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2013年09月25日
新金融検査方針 成長重視で新規融資に弾みを
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 24, 2013
New FSA inspection method must help boost lending to growing firms
新金融検査方針 成長重視で新規融資に弾みを（9月23日付・読売社説）
If the Financial Services Agency limits its activities to pressuring commercial banks to dispose of bad loans, there is little possibility new loans will be extended to firms with growth potential.
金融庁が銀行に不良債権処理を厳しく迫るばかりでは、成長分野への新規融資は進まない。
The FSA has therefore found it necessary to revise its method of inspecting financial institutions to keep abreast of the times.
金融検査の手法も、時代の要請によって変えていく必要がある。
The FSA, the government watchdog of banks, brokerages and other financial businesses, recently made major changes in how it inspects and supervises financial institutions.
金融庁が、金融検査・監督方針を大きく転換した。
The focus of the changes lies in amending the conventional approach of examining the financial health of banks with a fine tooth comb to see whether they have nonperforming loans. Instead, it will leave the risk assessment of small-lot loans to small and midsize borrowers to the discretion of the banks.
不良債権がないか、しらみつぶしに調べる手法を改め、中小企業向けなど小口融資の査定を各銀行の判断に委ねるという。
The way the FSA inspected banks at the time of the financial unrest in the wake of the bursting of the bubble economy could be referred to as a “crisis response method” with priority placed on bad loan disposal. In those days, there were a number of cases such as those depicted in TV dramas in which grim-looking inspectors relentlessly took bank executives to task.
バブルが崩壊し、金融不安が高まった時期の検査は、不良債権処理を優先する「危機対応型」だった。こわもての検査官が、銀行幹部を容赦なくやりこめる。そんなテレビドラマのような場面も、実際に少なくなかった。
Even now, many banks, fearing FSA’s inspections, remain reluctant to provide loans to small and midsized companies and business ventures.
今も銀行は金融検査を恐れ、中小企業やベンチャー企業への融資を渋りがちだ。
It is reasonable for the FSA, with a view to improving the current state of affairs which has seen financial services impeded, to shift its inspection method in favor of encouraging growth.
金融が目詰まりを起こした現状を改めようと、検査方針を「成長促進型」に切り替えるのは適切な対応と言える。
The greater latitude for discretionary judgment on the part of banks means that their management responsibility is heavier.
融資判断の自由度が高まれば、銀行自身の責任は重くなる。
If banks turn down loan requests from small and midsize companies from now on, they may not be able to use the excuse of not being able to obtain permission from the FSA.
中小企業への融資を断る際、「金融庁が認めないから」といった言い訳は通らなくなろう。
Banks must sharpen their “discerning eyes” to find small businesses with promising futures and competent managers.
事業の将来性や経営者の資質などを見極め、小さいながらキラリと光る成長企業を発掘する「目利き力」の強化が求められる。
Strengthen regional banks
It is essential for banks to adopt lending policies to sectors with high growth potential to make a major contribution to the Abenomics economic growth strategy led by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
銀行が成長分野への融資を積極的に展開し、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」を後押しすることが望まれる。
Regarding inspections of the three megabank groups, including Mitsubishi-UFJ Financial Group, the FSA has decided not to check individual banks on a bank-by-bank basis but to inspect them in a cross-sectional way by setting up expert teams in accordance with key inspection categories such as lending risks and quality of corporate governance.
金融庁は、三菱ＵＦＪフィナンシャル・グループなど３メガバンクへの検査では、融資リスクや企業統治など重要テーマ別に専門チームを設け、複数行を横断的に検査する新手法を導入する。
The new method is aimed at clarifying problems and challenges common to the megabanks to help them improve their management. The megabanks, for their part, should accept suggestions offered through the new inspection method to enhance their international competitiveness.
日本のメガバンクに共通する課題を洗い出し、経営改善につなげるのが狙いだ。メガバンクは検査で受けた指摘を生かし、国際競争力を高めてもらいたい。
There is no doubt that the rigorous inspections the FSA put into place in the past contributed to helping stabilize the nation’s financial system by pressing banks to quickly liquidate bad loans that ballooned as a result of the collapse of the bubble economy.
従来の厳格な金融検査が、バブル崩壊で膨らんだ不良債権の処理を促し、金融システム安定に貢献したことも事実である。
While it is reasonable for the FSA to respect banks’ self-assessment of their assets, the agency must remain vigilant concerning large-lot loans to keep a damper on nonperforming loans.
銀行の自己査定を尊重するにしても、金融庁が主要な融資にはしっかり目を光らせ、巨額の不良債権を見逃さないことが肝要だ。
In this connection, it is noteworthy that the FSA has called on regional banks and similar financial institutions to study the advisability of working out medium- and long-term business strategies over five- or 10-year periods.
金融庁が地銀などに、５〜１０年後を見据えた中長期戦略の検討を求めた点も注目される。
As there are too many regional banks—three or four in a single prefecture—there are cases in which some have become financially strapped because of excessive competition.
地銀が同じ都府県に３〜４行も乱立し、過当競争で疲弊するケースが目立つ。
The Abe administration places great hopes on the financing functions of regional banks and similar local financial institutions remaining robust to reinvigorate local economies.
安倍政権の目指す地域経済再生には、地銀などの金融機能強化が欠かせない。
Regional banks must waste no time in revising their management strategies, including business realignment through mergers or other means with other banks.
各地銀は他行との再編を含め、経営戦略の練り直しを急ぐべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2013)
（2013年9月23日01時35分 読売新聞）
New FSA inspection method must help boost lending to growing firms
新金融検査方針 成長重視で新規融資に弾みを（9月23日付・読売社説）
If the Financial Services Agency limits its activities to pressuring commercial banks to dispose of bad loans, there is little possibility new loans will be extended to firms with growth potential.
金融庁が銀行に不良債権処理を厳しく迫るばかりでは、成長分野への新規融資は進まない。
The FSA has therefore found it necessary to revise its method of inspecting financial institutions to keep abreast of the times.
金融検査の手法も、時代の要請によって変えていく必要がある。
The FSA, the government watchdog of banks, brokerages and other financial businesses, recently made major changes in how it inspects and supervises financial institutions.
金融庁が、金融検査・監督方針を大きく転換した。
The focus of the changes lies in amending the conventional approach of examining the financial health of banks with a fine tooth comb to see whether they have nonperforming loans. Instead, it will leave the risk assessment of small-lot loans to small and midsize borrowers to the discretion of the banks.
不良債権がないか、しらみつぶしに調べる手法を改め、中小企業向けなど小口融資の査定を各銀行の判断に委ねるという。
The way the FSA inspected banks at the time of the financial unrest in the wake of the bursting of the bubble economy could be referred to as a “crisis response method” with priority placed on bad loan disposal. In those days, there were a number of cases such as those depicted in TV dramas in which grim-looking inspectors relentlessly took bank executives to task.
バブルが崩壊し、金融不安が高まった時期の検査は、不良債権処理を優先する「危機対応型」だった。こわもての検査官が、銀行幹部を容赦なくやりこめる。そんなテレビドラマのような場面も、実際に少なくなかった。
Even now, many banks, fearing FSA’s inspections, remain reluctant to provide loans to small and midsized companies and business ventures.
今も銀行は金融検査を恐れ、中小企業やベンチャー企業への融資を渋りがちだ。
It is reasonable for the FSA, with a view to improving the current state of affairs which has seen financial services impeded, to shift its inspection method in favor of encouraging growth.
金融が目詰まりを起こした現状を改めようと、検査方針を「成長促進型」に切り替えるのは適切な対応と言える。
The greater latitude for discretionary judgment on the part of banks means that their management responsibility is heavier.
融資判断の自由度が高まれば、銀行自身の責任は重くなる。
If banks turn down loan requests from small and midsize companies from now on, they may not be able to use the excuse of not being able to obtain permission from the FSA.
中小企業への融資を断る際、「金融庁が認めないから」といった言い訳は通らなくなろう。
Banks must sharpen their “discerning eyes” to find small businesses with promising futures and competent managers.
事業の将来性や経営者の資質などを見極め、小さいながらキラリと光る成長企業を発掘する「目利き力」の強化が求められる。
Strengthen regional banks
It is essential for banks to adopt lending policies to sectors with high growth potential to make a major contribution to the Abenomics economic growth strategy led by the administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
銀行が成長分野への融資を積極的に展開し、安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」を後押しすることが望まれる。
Regarding inspections of the three megabank groups, including Mitsubishi-UFJ Financial Group, the FSA has decided not to check individual banks on a bank-by-bank basis but to inspect them in a cross-sectional way by setting up expert teams in accordance with key inspection categories such as lending risks and quality of corporate governance.
金融庁は、三菱ＵＦＪフィナンシャル・グループなど３メガバンクへの検査では、融資リスクや企業統治など重要テーマ別に専門チームを設け、複数行を横断的に検査する新手法を導入する。
The new method is aimed at clarifying problems and challenges common to the megabanks to help them improve their management. The megabanks, for their part, should accept suggestions offered through the new inspection method to enhance their international competitiveness.
日本のメガバンクに共通する課題を洗い出し、経営改善につなげるのが狙いだ。メガバンクは検査で受けた指摘を生かし、国際競争力を高めてもらいたい。
There is no doubt that the rigorous inspections the FSA put into place in the past contributed to helping stabilize the nation’s financial system by pressing banks to quickly liquidate bad loans that ballooned as a result of the collapse of the bubble economy.
従来の厳格な金融検査が、バブル崩壊で膨らんだ不良債権の処理を促し、金融システム安定に貢献したことも事実である。
While it is reasonable for the FSA to respect banks’ self-assessment of their assets, the agency must remain vigilant concerning large-lot loans to keep a damper on nonperforming loans.
