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2013年08月02日
郵政保険提携 企業価値の向上占う試金石だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun August 1, 2013
Japan Post-Aflac deal a chance to revive postal sector profits
郵政保険提携 企業価値の向上占う試金石だ（7月31日付・読売社説）
The recent agreement by Japan Post Holdings Co. and Aflac Inc. to expand their business alliance should serve to improve the profitability of the nation’s postal services but not hamper fair competition in the domestic insurance market.
郵政事業の収益を向上させ、日本の保険市場の公正な競争を阻害しない提携が求められる。
On Friday, the Japan Post Group’s holding company and the major U.S. insurance firm announced their decision to strengthen their partnership in the insurance business.
日本郵政と米保険大手のアメリカンファミリー生命保険（アフラック）が、がん保険の提携強化で合意した。
Aflac’s market share in Japan’s cancer insurance sector is currently 70 percent. The U.S. firm was firmly opposed to Japan Post Holding’s entry into the market, considering the Japanese government’s equity investment in the holding company.
アフラックは日本のがん保険市場の７割を占める最大手で、日本政府が出資する日本郵政のがん保険参入に強く反対していた。
In light of this, the recent deal seems unusual in that the two corporations will now fully cooperate in marketing their cancer insurance policies.
それが一転して、がん保険を本格的に共同販売するという異例の提携劇である。
The agreement will result in an increase in the number of post offices selling Aflac cancer insurance to 20,000 from the current 1,000. This will be complemented by a similar marketing plan at shops directly managed by Japan Post Insurance Co., another arm of the holding company.
具体的には、アフラックのがん保険を販売する郵便局を、現在の１０００局から２万局へ拡大し、かんぽ生命保険の直営店でも取り扱うようにする。
The accord also requires Aflac to develop a new cancer insurance instrument that will be marketed by Japan Post Holdings.
アフラックは、日本郵政が販売するがん保険の専用商品を開発するという。
At a press conference Friday, Japan Post Holdings President Taizo Nishimuro emphasized the significance of the two corporations’ expanded business partnership. “It will both benefit customers and increase the value of the Japan Post Group,” he said. Nishimuro was named president of the holding company in June.
６月に就任した西室泰三・日本郵政社長は記者会見で、「顧客の利便性を高め、グループの企業価値を高められる」と述べ、提携拡大の意義を強調した。
Going forward, it is important that Japan Post Holdings makes the most of the recent deal to further develop its insurance business. If it envisions the fortified partnership as a mere tool for boosting sales commissions, it will scarcely gain from the deal. To this end, Japan Post Holdings must continue fine-tuning the agreement.
重要なのは日本郵政の保険ビジネスの成長につなげることだ。販売手数料を得るだけではメリットは乏しい。アフラックと提携内容をさらに詰める必要がある。
In negotiations with Japan over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the United States disapproved of an attempt by the holding company to expand the scope of its insurance services. This recent deal should nullify Washington’s concerns and remove a potential hindrance to progress in sideline TPP talks between the two nations. The move will likely prove advantageous in TPP negotiations as they shift into high gear.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）を巡る日米交渉で、米国は日本郵政の保険事業拡大に難色を示していた。両社の提携で支障の一つがなくなる。これから本格化するＴＰＰ交渉には追い風となろう。
Ensure fair competition
Meanwhile, the domestic life insurance industry is still apprehensive about what it sees as “a domineering partnership” between Japan Post Holdings and Aflac. Because the government owns shares in the holding company, some critics have called the arrangement a tacit government guarantee. Domestic life insurance firms fear the latest accord could eventually strain the private-sector insurance industry, just as the state-run postal business did before its privatization.
一方、日本の生保業界には、国の後ろ盾がある日本郵政とアフラックの“巨大提携”が、新たな民業圧迫につながるのではないかとの懸念がくすぶっている。
To invigorate the insurance market, it is essential to ensure fair competition. To achieve this, the government must keep a close watch on movements in the market.
保険市場の活性化を図るには、公正な競争が確保されていることが不可欠だ。政府はしっかり監視してもらいたい。
The holding company hopes to list the government-held postal shares on the stock market in fiscal 2015. Profits from the sale of the listed shares will be used to help finance revitalization projects for areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Steady progress must be made in ensuring the shares are listed.
日本郵政は、政府が持つ日本郵政株を２０１５年度に上場することを目指している。上場に伴う政府保有株の売却益は、東日本大震災の復興財源に活用される。着実な上場の実現が望まれる。
However, the shrinking scale of Japan Post Holdings’ operations is alarming, as the situation could impede the government’s efforts to list its postal stock.
気がかりなのは、日本郵政の事業が縮小傾向にあることだ。上場の障害となりかねない。
Furthermore, Japan Post Insurance has seen an ongoing decline in its number of active contracts. There has also been a large drop in the quantity of mail, postcards and other related business handled by the Japan Post Group. To add insult to injury, the value of outstanding deposits at Japan Post Bank Co., another unit of the group, has steadily decreased in the wake of postal privatization.
かんぽ生命の保有契約件数は減少が続き、郵便の取扱数や、ゆうちょ銀行の残高も民営化前より大きく目減りした。
Japan Post Holdings hopes to improve its profitability through such measures as an entry into the housing loan business. However, there are lingering concerns over its evaluation system for loan applications and supervision of internal operations.
日本郵政は、住宅ローンなどへの参入で収益向上を図りたい考えだが、融資審査や内部管理などの体制は依然として心もとない。
Can Japan Post Holdings turn its business around to achieve tangible financial results? Nishimuro’s management skills will soon be tested.
長引く低迷から脱却し、目に見える成果を出せるか。西室体制の経営手腕が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 31, 2013)
（2013年7月31日02時10分 読売新聞）
Japan Post-Aflac deal a chance to revive postal sector profits
郵政保険提携 企業価値の向上占う試金石だ（7月31日付・読売社説）
The recent agreement by Japan Post Holdings Co. and Aflac Inc. to expand their business alliance should serve to improve the profitability of the nation’s postal services but not hamper fair competition in the domestic insurance market.
郵政事業の収益を向上させ、日本の保険市場の公正な競争を阻害しない提携が求められる。
On Friday, the Japan Post Group’s holding company and the major U.S. insurance firm announced their decision to strengthen their partnership in the insurance business.
日本郵政と米保険大手のアメリカンファミリー生命保険（アフラック）が、がん保険の提携強化で合意した。
Aflac’s market share in Japan’s cancer insurance sector is currently 70 percent. The U.S. firm was firmly opposed to Japan Post Holding’s entry into the market, considering the Japanese government’s equity investment in the holding company.
アフラックは日本のがん保険市場の７割を占める最大手で、日本政府が出資する日本郵政のがん保険参入に強く反対していた。
In light of this, the recent deal seems unusual in that the two corporations will now fully cooperate in marketing their cancer insurance policies.
それが一転して、がん保険を本格的に共同販売するという異例の提携劇である。
The agreement will result in an increase in the number of post offices selling Aflac cancer insurance to 20,000 from the current 1,000. This will be complemented by a similar marketing plan at shops directly managed by Japan Post Insurance Co., another arm of the holding company.
具体的には、アフラックのがん保険を販売する郵便局を、現在の１０００局から２万局へ拡大し、かんぽ生命保険の直営店でも取り扱うようにする。
The accord also requires Aflac to develop a new cancer insurance instrument that will be marketed by Japan Post Holdings.
アフラックは、日本郵政が販売するがん保険の専用商品を開発するという。
At a press conference Friday, Japan Post Holdings President Taizo Nishimuro emphasized the significance of the two corporations’ expanded business partnership. “It will both benefit customers and increase the value of the Japan Post Group,” he said. Nishimuro was named president of the holding company in June.
６月に就任した西室泰三・日本郵政社長は記者会見で、「顧客の利便性を高め、グループの企業価値を高められる」と述べ、提携拡大の意義を強調した。
Going forward, it is important that Japan Post Holdings makes the most of the recent deal to further develop its insurance business. If it envisions the fortified partnership as a mere tool for boosting sales commissions, it will scarcely gain from the deal. To this end, Japan Post Holdings must continue fine-tuning the agreement.
重要なのは日本郵政の保険ビジネスの成長につなげることだ。販売手数料を得るだけではメリットは乏しい。アフラックと提携内容をさらに詰める必要がある。
In negotiations with Japan over the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact, the United States disapproved of an attempt by the holding company to expand the scope of its insurance services. This recent deal should nullify Washington’s concerns and remove a potential hindrance to progress in sideline TPP talks between the two nations. The move will likely prove advantageous in TPP negotiations as they shift into high gear.
環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）を巡る日米交渉で、米国は日本郵政の保険事業拡大に難色を示していた。両社の提携で支障の一つがなくなる。これから本格化するＴＰＰ交渉には追い風となろう。
Ensure fair competition
Meanwhile, the domestic life insurance industry is still apprehensive about what it sees as “a domineering partnership” between Japan Post Holdings and Aflac. Because the government owns shares in the holding company, some critics have called the arrangement a tacit government guarantee. Domestic life insurance firms fear the latest accord could eventually strain the private-sector insurance industry, just as the state-run postal business did before its privatization.
一方、日本の生保業界には、国の後ろ盾がある日本郵政とアフラックの“巨大提携”が、新たな民業圧迫につながるのではないかとの懸念がくすぶっている。
To invigorate the insurance market, it is essential to ensure fair competition. To achieve this, the government must keep a close watch on movements in the market.
保険市場の活性化を図るには、公正な競争が確保されていることが不可欠だ。政府はしっかり監視してもらいたい。
The holding company hopes to list the government-held postal shares on the stock market in fiscal 2015. Profits from the sale of the listed shares will be used to help finance revitalization projects for areas devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. Steady progress must be made in ensuring the shares are listed.
日本郵政は、政府が持つ日本郵政株を２０１５年度に上場することを目指している。上場に伴う政府保有株の売却益は、東日本大震災の復興財源に活用される。着実な上場の実現が望まれる。
However, the shrinking scale of Japan Post Holdings’ operations is alarming, as the situation could impede the government’s efforts to list its postal stock.
気がかりなのは、日本郵政の事業が縮小傾向にあることだ。上場の障害となりかねない。
Furthermore, Japan Post Insurance has seen an ongoing decline in its number of active contracts. There has also been a large drop in the quantity of mail, postcards and other related business handled by the Japan Post Group. To add insult to injury, the value of outstanding deposits at Japan Post Bank Co., another unit of the group, has steadily decreased in the wake of postal privatization.
かんぽ生命の保有契約件数は減少が続き、郵便の取扱数や、ゆうちょ銀行の残高も民営化前より大きく目減りした。
Japan Post Holdings hopes to improve its profitability through such measures as an entry into the housing loan business. However, there are lingering concerns over its evaluation system for loan applications and supervision of internal operations.
日本郵政は、住宅ローンなどへの参入で収益向上を図りたい考えだが、融資審査や内部管理などの体制は依然として心もとない。
Can Japan Post Holdings turn its business around to achieve tangible financial results? Nishimuro’s management skills will soon be tested.
長引く低迷から脱却し、目に見える成果を出せるか。西室体制の経営手腕が問われよう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 31, 2013)
（2013年7月31日02時10分 読売新聞）
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2013年08月01日
「多弱」の野党 再編は政策論議から始めよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 31, 2013
Opposition parties should focus on policies before realignment talks
「多弱」の野党 再編は政策論議から始めよ（7月30日付・読売社説）
The current political climate is described as consisting of the powerful Liberal Democratic Party and many weak opposition parties. Although opposition parties rivaling the huge ruling party are needed, such a prospect appears remote.
「１強」の自民党と、「多弱」の野党と言われる。巨大与党に対抗し得る野党像を模索すべきなのに、展望は厳しい。
After the recent House of Councillors election, questions were raised over the responsibility of the party leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party). But it has been decided the top leaders of these parties will stay on.
参院選後、執行部の責任問題が取り沙汰された民主党、日本維新の会は、ともにトップが続投することになった。
There have been talks about realignment involving the two parties and Your Party. But with party leaders who could not form a united front in the upper house election, it will be no easy task for the parties to unite or realign themselves.
みんなの党を加えた３党間で野党再編も浮上しているが、参院選で共闘できなかった党首の下、結束や再編は容易ではあるまい。
The DPJ decided that former party leader Naoto Kan, who openly supported an independent candidate in the upper house poll, be suspended from the party for three months. The punishment was lenient given the initial calls to expel him from the party. There is strong discontent over the continued party leadership of Banri Kaieda, and it remains unclear how the party can reconstruct itself.
民主党は、参院選で無所属候補を応援した菅元代表の処分を「党員資格３か月停止」とした。当初案の「除籍」に比べて後退した。海江田代表の続投に不満が根強く、党再建の道筋は不透明だ。
Since its foundation, there have been significant differences over basic policies among DPJ party members. This has caused a lack of party unity, which is seen as the DPJ’s weakest point. We strongly doubt Kaieda can exercise the leadership needed to overcome confrontations over policies among party members.
