな事務を引き受ける意志と能力があるか、自治体自身に判断を求める制度で、「手挙げ方式」と呼ばれる。他の事務・権限の地方移譲にも応用できるだろう。
It also has been decided to move 29 types of clerical work and authority, including a decision on standards for the composition of primary and middle school classes, to government-designated major cities. These cities will be required to bear the financial burden of paying schoolteachers and administrative personnel, but they will be able to exercise a wider range of discretionary powers, including whether to form small classes.
小中学校の学級編制基準の決定など、２９の都道府県の事務・権限を政令市に移すことも決まった。政令市が教職員給与を負担する一方、独自の判断で少人数学級を編成できるなど裁量権が広がる。
It is indispensable for the government, prefectures and municipalities to continue studying how to divide the various roles to promote practical decentralization.
政府と都道府県、市町村はどう役割分担すべきか、引き続き検討し、地に足のついた分権改革を進めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 24, 2013)
（2013年12月24日01時42分 読売新聞）
Local governments’ will, capabilities tested in transfer of state authority
国の権限移譲 地方の意志と能力も試される（12月24日付・読売社説）
It is essential to revitalize regional areas by eliminating the waste caused by dual administration of central and local governments and work out innovative measures to utilize the individuality and characteristics of each region.
国と地方の二重行政によるムダの排除と、地域の個性や特色を生かした創意工夫を通じて、地方の活性化につなげることが肝要である。
The government has decided to transfer 48 types of clerical work and authority, including the expansion and management of national roads and first-class rivers under its direct control, to prefectures. It also plans to reexamine 18 clerical items, including provision of HelloWork’s job information.
政府が、国直轄の国道・１級河川の整備・管理など４８の事務・権限を政府から都道府県に移譲する方針を決定した。ハローワークの求人情報の自治体への提供など１８項目の事務見直しも決めた。
It will submit related bills to the ordinary Diet session convening early next year to realize these goals.
いずれも来年の通常国会に関連法案を提出し、実現を図る。
The transfer of authority on national roads and rivers has been left pending since the Council for Decentralization Reform, an advisory panel of the Cabinet Office, recommended this action in 2008. However, the Democratic Party of Japan-led government then came up with a wild scheme of “abolishing in principle” local agencies of the central government, thereby adding a serpentine dimension to discussions on decentralization. But the issue was eventually resolved with realistic measures worked out by the Liberal Democratic Party-led administration.
国道・河川の権限移譲は、２００８年の地方分権改革推進委員会の勧告以来の懸案だ。その後、民主党政権が国の出先機関の「原則廃止」といった乱暴な手法を掲げ、分権論議は迷走したが、ようやく現実的な内容で決着した。
Administration of some sections of national roads and first-class rivers has already been transferred to prefectures. It is unreasonable to assert that administration can only be carried out by the central government. Coherent town building may be possible by integrated expansion and administration of national roads and connected local roads.
国道や１級河川の一部区間の管理は既に、都道府県に委ねられている。政府しか管理できないとの理屈は成り立たない。国道に接続する地方道との一体的な整備・管理により、整合性の取れた町づくりも可能になるのではないか。
It was appropriate for the government to work out measures to secure fiscal resources, including one allocating local tax grants to finance maintenance and management costs incurred by prefectural governments. Decentralization will not make much headway without securing such fiscal resources.
権限移譲に伴い、都道府県が負担する維持管理費を地方交付税で賄うなどの財源確保策をまとめたのは適切だ。財源の手当てなしには地方分権は進まない。
2-way shift possible
It also will be possible depending on the situation to transfer authority over roads and rivers under the control of local governments to the central government.
一方で、地方が管理する道路や河川について、実情に応じて国直轄に移すことも可能にした。
Recent years have seen flood damage caused by heavy rain in various parts of the country. In some of these disasters, small municipalities found it difficult to take adequate crisis-management measures for rivers. The central government’s role in times of disaster was recognized anew following the Great East Japan Earthquake and the accompanying huge task of reconstruction.
近年、各地で大雨による水害が発生し、小規模自治体では河川の管理や危機対応の難しい例が見受けられる。東日本大震災の復旧・復興では、災害時における政府の役割の重要性が再認識された。
Transferring authority in this manner is reasonable, rather than calling for the uniform transfer of authority to local governments.
地方移譲という画一的な施策にはせず、国への移譲も認める柔軟な制度にしたのは妥当だ。
Noteworthy is a system for handling registration and clerical work to audit nonprofit organizations that will provide paid-for transport services to replace taxis and buses in underpopulated areas.
注目されるのは、過疎地でタクシー・バスの代わりに有償旅客輸送を行う非営利組織（ＮＰＯ）などの登録・監査事務の扱いだ。
Clerical work will be transferred to municipalities that apply for the system. If they are reluctant to do this, such work will be transferred to prefectures willing to do so.
基本は、希望する市町村に国の事務を移すが、市町村が希望しない場合、希望する都道府県に移譲できる仕組みにした。
Thus, municipalities will be asked whether they want to undertake new clerical work or are capable of doing so and to make decisions on their own initiative. This formula can be applied to the transfer of other kinds of clerical work and authority to local governments.
新たな事務を引き受ける意志と能力があるか、自治体自身に判断を求める制度で、「手挙げ方式」と呼ばれる。他の事務・権限の地方移譲にも応用できるだろう。
It also has been decided to move 29 types of clerical work and authority, including a decision on standards for the composition of primary and middle school classes, to government-designated major cities. These cities will be required to bear the financial burden of paying schoolteachers and administrative personnel, but they will be able to exercise a wider range of discretionary powers, including whether to form small classes.
小中学校の学級編制基準の決定など、２９の都道府県の事務・権限を政令市に移すことも決まった。政令市が教職員給与を負担する一方、独自の判断で少人数学級を編成できるなど裁量権が広がる。
It is indispensable for the government, prefectures and municipalities to continue studying how to divide the various roles to promote practical decentralization.
政府と都道府県、市町村はどう役割分担すべきか、引き続き検討し、地に足のついた分権改革を進めることが重要である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Dec. 24, 2013)
（2013年12月24日01時42分 読売新聞）