銀行の自己査定を尊重するにしても、金融庁が主要な融資にはしっかり目を光らせ、巨額の不良債権を見逃さないことが肝要だ。
In this connection, it is noteworthy that the FSA has called on regional banks and similar financial institutions to study the advisability of working out medium- and long-term business strategies over five- or 10-year periods.
金融庁が地銀などに、５〜１０年後を見据えた中長期戦略の検討を求めた点も注目される。
As there are too many regional banks—three or four in a single prefecture—there are cases in which some have become financially strapped because of excessive competition.
地銀が同じ都府県に３〜４行も乱立し、過当競争で疲弊するケースが目立つ。
The Abe administration places great hopes on the financing functions of regional banks and similar local financial institutions remaining robust to reinvigorate local economies.
安倍政権の目指す地域経済再生には、地銀などの金融機能強化が欠かせない。
Regional banks must waste no time in revising their management strategies, including business realignment through mergers or other means with other banks.
各地銀は他行との再編を含め、経営戦略の練り直しを急ぐべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2013)
（2013年9月23日01時35分 読売新聞）
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2013年09月24日
ＦＲＢ金融緩和 「出口戦略」への難しい舵取り
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 23, 2013
U.S. Federal Reserve Board faces long, difficult road to QE3 exit
ＦＲＢ金融緩和 「出口戦略」への難しい舵取り（9月22日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has decided not to scale down its monetary “QE3” quantitative easing policy implemented to deal with the financial crisis.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、金融危機対策として続けてきた量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）の縮小を見送った。
It was a surprise decision for the market as many observers expected the Fed to take the first step of its exit strategy for ending QE3.
ＱＥ３の終了に向け、「出口戦略」の第一歩を踏み出すという観測が多かっただけに、サプライズと言える。
However, the path to the exit is not clear. The markets speculate the Fed would scale down its economic stimulus program in December. The central bank will face some difficult maneuvering from here on.
出口への道は不透明である。市場では早くも「縮小は１２月」との見方が浮上しているが、ＦＲＢは難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られよう。
The Fed held a two-day policy meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee and decided to maintain the central bank’s $85 billion (\8.4 trillion) monthly purchases of the U.S. government bonds, an unusual way to supply funds to the market.
ＦＲＢは、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）を開き、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・４兆円）買い入れて資金を市場に供給する異例の対策を維持した。
The Fed said it would like to await conclusive evidence on improvement of the economy and employment before deciding to reduce its stimulus.
「景気や雇用情勢の改善を確実に見届けるまで判断を待ちたい」との声明を発表した。
It has apparently chosen the safer option of ensuring lasting economic recovery rather than rushing for the exit. The U.S. economy has been showing signs of recovery since the annualized growth rate of its gross domestic product increased by 2.5 percent in April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter.
あえて出口へ急がず、景気の持続的な回復を最優先する安全策を選択したのだろう。
米国経済は、４〜６月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率が前期比年率で２・５％増となり、景気回復基調が鮮明になってきた。
But the employment situation remains a concern. Though the jobless rate dropped to 7.3 percent in August, the number of workers in the nonagricultural sector is still increasing very slowly.
しかし、気掛かりは雇用情勢である。８月の失業率は７・３％に低下したが、非農業部門の就業者数の増加ペースは緩慢だ。
Meanwhile, the central bank is wary of negative effects from the recent hike of long-term borrowing rates. Stymied negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties over the U.S. debt ceiling, which will be exceeded in mid-October, might cast a shadow over economic prospects.
ＦＲＢは最近の長期金利の上昇による悪影響も警戒している。１０月半ばに迫った連邦債務上限を巡る与野党協議の難航は、景気の先行きに影を落としかねない。
Dialogue with market
New York stock prices soared right after the Fed’s decision to maintain the pace of its QE3 as many investors took heart from the development.
ＱＥ３縮小の先送り直後、ニューヨーク株価が急騰したのは、安心感が広がったからだろう。
In light of expectations that the Fed would implement its exit strategy, speculative funds were flowing out of emerging economies but have been returning since the Fed’s decision, and fears of an economic slowdown have been alleviated.
ＦＲＢの出口戦略を先取りする形で投機マネーが流出していた新興国でも、現地通貨が買い戻され景気減速懸念が少し和らいだ。
If the Fed had acted hastily, it would have had a great impact on the global economy and market, including Japan. The Fed’s wise decision to avoid confusion is praiseworthy.
ＦＲＢが拙速に動けば、日本を含めて、世界景気や市場に多大な影響を与える。ひとまず混乱を回避できた点は歓迎したい。
Nevertheless, it cannot continue the large-scale quantitative easing for good because of such negative effects as excessive funds circulating around the globe, causing asset-inflated bubbles.
ただし、ＦＲＢはいつまでも大規模な量的緩和策を続けることはできない。過剰マネーが世界を駆け巡り、資産バブルを引き起こす副作用も懸念される。
The central bank’s stated policy was to start scaling back QE3 by year-end and to terminate it around the middle of next year. Even if it follows this plan, the exit route remains long. The Fed needs to hold dialogues with the market to avoid causing confusion.
ＦＲＢは「年内にＱＥ３縮小を開始し、来年半ばに終了する」との方針を示してきた。その通りに踏み出したとしても、出口までの道は長い。混乱を招かないよう、「市場との対話」が要る。
Now, attention is focused on who will succeed the current Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke, whose term expires at the end of January. U.S. President Barack Obama has given up replacing Bernanke with former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, who had been considered the front-runner for the job.
来年１月末に任期が切れるバーナンキＦＲＢ議長の後任人事も焦点だ。オバマ大統領は、最有力候補とみられたサマーズ元財務長官の指名断念を発表した。
The field has been narrowed to only a few candidates, including Fed Vice Chairman Janet Yellen, now considered the favorite. We hope Obama will decide as soon as possible on a successor to Bernanke and try to stabilize U.S. financial policy.
イエレンＦＲＢ副議長を軸に最終調整される見通しだが、大統領は早期に後任を指名し、金融政策の安定を目指してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2013)
（2013年9月22日01時13分 読売新聞）
U.S. Federal Reserve Board faces long, difficult road to QE3 exit
ＦＲＢ金融緩和 「出口戦略」への難しい舵取り（9月22日付・読売社説）
The U.S. Federal Reserve Board has decided not to scale down its monetary “QE3” quantitative easing policy implemented to deal with the financial crisis.
米連邦準備制度理事会（ＦＲＢ）が、金融危機対策として続けてきた量的緩和策第３弾（ＱＥ３）の縮小を見送った。
It was a surprise decision for the market as many observers expected the Fed to take the first step of its exit strategy for ending QE3.
ＱＥ３の終了に向け、「出口戦略」の第一歩を踏み出すという観測が多かっただけに、サプライズと言える。
However, the path to the exit is not clear. The markets speculate the Fed would scale down its economic stimulus program in December. The central bank will face some difficult maneuvering from here on.
出口への道は不透明である。市場では早くも「縮小は１２月」との見方が浮上しているが、ＦＲＢは難しい舵(かじ)取りを迫られよう。
The Fed held a two-day policy meeting of the Federal Open Market Committee and decided to maintain the central bank’s $85 billion (\8.4 trillion) monthly purchases of the U.S. government bonds, an unusual way to supply funds to the market.
ＦＲＢは、連邦公開市場委員会（ＦＯＭＣ）を開き、米国債などを毎月８５０億ドル（約８・４兆円）買い入れて資金を市場に供給する異例の対策を維持した。
The Fed said it would like to await conclusive evidence on improvement of the economy and employment before deciding to reduce its stimulus.
「景気や雇用情勢の改善を確実に見届けるまで判断を待ちたい」との声明を発表した。
It has apparently chosen the safer option of ensuring lasting economic recovery rather than rushing for the exit. The U.S. economy has been showing signs of recovery since the annualized growth rate of its gross domestic product increased by 2.5 percent in April-June quarter compared to the previous quarter.
あえて出口へ急がず、景気の持続的な回復を最優先する安全策を選択したのだろう。
米国経済は、４〜６月期の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の伸び率が前期比年率で２・５％増となり、景気回復基調が鮮明になってきた。
But the employment situation remains a concern. Though the jobless rate dropped to 7.3 percent in August, the number of workers in the nonagricultural sector is still increasing very slowly.
しかし、気掛かりは雇用情勢である。８月の失業率は７・３％に低下したが、非農業部門の就業者数の増加ペースは緩慢だ。
Meanwhile, the central bank is wary of negative effects from the recent hike of long-term borrowing rates. Stymied negotiations between the ruling and opposition parties over the U.S. debt ceiling, which will be exceeded in mid-October, might cast a shadow over economic prospects.
ＦＲＢは最近の長期金利の上昇による悪影響も警戒している。１０月半ばに迫った連邦債務上限を巡る与野党協議の難航は、景気の先行きに影を落としかねない。
Dialogue with market
New York stock prices soared right after the Fed’s decision to maintain the pace of its QE3 as many investors took heart from the development.
ＱＥ３縮小の先送り直後、ニューヨーク株価が急騰したのは、安心感が広がったからだろう。
In light of expectations that the Fed would implement its exit strategy, speculative funds were flowing out of emerging economies but have been returning since the Fed’s decision, and fears of an economic slowdown have been alleviated.
ＦＲＢの出口戦略を先取りする形で投機マネーが流出していた新興国でも、現地通貨が買い戻され景気減速懸念が少し和らいだ。
If the Fed had acted hastily, it would have had a great impact on the global economy and market, including Japan. The Fed’s wise decision to avoid confusion is praiseworthy.
ＦＲＢが拙速に動けば、日本を含めて、世界景気や市場に多大な影響を与える。ひとまず混乱を回避できた点は歓迎したい。
Nevertheless, it cannot continue the large-scale quantitative easing for good because of such negative effects as excessive funds circulating around the globe, causing asset-inflated bubbles.
