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2010年09月30日
Depend on China at your peril
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 30, 2010)
Depend on China at your peril
対日経済圧力 中国リスク回避へ分散化図れ（9月29日付・読売社説）
China is piling economic pressure on Japan following the collision this month between a Chinese fishing boat and two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels in Japanese waters near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島沖での中国漁船衝突事件を巡り、中国が経済問題で対日圧力を強めている。
China effectively has limited exports of rare earth minerals, which are vital for manufacturing hybrid cars, energy-efficient electrical appliances and other products. Some Chinese customhouses have reportedly cranked up inspections of other goods exported to and imported from Japan, resulting in delayed shipments between the two countries.
ハイブリッド車や省エネ家電などに不可欠なレアアース（希土類）の対日輸出を事実上制限しているほか、税関当局が通関手続きを厳しくするなどして、日本との輸出入業務が遅れる事態が生じている。
Officially, the Chinese government has denied ordering this crackdown. However, China is clearly attempting to unsettle Japan. China's actions make a mockery of international economic rules. We think China should immediately retract its retaliatory measures.
中国政府は表向き、指示を否定している。だが、日本に揺さぶりをかけているのは明らかだ。国際的な経済ルールから見て、大いに問題がある。中国は、こうした報復的措置を直ちに撤回しなければならない。
Japan imports 90 percent of its rare earths from China. Industries that depend on these minerals are increasingly anxious about the slowdown in customs clearance procedures.
日本はレアアースの９割を中国から輸入しており、手続きが停滞していることに関連業界は不安を募らせている。
Actions trump words
China has claimed that it has not banned exports of rare earths. However, officials at several Japanese trading houses said the issuance of customs documents needed to approve exports has been halted.
中国側は日本に対し、「レアアースの輸出は禁止していない」と説明しているが、複数の日系商社は「輸出承諾書の発給は停止状態だ」と指摘する。
A China ban on exports of rare earths only to Japan would violate World Trade Organization rules. The Japanese government must immediately investigate this worrying situation and demand an explanation from China on why customs clearance procedures have been held up.
中国が日本だけに輸出を禁止すれば、世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）協定に違反するのは明白だ。日本政府は、早急に実態を調査し、手続きの遅れについて中国側に説明を求めるべきだ。
At the same time, the government must do more to secure other rare earths production centers to ensure this nation has a stable supply of the minerals, promote research and development of rare earths substitutes and find ways to recycle the minerals.
同時に、レアアースの調達先の多様化や代替品の研究開発、リサイクルなどへの取り組みを急ぐ必要もあろう。
Many Japanese companies, mainly those in the textile, auto and electrical appliance industries, have shifted their manufacturing bases to China, where labor costs are a fraction of what they are in Japan.
日本企業は安価な労働力を当て込み、衣料品、自動車、電機メーカーなどを中心に、中国を生産拠点として活用してきた。
China's 1.3 billion population has increasingly strong purchasing power; it is certainly an attractive market for Japanese companies suffering from lethargic domestic demand due to the declining birthrate and graying population.
１３億人の人口を抱え、旺盛な購買力に支えられた中国の消費市場は、少子高齢化による内需低迷にあえぐ日本企業にとって、魅力的な存在でもある。
Reconsider business model
Nevertheless, Beijing's hard-nosed response to the latest dispute has made it painfully obvious to many Japanese firms that they should not rely too much on China to protect their business and interests.
しかし、今回の問題で中国が示した露骨な対応を見れば、過度な中国依存から脱することが、企業防衛上からも重要であることを再認識させられたのではないか。
It is disturbing that allowing Japan's economy to become a "hostage" to China's whims could sway government decisions on foreign and security policies.
日本経済が「人質」となり、政府の外交・安全保障政策上の足かせになっては困る。
Japanese companies should take this opportunity to reconsider their business strategy of concentrating production centers and investment in China, and instead start exploring new markets as the first step to reducing business risks.
日本企業は、生産や投資などを中国に集中させてきたビジネスモデルを再考し、中国以外の市場開拓に力を入れるなど、リスクの分散を図るきっかけにしなければならない。
Japanese companies have helped China develop technologies in such fields as energy and the environment. Some Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores have opened their doors in China, bringing jobs and a wide range of goods to the Chinese public.
日本企業はエネルギーや環境などの分野で中国の技術開発を手助けしている。スーパーやコンビニエンスストア業界も進出するなど消費や雇用面で、中国の国民に恩恵を及ぼしている。
We hope the Chinese government will not overlook the contributions Japanese companies have made to that country.
中国政府は、こうした日本企業の貢献を評価すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2010)
（2010年9月29日01時52分 読売新聞）
Depend on China at your peril
対日経済圧力 中国リスク回避へ分散化図れ（9月29日付・読売社説）
China is piling economic pressure on Japan following the collision this month between a Chinese fishing boat and two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels in Japanese waters near the Senkaku Islands.
尖閣諸島沖での中国漁船衝突事件を巡り、中国が経済問題で対日圧力を強めている。
China effectively has limited exports of rare earth minerals, which are vital for manufacturing hybrid cars, energy-efficient electrical appliances and other products. Some Chinese customhouses have reportedly cranked up inspections of other goods exported to and imported from Japan, resulting in delayed shipments between the two countries.
ハイブリッド車や省エネ家電などに不可欠なレアアース（希土類）の対日輸出を事実上制限しているほか、税関当局が通関手続きを厳しくするなどして、日本との輸出入業務が遅れる事態が生じている。
Officially, the Chinese government has denied ordering this crackdown. However, China is clearly attempting to unsettle Japan. China's actions make a mockery of international economic rules. We think China should immediately retract its retaliatory measures.
中国政府は表向き、指示を否定している。だが、日本に揺さぶりをかけているのは明らかだ。国際的な経済ルールから見て、大いに問題がある。中国は、こうした報復的措置を直ちに撤回しなければならない。
Japan imports 90 percent of its rare earths from China. Industries that depend on these minerals are increasingly anxious about the slowdown in customs clearance procedures.
日本はレアアースの９割を中国から輸入しており、手続きが停滞していることに関連業界は不安を募らせている。
Actions trump words
China has claimed that it has not banned exports of rare earths. However, officials at several Japanese trading houses said the issuance of customs documents needed to approve exports has been halted.
中国側は日本に対し、「レアアースの輸出は禁止していない」と説明しているが、複数の日系商社は「輸出承諾書の発給は停止状態だ」と指摘する。
A China ban on exports of rare earths only to Japan would violate World Trade Organization rules. The Japanese government must immediately investigate this worrying situation and demand an explanation from China on why customs clearance procedures have been held up.
中国が日本だけに輸出を禁止すれば、世界貿易機関（ＷＴＯ）協定に違反するのは明白だ。日本政府は、早急に実態を調査し、手続きの遅れについて中国側に説明を求めるべきだ。
At the same time, the government must do more to secure other rare earths production centers to ensure this nation has a stable supply of the minerals, promote research and development of rare earths substitutes and find ways to recycle the minerals.
同時に、レアアースの調達先の多様化や代替品の研究開発、リサイクルなどへの取り組みを急ぐ必要もあろう。
Many Japanese companies, mainly those in the textile, auto and electrical appliance industries, have shifted their manufacturing bases to China, where labor costs are a fraction of what they are in Japan.
日本企業は安価な労働力を当て込み、衣料品、自動車、電機メーカーなどを中心に、中国を生産拠点として活用してきた。
China's 1.3 billion population has increasingly strong purchasing power; it is certainly an attractive market for Japanese companies suffering from lethargic domestic demand due to the declining birthrate and graying population.
１３億人の人口を抱え、旺盛な購買力に支えられた中国の消費市場は、少子高齢化による内需低迷にあえぐ日本企業にとって、魅力的な存在でもある。
Reconsider business model
Nevertheless, Beijing's hard-nosed response to the latest dispute has made it painfully obvious to many Japanese firms that they should not rely too much on China to protect their business and interests.
しかし、今回の問題で中国が示した露骨な対応を見れば、過度な中国依存から脱することが、企業防衛上からも重要であることを再認識させられたのではないか。
It is disturbing that allowing Japan's economy to become a "hostage" to China's whims could sway government decisions on foreign and security policies.
日本経済が「人質」となり、政府の外交・安全保障政策上の足かせになっては困る。
Japanese companies should take this opportunity to reconsider their business strategy of concentrating production centers and investment in China, and instead start exploring new markets as the first step to reducing business risks.
日本企業は、生産や投資などを中国に集中させてきたビジネスモデルを再考し、中国以外の市場開拓に力を入れるなど、リスクの分散を図るきっかけにしなければならない。
Japanese companies have helped China develop technologies in such fields as energy and the environment. Some Japanese supermarkets and convenience stores have opened their doors in China, bringing jobs and a wide range of goods to the Chinese public.
日本企業はエネルギーや環境などの分野で中国の技術開発を手助けしている。スーパーやコンビニエンスストア業界も進出するなど消費や雇用面で、中国の国民に恩恵を及ぼしている。
We hope the Chinese government will not overlook the contributions Japanese companies have made to that country.
中国政府は、こうした日本企業の貢献を評価すべきである。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 29, 2010)
（2010年9月29日01時52分 読売新聞）
2010年09月28日
Don't overlook violence by younger students
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 28, 2010)
Don't overlook violence by younger students
「キレる」子ども 暴力の低年齢化にブレーキを（9月27日付・読売社説）
There seems to be no end to the violence being committed by younger students. This serious situation at school is clear from a fiscal 2009 survey conducted by the education ministry.
暴力の低年齢化に歯止めがかからない。全国の小中高校を対象にした文部科学省の２００９年度調査からは、学校現場が抱える深刻な状況が浮かび上がる。
The number of violent acts by students both at and away from school jumped to a record 61,000 cases, marking an increase for the fourth straight year, according to the survey of primary, middle and high schools across the nation.
学校内外での暴力行為は４年連続で増加し、過去最多の６万１０００件に上った。
Violence by high school students is declining, but that by primary and middle school students has continued to rise. Primary school students in particular racked up a total of 7,100 violent incidents, nearly double the figure recorded three years before. The number of cases in which primary school teachers were treated at hospitals after suffering student violence topped 100.
高校生の暴力は減少傾向にあるものの、小中学生では増え続けている。特に小学生は７１００件で、３年前の２倍近い。教師が小学生から暴力を受け、病院で治療した件数は１００件を超えた。
In the past, specific groups tended to commit violence regularly. But in recent years, there have been conspicuous instances of usually calm students who are suddenly triggered by something to commit violence.
かつては特定のグループが恒常的に暴力行為に及ぶことが多かったが、最近は、おとなしい子どもが何かのきっかけで突然、暴力をふるうケースが目立つという。
===
New measures necessary
The situation has thus worsened to the extent that the problem of student violence cannot be solved merely by giving corrective guidance to the leaders of violent student groups. New countermeasures need to be taken after analyzing the current situation.
グループのリーダーを指導することで問題を解決するような方法では対処できなくなっている。現状を分析して、新たな対応をとる必要がある。
A common characteristic of children who burst into fits of rage is limited ability to control their emotions and express their feelings in words.
「キレる」子どもに共通する特徴は、自分の気持ちを言葉で表したり、感情をコントロールしたりするのが苦手なことだ。
To help such students develop better emotional awareness, one primary school, for example, gives lessons in first- and second-grade classes in which photos of an angry child's face are shown and students are asked, "How does this student feel?"
