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2012年01月04日
ポスト成長の年明け―すべて将来世代のために
昨日の読売新聞新年早々の社説と比較すると面白いです。
新聞社により力点が異なるのが面白いですね。
これも新聞を読む醍醐味のひとつでしょう。
毎日新聞はまだ発表していないようですね＾＾。
毎日のは多分反原発主体ではないでしょうか。
（スラチャイ）
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 1
EDITORIAL: Painful choices needed for sake of future generations
ポスト成長の年明け―すべて将来世代のために
The new year has arrived, but Japan continues to grapple with a wide range of formidable challenges.
新しい年も難問が続く。
Besides dealing with all the intractable problems created by last year’s Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the government also needs to tackle the political challenge of raising the consumption tax in line with a draft plan finally announced by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan at the end of last year.
東日本大震災、福島の原発事故への対応はもちろん、年末に民主党がやっと素案を決めた消費税率の引き上げもある。
The sovereign debt crisis in Europe, which has been threatening to knock the world economy off the growth track, is also demanding close attention and monitoring.
世界経済を脅かした欧州の財政金融危機からも目が離せない。
It is certainly a coincidence that all these challenges have emerged to confront the nation at the same time. But there seems to be a common thread.
難問が織り重なったのは偶然だが、なにか共通した問題を暗示しているように思う。
All these challenges appear to indicate that the age of continuous economic growth in industrial nations that began soon after the end of World War II is now coming to an end.
それは、戦後ずっと続いてきた「成長の時代」が、先進国ではいよいよ終わろうとしているということだ。
Huge deficits from financial bubbles
■バブルで財政赤字に
The accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and its dire consequences have forced us to reflect seriously on the reality that an energy source that has been supporting our affluent society is in fact standing on very shaky ground.
原発の惨状は、豊かな生活を支えてきた潤沢なエネルギーがじつは危うい上げ底だったとの反省を迫っている。
The towering budget deficits in Japan, the United States and Europe are the prices of their reckless efforts to stoke economic growth.
日米欧の赤字財政は、成長を無理に追い求めたツケだ。
World history is littered with grim episodes about aggressive monetary expansion to revitalize a sputtering economy ending up creating bubbles with serious consequences.
世界の歴史を振り返れば、経済成長が行き詰まると、成長を取り戻そうとして金融を拡大し、バブルを生んできた。
Japan also produced speculative bubbles after the end of its fast economic growth and piled on debt to deal with the consequences of the bursting of these bubbles.
日本も高度成長が終わってバブルをつくりだし、その後処理のために財政赤字を積み上げてしまった。
The Japanese government sank deeper into the budget morass as it kept issuing huge amounts of bonds to finance measures to stimulate economic growth.
成長を諦めきれずに国債を乱発したからでもある。
The United States and Europe, where housing bubbles popped in a global recession triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, are now following the same path as Japan, struggling with huge budget deficits.
住宅バブルがリーマン・ショックで破裂した欧米も、財政赤字をふくらませ日本が来た道をたどっている。
Industrial nations, which have built more or less affluent societies, are now having a hard time finding a new powerful engine of economic and job growth.
それなりに豊かな社会を実現した先進各国はいま、新たな成長のタネを探しあぐね、雇用の確保に苦しむ。
Economic growth is indeed a magic wand to solve many problems.
経済成長は多くの問題を解決してくれる魔法の杖には違いないが、
But many industrial nations have gotten themselves in an awful bind as they have failed to discover new seeds of growth and turned to fiscal and monetary stimulants to re-energize their economies.
そのタネを見つけられぬまま財政と金融に頼って成長の夢を追った結果、各国とも難問を抱えこんでしまっている。
It has become clear that the traditional policy approach to stimulating economic growth no longer works.
従来の手法が経済成長を生まない。
The world is obviously at a major turning point in history.
そんな歴史の大きなトレンドが変わりつつある。
"Herbivores" a byproduct of society's adjustment
■進化が生んだ草食系
Various signs of profound changes are already visible.
すでに変化の芽は、さまざまな形で見えている。
Last autumn, Japanese people eagerly welcomed Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema when they visited Japan.
昨秋、ブータンから来日したワンチュク国王夫妻を人々は大歓迎した。
Japanese were not just charmed by the royal couple’s amiable and unassuming characters. They also saw one possible future for their country in the Himalayan kingdom’s unique policy focus on spiritual fulfillment rather than on material wealth.
This is symbolized by the “Gross National Happiness,” an indicator invented and espoused by the Buddhist country to measure the quality of life among people.
その清新な人柄の魅力もあったが、物質的な充足よりも心の豊かさを求めてＧＮＨ（国民総幸福）を掲げるブータンの国是に、ひとつの未来を見いだしたからだろう。
Tokyo’s Arakawa Ward has been working to develop its own indicator of happiness for seven years by learning from Bhutan’s experience. Similar efforts are also under way in other parts of Japan.
ブータンにならい、幸福の指標を７年前から研究してきた東京の荒川区をはじめ、各地で同じような模索が始まっている。
The emergence of Japan’s “herbivores”--mild-tempered young men who are passive in building relationships with the opposite sex and don’t have strong worldly desires or ambitions--is a sign that Japanese have started adapting to social and economic changes due to their nation’s shift to a post-growth era, according to a theory proposed by Mizuho Research Institute.
草食系の若者たちが登場したのは、ポスト成長の環境変化に適応して進化したからではないか――。みずほ総合研究所がこんな新説を唱えている。
Herbivore men don’t have strong expectations or complaints about the world around them but seek mild bonds with other people.
過大な期待は抱かず、ほどほどの現状のなかで人々との絆を求める。
Many young people who rushed to help victims of the March 11 disaster appear to fit the mold.
震災のボランティアに駆けつける若者たちと、どこか重なるものがある。
Given the growing concerns about the destruction of the environment and depletion of resources on our planet, it is good for people to adapt to low growth.
地球大での環境や資源の限界を考えても、低成長に適応していくことは好ましい。
The question, however, is whether Japan will be able to deal with the problem of gargantuan public debt and overcome the effects of the rapidly aging population amid low birthrates without achieving economic growth.
だがしかし、経済成長をしないで、巨額の財政赤字を処理しつつ、急激に進む少子高齢化を乗り切っていけるのか。
This question brings us to another colossal challenge.
ここで、次なる難問に突き当たる。
In this age of global competition, when emerging countries are fiercely increasing their economic might to catch up with industrial nations, Japan, with its shrinking population, cannot afford to take it easy.
新興国が激しく追い上げてくる大競争の時代、人口が減りだした日本は、のんきに構えてはいられない。
It will be difficult for Japan even to maintain the status quo unless it makes strenuous efforts.