ただし、ＦＲＢはいつまでも大規模な量的緩和策を続けることはできない。過剰マネーが世界を駆け巡り、資産バブルを引き起こす副作用も懸念される。
The central bank’s stated policy was to start scaling back QE3 by year-end and to terminate it around the middle of next year. Even if it follows this plan, the exit route remains long. The Fed needs to hold dialogues with the market to avoid causing confusion.
ＦＲＢは「年内にＱＥ３縮小を開始し、来年半ばに終了する」との方針を示してきた。その通りに踏み出したとしても、出口までの道は長い。混乱を招かないよう、「市場との対話」が要る。
Now, attention is focused on who will succeed the current Fed chairman, Ben Bernanke, whose term expires at the end of January. U.S. President Barack Obama has given up replacing Bernanke with former Treasury Secretary Lawrence Summers, who had been considered the front-runner for the job.
来年１月末に任期が切れるバーナンキＦＲＢ議長の後任人事も焦点だ。オバマ大統領は、最有力候補とみられたサマーズ元財務長官の指名断念を発表した。
The field has been narrowed to only a few candidates, including Fed Vice Chairman Janet Yellen, now considered the favorite. We hope Obama will decide as soon as possible on a successor to Bernanke and try to stabilize U.S. financial policy.
イエレンＦＲＢ副議長を軸に最終調整される見通しだが、大統領は早期に後任を指名し、金融政策の安定を目指してもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2013)
（2013年9月22日01時13分 読売新聞）
2013年09月23日
政労使協議 成長の好循環へ議論深めたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 22, 2013
3 sides urged to discuss ways to achieve virtuous cycle of growth
政労使協議 成長の好循環へ議論深めたい（9月21日付・読売社説）
Pulling the country out of deflation is a goal shared by the government and the labor and business communities. We urge these three sides to deepen discussions and draw up a feasible strategy to establish a virtuous cycle in which wages will rise along with economic growth.
デフレからの脱却は、政府、労働界、経済界に共通する目標である。
政労使は、経済成長とともに賃金が上昇していく「好循環」の実現に向けた論議を深め、実効性のある戦略を練ってもらいたい。
The government proposed launching such three-way talks in its growth strategy unveiled in June, and the three sides held their first meeting on Friday.
政府が６月の成長戦略で設置を打ち出した、「政労使協議」の初会合が開かれた。
The government has taken the rare action of establishing a forum in which it will discuss wages and other labor issues with representatives of workers and employers. This appears to signal that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is determined to lift the Japanese economy from deflation by any means.
政府が労使と、賃金改善などの方策を話し合う異例の措置をとったのは、何としてもデフレ脱却を果たしたいという、安倍首相の強い決意の表れだろう。
During Friday’s meeting, Abe stressed that the government intends to strengthen cooperation with businesses and other sides concerned. “Whether we can establish a virtuous cycle that will boost corporate earnings, increase wages and expand employment is key,” he said.
首相は会合で、「企業収益と賃金、雇用の拡大を伴う好循環につなげられるかが勝負だ」と述べ、経済界などとの連携を強化する考えを強調した。
Meanwhile, Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), called on the government to implement support measures for companies. “If conditions are improved so companies can demonstrate their abilities, both employment and wages will grow,” Yonekura said.
一方、経団連の米倉弘昌会長は「企業が力を発揮できる環境整備が行われれば、雇用も賃金も上がっていく」との見通しを示し、企業への政策支援を求めた。
The nation’s consumption and manufacturing are recovering, apparently backed by the current administration’s Abenomics economic measures. The Abe administration is expected to face a crucial test as to whether it will be able to help companies’ brisk earnings spill over to households and achieve self-sustaining economic growth driven by the private sector.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果で、消費や生産は回復している。企業の好業績が家計を潤し、民間主導の自律的成長を達成できるかどうか、これからが正念場である。
End vicious cycle
If inflation rises to 2 percent, the target set by the Bank of Japan, and the consumption tax rate is raised in April as planned, households have to bear a heavier financial burden. Unless wages go up, consumption could slump, possibly leading to an economic downturn.
日銀が目標とする消費者物価の２％上昇や、来年４月の消費税率の引き上げが実現すると、家計の負担は増える。賃金も上昇しないと消費が冷え込み、景気が腰折れする恐れがある。
The issue of individual companies’ wage levels is not on the agenda of the three-way talks, but the development of the talks could affect future labor-management wage negotiations.
政労使協議は、個別の賃金水準を議題にしない方針だが、論議の行方によっては、今後の賃金交渉に影響が及びそうだ。
In recent years, many labor unions refrained from seeking a rise in overall pay scales during annual spring labor offensives, as they put higher priority on job security. Thus, the Abe administration’s positive stance on wage hikes could become a strong tailwind for labor unions.
近年の春闘で労働組合の多くが雇用確保を優先し、賃金改善を求めるベースアップ要求を控えてきた。賃上げに前向きな安倍政権の姿勢は、労組には頼もしい追い風となるのではないか。
After seeing an upturn in their earnings, companies tend to raise bonuses but try to leave basic pay scales unchanged as much as possible, because basic wage hikes are likely to result in fixed cost increases.
企業は業績が上向いた場合、ボーナスは増やしても、固定費の上昇につながる基本給をできるだけ据え置く傾向がある。
This can be regarded as a rational management decision for an individual company. However, lower wages could dent consumers’ appetite for spending, eventually reducing sales of products and services. In the past, such sales slumps have spurred price falls and contributed to worsening deflation.
個々の経営判断としては合理的とも言えるが、賃金低迷は消費者の購買意欲を低下させ、企業の売り上げは減る。物価下落に拍車をかけ、デフレ悪化の一因となってきたことは否めない。
Japanese companies are estimated to hold about \220 trillion in cash and deposits. The firms’ massive reserves are met with criticism, as they appear to make them reluctant to share profits with workers.
日本企業の保有する現金と預金は約２２０兆円もある。巨額の内部留保の存在は、日本企業が労働者への利益分配に消極的だとする批判の根拠とされている。
The government plans to soon devise its second growth strategy, centering on support measures for companies, such as tax cuts for investments. Public attention will likely be focused on whether employers raise overall wage scales with support from government measures.
政府は近く、投資減税など企業支援策を柱とした成長戦略第２弾を打ち出す。政策による後押しを生かし、ベースアップの動きが広がるかどうか、注目される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2013)
（2013年9月21日02時20分 読売新聞）
3 sides urged to discuss ways to achieve virtuous cycle of growth
政労使協議 成長の好循環へ議論深めたい（9月21日付・読売社説）
Pulling the country out of deflation is a goal shared by the government and the labor and business communities. We urge these three sides to deepen discussions and draw up a feasible strategy to establish a virtuous cycle in which wages will rise along with economic growth.
デフレからの脱却は、政府、労働界、経済界に共通する目標である。
政労使は、経済成長とともに賃金が上昇していく「好循環」の実現に向けた論議を深め、実効性のある戦略を練ってもらいたい。
The government proposed launching such three-way talks in its growth strategy unveiled in June, and the three sides held their first meeting on Friday.
政府が６月の成長戦略で設置を打ち出した、「政労使協議」の初会合が開かれた。
The government has taken the rare action of establishing a forum in which it will discuss wages and other labor issues with representatives of workers and employers. This appears to signal that Prime Minister Shinzo Abe is determined to lift the Japanese economy from deflation by any means.
政府が労使と、賃金改善などの方策を話し合う異例の措置をとったのは、何としてもデフレ脱却を果たしたいという、安倍首相の強い決意の表れだろう。
During Friday’s meeting, Abe stressed that the government intends to strengthen cooperation with businesses and other sides concerned. “Whether we can establish a virtuous cycle that will boost corporate earnings, increase wages and expand employment is key,” he said.
首相は会合で、「企業収益と賃金、雇用の拡大を伴う好循環につなげられるかが勝負だ」と述べ、経済界などとの連携を強化する考えを強調した。
Meanwhile, Hiromasa Yonekura, chairman of the Japan Business Federation (Keidanren), called on the government to implement support measures for companies. “If conditions are improved so companies can demonstrate their abilities, both employment and wages will grow,” Yonekura said.
一方、経団連の米倉弘昌会長は「企業が力を発揮できる環境整備が行われれば、雇用も賃金も上がっていく」との見通しを示し、企業への政策支援を求めた。
The nation’s consumption and manufacturing are recovering, apparently backed by the current administration’s Abenomics economic measures. The Abe administration is expected to face a crucial test as to whether it will be able to help companies’ brisk earnings spill over to households and achieve self-sustaining economic growth driven by the private sector.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果で、消費や生産は回復している。企業の好業績が家計を潤し、民間主導の自律的成長を達成できるかどうか、これからが正念場である。
End vicious cycle
If inflation rises to 2 percent, the target set by the Bank of Japan, and the consumption tax rate is raised in April as planned, households have to bear a heavier financial burden. Unless wages go up, consumption could slump, possibly leading to an economic downturn.
日銀が目標とする消費者物価の２％上昇や、来年４月の消費税率の引き上げが実現すると、家計の負担は増える。賃金も上昇しないと消費が冷え込み、景気が腰折れする恐れがある。
The issue of individual companies’ wage levels is not on the agenda of the three-way talks, but the development of the talks could affect future labor-management wage negotiations.
政労使協議は、個別の賃金水準を議題にしない方針だが、論議の行方によっては、今後の賃金交渉に影響が及びそうだ。
In recent years, many labor unions refrained from seeking a rise in overall pay scales during annual spring labor offensives, as they put higher priority on job security. Thus, the Abe administration’s positive stance on wage hikes could become a strong tailwind for labor unions.