民主党では結党以来、基本政策を巡って隔たりが大きい。最大の弱点とされる党の一体感の欠如を招いている。海江田氏が、路線対立を乗り越える指導力を発揮できるのか、はなはだ疑問である。
Akihiro Ohata has been chosen for the post of DPJ secretary general. Ohata, who was previously acting party president, had belonged to the former Japan Socialist Party and enjoys the strong support of labor unions. Thus, the DPJ’s reliance on labor unions is likely to increase.
幹事長には、大畠章宏代表代行が就いた。大畠氏は旧社会党出身で労働組合色が濃く、民主党の労組依存体質は強まるだろう。
In the proportional representation segment of the upper house election, six of the party’s seven winners were those who ran with organizational support from the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo).
参院選の比例選でも、当選者７人のうち連合の組織内候補が６人を占めている。
Unified views lacking
Regarding realignment of opposition parties, Kaieda said, “The important thing is that the DPJ plays the leading role.” But we think he does not understand the party’s current position.
海江田氏は、野党再編に関し、「大切なのは民主党が中心になることだ」と述べたが、民主党の置かれた状況を理解していない。
Ishin no Kai coleader Toru Hashimoto and some others within the party indeed consider the DPJ’s reliance on labor unions problematic. Ishin no Kai has called for tie-ups with Your Party and conservative DPJ members who are not affiliated with labor unions.
維新の会の橋下共同代表らは、まさに民主党の労組依存を問題視しており、結束を呼びかける相手は、みんなの党と民主党の保守・非労組系議員だからだ。
Within Ishin no Kai, Hashimoto expressed his intention to resign as party coleader. But the other party coleader Shintaro Ishihara and others persuaded Hashimoto to stay on. Confrontations between party members in Osaka, where Ishin no Kai is based, and party Diet members in Tokyo likely will continue.
その維新の会では、橋下氏が辞意を表明したものの、石原共同代表らに慰留された。本拠地の大阪と、東京の国会議員団との対立という問題は今後もくすぶろう。
In Your Party, there is discord between party leader Yoshimi Watanabe and Secretary General Kenji Eda. While Eda is eager for the party to take the leading role in opposition realignment, Watanabe is taking a cautious stance, saying, “Hasty realignment will fail, ending with a mere union of convenience.”
みんなの党には、渡辺代表と江田幹事長の確執がある。江田氏はみんなの党が再編を主導すべきだと前のめりだが、渡辺氏は「拙速な再編は野合に終わり、失敗する」と慎重な構えだ。
The political clout of Ichiro Ozawa, who had long played a central role in political realignments and currently serves as the leader of the People’s Life Party, has significantly waned. Mizuho Fukushima, who led the Social Democratic Party for a decade, has stepped down as party leader.
長年、政界再編の中心だった生活の党の小沢代表は、政治力の低下が著しい。社民党を１０年間率いてきた福島党首も退く。
Political parties are meant to grasp issues both at home and abroad and carry out prescriptive policy measures to address them. Parties should not easily ally or split just for politicians’ convenience, and will not be able to survive without public support.
政党は本来、内外の課題を把握し、処方箋たる政策を実行していくためにある。政治家の都合で離合集散すべきものではないし、国民の支持なしに生き残れない。
For any new opposition party, it is essential for there to be a consensus among its members over such policy issues as the Constitution under a leader who can establish intraparty governance.
新しい野党には、ガバナンスを確立できるリーダーの下、憲法など政策での一致が欠かせない。
The next national election will held three years from now at the latest. Each opposition party should start from realistic and steady policy discussions rather than insubstantial talks on realignment.
次の国政選まで最大３年ある。野党各党は、浮ついた再編論議ではなく、現実的で地道な政策論から始めるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 30, 2013)
（2013年7月30日01時39分 読売新聞）
Opposition parties should focus on policies before realignment talks
「多弱」の野党 再編は政策論議から始めよ（7月30日付・読売社説）
The current political climate is described as consisting of the powerful Liberal Democratic Party and many weak opposition parties. Although opposition parties rivaling the huge ruling party are needed, such a prospect appears remote.
「１強」の自民党と、「多弱」の野党と言われる。巨大与党に対抗し得る野党像を模索すべきなのに、展望は厳しい。
After the recent House of Councillors election, questions were raised over the responsibility of the party leadership of the Democratic Party of Japan and Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party). But it has been decided the top leaders of these parties will stay on.
参院選後、執行部の責任問題が取り沙汰された民主党、日本維新の会は、ともにトップが続投することになった。
There have been talks about realignment involving the two parties and Your Party. But with party leaders who could not form a united front in the upper house election, it will be no easy task for the parties to unite or realign themselves.
みんなの党を加えた３党間で野党再編も浮上しているが、参院選で共闘できなかった党首の下、結束や再編は容易ではあるまい。
The DPJ decided that former party leader Naoto Kan, who openly supported an independent candidate in the upper house poll, be suspended from the party for three months. The punishment was lenient given the initial calls to expel him from the party. There is strong discontent over the continued party leadership of Banri Kaieda, and it remains unclear how the party can reconstruct itself.
民主党は、参院選で無所属候補を応援した菅元代表の処分を「党員資格３か月停止」とした。当初案の「除籍」に比べて後退した。海江田代表の続投に不満が根強く、党再建の道筋は不透明だ。
Since its foundation, there have been significant differences over basic policies among DPJ party members. This has caused a lack of party unity, which is seen as the DPJ’s weakest point. We strongly doubt Kaieda can exercise the leadership needed to overcome confrontations over policies among party members.
民主党では結党以来、基本政策を巡って隔たりが大きい。最大の弱点とされる党の一体感の欠如を招いている。海江田氏が、路線対立を乗り越える指導力を発揮できるのか、はなはだ疑問である。
Akihiro Ohata has been chosen for the post of DPJ secretary general. Ohata, who was previously acting party president, had belonged to the former Japan Socialist Party and enjoys the strong support of labor unions. Thus, the DPJ’s reliance on labor unions is likely to increase.
幹事長には、大畠章宏代表代行が就いた。大畠氏は旧社会党出身で労働組合色が濃く、民主党の労組依存体質は強まるだろう。
In the proportional representation segment of the upper house election, six of the party’s seven winners were those who ran with organizational support from the Japanese Trade Union Confederation (Rengo).
参院選の比例選でも、当選者７人のうち連合の組織内候補が６人を占めている。
Unified views lacking
Regarding realignment of opposition parties, Kaieda said, “The important thing is that the DPJ plays the leading role.” But we think he does not understand the party’s current position.
海江田氏は、野党再編に関し、「大切なのは民主党が中心になることだ」と述べたが、民主党の置かれた状況を理解していない。
Ishin no Kai coleader Toru Hashimoto and some others within the party indeed consider the DPJ’s reliance on labor unions problematic. Ishin no Kai has called for tie-ups with Your Party and conservative DPJ members who are not affiliated with labor unions.
維新の会の橋下共同代表らは、まさに民主党の労組依存を問題視しており、結束を呼びかける相手は、みんなの党と民主党の保守・非労組系議員だからだ。
Within Ishin no Kai, Hashimoto expressed his intention to resign as party coleader. But the other party coleader Shintaro Ishihara and others persuaded Hashimoto to stay on. Confrontations between party members in Osaka, where Ishin no Kai is based, and party Diet members in Tokyo likely will continue.
その維新の会では、橋下氏が辞意を表明したものの、石原共同代表らに慰留された。本拠地の大阪と、東京の国会議員団との対立という問題は今後もくすぶろう。
In Your Party, there is discord between party leader Yoshimi Watanabe and Secretary General Kenji Eda. While Eda is eager for the party to take the leading role in opposition realignment, Watanabe is taking a cautious stance, saying, “Hasty realignment will fail, ending with a mere union of convenience.”
みんなの党には、渡辺代表と江田幹事長の確執がある。江田氏はみんなの党が再編を主導すべきだと前のめりだが、渡辺氏は「拙速な再編は野合に終わり、失敗する」と慎重な構えだ。
The political clout of Ichiro Ozawa, who had long played a central role in political realignments and currently serves as the leader of the People’s Life Party, has significantly waned. Mizuho Fukushima, who led the Social Democratic Party for a decade, has stepped down as party leader.
長年、政界再編の中心だった生活の党の小沢代表は、政治力の低下が著しい。社民党を１０年間率いてきた福島党首も退く。
Political parties are meant to grasp issues both at home and abroad and carry out prescriptive policy measures to address them. Parties should not easily ally or split just for politicians’ convenience, and will not be able to survive without public support.
政党は本来、内外の課題を把握し、処方箋たる政策を実行していくためにある。政治家の都合で離合集散すべきものではないし、国民の支持なしに生き残れない。
For any new opposition party, it is essential for there to be a consensus among its members over such policy issues as the Constitution under a leader who can establish intraparty governance.
新しい野党には、ガバナンスを確立できるリーダーの下、憲法など政策での一致が欠かせない。
The next national election will held three years from now at the latest. Each opposition party should start from realistic and steady policy discussions rather than insubstantial talks on realignment.
次の国政選まで最大３年ある。野党各党は、浮ついた再編論議ではなく、現実的で地道な政策論から始めるべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 30, 2013)
（2013年7月30日01時39分 読売新聞）
2013年07月31日
パレスチナ和平 米国の仲介努力は奏功するか
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 30, 2013
Israeli-Palestinian talks resumption 1st step in U.S. Mideast peace effort
パレスチナ和平 米国の仲介努力は奏功するか（7月29日付・読売社説）
It is imperative to ensure that emerging positive signs in the Middle East result in a resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians after a hiatus of about three years.
イスラエルとパレスチナの約３年ぶりの直接交渉の実現へ、つなげることが肝要だ。
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who has pressured Israel and the Palestinian Authority since March, announced on July 19 that both sides “have reached an agreement that establishes a basis for resuming direct final status negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis.” Ministerial-level officials from both parties are to meet in the near future to work out the terms and preconditions for the negotiations, according to U.S. government officials.
イスラエルとパレスチナ自治政府に和平交渉再開を働きかけてきたケリー米国務長官が、「交渉再開のための基本的な部分で合意に達した」と発表した。
近く、双方の閣僚級の担当者が詰めの協議を行うという。
The Palestinian Authority has set the goal of establishing a Palestinian state, and Japan, the United States and European nations as well as Arab states have thrown their support behind this goal.
自治政府側は、パレスチナ国家樹立を目標に掲げており、日米欧やアラブ諸国は支持している。
Kerry’s endeavors pay off
The long-envisaged establishment of a Palestinian state, however, will not be possible without Israel’s agreement. We strongly hope the Israelis and Palestinians hold direct talks to begin the process of having the two sides live side by side in peace and security.
ただ、イスラエルの同意が不可欠だ。イスラエルと自治政府の直接交渉が再開され、平和共存への歩みが始まることを、期待したい。
The broad agreement is the fruit of mediation efforts by Kerry, who, after assuming the post of secretary of state in February, traveled many times to the Middle East.
今回の基本合意は、２月に就任したケリー国務長官が何度も中東に足を運び、仲介した成果だ。
With upheavals continuing in the wake of the Arab Spring, U.S. policies have been put to the test. While the civil war in Syria has bogged down with no clear end in sight, Egypt, a major power in the Middle East, has been unable to resolve its political problems.
「アラブの春」の激動が続く中東で、米国の存在感が問われている。シリア内戦は泥沼化し、地域の大国エジプトは政情不安定から抜け出せないでいる。
It appears the United States hopes to play a role conducive to stabilizing the Middle East situation by using its diplomatic leverage to bring about peace between Israel and Palestinians.
米国は、イスラエルとパレスチナの和平仲介を中東外交立て直しの契機とし、中東の安定に役割を果たしたいのだろう。
The basic accord to hold preliminary talks appears partly due to Israel’s adopting more moderate policies after realizing its inflexible hard-line stance in dealing with the Palestinians left it internationally isolated.
基本合意の成立は、強硬一辺倒のパレスチナ政策で国際的に孤立したイスラエルが、軌道修正を図ったことにもよる。
In a U.N. General Assembly session last year, a resolution in favor of giving the Palestinian Authority the status of a “nonmember observer state” was adopted by an overwhelming majority vote despite intense opposition from the United States and Israel.
昨年の国連総会では、米国、イスラエルの反対にもかかわらず、パレスチナに「オブザーバー国家」の地位を与える決議案が、圧倒的多数で可決された。
Israel’s sense of crisis increased when the international community, particularly Israel’s biggest trade partner, Europe, intensified criticism of Israel’s continuing construction of settlements in the West Bank.
ヨルダン川西岸への入植活動強行に対し、国際社会、とりわけ最大の貿易相手の欧州が批判を強めていることに、イスラエルは危機感を強めている。
A freeze in settlement construction would help pave the way for realizing a resumption of dialogue with the Palestinian Authority.
イスラエルが入植活動を中止することで、自治政府との対話再開への道も開くのではないか。
The Palestinian Authority, on the other hand, must resolve the current situation in which its authority is limited only to the West Bank, with the Gaza Strip remaining under the control of the Islamist organization Hamas. This is essential for the Palestinian Authority if it wants to show that it is the proper party to negotiate with the Israelis.