よほど努力しないと現状維持すら難しい。
Reality dictates that Japan needs to open itself more to the world and make more aggressive moves to capitalize on the growth potential of emerging countries while developing young people who can compete globally.
だから、国をもっと開いて打って出て、新興国の成長力を取り込み、世界に伍（ご）していける若い人材を育てていかねばならない。
If we fail to do so, our future will be in jeopardy.
それを怠れば、この国の将来が危うくなる。
続きを読む...
新聞社により力点が異なるのが面白いですね。
これも新聞を読む醍醐味のひとつでしょう。
毎日新聞はまだ発表していないようですね＾＾。
毎日のは多分反原発主体ではないでしょうか。
（スラチャイ）
--The Asahi Shimbun, Jan. 1
EDITORIAL: Painful choices needed for sake of future generations
ポスト成長の年明け―すべて将来世代のために
The new year has arrived, but Japan continues to grapple with a wide range of formidable challenges.
新しい年も難問が続く。
Besides dealing with all the intractable problems created by last year’s Great East Japan Earthquake and the Fukushima nuclear disaster, the government also needs to tackle the political challenge of raising the consumption tax in line with a draft plan finally announced by the ruling Democratic Party of Japan at the end of last year.
東日本大震災、福島の原発事故への対応はもちろん、年末に民主党がやっと素案を決めた消費税率の引き上げもある。
The sovereign debt crisis in Europe, which has been threatening to knock the world economy off the growth track, is also demanding close attention and monitoring.
世界経済を脅かした欧州の財政金融危機からも目が離せない。
It is certainly a coincidence that all these challenges have emerged to confront the nation at the same time. But there seems to be a common thread.
難問が織り重なったのは偶然だが、なにか共通した問題を暗示しているように思う。
All these challenges appear to indicate that the age of continuous economic growth in industrial nations that began soon after the end of World War II is now coming to an end.
それは、戦後ずっと続いてきた「成長の時代」が、先進国ではいよいよ終わろうとしているということだ。
Huge deficits from financial bubbles
■バブルで財政赤字に
The accident at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant and its dire consequences have forced us to reflect seriously on the reality that an energy source that has been supporting our affluent society is in fact standing on very shaky ground.
原発の惨状は、豊かな生活を支えてきた潤沢なエネルギーがじつは危うい上げ底だったとの反省を迫っている。
The towering budget deficits in Japan, the United States and Europe are the prices of their reckless efforts to stoke economic growth.
日米欧の赤字財政は、成長を無理に追い求めたツケだ。
World history is littered with grim episodes about aggressive monetary expansion to revitalize a sputtering economy ending up creating bubbles with serious consequences.
世界の歴史を振り返れば、経済成長が行き詰まると、成長を取り戻そうとして金融を拡大し、バブルを生んできた。
Japan also produced speculative bubbles after the end of its fast economic growth and piled on debt to deal with the consequences of the bursting of these bubbles.
日本も高度成長が終わってバブルをつくりだし、その後処理のために財政赤字を積み上げてしまった。
The Japanese government sank deeper into the budget morass as it kept issuing huge amounts of bonds to finance measures to stimulate economic growth.
成長を諦めきれずに国債を乱発したからでもある。
The United States and Europe, where housing bubbles popped in a global recession triggered by the collapse of Lehman Brothers in 2008, are now following the same path as Japan, struggling with huge budget deficits.
住宅バブルがリーマン・ショックで破裂した欧米も、財政赤字をふくらませ日本が来た道をたどっている。
Industrial nations, which have built more or less affluent societies, are now having a hard time finding a new powerful engine of economic and job growth.
それなりに豊かな社会を実現した先進各国はいま、新たな成長のタネを探しあぐね、雇用の確保に苦しむ。
Economic growth is indeed a magic wand to solve many problems.
経済成長は多くの問題を解決してくれる魔法の杖には違いないが、
But many industrial nations have gotten themselves in an awful bind as they have failed to discover new seeds of growth and turned to fiscal and monetary stimulants to re-energize their economies.
そのタネを見つけられぬまま財政と金融に頼って成長の夢を追った結果、各国とも難問を抱えこんでしまっている。
It has become clear that the traditional policy approach to stimulating economic growth no longer works.
従来の手法が経済成長を生まない。
The world is obviously at a major turning point in history.
そんな歴史の大きなトレンドが変わりつつある。
"Herbivores" a byproduct of society's adjustment
■進化が生んだ草食系
Various signs of profound changes are already visible.
すでに変化の芽は、さまざまな形で見えている。
Last autumn, Japanese people eagerly welcomed Bhutan’s King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck and Queen Jetsun Pema when they visited Japan.
昨秋、ブータンから来日したワンチュク国王夫妻を人々は大歓迎した。
Japanese were not just charmed by the royal couple’s amiable and unassuming characters. They also saw one possible future for their country in the Himalayan kingdom’s unique policy focus on spiritual fulfillment rather than on material wealth.
This is symbolized by the “Gross National Happiness,” an indicator invented and espoused by the Buddhist country to measure the quality of life among people.
その清新な人柄の魅力もあったが、物質的な充足よりも心の豊かさを求めてＧＮＨ（国民総幸福）を掲げるブータンの国是に、ひとつの未来を見いだしたからだろう。
Tokyo’s Arakawa Ward has been working to develop its own indicator of happiness for seven years by learning from Bhutan’s experience. Similar efforts are also under way in other parts of Japan.
ブータンにならい、幸福の指標を７年前から研究してきた東京の荒川区をはじめ、各地で同じような模索が始まっている。
The emergence of Japan’s “herbivores”--mild-tempered young men who are passive in building relationships with the opposite sex and don’t have strong worldly desires or ambitions--is a sign that Japanese have started adapting to social and economic changes due to their nation’s shift to a post-growth era, according to a theory proposed by Mizuho Research Institute.
草食系の若者たちが登場したのは、ポスト成長の環境変化に適応して進化したからではないか――。みずほ総合研究所がこんな新説を唱えている。
Herbivore men don’t have strong expectations or complaints about the world around them but seek mild bonds with other people.
過大な期待は抱かず、ほどほどの現状のなかで人々との絆を求める。
Many young people who rushed to help victims of the March 11 disaster appear to fit the mold.
震災のボランティアに駆けつける若者たちと、どこか重なるものがある。
Given the growing concerns about the destruction of the environment and depletion of resources on our planet, it is good for people to adapt to low growth.
地球大での環境や資源の限界を考えても、低成長に適応していくことは好ましい。
The question, however, is whether Japan will be able to deal with the problem of gargantuan public debt and overcome the effects of the rapidly aging population amid low birthrates without achieving economic growth.