近年の春闘で労働組合の多くが雇用確保を優先し、賃金改善を求めるベースアップ要求を控えてきた。賃上げに前向きな安倍政権の姿勢は、労組には頼もしい追い風となるのではないか。
After seeing an upturn in their earnings, companies tend to raise bonuses but try to leave basic pay scales unchanged as much as possible, because basic wage hikes are likely to result in fixed cost increases.
企業は業績が上向いた場合、ボーナスは増やしても、固定費の上昇につながる基本給をできるだけ据え置く傾向がある。
This can be regarded as a rational management decision for an individual company. However, lower wages could dent consumers’ appetite for spending, eventually reducing sales of products and services. In the past, such sales slumps have spurred price falls and contributed to worsening deflation.
個々の経営判断としては合理的とも言えるが、賃金低迷は消費者の購買意欲を低下させ、企業の売り上げは減る。物価下落に拍車をかけ、デフレ悪化の一因となってきたことは否めない。
Japanese companies are estimated to hold about \220 trillion in cash and deposits. The firms’ massive reserves are met with criticism, as they appear to make them reluctant to share profits with workers.
日本企業の保有する現金と預金は約２２０兆円もある。巨額の内部留保の存在は、日本企業が労働者への利益分配に消極的だとする批判の根拠とされている。
The government plans to soon devise its second growth strategy, centering on support measures for companies, such as tax cuts for investments. Public attention will likely be focused on whether employers raise overall wage scales with support from government measures.
政府は近く、投資減税など企業支援策を柱とした成長戦略第２弾を打ち出す。政策による後押しを生かし、ベースアップの動きが広がるかどうか、注目される。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2013)
（2013年9月21日02時20分 読売新聞）
2013年09月22日
原発汚染水対策 政府は廃炉まで積極関与せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 21, 2013
Govt must take more active role in handling N-contaminated water
原発汚染水対策 政府は廃炉まで積極関与せよ（9月20日付・読売社説）
Resolving the problems at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s ruined Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant is a process requiring as many as 30 to 40 years before plant’s reactors can be dismantled.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故対応は、廃炉まで３０〜４０年もの取り組みになる。
During that time, the government must retain the ability to involve itself responsibly in resolving problems at the complex.
政府が責任を持って関与する体制を整えるべきだ。
Visiting the plant on Thursday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inspected items such as tanks that leaked water contaminated with radioactive substance. He also gave workers words of encouragement.
安倍首相は福島第一原発を訪れ、汚染水漏れを起こした貯蔵タンクなどを視察し、現場の職員を激励した。
Abe urged TEPCO management to push forward with cleaning up the tainted water by instituting deadlines for the task. He also called for the decommissioning of the Nos. 5 and 6 reactors, which have remained idle even though they did not suffer meltdowns or hydrogen explosions after the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
東電に対しては、期限を決めて汚染水の浄化を進めることや、停止している５、６号機の廃炉を要請した。
It seems Abe has taken the bull by the horns and resolved to beef up countermeasures against the vast amounts of tainted water. It is only natural and reasonable that, after the on-site inspections, he reiterated that the government “must take the lead and fulfill its responsibility” in tackling the crisis.
汚染水対策を強化する姿勢を自ら示したと言える。視察後、首相が「国が前面に出て責任を果たしていかなければならない」と改めて述べたのも当然だ。
The government has decided to allocate about \47 billion to try to address the contaminated water problem. Its steady budgetary implementation is imperative.
政府は、汚染水の対策費として約４７０億円の国費投入を決めている。着実な実施を求めたい。
Until now, the government has left the task of handling the crisis, including tainted water disposal, in TEPCO’s hands.
政府は、汚染水対策など事故処理を東電にゆだねてきた。
There can be no denying that the government’s inaction slowed efforts to deal with the accident and ensuing turmoil.
政府が積極的に関与してこなかったことが、対応の遅れや混乱につながったのは間違いない。
The Liberal Democratic Party, for that matter, has begun considering enacting a special law to share responsibility for the clean up between the government and TEPCO and clarify a chain of command. Passage of such a law will provide the government with the mandate to extend fiscal support to end the crisis.
自民党は、汚染水対策で国と東電の責任分担を定め、指揮系統を明確にする特別措置法の検討を始めた。特措法が制定されれば、財政支援する根拠にもなろう。
Just beginning of resolution
What is of high importance in this matter is that the special law should not be limited to countermeasures against contaminated water, but should cover the entire process of resolving the crisis.
重要なのは、特措法を汚染水対策に限定せず、事故収束まで視野に入れた総合的な内容にすることだ。
The task of containing the tainted water is nothing more than the beginning of resolving the crisis.
汚染水の封じ込めは、事故収束への「入り口」に過ぎない。
Given the colossal expenses and manpower needed for reactor decommissioning, decontamination and related challenges, it would be unrealistic to leave everything to TEPCO. The system of extending assistance to the utility must be drastically revamped.
廃炉や除染に巨額な費用がかかり、人材確保も必要になることを考えれば、東電にすべて任せるのは無理だ。支援体制を抜本的に見直す必要がある。
At the International Olympic Committee general meeting earlier this month in Buenos Aires, Abe said the tainted water problem at the plant “is under control.”
首相は、ブエノスアイレスでの国際オリンピック委員会総会で、福島原発について「状況はコントロールされている」と語った。
In a bid to win the right to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the prime minister’s remark was based on the idea that contaminated water is limited to the port adjacent to the plant. After Thursday’s inspection, he said the message was intended to “assure the world that the situation is safe and secure and poses no risk to human health.”
五輪招致にあたり、汚染水の影響は原発の港湾内にとどまっているとのメッセージだった。首相は原発視察後、「健康への被害はなく安心してもらいたいと世界に発信した」とも説明した。
The Democratic Party of Japan, for its part, has criticized the prime minister’s message, saying the current situation at the plant “is far from being under control.” However, the public will surely take such remarks as little more than frivolous objections.
民主党は、コントロールされている状況とは程遠いなどと批判しているが、揚げ足取りと受け取られても仕方あるまい。
First of all, it was the DPJ administration that set the pattern of leaving crisis resolution to TEPCO.
そもそも、東電任せの事故処理の枠組みを作ったのは民主党政権だ。
It has been brought to light that DPJ leader Banri Kaieda, while serving as economy, trade and industry minister two years ago, acknowledged TEPCO’s decision to postpone plans to install protective walls to prevent tainted water leaks at the Fukushima plant.
２年前、汚染水流出を防ぐ遮水壁の設置を先送りする東電の判断を、当時経済産業相だった海江田代表は容認していた。
The top priority for both the ruling and opposition camps should be to come up with better ways to resolve the issue.
今優先すべきは、より良い対策となるよう与野党が知恵を絞ることである。
Discussions should be deepened between the ruling and opposition blocs about such issues as how the crisis should be addressed and how the burden should be shared between the government and TEPCO, through such venues as meetings during the Diet recess and deliberations in the extraordinary Diet session, which will be convened in mid-October.
国会の閉会中審査や、１０月中旬に始まる臨時国会の審議では、原発対応のあり方や、政府と東電の役割分担についても議論を深めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2013)
（2013年9月20日01時30分 読売新聞）
Govt must take more active role in handling N-contaminated water
原発汚染水対策 政府は廃炉まで積極関与せよ（9月20日付・読売社説）
Resolving the problems at Tokyo Electric Power Co.’s ruined Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant is a process requiring as many as 30 to 40 years before plant’s reactors can be dismantled.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所の事故対応は、廃炉まで３０〜４０年もの取り組みになる。
During that time, the government must retain the ability to involve itself responsibly in resolving problems at the complex.
政府が責任を持って関与する体制を整えるべきだ。
Visiting the plant on Thursday, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe inspected items such as tanks that leaked water contaminated with radioactive substance. He also gave workers words of encouragement.
安倍首相は福島第一原発を訪れ、汚染水漏れを起こした貯蔵タンクなどを視察し、現場の職員を激励した。
Abe urged TEPCO management to push forward with cleaning up the tainted water by instituting deadlines for the task. He also called for the decommissioning of the Nos. 5 and 6 reactors, which have remained idle even though they did not suffer meltdowns or hydrogen explosions after the March 11, 2011, Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami.
東電に対しては、期限を決めて汚染水の浄化を進めることや、停止している５、６号機の廃炉を要請した。
It seems Abe has taken the bull by the horns and resolved to beef up countermeasures against the vast amounts of tainted water. It is only natural and reasonable that, after the on-site inspections, he reiterated that the government “must take the lead and fulfill its responsibility” in tackling the crisis.
汚染水対策を強化する姿勢を自ら示したと言える。視察後、首相が「国が前面に出て責任を果たしていかなければならない」と改めて述べたのも当然だ。
The government has decided to allocate about \47 billion to try to address the contaminated water problem. Its steady budgetary implementation is imperative.
政府は、汚染水の対策費として約４７０億円の国費投入を決めている。着実な実施を求めたい。
Until now, the government has left the task of handling the crisis, including tainted water disposal, in TEPCO’s hands.
政府は、汚染水対策など事故処理を東電にゆだねてきた。
There can be no denying that the government’s inaction slowed efforts to deal with the accident and ensuing turmoil.
政府が積極的に関与してこなかったことが、対応の遅れや混乱につながったのは間違いない。
The Liberal Democratic Party, for that matter, has begun considering enacting a special law to share responsibility for the clean up between the government and TEPCO and clarify a chain of command. Passage of such a law will provide the government with the mandate to extend fiscal support to end the crisis.
自民党は、汚染水対策で国と東電の責任分担を定め、指揮系統を明確にする特別措置法の検討を始めた。特措法が制定されれば、財政支援する根拠にもなろう。
Just beginning of resolution
What is of high importance in this matter is that the special law should not be limited to countermeasures against contaminated water, but should cover the entire process of resolving the crisis.