自治政府の側も、交渉当事者の能力を示すには、統治が及ぶのはヨルダン川西岸だけでガザ地区はイスラム主義組織ハマスの支配下のまま、という現状を解消する必要がある。
Japan must help out
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida toured the Middle East region last week. In separate meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, he pressed them to resume peace talks.
岸田外相は先週、中東を歴訪し、イスラエルのネタニヤフ首相、パレスチナ自治政府のアッバス議長とそれぞれ会談し、和平交渉の再開を促した。
In addition, Kishida conferred with ministers from Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan over ways to utilize an agricultural park to process farm produce. The park is under construction in the West Bank city of Jericho with the support of Japan.
また、日本の支援でヨルダン川西岸エリコに建設中の農産加工団地の活用を巡って、イスラエル、自治政府、ヨルダンの関係閣僚と４者協議を行った。
The agreement among Kishida and the others on the project should be rated highly.
岸田外相らが協力緊密化で合意したのは、評価できる。
Japan must continue to make such diplomatic efforts by extending a helping hand to encourage peace moves by the Israelis and Palestinians.
和平を側面支援するこうした外交努力を、今後も継続したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 29, 2013)
（2013年7月29日01時19分 読売新聞）
Israeli-Palestinian talks resumption 1st step in U.S. Mideast peace effort
パレスチナ和平 米国の仲介努力は奏功するか（7月29日付・読売社説）
It is imperative to ensure that emerging positive signs in the Middle East result in a resumption of direct talks between Israel and the Palestinians after a hiatus of about three years.
イスラエルとパレスチナの約３年ぶりの直接交渉の実現へ、つなげることが肝要だ。
U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, who has pressured Israel and the Palestinian Authority since March, announced on July 19 that both sides “have reached an agreement that establishes a basis for resuming direct final status negotiations between the Palestinians and the Israelis.” Ministerial-level officials from both parties are to meet in the near future to work out the terms and preconditions for the negotiations, according to U.S. government officials.
イスラエルとパレスチナ自治政府に和平交渉再開を働きかけてきたケリー米国務長官が、「交渉再開のための基本的な部分で合意に達した」と発表した。
近く、双方の閣僚級の担当者が詰めの協議を行うという。
The Palestinian Authority has set the goal of establishing a Palestinian state, and Japan, the United States and European nations as well as Arab states have thrown their support behind this goal.
自治政府側は、パレスチナ国家樹立を目標に掲げており、日米欧やアラブ諸国は支持している。
Kerry’s endeavors pay off
The long-envisaged establishment of a Palestinian state, however, will not be possible without Israel’s agreement. We strongly hope the Israelis and Palestinians hold direct talks to begin the process of having the two sides live side by side in peace and security.
ただ、イスラエルの同意が不可欠だ。イスラエルと自治政府の直接交渉が再開され、平和共存への歩みが始まることを、期待したい。
The broad agreement is the fruit of mediation efforts by Kerry, who, after assuming the post of secretary of state in February, traveled many times to the Middle East.
今回の基本合意は、２月に就任したケリー国務長官が何度も中東に足を運び、仲介した成果だ。
With upheavals continuing in the wake of the Arab Spring, U.S. policies have been put to the test. While the civil war in Syria has bogged down with no clear end in sight, Egypt, a major power in the Middle East, has been unable to resolve its political problems.
「アラブの春」の激動が続く中東で、米国の存在感が問われている。シリア内戦は泥沼化し、地域の大国エジプトは政情不安定から抜け出せないでいる。
It appears the United States hopes to play a role conducive to stabilizing the Middle East situation by using its diplomatic leverage to bring about peace between Israel and Palestinians.
米国は、イスラエルとパレスチナの和平仲介を中東外交立て直しの契機とし、中東の安定に役割を果たしたいのだろう。
The basic accord to hold preliminary talks appears partly due to Israel’s adopting more moderate policies after realizing its inflexible hard-line stance in dealing with the Palestinians left it internationally isolated.
基本合意の成立は、強硬一辺倒のパレスチナ政策で国際的に孤立したイスラエルが、軌道修正を図ったことにもよる。
In a U.N. General Assembly session last year, a resolution in favor of giving the Palestinian Authority the status of a “nonmember observer state” was adopted by an overwhelming majority vote despite intense opposition from the United States and Israel.
昨年の国連総会では、米国、イスラエルの反対にもかかわらず、パレスチナに「オブザーバー国家」の地位を与える決議案が、圧倒的多数で可決された。
Israel’s sense of crisis increased when the international community, particularly Israel’s biggest trade partner, Europe, intensified criticism of Israel’s continuing construction of settlements in the West Bank.
ヨルダン川西岸への入植活動強行に対し、国際社会、とりわけ最大の貿易相手の欧州が批判を強めていることに、イスラエルは危機感を強めている。
A freeze in settlement construction would help pave the way for realizing a resumption of dialogue with the Palestinian Authority.
イスラエルが入植活動を中止することで、自治政府との対話再開への道も開くのではないか。
The Palestinian Authority, on the other hand, must resolve the current situation in which its authority is limited only to the West Bank, with the Gaza Strip remaining under the control of the Islamist organization Hamas. This is essential for the Palestinian Authority if it wants to show that it is the proper party to negotiate with the Israelis.
自治政府の側も、交渉当事者の能力を示すには、統治が及ぶのはヨルダン川西岸だけでガザ地区はイスラム主義組織ハマスの支配下のまま、という現状を解消する必要がある。
Japan must help out
Foreign Minister Fumio Kishida toured the Middle East region last week. In separate meetings with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas, he pressed them to resume peace talks.
岸田外相は先週、中東を歴訪し、イスラエルのネタニヤフ首相、パレスチナ自治政府のアッバス議長とそれぞれ会談し、和平交渉の再開を促した。
In addition, Kishida conferred with ministers from Israel, the Palestinian Authority and Jordan over ways to utilize an agricultural park to process farm produce. The park is under construction in the West Bank city of Jericho with the support of Japan.
また、日本の支援でヨルダン川西岸エリコに建設中の農産加工団地の活用を巡って、イスラエル、自治政府、ヨルダンの関係閣僚と４者協議を行った。
The agreement among Kishida and the others on the project should be rated highly.
岸田外相らが協力緊密化で合意したのは、評価できる。
Japan must continue to make such diplomatic efforts by extending a helping hand to encourage peace moves by the Israelis and Palestinians.
和平を側面支援するこうした外交努力を、今後も継続したい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 29, 2013)
（2013年7月29日01時19分 読売新聞）
2013年07月30日
朝鮮休戦６０年 平和妨げる北朝鮮の核武装化
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 29, 2013
Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions continue to be impediment to peace
朝鮮休戦６０年 平和妨げる北朝鮮の核武装化（7月28日付・読売社説）
The 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice in the Korean War comes as North Korea continues to push ahead with its nuclear programs.
北朝鮮が核武装化を進める中で、朝鮮戦争の休戦協定調印から６０年の節目を迎えた。
The Korean War began with the North’s invasion of the South in 1950, and claimed the lives of more than 3 million people before the armistice was signed three years later.
１９５０年、北朝鮮の韓国侵攻で始まった朝鮮戦争は、死者３００万人以上の惨禍をもたらし、３年後、休戦協定の調印でひとまず収まった。
Fierce fighting between U.S.-led U.N. Command forces backing South Korea and China, which deployed Chinese People’s Volunteer Army troops because it feared North Korea would collapse, ended with a divided Korean Peninsula in the absence of a peace treaty.
米軍主導の国連軍が韓国を支援し、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れる中国が人民志願軍を送り込んだ激戦の後始末は、南北分断を固定化しただけで、平和を保障していない。
China’s change of mind
The North and South are continuing their military confrontation across the Demilitarized Zone, and there is a danger the situation could explode into an armed conflict.
南北朝鮮が対峙(たいじ)する状況は、依然、爆発しやすい危険性をはらむ。
North Korea, which falsely claims the armistice was a “victory,” celebrated the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice on Saturday with a massive military parade in Pyongyang.
休戦を「勝利」とごまかす北朝鮮は調印６０年の２７日、平壌で大規模な軍事パレードを行った。
The scale of the parade was aimed apparently at flaunting the power of Pyongyang’s young leader, Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, while diverting the people’s increasing discontent over the country’s wrecked economy.
若い金正恩第１書記の権威を誇示し、経済の破綻で高まる国民の不満をかわす狙いがあろう。
The biggest concern for Japan and other countries is the beefing up of North Korea’s nuclear programs, which Kim has been promoting. Massive throngs of armed soldiers marched in the Pyongyang parade as if trying to impress the rest of the world with the strength of the North’s ability to wage war with missiles and nuclear weapons.
日本など国際社会の最大の懸念材料は、第１書記が進める核戦力強化だ。パレードにも、核・ミサイル戦力の向上を印象づけたいかのような兵器部隊が登場した。
As a matter of course, North Korea has been forced to pay the piper. The U.N. Security Council has imposed economic sanctions on Pyongyang for repeatedly carrying out nuclear tests and test-launching long-range ballistic missiles.
無論、その代償は大きい。国連安全保障理事会は、長距離弾道ミサイル発射と核実験を繰り返す北朝鮮に経済制裁を科した。
China’s recent change from its conventional stance of fully defending North Korea appears to have made the international coalition against the North more solid.
中国が、北朝鮮擁護の姿勢を転換したことも、北朝鮮包囲網を狭める効果を生んだ。
During the military parade, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao stood alongside Kim on the podium overlooking Pyongyang’s main Kim Il Sung Square. Li reportedly told Kim that Beijing was determined to maintain its policy of pursuing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, working to ensure peace and security on the peninsula and resolving tensions through dialogue and consultations.
軍事パレードの観閲席で金第１書記の横に立った中国の李源潮国家副主席は、「朝鮮半島の非核化実現、平和と安全の維持、対話と協議による解決を堅持する」と第１書記に伝えたという。
This can be taken as a message to Pyongyang to return to the six-nation talks, as Beijing is resolved not to allow North Korea to possess nuclear weapons or engage in military provocations.
北朝鮮の核保有や武力挑発を許さず、６か国協議への復帰を求めるメッセージだ。
China, as the largest donor country and trade partner of North Korea, has a life-or-death influence over the North. Beijing’s stance on seeking North Korea’s denuclearization will now be put to the test.
中国は、最大の支援国、貿易相手国として北朝鮮の生殺与奪の権を握る。今後、非核化への本気度が問われよう。
In regard to North Korea’s call for a direct dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington, the United States has made such a dialogue contingent on the North abandoning its nuclear ambitions. This condition is quite reasonable.
米国は、北朝鮮が求める対話には、まず北朝鮮が非核化への具体的な行動を取るよう条件を付けている。北朝鮮の核廃棄が対話目的であるべきで、当然の前提だ。
North must heed others
Pyongyang, for its part, must heed the voices of Japan, the United States and South Korea, which are calling on the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
北朝鮮は、核放棄を促す日米韓の声を真摯(しんし)に聞く必要がある。
The environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula has changed dramatically since the signing of the armistice.
朝鮮半島を取り巻く環境は、休戦当時とは大きく変わった。
For one thing, South Korea has established diplomatic relations with China, and the value of its trade with Beijing has expanded to such an extent that it has surpassed its combined trade with Japan and the United States.
韓国は、中国と国交を樹立し、対中貿易額は、対米、対日の貿易総額を凌駕(りょうが)するまでに至った。
North Korea has made the choice of becoming a nuclear power, with the result that it cannot normalize diplomatic relations with Japan or the United States. As it has been driven into a corner, Pyongyang has even declared it is ready to “pull out of the deal” concerning the armistice agreement.
一方の北朝鮮は、核武装化への道を選択し、米国や日本との国交正常化の展望を開けずにいる。行き詰まった末に、朝鮮休戦協定の「白紙化」まで宣言した。
Japan, the United States, China and South Korea must remain vigilant to prevent North Korea from conducting new nuclear tests, missile launches or military provocations by firmly maintaining stringent sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programs.
日米中韓など関係国は、さらなる核実験や弾道ミサイル発射、武力挑発への警戒を怠らず、強力な制裁を堅持して、北朝鮮に核放棄を迫っていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 28, 2013)
（2013年7月28日01時09分 読売新聞）
Pyongyang’s nuclear ambitions continue to be impediment to peace
朝鮮休戦６０年 平和妨げる北朝鮮の核武装化（7月28日付・読売社説）
The 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice in the Korean War comes as North Korea continues to push ahead with its nuclear programs.
北朝鮮が核武装化を進める中で、朝鮮戦争の休戦協定調印から６０年の節目を迎えた。
The Korean War began with the North’s invasion of the South in 1950, and claimed the lives of more than 3 million people before the armistice was signed three years later.
１９５０年、北朝鮮の韓国侵攻で始まった朝鮮戦争は、死者３００万人以上の惨禍をもたらし、３年後、休戦協定の調印でひとまず収まった。
Fierce fighting between U.S.-led U.N. Command forces backing South Korea and China, which deployed Chinese People’s Volunteer Army troops because it feared North Korea would collapse, ended with a divided Korean Peninsula in the absence of a peace treaty.