だがしかし、経済成長をしないで、巨額の財政赤字を処理しつつ、急激に進む少子高齢化を乗り切っていけるのか。
This question brings us to another colossal challenge.
ここで、次なる難問に突き当たる。
In this age of global competition, when emerging countries are fiercely increasing their economic might to catch up with industrial nations, Japan, with its shrinking population, cannot afford to take it easy.
新興国が激しく追い上げてくる大競争の時代、人口が減りだした日本は、のんきに構えてはいられない。
It will be difficult for Japan even to maintain the status quo unless it makes strenuous efforts.
よほど努力しないと現状維持すら難しい。
Reality dictates that Japan needs to open itself more to the world and make more aggressive moves to capitalize on the growth potential of emerging countries while developing young people who can compete globally.
だから、国をもっと開いて打って出て、新興国の成長力を取り込み、世界に伍（ご）していける若い人材を育てていかねばならない。
If we fail to do so, our future will be in jeopardy.
それを怠れば、この国の将来が危うくなる。
続きを読む...
2012年01月03日
「危機」乗り越える統治能力を ポピュリズムと決別せよ
The Yomiuri Shimbun (Jan. 1, 2012)
Japan faces many challenges in 2012
「危機」乗り越える統治能力を ポピュリズムと決別せよ（1月1日付・読売社説）
The world is in a nearly continuous state of crisis.
世界的に「危機」が常態化しつつある。
In Europe, a sovereign debt crisis has ballooned into a financial crisis that is shaking the world economy.
欧州では、財政危機が金融危機に拡大し、世界経済を揺るがしている。
The United States is beset by huge budget deficits.
米国も巨大な財政赤字に苦しんでいる。
These problems have slowed down the economies of China and India.
その影響で中国やインドでも景気が減速し始めた。
Despite warnings from economists that the value of government bonds could nosedive unless state finances are put on a surer footing, politicians have been unable to persuade their constituents to shoulder additional burdens.
財政再建に努めないと国債が暴落しかねないと指摘されても、政治は負担増を嫌う国民を説得できていない。
Flagging markets and leaders at the mercy of the popular will are stuck in a dangerous embrace that is only serving to amplify the crisis.
混迷を深める市場と、民意に翻弄される政治が、相互に危機を増幅している。
The debt problems of a few European countries are at the bottom of the crisis, and urgently need to be solved. 危機の根源にある欧州債務問題を鎮めることが、喫緊の課題だ。
The governments of these states must act by any means possible to reduce their fiscal deficits and prevent their bonds from losing value.
欧州は、財政赤字を削減し、国債の下落を抑えるよう、万策を講じなければならない。
===
Revitalize economy
経済活性化は復興から
Today marks the first New Year's Day since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck on March 11, 2011.
日本は、東日本大震災から初めての正月を迎えた。
The unprecedented natural disaster left deep scars on the national psyche and on society.
未曽有の震災は人々の心と社会に深い傷痕を残している。
Cleaning up the debris left behind by the earthquake and tsunami has not proceeded smoothly, and the reconstruction of disaster-hit communities is just beginning.
がれきの処理が進まず、新しいまちづくりはこれからだ。
The catastrophe at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant has not been settled completely, and people who fled their homes to escape the nuclear crisis are scattered around the country.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所は、いまだに事故を完全に収束できず、全国各地での避難生活も続いている。
Our nation's economy is suffering from the dual blows of a super-strong yen and low stock prices caused by the financial confusion in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, the transfer of manufacturing facilities overseas is accelerating--exacerbating the hollowing-out of the nation's industrial base.
日本経済は、欧米の混乱に伴う超円高と株安に苦しみ、企業の生産拠点の海外移転による産業空洞化も加速している。
We hope the economy can return to a growth track through full-fledged reconstruction of the areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.
復興を進めて経済を成長軌道に乗せたい。
To realize this, the nation's political world must recover from its state of dysfunction.
それには、政治が機能不全から脱却する必要がある。
The people are questioning the capability of the Democratic Party of Japan-led government to govern the country.
民主党政権の統治能力も問われている。
We call on Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to set a course toward raising the consumption tax rate so social security programs can be adequately funded.
Noda also must promote free trade, a key to economic growth, and establish a realistic energy policy.
野田首相は、社会保障の財源としての消費税率引き上げに道筋をつけ、成長のカギを握る自由貿易を推進し、現実的なエネルギー政策を確立しなければならない。
The only way political progress can be made in the divided Diet, with the opposition controlling the House of Councillors, is through agreements among the DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
衆参ねじれ国会では、民主、自民、公明３党の合意があって、初めて政治が前に進む。
To ensure the government runs smoothly, the DPJ must talk with the other parties and build consensus on issues.
政権を円滑に運営するには、政党間協議で合意を積み重ねる必要がある。
===
Fiscal collapse looms
財政破綻もあり得る
There is no magic wand that will move politics forward.
政治を動かす「魔法の杖(つえ)」はない。
The next House of Representatives election could be held this year, but this should not stop the DPJ, LDP and Komeito from transcending party interests to find common ground.
次期衆院選が年内にも予想されるが、民自公３党は、党利党略を超え、合意を目指すべきだ。
In today's political world, a leader needs unflagging resolve, the ability to build consensus and enough persuasiveness to convince the public to bear the necessary pain.
今の政治に必要なのは、リーダーの不退転の覚悟と合意形成に向けた努力、国民に痛みを受容してもらう説得力である。
The European financial crisis, triggered by Greece's sovereign debt crisis, is not "a fire on the other side of the river."
ギリシャの財政危機に端を発した欧州危機は、日本にとって「対岸の火事」ではない。
Our own nation is in the worst fiscal shape among developed countries, with nearly 900 trillion yen in combined national and local government debt--twice the gross domestic product.
日本は、先進国の中で最も厳しい財政事情にある。国と地方を合わせた公的債務は９００兆円弱に膨らみ、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）のほぼ２倍にも上っている。
Japanese government bonds have so far been seen as less risky than those of European countries, which depend heavily on foreign investment.
On the contrary, the Japanese people have personal financial assets worth nearly 1.5 yen quadrillion, and more than 90 percent of government bonds are owned by domestic institutional and individual investors.
これまで、日本には１５００兆円近くの個人金融資産があり、日本の国債は９割以上が国内の機関投資家や個人投資家に保有されているため、国債の消化を海外に頼る欧米諸国と比べて危険度が比較的小さい、とされてきた。
However, in real terms the value of the nation's personal financial assets is only 1.1 yen quadrillion after subtracting personal debts such as housing loans.
しかし、個人金融資産は、住宅ローンなどの債務を差し引いた実体では１１００兆円になる。
This is only 200 trillion yen more than the amount of public debt.