重要なのは、特措法を汚染水対策に限定せず、事故収束まで視野に入れた総合的な内容にすることだ。
The task of containing the tainted water is nothing more than the beginning of resolving the crisis.
汚染水の封じ込めは、事故収束への「入り口」に過ぎない。
Given the colossal expenses and manpower needed for reactor decommissioning, decontamination and related challenges, it would be unrealistic to leave everything to TEPCO. The system of extending assistance to the utility must be drastically revamped.
廃炉や除染に巨額な費用がかかり、人材確保も必要になることを考えれば、東電にすべて任せるのは無理だ。支援体制を抜本的に見直す必要がある。
At the International Olympic Committee general meeting earlier this month in Buenos Aires, Abe said the tainted water problem at the plant “is under control.”
首相は、ブエノスアイレスでの国際オリンピック委員会総会で、福島原発について「状況はコントロールされている」と語った。
In a bid to win the right to host the 2020 Summer Olympics and Paralympics, the prime minister’s remark was based on the idea that contaminated water is limited to the port adjacent to the plant. After Thursday’s inspection, he said the message was intended to “assure the world that the situation is safe and secure and poses no risk to human health.”
五輪招致にあたり、汚染水の影響は原発の港湾内にとどまっているとのメッセージだった。首相は原発視察後、「健康への被害はなく安心してもらいたいと世界に発信した」とも説明した。
The Democratic Party of Japan, for its part, has criticized the prime minister’s message, saying the current situation at the plant “is far from being under control.” However, the public will surely take such remarks as little more than frivolous objections.
民主党は、コントロールされている状況とは程遠いなどと批判しているが、揚げ足取りと受け取られても仕方あるまい。
First of all, it was the DPJ administration that set the pattern of leaving crisis resolution to TEPCO.
そもそも、東電任せの事故処理の枠組みを作ったのは民主党政権だ。
It has been brought to light that DPJ leader Banri Kaieda, while serving as economy, trade and industry minister two years ago, acknowledged TEPCO’s decision to postpone plans to install protective walls to prevent tainted water leaks at the Fukushima plant.
２年前、汚染水流出を防ぐ遮水壁の設置を先送りする東電の判断を、当時経済産業相だった海江田代表は容認していた。
The top priority for both the ruling and opposition camps should be to come up with better ways to resolve the issue.
今優先すべきは、より良い対策となるよう与野党が知恵を絞ることである。
Discussions should be deepened between the ruling and opposition blocs about such issues as how the crisis should be addressed and how the burden should be shared between the government and TEPCO, through such venues as meetings during the Diet recess and deliberations in the extraordinary Diet session, which will be convened in mid-October.
国会の閉会中審査や、１０月中旬に始まる臨時国会の審議では、原発対応のあり方や、政府と東電の役割分担についても議論を深めてもらいたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2013)
（2013年9月20日01時30分 読売新聞）
2013年09月21日
複数の消費者金融から融資を受けている場合はおまとめローンが良いです
現役時代仕事ですがアメリカでしばらくの期間を過ごしたことがあります。
アメリカ人はたいてい数枚のクレジットカードを持っていますが、それはいざというときの備えなんです。普段使うのは１枚だけです。
日本と違い、いきなり解雇通知をされる場合が多いのでそれに供える必要があるのです。
次の仕事が見つかるまで、仕事を探しながらクレジットカードのローンで食いつなぎます。
その意味ではアメリカは日本より厳しい環境にあると思いました。
アメリカではクレジットを失うことが、自分たちの生命に直結しています。
クレジットを失ったが最後、あの国では生きて行くことが出来ません。
日本ではクレジットカードを使って銀行や消費者金融からローンを受けることが出来れば、それで人生は豊かになりますし、生活をエンジョイすることが出来ます。
ですが忘れてならないことがあります。
お金の融資を受けたら必ず返済しなければならないという一点なんです。
市中のATMでお金を簡単に引き出せるので、ついついお金を借りすぎてしまうことが多いですね。
私もそのうちの一人なんです。
私の場合は新宿の飲み屋でつくった借金返済だったのですが、消費者金融からの借り入れは１社だけだったです。
夏と冬のボーナスを総動員してやっと返済することが出来ました。
複数の消費者金融から融資を受けていたら返済出来なかったかもしれませんね。
不幸にして、気がついたときには、数社の金融会社から融資を受けてしまっており、返済が難しくなっている場合には、迷わずおまとめローンです。
おまとめローン比較サイト が頼りになります。
忙しいOLや主婦に最適なクレンジングジェル ダブル洗顔が不要！
ドクターズコスメ のリ・ダーマラボが提供するモイストゲルクレンジングを知ったのは数ヶ月前です。
w洗顔不要のクレンジング というので、これは子育てで忙しい時間を過ごしている妻に最適だと思い、通販で購入しました。
モイストゲルクレンジングは、お肌にやさしいこんにゃくスクラブでつくられたクレンジングジェルなんです。
妻の話によれは、このクレンジングジェルでは、お肌の汚れを落としながら同時に保湿もできるということです。
こんにゃくスクラブは植物性なので、毛穴を痛めることなしに優しく洗浄してくれます。
忙しい朝一番の時間帯なんですが、洗顔はこれ一発で、しかもダブル洗顔が不必要なので、大幅な時間の節約につながっています。
それでいてしっとりとした妻のお肌をみると、こんにゃくスクラブの威力を思い知らされます。
素晴らしいクレンジング ジェルにめぐりあえました。
最近このクレンジングジェル、メディアでもたくさん紹介されています。
VERY5月号に掲載の女性たちのお肌はしっとりとして美しいですね。
ひよこクラブ8月号では可愛い赤ちゃんが印象的でした。基本は赤ちゃんのお肌でしょうね。
レビューブログからの情報です
モイストゲルプラスのおかげでお肌に確かな潤いが戻りました（妻の体験です）
ドクターズコスメ のオールインワンゲルはたった一回のお肌の手入れで三つの効果があります。
トリプル効果なんですが、お肌の徹底保湿、低刺激、エイジングケアの３つの効果が同時に期待できるんです。
スキンケア化粧品通販 のRe dermalab（リ・ダーマラボ）というサイトでオールインワンゲルを知ったのは数ヶ月前なんです。
オールインワンという意味なんですが、化粧水、乳液、美容液、クリームの機能が合体しているという意味なんです。
オールインワン通販 で購入して使っているのはモイストゲルプラスです。
妻の話しによれば、モイストゲルプラスはお肌の水分を保つ力が抜群だということなのです。
潤いのあるお肌を長時間にわたり保つことが出来るんです。（妻体験談）
最近メディアでもさかんに紹介されています。
Cancam9月号に掲載されましたが皆さん若々しいですね。
おはよう奥さん9月号に掲載されましたが、こちらは素敵な奥様たちで賑わっています。
＠コスメではオールインワンゲル部門で第1位獲得しました（8/9現在）、凄い人気ですね。
オールインワンゲル 口コミ で、その効果が確かめられますよ。
おすすめです。
レビューブログからの情報をいただきました
南シナ海情勢 日米ＡＳＥＡＮで対中連携を
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 20, 2013
Japan, U.S. and ASEAN must team up to counter China’s maritime advance
南シナ海情勢 日米ＡＳＥＡＮで対中連携を（9月19日付・読売社説）
It is becoming apparent that China intends to strengthen its hegemony in the South China Sea while stalling for time in drawing up a code of conduct to avoid hostilities.
紛争を避けるルール作りで時間稼ぎをする間に南シナ海での支配力を強める。中国のそんな意図が見えてきた。
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations held the first official talks among senior officials to move toward deciding on a code of conduct to regulate the activities of countries concerned in the South China Sea.
中国と東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）は、南シナ海で各国の行動を規制する「行動規範」の策定に向けた初の公式高官協議を行った。
Yet China remained halfhearted over the issue throughout the talks, with the meeting only deciding on the establishment of a meeting of experts.
だが、中国は消極的態度に終始し、専門家会合設置を決めるにとどまった。
In the South China Sea, China is in conflict with such ASEAN countries as the Philippines and Vietnam regarding sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and other islands and reefs.
南シナ海では、南沙諸島などの領有権を巡り、中国と、フィリピン、ベトナムなどＡＳＥＡＮ加盟国が対立している。
China asserts a claim of exclusive sovereignty over not only the Spratly Islands but nearly all of the South China Sea. Yet it has not brought the international community around to its point of view.
中国は、南沙諸島だけでなく、南シナ海ほぼ全域で独占的な権益を持つと主張しているが、国際的な理解は得られていない。
For over a decade, the ASEAN countries have been trying to secure agreement from China on the establishment of rules of conduct to prevent overt hostilities in the South China Sea. Yet, with its overwhelming military and economic power, China refused to hold such a meeting until recently.
ＡＳＥＡＮは中国に対して、１０年以上にわたり紛争防止のためのルール作りを働きかけてきた。しかし、軍事的にも経済的にも圧倒的な力を持つ中国は協議を受け入れてこなかった。
It is regrettable that even when China finally did come to the negotiating table, it proposed discussing other issues instead and would not go into a detailed discussion on the code of conduct.
ようやくテーブルに着いたものの、中国が別の議題を提示し、行動規範で突っ込んだ議論をしようとしなかったのは残念である。
Scarborough stare-down
In the South China Sea, with no code of conduct for concerned countries, the crisis is only deepening. The current focal point lies in the conflict between the Philippines and China.
ルールなき南シナ海で、危機は深まる一方である。現在の焦点は、フィリピンと中国の対立だ。
Around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, over which both countries claim sovereignty, naval vessels from the two sides faced each other for two months. The government of the Philippines said that after it moved its vessels away, China placed concrete blocks on the shoal.