米軍主導の国連軍が韓国を支援し、北朝鮮の崩壊を恐れる中国が人民志願軍を送り込んだ激戦の後始末は、南北分断を固定化しただけで、平和を保障していない。
China’s change of mind
The North and South are continuing their military confrontation across the Demilitarized Zone, and there is a danger the situation could explode into an armed conflict.
南北朝鮮が対峙(たいじ)する状況は、依然、爆発しやすい危険性をはらむ。
North Korea, which falsely claims the armistice was a “victory,” celebrated the 60th anniversary of the signing of the armistice on Saturday with a massive military parade in Pyongyang.
休戦を「勝利」とごまかす北朝鮮は調印６０年の２７日、平壌で大規模な軍事パレードを行った。
The scale of the parade was aimed apparently at flaunting the power of Pyongyang’s young leader, Kim Jong Un, the first secretary of the Workers’ Party of Korea, while diverting the people’s increasing discontent over the country’s wrecked economy.
若い金正恩第１書記の権威を誇示し、経済の破綻で高まる国民の不満をかわす狙いがあろう。
The biggest concern for Japan and other countries is the beefing up of North Korea’s nuclear programs, which Kim has been promoting. Massive throngs of armed soldiers marched in the Pyongyang parade as if trying to impress the rest of the world with the strength of the North’s ability to wage war with missiles and nuclear weapons.
日本など国際社会の最大の懸念材料は、第１書記が進める核戦力強化だ。パレードにも、核・ミサイル戦力の向上を印象づけたいかのような兵器部隊が登場した。
As a matter of course, North Korea has been forced to pay the piper. The U.N. Security Council has imposed economic sanctions on Pyongyang for repeatedly carrying out nuclear tests and test-launching long-range ballistic missiles.
無論、その代償は大きい。国連安全保障理事会は、長距離弾道ミサイル発射と核実験を繰り返す北朝鮮に経済制裁を科した。
China’s recent change from its conventional stance of fully defending North Korea appears to have made the international coalition against the North more solid.
中国が、北朝鮮擁護の姿勢を転換したことも、北朝鮮包囲網を狭める効果を生んだ。
During the military parade, Chinese Vice President Li Yuanchao stood alongside Kim on the podium overlooking Pyongyang’s main Kim Il Sung Square. Li reportedly told Kim that Beijing was determined to maintain its policy of pursuing the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, working to ensure peace and security on the peninsula and resolving tensions through dialogue and consultations.
軍事パレードの観閲席で金第１書記の横に立った中国の李源潮国家副主席は、「朝鮮半島の非核化実現、平和と安全の維持、対話と協議による解決を堅持する」と第１書記に伝えたという。
This can be taken as a message to Pyongyang to return to the six-nation talks, as Beijing is resolved not to allow North Korea to possess nuclear weapons or engage in military provocations.
北朝鮮の核保有や武力挑発を許さず、６か国協議への復帰を求めるメッセージだ。
China, as the largest donor country and trade partner of North Korea, has a life-or-death influence over the North. Beijing’s stance on seeking North Korea’s denuclearization will now be put to the test.
中国は、最大の支援国、貿易相手国として北朝鮮の生殺与奪の権を握る。今後、非核化への本気度が問われよう。
In regard to North Korea’s call for a direct dialogue between Pyongyang and Washington, the United States has made such a dialogue contingent on the North abandoning its nuclear ambitions. This condition is quite reasonable.
米国は、北朝鮮が求める対話には、まず北朝鮮が非核化への具体的な行動を取るよう条件を付けている。北朝鮮の核廃棄が対話目的であるべきで、当然の前提だ。
North must heed others
Pyongyang, for its part, must heed the voices of Japan, the United States and South Korea, which are calling on the North to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
北朝鮮は、核放棄を促す日米韓の声を真摯(しんし)に聞く必要がある。
The environment surrounding the Korean Peninsula has changed dramatically since the signing of the armistice.
朝鮮半島を取り巻く環境は、休戦当時とは大きく変わった。
For one thing, South Korea has established diplomatic relations with China, and the value of its trade with Beijing has expanded to such an extent that it has surpassed its combined trade with Japan and the United States.
韓国は、中国と国交を樹立し、対中貿易額は、対米、対日の貿易総額を凌駕(りょうが)するまでに至った。
North Korea has made the choice of becoming a nuclear power, with the result that it cannot normalize diplomatic relations with Japan or the United States. As it has been driven into a corner, Pyongyang has even declared it is ready to “pull out of the deal” concerning the armistice agreement.
一方の北朝鮮は、核武装化への道を選択し、米国や日本との国交正常化の展望を開けずにいる。行き詰まった末に、朝鮮休戦協定の「白紙化」まで宣言した。
Japan, the United States, China and South Korea must remain vigilant to prevent North Korea from conducting new nuclear tests, missile launches or military provocations by firmly maintaining stringent sanctions to pressure Pyongyang to abandon its nuclear programs.
日米中韓など関係国は、さらなる核実験や弾道ミサイル発射、武力挑発への警戒を怠らず、強力な制裁を堅持して、北朝鮮に核放棄を迫っていかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 28, 2013)
（2013年7月28日01時09分 読売新聞）
2013年07月29日
首相アジア演説 ＡＳＥＡＮ重視戦略の表明だ
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 28, 2013
Abe’s increased focus on ASEAN partnership a strategic move
首相アジア演説 ＡＳＥＡＮ重視戦略の表明だ（7月27日付・読売社説）
A speech made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday served as a strong message to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a key economic and security partner of Japan.
経済・安全保障の重要なパートナーである東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）に対する強いメッセージだ。
During his visit to Southeast Asia, Abe delivered the speech on the Japan-ASEAN relationship in Singapore.
東南アジア歴訪中の安倍首相が、シンガポールで日本とＡＳＥＡＮの関係をテーマに政策演説を行った。
Using an airplane to describe relations between Japan and the rapidly growing region, Abe said, “Japan and ASEAN are like twin engines on the right and left wings.”
急成長している東南アジア地域の経済圏を飛行機に例え、「日本とＡＳＥＡＮは、左右両翼のツイン・エンジンだ」と述べた。
The prime minister also said his Abenomics economic measures would benefit ASEAN countries as both Japan’s imports from and exports to ASEAN members have doubled over the past decade. Abe is apparently determined to further bolster Japan-ASEAN ties.
首相は、日本とＡＳＥＡＮの輸出入額がこの１０年間でそれぞれ倍増したとし、経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果はＡＳＥＡＮにも及ぶと語った。さらに関係を強化する決意と言える。
Both Malaysia and Singapore, which Abe visited this week, are participants in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. Japan will likely seek ways to partner with them when the TPP talks enter the final stage.
今回訪れたマレーシア、シンガポール両国は、日本が参加した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉のメンバーでもある。今後の大詰め交渉で、連携を模索することも課題となろう。
Beyond economic alliance
Abe stressed that the nation’s relationship with ASEAN encompasses more than economic matters, saying the ties are “meaningful in ensuring regional security, particularly freedom of navigation at sea.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation.
一方、首相は、今年で「友好協力４０周年」を迎えたＡＳＥＡＮとの関係は今や、経済にとどまらず、「地域の安全保障、とりわけ航海の自由に責任を持つ間柄」であることも強調した。
He made such remarks apparently with China in mind, as Beijing has attempted to assume control of the East and South China seas. Especially now, when Japan’s ties with China and South Korea have become strained, it is strategically significant for the government to deepen its partnership with ASEAN.
東・南シナ海への強引な海洋進出を図る中国を念頭に置いたものだ。中国、韓国との関係が不安定だけにＡＳＥＡＮとの連携を深めるのは戦略的に有意義である。
On Friday, Abe also met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who has been touring Asia. This meeting was seemingly effective in highlighting the Japan-U.S. alliance, which could be conducive to ensuring peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
首相がアジア歴訪中のバイデン米副大統領と会談したことも、この地域の平和と繁栄に寄与する日米同盟の存在をアピールするうえで効果的だったといえよう。
Abe was to meet with Philippine President Benigno Aquino in Manila on Saturday. During the meeting, Abe was expected to express his intention to provide the Philippines with patrol ships through the Official Development Assistance program.
首相は、２７日にはマニラで、フィリピンのアキノ大統領と会談する。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用し、巡視船を供与する考えを表明する見通しだ。
The Philippines has been at loggerheads with China over the sovereignty of the Scarborough Shoal and other territories in the South China Sea. In light of this, helping the Philippines boost its maritime capability could serve as a symbolic aid gesture to benefit the whole ASEAN community.
フィリピンは、南シナ海のスカボロー礁などの領有権をめぐって中国と対立している。その海上保安能力の向上を日本が後押しすることは、ＡＳＥＡＮ全体に対する日本の意思表示にもなる。
Look to China allies
This is already Abe’s third visit to Southeast Asia since returning to power. Of the 10 ASEAN member countries, he has visited seven.
首相の東南アジア訪問は、就任以来早くも３回目だ。訪ねた国は加盟１０か国のうち七つに上る。
Cambodia and Laos, both nations that have close ties to China, are among the ASEAN members. With due consideration for local circumstances in both countries, the prime minister should also visit these nations in a bid to increase their understanding of Japan.
ＡＳＥＡＮの中には、カンボジアやラオスのように中国寄りとされる国もある。首相はこうした国も訪問し、各国の事情に配慮して、きめ細かに日本への理解を拡大していくべきだ。
China has apparently attempted to undermine Japan-ASEAN relations due to its alarm over Abe’s aggressive diplomacy in the region.
中国側にも、安倍外交を意識して、ＡＳＥＡＮ各国を分断しようとする動きが見える。
To prevent military tensions with China from escalating, it is vital for Japan to seek regional stability in line with international regulations and the spirit of the rule of law by working together with the United States and other countries.
日本は、軍事的緊張を高めないよう、米国などと連携し、国際法と法の支配にのっとった地域の安定を目指すことが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2013)
（2013年7月27日01時26分 読売新聞）
Abe’s increased focus on ASEAN partnership a strategic move
首相アジア演説 ＡＳＥＡＮ重視戦略の表明だ（7月27日付・読売社説）
A speech made by Prime Minister Shinzo Abe on Friday served as a strong message to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, a key economic and security partner of Japan.
経済・安全保障の重要なパートナーである東南アジア諸国連合（ＡＳＥＡＮ）に対する強いメッセージだ。
During his visit to Southeast Asia, Abe delivered the speech on the Japan-ASEAN relationship in Singapore.
東南アジア歴訪中の安倍首相が、シンガポールで日本とＡＳＥＡＮの関係をテーマに政策演説を行った。
Using an airplane to describe relations between Japan and the rapidly growing region, Abe said, “Japan and ASEAN are like twin engines on the right and left wings.”
急成長している東南アジア地域の経済圏を飛行機に例え、「日本とＡＳＥＡＮは、左右両翼のツイン・エンジンだ」と述べた。
The prime minister also said his Abenomics economic measures would benefit ASEAN countries as both Japan’s imports from and exports to ASEAN members have doubled over the past decade. Abe is apparently determined to further bolster Japan-ASEAN ties.
首相は、日本とＡＳＥＡＮの輸出入額がこの１０年間でそれぞれ倍増したとし、経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果はＡＳＥＡＮにも及ぶと語った。さらに関係を強化する決意と言える。
Both Malaysia and Singapore, which Abe visited this week, are participants in negotiations on the Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade pact. Japan will likely seek ways to partner with them when the TPP talks enter the final stage.
今回訪れたマレーシア、シンガポール両国は、日本が参加した環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉のメンバーでもある。今後の大詰め交渉で、連携を模索することも課題となろう。
Beyond economic alliance
Abe stressed that the nation’s relationship with ASEAN encompasses more than economic matters, saying the ties are “meaningful in ensuring regional security, particularly freedom of navigation at sea.” This year marks the 40th anniversary of Japan-ASEAN friendship and cooperation.
一方、首相は、今年で「友好協力４０周年」を迎えたＡＳＥＡＮとの関係は今や、経済にとどまらず、「地域の安全保障、とりわけ航海の自由に責任を持つ間柄」であることも強調した。
He made such remarks apparently with China in mind, as Beijing has attempted to assume control of the East and South China seas. Especially now, when Japan’s ties with China and South Korea have become strained, it is strategically significant for the government to deepen its partnership with ASEAN.
東・南シナ海への強引な海洋進出を図る中国を念頭に置いたものだ。中国、韓国との関係が不安定だけにＡＳＥＡＮとの連携を深めるのは戦略的に有意義である。
On Friday, Abe also met with U.S. Vice President Joe Biden, who has been touring Asia. This meeting was seemingly effective in highlighting the Japan-U.S. alliance, which could be conducive to ensuring peace and prosperity in Southeast Asia.
首相がアジア歴訪中のバイデン米副大統領と会談したことも、この地域の平和と繁栄に寄与する日米同盟の存在をアピールするうえで効果的だったといえよう。
Abe was to meet with Philippine President Benigno Aquino in Manila on Saturday. During the meeting, Abe was expected to express his intention to provide the Philippines with patrol ships through the Official Development Assistance program.