公的債務との差は２００兆円程度だ。
If the issuance of government bonds continues to increase at the current pace, and the aging population begins withdrawing their savings to live on, the financial assets of the Japanese public will no longer be able to cover government bonds.
今後、国債発行がこれまでのペースで増える一方、高齢化による貯蓄の取り崩しによって金融資産が目減りすれば、国民の資産だけでは国債を吸収できなくなる。
Despite the fiscal problems and the damage to the economy by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Japanese yen still enjoys strong international confidence.
財政状況が深刻化し、大震災に見舞われながらも、円に対する国際的信認はなお厚い。
Many believe Japan has room to raise its consumption tax rate into the 15 percent to 25 percent range, similar to the rates in many countries in Europe.
日本には欧州並みに消費税率を１５〜２５％に引き上げる「余地」があると思われているからだろう。
However, if investors begin fleeing Japanese bonds, their interest rates will rise and the increased debt-servicing costs would further bloat the government's debt.
しかし、日本の国債がいったん売られると、金利が上昇して利払い費が膨らみ、債務が拡大する。
If Japan were to fall into a vicious cycle of economic doldrums and reduced tax revenue, such as a drop in corporate capital spending caused by consumers tightening their purse strings, the nightmare scenario--fiscal collapse of the government--could become reality.
消費が冷え込み、設備投資の減少など景気低迷と税収減の悪循環に陥れば、財政破綻という悪夢のシナリオが現実になりかねない。
This is why the government must quickly return to fiscal health by increasing the consumption tax rate.
消費税率引き上げによる財政再建を急ぐ理由は、ここにある。
Noda has pledged the consumption tax rate would be "raised to 8 percent in April 2014 and to 10 percent in October 2015."
野田首相は、消費税率について「２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％へ引き上げる」と言明している。
He plans to submit bills related to this purpose to the Diet at the end of March.
３月末に、税制関連法案を国会に提出する方針だ。
We expect the prime minister to seek the understanding of the public by explaining to them carefully that a consumption tax hike is the only way to achieve a sustainable social security system, which includes public pensions, as well as medical and nursing care programs.
首相は、年金や医療、介護などの社会保障制度を持続可能にするには、消費税率引き上げによるしかないことを、国民に丁寧に説明し、理解を求めてもらいたい。
===
Regional tensions
Integrated reform of the social security and tax systems is a significant policy issue that can only be carried out with cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, no matter what party is running the government.
社会保障と税の一体改革は、どの政党が政権を取っても、与野党で協力して実施に移さなければならないテーマだ。
The LDP and Komeito should cooperate to pass the reforms through the Diet, locking their sights on taking back control of the government afterward.
自民、公明両党も政権復帰の可能性を見据え、法案成立に協力すべきだろう。
To overcome the crisis, lawmakers must make a clean break from populism, no longer bowing to the public's wishes for reduced burdens and increased benefits.
負担減と給付増を求めるような大衆に迎合する政治（ポピュリズム）と決別することが、危機を克服する道である。
続きを読む...
Japan faces many challenges in 2012
「危機」乗り越える統治能力を ポピュリズムと決別せよ（1月1日付・読売社説）
The world is in a nearly continuous state of crisis.
世界的に「危機」が常態化しつつある。
In Europe, a sovereign debt crisis has ballooned into a financial crisis that is shaking the world economy.
欧州では、財政危機が金融危機に拡大し、世界経済を揺るがしている。
The United States is beset by huge budget deficits.
米国も巨大な財政赤字に苦しんでいる。
These problems have slowed down the economies of China and India.
その影響で中国やインドでも景気が減速し始めた。
Despite warnings from economists that the value of government bonds could nosedive unless state finances are put on a surer footing, politicians have been unable to persuade their constituents to shoulder additional burdens.
財政再建に努めないと国債が暴落しかねないと指摘されても、政治は負担増を嫌う国民を説得できていない。
Flagging markets and leaders at the mercy of the popular will are stuck in a dangerous embrace that is only serving to amplify the crisis.
混迷を深める市場と、民意に翻弄される政治が、相互に危機を増幅している。
The debt problems of a few European countries are at the bottom of the crisis, and urgently need to be solved. 危機の根源にある欧州債務問題を鎮めることが、喫緊の課題だ。
The governments of these states must act by any means possible to reduce their fiscal deficits and prevent their bonds from losing value.
欧州は、財政赤字を削減し、国債の下落を抑えるよう、万策を講じなければならない。
===
Revitalize economy
経済活性化は復興から
Today marks the first New Year's Day since the Great East Japan Earthquake struck on March 11, 2011.
日本は、東日本大震災から初めての正月を迎えた。
The unprecedented natural disaster left deep scars on the national psyche and on society.
未曽有の震災は人々の心と社会に深い傷痕を残している。
Cleaning up the debris left behind by the earthquake and tsunami has not proceeded smoothly, and the reconstruction of disaster-hit communities is just beginning.
がれきの処理が進まず、新しいまちづくりはこれからだ。
The catastrophe at the Fukushima No. 1 nuclear power plant has not been settled completely, and people who fled their homes to escape the nuclear crisis are scattered around the country.
東京電力福島第一原子力発電所は、いまだに事故を完全に収束できず、全国各地での避難生活も続いている。
Our nation's economy is suffering from the dual blows of a super-strong yen and low stock prices caused by the financial confusion in the United States and Europe. Furthermore, the transfer of manufacturing facilities overseas is accelerating--exacerbating the hollowing-out of the nation's industrial base.
日本経済は、欧米の混乱に伴う超円高と株安に苦しみ、企業の生産拠点の海外移転による産業空洞化も加速している。
We hope the economy can return to a growth track through full-fledged reconstruction of the areas devastated by the earthquake and tsunami.
復興を進めて経済を成長軌道に乗せたい。
To realize this, the nation's political world must recover from its state of dysfunction.
それには、政治が機能不全から脱却する必要がある。
The people are questioning the capability of the Democratic Party of Japan-led government to govern the country.
民主党政権の統治能力も問われている。
We call on Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda to set a course toward raising the consumption tax rate so social security programs can be adequately funded.
Noda also must promote free trade, a key to economic growth, and establish a realistic energy policy.
野田首相は、社会保障の財源としての消費税率引き上げに道筋をつけ、成長のカギを握る自由貿易を推進し、現実的なエネルギー政策を確立しなければならない。
The only way political progress can be made in the divided Diet, with the opposition controlling the House of Councillors, is through agreements among the DPJ, the Liberal Democratic Party and New Komeito.
衆参ねじれ国会では、民主、自民、公明３党の合意があって、初めて政治が前に進む。
To ensure the government runs smoothly, the DPJ must talk with the other parties and build consensus on issues.