こうした点を克服するため、ある小学校では１、２年生の授業で、例えば、怒った顔をした子の写真を見せて、「この子がどんな気持ちでいるか」を、児童たちに考えさせているという。
Many experts say the problem lies with student's families. They say that in some cases students are not well disciplined because their parents tend to neglect them. In other families, overly controlling and education-obsessed parents subject their children to too much stress.
家庭の問題を指摘する専門家も多い。親が子どもに構わないため、しつけが十分でない、あるいは逆に教育熱心なあまり、干渉しすぎて子どもにストレスを与えている、といった意見だ。
School authorities must make efforts to improve the situation by learning about the family environments of individual students and using that knowledge as the basis for serious dialogue with parents.
学校側には、子ども一人ひとりの家庭環境を把握した上で、親と粘り強く対話を重ね、改善を促していく努力が求められよう。
===
Bullying persists
The number of bullying cases recognized by primary, middle and high schools came to 73,000 in fiscal 2009, a decrease of 12,000 from a year before. Compared with 125,000 cases registered in fiscal 2006, the figure for fiscal 2009 shows a drop of more than 40 percent.
一方、０９年度に小中高校などで認知されたいじめの件数は、前年度より１万２０００件少ない７万３０００件だった。０６年度の１２万５０００件に比べると、４割以上も減ったことになる。
But it is premature to conclude that bullying at school is in fact declining. This is because some schools answered there was "no bullying" at their schools without asking students in questionnaires or individual interviews about whether that was actually the case.
ただし、いじめが減少傾向にあると見るのは早計だろう。いじめの有無を尋ねるアンケートや個人面談を実施せず、「いじめゼロ」と回答した学校もあるためだ。
A third-year middle school student in Kawasaki who had been bullied by classmates killed himself in June. Such tragedies happen repeatedly. The "decrease in bullying" shown by statistics should not lull those in charge of education into relaxing their efforts.
同級生からいじめを受けていた川崎市の中学３年の男子生徒が今年６月に自殺した。現実にはこのような悲劇が繰り返されている。統計上の「いじめ減少」が教育関係者に気のゆるみをもたらすことがあってはなるまい。
Bullying could happen to any child. Schools must recognize this anew and take care not to overlook even the small signs of bullying.
いじめはどの子どもにも起こりうるということを、学校現場が再認識し、小さな兆候も見逃さないことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 27, 2010)
（2010年9月27日01時12分 読売新聞）
Don't overlook violence by younger students
「キレる」子ども 暴力の低年齢化にブレーキを（9月27日付・読売社説）
There seems to be no end to the violence being committed by younger students. This serious situation at school is clear from a fiscal 2009 survey conducted by the education ministry.
暴力の低年齢化に歯止めがかからない。全国の小中高校を対象にした文部科学省の２００９年度調査からは、学校現場が抱える深刻な状況が浮かび上がる。
The number of violent acts by students both at and away from school jumped to a record 61,000 cases, marking an increase for the fourth straight year, according to the survey of primary, middle and high schools across the nation.
学校内外での暴力行為は４年連続で増加し、過去最多の６万１０００件に上った。
Violence by high school students is declining, but that by primary and middle school students has continued to rise. Primary school students in particular racked up a total of 7,100 violent incidents, nearly double the figure recorded three years before. The number of cases in which primary school teachers were treated at hospitals after suffering student violence topped 100.
高校生の暴力は減少傾向にあるものの、小中学生では増え続けている。特に小学生は７１００件で、３年前の２倍近い。教師が小学生から暴力を受け、病院で治療した件数は１００件を超えた。
In the past, specific groups tended to commit violence regularly. But in recent years, there have been conspicuous instances of usually calm students who are suddenly triggered by something to commit violence.
かつては特定のグループが恒常的に暴力行為に及ぶことが多かったが、最近は、おとなしい子どもが何かのきっかけで突然、暴力をふるうケースが目立つという。
===
New measures necessary
The situation has thus worsened to the extent that the problem of student violence cannot be solved merely by giving corrective guidance to the leaders of violent student groups. New countermeasures need to be taken after analyzing the current situation.
グループのリーダーを指導することで問題を解決するような方法では対処できなくなっている。現状を分析して、新たな対応をとる必要がある。
A common characteristic of children who burst into fits of rage is limited ability to control their emotions and express their feelings in words.
「キレる」子どもに共通する特徴は、自分の気持ちを言葉で表したり、感情をコントロールしたりするのが苦手なことだ。
To help such students develop better emotional awareness, one primary school, for example, gives lessons in first- and second-grade classes in which photos of an angry child's face are shown and students are asked, "How does this student feel?"
こうした点を克服するため、ある小学校では１、２年生の授業で、例えば、怒った顔をした子の写真を見せて、「この子がどんな気持ちでいるか」を、児童たちに考えさせているという。
Many experts say the problem lies with student's families. They say that in some cases students are not well disciplined because their parents tend to neglect them. In other families, overly controlling and education-obsessed parents subject their children to too much stress.
家庭の問題を指摘する専門家も多い。親が子どもに構わないため、しつけが十分でない、あるいは逆に教育熱心なあまり、干渉しすぎて子どもにストレスを与えている、といった意見だ。
School authorities must make efforts to improve the situation by learning about the family environments of individual students and using that knowledge as the basis for serious dialogue with parents.
学校側には、子ども一人ひとりの家庭環境を把握した上で、親と粘り強く対話を重ね、改善を促していく努力が求められよう。
===
Bullying persists
The number of bullying cases recognized by primary, middle and high schools came to 73,000 in fiscal 2009, a decrease of 12,000 from a year before. Compared with 125,000 cases registered in fiscal 2006, the figure for fiscal 2009 shows a drop of more than 40 percent.
一方、０９年度に小中高校などで認知されたいじめの件数は、前年度より１万２０００件少ない７万３０００件だった。０６年度の１２万５０００件に比べると、４割以上も減ったことになる。
But it is premature to conclude that bullying at school is in fact declining. This is because some schools answered there was "no bullying" at their schools without asking students in questionnaires or individual interviews about whether that was actually the case.
ただし、いじめが減少傾向にあると見るのは早計だろう。いじめの有無を尋ねるアンケートや個人面談を実施せず、「いじめゼロ」と回答した学校もあるためだ。
A third-year middle school student in Kawasaki who had been bullied by classmates killed himself in June. Such tragedies happen repeatedly. The "decrease in bullying" shown by statistics should not lull those in charge of education into relaxing their efforts.
同級生からいじめを受けていた川崎市の中学３年の男子生徒が今年６月に自殺した。現実にはこのような悲劇が繰り返されている。統計上の「いじめ減少」が教育関係者に気のゆるみをもたらすことがあってはなるまい。
Bullying could happen to any child. Schools must recognize this anew and take care not to overlook even the small signs of bullying.
いじめはどの子どもにも起こりうるということを、学校現場が再認識し、小さな兆候も見逃さないことが大切である。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 27, 2010)
（2010年9月27日01時12分 読売新聞）
2010年09月27日
Ichiro's 200-hit milestone due to technique, training
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 27, 2010)
Ichiro's 200-hit milestone due to technique, training
イチロー 技と鍛錬が生んだ２００安打（9月26日付・読売社説）
The Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki has reached yet another milestone in Major League Baseball history.
米大リーグの歴史に、また新たな金字塔を打ち立てた。
On Thursday, Suzuki notched 200 hits for an unprecedented 10th consecutive season, breaking his own major league record of nine straight 200-hit seasons. We'd like to extend our warmest congratulations on this remarkable feat.
シアトル・マリナーズのイチロー選手が、１０年連続２００安打を達成した。昨季に成し遂げた９年連続２００安打の大リーグ記録を更新した。偉業を祝福したい。
Ten years have passed since Suzuki joined the Seattle Mariners after a nine-year stint with the Orix BlueWave (now the Orix Buffaloes) of Japan's Pacific League.
オリックスからマリナーズに移籍して１０年。
Suzuki has exceeded 200 hits every year since moving to the United States, using his masterful bat control and natural speed on the base paths.
巧みなバットコントロールと持ち前の俊足を生かし、移籍１年目から毎年、２００安打以上を打ち続けてきた。
Commenting on his achievement, Suzuki said, "I know better than anyone that it's not easy."
イチロー選手は、それについて「簡単じゃないことは、僕が一番知っている」と語った。
His feat is a great record that can only be achieved through continuous training and good physical conditioning.
地道なトレーニングと体調管理があってこその大記録であろう。
The Seattle Mariners have performed poorly in recent seasons, and the team is in last place in the American League West this year. With his team running in low gear, it must be difficult for Suzuki to maintain his concentration.
マリナーズは、戦績の振るわないシーズンが続いている。今季もア・リーグ西地区の最下位に沈んでいる。チームが不振の中で、集中力を維持するのは容易でない面もあったはずだ。
===
Pete Rose mark within reach
Former Major League player Pete Rose, who also is widely known in Japan, also had at least 200 hits in 10 seasons but not consecutively.
大リーグでは、日本でも広く知られるピート・ローズ氏が１０回にわたり２００安打を放ったが、連続記録ではない。
If Suzuki reaches 200 hits for the 11th consecutive season next year, he also would top Rose for the most 200-hit seasons. We hope he will break this record, too.
イチロー選手が来季も２００安打を打てば、通算回数でも単独トップに立つ。ぜひ、この記録も塗り替えてもらいたい。
On Sept. 18, Suzuki collected his 3,500th hit in his major league and Japanese careers combined. However, since this statistic includes the hits he had during his Japan playing days, it does not necessarily garner much praise in the United States.
イチロー選手は先ごろ、日米通算３５００安打も達成した。だが、日本での安打も含まれていることから、米国でのこの記録への評価は、必ずしも高くはない。
For that reason, the significance of the 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons he achieved only in the United States stands out.
それだけに、米国だけで達成した１０年連続２００安打の偉大さが際立つのだろう。
Major league players praised Suzuki's achievement as a record that will be unbreakable for the next 100 years. Despite reaching the mark while his team was on the road in Toronto, the fans in attendance gave him a standing ovation.
大リーグの選手も「今後１００年は破られない記録」と称賛している。敵地にもかかわらず、カナダ・トロントの観衆も大きな拍手を送っていた。
Suzuki will turn 37 next month. When he is in a slump, some people say his abilities have declined due to age.
イチロー選手も来月で３７歳となる。不調時には、年齢による衰えを指摘されるようになった。
However, Suzuki's extraordinary speed has hardly diminished, as this season he reached the 40-steal mark for the first time in two years.
だが、今季の盗塁数が２年ぶりに４０個を超えるなど、たぐいまれなスピードは健在だ。
===
NPB knock-on effect
Suzuki's marquee performances also stimulate Nippon Professional Baseball. Norichika Aoki of the Yakult Swallows and other players who admire Suzuki are studying his technique and banging out the hits.
イチロー選手の活躍は、日本のプロ野球にも刺激を与えている。青木宣親選手（ヤクルト）ら、イチロー選手にあこがれる選手たちが、その技を研究し、安打を量産している。
Japan won the World Baseball Classic championship both times the tournament has been staged, in 2006 and 2009. Japanese baseball will rise to an even higher level if more players follow Suzuki's example and achieve excellence in all three facets of the game--running, hitting and fielding.