首相は、２７日にはマニラで、フィリピンのアキノ大統領と会談する。政府開発援助（ＯＤＡ）を活用し、巡視船を供与する考えを表明する見通しだ。
The Philippines has been at loggerheads with China over the sovereignty of the Scarborough Shoal and other territories in the South China Sea. In light of this, helping the Philippines boost its maritime capability could serve as a symbolic aid gesture to benefit the whole ASEAN community.
フィリピンは、南シナ海のスカボロー礁などの領有権をめぐって中国と対立している。その海上保安能力の向上を日本が後押しすることは、ＡＳＥＡＮ全体に対する日本の意思表示にもなる。
Look to China allies
This is already Abe’s third visit to Southeast Asia since returning to power. Of the 10 ASEAN member countries, he has visited seven.
首相の東南アジア訪問は、就任以来早くも３回目だ。訪ねた国は加盟１０か国のうち七つに上る。
Cambodia and Laos, both nations that have close ties to China, are among the ASEAN members. With due consideration for local circumstances in both countries, the prime minister should also visit these nations in a bid to increase their understanding of Japan.
ＡＳＥＡＮの中には、カンボジアやラオスのように中国寄りとされる国もある。首相はこうした国も訪問し、各国の事情に配慮して、きめ細かに日本への理解を拡大していくべきだ。
China has apparently attempted to undermine Japan-ASEAN relations due to its alarm over Abe’s aggressive diplomacy in the region.
中国側にも、安倍外交を意識して、ＡＳＥＡＮ各国を分断しようとする動きが見える。
To prevent military tensions with China from escalating, it is vital for Japan to seek regional stability in line with international regulations and the spirit of the rule of law by working together with the United States and other countries.
日本は、軍事的緊張を高めないよう、米国などと連携し、国際法と法の支配にのっとった地域の安定を目指すことが肝要だ。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 27, 2013)
（2013年7月27日01時26分 読売新聞）
2013年07月28日
ＴＰＰ交渉参加 攻守両にらみ戦略で挽回せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 27, 2013
Hammer out effective strategy to redeem lost time in TPP talks
ＴＰＰ交渉参加 攻守両にらみ戦略で挽回せよ（7月26日付・読売社説）
At last Japan has entered talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade agreement, which have so far been conducted by 11 countries, including the United States.
日本がようやく、米国など１１か国が進める環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉に参加した。
Regarding Japan’s participation in the TPP negotiations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stressed, “We will make full use of our negotiating power to protect what needs protecting and push for what we want, to seek the best way to serve national interests.”
安倍首相は、「交渉力を駆使し、守るべきものは守り、攻めるべきものは攻め、国益にかなう最善の道を追求する」と強調している。
To ensure that this country can make up for the time lost due to its late entry into the TPP talks, the government must beef up its defensive and offensive strategies.
政府は、出遅れ挽回へ、攻守両にらみの戦略を強化すべきだ。
The latest round of TPP negotiations took place in Malaysia from July 15, and Japan joined the talks as the 12th member for only two and a half days in the final phase of the round that ended Thursday.
ＴＰＰ交渉会合がマレーシアで開かれ、日本は１２番目のメンバーとして２日半だけ合流した。
By taking part in the talks, Japan received for the first time a pile of texts on the TPP negotiations comprising 29 chapters on such subjects as abolition of tariffs, intellectual property rights and investment.
関税撤廃、知的財産権、投資など２９章に及ぶＴＰＰ交渉をまとめた文書が、初めて日本に開示された。
Talks may be prolonged
It is of great significance that Japan can now grasp the entire picture of issues that have been discussed among TPP members.
全体像を把握できるようになった意味は大きい。
The next TPP gathering is scheduled for late August in Brunei, while consultations on the TPP between Japan and the United States will be conducted in parallel with the Brunei round from August on.
次回会合は８月末にブルネイで開かれ、日米協議も８月以降、並行して行われる。
The government must waste no time working out how to deal with the increasingly accelerating pace of the TPP talks by making a detailed analysis of the assertions of each participant country.
政府は各国の主張を分析し、加速する交渉への対応を急がねばならない。
The United States and some other TPP participants have set a goal of finalizing a basic agreement in the negotiations by October and concluding the talks by the end of the year. The TPP representative of Malaysia said in a news conference on Thursday that his country will energetically engage in discussions to complete them as scheduled.
米国などは、１０月の基本合意と年内妥結を目標に掲げている。マレーシアの代表も２５日の記者会見で、「妥結期限に間に合うよう精力的に議論する」と強調した。
However, the TPP countries are still at loggerheads regarding the abolition of tariffs, the main point of contention, which has apparently caused the negotiations to stall.
ただし、最大の焦点の関税撤廃を巡っては各国が対立し、交渉が停滞している模様だ。
Given the current pace of the talks, it is unlikely they will be concluded by the end of the year. Indications are that the negotiations may continue into next year.
今のペースでは年内決着は難しく、交渉が越年する可能性がある。
Although Japan, as a late starter, remains in a difficult position in the negotiations, prolonged talks may give Japan more room to make up for lost time.
日本の立場は依然厳しいが、出遅れを取り戻す余地は広がろう。
In its platform for the recent House of Councillors election, the Liberal Democratic Party pledged to “give top priority to securing exemption of five agricultural products,” including rice and wheat, from tariff abolition.
自民党は参院選で、コメ、麦など「農産物５品目の聖域を最優先する」と主張した。
In the upper chamber election, Toshio Yamada of the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zenchu) secured his reelection as one of the highest-ranking winners in the proportional representation contest. Yamada has pledged to press the government to protect national interests without fail in the TPP talks.
全国農業協同組合中央会（ＪＡ全中）出身の山田俊男参院議員が比例選の上位で再選され、国益を守り抜くよう求めている。
Another upper house member, Hidehisa Otsuji, who ran in the Kagoshima prefectural constituency on a platform of opposing the TPP, won an upper house seat for the fifth time.
ＴＰＰ反対を掲げた鹿児島選挙区の尾辻秀久参院議員も５選された。
‘Going on the offensive’
While some LDP legislators remain firmly opposed to the TPP, the government and the LDP must buckle down to swiftly push ahead with concrete measures for improving the competitiveness of the nation’s agriculture, in preparation for further opening of the domestic farm market to foreign competition.
党内にはなおＴＰＰ反対論がくすぶるものの、政府・自民党が急ぐべきは、一層の市場開放に備えて、農業の競争力を強化する具体策を推進することである。
Given that the TPP is aimed at a high degree of trade liberalization, protecting rice and other farm products as exemptions from tariff abolition will not necessarily secure Japan’s national interests.
ＴＰＰは高水準の自由化が目標で、コメなど全てを関税撤廃の例外扱いとして守ることが日本の国益に資するとは限らない。
A well-balanced strategy must be hammered out in this respect.
バランスの取れた戦略が必要だ。
Of higher importance for Japan is to “go on the offensive” by increasing exports of motor vehicles and electronics through tariff abolition, as well as establishing an environment conducive to business activity through such steps as lifting restrictions on capital investment from abroad.
自動車、電機などの関税撤廃による輸出拡大や、外資規制撤廃といったビジネス環境整備での「攻め」がむしろ重要と言える。
The envisaged TPP pact will constitute a huge free trade zone accounting for about 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
ＴＰＰは世界の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の約４割を占める巨大な自由貿易圏である。
Japan must utilize the TPP to tap the vigor of other economies in Asia, to spur the nation’s economic growth.
日本はＴＰＰでアジアの活力を取り込み、成長に弾みを付けねばならない。
How can Japan play a leading role in crafting trade and investment rules in Asia? How to address this challenge is of crucial significance, and could determine the fate of the growth strategy on which the Abe administration has placed such importance.
日本がアジアの貿易・投資ルール作りをどう主導するのか。安倍政権が重視する成長戦略の行方をも左右する正念場になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 26, 2013)
（2013年7月26日01時18分 読売新聞）
Hammer out effective strategy to redeem lost time in TPP talks
ＴＰＰ交渉参加 攻守両にらみ戦略で挽回せよ（7月26日付・読売社説）
At last Japan has entered talks on the Trans-Pacific Partnership multilateral trade agreement, which have so far been conducted by 11 countries, including the United States.
日本がようやく、米国など１１か国が進める環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉に参加した。
Regarding Japan’s participation in the TPP negotiations, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has stressed, “We will make full use of our negotiating power to protect what needs protecting and push for what we want, to seek the best way to serve national interests.”
安倍首相は、「交渉力を駆使し、守るべきものは守り、攻めるべきものは攻め、国益にかなう最善の道を追求する」と強調している。
To ensure that this country can make up for the time lost due to its late entry into the TPP talks, the government must beef up its defensive and offensive strategies.
政府は、出遅れ挽回へ、攻守両にらみの戦略を強化すべきだ。
The latest round of TPP negotiations took place in Malaysia from July 15, and Japan joined the talks as the 12th member for only two and a half days in the final phase of the round that ended Thursday.
ＴＰＰ交渉会合がマレーシアで開かれ、日本は１２番目のメンバーとして２日半だけ合流した。
By taking part in the talks, Japan received for the first time a pile of texts on the TPP negotiations comprising 29 chapters on such subjects as abolition of tariffs, intellectual property rights and investment.
関税撤廃、知的財産権、投資など２９章に及ぶＴＰＰ交渉をまとめた文書が、初めて日本に開示された。
Talks may be prolonged
It is of great significance that Japan can now grasp the entire picture of issues that have been discussed among TPP members.
全体像を把握できるようになった意味は大きい。
The next TPP gathering is scheduled for late August in Brunei, while consultations on the TPP between Japan and the United States will be conducted in parallel with the Brunei round from August on.
次回会合は８月末にブルネイで開かれ、日米協議も８月以降、並行して行われる。
The government must waste no time working out how to deal with the increasingly accelerating pace of the TPP talks by making a detailed analysis of the assertions of each participant country.
政府は各国の主張を分析し、加速する交渉への対応を急がねばならない。
The United States and some other TPP participants have set a goal of finalizing a basic agreement in the negotiations by October and concluding the talks by the end of the year. The TPP representative of Malaysia said in a news conference on Thursday that his country will energetically engage in discussions to complete them as scheduled.
米国などは、１０月の基本合意と年内妥結を目標に掲げている。マレーシアの代表も２５日の記者会見で、「妥結期限に間に合うよう精力的に議論する」と強調した。
However, the TPP countries are still at loggerheads regarding the abolition of tariffs, the main point of contention, which has apparently caused the negotiations to stall.
ただし、最大の焦点の関税撤廃を巡っては各国が対立し、交渉が停滞している模様だ。
Given the current pace of the talks, it is unlikely they will be concluded by the end of the year. Indications are that the negotiations may continue into next year.
今のペースでは年内決着は難しく、交渉が越年する可能性がある。
Although Japan, as a late starter, remains in a difficult position in the negotiations, prolonged talks may give Japan more room to make up for lost time.
日本の立場は依然厳しいが、出遅れを取り戻す余地は広がろう。
In its platform for the recent House of Councillors election, the Liberal Democratic Party pledged to “give top priority to securing exemption of five agricultural products,” including rice and wheat, from tariff abolition.
自民党は参院選で、コメ、麦など「農産物５品目の聖域を最優先する」と主張した。
In the upper chamber election, Toshio Yamada of the Central Union of Agricultural Cooperatives (JA Zenchu) secured his reelection as one of the highest-ranking winners in the proportional representation contest. Yamada has pledged to press the government to protect national interests without fail in the TPP talks.
全国農業協同組合中央会（ＪＡ全中）出身の山田俊男参院議員が比例選の上位で再選され、国益を守り抜くよう求めている。
Another upper house member, Hidehisa Otsuji, who ran in the Kagoshima prefectural constituency on a platform of opposing the TPP, won an upper house seat for the fifth time.
ＴＰＰ反対を掲げた鹿児島選挙区の尾辻秀久参院議員も５選された。
‘Going on the offensive’
While some LDP legislators remain firmly opposed to the TPP, the government and the LDP must buckle down to swiftly push ahead with concrete measures for improving the competitiveness of the nation’s agriculture, in preparation for further opening of the domestic farm market to foreign competition.
党内にはなおＴＰＰ反対論がくすぶるものの、政府・自民党が急ぐべきは、一層の市場開放に備えて、農業の競争力を強化する具体策を推進することである。
Given that the TPP is aimed at a high degree of trade liberalization, protecting rice and other farm products as exemptions from tariff abolition will not necessarily secure Japan’s national interests.
ＴＰＰは高水準の自由化が目標で、コメなど全てを関税撤廃の例外扱いとして守ることが日本の国益に資するとは限らない。
A well-balanced strategy must be hammered out in this respect.
バランスの取れた戦略が必要だ。
Of higher importance for Japan is to “go on the offensive” by increasing exports of motor vehicles and electronics through tariff abolition, as well as establishing an environment conducive to business activity through such steps as lifting restrictions on capital investment from abroad.
自動車、電機などの関税撤廃による輸出拡大や、外資規制撤廃といったビジネス環境整備での「攻め」がむしろ重要と言える。
The envisaged TPP pact will constitute a huge free trade zone accounting for about 40 percent of the world’s gross domestic product.