政権を円滑に運営するには、政党間協議で合意を積み重ねる必要がある。
===
Fiscal collapse looms
財政破綻もあり得る
There is no magic wand that will move politics forward.
政治を動かす「魔法の杖(つえ)」はない。
The next House of Representatives election could be held this year, but this should not stop the DPJ, LDP and Komeito from transcending party interests to find common ground.
次期衆院選が年内にも予想されるが、民自公３党は、党利党略を超え、合意を目指すべきだ。
In today's political world, a leader needs unflagging resolve, the ability to build consensus and enough persuasiveness to convince the public to bear the necessary pain.
今の政治に必要なのは、リーダーの不退転の覚悟と合意形成に向けた努力、国民に痛みを受容してもらう説得力である。
The European financial crisis, triggered by Greece's sovereign debt crisis, is not "a fire on the other side of the river."
ギリシャの財政危機に端を発した欧州危機は、日本にとって「対岸の火事」ではない。
Our own nation is in the worst fiscal shape among developed countries, with nearly 900 trillion yen in combined national and local government debt--twice the gross domestic product.
日本は、先進国の中で最も厳しい財政事情にある。国と地方を合わせた公的債務は９００兆円弱に膨らみ、国内総生産（ＧＤＰ）のほぼ２倍にも上っている。
Japanese government bonds have so far been seen as less risky than those of European countries, which depend heavily on foreign investment.
On the contrary, the Japanese people have personal financial assets worth nearly 1.5 yen quadrillion, and more than 90 percent of government bonds are owned by domestic institutional and individual investors.
これまで、日本には１５００兆円近くの個人金融資産があり、日本の国債は９割以上が国内の機関投資家や個人投資家に保有されているため、国債の消化を海外に頼る欧米諸国と比べて危険度が比較的小さい、とされてきた。
However, in real terms the value of the nation's personal financial assets is only 1.1 yen quadrillion after subtracting personal debts such as housing loans.
しかし、個人金融資産は、住宅ローンなどの債務を差し引いた実体では１１００兆円になる。
This is only 200 trillion yen more than the amount of public debt.
公的債務との差は２００兆円程度だ。
If the issuance of government bonds continues to increase at the current pace, and the aging population begins withdrawing their savings to live on, the financial assets of the Japanese public will no longer be able to cover government bonds.
今後、国債発行がこれまでのペースで増える一方、高齢化による貯蓄の取り崩しによって金融資産が目減りすれば、国民の資産だけでは国債を吸収できなくなる。
Despite the fiscal problems and the damage to the economy by the Great East Japan Earthquake, the Japanese yen still enjoys strong international confidence.
財政状況が深刻化し、大震災に見舞われながらも、円に対する国際的信認はなお厚い。
Many believe Japan has room to raise its consumption tax rate into the 15 percent to 25 percent range, similar to the rates in many countries in Europe.
日本には欧州並みに消費税率を１５〜２５％に引き上げる「余地」があると思われているからだろう。
However, if investors begin fleeing Japanese bonds, their interest rates will rise and the increased debt-servicing costs would further bloat the government's debt.
しかし、日本の国債がいったん売られると、金利が上昇して利払い費が膨らみ、債務が拡大する。
If Japan were to fall into a vicious cycle of economic doldrums and reduced tax revenue, such as a drop in corporate capital spending caused by consumers tightening their purse strings, the nightmare scenario--fiscal collapse of the government--could become reality.
消費が冷え込み、設備投資の減少など景気低迷と税収減の悪循環に陥れば、財政破綻という悪夢のシナリオが現実になりかねない。
This is why the government must quickly return to fiscal health by increasing the consumption tax rate.
消費税率引き上げによる財政再建を急ぐ理由は、ここにある。
Noda has pledged the consumption tax rate would be "raised to 8 percent in April 2014 and to 10 percent in October 2015."
野田首相は、消費税率について「２０１４年４月に８％、１５年１０月に１０％へ引き上げる」と言明している。
He plans to submit bills related to this purpose to the Diet at the end of March.
３月末に、税制関連法案を国会に提出する方針だ。
We expect the prime minister to seek the understanding of the public by explaining to them carefully that a consumption tax hike is the only way to achieve a sustainable social security system, which includes public pensions, as well as medical and nursing care programs.
首相は、年金や医療、介護などの社会保障制度を持続可能にするには、消費税率引き上げによるしかないことを、国民に丁寧に説明し、理解を求めてもらいたい。
===
Regional tensions
Integrated reform of the social security and tax systems is a significant policy issue that can only be carried out with cooperation between the ruling and opposition parties, no matter what party is running the government.
社会保障と税の一体改革は、どの政党が政権を取っても、与野党で協力して実施に移さなければならないテーマだ。
The LDP and Komeito should cooperate to pass the reforms through the Diet, locking their sights on taking back control of the government afterward.
自民、公明両党も政権復帰の可能性を見据え、法案成立に協力すべきだろう。
To overcome the crisis, lawmakers must make a clean break from populism, no longer bowing to the public's wishes for reduced burdens and increased benefits.
負担減と給付増を求めるような大衆に迎合する政治（ポピュリズム）と決別することが、危機を克服する道である。
続きを読む...
2012年01月02日
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：あなただけじゃない ／東京
(Mainichi Japan) December 31, 2011
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: The importance of welcoming the New Year together
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：あなただけじゃない ／東京
The New Year's holiday is rather short this time.
今年はカレンダーの関係で年末年始の休みが少ない、という人もいるようだ。
Even if we spend only two to three days away from our workplaces, however, it is a tradition in Japan on the last day of work to tell our colleagues, "You were kind to me during this past year, have a good New Year," as well as to ask for their kindness during the new year when we see them for the first time in January.
それでもたとえ２、３日しか間があいてなくても、仕事納めの日に「今年もお世話になりました」「よいお年を」と、仕事始めの日には「今年もよろしく」とあらたまってあいさつをする。
We have formed a habit to think that everything is reset with the beginning of a new year.
正月が来るとすべてがリセットされる、というのが、私たちの社会の習慣のようだ。
However, there are things, such as sadness, illness and anguish, which unfortunately, do not disappear easily, even with the end of a year and the beginning of a new one.
でも、残念ながら悲しみや苦しみ、病などは、年が変わったからといって簡単に消えてなくなりはしない。
This year in particular, with the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and the ongoing nuclear disaster, I believe there are many people who will welcome 2012 with still lingering anxieties.
とくに今年は、東日本大震災などの影響で、「悩みを抱えたまま年を越す」という人が多いのではないだろうか。
We should not forget about these people.