日本は、ワールド・ベースボール・クラシック（ＷＢＣ）の連覇を果たしたが、イチロー選手のような走攻守に優れた選手が増えれば、日本の野球のレベルは一層、上がるだろう。
Above all, the growing number of children who pick up bats dreaming of becoming baseball players like Suzuki will help spread the game even further.
何よりも、イチロー選手のようになることを夢見て、バットを握る子供たちが増えることが、野球のすそ野の拡大につながる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 26, 2010)
（2010年9月26日01時11分 読売新聞）
Ichiro's 200-hit milestone due to technique, training
イチロー 技と鍛錬が生んだ２００安打（9月26日付・読売社説）
The Seattle Mariners' Ichiro Suzuki has reached yet another milestone in Major League Baseball history.
米大リーグの歴史に、また新たな金字塔を打ち立てた。
On Thursday, Suzuki notched 200 hits for an unprecedented 10th consecutive season, breaking his own major league record of nine straight 200-hit seasons. We'd like to extend our warmest congratulations on this remarkable feat.
シアトル・マリナーズのイチロー選手が、１０年連続２００安打を達成した。昨季に成し遂げた９年連続２００安打の大リーグ記録を更新した。偉業を祝福したい。
Ten years have passed since Suzuki joined the Seattle Mariners after a nine-year stint with the Orix BlueWave (now the Orix Buffaloes) of Japan's Pacific League.
オリックスからマリナーズに移籍して１０年。
Suzuki has exceeded 200 hits every year since moving to the United States, using his masterful bat control and natural speed on the base paths.
巧みなバットコントロールと持ち前の俊足を生かし、移籍１年目から毎年、２００安打以上を打ち続けてきた。
Commenting on his achievement, Suzuki said, "I know better than anyone that it's not easy."
イチロー選手は、それについて「簡単じゃないことは、僕が一番知っている」と語った。
His feat is a great record that can only be achieved through continuous training and good physical conditioning.
地道なトレーニングと体調管理があってこその大記録であろう。
The Seattle Mariners have performed poorly in recent seasons, and the team is in last place in the American League West this year. With his team running in low gear, it must be difficult for Suzuki to maintain his concentration.
マリナーズは、戦績の振るわないシーズンが続いている。今季もア・リーグ西地区の最下位に沈んでいる。チームが不振の中で、集中力を維持するのは容易でない面もあったはずだ。
===
Pete Rose mark within reach
Former Major League player Pete Rose, who also is widely known in Japan, also had at least 200 hits in 10 seasons but not consecutively.
大リーグでは、日本でも広く知られるピート・ローズ氏が１０回にわたり２００安打を放ったが、連続記録ではない。
If Suzuki reaches 200 hits for the 11th consecutive season next year, he also would top Rose for the most 200-hit seasons. We hope he will break this record, too.
イチロー選手が来季も２００安打を打てば、通算回数でも単独トップに立つ。ぜひ、この記録も塗り替えてもらいたい。
On Sept. 18, Suzuki collected his 3,500th hit in his major league and Japanese careers combined. However, since this statistic includes the hits he had during his Japan playing days, it does not necessarily garner much praise in the United States.
イチロー選手は先ごろ、日米通算３５００安打も達成した。だが、日本での安打も含まれていることから、米国でのこの記録への評価は、必ずしも高くはない。
For that reason, the significance of the 10 consecutive 200-hit seasons he achieved only in the United States stands out.
それだけに、米国だけで達成した１０年連続２００安打の偉大さが際立つのだろう。
Major league players praised Suzuki's achievement as a record that will be unbreakable for the next 100 years. Despite reaching the mark while his team was on the road in Toronto, the fans in attendance gave him a standing ovation.
大リーグの選手も「今後１００年は破られない記録」と称賛している。敵地にもかかわらず、カナダ・トロントの観衆も大きな拍手を送っていた。
Suzuki will turn 37 next month. When he is in a slump, some people say his abilities have declined due to age.
イチロー選手も来月で３７歳となる。不調時には、年齢による衰えを指摘されるようになった。
However, Suzuki's extraordinary speed has hardly diminished, as this season he reached the 40-steal mark for the first time in two years.
だが、今季の盗塁数が２年ぶりに４０個を超えるなど、たぐいまれなスピードは健在だ。
===
NPB knock-on effect
Suzuki's marquee performances also stimulate Nippon Professional Baseball. Norichika Aoki of the Yakult Swallows and other players who admire Suzuki are studying his technique and banging out the hits.
イチロー選手の活躍は、日本のプロ野球にも刺激を与えている。青木宣親選手（ヤクルト）ら、イチロー選手にあこがれる選手たちが、その技を研究し、安打を量産している。
Japan won the World Baseball Classic championship both times the tournament has been staged, in 2006 and 2009. Japanese baseball will rise to an even higher level if more players follow Suzuki's example and achieve excellence in all three facets of the game--running, hitting and fielding.
日本は、ワールド・ベースボール・クラシック（ＷＢＣ）の連覇を果たしたが、イチロー選手のような走攻守に優れた選手が増えれば、日本の野球のレベルは一層、上がるだろう。
Above all, the growing number of children who pick up bats dreaming of becoming baseball players like Suzuki will help spread the game even further.
何よりも、イチロー選手のようになることを夢見て、バットを握る子供たちが増えることが、野球のすそ野の拡大につながる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 26, 2010)
（2010年9月26日01時11分 読売新聞）
2010年09月26日
Chinese skipper's release a political decision
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 26, 2010)
Chinese skipper's release a political decision
中国人船長釈放 関係修復を優先した政治決着（9月25日付・読売社説）
Prosecutors decided Friday to release a Chinese trawler captain, who was arrested following collisions between his ship and two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, without taking further legal action against him for now.
尖閣諸島沖での衝突事件で逮捕されていた中国人船長が、処分保留のまま、釈放されることが決まった。
The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office in Okinawa Prefecture, which was investigating the captain, said, "The impact on the people of this nation and the future of Japan-China relations were taken into consideration."
船長を取り調べていた那覇地検は「国民への影響や今後の日中関係を考慮した」と説明した。
The decision came soon after it was learned that four Japanese nationals had been taken into custody by Chinese authorities for allegedly filming "military targets" in Hebei Province.
中国・河北省で「軍事目標」をビデオ撮影したとして日本人４人が拘束されたばかりである。
"The impact on the people" was mentioned apparently out of concern over the possibility that the detention of the Japanese might be prolonged.
「国民への影響」とは、拘束が長引く可能性があることへの懸念をさすものだろう。
Beijing ties given priority
The prosecutors office explained that authorities were unable to prove the captain's action had been deliberately planned and that the collisions did not result in injury or serious damage.
地検は、船長の行為に計画性が認められず、けが人が出るなどの被害がなかったことも、釈放の理由に挙げた。
But this is inconsistent, as investigative authorities cited the malign nature of the incident to explain the arrest and detention of the skipper.
だが、これでは、悪質性が高いとして船長を逮捕・拘置してきたこととの整合性がとれない。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku insisted that the prosecutors office made the decision on its own. But there is no doubt that the issue was settled in a political decision by Prime Minister Naoto Kan and other senior members of the government and the Democratic Party of Japan. It also is said that the decision came because the U.S. government called for an early settlement of the issue.
仙谷官房長官は、地検独自の判断であることを強調しているものの、菅首相はじめ政府・民主党首脳らの政治判断による決着であることは間違いあるまい。背景には早期解決を求める米政府の意向もあったとされる。
Since the Japanese government repeatedly said the incident would be handled in line with domestic laws, the decision gave the impression that the Japanese government had given in and failed to stick to its original stance. Many people in this nation likely share this critical view. The government needs to provide the public with a thorough and convincing explanation.
「国内法に基づいて処理する」と繰り返してきた日本政府として筋を通せなかった印象はぬぐえない。国民の多くも同様の思いを抱いているのではないか。政府は国民の納得が得られるよう、十分説明を尽くす必要がある。
Needless to say, the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of Japan. The government must assert this point repeatedly both at home and abroad.
尖閣諸島は言うまでもなく、日本固有の領土である。政府はこの立場を、繰り返し内外に示していかなければならない。
Long-term effects
We also cannot disregard the repercussions the latest decision will likely bring about in the future.
今回の決着が、今後にもたらす影響も無視できない。
It is possible that JCG patrols will no longer have a strong deterrent effect on Chinese trawlers that illegally fish in Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands. The organizational functions of the JCG and its cooperation with the Maritime Self-Defense Force should be strengthened.
尖閣諸島沖の日本領海内で違法操業する中国漁船への海上保安庁の“にらみ”が利かなくなる可能性がある。海保の体制強化はもちろん、海上自衛隊との連携も強めることが求められる。
Amid the dispute over the skipper's detention, China blocked exports to Japan of rare earths vital for the production of hybrid car parts and other items. This development serves as a strong reminder that China is a trade partner of unpredictable risk.
中国が今回、ハイブリッド車の部品などの製造に欠かせないレアアース（希土類）の輸出禁止措置をとったことは、中国が貿易相手として予測不能なリスクを抱える国であることを再認識させた。
Regarding materials that are largely sourced from inside China, it is crucial to secure other sources of such materials.
今後、中国に大きく依存する物資については、中国以外からも調達できるよう対策を講じておくことが肝要だ。
China acted high-handedly apparently with anti-Japan hard-liners at home in mind. But the series of countermeasures successively taken by China over a short period of time--such as the suspension of youth exchange events and negotiations over a bilateral treaty on joint development of natural gas fields in the East China Sea--were obviously going too far.
中国の高圧的な姿勢の裏には、国内の対日強硬派への配慮もあろうが、青年交流や条約交渉の中止など矢継ぎ早の対抗措置は、明らかに行き過ぎている。
Japan should not be simply lured to a "friendship" approach toward China. From the standpoint of seeking "strategic and mutually beneficial relations," Japan must pursue its national interests calmly and realistically regarding China.
日本は、単なる「友好」という言葉に踊らされることなく、「戦略的互恵」の立場で、冷静かつ現実的に国益を追求する対中外交を展開していかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 25, 2010)
（2010年9月25日01時24分 読売新聞）
Chinese skipper's release a political decision
中国人船長釈放 関係修復を優先した政治決着（9月25日付・読売社説）
Prosecutors decided Friday to release a Chinese trawler captain, who was arrested following collisions between his ship and two Japan Coast Guard patrol vessels off the Senkaku Islands in the East China Sea, without taking further legal action against him for now.
尖閣諸島沖での衝突事件で逮捕されていた中国人船長が、処分保留のまま、釈放されることが決まった。
The Naha District Public Prosecutors Office in Okinawa Prefecture, which was investigating the captain, said, "The impact on the people of this nation and the future of Japan-China relations were taken into consideration."
船長を取り調べていた那覇地検は「国民への影響や今後の日中関係を考慮した」と説明した。
The decision came soon after it was learned that four Japanese nationals had been taken into custody by Chinese authorities for allegedly filming "military targets" in Hebei Province.
中国・河北省で「軍事目標」をビデオ撮影したとして日本人４人が拘束されたばかりである。
"The impact on the people" was mentioned apparently out of concern over the possibility that the detention of the Japanese might be prolonged.
「国民への影響」とは、拘束が長引く可能性があることへの懸念をさすものだろう。
Beijing ties given priority
The prosecutors office explained that authorities were unable to prove the captain's action had been deliberately planned and that the collisions did not result in injury or serious damage.