ＴＰＰは世界の国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）の約４割を占める巨大な自由貿易圏である。
Japan must utilize the TPP to tap the vigor of other economies in Asia, to spur the nation’s economic growth.
日本はＴＰＰでアジアの活力を取り込み、成長に弾みを付けねばならない。
How can Japan play a leading role in crafting trade and investment rules in Asia? How to address this challenge is of crucial significance, and could determine the fate of the growth strategy on which the Abe administration has placed such importance.
日本がアジアの貿易・投資ルール作りをどう主導するのか。安倍政権が重視する成長戦略の行方をも左右する正念場になる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 26, 2013)
（2013年7月26日01時18分 読売新聞）
2013年07月27日
迫力のF1レースが自宅で手軽に楽しめるサイト Formula1 on Zume
迫力のF1レースが自宅で手軽に楽しめるサイトを発見しました。
それはFormula1 on Zume です。
Formula1 on Zumeサイトを使えば自宅に居ながらにしてマシンのコックピットへ行けます。
そのすさまじい迫力の映像をオンディマンドでいつでもどこでも観ることが出来るんです。
マルチビュー機能があるので、別々の画面を同時に立ち上げて楽しむことも出来ます。
情報収集のためにFormula1 on Zume のFaceBookページ にアクセスして、調べました。
気に入ったので、いいねをクリックしてから、関連記事に英語で書き込みをしました。
英語で書いたのには分けがあります。元記事が英語で書かれていたからです。
どうやらこのゲームは外国（イギリス）でつくられたみたいですね。
それが日本上陸なんです。
Formula1 on Zume のiPadアプリ としてダウンロードして遊べます。
先日、都内で「Formula 1 on Zume」のタッチ＆トライイベントが行なわれました。
F1レース実戦さながらの興奮がどこでもお手軽に楽しめるのが売りなんです。
さっそく動画を見ました。
それがまったく凄いんです。
これは実戦のF1レース場で撮影されたものではないかと思ったほどです。
早速ダウンロードして、娘たちと遊び狂ってます＾＾。
レビューブログからの情報です
憲法改正 実現への布石を周到に打て
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 26, 2013
Prepare carefully for long, winding road of amending the Constitution
憲法改正 実現への布石を周到に打て（7月25日付・読売社説）
Debate on amending the Constitution has taken concrete form since the recent House of Councillors election. It is imperative that discussions on the issue be developed further.
参院選を機に具体化した憲法論議をさらに発展させたい。
We urge Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his administration to carefully and throughly take steps to gather momentum to realize the goal of amending the Constitution.
安倍政権は、周到に布石を打ち、改正への機運を高めていくべきだ。
A point of contention during the upper house campaign was whether to change Article 96, which stipulates procedures for constitutional revision. Parties have argued over whether to relax the requirements for amending the Constitution.
参院選では、憲法改正の手続きを定めた９６条の改正発議要件の緩和が大きな焦点になった。
Currently, the approval of at least two-thirds of the legislators in both chambers of the Diet is necessary to initiate amendments to the top law. After the upper house election, the parties that actively support amending the Constitution--the Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party--still did not have a two-thirds majority in the chamber. Hurdles remain high for amending the top law.
憲法改正に積極的な自民党、日本維新の会、みんなの党の議席は合計しても、参院では改正の発議に必要な「３分の２以上」とならなかった。ハードルは高い。
However, if the seats held by New Komeito--which favors adding new philosophies and provisions to the Constitution without changing the existing ones--are factored in, that would achieve the two-thirds requirement. Komeito’s actions hold the key to constitutional revision.
ただ、憲法の内容を変えずに新たな理念・条文を加える「加憲」の立場の公明党の議席を合わせると３分の２に届く。公明党の対応が極めて重要である。
Komeito should present ideas
According to the party’s pledges for the upper house election, it seeks to discuss a number of issues regarding “adding new elements” to the Constitution: environmental rights, expanding the scope of local autonomy, stipulating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces in the top law and how the nation should contribute to the international community.
公明党は、参院選公約に「加憲」論議の対象として環境権や地方自治拡充、自衛隊の存在の明記、国際貢献の在り方を挙げている。
We urge New Komeito to hold thorough discussions on the issues and specify its ideas in a draft proposal. That would help clarify the similarities and differences between New Komeito and other parties, such as its coalition partner, the LDP, on the issues. It would also help expand discussions on amending the Constitution.
党内で検討を重ね、具体的な条文を作成してはどうか。自民党などとの共通点、相違点が明確になり、議論が深まろう。
Meanwhile, Your Party has said there are other things to be accomplished before amending the Constitution, including civil service reform. The party has proposed radical ideas for civil service reform, such as eliminating the jobs of 100,000 national government officials and allowing government officials to be laid off as easily as employees at private companies, in exchange for giving them the right to strike.
みんなの党は「憲法改正の前にやるべきことがある」として公務員制度改革を掲げた。具体的には「国家公務員の１０万人削減」「スト権を付与する代わりに民間並みのリストラを可能にする」といった急進的な案を唱えている。
We can never agree to making such reforms a precondition for amending the Constitution, as the two issues can be dealt with simultaneously.
これを憲法改正の前提条件にすることは、甚だ疑問である。同時並行で検討すればよい。
Start from pending issues
Abe has said he will deal with constitutional revision “without haste, and move forward on the issue with persistence.” The prime minister stressed he will first deal with unresolved issues involving the National Referendum Law, which was enacted during the first Abe administration. We believe Abe’s decision is appropriate, as those issues will lay the basic groundwork for amending the Constitution.
安倍首相は、「腰を落ち着けてじっくり進めていく」と述べ、第１次安倍内閣で成立した国民投票法の“宿題”から始める考えを強調している。改正への環境を整えるうえで、妥当な判断である。
The National Referendum Law stipulates procedures for a national referendum for constitutional amendments. It allows those aged 18 and older to participate in such referendums.
憲法改正のための国民投票法は投票権を１８歳以上に与えた。
To be consistent, the law’s supplementary provisions require lawmakers to discuss lowering the minimum voting age for elections, which is stipulated in the Public Offices Election Law, and the age of adulthood stipulated in the Civil Code, from the current 20 to 18. The provisions also call for the review of the National Civil Service Law, which limits the political activities of government officials.
その付則で公職選挙法の選挙権年齢「２０歳以上」や民法の成年年齢を、同じく１８歳に引き下げることの検討を求めている。公務員の政治的行為を制限した国家公務員法などの見直しも盛り込んだ。
All the issues are long overdue. Lawmakers were expected to reach conclusions on the issues before the National Referendum Law was put into force in May 2010.
いずれも、２０１０年５月の国民投票法施行までに結論を出しておかねばならない課題だった。
We urge both the ruling and opposition parties to start discussions on the unresolved issues as soon as possible.
与野党は、早急に協議を始めてもらいたい。
Even if the Diet succeeds in initiating constitutional amendments, it is the public that makes the final decision on revising the Constitution via referendums. A majority of all votes cast in a referendum is needed to amend the Constitution--it would never be an easy task.
たとえ国会が憲法改正を発議できたとしても、最終的に決めるのは国民投票だ。過半数の賛成を得るのは、容易ではなかろう。
LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba has revealed the idea of hosting meetings across the nation aimed at explaining to the public the necessity of amending the Constitution. The meetings would be carried out as easy-to-understand dialogues, according to Ishiba.
自民党の石破幹事長は、憲法改正についての「対話集会」を各地で開き、国民にその必要性を丁寧に説明する考えを示している。
To amend the Constitution, efforts to nurture public awareness of the necessity of constitutional amendments are essential. There are three years left, at most, before the next national election. The time should be used strategically for the goal of amending the Constitution.
憲法改正が必要だという国民意識を高める努力は欠かせない。次期国政選まで最大３年という時間を戦略的に使うべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 25, 2013)
（2013年7月25日02時15分 読売新聞）
Prepare carefully for long, winding road of amending the Constitution
憲法改正 実現への布石を周到に打て（7月25日付・読売社説）
Debate on amending the Constitution has taken concrete form since the recent House of Councillors election. It is imperative that discussions on the issue be developed further.
参院選を機に具体化した憲法論議をさらに発展させたい。
We urge Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and his administration to carefully and throughly take steps to gather momentum to realize the goal of amending the Constitution.
安倍政権は、周到に布石を打ち、改正への機運を高めていくべきだ。
A point of contention during the upper house campaign was whether to change Article 96, which stipulates procedures for constitutional revision. Parties have argued over whether to relax the requirements for amending the Constitution.
参院選では、憲法改正の手続きを定めた９６条の改正発議要件の緩和が大きな焦点になった。
Currently, the approval of at least two-thirds of the legislators in both chambers of the Diet is necessary to initiate amendments to the top law. After the upper house election, the parties that actively support amending the Constitution--the Liberal Democratic Party, Nippon Ishin no Kai (Japan Restoration Party) and Your Party--still did not have a two-thirds majority in the chamber. Hurdles remain high for amending the top law.
憲法改正に積極的な自民党、日本維新の会、みんなの党の議席は合計しても、参院では改正の発議に必要な「３分の２以上」とならなかった。ハードルは高い。
However, if the seats held by New Komeito--which favors adding new philosophies and provisions to the Constitution without changing the existing ones--are factored in, that would achieve the two-thirds requirement. Komeito’s actions hold the key to constitutional revision.
ただ、憲法の内容を変えずに新たな理念・条文を加える「加憲」の立場の公明党の議席を合わせると３分の２に届く。公明党の対応が極めて重要である。
Komeito should present ideas
According to the party’s pledges for the upper house election, it seeks to discuss a number of issues regarding “adding new elements” to the Constitution: environmental rights, expanding the scope of local autonomy, stipulating the existence of the Self-Defense Forces in the top law and how the nation should contribute to the international community.
公明党は、参院選公約に「加憲」論議の対象として環境権や地方自治拡充、自衛隊の存在の明記、国際貢献の在り方を挙げている。
We urge New Komeito to hold thorough discussions on the issues and specify its ideas in a draft proposal. That would help clarify the similarities and differences between New Komeito and other parties, such as its coalition partner, the LDP, on the issues. It would also help expand discussions on amending the Constitution.
党内で検討を重ね、具体的な条文を作成してはどうか。自民党などとの共通点、相違点が明確になり、議論が深まろう。
Meanwhile, Your Party has said there are other things to be accomplished before amending the Constitution, including civil service reform. The party has proposed radical ideas for civil service reform, such as eliminating the jobs of 100,000 national government officials and allowing government officials to be laid off as easily as employees at private companies, in exchange for giving them the right to strike.
みんなの党は「憲法改正の前にやるべきことがある」として公務員制度改革を掲げた。具体的には「国家公務員の１０万人削減」「スト権を付与する代わりに民間並みのリストラを可能にする」といった急進的な案を唱えている。
We can never agree to making such reforms a precondition for amending the Constitution, as the two issues can be dealt with simultaneously.
これを憲法改正の前提条件にすることは、甚だ疑問である。同時並行で検討すればよい。
Start from pending issues
Abe has said he will deal with constitutional revision “without haste, and move forward on the issue with persistence.” The prime minister stressed he will first deal with unresolved issues involving the National Referendum Law, which was enacted during the first Abe administration. We believe Abe’s decision is appropriate, as those issues will lay the basic groundwork for amending the Constitution.
安倍首相は、「腰を落ち着けてじっくり進めていく」と述べ、第１次安倍内閣で成立した国民投票法の“宿題”から始める考えを強調している。改正への環境を整えるうえで、妥当な判断である。
The National Referendum Law stipulates procedures for a national referendum for constitutional amendments. It allows those aged 18 and older to participate in such referendums.
憲法改正のための国民投票法は投票権を１８歳以上に与えた。
To be consistent, the law’s supplementary provisions require lawmakers to discuss lowering the minimum voting age for elections, which is stipulated in the Public Offices Election Law, and the age of adulthood stipulated in the Civil Code, from the current 20 to 18. The provisions also call for the review of the National Civil Service Law, which limits the political activities of government officials.
その付則で公職選挙法の選挙権年齢「２０歳以上」や民法の成年年齢を、同じく１８歳に引き下げることの検討を求めている。公務員の政治的行為を制限した国家公務員法などの見直しも盛り込んだ。
All the issues are long overdue. Lawmakers were expected to reach conclusions on the issues before the National Referendum Law was put into force in May 2010.
いずれも、２０１０年５月の国民投票法施行までに結論を出しておかねばならない課題だった。
We urge both the ruling and opposition parties to start discussions on the unresolved issues as soon as possible.
与野党は、早急に協議を始めてもらいたい。
Even if the Diet succeeds in initiating constitutional amendments, it is the public that makes the final decision on revising the Constitution via referendums. A majority of all votes cast in a referendum is needed to amend the Constitution--it would never be an easy task.
たとえ国会が憲法改正を発議できたとしても、最終的に決めるのは国民投票だ。過半数の賛成を得るのは、容易ではなかろう。
LDP Secretary General Shigeru Ishiba has revealed the idea of hosting meetings across the nation aimed at explaining to the public the necessity of amending the Constitution. The meetings would be carried out as easy-to-understand dialogues, according to Ishiba.