私たちは、そういう人たちのことを忘れてはならない。
In 2008, many "temporary workers" who had lost their jobs were invited to spend New Year's Eve and the first days of 2009 in the so-called tent camp, "Toshikoshi Hakenmura," or "New Year's Village for Temporary Workers," in the Hibiya area in Tokyo.
２００８年には「年越し派遣村」ができて、“派遣切り”にあった人たちなどが東京の日比谷を中心に集まった。
The next year, the so-called "Kosetsu Hakenmura" (Public Village for Temporary Workers) was organized, inviting unemployed people, or those living alone, to spend the holiday with others. They were given food, some money to use for transportation while looking for jobs, and a place to spend these traditionally important days.
次の年の暮れには全国に「公設派遣村」がもうけられ、単身者や失業者で生活に困窮している人たちに、年末年始の居場所や食事、仕事探しための交通費などが支給された。
However, since then, there hasn't been a single large-scale "New Year's Village."
ところが、その後、大規模な「年越し村」は実施されなくなった。
I'm sure that there are many reasons, but it is a fact that there were many people who criticized such events, believing that they were used by some who "don't try hard to reconstruct their lives." Some thought of the events as a waste of taxpayer's money.
理由はひとつではないと思うが、そのひとつに「まじめに生活を再建しようとしない人までが利用している」「税金のむだづかい」といった批判の声の高まりがあったことは確かだ。
That some continued to struggle under difficult conditions while others reaped the benefits of the "villages" may have appeared unreasonable. It may have made the people at those "villages" seem coddled.
厳しい状況の中、がんばっている人たちも多い中、「年越し村」でケアを受けた人だけがいい思いをするのは理不尽に見え、甘えているだけに思えたのかもしれない。
But is this really the case?
しかし、本当にそうなのだろうか。
In my opinion, the "New Year's Villages" may have helped more than those who were the ostensible recipients of care.
「年越し村」で救われたのは、実際にそこに出かけた人だけではなかったのではないか。
A patient of mine, who is unemployed and single, told me the following at the time:
私の診察室で、ひとり暮らしで失業中の患者さんが当時、こんな話をしてくれたことがあった。
"I have my own apartment, so I welcomed the New Year there.
「私はアパートがあるから、そこでひとりで年を越しました。
But it was reassuring just knowing that if I became really lonely, I could go to Hibiya, where there would have been people and warm food."
でも、どうしても寂しくなったら、日比谷に行けば誰かがいるんだ、お雑煮もあるんだ、と思うだけでなんとなく心強かったですよ」
We all want to spend the end of a year and the beginning of a new year with someone.
年の暮れや正月こそ、誰かといっしょにすごしたい。
I assume that this feeling is even stronger among people who usually feel lonely or depressed.
ふだん孤独な人、悩んでいる人こそ、そう思うはずだ。
For those who have lost their homes, jobs, and families, all the more so.
家族や仕事、住まいを失った人は、なおさらだ。
I wish that on a year like 2011, there were such places across Japan, where everyone would gather, shoulder to shoulder, and welcome the New Year together.
今年のような年こそ、大勢の人が肩を寄せ合ってすごせる「年越し村」が全国にできてもよかったのに、と思う。
You are not the only one who feels lonely.
寂しいのは、あなただけじゃない。
We all feel that way.
みんな同じなのだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2011年12月27日 地方版
Kaleidoscope of the Heart: The importance of welcoming the New Year together
香山リカのココロの万華鏡：あなただけじゃない ／東京
The New Year's holiday is rather short this time.
今年はカレンダーの関係で年末年始の休みが少ない、という人もいるようだ。
Even if we spend only two to three days away from our workplaces, however, it is a tradition in Japan on the last day of work to tell our colleagues, "You were kind to me during this past year, have a good New Year," as well as to ask for their kindness during the new year when we see them for the first time in January.
それでもたとえ２、３日しか間があいてなくても、仕事納めの日に「今年もお世話になりました」「よいお年を」と、仕事始めの日には「今年もよろしく」とあらたまってあいさつをする。
We have formed a habit to think that everything is reset with the beginning of a new year.
正月が来るとすべてがリセットされる、というのが、私たちの社会の習慣のようだ。
However, there are things, such as sadness, illness and anguish, which unfortunately, do not disappear easily, even with the end of a year and the beginning of a new one.
でも、残念ながら悲しみや苦しみ、病などは、年が変わったからといって簡単に消えてなくなりはしない。
This year in particular, with the Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and the ongoing nuclear disaster, I believe there are many people who will welcome 2012 with still lingering anxieties.
とくに今年は、東日本大震災などの影響で、「悩みを抱えたまま年を越す」という人が多いのではないだろうか。
We should not forget about these people.
私たちは、そういう人たちのことを忘れてはならない。
In 2008, many "temporary workers" who had lost their jobs were invited to spend New Year's Eve and the first days of 2009 in the so-called tent camp, "Toshikoshi Hakenmura," or "New Year's Village for Temporary Workers," in the Hibiya area in Tokyo.
２００８年には「年越し派遣村」ができて、“派遣切り”にあった人たちなどが東京の日比谷を中心に集まった。
The next year, the so-called "Kosetsu Hakenmura" (Public Village for Temporary Workers) was organized, inviting unemployed people, or those living alone, to spend the holiday with others. They were given food, some money to use for transportation while looking for jobs, and a place to spend these traditionally important days.
次の年の暮れには全国に「公設派遣村」がもうけられ、単身者や失業者で生活に困窮している人たちに、年末年始の居場所や食事、仕事探しための交通費などが支給された。
However, since then, there hasn't been a single large-scale "New Year's Village."
ところが、その後、大規模な「年越し村」は実施されなくなった。
I'm sure that there are many reasons, but it is a fact that there were many people who criticized such events, believing that they were used by some who "don't try hard to reconstruct their lives." Some thought of the events as a waste of taxpayer's money.
理由はひとつではないと思うが、そのひとつに「まじめに生活を再建しようとしない人までが利用している」「税金のむだづかい」といった批判の声の高まりがあったことは確かだ。
That some continued to struggle under difficult conditions while others reaped the benefits of the "villages" may have appeared unreasonable. It may have made the people at those "villages" seem coddled.
厳しい状況の中、がんばっている人たちも多い中、「年越し村」でケアを受けた人だけがいい思いをするのは理不尽に見え、甘えているだけに思えたのかもしれない。
But is this really the case?
しかし、本当にそうなのだろうか。
In my opinion, the "New Year's Villages" may have helped more than those who were the ostensible recipients of care.
「年越し村」で救われたのは、実際にそこに出かけた人だけではなかったのではないか。
A patient of mine, who is unemployed and single, told me the following at the time:
私の診察室で、ひとり暮らしで失業中の患者さんが当時、こんな話をしてくれたことがあった。
"I have my own apartment, so I welcomed the New Year there.