地検は、船長の行為に計画性が認められず、けが人が出るなどの被害がなかったことも、釈放の理由に挙げた。
But this is inconsistent, as investigative authorities cited the malign nature of the incident to explain the arrest and detention of the skipper.
だが、これでは、悪質性が高いとして船長を逮捕・拘置してきたこととの整合性がとれない。
Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshito Sengoku insisted that the prosecutors office made the decision on its own. But there is no doubt that the issue was settled in a political decision by Prime Minister Naoto Kan and other senior members of the government and the Democratic Party of Japan. It also is said that the decision came because the U.S. government called for an early settlement of the issue.
仙谷官房長官は、地検独自の判断であることを強調しているものの、菅首相はじめ政府・民主党首脳らの政治判断による決着であることは間違いあるまい。背景には早期解決を求める米政府の意向もあったとされる。
Since the Japanese government repeatedly said the incident would be handled in line with domestic laws, the decision gave the impression that the Japanese government had given in and failed to stick to its original stance. Many people in this nation likely share this critical view. The government needs to provide the public with a thorough and convincing explanation.
「国内法に基づいて処理する」と繰り返してきた日本政府として筋を通せなかった印象はぬぐえない。国民の多くも同様の思いを抱いているのではないか。政府は国民の納得が得られるよう、十分説明を尽くす必要がある。
Needless to say, the Senkaku Islands are an inherent part of Japan. The government must assert this point repeatedly both at home and abroad.
尖閣諸島は言うまでもなく、日本固有の領土である。政府はこの立場を、繰り返し内外に示していかなければならない。
Long-term effects
We also cannot disregard the repercussions the latest decision will likely bring about in the future.
今回の決着が、今後にもたらす影響も無視できない。
It is possible that JCG patrols will no longer have a strong deterrent effect on Chinese trawlers that illegally fish in Japan's territorial waters off the Senkaku Islands. The organizational functions of the JCG and its cooperation with the Maritime Self-Defense Force should be strengthened.
尖閣諸島沖の日本領海内で違法操業する中国漁船への海上保安庁の“にらみ”が利かなくなる可能性がある。海保の体制強化はもちろん、海上自衛隊との連携も強めることが求められる。
Amid the dispute over the skipper's detention, China blocked exports to Japan of rare earths vital for the production of hybrid car parts and other items. This development serves as a strong reminder that China is a trade partner of unpredictable risk.
中国が今回、ハイブリッド車の部品などの製造に欠かせないレアアース（希土類）の輸出禁止措置をとったことは、中国が貿易相手として予測不能なリスクを抱える国であることを再認識させた。
Regarding materials that are largely sourced from inside China, it is crucial to secure other sources of such materials.
今後、中国に大きく依存する物資については、中国以外からも調達できるよう対策を講じておくことが肝要だ。
China acted high-handedly apparently with anti-Japan hard-liners at home in mind. But the series of countermeasures successively taken by China over a short period of time--such as the suspension of youth exchange events and negotiations over a bilateral treaty on joint development of natural gas fields in the East China Sea--were obviously going too far.
中国の高圧的な姿勢の裏には、国内の対日強硬派への配慮もあろうが、青年交流や条約交渉の中止など矢継ぎ早の対抗措置は、明らかに行き過ぎている。
Japan should not be simply lured to a "friendship" approach toward China. From the standpoint of seeking "strategic and mutually beneficial relations," Japan must pursue its national interests calmly and realistically regarding China.
日本は、単なる「友好」という言葉に踊らされることなく、「戦略的互恵」の立場で、冷静かつ現実的に国益を追求する対中外交を展開していかねばならない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 25, 2010)
（2010年9月25日01時24分 読売新聞）
2010年09月24日
Govt should help push up land prices
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 24, 2010)
Govt should help push up land prices
基準地価 下げ止まりの兆しはあるが（9月23日付・読売社説）
At long last signs have emerged of an end to the fall in land prices that began with the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. two years ago, but it remains uncertain whether the recovery trend will continue.
２年前のリーマン・ショック以来の地価急落にようやく下げ止まりの兆しが見え始めた。
ただ、こうした地価の回復基調が、今後も維持されるかどうかは不透明だ。
Changes in land prices lead to fluctuations in people's assets, which can greatly affect personal consumption. Therefore, we think the government should indirectly support land prices through measures such as an extension of the economic stimulus eco-point program for houses.
地価の動向は個人資産の増減につながり、消費活動にも大きな影響を与える。それだけに、政府が住宅版エコポイントの延長などで、地価底上げを側面支援することは妥当な施策といえよう。
The government needs to help boost the economy further by expanding tax cuts and tax exemptions for housing and real estate.
住宅・不動産関係諸税の減免措置の拡充などで、さらにテコ入れする必要がある。
According to a survey of land prices in all 47 prefectures released recently by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, the average price of residential land fell 3.4 percent in the year to July 1, while that of commercial land dropped 4.6 percent. In the previous year's survey, the average price of residential land fell 4 percent and that of commercial land decreased 5.9 percent. The latest survey shows the pace of decline has slowed in both categories.
国土交通省が発表した７月１日時点の都道府県地価（基準地価）によると、全国の地価は、住宅地で前年比３・４％、商業地で４・６％の下落となった。
１年前の調査では住宅地が４・０％、商業地で５・９％値下がりしており、下落率は縮小した。
The ministry believes the slower decline has been partly due to factors such as rising demand for land on which to build condominiums in urban areas. Recently, condominiums have become more affordable as prices have fallen sharply. Condominium sales in major cities have been recovering rapidly, bringing a bit of brightness to future land price forecasts.
国交省は、急激な値下がりにより値ごろ感が出た都市部で、マンション用地の需要が高まったことなどが影響したと見ている。
実際、大都市ではマンションの売れ行きが急回復しており、地価動向を占う明るい材料だ。
Metro areas doing better
Trends in land prices in metropolitan areas--a leading indicator of land prices throughout the nation--are worth noting: In the Tokyo metropolitan area, average residential land prices fell 3 percent, while commercial land prices decreased 4.1 percent. The drops in both categories are almost half the figures from a year earlier.
地域別では、地価の先行指標である大都市での値動きが注目される。東京圏では、住宅地の下落率が３・０％、商業地は４・１％で、前年に比べほぼ半減した。
If we look at the trends in more detail, signs of an end to the fall in land prices become more apparent. Take, for instance, land price trends in the first half of the year that ended on July 1 and those in the second half of the year at 15 residential locations in eight wards in central Tokyo.
さらに詳しく分析すると、下げ止まりの流れがはっきりする。例えば、東京の都心８区の住宅地１５地点について、この１年間を前、後半に分けて比較してみよう。
During the first half of the year, land prices in all locations dropped, but prices rose in two locations, were about the same at four spots and the rate of decline slowed at eight places in the second half of the year. It is apparent that land prices began to turn around this year. A similar development can be seen in major cities such as Osaka and Nagoya.
前半はすべての地点が値下がりしていたが、後半では値上がりに転じたのが２地点、横ばいになったのが４地点、下落率が縮小したのが８地点あった。
今年に入って、地価が反転しつつあることが鮮明だ。大阪市、名古屋市などにも共通して見られる動きである。
Land prices in major cities rose markedly about three years ago, during a "mini bubble" caused by factors that included competition for prime locations among brand-name stores. However, in the wake of the so-called Lehman shock, things took a sudden turn for the worse. The latest survey may indicate the tide is about to change for land prices.
大都市の地価は、ブランド店の立地競争などによるミニバブルで、３年ほど前に大幅に値上がりしたが、リーマン・ショックで暗転した。今回の調査結果は、地価の潮目が変わりつつあることを示しているのではないか。
Other regions still struggling
However, land price trends in other regions are still poor. The average price of residential land in these regions dropped at a greater rate than during the previous year, while commercial land declined at about the same rate. This was the 18th straight year of decline in residential land prices in these areas, while commercial land values fell for the 19th consecutive year.
問題は地方圏である。住宅地は昨年より下落率が大きくなり、商業地もほぼ横ばいのままだ。これで、住宅地は１８年連続、商業地も１９年連続で下落を記録した。
Are there any ways to prop up land prices in these regions, which have seen the value of their land fall for so long?
長期低落に打つ手はないのか。
In Hokkaido and Mie Prefecture, some districts have increased land prices by improving their appeal as tourist destinations. Needless to say, we believe it is essential to promote local redevelopment and to encourage businesses to expand into the less urbanized regions.
北海道や三重県では、観光地としての魅力を高め、地価上昇につなげた地域もある。無論、地域再開発の推進や企業の地方進出を促す補助政策なども欠かせまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2010)
（2010年9月23日01時02分 読売新聞）
Govt should help push up land prices
基準地価 下げ止まりの兆しはあるが（9月23日付・読売社説）
At long last signs have emerged of an end to the fall in land prices that began with the collapse of Lehman Brothers Holdings Inc. two years ago, but it remains uncertain whether the recovery trend will continue.
２年前のリーマン・ショック以来の地価急落にようやく下げ止まりの兆しが見え始めた。
ただ、こうした地価の回復基調が、今後も維持されるかどうかは不透明だ。
Changes in land prices lead to fluctuations in people's assets, which can greatly affect personal consumption. Therefore, we think the government should indirectly support land prices through measures such as an extension of the economic stimulus eco-point program for houses.
地価の動向は個人資産の増減につながり、消費活動にも大きな影響を与える。それだけに、政府が住宅版エコポイントの延長などで、地価底上げを側面支援することは妥当な施策といえよう。
The government needs to help boost the economy further by expanding tax cuts and tax exemptions for housing and real estate.
住宅・不動産関係諸税の減免措置の拡充などで、さらにテコ入れする必要がある。
According to a survey of land prices in all 47 prefectures released recently by the Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism Ministry, the average price of residential land fell 3.4 percent in the year to July 1, while that of commercial land dropped 4.6 percent. In the previous year's survey, the average price of residential land fell 4 percent and that of commercial land decreased 5.9 percent. The latest survey shows the pace of decline has slowed in both categories.
国土交通省が発表した７月１日時点の都道府県地価（基準地価）によると、全国の地価は、住宅地で前年比３・４％、商業地で４・６％の下落となった。
１年前の調査では住宅地が４・０％、商業地で５・９％値下がりしており、下落率は縮小した。
The ministry believes the slower decline has been partly due to factors such as rising demand for land on which to build condominiums in urban areas. Recently, condominiums have become more affordable as prices have fallen sharply. Condominium sales in major cities have been recovering rapidly, bringing a bit of brightness to future land price forecasts.
国交省は、急激な値下がりにより値ごろ感が出た都市部で、マンション用地の需要が高まったことなどが影響したと見ている。
実際、大都市ではマンションの売れ行きが急回復しており、地価動向を占う明るい材料だ。
Metro areas doing better
Trends in land prices in metropolitan areas--a leading indicator of land prices throughout the nation--are worth noting: In the Tokyo metropolitan area, average residential land prices fell 3 percent, while commercial land prices decreased 4.1 percent. The drops in both categories are almost half the figures from a year earlier.
地域別では、地価の先行指標である大都市での値動きが注目される。東京圏では、住宅地の下落率が３・０％、商業地は４・１％で、前年に比べほぼ半減した。
If we look at the trends in more detail, signs of an end to the fall in land prices become more apparent. Take, for instance, land price trends in the first half of the year that ended on July 1 and those in the second half of the year at 15 residential locations in eight wards in central Tokyo.