自民党の石破幹事長は、憲法改正についての「対話集会」を各地で開き、国民にその必要性を丁寧に説明する考えを示している。
To amend the Constitution, efforts to nurture public awareness of the necessity of constitutional amendments are essential. There are three years left, at most, before the next national election. The time should be used strategically for the goal of amending the Constitution.
憲法改正が必要だという国民意識を高める努力は欠かせない。次期国政選まで最大３年という時間を戦略的に使うべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 25, 2013)
（2013年7月25日02時15分 読売新聞）
2013年07月26日
夏休みの安全 子どもを犯罪から守りたい
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 25, 2013
Children deserve to have a safe and crime-free summer vacation
夏休みの安全 子どもを犯罪から守りたい（7月24日付・読売社説）
School is out for summer, and children are free to play outdoors. Yet even at this happy time, measures must be taken to ensure no children fall victim to crimes during their summer vacation.
学校が夏休みに入り、子どもたちが外出する機会が多くなる。犯罪に巻き込まれることのないよう、改めて安全対策を徹底したい。
In late June, a man with a knife injured three first-grade primary school students in front of the gate to a ward primary school in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. The incident took place while the boys were on their way home from school. In mid-July, a fifth-grade primary school student suffered serious injuries when she was beaten by a man on the street in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture.
東京都練馬区の区立小学校の校門前で６月末、下校する小学１年生の男児３人が男にナイフで切り付けられ、けがを負った。今月中旬には、茨城県龍ヶ崎市の路上で、小学５年生の女児が男に殴られ、重体となった。
National Police Agency statistics remind us of the disturbing reality that not even children under 13 are safe from criminals. Crimes against them include a significant number of serious offenses, such as sexual assaults and attacks resulting in grave injuries.
警察庁の統計では、１３歳未満の子どもが被害者となる事例では、強制わいせつや暴行、傷害など、悪質な犯罪が目立っている。
Parents should immediately call the police if their children have been spoken to or followed by suspicious persons.
子どもが不審者に声をかけられたり、つきまとわれたりしたら、保護者はすぐに警察へ通報してもらいたい。
Adults must stay on guard
It is essential for the police to thoroughly investigate such cases, while also providing information about suspicious individuals to local organizations likely to be affected by such incidents, including school authorities and neighborhood associations.
警察は捜査に手を尽くすとともに、不審者情報を学校や地域の町内会などに周知し、警戒を呼びかけることが大切だ。
School administrators have taken measures to better protect the safety of their students in recent years. The move was prompted by a stabbing incident that took place in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, in 2001 at a primary school affiliated with Osaka Kyoiku University. Eight students at Ikeda Primary School were killed by a knife-wielding man, and many others were injured.
学校の安全対策は、２００１年に大阪教育大付属池田小学校で起きた児童殺傷事件を契機に、強化が図られてきた。
Ikeda Primary School has set up a class called “anzen-ka” (safety course) in which students are encouraged to discuss what they should do if they face such situations as total strangers talking to them on the street. An increasing number of schools are adopting similar safety education programs.
池田小では「安全科」の授業を設け、道で見知らぬ人から声をかけられた場面などを想定し、自分がとるべき行動を児童に議論させている。こうした安全教育を取り入れる学校は増えつつある。
A large number of primary and middle schools have installed security cameras and other protective devices around their buildings and grounds, hoping to detect any suspicious person attempting to intrude.
不審者の侵入を察知するため、多くの小中学校で防犯カメラなどが設置された。
In other cases, parents accompany their children to and from school, while crime-prevention volunteers from neighborhood associations patrol school-commuting roads. Local communities are making progress in implementing various steps to prevent children from becoming crime victims.
登下校時に、保護者が子どもに付き添う。町内会の防犯ボランティアが通学路を巡回する。地域の様々な取り組みが進んでいる。
However, defense of children tends to become lax during the summer vacation. Particular attention should be given to the safety of children during certain hours of the day--for instance, when they are playing outdoors, and while they are on their way to and from cram schools and or swimming courses. At such times, it is difficult for grown-ups to keep an eye on children. Given this, it is advisable to make sure children carry crime prevention buzzers with them when they go out, so they can sound an alarm if necessary.
ただ、夏休み中はどうしても、子どもたちを守る活動は手薄になりがちだ。外遊びのほか、塾や水泳教室の行き帰りといった、大人の目が届きにくい時間帯は特に注意が必要となる。外出の際には必ず防犯ブザーを持たせたい。
Teach kids to be alert
Most importantly, children should be taught how to escape from crimes targeting them. They need to develop such awareness on a routine basis, when it comes to averting potential danger.
危険を回避する上で何より重要なのは、日頃から子どもたちの防犯意識を高めておくことだ。
For instance, it is a good idea for both parents and children to confirm whether any hazards exist in their neighborhood, such as a vacant house into which children could be taken or an unlit street. Parents would be well advised to tell their children to stay away from such high-risk places.
例えば、自宅周辺に、子どもが連れ込まれかねない空き家や、街灯のない通りなどがないか、親子で確認し、近づかないようにさせてはどうだろう。
In many areas around the nation, shops, private homes and other buildings have been designated as emergency shelters for children. Those in charge of such shelters agree to provide temporary protection for children who encountered danger, and report it to the police. If they have been taught where such facilities are located, children will be able to run to the shelter when they recognize danger.
各地域には、「子ども１１０番の家」がある。危険な目に遭った子を一時的に保護し、警察に通報する役目を担っている。子どもに所在地を教えておけば、いざという時の駆け込み場所になる。
Other facilities that can play a role in crime prevention include convenience stores that stay open round the clock or till late at night.
夜間でも営業しているコンビニエンスストアは、防犯拠点として活用できる。
It is essential for families and local communities to join hands in making sure children can spend the summer vacation in safety.
子どもたちが夏休みを安全に過ごすには、家庭や地域が連携して支えていくことが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 24, 2013)
（2013年7月24日01時22分 読売新聞）
Children deserve to have a safe and crime-free summer vacation
夏休みの安全 子どもを犯罪から守りたい（7月24日付・読売社説）
School is out for summer, and children are free to play outdoors. Yet even at this happy time, measures must be taken to ensure no children fall victim to crimes during their summer vacation.
学校が夏休みに入り、子どもたちが外出する機会が多くなる。犯罪に巻き込まれることのないよう、改めて安全対策を徹底したい。
In late June, a man with a knife injured three first-grade primary school students in front of the gate to a ward primary school in Nerima Ward, Tokyo. The incident took place while the boys were on their way home from school. In mid-July, a fifth-grade primary school student suffered serious injuries when she was beaten by a man on the street in Ryugasaki, Ibaraki Prefecture.
東京都練馬区の区立小学校の校門前で６月末、下校する小学１年生の男児３人が男にナイフで切り付けられ、けがを負った。今月中旬には、茨城県龍ヶ崎市の路上で、小学５年生の女児が男に殴られ、重体となった。
National Police Agency statistics remind us of the disturbing reality that not even children under 13 are safe from criminals. Crimes against them include a significant number of serious offenses, such as sexual assaults and attacks resulting in grave injuries.
警察庁の統計では、１３歳未満の子どもが被害者となる事例では、強制わいせつや暴行、傷害など、悪質な犯罪が目立っている。
Parents should immediately call the police if their children have been spoken to or followed by suspicious persons.
子どもが不審者に声をかけられたり、つきまとわれたりしたら、保護者はすぐに警察へ通報してもらいたい。
Adults must stay on guard
It is essential for the police to thoroughly investigate such cases, while also providing information about suspicious individuals to local organizations likely to be affected by such incidents, including school authorities and neighborhood associations.
警察は捜査に手を尽くすとともに、不審者情報を学校や地域の町内会などに周知し、警戒を呼びかけることが大切だ。
School administrators have taken measures to better protect the safety of their students in recent years. The move was prompted by a stabbing incident that took place in Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture, in 2001 at a primary school affiliated with Osaka Kyoiku University. Eight students at Ikeda Primary School were killed by a knife-wielding man, and many others were injured.
学校の安全対策は、２００１年に大阪教育大付属池田小学校で起きた児童殺傷事件を契機に、強化が図られてきた。
Ikeda Primary School has set up a class called “anzen-ka” (safety course) in which students are encouraged to discuss what they should do if they face such situations as total strangers talking to them on the street. An increasing number of schools are adopting similar safety education programs.
池田小では「安全科」の授業を設け、道で見知らぬ人から声をかけられた場面などを想定し、自分がとるべき行動を児童に議論させている。こうした安全教育を取り入れる学校は増えつつある。
A large number of primary and middle schools have installed security cameras and other protective devices around their buildings and grounds, hoping to detect any suspicious person attempting to intrude.
不審者の侵入を察知するため、多くの小中学校で防犯カメラなどが設置された。
In other cases, parents accompany their children to and from school, while crime-prevention volunteers from neighborhood associations patrol school-commuting roads. Local communities are making progress in implementing various steps to prevent children from becoming crime victims.
登下校時に、保護者が子どもに付き添う。町内会の防犯ボランティアが通学路を巡回する。地域の様々な取り組みが進んでいる。
However, defense of children tends to become lax during the summer vacation. Particular attention should be given to the safety of children during certain hours of the day--for instance, when they are playing outdoors, and while they are on their way to and from cram schools and or swimming courses. At such times, it is difficult for grown-ups to keep an eye on children. Given this, it is advisable to make sure children carry crime prevention buzzers with them when they go out, so they can sound an alarm if necessary.
ただ、夏休み中はどうしても、子どもたちを守る活動は手薄になりがちだ。外遊びのほか、塾や水泳教室の行き帰りといった、大人の目が届きにくい時間帯は特に注意が必要となる。外出の際には必ず防犯ブザーを持たせたい。
Teach kids to be alert
Most importantly, children should be taught how to escape from crimes targeting them. They need to develop such awareness on a routine basis, when it comes to averting potential danger.
危険を回避する上で何より重要なのは、日頃から子どもたちの防犯意識を高めておくことだ。
For instance, it is a good idea for both parents and children to confirm whether any hazards exist in their neighborhood, such as a vacant house into which children could be taken or an unlit street. Parents would be well advised to tell their children to stay away from such high-risk places.
例えば、自宅周辺に、子どもが連れ込まれかねない空き家や、街灯のない通りなどがないか、親子で確認し、近づかないようにさせてはどうだろう。
In many areas around the nation, shops, private homes and other buildings have been designated as emergency shelters for children. Those in charge of such shelters agree to provide temporary protection for children who encountered danger, and report it to the police. If they have been taught where such facilities are located, children will be able to run to the shelter when they recognize danger.
各地域には、「子ども１１０番の家」がある。危険な目に遭った子を一時的に保護し、警察に通報する役目を担っている。子どもに所在地を教えておけば、いざという時の駆け込み場所になる。
Other facilities that can play a role in crime prevention include convenience stores that stay open round the clock or till late at night.
夜間でも営業しているコンビニエンスストアは、防犯拠点として活用できる。
It is essential for families and local communities to join hands in making sure children can spend the summer vacation in safety.
子どもたちが夏休みを安全に過ごすには、家庭や地域が連携して支えていくことが欠かせない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, July 24, 2013)
（2013年7月24日01時22分 読売新聞）
2013年07月25日
安倍政権の課題 国力の向上へ経済に集中せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun July 24, 2013
Abe administration must focus on economy to enhance nation’s power
安倍政権の課題 国力の向上へ経済に集中せよ（7月23日付・読売社説）
◆真価が問われるのはこれからだ
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must make all-out efforts to revitalize the national economy and concentrate on enhancing national power.
日本経済の再生に全力を挙げ、国力を高めることに集中して取り組まねばならない。
The administration has made a new start after the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner New Komeito scored an overwhelming victory in Sunday’s House of Councillors election.
参院選での自民、公明両党の圧勝を受け、安倍政権が再始動した。
Abe met with Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi Monday to confirm their policy of strengthening cooperation. It will be necessary for the two parties, which failed to put forth common campaign platforms for the upper house poll, to steadily promote coordination on various policies.
安倍首相は、連立を組む公明党の山口代表と会談し、連携を強化する方針を確認した。両党は参院選では共通公約を掲げられなかったが、今後は様々な政策調整を着実に進める必要がある。
◆消費増税の判断が焦点
In a news conference on Monday, Abe stressed he would put utmost priority on economic policy, saying, “Ending 15 years of deflation will be a historic undertaking.”
首相は２２日の記者会見で、「１５年間にわたるデフレからの脱却は歴史的事業だ」と述べ、経済政策を最優先する意向を表明した。
The foundation for social security, diplomacy and security cannot be bolstered unless the country can regain a strong economy and national power. Revitalizing the national economy is a way of meeting the expectations the people expressed in the upper house election.
「強い経済」を回復し、国力を取り戻さなければ、社会保障や外交・安全保障の基盤を強化できない。日本経済を再生することが、参院選で示された多くの国民の支持に応える道でもある。
Sales tax hike key issue
The biggest focal point for the moment is whether the government will decide to raise the consumption tax from 5 percent to 8 percent in April as scheduled.