「私はアパートがあるから、そこでひとりで年を越しました。
But it was reassuring just knowing that if I became really lonely, I could go to Hibiya, where there would have been people and warm food."
でも、どうしても寂しくなったら、日比谷に行けば誰かがいるんだ、お雑煮もあるんだ、と思うだけでなんとなく心強かったですよ」
We all want to spend the end of a year and the beginning of a new year with someone.
年の暮れや正月こそ、誰かといっしょにすごしたい。
I assume that this feeling is even stronger among people who usually feel lonely or depressed.
ふだん孤独な人、悩んでいる人こそ、そう思うはずだ。
For those who have lost their homes, jobs, and families, all the more so.
家族や仕事、住まいを失った人は、なおさらだ。
I wish that on a year like 2011, there were such places across Japan, where everyone would gather, shoulder to shoulder, and welcome the New Year together.
今年のような年こそ、大勢の人が肩を寄せ合ってすごせる「年越し村」が全国にできてもよかったのに、と思う。
You are not the only one who feels lonely.
寂しいのは、あなただけじゃない。
We all feel that way.
みんな同じなのだ。
(By Rika Kayama, psychiatrist)
毎日新聞 2011年12月27日 地方版
2012年01月01日
社説：回顧２０１１年 ３・１１を乗り越えて
2011年を締めくくる英字新聞社説は毎日新聞です。
朝日新聞は本日2011年12月31日より、また英字紙の閲覧が有料となっていました。
無料配信していただければ助かるのですが＾＾。
朝日英字紙が無くなっても英語学習教材には事欠きません。
世界中の教材たちが読んでくれるのを待っているのですからね＾＾。
英語学習は実に楽しいです＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
(Mainichi Japan) December 31, 2011
Editorial: Overcoming the March 11 disasters
社説：回顧２０１１年 ３・１１を乗り越えて
One cannot help but wonder how the actions of Japan and the Japanese people in 2011 in response to the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster will be evaluated by future generations.
東日本大震災に見舞われた２０１１年に、日本と日本人がとった行動は、後世にどのような評価を受けることになるのだろうか。
It was at 2:46:18 p.m., March 11, when the magnitude-9 earthquake hit.
マグニチュード９の巨大地震が起こったのは３月１１日午後２時４６分１８秒。
About three minutes later, even as tremors were still rattling northeastern Japan, a tsunami warning was issued. 揺れの続く中で約３分後に大津波警報が出された。
Scenes of whole neighborhoods being engulfed by massive waves are still fresh in our memory.
激しい水流に街全体が破壊されていく光景が私たちの目に焼き付いた。
The disasters claimed the lives of more than 15,000 people, and the number rises to nearly 20,000 if those still missing are included.
死者は１万５０００人余りを数え、行方不明者も加えると２万人に迫る未曽有の大災害だ。
This is despite the fact that the government had spent a huge amount of taxpayers' money to implement the world's best tsunami countermeasures.
膨大な資金を投じ、世界でも類のない津波対策を講じてきたにもかかわらずだ。
The disasters have reminded us that we are still vulnerable to natural threats.
自然の脅威に、私たちは今なお、脆弱（ぜいじゃく）であることを思い知らされた。
Still, the world has been amazed at the lengths to which disaster victims went to help others amid such extreme circumstances.
しかし、極限的な状況の中で被災者がとった「利他的」な行動に、世界は驚嘆した。
Also, numerous members of the Japanese public have extended support to disaster-hit areas by providing donations and working as volunteers to help disaster victims.
日本の中でも、ボランティアや義援金などの形で被災地に対する支援の輪が広がった。
It has been pointed out that regional communities in Japan have collapsed and society is increasingly divided. 共同体が崩れ、社会の分断が進んでいると言われている。
However, the actions taken by many people to help disaster victims have convinced the public that the bonds between Japanese people remain close.
しかし、日本人が「絆」で結ばれていることを確認できたのは、
This will help restore Japanese people's trust in their own society even under the sad situation brought about by the disasters.
大災害という不幸な状況下ではあるものの、社会への信頼を再認識する契機になったのではないだろうか。
We could certainly say that earthquakes are purely natural disasters if we were able to keep damage from powerful quakes to the minimum.
震災は天災である。それによって生じる被害を最小限にとどめることができれば、そう言い切ることができるだろう。
However, this was not the case in the March 11 disasters.
しかし、実際にはそうではなかった。
The crisis at the tsunami-hit Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant has demonstrated that the government and utilities had neglected to work out effective measures to respond to nuclear accidents, while weaving an illusion of safety.
福島第１原発事故は、原発の安全神話のもとに、事故への対応がいかになおざりにされてきたかを示した。
The political world's response to the disasters was also poor.
政治の動きも鈍かった。
An intensifying conflict between ruling and opposition parties under the "twisted" Diet -- in which opposition parties control the House of Councillors while the ruling coalition has an overwhelming majority in the powerful House of Representatives -- adversely affected the government's response to the disasters.
衆参のねじれの中で、先鋭化した与野党の対立が、震災や原発事故への対応にも持ち込まれてしまった。
Since manufacturing across the world is deeply interdependent, a problem in one area can spread rapidly across the globe.
世界の生産活動が密接に連携し、どこかで支障が生じると、その影響が瞬く間に広がる。
Not only the March 11 disasters in eastern Japan but also a massive flood in Thailand have demonstrated the vulnerability of supply chains.
日本での震災に加え、タイでの洪水でも示されたサプライチェーンの問題だ。
Greece's failure to take appropriate measures to address its debt crisis at an early stage has sparked a financial crisis throughout Europe.
欧州の債務危機も、ギリシャの段階で適切な措置がとられず、欧州全体に危機が広がっていった。
Now, all countries' risk- and crisis-management abilities are being tested.
さまざまなリスクに対する対応力が問われているわけだが、
In particular, the Fukushima nuclear crisis has highlighted to the world Japan's poor ability to respond to crises. 特に原発事故は、日本の対応力の低さを世界に示した格好だ。
Furthermore, the government's confusion over its submission of an environmental assessment report on the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa to the prefectural government is also a noteworthy example of a decline in its response to difficult policy issues.
また、普天間飛行場移設をめぐる環境影響評価問題での政府の醜態も、対応力の劣化という点で特筆すべき事例だろう。
In no other year has the need for the government and companies to rebuild their risk- and crisis-management abilities been highlighted as it has in 2011.
政治や行政に企業も含め、リスクへの対応力の再構築が必要であることが、今年ほど鮮明になった年はない。
It will take a long time, a massive amount of resources and much patience to restore disaster-ravaged areas, bring the crippled Fukushima nuclear reactors under control and decontaminate areas tainted with radioactive substances leaking from the plant.