さらに詳しく分析すると、下げ止まりの流れがはっきりする。例えば、東京の都心８区の住宅地１５地点について、この１年間を前、後半に分けて比較してみよう。
During the first half of the year, land prices in all locations dropped, but prices rose in two locations, were about the same at four spots and the rate of decline slowed at eight places in the second half of the year. It is apparent that land prices began to turn around this year. A similar development can be seen in major cities such as Osaka and Nagoya.
前半はすべての地点が値下がりしていたが、後半では値上がりに転じたのが２地点、横ばいになったのが４地点、下落率が縮小したのが８地点あった。
今年に入って、地価が反転しつつあることが鮮明だ。大阪市、名古屋市などにも共通して見られる動きである。
Land prices in major cities rose markedly about three years ago, during a "mini bubble" caused by factors that included competition for prime locations among brand-name stores. However, in the wake of the so-called Lehman shock, things took a sudden turn for the worse. The latest survey may indicate the tide is about to change for land prices.
大都市の地価は、ブランド店の立地競争などによるミニバブルで、３年ほど前に大幅に値上がりしたが、リーマン・ショックで暗転した。今回の調査結果は、地価の潮目が変わりつつあることを示しているのではないか。
Other regions still struggling
However, land price trends in other regions are still poor. The average price of residential land in these regions dropped at a greater rate than during the previous year, while commercial land declined at about the same rate. This was the 18th straight year of decline in residential land prices in these areas, while commercial land values fell for the 19th consecutive year.
問題は地方圏である。住宅地は昨年より下落率が大きくなり、商業地もほぼ横ばいのままだ。これで、住宅地は１８年連続、商業地も１９年連続で下落を記録した。
Are there any ways to prop up land prices in these regions, which have seen the value of their land fall for so long?
長期低落に打つ手はないのか。
In Hokkaido and Mie Prefecture, some districts have increased land prices by improving their appeal as tourist destinations. Needless to say, we believe it is essential to promote local redevelopment and to encourage businesses to expand into the less urbanized regions.
北海道や三重県では、観光地としての魅力を高め、地価上昇につなげた地域もある。無論、地域再開発の推進や企業の地方進出を促す補助政策なども欠かせまい。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 23, 2010)
（2010年9月23日01時02分 読売新聞）
2010年09月23日
Prosecutors' reputation totally ruined
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 23, 2010)
Prosecutors' reputation totally ruined
押収資料改ざん 地に落ちた特捜検察の威信（9月22日付・読売社説）
The alleged falsification of data by a senior prosecutor is a grave scandal that is shaking the very foundations of Japan's criminal justice system.
刑事司法の根幹を揺るがす特捜検察の一大不祥事である。
The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office arrested the lead prosecutor at the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation squad on suspicion of tampering with evidence in the postal abuse case involving Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry officials. The ministry's former bureau chief, Atsuko Muraki, was arrested and indicted for her alleged involvement in the case but was cleared by the Osaka District Court.
厚生労働省の村木厚子元局長に無罪判決が出た郵便不正事件に絡み、大阪地検特捜部の主任検事が、押収資料を改ざんした証拠隠滅容疑で最高検に逮捕された。
The chief prosecutor is suspected to have altered data on a floppy disk seized as possible evidence from one of Muraki's former subordinates, who was then a unit chief at the ministry's policy planning division, to make it better match the special investigation team's arguments.
村木元局長の部下だった元係長宅から押収したフロッピーディスクのデータを、特捜部の描いた事件の構図に合うよう書き換えた疑いが持たれている。
===
Unprecedented scandal
If the allegation is true, it would be an unprecedented instance of a prosecutor, who holds supreme authority in investigations and indictments, being found to have illegally fabricated evidence against a defendant. The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office must bring to light the case's entire picture and strictly punish those involved.
事実とすれば、強大な捜査・起訴権限を持つ検事自らが、有罪証拠をでっちあげようとした前代未聞の違法行為だ。最高検は全容を解明し、関係者を厳正に処罰しなければならない。
The special investigation squad's probe was based on the scenario that Muraki had instructed the unit chief in early June 2004 to fabricate an official document to allow a group that falsely claimed itself as a body supporting the handicapped to abuse the postal discount system for the handicapped.
特捜部が描いた事件の構図は、村木元局長が２００４年６月上旬、元係長に対し、自称障害者団体に発行する偽証明書の作成を指示したというものだった。
However, the supposedly false document, which was found on the seized floppy disk, was last updated at 1:20 a.m. on June 1, 2004.
ところが、押収したディスクには、偽証明書作成の最終更新日時が「０４年６月１日午前１時２０分」と記録されていた。
The chief prosecutor allegedly changed the data to show that the document was last updated at 9:10 p.m. on June 8, 2004. The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office suspects that the prosecutor altered the data because it did not fit the special investigation squad's suppositions.
主任検事は、これを「０４年６月８日午後９時１０分」に書き換えた。特捜部の見立てに合わないデータを意図的に改ざんした疑いがあると最高検は見ている。
A lead prosecutor, who takes charge of investigations in a criminal case, is supposed to change the course of the investigation or give up on establishing a case altogether if investigators have found evidence contrary to their case.
担当事件の捜査を統括する主任検事は、捜査の過程で見立てと異なる証拠が見つかれば、軌道修正したり、事件の立件を断念したりするのが鉄則だ。
Altering a seized document is an inexcusable act that ruins confidence in prosecutors' investigations and makes a mockery of the justice of criminal trials.
押収資料の改ざんは、検察捜査への信頼を損ね、刑事裁判の公正さをないがしろにする言語道断の行為である。
===
Terrifying abuse of power
The chief prosecutor eventually returned the floppy disk in question to the former unit chief without submitting it to the court as evidence. If it had been submitted to the court, it might have been used as material evidence to establish Muraki's guilt. We are terrified at the thought of such supreme authority spinning out of control.
主任検事は結局、ディスクを元係長側に返却し、公判に証拠提出しなかった。提出されていたら、村木元局長を強引に有罪に持ち込む物証となった可能性もあった。権力の暴走に戦慄(せんりつ)を覚える。
In addition, the prosecutors had drawn up an investigation report with the correct update time on the floppy disk but did not submit it to the court. They disclosed the report upon the request of Muraki's attorneys before her trial started.
さらに特捜部は、正確な最終更新日時のデータを記載した捜査報告書を作成していたが、これも証拠提出しなかった。公判前に弁護側の請求でようやく開示した。
Prosecutors must uncover what had been discussed within the special investigation squad and the district public prosecutors office over the handling of evidence and whether any other individuals were involved in altering the data. The Osaka High Public Prosecutors Office and the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office must also be blamed for having failed to fulfill their responsibility to appropriately supervise the district public prosecutors office.
これら証拠資料の扱いについて特捜部や地検内でどんな議論があったのか、他に改ざんの関与者はいなかったのか、真相を明らかにすべきだ。上級庁の大阪高検、最高検の監督責任も免れまい。
In the postal abuse case, the court refused to accept many depositions by Muraki's alleged accomplices and witnesses submitted by the prosecutors, saying that the prosecutors could have coerced them into making such statements. Given that, we must say that the quality of public prosecutors has seriously deteriorated.
郵便不正事件では、特捜部の作成した供述調書の多くが「誘導の可能性がある」として、裁判で信用性を否定された。特捜検事の資質の劣化は極めて深刻だ。
The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office has the responsibility to drive out corruption within the organization by thoroughly investigating the case without being lenient on its colleagues.
最高検には、身内への甘さを排した徹底捜査で、組織内部の病巣を取り除く責務がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2010)
（2010年9月22日01時26分 読売新聞）
Prosecutors' reputation totally ruined
押収資料改ざん 地に落ちた特捜検察の威信（9月22日付・読売社説）
The alleged falsification of data by a senior prosecutor is a grave scandal that is shaking the very foundations of Japan's criminal justice system.
刑事司法の根幹を揺るがす特捜検察の一大不祥事である。
The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office arrested the lead prosecutor at the Osaka District Public Prosecutors Office's special investigation squad on suspicion of tampering with evidence in the postal abuse case involving Health, Labor and Welfare Ministry officials. The ministry's former bureau chief, Atsuko Muraki, was arrested and indicted for her alleged involvement in the case but was cleared by the Osaka District Court.
厚生労働省の村木厚子元局長に無罪判決が出た郵便不正事件に絡み、大阪地検特捜部の主任検事が、押収資料を改ざんした証拠隠滅容疑で最高検に逮捕された。
The chief prosecutor is suspected to have altered data on a floppy disk seized as possible evidence from one of Muraki's former subordinates, who was then a unit chief at the ministry's policy planning division, to make it better match the special investigation team's arguments.
村木元局長の部下だった元係長宅から押収したフロッピーディスクのデータを、特捜部の描いた事件の構図に合うよう書き換えた疑いが持たれている。
===
Unprecedented scandal
If the allegation is true, it would be an unprecedented instance of a prosecutor, who holds supreme authority in investigations and indictments, being found to have illegally fabricated evidence against a defendant. The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office must bring to light the case's entire picture and strictly punish those involved.
事実とすれば、強大な捜査・起訴権限を持つ検事自らが、有罪証拠をでっちあげようとした前代未聞の違法行為だ。最高検は全容を解明し、関係者を厳正に処罰しなければならない。
The special investigation squad's probe was based on the scenario that Muraki had instructed the unit chief in early June 2004 to fabricate an official document to allow a group that falsely claimed itself as a body supporting the handicapped to abuse the postal discount system for the handicapped.
特捜部が描いた事件の構図は、村木元局長が２００４年６月上旬、元係長に対し、自称障害者団体に発行する偽証明書の作成を指示したというものだった。
However, the supposedly false document, which was found on the seized floppy disk, was last updated at 1:20 a.m. on June 1, 2004.
ところが、押収したディスクには、偽証明書作成の最終更新日時が「０４年６月１日午前１時２０分」と記録されていた。
The chief prosecutor allegedly changed the data to show that the document was last updated at 9:10 p.m. on June 8, 2004. The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office suspects that the prosecutor altered the data because it did not fit the special investigation squad's suppositions.
主任検事は、これを「０４年６月８日午後９時１０分」に書き換えた。特捜部の見立てに合わないデータを意図的に改ざんした疑いがあると最高検は見ている。
A lead prosecutor, who takes charge of investigations in a criminal case, is supposed to change the course of the investigation or give up on establishing a case altogether if investigators have found evidence contrary to their case.
担当事件の捜査を統括する主任検事は、捜査の過程で見立てと異なる証拠が見つかれば、軌道修正したり、事件の立件を断念したりするのが鉄則だ。
Altering a seized document is an inexcusable act that ruins confidence in prosecutors' investigations and makes a mockery of the justice of criminal trials.
押収資料の改ざんは、検察捜査への信頼を損ね、刑事裁判の公正さをないがしろにする言語道断の行為である。
===
Terrifying abuse of power
The chief prosecutor eventually returned the floppy disk in question to the former unit chief without submitting it to the court as evidence. If it had been submitted to the court, it might have been used as material evidence to establish Muraki's guilt. We are terrified at the thought of such supreme authority spinning out of control.