当面の最大の焦点は、来年４月に予定通り消費税率を５％から８％に引き上げるかどうかだ。
Abe said he would make a prudent decision by autumn after analyzing such economic data as the real-term gross domestic product for the April-June quarter, which will be released on Aug. 12.
首相は、８月１２日に発表される４〜６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）成長率などを踏まえて、秋までに慎重に判断するとしている。
The economy has been picking up steadily due to the effect of Abenomics. But raising the consumption tax before a full-scale business recovery may affect the economy adversely. Some of the prime minister’s economic advisers have come out in favor of postponing a tax increase.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果で、経済は着実に上向いてきた。だが、本格的な回復前に消費増税を行うと、景気を腰折れさせかねない。首相の経済ブレーンの間には、消費増税の先送り論も出ている。
On the other hand, the nation’s fiscal condition is the worst among industrialized countries. Japan has made an international pledge to implement midterm fiscal reconstruction. The adverse effect of postponing a consumption tax increase on the government bond market is also a matter of concern.
一方、日本の財政状況は、先進国で最悪であり、中期的な財政再建は国際公約になっている。消費増税を先送りした場合に国債市場に及ぼす悪影響も心配だ。
In a recent Moscow meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 economies, Finance Miniser Taro Aso said the tax increase would be carried out as scheduled. Abe faces a hard policy decision on how to reach a balance between economic growth and fiscal reconstruction.
麻生財務相は、モスクワでの主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議で、予定通り増税する方針を示した。経済成長と財政再建の両立をどう図るか。首相は厳しい決断を迫られる。
Discussions on the consumption tax hike will be also unavoidable from the standpoint of promoting reforms of the social security system. Based on conclusions of the national conference on social security reform to be announced in August, the government needs to set forth policies to curb medical bills and pension benefits, which have been burgeoning due to the graying of society, as well as concrete measures to deal with the declining birthrate.
社会保障制度改革を進める上でも、消費増税の議論は避けられない。政府は、国民会議が８月にまとめる結論を踏まえ、高齢化で増え続ける医療費と年金給付の抑制策や、少子化対応の具体策を打ち出す必要がある。
The government is being put to the test over how to implement a growth strategy, the “third arrow” of Abenomics after bold monetary easing and fiscal stimulation.
アベノミクスでは、大胆な金融緩和、財政出動に続く「第３の矢」となる成長戦略をどう具体化するかが問われている。
Abe regards the autumn extraordinary Diet session as an opportunity to realize his administration’s growth strategy and is aiming for early passage of a bill to boost the competitiveness of the Japanese industry, including an investment tax cut to encourage businesses to make capital investment.
首相は、秋の臨時国会を「成長戦略実現国会」と位置づけ、企業に設備投資を促す投資減税などを盛り込んだ産業競争力強化法案の早期成立を目指している。
Boosting the vitality of Japanese companies could help realize a virtuous circle of wage hikes and an expansion of job opportunities.
企業活力をさらに引き出し、賃金上昇や雇用拡大などの好循環を実現したい。
In promoting the growth strategy, however, it is essential to secure a stable supply of electricity.
成長戦略を推進する上で不可欠なのは、電力の安定供給だ。
TPP talks in full swing
◆ＴＰＰ交渉も本番に
The Nuclear Regulation Authority has launched safety checks of nuclear power plants seeking to restart their idled reactors in line with new safety standards. To efficiently implement various kinds of safety checks, the safety examination system of the NRA should be reinforced.
原子力規制委員会は、原発の再稼働に向けて、新規制基準に基づく原発の安全審査を始めた。多岐にわたる審査を効率的に進めるには、規制委の審査体制を強化・改善すべきではないか。
Abe’s leadership is also needed to win the understanding of local governments and communities to resume the operations of nuclear plants.
原発再稼働に地元の理解を得るため、首相の指導力も必要だ。
The government should promote a realistic energy policy, while considering its impact on the economy, employment and the global environment.
経済や雇用、地球環境への影響なども考慮し、政府は現実的なエネルギー政策を推進すべきだ。
Also important are the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, which Japan will join for the first time on Tuesday. Japan should seize the opportunity to promote free trade and bring out the vitality of Asia.
２３日から日本が初参加する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉も重要である。自由貿易推進によりアジアの活力を取り込む好機としたい。
Efforts must also be made to boost the international competitiveness of our agricultural sector in preparation for market liberalization.
自由化に備えた農業の競争力強化も急がねばならない。
On the diplomatic front, the biggest issue is how to improve bilateral relations with China.
外交では、対中関係の改善が最大の課題だ。
Abe said, “The important thing is to have heart-to-heart talks with each other,” emphasizing the importance of dialogue. Also needed are persistent diplomatic efforts by both Japan and China to solve their differences.
首相は「お互いが胸襟を開いて話すことが大切」と、対話の必要性を強調している。
日中双方の粘り強い外交努力が求められる。
China is still behaving provocatively by having its marine surveillance vessels sail around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. It was also recently learned that China is developing a new gas field near the median line between Japan and China in the East China Sea, which is escalating bilateral friction.
中国は依然として沖縄・尖閣諸島周辺に海洋監視船を送り込み、挑発的な行動をとっている。中国による東シナ海でのガス田開発問題も新たに発覚しており、日中間の摩擦は高まる一方だ。
With China’s recent aggressive and intimidating actions and its military buildup, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile development threats, Japan’s security environment has been deteriorating.
一連の中国の示威活動や軍備増強、さらに北朝鮮の核・ミサイルの脅威など、日本の安全保障環境は悪化している。
Abe administration must focus on economy to enhance nation’s power
安倍政権の課題 国力の向上へ経済に集中せよ（7月23日付・読売社説）
◆真価が問われるのはこれからだ
The administration of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe must make all-out efforts to revitalize the national economy and concentrate on enhancing national power.
日本経済の再生に全力を挙げ、国力を高めることに集中して取り組まねばならない。
The administration has made a new start after the Liberal Democratic Party and its coalition partner New Komeito scored an overwhelming victory in Sunday’s House of Councillors election.
参院選での自民、公明両党の圧勝を受け、安倍政権が再始動した。
Abe met with Komeito leader Natsuo Yamaguchi Monday to confirm their policy of strengthening cooperation. It will be necessary for the two parties, which failed to put forth common campaign platforms for the upper house poll, to steadily promote coordination on various policies.
安倍首相は、連立を組む公明党の山口代表と会談し、連携を強化する方針を確認した。両党は参院選では共通公約を掲げられなかったが、今後は様々な政策調整を着実に進める必要がある。
◆消費増税の判断が焦点
In a news conference on Monday, Abe stressed he would put utmost priority on economic policy, saying, “Ending 15 years of deflation will be a historic undertaking.”
首相は２２日の記者会見で、「１５年間にわたるデフレからの脱却は歴史的事業だ」と述べ、経済政策を最優先する意向を表明した。
The foundation for social security, diplomacy and security cannot be bolstered unless the country can regain a strong economy and national power. Revitalizing the national economy is a way of meeting the expectations the people expressed in the upper house election.
「強い経済」を回復し、国力を取り戻さなければ、社会保障や外交・安全保障の基盤を強化できない。日本経済を再生することが、参院選で示された多くの国民の支持に応える道でもある。
Sales tax hike key issue
The biggest focal point for the moment is whether the government will decide to raise the consumption tax from 5 percent to 8 percent in April as scheduled.
当面の最大の焦点は、来年４月に予定通り消費税率を５％から８％に引き上げるかどうかだ。
Abe said he would make a prudent decision by autumn after analyzing such economic data as the real-term gross domestic product for the April-June quarter, which will be released on Aug. 12.
首相は、８月１２日に発表される４〜６月期の実質国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）成長率などを踏まえて、秋までに慎重に判断するとしている。
The economy has been picking up steadily due to the effect of Abenomics. But raising the consumption tax before a full-scale business recovery may affect the economy adversely. Some of the prime minister’s economic advisers have come out in favor of postponing a tax increase.
安倍政権の経済政策「アベノミクス」の効果で、経済は着実に上向いてきた。だが、本格的な回復前に消費増税を行うと、景気を腰折れさせかねない。首相の経済ブレーンの間には、消費増税の先送り論も出ている。
On the other hand, the nation’s fiscal condition is the worst among industrialized countries. Japan has made an international pledge to implement midterm fiscal reconstruction. The adverse effect of postponing a consumption tax increase on the government bond market is also a matter of concern.
一方、日本の財政状況は、先進国で最悪であり、中期的な財政再建は国際公約になっている。消費増税を先送りした場合に国債市場に及ぼす悪影響も心配だ。
In a recent Moscow meeting of finance ministers and central bank governors from the Group of 20 economies, Finance Miniser Taro Aso said the tax increase would be carried out as scheduled. Abe faces a hard policy decision on how to reach a balance between economic growth and fiscal reconstruction.
麻生財務相は、モスクワでの主要２０か国・地域（Ｇ２０）財務相・中央銀行総裁会議で、予定通り増税する方針を示した。経済成長と財政再建の両立をどう図るか。首相は厳しい決断を迫られる。
Discussions on the consumption tax hike will be also unavoidable from the standpoint of promoting reforms of the social security system. Based on conclusions of the national conference on social security reform to be announced in August, the government needs to set forth policies to curb medical bills and pension benefits, which have been burgeoning due to the graying of society, as well as concrete measures to deal with the declining birthrate.
社会保障制度改革を進める上でも、消費増税の議論は避けられない。政府は、国民会議が８月にまとめる結論を踏まえ、高齢化で増え続ける医療費と年金給付の抑制策や、少子化対応の具体策を打ち出す必要がある。
The government is being put to the test over how to implement a growth strategy, the “third arrow” of Abenomics after bold monetary easing and fiscal stimulation.
アベノミクスでは、大胆な金融緩和、財政出動に続く「第３の矢」となる成長戦略をどう具体化するかが問われている。
Abe regards the autumn extraordinary Diet session as an opportunity to realize his administration’s growth strategy and is aiming for early passage of a bill to boost the competitiveness of the Japanese industry, including an investment tax cut to encourage businesses to make capital investment.
首相は、秋の臨時国会を「成長戦略実現国会」と位置づけ、企業に設備投資を促す投資減税などを盛り込んだ産業競争力強化法案の早期成立を目指している。
Boosting the vitality of Japanese companies could help realize a virtuous circle of wage hikes and an expansion of job opportunities.
企業活力をさらに引き出し、賃金上昇や雇用拡大などの好循環を実現したい。
In promoting the growth strategy, however, it is essential to secure a stable supply of electricity.
成長戦略を推進する上で不可欠なのは、電力の安定供給だ。
TPP talks in full swing
◆ＴＰＰ交渉も本番に
The Nuclear Regulation Authority has launched safety checks of nuclear power plants seeking to restart their idled reactors in line with new safety standards. To efficiently implement various kinds of safety checks, the safety examination system of the NRA should be reinforced.
原子力規制委員会は、原発の再稼働に向けて、新規制基準に基づく原発の安全審査を始めた。多岐にわたる審査を効率的に進めるには、規制委の審査体制を強化・改善すべきではないか。
Abe’s leadership is also needed to win the understanding of local governments and communities to resume the operations of nuclear plants.
原発再稼働に地元の理解を得るため、首相の指導力も必要だ。
The government should promote a realistic energy policy, while considering its impact on the economy, employment and the global environment.
経済や雇用、地球環境への影響なども考慮し、政府は現実的なエネルギー政策を推進すべきだ。
Also important are the Trans-Pacific Partnership negotiations, which Japan will join for the first time on Tuesday. Japan should seize the opportunity to promote free trade and bring out the vitality of Asia.
２３日から日本が初参加する環太平洋経済連携協定（ＴＰＰ）交渉も重要である。自由貿易推進によりアジアの活力を取り込む好機としたい。
Efforts must also be made to boost the international competitiveness of our agricultural sector in preparation for market liberalization.
自由化に備えた農業の競争力強化も急がねばならない。
On the diplomatic front, the biggest issue is how to improve bilateral relations with China.
外交では、対中関係の改善が最大の課題だ。
Abe said, “The important thing is to have heart-to-heart talks with each other,” emphasizing the importance of dialogue. Also needed are persistent diplomatic efforts by both Japan and China to solve their differences.
首相は「お互いが胸襟を開いて話すことが大切」と、対話の必要性を強調している。
日中双方の粘り強い外交努力が求められる。
China is still behaving provocatively by having its marine surveillance vessels sail around the Senkaku Islands in Okinawa Prefecture. It was also recently learned that China is developing a new gas field near the median line between Japan and China in the East China Sea, which is escalating bilateral friction.
中国は依然として沖縄・尖閣諸島周辺に海洋監視船を送り込み、挑発的な行動をとっている。中国による東シナ海でのガス田開発問題も新たに発覚しており、日中間の摩擦は高まる一方だ。
With China’s recent aggressive and intimidating actions and its military buildup, and North Korea’s nuclear and missile development threats, Japan’s security environment has been deteriorating.
一連の中国の示威活動や軍備増強、さらに北朝鮮の核・ミサイルの脅威など、日本の安全保障環境は悪化している。