震災からの復興、原発事故の収束と放射性物質の除染には、長い時間と多くの資源、そして忍耐を費やさなければならない。
There are many risks involved in each stage of these processes.
その過程でも多くのリスクが待ち受けている。
In 2012, whether Japan can improve its abilities to respond to risks and crises and overcome damage caused by the March 11 disasters will be tested.
それへの対応力をつけ、３・１１を乗り越えていけるのか。来年は、それが問われる年になる。
毎日新聞 2011年12月31日 東京朝刊
朝日新聞は本日2011年12月31日より、また英字紙の閲覧が有料となっていました。
無料配信していただければ助かるのですが＾＾。
朝日英字紙が無くなっても英語学習教材には事欠きません。
世界中の教材たちが読んでくれるのを待っているのですからね＾＾。
英語学習は実に楽しいです＾＾。
（スラチャイ）
(Mainichi Japan) December 31, 2011
Editorial: Overcoming the March 11 disasters
社説：回顧２０１１年 ３・１１を乗り越えて
One cannot help but wonder how the actions of Japan and the Japanese people in 2011 in response to the March 11 Great East Japan Earthquake, tsunami and ensuing nuclear disaster will be evaluated by future generations.
東日本大震災に見舞われた２０１１年に、日本と日本人がとった行動は、後世にどのような評価を受けることになるのだろうか。
It was at 2:46:18 p.m., March 11, when the magnitude-9 earthquake hit.
マグニチュード９の巨大地震が起こったのは３月１１日午後２時４６分１８秒。
About three minutes later, even as tremors were still rattling northeastern Japan, a tsunami warning was issued. 揺れの続く中で約３分後に大津波警報が出された。
Scenes of whole neighborhoods being engulfed by massive waves are still fresh in our memory.
激しい水流に街全体が破壊されていく光景が私たちの目に焼き付いた。
The disasters claimed the lives of more than 15,000 people, and the number rises to nearly 20,000 if those still missing are included.
死者は１万５０００人余りを数え、行方不明者も加えると２万人に迫る未曽有の大災害だ。
This is despite the fact that the government had spent a huge amount of taxpayers' money to implement the world's best tsunami countermeasures.
膨大な資金を投じ、世界でも類のない津波対策を講じてきたにもかかわらずだ。
The disasters have reminded us that we are still vulnerable to natural threats.
自然の脅威に、私たちは今なお、脆弱（ぜいじゃく）であることを思い知らされた。
Still, the world has been amazed at the lengths to which disaster victims went to help others amid such extreme circumstances.
しかし、極限的な状況の中で被災者がとった「利他的」な行動に、世界は驚嘆した。
Also, numerous members of the Japanese public have extended support to disaster-hit areas by providing donations and working as volunteers to help disaster victims.
日本の中でも、ボランティアや義援金などの形で被災地に対する支援の輪が広がった。
It has been pointed out that regional communities in Japan have collapsed and society is increasingly divided. 共同体が崩れ、社会の分断が進んでいると言われている。
However, the actions taken by many people to help disaster victims have convinced the public that the bonds between Japanese people remain close.
しかし、日本人が「絆」で結ばれていることを確認できたのは、
This will help restore Japanese people's trust in their own society even under the sad situation brought about by the disasters.
大災害という不幸な状況下ではあるものの、社会への信頼を再認識する契機になったのではないだろうか。
We could certainly say that earthquakes are purely natural disasters if we were able to keep damage from powerful quakes to the minimum.
震災は天災である。それによって生じる被害を最小限にとどめることができれば、そう言い切ることができるだろう。
However, this was not the case in the March 11 disasters.
しかし、実際にはそうではなかった。
The crisis at the tsunami-hit Fukushima No. 1 nuclear plant has demonstrated that the government and utilities had neglected to work out effective measures to respond to nuclear accidents, while weaving an illusion of safety.
福島第１原発事故は、原発の安全神話のもとに、事故への対応がいかになおざりにされてきたかを示した。
The political world's response to the disasters was also poor.
政治の動きも鈍かった。
An intensifying conflict between ruling and opposition parties under the "twisted" Diet -- in which opposition parties control the House of Councillors while the ruling coalition has an overwhelming majority in the powerful House of Representatives -- adversely affected the government's response to the disasters.
衆参のねじれの中で、先鋭化した与野党の対立が、震災や原発事故への対応にも持ち込まれてしまった。
Since manufacturing across the world is deeply interdependent, a problem in one area can spread rapidly across the globe.
世界の生産活動が密接に連携し、どこかで支障が生じると、その影響が瞬く間に広がる。
Not only the March 11 disasters in eastern Japan but also a massive flood in Thailand have demonstrated the vulnerability of supply chains.
日本での震災に加え、タイでの洪水でも示されたサプライチェーンの問題だ。
Greece's failure to take appropriate measures to address its debt crisis at an early stage has sparked a financial crisis throughout Europe.
欧州の債務危機も、ギリシャの段階で適切な措置がとられず、欧州全体に危機が広がっていった。
Now, all countries' risk- and crisis-management abilities are being tested.
さまざまなリスクに対する対応力が問われているわけだが、
In particular, the Fukushima nuclear crisis has highlighted to the world Japan's poor ability to respond to crises. 特に原発事故は、日本の対応力の低さを世界に示した格好だ。
Furthermore, the government's confusion over its submission of an environmental assessment report on the relocation of U.S. Marine Corps Air Station Futenma in Okinawa to the prefectural government is also a noteworthy example of a decline in its response to difficult policy issues.
また、普天間飛行場移設をめぐる環境影響評価問題での政府の醜態も、対応力の劣化という点で特筆すべき事例だろう。
In no other year has the need for the government and companies to rebuild their risk- and crisis-management abilities been highlighted as it has in 2011.
政治や行政に企業も含め、リスクへの対応力の再構築が必要であることが、今年ほど鮮明になった年はない。
It will take a long time, a massive amount of resources and much patience to restore disaster-ravaged areas, bring the crippled Fukushima nuclear reactors under control and decontaminate areas tainted with radioactive substances leaking from the plant.
震災からの復興、原発事故の収束と放射性物質の除染には、長い時間と多くの資源、そして忍耐を費やさなければならない。
There are many risks involved in each stage of these processes.
その過程でも多くのリスクが待ち受けている。
In 2012, whether Japan can improve its abilities to respond to risks and crises and overcome damage caused by the March 11 disasters will be tested.
それへの対応力をつけ、３・１１を乗り越えていけるのか。来年は、それが問われる年になる。
毎日新聞 2011年12月31日 東京朝刊