主任検事は結局、ディスクを元係長側に返却し、公判に証拠提出しなかった。提出されていたら、村木元局長を強引に有罪に持ち込む物証となった可能性もあった。権力の暴走に戦慄(せんりつ)を覚える。
In addition, the prosecutors had drawn up an investigation report with the correct update time on the floppy disk but did not submit it to the court. They disclosed the report upon the request of Muraki's attorneys before her trial started.
さらに特捜部は、正確な最終更新日時のデータを記載した捜査報告書を作成していたが、これも証拠提出しなかった。公判前に弁護側の請求でようやく開示した。
Prosecutors must uncover what had been discussed within the special investigation squad and the district public prosecutors office over the handling of evidence and whether any other individuals were involved in altering the data. The Osaka High Public Prosecutors Office and the Supreme Public Prosecutors Office must also be blamed for having failed to fulfill their responsibility to appropriately supervise the district public prosecutors office.
これら証拠資料の扱いについて特捜部や地検内でどんな議論があったのか、他に改ざんの関与者はいなかったのか、真相を明らかにすべきだ。上級庁の大阪高検、最高検の監督責任も免れまい。
In the postal abuse case, the court refused to accept many depositions by Muraki's alleged accomplices and witnesses submitted by the prosecutors, saying that the prosecutors could have coerced them into making such statements. Given that, we must say that the quality of public prosecutors has seriously deteriorated.
郵便不正事件では、特捜部の作成した供述調書の多くが「誘導の可能性がある」として、裁判で信用性を否定された。特捜検事の資質の劣化は極めて深刻だ。
The Supreme Public Prosecutors Office has the responsibility to drive out corruption within the organization by thoroughly investigating the case without being lenient on its colleagues.
最高検には、身内への甘さを排した徹底捜査で、組織内部の病巣を取り除く責務がある。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 22, 2010)
（2010年9月22日01時26分 読売新聞）
2010年09月22日
Japan-India accord should lead to more EPAs
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 22, 2010)
Japan-India accord should lead to more EPAs
日印ＥＰＡ 出遅れ挽回の確かな一歩に（9月21日付・読売社説）
An economic partnership agreement with India likely will give Japanese businesses a boost in such industries as automobiles and home electronic appliances in the huge Indian market, which has been growing rapidly.
急成長している巨大市場インドで、自動車や電機などの日本企業がビジネスを拡大する追い風になろう。
Japan and India broadly agreed earlier this month to sign an EPA. A formal agreement is expected to be made when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visits Japan in October.
日本とインドの経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）交渉が大筋合意した。インドのシン首相が１０月に来日し、正式合意する予定だ。
The agreement is the first of its kind to be made under the Democratic Party of Japan-led government and will make India the 12th nation or region with which this country has an EPA. Coming as it did after four years of difficult negotiations, the broad agreement is of particular significance.
民主党政権としては初めての合意で、日本のＥＰＡは１２か国・地域目となる。４年越しの難交渉がまとまった意義は大きい。
The key point in the agreement is that the two nations will gradually lower tariffs on goods that account for 94 percent of the value of their exports, and eliminate the tariffs in 10 years.
日印両国の貿易額の９４％に当たる品目について、関税を１０年間で段階的に引き下げて、撤廃することが大筋合意のポイントだ。
The tariffs imposed by India on Japan's major export items, such as auto parts and steel, range from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. Japan would benefit greatly from their elimination.
日本の主要輸出品である自動車部品や鉄鋼などに対するインドの関税は約７・５％〜１０％と高く、撤廃のメリットは大きい。
Japanese manufacturers with production bases in India also could reduce the procurement costs of parts from Japan and other items.
インドで現地生産する日本メーカーも、日本からの部品などの調達コストを削減できよう。
The EPA also includes an agreement to ease restrictions on investment in India. We hope Japanese companies seize this chance by carefully crafting strategies for the construction of local factories and expanded investment in plants and equipment.
インドでの投資規制を緩和する協定も盛り込まれた。日本企業は現地工場の建設や、設備投資の拡大などで戦略を練り、チャンスを生かしてほしい。
Highly attractive market
The Indian market is particularly appealing. The nation has a population of 1.2 billion people and its economy continues to register 9 percent annual growth. The number of middle-income households who purchase such products as automobiles and home electronic appliances is rapidly growing, and there has been strong demand for social infrastructure such as railroads and electric power.
インド市場の魅力は、１２億人の人口を抱え、約９％の高成長が続いていることだ。自動車や家電などを購入する中間所得層が急増し、鉄道や電力などのインフラ（社会基盤）整備の需要も旺盛だ。
Prime Minister Naoto Kan's administration has expressed its intention to incorporate the vigor of Asia and other regions in its new growth strategy. In line with this policy, the EPA between Japan and India is expected to strengthen Japanese companies' competitiveness and expand infrastructure exports.
菅政権は、アジアなどの活力を取り込む新成長戦略を掲げている。日印ＥＰＡはその戦略に沿い、インドでの日本企業の競争力を強化したり、インフラ輸出を拡大したりする効果が期待される。
But South Korea, which has been aggressively promoting EPAs, already put one with India into effect in January. Under this bilateral agreement, tariffs on many items are set to be abolished in five to eight years, a faster pace for opening up the Indian market than the one established in the Japan-India pact.
ただ、ＥＰＡ戦略に積極的な韓国は今年１月、インドとのＥＰＡ協定を発効済みだ。韓印協定では５年から８年で関税を撤廃する品目が多く、インドの市場開放のペースは日本との協定より速い。
The Japan-India EPA will alleviate some of the disadvantages Japanese companies face against their South Korean rivals. But we must keep an eye on the competitiveness of South Korean companies.
韓国企業に比べて日本企業が強いられている不利な状況は、少しは改善されるが、韓国勢の競争力は依然、要警戒だ。
Compromise needed
India has asked Japan to accept Indian nurses and other workers, but Japan has resisted making a specific decision on this matter. To deepen economic partnerships between this country and India, Japan should make concessions.
インドが日本に要求した看護師などの受け入れは、日本の抵抗で具体策が先送りされた。両国の経済連携を深めるため、日本が譲歩すべきだろう。
Japan has fallen behind other nations in its EPA strategy. Negotiations with South Korea have been suspended, and talks with Australia have run into difficulty as Japan is resisting opening its agricultural market.
日本はＥＰＡ戦略で出遅れている。韓国との交渉は中断し、農業分野での市場開放に日本が抵抗する豪州との交渉は難航している。
There are no prospects even for the start of negotiations with the United States and the European Union.
米国や欧州連合（ＥＵ）との交渉は開始のメドすらたたない。
To help Japan catch up, the government aims to devise basic guidelines on the EPA by November. We urge the government to include measures to open the agriculture sector, which has always been the bottleneck in negotiations. Without this, there will be no progress.
政府は挽回(ばんかい)を目指し、１１月までにＥＰＡの基本方針を策定する。常に交渉のネックとなる農業分野について、開放の方針を盛り込むべきだ。それなくして、今後のＥＰＡ交渉の進展は望めない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2010)
（2010年9月21日01時14分 読売新聞）
Japan-India accord should lead to more EPAs
日印ＥＰＡ 出遅れ挽回の確かな一歩に（9月21日付・読売社説）
An economic partnership agreement with India likely will give Japanese businesses a boost in such industries as automobiles and home electronic appliances in the huge Indian market, which has been growing rapidly.
急成長している巨大市場インドで、自動車や電機などの日本企業がビジネスを拡大する追い風になろう。
Japan and India broadly agreed earlier this month to sign an EPA. A formal agreement is expected to be made when Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh visits Japan in October.
日本とインドの経済連携協定（ＥＰＡ）交渉が大筋合意した。インドのシン首相が１０月に来日し、正式合意する予定だ。
The agreement is the first of its kind to be made under the Democratic Party of Japan-led government and will make India the 12th nation or region with which this country has an EPA. Coming as it did after four years of difficult negotiations, the broad agreement is of particular significance.
民主党政権としては初めての合意で、日本のＥＰＡは１２か国・地域目となる。４年越しの難交渉がまとまった意義は大きい。
The key point in the agreement is that the two nations will gradually lower tariffs on goods that account for 94 percent of the value of their exports, and eliminate the tariffs in 10 years.
日印両国の貿易額の９４％に当たる品目について、関税を１０年間で段階的に引き下げて、撤廃することが大筋合意のポイントだ。
The tariffs imposed by India on Japan's major export items, such as auto parts and steel, range from 7.5 percent to 10 percent. Japan would benefit greatly from their elimination.
日本の主要輸出品である自動車部品や鉄鋼などに対するインドの関税は約７・５％〜１０％と高く、撤廃のメリットは大きい。
Japanese manufacturers with production bases in India also could reduce the procurement costs of parts from Japan and other items.
インドで現地生産する日本メーカーも、日本からの部品などの調達コストを削減できよう。
The EPA also includes an agreement to ease restrictions on investment in India. We hope Japanese companies seize this chance by carefully crafting strategies for the construction of local factories and expanded investment in plants and equipment.
インドでの投資規制を緩和する協定も盛り込まれた。日本企業は現地工場の建設や、設備投資の拡大などで戦略を練り、チャンスを生かしてほしい。
Highly attractive market
The Indian market is particularly appealing. The nation has a population of 1.2 billion people and its economy continues to register 9 percent annual growth. The number of middle-income households who purchase such products as automobiles and home electronic appliances is rapidly growing, and there has been strong demand for social infrastructure such as railroads and electric power.
インド市場の魅力は、１２億人の人口を抱え、約９％の高成長が続いていることだ。自動車や家電などを購入する中間所得層が急増し、鉄道や電力などのインフラ（社会基盤）整備の需要も旺盛だ。
Prime Minister Naoto Kan's administration has expressed its intention to incorporate the vigor of Asia and other regions in its new growth strategy. In line with this policy, the EPA between Japan and India is expected to strengthen Japanese companies' competitiveness and expand infrastructure exports.
菅政権は、アジアなどの活力を取り込む新成長戦略を掲げている。日印ＥＰＡはその戦略に沿い、インドでの日本企業の競争力を強化したり、インフラ輸出を拡大したりする効果が期待される。
But South Korea, which has been aggressively promoting EPAs, already put one with India into effect in January. Under this bilateral agreement, tariffs on many items are set to be abolished in five to eight years, a faster pace for opening up the Indian market than the one established in the Japan-India pact.
ただ、ＥＰＡ戦略に積極的な韓国は今年１月、インドとのＥＰＡ協定を発効済みだ。韓印協定では５年から８年で関税を撤廃する品目が多く、インドの市場開放のペースは日本との協定より速い。
The Japan-India EPA will alleviate some of the disadvantages Japanese companies face against their South Korean rivals. But we must keep an eye on the competitiveness of South Korean companies.
韓国企業に比べて日本企業が強いられている不利な状況は、少しは改善されるが、韓国勢の競争力は依然、要警戒だ。
Compromise needed
India has asked Japan to accept Indian nurses and other workers, but Japan has resisted making a specific decision on this matter. To deepen economic partnerships between this country and India, Japan should make concessions.
インドが日本に要求した看護師などの受け入れは、日本の抵抗で具体策が先送りされた。両国の経済連携を深めるため、日本が譲歩すべきだろう。
Japan has fallen behind other nations in its EPA strategy. Negotiations with South Korea have been suspended, and talks with Australia have run into difficulty as Japan is resisting opening its agricultural market.