係争地スカボロー礁では、昨年、両国の艦船が２か月間にらみ合った。比政府によると、フィリピンが艦船を引き揚げた後、中国がコンクリートブロックを据え付けたという。
Earlier this year, the Philippines filed a request for arbitration under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, asserting that China’s claim of sovereignty over the shoal is unlawful. This month, China held an exhibition inviting heads of ASEAN member countries. But the president of the Philippines was not invited.
フィリピンは今年に入り、国連海洋法条約に基づき、中国の領有権の主張は不当であるとして、仲裁裁判を申請した。今月、中国では、ＡＳＥＡＮ首脳らを招いた博覧会が開かれたが、比大統領は招待されなかった。
The snub must be interpreted as an attempt by China to rebuke the Philippines over the country’s having taken legal action against China.
法的手段に訴えたフィリピンへの、中国の嫌がらせと取られても仕方がない。
It is understandable that the Philippines, pressured physically by China, has been intensifying relations with the United States and Japan.
中国に物理的圧力をかけられたフィリピンが、米国や日本へ接近を強めているのは理解できる。
While having expanded a joint military exercise with the United States, the Philippines is moving ahead in talks with the United States that are likely to lead, in effect, to the stationing of U.S. forces in the Philippines again. There is a possibility that the Subic naval base, once a strategic foothold for the United States, will again be used for the deployment of U.S. forces.
米比共同軍事訓練を強化したほか、実質的な米軍再駐留につながる協議を進めている。かつての米戦略拠点だったスービック海軍基地が再び米軍の展開に使われる可能性もある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, since he took office last December, has intensively visited ASEAN countries and presented his plan of providing 10 patrol vessels to the Philippines.
安倍首相は就任以来、ＡＳＥＡＮ諸国を重点的に歴訪し、フィリピンには巡視船１０隻を供与する方針を示した。
For both Japan and the United States, which face the expanding presence of China in the East China Sea and the western Pacific, the significance of cooperating with ASEAN member countries by taking concerted actions with them is not limited to the South China Sea. It will help their efforts to check China from expanding its maritime activities elsewhere as well.
東シナ海や西太平洋で中国の膨張に直面する日米両国にとって、歩調を合わせてＡＳＥＡＮ諸国と連携する意味合いは、南シナ海にとどまらない。中国の海洋進出全体を牽制(けんせい)することにもなろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2013)
（2013年9月19日01時32分 読売新聞）
Japan, U.S. and ASEAN must team up to counter China’s maritime advance
南シナ海情勢 日米ＡＳＥＡＮで対中連携を（9月19日付・読売社説）
It is becoming apparent that China intends to strengthen its hegemony in the South China Sea while stalling for time in drawing up a code of conduct to avoid hostilities.
紛争を避けるルール作りで時間稼ぎをする間に南シナ海での支配力を強める。中国のそんな意図が見えてきた。
China and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations held the first official talks among senior officials to move toward deciding on a code of conduct to regulate the activities of countries concerned in the South China Sea.
中国と東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）は、南シナ海で各国の行動を規制する「行動規範」の策定に向けた初の公式高官協議を行った。
Yet China remained halfhearted over the issue throughout the talks, with the meeting only deciding on the establishment of a meeting of experts.
だが、中国は消極的態度に終始し、専門家会合設置を決めるにとどまった。
In the South China Sea, China is in conflict with such ASEAN countries as the Philippines and Vietnam regarding sovereignty over the Spratly Islands and other islands and reefs.
南シナ海では、南沙諸島などの領有権を巡り、中国と、フィリピン、ベトナムなどＡＳＥＡＮ加盟国が対立している。
China asserts a claim of exclusive sovereignty over not only the Spratly Islands but nearly all of the South China Sea. Yet it has not brought the international community around to its point of view.
中国は、南沙諸島だけでなく、南シナ海ほぼ全域で独占的な権益を持つと主張しているが、国際的な理解は得られていない。
For over a decade, the ASEAN countries have been trying to secure agreement from China on the establishment of rules of conduct to prevent overt hostilities in the South China Sea. Yet, with its overwhelming military and economic power, China refused to hold such a meeting until recently.
ＡＳＥＡＮは中国に対して、１０年以上にわたり紛争防止のためのルール作りを働きかけてきた。しかし、軍事的にも経済的にも圧倒的な力を持つ中国は協議を受け入れてこなかった。
It is regrettable that even when China finally did come to the negotiating table, it proposed discussing other issues instead and would not go into a detailed discussion on the code of conduct.
ようやくテーブルに着いたものの、中国が別の議題を提示し、行動規範で突っ込んだ議論をしようとしなかったのは残念である。
Scarborough stare-down
In the South China Sea, with no code of conduct for concerned countries, the crisis is only deepening. The current focal point lies in the conflict between the Philippines and China.
ルールなき南シナ海で、危機は深まる一方である。現在の焦点は、フィリピンと中国の対立だ。
Around the disputed Scarborough Shoal, over which both countries claim sovereignty, naval vessels from the two sides faced each other for two months. The government of the Philippines said that after it moved its vessels away, China placed concrete blocks on the shoal.
係争地スカボロー礁では、昨年、両国の艦船が２か月間にらみ合った。比政府によると、フィリピンが艦船を引き揚げた後、中国がコンクリートブロックを据え付けたという。
Earlier this year, the Philippines filed a request for arbitration under the U.N. Convention on the Law of the Sea, asserting that China’s claim of sovereignty over the shoal is unlawful. This month, China held an exhibition inviting heads of ASEAN member countries. But the president of the Philippines was not invited.
フィリピンは今年に入り、国連海洋法条約に基づき、中国の領有権の主張は不当であるとして、仲裁裁判を申請した。今月、中国では、ＡＳＥＡＮ首脳らを招いた博覧会が開かれたが、比大統領は招待されなかった。
The snub must be interpreted as an attempt by China to rebuke the Philippines over the country’s having taken legal action against China.
法的手段に訴えたフィリピンへの、中国の嫌がらせと取られても仕方がない。
It is understandable that the Philippines, pressured physically by China, has been intensifying relations with the United States and Japan.
中国に物理的圧力をかけられたフィリピンが、米国や日本へ接近を強めているのは理解できる。
While having expanded a joint military exercise with the United States, the Philippines is moving ahead in talks with the United States that are likely to lead, in effect, to the stationing of U.S. forces in the Philippines again. There is a possibility that the Subic naval base, once a strategic foothold for the United States, will again be used for the deployment of U.S. forces.
米比共同軍事訓練を強化したほか、実質的な米軍再駐留につながる協議を進めている。かつての米戦略拠点だったスービック海軍基地が再び米軍の展開に使われる可能性もある。
Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, since he took office last December, has intensively visited ASEAN countries and presented his plan of providing 10 patrol vessels to the Philippines.
安倍首相は就任以来、ＡＳＥＡＮ諸国を重点的に歴訪し、フィリピンには巡視船１０隻を供与する方針を示した。
For both Japan and the United States, which face the expanding presence of China in the East China Sea and the western Pacific, the significance of cooperating with ASEAN member countries by taking concerted actions with them is not limited to the South China Sea. It will help their efforts to check China from expanding its maritime activities elsewhere as well.
東シナ海や西太平洋で中国の膨張に直面する日米両国にとって、歩調を合わせてＡＳＥＡＮ諸国と連携する意味合いは、南シナ海にとどまらない。中国の海洋進出全体を牽制(けんせい)することにもなろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2013)
（2013年9月19日01時32分 読売新聞）
2013年09月20日
園児犠牲訴訟 津波への予見と情報があれば
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 19, 2013
Kindergartens must ensure safety of children when disasters occur
園児犠牲訴訟 津波への予見と情報があれば（9月18日付・読売社説）
A private kindergarten in Miyagi Prefecture has been taken to task in a court ruling on a lawsuit filed by parents whose kindergarten children died in the March 2011 disaster. The ruling blamed the kindergarten for failing to protect its pupils from the tsunami triggered by the catastrophic Great East Japan Earthquake, and the facility’s operator was ordered to pay compensation. This may serve as a wake-up call for facilities taking care of small children.
津波から園児の命を守れなかった責任は、幼稚園にある。幼い子供を預かる施設への警鐘と言える賠償命令だ。
On Tuesday, the Sendai District Court ordered the kindergarten’s operator to pay about \177 million in compensation to the parents of four children who died along with a kindergarten employee when the tsunami engulfed their school bus immediately after the earthquake.
東日本大震災の直後、宮城県石巻市の私立幼稚園の送迎バスが津波に巻き込まれ、園児らが死亡した事故で、仙台地裁は幼稚園側に約１億７７００万円の損害賠償を命じた。
The lawsuit had been filed by the parents, who argued that the deaths were caused by the kindergarten’s failure to take appropriate action to protect their children’s lives. In supporting the plaintiffs, the district court concluded that the kindergarten had neglected to gather information about the likelihood of a tsunami following the quake.
死亡した園児４人の両親が「園の対応の悪さが引き起こした人災だ」と訴えていた。判決は「津波に関する情報収集義務を怠った」と結論付け、訴えを認めた。
Kindergarten pupils are far less competent in avoiding danger than grown-ups. It is difficult for them to escape to safety at their own discretion in an emergency.
幼い園児は、危険を回避する能力が大人ほど発達していない。津波襲来の際などには、自らの判断で避難することは困難だ。
The court ruling was quite reasonable in stating that there was no way for kindergarten children to ensure their safety other than to trust the school’s director and teachers and follow their instructions.
判決が「園長、教諭を信頼して指導に従うほかに生命身体を守る手立てがない」と指摘したのは、もっともである。
Kindergartens are duty-bound to protect the safety of their pupils. In fact, the court ruling stated that kindergartens are obliged to anticipate possible danger and do their utmost to avert any threat.