日本はＥＰＡ戦略で出遅れている。韓国との交渉は中断し、農業分野での市場開放に日本が抵抗する豪州との交渉は難航している。
There are no prospects even for the start of negotiations with the United States and the European Union.
米国や欧州連合（ＥＵ）との交渉は開始のメドすらたたない。
To help Japan catch up, the government aims to devise basic guidelines on the EPA by November. We urge the government to include measures to open the agriculture sector, which has always been the bottleneck in negotiations. Without this, there will be no progress.
政府は挽回(ばんかい)を目指し、１１月までにＥＰＡの基本方針を策定する。常に交渉のネックとなる農業分野について、開放の方針を盛り込むべきだ。それなくして、今後のＥＰＡ交渉の進展は望めない。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 21, 2010)
（2010年9月21日01時14分 読売新聞）
2010年09月21日
Japan must map out its own GPS strategy
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 21, 2010)
Japan must map out its own GPS strategy
衛星みちびき 日本版ＧＰＳの戦略作り急げ（9月20日付・読売社説）
Japan's first navigation satellite, Michibiki, aimed at improving the global positioning system's coverage of Japan, has been launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
日本版のＧＰＳ（全地球測位システム）整備を目指した人工衛星の１号機「みちびき」を、宇宙航空研究開発機構などが打ち上げた。
The project--undertaken jointly by the industrial, public and academic sectors--calls for technology verification tests and is aimed at reducing the margin of error of GPS devices used in car navigation and other services from the current 10 meters or so to less than one meter.
カーナビゲーションなどで位置確認に使われているＧＰＳの測位誤差を、現在の１０メートル程度から１メートル以下に改善することを目指し、産官学で技術実証試験に挑む。
The market for satellite-based GPS products and services has been expanding globally. We hope that the Michibiki project will bring about results that make Japan more competitive in this area.
人工衛星を使った測位技術関連の製品、サービスは、国際的に市場が拡大している。世界に伍(ご)していける成果を期待したい。
Fifty-eight different tests are planned. The success or failure of the project depends on how its high positioning accuracy can be utilized.
試験は５８テーマが予定されており、高い測位精度をどう生かせるかが、成否のかぎとなる。
One example is a proposed guidance system for unmanned snow removers and farm machinery. Neither snow removal from roads nor soil cultivation in fields can be done if the machines are allowed to drift as much as 10 meters off course. Both can be done only when the margin of error is held to less than one meter.
その一例が、除雪車や耕運機などの自動誘導だ。誤差が１０メートルでは道路の除雪はできないし、畑も耕せない。誤差が１メートル以下なら、それが可能になる。
===
Diverse applications
GPS has been widely used in a diverse range of fields from rescue operations in alpine accidents to consumer products such as digital cameras. Such cameras are popular because locations where photos are shot are automatically stored for use as travel records.
すでにＧＰＳは、山岳遭難の救助からデジタルカメラのような日用品まで幅広く使われている。カメラの場合、撮影場所が写真に自動で付加されるため、旅行の記録になる、などと人気がある。
Improvement of GPS accuracy will stimulate further growth in such existing fields.
精度の向上は、こうした既存分野も活性化させるだろう。
A hallmark of Michibiki lies in the orbit it takes. Michibiki flies in an asymmetrical figure-eight course above the western Pacific, including Japan, every 24 hours.
みちびきの特徴は、その軌道にある。地上から見ると、日本を含む西太平洋上空を「８の字」を描くように２４時間で飛行する。
Michibiki's flight above Japan accounts for about eight hours of each orbit. If three satellites like Michibiki were put into orbit, at least one would be above Japan at all times. Because GPS satellites rely on line-of-sight radio wave transmission, this would nearly eliminate the problem of signals being blocked by obstacles such as buildings and mountains.
うち８時間程度は日本上空にいるので、３機あれば常に１機が日本のほぼ真上に見える。このため衛星からの電波は、ビルや山など障害物にほとんど遮られない。
The GPS currently uses about 30 U.S. satellites to cover the entire globe. Accurate results depend on devices on or near the Earth's surface being able to compare signals from four satellites in the visible sky. The system can fail in urban and mountainous areas where the lower portions of the sky are blocked by mountains or buildings.
米国が運用する今のＧＰＳは衛星約３０機で地球全体をカバーしている。だが、都市部や山間部では十分な信号強度が得られない。
Additional transmissions from Michibiki, which will often be nearly overhead in Japan, will enhance positioning accuracy.
これに、みちびきの電波を加えることで測位精度を上げる。
The problem is how to secure funding for the satellites that are meant to follow Michibiki. It cost 40 billion yen to build Michibiki. The cost for similar following satellites is estimated at a hefty 35 billion yen each. At least three satellites are necessary to commercialize the enhanced Japanese version of the GPS system. Discussions have begun about how to divide costs between the public and private sectors.
問題は後続の衛星だ。みちびきは４００億円、その後の衛星も１機３５０億円程度と試算されている。決して安くはない。実用化には最低３機が必要で、官民の費用分担を巡り論議が起きている。
===
A project team planned
The government says it will establish a project team comprising officials from the ministries and agencies concerned to study how to pay for the satellites that will follow Michibiki by the end of the current fiscal year. In that instance, the government must give due consideration to international trends and Japan's security interests.
政府は関係省庁によるチームを設け、今年度末までに後続機のあり方を検討するという。その際には国際動向、日本の安全保障も十分考慮せねばならない。
The GPS was developed by the United States, originally for military purposes. It remains to be seen whether its use may be restricted in the future. Out of such concern, China, India and European countries are building their own positioning systems. Russia operates its own system for the purpose of ensuring security and defense.
もともとＧＰＳは、米国が軍事用に開発した。いつ運用が制限されるかわからない。そうした懸念から、欧州、中国、インドは独自の測位システムを構築中だ。ロシアは安全保障、防衛のため自前のシステムを運用している。
The United States, China and Europe are moving toward cooperation with each other on positioning technology.
欧米、中国などが測位技術で連携する動きもある。
Against such a background, Japan must work out a GPS strategy that will take advantage of its technology while maintaining its international voice.
日本が国際的な発言力を保ちつつ、技術を生かせる戦略が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2010)
（2010年9月20日01時20分 読売新聞）
Japan must map out its own GPS strategy
衛星みちびき 日本版ＧＰＳの戦略作り急げ（9月20日付・読売社説）
Japan's first navigation satellite, Michibiki, aimed at improving the global positioning system's coverage of Japan, has been launched by the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency.
日本版のＧＰＳ（全地球測位システム）整備を目指した人工衛星の１号機「みちびき」を、宇宙航空研究開発機構などが打ち上げた。
The project--undertaken jointly by the industrial, public and academic sectors--calls for technology verification tests and is aimed at reducing the margin of error of GPS devices used in car navigation and other services from the current 10 meters or so to less than one meter.
カーナビゲーションなどで位置確認に使われているＧＰＳの測位誤差を、現在の１０メートル程度から１メートル以下に改善することを目指し、産官学で技術実証試験に挑む。
The market for satellite-based GPS products and services has been expanding globally. We hope that the Michibiki project will bring about results that make Japan more competitive in this area.
人工衛星を使った測位技術関連の製品、サービスは、国際的に市場が拡大している。世界に伍(ご)していける成果を期待したい。
Fifty-eight different tests are planned. The success or failure of the project depends on how its high positioning accuracy can be utilized.
試験は５８テーマが予定されており、高い測位精度をどう生かせるかが、成否のかぎとなる。
One example is a proposed guidance system for unmanned snow removers and farm machinery. Neither snow removal from roads nor soil cultivation in fields can be done if the machines are allowed to drift as much as 10 meters off course. Both can be done only when the margin of error is held to less than one meter.
その一例が、除雪車や耕運機などの自動誘導だ。誤差が１０メートルでは道路の除雪はできないし、畑も耕せない。誤差が１メートル以下なら、それが可能になる。
===
Diverse applications
GPS has been widely used in a diverse range of fields from rescue operations in alpine accidents to consumer products such as digital cameras. Such cameras are popular because locations where photos are shot are automatically stored for use as travel records.
すでにＧＰＳは、山岳遭難の救助からデジタルカメラのような日用品まで幅広く使われている。カメラの場合、撮影場所が写真に自動で付加されるため、旅行の記録になる、などと人気がある。
Improvement of GPS accuracy will stimulate further growth in such existing fields.
精度の向上は、こうした既存分野も活性化させるだろう。
A hallmark of Michibiki lies in the orbit it takes. Michibiki flies in an asymmetrical figure-eight course above the western Pacific, including Japan, every 24 hours.
みちびきの特徴は、その軌道にある。地上から見ると、日本を含む西太平洋上空を「８の字」を描くように２４時間で飛行する。
Michibiki's flight above Japan accounts for about eight hours of each orbit. If three satellites like Michibiki were put into orbit, at least one would be above Japan at all times. Because GPS satellites rely on line-of-sight radio wave transmission, this would nearly eliminate the problem of signals being blocked by obstacles such as buildings and mountains.
うち８時間程度は日本上空にいるので、３機あれば常に１機が日本のほぼ真上に見える。このため衛星からの電波は、ビルや山など障害物にほとんど遮られない。
The GPS currently uses about 30 U.S. satellites to cover the entire globe. Accurate results depend on devices on or near the Earth's surface being able to compare signals from four satellites in the visible sky. The system can fail in urban and mountainous areas where the lower portions of the sky are blocked by mountains or buildings.
米国が運用する今のＧＰＳは衛星約３０機で地球全体をカバーしている。だが、都市部や山間部では十分な信号強度が得られない。
Additional transmissions from Michibiki, which will often be nearly overhead in Japan, will enhance positioning accuracy.
これに、みちびきの電波を加えることで測位精度を上げる。
The problem is how to secure funding for the satellites that are meant to follow Michibiki. It cost 40 billion yen to build Michibiki. The cost for similar following satellites is estimated at a hefty 35 billion yen each. At least three satellites are necessary to commercialize the enhanced Japanese version of the GPS system. Discussions have begun about how to divide costs between the public and private sectors.
問題は後続の衛星だ。みちびきは４００億円、その後の衛星も１機３５０億円程度と試算されている。決して安くはない。実用化には最低３機が必要で、官民の費用分担を巡り論議が起きている。
===
A project team planned
The government says it will establish a project team comprising officials from the ministries and agencies concerned to study how to pay for the satellites that will follow Michibiki by the end of the current fiscal year. In that instance, the government must give due consideration to international trends and Japan's security interests.
政府は関係省庁によるチームを設け、今年度末までに後続機のあり方を検討するという。その際には国際動向、日本の安全保障も十分考慮せねばならない。
The GPS was developed by the United States, originally for military purposes. It remains to be seen whether its use may be restricted in the future. Out of such concern, China, India and European countries are building their own positioning systems. Russia operates its own system for the purpose of ensuring security and defense.
もともとＧＰＳは、米国が軍事用に開発した。いつ運用が制限されるかわからない。そうした懸念から、欧州、中国、インドは独自の測位システムを構築中だ。ロシアは安全保障、防衛のため自前のシステムを運用している。
The United States, China and Europe are moving toward cooperation with each other on positioning technology.
欧米、中国などが測位技術で連携する動きもある。
Against such a background, Japan must work out a GPS strategy that will take advantage of its technology while maintaining its international voice.
日本が国際的な発言力を保ちつつ、技術を生かせる戦略が求められる。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 20, 2010)
（2010年9月20日01時20分 読売新聞）
2010年09月20日
我が家のライブ
我が家の今をお届けします。
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdpmOMwnTCA
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http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OdpmOMwnTCA
Consumption tax debate must proceed
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Sep. 20, 2010)
Consumption tax debate must proceed
消費税論議 新体制で与野党協議進めよ（9月19日付・読売社説）
Fiscal reconstruction and economic recovery are the main themes that Prime Minister Naoto Kan's newly reshuffled Cabinet must address. It should prop up the economy and rehabilitate the nation's fiscal condition, which is the worst among advanced nations.
景気をテコ入れし、先進国で最悪の財政状況を立て直す――。
菅改造内閣が取り組むべき経済テーマの柱は、景気と財政再建の両立である。
To that end, the Cabinet must put its back into tackling the consumption tax issue, which the prime minister began to treat cautiously after the Democratic Party of Japan's setback in the House of Councillors election in July.
その実現のため、参院選敗北で首相が及び腰になった消費税問題に、今度こそ腰を据えて取り組まなければならない。
The battle lines on this issue were drawn in the run-up to last week's DPJ presidential election. While Kan said he would consider drastic tax reforms, including of the consumption tax, his opponent, former DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa, stressed the government should cut waste before raising taxes.
民主党代表選では、財源を巡る対立軸が鮮明になった。「消費税を含む税制の抜本改革を検討する」と訴えた首相に対し、小沢元代表は「増税の前に無駄減らしだ」と強調した。
===
Increase is inevitable
It is a foregone conclusion that reducing waste, no matter how seriously the government tackles the problem, will not generate much in the way of financial resources.
無駄排除にいくら取り組んでもさほど財源を捻出(ねんしゅつ)できないのは、はっきりしている。
Also, we cannot say that replacing central government subsidies to local governments with lump-sum grants to them with fewer strings attached, or securitizing state-owned assets, constitutes the kiss of life for an anemic economy.
補助金の一括交付金化や国有財産の証券化なども、起死回生策とは言い難い。
It is likely that Kan's victory in the DPJ leadership race was due in part to the many DPJ lawmakers, party members and supporters who judged as unreasonable Ozawa's vow to fully implement the promises contained in the party's manifesto without clearly indicating the financial resources to fund them.
財源の明示なしに政権公約の完全実施を求めた小沢氏の主張に対し、民主党国会議員や党員・サポーターの多くが「無理がある」と判断したことが、首相勝利の一因になったと見ていいだろう。
It is impermissible for the issue of financial resources to be left on the shelf any longer in this country, which is saddled with massive budget deficits. And it is clear that raising the consumption tax rate is unavoidable to secure funds to cover the nation's ballooning social security costs.
巨額の財政赤字を抱える日本でこれ以上、財源問題を棚上げすることは許されない。増大する社会保障費を賄う財源を確保するためにも、消費税率の引き上げが避けられないのは明らかである。
A Yomiuri Shimbun opinion survey conducted during the DPJ presidential election race found that 52 percent of respondents supported Kan's stance toward the consumption tax, greatly surpassing the 38 percent supporting Ozawa, who took a negative view toward a tax hike. The people apparently want thorough debate over the issue.
読売新聞が代表選中に実施した世論調査でも、消費税を巡る首相の姿勢を支持した人が全体の５２％で、引き上げに否定的な小沢氏を支持する３８％を大幅に上回った。国民は本格論議を求めている。
However, although Kan called for drastic tax reforms during the DPJ presidential election, he has yet to go further into their vital contents.
だが、首相は代表選で税制の抜本改革を叫びながら、肝心の中身には踏み込んでいない。
===
Start discussing details
Some DPJ members, such as Ozawa, are stubbornly cautious toward the consumption tax issue. Kan should lead intraparty debate in various settings, including a tax panel that the DPJ has resurrected, while again calling on opposition parties to join a wider discussion.
民主党内には、小沢氏に代表されるように、消費税論議に慎重な意見も根強い。首相は、復活させた党の税制関連部会などで党内論議をリードし、野党にも重ねて協議を呼びかけるべきだ。
It is also urgent to lower the nation's corporate tax rate, which is relatively high by world standards. To rejuvenate the Japanese economy, it is essential to enhance corporate vitality and improve competitiveness. Lowering the corporate tax rate is indispensable for that.
国際的に高い法人税率の引き下げも急務だ。日本経済の再生には企業活力を引き出し、競争力を高めることが肝要だ。それには法人税引き下げが不可欠である。
With the Finance Ministry concerned about a possible decline in tax revenues, the government's Tax Commission is expected to face tough going. Kan should not simply leave matters to the commission but must exercise leadership and achieve the objective of lowering the corporate tax rate as part of tax system revision for fiscal 2011.
財務省は税収減を懸念し、政府税制調査会では調整が難航するとみられる。首相は税調任せにせず指導力を発揮し、来年度税制改正で、ぜひ実現させるべきだ。
Kan's touchstone for the time being is the fiscal 2011 budget compilation. Budget requests hit record highs, but Japan is mired in an extraordinary fiscal situation in which the government is taking in less through taxes than it borrows through bonds. Therefore, the government can no longer afford to continue handout policies.
首相の当面の試金石は、来年度予算案の編成だ。概算要求額は過去最大に膨らんだが、日本の財政は新規国債の発行額が税収を上回る異常事態であり、バラマキ政策を続ける余裕はない。
The government should compile a finely tuned budget in which, for example, such policies as the child-rearing allowance are boldly reviewed while spending that would help underpin the country's economy is increased.
子ども手当などの政策を大胆に見直し、景気下支えに役立つ歳出を手厚くするなど、メリハリのきいた予算を作るべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2010)
（2010年9月19日01時15分 読売新聞）
Consumption tax debate must proceed
消費税論議 新体制で与野党協議進めよ（9月19日付・読売社説）
Fiscal reconstruction and economic recovery are the main themes that Prime Minister Naoto Kan's newly reshuffled Cabinet must address. It should prop up the economy and rehabilitate the nation's fiscal condition, which is the worst among advanced nations.
景気をテコ入れし、先進国で最悪の財政状況を立て直す――。
菅改造内閣が取り組むべき経済テーマの柱は、景気と財政再建の両立である。
To that end, the Cabinet must put its back into tackling the consumption tax issue, which the prime minister began to treat cautiously after the Democratic Party of Japan's setback in the House of Councillors election in July.
その実現のため、参院選敗北で首相が及び腰になった消費税問題に、今度こそ腰を据えて取り組まなければならない。
The battle lines on this issue were drawn in the run-up to last week's DPJ presidential election. While Kan said he would consider drastic tax reforms, including of the consumption tax, his opponent, former DPJ leader Ichiro Ozawa, stressed the government should cut waste before raising taxes.
民主党代表選では、財源を巡る対立軸が鮮明になった。「消費税を含む税制の抜本改革を検討する」と訴えた首相に対し、小沢元代表は「増税の前に無駄減らしだ」と強調した。
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Increase is inevitable
It is a foregone conclusion that reducing waste, no matter how seriously the government tackles the problem, will not generate much in the way of financial resources.
無駄排除にいくら取り組んでもさほど財源を捻出(ねんしゅつ)できないのは、はっきりしている。
Also, we cannot say that replacing central government subsidies to local governments with lump-sum grants to them with fewer strings attached, or securitizing state-owned assets, constitutes the kiss of life for an anemic economy.
補助金の一括交付金化や国有財産の証券化なども、起死回生策とは言い難い。
It is likely that Kan's victory in the DPJ leadership race was due in part to the many DPJ lawmakers, party members and supporters who judged as unreasonable Ozawa's vow to fully implement the promises contained in the party's manifesto without clearly indicating the financial resources to fund them.
財源の明示なしに政権公約の完全実施を求めた小沢氏の主張に対し、民主党国会議員や党員・サポーターの多くが「無理がある」と判断したことが、首相勝利の一因になったと見ていいだろう。
It is impermissible for the issue of financial resources to be left on the shelf any longer in this country, which is saddled with massive budget deficits. And it is clear that raising the consumption tax rate is unavoidable to secure funds to cover the nation's ballooning social security costs.
巨額の財政赤字を抱える日本でこれ以上、財源問題を棚上げすることは許されない。増大する社会保障費を賄う財源を確保するためにも、消費税率の引き上げが避けられないのは明らかである。
A Yomiuri Shimbun opinion survey conducted during the DPJ presidential election race found that 52 percent of respondents supported Kan's stance toward the consumption tax, greatly surpassing the 38 percent supporting Ozawa, who took a negative view toward a tax hike. The people apparently want thorough debate over the issue.
読売新聞が代表選中に実施した世論調査でも、消費税を巡る首相の姿勢を支持した人が全体の５２％で、引き上げに否定的な小沢氏を支持する３８％を大幅に上回った。国民は本格論議を求めている。
However, although Kan called for drastic tax reforms during the DPJ presidential election, he has yet to go further into their vital contents.
だが、首相は代表選で税制の抜本改革を叫びながら、肝心の中身には踏み込んでいない。
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Start discussing details
Some DPJ members, such as Ozawa, are stubbornly cautious toward the consumption tax issue. Kan should lead intraparty debate in various settings, including a tax panel that the DPJ has resurrected, while again calling on opposition parties to join a wider discussion.
民主党内には、小沢氏に代表されるように、消費税論議に慎重な意見も根強い。首相は、復活させた党の税制関連部会などで党内論議をリードし、野党にも重ねて協議を呼びかけるべきだ。
It is also urgent to lower the nation's corporate tax rate, which is relatively high by world standards. To rejuvenate the Japanese economy, it is essential to enhance corporate vitality and improve competitiveness. Lowering the corporate tax rate is indispensable for that.
国際的に高い法人税率の引き下げも急務だ。日本経済の再生には企業活力を引き出し、競争力を高めることが肝要だ。それには法人税引き下げが不可欠である。
With the Finance Ministry concerned about a possible decline in tax revenues, the government's Tax Commission is expected to face tough going. Kan should not simply leave matters to the commission but must exercise leadership and achieve the objective of lowering the corporate tax rate as part of tax system revision for fiscal 2011.
財務省は税収減を懸念し、政府税制調査会では調整が難航するとみられる。首相は税調任せにせず指導力を発揮し、来年度税制改正で、ぜひ実現させるべきだ。
Kan's touchstone for the time being is the fiscal 2011 budget compilation. Budget requests hit record highs, but Japan is mired in an extraordinary fiscal situation in which the government is taking in less through taxes than it borrows through bonds. Therefore, the government can no longer afford to continue handout policies.
首相の当面の試金石は、来年度予算案の編成だ。概算要求額は過去最大に膨らんだが、日本の財政は新規国債の発行額が税収を上回る異常事態であり、バラマキ政策を続ける余裕はない。
The government should compile a finely tuned budget in which, for example, such policies as the child-rearing allowance are boldly reviewed while spending that would help underpin the country's economy is increased.
子ども手当などの政策を大胆に見直し、景気下支えに役立つ歳出を手厚くするなど、メリハリのきいた予算を作るべきだろう。
(From The Yomiuri Shimbun, Sept. 19, 2010)
（2010年9月19日01時15分 読売新聞）