手立てがない以上、幼稚園には、子供の安全を守る高度な義務が課される。判決も「危険性を予見し、回避する最善の措置を取る義務を負う」と判断した。
Based on this, the court placed the blame on the kindergarten in Ishinomaki, arguing that the facility should have expected the arrival of a tsunami considering that an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of lower 6 on the Japanese scale of 7 had continued for about three minutes. The ruling said the kindergarten should have listened closely to the radio and the community public address system to gather information about a possible tsunami.
その上で、最大震度６弱の揺れが約３分間も続いたことを考えれば、園側が津波襲来を予見するのは可能であり、「ラジオや防災無線を正確に聴く必要があった」と、園側の落ち度を認定した。
No preparations made
During the trial, the kindergarten insisted that the tragedy was an unavoidable accident caused by a devastating tsunami that could not have been foreseen.
園側は「予測不可能な異常な津波で引き起こされた不可抗力による事故」と主張してきた。
It should be noted, however, that the bus taking the children home was headed toward the sea after leaving the kindergarten, which was on elevated ground. It was reasonable for the four children’s parents to argue that the loss of life should be attributed to the kindergarten’s thoughtless conduct, especially as the facility itself was not affected by the tsunami.
だが、幼稚園は高台にあるのに、園児を自宅に送り届けようとバスは海側に向かった。園自体は津波被害を受けなかっただけに、園児の両親が「園の行為で犠牲が出た」と訴えたのは理解できる。
A manual prepared by the kindergarten to protect its pupils whenever a major earthquake occurs requires its employees to ensure the children take refuge in the facility’s play area at first, and then allow them to return home with their parents when they arrive to pick them up. However, most of the kindergarten’s staff had not known of the manual. No disaster drills had been carried out in accordance with the manual, either.
大地震の際は園庭に避難し、保護者が迎えに来てから園児を引き渡すとの園のマニュアルがあるにもかかわらず、教職員の大半が存在を知らず、マニュアルに沿った訓練も実施しなかったという。
Evidently, the kindergarten lacked preparations regarding a massive earthquake and possible tsunami.
大地震と津波への備えを欠いていたのは明らかだろう。
If the kindergarten appeals to a higher court, a new round of hearings will start. It remains to be seen whether the kindergarten will be able to pay the massive amount of court-ordered compensation.
園側が控訴すれば、訴訟は続くが、多額の賠償命令に対し、園側に支払い能力はあるのかという問題は残る。
If a feared massive Nankai Trough earthquake actually strikes, a tsunami is predicted to follow that would cause damage in excess of that incurred by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
南海トラフ巨大地震では、東日本大震災を上回る規模の津波被害が想定されている。
Kindergartens must secure evacuation sites and routes in preparation for such a disaster, while also conducting periodic disaster drills to make sure their teaching staff and pupils know how to use them. This task should be tackled immediately by all facilities that take care of children, including day-care centers and primary schools.
避難場所や経路を確保し、日ごろの訓練で教職員や子供に徹底させる。幼稚園だけでなく、保育所や小学校など、子供のいる施設が早急に取り組むべき課題だ。
At municipally run kindergartens in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, children, teachers and all other staff conduct drills in which they evacuate to higher ground almost every day. This is the kind of effort that should be made in other parts of the country.
和歌山県串本町の町立幼稚園では、ほぼ毎日、園児と職員全員が高台への避難訓練を続けている。こうした取り組みを広げたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 18, 2013)
（2013年9月18日01時28分 読売新聞）
Kindergartens must ensure safety of children when disasters occur
園児犠牲訴訟 津波への予見と情報があれば（9月18日付・読売社説）
A private kindergarten in Miyagi Prefecture has been taken to task in a court ruling on a lawsuit filed by parents whose kindergarten children died in the March 2011 disaster. The ruling blamed the kindergarten for failing to protect its pupils from the tsunami triggered by the catastrophic Great East Japan Earthquake, and the facility’s operator was ordered to pay compensation. This may serve as a wake-up call for facilities taking care of small children.
津波から園児の命を守れなかった責任は、幼稚園にある。幼い子供を預かる施設への警鐘と言える賠償命令だ。
On Tuesday, the Sendai District Court ordered the kindergarten’s operator to pay about \177 million in compensation to the parents of four children who died along with a kindergarten employee when the tsunami engulfed their school bus immediately after the earthquake.
東日本大震災の直後、宮城県石巻市の私立幼稚園の送迎バスが津波に巻き込まれ、園児らが死亡した事故で、仙台地裁は幼稚園側に約１億７７００万円の損害賠償を命じた。
The lawsuit had been filed by the parents, who argued that the deaths were caused by the kindergarten’s failure to take appropriate action to protect their children’s lives. In supporting the plaintiffs, the district court concluded that the kindergarten had neglected to gather information about the likelihood of a tsunami following the quake.
死亡した園児４人の両親が「園の対応の悪さが引き起こした人災だ」と訴えていた。判決は「津波に関する情報収集義務を怠った」と結論付け、訴えを認めた。
Kindergarten pupils are far less competent in avoiding danger than grown-ups. It is difficult for them to escape to safety at their own discretion in an emergency.
幼い園児は、危険を回避する能力が大人ほど発達していない。津波襲来の際などには、自らの判断で避難することは困難だ。
The court ruling was quite reasonable in stating that there was no way for kindergarten children to ensure their safety other than to trust the school’s director and teachers and follow their instructions.
判決が「園長、教諭を信頼して指導に従うほかに生命身体を守る手立てがない」と指摘したのは、もっともである。
Kindergartens are duty-bound to protect the safety of their pupils. In fact, the court ruling stated that kindergartens are obliged to anticipate possible danger and do their utmost to avert any threat.
手立てがない以上、幼稚園には、子供の安全を守る高度な義務が課される。判決も「危険性を予見し、回避する最善の措置を取る義務を負う」と判断した。
Based on this, the court placed the blame on the kindergarten in Ishinomaki, arguing that the facility should have expected the arrival of a tsunami considering that an earthquake with a maximum seismic intensity of lower 6 on the Japanese scale of 7 had continued for about three minutes. The ruling said the kindergarten should have listened closely to the radio and the community public address system to gather information about a possible tsunami.
その上で、最大震度６弱の揺れが約３分間も続いたことを考えれば、園側が津波襲来を予見するのは可能であり、「ラジオや防災無線を正確に聴く必要があった」と、園側の落ち度を認定した。
No preparations made
During the trial, the kindergarten insisted that the tragedy was an unavoidable accident caused by a devastating tsunami that could not have been foreseen.
園側は「予測不可能な異常な津波で引き起こされた不可抗力による事故」と主張してきた。
It should be noted, however, that the bus taking the children home was headed toward the sea after leaving the kindergarten, which was on elevated ground. It was reasonable for the four children’s parents to argue that the loss of life should be attributed to the kindergarten’s thoughtless conduct, especially as the facility itself was not affected by the tsunami.
だが、幼稚園は高台にあるのに、園児を自宅に送り届けようとバスは海側に向かった。園自体は津波被害を受けなかっただけに、園児の両親が「園の行為で犠牲が出た」と訴えたのは理解できる。
A manual prepared by the kindergarten to protect its pupils whenever a major earthquake occurs requires its employees to ensure the children take refuge in the facility’s play area at first, and then allow them to return home with their parents when they arrive to pick them up. However, most of the kindergarten’s staff had not known of the manual. No disaster drills had been carried out in accordance with the manual, either.
大地震の際は園庭に避難し、保護者が迎えに来てから園児を引き渡すとの園のマニュアルがあるにもかかわらず、教職員の大半が存在を知らず、マニュアルに沿った訓練も実施しなかったという。
Evidently, the kindergarten lacked preparations regarding a massive earthquake and possible tsunami.
大地震と津波への備えを欠いていたのは明らかだろう。
If the kindergarten appeals to a higher court, a new round of hearings will start. It remains to be seen whether the kindergarten will be able to pay the massive amount of court-ordered compensation.
園側が控訴すれば、訴訟は続くが、多額の賠償命令に対し、園側に支払い能力はあるのかという問題は残る。
If a feared massive Nankai Trough earthquake actually strikes, a tsunami is predicted to follow that would cause damage in excess of that incurred by the Great East Japan Earthquake.
南海トラフ巨大地震では、東日本大震災を上回る規模の津波被害が想定されている。
Kindergartens must secure evacuation sites and routes in preparation for such a disaster, while also conducting periodic disaster drills to make sure their teaching staff and pupils know how to use them. This task should be tackled immediately by all facilities that take care of children, including day-care centers and primary schools.
避難場所や経路を確保し、日ごろの訓練で教職員や子供に徹底させる。幼稚園だけでなく、保育所や小学校など、子供のいる施設が早急に取り組むべき課題だ。
At municipally run kindergartens in Kushimoto, Wakayama Prefecture, children, teachers and all other staff conduct drills in which they evacuate to higher ground almost every day. This is the kind of effort that should be made in other parts of the country.
和歌山県串本町の町立幼稚園では、ほぼ毎日、園児と職員全員が高台への避難訓練を続けている。こうした取り組みを広げたい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 18, 2013)
（2013年9月18日01時28分 読売新聞）
2013年09月19日
法科大学院 優秀な人材をどう集めるか
The Yomiuri Shimbun September 18, 2013
Nation’s law schools must improve for the good of the profession, society
法科大学院 優秀な人材をどう集めるか（9月17日付・読売社説）
If things are left as they are, talented young people may no longer be attracted to careers in law. The nation’s law schools, meant to be the core of efforts to foster legal professionals, have fallen into a critical situation.
このままでは、優秀な人材が法曹界に集まらなくなるのではないか。
法曹養成の中核である法科大学院が、危機的な状況に陥っている。
The number of people who passed this year’s national bar exam after graduating from law school stood at 1,929. The pass rate remains low. Hovering around 26 percent, it is a far cry from the 70-80 percent rate originally assumed.
今年の司法試験で、法科大学院の修了生の合格者は１９２９人、合格率は約２６％と低迷を続けている。当初想定された７〜８割という合格率には遠く及ばない。
In light of such a reality, students are becoming less interested in going to law school. The number of applicants for law school enrollment this spring has fallen to one-fifth of what it was at its peak.
こうした現状から、学生の法科大学院離れは進む一方だ。入学志願者は減少し、今春はピーク時の５分の１に落ち込んだ。
The popularity of law departments at universities is also declining. At national and other public universities, the number of students applying to law departments has fallen by about 10 percent over the past two years.
大学の法学部人気も低下しており、国公立大学では法学部の志願者がこの２年で約１割減った。
As one of the three branches of government depends on a strong pool of legal talent, the foundation of a state under the rule of law may be shaken if the number of young people who aspire to enter legal circles declines.
三権の一角を担う法曹界を目指す若者が減れば、法治国家の根幹が揺らぎかねない。
The first law schools opened in 2004 to further judicial system reform by “fostering an ample source of legal professionals both in terms of quality and quantity.” The schools were initially expected to produce work-ready law practitioners equipped with specialized knowledge and legal analytical abilities.
法科大学院は、「質・量ともに豊かな法曹を育てる」という司法制度改革の理念の下、２００４年に開校した。専門知識と法的分析力を備えた即戦力の実務家を育成することが期待された。
Yet as the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry broadly allowed many academic institutions to open law schools, as many as 74 law schools with varying levels of quality have opened. As a result, a number of schools had only single-digit numbers of their students pass the national exam for the year.
ところが、文部科学省が広く参入を認めた結果、７４校が乱立し、司法試験の合格者数が１けたにとどまるところが続出した。
Weed out subpar schools
Next fiscal year, the education ministry is set to cut its subsidies to 18 law schools that have failed to produce strong results, as the pass rate of their students remains low. The cut is designed to urge these schools to integrate with other schools or leave the field altogether. Law schools that fail in fostering legal professionals must inevitably be weeded out.
文科省は来年度、司法試験の合格率低迷など、実績を上げられない法科大学院１８校の補助金を減額する方針だ。統廃合を促す狙いがある。養成機能を果たせない法科大学院の淘汰(とうた)はやむを得ない。
Meanwhile, the number of people who passed the bar exam without graduating from law school has been increasing sharply. Such people become eligible to take the bar exam after passing a preliminary qualification test. This year, the number who succeeded surged to 120, nearly double last year’s figure.
一方、法科大学院を修了せずに司法試験の受験資格を得られる「予備試験」経由者の合格が急増している。今年は前年の約２倍の１２０人を数えた。
The preliminary test system was introduced to open the way for people unable to enroll in law school for economic reasons to tackle the bar exam. Despite this purpose, many law school students used the preliminary exam to take and pass the bar exam without graduating from law school.
予備試験は、経済的理由で法科大学院に通えない人にも司法試験に挑戦する道を開くために設けられた。にもかかわらず、今年の司法試験に合格した予備試験組には法科大学院在学生が目立つ。
If an increasing number of people use the preliminary test as a shortcut to pass the bar exam without completing their law school studies, the hollowing out of law schools will only accelerate.
法科大学院で学ぶ過程を省く「近道」として予備試験を利用する人が増え続ければ、法科大学院の空洞化が進むだけだ。
If the law school system is to be maintained, it is necessary to review it, such as by allowing law school graduates to take the bar exam more often, so that students will become more willing to go on to law school.
法科大学院制度を維持するなら、修了者に対し、司法試験の受験回数の制限を大幅に緩和するなど、学生が法科大学院に進みたいと思うような見直しが必要だ。
Needless to say, law schools, for their part, are asked to strive to improve their quality of education.
無論、法科大学院にも教育の質向上の取り組みが求められる。
Furthermore, the current situation in which many of those who have passed the bar exam and become lawyers are unable to find jobs is serious.
司法試験に受かり、弁護士になっても、働き口が見つからない状況も深刻だ。
It is naturally expected that students will tend to shy away from entering the legal profession as long as there is little prospect of employment.
将来の展望が開けないのでは、学生が法曹界を敬遠するのも無理はない。
The government and legal circles must discuss ways to expand the range of activities for lawyers by, for instance, expanding their job opportunities in local governments and private businesses as soon as possible.
自治体や企業による雇用拡大など、弁護士の活動領域を広げる方策について、政府と法曹界は早急に検討すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 17, 2013)
（2013年9月17日02時11分 読売新聞）
Nation’s law schools must improve for the good of the profession, society
法科大学院 優秀な人材をどう集めるか（9月17日付・読売社説）
If things are left as they are, talented young people may no longer be attracted to careers in law. The nation’s law schools, meant to be the core of efforts to foster legal professionals, have fallen into a critical situation.
このままでは、優秀な人材が法曹界に集まらなくなるのではないか。
法曹養成の中核である法科大学院が、危機的な状況に陥っている。
The number of people who passed this year’s national bar exam after graduating from law school stood at 1,929. The pass rate remains low. Hovering around 26 percent, it is a far cry from the 70-80 percent rate originally assumed.
今年の司法試験で、法科大学院の修了生の合格者は１９２９人、合格率は約２６％と低迷を続けている。当初想定された７〜８割という合格率には遠く及ばない。
In light of such a reality, students are becoming less interested in going to law school. The number of applicants for law school enrollment this spring has fallen to one-fifth of what it was at its peak.
こうした現状から、学生の法科大学院離れは進む一方だ。入学志願者は減少し、今春はピーク時の５分の１に落ち込んだ。
The popularity of law departments at universities is also declining. At national and other public universities, the number of students applying to law departments has fallen by about 10 percent over the past two years.
大学の法学部人気も低下しており、国公立大学では法学部の志願者がこの２年で約１割減った。
As one of the three branches of government depends on a strong pool of legal talent, the foundation of a state under the rule of law may be shaken if the number of young people who aspire to enter legal circles declines.
三権の一角を担う法曹界を目指す若者が減れば、法治国家の根幹が揺らぎかねない。
The first law schools opened in 2004 to further judicial system reform by “fostering an ample source of legal professionals both in terms of quality and quantity.” The schools were initially expected to produce work-ready law practitioners equipped with specialized knowledge and legal analytical abilities.
法科大学院は、「質・量ともに豊かな法曹を育てる」という司法制度改革の理念の下、２００４年に開校した。専門知識と法的分析力を備えた即戦力の実務家を育成することが期待された。
Yet as the Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology Ministry broadly allowed many academic institutions to open law schools, as many as 74 law schools with varying levels of quality have opened. As a result, a number of schools had only single-digit numbers of their students pass the national exam for the year.
ところが、文部科学省が広く参入を認めた結果、７４校が乱立し、司法試験の合格者数が１けたにとどまるところが続出した。
Weed out subpar schools
Next fiscal year, the education ministry is set to cut its subsidies to 18 law schools that have failed to produce strong results, as the pass rate of their students remains low. The cut is designed to urge these schools to integrate with other schools or leave the field altogether. Law schools that fail in fostering legal professionals must inevitably be weeded out.
文科省は来年度、司法試験の合格率低迷など、実績を上げられない法科大学院１８校の補助金を減額する方針だ。統廃合を促す狙いがある。養成機能を果たせない法科大学院の淘汰(とうた)はやむを得ない。
Meanwhile, the number of people who passed the bar exam without graduating from law school has been increasing sharply. Such people become eligible to take the bar exam after passing a preliminary qualification test. This year, the number who succeeded surged to 120, nearly double last year’s figure.
一方、法科大学院を修了せずに司法試験の受験資格を得られる「予備試験」経由者の合格が急増している。今年は前年の約２倍の１２０人を数えた。
The preliminary test system was introduced to open the way for people unable to enroll in law school for economic reasons to tackle the bar exam. Despite this purpose, many law school students used the preliminary exam to take and pass the bar exam without graduating from law school.
予備試験は、経済的理由で法科大学院に通えない人にも司法試験に挑戦する道を開くために設けられた。にもかかわらず、今年の司法試験に合格した予備試験組には法科大学院在学生が目立つ。
If an increasing number of people use the preliminary test as a shortcut to pass the bar exam without completing their law school studies, the hollowing out of law schools will only accelerate.
法科大学院で学ぶ過程を省く「近道」として予備試験を利用する人が増え続ければ、法科大学院の空洞化が進むだけだ。
If the law school system is to be maintained, it is necessary to review it, such as by allowing law school graduates to take the bar exam more often, so that students will become more willing to go on to law school.
法科大学院制度を維持するなら、修了者に対し、司法試験の受験回数の制限を大幅に緩和するなど、学生が法科大学院に進みたいと思うような見直しが必要だ。
Needless to say, law schools, for their part, are asked to strive to improve their quality of education.
無論、法科大学院にも教育の質向上の取り組みが求められる。
Furthermore, the current situation in which many of those who have passed the bar exam and become lawyers are unable to find jobs is serious.
司法試験に受かり、弁護士になっても、働き口が見つからない状況も深刻だ。
It is naturally expected that students will tend to shy away from entering the legal profession as long as there is little prospect of employment.
将来の展望が開けないのでは、学生が法曹界を敬遠するのも無理はない。
The government and legal circles must discuss ways to expand the range of activities for lawyers by, for instance, expanding their job opportunities in local governments and private businesses as soon as possible.
自治体や企業による雇用拡大など、弁護士の活動領域を広げる方策について、政府と法曹界は早急に検討すべきだ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 17, 2013)
（2013年9月17日02時11分 読売新聞）